Welcome to this Project!

This blog was conceived on the 8th August 2008,hence its title. 8 is the number of new beginnings, which was also the prophetic declaration over the Church through various prophets in 2008.

On,Now,To the Third Level is not some elite form of Christianity. It is God's Norm. Watchman Nee would have called it the Normal Christian Life. Others in time past called it brokenness. We call it life. Rob Rufus explains in "Taking Away The Veil" that Christ has opened the way through to God for us. We can live there.

Why bother using the phrase "Third Level"? Because there are 3 places in God's Tabernacle. And there are 3 stages of growth in 1 John 2. More than this, historically and corporately we have known forgiveness by grace. Then from 1906 onward the Church has known a charismatic empowering by grace. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and supernatural manifestations.

But what we are now saying is we can live full-time to God's glory and in God's glory. There are keys of faith to each stage and in these last days God has been revealing the grace keys to this final level....a level that has had the Veil Taken Away.

It is the level that is the full realisation of the New Covenant in Christ's Blood, but also the life that God promised when He said "The Knowledge of the Glory of God shall cover the Earth as the Waters Cover the Sea".

A FULL LIST OF SUBJECT LABELS CAN BE FOUND LISTED ALPHABETICALLY AT THE BASE OF THIS PAGE.


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17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (5) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (7) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (3) Jul 12 (2) Jul 11 (2) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (2) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (6) Jun 26 (6) Jun 25 (6) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (8) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (4) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (5) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (2) May 30 (2) May 29 (2) May 28 (2) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (3) May 24 (2) May 23 (2) May 22 (3) May 21 (5) May 20 (4) May 19 (2) 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(2) Nov 17 (2) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (4) Nov 13 (2) Nov 12 (2) Nov 11 (2) Nov 10 (2) Nov 09 (2) Nov 08 (2) Nov 07 (3) Nov 06 (6) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 03 (5) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (5) Oct 31 (7) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (4) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (2) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (4) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (4) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (2) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (2) Oct 18 (2) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (5) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (2) Oct 13 (2) Oct 12 (4) Oct 11 (5) Oct 10 (4) Oct 09 (3) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (2) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (5) Oct 03 (4) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (5) Sep 30 (2) Sep 29 (2) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (6) Sep 26 (2) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (2) Sep 22 (2) Sep 21 (2) Sep 20 (2) Sep 19 (3) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (3) Sep 16 (2) Sep 15 (4) Sep 14 (3) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (2) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (5) Sep 06 (4) Sep 05 (4) Sep 04 (3) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (3) Sep 01 (3) Aug 31 (2) Aug 30 (2) Aug 29 (3) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (3) Aug 26 (2) Aug 25 (2) Aug 24 (3) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (3) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (3) Aug 18 (2) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (5) Aug 13 (2) Aug 12 (2) Aug 11 (2) Aug 10 (2) Aug 09 (2) Aug 08 (5) Aug 07 (5) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (2) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (2) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (2) Jul 31 (4) Jul 30 (2) Jul 29 (2) Jul 28 (2) Jul 27 (2) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (2) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (2) Jul 21 (3) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (2) Jul 18 (3) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (2) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (2) Jul 12 (3) Jul 11 (2) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (2) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (2) Jul 03 (2) Jul 02 (2) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (3) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (2) Jun 26 (3) Jun 25 (1) Jun 24 (2) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (5) Jun 21 (3) Jun 20 (2) Jun 19 (2) Jun 18 (2) Jun 17 (2) Jun 16 (2) Jun 15 (2) Jun 14 (2) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (3) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (5) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (2) Jun 02 (2) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (2) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (2) May 26 (2) May 25 (2) May 24 (2) May 23 (2) May 22 (3) May 21 (3) May 20 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(4) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (5) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (3) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (3) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (5) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (4) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (5) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (5) Jun 01 (3) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (4) May 23 (4) May 22 (3) May 21 (3) May 20 (4) May 19 (3) May 18 (3) May 17 (4) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (1) May 11 (3) May 10 (3) May 09 (3) May 08 (3) May 07 (4) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (4) May 03 (3) May 02 (3) May 01 (6) Apr 30 (3) Apr 29 (3) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (5) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (3) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (3) Apr 22 (3) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (4) Apr 16 (3) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (3) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (3) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (3) Apr 04 (3) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (3) Apr 01 (3) Mar 31 (3) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (3) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (3) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (3) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (3) Mar 21 (3) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (3) Mar 18 (3) Mar 17 (3) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (3) Mar 14 (3) Mar 13 (3) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (3) Mar 07 (3) Mar 06 (4) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (3) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (3) Mar 01 (3) Feb 28 (3) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (3) Feb 25 (3) Feb 24 (2) Feb 23 (3) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (3) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (3) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (3) Feb 16 (3) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (3) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (3) Feb 09 (3) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (4) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (4) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (3) Jan 29 (3) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (3) Jan 21 (4) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (5) Jan 18 (5) Jan 17 (4) Jan 16 (3) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (5) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (4) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (3) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (3) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (3) Dec 29 (3) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (3) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 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(1) Sep 19 (1) Sep 18 (1) Sep 17 (2) Sep 16 (1) Sep 15 (2) Sep 14 (2) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (1) Sep 11 (2) Sep 10 (2) Sep 09 (1) Sep 08 (1) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (1) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (2) Sep 03 (1) Sep 02 (1) Sep 01 (1) Aug 31 (2) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (1) Aug 25 (1) Aug 24 (1) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (2) Aug 19 (1) Aug 18 (1) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 12 (1) Aug 09 (1) Aug 08 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 05 (1) Aug 04 (1) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (5) Jul 28 (2) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (3) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (3) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (4) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (4) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (6) Jun 21 (3) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (6) Jun 18 (5) Jun 17 (5) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 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(3) Mar 14 (6) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (7) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (4) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (4) Feb 28 (4) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (5) Feb 25 (4) Feb 24 (5) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (7) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (5) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (8) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (3) Feb 06 (6) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (6) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (3) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (6) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (6) Jan 26 (6) Jan 25 (4) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (5) Jan 22 (5) Jan 21 (5) Jan 20 (5) Jan 19 (5) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (3) Jan 12 (4) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (5) Jan 05 (6) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (3) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (7) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (5) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (5) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (6) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (3) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (4) Dec 04 (5) Dec 03 (5) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (4) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (5) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (5) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (4) Nov 14 (4) Nov 13 (4) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (4) Oct 28 (5) Oct 27 (5) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (3) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (5) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (2) Oct 19 (4) Oct 18 (2) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (4) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (4) Oct 11 (4) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (6) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (4) Sep 26 (4) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (2) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (4) Sep 17 (4) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (4) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (3) Sep 09 (3) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (3) Sep 05 (6) Sep 04 (5) Sep 03 (4) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (4) Aug 31 (4) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (3) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (2) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (3) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (4) Aug 12 (3) Aug 11 (4) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (3) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (6) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (3) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (4) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (2) Jul 20 (3) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (3) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (3) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (5) Jul 11 (4) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (8) Jul 08 (6) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (3) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (4) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (3) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (3) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (3) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (2) Jun 21 (1) Jun 20 (2) Jun 19 (2) Jun 18 (4) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (3) Jun 15 (7) Jun 14 (3) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (5) Jun 11 (4) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (5) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (4) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (3) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (3) May 25 (4) May 24 (2) May 23 (4) May 22 (3) May 21 (2) May 20 (3) May 19 (2) May 18 (4) May 17 (4) May 16 (3) May 15 (2) May 14 (6) May 13 (4) May 12 (2) May 11 (3) May 10 (2) May 09 (3) May 08 (4) May 07 (4) May 06 (3) May 05 (3) May 04 (4) May 03 (3) May 02 (4) May 01 (3) Apr 30 (2) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (2) Apr 27 (2) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (3) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (2) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (2) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (4) Apr 16 (3) Apr 15 (2) Apr 14 (4) Apr 13 (5) Apr 12 (3) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (5) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (4) Apr 04 (4) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (6) Mar 31 (2) Mar 30 (5) Mar 29 (4) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (4) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (3) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (3) Mar 17 (5) Mar 16 (2) Mar 15 (4) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (4) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (4) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (4) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (4) Feb 27 (5) Feb 26 (6) Feb 25 (4) Feb 24 (5) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (6) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (2) Feb 16 (4) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (4) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (4) Feb 11 (3) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (2) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (4) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (3) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (3) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (3) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (3) Jan 24 (4) Jan 23 (2) Jan 22 (3) Jan 21 (4) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (4) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (3) Jan 16 (2) Jan 15 (2) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (2) Jan 12 (3) Jan 11 (3) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (2) Jan 07 (2) Jan 06 (2) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (1) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (2) Dec 29 (2) Dec 28 (2) Dec 27 (2) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (1) Dec 24 (2) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (2) Dec 20 (1) Dec 19 (2) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (2) Dec 16 (2) Dec 15 (4) Dec 14 (2) Dec 13 (1) Dec 12 (3) Dec 11 (2) Dec 10 (2) Dec 09 (2) Dec 08 (3) Dec 07 (2) Dec 06 (1) Dec 05 (2) Dec 04 (1) Dec 03 (2) Dec 02 (2) Dec 01 (2) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (2) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (1) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (1) Nov 23 (3) Nov 22 (1) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (2) Nov 18 (2) Nov 17 (1) Nov 16 (1) Nov 15 (1) Nov 14 (1) Nov 13 (2) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (2) Nov 10 (2) Nov 09 (1) Nov 08 (2) Nov 07 (1) Nov 06 (2) Nov 05 (2) Nov 04 (1) Nov 03 (1) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (2) Oct 31 (2) Oct 30 (2) Oct 29 (4) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (4) Oct 26 (2) Oct 25 (2) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (2) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (3) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (1) Oct 18 (3) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (2) Oct 15 (1) Oct 14 (2) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (2) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (3) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (2) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (1) Oct 03 (2) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (1) Sep 29 (2) Sep 28 (1) Sep 27 (3) Sep 26 (3) Sep 25 (2) Sep 24 (1) Sep 23 (2) Sep 22 (3) Sep 21 (1) Sep 20 (1) Sep 19 (2) Sep 17 (2) Sep 16 (2) Sep 15 (1) Sep 14 (1) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (3) Sep 11 (1) Sep 10 (2) Sep 09 (2) Sep 08 (2) Sep 07 (1) Sep 06 (1) Sep 05 (3) Sep 04 (2) Sep 03 (1) Sep 02 (1) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (2) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (1) Aug 25 (1) Aug 24 (2) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (1) Aug 18 (1) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (1) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (1) Aug 13 (1) Aug 12 (3) Aug 11 (2) Aug 10 (2) Aug 09 (1) Aug 08 (2) Aug 07 (1) Aug 06 (1) Aug 05 (1) Aug 04 (1) Aug 03 (2) Aug 01 (1) Jul 31 (2) Jul 30 (1) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (2) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (1) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (2) Jul 23 (2) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (1) Jul 20 (3) Jul 19 (2) Jul 18 (2) Jul 16 (3) Jul 15 (1) Jul 13 (2) Jul 12 (1) Jul 11 (2) Jul 09 (5) Jul 08 (1) Jul 07 (1) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (1) Jul 03 (2) Jul 01 (1) Jun 30 (1) Jun 29 (2) Jun 28 (2) Jun 27 (2) Jun 25 (2) Jun 24 (1) Jun 23 (2) Jun 22 (2) Jun 20 (1) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (1) Jun 15 (1) Jun 14 (3) Jun 12 (1) Jun 11 (1) Jun 08 (1) Jun 07 (1) Jun 05 (1) Jun 04 (1) Jun 03 (1) Jun 01 (1) May 31 (1) May 27 (2) May 25 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(1) Sep 30 (1) Sep 29 (1) Sep 24 (2) Sep 15 (1) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (1) Sep 08 (1) Sep 02 (2) Aug 31 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (2) Aug 24 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (1) Aug 18 (3) Aug 16 (1) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 11 (1) Aug 08 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 03 (1) Jul 27 (1) Jul 26 (1) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (1) Jul 21 (1) Jul 19 (1) Jul 15 (1) Jul 14 (1) Jul 13 (3) Jul 10 (1) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (1) Jul 06 (1) Jul 03 (1) Jul 01 (1) Jun 28 (1) Jun 24 (2) Jun 20 (1) Jun 19 (1) Jun 18 (1) Jun 15 (1) Jun 14 (2) Jun 11 (1) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (1) Jun 07 (1) Jun 06 (1) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (2) Jun 01 (1) May 31 (3) May 30 (1) May 29 (1) May 28 (2) May 26 (1) May 25 (1) May 18 (1) May 17 (1) May 15 (1) May 09 (1) May 07 (2) May 02 (1) May 01 (1) Apr 30 (1) Apr 27 (1) Apr 26 (2) Apr 23 (1) Apr 22 (1) Apr 19 (1) Apr 18 (1) Apr 12 (1) Apr 11 (1) Apr 09 (1) Apr 07 (1) Apr 05 (1) Apr 01 (1) Mar 30 (1) Mar 27 (1) Mar 25 (1) Mar 22 (2) Mar 19 (1) Mar 18 (1) Mar 16 (1) Mar 15 (2) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (1) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1)
Where did Jeri Watson go?

For 24 years, Jeri wrote and reported for VOA Learning English. She covered many subjects. In her final year at VOA, she also began working as a broadcaster. People who had enjoyed her stories since 1990 finally got to hear some of them in her own voice.

They liked what they heard -- her voice was clear and easy to listen to -- and, like Jeri, friendly. Many people wondered why she had not been broadcasting earlier.

Then, 19 months ago, Jeri was no longer heard on VOA. And her byline was no longer seen.

Where was she?

After a long career in journalism, Jeri simply and quietly retired.

She said she wanted to spend more time visiting her children and grandchildren.

Jeri returned to visit her friends at VOA recently. Everyone was happy to see her again. She said she misses her work at VOA, but she does not regret retiring.

We all reach a, a time when work comes to an end. For me it was about 25 years with VOA and working for a Chicago daily newspaper years ago. I felt that I had a wonderful career and it was time to sleep late in the mornings.

Jeri also wanted to complete the novel she had been writing in her spare time. Finally, she was able to spend hours every day on the project.

I write on my sunporch, with only the company of my cat -- two cats to tell the truth -- and that felt very strange after working all these years with good friends at VOA. We talk(ed) to each other constantly, so writing in the quiet felt lonely at first.

But you like it now?

I have totally adjusted. And I have to say I had no trouble adjusting to sleeping a little later in the morning.

The book has just been published. It is called Sorrow Street. The main character is an American reporter named Sandra Shelton. She is sent to Brazil to report from Rio de Janeiro. She is depressed over a recent end of a relationship. She is also unhappy leaving Washington, D.C.

Jeri says Sandra is modeled on the many reporters she has known who have dealt with serious disappointments in their life.

In Rio, Sandra tries to help some mysterious children -- a young boy and his younger sister -- who appear to be living on the citys dangerous streets alone. The reporter is pulled into a drug dealers dangerous kidnapping plot. She also discovers a part of her past -- a past she has tried hard to forget.

Jeri Watson has travelled to Brazil many times. The book includes details that only someone who experienced the complex and beautiful country first-hand could know. Jeri first visited Brazil 18 years ago. Several return trips followed. She was back again last year.

Just walking around and talking to people and seeing how things were going. And you would have to be not very observant to miss the fact that things had been economically better for quite a time there and having bad days again, corruption again, has made people feel very sad.

Jeri says those who have read the book, including other authors, have said they enjoyed it.

Here, Jeri reads from Sorrow Street. Pedro, the little boy Sandra has been trying to help, is now in a shelter.

It was after midnight but the shelter was still noisy. A couple of young kids cried and mumbled in their sleep. Pedro rolled around restlessly on the soft bed. It seemed to swallow his body. Hed often longed for a softer place to sleep than the pavement, but now he thought a cot was kind of flimsy.

He dreamed of ice-cream with pieces of chocolate cookies in it. He dreamed of his mother, her wide red and blue cotton skirt swishing as she pulled up the threadbare sheet to his waist, as she patted at the deflated, torn pillow under his head on the mattress. She spoke softly as she leaned over him.

Jeri is very active in her retirement. She swims and hikes. And twice a week she teaches people from around the world American English. In her classes, she uses some of the stories she has written for VOA Learning English.

Jeri seems very happy and looks great. Retirement agrees with her. That means it is good for her.

Jeri is now writing another book. It will tell about her long life and the many adventures she has had. She thinks it will be easier to write than a fiction book. When it is published, we will write about it and you will hear from Jeri Watson again.

Im Christopher Jones-Cruise.

Christopher Jones-Cruise reported this story from Washington and wrote it in VOA Special English. Caty Weaver 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

byline  n. a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the writer's name

novel  n. a long written story usually about imaginary characters and events

spare  adj. available to be used in whatever way you want

sunporch  n. a structure attached to the entrance of a building that has a roof and that may or may not have walls and is designed to be a place where rays from the sun enter

constantly  adj. happening all the time or very often over a period of time

adjust  v. to change in order to work or do better in a new situation

model on  v. to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire)

disappointment  n. the state or feeling of being disappointed, making (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected

first-hand  adj. coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something

mumble  v. to say (something) quietly in an unclear way that makes it difficult for people to know what you said

swallow  v. to flow over and cover (something) completely (used here figuratively)

pavement  n. the hard surface of a road, driveway, etc.

cot  n. a narrow, light bed often made of cloth stretched over a folding frame

flimsy  adj. easily broken, torn, etc.; not strong or solid

skirt  n. a piece of clothing worn by women and girls that hangs from the waist down

threadbare  adj. very thin and in bad condition from too much use

deflate  v. to release air or gas from (something, such as a tire or balloon) and make it smaller

torn  adj. ripped; split

mattress  n. a cloth case that is filled with material and used as a bed
Harvard Business School (HBS) is one of the most famous graduate schools in the world.

Part of Harvard University, the Boston, Massachusetts-based school has offered programs leading to masters and doctorate degrees since 1908.

And earlier this year, a Harvard education took some future business leaders to a city outside Massachusetts.

The school opened the Harvard Business School Startup Studio in New York City in January.

But the Startup Studio is not actually for current Harvard students. It is designed to help recent HBS graduates develop their ideas into actual companies.

Competition in the business world can be fierce. That is why some cities are seeing a growth of companies with the stated purpose of helping other businesses get their start. These companies, often called incubators, are very common in the technology industry.

Incubators can reduce barriers for small, young companies with little money. They provide resources, work space and other services to the companies. In return, these startups often give some of their profits to the incubators if they are successful.

However, the Harvard Business School Startup Studio has no interest in sharing the profits of any startup company.

Avani Patel is the director of the Startup Studio. She says the purpose is to provide business advice and work space. Another reason is to bring together the many former Harvard students living in New York.

We have over 8,000 alumni here, and so we thought it would be a great place to put down a stake especially with all the entrepreneurial activity happening here...

The programs offices are in the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan. Inside, employees from several startups work on everything from healthcare to media, while sharing the same office space.

There are several requirements that a startup must meet before the program accepts them. The company must already have secured at least $500,000 in financing from an outside source. Also, at least one person in the company must be an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Each company gets enough work space for up to seven people. They can stay as long as they like. But Patel predicts every company in the program will grow and need to find its own, bigger space at some point. This enables new companies to enter the program.

Member Joshua Haas founded Bubble, a computer programming tool that lets people create application software without learning how to code. Haas says one of the most difficult parts of starting a company is knowing how to move the business forward.

Youre responsible for everything, and you have to make stuff happen.

Before working in the Startup Studio, Haas worked from his home or in coffee shops. He says being in a community of other startups helped him improve.

If you have people you can show off what youre working on to, thats motivation to get up in the morning to do it.

Creating relationships with other companies and business people is very important for new businesses. That is why director Patel says the program connects alumni with people working in different fields.

So when they are thinking  they need to speak to a digital expert, we have access to people who they can speak to. Or if somebodys fundraising, weve got the relationships with investors...

Alex Dulac is now starting to get money from investors for his wedding website for men, called the Plunge. He and other program members agree that starting a business is difficult. But the program and its large network of connections helps with finding employees and other daily needs.

Dulac says running a startup can be lonely work. But the program creates a great environment for entrepreneurs to work together.

Day to day, one can be really disconnected from the alumni network and the community, but this really brings that all together under one roof.

Im Pete Musto.

Tina Trinh reported on this story for VOA News. Pete Musto adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. How do universities in your country support alumni? How difficult is starting a business in your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

graduate  adj. of or relating to a course of studies taken at a college or university after earning a bachelor's degree or other first degree

masters (degree)  n. a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after one or two years of additional study following a bachelor's degree

doctorate degree(s)  n. the highest degree that is given by a university

incubator(s)  n. an organization or place that helps in the development of new businesses

alumni  n. people who were students at a particular school, college, or university

entrepreneurial  adj. related to starting a business

source  n. someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed

application  n. a computer program that performs a particular task

code  v. to change information into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer

motivation  n. the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something

fundraising  v. collecting money for a political party, charity, school, or business

wedding  n. a ceremony at which two people are married to each other

network  n. a group of people or organizations that are closely connected and that work with each other
The International Day of the Girl was observed in the United States and a number of other countries earlier this week.

Last Tuesday, President Barack Obamas wife, Michelle, led an event at the White House. She held discussions on the need to expand girls education.

The United Nations General Assembly established the day in 2011 to bring attention to the rights of girls. The observance takes place each year on October 11.

The aid group, Save the Children, also released a report on Tuesday. It dealt with child marriage and other issues facing girls and young women.

The Best and Worst Places for Girls

Save the Childrens report, called Every Last Girl: Free to live, free to learn, free from harm, discusses the realities of child marriage.

The group says child marriage is among the most severe issues facing female children today. Each year, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18. Some of them are as young as age 10.

Save the Children estimates that 700 million women alive today married in childhood. The groups president, Carolyn Miles, describes child marriage as a very serious problem.

One girl under 15 is married every seven seconds. And its a big piece of whats holding girls back. What happens when a girl gets married at a young age is she drops out of school. She will probably have a baby very shortly after getting married at 13 or 14.

Miles says many child marriages result from a deal between the parents of the girl and the husbands family.

She adds that having babies at a young age is dangerous. The mortality rate for young mothers is much higher than for older women. The death rate for the child of a young mother is also high.

The report rates the best and worst places to be a girl. Out of 144 countries, Sweden received the top rating. The United States was rated 32nd.

At the bottom of the list is Niger. The report said the lowest-ranked countries suffer from high poverty, political unrest or conflict. Some have recently ended civil wars. Save the Children said such conditions are especially dangerous for girls.

Among the other issues used to rank countries were years of school completed and the number of women in high government positions.

Rwanda has the worlds highest percentage of women in parliament -- 64 percent. However, Qatar has no female lawmakers. Having women in high positions of power helps to influence policy decisions that benefit women and girls, the group said.

A Need for Education and Leadership

The West African nation of Sierra Leone appears close to the bottom of the list in the report. However, it also has a woman in a powerful position. The nations First Lady, Sia Nyama Koroma, is leading a campaign against child marriage and violence toward girls.

In Washington, another First Lady, Michelle Obama, held an event to mark the International Day of the Girl. The event helped publicize an international campaign called Let Girls Learn. Its aim is to provide education for girls who currently are not in school.

At the event, Mrs. Obama spoke directly to four young girls.

Time and again, we have seen that, whether its a head of state, a corporate CEO, or a teenage girl here in the U.S.when people hear your stories, the stories of girls who arent in school, theyre moved. And theyre outraged. And better yet, they want to help.

Mrs. Obama visited Liberia and Morocco last summer. She said many young girls in the two countries struggle to receive an education.

The four young girls at the White House event described having to walk several kilometers to attend school. But the girls understand through education that they have the same value and abilities as boys.

One of the girls said to the audience: We have a girl in our group from Morocco who does mechanical stuff. I mean, shes going to start operating her garage, which is something we thought only boys do, she said.

In an opinion piece for CNN.com on Tuesday, Michelle Obama called the issue of education for girls a personal one. She wrote that, as a child growing up in Chicago, neither her parents nor most of her neighbors, attended college. Financial aid helped her to pay for a college education at two of the worlds most respected universities.

Let Girls Learn is a campaign launched by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2015. The United States is investing more than one billion dollars in the programs. The World Bank will invest more than 2 billion dollars over the next five years.

Im Alice Bryant.

And Im Anna Matteo.

Joe de Capua and Robert Raffaele reported these stories for VOA. Alice Bryant adapted the reports for Learning English. George Grow and Mario Ritter were the editors.

__________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

drop out v. to stop going to school, college, et cetera, before finishing

mortality - n. the quality or state of being a person or thing that is alive and therefore certain to die : the quality or state of being mortal

benefit  v. a good or helpful result or effect

corporate  adj. involving or associated with a corporation

CEO - title. a Corporate Executive Office (CEO) is the highest person in a company or organization

outraged  v. to make someone very angry

mechanical - adj. of or relating to machinery

garage - n. a shop where vehicles are repaired

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Every day since October 7, the organization WikiLeaks has published thousands of emails hacked from John Podestas private email account. Podesta is the chairman of Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. The candidate is the Democratic Party nominee.

The emails have contained some embarrassing information about the inner workings of the campaign. They show a campaign that has struggled to improve an imperfect candidate. They show that in March, aides were aware that Clinton was uncomfortable with the media. The emails suggested she was not connecting with regular Americans and not did not have a clear message for voters.

Another release this week includes some messages that contain offensive comments made by campaign staffers about Christian teachings. The emails also show the campaign struggling to deal with questions and criticism about Clintons use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State.

And, a collection of messages about China deal with Clintons statements about confronting that countrys government as chief of the State Department.

The release includes a 2013 speech Clinton gave privately. She has refused to make the speech public. The released document suggests Clinton told Chinese officials that the U.S. might take more regional action to contain the North Korean missile threat. She reportedly said the U.S. would possibly send additional ships to the area.

Clinton reportedly said in the speech, "We're going to ring China with missile defense. We're going to put more of our fleet in the area. So China, come on. You either control them or we're going to have to defend against them.''

Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump has used the information to insult his opponent. At a gathering this week, Trump called the hacked campaign emails unbelievable. He urged voters to read the messages released by WikiLeaks. He said the emails, in his words, make more clear than ever, just how much is at stake in November and how unattractive and dishonest our country has become.

The emails are likely to be a problem for Clinton during the next few weeks. Americans vote on Tuesday, November 8. The Clinton campaign has declined to confirm or deny the truthfulness of the released emails.

John Podesta says he is helping federal agents investigating Russia's possible involvement in the hacking. The Russian government has denied all involvement.

Podesta says Russia may be trying to influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election to favor Trump. Trump has said he admires President Vladimir Putin.

John Podesta says the timing of the WikiLeaks release was not by chance. He suggested the release was connected to the recent leaked video involving Trump. On the recording, the candidate made vulgar comments about women.

WikiLeaks has said it will continue to release thousands of additional emails from the Podesta hack every day until the election.

Im Dorothy Gundy.

Dorothy Gundy reported on this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

_________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

uncomfortable  adj. causing a feeling of physical discomfort

embarrassing  adj. a situation in which one feel confused and foolish in front of other people

staffers  n. members of a staff

confronting - v. to oppose or challenge (someone) especially in a direct and forceful way

declined  v. to say that you will not or cannot do or say something

vulgar  adj. not having or showing good manners, good taste, or politeness

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
San Antonio is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its annual Rattlesnake Festival with a two-day extravaganza this weekend.

Rattlesnake Festival celebrated 50 years

Two day festival is family-friendly fun



Continues Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.



The festival offers snake educational lectures, wooden gopher races, crafts and food for the whole family. Activities kicked off at 8 a.m. Saturday with the annual five-mile and one-mile runs.

For newbies and frequent attendees both, it's hard to pick just one favorite part.

The kettle corn is a big hit, the pony rides are a big hit and the barrel train you see riding around, the kids just love that, so just all of it, theres just so much action going on, San Antonio Rotary Club Treasurer Terrie Grissom said.

Volunteer Nick Steiert has been coming to the festival since he was a young boy.

"The great thing was that I knew when the rattlesnake festival came in a few more days my birthday was coming, Steiert said. I loved it. It was like a pre-birthday for me."

One of his favorite memories is of the gopher races.

"I was racing the gophers and the girl I was dating at the time gave me a kiss and on the way back home, dad goes 'Son, its okay you got a kiss, but youre a little too young.' I said 'its for good luck dad!' Steiert said.

The festival continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


While Karan Johar is not paying any heed to the Maharashtra Navnirman Senas (MNS) threats or the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India's (COEAI) demand to stall the release of his Diwali entertainer, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, in four states and have issued a statement saying so, certain exhibitors and theatre-owners believe that its their right to protect their safety.

Said Akshay Rathi, exhibitor and distributor, who also owns few theatres, "The eventual call of showing a film rests with each exhibitor. Whether to screen a film or not knowing the potential risks that come with it is each individual exhibitor's call. Nothing changes that. We will see, we will take a call three days before the release about which film will have how many shows. My cinema was damaged during the release of PK and at that time no exhibitors, distributors' or producers association stood by me."

Rathi further said, "Its Diwali time and the police will throw up their hands saying they dont have enough manpower to control law and order situation. These bans and embargoes have no value, it is only an exhibitor who knows fully well the risk that comes with it. I know that if I play the film, it will harm my property, so for safety, I may play another film (Ajay Devgns Shivaay also releases on the same day  28 October). It would be my decision, my call. So in this scenario there's a possibility that Shivaay will gain... it is a mass entertainer, unless the state government ensures us, the exhibitors safety and that we will be given enough police protection. The state government should take a stand for tax-paying citizens and ensure that our properties are protected.

Pointing out lack of unity among the film fraternity, he said, "When exhibitors support producers like whats happening in the current scenario, producers should also come to our support, reciprocate and stand by us which never happens, we have never stood as one unit. Producers lobby have not even supported us verbally or in spirit. There are eight producers association and they are all squabbling among themselves.

Meanwhile, the makers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil have issued a statement asserting that the film that has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and will release on 28 October as announced earlier. Said Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has been cleared by the CBFC and we are gearing up for its release on the 28th of October. Diwali is all about love and Ae Dil is all about spreading love." Added Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, "Karan Johars films present love in its most pure yet unique and modern way and this Diwali he is celebrating love, friendship and heartbreak. We are set for the films release on 28 October. There can be no better way than celebrating Diwali with Ae Dil, a quintessential family entertainer."

Restricting and halting the release of Ae Dil..., Nitin Datar, president of the COEAI, said on Friday, "Keeping in mind the patriotic feeling and the national interest in mind, we request all our member exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artists, technicians, directors, music directors, etc. Till the relation between India and Pakistan becomes normal, no films with Pakistani actors can be released." It has already been put in place in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka. The decision will be conveyed to other states as well, Datar said. MNS Leader Amey Khopkar had threatened Ae Dil... producer-director saying, "If Karan Johar decides to release the film, I'll beat him up."

While many single screen as well as multiplex owners refused to comment on the issue and some even kept their cell phones off, Rathi was vociferous in his opinion. "Of course, Ae Dil... will release. Legally, the only entities that can stop a film from releasing are the CBFC and the court of law and neither of the two have called for it yet. Its extortion in the name of patriotism. Its criminal. Any ban on a film by a political outfit, association or organisation is illegal. Ae Dil..., Dear Zindagi and Raees were being made when we were applauding our prime minister for his amazing show of statesmanship by visiting Nawaz Sharif. To play, watch a film or not, knowing the potential risks and repercussions is every individual exhibitor's and movie-goer's decision. Period," said Rathi.

Meanwhile, the makers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil have issued a statement asserting that the film that has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and will release on 28 October as announced earlier

"Secondly", commenting on COEAIs call to stall the release, Rathi said, "Cinema Owners & Exhibitors Association of India does not comprise exhibitors from across the country. Its primarily addressing exhibitors in certain pockets of Maharashtra, in Pune, Nashik and Mumbai. There are 20 associations of exhibitors. There is loads of chaos and confusion around the stance of 'exhibitors of India' for Ae Dil...Lets make things clear and put down some facts." He further said, "The request by the COEAI to its members is much respected in the light of its intention, but this is not a blanket ban on Ae Dil...across India. They are more worried about the damage and are trying to protect members from violence."

While Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures Ltd and Chief Business Planning and Strategy PVR Limited, was not reachable, veteran exhibitor and president at Carnival Cinemas, Sanjay Dalia, refused to comment on the issue. Manoj Desai, executive director of G 7 multiplex and Maratha Mandir cinema, who had earlier expressed fear of violence and vandalism in theatres when Indian Motion Pictures' Producers' Association (IMPPA) decided to call a ban on Pakistani actors early this month, refused to take any calls. "The biggest fear is violence and vandalism in theatres, how much police protection can be possible in such a situation? Who will control the unruly, violent mob? There is no insurance cover for this. The matter has become political and I want to stay away from it, but one thing is certain, our Diwali will be really bad, the festival will spoil for sure. I will follow whatever others decide to do," he was then quoted saying.
The state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will work with an Indian fund to invest $1 billion in Asia's third-largest economy, the head of the fund said before a bilateral summit expected to yield several big business deals.

The RDIF and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) will each invest up to $500 million in the joint fund, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries like China.

"We helped in the process of the NIIF being created," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with Reuters. "Now we will provide equity capital to joint Russian-Indian projects, mainly in India."

The RDIF was set up by Dmitriev in 2011 with billions in Kremlin cash and has since made partial exits from bets in Russia, including the Moscow Stock Exchange, diamond miner Alrosa and Rostelekom .

It also worked with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest $1 billion in power projects when President Vladimir Putin last visited India in late 2014.

India is courting international investors to help finance new roads, railways and power projects that the country needs.

Putin will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the tourist destination of Goa on Saturday for a summit at which major defense, oil and nuclear power agreements are expected to be signed.

The RDIF-NIIF partnership will also be sealed at the summit. It will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals in 2017, said Dmitriev.

Leaders of the BRICS caucus - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will also gather in Goa this weekend. The bloc has founded its own New Development Bank that has co-invested in two RDIF-backed hydropower plants in Russia that have just broken ground.

Dmitriev said he hoped that the Russian fund would be able to draw on the platform of the BRICS bank to build similar small-scale hydro projects in India that are based on Russian technology.
Infosys, the country's second largest software exporter, on Friday said its net profit rose 4.9 percent on quarter to Rs 3,606 crore during July-September on a revenue of Rs 17,310 crore, which rose 3.14 percent. Dollar revenue was up 3.4 percent at $2,587 million. Though the numbers were above estimates, the company's revenue guidance came in as a major disappointment. It is for the second time in as many quarters the company cut its guidance.

Here are the key takeaways from the earnings:

1) The company now sees its revenue growing 8-9 percent during the year, lower than the earlier projected 10.5-12 percent and the industry growth projected of xxx percent projected by Nasscom. The software lobby group is yet to reduce its guidance but has indicated it may have to as the situation unfolds going forward.

2) The reason for the cut in guidance is decision by Western clients to hold back spending as they wait to see how November's US presidential election and Europe's Brexit drama play out.

3) However, the cut in guidance was more or less expected as the company during the quarter had warned about a weakness in the banking, manufacturing & retail verticals. It had also said that banking major RBS had cancelled a contract resulting in ramp down of workforces. RBS had decided to shelve a plan to list a new bank in Britain, for which Infosys was a technology partner.

4) Dollar revenue growth in constant currency terms for the company during was 3.9 percent on quarter and volume growth at 4 percent. These two numbers were much better than its larger rival TCS, which a day earlier had said its corresponding numbers were just 1 percent and 1.3 percent.

5) CEO Vishal Sikka, however, has stuck to its 2020 revenue target of $20 billion. He expects FY17 margin to be in range of 24-25 percent. He said that during the course of Q2 the company saw signs of cautious client behaviour. also contributed to the lowering of revenue guidance, Sikka said.

6) Reliance Securities said in a note that Infosys bounced back strongly following an underwhelming performance in the previous quarter. The key disappointment was the higher-than-expected downgrade in constant currency revenue growth guidance. "A positive was large deal wins worth US$1.2 bn which is also stronger than the last three quarters (US$800mn in 1QFY17, US$757mn in 4QFY16 & US$360mn in 3QFY16)," it said.

7) Manik Taneja and Ruchi Burde of brokerage firm Emkay Global are of the opinion that the guidance cut in is a mix of both industry challenges and some bit of management conservatism. "...Qualitative commentary still remains optimistic about its competitive positioning and claims of gaining market share," they said.

8) The back-to-back disappointing results from Indian majors have raised concerns that Indian software story may be coming to an end. Bloomberg columnist Andy Mokherjee said in an article that Indian software "died on Friday after a short battle with newer digital technologies".

9) But not everybody is agreeing. Select investors feel the sector that is a showpiece of the Indian economy is still well placed in the longer term. "We don't believe that the structural story of outsourcing has changed," Nilesh Shetty, a fund manager at Quantum Asset Management Company Pvt Ltd, was quoted as saying in a Reuters report. "The engineering talent in India is still priced a lot lower than the developed world."
New Delhi: The social media campaign to boycott Chinese goods during Diwali has beaten down sentiment of retail traders as there has been a 20 percent decline in demand so far, traders body CAIT said on Friday.

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that Chinese lighting and decorative products are widely used during Diwali and such materials start flooding the Indian markets three months prior to the festive season.

"There has been a debate in social media on boycotting Chinese product. These products are already with the wholesalers but there has been a 20 percent decline in demand from the retail traders as they are worried whether people will actually buy it or not," he said.

There has been a social media call for boycott of Chinese goods in India following that country's opposition to a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar as well Beijing obstructing India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Khandelwal said CAIT will go with the mood of the people and honour their calls for ban on Chinese products.

"We expect that the goods which are in stock with the wholesalers will get sold over time, otherwise a lot of cash of traders will get stuck," he said.
GOA, India A deal in which a group led by Russian oil major Rosneft will acquire India's Essar Oil has been specially structured to avoid falling foul of Western sanctions, Andrey Kostin, head of Russian lender VTB, told Reuters on Saturday.India's debt-laden Essar Group confirmed on Saturday it had agreed to sell a 98 percent interest in its Essar Oil unit to the consortium led by Rosneft, giving the Russian energy giant a gateway into the world's fastest-growing fuel market. VTB acted as Essar's adviser on the deal.Speaking to Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kostin said the purchase would not violate Western sanctions over Russia's role in the Ukraine crisis because Rosneft will only acquire a 49 percent stake."Rosneft will not get a controlling stake, partly because of these reasons (sanctions)", he said.

Rosneft's partners Trafigura and Russian fund United Capital Partners (UCP) will acquire the remaining 49 percent. Rosneft will pay around $3.5 billion for its stake, the same amount as Trafigura and UCP.Kostin said neither Rosneft nor Trafigura had borrowed any money to finance the purchase.

"Trafigura and Rosneft are paying on their own, with no funds lent from VTB", he said. "They (the buyers) will pay with cash, it is a cash deal".In parallel with the deal, VTB has said it will lend Essar around $3.9 billion for debt reconstruction. Kostin said UCP and Rosneft could consider selling part of their stakes in the future.

"I think UCP, which is a portfolio fund, will ... sell, maybe to firms from this region, from Asia," he said. "(Rosneft)may also sell, but it is likely to hold on. It sees an opportunity to expand in the region." (Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Jack Stubbs and Hugh Lawson)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Benaulim: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday recognised terrorism as a "key issue", an Indian official said after a meeting between the two leaders here. But Beijing gave no assurance on supporting New Delhi's bid on a UN ban against Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar.

"Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue. President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.

Modi and Xi Jinping met at a beach resort here, ahead of the Brics Summit to review bilateral ties and its dimensions.

"Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region," Swarup said.

Swarup said that Xi underlined that "terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase", alluding to the threat from the Islamic State terror group.

Asked about China blocking the Indian effort to have Azhar banned, Swarup said it was up to China to consider the move that will safeguard not only the region but the entire world from terrorism.

"The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, and the need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN," he said, adding that the two sides are coordinating on the issue and talks would continue over it.

The Spokesperson said that the Modi and Xi also had a "brief discussion on" India's prospects of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"PM Modi said we look forward to working with China to realise India's membership of the NSG," he said.

Swarup said that one round of dialogue has already been held on this issue and the second would be conducted soon.

This apart, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the increase in high-level visits between the two countries.

Modi and Xi agreed that bilateral investment and economic cooperation has increased.

Xi said that Chinese companies were being encouraged to invest in India, according to Swarup.

Modi also appreciated China's contributions to the Brics and said the New Development Bank of Brics nations was a symbol of partnership of the member states of the grouping.
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'It is the responsibility of all states to prevent terrorist actions from their territories.' Goa Declaration https://t.co/OWe7ZKdnbV pic.twitter.com/VSqaGkPSLm

'It is the responsibility of all states to prevent terrorist actions from their territories': Goa Declaration

Some pictures from the proceedings of the day at the @BRICS2016 Summit. pic.twitter.com/VJWHPu2RZL

PM Modi shares pictures of the proceedings during the day two of Brics summit

Bhutan PM said, "Terrorism in all its form is unacceptable and cross border terrorism is the worst form of terrorism": Vikas Swarup, MEA pic.twitter.com/g2CP7prEF6

The 2 leaders (PM Modi & Sri Lanka Pres) reviewed the development partnership of both nations during bilateral talks held: Vikas Swarup, MEA pic.twitter.com/cKK6WBBWdX

Swarup also said that Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that his country stands with India in its fight against cross-border terrorism.

Vikas Swarup, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena held bilateral talks and reviewed the development partnership of both nations. He added that both the State heads spoke about Uri attack as well.

He said innovation holds "the key to leapfrog" development in Brics countries and urged businesses to follow this path for a steady and sustainable economic development.

Addressing the Business Council Summit, the Chinese President said the global economy is yet to fully recover from the 2008 credit crisis and is still struggling with a "treacherous recovery".

Even though the 2008 credit crisis and the "treacherous recovery" of global economy has impacted growth among the Brics countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said the potential and the inherent strength of the five-nation grouping of emerging economies continues to be unchanged.

Renewing the BIMSTEC bond. PM and BIMSTEC leaders gather for a retreat before the Outreach Summit pic.twitter.com/pO3z5OlZHU

"We agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora."

"We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons," it said.

"We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some Brics countries, including that in India," the Goa Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the Eighth Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit stated.

Brics nations on Sunday unanimously condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the terror attacks on India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a comprehensive response to this global scourge.

Terrorism has become its favourite child, and the child in turn has come to define the essential nature of its parents: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/jLQwoM39Ev

Unfortunately, this country in India's neighbourhood embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism: PM Narendra Modi in Goa pic.twitter.com/1fTVw5NR1W

Hitting out at Pakistan, Modi said that terrorism has become its favourite child, and the child in turn has come to define the essential nature of its parents. He also said that India's neighbour embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism.

He further said that in South Asia and Bimstec, barring one, all nations are motivated to pursue the path of peace, development and economic prosperity. He added that geographical borders are not a barrier for those who wish to harm societies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that terrorism, radicalisation pose grave threats to the Brics nations and the member-countries are united by their common vision, peace, stability and development.

PM:To those who nurture philosophy of terror & seek to dehumanize mankind,we must send clear msg-mend ways or b isolated in civilized world pic.twitter.com/SDNsR9qt2f

We must send message to those who nurture terror: Modi

We want to fight terrorism together, we all will collectively work on it: Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa pic.twitter.com/kBBQ94IACM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Goa on Friday to attend the two-day long Brics summit. The leaders are expected to debate "global growth prospects, the role of Brics in leading this global growth and our contributions to it, according to Indian foreign ministry official Amar Sinha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Panaji (Goa) for the BRICS Summit pic.twitter.com/5hesBkSnAN  ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016

Regional security and climate change are also on the agenda, reported, reported Global TImes.

Modi, in a Facebook post, said that he is honoured to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Michel Temer for a bilateral visit in Goa.

While Putins visit will give India an opportunity to consolidate and reaffirm a unique time-tested friendship and partnership with Russia, Temers trip will open up new areas for cooperation with Brazil.

India would also be looking for Brics leaders to condemn recent cross-border attacks from Pakistan, NDTV reported.

Putins office said in a statement that "international terrorism and the Syria peace process" would be discussed.

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there. With the summit taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pakistan-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at Brics Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

Modi is expected to hold talks with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. He will meet Putin on Saturday for the annual summit and the talks with Jinping are also expected to be held later that day. His summit with Temer is scheduled for Monday, according to a PTI report.

The BricsPost quoted Modi as saying on Friday, Brics will also launch new initiatives in Goa even as we mark the successful operationalization of initiatives like the Brics New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

The Goa police issued an advisory to the general public about the dos and don'ts during the high profile event on Saturday. "All citizens are requested to co-operate with law enforcing agencies and report any suspicious activities or suspicious baggage/article to authorities immediately," Goa Police said in a press release issued on Friday.
By Maya Palit

A recent Supreme Court ruling has made it possible for women to be prosecuted by other women under the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act (DV Act), and lawyers and activists working against domestic violence are worried about the repercussions that this change could have.

When the DV Act came into force in October 2006, its intent was specific: to provide maintenance, shelter, or interim finances to a woman subjected to domestic violence or harassment by an adult male. Last week, this changed: while hearing a case that had been discharged by the Bombay High Court because it concerned two females  a woman and a minor  the Supreme Court ordered the elimination of the phrase "adult male" from Section 2Q of the statute book, calling it discriminatory.

Now anyone, irrespective of age or gender, can be prosecuted under the Act. In its judgment, the Supreme Court portrays this as a move that will be more in tune with the objectives of the Act because it will acknowledge that women can be "abettors" to violence in the home. But lawyers we spoke to were critical of the judgement, expressing concern that it would encourage husbands to file counter cases against their wives through their mothers or sisters. Audrey D'Mello, Programme Director at Majlis, an all-women team of lawyers and social activists, says, "Mothers-in-law will accuse [their] daughters-in-law of committing violence, [and] this will deny women their basic rights and lead to utter confusion."

Rebecca John, a senior advocate at Delhi High Court, says, "I can conceive that there are times when a mother-in-law may be subjected to a fair degree of abuse during proceedings, and the facts of a particular case might compel the Court to give an order in favour of the man. But this broad-stroked move negates the objects and reasons of the Act, and will make it lose its efficacy and have a serious rippling effect when it is followed in subordinate courts."

John emphasises that the Act should be looked at contextually  one of the primary reasons behind its coming into being was the violence inflicted on married women (the law extends to women in live-in relationships as well), and this change will serve to dilute the Act. D'Mello says that the overwhelming majority of the cases filed under the DV Act are by women attempting to safeguard themselves against violence from their husbands. She feels that cases in which there arent any adult men in the family, like the one that persuaded the Court to take this step, should be handled on an individual basis and that it was completely unnecessary to alter the law for the purpose.

Both John and DMello refer to another regressive judgment made earlier this month by the Supreme Court, which stated on 7 October that a Hindu man is entitled to divorce his wife if she attempts to separate him from his family, and emphasise that the judiciary still holds extremely patriarchal values. The matrimonial home is still viewed as a place of sanctity, and as John states, it is completely unacceptable that cultural norms have been used to suggest that the Hindu home is "an undivided sacred place rather than an entity created by the husband and wife as equal partners."

A long struggle went into implementing the DV Act, and lawyers like Indira Jaising battled to convince the Court that even a single act of violence should count as domestic violence. How effective it has actually been on the ground is debatable. Ensuring that maintenance is provided to victims after they file cases appears to be nearly impossible, according to Donna Fernandes, a coordinator at Vimochana, an organisation that works for womens rights. She was vocal about her anger regarding the inefficacy of the Act: "Nobody is getting any relief from the DV Act. It is meant to provide interim relief, but protection officers do not enforce this and in some cases, it takes years for women to receive even Rs 5,000. How can they put together a gender-neutral law when there is such a power imbalance in the family  every day we deal with women who are beaten up by their in-laws or face sexual violence in the privacy of their bedrooms to the point where they cant begin to narrate their experiences."

Aarti Mundkur, a lawyer at the Bengaluru family court, believes it is too early to speculate on the ramifications that the change in the DV Act could have, but is uneasy about the removal of the word "adult" because it implies that the Act could now potentially have juvenile persons as respondents. "Because there are no criminal provisions, there is no question of dealings with the juvenile board, and what relief claim can you impose on a minor? Relief is almost always financial  maintenance, compensation and alternate residences, can all be claimed only against an adult," she says.

Activists in the field have denigrated the judgement and predicted disastrous consequences. Pouruchisti Wadia, Associate Director of the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Program at SNEHA, a Mumbai-based NGO, seems to think that this judgement would add to the ongoing struggle to make the DV Act effective on the ground. "I have seen multiple cases where the mother-in-law evicted both the son and his wife, following which the son would take the wife to a house but act hand-in-glove with his mother and suddenly stop paying rent, so the woman would be evicted. In one case, a woman was left without any shelter. We struggled to get this law for 10 years and now this judgement will have a very negative impact," she says.

By all accounts, the Courts attempts at making the law gender neutral is contrary to the lived reality of the women who are abused at home on a regular basis. An appallingly unfair dynamic exists already, and the Courts decision might end up intensifying and complicating this.

The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine delivering fresh and witty perspectives on politics, culture, health, sex, work and everything in between.
On 14 October, the government of West Bengal organised a "special procession" on Red Road with the best Durga idols of Kolkata. The Red Road is typically reserved for top official functions of the state. The Kolkata Traffic Police even live-streamed the grand ceremony via Facebook. These Durga idols and their associated pujos have won the official competition launched by the West Bengal government around the festival, called the Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman (Global Bengal Autumn Honour). It also has its website with full details.

According to the website, "Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman (BBSS) is an event to recognise and appreciate the brilliance and innovation in organising Durga Puja. It is one of its own kind having local, national and international participation in an immensely healthy competition for excellence. The BBSS was initiated in 2013 and since then has been gathering more and more colour, grandeur and enthusiasm. Barowari pujas from Kolkata, West Bengal districts, other states of India and even from foreign countries participate to get acclaim and honour in organising quality Durga Puja in terms of divine and novel idols, pandals, ambience, artistry and environment.

The Information and Cultural Affairs Department of Government of West Bengal, duly inspired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has come up with this unique initiative to nominate and reward the best pujas, throughout the world, thereby highlighting the core concept of 'Biswa Bangla'. It is to showcase and uplift our indigenous tradition and culture to the reach of the world. The BBSS also encourages creativity and aesthetics and larger participation in this greatest festivity. There are 11 award categories for Kolkata and three for the rest of Bengal. Best pujas across India and best pujas across the world are awarded. A mass celebration like Durga Puja has very few counterparts in the world and Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman is your opportunity to take part in this greatest festival of the world.

While these prizes may seem innocuous, its significance, whether intended as such by Mamata Banerjee and the West Bengal government or not, is tremendous. Not only has West Bengal government-sponsored honours/prizes been bestowed on pujas in Kolkata and every district of West Bengal, there are two prize categories that take the ambit of this beyond the jurisdiction area of the government of West Bengal to include the "rest of India" and "rest of world". The winners for these two categories have not been declared in the website, while those within West Bengal have been. It is significant that no specific "foreign country" is excluded from this. The non-West Bengal entity with the largest and grandest scale of durga puja is Bangladesh. Durga pujas also happen in a big way in Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand where historically long-entrenched Hindu Bengali populations exist, apart from other areas in the Indian Union and the world at large, where immigrant Hindu Bengalis have their durga puja celebrations. While durga puja is also celebrated by some non-Bengali communities, especially in the Eastern regions of South Asia, it is most strongly associated with Bengalis in general and Hindu Bengalis in particular.

The Hindu Bengali majority political entity of West Bengal is a product of the 1947 communal Partition of Bengal. The public opinion shaped around 1946-47 for a partition of Bengal envisaged a permanent Bengali Hindu majority homeland. The official stance of West Bengal being just another appendage of the secular Indian union is far from how West Bengal was conceived by its proponents as a place for Bengali Hindus to flee to escape religious persecution.

This idea that West Bengal is the refuge of last resort for Bengali Hindus is something that is widely held, just like East Bengal (in its political form as the sovereign Peoples Republic of Bangladesh) is the permanent Muslim Bengali majority homeland (and demographically increasingly simply a Muslim Bengali land). The gulf between constitutional official-speak from above and tacitly understood people's conceptions from below is obvious. Mainstream political discourse with its set of lakshman rekhas necessitates the usage of codes, private pronouncements and the usage of signals that put forward ideological stances without publicly spelling it out. While the Trinamool doesnt have overt Hinduness as its political ideology, being a mass-party, it also draws upon this understanding, not in the communal, exclusivist, anti-Muslim, hard-majoritarian undertone of the Hindu right, but as a near universally-shared conception in West Bengal of West Bengal being the fountainhead of Bengali Hindudom globally.

Which is why, Mamata Banerjee, while being characterised by opponents as a 'minority-appeaser' (a term hurled at anyone in subcontinental politics who doesnt bow under reactionary majoritarian pressure and gives the minority some of what its due), simultaneously can project West Bengals very special place in global Bengali Hindudom. Probably not consciously, but the idea of giving prizes to durga pujas worldwide, claims Hindu Bengalis all over as its "own" in some sense, if not in a sense of constitutional citizenship, but in a sense of belonging to the same trans-national, quasi-national community, with West Bengal being its only realistic nerve-centre. This is an imagined global community, with West Bengal at its centre.

When the West Bengal government pronounces something as Bengali, it doesnt exclude Muslims, but specially includes Hindus, just like how when Bangladesh talks about Bengalis or Bengali nationalism, it has a particular idea in mind that doesnt explicitly exclude Hindus (made harder by the intense Bengali native particularity of some of its fundamentals), but specially includes Muslims in general and East Bengali Muslims in particular. This is clear in how the two entities conceive as Durga Puja and Eid respectively as being the prime festival in Bengal, reflected in official pronouncements to the number of holidays granted in the official calendar. Thus West Bengals Durga Puja greetings and Bangladeshs Eid greetings are "for all" while the converse, that is, West Bengals Eid greetings and Bangladeshs Durga Puja greetings are for particular communities, with carefully-worded universality as an afterthought, and guarded participation as a public performance (though Mamata Banerjee pushes the envelope a bit on this count) with necessary reminders of communal harmony and secularism that never accompany greetings that are "for all".

Durga Puja is by no means the biggest festival as far as the whole of the Indian Union is concerned. It is hardly a "national" festival in a Union-wide sense. In the Puja issue of the Trinamool party mouthpiece Jaago Bangla (Rise Bengal), Mamata Banerjee, in the very first line of her article, terms Bengals Durga Puja as "our national festival". When she does this, it is one of those rare moments when she comes closest to articulate her particular West Bengali and hence Hindu-majority sense of identity (albeit couched in the language of cultural celebration) as something that constitutes a "nationality", something that is otherwise taboo in the constitutionally mono-national Indian Union, irrespective of the reality of it being a multi-national super-state. This is no call from her for a renegotiation of the nationality question in the Indian Union.

That the term "Bengali nation" may seem so seditious in the present-day Indian Union would have appalled Chittaranjan Das, the Congress and Swarajist president and arguably the last trans-communal Bengali stalwart of United Bengal (the last trans-communally credible uniter, if you will), who used this term often and liberally and meant exactly what it said. His conception of India, in a civilisational sense, not unlike the evolving idea of Europe as a civilisational umbrella entity with constituent nationalities, will now be termed "anti-national" and his idea of "Bengali nation" as seditious. That the term can only find such indirect mention by the premier of West Bengal shows how much that idea and identity has regressed in the western half of Bengal since the days of CR Das and especially so after the Partition of 1947.

Bengal does have a very special place in the Shakto religion. When parts of goddess Satis dead body fell on earth, each of those sites became a Shakti-peeth  a space of divine significance. Of the 51 Shakti-peeths on earth, West Bengal is blessed with 16, while East Bengal has the second highest number at five. Thus, many Bengali Hindus would claim in an off-hand manner that Durga Puja, who is Shakti incarnate, as Bengals biggest festival.

This would be contested by pointing out that with a majority of Bengalis being Muslims, Eid ought to be Bengals biggest festival. It all depends on what you mean by Bengals biggest. The most widely celebrated festival in Bengal is Eid. The most widely celebrated festival in East Bengal is also Eid. The most widely celebrated festival in West Bengal however, is Durga Pujo. The festival most widely celebrated in Bengal compared to anywhere else in the world is also Durga Pujo. Now take your pick.
Benaulim, Goa: India and Russia on Saturday signed 16 agreements across multiple sectors following delegation-level talks co-chairedd by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa.

"New horizons in the India-Russia partnership. Modi and Putin exchanged 16 agreements and three announcements across fields," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted following the 17th annual bilateral summit between the two countries.

Among the agreements signed were procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigate in India.

Another agreement was signed to set up a joint venture to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion.

Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.

Another important agreement was signed for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia.

According to separate agreement, a Russian consortium comprising energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners agreed to purchase 98 percent of Essar Oil for $10.9 billion.

Rosneft also signed an agreement with ONGC Videsh for education and training in the oil and gas sector.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

An MoU was signed between India's ISRO and the Russian state space agency on collaboration in space technology.

An agreement was signed on cooperation on international information security.

Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia.

A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.

Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.
Benaulim, Goa: India on Saturday announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 2016 Brics Summit being held here.

The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier.

The most strategically important decision is the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a $3 billion contract last year.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.

No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard.

This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.

The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly $1 billion deal to replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.
Editor's note: For the latest updates about Jayalalithaa's health, click here

First the good news. Multiple sources have confirmed that the condition of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has improved significantly in the past 48 hours and she has been off the ventilator during the day. She is on respiratory support only for some time in the night as a precautionary measure.

The CM however, still continues to be in the Critical Care unit at Apollo Hospital. Apart from antibiotics, her treatment includes medication to help her in breathing and also nebulisation.

"We are not so worried any more. We are a lot more relieved," said a source who is aware of Jayalalithaa's treatment.

AIADMK leaders who have access to information from inside the Critical Care unit at Apollo Hospitals also confirm that Jayalalithaa is conscious. "She is also aware of what is happening around her," says CR Saraswathi, spokesperson of the AIADMK.

The next step would be to slowly move her away from the bed, where she has been for more than three weeks now, and make her sit on a chair. Passive physiotherapy that Apollo's medical bulletins say the CM is undergoing, is part of the treatment to help her do this.

But despite the improvement, Apollo Hospital and the Tamil Nadu government are fighting shy of announcing it to the world. That is because experience shows that an ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) patient even when he or she shows dramatic improvement, is deemed vulnerable.

ARDS is a life-threatening medical condition, characterised by inflammation in the lungs. ARDS is triggered by pneumonia and sepsis, one of the reasons why intensivist Dr Richard Beale, an experienced investigator in the field of sepsis, ARDS and clinical nutrition, was flown in from London to treat the CM. An intensivist by definition is a doctor who specialises in treating critically-ill patients.

Experts point out that ARDS is known to have a high mortality of up to 50 percent. When it is accompanied with other ailments, it only complicates the issue and the treatment. In Jayalalithaa's case, her diabetes, hypertension and cellulitis  ailments mentioned in her 2014 bail plea at the Karnataka High court  were factors the team of doctors took into account.

"If it was a 30-year-old patient, the body recovers that much faster. Since the CM is 68, she needs that much more care," said a source.

Given her medical history, doctors are of the opinion that her recovery is remarkable. But they would want to monitor her for some more time as with her diabetes, the risk of secondary infections always exists.

Hospitals, especially Intensive Care Units, are a more risky place for critical patients. That is because hospitals are teeming with virulent bacteria. If an infection is contracted from the community, it requires a basic antibiotic for treatment. But if a patient contracts an infection from the ICU, bacteria is likely to be resistant to basic antibiotics and doctors have to prescribe high-end antibiotics. Such potent antibiotics in high dosage can lead to side effects like diarrhea, renal failure, myopathy and neuropathy.

In order to ensure against any such complication, Jayalalithaa has been kept in a part of the Critical Care unit where no other patient is admitted. This means getting a secondary infection is out of the question.

It is expected that if the CM continues the same pace of progress, she could be out of hospital soon. However, she would still need significant rest, care and physiotherapy for at least two months. It is not clear whether Apollo doctors would prefer Jayalalithaa to rest under their supervision at the hospital or send her home by the end of October.

Doctors, who are visibly relieved now, were not in the same state of mind earlier this week. In fact, the hospital in consultation with Dr Richard Beale and the team of specialists from AIIMS had reportedly decided that if there is a further deterioration in Jayalalithaa's health, she will be shifted to either AIIMS in New Delhi or to a hospital abroad.

That possibility has now been firmly ruled out. "She will come out like a tigress," said a source.
By Alison Saldanha

In India, for every divorced Muslim man, there are four divorced Muslim women, an IndiaSpend analysis of Census 2011 data shows.

Across religious communities, except Sikhs, there are more divorced women than men. But the gender skew is particularly sharp among Muslims (79:21), followed by "other religions" (72:28), and Buddhists (70:30).

Among divorced Indian women, 68 percent are Hindu, and 23.3 percent, Muslims, according to Census 2011 data on the marital status of Indians. The data were recently cited by Muslim groups protesting the national law commissions formulation of a uniform civil code, especially a ban on triple talaq, according to this report in The Hindu.

Among divorced men, Hindus account for 76 percent, and Muslims, 12.7 percent. Both Christian women and men cover 4.1 percent of their gender-respective divorced groups.

What do the ratios imply?

Womens rights activists believe that the gender imbalance in the numbers implies that more men than women are remarrying. "If there are 100 divorced couples, it should show a 50:50 sex-ratio. The skewed ratio plainly shows that after divorce, not only is it easier for men to remarry but also that they show a greater need or want to remarry," Flavia Agnes, legal scholar and womens rights activist, told IndiaSpend in a telephonic interview.

Source: Census 2011

The skewed ratio among Muslims could be attributed to two problems, according to Hasina Khan, founder of the Bebaak Collective, a Muslim womens organisation based in Mumbai. "The first is the absolute powers given to men under the Muslim Personal Laws by allowing triple talaq and so on. For women, getting married provides security of shelter and food with few rights for negotiation," she said.

The other reason is the states failure to empower Muslim women, she added.

"There is little political will to address the needs of this sub-group. The socio-economic condition of Muslim women in India continues to deteriorate with inadequate access to good education, job opportunities and so on," Khan said.

Maharashtra has most divorced women

With a total population of 8.5 lakh divorced persons, the Census recorded more failed marriages in rural India where a higher proportion of the nations population still resides. In urban India, there were 5.03 lakh divorced persons.

Maharashtra, with 2.09 lakh persons, recorded the highest number of divorced citizens. The second-most populous state also holds the largest disproportion of men-to-women divorcees. About 73.5 percent or 1.5 lakh divorced persons in the state are women.

The highest population of divorced men in the country  1.03 lakh persons  resides in Gujarat, accounting for 54 percent of the states divorced population.

Goa, with 1,330 divorcees, holds the lowest record of failed marriages.

More women than men deserted after marriage

More women than men in India are separated  out of a marriage without a formal divorce  the Census data showed. Activists believe that this indicates widespread practice of polygamy across India.

"Men often desert their wives in a separation, withholding from them the freedom to remarry. The data incongruence clearly shows that more men are into polygamy, obtaining second and third wives, while society gives no rights for women," Agnes said.

Within religious communities, the highest imbalance of separated women-to-men ratio has been recorded among Muslims, with women accounting for 75 percent of the separated population. Christian women, who comprised 69 percent of the separated population within their community, follow. Another significant disparity has been recorded among Buddhists, where separated women comprised 68 percent of the demographic group within their community.

Source: Census 2011

Over the decade ending 2011, there was a 39 percent rise in the number of single Indian women including widows, divorcees and unmarried women, and those deserted by husbands, IndiaSpend reported in November 2015. However, the number of bachelors (58 percent) still exceeds unmarried women, according to the Census data, indicating a higher pressure on women to get married.

The triple talaq debate

On October 7, 2016, the National Law Commission published a list of 16 questions seeking public opinion on the need for a uniform civil code for India. Apart from probing citizens perception of gender equality in prevalent personal laws across religions, a question asked if the practice of triple talaq should be abolished, continued or amended. Another question sought views on strengthening Hindu womens rights to inherit property.

The Muslim Personal Law Board has criticised the legal panels exercise, claiming the law commission is not acting independent of the central government that opposed the triple talaq law in Supreme Court the same day. Responding to a batch of public interest litigations filed by NGOs and womens rights groups on the issue, the Centre said the practice cannot be regarded as an essential part of religion, according to this Times of India report.

There are gender discriminatory personal laws across India's religious communities not merely among Muslims. Though it claims to aid vulnerable sections, the law commissions plans for the uniform civil code do not deal with these in the right spirit. The uniformity it speaks of would only dilute Indias plural cultures while bringing in the same patriarchal bias," Khan said.

Hindus comprise about 80 percent of Indias population, while Muslims account for 14.23 percent. Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains comprise 2.3 percent, 1.72 percent, 0.7 percent and 0.37 percent, respectively, of the population.
One person was killed and six others were injured on Saturday after a moving auto rickshaw exploded in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Explosion in a moving auto rickshaw in Agra. One killed, more than 6 injured. pic.twitter.com/9v9OW9QYHf  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 15, 2016

According to International Business Times, the rickshaw was travelling on National Highway 2 (NH2) when the incident happened.
Benaulim: In the wake of the Russian-Pakistan military exercise, India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Saturday said New Delhi fully trusts Moscow and expressed the confidence that it will never undermine Indian interests.

"I am talking about the important relationship of India (and) Russia; this is not a question which I should be answering," Jaishankar said while responding to a query on a Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise in the future.

"We trust Russia fully. When we speak of friendship, the assumption is that Russia will never do anything which is not in our interest. After our discussions, we are satisfied that Russia understands India's interest, will never do anything which is contrary to India's interests," Jaishankar said.

The foreign secretary was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the India-Russia bilateral summit in south Goa's Benaulim village, 60 km from state capital Panaji.

Indian Ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran on Friday expressed concern over Moscow's decision to participate in the joint military exercise in Pakistan last month.

"We are confident Russia will reflect on our concerns; that is where we stand right now," Saran told the media in Benaulim.
Srinagar: Militants attacked a paramilitary force convoy on the outskirts of the city this evening, killing a jawan and injuring eight others.

The incident took place at Zakura when militants fired at the vehicles of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) carrying its personnel to their camp after performing law and order duties in the city, officials said here.

Banned Al-Umar Mujahideen terrorist organisation claimed the responsibility for carrying out the attack and also warned of similar actions in near future.

This outfit had become dormant in the early part of 1990s and ceased to exist after its chief, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Mushtaq Latram', was arrested in 1992.

Zargar was one of the three prisoners exchanged for passengers of IC-814 plane that was hijacked by Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group in 1999.

Besides Zargar, the other two released were Jaish chief Maulana Masood Azhar and Sheikh Omar.

The claim by the outfit signalled revival of the militant group in Kashmir after more than two decades.

In Saturday's attack, one jawan of the SSB was killed and eight others were injured, the official said.

The injured, who included a policeman, have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched search operations to track down the militants.

This is the first militant attack in the city since the encounter at Nowhatta on 15 August in which a CRPF commandant was killed and nine other personnel were injured.
India chose 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change. It is an extreme gesture in symbolism because there is nothing in this agreement that is even remotely linked to the values for which Gandhi stood. In fact, the agreement is a plan to maintain global inaction on climate change and not a plan to mitigate its adverse effects or to prevent further impacts due to temperature rise, as Amitav Ghosh has concluded in his new book, The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable. He says the current paradigm of perpetual growth  based on the so-called Western model  is enshrined at the core of the agreements text. Gandhi had warned against this very model in 1928 when he had said God forbid that India should ever take to industrialism after the manner of the West. If an entire nation of 300 million took to similar economic exploitation, it would strip the world bare like locusts.

Ghosh's new book offers a fresh perspective on climate change, its history and politics. It is in this context that he offers an unconventional  and powerful  analysis of the Paris Agreement. In the backdrop of the fact that 2015 was the warmest year since record keeping began, he considers the Paris Agreement to be one of the two most important texts on climate change published during 2015, the other being Pope Franciss encyclical letter, Laudato Si on climate change, published in May 2015. Both the documents acknowledge that the earths climate is changing and that human beings are largely responsible for these changes. The commonality between the two documents ends here. The Paris Agreement is bad prose  it has 140 numbered clauses and six sections consisting of only two sentences. It is a block of text peppered with dozens of colons, semicolons, commas but just a lonely pair of full stops.

It is not just bureaucratese that is the hallmark of the agreement, but its lack of substance too is discomforting. For instance, Ghosh points out, the agreement has chosen to stay away from words like catastrophe and disaster which are inseparable from any discourse on climate change. Instead, the text only used milder expressions like adverse impacts and effects. It is as if the negotiations had been convened to deal with a minor annoyance. No wonder then that the Agreements provisions will come into force (if such a word can be used of voluntary actions) only in 2020 when the window for effective action will already have dwindled to the size of the eye of celestial needle, Ghosh says. This apart, climate justice finds a lone mention, that too in the preamble of the Annexe which merely takes note that the importance for some of the concept of climate justice when taking action to address climate change. The very description that the concept of climate justice is important only for some implies its explicit disavowal.

While dismissing climate change negotiations and instruments like the Paris Agreement as fundamentally flawed and incapable of meeting the challenge posed by climate change, Ghosh does not offer any solutions except the hope that it is communities and mass organisations  not formal political structures  that will have to be in the forefront of the struggle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This, in no way, diminishes the brilliance of the prose and deep insights into climate change that the novelist-anthropologist has to offer in this extraordinary narrative. The book is gripping. Every argument is backed with research and scientific studies.

Amitav Ghosh in conversation with Firstpost: 'The threat of climate change is real, and it is intensifying'

Referring to neglect of climate change story by writers, poets and artists, Ghosh notes that the climate crisis is also the crisis of culture, and thus of the imagination. Trying to fill this gap, Ghosh has devoted one part of the book to narrating stories  including some experiential  about climatic events In India and elsewhere. His description of the 2005 Mumbai rains and the devastating tornado that he experienced in Delhi on 17 March 1978, is riveting. Not many remember the freak tornado that devastated localities in North Delhi. He sums up the flooding in Mumbai in one sentence: On that day, with catastrophic suddenness, the people of the city were confronted with the costs of three centuries of interference with the ecology of an estuarine location. He then paints the scenario of what could happen to Mumbai if a Category 4 or 5 cyclone was to hit it, quoting scientists and experts.

Dealing with the history of climate change, Ghosh says the Asian continent to central to climate change not only because its populations are going to be the worst hit but also because of its key role in setting in motion events that are driving the current cycle of climate change. Asian countries  China, India, Burma among others  had their own fossil fuel economies and models of economic growth much ahead of the Industrial Revolution, which is often seen as the starting point of greenhouse gas emissions. China had pioneered the use of coal and natural gas, Burma had a lot of oil and India was using steam engines at the same time as it happened in the West. These carbon economies of Asia did not grow and flourish not because of lack of industriousness or ingenuity or entrepreneurial skills, but because of the fact that when carbon-intensive technologies and economies were taking shape, major European powers already had a strong military and political presence in Asia and Africa. Emerging fossil-fuel economies of the West required that people elsewhere were prevented from developing their own energy-based systems. In order to find a solution such holistic understanding of the problem is necessary. Thats why this book is an important landmark in knowledge about climate change.

The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable by Amitav Ghosh

Allen Lane/Penguin Books

275 pages, price Rs 399
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a joint statement in Goa on Friday on the sidelines of the two-day long Brics summit. Below is the full text of PM Modi's address at the joint meet.

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

Distinguished members of the Russian and Indian delegations,

Members of the media,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Putin, an old friend of India, here in Goa today.As they say in Russian:

Excellency Putin, I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship. And, in the complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship.

Friends,

Since the last two Annual Summits, the journey of our partnership has seen renewed focus and drive. President Putin and I have just concluded an extensive and useful conversation on the entire spectrum of our engagement. The highly productive outcomes of our meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of our strategic partnership.They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead.The agreements onmanufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities. They also help us achieve the objectives of Make in India. We have also agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration. These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in.

Just minutes ago, with dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of Civil Nuclear Energy. And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India. Last year in Moscow, I had said that we would be enlarging our presence in Russias Hydrocarbon sector.In last four months alone, in a clear expression of our strong and deep engagement in the Hydrocarbon sector, Indian companies have invested close to US Dollars 5.5 billion in Russias Oil and Gas sector.

And, with President Putins support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries. A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising Energy Bridge between our two countries.

Friends,

With an eye on the future, we also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission. Through this, our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields. As with the last Summit, we also continue to expand, diversify and deepen our economic engagement.Businesses and Industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

And, with President Putins backing, we hope to fast track Indias associationwithEurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. The Green Corridor and the International North South Transport Corridor will serve to strengthen trade facilitation, logistical links and ensure better connectivity between our countries. Our efforts for early setting up of the Investment Fund of US Dollars 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance our infrastructure partnership. We also want our economic linkages to connect the regions and states in both countries.

Friends,

The success of this Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership. It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues. Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.

President Putin and I noted the similarity of our views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets.Our close collaboration at the United Nations, Brics, East Asia Summit, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage.

Excellency Putin,

As we approach the seventieth (70th) anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties next year, India and Russia are celebrating and building on the achievements of our past. We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century. Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties.In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability.

As one would say it in Russian:

 -     

[India and Russia-together to a bright future.]

Thank you! Thank you very much.
Ahmedabad: Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ahead of Gujarat Assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi Chief Minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.

Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf, where the BJP has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.

Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into politics if his community members want him to do so.

23-year-old Hardik's leaning towards AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.

On Friday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit 'Yuva Azadi' over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the Army.

"We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar community's reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight," Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he can do for the Patel community.

"Our youths lost lives during the quota agitation, cases were slapped against us for carrying out the agitation. Please spell out during your visit what you can do for us," Patel wrote in the memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister.

"Our main demand is reservation for our community and you should spell out what you can do for giving reservation to us," he asked.

"BJP has finished democracy in Gujarat. You are the chief minister of the capital of the country  Delhi  and whatever you say will be heard in the entire country. I request you to do whatever is possible for our community," the memorandum by Hardik said.

In response, Kejriwal said, "It is important that those leaders who ordered firing on Patel protesters (during quota agitation of August 2015) should be punished." Earlier, PAAS members on the call of Hardik had disrupted a public rally of BJP chief Amit Shah in Patidar community dominated Varachha area of Surat.

The outfit had also barred Congress and BJP leaders from entering areas dominated by them and many functions of BJP leaders were disrupted.

The BJP had effected a leadership change in the long-ruled state with Anandiben Patel being replaced by Vijay Rupani as Chief Minister, though the party had rejected suggestions that that was the result of organisational and electoral calculations.

The quota stir had turned violent after the arrest of Hardik Patel in August 2015. Patel community protesters had indulged in arson and stone pelting and clashes with police and damaged government and private properties worth crores of rupees.

In police action against protesters, 12 youths including one policeman had died in the state.

Kejriwal on Friday met family members of some of the Patel youths who lost their lives. Patel community has so far supported BJP in Gujarat.

On his arrival, Kejriwal had alleged that BJP president Amit Shah and his party were trying to disrupt the rally in Surat on Sunday.
Benaulim: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday began a closed-door bilateral meeting ahead of Brics heads of states meet in Goa.

The two leaders are meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit following which the two countries are expected to sign key defence, energy and agriculture-related business deals.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Modi and Putin "will discuss on a range of issues including defence, counter-terrorism".

Earlier, Putin arrived at the Dabolim airport to a red carpet welcome after which Modi, on Twitter, greeted the Russian President saying: "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful visit."

Top bureaucrats from the Russian defence, energy, trade and industries ministries are accompanying the President.

Modi and Putin via video conference will also participate in foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.

Talks between India and Russia for setting up units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are also expected to culminate into a general framework agreement.

This could be announced after talks Modi-Putin.

An official of the Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, the builders of KNPP, told IANS on Friday that negotiations for units 5 and 6 had been expedited so that an announcement could be made during the Brics leaders summit in Goa on 15-16 October.
Make no mistake. From an economic perspective, China matters to Pakistan much more than India does. Yes, India is a hard to ignore constituent among the South Asian countries, both for political and geographical reasons. And as we saw recently, India has shown its clout in the Saarc grouping, by isolating Pakistan. To a certain extent, Pakistan too needs India to keep its relations with other Saarc members on good terms and, for water.

The reason why it is making panic remarks in the international fora against India's proposed move to cut the water supply to Pakistan under Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), is nothing else. Agriculture is one of the main pillars of Pakistans economy, which constitutes 19.8 percent of its GDP and is the largest employer (42.3 percent of the countrys total labour force), according to the latest data from the Pakistan government. If India acts on this front, upping its strategic offensive, there will be severe economic repercussions within Pakistan, which isn't easy for Nawaz Sharif government to handle. For political reasons, Pakistan's political leadership and army need to show India as a perennial enemy, but the irony is its economy can't sustain without India.

But, China commands a bigger place in Pakistan's strategic circles. The Chinese are the biggest trade partner of Pakistan. For 2014-15, the total trade between the two countries was recorded at $12. 299 billion out of which Pakistans exports were $2. 126 billion and imports were $10. 17 billion, according to a report in The Nation.

Pakistan exports cotton yarn/fabric, rice, raw hides and skins, chemical material, fish and fish preparations and crude mineral to China and imports machinery (all sorts) and its parts, fertiliser, chemical element, yarn and thread of synthetic fibre, iron and steels, chemical material and product, vegetable and synthetic textile fibre, road vehicles and their parts, non-ferrous metals, tyres and tubes of rubber, the report said. With India, Pakistan's trade is a minuscule, even after India awarding Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to that country. In 2015-16, out of Indias total merchandise trade of $641 billion that to Pakistan stood at a mere $2.67 billion.

Reasons for Chinese interest in Pakistan isn't easy to understand. China needs Pakistan to check India's influence in the region, and Pakistan needs India for the same reason. India's relations with Pakistan is seemingly beyond revival at this stage and that with China has always been murky.

China's clout in Pakistan isn't just about trade. The dragon has been slowly and steadily increasing its stake in Pakistan's real economy over years. The biggest example of Pakistan economy's dependence on China to improve its fortunes through $46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The value of this 'economic cooperation' is so high that a recent World Bank report warned that Pakistan's prospects of growing even at modest five percent a year are at risk due to delays in the implementation of the CPEC projects. Should India be worried about CPEC? Yes. Because the China-Pakistan economic corridor is passing through Pak-occupied Kashmir. India has raised its concerns on this already.

Even when signals emerged from India that it might curtail water supply to Pakistan under IWT, Pakistan threatened to take up this issue internationally put pressure on India  mainly with China. Besides trade and economic cooperation, China also plays a major role in aiding military support to Pakistan over a period. Pakistan has returned the favour saying it too will offer full military support to China on a boarder scale to assure safety to the China-Pak economic corridor. In short, there is a bonhomie getting stronger between the two countries that India cannot ignore.

It is in this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have to approach the Brics summit in Goa. As Firstpost noted in an article, the Brics meet this time is even more significant for India in the context of the growing threat of terrorism originating from Pakistan and its impact on rest of the world. India, which managed to completely isolate Pakistan from the Saarc countries in the aftermath of a series of border terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based elements (the latest being Uri), will most likely take up the issue of the Pakistan factor in the Brics meeting. Can India call Pakistan's bluff on aiding terrorism at BRICS is a question.

As the Brics summit kicks off on Saturday, one of the major things to watch is how India will approach to the growing Pakistan-China bonhomie. A friendship is mutually beneficial for Pakistan and China to check India's influence in the region. But, it is a concern for India. How India will plan its moves to check this perceived, obvious threat at the Brics is a big question.
In a trade meeting held in Geneva, India said that it is disappointed with many of the findings of an Appellate Board (AB) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on a solar panel dispute case, and asked for the cooperation of all WTO members in achieving its Paris climate deal targets that it recently ratified.

In a special meeting of the dispute settlement body (DSB) on 14 October, a dispute settlement panel report and an appellate board panel report were adopted by the WTO on a solar panel dispute case initiated by the US against India in 2013. India had lost the case both at the dispute panel and its appeal against the findings of the dispute panel.

The AB report, issued on 16 September, concerns India's domestic content requirements (DCR) for solar power developers selling electricity to the government as part of certain phases of its National Solar Mission.

The DSB ruling stated that Indias DCR measures are inconsistent with global trade rules and violate national treatment obligations under GATT 1994, and certain other articles of the agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (Trims) and agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM).

National treatment obligations of Article III: 4 of GATT requires that imported products cannot be discriminated against vis-a-vis like local products in matters of all laws, regulations and requirements "affecting their internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation, distribution or use".

India had appealed against the verdict. But the appellate board dismissed Indias argument that since the government buys the electricity from the concerned products it could seek exemption under the government procurement principle provided under article III: 8(a) of the GATT 1994. This provision allows countries to ignore national treatment obligations if government agencies procure products for government purposes and not commercial resale.

The appeals judges also disagreed with Indias argument that it lacks the capacity for domestic manufacturing of solar cells and modules leading to a general and local situation of short supply of such products and, thus, DCR measures are essential for addressing this short supply.

India is committed to design its future solar mission schemes consistent with the boards findings, India said on Friday, and would inform the DSB of its intentions with respect to implementing the ruling within the next 30 days as provided by WTO rules.

However, it is deeply disappointed with many aspects of the AB ruling.

In Indias view, the AB had a narrow reasoning of article III:8 (a) of GATT 1994the judgment implies that in order to potentially justify discrimination against solar cells and modules under the government procurement principle, a member state must purchase those cells and modules and not just the electricity from them, even when those cells and modules are exclusively used for electricity generated for supplies to the government.

India is deeply disappointed that the Appellate Body chose to simply reiterate its reasoning in Canada Renewable Energy/Feed-in Tariff dispute without adequate consideration of the unique nature and role of solar cells and modules in solar power generation, India said in a statement at the DSB meeting.

Article XX (j)  relating to WTO exemptions in cases of supply shortages  evoked by India in the short-supply argument was interpreted for the first time in WTOs jurisprudence.

The ABs interpretation of the applicability of the concerned WTO rule effectively confines any meaningful use of this provision only for export restraints and not import restraints. The failure to address the circumstances in which article XX (j) can be an effective and legitimate tool for import restraint will remain a significant limitation in any future use of the articles rules, India warned.

That the AB ruled that the vulnerability of a situation of short supply has to be demonstrated through actual disruptions in the supply of cells and modules means that any policy measure under article XX (j) can be an after-thought and not one that can prevent the rise of situations of general or local short supply.

India, meanwhile, said it is "evaluating the reports of the panel and AB carefully" and that it was "committed to frame the future design of its solar mission schemes relating to domestic content consistent with the findings."

India has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to promote renewable energy by ratifying the Paris Climate Change agreement and urged the cooperation of all WTO members to ensure a sustainable manner in which to achieve all the targets committed to in the deal.

The US said in the meeting that though it "strongly supports India's effort to promote the generation and use of solar power in India and looks forward to a partnership in the fight against climate change, discriminatory policies in the clean energy sector undermine efforts to promote the generation of clean energy by requiring the use of more expensive and less efficient equipment.

The US Trade Representative Michael Froman had earlier stated that ever since India brought in the DCR rules American solar exports into the country have fallen by more than 90 percent.

The US took exception to an AB judge attaching a separate opinion offering remarks on why in his view the panel did not need to rule on certain of the issues appealed. The US stated that it "did not see how it relates to an issue raised in this appeal". The separate opinion appeared to be "another example of obiter dicta" (a non-essential expression said in passing) which is a problem.

The EU, however, said it was within the AB members rights to attach a separate opinion and it did not share the US concern over the substance of the opinion.

India has, in turn, registered a similar complaint against the US on 9 September by requesting WTO for consultation regarding DCR and subsidies provided by the American government to the eight states of Washington, California, Montana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware and Minnesota in the renewable energy sector.
DUBAI Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Saturday for more transparency in elections due in May following allegations of electoral fraud in the last polls.He also warned against any foreign funding and interference.State media carried election guidelines issued by Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters of state. They called for "setting the scope and type of expenses and sources of legal and illicit campaign expenses by candidate and increasing the transparency of resources..." Election fraud is rarely reported openly, but the head of the Guardian Council, the top election watchdog, said after parliamentary elections in early 2016 that "vote-buying is becoming more common" and should be fought.Iran will hold its next presidential election in May 2017, a vote in which pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani may seek a second term to push ahead with reforms resisted by powerful hardliners.

"The use of foreign resources, both financial and promotional support by candidates and parties is banned," said one of the 18 articles of Ayatollah Khamenei's guidelines, issued after consultation with a top clerical body, according to state media.Khamenei has often called for vigilance against what he

calls a "soft war" mounted by the West and aimed at weakening the clerical establishment.Hardline allies of Khamenei, worried about losing their grip on power, have accused President Rouhani of betraying the anti-Western values of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed shah.

Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last month he would not run in the presidential elections, bowing to the wishes of Ayatollah Khamenei who warned his candidacy would increase divisions in Iran. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
TWIN FALLS  A preliminary hearing was delayed again for a Twin Falls man accused of killing a 20-year-old woman in August.

Glenn Joseph Tures, 44, is still being held without bond in the Twin Falls County Jail. Hes charged with first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Anessia Shaye Winterholer.

Tures was set for a preliminary hearing Friday morning, but Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs and Chief Public Defender Marilyn Paul agreed to continue the hearing until Nov. 4.

In serious criminal cases, its not uncommon for preliminary hearings to be delayed several times as attorneys gather facts and evidence and prepare arguments.

Tures was charged Aug. 25 after police say he turned himself in and confessed to strangling Winterholer to death Aug. 21 in the basement of a Twin Falls home.

Last month, two inmates were charged with beating Tures so viciously he was left with fractures in both cheek bones, the right eye socket, the nasal bone and his back. Other inmates said before the beating, Tures was talking about the murder and telling other inmates he was God.
JEROME  A 20-year-old Rupert woman has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence the night she caused a crash that left a passenger in another vehicle without part of his skull.

But Aileen Medrano could avoid prison if she successfully undergoes treatment in a therapeutic and educational retained jurisdiction program. Even if she is successful, shell likely be on probation for 10 years and have her drivers license suspended for five years.

Medrano, 19 at the time of the crash, must also pay an undetermined amount of restitution to her victims and has agreed to cooperate fully with the victims civil attorneys providing information about all parties and locations that supplied (her) with alcohol on the night that the crimes  transpired.

Prosecutors have said Medrano was driving drunk just before 1 a.m. Jan. 24 when she crashed a Volkswagen Jetta into the back of a Chrysler minivan on westbound I-84 near milepost 182. At least two people were thrown from the van when it rolled onto the north shoulder of the interstate.

One of those people, 44-year old Hector Garcia Rodriguez, had a head injury in which a portion of his skull was missing, an Idaho State Police trooper wrote in a sworn affidavit.

Responding officers found the Jetta abandoned on the south side of the interstate, but a woman later called 911 to report the crash and tell authorities she and Medrano were at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center. At the hospital, both women claimed a man was driving the Jetta and they were both passengers, but Medrano later admitted she was driving.

According to a plea agreement submitted during a plea hearing Tuesday, prosecutors agreed to drop all other charges in exchange for her guilty plea on the aggravated driving under the influence charge. She had also faced a felony charge of leaving the scene of an injury accident.

The binding Rule 11 plea deal stipulates District Judge Eric Wildman will sentence Medrano to three to ten years in prison, a term she can avoid by successfully completing a Rider. If shes successful and placed on probation, her probation will be no less than 10 years.

Medranos license will also be suspended five years, and once she is allowed to drive, her vehicle must be equipped with an Interlock Device to check her blood alcohol level. That requirement will be in effect until her probation ends.
Cassia County

Felony sentencings

Robert Gayle Andreason; felony sexual battery committed by lewd or lascivious acts on a minor child 16-17 years of age amended felony sexual battery of a minor child 16-17 years of agesexual contact but not defined as lewd, guilty, $790.50 costs, three years determinate time, 12 years indeterminate time, 386 days credited; felony rape, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; battery with intent to commit a serious felony, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; felony witness, intimidates, threatens, harasses or prevents from testifying in criminal or juvenile case, dismissed on motion of prosecutor.

Francisco Javier Mendoza-Tapia; felony controlled substance, manufacture or deliver or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, guilty, $535.50 costs, $100 restitution, 40 months probation, two years determinate time, four years indeterminate time, 22 days credited, penitentiary suspended; felony controlled substancemanufacture, deliver or possess with intent to manufacture/deliver with child present, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; felony possession of controlled substance, dismissed on motion of prosecutor, $100 restitution.

Christopher Shane Hutchison; felony possession of controlled substance, guilty, $535.50 costs, 18 months determinate time, 93 days credited.

Joseph Daniel Walker; guilty, $535.50 costs, 24 months probation, two years determinate time, two years indeterminate time, 72 days credited time, penitentiary suspended; misdemeanor drug paraphernaliause or possess with intent to use, dismissed on motion of prosecutor.

Felony dismissal

Efrain J. Arteaga Jr.; four counts felony possession of controlled substance, dismissed on motion of prosecutor; misdemeanor drug paraphernaliause or possess with intent to use, dismissed on motion of prosecutor.

Driving under the influence sentencings

Alan Lane Dennis; misdemeanor driving under the influence (second offense), guilty, $250 fine, $202.50 costs, 365 days drivers license suspended, 24 months probation, 365 days jail, 350 days suspended.

Aaron S. Vargas; misdemeanor driving without privileges, guilty, $300 fine, $172.50 costs, 12 months probation, 120 days jail, 118 days suspended, one day credited, modified sentence, two days community service in lieu of jail; misdemeanor driving under the influence, guilty, 90 days drivers license, 12 months probation, 120 days jail, 118 days suspended, one day credited, modified sentence.
TWIN FALLS  For the past two years, bills to cut taxes have been introduced into the Legislature but havent made it past the finish line. Will this be the year?

For most of the Democrats running for the Legislature in the Magic and Wood River valleys, the choice is pretty clear: dont cut taxes  not until education funding is brought to a level they think is more appropriate for the needs of 2017.

The Republicans, who have a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature, are a little more divided on the issue. Some want to see tax cut legislation in the 2017 session, while others emphasize other fiscal priorities.

Kathleen Eder of Hailey, the Democrat running against Rep. Steve Miller, a Republican from Fairfield, says she doesnt believe a tax cut is the right thing to do next session.

Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, said any surplus the state sees would be better spent on education and other areas, such as the Department of Health and Welfare, that were cut during the recession. She said the state still needs to address its deficit in transportation spending, too  she frequently hears constituents talking about their roads being in bad shape.

Do you want to keep losing services, or do you want the $50? she asked. I feel that pulling that money to help the greater whole is a more constructive use of money.

The House passed a bill in 2015 that cut income taxes and got rid of both the grocery tax and the grocery tax credit, tying them to increased transportation spending, but the Senate decided not to take it up. Another income tax cut proposal was introduced in 2016, and it seemed in the waning days of the session that it would get tied to a bill from Twin Falls Republican Lance Clow to expand sales tax collection on online sales, a longtime goal of Clows. That bill didnt pass either.

Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, pointed to the difference in the corporate tax rate in Idaho, where it is 7.4 percent, versus Utah, where it is 5 percent.

State revenues have come in higher than expected for the first few months of the fiscal year. Hartgen said he doesnt have a strong preference for where the tax cuts are  income taxes, taxes on business equipment and taxes on food sales have all been part of the discussion over the past couple of sessions  but he would like to see cuts somewhere.

I think weve had several years of really good economic growth in the state, and the current year is starting off pretty well  and I think its time for some significant tax cuts in the rates, he said.

Miller also said he hopes the Legislature discusses cutting taxes in 2017.

Its good for business and for a conservative, you limit the growth of government, he said.

Ideally, Miller said, hed like to see the state cut tax rates a bit and create a savings fund that would be filled when the economy is good. When the economy gets worse and revenues drop, the money would be used to offset the cost of the tax cuts.

Other Republicans might favor a tax cut in principle but, when asked, put more emphasis on other budgetary needs. Dale Ewersen, the Republican who is running against Stennett, said he would consider cutting taxes, but the priorities for any surplus should be spending on education, infrastructure and public safety.

Im not going to say, No, I wouldnt look at it, Ewersen said.

Sen. Lee Heider, a Republican from Twin Falls, said he would favor reducing personal property taxes, but otherwise would rather see surplus revenues go into the states rainy day funds.

My conservative values say if I have money in the bank I sleep a lot better, he said.

Idaho lawmakers have increased education spending about 15 percent over the past two years, and this fiscal year per-classroom discretionary funding returned to where it was in 2009, before the recession hit and the state cut education spending.

The state has 18,000 more students than it did in 2009, and many Democratic legislative candidates have pointed to this and other indicators  that per-capita education funding is among the lowest in the country, the difficulty many districts have finding teachers, and the many districts that still ask their property taxpayers for supplemental levies  as evidence that the state needs to spend more on education before looking at tax cuts.

It would be different if we had teachers coming out of our ears, but we dont, said Deborah Silver, the Democrat who is running against Heider.

Silver pointed to the income tax cut the the state already passed in 2012 and said Idaho should look at other things that draw business rather than being the cheapest and the lowest.

You get diminishing results from lowering taxes if youre already the lowest, Silver said.

Supporters and opponents of tax cuts frequently argue over just how much of a burden Idahos taxes are anyway. By many measures, Idaho is on the lower end nationally when it comes to the overall tax burden. A study by WalletHub released this spring put Idahos average tax burden at the seventh-lowest in the nation. A study by the state Tax Commission in 2015 found Idahos overall burden to be the ninth-lowest in the country.

However, several of the states that are competitive with Idaho border it, and advocates for further tax cuts here often argue it will help Idaho compete with them when it comes to drawing businesses. The WalletHub study put the overall tax burden in Nevada, Wyoming and Montana a bit lower than Idahos. The Tax Foundation released a study a couple of weeks ago that put Idaho at 20th out of the 50 states in terms of its tax environment for businesses  better than average, but below Utah, Oregon, Nevada and Wyoming.

You have to be competitive in a  regional area, said Alex Sutter, the Republican who is running against Democrat Sally Toone for the House seat Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding, is vacating. In some areas, were really strong, in others, were not.

Sutter said that, in principle, he supports taxing consumption rather than production because, he said, people choose how much to buy and thus how much to spend in sales tax, while taxing income drives down wages and economic growth.

I think its the fairest process, he said.

Hartgen said Catherine Talkington, his Democratic opponent, would increase taxes by getting rid of sales tax exemptions and repealing 2006 tax shift that cut property taxes while raising the sales tax one point.

Passed when now-U.S. Sen. Jim Risch was governor, the shift got rid of the maintenance and operations property tax levy that went to schools, and some critics of the states education funding levels have called for its repeal. An analysis Idaho Education News did this summer showed taxes statewide went up a bit due to the change, about two-thirds of the increase being due to the sales tax hike and a third due to the proliferation of supplemental levies since then. But, Hartgen said, the shift did lead to a significant school property tax reduction for people in Twin Falls.

Shes basically saying, Yeah, I want to go back to the higher taxes, Hartgen said.

Clow, too, said he worries repealing sales tax exemptions could lead to increased costs being passed on to consumers  for example, getting rid of medical expense exemptions could drive up insurance costs.

Talkington said she favors keeping taxes at the current levels, but she and Silver both said they would support putting a sunset date on sales tax exemptions so they get reviewed every so often.

Lets keep taxes where they are right now but lets do a systemic evaluation, Talkington said.

A new special interest seems to look for an exemption every year, Talkington said, and a tax exemption that might have made sense 20 years doesnt necessarily make sense today. Today, exemptions add up to about $2 billion in revenue that isnt being collected.

Sales tax exemptions exceed the educational budget, Talkington said.
Republicans are confident that theyll retain control of the House of Representatives in November. Thats because theyre sure that Elbridge Gerry, who died more than two centuries ago, will be a more important factor than Donald Trump.

Theres plenty of nervousness in party ranks over the chance that voters will punish Republican congressional candidates for their nominee. That might result in a late-breaking wave election in which Democrats could pick up the 30 seats theyd need to win control in the House.

House Speaker Paul Ryan was worried enough to tell his colleagues this week to protect themselves even if that meant renouncing support for Trump. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll added to Republican concerns when it showed a six-point public preference for Democrats in congressional elections. Thats the minimum margin Democrats need to capture a majority; winning by three or four points nationwide wont do it.

Thats where Elbridge Gerry comes in. Hes remembered less as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a governor of Massachusetts and James Madisons vice president than as the man who gave his name to the practice of manipulating legislative-district lines to favor the party in power. For 200 years, Democrats and Republicans have worshiped at the political altar of gerrymandering. (Mander? The shape of a Massachusetts state senate district drawn in 1812 by Gerrys allies was thought to resemble a salamander.)

When Republicans swept the 2010 Congressional elections, they controlled most of the power to redistrict after the census of that year. A testament to their success is that by most estimates, fewer than 10 percent of the 435 House seats are even competitive this time.

Two examples illustrate the picture. In 2012, Barack Obama won a comfortable victory in Pennsylvania as did the Democratic senate candidate, Bob Casey. Yet Republicans won 13 of the 18 House seats in the state. Similarly, the top of the ticket in Michigan went strongly for the Democrats, but Republicans won nine of the 14 House districts.

Some of this is due to population patterns; Democrats are more bunched together in urban and suburban districts. But much of it reflects the way Republican state legislators drew friendly congressional lines.

Its much harder to pick up 30 seats now then it was before the Republican gerrymandering after 2010, acknowledges Mark Gersh, the foremost Democratic expert on House races.

To see the difficulty, the Rothenberg-Gonzales Political Report, one of the best nonpartisan election analysts, currently rates only 36 of 435 congressional districts as competitive. Seven of those seats are held by Democrats, 29 by Republicans.

Therefore if Democrats hold all their current seats and win every one of the competitive Republican-held districts, they would still fall one seat shy of a majority.

Thats why theyd need a late-breaking wave in which Hillary Clinton wins by a double-digit margin with some demoralized Republicans staying home and angry Trump voters punishing down-ballot Republicans.

The likelihood of that occurring is thought to be around 25 percent. But Democrats were cheered by the six-point advantage in the congressional horse race that the Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showed, and a 10-point margin in a Reuters survey.

For now, the odds favor Ryan. Hes likely to remain speaker, though with a reduced majority. If, however, Democrats can build on their advantage over the next three weeks, a Democratic majority could be within reach. Its Trump versus Gerry.
Cheer

Jerry Brown is only weeks from the end of a years-long mission: to dedicate a memorial in Jeromes Forsythe Park.

The day after Veterans Day, a commissioned to a Salt Lake City artist sculpture and stainless steel wall made by Jerry himself will finally be available for public view. The Sgt. Dan Brown Idaho Fallen Soldier Memorial is in memory of Browns son, Dan, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

Kudos are also in order for Ryan Horsley, manager of Reds Trading Post gun shop in Twin Falls, who has helped raise money for the memorial. Much of the money has come out of Jerry Browns pockets, and Horsley has been helping to reimburse some of those costs.

Jeer

Jeers to the Idaho Republican leaders who waited as many as four days to weigh in on Donald Trumps comments last week about groping women. Agree with them or not, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson condemned the comments quickly.

Others, like Gov. C.L. Butch Otter and state party chairman Steve Yates stuck their fingers in the political wind and waited for the dust to settle after Sundays debate. Finally on Tuesday, both condemned Trumps remarks but said Trump is still the preferred alternative to Hillary Clinton.

Thats fine if they really believe that, but its hard to believe it took them that long to reach a conclusion.

Cheer

The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Search and Rescue team gets a lot of press. Theyre there saving lives every time someone falls into the canyon or a BASE jump goes wrong or someone gets stranded in the South Hills.

But did you know the team receives no taxpayer money? The group is funded almost entirely through donations.

And they need your help to keep themselves  and everyone else  safe. The teams safety equipment is pricey; it spends between $5,000 and $10,000 a year on gear.

To make a donation, contact Lt. Daron Brown at 208-736-4019.
Thank You Letters





Thanks for making wishes come true

Make-A-Wish Idaho would like to thank the Magic Valley community for all their help during our 1st Annual Walk For Wishes on Oct. 1. We had a great turnout and was able to raise almost $30,000 to support the granting of wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. We would particularly like to thank the following sponsors: Glanbia Nutritionals, First Federal Bank, Wolverton Homes, Tradesman Staffing, Chobani, Watkins Distributing and St Lukes Magic Valley. Many thanks to Dutch Bros. for coffee and hot chocolate, G.Gs Bakery for cupcakes, Clif Bar for Clif Bars, Chobani for yogurt, Swire Coca-Cola for powerades and Lamb Weston for the delicious fries. Thank you to KMVT for getting the word out.

Finally, thank you to the Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce, Department of Parks and Recreation and city of Twin Falls for helping to make it all happen. We had volunteers from Wells Fargo and Nancy Glaesman and Kilah Wilkenson were instrumental in the events success. We are thrilled and humbled by everyones support.

Helene Peterson

Make-a-Wish Idaho

Donor gifts piano to school

Pillar Falls Elementary would like to thank the anonymous donor who purchased a brand new piano for our school. It is a wonderful addition to our music program and it is already being used daily in our music classes. Our teachers, students, and parents are extremely grateful for this generous gift. Thanks for helping us make Pillar Falls a wonderful place for our students!

Nancy Murphy

Principal, Pillar Falls Elementary

The Letters of Thanks column will publish letters of up to 200 words from:

Organizations thanking contributors or supporters.

Individuals thanking public agencies and businesses for extraordinaryservice.

Send letters to letters@magicvalley.com. If you would like to purchase a classified ad to express gratitude of a personal rather than public nature, call The Times-News Customer Service department.
Tunisian authorities that are trying hard to revive the countrys flagging economy are expecting to attract around 20 billion and 2,000 international companies at an international conference dubbed Tunisia 2020, the organizing team told the media.

Tunisia, since the 2011 revolution, has been in a pit, with the countrys once buzzing tourism industry nearly flatted, industries at standstill and public debt soaring to 62 per cent of the GDP.

Authorities are pinning great hopes on the Tunisia 2020 international conference on November 29-30 to turn around the situation. Speaking to the media on Friday, Mohamed Mourad Fradi, co-chair of the organizing committee said they are expecting to glean 20 billion.

He also indicated that around 1,000 companies, including 400 locale ventures, will be attending, Jeune Afrique reports. The objective, Fradi noted, is to reach the figure of 2,000 companies which represents half of the foreign companies in the North African country.

Fradi, an expert auditor and co-founder of Mazars Tunisie, an audit firm, argued that to reach the two targets the country must quickly pass the emergency economic law and the code of investment before the conference in order to win the trust of investors.

Fradis hopes were played down by other experts including Kais Kriaa; Head of AlphaMena firm, specialised in financial analysis. Kriaa argued that the countrys public debt is a crippling factor. He also pointed out that given the fact that Tunisian investors prefer housing their money in overseas banks; it will be difficult to lure foreign companies to inject 20 billion in the country.
About thirty people were killed and 57 others wounded during an attack on refugees by largely Muslim Seleka militia in Central African Republic on Wednesday, the UN mission in the country, MINUSCA, said in a statement.

Fighters with the former Seleka rebel group attacked the town of Kaga-Bandoro before being repelled by UN peacekeepers, who killed 12 rebels.

MINUSCA said the violence began after ex-Seleka fighters and their sympathizers reacted angrily to the death of one of their members who was killed when he and three others tried to steal a generator from a local radio station.

MINUSCA expresses its strong indignation and strong condemnation of the resurgence, the UN mission said, calling the Seleka response disproportionate.

The Central African Republic was plunged into chaos in March 2013 when President Francois Bozize was overthrown by the Seleka rebel alliance. The move triggered a series of deadly retaliatory attacks between the Seleka rebels and Christian vigilantes known as anti-balaka.

Over the two past years, chaos has calmed down significantly, but hundreds of Seleka fighters have regrouped in Kaga-Bandoro, along with Muslim civilians, after fleeing the capital, Bangui.

MINUSCA has been forced to deploy some 12,000 troops in CAR, which is one of the poorest countries in the world.

The mission has been mostly successful in establishing order in the capital, Bangui.
Twenty one Chibok girls have been released on Thursday by the insurgent group Boko Haram, the presidency said.

According to president Buharis official spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, the release of the girls was the result of negotiations between the government and Boko Haram.

The talks were facilitated by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government, he said on his twitter handle.

According to Sahara Reporters portal, the 21 girls were picked up by a military helicopter in Borno state where the terrorist group dropped them off around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, said at a news conference in Abuja that the girls were flown to Kaduna, in the northwest of the country, and were to be taken to Abuja.

Ahead of their arrival, we have assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trauma experts, etc., to properly examine the girls, who have been in captivity for so long, Mr. Mohammed said.

Boko Haram abducted over 200 girls from their school in Chibok situated in Borno State two years ago.

Activists have repeatedly marched to the presidency demanding action on the part of the government whenever Boko Haram released a video of the girls.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently called on the United Nations to join his government in negotiations with the group to secure the release of the school girls.
The leader of South Africas Economic Freedom Fighters party, Julius Malema, has been served with two court summons on Thursday for calling on party members in 2014 and June 2016 to occupy vacant land.

He responded to the summons expressing commitment to fight for the lands regardless of the court action.

We want our land now & nothing will deter us from this noble cause, not even prison can silence us. We remain unshaken, we will take our land, Malema tweeted few hours after the summonses were served to him.

The commander-in-chief of the EFF, called on the workers, students, the unemployed, shopkeepers, and security guards to be part of the militant action aimed at defending the countrys democratic gains.

This is a banana republic. This thing is gone. Anyone who thinks there is a rescue for this country coming from the ANC you are lying to yourself. Its gone. The ANC is finished and as a result the country has collapsed, Malema told journalists at a press conference.

He also called on business owners to take a stand and protest the charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, alleging state decisions are being influenced by the Gupta family.

Malema faces two charges for contravening the Riot Act for land grab, comments made while campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal province this year and comments made in Bloemfontein in 2014.
The United Kingdom on Thursday said it backs targeted European Union sanctions against officials in Democratic Republic of Congo to end government repression and encourage a peaceful transition of power in the copper rich country.

The move follows a call from Human Rights Watch to European Union Member States in advance of the EUs Foreign Affairs Council meeting on October 17. European nations will discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

According to the Rights group, taking action now could help prevent the situation in Congo from spiraling out of control in the coming weeks  with potentially violent and widespread repercussions across the region.

Kabila, who has ruled the mineral-rich DRC since 2001, is banned under the constitution from running for a third term  but he has given no sign that he is ready to give up his job, while his government says logistical problems hamper the holding of the elections in due time.

The opposition accuses president Kabila of plotting to extend his term by delaying elections, due in November, to at least next year.

The UK believes sanctions would play a useful role in influencing the DRC Government and security forces to desist from human rights abuses and suppression of fundamental freedoms, said a spokesperson for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in a statement.

We cannot stand by and watch violence, such as that on 19 September, continue and not take action.

The United States has already imposed sanctions on a General as well as on former and current senior police officials in the vast mineral-rich central African state.

The sanctions ban US individuals and businesses from dealings with the sanctioned individuals.

France also backs the sanctions option.
A court in Tunisia has handed prison sentences to 76 people convicted for the killing of eight soldiers in 2013, a judiciary official said.

Out of the 76 convicted, only seven appeared before the court as the remaining 69 others are still running loose, Sofiene Sliti, prosecution spokesman indicated.

Four of the seven have been sentenced to seven years in prison. A fifth person has been handed 13 years, a sixth was sentenced to death while the seventh has seen charges against him cleared. Sliti noted.

The remaining defendant at large have been handed sentences ranging from 40 years in jail to death penalty, the official further told the media.

Early this month, in a separate court ruling, 31 suspected terrorists also at large were handed death sentence for launching assault in 2014 against the residence of then interior minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou.

The sentenced individuals, most of them believed dead, include Seifallah Ben Hassine; founder of the jihadist group Ansar al-Sharia, a group close to al Qaeda and Algerian jihadist Lokmane Abu Sakhr; head of Tunisian terrorist group Okba Ibn Nafaa also known as a local franchise of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

Since the overthrow of autocratic leader Ben Ali in 2011, Tunisia has been unsettled and has been rocked by terror attacks.

In a hard drive against terrorism, authorities have adopted capital punishment for terrorists.
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Portugal's Socialist government will introduce a sugar tax on soft drinks in 2017 which is expected to raise 80 million euros ($88 million) for the nation's public health service, a budget bill presented Friday showed.

The announcement comes just three days after the World Health Organization urged countries to start taxing sugary drinks, pointing to evidence that price hikes can dramatically reduce consumption.

Under Portugal's plans, drinks with a sugar content above 80 grammes per litre will be slapped with a tax of 16.46 euros per hectolitre.

Drinks with less than 80 grammes of sugar per litre will pay a tax of 8.22 euros per hectolitre.

The tax will raise the price of a standard 330 millilitre can of Coca-Cola, which contains 35 grammes of sugar, by 5.5 euro cents.

The new tax will only apply to soft drinks. Sugary drinks based on milk or fruit juice will be spared.

The previous centre-right government, in power until November 2015, considered introducing a sugar tax on drinks and foods that contained too much sugar or salt but dropped the idea.

Only a handful of other countries, such as France, Mexico and South Africa, have introduced a sugar tax.

British Prime Minister Theresa May in August released proposals for such a tax as part of her Conservative government's strategy to combat childhood obesity.

The Socialists came to power in Portugal last year after they teamed up with the Communists and the far-left Left Block to oust the centre-right administration.

The small leftist parties did not formally join the new government, but Prime Minister Antonio Costa relies on them for a majority in parliament to pass legislationan unprecedented political arrangement in 40 years of Portuguese democracy.

Explore further Britain defends new sugar tax following criticism

 2016 AFP
THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LAOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens.
@MichaelAuslen

In a scathing ruling calling out the Secretary of State's office for its legal arguments, a federal judge on Saturday cancelled the oral arguments for a case on voting rights.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker declared he would use written arguments to rule on a lawsuit filed by Democrats contesting a state law that prohibits mail voters from correcting their signatures if they don't match signature on file.

"But this isnt a game; this Court will not allow the Florida Secre- tary of Statea high-level officer of the State of Floridato take a knee and deprive Florida citizens of their most precious right," Walker wrote.

He canceled a Monday hearing in the case.

Under state law, mail voters who do not sign their ballots are allowed to fix them and have their votes counted. Those whose signatures are deemed a mismatch by the county canvassing board are not allowed to.

"The Department responded by the courts deadline. Secretary Detzner is not a proper party to the lawsuit. According to Florida law, the Secretary of State does not canvass vote-by-mail ballots. That is the duty of county canvassing boards," DOS spokeswoman Meredith Beatrice said in a statement.

Walker has not ruled in the case, which is on a time crunch as the Nov. 8 election grows nearer. He did say he was not convinced by Secretary of State Ken Detzner's assertion that he should not be a defendant in the lawsuit because canvassing boards deal with mail ballots, not his office.

He also suggested that Detzner was trying to stall and in effect disenfranchise voters.

"The mischief associated with the Florida Secretary of States shenanigans is that, assuming he is right, it doesnt enable the proper party to be joined, thus disenfranchising thousands," he wrote.
@amysherman1

A Republican voter in Broward wants to shut down a stretch of a major roadway on election day for an amateur road race because he is discouraged about his choices for president.

Aaron Nevins, a former aide to State Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff and son of political blogger Buddy Nevins, sent a letter to the Broward Sheriffs Office Thursday seek to close part of U.S. 441 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 (hat tip Sun Sentinel).

The major candidates arent very compelling -- Id like to do something else that day, said Nevins who said he wont vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Im the type of person who normally would be at the polls, go in and advocate usually for a Republican candidate. Right now I dont think thats exciting so Id rather spend the day racing.

While BSO didn't deny Nevins' request, the agency has sought so much additional information from Nevins that it appears it would be tough for him to pull it off.

Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes denounced the proposal to close part of the busy thoroughfare on election day.

I will do everything I can to stop it, she said.

Nevins wants to close a 1.5-mile portion of 441 north of State Road 84. The stretch is in unincorporated Broward and goes through part of Browards black community -- a key voting bloc for Democrats.

From Nevins press release:

"Today we mailed by certified letter a notification to Sheriff Israel of our intent to host this race, which is the right of any Floridian under the law, said Aaron Nevins, president of Painted Dog Productions. I look forward to working with Sheriff Israel pursuant to his duties under Florida Statute 549.02 to ensure the safety of our community as we shut down 441 and Davie Blvd. Extension for this race."

Florida Statute 549.01, enacted in 1905, gives all Floridians the right to notify the sheriff of their intent to host a race. sheriff allowed to charge $2 per deputy, per day to have deputies to assist us.

Florida Law says it is our duty to notify the sheriff and we have fulfilled our requirements under the law to host this race. said Nevins. "I look forward to working with the sheriff to take reasonable steps necessary to protect the public during this race."

The race will last from 7:00am to 7:00 PM on Election Day, November 8, 2016 and will likely result in the closure of Davie Blvd Extension, as well as 441 in both directions.

A BSO lawyer sent back a response to Nevins Friday afternoon seeking more than one dozen pieces of additional information including a diagram of the course, a list of participants, a crowd control plan and a copy of permits.

Nevins said that he chose 441 because it is in unincorporated Broward. A separate statute allows cities to regulate such races within their jurisdictions and it has more stringent criteria that Nevins said he couldnt meet.

He denied that the road closure will block voters access.

There is plenty of opportunities for people to vote, said Nevins, who plans to vote by mail or at an early site. My goal is to go out on election day and have a fun time. I dont think this is going really block people.

Painted Dog Productions is a company Nevins formed that hasnt previously done anything. Nevins works as a political consultant for local races in the state.

For the record, he drives a black Honda CRV.
@ByKristenMClark

A fresh poll from Public Policy Polling released Friday afternoon has Republican incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio up 6 percentage points on Democrat Patrick Murphy, even after Rubio re-affirmed his support for Donald Trump after the controversial "Access Hollywood" tape was leaked last week.

The poll, done Oct. 12-13, found Rubio with 44 percent support, compared to 38 percent support for Murphy. Libertarian Paul Stanton had 6 percent support and 12 percent were undecided.

In a head-to-head match up, Rubio led Murphy, 48 percent to 43 percent, with 9 percent undecided.

The Democratic-leaning PPP surveyed 985 likely voters for results with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Respondents were also asked about Rubio's decision to stand by Trump, and the results were split.

About 39 percent said they were less likely to vote for Rubio, 32 percent said it made them more likely to support him, and 25 percent said it didn't make a difference. Four percent weren't sure.

PPP's previous poll of the Senate contest -- in late September -- had Rubio leading Murphy by 7 percentage points, 42 percent to 35 percent.

Photo credit: AP / The Palm Beach Post
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
The Missoula Festival of the Dead won't offer free face-painting before its procession down Higgins Avenue this year, citing concerns about cultural appropriation.

Organizers want to take time to "reflect on cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation and how we can play a role in the educational component of that," said Kia Liszak, executive director of the Zootown Arts Community Center, which oversees the festival.

The event, now approaching its 23rd year, has always encountered a certain amount of confusion about its purpose.

Organizers have taken pains over the years to underscore that it is not a Halloween party. It's always been held on Nov. 2, the traditional day for Dia De Los Muertos, the Mexican practice that inspired it, but it's not a typical Dia De Los Muertos celebration.

Its official mission statement is "an annual all-inclusive, multicultural event that honors life and death through community involvement in the arts."

The ZACC, a nonprofit arts center, offers free educational classes on sugar skulls, shrine-building and more. There are homespun traditions like oversized roller prints, too, all of which give residents a way to remember loved ones who have died. The weeks of classes, some of which have grief counselors on hand, culminate in a procession down Higgins Avenue with art, costumes and performances from community groups and schools.

Earlier this year, local residents began heated debates on Facebook about whether the festival constitutes cultural appropriation: should white people wear sugar-skull makeup, a Latin American tradition? Some said they might not attend at all.

Committee members said they hold discussions every year about the festival offerings, and in response to those concerns they canceled the free face painting, an annual offering before the parade, as well as a pre-parade party at Caras Park.

"We've decided to stop doing it this year and take pause," Liszak said.

She emphasized that they're "neither encouraging or discouraging people to paint their faces," nor do they want to tell people what to do. Instead, they "want to communicate and cultivate a level of respect around the subject" through the free art workshops on the meanings behind various traditions.

Last year was the first that they held a pre-parade party, complete with beer specially made by local microbreweries, that they said wasn't well-attended. The cancellation is a way to keep focused on the procession and take "the party atmosphere" out of it, said committee member Nikki Robe.

Regarding the floats and costumes that individuals make, the committee said the procession has few rules, and much like the face-painting, they don't want to control anyone's art.

"We want people to be free to express themselves and experience it in the way that they need to," Liszak said. For some people, their contributions might be boisterous and celebratory; for others, it's more somber.

"Ultimately, we provide this amazing platform for people to express their individual version of grief, of loss, what death means to them personally," said committee member Tarn Ream, who ran the festival herself for a number of years.

What few rules there are consist of a city prohibition on fire or throwing candy. The festival organizers don't allow motor vehicles and or commercial aspects at the nonprofit event, which costs more than $9,000 for the nonprofit to stage.

***

Artists Michael deMeng and Bev Beck Glueckert organized the first Missoula Festival of the Dead in 1993 after visiting Mexico during Dia De Los Muertos.

Ahead of the first parade, DeMeng told the Missoulian that "our culture tends to be in denial about death," he said. "We wanted to begin a tradition and ritual to acknowledge people who were important to us.''

The first drew about 150 participants, the third about 500, the fourth about a thousand.

Early articles indicate that any initial questions about the festival didn't concern cultural appropriation, but a lack of knowledge about Dia De Los Muertos, and concerns that the event was morbid.

"Our intent," deMeng said in 1996, "is definitely not macabre. We celebrate the lives of people and address our own mortality. It should be viewed as a joyous event."

Even early on, organizers emphasized that it wasn't a proper Dia De Los Muertos celebration but a particularly local tradition. In 1997, Glueckert said, "We didn't want to replicate the Day of the Dead. We just really wanted to have a Missoula Day of the Dead.''

Ream said "the procession has always represented a lot of different cultures." This year, for instance, instead of face-painting, they'll offer a workshop in making Japanese lanterns that people can hold during the procession.

They're also considering changing the date of next year's procession entirely so that it doesn't fall on Dia De Los Muertos. That would also move it farther on the calendar from Halloween, helping separate it from the days-long revelry that particular holiday generates in Missoula.

A similar event in Tucson, Arizona, schedules its activities after Nov. 2. The All Souls Procession has numerous parallels: it was founded by artists and held at a similar time of year, and also on occasion criticized as a majority-white population appropriating a holiday.

They haven't set a date yet, but Missoula organizers want to hold a facilitated public forum after the procession to get community members' opinions. Liszak said they want to focus on "positive change" moving forward.

"It's stirred up a lot of discussion, and we want to find ways to make that discussion productive," she said.
PHOENIX -- The head of the state's largest electric utility may be suing Bob Burns in court.

But Don Brandt apparently wants to keep Burns as a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission for another four years.

In an email to employees of Arizona Public Service obtained by Capitol Media Services, Brandt acknowledged he has "disagreements'' with Burns.

Burns has been outspoken in his demand that APS and parent company Pinnacle West divulge whether either was the source of $3.2 million in anonymous donations to groups working to elect two other Republicans to the commission in 2012. He said the reported funding -- the company won't deny it was the source of the money -- taints the commission's reputation and causes the public to question its decision.

When company officials balked, Burns issued a subpoena; the two firms responded by filing suit to block the move.

But Brandt said he still prefers Burns -- along with fellow Republicans Andy Tobin and Boyd Dunn running for the three available seats -- to the Democrat contenders.

"These three candidates would be far better for Arizona, for electricity customers, and for our ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable service while running our business well and earning a fair rate of return for our shareholders,'' Brandt wrote.

And what of Democrats Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin?

"Based on the steady flow of vicious, misleading, anti-APS rhetoric from the other candidates in the ACC race, it's difficult to believe they could regulate any utility impartially,'' he wrote.

That drew an angry reaction from Chabin.

"I promise to be fair,'' he said. But Chabin said that did not mean simply giving APS -- or any other utility -- what it wants.

"A corporation commissioner should be a skeptic,'' he said. "I think that's what the constitution calls us to be.''

Chabin said that includes finding out whether APS or its parent put more than $3 million into the race.

He said it also includes the salaries paid to company officials. The most recent corporate filings show that Brandt, as chairman of the board, president and chief executive of both Pinnacle West aand APS, had total compensation for 2015 of more than $9.3 million.

"Now, if all that is necessary to deliver electricity to someone's home, all right,'' Chabin said. "I think a commissioner should be a skeptic and question every cent that's paid.''

Burns told Capitol Media Services he doesn't know what to think of the endorsement. Nor is he willing to speculate whether being backed by the head of the companies he has attacked will undermine the support and publicity he has generated largely because of that fight over company records.

A recent poll showed Burns with more backing than any of the other four contenders, though more than half of those questioned had yet to make up their mind.

The race also presents an unusual situation: People can vote for up to three contenders -- the number of seats to be filled -- but there are only two Democrats in the contest.

SolarCity, involved in its own fight with APS over charges for customers who generate their own power, already has put $140,000 into mailers supporting Burns and Mundell. That's on top of nearly $700,000 it spent on Burns' behalf to get him through the five-way Republican primary.

Mundell and Chabin, for their part, are running as a ticket.

Burns said while Brandt may want an all-Republican commission, he's not sure if that's in his own best interests.

"I've got pretty strong support from the Democrats on one issue,'' he said, meaning the subpoena.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich has said Burns has the right as an individual commissioner to demand the books of APS as a regulated utility. But Brnovich said seeking the same information from Pinnacle West requires a vote of the majority of the commission.

The four other Republicans now serving on the panel have not been supportive of that move. But Mundell and Chabin have promised to provide Burns the necessary votes if they get elected.

"There's a lot of other issues as well,'' Burns said, beyond the subpoena. But he conceded they pale in comparison.

"I've been working on this for a little over two years,'' he said.

Brandt, for his part, has a different focus, including the company's pending rate request.

That includes both reducing the amount of money APS has to pay to purchase excess power generated by homeowners from their rooftop solar units as well as imposing a "demand charge'' that would determine a customer's bill by not just the amount of energy used overall but how much was used at any one time. That is based on contentions by not just APS but other utilities that solar customers are being subsidized by other ratepayers who cannot afford to install rooftop generators.

And Brandt sees companies like California-based SolarCity as the enemy in this fight.

In his letter to employees, Brandt said he believes that unless changes in rate structure are made, "a few out-of-state special interests will continue to enrich themselves at the expense of our customers.''

Mundell and Chabin have scheduled a press conference for Monday to blast Brandt for trying to influence the election by sending out the email to APS employees.
It must be nice to only work one day a week! Probably most ministers have heard this joke more than once in their lifetime. It is a comment made in jest, but it is a comment that reveals how people dont understand what ministers do all week long.

So heres a glimpse into some of our duties:

Minister as caregiver: This week, I talked to a woman who was in dire need of money to do her laundry, to a man who was evicted from his apartment in need of temporary shelter, and a man who was stranded in East Missoula trying to get home to Pennsylvania. In these situations, I offered some financial assistance through money set aside in our churchs budget for such situations.

Minister as grief counselor and officiant at funerals: At the same time, I officiated at two memorial services in the last 7 days. Every family reacts to death in different ways. Some families come closer together to support each other in a time of grief, other families pull apart. And as families navigate how to honor the loved ones who have passed away, we offer our church sanctuaries, our words and prayers as ways of refuge and healing.

Ministers as hosts: As representatives of our churches we are often called to be hosts to a variety of organizations using our church buildings. We are called to assist our congregations to use our buildings as an extension of our ministry. A few weeks ago our church hosted refugee families from the Congo receiving an orientation to life in the United States. How wonderful it is, to be able to offer thespace of this church to families that are making the most remarkable and difficult transition of their lives.

Ministers as counselor and visitor: Most weeks I go to the hospitals to visit the sick, or to celebrate the birth of a baby, orto attend to the dying and their families. We visit those who are homebound and in nursing homes, bringing the news of the church and offering prayer and spiritual counsel in each of these situations. We may also meet individually with people to offer pastoral care and counseling.

Minister as fundraiser: these past few weeks I have also been working with our church Stewardship Committee to work on fundraising. Of course the church needs money to upkeep its building, to pay its staff, and to continue valuable and important ministry. But teaching people about the art and practice of generosity as an important spiritual practice is most important.

Ministry in the public sphere: Every minister is called upon to participate in the public sphere; to serve on boards of non-profits, to organize ecumenical worship services for the community, to participate in the broader dialogue in our community and the world.

Minister as administrator: We oversee budgets and hire new staff, we attend to a variety of meetings, we write reports, we answer emails and write letters.

Minister as worship leader and preacher: and on top of all of this, we write and deliver our sermons, administer the sacraments, work with musicians to create meaningful liturgy, help and support ministries for children and youth, and engage our congregation in deepening their relationship with God.

One of the things I love about ministry is its variety. No two weeks are exactly the same. No two settings of ministry are ever the same. But each minister in our community offers gifts that support and elevate our community in immeasurable ways. Amen and Amen!
VATICAN CITY  Pope Francis this weekend will canonize Argentina's "gaucho priest," the poncho-wearing, mate-sipping pastor who rode his mule Malacara to the far-flung peripheries of Argentina to minister to the poor.

In many ways, Francis will be honoring a 19th-century version of himself.

Born in 1849 in the province of Cordoba, Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero was one of the most famous Catholics in the Argentina of Francis' youth. He died in 1914 after living for years with leprosy that he was said to have contracted from one of his faithful.

Brochero was beatified in 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI signed off on a miracle attributed to his intercession. History's first Argentine pope cleared him for sainthood earlier this year and on Sunday will canonize Brochero along with six other people in one of the final big Masses of his Holy Year of Mercy.

When Brochero was beatified in 2013, Francis wrote a letter to Argentina's bishops praising Brochero for having had the "smell of his sheep." That's a phrase Francis has frequently used to describe his ideal pastor: one who accompanies his flock, walking with them through life's ups and downs.

"He never stayed in the parish office, he got on his mule and went out to find people like a priest of the street  to the point of getting leprosy," Francis wrote.

Francis, who like Brochero and most Argentines adores his yerba mate tea, has exhorted his pastors to go to the peripheries to find wounded souls and bring them God's mercy. Francis himself has traveled to some of the most forgotten corners of the world to minister to the faithful, and as archbishop of Buenos Aires, was known for riding public transport around town and visiting the capital's slums to celebrate Mass for prostitutes and drug addicts, the most marginal of society.

Another parallel shared by the two Argentines is Brochero's spirituality, which is deeply rooted in the Jesuit spiritual exercises that are so dear to Francis. Just as Brochero would lead his flock in performing the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, so too does Francis, bringing the entire Vatican hierarchy each year on retreat outside Rome.

"If there is one religious figure in Argentina's history who best exemplifies Pope Francis's idea of a priest, it's 'el cura' Brochero," said Austen Ivereigh, author of the Francis biography "The Great Reformer."

"He lived simply, and for others, at one with the gauchos and poor folk."

***

Francis resembles Brochero in other ways, too, with his simple, casual and  even occasionally  foul language. In fact, Brochero's sainthood case was held up for years by concern that his "vulgar" language was not befitting of a priest, according to the Rev. Diego Fares, an Argentine Jesuit writing in the Jesuit magazine Civilta Cattolica.

"Over time, the officials in the Causes of Saints office came to believe the reality that the people of God knew from the start: that Brochero's language was a language of love. Time showed that his words were neither vulgar nor refined: They were the words that were right for each person," Fares wrote.

In his 2013 letter, Francis praised Brochero for the simplicity of his message and language.

"He invited them to drink a mate, they chatted, and Brochero spoke to them in a way they all understood because it came from his heart, of the faith and love he had for Jesus," he said.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP)  Its a 45-minute drive from their Freeport home to Rockford First Church every Sunday, but for the Rhode family its well worth it.

Patti Rhode said she and her husband, Steve, love Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdts sermons, but she admits that if they ever feel like sleeping in, their son, Mark, keeps them accountable.

Mark is all about structure, structure, structure, Rhode said. If we wake up on a Sunday morning and say, Were too tired to go to church today, hell say, No. Were going. 

Mark, 22, is autistic and attends the churchs Illuminators class, a Sunday school for individuals with disabilities who are older than 12. Children with disabilities ages 4-12 are part of the churchs Champions Club ministry, which began in October 2012.

Illuminators is held in the Christian Life High School building and is taught by volunteer Yvonne Alexander, 51, a Rockford resident who has attended Rockford First since she was in eighth grade. Alexander started volunteering with the class shortly after it began more than 30 years ago and took over as its teacher about 20 years ago, she said. She has a degree in elementary education and has worked for 27 years at Milestone Inc., a nonprofit that offers social support services for adults and children with disabilities in Rockford.

Alexander said 25-50 students ranging in age from 13 to their mid-50s attend the hour-long Illuminators class, which consists of songs, crafts, games, snack time and Bible story with a lesson.

When we sing This Little Light of Mine we use flashlights, Alexander said, and the church got us a big-screen TV so we can watch videos to go with Bible stories. (The students) like the Bible stories that are more concrete, stories about heaven because its a place or Noahs ark because it has animals. Anything that they can relate to.

Pastor Betsy Frost, director of Rockford Firsts childrens ministry, said Alexander is the glue that holds the class together.

Without Yvonne this doesnt work, she said.

***

The Rhodes began attending Rockford First three years ago after hearing about the Illuminators class from fellow Freeport resident Colleen Groves.

Groves son, Evan, has Down syndrome and has also been in the Illuminators class for three years. He is nonverbal, but Groves said he sings along with all of the songs in his own jargon, and when asked if hes excited to go to Sunday school, he responds with an enthusiastic shout.

I dont want any church here (in Freeport) to think that Ive snubbed them, but its just different because (those with disabilities) sometimes are more difficult to handle, Groves said. Its easier when theyre little, but it gets harder and less inclusive as they get older.

Rhode and her family are still members of Freeports Park Hills Evangelical Free Church and will attend now and then, but she said that their absence is noticed.

People will ask us, Where have you been? We miss you guys, she said. The services at Park Hills are a little more traditional. I offered to play the piano so that Mark could sing, and other kids would look at him like, what is he doing? ... (Mark) cant sit through a regular service, so (Steve and I) never attended a service together. ... Nothing against (Park Hills), but now Steve and I can attend church together. And theres a place for Mark where he can learn about Jesus.

***

Rhode and Groves said they may have initially attended Rockford First for their children, but that they, too, have found spiritual fulfillment at the church, especially because they can relate to DeWeerdt and his wife, Jen, who have a son with Down syndrome, Rhode said.

I feel very fed when I leave there  like, OK, Patti, youre strong again for the week, Rhode said. And I feel like (the DeWeerdts) get it. Until it actually hits you, you dont completely understand.

Members Kyle Seaworth, 27, and Doug Kuborn, 39, led their peers in a resounding chorus of When the Saints Go Marching In and This Little Light of Mine on Sunday during the Illuminators class. Attendees and volunteers celebrated their annual fall festival with button crafts and a vast spread of food, including nachos, sandwiches and an elaborate candy corn-adorned chocolate cake.

Seaworth took a break from choral direction to give his friend, Evan Groves, a big hug. Evan was all smiles and gave Seaworth an affectionate pat on the head.

I became a Christian as a kid and was baptized in 2007, said Seaworth, who also volunteers as a greeter at Rockford First. Meeting all new people is the best. ... (Illuminators) is a blessing.

Pastor Betsy Frost said she tries to make it over to Illuminators as often as she can.

This is really a perfect picture of the adopted family in Christ, she said. Its not about perfection, its about love.
The Missoula Board of County Commissioners serve as legislative, executive and administrative officials overseeing the operations of the county, as three of about a dozen elected county officials.

There are no requirements to run for county commissioner, according to information from the Montana Association of Counties, other than the candidate must have lived in the county for at least two years, be at least 18 years old and be registered to vote.

The three commissioners serve six-year staggered terms, each set two years apart. There is no term limit.

Missoula County was established in 1860 and when Montana was designated a territory in 1865, the three commissioners served an area encompassing present day Ravalli, Mineral, Lake, Sanders, Lincoln, Flathead and Glacier counties.

Now, the commissioners serve the more than 2,600-square-mile Missoula County, overseeing more than 30 departments and a budget that topped $100 million in 2016.

They hold public administrative meetings Tuesday-Thursday each week, where they approve and discuss items from individual departments, as well as a meeting on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month to discuss an agenda of higher public interest.

The commissioners approve interdepartmental spending, contracts with employees and outside service providers and property variance requests, and they also oversee open space bond spending, to name a sliver of items that come up in public meetings.

Either Republican Todd Geery or Democrat Dave Strohmaier will replace Commissioner Stacy Rye on Jan. 1, 2017, to serve until 2022.

He will join Commissioner Jean Curtiss, in her third term, serving until 2018, and Commissioner Chair Cola Rowley, in her first term, serving until 2020.
Two Montana groups received almost $14 million in federal funds this week to loan to rural and impoverished communities.

Federally recognized tribes, community-based nonprofits and public bodies in high- or persistent-poverty rural towns with populations under 20,000 are eligible for the loans, which will be disbursed by the Montana & Idaho Community Development Corp. (MICDC), based out of Missoula, as well as Farmers State Bank, of Victor.

These projects are critical for rural communities to thrive and prosper, Dave Glaser, president of the MICDC said. Just pick up the phone and give us a call. Its that easy.

The money came from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Uplift America Community Facilities Relending program, with $10 million to the MICDC and a little less than $4 million to Farmers, according to Janelle Gustafson, assistant director of Montana USDA Rural Development.

Agencies from around the country applied for a chunk of the $500 million available from the USDA, Gustafson said. Sixteen agencies were awarded just over $400 million this year.

These loans are a modification of an existing program, Gustafson said, in which private agencies, rather than just federal ones, can receive and lend money.

We are a relatively small staff in Montana, Gustafson said of her office. Its additional people to help rural Montanans in rural communities.

The MICDC also received a $750,000 grant to ramp up their services.

The money would be used for essential community facilities, the release stated, such as health care centers, schools, town halls or child care centers, though many others are possible.

Loan structure will be looked at on an individual basis, Glaser said. Their team reviews how much any given lendee could pay back, so they arent overburdening poor communities with unrealistic payments.

Theres no maximum on how much theyll lend for a specific project.

Whether its a $5,000 community development or a $10 million school, you name it  we want to talk with those folks, Glaser said.

And even if a project isnt eligible for these specific loans, he wants to help find money somehow.

We dont want to limit the possibility of people calling us, he said.

This is the first time community development institutions have been eligible for the USDA community facility relending loans, Glaser said, though theyve received funds for small business loans from the USDA in the past.

The Montana & Idaho Community Development Corp. was started in Missoula in the mid-'80s to help poor women in the Missoula area, eventually growing to open offices in Missoula, Bozeman and Boise, according to its website.

In 2012, the corporation loaned more than $7 million to small businesses in Montana, supporting 40 rural businesses with the loans, also according to the site.

Its about these communities having access to the things they need to be successful, Glaser said.

A representative for Farmers State Bank could not be reached Thursday.
BANDMANN FLATS  Even the grazing horses are gone from the empty field that would be a solar farm.

Its been almost a year since Cypress Creek Renewables reached an agreement to sell the electricity generated from 17,000 solar panels on a 60-acre parcel east of Missoula to NorthWestern Energy.

Still no panels, still no sun power.

In December the Missoula County Board of Adjustment granted Cypress Creek a special exception to build along Deer Creek Road on land zoned residential.

At the time, the California-based company planned construction of one of the first 3-megawatt solar facilities in the state for the spring.

The pasture lease for the horse keepers ran out in June. Spring turned to August.

Now Cypress Creek says it could be well into 2017 before work begins. The company has at least five other projects around the state in similar moribund stages.

The projects are fully permitted, approved and are now in detailed engineering design, company spokesman Jeff McKay said. It looks like there have been some delays on the engineering side.

He didnt detail what those delays were.

According to NorthWestern Energy, the Missoula facility is one of nine that were finalized with independent developers before the Montana Public Service Commission issued an emergency order in June to temporarily suspend PURPA rates. The 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act to promote alternative energy requires NorthWestern to buy up to 3 megawatts from private solar and wind projects at a standard rate based on the avoided cost  what the utility would have to pay to get the power somewhere else.

That rate, negotiated in 2013, is $66 per megawatt hour. The power company says thats far too high now that the costs of doing business in the solar industry have dropped and projects are being developed at an unprecedented pace around the nation. The expense of the overflow of electricity has to be passed on to customers, said Butch Larcombe of NorthWestern Energy.

The Public Service Commission set a Jan. 18 hearing to consider a new rate structure that better reflects the market, with a target of early March to reach a decision, said PSC communications director Eric Sell.

NorthWestern Energy proposes a rate thats roughly half the current price, and for a term shorter than the current 25 years.

The PSCs suspension of the standard rate doesnt mean companies cant negotiate their own price with NorthWestern Energy, Sell pointed out.

McKay said the suspension also doesnt affect Cypress Creeks Deer Creek project, since its had a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NorthWestern on it and a handful of other Montana projects since last November.

The power company agrees.

Based on our understanding of the PSCs decision regarding the rate suspension, we believe those projects can get the existing PURPA Qualifying Facilities rate for the electricity produced, Larcombe said. The rate suspension affects the dozens and dozens of proposed projects that did not have complete agreements in place at the time of the decision.

Whats not so clear is why the approved plants arent being built. Cypress Creek and other companies that proposed them will receive the current rate of $66 per megawatt hour for 25 years once theyre up and running.

Sell said Cypress Creek has "something like" 14 proposed projects in Montana, six of them approved for the old rate.

They already have spent some resources planning, and they seem very adamant that they want all their projects to move forward," he said. "It really wouldnt make sense to sit back and not do those projects just because the standard rate is suspended for another portion of their projects.

The agreements forged late last year have a deadline for the solar plants to be up and running.

Its my understanding that the valid contracts we have say they are supposed to be completed by the end of this year, Larcombe said. What happens if that isnt reached, I dont know. I think theres still that clause in the contract, but it probably becomes a legal thing.

Last month two environmental groups petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to intervene to lift the Public Service Commissions suspension of the standard rate. The Montana Environmental Information Center and Washington, D.C.-based Vote Solar argue the suspension violates PURPA and undercuts solar development in Montana.

On Oct. 5, FERC granted the PSC a deadline extension to Nov. 1 for parties to file comments or act as intervenors.

So we wont get a decision from FERC until at least after that, Brian Fadie of MEIC said Thursday. Our attorney at EarthJustice still anticipates getting a ruling before the end of the year, but we dont have a better guess than that at the moment.
Louie Adams was there.

Day Two of the Salish and Pend dOreille Return to the Homeland was a rainy one, as mid-October days can be.

More than 50 people braved sporadic drenchings Friday to walk from the overnight camp off North Reserve Street to Chief Looking Glass campground near Florence, roughly tracing in reverse Day Two of another march led by Chief Charlo in 1891.

I woke up excited, Andrea Adams of St. Ignatius said at the first rest stop in the parking lot of a convenience store on South Avenue. I just felt I want to do this, I want to finish this. I looked forward to doing this walk with everybody here and carry those that couldnt make it here and carry our dad with us back home.

Andrea is the seventh of Louis Adams eight children and one of four sisters participating in the walk.

A Salish elder, cultural leader and tribal historian, Adams died unexpectedly in April at the age of 82.

That was a month or so after Chaney Bell first mentioned to Adams the idea of a return walk to the tribes Bitterroot homeland on the 125th anniversary of the Salish Trail of Tears from Stevensville to the Flathead Indian Reservation.

In my time hes been the biggest advocate for the Bitterroot, said Bell, language coordinator for the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee and co-founder of the Nkwusm Salish Immersion School in Arlee.

Adams cautioned Bell not to treat the walk as a celebration. Pressures from white settlement, hunger, poverty and the U.S. government forced the removal of their people from the Bitterroot all those years ago. It was nothing to cheer about.

Its kind of a sad journey, Johnny Arlee said at the outset of Fridays trek. Were still surviving that past, and theres still a future.

Many of those Arlee addressed during a sweetgrass smudging ceremony were young walkers such as Josiah Nichols, Cordell Schaak and Jason Chasen, juniors and a senior at Two Eagle River School in Pablo. They were among at least a dozen teenagers walking the distance  51 miles from the Jocko Church cemetery on Thursday to St. Mary Church at Stevensville, which theyll reach Saturday afternoon.

Weve got to look at you young people for the future, Arlee said. Youre going to be taking care of our young people that are coming and you need to know the history  where we come from, who we are, the struggles that weve gone through.

Fridays route through Missoula and Lolo was part of that history, said Willie Stevens, an event organizer. He stood in the dripping rain at the KOA Campground at 9 a.m. to give the walkers their marching orders.

As you walk through Missoula, think about what the valley meant to their ancestors, Stevens said. Bull trout swam in the Clark Fork River. Along Reserve Street and over at the University of Montana campus were big bitterroot digging sites in the spring.

Arlee remembered being part of a large camp harvesting bitterroots near whats now South Reserve when he was a small boy.

Right along Fort Missoula and Shopko, there was nothing there, he said. You could see where big trees were at out in the field. I remember seeing the gate at Fort Missoula.

A long time before my time, I guess there were some people digging there and the (fort soldiers) were doing practices and they come rushing out the gate, said Arlee. An old lady, she went across the line into the Fort Missoula side and she thought she was under attack. She ran away and went back to her camp.

Louis Adams, who was born in 1933, talked many times about the sudden silence he encountered as a child when he walked into a room of his elders.

He told me theyd be talking and the women would be crying, and he would never understand why theyd stop talking, Bell said.

Later in life Adams asked one of the elders why that was.

I cant remember if it was Sophie Moiese, said Bell, One of the elder women told him, Most of the time we were talking about leaving the Bitterroot and we didnt want you guys to have that same feeling we had, the hate and bitterness.

He said he always appreciated that, because now he had that good memory of the Bitterroot and he didnt have that bitterness that they had.

For Adams, it was another emotion, his daughter Andrea said.

You know, I think my dad is historical in that he carried that sadness with him up until his death, she said. He always talked about the Bitterroot, and he always talked about the part of his family that came over to the reservation.

He would want us to do this, added her sister, Brenda Morton, as she donned white Griz raingear during the walk.

Theres no doubt in either womans mind that their father would be beside them on this walk, along with his grandkids and three great-grandchildren who walked on Thursday.

He used to jog all the time, up until he was probably 70, Andrea Adams noted. He was very active.

***

As the afternoon dried out, the walkers strung out along the new Missoula-to-Lolo Trail and beyond.

The legs of the route get progressively shorter  Thursdays was 21  miles and Fridays 17. On Saturday, after another smudging ceremony and sendoff at 9 a.m., the procession will walk the final 12  miles, stopping a mile from Stevensville at the Bitterroot River Park on the east side of the bridge.

There the ranks will expand. Bell said many of Saturdays participants will be wearing ceremonial regalia as they begin the final walk into town at 2 p.m. A three-hour program starts at 3 p.m. at Salish graves at the St. Mary cemetery where Charlo's father, Victor, is buried. The rest of the program will be indoors at the churchs multipurpose center. It includes a welcoming, honor song, meal and open mic.

***

In Stevensville, on the morning of Oct. 15, 1891, Gen. Henry Carrington described Charlo as defeated but not broken, as the chief organized the Salish for the march.

According to Robert Bigart, in his 2006 book Getting Good Crops, Carrington said the Salish were divided into three groups headed by Charlo, Louis Vanderburg and one of the Lamooses.

When all was ready, a Stevensville newspaper reported, (Charlo) gave the signal to march by lifting a large white wing  the emblem of his chieftainship  and the procession, of perhaps 300, moved forward.

On Oct. 15, 2016, the Salish return.
HAMILTON  When you live in a rural area, its easy to think theres no issue with homelessness.

There arent people sleeping on the sidewalk or panhandling on the corners. You dont see tent villages springing up along the river banks, either.

But if youre in the business of helping people living on the edge, you hear the stories of families couch-surfing from one friends home to another. And you meet the people living in their campers or cars.

The director of Hamiltons Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) has seen people coming to that organizations shelter because they have no place else to go.

We were organized almost 30 years ago as an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, said Stacey Umhey. Weve always provided shelter for people facing those situations.

Over the past couple of years, SAFE employees have noticed a large increase in the number of people seeking shelter for reasons other than domestic violence.

Were really striving to help people, but its really taxed our abilities, Umhey said.

Between 2008 and 2010, SAFEs shelter ran an occupancy rate of between 63 percent to 75 percent. Umhey said that in the past few years, thats jumped dramatically to somewhere between 80 percent and 113 percent.

This past quarter, the occupancy rate has averaged 128 percent.

How do we manage that? Not very well, Umhey said. We have people sleeping on our couches. Some are sleeping in an apartment that was supposed to be used as office space.

SAFE has also housed people at an offsite location, but the organization has to pay an additional fee for that.

Thats making an impact on our fiscal resources, Umhey said. Were doing the best we can with the little resources that we have.

Umhey knows that SAFE isnt alone in its concern about the homeless.

Over the past couple of years in conversations with other Ravalli County service providers, the issue of homelessness was a growing concern.

When you start comparing notes, we found that regardless of what organization it was, all were serving people who have really big struggles around housing, Umhey said. There are a lot of people who simply dont have a home. They bounce around with family members and live in spaces that arent large enough. They live in campers. They live in their cars. Housing has become a really big issue.

Last March, a group of those service providers met to begin discussing the issue of homelessness and housing in Ravalli County.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, they will come together again at the Blodgett/Canyon View Conference Room at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital to continue that conversation on what can be done to address the issue.

Our goal is to work on the housing issues that affect so many folks in our community, Umhey said.

Anyone who has an interest in the issue is invited to attend.

Ravalli Head Start Executive Director John Filz is one of the organizers.

Hes seen firsthand the impact of homelessness on young children who attend the Head Start program.

Last year, slightly more than 30 percent  or 69 of the programs students were homeless. So far this year, the number is down to 47 students or about 20 percent. Filz expects that number will grow as the year goes on.

Here in the Bitterroot, theres not much shelter capacity for the homeless, Filz said. That leads to a situation where children are being moved from family to friends to family to friends. There is a tremendous amount of that going on right now.

That unstable and unpredictable housing situation is not only stressful for parents, it also creates a variety of challenges for youngsters just starting pre-school.

The primary issue that were seeing homelessness in our families is that they cant afford housing here, Filz said. At their income levels, they cant afford the cost of rent.

Were going to try to figure out what we can do as a community to address that issue, he said. We want the community to come together and see what we can accomplish.
The state paid out at least $63.6 million in 151 tort and negligence settlements under the last two governors. And it's likely that total is higher because about a dozen additional cases are sealed or considered confidential by the state.

The lack of transparency, especially around settlements with state workers, has become an issue in the governor's race.

In May, the Lee State Bureau requested basic details on all settlements handled by the Department of Administrations Risk Management and Tort Defense Division. Nearly all cases about alleged negligence by the state are routed through that division.

The agency identified about 200 such lawsuits between Jan. 1, 2005, and May 31, 2016, and released basic details on 151 cases that were not sealed by court order. The people or agencies involved as well as the value of the remaining settlements remain unknown.

The agency says it is processing the Lee State Bureau public records request, reviewing each case to see what legally can be released based on the settlement agreements, state privacy laws and constitutional requirements for both government transparency and citizen privacy.

Those cases could range from slips on staircases to allegations of abuse by prison guards, based on reports of similar suits in other states.

The biggest settlement listed in the public records release was in 2011. It divided $43 million among more than 1,300 plaintiffs who claimed the state had not done enough to warn workers and area residents about the hazards of asbestos-tainted vermiculite mines in Libby. The second largest was a $3.5 million settlement with Jimmy Ray Bromgard, who alleged violations of his civil rights by state and Yellowstone County employees that led to his wrongful conviction and imprisonment for more than 15 years.

Lawsuits against state governments are common, although whether the results are made public is frequently a matter of dispute.

A handful of Montana's confidential or sealed cases entered the public spotlight this week when a Bozeman Chronicle story suggested the state was violating public records laws by not releasing information about settlements with former state employees. It cited an anonymous source who suggested the state used confidential payments to cover up misdeeds.

The states online checkbook shows payments to at least 42 former state employees totaling more than $745,000. In 2013, at the start of Gov. Steve Bullocks first term, Montana launched a transparency website that included all state payments and employee salaries.

Republicans seized on the Chronicle report to slam Bullock, a Democrat running for re-election. In a news release, challenger Greg Gianforte characterized the settlements as what looks like an attempt to silence whistleblowers.

Like others in his party over the last several months, Gianforte had asked Montana reporters to talk with aggrieved former state employees who he suggested had been retaliated against for highlighting mismanagement in their departments.

Lee Newspapers has previously reported that some of the incidents the GOP referenced were found by legislative auditors to be without merit. Many Republicans continue to insist there was, in fact, wrongdoing while others focus on the failure to release records they consider public.

What do these state employees know that Governor Bullock doesnt want exposed? read one of several tweets Thursday from the Montana GOPs official Twitter account. Another read, A LOT of money has been paid out by Governor Bullock to keep his corruption quiet.

Bullock said insinuations that he had fired and paid off employees who raised concerns about state government were flat wrong. He also argued the settlement figures reported by the Chronicle were presented without context, including that such settlements also have been made under numerous previous governors.

Troy Carter (of the Bozeman Chronicle) wouldnt have even seen the settlements if I hadnt put the states checkbook online, so I hope we see that part of the transparency is good, Bullock said.

In a statement released Thursday, Department of Administration staff wrote that state law expressly prohibits state agencies from releasing private information about state employees, citing a statute that classifies all but a few specific personnel records as confidential.

If any employee sees any inappropriate activity, they are encouraged to blow the whistle to ensure a work environment that respects all employees and taxpayers, Bullock spokeswoman Ronja Abel wrote in a statement. The governor is committed to a fair and inclusive work environment. As Attorney General, the governor requested legislation to strengthen Montanas False Claims Act," which provides some whistleblower protections.

Bullock said Thursday that he was not directly involved in settlement agreements and is only made aware of critical situations. He said he leaves the decisions and details to the relevant agencies.

Settlements dont come up to me as governor, he said. "That sounds like Im passing the buck, but if an employee gets a settlement, its not like Im signing off on it."

Asked where the line should be between public disclosure and confidentiality, Bullock said it would have to vary case-by-case.

Pressed on whether there are alternatives, such as releasing multi-year totals by agency without releasing the names of the recipients, Bullock agreed it might be possible to release more information than has been done in the past.

I think thats something we could certainly be looking at for sure, he said. I think one of the great things about this job is you get to wrestle with this stuff, right? And figure out what the answer is.

If what were doing is just protecting the state, thats one thing, he said. But we also have the privacy interests of those individuals.
Police reports

SUSPICIOUS DRIVER ARRESTED FOR DRUGS IN STOLEN CAR

Police responded to the 10 block of Mulldoone Street at 6 p.m. Thursday after reports of a suspicious man sitting in a car. Police approached the car, and 38-year-old Billings resident Christopher Berns emerged. Police booked Berns for three criminal contempt warrants out of Butte city court and, after officers discovered Berns's vehicle was stolen, felony motor vehicle theft. Berns also faces a felony charge for drug possession and a misdemeanor for drug paraphernalia possession after officers found bags of pot and meth in the stolen vehicle as well as pipes and syringes.

HOMELESS MAN ENTERS GARAGE TO URINATE

A woman on the 700 block of Park Street called police at 8 p.m. Thursday after seeing someone enter her garage. Police entered the garage and found Alex Wacker, a 23-year-old homeless man from Missoula. When police asked Wacker what he was doing in the garage, Wacker responded that it seemed like a good place to urinate. Wacker was arrested for misdemeanor trespass. Police do not know if Wacker successfully urinated within the garage.

BUTTE MAN ARRESTED FOR SPEEDING DRUNK

An officer driving on Paxson Avenue pulled over a vehicle west of 4 Mile Road at 8:45 p.m Thursday after witnessing the vehicle speeding. The driver, Cullen Sehulster, 22, of Butte, had a warrant for his arrest for contempt of court in Gallatin County and had expired license plates. Police said Sehulster spoke with a slur and his breath smelled of alcohol. Police said Sehulster failed a field sobriety test and other sobriety tests at the jail after being arrested. Sehulster blew twice the legal limit and was booked for aggravated DUI, speeding, driving with expired plates, and criminal contempt.
Here are the candidates for chief executive of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County:

Bill Everett

Age: 45

Address: 801 E Third St., Anaconda

Occupation: Financial advisor

Education: Graduate, University of Montana  Accounting

As a proud Fourth Generation Anacondan, my love for this amazing town is deep and true. The history of our town is full of grandeur but today is full of need. The economic path we have chosen is not working. With 24 years of diverse financial background, I have the ability and resources to bring the needed changes to our community.

With active pursuit and attainment of quality jobs comes an increased tax base, thus providing us with the resources we need without increasing your taxes. In order to attract these quality jobs and correlated companies we must first switch from a passive to active approach in addressing the blight that has overtaken our town.

Together lets use our Anaconda pride to rebuild our town into the healthy and prosperous community we all envision it can be.

Connie Ternes Daniels, incumbent

Age: 58

Address: 203 S. Dixon, Anaconda

Occupation: Chief Executive

Education: Graduate Study in Public Administration and Rural Town and Regional Planning; Graduated with honors from Montana Tech in 1984 with a degree in Society and Technology-Public Policy; Attended Montana State University; 1976 Graduate of Anaconda Senior High School

Its an honor to serve as ADLCs CEO. Weve faced great challenges together and worked collaboratively to solve them. Our team has worked to repair, restore, provide the best services possible and pave the way for economic development.

Our accomplishments include $18 million in water-main replacements and $5 million in waste-water improvements, ensuring clean, safe drinking water. Work continues on Anacondas unique historic features: street lights, courthouse and library. Renovation of parks and trail development continues with $1.5 million invested in Washoe Park and future re-development of the West Valley Park. Weve partnered with the State in rebuilding the Mill Creek Highway, aided with $11 million in federal dollars.

Weve worked aggressively to assist business development, including the $200 million power plant, START facility, AWARE school, Community Hospital of Anaconda expansion projects and Copper Environmental  all resulting in job growth and increased tax base. We are moving forward.
Here are the local candidates in Jefferson County.

CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT

Dorianne Woods, incumbent, is unopposed

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Steven C. Haddon

Age: 54

Address: 214 S. Elder, Boulder

Occupation: Jefferson County Attorney

Education: J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington; MBA, National University, San Diego, California; B.S., Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana

As you know, the County Attorney prosecutes violations of Montanas criminal laws. However, the County Attorney also represents the county in civil matters, and provides legal advice and guidance to the county. To this end, a solid foundation in criminal, civil, and local government law is required. I have gained extensive experience in these areas through 22 years of practice.

I have civil and criminal litigation experience in state and federal courts (representing the State of Montana and local governments) and appellate experience in the Montana Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. My experience has served Jefferson County well for the past 3 years; first as Chief Deputy, and now as your County Attorney.

I am a Missoula native, and a former Marine. Our son is on active duty with the United States Air Force. My wife Joanna and I will celebrate our 31st anniversary in October.

Erin Inman

Age: 44

Address: 2 Grassy Mountain, Montana City

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Services, Colorado State University; Law degree graduate cum laude from Pepperdine School of Law.

I have dedicated my career to bettering Montana as a prosecutor and ultimately as our states DUI law and traffic safety expert. Recently, I drafted DUI legislation and testified before Montanas 2015 Legislature to close loopholes and to prevent leniency for repeat DUI offenders. Except for the time I served as the Prairie County Attorney in Terry, Montana, I have lived in Jefferson County since 2003.

I love this county, and that is why my husband, Phil, and I chose to raise our girls here. I was the Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. I served our country by enlisting when I was 17 as a pharmacy technician for the United States Army Reserve. I attended Pepperdine School of Law on scholarship and graduated cum laude. I received my Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Sciences from Colorado State University.

DISTRICT 1 COMMISSIONER

Leonard Wortman

Age: 67

Address: 10 Rodeo Trail, P.O. Box D, Boulder

Occupation: County Commissioner and Fence Contractor, AA and AAS in Human Services.

I have been a Commissioner since January of 2010. I also served for six years in the 1990s. In a nutshell, I am a very strong believer in private property rights, I am willing to fight for the people of Jefferson County, and I firmly believe that I can help build Jefferson Countys future in a positive way.

I led the efforts to keep the MSTI Line on public lands and off of private lands in the Whitehall area. I also led the effort for Jefferson County to keep our House seat during Legislative Redistricting. I was able to help Jefferson County secure more than three million dollars to help restore Pipestone Creek and get control of the Eurasian Water Milfoil in the Jefferson Slough.

We are currently working with folks to establish a wind farm and assemble wind turbines at the business park near Whitehall. We are also working with folks on a manufacturing site between Boulder and Whitehall.

I have been very involved with efforts in Boulder to help move that community past the devastation of the Legislature and Governor closing the Montana Developmental Center. We have great opportunities for Boulder to totally rebrand itself. I would like to thank everyone for your continued support.
A federal judge sided with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to shut down until more environmental review is done.
Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Matt Vincent said at a debate Friday night that a proposal to revamp West Park Street from Uptown to Montana Tech with a median down the middle was off the table.

Commissioner Dave Palmer, who is running against Vincent for the countys top political post, said that was good to hear because people just didnt think it would work.

The Park Street corridor was one of several issues the candidates touched on during an hour-long debate at the Montana Tech Auditorium with less than four weeks before the Nov. 8 election.

Others included infrastructure needs, working with commissioners, and even their thoughts on whether the giant no dogs allowed signs at Butte parks need to come down.

Although it was a bit more spirited than a forum last week in which Vincent and Palmer agreed on more things than not, it was fairly cordial nevertheless, maintaining a pattern  at least publicly  that Vincent spoke about early in the forum.

He thanked Palmer for helping to have a more civil campaign than we are seeing on the national level.

It has been weeks since Vincent or his administration have publicly addressed the status of an earlier proposal to reduce traffic lanes on far West Park Street and put a median with trees down the middle.

The plan as touted by Planning Director Jon Sesso and others envisioned more room for pedestrians and bicyclists and extended sidewalks so restaurants and bars could put tables outside for dining and drinking.

It got some early pushback from some residents who said, among other things, that a median would make it difficult to clear streets of snow and ice.

Vincent said he and his team listened to that feedback, but the median idea also was dropped because of cost concerns and issues raised in talks with the Montana Department of Transportation. The state agency would pay for most of the changes.

We do listen to the public, and there was overwhelming public concern about constructing that and what it would do to traffic, Vincent said, adding a new plan would be presented soon with no median but with one lane of traffic in each direction and a middle turn lane, still with more trees and room for walkers and bikers.

Palmer said the Park Street plan would have taken precedence over much-needed repairs to nearby Excelsior Street that also had been on the drawing board.

Excelsior is in dire need of repaving, and that was put off for Park Street, he said.

Both acknowledged that road repairs consistently rank as the top budget concern among residents, but neither directly answered the question on whether they were willing to push for a tax increase to get more street revenue.

Palmer said there needs to be a comprehensive plan for street improvements that is coordinated with sewer and water piping underneath.

You cant keep continuing to pave the roads and then in two or three weeks digging up water lines below them, he said. He did note that road funding was increased in the last county budget.

Vincent has increased the number of potholes filled and miles paved during his first term, got a new portable asphalt maker for Public Works, and his past two budgets have included significant new dollars for street work.

Vincent said Friday night there already is a comprehensive street-improvement plan, noting a recent presentation by Public Works to the council that also touched on all the possible ways to increase road revenue.

On leadership style, Vincent said he meets once a week with all of his department heads so were all on the same page and continuously seeks and includes input from the council.

Palmer has said that Vincent often keeps commissioners out of the loop, presenting them with some big plans or moves at the last minute.

Without being prompted, Vincent challenged Palmer to name one example of that.

Moving the county shops from one side of the road to the other, Palmer said.

He was referring to a request Vincent and his administrative team brought to commissioners to relocate the shops from just east of the Civic Center to an area just to the north. The shops need to be moved because they sit atop polluted Parrot mine tailings set to be removed.

The proposal drew quick and sharp rebuke from residents who want to see Silver Bow Creek restored, saying they had no input into the proposal. Vincent withdrew it, saying the recommendation was a little bit hasty.

Vincent said Friday night he wasn't seeking a final vote. However, he and top department heads had gone into a council meeting seeking an OK from commissioners for the plan before it was dropped.

When asked about the billboard-sized no dogs allowed signs and whether leashed dogs should be allowed in more parks, Vincent said he thought most of the signs already had come down. He had stated a year ago that it was not welcoming for pet owners and non-pet owners alike to be slapped in the face with such signs.

Vincent and Palmer both said the problem of dogs running loose in big numbers had largely been erased thanks to efforts by the countys animal control department.

Vincent also noted that Buttes first dog park  at Skyline Park  was established during his first term and there are now two large areas there for dogs. And leashed dogs are still allowed in the countys numerous trails and open spaces.

Palmer said the signs were up when the dog problem was still bad.

Do they have to be as large as they are? Probably not, he said.

But he said he did not favor allowing leashed dogs in any additional parks.
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Coconino Community College board members are speaking up for the new programs they will support if the $3 million tax override passes Nov. 8.

The board and staff have worked together determining what programs are really wanted by the community and what those programs would cost and then that is the number that were asking in Prop. 410 for the community to provide to their college, said Nat White, board member representing District 1.

CCC President Colleen Smith said in an interview Tuesday that she and board members have prepared a draft budget that includes specific new, expanded and revived programs and their estimated cost if Prop. 410 passes.

New programs include:

--automotive repair

--manufacturing systems

Expanded programs include

--construction trades

--nursing

--veterans services

--dual high school/CCC enrollment

Revived programs include:

--early childhood development

--continuing education by industry

--community and lifelong learning

Smith said the budget based on passage of Prop. 410 has a doubling of the nursing class from 20 to 40 students and an increase in course offerings at the Page center, which was downsized from a satellite campus two years ago.

She also said a shortage of faculty, especially those teaching full-time, has affected enrollment, especially in the General Studies courses offered at the Fourth Street campus.

We believe one of the reasons enrollment is flatis because we cannot offer the courses and number of sections that students need because of a shortage of faculty, she said in a letter to the Daily Sun.

She said new non-credit courses would focus on the needs of the community, such as outdoor safety, and continuing education instructors would partner with an existing business or industry to offer training in new technology or systems.

The district governing board has sent to the voters a 7-year tax override that would start in 2019 and raise an extra $3 million a year in operating funds on a budget of about $30.6 million in Year 1 of the override. CCCs property tax rate is the lowest of any community college in Arizona, and, after sustaining dramatic cuts in state aid, its tuition is the highest.

The point that Im making is its a financial necessity to go to the voters because of state cuts, because of our initial, very low property tax, White said, adding that his particular interest is in reviving early childhood education that certifies Head Start and other preschool teachers.

Added White: It fills a very important niche for folks who arent ready for university, or arent interested in university, interested in one course or are interested in EMT or the areas of safety, fire police, or are interested in taking one small step at a time towards a higher degree. Its a treasure, in my mind.
A Muscatine man pleaded guilty Friday to charges that he hit and killed a Muscatine couple on a motorcycle in Illinois City before fleeing the scene.

Robert P. Darrow, 41, will be sentenced Nov. 9 in Rock Island County Circuit Court on two counts of failure to report an accident, a Class 1 felony punishable by four to 15 years in prison.

About 8:30 p.m. May 17, 2015, a silver 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix was headed east in the 26000 block of 124th Avenue near Illinois City when it crossed the center line, striking a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling west, according to the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office.

The driver of the motorcycle, Kevin D. Diehl, 42, and his passenger, Dawn A. Korch, 37, were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the testimony of Sheriffs Detective Jason Patterson at Darrows preliminary hearing in late May 2015:

An Illinois City firefighter who lives three-quarters of a mile away from the accident site responded to the area after hearing the crash. The firefighter saw a man standing on the passenger side of the car looking through paperwork.

The firefighter told deputies that the man told him he had not had a chance to call 911.

To the left of the car, the firefighter saw a motorcycle and a male nearby who appeared to be dead. When he made his way back to the car, the firefighter saw the man run south across a field.

That man matched the description of Darrow. His cellphone and clothing were found inside the car.

Deputies discovered that the Grand Prix was registered to a relative of Darrows girlfriend, who told investigators that she sold the car to Darrow on May 15, 2015, for $800.

Darrows girlfriend, who lives more than two miles from the accident, told deputies that she had spoken to him on the phone about 8:32 p.m. the night of the crash. The two had gotten into a fight, and she told him to just go home.

He went to her house later and had on wet, muddy clothes and scratches all over his body. She told deputies that Darrow told her that he was an accident and didnt know what happened. He said he thought he lost consciousness and ran from the scene when he saw people there.

There were no witnesses to the crash, according to Pattersons testimony.
Harvest continues on smoothly at our house  I think we are now six weeks in and still going. However, the weather has been perfect and the corn is pretty dry. We are finished with our soybean harvest and are now concentrating on corn. Its a great year so far with yields and prices, so we are feeling blessed. It softens the blow of the input costs like fertilizers, diesel fuel, and repairs.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Salon Incognito is working to reduce its carbon footprint, joining a movement to reduce the waste produced at salons, and is working to become more eco-friendly.

They are a Green Circle Salon, a group that works to reduce the salon industry's environmental impact. According to Green Circle Salons, every day, 421,206 pounds of waste, including hair clippings, hair color, foil, color tubes, and other items are thrown away every day across North America.

"Knowing that we can throw this stuff away in a way that's safer for the environment, and still make people really pretty, I just think we've partnered with the right people," said Candy Fuegen, the owner of Salon Incognito.

Fuegen is on the artistic team for Davines, an Italian hair care company, which partnered with Green Circle Salons. Davines is also a company that supports Fuegen's desire to be more eco-friendly, with products containing foods grown by old-fashioned farmers.

She has met one of the farmers who provides the almonds in one of the shampoos she uses.

"It's food-grade materials that go into our shampoo, and it's 100 percent biodegradable," she said.

Fuegen said she has been changing her own personal lifestyle, realizing the importance of food and reducing the waste that can harm the environment.

"It's real and it has an action behind it, it's not a publicity thing, it's a real ethical thing that I feel is our responsibility and our staff does too," she said.

Hair, which, according to Green Circle, produces 63,180 pounds every day in North America, Fuegen said is heated when taken to landfills and produces gasses, which are harmful to the environment.

The hair from her salon now is recycled into mats, and Fuegen said may even be used for flooring or counters in the future.

Benjamin Fix and Deb LaRue, two of the staff members at Salon Incognito, said they were excited to be part of the more eco-friendly practices.

"It's really cool, I hope more salons do it," Fix said.

From the hair care to waste, Salon Incognito hopes to make a difference.

"Just having less of a carbon footprint is so important," Fuegen said.

Now that she has worked at an eco-friendly salon, LaRue said she would have difficulty imagining working in a salon that would produce more waste.

"It just becomes a way of life," she said.
IOWA CITY, Iowa  Noah Miller of Muscatine and a student at Central Middle School was among the 700 students from Iowa and throughout the nation who were recently invited to be honored at The University of Iowa Belin-Blank Centers Recognition Ceremony. Additionally, recognized students were given the opportunity to honor a teacher they credited for having a profound influence on their lives.

Miller selected Becky Stogdill for this honor.

The ceremony was held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa campus.

Students were invited to be recognized by the Center for exceptional performance in the Belin-Blank Center student talent search, for receiving scholarships for Belin-Blank Center summer residential gifted programs, for being gold key awardees from the Scholastic Art and Writing program, for being a student research presenters at the Iowa Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, for being an awardee for Invent Iowa State Invention Convention, participants in STEM Excellence and Leadership program, or participants in the Secondary Student Training Program.

Addressing the students, teachers and guests were The University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld, Dean Dan Clay from the College of Education, and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. Engineering Dean Alec Scranton delivered the keynote address to teachers and Adetayo Oladele-Ajose delivered the keynote address to the students.

The Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development is an international full-service gifted education center at the University of Iowas College of Education (www.belinblank.org).
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The 28th Annual Halloween Hike at Discovery Park in Muscatine drew many families outdoors Friday on a cool but pleasant autumn evening.

Michelle Berns, naturalist at Muscatine County Conservation and Mother Nature for Halloween, said the hike gives families an educational option.

"There's so many scary things out there," Berns said. "There's not a lot of family activities that children can do and not be scared during the Halloween season. What better way to ease that fright than to put this little hike where they are able to learn about Iowa animals and plants."

Each year has a different theme, and this year children will learn about different animals and their habitats with "Nature's Helpers." Visitors follow a trail of jack-o'-lanterns through Discovery Park, and stop to learn from volunteers in costume along the way.

The first stop on the hike is a tree, who tells passers-by about the animals for which he provides a home.

Kevin Dirth, who played the tree, said he has been attending the Halloween Hike for more than 15 years, initially with his young son and now as a volunteer.

"Many of these animals are making a home on me," he told the hikers.

Caylie McConnaha and her mother, Amie McConnaha, play a mole and an earthworm. They said they were enjoying being volunteers.

"We thought it would be fun and it is nice to be outside quite honestly," Caylie said.

Her mother agreed.

"The hike is an awesome thing for families and children, and to be able to help with that is awesome," she said.

Misty Urban said she and her children were looking forward to their hike, and said they love visiting Discovery Park.

"I think it's a terrific idea, I'm so glad we have things like this to do for the kids. And especially something that doesn't center around just the collection of candy, an activity that gets them outside," Urban said.

Time slots are still available for Saturday's hike, which will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Muscatine Discovery Park, 3300 Cedar St. Hikes begin at 6:30 p.m., and are held every 10 minutes until 8 p.m.

For more information call the Muscatine County Conservation Board at 563-264-5922.
It won't be a typical service when parishioners of Muscatine's First Christian Church assemble to worship tomorrow morning. The congregation will be celebrating 50 years at its current location, 700 Kindler Avenue, during the 10 a.m. service.

"We're celebrating 50 years of being at this location and all of the things God has worked through our community over those 50 years," said The Rev. Alex Kindred, First Christian's pastor.

The congregation was founded in September of 1926, meeting at 223 Iowa Avenue. Volunteer labor built a tabernacle in one day at the corner of Eighth and Cedar Streets in 1929, which was the church's meeting place until the purchase of a church building at Fifth and Cedar Streets in 1931 from a disbanded Congregational congregation.

Records show the Congregationalists turned down an offer of $10,000 and sold the building to First Christian for $9,000.

"It had been a German Congregational Church, if I remember correctly, and they sold it to us for less money than they would have gotten from a buyer who wanted to turn it into a beer depot, I've been told," Kindred explained.

First Christian moved to its brand new building on Kindler on Feb. 1, 1966.

"The building they owned would take $60,000 to bring it to where they needed it," said Kindred. "It was only ninety-some thousand dollars to build a new facility that would allow for growth."

The congregation brought stained glass windows from the old building to its new facility. The addition of the education and administration wing in 1976 completed the building in its present form. Kindred said around 10 current members helped make the transition from old to new. Sunday morning attendance runs around 75, he said, and total membership is around 130.

The congregation grew after moving to its new building but like many churches experienced a period of declining membership. Kindred said growth is happening again.

"It did in the seventies and eighties," he said. "Somewhere in the nineties we saw a decline, but we're growing again. Worship attendance has doubled in the last five years or so."

The current growth coincides with Kindred's pastorate, but he is humble about taking credit.

"Something like that," he said with a smile. "I've been here 4 1/2 years. It's been a challenge, but there are a lot of good folks here."
TIPTON, Iowa  Beatrice Ella OReilly, a longtime resident of Tipton, recently of Prairie Hills Senior Living at Tipton, passed away at Cedar Manor Nursing Home on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, following complications from congestive heart failure and diabetes. Bea or Betty, as she was known to her many, many family and friends, was born Beatrice Ella England on May 15, 1926, in Evanston, Illinois, to John White England and Christine Katharina Barbara Rinderknect. Bea proudly celebrated her 90th birthday this past May at a joyous birthday party in her honor in Tipton with a multitude of loved ones, friends, neighbors and family from far and near.

Though born in Illinois, Bea lived for most of her childhood and early adult years in Muscatine. She attended schools in Muscatine. She was married to Harold Raymond Griffin (deceased 1953) and to John Edmond OReilly on Oct. 20, 1961, in Miami, Florida. They made their residence in Muscatine until John and Bea moved to Coshocton, Ohio, in late 1964, living there until they retired to Florida, due to Johns ill health in 1986. They were married for nearly 30 years until John passed away in Tampa in 1990.

During the 1950s in Muscatine, Bea was employed first as a telephone operator, then as one of the first Yellow Pages advertising saleswomen for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, traveling throughout the state of Iowa for several years. Then, as a single parent, she started one of the first telephone answering services in the country, A Buzz from Bea, which operated out of her home, serving numerous local businesses in Muscatine.

In order to earn extra income and to fulfill a keen sense of civic responsibility, Bea participated every year in calling and enlisting volunteers, sending out mailers and materials and collecting donations from the volunteers, etc., for both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society (as a cancer survivor), with the help of her parents and her kids. She was also actively involved in Republican causes and candidates and in elections, every election season. In Tampa, she worked as a Republican Precinct Captain and was proud that she met many presidents, governors, senators and congressmen.

In Coshocton, Bea owned and operated several beauty salons (Town & Country Beauty Salon, etc.) and was executive assistant at the Coshocton Metro Housing Authority for many years. She was active in numerous civic and charitable organizations in Coshocton during her more than 20 years in Ohio. She was the leader of many Bible Studies and church-related activities, including trips to Israel.

But of all the things that Bea did during her time in Coshocton, the most memorable was her creation of the 10-2 Club, her personal Tuesday Club for those low-income women and families in Coshocton and the surrounding communities who needed help with the essentials and activities of daily living, with whatever it was they needed help with  Bea (and John, too) would see to it that they got it. Her generous heart knew no bounds and her energy knew no limits.

Bea is survived by two daughters, Janice Griffin OReilly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Christine Burmeister (Ken) of Tipton; two sons, Michael S. Griffin of Tampa, Florida, and Thomas F. OReilly (Lynne) of Tampa; one brother, Fredric England of Grinnell, Iowa; six grandsons; three granddaughters; four great-grandsons; four great-granddaughters; two great-great-granddaughters; and one great-great-grandson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John E. OReilly; son, John H. Griffin of Muscatine; grandson, Brad Alan First of Lowden; sister, Roberta F. Diercks of Muscatine; and brothers, John F. England of Grinnell and William T. England of Dublin, California.

Visitation is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Fry Funeral Home in Tipton and at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, prior to the funeral. The funeral will be at the Tipton Calvary Foursquare Church at 11 a.m., with a luncheon immediately following the funeral at the church. Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park, after the luncheon.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
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 []
I have often referred to Flagstaff as the Shining City on Arizonas Hill. It is no accident that I borrow this phrase from the famous, precisely American, ideal of a Shining City on a Hill. The early pilgrims imagined that they could create such a community for themselves after escaping the historical norms of European controls on destiny.

Three hundred years later John F. Kennedy reminded of this founding ideal, stating that the world was watching our shining city and that we must live up to our promise; shortly there after, we embarked on one of the greatest journeys of all time and put a mans foot on the moon (Flagstaff had something to do with that, more on that below).

Twenty years later, Ronald Reagan again reminded us of this American City on a Hill ideal; and while we may not often remember Reagan as a champion of science, he was convinced during his tenure to not only not cut the budget of the National Science Foundation, but rather double it, before he left office. But, as under Kennedy and Reagan and other presidents in before and after, no matter what our economic and cultural condition, we have always led the way in advancing humanity through the sciences.

It is this ideal that convinces me that in Flagstaff, we are a Shining STEM City on Arizonas Hill.

In August of 2012, a group of Flagstaff Leaders, Businessmen, Educators, Scientists, and Concerned Citizens gathered in the woods on the base of the San Francisco Peaks. This group coalesced around the idea that Flagstaff is a STEM-rich City and that we as a community, businesses and schools, elected leaders and CEOs, teachers and families, needed to collectively band together to bring this rich surrounding to bear on the education of our children and enrich our communities.

There, up on our Hillside, we all mutually pledged our time, talent and resources towards making the STEM City ideals happen. In short  our goal was to have the most STEM literate graduates living and working in a thriving STEM-based economy.

We also had a unofficial motto for the day: Dare Mighty Things, which we borrowed from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who had, just the preceding night, coordinated the landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars (and again, Flagstaff had something to do with this mission).

And we both stole that from Teddy Roosevelts famous Far better it is to dare mighty things speech.

Historian, Fredrick Jackson Turner, just a few years before TRs famous speech, gave us his Frontier Thesis, and proclaiming that with the end of the American Frontier, so might be the end the American spirit. While Jackson aptly, and controversially, linked Americanism and American sprit to the discovery and exploration of the American Frontier, I feel that he missed the mark in not understanding the new frontiers that we would identify and explore.

Our increase understanding and use of science and engineering opened up brand new frontiers, beyond land and sea.

One such Frontier, The Space Frontier, was no longer a pastoral landscape to watch from afar. Our STEM City has been at the forefront of the exploration of this new frontier, from the discovery of Pluto, to the training of Apollo astronauts in our backyard, to the camera control of the Mars Rover from our USGS facility, and now finally to the deep space explorations through our Discovery Channel telescope, providing insight into the beginnings of our universe and images of a frontier previously unseen.

Likewise, Flagstaff is home to TGen and the new Pathogen and Microbiome Institute at NAU, where some of the brightest minds are exploring another previously unseen universe  the microbiome. Every day, scientists in Flagstaff are embarking on the incredible journey into the human microbiome  the unseen ecosystem of bacteria and viruses and fungi that live on and in the human body. We are trying to understand how these microbes live, compete, collaborate and otherwise interact during our healthy and disease states. We, ourselves, our bodies, are the new frontier  and again that frontier exploration is here in our STEM City.

And we could go on about the new frontiers ventured by Gore engineers and Sensetech scientists and MNA paleontologists and Park Service geologists. The frontier is here in our STEM City and some of the greatest pioneers are the trainers of our next generation the teachers and education professionals of our great public, charter and private schools. Most are ready, willing and able to interact with all of these resources; and some, like former STEM City Teacher of the Year Jillian Worssam, just kick down the door and say: Lets do this thing!

Our STEM City is Worrsams wildly successful Scientists in the Classroom. It is the Flagstaff Festival of Science (the longest running one in the country). We are the Coconuts; we are the Annual STEMMYS Awards Ceremony; the STEM Art Competition; and the Super Bowl of STEM in the Dome event (where upwards of 8% of Flagstaff turns out!); we are the Space Station Science Experiment and the High Altitude Balloon Launches; and the superstar Killup Kindergarten Chess team that likes to challenge our Mayor. We are seventh-grade girls wearing lab coats inside a world-class research lab and we are a group of high schoolers rafting down our majestic Canyon to learn our geologic past. We are the Chamber Coding Camps. We are grad students teaching and learning in the K-12 classroom. We are parents, students and teachers on a hill having a star party. We are, in a phrase, Americas First STEM Community.

Arizona, and the rest of the country, is watching our shining STEM City and we must live up to our promise.
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 []
A Nigerian man, who ended up in Cape Town by pretending he was a student, admitted this week that he used an online dating site to scam women out of more than R1.2m.

Ndubusi Ifediora, 31, entered into a plea and sentence agreement in Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court this week for charges that were usually quite tricky to investigate.

He was sentenced to 12 years in jail, wholly suspended for five years, and had to pay back what he took from the victims.

The two women in their 50s, both from Texas in the USA, sent him expensive gadgets and money.

Ifediora did not have a job, but entered the country with a degree in sociology.

The ruling comes in the middle of Cyber Crime Awareness month.

Besides sifting through electronic evidence for 16 counts of fraud, investigators had to contend with Ifediora flushing a sim card down the toilet when he was arrested in June. He later admitted the sim card held incriminating evidence against him.

A Hawks team seized three phones and three laptops from his apartment in Rochester Road, Table View.

Preyed on lonely women

He admitted in his plea that he used online dating site Match.Com to prey on vulnerable, trusting and lonely women.

This was done with other unknown syndicate members using false identities and random photos of generally attractive people.

The first woman, Patti Kilpatrick, befriended a man she thought was Michael Brich last year. He told her he was raised in Germany and a widower, with one son attending medical school.

She sent him an Apple computer, an iPhone and an Apple Watch after he phoned her to say his gadgets had been stolen.

Another woman, Rita Love, befriended a man she knew as Scott Egil in March this year. He apparently had problems with equipment and his credit card was stolen. He asked her for money and she transferred it.

Investigators calculated that the women paid him around R1.24m.

Ifediora also faced charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and contravening the Immigration Act.

He confessed that he entered the country with a study visa based on false representations to home affairs. He had lied about being registered at a technical college.

He was subsequently deported to Nigeria.

If it looks too good to be true, it usually is

The court took into account that he was remorseful, had a one-year-old child, and suffered from sickle-cell anaemia. He had been taking chronic medication for the incurable disease for years.

Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha welcomed the sentence.

He said the court ordered Ifediora to pay over R500 000 into the criminal asset recovery account, to ensure the victims were reimbursed.

The sentence is a culmination of sterling detective work put in by the team from the commercial unit of the Hawks. It is an open secret that cases of this nature are not easy to solve. We say well done to the team, he said.

The public were warned not to respond to emails, social media invitations, and online messages from unknown people.

If it is real, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

News24

Now read: Four arrested in Cape Town for online dating scam
I have become citizen number 62 of Asgardia, a new space nation dedicated to expanding peaceful exploration of space for the benefit of humanity.

It is led by Igor Ashurbeyli, chairman of UNESCOs Science of Space Committee and founder of the Aerospace International Research Centre in Vienna.

At first glance, its an amazing concept and surely one that every space scientist should welcome.

According to its website, Asgardia will offer an independent platform

free from the constraint of a land-based countrys laws. It will become a place in orbit which is truly no mans land.

Its first aim is to launch a satellite in October 2017, on the 60th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik. Another goal is to create a protective shield from threats to life on Earth, such as space debris, coronal mass ejections and asteroids.

The project, announced at a press conference in Paris on October 12, is urging people to sign up to become citizens.

Ashurbeyli has said that when the number of applications goes above 100,000, the organisation can officially apply to the UN for the status of state. The claims are visionary  but could they be something of a mirage?

In Norse mythology, Asgard is one of the Nine Worlds of the ancient gods, ruled over by Odin. Set in the skies, it is connected to Earth by the rainbow bridge, Bifrost.

In taking the name Asgardia for the new nation state, the founders call upon its potential citizens to create an independent world of peaceful scientific cooperation.

I am not sure the mythological world of Asgard is the best model for such an aspiration: after all, the largest hall in Asgard is Valhalla, where warriors killed in battle spend their time feasting or fighting.

More fitting perhaps are the descriptions of Asgard in the fictional Marvel universe, where its a world that exists in another dimensional plane and is about the size of the United States.

According to Marvels history, Asgard was created by the god Thor on Earth, where he had bought a huge piece of property.

But Iron Man confronted Thor about his construction, and after a short but heated debate, [Iron Man] proposed to Thor that Asgard would be considered a separate nation just like a foreign embassy.

I enjoyed the phrase short but heated debate  surely code for a punch-up. But a separate nation just like a foreign embassy is pretty much what the Asgardia of today is proposing.

The need to stay grounded

But when you turn your attention from the world of mythology and super heroes back to reality, things are a little less exciting.

What, exactly, is Asgardia? What is it for? What will it do? How will it operate? What is its governance? How is it funded? The organisation has failed to disclose any such information.

We already have the International Space Station as an example of international collaboration in space, including both governments and private organisations.

Although the ISS works well, it is regulated by international space agencies and wrapped in the associated bureaucracy.

If Asgardias vision is to make space and experimentation in space more accessible, then that is laudable, but cannot be completely divorced from the necessity of some regulation.

When it comes to plans to defend the Earth from space debris we need a bit more substance than an aim to launch a satellite.

Maybe I am cynical, but Id like to know who is doing the work. Where is this satellite being built? How will Asgardia achieve something that no other nation, or consortium of nations, has come close to achieving?

I also have some worries about the wording in the Concept. In particular, it complains about the fact that economical and political considerations often take precedence over purely scientific ones and ethical boundaries are considered necessary to sustain safety.

To combat this, it says Asgardia will demonstrate  that independent, private and unrestricted research is possible. To me, ethical boundaries are necessary  especially if unrestricted research is on the agenda and it is to be free from the constraint of a land-based countrys laws.

History has given us too many examples where unrestricted research has resulted in unacceptable consequences  the Nazis, for example, did a lot of unethical and unscientific research.

We currently have laws and treaties that govern the peaceful use of space, acknowledged by all space-faring nations and operated through the UN.

They may not be perfect, and may be in need of revision, given the accelerating pace of space technologies and the increasing influence and role of private companies in space exploration. But at least they are a framework within which nations must operate.

Importantly, these laws state that the nation launching a satellite  or procures the launch of one  is liable for any damage caused by it.

The office in charge of these laws also oversees the international register of all objects launched into space, and co-ordinates efforts to monitor space debris.

If Asgardia is serious in its desire to be an independent player in space exploration, then it must consider its duties relative to the UN treaties  any attempt to become a launching state or procure a launch for a satellite leaves Asgardia liable if something goes wrong.

It is difficult to reconcile this with Asgardias declared aim of being free from the constraint of a land-based countrys laws. No nation should be free to act completely independently of its neighbours  and by basing the idea of Asgardia in space, every nation on Earth is Asgardias neighbour.

There is no doubt that space law is in need of an urgent update  but I dont believe that acting completely independently of land-based laws is a useful way forward.

I hope that my doubts and concerns are groundless, and that Asgardia will indeed fulfil its promise to act for the benefit of humanity.

Especially as by the time I had finished this article, the number of citizens of Asgardia had climbed to almost 20,000.

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, The Open University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
On Sept. 29, Dutch Bros Flagstaff held Buck for Kids Day to raise $1,605 to support the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff.

On that day, $1 from every drink sold, company-wide, is donated to local organizations that strive to positively impact children in our communities. Dutch Bros Flagstaff supported the Boys & Girls Club as they continue to provide youth with fun, friendship and mentorship through high-impact youth development programs in a safe place.
Bar fight arrests

Flagstaff Police Department arrested three men in connection with a fight at Porky's Pub this week.

According to the police report, officers responded to a fight at the bar, located at 2285 E. Butler Ave., at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday. Witnesses told police the fight started with an argument between bar patrons. The bouncer tried to break up the argument and one of the bartenders stepped between the arguing parties in an effort to deescalate the fight.

Surveillance footage shows one of the suspects took a swing at another but accidentally hit the bartender in the head instead. Two of the other suspects then started punching the third suspect until he was on the ground. They continued to punch and kick him after he was unconscious. He was later treated at Flagstaff Medical Center for a fractured orbital bone in his face and a broken nose.

The suspects also threw chairs, broke a granite table and punched a hole in the wall during the fight.

Police arrested Henry A. Martinez Jr., 29, and Christopher G. Mendoza, 29, on charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and criminal damage. They also arrested Hector I. Delapaz, 24, on charges of misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct and criminal damage.

All three men were booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility.

Charged with DUI

 Flagstaff police arrested Michael J. Wittenbrink, 57, of Texas on an extreme DUI charge at 5:26 p.m. Wednesday.

City and county residents who want to report a crime but wish to remain anonymous may call Silent Witness at 774-6111 or (877) 29-CRIME, submit a tip online at www.coconinosilentwitness.org, or text the word Flagtip along with your information to 274637 (CRIMES). Rewards of up to $2,000 are given for information that leads to an arrest.
The Flagstaff Unified School District and 17 other Arizona school districts are set to lose their desegregation funding over the course of the next two years.

That is a change from a 5-year phase-out that was introduced in new state legislation earlier this year, Interim Superintendent Dave Dirksen said at the school board meeting Tuesday night.

Desegregation funding was ordered by the federal courts in the 1970s where there is a need for programs to supplement the learning experience of minority and disadvantaged students. School districts are permitted to collect more in property taxes than the state cap allows, and in FUSD that has amounted each year to about $2.2 million.

Dirksen said he attended a meeting with other district superintendents at the beginning of the month to discuss the shortened phase-down timeline for desegregation funding and what it would mean for the schools that rely on it. Arizona schools have been released from federal desegregation orders, but they contend that many students served by the extra funding will be hurt if it is discontinued and not replaced.

Of the $2.2 million FUSD raises, 92 percent of the funds go toward instruction, 4 percent to instructional support and staff development, and the last 4 percent is used to cover administration costs.

Its not a matter of if, but when we will lose that funding, Dirksen said.

A resolution in opposition of the legislation that repealed the funding allowance was signed by the board president, clerk and members at the February 9 meeting. It stated that about 22,500 English Language Learner students and many more disadvantaged students would be harmed by the loss of funding that enhances their opportunity to succeed.

Dirksen said that he and representatives from the other 17 districts are working on a comprehensive document outlining how those funds are used in the schools. They will then meet with legislators after the election to share the document and explain why the money is needed. The hope is that they can figure out a way to delay the loss of funding until theres a viable way to replace it.

With an adopted maintenance and operations budget of $62.9 million for fiscal year 2016, the loss of $2.2 million in desegregation funds would be 3.5 percent of the FUSD budget. It would exceed the amount the district received under Prop. 123.

Even once the funds are lost, the district will continue to serve those students because its the right thing to do, Dirksen said.

In other business before the board:

--A book being assigned to freshmen at Flagstaff High School has been at the center of a prolonged discussion brought up by several parents at recent school board meetings. They have argued that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is not an appropriate read for their children.

Some concerns included the coarse language used in the book along with sexual themes. The parents who spoke to the board also asked whether there should be a permission form sent home before the book is read in class.

Mary K. Walton, assistant superintendent, updated the board and attendees on what she had decided after looking into the issue. Out of 145 freshmen students in FHS assigned the reading, she said only four had opted out of it and were given alternative assignments to do during class discussions of the Alexie book. No students at Coconino High School opted out of reading it.

She said the current reading list where English teachers in the district choose the books they assign was approved by the board and has been in place for seven years. The list is available on the FUSD website.

Her recommendation was to continue to allow the book to be read in classes and work to improve lines of communication between parents and teachers.

Board member Paul Kulpinski said that the book was written to bring controversial issues of race and poverty to light and that Alexie would be glad to know that it has caused such an extensive dialogue.

--Also mentioned at the board meeting was a new road project in the works to adjust the intersection at Pine Knoll Drive and Lone Tree Road. Bob Kuhn, assistant superintendent for operations, said that an undeveloped 0.57 acres of Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School has been bought by the City of Flagstaff for $282,100 to put a bike path along Pine Knolls north side.

Kuhn said the project has been in the planning and designing stages for five years. Work is expected to begin in May and be completed by the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Coconino County election officials are expecting more voters than ever to cast ballots this year.

According to the County Recorders Office, the county had already registered 77,400 voters  the most ever  as of Friday, Oct. 7. That total does not include everyone who waited until the final registration day Oct. 10. Local election offices stayed open late Monday to accommodate last-minute registrations.

The high number of registered voters may indicate a record turnout for the Nov. 8 General Election, said Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen in an email.

The last major presidential election that did not feature an incumbent was in 2008, when 69,855 people in Coconino County registered to vote. Of those registered voters, approximately 55,500 actually cast a ballot on Election Day, which is a voter turnout of about 79 percent.

Voter turnout among registered voters in Coconino County has been between 61 percent and 80 percent for at least the past 10 presidential elections, according to county election records. The low happened during former President Bill Clintons re-election in 1996.

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced a record 45,294 Arizonans had registered to vote Monday using the ADOT Motor Vehicle Divisions Service Arizona website, which is the same website Arizonans use to order a duplicate drivers license or renew their vehicle registration online. ADOT also saw a spike in registrations during Sunday evenings presidential debate.

Servicearizona.coms previous one-day voter registration record was 36,532 and fell on the registration deadline for the 2008 presidential election.

The Coconino County Recorders Office expects to have the countys final voter registration total next week and Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan is expected to issue the detailed Voter Registration Report later this month. However, Reagan did release unofficial voter registration totals Tuesday.

According to the preliminary report, statewide voter registration has increased by 119,270 since the last report Aug. 22, bringing the total to approximately 3.5 million registered Arizona voters.

Its great to see so many people register to vote for such an important election, Reagan said in a press release.

All recognized political parties increased their membership but the largest increase was among independent voters. More than 50,000 Arizonans have registered to vote since late August. There are now approximately 1.2 independents, 1.2 Republicans and 1.1 Democrats registered to vote, according to the unofficial totals.

Ballots for those on the Permanent Early Voter List already went out in the mail this past Wednesday. Each county in Arizona is also accepting requests for early ballots to be sent to individual voters homes. Reagan recommends early voters put their ballots in the mail at least a week before the Nov. 8 election. There will also be in-person drop off locations on Election Day.

Voters can find information about the federal and state election, candidates and ballot measures on www.arizona.vote. For information specific to Coconino County, including polling locations and early ballot requests, go to www.coconino.az.gov/elections.
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MELILLI, Sicily  Body No. 421, bagged in midnight blue, is heaved from a refrigerated truck onto a metal stretcher and wheeled into the tent that serves as a morgue. It joins other putrefying corpses that fill the air with a pungent scent that clings to the clothing and hair of the living.

The body is that of a young man, one of hundreds who drowned 77 nautical miles off the coast of Libya in the deadliest known migrant disaster. Eighteen months later, volunteers are trying to find out who he was.

A volunteer reaches into the body bag and pulls out the dark, slime-covered remains. Another uses a sharp, black-handled knife to cut out samples for further study. Others examine the muscles and bone structure, photograph the skull and teeth and take notes on a clipboard.

The teams leader, University of Milan forensic pathologist Cristina Cattaneo, emerges with a slimy pair of childrens jeans reading Manchester United. She hoses them down carefully. The jeans, and the personal effects found in the pockets, are among the most useful of clues.

It is the first time that forensic scientists have tried to build a full accounting of victims in a migrant disaster.

It was early evening on April 18, 2015, when the distress call came. A fishing boat packed with hundreds of people was in trouble, the caller said. The Italian Coast Guard radioed a nearby freighter and told it to provide assistance.

When they saw the approaching ship, the frantic migrants rushed to one side of the deck, causing the boat to list and then capsize. The boat sank to the bottom.

Twenty-eight people made it to safety. Hundreds more were locked below deck.

A year later, the Italian Navy returned to the site and used a complicated pulley system to bring the wreck to the surface. As the boat emerged from the water, the horror of what had lain below became clear.

Water started coming out of various openings that the boat had on the side, we also saw human remains coming out of these openings, said Rear Adm. Paolo Pezzutti, who was in charge of the operation. It was a spectral vision we saw coming out of the water.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday called for the ship to be placed in the European Union headquarters to remind us how to fight selfishness.

Back at port in Sicily, firefighters in protective suits, rubber gloves, goggles and helmets cut into the rusted hull with hatchets and saws.

They found bodies packed in almost unimaginably close quarters. There were five bodies for every square meter. Two hundred were locked in the engine room alone.

Meticulously, the firefighters filled 458 body bags. Many contained the remains of more than one person.

The team expects to complete the autopsies this month. Cattaneo predicts the volunteers will analyze some 700 bodies, maybe as many as 800 or 900. So far, all of the victims have been men and boys, mostly between the ages of 12 and 27.

When they are finished with their examination, the volunteers zip the bag back up and load body No. 421 into a metal container that will go inside a wooden coffin.

Using a black marker, Cattaneo carefully writes PM3900421 on the container  PM for post mortem and 39 for Italys telephone country code.

Thats the code that will mark the grave until the body is connected to a name.

European rules require that asylum-seekers register in the first country they enter. Because few of them want to end up in Italy, many leave their IDs back home.

That means Cattaneos team must rely on DNA samples from the bones, teeth, and the objects found on the bodies.

At Cattaneos Labanof laboratory in Milan, plastic baggies and small cardboard boxes containing items found in the migrants clothing sit in neat lines along the table. Cattaneo goes over them one by one.

Some contain ID cards that were sewn into clothing. Several bags contain little wooden sticks used for cleaning teeth. One has a photo of a saint.

Another contains what looks like a small brown candy in a pink wrapper. On closer inspection its a spoonful of dirt, bagged by the traveler as a memory of home.

The tragedy has done little to slow the business of trafficking in human lives. Smugglers in Libya continue to reap a fortune by taking migrants cash and piling them on top of one another in rickety vessels unfit to cross the Mediterranean.

So far in 2016, more than 316,899 people have reached Europe by sea, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Another 3,611 set out but never made it.

In December, the second stage of the process will begin: contacting relatives of those who had IDs on them, and searching for others who are looking for missing kin.

That wont be easy. The dead came from Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Sudan, Senegal, Mali, the Ivory Coast and Bangladesh, among other places. Some of those countries have repressive governments; others have poor populations with little access to internet or phones.

Cattaneo is working with Italys office for Missing Persons, run by High Commissioner Vittorio Piscitelli. The office has built a database of information gained from the autopsies.

When families searching for their loved ones reach out, the information they give will be compared with the data on file. Gathering that information will be perhaps the biggest challenge. The Red Cross has signed up to help.

If we dont have people to show the data to, or any data to compare it with, we risk doing all this work in vain, Piscitelli said.

Despite the challenges, Cattaneo is determined to carry on. In a plane or train crash involving European and American victims, she notes, forensic experts rush to the scene and identify all the bodies. That isnt the case in migrant tragedies.

These bodies become nobodys business, Cattaneo says. This is the largest mass disaster in Europe after the Second World War and it is the largest humanitarian crisis in terms of dead, unidentified bodies... but nothing has been happening for these people.

Body No. 421s final destination is a cemetery in Catania, on the island of Sicily. In an unkempt field lined with mounds of dirt, small black plaques list the codes associated with the bodies buried below.

Someday, the volunteers hope, the young mans relatives may be able to put a name to the number and come to find him.

His dream of a new life in Europe was dashed, but at least he would have the chance to go home.
ATLANTA  In the final weeks of his presidential campaign, Donald Trump is countering allegations of his own sexual misconduct by recounting accusations against former President Bill Clinton.

The basic idea: If the Republican nominee cannot expand his coalition enough to win, might he be able to leave enough voters so disgusted with both himself and Democrat Hillary Clinton that they opt for third-party candidates or simply don't vote?

If so, might Trump's core supporters  smaller than the usual winning coalition  be enough to nip Clinton?

Early voting numbers, Democratic enthusiasm and historical trends all suggest Trump cannot win this way.

"Any strategy of trying to drive down turnout in a democratic election is not the most noble of motivations to begin with," said Republican pollster Whit Ayres. "And there's just no chance for it work."

Democrats are taking no chances. First lady Michelle Obama told a raucous crowd Thursday in New Hampshire: "We cannot allow ourselves to be so disgusted that we just shut off the TV and look away." President Barack Obama himself warned Friday in Cleveland, Ohio, that Trump wanted them to believe they have "no good choices" and opt against voting.

"Don't fall for it," he said.

___

TRUMP'S STRUGGLES

Well before Trump won the nomination, Republicans assumed their standard-bearer could start with a baseline of what Mitt Romney won four years ago (61 million votes), then pull in additional independents unsettled by the notion of a third consecutive Democratic term.

Meanwhile, they figured Clinton would struggle to generate Obama's level of support among nonwhites and young voters. The Republican nominee could then close the gap in enough swing states to capture the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Trump's has failed at the first task: maintaining Romney's coalition. College-educated women are the biggest reason why, and that was before last week's revelations of a 2005 video showing Trump bragging about groping and kissing women without their permission.

Applying recent polls to an electorate of 130 million (about what it's been the last two elections), Clinton would top 62 million votes to Trump's 54 million or so, giving Clinton a comfortable Electoral College majority.

___

TRUMP'S APPROACH

Trump doesn't explicitly say he wants low voter turnout. But since the video was released, he's done little to reach out to moderate Republicans and independents. He's explained his remarks as "locker-room talk," and sought to inflame his anti-establishment base, casting the race as "a struggle for the survival of our nation."

He's slammed Bill Clinton, highlighting women who've made unproven allegations of sexual assault against the former president. He's claimed Hillary Clinton was complicit in her husband's actions.

Trump alleges American media and corporate powers are in cahoots with the Clintons and against him.

Allegations of women who said he made unwanted sexual advances are "lies," Trump insists, and "a cover-up" of his opponent's crimes is intended "to keep the Clintons in power."

Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend, explained the candidate's emphasis.

Hillary Clinton's candidacy "has been based on the premise that she is this great advocate for women and children," Stone said. But he told the AP that voters will desert her when they realize she has "terrorized" women.

Steve Schale, a Democratic strategist, said this approach reflects a "cratering" candidate desperate to "bring his opponent down with him."

___

TOUGH MATH

Analysts say Trump can't win by driving down turnout.

Democratic pollster Paul Maslin said Trump would have to pull down Clinton by 8 million to 10 million votes. "That defies logic," he said.

Ayres, the Republican pollster, said elections that are "reasonably close" and involve "clear consequences" usually generate higher turnout. "I'd say this election meets both standards," he said.

Presidential turnout in 2012 was about 129 million, down from about 131 million in 2008. Still, turnout generally has climbed over time alongside population growth. Voter registration isn't yet complete, but population figures suggest normal turnout will again top 130 million.

"We will see more votes cast in this election than ever before," said Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook.

Early voting is on the rise, with Clinton's campaign pushing supporters in that direction. More than 750,000 ballots have been cast already, and an estimated 45 million votes are expected before Election Day. Early-voting trends in two must-win states for Trump, North Carolina and Florida, are favorable to Clinton. In both states, there are notable gains among black and Hispanic voters, groups Trump needs to remain cool to Clinton.

The Republican National Committee and individual Senate and House campaigns also have an extensive "ground game" of staffers and volunteers working to identify and encourage supporters. So has the political network of the Koch brothers, the conservative billionaire businessmen.

Polls suggest at least some of those voters will vote for Clinton.
Yountville Mayor John Dunbar was installed as board director of the League of California Cities North Bay division.

I look forward to serving on the board of directors and thank the North Bay cities for their confidence in me as I serve them in this new role. As director, I look forward to engaging at the state level to better serve our residents in the cities and towns of the North Bay Division, said Dunbar.

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.

Dunbar represents the North Bay cities on the organizations statewide board, which is responsible for the overall supervision, control, and direction of the League. The North Bay Division is one of 16 regional divisions in the state and is composed of 31 cities in Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties.

American Canyon Mayor Leon Garcia now becomes immediate past president, and he thanked his colleagues for electing him as president last year.

I am thrilled to announce a new group of leaders for one of the most active divisions within the League, said Garcia.
The state of Napa Valley Colleges accreditation  the seal of approval that ensures that employers and universities accept students degrees  has become the subject of debate in the election race for a trustee seat.

Now, the head of the review agency for West Coast colleges has weighed in, saying the two-year school in Napa is on a solid footing, despite an evaluation asking NVC leaders to make improvements to its long-term planning and the tracking of student performance.

I dont want there to be false anxiety or false information, said Barbara Beno, president of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Its not a big deal; if they had difficulties such that they had a risk of losing accreditation, they would have been put on sanction or probation.

The accrediting commission, a division of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, evaluates two-year institutions in California and Hawaii to decide their fitness for continued certification, which colleges require to be eligible for federal funding and for their students to receive federal financial aid.

Benos statement of support follows a candidates forum Sept. 27 in Napa during which Jennifer Baker, who is challenging Dan Digardi for his seat on the NVC board of trustees, expressed worry that the college did not receive an immediate seven-year renewal of its certification and that any uncertainty about the schools status could call its degrees into question. But Digardi sought to dismiss such concerns.

If you want to make a mountain out of a molehill, this is an example, replied Digardi, whose 1st District seat covers south Napa. Napa Valley College is doing just fine with accreditation.

On Wednesday, Baker accepted Benos explanation about NVCs solid standing with the commission, although she continued to urge school trustees and officers to be more transparent and responsive to students and faculty.

Its obviously good news. No one wants to feel the college is in danger, said Baker, a former director of the St. Helena Public Library who is one of two challengers for Digardis seat.

After sending a team to visit NVC last October, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges extended its endorsement of the school by 18 months while requiring it to follow up on three recommendations by the governing body and follow up with the agency by March 15, 2017. If the commission accepts the colleges response, the school would have its good standing renewed for a full seven-year term.

According to a commission letter to NVC in February, the three types of improvement sought by accreditors are:

- Better identifying student outcomes for courses, programs and degrees, and regularly assessing student progress

- Regularly and consistently evaluating the performance of all types of employees

- Linking NVCs long-term campus, educational, facility and staffing plans with its financial plan to better match the availability of funding.

For a junior college to be given three points of improvement is a fairly typical outcome and not a sign of impending discipline, according to Beno.

There are more than 80 standards, so for a college to need work to meet one or more of them is not unusual at all, she said Tuesday. If it was 20, wed say thats probably a cause for concern.

Two-year colleges can be recertified directly for the full seven years if the commissions review turns up no significant issues, but accreditors still would check with school directors annually, according to Beno.

A college judged to be substandard would face up to four levels of discipline, starting with a sanction, moving on to probation and later receiving a show-cause order to explain why it should keep its accreditation, said Beno.

The most severe punishment is the withdrawal of accreditation, which would cut off a school from federal assistance and possibly force its closure. The last California two-year school to be so punished was Compton Community College near Los Angeles, which was decertified in 2006 after allegations of mismanagement and corruption, according to media reports. The Compton campus was absorbed by neighboring El Camino College of Torrance to keep its classes running.

In 2014, the accrediting commission moved to strip its approval from City College of San Francisco, citing financial and administrative troubles, according to reports. But a court order allowed that school to stay open, and the commission in 2015 allowed CCSF to stay on restoration status, requiring it to meet all standards by next year.

Though Napa Valley College appears not to be in such dire straits, Baker, the board candidate, urged the school to keep a close watch on its finances and expansion plans, pointing to the its use of reserve funds to balance its budget in the last two years.

I still have concerns about making certain that the schools finances are on track, that we make sure reserve funds are built back and that long-term sustainability is of the utmost importance, she said.

Digardi, the NVC trustee, was satisfied to put the matter to rest.

I got a little upset over the mischaracterization of the (commissions) visit, (and) Im glad that my position has been confirmed, he said Thursday.
Don Lee is a man whos not afraid of a challenge. Two months ago, the CEO of Hanlees Auto Group acquired the Napa Chrysler vehicle franchise.

It was not a pretty picture  the business was in a shambles.

Napa Chrysler Inc., operated by the former dealership owner Patrick Smorra Jr., had filed for bankruptcy protection in February.

A parking lot full of cars was fenced off from sale, gathering dust. The building itself was unkempt.

Dozens of customers of the former owner complained about poor customer service, shoddy work, unregistered vehicles and unpaid auto loans on trade-in vehicles.

The District Attorneys office is investigating the consumer complaints.

But Lee  who also owns the Napa Subaru and VW dealership just down the road  was determined.

We love a challenge, Lee said.

I still believe in the Chrysler franchise. They make good, solid, exciting products. And we felt that it would be a great opportunity to own another dealership in Napa.

Hanlees officially opened Hanlees Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Napa on Aug. 1. Since then, business has been a lot better than I expected, Lee said.

Smorras Chrysler dealership was selling about 15 new vehicles a month, said Lee. His business has sold closer to 30 per month, he said. That number will continue to improve.

We dont have any lofty goals in terms of the number of cars, said Lee. We want to settle in and basically take care of all of the existing customers needs.

The negative reputation of the previous owner is a lot to overcome. It is very important to let people know that the dealership has a new owner, he said.

I would be a liar if I said we licked that problem already. It is going to take some time. No amount of money will change that reputation overnight. We are going to take one customer at a time and do the best we can. Just give us a chance.

Loans were not paid off and people were treated horrible, said Hanlees Chrysler General Sales Manager John Preston said. Its baffling. Our integrity is all we have.

Preston said he doesnt know what happened when Smorra owned the dealership, but it is his understanding that most of the customers that had payoff or registration problems are being assisted.

Buyers who have unresolved registration or payoff problems are welcome to call him, said Preston.

We are focusing our attention on how we can repair our relationship with the community and make sure that all of our customers are well taken care of.

Patrick Collins, a Napa County deputy district attorney, said his office is aware of about 20 to 30 complaints. The case is still under investigation, he said.

Lee said he has experience in turning around struggling dealerships, including the Hilltop Buick GMC, Hilltop Hyundai and Fremont Hyundai. Today, the business owns 11 dealerships in Northern California.

They had poor sales and lack of a profit. We were able to turn those around, Lee said. We have a very strong management team and I believe in their abilities.

Theres no playbook for such an operation, he said. We just take one customer at a time and do the best we can to build long-term relationships.

Part of that includes more staff.

We still have several openings, including technicians and sales people, said Lee. Right now there are 12 to 13 employees and he would like to have a staff of at least 20.

We have a long way to go.

Other changes also include a future new home for the dealership. In the coming years, Hanlees Chryslers will move from its current home at 333 Soscol Ave. to 473 Soscol Ave., next to its Subaru dealership. The empty parcel is owned by the Gasser Foundation, and Hanlees has signed a contract to design a new facility there, said Lee.

We intend to stay in Napa for a long time.
The Napa Valley Unified School District has ordered school principals and departments throughout the district to cut 9 percent from their budgets, citing multiple reasons for the move.

In a memo to NVUSD staff dated Oct. 10, Assistant Superintendent Wade Roach cited declining revenues and increasing expenses as reasons for the cutbacks.

Overall, NVUSD is expecting to save $2.4 million from the cuts, Roach said Thursday night. That would amount to nearly a 2 percent reduction in the NVUSDs overall $170 million budget.

Principals were told to target the cuts at discretionary supply and services expenses, and to not reduce staffing, according to the memo.

Napa and American Canyon administrators said the order to trim 9 percent would impact purchases of instructional materials, office supplies, postage, and equipment, and mean less money for professional development for staff.

The decision came as a surprise to principals, who said there was no warning of the budget cuts until they were handed down on Monday.

Privately, principals, teachers, and union representatives with the Napa Valley Educators Association questioned the reasons put forth by Roach for needing to cut budgets.

Some district employees wondered if the need to save money was connected to the controversy surrounding Gary Heard, the districts technology director, who was recently put on administrative leave and has been accused by another union of misappropriating funds.

The California School Employees Association, which represents non-teaching staff, last week called on the NVUSD Board of Trustees to authorize an outside investigation of Heard and the technology department.

When asked if the need to save money was related to Heard, Roach told the Napa Valley Register Thursday, No, nothing at all. Not related at all.

Superintendent Patrick Sweeney said the budget reduction was largely a product of shrinking enrollment, which has impacted the amount of per-pupil money NVUSD gets from the state.

Its just the reality of a declining enrollment district, said Sweeney, who spoke outside Stone Bridge School where officials were meeting with parents.

In Roachs memo to principals, he said the districts overall enrollment of 17,960 students was 257 fewer than last year.

At last weeks school board meeting, he informed trustees that the district had projected to lose only about a hundred students compared to last year. Instead, the number was nearly 160 higher than the projection.

The enrollment decline, according to Roach, has had an immediate impact of $1.4 million on the district budget.

His memo included other reasons for cuts in spending:

 Less money coming from Sacramento for education.

 A modest salary increase (1.25 percent) for district workers.

 Rising pension costs for retired teachers.

 The need to replenish the districts fiscal reserve from 5.3 percent to 7.5 percent.

 And a one-time budget adjustment of $1.35 million due to a misclassification of revenue.

This last point caught the attention of some principals, who wondered what the cause of the budget adjustment was all about.

Roach insisted it was a bookkeeping error from two years ago that was only recently discovered.

Back in [school year] 13/14 when we were changing financial systems, and, frankly, some people werent quite up to speed on the financial system, said Roach, a transaction was booked as an accounts receivable but in actuality it should have been booked the opposite way as an accounts payable.

Sweeney concurred with Roach, saying: When we close the books is when we know where we stand. And when we closed the books, we realized, Oops.

The superintendent added that there may be more budget cuts next year, especially if Prop. 55 doesnt pass.

Proposition 55 on the November ballot would extend personal income tax increases for those earning $250,000 or more to fund education and healthcare.

If voters dont approve it, according to Sweeney, it could mean less funding for schools.
Are we shocked? Sure were shocked. Most of us by now have seen the 2005 videotape, heard the banter between Donald Trump and Billy Bush, then host of NBCs Access Hollywood. But, obscene as it is, does it matter?

Incredibly, the answer appears to be not much.

What we are now finding out about ourselves is that our most ferocious, deeply held partisan political views take priority over everything elseand I do mean everything: God, morality, and ethics. The first poll (Politico/Morning Consult) to surface after the release of the infamous video offers less-than-uplifting proof. Here is a taste:

Ten percent of Republican voters got a positive feeling from the video. One wonders if a tape of actual sexual assaults would get an even more enthusiastic thumbs-up from these people.

Only 22 percent had very negative feelings. So, less than a quarter of these Republican voters were deeply horrified by Trumps discussion of how he tried to seduce a married woman, how he loves being a star because women will let him to anything he wants to them.

Things really get breathtaking in the last few data items of the poll. Less than half of these voters (48 percent) feel less favorably toward Trump in the aftermath of the videos release, and 36 percent state that seeing the video doesnt change their opinion.

Lastly, a full 75 percent want the party to stand behind Trump. Correct me if Im wrong, but this seems to suggest that an overwhelming majority of these voters see the chance that this crude narcissist might carry out their political agenda (though he has zero experience in governance of public service of any kind) as far more important than the fact that he has now been shown to be pathologically flawed--the worst kind of arrogant misogynist, a sexual predator.

Are we depressed enough yet?

Because if not, you can listen to some of the defenses of Trump that have been mounted. How about its just locker room talk? This raises the question: What was this 60-year-old (he was 60 in 2005) doing in a locker room? But beyond that: Does that really excuse it? Are we saying that a locker room is a safe space for potential presidential candidates to go when they need to air their ugliest and potentially criminal thoughts?

In his only marginally apologetic televised statement, we saw him essentially telling us that, yes, he was guilty of monstrous misogyny and perhaps sexual assault, but exhorting us to get past those small potatoes and solve some real problems in the world. His defense? He was now a 70-year-old politician, and had completely changed over the previous year. His entire personality, his mindset and world view, developed over decades, had changed! He was not just an old dog who had run out of new tricks.

Another sterling defense: Bill Clinton was worse. This is good, not least because Bill really was pretty terrible. Two problems with it are (1) that Bill isnt running for president, and (2) if it condemns Bill, it has to condemn Donald, too. Hillary is thus blamed for marrying a guy who is similar to Donald, though considerably smarter. That is her crime.

Trumps great challenge to us is just how deep of a the cesspool he can drag us into, and through some misbegotten loyalty to bitter prejudices, still have us convinced that the ends justify the means. That there are no standards that override kamikaze political loyalty.

There is still one more frontier that we have yet to confront on this score, by the way. It is one that Trump himself described, when he said, I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldnt lose any voters.

It is now possible to make the argument that he just might be right.

Moser lives in Napa.
This is a letter of support for candidates for the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees.

I am supporting and urging residents of the District 6 race to vote for Rosaura Segura. She is a longtime resident of St. Helena, raised her family there, very active in farmworker housing, owns a vineyard, runs an immigration service, a solid player in the upper valley.

District 6 boundaries are wide, from the far northern edge of city of Napa all the way through St. Helena. It is time to have a stronger representation for the agriculture and hospitality industry on the Board of Trustees. She understands and works with those involved in all aspects of the our tourism industry. Rosaura can provide leadership in expanding programs at NVC to benefit residents of the Napa Valley, programs that will result in jobs that pay a living wage. Please support Ms. Segura for NVC Trustee.

District 1 for NVC has three candidates. Dan Digardi is the incumbent who over the last 8-plus years has made a difference for the success of students. He puts his energy and time where his promise was made. Coming to the board from the building trades, he from the beginning has shared his vision of NVC developing training programs and apprenticeships in the building trades to give the opportunity for students to enter the labor market with great training and living wages.

Dan, raised in the Napa Valley, understands the need for apprenticeships in a variety of areas. NVC's first training program will soon start as a result of his persistence and connection with the building trades. Let's re-elect Dan Digardi to the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees. Let him continue to press on with the development of positive relationship with the building trades which will result in students successful transition to jobs. Visit his website to better understand his mission for student success at NVC.

JoAnn Busenbark

Napa
I am supporting Mariko Yamada for the 3rd District seat in the state Senate. I have been a supporter of Mariko since she ran for and won the Assembly seat for District 4. As a life-long Democrat, Mariko has remained steadfast in support of issues that are important to me.

Mariko's record on justice for farm workers isn't new. She voted for farm workers' overtime pay six years ago. She has always taken action to protect the rights and health of farm workers. She is endorsed by the United Farm Workers and by Dolores Huerta, an American labor leader and civil rights activist.

Mariko was chairwoman of the Assembly Aging and Long Term Care Committee for 5 years. Through personal experience Mariko knows and understands the complexity of care-giving challenges facing many families. As senator, she will make it one of her top priorities to put in place policies to address this critical area.

Mariko understands there is a close link between mental health and homelessness. Mariko knows that a growing number of people are on the streets because mental health services are inadequate. Mariko will continue to raise awareness of mental health issues and will advocate for expanded services.

Mariko Yamada has demonstrated the courage to stand her ground and will continue to work hard for social, economic, educational and environmental justice for all Californians. For these reasons, she has my vote.

Hope Lugo

Napa
I think there are some values that are very different, insisted Mariko Yamada at a recent forum featuring her and her opponent Bill Dodd in the California 3rd District Senatorial race.

Indeed in this election, voters are faced with a very clear choice between two Democrats: One a corporate Democrat with a minimal legislative record, and a woman who has served very ably as the assemblywoman for District 4. Before being termed out in 2014, Mariko Yamada was a tireless and effective supporter of many social and economic reforms.

Bill Dodd was a registered Republican until a few months before he announced his candidacy for the Assembly seat being vacated by Yamada in 2014. In explaining his sudden shift of partisan loyalties, Dodd has been less than convincing in denying that this was an act of sheer political opportunism in a strongly Democratic district.

In July 2015, having served in the state Assembly for less than a year, Dodd announced his candidacy for the 3rd Senate District. With nearly $3 million of corporate support, Dodd beat out his Democratic party primary rivals and pushed Yamada, determined to continue her record of public service, into second place.

Dodd is among a new breed of Democrats who have been labeled variously by the states major newspapers as corporate, business, or moderate Democrats.

Passage of the Open Primary initiative in 2010, and the increasing electoral irrelevancy of the California Republican party in most of the state aided and abetted the genesis of this new species of Democrat.

In his campaigns, Dodd has received hefty contributions from a wide spectrum of corporations not usually associated with supporting the agenda of the California Democratic party. These donations have come from Big Oil (Chevron and the California Independent Oil Marketers); Big Pharma (Pfizer, Glaxosmithkline et al.); Big Banking and Insurance (Wells Fargo, American Bankers Insurance Company et al.) , as well as contributions from Comcast, and Monsanto.

Most strikingly, between April 2016 and early October 2016, Dodd received over $2 million in contributions from EdVoice, an independent expenditure committee dedicated, to supporting charter schools and attacking strong advocates of Californias public school system. EdVoice receives substantial funding from Walmart and various wealthy luminaries wishing to privatize California public education.

It is hardly surprising to find that Dodd abstained from voting on Californias landmark SB 32 bill which will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Dodd voted against SB 260, which would have provided 1.9 million consumers in County Organized Health Systems with the same level of protection as consumers in other Medi-Cal managed health plans.

Dodd also voted against SB 443; legislation (backed strongly by the ACLU) that prevents unreasonable police seizure of someones assets who has not been convicted of a crime helping him to earn a B- grade on civil liberties from the California Civil Liberties Advocacy organization. Even more significantly, Dodd strongly opposed recent legislation that gives farm workers overtime and wage protection; a piece of legislation that Yamada had supported since 2010.

Mariko Yamada, a social worker for over 40 years, has a record of public service dating to the mid-1970s Prior to being elected to the State Assembly in 2008, she was elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors in 2003. In the Assembly, Yamada compiled a stellar record of accomplishments consistent with her lifelong commitment to the causes of social justice and civil rights. During her six years in the Assembly, she saw 31 of her bills signed into law including legislation that strengthens workers compensation; increased protections for the elderly in nursing homes; consumer protections for people buying or holding long-term care insurance; conducted hearings that continued the dialogue that led to Californias End of Life Option Law; and sponsoring a bill providing for all-mail- ballot elections.

Among her most important assignment in the Assembly was her service as chairwoman of the Assembly Aging and Long Term Care committee. She was a senior member of the committees on Agriculture, Water, Parks & Wildlife and Veterans Affairs as well as being a member of the Assembly Rules, Labor and Employment, and Housing & Community Development committees.

Mariko Yamadas record and accomplishments may be gauged by a selection of the organizations and people who have endorsed her in the Senate race. They include: The California League of Conservation Voters, the California Federation of Teachers; The California Nurses Association; Consumer Attorneys of California; the Davis Democratic Club, Davis Firefighters Local 3494, the United Farm Workers, Dolores Huerta, and many public employee unions.

There will surely be many who agree with Yamadas recent statement to the Sacraments Bee that : the reality [is] that Dodd continues to side with corporate special interests instead of the people of this district.

Voters need leaders who will fight for working families, not wealthy corporations.

Dan Cornford

Davis
The first movie I remember watching on TV was the 1941 black-and-white horror film The Wolf Man. It was the late 1960s, and I was only 4 or 5 years old. We lived in an apartment on Charter Oak in St. Helena. The movie scared me to the point where I could not sleep soundly for years, fearing that a hairy, claw-fingered hand might slip up silently from under my bed to pull me to my untimely and imaginatively horrid and gruesome death. Even when I was a teenager and into my early 20s as I lay in bed at night I sometimes recalled the hand, and that was enough to cause me to turn the light back on and do a little more reading.

But the film did more than affect my sleep patterns. The Wolf Man started my fascination with monsters and all things Halloween-related. Most kids enjoy Halloween, getting excited to dress up as some fantasized character or object, then cruising the neighborhood to score loads of free candy and perhaps throw a few eggs or TP a friends house or car. But for me Halloween was more than a one-day event. Over the years the holiday became something my friends and I planned out for weeks in advance.

By the time I entered junior high, my Halloween-loving cohort and I had nearly perfected the event. For days before we constructed an intricate haunted-houselike maze within my garage and devised many Rube Goldberg contraptions that all ended with the guillotining of some innocent stuffed animal. Wed plan and create, work and test our creations out on one another days before the big event, always with the goal of having other friends recoil with surprise and horror.

Then came the Halloween that I came to school early and waited for my friends to arrive. I was without a costume, but in my left hand I held a white box about the size of a pack of cigarettes, cupping it gingerly with my right.

Lift the lid, I said in a pained voice to my friend Todd as he approached.

He looked warily into my palm.

He reached slowly toward me and then stopped, considered his actions and weighed the pros and cons. Something hideous must reside within. He knew it.

Whats in it? he asked.

The day was brisk and I could feel the cool air on my neck, especially noticeable after a recent haircut. The smell of smoke from a distant burn pile carried with it the aroma of dried leaves and the sweet smell of earth from a recent rain. Ghosts, mummies and witches, along with some more provocatively dressed upper-class boys and girls, lurked around the campus, making me wish every day was Halloween.

Ricky, Steve and Chad joined us, each looking at the pristine white rectangle in my hand.

Just open it, please, I said, making my voice as hoarse as possible.

I shook the box a little.

Come on, Todd, just open the darn box, said Chad, looking under and around it.

The night before I had cut a hole in the bottom of one of my mothers jewelry boxes and lined the inside with cotton. Around the hole I added fake blood (I always had tubes of fake blood lying around). Then I slipped my finger up through the hole and bent it back toward me making it look as if I were carrying around a severed finger in the box. I thought it was ingenious, but I also knew that my friends would be expecting more than just a simple gag, so I made a few modifications.

Matt approached the group. He was no ordinary kid. He lived in what was about the closest thing to a haunted house that Id ever seen, and he was not easily impressed.

Finger in the box, he said skeptically and then nonchalantly pulled the lid off.

When the others bent down with amazement toward the bloodied finger I thought, Cool! I fooled them.

Is it real, Chad asked, his voice hushed.

I nodded slowly.

Heck no, Matt said with exasperation. This gags as old as my grandmother. Its just his finger through a hole in the bottom of the box.

My friends all let out aha sounds that indicated they understood the trick.

As they laughed I looked even more pained and with a hoarser voice, said, No, really guys, I need to get to the hospital.

They laughed harder.

Come on, the gags over, said Steve. Lets see the hand holding the box.

Yeah, lets see your finger, chimed in the others.

The lid of the box remained off and the bloodied finger lay lifeless on the cotton.

Guys, youve got to believe me, I pleaded. I need some help, Im feeling dizzy.

As I spoke I looked down toward my hand and then at the ground. A stream of blood had started to pour from my hand, forming a pool of sticky red liquid on the dark asphalt beneath me.

My friends stopped laughing.

Lets see your hand, Matt insisted as he reached for the box.

I shuddered in pain as he pulled the box away and my friends stared open-mouthed at the bloodied, fingerless hand that held the box, red liquid streaming from where the finger had been severed.

Matt dropped the box, and the dismembered finger rolled onto the sidewalk. They all stood staring.

Finally, Matt stammered, But how did you do it?

A grin crept over my face. It was going to be a great Halloween, but thats another story.

Tim Carl grew up in St. Helena (class of 84). Left to join the Navy, came back, married his sweetheart and went to school. He ended up getting his Ph.D. in biology at CU and became a Fellow at Harvard. Later, in 2006, he co-founded Knights Bridge Winery. tfcarl@gmail.com
The Minute of Meeting (MOM) was signed at POSCO Daewoos headquarters in Songdo Island, west of Seoul, on Sept. 29 with the companys CEO, Kim Young-sang, AMRJ chief Mario Ferreira and Brazilian Ambassador to South Korea Luiz Fernando Serra.



Under the MOM, POSCO Daewoo will provide the Brazilian Navy with a patrol corvette and an LPD in partnership with domestic shipyards, and also provide ship design technology and shipbuilding materials to help AMRJs modernization.



The deal is considered to have suggested a new business model for Koreas shipbuilding industry and behind this was POSCO Daewoos global business network and expertise in government-to-government business.



In 2003, POSCO Daewoo struck a deal with Indonesias state-run shipyard, PT PAL, to build two LPDs on condition they would be built with the company sharing its knowledge about shipbuilding, vessel design and personnel training.



In 2013, the company signed a deal to build an LPD at Perus military shipyard, Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA). The LPD will be completed by the end of the year.



The latest deal is the outcome of our efforts made through successful technology transfer and business experience in the LPD construction business, said POSCO Daewoo CEO Kim Young-sang. We plan to expand our presence in Central and South American countries and also diversify our business portfolio into infrastructure, grain and food businesses.



AMRJ chief Mario Ferreira said he expected POSCO Daewoo will play an important role in advancing the Brazilian Navys vessels and facilities, as well as executing its comprehensive modernization project.



POSCO Daewoo has run a branch office in Brazils capital of Sao Paulo since 1980, which has been dedicated to clinching deals with surrounding nations, including Colombia, Peru and Argentina.
Saudi Arabia and UAE defend OPEC decision

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Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev hold trilateral talks

Head of the Ministry of Finance: Sweden's economic outlook is gloomy and we're heading for a tough winter

Norway to raise level of army combat readiness in response to Ukraine war

Putin and Aliyev talks in Sochi are over

Moldova expels Russian embassy employee after incident with falling rocket parts

Estonia to expand by 30 times protected zone on border with Russia

Serzh Sargsyan receives Garo Paylan

Inflation hits new record in 19 eurozone countries

Shoigu and Akar discuss Russia's decision to suspend participation in grain deal

Head of Armenian Armed Forces General Staff: Azerbaijan refuses to allow evacuation of Armenian soldiers' bodies

Inflation in Poland breaks the record of 25 years ago

Head of General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces explains why Azerbaijanis 'trapped' were not captured

Chief of General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces confirms loss of positions as result of Azerbaijani aggression

Central Bank: Inflation in Armenia reaches 9.9%

Edvard Asryan: The operational situation in the eastern and southeastern directions is relatively stable

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

Provincial governor of Armenias Tavush, France envoy discuss future cooperation (PHOTOS)

South Korea and the U.S. begin large-scale air force exercise

Dollar, euro continue falling in Armenia

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

World wheat prices up

Putin urges to ensure peace in Karabakh and unblock transport infrastructure

Pashinyan calls Russia's approaches to establishing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations acceptable

State budget spending on Armenia emergency ministry needs to increase considerably in 2023

Pashinyan says he wants to discuss regional security issues with Putin

Putin hopes for progress in Karabakh settlement during summit

Putin: We have to end the Karabakh conflict

80% of Kyiv remains without water supply after morning strikes, mayor claims

China accuses US of violating trade rules

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

Peskov: We will inform if documents are agreed as result of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders meeting

Kremlin says Russia continues contacts with Turkey and UN on 'grain deal'

Masis Abrahamyan, head of ANC - Netherlands office, files lawsuit against Armenian National Security Service

Bloomberg names world's richest families

Central Bank: About 86% of banks' profits in Armenia come from currency sale/purchase, exchange fees

Head of Central Bank of Armenia: Economic growth in 2023 will be lower than 7% forecasted by government

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

Finance ministry: Armenia inflation would have been higher if national currency had not increased in value

Alen Simonyan to Erin Elizabeth McKee: Armenia is interested in deeper engagement by US

Central Bank of Armenia: U.S. financial authorities complicate U.S. dollar turnover worldwide

Kyiv: 12 vessels with grain leave Ukrainian ports

France is working on a land route for grain export from Ukraine

Amount of Armenia financial assistance to Karabakh to not change in 2023

International Rescue Committee: Blockade of Ukrainian grain may lead to disaster

Erdogan: Turkey will continue to solve the food issue despite Russia's hesitation

Armenia's budget deficit in 2023 will be 3.1% of GDP

PACE MPs initiate resolution on political prisoners cases increase in Azerbaijan

EU studying issue of recognizing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization

Finance minister: Armenia tax revenues projected to be about 3.7% of GDP in 2023

Armenia opposition MP: No final document will be signed in Russias Sochi

Opposition MP: When Armenia PM says he is in Russian proposals favor, has no value unless he says he rejects US option

Employee of Karabakh permanent representation in Armenia is charged with high treason

Kyiv mayor claims damage to energy facility that supplies power to 350,000 apartments

Blinken has phone talks with China's FM

Artsakh strategic issues discussed at We Are Our Mountains agency first meeting

Death toll in Indian bridge collapse rises to 141

Armenia 2023 state budget draft: Capital expenditure to increase significantly

Armenia national debt against GDP is planned to be reduced

Iranian Foreign Ministry: Presence of foreign forces doesn't contribute to peace in Caucasus

Alen Simonyan, Garo Paylan discuss prospects for reopening of Armenia-Turkey border

Aliyev arrives in Sochi

Iran detains second suicide bomber in Shiraz mausoleum

Iranian and Azerbaijani FMs discuss situation in region

2023 expenses of Armenian defense sector will make AMD 506bln, a growth of 35%

Armenias Pashinyan arrives in Russias Sochi (PHOTOS)

UN agrees with Turkey and Ukraine on transportation of Ukrainian grain

Armenia parliament standing committees kick off joint session, debating on 2023 state budget draft

Lula da Silva wins Brazil presidential election

Oil prices go down

Gold prices show weak growth

Armenia renowned stage director, ex-MP Vahe Shahverdyan dead at 77

Turkey plans to open 100 oil, natural gas wells on land in 2023

Copper falls in price

USAID delegation arriving in Armenia

Japan to establish new unified command to manage operations of land, sea and air forces

French Foreign Minister calls on Russia to reconsider its decision on grain deal

Ferrari unveils 499P hypercar with all-wheel drive

Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev meeting will help conclude peace treaty

Pashinyan to meet with Putin in Sochi, followed by trilateral meeting of Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders
YEREVAN.  The Polymetal Management Company of Russia plans to increase its gold production in Armenia by making use of the Lichkvaz goldmine in the country, Polymetal President Igor Finogenov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

As per Finogenov, ever since starting its activities in Armenia, the company has increased its gold production by 84 percent; and if we factor in solely pure metal, production has doubled.

He added that a sharp increase in gold production is planned for the coming year.

In his words, the present-day conjuncture in the precious and non-ferrous metal market is convenient for the company.

Igor Finogenov noted, however, that Polymetal does not plan on diverging from its main activity, and that it will stick to ore mining.
YEREVAN.  The Armenian citizens, who were injured in the bus crash in Russia, have been transported to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, on board a special flight.

Anahit Haytayan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, wrote on her Facebook account that the ambulances, which were waiting for them at Zvartnots International Airport, took the eight injured to Saint Gregory the Illuminator Medical Center.

To note, these injured had received necessary medical care in the hospitals in Vladikavkaz, Russia.

Three more injured also came to the medical center for treatment.

These eleven injured are undergoing medical examinations.

Their course of treatment is under the focus of the minister of health.

In addition, the ambulance staff at the airport administered necessary medical aid to a 50-year-old injured, and then to sent this person home.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass, in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.
Delmar C. Badertscher, 76, of Tecumseh. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016 at the St. Pauls U.C.C. (Maple Grove) rural Tecumseh, with Rev. Eric Biehl officiating. Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Friday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, in the St. Pauls U.C.C. (Maple Grove) Cemetery, rural Tecumseh.

Robert Lee Bakewell, 90, of Endicott. Funeral services 10:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, Endicott United Methodist Church, Endicott. Visitation 4-6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, Fairbury.

Margaret L. Harvey, 79, of Beatrice. Funeral services 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice with Clayton Lundstedt officiating. Burial in the Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. A memorial has been established to the familys choice. The body will lie in state at the Fox Funeral Home from noon Saturday until 9 p.m. Sunday, and then one hour preceding the service at the Fox Funeral Home on Monday.

John T. Jack Warren, Manhattan, Kan. A service celebrating his life at 1p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, Manhattan, KS 66502. Private inurnment with military honors will be in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan, KS. Memorials in Jacks honor have been established at his church, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, and the Good Samaritan Fund at Meadowlark Hills. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Deryl H. Wergin, 93, of Beatrice. Funeral services 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church with Pastor Douglas D. Irmer, officiating. A family prayer service 10:15 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Burial in the Lincoln Memorial Park with military graveside honors. A memorial to St. Pauls Lutheran Church and AseraCare Hospice with Ivan and Mary Ann Stohs in charge. The body will lie in state at the Fox Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and at the church one hour preceding the service on Saturday.
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces around 20 times, from late Friday night to early Saturday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired more than 420 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and by way of various caliber weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In addition, the adversary fired 60 shots from sniper rifles, in northerly and northeasterly directions of the line of contact.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units adhered to the truce, and took necessary steps to reliably maintain their combat positions.
A vehicle surveillance point will be created at the border between North Ossetia and Kabardino-Balkaria, in Russia.

This decision was reached between Teimuraz Tuskaev, the North Ossetian head of government in Vladikavkaz; and Nikolay Asaul, Deputy Minister of Transport of Russia, reported TASS news agency of the country.

In Tuskaevs words, there is a huge transport flow in the said area, and therefore there is a need to increase surveillance.

Asaul, for his part, underscored the need to increase the safety of interstate transportation. He also urged to enhance cooperation, so as to prevent the recurrence of accidents such as Fridays bus crash.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass, in North Ossetia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries. There were 52 passengers in the vehicle.
YEREVAN.  Arsen Harutyunyan, Chairman of the State Committee of Water Economy of Armenia, met with Zara Chatinyan, head of the German government-owned KfW Development Bank Office in Yerevan.

Chatinyan briefed the newly appointed committee chairman on the projects which the KfW bank has implemented in Armenia, and the details of its current projects, the committee informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

As per the KfW bank representative, the Water Supply and Drainage Investment Program of Armenia is a key project. She also pointed to the project for the construction of a biological treatment plant in Shirak Province.

Harutyunyan, for his part, underscored the KfW banks activities in Armenia, and expressed willingness to cooperate more closely.

To note, the KfW bank-supported Community Infrastructure Program is underway in Armenia.
YEREVAN.  There are no default risks in Armenia, and it is not observed in the near future, former MP, economist Vardan Bostanjyan, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

He noted this reflecting on the statement by First President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyanwho is also founding chairman of the opposition Armenian National Congress Partythat an economic catastrophe, a default is expected in Armenia in the near future.

In economic sense, Armenia is not in an arena of default risks at this moment, stressed the economist. Today, Armenia has, first and foremost, a problem of serving [i.e. repaying] external debt. But regardless of the fact that we [i.e. Armenia] have an inefficiency in terms of management of these funds, Armenia did not have any problems, for decades, with respect to international financial institutions, and it still doesnt have, in terms of serving the debt.

[In addition] the social programs, whether they are good or bad, 40 percent of the [countrys] budget goes to the implementation of such programs. () There is no sign yet in Armenia that these social programs also are not being executed.

Proceeding from these two main situations, we can assert that there are no default risks [in Armenia], and it is not observed in the near future.

Nonetheless, as per Bostanjyan, Armenias economy is in a dire situation, and the countrys authorities do admit to this.
YEREVAN.  As of Saturday 11am, the four Armenian citizens that were injured in the Moscow-Yerevan bus crash and whose state of health is relatively severe, continue to be treated in a hospital in Vladikavkaz, Russia.

Colonel Arman Tsolakyan, a representative of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia, told reporters about the above-said.

Accordingly, Zhasmen Harutyunyan (born in 1949), Smbat Poghosyan (born in 1990), Hrant Baghdasaryan (born in 1949), and Avag Tsatinyan (born in 1984) are still receiving medical treatment in Russia.

The ministry representative added that the bus was carrying 51 people, including six women and five children. In addition, eight passengers, including four of the casualties, were Russian citizens.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass, in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.
YEREVAN.  All those, who were injured in the Moscow-Yerevan bus crash and transported to the Republic of Armenia (RA), have been discharged from hospital.

Anahit Haytayan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, informed about the aforesaid.

Eleven of them were hospitalized at Saint Gregory the Illuminator Medical Center [in capital city Yerevan], she stressed. Those who did not need hospital treatment began to be discharged. At the moment, all are discharged. Their further [health] monitoring will be conducted under outpatient conditions; in accordance with the settlements [of these injured].

The transport of the injured and the organization of [their] medical aid was at the focus of the RA Ministry of Health, and the minister.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass, in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries. There were 52 passengers in the vehicle.
The prosecution in the case into the murder of the Avetisyan family in Gyumri has not appealed the judicial act, and this attests [to the fact] that the prosecution agrees with the verdict of the court of first instance.

Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan on Saturday noted the aforementioned to reporters, in Gyumri.

Reflecting on this murder case and responding to the query on where the murderer, Valery Permyakova serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumriwill serve his sentence, the attorney general stated: Since it contains several ifs, speaking about these ifs will be a waste of time, now.

We will reach the phase of the [said] judicial acts entering into force. And, subsequently, we will have the situation of these ifs, and we definitely will see the solutions prescribed by law; in a very understandable manner for all of you.

The aforementioned brutal murder took place on January 12, 2015. According to the indictment, Valery Permyakov entered the Avetisyan family home on that day, and he killed home residents Aida Avetisyan, Hasmik Avetisyan, Seryozha Avetisyan, Armen Avetisyan, Araksya Poghosyan, and little girl Hasmik Avetisyan. Subsequently, he stabbed 6-month-old Seryozha Avetisyan five times. The baby boy died in the hospital one week later.

Permyakov was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of this family.
YEREVAN.  The Russian company is looking into the chances of extraction of lead in Armenia, Polymetal Management Company President Igor Finogenov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

At present, the company experts are trying to determine whether the Kapan (Shahumyan) mine in Armenia has a sufficient amount of lead so that the extraction of its concentrate will be beneficial.

A lot rides on the prices, added Finogenov. In the case of lead, prices are unstable, with a quite major trend of decline.

And therefore the final decision will be made by considering all these factors.

Even though there is lead in the Kapan mine, Polymetal hopes that it will be found in the concentrates of extracted gold, copper and zinc; and as a result, their value could reduce.
YEREVAN.  On Saturday afternoon, three more people, who were injured in the Moscow-Yerevan bus crash, applied to Saint Gregory the Illuminator Medical Center, in Armenias capital city of Yerevan.

One of them was a 47-year-old man from Lori Province, and the others were 40- and 36-year old brothers from Tavush Province, the Ministry of Health informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

All three underwent a comprehensive apparatus examination. Their wounds and scratches were treated; [their] bandages were changed. After providing necessary professional advice, all were discharged [from the hospital], reads the respective statement.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass, in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.

Three of the casualties are Russian citizens, and the other twoArmenian nationals.

The bus passengers that could be transported were brought to Yerevan on board a plane of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, on the same day.

The dead bus drivers body also was transported to Armenia.
At present, eight of those, who were injured in the bus crash in Russia, are treated at Clinic No. 3 of Vladikavkaz. Four of them are Russian citizens, ethnic Russian boys who were coming to Armenia to participate in karate competitions.

Vardan Vardazaryan, head of the Hospital Medical Care Policy Department of the Ministry of Health of Armenia, and who is currently in Vladikavkaz, on Saturday informed about the aforementioned.

He added that the four other injuredthree men and a womanare Armenian citizens. Three of them are still in the intensive care unit, whereas the other was transferred to a patient room, on Saturday. None of their injuries are life-threatening.

Vardazaryan stressed that all the injured are receiving full medical care.

The ministry staff have discussed, with the specialists of the Ministry of Health and the hospitals of North Ossetia, the course of treatment and future transfer of the injured Armenians.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on Friday at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass in North Ossetia, in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.

Three of the casualties are Russian citizens, and the other twoArmenian nationals.

The bus passengers that could be transported were brought to Yerevan on board a plane of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, on the same day.

The dead bus drivers body also was transported to Armenia.
The process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement itself needs to be regulated. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made his statement in this regard, said the NKR President's spokesman David Babayan in an interview with the NEWS.am, commenting on Lavrov's statement about a possible role of Turkey in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

"We have always stressed that Turkey cannot be a mediator in the conflict, since it is biased. Moreover, Turkey has an obvious pro-Azerbaijani and anti-Armenian position," said David Babayan.

According to the spokesman, the statement of Sergei Lavrov is very important; it marks a plausible participation of Turkey. In other words, Turkey needs to understand that it cannot be a mediator. However, if the Turkish authorities are indeed interested in peace and stability in the region, why they wouldnt switch from words to actions and open the border.

David Babayan emphasized that after opening the border between the NKR and Armenia, the next step should be to restore full-scale negotiations. "If Turkey opens the border with Armenia and affects Azerbaijan to open the borders of the NKR, it will be a great example," said David Babayan. He also added that unfortunately he is for 100% positive that it will not happen. The recent statement of Turkey proves his convictions.
Ankara has a positive position in regard to the statement of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about a possible positive role of Turkey in the settlement of Karabakh conflict, said the Turkish Foreign Ministry, reports the Trend.

The report reads that Turkey first of all wishes peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry, do not hesitate to declare that the "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region will contribute to peace and stability in the region." The Turkish Foreign Ministry noted that " the unconstructive position of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict poses a risk for a long-term peace and stability in the region."

At the same time the ministry added that Turkey supported Azerbaijan in the issue of Karabakh and is in favor of solving the issue within the framework of the Azerbaijani territorial integrity and sovereignty. "

Undoubtedly, Turkey will support Azerbaijans position in this issue. In this regard, Turkey as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group is closely monitoring the settlement process and is trying to promote negotiations by means of close contacts with Azerbaijan, "said the Foreign Ministry. It is worthy to note, that yesterday, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Turkey's positive role can lead to the opening of the border with Armenia.
The head of Bruno Manser Funds offered DiCaprio to lay down his mandate of the UN Messenger of Peace, because of being accused of having links with corrupted entrepreneurs. The charity foundation of Leonardo DiCaprio is suspected of money laundering and having suspicious ties with Malaysian funds.

The US Justice Department submitted a lawsuit to Los Angeles County district court. Investigative agencies suspect the Oscar-winning actor in laundering the amount of more than $ 3 billion. The amount was allegedly transferred from Malaysias national welfare foundation. Currently, the state officials are determined to check philanthropic projects of Leonardo DiCaprio's Foundation and found out how much the foundation spends for other purposes.

"Leonardo DiCaprio has consistently refused to explain his close personal and financial ties with key persons of the Malaysian 1MDB scandal...we ask him to step down as UN Messenger for Peace for climate change, said Lukas Straumann, the director of Bruno Manser Funds. According to Hollywood Reporter, that the actor personally is not the target of the investigation.
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."
Breweries and Distributors Are Not at Odds, When Markets Are Voluntary

"In a free market, the two industries can benefit tremendously from each other."

Relationships should be built upon voluntary choice, promoting mutual respect and mutually beneficial outcomes. In these unions both parties are better off with each other, than they are alone. Voluntary relationships can create tremendous value to this world, however these only exist when parties are free to associate, finding cooperation at the right time, place, and manner.If this makes perfect sense in personal relationships, why then is there disconnect when we think about business relationships, such as breweries and distributors? More specifically, the 25,000-barrel self-distribution cap involuntarily imposed on local brewers by North Carolina.In the voluntary market, breweries oftentimes find themselves in need of distribution services outside of their own capacity. Breweries may be growing too fast for their self-distribution efforts, they may be unfamiliar in a new market, or decide they can cut costs by using a third party.Other entrepreneurs see this opportunity and offer their expertise in distribution, competing against other distributors to help solve this problem confronting breweries. Oftentimes forgotten, distributors are also competing with the breweries' right to say "no" should they not benefit and keep distribution in-house in a voluntary market.Forcing relationships between breweries and distributors makes at least one party in the relationship worse off. But that is exactly what North Carolina has mandated upon brewers via multiple antiquated regulations. Wholesaler and big-beer company lobbyists are using the law to benefit themselves at the expense of smaller brewers and consumers. These groups have framed the debate, pitting what should be two mutually-beneficial parties against each other as adversaries.Lobbyists and legislators have utilized adversarial tactics to make brewers and distributors look as if they are at war with each other. There really is no other outcome if policy continues to use the strong arm of the government to penalize and take away the rights of brewers to self-distribute their product over 25,000 barrels Relationships in which one party benefits only at the expense of the other party are often referred to as "zero-sum" relationships. A zero-sum-game mentality fails to see how both parties actually benefit from voluntary interactions.Absent coercion, zero-sum relationships rarely if ever exist. If one party were to suffer or be made worse off in a relationship, then it wouldn't happen or it would quickly end. Mistakes are made and bad things do happen, though in a voluntary market there are always choices elsewhere.In addition to self-distribution, there are many other liquor- and beer-related laws needing to be reconsidered. As it stands now, breweries have little to no rights if they make a mistake when forced to pick a distributor. Laws supported by the wholesalers' union make ending a relationship with a distributor either illegal or so expensive the brewer is forced to maintain the inefficient partnership.The difficulty when talking about this issue is that no brewer wants to make it look like distributors are not wanted in some capacity. In a free voluntary market, the two industries can benefit tremendously from each other.However, wholesale union leaders are very happy to make it look like the breweries are the problem. Wholesalers fought raising the alcohol limit cap that passed in 2006. Now they allege brewers at the 25,000 cap are trying to push out smaller brewers and destroy public health all because it is apparently "greedy" to want to sell and market your own creation the way you as a business owner see fit.It seems hypocritical to insinuate another party as controlling or greedy when in fact it's wholesalers utilizing the force of the government to push brewers around. And it's not just in North Carolina. Check out wholesaler claims in Florida Massachusetts , and Texas in the past few years.As long as we allow government the power to destroy beneficial relationships, lobbying will go on. It's time for brewers to get their rights back to choose their own methods of distribution. Then, once the government is out of the way, distributors and brewers can finally find the relationship they are looking for at the right time for both - ensuring our beer is made and distributed by a happy marriage, not one born of cheap political tricks.Listen and read more from Greg on his weekly podcast "Free To Brew"
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Art and Design faculty present interdisciplinary talks

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Faculty from the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale present interdisciplinary art talks on campus on Oct. 20.

Marie Bukowski, director of the school, is a guest of the Department of Mathematics, delivering a colloquium lecture on Art and the Mathematical Instinct: The Relationship between Art and Math at 3:30 p.m. in Van Lente Auditorium, Neckers Hall.

Bukowski says, in her artist statement, that mathematics inspires her work. In addition, she is a scholar of language as well as art. As an undergraduate, she double-majored in painting and 19th Century German literature at Carnegie Mellon University with minors in printmaking and linguistics and rhetoric. She earned a certificate in art history and the Polish language from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, and then a master of fine arts degree in paining and printmaking from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a proponent of community art and was part of the Carbondale Downtown Advisory Committee promoting public art and streetscapes.

Mont Allen, assistant professor of art history and classics in the School of Art and Design and the Department of Languages, Cultures and International Trade, delivers a talk on Chains of Love: Women Trapped in Marriage on Roman Walls, at 6 p.m. in the University Museum auditorium in Faner Hall as a guest of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society at SIU.

Allens talk focuses on a set of three Roman mural paintings from the bedroom of a private house in Pompeii. The trio represents women who have been unhappy in their marriages: Medea, who was jilted; Phaedra, who fell helplessly in love with her stepson; and Helen, who left her husband for her lover and contributed to the beginning of the Trojan War. Allen talks about what this combination of murals, which the husband probably selected as was traditional among Roman house decorations, might say about women and happiness and marriage.
Bioethicist-in-Residence will explore ethics of medical tourism

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A lecture next week at the SIU School of Law will explore the ethics of medical tourism.

Leigh Turner, associate professor at the University of Minnesotas Center for Bioethics and School of Public Health, will give the 2016 John & Marsha Ryan Bioethicist-in-Residence lecture at the Southern Illinois University School of Law.

Turner will address Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Unproven Stem Cell Interventions: Ethical, Legal, and Scientific Concerns at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, in the courtroom in the Hiram H. Lesar Law Building. The lecture is free and the public is welcome.

Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the lecture. To arrange for interviews or for more information on the lecture, contact Alicia Ruiz, the law schools director of communications and outreach, at 618/453-8700. For the lecture in Springfield, contact Karen Carlson at 217/545-2155.

Turner is a respected author on the subject of medical tourism and the globalization of health care, said Jennifer Brobst, assistant professor at the SIU School of Law.

Medical tourism is a term that identifies those patients who are intent on receiving treatment not available or not affordable in the United States, who are willing to travel to other countries to get the treatment, Brobst said.

Turners research, for example, has identified novel stem cell therapies for Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases as popular among Americans willing to travel abroad for care, Brobst said.

Brobst said the lecture should appeal to a cross-section of professions, as well as the public at a time when American health care costs are daunting but we cannot expose patients to untested and risky procedures and therapies.

Patients may be willing to take the risks of treatment outside of our borders, but when American companies incentivize them to do so, that raises numerous ethical concerns, she said.

Turner will also present to a joint meeting of the Southern Illinois Healthcare hospital ethics committees at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at noon, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Turner will travel to Springfield to present to faculty and students at the SIU School of Medicines South Auditorium, 801 N. Rutledge St., on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. Turners presentation will once again focus on patient travel abroad to receive stem cell treatments that would not be legally available in the United States, with a strong focus on the ethics of American businesses marketing such medical tourism opportunities, Brobst said.

This is the 12th bioethicist-in-residence lecture, and the 10th since John G. and Marsha C. Ryan endowed the visiting lecture series.

Founded in 2006, The John & Marsha Ryan Bioethicist-in-Residence supports an annual residence and lecture by a law or medicine ethics scholar for the SIU schools of law and medicine. The selected presenter visits classes at both schools and organizes interdisciplinary educational activities for students, residents and faculty. The presenter also interacts with students and offers a public lecture on the scholarship as it relates to law and medicine.
"The bilaterals amidst the multilateral commences. PM @narendramodi meets President XI Jinping for the first before #BRICSSummit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

India is likely to take up the issue of Pakistan's state sponsorship of terrorism following last month's cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in which 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for the attack.

In the aftermath of the attack, New Delhi launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan in the international community while the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

During the meeting between Modi and Xi, the issue of China putting on technical hold the inclusion of JeM leader Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council's designated list of terrorists is also expected to come up.

China recently extended by six months its technical hold it had put in April.

The BRICS Summit will be held here on Sunday.

--IANS ab/bg

( 206 Words)

2016-10-15-18:42:08 (IANS)
"We released this information to put the people doing it on a notice that they're not, quote, 'getting away with it' for free, as well as to put states on notice that we're serious when we say they need to take every measure possible to guarantee the integrity of our elections," Secretary of State John Kerry speaking at the Internet Association's Virtuous Cycle Conference.

"Everyone is talking about 'who did it,'" said Vladimir Putin, adding that the "most important thing is what is inside this information."

"I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelical."

"They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy."

Russell Allen is a conservative writer and researcher. He is the owner and editor of Conservative Articles, a Conservative news website with opinion articles as well as current-affairs. He's on Twitter as well as Facebook. He's lives in southern-Granville County, NC. Husband to one, father of three, and follower of Christ.

Regardless of who was your champion in this past presidential election: Will you recognize the duly elected leader of the Free World? I will never recognize President Donald J. Trump because he is not worthy. I will recognize President Donald J. Trump, providing he respects the office in which he holds. "At this point, what difference does it make?" 89 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



With no evidence to back up their claims, U.S. leaders in the State Department publicly accuse the Putin administration of hacking DNC servers as well as the upcoming presidential elections.On top of this public accusation, members of the Obama administration as well as State Department employees and major media outlets have begun a smear campaign against Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. These smear tactics are being employed for two reasons, which we'll cover shortly.First, let's go over what the State Department had to say The integrity of our elections? Seriously, John? If there's anything that the Wikileaks data-dumps have revealed so far it's that Hillary Clinton and establishment Democrats ruined the integrity of our election system by stealing the nomination from Bernie Sanders Moreover, the United States has long been known for military and political intervention. Regardless of your opinion, whether the U.S. should mind its own in all situations, whether she should intervene in all situations, or anywhere in between, we can agree that it's gone on for decades. I firmly deny the claims made against Putin, but even if they were true, how could the U.S. ever be justified in calling for military action against another country forI'm not saying that hackers who live in Russia haven't tried to attack U.S. servers, but that comes to us from almost every developed country on earth. To single out the Russian government because of hacks that probably didn't happen is ludicrous.. He added that there has been no proof offered to back up this claim, I agree. I would also say to Mr. Lavrov that not everyone in the U.S. agrees with these accusations.He's right. So what was inside the information? Thousands of emails, emails that those involved never thought would be seen.The Clinton campaign's director of communications, Jennifer Palmieri, wrote in an email , concerning Catholics:Center for American Progress senior fellow John Halpin got in on the trash-talk also , saying that the form of Catholicism practiced by Conservative Catholics is anHe went even further, adding that:All parties involved in this particular exchange of emails went on to agree that a major revolution within the Catholic religion and the Christian faith isHillary Clinton, along with our State Department head John Kerry, as well as other high-ranking officials within the Obama administration, are attempting to smear Putin and Assad in the hopes that, God forbid we go to war with these two foreign actors (which seems more and more likely by the day,) the American people could be persuaded to support an invasion because of the negative attention given by the media to these nations.during a speech for the American Legion Convention in Ohio.What reports, Hillary? There's absolutely no evidence to support the claim that Putin or the Russian government has hacked anything.They're using the Hackingate argument, as mentioned above, for two main reasons.Firstly, they do their best to connect Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin. As usual, the Progressives and Liberals don't allow reality to get in their way as they insist that Trump is seriously connected to the Russian government. If they can convince a chunk of voters that Putin hacked the DNC and our election system, and that Trump has close ties with Putin and the Kremlin, then they can say that Trump is friends with an enemy of the United States.Secondly, they're using this argument to divert attention far away from the actual content of the emails released by Wikileaks. As if the DNC emails weren't enough, proving that the Clinton campaign stole the primary from Sanders, the Podesta emails are full of severe, critical content. This is content that Hillary never wanted to get out, but it's out now. They're playing damage-control by trying to divert attention onto Putin, or Trump, or Assad, or, preferably, all three at once.Vladimir Putin said that Russian government sites are targeted by hackers thousands of times per day. He added that many of these attacks can be traced by to the U.S., but you don't ever see Putin blaming Washington or the State Department.The State Department, the Obama administration, and the Clinton campaign are playing with fire. Putin has called for Russians living abroad to return to their Motherland. This could be an empty threat, but why take the chance? We're nowhere near prepared to survive a missile exchange with the Kremlin. If Hillary Clinton is elected president, moreover, it'll be Syria as well that we go to war with.There's a lot at stake people. It's imperative that you educate yourself, discern the truth from all the garbage put out by the mainstream media, and save our country, indeed, our world.Until next time, thanks for reading!
New Delhi [India], Oct 15 (ANI-BusinessWireIndia): The Indian delegation from Gujarat which interacted with the stakeholders in Taiwan last week and with corporate and universities in Singapore this week, today, concluded its official visit. The delegation to Taiwan was led by Roopwant Singh, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd., post Taiwan the delegation visited Singapore and was led by Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Secretary to Chief Minister of Gujarat. At Singapore, the delegation hosted two roundtable conferences, a road show in the presence of H.E. Vijay Singh Thakur, High Commissioner of India to Singapore and interacted with a host of important associations, corporate and universities like Singapore International Chambers of Commerce, Urban Development Authority, Antara Koh, Surbana Jurong, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, Boustead, Blackstone and Temasek Holdings over a period of just three days. "I am delighted to share that through our meetings in Taiwan and Singapore, we've been able to encourage potential investors to understand the various opportunities offered by the state of Gujarat. I was overwhelmed to see these meetings end with a healthy round of questions mostly pertaining to opportunities specific to GIFT city and possibilities of meeting potential partners on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. I look forward to welcoming everyone at the summit scheduled in January 2017," said Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ashwani Kumar. The delegation also comprised of Gujarati Industry leaders like Jitendra Shah, Managing Director, Tipsons Financial Services Pvt. Ltd, Paresh Vasani, MD - PCB Power / Circuit Systems India, Nilay Patel, CEO - Easy Pay and an investor from Taiwan, Liou, Jia-Ciao (Gary) from Maxxis (Cheng Shin Rubber). "The delegation has had a successful round of meetings in both Taiwan and Singapore. Our visit to these markets has already evoked interest in Gujarat. I look forward to welcoming our guests at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, a platform which will help us take these conversations forward," said Managing Director - PCB Power, Paresh Vasani. During the meetings, possible strategic alliances and collaborations were discussed at length as most companies expressed their desire to attend the summit and take the conversations to their fruitful conclusions. (ANI-BusinessWireIndia)
T-Hub, one of India's largest startup ecosystem builder, in partnership with Uber and TiE Silicon Valley has announced the launch of T-Bridge -- a unique initiative to connect startup ecosystems from around the world to India. The programme will connect Indian startups with global market opportunities, and help bring global startups to India. T-Bridge will help startups access UberEXCHANGE -- Uber's flagship startup mentorship program and TiE Silicon Valley's mentor network. Telangana's Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao, who is currently on a visit to the US, inaugurated T-Bridge at Uber's headquarters in San Francisco. He opened T-Hub's first outpost in the US in association with Uber and TiE Silicon Valley. T-Bridge will enable startup communities in India and around the world to cross-pollinate ideas, innovate and create channels for knowledge transfer. It will also create a network of mentors, VCs, incubators and accelerators that is advantageous to the Indian startup ecosystem, said a statement released from the minister's office here on Saturday. T-Bridge will provide a platform for such fast-track tech companies looking to tap into India's huge consumer market for technology. "We have a strong vision to make Hyderabad one of the top 10 startup cities in the world. T-Bridge is one such move towards opening a channel of investment from the world to the state of Telangana," said Rao. "The Telangana government has been one of India's most progressive states. The vitality and transformational mindset of its leadership gained quick notoriety within the startup world. TiE Silicon Valley is pleased to host the first T-Bridge outpost in Silicon Valley," said TiE Silicon Valley's incoming President Ram K. Reddy. "Today more and more people around the world want to build something themselves. Through initiatives like UberEXCHANGE, our mentorship program for Indian startups, we hope to spur entrepreneurship," said Uber's senior Vice President for policy and communications, Rachel Whetstone. Creative partnerships like T-Bridge will strengthen ties between India and the global startup scene, Whetstone said. T-Hub's CEO Jay Krishnan said since the launch of T-Hub last year, Hyderabad witnessed a threefold increase in startup activity, and added "The city is abuzz with over 30 incubators and co-working spaces. There is something happening in every corner." "We're committed to enabling and growing this community and helping Indian entrepreneurs access global resources. T-Bridge is one such initiative in that direction," Krishnan said. T-Hub is a unique public/private partnership between the government of Telangana, three of India's premier academic institutes (IIIT-H, ISB and NALSAR) and key private sector leaders. --IANS ms/in/vm ( 427 Words) 2016-10-15-11:44:22 (IANS)
The report also stated that deposits rose 11.3 percent. Outstanding loans rose 2.11 trillion rupees (USD31.56 billion) to 75.21 trillion rupees in the two weeks to September 30.

Non-food credit rose 2.21 trillion rupees to 74.35 trillion rupees, while food credit fell 105.30 billion rupees to 854.60 billion rupees. Bank deposits rose 3.52 trillion rupees to 101.43 trillion rupees in the two weeks to September 30.

The RBI seems to have started digging into the country's foreign exchange reserves to ease the pressure on rupee with dollars flowing out of the system amid redemption of FCNR-B (foreign currency non-resident-bank) deposits.

The reserves were at USD 367.647 billion at end of October 7 as reported by the RBI. The central bank does not cite any reason for the reserves movement.

India's foreign currency assets, which is 93 percent of forex reserves, fell USD 4.317 billion to USD 342.394 billion reflecting the sharp fall in valuation of the forex held in pound sterling, dealers said. Last week, the British currency fell to its lowest level since 1985.

India holds reserves in dollar and other major foreign currencies such as pound, euro and Japanese yen. (ANI)
This is Prachanda's second visit to India after becoming the Prime Minister on August 4 this year. He had visited New Delhi in September at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Heads of state and government of five BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- are meeting in Goa for their eighth annual gathering, after India assumed the chair of the bloc early this year.

India will also host leaders of neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand for the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit.

--IANS py/vm

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2016-10-15-13:10:14 (IANS)
"The difficulty is that we have a defence minister who possibly speaks more than he acts, therefore, his public profile has been the exact opposite of what the Prime Minister has described him as," Congress leader Manish Tewari told ANI.

Tewari's comments came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi lauding the Indian Army and Parrikar for carrying out surgical strikes to eliminate terrorists across the Line of Control.

While addressing ex-servicemen during the inauguration of a war memorial in Bhopal, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said, "Like our army which doesn't speak, but displays its valour through its actions, similarly our Defence Minister also doesn't speak, but lets his work talk for him," he said on Friday . (ANI)
Supporters of Jayalalithaa - one of the powerful politicians of the country - gathered outside the hospital and offered prayers to their local deity.

"Only reason is our honorable chief minister should be back with a good health, that's the only prayer we all have. It's not only AIADMK workers, its people here. You can see," said a member of regional All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Saraswathi (AIADMK) party, P. Vetrivel.

On Tuesday, the portfolios of the ailing state chief minister were transferred to finance minister O. Panneerselvam.

Panneerselvam has served as interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu state twice in 2001 and 2014.

Earlier in the day, police in Coimbatore city arrested two persons for allegedly spreading rumours about the health of state chief on social networking sites.

Jayalalithaa wields national influence, with AIADMK holding the third largest number of seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament).

The portly, fair-skinned Jayalalithaa acted in several movies before joining politics and has a huge fan following. She endeared herself to millions by distributing free laptops, grinders and fans to voters.

People's devotion to Jayalalithaa, also called Amma (Mother), is unparalleled as they often prostrate themselves before her as a mark of respect.(ANI)
The marriage was done in traditional style and proves once again that the people of Kashmir believe in communal harmony and Insaniyat (Humanity).

This celebration of events jointly by Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits has been a tradition in the valley for centuries.

Muslims also participated in the traditional music on the eve of the wedding day.

Around 90 percent of Pandits have migrated from Kashmir after the outbreak of insurgency in the valley in the late 1980s.(ANI)
The fishermen had resorted to strike urging immediate release of fishing boats detained by Sri Lanka.

The fishermen urged the government to secure 115 fishing boats detained by Sri Lanka and have asserted that their livelihood is badly affected as they are unable to continue fishing without their fishing boats.

Moreover, the boats are getting damaged as they are kept unused for long time.

However, the fishermen from Rameswaram decided to call off their strike as they are unable to sustain it.

The fishermen also demanded that Sri Lanka release five fishermen from Pudukottai Jagadapattinam lodged in Lankan jail.

They further seek to secure their rights to fish in traditional waters near Katchatheevu and Palk straits. (ANI)
The European Union has rebuffed a Swedish push to ban live imports of a species of North American lobsters it saw encroaching on its shores, in a reprieve for U.S. and Canadian fishermen.A European Commission official told Reuters on Friday that Sweden's proposal to blacklist the crustaceans had failed to find support in the EU's Committee on Invasive Alien Species.The ban would have come at a heavy cost for U.S. fisherman, dependent on a steady appetite from European restaurant goers.However, the official said the EU executive could explore other "less trade distortive measures" to respond to Sweden's concerns.Since lobsters have spread from the coast of Maine to Europe's northern shores in recent years, Sweden has sought to protect its own domestic brand of crustaceans and other wildlife from the intruders by banning imports of live lobsters. REUTERS JW -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-978841.Xml
Taking a strong exception to the failure of the expert team on Cauvery water constituted at the behest of the Supreme Court to visit Karaikal, the tail end of Cauvery river, former Lok Sabha member from Puducherry Prof M Ramadass today said Chief Minister V Narayansamy should have strived every nerve to bring the Committee to Karaikal whose farmers and people were seriously affected by the non release of water hitherto. In a statement here, Prof Ramadass said that the Chief Minister has failed to realise the fact that the issue of Karaikal is an integral part of the recommendations of the Expert Committee and that his meeting at Karaikal could have made big difference to the formulations of the Committee. Although the meeting of the Agriculture Minister with the Committee at Velankani is gratifying, it would have been more appropriate and proper if that had happened at Karaikal itself. The Government could have presented two vital issues to the Committee if it had randomly surveyed non borewell area of Karaikal. Although the Tribunal has ordered the release of 7 tmc water since 2007, Karaikal has not been receiving it month wise regularly, Mr Ramadass said, adding that during the rainfall season in Tamil Nadu the surplus water is diverted to Karaikal and accounted as the share of Karaikal in Cauvery water which is unjust. Recently, in deference to the direction of the Supreme Court, Karnataka has released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu through Mettur reservoir. But Karaikal has not received even a single drop of water from it. The Supreme Court order was observed more in breach than in compliance as far as Karaikal is concerned, he charged. Consequently, cultivation in 12,000 hectares has been badly hit; agricultural output has decline; laborers have lost their employment, income and purchasing power and the Karaikal Economy is severely affected. A severe drought is seen in Karaikal, Mr Ramadass said. Although the Chief Minister promised on the floor of the Assembly on 30th of August this year that he will initiate all efforts to secure a fair share of Cauvery water for farmers in Karaikal region, it has turned out to be a simple rhetoric as usual. He has not even met the PWD Minister of Tamil Nadu and appealed for the release of water to Karaikal in proportion to the water received by Tamil Nadu from Karnataka,he said.More UNI PAB PS 1209 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-978966.Xml
During Tuesday's televised debate with incumbent Gov. Pat McCrory, Democratic challenger Roy Cooper took several opportunities to chide the governor for refusing both to advocate a North Carolina-based "exchange" that would market policies under the Affordable Care Act and to prod the General Assembly to expand Medicaid coverage under the ACA.The attorney general may well repeat his Obamacare-related criticisms of McCrory next Tuesday in their final televised debate. After all, Cooper blamed the governor and his legislative allies for "refus[ing] to accept" billions of dollars in tax revenues that were sent to Washington and could have "come back to North Carolina" if Republicans had expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, allowing people with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid to enroll in the government program.As noted by Katherine Restrepo, the John Locke Foundation's health and human services policy analyst, Obamacare expansion would not be free. Even if the federal government agreed to "bring back" some tax dollars, North Carolina taxpayers would have to pick up part of the costs of newly covered Medicaid recipients. These new costs would reduce the state's budget surplus, cut spending for other programs (including those designed to help low-income residents), or prevent additional tax cuts.Cooper also said that by failing to develop a state-based Obamacare exchange, Republicans had allowed Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to become the default provider of health insurance in the individual market, allowing BCBSNC to hike premiums in the absence of a statewide competitor.This is nonsense. Residents in many states with homegrown exchanges are in worse shape than North Carolinians, making McCrory and the legislative leaders who refused to establish a state exchange not only prescient but also prudent stewards of taxpayers' money.Nearly half of the states (23) have established Obamacare exchanges, and more than two-thirds of those exchanges are bankrupt , with the other seven in danger of failing. The bankrupt state-based exchanges received more than $1.7 billion in federal startup loans that never will be repaid. Nearly 1 million Americans who purchased policies on their state's exchange had to find new plans or go without coverage.McCrory and conservative legislative leaders did not follow the pack and establish a state exchange - a wise move given the many failures of Obamacare that Cooper refuses to acknowledge.Not all Democrats have been so kind to President Obama's signature policy. Former President Bill Clinton last week famously said (before trying to backtrack) that Obamacare was "the craziest thing in the world." The program might have expanded health insurance coverage, he said, but did so by hiking premiums and deductibles so much that many of the middle-income workers targeted by Obamacare could not afford to sign up for it.On Wednesday, another Democrat, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, said, "the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for increasing numbers of people." State regulators declared the Gopher State's individual insurance market in "a state of emergency." MNsure, the state's Obamacare exchange, faced the prospect of being an insurance broker with no policies to sell, as all seven insurance companies that operated on the exchange threatened to cut their losses next year and pull out. Six have decided to stay in MNsure for another year, but the largest, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, is exiting. And the remaining companies will increase the premiums of their exchange policies from between 50 percent and 67 percent.We might have lived through similar horror stories if Raleigh had joined the crowd. In 2011, the Republican-led state House passed legislation creating a state-based Obamacare exchange, but the GOP-led Senate did not go along. McCrory's predecessor, Democrat Bev Perdue, attempted to impose a hybrid federal-state exchange in the final weeks of her administration, but the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a law in its 2013 session that killed Perdue's exchange plan and prevented Medicaid expansion without the legislature's approval.Raleigh's Republican leaders made the right call in both instances, and the evidence becomes more overwhelming - especially about the wisdom of not establishing an Obamacare exchange - in nearly every news cycle.Setting up a North Carolina-based exchange would not have guaranteed lower rates or greater competition. More likely, it would have given a false promise of affordable health care as it squandered tax dollars and eventually left even more North Carolinians scrambling for insurance coverage that was beyond their means.
It was during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Palestine earlier this year that the decision was taken to establish the JCM in a bid to give further push to bilateral relations.

The proposed meeting, which would be held on November 8 and 9, would cover a range of issues that include cooperation in Economy, Energy, Tourism, Agriculture, Water and Environment, Education, Health, IT, Sports, Culture, Media etc.

Mr Akbar will also be visiting Amman, Jordan on November 10 for bilateral talks with his counterpart and other dignitaries.UNI NAZ SB 1359

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Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar has said that BJP leaders from the state had already held talks with Goa, regarding Kalasa Banduri canal issue across the Mahadayi River. Addressing mediapersons at Dharwad here last evening, he said it was not possible to divulge the details of the discussions with Goa Chief Minister and the same will be disclosed at a legal forum. The resolution of Mahadayi river water sharing row between Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra had been delayed for over three decades and the three chief ministers will be meeting in Mumbai on October 21 to resolve the issue outside the courts. Mr Shettar said BJP Government had sanctioned Rs 100 crore for the project to avail 7.60 TMC water from the river for drinking water purpose. But present Government led by Congress did nothing so far. He described statements of the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not conducive for early resolution and he should be more diplomatic in interacting with the chief ministers of the riparian states. He asked whether the opposition Congress party in Goa had made been defiant and not helped the BJP government in that state to bring an amicable solution to allow Karnataka to utilise Mahadayi water for drinking water. He said Karnataka has been facing drought situation at present and the Government must act on war basis to tackle the situation and rush to the help of the suffering farmers. UNI XR RS PY RJ 1428 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-979128.Xml
A number of flights, including that of Russian President Vladimir Putin who arrived here to attend BRICS Summit today, were delayed due to foggy conditions at the Goa International Airport at Vasco. As per media advisory given by Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Putin was scheduled to arrive at 0100 hrs last night at Naval Base, Dabolim Airport, Vasco, but it was delayed . Besides, the flights of VVIPs, regular flights scheduled to land at the airport were also diverted due to the poor visibility. However, Mr Putin has arriver in Goa and so has Brazil's President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma. Delay in the landing of the flights caused traffic inconvenience to the office goers as routes through which the convoys of the VVIPs passed were sanitised due to security reasons. The flight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached on schedule last night. He was taken to the venue by road. However, the event kicked off on time. UNI AKM PS SB 1328 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-979054.Xml
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took to micro blogging site Twitter to welcome the delegates, who are on a visit to India to participate in the eighth BRICS summit, which starts in Goa this evening. Welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Modi tweeted both in Russian and English. "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit." "A warm welcome to you, @SAPresident. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days. @PresidencyZA," Mr Modi wrote while welcoming Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa. Welcoming Michel Temer, President of Brazil, Mr Modi tweeted in Portugese and English, "Namaste Presidente @MichelTemer! Bem-vindo ndia para a cpula do #BRICS. @BRICS2016"."Namaste President @MichelTemer! Welcome to India for the @BRICS2016 Summit". Yesterday, in a Facebook post, the Prime Minister had said that he was also looking forward to useful conversations with leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on addressing pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of the organisation's goals. As Chair of the BRICS this year, India had embraced a stronger emphasis on promoting people-to-people linkages in diverse fields including trade, sports, education, films, scholarship, and tourism. It was anchored in the belief that people were pivotal partners in the effort to craft responsive, collective and inclusive solutions. "We will launch new initiatives in Goa even as we mark the successful operationalisation of initiatives like the BRICS New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement," the Prime Minister wrote on the Facebook post. UNI RBE SB 1300 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0427-979044.Xml
Militants ambushed vehicles carrying SSB personnel who were on way to their camp after day-long security duty in Zakoora area of the city outskirts last evening.

Nine personnel, including a police driver, were injured in the last. Later, one of the injured SSB jawan succumbed.

Later, the security forces conducted massive search in the area but the militants had managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

A caller identified himself as spokesman of the Al-Umar told local media that militants of the outfit carried out the attack. The outfit is headed by Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, who was released in exchange of Indian Airlines plane carrying 176 passengers and 15 crew members at Khandhar in Afghanistan along with Moulana Masood Azhar and Saeed Sheikh in 1999 during NDA government.

The caller warned more such attacks in future. However, the outfit remained silent for about more than a decade.UNI BAS CJ 1255

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Five jars of Cobra venom, meant to be smuggled out to China via Nepal, have been seized by the West Bengal forest department officials, forest ranger Sujay Dutta said today. The cobra venom sealed in glass (Belgium) jars, was worth of Rs 2 crore. Mr Dutta told reporters after being confirmed of the deadly substance widely used for various research, medicines and addiction. He said four people, who have been arrested with the content, from Belacoba range of Baikuntapur forest range in Siliguri, were proceeding towards Nepal through forested paths last evening. All, the people, identified as Sujay Kumar Das (32), Bipul Sarkar (52), Pintu Banerjee (30) and Amal Nubia (46), are the resident of different districts of north Bengal. Mr Dutta said the arrest of four people and seizure of Cobra venom was made following a tip off. He said the venom was imported from Bangladesh. The accused would be produced before a court today.The West Bengal forest department had arrested six persons last year near Siliguri and seized a consignment reportedly of "Cobra venom" valued over Rs 100 crore in international markets.UNI XC-PC KK CJ 1326 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-979060.Xml
Police said the arrested were identified as Nduba Joseph and Nwite Sunday Rose, hailing from Anmbra City in Oroma, Eastern part of Nigeria.

Their passport and a two-wheeler used for selling the banned drug was seized from them.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the duo were purchasing the drug from Ben, who is absconding, and selling it after packing in small quantities.

Police have registered cases and investigating. UNI MSP SKB PY RJ 1430

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Security forces opened fire and pellets besides burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators who were protesting against alleged raid by police during early this morning at several places in south Kashmir district of Shopian, including Wadwan and Werpora in Nagbal.

The demonstrators alleged that security forces ransacked houses, damaged household goods besides beat inmates during the raids.

Several persons were injured in the security force action, official sources said adding one the injured hit by a bullet in the leg has been admitted to district hospital.

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Batmaloo area of the city late last night when security forces and state police personnel allegedly raided some houses and damage property, including electronic goods and window panes.

Raising ''pro-freedom'' slogans, the demonstrators alleged that security forces also damaged two electric transformers besides smashed window panes of houses and some mosques.

The demonstrators later clashed with security forces who fired in the air and burst teargas shells to disperse them.

A local resident Abdul Rashid told UNI that massive demonstrations were going on till 0100 hrs when the security forces finally left the area.

The situation is very tense following damage to mosques in the area and additional security forces remained deployed to prevent fresh demonstration today. Curfew imposed early yesterday had been lifted but people remained indoor, he said.

Reports of similar demonstrations against security force and police raid to arrest local youths, were also reported from uptown areas during the night.

Security forces burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the demonstrators.UNI BAS CJ SB 1314

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Nagaland Governor P B Acharya Friday called for a stop to 'commercialization of education' and a complete relook at the education system saying that "graduation should not be the sole aim of universities of the country." Addressing the first graduation day as well as foundation day of North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School campus in Dimapur yesterday, Acharya said universities are the centers of knowledge but when commercial interests overtake national interests, it's time to redo the entire higher education field. Acharya also said it was the responsibility of the universities to create a sense of nationalism among the students. He said the universities should make the students aware of the fact that their education is not just for them, but for the entire community and country at large. If it is done nothing can stop India from marching ahead," Acharya stated. He said it was time for the universities to change their approach and come out of their ivory towers. Also hitting out at a certain group of people of the state for the stalled Railway project, the Governor said, "The project was initiated with much enthusiasm in the presence of Rail Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, but it has been stalled because people were whining about less compensation. "They are not prepared to accept that the project is meant for them and ironically money has become the God in a Christian state," he added. He further said nobody was going to make Nagaland a golden Nagaland unless Nagas come ahead and make it so. Acharya stated there was no one to be blamed for Nagas being condemned economically but Nagas themselves. He stressed the need of skill development among the graduating students and said there was lack of dialogue between the universities and the traders and industries and thus there is no co-ordination between the demand and supply of human resources. The governor further said there are enough resources in the state, but they are not being utilised. Mr Acharya further appealed the students to make Nagaland a vibrant state. "When an achiever becomes a giver, it is highest joy in life," he said. UNI AS KK AKC RJ AS1512 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-979134.Xml
Nagaland Home Minister Y. Patton, in a strongly-worded statement, has warned police personnel of stringent action if found taking law into their own hands. Addressing at the attestation parade of the newly recruit 53rd batch Nagaland Armed Police/Indian Reserve Battlion havildars and constables at NAPTC ground in Chumukedima, near Dimapur yesterday, Patton made this statement, based on several complaints received by the police department that some uniformed personnel were taking law into their own hands. "I would like to give you a gentle reminder that those defaming the Department unnecessarily would be dealt strictly without any hesitations." Patton was however, confident that the 443 new recruits (32 havildars and 411 constables) would not indulge in such activities. He further encouraged the new recruits to be ready to serve anywhere, as pledged, and to give their best services, wherever their posting place may be, with full commitment. The Minister expressed dismay that most of the uniformed personnel did not want to serve in remote areas, where their services were needed the most. Patton also cautioned the uniformed personnel that he would ensured that no files would be processed for transfer and postings of their own choices. "Keep in mind that department knows best as to where you would be placed. Therefore, I reiterate that all should respect your job, place of postings", said Patton. While congratulating the new recruits upon passing out, Patton reminded them that the profession they have chosen was not only meant for survival but a bounden duty to contribute and to protect the society and nation. UNI AS KK AKC RJ AS1608 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-979142.Xml
House Speaker Moore says enough money available to deal with emergencies until full session convenes in January



Flooding from 1999's Hurricane Floyd inundated the campus of East Carolina University. (Photo courtesy East Carolina University)

While some Democratic legislators are calling for a special session to deal with recovery efforts for Hurricane Matthew, Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and GOP leaders in the General Assembly say a special session is unnecessary.McCrory, House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, and Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, say there's enough money to handle the state's emergency efforts dealing with the havoc caused by Matthew until January 2017, when lawmakers return to Raleigh.Moore said.Earlier this week, Moore joined Berger in a statement supporting McCrory's decision not to immediately call the General Assembly back into session.Berger and Moore said in a joint statement.Moore said.Moore said the General Assembly will have to authorize use of money from the state's rainy day fund before it can be used. Currently, the rainy day fund has a balance of $1.6 billion.State Rep. Billy Richardson, D-Cumberland, on Monday urged McCrory to call a special session of to move money from the state's rainy day fund into a relief program for people affected by Matthew.On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue, D-Wake, called for a special session. On Thursday, Rep. Ken Goodman, D-Richmond, asked for a special session, saying lawmakers needed to address flood relief plans and provide direction and flexibility for make-up days for local school boards and superintendents.Richardson said.Richardson said it is better to have programs in place and the money available and not need it than not to have the money in place and need it.Richardson said.Mark Trogdon, director of the General Assembly's Fiscal Research Division, said state law gives the governor broad authority to deal with emergencies.Trogdon said.Moore said. Moore added that the fiscal discipline the General Assembly has shown in recent years has paid off with an ample rainy day fund.The flooding left by Hurricane Matthew brings back memories of the damage from Hurricane Floyd. Floyd struck the state on Sept. 16, 1999, and left much of eastern North Carolina under flood waters. The storm was blamed for 51 fatalities.Matthew, which hit the state last weekend, also flooded many areas of eastern North Carolina. So far, 22 fatalities have resulted from the storm.Then-Gov. Jim Hunt called the General Assembly into a special session on Dec. 15, 1999, nearly three months after the hurricane hit the state. Lawmakers set up a Hurricane Floyd Reserve Fund of $836.6 million, with $285.9 million coming from the rainy day fund.Another $226.5 million same from unspent money that had been allocated to state agencies, universities, and community colleges, known as reversions. Lawmakers diverted $146.5 from capital improvement programs. The rest came from other parts of state government, including $6.7 million that had been set aside to renovate legislative chambers and buildings.
JPCC general secretary Lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo today said here that the meeting would be held in the auditorium of the Vidhan Sabha from 1330 hrs. In this meeting, AICC general secretary and in-charge for party affairs in Jharkhand B K Hariprasad would also participate.

In the meeting, discussions would be held to decided the future programmes of the party and chalk out strategies for political actions.UNI AK AKM AKC RJ NS1705

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JD (U) president and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's dream of liquor free India would be among other burning issues, which would be discussed at length during the two-day party's national council meeting, commencing at Rajgir in Nalanda district from tomorrow. State JD (U) president Vashishtha Narayan Singh told UNI here that nearly 500 delegates from outside the state, who would attend the meeting, would be informed about prohibition in Bihar and Mr Kumar's nationwide campaign against liquor, which had been well received across the country. Speaking on other agenda, Mr Singh said the unopposed election of Mr Kumar as the party president for the second consecutive term would be ratified in the meeting tomorrow. He was elected to the top party post unanimously on October 4. Mr Kumar was nominated the party's president for the first time at its national executive meeting in New Delhi on April 10 this year, replacing Mr Sharad Yadav. His nomination was later ratified by the party's national council meeting in Patna on April 23. Mr Yadav had resigned from the post on the plea that he did not want to continue for the fourth term. MORE UNI DH-IS AKM AKC RJ 1606 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-979326.Xml
Family members of an AIDS patient, who died during treatment, have to cremate the body in their backyard yesterday after a group of villagers denied them to cremate of the body at the cremation ground. The relatives of the deceased tried to convince the villagers to allow them to cremate the body in the cremation ground but in vain. The persuasion of the local assistant revenue inspector and police also failed to yield any result. After all efforts failed the relatives finally cremated the body in the premises of the deceased. Although no one openly said the reason for not allowing the cremation in the burial ground. It was alleged that a group of villagers opposed the cremation as the deceased was suffering from AIDS. The group, which opposed the cremation, said cremation was stopped in the government land for about a year now after residential houses came up around the patch. They suggested the relatives of the deceased to perform the last rites on the river bank about 100 meters away from the burial ground. The cremation was finally conducted in the premises of the house of the deceased as the relatives did want to go to river bank, Mahendra Das, an official of the revenue department said. Soro tehsildar Priyabarta Padhi when contacted said " since the matter is a social problem, it should have been be sorted out in the village level," District collector Pramod Das has sought a detailed report from the local tehsildar on the incident. Police said the deceased was working in a private company in Mumbai and other places outside the state for about 10 years. He was detected with the HIV virus about two years ago in a private clinic. He returned to his native village about two months ago after his health condition deteriorated and was under going treatment at SCB medical college and hospital, Cuttack and in other private hospitals in Odisha. The deceased is survived by wife, and two daughters and his 60 year old mother. UNI XC-BD AKM PY RJ NS1710 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-979411.Xml
The Shiromani Akali Dal today said that by burning the effigies of Sikh leadership in the garb of 'Chitta Ravana' the Congress party is trying to scare the Sikh masses reminding them of November 1984 Sikh massacre. In a statement here, SAD Secretary and Spokesperson Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said that it was the time when Sikhs were burnt alive after tying them with ropes and putting tyres around their necks. The Congress took political mileage of this inhuman act in the subsequent elections throughout the country. Once again on the directions of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Punjab Congress is conspiring to defame Punjabis by labeling them as addicts on one side and burning effigies of Sikh leadership on the other side. The motive and the timing of the event is same that is November and elections to the five states are in due process, he added. "First Rahul lead the attack by declaring 70 per cent of Punjabis as addictive to drugs and now when the doping results in police recruitment has exposed the Congress lies, the beleaguered Congress party has adopted an alternative strategy to prove their leader right," Dr Cheema said. The SAD leader challenged Capt Amarinder Singh that whatever drama he wants to do he is free to do but ultimately he should remain prepared to accept the ground reality. His actions as well as his frustration is an ample proof that SAD-BJP is going to make hatrick, he said.UNI DB SHK 1700 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-979385.Xml
Ahead of Arvind Kejriwal's tour to Surat, posters attacking him sprang up in the city, placing the Delhi Chief Minister alongside terrorists like Osama bin Laden, Hafiz Saeed and the Hizbul Mujahideen's Burhan Wani. "Heroes of Pakistan," said the posters were hurriedly removed by Aam Aadmi Party activists. Kejriwal has drawn strong criticism for asking the government to provide evidence of the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line of Control against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this month. Posters branding him "traitor" have been put up in north Gujarat's Surat and Unjha, where he will today meet families of those killed during the Patel agitation in Gujarat. (ANI)
He said acting on a tip-off, a police party headed by the Station House Officer (SHO) Police Station Awantipora apprehended a smuggler Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat at Awantipora Chowk on Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

On checking police recovered three kg charas, he said, adding that a case has been registered and investigation has been taken up.UNI BAS RJ AS1814

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The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday reiterated its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, with General Secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani saying it is not acceptable to the Muslims at any cost. Speaking at a conference organised by NGO Peace Foundation to deliberate on the code and triple 'talaaq' issues here, Rahmani said the Muslim personal law is based on divine law and hence cannot be altered. He said the Supreme Court should consider the issue of triple talaaq in its entirety. At present, the apex court is hearing three petitions on the issue. "The Supreme Court can intervene in any matter. But our request is that the matter of triple talaaq should be considered in its entirety (and not just as a women's right issue)," Rahmani said. The AIMPLB leader said that the Muslims in India have respected and obeyed all laws of the land in independent India but they would not tolerate any interference in their personal laws. "Over the last 70 years, the Indian Muslims have respected and obeyed all the laws. Although they have been the target of communal violence, and at times discrimination, they still love their motherland. "But the Muslims cannot tolerate any interference in their religious affairs or laws," he said. Rahmani said raking up of the two issues now reeks of some "evil designs". "Most people in this country are peace-loving and just. But there are a handful of people who want to create a rift between the two communities and keep devising new plans for it," Rahmani said. The AIMPLB is running an awareness campaign to sensitise the common people about the "perils of the Uniform Civil Code", he said. The Law Commission had, on October 7, floated a 16-point questionnaire on its website wherein it had asked the common people, activists, organisations and other stakeholders to give suggestions on the implementation of the code. Several prominent Muslim organisations in the country have opposed the move and urged the Muslims to boycott the questionnaire by not responding to it. Under the Uniform Civil Code, the personal laws based on scriptures and customs of every religious community in India will be replaced with a common set of laws applicable equally to all citizens. --IANS mak/tsb/bg ( 389 Words) 2016-10-15-18:36:08 (IANS)
"Kalam's writings had vision... He always mentioned that India is going to be a super power, visualised it and wrote in his books which have inspired an entire generation," Tawde said at function in Crossword bookstore to mark the event.

Hundreds of colleges in the state organised their own reading day programmes, literary and poetry meetings, reading corners and other events to mark the scientist-turned-politician Kalam's 85th birthday anniversary.

Tawde said that "Maharashtra Reading Day" would inspire children and the younger generation to make reading a habit which is getting challenged with the advent of cellphones and other devices at an early age.

"The children tend to emulate their parents, and it leads to cellphone addiction as early as two years of age... We must now think of declaring a 'no-gadget day' as well," Tawde said in a lighter vein, while appreciating Crossword's "ILoveReading" initiative.

Earlier today, in a state government programme, Tawde distributed 100 "talking book" volumes to 21 schools for the visually-handicapped in Maharashtra, prepared in collaboration with National Association for Blind (NAB).

Later, he presented sets of 100 books to 21 readers' groups at a function in Gokhale Education Society College in Borivali to mark the day.

The first-ever Maharashtra Reading Day was commemorated by reading sessions in 100 colleges across the state conducted by top writers and public figures and they took part in lively literary debates conducted with the students.

Kalam, revered as the peoples' President passed away after a cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015, in Shillong.

--IANS qn/ask/sac

( 292 Words)

2016-10-15-18:44:09 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders discussed a whole range of bilateral issues. Senior officials from both the sides participated in the meeting that took place on the sidelines of theBRICS Summit here ''The bilaterals amidst the multilateral commences. PM @narendramodi meets President Xi Jinping for the first before #BRICSSummit,'' External Affairs Minister Vikas Swarup tweeted. India is understood to have raised the issues of Chinese objection to its membership of the NSG and its veto on the UN move to put sanctions against Massod Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief, which is said to have masterminded the Pathankot attack. China has ahead of the Summit given a positive message on the NSG, saying that it was ready to discuss the issue with India, but had underlined that any decision in the body had to be achieved by consensus according to rules which were not framed by it alone. However, on the issue of terrorism, it had said it was opposed to all form of terrorism but there should be no double standards on counter terrorism. "Nor should one pursue own political gains in name of counter terrorism," it had said in a veiled attack on India.UNI NAZ SHK 1850 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-979724.Xml
Heads of BRICS nations namely Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Brazil President Michel Temer besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi have arrived in this coastal state to attend the annual summit.

The 8th BRICS Summit is themed on "Building Responsive, Inclusive and collective solutions."

In the afternoon Mr Modi held bilateral talks with Mr Putin as part of 17th India- Russia Annual Bilateral Summit.

Both leaders reviewed the entire gamut of India-Russia with a focus on defence and nuclear cooperation. United stand against terrorism and improving connectivity between the two countries also figured in the talks.

India and Russia signed key agreements in several fields including infrastructure, defence, ship building, science & technology and railways.More UNI AKM PY AS1907

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Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

And now for your additional voting pleasure:

What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



As we watch corruption at the highest levels of government burn our beloved Republic to the ground, it is hard to look at the future with any optimism. Not only were more Clinton emails released this week that point to collusion between the Clinton campaign and the DOJ, but an anonymous source connected to the FBI told Fox News that the majority of agents assigned to the Clinton case favored prosecution, and that the conclusion that Director Comey came to was a "top-down decision." More so than ever before, the federal government seems impossible to trust. The so-called 'Justice' department has proved itself to be nothing more than a political chess piece, and any sober observer of current American politics should be able to see this. In my eyes, the only way to heal this virus is to limit the power our federal government has. The beast has grown too fat and evil for the American people to trust it to fix itself out of good intentions. The only path we have to maintaining our political system and protecting individual liberty going forward will require a rebirth of Constitutional government.The Founding Fathers were wary of powerful central government for a reason. Unfortunately, ignorance of and even disdain for the principles these men espoused from the political elite is rearing its ever-growing head in the form of lawlessness. While our Founders insisted that self governance was the way to American peace and prosperity, contemporary political elites believe that bureaucrats in Washington know best how we should run our lives. The utter corruption within that city proves this to be false. The tenth amendment to the Constitution was supposed to be what protected the people from entirely central rule, but state's rights have been trampled over by not only a fat bureaucracy, but also a Supreme Court that would rather write policy than make textual rulings and broad interpretations of institutional power by the executive.Fixing this enormous mess is admittedly easier said than done, but possible. An important step will be electing Senators and Representatives with a firm respect for the Constitution and encouraging the Congress to regain its ambition and uphold its Constitutional prerogatives against a presidency that is more powerful that the Framers ever intended. I would love to see more Senators in the mold of Mike Lee and Rand Paul and more Representatives like Trey Gowdy and Justin Amash who are willing to exercise the Congress's considerable oversight authority to keep Washington in check. The critical power of the purse that the Framers granted to Congress should also be exercised in a fashion that would require greater discipline within the government.With a Clinton presidency looming, we also have to be prepared for the possibility of State Nullification. This means that if Hillary Clinton appoints radical leftists to the Supreme Court that make rulings that infringe upon our Constitutional rights or more federal laws get passed that do the same, the states have to be prepared to render these laws null and void by refusing to enforce them. This will undoubtedly cause an uproar in the media and bring the Justice department down on any state that does this, but it is also the surest defense against federal tyranny and will be a critical step in giving the States back their rightful share of power in the Federal system.As a South Carolinian, I have much more faith in the leadership of Governor Haley than I do in President Obama and as an American, I have more faith in the political thought of Jefferson and Madison than that of Justice Ginsburg and others on the far left. I also trust my local and state law enforcement officials much more than I do James Comey and his FBI. The mass movement of power towards the central government since the 1930s has left us less prosperous and less free. It should be obvious that the crowd in Washington isn't responsible enough to handle the serious power they yield. It is about time that Americans of all ideologies take a serious look at the moral failures of big government, so that we can begin to move back to the Constitutional principles that we agreed to in the first place.
By raising the slogan of 'Jai Sardar, Jai Patidar', the war cry of pro-reservation agitators of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched his Aam Aadmi Party's poll campaign from a village in Mehsana district, the heartland of the Patidar quota protests. Mr Kejriwal, who arrived here yesterday on a three-day visit, chanted slogans of "Jai Patidar, Jai Sardar" which were lustily echoed by a large gathering of Patel youth whose disenchantment with the BJP government cost the ruling BJP heavy losses in the local body and panchayat elections. Addressing a public rally at Pilodra village late on Friday night, Mr Kejriwal raised the issue of police firing on protesters in August 2015 in which 13 Patel youths were killed. "Whoever ordered the firing should be booked," he said and the crowd responded with "General DyreGeneral Dyre" a reference to the British officer who had ordered his forces to fire on unarmed people at Jallianwallah Bagh in 1919. PAAS has held BJP president Amit Shah responsible for giving firing order on protesters and has been referring to him as General Dyre. Responding to Mr Kejriwal's gesture, PAAS leader Hardik Patel in a letter to the Delhi CM, urged him to support the cause of the Patel community from the national capital. Mr Kejriwal's 10-minutue speech came after he arrived in Ahmedabad in the evening and left for Mehsana to meet two families who lost sons in the 2015 police firing. Earlier at the airport, he said the BJP may try to disrupt his Sunday rally in Surat, which is also going to be held in the Patidar bastion of Varachha.His three-day trip is focused on wooing Patidars, a key vote bank of the BJP for three decades. Mr Kejriwal offered prayers at Maa Umiya temple in Unjha, the deity of Kadva Patidars, and met more families in Ahmedabad before leaving for Surat. Mr Kejriwal said in Surat he would discuss issues of locals and ask them whether AAP should contest the assembly elections in 2017. With the BJP rejecting Patidar's OBC quota demand, the disgruntled community members had disrupted a public event of Shah in Surat. Shah had to wind up his speech within minutes. Mr Kejriwal's Sunday rally will be held in the same area. UNI ND PY AS1926 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-979829.Xml
Hitting out at the Farmers 'Out-reach program' of Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said that such 'election eve- gimmicks and stunts' may help the party in grabbing newspaper headlines but not the support of the farmers who understand that the policies of the successive Congress governments were squarely responsible for their present ruinous conditions. In a joint statement here today, the Akali leaders, led by former Union Minister and party's secretary general Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, said the Congress undertakes farmers outreach program close to elections with an eye on their votes while the Akalis themselves are predominantly farmers and constantly try to ameliorate their conditions. Dhindsa said that instead of making lofty promises, the Akalis believe in taking some solid and positive initiatives for the farmers' community adding that the Congressmen only talk while the Akalis actually act. "For the first time, the Akali's government provided free power to farm sector in 1997 and since then they continue to avail this facility though the Congress made a futile bid to roll it back during its regime during 2002-07," Dhindsa said. "More recently, the government has adopted - Punjab Settlement of Agriculture Indebtedness Bill 2016-, which takes care of the problem of rural indebtedness and also introduced farmers friendly agriculture insurance scheme which protects farmers interests against natural disasters and vagaries of weather", asserted Dhindsa. The government also offers interest free loan of Rs.50,000 twice a year to bail out farmers from fiscal stress. On the contrary, the Congress only reach-out to farmers close to elections to solicit their votes, the Akali leader said. Commenting on farmers suicides, Dhindsa said that the trend was certainly disturbing and concerted all efforts be made to contain it. However, this was sensitive issue and should not be politicised. However, he said it was an open secret that the trend of suicide is the accumulated impact of the faulty farm policies of the successive Congress governments. The Congress leaders should lament and introspect why maximum farm suicides are reported from states traditionally ruled by Congress- be it Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Maharastra.UNI DB VS GC1908 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-979648.Xml
"Met @SAPresident and had comprehensive talks with him on further cementing India's ties with South," Modi stated in a tweet.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi held the annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday.

--IANS ab/bg

( 97 Words)

2016-10-15-19:56:08 (IANS)
Addressing after releasing poster on 'Mahilala Meluko-Telangan Eluko' to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Gandhi Bhavan here, Mr Reddy said the people of Telangana were fed up with the TRS rule as Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao does not have a single woman in his Cabinet, which is an insult to the women of the state.

"This is a classic example of how serious the government is about the women empowerment," he said, while urging the women folk to protest against the anti-women policies of the state government.

The TPCC chief said except for rise in the sale of liquor, nothing has progressed in the state.

The Congress leader said the party would protest against the anti-people policies of the State Government.

As part of this, a public meeting would be orgainsed on October 19 at Serilingampally in Hyderabad and similarly, the party would organise a farmers' rally 'Rythu Garjana' in Mahbubabad on October 20, he added.

AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh and other national leaders will address these meetings.

The party will also organise an Application Campaign from October 21, seeking immediate clearance of fee reimbursement dues, he informed.

Mahila Congress president N Saradha, TPCC vice-president Dr Mallu Ravi and others were present on the occasion. UNI KNR PY RJ 1943

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HLL Lifecare Limited's Pratheeksha Charitable Society has invited applications for scholarships from academically outstanding students seeking admissions in professional and technical courses for the 2016-17 academic year. Pratheeksha Charitable Society is HLL's CSR initiative for students belonging to the BPL category.The scheme is mainly open to students from Thiruvananthapuram district, studying at any educational institution within Kerala State. It offers financial assistance to those pursuing engineering, medicine, BPharm, diploma, nursing and ITI courses.An annual grant of Rs 30,000 each will be given to five selected MBBS students, Rs 20,000 will be offered to students seeking scholarships for engineering and BPharm, and students pursuing diploma and nursing courses will get Rs 10,000 each. Students pursuing ITI will receive Rs 5,000 annually, until they complete the course successfully.Students were granted scholarships worth Rs 7.85 lakh in 2015. As many as 30 students will be given grants this year along with students who were granted scholarship in the previous years.Candidates will be selected on the basis of academic performance and financial background. Interested applicants should produce original income proof by the authorities concerned, along with bonafide student certificates from the head of the institution. Selected candidates for scholarship are expected to submit their yearly academic performance report to continue to avail the scheme.The funds for the Pratheeksha Charitable Society are raised through employee contributions and from the company's CSR fund.Application forms are available at the offices of HLL Lifecare Limited or can be downloaded fromwww.lifecarehll.com. Applications should reach the office of the Associate Vice President (HR), HLL Lifecare Limited, Corporate and Regd Office HLL Bhavan, Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 012 on or before November 10, 2016.UNI DS VS RJ GC2022 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-979983.Xml
A rebel was arrested today at Kondagaon District's Dhanora weekly market, police said. Mardapal-resident Dhasia Ram (26) was taken into custody by district force and District Reserve Group personnel while he was doing a recce at the instance of the ultras' Keshkot Area Committee. A knife, outlaws' banners and posters were seized, from his possession, police said .UNI SS AC SHS BL2203 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-980068.Xml
A police mobile bunker was attacked by militants in the frontier district of Kupwara tonight, official sources said here. They said militants attacked a bunker vehicle of police at Tutigund Kulangam in Kupwara with automatic weapons. However, there was no immediate report of any loss of life, they said adding security forces also retaliated but the militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness. Additional security forces were rushed to the area, they said.UNI BAS SHS BL2205 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-980073.Xml
Russian defence manufacturer Rostec on Saturday said the production of K226T helicopters would mark a major step in the long-time cooperation and relationship between India and Russia. Addressing the media here, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said Russia since 1990's have contributed significantly in defence cooperation with India, especially in the production of Sukhoi military planes. "India has been our long time friend and our long time partner. We have been involved in multiple important projects for them for a very long time. Our joint productions have gone quite well, most notably in the 1990's we had the licenced production of the Sukhoi military planes in India," he said. "Today we have signed a very important agreement on the production of K226T helicopters in India, this marks another serious step in our long-time cooperation and a long-time relationship," he added. Responding to a poser regarding the completion of fifth-generation fighter programme Sukhoi PAK FA, Chemezov, said, "As for the timeline, they are close to being done. I hope that all formalities are being sorted out. We see that they are close to being done by the end of this year." The Sukhoi PAK FA is a fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) which is being co-developed by Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. It is a derivative project from the PAK FA (T-50 is the prototype) being developed for the Indian Air Force (FGFA is the official designation for the Indian version). Chemezov further said the company has signed an agreement in the joint production with Indian pharmaceutical company Cipla. "India has a very strong industry in terms of pharmaceuticals and we have signed an agreement in the joint production with a major Indian pharmaceutical company, Cipla, which would give full lifecycle, full production of pharmaceuticals with Indian technologies for the Russian markets," he added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral talk with visiting South Africa President Zacob Zuma during BRICS Summit 2016 which began here today. Briefing mediapersons about the dialogue held between the the leaders and the delegates which accompanied them, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, the dialogue began by remembering very fondly visits of Prime Minister which was termed by him as 'karmabhoomi' of Mahatma Gandhi, 'the land of Gandhi and Mandela.' The Prime Minister said that he was fortunate to pay tributes to the great leaders. He said the train journey he undertook during his visit was unforgettable. The Prime Minister commended South Africa for the tremendous contribution it has made to the BRICS Grouping. Prime Minister thanked Mr Zuma for the statement issued after the terrorist attack on Uri in Kashmir. ''India deeply appreciated the solidarity that South Africa has shown on this very important subject. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and it needs global action,'' he said and thanked Mr Zuma for the support on India's bid for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and hoped that South Africa would continue the support. The South African President appreciated the visit of Mr Modi to South Africa. Indian and South Africa have had long relationship and need now was to grow and deepen it even further. He said we need to expand cooperation on bilateral side on areas such renewable energy, higher education and also called for simplification for Visa regime between the two countries. Mr Zuma alluded to the two milestones- One the 20th anniversary of signing of Red Fort Declaration signed in 1996 during the visit of then South Africa President Nelson Mandela and alluded to South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission which is scheduled to take place in New Delhi in 2017. There was discussion on trade and investment ties between the two countries and both the leaders acknowledged that current volume of trade and investment was low and there was need to do much more to increase it. The Prime Minister said sectors like mineral, energy, hydro carbon were promising areas, particularly South Africa's expertise in deep mining which India would like to utilise. Prime Minister also referred to differential trade agreement between the two countries. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of IBSA, Mr Swarup said. UNI AKM SHS 2229 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-980089.Xml
Meghalaya Governor, V Shamuganathan today said the north eastern states needs "rapid development" since the youths are "restless". "If they are not skilled and have no education there will be no jobs and the youths from the region may fall prey to negative forces," Mr Shanmuganathan said. The Governor was speaking at the inauguration of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis at IIM Shillong, which was launched on the birth anniversary of the Former President of the country. "Communication in the north east is still an issue even as he pointed out that the region has natural beauty but road connectivity has not be properly linked," he said. Mr Shanmuganathan also urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) to tap the human resources as well as natural resources potentialities of the region for its overall development. "in the north east bamboo products are commonly used and lauded the skills of the artisans who can create various goods made out of bamboo," he said The Governor also urged the Ministry of DONER to use bamboo products as an alternative for plastics and thereby promote the goods of the north east artisans. Moreover, he said the northeastern states has potentialities in horticulture and floriculture and therefore infrastructures have to be built to support them. Referring to the human resources of the region he said that youths of the north east can converse well in English and are courteous and therefore can excel in the service sector. The Governor also pledged Rs 15 crore for the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis through the Ministry of DONER. Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma who spoke at the function as the guest of honour sought the support of the Centre to study how government programmes are being leveraged by the stakeholders. The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis at IIM Shillong was set up with support from the Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Council has been approved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. UNI RRK VS SHS 2253 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-980099.Xml
Two closures on NC 33 near Tarboro

NC 97, which is closed west of Tarboro

The Northbound side of NC 111 between Chinquapin Road and the town of Princeville

US 258 is impassable in both directions between NC 97 and NC 122 and is closed north of Tarboro between Lawrence and Princeville

US 64 near Tarboro is closed in both directions, and portions of US 64-Alternate near Princeville remain closed

Monetary contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are a fast, flexible and effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed

Local organizations spend the money in the local affected community, accelerating its economic recovery

Monetary donations, rather than unsolicited donated goods, avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, transporting and distributing these goods

Contact: McCrory Communications

McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov

Princeville, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory visited the flood-hit towns of Princeville and Tarboro today and provided updates of the ongoing recovery and relief efforts in response to flooding brought by Hurricane Matthew.said Governor McCrory.The governor confirmed two additional deaths, a 63 year-old male in Cumberland County and a 86-year old male in Lenoir County. This brings the total number of storm-related deaths to 24.Governor McCrory Tours Flood-Damaged Areas in Edgecombe County and Provides Update on Hurricane Matthew Relief EffortsThe Tar River crested near Princeville on Thursday, forcing the entire town of 2,200 people to evacuate. The Neuse River is expected to crest today, and may bring major flooding to Kinston and certain areas of Lenoir County. The Northeast Cape Fear River has crested at Burgaw, but high flood levels are expected to remain there through next week. The Lumber River crested earlier this week, but officials are continuing to monitor the levels of it and smaller bodies of water.The number of state-wide power outages continues to drop, down to 16,803 from a peak of over 800,000 on Sunday.The governor said the state has sent additional resources to Edgecombe County, including 50 National Guard troops and 25 high water vehicles. Edgecombe County currently has six shelters operating at full power and the American Red Cross and the Department of Social Services are on site in the shelters.Multiple primary and secondary roads remain closed in Edgecombe County, which include:The governor reminded drivers to not rely on GPS devices for road closure and detour information. Call 5-1-1 or visit ReadyNC.org for the latest road closure updates.Monetary contributions to the NC Disaster Relief Fund and textingto 30306 is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts.Additionally, monetary donations to recognized North Carolina relief organizations that can be found at www.NCVoad.org , a fast, flexible and effective method of assisting those who are in need.Monetary contributions help ensure a steady flow of important services to those impacted.For more information about hurricane recovery in your area, call 2-1-1. For more details about Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org . Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court today rejected film actress Sharmila Tagore petition challenging non-registration of a first information report vis--vis attempts to occupy ancestral land and three bungalows in Raisen. Acting Chief Justice R Menon and Justice HP Singh ruled that the petitioner was free to approach a criminal court. The plea stated that the dwellings, a 200-acre pond and a 900-acre farmhouse were in the name of Sharmila's late husband Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.An individual and his many accomplices, while armed, made numerous bids to enter a bungalow. They assaulted the watchman and threatened to gun him down. One Manmohan Agrawal, who has power of attorney over the land, lodged three written complaints to police against the accused.UNI XC-AC SHS 2209 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-980081.Xml
As many as 324 people, most of them having no links to terrorism, were put to death in Pakistan, while another 8,000 prisoners stayed on death row as the 21st constitutional and corresponding amendments to the Army Act 1952, has given the military courts the jurisdiction to try all persons, including civilians and juveniles, in offences related to terrorism under military tribunals. This grim picture of administration of justice in the country is sketched by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in its 2015 report that was submitted to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government in Islamabad recently. The commission further noted that 1,390 cases of enforced disappearance remained pending with the commission of inquiry. HRCP data suggested that at least 151 cases of disappearances were reported in Balochistan between January and November 2015. Pakistan's new counterterrorism strategy encourages more disappearances, specifically in the province of Balochistan. The Protection of Pakistan Act (PPA) that was signed into law in late 2014 has worsened the situation. The PPA militarises the counterterrorism policy allowing security agencies to hold suspects in preventive detention for up to 90 days and detaining suspects without due process or informing their families of their whereabouts, the HRCP observed. Reports of enforced disappearances in Karachi have increased since the Sindh Rangers have been granted powers to operate in the city under the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997. Persons picked up by the Rangers have no guarantee of their fundamental rights to fair trial or due process. Rangers were given powers in Karachi, based on changes made to the Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Act in 2014, which allow them to try and investigate broad terrorism related offences in the city. Outlining that attacks on buses and killing and abduction of passengers, restricted freedom of movement of certain ethnic and sectarian groups, the HRCP report noted that Pakistan's passport ranked one of the worst in the world to travel with, sharing a place with Somalia as the third worst passport in terms of travel restrictions. Some 58 incidents of sectarian violence were reported from across Pakistan. Hundreds of people lost their lives and many more were injured in faith-based attacks against religious and sectarian minorities. According to Human Rights Watch annual report on Pakistan for 2015, Violent attacks on religious minorities, fostered in part by the institutionalised discrimination of the "blasphemy laws," continued. Ongoing rights concerns in Balochistan province related to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture remained unaddressed. Lack of government response to continuing abuses by the security forces in Balochistan fostered a long-standing culture of impunity. The HRCP observed that gender justice in access to education, health, economic opportunities and political empowerment continued to elude women in 2015. It noted killing of 2,108 men and seven women through police encounters across the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan witnessed 10 and one percent surge, respectively, in total crime in 2015 as compared to 2014. During 2015, as monitored by HRCP, 939 women became victims of sexual violence, 279 of domestic violence. 143 women were attacked with acid or were set on fire. 833 women were kidnapped. HRCP database recorded 987 cases of honour crimes in 2015 with 1096 female victims and 88 male victims out of which at least 170 were minors. Despite the volume of cases, the rate of prosecution remained fairly low, the report says. A total of 3,768 child abuse cases occurred during this year, a seven percent increase leading to average of ten cases a day. Out of the total number, 1,974 victims were girls and 1,794 boys and most victims fell in the age group of 11-14 years. According to Human Rights Watch's annual report the human rights situation in Balochistan remained abysmal. Despite the May 2013 election of a civilian government, the military has retained all key decision-making functions in the southwestern province and blocked efforts by civil society organisations and media to cover ongoing violence there. Enforced disappearances linked to the security forces continued with impunity. (ANI)
Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' by the Pakistani armed forces against various terrorists groups, especially against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on 15 June, 2014 has claimed hundreds of lives thus far and rendered thousands of Pashtuns homeless. They have alleged that Pakistan is looking for one or the other excuse to destroy them. Aerial strikes and ground attacks by the Pakistan Army and the Air Force have made thousands of Pakistani Pashtuns flee their country and take shelter in Afghanistan to save their lives. They said the continued strikes by the Pakistani forces have not only affected their lives, but also inflicted huge damages on their property and livestock. They accuse Pakistan of forcing this fight upon them for the past forty years, which would break them into many pieces. The displaced Pashtuns speak of unimaginable pain and cruelty as attacks by the Pakistan forces on their homes have killed hundreds of them and their dwellings were demolish by incessant aerial strikes. Thousands of Pakistanis from Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are now living as refugees in neighbouring Afghanistan after fleeing from terrible attacks by their own armed forces. One of the Pakistani Pashtun refugees told ANI: "All of a sudden the Pakistani Government bombarded the place without issuing any alert or warning. We were not told what to do and where to go. The military and the Punjabis harassed us." "All the villages were destroyed in the sudden attack. The Pakistani Army claimed that they were after the Taliban and on that pretext they destroyed everything, whatever came in their way. Millions of Pakistan 'kaldar' (currency) of businessmen was lost in the action. Those who could not even walk had to scatter to save their lives. I cannot even explain the difficulties I faced while crossing over to Afghanistan," rued another Pakistani Pashtun refugee. Lambasting the Pakistani government for launching the operation in Waziristan, yet another refugee said, "You people know very well that where the so-called terrorists are hiding and operating from. They are hiding in Islamabad and Karachi. The people of Waziristan have never been on the side of terrorists, nor we have sheltered them and we do not favour any kind of terrorist activities." He alleged, "Pakistan is looking for one or the other excuse to destroy us. This fight has been forced upon us for the past forty years and will break us into many pieces. Sometimes Pakistan fights with the U.S. and sometimes with neighbours." Criticising the Punjabis for throwing the Pashtuns out, he said, "Why was Miramshah targeted? He was targeted because the Punjabis want to throw us Pashtuns out? For them, all of us are terrorists, whichever place we belong to. The Punjabis do not even like the sight of us. When it comes to jobs, business and education, the Punjabis usurp everything for themselves at the cost of the Pashtuns. This is because we have lost our unity. We lost our great leader who led us from the front raising the Pashtun voice." He said when they arrive in Afghanistan, on seeing their hospitality, their pride, etiquette and Islam, they forgot the Pakistani Islam. "Islam is present in Pakistan and law is also there, but that is British. I have seen that in Afghan offices every process is followed according to the Quran, whereas in Pakistan, they follow Britain. Jihad is not in Pakistan, but it is in Afghanistan. Why? Because here in Afghanistan, we have Pashtuns; we have nothing in Pakistan, no land, no business, no education, no law, and not even Islam. Therefore, we have come to Afghanistan. Punjabis cannot share anything like equality, job and dignity with others. They want to usurp everything," he rued. (ANI)
The draft decision notes the importance of Jerusalem to all three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but makes no mention of why the city is significant to Christians or Jews, reports the CNN.

A subsidiary body of UNESCO's Executive Board passed the resolution Thursday in Paris.

It refers to Jerusalem's holiest site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif.

The draft decision, which largely criticizes Israel's actions in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, was proposed by a group of Arab countries and drew harsh rebukes from Israel and the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the move as absurd, saying, "To say that Israel has no connection to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall is like saying that China has no connection to the Great Wall of China or that Egypt has no connection to the Pyramids. By this absurd decision, UNESCO has lost what little legitimacy it has left."

In a letter from Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett following the vote, Israel announced it will freeze all professional activities with UNESCO.

Criticizing the decision, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner also said, "We are deeply concerned about these kinds of recurring, politicized resolutions that do nothing to advance constructive results on the ground. And we don't believe they should be adopted".

The United States stopped funding UNESCO in 2011 over the organization's acceptance of a Palestinian bid for full membership.

This week's resolution, put forward by Arab countries including Egypt, Algeria and Qatar, was adopted by a 24-6 vote, with 26 abstentions. (ANI)
The "deep state" of Pakistan sees various terrorist groups and their insurgent affiliates, such as the Afghan Taliban, as prized instruments to be used in its irregular wars with its neighbours, and giving them protection as a matter of state policy, is not because the country's armed forces fears internal chaos or organisational overstretch, says an expert on South Asian affairs. In an article that has been published by the m.dailyhunt.in web site, Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said, "If the Pakistan army's reluctance to move against outfits such as the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were rooted in operational over-extension, these groups would not continue to enjoy the financial subsidies, targeting assistance, and operational backing-under the generally directive, but also occasionally detailed, control-of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)." He further states in his article for the Daily Hunt, "If various terrorist groups and their insurgent affiliates, such as the Afghan Taliban, are protected as a matter of state policy today, it is not because the Pakistan Army fears internal chaos or organizational overstretch. Rather, the "deep state" sees them as prized instruments in its irregular wars against Pakistan's neighbours and, hence, is even willing to risk the internal blowback that episodically ensues from such a strategy." He opines that whenever the Pakistani military has wanted to, it has moved against its internal enemies with remarkable alacrity, and cites former President Pervez Musharraf targeting numerous sectarian groups despite the army's substantial commitments along the western border following 9/11, as proof. "Rawalpindi (General Headquarters) has used lethal covert methods to neutralise sub-state challengers with minimal consequences to public order-as long as it perceived clear benefits to its parochial interests," Tellis says. He also is an agreement with the view that recent Indian reprisals against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) were deliberately modest in their aim and execution, and were "intended primarily to signal to domestic, Pakistani, and international audiences that New Delhi's traditional restraint could not be taken for granted forever." While admitting that the prospect of stronger Indian responses to future acts of terrorism from Pakistan naturally exacerbates international fears of war, even nuclear war, in the subcontinent, Tellis says that the Pakistan army must stop supporting terrorist groups as part of its confrontation with India. "Pakistani terrorism today aims to secure larger strategic objectives rather than remedy specific grievances. The Pakistani support for the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqanis, for example, is no longer about protecting Pashtun enfranchisement in Afghanistan, but ensuring the permanent geopolitical subordination of Afghanistan to Pakistan," he suggests in his article. "Similarly, the latest proxy war against India, now close to 40 years old, has only an incidental connection with the Kashmir dispute. Pakistani terrorism today is directed against the entire Indian land mass and, far from protecting people in one contested state or recovering territory that has proven to be beyond reach even in conventional war, is intended entirely to undermine India's emergence as a great power," he adds. India, he says, is well aware that Pakistan will not eliminate terrorists functioning from its soil, and has assessed that the Pakistan army prefers a continuing low-intensity war under the protective shadow of its nuclear weapons to a permanent peace with India. "Bilateral diplomacy seems ineffective because, the most serious disputes simply lack solutions that would simultaneously satisfy the Pakistan army and the Indian state. Nor can India immunize itself by improving homeland security alone: its physical proximity, economic constraints, and institutional weaknesses combine to prevent hermetic security," Tellis maintains. "Supporting insurgencies within Pakistan, engaging in economic warfare, pursuing focused retaliation to punish Rawalpindi, or threatening major military action to induce external pressure on Pakistan then remain the only means left for neutralizing Pakistani terrorism. New Delhi has, thus far, refrained from supporting violence in turbulent Pakistani locales such as Balochistan and the tribal areas as well as economic retaliation. While both these approaches may indeed offer India relatively inexpensive substitutes for force, their pain, being slow and long-drawn, is unlikely to force any significant course correction by the Pakistani military and could only incite it to double down on terrorism," he adds. India, he says has the capacity to punish the Pakistani military severely and to do so through means well below the nuclear threshold, but it risks reinforcing the traditional "hyphenation" with Pakistan at a time when the strategic trajectories of the two states are completely divergent. He concludes his article by saying, "That the threat of major military action - one that suffices to punish the Pakistani military but also poses risks of significant escalation - remains the most effective means available to India for inviting the kind of international censure that could force the Pakistani military to reconsider its links with jihadi terrorism." (ANI)
A Connecticut judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the families of some of the 26 young children and adults killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in 2012, saying the maker of the rifle used in the attack had "broad immunity" under federal law.The lawsuit, filed in December 2014 and seeking unspecified financial damages, said the AR-15 military-syle assault weapon used in the attack in Newtown, Connecticut, should never have been sold to the gunman's mother, Nancy Lanza, because it had no reasonable civilian purpose.Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis sided with Remington Arms, the North Carolina-based maker of the rifle known as the Bushmaster that 20-year-old Adam Lanza used in his rampage at Sandy Hook. The 2005 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act protected Remington from being sued for the use of its products in an illegal manner, Bellis ruled."The present case seeks damages for harms, including the deaths of the plaintiffs' decedents that were caused solely by the criminal misuse of a weapon by Adam Lanza," Bellis wrote in a 54-page decision. "This action falls squarely within the broad immunity provided by PLCAA."An attorney for the families vowed to appeal the decision."While the families are obviously disappointed with the judge's decision, this is not the end of the fight," attorney Josh Koskoff said in a statement. "We will appeal this decision immediately and continue our work to help prevent the next Sandy Hook from happening."Remington could not be reached for immediate comment.Lanza began his Dec. 14, 2012, attack by shooting his mother dead in their home and ended it by turning his gun on himself as he heard police sirens approach.So-called assault rifles like the Bushmaster, capable of inflicting rapid carnage, have been used in several recent mass shooting in the United States. Those include the June attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that took 49 lives and was the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.The AR-15 was developed from the U.S. military's M-16 rifle, used in the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Unlike the military version, the AR-15 is not fully automatic, meaning users must pull the trigger each time they want to fire a shot.REUTERS JW -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-978834.Xml
Pakistan has become victim of yet another crisis after India has torpedoed at a United Nations body, Islamabad's proposal worth $35 million to protect communities in the northern areas of the country which are vulnerable to floods from overflowing glacial lakes. The mega project was submitted by the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) in the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. The project was aimed at addressing the mounting risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Pakistan's northern areas where average temperatures continue to rise and cause glaciers to melt at a much faster rate. It was among a list of projects lined up for GCF's consideration at its fourth board meeting. In the Northern areas of Pakistan the average temperature continues to rise and causes glaciers to melt at faster rates,and this project was aimed at addressing the mounting risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)GCF board held its fourteenth meeting in Songdo, South Korea from October 12 to 14 where India, one of the board members of the body representing the Asia-Pacific region along with China and Saudi Arabia, opposed the project. Mr Dinesh Sharma a special secretary in India's finance ministry called the Pakistani project 'flawed', stating that the project that was proposed contained several technical glitches. In the wake of the current Indo- Pak relations, the secretary was quick to say that nothing else should be inferred from their opposition.UNI XC CJ SS 1224 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-978992.Xml
More than 150 nations meeting in Rwanda hammered out a global deal to cut back on greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a Rwandan minister announced to loud cheers today, a major milestone in combating climate change.The deal divides countries into three groups with different deadlines to reduce the use of factory-made hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, which can be 10,000 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as greenhouse gases."The amendment and decisions are adopted," said Rwanda's Minister for Natural Resources, Vincent Biruta, before applause drowned out the rest of his words.Under the pact, developed nations, including much of Europe and the United States, commit to reducing their use of the gases incrementally, starting with a 10 percent cut by 2019 and reaching 85 percent by 2036.Many wealthier nations have already begun to reduce their use of HFCs.Two groups of developing countries will freeze their use of the gases by either 2024 or 2028, and then gradually reduce their use. India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and the Gulf countries will meet the later deadline.US Secretary of State John Kerry met officials from China, India and Pakistan during the talks this week. India, the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, had asked for more time for developing nations to adapt their industries. REUTERS SDR 1120 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-978924.Xml
Two closures on NC 33 near Tarboro

NC 97, which is closed west of Tarboro

The northbound side of NC 111 between Chinquapin Road and the town of Princeville

US 258 is impassable in both directions between NC 97 and NC 122 and is closed north of Tarboro between Lawrence and Princeville.

US 64 near Tarboro is closed in both directions, and portion of US 64-Alternate near Princeville remain closed

Contact: McCrory Communications

McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory provided updates on the recovery and relief efforts ongoing in the Town of Princeville and Edgecombe County in response to Hurricane Matthew flooding.said Governor McCrory.This afternoon, the governor confirmed two additional deaths, one in Lenoir County where a driver went around a closed road barricade and drove through a washed out section of the roadway, and another in Robeson County where a pedestrian walking fell into the hole of an uprooted tree and could not escape. This brings the total number of storm-related fatalities to 22 persons.Governor McCrory Provides Update on Hurricane Matthew Flooding Impacts on PrincevilleThe governor also announced that federal assistance is now available for residents in six counties. Jones and Gates counties are now eligible for public and individual assistance and individuals in Hyde, Dare, Duplin and Pender counties can now apply for federal assistance.The number of state-wide power outages continues to drop, down to 43,753 from a peak of over 800,000 on Sunday.After visiting Kinston earlier in the afternoon, Governor McCrory flew over the Town of Princeville, where the Tar River is currently cresting.The river will be in major flood stage until Saturday afternoon, and is not expected to drop below minor flood stage until Monday afternoon.The governor said the state has sent additional resources to Edgecombe County, including 50 National Guard troops and 25 high water vehicles.Edgecombe County currently has six shelters operating at full power and the American Red Cross and the Department of Social Services are on site in the shelters.Multiple primary and secondary roads are closed in Edgecombe County, which include:The governor reminded drivers to not rely on GPS devices for road closure and detour information. Call 5-1-1 or visit ReadyNC.org for the latest road closure updates.On Tuesday, the governor activated the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew to support long-term recovery efforts in partnership with the United Way of North Carolina. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or textto 30306.For more information about hurricane recovery in your area, call 2-1-1. For more details about Hurricane Matthew impacts and relief efforts, go to ReadyNC.org . Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
India and Russia have called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to make it more effective and representative. A joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit here said, "India and Russia called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more effective and representative of the contemporary geo-political realities. Russia reaffirmed its support for India's candidature for a permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council." With regard to global order and world peace, the statement said, "Recognizing the importance of cooperation between India and Russia for global peace and stability, both sides reaffirmed their desire to work together to promote a multi-polar international system based on the central role of the United Nations and international law, common interests, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including the elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists. Both sides called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity. India and Russia reiterated their support for the Afghan Government's efforts towards the realization of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process based upon the principles of international law. The leaders of both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized the necessity of comprehensive international collaboration in order to ensure its eradication. The statement said, "India and Russia recognize the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge." Both nations stressed on the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements. Emphasizing on the need to have a strong international legal regime built on the principle of 'zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism', both sides called upon the international community to make sincere efforts towards the earliest conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). Both sides recognized that the rapidly expanding role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to the development of certain security vulnerabilities which need to be addressed through the development of universally applicable rules for responsible behaviour of states which should ensure the safe and sustainable use of ICTs. They reaffirmed the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in this field and welcomed the conclusion of the Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in this regard. Both sides expressed concern over the continuing instability in South-Eastern Ukraine and supported a political and negotiated settlement of the issue through the complete implementation of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015. The two sides are convinced that the conflict in Syria should be peacefully resolved through comprehensive and inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue based on the Geneva Communique of June 30, 2012, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Both sides also underlined the necessity of strengthening the cessation of hostilities, delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas, and the continuation of intra-Syrian dialogue under UN supervision. India recognized Russian side's effort towards achieving a political and negotiated settlement of the situation in Syria. They reaffirmed that they have a common interest in preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and in strengthening the multilateral export control regimes. A responsible approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is demonstrated by India and Russia's constructive participation in relevant international fora such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, etc. Both sides reiterated their desire to strengthen interaction and coordination of views on these issues. (ANI)
The US has asked Pakistan to crack down on those terrorists, who seek and "sometimes find safe haven" on its soil. It had also asked the country to "delegitimise all terror groups," operating from its soil. This remark from State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner came, while addressing a routine press conference. Mr Toner, while replying to a question, also said that since Pakistan had largely suffered at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists, the US wanted to help the country to fight this threat.He said at the same time, US also wanted Pakistan to go all out after terrorists, who sought and even sometimes found safe haven there.The remark by the State Department Deputy Spokesman was significant and came at a time, when the relations between India and Pakistan were tensed, following the Uri terror attack, which claimed lives of 19 soldiers. India retaliated by conducting surgical strikes across the Line of Control on terrorist launch pads. UNI XC-RBE RJ 1916 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0427-979789.Xml
This came after Morhard met Sri Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake at the Ministry of Finance.

The German envoy also confirmed that several top level entrepreneurs from his country were anticipating to invest in Sri Lanka and it is of supreme importance to provide them necessary infrastructure facilities and diplomatic assistance in that regard, reports the Colombo Page.

"The attention paid by the German Government towards Sri Lanka was very important," Karunanayake said.

The Finance Minister stated that several leading countries have already agreed to invest in different sectors in Sri Lanka and a share of the contribution by Germany was also important at this juncture.

Karunanayake also acknowledged Germany's continued contribution for economic development in Sri Lanka. (ANI)
DAMASCUS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 people were killed Thursday when a car bomb tore through a rebel checkpoint in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, opposition activists said.

The explosive-laden vehicle targeted a checkpoint manned by the rebels in the city of Azaz, in the northern countryside of Aleppo, near the Turkish borders, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Other activists, meanwhile, placed the death toll at 30, saying the Islamic State (IS) group was responsible for the bombing against the Jabaha al-Shamiyeh, or the Levant Front, rebel group in Azaz.

Azaz, a logistical supply route close to the Turkish-Syrian borders, fell to the rebels in July 2012.

The IS has been pitted against other rebel groups in Syria for a long time, particularly as many of the rebel groups are fighting the IS, as part of their bid to clear their records before the international community and portray themselves as "moderate rebels" to lure the United States and other Western powers to supply them with arms.

Also in Aleppo Thursday, at least five children were killed when rebel mortar shells slammed a school in the Slaiman al-Halabi neighborhood, located in the government-controlled western part of Aleppo, according to the state news agency SANA.

The violence in Aleppo has been recently intensified with warring parties shelling each other's areas, amid an international efforts to revive a ceasefire in that province.
by Juhani Niinisto

HELSINKI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Reaching the milestone of 500 days in office this week, the three-party Finnish government led by Center Party Chairman Juha Sipila has either slowed down or completely canceled many of its original reform programs.

The ruling coalition -- the Center Party, the Conservative Party and the populist Finns Party -- has not been able to rely on its comfortable parliamentary majority. The latest edition of business weekly Talouselama quoted Sipila as saying he was surprised at the strength of the resistance against his government's reform plans.

In late summer 2015, Finland saw the largest mass demonstrations since 1956 opposing governmental plans to cut holidays and other salary related costs and to reduce the power of collective wage agreements. Sipila had hoped his plans could improve the competitive edge of Finnish export industries by five percent.

The government had threatened to use its parliamentary majority to enact the reforms, but when this was met with fierce opposition the option was dropped. A modest package to reduce the labor cost was accepted by labor unions this year, but the initial attempt to give the employers more weight in negotiation through bringing bargaining down to the enterprise level did not make much progress.

Talking to Xinhua on Thursday, researcher Petri Koikkalainen at the University of Lapland noted that the tradition of seeking consensus among employers, employees, and the government enjoys much wider support in Finnish society than what the fairly fresh political leaders could envisage.

Based on the results of the parliamentary election in May 2015, the current coalition was not the only alternative. The Social Democratic Party, the fourth biggest party in parliament, remained optional until the final phase of the government formation talks.

Koikkalainen said that probably a combination with the social democrats could have been easier in terms of achieving positive results. But Sipila chose the Finns Party, which enjoyed its landmark victory in parliamentary elections, leaving the social democrats in the opposition.

Analysts argued that the British conservative leader Margaret Thatcher insisted on carrying out comparable reforms in the 1980s, but the Finnish reform effort largely gave in. Koikkalainen said Finnish leaders probably concluded that the damage that could be caused would not be worth the results attained.

So far, the 500-day-old Finnish coalition has backtracked on many policy announcements whenever there is tense opposition. One of the high profile retreats was the cancellation of a plan to reduce housing assistance to seniors.

While the ruling parties have had to create "phenomena of success" in order to satisfy the respective party floors, the government has often failed to proceed with ideas that met with opposition within the coalition.

Unto Hamalainen, a political analyst for the leading newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, wrote last weekend that "test marketing" of products still in the development stage may work well in business life, but it is dangerous in politics. "While ministers do not argue against each other in public, there are internal tensions that undermine the joint determination to implement government policies," Hamalainen noted.

Late in 2015, the government managed to launch the national health and social service reform, and this rare success was achieved only after conquering an internal crisis. In the deal after all-night talks, centrists won their long desired regional administrative reform while conservatives got in plans to involve private producers in health care and allow the patients to choose their service provider.

Currently, the Center Party and the Conservative Party have largely maintained their support in opinion polls, but the backing of the Finns Party has decreased to pre-2011 levels. This problem has, in turn, reduced even more the willingness of the Finns Party to agree on legislation that would antagonize organized labor.

Sipila has maintained, however, that the 2015 strategic governmental program and its estimate of the economic situation still hold. The main target of the government is to create 110,000 new jobs before the 2019 elections and increase the employment rate to 72 percent.
PYONGYANG, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday accused Britain of openly joining the U.S.-South Korea joint war games slated for next month, saying it was a "serious challenge to peace and security."

"This is a hostile act of openly joining the U.S. and the South Korean puppet forces in the moves for a new war against the DPRK," the official KCNA quoted a spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry as saying.

The spokesman slammed the United States and South Korea for pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war by carrying out various forms of combined military exercises.

He said that Britain's participation in the upcoming military drills is "never to be pardoned" because Britain, which has diplomatic ties with the DPRK, is now seeking to join in moves that are against the DPRK.

Reports said Britain will send fighters to participate in the joint military drills to be conducted by South Korea and the United States from Nov. 4 to Nov. 10.

South Korea and the United States Monday kicked off the joint "Invincible Spirit 2016" exercise that will run through Saturday.

The USS Ronald Reagan, the flagship of the U.S. Carrier Strike Group Five, was deployed to South Korean waters to participate in the drills.

The joint exercise, carried out in all of the three seas around South Korea, is joined by seven U.S. warships, including the aircraft carrier and Aegis-equipped cruiser, and about 40 South Korean battleships as well as fighter jets, maritime patrol airplanes and helicopters.

Each year, South Korea and the United States conduct a number of routine joint military drills including "Key Resolve," "Foal Eagle" and "Ulchi Freedom Guardian," which they claim to be of a defensive nature.

But Pyongyang says the annual war games are designed for northward invasion.
Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with the Speaker of the Sri Lankan parliament Karu Jayasuriya in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiang held talks with the Speaker of the Sri Lankan parliament Karu Jayasuriya on Friday, calling for enhanced parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), hailed the profound friendship between China and Sri Lanka, saying the Sri Lankan leaders' visits to China showed that the new government is committed to developing bilateral ties.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena visited China in March 2015 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited China in April this year.

Speaking highly of the sound relations between the two legislative bodies, Zhang said he hopes the two sides can expand exchanges and cooperation.

He called on both sides to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' presidents, strengthen political mutual trust and support each other on issues regarding core interests and major concerns.

Both sides need to provide stable legal and policy environment to support economic cooperation and personnel exchanges and help speed up negotiation of the China-Sri Lanka free-trade agreement, Zhang said.

He also encouraged the two countries to exchange governance experience and cooperate at various levels.

Jayasuriya, who is leading a delegation to China from Oct. 10 to 15 at the invitation of Zhang, said it is the common aspiration of all parties in Sri Lanka to develop mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

He said the members of the delegation, consisting of several important leaders of major Sri Lankan political parties, are eager to understand and learn from China through the visit.

The Sri Lankan parliament is ready to further cooperation with China's NPC, he added.

China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng also met with Jayasuriya on Friday. He said the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference hopes to expand exchanges with Sri Lanka at various levels and share governance experience.

He called for the two countries to step up cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative and promote bilateral ties to a new stage.

Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka treasures its traditional friendship with China and is ready to enhance cooperation with China in various areas.
BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government will further streamline registration procedures for private businesses after the October introduction of related measures to encourage entrepreneurship and improve the business environment.

The measures, initially approved in May and put in place from Oct. 1, included merging five business certificates into one license. They have significantly facilitated the operation of private businesses within two weeks of implementation, showed data from the General Administration for Industry and Commerce in a report heard at the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Friday.

Registering a new business in China now takes only two to three working days, compared to a previous process of several months involving stacks of printed documents to be submitted to half a dozen departments.

The premier praised the progress, while pointing out that more efforts are needed as starting a business in China still requires too many certificates.

"We should reduce those certificates that are not really required for starting a business, therefore fully releasing the benefits of reforms and the market," Li said.

The premier has continuously stressed that streamlining business registration and scaling back government control would serve another round of opening-up and improve China's global competitiveness.

Measures have been taken since 2015 in China to combine the business license, the organization code certificate and the certificate of taxation registration into a single document, with another two certificates, namely the social insurance registration certificate and the statistics registration certificate, included later.

"Chinese people do not lack the passion and wisdom for innovation and entrepreneurship," Li said. "The key is to properly unleash their potential."

Measures to be introduced to further facilitate business registration in China include encouraging pilot measures to integrate more certificates into the current scheme to be taken in certain cities and regions for assessment before putting them into practice nationwide, and providing an online service covering the whole registration process.

Currently, 22 provinces and regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have launched such trials.

The Friday meeting also called for greater efforts in on-time and in-time regulation with better information sharing and recognition among government departments.

A total of 488,000 new business licenses have been issued since Oct. 1. An online survey showed more than half of those surveyed gave positive comments on the business registration reform.

Data also showed new business registrations increased from about 12,000 per day in 2015 to 14,600 in the first eight months of 2016, compared to only 6,900 before the changes.

Premier Li also stressed the importance of proper supervision in carrying out the business registration reform, while warning against the disruptive examination of private enterprises.

Despite the fact that China faces mounting downward economic pressure, the employment rate is up. Li said that more than 10 million urban jobs have been created since January.

"This is a remarkable achievement, and the way to ensure employment is to boost market potential and vigor," Li said.
U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice speaks on the new presidential action on Cuba at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 14, 2016. The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

The move is intended to expand scientific collaboration, increase humanitarian support, and bolster trade and commercial opportunities between the United States and Cuba, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement.

"These steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans," U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said.

The move, which will take effect on Monday, will make it easier for U.S. companies to import Cuban-made pharmaceuticals, U.S. agricultural companies to sell their products to the island and Cubans to purchase U.S.-made goods online.

Most notably, the new measure will lift the limits on the amount of Cuban rum and cigars U.S. travelers are allowed to bring home for personal use from the island country.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014, that the two countries would normalize relations after more than a half century of enmity. The two former Cold War foes reestablished diplomatic relations last year.

In an effort to further cement his presidential legacy on Cuba, Obama on Friday approved a Presidential Policy Directive that "takes another major step forward" in U.S. efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.

"This new directive consolidates and builds upon the changes we've already made, promotes transparency by being clear about our policy and intentions, and encourages further engagement between our countries and our people," Obama said in a statement, adding that it will "make our opening to Cuba irreversible."

In the new directive, the Obama Administration also renewed its call on Congress to lift the embargo on Cuba.

"The embargo is outdated and should be lifted," Obama said in the directive. "My Administration has repeatedly called upon the Congress to lift the embargo, and we will continue to work toward that goal."
A fortune-telling fairground attraction bearing the likeness of US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands at Washington Square Park in New York on October 14, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Republican National Committee said Friday it raised a total of 39.4 million dollars last month, one of its best months in this cycle's fundraising but lagging behind previous presidential election years.

"Our supporters are enthusiastic about (Republican presidential nominee) Donald Trump, and as a result this was one of the best months in RNC history for small dollar fundraising," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement.

The sum brought the RNC fundraising haul for this cycle to more than 260 million dollars, with 56.6 million dollar cash on hand, according to the committee, noting 98 percent of its donations came in increments of 200 dollars or less, with September's average donation being 63 dollars. The RNC also reported a 7.7 million dollars in debt.

However, the haul is disappointing in comparison with historic records. In the same month of 2012, the RNC raised 48.4 million dollars and finished the month with 82.6-million-dollar cash on hand, according to a TheHill news report quoting data from the Federal Election Commission. In September 2008, the figures were 67.2 million and 77.5 million dollars respectively.

With the backing of Trump's campaign, the RNC has transferred 4.5 million dollars to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and 1.9 million dollars to the National Republican Congressional Committee to boost Senate and House candidates, the RNC said.

"The Trump campaign is happy to see resources being directed to the NRSC and NRCC in order to keep Republican majorities in the House and the Senate this cycle," Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon said in a statement.

Earlier this week, a Politico analysis of campaign finance records revealed that the RNC has not spent anything on commercials boosting Trump since he emerged as the party's likely nominee in May. In comparison, the RNC spent tens of millions of dollars in 2008 and 2002 on supporting its nominees or attacking their Democratic rivals via TV ads, direct mail and phone banks.

However, the RNC insists that it's doing everything in its power to elect the New York billionaire, citing it has shifted focus this year, investing in a massive nationwide organizational effort instead of TV ads, which it sees as an inefficient use of resources.

"With our ground game fully funded, we will continue to raise and spend on additional resources that will put Donald Trump in the White House with Republican majorities in the House and Senate," said Priebus on Friday.

A Fox News poll issued Thursday shows Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton now takes 7-point lead over Trump, who has suffered from deep division and chaos within the party since a 2005 tape recording Trump's lewd remarks about women went pubic earlier this month.
This file photo taken on September 18, 2016 shows a South Korean employee as he resets a recalled Samsung Galaxy Note7smartphone at a telecommunications shop in Seoul. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Friday it is banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

The DOT said in an emergency order that individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo, it said, noting anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

On Tuesday, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.

Elliot Kaye, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is "simply too great."

"I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund," Kaye said. "It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do." Enditem
TRIPOLI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes between pro-government forces and the Islamic State (IS) affiliates in Libya's Sirte on Friday killed at least 14 government fighters, media office of the government forces announced on its Facebook page.

Misrata's hospital confirmed the casualties, saying that injured fighters have also arrived at the hospital.

The office also said the government forces found a building that belonged to the IS containing computers and four small drones used for surveillance.

The UN-backed unity government launched a military campaign in May against the increasing dominance of the IS in Sirte, some 450 km east the capital Tripoli.

The IS had dominated Sirte, the hometown of former leader Muammar Gaddafi who was toppled in the 2011 uprising, for over a year before the pro-government fighters took control of most of the city, assisted by U.S. air strikes.
TRIPOLI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes between pro-government forces and IS occurred in Libya's Sirte on Friday, killing at least 14 of the government fighters, media office of the government forces announced on its Facebook post.

Misrata's hospital confirmed the casualties, saying that injured government fighters have also rushed to the hospital.

The media office also said the government fighters found a building that belonged to IS containing computers and four small planes used for surveillance.

The UN-backed unity government has launched a military campaign in May against the increased dominance of IS in Sirte (some 450 km east the capital Tripoli).

"Our troops are advancing since this morning on three axes and securing these areas, while the air force targeted a car bomb after it was spotted by our ground troops." The media office said Friday.

IS dominated Sirte, the hometown of former leader Muammar Gaddafi who was toppled in the 2011 uprising, for over a year before the pro-government fighters took control of most of the city, assisted by U.S. air strikes.
MANAGUA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Human rights activists demanded on Friday that the government of Nicaragua allow undocumented migrants, currently stuck in Costa Rica, to cross the country freely.

Dozens of activists and members of minority political parties protested outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Managua to demand Nicaragua's southern border be opened to thousands of migrants.

The protest happened peacefully, although a police presence could be seen, as people waved signs saying "Let them pass, they are not criminals," "We are all Haiti" and "I have a migrant relative."

One of the participants in the protest read out a letter in which she asked the government to "offer protection and help" and "to allow their safe transit, recognize the grave humanitarian crisis that this exodus has brought to thousands of people, and respond accordingly to this need."

Since October 2015, Nicaragua has kept its border closed to thousands of Cuban, Haitian and African migrants who are seeking to reach the United States.

Thousands of Cuban migrants have benefited from an aerial bridge to Costa Rica and Panama in 2016, allowing them to continue their journey through Mexico.

However, at least 10 Haitian and African migrants have drowned in Lake Nicaragua, Central America's largest lake, as they tried to cross it after being abandoned by people traffickers.
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A new archaeological find announced on Friday in Mexico attests to China's age-old vocation as an exporting powerhouse.

Mexican archaeologists have uncovered thousands of fragments of a 400-year-old shipment of Chinese "export-quality porcelain" that was long buried in the Pacific Coast port of Acapulco.

The shipment of rice bowls, cups, plates and platters dates from the reign of the Ming Dynasty's 13th emperor, Wanli (1572-1620), and is believed to have arrived in Acapulco aboard the China Galleon, which regularly sailed between Asia and the New World.

"During its 250 years of cabotage along the coasts of the Pacific in the Americas, the China Galleon left an indelible trail," Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), said in reporting on the find.

In an on-site interview posted on INAH's website, archaeologist Roberto Junco said "we discovered there were four or five models or styles ... characteristic of a type of ... export-quality porcelain that the Chinese made, mainly in the factories of Jingdezhen, and exported around the world."

According to Junco, the white-and-blue porcelain, painted with images of birds, beetles, swans, ducks, deer and other depictions of nature, was made in Zhangzhou, capital of south-central Fujian province, and Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, which is known as China's "Porcelain Capital."

The find, located no more than a meter and a half below ground near Acapulco's Cathedral, in what is known as the Old Quarter, included fragments of a coarser type of ceramic used to make containers for shipping provisions, such as spices and liquids.

Mexico's ports were often targeted by pirates, which could explain why the shipment appears to have been destroyed.

The discovery coincides with an exhibit at Mexico City's Franz Mayer Museum called "Return Voyage: The China Galleon and the Baroque in Mexico," which highlights China's artistic influence on the New World through trade.

While Mexico and China are separated by a great distance, trade ties have linked the two regions for centuries.

The China Galleon regularly sailed between Acapulco, and other Mexican ports, and Manila, in the Philippines, and today's Taiwan, China where it would load up on Chinese spices and silks, and other goods.

Fabricio Antonio Fonseca, a researcher at the prestigious Colegio de Mexico, says the initial encounter between Mexico and China occurred when the galleon first sailed into a Mexican port.

The discovery of new maritime routes linking Asia, the New World and Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries launched an era of unprecedented global trade and cultural exchange.

Evidence even shows that starting in 1565, the return trips to Mexico were manned by Chinese crews, said Fonseca.
CANBERRA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tourism to the Australian state of Tasmania has dropped dramatically after an influx in 2014, a report has revealed.

Tourism Australia statistics released on Saturday showed that there was a decline in Chinese tourists visiting the island-state of 14 percent from 2015 to 2016.

The decline comes after a boom in 2014 when Chinese visitor numbers went up 60 percent.

Anne Hardy, a tourism expert from the University of Tasmania, said the downward trend was nothing to be concerned about.

"In tourism, you have a rapid rise and then a flattening out, but we can still see a rise in actual numbers, it's just not as rapid," Hardy told the ABC on Saturday.

"I think we can still expect some great growth and some great yield coming from the Chinese market."

Tasmania's Premier Will Hodgman on Friday said the state remained on track to hit its goal of 1.5 million annual tourists by 2020.

"We are on track, but we need to maintain the current growth and momentum," he said at a press conference.

"We need to remain vigilant, we had a massive spike in the number of Chinese tourists to our state and indeed to our country, we need to make sure that growth is maintained. That's why it's important to invest in infrastructure and attractions to promote our state."
by Xinhua Writer Liu Chang

BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At a time when a strong and sustainable global recovery remains elusive, the BRICS nations should come even closer together and help lead the world economy out of the woods, just as they had done in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis.

Later this week, leaders of the five BRICS nations - China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa - will gather in the western Indian state of Goa for an annual summit. They are expected to discuss deepening cooperation within the bloc and solutions to reverse sluggish global economic growth.

Over the past eight years since the onslaught of the worst financial tsunami in the postwar era, the group of the world's major emerging economies have made an indisputable contribution to global growth and ensured the world survived the deep recession.

Today, because of a harsh global economic and trade environment, notably declining commodity prices and withering global demand, the BRICS countries are navigating rough waters.

Already, talk in the West about the death of BRICS is ramping up, with claims that the carnival enjoyed by developing nations is coming to an end.

In fact, the BRICS countries remain a major boost for global economic growth, and a forceful advocate for reforms in global governance as well as inclusive development worldwide.

Among the group, China and India continue to enjoy fairly high growth rates, and have ample potential to maintain such momentum in the foreseeable future. Brazil and Russia, two nations that are fighting hard battles to keep recessions at bay, have begun to show signs of recovery. The economy of South Africa, the second largest in Africa, rebounded in the second quarter, thus allaying fears of a contraction.

Trade protectionism and anti-globalization sentiments are spreading rapidly across the world, and have depressed the outlook of the global economy. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its forecast for this year's global economic growth to 3.1 percent, the slowest since the 2008 financial crisis.

For the BRICS nations, the best thing they could do at present is to help the global economy find a path toward faster and more vibrant growth. That means boosting unity within the group and nurturing an even closer trade and economic partnership. A China-proposed free trade area among the top five developing nations could be a good start in that direction.

The BRICS club should also continue to shoulder the responsibilities of reforming critical international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, where developing nations remain severely under-represented.

From its onset, the BRICS countries have been trying to level the playing field in the world, where the developed economies and the developing world can share the benefits of a sound and growing global economy. The bloc, unlike what some skeptics claim in the West, isn't willing to vault itself at the expense of others.

And in Goa a few days later, the opportunity for emerging economies to exercise the spirit of responsible stewardship of a recovering global economy should be seized.
Photo taken on Oct. 14, 2016 shows a street in Goa, India. The 8th BRICS summit will be held in Goa of India on Oct. 15 to 16. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to bring confidence and vitality to partnership within the bloc of emerging economies and enable it to contribute more to global growth and economic governance when he attends the 8th BRICS summit in India on Saturday and Sunday.

The summit held in the western Indian port of Goa is drawing a lot of attention from across the world amid increasing uncertainties about global economic recovery and the rising anti-globalization sentiment in Western countries.

Highlighting boosting economic growth, improving global governance and pushing BRICS (an association that groups the five major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) cooperation, the Goa summit is widely expected to produce common solutions that are effective and inclusive, as its theme stipulates.

To this end, China, the bloc's constant supporter and active player, is expected to be of great help by enhancing confidence in deepening partnership within the bloc and providing fresh impetus to the cooperation between developing countries.

The consensus reached during the September summit of Group of 20 (G20) major economies in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou is in particular expected to boost the bloc's participation in global economic governance. The bloc has grown rapidly over the past decade to become a multi-level forum for dialogue and cooperation that covers multiple fields.

The sound operation of its New Development Bank and the progress made in setting up the bank's emergency reserve arrangements have partly demonstrated the bloc's vitality and promising future.

Although some say that new difficulties and challenges would make BRICS economies vulnerable, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has earlier this month revised up growth expectations for this year in emerging markets and developing economies.

Emerging economies such as China and India have maintained faster growth, and the developing economies will contribute over 75 percent of global growth this and next year, remaining an important engine of the global economy, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said.

President Xi will attend the BRICS summit and bilateral meetings on its sidelines in a span of two days. The leaders are also scheduled to engage in dialogue with counterparts from members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation to boost regional cooperation.

Xi's trip to India is scheduled after he wraps up his state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh.

"People are pinning high hopes on the Goa summit, expecting to see how it will pool forces to implement and expand results of the G20 Hangzhou summit on global governance and innovative growth, as well as to materialize and deepen the BRICS cooperation," said Zhu Jiejin, deputy director with the Center for BRICS Studies at China's Fudan University.
What are its Options in Light of the Politically-Motivated 4th Circuit Decision?

The current generation of Americans is a sad generation. An unfortunate generation. They are far removed from the days when the country struggled with its rich heritage - a heritage forged in England with the 600-year struggle for independence from an over-bearing King. When an overbearing King George III and British Parliament evidenced a similar design to oppress the colonies and deny its people the rights and liberties that had been asserted time and time, the colonies revolted, took up arms, and fought successfully for their independence. The promise of a new land truly dedicated to individual liberty together with a long history strongly suggesting that such liberty is always short-lived, motivated our Founding Fathers to do something extraordinary. They drafted a form of government to overcome the limitations and shortfalls of Great Britain and in that system, they embedded many levels of checks and balances.One of those checks and balances is the doctrine of Separation of Powers, a doctrine articulated by Montesquieu in his book(L'esprit des Lois"), in which he explains society's need for government and the need for protections in that government to prevent abuse. The Separation of Powers doctrine is based on the natural tendency of government to concentrate power; the concentration of all political power - legislative, executive, judicial - in the hands of one man, a few men, or even a government entity is total tyranny. Such a man, group of men, or government entity with such a monopoly over the scope of government power is the most dangerous of all. One only needs to look at Adolf Hitler or Josef Stalin, and other totalitarian rulers. Now, if government power is divided among its branches with the understanding that each branch will jealously guard its sphere of power, then power should remain separated and contained. After all, one branch that tries to assume more power has to misappropriate it from another branch. This doctrine is most powerful when there is a Constitution which legally limits power to all branches, which supposedly is what our system provides. The caveat is and what has always been is that the Constitution must be respected.The second check and balance is the most powerful of all in our American system - our system of Federalism. Our Founders divided government power between two powerful governing entities (sovereigns) - the States (considered to be the most powerful on most objects of government) and the federal government (only powerful on the limited areas listed in the US Constitution). What makes this design element so unique and so essential to the maintenance of a limited government is that it uses each powerful sovereign to keep the other in check. Sovereign against Sovereign; Titan against Titan (to invoke an analogy in Greek mythology). Again, each sovereign is supreme over its area of responsibility. The belief was that each sovereign (each Titan) would forever jealously guard its sphere of responsibility. The government's powers are expressly delegated in the Constitution. All other areas are reserved to the states, as the American people were promised first in the Articles of Confederation (Section II, immediately following the declaration that the name of the new American Union would be the United States of America, which was Section I) and currently in the Tenth Amendment. The US Constitution has never been amended to take any of the States' reserved powers away from them, including during and after the infamous War of Northern Aggression. For clarity on the States' reserved powers, one needs only to look at Federalist No. 45, written by James Madison, the author of the Constitution and the man who attended every day of the Constitutional Convention, documenting the discussions and debates and capturing the collective understanding of the terms and provisions of the document as understood by all of the States (through their delegates) at that historic gathering. Federalist No. 45 goes into detail about the general character of this separation of sovereign power. Federalism is the last in our government's series of Checks and Balances. (Maybe most important!)The checks and balances were always intended to limit government and prevent the type of government abuse that has eroded a free society in the societies of the past. The more limited a government is, the greater its people can exercise their rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.Checks and balances, to put it another way, were included in our form of government in order to prevent a monopoly over the meaning, purpose, and scope of government.Going back to my first paragraph, our current generation is far removed from the struggles to prevent the government itself - just the powers in Washington DC - from consolidating its powers in order to affect such a monopoly. The monopoly was actually perfected the year the Supreme Court decided for itself that its branch had far more power than originally granted in Article III of the US Constitution. That was the case of(1803). Its implications were noted by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others and warnings went out. True and honest students of history, government, and law know of these warnings, and appreciate them. But while the federal monopoly had been established, it was not clear whether or how it would be used to grow the government in DC. The biggest fear, as most realized at the time, was the government monopoly's unique ability to destroy federalism, the critical design feature of our American government. It was only in very recent years that the tyranny threatened by this monopoly has finally become a reality. Because our current generation was not lucky enough to enjoy the freedom that many of us enjoyed many years ago, they cannot recognize what is becoming of their lives and their existence in the United States. They don't know what has already been lost and they have no idea of what they will continue to lose.Encroachments on State governing power began with the Lincoln administration (with his many violations of the Constitution and then with his decision to deny them their sovereign right of self-determination with secession) and continued in the years following Lee's surrender at Appomattox. The federal government, after first declaring that they never seceded because they never had the right to do so and hence were merely "rebellious states" which were still part of the Union, then suddenly announced that they had to "re-apply" to become part of the Union again. The government first put them under military rule and then required that every Southern state meet certain punishing requirements in order to be "admitted back into the Union," including submitting new state constitutions (asserting that they have given up their right to secede, that their primary allegiance is to the federal government and its laws, and that they adopt both the 13th and 14th amendments. Should any Southern state not meet these conditions, they would continue to live under the laws of a Congress that included only northern representatives and no representatives of that states. In other words, they would be subject to the most extreme form of tyranny. "No taxation without representation" would be nothing compared to the existence the Southern states would have to endure. And so, defeated and humiliated, dominated and subjugated, the Southern states complied. The federal government would fundamentally change its position vis-a-vis the States and sadly, with respect to the American people themselves. Many historians would declare that the government, transformed as a result of Lincoln's total consumption of government power and continued during Reconstruction, became an illegal, illegitimate government at that moment. Many historians would also point out that the 14th amendment was not legally proposed and ratified by the States, as required by the very terms of Article V of the Constitution.The 14th Amendment would be the great tool used by the federal government, and particularly by the Supreme Court and progressives, to strip power from the States and greater perfect the monopoly of power in the federal government.The stripping of sovereign power from the States and the further erosion of federalism (ie, the further consolidation of power in the federal government) would continue at the turn of the 20th century and then into the years we fought WWII. 1913 was a bad year for States' rights (the 17th amendment took selection of Senators from the States as political entities with sovereign interests) and for the right of individuals over their earnings and investments (the federal income tax was enacted: the 16th amendment). It was, however, a great year for government, first for the power to plunder the wealth of its citizens (16th amendment) and for the power to control the value of money and to print it at will (the creation of the Federal Reserve).During the 1960's, there was another great assault on the States with the government declaring that schools and other public entities are forbidden to allow prayer in their functions. Religion must be stripped from the public domain and States are powerless to protect such an exercise. And during the 1970's, the government asserted itself in the public school building by requiring that school districts be intentionally designed and created to meet racial quotas. The government ushered in the era of busing.Through its laws - namely the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and in particular, certain provisions of each (such as Title 4 and Title 5 of the Voting Rights Act), the federal government continues to demand that the States (the Southern states and some districts of other states) forfeit their sovereign rights over traditional and historically-recognized state matters (ie, "tenth amendment reserved powers") so that the government can weigh in on them and then tell the States what it will "allow them to do."This past week, thanks to WikiLeaks, we have learned the extent of the Democratic Party's connections to the US Justice Department and to the massive liberal media. We have seen where the moderators in charge of the presidential debates, including the debates during the primary season, have been instructed closely by the Democratic Party machinery as to what questions to ask the GOP candidates and then Trump in particular. We have seen the inherent bias in those debates. We have seen the even more dubious bias in the media, which everyone knows influences the voters who have little interest or time in doing research for themselves. We have seen how the Party has given assurances to Wall Street and foreign leaders/ foreign entities to pursue certain policies advantageous to them while deceiving the American people that just the opposite will be done. We can only imagine where our tax dollars and our valuable resources will be diverted to and for what purposes. We have read emails which show that a certain Democratic presidential candidate has been given a "pass" by the US Department of Justice, for one, by not performing a proper investigation, as would be required of anyone else who breached national security protocol. We have seen that the Democratic Party and its associates have control over the ballot systems which will be used by most precincts in the US.What these revelations show is that there is a massive COLLUSION OF CORRUPTION which one goal in mind - to dupe the American people and to ensure that a political party gains control of the White House. We all know that Hillary Clinton is not qualified to lead the country - her experience, her track record of accomplishment, and her judgement are all far too flawed and deficient and therefore prove so. But the party itself needs to control the White House. It needs to control government and to continue implementing its plans for this country.What this actually means for you and I is that this Collusion of Corruption is divesting us of our rightful voice in government. Our very democracy is being undermined and eroded. Our rightful place in the grand scheme of our government structure is being diminished and minimized right before our eyes.We are witnessing the engineering of political and government tyranny. The government monopoly that has been instituted for government purposes, and which has consistently and steadily worked in favor of growing the federal government and its power (the cornerstone of Democratic policy), apparently is no longer strong enough or effective enough for the political elitist class. We are witnessing something very alarming and serious: When the Democratic Party's (Progressives') interests are threatened by a growing popular movement, it is willing to engage in massive collusion and corruption to neutralize that movement. It will do anything to ensure that its interests remain paramount and that government works for its own interests rather than for the benefit of the States and for the good of the American people - the purposes it was established for. In the past, Democrats and progressives doggedly pursued their goals of government power, challenging the nature of the Constitution and appointing judges and justices to erode that foundational document in order to strengthen the government monopoly in their favor. That system is alive and working fastidiously, like termites on a pillar of wood. And as it erodes our Constitution and its guarantees of limited government and essential rights, the people have taken notice. And they are reacting and rebelling - politically. It is this political unrest, this push-back against the government, which has prompted the Democratic Party to come up with new tactics. It appears that its modern-day tools are voter fraud and massive collusion of political power.As we have seen members in government, including members of the Republican Party, a party ideologically entrusted to counter the designs of the Democrats, side with this party of dubious tactics, we can only conclude that government, and its committed agents, have designs of their own, independent and distinct from the interests and concerns of the average American citizen.In 2013, the NC General Assembly duly and rightfully enacted a common-sense Voter ID law. Its primary purpose was to cut down on voter fraud and to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Voter confidence and election integrity had eroded terribly over the past few election cycles. Opportunities for voter fraud were being identified by the Democratic Party (community organizing tactics and tactics of the Democratic-controlled unions) and actual instances of such were being documented not only in North Carolina, Illinois (who can forget the 1960 election!), Florida (which refused to prosecute the perpetrators), and Indiana, but all over the United States as well (see Ohio, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, etc). Despite the interests of the people and the state legislature of North Carolina in ensuring that the voting process in North Carolina is transparent, accountable, and free from illegal voting schemes, the US Federal Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit (a branch of the federal government; a liberal/progressive fringe element of the federal government), decided to disregard the wisdom of a state legislature and to substitute its judgement for both the people and their duly-enacted government and strike down the Voter ID almost in its entirety.We know the Constitution protects an individual from discrimination in the exercise of his or her right to vote, and we know that the Constitution demands Equal Protection, so doesn't this beg the conclusion that the Constitution also requires that common-sense procedures be allowed to be in place (including the right to have a voter prove his or her identity and residence) to ensure that no one's vote is diluted through this very essential democratic process? After all, if there is one constitutional bright line rule that stands out above all else regarding an individual's right to vote, it is this: One Person, One Vote. In other words, a person is entitled to have his or her vote count fully and completely, without dilution. Where does dilution come from? It comes from a process where someone's vote is counted more than others.So, in light of this decision by the 4th Circuit and with massive fraud and collusion evidenced and confirmed, both working against the American voter, and with the outcome of an election so critically at stake, what can the battleground state of North Carolina do?The greater question, of course, is what WILL it do?On Wednesday, August 31, the US Supreme Court rejected a last-effort move by Governor Pat McCrory to ensure that our Voter ID law will be in effect on November 8 for the presidential election to reduce likely efforts by the Democratic Party machine (and the Clinton Crime Syndicate) to vote illegally and to cast doubt on and make a mockery of the election process here in North Carolina. The US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit handed down an OPINION at the end of July declaring our Voter ID law unconstitutional because it "intentionally discriminates" against African-Americans." In a split 4-4 decision, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the state of North Carolina to that preposterous opinion by the 4th Circuit. Because the Supreme Court will not take up the case (which, according to the very words of the Constitution, it was SUPPOSED to hear), the decision of the 4th Circuit is supposed to stand. At least that's what the federal government would have you believe, and would have the States believe. Article III, Section 2, paragraph 2 of the US Constitution reads: "In all cases where a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court SHALL have original jurisdiction." Shall = Must. To be sure, the challenge to the Voter ID law was directed at "The State of North Carolina." In other words, the case NEVER should have been heard in any of the inferior courts - the federal district court OR the 4th Circuit. The ONLY federal court which can hear the case is the US Supreme Court. And since it appears that the Supreme Court has no interest in taking up this particular issue or has no interest in taking up another Voter ID law (it already ruled in 2008 that a strict Photo ID requirement was not an unreasonable burden for ANYONE on their right to vote or their exercise thereof), it would make sense that IF the Constitution was adhered to, North Carolina would have its Voter ID law intact for this upcoming election.First of all, let's be clear: the federal courts don't issue DECISIONS; they issue OPINIONS. On the top of their "judicial decision" is written the words "THE OPINION OR THE COURT." We have to ask ourselves a very hard question: Do we honestly believe that men (in the case of the Courts of Appeal, it only takes 2 justices out of a panel of 3) should have the full power to make decisions interpreting our Constitution and deciding matters that redistribute power from one rightful party to another? If, when such decisions threaten, burden, or destroy the rights of a State or the rights of the individual, what is the rightful recourse? Is the rightful response to cower, give in, surrender? Or is the rightful response - the American response - to side with traditional American principles of liberty, essential rights, federalism, limited government, the rights of the individual? Is it unconstitutional to ignore abusive judicial "opinions" or is it a proper exercise of civil disobedience and a proper exercise of State sovereignty (under the Tenth Amendment)?A State must always keep in mind its critical position in the grand scheme of our government system. The Declaration of Independence declares that all men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, and that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government." Relying on this very public and very historic document in the design of our common government, our Founders provided several procedural safeguards to secure these essential principles. One of those procedural safeguards - and the most important one for sure - was the division of government power between the States and the federal government. To ensure that the federal government continues to secure the rights of individuals and does not abuse, oppress, or burden them in any way in their exercise of essential liberties, and to ensure that it remains centered on its legitimate objects of governance, the States are supposed to stand up in opposition on every infraction of the federal government. This is a principle of government that supersedes the terms of the Constitution. Implied in the Constitution ratified and adopted by the States is the power of those parties to see that it is enforced.And so, with a duty expected of it, but a history of subjugation, what should the state of North Carolina do?
BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Argentine government Friday denounced Britain for its plans to hold military drills in the disputed Malvinas Islands, known to the British as the Falklands, in the coming week.

Argentina claims sovereignty over the disputed Malvinas Islands in the South Atlantic while the islands are controlled politically by Britain.

"Argentina's foreign office found out on Oct. 13, via the Ministry of Defense's Argentine Naval Hydrographic Service, that the British government will carry out illegal military drills around the Malvinas Islands between Oct. 19 and 28. These drills will include launching Rapier missiles," said Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra in a press release.

Vice-chancellor Carlos Foradori presented a note to the UK ambassador to Argentina Mark Kent on Friday "with a formal and energetic objection to the aforementioned military drills, demanding that they (the UK) refrain from holding them, at the same time informing Secretary-General of the United Nations of the situation."

Argentina rejects "these drills being carried out on Argentine territory illegitimately occupied by the United Kingdom, those that ignore resolutions from the United Nations and other international organizations, that urge both countries to resume negotiations with the purpose of finding a peaceful and definitive solution to the sovereignty dispute, as well as refraining from carrying out unilateral acts in the territories and maritime spaces under dispute."

Buenos Aires and London, whose relations have been marred in the past years by the differences surrounding the sovereignty of the Malvinas Islands, decided to relaunch their bilateral relations with a focus on "things that unite" both administrations.

An international business and investment forum was convened by Argentina last month in an attempt to renew links between the two nations.

Alan Duncan, British Minister of State for Europe and the Americas arrived in Argentina on Sept. 12.

Duncan told local media and Xinhua that "the United Kingdom wants to develop a relation with Argentina in a very, very positive and prosperous way."

"We have a political agenda, an economic agenda" and both countries have agreed to work "on the things that unite us," said the British government official.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in east China's Hangzhou city last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is willing to work with India to maintain their hard-won sound relations and deepen cooperation.

Xi told Modi that China-India ties have enjoyed healthy, stable and speedy development over the past years, and that as neighbors and developing nations, the two countries should continue high-level exchanges.

He also said that China and India should continue dialogue at various levels and in all areas, and frequently exchange views on major issues of common interest to enhance understanding and trust. The two countries should seek synergy between their development strategies and discuss the implementation of pragmatic cooperation in large projects of infrastructure construction and production capacity, said Xi.

He proposed that the two sides strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promised that China would continue to encourage Chinese companies to invest in India. China and India should respect and care for each other on issues of major concern, and handle differences in a constructive way.

Modi said in response that strategic partnership is of great importance both to the two countries and to the rest of the world, highlighting close high-level exchanges, bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.

HARD-WON SOUND RELATIONS

China and India are two large Asian nations with ancient civilizations. They have maintained in-depth cultural and people-to-people exchanges for thousands of years. About 1,400 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang visited and stayed in India for a long time and wrote about the ancient civilizations of India, which remain among the most authoritative historical materials for India.

During the fight against Western imperialism in the 19th century and the early half of the 20th century, the peoples of the two countries had supported and sympathized with each other. China supported India's freedom fight against British colonial rule, while Indians sent their best sons like Doctor Kwarkanath S. Kotnis to China to help in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

Culturally, the two countries have deep and wide relations. Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most loved writers and poets in China. At the Hangzhou G20 Summit, Xi recited a poem by Tagore on the beauty of the West Lake written nearly a century ago.

In the 1950s, former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru joined hands to expound the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, spearheading a new global guideline for international relations and greatly promoting the prestige of developing countries and newly independent Asian and African countries.

Due to historical reasons and problems left over by imperialists, the two countries experienced some turbulences in relations in the 1960s and the 1970s. But relations gradually came back to normalcy since the visit by former Indian Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi to Beijing in 1988.

Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping said that an Asian Century will not become a reality unless China and India, the world's two most populous nations, become prosperous together.

Over the past few decades, both China and India have picked up quickly and seen a revival of cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields and people-top-people exchanges. Their bilateral trade has reached nearly 80 billion U.S. dollars annually.

The two sides have also signed treaties to maintain peace and tranquility in the boundary area while holding negotiations by special representatives on border disputes to seek a peaceful solution at a proper time in a mutually acceptable way and in a fair manner. The militaries of the two sides have established several mechanisms to avoid clashes in the border area.

The peaceful situation between the two countries has benefitted not only the peoples of the two countries, but also the whole Asia and Indian Ocean region.

Since Modi came to power two years ago, there has been frequent exchange of high-level visits by leaders of the two countries to each other.

It is obvious that the present sound relations between the two nations are hard-won, as Xi said.

CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE TO ENHANCE TRUST, UNDERSTANDING

It is recognized that there are numerous differences between China and India. Apart from border disputes, the two countries also differ over some international and regional issues which could hamper and even disrupt smooth development of bilateral relations.

However, as Chinese leaders have repeatedly pointed out, differences between the two countries should not block the development of normal and good relations. Common interests outweigh differences between the two sides.

Over the past several years, the two countries have engaged in strategic dialogue in a wide range of sectors including finance, macro-management, cybersecurity, energy security and anti-terrorism.

Moreover, the two countries have been carrying out cooperation within the frameworks of the G20, the BRICS bloc grouping Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the Untied Nations. Both China and India are founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and are starting dialogue over global nuclear safety and non-proliferation. Both countries are trying to boost trust and understanding through various channels.

When attending the 6th meeting of BRICS senior representatives on security issues in New Delhi last month, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said that China is ready to make joint efforts with other BRICS nations to make the upcoming BRICS summit in India's Goa a success and inject new dynamics into BRICS cooperation.

When meeting representatives from BRICS nations for the security meeting, Modi said the BRICS nations are playing an increasingly constructive role in international affairs, while expressing his belief that the BRICS summit in Goa could yield practical results and cement friendly relations among the BRICS nations so as to enhance the influence of developing countries and emerging economies.

"China is willing to join hands with India to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, deepen mutual political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges, and properly handle sensitive issues in order to push forward the development of bilateral ties in the right direction and promote Asia's development and prosperity," said Yang.

India joined last year the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to coordinate stand on maintaining regional peace, bringing back peace to Afghanistan and strengthening the fight against terrorism.

Indian officials have expressed their intention recently to boost political communication, expand pragmatic cooperation and promote cooperation and coordination with China within the framework of the G20 and BRICS so as to press ahead with common development and safeguard common interests of the two countries.

SEEKING SYNERGY OF DEVELOPMENT, PRAGMATIC COOPERATION

Many have pointed out that the economic development of China and India can provide opportunities for each other through trade, investment and other exchanges. Pragmatic cooperation in economic and trade area has proved to be a powerful locomotive for the development of bilateral ties.

As the world's two largest developing countries and emerging economies, the two countries can benefit from each other's prosperity and there is enough space for the two countries to seek synergy of development strategies and achieve common development.

China and India have been successfully cooperating in IT, infrastructure, e-commerce, industrial production. Thousands of Indian students are studying in China, mostly in medical schools. The number of tourists to each other has also multiplied over the past few years, especially after India granted e-visas for Chinese tourists.

China has also welcomed India's proposal to combine the Belt and Road Initiative with the Spice and Monsoon Roads projects of India to expand economic and trade ties with the Indian Ocean island nations and Africa, while cooperating with India in building oil pipelines from Central Asia and Russia.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was brought up by Xi in 2013, with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

As for India's "Act East" policy, China has sent positive messages for enhancing inter-connectivity with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and South Asian nations to bring together the dynamics of the whole Asian continent.

China has also called on India to jointly develop the Himalayan region by building a tripartite economic corridor with Nepal and build a Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridor as well.

Through synergy of development strategies and pragmatic cooperation, the two countries can build closer ties and tap into the potential of cooperation for the good of their own peoples.

This will also help increase mutual political trust and understanding between the two countries in seeking solution to their differences and disputes in future.
by Francisco Plata Valencia

BOGOTA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Determination of the Colombian government led by Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) as well as support by international community have nurtured and sustained the peace process in the country, political observers say.

Four years ago, Santos spearheaded peace talks with FARC guerrilla group, which resulted in a definitive peace agreement signed in September to end the 52-year fighting.

Later this month, the Santos government will sit down to negotiate with the country's second largest rebel force, the National Liberation Army.

Although Colombians narrowly rejected the FARC deal in an Oct. 2 referendum, the leadership has managed to keep the process on track, said Fernando Giraldo, an expert in political science with Javeriana University in Bogota.

"In the past two weeks, the president has demonstrated enormous capability, following the electoral defeat, in maintaining political control of the process," Giraldo told Xinhua.

In the wake of the poll results, Santos confidently announced that the two sides would return to the negotiating table after consulting with those who were dissatisfied with the initial agreement, namely Senator and former President Alvaro Uribe and the conservative camp he represents.

Meanwhile, the FARC group has also endeavored to find common ground with the government after the shocking outcome.

"We have been listening to different opinions, exchanging with many people of the Colombian society and political actors. Advisers on both sides are working non-stop to find a way out of this impasse as soon as possible," Rodrigo Londono, the FARC's top leader, said in a recent interview with Xinhua in the Cuban capital of Havana.

The rebel leader, who is also known as Timoleon Jimenez, said the agreement is a symbol that political contradictions in Colombia will not be resolved through violence and people will no longer be imprisoned or murdered for thinking differently.

"We are convinced this deal lays a solid primary foundation for building peace in Colombia. This is a society deeply affected by conflict, and there are very deep wounds that need to heal. To achieve reconciliation between Colombians, we must resolve our differences in the political arena, through democratic debate and not through violence," he said.

Jimenez also told Xinhua that the plebiscite result does not deny the peace deal as the agreement itself has legal foundations within international humanitarian law and is protected by the Colombian Constitution.

The rebel leader said he is confident about a "quick and effective" solution to the political impasse that will allow for definitive peace in his country.

Besides, a "favorable international climate" has played a role in encouraging and sustaining the negotiations between the government and rebel groups, according to political observer Enrique Serrano.

"This new climate served to tacitly help" the peace process, said Serrano, professor in Faculty of Political Science and Government and Faculty of International Relations of Colombia's Rosario University.

The Nobel Peace Prize that President Santos won in itself is "not enough to achieve accords," said Serrano, but as a symbol of the "backing" of the international community it can go a long way toward bolstering the negotiations.

Serrano said not only the government but also Colombian society is committed to peace, which is not limited to that with the FARC but the complete pacification of the country.
HAVANA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cuba welcomed on Friday new steps taken by U.S. President Barack Obama, to make "irreversible" the relations between the former Cold War foes but said they are still "very limited" while the economic and commercial embargo stands.

The director for U.S. affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry Josefina Vidal said the new Presidential Policy Directive approved by Obama is positive although the document does not hide Washington's intentions of promoting economic, political and social changes in the island.

"The (U.S.) document recognizes Cuba and its government as a legitimate and equal partner and ... allows both countries and peoples to achieve a relationship of civilized coexistence within the large differences between the two governments," she said in a brief press conference.

She also indicated the document may be useful for the next American administration because it reflects the feelings of large sectors of the American society and political circles.

Vidal added the United States has no intention to stop developing "interventionist programs" that oppose the interests of the Cuban government.

"This policy directive does not hide the intention to continue developing in our country subversive programs that respond to U.S. interests and involve in them sectors of the Cuban society," she said.

On Friday, Obama issued a Presidential Policy Directive on Cuba and ordered the relaxing of a series of trade, travel and financial restrictions, another step forward to make irreversible the process of normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries that began in December 2014.

Among the changes, Cuban pharmaceutical companies could apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval and sell in U.S. territory innovative products manufactured in the island.

Also, another measure would let U.S. firms provide infrastructure services to the Cuban government or nationals to directly benefit the people.

For American travelers, the biggest change is the removal of limits on the amount of rum and cigars they can pack in their luggage, strictly for personal use.

Perhaps one of the most important changes is removing the prohibition of foreign vessels entering a U.S. port to load or unload freight for 180 days after docking at a Cuban port for trade purposes.

The measures are contained in the latest Obama administration executive order on Cuba to sidestep the Republican-controlled Congress and further relax the economic and trade blockade the White House has imposed on Havana for over 50 years.

The U.S. Congress has resisted Obama's call to lift Washington's economic embargo on Cuba.
BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Seeking new business opportunities and a chance to engage with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a group of Chinese tycoons is to embark on a trip to Canada, only weeks after an exchange of high-level visits by the two countries' leaders.

The China Entrepreneur Club (CEC), the premier business leaders platform in China, will launch on Sunday an eight-day Canadian journey, with plenty of focus on strengthening cooperation in finance, technology and cultural consumption.

Trudeau, who had just met with CEC members in Beijing only six weeks ago, will host the delegation at the Willson House residence on Meech Lake.His frequent exchanges with the CEC is seen by many as a "strong signal" indicating business cooperation between private sectors of the two sides will soon enter the fast lane of development.

The CEC said it will mainly look into the policy landscape of Canada and seek fresh opportunities during visits to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

A series of important face-to-face meetings will also be arranged with leaders in finance, technology and innovation and consumer goods, it said.

The trip comes as at a time when Beijing and Ottawa are joining hands to create a "new golden decade" in bilateral relations, evidenced by an exchange of visits by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Trudeau within one month.

China-Canada relations have improved steadily since last year. Trade volume between the nations reached 55.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, and Trudeau promised a doubling in trade with China by 2025 during Li's trip to Canada in late September, the Chinese premier's first official visit to the country in 13 years.

The Canadian prime minister made his first official visit to China in late August and early September, when he also attended the Group of 20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

According to Ma Weihua, CEC president, the main purpose of the group's international tours is to bolster public diplomacy of the Chinese private sector, demonstrate the integrity of Chinese entrepreneurs, learn from the most advanced business environments of the world and seek opportunities for cooperation.

More business opportunities have been created thanks to the recent improvement in bilateral relations between China and Canada, Ma said, adding that the mission of the entrepreneurs is to turn enthusiastic cooperation wills into practical business projects.

Canada is the 11th destination for the CEC's annual visits, following successful trips to the United States, Britain, France, Belgium, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Italy, the European Union and the United Nations.

Established in 2006 as an NGO by 31 Chinese business leaders, the CEC is committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and business integrity while promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Its 50 members include billionaires who oversee companies that together amass over 3 trillion yuan (about 445.8 billion U.S. dollars) in annual income.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct.15 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Health Ministry informed on Friday that, one year after the beginning of the zika-related microcephaly cases, 2,033 cases have been confirmed in the country.

In 381 cases, the infection by zika was already confirmed by lab tests.

Besides the two thousand cases of microcephaly already confirmed by authorities, other 3,055 cases are still under investigation.

In one year, 486 deaths were suspected to be related to microcephaly caused by infection by zika virus during pregnancy. Out of those, 170 have been confirmed as microcephaly cases so far.

The confirmed cases occurred in 688 towns in all Brazilian states, which means the zika virus reached all Brazil's regions. So far, the northeastern state of Pernambuco, where the relation between zika infection and microcephaly was first reported, has the most confirmed cases: 389.

Bahia and Paraiba states, also located in the northeastern region, followed Pernambuco, with 319 and 181 cases, respectively.

Though the relation between infection by zika virus during pregnancy and the birth of babies with microcephaly and other malformations was first reported in Brazil, microcephaly cases have been reported in several other countries around the globe, and the World Health Organization (WHO) believes cases will reach Asia as well.
TOKYO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japan has been withholding this year's financial contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) totaling some 4.4 billion yen (42 million U.S. dollars), Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has confirmed.

Kishida said the decision was made after weighing the matter in a "comprehensive" manner, though many analysts here pointed out that the move came after the U.N. body's decision last year to list Chinese documents relating to the 1937 Nanjing Massacre as a Memory of the World.

The invading Japanese military brutally killed over 300,000 Chinese including defenseless civilians and unarmed soldiers following the capture of Nanjing in 1937. Japan has been trying to whitewash its atrocities by claiming that the number of killed was not as many as 300,000.

Japan's decision to withhold the dues was also reportedly aimed at putting pressure on UNESCO, at a time when an international alliance of civic organizations is bidding to have over 2,700 "comfort women"-related documents listed as a Memory of the World.

Many women were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II, most of whom were from Asian countries. They were called "comfort women."
HAVANA, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and the United States held a second round of talks on human rights on Friday, where "profound differences" remain between the two countries, said a senior Cuban foreign ministry official.

Pedro Pedroso, deputy director of multilateral affairs and international law, told reporters after the talks that Cuba is concerned with "the documented violations of human rights in the U.S., particularly with policy brutality against African Americans and other minorities."

The official, describing the topic as a thorny issue, also addressed the U.S. violations of human rights in various countries and "torture" and "executions" committed in detention centers, including the U.S. Guantanamo Naval Base.

"We question the double standards and selectivity that prevail in the consideration of human rights issues in the international arena. Human rights can't be used for political purposes," Pedroso added.

While identifying the remaining differences, the official also affirmed that Cuba wishes "both countries can interact politely and with respect for those differences".

Meanwhile, Pedroso ruled out the possibility of discussing the island's internal affairs with its former Cold War foe.

At the press conference, Pedroso also mentioned Cuba's concerns over other issues in the U.S., including racism, discrimination against migrants and minorities and child labor.

The talks on human rights between Havana and Washington started in March 2015, seen as a sign of the willingness of both governments to exchange views on any subject with respect and reciprocity.

The two countries announced the start of normalizing ties in 2014.
QINGDAO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's "father of hybrid rice" is planning to expand its production of sea-rice at a newly founded research center in Qingdao, a port city in the eastern province of Shandong, local sources said Saturday.

Within three years, the sea-rice research and development center, headed by scientist Yuan Longping, is expected to expand the yield of sea-rice to 200 kilograms on each "mu," the Chinese unit equivalent to 666 square meters, according to local authorities in Qingdao's Licang District, where the new research body is located.

Wild sea-rice is sometimes found in saline-alkaline soil at the junctures where rivers join the sea. The plant is resistant to pests, diseases, salt and alkali and does not need fertilizer. But its unit output is only around 75 kg.

The Qingdao research center will use gene sequencing to cultivate new strains of sea-rice that will yield more rice and grow with saline water.

With start-up funding of 100 million yuan (14.86 million U.S. dollars), scientists will start their experiment on a 2-hectare saline-alkaline marsh land just north of the Jiaozhou Bay in April. The project will eventually draw an investment of 2 billion yuan.

Over the past decades, Chinese scientists, led by Yuan, have worked out new approaches to significantly increase the yield of rice, a staple food for 65 percent of the Chinese.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

DHAKA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday completed a two-day state visit to Bangladesh, during which the two countries agreed to upgrade their ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

The visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the South Asian country in three decades, heralds a new era for cooperation between the two countries, which established contact through ancient silk routes more than 2,000 years ago.

A MILESTONE VISIT

President Xi's "historic visit", called by local newspapers, started with the highest tribute to a foreign president from the Bangladeshi side. Xi was received on Friday at the airport by his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, and given a 21-gun salute. The host country dispatched fighter jets to escort Xi's plane after it entered Bangladesh's airspace.

In Dhaka, posters with pictures of President Xi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Abdul Hamid, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are adorning all the major streets and junctions across the city.

During Xi's visit, the two countries agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation, raising the bilateral relationship to a new level.

During his meeting with Hasina on Friday, Xi said the closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation the two sides forged in 2010 has yielded fruitful results, with bilateral cooperation advancing steadily in political, economic, cultural and security areas and on international and regional affairs.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation documents covering such areas as the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, production capacity cooperation, information and telecommunication, energy and power, diplomatic affairs, maritime affairs, disaster prevention and alleviation, and climate change.

They also pledged to map out new major cooperation projects, especially in such key areas as infrastructure construction, transportation, information and telecommunication and agriculture.

"Given the high-level political mutual trust and advanced cooperation in many areas between China and Bangladesh, the upgrade (of bilateral ties) was perfectly timed and proper, charting the course for future development of bilateral ties," former Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Chai Xi said.

ENHANCING SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

Xi's visit to Bangladesh, one of the least developed countries listed by the United Nations, is also aimed at promoting South-South cooperation and inclusive development under the consensus reached at the G20 Hangzhou summit.

During the meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, Xi said the two sides agreed to make unremitting efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and push forward South-South cooperation.

The two sides have already shown similarity in their development goals and great potential for further cooperation.

During his talks with Hasina on Friday, Xi said China stands ready to push forward bilateral practical cooperation by aligning the development strategies of the two countries, noting that China is striving for its "two centenary goals" while Bangladesh is pursuing its "Sonar Bangla" dream of national strength and prosperity.

The "two centenary goals" refer to China's aspiration to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the time the Communist Party of China celebrates its centenary in 2021 and turn the People's Republic of China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the time it celebrates its centenary in 2049.

Bangladesh, with its "Sonar Bangla" dream, aims to become a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.

China is now the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh is China's third-largest trading partner and third-largest project contract market in South Asia with bilateral trade reaching 14.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.

China-made products, ranging from daily necessities to large machinery, can be found all over Bangladesh.

Industries such as communications and automobiles, in which China has technology and Bangladesh has great demand, hold vast potential for cooperation, said Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Peking University.

With China's support, Bangladesh implemented in June the country's largest-ever information and communication technology (ICT) project to connect nearly 20,000 government offices across the country.

The project, undertaken by companies including Huawei and China Machinery Engineering Corporation, has been considered a main project for building a digital Bangladesh by 2021.

"Xi's visit signals the beginning of a new era and a new height for China-Bangladesh relations. There will be more and more fruitful cooperation in the development of highways, railways, energy, power and communication," Chai said.

BELT AND ROAD OPPORTUNITIES

"Bangladesh, with its favorable geographic location and huge population, market potential and cooperation space, is an indispensable partner for China to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and production capacity cooperation in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region," Xi said in a signed article carried by leading Bangladeshi newspapers on Friday.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Bangladesh's firm support for the Belt and Road Initiative and and the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) have borne fruit.

The multipurpose road-rail Padma Bridge, being built by the China Major Bridge Engineering Company, is the largest and most challenging infrastructure project in Bangladesh's history.

Once opened in 2018, it will significantly improve transportation in Bangladesh's northeast and southwest regions and bolster the Bangladeshi economy by 1.5 percent according to the estimation of economists.

The bridge will also make it more convenient for neighboring countries to use Bangladesh's seaports, and promote the country's trade with China, India and Myanmar.

Chinese enterprises have also signed deals with Bangladesh to build a two-lane tunnel underneath the Karnaphuli River, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, and to carry out detailed engineering design for a four-lane expansion of a national highway.

"Infrastructure is crucial to Bangladesh's development. The Belt and Road Initiative and the BCIM Economic Corridor will help improve air, rail and road transport for countries involved," Jiang Jingkui with Peking University said.

Better infrastructure calls for greater investment. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), of which Bangladesh is a founding member, and the Silk Road Fund, among others, could serve as financial sources.

In June, the AIIB approved its first four loans, including one worth 165 million U.S. dollars for a power distribution system upgrade and expansion project in Bangladesh.

"The Silk Road Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank will help Bangladesh achieve its development goals. We expect closer China-Bangladesh cooperation under the Belt and Road framework," said Xiang Junyong, research fellow with Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.
"The news media - or as presidential candidate Donald Trump calls them, the dishonest media - have gone into overdrive in their attempts to smear and tarnish the Republican in the final weeks of his campaign. The Clinton campaign, which includes her husband Bill, the self-styled Lothario, whom she enabled, defended and protected for many years. Her protection included harassing women coming forward and revealing Bill Clinton's sexual advances and attacks." - Jim Kouri

Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

And now for your additional voting pleasure:

What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



While the American news media turn all their firepower on Donald Trump, from the way he talks to his supporters to the way he verbally vanquishes his opponents, Trump's likely presidential opponent Hillary Clinton continues to play her worn-out "gender card" without much squawking from news reporters.However, Mrs. Clinton's pandering to females has opened the door to a renewed interest in the sexual behavior of her husband former President Bill Clinton, who famously used the body of a White House intern as his own private amusement park in the Oval Office. In fact, in the past MSNBC morning news program "Morning Joe" with anchor Joe Scarborough discussed a story involving allegations of Bill Clinton dalliances with teenagers in the Caribbean.A perfect example of U.S. media amnesia is a news story being covered overseas or by Internet news/commentary websites regarding allegations that former President Bill Clinton frequently visited one of his super-rich pals, convicted pedophile and professional cad Jeffrey Epstein, at his so-called "orgy island."A teenager who slept with a number of Epstein's guests claims that she saw the former U.S. Commander in Chief arrive at Epstein's sexual-fantasy island with two teenaged girls from New York City. According to the now 31-year-old woman, she was a bright-eyed teenager at the time she met the former President - now wannabe First Gentleman - Clinton, and she is quick to admit she did not personally have sex with him, but that other youngsters her age were provided to him.Virginia Roberts, who has accused the ultra-wealthy Epstein of turning her into a "sex slave" while still a teenager, has told European and Internet reporters that Jeffrey Epstein forced her and other teens to have sex with his powerful guests. She claims that Clinton stayed in one of the many villas on Epstein's U.S. Virgin Islands estate, where sex orgies were as common as handshaking.Roberts told her lawyers in deposition.Roberts says she was introduced to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell, daughter of disgraced British media mogul Robert Maxwell . In 1991, Maxwell's lifeless body was mysteriously found at sea after going missing from his yacht. British news outlets claimed he was billions of dollars in debt at the time."Slick Willie" - the nickname given to Clinton by conservatives - was accompanied by two of Epstein's "regulars and young girls that I could identify," Roberts claimed. "I never really knew them well [sic] anyways. It was just two girls from New York," she said.Bill Clinton took repeated trips on the private passenger jet owned by Epstein with a porn movie actress identified in Epstein's records under an entry for "massages," according to flight logbooks obtained by Gawker. The logs also allegedly revealed that Clinton had flown about a dozen times with a woman who federal prosecutors had investigated as a woman who recruited underage girls for Epstein's "kiddie stable" and that she acted as a possible co-conspirator" in his sex crimes Several law enforcement officers who specialize in sex crimes and pedophilia believe this whole sexual-fantasy-island is a perfect example of political hypocrisy.scolds former detective and sex crimes unit member Isabel Cortez.Det. Cortez added.According to Epstein's flight manifest, Clinton flew on the billionaire's private Boeing 727, which actually had a special bedroom for kinky sex.Virginian Roberts claimed.said Roberts.While the Clinton surrogates jumped into their "damage-control mode" and attacked yet another in a long list of "bimbo eruptions," Roberts frequently told reporters and talk show hosts that she never had sex with that man... Bill Clinton. She also openly stated that she had not witnessed him having sex with anyone.But the stunning young woman said she was involved in group sex with Epstein, British royal family member Prince Andrew , as well as eight other teen girls. And she did call Epstein "a pimp for his prominent pals" and that he would brag about gathering information on people such as Bill Clinton is case he needed to blackmail them later, Roberts alleged in a new affidavit. "Epstein required me to describe the sexual events that I had with these men, presumably so that he could potentially blackmail them," she added.
People search for victims inside a funeral hall after it was targeted by airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Oct. 8, 2016. (Xinhua Photo)

by Fuad Rajeh

SANAA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Yemen witnessed dramatic events in the past few days after the U.S. struck military sites run by the Houthi group, but they will not change the course of the war in Yemen, observers said.

Actually, the U.S. strikes were carried out though the Houthi militants denied responsibility for failed missile attacks on a U.S. destroyer in the Bab El-Mandab strait.

Strategically, the U.S. wants to guarantee more presence in the region and that is why we should understand that its strikes did not mean it has decided to join the war in Yemen, observers pointed out.

With the strikes, it wanted either to help the Saudi-led coalition "only on Houthi radars and missile launchers" that have targeted several Saudi and UAE warships off Yemen or to send a message to the Houthis that a further war on them will be inevitable if they don't accept peaceful options, observers said.

Some observers argued that the coalition apparently does not have advanced equipment to detect Houthi radars and missile launchers that targeted its ships repeatedly, and that's why the U.S. intervened.

Maybe the coalition asked the U.S. to intervene militarily in order to restore the work on peace efforts after the deadliest airstrikes on a funeral triggered military mobilization by the Houthi-former president alliance, they added.

Adil Al-Shuja'a, a professor of politics at Sanaa University, said the U.S. will not join the war in Yemen to avoid a further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis.

"The real U.S. objective, however, is to control the Bab El-Mandab strait and the Socotra island amid escalating conflict with foes such as Russia," he said.

"Most importantly, it wants to send a message to the Houthis that it is really committed to supporting and defending the GCC allies," he added.

Yaseen Al-Tamimi, a political writer and analyst, said there are no signs the war will expand in Yemen.

"When it comes to the U.S., the strikes did not mean the U.S .has plans to internationalize the Yemeni crisis because its support to the Arab coalition is enough."

"In addition, it does not want the war in Yemen to expand because the regional waterways are very important for its economy," Al-Tamimi said.

"When it comes to other players, Russia and Iran, for example, they can't launch another war front as the war in Syria and sanctions by the West have exhausted their economies," he said.

"Furthermore, Russia will not risk its improving ties and growing interests with GCC friends," Al-Tamimi elaborated.

The U.S. has been providing logistical and intelligence support to the campaign since it was launched in March 2015. Recently it put forward a proposal to end the war in Yemen peacefully amid growing criticism to its support to the Saudi-led military intervention and its failure to help avert a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

SAUDI EGYPTIAN TENSIONS

The U.S. strikes coincided with growing tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia apparently after Egypt voted for a Russian resolution over Syria at the UN Security Council.

Observers said the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both members in the coalition bombing Yemen, will be positively reflected on the situation in Yemen.

"First, the tensions will lead to new alliances that in turn will lead to balance of power in the region. Balance of power could lay the groundwork for peace," Al-Shuja'a said.

"Secondly, the change in Egypt's position over regional issues means there is something wrong with key players such as Saudi Arabia," he said.

"In both cases, there is a hope the situation will change for better in Yemen, in favor of peace not war," he added.

Some observers argued the Saudi-Egyptian tensions will not serve the peace process as it will delay a military victory and derail the peace process as these two countries are the main Arab players.
CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- An Islamic State (IS) affiliate group in Egypt has claimed responsibility for the attack on a checkpoint on Friday in North Sinai province that killed 12 soldiers and wounded six.

"A number of our soldiers have launched an attack on a checkpoint belonging to the Egyptian army south of Bir al-Abd," the IS group said late Friday in a statement published on some Islamic websites.

It added its soldiers were safe and sound and had seized arms and ammunitions during the attack on the military checkpoint.

The armed forces said in a statement on Friday "an armed group of terrorist elements attacked a security checkpoint in North Sinai on Friday morning using four-wheel drives and were immediately engaged. Our forces killed 15 terrorists and wounded others."

This is the first major attack in the central Sinai area as Bir al-Abd has yet been so far from the reach of the violence that has threatened northern Sinai over the past three years.

The jihadist group, formerly known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, has pledged allegiance to Islamic State since 2014 and changed its name to "Sinai State."

It claimed the responsibility for most of the anti-security attacks that rocked North Sinai and killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen, in retaliation of killing and arresting of thousands of the former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi's loyals.

Intensified Egyptian military raids killed and arrested several hundreds of IS-affiliate extremists in Sinai Peninsula as part of the country's "anti-terrorism war" declared following Morsi's ouster in 2013.

On Saturday, the armed forces have raided a stronghold of Jihadists, killing two terrorists.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said this attack will give the Egyptians more strength to continue the battle for existence and construction, and will only make the Egyptians more resilient to go on with the anti-terror battle.
Photo taken on Oct. 14, 2016 shows the Goa International Airport in Goa, India. The 8th BRICS summit will be held in Goa of India on Oct. 15 to 16. (Xinhua/Li Peng)

by Xinhua writers Xia Fan and Bai Chun

GOA, India, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Over the weekend in the coastal Indian state of Goa, the New Development Bank has become a buzz phrase as BRICS leaders gathered for their annual summit here amid high hopes that the bank could provide new momentum of growth and cooperation between BRICS countries.

The bank, formally opened in July last year in Shanghai, has witnessed remarkable progress. Its first loan projects have been approved, and first bonds issued to raise funds for clean energy projects in member states.

"I believe the bank is going in the right direction," said Indian economist D.K. Ravi in a recent interview with Xinhua. "When it was launched, the bank was expected to issue its first loans early 2016 and indeed it has approved its first package of loans worth 811 million U.S. dollars in April this year."

Three months later, the bank announced that it had successfully issued its first bonds worldwide to raise funds for clean energy projects in member states. The five-year green bonds, denominated in the Chinese currency renminbi or Chinese yuan, are worth 3 billion yuan (449 million U.S. dollars).

The progress took place despite slowing growth rates experienced by BRICS countries in recent years amid a plunge in commodity prices and a sluggish global recovery. According to World Bank forecasts, the Russian and Brazilian economies may shrink by 1.2 percent and 4 percent respectively this year and South Africa may grow at a meager 0.6 percent.

However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded its growth prediction for the emerging economies earlier this month with IMF chief Christine Lagarde saying China and India will maintain fast growth rates.

Experts are hoping that the New Development Bank could further consolidate the positive economic signs.

The bank can provide much-needed financing for large infrastructure development projects in BRICS countries, which would give a significant boost to social development and economic growth, according to Zhang Yansheng, secretary-general of the Academic Committee of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The World Bank estimated that the financial gap for developing countries in upgrading their infrastructure has reached up to 1 trillion dollars. However, the private financial sector is usually unwilling to fund large infrastructure development projects, as such investments are large in scale and require a longer payback period, said Zhang.

"This is where the New Development Bank comes in," he told Xinhua in a telephone interview. The logic behind the bank is that as a policy bank, it can provide the development financing for such projects although they might not be profitable in the short run, he explained.

"It's like injecting blood to the development of BRICS countries," said Zhang. "Once the policy financing reaches a certain level, the private financial sector will also come in, further accelerating regional economic and social development."

The successful establishment and operation of the bank, a concrete outcome of the BRICS cooperation, is also expected to inspire the establishment of new cooperative institutions by the bloc, further enhancing intra-BRICS cooperation and binding BRICS countries closer together.

"If last year the main issue discussed was the readiness of our countries for creating institutions, then in the end of September there was a meeting in Goa, and there the discussion centered about what other institutions BRICS need," said Sergey Karatayev, deputy head of the Center for Economic Research at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies.

For example, India said that an institution is needed for scientific research and formulating common expert opinion of the BRICS countries; there is also discussion about the creation of a rating agency, according to the expert.

"These issues have been touched upon before, but now they have emerged again mainly due to the successful work of the bank," he added.

Experts are also hoping that the NDB will push forward a reform of global financial governance.

BRICS countries have shown that they are also capable of creating international institutions which can work successfully on the basis of principles different from other such bodies, said Karatayev.

A distinctive feature of the NDB is the absolutely just distribution of votes between members, "each of them have equal voting rights, different from the quota system based on the role of this or that member," he said.

Despite the current limited capabilities of the bank, Karatayev said what's more important is to show that the bank is capable of investing in new directions and of formulating its own policy, which will eventually influence activities of other banks.

Echoing his view, Zhang Yansheng said the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, created at the end of World War II over 70 years ago, can no longer meet the needs of developing countries.

"The New Development Bank, along with other policy financial institutions, is a new force in global governance -- it might lack experience and make mistakes, but they are an emerging force after all."
GOA, India, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral ties here on Saturday on the sidelines of the 8th BRICS summit.

This is the 17th India-Russia annual summit.

BRICS groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. India is the chair of BRICS for this year.

After the summit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 16 agreements, including the ones on the delivery of S-400 "Triumpf" anti-missile defence systems worth over 5 billion U.S. dollars, collaboration in making four state-of-art frigates and setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The two sides also signed deals on smart city projects, ship building, oil refinery infrastucture development, energy, high speed train, cyber security and specialist training in Andhra Pradesh, among others.

At the joint press conference after their meeting, Modi said "An old friend is better than two new friends." Modi also appreciated Russia's clear stand on terrorism.

For his part, Putin praised the enhanced cooperation between the two sides, saying "Industries of both countries are improving cooperation. Military and technical cooperation is also improving".

The joint press briefing was also attended by Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Energy Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 15, 2016, for the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

GOA, India, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the western Indian state of Goa Saturday for a summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Leaders of the five countries are expected to discuss BRICS cooperation and other issues of common concern at the Oct. 15-16 summit, themed with "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions."

A Goa declaration will be issued when the summit concludes Sunday.

Along with Xi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma will be attending the summit, the eighth of its kind.

The five leaders will hold dialogues with representatives of the BRICS Business Council and state leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries at the summit.

The BIMSTEC, initiated to connect South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

President Xi will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries on the sidelines of the summit.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which gathers the world's five major emerging economies.

The bloc members have seen their cooperation growing over the past decade, especially the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014.

Despite economic headwinds in the BRICS countries and external skepticism about whether the bloc is losing its power over recent years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said earlier this month in its latest issue of World Economic Outlook that in emerging market and developing economies, the 2016 growth will accelerate for the first time in six years.

China and India, in particular, will continue their relatively fast pace in growth this year and next, according to the IMF projections. Meanwhile, the IMF cut its 2016 growth prospects for advanced economies following a slowdown in the United States and Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union.

The five BRICS leaders just met last month in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou when China hosted the 11th summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

At their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, President Xi said that BRICS members should enhance coordination to make emerging-market economies and developing countries play a bigger role in international affairs.

BRICS nations are leaders among emerging-market economies and developing countries, and also important members of the G20, Xi said, noting that they should reinforce coordination to build, maintain and develop the BRICS and G20 platforms.

China has been a staunch supporter for and an active participant in BRICS cooperation, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong told reporters earlier this week.

"We hope the Goa summit can send out a positive signal of confidence, solidarity and cooperation, help deepen our practical cooperation and promote the cooperation level, enhance communication and coordination on major international issues to safeguard our shared interests, and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with other countries in the region," Li said at a press conference ahead of Xi's trip.

India is the final stop of Xi's Southeast Asia and South Asia tour, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.

Before leaving Bangladesh on Saturday morning, Xi laid a wreath at the national martyr monument in Dhaka.
CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's military launched air strikes against jihadist targets in North Sinai at early hours of Saturday in retaliation for the killing of 12 army personnel on Friday at a checkpoint, the army said.

"The Armed Forces pursued the criminal and terrorist elements who implemented the terrorist attack," the army said in a televised statement.

Friday's attack took place in the central Sinai area 40 km from the town of Bir al-Abd, as a group of terrorist elements used rifles and automatic weapons to attack the checkpoint, security sources said.

The army in return has killed 15 terrorists on Friday.

"The airstrikes targeted the hideouts of the armed extremists involved in Friday's attacks," added the statement.

"All the areas harboring the terrorist elements along with the weapons and ammunition depots were destroyed in the airstrike that lasted for three hours and is still ongoing," it said.

A number of extremist elements were also killed, the statement added.

North Sinai province has been a hub for anti-security attacks that killed hundreds of police and army man since the army-led ouster of the Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The armed forces in coordination with the police have declared "war on terrorism", and more troops were deployed.

A Sinai-based militant group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for most of attacks, including Friday assault.
YANGON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- A giant jade stone weighing 210 tons has been discovered in a jade mine in Phakant township in Myanmar's northernmost Kachin state, official media reported Saturday.

The raw jade stone was excavated recently in a jade mine operated by the private Yadana Taungtan company in cooperation with state-run Myanmar Gems Enterprise.

The jade stone measures 228 inches long, 180 inches wide and 168 inches high. Its value has not been estimated yet for not being carved.

The world's largest jade stone weighing about 3,000 tons was also discovered in Phakant in 2000.

Myanmar is well-known as the world's largest jade producer and for its high-quality gems and jewelry.

Jade is included in the potential export items from nine regions and states in Myanmar.

Myanmar Jade is mainly exported to China and India with China standing as the biggest purchaser of Myanmar's jade.

The total of jade export for the fiscal year 2014-2015 reached 986.64 million U.S. dollars, statistics show.
GUANGZHOU, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 120th China Import and Export Fair, which began Saturday in Guangzhou, in the southern province of Guangdong.

In the letter, Xi said that the fair's 60-year history is marked by its service to the country's reform and opening-up, modernization and enterprises both at home and abroad.

Under the new circumstances, the fair should make new and greater contributions to the open economy of China and the rest of the world, said Xi.

Xi stressed the fair should innovate its mechanism and business model to facilitate win-win cooperation and common development for participants.

He also noted the event should strengthen its role as a platform of opening-up for enhanced utilization of markets and resources at home and abroad.

The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is China's largest and considered a barometer for China's foreign trade.

Some 24,500 enterprises will attend this 120th fair, which will conclude on Nov. 4.
GUANGZHOU, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a fire that broke out at a warehouse holding combustible materials in in south China's Guangzhou Saturday.

The victims were employees of a logistics center in Baiyun District, where the warehouse was located. One sustained burns while escaping the scene. Both are in stable conditions, sources with the local government of Baiyun District said.

The fire was reported at around 11 a.m. and spread across 1,600 square meters of the warehouse, which contained cosmetics, paint and auto spares, the city's fire prevention bureau said in a statement.

Fourteen teams of firemen were despatched to the scene. The fire was contained at around 2 p.m.

The investigation continues.
PYONGYANG, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday slammed South Korea for what it claims invasions into its territorial waters in the Yellow Sea, labelling those actions as "frantic military provocations."

"Their intrusions that have been perpetrated almost every day this month stretched into Oct. 13 and 14," the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

The news agency claimed that South Korea had infringed on waters of the DPRK five times on Friday alone and that those invasions were made on direct instruction of Chongwadae and the Defense Ministry.

The purpose of the intrusions was to preserve the Northern Limit Line and to seek military clashes in order to prompt the DPRK to take counteractions and then launch preemptive attacks on the North, the news agency said.

The Northern Limit Line, or NLL, is a disputed maritime demarcation line in the Yellow Sea between the DPRK and South Korea. As the DPRK has never officially recognized the NLL, the navies of the two countries patrol the area regularly.

In late May, Pyongyang accused South Korean navy of intruding into DPRK waters and firing shells at a ferryboat, while Seoul claimed that a patrol boat and a fishing boat from the DPRK returned to the North after crossing the NLL after the South Korean military fired warning shots.
A boy climbs on a waste tire in Kibera, one of the largest slum in East Africa, in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, July 12, 2013. (Xinhua file photo)

NAIROBI, Oct. 15 (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.

A woman dries spices in front of her house in a slum in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Oct. 13, 2013. (Xinhua file photo)

"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.
COLOMBO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Police said on Saturday that they had appointed a special team to investigate the "alleged suicide" of a retired army officer who was found hanging at home with a suicide note claiming responsibility for the murder of a prominent newspaper editor.

The body of the retired officer was found at his home in Kegalle, approximately 78 km from capital Colombo, on Thursday, with a suicide note stating that he was responsible for the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and asked for the release of the army intelligence officer who is currently under arrest over the murder.

The body of the deceased has been placed at the Kegalle General Hospital for the postmortem examination.

Police said they were investigating if there was any truth to his letter while many on social media raised questions if the alleged suicide was a cover up to protect Wickremetunga's actual killers.

"We have begun investigations to see if there is any truth to this," a police official who wish to remain unnamed said.

Wickremetunga, who was the editor of the local Sunday Leader newspaper, was shot dead while driving to work in January 2009 by a group of unidentified men in a high security zone in broad daylight.

He was an investigative journalist who wrote about government corruption and a sharp critic of the former government of Mahinda Rajapakse, who has denied any role in the editor's killing.

Last month, authorities exhumed Wickrematunga's remains to conduct a fresh autopsy after fears that forensic evidence may have been tampered with or deliberately falsified to mislead the investigation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is greeted by senior Cambodian government officials and members of the royal family upon his arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh, Capital of Cambodia, for a state visit, Oct. 13, 2016. This is Xi's first trip to the country as president. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia from Thursday to Friday led to the signing of 31 cooperation documents, deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. Following is a summary of the achievements the two sides have scored during the visit and the remarks the Chinese president made during the visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

STRONG TIES

The string of bilateral agreements signed are the results of high-level meetings held respectively between the Chinese president, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen. Xi also visited Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and laid a wreath at the statue of late King Norodom Sihanouk.

When meeting with King Norodom Sihamoni, Xi spoke highly of the traditional friendship between their countries and vowed to deepen all-round bilateral cooperation so as to achieve common development and prosperity.

King Sihamoni for his part voiced Cambodia's readiness to work with China to carry forward the traditional friendship and further enhance bilateral ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

After talks between Xi and Hun Sen, a total of 31 cooperation documents were signed in a wide range of fields covering economy, technology, infrastructure, the fight against people trafficking, tax and maritime cooperation.

In a joint communique signed Thursday, China and Cambodia agreed to accelerate the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and China's 13th Five-Year Plan with Cambodia's Rectangular Strategy and Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025, while working to raise bilateral trade to 5 billion U.S. dollars by 2017.

China pledged more investment and cooperation with Cambodia in such fields as energy, telecommunications, agriculture, industry and tourism.

The two countries will also take measures to expand people-to-people exchanges and strengthen cooperation in multilateral and international arenas so as to safeguard the shared interests of the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Hardship reveals true friendship," President Xi quoted an old Chinese saying in a signed article to describe the relationship with Cambodia, hailing the two countries as "good neighbors and true friends who treat each other with all sincerity."

"China values its special friendship with the Cambodian royal family and attaches great importance to the development of relations with Cambodia," Xi told King Norodom Sihamoni.

While meeting Queen Mother Monineath, Xi said the China-Cambodia friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen inaugurate the China Culture Center after their talks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

In talks between Xi and Hun Sen, the two leaders agreed that their countries should continue to be "highly trusted friends, loyal partners and a community of shared destiny."

Noting that the friendship that was forged and cultivated by Chinese and Cambodian leaders of previous generations has grown even stronger, President Xi said that the current bilateral relationship is showing a positive momentum of development, with continuously enhanced political mutual trust, fruitful economic cooperation and closer coordination in multilateral affairs.

"China ... stands ready to work with Cambodia to constantly enrich the meaning of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, thus delivering more tangible benefits to both peoples," Xi said.

WARM WELCOME FROM CAMBODIANS
MOGADISHU, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Renewed fighting between regional forces from Galmudug and Puntland in the central Somali Galkayo town have killed at least 11 people and displaced 50,000 others, the UN humanitarian agency said on Saturday.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said local authorities have indicated that the number could be higher as more people continue to flee the violence in the two semi-autonomous regions of Somalia.

"Humanitarian partners operating in Galkayo are estimating that 60 percent of the displaced are IDPs facing secondary displacements, raising protection concerns and raising vulnerability," the OCHA said in a report.

Fresh clashes broke out in Galkayo on Oct. 7 and a peace agreement reached by clan elders and the business community two days later failed to hold and fighting erupted less than 24 hours after it was signed.

The interim peace agreement had called for immediate cessation of hostilities; an immediate withdrawal of armed personnel from the area of contention; and discussions on peaceful resolutions of the issue to continue.

A technical committee established to facilitate further negotiations between the two sides to address the root causes of the conflict is yet to make progress.

"The armed violence has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation in Galkayo and its surrounding areas, especially for IDPs who continue to live in deplorable conditions and makeshift structures," it said.

The UN said the majority of civilians from south Galkayo have fled to parts of south Mudug and Galgaduud, while those from north Galkayo fled to locations of north Mudug and Nugaal.

"All schools in Galkayo remain closed with over 20,000 learners affected. Commercial activities are also impacted, leading to the disruption of livelihood activities especially for the IDPs, the poor and most vulnerable who are dependent on informal trade and manual labour," the UN said.

It said tensions have led to constraints on the humanitarian activities in the town due to staff safety and security concerns.

According to the OCHA, the flow of commercial and humanitarian supplies and services between Galgaduud and Mudug regions has been disrupted. Galkayo provides the access network to central regions such as Hiraan, Galgaduud and South Mudug for commodities from the port of Bossaso.

"Agricultural products and livestock from southern and central Somalia also pass through Gaalkacyo serving northern towns," the UN said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcoming ceremony held by his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, upon his arrival at the airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for a state visit, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

DHAKA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- More development opportunities were displayed to Bangladeshis as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi leaders on Friday agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

During his visit, the first by a Chinese head of state in 30 years, Xi hailed the fruitful close partnership and promised all-inclusive support to the South Asian nation.

The visit rendered a string of cooperation documents covering multiple areas as well as a joint statement about the upgrading of bilateral ties to the strategic partnership of cooperation.

The following is a summary of major high-level activities during the visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is received by his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, upon his arrival at the airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Xi was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, and given a 21-gun salute at the airport.

"I am looking forward to having in-depth and extensive exchange of views with Bangladeshi leaders on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern so as to draw up the blueprint for bilateral cooperation and jointly open up a new chapter for bilateral relations," Xi said upon arrival.

At a meeting held later with Hamid, Xi hailed major opportunities for China-Bangladesh ties. The two sides agreed to improve cooperation mechanism in various fields, and actively push forward the implementation of major projects in key areas, said Xi.

Both sides pledged to step up the construction projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and boost connectivity, development and prosperity in the region for the well-being of the two peoples.

The two countries also vowed to make unremitting efforts to implement the the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and push forward South-South cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

When meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina, Xi said China highly values its friendly cooperative ties with Bangladesh and will continue to offer support within its capacity for the economic and social development of the South Asian country.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative can dovetail with Bangladesh's cooperation strategies, Xi noted, stressing that practical cooperation should be reinforced to reap even richer fruits, so as to inject more impetus into bilateral ties.

The two sides vowed to strengthen the synergy of their development strategies, fully tap the potential for bilateral cooperation, and jointly push forward the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Bangladeshi National Assembly Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

During talks with Bangladeshi National Assembly Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, the Chinese president urged the two countries' parliaments to strengthen communication, increase public support to promote political mutual trust and align development strategies.

The two countries' relevant departments should provide a sound legal guarantee for the political, economic and trade cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges, according to Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

President Xi also discussed with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia party-to-party exchanges between the two countries.

The Chinese side, Xi stressed, is ready to strengthen exchange of experience on party building with major Bangladeshi parties including the BNP, so as to increase mutual understanding.

Xi was warmly welcomed by locals and Bangladesh media, praising relations with China.

"OPTIMISM as Xi Jinping flies in," read the headline of top leading English-language daily, The Daily Star. Bangladeshi newspapers run heavy reporting of Xi's visit and Sino-Bangladesh bilateral issues.

All the TV channels have been providing special news bulletins on Xi's visit.

Screenshot of users' comments on the Facebook page of China Xinhua News on Oct. 14, 2016.

Heartfelt welcome was also delivered by common people who closely followed the event on social media, expressing the hope of accelerating bilateral all-round cooperation.

"Nice to see Mr. Xi Jinping president of China here in Bangladesh, wishing for a beneficial tour for both countries," said a netizen.
CHICAGO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- More than a dozen Chinese and the U.S. enterprises on Friday signed agricultural transaction contracts worth 2.1 billion U.S. dollars, under which Chinese enterprises will import 5.1 million tons of farm products from the U.S. companies.

Nearly 100 officials and enterprise representatives from China and the United States attended the signing ceremony held in Des Moines, Iowa.

As Iowa is a leading soybean-producing state in the United States and China is the world's biggest buyer of the product, it makes a lot of sense for American and Chinese companies to work together, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad told Xinhua.

"Right now we have a surplus of soybeans and corn, and so we need to be able to market that product," said Branstad. "China is a very big country, with a large population and is in need of soybeans. We think it is a win-win situation. It's good for Iowa farmers and it is good for Chinese consumers."

"We want to continue to increase the trade opportunities between Iowa and China," Branstad added.

Liu Jun, deputy Chinese consul-general in Chicago, said the U.S. Midwest is a major farming area of soybeans, corn, and meat. "Iowa has unique advantages in Sino-U.S. agricultural cooperation."

Chinese official statistics show that China accounts for 60 percent of the world's soybean transactions. China consumed 95 million tons of soybeans in the 2015-2016 seasonal year, and is expected to consume 98 million tons in the following seasonal year, of which the demand for import will be 83 million tons, up 1.2 percent from the 2015-2016 seasonal year.
NAIROBI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The partnership between Kenya's ministry of internal security and Huawei that involves installation of surveillance cameras in major cities has contributed to reduction in crimes, a technology expert has said.

Dr. Bitange Ndemo, the former Permanent Secretary in the ICT ministry noted that high end technology supplied by Huawei has enhanced the capacity of Kenya's security personnel to respond to urban crime and terrorism.

"Since the partnership between the interior ministry and Huawei commenced, we have witnessed rapid integration of technology to modernize policing in the light of new security threats," Ndemo told participants at Hawaii's safe city summit held in Nairobi on Oct.14-15.

He was the architect of Kenya's digital revolution that accelerated early this decade.

During his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of ICT, Ndemo facilitated digitization of key government functions like security, health and education.

He lauded deployment of Huawei's state of the art technology in the security docket terming it a milestone in the war against urban crime.

"Kenya is currently in the same league with South Africa in terms of adoption of technology to boost surveillance, detection and reporting of threats to public security," said Ndemo.

He noted that installation of surveillance cameras by Huawei along major streets and highways has enabled police obtain real time data on crime trends.

"We must leverage on technology to create safer cities and the partnership between Huawei and our interior ministry is a step in the right direction," Ndemo told Xinhua.

He added that big data has revolutionized policing and traffic management in big cities.

The installation of surveillance cameras that transmit real time images to a command center manned by police officers has led to 46 percent reduction in urban crime.

Shaka Kwach, the head of Special Projects at Kenya's leading technology solutions provider Safaricom, noted that police are relying on real time data transmitted by cameras to nab and prosecute criminals.

"Improved security in our big cities is good for investments and healthy relationship among communities," Kwach said. Both Huawei and Safaricom have participated in the roll out of broadband infrastructure in Kenya.
XIAMEN, China, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Netherlands' Anne Van Dam shot a five-under 67 to grab a share of the third-round lead at the Xiamen International Ladies Open on Saturday as overnight leader Shi Yuting (70) of China bogeyed the final hole to drop her first shot of the tournament.

Through 54 holes in Fujian province, the two were deadlocked at 13-under 203 in the 300,000-euro tournament, a co-sponsored event between the China LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour.

Thailand's Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras (68) was two shots off the pace, while Chinese teenager Liu Yan shot a 65, the low round of the day, to sit equal fourth with Thai Ajira Nualraksa (70) at five shots back.

Going into the day with a three-shot lead, Shi could only muster a lone birdie at the par-five third hole to make the turn at 12-under. As playing partners Pannarat and Van Dam would both go on to take the outright lead on the back nine, Shi posted birdies at the 16th and 17th holes to regain a one-shot lead. At the last, her approach shot landed to right of the green and she missed a four-foot putt.

"I studied both my partners' stats entering this round and found out that they made more birdies than me for last two days. I knew that I needed to be patient for the whole round," said the 18-year-old Shi.

"At the 16th hole, I hit a good eight-iron and made a six-footer for a birdie. I think it's my shot of day and some kind of turning point. I made another birdie from 15 feet at the next hole. I felt disappointed about my iron play at the last hole. I just tried to put my ball into the middle of the green, but I didn't. Tomorrow, I have to get into a groove earlier."

Van Dam, a 21-year-old from Arnhem, who has won twice on the LET Access Series development tour, posted a solid bogey-free round featuring five birdies.

"A lot is going right. Last week in France I didn't play well at all and normally if I don't play well I practice a lot the next days, but I didn't have the will to practice so I took it quite easy and just relaxed. I had one practice day and took it one shot at a time and it's worked out pretty well so far," said Van Dam.

"Tomorrow is a different day and the Chinese will be rooting for their home player. I'm going to try to relax and do my best on every shot and we' ll see what happens in the end."

Rookie pro Liu demonstrated why she is a player to watch as the teenager carded a bogey-free round featuring seven birdies, including three consecutive starting at the 11th hole, to move into contention.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 people were killed and 20 others injured Saturday during stampede at a religious gathering in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.

The stampede took place at Maliviya bridge locally called Rajghat bridge over river Ganga in Varanasi district, about 319 km, southeast of Lucknow city, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"The death toll in the Varanasi stampede has gone up to 19," Sudhakar Yadav, a senior police officer told Xinhua. "There are reports that some people are injured bu they are said to be out of danger."

Locals told Xinhua hundreds of devotees of Indian Hindu guru Jai Gurudev had gathered in Varanasi to pay tributes to their religious leader.

The stampede triggered panic among the people, which worsened the situation.

"The organizers were expecting some 5,000 people but estimates say a crowd of more than 70,000 people turned up,"Gopal Mishra, a local said. "During the gathering some women fainted due to heat and were trampled by others in the crowd that triggered panic."

Authorities have rushed senior officials to the spot to carry out rescue operations and assess the situation, besides taking injured to hospitals.

"We regret the loss of valuable human lives in the stampede at Varanasi. Additional director general law and order, and secretary home department about to reach Varanasi shortly to take stock," a statement issued by Uttar Pradesh police said.

Local media reports said the dead comprise of 14 women and five men. As per reports around 20 people were injured in the melee.

Police officials said the organizers were not expecting such a huge crowd.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi constituency has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the stampede.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," Modi wrote on twitter. "I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi."

Modi is currently attending meeting of BRICS nations in western state of Goa.

Video footage on TV news channels showed colorful clothing and slippers scattered on the spot.

Last Sunday three people were killed and over two dozen injured during stampede at a political rally organised by regional Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
GUANGZHOU, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leaders on Saturday lauded the role that the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, played in the country's opening-up.

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 120th fair, which began Saturday in Guangzhou, in the southern province of Guangdong.

In the letter, Xi said that the fair's 60-year history was marked by its service to the country's reform and opening-up, modernization and enterprises both at home and abroad.

Under the new circumstances, the fair should make new and greater contributions to the open economy of China and the rest of the world, said Xi.

Xi stressed the fair should innovate its mechanism and business model to facilitate win-win cooperation and common development for all participants.

He also noted the event should strengthen its role as a platform of opening-up for enhanced utilization of markets and resources at home and abroad.

In a written instruction, Premier Li Keqiang said the fair had been a window for China's opening-up and an important platform for Chinese firms to enter the global market.

Li urged the fair to deepen reform and innovation to support efforts of elevating China's opening-up to the next level.

The fair should better help enterprises in market exploration and brand building, while helping to optimize the structure of China's foreign trade, Li noted.

The fair, held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou City, is China's largest.

Some 24,500 enterprises are present at the ongoing 120th fair, which will conclude on Nov. 4.

The fair boasts export deals worth 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars and the participation of over 7.6 million overseas buyers in the past 60 years, its organizer China Foreign Trade Center said.
CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 100 militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by the government since the early hours of Saturday against jihadist targets in North Sinai, in retaliation for the killing of 12 army personnel on Friday at a checkpoint, a security source told Xinhua.
PARIS, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Saturday presided at a national ceremony paying homage to the 86 victims in the July 14 truck attack in the coastal city Nice, calling for unity to combat terrorism.

The ceremony took place in Nice in the presence of the victims' families, injured people, the country's main political leaders and Nice local officials.

The names of the 86 victims were read out and one white rose was placed for each of them during the ceremony.

"What has been struck on July 14 is national unity, unleash violence to unborn division, spark fear to fuel stigma. No, this evil business will fail," Hollande said. "Unity, freedom and humanity will ultimately prevail," he added.

Meanwhile, the French president warned that the "war (against terrorism) will be long" and "the threat remains high, more than ever."

Cindy Pellegrini, a young French woman who lost six members of her family in the carnage, opened the ceremony of remembrance with a stirring speech.

"On this July 14, you just want to admire the sky and not join it... That night you were all equal, Christians, Jews, Muslims of all nationalities in face of this crazy truck that carried you into a world perhaps better than ours," Pellegrini said.

On July 14, 2016, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a Tunisian-born delivery man with his truck careered around two km through the crowd before being shot dead by police units. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.
SHIJIAZHUANG, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 10th China-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Business Summit closed Saturday in Tangshan, a port city in north China's Hebei Province, with a number of cooperation documents signed.

The two-day summit was attended by more than 1,500 representatives from international organizations, government departments, trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce as well as companies from China and Latin American countries.

Altogether 64 deals for cooperation and MOUs were signed.

The representatives also reached consensus on 19 projects for cooperation between Chinese and Latin American businesses, covering diverse fields including cultural exchanges, mining, energy, infrastructure construction, and smart agriculture.

About 1,300 trade talks were held among businesses during the summit, covering food processing, electronics, information technology, textile, wind energy, tourism, finance, legal services, botany and fishing industries, said Wang Jinzhen, vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Wang said he expected the dialogues to help Chinese companies expand exports and enable Latin American businesses to explore the Chinese market.

On the sidelines of the summit was an industrial exhibition in Tangshan Friday. Twenty-five Chinese companies set up booths to present state-of-the-art developments in energy, automaking, steel and iron, building materials, communication, heavy industries and high speed railways.

The next summit will be in Uruguay.
ALGIERS, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Saturday signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change that was adopted in the French capital late last year, according to a presidential statement.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra had already signed the agreement in New York on April 22.

The agreement was ratified by the European Union on Oct. 5.

So far, it has been signed by 74 countries out of 197, representing 58.82 percent of the global CO2, which allows the agreement to come into force as of Nov. 4, three days before the COP22 in Marrakesh in Morocco.

The Paris Agreement plans to safeguard the increase in global temperature below two degrees Celsius by the end of the century.

Algeria said at the Paris conference on climate (COP21) that it is committed to supporting the international community in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It should cut emissions by seven percent by 2030 using national resources through the process of energy transition and economic diversification.
BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao on Saturday encouraged China's younger generation to become pioneers of innovation.

Li made the remarks at the opening of a nationwide promotion week for mass entrepreneurship and innovation at Beijing's Zhongguancun, which hosts various high-tech companies.

Saturday's event, organized by the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, invited more than 500 young entrepreneurs, agencies and government officials to share their experiences or thoughts on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Li said young people today are in a golden period to start their own businesses as the country encourages mass entrepreneurship and innovation.

He said they should seize the opportunities presented by the rapid development of "new economy" and contribute to China's economic growth.

Li called on various circles to help entrepreneurship and innovation by the young people.
CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 100 militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Egyptian government since the early hours of Saturday against jihadist targets in North Sinai, in retaliation for the killing of 12 army personnel on Friday at a checkpoint, a security source told Xinhua.

Earlier in the day, the Armed Forces said in a televised statement it pursued the criminal and terrorist elements who implemented the terrorist attack.

The airstrikes targeted the hideouts of the armed extremists involved in Friday's attacks, and all areas that harbor the terrorist elements along with the weapons and ammunition depots were destroyed in the airstrikes, which lasted for three hours and is still ongoing, the statement added.

At least 40 militants were wounded in the air raids, the source added.

He added that the airstrikes have bombed three suspected jihadist bases in Rafah, Sheikh Zuweid and Al-Arish cities.

Flames and smokes are still seen around, the source added.

Friday's attack took place in the central Sinai area 40 km from the town of Bir al-Abd as a group of terrorist elements attacked the checkpoint with rifles and automatic weapons, security sources said.

The army in return has killed 15 terrorists on Friday.

North Sinai province has been a hub for anti-security attacks that killed hundreds of police and army man since the army-led ouster of the Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The armed forces in coordination with the police have declared "war on terrorism," and more troops were deployed.

A Sinai-based militant group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for most of attacks, including the Friday assault.
WINDHOEK, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) has called off the nationwide strike that started Thursday after reaching an agreement with the government.

Teachers were demanding an 8 percent salary increase for the 2016/17 financial year, while the government had offered 5 percent.

Although the teachers were not given the 8 percent they wanted this year, they agreed that they would get a 9 percent increase on April 1 next year.

Nantu president Simeon Kavila made the announcement Saturday at State House when the union signed the agreement with the government's bargaining unit.

The strike involving more than 25, 000 teachers had already paralyzed the Namibian educational system and resulted in four examinations being postponed indefinitely.

Education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa cancelled classes on Thursday and Friday.

In the past six months, the government had stood its ground and even threatened that those teachers who participate in the strike would not be paid for the days spent away from work.

When the teachers showed defiance, the government approached the labor court seeking an interdict to stop the nationwide strike.

The labor court ruled in favor of the teachers' union Wednesday thereby setting the stage for the strike.

Saturday's signing was President Hage Geingob's efforts to break the impasse which he started on Tuesday, a day before the labor court ruling.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Geingob said although the government had declared a "no work, no pay" policy, part of the agreement is that teachers would be paid for the two days they were on strike.
WUHAN, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for further efforts to boost innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges during an inspection tour in central China's Hubei Province.

On Friday, the final of the second "Internet Plus" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for College Students was held in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, in which 550,000 students from more than 2,100 colleges took part.

While meeting with the participants and the judges, Liu said higher education should be reformed to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship spirits, abilities and practices among college students.

Liu urged Chinese universities to cooperate with enterprises and encourage social capital in education and talent training to adapt to the new economic and technological development.

The governments should offer favorable conditions to prepare students for innovation and entrepreneurship, Liu added.

During her tour in Hubei, Liu also visited Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan University, stressing the integration of talent training, scientific research, public services as well as the inheritance and creation of Chinese culture in higher education.
GAZA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Saturday temporarily reopened Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, the coastal enclave that Islamic Hamas movement rules, an official statement said.

The Hamas-run corporation for crossings and borders said in press statement that the crossing will be partially reopened for three days, then will be closed for two days and then will be reopened for another four days.

"Several buses full of passengers left the Palestinian side of the crossing on the borders between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt, and crossed the borders to the Egyptian side of the crossing," said the statement.

The crossing of Rafah was reopened to allow stranded Palestinians to travel in both directions, mainly patients, students, businessmen and Palestinians holding dual nationalities.

Early on Saturday morning, thousands of people gathered outside the crossing waiting to get on the busses and cross to the Egyptian side. Hamas security forces were deployed outside the crossing to ensure security.

Last time Egypt reopened the crossing of Rafah in both directions was on Sept. 3 for three days.

Reopening the crossing had recently witnesses progress since last April, after Hamas authorities in Gaza promised to ensure the security of the borderline area between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has been ruling the coastal enclave since the militias of the group violently seized control of it in the summer of 2007, and routed the security forces of Palestinian President.

However, tension between Hamas and Egypt worsened after Hamas backed the ousted president of Egypt Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
RIYADH, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia will launch six initiatives to promote the recruitment of local manpower in the private sector as part of a series of reforms the kingdom is adopting to get ready to the post-oil era, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The minimum employment percentage of Saudis in the food sector has risen to 40 percent instead of 25 percent, Labor Ministry Undersecretary Ahmed Al Qatan said.

This sector primary targets Saudi students to make them financially independent and enable businessmen to meet the ratio without major financial burdens of recruiting local job seekers who demand high salaries, he pointed out.

The ministry will also promote flexible working hours to encourage locals to join the private sector and enhance the productivity of the workface.
People pass the site after a stampede accident in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, Oct. 15, 2016. At least 24 people were killed and dozens injured Saturday during stampede at a religious gathering in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said. (Xinhua)

NEW DELHI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 people were killed and dozens injured Saturday during stampede at a religious gathering in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said.

The stampede took place at Maliviya bridge, locally called Rajghat bridge, over river Ganga in Varanasi district, about 319 km, southeast of Lucknow city, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"The stampede so far has claimed 24 lives," an official posted at Varanasi district said. "Many others injured in the incident are undergoing treatment at different hospitals."

Locals told Xinhua hundreds of devotees of Indian Hindu guru - Jai Gurudev had gathered in Varanasi to pay tributes to their religious leader.

The stampede triggered when crowd of devotees were crossing a bridge.

"The organizers were expecting some 5,000 people but estimates say a crowd of more than 70,000 people turned up,"Gopal Mishra, a local said. "During the gathering some women fainted due to heat and were trampled by others in the crowd that triggered panic."

Uttar Pradesh Police Chief Javeed Ahmed told a local TV news channel NDTV that rumours of bridge collapsed fuelled more chaos.

Authorities have rushed senior officials from police and civil administration to Varanasi to oversee rescue operations and treatment of injured in the different hospitals.

Local media reports said more than 50 people injured in the stampede were taken to different hospitals.

Police have ordered an inquiry into the incident.

"We are investigating crowd management and will take action against those responsible," Ahmed was quoted by NDTV as having said.

Officials said the organisers were not expecting such a huge crowd to throng the venue.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi constituency has expressed grief over the loss of lives in stampede.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," Modi wrote on twitter. "I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi."

Modi is currently attending meeting of BRICS nations in western state of Goa.

Video footage on TV news channels showed colorful clothing and slippers scattered on the spot.

Modi has announced compensation of 2998 U.S. dollars to the kin of each deceased in the incident, while as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced compensation of 7495 U.S. dollars for the families of deceased.

Last Sunday three people were killed and over two dozen injured during stampede at a political rally organised by regional Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
AMMAN, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Saturday condemned the terrorist attack that on Friday killed 12 Egyptian soldiers, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani said Jordan strongly condemns the cowardly attack that targeted the soldiers who were on duty.

Momani voiced support to Egypt's efforts in fighting terrorism that seeks to destabilize the region.

The minister also urged intensified international efforts to uproot terrorism.

On Friday, an Islamic State (IS) affiliate group in Egypt has claimed responsibility for the attack on a checkpoint in North Sinai province that killed 12 soldiers and wounded six.

The Egyptian armed forces said in a statement that "an armed group of terrorists attacked a security checkpoint in North Sinai on Friday morning using four-wheel drives. Our forces killed 15 terrorists and wounded others."
KIGALI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- History has been made in the Rwandan capital Kigali as the world witnessed the amendment of Montreal Protocol to curb global warming hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) gases in largest climate breakthrough since Paris.

HFCs substances, which are used mainly in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, have a global warming effect up to 15,000 times greater than carbon dioxide and are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emission, according to climate change experts.

A successful amendment to the protocol signifies the international community's commitment to practical action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement - limiting global warming to 2C, and the more ambitious target of 1.5C.

After week-long intense negotiations, international leaders and ozone preservation and low carbon development experts from nearly 200 countries struck a landmark deal on Saturday.

Rwanda hosted the high-level meeting of the 28th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP28) from October 8 to 14 at the Kigali Convention Centre with an aim of reaching a global agreement on an ambitious amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs.

The agreement represents a significant step forward in implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change, which will legally enter into force next month.

Speaking to reporters shortly after passing the Montreal protocol deal, Erik Solheim, said the success in Kigali on HFCs is enormously important move in fight against climate change.

"Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise," said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim.

"This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation started in Paris is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies," he said.

Under the agreement, reached after the five-day long grueling negotiation, the developed countries, including the U.S., Japan, Canada and west European nations, will reduce HFC use first, followed by China along with a large number of other developing countries.

Vincent Biruta, Rwanda minister of natural resources who was also the president of the meeting, said that the Kigali amendment is no longer a dream but a reality and it go down in history that a major climate deal was sealed in Rwanda.

"Passing the Kigali Amendment is truly a success. It shows the world that meaningful action on climate change is possible and that we stand a real chance of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We have made history today and we should all be very proud," he noted. "Your commitment to a prosperous future and your willingness to come to the table in the spirit of collaboration is not only the hallmark of the Montreal Protocol, but also the best of humanity."

The Kigali Amendment is the result of seven years of negotiation. Under the amendment, developed countries will start to phase down HFCs by 2019 while developing countries will freeze their levels of consumption in 2024, with some starting the freeze in 2028.

The amendment comes just weeks before the 22nd Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 22) in Marrakesh. The adoption of the Kigali Amendment builds momentum for even greater success in Morocco.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), HFC emissions are growing at a rate of about 7 percent annually. If the current mix of HFCs is unchanged, increasing demand could result in HFC emissions of up to 8.8 gigatons of CO2 equivalent per year by 2050.

Montreal Protocol is regarded as the world's most effective environmental treaty.

It was first signed on September 16, 1987, and is widely considered to be one of the most-effective multilateral environment treaties ever negotiated. It's the only treaty in the United Nations system to which every country is a signatory.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday welcomed the adoption by governments at a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, of a critically important amendment to cut the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in order to safe the Ozone Layer.

The amendment was agreed upon to the Montreal Protocol phasing-down production and use of HFCs, which are a powerful, short-lived greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, the UN chief said in a statement.

At the Kigali meeting, nearly 200 nations on Saturday approved a timetable to stop use of the gases whose elimination could reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees celsius by 2100.

HFCs were introduced in the 1990s to replace chemicals that had been found to erode the ozone layer, but turned out to be catastrophic for global warming. HFCs are greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

"As HFCs are also the fastest-growing of all greenhouse gases, curbing their use will help limit near-term warming of the planet," the statement said.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol builds on the strong global momentum for multilateral efforts to address climate change, including the landmark Paris Agreement, which will enter into force on Nov. 4; the adoption last week of a global, market-based mechanism for emission reductions by the international aviation industry; and other multilateral efforts under the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) process, the statement said.

Adoption of the amendment on HFCs will provide considerable benefits in the coming decades and help advance the Sustainable Development Goals, it added.

Significantly, the global phase-down of HFCs could avoid up to half a degree of global warming by the end of this century, providing a major boost for efforts to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius as stated in the Paris Agreement and to pursue efforts toward 1.5 degrees.

The UN chief called for continued collaboration and cooperation by all sectors of society in implementing these timely and much-needed agreements to reduce the risks of climate change.
CAPE TOWN, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- A report on alleged "state capture" by the wealthy Indian Gupta family will be handed over to new Public Protector Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane next Monday, the African National Congress (ANC) in Parliament said on Saturday.

The report was prepared by outgoing Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela whose term of office expires on Monday.

Earlier, Madonsela gave the report to Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete for safekeeping until the new Public Protector comes into office on Monday.

But the Parliamentary Communications Services said Mbebe had refused to look after the report.

ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu met with Mbete on Monday morning to discuss her purported decision to return the report to Mandosela.

The ANC Chief Whip Office said after the meeting that the Speaker has categorically distanced herself from the grossly inaccurate statement issued by the Parliamentary Communications Services as its contents neither represent her view nor her instruction to the staff of parliament on the matter, spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.

The ANC was disappointed by the statement containing an outright refusal to look after the report, he said.

The Speaker has confirmed that indeed the report, as requested, is currently being kept under lock and key in Parliament and will be handed over to Mkhwebane, without delay when she assumes office on Monday, Moloto said.

"The Speaker's handling of the matter in this regard is appropriate and is accordingly fully supported and appreciated by us," said Moloto.

"We are disappointed by the inaccurate statement by an official in the Parliamentary Communications Services, which created an erroneous notion in the media that the Speaker has outrightly declined to take custody of the report," he said.

Madonsela has refused to release the report, saying it was good practice not to do so.

Therefore, it will be for the new Public Protector to release the report which might contain findings and recommendations relating to President Jacob Zuma after the Catholic Church's Dominican Order asked Madonsela to probe claims that the Gupta family had influenced Zuma in the appointment of cabinet ministers.

On Friday, the North Gauteng High Court rejected the interdict applications by Zuma and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Des van Rooyen who seek to prevent the report from being released.

The court order goes further by stating that the report will be kept in safekeeping by Parliament.

In a related development, court papers filed by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan revealed details of "suspicious" bank transactions by Gupta-owned companies totalling almost seven billion rand (about 500 million US dollars).

Gordhan on Friday launched an application in the High Court in Pretoria in the latest development in the ongoing drama around the Gupta family and their alleged abuse of state resources.

One such transaction is an amount of 1.3 billion rand (about 93 million dollars) that had allegedly been paid from the mining rehabilitation trust fund of Optimum, the coal mine the Guptas' Tegeta Exloration and Resources had purchased from international mining giant Glencore under highly controversial circumstances, to the Bank of Baroda, an Indian bank that still does business with the Guptas.

Apparently due to these suspicious transactions, all South African major banks suspended business relationship with the Guptas earlier this year.
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Researchers 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.

The findings, published this week in the journal Science Advances, were the first by the researchers, including lead author Andre Pinassi Antunes of Brazil's Wildlife Conservation Society, who examined cargo manifests of the steamships, port registries and other documents that reported hide export data.

"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 (OSU) and co-author of the study.

Beginning in the late 19th century, about half a million colonists entered the Amazon region to extract rubber across all the major river basins.

A 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 Brazil passed a faunal protection law in 1967, severely restricting hunting for many of the affected species, and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was ratified in 1975.

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 and registered through export records.

Acknowledging that these figures 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, the team documented the greatest losses to aquatic species, causing the widespread collapse of giant river otter, black caiman, and manatee populations.

Among the researchers' estimates for the period of 1904 through 1969:

-- 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.

"The aquatic animals were more vulnerable because rivers were easily accessible and the animals were in essence trapped there," Levi said in a news release from OSU.

"There wasn't as much effort spent hunting animals on land, thus the terrestrial species in general were affected less by commercial hunting." And most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage.

"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," noted Levi. "A second peak of animal hide exports came in the 1960s when exotic furs became fashionable."

However, "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 (6.1 meters) long. But prior to this, we've never been sure just how resilient animals were to high harvests in the past."
Palestinian chidren sit on a suitcase as they wait with their family for travel permits to cross into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on October 15, 2016 in the southern Gaza Strip. (AFP/Xinhua)

GAZA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Saturday temporarily reopened Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip, the coastal enclave that Islamic Hamas movement rules, an official statement said.

The Hamas-run corporation for crossings and borders said in press statement that the crossing will be partially reopened for three days, then will be closed for two days and then will be reopened for another four days.

"Several buses full of passengers left the Palestinian side of the crossing on the borders between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt, and crossed the borders to the Egyptian side of the crossing," said the statement.

The crossing of Rafah was reopened to allow stranded Palestinians to travel in both directions, mainly patients, students, businessmen and Palestinians holding dual nationalities.

Early on Saturday morning, thousands of people gathered outside the crossing waiting to get on the busses and cross to the Egyptian side. Hamas security forces were deployed outside the crossing to ensure security.

Last time Egypt reopened the crossing of Rafah in both directions was on Sept. 3 for three days.

Reopening the crossing had recently witnesses progress since last April, after Hamas authorities in Gaza promised to ensure the security of the borderline area between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has been ruling the coastal enclave since the militias of the group violently seized control of it in the summer of 2007, and routed the security forces of Palestinian President.

However, tension between Hamas and Egypt worsened after Hamas backed the ousted president of Egypt Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Iraqis, including security forces, gather at the site of a suicide bombing that targeted Shiite Muslims on October 15, 2016 in the Shaab area of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. (AFP/Xinhua)

BAGHDAD, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the suicide bomb attack, targeting Shiite mourning tent in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Saturday, rose to 32 and some 60 others wounded, a police source said.

"The latest report said that 32 people were killed and about 60 wounded in the suicide bomb attack at mourning tent in Baghdad's northeastern neighborhood of Shaab," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The attack occurred at noon when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at a mourning tent in the crowded popular market of Shallal in the Shiite neighborhood of Shaab, the source said.

The tent was set up for Shiite Muslims to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, one of the Shiites' twelve most revered Imams, who was buried in Karbala, some 110 km south of Baghdad.

The Shiite Muslims used to observe the climax of their mourning on Ashura, which marks the death day of Imam Hussein, and will continue the ritual till the Arbaeen, or 40 days after the Imam's death.

Earlier in the day, the source put the toll at 15 killed and 45 wounded by the blast.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Islamic websites, but the authenticity of the statement could not be independently verified.

In most cases, the IS group is responsible for such suicide attacks against Shiite pilgrims who perform communal rituals in Iraq, in an attempt to provoke sectarian strife in the violence-shattered country.

Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 1,003 Iraqis and wounded 1,159 others in September across Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq said.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the U.S., which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a press conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, June 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Scottish government)

LONDON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon announced Saturday plans to open an investment hub in Germany's capital city of Berlin as part of a four-point plan to show the world that Scotland is open for business.

The Scottish first minister outlined her plans in a closing keynote speech to the annual SNP conference in Glasgow.

Her 45-minute speech, which earned a standing ovation from a packed conference hall, made it clear that a self-rule Scotland, separate from the United Kingdom, remained her goal.

"Make no mistake, the threat to our economy is not just the prospect of losing our place in the single market, disastrous though that would be. It is also the deeply damaging, and utterly shameful, message that the Tories' rhetoric about foreign workers is sending to the world."

"More than ever we need to tell our European friends that Scotland is open for business," she said.

In a reference to two of the ministers chosen by Prime Minister Theresa May to spearhead Britain's exit from Brussels, Sturgeon said: "We cannot trust the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox to do that for us."

She then announced her four-point plan to boost trade and exports, by taking Scotland's message "directly and in our own voice" to the very heart of Europe.

"We will establish a new Board of Trade in the Scottish government. Secondly, we will set up a new trade envoy scheme, asking prominent Scots to help us boost our export effort," said Sturgeon.

"Thirdly, we will establish permanent trade representation in Berlin, adding to our Investment hubs in Dublin, London and Brussels. And, fourthly, we will more than double the number of Scottish Development International staff working across Europe," added Sturgeon.

In another attack of May's London-based government, Sturgeon said: "The difference between the Scottish and Westminster governments is this. They are retreating to the fringes of Europe: we intend to stay at its very heart, where Scotland belongs."

Sturgeon outlined more spending on the National Health Service in Scotland, a new phase in this childcare revolution with the first ever review of its kind into the way children in care are looked after.

She also said hundreds more business would soon be paying workers a living wage, and more smaller firms would soon be exempt from paying any business rates.

Describing the SNP as the only effective opposition in the Westminster parliament, Sturgeon was critical of both the main opposition Labour Party as well as the ruling Conservatives.

Saying she first joined the SNP 30 years ago, Sturgeon said in all of those years she never doubted Scotland will one day become an "independent country", adding: "I believe it today more strongly than ever".

"I've always known that it will happen only when a majority of our fellow citizens believe that becoming independent is the best way to build a better future, together," said Sturgeon.

"And make no mistake, it is the opponents of independence, those on the right of the Tory party, intent on a hard Brexit, who have caused the insecurity and uncertainty. Independence would bring its own challenges, but with independence, the solutions will lie in our own hands."

She concluded her speech with a rallying call: "The time is coming to put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands. Let's get on with building the country we know Scotland can be."

Earlier this week at the start of the conference, Sturgeon announced that legislation would be presented to the Scottish Parliament next week to pave the way for a second referendum on a split from London.

Two years ago Scottish people voted to stay as part of the UK, but on May 23, by more than 60 percent they voted to stay as part of the EU.

Sturgeon wants Scotland to have access to the EU's single market, even if Britain quits Europe. But the message from London has been that as the majority of people of Britain voted to leave the EU, all parts of the UK would sever ties with Brussels.
"Some of the many documents released by a watchdog group that investigates and exposes corruption and criminal activity by government officials and agencies provides evidence that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other senior officials, as well as President Barack Obama, deceived the American people regarding the Sept. 11, 2012, Benghazi U.S. consulate massacre."

Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

And now for your additional voting pleasure:

What should be the priority of the Federal Government after the "Pulse" massacre: Should we turn our attention toward destroying, earadicating ISIS as Candidate Trump suggests, or, as Democrats' President Obama suggests, broaden our efforts to effect stricter Gun Control laws to limit "Gun Violence?" 88.24% After many years of trying to degrade and contain the murderous ISIS, we should make it the nation's policy to destroy ISIS immediately. 3.68% Gun Violence in America can be eliminated by limiting access to guns for all American citizens. 8.09% I don't care either way; I just live here. 136 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



The recently released American arms dealer Marc Turi, in his first exclusive television interview since Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped all criminal charges against him, said that the Obama administration - with the help of Hillary Clinton's State Department - tried and failed to make him the scapegoat for a 2011 covert weapons program to arm Islamic rebels in Libya that created chaos and death.We may never know the whole truth about Clinton and Obama's role in the Battle of Benghazi.We may never know the whole truth about Clinton and Obama's role in the Battle of Benghazi.Turi was a known international weapons dealer - who had threatened the Obama administration that he would testify about information regarding then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's arming of Islamist "freedom-fighters" in Syria after having the CIA collect them in 2011-12 in Libya. Many believe that's why he was released without a trial.Many intelligence and law enforcement officers were interested in hearing about the details of the weapons transactions in Benghazi by a secret Central Intelligence Agency operation linked to the Battle of Benghazi and the deaths of four Americans, including Amb. Chris Stevens. However, on Wednesday the Attorney General and her team of Justice Department prosecutors suddenly revealed that they had ended their prosecution of the gun-runner on Tuesday, October 4.According to Fox News Channel's intelligence correspondent and expert Herridge, federal prosecutors had a deadline to turn over documents to the lawyers representing American suspect/witness Marc Turi , who was charged by the DOJ with selling weapons to Libyan Islamists and warlords. This writer (Jim Kouri) mentioned the allegations of arm-dealing by Clinton and Obama in Accuracy in Media last year.But the day before the deadline, the DOJ said they were dropping the case against Mr. Turi, who was awaiting the start of a criminal trial on Nov. 8, 2016, ironically the same day voters will choose between Clinton and GOP nominee Donald Trump. This latest DOJ action is expected to stop the release of damaging material since Clinton claims she hadTuri said in a statement released by Herridge at Fox News.Turi claims his attorneys urged him to accept the deal and avoid a trial in this explosive election cycle.In 2015, Turi provided Fox News and Catherine Herridge with documents and copies of email exchanges he had with lawmakers in both Houses, as well as military brass, and members of an arguably corrupt Clinton State Department. He was hoping to provide evidence that the Obama administration authorized in 2011, at the height of the Arab Spring, a covert weapons program that spun out of control.In a far-reaching investigative report by this writer (Jim Kouri) for the media watchdog group Accuracy in Media, Kouri revealed that the Obama administration officials - with the awareness of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - were involved in violating a ban on arming rebels in Syria in an operation that mirrors the Iran-Contra scandal during the Reagan Administration. But while the news media initiated a feeding-frenzy on Iran-Contra, they're either yawning or helping the Obama administration in covering up the Benghazi-to-Syria arms transfers.During a House Select Committee on Benghazi hearing, the news media and the Democratic Party information machine appeared to be creating their desired narrative: the GOP is on a witch hunt to stop Hillary Clinton's inauguration as President. But the hearings did manage to force the release of documents that were being hidden by the alleged conspirators.In an overly redacted copy of a memorandum dated Sept. 12, 2012 - the day after the Benghazi slaughter of four Americans including a U.S. ambassador - the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reported to Hillary Clinton, then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, the White House National Security Council and the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff that the Islamic terrorists planned their attack about 10 or more days prior to the slaughter that occurred on the day the U.S. acknowledged the 11th Anniversary of the attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania that killed about 3,000 people.The documents also confirm the suspicions that U.S. government officials were well aware of weapons being shipped from Benghazi to Syria for use by rebel forces against the Al-Assad regime, according to Judicial Watch . In addition, the document-release contains an August 2012 analysis of intelligence that predicted the meteoric rise of al-Qaida in Iraq terrorists who morphed into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. It also the predicted failure of Obama's foreign policy aimed at regime change in Syria.The terrorists intended to attack the sparsely protected U.S. diplomatic mission and to assassinate as many American officials as possible. The motive for the attack appeared to be revenge for the killing of Abu Yahya al-Libi, a high-level Al Qaida terrorist, who was targeted by U.S. drone strikes in North Waziristan.According to Judicial Watch's analysis of the documents, the Benghazi attackRahman [a/k/a "The Blind Sheik"] is currently locked up in a federal prison in New York for his role in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center which killed six people in New York. He is serving a life sentence.
by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian crisis has led to further coordination between Turkey and the Saudi-led Gulf states whose positions on Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Iran and other regional issues are almost identical, said Egyptian and Arab political experts.

The Saudi capital city of Riyadh has recently seen an official meeting between the Turkish foreign minister and his counterparts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to coordinate positions and mobilize support for the Saudi-Qatari proposal presented to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to put an end to the Syrian crisis.

The meeting has come a couple of days before the international conference on Syria held in Lausanne, Switzerland, sponsored by the United States and Russia and attended by the foreign ministers of key regional players including Egypt, Iran and Iraq.

Since it erupted in March 2011, the Syrian crisis has claimed the lives of about 500,000 people and displaced more than 10 million so far.

IDENTICAL POSITIONS

Although all parties concerned with the Syrian issue agree on the necessity of a peaceful, political solution to the crisis, both Turkey and the Gulf states are in principle against the presence of Bashar al-Assad as future Syrian leader.

"The Turkish and Gulf positions are similar and almost identical. Saudi Arabia sees that Assad has no place in the future of Syria, a position that is supported by both the other Gulf states and Turkey," said Saeed al-Lawindi, researcher at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

Lawindi argued that the Turkish, Gulf approach on the Syrian conflict is more concerned with Assad's departure than the unity of the Syrian territories, stressing that it is different from the positions of some regional key players like Egypt and Iran.

For his part, Omar al-Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, said that the Gulf-Turkish ties have always been there as seen in Turkish attendance of several past Arab and GCC summits.

"The tense relations between the Gulf countries and Iran contributed to closer relations between them and Turkey who both seek a political solution for the Syrian issue while leaving Assad's destiny to be determined by the Syrian people," the Arab expert told Xinhua, describing Gulf-Turkish ties as "strategic."

Hassan said the GCC-Turkish closeness is in favor of various Arab issues and it could pave the way for Egypt-Turkey reconciliation, adding it also serves as a strategic bloc in the face of the Shiite-based Iranian expansion ambitions in the region, particularly in Syria.

EGYPT'S DIFFERENT VISION

Egypt has recently voted on two rival draft resolutions at the UNSC for a relief in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, yet both failed to be approved by the world body. The one proposed by Russia, whose military is currently assisting Assad forces in Syria, failed to get enough "yes" votes for approval while the French-Spanish draft resolution was vetoed by Russia.

"Although the Saudi representative to the UN described Egypt's vote for the Russian draft resolution as 'painful,' no official statements came from either Saudi Arabia or Egypt to confirm any deep disagreement between the two countries," Al-Ahram researcher Lawindi told Xinhua.

Egypt later explained that its supports for both UN draft resolutions was based on their contents, "not on political bids that have already become a barrier to the work of the council," as stated by Egypt's representative to the UN.

Although Saudi Arabia and Turkey agree on Syria, they disagree on Egypt's military removal of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, which is supported by most GCC states excluding Qatar and is fiercely rejected by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the strongest Arab states whose stability represents stability to the whole region," Lawindi continued, foreshadowing a possible future Egyptian-Iranian approach to face that of the Turkish-GCC.

At the recent UNSC meetings in New York in September, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi did not hold any meetings with Saudi officials or representatives while his foreign minister held talks with his Iranian counterpart and with the Syrian representative to the UN.

"The disagreement on Syria's Assad between Cairo and Riyadh is obvious and we hope it will not develop, because Egypt and the Gulf states cannot do without each other," Hassan, the Gulf Center chief, told Xinhua.

The expert added that all parties seek a political solution for the Syrian crisis yet Assad's future in Syria remains the main disagreement, "which still can be resolved."
A Syrian government soldier walks past a ruin in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Sept. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)

LAUSANNE, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Talks between foreign ministers from the United States, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq came to a close Saturday evening without any of the delegations suggesting that a breakthrough had been reached on how to tackle the Syrian crisis.

Together with high-level diplomats from key regional partners, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov convened in the Swiss city of Lausanne for more than four hours in a bid to resolve the long-standing civil war which has been raging since 2011.

A number of bilateral meetings between officials reportedly took place before discussions, which also included the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, kicked off in mid-afternoon.

This multilateral framework is seen as a different approach to solving the war pitching forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebel factions seeking to oust him.

The U.S. mission to UN at Geneva said that the purpose for Kerry's Swiss trip this time was to meet with foreign ministers from key regional partners to discuss a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid.

Taking place in a luxurious lakeside hotel, the high-level discussions also come against the backdrop of failed bilateral efforts between the United States and Russia.

A short-lived ceasefire was brokered last month by Kerry and Lavrov after lengthy talks in Geneva.

The idea was to emulate a similar truce brokered in February this year which enabled critical relief operations to reach civilians in need.

Coming into effect on Sept. 12, last month's cessation of hostilities, which lasted barely a week, was integral to a broader agreement between both powers, and was meant to enable aid to reach those trapped in hard-to-reach and besieged areas.

September's agreement was furthermore hoped to catalyse enhanced military cooperation between both countries and renew momentum towards resuming talks seeking to end the crisis which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more.

Washington suspended negotiations with Russia on restoring a ceasefire in Syria on Oct. 3 after blaming Moscow for its alleged military role in attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo, dealing a severe blow to efforts seeking to rekindle UN-mediated intra-Syrian talks which have been on hold since April.

These talks, which are guided by UN Security Council resolutions, are seen by many as the only way to end the conflict.

Kerry is scheduled to meet with more international partners in London on Sunday to further discuss a multilateral approach to resolve the Syrian conflict.

Related:

News Analysis: Syrian crisis leads to further Turkish-Gulf approach: experts

CAIRO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian crisis has led to further coordination between Turkey and the Saudi-led Gulf states whose positions on Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Iran and other regional issues are almost identical, said Egyptian and Arab political experts.
HAVANA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Five municipalities at the eastern end of Cuba were hit hard by Hurricane Matthew but were slowly returning to normal, local press reported Saturday.

Electricity has been restored in over 90 percent of the municipalities of San Antonio del Sur, Imias, Baracoa, Maisi and Yateras, allowing food and commercial industries to return to work, according to the Cuban News Agency.

Teams of electricity workers were continuing to work to restore the electrical grid in Baracoa and Maisi, where temporary power sources were being provided by the country's power companies. The restoration work was set to last a number of days, given the extent of the damage.

The water supply has almost been entirely restored, although certain parts of Maisi remained without access due to two pumping stations being without power and a number of pipes being severely damaged.

Cellphone services have also been restored in most of the damaged areas, although workers from Cuba's state telecommunications company, ETECSA, continued work to fully restore landline services.

In San Antonio del Sur, the picking of coffee has already begun in mountainous areas and agricultural sectors such as the Valley of Caujeri have returned to work.

Cuban authorities have sought to evaluate the cost of the damage left by Matthew, especially in Baracoa, the first city founded by the island's Spanish colonists.

Last week, local authorities reported damage to only 9,000 houses in Baracoa.

Matthew, considered the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic since Felix in 2007, hit Cuba on Oct. 5 but left no people dead.

However, it brutalized parts of Haiti, killing over 1,000 people, according to media estimates, as well as at least 43 people in the United States, four in the Dominican Republic, one in Colombia and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
A smooth-coated otter hunts for food in Singapore's Kallang Basin area, Oct. 14, 2016. Within these two years, there is an increase in sightings of different smooth-coated otter families in many places of Singapore. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
The Holy Land is an area located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Its true for Jews because they occupied this land for 10 centuries. David conquered Jerusalem and his son, Solomon, built the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. It was the land where their patriarchs and prophets lived and died.

It is holy to Christians because of Jesus. He lived out his life in this land and proclaimed his gospel.

For Muslims it is holy because Muhammad, in a dream, ascended to heaven from a rock on the temple mount during his night journey on the winged steed in 620 A.D.

The land has been occupied at various times by all three of these monotheistic religions.

After the Roman wars, Jews who had lived here for so long were expelled from Jerusalem and sent out into the Diaspora to live as aliens in other peoples countries.

The message of Christianity spread out from Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. It was carried by his followers to the Near East, India, Egypt and across North Africa. St. Paul and others carried it westward into Europe. It was an illegal religion in the Roman world until 314 A.D. Rome did not permit atheism. One had to adhere to some philosophy or religion that gave meaning and morality to life if the empire was to be strong. Rome accepted already established religions but Christianity was new. Christians were persecuted for being irreligious. In 314 A.D., however, after Emperor Constantine made it legal, his mother, Helena, was sent there to build churches over all the places associated with Jesus.

Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, and after the fall of the empire in the late fifth century, it took over. Christianity and the development of Western Civilization went hand in hand.

Islam appeared on the scene with Muhammad, who was born in Mecca in 570 A.D. Before his death in 620, his new religion, Islam, had taken over the Arabian Peninsula. By 630, adherents to Islam (Muslims) had conquered Palestine, displacing the Christians. A mosque was built in Jerusalem on the site of Muhammads ascent into heaven and Jerusalem became their third most holy city.

An accommodation seems to have existed between Christians and the Muslim conquerors in Jerusalem. The Muslims looked to the church for its learning in the early centuries under Islam. Scholars wrote works in defense of Christianity and engaged in debate with Muslims. Christian pilgrims continued to visit the Holy Land without harassment.

But this era of peaceful coexistence ended in 969 when control passed to the Fatimid (Shia) caliphs of Egypt, who systematically destroyed all synagogues and churches. In 1009, Caliph al Hakim ordered the church of the Holy Sepulcher (built over Calvary) to be destroyed. In 1071, the pilgrimage routes were closed and Christian pilgrimage was forbidden.

Thus, in 1095, Pope Urban II called for a crusade to regain the Holy Land for Christianity. Thousands of knights abandoned their castles in Europe to make the 2,000-mile journey to Palestine to gain back the holy places. The First Crusade had some success for Christians. The kingdom of Jerusalem was established and lasted for 88 years. But it was retaken in 1187 by the great Saladin. It is said that on entering the city, he marveled at how the Crusaders had beautified Jerusalem. Saladin guaranteed access to Jerusalem to European pilgrims and welcomed Jews back to the city.

The Second Crusade, championed by Bernard of Clairvaux, a Cistercian monk, was a dismal failure.

The Third Crusade was partially successful, since the Crusaders captured the cities of Acre and Jaffa, but failed to capture Jerusalem.

In the Fourth Crusade, which began in 1202, the Crusaders turned their siege upon Constantinople (seat of Byzantine Christians) to collect an enormous sum of money that had been promised for their support. Constantinople was sacked in 1204. The Crusaders never made it to Jerusalem.

Successive crusades were launched to the Holy Land. It is related that in 1219, while the Fifth Crusade was going on, Francis of Assisi went to Egypt and entered the camp of the Sultan to sue for peace. He was not successful, but the Sultan was so impressed that he allowed Francis to preach to his subjects. And as Francis left, Sultan said: If all Christians were like him, there would be no need for war.

From 638 A.D. until 1917 (with the exception of the kingdom of Jerusalem from 1099 to 1187), Jerusalem was controlled by various Islamic dynasties based in Syria, Egypt and Turkey. Today, the percentage of Jewish inhabitants of the Holy Land is almost 33 percent, while Muslims make up 58 percent of the population and Christians, 7.9 percent.
Education is a cornerstone of the ministry that the Rev. John Naumann heads in Tanzania.

Naumann, 76, served as rector at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Billings for 16 years before he retired and founded the Amani Development Center. The center is located in Makang-wa, a village south of Dodoma, the capital of the central African country.

Naumann is back in Billings for a few weeks to meet with supporters of the ministry and get the word out to others. He will speak at a luncheon Oct. 25 at the Billings Petroleum Club about the center's work.

In a way, the help provided to students is a gift that keeps on giving. Older students that the ministry sponsored through teaching training college now teach at the Prince of Peace elementary school and preschool that Amani runs.

The school, which educates students in preschool through sixth grade, has 285 children enrolled this year. That number will probably increase to 320 next year, Naumann said, when the school adds seventh grade.

And the schools continuing expansion hasnt diluted its quality.

In the last national testing, we tested 14th out of 750 schools in the Dodoma region, Naumann said during an interview in Billings on Wednesday. Thats an extraordinary accomplishment for the teachers and the students.

Because of the schools reputation, Naumann said, other parents are seeking to move their children to Prince of Peace. Classes are all taught in English, he said, even though Swahili is the local language.

Thats because English is the language employed in secondary schools and above. Students dont balk at learning English, or learning in general, Naumann said.

You dont have to persuade Tanzanians to be educated, he said. They long for it.

He also has a stack of applications on his desk from teachers who would like to work at the school.

We dont pay the salary level as other schools, but its village-based and village life attracts many people, Naumann said. You feel as though youre part of the community.

The school is only one part of the work of the Amani Development Center. Vocational training offered at the center focuses on agriculture, which includes animal husbandry and growing grapes and vegetables.

Pigs, chickens and cows are raised at the center. Most recently, an Ayrshire herd has been introduced.

Its a great learning curve for people to learn how to properly care for cows, Naumann said.

Students from agriculture-based colleges come to Amani to do field work training. They are given room and board for the six-week sessions.

Many of the students ask to come back after they graduate to continue volunteering at the center.

Weve built up the staff from that, Naumann said. Weve had the most wonderful people come here.

Locals who want to operate their own businesses are given plots of land to raise either grapes or vegetables and the water to grow them. Originally, when grapes were introduced as a crop, people were paid to do the work.

Now they raise the crops themselves, and when they sell the produce at market, the grape growers get 60 percent of the profits and Amani gets 40. Vegetable growers keep 85 percent of the money they make.

Its wonderful to see what people can do, Naumann said. Thats part of the transition to local ownership.

That also fits in nicely with the philosophy of the Amani Development.

We partner with local people and we try not to control it, he said.

In partnership with local communities, the ministry helps provide daily meals and supervision to more than 300 children and orphans and nearly 50 homeless children in Dodoma.

The work is supported by individuals in Billings and other parts of the U.S., as well as in Australia, where Naumann was born and raised. Naumann talked about seven families in Montana who pledged $3,000 a year for five years to drill fully equipped deep-water wells.

Those wells are done, and all are producing sweet water that help sustain and transform villages.

As the work of the Amani Development Center continues, Naumann is gradually turning over responsibility for its operation to local people. One of them is Godson Magawa, who Naumann calls his right-hand man.

Before Naumann ever left Montana, Magawa was the first youth he supported through school. Since then, Magawa has earned a college diploma in community development in Tanzania, and then a masters degree in finance management at a college in Finland.

Now Magawa is assuming increasing responsibility for keeping the ministry going and growing.

Because it has to be Tanzanians running it, otherwise it fails in the end, Naumann said.
A district court judge under fire in Valley County for his sentence of a man convicted of incest with his 12-year-old daughter has issued a statement defending the punishment.

Valley County District Court Judge John McKeon spoke out after numerous calls from news outlets and an online Change.org petition calling for his impeachment. By Friday evening, the petition had nearly 5,000 signatures.

On Oct. 4, McKeon gave the 40-year-old Glasgow father a 30-year suspended sentence, with 60 days in jail and a recommendation to community-based treatment, according to McKeon's statement.

The man had pleaded guilty in July to one count of incest as part of a plea agreement to reduce his charges from three counts of incest, according to court documents.

Unrelated to the case, McKeon announced last month he would retire on Nov. 30 after 22 years on the bench.

In McKeon's statement, he was critical of the way the sentence was reported in the news media, stating it has been incomplete.

The judge pointed to Montana law, which allows him to sentence an offender to less than the mandatory minimum if a psycho-sexual evaluation determined the offender would do better in community-based treatment.

Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen, who prosecuted the case, recommended the man be sentenced to 100 years in prison, with 75 suspended. Jensen was shocked and disappointed with the judge's sentence, but respected the decision, he said.

In the judge's statement, McKeon mentions four things that must be considered in sentencing, including public safety, the degree of harm caused, restoring the victim of a crime and encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration of an offender.

"The court cannot ignore these legal standards," McKeon said.

McKeon did not address in his statement whether his sentence was commensurate with similar cases in the state.

In Yellowstone County, for example, five incest cases from 2010 to 2014 have gone to sentencing. Three of these men had no criminal history and charges similar to the Glasgow man in this case.

In 2011, a man was sentenced to four years in the Montana State Prison, with 16 years suspended, for two counts of incest.

Again in 2011, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 20 years suspended for one count of incest.

And in 2013, a Yellowstone County man was sentenced to five years in prison with 15 years suspended for one count of incest.

In the case of the Glasgow man, both the mother of the victim and the maternal grandmother of the victim submitted statements in his defense. They both recommended community placement, McKeon said.

"What he did to my granddaughter was horrible, and he should face consequences. I certainly never want it to happen again to anyone. But his children, especially his sons, will be devastated if their dad is no longer part of their lives," the maternal grandmother said in her statement to the court.

A forensic specialist and member of the Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association, Michael Sullivan, said at the sentencing that the father could be safely treated and supervised as a sex offender in the community, McKeon said in his statement.

The father will be on probation for 30 years and under strict supervision, McKeon said. The man will be required to participate in treatment, his living situation must be approved, he will have to have approval from treatment providers and his probation officer prior to contact with anyone under age 18 and he will have limited access to Internet, McKeon said.

The prosecutors did not provide McKeon with anything to counter the claims of Sullivan or the wishes of the family, McKeon said.

Organizers of the petition to impeach the judge said they will deliver their online petition to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock.

It is not the governor's office, however, that investigates judges. Complaints must go to the Judicial Standards Commission, which makes recommendations to the state Supreme Court.

Standards Commission Vice Chair Victor Valgenti said the most outrage against a judge presented during his time on the commission was related to Yellowstone County Judge Todd Baugh.

Baugh resigned after the furor over comments he made during a 2013 case involving the rape of a 14-year-old girl by her former teacher, Stacey Dean Rambold.

Baugh sentenced Rambold to 30 days in jail, which prosecutors appealed as an illegal sentence.

During sentencing Baugh suggested the young victim held some responsibility for the crime.

The judge was censured for his comments and suspended for 31 days.
Corey Stapleton agrees with his Democratic opponent on at least one thing: The Montana Secretary of State needs to cut some of the red tape faced by businesses filing paperwork in the state.

The 49-year-old Republican Secretary of State hopeful said if elected, he would introduce legislation meant to reduce wait times and streamline the filing process at the constitutional office charged with overseeing elections and maintaining public records

Democratic Secretary of State candidate Monica Lindeen has pledged to continue to update and add other modules to the existing business filing system in a similar bid to pare down paperwork.

Apart from business filings, the pair of former state lawmakers havent agreed on much, sparring in debates over voter ID laws, all-mail ballot voting proposals and satellite election offices now open on each of the states Indian reservations.

Most Montana reservations have local polling places for Election Day, but satellite offices provide more services, such as late registration and in-person absentee voting, that are typically only available at the county elections office.

Counties currently foot the bill for the additional offices. State law bars those counties from keeping two voting offices open simultaneously, forcing them to temporarily shutter their main election office while staff operate a satellite facility.

Stapleton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former surface warfare officer, has called the arrangement unlawful, and said the most important issue now facing the Secretary of States office is the inconsistency of election processes across the 56 Montana counties, in particular, the bad policies resulting from unfunded satellite offices.

Stapleton opposes proposals that would see Montanans vote only via mail-in ballots, but said he likes the idea of requiring residents to show photo identification before registering to vote.

The Billings-based financial adviser said hed also like to introduce an annual State of the Secretary of State publication featuring updates and information on elections and business filings.

If elected, he would join four other top elected state leaders on Montanas Land Board, which is tasked with managing the use of natural resources on state trust lands.

Stapleton feels it's past time for new blood on the panel.

As John F. Kennedy knew, success has a thousand fathers; failure is an orphan, Stapleton said. The land board is partially responsible for the loss of coal jobs in Colstrip, aluminum jobs in Columbia Falls and our largest timber company moving headquarters out of state.

It's time for new leadership on Montana's Land Board.

Stapleton has picked up endorsements from a host of professional organizations including the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Farm Bureau and Montana Stock Growers Association.

Campaign finance filings show Lindeen has spent four times as much as Stapleton through the start of September, but holds only about 40 percent of the Republican candidates cash-on-hand.

Libertarian candidate Roger Roots has not reported any contributions or expenses in his long-shot bid to replace term-limited Secretary of State Linda McCulloch.
20 held in police raids

Officers then went to other areas in the Northern Division where they seized a quantity of drugs and detained 15 other suspects for outstanding robberies, warrants, possession of stolen items and possession of stolen vehicles. The exercise formed part of an anti-crime initiative aimed at dealing with criminals in Northern Division as well as removing illegal weapons from the street and tackling the illegal drug trade. Those arrested are expected to be placed on identification parades today.
AC16 set to excite animators

Animae Caribes Festival (AC16) is the longest running film festival in TT and the only international animation festival in the Caribbean.

AC16 is promising new and exciting opportunities as it creates a space for upcoming animators to mingle with successful individuals and studios.

As the second film festival in the local film season, AC16 comes on the heels of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (ttff) and precedes the Green Screen Film Festival (November 1 - 12).

Camille Selvon-Abrahams, founder and director of Animae Caribe said in a media release: This festival creates a stage for Caribbean diversity and further encourages and develops diverse content for the local and international stage. The diaspora is hungry for Caribbean content.

Animae Caribe with activities such as our BootCamp provides a creative and financial stimulus to the sector. Interactive activities The festival known for its dynamism and excitement promises to once again showcase ingenuity and creativity. The week of activities include workshops, presentations by animation experts, screenings and the highly-anticipated schools day and expo.

The opening night will set the pace for an exciting week as Brad Schiff, animation supervisor at LAIKA and Primetime Emmy Award winner, will host a special screening of Kubo and the Two Strings at Digicel IMAX, One Woodbrook Place.

The expo is one of the festivals biggest events. The interactive activities begin on October 28 and will showcase various aspects of animation and digital media and is tailored specifically for secondary students.

On October 29 the Academy for the Performing Arts opens for the public to experience augmented and virtual reality displays, participate in game tournaments, view game and application design services, among other booths and services on display. Theres the option to explore a short animation course with Dave King, dress up and attend the Halloween screenings, experiment with glass and animation or indulge in all activities throughout the festival.

Animation experts Presenters include nationals and non-nationals who are active in the animation industry in roles such as artists, animators and directors.

Rona Lui, a fine artist at Pixar Animation Studio, is one of this years speakers.

She recently worked on the team for summer hit animation Finding Dory and will explore the importance of fine arts in animation, the release said.

Animae Caribe will also host a pioneer in the animation industry  director Chris Delaporte. He is said to have produced the first 3D animated feature film in France.

After the screening of his film Keana the Prophecy, Delaporte will be available for a detailed Q&A segment.

AC16 is put on in collaboration with FilmTT , the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ), the Caribbean Development Bank and Flow Trinidad. Venue partners are the UTT Academy for Performing Arts, Digicel IMAX, The National Museum, Big Black Box, Lightbulb Studios and Tzar/Roll.

Kwam? Ryan, professor and director of the Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT said in the release: UTT is delighted to be represented at the celebrations by our fine animation unit, and look forward to the ongoing development of an excellent partnership. Most festival events are free and open to the public. For more info on the calendar of events and the festivals 15-year history: www.

animaecaribe.com or Facebook at Animae Caribe Animation Festival.
In recent weeks, the most-publicized candidate to become Montanas next Secretary of State might be the least familiar name on the ballot.

Roger Roots, a Livingston-based Libertarian candidate for the post, doesnt have nearly the name recognition enjoyed by his opponents, established former state lawmakers Monica Lindeen and Corey Stapleton.

But he has surfaced in a steady stream of headlines since August, when The Oregonian newspaper first reported Roots, a convicted felon, would be allowed to serve as a volunteer paralegal for Ryan Bundy, one of 26 indicted on federal conspiracy charge stemming from the January armed takeover of Oregons Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Roots is allowed to practice law in Rhode Island, where he was narrowly admitted to the bar in 2000 despite strong reservations about his explicit racist statements and extremist political activity.

The 48-year-old Missoula native survived another, well-publicized close shave just to make it onto Novembers ballot. The Montana Supreme Court in September rejected state GOP Chairman Jeff Essmann's request to remove Roots from the Secretary of States race. Essmann alleged Roots had failed to file his required campaign finance disclosure paperwork.

Roots  who said Essmann wanted him off the ballot because he would take votes away from Republican hopeful Stapleton  is now in his third run for a statewide or U.S. congressional seat.

In 2014, then U.S. Senate candidate Roots told the Sidney Herald hed turned away from a youth filled with racism and anti-Semitism  as well as criminal convictions for resisting arrest, possession of an unregistered firearm and a probation violation  to become a champion for individual liberties.

Today, he describes himself as more of a construction worker than a lawyer, but no less a fighter for efforts to restore freedom of political speech and press.

Both of my opponents are committed trusters of the state, Roots said. They are on record demanding that government have the power to demand that all who fund criticism of politicians must identify themselves.

Roots said he was skeptical of such efforts to get money out of politics. Montanas push to shed light on dark money  political spending by organizations that do not disclose their donors  has won mixed reviews from politicians and campaign finance watchdogs, with opinions tending to split along party lines.

Im not sure that transparency is necessarily such a desirable thing for corporate and election filings, Roots added. Montanas economics would greatly improve if it became more of a haven for corporate secrecy.

The only information that should be required on an election filing is a name, address, contact information and perhaps other information such as age or length of residence, Roots said.

Roots has picked up no major endorsements in his campaign to replace outgoing Secretary of State Linda McCulloch.

He has neither raised nor spent any money on the race, according to election filings.
JOY AFTER SORROW

On Sunday last, Ramdeens great aunt Lilawatee Ramsaran, 69, was found murdered in her home in the Bronx, New York. She was stabbed to death in what was described by police as a domestic dispute.

Ramsaran, whenever she visited Trinidad and her hometown in Siparia, stayed at Ramdeens home.

Ramdeen who was a student of Shiva Boys Hindu College in Penal was the only student from that school to earn a National Scholarship (Additiona - Natural Sciences) for excellent grades in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She received news of her aunts gruesome death late last Sunday night and since then, the family had been holding nightly vigils until Ramsarans final rites and cremation on Thursday last, in New York.

Ramdeen was a Form Six student of Shiva Boys, a school which allows female students only, to pursue CAPE examinations. She obtained eight grade 1 passes in Biology, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics and Communications Studies.

Those grades facilitated her in being among the 389 of this countrys brightest CAPE students to earn a scholarship in Natural Sciences.

Yesterday, Ramdeen who said she is still grieving over her aunts murder, managed a smile during the interview, telling Newsday that aunt Ramsaran had promised that when next she would have returned to Trinidad for holidays, she would have given me something. Well the dream and expectation of seeing her walking through that door to hug me and the rest of the family...that is dead forever, Ramdeen said. Recalling that her aunt had made that promise after she earned eight grade ones in her CSEC examinations while she was a student at Parvati Hindu school two years ago, Ramdeen Mickayla said that apart from proving to her mother, father, twin brothers and a younger sister, that she was good enough to win a scholarship, I was bent on convincing aunty Lila that I could make the entire family and our village proud. I hope wherever she is, my aunt is proud of me. She said that her aunts death and the manner of her passing (stabbed multiple times) had plunged the entire family into mourning. On Thursday last, she added, tears flowed when the family witnessed the funeral service via Skype from their home Siparia. I wont lie to you, I wept bitterly, Ramdeen said, adding that she went to bed after the funeral as she felt no zeal to do anything that day.

At half past five, Thursday afternoon, another aunt Susan Ramdeen, who lives in the upper floor of the family home came running to the ground floor to break some good news. Aunt Susan said that she was browsing the Ministry of Educations website and saw Mickaylas name among the 389 scholarship winners.

Ramdeens mother Jennifer, told Newsday that they ran into her daughters room and tried to wake her, but her daughter - still emotional from watching the funeral via Skype a few hours earlier, was reluctant to get off the bed. It was only when her aunt told her that she had won a scholarship, that Mickayla woke up and then, I saw a big smile on her face, Jennifer said.

Asked how she felt that someone grieving over the passing of a relative in such tragic circumstances, would wake up from deep sleep to be greeted by such a silver lining, Mickayla said, Yes, I felt that the saying, that after grief there is joy, is really true. Mickayla has already begun classes at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where she is pursuing a course of study in medicine.

Her career goal is to become an oncologist. She said that several members in her family died from cancer including an uncle a mere two years ago and this is what is driving her towards the field of oncology (the identifying and treatment of cancer).
Colm: $800M backpay for police

Amidst a series of heated exchanges between Government and Opposition MPs, Imbert said this sum is included in the $2.9 billion allocation to the TT Police Service.

Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh initially asked if such backpay is included in the extra $353 million allocated to the TTPS, in the hike in this years recurrent expenditure of $1.42 billion, over last years $1.07 billion (and $866 million the year before).

Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon, replied yes, and promised to provide Gopeesingh with the figures of the arrears.

Gopeesingh pressed him, at which point Imbert interjected, $800 million.

The Caroni East MP replied, Are you being facetious?.

Imbert hit back by saying hed answer no more question from that gentleman.

Gopeesingh retorted, Im not a gentleman! Im the Member of Caroni East! He (Imbert) is rude and obnoxious!.

Imbert replied, If it offends Caroni East to be called a gentleman, Ill no longer do so.

Gopeesingh replied, I am a gentleman. Im a better gentleman than you. Tabaquite MP Dr Suruj Rambachan later queried the $800 million in backpay, saying the various figures for this years increases in salaries ($353 million more), allowances ($95 million more) and overtime ($153 million more) only added up to $601 million, short of the $800 million pledged for backpay.

Imbert replied that the estimates documents include an element of bargaining, as he explained that some of the backpay was already paid last year and more is to be paid this year.

He said if the Government has already paid $400 million out of a $800 million debt, then it now owes $400 million. Naparima MP Rodney Charles asked if overtime costs could be reduced? Dillon replied that overtime arises because the Police Service is short by 963 officers. It has 6,002 officers, out of an ideal strength of 7,884 officers.

Rambachan complained of a six-hour wait for police to get from Chaguanas Police Station to Ramsaran Park, and asked what proportion of the countrys 6,002 officers are on duty on any given day, such as half or two-thirds? Deputy Speaker, Esmond Forde, in the chair ruled that Dillon had already answered that question, in reference to his earlier statement to Rambachan that there is no normal day but that he could give him an average (which he did not supply at that sitting).

Oropouche West MP Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh asked about a $5 million allocation for rentals, to which Dillon replied that the TTPS rents 22 sites/ buildings, and the decision if to rent or to buy is the choice of the Police Commissioner.

Dillon disclosed that a $15.4 million allocation will buy 65 new police vehicles.

He said the current fleet consists of 1,320 operational vehicles, 337 non-operational, and 100 under survey.

Some 20 percent of vehicles get repaired at VMCOTT, while new vehicles are serviced by the car-dealers under the manufacturers warranty.
It is tantamount to child abuse

Placing in the hands of children, at such a tender age, those type of weapons, Panday said at his law chambers in San Fernando is not only illegal, but a form of psychological abuse.

Panday called for the Childrens Authority of Trinidad and Tobago to get involved in the investigation into how two children of such tender age, were given those high-powered guns. Does an issue of abuse of children took place here, by encouraging them to commit an illegality? Secondly, did they put those childrens lives in danger? I think the Childrens Authority should get involve here. Far too many children are used as drug mules, to carry guns and are used as pawns and the Childrens Authority had intervened and warned about such, Panday said.

Panday said that his second concern about the high-powered guns raised by Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal, is borne out in Section Six (1) of the Firearm Act which says no person shall have in his/her possession a firearm or ammunition without a firearm users licence.

But the former junior National Security Minister contended that what was indeed most worrying, was what Section Six (2) says in respect of prohibited weapons - such as automatic weapons. He said, The section allows only members of the protectives services, such as the army, police and customs, to carry automatic weapons. Stressing that the law views carrying automatic weapons very seriously, Panday said that the penalty was $75,000 as a fine or imprisonment for 15 years.

Panday said, Whether the weapons were given to these young people to practise or to pose, it is still illegal, because under no circumstances must you have in your possession a firearm without the requisite license. (See Page 16A)
Head count exercise for street dwellers

In an interview yesterday, Valentine said the exercise took place last week Wednesday and it was conducting in several parts of Port-of-Spain.

We have started a joint exercise last week Wednesday with the Ministry of Social Development Mental Health Department in the Ministry of Health, and the Port-of Spain City Corporation to get a head count. He continued, We went around certain parts of the city to get a head count last Wednesday and we are still tabulating all the information, Valentine said. Valentine indicated that he remained hopeful they could have the situation under control to bring about an ease of comfort to pedestrians in the capital city before Christmas. The process is well on its way and we have started collecting valuable data. I understand a comparative was done in San Fernando as well, but I cannot speak for that matter, but I am hoping that by Christmas we can bring about an ease of comfort to pedestrians before Christmas. We are still putting everything together and the meeting is scheduled for October 18, where our teams will be meeting at the Ministrys office, he explained. Valentine said they are working with all stakeholders to eradicate the issue with street dwellers in the capital city.
ESCTT to hold fund-raiser for Haiti

President of ESCTT Khafra Kambon yesterday expressed his deepest condolences to the people of Haiti who have lost loved ones following the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew.

In a press release, Kambon said Haiti provided not only the inspiration and the environment for the enslaved to win their freedom, but also practical assistance to all who fought for freedom. He said the film will be aired on October 23 and will depict one of the most dramatic revolts of enslaved Africans in the American South, the Nat Turner Rebellion. We urge our members, affiliate community-based organisations, supporters and associated individuals to give generously in support of the cause for the development of Haiti, following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, He continued, The global African community, including us in Trinidad and Tobago, owe a debt to Haiti for having initiated the downfall of chattel slavery by defeating the most powerful armies of Europe at the time and establishing the first free Republic in the western hemisphere, at great sacrifice to the Haitian people. Kambon also noted that Latin America owes its freedom to the support which Haiti gave to Simon Bolivar to mount a successful assault against colonial domination in that region.

He also said the ESCTT congratulates the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister for the establishment of the Haiti Fund which will facilitate donations through member banks and urges all citizens to give generously.

Tickets will be available at the ESCTT office 5B Bergerac Road, Maraval and through executive members or contact the office at 628-5008 or 678-9983, 680- 5221.

Matthew, the Category 4 storm, one of the strongest Caribbean hurricanes in years, was carrying winds of 145 mph when it made landfall on October 4, on the southwestern tip of Haiti.

Matthew has left more than 900 people dead and 350,000 in need of basic supplies such as water, clothes, pots and pans, sheets, and of course food stuff.

Thousands are homeless as their roofs have been ripped off, trees have been toppled and streets flooded.
Government committed to rural women

The ministry paid tribute to the contributions of the nations women, and particu- larly those who have taken on the role of mothers nurturing life within rural communities on the occasion of this years International Day of Rural Women being observed today.

Rural women, a ministry release said, daily leave their mark on society by their hard work, passion and dedication to developing their rural communities through advocacy, agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, religion, sport and other areas of activity. By acceding to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the release said, Government committed itself to the global struggle to eliminate discrimination women face, and to promote their enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Non-governmental and community-based womens organisations, the release said, have helped Government to implement the CEDAW.

Encouraged by the review of its implementation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000, Government also pledged to implement the actions identified in the Beijing Platform for Action.

While the Office of the Prime Minister has sought to address all forms of gender inequality through the Gender and Child Affairs Division, the release said, it was ensuring that projects in rural areas provide greater access to economic opportunities and connectivity for all rural residents.

The Cabinet appointed Oversight Committee on Rural Development, the release said, is drafting a national policy on rural development taking into account the most vulnerable groups - women, children and the elderly.

Through targeted policy intervention, the release said, women will be able to access a wider range of quality services within their communities so they will not have to move to urban areas.

Projects such as the Moruga fishing port and facilities, upgrade of the main road from Princes Town to Moruga, construction of a port in Toco and establishment of a Toco to Tobago ferry, the release said, demonstrates Governments commitment to developing rural communities, while at the same time, preserving the rural way of life.
Hinds: Govt to develop port in Toco

Hinds made the comments while delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the 25th meeting of the Special Committee for Transport of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) at its headquarters, Sweet Briar Road, St Clair. Representatives of the twenty- five member states of the ACS met yesterday to consider matters related to the improvement of regional transportation links. He praised the work of the committee as being important for the region, stating that its work programme seeks to expand intra-regional transportation and issues of improving air transportation connectivity and the cost of travel were to be the focus of the meeting. The Minister said he was happy that there was to be a shift in the focus of the ACS following the installation of its new Secretary General, Dr June Soomer three months ago.

Hinds said the work of the committee would also lead to the strengthening of the operation of small ports in the region, strengthening the infrastructure of the ports to improve their efficiency as well as to seek to improve air and maritime connectivity among the Latin American countries. He said transport is vital to economic development, trade and the movement of goods and people and that the growth of the global shipping and maritime trade has brought about significant changes.

According to Hinds, many countries are being called upon to improve interconnectivity because of security concerns and the importance of making ports safer for the people who live and work in the various countries. He added that the current economic scenario in Trinidad and Tobago provided an added impetus for this country to pursue a policy of diversification and its maritime sector was critical to that effort. ACS Secretary General Soomer said she intended to refocus the organisation with regard to transportation, observing that transportation represents one third of the cost of any good or service provided in the region.

She said that in repositioning the ACS it would have to look for synergies.

Noting that the organisation does not have a lot of resources, she said it will have to make what it has perform more efficiently. She reminded delegates that the Caribbean Sea is at the centre of the ACS and it is the Caribbean Sea which both divides countries of the region and makes transportation more critical.

The ACS delegates were to discuss the ACS Work Programme for 2017- 2018 and beyond; receive reports on the project Maps of the Maritime Routes of the Greater Caribbean and continue work on the development of a port and Maritime Strategy for the Greater Caribbean Region. They were also to deliberate on Public/Private partnerships for enhancing port efficiency; air transport in the Caribbean region: A Cuban Perspective and hear a presentation on the work programme of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
For Monica Lindeen, the most important task facing the Montana Secretary of States office is to ensure that peoples voices are heard through our elections.

The term-limited state auditor  who has served eight years as Montanas chief insurance and consumer protection regulator  hopes to introduce online registration for state voters.

If elected, Lindeen also plans to continue implementation of online electronic business filing systems, while bolstering cybersecurity efforts to protect that data.

The 54-year-old Montana State University Billings graduate cited her business experience as owner and general manager of a Billings-based internet service provider as part of the reason she decided to run for Secretary of State, the constitutional office that oversees elections and maintains public records.

As a business owner, I understand the importance of excellent customer service; and, as a citizen, I am passionate about the right of every eligible person to cast their vote and have their voice heard, Lindeen said. Good business services means stronger economic activity. Voting is one of the most important rights we have and should be protected with the same passion with which it was earned.

Lindeen, a Democrat, faces Republican and fellow former state lawmaker Corey Stapleton in Novembers race for Secretary of State. Libertarian long-shot candidate Roger Roots will also appear on the ballot. Democrat Linda McCulloch is term-limited and can not seek re-election.

Lindeen said the primary difference between herself and her opponents is a willingness to put aside politics to do whats right for Montana. She and Stapleton have parted ways on the question of whether or not Montana should move toward an all mail ballot voting system. Lindeen has remained open to the idea, which Stapleton opposes. The two have also split on the subject of voter ID laws. In a September debate on MTN News Face the State, Stapleton said he liked the idea of requiring Montanans to show photo identification before registering to vote. Lindeen said the states current voter registration protocols are doing just fine.

Asked if Montanas corporate and election filings were as transparent and publicly available as they should be, Lindeen said the state must continue to innovate processes which make it easier and more efficient for business owners. She added that she would continue to update and add other modules to the business filing system in a bid to cut red tape.

Lindeen has picked up endorsements from several major unions and Democrat-leaning membership groups, including MEA-MFT, AFL-CIO, Montana Rural Voters and Planned Parenthood.

Campaign finance filings show her campaign has spent four times as much as Stapletons through the start of September, but holds only about 40 percent of the Republican candidates cash-on-hand. Roots did not report any contributions or expenditures on his latest filing.
Russia-Pakistan military exercise: India says fully trusts Moscow

India,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 (IANS) In the wake of the Russian-Pakistan military exercise, India's Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Saturday said New Delhi fully trusts Moscow and expressed the confidence that it will never undermine Indian interests.

"I am talking about the important relationship of India (and) Russia; this is not a question which I should be answering," Jaishankar said while responding to a query on a Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise in the future.

"We trust Russia fully. When we speak of friendship, the assumption is that Russia will never do anything which is not in our interest. After our discussions, we are satisfied that Russia understands India's interest, will never do anything which is contrary to India's interests," Jaishankar said.

The Foreign Secretary was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the India-Russia bilateral summit in south Goa's Benaulim village, 60 km from state capital Panaji.

Indian Ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran on Friday expressed concern over Moscow's decision to participate in the joint military exercise in Pakistan last month.

"We are confident Russia will reflect on our concerns; that is where we stand right now," Saran told the media in Benaulim.

--IANS

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Uniform Civil Code not acceptable at any cost: AIMPLB

Delhi,National,Politics,Religion,Immigration/Law/Rights, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday reiterated its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, with General Secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani saying it is not acceptable to the Muslims at any cost.

Speaking at a conference organised by NGO Peace Foundation to deliberate on the code and triple 'talaaq' issues here, Rahmani said the Muslim personal law is based on divine law and hence cannot be altered.

He said the Supreme Court should consider the issue of triple talaaq in its entirety. At present, the apex court is hearing three petitions on the issue.

"The Supreme Court can intervene in any matter. But our request is that the matter of triple talaaq should be considered in its entirety (and not just as a women's right issue)," Rahmani said.

The AIMPLB leader said that the Muslims in India have respected and obeyed all laws of the land in independent India but they would not tolerate any interference in their personal laws.

"Over the last 70 years, the Indian Muslims have respected and obeyed all the laws. Although they have been the target of communal violence, and at times discrimination, they still love their motherland.

"But the Muslims cannot tolerate any interference in their religious affairs or laws," he said.

Rahmani said raking up of the two issues now reeks of some "evil designs".

"Most people in this country are peace-loving and just. But there are a handful of people who want to create a rift between the two communities and keep devising new plans for it," Rahmani said.

The AIMPLB is running an awareness campaign to sensitise the common people about the "perils of the Uniform Civil Code", he said.

The Law Commission had, on October 7, floated a 16-point questionnaire on its website wherein it had asked the common people, activists, organisations and other stakeholders to give suggestions on the implementation of the code.

Several prominent Muslim organisations in the country have opposed the move and urged the Muslims to boycott the questionnaire by not responding to it.

Under the Uniform Civil Code, the personal laws based on scriptures and customs of every religious community in India will be replaced with a common set of laws applicable equally to all citizens.

--IANS

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Second PTM successful, helps parents understand children: Sisodia

Delhi,National,Politics,Education, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday declared the second mega parent-teacher meeting (PTM) in government-run schools as successful and said the meeting helps parents to understand the qualities of their children.

"The PTM has become a medium to establish communication between teacher, parents and students which was necessary," Sisodia told reporters.

Issuing report cards of students to their parents by teachers is a part of the meeting, the minister said.

Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia visited some schools in his constituency to meet parents and said, "we are very happy with the amazing turn out of parents even for this PTM."

Sisodia said it helps parents to understand the qualities as well as shortcomings of their children, adding that the PTM has become a best window to engage parents with teachers.

"It is an excellent opportunity for both parents and teachers to understand the child's requirements better. Everyone including teachers, children, parents are happy about PTMs," Sisodia added.

The first parent-teacher meeting was held on July 30 and the government had announced that the meeting would be held twice a year.

Delhi's second mega PTM was held successfully across all government schools, in both morning and evening shifts in the national capital on Saturday.

During the PTM teachers shared children's report cards with parents, for the Summative Assessment (SA) that was held in the last week of September.

Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain and Labour Minister Gopal Rai also visited many schools and interacted with parents and students during the PTM.

Sharing his experience of the PTM Rai tweeted, "During PTM at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Babarpur (east Delhi) I met with a little girl. Glow on her face was telling that changes have started taking place in the government schools."

"Teachers are also happy that their work is reaching out to the society through these PTMs," Rai tweeted.

Schools laid out the red carpet for parents, and light refreshments were offered to all. Since this was the second such initiative, many parents were more aware of what to expect and had come prepared with questions and clarifications from teachers.

"A robust education system understands the importance of keeping parents in the loop and taking them into confidence," a Delhi government official said.

During the PTM, teachers also apprised the parents of the initiatives undertaken by the government to improve the quality of education in its schools.

A parent Neeraj Tyagi, a resident of Dwarka sector 22, appreciated the government's efforts to improve education in it's schools.

"Teachers are very good and cooperative here. Such PTMs are a boost. I am thankful to Delhi Education Minister for improving the standard of education at government schools," Tyagi, who attended the PTM at a government school in Dwarka sector 22, said.

Another parent Sudha Verma, a resident of Paschim Vihar, said that during the PTM teachers also explained to her the idea behind the government's "Every child can read" campaign saying "it is intended at ensuring 100 per cent child literacy before November 14".

--IANS

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Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime, Here's Everything You Need To Know!

New Delhi, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 NI Wire

South Korean tech giant, Samsung has always impressed with its premium smartphones. However, it has scored not so well in the budget device category.

Given the competition prevalent in current market, where users have variety of choices in regards to budget devices; Samsung lags behind. The entry of Chinese smartphones can be cited as one reason why the Samsung budget devices struggle so hard.

However, things changed for better with the arrival of its J-series. The Galaxy J series won praises and has been doing great in the Indian smartphone market. So far Samsung has launched Galaxy J2 (2016), Galaxy J3 (6), Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J7 (2016) in the market. And cashing on their popularity, the company has launched Galaxy J5 Prime and Galaxy J7 Prime smartphones. The Galaxy J7 Prime is the upgraded model of the two, so we will check this one in detail to know if it's worth investing in.

The Built

All of Samsung's budget devices come with a similar styling, and this is something Samsung users have complained about a lot in the past. Things haven't changed much for the Galaxy J7 Prime either, as the device follows the same style pattern. However, it has a full metal body, which apparently gives it an edge over the other devices.

The device comes with home button below the display, which has capacitive Recents and Back buttons located on either side. As it has a metal rear panel, it appears solidly built, and with the rounded sides the device comes easy in hands. It measures 8mm, and looks a little thick, but despite being 167 grams, it feels very light. There is 3.5mm audio jack and Micro-USB port placed at the bottom. The logo is imprinted above display, and you will find more branding at the back.

It has 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass spread on front that makes it look premium. The screen size is 5.5-inches, which doesn't really allow single handed use. It power button is on the right along with single speaker grille.

Volume buttons, dual SIM and microSD card slots are on the left. The device has separate slots for SIM and microSD card. The display has full-HD (1080x1920-pixel) that's bright and vibrant with no visibility problems, it works under sunlight too. Its colors look good, and Colours look good, and its black levels are pretty decent.

Specifications and software

Galaxy J7 Prime comes backed by an octa-core Samsung Exynos 7870 processor which is clocked at 1.6GHz. It has 3GB of RAM with 16GB inbuilt storage, and expandable storage with microSD cards up to 256GB. It's a dual-SIM phone that allows two Nano-SIMs with 4G connectivity on both the SIMs.

It has 13MP camera at back with f/1.9 aperture and LED flash. For selfies, it has 8MP front camera. The device has a non-removable 3300mAh battery. It provides connectivity options to GPRS/ EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS, and Glonass.

The device runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, along with Samsung's own TouchWiz UI. It comes preloaded with a many Microsoft apps such as the Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, OneDrive, plus Skype. Its home screen includes one Google folder that has Google apps like Gmail, Google Search, Chrome, YouTube, Play Music, Drive, Play Movies & TV, Hangouts, and Photos. J7 Prime even has a folder that has different Samsung apps such as the default mail app, Web browser, Galaxy Apps, S Health, and S Planner.

The S Power Planning and S Secure happen to be the new software highlights in this Samsung device. It also offers an ultra-data saving mode plus an S bike mode, but these are present in the past J7 devices too. However, Samsun states that these features have some add ons and are smart'.

Its S Power Planning allows you three ways to get the best of remaining battery life, the options are: Reserve Battery For Calls, this feature lets you have particular percentage of the battery which you can use for calls and messages. Next is Extend Battery Time that allows three power-saving levels and last is the Forward Calls, which forwards calls to another number when your device runs out of power.

Camera

Galaxy J7 Prime comes with 13MP main camera with f/1.9 aperture and LED flash. The large aperture allows the device to capture extra light per shot, which apparently gives you thorough photos throughout the daytime.

The photos as taken by this device stand to have decent colors and crispness. Also, it is able to lock focus very swiftly which again comes as an added advantage. In low light conditions also, the device takes decent pictures, however when you check the same in full size, you might notice certain graininess but that shouldn't be an actual problem. Coming to its selfie camera of 8MP, the camera has f/1.9 aperture which allows you to take detailed selfies.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime can handle nearly everything, thanks to its octa-core processor which gives you no major complains. The device allows multi tasking in a smooth manner and causes no lag. Be it paying games, watching videos or shuffling between apps, everything happens really smooth. Speaker sound quality is also very good and has no trouble when put on high volume.

Battery Life

The all new Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime houses a non-removable 3300mAh battery, which under normal usage lasts for nearly 14 hours and 50 minutes. If you use under normal mode, it can last for up to 36 hours, which we believe is not bad for a device available at this price.

Verdict

Samsung has started off the sale, and Galaxy J7 Prime is available at Rs. 18,790 across all retail stores, as well as the ecommerce sites. Overall, the device has many attractive features like full metal body, large 3300mAh battery, excellent screen, Galaxy Apps like the S Power Planning, and Secure Folder. Though the screen is a bit big, but is easily manageable. At such affordable price, a device with decent features and premium look is surely a delight to own.

This festive season, if you are looking for a classier piece with pocket friendly price, this can be a choice to consider!
Kabir Bedi to attend Arts for India charity event in London

Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood,Art/Culture/Books, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Mumbai, Oct 15 (IANS) Acclaimed actor Kabir Bedi will attend and speak at the Arts for India charity event to honour the late filmmaker Richard Attenborough in London next week.

Arts for India charity, in association with the British Film Institute (BFI), is going to host the fundraising event at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, in the heart of London on October 19 to honour Attenborough posthumously.

Kabir, who has acted in James Bond film "Octopussy" and starred in "Bold and Beautiful" TV series, is happy about being a part of the event for the English actor-filmmaker, who was the President of British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and had won two Academy Awards for his film on Mahatma Gandhi in 1983.

"Lord Attenborough remains an iconic figure in world cinema. I first met him at the London press screening of his Oscar-winning 'Gandhi', where I bowed and touched his feet, Indian style, as a mark of reverence.

"I salute BAFTA, BFI and Arts For India for honouring a great British actor, producer and director for his magnificent contributions to the world of films. I'm privileged to be a part of it," said Kabir in a statement.

Arts for India helps disadvantaged young Indians out of poverty through education in art and creative design to a global standard.

Satish Modi, philanthropist and founder of the Arts for India Charity, said: "We feel honoured that Sir Richard Attenborough had made the film on the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi."

Guests at the event will get to see some archival material of Indian cinema, such as footage related to Mahatma Gandhi and other clips of importance.

--IANS

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While Donald Trump holds a 10-point lead, Montanans are not thrilled about the presidential candidates from any party, which has eroded the base support for both Trump and Hillary Clinton in a state that has historically been a Republican stronghold, according to a poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers.

Among those polled, Trump leads 46 percent to 36 percent for Hillary Clinton and 11 percent for Libertarian Gary Johnson. A nearly even split reported having a favorable view of the three presidential candidates: 31 percent for Trump, 31 percent for Clinton and 26 percent for Johnson. The two major party candidates were largely viewed unfavorably  50 percent for Trump and 56 percent for Clinton  while almost a quarter of those polled did not recognize Johnsons name.

Its highly unprecedented to see two major party nominees be so poorly thought of, said Montana State University political scientist David Parker. Its the first time ever weve had two candidates that people just really dislike.

The results of the statewide Mason-Dixon telephone poll conducted early this week highlights divides within both political parties in Montana  and shows the potential that voters are so disenchanted with their choices that they are less likely to be swayed by new revelations about the candidates character.

University of Montana journalism professor and political researcher Lee Banville noted that Montana tends to differ from national polls, in large part because it leans so heavily Republican and a significant number of voters identify as independent.

A Republican candidate who might not be doing that well nationally oftentimes does well here. Democrats who are doing well nationally oftentimes arent particularly liked here, Banville said. Whats unusual here is the degree to which we are just like everyone else. We just want this thing over.

Nationally, Clinton has held a consistent, if at times slim, lead in recent months, according to polling results compiled by RealClearPolitics. In 49 polls of likely or registered voters conducted since Sept. 1, Clinton held a lead in 38 of them. Pollsters reported a Trump lead in five polls, the most recent being in early October. Six were reported as ties.

Parker noted that Montana almost always goes GOP in presidential races and often with stronger base support than other states.

If you look down at the Republican number, the fact that Trump is only pulling 77 percent is crazy. That should be more around 90 percent among Republicans, he said, noting Trump is underperforming compared to both Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008. According to this poll, 17 percent of Republicans are not voting for their nominee. Even among Democrats, 9 percent are not voting for their nominee. Clearly theyre making other choices.

Montana GOP Chairman Jeff Essmann, a longtime Billings legislator, said hes not concerned.

Hes 10 points ahead of Hillary Clinton here and the object is to be first, he said, admitting Trump is not a traditional Republican candidate.

I cant pretend he is, Essmann said. And I dont believe hes pretending he is.

Compared to other recent elections, 19 percent of Montanans polled said they were more likely to vote for a third-party candidate and nearly all of those who said that have indicated support for Johnson. The 11 percent of Montanans who reported they will vote for Johnson is about double the figure reported in national polls.

If we have a strong Libertarian streak as a state and there is concern among some Republicans, as well as Independents, about Trump then Gary Johnson becomes less of a protest vote and more This is a legitimate vote,' Banville said.

One incident that some analysts expected to trigger voter protests seems to have had little effect in Montana. In the days after an audio recording of Trump making lurid remarks about grabbing and kissing women without consent, many national polls saw the gender gap widen as women abandoned support of Trump, with Clintons lead ranging from 6 to 33 points with most in the double digits. By comparison, national polling news site FiveThirtyEight reports that the average gender gap between Romney and Obama in 2012 was half the size of the one between Clinton and Trump.

Montana bucks the trend.

Its tiny here, Parker said.

Among women voters polled, 44 percent said they would cast their ballot for Clinton and 39 percent for Trump. Thats only a five-point difference, although the margin-of-error could mean the actual figure is a little higher and more in line with national polls or even lower and more unusual in comparison.

A look at the favorability ratings by gender suggests that the comments by Trump might actually have damaged his reputation among Montana women, but that will not cause them to vote for someone else, although analysts say that is difficult to pin down without prior Montana polls for comparison.

Only 21 percent of women said they had a favorable view of Trump  half the rate among men. And 56 percent said their view of him was unfavorable while 23 percent were neutral, compared to 44 percent and 16 respectively among men.

Typically what we see in surveys is a wider gap in terms of favorability that doesnt always translate into a large gap in vote choice, University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said. Republican women voters might be really disgusted by Trumps comments but they might not be willing to vote for Hillary Clinton or say theyre undecided.

Parker suspects that many voters are so discouraged by both candidates that they are defaulting to party loyalties, particularly in eastern Montana, where Clintons favorability rating was just 18 percent, and other rural parts of the state.

These are the places where Trump has appeal, he said. Theyre largely going to be white, less-educated, blue-collar.

Banville noted that the top issues listed by voters also suggest character attacks are less likely to sway voting decisions in Montana. When asked which issues is the most important in this years election, 26 percent chose the economy and jobs while another 25 percent chose national security and fighting terrorism. Personal character and leadership ability ranked fifth out of seven with just 8 percent naming that the top issue.

Given what these voters are saying in this poll, they are much more concerned about their jobs and security than they are about the trustworthiness or character of the people who are going to lead us, he said. Those issues, in Montana in particular, break strongly to the Republicans.

Parker agreed, noting that even with Trump polling lower than the last two GOP nominees, he still expects him to win the state.
Guided vacation company Trafalgar to launch India itinerary in 2017

West Bengal,National,Lifestyle/Fashion,Business/Economy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Oct 15 (IANS) Guided vacation company Trafalgar, the flagship brand of Britain-based Travel Corporation, will launch its maiden India itinerary in 2017 through 10 cities, officials said here on Saturday.

Tourists can also opt for "voluntourism" (international volunteering and tourism) to participate in a sustainable development project with locals.

The itinerary "Leisurely Rajasthan with Mumbai" takes travellers through Rajasthan, Mumbai, Delhi and Agra in 13 days and includes authentic local experiences as well as the chance to work with the community on a development project as part of "volunteer tourism", said Liesa Bissett, director of the company's European Product Development.

"Apart from city tours in Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur, guests can enjoy their stay in a beautifully maintained heritage resort in Narlai which was once a hunting lodge of Jodhpur's royal family.

"They will also indulge in a cooking demonstration and dinner at the home of a local family in Jaipur as part of our aBe My Guest' initiative. Our USP is that we connect with local experts and provide a personal experience," Bissett said, adding advance bookings are on.

For those who want to give back to society, they can extend their stay and work with locals on projects in rural Rajasthan through the 'Me to We' social enterprise.

Banking on repeat clients and word of mouth publicity, Bissett said the trips come with a guarantee of safety. The company is nearly 70 years old and has a 60 per cent repeat clientele in India.

Asked on the international travel links being affected with current India-Pakistan tension, Bissett said despite issues, people have not stopped traveling.

"Every where in the world we are being affected. But people are still yearning to travel and tourists are still going to France despite the attacks," she said, adding the company is world's most award-winning guided vacation company.

Registering a growth of 22 percent in 2016 for Indians traveling to Europe, Sanjay Temkar, the company's director of sales for India, said in terms of destinations, Britain tops the chart.

"Indians still love to travel to the UK. Then we have Italy. In the last three years, Indians have been going to the Iberian region. Eastern Europe has gone up," he said.

--IANS

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Modi seeks South Africa's continued support for NSG membership

Goa,National,Diplomacy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought South Africa's continued support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during a bilateral meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS Summit here.

"Met @SAPresident and had comprehensive talks with him on further cementing India's ties with South," Modi stated in a tweet.

In a media briefing later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Modi thanked Zuma for South Africa's support for India's bid for NSG membership and "hoped that they continue their support".

South Africa offered its support for India's bid during Modi's visit to that country in July this year.

Zuma described Modi's visit as historic, according to Swarup.

Modi also thanked Zuma for his statement after last month's cross-border attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers and appreciated the solidarity shown by South Africa.

The two leaders also discussed trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Zuma said bilateral ties should be expanded in all areas and called for simplification of the visa regime between the two countries, the spokesperson said.

Modi said India would make good use of South Africa's expertise in deep mining.

Modi also commended South Africa's contributions to BRICS, according to Swarup.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi held the annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday.

--IANS

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Murray reaches Shanghai Masters final

China,Sports,Tennis, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Shanghai, Oct 15 (IANS) Briton Andy Murray on Saturday secured his place in the Shanghai Masters final where he is due to play against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut here.

Murray, who has won the Shanghai Masters on two occasions (2010 and 2011), overcame Frenchmen Gilles Simon on Saturday with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory, reports Efe.

Murray and Bautista have battled it out on the court twice in the past, at Wimbledon 2014 and in Munich 2015.

The Scot failed to concede a set on either of those occasions.

However, Murray will have to prepare for an in-form Bautista in Sunday's final after the Spaniard, ranked number 19 in the world, upset world number one Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4) in order to secure his spot in the ultimate stage of this year's Masters.

--IANS

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PM inaugurates Shaurya Smaarak, addresses public meeting in Bhopal

Bhopal, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 NI Wire

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, yesterday addressed a gathering at Bhopal, and inaugurated the Shaurya Smaarak. Ex-servicemen were present in large numbers at the public meeting.

The Prime Minister said India's soldiers are a symbol of humanity. He recalled how the jawans of the Indian Armed Forces put their lives on the line whenever there is a natural disaster.

He said the Indian Armed Forces rank among the best in the world on parameters such as discipline and conduct. India is one of the foremost contributors to peace keeping forces worldwide, he added. He recalled that during the recent crisis in Yemen, the Indian Armed Forces had evacuated not just thousands of Indian citizens, but citizens of other nations as well.

Noting that Indians had never coveted territories of other nations, the Prime Minister emphasized that when the time came to protect human values, the Indian Armed Forces never failed to rise to the occasion. He recalled that the World Wars were not India's wars, but so many Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives defending foreign lands. He said we must not forget, and we should also make sure that the world does not forget, these sacrifices made by the jawans. He said the strength of the Indian Armed Forces is the morale of its jawans, which comes from the support of 125 crore Indians.

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, the Prime Minister said, appreciating the valour of the jawans guarding the nation's borders.

The Prime Minister quoted Hindi poets Makhanlal Chaturvedi and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, praising the glorious traditions of sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Prime Minister said the Union Government had fulfilled its promise of One Rank, One Pension, and outlined other measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen.

Source: PIB
Ban Ki-moon hails agreement to cut greenhouse gases

United States,Diplomacy,Environment/Wildlife, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

United Nations, Oct 16 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the adoption of the critically important amendment to cut production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), at a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

The amendment was agreed upon to the Montreal Protocol phasing-down production and use of HFCs, which are powerful, short-lived greenhouse gases that contributes to climate change, the UN chief said in a statement on Saturday.

"As HFCs are also the fastest-growing of all greenhouse gases, curbing their use will help limit near-term warming of the planet, " Xinhua news agency quoted the statement.

At the Kigali meeting on Saturday, nearly 200 nations approved a timetable to stop the use of gases whose elimination could reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees celsius by the end of the century.

HFCs, used in refrigerators and air conditioners, were introduced in the 1990s to replace chemicals that had been found to erode the ozone layer, but turned out to be catastrophic.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol builds on the strong global momentum for multilateral efforts to address climate change, including the landmark Paris Agreement, which will enter into force on November 4, the statement said.

Adoption of the amendment on HFCs will provide considerable benefits in the coming decades and help advance the Sustainable Development Goals, it added.

The global phase-down of HFCs would provide a major boost for efforts to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius as stated in the Paris Agreement and to pursue efforts toward 1.5 degrees.

Ban called for continued collaboration and cooperation by all sectors of society in implementing these timely and much-needed agreements to reduce the risks of climate change.

--IANS

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White House war: Sex, sleaze, emails, and Putin (Washington Diary)

United States,Politics, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 15 (IANS) Donald Trump is toast, proclaimed the pundits for the umpteenth time since he began his dizzying presidential run as an "explosive video" hit the airwaves to send his campaign into a tailspin.

Time magazine which had done a cover on the "Melt Down" of the Republican presidential candidate in August did another about his "Total Melt Down" as appalled leaders of Trump's own party abandoned him in droves.

But the diehard believers of the Manhattan Messiah still flocking to his rallies in thousands refused to see the "huge" writing on the wall as rival Democrat Hillary Clinton enlarged her lead in polls amid a WikiLeaks drip-drip-drip-drip of embarrassing emails.

A week after a hot mic had caught him bragging about groping women with impunity in a 2005 video, Trump was defiantly standing dismissing it all as a global conspiracy of multinationals, liberal media and the "Crooked Hillary" Clinton machine.

He was not perfect, he said in a rare apology for telling "Access Hollywood" host, Billy Bush, "When you're a star, they let you do it... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything."

But it was all "locker room banter" and his Democratic rival's hubby Bill Clinton had said and done worse, Trump asserted hitting back with dirt for dirt.

And what's more, Hillary had attacked the former President's accusers more viciously than Bill, averred the billionaire as he paraded three of them as his guests at the second presidential debate.

House Speaker Paul Ryan disinvited Trump from a rally and asked his flock to fend for themselves. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee John McCain withdrew his endorsement though party chief Reince Priebus pledged "complete fidelity" to Trump.

But meeting a backlash from grassroot supporters, many "disloyal" Republican leaders got back on his train soon after the feisty second presidential debate as an "unshackled" Trump lashed out at leaders like "weak" Ryan and "loud mouth" McCain.

With only one in five Republicans calling the Trump tape as disqualifying, his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told Republican leaders: "Enough of the pussyfooting around."

Then keeping pace with the email revelations, several women came out of the shadows accusing the mogul of forcibly groping and kissing them with even mainstream media reporting their tales in salacious details in tabloid style.

Jessica Leeds, now 74, claimed Trump "was like an Octopus" during a flight to New York in 1979. His "hands were everywhere" as he kissed her "wherever he could find a landing spot".

"If he had stuck with the upper part of the body, I might not have gotten so upset," added the former travelling businesswoman strangely. "But when he started putting his hand up my skirt, that was it. I was out of there."

"The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION" Trump tweeted as he called her and other accusers "horrible horrible liars".

Meanwhile, WikiLeaks dumped thousands of emails purportedly hacked from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's account for the seventh day running.

These included messages highlighting Hillary's email scandal, Wall Street connections, handling "backroom deals" and her 2013 admission that the largest share of donations to the Clinton Foundation came from abroad.

In one of her paid speeches to Wall Street bankers, she declared, "You need both a public and a private position" as "politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavoury".

Podesta called it a "dark plot" hatched by the Russians in collusion with the Trump campaign as the US government accused Moscow of trying to influence the presidential election.

"It's flattering," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN, "but it has nothing to be explained by the facts; we have not seen a single proof."

"There are so many pussies around the presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment on this," he added in response to a cheeky question about Trump's pussy riot moment as Russia had its own Pussy Riot moment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself dismissed the "hysteria" over hacking as a diversionary tactic noting, "Everyone is saying, 'Who did it?' But does it matter that much? It's what's inside the information that matters."

Meanwhile a moveable fortune-telling Trump machine in the style of Zoltar appeared on the streets of New York City. But does the "All Seeing Trump", as it is called, know what the November 8 poll holds for him?

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)

--IANS

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Nepali PM leaves for Goa to attend BRICS-BIMSTEC summit

Nepal,Politics,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Kathmandu, Oct 15 (IANS) Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" on Saturday left for Goa to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit to be held from October 15-16.

This is Prachanda's second visit to India after becoming the Prime Minister on August 4 this year. He had visited New Delhi in September at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Heads of state and government of five BRICS nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- are meeting in Goa for their eighth annual gathering, after India assumed the chair of the bloc early this year.

India will also host leaders of neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand for the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit.

--IANS

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Miranda Kerr's security guard stabbed in the eye

United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Los Angeles, Oct 15 (IANS) Supermodel Miranda Kerr's security guard was stabbed in the eye trying to fight off an intruder at her Malibu home here.

The man was attacked by an intruder trying to climb a fence to gain access to the property, where the model lives with her five-year-old son Flynn, at 11.10 a.m. on Friday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Her security guard shot the intruder several times including once in the head. Both are receiving treatment in a Los Angeles hospital. The security guard was airlifted from the scene by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

He was stabbed below the eye but was seen walking on to the LA County Sheriff's Department chopper unaided after the attack.

He shot the intruder four times, LA County Sheriff's Office told DailyMail.com on Friday afternoon.

The spokesman said: "Deputies responded to a shots fired call in Malibu. They discovered a security guard had been involved in a physical altercation with an intruder. The guard was stabbed in the facial injury and he had minor injuries. He produced a handgun and shot the intruder three to four times in the face and torso. Neither the guard nor the intruder has life threatening injuries."

Police could not confirm whether there was anyone else in the property at the time. The intruder, the spokesman added, will face charges.

--IANS

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Bank NPAs bigger scam than 2G: Yechury

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Attacking the BJP-led Central government over loan waivers for corporates, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday said the unpaid loans owed by private companies to the nationalised banks was a scam "10 times bigger" than the 2G spectrum scandal.

"More than Rs 11 lakh crore has been borrowed by Indian corporates form nationalised banks which they did not repay. Not only the government did not do anything to recover them, but waived off Rs 1.12 lakh crore owed by the corporates in the last two years.

"It is a humongous scam. A scam 10 times bigger than the 2G spectrum," the Communist Party of India-Marxist leader said on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

"When you ask to waive off the loans of the farmers who are committing suicide due to distress, the government is unwilling to do so, saying it does not have enough resources, but (it) can waive off corporate loans to the extent of Rs 1.12 lakh crore."

According to him, this "reflects the real face of the Central government".

Yechury, who has been opposing the government proposal of creating a "bad bank", called for recovering the loans instead of restructuring the banks.

"The suggestion of creating a bad bank is a bad idea, as it lets big defaulters get away scot-free. You just cannot restructure the nationalised banks so that they are once again able to dole out loans to the corporates," said the leader who has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for "naming and shaming" the top 100 corporate loan defaulters and opposing the creation of a "bad bank".

"All this money which has been misappropriated in this fashion belongs to the public. Instead of creating a bad bank the government must take immediate steps to recover the loans from the corporates," added Yechury.

--IANS

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Modi greets Chinese President on arrival

Goa,National,Politics,Diplomacy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping on his arrival in Goa on Saturday ahead of the BRICS Summit.

"India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the @BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations," Modi tweeted.

Xi was given a red carpet welcome after he got off the aircraft at the Dabolim Airport and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi for nearly half an hour on Saturday evening at the Taj Exotica resort here.

India and China are expected to discuss the fallouts of the deadly cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri on Jammu and Kashmir last month attack by Pakistan-based, while India will make a pitch with its eastern neighbour to further isolate Islamabad, for backing terror infrastructure.

The arrival of Jinping in Goa, coincided with protests by Tibetan protesters at Margao town, 35 km from Panaji, demanding China vacate its illegal occupation of Tibetans.

Nearly 43 Tibetan protesters were detained by the police, subsequently.

The eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday, which will be followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with the leaders of the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).

--IANS

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Damien Echols acknowledges the anniversary of his execution date the way others celebrate a birthday.

Its been more than 20 years since Echols was sentenced to die on May 5, 1994, for murdering three 8-year-old boys in 1993 in West Memphis, Ark., a crime for which he has maintained his innocence.

Thousands rallied to his defense  including his future wife, Lorri Davis, musician Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and actor Johnny Depp  and fought for more than a decade to free him from prison.

Several documentaries about the murders shed light on the trial, where Echols, who was 18, and two co-defendants were found guilty of capital murder. Echols received the death penalty and Jason Baldwin, 16, and Jessie Misskelley, 17, were sentenced to life in prison.

Echols was known as the leader of the West Memphis 3, a name the media dubbed them during the high-profile trial. A new generation of students at Rocky Mountain College, not yet born when Echols was sent to prison, read his memoir, Life After Death, this fall as part of the Big Read project. The campus is hosting Echols next week with a free public lecture at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Fortin Center.

In a telephone interview with the Billings Gazette from his home in Harlem, N.Y., Echols, now 42, said he is excited about his first trip to Montana, "somewhere where I am not jostled around like I am in New York. During his talk, he will give an overview of the trial and his life in and out of prison and then open the discussion to questions.

Echols wants to tour Billings during his visit here with his wife.

"I like to look around, I like to go on foot. I want to see every coffee shop, cupcake shop and bookstore, places people would walk by and not think about."

After spending a decade in solitary confinement, Echols was overwhelmed when he was released in 2011. So much had happened during the 18 years he was on death row  cell phones, laptops, Facebook. He had to adjust to it all.

I cant even remember the first year I was out. I was in such a deep state of trauma, Echols said.

Echols credits his spiritual practice and his relationship with Davis for helping him through the hellish years in prison and aiding him in his transition to life outside. Davis, a landscape architect, and Echols wrote each other thousands of letters when he was in prison. Their love story is told in the book Yours for Eternity.

Even when you are in the worst environment on the face of the earth, you have to find a reason to live, something to focus on. I think if I would have focused on the prison, I would have lost my mind, Echols said.

In a complicated legal process, Echols and his co-defendants withdrew their original not guilty pleas, entered an Alford Plea and were re-sentenced to time served. The court ruling did not exonerate them from their conviction but allowed them to be released from prison. An Alford Plea is not an admission of guilt, but an acceptance that the prosecution has enough evidence that a jury would find them guilty.

Echols has said in interviews that without the plea, he could easily have been killed in prison by a fellow inmate for $50.

Because he wore heavy metal T-shirts, had long black hair, and was poor white trash, Echols believes he was singled out by West Memphis law enforcement and accused of the murder. He said that profiling is as much based on class as it is on race.

If all the people on all of the bottom layers got together, it would be an unstoppable force, but they are being distracted by race, Echols said.

West Memphis is the most judgmental place imaginable, he said. He was seen as a freak and accused of worshiping the devil because of his looks.

Almost anywhere is more accepting. You would find a place in the Middle East that is more accepting.

Echols said he knew who he was by the time he was 7, and cant understand people who are trying to find themselves.

Read what you want, watch what you want to watch, be friends with who you want to be friends with. One thing I did learn, life is short. Im 42 years old, and theres no time to waste on crap like what other people think.

Echols is covered in tattoos, most of which he designed himself. He is working as an artist, and views his art as an extension of his spirituality. He opened a show in Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct. 15, and has a show opening in Chicago in December, and London in April. Echols and his creative partners call their collective The Hand.

"A hand is what we use to shape the world," Echols said. "We didn't want to do art just for art's sake. Art isn't what you buy because it matches your couch."

There is DNA evidence available from the case, but Echols said the law enforcement in West Memphis continues to resist putting it in a national database to try and find the real killers. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence and tries to make up for the years he lost in prison.

I have 20 years to make up for. I want to see things, to touch them, and taste them. You have a choice in this life whether you want to constantly sit and stew or enjoy the moment youre living in. If I sat around and thought about the people who harmed me or have beaten me or tried to kill me, I would be pretty negative.

In a recent podcast, Echols responded to the question of whether he is happy. He paused a minute, then said, I have my own trauma, but I think Im as happy as I could possibly be.
'Coronation Street' star Jean Alexander dead

United Kingdom,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

London, Oct 15 (IANS) "Coronation Street" legend Jean Alexander has died in hospital just three days after her 90th birthday.

The woman, known to millions as Hilda Ogden, passed away on Friday, reports mirror.co.uk.

She had been taken into hospital on Tuesday, her birthday, after feeling unwell.

Her niece, Sonia Hearld, 64, while opening up about how she received a phone call from the hospital breaking the bad news, said: "It is such a shock."

She told how Alexander had been been taken poorly just a few days earlier as family and friends planned to gather to celebrate her 90th last weekend.

"She had been feeling a little poorly and had gone in for some tests," she said.

After a couple of days in hospital she was allowed back the care home, where she had been looked after since suffering a slight stroke in 2014.

Born Jean Hodgkinson, she received a 1987 BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actress and retired from acting in 2012. Her television debut was in the television police series "Z-Cars" and first appeared in "Coronation Street" in 1962 as landlady Mrs Webb. She started playing Hilda on July 8, 1964, finally retiring on December 25, 1987.

--IANS

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'Masterminds': Insipid popcorn fare (IANS Review, Rating: **1/2)

Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Film: "Masterminds"; Director: Jared Hess; Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Ken Marino, Jason Sudeikis, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Devin Ratray, Jon Daly and Candace Blanchard; Rating: **1/2

Though based on a "true story", "Masterminds" is pure, insipid, popcorn fare that makes the tale seem totally fabricated.

The true story, we are told is, "the largest cash robbery in the history of US crime", committed by a bunch of dumb, goofy characters who stole $17.3 million from the vault of a cash handling company.

The narrative follows David Ghantt, a seemingly dim-witted and romantically besotted, employee of the Loomis Fargo Company, who recklessly commits the crime to win over his love interest Kelly.

With a lazily crafted, unoriginal script, the script writers, Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Emily Spivey, weave the tale in a convincing manner, seamlessly. The characters, with peculiar behaviour, designed like cartoons, set in the 1970s along with the gags and slapstick humour, all seem hauntingly predictable.

Dressed in outlandish costumes and ridiculous wigs, David commands the centre of attention in the film and Zach Galifianakis slips under his skin with ease. He is outrageous not only with his over-the-top heist, but also in his performance. It is unimaginable how, he could carry out the crime or anyone can fall in love with him.

Kristen Wiig, as the femme fatale, unfortunately has less to do as the story proceeds. Being an extrovert and caring, the script short-changes her during her eventual change of heart.

Kate Mckinnon is intriguing as the dull-witted Jandice, David's fiancee and Jason Sudeikis as the equally foolish, sociopathic hitman Mike Mckinney, is stereotypical and farfetched.

Not every character in the film is pitched at the same exaggerated level. The rest of the cast which includes; Oven Wilson as Steve and the leader of the criminal gang along with Mary Elizabeth Ellis as his wife and Ken Marino as Steve's suspicious neighbour, are all flat and shallow characters.

Overall, due to the generic and formulaic turn of events, the actors do not manage to elicit any emotional support from the audience.

Made on a moderate budget, the production quality of the film is of above average standard. Production designer Clayton Hartley along with costume designer Sarah Edwards have managed to recreate the early 1970 era which is captured by Erik Wilson's lenses to perfection.

Largely, with a few effective laughs, "Masterminds" is a recycled jamboree of comic flicks that feels like wasted resources.

--IANS

troy/rb/vm
SRK is our favourite: British pop rock band member

Delhi,Cinema/Showbiz, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Britain-based boy band "The Vamps" first got a glimpse of Indian showbiz via a collaboration with Vishal-Shekhar for "Beliya". And James McVey, on behalf of the band, says they instantly fell in love with the glitzy world of Bollywood, with superstar Shah Rukh Khan taking their heart away.

Apart from McVey -- the lead guitarist and vocalist, The Vamps comprises Brad Simpson (lead vocals and guitar), Connor Ball (bass guitar and vocals) and Tristan Evans (drums and vocals).

"We are big fans of Bollywood. We always see happiness and colour in the dances, the sets are very elaborate and SRK is our favourite," McVey told IANS in an email interview.

The band came to India in August this year to promote their single "Beliya", and also collaborated with Ajay Devgn for "Shivaay". Back then, during a visit to IANS, the band members had even spread their arms out a la Shah Rukh's signature act.

Now, The Vamps, Virgin EMI UK, in collaboration with Bottom Line Media have come out a new single "All night" Feat. Matoma. The song was out on Friday.

Talking about the single, McVey said: "Our new single is called 'All night', and it's a little bit more dancey than our previous singles. We've teamed up with Matoma on the track and love the production and different vibe he's brought to the song.

"The song is about the nostalgia of spending time with a girl and you wake up in the middle of the night and you can't sleep and you wish that you were with her."

Simpson says the inspirational theme behind "All night" is "the notion of appreciating someone. It's the feeling of reassurance knowing someone is there for you and acknowledging how much they've helped you too."

Ask them about the memories they made during their recent India visit, Ball said they were amazed by the love poured on them by their fans.

"Before we visited India for first time, we had no clue about our fan following there. We were extremely overwhelmed seeing fans waiting for hours at the airport when we arrived. We loved the whole experience and can't wait to go back," Ball said.

Tanaaz Bhatia, Managing Director, Bottom Line Media, said: "The Vamps are a sensational boy band and one of the most, exciting new talents to emerge from the Virgin EMl UK's repertoire. The band, presented a concert in India and we will doing a song with Vishal-Shekhar again. We look forward to many more exciting announcements for the group and other Virgin EMI UK artists over the coming months."

--IANS

sug/rb/vm
Russia's Rosneft to acquire 98% in Essar Oil for 10.9 bn

Goa,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 (IANS) Russia's Rosneft and an investment consortium led by Trafigura on Saturday said they have signed a pact to acquire 98 per cent stake in Essar Oil, and pay another $2 billion to buy Vadinar Port from the Indian industrial group.

"The all-cash deal encompasses Essar Oil's 20 million tonne refinery in Gujarat, India, and its pan-India retail outlets. The closing of the transaction is conditional upon receiving requisite regulatory approvals and other customary conditions," the company said.

"The parties expect to obtain the relevant approvals before the end of this year."

The announcement came after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

Rosneft is one of the world's largest petroleum companies with revenues of over $80 billion. it is engaged mainly in oil and gas exploration and production, refining and product marketing in Russia and across countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The first deal involves the sale of 49 per cent in Essar Oil to Petrol Complex, a subsidiary of Rosneft, while the second envisages the sale of the remaining 49 per cent to Kesani Enterprises, owned by a consortium led by Trafigura and United Capital Partners.

"An additional $2 billion will be paid for the acquisition of Vadinar Port, which has world-class storage and import and export facilities," the company said.

Trafigura is a leading independent commodity trading and logistics group with revenues of $100 billion. United Capital Partners (UCP) is a large independent Russian private investment group with investments of over $3.5 billion in various industrial sectors.

"It is a historic day for Essar," Essar Chairman Shashi Ruia said. "The transaction demonstrates our ability to build world-class assets and create immense value in our businesses. The monetisation of our stake in Essar Oil will help drive the next level of growth for our other businesses."

--IANS

ap/vd
'Lipstick Under My Burkha' typifies what's wrong with feminist movement

Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 15 (IANS) The trailer of Alankrita Shrivastava's film, very strategically and with thesis-like precision gives us four women from different age groups who just want to throw it -- the burkha -- off and breathe easy.

The burkha is of course a metaphor. And one that Germaine Greer would have grabbed at greedily 30 years ago. Today, 'throwing off the burkha' hardly seems revolutionary, let alone exciting as an idea for a movie. Lately, Leena Yadav got three rural Rajasthani women together in "Parched" to discuss, ahem, sex and other forbidden pleasures even as back home men continued to brutalize them.

In "Parched", Tannishtha Chatterjee had a secret admirer who called himself 'Shah Rukh Khan'. In "Lipstick Under My Burkha", Ratna Pathak Shah has a much younger man lusting for her on the phone. Maybe both women attended the same 'naari bachao' class.

"Lipstick Under My Burkha" -- of what it seems from the trailer -- deviates from the pseudo-feminist norm of throwing off the burkha -- a variation on "Kaanton se kheench key yeh aanchal" -- where the woman must break the barriers of the stifling patriarchal system to be free in one detail. The men seem rather nice and gentle here. They never are in such films.

But here we have the very talented Vikrant Massey being kind, very kind -- in bed to Ahana Kumra who was last seen playing Amitabh Bachchan's daughter in the failed serial "Yudh". We see Sushant Singh (not Rajput) smiling benevolently at another female protagonist, and so on.

What a relief! A chick flick where the men are actually not jerks.

Make no mistake. "Lipstick Under My Burkha" is a full-blown chick flick serving up all the cliches of the genre and blissfully ticking all the boxes one by one. There are four women from different generations lunging for some solid tumble in the hay with strangers.

Ratna Pathak Shah (50 plus), Konkona Sen Sharma (30 plus), Ahana Kumra (20 plus) and Plabita Borthakur (20-minus) are all in the mood to throw caution to the winds, surreptitiously buy and use lipstick (still taboo in several convervative societies), discuss condoms with their partners and with their gal pals, and have a smoke with the gal pals when the lights are out. Smoking, as we all know contrary to the statutory warning, is not always injurious to health.

So put up your feet, all you fans of Chetan Bhagat's brand of designer-feminism. "Lipstick Under My Burkha" promises to give the New Indian Woman a new look under the burkha (or the dupatta or the ghoonghat). As soon she throws of the burkha and smears lip gloss, she is ready for the kill.

--IANS

skj/rb/vm

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Consumer news is essential to the well-being of our country. One news article could shape citizens perceptions of our nation. Therefore, news can change the course of history. With this in mind, how can news outlets and journalists cater to a new generation of consumers? Looking toward podc
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U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., will hold listening sessions on the Farm Bill and other issues beginning Monday.

Mondays session, from 12:30 through 3 p.m., is set for the Billings Public Library, 510 N. Broadway.

Mondays listening session will focus on grains, pulses and livestock. Tester is the Senates only active farmer.

According to a news release from Testers office, Montanas senior senator also plans stops in Missoula, Libby, Whitefish, Cut Bank and Shelby during the week.
This is a very complicated case. A lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

The Donald Trump candidacy has made life very difficult for Republican congressional candidates. Do you support the nominee, winning favor with his base but taking on his increasingly grope-y baggage? Or do you denounce him, hopefully solidifying your position with disgusted Republican moderates but potentially enraging the #MAGA crowd? Its such a fraught decision that earlier this week Paul Ryan, in the course of announcing that he himself would no longer make any effort to publicly defend or support Trump, gave GOP lawmakers permission to decide for themselves how to handle Trump. This is a very unusual presidential election.

If youre one of those stuck-in-the-middle candidates, its a potentially career-defining decision, given the passions aroused by Trump. And one things clear: You have to decide. This is not a question you can dodge.

Unless youre Republican senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, that is. While most of the rest of his party grits their teeth and announces their plans to either support Trump or not, come what may the consequences (with some folks zigzagging back and forth), Toomey has instead adopted a strategy of radical ambiguity.

This has been going on for a while. In the run-up to Sundays second presidential debate, Toomey, who is locked in a tight race with his Democratic opponent, Katie McGinty (FiveThirtyEight has his probability of prevailing at 44.3 percent at the moment), had signaled that he could kinda, sorta, potentially see himself supporting Trump, maybe? He just needed to get there on his own terms, to really work through the process.

Then, a week ago, that explosive Access Hollywood tape was released, which would seem to settle matters. If you were on the fence before, shouldnt that talk of pussy-grabbing knock you violently off it? Not for Toomey. Toomey has previously said he hopes to support Trump, but needed convincing, wrote Jonathan Tamari on Philly.com in an article published Monday. But after the release Friday of the recording showing the GOP nominee bragging about aggressively kissing and groping women, Toomey would not say if he will support Trump, or if he is still considering doing so, despite repeated questions this weekend from the Inquirer and other news outlets.

On Monday morning, Toomey canceled a planned visit to a high school, where he would presumably have been asked to clarify his stance. On Tuesday, he did appear at a Women for Toomey event  awkward timing  only to announce his status as an undecided voter. The next day, he offered up some further muddled thoughts at another campaign stop: Im not defending Donald Trump, he said. I have said I find his candidacy very problematic. I had hoped by now I would have been convinced to be an enthusiastic supporter. I remain unpersuaded.

This invites a fascinating thought experiment: If Pat Toomey thinks Donald Trump is too problematic to endorse now, in mid-October, what is the hypothetical event or revelation that would cause him to change his stance between now and the election? Evidence that Hillary Clinton has been dressing up as a clown and terrorizing kids? Leaked audio of her talking about a propensity for groping young women?

Whatever his thought process, Toomey is now attracting more scrutiny and mockery with each passing day, up to and including a mention on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Most candidates would realize its time to cast their lot with Trump or not-Trump and let the electoral chips fall where they may; Pat Toomey, though, is walking a different, much foggier path.
Donald Trump has sunk to unimaginable new depths. Photo: Ty Wright/Getty Images

If Donald Trump has accomplished anything, it is to exhaust our vocabulary of outrage. Hes a bigoted, abusive, authoritarian, racist figure who lies so far outside the normal range that he has broken the scale, making any new reading impossible. Every terrible thing simply feels like more of the same.

But in the last couple of days, Trump has sunk to new depths. In a speech yesterday, he charged, Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers, her special-interest friends and her donors  inflammatory anti-Semitic imagery reminiscent of Charles Coughlin. And then Friday, in possibly the most deranged misogynistic moment of the campaign, Trump insulted Hillary Clintons appearance, telling his audience, when she walked in front of me, believe me, I wasnt impressed.

Trump has spent decades reducing all women to their appearance. At the same time, his presidential campaign has forced upon him certain disciplines, one them being the need to conceal this habit. During the primary, he dismissed Carly Fiorina  Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?  but, when confronted, backed down with an unconvincing denial. The denial indicated Trumps awareness that this was a line he could not cross, a side of himself he could not show.

But the recent spate of sexual-assault allegations returned Trump to his natural state, and he has spent days boasting that he would never force himself upon the women accusing him of doing so because they are not attractive enough. He then slipped almost naturally into a dismissal of his opponent. Denying his opponents charge that he evaluates all women by their looks has become too exhausting a pose to maintain, and, with his polls submerging, the payoff of forbearance has dwindled to too low a level. The mask has slipped, and Trump is thrusting himself before the country as the grossly bigoted misogynist his critics have always known him to be, a disgraceful excuse for a human being, a monster without restraint.
Photo: Hero Images Inc./Getty Images

Conservative lawmakers have championed legislation that makes women jump through hoops before theyre permitted to have an abortion, presumably so they can be sure about their decision. Well, it turns out that women are more sure about their choice to terminate a pregnancy than they are about other kinds of health-care decisions.



For a new study in the journal Contraception, researchers from Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) at the University of California, San Francisco, surveyed 500 Utah women seeking an abortion at four family-planning clinics. They used the Decisional Conflict Scale to measure their degree of certainty in their choice  the lower the score, the more certain you are, while higher scores denote conflict.



The state requires that women hear an information script at least three days before having the procedure. Researchers assessed the women right before they spoke to a provider and were able to follow up with 63 percent of them by phone three weeks later. Of that group, 89 percent had had an abortion and their mean uncertainty scores were 13.5 out of 100. The 11 percent of women who chose not to terminate had a mean score of 28.5; they were less sure to begin with and didnt go through with it. (For those wondering, the average score for the entire group of 500 was 15.5.)



In essence, women who had an abortion were already certain about their decision by the time they walked through the clinic doors. The DCS scale is used across other health disciplines, and women who chose termination were more confident in that choice than men or women in other studies about health-care decisions including mastectomy as treatment for breast cancer, prostate cancer treatment, and knee replacement surgery.



Lead study author Lauren Ralph, Ph.D., M.P.H., said in a release: Our research directly contradicts the idea that women are particularly conflicted about whether or not to have an abortion. These findings challenge the argument that women need more time or information to make their decision and would universally benefit from laws requiring them to have additional counseling visits, wait up to 72 hours before receiving care, or view ultrasounds.

Twenty-seven states have mandatory waiting periods of at least 24 hours and 14 states require a counseling session before said waiting period begins. This study shows that such legislation isnt giving women more time to make their decision, its merely forcing them to take more time off from work or caring for their families to go back to their health-care provider multiple times. It also means that self-righteous, sign-wielding protesters outside clinics are largely wasting their breath.




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Rocky Mountain College's Jeannette Rankin Peace Award will go just down the street this year, to an official at another higher learning institution.

Bill Kennedy was named the 2016 award winner by the college's Institute for Peace Studies. Kennedy will receive the annual award at the institute's benefit concert and ceremony in November.

Kennedy is the president of the Montana State University Billings Foundation, though his award nominations touched on his work as Yellowstone County commissioner. He ended a 24-year run as commissioner earlier this year.

A part of it is the same thing I'm doing today is working with community people and making sure we get things done in the community, Kennedy said.

Cindy Kunz, director of the RMC Institute for Peace Studies, said that nominations for Kennedy highlighted his work with Big Sky Honor Flights, a program that sends veterans to Washington, D.C., to view military service memorials.

They also spoke about a number of other projects, including the MetraPark and the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel. Kennedy recalled the creation of the cemetery as one of his finest projects.

One nomination said of Kennedy: "These seeds of peace and community will continue to take root and grow for generations to come," according to Kunz.

Kunz said that recipients for the Jeannette Rankin Peace Award are considered for their ties to Montana and the promotion of gender equality, unity, conflict resolution and other values. Nominations come from the institute's board and from the community.

The first peace award was given to former U.S. Sen.r Mike Mansfield in 1993.

The award is named for Jeannette Rankin, a two-time congresswoman from Missoula. She was the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and helped advance the women's suffrage movement.

She is known as the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. participation in World War I and World War II.

The Institute for Peace Studies is a board-run organization that is housed at Rocky Mountain College but is financially independent, Kunz said. Its goal is to "seek, through education, to explore and promote alternatives to violence," she said.

The institute benefit will be held Nov. 18 at the Billings Studio Theater.
Waitrose focused on boosting Italian wine success

Waitrose is adding a raft of wines from Sicily in a bid to further develop its significant market share in Italian wines.

Maria Elener, the supermarkets wine buyer for Italy, told OLN: Our share of Italian wines has grown by 4.5% over the last three years and we now have a significant share of the Italian wine market; about 11.7%. We are looking at about 5.5m of over-performance value at the moment, and this is against the overall market for Italy, which is in decline.

We are not that reliant on Pinot Grigio or Chianti like some of our competitors; I like to work out what the next big thing might be for Italy, and for the Autumn/ Winter season I have gone big on Siciily.

I looked for easy drinking, pizza-pasta reds but ones based on the indigenous styles. A lot of Italian wines are on the lighter flavour profile, but Sicily gives this and then a little bit more. Sicily apparently produces the same amount of wine as South Africa, and I can well believe it as there are a lot of small producers out there and they have some interesting indigenous grape varieties.

New red wines from Sicily which are set to join Waitroses range include: Corbello Nero dAvola/ Nero Mascalese 2015, Rapitala Nero dAvola 2015 and Donnafugata Angheli Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012. It is also adding two whites: Corbello Catarratto/ Inzolia 2015 and Rapitala Grillo 2015.

Elener said: I wanted to add a Sicilian Grillo and I spent a while looking for a wine which best represented it because some whites can be a bit flabby by the end of the year. But I think this one has a lovely flavour intensity and it is different from what is already in the Italian range. I am now very excited by Sicily. I will also be adding one to the Fine Wine line up.

The retailer's Italian portfolio will also be bolstered by further new additions including a Bersano Nivasco 2010 Barolo from Piedmont; Barone Riscasoli Brolio 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany; Tenute Poggiocaro 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Tuscany; and Reccia 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, Veneto.

The retailer also overtrades in French wine and it has plans to add more to its line up, including a premium level Beaujolais (Albert Bichot Les Rochegres 2014 Moulin-a-Vent, at 24.99). Nick Room, the retailers buyer for Beaujolais, said: We are adding this single vineyard Beaujolais, which is exclusive to us. This one is a step up from the others as we are seeing good sales for the five we have already. We are trying to rebalance the range. Our share in Burgundy is high while Beaujolais sells well all year; it appeals to people because it is a bit lower in alcohol.

Among the other new additions for the Autumn/ Winter season is a wine from Moldova, the retailer's first representation from this country; the Purcari Estate Freedom Blend 2011 (rrp 14.99), a blend of Bastardo, Saperavi, Rara Neagra.

Elener, who is also the wine buyer for Eastern Europe, explains: We are starting to see some good quality wines appearing from Hungary and Romania, and although I try to find different and interesting wines I usually tend to look for indigenous grapes but blended with an international grape variety, so that it helps to ease people in. But with this new one from Moldova I havent done that, so it is a bit of a gamble, but its a lovely red.

The retailer is also planning to make changes to its Fine Wine offering. As of November this year it will add more rotating stock, using smaller parcels of wine from niche producers, under a WIGIG (when its gone its gone) strategy.

Related articles:
shame on u then, seth meyers.

but srsly, wasn't he already running in 2008? i seem to remember making jokes about it back then.

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.... In the post:



Some of the jokes from that evening:



Seth Meyers: Donald Trump has been saying he will run for president as a Republican  which is surprising, since I just assumed he was running as a joke.

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I mean, he was running way back in 2000, and there's even a dude holding a Trump sign in the "Sleep Now in Fire" video. It's just now the GOP has been running on hate and demagoguery for so long, and it was clear who the Dem's nominee was gonna be, that he saw that 2016 was his shit or get off the pot moment.



Anyway, you're right, he's been floating presidential runs forever, and there are about a million people at NBC more responsible for this cheeto-dusted schmuck's national presence than Seth Meyers is. But it is a nice story about how easily bruised his ego is!

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Nah his racist ass has been seething since America elected a black president in 2008.

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He owns me money for my therapy tbh

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Nah, it's the fault of the Republicans (candidates and voters) for letting him get this far.



And to be honest, I don't consider Trump more dangerous than someone like Cruz or Pence. They're all evil.



I don't remember which year it was, but I loved it when Obama said, "And then there's Donald Trump." He waited a beat, then, "Anyway..." then went on to a different topic. Lol!

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I love the Obamas . He inherited such a mess from Bush.

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He has less than 100 days in office. I already can't imagine him not being in charge. I love the first family too :( I really hope they don't disappear from the public eye. I feel like we (and by "we" I mean the world, because I'm not American) need Barack and Michelle to remain visible.

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Honestly, if I absolutely had to choose...I'd go with Trump over Pence or Cruz. Ones a narcissist who will say anything to get his way; the other two actually believe the horrid bullshit they spew.

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Yeah, it's the idiots who voted for Trump's fault.



I personally would choose the devil I know (Cruz, Pence) over the devil I don't. There's no telling what Trump would do or incite.

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It's actually the fault of Rebublican donors. All of these billionaires picking their favorite candidate and then lavishing them with untold riches made those greedy assholes want to run. They had 17 people running in the primary. They split the vote and Donald just so happened to come out on top. I just wish the media would start to go after the billionaires so America could see who is really at fault.

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as much as i hate republicans, technically we can't blame the voters. there were a million candidates running. the vote was split.

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Of course it was a "That will show you!" knee jerk instead of thinking it through.

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HE was too nasty and out of order???

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''Donald Trump has been saying he will run for president as a Republican  which is surprising, since I just assumed he was running as a joke.''

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Imgur banned us and their links won't work most of the time



Edited at 2016-10-15 05:36 pm (UTC)

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Trump by himself is not scary. A guy on the street screaming the world is ending tomorrow is not scary it's when said guy gets followers who hangs on his every word that things turn scary. it's his followers that turned him from just crazy ranting asshole to one being a step away from the presidency.



The Republican establishment which has let the patients run the asylum since Obama got into office are the chief culprits though. Tea Party = Trump staunch supporters. So if the establishment had shut down all the crazy nonsense of the tea party we wouldn't have this



Edited at 2016-10-15 01:58 pm (UTC)

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interesting interview. surprised that ted cruz was a good sport.

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i blame one direction

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Same.

Especially ratalouis



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I don't. I blame a group of people... the crazies, the Tea Party for this.

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I specifically blame people who don't check their family and friends when they go off on smaller, more casually racist/sexist/etc. stuff. I think it starts like with little thoughts that are indirectly condoned and then it just snowballs to this horrible blatant stuff we're seeing.

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How is beyonce even on the same level as Bill???

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a trump surrogate argued that because Beyonce uses sexually explicit lyrics and that artists invited to the white house while Obama has been president have used violent language in their songs, it's the same as Donald Trump using "locker room talk"

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I'm so curious how 2020 is going to go now

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Praying all day, every day for a Michelle Obama/Elizabeth Warren ticket in 2020 or 2024.

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There's not going to be another black or woman president for a long, long time because our society is the worst. Look at all the amazing things Obama has done and how ugly he's painted as a president. Not even Democrats acknowledge he's been incredibly successful.

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i have to have faith this is the direction our country is headed

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I loved NYT response to him claiming that he's going to sue them.

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NYT was so sassy haha! They aren't some run of the mill organization.



The women knew they should come forward from leaked PROOF he and the lesser Bush (well they all suck, but Billy is like Ben Mulroney). It gave me the creeps they did all that before the actress joined them.

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I just find it disgusting that society has basically normalized predatory behavior. I've been in financial services for the last 3 years, and for longer in the corporate world, and ive been fortunate to have never faced that shit. I'm going into a new job soon, and I hope that this remains same.

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OMG the Ched Evans verdict in the re-trial. I just...cannot.

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Watch one of Trump's stupid sons decide to run eventually too.





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Oh like the one who said if women can't handle sexual harassment then they need to leave the corporate world and become a teacher? His kids are just as dumb as he is tbh.

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the one that's good with the cyber

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Thank goodness we've got, what, 20 some years before that's possible.

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No worries, he'll inherit the throne if Trump wins.

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very much doubt it. ivanka is his chosen one. i think she could successfully run for office some day, and maybe ascend to the highest office if she took it seriously.

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One of them wants to run for mayor of Nyc or something like that iirc

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This isn't biphobic at all.

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Well, this user is known for that.

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seriously yikes

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Lmao yep, this post is already down the drain.

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LOL constant arguments and hair pulling and knife throwing galore!

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Yup cause more separation is just what the world needs. So progressive.

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take it to capitol hill

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hmmm

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The replies you got lmao, ~mean lesbians strike again.





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I see what you're saying

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Way to fuck this post up from the start

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People here really hates when a lesbian expresses an opinion that doesn't involve being nice to non-lesbian folks.

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Yes, we do.



People don't take my sexuality seriously, even my family. I wonder why...



Edited at 2016-10-15 07:22 pm (UTC)

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so many "I am feel uncomfortable when we are not about me" people... good god

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I don't agree with separatist movements (though I understand why they exist), but the replies to this comment....I have a hard time imagining all the backlash if this was said by a gay man.

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This is a bad comment because bi people already face erasure from straights, gays and lesbians alike. But cool that you are fine w continuing that trend I guess. Sounds fun for you.

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ontd in a nutshell

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I feel like this post is going to be a hell of a ride...

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the first comment has already opened up that possibility

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mte

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~looks like we made it~

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I've met many ~lesbians~ that are like this.

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oof

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go .. off?

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Sigh

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who was she dating?

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I wouldn't mind if some straight lads went gay for awhile.

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My whole middle school life was trying to make straight guys gay curious.

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i wouldn't want a straight at all. like...at all.

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I would never date one but they'd be fun to suck off.

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Straight guys are attracted to me as the usual. :/ even a cute guy said he never vote. You just can't trust them no more

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mte

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I don't trust their hygiene tbh

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You mean bisexual.

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Right, a lesbian...

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Yeah, this is what we need. Like enough people don't take lesbians seriously.

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I know she's joking but can bi women call themselves lesbian?

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no because lesbians strictly like women while bi women like more than one gender

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yes, if you ask cynthia nixon

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No. Labels exist for a reason

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nope

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I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but I genuinely want to know what was the rationale behind this comment

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lmao

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Lol

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lol

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No. Just like bi people shouldn't call themselves gay, yet for some incomprehensible reason there are many people (on tumblr especially, yikes) who think that's totally ok and if you disagree you're "biphobic". Fucking hell.

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no, why would they? lesbians are known as lesbians for a reason, just like bi is bi for a reason

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No only other people can label your sexuality and if you try to deviate from it even slighty well it's gay jail for you.

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no

we're bi not leasbians

bi

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No, if you do that it gets you red flagged for an extra TSA screening & they'll take you to airport jail for 24 hours until you admit to being bi or a terrorist

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This is a great gif OMG

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All guys suck back to being lesbian again



i just







Edited at 2016-10-15 06:26 pm (UTC) i just

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Omg this gif is a treasure

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I was waiting for this to make it here. Men in comics are a fucking mess

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men are a fucking mess, let's be real



Very few are not

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i'm glad you made this post!



honestly his rant was disgusting. even if it were the case, how does that mean that those ~mutilated~ romani children don't deserve positive representation? punishing an entire ethnicity for something one segment does is bigotry lmao, there's no way around that.



and then ofc it was a complete bullshit argument to begin with, as well as one he sat on for 23 years. he isn't facing enough backlash for this honestly it's deplorable.

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Yep, I genuinely don't get why he claims he's never going to write positive representation for Rromani. He's... Technically already done that with how he's written Quicksilver? Even if he's never written anything about Quicksilver being a Rrom, by all accounts he's written him sympathetically, so his claims on never doing that about the whole group is dumb and racist.

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I mean people see male circumcision as mutilation sooo what's his point tbh

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mte

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Ready for Disney Marvel to make an empty comment how they ~love humankind worldwide or something.



Also: male comic writers, damn.

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I'd be surprised if marvel did address it. It wasn't a marvel-sanctioned panel and I feel like they would have done it at this point :/

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Hmm, maybe depending on the legs on this story, then.

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They love all people - even the blue and polkadot ones.

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I'm honestly annoyed at how ppl get when they decry one version and stan the other, especially when Evan's version is a glorified stereotype of the Rroma.

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plus ATJ is at least jewish unlike evan peters



/prefers mcu quicksilver to xcu quicksilver, realizes it's an unpopular opinion

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I literally saw somebody defend Evan Peters' casting by saying he looks ~ethnic. I wish I were kidding.

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yeah me too, Lizzie's too. I see a LOT of hate towards her and then click their blogs and they stan Evan's Quicksilver...

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I didn't even realize this until now. Maybe its because Marvel has more fandom presence (and some of the fans "calling this out" were dc stans using it as a gotcha to marvel fans tbqh). They're both whitewashed and both deserve equal stigma.

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Yeah I remember when I preferred Evan's "Peter" (ugh) and then I realized it was just as bad of a casting, if not worse and more whitewashed.



Like I knew someone who loved shitting on Brucenat 24/7 (yeah yeah I like it okay sue me) but when people pointed out that Pietro and Wanda's casting, which they looooooved, was far worse than some harmless romance they'd pull the "well Evan Peters did it too so do you hate him now? and I already called that out once two years ago OBVIOUSLY I hate it just as much".

It's like... well you're right about one thing so now I hate both equally thank you~



Edited at 2016-10-16 01:09 am (UTC)

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Yep, that's him. Also, it's spelled with two rr's because of pronunciation and to separate it from Romanian. It can be spelled with or without the extra r.

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Oh i see never saw it spelled that way. Cool.

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The shirt pretty much tells you it's him lol.

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Is literally every post a wank thread nowadays or what?

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Thanks for reminding me - don't feed the trolls!

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ONTD has become a cesspool for people to bitch about how disgusting others are and how they're triggered.



We need more Beyonce posts.

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Antiziganism: a word you rarely see, and yet a sentiment that you see everywhere.

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Marvel (the writers and other creative and executive teams) are 90% TRASH! Using the plight of actual people mostly minorities but not including them or barely including them. No surprise that 90% of the fanbase is also unintelligent trash!

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hes so unhinged in that video. im embarrassed for the other panel members having to sit there with him after that. and the audience for listening to it.

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He's a disgusting pig who should lose his job over this but sadly racists, sexists & homophobes seem to be rampant in the comics industry so I'll doubt he'll face any real repurcussions.



I wonder if there'll ever be any serious talk about this. There's talk of Steven Yeun playing Nightwing and I'm already seeing a lot of people excited over it. People who would typically argue that POC aren't interchangeable, even.



And tbh looking back I should have been a lot more critical of Marvel, both the X-Men and the Avengers movies, for their casting choices with the Maximoff kids. I can't @ the MCU making Wanda & Pietro white Christians (someone on tumblr pointed out that Wanda had a cross in her room in Civil War.)

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I really wish he'd lose his job or at least for Marvel to address it, but sadly I don't think either is bound to happen.



Also, it gets wild trying to explain to gadje fans why Dick is a Rrom and should be played by one. I can't even count amount of times I've been lectures on my own culture.

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I'm sorry people are being shitty to you. This post on tumblr got really famous a while back on why it shouldn't matter if Dick was played by a Romani actor or not because he lives in the US where Romani discrimination doesn't exist lmao.

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I used to be a big X-Men comic fan growing up but dipped out of the movie fandom. I almost came back for Scarlett Witch but omg a cross in her room? YIKES

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I'm too scared to watch the videos, I've seen enough angry racist comic dudebros ranting before I can imagine well enough.



I hate how fucking toxic men like him can be and I hate how they're just allowed to be that way, Marvel ain't gonna do shit to him. No one will, he'll keep working. It doesn't matter.

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Yep, it didn't happen at an official Marvel panel so they're not gonna do anything about it. It's incredibly sad to think about.



Also ur icon reminds me that I need a kurtwanda icon asap



Edited at 2016-10-15 09:41 pm (UTC)

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omg, please do. I adore Kurt/Wanda

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What a fucking mess.



I liked his run on x-factor, but what he said is inexcusable.

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https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/how-pop-culture-can-help-roma-see-themselves-survivors



Edited at 2016-10-15 09:08 pm (UTC) I think it's gross how that Romapop guy said making Magneto Jewish was whitewashing him (Claremont originally wrote him as Jewish after revealing he was a Holocaust survivor, Marvel temporarily made him Rromani in the 1990s because they didn't want their big villain being Jewish, before retconning it and confirming he was Jewish again).

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Is Magneto really considered a villain by people? Or was it just at that time?

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It was right before the Fatal Attractions storyline, where they made him a villain again.

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Yeah, he's a villain.



He can be morally grey most of the time(well, his greyness kind of depends on your own opinions) but he's still generally the villain(or at the very least antagonist).

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I've seen people say that before, it bugs me too cause it's like...why are you talking about the character when you don't actually know about them???

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Yeah no, I'm Rromani and while I always call out whitewashing of Rromani characters, I'll have to disagree with the guy. unlike the maximoffs/nightwing who've been Rromani for years, magneto was only considered a Sinte for a singular issue, and it was done for an incredibly insensitive reason. So I don't see it as a case of whitewashing.

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I had no idea that was why it was retconned! The fucking nerve lmao

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His argument doesn't even make sense. Stupid racist idiot.

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A long summer

On September 17th, Irans parliament endorsed a new Petroleum Contract put forward by the energy ministry and the cabinet. The coming weeks will reveal which oil majors are willing to risk investment in ventures with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).

Vagit Alekperov, CEO of Russian oil major Lukoil, has expressed serious determination since the signing of the nuclear deal to return to the Anaran oil field  frozen by economic sanctions  and develop other fields. Two days after the contract was endorsed, Alekperov flew to Tehran to meet with Iranian oil minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, who announced to the press that Lukoil was the first foreign oil firm to sign a memorandum of understanding. The symbolism of the announcement comes after a long summer of economic diplomacy between Moscow and Tehran.

A wake up call

Trade between Russia and Iran bottomed out last year at $1.24 billion. Iran signaled at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in June that economic ties fall far short of the strength of political ties. June and July saw lots of chatter and signaling,

An agreement was reached for direct flights from the Caspian port of Astrakhan to Tehran around the same time. A commercial attache was sent to Moscow to facilitate business relations and Russia extended two loans worth about $2.5 billion to fund Russian exports, but a promised $5 billion loan has not materialized. Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mahmoud Vaezi, met with Energy Minister Alexander Novak in late July to reiterate the need for expanding economic cooperation and smaller business forums to continue as usual. These are all well and good but energy is where the money lies.

A meeting in Baku

Putin capitalized on Azerbaijans increasing dissonance with the West at a trilateral conference in Baku early this August between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to strengthen economic ties. The collapse in oil prices and decline in international energy investment has made cooperation in energy projects economically and politically attractive for all three.

Energy cooperation  pipelines, joint ventures, and oil swaps  dovetails with the proposed North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC), meant to open up trade possibilities through the Indian Ocean. Oil and gas projects fund all three governments who are the largest investors in infrastructure in their respective economies. Lukoil is ready to open the gates for other Russian firms and incentivize further work on the NSTC, strengthening the potential for trade in other sectors. Related: Billions Of Barrels Of Undiscovered Oil May Lie Under Barents Sea

Alekperovs advantages

Lukoil has an unquantifiable advantage over competing Russian producers in the form of its CEO, Vagit Alekperov. Alekperov is Azeri and speaks Azeri. Nearly one-fifth of Iran is ethnically Azeri, the current Supreme Leader Khamenei is ethnically Azeri, and Azeris make up a large part of the business community in Tehran. The incalculable benefits of ethnic and linguistic ties to business counterparts have catapulted Lukoil into the position of being a bridge of sorts for other Russian firms. Events since the summit in Baku bear this out.

A day after the Baku summit, Iranian Minister Vaezi said that there were good opportunities for Lukoil to sign deals with Iranian firms. Three days later, Russian ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan was quoted as saying that Lukoil planned to develop two fields in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. When Alekperov came to Tehran on September 19th, he also met with NIOCs managing director Ali Kardor and announced that appraisal studies for the Ab Teymour and Mansouri oil fields would be finished soon.

After a year of negotiating, cajoling, and jumping at every chance to open up new projects, Lukoil is leading Russias economic diplomacy in Iran. The firm is looking for better returns on investment as it competes for greater market share and influence in Russia. Iran is the most promising low-cost market it has available.

If Lukoil builds it, will others come?

The notable absence of Rosneft in Iran is telling, Gazprom is pursuing memoranda of understanding with the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) but is cash-strapped, burdened by the combined costs and complications of projects in the Far East and Europe, and has not seemed to get anywhere in the run up to the endorsement of the Petroleum Contract. However, the Krasnye Barrikady Shipyard concluded a $1 billion deal to build 5 offshore rigs for an Iranian firm. Gazprom is one of Krasnye Barrikadys main clients and other firms selling equipment are finding openings. Related: Are Market Conditions For U.S. LNG Improving?

This second tier of Russian firms tied to the energy sector is key to prospective Russian-Iranian trade ties. Irans energy and transport infrastructure is underdeveloped and of poor quality. Russias struggling construction sector is in the hunt for project-hungry markets willing to provide financing. Russia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to expand banking ties in early September and there are reports that they would like to create a joint bank. Assuming these have impact, Lukoils entrance into the oil sector will cement business and financial ties that smaller firms providing relevant services will exploit.

There remain serious limits to the countries mutual trade. Russias agricultural sector is driving exports, predominantly wheat. Iran has steadily reduced its wheat imports in recent years. Without government spending, Russias infrastructure is inadequate to export competitive quantities of foodstuffs or other goods as other exporters use Irans well-developed Persian Gulf ports.

There will be a considerable wait-and-see period as companies the world over gauge the risk-level of Irans business climate. But Lukoils push into the Iranian market is cause to believe that Russian-Iranian economic relations may be set to change. Russian oil and construction firms have to get creative to cope with sanctions and the recession. Iran is a golden opportunity that the Kremlin is trying to seize.

By Nicholas Trickett via Global Risk Insights

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
It appears that unless the Universe has a couple of extra tricks up its sleeve we're witnessing the last days of presidential hopeful, Fucko the Clown. As of today, Friday October 14th, there are 24 days remaining until the election. Is it possible that Fucko could do or say anything that could salvage his flailing campaign? Are there enough Fucko supporters in swing states to stop a Clinton win? I don't think so. But then again ... this is a presidential campaign the likes of which we have never seen. The American voters, Republicans and Democrats, have been played. Not like a violin ... more like a kazoo. And the tune, eerily reminiscent of Pop Goes the Weasel, goes something like this:

There is an Orange Monster, with deplorable minions, hammering at the gates of the shining city upon a hill. This beast, who had lived his entire life in ostentatiously bestial ways, recently had been shown to also treat women in a beastly fashion (surprise surprise). The outraged citizens of the shining city chose a strong, battle-hardened woman as their leader to battle the beast. But unbeknownst to the citizens of the shining city upon a hill, the leader they chose to vanquish the Orange Monster ... was another monster.

And everything turned to sh*t. The End.

Here's another old tune I can't get out of my head ... it didn't have to end this way.

Click over to Google and type in "Donald Trump Mafia" and in point five three seconds you'll get about 759,000 articles. Then type in "Trump University" and in point four nine seconds you'll get about 1,560,000 articles. Now ask yourself these simple questions:

If the Nightly News Team did their goddamn job, even the most die hard Fucko supporters might have jumped ship if they were shown how Fucko University was designed to fleece the poor rubes out of their food and rent money. So Why The f*ck didn't mainstream media repeatedly beat Fucko like a gong with the sleazy facts about Fucko University starting the moment after he announced his candidacy on June 16, 2015?

Any idiot with an Internet connection could cut and paste these Googled facts into a damning expose' so Why The f*ck didn't the cavalry charge of Republican candidates use this material to blast Fucko into oblivion in the first few minutes of the first Republican primary debate?

The completely unsatisfying answer is ... because the Republican candidates ... and the media ... didn't.

The media were making too much money from the eyeballs flocking to their television sets to watch the latest Fucko news. And the Republican candidates? Why didn't they unmask him? None of those a**holes were qualified to be president but shining a light on Fucko's sordid inadequacies could expose their own. So they didn't fire any gun that might shoot their own feet off. That's my guess anyway. Who the hell knows what's going on in the brain of a money mad Republican lusting to live in the White House?

But here we all are 24 days away from the election and Fucko has been spewing garbage since the moment he tossed his made-in-China hat into the ring. That garbage is red bloody meat to the racist, xenophobic, misogynist, morons who have been easily manipulated by The Republican Elite for decades. I say "easily" because The Republican Elite are themselves racist, xenophobic, and misogynist swine so they speak the common tongue of the moron ... and are smart enough to enthrall their basest base.

There are people who have been trained to vote for anyone as long as the candidate is a Republican. They will vote for Fucko despite the ridiculously horrific things he has done or said. And then there are people who will vote for Fucko because of the things he has done and said. Is this a winning combination? Maybe ... maybe not.

We wouldn't be discussing this if the Zombie Queen had not stolen the nomination from Bernie Sanders. Sanders had the poll numbers to crush Fucko. The Zombie Queen did not. But nothing was going to get in the way of the Zombie Queen's quest for The White House. Nothing. Including the will of the people.

For the longest time the subject of politics has shifted from "What is Right?" to "Who is Right?" There is no substance. There is only image. And right now Fucko's image seems to be losing ground as the Zombie Queen gains the advantage. Will this be enough to carry her over The Finish Line? Maybe ... maybe not.

At this late date what do the television machine and The Internet tell us? What do we know? We know Fucko the Clown is a multiple bankrupted, unscrupulous, amoral, shithead who views women as things. In comparison, the Zombie Queen is a shining beacon ... as long as we overlook the facts that she's a highly paid corporate shill with an advanced state of war-mongering-itis simmering just under the icy surface.

If all works well, the citizens of the shining city upon the hill will be saved from the beast. But the problems that constantly eat away at the foundations of the shining city will not be solved nor go away. All Fucko the Clown and the Zombie Queen will have accomplished is to pave the way for the next, smarter, demagogue.

And everything turned to sh*t. The End.
He rode across three states in the back of a frigid trailer and didnt reach Billings before midnight, but Abby Loras prized steer, Massy, didnt have a hair out of place Friday morning.

The winner of his class at the Nebraska State Fair pressed his freezer-sized frame into a woodchip bed on the lawn of the MetraPark fairgrounds as Lora cleaned up. For at least a few more hours, they had the place all to themselves.

We came all the way from Nebraska for the NILE. So we got here a little early, Lora said. She was rocking out to Linkin Park as she arranged pens, a veteran of the livestock fair circuit.

The NILE, or Northern International Livestock Exposition, is one of the biggest fall livestock events in the West. The annual event is six days of stock shows, rodeo and a charitable auction. Its where steers like Massy go from state winners to regional phenoms. Thats what makes the 800 mile journey worth it.

Its 827 miles from Blue Hill to be exact, said Courtney Lovette, Loras stepfather. This is our third year weve been coming up here. We like it. The people are nice.

Showing up early allows the animals to rebound. Travel can rattle the best livestock. They might choose not to eat, or maybe just object to the taste of chlorinated city water once they arrive in Billings.

Lora brought three animals to the NILE. Massy, the Maine Anjou-Chianina cross was the show stopper. Blair and Bex were Loras smaller Maine Anjou contenders. Once the cattle were settled, Lora and Lovette were going to hit the town for a steak or a good burger.

The NILE is a big deal with all the Billings Chamber is doing to put heads in beds, said NILE spokeswoman McCall Linke. The NILE does a lot for Billings, and we appreciate everything Billings does for us.

The event was actually started by the livestock committee of the Billings Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s and evolved to include a professional rodeo and a full week of livestock events.

This year, the NILE expects to draw competitors from Nebraska to California, Linke said. On rodeo nights, the event will attract several thousand people. The beginning of the event has been retooled to give attendees more of what they like.

One of the big changes in the schedule is that the ranch rodeo moved from Wednesday to Saturday. Thats a big change, Linke said. Were starting a night earlier with ranch rodeo on the first Saturday and a week from Saturday, well have the pro rodeo.

Its the first time the NILE has had two Saturdas in the lineup. The rodeo will bring in about 9,000 people a night for four nights, Linke said. Saturdays ranch rodeo kicks things off. Then the pro rodeo will begin Thursday and run through Oct. 22.

For the first time, the NILE will also feature a western art sale to raise scholarship money for kids in agriculture.

It will be all Montana artists this year, paintings and bronzes, Linke said. The art will be on display each night before the rodeo.
India not conveyed any plan to seal its border with Pakistan: Nafees Zakaria

ISLAMABAD: India has not formally conveyed any plan to Pakistan to completely seal its border with Pakistan by December 2018, Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said during a weekly press briefing.



We dont have the details, he said when asked to comment on Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singhs remarks that India would seal the border with Pakistan completely by December 2018.



He said that on the one hand the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other, their actions contradicted their claims.



He regretted that no evidence had been shared to date on the Samjhota Express incident, despite Indias commitment at the highest political level to do so. With the passage of time, they have even exonerated those who publicly confessed to their involvement in that terrorist attack in Feb 2007, which is on record.



The FO spokesman said world knew that the Samjhota Express terrorist attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis, was carried out by RSS and Abhinav Bharats operatives, the terrorist Hindu outfits that work in tandem with IB, RAW and other intelligence agencies of India.



Pakistan has and will continue to raise the issue of that terrorist attack not only bilaterally with India, but also in its bilateral interactions with other countries.



Answering a question, he said highlighting the Kashmir issue, particularly the grave human rights situation, was part of Pakistans ongoing efforts to raise the matter at all bilateral and international forums. The countrys voice is reaching all corners of the world.



He said parliamentarians, human rights organisations, members of civil society and Pakistani and Kashmir diaspora were actively highlighting the plight of Kashmiris across Europe, the UK, North America and Nordic states. The prime ministers envoys as well as Pakistans ambassadors in those countries are reaching out to various segments of the respective societies. It would not be right to say that no voice had been raised, he added.



This is the reason why India is desperate and is making every effort to deflect attention from Indian-occupied Kashmir. Manifestations of these efforts are visible in their false media campaigns and false surgical strikes claim and other things like that. So, these are the reflections of the desperation of India and the pressure which is being built on India in the context of the brutalities it is committing in IoK. We have been asking for the international communitys intervention in this regard and we will keep on asking for this. And that is not all. More than merely stopping bloodshed in IoK, we urge that the Indian government and Indian occupation forces be called to account for the brutalities, murder and butchering of hundreds of innocent Kashmiris, while thousands of them have been taken away and their fate is unknown. There has to be an independent inquiry for which OIC and UN are also insisting, he said.



In reply to a question about false images and video footage of rallies aired by Indian television channels, the spokesman said: Indian media stood exposed and our media has been instrumental in showing the reality to the people in Pakistan and to the international community.



About Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikars statement that the Indian government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes claimed to have been carried out by the Indian Army across the LoC, he said the blatant lie stood exposed now. He said India was desperate to divert attention of the international community from grave human rights violations in India-held Kashmir.



Mr Zakaria said Pakistan was not facing international isolation and was very much engaged in world affairs. A number of multilateral events and high-level visits are taking place in and out of Pakistan. Wherever our leadership goes they are very well received. More and more countries are engaging with Pakistan. Pakistans strategic location is of immense importance, he said, citing the examples of Russia and Irans recent engagements with Pakistan.



He refused to comment on media reports that Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently met representatives of the Taliban and militant Islamic State group. He, however, said statements of Mr Doval and Mr Parrikar on his intentions of using terrorists were already in public domain.
A critical element, found in an original ligand, was the basis for identifying new ligands from among a library of compounds at Pfizer originally developed for drug discovery. The new ligands will be used in the synthesis of new pharmaceutical drug candidates. (Me=methyl; O=oxygen; H=hydrogen; N=nitrogen) Credit: Julia Joshpe, University of Rochester

A team of chemists including Daniel Weix from the University of Rochester has developed a process for identifying new catalysts that will help synthesize drugs more efficiently and more cheaply. The trick was to do something that has not been attempted before, to examine libraries of drugs to find the cure for bad chemistry: new catalysts.

The work was carried out in collaboration with Pfizer as part of a consortium of pharmaceutical companies interested in finding ways to make drugs using less expensive and less rare metal catalysts. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly concerned about the use of precious metal catalysts because they are, after all, preciousexpensive and in limited supply.

"If a single mine closes somewhere in the world, a company might not be able to get the catalyst they need to make a life-saving drug," said Weix. "Using nonprecious metal catalysts, like nickel, iron, and copper, avoids this potential catastrophe."

A major barrier to using nonprecious metal catalysts is that some of the strategies learned with precious metal catalysts do not seem to apply. In particular, metal catalysts typically contain an organic molecule that controls the reactivity of the metal: a ligand.

"For the precious metal catalysts, we have hundreds, even thousands of ligands," notes Weix, "but many of them do not work well for nonprecious metals."

This problem came into focus when Weix started receiving industrial inquiries about better conditions for his cross-electrophile coupling chemistry, which involves the interaction of two molecules with the aid of a metal catalyst. "There were a few types of molecules that just didn't couple well, yet were important to a wide variety of companies," recalls Weix. The companies had screened their ligand libraries already and found no new ligands that could improve the reactions beyond a ligand reported nearly four years ago by the Weix group.

Having exhausted the commercial supply of ligands, the team at Pfizer suggested searching for new ligands among the Pfizer library of 2.8 million compounds. To help them more efficiently search such a large library, the chemists identified the minimum critical elements of the best ligands and used that as a reasonable starting point, searching the library for compounds that contained the key elements. That search returned more than 1,500 results, leading them to do a more focused search that took into account more practical concerns about availability and likelihood of being a ligand. That search gave them a more manageable 82 results. Among that group, nine ligands in three different classes were found to be highly effective. Further refinements of the "hit" molecules led to even better ligands.

"While the new ligands look a lot like the old ligands, they were in a 'blind spot' for chemists," explained Weix. "These types of ligands had never been applied in catalytic reactions, and the only metal complex we found was made by accident."

But since those structures are common in drugs, Weix thought it made sense that they found them in the library.

Identifying new ligands is interesting already, but what ultimately matters is how well those ligands work with the catalysts in creating pharmaceutical compounds. Both of the challenging classes of reactions that motived the study were solved using the new ligands. In some cases, the improvements were dramatic - reactions that gave almost no product using the old ligands provided over 50 percent yield with the new ligands.

"We've shown that it's worthwhile to navigate known libraries of pharmaceutical compounds," said Weix. "What we did was only the beginning, and it's our hope that other chemists and pharmaceutical companies will carry out similar investigations of their compound libraries."

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Chemistry.

More information: Eric C. Hansen et al, New ligands for nickel catalysis from diverse pharmaceutical heterocycle libraries, Nature Chemistry (2016). DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2587 Journal information: Nature Chemistry
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ARLEE  For almost all Americans, a journey to the homelands of their ancestors requires the crossing of oceans.

For Lorraine Stevens of St. Ignatius and her 9-year-old granddaughter, Maurita Voice, its a 51-mile hike.

On a cold October morning, at a church and cemetery southeast of Arlee, the two set out on foot for the Bitterroot Valley.

They were joined by dozens of other people from the Flathead Indian Reservation on Thursday who, for three days, will honor their ancestors by walking a route similar to the one their forebearers traveled 125 years ago.

Their Return to the Homeland journey has one significant difference.

Their ancestors in 1891 were sent north, against their will, by the U.S. government and escorted by U.S. soldiers. These people are reversing the direction.

Following a smudging ceremony and a prayer led by Tony Incashola in the Salish language, they started walking south.

Incashola, director of the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee, said its called the Salish Trail of Tears.

Its hard to describe what it was like for them, being removed from the place where they had lived, grown up, raised their families, Incashola said. For years afterward, people would not tell the story or talk of the removal. They didnt want the young people to hate, and they feared they would feel that way.

Gary Three Woodcocks and Lucy Vanderburg led the walkers as they departed the St. John Berchman Catholic Church  the same Jocko Church their ancestors had arrived at 125 years ago after walking north for three days.

Three Woodcocks was first to carry the staff, a talking stick with an eagle feather used for several years in tribal hunting camps, horse camps and for coyote stories. Vanderburg wore a yellow shawl made by Louise Combs (1900-2005).

Combs' mother-in-law, Mary Ann (1882-1978), made the walk in 1891 as a young girl. The 2016 walk began at the foot of Louise Combs grave in the church cemetery, and Incashola said he believes Mary Ann, who was one of the last survivors of the removal, is also buried there.

Young Maurita Voice donned a smaller maroon shawl reportedly made by Mary Ann herself.

They suffered for us. Im grateful I have a chance to see what they went through, Voices grandmother, Stevens, said. Im teaching one of my little ones, and Im learning to understand what it was like for them at the same time.

While a core group intends to walk all three days and all 51 miles, others will take part in various legs. The large group that left the Jocko Church included several students from Nkwusm, the Salish language school in Arlee, and Two Eagle River School in Pablo. They were taking part in the first leg, which took them from the church to U.S. Highway 93.

Three horseback riders, Leon Wieder, Austin Moran and Bryce Finley, also joined in.

The Salish werent really a horse people, Wieder said, but historical photographs do show a few young Indian men on horseback as everyone else made the journey on foot.

The core group camped at the KOA in Missoula, and on Friday will proceed to the Chief Looking Glass Campground in the Bitterroot, as they make their way home.

On Saturday, at approximately 2 p.m., another large group is expected to join them for the last mile of the walk, to St. Mary Mission Church in Stevensville.

Willie Stevens, Lorraines brother and one of the organizers of the journey, said the purpose is to honor the memories of ancestors forced from their homeland, and remind younger Salish people of a sad but important part of their history.

We dont want a permit, we just want to walk, he said. Were doing it in a peaceful way.

Stevens distributed a detailed history of the Salish and their connections to the Bitterroot to the walkers.

Chief Victor succeeded in getting the Bitterroot Valley south of Lolo Creek set aside as a Salish reservation in the Hellgate Treaty of 1855 pending a survey, according to the handout, but white settlers soon wanted the land for agricultural and timber purposes.

Shortly after Chief Victors death in 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order falsely asserting that the survey  had been conducted, and that it had determined that land to the north better suited the wants and needs of the Salish people, the handout said.

A delegation led by a future president, James Garfield, was then dispatched in 1872 to negotiate the removal of the Salish from the Bitterroot. Despite the threat of bloodshed the new leader, Chief Charlo, who was Victors son, also refused to sign such an agreement.

Back in Washington, Garfield recommended the government proceed as if Charlo had signed.

The official copy of the agreement, which was sent to the Senate for ratification, had Chief Charlos mark forged onto it, the handout says. Years later a U.S. Senator from Missouri, George Graham Vest, had clerks dig up the field copy of the agreement.

There was no X beside Chief Charlos name.

Two sub-chiefs broke with Charlo and, in 1873, moved with a few families to the Flathead Reservation. Most Salish remained with Chief Charlo in the Bitterroot, where the government assigned them individual allotments of land and seized the rest of the valley for white settlement.

As the railroad arrived and with it, more people, demand for land in the Bitterroot increased at the same time that mining, logging and agriculture were burgeoning.

Pressures on the Salish, who were trying to live by traditional ways as property lines carved up the valley, worsened. In 1889, Chief Charlo finally agreed to move north after receiving assurances that housing would await his people.

Anticipating the long-resisted move, the Salish did not plant crops in 1890. Congress, according to the handout, then failed to appropriate funding for the removal of the Indians to the Flathead Reservation.

The same things were repeated in 1891. But late that year, in October, Gen. Henry B. Carrington arrived and told the Salish it was time to go.

Mary Ann Coombs likened the trip to a funeral march, the handout says. Children  wondered why the grownups were crying.

Despite the losses incurred in the removal, and the governments failure to deliver promised help, the Salish rebuilt their lives on the reservation, the handout says, assured that now, at last, they would be left alone.

Thirteen years later, of course, Congress then opened the Flathead Reservation to white settlement. But thats another story.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are about two three-day walks, 125 years apart. Today's Salish will arrive in the Bitterroot on the same October date their ancestors left.

Regardless of what took place, Incashola said, the Bitterroot will always be the Salish homeland.
Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association

Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America.
GLENS FALLS  Green Party state Assembly candidate Robin Barkenhagen said hes trying to get over his reluctance to ask for campaign contributions.

I had this great plan, said Barkenhagen, who is challenging Assemblyman Dan Stec, R-Queensbury.

I made my list of all my friends and family and I had my script set up, and I never made the phone calls. I basically chickened out, Barkenhagen said in a meeting with The Post-Star editorial board.

Getting better at raising funds coupled with implementing a system of public campaign financing are essential to the Green Party competing with Democrats and Republicans, said Barkenhagen, who had $350 in his campaign fund as of Oct. 3, compared with Stecs $42,000.

It is something as Greens we have identified and were going to, after this election, really pinpoint ourselves on is learning how to fund raise, learning how to pull that trigger and call up our friends and families, he said Thursday.

Barkenhagen supports a state public campaign finance system based on one in Maine in which candidates who raise a certain amount of money and agree to restrict additional contributions are eligible for public funding.

If we did have publicly funded elections  it (the race) would just be on the issues, he said.

Stec has said he flatly refuses the notion of public campaign financing because public money should be used to promote candidates a voter might disagree with.

Barkenhagen said public funding is already being used when legislators publish and mail out informational brochures at the publics expense.

They are taxpayer-funded advertisements for Dan Stec that came to my house, he said, holding up a stack of Stecs Assembly office mailings.

Stec, a former Queensbury supervisor, is seeking re-election to a third two-year term in the 114th Assembly District, which includes Warren, Essex and parts of Washington and Saratoga counties.

The Democratic Party did not field a candidate.

Barkenhagen, a retail shop owner and musician from Glens Falls, previously ran for an Assembly seat in 2002.

I didnt finish last  Ill leave it at that, said Barkenhagen, who placed fourth in the five-way race.

Barkenhagen supports increasing the state minimum wage to $15, which Stec has said is not practical upstate.

He supports legalizing recreational marijuana, with tax revenues used to fund education and infrastructure.

It really seems to be the right thing to do, Barkenhagen said.

Stec opposes legalizing recreational marijuana.

Barkenhagen said public drinking water should be tested for lead and copper annually at state expense, instead of the current requirement of once every three years at municipal expense.

I would like to see the state require that, and if they require that, fund it, he said.

Barkenhagen also said the states SAFE Act gun control law should be repealed.

Even my opponent is going to agree with me on this, he said.
SCHUYLERVILLE  The hand-built regional tourism center will be delayed at least a year.

There will still be a community raising to put the buildings timbers in place. It will be held June 16.

The plan had been to do the raising in September. But a funding delay slowed down site preparation. The foundation is still being built now, and the concrete will likely be curing until the end of the year.

At one point this fall, planners considered doing a quick raising in early winter, with just eight workers and a crane.

But we really wanted to do a real community raising, said clerk of the works Dave Roberts.

For that event, at least 40 people will work in teams to raise the entire building in one day.

Those who want to help should call the town of Saratoga town clerk to be added to the list.

I dont think they need to be skilled carpenters. There will be training, Roberts said. But they need to be fairly solid people, physically.

A smaller group will also raise the first floor, probably in May.

With the delay, Schuylerville officials are taking steps to keep their visitors center open for another year.

The center closed last week. It was to be the last week ever for the facility.

But now the existing center must be ready to open for another year, said Mayor John Sherman.

If they start in June, Im afraid its going to be late September before they open, he said of the new tourism center.

Roberts said later that it will be longer than that.

Once we get the frame up, the real work begins, he said.

The roof, walls, plumbing, electrical work and all interior work will take months. Then, the tourism guides must move in.

They have to prepare all kinds of static displays, Roberts said. The opening will probably be spring of 2018.

Its crucial to keep the Schuylerville center open until the new one replaces it. In the slow season, hundreds of people still stop by. The visitors center had 129 guests in September, Historian Kristina Saddlemire said.

The delay also means that the hand-cut timbers will have to be stored all winter. Theyre being stored outside, under cover, Roberts said.

Theyll be fine, he added. They might even be improved. They were green when we got them. Theyre going to lose a little of their moisture.

The Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center will be built at 30 Ferry St. in Schuylerville, near the existing center. The building was designed to incorporate elements of the Dutch barns built in this region, and the Timber Framers Guild hand-cut the timbers for it.

The center will serve as the starting point for people visiting the historic sites of the upper Hudson Valley, as well as other tourist attractions.
















The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the American presidential election, U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

Current and former officials with direct knowledge of the situation say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vice President Joe Biden told "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd on Friday that "we're sending a message" to Putin and that "it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact."

When asked if the American public will know a message was sent, the vice president replied, "Hope not."





Retired Admiral James Stavridis told NBC News' Cynthia McFadden that the U.S. should attack Russia's ability to censor its internal internet traffic and expose the financial dealings of Putin and his associates.

















The White House is considering launching a clandestine cyber operation against the Russian government to counter Moscows alleged interference in the US presidential election, media reported citing intelligence officials.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The Obama administration has directed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to provide options for a cyber operation that would "embarrass" the Kremlin, NBC News reported on Friday.

"The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation," the report said.





Former intelligence officers, the report added, have claimed the CIA has gathered documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin

The White House announced on Tuesday that Obama is considering a "proportional" response to claims by the United States that Russias government has interfered in the US presidential election through hacking of political groups computer systems.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the White Houses threats to retaliate "bewildering."





















With tensions between Russia and the United States at their highest since the Cold War , there have been alarming signs coming out of Moscow that suggest the country is ready for war.

As the confrontation between the United and Russia has worsened over Syria, and amid speculation Washington might launch airstrikes against Syrian government forces, Russian state-controlled media has gone into high gear, asking Russians whether they are prepared for nuclear war.





If that should one day happen, each of you must know where the nearest bomb shelter is, a report on the state-controlled network, NTV, noted, before taking viewers on a tour of a nuclear bunker in Moscow.





This month Russia held a large-scale civil defense drill across the country, meant to prepare people for disasters, among them nuclear catastrophe. The drill, which Russian authorities claimed affected 40 million people, and particularly the way it was presented on state television, resembled Soviet-era exercises, with scenes of schoolchildren flooding out in evacuations and being taught to hurriedly pull on gas masks.

Russias defense ministry has announced how the country would function in time of war, clarifying which government bodies would take command. The answer was largely it would, taking control of governors offices, local administrations and the police. The military simulated that scenario during a huge exercise in southern Russia.

The maneuvers took on harder forms as well. This week, Russia deployed nuclear-capable missiles to Kaliningrad, its northern European enclave between Poland and Lithuania that put the weapons within striking distance of Western capitals.

Still, despite the threats, the display has sometimes shown its seams. In the NTV report warning people to identify their nearest fallout shelter, the presenter interviewed a retired colonel "showing several possible scenarios of the catastrophe" on a map.
































With some Republicans distancing themselves from Donald Trump amid accusations about his treatment of women, a Natrona County woman is encouraging Wyoming voters to take a closer look at one of his conservative opponents.

Evan McMullin, a former GOP policy adviser, mounted an independent candidacy to challenge Trump earlier this summer. While he failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the presidential ballot in Wyoming, campaign volunteer Debbie Neuenschwander said voters can still write him in on their ballots.

Even if he didnt win the state of Wyoming, it is worth it to me to vote for Evan, because I am not simply voting against someone, Neuenschwander, a Republican, said. Im voting for someone I really believe is a good, honest, moral person.

Neuenschwander said that McMullin should stand out as a third-party option because he has the best chance to become president. That is based on the fact he has a better chance of winning at least one state than the other two third-party candidates, Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

McMullin is polling at 22 percent in Utah, according to a recent survey by the Deseret News. Thats within the margin of error of Republican Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, who are both polling at 26 percent in the state.

Were McMullin to win Utah, it would be statistically possible, though far from certain, that neither Trump nor Clinton would earn the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidential election outright. In that case, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives would choose the president out of the top three candidates based on states won.

While it is unlikely that the House of Representatives would reject the will of tens of millions of voters and select McMullin based solely on a Utah victory, Neuenschwanders point is that McMullin is best positioned to win at least one state and thus even qualify to be selected.

He has the best chance out of all the independent people, she said.

McMullin spokeswoman Rina Shah did not respond to a request for comment.

As a Mormon, McMullin has a strong base of support in Utah and neighboring states with high Mormon populations. He has official write-in status in Wyoming and Montana while he qualified for the ballot in Utah, Idaho and Colorado in addition to eight other states.

Wyoming has the third-highest percentage of Mormon residents in the country, with 9 percent of the population belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

But Neuenschwander said that while she herself is Mormon, McMullin would appeal to other Republicans and even Libertarians and Democrats disillusioned with their candidates.

McMullin is just honest and seems like a good guy, she said. People on both sides of the issues are going to see that and like that.

Hillary and Trump, a lot of people dont see them as honest or just good, moral people.

Neuenschwander encouraged Wyoming voters to learn more about McMullins views. She also emphasized the importance of spelling his name correctly on the ballot.

McMullin faces an additional challenge as a write-in candidate when it comes to his vice president. While McMullin named conservative businesswoman Mindy Finn as his vice presidential candidate last week, he had previously used his friend Nathan Johnson as a placeholder when he applied for write-in status on state ballots.

That means that even though Finn is his running mate, voters will need to record Nathan Johnson as their vice presidential selection on their ballots. The campaign says that if McMullin wins the presidency, Johnson will resign and McMullin will appoint Finn to fill the post.
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It will have tourist resort with facilities such as hotels, theme parks, shopping malls, casinos and office complex.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister said this in a speech read on her behalf by Gideon Aryeequaye, Acting Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority at the 25anniversary celebration of Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

We have met all stakeholders who matter in this project and I am happy to inform you that, the Marine Drive Tourism Investment Development Project will begin sooner than anticipated, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare

Ofosu-Adjare added: "This project is also in line with government policy on the Public Private Partnership where the government, in this case the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, took the bold initiative to use urban regeneration strategies as a way of attracting investment into developing that beach front into the state of the art tourism and hospitality enclave.

READ MORE A new country, Ghanivoire could weld together West Africa

According to her, the project will position the coastline from Osu to down-town Accra as an attractive destination for tourism.
READ MORE: Driver jailed for defiling a minor

The 14 year-old has been dating Meshach Abbbam for three years, according to the victim whose name has been withheld.

Bonney notoriously known in Awutu Obrakyere as someone who has been helping several young ladies abort unwanted pregnancies, according to Accra-based Adom FM.

The minor said Bonney, also known as Atongo, admitted her into his room and begun administering to her concoctions as part of his usual routine for aborting pregnancies.

"He has a bottle in his room into which he pours an alcoholic liquid, he then puts into it some small tablets and shakes very well and gives to me to drink, she said told Adom FM.

After giving me the concoction, he covers my lips with his bed sheet and anoint my head with some of the same liquid, she added.

The 14-year old further narrated her ordeal and the rounds of sexual bout the fetish priest subjected her to.

She said the Atongo slept with her at least five times a day: morning, afternoon and evening.

I spent five days in his custody and in all he slept with me for at least five times a day, in the morning, afternoon and evening, there was a time that when I was sleeping with my boyfriend, he walked to me at dawn and ordered me out and had sex with me.

The minor said the priest, who is also a herbalist, warned to kill or paralyse her if she dares tell anyone about the concoction and the sexual bouts.

She: "He consistently warns me that the concoctions are very strong and powerful and threatens to either kill or paralyse me or my mother if I name him and his girlfriend whom he loves very much if I dare name any of them when something happens to me after taking the concoctionand I am sent to Police station.

I was not allowed to go out, no one knew I was in the roomwhen I tell him I want to take my bath, he goes to bring a bowl and bucketI stand in the bowl and bath and when I am done, he comes for the water and go to throw it away.

The minor's parents caused the arrest of her boyfriend who in turn led them to house of the herbalist who was also arrested.

Awutu Breku Police Commander, ASP Samuel Amfo, said police rescued the minor and also arrested the fetish priest for kidnapping the fourteen year old girl.

"We were informed one Chris Bonney, a fetish priest and herbalist had kidnapped a JHS girl who had been impregnated by his 16-year old boyfriend and was preventing her from coming out of the room where she had been placed, he said.

READ MORE:Kenya man who defiled daughter says his wife denied him sex
Daily Guide published the story under the underline Minister Blows 80,000 On Shatta Wale, alleging that the Roads and High Minister paid an amount of over GH80,000 to bring the self acclaimed Dancehall King, Shatta Wale, to perform at his campaign launch in Tamale, Northern Regional Capital.

According to the story, Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jnr, popularly known as Shatta Wale, performed alongside two other local artistes in the region, who were also said to have been paid GH20,000 each.

Also joined to the suit are Fortune Alimi and Eric Kombat, Editor and Northern Regional Correspondent of the newspaper respectively.

Lawyers for the minister in a 33-paragraph statement of claim, said aside the publication, the paper again on page three of its October 5, 2016, edition published a caricature of plaintiff headed: Tamale Fusena depicting him with a bag of money on his back, holding a microphone in his hands and singing.

The publication drew criticism from his constituents who felt their MP has grown incensitive.

He, however, denied the story on various media platforms, saying he never paid anything to the Shatta Wale.

The minister is seeking GH1,000,000 as exemplary damages and GH3,000,000 as general damages, Daily Guide reported.
The summit in Ghana's eastern neighbour is expected to bring up solutions and frameworks needed to tackle maritime security challenges affecting the continent.

While incidents of piracy has been reduced in the Horn of Africa, cases have increased significantly on the Gulf of Guinea, which is shared by many West African states such as Ghana and Togo.

READ MORE: Ghana and Liberia agree to coordinate intelligence sharing

With high youth unemployment and underemployment rates in many coastal communities, there are fears that piracy will spiral in West Africa.
MORTON COUNTY  Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline protested at multiple locations near St. Anthony on Saturday morning, causing construction to pause at some work sites before resuming later in the day.

Police arrested 14 people during the demonstrations which involved a series of roadblocks and took police and protesters  by car and foot  through the prairie by rural gravel roads.

Pipeline workers were evacuated from sites near the protests by 9 a.m. All work continued by 2 p.m., according to Rob Keller, a spokesman for the Morton County Sheriffs Department.

The day came to a head around 11 a.m. as about 100 officers converged with 150 protesters on County Road 81 southeast of St. Anthony. For an hour, protesters sang and beat drums in the middle of the gravel road as police stood behind a line of yellow tape.

Around noon, the group turned around and walked back to their cars. No one was arrested.

Most of the group had marched 3 to 4 miles to this final confrontation after police blockaded traffic on the road, preventing them from continuing by car. Mark Tilsen, a protester from South Dakota, said the group was headed to support a man who locked himself onto equipment earlier in the day.

The march was also intended to show police that the protesters are peaceful, said Marena Mahto, a Dickinson native and member of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

"We're trying to show them we're here for a reason," she said, noting her concerns about the water.

Mahto was taken aback by the heavy police presence at the site, which included dozens of officers, a helicopter circling above, armored vehicles and multiple transport vans.

"Looks are everything," she said, indicating the way that officers tapped on their batons. "That shows us they're looking for a fight."

Earlier in the day, 10 people were arrested after allegedly congregating in the middle of Highway 6 near an active construction site and refusing to leave, according to Keller.

Keller said the caravan was stopped by police at the intersection of the highway and County Road 135 around 9 a.m., about two miles south of where crews are actively running pipe  the same place a large protest took place Monday.

The group got out of their cars along the road, and some refused to leave on orders from police, Keller said. They are facing charges of disobedience of a public safety order during riot conditions and disorderly conduct.

Also Saturday, a man attached himself to the arm of a track hoe 8 miles southeast of St. Anthony, in an act of protest against the 1,172-mile crude oil pipeline.

Keller said that person detached himself after five hours, while police were waiting for equipment to remove him. Officers helped lower him to the ground, where he was arrested for reckless endangerment, trespass and inciting a riot.

The other three people arrested are accused of trespassing on a rancher's land, Keller said.

Multiple groups of protesters were stopped at other locations by police blockades, according to protest camp Facebook posts.

Highway 6 was temporarily closed to traffic from St. Anthony to County Road 135, and local residents were advised to stay off of the road.
In a 10-page report, GII said the acts were committed in order to ensure the second term bid of President John Mahama.

The report was a collaborative work by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations Monitoring Abuse of Incumbency and Electoral Corruption: the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and Citizens Movement against Corruption (CMaC).

The project was in two parts: monitoring of abuse of incumbency in 20 selected constituencies, and media monitoring of news stories, features, articles, editorials, space, and time in two state-owned media outlets to political parties.

It was carried out in June, July and August 2016.

-- vote buying--

The report accused the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Jirapa Constituency of distributing two Ghana Cedi bills to the crowd at a political rally onSunday, 17th July 2016.

On Wednesday 27 July, 2016 the First Lady Mahama donated medical equipment and supplies to the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital as part of efforts to reduce mother to child transmission of HIV. The event took place at the forecourt of the hospital. In attendance was the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, the MP Hon. Mark Woyongo, the Upper East Regional Minster Hon. Albert Abongo and his deputy, the MCE Dr Stanislaus Kadingni, the NDC National Womens Organiser, Chiefs and Queen mothers as well as NDC party supporters," the report said.

The GII findings also accused the Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency and the Minister for Petroleum, Honourable Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah of financial support to "drivers in Jomoro, Nzema East and Ellembelle to secure drivers licenses."

READ MORE: GII condemns BoG for sole sourcing procurement of gold watches

"He also helped those who needed to upgrade their licenses. He hosted the registration exercise at the AYA Community Center. Many drivers secured their licenses while others were not able to, due to a shortage of the registration forms on Friday August 12, 2016," the report added.

--Abuse of incumbency--

The distribution of outboard motors by president John Mahama on August 16 in the Western Region was captured in the report as an abuse of incumbecy.

The commissioning of a mechanized borehole for the Amedzofe College of Education (AMECO) in the Ho-West District of the Volta Region by the Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia was labelled as providing last minute infrastructure, construction, etc. and the provision of other services to communities aimed at securing votes.

READ MORE: GII accuses Mahama of vote buying
READ MORE: Bawumia reiterates establishment of Zongo Development Fund

Secretary of the group Mohammed Abdul Basit said, Zongos cannot accept yet another Sakawa promise to galvanize our votes and later abandon us as they did years back.

The NPP in its manifesto has promised to to establish a zongo development fund to "help regenerate and review our zongos."

At the launch of the party's manifesto last week at the Trade Fair, the NPP vice presidential nominee said the fund will invest in education and training and development within the zongos targeting health, sanitation, local businesses and culture and art.

Our Zongo development fund is aimed at regenerating and reviving these communities and the fund will invest in education and training and development within the Zongos improve infrastructure within the Zongos targeting health, sanitation, supporting local business and centres of cultures and arts and in community policing and security. Zongos are vibrant places, they are communities with opportunities in local culture, specialty foods and tourism that if properly invested in, and harnessed can create jobs and economic growth at the community level Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia said.

But according to the Zongo for NDC, the NPP is attempting to to score cheap political point from the zongo communities.

The attack on the NPP's zongo development fund comes after the groups top communicator, Awal Mohammed, defected to the NPP because the NDC manifesto was silent on what it will do for the zongo community.

In his defection speech, Awal Mohammed said: "As a Zongo boy I felt we have been given a raw deal. Again, as a young man I believe that NDC as a party has failed in curbing the massive unemployment which has resulted in unprecedented hardship, job losses is on the rise and our economy is in disarray."
The Access bank boss, who also double as the founder of the HOW foundation said: "First and foremost, most of us adults have that responsibility, and it is not about the president or leaders of the country alone. Things have changed so fundamentally over time and we have to go down to the basics of capacity building.

"One of the things our foundation will do at a later stage, has to do with even supporting them in the universities and other tertiary institutions, creating strong educational background, because the young people are truly the people that hold the future of the country," he said.

ALSO READ: Herbert Wigwe speaks about innovation in the finance sector

Corroborating him, the CEO of the foundation, Antonia Ally said: "The youth leadership and mentorship seminar is one of the many series that will be coming from HOW foundation. Our foundation, which is barely 10 months old partners with national and global organisations to empower youth, join in combating malaria and prostate cancer."
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SP Ahmed Musa, the Divisional Police Officer for Zaria confirmed the arrest of Francis who was paraded on Friday, October 14, 2016 in a statement.

I received a phone call at about 3pm on Thursday from one of our staff, Kamal Aliyu, who lived in the same compound with the accused and the parents of victim.

I immediately mobilised our men to the scene.

When they arrived at the house, they discovered that people had nearly lynched the accused, but for Aliyu, who locked him up in his room after persuading the crowd, he said.

The mother of the victim said she was preparing to visit a school when the incident occurred.

She went into the suspect's apartment where she made a shocking discovery where Francis was found having carnal knowledge of her daughter.

A police officer reportedly saved him from being lynched by neighbours, she said.

We reside in the same compound with Emmanuel and my children used to call him Uncle Emmanuel.

I was preparing to proceed to Islamiyya School, only to find out that the girl was not around.

I knew she used to go to his room to play with his younger sister because they stay together.

When I went into the room, I saw Emmanuel on top of my daughter.

There and then I shouted; people who gathered wanted to lynch him but a security man saved his life."
Malami said It is impossible to give a clear figure against the background of complexity, differences of rules, approach and processes, at international communities.

Also, investigations which are ongoing and keep changing, and there are also cases in court with different jurisdiction and dynamics, so it is impossible to arrive at an exact amount.

He also called on Nigerians to take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act, which will give them the opportunity to get information from any agency of government.

He also said The Federal Government of Nigeria has set up an OGP National steering committee with the Federal Ministry of Justice as the coordinating ministry.

The government will also continue to pursue reform programmes on transparency and accountability in promoting asset disclosure, improved public procurement, promoting fiscal transparency and empowerment.

We will work with the network of OGP implementing countries for technical support, especially in repatriating our stolen funds that are currently stashed away abroad.

I invite the media to join hands with the government to communicate all of these reforms to Nigerians in a very simple language not just at the Federal and states levels but also in the local communities.
Mrs. Buhari, in an interview with BBC Hausa, alleged that some people have taken over Buharis government.

She also said those that worked hard for her husband to come to power have been side-lined by some powerful people who she thinks are controlling Mr. President.

There are insinuations that Aisha was indirectly exposing Abba KyariPresident Buharis Chief of Staff, and Mamman Daura- Buharis cousin.

Read full text of First Ladys interview below:

BBC Hausa: It has been One and a half years since President Muhammadu Buhari came into power, a lot of people are expressing their unhappiness over the way few acquaintance of the President have hijacked power while neglecting people that work for his success.

Like we have promised, here is how the interview with Aisha Buhari and Naziru Makailu from Abuja goes.

BBC Hausa: People have goodwill towards President Muhammadu Buhari, especially looking at the things he did before, but since coming into power, things have not been working the way they should, what do you think is the cause?

Aisha Buhari: I am not a government official, but in my opinion as a woman, a mother, what I think is it is well known that the first 4 years are not going to be easy. Firstly, it was people that brought the government into power.

More than half of those people are not appointed into the government. Some people that are not politicians, not professionals were brought into the government. They dont even know what we said we want and what we dont during the campaign.

They even come out and say to people we are not politicians, but they are occupying the offices meant for politicians. Some have parted with their wives, some lost their children, some women too have parted with their husbands because of politics, a lot happened during the time. The way things are going I too I am not happy. We are just starting, we have not finished.

Some people that worked for the government have been appointed. But those heading government agencies you can find one fighting his state governor, they contested together during election one in APC while in PDP.

BBC Hausa: Who are those doing these kinds of things?

Aisha Buhari: Everybody knows them. Those people should know that people voted singly. Even Buhari too had one vote. Nobody voted 5 times. 15.429 Million People. That one that people are thinking too, he had only some 2 or 3 people. I am pleading to them to have the people at heart and embrace everybody so that we can all move together. Not even now in 2016 or 17, lot of people are creating divisions within the APC, which is our source of concern.

They think they have worked for the government while those appointed some of them had no voters card. What I fear is uprising of 15.4 million people.

BBC Hausa: Is the President aware some people are subverting his government?

Aisha Buhari: Whether he knows or he do not, those that voted for him knows.

BBC Hausa: But you are the most closest to him, did you tell him?

Aisha Buhari: There is nothing I can tell him, he is seeing things himself. Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them I dont know them. Perhaps he doesnt know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years.

BBC Hausa: Do you think there are some people that are dictating to the President things to do, not him?

Aisha Buhari: That is what I am saying, those that know they dont have voters card, they should give chance to those that have, they are the ones that struggled and knows what we want to do. Some of them if you go to a meeting with them they will tell you, we are not politicians, if somebody is wise, they will not accept to take any political office. They didnt even work for it. Even if you are asked to, you should say it is not my profession. Those places not headed by politicians will cause people discontent.

BBC Hausa: One would wonder to hear you say some people have hijacked the government without him knowing, but who do you think are those people?

Aisha Buhari: I dont know them, I dont know them. I dont know them.

BBC Hausa: But some people are calling names, saying 2 or 3 are the ones, do you that as well?

Aisha Buhari: Yes I agree. Because of those appointed apart from Fashola, Ameachi and some others, not much, I dont know them, most of us too dont know them, and he too does not know them.

BBC Hausa: One would wonder that Buhari is not the one charge knowing him as a person who had leadership experiences, people would not believe.

Aisha Buhari: Yes it is surprising; nobody thought it is going to be like this. But now that it is so sometimes when one is doing something wrong without him knowing, but when people talk to them, they should listen. Because in the future, whether he is going to contest or not, it is that same people that would vote for APC. We hope those people dont come back, and everybody dont hope so too.

BBC Hausa: You said Whether he is going to contest in the future or not, has he disclose it to you whether he is standing or not?

Aisha Buhari: He didnt tell me, but I have madeup my mind.
Mrs. Buhari in an interview with BBC, alleged that some powerful people had taken over Buharis government.

The President, in what has been described as a joke by his media aide,Garba Shehu, said the First Lady belongs to his living room and kitchen.

The group through its National Coordinator, Usman Okai Austin said The outbursts of the presidents wife about his posture to governance is quite unfortunate and mismatch to the expectations of Nigerians and to worsen it, the response of President Buhari relegating his wife to his room and kitchen shows that Nigeria has been dragged to many centuries backward.

It is unfortunate that a president who left Nigeria for Germany demeaned women right in front of Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, who happened to be a woman.
WILLISTON  Oil industry representatives and private mineral owners are questioning whether the state of North Dakota is trying to claim ownership of minerals under Lake Sakakawea, and one attorney warns the uncertainty could deter development and lead to decades of lawsuits.

The Board of University and School Lands has traditionally leased minerals under the Missouri River but not minerals under Lake Sakakawea, created by the Garrison Dam.

But in recent court cases involving disputes over minerals, attorneys representing the state have asserted that there is no distinction between the historical river channel and Lake Sakakawea.

The statements in court, combined with a lack of clarity from the Land Board that has only discussed the matter in closed-door executive sessions, are causing some to question the boards intentions, said Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

That would lead one to clearly believe theyre attempting to take ownership of the minerals under the lakebed, Ness said.

Its causing concern among private mineral owners who have already leased minerals under Lake Sakakawea, Ness said.

Families and others have owned and operated these minerals like private property, he said. Leases have been taken, wells have been drilled, royalties have been paid. Were only 10 years into a very long Bakken play.

Lawrence Bender, a Bismarck attorney who represents several oil companies, warns that if the state is changing its position on who owns minerals under the lake, there are potentially billions of dollars in royalties that will need to be refunded.

If the state of North Dakota continues with its position, I believe its going to be decades of litigation, Bender said.

The Land Board, which manages state-owned minerals and is chaired by Gov. Jack Dalrymple, is expected to discuss the issue at a meeting Tuesday. Dalrymple declined to comment until after the board meets on Tuesday, said spokesman Jeff Zent.

Lance Gaebe, commissioner for the Department of Trust Lands, said the agency has not changed any leasing practices and has not initiated any of the lawsuits.

The state is involved in defending a handful of court cases involving disputes over minerals. Gaebe said the board has a responsibility on behalf of North Dakotans to protect and maintain public ownership.

In one case, William S. Wilkinson v. the Board of University and School Lands involving a dispute over ownership of about 200 mineral acres west of Williston, attorney Jennifer Verleger from the Attorney Generals Office, made the following comments on behalf of the state:

Lake Sakakawea is simply an expansion of the Missouri River; it is not a separate and discrete water body and Simply because the Corps dams up a river, and backs up water, and gives that water body a new name, it does not mean the water body did not exist at statehood.

That case is being appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

In another case dismissed this month in federal court, U.S. Judge Daniel Hovland wrote in an order, The state contends it owns all of the oil and gas under Lake Sakakawea because North Dakotas title to the beds of navigable waters extends up to the ordinary high water mark.

Ness said he would like Land Board members to clarify their intentions.

Is their intention to try and take these minerals, or is it just to answer these lawsuits and not contend that beyond these specific lawsuits? Ness said.

More people have been asking questions about lakebed mineral ownership recently after the topic was featured in the Oil Patch Hotline, an industry publication, Bender said.

Fred Evans, a mineral owner from Stanley, wrote a letter to Land Board members calling it ridiculous to suggest that the state owns the minerals under the lake. Evans urged the elected officials to protect citizens rights to minerals they have owned for generations.

The very thought of this should scare any North Dakota private property owner, Evans wrote.

In addition to the statements made in the court cases, the Land Board sent a letter to the state engineer in November 2015 asking for a cost estimate to survey the ordinary high water mark from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation to the Highway 85 bridge near Williston. The state engineers office has not yet responded to the request, Gaebe said.

The court cases prompted the Land Board to seek that survey, Gaebe said.

More than $50 million is held in escrow at the Bank of North Dakota related to disputes over mineral and property ownership, Gaebe said, with many of those disputes related to the river.

There is ongoing disagreement between the state and the Three Affiliated Tribes over ownership of minerals under the Missouri River as it flows through the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Bender said hes had cases before the North Dakota Industrial Commission involving companies that wanted to avoid drilling under the Missouri River on the reservation because of the dispute.

Now, if theres uncertainty over who owns the minerals under Lake Sakakawea, that could curb future development under the lake, Bender said.

If its uncertain who owns the minerals, oil companies arent going to drill, Bender said.
Akintola said the issue of corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of the country.

He said If our president decides to employ the tactics of the Chinese and Singaporeans, we will back him.

Akintola also said All our president needs to do is to go to the National Assembly, call the state Houses of Assembly, more so now that governors are telling him to declare the state of emergency on the economy. He can bring in the issue of corruption and ask that we suspend the rule of law for one year because a drastic problem requires a drastic solution and Femi Falana supported me. We stood up for Nigeria and we said this thing is killing Nigeria. But having sworn to abide by the constitution, he (the president) cannot use extra-constitutional means.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said this in an interview with The Tribune.

Read an excerpt of the interview below:

There have been divergent views on the raid on judges by the DSS. What is your position on the DSSs action?

Every commentator on this issue should be made to declare their interest first. If we declare our interests, we will know where we are coming from. There are those who are government apologists, who work through one agency or the other. There are those who have enjoyed patronage, whose comments dont come to some of us as a surprise. There are those who are looking for patronage from the government. So, when they are making comments, people should take their comments with a pinch of salt.

There are those who are utterly objective, like us. We were in the trenches to see the emergence of this government and we naturally will not want it to fail. But there are those far away; we did not see them near the trenches and they are now forcing us to say things we have been keeping to ourselves. So, every one of us should be asked where our interest lies on this issue. In the first place, there are certain things that you must keep in perspective. One, there is no doubt that corruption is killing Nigeria.

Two, there is no doubt that President Muhammadu Buhari is fit to fight corruption. There is also no dispute as to the fact that I am committed to the fight. Of course, there is also no dispute as to the fact that this is a democratically elected government and he (the president) took an oath to abide by the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Let me say that the reality staring us in the face is that to fight corruption, we need to employ some extra-constitutional tactics. But when you look at the scenario playing out now, you begin to wonder whether those advising the president or those around him are doing any serious thinking. About two and a half weeks ago, we were in Washington DC, United States of America and for six days, the issue of corruption in Nigeria came to the fore.

It was not limited to Nigeria. Femi Falana and I stood up for our president and his modus operandi in faraway Washington. It is not that we love some of his tactics but we thought that a drastic problem requires a drastic solution. In fact, right there, I suggested that Nigeria should withdraw its signatures to all treaties that are hampering the fight against corruption  ICC treaties and what have you  and I gave the example of the United States of America.

My posture at the conference over that issue was necessitated by the World Bank representative who presented a paper and told us the difficulties we will be facing to get our money (looted funds) back. He went on to say that we must fight corruption with human face and I stood up and said, Look, why play the ostrich? Here in Washington, you have established a place where you keep prisoners without following the rule of law.

Nobody is questioning you for that for the fact that you are the father of democracy in the world. But you knew you could not do that within the four walls of United States and you moved them somewhere else and people are dying every day for 12 years running. Nobody is castigating you for that. In fact, the United States is not a signatory to the ICC convention so as to avoid being accused of war crimes. I said, Are you expecting Nigeria to comply with all these protocols limiting our efforts? You have just told us to our faces that we have got less than six per cent of our looted funds from Abacha alone.

Abacha died in 1998, 18 years now, and our money is still lying in the World Bank. I said, If our president decides to employ the tactics of the Chinese and Singaporeans, we will back him. All our president needs to do is to go to the National Assembly, call the state Houses of Assembly, more so now that governors are telling him to declare the state of emergency on the economy. He can bring in the issue of corruption and ask that we suspend the rule of law for one year because a drastic problem requires a drastic solution and Femi Falana supported me. We stood up for Nigeria and we said this thing is killing Nigeria. But having sworn to abide by the constitution, he (the president) cannot use extra-constitutional means.

You will remember that in a newspaper interview in March, I raised the alarm that the legal profession was under siege. I remember that my colleagues at the body of Senior Advocates set up a body over the issue. As a matter of fact, the interview was circulated; it was printed for members to see. I gave instances of the breach of the rule of law by Mr President. When people talk about using technicality and what have you, I am happy our leader, Chief Wole Olanipekun, has said that much to him; that we used that same technicality to get him there. When people speak about technicality in law, technicality is part of jurisprudence. If you dont know your onions and you are careless and your opponent uses technicality to keep you out, too bad.

I told our colleagues three days ago that we know what we did to assist this man. When we saw that the nation was drifting under (former President Goodluck) Jonathan, leaders like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi and Danjuma Goje took steps to stop the drift. At no cost to the APC, I manned the north-eastern part of the country for the All Progressives Congress (APC). My juniors are alive. Danuta Goji is alive.

Apart from logistics, APC incurred no cost. My juniors then would wake up in the morning and go to court to check whether anything had been filed against Buhari. We did that for over seven weeks; monitoring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawyers, monitoring the PDP, who were so desperate to prevent him from contesting election. At any point, if they filed anything, we got to know within seconds. Our juniors were in the court registry from morning till 4:30 p.m., when the court would close and we were doing that religiously.

Those who are now shouting, the influence peddlers of today, were nowhere near what we did. Chief Olanipekun, Fagbemi, Kola Awodein, even the vice president, Emeka Ngige, we policed the courts in the entire six geopolitical zones. Mahmoud Mogaji was in Sokoto monitoring what was going on in the North-West. Chief Olanipekun led the team.

It is the same legal system that brought him [the president] to power that he wants to destroy. The first thing that he did was to go outside the country and start lambasting judges, the judiciary. I catalogued the scenes. This is not what we worked for. No doubt about it, the president has good intention but in running a country as complex as Nigeria, good intention is not enough.

Coming to the issue at hand, it is CAP 74 Law of Nigeria 1986 that created the security agencies that we have but there is none known as DSS. We dont have such in our statutes. In fact, DSS is an illegal body. We have SSS. The provision of that Act is very clear. Three security agencies were established under that Act. There is nothing like DSS. DSS is an illegal body created out of the whims and caprices of some people. You will recall that under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the door of the house of Chief Mike Adenuga was pulled down. The man had to run for his life to Ghana and he never returned to Nigeria until former President Jonathan came to power.

We dont like a situation like that. Most of the people who are commenting today dont even know the far-reaching implications. It is not about these judges. Let us not make a mistake about it. All is not well about the Nigerian judiciary as it is. There is no doubt about the fact that there is corruption in the system but people are generalising it. I dont speak about the judiciary publicly but for the first time in my life, I came out to say, look, stakeholders, senior lawyers, senior judges, speak out about what is happening at the Federal High Courts, about conflicting judgments. What we saw then was bizarre, despicable. All is not well, there is no doubt about that but in killing a fly, we dont use a sledgehammer. You dont set the house on fire because you want to kill a snake and that is what is happening now.

Now we have an illegal body calling itself DSS. Do you know that if what happened had been done by the EFCC, ICPC or the police, nobody would be talking about illegality now? We would just be talking about the procedures. But here is an illegal body that also embarked on wrong procedures. So, two things are involved here. In other words, the foundation of the action itself is faulty. Assuming without conceding they took the position of SSS, that they have assumed the nomenclature of SSS, look at the provisions, powers and duties of SSS.
The news of the release of 21 girls by the terror group, brought joy to the hearts of many Nigerians who have been calling for them to be freed.

A statement signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, said The news from the Federal Government that 21 Chibok girls out of the 217 female students that were abducted over two years ago at Chibok Government Girls Secondary School in Borno state by the Boko Haram terrorists have been released by their abductors is a welcome and reassuring development.

The release of the 21 girls has certainly gladdened the hearts of the affected parents, their relatives, non-governmental organizations, Nigerians and in particular the Bring Back Our Girls organization (BBOG). It would be recalled that the BBOG not only initiated and sustained the campaign but also mobilized the whole world to put pressure on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in the search for the abducted students.

ACF has also been in the forefront of condemning the lackluster attitude of the past regime over the abduction of the Chibok girls by the Boko Haram terrorists and its consistent appeal to government to deploy all security apparatus at its disposal to search for and rescue the girls.

ACF commends our security agencies for their professionalism in collaborating with the red cross and the Swiss government to secure the release of the Chibok girls. ACF therefore urges the security agencies to sustain this synergy and fast track the search and rescue operation in order to release the other girls still in captivity.

ACF also urges the Federal Government to not only provide medical and rehabilitation facilities to the traumatized girls but also release them to their parents to quickly reintegrate into their community/communities.

President Buhari has also announced that more Chibok girls will be set free by Boko Haram soon.
The Lagos State Coordinator of BYO, Mr Abdulwaheed Odunuga, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Odunuga, who spoke against the backdrop of the recently-freed 21 Chibok school girls abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists in 2014, said government should spare no effort to ensure the release of others.

Following the release of 21 out of the over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists, we are calling for more speed to ensure release of the remaining girls.

While commending the Federal Government for its efforts, we urge the government and the international community not to relent in their efforts in ensuring the release of other girls.

The government must do all within its powers to also ensure that all other abducted Nigerians are released to enable them reunite with their family members, he said.

He commended the determination of the security agencies, international communities and the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group to secure the release of these girls.

The coordinator, however, urged governments at all level to come up with strategies that would prevent people from being lured into terrorism.

According to him, terrorism cannot be totally eradicated but the risks could be reduced if governments improve on the welfare of its citizens.

He called on the Federal Government to embark on massive literacy campaigns and enlightenment.

NAN reports that 21 of more than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped from a school in Chibok, Borno, by Boko Haram fighters in 2014, were released on Thursday.
Reacting to the President's comment on his wife, Aisha, Fani-Kayode said Buhari had been possessed by strange and powerful entities.

"When our President can get up and tell the whole world all the way from distant Germany that his wife "belongs to the kitchen, the living room and the other room" simply because she dared to speak her mind to the BBC then you know that he is in the grip of something evil and that demons are speaking through him," the former minister said in Friday, October 14, 2016.

"It is all part of the spiritual dimension of living in the Villa that Abati was referring to in his latest essay.

"The President's mind has become twisted and he is now possessed by strange and powerful entities. Any man that can say such a thing about his own wife can kill his own children. He needs a lot of prayers," he added.
They are alleging that the oil giants oil exploration and drilling activities has destroyed their land.

Chevrons Makaraba field, which produces 29,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is hosted by Okoyitoru and other communities.

The community chairman, Mr. Timi Oluba, through their lawyer, Omes Ogedegbe, said The landmass of Okoyitoru is currently washing away and if same is left unattended, the community might go into extinction, hence the only remedy is for an urgent piling and sand filing to be carried out for our client and same must be commenced within 14 days from the date of your receipt of this letter, otherwise we shall be left with no other choice than to advise our client on all legal remedies available to them.

Our instruction upon mandate from our clients as eminently presented by Hon. Timi Oluba, chairman of Okoyitoru Development Council and other executives of our clients, is to the effect that our client is an oil producing community within the Makaraba field in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State where your company has continually carried out the business of oil exploration activities since the year 1973.

That our clients daily production ratio is placed at 29,000 barrels per day with a shortfall of only 11 barrel production of your 40,000 barrel per day actual capacity production. Despite the above daily production, our client has remained a land neglected, with a people marginalised and can best be described as a place where indeed the people sit on water without water to drink.

If same is allowed to continue, it will surely create an unpleasant situation for everyone in the area as our clients are no longer afraid, but angry that haven written several letters to press home their demand in line with modern civilization none of these have been given a favourable response."

Militants in the oil rich Niger Delta have constantly accused oil companies of degrading their land and doing nothing to better the lives of people in the host communitites.

The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) bombed a crude oil facility in Delta state on Thursday, October 13, 2016.
You will recall that the DSS clamped down on some senior members of the Judiciary over alleged fraudulent practices.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola, in a letter to Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmoud Mohammed, alleged that his ordeal is being masterminded by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami.

The top judiciary officer also said he had ordered the arrest and detention of Malami over a professional misconduct when he was a judge in Kano between 2004 and 2008.

Justice Ademola said What is more intriguing in this whole episode, is that I see it as a vendetta/revenge from the Hon. attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami; whilst I was in Kano between 2004 and 2007 as a federal high court judge, he was involved in a professional misconduct necessitating his arrest and detention by my order.
In the heat of all the condemnation, the DSS issued a statement accusing the judges of fraud and professional misconduct.

One of the judges in the eye of the storm, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, has alleged that he was arrested for granting bail to the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

Justice Ademola also said the DSS was intimidating him because he ordered the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

He also alleged that he was told that one of the reasons he was arrested was because he allegedly used his position office to make his wife the head of civil service, through Senator Bola Tinubu.

According to Daily Post, the judge, in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmoud Mohammed, said Upon signing the document, they told me that I am under arrest and ordered me with guns still pointed at me to move outside. As I was going, they told me they were taking me to their office, Department of State Services (DSS) office, without showing any warrant of arrest.

I obeyed them and about six oclock in the morning, I was whisked away from my residence to the DSS office without any warrant of arrest or reason for my arrest.

From the time of my arrival at the DSS office, at about 6:45am on 8/10/2016, I was not told what my crime was for over 24 hours till the evening of 9/10/2016.

A DSS officiall finally informed me that my arrest were based on these three allegations; petition of Hon. Jenkins Duvie dated 4th of April 2016 to the National Judicial Council (NJC); granting bail to Col. Sambo Dasuki and the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu; and using my office to secure my wifes appointment as the head of civil service, through Senator Bola Tinubu.
The group claims that its members blew up a delivery line which supplies crude oil to the Ughelli Quality Control Center (QCC).

According to Vanguard, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) operates the QCC, which receives crude oil from six oil fields within the Oil Mining Lease 30.

The militants also threatened to kill staff of the oil companies, adding that they will end the bombings when they see reason to do so.

The groups spokesman, Gen. Aldo Agbalaja, said At about 2100hours of Thursday, October 13, 2016, the Akuma Strike Team of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate brought down the Iwhremaro to the Ughelli Quality Control Centre (QCC) delivery line to signal the commencement of the Operation Hammurabi Code.

We have been patient and reasonable all along; hence our choice to restrict our activities to mild operations that were not aimed at causing critical damages, but it has now become crystal clear that we are dealing with devious and incorrigible people.

Therefore, we serve this as a notice to the Nigerian government and its conniving multinationals that the Operation Hammurabi Code has been initiated, henceforth, it shall be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Now you shall know what uprooting of your cherished assets means. It starts from now on, there is no longer going to be warnings or special consideration for anybody.

We have observed that the leopard of the oil company is incapable of changing its skin; ever deceiving, ever conniving. Your divide-and-rule gimmick will fail here as we will not stay idle in the face of your lies. For every lie you introduce, you will lose a major asset and if need be, you will lose personnel. We have said it once and we shall repeat it here now; the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate will not call this campaign off in secret, when we see reason to do so and we decide to do so, we shall reach the world publicly through this same channel, from where we took off.
In June 2016, the ex US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle accused the three members of the House of Representatives some improper acts while on an official visit.

The Green Chambers recently cleared the three lawmakers who were allegedly involved in the sex scandal in the United States, of any wrong-doing.

According to one of the lawmakers involved, Terse Mark-Gbillah, he and his colleagues will sue the former US Ambassador, the Marriot Hotel and the US Embassy for damages.

He added that In the American archives, the records have not been set straight. As a matter of fact, this has already affected the members of one of our families.

We will be seeking legal redress in the US; we are going to take the hotel to court, the Marriot Hotel, the parent brand, the place we stayed (in the US). We are going to take the (former US) ambassador himself and the US State Department, who are his employers to court. We are going to be taking the local organisers of the programme to court as well.

We will be seeking among other things, an internationally-published apology to us as individuals, to the National Assembly and to Nigeria by the US Government.

We are going to be seeking damages from all concerned parties and right now, we are looking at suing in the region of $1bn.

Already, contacts have been made with various law firms in the US. We want to use a very reputable law firm.

You can now see that the revocation of our visas is now hindering our ability to visit the US physically to do the ground work. We are liaising with our lawyers via email messages and telephone calls.

The lawyers will still advise us on whether to ask for damages of up to $10bn because the damage they did to us cant be quantified in financial terms.

ALSO READ: House clears 3 accused lawmakers
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuf Olaniyonu, Saraki, in a personal letter to the new scribe, described him as a global citizen and statesman.

The senate president expressed optimism that the tenure of Guetteres would foster greater collaborations and partnerships between the National Assembly of Nigeria and the world body.

He told the Secretary General to count on the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general as a global partner for development.

On behalf of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am writing to convey my warm congratulations on your election as the Secretary General of the United Nations.

Over the years, as a fellow member of the Leadership Council of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, I have followed your work as a prominent advocate for increasing access to cleaner energy around the world.

Your election to lead the UN by the 193 member states of the UN and your recommendation by the United Nations Security Council is a testament of your competence, leadership and service as a global citizen and statesman.

It is my hope that your tenure at the helm of of the UN  which is poised to be an illustrious one will foster greater collaborations and partnerships between the National Assembly of Nigeria and the UN.
According to the State Police commissioner, Mr. Usman Abdullahi, security operatives had to disperse the protesters.

The Katsina police command also confirmed that three people died and 48 others were arrested by security personnel.

Speaking further, the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, said People are advised to go about their businesses and activities within the bounds of the law, with the full assurance that government will not allow anybody, groups or organisations to hold the state to ransom under whatever guise.

People of the state are also advised to report to the authorities any suspicious activities capable of endangering the peaceful atmosphere in the state. However, under no circumstances should anybody take the law into their hands.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2016, angry youths in Kaduna burnt downthe home of a leader of the Shiite Islamic sect, Mukhtar Sahabi.
Members of the sect have been protesting the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Recently, the Katsina state government banned all forms of processions, following a clash that occurred between members of the Shiite sect and police in Funtua.

The group also slammed the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir Elrufai for allegedly treating its members anyhow.

They alleged that the Kaduna state governments unfriendly body language towards them gave rise to the violent attacks against them.

According to the sects spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, How then can el-Rufai now shed crocodile tears having incited violence on a people through his hate posture and actions against such people?

They read the body language of the government in their favour and acted based on that, and with full support of all the instruments of governance over which he presides, the statement read.

What happened in the wake of our peaceful Ashura mourning procession was a carefully planned plot, meticulously executed with all machinery of government.

The government had all along tried to give their brutal clampdown on Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members a semblance of an altercation between IMN and the masses.

Kaduna state governor, Nasir el-Rufai alluded to this right from the outset of the attacks in December, 2015 in his infamous state-wide broadcast. His utterances and body language since then left no one in doubt of his disdain for IMN members.

Using all the tools of governance at his disposal, in private and openly, often in total disregard to reason, sanity or law, he exhibited extreme hate for IMN. As a fore-runner to the latest brutality, he issued an executive order banning us from exercising our rights to practice our religion with a threat to jail anyone who does up to seven years in his jail.

We have it on record how certain individuals and hate preachers took to the media and the podium respectively calling on the masses to join the government of el-Rufai in what they termed an all-out war on Shia.

The government and el-Rufai has neither refuted that nor called the perpetrators to order or better still arrested and punished the culprits, since they are well-known and the actions were done in broad daylight. Simply put, el-Rufai is very much culpable.

We wish to remind the public that incitement to murder a vulnerable population can be so subtle. People read body languages, take cues, pick up signals and act accordingly. Other governors have quickly taken cue from him.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2016, angry youths in Kaduna State burnt down the home of a leader of the Shiite Islamic sect, Mukhtar Sahabi.
The police reported that the stampede occurred after thousands of devotees of a controversial guru attempted to cross a bridge at the same time.

Followers of the guru, Jai Gurudev, who is the leader of a local religious sect, were gathered on the outskirts of Varanasi, a Hindu holy town on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh state for a two-day religious congregation when the deadly stampede occurred, Vanguard reports.

A total of 24 people have died in the incident. Nineteen of the dead are women, Hari Ram Sharma, police inspector general, told reporters in the state capital Lucknow.

The reports reveal that at least 20 others who were seriously injured in the stampede are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.

Javeed Ahmed, the state police chief blamed the tragic incident on overcrowding on the old iron bridge.

They had sought permission for 5,000 persons but much more people reached and joined the procession.

They were crossing a bridge when some rumour-mongering happened which led to the disaster, Ahmed told Indias NDTV news network.

According to a spokesman for the religious sect, Raj Bahadur, the stampede began after a rumour spread that the narrow bridge had collapsed, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported.

The devotees were proceeding towards the camp (across the river) but police started sending them back. This led to rumours that the bridge has collapsed, he said.

TV footage shows piles of clothing and footwear were seen lying in a heap as the police cleared out the debris.

Another witness told reporters, There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother."

State Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, through his spokesman, Rajendra Chaudhary, reportedly ordered that a high-level enquiry is carried into the tragedy while announcing that monetary compensation would be arranged for the families of the victims.

Unfortunately, such stampedes at religious festivals in India are not common even with the help of the police and volunteers who are usually overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowd.

ALSO READ: Pope Francis offers prayer to the Muslim community
ALSO READ: Government spends N200m on students

According to the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Saidu Umar, the move will save the state N200 million annually, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The commissioner made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Sokoto on Friday, October 14.

The Sokoto State Executive Council on Friday approved the transfer of 39 indigenes sponsored to study in Dubai to Baze University, Abuja.

The transfer followed the recommendation of the committee set up by the state government to find suitable universities for the students in Nigeria," he said.
ALSO READ: Varsity library complex destroyed by fire

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, made the disclosure on Sunday, October 9, following an inspection of the affected areas.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), fire which lasted for more than six hours razed the Library Complex which also houses the faculties of management and social sciences.

The VC also revealed that fire destroyed examination scripts, books and very crucial materials.

He said, The Senate will meet tomorrow (Monday) to take a decision about the unmarked examination scripts that were burnt.

As for the cause of the fire, Maimako said that investigation into the incident has commenced, noting that nothing has been confirmed yet. We are still investigating.

Maimako also revealed that the school is currently working with federal authorities towards the establishment of a main fire station within the school premises as the mini fire station has proved to be insufficient.

He expressed gratitude for the efforts of students in putting out the fire, describing their efforts as incredibly brave.

ALSO READ: Varsity postpones exams over fire incident
"First they came on a motorbike and killed the guards," the mayor of Abalak, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters by telephone. "Then a 4x4 came and took him away and drove towards the Mali border."

Residents reported hearing gunfire near the aid worker's house, where he had been living for years. Dilo said a Nigerien soldier was among the guards killed.

Kidnappings of foreigners in Niger are rarer than in neighbour Mali, where Islamist militants are active and often seize hostages for ransom or political capital.

The militants and allied criminal gangs have long exploited the largely unpoliced desert spaces of the Sahara and attacks have increased this year as security worsens in Mali.

No U.S. citizen has been kidnapped in Niger before, although in 2009 suspected Islamists attempted to abduct U.S. embassy personnel from a hotel in the town of Tahoua.
Nine arrested after police, students clash again in Johannesburg

chika ebuzor

Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said a supermarket had been looted and three cars burnt in Johannesburg.

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BIRTHS

Sanford Health

Twin daughter and son, Bethany and Jerad Newgard, Mandan, 6:12 p.m., 6:12 p.m., Sept. 16.

Daughter, Karissa and Shawn Mertz, Bismarck, 3:03 a.m., Oct. 6.

Son, Jamee and Anthony Folk, Hazen, 3:48 p.m., Oct. 8.

Daughter, Katy Gorley and Eric Pratt, Hazen, 7:43 a.m., Oct. 10.

Daughter, Amy and Joshua Gotvaslee, Bismarck, 11:07 a.m., Oct. 10.

Son, Tracy Patzner and Casey Seagren, Robinson, 7:29 a.m., Oct. 11.

IMPOUNDED ANIMALS

If you are missing a pet or are interested in adopting a pet, go to: www.bismarcknd.gov/index.aspx?nid=382. For more information, call 701-223-1212 or 701-222-6734.

SEX OFFENDER LOCATION INFORMATION

For information about the locations of sex offenders in the community, visit www.sexoffender.nd.gov. The website contains databases of sex offenders and offenders against children, as well as an email notification system in which the public can be notified every time an offender in the area changes his or her information.

CRIME STOPPERS

Call Bismarck Area Crime Stoppers at 701-224-TIPS (8477) to report information about any crime in Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County or Morton County. Information can be given anonymously and you may be eligible for cash rewards if the information leads to an arrest.

COURT POLICY

Nubs of the news information comes from district and municipal courts in Burleigh and Morton counties. In nubs of the news, the Tribune publishes all felony sentences; and misdemeanor sentences with fines of $500 or more and/or a jail term, including suspended sentences.

COURTS

(Cases closed from July 1 to July 31)

Burleigh County

Judge Gail Hagerty

Violation of a domestic violence protection order: Christopher C. Cavanaugh, 39, St. Michael, 20 days suspended for one year.

Theft of property: Cody M. Conica, 33, Cannon Ball, 60 days served concurrently with present sentence. Jade E. Iverson, 33, 4900 37th Ave. N.W., Mandan, 30 days suspended for 360 days, 25 hours community service, restitution.

Criminal mischief: Arthur L. Crissler Jr., 20, 618 N. 22nd St., 180 days suspended for one year, 20 hours community service, restitution.

Possession of less than one-half ounce of marijuana: Hadden C. Ducheneaux, 41, 804 W. Turnpike Ave., 10 days suspended for 360 days.

Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer: Jack S. Johnson, 31, 408 N. Second St., 60 days, 50 days suspended for one year.

Delivery of alcohol to prohibited persons: Dakota Kaplan, 22, 1610 N. 23rd St. No. 11, 30 days, 28 days suspended for 360 days.

Judge Bruce Romanick

Violation of order prohibiting contact: Ursula K. Dionne, 45, 1119 University Drive No. 1022, 10 days, eight days suspended for 360 days.

Possession of drug paraphernalia: Demoris O. Frederick, 39, 603 Third Ave. N.E. No. 11, Mandan, 90 days suspended for one year, also ingesting a controlled substance: 90 days suspended for one year.

Judge John Grinsteiner

Menacing: Krystal L. Fisher, 31, 1010 First St. S.E. No. 17, Mandan, one year, 360 days suspended for one year.

Judge Cynthia Feland

Criminal trespass: Mark A. Flink, 54, no address listed, one year suspended for one year, 40 hours community service.

Judge Sonna Anderson

Assault: David C. Foolbear, 36, homeless, 138 days.

Judge Thomas Schneider

Distribution of intimate images without or against consent: Bonnie M. Gerhardt, 51, 2216 E. Capitol Ave., 120 days suspended for 360 days.

Driving under revocation (fourth offense): James E. Hollis, 35, Minot, six months with all but 15 days suspended for one year.

Judge James Hill

Harassment: Mark E. Holland, 54, homeless, two counts of two days, jail time served concurrently.
However, Turkish military sources said the operation to take Dabiq had started earlier this month and that while air and artillery strikes were targeting the village, there were no new developments on the ground on Saturday.

Dabiq is symbolically important to the jihadist group because it is the site of an apocalyptic Islamic prophesy, and Islamic State has stationed around 1,200 of its fighters there said the Observatory, a Britain-based war monitor.

Euphrates Shield, the campaign by Turkey and allied Syrian rebels to clear Islamic State from areas along the border between the two countries began in August. Dabiq and another village, Soran, are in a pocket mostly surrounded by territory gained by the Turkey-backed rebels after recent advances.

A rebel commander in the Euphrates Shield operation said the attack on Dabiq had started on Saturday morning and the Observatory said the rebels backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes had begun their attack on the village's environs.

However, the Turkish military sources said the operation was ongoing.

"The operation for Dabiq started 10 days ago. We started the effort to take control of the region from the south. Daesh (Islamic States) targets are being hit by Turkish fighter jets and artillery" one of them said.

According to Islamic tradition, Dabiq will be the site of a final battle between Muslims and infidels heralding Doomsday, a prophesy that the jihadist group had encouraged its supporters to regard as imminent and named one of its publications "Dabiq".

However, in a recent edition of its al-Naba online publication, Islamic State appeared to step back from that position, saying that the coming battle for Dabiq between it and the Turkey-backed rebels was not the one in the prophesy.

While Euphrates Shield has pushed Islamic State from its last foothold on Syria's Turkish border, a longer campaign by the U.S.-backed, Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces has recaptured swathes of territory from the group since last year.
When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed the so-called overdose bill in April, making it legal for all first responders, family members and friends of opioid addicts to carry the opioid reversal drug naloxone, local law enforcement considered putting the drug in squad cars.

Police had to take into consideration how many overdose calls they go to each year, training for the officers, as well as cost and storage of the drug, among other issues.

The fire department and Medic EMS uses naloxone, Bettendorf Police Chief Phil Redington said. We dont usually go to an emergency medical call. If we know that the call was an overdose, wed go because of the fact theres drug use, possibly illicit drug use.

A possible overdose case may warrant attention if officers arent doing anything else, he said.

But in the case of an emergency medical call, fire department paramedics or ambulance paramedics typically arrive on scene first and decide whether to administer naloxone.

If administered in time, the drug almost immediately reverses the effects of an opioid. When too much of an opioid is taken, it can depress respiration to a point where death may occur.

The paramedics, after all, are trained for that situation, Redington said.

But will police officers carry naloxone?

Not yet.

Its best at this point to let the paramedics handle the overdose calls, he said.

Naloxone has to be handled properly, Redington said. And then there is the issue of training. Of course, you dont base decisions about a life-saving drug based on money, but the fact is it does cost.

Redington said he likes that families can get naloxone and administer it to their loved ones in the event of an opioid overdose.

But there needs to be some type of connection, that if an overdose happens, then the addict must get some help, he said.

Davenport Police Maj. Jeff Bladel said the departments administration continues to examine the possibility of having officers carry naloxone.

Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard has said he will take advice on the issue from the Scott County Health Department. But his deputies do not go to each and every medical call in the county. And with many fire departments to call on, along with Medic EMS that is strategically placed around the county, paramedics beat the deputies to the scene.

In Illinois, Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos has his deputies carrying naloxone.

He said that in the rural areas of Rock Island County, deputies are dispatched to every call that comes in, including medical calls, and they often beat the paramedics to the scene.

Deputies can administer the naloxone in suspected overdose cases and help save a life, he said. What is good about naloxone is that it does absolutely no harm to the patient if it turns out that an overdose has not occurred.

Bustos said that having police carry a naloxone product within the city limits of Rock Island County communities may not make sense, because the fire department and ambulance paramedics usually arrive on the scene of an emergency medical call before police. Sometimes, police are not requested.
The first time she overdosed on heroin, Laura McCaughey had just finished high school.

She started her car, passed out and drove 2 mph into a telephone pole.

A woman on the scene thought McCaughey was badly hurt and called 911. Emergency personnel saved her life with a dose of naloxone, a medication used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose. That was in 2010.

(Medical EMS) cut my shirt open and brought me back, the now-24-year-old said. Its like adrenaline almost. When you wake up with all these people around you, youre scared. I was a little girl, and I was scared.

Responding medics didn't know McCaughey was in the throes of an overdose until they spotted paraphernalia in the front seat of her car. She was charged that night with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI.

She overdosed at least three more times and, each time, her life was saved by naloxone.

Today, she is clean and sober. She also is an exception.

I knew that I didnt die for a reason, she said. I knew that meant that I was supposed to do something positive with my life.

McCaughey is a member of Quad-Cities Harm Reduction, a nonprofit group that supports the adoption of more evidence-based harm-reduction strategies and fewer punitive measures in the war on heroin.

My goal is to be on the front lines, she said.

How it works

Quad-Cities Harm Reduction was established by Kim Brown, who lost her son, Andy Lamp, 33, to an accidental heroin overdose in May 2011.

Its a simple dream  just incorporate harm reduction principles into our community and try to save lives, she said.

Between 2005 and 2015, 726 Iowans have lost their lives to opioid overdose, according to the Department of Public Health.

Johnson County Medical Examiner Marcus Nashelsky said at a town hall meeting Sept. 28 at St. Ambrose University that his office has seen at least 53 overdose deaths attributed to heroin or a mixture of drug intoxication that included heroin.

I was stunned, he said. We see so many drug overdoses in our practice, but I was surprised by the number.

The numbers are even higher in surrounding areas, such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri.

This is where harm-reduction efforts come in.

The aim is to establish a set of practical strategies to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. It's also a movement for social justice, built on the belief in and respect for the rights of people who use drugs.

Harm-reduction principles meet people where they are at with their addiction, focusing on ways to reduce harm, rather than ignoring or condemning those who use drugs.

Brown and McCaughey hope to eliminate the stigma associated with drug use by shifting views on addiction.

The stigma never goes away; the shame never goes away, McCaughey said. We already have no self-esteem. We dont want to do this stuff. We dont like hurting people, so I think just the slightest bit of encouragement and positivity and someone telling you that youre worth it and that you can make a change is huge.

Some harm-reduction methods used in communities across the United States include clean needle exchanges, medication-assisted treatment, expanded access to the overdose-reversing naloxone, free condoms and HIV and hepatitis C testing.

The only option is to explore all these options, because nothing were doing is working, Brown said.

Getting closer

In April, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that allows first responders, as well as family members, to get a prescription for and administer naloxone.

The bill also has a Good Samaritan provision that protects anyone acting in good faith who administers naloxone from personal liability.

Quad-Cities Harm Reduction was a major proponent of the bill.

Brown said the measure expands access to the life-saving drug, but naloxone still is difficult to obtain and can be expensive.

Quad-Cities Harm Reduction recently appealed to Davenport officials to set up a community outreach program, including a standing order permitting them to train people in the use of naloxone and dispense it to community members.

A standing order would eliminate the red tape, namely obtaining prescriptions for the life-saving antidote.

Earlier this year, the Davenport City Council passed a resolution that encouraged Iowa lawmakers to pass legislation that legalized the possession of naloxone.

We havent had as many (deaths) as some other areas, but one is too many, Mayor Frank Klipsch said. This approach would be to enable and empower more people to be able to react to this situation. My hope is that it could save somebody; they can then go to a rehab program or a program that would help them potentially not be addicted to drugs.

Klipsch said the process of creating a standing order in the city and Scott County is still very new.

Its just a matter of how we make it work and make sure its done fairly, he said.

Moving forward

Eventually, Brown and McCaughey would like to see the community offer a clean needle exchange, which they say will help cut down on exposures to HIV and hepatitis C, and a safe house for those who are addicted.

They are aware that some harm-reduction principles, such as clean needle exchanges and expanded access to naloxone, can be met with resistance.

Unless its touched your life, people tend to not see the urgency of it, Brown said. Its touched her life, its touched mine.

Added McCaughey, Everyone has been affected by this epidemic, whether they think they have or not.

Efforts elsewhere

Harm reduction is not a new concept. Communities across the country have incorporated similar principles in response to the growing opioid epidemic.

The Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver, Colorado, has been active since 2002. The program is a public health agency that aims to keep people free from HIV and hepatitis C and works specifically with people who inject drugs, executive director Lisa Raville said.

We believe that if people want to live a life of recovery, they shouldnt have to live with chronic diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C, Raville said. We also believe that if they dont want to live a life of recovery, they shouldnt have to live with chronic diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

For the first 10 years, the program served as a homeless day program and allowed drug users to shower and eat and obtain health information.

The Colorado Legislature passed a law in 2010 that allowed for clean needle exchanges, and it took 21 months to get the program going, Raville said.

In 2012, the state expanded access to naloxone, she said. Since then, 950 drug users have been trained to use naloxone, and 415 lives have been saved, she said.

I cant get anybody in the state of Colorado today into substance abuse treatment, she said. Theres just no treatment to be had. But what I can do is give them access to sterile syringes to prevent and eliminate the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C in the community and, more importantly, provide access to keep them alive in the event of an opioid overdose."

Over the past four years, the center has seen 5,100 people sign up to receive clean needles, she said.

Despite the centers efforts, people are still dying from opioid overdoses in Colorado.

Unlike with pharmaceutical drugs, people dont always know what is in heroin. Law enforcement both locally and nationally have seen cases where heroin is mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic opiate painkiller that is 100 times more powerful than morphine.

Other reasons for overdoses include using more than one substance, such as alcohol, while using heroin and using after prolonged abstinence, Raville said.

Iowa: No legalized syringes

Magalie Lerman, a Beth Weinstein fellow with the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS, or NASTAD, directors, said at least 19 states have legalized syringe service programs. Chicago also has a program, she said.

Some of them were created in urban areas where there was a large rise in HIV cases in the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, she said.

The most recent push for services came about during the rise of opioid overdoses that were hitting more white and rural communities.

That really showed that anybody could be a drug user instead of this idea that they are all homeless persons in an urban city, Lerman said.

She said there still is very much an idea that giving people who use drugs clean syringes is enabling them, even though data suggest that people who participate in syringe services are six times more likely to get connected to treatment.

Were really in this place of trying to figure out how to get through to stakeholders and get through that still very moral idea about drug use."

Although Iowa does not have a legalized syringe service program, Lerman said, NASTAD is excited to see legislation that provides easier access to naloxone.

Syringe exchange programs have been legal in North Carolina since July. Since then, about a dozen programs have been launched across the state, said Tessie Castillo, advocacy and communications coordinator for the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition.

Weve had syringe exchanges here for a while, but they were done illegally, she said. Now, they are coming above ground.

Castillo said there are several fixed sites that provide clean needles, as well as some delivery services.

Initially, syringe exchange services had a lot of pushback in the conservative state, Castillo said.

The coalition, which has advocated for exchanges over the past five years, appealed to law enforcement to help change the mindset that providing clean needles enable drug use.

One of the benefits for law enforcement, Castillo said, is that it cuts down on the dirty needle stick injuries. Clean needle exchanges also can get drug users connected with different treatment options.

Law enforcement is just getting tired with the way things are going with drugs right now, even though they are trying their best to stop it, she said. So, they are starting to become more open to nontraditional ideas.

The coalition also has handed out more than 33,000 opioid overdose rescue kits statewide over the past three years.

'I was a smart kid'

McCaughey began using heroin when she was 16.

I was a smart kid. I made my own decisions, she said. I was fully capable of being able to do that. It was curiosity, but theres something that clearly works differently in my head to say that no red flags were raised, nothing that said you need to get out of this situation.

It wasnt scary to me. I was curious. I wanted to know what it was. So, I found out.

Years later, McCaughey realized that her first time using was with Kim Browns son, Andy.

She knew my son before I knew her, Brown said. Its kind of a neat connection

McCaughey came from a solid, middle-class home. She was an honor roll student, as well as a cheerleader, volleyball player and swimmer.

At first, she did not realize how serious her problem was.

Obviously, thats not something youre thinking about when youre doing that, she said. Then, before you know it, you are waking up every morning, and youre going to get drugs every day."

As her addiction took a stronger hold over her, she lost her friends and some family. She was doing the bare minimum that was expected of her and was just skating by with life.

She was court-committed by her parents and unsuccessfully went through several inpatient programs. She overdosed at least five times and racked up several drug charges.

McCaughey has been clean since Oct. 23, 2012, when she was arrested on a conspiracy charge at the age of 20. She had been picked up on drug charges before, but this was the first time she spent a significant amount of time in jail.

My family wouldnt bond me out, because they knew I was at least safe, she said.

The judge who heard her case said she was not a criminal, but a drug addict.

Her father told the judge that he had been trying to get her into the Synergy program at Jackson Recovery Centers in Sioux City. The judge ordered her to remain in the jail until a bed was available there.

Two months later, her father took her from the jail and into treatment.

Its an amazing program with a very, very high success rate and amazing people who really want to help, McCaughey said. Ive sent some people there in the time that Ive been home, and theyve also been successful.

Today, McCaughey works full time and takes care of her nearly 2-year-old daughter. She also tells her story to anyone who will listen, which is something that wasnt always easy.

I really keep my war stories to a minimum, because Id rather focus on the positives and how I can help change things and how I can help things, she said. I think there was a lot of shame and embarrassment I held onto because it was so new. Now theres just so much hope that I like to share.
The 2016 Frieze lecture series is four lectures by Augustana College professors, from 2-3 p.m. beginning Tuesday and continuing through Nov. 8 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th St., in the community room. For more information, call the library at 309-732-READ (7323), or visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. All lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Topics and presenters include:

 Tuesday: Rock Island in 1841: A City and Its Times. Dr. Roald Tweet goes back in time to what life was like in Stephenson, Illinois, in 1841, and the controversy over the renaming of the community.

 Oct. 25: The Longest Inaugural Address in History. Dr. Meg Kunde will cover the longest inaugural address in history by William Henry Harrison, providing an overview of inaugural addresses and expectations of Inauguration Day 2017.

 Nov. 1: A Punch of Literary Humor. Dr. Kelly Daniels will review the 1841 birth of the literary magazine Punch, regarding satire and humor in writing.

 Nov. 8: Dawn of Antarctic Exploration. Dr. William Hammer will discuss the dawn of Antarctic exploration in 1841. Hammer discovered the first dinosaur remains unearthed in Antarctica.
DES MOINES  Iowa Democrats dispelled talk of an enthusiasm gap Friday, cheering on their 2016 candidates and pledging to press full speed to the Nov. 8 finish line in hopes of winning the state for Hillary Clinton and scoring gains up and down the general-election ballot.

"It's the countdown to the election of our lifetime," Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman Andy McGuire told about 560 Democrats who gathered for the party's fall fundraising gala, which featured pep-rally style speeches from party rising star Texas U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, former Gov. Tom Vilsack and Democratic candidates seeking offices at the federal, state and local levels.

"We're ready for the final showdown," McGuire said. "We're going to work every day as if we're behind because that's how we do things. We will not take anything for granted. It's going to be close in Iowa. It always is."

Castro, a Texas representative who could eye a U.S. Senate bid in 2018, told reporters before his speech that he's hoping Democrats will make gains in the House and Senate from majority Republicans who are in disarray over the divisions created by GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and his headline-grabbing campaign against Clinton.

"Republicans are in open warfare right now," said Castro, who will attend Latino early-vote events in Marshalltown and Des Moines on behalf of Clinton on Saturday. "They have no message at this point, certainly no unified message to the American people.

"The American people don't want a party who has nominated somebody who's really been a destructive force in American society since he launched his campaign about a year and a half ago," he told reporters at the gala.

He was more blunt during his gala keynote address.

"This is not a time for clowns," Castro told the crowd. "For America to win in November, Donald Trump has to lose."

Vilsack recounted to the crowd how Hillary Clinton helped him raise money and muster support while he was a struggling gubernatorial candidate in 1998. Now is the time, he said, to return the favor in Iowa this election, bringing Democrats to their feet by declaring, "We have got to deliver for Hillary Clinton."

U.S. Rep. David Loebsack, an Iowa City Democrat who is the party's only Iowa member of Congress, said he is a realist when it comes to taking control of the U.S. House, but given the ways things are going within the Republican Party and on the campaign trail, he said, "We've got a shot at this."

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann painted a different picture Friday, saying his party is "closing the gap" on Iowa Democrats' dominance in absentee balloting with 25 days until Election Day and raising his confidence Republicans will have the votes needed to turn Iowa red in November.

Kaufmann thanked former President Bill Clinton, who spent two days campaigning in Iowa, for aiding a spike in Republican-requested absentee ballots this past week.

"You have to give it to the guy, he sure knows how to inspire Republicans to vote," Kaufmann said in a statement.
SPRINGFIELD  A campaign-season film that takes a critical look at Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago is coming to the small screen starting this weekend.

The film from Illinois Policy Action  the advocacy arm of the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, which has close ties to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner  began airing Saturday in the Decatur television market. Showings are scheduled in the Quad-Cities, Bloomington and southern Illinois markets in the coming days, and there are plans to make it available online later this month.

Titled Madigan: Power, Privilege, Politics, the film has stirred controversy since it was announced in mid-September.

It comes as Republicans are spending millions of dollars in campaign money, much of it coming from Rauners political fund and personal bank account, to tie Democratic candidates for the General Assembly to Madigan, who is also chairman of the state Democratic Party. Rauner and his fellow Republicans hope to cut into the Democrats supermajorities in the House and Senate in the Nov. 8 election.

The hourlong movie, which premiered last week at movie theaters in Springfield and Downers Grove, is in line with the Republican message that Madigan and his decades in power are to blame for Illinois many economic and fiscal woes. The Illinois GOP has said the party had no involvement with the film.

Because Illinois Policy Action is registered as a tax-exempt social welfare organization, it is barred from participating in partisan politics. The designation also means the group doesnt have to disclose its donors or most of its expenditures.

Spokeswoman Diana Rickert said when the film was announced that the group wont ever get involved in party politics and that its release was timed to coincide with the election because thats when voters are most engaged.

Information on how much the group paid for airtime altogether was not yet available Friday from the Federal Communications Commission. However, the organization is spending $27,000 to broadcast the film a total of five times on TV stations WBUI, WICS and WRSP, which reach households in the Decatur, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana areas, said Jennifer Valenti, the stations local sales manager.

One of the controversies surrounding the film is how much interview subjects were told about who was producing it.

Capitol Fax blog creator Rich Miller, whose political column appears in newspapers around the state, has said he wasnt told Illinois Policy Action was involved and wouldnt have agreed to an interview if he had been. Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, a frequent critic of Madigan, wrote that he knew the group was involved but apologized for taking part because doing so was inconsistent with the Tribunes mission as an independent newspaper.

There also has been inconsistent information about how involved the Illinois Policy Institute was in the production.

The team at Illinois Policy Action was enthusiastic to give us complete creative control in order to produce a film thats fair to its subject and participants, executive producer John Papola of Austin, Texas-based video production company Emergent Order said in a prepared statement late last month. Their stated goal was to shine a light on a vitally important person in their state about whom the general public knew very little.

Following a screening for the media Tuesday in Chicago, however, Papola acknowledged that the film was written by the Illinois Policy Institutes Austin Berg.

Austin brought a wealth of knowledge to the table that would have been very difficult for us to produce from scratch, Papola said, according to Politicos Illinois Playbook.

Viewers should bear these facts in mind as they watch the film, said Jay Rosenstein, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who teaches at the University of Illinois. Rosenstein had yet to see the film as of Friday, but he had watched the trailer and read news coverage about it.

This movie has already been sort of promoted and branded as a documentary, and from what Ive seen and heard, it certainly doesnt fit the definition of a documentary to me, Rosenstein said. Theres a big universe of nonfiction film, and documentary is just one small part of that.

He added, When a so-called documentary has been produced and financed by an organization that is clearly a partisan political organization, you already should be suspicious.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa  The sole primetime televised debate between the two U.S. Senate candidates takes place Wednesday in Sioux City, when incumbent U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley faces Democratic opponent Patty Judge.

It could make for an interesting night of politics for Iowa viewers, because the senatorial debate will precede the third and final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in Las Vegas.

The Grassley-Judge debate will begin at 7 p.m. from Morningside College's Eppley Auditorium and will be broadcast live by KTIV in Sioux City and three other Quincy Media Group stations: KWWL, KTTC and WGEM.

KTIV Station Manager Bridget Breen said there's been a lot of focus on the presidential election, and Quincy wanted to make sure other high-profile races were not ignored.

"We have a long history of hosting debates, and the upcoming debate between Senator Grassley and Secretary Judge is another example of our effort to give our viewers as much information as possible on the candidates and issues before they cast their vote," Breen said.

Iowa State University Political Science Professor Steffen Schmidt said the debate is low in anticipation, because the Trump-Clinton battle has taken over the fall spotlight.

"The atonal 'Ick Campaign' has sucked all the oxygen out of local political races for now," Schmidt said.

Schmidt said he expects few verbal fireworks, predicting Grassley, a Republican, "will be 'farmer' Grassley and be very focused on his hard work, 99-counties visits and be a gentleman with (Judge)"

Buena Vista University Political Science Professor Bradley Best said an expected debate topic will be the refusal by Grassley, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to hold hearings to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court until after a new president is inaugurated in January.

"Judge is likely to use Grassleys most powerful asset  his 36 years in the Senate  against him by insisting that being electorally safe for more than three decades led Senator Grassley away from the common-sense pragmatism Iowans expect from their elected officials," Best said.

Just getting on the same page of jointly appearing in senatorial debates has been a hard road. In the first week of October, Judge accused Grassley of telling a downright lie in blaming her for the cancellation of a planned televised debate that would have aired statewide on Iowa Public Television on Oct. 20.

Judge said she initially wanted the IPTV debate to originate in Davenport, so every part of the state got a chance to see the candidates. When the statewide station said the event would take place at its Johnston studio in suburban Des Moines, Judge agreed to accept conditions that she said Grassley already had approved.

IPTV officials announced they had canceled the debate after Grassley rescinded his acceptance of IPTVs invitation. IPTV Executive Director and General Manager Molly Phillips expressed disappointment, sharing that Judge had accepted an invitation on Sept. 23 and Grassleys campaign issued an Aug. 5 release announcing his participation.

Judge's campaign points out that a large segment of viewers will not have a chance to watch Wednesday's debate on television. Besides KTIV, KWWL in Waterloo is the only participating station based in Iowa. But KTTC, in Rochester, Minnesota, reaches into north central Iowa, while WGEM, in Quincy, Illinois, reaches into southeast Iowa.

Grassley holds a commanding lead in the polls over Judge, a former Iowa lieutenant governor and secretary of agriculture. An Iowa Poll released this week showed the incumbent senator with a 17-point advantage.

Schmidt said he doubts Judge can use the debate to propel to a win, because she is a "poor candidate." Best said Judge faces "a steep climb" to win in November, so she needs to do well in the Sioux City event.

"This race is perceived to be  and is in fact  more competitive than is usually the case when Grassley seeks re-election," Best said.
City governments nationwide are facing a large number of vacancies in supervisory and leadership positions as result of retirements.

Facing this problem itself, the city of Davenport had the final three candidates for its assistant city administrator and public works director position tackle how they would implement a leadership program to fill that void.

The finalists, Nicole Gleason, Keith Haas and Paul Oberdorfer, all have substantial experience in managerial and public works positions.

Oberdorfer, the current director of public service in Green, Ohio, suggested implementing a leadership academy that would groom the next generation of leaders for the city.

"The only way to develop these soft skill sets outside of our technical abilities is to go through a leadership academy to pursue higher education, create networks and things of that nature to grow," Oberdorfer said.

Oberdorer said the leadership component of the academy would be useful to all departments because the its centered on what the soft skills are that build leadership.

With retention of great employees an important goal, Oberdorfer said it is critical they can see upward mobility and remain happy within the organization.

Of Davenport's 746 employees, Oberdorfer said about 120 would be possible academy participants using Everett Roger's diffusion of innovations theory, which identifies 2.5 percent of the population as innovators and 13.5 percent as early adopters.

Those subgroups, Oberdorfer said, are more likely to buy in to this type of program and aspire to leadership positions. Oberdorfer said he's in the process of implementing the same type of program in Green.

Asked why the citizens would care, Oberdorfer simply said better government and service.

"The best use of their tax dollars is to have a well-run and efficient organization," Oberdorfer said.

Gleason, the current assistant director of public works, was next to present and offered a similar platform.

Gleason echoed the importance of identifying and retaining the right candidates and getting them to see what opportunities there are.

"It's not for everybody, and if you force somebody into that position, you might take a really great employee, who might stay for you forever, and escorting them out the door," Gleason said.

One major difference Gleason proposed was cross-departmental training and the possible creation of cohorts to develop contacts.

As the assistant director of public works, Gleason admitted that she didn't know all there is to public works but said that supervisors need to have that balance of personal and technical skills to be effective in their role.

"It's learning what your resources are," Gleason said. "I don't know a lot about sewers or streets, but I know I can call Ron or Eric or if they're out, I can call one of their staff and get to that answer within a phone call."

Building off the cross-training, Gleason said knowing employees' career aspirations also could determine if they fit in another department if there are limited opportunities in their current job.

As opposed to just one long session, Gleason said it also is important to continue to have refresher courses and maintain contact with employees seeking advancement.

Besides skill sets falling by the wayside during idle periods, it may take time before the next supervisor and leadership positions open up.

Similar to Oberdorfer, Gleason said getting that buy-in and engagement from employees leads to better service.

The last to present, Haas presented the idea of workforce training outside of city's departments.

Haas, the current general manager at Racine Water and Wastewater Utilities, said he's spoken with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and received interest in implementing more leadership classes.

Besides the curriculum, Haas envisioned participants taking part in communitywide projects and exercises that mixed the departments together like when he first moved to Racine.

"It collectively told you that you could cross party lines, work together and get a task done as simple as putting a puzzle together," Haas said. "We have to have an opportunity where the second-in-command and third-in-commands get together and know who each other are, because they could be the future management of the city."

Haas also said Wisconsin already has its own statewide services through the Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Co. that could be easily adaptable to Davenport.

"There was a need so that 60 cities didn't have to hire a training division in-house," Haas said. "It's almost like a consulting firm for these cities."

Haas said the trainers are former government employees, so they can relate their own experiences.

"They've already walked the walk and talked the talk, so they are believable," Haas said.

Like the other candidates, Haas said he would like to implement a leadership program to improve service but also because it would save money in the long run.

"If we can train our supervisors and managers to be good managers that don't say the wrong thing to the wrong employee, we could save ourselves millions of dollars," Haas said.
The Rev. Steven Khoury could write a book on persecution. In fact, his unusual ministry has been a topic in several books, to date.

Khoury is a Palestinian Israeli Arab, born and raised in the cradle of Christianity and a living example of faith in a dangerous part of the world.

As a Christian pastor he has faced persecution regularly, including being attacked for his beliefs. He leads two Christian churches in Israel, and one has been burned. An uncle has been martyred, as have young girls in his church who invited youngsters to Vacation Bible School.

Khoury, speaking by telephone from Springfield, Mo., visits the United States a few times a year to speak on the situation in the Middle East.

He is featured at the Night to Honor Israel on Oct. 20 in Moline, along with the Rev. Dumisani Washington, a pastor, composer, author and music teacher from Northern California. Washington seeks to strengthen solidarity between Israel and African-Americans.

When Khoury was growing up, his hero was his father, also a Christian.

He was born into an Arab Christian family, in Jerusalem, which gave him status in Israel. Some Jews in Israel consider themselves Arab, and some Jordanian, he said.

His father was very evangelical and loved the Bible, and the work of Christians. To better understand Christianity, Khoury and his father encourage believers to study the roots of the Jewish faith.

"That's our link to the Christian community, especially to those who wish to learn about Israel," he said.

He attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., where he earned a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry and theology. This is the same college his father attended.

While he lives and works in the Holy Land, he travels regularly to the United States to speak at many churches and at religious events.

"As an Arab, I try to give people a better, healthier understanding of Israel, how they can pray and support the people there, both Arabs and Jews," he said. "We want others to stand with Israel, and create a better community for all residents."

The faith community faces many battles in the Middle East, he said. But the reality is that Israel is a small country, geographically. Anyone who would attack it would kill both Arabs and Jews.

"A stable, strong Israel means healthy Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities," he said.

Israel is a fairly stable place for Christians, but the Christian community faces increasing attacks in other parts of the region.

Khoury is a published author, "In the backyard of Jesus," available on Amazon. He is the president of Holy Land Missions, and the pastor at Calvary Church in Jerusalem and First Baptist Church in Bethlehem.

Washington, from California, learned about Israel starting in the 1990s. He studied cultural history and became interested in the country's multi-ethnic identity, and its relationship to countries, like Ethiopia, India and Burma.

Washington directs the Zion Academy of Music in Stockton, Calif., and is senior pastor at the Congregation of Zion in Stockton.

This year, a free will offering will be used to support new, young adults, ages 18-23 years old, who arrive in Israel without their parents or family support systems. These immigrants are called "Lone Soldiers" as they join the Israeli Defense Forces. Donations will help their support, including in housing and services like language training.

This is the event's 13th year  organizers call it the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. To date, $589,896 has been raised for Jewish immigration, underground hospital emergency rooms and computer labs for immigrant children.

"As a new pastor in the Quad Cities, I was delighted to discover 'Night to Honor Israel,'" the Rev. Scott Reece of MGT New Hope Church, Moline, said. He is an avid supporter of Israel and believes that Christians carry a Biblical mandate to bless the country.

For his part, Khoury is set to visit the Quad Cities. "I help believers in America to be better attentive to what's going on in Israel," he said.
Jerritt Clark/Getty ImagesAdrienne Bailon's gospel-singing fiance, Israel Houghton, is being sued for the unpaid child support of two children he allegedly sired outside of his twenty-year marriage.

According to Bossip.com, the Texas State Attorney Child Support Division has sued Houghton for not contributing to the upkeep of the children he allegedly fathered while married to his ex-wife, Meleasa.

The local police department has reportedly confirmed that Houghton has admitted to fathering son Kingston, 4, but has yet to determine if the younger son, Khristian, 2, is his child as well.

Both children share the last name Houghton.

In court documents obtained by Bossip, the attorney general is asking that the former Joel Osteenmegachurch preacher pay both back and current child support for his alleged sons, as well as medical expenses and health insurance.

If he fails to do so, Houghton could have his wages garnished to support the two boys.

Houghton and Bailon recently celebrated their wedding shower in California and are set to get married next month. Neither has commented on the lawsuit.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
"The people are going to stay vigilant. They're going to fight this pipeline to the very end."

 Cody Hall, a protest camp spokesman, after an appeals court refused to issue an injunction stopping Dakota Access Pipeline work.

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"Although the Tribe has not met the narrow and stringent standard governing this extraordinary form of relief, we recognize Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act was intended to mediate precisely the disparate perspectives involved in a case such as this one. Its consultative process  designed to be inclusive and facilitate consensus  ensures competing interests are appropriately considered and adequately addressed. We can only hope the spirit of Section 106 may yet prevail."

 A three-judge panel for the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a ruling rejecting an injunction against Dakota Access Pipeline.

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"There's many justifications and legal justifications for why you're on somebody's property. She wasn't picnicking or on a summer lark. She was reporting the news to the American people."

 Attorney Tom Dickson, on how he plans to use First Amendment considerations to defend Amy Goodman of Democracy Now against a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge.

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"I've got to imagine there is at least a few people out there still that have the knowledge, the answers. Hopefully, enough time is past that people are willing to talk or come clean."

 Chase Anderson, discussing his father and his girlfriend who disappeared near Wishek in 1993.

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"It's going to be a game changer for a number of people."

 Terry Traynor, assistant director for the North Dakota Association of Counties, on a new system that allows people to text 911 for help.

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"You see the despair, you see the hopelessness of Africa, but these kids bring a different picture. The choir really shows the potential, if given the opportunity, of what they can achieve."

 Heidi Moen, discussing the African Childrens Choir that visited North Dakota.

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"It's a win-win for producers as well as wildlife. It's additional funds that wouldn't be possible without the Outdoor Heritage Fund."

 Jonas Davis, Ducks Unlimited's manager of conservation programs for North Dakota, on efforts to replace land that had been in the Conservation Reserve Program.

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"You know how we love them, and how human they are, so why not get them blessed."

 Cindy Torpen, who brought her Shetland sheepdog named Mackie to be blessed at St. George's Episcopal Church in Bismarck on Sunday.

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"This is the people's fund. At least a portion of it should be used."

 Sen. Jessica Unruh, R-Beulah, arguing that some money from the North Dakota Legacy Fund should be tapped by the Legislature.

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"We're going to have a reduced carbon future. There's no use even arguing that anymore. Coal will always be in the mix, but at a reduced level."

 David Glatt, head of the environmental section of the North Dakota Department of Health, on how the energy sector will change.

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"The hope is the majority of the jobs will get done. It's usually in that 85-90 percent we really get to. Some (are) two-year projects, you'll never get to 100 percent."

 Wayde Swenson, operations director for the North Dakota Department of Transportation, on the progress of summer construction projects.
Saturday was an opportunity to honor and thank former and current military personnel and first responders, all of whom put their lives on the line to protect others.

And it all happened during a closing ceremony celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month at LeClaire Park in Davenport.

LULAC Council 10, Davenport, has held the event for six years to honor military members and veterans, but this year, organizers added first responders, police, fire and medical personnel for recognition as well.

We are honoring them, living and deceased, military and first responders, for their service, said Matthew Casillas, president of Davenport LULAC, or the League of United Latin American Citizens. "This is for all the Quad-Cities, all the cities."

Maria Mier Llaca from Davenport LULAC said she started the event six years ago and specifically wanted to have it on the banks of the Mississippi River.

I used to live in California and attended all the military events there, she said. They would have the military events on the Pacific. And when I came here, I thought, 'We have the Mississippi,' and asked the council to have the event on the river.

She said that because this is the 15th anniversary of 9/11, she wanted to include police, fire and medical personnel.

In lieu of the anniversary and the new focus on homeland security, I figured they deserved to be in this, too," she said. "This is a small and very humble thank you to our men and women of the military who have, or are serving, and our first responders.

The American Legion Post 200 Color Guard, Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch, members of the Quad-City Patriot Guard Riders and U.S. Army veteran and bagpiper Derek Grant were among the participants along with several police, fire and medical first responders from the Quad-Cities.

That included Allison McNeill, a Silvis police detective.

It was a wonderful ceremony. I am proud to represent the city of Silvis and first responders in our area, she said. It was special to be acknowledged for what we do on a daily basis.

The keynote speaker was Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix, commanding general of the Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command and Joint Munitions Command on the Rock Island Arsenal.

Dix talked about all the contributions Hispanics have made in military service dating back to the Revolutionary War. He said there are 50 million Hispanics in the United States, 16 percent of all Americans. Today, Hispanics make up about 12 percent of the U.S. military.

Dix said America is about diversity and diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths.

He also recognized the first responders, whom the military holds in high regard. He said while the military responds on a needs basis, police, fire and emergency medical personnel serve, save and protect all the time.

You guys are our heroes, he said. You do it on a daily basis. Our hats are off to you for what you do in your daily service.

The event also featured the laying of wreaths in the river to honor fallen soldiers and first responders.

John Ortega is the chaplain for LULAC Council 10 and the past president of American Legion Post 347, LeClaire.

I am representing Latino ex-military, and this is great, he said. This is for all military people.
St. Pius X hosts showing of 'Divine Mercy'

A documentary film, "The Original Image of Divine Mercy," the untold story of an unknown masterpiece, will be shown from 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at McCarthy Hall at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.

The Divine Mercy Holy Hour, including chanting, time for prayer and veneration of a St. Faustina relic is 3-4 p.m., followed by a reception at 4 p.m.

The documentary follows the adventurous history of the original painting, commissioned by St. Faustina, and features appearances by musician Harry Connick Jr., comedian Jim Gaffigan, as well as officials, including Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, Archbishop of Vienna. It is being shown during the Year of Mercy, established by Pope Francis.

It has been endorsed by several in the church, and a movie trailer is available on YouTube (attached to this story at qctimes.com).

Churches United takes in hurricane donations

Many concerned citizens have called Churches United of the Quad-City Area to see about helping victims of Hurricane Matthew. In response, the organization has launched an effort to collect donations before Oct. 31.

Send donations to: Churches United, 2535 Tech Dr., Suite 205, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Designate the funds for hurricane relief.

After Oct. 31, the funds will be forwarded to either the United Methodist Committee on Relief, or Church World Services.

In addition, the Wells Fargo Foundation has made a $1,000 grant to Churches United to support its shelter program. In addition to Winnie's Place, a shelter for women and children, it operates 25 food pantries and three hot meal sites.

Trunk or Treat at Two Rivers United Methodist

The Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 Fifth Ave., Rock Island, will host a "Trunk or Treat" Halloween event from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, in its west parking lot.

Refreshments, games, activities and trick-or-treating will be available for all.
Local police, along with those across the country, say they cannot arrest their way out of the heroin and opioid epidemic.

There are two options with heroin and opioid addiction: treatment or death, said Danny Langloss, chief of the Dixon, Illinois, Police Department, Theyre playing Russian roulette every time they use. We cant keep incarcerating them; it doesnt work. We keep putting the same people in jail over and over again.

We've got to take a different approach, and getting people into treatment is far less expensive than incarcerating people.

The police department, in conjunction with the Lee County Sheriffs Department, launched the Safe Passage Initiative, which places heroin and opioid users into treatment.

The initiative is the second such program in the country and the first one established in Illinois.

Now in its first year, the program has placed 102 people into much-needed treatment.

Its a program that Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos wants to bring to the Illinois Quad-Cities.

Bustos said, although the problem is not yet at the level it is in other communities, its just a matter of time before it is. Establishing a program now will help Rock Island County stay a little bit ahead of the curve before we really do have that problem."

I think, once we get it up and running, what its going to do for us is give that user another outlet to perhaps seek help when they get in a situation where they feel they need it, the sheriff said. What we want to do is give that option, other than hopelessness, when they are in the process of using.

Change in focus

Lee County, about 74 miles east of the Quad-Cities, had three overdose deaths in a 10-day period.

With the opioid epidemic hitting so close to home, Langloss said police realized they had to shift their focus on addiction and the demand side of drugs.

This is a disease, he said. Its a process, not an event. When we realize and understand that, theres a lot more success to be had.

All we have to do is look at the East Coast, where the problem is 10-15 times worse than our problem is right now. But their problem three to five years ago is where our problem is right now. Its coming, and if we dont change the way were dealing with it, our problem will be as bad as their problem.

The worrisome outlook prompted a number of stakeholders, such as the health department, local hospitals, outpatient providers, law enforcement, states attorneys office, faith-based organizations and a grass-roots organization to begin looking at ways to address the problem.

One idea was to establish a Safe Passage program, which was first launched by the Gloucester Police Department in Massachusetts.

Over several months, the county forged agreements with various treatment centers, including the Robert Young Center, to accept participants who want help.

Lee County residents who want to participate in the program can bring their drugs to law enforcement without fear of prosecution. Then, within two hours of walking through the door, they are on their way to a treatment center, Langloss said.

When somebody comes into a police department and asks for help, it displays a different level of readiness to get help, because just by the nature of it, people suffering from a heroin addiction are afraid of police, he said. They are afraid of going to jail. Their interactions with the police are not like this interaction, so theres a lot of stress and anxiety and build up that comes for them to actually come into the police department and ask for help.

Langloss said Safe Passage does not cost the police department or local taxpayers. Those who enter the program have private insurance, state Medicaid or, if they have neither, may be covered through the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Langloss said about 95 percent of the people who go through the program are on state Medicaid.

Lee County also received a $2,500 grant from the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative, a nonprofit organization that helps law enforcement create similar programs.

The grant money is used to help cover transportation costs, Langloss said.

Many of the people he has talked to have tried for weeks to get into treatment on their own, he said, but ran into available-space issues.

When that happens, people just go and shoot up, he said. They just go back to heroin.

The program is completely voluntary for Lee County residents.

There is not law enforcement consequence whatsoever, the sheriff said. If someone brings in their drugs, they get destroyed. If they dont complete treatment, they dont complete treatment.

If someone is stopped on the street and is found with drugs, however, they do not get the option of going into treatment or going to jail.

We tell them about the program and when they get out of jail, they can come in and were more than happy to help them, he said. But its separate from their court charges.

Once they complete treatment, the county offers several community resources to help them stay clean.

Expanding Safe Passage

Since the creation of the program, Lee County also has offered two community education sessions and held naloxone training and prescription pill take-back events. The local health department also offers a clean needle exchange, Langloss said.

"This program is great, but the program in itself isnt going to fix the problem," he said. "Its going to help people get into treatment, which is amazing, but its really got to be a community approach. It cant just be law enforcement."

In March, Whiteside County in Illinois launched a Safe Passage program. Langloss said 35-40 law enforcement agencies in northern Illinois are creating programs, too.

Today, there are more than 120 Safe Passage programs nationwide, and more law enforcement agencies are working to add them.

Bustos said local law enforcement has been working on a Safe Passage program since early summer.

Were still in the stage where were working with the providers on getting an agreement signed, he said.
The Two Rivers YMCA will have an open house within the Martin Luther King Center, 630 9th St., Rock Island, on Monday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the opening of a new program office. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Rock Island Family YMCA program office hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 309-798-3423 or visit www.tworiversymca.org/rock-island.
In the beginning, there was only one. He was the only full-time cardiovascular physician in the Quad-Cities, a tough challenge for Dr. Philip Habak to fill in 1976. He was a newcomer to our towns with hopes of creating a major center for the health of the heart. Dr. Philip believed the Quads deserved that.

It is 40 years later, and this October is a cause to celebrate. There are now 24 cardiovascular physicians in the Quads, linked by the gleaming Davenport Cardiovascular Medicine building across the street from Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street. Its like a spotlight of Dr. Habaks impossible dream, a reality of heart-saving truths.

No local statistics are known, but decades ago, only 10 percent to 20 percent of the men and women who had a heart attack could be expected to live. Now, 98 percent may leave the hospital in two or three days. Those are remarkable numbers offered by Dr. Edmund Coyne, who has taken over Cardiovascular Medicine PC since the retirement of Dr. Habak. Miracle methods like angioplasty and remarkable advances have stretched the good life to all of us.

THE 40th ANNIVERSARY of Cardiovascular Medicine PC was celebrated when heart docs, their assistants and friends met Oct. 2 in a celebration of the heart at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf. There was a warm glow of life over the room when Dr. Coyne said, It was not always this good, but when you stop and think about it now, its wonderful.

He pointed to the godfather, Dr. Habak, a shy short-stacked fellow, easily lost in the crowd, but a giant. There sits Philip, retired, but the godfather-patriarch for gathering 24 cardiovascular doctors from over the nation to practice together in the Quad-Cities, he said. He recruited the best he could find. Dr. Habak labeled himself as the first, No. 1, in a small office of Genesis East when it was called St. Lukes. Next came No. 2, Dr. Jon Robken. When recruited, he asked Philip, How often am I on call? Habak answered without a blink, You are always on call. Habak was indefatigable. He once worked seven years straight without taking a vacation. Then there was No. 3, Dr. Randy Lewis, who could have been a concert pianist instead of a cardiologist. Along came Dr. Mike Giudici. Dr. Coyne remembers flying into Quad-City International Airport and meeting Dr. Habak for an interview. He says, I felt that this was a nice man to work with. And to think, here I took over for him when he retired.  All the present-day 24 cardiovascular docs spread over the Quad-Cities. They may see up to 50,000 patients a year, which seems improbable, but that is the figure offered.

DR. HABAK, whose native land is Egypt, was a U.S. Army physician in the Korean War and worked a stint at University Hospitals in Iowa City before making a move to Davenport in 1974. In retirement, at 79, he and his wife, Greta, ramble around their big new house in Bettendorf. He practices his violin  taking weekly lessons, pores over his unusual collection of fountain pens and plays with their dog, Gabby.

He loves his dog and says, Were so happy, just like everyone should be.
I write to remind the voting public that the president of the United States cannot, by herself, or himself, draft and pass laws. So policies regarding economic equality, immigration, the budget, criminal justice reform and other changes proposed by Hillary Clinton require a Congress that will actually work, that will pass legislation that she will sign. That means Hillary Clinton needs a Democratic Senate and House working together with her from day one.

I was so offended when Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, on the very day President Obama was inaugurated in 2008, declared that the Republicans would do everything possible to assure that he would be a one-term president. If Clinton is elected, I can predict McConnell might say the same thing, only now it is a woman who doesnt meet his criteria for the office.

Lets surprise the pollsters and give Hillary a majority in both Senate and House so she can show us how a woman gets the job done.

Mary V. Rehmann

Davenport

Editors note: Rehmann is a sister with Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM)
In August 2014, the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce held a press conference calling for reforms that would streamline and strengthen local government in Rock Island County. In two short years, the county board has: Hired a professional administrator, ended board member pension and health care benefits, voted to downsize the board from 25 to 15 members, negotiated a two-year employee salary freeze, and adopted professional management policies, including anti-nepotism, general reserve funds, and employee performance appraisals. These reforms will save the county $3.4 million annually.

While these reforms have at times been contentious, the bipartisan effort has been able to keep the majority of members moving forward. They have made some very difficult decisions, some of which involved personal sacrifice. Most recently, the board voted 20-3 in favor of reducing the number of committees from eight to four, even though it meant a pay cut for members.

The Quad-Cities Chamber Business Advocacy Council would like to express our appreciation for the great reform work the Rock Island County Board has undertaken these past two years. We know there is more work and difficult decisions ahead, and we look forward to continuing to support the county down its path of reform.

Pryce T. Boeye

Milan

Editors note: Boeye is chair, Business Advocacy Council Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce
NATION

3 dead, 12 hurt in restaurant shooting

An early morning argument at a Los Angeles restaurant apparently triggered gunfire that left 3 people dead and 12 wounded, authorities said Saturday.

Police who arrived at the scene in a working class neighborhood dotted by tall palm trees found shell casings and blood throughout the restaurant, located west of downtown Los Angeles.

Two possible suspects were being questioned.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mike Lopez said a preliminary investigation found a party was underway at 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the restaurant, operating out of a converted home, when an argument started.

A man and woman left, then returned, and the restaurant erupted in gunfire.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was confident police would unravel questions surrounding the shooting, and expressed sympathy for victims' families.

Crews battle Nevada wildfire

Firefighters in Nevada are hoping to stop a wind-driven wildfire that has already destroyed 22 homes north of Carson City from jumping any major roads.

Fire officials say the blaze burning in the Washoe Valley near Interstate 580 and U.S. Highway 395 between Reno and Carson City was 5 percent contained Saturday morning.

The fire has now grown to more than 5 square miles and 500 structures remain threatened.

The Sierra Front Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports there are now 855 personnel working on the wildfire. Seven air tankers have been deployed.

The fire was first reported shortly after 1:30 a.m. Friday.

WORLD

35 die in attack in Iraq

A suicide bomber struck a funeral gathering in Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 60, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.

The attack in the Shaab neighborhood occurred around lunchtime, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency.

Hussein Khazem, the owner of a nearby clothing warehouse, said the bomber detonated his payload inside a funeral tent, causing a big explosion.

He saw a large number of killed and wounded people, many burning cars and major damage to the local market. The dead included elderly people, children, and some women. He said he closed his shop to help evacuate the wounded and remove the bodies.

"The security situation is not good at all," he said. "These big incidents are happening again, especially in the poorer residential neighborhoods."

Iraq has seen several bombings in recent months, though most have had lower death tolls than Saturday's attack. In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdad's popular shopping district of Karradah killed about 300 people and forced the resignation of the interior minister.

The U.S. State Department condemned Saturday's "barbaric" attack, calling it yet another sign of the IS group's "cowardice and contempt for human life and their attempt to sow sectarian discord among the people of Iraq."

Saturday's attack comes as Iraqi security forces are preparing for an operation to retake the militant-held northern city of Mosul, the country's second largest, from IS.
After reprimanding the defendant for blaming everyone but herself for her crime, a judge on Friday sentenced a former Rapid City teachers aide to six months in jail for sexually exploiting a student.

The female educator, 39-year-old Michelle Felkey, admitted to sending naked pictures of herself to a 15-year-old boy at her school and arranging to have sex with him.

It didnt stop you in your tracks that youre more than twice his age? Judge Jane Pfeifle, of the Seventh Circuit Court, asked Felkey. Every action you took  was predatory.

Felkey had earlier pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, which carries a punishment of up to two years in prison. A more serious felony, solicitation of a minor, and another misdemeanor charge were dismissed as part of her plea deal.

Felkey was arrested in April after authorities learned she had sent naked photos of herself to the teen at Rapid City High School, as well as exchanged racy text messages with him and another student. She also was fired from her job as head paraprofessional of in-school suspension at the high school.

The divorced mother of three told police she is not a pedophile but was simply lonely due to a tumultuous romantic relationship, according to court records. Felkey had arranged to pick up the 15-year-old student for sex, but they were not able to meet.

After the case became public, the teenage boy wanted to leave Rapid City because of the backlash, his father said in court Friday.

He still gets bullied in school, the man testified. He doesnt trust authority figures anymore, like teachers  This has affected him.

I hope you treat this as if it were a male teacher to a female student, he told Pfeifle, a position the judge later affirmed.

The father said he has forgiven Felkey, but his son has not.

Felkey, when given a chance to speak, read a prepared statement saying she was not going to make a public comment.

The judge, before handing down a 180-day jail sentence, censured the contents of a 17-page handwritten letter from Felkey.

Your letter to me was so difficult to read at how many times you blamed the victims, Pfeifle said, adding that Felkey talked about possible punishment for the 15-year-old boy and guilt he should feel.

Pfeifle said Felkey was worried about not going to jail or losing her job, but not about how her actions would affect her children or the victims.

She described as troubling the fact that Felkey gave her phone number to students.

Who goes to a 15-year-old to make them feel better when you have a counselor? He didnt have one, Pfeifle told Felkey.

I view your conduct as abhorrent, she said. Im very concerned you are going to re-offend.

Pfeifle said she wanted to send Felkey to prison, but being detained at the Pennington County Jail would allow Felkeys children to see her. The defense and prosecution had agreed on a suspended imposition of sentence, but Pfeifle said she was afraid this might enable Felkey to hide the offense from her criminal record and put other children at risk.

Attorneys said Felkey had no prior criminal record and that this was her first arrest. She also has mental health and relationship issues, they said.

Felkey's sentence includes two years of probation. Conditions involve getting psychosexual treatment, undergoing suicide monitoring because of Felkeys depression, and having only supervised contact with people younger than 18 who are not her children.

After 90 days in jail, Felkey can become eligible for work release. She also was given credit for days spent in jail before she bonded out in May.

Felkey was immediately booked in jail because of concerns for her mental stability.

The Rapid City Area Schools, when asked for a comment on Felkeys sentence, said its concern is with the victims. The school district is confident county authorities are providing the students and their families with the help they need to cope with the case, said public information manager Katy Urban.

School officials do whatever they can, Urban said, to help students who are being bullied once these incidents are reported to them.
Three are vying for the office of Republican incumbent Adam Hamm, who chose not to seek another term. The North Dakota Insurance Department has a 2015-17 budget of more than $11.5 million and nearly 50 staff.

Jon Godfread, Republican

Jon Godfread, 33, aims to create an environment in the Insurance Commissioners office to work with providers to improve affordability of insurance, competition in the marketplace and accessibility.

Godfread, vice president of governmental affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber, said hes worked with the insurance commissioners office frequently in the past and is knowledgeable on its functions.

Thats one of my strengths; Ive worked on behalf of small businesses, said Godfread, adding that insurance agents are small businesses looking for the ability to succeed within the right framework of strong regulations.

Theres a lot of good things that can be done in this office, Godfread said. Its a critical office for a number of reasons.

Godfread said his chamber position allows him to bridge the gap between consumers, businesses and insurance providers.

Its important to take our North Dakota beliefs ... to a national level, Godfread said.

He said how the state addresses the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, in the years ahead will depend on the outcome of this years presidential election.

Ruth Buffalo, Democrat

For Ruth Buffalo, running for statewide office is just another step along her path in recent years of becoming more involved in leadership roles.

Buffalo, a small business owner from Mandaree, said training and running for insurance commissioner is a logical fit for her to serve North Dakotans.

Im running to stand up for all North Dakotans. My unique experience and background provides a fresh and informed perspective to this office," said Buffalo, who earned her bachelors degree in criminal justice from Si Tanka-Huron University in South Dakota.

Buffalo, who has master's degrees in management and business administration from the University of Mary, oversaw the wellness program at United Tribes Technical College for seven years and also taught as an adjunct instructor.

Her campaign has been aimed at educating people on what the insurance commissioner does as well as hearing from residents on concerns over the importance of having insurance, according to Buffalo, who just completed a master's degree in public health from North Dakota State University earlier this year.

Nick Bata, Libertarian

Libertarian Party insurance commissioner candidate Nick Bata says hes the only candidate pushing to reduce onerous regulations within the industry and create a more free-market marketplace for insurance.

We need people who are going to look out for the little guy. Most of us are the little guy, said Bata, a first-time candidate who has a bachelor's degree in physical education from Mayville State University.

Making people dependent on the government for solutions, including insurance programs, is not a solution, according to Bata, who works for a drywall company out of Fargo.

We need entrepreneurs that will solve the problems, Bata, 28, said. I think we can have customer standards without intervention.

Bata said hes been running his campaign largely through social media and is jointly running a blog with the partys Public Service Commission candidate, Thomas Skadeland, on campaign and non-campaign topics.

He expects to continue his campaign in the same manner until Election Day.
LANTRY | The number of horses is climbing at a troubled wild horse sanctuary in north-central South Dakota, where a sheriff said there are 160 more horses than previously thought and two county governments have already spent $23,000 on hay.

Authorities counted 810 wild horses Thursday at the sanctuary near Lantry, about 110 miles northeast of Rapid City. They had previously been led to believe by the sanctuarys top official that the number of horses was 650.

The Dewey County Sheriff's Office and representatives from the state veterinarians office spent the day at the sanctuary Thursday. They found the horses to be in better condition than during a previous inspection a month ago; as a result, only one horse will be euthanized and 25 will be separated for special care.

Tuesday's order by the judge, called an impoundment, gave the society until Oct. 21 to draft a comprehensive management plan and another deadline of Nov. 11 to provide evidence of sufficient funding and feed for the horses.

To the extent that the society meets those conditions and deadlines, it could regain some or all of its horses. To the extent that the society fails, some or all of its horses will be offered for adoption until Dec. 1. After that, according to the impounding order, the counties would sell any remaining horses at a public auction, probably to buyers for foreign slaughter plants.

Some of the horses have already been adopted out by the ISPMB, said Dewey County Sheriff Les Mayer, but he did not know how many. People or groups interested in adopting horses may contact the ISPMB for now, he said, or contact the sheriffs office to be placed on a list. If the ISPMB fails to meet the conditions and deadlines in the impounding agreement, authorities will take control of the adoption process.

Mayer said the two counties recently purchased 500 bales of hay for $23,000 to feed the horses. That was thought to be enough hay for the month, but after Thursdays count, Mayer said he fears hell have to make another large purchase. The Dewey County Auditors Office is accepting public donations to offset the counties costs, but that fund had accumulated only a few thousand dollars earlier this week.

The impounding order by the judge includes provisions requiring the ISPMB to reimburse the counties for the costs. If the ISPMB cannot pay, Mayer said hes unsure what other options the counties might have to recoup their costs.

Meanwhile, the ISPMBs president, Karen Sussman, is facing a separate legal matter in Perkins County where she is charged with grand theft for allegedly writing a bad check for nearly $10,000 to a hay supplier.
PIERRE | The mess that Secretary of State Shantel Krebs inherited when she took office in January 2015 is proving difficult to solve, and now a federal audit is underway.

The audit is looking at how South Dakota had used hundreds of thousands of dollars received through the federal Help America Vote Act program that was established after the 2000 presidential election.

Documents from the past needed for the audit arent available in some instances, and some past spending is under question whether it was allowable, according to Krebs.

Kristin Gabriel now is the voting act coordinator on Krebs staff. Gabriel told state Board of Elections members during their meeting Thursday that the voting act is undergoing an audit that reaches back 13 years to the initial funding period.

We did our best and provided them what we had and what we could find, Gabriel said.

She said it is a regularly scheduled audit but the auditors are working on only half of a dozen states per year.

That has made documentation difficult to find sometimes. Gabriel said the office now is keeping everything related to the voting act grant and filing it by year and purpose.

The auditors will report their findings to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission that oversees the voting program. Gabriel said the secretary of state staff would review those findings and respond to the commission as well. Then the commission would issue its final audit report.

Linda Lea Viken of Rapid City, one of the state board members, asked Krebs what happens if the audit finds that required activities werent performed.

Krebs said there wasnt a clear answer yet from the election commission.

Another unresolved situation dating from the previous administration of Jason Gant is the overseas voting system for military members, their families and other citizens.

Krebs said the Federal Voting Assistance Program paid for the Gant-era iOASIS program that he rolled into service in March 2014. Krebs shut it down last year.

She said the last submission for payment to the federal agency was denied and her staff is working on it.

Krebs said the substantiation of iOASIS expenses was questionable and there are questions whether the expenses were allowable.

She said South Dakota received a $648,000 grant for iOASIS and 27 military men and women used the program.

Krebs said the office is seeking more documentation for $43,000. The state would need to be reimbursed for that, Krebs said.

That expense left Viken flabbergasted.

So we spent $648,000 for 27 people? she asked Krebs.

That is correct, Krebs replied.

Krebs explained there was an adequate system in place for overseas voting when Chris Nelson left the office at the end of 2010 because he was term-limited.

She said the office has now returned to using the Nelson-era system known as UOCAVA.

Kea Warne, deputy secretary of state for elections, said some military members had the special card necessary to access the iOASIS system, but many military members didnt.

She said it also didnt work for most overseas voters who were non-military. It was very limited to a group of people in the military, Warne said. Some higher-level military contractors had the card too, she said.

Warne was among the Nelson-era staff who left when Gant arrived.

Gant declined to seek re-election in 2014 after Krebs, a state senator at the time, declared she would seek the Republican nomination. Both were Republicans.

Another situation Krebs inherited was a $50,000 annual maintenance fee under the Gant-era contract with Everyone Counts Inc., the company that developed the iOASIS system.

Krebs said her office has stopped paying that.
KALISPELL  For outdoor enthusiasts traversing the southern section of the Alpine 7 Trail atop the Swan Mountain Range, even a smoky day opens up sweeping views of the Swan Valley and the jagged, snow-studded peaks rising from the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

And in the thickly forested mountains and valleys between the two lies a historic battleground for the multitude of Flathead National Forest stakeholders, reported the Daily Inter Lake.

As forest officials continue their years-long effort to draft a revised management plan for the 2.4 million acres overseen by the federal agency, an old conflict has reignited over the future of the Bunker Creek Drainage and the surrounding Swan Range.

Bordered by the mountains ridge to the west, the Spotted Bear River to the east and the Bob Marshall Wilderness boundary to the south, the drainage is ripe for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System, according to Amy Robinson with the Montana Wilderness Association.

It has a history of citizen science, of biologist and agency support for inclusion, Robinson said. It has incredible wildlife habitat for mountain goats, grizzly bears, and exceptional bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout habitat in its streams.

She added that Bunker Creek has historically been an important site for research biologists and backcountry outfitters, and sportsmen and conservation groups have fought to protect the area from logging since the 1950s.

Its about values, and looking 50, 100 years into the future, I think and others believe as well that theres going to be more strain on human populations and wildlife populations, Robinson said. Were going to need more protection for wildlife to roam, and for humans as well, for our solitude and well-being.

Her view isnt shared uniformly, however, and some of the forests myriad stakeholders worry that the recommended wilderness designations conservationists are pushing in the forest plan revision goes too far.

Just north of 1 million acres, or 45 percent, of the Flathead National Forest falls within designated wilderness. Because new wilderness areas require an act of Congress, that number will remain the same regardless of the direction chosen for the final forest plan revision.

However, each of the four alternatives identified in the draft plans environmental impact statement includes a different amount of recommended wilderness, a land designation used for roadless, wild forestlands that meet wilderness characteristics.

Within those lands, forest officials are required to retain wilderness characteristics for future inclusion in the wilderness system  meaning no timber harvest, forest thinning or fuels reduction, and no increases to historical mechanized recreational use.

The forests current plan, as amended since its adoption in 1986, recommended wilderness spans 98,388 acres, or 4 percent of the forests overall area.

That includes the southern half of the Bunker Creek drainage and a nearly 45,000-acre swath along the western front of the Swans overlooking the valley. Only one of the scenarios currently proposed for the forest plan revision  Alternative C  includes any significant expansions of that designation.

A group of residents in the Swan Valley has vocally opposed any recommended wilderness west of the ridge line, citing the potential for passive forest management leading to wildfires that could threaten communities in the valley.

When the wilderness is an unmanaged area next to your fire district, its just hard to put out wildfires, Allen Branine, chief of the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, said.

Citing the current recommended wilderness boundarys proximity to the wildland-urban interface along the eastern edge of the valley, Branine said he would prefer the area be designated as a targeted recreation area. Some thinning and other management activity can occur under that land use, which he believes would reduce the threat posed by major wildfires like the Crazy Horse Fire in 2003 and the Holland Peak Fire in 2006.

The Flathead Forests planning team leader Joe Krueger noted, however, that even designated wilderness is not completely devoid of human manipulation. He said about half of the wildfires that started in the Flatheads wilderness areas this past season were actively suppressed, contrary to claims that forest managers allow wilderness fires to burn without interruption.

Paul McKenzie, land resource manager for F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Co., said recommended wilderness areas can create an unnecessary barrier to future land management, but noted he has focused his energy on other aspects of the plan. He said he hopes the final forest plan revision will prioritize land designations that allow for more latitude in timber harvest and other management activities.

When you start looking at adding some more fringes (to existing wilderness), thats where I get kind of nervous, McKenzie said. If you have a wilderness boundary right next to a general-forest boundary, theres going to be a potential for folks to say, even in those general forest areas you shouldnt be managing that area, because its right next to the wilderness boundary.

Noah Bodman is a board member of Flathead Fat Tires, a nonprofit that advocates for mountain biking in the region. While he said most of the groups members would consider themselves conservationists, they object to the designation being pushed by wilderness advocates for Bunker Creek that would prohibit all mechanized uses on trails connecting the popular ridge trail to the Hungry Horse Reservoir area.

Youre obviously not seeing the kind of traffic that youre seeing on the Whitefish Trail or something like that, Bodman said. But theres no scientific evidence that mountain bikers have more significant impact than any other non-motorized group.

In the four alternatives offered in the current forest plan proposal, the amount of recommended wilderness varies from one-fifth of the overall landscape to zero.

Under Alternative A, the forest would retain its current plan and maintain the current 98,388 acres of recommended wilderness.

Included in that acreage are existing areas in Bunker Creek and along the Swan range, as well as an area south of the Spotted Bear River and north of the current Bob Marshall Wilderness boundary, along with an area along the northern boundary of the Great Bear Wilderness and south of Marias Pass and Square Mountain.

The current plan also designates the 15,000-acre Jewel Basin Hiking Area as a special area, a separate land use applied to just a handful of locations in the forest. Alternatives B and C would change the Jewel Basin to a recommended wilderness. Alternative D would eliminate all recommended wilderness areas, while retaining the Jewels special area designation.

At the current stage in the plan revision, the forest has not identified a preferred alternative. Alternative B most closely resembles the initial proposal unveiled by forest officials last year, however, mixing elements of the more conservation-focused Alternative C and the more intensive management proposed in Alternative D.

A significant recommended wilderness addition under this alternative lies within a large portion of the northern Whitefish Range extending to the Canadian border. That area was adopted, in large part, from a set of recommendations presented by the Whitefish Face Working Group, a group of stakeholders from across the spectrum that focused on the Whitefish Range to create a blend of recommended wilderness, backcountry recreation and timber production land.

Under Alternative C, 21 percent of the forest would be classified as recommended wilderness, extending the designation further south throughout much of the Whitefish Mountains and spanning nearly the entirety of the Swan Range.

More than a year of continued revision lies ahead for the forest plan, however, and few, if any, stakeholders had expressed satisfaction with any single alternative.

McKenzie, who was involved in the Whitefish Face Working Groups deliberations, expressed frustration that none of the current proposals adopt all of its recommendations.

They really havent given us the compromise alternative, he said. They gave us the standard maximum, the minimum and then (the alternative) in the middle. Were hopeful that we can get to a more balanced alternative through this next step.

Both he and Robinson believe there is still the potential for further compromises to be found outside the Whitefish Range.

This isnt really a wilderness-versus-timber fight, he added. Thats really not what this is about, and thats really driven home to me when I work in these collaborative groups.

Information from: Daily Inter Lake, www.dailyinterlake.com
MISSOULA - Louie Adams was there.

Day Two of the Salish and Pend dOreille Return to the Homeland was a rainy one, as mid-October days can be.

More than 50 people braved sporadic drenchings Friday to walk from the overnight camp off North Reserve Street to Chief Looking Glass campground near Florence, roughly tracing in reverse Day Two of another march led by Chief Charlo in 1891.

I woke up excited, Andrea Adams of St. Ignatius said at the first rest stop in the parking lot of a convenience store on South Avenue. I just felt I want to do this, I want to finish this. I looked forward to doing this walk with everybody here and carry those that couldnt make it here and carry our dad with us back home.

Andrea is the seventh of Louis Adams eight children and one of four sisters participating in the walk.

A Salish elder, cultural leader and tribal historian, Adams died unexpectedly in April at the age of 82.

That was a month or so after Chaney Bell first mentioned to Adams the idea of a return walk to the tribes Bitterroot homeland on the 125th anniversary of the Salish Trail of Tears from Stevensville to the Flathead Indian Reservation.

In my time hes been the biggest advocate for the Bitterroot, said Bell, language coordinator for the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee and co-founder of the Nkwusm Salish Immersion School in Arlee.

Adams cautioned Bell not to treat the walk as a celebration. Pressures from white settlement, hunger, poverty and the U.S. government forced the removal of their people from the Bitterroot all those years ago. It was nothing to cheer about.

Its kind of a sad journey, Johnny Arlee said at the outset of Fridays trek. Were still surviving that past, and theres still a future.

Many of those Arlee addressed during a sweetgrass smudging ceremony were young walkers such as Josiah Nichols, Cordell Schaak and Jason Chasen, juniors and a senior at Two Eagle River School in Pablo. They were among at least a dozen teenagers walking the distance  51 miles from the Jocko Church cemetery on Thursday to St. Mary Church at Stevensville, which theyll reach Saturday afternoon.

Weve got to look at you young people for the future, Arlee said. Youre going to be taking care of our young people that are coming and you need to know the history  where we come from, who we are, the struggles that weve gone through.

Fridays route through Missoula and Lolo was part of that history, said Willie Stevens, an event organizer. He stood in the dripping rain at the KOA Campground at 9 a.m. to give the walkers their marching orders.

As you walk through Missoula, think about what the valley meant to their ancestors, Stevens said. Bull trout swam in the Clark Fork River. Along Reserve Street and over at the University of Montana campus were big bitterroot digging sites in the spring.

Arlee remembered being part of a large camp harvesting bitterroots near whats now South Reserve when he was a small boy.

Right along Fort Missoula and Shopko, there was nothing there, he said. You could see where big trees were at out in the field. I remember seeing the gate at Fort Missoula.

A long time before my time, I guess there were some people digging there and the (fort soldiers) were doing practices and they come rushing out the gate, said Arlee. An old lady, she went across the line into the Fort Missoula side and she thought she was under attack. She ran away and went back to her camp.

Louis Adams, who was born in 1933, talked many times about the sudden silence he encountered as a child when he walked into a room of his elders.

He told me theyd be talking and the women would be crying, and he would never understand why theyd stop talking, Bell said.

Later in life Adams asked one of the elders why that was.

I cant remember if it was Sophie Moiese, said Bell, One of the elder women told him, Most of the time we were talking about leaving the Bitterroot and we didnt want you guys to have that same feeling we had, the hate and bitterness.

He said he always appreciated that, because now he had that good memory of the Bitterroot and he didnt have that bitterness that they had.

For Adams, it was another emotion, his daughter Andrea said.

You know, I think my dad is historical in that he carried that sadness with him up until his death, she said. He always talked about the Bitterroot, and he always talked about the part of his family that came over to the reservation.

He would want us to do this, added her sister, Brenda Morton, as she donned white Griz raingear during the walk.

Theres no doubt in either womans mind that their father would be beside them on this walk, along with his grandkids and three great-grandchildren who walked on Thursday.

He used to jog all the time, up until he was probably 70, Andrea Adams noted. He was very active.

As the afternoon dried out, the walkers strung out along the new Missoula-to-Lolo Trail and beyond.

The legs of the route get progressively shorter  Thursdays was 21 miles and Fridays 17. On Saturday, after another smudging ceremony and sendoff at 9 a.m., the procession will walk the final 12 miles, stopping a mile from Stevensville at the Bitterroot River Park on the east side of the bridge.

There the ranks will expand. Bell said many of Saturdays participants will be wearing ceremonial regalia as they begin the final walk into town at 2 p.m. A three-hour program starts at 3 p.m. at Salish graves at the St. Mary cemetery where Charlos father, Victor, is buried. The rest of the program will be indoors at the churchs multipurpose center. It includes a welcoming, honor song, meal and open mic.

In Stevensville, on the morning of Oct. 15, 1891, Gen. Henry Carrington described Charlo as defeated but not broken, as the chief organized the Salish for the march.

According to Robert Bigart, in his 2006 book Getting Good Crops, Carrington said the Salish were divided into three groups headed by Charlo, Louis Vanderburg and one of the Lamooses.

When all was ready, a Stevensville newspaper reported, (Charlo) gave the signal to march by lifting a large white wing  the emblem of his chieftainship  and the procession, of perhaps 300, moved forward.

On Oct. 15, 2016, the Salish return.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to their annual bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on Saturday, where they are expected to discuss Syria and Afghanistan in Goa, India, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016. (AP)

BENAULIM, India, Oct 15: Leaders of India and Russia on Saturday began their annual talks that are expected to conclude with new defense deals and the smoothing over of recent irritants in their decades-long close relationship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meeting in the beach resort state of Goa in western India, will discuss regional security issues and the threat posed by global terrorism. They also hope to stem the drift in their ties as India engages more closely with the United States.

Putin and Modi will lay the foundation stone of the next phase of a nuclear power plant that Russia has built in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This would be the third and fourth phases of the Kudankulam nuclear power station, part of 12 nuclear plants that Russia is building in India. The two leaders will lay the foundation remotely through a video link.

The two leaders are also expected to sign an agreement for the next, the fifth and sixth reactors, of the power plant.

For decades, India and Russia have shared a close relationship that dates back to the days of the Cold War, when the United States tilted toward India's neighbor and rival, Pakistan. India had to depend on Russia for political support as well as the supply of billions of dollars worth of military hardware. Even today, nearly 70 percent of India's defense equipment has been procured from Russia, according to India's Defense Ministry.

But as India's economic clout has grown, it has also diversified its defense shopping, with major purchases of military hardware from the United States, Israel and France.

India is one of the world's biggest arms importers, with an economic boom that has enabled it to modernize ts military. New Delhi needs everything from fighter aircraft to submarines, as part of a $100 billion modernization of its military hardware.

On Saturday, India and Russia are expected to sign a multi-billion dollar deal for the delivery of a Russian-made anti-missile air defense system that can track around 300 targets and shoot down up to three dozen incoming missiles simultaneously, providing a security cover that stretches several hundred kilometers (miles).

The two leaders will also use the occasion to overcome differences that have cropped up between them in the past few years. Russia has been wary of India's growing engagement with the United States. A recent military logistics agreement signed by New Delhi and Washington has caused significant concern in Moscow, as it sees its long-standing partner moving closer to the West.

India is also expected to raise its concern about Russia's growing ties with New Delhi's archrival Pakistan. Russia and Pakistan recently conducted joint military exercises, something that would have been unthinkable for Indians to imagine even a short while ago.

India also has worries about Russia's deepening ties with another of its neighbors  China. Moscow, hit by Western sanctions, has in the past year drawn closer to Beijing  a development that New Delhi has watched with dismay.

"We hope to convey our concerns to Russia and are confident that Moscow will reflect on what worries India," Pankaj Saran, India's ambassador to Russia, said Friday.

Putin and Modi were meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the leaders of the BRICS countries that comprise Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS summit is scheduled to begin late Saturday with an informal dinner of the leaders.
Guwahati, October 14 : Paresh Baruah led United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) and NSCN(K) have jointly planned a series of attack on security forces and to abduct two BJP MLA's of Assam.

The Intelligence Bureau had alerted the state governments of North East Indian states including Assam and said that, the outfit group close with NSCN(K) planned to attack on security forces.

The IB had also submitted a report to Union Home ministry on October 10.

A top official of IB said that, ULFA(I) and NSCN(K) has jointly planned to attack on security personnel along bordering areas of Manipur-Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh-China, Meghalaya-Bangladesh, Tripura-Bangladesh, Assam-Bhutan and Assam-Bangladesh.

The IB office based in Arunachal Pradesh had submitted a report to Union Home ministry on October 10 and said that the militants also planned to abduct two BJP MLA's, three IPS officials and four businessmen from Assam.

'We have sounded high alert across the state following the IB inputs and launched intensive operation against the militants,'A Assam police ADGP Pallav Bhattacharya said.*

The IB report also revealed that, the IB had tracked conversation between ULFA(I) and Bangladeshi militants.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed...Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom's plight, 'Tis ever the same, to serve our home and country's need. -- JOSE RIZAL, "My Last Farewell" // Sapagkat ang mundo'y bayan ng hinagpis Mamamaya'y sukat tibayan ang dibdib... -- FRANCISCO BALAGTAS, "Florante at Laura" //
ST. THOMAS -- A Pembina County man faces a trio of felony charges after authorities say he shot at a man in his home before being shot by his own wife.

Brandon Allen Thompson, 31, has been charged with attempted murder, a Class A felony; terrorizing and aggravated assault, both Class C felonies; and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor; for his role in a domestic dispute Thursday morning near St. Thomas. If convicted, he could face 20 years in prison.

A bond hearing for Thompson was held at 4 p.m. Friday, with bail set at $50,000.

Pembina County Sheriff Terry Meidinger said his deputies responded to a domestic dispute call at 9:23 a.m. Thursday at a farm outside of St. Thomas.

He said Thompson fired shots at a man who was inside his home and that his wife fired back, striking Thompson.

From the information we have, it sounds like he fired first, Meidinger said.

Charging documents filed in Pembina County Friday state that Thompson fired a 9 mm Luger pistol at a man about 5 feet away as the man attempted to leave the residence. Thompson threatened to kill the man and followed him out of the residence after grabbing a military-style rifle and two magazines, the documents state.

Full affidavits were not filed in Pembina County District Court by the end of the day Friday.

The sheriff did not say where Thompson was wounded, but said he is expected to fully recover. Thompson was booked into Pembina County Jail.

Meidinger said his office and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation will continue to investigate the case, but they did not have other parties in custody Friday.

Lora Thompson, Brandon Thompsons wife, declined to comment when contacted Friday.
Harvesting treats at the Hop More than 800 children and adults visited Fridays annual Harvest Hop at Diamond Trail Park in Sandusky sponsored by the SAVE Partnership. Thirty-three organizations handed...

Mascot discussion continues at Sandusky school board A year after the Sandusky Board of Education began talks to retire the districts mascot, discussions continued at the Oct. 17 meeting, which saw the...

New administrator hired for Medical Care Facility The Sanilac County Medical Care Facility (SCMCF) welcomed a new face of leadership this week, with the hiring of administrator Kerry Regentin. Monday, Oct. 24...
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Photos: When the chips are down, these street vendors turn on the flash
As pipeline protests continue, law enforcement has stepped up its message, saying more forcefully that it is going to take a hard line.

This week, officials labeled a 200-plus protest in rural St. Anthony a riot. The week before, they announced a new proactive approach to policing the protests with more officers and new roadblocks meant to stop the demonstrations before they happen.

Sheriffs Kyle Kirchmeier and Paul Laney say the new tools are necessary to combat ever-more lawless protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline and to protect everyones rights and safety.

Theyre trying to come to a legal worksite and prevent any work from occurring. And we, as the law, have to make sure that safety, public safety remains, said Kirchmeier, Morton County's sheriff.

But the pipeline opponents, the American Civil Liberties Union and a former police chief who specializes in handling protests say the aggressive approach is not only overkill  it worsens existing tensions and may, in some cases, be illegal.

Softer is better, closer is better," said David Couper, a former police chief of Madison, Wis., who oversaw hundreds of protests from the 1970s to the 1990s and now is a criminal justice professor. To start with that heavy-handed approach is a terrible mistake."

Democracy is messy, he continued. It just is.

A proactive approach

On Oct. 5, a caravan of 100 cars parked in ditches along Highway 6 near the entrance to St. Anthony.

Police had blocked off the road into the small village, anticipating the group would drive toward active construction sites to the west. That led protesters to demonstrate just outside the town  and then, once the protest appeared to have ended, they made an end run around police and showed up at the construction sites one hour later to ensure work had stopped. Once again, they were confronted with dozens of officers and armored trucks, which prompted them to return to camp.

Kirchmeier called the effort a win in a press conference the following day. He announced the approach law enforcement took  blocking the road preemptively  would be the new standard when officers saw caravans of cars headed down the road. On top of that, they would add more officers and continue making arrests.

Kirchmeier and Laney, the Cass County sheriff whos overseeing operations in Morton County, made their case in an interview this week: People are breaking the law, and that must be addressed. Protesters are not the only ones with rights; landowners, workers and the pipeline company have them, too.

The sheriffs maintain theres a pattern, and they can expect whats next: When protests occur, hundreds of people often drive on public roads and park alongside or in the ditches, creating traffic concerns. Then, they tend to walk onto private property and do what they can to stop construction, whether that means pressuring workers to leave, engaging in prayer or vandalizing equipment.

Your rights dont make someone elses go away, Kirchmeier said.

Balancing rights of all

Asked about balancing private property rights and freedom of speech, Mark Tilsen, a South Dakota protester who acts as a liaison between demonstrators and police, turned the conversation toward the issues.

One of the things that needs to be considered is that we are out there protecting the drinking water of 17 million people who drink this water downstream, he said. Legality does not equate to being moral."

And Couper, the former police chief who teaches criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, contends the police here are making a choice in their approach.

The law may be on their side now, but they dont represent just the landowners and the corporations. They also represent the native peoples who are there, Couper said. Thats a decision they can make. They dont have to make those kinds of arrests. They can slow things down.

He suggested the police could try harder to negotiate with the protesters and be more tolerant of harsh, threatening words.

Moreover, Jennifer Cook, policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union in North Dakota, suggested the road block strategy may be illegal. She called it very concerning and said she was considering suing over the issue  as they had considered when Highway 1806 was blocked for weeks.

Its deterring individuals from protesting lawfully, she said. You shouldnt take preemptive action against a lawful protest.

North Dakota style riots

On Monday, more than 200 people gathered at a construction site south of St. Anthony. Law enforcement blocked off miles of Highway 6, though the group had already gathered on the site by that point.

One protester on scene, Alden Towler, said the group started the morning in prayer by a teepee set up near the pipeline. They chanted and carried signs. An elder beat a drum, and there were constant reminders from the organizers for everyone to control their emotions and to stay in prayer, he said.

During the latter half of the event, a group of people stood behind a line of police and chanted lines, including Respect our water. People were arrested from the teepee, for a total of 27 people taken in that day. Provocative words were spoken, but no real violence was observed. Around noon, the protesters left in a group.

Later that day, Laney called the demonstration a riot. In the interview Tuesday, Laney referenced a North Dakota law that defines a riot as a disturbance involving five or more people which by tumultuous and violent conduct creates grave danger of damage or injury to property or persons or substantially obstructs law enforcement or other government function.

Laney said there were more people than usual, who refused to leave the area. Some came with the goal of getting arrested, and there was some aggression toward officers during those arrests. "Unconscionable" words were said to officers, and some people carried knives on their hips, too, he said.

The word choice allowed them to tack on an additional charge of engaging in a riot or inciting a riot to people arrested on scene, whereas protesters previously had been charged with only criminal trespass.

Their behavior has escalated, so the charges have escalated, Laney said.

But Towler calls the characterization as a riot ridiculous.

A riot implies that there was violence happening and some sort of destruction of property. There was nothing of that nature happening, he said.

When confronted with an idea of what it conjures  the recent protests, fires and looting in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray  Laney defended his use of the word and referenced instances of vandalism to company equipment.

This is North Dakota style, he said.

Armored trucks and riot gear

At the demonstration Monday, police were suited up with riot masks, bulletproof vests and nightsticks. Highway 6 was lined with police cars and armored vehicles.

Police have worn this gear for months  even at the Dakota Access protests law enforcement touts as models, such as the two demonstrations by the Capitol in September.

Laney and Kirchmeier said the garb is necessary because officers could be hit with spit and pepper spray from the protesters. They said they fear violence against their officers, who have been threatened on the line.

But Cook, with the ACLU, reminds that the bounds of free speech are broad. Though there have been reports of violence and threats, no one has been charged with assaulting an officer. One man was charged with terrorizing, after he allegedly rode his horse towards a cop.

When you have police officers dressed as literal warriors that you see out on the battlefield and they appear in protests where people are unarmed, youre treating the protest area like a war zone, Cook said.

They could have at least talked to us

Sherman Alexander, of Eagle Butte, S.D., sat under a teepee by the pipeline at the demonstration Monday before he was arrested for criminal trespass and engaging in a riot.

We were just sitting there praying, he said in an interview Tuesday.

On somebody elses property, Laney and Kirchmeier responded nearly in unison when asked about the group under the teepee.

When they gathered up and they came towards us, they said you guys are going to be arrested, you know that right? Alexander recalled.

They could have at least talked to us. There was no talking, he said. They stood there and they looked at us like they wanted to hurt us.

The sheriffs said they always try to have a conversation but have had trouble finding leaders they can trust over time.

Weve been trying to find camp leaders, legitimate camp leaders, and have productive conversations with them to make sure everything remains lawful as they continue what they want to do, Kirchmeier said. We are more than willing to sit down and discuss it, but criminal activity cannot keep occurring day after day.
 In twin post-Hurst rulings, the Florida Supreme Court concludes capital sentencing requires jury unanimity | Main | Federal inmate refuses Prez Obama's commutation 

The title of this is the title of this timely and astute New Jersey Law Journal commentary authored by (former federal prosecutor) Steven Sanders. I recommend the piece in full, and here are excerpts from its beginning and ending:

In late June, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Beckles v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 2510 (2016). Beckles actually raises three questions, but only two of them are pertinent here: (1) is the "residual clause" of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines' career offender provision void for vagueness under Johnson v. United States, 135 S.Ct. 2551 (2014); and (2) can a defendant whose Guidelines sentence became final before Johnson issued nonetheless invoke Johnson's new rule in a motion filed under 28 U.S.C. 2255. In its recently filed merits brief, the government argues that the answer to question (1) is "yes," but that Beckles and thousands like him have no legal remedy because the answer to question (2) is "no."

The government's non-retroactivity argument in Beckles represents a total reversal of the position it took before the en banc Eleventh Circuit only one month before Johnson issued. And that reversal seems to stem from the government's concern about the costs the justice system would incur from conducting resentencings for prisoners who very likely would receive lower sentences were they afforded a remedy. The government's belief that the costs of dispensing justice outweigh the benefits (i.e., less prison time for thousands of people the government acknowledges have been over-sentenced) is eye-opening, to say the least. That it has broadcast that belief in a Supreme Court brief is downright disturbing....

In sum, the government's retroactivity position in Beckles seems more like a belated attempt at damage control than a principled effort to apply the law consistently across a set of similarly situated defendants. The government would do well to heed Solicitor General Frederick Lehmann's powerful observation  now inscribed on the walls of the Department of Justice  that "[t]he United States wins its point whenever justice is done its citizens in the courts." See Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87 & n.2 (1963).
At 150, Laguna Honda is even older than most of the people living there. The establishment dates to 1866, and to ring in its anniversary this year, volunteers have assembled photographs and artifacts that recall the hospital's rich history of service, which will be celebrated with particular zeal at an event this weekend.

"It all stems from those early Gold Rush days, when San Francisco stepped up to the plate and said hey, 'We do take care of people' and it has continued to this day," former San Francisco supervisor Louise Renne tells ABC7. "Laguna Honda is a publicly owned, publicly funded skilled nursing center," she adds. "We are one of the very few in the country."

Not everyone struck gold during the California Rush: Many were left empty handed and living in abject poverty. The city of San Francisco responded to the situation by building on a site carved from ranch land to the west of Twin Peaks. There, a natural spring fed a deep lagoon  Laguna Honda. The land had previously belonged to Jose de Noe, who was the last alcalde of San Francisco when it belonged to Mexico.





As an almshouse  a catchall home for the poor, ill, and destitute  residents of Laguna Honda grew their own food and tended to their own livestock on 87 acres. By 1870, 500 people lived on the site. In 1868 during a smallpox epidemic, the city began to administer medical services at Laguna Honda, constructing a hospital site later run as a small asylum. In 1906, the earthquake and fires that rocked the city left many stranded and homeless, and the almshouse began housing displaced residents of as a relief home. A pavilion was built to accommodate 1,000 such people and dedicated by Teddy Roosevelt.

In the '20s, under Mayor James Sunny Jim Rolph, the current Spanish Revival style architecture for Laguna Honda was established, and in the '30s the site was a teaching center for the University of California Medical School. That era also brought the WPA murals that are a popular site today. While occupational therapy, surgery, and cancer research went on during the '50s, Laguna Honda didn't become an accredited hospital until 1963.

All of that early history, as well as more recent advancements and stories, will be on display in a new room to be unveiled this weekend, where old patient logs, photos, and even medical instruments will tell the site's story. Festivities are to include a ticketed documentary screening: The film, States of Grace, centers on Dr. Grace Dammann, a Laguna Honda physician, and her recovery from a car accident on the Golden Gate Bridge. According to the Bay Area Reporter, Mayor Ed Lee and out Health Director Barbara Garcia will be at the event as well.

Related: A Brief History Of How San Francisco Ended Up With Electric Trolly Buses
Thoroughly disrupted by contractor-based ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft, 1928- founded Luxor Cabs has filed with the Planning Department to receive benefits reserved for so-called legacy businesses. Socketsite snapped up the news, writing that Planning has recommended Luxor Cabs for approval.

That Legacy Business program, voted into being by Prop J last year, has so far benefited such business as North Beach bar Specs' and SoMa bar The Lone Star Saloon. It incentivizes property owners to extend the leases of legacy businesses with grants  something that doesn't necessarily apply for Luxor since their headquarters isn't what they're trying to save here. Legacy businesses, which must be 30 years or older to qualify for the designation, can also receive grants of up to $500 per full time employee per year. In this case, for cab drivers with expenses to like medallions and commercial insurance to pay for, anything, I suppose, helps.

The Planning Departments summary of the business and application:

Luxor Cab Co. is an independently-owned cab company providing transportation services to all people, with a special emphasis on senior and disabled residents, since 1928. Its location has changed several times over the years but it has operated 24 hours a day, every day of the year, for 88 years. Its office and garage has been located at 2230 Jerrold Avenue between Toland Street and Napolean Street in the southeast quadrant of the city since 1995. More than 100 individual taxicab medallion holders are currently affiliated with Luxor and the company prides itself on its providing a living wage to all of its employees and maintaining a fully-insured fleet of 162 cabs. Luxor Cab Co. is the largest provider of ramp taxi service for wheelchair users and the largest provider of paratransit rides, a subsidized taxi transportation service for seniors and disabled people, in the city. The company is owned by a group of shareholders rather than a single owner and is known for its distinctive shield-like logo on the sides of its taxicabs.

I myself haven't operated in San Francisco for 30 years, but if I had, I would seriously consider sending in an application on behalf of myself as a legacy biz right about now.

Related: Weekend Reminder: You Can Legally Get Drunk In San Francisco Cabs
BART's "fleet of the future" is coming, but with full deployment of the new train cars not expected until at least 2019, riders on the increasingly crowded old trains often feel like they're stuck in a very grimy past. But tomorrow allows you the briefest of chances to break free of that reality  if only for a moment. BART officials announced that they are opening up one of the new cars for curious commuters to check out from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station.

That's right, tomorrow afternoon you can plop your butt down on the future of Bay Area transit.

It will be free to get into the station to view the train, and, what's more, BART is handing out tchotchkes. "The first 200 visitors each day will receive a commemorative toy train," officials promise. "The toys were donated to BART."

Can't make it tomorrow? Not a problem! There are three more opportunities to run your hands over the seats before they become soiled with use: Sunday, October 16 at the MacArthur Station from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at the Dublin/Pleasanton Station from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the same times on Sunday, October 30 at the El Cerrito del Norte Station.

The below video of the first new test car arriving should get you pumped up for your trip tomorrow morning, on one of BART's "fleet of the present" train cars, to Pleasant Hill.

Related: Photos: First Look Inside That New BART Car, Bike Racks And All


This week we saw the debut of Rambler in the Hotel Zeppelin, the shuttering of iconic 48-year-old former gay spot The Lion Pub, and the death of longtime North Beach bar owner Richard "Specs" Simmons. We also heard a bit more about the impending opening of the Bar Tartine spinoff, Motze. Here's what else has been going on in the food scene.

Over at Michael Mina's Test Kitchen, the barbecue collaboration with Ayesha Curry, International Smoke, will have its sunset on November 4, and that will then make way for the next temporary concept in the space opening November 12: Postcards From La Coastiera. Chef Adam Sobel, as Eater reports, will be creating a menu focused on the Italian coastal regions of Lazio, Campania, Sicilia, and Puglia, among others, with emphasis on crudos, roasted seafood and meats, handmade pasta, and caviars paired with mozzarella or burrata, which will be a weekly featured special. Check out the full menu here, and they're taking ticketed reservations now.

Yet another omakase-style sushi spot is opening later this month, this one on Van Ness, and it's called Hinata. Eater brings word that the chefs are "Gavin Leung and Weida Chen, who bring experience from Zushi Puzzle and Sushi Ran, respectively," and Leung has also worked with famed Tokyo sushi chef Jiro Lin at the Saison sushi pop-up last year. The space, the former Mazza Luna at Van Ness and Eddy, is small, with just sixteen table seats  where an a la carte menu will be available  and 12 counter seats with omakase only. That will be $78 with a sashimi course, 12 piece of sushi, a soup course, salad, and dessert.

Preeti Mistry, the Top Chef alum who runs popular Oakland Indian-fusion spot Juhu Beach Club, is now opening a new Emeryville restaurant called Navi Kitchen. As Inside Scoop reports, it will be an all-day spot with counter service, and a menu featuring seasonal curries, Indian Neapolitan-style pizzas, and burnt masala-brined rotisserie chicken with tikka masala mac and cheese (!). Look for that to debut next spring.

As promised, healthy lunch option Sweetgreen just debuted their first SF location, at 171 Second Street, and the opening was greeted with massive lines as Inside Scoop reports. You can check out the full warm bowl and salad menu here, and order ahead on their app if you want avoid a line. And as Eater notes, yes, SoMa now has a Tender Greens, a Mixt Greens, and Sweetgreen, so don't complain about not being able to find a custom tossed salad.

NoPa's Bread & Butter Cafe (Hayes and Ashbury) has closed due to an apparent rent hike, and as Hoodline shows us, the neighbors who loved it are losing their minds and posting angry notes all over the front door, calling the landlord "slumlord Joe" and a "greedy" co**sucker.

Also closed is Rye Project (180 7th Street), the Jewish deli spinoff of Deli Board, and owner Adam Mesnick tells Eater it was due to challenges with the tiny space a tremendous amount of mishigas [Yiddish for craziness] from the neighborhood. Some of that mishigas he's referring to has been well documented on Deli Board's Twitter, if you're curious.

Rum & Sugar, a new rum-focused bar, is headed for the former Castle Club space in the Tenderloin (823 Geary Street), as Hoodline reports. It's the project of two first-time bar owners, Russian expats Olga Zhuravskaya and Natasha Avtonomova, and they're aiming for a November opening.

Dogpatch brunch spot Aina, the Hawaiian eatery that opened six months ago, is expanding with dinner service starting next week, on October 18. Chef Jordan Keao and new chef de cuisine Chris Yang will be debuting a menu with a few pupus, five starters, and four mains, and not everything his Hawaiian per se  e.g. there's Portuguese butter bean cassoulet, and a pork chop with carrot-top pistou and ginger-citrus chimichurri. Inside Scoop has the deets here.

And beloved upper Fillmore New Orleans spot Elite Cafe has reopened after shuttering in March and changing hands, as Tablehopper reports, with a spiffy remodeled interior, and a new menu from chef Chris Borges. As Inside Scoop explains, new owners Andy Chun and Jan Wiginton (Schroeders, Pacific Cocktail Haven) have brought in bar star Kevin Diedrich to take care of the NoLa-inspired drink menu, which includes a frozen hurricane and a frozen Irish coffee.

This Week In Reviews

Pete Kane this week gets a first crack at newly open Nomica in the Castro, the "sushi-less Franco-Japanese restaurant" from the team behind Sushi Ran in Sausalito. He says "this restaurant deserves credit for its willingness to take risks," and he loves a seaweed salad with pine nut butter, radishes, and crispy buckwheat; the "laminated brioche" with mushrooms and whipped egg yolk inside; and an "extraordinary" grilled fish dish with vegetable ash, trumpet mushrooms, and savoy cabbage.

And despite my skepticism about the nightly line outside, Anna Roth declares that Mensho Tokyo in the Tenderloin is "a new gold standard for San Francisco," and "You should absolutely wait in the line and eat this ramen." Also, she says that Mensho is "a good place to be a student" of ramen, learning about "various broth styles, noodles, toppings and regional variations," and she's in love with popular, chicken-bone-based broth, the signature tori paitan, which she says is "beautiful" and "has all the richness of tonkotsu without that feeling that youve just consumed a days worth of calories in a few slurps." She's less in love with the lighter broth options, but she recommends the aburasoba, which are sauced noodles, no broth, and she says the new spicy miso lamb ramen is "probably a must for lamb fans."

Michael Bauer swung back around to check out Seven Hills in Russian Hill for his update review this week, and he has some high praise for what chef Anthony Florian has been doing in the kitchen since he took it over in 2013. Bauer in fact now groups the place with Frances, Rich Table, Range, and Petit Crenn as being among SF's top-notch neighborhood spots that in any other city would be considered first-tier restaurants, and he totally loves the pastas, including a kale tagliatelle served with "a beef, duck and pork Bolognese smoothed with cream" that he said was better than any he had on a recent tour of Italy. The verdict: three stars.

And for his Sunday review, Mr. Bauer seems to enjoy Barzotto, the new fast-casual pasta bar in the old St. Vincent space on Valencia. Unlike Pete Kane before him, Bauer doesn't seem to bothered by the inefficiency of the counter service, though he does say it takes some time and the staff seems "disorganized." And while he seems only mildly pleased on the pasta front, he says chef Michelle Minori shines moreso in her three main course offerings, including a half roast chicken and a porchetta slice, each served on cutting boards with vegetables and sauces  and using an overused Bauer phrase, he finds the porchetta "one of the best Ive seen." All told: two and a half stars.


Thanks to all who responded and outside agencies who helped out. Thank you @SF_emergency for your dispatchers @SFPD @CHPSanFrancisco  pic.twitter.com/iZEqJ1Qpvp  Officer Manfredi (@OfficerManfredi) October 15, 2016

A quiet neighborhood in San Francisco was left shaken Friday night, after law enforcement agents swarmed the area in search of a man who allegedly shot a San Francisco Police Department officer in the head.

The incident began to unfold at 8:15 p.m. Friday, when police were called to the Lakeshore Plaza Shopping Center, a Sunset District strip mall located on Sloat Boulevard, a few short blocks from the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove.

Police were told, the SFPD said in a written statement, that a man at the shopping center was "threatening people and causing a disturbance." Officers tracked the suspect to the first block of Everglade Drive, which is at the easternmost tip of the shopping center, but "When the officers made contact with the subject, he turned toward the officers and fired multiple shots, striking one of the officers in the head."

As the injured officer's partner rushed to render aid, the suspect fled toward Stern Grove, according to the SFPD. After a call for backup, police surrounded Stern Grove, and SFPD's tactical unit responded to the scene.

According to Hoodline, K9 units joined plainclothes and uniformed officers in the search for the suspect. Vehicular traffic on 19th was stopped as the manhunt continued, and the suspect's description was sent to every officer on the force.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter unit also joined the search, Hoodline reports. In their statement, the SFPD also thanks the "San Francisco Fire Department, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Emergency Management, the Recreation and Parks Department...the Daly City Police Department, the San Bruno Police Department and other allied agencies" for assistance in the incident.

At around 9:17 p.m., police say the suspect "emerged from the bushes located at 28th Avenue and Vicente Street," which is just north of Stern Grove. As the suspect "attempted to flee," several officers gave chase and shot at the suspect, striking him and causing him to fall to the ground.

According to the SFPD, even after he fell "he continued to hold the firearm near his chest while refusing multiple verbal commands to surrender," therefore "tactical officers deployed flash bang devices to distract the suspect and were able to take him into custody."

Both the suspect and the injured officer were transported to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment of their injuries, police say. Neither have been publicly identified as of publication time, but KTVU reports that the injured officer is named Kevin Downs, and "is new to the San Francisco police department." The injured officer "is currently in critical condition but is conscious and with his family members," according to the SFPD

The Chron reports that Mayor Ed Lee visited the officer late Friday, "and said [the officer] looked and sounded alert."

I had a chance to thank him and meet his family. Im very grateful, Lee said.

This is the first San Francisco police officer shot in the line of duty in nearly ten years. On December 22, 2006, Officer Bryan Tuvera was shot and killed in a Sunset District garage, following the pursuit of convicted felon Marlon Ruff, who has escaped from a state prison fire camp. Ruff reportedly ambushed Tuvera and his partner in a garage on the 1600 block of 25th Avenue, which is between Lawton and Moraga Streets. Ruff reportedly shot and killed himself following Tuvera's slaying, officials said at the time. (Old timers might also recall this related incident, which some say led in part to then-Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision to eventually enter a rehab program for alcohol abuse.)

Returning to the present, in a statement sent early Saturday, SFPD Interim Chief Toney Chaplin said Our thoughts are with our injured officer and his family...Our officers each day put their lives at risk to protect and serve San Francisco and we are grateful for the outpouring of support we saw Friday evening from San Franciscans who were concerned for the officers well-being."

"SFPD is proud of the officers involved in tonight's events. Knowing that a fellow member was down, these officers acted with a focus on containing the threat posed by the suspect and maintaining public safety."

According to SFPD spokesperson Officer Giselle Talkoff, Chaplin will be addressing the media at 11 a.m. Saturday from SF General. We'll update this report with any new information he provides at that time.

The SFPD SWAT team has arrived at a second scene at Vicente & 28th. This is an active police scene. pic.twitter.com/xs8RFree9G  Sergio Quintana (@svqjournalist) October 15, 2016

Armed SFPD canvassing the area of Everglade and Sloat for a suspect who shot an officer. pic.twitter.com/DXBSjVqpcV  Sergio Quintana (@svqjournalist) October 15, 2016

Update: Chaplin addressed the media Saturday but did not reveal either the name of the suspect or the injured officer. According to ABC 7, the officer remains in critical condition.

SFPD Chief Toney Chaplin says officer shot has a head wound, bullet entered his forehead missing a main artery by centimeter. Critical cond. pic.twitter.com/loJxZpKMFw  Cbarnard (@CornellBarnard) October 15, 2016

Update 2: The Chronicle confirms that the wounded officer is Kevin Downs, and says he was in "good spirits" Saturday after coming out of surgery, according to a family friend. Also:

Downs co-founded an organization called Ranchin Vets that helps veterans who served after 9/11. The organization partners with ranches and farms from across the country to create opportunities in the agricultural industry for veterans and helps them in their transition from military to civilian life.
ST. PAUL -- Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton do not talk much about rural issues on the campaign trail, but there is plenty of evidence showing they differ greatly on the subject.

Trump generally buys into traditional Republican ideas and Clinton embraces Democratic principles. And perhaps nothing illustrates the contrast better than how they stand on federal government regulations, an issue common among farmers and miners, energy workers and homeowners.

Both sides say they will work with those who affected by regulations, but that is about where the agreement ends.

"Terrible rules are written by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who often know nothing about the people they are regulating," Trump said, adding that often environmentalists have more say in regulation development than rural Americans affected by the rules.

He promised that "rational cost-benefit tests will be used to ensure that any regulation is justified before it is adopted."

The federal rule that most gets under rural residents' skin is known as Waters of the U.S., which is in front of a court that is deciding its constitutionality.

Trump promises to appoint a "pro-farmer" Environmental Protection Agency administrator as his top priority on the subject, quickly followed by getting rid of the water rule.

"This rule is so extreme that it gives federal agencies control over creeks, small streams and even puddles or mostly dry areas on private property," his campaign says.

While Trump's people say he will work to ensure that American water is clean, Waters of the U.S. goes overboard.

Clinton, meanwhile, likes the water rule but says it can be tweaked.

The Politico online news service reported in September that Clinton made her first comments on WOTUS, calling for "common sense implementation" of it. While not specific about what she meant, Clinton said she was happy that the EPA continues to allow "long-standing exceptions for common farming practices."

"Clinton's position could undermine her already tepid support among rural voters, because the agricultural industry fiercely opposes WOTUS, with 13 ag-land groups -- including the Farm Bureau and National Pork Producers Council -- involved in lawsuits against it," Politico reported.

Much of Clinton's talk about regulations centers on making the process more transparent to the public.

"As president, I will work with Congress to reform our regulatory system," she said. "We will reduce the power of government bureaucrats, and increase the freedom of our nation's farmers to be as productive as possible."

She promised to not enact "unjustified regulations."

Farm bill

Both candidates promise to include farm groups in drafting of a new set of federal agriculture-related laws, a process that could begin as early as next year.

Clinton's campaign said she would target federal money to crop insurance, commodity payments and disaster assistance. All are especially important now, the campaign said, because of current low prices for crops and other farm goods.

The Democrat proposes doubling federal money going into the beginning farmer and rancher program.

Rural development programs also should be in the farm bill, the Clinton campaign said, to fund broadband access, improve soil health, manage sewage and provide better credit access to small businesses.

Trump has said his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, will be a key ag advisor. He also says he supports "a strong safety net for our nation's farmers."

The Republican does not go into detail about the safety net, but generally that includes crop insurance and other provisions that pay farmers when natural or economic disasters hit.

Trump promotes an ag advisory committee he set up to help him with farm issues, but a spokesman for North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple, a member of the group, said the Trump campaign has not contacted him for any advice.

Energy

Clinton and Trump agree that renewable energy is good for the country, but there are deep differences in energy issues.

Former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer, also a former U.S. agriculture secretary under Republican President George W. Bush, said the difference is simple: Clinton favors phasing out coal and other fossil energy in favor of renewables such as solar, wind and plant-based fuels, while Trump likes continued coal and oil production.

Responding to questions by the Farm Bureau, Clinton said farmers have an important role in reducing carbon pollution by producing renewable energy. She praised their work in coming up with new ways to produce energy by using plants as raw material and noted that 99 percent of wind energy production comes from farms.

Clinton's campaign says she would launch a $60 billion "clean energy challenge" to attract more clean energy production.

The Democrat supports getting the federal renewable fuel standard "back on track" to drive new types of biofuel development.

Trump's views offer a stark contrast, other than also supporting ethanol.

"I support the use of domestic energy sources, including farm-grown fuel stocks such as ethanol," he said, while getting "the government out of the way of innovation among all forms of energy."

The Republican pledges to lift a moratorium that now bans oil drilling and other energy extraction on federal lands. He also would overturn existing environmental policies that he feels hinder energy production.

Trump is a strong backer of pipelines to move oil from production areas such as western North Dakota's Bakken region. He also would stop payments to the United Nations' global warming programs.

A senior Trump advisor, Jason Miller, said: "Donald Trump supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy that harnesses Americas vast natural resources that will bring back jobs, revitalize our manufacturing center and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Trump supports the use of hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, which is used to extract oil in western North Dakota and elsewhere. Clinton has said she would restrict the practice.

Many rural issues may not tip voters one way or another in the presidential race, but Professor Steve Kelley of the University of Minnesota said energy issues might do that.

"If they are in North Dakota's energy basin, the candidate's position on energy might make a big difference. "What we do with domestic sources of energy like coal and oil could have an impact on voters' views."

Mining

Most mining talk in the campaign has centered on underground mining in the eastern United States, with relatively little about strip mining such as at northeast Minnesota's taconite mines and North Dakota's coal mines.

However, the two have talked out against Chinese steel dumping that for a time brought much of the taconite mining to a halt.

They also have talked about clean-air policy, which provides an insight about how they would deal with coal mines. Clinton wants to tighten clean-air regulations to control coal pollution, while Trump would dump many of them.

International trade

Both candidates say they oppose the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal some farmers think could open $5 billion of Asian markets to them.

Clinton and other Democrats originally supported the President Barack Obama proposal, but many -- including Clinton -- now are turning against it.

"As soon as the details of the final TPP deal were finalized ... she came out in opposition," her campaign says.

Trump, meanwhile, has been a constant TPP opponent. "I strongly oppose TPP as drafted and will work hard to develop trade agreements that are in the national interest and benefit American workers, including our farmers."

Clinton voted against the only trade deal to come in front of the Senate while she served in that body because it did not meet her test of providing American jobs, raising wages and improving security.

Even though Trump has been outspoken against many existing trade deals, Schafer said there might be little he can do about it.

As agriculture secretary, Schafer said that he, not the president, did the actually trade negotiations when it came to farm products. "Trump doesn't see that. All he says he is the big negotiator."

"It is the people you surround yourself with who get in there and make the deals," Schafer said, and Trump has not signaled who he would pick for those key positions.
Ask Kathy Kenyon about what its like to be a family caregiver, and shell give you an earful.

On several occasions, doctors have treated this accomplished lawyer like she was an interloper  not the person to whom her elderly parents had entrusted health care and legal decision-making.

Kenyon wasnt told how to identify signs that her mother, who had low sodium levels, was slipping into a medical crisis. Nor was she given any advice about how to prevent those crises from occurring.

When her parents  both with early-stage dementia  moved to the Washington, D.C., area, it took months for medical records to be transferred because Kenyons right to the information wasnt initially recognized.

An aberration? Hardly, according to a long-awaited report on family caregiving from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which acknowledges that the nearly 18 million caregivers for older adults are routinely marginalized and ignored within the health care system.

Caregivers are, on the one hand, heavily relied upon but on the other hand overlooked, said Richard Schulz, chair of the 19-member expert panel that crafted the report and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.

Deeming that unacceptable, the panel has called for extensive changes to the health care system, including a family-centered approach to care that would recognize caregivers essential contributions.

What might that look like, practically, from a caregivers perspective? The report doesnt say, but recommendations can be extrapolated from its findings.

Your identity needs to be documented in your loved ones medical records. We need to start by having a clear sense of who the caregiver is so that individual can be recognized as part of a team looking after an older adult, Schulz said. Currently, this doesnt happen routinely.

Thats beginning to change. Thirty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have now passed versions of the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, drafted by AARP, which calls for information about family caregivers to be included in hospital medical records.

At every doctors appointment with an elderly family member or friend, check that the record lists your name and phone number, and ask that you be contacted in any kind of emergency.

Your capacity to provide care to a loved one should be assessed. A classic example: An elderly man with diabetes and severe arthritis who weighs 220 pounds is discharged from the hospital, barely able to walk. His elderly wife, who weighs just over 100 pounds, is his caregiver and shes expected, somehow, to help him get in and out of bed and keep him from falling.

No one asks you if youre comfortable doing the things youll need to be doing, if you have the time or what other responsibilities you have, said Laura Gitlin, a member of the panel and director of the Center for Innovative Care in Aging at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Your job

Speak up and tell doctors, nurses or social workers what you can and cannot do.

Your capacity to provide care should be incorporated into your loved ones care plan. Your abilities and limitations need to be recognized and addressed in every care plan thats developed for your loved one. If you work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a parent needs help toileting, dressing and eating breakfast in the morning, for instance, that gap needs to be acknowledged and discussed.

Theres a lot at stake

Unrealistic expectations about caregivers capacities put the health of seniors  and caregivers own health  at risk.

You should get training in medical tasks for which youll be responsible. More than half of family caregivers dont receive training in the tasks theyre expected to perform for loved ones at home: dressing wounds, changing catheters, administering medications or managing incontinence, for instance.

Although the CARE Act calls for training to be provided in hospitals and rehab centers, this isnt happening on a widespread scale, yet.

Nothing substitutes for hands-on instruction, usually from a nurse. Be sure to reach out to hospital, rehab or home health nurses and ask for help understanding what you need to do and how to do it.

You should be connected with community resources that can be of help. A variety of resources for caregivers are available in many communities: local Area Agencies on Aging, which offer assistance accessing services; centers on independent living, which help people with disabilities; and disease-focused groups such as the Alzheimers Association, among other organizations.

But too often, its not at all clear where families should turn when they get a diagnosis, Gitlin said. No one tells them who they should contact or which resources might be most helpful.

Ask for this kind of information from your physicians office, discharge staff at a local hospital and people you know in the community. The governments Eldercare Locator is a good place to gather names of local organizations that may be of help.

You should be given access to medical records and information. Misunderstanding of the medical privacy act known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is common and creates barriers to family caregivers getting information they need to oversee a loved ones care.

In fact, medical institutions are obligated to hand over information when an older adult has granted a caregiver a durable power of attorney for health care decisions or a HIPAA authorization specifying that they receive access to medical materials.

In written testimony to the government, Kenyon said she was once told she couldnt walk down a hall to see her father in a sleep center because doing so would violate HIPAA. That was an ill-informed interpretation of the law.

While theres no easy solution, standing up for yourself is essential. Advocate for your rights and make sure your caregiving contributions are recognized and supported to the extent they can be, said the University of Pittsburghs Schulz. Youre an important person in the health care system.
SERGEANT BLUFF | Robert "Bob" Coffie wanted to become a pilot more than anything else in the world.

His old school notebooks were filled with pencil drawings of little planes while his third grade journal simply read: "My plan: I would like to be a Captain or a Pilot when I grow up."

Bob's dreams came true when he earned a pilot's license -- originally without the permission of parents Jess "Pop" and Marian Coffie -- and started a business as an aerial photographer, taking photos of farmland in his little silver Cessna.

More than 65 years after he was killed in a plane crash, Bob Coffie's memory remains strong with his sister Jan Coffie Johnson.

Indeed, Johnson, 87, has been maintaining the vintage photos her older brother began shooting in 1948.

The collections -- which included aerial shots of many Woodbury County farms as well as archival footage of Sioux City's Grandview Park Bandshell, the swimming pool at Leif Erickson and the former Highway 75 Drive-In movie theater -- were kept in boxes that filled plastic tubs inside the closets of Johnson's Sergeant Bluff home.

The photos, Johnson said, represented the life work of her brother who died in 1951 at age 23. Yet the countless photos also provide a unique look of Siouxland history.

That was what Tracey Sievers thought when he befriended Johnson in the spring of 2014.

Reconstructing a history in farming

"I met Jan when I was locating farms and homes in the area for a historical film I was working on," Sievers remembered. "This is when she told me about her brother Bob."

A Cherokee, Ia. businessman, Sievers said his late stepfather Dick Howard worked for an aerial photography company for close to 40 years. Upon Howard's 2010 death, Sievers continued working with the vault of film images -- mostly of family farms -- dating back several decades.

"Obviously, many of the farms from the photographs are long gone," he said. "I research locations by the original flight patterns of pilot photographers."

Through such research, Sievers wanted to document the farming history of Northwest Iowa before it vanished forever.

Sievers said he was amazed at the collection Johnson kept.

"To the best of my knowledge, Jan has the oldest set of aerial for Woodbury County," he said, noting that many of the photos are still on rolls of negative film.

In addition, Johnson kept the aerials -- still in original display frames -- that her brother would sell door-to-door to farmers.

"Bob was a real go-getter," Johnson said with a smile. "He sure packed a lot of life in a short amount of time."

Remembering an adventurous brother

Jan Johnson felt an especially close kinship with her brother Bob.

"My brother Darwin was 10 years older than me and my sister Janene was was eight years younger," Johnson said. "Bob and me? We were only a year-and-a-half apart in age and we were inseparable."

For instance, Johnson was the only one to know about Bob's clandestine flying lessons.

"Bob swore me to secrecy" Johnson said years later. "I was a nervous wreck until he told mom and dad once he got his pilot's license.

Bob Coffie's adventurous nature also left a mark on Johnson, who occasionally photographed farmstead aerials while her brother flew the plane.

"I wasn't a good photographer but he'd get me involved every once in while," she said.

To be honest, Bob probably needed his sister's help.

After all, he was employed at Mid-Continent Airlines while maintaining his aerial business. In his spare time, he was also a student at Morningside College.

"Bob was doing what he wanted to be doing," Johnson said. "He was doing what brought him the most joy."

That is, until May 12, 1951.

A life ending too soon

Johnson was in the hospital after giving birth to her first baby, Debbi, when she heard a news bulletin on the radio.

According to the newscaster, three men were killed in a plane crash in a red and grey bi-plane owned by a pilot friend.

"The pilot was flying the plane and the crash killed him, my brother and one of Bob's friends from high school," Johnson remembered. "All three were killed instantly."

Sorting through the memories

Johnson's eyes still well up when she talks about her brother.

"Bob would've been 89 years old had he lived," she said, looking at a photo of a handsome young man with piercing blue eyes. "It's hard to even imagine that."

Like Johnson, Janene Watson gets emotional discussing the past.

The youngest of the Coffie siblings, Janene was about 14 years old when Bob died.

"I remember that the Sergeant Bluff school closed the day of Bob's funeral," Janene said. "That's how well-liked he was and how devastated the community was by his death."

A lasting legacy

With the help of Sievers, Johnson has been through many of the photos Bob Coffie shot between 1948 - 1951.

His vintage aerial shots of the former Sioux City airport have been gifted to the Sioux Gateway Airport and the Mid American Museum of Aviation and Transportation. Also, aerial shots of Sioux City have been donated to the Sioux City Public Museum.

"Bob would've gotten a kick out of that," sister Janene Watson said. "He was proud of his photos and his family is so proud of him."

The rest will be sold on a Facebook site entitled Bob Coffie's Mid-Century Aerials.

When Jan Johnson thinks of her brother, she remembered a charismatic young man with a friendly smile on his face.

The boy who drew planes on his notebook became the industrious young man who documented homesteads within a 50-mile radius of the Sioux City Airport.

The knowledge that Bob Coffie's photos will be seen so many years after his death makes Johnson smile.

"This is Bob's legacy," she said softly. "It's so nice that his legacy lives on."
SIOUX CITY | Profanities and honks of support were directed at the dozens of people that stood outside Planned Parenthood during the 40 Days for Life event Saturday, a nationwide campaign aimed to end abortions.

Steve Karlen, director of North American campaigns for 40 Days for Life, said they hope to do that with three components.

"40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of community outreach, 40 days of peaceful vigils in front of the places abortions take place all day every day," he said.

Karlen said Saturday marked day 18 of the tour, as he and his crew travel across the nation in a decorated RV that has hundreds of signatures in permanent marker from the people that have attended the events.

Saturday afternoon they are holding an event in Iowa City.

"This year we wanted to really support this campaign with a nationwide tour to 125 different cities across all 50 states-- 19,000 miles we will put on (the RV)," he said. "We will be flying out to Alaska and Hawaii, too. Just an opportunity to encourage folks to pray for them and stand with them."

Since the campaign began in 2007, Karlen said 75 abortion facilities have closed, 133 abortion facility workers "have had a change of heart" and quit. He estimates over 12,000 "lives were saved," because of 40 Days of Life's work, he said.

Planned Parenthood, whose services include birth control, sex education and abortions, has its Sioux City location at 4409 Stone Ave. This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the organization.

"I used to live up Stone Avenue and I would drive by this place every day and my gut would feel sick," Mary Stevens, of Sioux City, said. "This is great to get the information and message out to everyone."

The two dozen people gathered outside of Mary's Choice, a nonprofit pro-life center that provides support and alternative services to those involved in an unplanned pregnancy, sits next door to Planned Parenthood.

Karlen said events have had only a few people all the way up to hundreds.

"We just want to see as many folks as we can and it has been remarkable to meet the people that are making things happening," he said while being given a $100 bill from a supporter.

"Often sometimes we look at the people from Washington D.C. to make changes," he continued. "Certainly, Washington D.C. needs a change, but the greatest opportunity for change happens in the local communities all around the U.S."
SIOUX CITY | After two terms in the Iowa House, Rep. David Dawson opted not to seek re-election.

The Sioux City Democrat's decision set up a race for the open House District 14 seat between Republican Bob Henderson and Democrat Tim Kacena.

The district, which covers Sioux City's westside and parts of the city's northside, leans toward Democrats. There are 5,972 voters registered as Democrats, 4,340 as Republicans and 4,765 as no party, according to election data.

Here is a look at the two candidates.

BOB HENDERSON

Party: Republican

Age: 67

Residence: Sioux City

Occupation: Adjunct instructor of mathematics at Northeast Community College in South Sioux City.

Electoral Experience: Unsuccessful run for Sioux City School Board in 2015.

Main issues for 2016

1. Education. We need to get to the heart of what will really cause our education system to again become the best in the nation and re-establish a sound purpose for that system. Making it the best in the nation will strengthen Iowa in all areas to meet future challenges.

2. Elderly issues. With a rapidly increasing older population it is crucial to address the needs of the elderly, especially those who have found themselves in positions of fixed and limited resources and providing policies so they can live productive lives.

Why vote for me: "The proper use of one of the largest portions of our state budget, education, requires policies that are determined by people who have a deep, thorough understanding of the issues. My 35-years as a public school teacher and over 42 years of total educational experience would make me one of the most qualified to help lead our state in this area."

TIM KACENA

Party: Democratic

Age: 58

Residence: Sioux City

Occupation: Retired three years ago from Sioux City Fire Rescue after a 33-year career.

Electoral experience: First run for elected office.

Main issues for 2016:

1. Public Safety. Public safety means to me not only the physical measures to keep our citizens safe from disasters and every day perils, but also having a safe environment to raise our children.

2. Education. It is time that we fund education in a timely manner, and follow the laws that require education be funded for two year periods.
Le Mars, Iowa | A Le Mars man was rushed to the hospital after being severely burned in a duplex fire Saturday.

Le Mars Fire Chief David Schipper said crews were called at 10 a.m. to a structure fire at 620 Greenwood Ave.

"Upon arrival, we had a male that had suffered second- and third-degree burns standing outside," Schipper said, "and we had heavy smoke coming from the apartment of his duplex."

The man was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Schipper would not release his identity, other than "a man in his twenties." He said he is unclear of his condition at this time.

Schipper said the fire's origin was in the kitchen, and authorities believe the fire was fueled by gasoline that was in the apartment.

"We are still trying to determine what sparked the gasoline," Schipper said.

He said there is less than $5,000 damage to the duplex, and people are still able to live in the other apartment.
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City Fire Rescue held its seventh annual Fallen Firefighter Ceremony Friday to honor the 12 local firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

A bell was rung and a wreath in each one's honor was brought up to the front of the ceremony at the Council Chambers in City Hall.

The fallen firefighters that were honored were Lawrence Shanley who died in 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.

Close to 80 active firefighters, family and friends of those remembered and elected officials took the time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Chief Thomas Everett said the ceremony is held during the month of October, which is Fire Prevention Month. Everett said it has always been a time to reflect.

"I always think how those people leaving home in the morning and their families, saying, 'Goodbye,' and 'We will see you tomorrow,' and that just doesn't happen... there's a void," Everett said. "But I think about the people in the community around us, and our duties as fire officers here in Sioux City, to make sure we give them every opportunity... to make sure they come home every single day."

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, said the ceremony was time well spent as tension with first responders across the country have heightened.

"There's not enough of respecting our first responders. I'm watching the first responders be verbally criticized across the country, demonstrations up against them and calling them into adverse situations, and then putting their lives at risk in the middle of all that. I would like to see this change across the country," King said. "If I can be here to help do that and pay my respects-- show my appreciations for our firefighters; it's a good way to spend an hour in Sioux City."
SIOUX CITY | The televised debate between the two U.S. Senate candidates takes place Wednesday in Sioux City, when incumbent U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley faces Democratic opponent Patty Judge.

It could make for an interesting night of politics for Iowa viewers, since the senatorial debate will precede the third and final presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in Las Vegas.

The Grassley-Judge debate will begin at 7 p.m. from Morningside College's Eppley Auditorium and broadcast live by KTIV in Sioux City and three other Quincy Media Group stations -- KWWL, KTTC and WGEM.

KTIV Station Manager Bridget Breen said there's been a lot of focus on the presidential election and Quincy wanted to make sure other high-profile races were not ignored.

"We have a long history of hosting debates and the upcoming debate between Senator Grassley and Secretary Judge is another example of our effort to give our viewers as much information as possible on the candidates and issues before they cast their vote," Breen said.

Iowa State University Political Science Professor Steffen Schmidt said the debate is low in anticipation, since the Trump-Clinton battle has taken over the fall spotlight.

"The atonal 'Ick Campaign' has sucked all the oxygen out of local political races for now," Schmidt said.

Schmidt said he expects few verbal fireworks, predicting Grassley, a Republican, "will be 'farmer' Grassley and be very focused on his hard work, 99-counties visits and be a gentleman with (Judge)"

Buena Vista University Political Science Professor Bradley Best said an expected debate topic will be the refusal by Grassley, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Commitee, to hold hearings to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court until after a new president is inaugurated in January.

"Judge is likely to use Grassleys most powerful asset  his 36 years in the Senate  against him by insisting that being electorally safe for more than three decades led Senator Grassley away from the common sense pragmatism Iowans expect from their elected officials," Best said.

Just getting on the same page of jointly appearing in senatorial debates has been a hard road. In the first week of October Judge accused Grassley of telling a downright lie in blaming her for the cancellation of a planned televised debate that would have aired statewide on Iowa Public Television on Oct. 20.

Judge said she initially wanted the IPTV debate to originate in Davenport, so every part of the state got a chance to see the candidates. When the statewide station said the event would take place at its Johnston studio in suburban Des Moines, Judge agreed to accept conditions that she said Grassley already had approved.

IPTV officials announced they had cancelled the debate after Grassley rescinded his acceptance of IPTVs invitation. IPTV Executive Director and General Manager Molly Phillips expressed disappointment, sharing that Judge had accepted an invitation on Sept. 23 and Grassleys campaign issued an Aug. 5 release announcing his participation.

Judge's campaign points out that a large segment of viewers will not have a chance to watch Wednesday's debate on television. Besides KTIV, KWWL in Waterloo is the only participating station based in Iowa. But KTTC, in Rochester, Minnesota, reaches into north central Iowa, while WGEM, in Quincy, Illinois, reaches into southeast Iowa.

Grassley holds a commanding lead in the polls over Judge, a former Iowa lieutenant governor and secretary of agriculture. An Iowa Poll released this week showed the incumbent senator with a 17-point advantage.

Schmidt said he doubts Judge can use the debate to propel to a win, since she is a "poor candidate." Best said Judge faces "a steep climb" to win in November, so she needs to do well in the Sioux City event.

"This race is perceived to be  and is in fact  more competitive than is usually the case when Grassley seeks reelection," Best said.
Le MARS, Iowa | A 19-year old man has died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident Friday evening.

According to a press release, Evan Niebuhr, of Le Mars, was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup westbound on Highway 3, east of Le Mars, while a 1997 Freightliner truck was traveling eastbound.

At around 9 p.m., both vehicles entered a curve in the roadway and the pickup veered into the eastbound lane and was hit by the semi, the release said.

Niebuhr was transported to Mercy Medical Center-- Sioux City where he later died.

The driver of the semi, Jeffrey Knudson, of Akron, Iowa, was uninjured.
DICKINSON  North Dakotas oil reserves have been helping support K-12 education for decades.

The Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund was created to help ensure that schools would always have a financial cushion.

On Nov. 8, North Dakotans will vote on Measure 2, which would amend the states constitution to allow lawmakers to spend part of that fund on education-related purposes whenever the balance exceeds 15 percent of the general fund appropriation for state aid to school districts for the most recently completed biennium, according to the constitutional measures language.

Between 1987 and 1991, Gov. George Sinner cut the state budget  which meant cuts to the schools budgets as well, said Sen. Rich Wardner, North Dakotas Senate majority leader.

Wardner, working as a Dickinson educator at the time, said he saw firsthand the damage these cuts inflicted on the schools as some staff members were laid off.

It was devastating, he said. And thats when we said, as legislators going forward, that that was not going to happen again.

In 1994, the states lawmakers set up the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund to collect 10 percent of revenue from the oil extraction tax. The principal of this fund may only be used to offset school budget cuts to ensure that K-12 education was always protected -- no matter the financial status of the state -- but only the governor can order its use.

In 2007, the fund began to grow because of the increase in oil production. The oil extraction tax was at 6.5 percent at the time, Wardner said. As of Sept. 1, there was about $570 million in the fund, according to the states treasurer website. About $121 million was used to offset budget cuts this year -- something the state government has rarely had to do, he said.

The states K-12 education budget is currently a little more than $1.8 billion, Wardner said. Measure 2 would allow lawmakers to spend money from that fund on education-related purposes so long as 15 percent of K-12s budget remains in the fund.

That is much more than we need to take care of any shortfall in the future, he said. Its a stranded asset, and we cant use it, and weve got some good uses for it, such as the low-interest loan construction fund for schools, and this particular biennium we are going to need it to continue to keep K-12 funding whole.

The North Dakota School Boards Association opposes the measure, fearing the vagueness of the text and that the Legislature will deplete K-12s safety net.

I dont know what percent might be needed in the future if theres a budget shortfall, said Jon Martinson, executive director of the association. What I do know is that the fund was established for that purpose and I think that it should remain for that purpose for K-12 education. Its our savings account.

Martinson said he would prefer that the measure require a higher percentage to be left in the savings account and that the text stipulate lawmakers use to remaining money for K-12 related purposes, rather than education in general.

Instead he worries the Legislature is going to spend the funds money to help compensate for the budget shortfall.

The Legislature already passed a bill, Senate Bill 2039, that would earmark $400 million from the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund for school construction and higher-education scholarships, but only if Measure 2 passes, Martinson said.

The Legislature could amend this law and change where the money is being spent, he noted, but the point is that lawmakers already have a plan to spend some of the funds money.

Right now this Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund is a safety net for K-12 education to be used in tough times, he said. However, if this bill passes that will result in transforming the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund from a safety net to ongoing funding by the Legislature, its no longer a safety net. They will continue to use all the funds beyond the 15 percent thats required (to remain in the fund).

However, some lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider of Grand Forks, only voted to put Measure 2 on the ballot because SB 2039 appropriated the money.

Schneider said SB 2039 will turn part of the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund into a scholarship endowment fund and another part into a school construction assistance fund while continuing to serve as a safety net for K-12 education, something he supports.

How do you take that one-time harvest of natural resource revenue and make it a critical investment in your people? he said. You create a scholarship endowment, the returns on which youll fund access to higher education for North Dakotas best and brightest.

But he also voiced his concerns that some lawmakers may begin to use the fund as an ongoing source of funding rather than as a safety net as it was originally intended.

I think it got to be oversized during the oil boom, he said. I think a great use for the surplus is to make these critical investments but turning to the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund as an ongoing funding source. I think that would be absolutely the wrong move because that would leave schools without a cushion.

But Wardner said he is not worried about the Legislature misusing the funds.

Every legislator has a K-12 school district that they represent, and all of the legislators understand that thats what its for, K-12, he said. I guess I am not worried about that, even into the future, because K-12 is the poster child when it comes to funding in North Dakota. Legislators want good quality K-12 schools and theyre not going to spend it on something else.

A separate 10 percent of the revenue from the oil extraction tax also goes into the Common Schools Trust Fund, which had nearly $3.4 billion in it as of March 31, according to the states treasurer website. The interest from that trust fund is used to help fund K-12, but will not be affected by Measure 2, Wardner said.

The measure unanimously passed the Senate and passed the House 68 to 21. SB 2039 passed both chambers unanimously.

Ultimately, Schneider said he hopes the Legislature can fund K-12 education without needing to dip into the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund again.

Measure 2, for me, is taking just a small fraction of our oil revenue and making it a critical investment in education and our people, Schneider said. I think its one of the most important things that we should look at as a policy goal.
The time has come to let you know about a disturbing proposal to change the process that determines which patients suffering from liver failure will receive donated livers, a shift that would literally have life-or-death implications.

The proposal comes from the Liver and Intestine Committee of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the membership group to which all transplant programs belong and that administers the federally mandated Organ Procurement and Transplant Network under contract to the federal government. Leaders of University of Iowa Health Care have significant concerns regarding this proposal and the impact the plan would have on Iowans and other people in the region we transplant.

On the surface, the proposal is designed to decrease the geographic disparity that exists across our nation in the ability to obtain a liver transplant. There are many problems with the proposal, including the actual model used to test the theory, the data used in the model, and the very essence of the problem that UNOS is trying to solve. At its core, the modelling predicts that donated livers will shift from regions that do a good job of identifying organs for transplant and shift them to transplant centers in regions that do not. Specifically, organs will move from the Midwest and South to the Northeast. The current proposal is likely to lead to a host of undesired and, unfortunately, predictable outcomes.

The leadership of UI Health Care strongly opposes this proposal that is out for public comment. The model estimates an approximate 15 percent reduction in liver transplantation in Iowa at our program. This will have a profound impact on Iowans who look to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as the only liver transplant program in the state. The proposal would also lead to more transportation of organs and recovery teams, resulting in higher costs of organ transplants in general.

Patients with a lower socio-economic status will be especially affected because they cannot seek services outside of the state due to Iowa Medicaid Managed Care limitations. There are excellent data that suggest the further a patient is located away from a liver transplant center, the much less likely they are to access a wait list, receive a transplant, and survive. The University of Iowa serves a largely rural population of patients who would be greatly disadvantaged if, as predicted, the net effect of the proposed policy would be to ship livers out of the area where they are donated. Furthermore, this disconnects the local link between organ donation and the community where transplantation occurs: through the dedicated educational efforts of The Iowa Donor Network, nearly one-third of Iowans are registered organ donors.

Perhaps the most fundamental failure of the proposed policy, in our opinion, is its lack of an over-arching philosophy for liver allocation. Reducing geographic disparity is a noble goal, but perhaps not an achievable one over vast distances where other disparities exist in health, wealth, population density, insurability, and access to health care in general. Are we trying to: Transplant the sickest first? Achieve the best outcomes with the limited numbers of organs we have? Achieve the best value (that is, some measure of outcome over some measure of cost)? Or be the most fair  equalize some disparity? Without a stated goal, what we are left with are a set of competing priorities. Much like the business world, having multiple competing strategies is like having no strategy at all.

One thing many of us in the transplant community strongly believe is that part of the solution to this problem is to have more organs to allocate. Working closely with our colleagues in organ procurement organizations to improve the outcomes of those that are underperforming would be far more effective than reallocating organs from those that are doing well. Shifting organs from areas that are performing well and rewarding those that underperform harms patients in our region.

Its clear that the lives are Iowans are at stake. They and their loved ones would welcome your support. Please go online today and leave your comment. Make your voice heard by commenting on the proposed policy online at: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/governance/public-comment/redesigning-liver-distribution/.

Doctor Alan Reed is director of the University of Iowa Health Care Organ Transplant Center.
BLACK REPUBLICAN BLOG - The Republican Party is the party of civil rights and the four Fs: faith, family, freedom and fairness. The Democratic Party is the party of the four Ss: slavery, secession, segregation and socialism (Quote By Author Michael Scheuer).
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.
ANNAPOLIS (Oct. 15, 2016)Juvenile victims of human trafficking will not be prosecuted for sex crimes in Maryland if a recommendation from a state workgroup becomes law, despite pushback from law enforcement.



From 2012 to October of this year, 82 girls in Maryland were confirmed as victims of human trafficking, said Audra Harrison, communications director and public information officer for the Department of Juvenile Services.



Youth victims of human trafficking are usually recovered in areas near airports with higher population density, and often come from low-income families with a history of neglect and substance abuse, said Sgt. Johnny Murray with the Hagerstown Police Department.



"I think there's this notion when someone says human trafficking that it's a container ship full of girls from a foreign country," said Capt. Steven Hohman, commander of the Special Investigations Section for the Baltimore Police Department. "It really is more on the streets of our cities and streets of our neighborhoods and the awareness needs to be raised."



The Workgroup to Study Safe Harbor Policy for Youth Victims of Human Trafficking was enacted in April 2015 to identify the needs of victims and programs and resources that are offered in the state.



The workgroup compiled 10 recommendations, the first being to offer immunity to youth aged 17 or younger charged with prostitution or prostitution-related charges.



"The workgroup agreed there had to be some type of immunity for child victims of sex trafficking, and we did get into a fairly lengthy discussion about what would be the age that we would suggest be used," said Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith, chair of the workgroup.



However, police in the state do not support immunity and advocate for prosecution as a tool to compel cooperation. They also said it could lead to more children pimped out as sex workers.



While police generally choose not to charge minors with prostitution, it's an option that shouldn't be taken off the table, Murray said.



"I don't know of a single case where someone has been doing an undercover operation, recovered a juvenile and then wanted to charge them," he said. "It's just not the way that they approach business."



A law that would take the option to charge victims away would be "craziness," he said.



"What about the girl who's 16, 17 years old that is doing this and she's doing this on her own accord? She's not really being pimped out," he said.



Hohman said he thinks immunity for youth victims should instead be granted on a case-by-case basis, left up to the discretion of the police.



"I would be worried that it's going to give the pimps and the handlers a greater incentive to go after juveniles because they know even if they're caught, the juveniles have immunity and they're not going to be charged, so when you take immunity off the table, or put it on the table, rather, there's really no incentive for victims to cooperate," he said.



The Baltimore Police Department hasn't charged any minors with prostitution this year, Hohman told the University of Maryland's Capital News Service.



Using charges as a scare tactic doesn't seem to be effective when recovering a youth victim of human trafficking, Wobensmith said.



"I haven't seen any data so far that would convince me that this is something that is in fact useful as a threat for cooperation," he said.



The Samaritan Womenan organization in Baltimore that operates a shelter for victims of human traffickinggets calls "across the country all the time" about minors, but can't take them in because there's no legal framework in Maryland for organizations to serve youth victims, said Melissa Yao, the group's church impact manager.



"By the time the residents come to our program, they've already been  prostituted for between six to eight years, and so our average intake (age) is between 20 and 21, so they started very, very young," she said. "By the time they get to us, they're so used up that they're not worth the effort for the trafficker to deal with any longer."



The policy right now is to send underage victims to Child Protective Services, which often transfers them to foster families, who aren't usually equipped to deal with the trauma human trafficking survivors experience, said Yao.



More protocols and legal framework, including those proposed in the workgroup's recommendations, could alleviate this transition, Wobensmith said.



"The problem we heard was for the most part, we don't have facilities and resources available to help the youth folks involved in this," he said.



The workgroup's other nine recommendations look to address the lack of resources through programs such as mandatory training for police officers and the development and expansion of a risk assessment tool.



The workgroup will be pushing for legislation to be passed to provide immunity to youth victims during the Maryland General Assembly's 2017 session, he Wobensmith said.



"The biggest issue is there's no way for us to help minors," said Yao. "That's what our priority would be, to create some sort of legal framework where we can just do the work that we want to do."
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.




Dakhla, (Sahrawi Refugee camps), October 15, 2016 (SPS) - More than 400 foreign participants take part in the 13th International Film Festival of Western Sahara (Fisahara), underway from 11 to 16 October in the Sahrawi refugee camp in Dakhla, the Saharawi Ministry of Information said.

Under the theme of "People under occupation," the festival will bring together a host of artists, technicians and people of the media from several countries in Europe, Africa and Latin America, General Secretary of the Saharawi Information Ministry Mustapha Mohamed Fadel told APS.

The Algerian participation will be marked by the screening of six films. Films on the glorious Algerian revolution will be also projected in several parts of camp Sahrawi refugees in Dakhla, he said.

A delegation from the Algerian Ministry of Culture made up of officials from the Algerian cinema development center and associations specializing in the audiovisual will visit the event.

For Mustapha Mohamed Fadel, this festival, which is a renewed expression of solidarity with the Saharawi people through film, aims to consolidate the political and information assets acquired throughout the 12 previous editions and attract new friends to the Saharawi just cause SPS

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Lome (Togo), October 15, 2016 (SPS) The President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, arrived Friday evening in Lome to participate in the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government devoted to maritime security and development in Africa, held Saturday.

The president of the Republic was welcomed on his arrival at the airport in Lome by Togolese president Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe.

The extraordinary summit will adopt the Charter of Lome on maritime security and development in Africa presented by the Executive Council of the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government for approval.

The president of the Republic is accompanied by Mohamed Salem Ould Salek and Hamdi Khalil Mayara, respectively Minister Foreign Affairs and Minister delegate in charge of African Affairs, as well as the Ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative of the to the AU, Lamine Baali, the Advisor to the Presidency of the Republic, Abdati Breika, and Hassina Selma, member of the Bureau of Sahrawi Union of Women. (SPS)

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Montevideo, October 15, 2016 (SPS) President of the International Affairs Committee of the Senate of Uruguay, Dr. Jorge Larranaga, reaffirmed the support of his country to the Saharawi Republic (SADR) in its struggle for independence, when he received Saharawi Ambassador in Montevideo, Cheibani Abbass.

Dr. Larranaga said "Uruguay support the United Nations efforts in the search for a peaceful and just solution to the Saharawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and independence.

The Saharawi diplomat informed his interlocutor of the current situation in Western Sahara, especially the Moroccan violations of the cease-fire in El Guergaret buffer zone (south of Western Sahara).

He called on all democratic countries and the United Nations Security Council to do more to ensure respect for the human rights of the Saharawi population in the occupied territories and hold without delay the self-determination referendum in Western Sahara. (SPS)

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When South Korean officials talk about the growing nuclear challenge from North Korea, they use red-alert phrases such as existential threat, imminent danger and dagger at the throat. They want Americans to understand that this long-running story of brinkmanship has entered a new phase.

One senior South Korean official told me starkly: A nuclear missile from the North can land on this office in four to five minutes. We dont have the luxury of thinking twice. . . . This is no longer a dark cloud on the horizon. Its a threat at our doorstep.

A few miles away at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan , where U.S. troops are headquartered, a senior U.S. military officer offered a similar warning. He noted that the base, like most of Seoul, has lived for decades under threat from North Korean artillery across the demilitarized zone, but he said the nuclear menace is different: This is not just a throwback to the Korean War. Its an evolving threat that is becoming dangerous outside the Korean Peninsula.

These conversations illustrate why the North Korean nuclear issue may top the security worries of the next U.S. president. Theres a sense here, among South Korean and American officials alike, that Kim Jong Un, the mercurial leader in Pyongyang, is racing through the warning lights to gain nuclear weapons and missile capabilities to attack his neighbors, and also the United States. The next U.S. president will have to decide what to do about it.

What North Korea wants is what it cant get, which is acceptance as a nuclear weapons state, argued Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador who headed the unsuccessful six-party talks with North Korea in 2005-2007. He was speaking at the World Knowledge Forum conference here.

The frustration voiced by U.S. and South Korean officials is that nothing has succeeded in checking North Koreas relentless advance toward nuclear weapons. Diplomatic talks, U.N. economic sanctions and threats of military force have all failed. North Korea is a pitifully backward country, except in its nuclear and missile programs.

Even China seems to have limited leverage. Many analysts think Beijing could successfully pressure North Korea. But although the Chinese sent a special emissary last year to warn against a fourth nuclear test, the regime went ahead with a test in January. Beijing then supported a U.N. Security Council resolution in March condemning North Korea and imposing sanctions, and Kim responded with a fifth nuclear test last month.

How should the United States work with Seoul to combat this intractable problem? Some leading South Korean officials offered useful suggestions.

Tightening sanctions is a first step. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power was just here discussing a new resolution to do that. South Korea hopes the United Nations will close the livelihood exemption that allows North Korea to export coal to China. Coal exports totaled about $1 billion last year and are a major source of foreign exchange to finance the nuclear program. The Chinese have so far balked at squeezing their neighbor harder.

Driving a wedge between Kim and members of his government elite is another South Korean proposal. President Park Geun-hye told her cabinet this week that a recent increase in high-level defections shows the fragility of Kims regime  and that South Korea should encourage even more defectors. Seouls message is that if Kim keeps subordinating all other concerns to his nuclear ambition, the regime will eventually implode.

Deterring North Korea militarily is what South Korea wants most from the United States. Park has agreed to installation of the U.S. THAAD missile-defense system , but that wont be ready until December 2017. South Korean officials hope the United States can reassure a jittery public about the reliability of its nuclear umbrella  politely termed extended deterrence. That could mean more overflights by B-52 and B-1 bombers, more visits by top U.S. officials and more joint defense talks like those scheduled in Washington next week.

Restarting diplomacy with Pyongyang gets little public support here, but South Korea and the United States have left the door open. One face-saving approach would be secret, preliminary U.S. talks with North Korea that would lead later, in concert with China, to public talks about denuclearization. But theres no sign North Korea wants such a dialogue.

What happens if all these efforts fail, and Kim deploys nuclear-tipped missiles that could hit U.S. territory? We should have a euphemism for preemption,  commented one former senior U.S. official at the conference here.

But whatever word is used, an unpalatable military choice may confront the next president  for the simple reason that nothing else seems to have worked.
Jio is nothing than a wonder of Indian telecom sect. Breathtaking offers of Jio including free HD voice call, unlimited SMS, high-speed data, live TV streaming, and much more have made Jio a national sensation, making both consumers and telecom operators rethink about their policies.

While the boundless offers of Jio facilitated the Indian consumers to take the best benefits from the free data and voice calls, simultaneously made other major telecom players go through severe loss in past couple of months. All most every major player of telecom segment including Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, and Vodafone have kept on giving their best effort to pull the legs of Jio downwards, following a number of legal allegations and this time is no exceptional.

While asked by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) about the call drop and network error issues, current telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea have alluded to free voice calls of Reliance Jio as the cause for serious network blocking. While replying to the questions of TRAI about the serious call drop issues, all these three major telcos mentioned that the free voice call facility of Jio is creating network jamming, which in other ways is affecting respective networks of them too.

As said by the official source of TRAI, the three big companies made this compliance in respond to the legal notice issued by TRAI about the call drop concerns, which is now in the pipeline of the inspection and is expected to be publicised with the final reports in next week. While asked about the call drop issues, all three players of telecom sect  Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea are found to highlight the same answer in which they have mentioned that the free voice calls by Reliance Jio is provoking consumers to make more voice calls, which in other ways is leading to an amplified interchange at the interconnection points.

Aside from this, Sources also said the current administrators have also taken a stand against Reliance Jio because of its termination charge of 14 paise per minute, which is recommended under the present IUC rule. The administrators have additionally requested TRAI to inspect the charged infringement of the telecom levy arrange by Reliance Jio. The free Interconnection of Jio is facilitating consumers to make more calls to the users of other telecom networks, which eventually is barring the smooth performance of other networks.

In the course of the most recent couple of months, Reliance Jio has conflicted with all the major telecom administrators over system network or interconnection and has gone through several inspection and notice by TRAI. However, while contacted by the media through E-mail, all three telecom companies rejected to give any comments on this matter.
The iconic Great Barrier Reef is honored with the breathtaking beauty of the worlds biggest coral reef and is one of the seven marvels of the natural world. But prior few days, a famous writer claimed the natural phenomenon to have died and you may have heard that the epic, 1,400-mile-long Great Barrier Reef in Australia has passed on or may have read the post of the famous environmentalist Rowan Jacobsen on the website Outside Online about the death of this Australian wonder. But before people started feeling pity for the death of one of the seventh wonder of the natural world, a new report came to the forefront which s claiming the Great Barrier Reef was alive and died after suffering from a proloung sickness.

Obituary: Great Barrier Reef (25 Million BC-2016), written by Rowan Jacobsen went viral on the internet. The theory proclaims that the worlds biggest coral reef system was departed and the largest Great Barrier Reef of Australia deceased in 2016 after a protracted sickness. The Great Barrier Reef is claimed to be 25 million years old and said to be the largest Barrier Reef in not only Australia but also of the world.

Great Barrier Reef of Australia was believed to be the worlds largest living structure and is the only existing formation that is visible from space. Measuring 1,400 miles long, it contained 2,900 individual reefs and 1,050 islands. While counting the total area of reef, it was found to be bigger than the regions of United Kingdom, and it enclosed more biodiversity than all of Europe jointly have. It anchorage 1,625 fish species, 3,000 mollusk species, 30 whales species and Dolphin, 450 species of coral, and 220 species of birds.

Outside Magazine has taken Twitter to express this new and the tweet reads  The Great Barrier Reef of Australia passed away in 2016 after a long illness. It was 25 million years old. The post went viral soon after posted on the Twitter on 13th October, 12.15 AM, by Outside Magazine. Only after few minutes of posting, social media, ecologists, and scientists are found to rush to read the interesting article following the link, given by Outside Magazine with the tweet.

The report contains each and every single information about The Great Barrier Reef of Australia and it starts with the same line as posted on Twitter. Following it, the article instructs about the structure, history, and origin of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
The US space agency NASA releases images captured by Chandra X-ray observatory each year on the occasion of American Archive Month. Scientists select some stunning images from the archive of images captured since the launch of observatory back in 1999.

This year, NASA has selected six images from the archive. The images contain electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible and infrared light. The incredible images are just a small piece of archive and are delight to watch for scientific community and star gazers.

From left to right, starting on the top row, the objects are:

Westerlund 2: A cluster of young stars  about one to two million years old  located about 20,000 light years from Earth. Data in visible light from the Hubble Space Telescope (green and blue) reveal thick clouds where the stars are forming. High-energy radiation in the form of X-rays, however, can penetrate this cosmic haze, and are detected by Chandra (purple).

3C31: X-rays from the radio galaxy 3C31 (blue), located 240 million light years from Earth, allow astronomers to probe the density, temperature, and pressure of this galaxy, long known to be a powerful emitter of radio waves. The Chandra data also reveal a jet blasting away from one side of the central galaxy, which also is known as NGC 383. Here, the Chandra X-ray image has been combined with Hubbles visible light data (yellow).

PSR J1509-5850: Pulsars were first discovered in 1967 and today astronomers know of over a thousand such objects. The pulsar, PSR J1509-5850, located about 12,000 light years from Earth and appearing as the bright white spot in the center of this image, has generated a long tail of X-ray emission trailing behind it, as seen in the lower part of the image. This pulsar has also generated an outflow of particles in approximately the opposite direction. In this image, X-rays detected by Chandra (blue) and radio emission (pink) have been overlaid on a visible light image from the Digitized Sky Survey of the field of view.

Abell 665: Merging galaxy clusters can generate enormous shock waves, similar to cold fronts in weather on Earth. This system, known as Abell 665, has an extremely powerful shockwave, second only to the famous Bullet Cluster. Here, X-rays from Chandra (blue) show hot gas in the cluster. The bow wave shape of the shock is shown by the large white region near the center of the image. The Chandra image has been added to radio emission (purple) and visible light data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey showing galaxies and stars (white).

RX J0603.3+4214: The phenomenon of pareidolia is when people see familiar shapes in images. This galaxy cluster has invoked the nickname of the Toothbrush Cluster because of its resemblance to the dental tool. In fact, the stem of the brush is due to radio waves (green) while the diffuse emission where the toothpaste would go is produced by X-rays observed by Chandra (purple). Visible light data from the Subaru telescope show galaxies and stars (white) and a map from gravitational lensing (blue) shows the concentration of the mass, which is mostly (about 80%) dark matter.

CTB 37A: Astronomers estimate that a supernova explosion should occur about every 50 years on average in the Milky Way galaxy. The object known as CTB 37A is a supernova remnant located in our Galaxy about 20,000 light years from Earth. This image shows that the debris field glowing in X-rays (blue) and radio waves (pink) may be expanding into a cooler cloud of gas and dust seen in infrared light (orange).

NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program for NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, controls Chandras science and flight operations.
All most every one of us considers the memory part while buying a computer. The vast majority look forward to the PC that functions smoothly and quickly. Regardless of how bigger the memory part of the PC is, some of the time because of substantial documents, the handling gets slower. But now, with the application of Low Energy Terahertz Rays, the computer memory can be fastened 1000 times more than the current pace.

Along with the boosting rate of intricacy computation tasks at hand, the amount of digital data have become mandatory to be controlled, in order to accomplish the highest ever computational paces. Numerous researchers and developers from all through the globe are kept on trying to develop a faster memory for PCs and laptops so that the accessibility of digital data and documents will be faster than ever. And this cause has made the researchers work more aggressively to explore conceivable outcomes of altogether distinctive PC innovations.

A group of scientists and scholars have developed a novel, exceedingly vitality useful and ultrafast charge control plan which can be used for fuelling the computer memory. With the low-vitality terahertz rays, the researcher group succeeded to make a magnet wobble in a trillionth of a second. The model of T-Ray is represented by the international team of scientists from the Netherlands, Germany, and Russia. The researchers have also proposed a new strategy utilizing substantially faster terahertz radiation, which is otherwise known as T-beams. According to the outcome of the research, the scientists suggests the employment of terahertz radiation (T-Ray) for rebooting computer memory instead of magnetic fields, which could speed up the memory up to 1000 faster than the magnetic fields can do.

A team of scientists from Germany and the Netherlands at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) have invented a notable method to boost up the performance and functionality of the computer appreciably. In the academic journal published in Nature Photonics, the researchers mentioned that the use of the so-called T-rays or terahertz radiation could be utilized for rebooting the memory cells computer, which in other ways can perk up the memory performance of the computer.

As described by the researchers in the published journal, the intense pulses of T-Rays cycle within one picosecond, which is one trillionth of a second and it, can accelerate the computer memory 1000 more than the present rate. The relating recurrence is named as terahertz and is one trillion of a Hertz. The terahertz electric field is tight to the point that it can kick off a voltage of a million of Volts in a magnet.

Accordingly, it annoys the orbital movement of the electrons and avoids the course of the attractive anisotropy hub. Critically, this procedure happens so quick that the charge cant take after this new introduction. Rather, the charge begins to wobble around, and the sufficiency of the polarization motions scales nonlinearly with the driving electric field.
adj. as noun (helpfuls below)

By James Oliphant

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With Donald Trumps U.S. election prospects dimming and controversy swirling around him, future Republican presidential hopefuls may be weighing whether standing by their man is the savvy move.

Party strategists fear voters fleeing Trump will also fail to support Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives , possibly costing the party control of Congress.

If Trump loses the Nov. 8 presidential election to Democrat Hillary Clinton , his polarizing candidacy may reverberate well past 2016, tarring future Republican White House hopefuls, potentially including House Speaker Paul Ryan , U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Indiana Governor Mike Pence , Trumps vice presidential running mate .

Trump was struggling in opinion polls before a 2005 video released last week showed him talking in sexually aggressive terms about seducing women. Afterward came stories in several news outlets alleging Trump had inappropriately touched women.

Trump has angrily denounced the stories, the media and Republicans who have declined to support him.

"The brand has already been irrevocably damaged. Theres nothing we can do in the short term, said Doug Heye, a former top official with the Republican National Committee. Looking to the 2018 U.S. congressional election and the 2020 presidential election, Heye said: In two to four years, the stain on our partys soul wont be washed away.

To be sure, a Trump loss is no guarantee the Republicans would suffer for long. Four years after Barry Goldwater 's massive loss in 1964, Richard Nixon staged a Republican comeback. The conservative Heritage Foundation think thank has said Goldwater launched a shift to the right that would end half a century of liberal dominance in American politics.

DEFINING MOMENT

For Republicans weighing a run for president in four years, deciding whether to back Trump may be a defining moment equal to what politicians faced in 2002 when they decided whether to back Republican President George Bush 's Iraq invasion. By 2006, public sentiment had turned harshly against the Iraq war , some Republican politicians lost their jobs, and Democrats seized both the House and Senate.

Republican presidential hopefuls of the future may be asking: How can I be loyal and stand by Trump while at the same time expand the party's base to include sectors the candidate has alienated?

More broadly, they may ask: What's the right side of history?

Trumps candidacy has attracted passionate support from a core group of voters but also driven away some moderates and independents. Republicans such as Heye fear Trump, who already has alienated large populations of Hispanic voters because of his hard line on immigration, will cost the party a generation of women voters as well.

Ryan, Rubio and Pence all have, to some degree, sought to distance themselves from Trump. Ryan this week told colleagues he would no longer publicly defend Trump, in essence washing his hands of him. Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican primary and is fighting for re-election in his home state of Florida , has criticized Trumps remarks about women, but has not withdrawn his support.

Pence is routinely forced to answer for his running mates conduct, but managed at last weeks vice presidential debate to outline policy differences with him.

If Trump leads the party to crushing defeat next month, he may for years haunt Republican office-holders who supported him.

I predict a chaotic round of finger pointing after the election, as people try to justify their position, said Jim Manley, a former top aide to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid who witnessed the Democratic wave in 2006 first-hand.

Democrats are trying to link vulnerable Senate candidates to Trump at every turn. On Thursday, the advocacy group American Bridge highlighted Trumps praise of Rubio on local Florida television, even as Rubio has avoided appearing at any Trump events in the state. Clinton on Twitter this week noted that Ryan has not recanted his endorsement of Trump.

'TOUGH' FOR PENCE

Strategists say Pence would have the hardest time emerging from Trumps shadow. I think for Pence, its really tough, said Republican operative Liz Mair.

Pence excited some conservative voters with his debate performance. A Politico/Morning Consult poll taken afterward showed him as the top choice for 2020 among Republicans, at 22 percent. Ryan, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Rubio followed.
tech2 News Staff

Samsung Electronics has offered alternative phones to its India customers who had pre-ordered its flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices, in a bid to appease loyal clients in one of its largest smartphone markets. India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing smartphone markets and a critical one for Samsung as it is the No. 1 player in the nation with a roughly 25 percent market share.

The device that had been set to go on sale in India in early September ended up not getting to any Indian customers after it failed to resolve overheating problems which caused some of the phones to ignite. Samsung had officially launched the Note 7 on 11 August at Rs 59,900. It was open for pre-orders. For those who pre-booked the device, Samsung India sent out an email apologising for the delay, alongside a few SMS acknowledgements promising to make up for the delay with free VR headset and apps.

In a release late on Friday it said for those who had pre-booked devices, in lieu of the Note 7 it would offer customers either its Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices. It also offered affected clients a free set of its virtual reality headsets, a free pair of wireless headphones, a voucher worth about $50, along with a free one-time screen replacement in case of any damage to the new smartphone within a year, the report adds.

In a separate statement Samsung also questioned analyst estimates on the extent of the impact on revenue in India from the Note 7 debacle. "We can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year," the company said in the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Samsung said however that it expected to take a hit to its operating profit of about $3 billion over the next two quarters due to the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7.

We reported earlier this week, another area of concern is that in the grey market, the Note 7 is still available. Some shop keepers in Mumbai are offering mixed responses. One vendor we spoke to said he still has the Note 7 in stock at Rs 56,000 and promises that it comes with the replaced battery. It didnt sound like he was aware of the recall by Samsung.

Some others said that they never had the device in stock. In Delhi though, a source said the device isnt available but can be made available for Rs 58,000. While another vendor said it is available for Rs 56,000.

Shop keepers in Indias grey market still stocking Note 7 is a cause for worry.

With input from Reuters
tech2 News Staff

Qualcomm says it has taken actions to address Meizu's infringement of its patents in the United States, Germany and France.

It has filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) and also filed a patent infringement action in Germany with the Mannheim Regional Court. It has also initiated an infringement-seizure action in France to obtain evidence for a possible future infringement action there.

Earlier in June 2016, Qualcomm had filed complaint against Meizu in Chinese court over licensing disagreements. The filing by San Diego-based Qualcomm, submitted to the Beijing Intellectual Property Court , was the first legal action by Qualcomm as it seeked to uphold terms of its landmark 2015 anti-trust settlement with Chinas economic policy panel, the National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC). By July, reports revealed that Qualcomm had filed 17 complaints in China against Meizu Technology Co, stepping up its battle with the Chinese smartphone maker after the two were unable to reach a licensing accord in the US tech giants biggest market.

"Meizu's refusal to negotiate a license agreement in good faith and its sales and distribution of infringing products around the world leave Qualcomm with no choice but to protect our patent rights through these additional legal proceedings," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel, Qualcomm Incorporated.
Credit: Danny BaldwinBring Me the Horizon's Live at the Royal Albert Hall will arrive just in time for the holidays. Originally scheduled to be released in September, the live album and concert film is now due out December 2.

Live at the Royal Albert Hall was recorded at Bring Me the Horizon's show at the London venue earlier this year to support Teenage Cancer Trust. During the concert, Oli Sykes and company performed alongside a full orchestra.

You can pre-order Live at the Royal Albert Hall now on Bring Me the Horizon's website.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
When James Cole, Jr. started high school in the Southside of Chicago, his mom had just died. And a few weeks later, he was robbed at gun point. His transition to high school was chaos.

He never thought he wouldor couldgo to college, but with the constant encouragement of his 10th grade English teacher, he did.

Cole, now the U.S. Department of Education acting deputy secretary, told this anecdote in a keynote speech at the Teaching With Purpose conference in Portland, Ore. today. The Education Department provided excerpts of his speech to Education Week Teacher. The theme of the conference, which was organized by a former Portland teacher , calls for culturally responsive teaching and culturally relevant pedagogies.

In Coles speech, he focused on the expectations gapteachers tend to expect more from their white students than they do from their students of color. He pointed to new research that found that the average difference in expectations of college completion faced by black and white students is 40 percent. When a student has a teacher with high expectations, that student becomes 7 percent more likely to complete a four-year college degree.

Cole said he was able to become the first person in his family to graduate from college partly because his English teacher, Ms. Schmitt, believed in him, regardless of his race, his socioeconomic status, and the low graduation rates in his high school.

Our nations teachers are hopeful optimists that strive for the best in our children, Cole said in his speech, according to the provided excerpts. Thats why Im here talking to you about having faith in your students ability to succeed. Your perceptions of them, and expectations are for them are so important. ... Students need us to believe in their ability to thrive in school, earn a degree, and lead a better life.

Some research has found that culturally responsive teaching can close achievement gaps, and that approach has been championed by groups like the National Education Association . In an interview with Education Week Teacher, Cole said the Education Departments recent guidance on teachers and Title II recommends that states and districts use federal money to provide ongoing professional development aimed at building cultural competence and responsiveness among teachers.

And the work should not be focused solely on race"Its also about other groups that face opportunity gaps, he said, pointing to English-language learners.

Teacher preparation programs should also teach prospective teachers cultural competence so teachers can succeed from day one, Cole said, adding that the new teacher-prep regulations touch on this issue. The regulations dont specifically include cultural competence as an exit requirement for programs, but leave that inclusion up to the states.

Culturally responsive teaching has been well regarded in the education world for years now, especially since the majority of the K-12 student population is non-white, while only 18 percent of educators are of color. The pedagogy involves teaching students of all backgrounds while respecting and engaging with their cultures.

Still, many teachers, particularly those who are white, have shied away from bringing up race in the classroom for fear of saying the wrong thing. That colorblind approach has been criticized by educators, but Cole told Education Week Teacher that he didnt think addressing race explicitly was necessary to be a culturally competent teacher. In fact, he said, Ms. Schmitt never addressed race in the classroom.

We never talked about race explicitly, he said. What was really important is that there was a teacher holding me to high expectations. It just so happened that she was a white teacher and I was an African American student.

Where teachers feel comfortable, talking about race is helpful and important from a historical perspective, but I dont think its required to have high expectations of all student.

In his speech to educators at the conference, he said he was standing there because a teacher had a profound faith in [his] potential.

The next time youre having a difficult moment with a studentthe next time you want to give up on them, or the next time a student gives you a hard timedouble down on your faith in them, Cole told teachers in his speech. Step up your faith that they can overcome the challenges in their lives. With your help, I bet theyll go on to achieve some amazing things for this community and for our country.

Image of James Cole, Jr., courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education

Related:

Follow @madeline_will and @EdWeekTeacher on Twitter.
Chinese President leaves for Goa ending historic Dhaka tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping left here for Goa, India on Saturday morning wrapping up his historic two-day state visit to Bangladesh.



A special flight of Air China, carrying the Chinese President and his entourage, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:20am. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saw President Xi off at the airport.



A smartly turned out contingent of the President's Regiment Guard (PGR) gave armed salute to Chinese President at the airport during his departure.



Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Planning Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Diplomats were present on the occasion.



Four fighter jets of Bangladesh Air Force escorted the Chinese President's plane as it took off and remained on Bangladesh airspace.



Xi Jinping went Goa to attend a two-day five-nation BRICS Summit beginning on October 16. -- Dhaka, Oct 15 (UNB)
4 killed as ambulance ploughs thru` crowd at DMCH gate

Four people and a baby in its mother womb were killed and five others injured as an ambulance ploughed through a crowd in front of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) here on Saturday morning.



Three of the deceased were identified as Gulenur Begum, 25, wife of Feroz Miah, her son Shakib, 7, a class two student, hailing from Chhoto Baizda village in Rangabali upazila of Patuakhali district, and Amena Begum Surjya, 30, a six-month expecting mother and wife of Zakir Hossain of Havaspur village in Keshobepur upazila of Jessore district.



Sub-inspector Bachchu Miah, also in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the private ambulance, `Manab Seba`, hit 10 people at the entrance of the emergency unit of the hospital near the DMCH police box around 9am, leaving Shakib and an unidentified beggar, 45, dead on the spot and eight others injured.



The injured people were admitted to the hospital where doctors declared Shakib`s mother Gulenur dead. Gulenur`s another eight-month old son Akash was among the injured.



Gulenur along with family members came to the DMCH for the treatment of her son Shakib, who was injured in a road accident at their village on Friday.



Injured Amena Begum Surjya, 30, was admitted to the emergency unit of the hospital where doctors decaled her unborn child dead.



Later, Surjya also succumbed to her injuries at the incentive care unit (ICU) of the hospital around 6:15pm.



Police seized the ambulance and arrested its helper, Sohel, as he was driving it, the police officer said. ----Dhaka, Oct 15 (UNB)
Irrfan can`t stop praising `cool` Tom Hanks

While promoting Inferno, Tom Hanks made headlines in Bollywood and Hollywood when he made the statement - "Here's what I hate about Irrfan Khan I always think I'm the coolest guy in the room, and everybody's hanging on to every word I say, and everybody's a little intimidated to be in my presence. And then Irrfan Khan walks into the room. And he's the coolest guy in the room."

To which Irfan had replied, "Tom gets the 'cool' quotient right, that's why he could say this. And by saying it, he's become the coolest actor in the world."

It's crystal clear that both these impeccable actors are fond of each other. In a recent interview, Irrfan was all praise for his co-star, "Tom's charming, inspiring and carries a warm heart.

He's the most generous actor I've met with an energy which makes everyone around him comfortable. It was a great experience working with someone who is so secure of himself as an actor."

On a totally different note, Irrfan was asked about son Babil's future acting plans, who accompanied him on several schedules of Inferno.

"That's for him to decide, we don't discuss such things. Babil has a mind of his own and the freedom to choose what he wants to do," he said.

What's more, Tom had also confessed that Irrfan is cool but his son is cooler.
President Abdul Hamid addressing the 9th South Asian Economic Conference at Le Meridien Hotel in the city on Saturday. - Press Wing, Bangabhaban photo
Deadly floods hit North Carolina after Hurricane Matthew

A man carries his son through flood waters surrounding their home after inspecting it amidst rising river levels in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Greenville, N.C. on Friday.

AP, North Carolina :

Nearly a week after Hurricane Matthew barreled through the Caribbean and up the southeastern coast of the United States, floodwaters continue to rise along with the death toll in North Carolina.

As of Friday, floods had killed at more than 20 in North Carolina, approximately 2,300 others had been rescued, and 43 shelters were currently housing about 3,400 people throughout the state.

Gov. Pat McCrory implored people on Thursday to donate to the state's disaster relief fund, emphasizing that "the poorest of the poor in North Carolina are the ones who are being hurt the most by these floods."

According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, approximately 356,000 residents in the 21 counties being monitored for storm damage were living without access to healthy food well before Matthew made its way up the east coast.

Slideshow: Hurricane Matthew batters the Southeast >>>

This week, rainwaters continued to rise and rivers overflowed into the streets of poverty-stricken communities like Lumberton, Goldsboro and Kinston, where residents anxiously braced for more flooding.

"I worked for years and years to make money for a double-wide, which I thought would be home for the rest of my life," a retired Vietnam veteran named Wesley Turner told the New York Times of his mobile home in Kinston, which was on the verge of flooding. "I can't afford another trailer. I can't afford a pup tent."

Floods are also wreaking havoc on North Carolina's agriculture industry, a top contributor to the state's economy.

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, at least 1.8 million poultry birds have died in Matthew's aftermath, though state Department Environmental Quality Secretary Donald van der Vaart estimated that the total number of poultry killed in the floods could be closer to 5 million.

"Knock on wood, right now we don't have the kind of catastrophic losses we had in 1999," van der Vaart told Reuters, referring to the floods that overflowed many of the state's hog farms during Hurricane Floyd, carrying animal waste and carcasses into local waterways.

While van der Vaart said that the recent flooding had overwhelmed pits filled with hog waste on some farms in the state, he predicted that the waste would be "vastly diluted" by the floodwaters, causing little environmental damage.

In 1999, Hurricane Floyd caused extensive damage to Princeville, N.C., regarded as one of the nation's first towns settled by freed African-Americans. Days after Matthew receded in the Atlantic, floodwaters began to inundate the historic town of 2,000 once more.

On Wednesday, officials in Princeville's Edgecombe County reported that water was "ankle-deep" in one part of town.

As of Thursday, the nearby Tar River had risen to 36.3 feet. Roads and bridges entering the town had been blocked off, leaving evacuated residents stranded across the river in Tarboro, N.C., as the water inches dangerously close to the 37-foot dike that protects Princeville from the swollen river.

Speaking to the Washington Post Thursday, one evacuated resident described the situation as "another nightmare."

"We're going to have a lot of work to do," McCrory told reporters regarding Princeville on Thursday. "We're going to have to rebuild a town."




Production, use of polythene unabated in Ctg

A Correspondent :

Despite ban, production and use of polythene, a environmentally hazardous item go on unabated and factories keep on mushrooming for lack of strict enforcement of law.

Although polythene bag production, marketing and usage have been banned, its manufacturing and use are rampant in Chittagong for lack of proper monitoring and strict enforcement of law.

During recent visits to local kitchen-markets at Reazuddin Bazar, Kazir Dewry, Choumuhuni, EPZ, Bahadderhat, Karnaphuli Gate No. 2, Pahartali and Katghar Bazaar, it was revealed how these polythene bags were being widely used by everyone from sellers to buyers.

Naimul Ahsan Abir, a student of Chittagong University (CU) whom this correspondent met at Katghar Bazaar, said, "At first we used reusable jute bags when the ban was imposed. But due to a lack of monitoring, shop owners started using the polythene bags again and we also stopped bringing bags from home."

"We are not the only one to blame. The shoppers also need to be aware regarding this," said Md Kalu, a vegetable vendor of Steel Mill Bazar.

Department of Environment (DoE) Chittagong Metropolitan Director Azadur Rahman Mollick said there are around 15 to 20 approved polythene factories in the city and to his knowledge there is no illegal factory.

Industry insiders, however, said there are around 50 factories that produce and supply polythene bags. A mechanic of such unit who has been to most of the city factories, and a wholesaler, requesting anonymity, corroborated.

"Polythene bags over 55 microns thick are not illegal. So we cannot stop all the factories. However, some approved factory owners produce bags below the permitted level," said Sangjuckta Dasgupta, assistant director of DoE.

The DoE recently seized polythene from two such factories. The Poly Packaging in Nasirabad was caught red-handed with four tonnes of polythene on July 12. Besides, a mobile court caught MH Packaging in Chaktai for the same offence.

Unapproved Syed Polythene was found producing polythene in remote Pahartali recently. A similar factory owned by one Mohsin Sohag was busted in the same area on January 30 and fined Tk 1 lakh.

It was not the first time for Sohag; he was fined Tk 4, Tk 1 and Tk 1 lakh in 2012, 2015 and 2016 respectively. While talking to The Daily Star in July 2015, he said he had invested over Tk 50 lakh and it was not possible for him to stop his business.

From January, more than 50 law enforcement drives were conducted and over 27 tonnes of polythene was seized and Tk 13.56 lakh was realised as fine, said DoE assistant director.

Also, four tonnes of polythene were seized and Tk 8 lakh was realised in 27 mobile court drives, she said.

When asked why such widespread use of polythene could not be stopped despite frequent drives, DoE Director Mollick evaded the question and replied, "We are conducting drives frequently. You find out why it could not be stopped."
Leaders of the students organisation of Jamea Ahmedia Sunnia Zule Yasmin made a courtesy call to the Chairman of PHP Family Alhaj Sufi Mizanur Rahman at PHP Auditorium on Friday.
The vaccine debate

Rose Garrett :

Childhood immunizations are one of the most significant public health advances in medical history. Thanks to vaccines, most children and teens today may never even have heard of, let alone experienced, such afflictions of earlier generations as polio, smallpox, measles and mumps.

While the general consensus is that vaccines are here to stay, critics of childhood vaccination say there's a hidden side of the common practice that might make parents think twice before letting a doctor inject their child.

What are the issues driving the vaccine debate, and what do parents need to know before deciding for themselves whether vaccines hurt or help?

Background

Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or deactivated form of a disease into the body. The immune system then recognizes and destroys the foreign agent, giving the body a "training exercise" through which it can develop antibodies and form an immunity-all without having to get sick. If that the person is exposed to that disease again, the immune system can neutralize the threat before it takes hold. Because of high vaccination rates in the United States and growing rates worldwide, incidence of such vaccine-preventable diseases as measles, mumps, and polio have decreased dramatically over the last century. Worldwide measles deaths alone decreased 74% from 2000 to 2007. This is directly attributable to the phenomenon of "herd immunity": when a large percentage of a given population is immune to a disease, the non-immune individuals are also protected since there are few vectors for the disease to travel from one person to another.

An increase in the number of measles outbreaks is the United States-which include the 644 confirmed cases in 2014, the most since 1994, and the large, multi-state outbreak attributed to an amusement park in California-has made vaccination (and the decision some parents make not to vaccinate their children) a hot topic among parents, public policy experts, and medical professionals.

The majority of people who contracted measles in 2014 were unvaccinated. Because measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours, it can spread through schools and health care settings like wildfire, often threatening those most at risk, such as pregnant women, babies, and those with weakened immune systems due to diseases like AIDS or cancer-all of whom rely on herd immunity for protection. California's current whooping cough epidemic-which began in 2014 and is the worst outbreak on record since World War II-has already claimed the lives of two infants who were too young to receive the vaccine for the disease and would have relied solely on herd immunity for protection.

Controversy

Resistance to the idea of vaccination is as old as the invention of vaccines themselves, with disputes ranging from the effectiveness and safety of vaccines to the threat to civil liberty that compulsory vaccination campaigns could pose.

(To be continued)

Safety

Fear among the general public over the safety of immunization has formed the backbone of the anti-vaccine movement, which offers some anecdotal evidence to support claims of damage due to vaccination. In the 1970's and 80's, several cases of brain injury and seizures were linked to the pertussis (whooping cough) portion of the DPT vaccine, prompting a legal backlash that threatened to put vaccine manufacturers out of business.

As a result, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) was passed in 1986, establishing a federal "no-fault" system to compensate victims of injury caused by vaccines, which include allergic reactions (anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock), brain injury (encephalopathy), and seizures and convulsions. The pertussis vaccine has since been modified to make it safer, but the older strain is still administered in developing countries, as it is cheaper to produce.

In 1998, a study suggesting a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism was published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, launching a frenzy of media attention and public uproar. Many parents, both in Europe and the United States, began to refuse the vaccine for fear of an autism link, and many still believe that the MMR vaccine bears some of the blame for their child's autism. These parents say that they have observed the same pattern: their child was a normally developing one-year-old, but after the shot, symptoms of autism, such as disinterest in social interaction, began to manifest.

However, it has not been determined that the onset of autism at around the same time as the administration of the MMR vaccine is a causal relationship. The Lancet has since retracted the 1998 study after an investigation by the British General Medical Council established the results of the study as deliberately falsified. As a result of the same investigation, the study's lead author, Andrew Wakefield, was found guilty of three dozen charges, including four counts of dishonesty and twelve counts of abusing the developmentally disabled children used in his research. Since 2010, he has been barred from practicing medicine in the UK.

A host of valid studies have been released to debunk the connection between autism and vaccines, but anti-vaccination organizations have continued to ask for further government testing of vaccines and the possible dangers they pose.

Effectiveness

Some anti-vaccination activists object to the unnatural quality of the vaccination practice, preferring, instead, the more traditional process of contracting a disease naturally, such as measles and chickenpox, which, after recovery, gives the person life-long immunity. "Once you get measles and recover, you're immune for life," claims Neil Miller, a medical research journalist and author of Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?. "The vaccine itself does not confer permanent immunity. This is why they've developed this idea of booster shots. What is the medical industry's answer to an ineffective vaccine? It's to give more of it."

But Wayne Yankus, MD, a community pediatrician in New Jersey, suggests that the notion of lifelong immunity for those naturally exposed to a disease in childhood may be unraveling. He points out that adults are living longer than ever before, and that waning immunity may be possible in old age even when someone had, say, chickenpox as a child. However, Yankus acknowledges that there is a small percentage for whom immunization just doesn't work (in the case of measles, around 2-5% of people are still vulnerable to the disease after their first dose of the vaccine, and 1% are vulnerable after receiving one booster shot). The fix? These individuals are protected by the vast majority of people for whom vaccination does work. "We count on herd immunity, which is why we require immunizations for school."

A Parent's Rights

The vaccine debate has also lead to a controversy over the role of government versus the right of a parent to make choices regarding their child's health. At present, choosing to refuse vaccination for your child is not illegal, but it is mandated as a requirement for your child to attend public school (exemptions for religious or medical reasons, and sometimes for philosophical ones as well, are available but sometimes difficult to obtain).

Public health authorities view large-scale vaccination as an essential key to preventing epidemic diseases. Individuals, however, often weigh the "big picture" of public health against perceived dangers to one's individual child. Because of the "herd immunity" of the general population, the decision not to vaccinate a single child might seem safe on an individual basis. But, says Yankus, parents today lack perspective on the dangers posed to others by refusing immunization. "The issue with immunizations in general is that because so many parents today have never seen these diseases or known what they can do, many parents choose not to immunize, which is a huge mistake," he says. "I grew up with many of these diseases. I had a college roommate who died of measles encephalitis. I had a neighbor who contracted polio."

Now, says Yankus, people have the luxury to worry because they have not been exposed to the risks. "Now there is a strong, forceful, poorly informed, non-scientific community of people who feel that they don't have to immunize. As a consequence, their behavior puts everyone at risk."

Does that mean that a parent doesn't have a right to choose? Legally, they do. But that doesn't mean the government hasn't instituted hoops that parents need to jump through. Sending your child to private school is one option. Another is to apply for a religious, medical, or philosophical exemption to the rules governing public school enrollment. But, says Miller, that doesn't stop doctors from trying to vaccinate at all costs. "Kids are not legally required to get vaccinated. But doctors may try to intimidate them and frighten them with scare tactics," he says. Yankus says that his pediatric practice does not take patients who refuse vaccination. "I do not have any reason in this day and age to take care of diseases that are preventable," he says, but notes that parents are welcome to make their own choice in the matter.

The consensus of the medical community is that vaccines are a safe and integral part of public and individual health. But for parents who still find themselves undecided on the issue, here are some steps to take before making your final decision:

Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. Bring specific examples of why you are worried about the vaccine, and listen to what he or she has to say.

Know your rights. It is not illegal to refuse vaccination. However, public schools require that children be vaccinated as a prerequisite for enrollment. Exemptions for medical and religious reasons are usually available, and exemptions for philosophical ones less so.

Be informed, and know the research. Anecdotal evidence and stories from other parents can be persuasive, but pay attention to scientific studies that show reproducible results.




Is UK moving towards a `hard Brexit` ?

Philippe Legrain :

Conservative Brexiteers - who campaigned for the United Kingdom to vote to leave the European Union - continue to blather about building an open, outward-looking, free-trading Britain. But the UK is in fact turning inward. Prime Minister Theresa May, who styles herself as the UK's answer to Angela Merkel, is turning out to have more in common with Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front, than with Germany's internationalist chancellor.

May set out her vision for Britain's future at the Conservative Party conference this month. She pledged to trigger the UK's formal exit process by the end of March 2017, and declared national control over immigration - not continued membership in the EU single market - to be her priority in the upcoming "Brexit" negotiations. That stance puts the UK on course for a "hard Brexit" by April 2019.

EU governments rightly insist on freedom of movement as a central pillar of the single market, and May's nativist lurch has already prompted Merkel and other EU leaders, notably French President Francois Hollande, to take a tougher line with the UK.

The pound has duly plunged on currency markets, anticipating the economic harm of a hard Brexit: costly trade barriers - customs controls, rules-of-origin requirements, import duties, and discriminatory regulation - will divide UK and EU markets and affect nearly half of Britain's trade.

But May has not only set the stage for a complete break with the EU; she has also adopted a deeply illiberal vision for the UK's future, consisting of economic interventionism, political nationalism, and cultural xenophobia. This unelected prime minister is rejecting former Prime Minister David Cameron's liberal Conservative manifesto (which won him a parliamentary majority last year), Margaret Thatcher's embrace of globalization in the 1980s, and Britain's much longer tradition of liberal openness.

After being a near-silent supporter of remaining in the EU during the Brexit campaign, May has now donned the mantle of Brexiteer populism, targeting both "international elites" and Britons with a cosmopolitan outlook. "Just listen to the way a lot of politicians and commentators talk about the public," she said in her keynote conference speech. "They find your patriotism distasteful, your concerns about immigration parochial, your views about crime illiberal."

Echoing nationalists such as Le Pen and Viktor Orban, Hungary's authoritarian prime minister, she asserted that, "If you believe you're a citizen of the world, you're a citizen of nowhere. You don't understand what the very word 'citizenship' means." Ironically, it is May's notion that there is a single way of belonging to Britain's political community that is un-British.

May demanded that UK-based businesses privilege British workers in the "spirit of citizenship" - another term for what Le Pen calls "national preference." This is more than just rhetoric. The status of EU nationals in the UK is a bargaining chip in the upcoming Brexit negotiations. May wants to keep out future EU migrants, whom she wrongly blames for taking Britons' jobs and depressing their wages. Home Secretary Amber Rudd would go even further. She recently called for UK-based businesses to list their foreign staff, in order to "name and shame" companies that do not recruit "enough" British workers. "British jobs for British workers" was a slogan used by the racist National Front party in the UK in the 1970s. Now it has backing in the cabinet.

This chauvinism is not just despicable; it is foolish. It has already prompted outrage and threats from other countries. At a time when many companies are reconsidering their post-Brexit investment plans, it makes a mockery of the government's claim that the UK is open for business. Apparently, May's government expects Citibank to operate in London without American staff, Nissan without Japanese managers, and global companies without their diverse talent.

Even foreign-born doctors who save British lives are no longer welcome; May wants the UK to be "self-sufficient" in health care by 2025. Since one in three physicians in the UK is an immigrant, the country would suffer if many now decided to practice elsewhere.

May's government experience has been limited to command-and-control functions, overseeing internal security and immigration as Home Secretary in Cameron's cabinet. She seems clueless about how an open market economy works, and unaware that international trade, investment, and migration are intertwined. She recently boasted that London is the world's financial capital, without acknowledging that this is thanks mostly to foreign banks that employ foreign staff (those "citizens of the world") to serve international markets, including the EU's.

More fundamentally, May doesn't seem to realize that immigration controls are trade barriers. It is called "trade" if a British company outsources computing work to Bangalore, and "migration" if Indian programmers do the same work in Birmingham - yet the transactions are analogous. If Poland specializes in construction, and the UK wants to procure its services, people have to move between countries to trade.

Officially, the British government remains gung-ho about free trade. In practice, its illiberal politics are taking precedence: Europhobia trumps free exchange with Britain's neighbors and main trading partners, while xenophobia trumps the need for foreign workers. How long will the rest of its globalization agenda survive? Assuming that it can find willing partners, populism may preclude any trade deal that appears to serve "international elites." Nationalism may lead Britain to slam the door on Chinese investment, too.

British voters chose to leave the EU, but they did not specify how; so May has no electoral mandate for her swing toward illiberalism. But her official opposition is a Labour Party that, taken over by the hard left, is not electorally viable. So, unless the Liberal Democrats can bounce back, Britain may need a new political party (or cross-party alliance) to fight for a country that is outward-looking, liberal, and tolerant.

(Philippe Legrain, a former economic adviser to the president of the European Commission, is a visiting senior fellow at the London School of Economics' European Institute and the author of European Spring: Why Our Economies and Politics are in a Mess - and How to Put Them Right).

Courtesy: Project Syndicate


(This is an archival Boing Boing post from 2008)

Thirty years ago this week, nearly a thousand adults and children lost their lives in Jonestown, Guyana. The settlement was also known as "Peoples Temple Agricultural Project", and was formed by followers of the Reverend Jim Jones and Peoples Temple.

Today, some refer to the mass deaths as suicide, others murder. We still don't know all the facts of what happened, how, or why. Autopsies were botched, records and forensic evidence were mis-handled, and many of the US government's documents remain classified, out of reach of FOIA requests.

But we do understand that most of the people who died on November 18, 1978 drank fruit-flavored Flavor-Aid laced with a variety of intoxicants and poisons: Valium, chloral hydrate, and cyanide. The victims included hundreds of children. Many of the corpses, including children, bore puncture wounds indicating they received lethal cyanide injections. Adults who resisted were injected with cyanide or killed by gushot.

Jones' followers had moved from their Northern California base to the South American jungle the year before. The promise: they'd build a utopian, agrarian, interracial community in Guyana, which had a Socialist goverment at the time. Jonestown was to be free from racism, sexism, and ageism, and founded on communist principles. Jones told his followers to think of him as a living incarnation of Jesus Christ, and God.

Over the past 30 years, many documentaries, books, and articles have been produced about Jones, Peoples Temple, and Jonestown. I'll be blogging pointers to some of them today.

I want to start with the one I've returned to again and again  a radio documentary from 1981 that for me, also defines what radio journalism can achieve. "Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown," was co-written by my NPR colleague Noah Adams.

Here's a snip from the original introduction on npr.org:

In the months preceding the tragedy, Jim Jones and his People's Temple followers recorded their tho ughts, their problems and their aspirations. The hundreds of hours of audio tape form the basis of [this] NPR documentary () written by James Reston, Jr and Noah Adams, and produced by Deborah Amos. It was based on the tapes Reston acquired under the Freedom of Information Act, and won most major broadcast awards including the Dupont Col umbia Award, the National Headliner Award and the Prix Italia. Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown recaptures the final months for the People's Temple cult. After problems arose for the group in San Francisco, they moved to the South American jungle during the 1970's. In 1978, reports of an increasingly hostile and controlling atmosphere by Jones led to a Congressional fact-finding mission into the cult. As the group, led by Rep. Leo J. Ryan (D-Calif.), was preparing to leave they were ambushed. Ryan, three American journalists and a Peoples Temple defector were killed. A dozen other people were injured. The incident was just hours prior to the deaths of the cult members.

Here's the web page for Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown, with audio links. Here is the direct *.ram link for the complete 90 minute program (requires Real Audio). The website for this related NPR feature, produced in 2003, also includes 3 direct audio urls for "Father Cares," broken into 45 minute chunks (requires Real Audio or Windows Media Player). Another powerful, related NPR piece: Noah Adams talks with Deborah Layton, author of Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple.

Here is more on producer Deborah Amos. Here is James Reston's website.



You may also want to obtain a copy of Reston's book, for which this radio work was, in part, preparatory research: Our Father, Who Art In Hell.

I stayed up all night last Saturday listening to Father Cares in entirety. I really hope you listen to it. It is a profound example of the power of radio as a storytelling medium. It captures the souls of those who died, and those who survived, with a sense of lasting respect and sorrow.

Boing Boing posts on Jim Jones, Jonestown and People's Temple:

 Jonestown, 30 years Later: Inside People's Temple, the 1977 expose.

 Jonestown, 30 years later: original audio recordings from People's Temple and Guyana.

 Jonestown, 30 years later: Life and Death of People's Temple (PBS video).

 Jonestown, 30 years later: interview with a survivor (video)

 Jonestown, 30 years later: From Silver Lake To Suicide

 Jonestown, 30 years later: "Father Cares," NPR documentary from 1981

 Raven: The Untold Story of The Reverend Jim Jones and His People

 Andrew Brandou on his Jonestown paintings
Tensions in Asia to influence BRICS outcomes

INDIA will take its drive to isolate Pakistan and rally the International Community against cross-border militancy to a summit of emerging market powers today, when it hosts BRICS nations in the Western state of Goa, as per reports of a local daily.



For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa offers an opportunity to highlight the threat he sees to Indian security from recent frontier clashes with Pakistan. But across the summit table at a resort hotel, Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to have much interest in casting Beijing's alliance with Pakistan into doubt.



The final summit declaration is expected to repeat earlier condemnations of "terrorism in all its forms", say diplomats and analysts, but avoid levelling blame over tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals. Such discussions will make security a dominant issue at the Eighth Annual Summit of the Group, even as leaders also address core themes such as the global economy, financial cooperation and mutual trade.



Pakistan has denied any part in the attack on the Uri army base, near the de facto border that runs through the disputed territory of Kashmir. It also denies any "surgical strikes" taken place inside its territory, saying there was only border firing that is relatively common along the frontier. Islamabad says India has exploited the incident to divert attention from its own security crackdown on protests sparked by the killing of a popular Kashmiri young leader. More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands wounded in India's part of Kashmir, and a widespread curfew has been imposed.



India's desire to make Pakistan a regional pariah will not succeed because it would not be in China's interests. As a 'big brother' it would not do well for China's interests in Pakistan to be the local outcast. While China will certainly voice its concerns about terrorism in Pakistan, not the least because of its growing investments there, it will not openly violate the relationship which it has been maintaining with Pakistan over the last seventy years by condemning it openly.



But more than economic and historical ties, China will continue to balance its relations with Pakistan as a counterbalance to its relations with India. As the regional superpower, its interests also lie with its ability to establish its hegemony over South and East Asia. As a prominent nation, and one with very close ties to China, Pakistan is unlikely to become the pariah state that India wants everyone to believe. India may bully the SAARC nations to boycott Islamabad, but it can't get China to do what it wants. Rather it should apply a policy of rapprochement with regard to Pakistan. In return Pakistan would do well to check the cross border terrorism which sometimes rears its ugly head and results in attacks in Indian soil.






This time Sonali Bank UK penalised for money laundering involvement

THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK as reported by a local daily, has slapped a fine of 3.25 million (Tk 31 crore) on Sonali Bank (UK) for carrying transactions on behalf of politically exposed persons (PEPs) without applying due diligence in maintaining banking rules and allowing suspicious money transfers from its branches. In short, it is a case of money laundering. This is the latest financial scandal in banking sector once again that has drawn attention of all concerned. Experts opined that it could have happened due to lack of active vigilance of the Ministry concerned in Bangladesh. However, the Ministry (Banking Division) here is trying to skip the responsibility of such money laundering stating that it was solely a matter of Bangladesh Bank; not of the Ministry. This irresponsible statement raises question about the professional duties and responsibilities of the political boss of the Ministry.



The government of Bangladesh owns 51 percent of the company, while Sonali Bank Ltd holds the remaining 49 percent share. As the government has a lion's share of this bank, the government cannot evade core responsibility and should take remedial steps against the bank officials responsible for the scams at the overseas branch of the bank. In 2010, the UK based financial watchdog - FCA warned the SB, UK to develop a system for preventing money laundering. Despite the warning, SB, UK failed to develop and enforce the systematic operational mode of preventing money laundering. The decision of the UK financial watchdog was right as it found serious systemic weaknesses that affected almost all levels of its anti-money laundering control and governance structure including its senior management team, money laundering reporting function, oversight of branches and AML policies and procedures. Such short-comings of a state-owned bank abroad are deeply regrettable and must be dealt with strongly. It is very alarming for the expatriates living in UK as the FCA has imposed a restriction preventing the bank from accepting deposits from new customers for 24 weeks. It may pose a serious threat to the economy of the country because this branch of SB, UK deals with a big chunk of remittance transactions of Bangladeshi expatriates.



SB, UK has been fined at a time when the country's banking sector is witnessing a spectrum of fund heist (from BB Reserve), default and non-performing loans, money laundering etc. Slapping fine on SB, UK has deepened the crisis of banking sector as a whole, which is hardly recoverable.



Besides, SB, UK's negligence is really serious one as it did not conduct routine screening of its customers list to identify politically exposed persons (PEPs) until 2014, as the report said.



Experts said that maintaining transactions in favour of PEPs without exercising due diligence has to be considered as gross financial misconducts of the bank officials involved. It is a big threat to the banking operation abroad. Some sources doubt that there might have political connection. In this instant suit, the Ministry concerned should drive stringently to find out the causes of the negligence of responsible officials of SB, UK and fix them accordingly. Irregularities from banking sector must go for saving the banks of Bangladesh and their clients, including that of Sonali Bank, UK.
Mixed reactions on power project deal

Staff Reporter :

Beijing signed loans and investment deals with Dhaka worth about $20 billion on Friday on the sidelines of Chinese President Xi Jinping's brief tour of Bangladesh.

Both sides signed the deals after close door talks between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Xi Jinping, officials said on Saturday.

They said the deals are in addition to $13.6 billion trade and investment deals signed between Chinese companies including some of their state firms and Bangladesh private sector.

"The loan agreements will cover Chinese funding to Bangladesh's key infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and a special economic zone, totaling around $20 billion," a senior finance ministry official told The New Nation yesterday.

He said China also assured Bangladesh of assisting other infrastructure projects following a Bangladesh proposal for their funding by Chinese government. If their assistance takes into account, the total loans and investment

will reach $50 billion. He, however, declined to give further details on loan and investment deals signed between Dhaka and Beijing.

Apart from the deals, Chinese enterprises and firms also signed trade and investment deals with Bangladesh private sector totaling worth $13.6 billion, said Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"These trade and investment deals reflect China's growing interest on deepening economic and bilateral ties with Bangladesh," he said adding, "It will also help rebuilding our image abroad."

Abdul Matlub Ahmad said, "Bangladesh needs billions of dollars investment in its infrastructure development to boost economic growth and create jobs. So, the Chinese investment here will largely contribute to its needs.

China is going to invest big volume of money here for developing coal and solar based power generation projects and enhances power distribution management technologies in a view of long term cooperation.

At the same time, private sector entrepreneurs have signed several deals with Chinese public and private firms in recent months to set up coal and solar based big power plant in different parts of Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh will be highly benefited taking the advantage of Chinese investment in power sector. All these initiatives will also help create skill manpower in coal and solar technology here," Prof Shamsul Alam, Energy Adviser of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) told The New Nation yesterday.

He added: It has also created the opportunity of taking coal from own sources of Bangladesh as China has enough experience of coal extraction.

Prof Alam, however, warned that a good prospect can be destroyed by mishandling of these investment initiatives.

Opposing the government initiative of encouraging private entrepreneurs in power sector, he said, such moves will be forced the consumers to pay higher power tariff as private entrepreneurs are investing in power projects here from the intention of financial gain.

"The government should invest in power sector jointly with China instead of encouraging private entrepreneurs," he added.

Beximco Group has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the world's largest electrical power solution provider and Fortune 500 Company 'China Energy Engineering Corporation' (CEEC) to develop high technology, sustainable energy projects.

As per the agreement, both the companies BEXIMCO and CEEC will work on four major projects. These projects will be undertaken by CEEC on energy, procurement, construction and funding basis.

The projects include 8MW of solar power at Beximco Industrial Park, a state of art 660MW ultra- super critical coal fired power plant which is echo friendly based on the most recent international standard set by Paris Protocol, a 200MW solar power plant, a JV energy company to build a 'Smart Grid 'and distribution system countrywide.

Beximco will construct a power plant in association with a Chinese company in Gaibandha. Two other Chinese firms are constructing another power plant in Khulna along with local farm Orion group.


Xi`s clear message on policy: BNP

Staff Reporter :

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Saturday said, Chinese President Xi Jinping has given a clear message on his Bangladesh tour.

"Xi makes it clear that there is no elected government. So, he did not sit with so-called opposition leader. But he met with BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He cleared Chinese policy on Bangladesh that they want to build friendship with the people of Bangladesh," Dr. Mosharraf said. He said this while addressing a discussion at Dhaka Reporters' Unity organised by Jatiyo Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA), an ally of BNP led 20-party alliance. JAGPA arranged the meeting on Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh.

Dr. Mosharraf said, "The Chinese President said that his country wants to get Bangladesh beside it on the geo-political ground. It is also very significant that some quarters are trying to destabilise the sub-continent."

JAGPA President Shafiul Alam Prodhan presided over the programme while General Secretary Khandaker Lutfar Rahman spoke on the occasion, among others.

Meanwhile, BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu in another function in the city said that the government should not stand beside India over Kashmir issue and the decision to boycott SAARC summit was wrong.

He was addressing a meeting at the Jatiya Press Club arranged by an organisation named Jatiyotabadi Desh Banchao, Manush Banchao Andolon.

President of the organisation KM Rakibul Islam Ripon presided over the programme.


India, China and South Asia

Abu Hena :

South Asia is home to some 1.7 billion people. It comprises the erstwhile British Indian Subcontinent and its immediate neighbors. In-spite of shared history there is little that helps the region to cohere. Although SARC loosely represents the eight nations, the interstate relationship is neither properly defined nor truly friendly. All these nations have some connection with neighboring regions outside SAARC. Afghanistan straddles Central and Southwest Asia and has connection with Northeast Asia via a short border with China. Bhutan and Nepal have connection with Northeast Asia through their common borders with Chinese controlled Tibet. The Maldives, an island country, has more in common with Mauritius and Seychelles than other South Asian nations. Sri Lanka, which is also an island, is not physically linked to other SAARC countries. Pakistan has common border with Iran. Both India and Bangladesh have common borders with Myanmar. Because of religious and ethnic factors South Asia is not a compact entity. There are indigenous religions, chiefly, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The populations of Bangladesh, the Maldives and Afghanistan are predominantly Muslims. Hindu dominated India has a Muslim minority population of about 200 million. Sri Lanka and Bhutan are Buddhist nations. Christians comprise the majority population of three Indian states: Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram. The term 'South Asia' is a post colonial construction, which western geo- political strategists have invented. As a result of partition of British India Muslim majority areas became Pakistan. But the Hindu ruler of Muslim majority Jammu and Kashmir violated the basic principle of partition creating an ongoing contest between India and Pakistan for possession of this entity. This is known as "Kashmir Dispute" which caused two full wars between India and Pakistan, the confrontation in Kargil and many other bloody clashes along the makeshift Line of Control that demarcates India-held J&K and Pakistan held Azad Kashmir. Fairly extensively, the international borders between the eight SAARC countries are now finally settled except the disputed Kashmir where, according to UN resolutions, a plebiscite is still pending.

The geo-strategic reality means that South Asia is 'India-locked'. Due to this factor , South Asia is an incongruous region and SAARC has been largely ineffectual in advancing the region politically or economically. The South Asian nations enjoy little interconnectivity or inter-regional trade. Indeed, inter-regional trade is less than 2% of GDP, compared to 20% for East Asia. There is little sense of people being citizens of South Asia in the way that diverse people in Europe consider themselves Europeans. The perilous state of India-Pakistan relations have rendered region building an impossible task. Neither nation trusts the other ,and this situation is fostered by their bitter , ongoing dispute since 1947 over the possession of the J&K. This mistrust pervades the region and retards SAARC's growth as a viable common market. India seeks to ensure that this body does India's bidding while Pakistan which has the ability to withstand India by virtue of being a nuclear power resists India's heavy-handed attempts to dominate the organization. India and Pakistan both have nuclear capabilities-comprising respectively 100 and 120 weapons each. These weapons are deliverable by long range ballistic missiles, and both nations are seeking to acquire "second strike capabilities" and nuclear powered submarines. India needs this capability to defend against China and Pakistan needs it to defend against India. Meanwhile India has been looking eastward, while engaging with all other South Asian neighbors, only to isolate Pakistan as a "terrorist state". Pakistan on the other hand continues to pursue strong relation with China, because it gives Pakistan the feeling of security against India, and reduces India's influence in the region.

India has concerns that China is seeking to make South Asia part of its greater region. To counter it India is looking and 'Acting East' trying to gain land access to Southeast Asia via Myanmar. For their part China and Myanmar are also engaging in a strategic contest for influence in this area where South, Southeast and Northeast all meet. Beijing is trying to compete with India in this region in a number of initiatives. First, with neighboring Pakistan China is developing the momentous China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A second Chinese initiative involves encouraging South Asian nations to develop relations with China, partly to create partnership and partly to limit India's influence and strategic options. Xi Jinping's current visit to Bangladesh and China's $38.05 billion investment and assistance package is one such initiative for strategic partnership. A third Chinese initiative involves China establishing its own regional organizations and initiatives. China's "String of Pearls" strategy is intended to ingratiate itself throughout the Indian Ocean. China has planned infrastructure projects involving over$ 200 billion for construction and $1 trillion for other projects. Under China's leadership, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been set up with prospective 57 founding members including Bangladesh. The bank has a registered capital of $100 billion to fund Asian energy, transport, and infrastructure. This will create borrowing opportunities for South Asian countries. When Chinese entrenchment in South Asia is, thus, gaining stronger ground, India's "school boy" diplomacy is busy with the task of replacing SAARC by BIMSTEC. Their only aim is the isolation of Pakistan and interference in neighbor's internal affairs.



[Writer was elected MP in the 7th and 8th parliaments of Bangladesh. He is an author, columnist and political analyst]


Muslim voters as Trump`s nemesis?

Al Jazeera News :

James Reinl is a journalist and world affairs analyst who has reported from more than 30 countries and won awards for covering Haiti's earthquake, Sri Lanka's civil war and human rights abuses in Iran.

New York, United States - The blue skies were among the prettiest that a New York autumn could offer, but still a cloud hung over Masjid-al-Aman mosque on Friday, the last day that locals could register to vote in next month's bitterly contested presidential election.

The community of Bangladeshi immigrants in Ozone Park, Brooklyn, still mourns the killing of an imam and his assistant nearby in August. The shootings were widely seen as part of a rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment that has shaken America this election cycle. After praying, worshippers gathered outside the mosque around a table for registering voters. Those who understood English helped new arrivals with tricky words in the final hours of a drive to register more Muslim voters in a US election than ever before.

Organisers say they seek more civic engagement, but when pressed admit they are scared by the prospect of a win for Republican candidate Donald Trump, who talks of halting Muslim immigration to the US among a raft of anti-immigrant policies. Golam Uddin, 46, a Bangladeshi American, has lived in the US for the past 27 years but he plans to vote for the first time on November 8. His choice - Trump's Democratic rival

Hillary Clinton - is a no-brainer, he told Al Jazeera. "Trump's a racist guy. He don't like Muslims, he stops immigrants, Latinos, everything," Uddin, a father-of-two who runs subway kiosks, said.

"There are 3.3 million Muslims; everything goes to her. The Democrats are always with us immigrants."

According to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), a religious rights group, Muslims are fired up this election cycle - 86 percent of registered Muslim voters plan to cast ballots, with 72 percent backing Clinton against Trump's 4 percent. Al Jazeera found no Trump supporters in Ozone Park. Worshippers spoke ruefully of the murdered imam and complained of everything from assaults to passers-by kicking the buggies of Muslim toddlers in a wave of Trump-fuelled hostility, they said. Such scenes are replicated at mosques and community centres across the US this month in advance of voter registration deadlines, which vary by state, in a bid to enrol a million more Muslim voters than in previous elections. Voter drives are backed by CAIR, a public action committee called Emerge USA and Yalla Vote - a scheme from the Arab American Institute (AAI), a lobby group for an estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans, who comprise Christians, Muslims and others.

Neither Arabs nor Muslims are factored in the US census, but Pew Research Center counted a fast-growing population of 3.3 million Muslims in the US this year - a one percent share of the population that is expected to double by 2050. Almost a third of respondents spoke of experiencing profiling or discrimination this past year.

Neither Arabs nor Muslims pack as big an electoral punch as Latinos, some 17 percent of the population, or blacks [13 percent]. But they cluster in a handful of swing states and their near-total rejection of Trump could hurt him on polling day.

"While our population is not so large, we're concentrated in some key battleground states. Winning in these places can come down to several thousand votes and in a close-call race, Arab Americans are a swing constituency that could sway the outcome," Maya Berry, the director of AAI told Al Jazeera.
Prof. Zafar Iqbal, wife receive death threats

Staff Reporter :

Eminent writer and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Professor Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and his wife Dr Yesmeen Huq received death threats via two separate text messages from an unidentified person.

The text sender claimed himself as affiliated with banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).

The couple received the threats while they were staying in Banani DOHS area of Dhaka around 12:15am on Thursday.

But they filed a general diary (GD) with Jalalabad Police Station in this regard after their return to Sylhet on Friday.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the police station Akter Hossain said, "The security for the couple has been increased and police remain alert to the threat."

Dr Yesmeen Huq first received the SMS on her mobile phone, which reads, "Welcome to our new top list! your breath may stop at anytime. abt."

Later, Dr Iqbal received another SMS on his cell phone around 2:30am from the same number saying, "hi unbeliever! We will strangulate you soon."

Both the messages were sent from Airtel number-01629967551, according to the GD copy.

Professor Anu Muhammad and eminent litterateur Moinul Ahsan Saber also received similar threats issued from the same mobile number.

Jahangirnagar University's Professor Anu Muhammad, who has been heading a campaign against the proposed Rampal power plant near the Sundarbans, received two death threats on his phone on Thursday.

The professor wrote on his Facebook post that he received a short message around 8:43pm, which read, "Say 'yes' to Rampal, otherwise you must will be hacked to death incredibly by us!"

Earlier, he received another short message around 1:00am, which read, "Death keeps no calendar, and Ansatullah knows no time!"

The number, from which he had received the threats, is the same as the one Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal mentioned in the GD, he said.

Following the incident, Anu Muhammad filed a general diary with the police, mentioning the threats on the day.

The government banned ABT on May 25 last year for their involvement in a series of attacks on secularists and war crimes trial campaigners linked to the 2013 Shahbagh movement.

After the ban, the group is renamed as Ansar Al Islam and believed to be representing AQIS in Bangladesh.
PM leaves for Goa to join Bimstec Summit today

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves here for Goa this morning to attend the Bimstec Outreach Summit which the host country India considers as a 'significant' event.

Prime Minister Hasina will join the meeting at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, the Foreign Ministry said here on Saturday. The theme of the Summit is 'A partnership in Opportunities' and the Outreach Summit is being organised on the sidelines of BRICS Summit that began on Saturday.

Heads of states and government of other Bimstec member states will also attend the Outreach Summit. During the visit, the Prime Minister will also have meetings with some world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister will return home on Monday morning.

Earlier on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the first-ever Bimstec outreach meeting with its leaders will be a significant event and hoped that it will yield dividends for all.

"The outreach with Bimstec leaders is significant. We hope to tap the huge potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring," he tweeted.

Modi, in separate tweets, said India is facilitating an outreach Summit with Bimstec leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The Prime Minister along with her entourage will leave for India by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 8 am and reach Goa Naval Airport around 10:30 am.

Indian Minister of Science and Technology Alina Saldanha, Secretary (Cooperation) Padma Jaiswal, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Syed Moazzem Ali and Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Mumbai Samina Naz will receive her at Goa. She will be given static guard and pass through a cultural programme.
Xi leaves Dhaka for Goa

Staff Reporter :

Chinese President Xi Jinping left Dhaka for India on Saturday morning after his historic two-day tour of Bangladesh.

Earlier around 9:00am, the Chinese president paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar.

Xi was on his way to Goa of India on a special flight of Air China that left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:20am.

Four fighter jets of Bangladesh Air Force escorted the Chinese President's plane as it took off and remained on Bangladesh airspace.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saw him off at the airport.

A smartly turned out contingent of the President's Regiment Guard (PGR) gave armed salute to the Chinese President at the airport during his departure.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Planning Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Diplomats were present on the occasion.

Xi Jinping went to Goa for attending a two-day five-nation BRICS Summit beginning on October 16.
Clashes over land leave 2 dead

UNB, Dhaka :

Two youths were killed in separate clashes over land in Jhalakati and Feni districts on Friday night. In Feni, a young man was killed and five others injured in a clash over land dispute at Omarpur village in Joyloskor union of Dagonbhuiyan upazila at night.

The deceased was identified as Naim, 30, son of Abdur Rahim, a resident of Mathiara village in Panchgachhiya union of Sadar upazila.

Aslam, Officer-in-Charge of Dagonbhuiyan Police Station, said there had been a long standing dispute between one Rahima Khatun and Piyar Ahmed, president of Joyloskor union unit of Awami League, over a piece of land. As a sequel to the enmity, Piyar along with 15-20 of his followers,

equipped with sharp weapons, launched an attack on Rahima's house at the village around 10pm and vandalised the house, triggering a clash between the two groups. The clash left Naim, who was claimed to be a follower of Piyar Ahmed, dead on the spot and five others injured. Meanwhile, police arrested Piyar and Rahima from the village.

In Jhalakati, a young man was stabbed to death in a clash over land at Kunihari village in Sadar upazila at night.
Sequoia Capital Chairman Michael Moritz and angel investor Ron Conway have donated to San Francisco's Proposition Q: if passed, "the city would give residents of tent encampments 24 hours' notice to relocate to a shelter or accept a bus ticket out of town."



Other San Francisco ballot initiatives propose to build houses for homeless people, which is literally the only proven way to fight homelessness.

Moritz, Conway and the rest of the ethnic cleansing squad are operating on the theory that people are homeless because they choose not to find a place to live, not because there is nowhere they can live. In San Francisco, only 13% of households have the $269,000+ annual income (triple the median income) necessary to afford the median-priced home  a fact linked to the city's dysfunctional income segregation through city planning, massive cuts to HUD, Airbnb shenanigans, property speculation, and the incredible wealth-disparity in technology's capital city.



"The problem is visible, in your face, and it has an impact on the quality of life," says Jeff Kositsky, who in May was named the first director of San Francisco's new homeless department. There, he oversees a $220 million budget and 110 workers. A steep reduction in spending on affordable housing by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, dating to 1979, exacerbated a minor problem, according to the Western Regional Advocacy Project, a non-profit coalition of Western community organizations dealing with homelessness. The problem has since deepened amid income inequality, racial inequity and mental illness in cities across the U.S., Kositsky says. Such disparity is magnified in the San Francisco Bay Area, where tech has created hundreds of billions of dollars in wealth in the Bay Area  and a yawning gap between the digital-haves and everyone else. Silicon Valley's flourishing tech companies have largely been bystanders on the issues. Google and Twitter are among the few companies to donate money and resources.

Silicon Valley's acute homeless problem is on the ballot

[Jon Swartz/USA Today]
JP losing importance!

Sagar Biswas :

Leader of the opposition in parliament Rawshan Ershad did not get appointment of Chinese President Xi Jinping during his Dhaka visit despite repeated attempts, which local political circle has termed as 'degradation' of the Jatiya Party in the politics.

It's the second time when foreign dignitaries apparently avoided Rawshan Ershad, who is also senior co-chairperson of the JP and wife of party chairman and former military-ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

Earlier, US Secretary of State John Kerry during his Dhaka visit on August 29 did not 'formally' meet any JP leaders, including Rawshan Ershad.

President Abdul Hamid on Friday night threw a gala dinner party in honour of the visiting Chinese President where HM Ershad, Rawshan Ershad and other parliament members got invitation, but significantly the opposition leader skipped the event.

When contacted, JP Secretary General Ruhul Amin Howlader told The New Nation on Saturday night: "It could be appreciated and welcomed by people, if Chinese President had met the JP However, we're not frustrated. We think it's an accident. We're also optimistic that the relation between China and JP will be stronger in the future."

It is to be noted that the then Chinese President Li Xiannian visited Bangladesh in March 1986 during the tenure of HM Ershad when the country had extended its cooperation in developing some infrastructures, including Buriganga Bridge.

Some senior JP leaders, however, have evaluated the matter as JP's 'importance losing' in the national politics. They also categorically accused the international wing of the JP for the failure.

Even, Bangladesh Nationalist Party [BNP] leaders have pointed finger towards JP blaming the same. Several BNP leaders on Saturday said that JP leaders did not get appointment as Chinese President was 'doubtful' over the role of JP in the politics.

Sources close to the JP said that Chinese Embassy in Dhaka had started preparing the meeting schedules of Xi Jinping about six months ago. And from the very beginning, the JP high command tried to get some time to meet the Chinese leader, but they failed.

"It is natural that Chinese President and other representatives of Chinese government will sit in meetings with government officials and political party leaders. They [Chinese team] met other political party. But they did not meet JP Chairman or Leader of the Opposition in Parliament It's clearly an avoiding attitude," JP Co-chairman and former minister GM Quader said.

Referring the issue, he further said: "It means the JP is losing importance. If a party loses weight to foreign countries, it would not get importance in the home ground also."

The Chinese President Xi Jinping met Speaker of the Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka separately.


Govt official held for posting PM`s distorted photo on FB

UNB, Rangamati :

Police arrested an office assistant of district administration from his residence in the district town on Friday afternoon for allegedly posting a distorted photo of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook. The arrestee was identified as Ahmmed Ullah. Mohammad Rashid, officer-in-charge of Kotowali Police Station, said Ahmmed shared the photo on his Facebook wall on Thursday. Protesting the incident, Jhinuk Chakma, a district unit Jubo Legaue leader, filed a case with the police station against Ahmmed. Police arrested Ahmmed from his residence in the afternoon, added the OC.
5 IPP solar power projects hit snag

UNB, Dhaka :

The implementation works on five independent power producer (IPP) solar power projects, out of seven, are getting delayed for land-related problems, according to Power Division officials.

They said the five projects are 200 MW solar park in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, 200 MW solar park in Gaibandha, 50 MW solar park in Sutiyakandi, Mymensingh, 32 MW solar park in Dharmapasa, Sunamganj, 30 MW solar park in Gangachhara, Rangpur.

The two other solar projects are 20 MW solar park in Cox's Bazar and 3 MW solar PV project in Jamalpur.

All these seven projects have been worked out for implementation by private sector sponsors as independent power producers (IPPs) from which the state-owned Power Development Board (PDB) will purchase electricity for 20-25 years. Officials said some 3 acres of land are required for one MW solar park.

All the seven projects' sponsors were selected on unsolicited basis and most of them were chosen for over a year, but they could not yet start their works to implement the projects. The Power Division officials said some of the five projects, which are facing trouble, have already received approval of the

Cabinet Purchase Committee and the implementing agencies have asked the sponsors concerned to sign final contracts.

After that, it was found the lands of these projects are not ready for use as the ownership was not fully transferred to the project sponsors-the private sector entrepreneurs. Some lands cannot be used as those awaiting court decisions following the cases filed over their ownership. Admitting the trouble, Power Division's joint secretary and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) member Siddique Zobair said the government will soon take decisions about these projects.

"The government will come up with specific decisions over their fate since it will be unwise to wait for an unlimited time to see their implementation," he told UNB.
Hasina slams Khaleda for complaining to foreign guests

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday blasted BNP and its chairperson for what she said making a complaint to foreign guests that there is no democracy in the country.

"I doubt whether she (Khaleda Zia) can define democracy," she said in her introductory speech at the AL national Committee meeting held at her official residence Ganobhaban.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League chief, said it is very much regretful that those who had patronised and awarded the war criminals and killers of Bangabandhu involved in vote rigging are now giving lessons about democracy. The Prime Minister said BNP had come to power illegally and curbed the voting power of people. "Being rejected by people and having nowhere to go, BNP is now engaged in complaining to foreign guests whoever comes."

Hasina said, people are now enjoying food security, their lifestyle is improving, their purchasing capacity is increasing and the country's infrastructures are developing due to the availability of their democratic rights. "Even we're constructing the Padma Bridge with our own resources," she said.

The Prime Minister also strongly said the patrons of war criminals who had played with the fate of people, killed people in the name of movement, looted the wealth of people must face trial on the soil of this country. "It'll be of no use, no matter how much they cry to foreigners," she said. Hasina said she thinks that the trial of those who betrayed with the people of this country by making war criminals ministers should be held. "People have rejected those who have stolen the money of orphans, involved in money-laundering and killing.

After the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, Hasina said, military dictator Zia had illegally captured the state power violating army rules and the country's constitution.

"He made collaborators of the occupation forces ministers, MPs and advisers who had committed genocide and war crimes killing people, raping women, looting property and making arson attacks on houses during the Liberation War."

On the other hand, she said, Khaleda made partners of her government those who had committed crimes against humanity in 1971 and handed them the bloodstained National Flag and thus committed treacherous acts.

Describing various development strides of the Bangabandhu government soon after the independence to build the war-ravaged country, Hasina said Bangladesh could have become a developed, prosperous and dignified country much before had the Father of the Nation been alive. Elaborating the background of her coming to power in 1996 after long 21 years through her election as the party President in 1981, she said her government implemented massive development projects on socioeconomic front.

Though once the country was called as a very poor one, Bangladesh has now reached a dignified position in terms of economic development due to massive successes of her government.

Noting that Bangladesh has set an example in poverty reduction, Hasina said foreigners now want to know how Bangladesh achieved such a stunning success. "Alongside all this, our Digital Bangladesh drive is now a reality," she said.

Sheikh Hasina also mentioned the just-concluded visit of Chinese President XI Jinping to Bangladesh and said it was very successful.
Reconstitute EC to gain peoples` trust

Sujan for holding talks with stakeholders

Staff Reporter :

Participation of all political parties is a must to reconstitute the Election Commission (EC) in a bid to avert debate and regain trust on the constitutional body, say experts.



For this, they demanded formation of a search committee with participation of all stakeholders prior to the reconstitution of the EC.



They said this at a roundtable titled "Election Commission Reformation and Citizens' Thoughts" organised by Shushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan), a citizens' platform advocating good governance, at the Jatiya Press Club in on Saturday.



Qualified persons and appropriate system are needed to hold free, fair, credible and impartial election in the country, they added.



Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) ATM Shamsul Huda, Constitutional expert Shahdeen Malik, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Emajuddin Ahmed, former Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain, former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumder and Dhaka University law professor Asif Nazrul took participation in the discussion.



Sujan President M Hafiz Uddin Khan, also a former adviser to caretaker government presided over the roundtable.



Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar readout the keynote paper saying despite a constitutional obligation to formulate law, the provision has never been followed.



According to a keynote paper proposal, a five-member committee, to be chaired by one senior Justice of the Appellate Division nominated by Chief Justice, will comprise of four representatives one each from Awami League and BNP-led alliances, civil society and mass media. It should be ensured that civil society and mass media representatives have no nepotism or biasness to any political parties, added the proposal. The discussants said the EC would have to regain peoples' trust. So, it is urgently needed to hold talk with all stakeholders. Former CEC Shamsul Huda said people's confidence in the EC and the electoral system is gradually waning.



"The political party, which is defeated in the polls, alleges irregularities and massive vote rigging. So, the trend of losing confidence in the constitutional body will have to be regained. Besides, the culture of accepting poll's results will have to be developed," he said.



Huda said, many countries in the world reconstitute their EC with the participation of all political parties there.

"If the all political parties take part in reconstituting the EC, none has scope to raise question on its activities. So, in this regard law needs to be formulated to reconstitute the commission as it is mandatory in 118 Chapter of the Constitution," he said. Professor Emajuddin Ahmed said if the Prime Minister wants to arrange a free, fair and credible election in the country, it is possible.



"How and in what way a free, fair and credible election can be arranged in the country. The President can take initiative to hold talks with all political parties," he said.



M Shakhawat Hossain said it is very important that what process will be applied to reconstitute the EC as it is the centre of all electoral system.



"If any political party comes to power through vote rigging and irregularities, it becomes more desperate to cling to power," he said.



Shahdeen Malik said if the EC is reconstituted with enacting law, it would have to face many challenges.

"The justices should not be involved in the search committee as they don't have administrative experience," he said.



Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder said a proper EC will have to be formed by picking up appropriate persons.



Syed Abul Maksud said the people have doubt over the reformation of EC. People fear that the government will appoint such persons who will not be able to hold a fair election.



He said, the government has to remove the doubt of the people. The ruling Awami League-led alliance wants the new EC to be formed by a search committee under the jurisdiction of the President, a power vested in him by the Constitution.



BNP urged the government to form the EC through discussion with opposition parties instead of making a search committee. It warned the government against any move to have a "subservient Election Commission".

Law Minister Anisul Huq has recently hinted that a search committee will be formed to constitute the new EC.
People`s police should be life savers and savers of humanity

`Whoever saves one life, saves all of humanity`.



The aforesaid verse is common to religions of the Muslims and the Jews and quoted in the Holy Quran has found place for the first time on the cover of the international weekly TIME.



The said verse used as the motto of the humanitarian organisation called White Helmets who are working in Syria to save lives in most risky situations.



They were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize though they did not get it but the weekly praised them for their humanitarian work. Since we value our commitment to the cause of saving life, we reproduced the magazine TIME's cover on our front page on Wednesday with the message it contained.



We believe that as Muslims the motto of our police should be more appropriately : We save lives for saving humanity.



The use of police in communist countries should not have any relevance in our country where the people fought and suffered to protect their rights about safety and honour of a free country. When Georgia broke away from the grip of communism under Soviet Union, the first thing the new Georgia required was to reform urgently the country's police. Hundreds of police officers (1600) were purged and punished for abusing their power politically under the communist dictatorship.



Georgia has not become a democracy yet but the country is much less oppressive and the interest of the Communist Party is not considered the sole priority because thinking in police has changed to a large extent.

We are living in conditions in which the people suffer from a general sense of fear, not just from terrorism but all kinds of violence and abuse of power. We have violent deaths side by side we have extra-judicial killings. Such a situation offers no assurance of safety of life or peace of mind.



Our fight should be against all crimes and every fear of uncertainty. Our roads are not safe because of the freedom enjoyed by armed snatchers and extortionists. Women have become easy targets of assault and murder by unruly young ones.



There is declining security situation at all levels, the reason being the police are failing to act as the people's police. The special groups think police are for them and they must be obeyed.



It is not understood why our best efforts should not be to catch the terrorists alive, to know everything about their activities. There is no justification for cross-fire killing, there is also no justification for secret arrest without any court warrants.



In the back drop of the government's claim of fighting terrorism, the people must know who are the terrorists and who are we fighting?



We want to see our police most diligent to keep and protect their sacred image as the law enforcers and life savers. Police must not be politicised to be seen as political workers.



We have no politics in the country except self-serving power struggle. What is needed for the people is to have the people`s police caring for the people.



They must care to justify publicly each killing for their good professional image. Justification of recent killing of 12 persons found staying in different houses is terribly difficult. It was easy to sedate them for arresting them safely and alive.



We still have a Constitution that prohibits taking life without due process of law. We have a fairly strong justice system to punish terrorists through speedy trial. It is a bad example for others that police as law enforcers can kill people freely.



Life is unimportant to the terrorists but the police are respecters of law and life. They have to hold their high position of constitutional and moral authority for the safety of us all.



In the fight against terrorism, the whole nation -- political leadership, law makers, police, judiciary, press and general public should play their part severally and jointly. It cannot be exclusive responsibility of the police.



But all expressions of violence are not terrorism. We must not help terrorism to grow for the short-sighted politics of power struggle. Fighting terrorism cannot mean creating fear of police among the general public for political convenience of the few. We must be careful of not to attract international terrorism.



If we are wrong, we are wrong but we must say what we honestly believe that terrorism is not yet a big enough problem for us. We need to show leadership, bold and broad enough, to live together peacefully.



Terrorism takes advantage of the politics of in-fighting and antagonism. The best way to keep terrorism at bay is for the leaders to keep the people united against terrorism. Nobody says that police action alone can stop terrorism for the simple understanding that terrorism is political.



It is a good sign that Human Rights Commission has taken a bold stand on secret arrest by police. Arresting without warrant is illegal and the Chief Justice has warned against it. Fear is slavery and not freedom. We must defeat fear to win freedom.



If we ourselves make life of our people unsafe and insecure then we are not fighting terrorism, we are rather helping terrorism to gather strength. It may take time, but terrorism will return with vengeance. We cannot ignore the political side of war against terrorism.



The people of a free country are most unlucky if the police are not friends of the people. It is also not honourable for the police if they are not loved as friends of the people.


The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
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
Intended as a discussion group, the blog has evolved to be more of a reading list of current issues affecting our county, its government and people. All reasonable comments and submissions welcomed. Email us at: bill.pysson@gmail.com REMEMBER: To view our sister blog for education issues: www.district100watchdog.blogspot.com
"The BFX tokens will remain outstanding until repaid in full by Bitfinex or exchanged for shares of iFinex Inc," explains the company. "The specific conditions associated with the exchange of these tokens will be explained in a later announcement."

Over two months ago, the world's third largest Bitcoin Exchange Bitfinex lost around $72 Million worth of Bitcoins in a major hack.Shortly after the company encountered a $72,000,000 Bitcoin theft, an unnamed Bitfinex user from Cambridge, Massachusetts, filed a police report in September, alleging that $1.3 Million of funds were stolen from his account.Since then the Cambridge police have handed the case over to the FBI, which is working with the Bitcoin exchange as well as European authorities to recover funds stolen from the Bitfinex user, Coindesk reports The individual claimed that he held $3.4 Million in Bitcoin in his personal wallet hosted by the Bitfinex Bitcoin exchange. But following the August's Bitfinex breach, he was left with $2.1 Million in his account.Bitfinex then notified the individual of his initial loss of approximately $1.3 Million in Bitcoin, but after the company issued IOU tokens as an emergency measure to keep the exchange operating, the loss incurred was reduced to just $720,000.The IOUs or BFX tokens are a form of compensation provided to the victims to reduce their losses by a significant factor.Although specific details remain still unclear, the Bitfinex user confirmed lose of funds beyond Bitfinex IOU tokens issued to all the victims of the breach.The usability of the token is still unclear. Neither the explanation of tokens provided by Bitfinex is much clear, nor the legal status of the tokens is known.For the incident report filed by the Bitfinex user, you can head on to this link . No further details about the case are available at this moment.Shortly after the breach of around $72 Million worth of its customers' Bitcoins, Hong Kong-based Bitcoin exchange announced a reward of $3.5 Million to anyone who can provide information that leads to the recovery of the stolen Bitcoins.The incident was so big that the price of Bitcoin was dropped almost 20% , from $602.78 to $541 per Bitcoin, within a day after the announcement.
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


Photo by Philip Gould

CAJUN DANCE HALLS & ZYDECO CLUBS EXHIBIT**

THROUGH OCT. 16

**A. Hays Town House at Paul & Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum Featuring images from the book Ghosts of Good Times by Philip Gould and Dancehalls of South Louisiana archival collection at the Center for Louisiana Studies curated by John Pudd Sharp.

**CAJUN DANCE HALLS & ZYDECO CLUBS SYMPOSIUM

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

**Vermilionville, 8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

8:45 a.m. Introductions by Dr. Michael Martin, Dr. Barry Ancelet and Patrick Mould

9-9:45 a.m. John Pudd Sharp on Bloody Buckets, Twice Drunk Beer, and Losers Gumbo: The Louisiana Dancehalls Project

10-10:45 a.m. Dr. Elista Istre, author of All Creoles: Exploring A South Louisiana Culture, Identity, and Heritage

11-11:45 a.m. From Behind the Bar  A Dance Hall Owners Perspective with Lawrence Patin of La Poussiere & Mark Falgout of Blue Moon Saloon; moderated by John Pudd Sharp

11:45 a.m.-noon Presentation of the Louisiana Tradition Bearer Award honoring Walter Mouton.

Noon Lunch at Vermilionville

1:30-2:45 p.m. Roundtable discussion on the cultural significance of dance halls during the 70s transitional era that brought college-aged kids to clubs such as Jays & Boo Boos; dance halls from the musicians perspective, including Ray Abshire, Sonny Landreth, Lil Buck, & Patrick Mould; moderated by Dr. Barry Ancelet

3-4:30 p.m. Philip Gould & Herman Fuselier, authors of Ghosts of Good Times; moderated by Dr. Michael Martin. Book signing to follow.

**DOCUMENTARY FILM WORLD PREMIERE OF FIRST COUSINS

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

**Angelle Hall

First Cousins: Cajun and Creole Music in South Louisiana honors the fascinating musical heritage and enduring relationship of Cajuns and Creoles. A little too distant for siblings, these communities and their music are surely related enough to be considered first cousins! Film screening will be from 7-8:30 p.m. followed by a VIP reception at the A. Hays Town Home from 8:30-10 p.m.

**TOUR DES ATAKAPAS RUN

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

**Geaux Run

This 3, 5 and 7-mile run in partnership with TRAIL will travel to Beaver Park and Vermilionville along part of the Atakapa-Ishak Trail. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the run at 8:30 a.m. A post-race party will be held in Girard Park.

Visit www.festivalsacadiens.com/events/ for more info and to register for special events.

Tickets and registration for the symposium, film and Tour Des Atakapas are available via Eventbrite.

**BLUE MOON SALOON

BLUEMOONPRESENTS.COM

337-234-2422

**

Friday, Oct. 14, 9:30 p.m.  Zydeco Radio, Lost Bayou Ramblers

Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:30 p.m.  Cedryl Ballou & The Zydeco Trendsetters, Pine Leaf Boys

Sunday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.  Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

**DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE

LAFAYETTESCIENCEMUSEUM.ORG

337-291-5544

**

Friday, Oct. 14 / Bach Lunch  Parc Sans Souci

Noon-1 p.m.  Michot Melody Makers

SaveSave
A state district judge refused Thursday to stop the U.S. Senate debate or to force Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Council for A Better Louisiana to add more candidates to the Oct. 18 debate stage in Ruston besides the five who met established criteria.

Judge Tim Kelley denied the injunction request sought by Senate candidates Troy Hebert, Beryl Billiot and Charles Marsala. The decision came after a two-day hearing that explored the influence of money in politics, the expectations for a successful campaign and the difficulties in drawing attention to less conventional candidacies.

Their court hearing this week underscored the troubles for lesser-known contenders seeking the attention needed to win statewide: How can a candidate meet polling criteria when pollsters don't include them in their list? Should candidate forums give everyone an opportunity to speak, even if they have little money to run campaigns? How do you sift through a race with 24 people competing?

Hebert, as former Gov. Bobby Jindal's alcohol commissioner in December 2013 Photo by Robin May

"It's now become about the money instead of the man," said Hebert, a former state lawmaker and former state alcohol and tobacco control commissioner. He is running without party affiliation and refusing to take campaign donations.

Hebert, later joined by Billiot and Marsala, challenged the debate criteria as unfair, particularly the 5 percent polling and $1 million fundraising requirements.

Billiot, an independent who ran unsuccessfully for governor last year, and Marsala, a Republican former small town mayor in California, haven't been included in most Senate race polls ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Hebert polled at less than 1 percent in the independent poll used for the debate, but argued he reached 5 percent when the margin of error was included.

"How do we know what the polling is when we're not offered up in that poll?" Billiot said.

All three candidates said the $1 million threshold favored the rich and the well-established politicians, denying less traditional candidates a path to get out their message and to add fresh perspective to the race.

"There's a lot of great ideas coming from people who don't have a million dollars," Marsala said.

Billiot and Marsala said they've been campaigning through social media, posting videos and policy platforms on YouTube and Facebook.

They said they could campaign more cheaply and didn't need the hefty fundraising dollars to get support  if they could participate in the campaign debates and forums hosted by different groups around the state. Some candidates have shown up at forums to which they weren't invited, only to be turned away.

All three candidates have run into a problem that pollsters, media outlets and forum sponsors have struggled with since two dozen people signed up to run for the open seat being vacated by Republican David Vitter: a difficulty in how to handle such a large list of candidates.

Barry Erwin, president of the Council for A Better Louisiana, and Beth Courtney, president of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, said a debate with two dozen candidates wouldn't be useful.

"What we are trying to do is to give candidates enough time for meaningful discourse," Erwin said. "With 24, that would be totally impossible."

Marsala noted the debate criteria created an all-white candidate forum and excluded all the minority contenders. A Native American, a disabled man and black candidates didn't make the cut.

The Oct. 18 debate, to be televised on public broadcasting channels around Louisiana, will include U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, lawyer Caroline Fayard, U.S. Rep. John Fleming and state Treasurer John Kennedy.
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.
Entertainment / Music

by Christopher Ncube

JOHANESBURG: Consistent, Brilliant and classic!!!!! That is another way one can describe Themba "Boyoyo" Mathe, the man who made his name through his orotund voice when he was with Mokis connection. The Sungura music maestro Themba Mathe is in South Africa where he is expected to give his supporters an early Christmas gift in-terms of music.Boyoyo will hold shows in Johannesburg and Pretoria at the end of October. In Johannesburg he will hold shows at Hillbrow and Berea. The dancing star who communicates well with the instruments told Switchbod Arts Magazine that this is an unmissable show man."This is a show one should not miss. I am launching my new album called "Sidla lokhu okukhona," ( This means we survive with the little food we get because life is so tough"),His 10-man band is rearing to go and is fully geared for the lined up shows. Boyoyo enjoys a good following of supporters in Jozi and he has never disappointed them when he is on stage.With his mellifluous voice , he makes his supporters join him when he starts singing. In his new album he says he loves the song "Umzali kasolwa-Marvellous" a lot because of its message to the youth of today."Umzali kasolwa-Marvellous is about Marvellous who went overseas and after getting loved by a white woman he turned against his parents. We should not turn against our parents because we are what we are because of them. Wealth should not drive us crazy and end up forgetting our parents," he said.Switchbod Arts Magazine further learns that Mathe was not well for quite a long time though he had been holding shows in his home country, Zimbabwe.Life was not a bed of roses because he could not sit on his laurels as he has to take care of his needy relatives. " I thank God for his mercy on me. Life was not easy at all but here Iam today after falling sick for a lengthy period. I hope and trust that all will be well through my Almighty God who has never failed us. We have to be patient," Mathe said.One other thing that gives Mathe sleepless nights is the rate at which piracy is growing. He believes that if nothing is done to arrest piracy, artists will crumble down. In his conclusion he said the future of artists is bleak as long this illegal act is not stopped."Piracy kills us and I really dont know how it can be dealt with. It is killing us because the little we get from this industry is what we use to keep us going. Well my brother it is beyond my control,"Mathe said with a heavy heart.
Eleven Seven MusicSixx:A.M. has premiered "We Will Not Go Quietly," the first single from Prayers for the Blessed, the second volume of the band's double album. You can listen to "We Will Not Go Quietly," and watch the accompanying performance video, now via YouTube.

"'We Will Not Go Quietly' takes the call-to-action spirit of 'Rise' to a whole new level," says frontman James Michael, referring to the single from Sixx:A.M.'s last album, Prayers for the Damned. "It reflects the raw passion with which mankind fights as some of our most basic human rights are being threatened."

Prayers for the Blessed will be released November 18. Sixx:A.M. will be supporting on the album on a tour with Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown, which begins October 18 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

Mthwakazi Republic Party Information Department in South Africa said they have been following professor Jonathan Moyo's so called fraud case with a kin interest and they have also been following ZANU PF Succession politics with a kin interest zmid indication That President TRobert Mugasbe was no longrer in charge of his party.The party said its members in the department together with their security department are interested in this matte and were viewing this case as a broader war of state capture than just a mere corruption scandal."We have since established through intelligence gathering that it is now Team Lacoste in charge of the country "Zimbabwe" and in particular the Karanga people led by Mnangagwa are now in charge of Zimbabwe and their colony "Mthwakazi" through State security. Mugabe thought he was clever when he gave the Karanga to run the defense," said Babangmazi Silwelizwe Masiphula the provincial information officer."According to sources in Harare Mnangagwa and his faction are now more dangerous than ever before as they are using State security to fight opponents within ZANU PF party and opposition parties. Energy Mutodi who have previously been seen as the Team Lacoste's information guy has revealed that the target is not only Moyo but Mphoko as well. He stated that it is better for Jonathan Moyo to be arrested and tried in court now than when Mugabe is no longer President as if to suggest he knows when are they taking over. Energy Mutodi challenged Mugabe to come clean on Professor Jonathan Moyo's case."He said Mutodi has come to his boss's defense by accusing Dr Joshua Nkomo of being power hungry Mutodi also said Gukurahundi Genocide was caused by Dr Joshua Nkomo, which is a blatant lie and is meant to shield Mnangagwa from facing the International Criminal Court over the unprovoked Genocide."Mutodi says Mphoko and Moyo must stop using tribalism, regionalism, and Gukurahundi genocide as a tool to steal from government, as he savaged Mugabe in his latest press statement on Facebook. Mnangagwa is fighting tooth and nail to replace Mugabe as President to avoid being sent to jail, a situation that has made him to establish a strong accult meant to fight off Mugabe backed G40. According to wiki licks and inside information Mujuru represented a reformist group which wanted to take over power from Mugabe and implement a pro peaceful and developmental approach as they approach both Mthwakazi and the international community for a negotiated settlement, while Mnangagwa and others were not included in Mujuru's planned government," he said."Something which was resisted by the party's hard liners led by Mnangagwa. Professor Jonathan Moyo and Grace Mugabe were in the process used to remove Mujuru, and they were made to believe that they were now in charge when in fact it was the Lacoste team in charge but they foolishly did that. Amongst the G40 group only Professor Jonathan Moyo is viewed as the most dangerous person in the G40 faction. And Mnangagwa wants him eliminated as soon as possible by any means possible, hence the fraud case. We are not sure whether it was a mere coincidence for Professor J Moyo's family to demand for his father a Gukurahundi Genocide victim to be properly reburied days before his fraud case was published."He said of late Mnangagwa has been linked to many groups that has been demonstrating for many different reasons in Harare, in the process targeting G40 members especially Professor Jonathan Moyo, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and Mugabe."All the most vocal pressure groups tribal in nature in Harare are linked to Mnangagwa and are meant to frustrate Mugabe and force him to relinquish power. After what happened to Mujuru and her faction Mnangagwa knows what is at stake for him and he is ready to fight back," he said."The Professor Jonathan Moyo saga is deeper than many people think of, of the over $450 000-00 allegedly stollen from Zimdef funds non of the transaction directly links Moyo or at least where he benefited personally. Instead according to ZACC it was Gandawa who benefitted $70 000-00 direct which he used to settle a personal loan. Which according to ZANU PF standard of corruption a mere $70 000-00 in two years is not really a crime, though corruption is corruption it must never be tolerated, we believe Moyo is being targeted for political reasons linked to the ZANU PF succession."He said Lacoste members have been stealing Billions of Dollars in diamond scandals, Mnangagwa's boys have also been stealing Millions in state funds."Chris Mustvangwa, Super Mandiwanzira, Themba Mliswa, Energy Mutodi, Moyor Wadlajena, security chiefs in army, CIO and police are some of the benefitaries in the Lacoste diamond scandal but nothing has so far happened to them, which brings us to the conclusion that Professor Jonathan Moyo is being targeted for political reasons, his only crime is that he is Ndebele and belongs to the wrong faction within Zanu PF. We are not fans of any ZANU member or members and we don't care what happens to individual ZANU PF members. Our only interest in this matter is Mthwakazi Restoration, tribalism exposure and Mthwakazi capture by Zimbabwe," he said."We have been informed that Moyo is still being pursued in connection with this matter, despite the fact that Mugabe in his capacity as Zimbabwe President and supposedly Commander-in-chief of the defense forces ordered his security chefs to leave him alone. Prompting us to believe the long standing rumour that Robert Mugabe is no longer in charge of this country, instead its the members of the Joint Operations Command where Mnangagwa plays a key role who are now in charge of the day to day running of the country as proven by the Jonathan Moyo issue Mugabe is just a place holder."The party iofficial said they were also gathered that Mnangagwa is against anyone who brings in Gukurahundi genocide issue and he is ready to do away with anyone who brings that subject."According to sources Mnangagwa's team has doubled the number of CIO into Matabeleland and we all need to be extremely careful as we conduct our business as long as we all understand that carefulness does not translate to fear. G40 is also reportedly ready to fight back a situation that is beneficial to Mthwakazi, a tactful Mthwakazi can gain its Independence during this period as ZANU PF and Shona Suprimists fight against each other," he said."The Gukurahundi Genocide issue plays a pivotal role and stands as motivation to Mnangagwa to take over the Presidency. What happened to Former South African President Dr Thabo Mbeki is about to befall Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe. Just like Mnangagwa, Zuma had over 700 cases he was facing which could have nailed him if he had not managed to be President, he fought his way to the Presidency of the ANC and eventually South Africa for protection, for him it was a do or die situation just like Mnangagwa himself. He is fighting a do or die war and he knows what is at stake a good reason why he has become more dangerous than never before. Even during Gukurahundi genocide he was not as dangerous as he is now."He said individuals in the G40 group are expected to be in danger than never before as Mnangagwa is now preparing for State capture. Our sources reveal that the G40 is being linked to Mthwakazi Restoration because there are many Ndebele people within the group."Most of the G40 members are not war vets which makes them vulnerable to the cunning Mnangagwa faction made up of mostly ZANLA war veterans and Karanga tribe in particular. We believe that a Mnangagwa Presidency in this country before Mthwakazi attain its independence will be a recipe for dissenter and must be resisted by all means necessary to avoid any stumbling block to our resolve for self determination," he said.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The Non Governmental Organisations will hold NGO directors Summer school in Nyanga on October this year.In a statement NANGO said its count down to the NGO Directors Summer School which is going to take place on 27 and 28 October 2016 at Montclair Hotel in Nyanga.The organisation said this year the theme of the NGO summer school is 'Enabling Environment for Non State Actors meaningful contribution to national development'. The NGO summer school is one of the major events which influences national development processes. NANGO in collaboration with apex civil society apex bodies will be has created a platform which allows cross pollination of contemporary ideas on how national development issues can be ameliorated."NANGO registration fee for the paid up members is now $100-00 per person for three nights on accommodation and meals. Transport will be provided from Harare to Nyanga and back to Harare. NANGO secretariat will liaise with out of Harare delegates on their travelling logistics to Harare. Members who have paid up half of the 2016 membership subscription fees should top up to pay the full amount of $100-00 and they will be eligible to pay $100-00 registration fee for Summer School or they will pay $200-00 if they haven't paid up their membership for 2016. Non NANGO Members and other stakeholders will pay $250-00 for the Directors Summer School," reads the statement."This year the Summer school will be very unique in that it has expanded the scope to involve the private sector, government, international NGOs and development partners thereby ensuring that the discussions are enriched. The summer school will look at contemporary development issues which are crucial within our context. Major issues for discussion include the Perspectives on the meaningful contribution of NON state actors to National Development, The role of technology in community development Sustainable Development Goals and the Leave Non One Behind Principle, NGO Sustainability, Post Clearance of Zimbabwe's Arrears."NANGO said for more information please contact NANGO office at director.nango@gmail.com. contact Charity on 04 708 761 or 794 973 or mobile number 0778 306 402 or via e-mail. have attached the Registration form with NANGO Banking details at the bottom for your convenience."Please notify us as soon as you have done the payment and your can ask for registration form to NANGO Secretariat for logistics purposes," reads the statement.ZPP concerned over Norton political violenceAs the Norton by-election impends Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) is gravely concerned by the increasing incidences of politically motivated violence in the constituency.Norton residents acknowledge existence of political violence and rising tensions owing to the call by Minister of Youth Patrick Zhuwao for National Youth Service trained youths to meet in relation to the Norton by-election.ZPP said incidents have involved supporters of independent candidate, Temba Mliswa and Ronald Tinashe Chindedza of Zanu PF.Last weekend eighteen-year-old Natasha Nyikadzino was abducted from her home when the perpetrators failed to locate her mother Ronika Nyikadzino who is on Mliswa's campaign team.Natasha was later released and tells a harrowing story."In another incident a Zanu PF youth, Tafadzwa Chimbuzi, was violently attacked and sustained a deep cut on his tongue," said ZPP."Chimbuzi was admitted at Katanga clinic. These incidents and the tension in the constituency all point to the need for multi party liaison committees becoming a part of people's lives and not only being put in place towards an election."ZPP said long-standing committees become conflict resolution mechanisms.One church elder, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, said only two groups seem to be clashing."The groups that are fighting know each other because they were once supporters of the same party. We do not condone their behavior but we are saying involving the Border Gezi youths may not be the solution," he asserted.
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.
WATERLOO  Paul Schimpf is an interesting footnote in a widely publicized moment in history: the Iraqi trial of Saddam Hussein, the outcome of which was the hanging execution of Hussein.

In 2005, Schimpf, a lawyer serving in the Marines, was deployed to Iraq and served on a team of American advisers assisting the Iraqi prosecuting attorneys, with the intended goal of ensuring the trial met international due process standards. That experience had a lasting impact on his life, he said.

Schimpf, of Waterloo, said that it seemed to him, from his observations of Iraqi culture, that vengeance was not only acceptable but in many instances, its required to maintain your honor. Democracy cannot flourish where vengeance is held in higher regard than the rule of law, he said. Through the years, Schimpf said he's kept that lesson in mind.

Thats really kind of one of the reasons that I really do try to dial it back a lot, Schimpf said during a recent sit-down interview with The Southern Illinoisan to talk about some of the highlights of his life and what has motivated him to seek the 58th District Illinois Senate seat this November.

Thats one of the reasons I try to talk to Democrats and Republicans even if we have different ideas," he said. "I think who I am at this point is someone who tries to see both sides of the argument."

Off to the Naval Academy

Schimpf grew up in Waterloo the son of two school teachers. He was a National Merit Scholar and valedictorian of his senior class.

Upon graduation, Schimpf said he was offered an engineering scholarship at the University of Illinois, and also was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He choose the latter option. Schimpf said he felt called to serve his country, and viewed the academy as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Still, it was a difficult decision, he said. It was the first time he was away from home for any extended period of time, and the military academy is a challenging atmosphere physically and academically. Further, his mom had undergone a mastectomy the day before he left for Annapolis.

Schimpf said the experience of academy life was challenging and rewarding. The biggest adjustment I had at the academy was almost everyone there was a high school valedictorian or someone who had scored very well on their academic tests, Schimpf said. The competition level was a lot higher."

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines in 1993, Schimpf selected infantry as his military occupational specialty.

A storied military career

The following year, he went to work as a rifle platoon commander in San Diego, where he worked for about four years until applying to change his specialty to that of judge advocate. He was accepted into the law education program and enrolled at the SIU School of Law in the fall of 1997.

I wound up being really fortunate to be accepted into the program and going to school here, he said. Schimpfs mother had relapsed from cancer around this time. She passed away in the summer of 1999. Schimpf said he made many trips home that year, and feels fortunate he had time with his mom in her final days to say goodbye.

Schimpfs career took him a variety of places after law school. He went back to California and served as a lawyer with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He ran a legal assistance clinic for about a 1 1/2 years and then spent about 2 1/2 years as the head prosecutor for the western recruiting region. He also went on to earn a master's degree in military law at the University of Virginia. Schimpf said he wrote an article for the Military Law Review that dealt with the military's need to improve its treatment of sexual assault victims that the Department of Defense eventually wrote into its policy.

The Saddam Hussein trial

But the resume item from his Marine career that Schimpf highlights most is his time serving as the lead American adviser at Iraqi trail of Hussein. When he first arrived for that duty, Schimpf said he was an assistant to the lead adviser, and later served several months in the lead role.

The reason I had been assigned to that team was I had the background as an infantry officer, Schimpf said. He said one of his primary duties was coordinating the transporting of witnesses safely to and from the courtroom. In addition to this role, Schimpf said he had two other primary duties.

The second thing was talking strategy as far as what pieces of evidence needed to be admitted, he said. The third thing was a lot of mentoring. Just telling them (the prosecutors) things like, its really not that big of a deal if the defense attorney desks are the same height as yours. Thats not really that big of a deal.

The American advisers at the trial worked for the Regimes Crimes Liaison Office, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, Schimpf said. The goal of the organization, Schimpf said, was to ensure that the Iraqi trial against Hussein, charged with various war crimes and genocide, comply with international due process standards for criminal law. Some have criticized the Hussein trial as orchestrated theater in a kangaroo court. Amnesty International called it an unfair trial where Husseins execution seemed to be a forgone conclusion.

Schimpf defended the trial.

Ive read a fair bit of that. I disagree with that analysis, Schimpf said. I was there. There was some information that was not reported accurately.

But it wasnt a perfect trial, he said. The best example I can give of that is the judge. A panel of judges were running the case. The head judge was the one running the show. But the head judge that ultimately sentenced Saddam to death  Rauf Rashid Abd al-Rahman  was brought in near the end of the trial, the third person to serve as chief judge. Abd al-Rahman was brought in to control Hussein, Schimpf said, but he hadnt been present in the courtroom during the pre-trial investigation where the vast majority of evidence in the case was presented. That, in my mind, was a huge problem, Schimpf said.

Schimpf said his most prominent role in the case was working with the lead Iraqi prosecutor to rehearse his presentation of evidence at a critical moment in the trial. Though standard for an American prosecutor, the Iraqi prosecutor didnt know how to rehearse, he said.

My biggest contribution to the case was convincing the Iraqi prosecutors they needed to rehearse. We were able to spend about a week rehearsing their presentation of evidence. And when they gave it, they did a very good job. It was compelling and thats when Saddam  out of frustration, I believe, stood up and said, Everything they just said is true  so what.

And Schimpf said that moment is why he thinks the trial was fair, despite its flaws.

My reasoning in that I believe the case did comply with international due process standards is Saddam, in the presence of his defense attorneys and under no duress whatsoever, stood up in the courtroom and admitted that he had done every single thing that he was accused of.

Overall, Schimpf said it was an experience that gave him a great deal of perspective, he said.

Learning the political ropes

After he returned from Iraq, Schimpf decided to pursue another interest of his: politics. In 2007, still in the Marines, he applied and was selected for a congressional fellowship and served in that role as a member of Minnesota Republican John Klines legislative staff. During that time, I had my eyes opened about politics, he said. And I realized it wasnt a matter of rocket science. You just had to be a person that was willing to make a positive change and you needed just this small group of people who were willing to support you.

Schimpf retired from the Marines in May 2013 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He returned to Waterloo, wanting to raise his children in the community he grew up in. The family attends Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the same house of worship Schimpf said he attended as a boy growing up.

Schimpf said he met his wife, Lori, when he was attending law school at SIU. The two attended the wedding of a mutual friend. They have two boys, Ethan, 10 and Garrett, 9.

A long-shot race for AG

In 2014, he decided to jump head first into Illinois politics and challenged Lisa Madigan, the Democratic attorney general and daughter of House Speaker Michael Madigan, in a long-shot race for attorney general. Schimpf, who had little name recognition and couldn't raise enough money in the Chicago region, was soundly defeated, but not as bad as people thought I would be, he said.

I knew I was going to have to catch lightning in a bottle to win, but I did think it was a winnable campaign if I could raise the money to get my message out. And thats ultimately what I wasnt able to do  Where I got the message out I did very well. Schimpf noted he defeated Madigan in some large counties that voted her way in 2010. I had the resume, he said. I just didnt have the connection to the Illinois Republican Party.

Schimpf said he was driven to that seat because he believes the attorney general should take a more active role in rooting out local and state corruption in Illinois and holding public officials feet to the fire where corruption is alleged. Schimpf said public corruption, in his estimation, is one of this states primary problems, but he doesnt see any office actively pursuing it. Federal prosecutors are consumed with anti-terrorism and only going after the big fish, Schimpf said.

Other people say the states attorneys can handle that but the reality is a lot of times the states attorneys are part of the local power structure and are in on it, he said.

Schimpf didnt rule out another run for attorney general when asked about future intentions, but said he has always been one to focus on one thing at a time. At this time, he said, hes putting his energy on earning a seat in the Illinois Senate, and thinks he could make a difference in the upper chamber.

Asked why he chooses to run under the Republican Party banner, Schimpf said thats based on my belief that a lot of times government is the problem rather than the solution.

I talked about that government is only as good as the people that are in there, he said. Well, government is limited by human nature. I think smaller government is better government. Thats why I find myself in the Republican Party.

And here's a little parting tidbit about Schimpf. He was a competitive runner in high school. "I had delusions of grandeur and thought I'd be a world class runner," he said. Though that dream morphed into an exciting career in the Marines, Schimpf still runs regularly for his physical and mental health and because he enjoys the activity.
CARBONDALE  Sheila Simons father, the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, is the most publicly known of her parents, but Simons mother also had a great influence on her life, she said.

Ive been exposed to politics and government, and I really think the best of politics and government, since I was a kid, Simon said during a recent sit-down interview at her home about some of the personal and career highlights of her life and her reasons for seeking the 58th District seat in the Illinois Senate.

Simon recalled being a young girl and asking her mother, Jeanne Hurley Simon, who was one of only a few women who served in the Illinois House in the late 1950s, how she decided which way to vote.

She explained to me very quickly that you find out who are the people you can trust and who are your friends and you ask for advice, she said. And she said, 'Thats one of the ways I got to know your daddy," Simon recalled. And I thought that was really sweet.

Simons mother left the legislature after marrying her colleague Paul Simon. But her mother's professional life in law, the legislature and other ventures later in life had a profound influence on her future, she said. Both her parents did, Simon said, but it was in her mothers footsteps that she followed to law school.

An "expectation buster," Jeanne, who died in 2000, was one of three women in her graduating law school class at Northwestern. She was one of the first two women to serve as an assistant states attorney in Cook County, Simon said.

Finding her own way

Still, growing up in a household with two parents in politics, Simon said running for public office was not something she gave a lot of thought to as a teenager. After she graduated from high school, she set out for college at Wittenberg University, a small school in Ohio. She intended to major in special education.

But like many college students, she changed her mind along the way. Simon switched her major to political science after her first introductory class on the subject.

Simon said that it was in college that she began to realize the path her mother cut as a professional woman with a law degree may be something worth considering. Many also dont recall, Simon said, that her father was a college dropout, though indeed a very educated one. Sen. Simon left college to run a newspaper in Troy, and from there created a chain of weekly papers form which he fought government corruption, and that eventually catapulted his career into politics.

I spent a lot of time saying I would never be like either of my parents, Simon said of her plans in youth. Then, along the way I said, Oh, thats pretty cool my mom was a lawyer and I can see how that would be a useful way to help people so maybe shes smarter than I used to give her credit for.

Simon said she also looked up to her father a great deal and is proud of the good government legacy he left behind. Still, Simon said shes been mindful to chart her own path. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science, Simon enrolled in Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she completed all but her final semester.

She had taken the semester off to help her father campaign for the U.S. Senate and decided after that experience she was ready to return to her roots  to Southern Illinois. Simon said the region was always home base growing up, even though the family moved to Maryland when she began high school to be closer to their father during the week.

After the election was over, Simon said she worked it out so that she could finish the final semester of her law degree at Southern Illinois University, though her degree is officially from Georgetown.

She recalled walking into the registrars office at the SIU School of Law for the first time and seeing the face of Norma Brown. She said, Oh Sheila, its so good to see you. Weve been expecting you, Simon recalled. It was so different than Georgetown. That was back in the day when you used your Social Security number for identification and thats what they asked you when you walked up to the registrars desk: Whats your number?

So I got that greeting from Norma Brown and I thought, Yeah, Im glad to be home, Simon said.

'It was just right'

It was during her last semester of law school that Simon met her husband, Perry Knop. The two met at a Democratic Party picnic at Riverside Park in Murphysboro, she said. Similarly to how Simon said her parents fell in love over their mutual interests in politics and policy, Simon said it was similar for her and Perry.

Its the most romantic thing to us, she said of how they met. Its so nerdy to other people. Simon recalled the story as if it were yesterday. She said Knop, of Steeleville, struck up a conversation with her, and before he exited the conversation that afternoon told Simon that she really should learn more about the public interest group for which he was working at the time. He handed her a card with his number on it, she said.

It was so smooth and it was so wonderful."

A few days later, they went out to see a movie and Knop made her dinner. And 10 days later he asked me to marry him, she said. Simon said yes without hesitation. I had already decided I was going to give this guy 30 days to ask me to marry him, and if he doesnt, Im going to ask him to marry me. It was just right.

The couple has been married for 29 years. They have two grown daughters, Reilly Knop, 26, and Brennan Knop, 22.

After law school, Simon said she began her legal career with the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance, a federally-funded legal service for people living in poverty. Much of her work in this role involved matters of family law. There, Simon said she learned to "be the best advocate you can be" as a lawyer for vulnerable people facing tough situations. She went on to spend a few years with a private law firm and then took a job as an assistant state's attorney in Jackson County, where she worked for two years prosecuting traffic cases, and two years prosecuting domestic violence cases.

It was the experience prosecuting domestic violence cases that opened her eyes to both the power of the law in protecting women and its limitations.

Ultimately, that experience also opened another door for Simon. In the late 1990s, SIU received funding to establish a domestic violence clinic at the law school, and Simon was named its first attorney.

The clinic, which is still operational, is a valuable program because of both its service to survivors of domestic abuse and to the students who learn not just about domestic violence issues but also the process of representing a client from start to finish, Simon said. After several years in that role, Simon transferred into a full-time teaching job at SIU.

Running for office

Though she always had an interest in public policy, Simon said she didnt give much thought to running for office until a neighbor down the street suggest she seek a seat on the Carbondale City Council. Carbondale High School was closing down at this time and moving to its new location on Giant City Road, and people were concerned about what would become of the building that now houses the Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale, she said.

She won that race in 2003 and four years later lost a bid for mayor against the incumbent, Brad Cole. In 2010, another political opportunity opened up via unusual circumstances. In 2010, Pat Quinn won the Democratic nomination for governor, and Scott Lee Cohen, a businessman running a long-shot race, was the partys pick for lieutenant governor (at this time, the governor and lieutenant governor party candidates ran separately in their respective primaries). Cohen withdrew under pressure shortly after that primary race as media reports surfaced about troubles in his personal life.

The Democratic Party needed a replacement candidate and Simon threw her name in the hat. Simon said she felt like she would add something of value to the statewide party slate because all of the other folks were from Chicago or close to it.

Simon said she enjoyed the four years she served in that position as Quinn's No. 2, and said it allowed her to shine a light on issues deserving of attention, such as ways to provide for greater efficiency in the governance of K-12 schools.

While there have been proposals to do away with the lieutenant governors position, Simon said she thinks its important to have a person who is second in line to take over the governors post of the same party should the governor die in office or be removed for any reason. But she said she would favor a change in policy that gives the lieutenant governor other duties in state government, such as running a cabinet-level department.

Simon: Voters are frustrated

Simon said that when Sen. Dave Luechtefeld announced he would not be running again, therefore leaving this Southern Illinois senate seat open, she thought it was a good time to get involved again. Simon said that going door-to-door across the region, she hears from many people who are angry about the stalemate in Springfield that has left the state without a complete budget this fiscal year. Working at SIU, she said she experiences first-hand how political inertia hurts the stability of the institutions that are critical to Southern Illinois.

I think in Southern Illinois were really very directly connected to state government, she said. In places where there is a large city, sometimes a city government has more power and ability to improve the lives of the citizens. But we dont have those mega-cities in Southern Illinois.

All of us are either directly connected with the state in some way as an employee or someone who receives services. Or our next door neighbors and family members are affected. And to see the state come to an absolute stop in terms of the budget is just really embarrassing and pitiful.

Simon said there are some things that happen outside of the states control, such as the Great Recession that began around 2008. But the lack of a budget for the state of Illinois, that is entirely our own making. So the situation we have put ourselves in, I think people are rightfully mad about. Simon has been critical of Gov. Bruce Rauners policy and his negotiation style, and said its possible, depending on how the election changes the makeup of the House and Senate, that governing could be conducted by veto override in the last two years of his term.

Asked why she chooses to identify with the Democratic Party, Simon said that she sees it as the party that advocates for people who work for a living, for people who have missed out on opportunity along the way, and for people who cant advocate for themselves.

Thats why I think its a good fit for me, she said. The Republican Party, while having their own deeply held and valid point of view, is more directed at the people at the top to create opportunity. Id rather put my focus first on the large number of people who are not running a large business. Id rather make sure that all of us, as people who are working, can assert our rights to organize, to speak up for ourselves at work, and to earn a good living.

On a personal note, here's a parting tidbit about Simon: She's been playing the banjo for more than 30 years. She also plays the bassoon and sings, and is a member of a band called Loose Gravel.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Mufakose residents in Harare have accused the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority officials of regularly demanding bribes from them in order to avoid disconnections.This was revealed by the Harare Residents Trust."Residents in Mufakose claim that ZESA employees visit their area regularly demanding bribes to avoid having their electricity disconnected. This bribery scandal mainly targets those residents who remain on their metered system where they have to pay at the end of the month," said the trust."They complained that the major challenge is that ZESA is sending them bills with current figures of around US$160 every month, yet those on prepaid electricity spend around US$30 every month."The trust said those on prepaid electricity say the electricity is expensive, because they have been forced to cut down on ironing and using their stoves for cooking, and they now largely use their electricity for lighting and light cooking.
WEST FRANKFORT  The 47-year-old woman said she heard at her West Frankfort church about a man promising to help people be delivered from substance abuse and other addictions.

Hopeful, she joined his program, Celebrating Life In Recovery, a 14-week session that used faith, prayer and self-affirmations to help her and the other participants overcome their addictions and other issues.

Hers were tremendous: As a child, she said she was subjected to sexual and emotional abuse that resulted in her having a series of psychiatric diagnoses. All that was compounded by the fact that she was battling cocaine and alcohol addictions.

The meetings were filled with prayers and strategies and in the end, she said, it worked: She said she was freed her addiction of cocaine; from what she called the taste of alcohol in her mouth, even when she wasn't drinking; and from a demon personality she called 'Susan.'

"The program helped," said the woman, who asked that her identity not be revealed. "My self-esteem is better, my depression is better. Although I still have my days, since I got rid of it, which was 'Susan, my DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) is better. Im glad to be rid of that one, because that one had some bad mojo. God took it away.

Celebrating Life In Recovery was piloted this summer by Donald Owen II, who came to Southern Illinois in December 2013 to work with a major Christian television network. The program is not affiliated with the 25-year-old Celebrate Recovery program that is operated in several local churches; it, too, is styled after the 12-step addiction recovery programs that reach out to people hoping for freedom from addictions.

The summer program has ended and Owen is planning another session, this one called DOVE, for Divinely Overcoming becoming Victorious and Empowered. The DOVE informational session is set for 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Maranatha Center, 208 E. Main St., in West Frankfort.

In an unaffiliated session, Owen and other organizers are hosting a session on the addiction to pornography at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; that meeting is open to the public.

What we really want to focus on is overcoming things, Owen said, not to (have an individual) stay where you are.

Created from addiction to pornography

Owen said he was inspired to start the program after having a startling dream in 2008. It involved an old man who walked into a bar and simply warned him that God is coming.

"The Lord had brought me and my wife out of several addictions," he said. "We really struggled with pornography and I was into sexual chat, but the Lord delivered me out of that "

After that dream, he said he married the woman he had been with for 10 years and committed himself to God; in three months, he said he read the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, beginning to end. As he read, he said he was inspired by God's message of grace and began to understand there was a healing application in it. Thats when he was inspired to see it as a vehicle to healing him from his addiction.

He created the curriculum, focusing each week on a different concept, such as choice, exercise, liquid, environment, belief, rest, air, temperance, integrity, optimism, nutrition and social support.

His program has grown to incorporate some of the concepts used in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, such as a 12-step format and a sponsor support network of people in recovery who can help others when they feel drawn back into those negative behaviors.

Owen is not a counselor, but says he was trained for two days in counseling at his job at the Christian television station.

At this point, there is no cost for the DOVE class, or the SIU session on pornography. Those accepted into the DOVE program, however, might have to pay for a special Recovery bible used with the course, Owen said.

For more information, call 812-267-0228 or email purityspeaks2u@gmail.com

Appearing to work for therapist's client

From working with the group this summer, Owen said there have been several successes, including the woman who was traumatized as a child.

The woman's therapist, a licensed clinical social worker in Southern Illinois, said she has noticed a difference in her client since she attended the summer meetings.

The woman gave her therapist, whose name is also not disclosed, permission to confirm her diagnoses and to confirm her psychological diagnoses. The therapist said she has counseled the woman for eight years.

The therapist noted that the Celebrating Life and DOVE programs use techniques similar to other programs, like AA and NA and Celebrate Recovery, which have proven successful for many people.

"She sought this out on her own and remained committed to it," the therapist said about her client.

If her experience is helping her, thats the most important .. at this time," the therapist said. "I would encourage her to keep going."

Owen plans to keep making that option available.

"We feel that we are that step to bring them closer to Jesus," Owen said. "We don't just want to do 14 weeks and (say) 'we're done with it.' These people are struggling. We're coming up with a format that is working "
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

It was all smiles yesterday at Guruve magistrate court when Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) activists won their civil case against ZANU PF thugs.It is the state's case that on Sunday the 25th of September 2016 ZANU PF youths wanted to invade ZimPF activist Obert Mutasa's plot at Dunaventry farm which did not auger well with fellow Zim PF cadres led by former Ambassador and Retired Brigadier-General Agrippa Mutambara who sought to counter the invasion.Skirmishes arose and Zim PF members were outnumbered and over powered by ZANU PF thugs.Guruve magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka barred ZANU PF thugs from invading the farm. It remains to be seen if they will abide by the court ruling as the issue of land is heavily politicised in Zimbabwe.Meanwhile, the case of assault and malicious damage to property involving a People First vehicle is yet to be heard at the Bindura magistrate court at a date yet to be known.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Patrick Zhuwawo has defended the donation received by the Zanu PF Youth League from ZIMDEF through the Zimbabwe Youth Council saying it was done above board.Zhuwawo made the remarks at the Phangani Vocational Training Centre graduation and prize giving ceremony in Filabusi Insiza district this Friday.Minister Zhuwawo has come to the defence of Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo following reports on the alleged misuse of ZIMDEF.Zhuwawo said the allegation of corruption being levelled against Professor Moyo are misplaced.He said Professor Moyo was merely facilitating the operations of the Zanu PF Youth League an affiliate of Zimbabwe Youncil Council."The donation from ZIMDEF was received by the council and forwarded to the Zanu PF Youth League for party programmes," said Zhuwawo.Meanwhile the occasion saw 210 graduands being awarded with certificates after completing a two year course in technical and vocational studies.The knowledge and skills acquired at the centre will help the graduands to create jobs and contribute to the country's economic development.The Phangani Training Centre offers courses in brick and block laying, carpentry, hotel and catering studies and entrepreneurship development skills among others.There are currently five vocational training centre in Matabeleland South Province.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

That scripture could be used as a testament to the faithful perseverance members of Cedar Grove AME Church have displayed the past six years after their beloved 110-year-old church was destroyed by arson.

The historic church, which was located on Cannon Bridge Road, was burned down in May 2010. An 18-year-old Cope man, Daniel Lynn Parton, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2011 in connection with the fire.

The congregation forgave Parton and was determined to move beyond the pain and anguish of seeing the church destroyed. Members' efforts are paying off as they prepare to dedicate their new church building with a service at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 1731 Belleville Road in Orangeburg.

Church member Frank Phelps said while there were moments of discouragement, the congregation remained joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.

We had some problems, but were here now. The most important thing about the new church is that its not really a church, but more like a bridge for the people from the past to now. Were so grateful to God for what he did for us, Phelps said.

The building is not something we have to jump up and down about. Thats not important, but its what God did for us. Nice, pretty buildings can be destroyed just like the other one was, but its nice to have, he said.

Today's dedication service will be led by Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church. Green will be accompanied by several pastors serving across the Orangeburg District.

The new church includes a total of seven restrooms, including one that will be converted into a nurses office; two classrooms; a fellowship hall; a kichenette and a pastors office. The soundproof building, which can seat up to 300, also has state-of-the-art fireproof walls.

Rev. Kirk Bellesen, who has been serving as pastor since November 2015, said there are also plans to build a multiplex facility behind the church in the next four or five years.

Several members expressed the joy they felt in having a new sanctuary for worship despite the obstacles faced along the way, including not having a permanent place of worship to call their own.

Claflin University first offered the burned-out congregation the use of its Ministers' Hall. The congregation ultimately ended up worshiping at the former St. Paul Baptist Church facility on Windsor Street after that church moved into a new building on U.S. 21.

The old building was about 10 miles outside of Orangeburg on Cannon Bridge Road. The new site will be in a more heavily populated area, Phelps said.

We came to Orangeburg because most of the people from the church had migrated from the country back to Orangeburg. Its like a new day because I never thought of worshiping on this side of town," he said. "We didnt get here as fast as we thought we would, but the important thing is we never gave up and trusted in God."

Member Johnny Calloway said, Its a blessing. Its a completely a blessing. It could have been the other way, but we thank God he moved us forward to be here. Were just so glad.

Johnny J. Brown, 84, said he also thanked God that he was able to see the new church built.

When we lost our church, that was the most hurtful thing Ive witnessed, because I was going there ever since I came into this world. All my family is buried there and when we come and got in this new building, its like a burden has been lifted, Brown said. I just count it a blessing to still come in the name of Cedar Grove AME Church.

Rev. James R. Glover is presiding elder over the Orangeburg District, which is one of three AME districts included in the Central Conference of the AME Church. Wateree and Manning are the others.

Glover said Cedar Grove AME members remained faithful in their confidence that they would move into a new building.

God led us to complete the work, and the happiest day in my life after 43 years of ministry is to see this church dedicated. The members can tell you that I poured my soul and spirit into this building. Its a blessing for me, he said.

Phelps said members had no time to hold bitterness in their hearts for Parton.

We as a church never really thought about him. We forgave him and went on about our business. We had too much in front of us to worry about one small young man who didnt even know what he was doing, he said.

Member Greta Murray said, He (Parton) and his brother rode my bus. He had a lot against him and didnt really have stable parents. I knew he had issues and stuff, but you have to forgive.

Bellesen said he is thankful to Glover; Right Rev. Richard Franklin Norris, the former presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; and the Central Conference trustee board for helping to move the building project forward and for giving him the opportunity to serve as pastor of the church.

A lot of different things could have happened. And then there are the members, he said, tears streaming down his face. It takes a whole lot to trust when youve been hurt or you feel youve been forgotten. I just want to thank them for the opportunity to serve.

The church has approximately 124 members but is expecting continued growth.

Were gonna grow. We dont have a choice. Its mandated in the Bible that we go out and preach and evangelize and baptize in Gods name, Bellesen said. Our primary goal is to do that and make sure that when people come, they get fed so that they can make disciples.
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News / Regional

by Stephen Jakes

Gwanda Residents have cried foul over the escalating water problems bedeviling the mining town.The problems of water in the town were made public during a meeting conducted by the Gwanda Residents Association on Friday to give an update on the developments regarding the critical water situation currently being experienced in the town.The association's secretary general Bekezela Fuzwayo thanked residents who filled Jahunda Hall to capacity. He acknowledged the the presence of Gwanda Central Member of Parliament Edison Gumbo and former Town Clerk Gilbert Mlilo who attended as residents is highly appreciated."After being updated that the Residents Association failed to get an audience with ZINWA officials who refused to meet with the residents and stakeholders to discuss the issue and that residents representatives and stakeholders were also excluded from the trip to meet with Ministry of Local Government officials in Harare, the residents then passed the following resolutions," he said.:"That ZINWA must leave the Water Treatment Plant and hand it over to the Municipality Of Gwanda immediately and the two parties enter into an agreement how the ZINWA debt will be settled with ZINWA out of the water administration system in Gwanda."The residents also said all Gwanda Residents and Stakeholders of Gwanda will on Wednesday the 19th of October hold a peaceful demonstration to present a note to Council and ZINWA officials demanding that ZINWA hands over the pump station to council immediately.They also agreed that the previous resolution that Council should not pay any money to ZINWA for water until ZINWA hands over the pump station to council remains in place, that the previous resolution that residents stop paying Council for water until ZINWA hands over the pump station to council remains in place and that a letter inviting Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko to attend the Gwanda water impasse be urgently written to the Vice President through the office of the Matabeleland South Minister for Provincial Affairs.Fuzwayo said iot was resolved that another letter with all the demands of the issues relating to Gwanda water challenges be written to the Member Of Parliament for Gwanda Central for him to take to Parliament to the attention of the Minister responsible for Water at the next Parliament question time and the Minister responds there to within the Parliament stipulated 14 days."Gwanda Residents Association therefore calls on all residents and stakeholders of Gwanda to join the peaceful demonstration on Wednesday the 19th starting from Phakama Business Centre at 9:00 am," he said."We also urge residents not to pay their water bills as resolved until ZINWA hands over the plant to the Municipality Of Gwanda. We also implore council not to pay any amount of money to ZINWA until the ZINWA issue is finalised. The residents agreed to endure the water cuts that will come as a result of the collective protest refusal to pay for the water until their grievances are met. ZINWA should then prepare to face up with the legal, health and social consequences that will arise as a result of the water cuts that will follow."
News / Regional

by Staff reporter

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku's tenure of office ends February next year and the Judicial Service Commission has started hunting for his replacement.His successor is expected to assume office on March 1, next year.The JSC is inviting interested candidates to apply for the position of the Chief Justice to be advertised in the media, starting tomorrow."TheJudicial Service Commission announces that a vacancy of Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe will arise by operation of law on 1 March 2016," said JSC.It said in terms of Section 180 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, members of the public are invited to nominate suitably qualified persons to fill the position.
Opinion / Columnist

An attentive examination of the existing political and economic prevailing situation in Zimbabwe seems to suggest that corruption is crippling the smooth running of the country and this has led to the suffering of many people. The sprouting of many political parties indicates that people want power and influence in order for them to accumulate the much needed scarce resources. The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Professor Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa used their influence to distribute the scarce resources to the unintended beneficiaries.Understanding the concept of corruption presupposes that one should have a clear dichotomy of what it entails and what constitutes it in the simplest term. There is no simple accepted definition for the term corruption because what may seem corrupt in one society may not necessarily be perceived as such in another. Professor Moyo has drawn brickbats from students unions' from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) for siphoning $270 000 whilst getting a pat and a hero's welcome from the people in his constituency.The most commonly used and popular definition of corruption is seen as the use of public office for private advantage. In the ongoing investigations instituted by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Professor Moyo used Zimdef funds to develop his constituency and party programmes in order to fortify his position. It is high time that we should raise concern about the fallout in government run institutions.It is high time that we should urge ZACC to advise Moyo to fully cooperate with it in order to bring this matter to finality as soon as possible as many people are interpreting it in different ways. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty remains a sacrosanct principle of our law, and ZANU PF has full confidence in our judiciary to act as final arbiters in these matters. It is therefore prudent for all of us to call for all people to desist from public comments that would undermine due process and create further confusion.Moyo sees himself as the proverbial sacred cow hence he is now spilling the beans in order to clean himself from the ongoing allegations. Yesteryear Professor Moyo was on record that people who misused public funds should be held accountable, now it is his turn he is now crying foul. It is right and proper to urge all parties, as well as external stakeholders to allow the law to take its course.We should take heed of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa's words that everyone, including Cabinet ministers and Vice Presidents, can be prosecuted if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of the crime as they are not above the law. We should unite and fight against corruption as it is the root cause of all the problems bedeviling the country. We should also respect and give credit to ZACC as it is a State arm mandated with investigating and dealing with cases of corruption.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..JNS.org..14 October '16..The U.S. State Department denounced the latest terrorist attack in Jerusalem by condemning the statements glorifying this reprehensible and cowardly attack.At first, it might seem like good news President Barack Obama's administration finally acknowledged and criticized the horrendous glorification of terrorist attacks we read about almost every day.Until you notice the State Department forgot to mention one little thing--the identity of those it condemned. Who exactly has been making statements "glorifying" the attack? Who called the terrorist a hero and a martyr? Who defended and justified the murder of an Israeli Jewish grandmother?The answer is...
Ingram Publishing/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The ex-NCIS agent who traded sensitive information to a foreign contractor in exchange for cash, travel and prostitutes was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday.



John Beliveau, a former supervisory special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, pleaded guilty nearly three years ago to working with Malaysian national Leonard Francis, also known as Fat Leonard, to thwart NCIS investigations into Francis' company, a private foreign contractor called Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA).



Francis, who was arrested in 2013 and pleaded guilty two years later, bilked the Navy out of tens of millions of dollars through GDMA, which provided American ships in-port services like refueling, laundry and waste disposal at ports throughout Asia. After he was caught, Francis told investigators he had roped "scores" of Navy service members into his conspiracy. The service members allegedly provided Francis with classified information on ship movements, steered their ships toward his ports or otherwise aided in Francis' long-running scheme.



More than a dozen Navy personnel, up to the rank of vice admiral, have already been disciplined, have been criminally prosecuted or face charges related to the conspiracy. Just Thursday, a U.S. Navy Lt. Commander, 41-year-old Gentry Debord, pleaded guilty to providing Francis with confidential ship information and advice on how to best rip off the Navy on invoice forms. He too was paid in part with cash and prostitutes, the Department of Justice says.



Beliveau came into play after Francis learned he was under investigation by the NCIS. Beliveau, who joined the NCIS in 2002, met Francis when he was stationed in Singapore from 2008 to 2012 and found Francis to be a "wealthy, smooth-talking, popular man," Beliveau's attorneys said. In the NCIS agent, Francis apparently saw someone he could use.



Ahead of today's hearing, Beliveau's attorneys had requested their client, who court papers indicate worked with investigators after he was caught, receive a year's home confinement. In a filing last week, the attorneys painted the 47-year-old as a pitiful, lonely, weak man who was preyed upon by Francis.



Prosecutors didn't buy it and asked the judge to give Beliveau 15 years for what they called a crime of "unprecedented nature and extraordinary aggravated circumstances." Beliveau got 12 years.



"John Beliveaus deceit was a devastating blow to the U.S. Navy and ultimately the nation that he was sworn to protect," said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy in a DOJ statement. "While this disgraced agent serves what may be the longest prison sentence ever handed down to a federal agent in a corruption case, his colleagues are left to rebuild the trust and credibility that he singlehandedly destroyed."



Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Investors who put their funds in Azerbaijan in accordance with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model have been exempt from the state duties.

The corresponding amendments to the law On state duty were approved by Azerbaijani MPs at the plenary session of the countrys parliament Oct. 14.

In accordance with the BOT model provided by the law On implementation of investment projects due to construction and infrastructure facilities on the basis of specific funding, the investment costs will be reimbursed to investors through the purchase of their products by authority or consumers.

However, if such form of payment is wholly or partly impossible, then the investor will be paid financial aid.

The validity of a contract concluded within the framework of the BOT model cannot exceed 49 years.
By Azertac

Advisor to the General Director of Baku International Sea Trade Port Tural Aliyev participated in the Eurasia multimodal logistics -International Trans Caspian conference in Bucharest, Romania.





Tural Aliyev, in his speech, spoke about the free trade zone type special economic area established in the Alat township of Baku's Garadagh district.





TRACECA International Conference became one of the leading debates of the multimodal logistics and transport industry of South Eastern Europe and Asia, and brought together over 150 representative leaders to form a landmark event for this region.
By Azertac





Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has received honorary doctorate from Baku State University.





Rector Abel Maharramov presented doctorate to the Pakistani Premier in a ceremony that was attended by the university`s students, teaching staff and professors.





Muhammad Nawaz Sharif viewed the Heydar Aliyev Museum and met with students.





The BSU Rector welcomed Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on behalf of the university staff, highlighting his visit as an historical event.





The rector spoke of the high level strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. He said Pakistan is the first country to recognize the Khojaly Genocide.





He said official Islamabad did not recognize Armenia as an independent state because of the countrys policy of aggression against Azerbaijan.





The rector then handed a certificate and cloak of honorary doctor to the Pakistani Premier.





Muhammad Nawaz Sharif addressed the event. He expressed his gratitude for honorary doctorate.





He praised Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations.




By Azertac





Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will attend the 43rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers under the Theme Education and Enlightenment: The Path to Peace and Creativity to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on October18-19.





FM Mammadyarov will deliver a speech at the session. He will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
Attracting Turkey as a mediator in resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can contribute to its settlement, says Nikita Isaev, director of the Russian Institute of Contemporary Economics.

Inclusion of new active and effective intermediaries in the regulatory process of a conflict, which is of historical and protracted nature, always has a positive effect, Isaev, who also chairs the presidium of the Russian Rodina partys political council, told Trend Oct. 14

He noted that Turkey may become sufficiently independent mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement.

The expert said that currently the general political and economic approaches are being formed in the South Caucasus with Russia's mediation.

In particular, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently met with Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the expert said. The meeting will be held between President Putin and Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan as part of the CSTO meeting in Yerevan today.

"Joint efforts on the conflict settlement can bring results today," he said.

He said that the recent cooling of the US-Turkey relations gives a possibility for the diplomacy of the South Caucasian countries.

"It will be much easier to agree without the US destructive position, he said. So, I think that Turkeys participation as a mediator in the settlement of this conflict should be welcomed."

The further evaluation of Turkey as a mediator will depend on the specific suggestions and actions which will be announced by the Turkish side, Isaev said.

Turkey can play a positive role in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters in Yerevan earlier.

Lavrov said that Turkey can play a positive role by ensuring normal economic cooperation in the region.

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.
In terms of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, the UK remains a largest foreign investor and hopefully will further remain so, the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

We are working closely with Baroness Nicholson [the UK special trade envoy for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan] on a number of issues, said Crofts, adding that the bilateral relations between the UK and Azerbaijan remain as strong as ever.

So far, Britain has invested about $25 billion into the Azerbaijani economy. The lions share of these investments has been directed to the oil sector. Azerbaijan eyes to expand its cooperation with the UK in the non-oil sector as well, particularly in tourism, agriculture and investments.

Along with that, there are wide opportunities for the British companies to put their investments in Azerbaijans petrochemical industry.

Elsewhere in her comments, Crofts said Britain remains the destination of choice for Azerbaijani students.

English is not only a language of commerce here, but a language of education, academic research, a language of technology and development. I am very fortunate and proud to be the British ambassador here, she said.

Ambassador Crofts added that a number of delegations from the UK are going to visit Azerbaijan soon.

I cant give the details now. Azerbaijan will host the second meeting of intergovernmental commission between Azerbaijan and the UK early next year, she added.

Commenting on the Brexit, Crofts said it, of course, has had an impact on Britain, but fundamental position is that Britain is and will remain a global trade nation.

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK stood at 418.06 million manats (about $262 million as of Oct. 15) in the eight months of 2016, which is 1.5 times higher than in the same period of 2015.

Exports of Azerbaijani products to the UK rose greatly this year as compared to 2015.

In the eight months of 2016, the value of the Azerbaijani exports stood at 54.9 million manats (about $34 million as of Oct. 15), going up by 11.4 times.
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has today visited the Alley of Honors to lay a wreath at the tomb of national leader, founder and architect of modern Azerbaijani state Heydar Aliyev.

He also put flowers at the graves of prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, outstanding statesman Aziz Aliyev and acclaimed doctor and scientist Tamerlan Aliyev.

Nawaz Sharif also visited the Alley of Martyrs to pay tribute to the Azerbaijani martyrs who gave their lives for the country's independence and territorial integrity.

He laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument here.
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who is on an official visit in Azerbaijan, has today visited the Parliament to meet with its speaker Ogtay Asadov.





They exchanged views on the development of friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries.
Trend By








The 43rd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be held in Tashkent on October 18-19 under Uzbekistans chairmanship, Gayrat Fazilov, Uzbek deputy foreign minister, said.

Fazilov made remarks at a briefing in Tashkent October 14.

"The foreign ministers of 26 OIC member-states officially confirmed their participation in the session," Fazilov added.

Fazilov added that Iyad Ameen Madani, OIC secretary general, Bandar Al-Hajjar, president of the Islamic Development Bank, special envoys of the US, France, UK, Italy, Switzerland to the OIC, as well as representatives of the UN, the OSCE, the League of Arab States, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Economic Cooperation Organization will attend the meeting.

According to the approved program and agenda, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbek acting president, will deliver speech at the opening meeting.

The meeting participants will discuss the maintenance of the interstate dialogue, making joint efforts to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as intensifying cooperation in political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural spheres.

More than 100 resolutions are planned to be adopted during the meeting.

The Tashkent Declaration, which will reflect the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issues, which are on the OIC agenda, as well as the priorities of Uzbekistans forthcoming chairmanship in the OIC, must be the main outcome document.

The OIC was established in 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states.

Uzbekistan became an OIC member in 1996.
Turkish forces entered Iraq with Baghdad's consent, a senior State Department official said Thursday, Anadolu reported.

The Turkish military began to train some of these forces on the ground at the invitation of the Iraqi government, according to the official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The official stressed that as long as Turkish forces continue to have the consent of Iraq's government their presence there is "fine".

They need to be coordinated with the Iraqi government, he said.

Turkey and Iraq have engaged in a war of words about the presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq's Bashiqa.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi asked for the formation of a military base in Bashiqa. Erdogan told Abadi to "know his limits," reminding him that Turkeys military presence in Iraq was due to a demand made by Baghdad.

The countries have summoned respective ambassadors for consultations.

The spat "is not constructive", the U.S. official said as anti-Daesh forces prepare to oust the group from its Iraqi capital, Mosul.

Turkey says its troops are going to be there to prevent any potential sectarian conflict in and around Mosul after the city is taken from Daesh.

The operation could begin as soon as next week if preparations are completed.








Ireland can and is willing to use its areas of expertise to develop business ties with Iran, Noel Johnston, director of India, Middle East and Africa at Invest Northern Ireland told Trend October 10.

Johnston made the remarks after his return from a UK trade event in Tehran.

"My first impressions of business links between Northern Ireland and Iran are positive," he said. "I was pleased with the warm welcomes and the open doors from all the Iranian companies we met with."

Northern Irelands exports in such sectors as mining, aerospace, agritech, airports and hotels will certainly be of interest to businesses in Iran, Johnston underlined.

"Of course there are areas to be overcome such as the free movement of finance and the ownership issues," he noted.

"Invest Northern Irelands IMEA team, headquartered in Dubai, continues to develop business links with Iran and I am confident we will see a positive increase in trade over the coming years," he reiterated.








Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has announced that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved the plan to renovate a number of historic mosques in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.



The renovations are an extension of ongoing efforts to renovate and revive a number of historic mosques throughout the kingdom, explained Prince Sultan bin Salman, head of SCTNH.



The announcement came during Prince Sultans speech at a workshop on the care and rehabilitation of historic mosques held recently in Madinah.



Prince Sultan also announced the establishment of a fund for renovation of historic mosques in Madinah that will allow every citizen to participate in the process. He confirmed that King Salman has given great importance to historic mosques and has emphasised that any renovation projects launched in areas like historic Jeddah, central Riyadh, and historic Dariyah give considerable importance to the renovation of historic mosques.



He also praised the donations of citizens and businessmen in Madinah to support the renovation of 14 historic mosques.



An announcement was made for the establishment of a fund to support the renovation of historic mosques in Jeddah, said Prince Sultan, noting that efforts are currently under way to renovate Al Memaar Mosque in Old Jeddah at the expense of the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Endowment.



He also confirmed efforts are under way to renovate Othman bin Affan historic mosque in Old Jeddah, in addition to a number of other mosques.  TradeArabia News Service
Workers have started installing a major pedestrian bridge near Al Safa bridge as part of the Dubai Canal project, which will have five pedestrian bridges along the 3.2-km stretch on completion, said a report.



Work on the other bridges is also progressing well with the one near the Jumeirah flyover under construction, reported the Gulf News, citing a Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) statement.



Bridges are being built at a height that will allow luxury yachts and other boats to pass underneath. Excavation as well as work on building the concrete banks along the canal have been completed, it stated.



According to RTA, 3.2 million cu m of soil were dredged for the canal and 300 tonnes of concrete blocks are being used to fortify the banks.



With work moving at a fast pace, the Dubai Creek water has now reached all the way to the edge of Business Bay, which will eventually flow into the canal, stated the report.



The flow of water into the Business Bay is an indication that work on Dubai Canal is nearing completion. The work is in the final stages now, with the canal expected to open next month.



Among the several features coming up along the canal is a huge arch being built between the bridges of Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road, it added.
The UAE leads the world in having the largest number of Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited organizations, said Dr Manal Taryam, the chief executive of Primary Health-Care Centers at Dubai Health Authority.



The UAE has 145 JCI-accredited health organizations the highest among 67 countries who implement rigorous JCI standards of care and to provide solutions for achieving peak performance in health care.



JCI is an organisation which works to improve patient safety and quality of health care in the international community by offering education, publications, advisory services, and international accreditation and certification.



It is the oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care in the US that evaluates more than 20,000 organizations and inspires them to excel in providing safe and effective care.



Dr Taryam said 10 DHA Primary Health-Care Centers received international accreditation from the JCI proving once again the authoritys commitment to providing first class medical services that are at par with international standards.



The centers, which received the accreditation after meeting the rigorous standards of the JCI include the Primary Health Care Centers in Nad Al Hamar, Al Badaa, Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Safa, Al Twar, Al Mizhar, Al Mankhool, Al Mamzar and Al Lissaily.



The accreditation is not a goal but an indicator to measure the performance of the centers, the quality of services, she added.-TradeArabia News Service


LINK TO JEBEL ALI PORT PLANNED



Dubai-headquartered global trade enabler DP World has announced a multi-million dollar investment in Los Angeles-based Hyperloop One, which is developing technology for a futuristic transit system.



The investment aims to provide funds for the continued research and development of Hyperloop technology building on the companys successful test in May 2016.

DP World is now a significant investor in Hyperloop One with DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem being elected to its Board of Directors.

As part of the investment, Hyperloop One will benefit from DP Worlds expertise in complex cargo handling operations and the experience DP World has accumulated across its global portfolio of 77 marine and inland terminals in six continents.



The move follows the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies to explore the role of innovation in the future of world trade through feasibility studies that analyses the value of using Hyperloop systems in the UAE.



Phase 1 of the MOU announced in August has an initial focus on moving containers from ships docked at DP Worlds flagship Jebel Ali Port via the Hyperloop system to a new inland container depot in Dubai.



The study will also focus on efficient handling of containers, costs, benefits, and demand and volume patterns of moving cargo using the new technology.



Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: DP World and Dubai are at the forefront of technological innovation in the transport and logistics industry and we continue to seek opportunities to invest in and utilize our expertise to develop disruptive technology.

We are exploring many innovations in our sector and our collaboration with Hyperloop One is just one example illustrating our support of creativity and our commitment to research and development, using technologies to make our operations more efficient. The world is changing quickly and we want to be involved in the potential this kind of innovation presents, connecting markets and economies around the world and realizing our vision to lead the future of world trade, he added.



Rob Lloyd, CEO, Hyperloop One, said: We are excited to continue our strong partnership with DP World as well as welcome Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem to our Board of Directors. These latest moves strengthen our company from a global perspective.



Hyperloop is a new way to move people or things anywhere in the world quickly, safely, efficiently, on-demand and with minimal impact to the environment. The system uses electric propulsion to accelerate a passenger or cargo vehicle through a tube in a low pressure environment.



The autonomous vehicle levitates slightly above the track and glides at faster-than-airline speeds over long distances. It eliminates direct emissions, noise, delay, weather concerns and pilot error.  TradeArabia News Service
Cisco, a worldwide technology leader and Gulf Business Machines (GBM) will jointly showcase its solutions built around the Apple enterprise product portfolio at the Gitex Technology Week 2016 in Dubai.



As Cisco's exclusive channel sponsor at the expo, GBM will educate visitors on how Apple's business strategy, consultancy and implementation services can help regional businesses improve mobile productivity, enhance mobile efficiency and be responsive to customer interactions.



Businesses everywhere and in every category are reinventing themselves. They are becoming digital, software-driven and mobile-centric. Apple and Cisco are responding to this need by creating the very best app and voice experience for iPhone and iPad on corporate networks. With new features in iOS 10 and the latest network software and hardware from Cisco, businesses can leverage their infrastructure to deliver a great user experience, explained Frida Kleimert, the head of Channel and Commercial Sales, Cisco UAE.



As part of their Gitex plans, Cisco and GBM are focusing on three areas for Apple solutions: networking, voice, and collaboration. The first set of offerings include optimizing Wi-Fi connectivity, prioritizing business apps and integrating voice and collaboration with Cisco Spark.



GBM has been incorporating Apple products into its solutions, with a view to providing large enterprises and corporate customers with integrated mobility solutions.



It can offer products from the Apple enterprise solution that includes the full suite of hardware, software, services and support to bolster the mobility capabilities of organisations. GBM was appointed as the first Apple Authorised Systems Integrator in UAE in May this year.



"In the current environment of relentless transformation around business models and enabling technologies, enterprises want a much broader choice of solutions and platforms, where the mobile customer interface needs to be more versatile and adaptable for business needs," stated Hani Nofal, the vice president, Intelligent Network Solutions, Security and Mobility, GBM.



"This was a key reason why GBM aligned with Apple enterprise solutions and mobility platforms to provide its enterprise customer base, the choice of which mobile platform to build their business models upon," he added.



Kleimert said Cisco has full confidence in the versatility of GBM's enterprise solution architecture and its ability to look down the regional road map and anticipate the platforms that can benefit the current and future enterprise customers.



"As a Cisco Gold Partner, GBM solutions leverage Cisco cloud, data centre, networking, and security technologies to provide the best of breed digital transformation opportunities for customers in the region. We are now entering exciting times and the role of the vendor-partner relationship has never been better, stronger and more dynamic than before," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
LBC Express, a leading Filipino courier and cargo solutions provider, has partnered with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai to set up a drop box, "Kabayan Corner," in the smart shelters at RTA bus stops located in various areas across Dubai.



These dedicated drop boxes located in smart shelters across Dubai will help expats reach out to the Philippine Consul General with ease and convenience and air their concerns.



The service is currently being offered in smart shelters located in Satwa, Mankhool, Baniyas, Bur Dubai and Al Rigga areas of Dubai.



This initiative, set for the first time in Dubai, provides the 450,000 strong Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates an opportunity to direct their concerns to H.E. Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes through a letter or email.



Letters, handed in the LBC kiosks will be delivered to the Philippine Consulate General on a weekly basis.



The initiative also extends legal aid through Gulf Laws Atty. Barney Almazar Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) guide which can be accessed through a tablet stationed in the LBC kiosks and branches.



Mark Agalo-os, the vice-president for Middle East at LBC Express, said: "We are pleased to partner with the Philippine Consulate General and Gulf Law in extending support to the UAE-based Filipinos with the launch of the Kabayan Corner initiative."



"This empowers the OFWs to direct their concerns and requests to the government officials. We are proud to be part of this initiative which is amongst the first to be introduced in the country by any courier and cargo solutions provider," he added.



On the new initiative, Raymund Cortes, said: "Kabayan Corner is a unique programme that offers a new mode of communication for our Filipino constituents to easily reach us. We are always in the forefront of assisting our fellow countrymen and believe on such initiatives that will help us connect with them."



Rohit Dalmia, the managing director at Al Shamil Foodstuff Trading, the operator of Smart Shelters, said: "Smart Shelters goal is to make daily chores and activities more convenient via converted bus shelters that offer a range of services, including free wifi, mobile charging and mini convenience stores."



"The Kabayan Corner is a unique concept and will allow tens of thousands of people on their daily commute to drop into a Smart Shelter and send their messages to the Philippine Consulate General," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has introduced free WiFi service on board all its limousine fleet with the aim of enhancing customers satisfaction and happiness.



All limos have been fitted with the service which will gradually be broadened to cover all DTC taxicabs, said the subsidiary of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).



Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Ali, the chief executive of DTC, said: "Our limousines offer a great and unique service tailor-made to the needs of our clients in the tourist sector such as hotels, airline companies and other related public or private entities. The service is available from Dubai to all other emirates 24/7."



The DTC has signed an agreement with a specialist provider of WiFi services in limos such that clients could avail free WiFi on board our 113 limousines during transit. The service is part of RTAs endeavours to open new horizons and set new trends in offering high-quality services," he noted.



"It replicates the policy of the DTC in offering services befitting and enhancing the tourist credentials of Dubai, fulfilling the needs of all residents & visitors of the Emirate and gearing up for Expo 2020," added Al Ali.-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
The global demand for electricity is set to double by 2060 thus leading to a significant expansion of global capacities, said a top official of global technology powerhouse Siemens.



The global demand for electricity is set to double by 2060 thus leading to a significant expansion of global capacities, said Willi Meixner, the chief executive of Power and Gas Division, at global technology powerhouse Siemens.



He was addressing the gathering at the World Energy Congress (WEC) 2016 in Istanbul, which concluded on October 13.



"At present around one billion people have no access to electricity globally. This seriously inhibits their long-term prospects as far as education and development are concerned," remarked Meixner.



Furthermore, according to United Nations estimates, the global population is set to increase to some 9.5 billion by the middle of this century.



Meixner outlined the challenge: "If we are to ensure a reliable supply of affordable electric energy for the world's population in years to come, then over the next 35 years we have to integrate three times the energy consumption of China into our energy world."



"This means that bringing resources, assets and people closely together in a digital world is an absolute must," said the top official.



At the opening event of the foremost international energy forum, Meixner described the challenge posed by achieving an affordable, dependable and clean energy supply which would create an absolute minimum of CO2 emissions.



Meixner discussed with prominent representatives of companies and organizations, including the International Energy Agency and the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), the question of "Scenarios 2060: The Grand Transition".



More than 55 countries have now ratified the agreement reached at the Paris World Climate Summit. This treaty involves a catalog of measures designed to bring about a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions. The objective of the World Climate Summit is to limit global warming to well below 2C.



In addition to achieving the climate targets, a further goal is to make access to energy sources available to as many people as possible.



According to him, the growing demand for efficiently generated power will lead to a significant expansion of global capacities.



Siemens has calculated that by 2030 decentralized energy systems will account for almost one half of the additionally required capacities.



In global terms, wind and solar power will play a prominent role in this scenario, since the cost of electricity generated from renewables has been reduced as a result of government intervention. Thus, installed capacities have increased significantly since the last WEC in 2013. The cost of photovoltaic energy fell by seven per cent annually between the year 2000 and 2015.



As for offshore wind power, prices are expected to fall by one-third between 2015 and 2020.



However, the expansion of renewable energy alone will not be sufficient.



"In view of this increasing demand, we will only attain the goals we have set ourselves by gradually converting the existing power plants from coal to gas. If we were able to change things and turn all the world's coal-fired plants into gas-fired plants, we would reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by 40 per cent," stated Meixner.



Expansion of the existing energy distribution networks into smart grids is essential in order to integrate all sources of energy. Only in this way can the flow of energy in several directions be controlled and fluctuations in supply balanced out by tapping into reserves of stored energy, he added.



At the WEC, Siemens presented a number of technical papers dealing with the subject of futureproof energy supplies.

In his award-winning paper, Patrice Bardon from Siemens Dresser-Rand business explained how a configurator determines the correct drive unit in LNG plants.



The configurator enables plant operators to select the most efficient drive unit for their own specific process. It analyzes steam, industrial and aeroderivative gas turbines and electric motors.



Zafer Gursoy of Siemens Turkey gave a presentation on technology for large gas turbine power plants, focusing on issues of environmental compatibility and the conservation of resources. He elaborated this on the basis of the Lausward combined cycle power plant and using the example of a mega project in Egypt, where Siemens is currently constructing three combined cycle power plants with a rating of 4.8 gigawatts each.



In a further presentation, Howard Gooder of Siemens Financial Services explained how public institutions  in conjunction with private enterprises  are investing in clean energy projects based on wind, photovoltaic and natural gas and thus helping to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.-TradeArabia News Service
Dnata, one of the worlds largest air services providers and a member of Emirates Group, said it has selected Avaya as a strategic technology partner to power its customer service digital transformation strategy.



Avaya Private Cloud Services (APCS) will deliver a complete customer experience transformation solution that will create a seamless, personalised experience for dnata customers and partners and across every communication platform in the customer journey.



The five-year, multimillion-dollar agreement will see Avaya provide dnata, with a cloud-based contact centre, collaboration, networking and video conferencing solution.



With operations covering six continents, dnata aims to unify its travel brands around the world, along with its other services, helping to deliver personalised experiences to its customers, achieve consistency and increased satisfaction across all touch points while reducing service delivery costs.



"We have embarked on a digital transformation journey that will enable us to confidently deliver on our growth strategy while building a superior customer experience," stated Paul Gale, the vice president of Global Contact Centres at dnata.



"One of the main challenges of being a global business with multiple brands and services, is delivering a consistent and yet extremely personalised experience. Our project with Avaya will enable us to have the platform we require to quickly achieve the two, while expanding our portfolio of businesses and services. The team at Avaya were exceptional in building a solution that delivers on our business objectives today and in the future," he added.



While most businesses today support multi-channel customer service, they typically manage individual interactions channels in silos, resulting in a fragmented customer experience. dnata is leading the transformation of the travel experience industry globally.



By moving to an Avaya-delivered and managed cloud customer experience solution, dnata and its travel businesses will not only achieve a substantial competitive advantage it will also deliver a higher benchmark for travel to compare with, not only for its customers, but also for its agents worldwide.



On the win, Nidal Abou-ltaif, the president of Avaya International, said: "We are proud to have been selected by dnata as provider of choice for this global customer experience platform. By working closely with dnata, we will be able to support them in their objective of delivering a world-class customer experience."



"This is the perfect demonstration of the strength of our cloud services offerings and how we can help enterprises achieve their digital transformation goals. We look forward to strengthening this partnership with dnata over the next five years and moving forward with them to deliver the business outcomes they are looking for," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Corn prices topped $3.58 per bushel on Friday morning, the highest price in almost three months. Corn is accelerating higher, even as a record crop is coming in out of the field.

Over a third of the corn crop has already been harvested, and the USDA is expecting that it will be the largest on record, topping 15 billion bushels.

Normally, the harvest onslaught would be depressing prices, but farmers have been holding onto their corn, waiting to sell at higher prices. This is restricting supply, which is helping to fuel the rally.

Meanwhile, there has been strong demand from foreign buyers for U.S. corn and corn-based ethanol, which is helping to sop up the extra bushels.

Longer term, the corn market will likely need to see rising demand from foreigners to consume the ever-growing harvests. Since the early 2000s, U.S. corn production has increased a whopping 50 percent due to technological and seed science advances.

Natural gas heats up

Natural gas prices exploded on Thursday, reaching $3.36 per million British thermal units, the highest price in almost two years. Gas is becoming more expensive as many weather forecasters are calling for a colder winter this year, which could help draw down the current record-high inventories.

Adding fuel to the fire, news broke this week that China was dramatically increasing its natural gas imports.

Globally, most natural gas is transported via pipeline, making each regional market relatively insulated, but there has been an increasing trend to convert natural gas to a liquid form, which allows for transportation by boat. The U.S. has recently begun increasing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which allows us to sell our excess production on the global market at substantially higher prices. Long term, this trend could raise prices domestically, but also boost profits for the energy production industry.

Looking ahead to the colder months to come, the futures markets are expecting prices over $3.60 this winter, a substantial price increase over recent years.
The Casper Municipal Court has for years been illegally sentencing minors convicted of possessing alcohol to probation instead of the fine that is mandated by city code, according to court documents and interviews.

Minors found guilty of the charge were generally sentenced to six months of unsupervised probation and a fine up to $750, according to a document that Assistant City Attorney Gary Way wrote. But sentencing someone to probation for a charge of minor in possession violates city ordinances that limit sentencing to a fine, Natrona County District Judge Catherine Wilking said in her Oct. 7 order reversing the sentence for a young woman given probation.

This Court finds that the ordinance clearly limits the penalty for violating the Casper MIP Ordinance to a fine  only  of not less than one hundred fifty dollars, nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, Wilking wrote in her decision.

City ordinances limit the maximum penalty for a charge of minor in possession committed in the city to a $750 fine and do not allow for incarceration or probation. City attorneys argued to Wilking that state law allows the municipal court to use probation as a sentence in minor-in-possession cases, though the judge disagreed.

But the teenage woman involved in the case that Wilking ruled on wasnt the only one who was given an illegal sentence.

As far as I know weve been giving out those sentences for as long as Ive been in Casper  thats 13 years, Way said.

The municipal court has handled 190 minor-in-possession cases since January 2013, deputy assistant city manager Fleur Tremel said in an email. Numbers for previous years were not easily accessible due to a change in the system the city uses to track its cases.

The municipal court could decide to end the probation of any minors currently serving probation for a possession of alcohol charge, Way said. No minor-in-possession charges had been heard by the court since Wilkings Oct. 7 decision, he said.

To complete probation, the minors would also have to attend the Alive at 25 driving safety program, complete 20 hours of community service and undergo an Addiction Severity Index assessment, which determines whether they have an addiction and recommends appropriate treatment. The additional requirements also cost money: the driving safety program costs $35, and the assessment can cost between between $30 and $150.

The purpose (of the probation) is to intervene at an early stage when they first come in contact with judicial system and make them realize the consequences of their actions, Way said. The emphasis is on rehab, not punishment.

Dallas Laird, the Casper lawyer who appealed the womans sentence, disagreed. Probation could jeopardize a young persons chances at college acceptance or a future job, he said, and the addiction assessment seems ludicrous for a teenager caught drinking a few beers.

It flat isnt right  its too harsh, Laird said.

The teenage woman in the case that prompted the decision was at a Halloween party at a friends house last year when police arrived after a neighbor complained about the noise. The nine responding officers searched the home for underage drinkers, and 11 party-goers were later charged with minor in possession, court records show.

Many of those young people wont be deterred by the charge and will continue drinking, Laird said. About 60 percent of teens have had a drink by the time they turn 18, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

These kids know drinkings illegal, but underage drinking is just part of our society, he said.

But Way maintained a fine alone isnt enough to deter future illegal drinking and that Wilkings decision was a shame.

Just having a fine doesnt give them motivation to change behavior  especially since Mommy and Daddy will probably pay the fine anyway, Way said. Its an unfortunate decision for the welfare of our community, as far as Im concerned.

Most minors charged with possession of alcohol in Evansville Municipal Court are fined $450, Evansville city attorney Phil Willoughby said. While the court can decide to increase the fine, it does not order probation.

I think its up to the individual and the family to figure out what the problem is, he said. I dont think the municipal courts can cure those kind of things.

The Casper city attorneys office discussed appealing Wilkings decision last week, Way said, but he did not know what the office would ultimately decide.
WHAT: A father-to-son letter from crime boss Al Capone to Albert Francis Sonny Capone, his only child, written in pencil from Alcatraz and signed with his prison number, brought $62,500 recently in an sale at RR Auction in Massachusetts. The chatty letter provides a rare look at a softer side of the gangster. Presale, the auction house expected it to sell for about $50,000.

MORE: Contents are remarkable, with the father advising his son, at college, ...dont let nothing get you down. He also told him about his love for music, about learning to play a tenor guitar and banjo and his love for the mandola, being in a prison band, and losing more than seven pounds in Alcatraz. He wrote about his daily routine and games in the prison yard, and ended with, I will be with you in less than a year.

SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Artifacts related to American gangsters, especially Prohibition-era baddies with swashbuckling notoriety  in the same sale, seven sepia candids of Bonnie and Clyde sold for $3,063  are always popular. When/if they reveal an unusual side, so much the better.

HOT TIP: The buyer was a Chicago area collector who was, by request, unidentified.

BOTTOM LINE: Signed Love & Kisses, Your Dear Dad Alphonse Capone #85 (his prison number), the letter reveals a sentimental, tender side of the infamous gangster.
Poor Lyndon Johnson. When it comes to Social Security, he gets blamed for something he never did. Our 36th president is often accused of being the first chief executive to tamper with Social Security financing. Well, he did tamper with it. But not in the way conventional wisdom would have you believe.

And I was reminded of this in the reactions I got to my last two columns in which I cleared up myths about Social Security financing and presented a number of proposals for reforming the program. Dozens of you wrote and told me some version of this sentiment that came from a reader in California: Social Security wouldnt need any changes if Congress would just pay back the money that President Johnson stole from the Social Security system back in the 60s. And here is another version of the story as relayed by a Texas reader: We all know that LBJ cooked the books when it came to the Social Security trust funds. Get that money back and Social Security will be flush with cash!

For decades now, misinformed critics have charged that Johnson moved Social Security money from its own separate ledgers to the governments general funds in order to spend it. Thats not quite right. Here is what really happened.

We all know that the Vietnam War, which LBJ inherited from his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was rapidly turning into a huge albatross around Johnsons neck. And it wasnt just the loss of thousands of young mens lives that was bothering him. It was also the staggering costs of paying for the increasingly unpopular war in Southeast Asia. He was looking for a way to hide some of those costs, not just from Congress but from the American people. The governments general coffers were essentially empty. But he noticed that there was an entirely separate government fund that was flush with cash  the Social Security trust fund.

What most people mistakenly think LBJ did was simply tap into those funds and steal Social Security money to help pay for the Vietnam War. But that is NOT what he did.

What he did do was simply change an internal government bookkeeping practice. Up until that period of time, Social Securitys income and expenditures had always been kept on a completely separate set of government books. Johnson merely added Social Securitys accounts to the general government budget. But this is the important (and almost always overlooked) point: He did not change in any way the method used to invest and spend Social Security money.

In other words, Social Security funds were not touched. By pulling off this bookkeeping maneuver, by adding the Social Security funds to the governments overall ledgers, LBJ was able to disguise the growing deficit caused primarily by all the spending for the Vietnam War.

Maybe this analogy will help you understand what happened. Fred and Ethel are married. They both work. And they keep separate bank accounts to manage their finances. Fred spends money like there is no tomorrow. His bank balance is always near zero. Ethel saves a lot of her income, so she has a substantial account balance. Fred talks Ethel into combining their assets. Neither person changes their habits. Fred keeps spending just his money and Ethel saves most of hers. But suddenly Fred looks like he has more money than he really does because, on paper at least, his bankrupt account has been combined with Ethels flush ledgers.

Fred is like Johnson and the overall government budget. Ethel is Social Security. Fred really hasnt done anything wrong. He hasnt taken any of Ethels money. Hes simply using her money to make his bottom line look better.

Like Fred, Johnson moved the balance sheets for Social Security money into the overall government budget for one sneaky reason: to mask his (and Congress) risky spending habits. All that Social Security income made the actual government deficit appear smaller.

This accounting procedure, adding Social Security trust fund accounts into the overall federal bookkeeping ledgers, is known as the unified budget. And despite its shifty intentions, you could make the argument that the procedure is entirely justified. After all, Social Security money is government money and it makes sense to add it in with all other government funds.

Still, after the American people figured out what was going on, these bookkeeping shenanigans left a bad taste, not only in their mouths, but in those of Congress as well.

Thats why back in the 1990s, Congress changed the law to remove Social Security funds from the overall federal budget. So Social Security went back to its original off budget status.

Of course, by doing that, the government deficit, at least on paper, suddenly seemed much worse that it previously did. So almost ever since then, Congress has essentially kept two sets of books.

One is the official budget with Social Security funds not included. But a second is the unified budget with Social Security funds still added in.

Which budget picture Congress presents to their constituents depends on the message they are trying to convey. If they want to scare you and tell you how bad the economy is and why you need to re-elect them to help reduce the deficit, they will show you the official budget books (with Social Security not included).

If they want to impress you and tell you how they have been working diligently to control government spending and reduce the deficit, and why you need to re-elect them to continue to do so, they will show you the unified budget (with Social Security surpluses included).

Having said all that, I cannot stress enough that all of this game-playing with the government books has absolutely nothing to do with how Social Security tax money is spent on Social Security benefits and invested in government bonds. So Johnson, and no president since, and, for that matter, no member of Congress, has ever stolen a nickel of Social Security money. But they sure have played around with it!
Running a successful independent bookstore could be likened to writing a gripping novel: Whats needed in both are characters readers believe in.

And thats what the longtime owners of Tucsons Antigone Books are looking for now  just the right person to carry on Antigones story.

Trudy Mills and Kate Randall announced on Tuesday their plans to sell the store.

The longtime business partners have helped local readers for decades, made people laugh with their stores zany gifts and cards, and challenged many to think more, or differently, about human rights and the environment.

Were not after the fastest deal or the best financial deal, said Mills, but the best match.

Within a day of their announcement, eight people had inquired with Paz & Associates, the Florida-based consultants Mills and Randall have hired to handle the sale process.

Antigone Books, which opened in 1973, is named after the Greek mythological character who defied masculine authority. At first, the store at 411 N. Fourth Ave. offered only feminist literature and research, but over time expanded in both size and whats offered.

Mills and Randall, who have been business partners almost 27 years, said their store is doing well, with profits increasing consistently over the last five years.

It was Mills, 64, who first purchased the store, in 1987.

A former sociology professor, Mills had been teaching womens studies at the University of Arizona and says she lost her job over its refusal to give her maternity leave.

I had the audacity to have a child, she said, with a laugh.

Around that time, Antigone Books went up for sale. (The original owners were Barbara Atwood, Pat Kelly and Jonnie Cunningham, who pooled $1,500 to open what was then one of the countrys first feminist bookstores.)

The years with Antigone Books have been wonderful, Mills said, and shes not in a rush to sell.

The thing thats interesting to me about the store is that it kind of grew up and has changed as the times have changed, she said.

Whats for sale is the store, but not the building, Mills said. They plan to keep the building for now to ensure its a space for the book store and not some other enterprise.

Randall, 53, said she started working there by total fluke. She was in her mid-20s at the time and had been looking for a job waiting tables when she decided to apply at Antigone Books.

At the time, the store was really small, she said. It was Trudy and one other staff person who, it turns out, was planning to leave to return to school.

After a couple of years, she became a partner and ran the store for a year while Mills traveled with her husband and young daughter.

There have been a lot of lucky moments, Randall said of Antigone and her years there.

Im not sure what Im going to do. Im not approaching retirement age yet, but I realize that Im ready to do something different.

Randalls job is buying the non-book items for the store, which she enjoys.

We really have a great time looking for things that will make customers laugh or things that would make them think, she said. Its been great. I feel so thankful to the Tucson community for being so supportive.

Owning a bookstore is different from other retail endeavors, said Mark Kaufman of Paz & Associates, because book prices are established ahead of time and written right on the book cover.

Kaufman said his business, which he operates with his wife, Donna Paz Kaufman, is focused on helping people open new independent bookstores or buy existing ones.

The good news is that independent bookstores, as a whole, have reported their best year this past year, in 2015, he said. And double-digit growth is being reported so far this year, he said.

Kaufman said studies are showing this is attributable to people experiencing screen fatigue and wanting reading to return to being a tactile experience.

The consultants have already provided Antigone Books with a valuation process, taking into consideration their five-year tax history, their profit and loss statements, their cash flow, tangible assets and intangible ones, such as the size of their mailing list and services they provide to the community.

The findings, which he declined to reveal, will provide a starting point for negotiating a price with a would-be buyer, he said.

Those who inquire and are serious about making an offer are asked to fill out a questionnaire and sign a confidentiality agreement as they move through the process, he said.
A Tucson moving company was fined by the state for raising its rates mid-move and refusing to deliver a customers items until the higher rate was paid.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich said a Pima County Superior Court judge found 3 Gorillas Moving and Storage LLC violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and ordered the company to pay more than $17,000 in consumer restitution.

Brnovich said 3 Gorillas Moving is out of business and was owned and operated by Troy Emerson.

The businesss phone number is still working, however; no one responded to a message left there Friday seeking comment from Emerson.

The Arizona Attorney Generals Office filed a consumer fraud lawsuit in November 2014. After a bench trial, the court found 3 Gorillas and Emerson:

Misrepresented to some customers that 3 Gorillas was affiliated with a national moving company;

Failed to address some consumer claims after personal property had been damaged during the move; and

Misrepresented prices quoted to consumer; told a consumer they would not leave the consumers home unless a new, higher price was paid; or did not deliver a consumers belongings because the new, higher price was not paid.

The court found 3 Gorillas and Emerson engaged in deceptive practices, misrepresentations, and suppressed or omitted material facts in connection with the sale or advertisement of services, the attorney general said in a news release.
A luxury dinner movie theater is coming to Tucsons far east side.

Galaxy Theatres has leased the 50,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Bashas on the southwest corner of Broadway and Houghton Road, in the Montesa Plaza.

The landlord, Montesa Plaza LP, plans to invest $6 million in the project and Galaxy an additional $3 million, said broker Craig Finfrock, of Commercial Retail Advisors, who represented Montesa.

Its going to be a really nice project, he said.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year with an opening in late 2017.

The site will feature IMAX films, Dolby Atmos sound and more than 20 VIP lounges and auditoriums.

Galaxy is one of the largest dinner movie theater companies in the country with 13 locations in California, Nevada, Texas, Washington and Arizona.

Its the only growth movement in the movie theater industry, Finfrock said.

The farthest east-side movie theater for new movies now is Park Place.

For people looking to go see a movie that live on the east side, its quite a hike, Finfrock said.

This will really help the center, the intersection and the east side.

He said a retail study showed more than 250,000 people live within a 22-minute drive of the intersection of Broadway and Houghton Road.
You could always spot Irving Olson in the audience at a Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra concert.

He was the little man in the front row of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, his white hair neatly parted on the side.

He would always sit in the front row and when he would be recognized he would stand up and wave his hands, said SASO violinist Dee Schroer, who multitasks as the orchestras governing board president.

The orchestra made a point at each concert of recognizing Olson and fellow angel donors  patrons whose financial support exceeded $20,000 a year. Olson, quite the showman, would leap to his feet and put his fists in the air like Im the champion kind of thing, recalled SASO violist Tim Secomb this week after Olson died Oct. 1 at home in Oro Valley. He was 102.

He was enjoying himself. He was like a little kid in a way, said Secomb, who also serves as the orchestras personnel director.

He loved an audience, added his daughter, Carolyn Stelman, who lives in Oro Valley.

Olson had been a devoted fan and patron of SASO since moving to the upscale retirement community of Splendido in Oro Valley 10 years ago. Stelman said her father thought the orchestra was fabulous. The mere fact that it was all volunteer was remarkable to him.

Olson and his wife, Ruth, moved to Tucson from Akron, Ohio, nearly 20 years ago. The couple was among the first residents of Splendido when it opened, Stelman said.

Ruth Olson died in 2011.

Irving Olson was born on Nov. 26, 1913, in Connecticut. He moved to Ohio when he was 6 and grew up in Akron, one of five children of immigrant parents. Stelman said her father and his siblings all took music lessons  Olson played violin  when they were young. His mother thought that the kids could form a band and eventually support their parents in their old age, Stelman said.

One day when my grandmother told him, Irving, go practice your violin, he said, I cant, ma. She said, Irving, dont talk to me like that. Go practice your violin. He said, I cant ma. And she asked him why, and he said, I sold the violin,  Stelman said.

Olson, who had started a commercial print shop when he was 12, used the proceeds from the violin to buy parts to repair radios, a business he would eventually grow into a mail-order and 100-store national company, Olson Electronics. Olson ran the company until he retired at age 50.

He and his wife spent the next several decades traveling widely to pursue another of his loves: photography.

Olsons photographs, from simple life-day scenes in his retirement home in Arizona, to slices of life from around the globe, were displayed in museums and galleries. He also was widely known for developing water-drop photographs, many of which he shared almost daily with 2,000 followers of his Facebook page.

Although he ditched the violin when he was a teen, Olson remained a loyal music fan, serving as an angel donor to his hometown Akron Symphony Orchestra and then to SASO. He was a guest conductor for both orchestras, an honor won after successfully outbidding other patrons in fundraising auctions.

At a 2008 SASO concert, Olson stood at the podium with the score of Strausss Radetzky March in front of him. Every once in a while as the musicians played, he would flip a page, glance down and then back at the orchestra waving his baton presumably in time to the music.

He would turn the pages of the score very conspicuously, as if he was reading it, Secomb said. Obviously he didnt know where we were, but he would turn the pages. That was a scream.

Stelman said whenever her father guest-conducted, he would place the score upside down on the podium since he wasnt really reading the music .

In addition to his daughter, Olson is survived by his son, Stephen of San Francisco; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Pauline, and brothers Sidney, Albert and Philip.

Private services will be held in Oro Valley.

SASO will honor Olson at its 2016-17 season-opening concerts this weekend with a performance of Mexican composer Arturo Marquezs spirited Danzon No. 2.

Irving was an upbeat kind of guy. You dont want to play something sad in memory of his life, said Schroer, who said she always enjoyed listening to Olsons stories about his world travels and his photography. He was an upbeat, happy person.

He was such a wonderful man, said SASO conductor Linus Lerner, who saw Olson last spring when he donated money for Lerners inaugural Festival de Opera San Luis in Mexico. Olson had sponsored SASO over the past few summers to travel to Mexico for opera festivals.

He told me he didnt much like opera, but he liked me, Lerner said. For me he was an inspiration.
State air-quality officials have asked the Arizona attorney general to enforce fugitive dust laws against a Cochise County farm blamed for dust storms that led to three multiple-vehicle crashes on Interstate 10 in April.

The interstate was closed eight times in April and May when dust reduced visibility adjacent to David R. Turners Agrigold Farms near San Simon east of Tucson.

The state is also seeking reimbursement for the nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money spent to solve the problem.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality acknowledged it is pursuing legal action in an emailed statement sent to the Arizona Daily Star on Friday by spokeswoman Caroline Oppleman:

ADEQ completed its investigation and developed its case regarding the company and fugitive dust control regulations and has moved to the enforcement phase with the intention of collecting all appropriate penalties and other monies legally due to the state of Arizona, she wrote.

Mia Garcia, spokeswoman for Attorney General Mark Brnovich, confirmed that the office received a referral on Oct. 6 and is evaluating the information provided.

State law requires farmers to take reasonable precautions to prevent excessive amounts of particulate matter from becoming airborne, but the statute is seldom enforced outside the counties that are under federal orders to meet air-quality standards. Cochise County is not one of them.

The action is extremely rare for the state Division of Air Quality. The Star found no state enforcement of the statute in records dating to 2000.

Timothy Franquist, director of the air-quality division, told the Star in July that he had never seen it enforced. He also called the Turner farm an extreme example of blowing dust.

Turner and the state signed a consent order on May 16, in which Turner promised to take immediate action.

The following day, as winds continued to blow dust from Turners denuded parcel, the state stepped in.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) hired water tankers and ADEQ hired a contractor to treat the 640-acre parcel with a chemical stabilizer. It said it would seek reimbursement and could levy fines up to $10,000 a day.

The Department of Environmental Quality later reported it spent $288,000. ADOT spent $308,000. The Arizona Department of Public Safety spent $31,000 on personnel, vehicle use and overtime pay during the dust events.

DPS troopers guided motorists on a 108-mile detour through Safford to avoid the dust on the interstate.

Turner, who made his fortune in the dried-fruit-and-nut business in Arizona before devoting his life to a faith-healing ministry, had cleared the land in preparation for planting groves of pistachio trees.

He has since moved his David Turner International Ministries to the Atlanta suburb of Buckhead.

Turner did not immediately respond to a request for comment left on his voicemail Friday afternoon.

His lawyer, Phillip Fargotstein, of Fennemore Craig in Phoenix, said Friday that he could not comment without his clients permission.

Oppleman, the ADEQ spokeswoman, said in her statement that the agency continues to monitor the situation and the farm is in compliance with the terms of the order.
The Sheriffs Departments former second-in-command pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to charges related to money laundering and embezzlement of roughly $500,000 in public funds.

Chris Radtke, who officially resigned Friday as chief deputy of the Pima County Sheriffs Department, was indicted Sept. 28 on seven charges for allegedly misusing federal funds that were meant to be used for crime fighting and prevention purposes.

The conspiracy charge indicates other parties were involved, and the indictment mentions other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, but as of Friday no one else had been charged.

Accompanied by his attorney, Sean Chapman, Radtke was processed and booked prior to his hearing and released on his own recognizance by federal Judge D. Thomas Ferraro.

Sitting next to Radtke in court was Joe Decormis, a former sheriffs lieutenant who resigned last December.

On Monday, Sheriff Chris Nanos sent out a news release saying that Radtke had been indicted and subsequently resigned from the department.

However, Radtkes Oct. 13 letter to the department stated his resignation was effective Friday  four days after Nanos said Radtke had stepped down.

Thats because he submitted it to me verbally on Monday and he came in to clear his office and submit it in writing yesterday, Nanos wrote in a text.

On Wednesday, Nanos said that because the indictment had shaken the department to its core, he has ordered a comprehensive review of the departments financial policies and procedures.

The indictment is linked to a situation first reported by the Star last November about Radtkes niece taking over a cafe inside the departments headquarters in 2012.

Officials initially said the $30,000 in equipment was paid for with funds seized during investigations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Later, they said the money came from the countys general fund.

The indictment said that from 2011 to 2016, Radtke and others misrepresented to the Pima County Attorneys Office their use of forfeiture funds.

Radtke is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 22 before U.S. District Court Judge James Soto.
PHOENIX  Terrified about Donald Trump?

Hillary Clinton leave you in a cold sweat?

And cant bring yourself to back either Libertarian Gary Johnson or Jill Stein of the Green Party?

You do have some other choices in Arizona  in the form of write-ins.

No, not South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham as our own states senior senator, John McCain, suggested this past week he may vote for rather than his partys nominee. Nor Mike Pence, officially Trumps running mate, who is being mentioned by some Republicans as a better alternative to the partys official pick.

Thats because Arizona law says only the write-in votes of only those who have previously registered and submitted a slate of electors are actually tallied.

Neither Graham nor Pence has done that. So writing in one of their names would be the equivalent of writing in Mickey Mouse.

But 16 presidential wannabes did, in fact, meet the write-in deadline. And if history is any indication, theyll get some votes  though not many.

Consider: Four years ago Virgil Goode tallied 289 votes in his bid to oust Barack Obama. The six-term congressman from Virginia is not on the ballot this time, choosing to back Trump.

Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was the choice of another 119 Arizona voters.

Add in Jill Reid, Sheila Tittle, Will Christensen even Sedona resident Dennis Knill and youll find the votes of another 44 Arizonans.

Now, to be sure, all of this was barely a blip on the political radar screen. And it clearly did not affect the outcome of the race, with Republican Mitt Romney getting the states 11 electoral votes by beating Democrat incumbent Obama by 1,233,654 to 1,025,232.

But the small number of votes isnt keeping others from hoping that theres a path to the presidency through write-in status.

One contender who has actually gathered national attention is Evan McMullin.

A former CIA employee, the Utah native was a senior adviser to the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs and later became chief policy director of the House Republican Conference.

While hes just a write-in in Arizona and more than two dozen other states, he has made the ballot in 11 states including Utah. And, according to a poll conducted there this past week, McMullin is the choice of 22 percent of voters in that state; Clinton and Trump are tied at 26 percent each.

There are some other names on the official write-in list that might be familiar to Arizonans.

One Rocky De La Fuente, who ran earlier this in the states Democratic presidential preference primary  and picked up 2,797 votes against Clintons 262,459 and 192,962 for Bernie Sanders. He is now trying to get to the White House through the write-in process.

Sheila Tittle is back again, undeterred by the fact she picked up only six votes in Arizona in 2012, four of them from Pima County.

And for voters who want locally sourced candidates, there are even two Arizonans on this years list: Mitchell In-Albon who lists a Phoenix post office box, and Michael Corsetti of Fort Mohave.
A school guidance counselor accused of visiting pornographic websites on his work computer has been given permission to work with children again four years after the incident.

Rogelio A. Hernandez resigned from his job as a college and career counselor at Catalina High School in the Tucson Unified School District on May 8, 2012, after he was accused of accessing adult websites for approximately 18 hours, documents from the Arizona State Board of Education state.

With his guidance counselor certificate and a separate teaching certificate in jeopardy, Hernandez negotiated a settlement with the Arizona State Board of Education, which called for his certificates to be suspended through January 2016 as long as he met certain conditions.

While it was unclear what the conditions were, Hernandez voluntarily joined a sexual addiction support group that he still actively participates in.

In February, just weeks after his suspension ended, Hernandez applied to have his certificates renewed. He was notified that the state boards Professional Practices Advisory Committee would have to review the matter given his history.

In August, the PPAC unanimously recommended that the State Board approve the renewal, but when the item came before the board on Sept. 26 it was no longer unanimous.

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Two of the eight board members present  Arizona Schools Chief Diane Douglas and member Chuck Schmidt  voted against the renewal.

While Douglas said she appreciated the effort put in by Hernandez since the incident, she said it was not enough.

From my opinion, there are certain things you do that you lose the right to work with children and looking at pornography, much less pornography in the classroom on school-issued equipment  Im sorry, I cant in good conscious vote to reissue this certificate, she said.

Efforts to determine whether Hernandez has been hired at a Tucson-area school were unsuccessful, although TUSD said it has not rehired him.

Comments made during the Sept. 26 meeting indicate that Hernandez had not been looking at child pornography.
Help India!

By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,

Less than six months in the Assembly elections, the political mood in the state of Bihar is not very clear. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may again come to power or may not. Caste combinations, as of now, seem to be in his favor. The state has seen some development under his regime but not as much as projected or claimed by the government. Some say nothing has been done for the poor. As for minorities, very little has been done for them. They are still in very bad condition. This is what you get when you talk to Muslim intellectuals in the state.

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Political mood

It is not very clear. Mainly there are four players in Bihar: the ruling alliance of JD-U and BJP, RJD and LJP, Congress and some splinter groups. The fourth have little significance, so there will be a triangular fight between JD-U+BJP, RJD+LJP and Congress, says Prof Abuzar Kamaluddin, Principal, M P Sinha Science College in Muzaffarpur.







What could be the mood of people is very difficult to predict because in Bihar, politics is confined to caste considerations and elections are fought on the basis of caste and money power, says Prof Kamaluddin who has also served as Vice Chairman of Bihar Intermediate Education Council.

What masses think and how they are expected to behave in the elections and what media say about the government are two divergent things, says Arshad Ajmal, eminent political and social activist. The results of the last by-elections of 18 Assembly seats in November 2009 were very different from the ones in the Assembly elections in 2005 and Lok Sabha elections in April 2009 as far as the performance of the ruling party is concerned. The JD-U of Nitish lost on many seats, but the media did not notice or highlight this changing mood of the people, adds Ajmal who heads Patna-based Al-Khair Charitable Trust.

Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, secretary, Imarat Shariah (Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa), also says the picture is not clear now. All secular parties have started consolidating and expanding their support base. It is difficult to say which of the four main parties will be winner. Muslims and Dalits are very crucial for parties. When the two communities cast 2-5% more votes in favor of any party, the number of their MLAs is increased and the party gets more chances to form the government, says Maulana Qasmi.

Caste combinations

In elections in Bihar, caste is a crucial factor. Along with money and muscle power, caste combinations play key role. In the last four and half years, Nitish has done hard work to woo some backward castes including minorities. He is believed to have support of Kurmis, Bhumihar, a considerable section of Dalits and other backwards. Are the present caste combinations in his favor?







Nitish Kumar will certainly get leverage because he has made a good caste combination and is trying to win over certain other sections. He is trying to woo minorities also. Minorities have also soft corner for him, says Prof Abuzar Kamaluddin.

Agrees Arshad Ajmal. Which political alliance will have an edge in the coming elections, will depend on caste combination. In this respect, Nitish will have an edge.

Development  or just propaganda

Prof Kamaluddin sees some serious development work. On social front and governance side, Nitish Kumar is doing good job. Economy has registered a phenomenal growth. Conditions in Bihar have considerably changed. Bihar has perennial state of backwardness. Nothing can be done in a short span of time, he says. He further adds: The very psyche of Bihar is not progressive. Here is casteism, here is communalism, here is corruption and crime. All these combined have compelled Bihar to remain in the state of inertia, in the state of backwardness. However, Bihar has improved a lot in this period.

Ajmal, has some different views. Nitish has failed on pro-people programs like NREGA, NRHM, and education, but the media do not highlight the eroding popularity of Nitish. Though some concrete works are underway there is no program for the poor population even in the urban areas let alone the rural areas.

On the growth claim of Bihar government, he said: There has not been any progress in the primary sector of the economy  goods and services, agriculture, industry, manufacturing, mining, fishing  this sector is still stagnant. We are facing a government which is led by concrete and contractors and this is called development.







Hasnain Arij, a Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus and social activist in Muzaffarpur, echoes Ajmal. Where is the development? All developments are on paper. Muslims are also in very bad condition. The educated people have no work. Muslims are very down here. Only 2-3% are in government jobs. No political party, JD-U or Congress thinks about it.

Minority welfare

After saying that the state has witnessed some development, Prof Kamaluddin admits that very few things have been done for the minorities in the state by Nitish government.

Concretely very few things have been done to improve the lot of minority and to improve their participation in the decision making process, he says.

Ajmal blasts Nitish government claim about development work for Muslims.

Take the budgetary allocation for minorities in Nitish government. The population of SC/ST is 15.05%in Bihar and minorities are 16.05%. But the SC/STs are getting several hundred times more budgetary allocation than minorities, he says.

His good intention for the minority may not be questioned. However, he lacks creativity or political will to do something big for the community, Ajmal adds.

True, there are two top Muslim civil officers in two top posts of Bihar: Afzal Amanullah, Cabinet Secretary, Amir Subhani, Home Secretary. Amanullah held and Subhani is holding the post of secretary of Minority Welfare Department as independent charge. What have they done for the community? Take the case of minority scholarship scheme. Even the disbursement for 2007-2008 has not been done so far, Ajmal says.







Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, however, says some development work has been done in minority areas also, and this will increase the percentage of Muslim votes for Nitish.

In the last Assembly elections a section of Muslims voted in favor of Nitish Kumar though he was allied with a communal party, will the community come out in full support this time?

There may be a little change in the thinking of the community as there has not been any discrimination in development works. Muslim areas too witnessed development work. Muslims have inclination towards Nitish but because his alliance with BJP, they hesitate to come forward, says Maulana Qasmi who was made chairman of Bihar Haj Committee in August last year.

No communal violence

Communal harmony or no communal violence played a big rule in forming several successive governments of Lalu Prasad Yadav until 2004. Nitish Kumar has also been able to contain the communal as well as caste violence. So will he get support of Muslims on this ground?

Nitish government is very much successful in containing any sort of violence. Not only there has not been any communal violence in this period, but there hasnt been any caste carnage or caste violence also. And relatively crime has also declined in this period. So people in general have some positive opinion about it. Safety and security is prime concern of every individual. People are not scared now in Bihar. Minorities are also safe. They dont feel any fear. In this matter, Bihar government has done a commendable job. Certainly if election is fought on the issue of security, Nitish will get benefit, says Prof Abuzar Kamaluddin.

Arshad Ajmal agrees that communal violence did not take place in Nitish period and there is no sense of insecurity. But the communal parties have been free in the regime to communally polarize the society, he says. As BJP is part of the government, ABVP was given free hand to polarize the people on the issue of AMU branch in Kishanganj. What happened in 1977 with Jan Sangh in the govt  recruitment of their men in information & broadcasting ministry and education ministry and the result we are seeing today  similar has happened in Bihar in this regime. Until he is with BJP we cant say he is free from the pressure of the communal party, says Ajmal.

Strategy of Muslims

The community should become politically more mature. For their rights, they should hold one-to-one talk with secular parties. Until they develop the habit of direct talk with the parties, their success will be incomplete, says Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi.







As for agenda, he says the implementation of recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission should be our sole demand.

Mohd Ehtesham Hussain, Dy Director, Social Security Department at Muzaffarpur, says: Majority of Muslims are politically mature. However, how much selfless are those coming forward to guide the community politically is a question mark. If Muslims were represented in a right way they would have not been so backward in Bihar. Those who claim to be leader of the community are solving their own problems in the name of solving the problems of the community.

Will Muslims vote for Nitish? It is a difficult question. Muslims are always in a dilemma. They have been exploited by political parties. Muslims are in search for a good leader or party. They dont believe in Nitish Kumar. They think when he can shake hand with Narendra Modi how can they have faith on him, says Hasnain Arij.

However, Prof Abuzar Kamaluddin says fair representation of Muslims in the elections and their participation in decision making process is more important than the results of the elections.

What is more important than who will lose and who will win is if minorities will get fair representation in the coming elections or not. In every election the representation of minority has decreased. At this point of time it is the lowest. And there is little concern on the part of political parties to improve their participation. Without proper participation of the minority the inclusive nature of growth and empowerment cannot take place and Bihar will remain lopsided. When there is talk of increasing representation of backward classes, women and ST, SC, there is no talk about Muslims.

Formation of a Muslim political party

Prof Abuzar Kamaluddin says: This is not right time for formation of a Muslim political party. Rather there is a need for leaders to work on grass root levels and offer an agenda before the people. They need to win the heart of the people. He, however, admits that Muslim political leaders are not truly representing the community in secular parties.

Muslim political leaders are representative of their party to the community, not of the community to the party. So they talk what their leaders tell them to talk. There is no mass leader in the community. Mostly do the politics of pleasing leader of this party or that party and in turn eye to get a seat in Rajya Sabha or Vidhan Parishad, says Prof Kamaluddin.

Mohd Ehtesham Hussain also rejects the idea of a Muslim political party. There is no need for a Muslim party. Such things will more harm the community than benefit. Rather, honest people should come forward and join political parties to solve the problem of the community, says Hussain, 1983 batch commissioned officer.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Correspondent,

Mumbai: Maybe you dont know it because most of the media highlighted only the death sentence of 26/11 accused Kasab, pronounced by the special anti-terror court of Judge M L Tahaliyani on May 6. While convicting Kasab the judge had questioned Mumbai Police on failure of ballistics experts in proving whose bullets killed Karkare, but media trashed it.

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Judge Tahaliyani pronounced capital punishment for the 22-year-old Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab on four counts of murder, conspiracy to murder, waging war against the country and committing terrorist activities under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. 166 people were killed in the carnage on November 11, 2008.







While convicting Kasab Tahaliyani had questioned the Mumbai Police about the ballistics experts having failed to prove whose bullets killed ATS Chief Hemant Karkare. The court asked why ballistic experts could not clarify the most crucial dimension of these killings.

Tahaliyani also criticised Constable Jadhav, the sole eyewitness and survivor of the killings of Karkare, Kamte and Salaskar, for changing his statement a few times. Although the testimony of the accused, in this case Ajmal Kasab, can never be taken seriously, but he called Jadhav a liar and claimed that his version of what happened at Cama Hospital, where all the three Mumbai Police officers were killed, was wrong. Interestingly, Kasabs cross-examination on the happenings around Cama Hospital and its periphery was conducted in camera, says Hard News magazine in its latest editorial on the subject.







The questioning has again revived the conspiracy theories about the motive behind the killing of Karkare. If he was not killed by Pakistani terrorists Kasab or Ismail, then whose guns killed him?

Then ATS chief Karkare had exposed the involvement of Hindutva terror in the Malegaon blasts in 2008. He was threatened with death via anonymous phone calls because he was unearthing the network of Hindutva terror groups that were involved in similar incidents of blasts and killings all over the country. Of late, Karkares lead is helping in exposing the ugly face of Hindutva terrorism in the country. Recently they have been found involved in Ajmer Dargah and Makkah Masjid blasts.

Not only that ballistics experts failed to prove whose bullets killed ATS Chief Hemant Karkare, what has further strengthened the conspiracy theory is the disappearance of his bullet-proof jacket and the initial reluctance of the police to give his autopsy report. It was the tireless efforts of Karkares wife, Kavita, and Kamtes wife, Vinita, that the report came into public.

The post-mortem report stated that Karkare received a total of five wounds on the shoulder blade, top region between neck and right shoulder, four entry wounds in one line. The report revealed that Karkare received one bullet in the neck and the other four were in a line entering the shoulder and exiting from the armpit.

There were reports about two bullets being found in his body during autopsy. What happened to those two bullets? Whatever happened to the bullets that passed through his body? Were they found in the vehicle, in his bullet-proof jacket, around his body, or somewhere else? Has the gun been identified, the gun(s) which killed Karkare and others? If not, why? If he was shot at close range, was the shot fired from inside the vehicle, and if so, who fired it and why? asked the Hard News.

According to specifications laid down for bullet-proof vests, the body should be covered from the neck till the waist. But the jacket worn by Karkare had only his chest covered while the neck portion was open.
Help India!

By Md Mudassir Alam,

Kishanganj: Amid protests by different Muslim sects in Kishanganj, eminent Islamic scholar and televangelist Dr. Zakir Naik finished his 3-day Peace Convention with great success and positive notes. Dr. Zakir Naik who is spreading the message of Islam and true Hadith through his peace conventions for past two decades was highly excited over the response of people gathered in Kishanganj. In fact, in three days of convention (March 30  April 1, 2012) about 8 lakh people from different parts of Seemanchal visited the venue to listen to Dr. Naik.

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Without caring about the objection of self-proclaimed Mullahs, lakhs of people thronged at Kishanganj to clarify their doubts about Islam and knowing the religion of Peace and Brotherhood from Dr. Zakir Naik, an accomplished student of comparative religion. All the trains originating from Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand and other parts of Bihar were full of people traveling to Kishanganj. The hotels and motels of Kishanganj have never witnessed full booking. Similarly, the owner of shops and restaurants in Kishanganj were highly happy of earning the high revenue in their life.







The very first day there was a crowd of about 2.5 to 3 lakh. Dr. Zakir Naik explained the reason of reading the Holy Quran by understanding it properly. After his lecture as usual he started the Question & Answer session. The non Muslims were given preference to ask the questions. Zakir Naik satisfied them with his logical answers.

On the second day of Convention, Dr. Zakir Naik after his brief session asked the audience to participate in Question and Answer session. The common questions asked were: 1) Why do you always claim Islam as the best religion? 2) Is eating beaf unethical? 3. Shall we respect our parents much more than anyone else? 4. What is Jihad? 5. Is Terrorism allowed in Islam? The entire session of 4 hours for three days spent in no time. And the people who have attended the convention said that they had never felt the session boring. In fact, they were ready to spend the whole night at the venue.







Dr. Zakir Naik presents the true religion of Islam in best way by quoting the verses from the Glorious Quran. He also put references from the Hadith before the people. Being a student of Comparative religions, Zakir Naik also has knowledge of other religious scriptures like Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bible, etc. His personality and way of talking with people is also influential, and encourages people of other religions to accept Islam. During Kishanganj Peace Convention about 25 non Muslims including ladies accepted the religion of Islam without any type of pressure before the lakhs of people.

On the whole, Dr. Zakir Naiks peace convention at Kishanganj has provided a new and positive identity among people of other religions. Many non Muslims present during the convention praised Zakir Naik for preaching the true Islam and clarifying their doubts. The followers of Islam attended the convention have also returned back to their home by carrying the real picture of their pious religion in their mind. Last but not least, the credit of Dr. Zakir Naik Peace Convention goes to Matiur Rahman, the Chairperson of Tauheed Educational Trust and his dedicated team. The 1800 volunteers who had worked day and night to make the convention successful also deserve plaudits.
Help India!

By Masood Peshinam for TwoCircles.net

Before we begin the surgery, allow me to go back a little, and talk about Egypt.

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Under Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt suffered a disastrous defeat at the hands of Israel in the six-day 1967 war. Before the outbreak of full-blown hostilities, Israel went on the offensive and in a brazen attack, 17 Egyptian air force fields were destroyed on the ground leading to the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula. Israel not only occupied the territories of Egypt but also of Jordan and Syria.





For representation only



Egypts defeat in the 1967 war compelled Nasser, the countrys second president, to resign naming vice president Zakaria Mohieddin as his successor. However, he relented following massive popular demonstrations of support of Nasser. The defeat of Egypt at the hands of Israel was so traumatic that the Commander In Chief of the armed forces Field Marshal Abdel Hakim Amir was arrested and is reported to have committed suicide while in custody.

The people of Egypt, despite the humiliating defeat of the Arab state, carried a vigorous campaign to retain Nasser at the helm of affairs as the people felt that Nasser had a single-minded devotion to serve the larger interest of the Egyptians and the Arab cause.

Jamal Abdel Nasser covers the period of Egyptian history from the Egyptian revolution of 1952, of which Nasser was one of the two principal leaders, spanning Nassers presidency of Egypt from 1956, to his death in 1970. Nassers tenure as Egypts leader heralded a new period of modernisation, and socialist reform in Egypt, and a staunch advocacy of Pan Arab nationalism and developing world solidarity. His prestige in Egypt and throughout Arab world soared in the wake of his nationalisation of the Suez Canal in 1956, and Egypts political victory in the subsequent tripartite Aggression.

The era is regarded as a time where ordinary citizens enjoyed unprecedented access to housing, education, jobs, health services, and nourishment as well as other forms of social welfare while aristocratic influence waned. The national economy grew significantly through agrarian reforms, major modernization projects such as the Helwleen steel works and the Aswan Dam, and nationalization schemes such as that of the Suez Canal.

It was Nasser who had taken the risk of blocking the arms laden ships of Portugal in Suez Canal in Goa war in 1962. Reckoning Nassers achievements, Chinese premier Zhou Enlai called Nasser the giant of the Middle East.

Why did I spend nearly 400 words talking about Nasser, when the topic is surgical strikes? Simple.

A defeat, or a win in a war, matters mainly for jingoistic chest thumping to earn the political dividends. The common people may or may not desire military assertiveness, but nevertheless they would like the government to redress the woes and problems of the people. The basic criterion of a successful government is rooted in the creation of relief to the masses at large.

The Indian context

In contrast to the logic of putting up good performance on the domestic front for the survival of the government, it were the surgical strikes recently conducted by India in response to the Uri attacks which assumed a virulent political connotation.

It is saddening to see that every situation forms a part of our overt political discourse in quest of enhancing or declining political gains. Every situation is dragged into the political discourse leading to the messy domestic imbroglio many a time fraught with the unfortunate fallout. The issues are defined, read and interpreted on the basis of religion to explore the support of vote bank politics.

With the BJP coming to power the situation has become even more irrational with the partys focus more on appeasing the hardcore RSS support base. In the given situation there cant be any resistance to score the browny points of the military achievements in terms of competitive politics. The situation is further complicated by sectarian loyalties, which have superseded the national loyalty, thus blurring the distinction between sectarian loyalty and national loyalty. Any denial to sectarian loyalty bordering on the false sense of patriotism is provocation enough to ignite the situation.

Given the hyperventilating situation of the narrow minded notion of patriotism there was an attempt to politically market the needed surgical strike with an eye on green pastures in the impending elections in U.P. and Punjab and other parts.

The surgical strikes were needed as the terror attacks are not to go unpunished. But the attempt to reap political dividends from the surgical strike also prompted response from the rival political formations and the parties.

Falling in line senior Congress party leader Sanjay Nirupam stirred up a massive controversy by calling the surgical strike fake in a tweet.

In a tweet, Nirupam wrote that every Indian wanted surgical strike against Pakistan but not a fake one to extract political benefits by BJP. The intolerance of Nirupams comment was manifested when Madhav Bhandari doubted Nirupams Indianness. This is how politics has touched a new low.

As this was not enough the Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi went accusing Modi of politically profiteering from the blood spilt by the soldiers. In the blunt Hindi he used the words Khoon ki Dalali.

His words immediately retched up the political tempers and the volley of counter attacks began.

Attuned to the logic of Sanjay Nirupam, Rahul Gandhi and the likes Kejriwal also demanded the proof.

Responding to such raising of doubts over the surgical strike the BJP president termed it demoralising the army. The question of demoralising the army does not arise as the armys credibility or integrity is not questioned. The government of the day and the army are the two different entities and any attempt to draw them synonymous is not the right logic to develop.

The debate over the surgical strike is anything but enlightening. The lack of enlightening debate is due to the vested interest developed in any matter. The BJP government is trying to cash in the sacrifices of our brave jawans in the impending U.P. and other elections as it has failed to deliver as people were promised the moon in the General election. It is not the modicum of responsible behaviour of our political culture to fan any issue out of proportion for political investment.

The author is a lawyer based out of Kalyan, Maharashtra
Help India!

By TCN News

New Delhi: The All India Christian Council held a national Christian leaders meeting in New Delhi with the Home Minister Rajnath Singh as the Chief Guest and Dr. Udit Raj as the Guest of honour on Friday, attended by over 1,000 leaders from all over India.

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( Image courtesy: Press Information Bureau)



In the meeting, Moderator Bishop Joseph DSouza, President, All India Christian Council called upon the Christian community to strengthen and support the many development programs initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. In addition, to ensure to carry on the great contribution of Indian Christians in national development and not compromising in upholding the integrity of the nation.

Bishop Dsouza also thanked the Government for including minority Christians among the minority groups from neighboring countries that will have citizen benefits in India. He said that Indian Christians could not be silent when minority Christians and other faith groups are attacked in neighboring countries.

Bishop Dsouza thanked the Home Minister for the assurance he gave to Christian leaders that his government will protect Christians and the Prime Ministers announcement in various national and international forums that religious freedom will be protected in India.

The Christian Council appreciates the efforts of Dr. Udit Raj and his commitment for the education of Dalit children across India and encouraging Christians to invest in English medium education for Dalits.

The All India Christian requested the Honorable Home Minister to send a circular to State Governments and the Police officials to ensure protection of Christians and places of worships as some fringe and fanatic groups were attacking Christians in several states. It said that the attacks of these groups were spoiling the image of the Prime Minister and his Government.
After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in

and

, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with

friends and family. Find her at

.

Sybil Johnsons love affair with reading began in kindergarten with The Three Little Pigs. Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science.
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call(WASHINGTON) -- Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) delivered this week's Republican address and discussed cutting down on government regulations.

He said the GOP's "A Better Way" plan would get rid of "needless regulations" to help small businesses.

Our plan is based on the notion that the best way to restore our prosperity is to tap into the talents and aspirations of our people and then get out of their way and let them be successful, said Rep. Cramer.

Read the Republican's full address:



Hi, Im Kevin Cramer. You know, everyone loves to celebrate success. And thats what I am doing today as I speak to you from Grand Forks, North Dakota, where the University of North Dakota College of Engineering and Mines has just dedicated a cutting-edge collaborative energy research complex. This center will bring students, faculty, and industry professionals together to develop better strategies for the next level of energy production in oil, natural gas, coal, wind, and biofuels.



Our states all of the above energy policy has elevated North Dakotas economy to the top in the nation. At the same time, we enjoy the cleanest ambient air quality in the country. And weve proven that a strong economy and responsible environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand. And with this same approach, other states can achieve North Dakotas economic success.



Yet as I travel around our state, I hear from people frustrated with how needless regulations out of Washington are making things tougherfor their farms, their ranches, and their small businesses. People feel the system is working against them, no matter how hard they work, no matter how much they plan.



This is always my cue to hold up this Better Way booklet and share the bold agenda that Republicans have for a more confident America. It contains more than 100 ideas to get our economy back on track, many that have worked for us right here in North Dakota.

Our plan is based on the notion that the best way to restore our prosperity is to tap into the talents and aspirations of our people and then get out of their way and let them be successful.

We will cut down on needless regulations. To do this, we want to require a vote in Congress before any major regulation can take effect. Unelected bureaucrats should not have the final saythe people and their representatives should.



And we believe that there should be a cap on the amount of regulatory costs Washington can impose each year.

Our plan promotes reliable and affordable American energy, enhancing our global competitiveness. North Dakota has been a leader in our countrys energy boomlets continue to connect this success to the consumers and workers who benefit from it most. And no more Keystonesno more of these endless delays that hold up jobs and projects indefinitely.

This is truly a better wayfar better than the path our country is on now. You know, over the last eight years, President Obama has led a regulatory onslaught the likes of which we have never seen. In fact, this administration is on pace to make this the "busiest regulatory year in history," and it wont even be close. In the works are everything from regulating overtime pay to retirement planning.

And what do we have to show for this? This has been the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. People are working longer hours for less. We are not bouncing back because big government is in our way.

Our plan offers a better pathan inspiring pathso we can have more success stories and more comebacks. I encourage you to learn more about these Better Way ideas by visiting better.gop.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Funny girl Rebel Wilson flaunted serious weight loss at her "Pitch Perfect" co-stars' wedding. Wilson, who brought down the house in "Bridesmaids" and "Brothers Grimsby" shared the startling reason for her weight gain and secrets to weight loss. Rebel joins many other big name celebrities in her quest to get thin.

Rebel Wilson: fat people are funny

Most people who gain weight don't choose to. It happens by poor lifestyle choices, overeating and lack of exercise. But Rebel Wilson actually chose to get fat because in her words, fat people are just funnier.

But Rebel found obesity was no laughing matter. Sure the "Bridemaids" star made folks howl with laughter. They almost wet themselves over her hilarious performance in "The Brothers Grimsby." Will they still find her funny now that she is thinning down? Hopefully this won't come back to bite her as formerly obese, now slender Melissa McCarthy found. McCarthy lost her obesity-celebrating show "Mike and Molly" because she wasn't fat anymore. There's a takeaway in that, however, and it's not to stay fat. It's about self-confidence which goes hand in hand with weight loss. The more you lose the better you feel.

Obesity is no joke

So people kept laughing and Rebel Wilson kept gaining, but she no longer found it funny to see the scale upping to dangerous levels.

Diseases like Type 2 diabetesand heart failure begin to show up. Getting a part in the London West End production of "Guys and Dolls" was the excuse she needed to lose weight. In the nightly performances Wilson acts and dances her butt off, literally. Doing theater is better fitness even than chef Rocco DiSpirito and his "cook your butt off" weight loss plan!

Rebel is also a fitness powerhouse. At a fitness retreat she dropped a record-breaking eight pounds in four days, thanks to super-intensive workouts. Wilson also attributes the weight loss to daily massages. And there's some merit in that--massage helps muscles relax and work more efficiently. You're not so tired and can put more energy into workouts. Massage also helps reduce swelling and water retention. Rebel hasn't put a number on how much she's lost but her Instagram updates reveal it's a big one.
China warehouse on fire, casualties unknown Updated: 2016-10-15 14:19 (Xinhua)

GUANGZHOU -- A fire broke out at a warehouse holding combustible materials in Guangzhou Saturday. No casualties were reported yet.

The warehouse, located at a logistics center in Baiyun District, contained cosmetics, paint and auto spares, the city's fire prevention bureau said in a statement.

The fire was reported at around 11 a.m.

Fourteen teams of firemen were despatched to the scene, but as of 1:30 p.m., the fire had not yet been contained.
CPC, overseas parties arrive at consensus on global economic governance Updated: 2016-10-15 21:50 (Xinhua)

Liu Yunshan (2nd R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with foreign delegates attending "The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" conference before the opening ceremony in Chongqing, Southwest China, Oct 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

CHONGQING -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and political parties from overseas countries completed a two-day in-depth discussion and exchanges on global economic governance in Chongqing on Saturday, and released the Chongqing Initiative as a result of the "The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016."

The dialogue, focusing on the propositions and actions of political parties on global economic governance, represents both a positive response to the achievements of the G20 Hangzhou Summit, and an active exploration of global economic governance.

Over 300 delegates from more than 70 political parties and organizations in 50 countries attended the conference.

Sergey Zheleznyak, deputy secretary of the United Russia Party, said he welcomed such a practical dialogue and his party had maintained close relations with the CPC.

The dialogue can help the two ruling parties enhance their governing capacity, he said.

As the ruling party of China, the CPC is responsible for the country's economic development strategies. China's rapid growth over the past decades has reflected the effectiveness of CPC's governance.

Zheleznyak told Xinhua he admired the CPC's strict discipline of its party members. It is of same relevance for China, Russia, and any other party to impose strict codes of conduct, to combat corruption.

Badria Suliman Abbass Hamid, deputy speaker of Sudan, said she hoped the targets all the parties have discussed during the dialogue would become concrete measures.

She also called on China to continue to share its experience with other developing countries to improve developing countries'status and role in global economic governance.

Song Tao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the closing ceremony of this year's conference, saying that he hoped all the participating parties could contribute to construction of the dialogue, and make it into a window for the world to learn about China, a platform for different parties' communication and a bridge for exchange and understanding between various cultures.

The Chongqing Initiative of the "CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" emphasized that political parties and politicians of all countries should bear in mind the interests of their own countries and that of humanity, boost exchanges, forge consensus, promote cooperation and push global economic governance on to a more just and equitable path.

It also urged political parties to encourage structural reforms for economies with innovative ideas on development and governance, to unleash wealth creation, enable the market to optimally allocate resources, and help the global economy move forward from its current difficulties and achieve comprehensive recovery.

The initiative also advocated the concept of green development, promoted the timely and full implementation of the "Paris Agreement," encouraged countries to develop green, low-carbon and circular economies, push for harmony between man and nature, and strive to contribute to global ecological security.

The successful G20 Summit has injected new energy into global economic development. China is committed to increasing effective supply to generate new demands, and to pushing forward the rebalancing of the global economy by providing important public goods via the Belt and Road Initiative and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said the initiative.

The initiative called on the international community to actively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, and support the industrialization of Africa and the least-developed countries.

Developing countries should be encouraged to exchange governance experience, and enhance practical economic cooperation. It is necessary to better reflect the interests of emerging economies and developing countries in world economic development and global economic governance, said the initiative.

During the dialogue, Chinese delegates also held discussions with representatives of African political parties and of political parties from countries along the Mekong River.

On the sidelines of the conference, Sun Zhengcai, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and head of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, also held meetings with guests from Thailand, Cambodia, Sudan, France, Britain, New Zealand and Mexico, respectively.


Europe set to search Mars for signs of life Updated: 2016-10-15 06:50 By Agence France-Presse in Paris(China Daily)

Thirteen years after its first, failed attempt to place a rover on Mars, Europe will reach a crucial stage on Sunday in a fresh quest to scour the red planet for signs of life, this time with Russia.

Mission controllers will instruct a spacecraft about 175 million kilometers from Earth to release and steer a paddling pool-sized lander toward the red planet's cold, dry surface.

Scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, the short-lived lander's sole purpose is to prepare the way for a subsequent rover that will drill into Mars in search of extra-terrestrial life.

"Our goal here is to prove we can get to the surface, do science, take data," said European Space Agency science adviser Mark McCaughrean.

The 600-kilogram lander, dubbed Schiaparelli, will separate from its mother ship, the Trace Gas Orbiter, after a seven-month, 496 million-km trek from Earth.

The lander and the TGO - which will enter into orbit around Mars to check its atmosphere for gases given off by living organisms - comprise the first phase of the joint European-Russian ExoMars project.

The second phase, due for launch in 2020 after a two-year funding delay, is the ExoMars rover, for which Schiaparelli will be testing entry and soft-landing technology.

More than half of the attempts by the United States, Russia and Europe to land and operate craft on the Martian surface since the 1960s have failed.

The last time Europe tried, the British-built Beagle 2 disappeared without a trace after separating from the Mars Express mother ship in December 2003.

It was finally spotted in January last year in a NASA picture of Mars. It showed that even though Beagle 2 failed to establish contact, it had successfully landed.

If there is life on Mars, it is unlikely to be found on the surface, which is bombarded by ultra violet and cosmic rays.

But scientists say traces of methane in Mars' thin atmosphere may be an indicator of something stirring underground.

(China Daily 10/15/2016 page1)
Cuba says new US measures are 'positive' but still 'very limited' Updated: 2016-10-15 13:14 (Xinhua)

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HAVANA - Cuba welcomed on Friday new steps taken by US President Barack Obama, to make "irreversible" the relations between the former Cold War foes but said they are still "very limited" while the economic and commercial embargo stands.



The director for US affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry Josefina Vidal said the new Presidential Policy Directive approved by Obama is positive although the document does not hide Washington's intentions of promoting economic, political and social changes in the island.



"The (US) document recognizes Cuba and its government as a legitimate and equal partner and ... allows both countries and peoples to achieve a relationship of civilized coexistence within the large differences between the two governments," she said in a brief press conference.



She also indicated the document may be useful for the next American administration because it reflects the feelings of large sectors of the American society and political circles.



Vidal added the United States has no intention to stop developing "interventionist programs" that oppose the interests of the Cuban government.



"This policy directive does not hide the intention to continue developing in our country subversive programs that respond to US interests and involve in them sectors of the Cuban society," she said.



On Friday, Obama issued a Presidential Policy Directive on Cuba and ordered the relaxing of a series of trade, travel and financial restrictions, another step forward to make irreversible the process of normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries that began in December 2014.



Among the changes, Cuban pharmaceutical companies could apply for US Food and Drug Administration's approval and sell in U.S. territory innovative products manufactured in the island.



Also, another measure would let US firms provide infrastructure services to the Cuban government or nationals to directly benefit the people.



For American travelers, the biggest change is the removal of limits on the amount of rum and cigars they can pack in their luggage, strictly for personal use.



Perhaps one of the most important changes is removing the prohibition of foreign vessels entering a US port to load or unload freight for 180 days after docking at a Cuban port for trade purposes.



The measures are contained in the latest Obama administration executive order on Cuba to sidestep the Republican-controlled Congress and further relax the economic and trade blockade the White House has imposed on Havana for over 50 years.



The US Congress has resisted Obama's call to lift Washington's economic embargo on Cuba.
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QUANG NAM  The central province has submitted an upgrade plan for Chu Lai Airport to ministry review before it seeks approval from the Prime Minister.

Head of provincial secretariat, Nguyen Hong Quang, confirmed to the Viet Nam News yesterday that the plan will improve the airport as an international airport in the central region with two runways, two terminals for both passengers and cargo, and a maintenance centre from 2020-25 and beyond.

Its one of the most important project in Quang Nam Province. Were building the port into a key destination and logistics centre for foreign investors in the central region, as well as linking the economic zones of Quang Nam-Quang Ngai-a Nang, Quang said, adding that the plan would see participation from the private sector.

He said that budget carrier VietJetAir and US partner Parsons Brinckerhoff have proposed a master plan for development of the airport in three phases: now-2020, 2020-25 and the future beyond 2025.

He said first phase construction was designed to host 2 million passengers per year with a fund of VN2.5 trillion (US$111 million) from the provincial budget. Then, the airport will increase capacity to 4 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo.

According to the plan, Chu Lai Airport, which was built as an airbase during the war in the 1960s, opened to commercial traffic in 2005.

Before the Airbus A320 aircraft was allowed on its runways, the airport only supported landings by the 50-seat ATR-72 aircraft and the Fokker 70, with 12 flights per day.

A feasibility study of the project was carried out with funding from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

As scheduled, the airport was planned to host big aircrafts Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, along with a logistics centre.

The third phase will develop the second runway and a new terminal for passenger and cargo, as well as a plane maintenance centre.

Quang said the development of the airport would boost air travel from HCM City and Ha Noi to the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in Quang Nam and Dung Quat Economic Zone in Quang Ngai Province.

Quang Nam also launched the new Chu Lai-Incheon, Korea sea route for hosting textiles, automobiles, logistics experts, exports and investment flows from Korea and Japan.  VNS
Viet Nam News HA NOI  The local gold price increased slightly yesterday due to worries of instability in the market despite positive signs from the US economy.

Yesterday, the price of gold brand Sai Gon Jewellery Joint Stock Company (SJC) at gold company DOJI was announced at VN35.55 million and VN35.62 million per tael, increasing VN50,000 for buying rate and decreasing VN20,000 for selling rate against the previous day.

On the same day, Sai Gon Jewellery Joint Stock Company bought each tael of SJC gold bars for VN35.42 million, reducing VN10,000 and sold at the same price of VN35.67 million compared with the previous closing rate.

In the Asian market, the gold price yesterday morning was slightly increased by US$0.1 to $1,257.9 per ounce following the previous rise in the US market. The gold price yesterday was 18.4 per cent higher than at the beginning of the year.

Gold in the world market was traded at around VN34.1 million per tael excluding taxes and fees. The increasing gold price in the world market was because of instability.

The US dollar fell after several consecutive hikes to the highest level in seven months. Local investors were worried after China announced a sharp decrease in exports by 10 per cent in the first nine months of the year from the same period last year.

They were aslo afraid that the US dollar could not maintain its surge due to decreasing exports in China. The reduction in several big economies including China, UK, EU and Japan could cause instability and contribute to higher gold prices.

DOJI said the market quickly responded to the gold prices.

Investors always act quickly when there were fluctuations in the world market.  VNS
Viet Nam suspends to import cotton from Ghana due to beetle infection.  Photo doanhnghiepvn.vn

HA NOI  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has issued a decision on halting raw cotton imports from Ghana.

The decision was made after a large volume of raw cotton was found infected with living Trogoderma granarium Everts.

The decision comes into effect 60 days from the issuance date on October 11.

The Plantation Protection Departments representative said from July 2 to September 26, relevant authorities detected 58 containers of raw cotton weighing more than 1,384 tonnes imported from Ghana via Hai Phong Port infected with the Trogoderma granarium Everts, a very dangerous beetle not found in Viet Nam.

The beetle can damage various kinds of agricultural products, such as cereals, vegetables and rubber. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said the MARD had urged its Plantation Protection Department to tighten quarantine control of imported cotton from Ghana without any delay until the decision comes into effect.

Viet Nams Plantation Protection Department has reported the case to Ghanas authorities looking in to quarantine to find solutions and also requested Ghana to inspect and resolve this pest issue.

If farming products infected by this pest have entered Viet Nam, it could directly damage farming products in the country and also lead to a loss of export market.  VNS
HA NOI  Sales of mid-range apartments in Ha Noi increased during the third quarter, a leading real-estate firm has reported.

The third-quarter report by CB Richard Ellis Viet Nam Ltd Co (CBRE Viet Nam) says more than 6,800 new units were launched from 16 projects, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14 per cent, but a decrease of 38 per cent year-on-year.

Mid-range products still dominated the new launches, although new supply from high-end and luxury apartments also increased significantly, the report said.

In particular, around 3,000 apartments from these segments were launched this quarter, accounting for 45 per cent of total new launches.

Overall, the third quarter experienced a positive market sentiment, as sales caught up fast with new launches. A total of 5,279 units were sold, an increase of 52 per cent compared to the last quarter.

The report said sales also maintained an upward trend since the beginning of this year in the high-end segment.

In the first three quarters of 2016, approximately 14,200 units were sold, with mid-range apartments making up nearly 50 per cent of this figure, CBRE Viet Nam said.

Another leading real estate firm, Savills Viet Nam, also said mid-range apartments recorded the highest primary sales volume for the 6th consecutive quarter, totaling 51 per cent of sales. The absorption rate decreased two percentage points q-o-q to 33 per cent but the average asking price was stable, it said.

Meanwhile, a report by the Rong Bay Real Estate Trading Floor said that in general, the domestic property market would remain stable this year-end and early next year.

If, in the coming time, the State issues new policies encouraging people to buy property, the local real estate market would see stronger growth, this report said, noting that it was a good time for buyers because of high supply, stable prices and many preferential offers from sellers.

Western attractions

The report said that in Ha Noi, the western region would be hot and experience strong growth because of many advantages in infrastructure in the area, as also Ha ong District.

Large property investment firms like Vingroup, FLC and Bitexco have many projects in the area.

The trading floor expects that the western region will provide 70 per cent of the apartment supply for capital city market, with selling prices increasing by 7 per cent in the near future.

Demand for apartments and house was still high, so property transactions in good projects will continue to rise, said Nguyen Van Tuan, CEO of Rong Bay Real Estate Trading Floor.

He reiterated that the regions developed infrastructure would attract both home-buyers and property investors.

Home-buyers are likely to choose this region because it is convenient to live, study and work here, while investors will see it as a safe investment destination with potential for higher profits, he said.

Dominant supply

In its quarterly report on Ha Noi, Jones Lang LaSalle Viet Nam Ltd Co (JLL Viet Nam) said more than 11,000 new completions were expected in the last quarter of 2016, nearly 70 per cent of which would be in the mid-range segment.

It estimated new supply for the last quarter at 10,000 units, with 50-60 per cent of the launches coming from existing projects.

The company said apartment sales would also rise to new highs following expected increases in supply and greater interest among both owner-occupiers and investors. Prices would continue rising because of new launches and improved conditions, it said.

Asian investors

Real estate attracted the second largest volume of foreign direct investment with 34 new projects worth US$1 billion in the first nine months of this year, or 6.1 percent of the total, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investments Overseas Investment Agency.

Nguyen Hoai An, CBRE Viet Nam Director of Research, Consulting and Asset Management Services, said Viet Nam had been extremely attractive to Asian investors over the last decade, especially those from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

These investors consider market potential, penetration opportunity and capital safety when deciding to invest in any overseas property market, she said.

Japanese investors have shifted their interest from industrial properties to housing and offices over the past two years. They tend to buy up existing projects or start new ones from scratch, she added.

Another perspective came from real estate services provider Savills Viet Nam, which said it was not just residential housing and commercial office buildings that had picked up.

Industrial real estate had also become valuable, it said, pointing out that rising labour costs in China was putting pressure on labour-intensive industries like garment, footwear and mechanical engineering.

As a result, foreign firms seeking better manufacturing conditions, especially in labour costs, were leaving the country.

Viet Nam was emerging as a bright spot for this investment thanks to its waterway and road connectivity with China, it said.

The countrys membership in ASEAN and a number of free trade agreements has attracted a surging amount of FDI, especially since the conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in late 2015, it added. - VNS
Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Huu Chi gave opening speech at the conference on the importance of technological application in the insurance market.  Photo taichinhdientu.vn

HA NOI  The 13rd Vietnam Finance Conference was held in Ha Noi yesterday, allowing top experts to discuss managerial policies, institutions and applying technology to the insurance market.

The Vietnam Finance Conference is held annually by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Department of Financial Informatics and Statistics, Department of Insurance Supervisory Authority, the National Institute for Finance and the Viet Nam International Data Group (IDG).

Themed Developing insurance market: policy and information technology solutions, the conference featured two concurrent sessions and panel talks. The first session focused on policy and authority solutions for the insurance market while the second focused on the application of information technology in insurance markets from 2016 to 2020.

In order to further develop the insurance market and meet rising socio-economic demand for progress, governmental supervision and managerial technology application for the insurance market is necessary, said Nguyen Huu Chi, Deputy Minister of Finance.

He also asserted that the insurance market was becoming more important in Viet Nam, contributing to macro economic stability, supporting social welfare and protecting investors, boosting international economic integration and co-operation.

"Technological application is seen as a key objective by the government. The period from 2016-2020 is an essential time to focus on applying technology to all governmental agencies," he said.

Viet Nams strategy in developing the insurance market from 2011 to 2020 named using information technology as one of the primary ways to develop the insurance market.

According to MoF statistics, the insurance market is growing, with total revenue in insurance of VN38.6 trillion (US$1.7 billion) in the first six months of 2016, an increase of 25.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2015. The increase represented the biggest in the last 10 years.

The conference also showcased the latest innovations in technological solutions and products, delivered by leading suppliers in technological productions.  VNS
BRUSSELS  A delegation of 40 EU businesses will visit Viet Nam from November 2-4 to seek investment and business opportunities in agriculture and produce trading in the country, vietnamplus.vn reports.

The delegation, led by EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, comprises firms operating in dairy, cereal, vegetable and wine production.

According to Diego Canga Fano, Multilateral Relations Director at the EUs Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, there will be a range of trade promotion activities in Ha Noi and HCM City during the trip, including workshops and meetings with local trade partners.

Viet Nam is one of the EUs priority partners, he said, noting that the bloc wishes to step up trade ties with the Southeast Asian nation, especially with the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement coming into force soon.

At the meeting, Nguyen Canh Cuong, Vietnamese Minister Counselor in charge of economic and commercial affairs in Belgium, briefed the EU businesses on Viet Nams economic landscape and its potential for cooperation with the EU.

He said that the EU has carried out many projects aiming to help Viet Nam in agriculture and produce trading.
Huynh Xay & T. Not

ONG THAP  Every year, the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta awaits its flooding season with bated breath.

The Deltas fertility is defined by the silt that the Mekong River deposits annually in the region before it joins the sea, rejuvenating the land and water, and securing the livelihood of millions.

The flooding also brings in plentiful fish and other seafood, ensuring food security for the region and beyond.

This year was no different as far as expectations go, and as the flooding was delayed, anxiety mounted, especially among a significant section of the population dependent on the rivers gifts for their subsistence.

Then, when the floods did come a few days ago, they were disappointed, as theyve been of late.

Heavy rainfall and water flows from upstream areas have inundated low-lying plains in ong Thap Muoi (Plain of the Reeds) and Long Xuyen over the last few days.

These two basins serve as sinks that hold water when the monsoon arrives. The water levels in the An Giang and ong Thap farmland areas  which lie adjacent to Cambodia  surpassed that of last year.

But it was still not enough. Not enough silt, not enough fish.

With experts saying that the flooding has been minor this year and could have likely peaked already, there has been no collective sigh of relief from the Delta residents.

The flooding season normally starts in September and ends in November or December. Farmers have for long been dependent on the floods to irrigate and to replenish their fields with alluvium, and provide them with fish. The waters also wash away pollutants and kill pests, creating favourable conditions for farming and aquaculture.

Le Van Banh, former director of the Cuu Long Rice Research Institute, said that usually, major floods meant that the following winter-spring rice crops would yield bountiful harvests.

Too little, too late

Vo Thanh Ngoan, Deputy Director of ong Thap Provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the water level had been higher than last year, but lower than the average of past years.

At present, the flooding stands at Level-1 Alert while the ones that bring the needed benefits would be levels 2 and 3.

Huynh Van Giang, a farmer from Tinh Bien District in An Giang Province, told the Nguoi Lao ong (The Labourer) that just last month, sun-baked earth and parched grasslands covered this border area, because the floods had not arrived on time.

Therefore, he had to cross the border into neighbouring Cambodian farms to trap and hunt mice, earning some VN100,000 (US$4.5) a day. Other poor farmers in the region have little choice but to move to Binh Duong Province or HCM City to work as hired labourers with very low pay.

At present, in this hamlet, there are just 20 people who have not moved to Binh Duong, and they earn their living by catching mud carp or shrimps. I have 250 of these wooden cages, but I can only catch about 10kg of crabs to sell at VN14,000 per kilo. After fees and Cambodian tax, I get about VN90,000, barely enough to sustain my family, nothing more, Giang said.

o Van Chi Linh, also from An Giang, said people here long for the floods to come so they can go fishing or hunt crabs and snails here, or in Cambodia.

Healthy men work as porters at seafood storage facilities, earning some VN150,000 a day. Since the flooding has been delayed, the owners of storage facilities are only buying crabs and snails to sell to larger facilities in Chau oc or Long Xuyen City. From November, they will begin purchasing crabs and fish, especially mud carp, to make fish sauce.

Currently, storage owners purchase approximately three tonnes of crabs and snails  all from Cambodian farmers, since theres nothing here. Even lilies have to be imported from Cambodia.

Just images

The familiar images of the Deltas swollen rivers and other waterways, and those of huge catches during the rising waters season continue to capture the tourists imagination, but residents are experiencing something else.

The floods used to bring a lot of fish, providing locals with a reliable source of livelihood, but the catch has dwindled over several years now.

Many people resort to crossing the border on motorboats into Cambodia to buy lilies, and sell them in Viet Nam for small margin profits.

Some years ago, during the flooding season, families could live fairly comfortably for several months just on fishing, recalled Le Van Hien of ong Thap Province.

The main reasons behind the disappointingly impoverished waters have been identified  a plethora of upstream dams that impede the water flow and block its rich content, and adverse climate change impacts, but a viable long-term solution has evaded farmers and policy makers.

Several experts have said that to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the Deltas population, successful climate adaptation models have to be replicated, extension services provided efficiently, and investments made in irrigation systems towards ensuring minimum disruptions to agricultural activities.

However, it is not clear when the changes will be effected to help Delta farmers have stable incomes and enjoy food security.

Till then, as An Giang farmer Linh noted: The poor, like me, can only wait for the floods to come so we can make a living, otherwise theres hardly anything to do.  VNS
a Nang  The central city has been struggling against waste water at Industrial Zones (IZs) and urban sites, as well as to supply clean water while dealing with heavily polluted sites.

An official from the citys Institute for Economic and Social development, Quach Thi Xuan, said this at a recent workshop on water and urban sites.

According to Xuan only 70 per cent of waste water from IZs is treated before being discharged into the environment, but its still at level 1 (liquidation of organic matter).

Urban untreated sewage is still discharged directly into 28 lakes out of 30 in the city daily, while rain and untreated household waste water is collected in the same pipe and sewage system before running into the sea.

Xuan said Tho Quang fishing port in Son Tra district, which hosts 19,000 fishing boat arrivals and 23 seafood processing plants, as well as 11 ship-yard building factories, had been seen as the most seriously polluted site in the city for years with its poor waste treatment station.

A recent report from the citys department of natural resources and environment says 75 cubic metres of untreated garbage and 500 cubic metres of waste water from fishing boats and seafood processing factories is discharged into the fishing port every day.

Meanwhile, the two waste water treatment stations in the area can only process 2,000 cubic metres each day.

Poorly treated waste water with microbes and air (anaerobic treatment) at IZs is blamed as the major reason for serious mass fish deaths in lakes and rivers, and the putrid smell in residential areas of Thanh Khe district.

Untreated sewage has also spoilt beaches in Son Tra District, with waste water from households and seafood restaurants.

Clean water

The city said it would face a water crisis in the coming years as water exploitation has equaled the designed capacity with 200,000 cubic metres collected from the Vu Gia River in 2015.

Cau o water station, the citys major water supply, often faces high salinity of water due to a lack of supply from the upstream rivers during the dry season.

The city said the level of salinity reached an alarming 13.568mg per litre  63 times higher than usual  in 2015, while the operation of six major hydro-power plants upstream of Vu Gia River in Quang Nam province could collect water from the river to generate power, thus restricting the water flow into the river basin in a Nang.

Poor co-operation between a Nang and Quang Nam in surface water management in rivers, waste water treatment and forest protection could lead to a crisis of water source use, Xuan advised.

Solutions

Vice chairman of the citys administration, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said the city had called for Public-Private-Parnership (PPP) investment projects in waste water treatment and clean water in building the city as a green city.

The city needs total funds of VN6 trillion (US$267 million), of which $218 million would be used for urban infrastructure, to reach the green target (an environmentally friendly city) by 2025.

The city hopes to draw 41 per cent of total investment capital from the private sector in building the green city model.

According to an expert from the construction ministry, the waste water treatment price has yet to lure investors from the private sector, as the cost is just as much as 10 per cent of the price of clean water.

Tuan said PPP was a very new model of investment, and local investors were still hesitant to join 19 PPP projects with total capital of VN16.5 trillion (US$768 million).

Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has helped a Nang complete the pre-feasibility studies (PFS) for two projects, the Hoa Lien Water supply plant and Khanh Son waste treatment plant since 2012, and is supporting private companies in the city to improve the skills and management of PPP projects.

In 2013, the World Bank agreed to finance the City Sustainable Development Project with $272.1 million, of which $202.4 million will be funded by the World Bank.

Last year, a Nang presented a US$115-million budget proposal, of which US$100 million is funded by the World Bank, for upgrading waste water treatment stations, waste water drainage systems and drainage channels in the city.  VNS
By Thu Anh

HCM CITY  More young women in HCM City are learning sewing and embroidery to escape stress in their daily lives.

I enjoy making clothes not for business but for myself. I took a course on sewing at the Cultural House for Women in District 3 two years ago because it helps me forget my business pressure, said Nguyen Thi Van Anh, a 31-year-old mother of two children.

Anh is taking a three-month course on embroidery taught by a female artisan at her home in Thu uc District.

My course has 12 women and Im the only who is married. We believe household arts are an intrinsic part of womens spirit, and we can improve ourselves and find peace through the work, said Anh, owner of a beauty salon.

Cultural houses and art clubs are offering courses in household arts such as cooking, sewing and embroidery aimed at girls and young women to relieve stress at work or lure them away from spending too much time on Facebook.

Embroidery is a traditional art of Vietnamese women passed down from old generations to younger ones. In the past, women had to be skilled in this art before marriage. But times have changed, said embroiderer Tran Thi Thu Thao of Binh Thanh District.

Thao offers her service to tailor shops, fashion designers and costume designers who work for theatres and traditional art troupes.

She also offers two training courses twice a week for women, one for girls under 15 years old and the other for women, with fees of VN1 million (US$45) and VN3 million ($145).

One of Thaos students, Le Thi Phuong Thuy, a first-year student of the HCM City University of Economics, said: I like to embroider clothes after buying from shops. I wanted to create designs on my clothes to make them different from others.

Another city resident, Nguyen Ha, is learning how to make leather products in an online course at Facebook Saigon Handmade Leather.

I like handmade accessories that are made from leather. I dream of opening a centre for women which offers training in household arts and handmade leather products, said Ha.

Before joining the course, Ha, who lives in Binh Duong Province, visited the city every Saturday and Sunday to learn how to make quilted blankets taught by artisans at the Junior Art Club in District 8.

Embroiderer o Hoang Quang, of the citys Cultural House for Women, said: We hope young women will be able to learn about household arts and traditional lifestyles instead of just working in offices and playing online games.

Quangs class provides students with basic training in cooking and sewing every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The fees are VN1.5 million ($75) a month. Poor women receive training for free.

"My class attracts around 30 students. Some of them are not wealthy, but they still save money to learn, said Quang.

He said that creating courses was not difficult. "One reason is that we are interested in the work. We all love to make life and the world more beautiful, he said.

Courses offered by the citys Youth Cultural House and Labour Cultural House are also a good choice for migrant labourers.

These courses, which are either free or have low fees, attract many women from the citys rural districts of Cu Chi, Nha Be, Can Gio and Hoc Mon.

Please reduce your study and work load, and learn how to relax and do your favourite things, Quang said. VNS
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tran Anh Tuan

HA NOI  Renewing management mechanisms and reducing the number of employees on the State payroll are needed to replace incompetent civil servants with qualified ones, said Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tran Anh Tuan.

Ministries, sectors and localities are all implementing Politburo Resolution 39 on reducing the number of State officials and other tasks such as wage reform and regulations on civil servant recruitment and State officials classification as part of efforts to enhance the quality of civil servants and Government operations, he said at a press briefing yesterday.

Concerning claims that VN17 trillion (US$762 million) was used each year on wages for the 30 per cent of civil servants not competent enough to carry out their duties, Tuan said that the information was incorrect.

He affirmed that there was not any official survey showing that 30 per cent of State officials were incompetent. He added that civil servants had made great contributions to Viet Nams achievements.

On the ministrys responsibility in proposing the appointment of Trinh Xuan Thanh as Vice Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Hau Giang Province, who was found accountable for massive losses at a major State-owned oil company he chaired, and was censured for illegally using a Government licence plate on his private car, Deputy Minister Tuan said the ministry built plans and set up a task force to work with relevant agencies to inspect the responsibilities of individuals or groups involved in Thanhs crimes.

Results of the inspection will be publicised, he said.

Regarding accusations of nepotism by officials in appointing relatives to positions of power in some localities, Deputy Head of the ministrys Department of Civil Servants Truong Hai Long said the ministry was amending regulations on appointing State officials.

He said the ministry proposed the Politburo issue regulations and review mechanisms to control the use of power by authorities and strictly handle those violating Party discipline and State laws.

The ministry had built a master plan on renewing methods to choose management leaders that was approved by the Politburo, he said. - VNS
HA NOI  A major effort to reform the nations education system and make it more practical and relevant has been ongoing for the last five years, but there is a danger that this can stumble on its own contradictions, experts say.

Education Minister Phung Xuan Nha himself has spoken about the need to avoid reforming the reforms, indicating a recognition and awareness of the problems that have arisen, Tin Tuc (News) reports.

The latest reform process began after a resolution passed by the 11th Party Congress in 2011. Shortcomings in its implementation have evoked public ire.

For instance, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) announced last month they would introduce a programme to teach Chinese and Russian, besides English, as compulsory foreign languages in elementary schools and high schools the next school year. This was opposed by several experts and parents.

Quach Thi Hieu, mother of a fourth grader in the Nghia Tan Elementary School, said I want my child to learn the language that most countries are speaking. I dont want her to be a lab mouse for an unreasonable programme.

Nguyen Minh Thuyet, a former vice-chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Youth and Children, had similar concerns.

He said that in the context of global integration, English happened to be the most effective language.

If other languages, apart from English, are made compulsory, several schools will have to recruit more students to fill up the language classes.

The result will be that students who do not choose English struggle to find jobs when they grow up, or that many students end up having to learn a language they dont want to, just because there are too many teachers that teach it, and they have to be given work.

The education ministry must plan such things very carefully, Thuyet said.

No rush

According to the management board of the 2008-2020 National Language Project, more than VN3.8 billion was spent over the last five years (2011-2015), 60 per cent of it coming from the State Budget.

However, the project is yet to bring about great improvements in the quality of language teaching at secondary and high schools. Given this, the ministry should not rush into a new language programme, Thuyet felt.

Educational reforms need a strong strategy and a clear route. All solutions must be researched carefully and piloted before being replicated, he said.

Another example of good intentions not producing desired results is the admission process for universities and colleges. The process has been tinkered with very often in recent years.

From the 2015 academic year, the high school graduation exam and the university recruitment exam have been rolled into one. The aim was to reduce expenses as well as academic pressure on students.

The MoET has stated that the single exam would create more opportunities for students, but ao Trong Thi, another former member of the National Assemblys Committee for Youth and Children, said that it did not serve a main goal of the reform process, which is to decentralise and help localities and universities become independent and develop more capabilities.

The ministry organised one single exam and asked all universities and colleges to follow the process that was planned by the ministry, while there is no regulation that required the ministry to be in charge of this process, he said.

The recruitment process should be done by the universities and colleges themselves, he added.

The MoET has announced that next years high school graduation exam will consist of two parts  the first one having three independent tests on mathematics, literature and foreign language, and the second having two interdisciplinary tests: a natural sciences test on biology, physics and chemistry; and a social science test on history, geography and civics.

High school students can use the results of the three compulsory tests in part one, in addition with the results of either the natural science or the social science test, to apply to the universities they want.

While this would offer the students more tertiary choices, senior teachers have pointed out some problems.

At a recent conference on the university recruitment process for next year, Nguyen Thu Anh, principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary School, said: The interdisciplinary tests require students to be adept at almost all subjects, which means teachers must adjust their teaching methods accordingly, so that their students knowledge is comprehensive.

However, since there is an enormous amount of information in each textbook, the education ministry needs to provide teachers with a study guide that they can use to best prepare students for the exams.

Long-term focus

Referring to reform projects that his ministry has been implementing, Education and Training Minister Nha said: Education and training needs solid strategies with long-term feasibility in order to avoid reforming the reforms.

He noted that while some reforms take effect immediately, others take years to show results. What is important is that reform work is undertaken with utmost seriousness, with each project piloted and evaluated very carefully, he said.

The minister also said that even though it was badly needed, textbook reform was not being carried out because the overall general education programme and curricula have not been finalised.

He said his ministry wanted deep and direct involvement of both teachers and authors in the textbook reform process.

In the meantime, he has ordered textbook authors to revise and remove repetitive and unnecessary content in order to reduce overload on both teachers and students.  VNS
HA NOI  Investors have been looking for a synchronous policy to address difficulties faced in solar power projects in Viet Nam.

Chairman of Son Ha Group Le Vinh Son said that investors were interested in solar power projects in Viet Nam but faced difficulties because of non-synchronous policies.

The difficulties included few legal frameworks, mechanisms and human resource for the production and application of renewable energy, he said.

Solar power projects usually required huge investment, resulting in high power costs which made solar power less competitive than other power types, he said.

Son said that solar power projects were costly but investors found it difficult to get loans, even preferential loans which are designed to encourage science and technology projects.

Chairman and General Director of Red Sun Energy Joint Stocks Company Diep Bao Canh said that so far, few credit institutions or banks had schemes to develop human resources for assessing and approving credit to solar power projects.

Dr Nguyen Huy Hoach from Viet Nam Clean Energy Associtaion said that Viet Nam had great potential for solar energy, particularly in the Central Highlands region and south central provinces with an average 2,000-2,600 hours of sunlight each year.

It has average solar irradiance of 4-5 kWh/squ.m/day, which is comparable to Thailand and the Philippines, which have more developed solar markets in the region.

However, in Viet Nam, solar energy was little used, just for households, water-boiling system, lighting and drying, he said.

Tang The Hung, vice head of Planning Division under General Directorate of Energy, said so far Viet Nam had no commercial solar power generating project despite the country wanting to increase solar power productivity from a few MW now to 850MW in 2020 and 4,000 MW in 2025.

Hung said that two months ago, the Ministry of Industry and Trade submitted a proposal on solar power price to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Under the proposal, the Government would subsidise VN 3,150 (US$15 cents) per kWh to rooftop solar power projects. To other on-grid solar power projects, each kWh would be paid VN 2,352 (11.2cents). The projects must have solar cells with efficiency higher than 16 per cent and productivity of less than 100 MW.

Until now, about 4MW of solar power is used in Viet Nam with few systems including the 200kWp system of Intel in HCM City Hi-tech Zone, a 140 kWp system in Tan Tao Industrial Zone and a 212 kWP system on the rooftop parking area of Big C supermarket in southern Binh Duong Province.

Previously, the ministry proposed Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) buy solar power at 11.2 cent per kWh but investors said the price was too low, being lower than the price that the EVN buys electricity from small hydro power plants during rush hours  12.38 cent.

The United Nations Development Programme, in its report in May, 2016, suggested regulating a Feed-in-Tariff of 15 USD cents/ kWh for mainland solar photovoltaic (PV)power plants, and 19 USD cents/ kWh for power plants on islands, over a period of 20 years.

The organisation also recommended financial support for-grid and off-grid solar PV systems in remote areas and islands as well as incentives to reduce investment costs of solar PV power plants, rooftop and community solar PV systems.

Dr Duong Duy Hoat from the Institute of Energy Science, said a law on renewable energy is needed to ensure sustainable development of renewable energy.

The Government needs to instruct ministries, sectors and localities to plan for developing renewable energy on the basis of forecasts of demand and supply.

Developing national criteria and regulations on renewable energy is also necessary, Hoat said, adding that a fund should be established to ensure financial resources for renewable energy research and development.

Incentives should be offered to encourage international and domestic enterprises to participate in the sector, while promoting communications to raise public awareness of value of renewable energy in sustainable development, according to Hoat.

The revised Viet Nam Power Development Planning in the period 2011-2020 with an outlook to 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in March, 2016, has given priority to developing renewable energy sources, step by step raising the share of renewable energy in national electricity output to 7 per cent in 2020 and over 10 per cent by 2030.

Total hydropower capacity is expected to reach 21,600 MW by 2020 from the current 17,000 MW, and to 24,600 MW and 27,800 MW by 2025 and 2030, respectively. The hydropower output will account for 29.5 per cent, 20.5 per cent and 15.5 per cent of total electricity generation in 2020, 2025 and 2030, respectively.

The planning also aims to raise wind energy capacity from 140 MW now to 800 MW by 2020, accounting for 0.8 per cent of total electricity output.

 VNS
The National Assembly delegation of HCM City has asked the citys Peoples Committee why the amount of foreign direct investment has declined this year. Photo thesaigontimes.vn

HCM City  The National Assembly delegation of HCM City has asked the citys Peoples Committee why the amount of foreign direct investment has declined this year.

For the first nine months, the city had 587 new FDI projects with total capital of US$751 million, an increase of 45.3 per cent in number of projects but a significant decrease of 68.2 per cent in capital, Truong Trong Nghia, deputy head of the HCM City Lawyer Association and an NA member, said at a meeting with HCM City authorities on Wednesday.

Is HCM City becoming too expensive for foreign investors, he asked.

Nghia said he was also concerned about the impact of pollution, especially at the a Phuoc Rubbish Grounds.

The city must solve the problem of the a Phuoc Rubbish Grounds to ensure health for its residents, he said.

Despite the drop in investment, other National Assembly delegates said the city should reject any improper project, particularly if it affects pollution.

Serious flooding has become another hot issue. Delegates urged the city authorities to carry out long-term solutions to cope with the worsening flooding.

Key anti-flooding projects, including one at Tan Son Nhat Airport, must be speeded up to avoid negative impact on socio-economic development, Nghia said.

Speaking at the meeting, Le Thanh Liem, the deputy chairman of the city Peoples Committee said the city would develop support industries to increase localization ratio, and improve value and competitive ability for local industrial products.

Through such work, the city will call for more foreign investment, Liem said.

The city also plans to implement more solutions to promote investment, including administrative reform, and more discussions among investors and local authorities as well as creation of clear land fund.

As for the a Phuoc Rubbish Grounds pollution, Liem confirmed that authorities had worked with the Viet Nam Waste Treatment company, which is in charge of operating the rubbish grounds, which has caused a bad smell for months.

The company must keep their promise to clear the air and maintain a clean environment for local residents, he said.

Liem committed that relevant authorities would more strictly supervise the operation of the rubbish grounds. -- VNS
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.
Lions book sale through Sunday

WATERLOO  The Lions Club of Waterloo will have its semi-annual book sale at Crossroads Mall through Sunday.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Waverly FD to

host class

WAVERLY  People Insurance Agency will sponsor a smoke alarms and home exit drills class presented by the Waverly Fire Department at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Waverly Fire Station, 123 First St. S.W.

For more information or to register for the class, contact Nick Keith at nick@peoples-insurance.com or at (800) 932-4801.

Covenant craft sale scheduled

WATERLOO  The Covenant Medical Center employees activities committee is having the annual fall craft sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 in Classrooms 1 and 2.

Items available include baby gear, greeting cards, homemade BBQ sauce, jewelry, soaps and lotions, wreaths, wool mittens, quilted items, table runners and placemats, needle punch, embroidery, hats and scarves, candles, Christmas items, monster cookies and much more. The public is welcome.

Hearst chamber music class set

CEDAR FALLS  The Hearst Center for the Arts will present a series of four classes exploring Chamber Music from the Inside.

The classes are in conjunction with Trio 826s residency at the Hearst this fall and next spring.

The first class will take place at noon Wednesday in Mae Latta Hall, free and open to the public.

Presented by Julia Bullard, the class will focus on the history of chamber music as a genre.

Trio 826 are Hearst artists in residence during the 2016-17 academic year.

Eagles luncheon set for Thursday

WATERLOO  Fraternal Order of Eagles, 202 E. First St., will have a Soup and Salad Luncheon on Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m.

The event is open to the public. Call ahead at 234-9369 if you have limited time for lunch.

Trick or trunk event set

CEDAR FALLS  St. Timothys United Methodist Church, 3220 Terrace Drive, will host its annual Trick and Trunking event at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the church. The event will include a free meal for adults and youth with trick and trunking to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and bring one item to donate to the food closet.

Art, photo show entries sought

DENVER  The Denver Public Library will hold the 36th annual Dr. E.H. Stumme Art & Photography Show from Nov. 12 -17.

Local artists and photographers are encouraged to submit work to the show.

Two-dimensional works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, drawing, digital and photography will be accepted.

The work must be original and completed within the last two years.

Artists can range from professional to novice or student.

Artwork must be matted and framed, with the exception of student work. Artists are welcome to have their work for sale if they desire.

Entry packets are available at the library; there is no fee to enter. Ribbons will be awarded in each media category.

Artwork can be brought to the library beginning Oct. 24, and deadline to submit work is Nov. 9.

For more information, call the library at 984-5140 or go to www.denver.lib.ia.us.

MS group plans Oct. 20 meeting

WATERLOO  The Waterloo-Cedar Falls chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Covenant Medical Center, wing G, 4th floor, room 10.

Topics this month will include how new treatments for MS are being studied to improve the lives of those with MS.

All patients, families, and anyone interested in learning more are encouraged to attend.

For more information, call Shirl at 235-8946.
OSAGE -- A woman accused of causing a crash that killed a man in March near Osage has asked to change her plea.

Shannon Henaman, 43, of Osage, had previously pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and drunken driving.

Her plea-change hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Mitchell County Courthouse in Osage.

Authorities say Henaman was driving when a vehicle crashed about 3:19 a.m. at Kirkwood Avenue and 370th Street.

Passenger Theodore McPhail, 50, of Osage, was killed in the crash.

Court documents do not indicate if Henaman plans to plead guilty as charged, or if she and her attorney have negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors.
OSAGE  Chaos erupted in a Mitchell County courtroom Friday evening after a jury found Nicholas Lenz guilty of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury causing serious injury.

After the verdict was read and the jury was being polled, Lenz yelled and swore at the victim, who was also in the courtroom, and at law enforcement.

(Expletive deleted) you! (Expletive deleted) the police! he yelled.

His mother cried and repeatedly screamed, No!

Deputies escorted Lenz, 23, out of the courtroom before the polling of the jury continued.

Lenz will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. First-degree kidnapping carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lenz beat a woman cruelly over the course of two days in March and succeeded in his goal of forcing her to stay with him, according to the prosecutor in the case.

The jury got the case at 5 p.m. and reached a verdict about 2 1/2 hours later.

The victim, who was romantically involved with the Lenz, had told him she wanted him out of her home, said Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister during his closing argument Friday afternoon.

But the defendant had other ideas, he said.

Lenz held the woman captive in her own home, where he hit her and kicked her, threatened her with a gun, threatened to hog-tie her with a rope and confined her to a chair with packing tape, according to McAllister.

When she ran out of the house to escape, Lenz hit and kicked her and dragged her back into the house by her hair, according to McAllister.

Lenz then took her to a cold, unheated camper in the middle of nowhere, tied her up with zip ties and left her there, McAllister said.

When Lenz came back he drove her around and finally brought her back to her house, according to McAllister. He said Lenz then allowed her to go to sleep in her own bed because he had succeeded in beating her into submission.

She knew what would happen if she tried to escape, he said.

Defense attorney Letitia Turner argued although her client admitted assaulting the woman, that didnt mean he was guilty of kidnapping her.

Turner said the woman claimed she screamed in broad daylight but no one heard a thing, even though she had neighbors right next door.

She also said the womans hands were free while she was in the camper, but she never tried to remove the zip ties.

Lenz said intent to inflict serious injury and actually causing serious injury are both required to prove first-degree kidnapping, and neither was true in this case.

She said under the law a serious injury is defined as one that either creates a risk of death or one that leaves permanent effects.

Although Lenz broke the womans jaw, that was not a serious injury because the surgeon who treated her expected her to heal as long as she followed his instructions, including smoking and contacting a doctor if she had any problems, according to Turner.

She said the woman continued to smoke and did not see a doctor at any time after her surgery, even though she claimed her jaw was popping and her teeth were not aligned properly.

Although the woman testified she talks differently since her jaw was broken, Turner said defense witnesses who have known her a long time  including her brother  testified her speech had been slurred since a head injury and broken neck from years ago.

Turner also said the woman said things while testifying that she never brought up to law enforcement or during her deposition, such as Lenz strangling her.

It just does not add up, Turner said.

Turner also suggested a motive for the woman to lie about being kidnapped, saying she knew Lenz was wanted on a warrant and she did not want to appear to have been with him voluntarily.

McAllister denied any major inconsistencies in the womans statements..

He also noted the womans father testified she spoke differently after her jaw was broken.

He also asked the jury to recall an audio recording of law enforcement interviewing Lenz after being taken into custody.

It was chilling, McAllister said, noting Lenz admitted he beat her cruelly.

McAllister said nearly all the details in Lenzs confession matched what the victim said on the stand.

On Friday morning the defense asked for a mistrial because Lenz reported one of the jurors saw him being brought into the courthouse from the jail in the street clothes he wears to court but still in shackles.

Turner said this would be prejudicial to her client, who is not shackled in the courtroom. She said a pretrial motion states the jury is not to see Lenz in shackles.

Although Lenz was able to identify the female juror who saw him once the jury came into the courtroom, Judge Christopher Foy said the most he would probably do is talk to the juror and possibly dismiss her and replace her with one of the alternate jurors, not declare a mistrial.

He ended up allowing the juror to remain.
WATERLOO  The local Muslim community is on edge after vandals spray-painted presidential candidate Donald Trumps name on the on the Masjid Al-Noor Islamic Center.

The head of the center has called the discovery an attack on religious freedom and major setback for Muslims in Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

Meanwhile, the Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism as a possible hate crime.

The incident was reported to Waterloo police Friday night after children planting trees around Masjid Al-Noor, 2110 Sager Ave., found the graffiti. Trump was written on the north side of the building with red paint.

Waterloo police had no suspects Saturday afternoon but were giving extra attention to the area.

A statement issued by Dema Kazkaz, president of the Islamic Center, said the incident sent shock waves around our community.

Several of us are considering pulling our children out of Sunday school and other activities geared towards enriching and nurturing religious education, Kazkaz said. Freedom of religion is officially under attack.

Over the past few years, we had made much progress within the greater community through interfaith activities meant to promote a better understanding of our religion, she added. Tonight, we fear weve taken several steps backwards. Many amongst us are wondering whether this is the beginning of even worse things to come.

Kazkaz urged the community to keep moving forward on a path to interfaith peace and asked for cooperation to help authorities bring the perpetrators to justice.

A group of concerned residents who heard about he vandalism showed up Saturday afternoon and removed the graffiti. A member of the group said there was nothing political about their effort.

Curtis DeGroote, a Trump supporter, said he also showed up with plans to help clean up the vandalism but found the work was done.

We know thats not a Trump supporter that would do that, he said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations Iowa chapter, based in Cedar Rapids, issued a statement suggesting the vandalism could be a hate crime.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has promoted anti-Muslim policies and has made a number of Islamophobic statements during his campaign, CAIR said. The situation has led to a rise in hate incidents targeting Islamic institutions and American Muslims.

A similar incident was reported Friday in Bayonne, N.J., were Muslims arriving at their temporary place of worship found graffiti spray-painted on walls. The messages included F*** Arabs, Jesus Christ and Donald Trump.
DES MOINES  Iowa Democrats dispelled talk of an enthusiasm gap Friday, cheering on their 2016 candidates and pledging to press full speed to the Nov. 8 finish line.

Its the countdown to the election of our lifetime, Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire told about 560 Democrats who gathered for the partys fall fundraising gala. The event featured pep-rally-style speeches from party rising star Texas U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, former Gov. and current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Democratic candidates seeking offices at the federal, state and local levels.

Were ready for the final showdown, the party chairwoman said.

Were going to work every day as if were behind, because thats how we do things. We will not take anything for granted, McGuire said. Its going to be close in Iowa. It always is.

Castro could eye a U.S. Senate bid in 2018. He said hes hoping Democrats will make gains in the House and Senate from majority Republicans who are in disarray over the divisions created by GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Republicans are in open warfare right now, said Castro. They have no message at this point, certainly no unified message to the American people.

The American people dont want a party who has nominated somebody whos really been a destructive force in American society since he launched his campaign about a year and a half ago, he told reporters at the gala.

He was more blunt during his gala keynote address.

This is not a time for clowns, Castro told the crowd. For America to win in November, Donald Trump has to lose.

Vilsack recounted to the crowd how Hillary Clinton helped him raise money and muster support while he was a struggling gubernatorial candidate in 1998. Now is the time, he said, to return the favor in Iowa this election.

He brought Democrats to their feet by declaring, We have got to deliver for Hillary Clinton.

U.S. Rep. David Loebsack, an Iowa City Democrat who is the partys only Iowa member of Congress, said he is a realist when it comes to taking control of the U.S. House, but given the ways things are going within the Republican Party and on the campaign trail he noted weve got a shot at this.
A Quest for Canada

Quest for Canada is a new series of articles that will appear alternately in both my Witches & Pagans column 49 Degrees and my Patheos blog Between the Shadows. It will be published once a week in an alternating schedule between the two blogs. Links will be provided in both blogs.

I believe in new gods as well as old gods. When you invest spiritual and emotional energy into a concept, it acquires its own egregore; and when enough people do it for long enough, it develops a very powerful egregore. Most of my readers will have heard of Lady Liberty, or the American Dream. Simon and Garfunkle wrote a beautiful song about searching for the spirit of America, which was remembered recently in a political campaign ad. I, as a Canadian, went in search of the spirit of my own country, Canada.

Our land mass is so vast that most people really have no idea of how vast it truly is. I had my first introduction as a young woman, when at the turn of the millennium I took advantage of a special promotional deal offered by Greyhound to cross the country, as long as all travelling was done within thirty days. I had another reason for the trip  I was going to Maine to record and gig with the other members of my goth rock band Gallows Hill, which had developed something of a cult following on MP3.com in the early days of online music  but I simply could not believe the expanse of the country and it left a lasting impression on me. It took us five days of continual driving, with a few brief stops of not more than an hour at a time on the way, and usually only about five to fifteen minutes, to get from Vernon, BC, to Niagara Falls, which is where we crossed the border. Two of those days were spent just driving around Lake Superior.

I had a chance to experience something of this again when I was invited to present at the Canadian National Pagan Conference in 2010 in Montreal. It was cheaper (at least on paper) for me to drive the distance than it was for my hubby and I to fly. So I thought, why not see the country while I was at it? I allowed myself five days of driving time, and because my husband needed adaptive equipment to drive and it wasnt installed yet, I had to do all the driving. I was told that what I had intended to do was physically impossible for one person to do. But I did it. Still, I didnt get a chance to do a lot of looking around except from out my car window, so I knew I would want to go back.

When I did my Western Canada book tour, I had a chance to do a bit more exploring as far east as Winnipeg; but I still didnt make it back out east. So this fall, after saving up for two years, we decided to do a mad driving tour as far east as we could get. Initially I was going to do a book signing in Montreal and Halifax if I could swing it in order to mitigate expenses, but the book order from the publisher didnt work out in time, so we decided to carry on anyway. In a way I was relieved; as a person who suffers from social anxiety I have to build up my courage to meet the public, and it was pleasant to toy with the idea of just enjoying an actual vacation. For the most part, I didnt tell the people I knew that I was coming through because I wasnt sure specifically when I was going to be there or how long I was going to stay. And that turned out to be a good idea, because internet availability turned out to be sketchy in many of the places I stayed, and so even when I did contact people, reaching them when I needed to often wasnt possible. Its weird to realize that Canada, even though its one of the G8, has large areas where cell phone service is still sketchy.

Most Canadians never see it. They never go outside of the next province or two over, and they often say they have no interest in doing so. I think this is a mistake. I think this leads to a certain regionalism that creates an artificial tension between Canadians in every area from social interaction to politics. It leads to each of us believing we have the true sense of what Canadian is.

There are still vast expanses of the country to which I have never been. Ive never been farther north than Northern Alberta, and Ive never been to Newfoundland because its either been too far away or the ferry ride was just too expensive; so there are still two whole provinces and two whole territories for me to even start to explore. So I apologize for their exclusion in my writing. Its not a snub; its just that I cant write what I dont know.

This series is a compilation of my experiences and observations over the course of my major Canadian journeys. What Im trying to communicate is my sense of spirit-of-place. More than the details of what is happening in each of these places in Canada, I want to try to give you a sense of the loci of these places, and the spirit of their people; and through that, perhaps somewhat to communicate the spirit of Canada, and of Canadians.

Next article: On the Trans-Canada
Carara National Park isnt just any old protected area. Its one of the top birding hotspots in Costa Rica and Central America. Actually, its not really the park on its own that is responsible for such accolades but the protected area in conjunction with the surrounding mega blend of habitats that include rainforest, tropical dry forest, mangroves, an estuary, and the usual addition of open fields and second growth that always boost the bird list. Visit the area and you might not know where to start. Thats alright because given the wealth of bird species all over, you can begin with the binos wherever you want and always see a lot.

So, what can you see? What should you look for? Well, happily, this area is one of those very special places where there are really too many birds to mention. Im not even sure how many have been identified around Carara but its probably have a grand bird species or so. The only catch-22 is that Carara and vicinity is so dang hot, I wish I could walk around and bird with a giant ice block tied to my head. Seriously, I would be loving it but I make do with drinking cold water all day long from a frozen gel pouch filled with good old H2O, plus a hydrating drink, plus wearing wonderful wick-dry fabrics. But back to the birds. There are obviously too many to mention, so I hereby present 20 of the avian stars from the Carara area:

Great Tinamou: Carara is one of the easiest places for close looks at this widespread species.

Raptors: Hawks and their like are not all that common in Costa Rica. The Carara area is nice because its pretty good for racking up a sweet raptor list of ten or more species. This one is one of the more common species, a juvenile Gray Hawk.

Double-striped Thick-Knee: This weird species is regular during boat tours on the river, and can also show on the Cerro Lodge road and some other nearby sites. Does it really have two stripes and thick knees? Thankfully, this is one bird that will stand around long enough to let you decide for yourself.

Charming Hummingbird: I guess charming in this case means looks alright but not exactly spectacular. However, since this is a regional endemic, it makes it onto the list. If stuff if flowering, a dozen or more hummingbird species in and around Carara is par for the birding course.

Bairds Trogon: Unlike a sparrow of the same name, Baird scored big on beautiful colors with this bird. Another regional endemic, its actually more common further south. This is also one of five trogon species regular in the area.



Fiery-billed Aracari: Nothing like a toucan of many colors!

Rufous-tailed Jacamar: Fairly common in many areas of Costa Rica, including Carara. Always a pleasure to see this needle-billed, exquisite bird.

Turquoise-browed Motmot: Beautiful, common, and it can perch in the open- my kind of bird!

American Pygmy Kingfisher: Beautiful, not as common, and tiny. Look for it on the boat tour, or at the edge of any wetlands.

Pale-billed Woodpecker: The ivorybill of Costa Rica is doing well and by no means a phantom species at Carara and many other sites in the country.

Laughing Falcon: This snake eating specialist is widespread and common in many parts of the Neotropical region, it is nevertheless always cool to hear and see. Fairly common around Carara.

Scarlet Macaw: A true star of Carara, the national park protected a remnant population of this major bird for many years. Now, it appears to be on the rebound in Costa Rica and can be seen in several parts of the country.

Yellow-naped Parrot: This vulnerable species is regular in sites just outside the national park.

Black-hooded Antshrike: The wooden laughing song of this regional endemic is a common feature of the national park.

Streak-chested Antpitta: The forests of the national park are probably the most accessible, easiest place to see this species anywhere in its range.

Black-striped Woodcreeper: Bird the mature rainforests in the park and you will probably hear, and maybe see, this striking woodcreeper. This one is especially nice because its easy to identify. Keep birding and you might also find seven other woodcreeper species.

Yellow-billed Cotinga: This near endemic endangered mega has become very rare in Carara and the population that uses the park is probably on its last legs.

Orange-collared Manakin: This near endemic beauty is fairly common in the park along with three other species of manakins.

Riverside Wren: One of the more handsome wrens, this near endemic seems to be imitating some babbler species from Malaysia. Its common at Carara along with 8 other commonly seen wren species in the area.

Spot-crowned Euphonia: Another regional endemic, watch for it the forest but forget about looking for spots on the crown. Instead, focus on the diagnostic black thighs.



I was inspired to write this after ending a day of recent guiding in the Carara area with 160 species for the eBird list. That fine number of birds species is actually normal for a full day of birding in that fantastic (if blazing hot) area. Hope to see you there some day!
Oct 14, 2016 | By Nick

HP Inc has announced it will cut up to 4000 staff over the coming three years as it restructures the company.

The computing giant shook up the 3D printing world in May with the introduction of the HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution that promised to provide a viable manufacturing system that was fast enough to consign the traditional production line to history.

The commercial 3D printer has lived up to that early promise and is certainly a potent arm of the company going forward, but it couldnt compensate for a poor year in HPs core consumer PC and desktop printer business. The public are increasingly reliant on smartphones and that has to have an impact on the sale of laptop computers and the peripherals that go with them.

So despite producing the worlds thinnest laptop in the Spectre 13 and the award-winning X3 Lap Dock, the computing giant has had to absorb losses and make redundancies. HP has to bear the brunt of a global trend and the PC market is down 3.9% year-on-year according to market research firm IDC, while Gartner claims its down by 5.7%. These are lean times in the home computing market, then, and that side of the business dwarfs HPs investment in 3D scanning and 3D printing.

It is still spending big and expanding in the 3d printing and scanning space as it shifts its focus to our growth industry. In July it bought David Vision Systems and David 3D Solutions and stated its intent to build a complete 3D ecosystem, from 3D scanning through computing to the 3D printing. It also committed to investing more than $65 million a year into 3D printing R&D center in Spain. So its fair to say that HP saw these problems coming and is working on the solution. In the short-term, though, it has to restructure and put a large amount of people out of work.

These heavy cuts will save the company $200-300 million a year from 2020, but theres no hiding the fact that this is a major blow. HP has approximately 50,000 employees around the world so it is actually shedding almost 10% of its total workforce.

Dion Weisler, President and CEO of HP Inc



Although our markets remain very challenged, we are committed to innovating in the core and continue to see long-term growth opportunities in commercial mobility and services, the disruption of the A3 copier market and the digitization of graphics and manufacturing through our leading 3D printing solutions, said CEO Dion Weisler.

Hewlett-Packard Co. split a year ago in Silicon Valleys biggest ever corporate break-up and HP Inc rose from the ashes as the new hardware division. It has saved more than $1 billion thanks to the split, according to Weisler. Now the company is on the hunt for investors and reduced costs, together with an aggressive payout strategy, will make the tech giant a safer bet for the money men.

HP Inc claims it will return 50-75% of the annual free cashflow to the shareholders, which sounds exceptionally aggressive. But if thats what it takes to raise the finance it needs to build on its exceptional progress in the 3D printing and 3D scanning world, and shore up its defenses in the home computing market, then thats what the Palo Alto company has to do.

The company stock dropped by 1.3% when it broke the news. Considering the magnitude of the job losses, this is actually a positive sign and until this bombshell the shares had risen 28% this year.

HP Inc is in relatively good shape and it has a formidable weapon in the HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution, especially if it can integrate the David products and create a complete manufacturing system that is an order of magnitude cheaper than a full production line. Desktop inkjet printing simply wont get back to its glory days, technology has moved on. So HP Inc was wise to make the move and now it has to go through the painful transition to a high-tech company with the right number of people on board.

It wont go down well with the unions, it has raised eyebrows on Wall St and HP Inc will have to work hard to find the investment it needs in the wake of this news. But if it can slim down and come back twice as strong, this day will soon be forgotten, by the investors at least.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Surveys for $3B Navigator carbon capture pipeline could begin in South Dakota

Navigator fulfilled two prerequisites in South Dakota law that could allow them to conduct surveys on private land without a landowner's permission.
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.
This Sunday, October 16, Mumbaikars can request a Porsche on the Uber app and zoom straight to The Gentlemens Edition, a one of a kind event for the modern Indian man, hosted at the Porsche Centre Mumbai.

Whats more? Select lucky riders also get to experience the Boxster at The Gentlemens Edition and win exclusive swag baskets!

How it works:

1. Fire up the Uber app between 2 pm  4 pm on Sunday, Oct 16

2. Request for SUPERCARS on the slider

3. Once connected, a Porsche will arrive at your pick-up location to whisk you away to Porsche Centre Mumbai

4. Demand will be high and availability will be limited.

5. All this for a glorious sum of Rs. 0
In the last two years, Afghanistan has been facing unprecedented challenges. However, several major development projects have initiated, launched or completed. But the government has failed to deliver its promises. Thousands of Afghans died in violence. The government lost control of several districts across the country and hundreds of thousands of Afghans forced to flee their home. Unemployment and corruption is at its peak. Disunity among the Afghans have increased and the country is more fragile than ever. If the world community does not engage immediately, Afghanistan will turn into a second Iraq.





After a major election crisis and controversy, the coalition government of national unity inaugurated in September of 2014.

, in a

of State John Kerry, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani introduced as a president and his political rival Dr. Abdullah Abdullah as his chief

executive.





Since its establishment, the legitimacy of the

(NUG) has challenged and called unconstitutional. Following the deal for the new government, Afghanistan and the US signed the

and NATO Status of Forces Agreement, allowing the US and its NATO allies to stay in Afghanistan, beyond 2015.





Paying $ 4 billion a year to the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) and $1 billion for development projects,

. In 2011, during the second

, the world community has agreed to support Afghanistan for ten years, the Decade of Transformation (2015-2024).





Afghanistan is still at the bottom of

.

is just around the corner and it will be held 4-5 October. This is another great opportunity for the NUG to pledge to fight against corruption and appeal for further aid to the major donors.





Unconditionally backed by the world community, Afghan leaderships think of themselves above every law and privileged. The nation is suppressed, starving, divided and living in fear. They do not have the power to set their politicians and civil servants accountable. Therefore, it gives a chance to the insurgents to recruit

angry and hopeless Afghans into their lines.





The government should be responsible for securing and building on the gains made possible by the blood and treasure of Afghans and their allies. However, in the absence of accountability mechanism, a regime which is politically, financially and even militarily backed by the world community, might not be accountable to its ordinary citizens.





Every month, thousands of Afghans leave the country because of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than a quarter of the one million refugees and migrants who arrived in Europe in 2015 were Afghans, coming second after Syrians.





The country is rich in natural resources, gas, minerals and oil

US dollars. But still poverty is one of the major cause of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. Therefore, promoting a healthy investment in extractive industries and trade will support Afghanistans

strategy, agreed by the world community in Tokyo in July 2012.





Helping Afghanistan establishes peace, encourage investment in infrastructure could help decrease the flow of refugees to Europe, which represents a brain drain for Afghanistan and an addition to the refugee crisis in the European countries.




WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recently concluded investigation by the Texas Education Agency into the charter school network controlled by secretive Turkish figure Fethullah Gulen has failed to address the substance of numerous glaring irregularities, says Robert Amsterdam, an attorney acting on behalf of the Republic of Turkey.

On May 24, 2016 a complaint was filed to the TEA by Amsterdam & Partners LLP revealing a widespread pattern of fraud, discrimination, and abuse at Harmony Public Schools. The TEA however believes it only had the authority to evaluate just two allegations out of more than ten raised in this complaint.

"If the TEA is unable to investigate these egregious abuses by Harmony Public Schools, then we must refer the matter to other state authorities," said Amsterdam. "Considering that Harmony has set up corporations such as Charter School Solutions (CSS) for the sole purpose of profiting off taxpayer funds dedicated to education, the very serious issues raised in this complaint cannot be dismissed so casually."

Amsterdam described the investigation outcome as "politically convenient" for Fethullah Gulen, whose organization is one of the state's most prolific campaign donors, and vowed to bring the matter up before other state officials who are capable of defending the interests of both taxpayers and schoolchildren.

"This cursory inquiry not only ignored the majority of the issues raised in the complaint, but also failed to look beyond the registered agents of the contracting companies without even considering who the beneficiaries are," said Amsterdam. "Knowing the Gulenists, they will undoubtedly attempt to portray this whitewash as a victory. But the fact is that there are many areas that TEA did not address, and we intend to request other state agencies and public officials to scrutinize Harmony's activity."

Among the issues in the complaint that were left aside by TEA include evidence of discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotion favoring Turkish males, preference for related Turkish vendors in major contracts, discrimination against English Language learners and Students with Disabilities, abuse of the H-1B visa program to bring in underqualified Turkish nationals for teaching and leadership positions, misuse of federal program funding for low socioeconomic students and students with special needs, and systematic overcharging of leases to Harmony schools by Harmony's private real estate arm to siphon over $18 million of public funds out of the schools.

Despite finding that Harmony had paid over $18.7 million dollars to Turkish owned vendors in the last two years, TEA conducted no analysis to determine whether these vendors had illegal relationships to Harmony's leadership, as alleged in the complaint. This deserves more investigation because it is known that some of these local funds Harmony receives come from questionable sources. For example, Harmony received $175,000 from Gulen-affiliated schools in Oklahoma that in a recent audit by the Oklahoma State Auditor were considered an improper use of state funds.

Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, which was appointed by the Republic of Turkey to investigate unlawful activity of Fethullah Gulen. More information about the scandals surrounding Gulen's 146 U.S. charter schools can be found on guleninvestigation.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lawyer-cites-inability-of-texas-education-agency-to-investigate-harmony-public-schools-300345356.html

SOURCE Amsterdam & Partners LLP
NEWINGTON, Conn., Oct. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, October 16, 2016, PCX Aerostructures, LLC will team up with local veterans support organization, House of Heroes, to make a difference in the lives of two Manchester and Enfield, CT veterans faced with physical and/or financial hardships by providing repairs and home improvements.

House of Heroes is a nationwide non-profit organization that has assisted more than 500 military and public service veterans. The chapter partners with local companies to recognize, honor and serve veterans in need by providing no-cost home repair services. PCX Aerostructures is an international supplier of complex, flight critical components and assemblies for major OEM aerospace customers on today's most advanced military and commercial aircraft platforms.

"We have an outstanding group of associates with compassionate hearts that volunteer their talents to help others, in this case, retired veterans in our local community," said Al Haase, President & CEO of PCX Aerostructures. "I am proud of our team and our association with an organization as outstanding as House of Heroes."

PCX Aerostructures is a world class supplier of highly engineered, precision, flight critical and structural assemblies for rotorcraft and fixed wing aerospace platforms. The company serves defense and commercial markets as well as the power generation industry through facilities in Connecticut, New York and Texas. PCX is a leader in producing complex parts machined from hard alloys such as titanium, Inconel and steel - where tight tolerances and quality are imperative. The company is also a premier producer of large structural airframe assemblies providing direct delivery, as well as Blue Streak manufacturing support, to production lines of to customers such as Airbus, Boeing, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky and Triumph Aerostructures. PCX Aerostructures is owned by RFE Investment Partners, 24/6 Capital Partners, and PCX Management.

RFE Investment Partners  based in New Canaan, CT - is a private equity investor with over 30 years of lower middle market buyout experience investing in growth companies in partnership with strong management teams.

To learn more please visit www.pcxaero.com.

For more information:

Trevor Hartman

Vice President  Sales & Marketing

(860)594-4388

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pcx-aerostructures-llc-sponsors-local-connecticut-veterans-through-house-of-heroes-volunteer-program-300345329.html

SOURCE PCX Aerostructures, LLC
Reservists civilian experience proves vital to new aircraft programs

When it comes to accomplishing the mission, its not uncommon for the civilian work experience of Citizen Airmen to play as vital of a role as their military experience.



This is certainly the case for Lt. Col. Robert Latka and other reservists supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.



One of the centers missions is to acquire and prepare new aircraft, such as the KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker.



While Latkas experience as a KC-10 Stratotanker pilot with the 78th Air Refueling Squadron certainly provides value to the mission, it was his civilian experience as a pilot for an international package-delivery company that made him particularly useful to the KC-46 program.



Once Latka learned the KC-46 would be based on a Boeing 767 platform, which just happens to be the airplane Latka flies at his full-time civilian job, he took the initiative to reach out to the centers KC-46 program office to offer his particularly appropriate blend of talents.



I have been a lifelong tanker guy, said Latka, who started his Air Force career as a KC-135 maintenance crew chief. I thought it would be great to have a hand in all three tankers during my career.



At first, the office didnt need help, but when they needed an Air Force tanker pilot who was also well-versed with the Federal Aviation Administrations rules and regulations for civilian airline operations, they took Latka up on his offer, said Dr. Robert Marx, the FAA Military Certification Office Liaison in the KC-46 program office.



Since 2012, Latka has been serving with the office about 30 days per year in a variety of roles.



Marx said Latka has contributed to the avionics development team, the cockpit working group, the test and evaluation team, the aircrew training team, the flight manual development and verification team and the FAA certification team.



This is really interesting work since our group is rather diverse, including pilots, design engineers and testers, Latka said. The majority of my work involves editing and writing the KC-46 flight manuals.



But Marx thinks Latkas intangible contributions are just as significant as his tangible skills.



He delivered an inspiring presentation at an all-call upon his return from deployment. He helped not only the civilians in our organization but also the junior officers better understand what our mission is and who we do it for, Marx said.



And Latka isnt the only Citizen Airmen contributing to the centers mission.



Over the years, we have had many Reservists in support of our acquisition programs, Marx said. Reservists bring the warfighter into the program office. This is especially true when we are buying a commercial derivative aircraft since many Reservists also work in the commercial aviation industry as mechanics, pilots and inspectors.



Another Reservist supporting the centers mission is Senior Master Sgt. Constantine Karamargin. He is officially assigned to the center as an individual mobilization augmentee, but he came up through the ranks maintaining KC-10 Extenders as a crew chief with the 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.



And just like Latka, Karamargin is able to leverage his civilian experience as an FAA maintenance inspector.



He constantly relies on his vast experience as a crew chief and an FAA inspector to make sure the KC-46 maintenance program is the best it can be, Marx said. He has also been instrumental in navigating the path to achieve FAA approval of the KC-46 maintenance program.



Marx said Karamargins civilian experience has paid dividends for the program office.



It has been critical since the KC-46 will be the first commercial derivative aircraft platform ever supported organically by the Air Force while still maintaining its FAA type design approval.



Karamargin also audited airworthiness policies of civilian aircraft used for Air Force pilot training developed & provided training materials and instructions related to aircraft inspections, supported the Battlefield Airborne Communication Node E-11A program, and assisted the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System program with understanding FAA maintenance requirements.



The contributions of Latka and Karamargin have also paved the way for Lt. Col. Michael Capodicasa, another KC-10 pilot with the 78th ARS, who recently began serving with the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program office to assist with acquiring the new Air Force One.



In his civilian profession, Capodicasa flies a Boeing 747-8, which was selected as the airframe for the next Air Force One.



While Capodicasa is still becoming familiar with the program, Marx said he expects him to perform as well as his fellow Reserve Airmen.



I have no doubt that as the PAR program evolves that Lt. Col. Capodicasas involvement will prove just as important based on his 747-8 experience and that he will be a tremendous asset to the program, Marx said.



Marx gave credit to Airmen of all statuses for the centers success.



This is all being done using the Total Force in development and not just operation, he said. The centers motto of speed with discipline would not otherwise be possible without leveraging both the civilian and military experience the Total Force brings to the table. We are transforming the way the Air Force operates and maintains commercial derivative aircraft and we are doing it as one team.
James named honorary Tuskegee Airman

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James was named an honorary Tuskegee Airman and was presented the Tuskegee Airman red jacket during the Air Force Memorials 10th anniversary ceremony in Arlington, Va., Oct. 14.



From the White House to Hollywood, the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen and their Red Tails have been widely celebrated over the past 70 years.



Though the Red Tails no longer take to the skies, the Airmen who served in the once-segregated 332nd Fighter Group can now be recognized on land by their distinguishable red jackets  an item reserved only for the members of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and those they appoint as honorary members of their elite group.



Secretary James, just like the Tuskegee Airmen, you have been a trailblazer, said retired Brig. Gen. Leon Johnson, the president of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. You, like them, have shown that hard work and staying on task results in success.



Its the honor of a lifetime, James said. My heart is palpitating and its difficult to find words  Im just so humbled by this honor and Im so humbled to be with these gentlemen; they inspire us all.



To become an honorary Tuskegee Airman, one must help preserve the Red Tails heritage and help continue their legacy by introducing youth to aviation and science, technology, engineering and math. According to Johnson, James has done just that.



Under James leadership, the spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen units from World War II is alive and well in the hands of active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units, Johnson said.



Until recently, the 332nd Expeditionary Wing was in Iraq overseeing a constant rotation of personnel who considered themselves the forward deployed bearers of the Tuskegee Airmen legacy, Johnson said.



In addition to being fantastic role models for the todays Airmen, the Tuskegee Airmen made huge contributions during World War II, James said.



They grew up in an America that was different from America of today  where it was legal for businesses to refuse them because of the color of their skin, and a law called separate but equal was the law of the land, James said. Nonetheless, they came from every corner of the country, and all they asked at that period was the privilege of serving our country.



Its crucial we continue to tell these stories; we continue that legacy forward in the Air Force today, she continued. We are committed to seeing that the values reflected by these Airmen do carry forward and that we do tell the young Airmen of today about our Tuskegee Airmen.



Johnson said the Red Tails are dedicated to preserving the heritage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and are working with Air Force leadership on new diversity and inclusion initiatives, including the 13 new initiatives announced in September by James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody.



I can tell you my organization stands ready now, just as our Airmen did during World War II, to help and support moving the Air Force to the next level and meeting the diversity and inclusion challenges of the 21st century, Johnson said. For all that you have done to support our Airmen, the men and women of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. are proud to recognize you with honorary membership in our organization  congratulations and welcome.
For the last decade, the Air Force Memorial stood boldly in the skyline of the nations capital, inciting pride and honor, and recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of Airmen who have served. Members of industry, Airmen and media attended a ceremony in celebration of the monuments 10th anniversary under its spires in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 14.Depending on ones perspective, the towering memorial -- made of three spires reaching 270 feet -- can symbolize the Air Force core values, a bomb burst maneuver or the three of four planes performing a missing man formation.Air Force senior leaders spoke during the ceremony  themed past, present and future  paying homage to veterans who paved the way, those who are currently serving, and the Airmen of the future.Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, who was also named an honorary Tuskegee Airman at the event, spoke to the bright future of the Air Force.Airmen of today and those of tomorrow are all standing on the backs of the giants of the past, James said. Its now up to all of us, and those who follow us, to preserve and carry forward that legacy into the future, and that is precisely what we will do.According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, the Airmen of today stand watch for America across the globe, delivering global reach, global vigilance and global power.Standing watch  is what we do, he said. So, how appropriate that this powerful, moving memorial stands watch over our fallen at Arlington Cemetery.The solemn place to honor the pioneers of the past inspired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody to reflect on the freedom it represents.It is truly an honor as you think about celebrating the history of it all, he said. You think about two brothers with big dreams at the turn of the 20th century to the Doolittle Raiders, to the Tuskegee Airmen, to all the legends who have gone before us and shoulders we stand on that make this Air Force so great.Since its dedication, over 2 million people have visited the memorial in reverence of tradition, heritage and esprit de corps, stated the memorials director.The Air Force memorial is a living, breathing monument, said retired Chief Master Sgt. Barbara Taylor, the Air Force Memorial managing director. This isnt something you just drive by and say its nice; it is a place where Airmen come to celebrate Airmen.From history to resiliency, the majestic site is in the crossroads of heritage and the future, inspiring todays Air Force mission.The spires of our memorial reach to the sky, just as our Airmen reach for the sky everyday as we fly, fight and win, James said.
In a statement, Kei Nakagawa, Professor of Political Sociology of Maghreb and President of the International Research group for transregional and Emerging Area Studies, highlighted the decent conditions in the polling stations in El Jadida, stating that the vote in all visited stations took place in accurate conditions and in full transparency without any incident.

The International observer Dr Kei Nakagawa ( Japanese) was among the observers who covered elections in el-Jadida city ( south of Casablanca)

Dr Nakagawa expressed also her satisfaction of the strong enthusiasm of the voters in the city mainly among women.

Nakagawa commented that:  Once again, Morocco has demonstrated that it is in the right way to make from Morocco a distinctive model for democracy and good governance
Moroccos Minister of Interior announced the early hours of Saturday morning the Party of Justice and Development as the leading party winning Moroccos legislative elections held on Friday across Morocco.

During a press conference held at the Ministry of Interiors headquarters in Rabat, Hassad exposed the provisional results of the elections.

According to provisional results after counting more than 90 pc of the votes, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) won 99 seats followed by the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) by 80 seats, Interior minister Mohamed Hassad pointed out at a press briefing.

The Istiqlal party (PI) and the National Rally of Independents (RNI) won 31 and 30 seats respectively, while the Popular Movement (MP) won 21 seats, the Constitutional Union (UC) 16 seats, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) 14 seats, the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) 7 seats, the Democratic and Social Movement (MDS) 3 seats, the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) 2 seats and the remaining parties 2 seats.

The results of the national constituency will be announced Saturday morning, according to the Interior minister

The provisional turnout rate at these elections stood at around 43% nationally at 19.00 local time (GMT+1), the poll closing time.

Some 15.7 million Moroccans have been registered to vote and some 6.992 candidates competed to win seats in the 395-member House of Representatives (lower house).
Antonio Guterres, former Portuguese Prime Minister, has been elected by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday as new UN Secretary General.

Gueterres, who served as head of the UN refugee agency for a decade, will take over from Ban Ki-moon, who served as UN chief for the past decade.

During a straw poll held on Wednesday morning in the UN headquarters in New York, the 15 members of the Security Council agreed to choose the former Portuguese official as new UN Secretary General.

The members of the Security Council had to cast their vote and choose between 10 candidates. They were asked to choose between a choice of encourage, discourage or no opinion for each candidate. Antonio Guterres received 13 encourage vote and two no no opinion.

Today after our sixth straw poll we have a clear favorite and his name is Antonio Guterres, the Russian UN Permanent Representative to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, told reporters following the vote.

We have decided to go to a formal vote tomorrow morning at 10 oclock, and we hope it can be done by acclamation.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rejected, on Friday at the UN headquarters in New York, any attempt to undermine the supreme interests of Morocco and its sovereignty.

We express our rejection of any attempt to undermine the supreme interests of the brotherly Kingdom of Morocco, or its sovereignty, said Manal Radwan, first secretary at Saudi Arabias mission at the UN, before the 4th Commission of the UN General Assembly on behalf of the delegations of the GCC states.

The GCC delegations expressed their satisfaction with the efforts aimed at reaching a political and consensual solution to the Sahara issue within the framework of relevant Security Council resolutions, including the 2285 resolution, and welcomed the efforts of the UN Special Envoy, Christopher Ross.

In this regard, they stressed the importance of continuing the commitment of all parties to work seriously to contribute positively to the success of this important political process.
A corruption investigation expected to contain damning allegations against South African President Jacob Zuma will not be published on Friday, as planned.

Thuli Mandonsela, who has vigorously pursued Mr Zuma in her seven years as anti-corruption tsar, told Reuters that legal action was behind the delay.

Mr Zuma applied for a court order to ban the publication on Thursday.

The report addresses allegations that a wealthy Indian-born business family has had undue influence on his government.

The Guptas have been accused of dismissing and appointing ministers, a form of corruption referred to in South Africa as state capture.

The family strongly denies all the allegations, as has the president.

Ms Madonsela had been planning to release the findings on Friday, her last day in her role as public protector.

But with legal action preventing her from releasing the report before, Ms Madonsela says she has now given for safe-keeping to Baleka Mbete, the speaker of parliament.

Im not the whistle blower. Im the one who investigates what the whistle blowers tell me, she told a press conference in Pretoria, at which she reiterated several times that she was not able to discuss the findings of the report.

Former Finance Minister David Van Rooyen has filed a separate legal application to block publication of any aspects of the report involving allegations against him.

When Thuli Madonselas daughter asked her over breakfast how it felt to be South Africas biggest tell-tale, the public protector just smiled.

It was an understated reaction from the woman likely to go down in history as the person who rattled President Jacob Zuma more than any other figure in contemporary South Africa, exposed the growing fissures in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and went from being a shy trade unionist to an internationally feted global leader.

Ms Madonselas inquiries over her years in office as public protector have led to the sacking of some of the most senior figures in the country.

She has investigated police chiefs, opposition politicians  and even the president himself over multi-million dollar security upgrades to his private Nkandla home.

The controversial appointment of Mr Van Rooyen, who lasted just three days in the post before standing down, is one of the key lines of inquiry in the investigation, the BBC understands.

The report allegedly contains evidence based on mobile phone records that Mr Van Rooyen was at the home of the influential Gupta family hours before his shock appointment as finance minister, according to details of the report leaked to the BBC.

Markets panicked over Mr Van Rooyens controversial appointment, which followed the sacking of his respected predecessor Nhlanhla Nene, causing the South African currency to plunge to record lows.

Critics of Ms Madonsela claims she has exceeded her powers and is on a mission to try to topple President Zuma but she maintains shes just doing her job.

In a previous report, she found that Mr Zuma had unduly benefitted from the use of taxpayers money to build a cattle enclosure, amphitheatre, swimming pool, visitor centre and chicken run at his home in Nkandla.

Last month, he repaid about $500,000 of the $23m total cost of these upgrades.

In March, the Supreme Court found he had breached the constitution by not paying back this money.
The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency effective immediately following a week of anti-government violence that resulted in deaths and property damage across the country, especially in the restive Oromia region.

In a televised address on Sunday morning, Ethiopias Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said the state of emergency was declared because there has been an enormous damage to property in his country.

We put our citizens safety first. Besides, we want to put an end to the damage that is being carried out against infrastructure projects, education institutions, health centers, administration and justice buildings, said Desalegn on the state Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation.

The recent developments in Ethiopia have put the integrity of the nation at risk, he said.

The state of emergency will not breach basic human rights enshrined under the Ethiopian constitution and wont also affect diplomatic rights listed under the Vienna Convention, said Desalegn.

The internet is blocked across many parts of Ethiopia, residents reported Sunday. The government has blocked the internet for more than a week to prevent protesters from using social media to get supporters to attend demonstrations.

Major towns and cities across Ethiopias Oromia region are experiencing unrest and widespread violent protests after dozens were killed on October 2 in a stampede triggered when police fired teargas and bullets to disperse protestors at the annual Irrecha thanksgiving celebration in Bishoftu town.

Anti-government protests continued Sunday. Many roads into and out of the capital, Addis Ababa, are blocked by protesters and those who try to drive through are targeted by people who jump out from behind bushes and hurl rocks, witnesses told the Associated Press by phone on Sunday.

The state broadcaster said details of the state of emergency will be communicated to the public later Sunday.

In a separate development, Ethiopian officials summoned Egypts ambassador to the country, Aboubakr Hefny, for discussions. The State Minister for Ethiopias Foreign Affairs Ministry talked to the Egyptian diplomat after a video appeared online which purportedly shows members of the outlawed Oromo Liberation Front sharing a stage with what Ethiopias state broadcaster described as Egyptians. by Egyptian government has denied later any association to Ethiopian opposition
King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, chaired, here Friday, the opening of the first session of the first legislative year of the tenth legislature.

The Sovereign delivered a speech before the members of the Parliaments two houses (the House of Representatives and the House of Advisors).

The opening of the fall session of the parliament takes places a week after Morocco held its second parliamentary elections after the adoption of a new constitution in July 2011.

During the elections, which were held without incidents and in accordance with the rules of democracy and transparency, the Party of Justice and Development (PJD) won the majority with 125 seats.

It was followed by its political rival, the Party of Authenticity and Modernity, which secured 102 seats. The Istiqlal party came in third place with 46 seats.

King Mohammed VI received the head of the PJD, Abdelilah Benkirane, and entrusted him with the mission of forming a new coalition government.

Most major capitals hailed the way in which the polls took place. Earlier this week, the Spanish government released a statement in which it pointed out that Moroccos parliamentary elections were held in an exemplary manner.

The Government of Spain congratulates the friendly nation of Morocco and its authorities for the exemplary manner in which the legislative elections on 7 October 2016 unfolded, the source said.

The Government of Spain congratulates the friendly nation of Morocco and its authorities for the exemplary manner in which the legislative elections on 7 October 2016 unfolded, the source said.

King Mohammed VI Congratulates Antonio Guterres on his Election as UNSG

King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations and best wishes to Antonio Guterres on his election as secretary general of the United Nations.

In this message, the King extended to Guterres his heartfelt congratulations and sincere wishes of full success in this new position.

Your appointment to this position mirrors the trust of UN member states in you, and pays tribute to your human qualities, competence and the great political experience you have gained during your career, said the sovereign.

The Moroccan monarch said he is convinced that the UNSGs great experience and political know-how will enable him to fulfill his mission and give new momentum to UN action.

Today, the world is undergoing a series of event marked by tension, conflicts and imbalances, said the sovereign.

He noted that this adds to the responsibilities of the UN, which is urged, now more than ever, to develop its bodies and strengthen its performance to address the current challenges and meet the expectations of the international community which aspires to a better future for the next generations. 

King Mohammed renewed to Antonio Guterres Moroccos determination to continue playing an active role regionally and internationally.

Meanwhile, he reiterated his entire and unwavering readiness to bring all forms of support to UN efforts and good offices to find peaceful and equitable solutions to the different international thorny issues and contribute to fostering the values of freedom, justice, solidarity and coexistence between peoples and civilizations.








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Date: 12 October, 2016.

Place: Newton Abbot, Devon County, England.

On 12 October, the small English town of Newton Abbot, Devon, was the scene of a shocking event.

According to an article published on British online news site Mirror.co.uk, a local paranormal researcher affirmed to have had an encounter with a blood-sucking alien while doing a paranormal investigation.

The witness, John Mooner, expressed that he found the creature in a park. I was doing some paranormal investigation looking for anything out of the ordinary and I had just walked around the woods when I saw someone standing there in the park, he said. It was as I got closer that I realised that it was no man. I had the shock of my life - it was a grey alien, he expressed.

The grey alien was just standing there blocking the way I was heading. I fumbled around with my pocket camera and quickly took a photograph before the AA batteries fell out of the camera's batteries compartment, Mr Mooner related. There was no time to pick up the batteries to take another photograph as the grey alien was now looking right at me.

According to the paranormal investigator, the entity had sporting 'classic looking' black eyes and an indefinite shape. It had the classic looking black eye which freaked me right out, he declared.

After staring at him for a while, the alleged alien being started moving towards him. The grey alien then started floating in my direction. I jump back in fight and quickly turn around and started running like hell back through the woods, Mr Mooner commented. He also said that he ran until he started unaccountably 'coughing up blood'.

The Devon resident expressed that this was his closest encounter yet with an extraterrestrial after coming face-to-face with a non-human species. He also affirms that the incident was final proof he had been seeking for that aliens were alive and well on Earth - and were living in Devon. He had previously registered other alien sightings, like a spacecraft and the red haired pilot inside staring back at him that he photographed earlier this year.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ghost-hunter-left-freaked-out-9030396

Ghost-hunter left 'freaked out' after capturing 'blood-sucking alien' on camera

John Mooner came face-to-face with an extraterrestrial being and attempted to flee but ended up coughing up blood - which he blames on the otherworldly invader.

A paranormal expert was left terrified after photographing what he believes was a blood-sucking alien that landed in Britain.

Ghost-hunter John Mooner says he had his closest encounter yet with an extraterrestrial after coming face-to-face with a non-human species.

He said he attempted to flee but ended up coughing up blood - which he blames on the otherworldly invader.

John, of Newton Abbot, Devon, described the spooky being as sporting 'classic looking' black eyes and an indefinite shape.

But rather than 'coming in peace' the grumpy creature fixed him with a stare and started floating around.

John said the incident was final proof he had been seeking for that aliens were alive and well on Earth - and were living in Devon.

He said: "I was doing some paranormal investigation looking for anything out of the ordinary and I had just walked around the woods when I saw someone standing there in the park.

"It was as I got closer that I realised that it was no man. I had the shock of my life - it was a grey alien.

"The grey alien was just standing there blocking the way I was heading. I fumbled around with my pocket camera and quickly took a photograph before the AA batteries fell out of the camera's batteries compartment.

"There was no time to pick up the batteries to take another photograph as the grey alien was now looking right at me.

"It had the classic looking black eye which freaked me right out.

"The grey alien then started floating in my direction. I jump back in fight and quickly turn around and started running like hell back through the woods."

John says he 'ran for miles' before he started unaccountably 'coughing up blood'.

Luckily for science and humankind he managed to take a picture.

John, who describes himself as the chief photographer for World UFO Photos, has taken several pictures over the years.

Earlier this year he says he also captured a UFO 'falling from the stars' - that looked like Mick Hucknall.

He spotted what he says was a spacecraft and the red haired pilot inside staring back at him.

And on closer inspection the face looking down on Earth is almost a spitting image of the Simply Red front man - who penned the lyrics 'I wanna fall from the stars.'

He said: "I was gobsmacked there was someone looking back at me. I almost dropped my camera with shock.

"To my amazement it had beautiful red permed hair that was reminiscent of the 80s. I could only just see the face it was hard to determine if this being was male or female."

Please watch the above video which elaborates on the testimony of Alex Collier who is an Extraterrestrial contactee who has sought to warn humanity that the 'Greys' are "energy vampires".


Update: Missing woman has been found safe, police confirm.

--

Authorities are asking for help locating a missing east Alabama woman last seen in Birmingham.

Karley Downey, of Southside near Rainbow City, was last seen Friday night at Nana Funks bar in Birmingham, according to an alert from the Southside Police Department.

Friends and family haven't been able to reach her.

Birmingham police didn't immediately respond to a request for information on the missing woman.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lt. Ragsdale at Southside Police Department at 256-442-2255.
A 70-year-old man reported missing in Birmingham has been found in South Carolina.

Bruce Green left UAB Highlands about 9 p.m. Thursday, said Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards. Green was supposed to leave the hospital and head home, but he never showed up. He suffers from minor dementia.

A deputy in South Carolina stopped Green overnight because he was driving his 2003 Ford Mustang around in the parking lot of a business there. Green told the deputy he thought he was still in Birmingham and was just a few blocks from his home.

Edwards said his family members are being notified.
Larry Contri.JPG

Larry Contri is now serving as Birmingham City Schools interim superintendent. (Erin Edgemon/eedgemon@al.com)

The Birmingham City Schools interim superintendent, who was appointed by the board last month, is receiving a salary of $202,000.

The school board on Tuesday approved paying Larry Contri the same salary as ousted superintendent Kelley Castlin-Gacutan, city schools spokesperson Chanda Temple confirmed.

Contri doesn't have a contract for the interim post, she said.

The school system fired Castlin-Gacutan without cause after serving 16 months on the job. She is being paid for the remaining two years of her contract, which could total more than $400,000.

Just prior to taking the interim post, Contri, the school system's longest-running employee at 49 years, was making $103,000 a year as a director of schools.

Contri, 70, has served nearly every position in the school system but superintendent. He applied for the position, though, about 10 years ago.

According to previous AL.com reports, Contri's been eligible for retirement for nearly 30 years, and has repeatedly refused to retire or take a buyout.

Contri said he "chose to stay" even after the state eliminated his post during its takeover of Birmingham City Schools in 2012, and after having his salary reduced by about $50,000 a year.

"You do (this job) out of love and commitment to the children," he said.

Contri filed a lawsuit against Birmingham City Schools in 2014 after a salary dispute. He claimed the school board couldn't reduce his salary -- due to the state's financial plan and a change in the salary schedule -- because of his years of service.

Contri and Birmingham schools settled the dispute earlier this year, and his salary was increased by $7,000.

School board members have yet to discuss the process for hiring a new superintendent. Board President Wardine Alexander said the system has six months to hire a replacement.

Contri hasn't said whether he will apply for the permanent job.
Employees of a north Alabama town will soon receive diversity training by an Islamic American civil rights group, Gurley officials said on Friday.

Chief Barry Pendergraft

Gurley Mayor Robert Sentell made the decision nearly a week after police Chief Barry Pendergraft was accused by the Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of spreading "anti-Muslim bigotry." The accusation stemmed from Pendergraft's Facebook posts about bacon-greased bullets last month. The organization asked state and federal authorities to investigate the posts in a statement on Oct. 7. Pendergraft has been the police chief for the town located in Madison County since April 2014.

CAIR-AL Executive Director Khaula Hadeed said the idea of bullets covered in bacon grease refers to "a theme often used by anti-Muslim bigots because they falsely believe Muslims cannot enter heaven if they are shot by such ammunition."

Sentell started an investigation after being contacted by Al.com. Sentell said the police chief didn't intend to offend any racial or ethnic group. Pendergraft, a shooting enthusiast, was referring to the lubricant required to reload shell casings, the mayor said.

Although commercial lubricants are available, Sentell said Pendergraft learned about alternative emollients, such as canola oil and bacon grease, online. As proof, Pendergraft shared with Sentell links and screenshots of message boards about recreational shooting.

"I have reviewed them and am I accept his explanation," Sentell said. "I am also quite satisfied that he meant no offense or ill will by his Facebook posts."

Sentell contacted Hadeed this week to share what he learned and to discuss solutions. Along with diversity training, both officials agreed to visit a nearby mosque to increase the employees' understanding of the Muslim faith.

Hadeed said she was pleased by Sentell's quick response and accepts Pendergraft's explanation.

"We had a positive discussion in which the mayor's office agreed that Pendergraft's posts could cause offense and place minorities in danger," Hadeed said. "Most people reading the posts viewed them as anti-Muslim hatred, which unfortunately has been a very real issue with very real consequences for the Muslim community."

Hadeed's charge to stop anti-Islamic remarks comes from recent attacks against Muslims nationwide. An eight-month FBI investigation into a Kansas militia group led to the arrests of three men who planned to bomb an apartment complex occupied by Somali immigrants, the Associated Press reported. Agents said in a complaint the victims were targeted by the group "based on (it's) hatred for Muslims, people of Somali descent and immigrants."

In response to the attack, CAIR's national office asked state and federal authorities to step up security for mosques and other Islamic institutions.

Hadeed hopes the training in Gurley will prevent future misinterpretations.

"At a time of increased attacks and incidents of hate against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim nationwide, we believe it is essential that public service staff and officers are adequately trained and are able to serve the community fairly and justly without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or religion," Hadeed said. "Sentiments that appear to single out particular communities make us all less safe."

Sentell and Hadeed are working together to select a date for the training. In the meantime, Sentell warned town employees to be more cautious about what they say on social media.

"I am confident that Pendergraft has been committed and remains committed to serving and protecting the citizens of the city of Gurley in a manner that respects persons of all races and all faiths," Sentell said. "That is my commitment as well and we look forward to the positive benefits from the training to be offered to them."
A Phenix City man was sentenced on Friday to serve 24 months in prison for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme.

Kenneth Fearson, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft in July, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama. Following his release from prison, he must serve six months on probation.

Fearson worked at a warehouse that contained employee records for a Columbus, Georgia company, according to court documents. He stole workers' W-4 tax forms from the warehouse and assisted in selling them to others, including Charnesha Alexander.

Alexander and others used these forms to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns.

In March, Alexander was sentenced to 111 months in prison.
NASA CO2 graph.jpg

This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent direct measurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. (Credit: Vostok ice core data/J.R. Petit et al.; NOAA Mauna Loa CO2 record, courtesy NASA.gov)

(NASA)

Peter Bryn, former ExxonMobil engineer and conservative outreach director at the Citizens' Climate Lobby

As a conservative-leaning independent, Peter Bryn believes the government should play a limited role in the lives of its citizens, only getting involved where absolutely necessary to safeguard the lives and rights of its citizens.

As a former engineer for ExxonMobil and current conservative outreach director for the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Bryn believes that reducing carbon pollution that leads to climate change is one of those areas.

"I was with Exxon for about eight years, and I was concerned about how we manage climate change and provide energy to the world affordably at the same time," Bryn said. "I'm a big believer in the policy approach that Exxon supported, which is very similar to what we at CCL support, which we call a carbon fee and dividend."

Bryn and other representatives of the Citizens' Climate Lobby are touring the Southeastern states of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana this month as part of the group's Southern Energy Freedom Tour to make the case for their policy, which they see as a market-based approach to battling climate change that is preferable to increased regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The tour kicked off in Alabama with an event at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Mobile Thursday night, before heading to Pensacola Friday. The CCL tour will meet with church, civic or college groups in Dothan, Auburn, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Huntsville over the next several days.

Bryn said the CCL is a strictly non-partisan group that understands the importance of building conservative support for their proposals.

That can be tricky business when many prominent Republicans, including GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, have expressed skepticism or outright denial that carbon emissions are contributing to climate change, despite a large body of scientific evidence pointing to that conclusion.

"When we talk about climate, what a lot of conservatives hear, or what we've traditionally heard in the past, is kind of a big government solution, a bunch of regulations, new taxes, all that kind of stuff," Bryn said. "It has traditionally been I think, a lack of policy options that align with the ideals of conservatives that has really kind of, strangely enough, backed itself into skepticism that there is a problem in the first place.

"That's not the right way to deal with it, but nevertheless, that's what's happened, I think."

Bryn also believes there is a generational gap in climate skepticism among Republicans. He cited surveys and focus groups conducted by the College Republican National Committee showing clean energy and climate change to be among the top priorities of young voters.

"I think that there are a lot of younger conservatives that want their party to be relevant on this," Bryn said. "And what they're hungry for is a solution."

The Citizens' Climate Lobby's solution involves three basic steps. First, setting a price on carbon that escalates over time in a steady, predictable, transparent manner.

Next, the group proposes returning the fees collected to U.S. households equally through what the CCL calls a dividend check. Bryn said that would help offset increased fuel costs, and for many would serve as an economic stimulus, if the households receive more than they spend in higher fuel prices.

"First we like it because it doesn't grow the government," Bryn said. "Second, we like it because it protects low- and middle-income households from cost of living increase."

The third step would be to impose a tariff on imports from countries that do not have a comparable price on carbon and a rebate for American-made goods exported to those countries. Bryn said that would level the playing field for American manufacturers and motivate other nations to adopt similar policies to avoid the tariff.

"That sends a pretty clear signal to other countries that it makes sense to follow

suit," Bryn said. "Having said that, of the top 10 world economies, we're one of just three countries that have not enacted a national carbon price legislation."

In a move that can't hurt in the appeal to conservative voters, many of the tour events will be held at churches, as religious leaders locally and worldwide have shown interest in proactively addressing climate change.

The Rev. Thomas Heard, pastor at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Mobile, said he was happy to let his members use space in his church for a meeting with the Climate Lobby.

"According to one of the creation accounts, humankind was to be given mastery, by one translation, over the Earth and all its creatures," Heard said. "We were supposed to take care of it. We were supposed to be good stewards over that incredible bounty that God had given us."

Heard also said environmental pollution has a well-known impact on human populations, and especially the poor.

"You can't look at London in the Industrial Revolution or Pittsburgh during the steel era, or China today, with all the industrial pollution and think it doesn't matter," Heard said. "It certainly has an effect on the climate and the people, and what we do here affects other places.

"It's motivated out of our sense of needing to step up our stewardship, if it's not too late."

The tour's Oct. 19 stop in Birmingham is being co-hosted by eight different faith groups: First United Methodist Church; Alabama Faith Council, Birmingham Islamic Society, Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Task Force for Stewardship of Creation, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham and Temple Emanu-El.

The CCL's Southern Energy Freedom Tour will make the following stops in Alabama:
birds-moon.jpg

Saturday's full moon is also sometimes called the Full Hunter's Moon. The full moon will come within a day of it making its closest approach to Earth in its monthly orbit, leading some to call it a supermoon as well. (Associated Press file photo)

There's a supermoon coming this weekend, and there will be two nights to get the best view.

The moon will reach its fullest point of the month tonight, Oct. 15, at 11:23 p.m. CDT.

It will make its closest approach to Earth less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 6:47 p.m.

At that point the moon will be 222,367 miles away from the Earth, which by some definitions qualifies it as a supermoon.

Astrologer Richard Nolle first used the term supermoon. According to his definition, a full or new moon has to come within 224,641 miles of Earth to be considered a supermoon, according to EarthSky.org.

But tonight's full moon has also got its own standing.

October's full moon has also been called the "Full Hunter's Moon" in folklore.

According to the Farmer's Almanac Native Americans coined the term because October's full moon signaled the time to begin hunting for provisions for the winter.

October's full moon is also sometimes called the "travel moon" and the "dying grass moon," according to the Almanac.

The Farmer's Almanac and Slooh will team up tonight starting at 6 p.m. CDT for a live webcast about the Hunter's moon and discuss its name and history. Watch it here.

October's supermoon will be the first of three that will round out the year, according to EarthSky.

There will also be supermoons on November 14 and December 13.

However, not all consider October's moon a supermoon.

According to Slooh, there's only one moon that will qualify as a supermoon, or "mega moon," and that will happen next month.

The November supermoon will be the closest supermoon of the year (221,524 miles).

It will also mark the moon making its closest approach to Earth in the 21st century (so far.)

The moon won't come that close again until the full moon of November 25, 2034.
A teenager who allegedly shot another juvenile at Vigor High School earlier this week has been re-arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Marquis Love

Prichard Police said Marquis Love, 16, shot a student in the abdomen on campus after school on Tuesday. Love turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday and was charged with second-degree assault.

What sparked the shooting is still unknown, but Spokesman Phil Steil said Love knew the victim. The suspect did not make any comments about the incidents when he turned himself in to police.

Steil said the victim is expected to survive and was supposed to be released from the hospital on Friday.
Muslim and Arab Americans, despite being only slivers of US electorate, could hurt Republican candidates chances.

New York, United States  The blue skies were among the prettiest that a New York autumn could offer, but still a cloud hung over Masjid-al-Aman mosque on Friday, the last day that locals could register to vote in next months bitterly contested presidential election.

The community of Bangladeshi immigrants in Ozone Park, Queens, still mourns the killing of an imam and his assistant nearby in August.

The shootings were widely seen as part of a rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment that has shaken America this election cycle.

After praying, worshippers gathered outside the mosque around a table for registering voters.

Those who understood English helped new arrivals with tricky words in the final hours of a drive to register more Muslim voters in a US election than ever before.

Organisers say they seek more civic engagement, but when pressed admit they are scared by the prospect of a win for Republican candidate Donald Trump, who talks of halting Muslim immigration to the US among a raft of anti-immigrant policies.

Golam Uddin, 46, a Bangladeshi American, has lived in the United States for the past 27 years but he plans to vote for the first time on November 8. His choice  Trumps Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton  is a no-brainer, he told Al Jazeera.

Trumps a racist guy. He dont like Muslims, he stops immigrants, Latinos, everything, Uddin, a father-of-two who runs subway kiosks, said.

There are 3.3 million Muslims; everything goes to her. The Democrats are always with us immigrants.

According to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), a religious rights group, Muslims are fired up this election cycle  86 percent of registered Muslim voters plan to cast ballots, with 72 percent backing Clinton against Trumps 4 percent.

Al Jazeera found no Trump supporters in Ozone Park.

READ MORE: Trump keeps support of Muslim-American Republicans

Worshippers spoke ruefully of the murdered imam and complained of everything from assaults to passers-by kicking the buggies of Muslim toddlers in a wave of Trump-fuelled hostility, they said.

Such scenes are replicated at mosques and community centres across the US this month in advance of voter registration deadlines, which vary by state, in a bid to enrol a million more Muslim voters than in previous elections.

Voter drives are backed by CAIR, a public action committee called Emerge USA and Yalla Vote  a scheme from the Arab American Institute (AAI), a lobby group for an estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans, who comprise Christians, Muslims and others.

Neither Arabs nor Muslims are factored in the US census, but Pew Research Center counted a fast-growing population of 3.3 million Muslims in the US this year  a 1 percent share of the population that is expected to double by 2050.

Including blacks, South Asians, Middle Easterners and converts, they form a Democrat-leaning mass, according CAIRs survey

Almost a third of respondents spoke of experiencing profiling or discrimination this past year.

Neither Arabs nor Muslims pack as big an electoral punch as Latinos, some 17 percent of the population, or blacks [13 percent]. But they cluster in a handful of swing states and their near-total rejection of Trump could hurt him on polling day.

While our population is not so large, were concentrated in some key battleground states. Winning in these places can come down to several thousand votes and in a close-call race, Arab Americans are a swing constituency that could sway the outcome, Maya Berry, the director of AAI told Al Jazeera.

There is no path for Trump to the White House without those states right now.

US presidents are not chosen by popular vote, but through a system that elevates the importance of several competitive states. Muslim and Arab Americans are clustered in such battlegrounds as Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Muslim and Arab American voter drives have been concentrated in these areas, which could swing a Trump or Clinton victory. In Florida, Clinton leads polls by less than 3 percent; in Ohio, her lead is narrower than two points.

READ MORE: Donald Trump caught making lewd comments about women

In Ohio, student Malek Khawam, 23, enrolled more than 100 young voters at Cleveland State University.

Its vital for minorities and groups that feel they are underrepresented to use their voice in the political process and not walk away from that process, Khawam told Al Jazeera.

Of course, Trump may not need any help losing.

The final weeks of campaigning have been dominated by his sex life and his bragging about a predatory treatment of women, pushing him about seven percentage points below Clinton in an average of national polls.

But while such respected pundits as Nate Silver currently give Trump only a 14 percent chance of winning the keys to the Oval Office, others are loath to call an election that barely resembles Americas previous presidential face-offs.

Though Trumps rhetoric has alienated minorities and women, his stances on immigration and free trade and his promise to make America great again resonates with many, including a core of white men, both blue collar and college educated.

Many Muslims rejected his claims that large numbers of Muslims in New Jersey celebrated the 9/11 strikes, or that terror hits on Paris and San Bernardino, California, should be met with bans on Muslims or those from terrorism-afflicted countries visiting the US.

The billionaire famously feuded with Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of soldier Humayun Khan, who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

He has spoken of Syrian refugees as a potential Trojan horse through which fighters could enter the US.

READ MORE: A Muslim ghost is haunting America

During the second presidential debate, when asked by a Muslim woman how he would help stop her being labelled a threat to the country, Trump called Islamophobia a shame but put the onus on Muslim Americans to tackle extremism within their faith.

This puts off many, but not all Muslims. Mosque-goer Amin Sattar, 20, will vote for the first time next month after getting citizenship for the best country in the world four years ago.

Trump is a little mental but Clinton underwhelms too, he said.

My ears are still opening, Sattar, a student, told Al Jazeera. My final decision will be on November 8.

Both candidates are unpopular. While Clintons trustworthiness is repeatedly questioned, among Muslims and Arabs, her hawkish track record in backing US interventions in Iraq and Libya is perhaps more troubling.

Earlier this month, Clintons campaign team was in Dearborn, Michigan, one of Americas biggest Muslim populations. There, Clintons surrogate and former rival in the Democratic primaries, Bernie Sanders, bashed Trump as a tax-dodger.

Many Arab and Muslim voters favoured Sanders, a left-leaning Jewish septuagenarian who calls for a fairer treatment of Palestinians, over Clinton in the primaries.

They helped him score a surprise victory against her in Michigan in March.

For others, it is just a matter of business.

This is an election between freedom and socialism at the same time. We are Muslims, but we are Americans as well, Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman who spoke for Trump at his convention in Cleveland in July, told Al Jazeera.

For Tarar, Trump will tackle home-grown fighters and stand up for the conservative values underpinning Islam. Democrats, he said, promote such vices as same-sex marriage, legalising cannabis and socialism.

But the numbers show Tarar is a relic. Muslims and Arabs used to be split between Republicans and Democrats. The Iraq war saw some shift left, but Trumps anti-Muslim railings have pushed many more into the Democratic fold.

It may come back to bite him.
America observes the world from the relative safety of its faraway shores and sees conflicts shaded in black or white. The complex and nuanced ambiguities that define all conflicts are avoided, if not denied outright. Far easier to man the battlements, when, as US President Barack Obama is fond of saying, America and all that it does in the world is a reflection of the fact that the US is on the right side of history.

Moral clarity is the rule  for the American public and policymakers alike  an easy and clean divide between good guys and bad guys. In my youth it was a backyard game of cowboys versus Indians, or the real battles pitting nasty Communists, whether in Cuba, Moscow, or Vietnam, against true-blue Americans and their trustworthy allies.

Who then are todays outliers, those who have lost historys coin toss?





In his first inaugural address, Obama ventured an answer: To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history 

Slaughter of innocents

How does this formulation help decide what to do about the slaughter of innocents in Aleppo?

There is no shortage of well-deserved moral outrage at events now underway in Syrias commercial capital. If Syria proudly considers itself the heartbeat of Arabism, then Aleppo is the heartbeat of the revolution against Assad and the regime he represents.

OPINION: US-Middle East  Plan B stands for bankruptcy

The moderate Syrian opposition, and as always Washington and the Friends of Syria, are on the side of the angels. Putin and Assad captain Underworlds A Team.

What happens however, when the moral clarity that Americans crave is itself a mirage? by

Washington has no problem placing responsibility for all that is wrong today at their feet. Assad has long been a popular and all but unanimous target.

Even Gaddafi enjoyed a short period of sunshine in American eyes before the tables turned. Assad has never been so honoured. Russias entry into the list of Americas adversaries too has a long history, now being resurrected. Washingtons antipathy toward Putin is newer, but these days no less virulent than the views animating Assads demonisation.

What happens however, when the moral clarity that Americans crave is itself a mirage?

Dividing the world into good guys and bad guys makes it easier to pick a winner and mobilise popular and military support for its victory  Syria being the most recent case in point.

But is this the best way to understand how the world really works, let alone to make it the lodestar for your policies?

This dubious proposition is the key to the Obama administrations intellectual and policy concept regarding Syria in general and, recently, Aleppo in particular.

On July 31, 2011, Obama declared that Assads use of torture, corruption and terror puts him on the wrong side of history. A self-evident policy conclusion proceeded seamlessly from this fact. Days later Obama didnt close the case on Assad, but instead opened a Pandoras box.

Hard-edged US policy

The future of Syria must be determined by its people, but President Bashar al-Assad is standing in their way, Obama said in a written statement on August 18. For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside.

Most people have misinterpreted this sentence, and forgotten the one that followed it.

The United States, Obama continued, cannot and will not impose this transition upon Syria.

OPINION: Syria: Do people really care?

This announcement was not a declaration of a new hard-edged US policy, but rather the honest and ambiguous reflection of the presidents heartfelt aspiration. In the ambiguities that stubbornly govern foreign policymaking, Obamas call for Assad to step down has never defined US policy in the way many expected or feared. It was rather the reflection of Obamas misplaced hope, that in view of Assads place in historys scales, his departure would result without much help from Washington.

At almost every point since then Obama has viewed with great scepticism, and given the unparalleled destructive tools at Washingtons disposal, relative restraint, the effort to act upon his pronouncement. Such is the case today when the chorus demanding that the US confront Assads and Russian perfidy by escalating the use of force has sucked all of the oxygen out of a more reasoned debate on US options.

This militant agenda was neatly expressed by Senator John McCain, who continues to see Syria as a arena where Gog and Magog battle God for the soul of humanity.

The US and its coalition partners must issue an ultimatum to Mr. Assad  stop flying or lose your aircraft  and be prepared to follow through. If Russia continues its indiscriminate bombing, we should make clear that we will take steps to hold its aircraft at greater risk. And we must create safe zones for Syrian civilians and do what is necessary to protect them against violations by Mr Assad, Mr Putin and extremist forces. At the same time, we must provide more robust military assistance to the vetted Syrian opposition groups that are fighting the regime.

The world, including Syria, is a messier place than imagined by those who see the world in black and white. Those who apply this lens as they seek to distinguish good guys from bad guys, Islamists from freedom fighters, even vetted opponents of the regime from brothers without such sanction, are bound to be disappointed. It is Syrians who, it must be remembered, will continue to suffer the consequences of the battles now raging, and bear the extraordinary costs of these unrealisable dreams.

Geoffrey Aronson writes about Middle Eastern affairs. He consults with a variety of public and private institutions dealing with regional political, security, and development issues.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Bani Naim, Hebron  In mid-August, Avigdor Lieberman, Israels defence minister, announced that Israels policy towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank would include colour-coding its communities into good and bad.

We will implement a differential policy, said Lieberman, who belongs to the far-right, nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel our Home) party. Its purpose is to continue to give benefits to those who desire co-existence with us and make life difficult for those who seek to harm Jews.

Liebermans colour-coding policy  green for good and red for bad  would include increased punitive measures against communities from where attackers or alleged attackers originate.

His policy includes establishing a direct dialogue with Palestinian figures or anyone who wants to talk to us, circumventing the mediation of the Palestinian Authority.

Bani Naim, a Palestinian village 8km east of Hebron, has recently seen the sharp end of Liebermans carrot-and-stick policy. Last month, the town was sealed for the second time in less than three months, when two teenagers from the town were shot dead by Israeli forces after alleged attacks.

Last July, the town was sealed for 34 days, and as many as 2,771 residents had their permits to work in Israel revoked following attacks in which two Israelis were killed.

We are a business city, famous for trading marble. There are many traditional factories here, selling inside and outside Israel, said Mahmoud Manasra, Bani Naims mayor, told Al Jazeera. The movement of these people has been severely limited by the closures, in addition to many getting their permission revoked.

While about half of the Israeli work permits were reinstated, 1,500 residents are still unable to renew their permit to enter Israel, where they normally work as traders, or in construction. Human rights groups say such measures amount to collective punishment, illegal under international law, and the measures were slammed as counterproductive by top UN officials.

Following last months violence, Israel announced that an extra army brigade would be deployed in the area, and re-imposed strict movement restrictions on residents of Bani Naim and Hebron city. These have since been partially lifted.

They are ready to destroy the whole economy here, Rawhi Abu Sneineh, 45, told Al Jazeera at the blocked entrance. Sneineh, who works in the marble industry, said it normally takes him 15 minutes to go to work, while during closures it takes at least five times as long.

Ryad Tarayra, 42, from the extended family of the alleged attackers, said his permit was revoked last July.

Lieberman's plan in fact is to prevent any possibility for a two-state solution, in which the Palestinians can establish their own independent state. by Khalil Shaheen, director of the Palestinian Centre for Policy Research Masarat

Everything in our work is at a standstill now, Tarayra, a trader for 15 years, told Al Jazeera.

We still pay money for storage in Israel. I lost about 80,000 shekels [$21,000] since July. If this continues, I will have to take it all back and look for a job here to support my children, said Tarayra, who has seven school-age children. Revoking permits from workers only leads to more chaos in the area.

Khalil Shaheen, the director of the Palestinian Centre for Policy Research Masarat, told Al Jazeera that while the idea of collective punishment is not new, what is new is the manner of its implementation.

We are seeing an idea turn into official policy, Shaheen said. The idea behind the carrot-and-stick policy is to encourage the emergence of Palestinian local leaders, even inside areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

I think the goal is to weaken the Palestinian Authority, but to prevent it from collapsing, aiming to turn it into a weak central authority, Shaheen added, noting that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started the process and former Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon talked about autonomy for Palestinians as opposed to statehood, Lieberman appears on track to accelerate it.

Since last October, tensions have boiled over into escalated violence in Israel and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the blockaded Gaza Strip.

During that period, the Israeli army has killed at least 230 Palestinians, including protesters, bystanders and alleged attackers. Of that total, at least 57 were from the Hebron area, where tensions have been particularly high due to the presence of about 500 Israeli settlers in the the middle of the Palestinian city. Palestinian attackers have killed 34 Israelis in stabbing and shooting incidents.

A renewed bout of violence in the Hebron area has left seven Palestinians dead since last month.

Parallels have been drawn between Liebermans approach and the establishment of the Village Leagues in the 1980s  an attempt by Israel to prop up a local leadership that would be a more moderate alternative to the Palestine Liberation Organization, but came to be seen by Palestinians as collaborators with the Israeli occupation.

Shaheen pointed out that the major difference between then and now is that the Village Leagues were fostered and encouraged by the Israelis to transform local leaders into negotiators.

Today, the idea, according to Shaheen, is to weaken the Palestinian Authority by establishing a direct dialogue with Palestinian business leaders and notable figures and by-passing the Palestinian Authority as an intermediary  eventually paving the way for more autonomous local cantons.

Liebermans plan in fact is to prevent any possibility for a two-state solution, in which the Palestinians can establish their own independent state, Shaheen said.

Mohammad Shtayyeh, a minister in charge of the Palestinian Economic Council, dismissed Liebermans carrot-and-stick claims. Shtayyeh told Al Jazeera that Israel has been implementing a stick-and-stick policy under Netanyahu that includes an acceleration of colonisation and settlement building as part of a wider government policy.

Shlomo Brom, a senior research associate at the Institute for National Security Studies, where he heads the programme on Israeli-Palestinian relations, told Al Jazeera that Liebermans strategy fits the paradigm of economic peace, with a negative approach towards the Palestinian Authority.





In this context, [Lieberman] is willing to do things that the previous administration didnt do, like allowing Palestinians more use of Area C, under Israels control. He is willing to approve economic projects in these areas. Because he wants to weaken the Palestinian government, he wants businesses and communities to report directly to the Israeli authorities, bypassing Palestinian government and ministries. [Lieberman] gives the impression he will not mind if the PA collapses, Brom added.

According to Tareq Baconi, a policy fellow at the Palestinian think-tank Al Shabaka, this may lead to a return to a more direct kind of occupation, which bypasses the Palestinian Authority as an intermediary.

Liebermans approach  accepts the economic aspirations of Palestinians, but it rejects any kind of political aspiration, Baconi told Al Jazeera.

At the end of the 1980s, it had become clear that the Village Leagues had failed; 1987 saw the breakout of the first Intifada.

It was a clear indication that Palestinians wanted political rights as well. You can improve quality of life, remove any form of uprising in the short term. But in the longer term, Palestinians will seek equality, civil rights and political representation. They wont acquiesce.
Hostage driven off towards Mali by armed men who raided his house near the capital Niamey and killed his two guards.

An American aid worker has been kidnapped in a town northeast of Nigers capital Niamey, before being taken by his abductors to Mali, according to a security source.

Armed men raided the house of the aid worker on Friday, killing his two guards before driving him off across the desert, the mayor of the town of Abalak said on Saturday.

First they came on a motorbike and killed the guards, the mayor told Reuters news agency by phone. Then a 44 came and took him away and drove towards the Mali border.

Nigers long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence that has rocked neighbouring states including Mali in recent years.

READ MORE: Niger  Dozens of soldiers killed in refugee camp attack

Northern Mali, which fell under the control of al-Qaeda-linked groups in 2012 before a French-led military intervention pushed them out, remains vulnerable to attacks by fighters.

At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire as the hostage was being taken, a security source who wishes not to be named told AFP news agency, without revealing the identity of the victims.

All roads to Mali are being monitored.

It is the first time that a US national has been kidnapped in Niger.

A US Department of State spokesperson told AFP that they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

Previous incidents

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country.

Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.

Earlier this month, 22 soldiers from Niger were killed during an attack by armed men who came from Mali to target a refugee camp in the Tahoua region, northeast of Niamey.

READ MORE: On the road with Nigers peacekeepers in Mali

Three soldiers were injured besides the deaths, according to Nigers army, which has been deployed along the countrys longer border with Mali to prevent armed groups getting in.

Niger has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Mali.

Despite a peace accord and a 2013 international military intervention, large tracts of Mali are still not controlled by domestic or foreign troops and remain exposed to attacks by fighters.

To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger, Nigers president Mahamadou Issoufou said during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast of the country from Boko Haram, the Nigerian armed group.
October 8 air strike, which killed more than 140 people in Sanaa, was based on incorrect information, says inquiry team.

The Arab coalition battling Houthi fighters in Yemen has admitted one of its warplanes had wrongly targeted a funeral in Sanaa that killed more than 140 people, and announced disciplinary proceedings.

The October 8 strike in the Yemeni capital prompted an international outcry and strong criticism even from Saudi Arabias closest Western allies.

Because of non-compliance with coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, said an inquiry team of the Arab coalition assembled by Saudi Arabia.

Appropriate action  must be taken against those who caused the incident, and  compensation must be offered to the families of the victims.

The UN released a statement saying the organisations humanitarian coordinator, as well as the community of nongovernmental organisations in Yemen, were outraged and shocked by the strikes.

Funeral reception

In addition to the more than 140 deaths, more than 500 people were wounded in the strikes on the funeral reception for the father of Brigadier Jalal al-Ruweishan, interior minister in the self-proclaimed Houthi-led government.

Hundreds of mourners had gathered in the grand hall of ceremonies on al-Khamseen Street to take part in the ceremony.

The death toll was one of the largest in any single incident since the Arab coalition began military operations to support President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in March 2015.

The Arab coalition initially denied that it was responsible for the strikes.

Absolutely no such operation took place at that target, a source within in the coalition told Reuters news agency on the day of the attack.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeeras senior political analyst, said the coalitions admission could jeopardise the peace process and put more pressure on Saudi Arabia.

Ruweishan had sided with the Houthi group when Hadi fled Yemen after the Iran-allied fighters advanced on his headquarters in the southern port city of Aden in March 2015.

The Arab coalition has been providing air support for Hadis forces in a civil war that has killed an estimated 6,700 people since March 2015 and displaced more than three million.

Intense fighting

Fighting has intensified since August when UN-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait ended without an agreement.

The Arab coalition had been blamed for several attacks on medical centres, including some run by international aid group, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), schools, factories and homes in the past 18 months that have killed scores of civilians.

In August, MSF said it was evacuating its staff from six hospitals in northern Yemen after a coalition air strike hit a health facility operated by the group, killing 19 people.

READ MORE: UK to present UN resolution calling for Yemen ceasefire

The coalition, which says it does not target civilians, has expressed deep regret over the decision and said it was trying to set up urgent meetings with the medical aid group.

The coalitions admission came a day after Britain announced it was planning to put forward a draft Security Council resolution calling for an immediate truce in Yemen and a resumption of peace talks.

The 15-member body this week failed to agree on a statement condemning the October 8 air strike. Russia dismissed the statement as too vague and diplomats said Russia refused to engage any further on it.

Security Council statements must be approved by consensus.
Members of armed group planned to target apartment complex used by Somali families in US state of Kansas, says FBI.

US federal authorities have announced the arrest of three men charged with attempting to set off a bomb in northwest Kansas.

Tom Beall, acting US attorney, announced on Friday that the Kansas men were charged in a domestic terrorism plot to bomb an apartment complex in Wichita suburbs where several Somali immigrant families lived and worshipped.

The three men  identified by Beall as Curtis Allen, 49, Gavin Wright, 49, and Patrick Stein, 47  were arrested in Liberal on Friday morning.

Allen and Wright are Liberal residents. Stein lives in Wright and is a business owner in Liberal, Beall said.

He said the men belonged to a small right-wing militia group called The Crusaders.

The men planned to set off the bomb on November 9 so as not to affect the US presidential elections, which takes place a day earlier, according to federal investigators.

Nihad Awad, executive director of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), told Al Jazeera the plot was enabled in part by the anti-Muslim environment in the country created by the right wing of the Republican Party in general and the partys presidential candidate, Donald Trump, in particular.

Trumps repeated anti-Muslim racist statements created an environment of hatred and bigotry against Muslims in this election year. Trumps words encouraged domestic terrorist groups to commit acts of terrorism and violence against our community members, he said.

Hidden culture of hatred

Beall said the FBI investigation uncovered a deep hidden culture of hatred and violence.

The FBI launched its investigation eight months ago  on February 16.

These individuals had the desire, the means and the capabilities and were committed to carrying out this act of domestic terrorism, Eric Jackson, FBI special agent in charge, said on Friday.

Awad said: The Republican party has used every media outlet at its disposal to demonise Muslims in the US and outside, giving hate groups ammunition and justifications to plot against American Muslims.

Moussa Elbayoumy, CAIR chairman for the state of Kansas City, condemned the plot against Muslim community members, whom he described as a small and diverse group of residents who also have complained of racist treatments against them in the past.





According to the FBI investigation, The Crusader group had stockpiled explosives and weapons to use the day after the general elections and published a manifesto about their plot.

Investigators quoted one of the plotters as saying the explosion would wake people up.

The FBI said the men also planned to detonate car bombs around the apartment complex.

It is very concerning and very disheartening, Hussam Madi, spokesman for the Islamic Society of Wichita, said of the planned attack.

I thank God that they were able to be caught before anything can happen. We dont need such actions here within our community and our country.
Nearly 200 nations approve timetable to stop use of gases whose elimination could reduce global warming by 0.5C by 2100.

World envoys have reached an agreement on a timetable for the phase-out of potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on protecting the ozone layer was greeted on Saturday by applause from exhausted envoys who had worked through the night in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to put the final touches on the deal to phase out production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The elimination of HFCs could reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees by 2100, according to a 2015 study by the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise, said Erik Solheim, UN Environment Programme chief, said.

Potentially major step

The agreement is being seen as a potentially major step in curbing global warming.

The US Environmental Protection Agency said: This day will unquestionably be remembered as one of the most important in our effort to save the one planet we have.

Last years Paris climate agreement aimed to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celcius, compared with pre-industrial levels.

Under a timetable released on the website of the Montreal Protocol, rich countries will have to take action earlier than poorer nations under the legally binding Kigali deal.









Developed countries must reduce their use of HFCs by 10 percent by 2019 from 2011-2013 levels, and then by 85 percent by 2036.

A second group of developing countries, including China and African nations, are committed to launching the transition in 2024.

A reduction of 10 percent compared with 2020-2022 levels should be achieved by 2029, to be extended to 80 percent by 2045.

A third group of developing countries, which include India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Arab Gulf states, must begin the process in 2028 and reduce emissions by 10 percent by 2032 from 2024-2026 levels, and then by 85 percent by 2047.

Tough negotiations at the talks  attended by representatives of nearly 200 countries including John Kerry, the US secretary of state  had seen major developing nations such as India put up a fight over the timeline to phase out the use of HFCs and the financing of the transition.

Indias contention

HFCs were introduced in the 1990s to replace chemicals that had been found to erode the ozone layer, but turned out to be catastrophic for global warming.

However, swapping HFCs for alternatives such as ammonia, water or gases called hydrofluoroolefins could prove costly for developing countries with high summer temperatures, such as India.

There are issues of cost, there are issues of technology, there are issues of finances, said Ajay Narayan Jha of Indias environment and climate change ministry before the deal was announced.

We would like to emphasise that any agreement will have to be flexible from all sides concerned. It cant be flexible from one side and not from the other.

HFCs predecessors, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were discontinued under the Montreal Protocol when scientists realised they were destroying the ozone layer.

This blanket of gas in the upper stratosphere protects Earth from the Suns dangerous ultraviolet rays.

But it emerged that HFCs, while safe for the now-healing ozone, are thousands of times worse for trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.

According to the Berkeley National Laboratory, air conditioning is the cause of the largest growth in HFCs  and the world is likely to have another 700 million air conditioners by 2030.

HFCs  though they are greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide  are not dealt with under the Paris Agreement but under the Montreal Protocol.
Libyas UN-backed government suffers new setback as rival seizes key offices in Tripoli in a bid to regain power.

Libyas UN-backed government has suffered a new setback after forces loyal to a political rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the re-instatement of the former administration.

Khalifa Ghweil, who was prime minister in the unrecognised National Salvation Government, announced his administrations comeback from inside the headquarters of the former parliament after his militia supporters seized the building in Tripoli on Friday night.

Ghweil, who has been sanctioned by the European Union for obstructing the peace process, called on the internationally backed government of Prime Minister Fayez Serraj to stop work.

OPINION: In Libya, Britains ignorance triumphed over caution

He also called for a direct unity deal with a third rival administration in eastern Libya instead of the UN-backed peace deal that brought Serraj and his allies to Tripoli in March.

Serrajs Presidency Council denounced the move and said that it had ordered the arrest of those politicians who are attempting to create parallel institutions without any legal justification.

https://twitter.com/KoblerSRSG/status/787256328322441216

On Saturday, UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler also condemned what he described as yesterdays attempt to seize the headquarters of the former parliament.

The UN-backed Libyan political agreement remains the only framework for a peaceful solution in Libya and I urge all political stakeholders to unify behind it, Kobler said.

IN PICTURES: Fierce fighting rages in Libya

Despite the developments, no clashes were reported in Tripoli and there were no unusual signs of tension on Saturday morning.

The overnight developments, which apparently followed a dispute over payment of wages to Serrajs presidential guard, were the latest in a series of setbacks for the UN-backed government.





It was supposed to solve the split between factions that dominate western Libya and had backed Ghweils government, and the ones who dominate the elected parliament based in Tobruk in eastern Libya.

But Serrajs proposed government line-up was rejected in August by the Tobruk parliament. Then in September, forces loyal to Tobruk military chief Khalifa Haftar seized the countrys key oil ports from

an ally of Serraj.

Libya has suffered from political and security chaos since longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in a 2011 uprising.

Resolving its conflict became a priority for European and other powers when it emerged as a centre for people-smuggling across the Mediterranean and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group carved out a territory on its central coast.

Militias aligned to Serrajs government have now forced the armed group from most of that area and are attempting to recapture their last holdouts inside the central city of Sirte.
Palestinian leaders have rejected Israeli criticism over a UNESCO draft resolution that condemned Israels policies around Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while supposedly denying Jewish ties to the holy site in occupied East Jerusalem.

Israel suspended cooperation with UNESCO on Friday, a day after the UN cultural body criticised it for restricting Muslim access to the site, and for aggression by Israeli police and soldiers. UNESCO also recognised Israel as the occupying power.

In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it welcomed the adoption of the resolution that reflected the majority of member states commitment to confront [the Israeli] impunity and uphold the principles upon which the UNESCO was founded.





The statement added: Rather than spending millions to spin the illegal colonisation into normalcy and distort reality, Israel, the occupying power, must understand that the only way to be treated like a normal state is if it starts acting like one by ending its occupation of Palestine and seizing its irresponsible and illegal actions in the occupied land of the state of Palestine, especially East Jerusalem.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki also criticised Irina Bokova, UNESCO director-general, after she distanced herself from Thursdays vote.

The heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible, and each of its communities has a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city, she said in a statement.

Jerusalems Old City was designated a World Heritage site because of its universal value  which is an appeal for dialogue, not confrontation, Bokova said.

In response, Maliki said Bokova had outstepped the scope of her mandate and described her declaration as completely unacceptable.

The Palestinian government expects Ms Bokova to focus her efforts on implementing the will of member states and preserving Jerusalem from the Israeli systematic colonisation and assault on its Palestinian character, said Maliki.

INTERACTIVE: Inside Al-Aqsa

Israel and the US denounced the UNESCO resolution, which was submitted by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan  and passed with 24 votes in favour, six against, and 26 abstentions.

Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the UK and the US voted against the resolution, while China, Russia, Mexico, South Africa and Pakistan among others voted in favour.





Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said in a statement on Thursday that UNESCO has lost its legitimacy by adopting this resolution.

The theatre of the absurd at UNESCO continues, and today the organisation adopted another delusional decision which says that the people of Israel have no connection to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, Netanyahu said.

Palestinian critics argue that Israel uses the Jewish connection to Jerusalem as a cover for its political policies that have displaced Palestinians from their homes.

We commend the vote at the UNESCO that denied any historic claims between Jews and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its Western Wall, Izzat al-Risheq, spokesman for Hamas, said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

We also appreciate all the countries that have sponsored and voted in favour of this resolution.

READ MORE: Israel campaigns to change the status quo at al-Aqsa

Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam. It is located in East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed following its invasion in 1967  in a move never recognised by the international community  as part of its subsequent military occupation of the West Bank.

Jewish settlers and Zionist organisations have called for complete Jewish control over the mosque compound.

Jewish groups refer to the site as the Temple Mount and their increased incursions into the mosque compound have continuously led to Palestinian protests across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military and armed settler incursions have resulted in Palestinian deaths and injuries in recent years in particular. Muslim access to the religious site has also been tremendously limited by the army.

Follow Ali Younes on Twitter: @ali_reports
At least 24 people die in a stampede at a religious gathering on the outskirts of the northern Indian city of Varanasi.

At least 24 people have been killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a Hindu religious ceremony in northern India, according to police.

Saturdays crush happened on the outskirts of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh state known for its temples, as people tried to cross a crowded bridge over the Ganges river.

Police officer SK Bhagat said that organisers were expecting 3,000 Hindu devotees at the ceremony, but that more than 70,000 thronged the ashram of a local Hindu religious leader, Jai Baba Gurudev, on the banks of the Ganges river.

READ MORE: Deaths after stampede at Hindu festival in India

Millions of Hindus go to Varanasi every year to pray and wash away their sins by taking a dip in the river.

We were not prepared for such a large crowd, Raj Bahadur, a spokesman for the organisers, told the AP news agency.

The stampede occurred as police started turning back people from the overcrowded Rajgahard bridge, the Press Trust of India news agency cited Bahadur as saying.

That triggered a rumour among the devotees that the bridge had collapsed, and they started running for safety, he said.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected, he tweeted.

Two police officers at the scene of the stampede said that officials were now struggling to deter pilgrims from entering a religious site near the bridge.

We are deploying over 100 police officers to control the crowd. People are in a state of panic, Ravi Tyagi, a police officer, told Reuters news agency.

Ravindra Sharma, who was injured in the stampede, said his teenage daughter was missing and the authorities were unable to trace her.

OPINION: Is India practising discriminatory justice?

We came to seek the blessings of our God; only God can help me find her, he said.

Deadly stampedes are fairly common during Indian religious festivals, where large crowds gather in small areas with few safety or crowd control measures.

In October 2013, a stampede in Madhya Pradesh state in central India killed more than 110 people, mostly women and children.
Rebels are bombarding Dabiq and the nearby town of Soran, in preparation for all-out ground offensive on the two areas.

Syrian rebel fighters backed by Turkey are advancing on the northwest Syrian town of Dabiq, which is held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.

We entered Jarablus, and then al-Rai, and now we are moving where? To Dabiq. We will declare a terror-free safe zone of 5,000 [square] kilometres, Erdogan, speaking in the city of Rize on the Black Sea coast, said on Saturday.

He was referring to areas in Syria already captured by Turkish troops and Turkey-backed opposition forces.

READ MORE: Turkey is sinking into the quagmire of Syria

Abdul-Razzaq Freiji, a Turkey-backed rebel commander, said participants of the Operation Euphrates Shield are bombarding Dabiq and the nearby town of Soran, in preparation for an all-out ground offensive on the two areas.

Daesh members have gathered lots of fighters for this battle that will be harsh, Freiji told AP news agency using ISILs Arabic acronym.

We are ready for the battle and we will take it [Dabiq] no matter what the price is, and after that we will march toward al-Bab, he added, referring to another ISIL stronghold.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also confirmed the offensive saying the attack was preceded with intense shelling on Saturday.

In his speech, Erdogan suggested that once the areas are retaken from ISIL, some of the nearly three million Syrian refugees in Turkey could return to their homes.

They can go to their own lands, we can let them live there safely, he said. Thats the step we will take. We have given our proposal to coalition powers and we are moving together.

Propaganda value

Al Jazeeras Mohammed Adow, reporting from Gaziantep, said Turkish jets and tanks have been pounding Dabiq in support of the rebels.

The first and foremost objective of Turkey is to move ISIL fighters from as far away as possible from its border, our correspondent said.





The town of Dabiq is central to ISIL propaganda, with the group citing ancient prophecy declaring Dabiq as the scene of an apocalyptic battle between Christianity and Islam.

The group named its online magazine after the town, which it has occupied since August 2014.

According to the Observatory, ISIL had been sending reinforcements into Dabiq over the past weeks, including one of their most elite units, known as Jaish al-Isra, which arrived in recent days. It also said that ISIL fighters had been planting mines and explosives.

Al Jazeeras Adow said that the latest Turkish offensive also serves a second purpose of keeping in check the influence and capability of Kurdish fighters, who are being seen by Ankara as an extension of Turkeys outlawed Kurdish separatists.

Meanwhile, in the northern city of Aleppo, Syrian and Russian air strikes hit several rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods on Saturday amid pngoing clashes, according to the Observatory and the Aleppo Media Centre, an activist collective.
Nine-nation meeting in Switzerland fails to agree on any concrete action to stop the violence in Syria.

A new round of diplomatic talks has failed once again to break a tense deadlock on how to end fighting in Syria, as a nine-nation meeting in the Swiss city of Lausanne did not agree on any concrete action to stop the violence.

With clashes still raging in Aleppo, Saturdays talks, convened by US Secretary of State John Kerry, concluded after more than four hours without any joint statement from the participating countries.





Kerry was seeking a new path to peace after failing to secure a ceasefire in direct talks with Russia amid increasing international outrage over the Russian and Syrian bombardment of Aleppos rebel-held east.

Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region, as well as top diplomats from the United Nations, only weeks after the collapse of a US-Russia brokered truce.

After the meeting, Kerry told reporters that the talks were constructive, but admitted that the parties had failed to agree on any concrete action.

He also said that the next contact between sides at the talks would be on Monday to discuss future steps.

Lavrov, on the other hand, told Russian news agencies that the countries discussed several interesting ideas.

OPINION: Is America on the right side of history?

I think Lavrov and Kerry were trying to put a brave face on what happened here, Al Jazeeras diplomatic editor James Bays, reporting from Lausanne, said.

They came to the table again to sort out the situation in northern Syria, particularly the bombardment of Aleppo, and once again diplomacy failed the people of Aleppo.

No breakthrough, no concrete developments at all from these talks.





Before the talks, Vitaly Churkin, Russias UN ambassador, said that a key aim of the Lausanne meeting was to get countries that support moderate opposition groups to use their influence to work for a new ceasefire.

Kerry and Lavrov were joined in Lausanne by Staffan de Mistura, the UN Syria envoy, along with the top diplomats of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar  all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key supporter of the Syrian government, also sent its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to take part in the talks.

London meeting

European countries were not represented at the meeting, which was held in a luxury hotel on Lake Geneva.

But French officials confirmed that foreign ministers of like-minded nations planned to meet Kerry in London on Sunday to discuss the Syria crisis.

Al Jazeeras Bays said ministers from the UK, France and Germany are expected to discuss what happened in Lausanne, but also talk about some wider issues.

The UK and France have been discussing military options. We know that the US under President Obama are reluctant to look at the military option, our correspondent said.

We know France has been pushing for a war crimes investigation into Syrian government and Russias aerial bombardment  those things will now be discussed in London.





Aleppo bombardment

Several major international efforts have failed to secure a political solution to Syrias brutal war, which has cost more than 400,000 lives since 2011.

Russia and the US reached a ceasefire agreement last month, before it quickly collapsed amid a Moscow-backed Syrian assault on the rebel-held part of Aleppo.

The offensive has prompted accusations of potential war crimes from western countries.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in Syrian government and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since September 22, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Before Saturdays talks were set to begin, dozens of overnight air strikes struck east Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory said on Friday.

INSIDE STORY: Is the United Nations all talk and no action?

Three hospitals in Aleppo were hit by suspected Russian air strikes on Friday, killing seven people, Al Jazeera has learned.

The latest bombardment has prompted four leading charities to call for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

The NGOs issued on Saturday a joint plea to establish a ceasefire of at least 72 hours in east Aleppo, where an estimated 250,000 people are living under bombardment siege.

This will allow the sick and wounded to be evacuated, and for food and medical aid to enter the besieged area, said a statement from one of the charities, Save the Children.
US and Russia are joined in Lausanne by UN and Middle East powers on different sides of the five-year conflict.

Fresh diplomatic talks to end the Syrian conflict are under way in Switzerland, the first since the United States halted bilateral negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire approved earlier this month.





With violence still raging in Aleppo and reports of new attacks on hospitals in the northern city, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, met Sergey Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, and top diplomats from the United Nations and regional powers in Lausanne on Saturday.

Ahead of the talks, Vitaly Churkin, Russias UN ambassador, said that a key aim of the Lausanne meeting is to get countries that support moderate opposition groups to use their influence to work for a new ceasefire.

Kerry and Lavrov are joined in Lausanne by Staffan de Mistura, the UN Syria envoy, along with the top diplomats of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar  all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has also sent its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to Lausanne to take part in the talks.

All of them are now around the same table Al Jazeeras diplomatic editor James Bays, reporting from Lausanne, said.

Before that, we had various meetings between various ministers on a bilateral level.

Before the Lausanne meeting, Lavrov said a major reason for the failure of the September 9 ceasefire agreement that he had reached with Kerry was the inability of the US and other countries opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to separate the moderate opposition groups they back from the former al-Qaeda affiliate once known as al-Nusra Front.

Following last months collapse of the ceasefire, the Obama administration cut off diplomatic talks, and US-Russia ties deteriorated sharply.

OPINION: Is America on the right side of history?

The Lausanne meeting, initiated by Kerry, is the first attempt to try to find a new viable strategy to halt the violence which continues to rage in Aleppo and elsewhere in the country.

I dont have any particular expectations, Lavrov said on Friday in Moscow.

So far, we havent seen our partners make any steps to get closer to fulfilling the agreements that we have.

Concrete steps

Churkin said Kerry and Lavrov decided to revisit the format they originally discussed three years ago, in which they would meet a small group of countries that have close ties with moderate opposition groups, instead of the 20 or so countries in the International Syria Support Group, or ISSG, where it was difficult to agree on specifics.





However, Lavrov has insisted that Russia did not plan to present new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict.

Instead, he said Russia would call for concrete steps to implement earlier UN resolutions and the now-defunct US-Russia ceasefire deal.

I think it is worth reminding that they couldnt originally even agree the guest list for these talks, said our correspondent.

READ MORE: France wants Aleppo war crimes probe

When it was first announced we heard that it was going to be the US, Russia,Turkey, Saudi, Qatar and Iran.

And only when Iran was questioning whether it was going to turn up they added more countries: Iraq, Egypt and then Jordan.

Its notable that two countries that are normally at these talks, permanant members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France were excluded. Even who gets to sit at the table is now a contentious matter.

Following the meeting, Kerry is expected to head to London, where he is likely to meet up on Sunday with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany.

Aleppo bombardment

With no let-up in Assads military campaign in eastern Aleppo, the sides will look at how to revive the short-lived ceasefire.

Russia and the US reached an agreement before it quickly collapsed amid the Syrian assault on the rebel-held part of the city, backed by Russian air power.

The offensive has prompted accusations of potential war crimes from Western countries.





More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in Syrian government and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since September 22, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Before Saturdays talks were set to begin, dozens of overnight air strikes struck east Aleppo, the SOHR said on Friday.

Three hospitals in Aleppo were hit by suspected Russian air strikes on Friday, killing seven people, Al Jazeera has learned.

The latest bombardment has prompted four leading charities to call for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

The nongovernmental organisations issued on Saturday a joint plea to establish a ceasefire of at least 72 hours in east Aleppo, where an estimated 250,000 people are living under bombardment siege.

This will allow the sick and wounded to be evacuated, and for food and medical aid to enter the besieged area, said a statement from one of the charities, Save the Children.
As head of kings advisory council, Prem automatically becomes regent while nation in mourning awaits new monarch.

Thailands government has named a former prime minister as regent, who will act as caretaker of the monarchy while the country mourns the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

There was no official statement on Saturday about the appointment of Prem Tinsulanonda, but as head of the advisory council to the king, he automatically becomes the caretaker until a new monarch is crowned, according to the countrys constitution.

The 96-year-old Prem, head of the Privy Council, was one of Bhumibols principal confidants and has ties to Bhumibols popular daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

INSIDE STORY: Is Thailand on its way back to democracy?

In an appearance on Friday evening, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam made the announcement explaining the temporary succession, without mentioning Prems name.

There must be a regent for the time being in order not to create a gap, Wissanu was quoted by Thai media as saying.

Prem, who has been the head of the Privy Council since 1998, has a reputation for clean governance and for favouring compromise over confrontation.





He came up through the ranks of the powerful military and became prime minister in 1980, staying at the helm for eight years, while guiding the country through economic problems and a series of military challenges, including two coup attempts.

But Prem had been accused by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of instigating the coup that removed the populist leader in 2006.

On Thursday, the government unexpectedly announced that Bhumibols heir apparent, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, did not want to be immediately named king to give the nation time to mourn his fathers death.

Al Jazeeras Harry Fawcett, reporting from Bangkok, said there is no deadline set for the succession to take place.

Days of mourning

For ordinary Thais, however, the overwhelming focus was on grieving for Bhumibol, not the succession.

I havent even started to think about that; Im still in mourning over the king, said Rakchadaporn Unnankad, a 24-year-old Bangkok office worker.

My tears started flowing out of me without my realising, she said, recalling the news of Bhumibols death. I didnt even want to hear the announcement.





Buddhist funeral ceremonies began on Friday night after a royal motorcade brought Bhumibols body from nearby Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace complex.

Al Jazeeras Fawcett said more Thai mourners will be allowed into the royal palace in the coming days.

In the Thai resort island of Phuket, police and soldiers dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the countrys king.

Video shot Friday evening shows the crowd blocking the road outside a soy milk shop and waving placards with slurs such as buffalo, a local slang word for stupidity. Some shouted for the man to come out.

Thai media reported that the crowds anger stemmed from online comments that were made by the man long before the kings death.

Thailand has draconian lese majeste laws that impose stiff prison sentences for actions or writings regarded as derogatory towards the monarch or his family.

Bhumibols death after 70 years on the throne was a momentous event in Thailand, where the monarch has been glorified as an anchor for a fractious society that for decades has been turned on its head by frequent coups.
The country is being battered by damaging winds, torrential rain and a dangerous storm surge.

Typhoon Sarika is continuing to strengthen as it begins to batter the Philippines.

The storm, known locally as Karen, is expected to make landfall in Luzon around 18:00 GMT, which is 2am local time.

The outer fringes of the storm are already covering much of the central Philippines, with many places seeing rain.

The centre of the system, where the strongest winds and the heaviest rains are located, is passing very close to Catanduanes and Camarines in the Bicol region.

Daet in Camarines Norte has reported 224mm of rain in the last 24 hours and rain is still falling. A little further south, the city of Legaspi reported 139mm of rain in the same period.

The typhoon is creeping along at only 13 kilometres per hour and is still strengthening. By the time it makes landfall in the Aurora province, the sustained winds are forecast to be 185km/h.

This would make the storm the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, on the five-point Saffir-Simpson Scale used to rate the strength of hurricanes in the waters around the Americas.

Winds of this strength will cause significant damage, tearing down trees and powerlines and causing damage to even well-built homes.

However, greater threats are likely to be the storm surge and the amount of rain.

The storm surge could be as much as seven metres above normal tide levels, which would cause a major coastal inundation.

At the same time, there could be as much as 500mm of rain in places, which would cause severe flooding could potentially trigger a number of landslides.

The typhoon is expected to weaken as it crosses the mountainous terrain of Luzon, before it crosses the South China Sea.

Once over the warm waters of the sea, Sarika is expected to strengthen once more.

The storm will then set its sights on Hainan and Vietnam, where it is forecast to hit in three or four days time.
The move comes after the Security Council failed to agree on a statement condemning air strikes on Houthi funeral wake.

The United Kingdom is planning to put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate truce in Yemen and a resumption of peace talks.

The 15-member body this week failed to agree on a statement condemning an October 8 air strike that killed some 140 people. Russia dismissed the statement as too vague and diplomats said Moscow refused to engage any further on it.

Sadly, the Yemen statement is dead, the UKs Ambassador to the UN, Matthew Rycroft, told reporters on Friday. Council statements must be agreed by consensus.





We have decided instead to put forward a draft Security Council resolution on Yemen calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of the political process, he said. We will be circulating that to council colleagues in the coming days.

The draft text will also press for access for humanitarian aid.

READ MORE: Yemen war  My children are starving to death

A Saudi-led Arab coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen since March 2015 to try to restore the internationally backed President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power, after rebels took over the capital Sanaa, made gains in other provinces and forced Hadis government to flee into exile.

More than 6,700 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Yemen since the coalition first intervened, according to the UN.

Yemen ranks as a level 3 emergency  the highest on the UN humanitarian scale  with nearly 70 percent of the population of 21 million facing food shortages.

Fighting in Yemen has intensified since UN-led peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without an agreement. The fighting has been concentrated around Sanaa.

Tensions rose further after Saturdays air strikes, widely blamed on Saudi warplanes, which ripped through a wake attended by some of Yemens top political and security officials, killing 140 people.





The US military launched cruise missiles on Thursday against three coastal radar sites in areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi forces, after failed missile attacks this week on a US Navy destroyer, US officials said.

Houthi rebels and their allies denied any involvement in the alleged missile strikes on the US ship.
War on terror or competition for natural resources? A look at the US and French military presence in Africa.

Editors note: This film is no longer available online.

Africa remains a key territory on the global chessboard of the 21st century. Rich in oil and natural resources, the continent holds a strategic position.

Whoever controls Mali, controls West Africa, if not the whole of Africa. by Doulaye Konate, Association of African Historians,

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to six of the worlds 10 fastest growing economies. North Africa counts with vast oil and natural gas deposits, the Sahara holds the most strategic nuclear ore, and resources such as coltan, gold, and copper, among many others, are abundant in the continent. But despite its position and resources, conflict and chaos have spread throughout the continent. At the heart of this turmoil is a strategic territory: the Sahel.

The region that straddles the Sahara to the north and the savannas in the south has become an important new front in the so-called war against terrorism.

But is the official narrative, the fight against terrorism, masking a larger battle? Have the resource wars of the 21st century already begun?

What we are currently experiencing can be described as a new scramble for Africa, says Jean Batou, Professor of History at Lausanne University.

Whoever controls Mali, controls West Africa

At the centre of the troubled region of the Sahel is the nation of Mali, which is among the worlds poorest. Unemployment is rampant and most people survive hand to mouth.

Yet, back in the 13th century, the Mali empire extended over much of West Africa and was extraordinarily wealthy and powerful. Ivory and gold made it a major crossroads for global trade at the time. But inevitably, these resources lead to conquests.

We are the transition between North Africa and Africa that reaches the ocean and the forests. This gives us an important strategic position: whoever controls Mali, controls West Africa  if not the whole of Africa  Thats why this region became so coveted, says Doulaye Konate from the Association of African Historians.

RELATED: Mapping Africas natural resources

The imperial European powers unveiled their plans to colonise Mali and the rest of Africa at the Berlin Conference in 1885. Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, each got their share.

The arrival of colonisation tore us apart. It felt like a cut, almost like a surgical operation, Konate says.

The French colonial empire extended over much of western and northern Africa, but in the late 1950s the winds of freedom started blowing across Africa, and France was to lose all its colonies.

However, the euphoria of independence was short. France retained troops, bases and political influence over its former colonies: the policy of France-Afrique was born.

France was Africas watchdog, defending the West in the region, says Antoine Glaser, author of France-Afrique.

The US and the threat of terrorism

In the 1960s, the discovery of huge oil reserves in the Gulf of Guinea attracted a new player: the United States.

The US made military as well as economic investments on the African continent and Africa became a battleground in the Cold War.

In 1992, the US launched a so-called humanitarian intervention in the strategic Horn of Africa. The US sent 28,000 soldiers to Somalia to help to put an end to a civil war. The operation ended in disaster two years later after American soldiers were captured and killed, images of their mutilated bodies broadcast around the world. They decided to withdraw.

In 2001, the attack on the World Trade Center reconfigured the geopolitics of the world. The US launched a war in Afghanistan  a war that would soon spread far beyond.

A few months after September 11, the US military returned to the Horn of Africa with plans to stay. They established their first military base in Djibouti.

The Sahel played a key role in looking at the movement of weapons, the movement of potential foreign fighters, and organised crime , says Rudolph Atallah, the former Director of Africa Counter-Terrorism, US Department of Defense.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM)

The United States is the only country to have divided the world into separate military sectors to monitor and patrol, NORTHCOM, PACOM, SOUTHCOM, EUCOM, CENTCOM and now AFRICOM.

Under the stated goals of fighting terrorism and providing humanitarian assistance, AFRICOM implanted itself on the continent, conducting military exercises with a growing number of African countries.

OPINION: The consequences of the US war on terrorism in Africa

The establishment of AFRICOM was key for the consolidation of US interests in Africa.

The Americans sought to establish the headquarters of AFRICOM as well as a headquarters for the CIA in Mali. The problem was that the Africans had a common position of refusing the establishment of new military bases.

This opposition forced the US to set up the command of AFRICOM thousands of miles away, in Stuttgart, Germany.

Muammar Gaddafi: The mad dog of the Middle East

Nelson Mandela's view was almost identical to Gaddafi's that there would be no African forces commanded by foreign military officials, and there would be no foreign militaries occupying any part of Africa or operating within Africa. by Maximilian Forte, author

African resistance to AFRICOM was spearheaded by Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader.

President Ronald Reagan had labelled him the mad dog of the Middle East and had tried to assassinate him in 1986 by bombing his palace.

The Libyan leaders independence and influence flowed from the vast petroleum reserves, the largest in Africa, which he had nationalised when he took power.

Gaddafi wanted to demonstrate that Africa could develop without depending on the Western banking system or the International Monetary Fund.

From the beginning of his political career as a leader, Muammar Gaddafi was opposed to a foreign military presence in Africa. One of the first things he did after coming to power in 1969 was to expel the British and US military bases in Libya itself, Maximilian Forte, the author of Slouching Towards Sirte: Natos war on Libya and Africa, explains.

But in March 2011, as the Arabs Spring spread through North Africa, France and the United States decided to act. This was AFRICOMS first war and its commander-in-chief was the first African-American president.

WATCH: Orphans of the Sahara

The fall of Gaddafi produced a shockwave that would be felt far beyond Libya.

Unfortunately there was not a very good handle on the 40,000-plus weapons that Gaddafi had, so quickly, over 35,000 disappeared, Atallah says.

Some of the weapons fell into the hands of the Libyan rebels. Others, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, fell into the hands of Tuareg fighters who fought alongside Gaddafi.

The heavily armed Tuaregs formed a new fighting force, the MNLA, and launched an offensive against the government in Bamako in January 2012.

Tuareg and other rebel forces invaded the major cities of northern Mali. Despite years of training and millions spent, the Wests greatest fear became a reality: a so-called Islamic state was established in northern Mali.

Nobody believed that a few hundred Jihadist fighters would take over [Bamako] a city of three million people where they had no significant presence, says Batou.

But soon the French armed forces lent their support to the Malian units. The rebel advance was stopped and in just two weeks, the French regained the north. The French army claimed to have killed hundreds of so-called terrorists. The former colonial power had become the saviour of the country.

The El Dorado of the Sahel

Despite the chaos, wars and revolutions, the interest of Europeans, Americans and the Chinese remains high in what may be the largest untapped oil reserves on the continent, the El Dorado of the Sahel, which extends from Mauritania to Algeria across north Mali.

The interest of major US energy companies in Africa has not decreased. The needs of Asia and Europe will not stop growing. Nearly $2 trillion of investments in African oil and gas are expected in the next two decades.

We all know oil resources are becoming increasingly rare. The last major reserves of oil in Africa will become increasingly important. Pre-positioning oneself with a view to exploiting these resources is vital, says Batou.

In May 2014, US President Barack Obama announced that he would allocate an additional $5bn to the fight against global terrorism.

An increasing number of African governments have signed on to the AFRICOM programme, like in Niger, where the US military brought together African forces comprising 1,000 soldiers from 17 countries for military exercises.

The US have also established drone bases in Djibouti, Niger, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Burkina Faso and the Seychelles, and sent troops to Liberia during the Ebola crisis in 2014.

Not to be outdone, France also announced plans to increase its presence in the Sahel with a redeployment of 3,000 troops.

The increasing militarisation of Africa is a new profit centre, coveted by the military-industrial complex with millions of dollars of contracts for arms manufacturers and private contractors.

More than 130 years after the Berlin Conference, a new division of the African continent is underway as new powers seek to ensure oil supplies, strategic minerals, arable land and even the water under the desert sands.

In reality, the big issues are not being addressed. It is as though the West lives off wars, as though wars need to be created, for them to justify their power, says Imam Mahmoud Dicko, president of the Islamic High Council of Mali.
Dr Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning journalist and author and is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Hill is known for his work addressing the intersections of race, justice, politics and culture. His latest best-selling book is We Still Here: Pandemics, Policing, Protest and Possibility which follows on the success of Nobody: Casualties of Americas War on the Vulnerable from Flint to Ferguson. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the US National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Infantile skittishness on campus is not confined to just politically correct and so-called diversity issues, as bad as that is. As a recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out, college students are now literally flooding mental-health centers on campus year round for anything and everything.

Here's some of what the Journal found.

At Ohio State University, a clinical psychologist holds a well-attended 'Beating Anxiety' workshop twice a week. To defuse anxiety, the students are advised to exercise, get more sleep, and refrain from "catastrophic thoughts" brought about things like an upcoming physics exam or if my friend doesn't text me back right away, does he/she does not like me anymore?

It gets worse.

"On the same day as the 'Beat Anxiety' workshop at Ohio State, the counseling center also put on its third annual "Recess" event. On a grassy lawn, there are tents where students can make balloon animals, blow bubbles and play with therapy dogs and a large colorful parachute. This event is designed to help students relieve stress and introduce them to the counseling center services and staff in a fun way."

If you're like me, you're probably puzzled by this childish display and horrified to think that these people are allowed to vote. But the last line in the above quote might be the true reason for this "Recess" -- that is, it's to drum up business for the counseling infrastructure that is growing like topsy at colleges and universities across the nation.

And growing it is. The Journal reports that Ohio State has seen a 43% jump in the past five years in the number of students being treated at the university's counseling center. To handle this surge in demand, 12 additional staff members were hired, bringing the total providing clinical services to 65.

And please don't think Ohio State is an outlier. The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) experienced a 36% increase in demand for counseling service in the last seven years. At the University of Central Florida (Orlando), the increase has been a whopping 12% increase each year for the past ten years.

A 2016 survey by the American College Health Association found that 17% of college students were diagnosed with or treated for anxiety problems during the past year, and nearly 14% were diagnosed with or treated for depression.

And speaking of demand for counseling services, don't think that this trend will not manifest itself more strongly than ever in mandated health insurance policies. Move over cancer and heart disease; make room for anxiety and depression counseling -- the Snowflakes are here.

What accounts for this trend on campus?

The counseling 'experts' say that more students are coming to college with long psychiatric histories. (Oh brother!) And then there' are reasons like the economy, the cost of college, student debt, social media, and "a so-called helicopter parenting style that doesn't let adolescence experience failure" that is creating anxiety in the students.

Whatever the reason, the Snowflakes are descending on our colleges and universities like a blizzard in Buffalo. Laugh at the Snowflakes if you want, but this is not funny. Culture leads politics, and these ever-so-sensitive souls will soon be influencing the path our society follows as their generation replaces the previous generations.

One can argue that a process akin to natural selection will see to it that only the more robust among the current college generation will rise to leadership positions. I say yes and no.

First off, we live in a democratic republic. This means votes count. Do you think America would have disgraced itself with the election of the likes of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and maybe now Hillary Clinton if much of the voter bases hadn't already been dumbed down and corrupted starting in 1960s? To one degree or another, the Snowflakes will help decide who gets elected, and their bias will always be towards softness, accommodation, wishful thinking, and avoiding conflict and difficult choices at all cost.

Secondly, it may be true that Snowflakes are not likely to rise to the pinnacle of leadership. But we have to realize that there are many thousands of leadership positions scattered throughout society, not just the high-visibility ones seen in the media. All organizations and institutions have leadership positions within them at various levels. And there, many a college-educated Snowflake will be imbedded with his/her ingrained outlook on life. That cannot help but affect things.

The question I cannot answer is this: Are the Snowflakes a harbinger of what lies in store for America, or will they be melted by the reality of life and thus mature and grow up so as to function as responsible citizens in a representative republic?
Before Benghazi, before the e-mail scandal, before the numerous allegations of impropriety involving the Clinton Foundation, there was Waco. On April 19, 1993, a few short months into Bill Clintons first presidential term, nearly 80 men, women, and children perished at Mt. Carmel, their religious community and home near Waco, Texas. A Federal investigation into the tragedy in 2000 found that government agents were not responsible for the deaths of Davidian civilians  that the sect members who died there had committed mass suicide, similar to the Kool-Aid drinking by Jim Jones aficionados, but more violent. This verdict was significant, given the allegations by Davidian survivors and relatives that sect members had been shot as they tried to flee their burning buildings. And while many laid blame for the outcome at the feet of then-Attorney General Janet Reno, there are claims that Hillary Clinton was actually the one in charge .

Allegations of gunfire were based on more than Davidian survivors testimony. They were based, also, on interpretations of imagery collected by an infrared camera on a fixed-wing aircraft that circled Mt. Carmel in the hours surrounding the fire. Bright, repetitive flashes were thought, by some infrared experts, to constitute evidence of weapons fire from outside the buildings in which the Davidians were pinned. While this circumstance encouraged the question, Did the FBI shoot at civilians? -- its Hostage Rescue Team had managed a 51-day standoff prior to the fiery climax -- members of the U. S. Armys Delta Force and the elite British SAS were also present on site.

The 2000 investigation, headed by former Republican Senator John Danforth and costing the U. S. taxpayer about $17 M, was concurrent with a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Davidian survivors and relatives against the FBI. Government experts contended that the flashes most likely cause was sun reflections off debris in the Mt. Carmel courtyard: the infrared camera, they said, would have been unlikely to register muzzle flash as bright and long-lasting as the flashes seen on Mt. Carmels video. As experts waged thermal warfare in affidavits and in the press, other investigators researched the basics of infrared gunfire signatures.

To the general public, this talk of an unfamiliar technology sounded very confusing; and the government, which had nearly exclusively developed it, made no attempt to educate them. In fact, the Federal judge presiding over the civil trial decided against gunfire based on his reading of the affidavits, depriving a jury of the opportunity to hear the evidence directly from those whod studied the problem. In doing so, he negated the one and only chance members of the public might have had to weigh in on the issue before an official judgment was rendered.

Might official verdicts have been different if the public had known something about infrared technology while the controversy flared? For instance, what if it had been known that a thermal infrared image, captured at wavelengths longer than the eye can see, allows objects to be discerned not only when they are of sufficient size, but are also of sufficient brightness relative to their background, as this clip from the Waco video demonstrates?

If the public had been able to see demonstrations like this one, then perhaps a key government claim  that persons must be seen near the flashes in order to conclude gunfire  would have been easily dismissed, if not laughed off. No shooters equals no shots  while sounding very reasonable to those familiar only with visible light imagery  became instead a clever tool in the governments deception arsenal.

A Now-Defunct Government Labs Shadowy Role in Danforths Waco investigation

Given that nearly all U.S. infrared technology since WW II had been developed by the US Government, it should not have been surprising that the majority of infrared practitioners, even in 2000, owed their livelihoods to it. As a result, infrared experts willing to go on record with their opinions of the Waco tapes were difficult to find. Tucson attorney David Hardy wrote of retired engineers whod believed Wacos flashes were gunfire, but did not wish to become involved in a trial[1]. An infrared inspection firm whose analyst had claimed gunfire on 60 Minutes years before declined further involvement due to the possibility of negative business repercussions[2]. The Davidians primary expert in their civil lawsuit, retired Army scientist Dr. Edward Allard, suffered a disabling stroke just weeks before the investigations field tests were run. Another expert, Carlos Ghigliotti, had given Hardy a data dump of his results concluding gunfire and told this author that the Waco situation would be resolved soon, when he called a press conference. Unfortunately, that call was never made: Carlos was found dead in his home in late April, of an apparent heart attack at age 42.

The infrared test was conducted at Ft. Hood, Texas, the place later made notorious by the killing spree of Nidal Malik Hasan. Erroneously referred to in press reports as a re-creation of conditions on the standoffs last day, its conditions and those under which the Davidians perished could not have been more different. The tests errors, omissions, and obfuscations were so egregious that they could not have been anything other than deliberate  particularly given the high caliber of the so-called neutral experts selected as test conductors.

Those experts  and experts, they were  came from ERIM, the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, up until 2001 the sanctum sanctorum of U. S. infrared technology. They, literally, wrote the book on infrared.

Some of the anomalies: the Ft. Hood test featured an infrared camera collecting data at U. K. rates of 25 frames per second, mounted on a helicopter. The Waco imager of 1993 collected data at U. S. rates, 30 frames per second, and was mounted on a fixed-wing aircraft. In any reasonable test, the choice of sensor frame rate and platform should match the original  which did not happen at Ft. Hood. Moreover, the slower frame rate of the 2000 test camera worked against imaging a fast-moving phenomenon  infrared muzzle flash  for as long as it might appear on the original Mt. Carmel video. As flash duration was a critical element in the controversy, the choice of a camera with a slower frame rate worked against reasonable comparison, making gunfire muzzle flash a less likely conclusion from the test.

Other factors worked to decrease the brightness and duration of muzzle flash captured on the 2000 test camera, making it appear as though gunfire could not have caused the bright Waco flashes in 1993. These included the fields lack of atmospheric particulate (dust -- which works to produce a bright secondary combustion effect from muzzle exhaust gases) and an earth background so bright that muzzle flash would scarcely be seen against it (Davidian expert Ferdinand Zegel believed that the test cameras infrared detector had malfunctioned to create this effect.)

These were just a few of the obvious errors and omissions. Several others were identified including the fact that a weapons-ammunition combination at Waco which had been shown to produce bright flashes was not tested at Ft. Hood.

Id consulted more than one ERIM-associated expert in my attempts to better understand the phenomena and bring wider expertise to bear on the problem  something I believed a nationally-prominent scientist should have been doing, but wasnt. As I shared more information with my contacts, including results of muzzle flash tests Id conducted with attorney David Hardy, the e-mails stopped returning and my phone calls went unanswered. One colleague even told me hed been advised to cool it regarding his study of Wacos technical issues; and he suggested I do the same.

Cool it. Why? Well, since my colleague was a university professor, perhaps the university (my alma mater, too, The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences) worried about continued funding  not only in infrared technology, but in any major technology related to optics, also. It just wouldnt do to accuse ones major customer  the U. S. government  of murdering civilians within its borders.

I declined to cool it and offered my own conclusion about the flashes on the Waco FLIR in late 2001: that they were likely to have come from government gunfire. In the years since, as Ive studied the problem, it is more apparent to me than ever that the government shot and killed civilians at Waco on April 19, 1993.

And those experts in the 2000 Ft. Hood tests, from ERIM, who were so good that they absolutely knew what they were doing, but produced an unscientific comparison, anyway? Im not certain what happened to them, individually, but in 2001, ERIM ceased to exist as a separate entity. ERIM acquired Vector Research, Inc. (VRI) in 2001 to form the Altarum Institute4] headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Given that Vector Research had been a part of Anteon  the parent company of Danforths Special Counsel experts, Vector Data Systems, that association is significant. How neutral was ERIM  a so-called neutral expert  to begin with?

These are critical questions that deserve careful examination by a highly skilled investigator. Unfortunately, Michael McNulty passed away in 2015 so he is unable to continue this work. This is not only a good time to review events surrounding the Waco controversy: it is the optimum time, given the responsibility of the individual who called the final shots at Waco  Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Electro-optical engineer Barbara G Grant, M. S., is a consultant in electro-optics, an author of three engineering books, and an educator who teaches the practical applications of optical radiant energy to professional engineers and scientists. Her website is http://www.linesandlights.com.
There are an awful lot of people out there who still think this is a conventional election, that we are choosing between two candidates on the basis of experience, policies, and character.

This is not a conventional election. This is, as the late, great Andrew Breitbart put it, "war!"

An all-out culture war.

It's not a war that conservatives started or have ever wanted. It is a war that has been thrust on us. But if we don't treat it as a war, if we don't take it seriously as a war, we will lose and lose miserably. We will lose not just for the next four years, but for the next 40 years, and possibly the next 400 years.

In other words, this is not a skirmish or a tiny battle, as the #NeverTrump crowd imagines. If we don't defeat the enemy in November, there may not be another chance for a long time to come.

When you're at war, your tactics change considerably. For your leader, you don't want a gentleman warrior or an intellectual who is good at articulating ideas but not very good in the trenches. Those are peacetime leaders, perhaps, but not wartime generals.

At time of war, you pick a general who is tough as nails and will lead you confidently into battle and be victorious. You choose someone who knows how important it is, as Winston Churchill said, to "Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never-never-never-never!"

The general you pick may be foul-mouthed, crude, or brusque. He may have any number of personal failings. Those things don't matter in war. What matters is:

Is he on your side?

Is he a fighter?

Can he rally the troops?

Can he weaken the opponent?

Can he administer death blows when needed?

Can he emerge victorious?

In short, you need someone who is strong, fierce, and not easily taken down. Ironically, the Republican symbol of the elephant is the perfect metaphor  a creature who, on the one hand, is often seen as big, clumsy, and lovable, but who turns out to be of the most dangerous animals on Earth. A creature who has been known to be vindictive and can trample even a rhinoceros  so a donkey shouldn't be that hard.

Is this Donald J. Trump?

Absolutely. He has shown that no matter what dirt gets dug up and thrown at him, he will not back down. He is the first Republican candidate to come along in more than 25 years who isn't afraid to battle the Democrats  and the media  with the same firepower they bring into battle.

Scott Adams, the creator of the cartoon Dilbert, has written extensively on the "persuasion" elements of this election and says that Trump's temperament is predictable, that "when Trump counter-attacks, he always responds with equal measure. Words are met with words and scandal mentions are met with scandal mentions. (And maybe a few words.) But always proportionate and immediate."

So what we are seeing, and what we may see for the remainder of the campaign, is Trump responding in full force to the media and the left-wing onslaught.

In short, he's bringing out the big guns.

But he's bringing out the big guns because that's what the other side already has aimed at him.

Consider the 2005 video of Trump's lewd comments. The Democrat-controlled media thought they could take Donald Trump down and end his candidacy for good by airing the video two days before the second presidential debate. But, unlike almost every other Republican you can name, Trump didn't back down. He came out swinging.

Debate moderator Anderson Cooper called Trump's 2005 comments "sexual assault," and said, "You bragged that you have sexually assaulted women. Do you understand that?"

Trump corrected him and subtly undercut the claim: "No, I didn't say that at all. I don't think you understood what was said. This was locker room talk." He then apologized to his family and the American public and masterfully switched the subject:

You know, when we have a world when you have ISIS chopping off heads and frankly drowning people in steel cages, where you have so many bad things happening  we should get onto much more important things and much bigger things.

The moderators and the Democrats were stunned that their many shots at Trump did not succeed. He outgunned them at every turn. When he said Hillary should be in jail, they were reeling. No one has ever gone after Hillary the way Trump has.

Now, having failed round one, the left has brought out even bigger guns  women who claim that Trump groped them and sexually assaulted them on numerous occasions going back to the 1980s.

But once again, Trump will not be taken down easily. At a speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, he went on offense almost immediately.

"These people are horrible people. They're horrible, horrible liars," he said of the women accusing him. "And interestingly, it happens to appear 26 days before our very important election."

He challenged the account of one woman, Jessica Leeds, who claims that Trump touched her on a first-class flight to New York more than 30 years ago and was "like an octopus."

Trump's response: "Another ridiculous tale. No witnesses. No nothing."

He cast aspersion on People magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff, who claimed that Trump forced her against a wall and tried to kiss her in 2005, when she was interviewing Trump and his wife, Melania, in 2005. Donald Trump pointed out the "area was a public area  people all over the place."

But the media is again trying to slay the elephant. For example, CNN senior media correspondent Brian Stelter immediately jumped into the fray, calling Trump's speech "paranoid" and "dangerous."

This is war, ladies and gentlemen. It's not a conventional election, and it's not a gentlemen's disagreement or a skirmish or a fistfight. You can't sit at home with popcorn and enjoy the show, because eventually the lights will come up, and we will be saddled with either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump for four years.

If it's Hillary, then you can gird yourself for what will surely be daily battles over guns, free speech, Supreme Court nominees, higher taxes, more immigration, more years of a bad economy, and a multitude of other bad decisions.

Or you can take your chances with the elephant, Donald J. Trump.

Whose side on you on?

Debbie Hallberg is a writer based in San Francisco.
(The following is adapted from the introduction to the author's new book, The Case Against Public Education. More information below.)

During an 1839 debate in Britain's House of Commons regarding the establishment of government schools, the young Benjamin Disraeli objected:

Wherever is found what is called paternal government, there is found state education. It has been discovered that the best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in the nursery.

Though Disraeli's pithy remark may seem startling in our age of universal public schooling, in fact he was merely stating the obvious. Government-controlled schooling, in all its variations, is essentially a tool of paternalism, i.e., of the tyrannical impulse. Such schooling was conceived and developed with a compliant and uniform citizenry, rather than an educated one, as its primary goal. Our civilization's moral and intellectual decline is primarily the product of the worlds two-hundred-year experiment in state child-rearing. It is time to face this reality squarely.

Education is nothing less than civilization itself considered from the developmental point of view. It is the process of becoming civilized, which for centuries of so-called Western humanity was grounded in variations on a few related themes: The rational individual, a natural microcosm who is therefore capable in principle of understanding his immediate surroundings within a comprehensive view of the whole, must live by his own will, which requires cultivating practical knowledge, intellectual self-reliance, and moral independence. To undermine self-reliance, to deny independence, and to diminish or curtail the desire for knowledge, is thus to denature men, in the sense of turning us against ourselves. And that is what modern public schooling was and is designed to accomplish.

We are living through the final stages of progressivisms two-hundred-year ascendancy. The expansion of practical liberty and material prosperity in the nineteenth century was rooted in the ideas and sensibilities of the preceding centuries. Already in the early 1800s, however, seeds of modernitys invasive weed had germinated, and were sending up shoots throughout the West. Progressivism, the idea that History itself is a kind of animate being seeking its goal in a deified Future, and hence that humanity, Historys chariot, is essentially a collective entity with a collective purpose, was an impossible fit in a civilization supported by the intellectual pillars of rational self-discovery, individual sovereignty, and the moral and metaphysical primacy of the personal soul -- "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," as Thomas Jefferson, adapting Locke, so deftly crystallized our nature.

Initially, this anti-modern, anti-rational, and anti-individual philosophy exerted its most profound effects primarily in its native soil, Germany, although it was gradually invading Western academia and the arts. The practical problem for the original progressives, the German idealists, was that the pursuit of happiness, which is to say of private knowledge, private virtue, and a private glimpse of eternity, seemed to answer to a basic human impulse, or at least one basic to the Western tradition. There could therefore be no hope of realizing their new religion of the progress of collective humanity, i.e., History, short of a radical separation of mankind from the social conditions that both derived from and fostered the older moral perspective which they despised.

This radical separation would require the strategic application of coercive authority to snap natures thread linking mens hearts to their own lives, their own needs, and their own futures. As such a strategy, pursued against adults, would immediately be identified and resisted as a form of enslavement, its proper targets would have to be children. It would have to displace the private family as the locus of authority and emotional dependency in the childrens formative years. And it would have to exploit the childrens natural desires, fears, and pleasures to break them to the will of the collective, which means the will of the state.

German thought had been edging toward a systematic rejection of the traditional understanding of human nature for some years before anyone had manifested the combination of profound intellect and profound megalomania needed to conceive of an effective way of bringing these radical ideas down from the ivory tower, and into the practical life of a nation. The man who finally rose to the occasion was one of the four great figures of German idealism, Hegel's precursor, Johann Gottlieb Fichte. In Addresses to the German Nation (1808), he explains his vision of compulsory, government-controlled schooling, designed explicitly to subvert and undo the entire rational and religious heritage of the West in favor of a neo-mysticism with its own new trinity -- the future, the state, and the collective. This was both progressivisms first comprehensive mission statement and the blueprint for what in the twentieth century came to be known as re-education camps.

It was this bold new idea that the Wests leading education reformers, from France and Britain to America and Canada, flocked to Prussia to study and to adapt for application at home. Though facing great resistance in nations with traditions of freedom, in the end, by persistence, obfuscation, and stealth, these admirers of Fichtes blueprint won the day throughout the civilized world. Compulsory schooling found its voice over the nineteenth century, its chorus joined by statesmen, bureaucrats, business titans, and academics -- anyone desirous of coercively entrenching a social status quo with himself in an elite position; anyone swept up in the early waves of progressive theory or activism, whether of the idealist-mystical or the materialist-socialist sort; and, in principle, simply anyone with the instinct to impose where he is unable to persuade.

As a result of this progressive educational insurgency, compulsory schooling, tyranny commenced in the nursery, gradually became the norm throughout the advanced world -- a world, we would do well to recall, that had become advanced without such schooling. The schools may not yet have been all that a progressive could hope for, but the ratchet mechanism of ever-expanding government control within the private spiritual realm, i.e., the mind, had been set in irreversible motion. The most vital, or rather fatal, step, namely state compulsion itself, had been taken.

And what is compulsory or "universal" schooling, in a nutshell? It is the legally enforced diluting of parental authority over the raising of children, with intellectual and moral lessons, goals, and methods regulated by the government. It is usually undertaken in government buildings away from the family home, and under the supervision of various levels of government agents trained in accordance with government standards to represent and administer government policy regarding the proper rank-ordering of society, the attitudes and skills deemed by the government to be most socially useful, and the pre-emptive extinguishing or subduing of beliefs, attitudes, and behavior judged to be undesirable to the government for any reason. It weakens the natural attachments to family and familial associations in favor of cultivating alternative attachments to government officers, and to the artificial, government-designed social order of the school. Broadly, it encourages feelings of submissiveness to, and dependence upon, the opinions and judgments of an abstract collective, thus effectively discouraging independent thought, thwarting the development of self-reliance, and in general ensuring that no one ever actualizes his full intellectual and practical potential.

At this point, no doubt, progressive readers are rising to object that the preceding description completely misrepresents the purpose and value of public education, while many conservatives, I imagine, may be ready to accuse me of weakening my case with hyperbole. To those critics, or to those among them prepared to engage honestly with this subject matter, I issue a friendly challenge: Go back and reread the offending paragraph, this time without the presuppositions we have all had drilled into us about the supposed necessity of public schools. Find in that paragraph one sentence, one phrase, one adjective that may properly be said to exaggerate anything, or indeed to say anything at all apart from a simple matter-of-fact description of public school.

Furthermore, I ask you to find one statement or description in that paragraph that has not also been offered, in similar words, in defense of public education, by any number of the institutions most influential advocates, from Fichte to Horace Mann to John Dewey to Mao Tse-tung on down. Admittedly, you will find that most of the public school proponents who spoke this honestly about their methods and intentions were men of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, before progressivism, as part of its assault on the final pockets of civilized resistance, invented the dainty linguistic duplicity that we call political correctness.

Consider, again, the last part of Disraelis critique of government schooling: "It has been discovered that the best way to insure implicit obedience is to commence tyranny in the nursery." I draw your attention to the main verb, "discovered." Disraelis important observation is that the superlative value of state education as a tool of tyranny is a discovery that tyrannical men have made. That is, men with a desire for illegitimate power will find their way to this most ingenious and effective method of control if it is made accessible to them.

All that has changed since the young Disraeli and others made their cautionary stands is that we have now witnessed the full poisonous fruit of the subversion they foresaw. Public education now exerts universal social control to a degree that might have seemed unthinkable to its early critics. By retarding spiritual growth in the name of entrenching state compliance and dependency as inescapable norms, progressivism has added a final twist to Disraelis ironic stab. For he warned of "tyranny in the nursery," whereas todays educational establishments have taken this one step further, seeking, by means of the maturation-stunting effects of public school, to establish nothing less than tyranny as a nursery.

In short, the susceptibility of government schools to exploitation as tools of oppressive social manipulation -- the Prussian model in a nutshell -- was once understood by many to be a risk too great to be borne. Today it is a reality too manifest to be denied. The promise of modernity -- the promise of liberty and a civil order grounded in practical reason and virtue -- remains now only as a dim shadow of its true self, maintained merely to pacify the masses with a chimerical representation of freedom and morality in place of the real things.

If there is to be a renewal of our morally and politically exhausted civilization in the foreseeable future, it will of necessity begin with an educational emancipation. The effort is already long overdue.

The author invites you to visit his new website, darenjonescu.com, where you will find his book, The Case Against Public Education, and much more.
This Saturday at 8:45 p.m. and Sunday at 10 p.m., on C-SPANs "Book-TV", a national TV audience will get to see, unedited, my take on the fate of TWA Flight 800.

In truth, the story should have been on every network. My book, TWA 800: The Crash, The Cover-Up, The Conspiracy, addresses the most successful cover-up in American peacetime history, the one that followed the destruction of TWA Flight 800 off the coast of Long Island in July 1996. The fact that the Clinton White House orchestrated this cover-up during the heat of the 1996 election campaign should have made the new information in the book at least as newsworthy as, say, an eleven-year-old hot mic recording of a Donald Trump locker room chat.

As Trump has been at pains to point out, however, that is not the way our media roll, especially the broadcast media -- except, of course, for C-SPAN. In the way of background, Brian Lamb, a Purdue grad and Navy vet, first conceived of C-SPAN in 1975. While working for a cable industry trade magazine, he saw the need for a nonprofit network funded by the cable industry to televise sessions of Congress and other public affairs presentations. By 1979, C-SPAN was up and running and, as far as I can see, has kept to the straight and narrow.

This will be my tenth "Book-TV" presentation. The other nine are all available on line, beginning with my 2004 book Ron Browns Body. Despite titles like You Lie! and I Had a Son, the website editors describe my books as matter-of-factly as if I had written a book on John Adams or the Panama Canal.

Consider, for instance, the introductory paragraph for my 2011 book Deconstructing Obama: Jack Cashill questions whether President Obama wrote his memoir, Dreams from My Father. Cashill argues that Barack Obama was assisted in the writing of his 1995 memoir by Bill Ayers and contends that the president's life story is different than the one presented in his biography. Bingo!

Compare this description to one offered up on the same subject by New Yorker editor David Remnick, Cashills assertions might well have remained a mere twinkling in the Webs farthest lunatic orbit had it not been for the fact that more powerful voices hoped to give his theory wider currency. Now, you can begin to see why I appreciate C-SPAN.

I had hoped more powerful voices would have given wider currency to my TWA 800 book, but with some notable mainstream exceptions -- the New York Post, the London Daily Mail, the Newark Star-Ledger -- that has not happened. It has not been for want of trying. My publicists at Regnery and I have been knocking on doors for the last three months, including those of the Washington Post and New York Times.

As with all my investigative books, I offered to share my information without reserve and promised Pulitzers to those crusading journalists who would take the story the next step. What I discovered for the tenth time, however, is that there are no crusading journalists left in the major media.

For a moment at least, NY1, New Yorks 24-hour news station, seemed like an exception. In the week after the twentieth anniversary of TWA 800s destruction, a cameraman from the station called and asked if he could interview me. The timing worked out as I was at the New Jersey shore that week.

The interview lasted two hours and went as well as an interview could. The cameraman thought he was on to something, and so did his producer. She called to tell me how much she liked the material and followed up with an email. Thank you so much for the information and contacts you've passed along, she wrote. I feel strongly about this story and am definitely giving it 120%. She finished the email with a p.s., Ive been glued to your book.

I spare the producers name because she tried her best. Embedded in her email was a caveat that I read with more caution than she intended. It said simply, I really hope [the story] continues to get approval through the ranks here. If there were ranks to be gotten through, I was confident the story would not get through them, and I was right.

Again without intending, the cameraman had planted a political IED in the recording. At the very end of the session, he asked me how the news of the cover-up, if it ever broke, would affect Hillarys chances in the election. I downplayed the consequences, but there was no denying there would be some. Alas, the NY1 story blew up somewhere between the New Jersey Shore and the New York air waves.

Thank God for C-SPAN! I did my "Book-TV" presentation at the TWA Museum in Kansas City three weeks ago. Audience members had to register in advance, and TWA veterans took most of the seats in the SRO crowd. I did not need to remind them that 53 of their colleagues died in that crash. Many in the audience knew at least some of the dead. There is a room at the Museum dedicated to their memory.

I began by telling those in attendance I would not dishonor that memory -- nor would they allow me to -- merely to sell books. As the audience understood, the media use the term conspiracy theorist as a coping mechanism, a way to allow reporters to feel okay with the fact that others are doing the work they get paid to do.

At the end of the presentation the TWA vets asked some very knowing questions, and not a one of them, as far as I could tell, has bought the government line that the plane just sort of blew up. Tune in Saturday to see for yourself.
The Gulf sheikhdom Qatar is a major ISIS and world terrorism sponsor. It is a little disturbing that the sheikhs of Qatar gave Bill Clinton a one-million-dollar-birthday present.

The WikiLeaks document dump of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta has revealed Qatars previous desire to give her husband a $1 million birthday present.

Thousands of emails leaked by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assanges nonprofit organization continue to embarrass Democrat presidential hopeful Mrs. Clinton. The latest email thread shows an aide discussing conversations with ambassadors from Qatar, Brazil, Peru, Malawi, and Rwanda while in the nations capital.

[Qatar] would like to see WJC for five minutes in NYC, to present $1 million check that Qatar promised for WJCs birthday in 2011, an employee at The Clinton Foundationsaid to numerous aides, including Doug Brand. Qatar would welcome our suggestions for investments in Haiti  particularly on education and health. They have allocated most of their $20 million but are happy to consider projects we suggest. Im collecting input from CF Haiti team.
The biggest human interest story so far of the Wikileaks hack is the story of Chelsea Clintons discovery in 2011 that her parents nonprofit was full of conflicts of interest. They had set up a charity that allowed donors to get their way. At first, she tried reform, only to lose out to the entenched cronies. What emerges, in the context of Chelseas actions in the next few years, shows us how she reconciled herself to the realities of the Clinton Organization.

A tranche of the Wikileaks revelations released Tuesday revealed, as Richard Pollock of the Daily Caller put it:

Chelsea Clintons bold decision in 2011 to launch an internal investigation into the finances of the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. (snip) Two emails  one dated Nov. 12, 2011 and another dated Jan. 4, 2012  show Chelsea was aggressively looking into the foundations money flows and talking to others about it.

It sounds as though the then-31-year-old Chelsea, accustomed to dismissing everything negative about her parents coming from the Clinton-haters, started seeing actual internal data and was able to put two and two together. Keep in mind that at this time in her life, she had just been awarded a masters degree in public health and was beginning work on her doctoral dissertation at University College, Oxford. The dissertation was not completed until 2014, when she was awarded her doctorate. The abstract of the 712-page thesis reveals that donors exerting control over a nonprofit organization was her major discovery. The specific organization she studied, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, does not appear to be an offshoot of the Clinton organizations. Here are the conclusions, from the abstract, couched in terms of the relevant academic theories:

Equal donor and recipient Board representation was insufficient to ensure recipients had influence equal to donors. The Secretariat never developed an in-country presence but donors embedded themselves in-country, through grant oversight mechanisms and providing technical assistance to implementers. Principal-agent theory generally assumes agents have more information than principals, a key source of their authority. In the Fund, that asymmetry was in the principals favour. The scant delegation of authority to the Secretariat left donors in a position to exert control at all levels. The Fund was an experiment in global governance but has not yet proven to be a success in establishing a new model for cooperation.

Gee, donors in a position to exert control at all levels might apply somewhere else, might it not?

Now imagine yourself as a 30-something young woman, raised by nannies and thrust into the world as a celebrity with no say in the matter. Shes gotten into the best universities in the world and just embarked on the ultimate academic status symbol.

And she discovers that her familys slush fund is rife with conflicts of interest.

Here, Chelsea did the smart thing: she commissioned a report by Simpson, Thatcher, and Bartlett, a law firm as establishment as one can get. (Full disclosure: Many years ago, I did some work for that firm.) Their work does not come cheap. The audit they produced was revealed in the Thursday tranche from Wikileaks, and it revealed trouble, again as summarized by Richard Pollock:

Leading the review was Victoria Bjorklund, one of the nations top-ranked legal experts on good-governance practices for foundations and charities. She came out of retirement to lead the review. She created and previously headed Simpsons tax-exempt group which advises public charities, private foundations, boards, and donors. Bjorklund was named 2014 Nonprofit Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers Magazine. Simpson Thacher found numerous weaknesses in the Clinton Foundations management structure, including a board consisting entirely of insiders loyal solely to Bill and Hillary Clinton, the boards failure to oversee finances properly, inherent conflict of interests and the use of audits based on cash accounting rather than the federally mandated accrual basis. But most serious disclosure in the review was that donors expected a quid pro quo in return for their contributions. Some interviewees reported conflicts of those raising funds or donors, some of whom may have an expectation of quid pro quo benefits in return for gifts.

The disclosure that the board of Clinton Foundation was on notice probably raises a lot of sticky issues that would preoccupy an honest AG in New York State, where the enterprise is chartered. I am not holding my breath.

Simpson Thacher found the board played no meaningful role in deciding either the Clinton Foundations strategic policies or in evaluating the effectiveness of the organizations global programs for the poor. Failures by boards of directors in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities may arise when a board leaves governing responsibility to a small number of people, some of whom may have conflicts of interest that can mar their judgment, the review said. While foundations of comparable size meet on a quarterly basis, the review found that the Clinton Foundation board meetings were convened only once a year and appeared to be held mainly to satisfy state and federal charity laws.

Translation: Nobody is running the place (and keeping it honest).

Chelsea, apparently, decided to work from the inside, to reform:

She was there when the foundation fired KDB, its tiny, Midwestern accounting firm. She also personally recruited McKinsey & Company friend and colleague Eric Braverman to become the new CEO. And Chelsea widened the board from a handful of Clinton insiders to a dozen while serving as its vice-chairman. Only months after Braverman arrived after signing a lucrative $395,000 employment contract, he abruptly quit. Bruce Lindsey, a long-time Clinton hand who Braverman had replaced, is now back running the foundation. Its unclear if Braverman resigned or if he was pushed out by old Clinton loyalists. Band and other long time Bill Clinton pals had a lot to lose with a Chelsea-led investigation. Historically, the foundation was run by a small group of old Clinton loyalists, including long-time aide Bruce Lindsey, Terence McAuliffe, now the Democratic governor of Virginia, and Cheryl Mills, who was Hillarys chief of staff at the State Department.

It looks to me as if Chelsea gave it a try and lost out to the capos in the organization. She took the academic way out, studying another, far more benign group (in all likelihood), and discovered that even there, the donors end up calling the shots. Maybe that is how she rationalized her decision to go with the flow. Maybe it was her way of telling the world that it is pretty corrupt out there. All packaged in the most respectable way possible, a D. Phil dissertation at Oxford.
The Obama administration is contemplating retaliation against Russia for hacking American political organizations. The CIA is preparing several options for the president to consider - all of them unprecedented.

NBCNews:

The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the American presidential election, U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

Current and former officials with direct knowledge of the situation say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vice President Joe Biden told "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd on Friday that "we're sending a message" to Putin and that "it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact."

When asked if the American public will know a message was sent, the vice president replied, "Hope not."

Retired Admiral James Stavridis told NBC News' Cynthia McFadden that the U.S. should attack Russia's ability to censor its internal internet traffic and expose the financial dealings of Putin and his associates.

"It's well known that there's great deal of offshore money moved outside of Russia from oligarchs," he said. "It would be very embarrassing if that was revealed, and that would be a proportional response to what we've seen" in Russia's alleged hacks and leaks targeting U.S. public opinion.

Sean Kanuck, who was until this spring the senior U.S. intelligence official responsible for analyzing Russian cyber capabilities, said not mounting a response would carry a cost.

"If you publicly accuse someone," he said, "and don't follow it up with a responsive action, that may weaken the credible threat of your response capability."

President Obama will ultimately have to decide whether he will authorize a CIA operation. Officials told NBC News that for now there are divisions at the top of the administration about whether to proceed.
A survey by Bloomberg News of 32 states has found that more than 1.4 million Americans will lose their insurance plans over the coming year.

Open enrollment for Obamacare starts in a couple of weeks, and the abandonment by several large insurance companies of the Obamacare exchanges means that hundreds of counties across the country will have only one choice of plans.

Sign-ups for Obamacare coverage begin next month. Fallout from the quitting insurers has emerged as the latest threat to the law, which is also a major focal point in the U.S. presidential election. While its not clear what all the consequences of the departing insurers will be, interviews with regulators and insurance customers suggest that plans will be fewer and more expensive, and may not include the same doctors and hospitals. It may also mean that instead of growing in 2017, Obamacare could shrink. As of March 31, the law covered 11.1 million people; an Oct. 13 S&P Global Ratings report predicted that enrollment next year will range from an 8 percent decline to a 4 percent gain. Last year in Minnesota, Theresa Puffer, 61, used Obamacare to sign up for a BlueCross BlueShield plan after leaving her job following a skin cancer diagnosis. I would have had a hard time finding any sort of coverage before the ACA, Puffer said by phone. Next year, Puffers plan is disappearing from Obamacare -- making her one of about 20,000 Minnesotans in the same situation. To make matters worse, premiums for other plans in the state will rise by at least 50 percent, though subsidies under the law can help cushion the blow. Trying to determine which would be the best plan for my situation is not easy, Puffer said. Her dermatologist appears to be out of network in other plans, she said. Im willing to pay a higher premium to see him, because when you have cancer you want to stay with the same group of doctors, she said. Ive spent so much time trying to figure out what my options are. Bloomberg contacted officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and the 1.4 million-person estimate includes 32 states and only plans sold on the individual exchange markets. In Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Missouri, insurers have pulled out, but regulators couldnt or wouldnt say how many people are affected. Three states didnt provide sufficient data.

Minnesota isn't the only state in the midst of an Obamacare meltdown. The Senate Republican Communications Center has links to several articles describing the dire state of Obamacare in other locations.

Even with generous subsidies, consumers are finding it hard to afford Obamacare plans. Skyrocketing premiums are preventing millions from purchasing health insurance.

The president and Democrats are blaming Republicans for not bailing out insurance companies. No doubt the media will agree. But given the results of three previous elections, the American people know who the cultprits are who imposed this disastrous system on them.
The U.S. government is set to lift limits on the importation of Cuban cigars, vastly increasing the amount of cash that will flow into the Castro family crime syndicate.

Since 2014, travelers could bring into the U.S. only $100's worth of cigars. Those limits will be lifted, although it will still be illegal to sell Cuban cigars in the U.S.

For the legal sale of cigars to come about, an act of Congress is needed. So far, President Obama has been unable to figure out a way around Congress to allow the direct import of goods from Cuba. But give him time.

CNN:

But Cuban cigars are no longer a forbidden luxury, as President Obama on Friday issued a directive that would allow Americans to engage in more commerce with the communist-run island, including potentially allowing Cuban state-run pharmaceutical companies to sell their low cost, innovative medications in the US. But it was the news that American travelers can now bring back an unlimited amount of Cuban alcohol and tobacco -- including the famous cigars -- that captured many people's interest. "You can now celebrate with Cuban rum and tobacco," said National Security Adviser Susan Rice, while discussing the changes in a speech Friday. The imported tobacco and alcohol must be in carry-on baggage and for personal use, and US restrictions still prohibit the sale of Cuban cigars. Still, the executive editor of Cigar Aficionado magazine, David Savona, said the change will have a major impact. "It now allows people who love great cigars to travel the world and bring back Cuban cigars and enjoy them," Savona said. "If you go to Cuba, you want to buy cigars and try Cuban cigars. They go hand in hand." Already, though, with the boom in tourism in Cuba, some of the top and most sought-after brands are disappearing from store shelves. Some aficionados worry that the cash-strapped Cuban government will cut corners and produce an inferior product.

What makes this decision unconscionable is that cash from the sale of the cigars will go right into the pockets of the Cuban government's oppression apparatus: the army and the secret police. Desperate for hard currency to pay off those who do their dirty work, President Obama has handed the Castros a gift that will lead only to more misery for the Cuban people.

The cigar industry in Cuba is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cuban government, as is the rum industry. Dollar for dollar, they are the most valuable Cuban exports (sugar prices have been depressed for years due to a glut on the market). This move by the U.S. government will do nothing for human rights in Cuba and everything to enrich the Castros at the people's expense.
I am opposed to government licensing  and therefore government intrusion  regarding who may speak about behavior, emotions, perceptions, and generally the problems of life. The First Amendment protects our right to speak. That means also our right to think and believe as we wish, especially about the problems and joys of life. (Of course, there are some exceptions to the freedom to speak, like fraud and slander, but these are few.)

I took the state of Texas to court over laws that violate the right to free speech under the guise of licensing psychologists. The definition was too broad, and the Texas Legislature will reconsider these laws in 2017.

I want to address something today without sarcasm or humor. I used to smirk about today's topic, but it is not funny, given the many assaults on our capacity to behave as rational adults without turning to some "expert" telling us how to live.

The Washington Post reported this week that the American Psychological Association has released tips on how to cope if you are stressed out about the presidential election. The name for this malady is Election Stress Disorder.

In the successful First Amendment lawsuit that I brought seeking to strike down the Texas psychology licensing law (Serafine v. Branaman), I argued, stated simply, that speech about behavior may not be prohibited by licensing services that talk about behavior, meanwhile prohibiting the speech of the unlicensed. I also argued, although the court did not opine on this, that psychology as a field has no knowledge base on which any coherent licensing might possibly be based, assuming you could get around the First Amendment.

Presumably the pro-licensing people believe that one needs a license to diagnose "disorders" and then give advice about how to cope with the disorder you have been told that you have.

So let's consider Election Stress Disorder.

I'm not saying the APA is giving therapy advice in its writings just by giving the tips in the article. But clearly this organization makes some claim to advanced expertise beyond that of the ordinary grandmother, or else it would not be putting its name to it. Here are the tips:

 If the 24-hour news cycle of claims and counterclaims from the candidates is causing you stress, limit your media consumption.

 Avoid getting into discussions about the election

 Stress and anxiety about what might happen is not productive.

 Whatever happens on Nov. 8, life will go on.

 Vote.

And if these don't cure your symptoms, the article has a link that's marked: "Feeling anxious ahead of the debate? Here's how to cope with 'Election Stress Disorder.'"

There is nothing here that reflects expertise beyond that of a normal person.

I recognize that these are publications, not laws. But this is what government intrusion will look like if we permit the licensing of advice-giving. Given that the American Psychological Association proposes model legislation for adoption by all states, it's high time more people consider infringements on free speech  and free thought  created by licensing regimes for psychologists.

Mary Lou Serafine is an attorney in Austin, Texas. You may reach her at info@mlserafine.com.
An excellenty article in The Federalist by John Gibbs that gives the lie to the liberal narrative that voter fraud doesn't exist.

In fact, the problem is worse than we thought.

Yet as the election approaches, more and more cases of voter fraud are beginning to surface. In Colorado, multiple instances were found of dead people attempting to vote. Stunningly, a woman named Sara Sosa who died in 2009 cast ballots in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. In Virginia, it was found that nearly 20 voter applications were turned in under the names of dead people. In Texas, authorities are investigatingcriminals who are using the technique of vote harvesting to illegally procure votes for their candidates. Harvesting is the practice of illegally obtaining the signatures of valid voters in order to vote in their name without their consent for the candidate(s) the criminal supports. These are just some instances of voter fraud we know about. It would be silly to assume cases that have been discovered are the only cases of fraud. Indeed according to a Pew Research report from February 2012, one in eight voter registrations are significantly inaccurate or no longer valid. Since there are 146 million Americans registered to vote, this translates to a stunning 18 million invalid voter registrations on the books. Further, More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are listed as voters, and approximately 2.75 million people have registrations in more than one state. Numbers of this scale obviously provide ripe opportunity for fraud. Yet in spite of all this, a report by the Brennan Center at New York Univeristy claims voter fraud is a myth. It argues that North Carolina, which passed comprehensive measures to prevent voter fraud, failed to identify even a single individual who has ever been charged with committing in-person voter fraud in North Carolina. However, this faulty reasoning does not point to the lack of in-person voter fraud, but rather to lack of enforcement mechanisms to identify and prosecute in-person voter fraud. The science of criminal justice tells us that many crimes go unreported, and the more victimless the crime, the more this happens. The fact is, a person attempting to commit voter fraud is very unlikely to be caught, which increases the incentive to commit the crime.

In other words, absence of evidence is evidence of absence, according to the left. But the reality, as Gibbs points out, is far more sinister.

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) is a sophisticated, comprehensive effort to catalog the number and types of crimes not reported to law enforcement authorities. However, it tends to deal mostly in violent crimes. As complex as the NCVS is, gathering accurate data for unreported victimless crimes such as voter fraud is even harder, since 1) outside of the criminal, no one may know a crime has taken place, and 2) there is no direct victim to report the crime in the first place. Yet we are expected to believe that, unlike violent crime, voter fraud is limited only to the cases that are actually reported and prosecuted? This is a senseless position.

Gibbs didn't mention the ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police into possibily the biggest case of voter fraud in history. The investigation spans 56 counties and tens of thousands of registrations.

It should be pointed out that not every inaccurate registration form or duplicate registration is someone trying to commit fraud. But even a casual glance at US history tells us that voter fraud has always been with us and to deny that it exists is a political talking point not based on fact.
Last week, a number of women came forward alleging that Donald Trump made unwanted sexual assaults on them, including groping.

To their credit, a number of Christian leaders stood by him by giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I would go farther. For the sake of argument, I would assume that the allegations were true but would still vote for him.

Donald Trump is against political correctness, globalization, open borders, unrestricted immigration, trashing the Constitution, crony capitalism, and corruption. Hillary Clinton, the opposite. She wallows in the last two.

Donald Trump wants to achieve peace through strength as President Reagan did. He wants to cancel the Iran deal, support our friends and allies, stop the growing hegemony of Iran, and defeat ISIS. Hillary Clinton, not so much.

Donald Trump names the enemy as radical Islam whereas Hillary Clinton refuses to do so. I, on the other hand, see Islam as the enemy. The adjective radical adds nothing. There is only one Islam, and it is radical. Donald Trump wants to be free to be critical of Islam. Hillary Clinton wants to impose a gag order on criticism of Islam and even make it a crime.

Donald Trump is a friend of Israel. He wants to recognize Jerusalem as Israels undivided capital and to move the U.S. Embassy there. He supports settlement construction and is open to alternate solutions to the conflict. Hillary Clinton supports the continuation of President Obamas policies of freezing settlement construction and imposing the two-state solution on Israel along the 1949 ceasefire lines with a division of Jerusalem.

These are profound differences. Even if Trumps unwanted sexual advances reached the level of Bill Clintons, I would still vote for him. Too much is at stake. The future of America is on the line.

On the other hand, for the sake of argument, let us assume that their platforms are identical. One is left to decide whom to vote for based only on their track records and character traits.

Donald Trump is a sexual predator who stops short of rape or using force. He is a tough businessman in a tough business. He has built a very successful real estate company. He is a fighter and a winner.

Hillary Clinton is a pathological liar and fraud artist. The facts are such as to lead many to believe that if tried in a court of law, she would be convicted of many serious crimes. These include lying to Congress, destroying evidence after receiving a subpoena, selling access to the State Department and government for cash, treason, and many more.

Her use of a private server for emailing confidential matters makes her a veritable security risk.

She started with a stable Middle East and turned it into a hellhole. Her policies led to the creation of ISIS, who are now wreaking havoc in over thirty countries.

She is also known for her hysterics, which include yelling and screaming, throwing objects, abusing underlings verbally, and using language that would make a trooper blush. How presidential is that?

Once again, I would still vote for Donald Trump.

Updated
The top national security advisors in the Obama administration met yesterday to discuss US options in Syria - including the possibility of using force against President Assad's military forces.

Reuters:

Some top officials argue the United States must act more forcefully in Syria or risk losing what influence it still has over moderate rebels and its Arab, Kurdish and Turkish allies in the fight against Islamic State, the officials told Reuters.

One set of options includes direct U.S. military action such as air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases, said one official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

This official said one danger of such action is that Russian and Syrian forces are often co-mingled, raising the possibility of a direct confrontation with Russia that Obama has been at pains to avoid.

U.S. officials said they consider it unlikely that Obama will order U.S. air strikes on Syrian government targets, and they stressed that he may not make any decisions at the planned meeting of his National Security Council.

One alternative, U.S. officials said, is allowing allies to provide U.S.-vetted rebels with more sophisticated weapons, although not shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, which Washington fears could be used against Western airliners.

The White House declined to comment.

Friday's planned meeting is the latest in a long series of internal debates about what, if anything, to do to end a 5-1/2 year civil war that has killed at least 300,000 people and displaced half the country's population.

The ultimate aim of any new action could be to bolster the battered moderate rebels so they can weather what is now widely seen as the inevitable fall of rebel-held eastern Aleppo to the forces of Russian- and Iranian-backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

It also might temper a sense of betrayal among moderate rebels who feel Obama encouraged their uprising by calling for Assad to go but then abandoned them, failing even to enforce his own "red line" against Syria's use of chemical weapons.

This, in turn, might deter them from migrating to Islamist groups such as the Nusra Front, which the United States regards as Syria's al Qaeda branch. The group in July said it had cut ties to al Qaeda and changed its name to Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. ANOTHER TRY AT DIPLOMACY

The U.S. and Russian foreign ministers will meet in Lausanne, Switzerland on Saturday to resume their failed effort to find a diplomatic solution, possibly joined by their counterparts from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran, but

U.S. officials voiced little hope for success.
On Nicholson Street in Hyattsville, in Maryland, the US, stands the outlandishly decorated house of Clarke Bedford, a retired art conservator at the Hirshhorn Museum. Every square-inch of the exterior is decorated with pieces of metal that Bedford has salvaged or bought. There are old metal fans, statues, fenders and headlights. On the white fence surrounding his house hang more objects that have been bent and shaped. His steampunk cars parked on the street in front of his house have underwent the same kind of treatment.

An artist all his life, Bedfords home improvement began in 2000 when he began experimenting with his Saab convertible. He ripped off the bumpers, and with other replacements, made his car look more like a 30s roadster. He then began incorporating the unused parts into the fencing around his property. Once he was done with the fence, he began working on his house.

Bedford calls his site "As-sem-blage Co-ttage," pronounced in rhyming French. His best-known vehicle, called Vanadu, is an 88 Ford Econoline van.

via Baltimore Sun and Spaces Archives
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Googles Pixel and Pixel XL phones come shipped with Hangouts disabled out of the box by default, leaving Googles new chat application, Allo, to take center stage. Given the focus that Google wants to put on Google Assistant, which Allo is ingrained with throughout, it makes sense that Google would put Hangouts on the back burner and shine the spotlight on Allo. Again, this is something which a lot of consumers who have been following Googles latest product efforts were probably already suspecting, but according to Chrome Unboxed who has posted a screenshot of the Pixels Play Store app in the my apps section, it shows Hangouts as disabled, essentially confirming the above-mentioned suspicions.

Whats important to note is that even though Google seems to want the focus to be on Allo instead of Hangouts, theres nothing stopping a user from re-enabling Hangouts if they want to use it. Both apps, while offering some of the same things, can serve a purpose and there are likely more than a few users who are chatting it up through both of Googles apps. Google has also confirmed that Hangouts is going to continue being an offered chat service, so for those who use it primarily and may even not care for Allo, the good news is that Google isnt taking away your ability to continue on with the app.

That said, Hangout has taken on a more prominent role in Googles Apps for Work package and its likely that Google will be targeting Hangouts a lot more like a company communication tool in the future. Googles Pixel and Pixel XL, which were officially announced back on October 4th, are due to ship in the very near future as the Google Store placed the phones about two weeks out from the pre-order date. This is of course, not the case for some, like Telstra customers for example, as it was reported that some lucky customers who subscribe to the carrier received their phones in the mail early. With Google Assistant-powered Allo front and center on the new phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL should be quite capable in the AI department, especially considering they will also come with a more enhanced version of Google Assistant that works device-wide and not just within the Allo app.
Over the summer, Qualcomm had claimed that some of Meizus handsets infringed on the companys patents, and they were looking to draw up lawsuits over these infringed patents. Meizu had announced that they were working with Qualcomm to create a license agreement between the two companies. Basically, they were looking to stay out of course. However that now appears to not be happening. As Qualcomm announced on Friday that they would be filing lawsuits against Meizu in three countries. These countries include France, Germany and the United States.

In a prepared statement, Don Rosenberg, Qualcomms executive vice president and general counsel stated that Meizus refusal to negotiate a license agreement in good faith and its sales and distribution of infringing products around the world leave Qualcomm no choice but to protect our patent rights through these additional legal proceedings. Qualcomm did indeed attempt to work with Meizu, but its unclear which side was uncooperative in putting forth a licensing deal between the two. Meizu has not responded to the lawsuit filings just yet, with this happening on Friday evening in the US, its likely that Meizu wont announce anything until Monday morning in China (that would be Sunday night in the US).

Meizu hasnt been a popular Qualcomm customer. In fact, they have mostly used MediaTek and Samsungs Exynos chipsets in their smartphones. But Qualcomm claims that they infringe on a number of their 3G and 4G patents. Qualcomm does have a ton of patents to their name, after all they have been in the mobile business for quite some time, creating a slew of different processors, modems and many other components that are seen in most smartphones today. Hopefully Meizu and Qualcomm are able to settle their differences out of court. Itll be cheaper for both sides, and much easier than paying their lawyers millions of dollars in the courtroom. Its a bit interesting to see Meizu getting a lawsuit filed in the US, considering they dont officially sell any of their smartphones here in the US. They are all imported and sold  and none of them support US wireless networks.

Advertisement

Update: Meizu has released a statement in regards to Qualcomm filing lawsuits against them in these three countries, stating:

Meizu has worked with Qualcomm to advance towards an agreement. We respect Qualcomms right to use legal measures if they are unsatisfied with the progress, but still welcome them to proceed the negotiations with us at any time.
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When Hillary Clinton spread negative news about Obama being a Muslim

Hillary Clinton has to do nothing to win the US Presidential race to the bottom. The media are obsessed with reality TV creation Donald Trump and accusations that he molested women. But what about those leaked emails, the ones WikiLeaks has published about Clinton?

First a few words about the sex. Jonah Goldberg is impressed by the double standards: I honestly cant get my head around the fact that Hillary Clintons closing argument in this election is sexual harassment. Bill Clintons lifelong enabler has managed to turn this topic into a deadly weapon against a Republican nominee. This is like Godzilla turning public safety into a winning issue in the Tokyo mayoral race.

And now for those emails on Hillarys secret server that got wiped  whoops!

Kimberley Strassel writes in the Wall Street Journal:

Start with a June 2015 email to Clinton staffers from Erika Rottenberg, the former general counsel of LinkedIn. Ms. Rottenberg wrote that none of the attorneys in her circle of friends can understand how it was viewed as ok/secure/appropriate to use a private server for secure documents AND why further Hillary took it upon herself to review them and delete documents. She added: It smacks of acting above the law and it smacks of the type of thing Ive either gotten discovery sanctions for, fired people for, etc.  Clinton staffers debated how to evade a congressional subpoena of Mrs. Clintons emailsthree weeks before a technician deleted them. The campaign later employed a focus group to see if it could fool Americans into thinking the email scandal was part of the Benghazi investigation (they are separate) and lay it all off as a Republican plot. Worse, Mrs. Clintons State Department, as documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show, took special care of donors to the Clinton Foundation. In a series of 2010 emails, a senior aide to Mrs. Clinton asked a foundation official to let her know which groups offering assistance with the Haitian earthquake relief were FOB (Friends of Bill) or WJC VIPs (William Jefferson Clinton VIPs). Those who made the cut appear to have been teed up for contracts. Those who werent? Routed to a standard government website.

But the big bangs are to do with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In 2008 Hillary was vying with Obama to be the Democrat Partys presidential nominee. Her team produced a list of negatives to attack her rival.

One of these negatives as to accuse Obama of being a Muslim.

CNN explains it away:

According to Tom Matzzie and Paul Begala, two Democratic consultants advising the 2008 polling effort by Progressive Media USA, it was simply an effort to test Obamas vulnerabilities in a potential general election against John McCain. Begala and Matzzie told CNN that the group also tested arguments against Clinton, a claim that is backed up by a separate hacked email available on WikiLeaks as Document ID 2187. This is Campaigning 101, said Matzzie, an Obama supporter in 2008 who was the president and executive director of Progressive Media USA. You test the vulnerabilities of your candidate  something (Republicans) should have done for Donald Trump.

But Obama and Clinton were rivals, right?

And in another leak, Hillary apparently said:

The main reason behind successful immigration should be painfully obvious to even the most dimwitted of observers: Some groups of people are almost always highly successful given only half a chance (Jews*, Hindus/Sikhs and Chinese people, for example), while others (Muslims, blacks** and Roma***, for instance) fare badly almost irrespective of circumstances.

What did Hillary Clinton say at the last debate? Oh, yes: They they go low, you go high. But not as high as Obama, allegedly.

Anorak

Posted: 15th, October 2016 | In: Politicians, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink


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by Thomas Menamparampil

On the eve of the Day of Prayer for Peace, Msgr. Menamparampil remembers the violence and the feeling of helplessness. From Europe to Asia, there are many sources of tension. "No one really comes out winner in a war. But prayer, warns, has great power and it can give a direction to the course of events.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - The history of war teaches that "no one really comes out winner" from conflict and who gain "are only the manufacturers of weapons". For this it is necessary to renew the call for peace and prayer, because "collective foment tensions can be fatal." So it says in an appeal sent to AsiaNews, Mgr. Thomas Menamparampil, apostolic administrator of Jowai (in Meghalaya) and former Archbishop of Guwahati (Assam), on the eve of the day of prayer for India scheduled for tomorrow, October 16.

An initiative launched by Cardinal Cleemis, president of the Bishops' Conference of India, and that it intends to defuse the tensions in the border with Pakistan and the outbreaks of violence present in all of Asia. Christians to the entire Indian population the task of being a "bridge" with other cultures and nations of the continent.

Here, below, the message of Msgr. Menamparampil:

Unfortunately the Year of Mercy has been disturbed by too many instances of violence in different parts of the world: Paris, Toulouse, Normandy, and on the India borders. Whatever be the cause of these very painful incidents, we can clearly see that we are not yet reaching the end of the Road of Violence. We feel a measure of helplessness before this immense problem. Because I was helpless, the Lord helped me, says the Psalmist.

It is in this context that I consider it most timely that Cardinal Cleemis, the President of the Bishops Conference of India, has called for prayers on October 16th, with special reference to the tensions on the Indian borders. This strengthens the request that Cardinal Oswald, the President of the Asian Bishops conferences, made on October 4th, the feast day of St. Francis, asking for prayers for Indian and Pakistan. Here we have the voice of India and the whole of Asia together.

Cardinal Cleemis has also placed his appeal in relationship to some of the sacred events of other religious communities. Peace is for all, and all need to join hands together to ensure harmony and common wellbeing.

The history of great wars tells us that nobody is the gainer by a serious conflict. On the contrary, the loss is universal. The poor suffer most in every case. The leaders who use aggressive language and provoke tension for political gains, bring disasters on millions...of their own people and others. The only gainers are arms-producers. The war machinery is blind, and once set in motion, is hard to control. Anger, once kindled, is not easy to be put out. Rousing collective emotions is fatal.

Martha Nussbaum in her recent book Political Emotions (Harvard 2013) argues that Love matters for Justice. Her contention is that political thinkers have only drawn up political principles, leaving the handling of political emotions and collective anger to the care of religious leaders and poetic personalities. So, it was a prophetic gesture on Cardinal Cleemis and Cardinal Oswalds part to call for prayer.

Though Christians form only a small minority in India, prayer has power.... and it can give a direction to the course of events and to the progress of history. The very call for prayer brings sober thinking to millions.

Northeast India, unlike other parts of the country, touches four neighbouring nations with similar cultures: Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. We would like to be a bridge between the peoples of India, China and Southeast Asia than be a landmass that keeps these nations at a distance. Our prayer on October 16th will be that Asia be spared of wars between neighbouring countries, the like of which Europe experienced in the most tragic manner in the previous century. When we pray for Asia, we really mean to pray for the world.
by Keith DSouza*

Yesterday the General Congregation elected the Venezuelan p. Arturo Sosa Abascal to guide the Society of Jesus. As the Pope, he is a native of South America. Combine theological reflection with social issues. The vast experience of government useful in a context which is increasingly "globalized."

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Fr. Arturo Sosa Abascal has been voted yesterday the next superior general of the Society of Jesus. The Venezuelan becomes the 30th successor of Jesuit founder St Ignatius of Loyola and leader of the Catholic Churchs largest religious order. He is the Jesuits first non-European leader and also the first superior general to be elected under a Jesuit pope.

Fr Sosa was born in Caracas on November 12, 1948. He is the Delegate of the General for the International Houses and Works of the Society of Jesus in Rome.

AsiaNews presents a brief reflection on the figure traced by p. Keith D'Souza, Indian Jesuit and professor of philosophy and religious studies at the College of St. Pius X, in Mumbai.

A few random points on the new Jesuit General:

Like the Holy Father, he is from South America, from the periphery and not from the centre (recent Generals were born in Europe, though they were missioned to other parts of the world, especially Asia).

He is well experienced in the area of the social ministry, both theoretically and practically. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science, and was in charge of the social apostolate of his Province. He was also the Director of Centro Gumilla, a social and action research centre in his Province. His concern for the social apostolate is important for us in India and Asia, as a sizeable number of Jesuits work in this field directly, and many others in the field of education also attempt to relate research and teaching with social concerns. Our spiritual and pastoral ministries too have a strong social emphasis.

It is hoped that he will emphasize this social perspective in the formation of Jesuits, as well as in our various ministries. For us in the Southern hemisphere, our philosophical, theological and pastoral reflection needs to be more pragmatically related with the social issues and problems that people face, in our context of multiculturalism, diversity of faiths, impoverishment, and different forms of discrimination and marginalization.

He has had good experience in governance, being the Provincial of the Jesuits in Venezuela and the Delegate of the General for the Interprovincial Houses of the Society of Jesus in Rome, which include the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical Biblical Institute, the Pontifical Oriental Institute, the Vatican Observatory, Civilta Cattolica, as well as the international Jesuit colleges in Rome. He was also the Rector of the Catholic University of Tachira, in Venezuela. This broad experience of his in governance will come in useful in the context of our globalized world, in which we need to emphasize both local concerns and involvement on the one hand, and universal exposure and engagement on the other.

* Fr. Keith DSouza, SJ, Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at St. Pius X College,(Bombay Archdiocesan Seminary) and renowned preacher of retreats
Protest organized by the Islamic Defenders Front: "The Koran calls for all the country's leaders to be Muslims." Basuki Tjahaja Purnama,known as "Ahok" is accused of blasphemy for having quoted the sacred text during a rally. Moderate Muslims distance themselves: "We do not agree with this initiative. The governor apologized. "

Jakarta (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Thousands of radical Islamists took to the streets of Jakarta to protest against the governor of the city, accused of being blasphemous. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama known as "Ahok", an ethnic Chinese Christian, provoked fierce controversy for a sentence spoken on 9 October, in which he quoted the 51st Surah of the fifth chapter of the Koran (Al Maidah). Accused of being a "slanderer of Islam", the politician immediately apologized, but that has not appeased the wrath of Muslim fundamentalist fringe.

Dressed in white, the protesters belonging to different radical groups marched shouting anti-Ahok slogans. The protest took place peacefully. On the sidelines of the event Muhammad al Khaththath, secretary general of the Islamic Society Forum, said that all the country's leaders should be Muslims, "because that's what the Koran calls for."

The protest was organized by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), a radical group, intolerant of minorities. The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) - Most moderate Muslim movement in the country, with 40 million members  has distanced itself from the initiative, deemed contrary to religious teachings. Ahmad Ishomuddin, NU leader, said: "This could be dangerous." Ahok, he added, "made a slip of the tongue, but he immediately apologized."

Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has been the subject of several weeks of protests by Islamic fundamentalists, who want him to renounce his candidacy for election as Governor of Jakarta planned for 2017.

He is one of the few Indonesian political leaders to fight for freedom of conscience. Last June he opposed to the obligation imposed on Jakarta students to wear the Islamic veil. InJuly 2015 the governor promoted a fight for civil rights of the Ahmadi minority, considered heretical by the majority Sunni Muslims.
Visitors will be able to see some of the most beautiful mosaics in Jordan. Official opening today, tomorrow the solemn Mass presided over by Cardinal Sandri. Ceremonies, concerts and guided tours for the public. According to tradition it is the place where God revealed the Holy Land to the Prophet.

Amman (AsiaNews)  Jordans Memorial of Moses on Mount Nebo is being reopened and visitors will return to admire some of the most beautiful mosaics in the Hashemite kingdom, along with the basilica that contains them (see photos).

The official opening is scheduled for today. Tomorrow instead the religious ceremony will be held. The decision to havetwo-day celebrations is due to the huge flow of tourists, worshipers and pilgrims expected for the event. It is in fact one of the most important and popular shrines (and archaeological sites) not only the country, but throughout the Holy Land.

Events will include religious ceremonies, concerts, guided tours and cultural activities, with the aim of involving the entire local population and visitors from abroad. For the weekend access to the area it will be allowed only during the celebrations, while the official opening of the basilica to the public is scheduled for October 17.

The solemn Eucharistic Liturgy scheduled for tomorrow - and open to all - will be presided over by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Special Envoy of Pope Francis for the occasion, who will read a message to those present.

However, the symbolic gesture that will mark the official opening was the opening of the doors of the basilica - scheduled for today  will be attended by the Custos of the Holy Land Francesco Patton and a high ranking Jordanian dignitary, according to some sources (unconfirmed) King Abdullah himself.

The Memorial of Moses on Mount Nebo is the place where, according to the Bible (Deuteronomy 34), God showed Moses the Holy Land and where the prophet, revered by the three monotheistic religions, died. Although officially no one knows where the place of his burial is (it is not indicated even in the same sacred text), over time the monks have settled on Mount Nebo, perpetuating the memory of Moses in this place from the fourth to the ninth century.

During the 1900s the archaeologists of the Custody of the Holy Land - which in 1932 acquired ownership of the place - have brought to light the ancient monastery, the basilica and the marvelous mosaics contained within it. In order to cover and secure the archaeological site and at the same time display all of the mosaics created by monks in the various historical periods, the new building which will be inaugurated over these two days was built.

On the occasion of the apostolic trip to the Holy Land in March 2000, St. John Paul II made a pilgrimage to Mount Nebo, one of the most important Christian sites in Jordan. During this visit he planted an olive tree beside the Byzantine chapel as a symbol of peace.

To celebrate the reopening, the Franciscan friars of the Custody - who take care of the church and the archaeological site - have organized a series of musical and cultural events. The program of celebrations will culminate in the Christmas Mass in the basilica, on December 24 at 10 pm. The previous day, Friday, December 23 at 6pm, in the basilica of Mount Nebo, you will hear the first Christmas Oratorio written by a Jordanian composer Tomeh Jbara, who will conduct the orchestra and the Fountain of Love choir.

The program of celebrations, together with cultural activities include educational programs dedicated to tourist guides and schools, eligible to enroll in guided tours for November. For information, visit the website www.montenebo.org .
Pope Francis meets with members of the National Older Workers Union and the Italian Seniors Federation, in the context of the national Day of the Elderly. "Maturity and wisdom accumulated over the years" are vital to the Church and to society. Elderly should not be marginalized or considered unproductive". "In countries that have suffered a severe religious persecution, the grandparents passed on the faith to new generations." Pray to "the grandmother of Jesus, Saint Anne" to be "good and wise grandparents."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A "thank you" to the elderly "for your example of love," dedication and wisdom and an appeal never deny society your smile and the beautiful brightness of your eyes!", was Pope Francis conclusion at a meeting today in the Paul VI with members of the National Older Workers Union and the Italian Seniors Federation, in the context of the Day of the Elderly.

Addressing participants - not all elderly  who filled the whole room, the pontiff expressed the esteem that the Church has towards elders and grandparents: "The Church regards the elderly with affection, gratitude and high esteem. They are an essential part of the Christian community and society, in particular they represent the roots and the memory of a people. You are an important presence, because your experience is a precious treasure, which is essential to look to the future with hope and responsibility. Your maturity and wisdom accumulated over the years, can help young people, supporting them on the path of growth and openness to the future, in search of their way. The elderly, in fact, show that, even in the most difficult trials, we must never lose trust in God and in a better future. They are like trees that continue to bear fruit: even under the weight of years, they can make a decided contribution for a society rich in values and for the affirmation of the culture of life.

Many elderly people generously spend their time and talents that God has bestowed upon them by helping and supporting others. I think of how many of you volunteer in parishes in a truly valuable service: some dedicated to the upkeep of the house of the Lord, others as catechists, leaders of the liturgy, witnesses of charity. And what about their role in the family? How many grandparents care for grandchildren, simply by transmitting to children the experience of life, the spiritual and cultural values of a community and a people! In countries that have suffered a severe religious persecution, it was often the grandparents to pass on the faith to new generations, leading the children to be baptized in a painful underground environment".

"In a world like this, often subject to the myth of power and appearance, your mission is to witness to the values that really matter and which endure forever because they are engraved on the heart of every human being and guaranteed by the Word God. Just as people of the so-called third age you, or rather we - because I too am one of them - are called to work for the development of the culture of life, witnessing that every season of life is a gift from God and it has its own beauty and its importance, although marked by fragility".

The pope also recalled the elderly "who live with the disease, the physically disabled and need assistance.

"Today I thank the Lord for the many people and structures that are dedicated to offering a daily service to the elderly, to promote adequate human contexts, in which everyone can live this important stage of their lives with dignity. The institutions that house the elderly are called to be places of humanity and loving attention, where the weakest are not forgotten or neglected, but visited, remembered and cherished as brothers and sisters. It is also a good way to expresses gratitude towards those who have given so much to the community and are at its very root".

Francis has also launched an appeal to institutions and communities to facilitate the participation and appreciation of the elderly: "To do this we must counter the harmful culture of waste that marginalizes the elderly considering them unproductive. The public, the cultural, educational and religious leaders, as well as all people of good will, are called upon to commit to building a more welcoming and inclusive society.

And to emphasize the negativity of the "culture of waste," moving from his scripted text he recalled an episode from his childhood: "One of my grandmothers told that their grandfather lived with them (he was a widower). He didnt have very good table manners, his meal fell from [his mouth]. One day her father decided that the grandfather should eat in the kitchen, at a small table just for him ... So the family ate without Grandpa.

A few days later, he found one of his young children playing with hammer and nails. The father asked him what he was doing. The child answered him: I am making a wooden table so that when you become old you have somewhere to eat too .... ".

"This culture of waste  he continued  is like this 'you are old, you are not needed anymore...'. We cannot let this scrap culture go ahead.

"It is important - he added - also favor the link between generations. The future of a people requires the encounter between young and old: the young people are the vitality of a people on the way and the elderly reinforce this vitality with memory and wisdom. It does me good to read when Joseph and Mary brought the child to the temple. And there they found two old people ... And they were the wisdom of the people. The elders receive Jesus in the temple, not the priest. Read this in the Gospel of Luke (2, 22-38). This is wonderful".

Before blessing those present, Francis invited them to pray "the grandmother of Jesus, Saint Anne. Everyone should quietly ask St. Anne to teach us to be good and wise grandparents". Eventually he went to greet the dozens of ill and disabled present at the meeting.
The Chinese president was welcomed yesterday with great fanfare. He is the first leader from Beijing to visit the country after 30 years. 27 commercial agreements signed for a total of nearly $ 24 billion. The renewed agreement will allow Dhaka to reach middle-income countries by 2021. It will also permit China to develop the strategy of "One Belt One Road".

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Commercial agreements for almost $ 24 billion; the strengthening of political ties between China and Bangladesh; a series of infrastructure and railway projects to develop the Asian axis of the new Silk Road linking China with Europe.

These are the main themes that emerged yesterday during the flying visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived in Dhaka in the morning to sign agreements defined as "milestones". Today he will leave for India, where he will attend the meeting of the BRICS countries in Goa.

Even before his arrival, greeted with great fanfare with all military and civilian honors, the local newspapers touted the visit as the most important recent event in the history of Bangladesh. He is in fact the first Chinese president to visit the Asian country after 30 years.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 27 trade agreements were signed: 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding and 12 dealing with loans and mutual assistance.

In this way, Beijing has become the largest trading partner of Dhaka. In recent years trade between the two countries have gone from $ 900 million in 2000 to 14.7 billion in 2015, with an annual increase of 20%.

The visit was hailed by both leaders as a milestone for the development of the region. Prime Minister Hasina admitted that with these agreements Bangladesh could achieve the goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2021.

For his part, Xi stressed that "in a sense, South Asia is Chinas backyard "and then he added that" the northern part of the region is key to the Silk Road Economic Belt, while the southern one is critical to the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century. "

The two projects included in the strategy of One Belt, One Road, the belt of ports and roads that will allow Beijing to expand businesses into the heart of Europe and Africa. In this context, projects have been signed for the creation of roads and highways, for the protection of coasts and ports, energy and electrical, transport, telecommunications and agriculture.
Peter Manning: Stylish Clothes For The Short In Stature

This Slick Clothing Brand Is The Answer For The Not-So-Tall Guy

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If youre on the shorter side, chances are youve been stuck shopping in shorter specialty stores or, heaven forbid, a teen or childrens store. We always recommend tailoring your suits and pants to get that slick, perfect fit, but hemming every single pair of pants? It can get pricey pretty quickly.

Plus, its not fair to those vertically challenged men. Pants come with longer inseams nowadays so taller guys have it easy. Plus size men? They have full lines of more forgiving silhouettes. But for short men? The pickings are slim. Often shorter guys are stuck hemming larger pants, which can tend to look like youre swimming in them. But this doesnt make sense  there are over 30 million dudes in the United States alone who are under 58. Thats a solid 1/3 of this countrys dudes.

Some of the coolest names in Hollywood dont even breach 57. Daniel Radcliffe has been walking the red carpet since he first slipped on those bottle cap glasses and boy, does he have the suiting chops to show it. Bruno Mars, who stands at 55, has the swagger of an old school soul superstar. Michael J. Fox knows his way around a classically tailored suit. Manning himself has made Vanity Fairs Best Dressed List, so its safe to say he knows a thing or two about suiting up.

Meet Peter Manning NYC. This Brooklyn-based company is looking to bring serious style to those shorter folk. The team at Peter Manning doesnt just make pants that have shorter hemlines, oh no. All of Peter Mannings clothing are not just designed for a shorter mans height, but for a shorter body as well. Collars and pockets are scaled appropriately so they wont overwhelm your figure. Pants are outfitted with shorter inseams and slimmer leg openings to fit smaller calves. Even the patterns (like plaids and stripes) of the garments are shrunk down to complement your figure. This isnt your dads closet, either  Peter Manning pieces are that perfect mix of stylish and wear-em-forever.

One of our favorite parts of the brand: there arent diminutive labels like small, extra-small, and heaven-forbid, extra extra small. Peter Manning bases his sizes on a 1 to 4 numbering system, with an additional 2x and 4x for larger sizes. This proprietary size system makes sure you have the best fit possible. All pants are designed to fit right out of the box, with inseams ranging from 26 to 30. Even the silhouette is designed to fall proportionally straight.

The team at Peter Manning knows shopping can be stressful, so theyve set up their site to make your shopping experience as painless as possible. Think free shipping, free returns and super personable customer service. Every once in awhile Peter Manning himself even takes a seat at the customer service desk. Curious as to if this is all too good to be true? Take a peek at the review pages on the brands website  its nothing short of a cult following.

The Essex Jacket

Lets be real, shorter men basically put the bread on their tailors table. Especially in the jacket department  to get the perfect fit requires a pretty penny and many a trip to the tailor. Break your ties with your tailor  these sport coats will fit you right out of the box. 100% Italian wool construction is designed for wear in summer straight through to winter. The narrower collar will highlight your features without looking clownish. Even the buttons are placed proportionally. Worried about the fit? Even if the fit isnt 100% right out of the box, the Peter Manning team will credit $50 towards tailoring.

$450.00 at PeterManningNYC.com

The Everyday Shirt

Bid goodbye to trying to tuck incredibly long shirt tails into your pants  those days are gone. The everyday shirt is designed with your stature in mind, so the collar is scaled down to complement your face, not overwhelm it. The shirts sleeves and torso are tapered to get rid of all that unnecessary ballooning.

$98.00 at PeterManningNYC.com

The Essex Dress Pant

Theres something about a good pair of dress pants that makes getting dressed in the morning that much easier. Peter Mannings Grey Flannel Dress Pants are guaranteed to be an instant classic. Theyve got all the comfort and coziness of that old plaid flannel you go to on a rainy day (seriously, they are the comfiest dress pant we have ever seen. Like, ever.), but theyve got a classic style for both in-office and off-duty. Plus, unlike most wool-blend pants, the flannel isnt itchy or too heavy, but perfect for even a summer commute to your 9-to-5.

One of our favorite parts, as weve mentioned before, about Peter Mannings clothing is they really knows how to show off guys figure. Their dress pants feature a traditional pleat, but the pleats are more subtle and feature less of a break as not to make it look like youre swimming in your pants, even adding a little height to your leg.

$198.00 at PeterManningNYC.com

The Tie

If youve ever picked up a mens magazine, you know one of the biggest signs of an unstylish dude is having the wrong length of his tie. Unlucky for shorter dudes, tie lengths are more catered to taller men and tend to fall far below the norm of one inch above the belt buckle. This leads to countless hours in front of the mirror, trying to master tucking the skinny end out of sight. Thankfully, Peter Manning knows the struggle is real. Their ties are tailored for men of a shorter stature, falling at the perfect length  no tying tricks required.

$79.00 at PeterManningNYC.com

To find out more about Peter Manning NYC, be sure to check out the brand's website at PeterManningNYC.com.

Related Reading

The Best Casual Blazers

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Casual Dress Shoes For Men

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Hi,I have a question in regards to travelling on partner visa.Once my husband's visa is granted and comes over to Australia, we are planning on going on our honeymoon after settling down into our own house which will take about a few months. Does anyone have any information if we can travel together outside of Australia to France or USA before he becomes a permanent residence?A few couple have told me that they did not travel outside of Australia for 4 years until the partner became a citizen of Australia.
Hello ,



Greetings!



My Borther was refused Tourist Visa on the grounds of PIC 4020 2(A) and got a 10 year ban as he could not provide compelling or compassionate reason over the phone.



I have logged case with AAT to review as its a genuine case trapped under PIC 4020 and have a hearing next week. My brother was asked why he looks different in his new passport and other id docs including old passport he gave reason he put on weight so he is looking slightly different & that is true. Minister was not satisfied with my brothers identity. All of the documents or ID proofs he gave are genuine he does look alittle different on his new passport but that does not mean he is providing any wrong information or misleading information/document. How can I now proove to AAT that he is genuine and proove his identity that he is what he is!



Looking for your expert advice.



Cheers!

Deepti
Website takes me to the "Partner visa application - information for permanent stage processing" on my IMMI account. Plugged in all the data and it says cannot match data.



"An error has occurred: The related application details provided cannot be verified, check the details and amend if necessary. The applicant will not be able to continue and should review the eligibility information on our website"



According to the website i should be eligible as it says i can upload the documents 3 months prior to the assessment date.



Weird, might have to drop by their office one day next week.
The 2017 Honda Civic Si along with 20 other confirmed world debuts pegged will be at the Los Angeles Motor Show on November 15. Many details are still unknown, but this Civic version located halfway between the base Civic and the most radical model Honda Civic Type R will be a perfect buy for those who wants power mixed with practicality.

The Perfect Civic

At the recently concluded Paris Motor Show, the guys at Honda have released several new cars such as the 2017 Honda Civic Sedan and Hatchback, as well as the beastly 2018 Honda Civic Type R Prototype. However, they have not yet disclosed all versions that make up the range of the new Honda Civic.

We still need to meet the new Honda Civic Si 2017, which has the perfect blend of power and practicality. Do not worry, the wait will end soon as it has confirmed its world debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show 2016. It will be the ideal scenario for Honda to unveil the Civic Si to the public.

A few months ago we published some spy photos of the 2017 Honda Civic Si with the coupe body. It was the only time we managed to hunt down the model during a test session. And the truth is that Honda maintains a lot of secrecy about it and there's nothing but rumors and speculations only.

One of the most important rumors circulating around is that the Civic Si will only be at coupe. Everything indicates that the new Honda Civic Si 2017 will only be marketed with the coupe body, but we must remember that in previous generations there was also sold as a sedan.

Mechanically, the new Civic Si is said to be powered by a turbo 1.5-liter engine with four-cylinder modified to throw an approximate power of 220 hp.

Other LA Auto Show Debut

A few weeks from now, about 20 other confirmed cars will debut at the LA Auto Show, alongside the Honda Civic Si. That's an impressive lineup that will mainly include new vehicles coming from car brands Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Jeep, Mazda, Mini, Subaru, and Volkswagen.

Alfa Romeo will be presenting its much awaited Stelvio, which is their first SUV. Chevrolet will have two cars to debut which may be the Equinox and Traverse. Cadillac has confirmed the debut of its stunning Escala concept. Jeep will likely to present the replacement for the Compass and Patriot and the new generation of Mazda 3 may debut too.

Mini, Subaru, and Volkswagen are still keeping their debut cars as a secret. Last but not the least is the Porsche and considering that the German car manufacturer loves to show off at their previous LA auto show, expect that their debut cars will be awesome, hopefully, it will be the Macan Turbo Performance Package.

The 2017 Honda Civic Si release date is still unknown or whether it will be released in other countries rather than just in the United States. We are excited to see the new Civic Si at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
A Cessna Citation carrying four people, including former Alberta premier Jim Prentice, crashed Thursday night in British Columbia. Canadas Transportation Safety Board said the jet dropped off radar after departing Kelowna bound for Springbank, Alberta, in the Calgary area, according to a CBC report. Rescue crews received a report of a crash about 9:40 p.m. after ATC lost radar contact with the Citation at about 8,000 feet. The wreckage, with debris strewn about a densely wooded area, was found near Winfield. Authorities said the crash was unsurvivable and confirmed all on board were killed, the CBC reported.

Prentice, 60, who served as Alberta premier leading theProgressive Conservative Party from 2014-2015,was flying home with two friends from Calgary. Among them was a shareholder of the Citation.Flight data showed the jet in a rapid descent from 4800 feet and ATC lost contact soon after departure, the Calgary Sun reported. A Federal Transportation Safety Board official said the jet crashed into terrain at a high speed. A former shareholder in the aircraft, owned by Norjet, told the Sun the pilot was experienced and had been flying for the business for three years.
15 October 2016 11:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 8 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops using large-caliber weapons, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry October 15.

The Azerbaijani army positions underwent fire from the Armenian positions located on nameless heights of the occupied Goranboy and Jabrayil districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

Journalist Antero Eerola has published an article about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Iltalehti, one of the leading daily newspapers in Finland, Azertac reported.

Eerola says that although the conflict is considered frozen in the West, hostilities may resume at any time. He accuses European countries of indifferent attitude towards the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He highlights fierce clashes that broke out in the conflict zone in April, particularly sufferings of Azerbaijani civilians living on the line of troops` contact as well as destruction of Azerbaijani residential areas.

Eerola says that despite intensive work of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) which has special equipment and trained dogs, their work seems to be endless due to enormous number of mines in the region.

The Finnish journalist points to long-running fruitless activity of the OSCE Minsk Group which mediates the dispute, saying this causes serious discontent of the Azerbaijani side.

Eerola also emphasizes four UN Security Council resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian military from Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 09:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijan and Pakistan can work jointly to launch production in defense industry, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev making statements for the press after his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Baku on October 14.

He said a significant part of the discussions with Nawaz Sharif was dedicated to the cooperation in the military sphere.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan and Pakistan have a very good cooperation in the military sphere, adding that today he and the Pakistani PM discussed the plans regarding the joint military drills of the two countries armed forces.

The Azerbaijani president noted that Pakistan has a very developed defense industry, and that the sides have thoroughly discussed the cooperation in this sphere.

The president reminded that Azerbaijan has been for nearly 10 years developing its defense industry, adding that the country wants to buy the most modern and high-tech weapons from Pakistan. He said there is understanding between the parties on this issue.

The president said he and Nawaz Sharif also mulled the cooperation in other sectors of the economy, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that once the electronic visa system is implemented in Azerbaijan, it will be very easy for the Pakistani citizens to come to Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani citizens will enjoy the same opportunities in traveling to Pakistan.

The president further said the sides also had discussions on the opening joint pharmaceutical enterprises in Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev said this sphere is very developed in Pakistan, noting that Azerbaijan wants to develop this sphere too, as it is mainly dependent on imports.

The president said he and the Pakistani PM also mulled other issues of mutual interest, adding there is absolutely mutual understanding on all the issues between the sides.

He said this once again shows that the relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are based on friendship and history.

Historically the peoples of Azerbaijan and Pakistan had contacts, they worked together, said the president, adding that there are numerous marks of the Pakistani culture in Baku.

Ilham Aliyev also said the current ties between the two countries are very important for regional security and cooperation.

The president said he believes that transportation is one of the issues to be dealt with in the future by the two countries, as the new transportation projects implemented by Azerbaijan jointly with its neighbors will create new opportunities for transportations from Asia to Europe and from north to south, and will open new routes.

Azerbaijan is located at the intersection of these transportation projects, he added.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 10:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The 7th Azerbaijani-Russian Interregional Forum will be held in Baku October 31-November 1, RIA Novosti reported.

Interregional and cross-border cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia, prospective infrastructure projects, interregional cooperation in the economic and financial field will be discussed within the forum, Trade Representative of Russia in Azerbaijan Eldar Tlyabichev said earlier.

He added that problems and prospects of Russian-Azerbaijani humanitarian space, the strategic relations between the two countries will be also reviewed at the forum.

At the same time, various round table meetings and exchange of contacts for representatives of business circles of the two countries will be held.

Tlyabichev added that 17 subjects of the Russian Federation implement trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation agreements with their Azerbaijani counterparts. The institutions and companies of more than 70 regions of Russia have trade ties with Azerbaijan.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 10:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Investors who put their funds in Azerbaijan in accordance with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model have been exempt from the state duties.

The corresponding amendments to the law On state duty were approved by Azerbaijani MPs at the plenary session of the countrys parliament October 14.

In accordance with the BOT model provided by the law On implementation of investment projects due to construction and infrastructure facilities on the basis of specific funding, the investment costs will be reimbursed to investors through the purchase of their products by authority or consumers.

However, if such form of payment is wholly or partly impossible, then the investor will be paid financial aid.

The validity of a contract concluded within the framework of the BOT model cannot exceed 49 years.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 10:58 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said he is impressed by remarkable political stability, social cohesion and impressive economic progress of Azerbaijan. The laudable social and economic development and progress that Azerbaijan has achieved under President Ilham Aliyev`s dynamic leadership is viewed with deep admiration in Pakistan, Mr Nawaz Sharif told a joint press conference following his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the second day of his official visit to Baku, Azertac reported.

Pakistan and Azerbaijan have always shared similar perceptions. After my meeting with President Aliyev I was pleased to know that the two of us also share concrete ideals, the Pakistani Prime Minister added.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 13:54 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will attend the 43rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers under the Theme Education and Enlightenment: The Path to Peace and Creativity to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on October18-19, Azertac reported.

FM Mammadyarov will deliver a speech at the session. He will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

We are very grateful to Pakistan that because of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijan Pakistan did not recognize Armenia and did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. It is a sign of brotherhood and the people of Azerbaijan highly value this brotherly approach, the head of state told a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Azertac reported.

Also we are grateful to Pakistan that in 2012 the Pakistani Senate officially recognized the Khojaly genocide as a genocide. It is another sign of friendship and partnership. Therefore, people in Azerbaijan love your country and we are very grateful for this support and on our side always support you in every issue, President Ilham Aliyev said.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 17:12 (UTC+04:00)

Advisor to the General Director of Baku International Sea Trade Port Tural Aliyev participated in the Eurasia multimodal logistics -International Trans-Caspian conference in Bucharest, Romania, Azertac reported.

Tural Aliyev, in his speech, spoke about the free trade zone type special economic area established in the Alat township of Baku's Garadagh district.

TRACECA International Conference became one of the leading debates of the multimodal logistics and transport industry of South Eastern Europe and Asia, and brought together over 150 representative leaders to form a landmark event for this region.

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15 October 2016 17:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

A plant on float glass output is being built in Azerbaijan, said the press service of the countrys Economy Ministry told Trend on October 15.

An agreement was signed between AzerFloat CJSC, which is a resident of Azerbaijans Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park (SCIP), and Germanys Horn Glass Industries AG, according to the press service.

AzerFloat CJSC organizes the production of glass boards in the SCIP using the float method. This method gives the sheet uniform thickness and very flat surfaces.The float glass output plant, with the production capacity of eight million square meters of various glass boards per year, will be built according to the project.

The projects implementation will create 150 jobs.

The plant, with a total investment of 89 million euros, will be put into operation in late 2018.

It should be noted that currently, the demand for flat glass in the country is provided by imports. Products, made by AzerFloat CJSC will meet both local demand and also be exported to foreign countries under the Made in Azerbaijan brand.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
15 October 2016 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkmenistan and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas have signed a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations, Turkmen foreign ministry has said.

The signing ceremony took place at the permanent representative office of Turkmenistan in New York.

During the ceremony, the representatives of both countries confirmed their interest in strengthening the friendly relations and developing the bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 76F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable.
BEIJING - Seeking new business opportunities and a chance to engage with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a group of Chinese tycoons is to embark on a trip to Canada, only weeks after an exchange of high-level visits by the two countries' leaders.

The China Entrepreneur Club (CEC), the premier business leaders platform in China, will launch on Sunday an eight-day Canadian journey, with plenty of focus on strengthening cooperation in finance, technology and cultural consumption.

Trudeau, who had just met with CEC members in Beijing only six weeks ago, will host the delegation at the Willson House residence on Meech Lake. His frequent exchanges with the CEC is seen by many as a "strong signal" indicating business cooperation between private sectors of the two sides will soon enter the fast lane of development.

The CEC said it will mainly look into the policy landscape of Canada and seek fresh opportunities during visits to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

A series of important face-to-face meetings will also be arranged with leaders in finance, technology and innovation and consumer goods, it said.

The trip comes at a time when Beijing and Ottawa are joining hands to create a "new golden decade" in bilateral relations, evidenced by an exchange of visits by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Trudeau within one month.

China-Canada relations have improved steadily since last year. Trade volume between the nations reached $55.7 billion in 2015, and Trudeau promised a doubling in trade with China by 2025 during Li's trip to Canada in late September, the Chinese premier's first official visit to the country in 13 years.

The Canadian prime minister made his first official visit to China in late August and early September, when he also attended the Group of 20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

According to Ma Weihua, CEC president, the main purpose of the group's international tours is to bolster public diplomacy of the Chinese private sector, demonstrate the integrity of Chinese entrepreneurs, learn from the most advanced business environments of the world and seek opportunities for cooperation.

More business opportunities have been created thanks to the recent improvement in bilateral relations between China and Canada, Ma said, adding that the mission of the entrepreneurs is to turn enthusiastic cooperation wills into practical business projects.

Canada is the 11th destination for the CEC's annual visits, following successful trips to the United States, Britain, France, Belgium, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Italy, the European Union and the United Nations.

Established in 2006 as an NGO by 31 Chinese business leaders, the CEC is committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and business integrity while promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Its 50 members include billionaires who oversee companies that together amass over 3 trillion yuan (about $445.8 billion) in annual income.
Thanks to the support of generous donors (see the Spotlight sidebar on the home page for a list), here is the first in the BatesLine series on the state questions on the Oklahoma 2016 ballot. We will seek to get behind the ballot titles to the legal substance of the question and try to uncover the history, rationale, and people behind each proposal.

State Question 776 is a legislative referendum that would add a new Section 9A to the Constitution of Oklahoma. This new section would say:

All statutes of this state requiring, authorizing, imposing or relating to the death penalty are in full force and effect, subject to legislative amendment or repeal by statute, initiative or referendum. Any method of execution shall be allowed, unless prohibited by the United States Constitution. Methods of execution may be designated by the Legislature. A sentence of death shall not be reduced on the basis that a method of execution is invalid. In any case in which an execution method is declared invalid, the death sentence shall remain in force until the sentence can be lawfully executed by any valid method. The death penalty provided for under such statutes shall not be deemed to be, or to constitute, the infliction of cruel or unusual punishments, nor shall such punishment be deemed to contravene any other provision of this Constitution.

As Section 9A, it would fall immediately after Section 9, which is identical to the 8th Amendment to the Federal Constitution.

SQ 776 began as Senate Joint Resolution 31, which was was unanimously recommended by Senate and House committees, passed unanimously by the State Senate, and passed by an 80-10 vote in the State House. I have heard people ignorantly claim that the legislature is punting the issue to the voters, but under Article 24, amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution must be ratified by a vote of the people, whether they originate as an initiative petition or as legislation.

Audio of the Senate SJR31 floor presentation and debate is available online. On that page, click the SJR31 link in the left sidebar. This will advance the audio to that point in the session and also bring up the bill summary and history for further exploration. You can also watch video of the House SJR31 floor debate; click the "Agenda" tab and then the SJR31 link. The House Rules Committee discussion is here, which you'll find a more detailed discussion of the rationale behind this proposal.

If you put this amendment in a spray can, the label would read "Judicial Activism Repellent." This is an attempt to defend Oklahoma's use of capital punishment against a number of back-door strategies being employed by death-penalty opponents who know they can't win a direct attempt to delete the death penalty from Oklahoma law.

Activists have been pressuring drug companies to stop making the drugs used for lethal injections. As supplies of drugs needed for reliable and tested combinations have dried up, states have been forced to find new sources and new combinations of drugs in order to carry out the law. Application of these new combinations isn't straightforward, leading to errors as in the case of Clayton Lockett. That in turn leads to public outcry, a positive outcome from the perspective of death-penalty opponents.

During the House Rules committee discussion of the proposal, State Rep. Mike Christian mentioned a concern that the U. S. Supreme Court would ban lethal injection as "cruel and unusual punishment," making it urgent to find an alternative method (nitrogen hypoxia was mentioned as a new possibility in addition to electrocution and firing squad) and clearing a constitutional path to move existing cases to any new method.

Of course, the only reason we are using lethal injection is because these same death-penalty opponents protested electrocution, hanging, and firing squad as inhumane.

The proposed amendment attempts to address problems raised by this situation. While methods of execution would continue to be limited by the "cruel and unusual" clause of the 8th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, state judges would be barred from going beyond federal precedent to find additional methods of execution cruel and unusual under the Oklahoma Constitution.

Under the proposed amendment, a person is sentenced to death and not to a specific method of execution, so that a death-row convict will not be spared just because the expected method is unavailable.

"Shall not be deemed" in the final sentence is a restraint on activism by the State Supreme Court: They aren't allowed to comb the State Constitution for some other pretext for halting executions. If SQ 776 passes, the judges can't disingenuously imagine ambiguity or silence on the issue.

It's sad that this sort of amendment is necessary, but our theocratic method of selecting judges and justices means we wind up with a legal priesthood that selects a Sanhedrin of judges whose values are out of sync with the people they rule. Under the principle of self-government, judges should be of the people -- sharing the views and values of the people, but wiser, more consistent, and capable of reconciling conflicting circumstances. (The evolution of modern America makes more sense when seen as a decades-long process of colonization and proselytizing by a worldview alien to that which framed our Constitution, built the nation, and carried us through the Great Depression and World War II.)

I will vote YES, FOR SQ 776.
Two Tornadoes on Oregon Coast; Manzanita Severely Damaged, Video

Published 10/14/2016 at 6:51 PM PDT - Updated 10/14/2016 at 6:59 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) - Two tornadoes touched down on the Oregon coast this morning: one briefly in Oceanside that did no damage but another in Manzanita that ravaged the town. There, one third of the trees were taken down, 128 homes were damaged and several businesses torn apart. (Tornado photo above by Tyler Ryals. Storm damage photos by Amy VanDyke, Sunset Vacation Rentals).

No one was injured. The mayor has declared a state of emergency in Manzanita.

The tornado has been designated an EF2.

Currently, some 3,000 residents in the area are without power, and with Saturday's hurricane-force winds coming in it's uncertain there will be any power for days. As of 6:30 p.m., power is just starting to come back on in town in some places, however.

Some residents are reporting police are not letting anyone into town that is not a resident in earlier in the day. A few businesses  including Moxie and Manzanita Sweets  have had their structures nearly demolished.

All of this began in the early in the morning, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland issued a record ten tornado watches for Oregon, including a tornado warning for Tillamook County at about 8:52 a.m. But the actual tornado had already touched down in Manzanita by then, hitting at 8:20 a.m.

Brian Hines, owner of the San Dune Inn, called Oregon Coast Beach Connection shortly after.

It's a bloody shambles, Hines said. There are buildings down, trees down, no power, and the place is filled with medics. I felt the vacuum here, the sudden no pressure. We're OK. We got a new roof on, and it's OK, thank God.

The tornado went almost straight up Laneda Ave. as if gunning for the downtown area.

Absolutely jaw-dropping video taken by an Oregon resident from the Neahkahnie overlooks above Manzanita show the twister turning from a water spout to a tornado as it hits the shore, then you can see power lines and transformers explode in a massive flash of light.

Amy VanDyke of Sunset Vacation Rentals reports the business office on Laneda is unscathed, but several of their rental homes have been damaged.

One house in town had its roof completely ripped off. Another appears to have been actually moved, and is not only in tatters but now at a sloped angle.

Tornadoes on the Oregon coast are extremely rare. In December of 2010, a small one quickly touched down on the beach at Lincoln City and tore up parts of the Seahorse Motel. It was refurbished within a year.

The NWS has said it has never issued more than three tornado warnings in one day, making this morning's ten alerts a soaring record. See more video, updates and photos on the OCBC Facebook page.

In Oceanside, the small tornado touched down only briefly and then appeared to break apart almost immediately. There are no reports of damage. Map and Virtual Tour















RAW: Possible Tornado in Manzanita, Oregon A startling view of the apparent tornado that tore through Manzanita, Oregon today Posted by The Weather Channel on Friday, October 14, 2016

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Two men from Texas were charged Friday and a third was cleared of wrongdoing in a brutal attack on a Sikh man in Richmond, Calif. last month that left him with sheared hair, nerve damage, a black eye, broken teeth and a pinky finger requiring amputation, prosecutors said.

Chase Bryan Little, 31, and Colton Tye Leblanc, 24, were charged with felony assault with hate-crime enhancements in the attack on Maan Singh Khalsa. A man previously identified as a suspect, Dustin Albarado of Louisiana, was cleared of criminal liability, said Simon OConnell, Contra Costa County deputy district attorney

The savage cutting of Mr. Khalsas unshorn hair, a sacred article of his faith, constitutes a hate crime under the law, OConnell said in a statement.

Little and Leblanc were fired from their jobs at Koch Specialty Plant Services, a firm associated with Koch Industries, the behemoth company run by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. The men were in the East Bay for contract assignments at the Chevron refinery in Richmond.

Little is from Beaumont, Texas, while Lablanc is from Winnie, Texas.

The confrontation unfolded the night of Sept. 25 as Khalsa, 41, was leaving a Richmond Walmart and stopped at a red light at the intersection of Blume and Hilltop drives. A white, four-door truck with five men inside pulled up next to Khalsa, and a man in the back seat threw a half-empty beer can at him, Khalsa told police.

Khalsa told officers he said, You forgot something, as he got out of his car and threw the can back at the truck. The men in the truck started screaming and cursing at him, and as soon as Khalsa left the intersection, driving east on Hilltop Drive, the truck followed him, officials said.

At an intersection before the Interstate 80 overpass, the truck again pulled up to Khalsa, who sensed something wasnt right and called 911. Before police could arrive, according prosecutors, two men in the back seat got out of the truck and began punching Khalsa in the face through his open window while yelling profanities at him and knocking off his turban  an important part of Sikhism thats made some of its wearers targets of violent anti-Muslim bias by people confusing the two religions.

After they were done beating him, one of the men yelled, cut his f hair off, Khalsa told police. Little used a knife to cut Khalsas hair and stab Khalsa in the hand as he tried to protect himself, officials said.

As Khalsa tried to drive away, the three men chased him while the driver of the truck attempted to get in front of his car to stop him. Eventually, after making a number of quick turns, Khalsa was able to get away as he began blacking out from the pummeling.

No community should be attacked because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexuality, said Harsimran Kaur, legal director of the Sikh Coalition, which had pressed for the hate crime charges.

Little is out on bail, and a bench warrant will be issued for Leblanc, OConnell said.

Jenna Lyons and Kimberly Veklerov are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno @kveklerov
The numbers are in for the state's new voter registration totals, but is the polling site half-full or half-empty?

Texas does have more registered voters than ever, finally crossing the 15-million threshold with 15,015,700 voters. That's good, and it gives Texans a number that's fairly easy to remember when looking at statewide totals in a given election.
FBI agents arrested an El Paso, Texas physician on Wednesday and charged him with 35 counts of fraud linked to an alleged healthcare scam, according to the El Paso Times.

William Frank Elder-Quintana, MD, has been a licensed physician since 2005. He faces one count of conspiracy and 34 other healthcare fraud-related charges, including payment of illegal remuneration and aiding and abetting payment of illegal remuneration.

According to the El Paso Times, the Texas Medical Board disciplined Dr. Elder-Quintana in August, though it is not clear if the board's findings directly contributed with the arrest.

CMG RX, a Dallas-based company that markets compounded pain and scar creams, previously hired Dr. Elder-Quintana to contact and consult with patients about various medications as part of a clinical study. The board found Dr. Elder-Quintana was prescribing compound medications without first obtaining sufficient information to justify the prescriptions.

The board determined the study was illegitimate and that Dr. Elder-Quintana did not adequately investigate the study to determine whether it was legitimate or not, according to the El Paso Times.

His bond has been set at $20,000.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Police arrest 8 people in meth smuggling operation at Coalinga State Hospital

Owners of NJ MRI facilities arrested in $850k illegal kickback scheme

UPMC faces 4th mold death lawsuit
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Union leaders have said they are optimistic a deal can be done to save the jobs of hundreds of call centre workers in Belfast.

The employment security of up to 350 employees of Concentrix have been cast into doubt after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) terminated its contract with the US-owned company.

Concentrix, which employs more than 1,800 people across a number of sites in Belfast, had been tasked with reducing claimant fraud in the benefit and tax credit system - but HMRC announced earlier this year the contract will not be renewed.

The move came after the Concentrix was accused of incorrectly withdrawing tax credits from hundreds of claimants, while it has also been claimed it answered only 10% of calls on some days.

Since losing the contract, Concentrix has already let go 150 temporary workers.

The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) staged a rally outside a Concentrix building in Belfast city centre yesterday afternoon to show support to the employees whose future with the company is unclear.

Speaking at the protest, which was attended by up to 50 people, Gayle Matthews, regional secretary of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, said: "We're here in solidarity with the workers of Concentrix.

"There are really two victims here - the claimants who have been badly affected and the workers who were simply following orders from HMRC.

"We're delighted that Concentrix has said it will engage with this and we will be talking to them on an ongoing basis.

"From another perspective, we are hopeful that we can save these jobs.

"The work that has been done by Concentrix has now to be done in-house by HMRC and we would say that the Concentrix employees should be transferred to HMRC to carry out that work.

"There is legislation in place for that to happen and we would ask HMRC to make a decision on this matter as quickly as possible so that people can make plans for their future."

ICTU Assistant General Secretary, Peter Bunting, said: "We are raising concern about the real value of outsourcing - companies such as Concentrix do not save the taxpayer money."

Mr Bunting also said the UK government needs to answer questions relating to how Concentrix earned the HMRC contract.

And he added that there are also serious questions for the Executive after the firm received 3.5m in grant aid from Invest NI in 2014.

A spokesman from HMRC last night refused to say whether workers from Concentrix will be offered employment.

He said that HMRC has redeployed 150 staff to ensure customers can get through to advisers and resolve any issues about their benefits claim. A spokesman from Concentrix said the company's employees are a top priority and they are doing everything to minimise any impact on them.

He continued: "Concentrix remains committed to Belfast as a base for our European operations."
Incident happened on Alliance Avenue at about 9:15pm on Friday

A man has been injured after a "large firework rocket" was dropped through the doorway of fast food outlet on Alliance Avenue in north Belfast.

Detectives are appealing for information following an incident on Friday night at around 9.15pm.

The man was taken to hospital, where he remains, for treatment to his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Michael Hawthorne would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who has information about it to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime, Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 1319 14/10/16.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Pipers from all over Ireland will gather in Stormont's Great Hall today to play and exhibit their hand-crafted instruments as they mark International Uilleann Piping Day.

Now in its fifth year, the event is organised by Helena Rowsome Grimes, the daughter of Leo Rowsome - a world-renowned player and maker credited with helping the famous instrument to survive.

Rowsome, who taught at Dublin's Municipal School of Music (now the Dublin Institute of Technology) for 50 years, was the first Irish artist to appear on BBC television.

During his career, he taught some of today's best-known pipers including Liam O'Flynn, who played at the funeral of Seamus Heaney and the CEO of Na Piobairi Uilleann, the Dublin-based organisation for the promotion of the pipes, which has over 3,000 members worldwide.

Mrs Rowsome Grimes, from Co Down, whose family has played the instrument for six generations, said: "I'm so passionate about the family tradition and I would do anything for the pipes - that's the reason I got involved.

"It's an interesting event because all the pipers have different styles of playing and play instruments that were made by different people. And pipe makers are getting better and better.

"It's amazing how popular this instrument has become and for me it is a personal passion to hear the Uilleann pipes and to hear them played in the great hall in Stormont."

Mrs Rowsome Grimes still has fond childhood memories of her father making the pipes himself.

"My father was a very good reed maker," she added. "I used to stand at his workshop door and say: 'Daddy, what's the name of this and that?'

"He would have a cut-throat razor in one hand fashioning a piece of delicate cane to make the reed. I would be asking him the names of tunes I would play for him on my whistle at the workshop door."

Co-ordinated by the Na Piobairi Uilleann, International Uilleann Piping Day celebrations will take place at various locations worldwide.

Pipers attending today's event in Belfast have come from as far afield as Down, Antrim, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Fermanagh and even Australia.

Several young pipers will also be in attendance.

Mrs Rowsome Grimes added: "Most of the pipers who go there have pupils and we have young people from about seven or eight years of age. And that's the important thing, as far as tradition goes."

She said she hoped the event will inspire the next generation of pipers: "It is very important to me to keep the piping tradition alive in whatever way I can.

"Having watched my father work incessantly teaching, making, performing and administration for and on behalf of Uilleann pipes, I feel I owe it to him to contribute, albeit in a small way, to the growing success of this fascinating instrument.

"In doing so, I feel that part of him is still with me."
BBC presenter William Crawley has been forced to defend himself against accusations of having a personal agenda on his lunchtime Talkback show.

A caller to yesterday's programme claimed that the broadcaster was the driving force behind the religious segments on the phone-in discussion.

During an at times fraught discussion on blasphemy on the TV, the presenter asked the caller, Hannah, to "bring a bit of sense to the conversation".

Ahead of introducing her, Mr Crawley implored his guests, Pastor Paul Burns and the commentator Jeffrey Peel, "to be nice to the callers".

"They are expressing a view and have every right to do so," he told them.

Hannah, however, said that what she had to say would not please the BBC man.

"You put yourself forward into the Presbyterian Church, for the Presbyterian ministry," she claimed.

Mr Crawley then interrupted her, asking she leave his "out-dated personal bio out of this and stick with the issue".

"No," she hit back, "It is very much in it, because you push all these things, you push abortion."

Mr Crawley again interrupted her to say he had never "pushed abortion in my life". However, Hannah continued to talk, while Mr Crawley continued to talk over her. "You push everything that goes against the Presbyterian Church," she said. "I am so disgusted at the fact that the Presbyterian Church... that my money actually paid to put you through (it)."

Pastor Burns, who said he was at Union Theological College when Mr Crawley was a lecturer, then stepped in to defend the broadcaster.

"It does teach about respect in Christianity," he said.

"This is not about me," Mr Crawley again interrupted.

"To Hannah, who has now gone, I am doing my job as a journalist, which means that I don't take views on any of these things.

"I ask the questions the people want asked - whether Hannah is happy about that or not, I don't know.

"What I did in my life before doing this is irrelevant."

Pastor Burns added: "I am quite happy to be part of this discussion and in no way feel offended."

"I am delighted to hear that, Paul," Crawley responded, before introducing the next caller with a chuckle.

Prior to being a lecturer, Mr Crawley was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church. On his BBC blog, he has been described as a "lapsed Protestant".

Mr Crawley became a BBC journalist following an appearance on Radio Ulster's Thought for the Day.

He took over the Talkback hotseat in 2014, following in the footsteps of David Dunseith and Wendy Austin.
Police investigating an assault on a man and woman outside a house in the Donegall Avenue area of Belfast have arrested two men aged 17 and 22.

The attack occurred at approximately 1.45am on Saturday.

Police said the man was assaulted with a bottle and a curtain pole and the woman was hit on the head with a paint pot.

The pair have since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Local Policing Chief Inspector David Moore would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Police at Musgrave PSNI Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 121 15/10/16.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Through the Government's capacity market, power providers are paid to ensure electricity generation is available to the grid to meet demand

Subsidies to reduce the risk of blackouts must focus on innovative schemes for energy storage and cutting demand rather than "dirty diesel", MPs have urged.

Through the Government's capacity market, power providers - including the owners of "diesel farms" which produce energy from generators powered by the fossil fuel - are paid to ensure electricity generation is available to the grid to meet demand.

But the Energy and Climate Change (ECC) Committee said the system favoured polluting diesel generators over smart technology which stores power and reduces demand, and which could deliver billions of pounds of savings for consumers.

Energy storage qualifies only for four-year contracts and schemes which pay large users of electricity to reduce consumption at times of peak demand only get one year contracts, compared to 15 years for new fossil fuel generation.

The Government should redesign the capacity market to encourage energy storage, which ranges from lithium batteries to pumping water uphill and releasing it through turbines when power is needed, the committee said.

Ministers should also consider a subsidy system for storage to speed up deployment, given its importance for storing and using power from renewables to make the most of the clean technology.

They should commit to making the UK a world leader in storage and set a procurement target for 2020, the committee said.

There should also be a clear signal that "demand side response" systems, which encourage electricity users to reduce consumption at certain times, will be bought as a strongly preferred alternative to diesel generation plants.

This could involve ordering by merit the way power needs should be met in the UK when margins are tight, with demand side response high on the list.

It said costly bonds demand side response providers have to put up in the capacity market should be removed.

The committee's chairman, Angus MacNeil, said: "The Government must get a move on and encourage the energy market to embrace smart technological solutions like energy storage and demand side response.

"There is an incredible opportunity for the UK to become a world leader in these disruptive technologies.

"Yet our current energy security subsidies favour dirty diesel generation over smart new clean tech solutions."

He said: "Getting demand side response right will empower consumers, reduce bills, ease pressure on the grid and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

"Energy storage is a vital keystone in building a clean electricity system. It will mean we won't have to wait for the sun to shine or the wind to blow to get our energy from renewables.

"We can generate electricity, store it and turn it on when it's needed. If current regulatory barriers to storage were removed, some 7 billion per annum of savings to consumers could be achieved."

With the merger of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) with the Business Department, the report is the last from the ECC Committee, whose work will be taken over by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.
Alexander's character Hilda Ogden is one of the most fondly-remembered in the soap's history

Coronation Street stars past and present have paid tribute to their former co-star Jean Alexander, who has died three days after turning 90.

Alexander, who played the much-loved character Hilda Ogden between 1964 and 1987, died in hospital on Friday.

Her family said she had recently undergone tests and was readmitted on her birthday after "feeling a little bit poorly".

Julie Goodyear, who played former Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch, said Alexander was "an absolute joy to play scenes with".

She added that she "was the exact opposite of the character she played".

"This proves what an amazing actress she was.

"Jean was a very private person and meticulous in her work. She really was a perfectionist and always word-perfect.

"Rest in Peace, Jean. Hilda will be remembered forever as one of the best characters in Coronation Street."

Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow in the soap since its first episode in 1960, described working with Alexander as "wonderful", adding that she "created one of the most iconic Coronation Street characters".

"She could make you laugh, particularly with Hilda's comedy singing, but she could also deliver incredibly moving performances and make you cry."

Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, lodged with Hilda with his on-screen wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) after arriving in Weatherfield in 1986. He said starring alongside Alexander was his "proudest and most exciting moment on the show".

He said Alexander was always first to "make a new arrival feel welcome".

"She was an all-round lovely lady and such a talent. I will never forget the scenes I had with her and what she taught me.

"She was also great fun. We used to watch snooker in the green room with her as she loved snooker."

Dynevor said: "Michael and I loved her and any scenes we did with her we always wanted to do our very best.

"Hilda will always be my favourite Corrie character."

Liverpool-born Alexander won the nation's heart with her turn as the pinny-wearing, sharp-tongued cleaning lady who was rarely seen without a set of tightly-wound hair curlers.

Fans tuned in in vast numbers to watch her daily battle to get her inept husband, Stan, out of the pub and into work.

Sir Laurence Olivier was among her followers and a host of famous faces including Sir Michael Parkinson, writer Willis Hall, former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman and Russell Harty also formed themselves into the British League for Hilda Ogden.

When Alexander decided to leave the soap in 1987, nearly 30 million people watched her farewell episode, according to reports.

In the years after leaving the cobbles she became a mainstay of BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine as eccentric bric-a-brac shop owner Auntie Wainwright.

In 2005 she was voted the greatest soap opera star of all time and there were calls for Hilda to be memorialised.

Alexander said at the time: "I just couldn't see myself stood on a pedestal cast in bronze.

"Knowing my luck, the Southport seagulls would find me and do their worst, as they have done before - usually when I have just washed my hair."

Alexander starred in Last Of The Summer Wine until 2010, and she continued to enjoy celebrity status after her retirement in 2012, her niece, Sonia Hearld, told the Press Association.

"People used to stop her just to say hello and how much they missed her," Mrs Hearld, 64, said.

"She was always very good to her fans - she said 'They put me where I am'."

Alexander brought a lot of her own personality to the role for which she will best be remembered, said her niece.

"Certainly with Hilda, the fact she was such a downtrodden person but just got on with it. She just touched a chord with people.

"She did bring a lot of herself to the role but she was a different person, a private person. They were amalgams of people she had met, people she had observed and people she knew. She was very observant about people."

Despite being best known for her portrayal of downtrodden and impecunious characters, Alexander was remembered as being glamorous off screen.

"Privately, she was great fun and had a great sense of humour," Mrs Hearld said.

"She was very glamorous - I remember when I was about four or five seeing her get ready for an evening, wearing really pretty clothes and high heels. She occasionally let me traipse around the house in them.

"She was a good role model and she had a drive that carried her through."

The actress had no children of her own and Mrs Hearld is one of her few surviving relatives.

Alexander reportedly suffered a stroke in 2014 and had been living in a nursing home. Her death appears to have been unexpected.

Mrs Hearld said: "I saw her last week when we went to see her in hospital. She was feeling a little bit poorly but she was talking to me and my husband quite happily.

"There was nothing telling us anything was wrong - she was just generally weak and under the weather.

"We have not had the details."

John Whiston, creative director at ITV Studios, said: "Everyone who loves what is special about Coronation Street will know how sad it is to hear that Jean Alexander has died.

"Hilda Ogden was the earthy heart of the show for very many years, and the brilliance of Jean as an actor was that she could shift from high comedy to deeply emotional and moving drama in a heartbeat.

"That takes real skill and real acting but also real humanity. That is what the world has lost with her passing."

A Coronation Street spokeswoman confirmed that Monday night's episode will be dedicated to Alexander.

They added that show bosses were considering having characters reference the death of Hilda, who would now be 92.
Nations have reached a deal to phase out hydrofluorocarbons from air conditioners and refrigerators as part of efforts to fight climate change (AP)

Nearly 200 nations have reached a deal to limit the use of greenhouse gases far more powerful than carbon dioxide in a major effort to fight climate change.

The talks on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, were called the first test of global will since the historic Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions was reached last year. HFCs are described as the world's fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.

The agreement announced on Saturday morning, after all-night negotiations, caps and reduces the use of HFCs in a gradual process beginning by 2019 with action by developed countries including the United States, the world's second-worst polluter.

More than 100 developing countries, including China, the world's top carbon emitter, will start taking action by 2024, when HFC consumption levels should peak.

A small group of countries including India, Pakistan and some Gulf states pushed for and secured a later start in 2028, saying their economies need more time to grow. That is three years earlier than India, the world's third-worst polluter, had first proposed.

Environmental groups had hoped that the deal could reduce global warming by a half-degree Celsius by the end of this century. This agreement gets about 90% of the way there, said Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

Mr Zaelke's group said this is the "largest temperature reduction ever achieved by a single agreement".

The new agreement is "equal to stopping the entire world's fossil-fuel CO2 emissions for more than two years", said David Doniger, climate and clean air programme director with the Natural Resources Defence Council.

Experts said they hope that market forces will help speed up the limits agreed to in the deal.

"Compromises had to be made, but 85% of developing countries have committed to the early schedule starting 2024, which is a very significant achievement," said Clare Perry, UK climate campaign leader with the Environmental Investigation Agency.

HFCs were introduced in the 1980s as a substitute for ozone-depleting gases. But their danger has grown as air conditioner and refrigerator sales have soared in emerging economies like China and India. HFCs are also found in inhalers and insulating foams.

Major economies have debated how fast to phase out HFCs. The United States, whose delegation was led by Secretary of State John Kerry, and Western countries want quick action. Nations such as India want to give their industries more time to adjust.

Small island states and many African countries had pushed for quick action, saying they face the biggest threat from climate change.

"It may not be entirely what the islands wanted, but it is a good deal," said the minister-in-assistance to the president of the Marshall Islands, Mattlan Zackhras. "We all know we must go further, and we will go further."

The UN said the next meeting in 2017 will determine just how much of the billions of dollars needed to finance the reduction of HFCs will be provided by countries.

HFCs are less plentiful than carbon dioxide, but Mr Kerry said last month that they currently emit as much pollution as 300 coal-fired power plants each year. That amount will rise significantly over the coming decades as air conditioning units and refrigerators reach hundreds of millions of new people.

HFCs do not harm the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons and similar gases which were eliminated under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. The entire world ratified that agreement, helping to repair holes in the ozone which helps shield the planet from the harmful rays of the sun. The aim of this meeting was to attach an amendment to that treaty dealing specifically with HFCs.

"This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation started in Paris is irreversible and unstoppable," said Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN Environment Programme.

AP
On the US dollar bills there is the message "In God We Trust", but there is nothing Godly about the debates between the two candidates for next month's American Presidential election.

America is a supposedly Christian country, so people have a right to expect a civilised and dignified tone from those taking part, but in fact this has been one of the most undignified campaigns in US history.

Many of Donald Trump's remarks on and off the campaign trail have been appalling, and while his boasting about his sexual conquests and tax affairs will alienate many people, they may only increase his appeal to his core of white male supporters who will admire how he has been able to get away with it.

Hillary Clinton has been forced to attack Trump repeatedly with harsh personal criticism, to the point where one wonders if there is any decency left in American politics.

In this week's debate there was almost a gasp of astonishment when one audience member asked if there was anything positive that the candidates could say about one another.

Trump admired Hillary's "fighting spirit", and Hillary praised Trump's children. The fact that these positive remarks made news, is a reflection on the degree to which public life has coarsened in recent years.

Read more

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This is happening on our side of the Atlantic too. The Labour members have been vicious about one another, as well as the Government, and over here our politicians have been trading insults endlessly.

Many politicians don't realise that the general public despises such behaviour, and that people would welcome mature debate among politicians, some of whom sink to the lowest common denominator.

This summer I met many Americans when I was giving lectures on the cruise ship Caribbean Princess, and almost all of them were asking "How have we descended into this situation where we have to choose between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for the Presidency?"

The gradual lowering of standards of public behaviour began several decades previously when we began to be told that almost "anything goes."

Few voices spoke out in protest, and those who did were savagely criticised as bigots and spoil-sports.

One of these was Mary Whitehouse who conducted a virtually one-woman campaign, and she was demeaned by the television hierarchy, particularly in the BBC.

During this period I interviewed Mrs Whitehouse at length on a BBC Radio Ulster series I used to present, and I found her to be a charming and eminently sensible woman, with clear Christian values.

I am not suggesting that she was always right, but I admired her sheer courage in campaigning for what she believed in, despite the fierce criticism and ridicule she faced.

Therefore I was glad, and not surprised, to read in The Times this week, that a liberal barrister who had carried out a running battle with Mary Whitehouse admitted that she may have been right.

Lord Hutchinson has now admitted that she was right to pursue her campaign against depictions of sex and violence on television.

He said: "It was a perfectly reasonable view to take, that perhaps morals have become a bit too loose with exposure to pornography, and violence, and computer games... but the genie is out of the bottle."

Only this week we heard that around 100,000 men in the UK regularly watch child porn images online.

No one quite knows how to put the genie back in the bottle again, but our society needs to regain the dignity and respect that characterised the behaviour of our parents and grandparents in their times.

In almost any other era of recent history the language and attitudes of Donald Trump would bar him from winning the Presidency, but I fear that despite everything he still might win. That is not a happy thought for a nation whose currency bears the slogan "In God We Trust", or for any of us.
How wonderful it is to have faith! Despite the stresses in the world and the way some denigrate those who believe, persecuting people because they turn to Jesus, my faith in the Lord is the light that makes all the trials of chronic pain and illness tolerable. When Im felled by a flare, it is Jesus who lifts me up. When Im saddened by unkind words from unthinking people, it is His Word that reduces my sorrow to nothing but a faint memory and fills my heart with gladness, instead.

Gods promise of heaven for those who believe brings me absolute joy and a better goal than pleasing the whims of people who might insist that faith is foolish. Indeed, when I reflect on how greatly God loves me  and you!  I cannot help but smile and lift up hearty thanks.

Today, if you are hurting, if someone has insulted you or tried to steer you from your faith, I pray that the pain from such physical or emotional infliction will dissipate as you reflect on Jesus, the love that flows from Him and into our absolute DNA. Hold on to faith, and the pain of being ostracized will soon be replaced by Someone in whom there is only joy.

Peace,

Maureen

P.S. The analytics offered by this blog program tells me my Content is Bad. How so like a computer!
Potential Realities For Hurricane Season Cruises

There are a number of benefits to taking a cruise to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda or the Bahamas during the late summer and fall. Prices can be significantly lower, the temperatures are often milder, and some adults appreciate that there are fewer children on board. At the same time, its important to be aware that there are some risks as well. Hurricane season officially takes place in these regions from June 1 to November 30, but storms often peak from mid-August through early October.



Major hurricanes can wreak havoc on cruise ports and schedules, as Hurricane Matthew demonstrated. Safety is the cruise lines top priority, so sometimes changes are necessary. Vacationers should take note of these possibilities when considering a fall cruise to the tropics and plan accordingly. Some of the potential outcomes include:



Ports of Call Changes. One of the advantages of choosing a cruise instead of a land vacation during hurricane season is that ships can change their course. Instead of visiting ports being impacted by a storm, the cruise line might route the ship to another island. While this is great for those simply wishing to enjoy any tropical escape, it can cause disappointment for guests who booked their cruise because of that specific port of call. Cruise lines policies allow them to change ports of call if necessary and guests are not entitled to compensation, other than refunded port fees for any port that was missed. Sometimes credit is provided to guests as a good will gesture, but thats at the cruise lines discretion.



Unscheduled Days at Sea. If stormy weather makes accessing a port too difficult and an appropriate alternative cannot be found, cruise lines may substitute a day at sea. Since safety is the top priority, cruise ships will generally be routed to areas offering the calmest seas and best guest experience. Days at sea can be very relaxing and enjoyable, but they may not be a favored choice for cruise guests seeking a more port-intensive vacation. Unscheduled days at sea may also occur if the ships homeport is closed, forcing the vessel to stay at sea until its safe to come back into port. This can result in extra days being added to the cruise.



Significantly Altered Itineraries. When major hurricanes arise, it can sometimes be difficult for ships to safely access any area of the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Mexicos Pacific Coast. As a result, cruise lines may significantly alter planned itineraries resulting in a completely different type of cruise vacation. Instead of going south to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, ships leaving from New York or Baltimore might head north for a New England/Canada cruise. Such a dramatically changed cruise itinerary may not appeal to certain guests. Again, cruise line policies allow them to change ports of call as needed. If the ship has not sailed before the change is made, sometimes guests are allowed to cancel their cruise for a full refund. This decision is up to each individual cruise line.



Cruise Cancellations. If a ships homeport is closed for multiple days due to a storm or the ships itinerary is disrupted beyond repair, the cruise departure may be cancelled. While guests are entitled to a full refund if that happens, there still may be flight reservations and other issues to consider. This can be difficult for guests, particularly those who are not working with a travel agent.



Taking a cruise during hurricane season can be a wonderful experience and exceptional deals can be plentiful. Just be aware of the realities of cruising during this time period and plan accordingly. While catastrophic hurricanes do not occur often, its important to keep potential outcomes in mind  even if they happen infrequently. Sometimes cruise lines offer compensation for inconveniences and itinerary changes caused by a tropical storm. These can include such things as shipboard credit, discounts off future cruises, and sometimes the ability to cancel your reservation and receive a full refund.



If youre considering cruising during hurricane season, here are a few suggestions:



Use a Travel Agent. Working with a good travel agent is helpful for any cruise, since they can help vacationers select the right cruise ship and stateroom. In a weather emergency, travel agents are even more important. They can provide valuable assistance such as keeping their clients posted on itinerary changes and helping them reschedule flights if a storm disrupts airline schedules or their ships planned sailing dates.



Purchase Travel Insurance. Its a very smart idea to purchase trip insurance for cruises during hurricane season. A good cruise insurance package will protect against travel delays, travel interruption, or trip cancellation due to a hurricane. Make sure to research your policy carefully before purchasing it, however, to understand whats included and whats not. Changes in cruise itinerary due to bad weather are not covered by travel insurance. As stated earlier, its possible that the cruise line may provide some compensation, but its likely to be minimal. Remember, travel insurance only covers unpredicted events. Once the weather forecasters have indicated that a hurricane is possible, its too late to purchase trip insurance for hurricane coverage.



Be Careful When Purchasing Shore Excursions. Carefully consider shore excursion cancellation policies when booking during hurricane season. The cruise line and many tour operators will provide full excursion refunds if the ship does not make it to the port. Smaller tour operators may have different refund policies, however, so make sure to inquire in writing before booking.



Monitor the Weather. If youve planned a cruise during hurricane season, monitor the weather as your trip departure date gets closer. The National Hurricane Centers website provides detailed information. If youre driving to your embarkation port, make sure to park your car well above the high water mark in case of flooding.



Stay in Touch With Your Cruise Line. As your sailing date approaches, check your email regularly and monitor your cruise lines website to be aware of any potential changes to your itinerary. This is particularly important during hurricane season.



Pack Seasickness Medications. While your ship's captain will work hard to deliver the most optimal guest experience, sometimes rough seas may be present. Plan accordingly and bring along your favorite seasickness remedy just in case.












Mourners watch as a van in a motorcade transports the body of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej to his palace in Bangkok, Oct. 14, 2016.

Tens of thousands of people clad in black lined Bangkok streets on Friday to glimpse a van carrying the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as Thailand officially began a year of mourning for the monarch who reigned for 70 years.

Queen Sirikit and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn accompanied the kings body in a royal motorcade from the hospital where he had died the day before to the Grand Palace, where Bhumibol will lie before his cremation and state funeral at a yet to be determined date, palace officials said.

After reaching the palace the kings only son  his successor  presided over the bathing of the Bhumibols body, a Buddhist funereal ritual, as monks chanted prayers, according to a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household. Similar ceremonies are to be held at the palace and across predominantly Buddhist Thailand for 100 days.

People also voiced grief in Thailands Muslim dominated Deep South for the kings death on Thursday from health-related complications at age 88.

Muslim Thais are very sad. It is such a great loss. Muslim Thais wholeheartedly respected the king, JaeIsma-ae Jehkumudu, an Islamic teacher from the southern border region where a separatist insurgency against Bangkok has raged for decades, told BenarNews.

When Muslims go to the funeral of friends of different religious faiths, they will show respect in a plain and humble way of dressing but will not dress in black, he said.

The Thai government the night before had announced that the country would observe a year-long period of mourning for the king, and had asked Thais to wear black clothing during that time.

And for a second straight day on Friday, Thai authorities interrupted regular television programming on channels including BBC and CNN, using their signals to air non-stop programming about the kings life, Agence-France Presse reported.

Facebook turned off its advertising in Thailand following the announcement of the kings death, saying that removing online ads was a cultural custom during the mourning period, according to a report by CNN.

On Friday, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Thailand to lift a blanket order censoring TV news broadcasts in the wake of the kings death. Local media outlets have also been barred from using social media live during an indefinite period, CPJ noted in a statement.

While CPJ sympathizes with the Thai people over the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, we lament that the government has resorted to crude censorship at this sensitive time, said Steven Butler, CPJ's Asia program coordinator. We urge military authorities to follow through on their promise to lift the ban and allow all journalists to report on this important story without threat or harassment.

He was the love of all Thais

Meanwhile at Friday prayers, Thai Muslims were instructed by the Office of the Sheikhul Islam  which represents Thailands Islamic community  to read out messages of condolence and express their gratitude to the king, an official with the organization told BenarNews.

On Friday night in Narathiwat, one of the provinces in the Deep South, children and others lit candles and prayed for the soul of the late King.

Government offices were closed on Friday, out of respect to the king, but businesses stayed open, according to reports.

People in the crowd that thronged the streets of the capital burst into tears as the van in the motorcade passed by on its way to the palace.

I wanted to send off his majesty, Nateimon Chitrakon, 39, told the Associated Press. He was the love of all Thais.

Prince Vajiralongkorn, 64, has been named as the kings successor but, following the official announcement of Bhumibols death on Thursday night, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, told reporters in Bangkok that the royal succession might not happen immediately, because the crown prince wanted to have a solemn moment to share his grief with all Thais.

Prayuth traveled to the Grand Palace on Friday to pay his respects to the king.

In a televised speech to the nation the night before, Prayuth announced that the country would mourn the loss of their king over the next year.

Now, the 70-year reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol the Great has ended. As the benevolence of His Majesty the King for the Thai people has been immeasurable, our profound sorrow and bereavement on this loss shall also be immeasurable, Prayuth said, according to an official transcript of his statement released by the prime ministers office on Friday.
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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
GUANGZHOU -- President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 120th China Import and Export Fair, which began Saturday in Guangzhou, in the southern province of Guangdong.

In the letter, Xi said that the fair's 60-year history is marked by its service to the country's reform and opening-up, modernization and enterprises both at home and abroad.

Under the new circumstances, the fair should make new and greater contributions to the open economy of China and the rest of the world, said Xi.

Xi stressed the fair should innovate its mechanism and business model to facilitate win-win cooperation and common development for participants.

He also noted the event should strengthen its role as a platform of opening-up for enhanced utilization of markets and resources at home and abroad.

The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is China's largest and considered a barometer for China's foreign trade.

Some 24,500 enterprises will attend this 120th fair, which will conclude on Nov 4.
Real Estate News What is it like to live in Dover? Conservation is important to the residents of this Norfolk County town. Maddy Clevenger, 8, and sister Emily, 6, look over the Dover Union Iron Mill site in Noanet Woodlands. Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Gretchen Larkin, a big Red Sox fan, likes that she can get to Fenway Park in 25 minutes without traffic.

Larkin, 48, head of the Charles River School, a private school in Dover that serves prekindergarten through Grade 8, has lived in the town for three years, though shes resided in the Dover-Sherborn district for nearly 13. It feels like one town, said Larkin, who moved onto campus after taking the position. Larkin, who was born in New York City, was raised in Connecticut and relocated to the Boston area because of her husbands job.

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Dover, a land of rolling green hills and farms, is the best of both worlds, according to Larkin. Though the town is close to Boston, you do feel like you are far away, she said, but Dover is surrounded by larger towns with town centers and stores for you to have at your fingertips.

Green space is important to Doverites, she noted. The people all care about the land and the rural feel of the community, Larkin said of the properties maintained by the Trustees of Reservations and other groups dedicated to land preservation.

Larkin, mother to Lulu, 15, and Maisie, 18, has seen firsthand how the community cares for its children. In this age where to be a parent is a daunting and complex role, people [here] care about family and the family unit.

Larkin cited Dover Days, a beloved town tradition, as one example. Compared to other town days that Ive been to, you see young kids and kids in strollers, but you also see high school and middle schoolers around the town green. No one is too old and too cool to attend, she said.

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As for her school, Larkin says she cant imagine it existing in any other town. Dover gives us space. In a more densely populated suburb, we wouldnt have this kind of physical space, she said, noting that the school sits on 16 acres. With the acreage here, kids get to play and learn outdoors. You cant put a price on the importance of play.

BY THE NUMBERS

1

The number of traffic signals in Dover (not counting that flashing yellow one)

600+

The number of acres protected and preserved by the Dover Land Conservation Trust

10.73

The number of miles of the Charles River that flow through town

2000

The year in which the Benjamin Caryl House, built circa 1774, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places

PROS & CONS

Pro

Schools

This year, US News & World Report ranked Dover-Sherborn Regional the 10th best high school in Massachusetts and 304th nationally.

Con

Cost

The median sales price for a single-family home here was $1,090,250 in August, according to the Warren Group, a real estate publishing and data firm, making the town the 12th most expensive place to live in the state.

Chris Liberato and Carol Carlson walk their dogs on a trail in Noanet Woodlands.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Dover is popular with cyclists, both on the road and off. James Wharton inflates his tires prior to joining friends for a ride at Caryl Park.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Pollinators were busy at Channing Park.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Charlotte Victoria Boyce, 4, takes a tennis lesson at Caryl Park.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

The tile mosaic outside the entrance to the library  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Sarah Cahan visits the library.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Customers line up outside the Powisset Farm farm stand.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Shopping for produce at the farm  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Customers enjoy the outdoor seating at Dover Cafe Deli & Pizza.  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

The town offices  Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Send comments to [email protected].
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Armed with rifles and decked out in protective gear, members of the Brandon police tactical unit took part in the raid of a city home on Friday afternoon  and neighbours say they were glad to see them.

While its not known yet if the events are connected, the raid came as the Brandon Sun learned that a major drug investigation is underway. It also came in the wake of a series of recent shootings in the city with links to the drug trade.

In light of recent events and comments, the woman who lives near the First Street home that was raided described the police presence as reassuring.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Members of the Brandon Police Service Tactical Response Unit walk back to their vehicles during an operation at a residence in the 1200 block of First Street on Friday afternoon.

The police are just doing their job, and I feel that much safer, said the woman, who asked not to be named.

On Friday, members of the Brandon Police Service Tactical Response Unit raided the bungalow on the 1200 block of First Street around 5 p.m.

Shortly after, plainclothes officers could be seen entering the home. Officers could also be seen inside a detached garage behind the house.

Neighbours said the man who lives at the house moved in about six months ago. There were many visitors to the home  sometimes as many as six or seven in one day  many of them arriving and leaving in taxis.

The neighbour says she saw police officers in tactical gear walk across her lawn and kept her two young boys away from the windows. Still, she said she was happy to see police and commended them for their work given recent events and remarks.

She was referring to four shootings in less than a month in Brandon and the concern raised by a Crown attorney over the shootings and local illegal drug trade.

Police have yet to release any information about the raid, so its not known if its connected to the shootings.

They began on Sept. 17 at a Ninth Street home, where a womans head was grazed by a blast from a shotgun. On Sept. 24, a man survived being shot in the torso during a shooting on 10th Street.

The next day, there was a home invasion  a family targeted by mistake  quickly followed by 30 rounds being fired into a Lorne Avenue East home. As recently as Monday, bullets were fired at a vacant home on a property beside the first house that was shot.

A number of people involved in the incident in which the man was shot have been linked to the drug trade. The drug link seems supported by the fact that one of the suspects was later arrested in a taxi in which police found crystal meth and a handgun.

Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun A Brandon police officer in tactical gear walks into a residence in the 1200 block of First Street on Friday afternoon.

Police have linked the shooting of the man on 10th Street to the incident the next day in which the 30 shots were fired into the Lorne Avenue East home.

On Tuesday, the series of events prompted the Crown attorney who handles the Brandon drug docket to state that the citys streets werent safe and that the local drug trade was getting out of control.

Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest described the comments as disappointing and sensational. The Brandon Police Service pointed out that it had made arrests in each of the shootings except for the shooting of the vacant home.

The mom who lives near the First Street home raided on Friday said she believed the Crown attorneys comments were overdramatic.

Other neighbours smiled when they learned that the house had been raided. While police havent issued a release to describe why they raided it, neighbours suspect it was for drug activity.

They said a man moved into the home about six months ago. Since then, there has been a steady flow of visitors to the home  sometimes seven to eight coming and going in a day.

I cant see him having that many friends, you know what I mean? one neighbour said.

People have been seen going into the home with a little plastic bag and leaving with one.

Its not yet known if theyre related, but the First Street raid came just as the Brandon Sun learned of a major joint drug investigation by the BPS, RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service.

Reportedly, the months-long investigation may involve the large-scale transport of illegal drugs from the Toronto area to the Brandon region for distribution.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun A farm near Griswold was raided by police on Thursday afternoon. Two men, believed to be a local man and a man from Toronto, were arrested at the farm.

Police, again including the BPS tactical unit, raided a farm near Griswold early Thursday afternoon. Two men, believed to be a local man and a man from Toronto, were arrested at the farm.

While they were taken into custody, theres no indication at this point whether they have been formally charged.

The Southwest Post reported that police remained at the farm on Friday. Witnesses saw police removing items from buildings on the property, and officers were seen searching brush.

Its not known whether any drugs were found at the farm.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @IanHitchen
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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man was seriously injured near the railway tracks north of Pacific Avenue in Brandon Friday morning.

An employee at a business across from the rail yard said an injured man entered the store on his own.

He asked someone to call 911 as he bled from his right arm.

Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun Emergency crews carry a young male out of the Auto Parts Central building on Pacific Avenue and into a waiting stretcher on Friday morning. The man was seriously injured near the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks north of Pacific Avenue on Friday. A Prairie Mountain Health spokesperson said the man suffered an arm injury and is in stable condition at Brandon Regional Health Centre. The health authority described the incident as an accident involving a train.

We just held pressure on it, according to what the emergency people told us to do, and we waited for the ambulance to come and they tended to him, said the employee, who wished to remain anonymous.

A spokesperson with Prairie Mountain Health said the man suffered an arm injury and is in stable condition at Brandon Regional Health Centre.

The health authority described the incident as an accident involving a train.

Transport Canada identified the man as a trespasser and it is not known what the man was doing on the railway tracks.

Emergency crews attended the scene, across from the 600 block of Pacific Avenue, shortly before 9 a.m.

Paramedics attended to the wounded man at the business, while additional emergency personnel surveyed the rail yard.

One person was spotted putting an item into a large medical bag.

The injured man is not an employee of Canadian Pacific Railway, according to a spokesperson from the companys head office. CP operates the rail yard in the city.

Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun An emergency worker carries an item in a large medical bag after a man was seriously injured near the railway tracks north of Pacific Avenue on Friday.

On Friday afternoon, Brandon police said they wanted to ensure the victims family is notified before releasing any details.

Their ongoing investigation is a joint effort with the CP Police Service.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I absolutely refuse to quote Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps taped hot mic comments released this past weekend. While the language is familiar to adults, sad as it is to say, it isnt something that we should be accustomed to hearing from presidential candidates. Rather, lets spend our time reflecting on last weekends tumultuous events.

Trumps inappropriate comments drove reaction from all sides, including his own Republican Party mates. In fact, they had the most to lose due to Trumps madness. Down-ticket voting is now much more aligned with the top of the ticket than it has even been.

In other words, if one votes Republican for president, there is a great likelihood of voting similarly on other state races further down the ballot.

As such, Trumps comments reflect poorly on his entire party and will most likely impact accordingly. Given the partys existing weaknesses with female voters and millennials, immediate action was required to shore up Republican election hopes.

It came quickly, with luminaries including House Speaker Paul Ryan (and assorted House and Senate candidates) running for the hills and disavowing Trumps unseemly comments.

Trump, of course, was subsequently presented with two strategic options. He could apologize for his words, which he did somewhat, or he could double down. In classic Trump fashion, he did both and then some.

First, he apologized, grudgingly, and then made remarks about Bill Clintons sordid escapades. When that didnt take root, he made a more fulsome apology, coupled with a press conference featuring a number of women who were allegedly victims of the Clintons in one capacity or another.

Then he attacked Ryan for bailing on his support.

It was a busy weekend for The Donald.

We now all know that his personal style is to attack when attacked; to never apologize even when wrong; and to personalize attacks. He does not repent  he doubles down. He cannot disagree on substantive policy  any differences are explained away with name-calling and body-shaming.

When the attacks on Bill Clinton failed, and Republican leaders began to bail, not only did Trump attack Ryan, but he also went after Arizona Sen. John McCain.

McCain, you will recall, was the Republican presidential standard bearer in 2008. His notable past includes a maverick style, years in the Senate and five excruciating years in a Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp.

McCain was bashed by Trump earlier in the campaign. You may recall Trump saying he considered soldiers who didnt get caught heroes, a direct rebuke of McCains heroic past.

This week, Trump said he didnt want people like McCain and Ryan in a foxhole with him. This must be particularly grating on McCain, given his history and, conversely, Trumps lack of military service.

There is less than one month left before the U.S. election. Personally speaking, it feels as though this election has gone on forever. The latest allegations of sexual misadventures or, worse still, assaults, is simply too much to deal with.

Its tough for a policy wonk like me to see a great republic go so far off the rails. There are so many important issues to discuss, and yet we are mired in this mud.

Election day cannot come quickly enough.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Oct. 7, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The president and Timoleon Jimenez, leader of the FARC guerrillas, had recently signed a peace deal after four years of intense negotiations.

Voters in Colombia rejected the deal in a shocking referendum result, with 50.2 per cent voting against it.

Ex-president Alvaro Uribe was the main proponent and financer of the no vote, rejecting the end of the conflict and launching a powerful media campaign to influence public opinion and ultimately, the voting.

Understanding this result and why the conflict has taken more than 50 years without resolution depends on understanding the issues that created the conflict itself, but also the parts involved in the peace process and the referendum campaign. Colombia has historically been a country that suffers from huge levels of inequality, where vast swaths of land are owned by an oligarchic elite and American companies with investments in plantations, mines, etc. The conflicts history can be summarized in small farmers and land workers banding together to fight against the staggering levels of inequality and force the government to an agrarian reform. This of course was against the best interest of American investors and local oligarchs who had been traditionally organized into the Conservative and Liberal Party. There is one event in particular that triggered violence and insurgency: the Bogotazo, a series of political events that triggered violence and riots in the capital, Bogota, during April 1949.

At that time and in the middle of the Cold War era, the U.S. had been intervening in many Latin American countries to guarantee its citizens investments in the region and supporting local oligarchies in the region. U.S. Gen. George Marshall was in Colombia that April to promote and host the ninth Pan-American Conference: a political platform created by the Americans to counter the growing influence of the Soviet Union in the region. This conference is known for being the forum that voted and created the Organization of American States, or the OAS or OEA. On the other side, Fidel Castro, still a very young law student (21 years old) had organized a Latin American Student Congress that aimed at discussing inequality issues and aimed at demonstrating against the U.S.-organized Pan-American Conference. In the middle of all this was Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, a member of the Colombian Liberal party who rebelled against his own party and the Conservatives, and gained overwhelming support from the working class, farmers and impoverished Colombians who were flocking to his rallies and radical speeches.

Gaitan was campaigning to be the next Colombian president. His allies had already achieved majority in the congress. He was virtually the winner of upcoming elections. Gaitan had agreed with the organizers of the Student Congress to lead a march on and give a speech against the Pan-American Conference. The same afternoon this was supposed to happen, Gaitan was murdered just outside his office. People reacted by rioting for several days and throughout the country. Shortly after, the FARC and other armed guerrillas and popular armies organized and started the armed conflict that is still active today.

The big winner of the referendum is Uribe, ex-president of Colombia (2002-10). Uribe and his family have been repeatedly linked to paramilitary groups and drug cartels, to the point of Uribes father being killed in the middle of collaborations he pursued with the Medellin Cartel. Uribe was also as a member of Pablo Escobars campaign when the world-famous criminal was elected as a deputy representative to the Chamber of Representatives of Colombias Congress in 1982.

The paramilitary groups linked to Uribe were born as self-defence militias organized and financed by landowners and rich families in Colombia to protect their privileges, but ended up being mercenaries and extortion experts to the service of cartels or whoever would pay them.

During his government, Uribe launched the Politica de Seguridad Democratica campaign. While he claimed to be reducing the size of the guerrilla force by killing its members with this campaign, his officers and illegal paramilitary were actually ordering assassinations of innocent civilians and faking their identity as guerrilla members. There are at least 900 known cases. Uribe has been formally accused for this and other crimes and atrocities, but his power, money and influence over the very questionable Colombian courts have always rendered him free.

By signing the peace deal, the government would also shift time and resources to investigate these and many other atrocities perpetrated during Uribes government and by his allies: the paramilitary illegal groups and the drug cartels. It is then no surprise that he was the main figure of the No campaign and by far the winner of the referendum.

 Jaime Chinchilla is part of Brandons Latin American community and a member of the popular Son Latino Band. His column appears monthly.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For a very brief period between February 2006 and August 2007, Alberta politician Jim Prentice served as Canadas Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Prentice, who died on Thursday with three others in a plane crash in British Columbia, would go one to serve as Minister of Industry and Minister of the Environment before leaving for a job with CIBC. He later was named Albertas 16th premier and as the new leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta  only to famously lose the 2015 provincial election to the NDP after more than four decades of Tory rule.

History may not regard him as the most effective premier Alberta has ever seen or the most skilled politician Canada has ever produced. But in this province, Prentice was fondly remembered yesterday as a principled man by one of the leaders of Manitobas five Dakota First Nations.

I had a really high regard for him, Birdtail Sioux First Nation Chief Ken Chalmers told the Sun yesterday. He was an honest man, and he came through with all of his promises.

Prentice, 60, was among four people on board a twin-engine Cessna Citation that left Kelowna bound for Springbank Airport near Calgary on Thursday evening. The Canadian Press reports that the plane went down shortly after takeoff. No one survived.

Chalmers was saddened to hear of Prentices passing, saying the former INAC minister had taken the time to listen to his people, and deal with them fairly.

A decade ago, several southern Manitoba native groups  including members of the five Dakota First Nations  planned to block CN railway lines across the province for 24 hours in an effort to pressure the federal government to settle outstanding comprehensive land claims.

At that time, the energy delivery company Enbridge chose to intervene on the Dakotas behalf, while urging the First Nations and the federal government to meet and negotiate some kind of settlement.

Following a meeting of the five chiefs and then-INAC minister Jim Prentice, the federal government agreed to negotiate directly with the Dakota Nations over land claims that had been dismissed by previous governments and the legal system.

At the time, it was reported that Prentice promised them that the government would address their claim to a large swath of Prairie land, despite previous rejections on legal grounds. In return, the Dakota promised to suspend any protests along two new pipeline developments through Manitoba, owned by Enbridge Inc. and TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., if the companies provided band members with job training, economic benefits, and support for their land claims issues with Canada and so long as the federal government stayed at the table and continued talking.

Unlike many other First Nations groups, the Dakota people have no signed treaties with the Crown and former Sioux Valley chief Ken Whitecloud said oral evidence they presented to Canadian courts in the past has not been accepted. The fact that Canada still legally considers the Dakota as refugees to this country would seem to negate any requirement on the part of a minister to enter negotiations with the Dakota at all.

And yet, Prentice took the time to listen to the chiefs, and understand their dilemma.

He had a genuine concern, Chalmers said yesterday. He listen to some real chiefs, and when he came to us, that moved (the situation) right there.

We left very happy with the outcome, then-Sioux Valley chief Ken Whitecloud told the Sun, following a meeting with Prentice in Winnipeg in 2007. Its the quickest weve ever moved to get to the point where we can negotiate a land claim.

It became clear that the Dakota began to trust the minister, especially after Prentice made good on his promise and called in Bill McKnight, a former federal cabinet minister, to serve as a go-between negotiator between the chiefs and the minister.

Chalmers said yesterday that, once he heard the news of Prentices death, he told his council during a morning meeting what the federal minister had done for the band.

He came more than halfway for the Dakota Nations, Chalmers said. He made me feel that my position was just as important as his, the way he spoke to us.

When the First Nation portfolio was taken from Prentice during a cabinet shuffle in 2008, and handed to MP Chuck Strahl, Chalmers says it was like night and day.

As a new minister I think (Strahl) was overwhelmed with the portfolio. There wasnt much seriousness left in the process.

Unfortunately for the Dakota, much of what they have been asking for  continued negotiations  ended when Prentice left the portfolio. We suggest that the new federal Liberal government should follow his lead when working with First Nations in the future.

It earned respect, and thats seemingly difficult to do these days.
Update 12.30am: The Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has criticised the structure of the Citizens' Assembly which meets for the first time today.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will launch the body which is made up of 99 randomly-selected Irish citizens and will look at a number of constitutional issues including the 8th amendment.

Mr Adams says politicians and people from the north should have been involved in the assembly.

Meanwhile, the pro-life campaign group The Life Institute says it is concerned that the assembly will recommend a referendum on the repeal of the 8th Amendment.

Earlier: Taoiseach Enda Kenny will officially launch the Citizens' Assembly which meets for the first time today.

The group of 99 citizens, which were randomly selected to represent Ireland's electorate, is meeting in Dublin Castle this afternoon.

Next month, the assembly will gather to consider the issue of abortion and the 8th Amendment.

Today's meeting will provide introductory information to the members, and set out the rules and procedures which will govern the assembly.

Lecturer in Constitutional Law at W.I.T Dr. Jennifer Kavanagh, says the assembly will encourage open discussion of issues:"The Citizens Assembly is important because it gives a space for different opinions and different views to be worked out on particular issues and that is all to take place over the space of a year which may or may not happen but within a year of the first meeting they will have to report back to the Government to let them know how they are getting on with the issues and report back on what has been decided in the assembly."

Niamh Ui Bhriain of the Life Institute, thinks one day is not enough time for such a complex issue to be properly discussed: "I think one of the interesting things around the assembly is that they seem to have very little time to meet to discuss an issue as complex as abortion.

"And what we would like to see the Government doing in relation to the assembly is to ask people to discuss the life affirming alternative to abortion."
A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with the death of Limerick man Gerard Freyne.

Mr Freyne died from injuries sustained in an assault on Lord Edward Street, Limerick on October 12.
Children from the Jungle camp in Calais who have relatives in the UK are expected to arrive in the country as early as next week.

British officials were sent to help French authorities speed up the removal of the youngsters to the UK before the site is demolished.

Under the so-called Dublin regulations, asylum claims must be made in the first safe country a person reaches - but children can have their application transferred to another country if they have family living there.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Work is continuing on both sides of the Channel to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency."

He added that Home Secretary Amber Rudd had made it "crystal clear" to the French Interior Minister that she intends to "transfer as many minors as possible" who are eligible under the rules.

Campaigners say they have identified hundreds who have a right to come to Britain - either because they have family ties here or through a programme to give refuge to unaccompanied minors from Europe.

The sense of urgency surrounding the issue was reinforced by a warning that there could be a "mass disappearance" unless the transfer of children is secured before the closure of the camp.

A report by Tomas Bocek, the Council of Europe secretary-general's special representative on migration and refugees, said the threat of imminent eviction was causing children to put their lives at risk to get to Britain.

It said: "A mass disappearance, like the one that occurred during the eviction of the southern part of the Jungle, is considered highly likely unless the transfer of eligible children to the United Kingdom is secured before the closure of the camp."

Stephen Hale, chief executive of the charity Refugee Action, said: "It's fantastic news that, at last, vulnerable children in Calais will be reunited with their families in Britain.

"These children must have the support they need to rebuild their lives when they arrive."

He added that town halls "also require long-term funding arrangements from government so that the commitment to support those children starting a new life in the UK is properly funded".

Ms Rudd told the Commons last Monday that more than 80 unaccompanied children had been accepted for transfer under the Dublin regulations so far this year.

French President Francois Hollande has said the site will be cleared by the end of the year.
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On the night of Feb. 2, 1922, Walker County Deputy Sheriff John J.C. Parrish was shot and killed while investigating a whiskey running operation or moonshine operation near Kendrick Switch in the High Point community of Walker County.

Deputy Parrishs 14-year-old half brother, Cecil Parrish, was also shot and killed. Additionally, Thomas Partain died in the gunfire.

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is working to have Deputy John J.C. Parrishs name engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

From his research he has found that Deputy Parrish was never married. His sister, Emma Parrish, married Ben Autry (Autrey) in 1894. Born to this union were children Rose 1896, Ada 1897, Charles 1899, Henry 1903, Mary Dorothy 1905 and Melvin 1910.

Sheriff Wilson is trying to locate descendants of Emma Parrish Autry to include them in the application for consideration of John J.C. Parrishs name to the Memorial Wall. He would be grateful to hear from grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces of the Emma Parrish Autry family so he can complete the application.

"Adding the name of one of our fallen deputies to the Memorial Wall is priority for me as the sheriff of Walker County," said Sheriff Wilson.

Sheriff Wilson may be contacted at 706.638-1909 Extension 1231, swilson@walkerso.com or Post Office Box 767 Lafayette, GA 30728.
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In two unanimous opinions released Friday, the Tennessee Supreme Court has determined that an indictment that includes a charge for employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony does not have to specifically state which underlying felony is tied to the firearms charge when it is listed in the same indictment.

The cases address a Tennessee law that creates an additional crime if certain dangerous felonies are committed with a firearm. In one case, Rhakim Martin was accused of a carjacking using a firearm, resulting in two charges: carjacking and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. In the second case, Willie Duncan was charged with especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, among other crimes.

In both cases, the defendants argued that because the charge of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony did not specify in the indictment what the underlying dangerous felony was, the indictment was insufficient to meet the constitutional requirement of giving defendants notice of the charges against them.

The Court of Criminal Appeals heard both cases on appeal. In Duncan they reversed the conviction for employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and in Martin they upheld it. As the Supreme Court noted in its opinion, the Court of Criminal Appeals had varying results in other similar cases it had decided, based mostly on whether the indictment contained more than one charge that could serve as the underlying felony for the charge of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

The Supreme Court held that, in all cases, the United States and Tennessee constitutions guarantee the accused the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him. The Court reasoned that in both cases, regardless of the number of dangerous felonies that could serve as the underlying felony to tie to the firearms charge, the indictments contained the essential elements of the crime and enabled the defendants to adequately prepare their defense to the charge.

Although it held that the indictment in the Duncan case was sufficient, the Court noted that the trial court improperly instructed the jury that the especially aggravated kidnapping could be considered as the underlying dangerous felony for charge of the employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and the law specifically prohibits that. For this reason, the Supreme Court reversed the conviction on employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and returned the case to the trial court for a new trial on that charge only. The Court upheld the remaining convictions and sentences.

Also, in the Martin case, the court considered whether the victims identification of her carjacker was tainted because, prior to her viewing a photo lineup at the police station, she looked at a county-operated website containing online mug shots of people who had been arrested in Memphis. Because the victim acted alone, without any improper action by the state to influence the outcome of the photo array, the Court held that the identification was proper.

To read the opinions in State of Tennessee v. Rhakim Martin and State of Tennessee v. Willie Duncan, both authored by Justice Holly Kirby, go to the opinions section of TNCourts.gov.
ACT election 2016: live coverage, polls and results

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It's bad enough that ordinary Americans are being ritually humiliated by a presidential election campaign whose hitherto-implicit need for a Benny Hill soundtrack is now almost physically palpable.

(This point was reached  in my opinion  not with "Pussygate" but when it became clear on Tuesday that Donald Trump's first post-debate appearance had been scheduled for Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Though, in fairness, as my friend Phil pointed out, in canvassing for lewdly named Pennsylvanian campaign stops, the Don did prudishly avoid the hamlets of Blue Ball, Virginville and Intercourse, so there's that at least)

The real tragedy is that scandal has now wormed its way unforgivably into the beating heart of the American dream: Junk food.

Of all the dull tasks one would expect as the public affairs flack for the Italian-owned confectionery giant Ferrero, it's a fair guess that "drafting a press statement delicately disassociating a commonly available, 3mm mint from the tongue-crimes of the aspirational 45th leader of the free world" would not be among them.
Family First senator Bob Day has launched a last-ditch bid to keep his NSW building company afloat, denying certainty to dozens of desperate families as his national empire continues to crumbles.

Fairfax Media can reveal that Senator Day's Huxley Homes has applied to have its licence renewed - even though the company last week ceased all work on the homes of its 61 clients because it has no cash.

Senator Bob Day's business empire is falling apart.

Huxley is also about to be evicted from its Sydney offices after falling months behind on rent, as staff members continue to quit and the senator refuses to answer questions about the company's solvency.

Senator Day has also disappeared from Parliament, turning up for just three of the 11 sitting days since the election as he tries to keep Huxley from dragging his other companies across the country into oblivion.
As you'd expect from a collection of models who have settled comfortably into middle age, they have a few things to say about this new movement. Christensen, for instance, finds it downright insulting that just because she's passed 40 she's asked about the A-word at every opportunity.

"I find it quite trivial to even talk about," she says. "I have no idea why there's so much focus on ageing. Get a great face cream and move on!"

Love that attitude, but there's been such a dearth of visible older beauties in the advertising world (as her co-star Karen Alexander says, "The story was, you worked until you were 28 or 30, then you were done") that we probably do need to talk about ageing.

MacDowell agrees. "It's an ongoing process to teach people to be better towards women," she says. Not seeing women past a certain age in the media "has everything to do with how we women present ourselves and our sense of self-worth. For example, men have always been seen as getting more handsome as they get older, to the point where women started to believe it, too. It's not true! You've been brainwashed! We all age at the same rate, yet we've been told that we're inferior."

Patitz adds, "You now see people like Susan Sarandon, who are in their 60s or older, doing these campaigns. Why? Because people are craving it. You don't want to see the plastic-fantastic faces of some celebrities today. That's not a role model for young girls; that's not a role model for an older woman, either."
An intruder has been shot and a security guard stabbed during an altercation at Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr's US home.

According to TMZ, the intruder jumped the fence at the model's Malibu home on Friday morning.

Miranda Kerr is seen at LAX on October 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Credit:Getty

The intruder reportedly stabbed the security guard in the eye, prompting the guard to fire multiple shots. At least one of the shots struck the intruder in the head.

It is understood Kerr, who flew into LAX on October 5 after attending Paris Fashion Week and was last spotted leaving the Malibu property on Sunday, was not at home at the time.
For those getting ready to retire, have you considered a career in modelling?

If so, Australia now has an agency dedicated to the Gen Xers and Baby Boomers who are keen to strike a pose on a runway or awkwardly lean like their Instagram star successors.

Jacky O'Shaughnessy walked the runway at the TOME fashion show during New York Fashion Week in September. Credit:Victor Virgile

Grey hair, wrinkles and a strong sense of individual style are what one must possess in order to be represented by Silverfox Management, an agency founded by a number of "silent investors" and headed up by former model Brigitte Warne.

"When consumers are presented with models or people they see as similar to them it increases their intent to purchase 170 per cent," Warne said, citing a recent study sponsored by Cambridge University.
A woman has died after the car she was travelling in swerved to avoid an animal before hitting a tree in central Queensland on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred about 6.30am on the Mitchell Highway near Augathella, 35 kilometres north of Charleville.

A passenger has died and the driver taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, after a car crashed into a tree in central Queensland.

The passenger, a 21-year-old Boronia Heights woman, died at the scene and the driver, a 22-year-old Charleville woman, was taken to Charleville Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic diversions remain in place for most vehicles while the Forensic Crash Unit continues its investigation.
THE VAXXED RV Bus Nation Tour rolls into Chattanooga on Monday from 2-4 p.m. as part of their 40 city tour across America meeting with local families who support "Vaxxed' and whose families have been vaccine injured. They will document their personal stories about vaccine injuries and sign the bus in honor of their family members.

The Tour will be stopping at Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy. Parents will be able to sign the bus, tape their personal stories and more. For more information on this event visit tinuyurl.com/chattvaxxed.

A screening of the film will be held in the educational room from 5:15-6:45 p.m. with a question and answer session from 6:45-7:30 p.m. The team will them meet guests outside from 7:45-8 p.m.

For more information contact the local parent organizer Kristen Odom-Holland at 718-8273.

The filmmakers are traveling the U.S. to over 40 cities for Q&A screenings and to meet with the families, lawmakers, politicians, doctors, health workers and the media to share the revelations that has been uncovered in the documentary. The filmmakers are meeting with hundreds of families in each city that have been affected by vaccine injury and documenting their stories - over 500 to date. They are collecting signatures writing on the bus to honor and commemorate those afflicted...over 3,000 signatures to date.
Eight people - some of them found swimming in a canal - have been hospitalised after overdosing on an unknown drug on the Gold Coast.

Four men and a woman from Mermaid Beach and three men staying at Surfers Paradise were taken to hospital after suffering hallucinogenic symptoms.

It is believed the eight people taken to hospital were all suffering suffering hallucinogenic symptoms.

One has been placed into an induced coma.

Bruce Pearce district duty officer on the Gold Coast said the three men at Surfers Paradise were hallucinating by the time police arrived.
As National Carers Week kicked off on Sunday, a new report has revealed just how much of a challenge unpaid Queensland carers face every week.

Carers Queensland's Quality of Life report takes an annual snapshot of the lives of those caring for loved ones who have disabilities, illnesses, chronic conditions or who are frail aged.

Carers Queensland's Quality of Life report highlighted the amount of strain unpaid carers are under, as National Carers Week kicked-off on Sunday.

Of the 494 respondents, 80 per cent of unpaid family carers said they were working more hours per week than an average full-time worker.

Almost half of unpaid Queensland carers said they worked 120 hours or more per week providing care for their loved one.
The number of assaults on Queensland prison staff has nearly doubled in the first six months of 2016 compared to last year, according to figures from Queensland Corrective Services.

The number of incidents of staff being pushed, spat on or assaulted leading to minor medical attention jumped from 73 between January and June 2015 to 133 in the same period this year.

Assaults on prison staff are on the rise in Queensland.

In an answer to a question on notice this week, Corrective Services Minister Bill Byrne said there had been no serious assaults - incidents that required hospitalisation - on staff in the 2016 period compared to three last year.

Mr Byrne said the change to serious assault statistics was "very encouraging" but the government had no tolerance for violence towards prison staff.
The mayor said the council would fight any appeal to its decision to reject the mosque with "every resource required". Afterwards, as those who managed to get a seat filed out of the chamber, Cr Aziz tried to get police to move them away. "I now ask police to remove people from the public gallery please," he said, as the protesters chanted "the mosque is welcome, racists are not". For Casey Council, elections are no longer just about rates, roads or rubbish. Religion is also taking centre stage.

Key councillors with strong anti-Islamic links are seeking another term and questions remain about the way the mosque application for Narre Warren North's green wedge zone was handled. James Randall, a Muslim convert and Islamic Research and Educational Academy spokesman, said while there were good planning reasons to reject the mosque, he worried about the "air of complete hostility" towards the Muslim community. "I have never heard of a council ever saying they would dedicate all council resources to try and reinforce their decision," he said. "That is beyond bad." One councillor, Rosalie Crestani, was a Senate candidate for the hard-right Rise Up Australia Party. She believes Australia should ban Muslim immigration, except for cases of family reunion. Cr Crestani's 2016 council election platform includes "concerns around Islamic Sharia Law". If re-elected she wants to ban the council from buying Halal food.

"I'll be requesting that all food that Casey purchases with ratepayers' money should not have an Islamic tax associated with it," she said. Cr Crestani said she hoped to become Casey's new mayor, putting to one side her opposition to Islam to represent the region's 14,000-plus Muslims. "I want all the Muslims to know that I would like to represent them, so much as that they have the right to live in safety and peace, and abide by Australian law," she said. In early 2013, Casey council approved an Afghan mosque in suburban Doveton, next to a planned church of evangelical Pastor Danny Nalliah, who has described Islam as a "death cult". In the lead-up to the vote, Cr Aziz, then deputy mayor, filed a motion asking Pastor Nalliah to address the council on his views, specifically the dangers of "indoctrinated religious intolerance" to democratic societies.

Cr Aziz, a Christian of Egyptian background, also reportedly sought to impose a special planning condition, requiring that the mosque not "preach hatred from the pulpits". Although he said he voted based on planning issues alone, Cr Aziz has aligned himself with the "Stop the Mosque in Narre Warren" group, which rallies against the "Islamisation" of Australia. He has posted on its Facebook page thanking his "friends" for their support, following a story in Fairfax Media where he accused local doctor Belal Haniffa, who joined the "Casey Against Racism" Facebook page, of dressing up "to look like a terrorist in his spare time". Dr Haniffa's profile picture was taken on a hunting trip. Last week, Cr Aziz, when asked if he would he approve a mosqueif it ticked all the planning requirements, said: "I will vote for places of worship according to their planning merits."

When asked if he said that meant he would grant approval for a mosque, Cr Aziz repeated the answer: "I will vote for places of worship according to their planning merits." One of the key reasons Casey council gave for the rejection of the Narre Warren North mosque in April was an "objection" by VicRoads to the plan. However, VicRoads disputes that account. VicRoads' metro south east regional director Aidan McGann said that while the mosque proposal did need work around access, the road authority had been willing to work through the issues with the applicant. At the same time, the mosque was shot down at council. Mr McGann said it was disingenuous to suggest VicRoads' objection to the mosque's initial access plan gave the council no choice but to reject the whole proposal.

"We are upset that impression has been attributed to VicRoads," he said. Mr McGann said that with safe access, the site could accommodate a mosque for 150 to 200 people (the original plan was for 470 people). The Saarban Islamic Trust has recently hired a new architect to work on a new design for its site at 365-367 Belgrave-Hallam Road. "I think the trust could go for a different approach with the design  one that is more Australian and a bit more pastoral in its outlook," said Mr Randall, of the Islamic Research and Educational Academy. Concern around a "crime wave" of home invasions and burglaries recently prompted Casey council to call for laws requiring dual nationals jailed for gang violence to be deported.
A section of the Princes Highway in the state's south west has been reduced to one open lane as smoke from a huge haystack fire blankets the area.

A Country Fire Authority spokeswoman said a 100-metre-by-30-metre shed stacked full of hay was "fully involved" in Tyrendarra, a small town between Warrnambool and Portland about three hours drive from Melbourne.

CFA crews are battling the blaze in Tyrendarra. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

"There are 20 trucks there at the moment," she said. "We'll be there for days."

She said firefighting efforts would be stepped up when an 'aerial pumper' on its way from Warrnambool arrived.
Lucknow: At least 24 people were killed and 20 others injured in a stampede in northern India as people tried to cross a crowded bridge to reach the venue of a Hindu religious ceremony.

The stampede on Saturday happened on the outskirts of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh state known for its temples, said police officer Kumar Prashant.

S.K. Bhagat, another police officer, said that organisers were expecting 3000 Hindu devotees at the ceremony, but that more than 70,000 thronged the ashram of a local Hindu religious leader, Jai Baba Gurudev, on the banks of the Ganges River.

"We were not prepared for such a large crowd,'' Raj Bahadur, a spokesman for the organisers, told The Associated Press.
Liu Yunshan (2nd R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with foreign delegates attending "The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" conference before the opening ceremony in Chongqing, Southwest China, Oct 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

CHONGQING -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and political parties from overseas countries completed a two-day in-depth discussion and exchanges on global economic governance in Chongqing on Saturday, and released the Chongqing Initiative as a result of the "The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016."

The dialogue, focusing on the propositions and actions of political parties on global economic governance, represents both a positive response to the achievements of the G20 Hangzhou Summit, and an active exploration of global economic governance.

Over 300 delegates from more than 70 political parties and organizations in 50 countries attended the conference.

Sergey Zheleznyak, deputy secretary of the United Russia Party, said he welcomed such a practical dialogue and his party had maintained close relations with the CPC.

The dialogue can help the two ruling parties enhance their governing capacity, he said.

As the ruling party of China, the CPC is responsible for the country's economic development strategies. China's rapid growth over the past decades has reflected the effectiveness of CPC's governance.

Zheleznyak told Xinhua he admired the CPC's strict discipline of its party members. It is of same relevance for China, Russia, and any other party to impose strict codes of conduct, to combat corruption.

Badria Suliman Abbass Hamid, deputy speaker of Sudan, said she hoped the targets all the parties have discussed during the dialogue would become concrete measures.

She also called on China to continue to share its experience with other developing countries to improve developing countries'status and role in global economic governance.

Song Tao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the closing ceremony of this year's conference, saying that he hoped all the participating parties could contribute to construction of the dialogue, and make it into a window for the world to learn about China, a platform for different parties' communication and a bridge for exchange and understanding between various cultures.

The Chongqing Initiative of the "CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" emphasized that political parties and politicians of all countries should bear in mind the interests of their own countries and that of humanity, boost exchanges, forge consensus, promote cooperation and push global economic governance on to a more just and equitable path.

It also urged political parties to encourage structural reforms for economies with innovative ideas on development and governance, to unleash wealth creation, enable the market to optimally allocate resources, and help the global economy move forward from its current difficulties and achieve comprehensive recovery.

The initiative also advocated the concept of green development, promoted the timely and full implementation of the "Paris Agreement," encouraged countries to develop green, low-carbon and circular economies, push for harmony between man and nature, and strive to contribute to global ecological security.

The successful G20 Summit has injected new energy into global economic development. China is committed to increasing effective supply to generate new demands, and to pushing forward the rebalancing of the global economy by providing important public goods via the Belt and Road Initiative and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said the initiative.

The initiative called on the international community to actively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, and support the industrialization of Africa and the least-developed countries.

Developing countries should be encouraged to exchange governance experience, and enhance practical economic cooperation. It is necessary to better reflect the interests of emerging economies and developing countries in world economic development and global economic governance, said the initiative.

During the dialogue, Chinese delegates also held discussions with representatives of African political parties and of political parties from countries along the Mekong River.

On the sidelines of the conference, Sun Zhengcai, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and head of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, also held meetings with guests from Thailand, Cambodia, Sudan, France, Britain, New Zealand and Mexico, respectively.


Lee student Stephanie Stevens engages in conversation about opportunities with a company representative during the event. From left, Dr. Phil Rickard, Dr. Sarah Bumps, and Dr. Randy Miedaner at Meet the Firms Student Katherine Griesemer pictured here talking about her accounting internship experience Previous Next

Lee Universitys Business Department hosted the 11th annual Meet the Firms on Lees campus. The event provides students from Lees Business Department and representatives from numerous regional companies an opportunity to meet in a professional business setting and has led to numerous post-event interviews and positions.

Held for junior and senior accounting majors, Meet the Firms introduces Lee students to real-life job opportunities. The event welcomed 38 representatives from various companies that met with students. BlueCross BlueShield; Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough; LBMC; LifeCare Centers of America; and Tennessee Valley Authority were some of the businesses represented, among others.

This event facilitated the connection between Lee students and potential employers, said Dr. Phil Rickard, associate professor of accounting at Lee. By hosting this program on our campus, these representatives are better able to understand the unique culture of Lee and comprehend the real value our students offer them.

Dr. Rickard and Dr. Randy Miedaner, assistant professor of business at Lee, both addressed the crowd at the event. They spoke to attendees about the attributes that Lee students bring to the workplace and the needs for recruiting excellent students into businesses.

Two outstanding accounting students, Brandon Estes and Katherine Griesemer, spoke of their valuable internship experiences and thanked the employers for providing these types of opportunities for Lee students. Mr. Estes interned with Elliot Davis Decosimo accounting firm. Ms. Griesemer has interned in the Lee University Business and Finance Office and in the Atlanta office of Capin Crouse.

[It] is a really unique event that has been incredibly helpful to my professional development, said Ms. Griesemer. Not only did it allow me to gain experience in conversing with other professionals, it also provided the opportunity to form valuable connections, such as meeting the representatives from Capin Crouse where I did my internship this past summer.

Dr. Sarah Bumps, assistant professor of accounting, offered a prayer for blessings on those attending.

For more information about Lees accounting program, contact the Business Department at 614-8160.






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.
In this episode of The Exorcist, Chapter Four: The Moveable Feast, Marcus gets some advice in the midst of his crisis of confidence, Casey struggles to hold on to whats left of her soul and a couple warns Marcus that conditions are ripe for a cataclysmic event to hit Chicago.

Casey might not be at rock bottom yet, but shes close. After presumably masturbating with a curling iron and mutilating an overly-amorous drunk on the train, her salesman friend is turning on her now too. Shes plagued by dreams of eating dead baby-bird omelets and getting smacked around by the demon that was wooing her not so long ago. Casey is still resisting, and the demon is losing patience.

Recap: Marcus Receives Upsetting News and Tomas Asks for the Churchs Help >>>





The Girl on the Train

After the incident on the train, Casey is taken to the hospital and placed under the control of psychiatrists where she has to stay for 72 hours while they evaluate her. Angela calls Father Tomas, who arrives with bad news. The Church will not grant an exorcism and refuses to let him take any further action regarding Casey other than prayer and advisement. Angela knows doctors and tests are not what Casey needs, and while her daughter is on lockdown, theres no telling how much more damage the demon will do. Father Tomas asks Angela to have faith in him.

The doctors cant find anything wrong with Casey other than some burns in her genital region they believe to be self-inflicted. Angela is frustrated that she cant see her daughter, and she dismisses the doctors questions about a history of mental illness in the family.

The salesman is trying to seal the deal with Casey, promising her that the pain will stop if she just succumbs to him. Casey is realizing that whatever sweet nothings he was whispering in her ear to get a toehold in her brain/soul were all lies.

Marcus and Tomas Seek Help

Marcus tracks down one of the people on Bennetts list, Mother Bernadette (Deanna Dunagan). Mother Bernadette isnt any flying or singing nun; shes got the same particular skill set as Father Marcus, who witnesses her at work. She takes a beating from the possessed man, and judging from the scars on her face, thats a common occurrence. But she pulls the man close and soothes the savage beast into submission. Hes still possessed, just a lot calmer about it.

Tomas goes to see his new friend, Maria Walters. He tells Walters theres a girl in his parish he would like to perform a service for, but Bishop Egan has tied his hands. He hopes to take his case to the visiting Cardinal. Mrs. Walters questions if the service Tomas wants to perform is the right thing, and Tomas responds that not only is it the right thing, but it may be the only thing. She advises Tomas to follow his impulses and keep it quiet. Nobody has more respect for the Church than she does, but neither of them can deny that the institution is infallible.

Father Tomas life gets even more difficult when Jessica shows up with the news that her husband has been cheating on her. Even though she offers to get a hotel room, Tomas invites Jessica to stay at his apartment.

Mentioning Father Bennett may have gotten Marcus foot in the door, but it doesnt guarantee him a meeting with Mother Bernadette. Marcus gets tired of waiting and goes in search of another person on the list, Cherry Rego (Keira Naughton). She and her husband, Lester (Ken Marks), run a tour that appeals to those obsessed with the occult and serial murders.

Cherry questions how Marcus knows Bennett, and when she learns that Marcus was excommunicated, she tells him he must have been on to something big because thats when they come for you. When Lester and Cherry learn that Marcus is an exorcist, Lester says to Marcus that he must have noticed the surge. Surges of brutality, carnage and demonic activity always come before some cataclysmic event  the Great Fire of London in 1666 (666).

Marcus dismisses the numerological conspiracy theory as bollocks, leading Cherry to make the observation that Marcus isnt much of a people person.

Lester states that pressure builds, the plates slip and the earthquake comes  all metaphorical, of course. This time around, Chicago is in the fault line. Marcus questions why Chicago, and Lester responds that evil is a moveable feast. Lucifer and his crew have been looking for a place to set up shop since they were banished from Heaven.

A quote from Hemingways novel A Moveable Feast states that All things truly wicked start from an innocence. I have to believe that is the basis for the title of this episode and perfectly encapsulates what is happening to Casey.

Cherry and Lester have been keeping track of the signs. The homicide rate keeps going up. Lester asserts that if you consolidate poverty, you create cultures of violence. It jumps from one person to the next like a virus. If you dont want to be a victim, you have to become a killer.

Cherry is also familiar with the use of missing organs in the Ceremony of Ash or Vocare Pulvare. Its a summoning.

The Demon Festers

Casey continues to worsen. Shes extremely dehydrated and wont retain any fluids. The doctors decide to nourish her by force. Angela objects, but she has no say in Caseys care for another 24 hours.

Also deteriorating is the salesmans appearance. His suit is tattered and his teeth are rotting as Casey sees him more and more for what he truly is. He tells her that unconditional love is waiting for her on the other side of the door, but Casey doesnt believe she deserves it. He promises to bring down the sledgehammer again and again and again.

Quiz: Which TV Bad Boy Would You Date? >>>

Keeping the Faith

After bunking with Lester and Cherry for the night, Marcus is granted a visit with Mother Bernadette. Shes taken a vow of silence but is allowed a period of respite every day. Marcus remarks on her scars, and the nun says thats the price of doing business. He questions her about the man from earlier, and she admits that hes a difficult case but not hopeless.

Marcus shares Bennetts fears with Mother Bernadette that the Church has compromised fears for the Popes safety in Chicago. The nun confirms that Bennett isnt wrong. There has been an escalation in the numbers of the possessed; shes had trouble keeping up.

Marcus tells Mother Bernadette that the presence in Casey is more sophisticated but then admits hes out of practice. Its been a year and a half since he lost Gabriel, and Marcus doesnt lose. He also says they took his collar, and she questions if he truly believes it is the collar that gives them their power. Marcus does think in part that it does. She explains that the gift doesnt reside within him or her, just in God alone.

Mother Bernadette thinks Marcus needs to get back up on the horse, and she invites him to join her in her next attempt to save the possessed man. She suggests learning a new method, one that focuses more on compassion than coercion and compulsion, which could benefit Marcus.

Surrounded by the nuns, Marcus takes a shot at the nuns kinder, gentler, more feminine approach to exorcism. The exorcism is a success, and Marcus gets a much-needed infusion of self-confidence.

Just Say Yes

The salesman taunts Casey from the corner of her hospital room. He calls her an ungrateful bitch and comments that all her potential is wasting away. A bug crawls on Caseys face, and she pulls out her feeding tube trying to swipe it away. A nurse enters, and the salesman begins to choke the woman by the cross hanging from around her neck. Casey asks him to stop, but the only way he will is if she gives herself completely over by saying yes. She agrees to whatever he wants. He extends his hand as if to seal the deal, but Angela bursts in. The salesman backs slowly out of the room.

Casey has eight hours left on her hold, but Angela found a loophole and threatens to sue the hospital if they dont discharge her daughter. The doctor agrees but not because of her threat. Hes out of options.

Marcus returns to St. Anthonys. He guesses correctly that the demon has manifested and questions what Father Tomas is waiting for. Tomas admits that hes been waiting for Marcus; he needs him. Marcus warns Tomas that if the church finds out hes acting without their approval, hell lose everything. Tomas is committed to taking this as far as it goes.

Tomas and Marcus prepare the Rance home for the exorcism. They have Angela and Henrys full support, but Kat remains dubious.

Just prior to beginning, Tomas asks Marcus why all of this is happening now, and Marcus doesnt know. He does believe the demon inside Casey may hold the answer.

Are you more interested in Caseys possession or the bigger threat looming? Has The Exorcist successfully shed any comparisons to the movie? Is Caseys possession integral to the bigger picture?

The Exorcist season 1 airs Fridays at 9/8c on FOX. Want more news? Like our Exorcist page on Facebook.





(Image courtesy of FOX)
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.
The Chattanooga Police Department is offering free child identification kits and free VIN etching on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Police Services Center, 3410 Amnicola Hwy.



A child ID card provides parents and law enforcement with crucial information should a child get lost or go missing. An ID card includes a childs picture, fingerprint, name, height, weight, parent or guardian contact information and other specifics. The card is to be kept and updated by parents or guardians. According to the National Child ID Program, more than 800,000 children in the United States are reported missing each year.



"If a child is missing call 911 immediately. A missing person report can be made whenever you realize someone is missing. There is no waiting period to make a report," officials said.
Indias information technology design and engineering services firms expect faster growth as global crunch product timelines and offer them as a service. Design and engineering services, which are growing faster than traditional services, are expected to touch $35 billion by 2020, up from $22 billion now, according to the National Association of Software and Services (Nasscom). Traditional services are expected to grow 10-12 per cent this year.
The Ruias of the Essar group on Saturday signed a binding agreement to sell 98 per cent stake in and related infrastructure such as captive port and power units at an enterprise valuation of Rs 86,100 crore, including debt, to a group led by Russian oil major, Rosneft, and comprising Singapore-based commodity trader, Trafigura, and Russian fund, United Capital Partners.
Twenty four people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge on the border of and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event on Saturday.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of the Ganges river to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

Nineteen people, including women were killed, CMO, Varanasi, V V Singh said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the MP (Member of Parliament) from Varanasi, expressed anguish over the incident and asked senior officials to take stock of the situation. He also announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Shocked to hear about the tragic stampede in . Deepest condolences to families of the bereaved & prayers for those who are injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodli) October 15, 2016

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to next of kin of those killed and free treatment to the injured, who have been admitted to different hospitals in and Chandauli, IG (law and order) Hariom Sharma said.

People in large numbers were brought for the camp by the organisers who had taken the permission only for 2,000-3,000 devotees. One person died due to suffocation on the bridge because of the surging crowd on the narrow Ganges bridge leading to rumours, which resulted in the stampede, Chaudhary said. Spokesman of Jai Gurudev Sansthan Raj Bahadur said the devotees were proceeding towards the camp, but police started sending them back though they kept on thronging the bridge. This led to rumours that the bridge ahead has collapsed leading to stampede, he said, alleging there was a serious lapse on the part of the administration.

Principal Secretary (Home) Devashish Panda, Home Secretary S K Raghuvanshi, DGP Javeed Ahmed have rushed to Varanasi to monitor the rescue work. Senior officials from the two districts are camping there.

Chaudhary said that additional force, including 20 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary, has been deployed in the area for the second day of the samagam tomorrow.
The 17th India- Annual Summit in Goa on Saturday illustrated Moscows continuing clout as a pre-eminent defence partner for India. Among the summit highlights was a multi-billion dollar agreement for three-four Krivak-III frigates to add to the six that the Indian Navy already operates; an agreement to strengthen Indias air defence with the vaunted S-400 Triumf long-range air defence system; and a shareholders agreement for a joint venture (JV) to build the Kamov-226T helicopter in India.



Given the India Navys growing profile in the Indian Ocean, regional states will take note of the purchase of three Krivak-III (also called Grigorovich-class, or Project 1135.6) stealth warships from . These are improved variants of the six Talwar-class frigates, built by Russia, in Yantar Shipyard at Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea, and supplied to India between 2003 and 13.



Russias Yantar Shipyard has six Grigorovich-class frigates under construction, but Moscow can no longer afford them, given the pressure on its finances from low oil prices and sustained economic sanctions from the West over Ukraine.



Meanwhile, the Indian Navy faces a worrying shortfall of warships, operating just about 140 warships against the 198 vessels that the maritime capability perspective plan envisages by 2027. With domestic warship building capacity strained, the navys attention has been caught by Russias offer to deliver the warships (already half-built) within two and a half years of a contract. And with fleet logistics already catering for the Talwar-class, additional ships of the type will not complicate logistics.



The relatively small, stealthy 4,000-tonne Russian multi-role frigates pack a considerable punch. Navy sources indicate they will be fitted with the Brahmos surface-to-surface missile for attacking land targets and ships; a significant capability improvement over the Klub missile carried by the first six Talwar-class frigates. Like the earlier versions, they will be fitted with Shtil anti-air missiles, naval guns and rockets, and torpedoes for sinking enemy submarines. They will even have torpedo launchers, like the ones being retro-fitted into the larger Indian Shivalik-class frigates, which displace 5,600 tonnes.



The other important decision on Saturday was the inter-government agreement for India to buy the S-400 Triumf mobile surface to air missile system (M-SAM), Russias latest and most vaunted air defence system. The deal for five S-400 units is expected to cost India around Rs 3035,000 crore, but the final price tag remains to be negotiated.



The Triumf system (NATO countries call it the SA-21 Growler) can detect an incoming ballistic missile at a range of 600 kilometres and shoot it down when it is still 230 km away, and 185 km above the earth. Fighter aircraft can be engaged and neutralised when they are still 400 km away.



While has supplied the bulk of Indias ageing tactical air defence systems, this would be the first time India has bought a strategic air defence platform. Washingtons offer to supply the highly-regarded Patriot PAC-III system was not taken up by New Delhi.



The S-400 is currently in service only with the Russian military, but has also been contracted by China. Until the DRDOs indigenous anti-missile umbrella comes on stream, the S-400 would provide a certain anti-ballistic missile (ABM) shield to cities like Delhi and Mumbai.



As Business Standard predicted on Friday, a tripartite shareholders agreement for a joint venture (JV) to build the Kamov-226T helicopter was signed in Goa between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL); Russian Helicopters; and defence export agency, Rosoboronexport.



According to an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), signed in Moscow during the 16th Annual Summit last December, India will buy 200 Kamov-226T light helicopters for about a billion dollars. The IGA specifies that 200 Kamov-226T helicopters will be delivered within nine years of the signature of the contract.



The JV that will build the helicopter will have a 50.5 per cent majority stake for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and a 49.5 per cent stake for Russian Helicopters.



The Kamov-226T is a 3.5 tonne, two-pilot, light helicopter that is specially modified with a new engine for high-altitude operations in the Himalayas. It is intended to replace the obsolescent Chetak and Cheetah helicopters that currently constitute the militarys light helicopter fleet.



Like all Kamov helicopters, the Kamov-226T has contra-rotating rotors --- or two main rotors that rotate in opposite directions. This does away with the need for a tail rotor, making the helicopter lighter, and improving manoeuvrability in the mountains.



Alongside the 200 Kamovs being procured from Russia, HAL is separately developing and building about 200 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). After the Chetak and Cheetah are phased out of service, the military will operate two types of light helicopters --- the Kamov-226T and the LUH.
October 2016 has officially been proclaimed as National Youth Justice Awareness Month. This month-long observance puts the spotlight on programs such as the Hamilton County Youth Court, which is dedicated to preventing local youth from entering the juvenile and criminal justice systems and encourages Hamilton County residents to participate in activities and programs that help youth fulfill their greatest potential, said officials.

Hamilton County Youth Court is part of the Tennessee Youth Courts program, which is celebrating 16 years of empowering teens to change their lives and the lives of other teens. According to TYC Executive Director Denise Bentley, The program has the unique ability to serve as both prevention and intervention as students serve as attorneys, jurors and court clerks for fellow students who have committed minor crimes.

TYC is teen driven and family focused. After teenage first-time offenders admit to the low-level offense with which they are charged, they are given the opportunity to have their peers determine their consequence or sentence. Peer decision-makers use positive peer pressure and restorative justice. The teen offenders are given the opportunity and responsibility for healing the harm their actions caused. Additionally, families are also involved in determining the consequence.

In his proclamation, the President said Congress must increase protections for youth and limit the number of minors held in adult jails and prisons. He particularly cited programs, including those like TYC, that hold youth appropriately accountable, while improving their outcomes through prevention efforts, counseling, substance use disorder treatment, community-based alternatives to confinement, and screening youth for exposure to trauma.

After beginning within the Tennessee Bar Association in 2000, TYC began operating in January 2016 as a program under the umbrella of a non-profit with the same name, Tennessee Youth Courts Inc. This change in operations has enabled TYC to expand and serve more youth throughout the state. In the past five years, the program has grown from nine youth court programs in nine counties to 26 programs in 19 counties. TYC programs have been successful in communities as large as Memphis and Nashville, but it has also found success in other areas such as Lake and Sullivan counties.

Tennessee Youth Courts Inc. continues to focus on establishing and supporting youth courts throughout the state, as well as guiding local juvenile courts and community organizations that implement these programs.

Volunteers and donations are always needed. To volunteer or financially support Tennessee Youth Courts and the Hamilton County Youth Court, visit www.tnyouthcourts.org or email info@tnyouthcourts.org.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the domestic intelligence and security service of the US, on Friday stepped in to assist Thane Police in the ongoing probe into the Mira Road scam, in which about 6,500 Americans were duped of millions of dollars.During the first interaction on Friday, Thane Police and FBI decided to share inputs and help each other nab the mastermind.Police said about 2,000 people worked at the nine Thane call centres that duped Americans by pretending to be IRS officials. They also threatened the Americans with tax investigations if they did not send the money.The police have already arrested 72 of the 772 questioned and also seized 851 hard disks from the call centres. Besides, police have raided similar call centres in Ahmedabad. The official said call centres in Noida and Gurgaon are under its scanner now.Suhel Daud, an FBI officer of Indian origin and a cybercrime expert, on Friday met Param Bir Singh, police chief of Thane. Daud is one of two FBI officers assigned to India. The legal attache at the American embassy belongs to Bareilly.Singh confirmed that he held talks with the FBI representative.

ALSO READ: Thane police traces hawala transactions in call centre scam
Prime Minister on Saturday called Russia an old friend of India' and termed the ties between the two countries as privileged and unique.
If Russia has been cut up with its old friend India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday did his best to extend a firm handshake to reinvigorate the warmth that Moscow and New Delhi have shared over the past 70 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday began a closed-door bilateral meeting ahead of heads of states meet in Goa.

The two leaders are meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit following which the two countries are expected to sign key defence, energy and agriculture-related business deals.





A focussed review before a broader engagement. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E begin with restricted talks pic.twitter.com/npVRgC07P0  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016





External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Modi and Putin "will discuss on a range of issues including defence, counter-terrorism".





An annual renewal of Druzba Dosti begins! PM @narendramodi warmly welcomes President Putin @KremlinRussia_E for the #IndiaRussia Summit pic.twitter.com/WPgLFvdKO1  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

Earlier in the day, Putin arrived at the Dabolim airport to a red carpet welcome after which Modi, on Twitter, greeted the Russian President saying: "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful visit."





Through the morning, the leaders land! Presidents of Russia, Brazil and South Africa arrive in Goa for @BRICS2016 #BRICS pic.twitter.com/yLEHfQmClN  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016



Top bureaucrats from the Russian defence, energy, trade and industries ministries accompanied the President.

Modi and Putin via video conference will also participate in foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant.

ALSO READ: Modi to convey Indias reservations on Russia-Pakistan military exercise to Putin



The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.

Talks between India and Russia for setting up units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are also expected to culminate into a general framework agreement.

ALSO READ: SA President Jacob Zuma arrives in Goa for BRICS Summit

The two leaders are expected to discuss various defence deals, including the billion dollar Kamov-226 T helicopter deal that India has been eyeing to clinch, the report added. Apart from this, the report said that negotiations may involve India's bid to acquire five S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems and upgraded models of the Sukhoi 30-MKI elite fighter jet.

This could be announced after talks between Modi and Putin.

An official of the Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, the builders of KNPP, told IANS on Friday that negotiations for units 5 and 6 had been expedited so that an announcement could be made during the leaders summit in Goa on October 15-16.
With the 17th India Russia Annual Summit set to begin in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived on Saturday.

"India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit," the Prime Minister tweeted as he also posted a message in Russian.

India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016 Modi and Putin will review the entire gamut of India Russia relations during their bilateral talks.

The focus will be on defence and nuclear cooperation with terrorism being a key issue. India's envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran on Friday said that new areas like energy, infrastructure, railways, and agriculture and high technology will also be discussed.

Both leaders will hold restricted talks in the forenoon which will be followed by delegation level talks.

They will also witness the laying of the Foundation Concrete of the 3rd and 4th units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Both countries are likely to sign a multi-billion deal for the S-400 Triumf long range air defence missile systems.

The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma in the evening on the sidelines of the five-nation and BIMSTEC outreach meet.
Evelyn OFlynn still has . But after going straight on to a new immune system-boosting drug more than a year ago, rather than traditional hard-to-tolerate chemotherapy, she is feeling great. Its like a miracle, said the 72-year-old ex-smoker, who is about to become a great-grandmother.
People with terminal illnesses may legally end their lives with certain medications in the US state of Washington, but researchers report those drugs are getting more and more expensive.
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The central government is creating a model to assess all the 250,000 in the country on 36 different parameters that include maternal mortality rate, cleanliness, irrigation facilities available, number of homeless people, etc to better target its various socio-economic interventions. The parameters have been prepared after a careful analysis of the various socio-economic conditions in the villages and will be used to create a baseline of them so that targeted and proper interventions can be made, Union Rural Development Secretary Amarjeet Sinha said.
Dr. Elaine Swafford, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy's executive director, addressed the Hamilton Place Rotary Club this week.

CGLA opened in 2009 as the first all girls public charter STEM school in the state of Tennessee. Dr. Swafford discussed how CGLA was at the brink of closure from a public charter award school status to their students excelling within a nine month time frame. CGLA experienced a school turnaround and is now meeting expectations of leading exceptional gains in student progress and academic achievement, Dr.

Swafford said. She added that fundraising is key to the school's sustainability and 29% of their funds come from fundraising."Dr. Swafford uses her educational experience in both public and higher education, leadership ability, high energy and passion to inspire and motivate her students and teachers. Her business model approach is yielding excellent results at CGLA while making a positive impact across our Chattanooga community," officials said.
Both India and China had been victims of terrorism, which was a scourge afflicting the entire region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President at a bilateral meeting between the delegations of their two countries on Saturday, a day before the start of the 8th BRICS summit. The talks were held at the Taj Exotica resort in Goa.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Goa on Saturday to participate in the five-nation and BIMSTEC outreach meet.

Jinping was received by Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh at INS Hansa base located near Dabolim airport, 15 kms away from the Summit venue in South Goa.

Artistes performed various Indian dances depicting the rich culture of the country as Jinping walked down the red carpet.

The Chinese President will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is likely to raise issues such as India's NSG membership bid and China blocking UN ban on JeM chief and Pathankot attack mastermind Masood Azhar.

A range of key bilateral and international issues including ways to tackle threat of terrorism besides security situation in the region are also likely to figure in the talks on the sidelines of the .

Noting that the Goa summit shows continued progress of cooperation between the five countries, Chinese official media today decried West's "bad mouthing" of BRICS and said disagreements among members are "minor" and cooperation is the norm.

"Since the establishment of BRICS, speculations of disunity among the countries and decline in their power have emerged one after another. However, the truth is that cooperation among the countries has continued to be strengthened and institutionalised," state-run Global Times said on the .

Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Michel Temer are in Panaji to take part in the BRICS Summit from Sunday which will be followed by the first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took up with Chinese President Xi Jinping the two issues that have troubled India-China bilateral relations in recent past  Beijing stalling New Delhis bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and putting on hold Indias efforts to get the UN to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.
The Narendra Modi-led governments flagship programme, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), is set to get an image makeover, with the participation of private corporates and other individuals through a scheme called PMUY Plus.
In the run-up to 'Make in Odisha' conclave to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 30 to December 2, the state government has planned to conduct road shows in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune on October 25-27. A roadshow is also proposed to be held in Delhi in the first week of November with an aim to interact with potential investors.
Insurance marketing firms, which are licensed as a separate entity under the intermediary category, have stuck to pure soliciting or procuring insurance products. While 44 have been registered by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), only five are involved in distribution of other financial products.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) paid rich tributes to Former President of India and former DRDO Chief, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his 85th Birth Anniversary at a gala function held in Kothari Auditorium at DRDO Bhawan today. .

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For the first time, students from various schools of Delhi were also invited at DRDO Bhawan on this occasion. The purpose was to motivate the children with the diverse and great qualities of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who had special affinity for children and youth of the country. Young scientist from various DRDO labs were also invited. .

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Dr W Selvamurthy, former Chief Controller of DRDO and a renowned scientist graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Shri GS Malik, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller at DRDO delivered the welcome address where he remembered Dr Kalam who gave the Mantra of self-reliance in Defence Technology. .

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Dr Manas K Mandal, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Life Sciences) at DRDO also delivered the lecture and described Dr Kalam as a leader who was born to bring the change. He also motivated the audience particularly students to make consistent effort towards innovation. .

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Dr Selvamurthy in his address cherished the days of his association with Dr Kalam in DRDO, and termed him as a Personality- easy to admire, difficult to emulate. He described Dr Kalam as a man of ethos and values. Dr Selvamurthy, said in his speech that the day is very special for the students as the UN has declared October 15 as World Students Day. He delivered a very inspirational presentation in a lucid way and concluded his talk by asking everyone to take oath to imbibe the qualities of Dr Kalam in their life. .

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Later, the children were taken to visit the Museum at DRDO Bhawan, where the students took keen interest in the life and work of Dr Kalam depicted in the gallery. The function was concluded with the recitation of National Anthem. .

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NW/RAJ
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the question of fight against terrorism is now a universal subject and it will figure in all our discussions at the highest political level. He was addressing the Media onboard Air India One Special Aircraft on his way to a five-day visit to Hungary and Algeria, today. The Minister of State for Surface Transport and Petroleum and Chemicals, Shri Mansukhlal Mandavia was also present on the occasion. .

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The Vice President has said that our relations with Hungary are very old and the scholars from both countries have done much work on cultural traditions of India and Hungary. He further said that some of the work of Hungarian Indologists can be seen in the Library of Asiatic Society in Kolkata. Our cultural relations with Hungary are thus very well embedded, he pointed out. He further mentioned that the Indian Embassy had played a distinctive role at the time of the 1956 Revolution in Hungary and the same was acknowledged by the Hungarian side including their President during his visit to India. He said he would also visit a place outside Budapest which has memories of a visit by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. .

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Referring to the somewhat limited bilateral exchanges at senior level, the Vice President said that the purpose of this visit is to fill this gap. He further said that Hungary is a member of European Union and it is coming up as a good place where Indian business can operate in Europe as a whole. There are a number of high profile Indian Companies operating from Budapest and Hungary has a certain technologies in which we would be interested in like IT, Defence etc., he added. .

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The Vice President said that India would be signing two MoUs with Hungary, one on water management and the other between the Indian Council of World Affairs and its Hungarian counterpart. He further said that this visit gives us an opportunity to learn about the Central European point of view of global issues. .

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On Algerian leg of the visit, the Vice President said that Algeria is rich in Oil and Natural Gas and it is a major supplier of gas to Europe. He further said that India buys some oil from Algeria and we will explore little more closely ways to increase the exchange. Adding that Algeria also has extensive reserves of Phosphates, the Vice President said that India will explore the possibility of a joint venture fertilizer plant where Algerian Phosphate, Gas and Indian Technology can be used for producing fertilizer and transporting the same to India. .

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Responding to a question, the Vice President said that the proposed MoU on water management was aimed what we can learn from their experiences on how to clean a river and make it navigable. .

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Recently voted the Chattanooga areas Best Columnist/Reporter and Best TV Personality, David Carroll has just published his second book, "Volunteer Bama Dawg."

Mr. Carroll previously published Chattanooga Radio and Television, a pictorial history of local broadcasting.

The new book is totally different from the first, Mr. Carroll said. While I was out promoting the first book, I spoke to several clubs and churches, telling stories about my career and the people Ive met. People seemed to enjoy it, so Ive put together my best stories, all in one place.

The title, Volunteer Bama Dawg, is based on Mr. Carrolls life, and on one of his most popular stories. It represents the three states Ive loved all my life, he said. I grew up in Alabama, I now live in Tennessee, and I drive through Georgia just about every day. Its who I am. Recently, he found the one spot where a person can stand in those three states at one time. I tell the story of the border that connects Marion, Dade and Jackson counties, he said. You can have your big toe in Tennessee, your heel in Alabama, and your other foot in Georgia. Its become quite the little tourist attraction.

The book includes more than 60 photographs, and stories ranging from comical, to historical, to sentimental. I write about the worst songs ever, fun facts about our local history, my family, famous folks Ive met, and some I never did. I write about my career in radio and TV, covering the schools, and I included more than a few jokes. Some of them are actually funny.

He added, The new book also gives me a chance to follow up on the local personalities who were such a big part of my first book. People love reading about Luther Masingill, Miss Marcia, Tommy Jett, Harry Thornton and his wrestlers, Jim Nabors, and so many others. In this book, I can tell the stories I didnt have room for in the first book.

The book was published by Fresh Ink Press, and is information on how to order is on Mr. Carrolls website, ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. It is available in softcover, hardback and audio (compact discs), read by Mr. Carroll.

It serves several purposes, Mr. Carroll said. Its not quite big enough to be a doorstop, but it makes for a nice coaster. Its a great bathroom book (especially the paperback), because you can open the pages anywhere, and a new story has just begun. No story is more than four pages long, so its a perfect gift for your friend or relative who has a short attention span.

Mr. Carroll is a longtime radio and TV broadcaster in Chattanooga who currently anchors the evening news on WRCB Channel 3, and hosts a weekend radio show The Vinyl Express on Chattanoogas Big 95.3 FM. His weekly column appears in six area newspapers.

The book is priced at $19.95 (softcover), $21.95 (audio) and $27.95 (hardcover). All books purchased through ChattanoogaRadioTV.com are personally autographed by Mr. Carroll.

Books can also be ordered by mail, by sending a check for the amount listed above (plus $ 4.00 shipping) to David Carroll Book, P.O. Box 15185, Chattanooga, TN 37415. Please include names for autograph request.

Mr. Carroll is also available to speak for club meetings and church groups, with an entertaining program that includes a lot of laughs and prizes. To schedule an appearance, contact him at 267-5412, or 3dc@epbfi.com.


India joins the nations of the world in lauding the Hydroflurocarbon (HFC) Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed to at the 28th Meeting of Parties at Kigali, Rwanda. The Kigali Agreement is a reaffirmation of the global intent to mitigate climate change and exemplifies international co-operation in this regard. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and will come into force from January 1, 2019. .

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The Agreement upholds the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR & RC). It recognizes the development imperatives of high-growth economies like India, and provides a realistic and viable roadmap for the implementation of a phase-out schedule for high global warming potential (GWP) HFCs. .

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Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave said, We were flexible, accommodative and ambitious. The world is one family and as a responsible member of the global family, we played our part to support and nurture this agreement". .

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India is happy to have played a positive, constructive and collaborative role towards reaching this agreement. Right from the outset, India demonstrated exemplary flexibility and an open mind to work with all nations. This enabled a fair and equitable, yet ambitious Agreement that is in the best interest of our people, in the best interest of all developing nations, and in the best interest of the world. .

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Speaking after the adoption of the amendment, Secretary, MoEFCC, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha said, We arrived in Kigali with an open mind and a sense of accommodation to get the best deal for India, for the developing countries and for the world. We have achieved that". .

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We have achieved an ambitious climate agreement while protecting the interests of the country", Joint Secretary, MOEF&CC and the key negotiator for the Kigali meeting, Shri Manoj Kumar Singh added. .

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Airline passengers who try to carry Samsung Electronics Note 7 smartphones on flights will have them confiscated and may face fines under an emergency US order that significantly expands restrictions on the devices linked to almost 100 incidents of overheating and fires. The devices won't be allowed aboard passenger or cargo aircraft even if they've been shut off, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration announced. Flight restrictions will be extended to each of the 1.9 million Note 7s sold in the US starting at noon New York ...
After more than a year of watching Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump bash Ford Motor for moving jobs to Mexico, General Motors has pushed ahead with its own expansion. It just hasn't said as much as Ford. GM is advancing on an $800 million investment for its global small-car line-up that includes a factory retooling in San Luis Potosi state. That plant and another facility in Mexico will also build the all-new Chevy Equinox sport-utility vehicle next year, people familiar with the matter said. The auto maker has only said that the new Equinox will be built in a factory in ...
India-born will head the SoftBank Vision Fund that the Japanese investment company has set up with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Misra (54), a veteran banker, is the head of strategic at SoftBank Group. He joined SoftBank in October 2014, around the same time when Nikesh Arora joined the Japanese investor as a potential successor to its founder Masayoshi Son. Arora quit SoftBank in July this year after Son declared that he was still young to run the company. Misra was the global head, credit and emerging markets, Deutsche Bank.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said Islamabad is ready to hold talks with India only if the Asian neighbour is serious about resolving the Kashmir issue.

Speaking to reporters in Baku before wrapping up his three-day visit to Azerbaijan, Sharif said had offered holding of talks on outstanding issues several times but India did not reciprocate, reports the Dawn.

Asserting that Kashmir was main cause of unrest in the region, he said that India must show seriousness for resolution of the issue and honour its commitment under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Sharif added that was committed to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The Prime Minister rejected Indian allegations that Pakistan was responsible for the attack on an Indian Army base camp in Uri.

Sharif said that India levelled allegations against Pakistan within six hours of the Uri incident and reiterated that no infiltration took place across the Line of Control (LoC).

In September, India had blamed Pakistan for the September 18 attack on the Uri Army camp, a claim which Pakistan has rejected.

Pakistan also refuted India's claim that it carried out "surgical strikes" on militants across the LoC.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will declare herself the main opposition to Theresa May's government, setting a course that's designed to show Scotland is moving in a different direction from the rest of the UK. Two days after opening the Scottish National Party's conference in Glasgow by hardening her threat to call another independence referendum if she doesn't like May's strategy for Brexit negotiations, Sturgeon will close the meeting on Saturday with a speech that her office said will have a "heavy domestic focus". Extracts released in advance show ...
Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' by the Pakistani armed forces against various terrorists groups, especially against Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on 15 June, 2014 has claimed hundreds of lives thus far and rendered thousands of Pashtuns homeless. They have alleged that is looking for one or the other excuse to destroy them.

Aerial strikes and ground attacks by the Army and the Air Force have made thousands of Pakistani Pashtuns flee their country and take shelter in Afghanistan to save their lives. They said the continued strikes by the Pakistani forces have not only affected their lives, but also inflicted huge damages on their property and livestock. They accuse Pakistan of forcing this fight upon them for the past forty years, which would break them into many pieces.

The displaced Pashtuns speak of unimaginable pain and cruelty as attacks by the Pakistan forces on their homes have killed hundreds of them and their dwellings were demolish by incessant aerial strikes.

Thousands of Pakistanis from Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are now living as refugees in neighbouring Afghanistan after fleeing from terrible attacks by their own armed forces.

One of the Pakistani Pashtun refugees told ANI: "All of a sudden the Pakistani Government bombarded the place without issuing any alert or warning. We were not told what to do and where to go. The military and the Punjabis harassed us."

"All the villages were destroyed in the sudden attack. The Pakistani Army claimed that they were after the Taliban and on that pretext they destroyed everything, whatever came in their way. Millions of Pakistan 'kaldar' (currency) of businessmen was lost in the action. Those who could not even walk had to scatter to save their lives. I cannot even explain the difficulties I faced while crossing over to Afghanistan," rued another Pakistani Pashtun refugee.

Lambasting the Pakistani government for launching the operation in Waziristan, yet another refugee said, "You people know very well that where the so-called terrorists are hiding and operating from. They are hiding in Islamabad and Karachi. The people of Waziristan have never been on the side of terrorists, nor we have sheltered them and we do not favour any kind of terrorist activities."

He alleged, "Pakistan is looking for one or the other excuse to destroy us. This fight has been forced upon us for the past forty years and will break us into many pieces. Sometimes Pakistan fights with the U.S. and sometimes with neighbours."

Criticising the Punjabis for throwing the Pashtuns out, he said, "Why was Miramshah targeted? He was targeted because the Punjabis want to throw us Pashtuns out? For them, all of us are terrorists, whichever place we belong to. The Punjabis do not even like the sight of us. When it comes to jobs, business and education, the Punjabis usurp everything for themselves at the cost of the Pashtuns. This is because we have lost our unity. We lost our great leader who led us from the front raising the Pashtun voice."

He said when they arrive in Afghanistan, on seeing their hospitality, their pride, etiquette and Islam, they forgot the Pakistani Islam.

"Islam is present in Pakistan and law is also there, but that is British. I have seen that in Afghan offices every process is followed according to the Quran, whereas in Pakistan, they follow Britain. Jihad is not in Pakistan, but it is in Afghanistan. Why? Because here in Afghanistan, we have Pashtuns; we have nothing in Pakistan, no land, no business, no education, no law, and not even Islam. Therefore, we have come to Afghanistan. Punjabis cannot share anything like equality, job and dignity with . They want to usurp everything," he rued.
A special CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) court on Saturday extended three days of judicial custody for Jignesh Shah, the promoter of 63 Moons Technologies  formerly Financial Technologies (India) or FTIL , in MCX-SX (now Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India or MSEI) license case.
More than 20 winners of the India Innovation Growth Programme showcased their technologies at the Bengaluru Technology Expo.

These included technologies from Bengaluru like SpeedLink, a portable Wi-Fi router that combines up to eight different cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G) from any vendor and provides the sum of all the bandwidth capacities as one super-fast Internet connection and a portable, intelligent, non-invasive, non-mydriatic, low cost Fundus camera (eye care device) that helps in pre-screening of five eye diseases namely cataract, diabetic retina, glaucoma, cornea issues as well as refractive index measurements.

The Bengaluru Technology Expo was inaugurated by Priyank Kharge, Minister of IT, BT and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka. During his keynote address the Minister lauded IIGP has the longest private-public partnership and stressed the need for more such initiatives. Kharge also said that, "Bengaluru remains the number-one innovation eco-system in India." He added that development was not just about an idea, but making ideas and innovation happen.

IIGP enables Indian innovators and startups to get connected to industry partners not only in India but across the globe. 12 innovators were taken to Silicon Valley during September 25-30 this year to provide them an exposure to the global innovation ecosystem and get on an accelerated commercialization path.

Subsequently, Swati Tiwari of Arcturus solutions, a Noida based startup was connected to Texas based Austin Energy who recently tested the solution developed by Arcturus for inspecting power transmission lines from the air using drones and breakthrough imaging software.

Several awarded startups also participated in an Indian innovation led start-ups to Nairobi organized by FICCI earlier this year. As a consequence of the visit, one of the awarded companies under the IIGP viz.

Aakar Innovations which has developed low cost biodegradable sanitary napkins has signed MoUs for partnership with Banapads from Uganda; Zana Africa from Kenya and Dreamline Centre from Kenya.

45 international and domestic agreements were announced at the event with leading industry partners under IIGP2016 including Saab Group, BAE System, TATA Housing and Austin Energy. The innovators also participated in an investors' meet to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

The IIGP has provided a platform for nurturing innovation in the country, as seen in the rapid rise of applications-receiving over 7000 applications since its inception. The IIGP focuses on a "Mind to Market" strategy by offering extensive training modules that are suitably structured to help participants gauge and streamline their existing capabilities, as well as formulate and implement appropriate business strategies.

With its emphasis on capacity building and technology commercialization, IIGP has helped several participants in their quest to find suitable business partners in India as well as internationally.

This has resulted in over 500 business engagement agreements being signed between innovators and industry partners/investors. The total revenue generated by the participating companies under the programme is USD 860 million.

Since the inception of IIGP, there are several innovators who are not only able to commercialize their technology but have also generated exports. In the period 2013 to 2015 the total export turn-over of the innovators was Rs. 181 crore (approx. USD 30million).

The India Innovation Growth Programme, launched in March 2007, was started with the objective of enhancing the growth and development of India's entrepreneurial economy. The aim of this programme is to accelerate innovative new Indian technologies into markets in the United States and around the world.

The India Innovation Growth Programme is the only programme of its kind because of its focus on teaching and using world-class commercialization strategies. Since its introduction in India, the programme has received an overwhelming response from innovators, inventors, scientists and researchers working across diverse sectors throughout India.

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The American School launches the first American Accredited Preschool brand in India at the International Pavilion of Franchise India Exhibition at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on 15th October.

TAS becomes the first accredited preschool brand in an otherwise unregulated market.

The Preschool market in India currently lacks standards and practices and the need for quality standards both in academics and infrastructure has been felt since long. With a view to provide nationally a child centric quality affordable preschool of international standards, The American School launches this brand with accreditation standards by Quality Schooling of USA.

India has a largely young population TAS sees the preschool segment as an opportunity provided there is quality coupled with affordability. Rob Leveille of Quality Schooling puts standards in place that are American in nature but customized to the Indian milieu.

The American School Director and renowned child psychologist Dr Jawahar Surisetti introduces many new concepts out of which Any Time School (ATS) is being introduced for the first time in the world.

Different parents have different time zones based on their work, which suit them. But they do not have the flexibility to send their children to School at a time of their convenience. The American School introduces the ATS concept under which the child could come to preschool anytime between 8 am to 11 am and leave school anytime between 12 noon to 3 pm.

This flexi time concept is for the convenience of parents who can decide which

four hours the child will attend. In case of need they could use the ETS or Extended Time Services at the school itself which will cater to after school activities, rest and exercise enabled services especially for working parents.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Surisetti said, "Preschoolers need to enjoy their school days while learning. This has tremendous future effects on understanding and critical thinking in their high school days. TAS focuses on these aspects.

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South Florida looks to China to pick up the sales slack.

Chinese buyers have doubled their residential property purchases in South Florida over the last four years, growing from 1 percent of all international sales in 2011 to 2 percent in 2015, according to the 2015 Miami Profile of International Home Buyers released by the Miami Association of Realtors.

"That may not sound like much, but because Miami has so many international sales (22 percent of unit sales and 36 percent of dollar volume), 1 percent of our international sales are more than some market's total international sales," said Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the association.

"I still believe it's just a fraction of what it will be," she said.

Latin American, European and Russian buyers were previously Miami real estate agents' international focus. Now they are setting their sights on China, the top buyer of US real estate.

The Miami Association of Realtors recently partnered with Juwai, one of China's largest international property search portals, to promote Miami's residential and commercial listings.

Kinney has made four trips to China. In June, she presented Miami real estate projects to buyers in Chengdu, Xi'an, Changzhou and Shanghai.

"They're very, very positive about Miami, and every time we refer to 'Miami', it's like 'Oh, I want to go to Miami' and smiling. I guess it's the sunshine effect of Miami," Kinney said.

Some local real estate companies have established partnerships with the largest Chinese brokerage firm, Homelink.

"They have committed time and resources to learning the Miami market. Recently, they brought 20 top producers to train with us," said Philip Spiegelman, principal of International Sales Group, which began recruiting Mandarin-speaking agents two years ago. They now have 25 of them.

"Just look at this," said Gene Shi, president of Homelink's international operations, during a tour with another local brokerage firm Cervera, as he gestured toward Biscayne Bay, its waters shimmering outside the window of the Missioni Baia sales center in Edgewater.

"This is something you could never dream of, even for a millionaire in New York City," Shi said. "But this is a typical view for a citizen of Miami."

While Chinese buyers might enjoy having 320 sunny days a year, they come with different needs, said Lin Wenjun, the principal broker of American Da Tang Group, a New York-based real estate firm helping Chinese investors buy in the US.
Defence expert Major General (Retd.) G.D. Bakshi on Saturday said that the arms deal sealed between India and Russia during the ongoing BRICS Summit will not only boost the economies of both sides but will also strengthen the relations between them.

"We hope that energetic steps will be taken to bridge the gap in the relationship between India and Russia," Major General (Retd.)Bakshi said.

"Russia is the only country in the world which shares cutting-edge technology with us. Nuclear submarines, fifth generation fighters, S-400 Surface-to-air missile- no other country is ready to share this cutting edge technology with us," he added.

Stressing on the fact that the arms deal will benefit both countries, Bakshi told ANI, "Russia's economy is being affected by America's sanction and also bogged down by low oil prices. Under such conditions, India can help Russia through arms deal. Where will they get multi-billion dollar deals? Pakistan cannot buy as many arms as India is buying."

Major General (Retd.) Bakshi hoped that Russia will help frame a declaration during the BRICS Summit that the country which supports terrorists and supplies arms, ammunitions and funds will be condemned.

During the ongoing BRICS Summit, India and Russia announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India. India will buy surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the two sides strengthen their military relationship.

The pacts were signed after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

India and Russia today signed a number of agreements in several fields including infrastructure, defence, ship building, science and technology and railways.

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The Afghan security forces on Saturday rescued and released about 50 prisoners from a Taliban prison in Ghazni province.

The Ghazni Police said that the people were kept in prison in Nani Ghond area in Giro district of Ghazni province by the Taliban for various reasons, reports Tolo news.

According to the police, the prison had been well hidden for the past two years and the prisoners were innocent but had been accused of certain crimes such as cooperating with the government or having relatives serving in the Afghan Army.

Some prisoners had been held for up to a year and a half.

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Prime Minister Modi will chair the BIMSTEC meeting, followed by a meeting of BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders.

BRICS brings together the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The BRICS Summit comes at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan has gone sour following the terror attack at Uri and surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC.

Terrorism will be on the agenda and India is likely to pitch for united fight against the international threat.

Besides, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing people to people contact and bolstering intra BRICS trade will also figure during the Summit.

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After Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held bilateral talks on Friday, the two sides have agreed to upgrade their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

A joint statement issued by the two sides said that the visit has ushered the traditional friendship between China and Bangladesh into a new era and bears significant historical importance to the bilateral relationship, reports Xinhua.

It said that the two sides agreed to enhance high-level exchanges, maintain frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries on the sidelines of multilateral fora, strengthening exchanges and cooperation at various levels between the two governments, legislative bodies, political parties, and peoples to deepen mutual trust at all levels.

They have also agreed to enhance the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, fully tap the potentials of cooperation in various areas, work on "the Belt and Road Initiative" so as to realize sustainable development and common prosperity of the two countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Bangladesh is appreciative of the initiative, believing it will bring important opportunities for Bangladesh' s goals of becoming a middle-income country by 2021 and a Developed Country by 2041.

China and Bangladesh agreed to expand and deepen trade and investment cooperation and identify infrastructure, industrial capacity cooperation, energy and power, transportation, information and communication technology and agriculture as the key areas of bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

They agreed to start feasibility studies on the establishment of China-Bangladesh Free Trade Area.

China will continue to encourage and support Chinese enterprises to invest and build Economic and Industrial Zones in Bangladesh. Bangladesh will facilitate and support Chinese enterprises doing business in Bangladesh.

Chinese side will also provide support and assistance to Bangladesh in strengthening disaster management capacity building, seeking waste management and water treatment solutions for both urban and industrial areas and developing earthquake resilient infrastructure.

China and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and to announce the year 2017 as the Year of Friendship and Exchanges between China and Bangladesh.

The statement specified that China will train 500 Chinese-language teachers for Bangladesh and 100 Bangladeshi cultural professionals, and invite 600 Bangladeshi students to visit China during 2016 to 2020.

It also said the two sides are ready to enhance communication and coordination in pushing forward the construction of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. They agreed to push for early consensus on the Joint Study Report and establish the governmental cooperation framework between the four parties, so as to launch early harvest programs at an early date.

The document highlighted bilateral cooperation in other fields such as industrial capacity, finance, maritime affairs, climate change and fight against terrorism and on international affairs.

Xi arrived in Dhaka yesterday for a state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the South Asian country in 30 years.

Bangladesh was the second leg of Xi's visit, which already took him to Cambodia. He will today travel to the India for the BRICS Sumit.

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The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Saturday cautioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) not impose their opinions on triple talaq on Muslims, as it could lead to religious conflagration.

CPI secretary D. Raja told ANI, "BJP ministers and RSS should also understand that this issue should not be forced, as it can deviate people and can pit one religious community against the other. We all should strive for building a consensus. The fundamental point is, irrespective of religious affiliation or irrespective to what religion a person or women belongs to."

Raja said, "The women rights must be upheld and protected. That is what all religions should understand. We are in 21st century and it is time that our religions must relook at the positions of women and they must be treated equally."

He further said that women should have all rights and their right to equality should be non-negotiable thing, adding that this is what all religions should understand and strive for.

Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) not to politicize the issue of Uniform Civil Code ( UCC) and said it is high time that all communities should come together and uphold the dignity of women irrespective of their religion.

Naidu further questioned the denial expressed by the AIMPLB with regard to debating the issue of Uniform Civil Code.

"What is the objection? I don't understand, you join the debate, let there be a debate, you put forth your point of view," said Naidu.

"The government wants a debate across the country. There are three issues - first is gender justice, second non discrimination, third is need of women. These are the issues, debate and discuss them. Why are you becoming political?" he asked.

Speaking about triple talaq, Naidu said that people are confusing the divorce practice with the Uniform Civil Code.

"Some people are trying to confuse the issue of triple talaq with Uniform Civil Code. About the issue of triple talaq, the Law Commission wanted views of all. The religious workers, the social workers, sociologists, prominent public personalities, they need to acknowledge the basic principle of equality of all human beings men or women and work in that direction instead of misleading the people," said Naidu.

On Thursday, the AIMPLB said they will boycott the Uniform Civil Law as they feel it is not good for the nation.

"We will boycott the questionnaire sent by the Law Commission and we have decided that Muslims of the country will not answer this question as it is not acceptable and not good for the nation,"Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani of the MPLB told a press conference here.

The Law Commission earlier last week sought public opinion on the exercise of reforming family laws of all religions.

However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has been defending the triple talaq system and termed the filing of the affidavit as 'un-islamic.'

They claim that triple talaq is a personal law and the Centre has no right to modify it.

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India and Russia have called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to make it more effective and representative.

A joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit here said, "India and Russia called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more effective and representative of the contemporary geo-political realities. Russia reaffirmed its support for India's candidature for a permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council."

With regard to global order and peace, the statement said, "Recognizing the importance of cooperation between India and Russia for global peace and stability, both sides reaffirmed their desire to work together to promote a multi-polar international system based on the central role of the United Nations and international law, common interests, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.

The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including the elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists.

Both sides called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity.

India and Russia reiterated their support for the Afghan Government's efforts towards the realization of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process based upon the principles of international law.

The leaders of both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized the necessity of comprehensive international collaboration in order to ensure its eradication.

The statement said, "India and Russia recognize the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge."

Both nations stressed on the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements.

Emphasizing on the need to have a strong international legal regime built on the principle of 'zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism', both sides called upon the international community to make sincere efforts towards the earliest conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Both sides recognized that the rapidly expanding role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to the development of certain security vulnerabilities which need to be addressed through the development of universally applicable rules for responsible behaviour of states which should ensure the safe and sustainable use of ICTs.

They reaffirmed the need to deepen bilateral cooperation in this field and welcomed the conclusion of the Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in this regard.

Both sides expressed concern over the continuing instability in South-Eastern Ukraine and supported a political and negotiated settlement of the issue through the complete implementation of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015.

The two sides are convinced that the conflict in Syria should be peacefully resolved through comprehensive and inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue based on the Geneva Communique of June 30, 2012, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both sides also underlined the necessity of strengthening the cessation of hostilities, delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas, and the continuation of intra-Syrian dialogue under UN supervision. India recognized Russian side's effort towards achieving a political and negotiated settlement of the situation in Syria.

They reaffirmed that they have a common interest in preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and in strengthening the multilateral export control regimes. A responsible approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is demonstrated by India and Russia's constructive participation in relevant international fora such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, etc.

Both sides reiterated their desire to strengthen interaction and coordination of views on these issues.

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Both India and Russia have said no country should provide safe havens to terrorists or extremist ideology, said Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Saturday during a media briefing.

"The two (PM Modi-Prez Putin) leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasised the necessity for comprehensive international collaboration to ensure its eradication and expressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and counter the spread of terrorist ideology, stop recruitment, prevent travel of terrorist strengthen border management and essentially have a international legal regime built on the principle of zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism ," he said.

"We saw Russia more as a friend than as a partner. The sense of the meeting was that the relationship has recorded very substantial progress. Both leaders also noted that the high-level exchanges were essential in taking the relationship forward," Jaishankar added.

On India-Russia business relationship, S Jaishankar said, "We had a very positive meeting with the commerce ministers. We are looking at the north-south corridor via Iran which will cut down the transport time to Russia. Our business relationships will definitely improve with Russia."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held delegation-level talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa. Both leaders later made statements detailing the partnership between the two countries. India and Russia signed a total of 16 agreements mostly in the fields of defence, energy, power, shipbuilding and space. Both PM Modi and President Putin also inaugurated units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its weekly statistical supplement released on Friday noted that Indian banks' loans rose 10.4 percent in two weeks to September 30 from a year earlier.

The report also stated that deposits rose 11.3 percent. Outstanding loans rose 2.11 trillion rupees (USD31.56 billion) to 75.21 trillion rupees in the two weeks to September 30.

Non-food credit rose 2.21 trillion rupees to 74.35 trillion rupees, while food credit fell 105.30 billion rupees to 854.60 billion rupees. Bank deposits rose 3.52 trillion rupees to 101.43 trillion rupees in the two weeks to September 30.

The RBI seems to have started digging into the country's foreign exchange reserves to ease the pressure on rupee with dollars flowing out of the system amid redemption of FCNR-B (foreign currency non-resident-bank) deposits.

The reserves were at USD 367.647 billion at end of October 7 as reported by the RBI. The central bank does not cite any reason for the reserves movement.

India's foreign currency assets, which is 93 percent of forex reserves, fell USD 4.317 billion to USD 342.394 billion reflecting the sharp fall in valuation of the forex held in pound sterling, dealers said. Last week, the British currency fell to its lowest level since 1985.

India holds reserves in dollar and other major foreign currencies such as pound, euro and Japanese yen.

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India and Russia have welcomed plans to hold Indo-Russian military industrial conference later this year.

A joint statement issued by both sides after the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "Both sides welcomed plans to hold Indo-Russian military industrial conference later in 2016 and create bilateral Science and Technology Committee. The Indo-Russian Military industrial Conference will address military equipment related issues including spares, repair and maintenance of Russian supplied equipment and co-production. Private players too would be invited to participate under Make in India initiative."

"The Bilateral Science and Technology Committee would focus on matters relating to R&D collaboration in such high-tech areas as IT, communication, cyber security, medical engineering, outer space cooperation, remote sensing, etc," said the statement.

Recognizing the contribution of military-technical cooperation in the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries, the leaders of both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue their cooperation in this field. In this context, they commended the activities of the Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation.

They also expressed satisfaction at joint Indian-Russian exercises INDRA involving ground forces in Russia's Far East in 2016. They welcomed the visit of the Indian Minister of State for Defence in April 2016 and delegation of the Defence College in May-June 2016 to Moscow and underlined the need to expand training, joint exercises and institutionalized interactions between the armed forces of both countries.

Both nations noted with satisfaction achievements in the field of joint design, development and production of high-technology military equipment and in this context, positively evaluated the establishment of the Joint Venture for production of Ka-226T helicopters in India.

In areas of security and disaster management, recognizing the need for sustained and institutionalized interactions to foster greater security-related and disaster management cooperation, the two sides noted the successful visit of Russian Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Vladimir Puchkov to India in March 2016, during which they held the first meeting of the Joint Commission on cooperation in the field of prevention and elimination of emergencies and signing of the Joint Implementation Plan for the years 2016-2017.

Recalling the visit of Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev to India in September 2015, they reaffirmed their intention to finalize an Agreement on Cooperation between the Ministry of Interior of India and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation and a Joint Action Plan between the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Republic of India and the Ministry of the Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, which would provide an enabling framework to further develop ongoing inter-ministerial interactions for exchange of best practices and expertise, conducting training courses in countering extremism and drug-trafficking.

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The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Saturday praised Kerala Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan decision to resign over nepotism charges, describing it as a positive development for the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

It said that the LDF always upholds values, constitutional morality and probity in public life.

CPI secretary D. Raja told ANI, "Yes, the party took a decision that he should resign and he has resigned. It is a positive development because Left Democratic Front (LDF) is not behaving like United Democratic Front (UDF) or NDA."

"LDF is different. LDF always upholds the values, constitutional morality and probity in public life. Considering the position of the Left on probity in public life, morality in public life; it is what was expected and he resigned," he added.

Jayarajan resigned on Friday following allegations that he appointed his own family members as heads of public sector undertakings in the state.

CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan confirmed the news. He added that Jayarajan admitted before the CPM state committee that he committed a mistake by appointing close relatives.

Earlier in the day, CPM state secretariat had met to discuss the nepotism charges against Jayarajan. There was an opinion among the members that Jayarajan should not continue in office in light of the controversy. He has spent just over four months in office.

The minister has come under fire for appointments in PSUs as well as key posts in the Kerala High Court. The heads of two PSUs are members of Jayarajan's own family, while at least two others are closely related to top leaders of the CPM.

On Thursday Kerala's Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau had ordered a pilot probe into these charges.

Jayarajan, 66, of Kannur, is one of the most prominent faces of the Kerala CPM, known to be close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and recognised as second only to him in the cabinet. He is a third-time legislator from Mattanur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The experience of the Communist Party of China in developing the countrys economy and governance has a lot to offer to the world, which has been ravaged by a slowly recovering economy and an increasing governance crisis, said politicians and scholars at a CPC dialogue on Friday.

Professor Zheng Yongnian of the National University of Singapore said that political parties in the world face both economic and governance crises, citing the chaos in the Middle East, migration in Europe and the fallout from Brexit. But the CPC has managed to deliver effective governance and has translated good governance ideas into reality, offering a good example for other countries, he said.

Zheng made the remarks at the ongoing CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016, a dialogue the CPC has held annually since 2014. This years dialogue, held in the southwestern Chinese metropolis of Chongqing, is themed "Innovation in Global Economic Governance: Initiatives and Actions of Political Parties," resonating with the recently concluded G20 summit, where reforming the worlds economic governance system was highlighted.

Infrastructure investment is the key

Justin Lin Yifu, one of the most eminent economists in China, argued that the most severe challenge the world faces today is recovering from the 2008 global financial crisis.

It usually takes a country three quarters of a year, or at most seven quarters, to recover to its pre-crisis economic growth level, but the worlds developed economies are yet to get back on a normal track after seven years, he said, citing for example the less than 3% GDP growth rate and high level of unemployment in developed countries. As demands from developed countries contracted, global trade contracted too and the world has been left with problems such as surging protectionism and isolationism.

Developed countries thus need to carry out structural reform, the former World Bank chief economist said. Though the need for structural reform has been recognized since 2008, it failed to be implemented as it would have meant short-term reduction in demands, investment, economic growth as well as job losses.

Currency devaluation was usually a way to increase exports and hence create more room for structural reform, but this failed to help developed countries as competitive currency devaluation would push these countries into a deadlock. An alternative to that is investment in infrastructure, the economist pointed out. Infrastructure investment would in the short-term create more jobs, increase demands and hence create more room for structural reform. In the long-term it would facilitate economic growth if it is used in solving a countrys key economic problems.

There are opportunities for infrastructure investment in developed countries as infrastructure there is often worn out, but more opportunities lie in developing countries, Lin said, adding that the need for infrastructure investment in Asia is as high as US$800 billion each year and US$500 billion in Africa.

Chinas experience in infrastructure investment

Lin went on to argue that one of the experiences of Chinas miraculous economic growth over the past four decades has been investment in infrastructure, as epitomized by the well-known aphorism in order (for a place) to get rich, build a road first. He cited the dialogues host city Chongqing as an example, which, despite being an inland city, manages to export its goods across the world due to infrastructure development.

In the same vein, China proposed the Belt and Road initiative, in which infrastructure connectivity is a key, Lin said. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank were established in order to finance global infrastructure construction, he added.

Echoing Lins words is Liu Qitao, chairman and party secretary of the China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. He took the example of his company, which is one of China's largest infrastructure construction companies. According to Liu, the company has signed business contracts totaling more than US$40 billion with countries along the Belt and Road in the past three years. A port city program in Sri Lanka, an exemplar in the Belt and Road initiative, would generate 100,000 jobs locally. Another example is the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which would help the Kenyan economy grow from 5.8% to 8%. The Belt and Road initiative and the emphasis on global connectivity is a prescription that China offers to the world economy, he said.
Lauding Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav after he kept the suspense on a second-term for Akhilesh Yadav as the Chief Minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday said that it was actually a no-confidence motion on his son by the veteran politician, who could witness his party's sinking ship.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI that Mulayam's assertion is a clear indication of the fact that he has himself rejected the government led by Akhilesh Yadav

"See, as far as Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav's yesterday statement is concerned, it was actually a no-confidence motion on his son that is Akhilesh Yadav's government," Patra said.

"Right from the beginning, we have seen that the society and Uttar Pradesh's janata in fact had rejected the government of Mr. Akhilesh Yadav and today finally, the family has also rejected Mr. Akhilesh Yadav," he added

Earlier on Friday, the Samajwadi Party supremo said the elected MLAs of the party and the parliamentary board would take a final call on the next Chief Minister after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

Addressing the media in Lucknow, Yadav said that the Chief Minister would be decided by the elected legislators and the parliamentary board after the assembly polls.

"There has never been any dispute in the family since three generations and the situation remains the same. The people still have immense faith in the Samajwadi Party," he said.

He also expressed confidence that the Samajwadi Party would emerge victorious in the polls with a thumping majority.

Yadav further said that his party would officially kick-start its election campaign on November 5, the 25th anniversary of the Samajwadi Party's formation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his condolences on the loss of lives in a stampede during Baba Jai Gurdev's sabha in Varanasi today.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Modi said, "I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi."

Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured."

At least 19 people, including 15 women, were reported killed in a stampede during Baba Jai Gurdev's sabha in Varanasi today.

The stampede took place, when hundreds of supporters of Jai Gurudev were going for a 'samagam' (religious confluence) via the Rajghat bridge.

As per sources, many people have been injured and several ambulances were called to the spot.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced Rs. 2 lakh each next to kin of the victims of the stampede and Rs 50,000 each to critically injured.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday paid floral tribute to former president and the "Missile Man" Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his 85th birth anniversary.

"Tributes to our former President, the person who captured the imagination of every Indian, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan along with family members of Dr. Kalam also paid floral tributes on the occasion.

Dr Kalam, a recipient of several awards including Padma Bhushan in 1981, Padma Vibhushan in 1990 and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 1997, became the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002 and served the post till July 25, 2007.

Dr Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram town of Tamil Nadu and died due to a cardiac arrest on July 27 last year while delivering a speech at IIM Shillong.

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The Indian delegation from Gujarat which interacted with the stakeholders in Taiwan last week and with corporate and universities in Singapore this week, today, concluded its official visit. The delegation to Taiwan was led by Roopwant Singh, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd., post Taiwan the delegation visited Singapore and was led by Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Secretary to Chief Minister of Gujarat.

At Singapore, the delegation hosted two roundtable conferences, a road show in the presence of H.E. Vijay Singh Thakur, High Commissioner of India to Singapore and interacted with a host of important associations, corporate and universities like Singapore International Chambers of Commerce, Urban Development Authority, Antara Koh, Surbana Jurong, National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, Boustead, Blackstone and Temasek Holdings over a period of just three days.

"I am delighted to share that through our meetings in Taiwan and Singapore, we've been able to encourage potential investors to understand the various opportunities offered by the state of Gujarat. I was overwhelmed to see these meetings end with a healthy round of questions mostly pertaining to opportunities specific to GIFT city and possibilities of meeting potential partners on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017. I look forward to welcoming everyone at the summit scheduled in January 2017," said Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ashwani Kumar.

The delegation also comprised of Gujarati Industry leaders like Jitendra Shah, Managing Director, Tipsons Financial Services Pvt. Ltd, Paresh Vasani, MD - PCB Power / Circuit Systems India, Nilay Patel, CEO - Easy Pay and an investor from Taiwan, Liou, Jia-Ciao (Gary) from Maxxis (Cheng Shin Rubber).

"The delegation has had a successful round of meetings in both Taiwan and Singapore. Our visit to these markets has already evoked interest in Gujarat. I look forward to welcoming our guests at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017, a platform which will help us take these conversations forward," said Managing Director - PCB Power, Paresh Vasani.

During the meetings, possible strategic alliances and collaborations were discussed at length as most companies expressed their desire to attend the summit and take the conversations to their fruitful conclusions.

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Asserting that the Muslim personal Law is not a democratic body, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday said Indian Muslim women should take inspiration from Pakistani women who in 1956, when the then Prime Minister Ali Bogra divorced his wife pronouncing 'triple talaq', took to the streets and the Pakistani authoritarian state had to bow down before them and alter the talaq (divorce).

"The Muslim Personal Law Board is not a democratic body as it doesn't represent the entire Muslim community; it only represents orthodox, conservatives of the 'Sunni community'," RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha told ANI.

Recalling that in Pakistan, which is theocratic state, Prime Minister Ali Bogra divorced his wife in 1956 pronouncing triple talaq, and the entire Muslim women came into the streets and the Pakistani authoritarian state had to bow down in 1961 and had to alter the triple talaq , Sinha called upon the Indian Muslim women, who are living in a democracy, to must learn from Pakistani experience.

"They should take to the streets; they should oppose the orthodox elements and fundamentals of Khomeini. There should be complete equality between man and woman irrespective of religion, caste, region and language," he said.

The RSS ideologue noted that the Muslim personal Law Board is not an elected body and is speaking the language of religious Islamic leader Ayatollah Khomeini.

"I would like to remind them that this is a liberal democratic country. We will not tolerate the language, behaviour and social philosophy of Ayatollah Khomeini. They should stop speaking Khomeini's language if they are serious about the democracy. They should demand referendum among the Muslim women. Ask them to go for referendum on triple talaq among the Muslim women, and you will find 99 percent of the Muslim women are for abolishing triple talaq. This is a moment to liberate Muslim women from the prison," he added.

Taking on the Congress Party, Sinha said, "The country is prepared for the universal civil code and India is already 60 years late. When the Hindu court bill was framed during a parliamentary debate, then the country voted that this is the first step towards the Universal Civil Code, but the politics was pursued by the Congress and perpetuated by successors of Nehru and Leftists and they made Muslim community prisoners of vote bank politics."

Earlier in the day, the Communist Party of India (CPI) cautioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the RSS for not impose their opinions on the Muslims on the issue of triple talaq, as it could lead to religious conflagration.

CPI secretary D. Raja told ANI, "BJP ministers and RSS should also understand that this issue should not be forced, as it can deviate people and can pit one religious community against the other. We all should strive for building a consensus. The fundamental point is, irrespective of religious affiliation or irrespective to what religion a person or women belongs to."

On Thursday, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said they will boycott the Uniform Civil Law as they feel it is not good for the nation.

"We will boycott the questionnaire sent by the Law Commission and we have decided that Muslims of the country will not answer this question as it is not acceptable and not good for the nation,"Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani of the MPLB told a press conference here.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With effect from 14 October 2016

Midwest Gold announced that Thirumalesh Tumma Company Secretary & Compliance officer has resigned and was relieved from the Company w.e.f closure of business hours of 14 October 2016. Pursuant to the Regulation 6(1) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 B.S. Raju, Whole Time Director of the Company will be the Compliance Officer w.e.f 15 October 2016 and he will continue as compliance Officer until the new compliance officer appointed in accordance with the applicable provisions, rules and regulations in force.

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At least 24 persons, most of them women, were crushed to death and 60 others injured in a stampede during a religious procession here on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed grief over the deaths while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered a probe.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. at the Rajghat bridge in the Ramnagar area, as thousands of people, who had turned up at a religious congregation organised by disciples of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev, took out a procession.

Ramanagar police station incharge Anil Kumar Singh told IANS that 19 people were killed in the stampede, while five of the injured succumbed to their injuries in hospital. However, state Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed said the death toll was 20.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

Varanasi's Chief Medical Officer V.V. Singh said the injured were admitted to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in Ramnagar as well as the Trauma Centre in the Banaras Hindu University. He said the toll may rise as the condition of several of the injured is said to be critical.

District authorities said the number of seriously injured was 21 while over 80 people were discharged after primary treatment.

Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity.

Varanasi Senior Superintendent of Police, Akash Kulhari said: "The participants were feeling uncomfortable in the heat due to which the stampede might have occurred."

He said that as the incident spot was on the district boundary with Chandauli, police from both areas had reached the spot for rescue and relief operations.

Chandauli District Magistrate Kumar Prashant told IANS that a 'satsang' for Baba Jai Gurudev was going on in Domri village, on the banks of the Ganga, in the district, and a large number of devotees from Varanasi's Pili Kothi area were on their way there when the stampede occurred.

The Akhilesh Yadav government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, while top police and government officials including Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Daljit Chowdhary and Home Secretary S.K. Raghuvanshi reached the site where state minister Surendra Singh Patel supervised rescue operations. Chowdhary said a high-level probe would be held to ascertain the reason.

Varanasi District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand however blamed Acharya Pankaj Das, the successor of Jai Gurudev and the organiser of the two-day congregation in Domri village. "The organisers had told us that 3,000 people would come but over 300,000 turned up," he said, adding action would be taken against those responsible after an enquiry.

Pankaj Das however blamed the administration for failing to take proper measures.

Prime Minister Modi, whose parliamentary constituency is Varanasi, expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede," tweeted Modi who is in Goa for the BRICS summit.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock and grief over the deaths.

Hoping that the authorities concerned were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims, Sonia Gandhi also instructed party workers to provide all possible assistance to the people, a Congress statement said.

Rahul Gandhi, in a statement, said: "Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the stampede in Varanasi. My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of this tragic incident."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he inquired about the incident from Varanasi Divisional Commissioner and directed him to provide all possible help to those affected.

Akhilesh Yadav, who initially had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the dead, said that it has been increased to Rs. 5 lakh. He also said that the Varanasi Divisional Commissioner has been asked to order a magisterial probe into the incident.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least 24 persons, including 14 women, were crushed to death and 60 injured in a stampede during a religious procession here on Saturday, police said. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered a magisterial probe into the incident even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed grief over the incident.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. at the Rajghat bridge in the Ramnagar area, as thousands of people, who had turned up at a religious congregation organised by disciples of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev, took out a procession.

Ramanagar police station incharge Anil Kumar Singh told IANS that 24 people were killed in the stampede and over 60 injured. However, state Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed said the death toll was 20.

The toll may rise as the condition of several of the injured is said to be critical. The identities of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.

District authorities said the number of seriously injured was 21 while over 80 people were discharged after primary treatment.

Prime Minister Modi, whose parliamentary constituency is Varanasi, expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured.

The Akhilesh Yadav government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, while top police and government officials reached the site with state minister Surendra Singh Patel supervising the rescue operations.

Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity, and also noted that while the organisers had sought permission for the presence of around 3,000 people, nearly 80,000 had turned up.

Varanasi Senior Superintendent of Police, Akash Kulhari said: "The participants were feeling uncomfortable in the heat due to which the stampede might have occurred."

He said that as the incident spot was on the district boundary with Chandauli, police from both areas had reached the spot for rescue and relief operations.

An officer at the spot said that they were focussing on relief and rescue operations and "a probe will be ordered later to ascertain the exact cause of the tragedy".

Chandauli District Magistrate Kumar Prashant told IANS that an awareness camp for Baba Jai Gurudev was going on in Domri village, on the banks of the Ganga, in the district, and a large number of devotees from Varanasi's Pili Kothi area were on their way there when the stampede occurred.

He said that the injured had been admitted to hospitals where the condition of five was said to be critical. The deceased have not been identified yet, he added.

Modi, who is in Goa for the BRICS Summit, took to Twitter to express his grief.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede," he tweeted.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock and grief over the deaths.

Hoping that the authorities concerned were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims, Sonia Gandhi also instructed party workers to provide all possible assistance to the people, a Congress statement said.

Rahul Gandhi, in a statement, said: "Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the stampede in Varanasi. My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of this tragic incident."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he inquired about the incident from Varanasi Divisional Commissioner and directed him to provide all possible help to those affected.

Akhilesh Yadav, who initially had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the dead, said, in a tweet, that it has been increased to Rs. 5 lakh. He also said that the Varanasi Divisional Commissioner has been asked to order a magisterial probe into the incident.

--IANS

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Attacking the BJP-led Central government over loan waivers for corporates, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday said the unpaid loans owed by private companies to the nationalised banks was a scam "10 times bigger" than the 2G spectrum scandal.

"More than Rs 11 lakh crore has been borrowed by Indian corporates form nationalised banks which they did not repay. Not only the government did not do anything to recover them, but waived off Rs 1.12 lakh crore owed by the corporates in the last two years.

"It is a humongous scam. A scam 10 times bigger than the 2G spectrum," the Communist Party of India-Marxist leader said on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

"When you ask to waive off the loans of the farmers who are committing suicide due to distress, the government is unwilling to do so, saying it does not have enough resources, but (it) can waive off corporate loans to the extent of Rs 1.12 lakh crore."

According to him, this "reflects the real face of the Central government".

Yechury, who has been opposing the government proposal of creating a "bad bank", called for recovering the loans instead of restructuring the banks.

"The suggestion of creating a bad bank is a bad idea, as it lets big defaulters get away scot-free. You just cannot restructure the nationalised banks so that they are once again able to dole out loans to the corporates," said the leader who has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for "naming and shaming" the top 100 corporate loan defaulters and opposing the creation of a "bad bank".

"All this money which has been misappropriated in this fashion belongs to the public. Instead of creating a bad bank the government must take immediate steps to recover the loans from the corporates," added Yechury.

--IANS

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On October 15, Chinese and foreign delegates for the CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016, held in southwest Chinas Chongqing, visit the building where Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek held the Chongqing Negotiation in 1945, their first meeting since civil war. The building is located within the current compound of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS summit in Goa.

"Namaste President Michel Temer! Welcome to India for the BRICS 2016 Summit," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet, the Prime Minister said: "A warm welcome to you, SA President. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days."

Both the state heads will attend the eighth BRICS (Brazil Russia India China and South Africa) Summit in Goa.

On October 16, all five heads of state will meet before holding a BRICS business meeting, followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with Bay of Bengal countries (BIMSTEC).

--IANS

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"Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston has revealed that he was once a murder suspect.

Cranston, whose character Walter White in the crime drama TV series has also been involved in murder plots, has recalled how he and his brother Kyle used to dislike a chef they worked with at a restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida and after the cook was killed, the police were keen to question them, reports usmagazine.com.

"The head chef was a guy named Peter Wong. Now Peter was a good chef -- and a horrible person," Cranston said on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon".

"He was the first person I ever met who I just realised, 'Oh my God, I hate this guy.' I don't think I've ever hated someone before Peter Wong. He was not a nice guy. He was miserable and mean," he added.

Bryan and Kyle ended up quitting the restaurant, but a week later the chef was murdered and when the police went to question the waiters, the employees told them the two brothers hated the cook, which made them suspects.

Recalling what the police asked the waiters, Cranston said: "'Did anybody ever talk about hurting or killing Peter Wong?' And all the waiters are like, 'Yeah, all of us'."

"They (the police officials) were looking for us. We were somewhere north of the Carolinas".

--IANS

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Communal tension continues in several districts in Bihar following violent clashes during the immersion of Durga idols and Tazia processions, police said on Saturday. At least eight people, including police officers, were injured.

Railway services were disrupted, markets and schools shut down and internet service were suspended. Authorities imposed section 144 of CrPC in Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Madhubani, East Champaran, Madhepura and Kishanganj districts, the police said.

"In Gopalganj, communal tension entered second day on Saturday. The administration has imposed section 144 CrPC and temporarily banned internet services," a district official said.

The police arrested around 54 persons involved in anti-social activities from both communities from the affected districts.

Sensing trouble, additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas and top police officials camped and supervised the localities, an official said.

According to reports, tension started on Friday evening when some persons pelted stones and fired at an immersion procession in Gopalganj town.

At least 10 vehicles, including five motorcycles and two SUVs, were torched and several shops were attacked by the violent mob.

Gopalganj District Magistrate Rahul Kumar said: "The situation is under control but tense. We are alert and keeping a close watch."

In Bhojpur's Piro city the communal tension had started early and entered its fourth consecutive day on Saturday.

Bhopjpur District Magistrate Birendra Prasad Yadav said: "Internet services were banned to check rumours on social media since Friday morning."

"Some persons active on social media cites like WhatsApp and Facebook had spread rumours to incite people," he said.

Railway authorities diverted three passenger trains from Ara that passed through Piro, on way to Sasaram in Rohtas district.

Shops, markets and other institutions had remained shut despite an assurance by the administration on Friday to maintain order.

In Bihariganj in Madhepura, internet services remained suspended despite situation under control, an official said.

"Reports of communal tension gripping small towns are coming from Madhubani, Saran and Kishanganj," a police officer said.

--IANS

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Cuba and the US held a second round of talks on human rights, where "profound differences" remain between the two countries, a senior Cuban foreign ministry official said.

Pedro Pedroso, deputy director of multilateral affairs and international law, told the media after the talks on Friday that Cuba was concerned with "the documented violations of human rights in the US, particularly with policy brutality against African Americans and other minorities", Xinhua news agency reported.

The official, describing the topic as a thorny issue, also addressed the US violations of human rights in various countries and "torture" and "executions" committed in detention centres, including the US Guantanamo Naval Base.

"We question the double standards and selectivity that prevail in the consideration of human rights issues in the international arena. Human rights can't be used for political purposes," Pedroso added.

While identifying the remaining differences, the official also affirmed that Cuba wishes "both countries can interact politely and with respect for those differences".

Meanwhile, Pedroso ruled out the possibility of discussing the island's internal affairs with its former Cold War foe.

Pedroso also mentioned Cuba's concerns over other issues in the US, including racism, discrimination against migrants and minorities and child labour.

The talks on human rights between Havana and Washington started in March last year, seen as a sign of the willingness of both governments to exchange views on any subject with respect and reciprocity.

The two countries announced the start of normalising ties in 2014.

--IANS

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Egypt's military on Saturday launched air strikes against jihadi targets in North Sinai in retaliation for the killing of 12 army personnel at a checkpoint on Friday, army officials said.

"The Armed Forces pursued the criminal and terrorist elements who implemented the terrorist attack," Xinhua news agency quoted the Egyptian Army as saying in a statement.

Friday's attack took place in the central Sinai area, 40 km from Bir al-Abd town, as a group of terrorists used rifles and automatic weapons to attack the checkpoint, security officials said.

The army in retaliation killed 15 terrorists on Friday.

"The airstrikes targeted the hideouts of the armed extremists involved in Friday's attacks," added the statement.

"All the areas harbouring the terrorist elements along with the weapons and ammunition depots were destroyed in the airstrike that lasted for three hours and is still ongoing," it said.

A Sinai-based militant group loyal to the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for most of the attacks, including Friday's attack.

--IANS

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The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has welcomed Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announcement extending the ceasefire with the rebels until December 31.

In a statement released on Twitter the FARC said: "We are deeply committed to peace and touched by all popular demonstrations in Colombia and abroad that continued to support the peace process in recent weeks."

The group released the statement after Santos on Thursday announced the extension of the bilateral ceasefire with Colombia's main guerrilla group Efe reported.

The ceasefire between the government and FARC came into effect on August 29, and the Ministry of Defence issued a resolution regulating the measure, which remained in effect until October 2, the day a plebiscite was held which left the implementation of the peace agreement in uncertainty.

With a majority of Colombians rejecting the agreement in the referendum, Santos on October 4 initially decided to extend the ceasefire until October 31 to avoid any armed incidents between the parties.

The extension was interpreted in some quarters as a warning against the possible resumption of hostilities which was denied by the defence ministry.

In the statement, signed by its top brass, the FARC insisted that "we are ready and with full disposal to put all our attention starting from Tuesday to the workday of discussions on the latest proposals submitted to the President".

"With patriotic spirit, we will evaluate all proposals, always giving priority to defending the most heartfelt interests and dignity of the Colombian people," the statement added.

Before the referendum results came out - in which 'no' won a majority of votes - Santos called for a national dialogue to listen to the proposals of critics of the document.

Parallel to the meetings, the mobilisation of citizens has multiplied in the country, led by university students, demanding progress in the consensus around the peace agreement.

--IANS

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While male chimpanzees actively challenge their superiors to win higher rank, females accept their position in the social pecking order, waiting until more senior group members die before moving up the ladder, new research has found.

This is despite the fact that high-ranking chimpanzees of both sexes usually have better access to food and mates, boosting chances of survival for themselves and their offspring.

"We found that, after entering the adult hierarchy, there was a complete absence of successful challenges for rank increases among females," said lead author on the study Steffen Foerster, senior research scientist at Duke University in in Durham, US.

"It's like a formal queue," Foerster noted.

To explore how female chimpanzees maneuver up and down the social ladder, the researchers plumbed more than 40 years of daily records documenting the behaviours of 100 or so wild chimpanzees residing in Gombe National Park in Tanzania.

Chimpanzees signal dominance and submission to each other through acts of aggression, such as chases and attacks, and through making a sound called a "pant-grunt," which is a clear sign of subordination to a superior.

The team used a new rating system to document these interactions, allowing them to determine the rank orders of male and female chimpanzees and watch how they shifted over time.

Their results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that, unlike males, whose rank usually peaks when they reach their prime in their early 20s before declining again, female rank gradually increases as they age, and their rank order remains stable throughout their lifetimes.

The tendency of female chimpanzees to "wait their turn" rather than fighting for rank reveals the competing priorities males and females face when ensuring the success of their offspring.

"If a male has a high rank even for a short time but manages to fertilize a lot of females, he achieves high reproductive success," senior author Anne Pusey from Duke University said.

"Whereas a female is only able to raise one offspring at a time, so her reproductive success depends largely on how long she lives," Pusey noted.

Compared to males, female chimpanzees "likely have to consider a long-term strategy," Foerster said.

--IANS

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Acclaimed actor Kabir Bedi will attend and speak at the Arts for India charity event to honour the late filmmaker Richard Attenborough in London next week.

Arts for India charity, in association with the British Film Institute (BFI), is going to host the fundraising event at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, in the heart of London on October 19 to honour Attenborough posthumously.

Kabir, who has acted in James Bond film "Octopussy" and starred in "Bold and Beautiful" TV series, is happy about being a part of the event for the English actor-filmmaker, who was the President of British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and had won two Academy Awards for his film on Mahatma Gandhi in 1983.

"Lord Attenborough remains an iconic figure in world cinema. I first met him at the London press screening of his Oscar-winning 'Gandhi', where I bowed and touched his feet, Indian style, as a mark of reverence.

"I salute BAFTA, BFI and Arts For India for honouring a great British actor, producer and director for his magnificent contributions to the world of films. I'm privileged to be a part of it," said Kabir in a statement.

Arts for India helps disadvantaged young Indians out of poverty through education in art and creative design to a global standard.

Satish Modi, philanthropist and founder of the Arts for India Charity, said: "We feel honoured that Sir Richard Attenborough had made the film on the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi."

Guests at the event will get to see some archival material of Indian cinema, such as footage related to Mahatma Gandhi and other clips of importance.

--IANS

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October 15, the birthday of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will be celebrated as "Maharashtra Reading Day" in the state, Education Minister Vinod Tawde announced here on Saturday.

"Kalam's writings had vision... He always mentioned that India is going to be a super power, visualised it and wrote in his books which have inspired an entire generation," Tawde said at function in Crossword bookstore to mark the event.

Hundreds of colleges in the state organised their own reading day programmes, literary and poetry meetings, reading corners and other events to mark the scientist-turned-politician Kalam's 85th birthday anniversary.

Tawde said that "Maharashtra Reading Day" would inspire children and the younger generation to make reading a habit which is getting challenged with the advent of cellphones and other devices at an early age.

"The children tend to emulate their parents, and it leads to cellphone addiction as early as two years of age... We must now think of declaring a 'no-gadget day' as well," Tawde said in a lighter vein, while appreciating Crossword's "ILoveReading" initiative.

Earlier today, in a state government programme, Tawde distributed 100 "talking book" volumes to 21 schools for the visually-handicapped in Maharashtra, prepared in collaboration with National Association for Blind (NAB).

Later, he presented sets of 100 books to 21 readers' groups at a function in Gokhale Education Society College in Borivali to mark the day.

The first-ever Maharashtra Reading Day was commemorated by reading sessions in 100 colleges across the state conducted by top writers and public figures and they took part in lively literary debates conducted with the students.

Kalam, revered as the peoples' President passed away after a cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015, in Shillong.

--IANS

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday said Lt Governor Najeeb Jung should stop behaving like a political spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

spokesperson Ashutosh hit out at Jung saying that he was hiding behind the Narendra Modi government to cover-up his "unconstitutional" and "illegal" actions.

The party's reactions came after the L-G office in a press statement on Friday said the Delhi cabinet's appeal to dissolve the panel he has set up to probe some of its decisions was an attempt to divert attention from grave misdemeanours.

"Some misdemeanours are of the gravity that these matters are already in the process of being referred to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) for investigation," Jung's office said on Friday.

Ashutosh said the government is working for the people and is not afraid of Jung's machinery and falsehoods being spread by him.

"Jung should convey to his political masters (BJP) that the and the Delhi government cannot be cowed down by the threat of using the caged parrot  the CBI  for a political vendetta against us," he said.

"The Modi government has unleashed all its agencies against the Delhi government but has failed to find any wrongdoing and it is welcome to continue its efforts in future also," the AAP leader said in a press conference.

Targeting Jung, Ashutosh said it might be a matter of survival for the L-G to intimidate the officials working for the Delhi government, but his actions are clearly unbecoming of the constitutional post held by him.

"Jung may be afraid that in case he does not dance to the tune of the central government, then the files related to his highly dubious role in the Mukta-Panna oilfields contract may be reopened by the CBI," he said.

He added that Jung was the then Joint Secretary in the Union petroleum ministry when the alleged irregularities were committed in the multi-million rupee Mukta-Panna oilfields contract.

He also asked the L-G to answer why he was unable to state under which provision of the Constitution, law or rule he formed a three-member committee to examine the Delhi government files.
The trailer of Alankrita Shrivastava's film, very strategically and with thesis-like precision gives us four women from different age groups who just want to throw it -- the burkha -- off and breathe easy.

The burkha is of course a metaphor. And one that Germaine Greer would have grabbed at greedily 30 years ago. Today, 'throwing off the burkha' hardly seems revolutionary, let alone exciting as an idea for a movie. Lately, Leena Yadav got three rural Rajasthani women together in "Parched" to discuss, ahem, sex and other forbidden pleasures even as back home men continued to brutalize them.

In "Parched", Tannishtha Chatterjee had a secret admirer who called himself 'Shah Rukh Khan'. In "Lipstick Under My Burkha", Ratna Pathak Shah has a much younger man lusting for her on the phone. Maybe both women attended the same 'naari bachao' class.

"Lipstick Under My Burkha" -- of what it seems from the trailer -- deviates from the pseudo-feminist norm of throwing off the burkha -- a variation on "Kaanton se kheench key yeh aanchal" -- where the woman must break the barriers of the stifling patriarchal system to be free in one detail. The men seem rather nice and gentle here. They never are in such films.

But here we have the very talented Vikrant Massey being kind, very kind -- in bed to Ahana Kumra who was last seen playing Amitabh Bachchan's daughter in the failed serial "Yudh". We see Sushant Singh (not Rajput) smiling benevolently at another female protagonist, and so on.

What a relief! A chick flick where the men are actually not jerks.

Make no mistake. "Lipstick Under My Burkha" is a full-blown chick flick serving up all the cliches of the genre and blissfully ticking all the boxes one by one. There are four women from different generations lunging for some solid tumble in the hay with strangers.

Ratna Pathak Shah (50 plus), Konkona Sen Sharma (30 plus), Ahana Kumra (20 plus) and Plabita Borthakur (20-minus) are all in the mood to throw caution to the winds, surreptitiously buy and use lipstick (still taboo in several convervative societies), discuss condoms with their partners and with their gal pals, and have a smoke with the gal pals when the lights are out. Smoking, as we all know contrary to the statutory warning, is not always injurious to health.

So put up your feet, all you fans of Chetan Bhagat's brand of designer-feminism. "Lipstick Under My Burkha" promises to give the New Indian Woman a new look under the burkha (or the dupatta or the ghoonghat). As soon she throws of the burkha and smears lip gloss, she is ready for the kill.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With lawyers still keeping the away from the courts in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday issued a stern warning, asking them to behave or face tough action.

Inaugurating the annual conference of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists here, Vijayan said: "The courts are not the personal property of lawyers and they should not be under the wrong impression that they have the same powers as that of the judges."

The should be allowed to do its job, he said, adding that if the present situation continues, "the government will play its role".

"Lawyers can't decide who all should enter the court and who all should not," the Chief Minister said.

Since July 19, there has been virtually a ban on the by the lawyers in several courts in the state, including the high court.

On Friday, things took a turn for the worse when even two female journalists had to face the ire of lawyers, who abused them, and male journalists were roughed up by the lawyers inside a court in the state capital.

Police on Saturday registered a case against 10 lawyers, who were identified for misbehaving with the journalists yesterday.

In a bid to resolve the rift between the media and the lawyers in the state, there has been an intervention even by the Supreme Court.

Last week, Vijayan and Kerala High Court Chief Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar met to discuss the issue and decided that things will not be allowed to drift and the impasse would be resolved at the earliest.

However, the situation failed to look up, forcing Vijayan to talk tough against the lawyers.

--IANS

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Common people's mindset towards swachhta (cleanliness) is changing ever since the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in the country, Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ram Kripal Yadav said here on Saturday.

"People's mindset towards hygiene and cleanliness is changing. People in rural areas are increasingly building toilets inside their houses and general cleanliness in the villages is also being taken care of," Yadav said while interacting with mediapersons at the conclusion of Swachhta Pakhwara (Cleanliness Fortnight).

However, he said, to achieve the targets of the Swachh Bharat Mission by October 2, 2019, the drive has to be given the shape of a Jan Andolan (people's movement) with "active participation and cooperation of the 125 crore Indians".

The Swachh Bharat Mission was officially launched by the Narendra Modi government on October 2, 2014 with the objectives of elimination of open defecation, eradication of manual scavenging, scientific management of solid wastes, to effect behavioural change regarding healthy sanitation practices and generate awareness about sanitation and its linkage with public health.

Yadav said at present the average sanitation coverage across India is 55.73 per cent.

"When the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched, this figure was 42 per cent. Now, in just two years, we see an improvement of around 14 per cent," he said.

According to official figures, out of 6,50,000 villages in the country, 1,04,924 have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The minister said the states' cooperation in achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission goals is imperative.

While a few states are far above the national average in sanitation coverage (defined as percentage of households with toilets), a few others including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and Odisha are in the red zone, that is, below the national average.

The states faring poorly in sanitation coverage include Bihar (25 per cent), Jammu and Kashmir (34 per cent), Odisha (34 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (46 per cent).

"Although I hail from Bihar, but I am saddened to say that Bihar is lagging behind in sanitation coverage. I think more efforts need to be put in the states which are lagging behind," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Supermodel Miranda Kerr's security guard was stabbed in the eye trying to fight off an intruder at her Malibu home here.

The man was attacked by an intruder trying to climb a fence to gain access to the property, where the model lives with her five-year-old son Flynn, at 11.10 a.m. on Friday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Her security guard shot the intruder several times including once in the head. Both are receiving treatment in a Los Angeles hospital. The security guard was airlifted from the scene by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

He was stabbed below the eye but was seen walking on to the LA County Sheriff's Department chopper unaided after the attack.

He shot the intruder four times, LA County Sheriff's Office told DailyMail.com on Friday afternoon.

The spokesman said: "Deputies responded to a shots fired call in Malibu. They discovered a security guard had been involved in a physical altercation with an intruder. The guard was stabbed in the facial injury and he had minor injuries. He produced a handgun and shot the intruder three to four times in the face and torso. Neither the guard nor the intruder has life threatening injuries."

Police could not confirm whether there was anyone else in the property at the time. The intruder, the spokesman added, will face charges.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping on his arrival in Goa on Saturday ahead of the BRICS Summit.

"India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the @BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations," Modi tweeted.

Xi was given a red carpet welcome after he got off the aircraft at the Dabolim Airport and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi for nearly half an hour on Saturday evening at the Taj Exotica resort here.

India and China are expected to discuss the fallouts of the deadly cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri on Jammu and Kashmir last month attack by Pakistan-based, while India will make a pitch with its eastern neighbour to further isolate Islamabad, for backing terror infrastructure.

The arrival of Jinping in Goa, coincided with protests by Tibetan protesters at Margao town, 35 km from Panaji, demanding China vacate its illegal occupation of Tibetans.

Nearly 43 Tibetan protesters were detained by the police, subsequently.

The eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday, which will be followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with the leaders of the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay arrived in Goa on Saturday ahead of the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit to be held here.

"Another set of honoured guests begin to gather. PM of Bhutan and Nepal also arrived ahead of the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit ," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted after the two leaders landed on separate flights at Dabolim Airport.

As host of this year's (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit, India, as is the practice, can invite neighbouring countries to join in for an outreach summit.

Following last month's cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, India chose to invite countries belonging to the Bimstec grouping over those of Saarc.

Countries belonging to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the Uri attack and launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the international community.

The invitation to Bimstec countries instead of the Saarc countries is being seen as another step in this direction.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives are the members of the South Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) that are also not members of Bimstec.

Following the Uri attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also pulled out of this year's Saarc Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November citing Pakistan's state sponsorship of terrorism as the reason.

Afghanistan and Bangladesh too followed suit citing the same reason.

The BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit will be held here on Sunday.
In a bad news for Twitter, its last potential buyer Salesforce has decided not to make a bid to buy the struggling micro-blogging website.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff told the Financial Times that he has "walked away" from making a bid to buy Twitter.

Earlier, Google, Apple and Walt Disney also decided not to bid for the website.

Twitter stocks fell significantly this week after Google and Walt Disney reportedly ruled out to acquire the struggling micro-blogging platform.

Twitter is expected to announce its next quarterly earnings on October 27.

The acquisition of Twitter -- struggling to add new users amid stalled growth -- may cost over $20 billion.

It currently has 313 million monthly active users.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Russia, "an old friend of India", has cleared its stand on terrorism and backs New Delhi in its fight against terror.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said in a joint address to the media with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Modi said he deeply appreciated Russia's support of "our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region".

The remarks assume significance as it comes in the wake of India's response to attack on Army camps with surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India has also launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan, a country it accuses of sponsoring and aiding cross-border terrorism.

The Prime Minister said the ties between the India and Russia were "truly privileged and unique" and used a Russian maxim on friendship, remarking that in Russia they say "an old friend is better than two new friends".

He praised Putin's continuous personal attention on strengthening ties with India.

"Your personal attention has been a source of strength to our relationship, your leadership provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged relationship."

The Prime Minister said he and Putin just concluded "highly productive" talks.

The two leaders also inaugurated units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant after India and Russia signed 16 agreements, including on energy, defence and economic cooperation, and also announced deals across different sectors.

Modi and Putin earlier held a closed-door bilateral meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit.

The India-Russian summit is being held on the sidelines of the eighth .
Russia has backed India's cross-border surgical strikes at terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after the September 18 Uri attack at a military base, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted on Saturday, calling Moscow "an old friend" that has mirrored New Delhi's stand on terrorism.

In a joint media conference with visiting President Vladimir Putin, Modi said he deeply appreciated Russia's support of "our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region".

Modi didn't name Pakistan or mention the September 29 cross-border raids by elite Indian commandos. But a joint statement issued after his meeting with Putin said that the President "reaffirmed Russia's continued commitment... and noted the commonality of positions of both the countries on issues (like) war on terrorism".

Asked if Modi's remarks pertain to the surgical strikes by the Indian Army, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, in a separate news conference, referred to the joint statement that said "the Indian side expressed its appreciation for Russia's unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack on (the) army base in Uri".

The Uri carnage by suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists that left 19 Indian soldiers dead provoked India's cross-border assault that killed an unspecified number of terrorists and their sympathisers and destroyed at least seven terror launch pads.

Modi and Putin "strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasised the necessity of comprehensive international collaboration in order to ensure its eradication", the joint statement said.

"They stressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalisation leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters," it said, an obvious reference to Pakistan.

With President Putin standing next to him, Modi told reporters that "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own".

The Prime Minister's remarks are significant as India has launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan, a country it accuses of sponsoring and aiding cross-border terrorism.

Following India's diplomatic war, Islamabad denied an imminent global isolation and said its stand vis-a-vis Kashmir was backed by China and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi hailed Russia as "an old friend of India" and said the ties between the two countries were "truly privileged and unique".

He praised Putin's continuous personal attention on strengthening bilateral ties.

"Your personal attention has been a source of strength to our relationship, your leadership provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged relationship," Modi said after "highly productive" talks with Putin.

The two leaders also inaugurated units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant after India and Russia signed 16 agreements, including on energy, defence and economic cooperation, and also announced three deals across different sectors.

The India-Russian summit is being held on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has described himself a "victim" as more women came forward accusing him of sexual assault and harassment.

"As you have seen, I am a victim of one of the great political smear campaigns in the history of our country," CNN quoted Trump as saying on Friday at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"They are coming after me to try and destroy what is considered by even them as the greatest movement in history."

The billionaire said it was "all false stuff" and there was a "concerted effort" to take down his campaign. "My people always say, 'Don't talk about it, talk about jobs, talk about the economy'," Trump told his supporters.

"But I feel I have to talk about it because you have to dispute when somebody says something."

Trump on Friday forcefully denied the allegations that he kissed and groped several women without their consent -- actions he had bragged about being able to do in a 2005 video revealed by the Washington Post ahead of the second presidential debate recently.

According to him, if just a sliver of voters believe those allegations which he describes as just the "locker room talk", he will lose the election.

"If five per cent of the people think it's true -- and maybe 10 per cent -- we don't win," Trump said.

The comments came less than two hours after two women alleged Trump groped them without their consent.

One of the women was former "Apprentice" contestant Summer Zervos.

Trump disputed the account of the other woman, Kristin Anderson, calling her story "nonsense" and "false", arguing that he rarely sits alone, even though the lady never claimed the Republican was sitting alone at the time of the incident.

He also asked his supporters to boycott People magazine after a reporter alleged Trump began kissing her without her consent in 2005 when the two were alone for an interview at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

"I think maybe what we should do, boycott that issue of People magazine," he said in Charlotte.

Trump also accused his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton of "character assassination", saying that it was the former State Department Secretary's "specialty".

"She's been doing it her whole career. The only force strong enough to smash Clinton's corrupt criminal syndicate is you, the American voter, November 8."

Trump said the allegations were part of a global conspiracy by the "establishment" -- including the media and powerful special interests -- to defeat his campaign.

"The whole thing is one big fix. It's one big fix. It's one big ugly lie. It's one big fix. The press can't write the kind of things they write, which are lies, lies, lies," Trump said.

As he continued to deny the allegations, several of his supporters shouted back: "We believe you!"

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Britain-based boy band "The Vamps" first got a glimpse of Indian showbiz via a collaboration with Vishal-Shekhar for "Beliya". And James McVey, on behalf of the band, says they instantly fell in love with the glitzy world of Bollywood, with superstar Shah Rukh Khan taking their heart away.

Apart from McVey -- the lead guitarist and vocalist, The Vamps comprises Brad Simpson (lead vocals and guitar), Connor Ball (bass guitar and vocals) and Tristan Evans (drums and vocals).

"We are big fans of Bollywood. We always see happiness and colour in the dances, the sets are very elaborate and SRK is our favourite," McVey told IANS in an email interview.

The band came to India in August this year to promote their single "Beliya", and also collaborated with Ajay Devgn for "Shivaay". Back then, during a visit to IANS, the band members had even spread their arms out a la Shah Rukh's signature act.

Now, The Vamps, Virgin EMI UK, in collaboration with Bottom Line Media have come out a new single "All night" Feat. Matoma. The song was out on Friday.

Talking about the single, McVey said: "Our new single is called 'All night', and it's a little bit more dancey than our previous singles. We've teamed up with Matoma on the track and love the production and different vibe he's brought to the song.

"The song is about the nostalgia of spending time with a girl and you wake up in the middle of the night and you can't sleep and you wish that you were with her."

Simpson says the inspirational theme behind "All night" is "the notion of appreciating someone. It's the feeling of reassurance knowing someone is there for you and acknowledging how much they've helped you too."

Ask them about the memories they made during their recent India visit, Ball said they were amazed by the love poured on them by their fans.

"Before we visited India for first time, we had no clue about our fan following there. We were extremely overwhelmed seeing fans waiting for hours at the airport when we arrived. We loved the whole experience and can't wait to go back," Ball said.

Tanaaz Bhatia, Managing Director, Bottom Line Media, said: "The Vamps are a sensational boy band and one of the most, exciting new talents to emerge from the Virgin EMl UK's repertoire. The band, presented a concert in India and we will doing a song with Vishal-Shekhar again. We look forward to many more exciting announcements for the group and other Virgin EMI UK artists over the coming months."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha took inspiration from the works of Pakistani dramatist, playwright and scriptwriter Haseena Moin for his upcoming film "Tum Bin 2".

The second instalment of the 2001 film "Tum Bin" franchise is written and directed by Sinha and jointly produced by him and Bhushan Kumar of the T-Series music label.

Sinha says he took some cues from Pakistani dramas for the second part of the.film.

"Two of my favourite dramas are 'Ankahi Tanhaiyan' and 'Dhoop Kinare'. A lot of the screenplay in 'Tum Bin' has been inspired by her television serials and a few of the critics and industry members who saw the first instalment were quick to notice this similarity.

"The second instalment too is inspired in someway from Pakistani dramas because I feel the way they tell a story is sublime," Sinha said in a statement.

The news comes at a time when there are debates whether Pakistani artistes should be banned from working in India amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the September 18 terror attack which killed 19 Indian soldiers.

Sinha started watching Moin's tele-serials in 1984, and met her in 1996 in Mauritius.

Shot in the aesthetic landscape of Scotland, "Tum Bin 2" reunites Sinha with Kumar after a gap of 15 years.

"Tum Bin 2", featuring Neha Sharma, Aditya Seal and Aashim Gulati will hit the screens on November 18.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav declared the partys parliamentary board and legislators would decide on the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh if the party returned to power, incumbent said he would present the next budget as well.
Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to AAP chief ahead of Gujarat Assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi Chief Minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.

Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf, where the BJP has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.

Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into if his community members want him to do so.

Twenty-three-year-old Hardiks leaning towards AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.

Yesterday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit Yuva Azadi over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the Army.

We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar communitys reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight, Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he can do for the Patel community.
Nineteen people were killed and 60 injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event this afternoon.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of the Ganga to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

Nineteen people including women were killed, CMO, Varanasi, V V Singh said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the MP from Varanasi, expressed anguish over the incident and asked senior officials to take stock of the situation. He also announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed and free treatment to the injured, who have been admitted to different hospitals in Varanasi and Chandauli, IG (Law and Order) Hariom Sharma said.

People in large numbers were brought for the camp by the organisers who had taken the permission only for two to three thousand devotees.

One person died due to suffocation on the bridge because of the surging crowd on the narrow Ganga bridge leading to rumours which resulted in the stampede, ADG law and order Daljit Chaudhary said.

Spokesman of Jai Gurudev Sansthan Raj Bahadur said the devotees were proceeding towards the camp, but police started sending them back though they kept on thronging the bridge.

This led to rumours that the bridge ahead has collapsed leading to stampede, Raj Bahadur said, alleging there was a serious lapse on the part of the administration.

Senior police and administration officials of Varansi and Chandauli have rushed to the spot to carry out relief and rescue operations.

Sharma said an inquiry will be instituted to ascertain if any lapses led to the incident.

Home Secretary S K Raghuvanshi and ADG (Law and Order) Daljit Chaudhary have rushed to monitor the rescue work, officials said in Lucknow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two members of a gang involved in robbing train passengers of their valuables were today arrested by Government Railway Police from Kanpur Central Railway Station.

According to the GRP in-charge, T R Pandey, two suspicious men were spotted during the routine checking in the wee hours. On being questioned by the police, they tried to escape.

However, they were arrested and police seized three ATM cards, 230 grams of a white psychotropic powder and Rs 40,500 in cash from their possession, he said.

Roop Singh, a resident of Hamirpur district and Kanpur resident Ritesh Kumar, on being interrogated, revealed that they used to target trains at Agra, Kanpur, Etawah, Tundla, Firozabad and Lucknow railway stations.

A case has been registered against the duo and hunt is on to nab their associates.

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280 cartons of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) were seized and two persons arrested from Godanpatti in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district today.

Acting on a tip off, police raided a place in the village and seized 280 cartons of IMFL from a truck. The truck driver and its cleaner were arrested, Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar said.

The police also seized five other vehicles.

The 280 cartons - containing IMFL made in Haryana - were supposed to be distributed in different parts of the district and its adjoining areas with the help of these seized vehicles, a police official said.

It may be noted that the Bihar government had on Gandhi Jayanti notified the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act 2016 banning manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, possession, sale and consumption of liquor and foreign liquor through a stringent provisions incorporated under the law.

As per the new liquor law, both the persons could attract a minimum 10 years of jail term which may extend to imprisonment for life besides a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh which may extend to Rs 10 lakh.

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An early morning argument at a Los Angeles restaurant apparently triggered gunfire that left 3 people dead and 12 wounded, authorities said today.

Police who arrived at the scene in a working class neighborhood dotted by tall palm trees found shell casings and blood throughout the restaurant, located west of downtown Los Angeles.

Two possible suspects were being questioned.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mike Lopez said a preliminary investigation found a party was underway at 12:30 am today in the restaurant, operating out of a converted home, when an argument started.

A man and woman left, then returned, and the restaurant erupted in gunfire.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was confident police would unravel questions surrounding the shooting, and expressed sympathy for victims' families.

He called it "the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation.

"We cannot tolerate these tragedies multiplying in communities across America," Garcetti said in a statement.

The shooting occurred in a residential area of modest homes. Investigators were snapping photographs and scouring the ground in an area that extended over two blocks.

Three people died at the scene, and 12 others were transported to local hospitals. Their conditions ranged from critical to stable but serious.

Police did not disclose the names or ages of the fatalities or the wounded.

"There was some type of party there," Lopez said. After the couple left the restaurant and returned "that's when the shooting occurred."



Neighbor Sheryl Cobb said she was awakened by screaming and gunfire, but never left her home for fear of getting caught in a crossfire.

"Bullets don't have names on them," she said. LAPD Sgt. Frank Preciado told The Los Angeles Times (http://lat.Ms/2diVuqZ ) that the restaurant was "a bloody scene with shell casings everywhere." One firearm was recovered.

The Times described the restaurant as a popular Jamaican eatery that features a DJ yesterday night.

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At least four security personnel have been gunned down by militants in two separate incidents in Pakistan, officials said today.

The first incident took place in Karachi's North Nazimabad area this morning where a policeman was killed by some unknown terrorists, a senior official said.

The 28-year-old constable, posted at the New Karachi police station, was on his way to report for his duty when the motorcycle-borne gunmen shot him dead, he said.

In a separate incident yesterday, three paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were killed when unidentified gunmen opened firing in the country's restive Balochistan province.

The soldiers were patrolling in Quetta when the militants struck, killing them on the spot, officials said.

The terrorists managed to flee.

The area was soon cordoned off and a manhunt launched to nab the culprits.

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Editor's Note: Leading Chinese experts on BRICS studies and international affairs attended a Beijing-based seminar hosted by the Pangoal Institution on Wednesday, where they exchanged views ahead of the eighth BRICS Summit to be held in Goa, India, on Saturday and Sunday. The following are excerpts of their comments:

He Yafei, former vice-minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and former vice-minister of Foreign Affairs

For a more inclusive global governance system

Despite doubts about its sustainability and performance, the BRICS mechanism has become a leader of developing countries, and close cooperation within the five-nation bloc will grant emerging economies a bigger say in global affairs.

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis that hit most economies, the five members, namely Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa, are faced with certain difficulties such as imbalanced development, due to the lackluster global growth. But that does not justify the West's questioning the effectiveness of the transcontinental group, which actually stems from the advanced economies' concerns about the rise of these emerging economies.

The truth is that over the past decade or so, BRICS has become a mature, versatile platform for multinational cooperation among the five developing countries, which have outrun the West in terms of total GDP and are reshaping the geopolitical and global economic order.

Home to about 42 percent of the global population, 21 percent of the world's GDP, and nearly half of the world's foreign reserves, BRICS is now a major economic engine that has contributed over half of the global growth in the past decade and is playing an ever greater role in global governance.

However, BRICS is not aimed at destroying or replacing the global governance system led by the West, rather it looks to optimize it and make it more inclusive. The regular meetings among BRICS leaders, be they official or casual, do not just deepen the economic and financial cooperation within the bloc, they also raise the voice of all emerging economies in international affairs.

The BRICS New Development Bank, for example, has great potential to provide more financing options for BRICS members and better protect their currencies from financial shocks. The green bonds it issued this year are another example of the BRICS mechanism's efficiency and determination to reduce poverty worldwide.

Liu Zhenye, deputy director of the Globalization and Global Issues Institute at the China University of Political Science and Law
A 40-year-old British paraglider was killed when his glider crashed few minutes after taking flight from Jhatingri hills in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district.

Aaian S O Meckcoms fell down and was located in the nearby forests by the villagers who rushed him to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries there, police said.

British Embassy has been informed and the matter is being investigated, SP Mandi Prem Thakur said.

Meckcoms had arrived in India on September and his visa was valid upto March 2017.

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In a police shake-up, Punjab government today issued posting orders of seven senior officials, including five IPS officers, on administrative grounds with immediate effect.

IPS officer S K Asthana, who is at present Inspector General (Bathinda Zone), has been given the additional charge of Inspector General of Police, modernisation, while Parmod Ban has been appointed as IGP, Special Protection Unit, an official spokesperson of the state government said.

IPS officer Lok Nath Angra, who is IGP (Zonal-II) Jalandhar, has been given the charge of Commissioner of Police Amritsar, the official said.

Senior police officers S K Singh and A K Pandey have been appointed as IGP, Security, and IGP, Human Rights, respectively.

IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal, who was Amritsar Police Commissioner, has been appointed as DIG Patiala, while IPS officer Balkar Singh Sidhu has been posted as DIG, Intelligence, the spokesperson added.

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Making the best use of industrial waste with Indian prints, designer Amit Aggarwal presented his summer-spring collection at the Amazon India Fashion Week.

Titled 'icloud', his collection presented a wide use of recycled plastic and involved lot of handwoven textiles -- the two things Amit's label swears by.

Drawing inspiration from his cherised moments, the collection also had a fresh take on nostalgia.

"I pulled out all the memories of my growing-up years, which I thought that was probably the easiest time of my life. So, I used little detailing of teddy bear eye.

"This line is a fusion of what India has to offer to the West -- that is its textiles, and what the industrialisation has brought in -- technology," Amit told reporters post the show.

The designer kept the garments very simple with use of sequin waste and textiles like chanderi, kota doria and floral block prints.

The collection comprised dresses, free-size pants, skirts, big sleeves and dropped shoulder tops and jackets.

The range offered colour palette of pastels hues like salmon, lemon, soft blue and white and also saw a heavy use of high wedges.

"For the shoes we have taken inspiration from the 1980s and 1990s. So, we went all 'Spice Girls'. So, we did these huge wedges so that the girls feel much above everyone," Amit said.

Presenting extremely washable, wearable and comfortable clothes, Amit set the mood of the crowd with his clothing line.

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A Polish mountaineer missing for the past few days was suspected to be dead in a deep gorge on way to the Shivlinga peak less than two days after another member of his team tottered and fell to his death during rescue operations, a Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) official said today.

The rescue teams had seen the body of Polish mountaineer named Grezegorz Michael Kukurowski in a 6200 metre deep gorge on way to the peak, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering Inspector Darsan Singh Rawat said.

NIM is part of the rescue team engaged in efforts to retrieve the ailing Polish duo.

They were reported sick on way to the Himalayan peak on Tuesday.

However, the rescue team has not been able yet to reach the body of the dead mountaineer, he said adding efforts to recover his body will continue tomorrow.

Kukurowski's compatriot Lucasz was killed on Thursday evening as he fell to his death during rescue operations.

He slipped and fell to his death while trying to come down to make it easier for the rescuers to reach him, SP Dadan Pal said.

Both mountaineers from Poland were part of a five-member team from that country out since September 22 to conquer the 6543 metres Himalayan peak of Shivlinga in Uttarkashi district.

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Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived here on a three-day visit to Hungary during which he will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India along with a host of bilateral issues.

The visit comes amid the current tension with Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and subsequent surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The issue of terrorism emanating from across India's border will be raised during the bilateral meetings the Vice President will have with Hungary's President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the top leadership.

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta has said that terrorism will be the major theme in the Vice President's bilateral talks in Hungary.

Ansari will interact with students, academicians and the Indian community during his three-day stay in the country.

The Vice President's visit to Hungary comes over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries.

After this trip, Ansari will visit Algeria from October 17 to 19.

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The Anti-trafficking bill being prepared by Women and Child Development Ministry is unlikely to be tabled before Parliament during the Winter Session.

Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi today said the Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 was sent for inter-ministerial consultations yesterday.

"We were ready to bring the Bill to Parliament in December. But with the Winter Session scheduled to start in November, we may not be able to introduce it this year," she told PTI.

The Winter Session dates have been advanced this year and will begin on November 16. Usually it begins in the third or fourth week of November.

This is the second time different ministries are being consulted over the draft bill. An inter-ministerial committee had also met last month to deliberate on it.

The draft of the proposed legislation has been circulated amongst various other stakeholders for their feedback.

Once the draft bill is finalised a cabinet note will be prepared and it will be sent to the cabinet. After the cabinet nod, the Draft Bill will be introduced in Parliament for its passage.

The draft bill proposes different forms of trafficking under the category of "Aggravated Trafficking", with punishment of up to life imprisonment.

This category includes bonded labour, trafficking for the purpose of bearing a child, trafficking for the purpose of marriage, trafficking for begging, trafficking of a pregnant woman or resulting into pregnancy, among others.

The draft also seeks to create a National Anti- Trafficking Bureau for preventing, investigating and protecting cases or victims of trafficking.

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Daniel Kale, a veteran soldier of the Azad Hind Fauj, died in Kolhapur after a prolonged illness.

Kale, 95, passed away yesterday at 8 AM at a healthcare centre, where he was admitted for the last few days after his deteriorating health.

Ashok Rokade, founder of a civilian rescue force 'White Army' was looking after Kale in his last days.

Kale's last rites were conducted at Kadamwadi cemetery last evening, said Rokade.

Born in Panhala tehsil of Kolhapur district in September 1920, Kale had joined Rasbihari Bose's Indian Independence League in 1942.

The league later joined Azad Hind Fauj, which posted Kale on Indo-Burma border. "Kale was part of the Fauj's Secret Service group that was gathering intelligence inputs and passing it on to the top leadership of Fauj," Rokade said.

He is said to be the last soldier of the Fauj, founded by Subhash Chandra Bose.

After the defeat of the Fauj followed by Independence in 1947, Kale subsequently returned to Kolhapur and settled there. His health worsened in last some years, mainly after his wife Shyamala passed away a decade ago, Rokade said.

We were looking after him for last seven years. He could recall some incidents from the Azad Hind Fauj days and was a peace loving person, he said.

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Bangladeshi and Chinese companies have signed trade and investment deals worth over USD 13 billion, mainly covering infrastructure and energy sectors, in addition to the USD 20 billion in loan agreements the two governments signed during President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.

Commerce ministry officials said 13 of the projects for which China signed deals with 11 Bangladeshi private firms and two government entities covered infrastructure, communication, power and energy and sports.

The deals were worth USD 13.6 billion, they said.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, while briefing reporters on the deals yesterday, however, did not to quote any figure for the deals and the loan agreements between the two nations.

"You will have to wait more few days to know about total financial involvement of the projects to be undertaken under the agreements," he said.

President Xi today arrived in India for the BRICS Summit in Goa, after completing his two-day trip to Bangladesh. Xi was the first Chinese leader to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Xi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday announced that the Dhaka-Beijing ties have now been elevated to a level of "strategic partnership".

"China-Bangladesh relationship is now at a new historical starting point and heading toward a promising future," Xi said after his talks with Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina.

Xi said China would "continue to do its best" to provide capital, technological and human resources support and carry out "more cooperation" on big projects with Bangladesh to support its economic and social development.

After the bilateral talks, Xi and Hasina witnessed the signing of 27 agreements and MoUs involving the two governments.

China's state-owned and private entities also signed 13 agreements mostly with Bangladeshi private enterprises.

"The deals could involve an amount of over USD 20 billion as those included mega projects requiring loans," a foreign ministry official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Bangladesh has also extended its support to Xi's pet 'Belt and Road Initiative' on which India has expressed reservations in the past.

Hasina said Bangladesh is willing to actively work with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and support the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar, so as to push forward development in various fields such as electricity, energy, technology, agriculture, water resources, investment, transportation infrastructure and connectivity.

"China is ready to work with Bangladesh to move forward as friends and partners who trust and support each other and to add more substance to China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation," Xi said after holding talks with Hasina.

At the signing ceremony, Hasina noted that she had a "very fruitful" discussion with Xi on issues like improving bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.

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Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today alleged that the Congress party has always pursued "divisive politics" in the state for the sake of its vested political interests.

"Congress has irrelevantly meddled in the social, political, economic and even religious affairs of the state," Badal said addressing public gatherings at village Ahlupur, Sardulewal, Fatta Maleka, Kusla and others during Sangat Darshan in Sardulgarh assembly segment here.

Badal also reminded the people about the "notorious past of Congress" and alleged that it has ruined the state.

He further alleged that "the Congress has always pursued the policy of divide and rule to attain power in the state."



The five-time CM said that due to around 60 years of alleged misrule of Congress the country was confronting several social maladies like unemployment, illiteracy, poverty and others.

Badal also hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party, terming it as a "bunch of unprincipled leaders".

The Chief Minister said that these leaders were following the footsteps of Congress party to "deprive the state of its legitimate share in river waters".

Exhorting the people to teach this "anti-Punjab party" a lesson, he said that these forces should be routed during the 2017 Punjab assembly polls.

He said that "if unholy nexus of Congress and AAP succeeds in their maneuvers then Punjab would turn into a desert."



Interacting with the media persons on sidelines of Sangat Darshan at village Fatta Maleka, the Chief Minister said that he had asked the Director General of Police to inquire into the incident of clash between Congress and Akali workers in Ludhiana.

He said that law would take its own course in this matter after the inquiry report was submitted by the DGP.

Badal said that there was no reason for Congress continuing the protest outside his official residence after the inquiry has been ordered.

A violent clash had erupted between Congress and Akali activists on Dussehra eve in Ludhiana when Congress workers tried to burn the effigy of 'Chitta Ravan'.

'Chitta' is a slang for drugs in Punjab.

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A top politician from Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province has demanded that the government make public all agreements signed with China on the Gwadar port and the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Akhtar Jan Mengal who heads the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) told a public meeting in Gwadar that the rights of the Baloch people were being "usurped" in the name of development and they were being treated like "slaves".

"We want to know all details of the CPEC and other agreements signed by the rulers regarding Gwadar," he said.

"I demand that all agreements be made public," he said adding that "whenever we ask for Balochistan's share in the CPEC project we are told that they are constructing an airport in Gwadar," he said.

"Our rulers are pleading the case of Kashmir but not paying any attention to problems being faced by the people of other provinces, including Balochistan, where people are deprived of even basic amenities," Mengal said, according to a report in the Dawn newspaper.

Mengal said that it was important to pass legislation to protect the people of Balochistan and not let them become a minority in Gwadar city.

He said the party will not withdraw from its struggle for the achievement of legitimate rights for the people of Balochistan, protection of its coast and resources.

Mengal said the Pakistan government are trying to snatch the sea from local fishermen who have been using it to earn their bread and butter for centuries.

He said that Balochistan had been producing gas since 1952 for the entire country, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but was itself deprived of it.

He said Gwadar was a gateway to the CPEC and the ambitious project was signed because of the port but the people of the city had been deprived of even drinking water and the government had done nothing to resolve the issue.

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The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) has published a report showing that in 2015 the number of Chinese outbound tourists reached 120 million, with a total overseas spending of US$215 billion. China is still the world's biggest outbound travel market and the country with the most overseas consumption on travelling.

According to the report, 76.34 percent iof Chinese tourists consider travel to be an important way to improve their quality of life and happiness. The strong growth of China's outbound tourism has contributed substantially to the world's tourism markets.

Tokyo is Chinese tourists' first choice for short-distance trips abroad. Bangkok ranks second, followed by Osaka, Japan. The top 10 list is dominated by Asian countries.

The report is based on a survey that collected a total of 11,173 questionnaires.

WTCF is a non-governmental organization established in 2012. It now has a membership of 172 cities.

Read on to find out the top 10 cities for Chinese short-distance foreign travel.

Busan, South Korea

Busan, South Korea [File photo]

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Public sector lender on Saturday said it proposes to raise up to Rs 2,000 crore on private placement basis to meet Basel III requirements.

"The bank has initiated the process of raising funds through issuance of Basel III Compliant AT-I (Additional Tier-I Capital) Bonds; Perpetual Debt Instrument of Rs 1,000 crore with Green Shoe option of Rs 1,000 crore (total size not to exceed Rs 2,000 crore) on private placement basis," it said in a BSE filing.

The bank's shares closed at Rs 154.15 a piece on Friday, down 0.10 per cent over the previous day.

On Friday, another state-owned lender Canara Bank informed stock exchanges that it will raise up to Rs 2,500 crore in one or more tranches by issuing Basel-III compliant bonds.

Indian are expected to fully comply with Basel III standards by March 2019 to improve and strengthen their capital planning processes.

The norms are being implemented to soothe concerns on potential stresses on asset quality and consequential impact on performance and profitability of .
The Kanpur Bar Association has demanded that the probe into the alleged murder of Joint Magistrate Pratibha Gautam by her husband be handed over to the CBI.

"The probe into the murder of the Joint Magistrate should be given either to the CBI or any other judicial officer," said Kanpur Bar Association head Tarunendra Kumar Bajpai.

"We have also written a letter to the SSP of Kanpur in this regard," Bajpai said.

The Association also demanded strict action against those who showed negligence in handling her body.

"The police transported the body for autopsy in a tempo and in the post-mortem house, nobody attended to it properly. We demand that those who carried the body in a tempo be punished," advocate Revant Mishra said.

The lawyers of Kanpur had boycotted work on October 13 as a mark of protest.

Gautam's body was found hanging from a fan on October 9 in her official residence. Initially, the police believed it was a case of suicide, but arrested her husband, Manu Abhishek, after the post-mortem report revealed that she was "brutally assaulted and strangled to death".

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After commemorating the legacy of B R Ambedkar, BJP, which is trying to woo the Dalits ahead of crucial UP polls, today celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with BJP chief Amit Shah paying rich tributes to the poet-saint.

Addressing a function to celebrate 'Valmiki Jayanti' at the party headquarters here, Shah said the Modi government had dedicated all its schemes to dalits and the poor to help ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.

He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creater of Hindu epic Ramayana, in uplift of the Valmiki community and dalits. Shah noted that the Maharishi had said that all are equal and added that the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.

"The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one that is working most for dalits, backwards, tribals and the poor. Take any ministry or department, you will see that the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, dalits, backwards and the oppressed," he said.

BJP has been trying hard to reach out the dalit community ahead of crucial polls in five states slated early next year but has suffered setbacks due to a string of controversies including Rohith Vemula issue and attacks on dalits by cow vigilantes.

Shah, who yesterday addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur attended by dalits who had converted to Buddhism, today highlighted the manner in which the government has asked banks to help finance dalits for self-employment through its schemes.

It is a big indication of the change being initiated, he said.

"If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to bring a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar," he said.

BJP said anyone can achieve greatness by drawing inspiration from Valmiki's life.

"Ramayana is not merely the life story of Lord Rama but is an instrument of giving the message of importance of Indian culture to the world.

"Through the Ramaayan, Maharishi Valmiki gave the message that the victory in the end will be of truth, notwithstanding how strong or clever the untruth is," he said.

Shah said Maharishi Valmiki worked silently for social harmony and the uplift of dalits all his life. "He told us that social harmony lies within the soul of Indian society. He had also said that all people are alike and one need not say this as it is embedded in the Indian culture," he said.

"Dalits, tribals, backwards, poor and youth are there in all the schemes of the BJP-led government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi," he said.

Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, BJP general secretary Ram Lal and incharge of BJP's SC Morcha Dushyant Gautam were also present at the function that was attended by a number of party workers.

Some eminent members of the Valmiki community who have dome exemplary work were also honoured.

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BJP in Jammu and Kashmir today handed over cheques of Rs five lakh each as financial assistance to the families of the two soldiers from the state who lost their lives in the terror attack on the Army base in Uri.

Senior BJP leaders, including the party state president Sat Sharma and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, went to the houses of Subedar Karnail Singh and Havaldar Ravi Paul and handed over the cheques to their widows.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the state cabinet has also decided to provide an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh and a job to one of the members of the martyr's family.

He said it has happened for the first time in the state that the government has honoured the sensitivity of its coalition partner - BJP - and unanimously taken a decision to treat the martyrs of Army and paramilitary forces at par with J&K Police.

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Tripura BJP president Biplab Kumar Deb has alleged that he was attacked by ruling CPI(M) cadres at his rented residence here, following which two youths were arrested.

Duty officer of West Agartala police station said members of a local club were returning home in a mini truck last night after immersing Durga idol when they hit Deb's vehicle, which was parked in front his house at Krishnanagar locality.

The vehicle was slightly damaged in the collision and there was an altercation between the two sides when the driver protested. Police rushed to the spot on receipt of the information and two youths were arrested in connection with it, he said.

Deb, however, alleged that the youths were CPI-M cadres and they attempted to enter his house after hitting his vehicle. He said the attackers also manhandled his personal security officer, who fired two rounds in the air to disperse the gathering.

The firing, he claimed, happened "a few minutes" before the police reached the spot.

"I also called up the district superintendent of police, who immediately rushed to the spot with additional forces," the BJP leader said.

Terming the attack as "pre-planned", Deb said on Oct 11, a group of CPI-M cadres led by Shantanu Bhattacharya, a local committee member of CPI-M, had attacked him but he was rescued by Tripura State Rifles.

"Despite a written complaint to police the next day, no action was taken against the attack. Had there been any action on the incident, the last night's attack would not have happened," he said.

BJP National President Amit Shah and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh have been informed of the incident, Deb added.

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Libya's UN-backed unity government has suffered a blow in its Tripoli base when a rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the reinstatement of the former administration.

The Government of National Accord (GNA) is the centrepiece of Western hopes to stem an upsurge of jihadism in the North African nation and halt people trafficking across the Mediterranean that has led to thousands of drownings.

It was intended to replace two rival administrations, one in Tripoli and one in the eastern Cyrenaica region.

But late yesterday the head of the former Tripoli-based Government of National Salvation, Khalifa Ghweil, proclaimed its reinstatement from the offices of a key consultative body of the GNA.

Ghweil has never accepted the legitimacy of the UN-backed government which took control of the administration in Tripoli in April.

He is subject to international sanctions, renewed by the European Union just last month.

In his statement, he declared all members of the GNA "suspended from their duties".

The UN-backed government riposted with a statement threatening to arrest "those politicians who... Attempt to create parallel institutions and destabilise the capital."



It condemned "efforts to sabotage the political agreement" brokered by the UN last December and denounced the seizure of the Council of State building by an "armed group."



The persistent chaos has hobbled Western efforts to battle a growing jihadist presence in Libya, which has been the launchpad of deadly attacks on holidaymakers in neighbouring Tunisia.

The western Tripolitania region had been the GNA's main stronghold.

The authorities in Cyrenaica still refuse to cede power, bolstered by the backing of the well-armed militia of controversial military strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Libya has two rival parliaments, both elected since the NATO-backed overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The first, elected in 2012, is dominated by Islamists. It appointed the Tripoli government.

The second, elected in 2014, is not controlled by the Islamists but it is marred by a controversial court decision declaring its election illegal. It appointed the Cyrenaica- based administration.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business leaders from countries on Saturday pitched for creation of 'angel investor network' within the grouping to encourage innovative startups.

"We have recommended creation of a angels network which can help talented young entrepreneurs across the countries to create an ecosystem of startups," Onkar S Kanwar, chairman of the BRICS business council, told reporters here on the sidelines of the 8th BRICS Summit.

He said this initiative of promoting entrepreneurship will boost innovation in the 5-nation group, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The network is one of the key recommendations of the council for strengthening economic and financial cooperation among member countries.

Asked if creating a dedicated venture investment fund was also on cards, Kanwar declined to give a direct reply but later said that having a development bank of BRICS countries was also an idea which materialised successfully (in the shape of NDB).

Among other recommendations, the council has suggested bilateral agreements among the countries on the social security front for workers moving from one member country to another.

It also plans to seek the Shanghai based New Development Bank's support for setting up infrastructure development facility which will provide assistance across the entire process till project completion.

The council has also made a pitch for settling trade in local currencies rather than depending on foreign ones.

Other recommendations deal with cooperation on agri business, energy, skill development and manufacturing.
Probing the call centre con in which US citizens were allegedly cheated of several million dollars, police today said they have come across a Dubai link and suspect that the ill-gotten money might have found way into real estate in the emirate.

Considering the complexity of the illicit operation and vast ambit of the scam, the officials of Home Land Security of US and IRS (Internal Revenue Service) are likely to visit the local police soon, Police Commissioner Paramveer Singh said.

An officer of US security agency FBI had yesterday met senior officials of Thane Police and exchanged information gathered by both the sides about the scam which was unearthed earlier this month.

"Dubai angle emerged during the course of investigation of the case. However, whether the link involves 'Hawala' or otherwise cannot be said at this moment. Dubai angle may be in the form of investment in real estate, cars, or even in costly dresses. However, nothing can be said for sure as of now.

"If it's found that the money from crime was invested in any kind of asset, appropriate action would be taken against the concerned person," Singh said.

He said busting of the call centre racket was one of its kind in the world, considering the magnitude of the con.

Singh said the police have mapped around 400 such "unauthorised" call centres operating in and around Thane and Mumbai, besides from places like Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida.

The racket was exposed after city police raided three call centres, which were run illegally on the premises of Hari Om IT Park, Universal Outsourcing Services and Oswal House in Mira Road locality in Thane district on October 4.

The callers, impersonating US tax officials would put up American accent to seek financial and bank details of the citizens of that country and if they refused the information, the scamsters would threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action and penalties.

As per police, the daily turnover of these call centres is said to be to the tune of nearly Rs one crore to Rs 1.50 crore, while the annual turnover could be well above Rs 300 crore.

Police have so far arrested 71 people in the case.

Of them, bail applications of 54 persons, who were remanded in judicial custody by a local court earlier, will come up for hearing on Monday.

During the investigation, police also found that high-tech devices like 'magic jacks' were used by scamsters to threaten US citizens. Police are also looking forward to crack DID (direct inward dialling) number of the devices used by the racketeers so as to find out more about their modus operandi.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India today made some plain speaking to China that countries cannot afford to have differences on the issue of tackling terror and put forward its concerns over Beijing blocking UN designation of JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Indian position was conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting here that came against the backdrop of China putting on hold India's move to get Azhar, the brain behind the Pathankot attack, banned by the UN.

The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to be held tomorrow saw Xi disclosing that a second round of dialogue between the two countries will be held soon on India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in which New Delhi hopes "differences" will be narrowed down. Xi said the dialogue would be helpful.

On the issue of terrorism, Modi told Xi that "Both India and China are victims of terrorism and the region was suffering from the menace. The Prime Minister said no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we cannot afford to have any differences," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting.

"In particular, India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground," he said.

India has been upset with China when it put on technical hold New Delhi's move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by UN. Recently, China extended the hold by few months.

Swarup said both sides recognised that terrorism as a "key issue" with Xi asserting that the two sides should strengthen the security dialogue and partnership.

"Both India and China have been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region," Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale quoted Modi as saying while referring to terror incidents in Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Swarup said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar. "We expect China will see logic in it."



The Prime Minister said India and China must increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and look for a common ground and a long-term road to tackle the menace.

Xi said India and China must step up counter-terrorism efforts and strengthen security dialogue and partnership.

It was announced that Yang Jiechi will meet his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval soon.

Asked whether China has been provided with any evidence in the pursuit of obtaining China's support on the Azhar issue, Swarup said "no evidence".

He said Indian side has not spared any effort to convey that to Chinese and it hopes that they "see logic".

To another question, he said China condemns all forms of terrorism and a counter-terrorism dialogue has taken place with it. "This will be discussed in the next round and our expectation is that China will take all steps... (to check the menace).

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its



stand on India's NSG membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."



Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

Last month, a Chinese delegation led by Director General of Department of Arms Control Wang Qun had visited India for talks on the issue with Indian officials.

In the June Plenary of NSG in Seoul, despite strong American support, China stonewalled India's bid to get entry into the group on the grounds that it was a not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Swarup said Chinese leader clearly acknowledged increasing threat of terrorism and condemned all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

President Xi said terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase and alluded to the threat from ISIL while pitching for stepped up bilateral counter-terrorism efforts, Swarup told reporters.

Xi also said the two sides must maintain strategic dialogue on the counter-terrorism.

The two leaders also noted the upcoming visit by Chinese State Councillor Yang who will hold talks with National Security Advisor Doval where the dialogue will continue.

India and China held their first high level dialogue on counter-terrorism and security in September.

"The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN. There is a close coordination between India and China on this issue and that particular dialogue will continue," Swarup said.

He also said that there was a brief discussion on the NSG issue.

On the economic side, both leaders noted the progress made in sector with Xi talking about various to address the trade deficit in favour of China.
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China agreed to provide loans to Bangladesh for projects including roads, bridges, tunnels and power plants on Friday during President Xi Jinping's historic visit to the country.

Bangladesh loans will aid road and energy projects Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka October 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Witnessed by Xi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 56 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation on telecommunication, infrastructure, finance and trade.

The two leaders also attended a joint inauguration ceremony to unveil six cooperative projects including a tunnel and a Confucius Institute.

"China will continue to offer capital, technology and human resources to help with economic and social development in Bangladesh," Xi said at a joint news briefing in Dhaka after attending the signing ceremony during his two-day state visit to the country.

Calling Bangladesh an "important partner of cooperation in South Asia", Xi said the two countries have agreed to work together to push forward the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Hasina said her meeting with Xi was "quite fruitful" and will benefit the people of both countries.

Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Bilateral trade reached $14.7 billion last year, up 17 percent year-on-year. China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, while Bangladesh is China's third-largest in South Asia.

Bangladesh is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has approved $165 million in loans for Bangladesh.

Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center of South Asian Studies at Peking University, said that Xi's visit shows that China is paying more attention to South Asia, which was not a traditional focus for diplomacy in the past.

With a population of 160 million, Bangladesh has huge market potential for Chinese companies, he said.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said Bangladesh has a number of good ports, including Dhaka, the country's capital and largest city.

China plays an active role in infrastructure construction in Bangladesh, and the country is at the center of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, proposed by China to connect East and South Asia, Ruan added.

Dhaka is the second stop of Xi's trip after Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

He is scheduled to fly to Goa, India, to attend the eighth BRICS Summit over the weekend.
China's 'father of hybrid rice' is planning to expand the production of sea-rice at a newly founded research centre in eastern China's Shandong province.

Within three years, the sea-rice research and development centre in Qingdao, headed by Yuan Longping, is expected to expand the yield of sea-rice to 200 kilogrammes on each "mu", the Chinese unit equivalent to 666 square meters, said local authorities in Qingdao's Licang District.

Wild sea-rice is sometimes found in saline-alkaline soil at the junctures where rivers join the sea. The plant is resistant to pests, diseases, salt and alkali and does not need fertilizer.

But its unit output is only around 75 kg, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The Qingdao research center will use gene sequencing to cultivate new strains of sea-rice that will yield more rice and grow with saline water.

With start-up funding of 100 million yuan (USD 14.86 million), scientists will start their experiment on a 2 hectare saline-alkaline marsh land just north of the Jiaozhou Bay in April.

The project will eventually draw an investment of 2 billion yuan.

Over the past decades, Chinese scientists, led by Yuan, have worked out new approaches to significantly increase the yield of rice, a staple food for 65 percent of the Chinese population.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has greater experience than any other candidate in American history but it is "ironical" that she could win the election more due to the "weakness" of her rival Donald Trump, an expert has said.

"No previous female or male presidential candidate in American history has ever put together this particular set of experiences than Clinton," Professor of History at the University of New HampshireEllen Fitzpatricksaid at a session on 'Gender Politics and the 2016 Elections'.

"It is ironic that in vaulting over the hurdles that all of her previous predecessors were felled by, Clinton's successes have been construed as liabilities by her critics in the current race," she said.

Fitzpatrick noted that Clinton benefited from the challenges that civil rights activists and feminists posed to the rules of the Democratic Party.

Clinton came to national attention through her husband and former President Bill Clinton which gave her a "national platform and kept her in the spotlight."



"When she left the White House, she ran for the Senate on her own, was elected for two terms, and used that position to further advance within the Democratic Party.

"She had unrivalled access to money and party support as a United States senator. And then when she was defeated in 2008, she took a job in her rival's (Barack Obama) Administration, having further experience as a secretary of state," Fitzpatrick said.

The professor was asked whether it ironic that despite Clinton's experience from First Lady to Secretary of State, she might be elected just because of who her opponent is.

She said, "What's ironic is that it will be said about a candidate who probably has greater experience than any other candidate in American history for the office of the presidency."



Fitzpatrickadded that whatever Clinton's merits or deficiencies as a candidate may be, she has overcome "enormous obstacles" to get where she is today.

She said Clinton's achievement of winning the Democratic Party's nomination may not merit the votes on Election Day but gender is playing a crucial role in the 2016 elections.

"No one should vote for a candidate simply on the basis of their sex, but no one should harbour the illusion that gender doesn't matter in American presidential politics and that a woman will be elected to the American presidency just as soon as that perfect candidate comes along," she said.

Fitzpatrick said that if Clinton becomes president, she is going to face a divided nation and a divided Congress.

"Difficult issues will come before her immediately, and that will be true if Trump is elected as well. What we do know about Secretary Clinton is that she has a long record from her time in the senate, she was quite respected by the opposition party as a senator and was quite good at 'crossing the aisle' to work with opponents in the Republican Party.

"So one would hope that these assets would be brought to Clinton presidency and she might do better in that regard," Fitzpatrick said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress in Punjab will burn an effigy of 'Chitta Ravan' in Ludhiana to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention to the drug menace in the state during his visit to the industrial city on October 18.

Modi will address industrialists at an event in the city on October 18. "Chitta" means drugs in colloquial language.

"As soon as Modi starts speaking, the 'Chitta Ravan' will go up in flames," Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh told media persons in Ludhiana.

"I will personally set fire to the Chitta Ravan. Let them try and stop me if they can...I want to show the Prime Minister what kind of goondas he is supporting," he said.

"Let Modi also get a taste of how Punjab is burning under the Akali rule," the former Punjab Chief Minister said, launching a frontal attack on the state government on the issue of drug menace.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Ludhiana on October 18 to attend a function being organised by the MSME Ministry where he will give away national awards to outstanding micro, small and medium enterprises.

Launching the party's "war against drugs" from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's home turf, the PPCC president had yesterday announced that Congress leaders and workers would "blast" the 'Chitta Ravana' in all the 117 Assembly constituencies in the state.

Describing the 'Chitta Ravana' as a "demonic symbol" of the Badal government's "evil dispensation", Amarinder said his party would fight the drug menace in the state till it's completely wiped out.

Early in the day, AICC Secretary Harish Chaudhary told reporters in Chandigarh, "The Pradesh Congress Committee has decided to burn the 'Chitta Ravan' in Ludhiana on October 18 when PM will visit the city. It will be a symbolic event."



"Congress is committed to eliminating the drug menace from Punjab," he said.

Congress spokesperson and former Legislative Party (CLP) leader Sunil Jakhar tweeted: "PM to face 'Chitta' truth of Punjab drug menace. Congress to burn 'Chitta-Ravan' during PM Modi's visit to Ludhiana on 18th Oct.

Amarinder held the Badal government responsible for the



"deteriorating" law and order situation in Punjab and alleged a "deep-rooted" nexus between Akali leaders and the state's liquor and drug mafias.

He also criticised the reported lathi charge on protesting government workers in the Chief Minister's Lambi village.

Warning the SAD government against continuing with its "repressionist" policies, he said the people of the state will use their votes to throw Badal and his cronies out of power.

"The Akalis will have to pay dearly for their rampant abuse of power," the PPCC chief said.

Amarinder also visited DCC chief Gurpreet Gogi who was on Dussehra eve attacked by Akali workers.

Reacting to Congress' announcement, SAD spokesman Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal said, "This hoopla is unlikely to yield political dividends, but will certainly create bad blood."



"Burning effigies round the year only reflects on the "mental bankruptcy" of Congress," he added.

Grewal said it was beyond any comprehension as to what "Amarinder Singh and company" was out to accomplish through the dharna at the official residence of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Instead of reaching out to voters in the state, the entire Congress leadership is huddled in a tent outside CM's residence, he said.
The high-security zone outside the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has virtually turned into a "protest site" with Congress and war widows continuing to stage their separate sit-ins over their demands.

Tight security arrangements have been made by the city police outside the residence of the house with road leading to Badal's house being barricaded from both sides and anti-riot vehicles and fire fighters being deployed at the site which is otherwise a no-protest zone.

Besides prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons and taking out of processions remain in force in the area which has the residences of chief ministers, ministers, senior officers of Punjab and Haryana besides the joint secretariats, assemblies and the High Court.

The protest of Punjab Congress members today entered third day. They are demanding transfer of Ludhiana Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh and suspension of ADCP-4 Jaswinder Singh and a case to be registered against Akali activists in 'Chitta Ravan' case.

Across the road in front of Badal's house, there are also war widows and family members of 1962, 1965 and 1971 war martyrs who have been protesting against the state government for not meeting their demands for the last several days.

"Our protest will continue till our demands are met," Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi said adding, "This place (the protest site) has become a Jantar Mantar (as it is in Delhi)."



The food for members of Congress is coming from the official house of Channi which is located nearby. "Today, the lunch is being brought by MLA Rana Gurjit Sigh from his house," said Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu.

On the other hand, war widows and family members of 1962, 1965 and 1971 war martyrs who had rejected Rs 50 lakh special grant-in-aid announced by the state government had refused to call off their protest.

They have now started observing hunger strike. "We shall continue with our protest," said Gurmeet Singh, son of a 1971 war widow Shinder Kaur.

Several war widows and their family members have been staging protest in front of Badal's residence here since September 27.

They have been demanding financial compensation in lieu of 10 acres of land which was announced in 1975.

Meanwhile, senior party members today visited the



protesting Congress workers outside Badal's house to express here their solidarity.

Among the first to reach the dharna site and express support for the party workers this morning was Ambika Soni, AICC general secretary and chairperson of Punjab Congress Campaign Committee.

Congress in-charge, Punjab Affairs, Asha Kumari; AICC Secretary Harish Choudhary; and former Punjab CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also joined the protestors.

Several Congress legislators and workers have been camping outside Badal's residence in Chandigarh since Thursday, demanding transfer of Ludhiana Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh and suspension of Additional Commissioner of Police (City-4) Jaswinder Singh and case to be registered against Akali activists.

The visit by Soni and other senior leaders came a day after Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh joined the agitating party workers and vowed to take the anti-Akali battle to its logical conclusion.

Addressing the protestors, Amarinder had announced that effigies of Chitta Ravana would be burnt in all the 117 Assembly constituencies of the state as symbols of the evil regime of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Extending their full support to the party MLAs and workers on dharna outside the gate of Badal's residence, Soni and other Congress leaders today declared that they would not allow the Akali "gunda raj" to continue in the state.

The dharna, they announced, would continue till the Badal government takes action against the "erring" police officials.

Among others sitting at the dharna are CLP chief Charanjit Singh Channi, Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and Congress MLAs Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Surinder Dawar, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Rana Gurjit Singh, Randip Nabha, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Rakesh Pandey.
A Delhi court would on Monday consider whether to take cognisance of the charge sheet against a man for alleged savage killing of a 21-year-old woman by stabbing her 22 times on a busy road here in front of several onlookers last month.

Link magistrate Riya Guha supplied the copy of charge sheet to 34-year-old accused Surender Singh and put up the matter before the concerned court for October 17.

The charge sheet was filed in the court by Delhi Police yesterday against Surender, who is currently in judicial custody, for the offence of murder under section 302 of IPC.

The brutal murder, which was captured in CCTV camera, took place on September 20 when Karuna Kumar, a teacher in a North Delhi school, was going for work, police said, adding that Surender had been stalking her for over 18 months.

Police said Karuna, along with her cousin Neha, was on her way to work when Surender attacked her with a pair of scissors near Labour Chowk in Burari.

As Surender caught Karuna off guard and plunged the single blade of scissors in her body, a man rushed to stop him but soon backed off fearing he would be attacked.

Within about three minutes, Surender had stabbed Karuna 22 times, as onlookers kept away, it said. Neha told the police that she was also threatened by Surender and had to back off but she kept shouting for help.

The victim was taken to Sushruta Trauma Centre in Civil Lines where she was declared brought dead. The accused was beaten up by the locals, who caught him and handed him over to the police. He was arrested and a case of murder was lodged against him.

Surender, son of a retired Delhi Police sub-inspector, is going through divorce proceedings and has two kids.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a minor reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir government today ordered transfer of several civil and police officials, including Director School Education Kashmir Shah Faesal who had recently stirred a debate by saying he needed a job in view of schools being closed in the Valley due to the ongoing unrest.

The transfers were approved by the state cabinet which met here last evening under Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, but the formal orders were issued today, an official spokesman said.

He said Faesal, the UPSC topper in 2010, has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, Jamuu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation.

Faesal had recently sarcastically posted on Facebook-- "I am Director of shut schools. I need a job" --referring to the schools continuing to remain closed in Kashmir due to the separatist-sponsored strike to protest the killing of civilians in the violence that broke out in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar has been transferred and posted as Director, School Education, Kashmir replacing Faesal, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said Pramod Kumar Jain, Chairman, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Finance Department has been transferred and posted as Financial Commissioner, Agriculture Production Department vice Sundeep Kumar Nayak, who will report in the General Administration Department till further orders.

Gazzanfar Hussain, Commissioner/Secretary, General Administration Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner/Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, while Sarita Chauhan, Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare Department has been transferred and posted as Chairperson, Jammmu and Kashmir Service Selection Board, relieving Hussain of the additional charge, the spokesman said.

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The spokesman said Nirmal Sharma, Secretary Labour and Employment Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner of Enquiries in place of Sajjad Ahmad Khan, who has been transferred and posted as Secretary Social Welfare Department.

Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has been transferred and posted as Secretary General Administration Department while Kifayat Rizvi, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation has been posted there.

Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Commissioner/Secretary Revenue Department shall hold the additional charge of the Administrative Secretary, Science and Technology Department till further orders, the spokesman said.

He said Peerzada Hafizullah Shah, Additional Director, SKIMS has been transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing Department in place of Rafiq Ahmad Hakim, who has been transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture, Kashmir.

Babila Rakwal, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Director, School Education, Jammu vice Samita Sethi, who on her return from the Child Care Leave will report in the General Administration Department for further orders, the spokesman said.

He said Jatinder Singh, Secretary, State Vigilance Commission, has been transferred and posted as Director, Forensic Science Laboratories, relieving Khalid Jehangir, Additional Secretary, Home of the additional charge.

Choudhary Rashid Azam Inqalabi, Special Secretary ARI and Trainings Department has been transferred and posted as CEO, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in place of Arun Kumar Sharma, who has been transferred and posted as Joint Financial Commissioner, Revenue.

The spokesman said the cabinet also approved the transfer of seven senior police officers.

M Suleman Choudhary, SP Udhampur has been transferred and posted as SP Rajouri vice Rajeshwar Singh who has been transferred and posted as SP, Human Rights, CID, headquarters vice Pawan Kumar Parihar.

Parihar has been transferred and posted as SP, Kathua, relieving Neeva Jain, SP, Kathua to join the Central Deputation, the spokesman said.

He said Udaya Bhaskar Billa, SP Traffic City, Jammu has been transferred and posted as SP, Leh vice T Gyalpo who has been transferred and shall report in the PHQ till further orders.

Shailendra Kumar, awaiting orders of posting in PHQ has been posted as SP, Udhampur.

Tahir Sajad Bhat, AIG (Pers) PHQ has been transferred and posted as SP, Reasi, relieving Sujit Kumar to join the Central Deputation, the spokesman added.
A delegation of DMK leaders today met President Pranab Mukherjee and sought his intervention in resolving the Cauvery water sharing issue and submitted a memorandum in this regard.

Led by Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, the delegation met Mukherjee and urged him to constitute the Cauvery Management Board at the earliest.

"We have sought the President's intervention in the Cauvery water dispute. We have also sought permission to meet the Prime Minister to discuss the issue," Kanimozhi told reporters.

In its memorandum, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam sought a President's directive to the Water Resources Ministry to constitute the Cauvery Management Board.

It also pointed out the plight of the farmers in Tamil Nadu and the increasing number of suicide cases.

"If the Government of India fails to constitute an authority to manage Cauvery water distribution process, the same will continue further and we may have to face further distress suicides among the farmers of Tamil Nadu," it said.

Kanimozhi was accompanied by MPs T K S Elangovan, R S Bharathi and Thiruchi Siva at the meeting.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An eerie silence descended on the pilgrim town of Varanasi with the bridge over the Ganga linking it to Chandauli bearing tell-tale signs of a major stampede this morning.

Heaps of footwear and other belongings lay scattered as people ran berserk on rumours that the bridge was about to collapse under the weight of devotees crossing it to participate in a religious event.

What was billed as a weekend congregation of followers of Jai Guru sect, turned out into a big tragedy as people in large numbers mourned the death of their near and dear ones.

The stampede broke out when thousands of devotees tried to cross the bridge at once.

Followers of Jai Gurudev, leader of a local sect, were moving in a procession and far too many were on the narrow roads to the Rajghat bridge than sanctioned, say officials.

Gurudev, who died in 2012, is among several charismatic self-styled godmen who enjoy cult-like following among thousands of followers.

His was the name used by Tulsidas Maharaj, a religious leader in northern India. He was imprisoned for 20 months during a period of political unrest in 1975 and led the Doordarshi political party in the 1980s and 1990s, unsuccessfully campaigning for election to the Indian national parliament. He died in 2012 at an unconfirmed age of 116.

One man died of suffocation because of the surging crowds, which led to a commotion.

Rumours that the bridge had collapsed fueled more chaos, Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmed said.

"They (organisers) had sought permission for 5,000 people but many more people reached and joined the procession. We are investigating crowd management and will take action against those responsible," he said.

"There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother," said an eyewitness.

Ambulances with hooting sirens and red and blue lights flashing were seen making repeated trips to state-run district hospitals in Varanasi and Chandauli to ferry those seriously injured even as some gasping for breath, anxiously waiting for their turn to be evacuated.

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"The administration was caught napping as authorities should have made adequate arrangements to tackle the crowd," said an onlooker.

"They should have known before hand the size of the gathering and taken measures to match the situation," he said.

Local authorities, however, said the incident was triggered by a death due to suffocation.

"No one had anticipated that hell will break loose and things will go out of control in a jiffy," said an official, busy arranging to shift the injured to nearby hospitals.

Stampedes in religious gatherings in different parts of the country, which have left hundreds of people dead and injured over the years, have mainly been attributed to poor crowd management by organisers and even police.

Deadly stampedes are fairly common during religious festivals, where large crowds gather in small areas with few safety or crowd control measures. In October 2013, a stampede in Madhya Pradesh state in central India killed more than 110 people, mostly women and children.

However, government intervention, better infrastructure and crowd-control techniques at places of annual gatherings have brought down the frequencies of such mishaps.

Police said most of the deaths occurred between Padav and Rajghat bridges when thousands of followers of Baba Jai Gurudev were taking out a procession to promote vegetarianism and morality at Domari village.

The procession was part of a two-day long confluence of followers of the seer.

Spokesman of Jai Gurudev Sansthan Raj Bahadur said the devotees were proceeding towards the camp, but police started sending them back though they kept on thronging the bridge.

This led to rumours that the bridge ahead has collapsed which led to the stampede, he said, alleging that there was a serious lapse on the part of the administration.

The sect made headlines earlier this year when 24 people including two police officers were killed in violence at a park in Mathura where devotees had been squatting for two years.

With Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh barely a few months away, political parties reacted on expected lines with opposition blaming the Samajwadi Party government of failing to gauge the situation in time, and the ruling party on the other hand saying it was not time to point accusing fingers but to concentrate on relief and rescue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed profound grief over the incident and condoled the death of people.
Egypt's military has launched air strikes against jihadist targets in the Sinai Peninsula, the army said, after the Islamic State group killed 12 soldiers at a checkpoint.

The northern Sinai is a stronghold of the Sunni extremists, who have killed hundreds of soldiers and police since the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Yesterday's attack saw mortar rounds and rockets fired at an army post west of El-Arish, the provincial capital of North Sinai, according to officials.

The military said in a televised statement that its aircraft had taken off at dawn today for a reconnaissance and bombing mission that lasted several hours and was still ongoing.

It said the strikes targeted hideouts of armed extremists involved in yesterday's assault, adding that a number of the jihadists were killed and weapons destroyed.

The military has poured troops into the peninsula in recent years to battle the insurgency.

IS has also targeted foreigners in Egypt and claimed last year's bombing of a Russian airliner carrying tourists home from a Sinai resort. All 224 people on board were killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A former federal agent was sentenced to 12 years in prison for tipping off a defense contractor who was under investigation for overbilling the Navy by at least USD 35 million.

Former Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigator John Beliveau II was also ordered to pay USD 20 million in restitution.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Beliveau to 15 years, the harshest punishment sought yet in the bribery case that has led to charges against 16 people.

The defendants include nearly a dozen current and former Navy officials. Like Beliveau, prosecutors say, most of them were bought off with luxury hotel stays and the services of prostitutes provided by Malaysian contractor Leonard Francis.

Beliveau, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, apologized in a letter to the court, adding he deserves and understands "the feeling of anger, vengeance and disgust from others in my former field."



He asked for forgiveness and offered himself as an example of what not to do in law enforcement.

His attorney, Jessica Carmichael, said her client was targeted by Francis, a boisterous executive with Glenn Defense Marine Asia who is nicknamed "Fat Leonard."



Beliveau, 47, has suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder since he was 6, according to his attorney's court filings.

He also has suffered from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and has had alcohol problems, Carmichael said.

She had asked the judge to sentence him to no more than a year in home confinement and the maximum period of supervised release.

"We were very disappointed that the government dismissed and belittled his mental health condition, calling it nonsense and an alphabet soup of disorders," Carmichael said outside court.

Beliveau was taken into custody immediately at his request.

Prosecutors say Beliveau shared hundreds of internal files with Francis about criminal investigations being conducted regarding his business, and in return GDMA executives arranged prostitutes, provided Beliveau up to USD 30,000 in cash, and sent him on trips around Asia.

Francis is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to bribing Navy officials with more than USD 500,000 in cash, sex workers, Cuban cigars, Kobe beef, model ships and others gifts in exchange for favors that helped him beat out competitors and overbill the Navy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

US further lifts sanctions on Cuba US National Security Advisor Susan Rice speaks on the new presidential action on Cuba at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 14, 2016. The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. [Photo/Xinhua]

The move is intended to expand scientific collaboration, increase humanitarian support, and bolster trade and commercial opportunities between the United States and Cuba, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

"These steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans," US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said.

The move, which will take effect on Monday, will make it easier for US companies to import Cuban-made pharmaceuticals, U.S. agricultural companies to sell their products to the island and Cubans to purchase US-made goods online.

Most notably, the new measure will lift the limits on the amount of Cuban rum and cigars US travelers are allowed to bring home for personal use from the island country.

US President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014, that the two countries would normalize relations after more than a half century of enmity. The two former Cold War foes reestablished diplomatic relations last year.

In an effort to further cement his presidential legacy on Cuba, Obama on Friday approved a Presidential Policy Directive that "takes another major step forward" in US efforts to normalize relations with Cuba.

"This new directive consolidates and builds upon the changes we've already made, promotes transparency by being clear about our policy and intentions, and encourages further engagement between our countries and our people," Obama said in a statement, adding that it will "make our opening to Cuba irreversible."

In the new directive, the Obama Administration also renewed its call on Congress to lift the embargo on Cuba.

"The embargo is outdated and should be lifted," Obama said in the directive. "My Administration has repeatedly called upon the Congress to lift the embargo, and we will continue to work toward that goal."
Scientists have shown for the first time that people with chronic lower back pain who knowingly take a placebo, or 'fake pills', along with traditional treatment see more improvement.

Conventional medical wisdom has long held that placebo effects depend on patients' belief they are getting pharmacologically active medication.

"These findings turn our understanding of the placebo effect on its head," said Ted Kaptchuk, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in the US.

"This new research demonstrates that the placebo effect is not necessarily elicited by patients' conscious expectation that they are getting an active medicine, as long thought," said Kaptchuk.

"Taking a pill in the context of a patient-clinician relationship - even if you know it's a placebo - is a ritual that changes symptoms and probably activates regions of the brain that modulate symptoms," he said.

Researchers studied 97 patients with chronic lower back pain (cLBP), which causes more disability than any other medical condition worldwide.

All participants were screened and given a 15-minute explanation of the placebo effect. The group was then randomised into one of two groups; the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group or the open-label placebo (OLP) group.

The vast majority of participants in both groups (between 85 and 88 per cent) were already taking medications - mostly non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) - for their pain.

Participants in both the TAU and OLP groups were allowed to continue taking these drugs, but were required not to change dosages or make any other major lifestyle changes, such as starting an exercise plan or new medication, which could impact their pain.

In addition, patients in the OLP group were given a medicine bottle labelled "placebo pills" with directions to take two capsules containing only microcrystalline cellulose and no active medication twice daily.

At the end of their three-week course of pills, the OLP group overall reported 30 per cent reductions in both usual pain and maximum pain, compared to 9 per cent and 16 per cent reductions, respectively, for the TAU group.

The group taking placebo pills also saw a 29 per cent drop in pain-related disability. Those receiving treatment as usual saw almost no improvement by that measure.

"Our findings demonstrate the placebo effect can be elicited without deception," said Claudia Carvalho, from Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada (ISPA) in Portugal.

"Patients were interested in what would happen and enjoyed this novel approach to their pain," Carvalho said.

Kaptchuk speculates that other conditions with symptoms and complaints that are based on self-observation (like other kinds of pain, fatigue, depression, common digestive or urinary symptoms) may also be modulated by open-label treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Jammu and Kashmir government has distributed 14 lakh quintals of foodgrain to people of the state during the last three months of ongoing turmoil in the Kashmir Valley.

State Minister for food and civil supplies Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali told this to Union Minister for food and public distribution Ram Vilas Paswan during their meeting here today.

"The department has distributed 14 lakh quintals of foodgrain to the consumers of the state during the last three months of the ongoing turmoil in the Valley," Ali told Paswan.

He said the officials of his department, despite facing various hardships due to the unrest in the Valley, worked day and night to provide foodgrain to the consumers.

He projected the demand for procurement of maize from local farmers through food corporation of India (FCI) on market rates and disbursing it to consumers on payment of Re one per kg.

Stating that a large number of farmers in the state are maize producers but a lack of proper market is discouraging them, Ali stressed the need for encouraging them by providing a platform for marketing their produce.

In response to the demand, Paswan instructed officers of his department and FCI to coordinate with the J and K government to start procurement of maize.

During the meeting, Ali also took up the issue of food godowns of state that are presently under FCI for many decades and sought rent of these godowns from the corporation.

The Union Minister said they have already handed over Nagrota godown to the J and K government and are in process of handing over the remaining godowns at Lethpura and Gulab Bagh to the state soon.

Paswan asked the state government to provide them alternative land for construction of FCI godowns so that they can expedite the process of vacating the state godowns.

Taking up the matter of funding for e-PDS, Ali projected 90:10 ratio and said the Centre is already providing 90 per cent funding to northeastern states and should do the same for J and K.

J and K has already projected this demand in National Consultation Meeting of Ministers twice, the minister said.

The Union Minister assured proper action in this regard.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thousands of guest teachers today boycotted the second edition of parent-teacher meeting to protest Delhi government's "failure" in keeping its promises.

There are 17,000 guest teachers enrolled in Delhi government schools and according to All India Guest Teachers' Association, around 6,000 teachers remained absent from the PTM (Parent-Teacher Meeting).

The Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Moradabad area had 79 guest teachers on strike following which they had to reschedule the meeting.

Directorate of Education (DoE) officials claimed that only a few groups of guest teachers boycotted and the disturbance was "minor" and did not affect the PTM in any major way.

Scores of guest teachers have been on a protest since October 5, boycotting exams and classes over government's "failure" to keep its promises related to permanent appointment, a fixed policy for future, increase in wages, and reappointment of any guest teacher removed earlier.

Currently, the 17,000 guest teachers get wages in the range of Rs 700-900 per day, which comes around Rs 18,000-Rs 20,000 per month.

The Delhi government had last Saturday announced that they will be given a monthly salary and increased the amount to Rs 32,000 to Rs 34,000.

However, some guest teachers are not pleased and said that the move could be made "under pressure" due to the mega PTM and that they will not end the boycott till a circular is issued.

Keen parents queued up at Delhi government-run schools today to get feedback on performance of their wards at the second mega parent teacher meeting organised to increase interaction between the two.

First edition of this exercise was carried out in July by the AAP government with an aim to improve overall performance of the students.

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Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ahead of Gujarat Assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi Chief Minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.

Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf, where the BJP has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.

Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into politics if his community members want him to do so.

23-year-old Hardik's leaning towards AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.

Yesterday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit 'Yuva Azadi' over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the Army.

"We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar community's reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight," Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he can do for the Patel community.

"Our youths lost lives during the quota agitation, cases were slapped against us for carrying out the agitation. Please spell out during your visit what you can do for us," Patel wrote in the memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister.

"Our main demand is reservation for our community and you should spell out what you can do for giving reservation to us," he asked.

"BJP has finished democracy in Gujarat. You are the chief minister of the capital of the country -- Delhi -- and whatever you say will be heard in the entire country. I request you to do whatever is possible for our community," the memorandum by Hardik said.

In response, Kejriwal said, "It is important that those leaders who ordered firing on Patel protesters (during quota agitation of August 2015) should be punished.

Earlier, PAAS members on the call of Hardik had disrupted



a public rally of BJP chief Amit Shah in Patidar community dominated Varachha area of Surat.

The outfit had also barred Congress and BJP leaders from entering areas dominated by them and many functions of BJP leaders were disrupted.

The BJP had effected a leadership change in the long-ruled state with Anandiben Patel being replaced by Vijay Rupani as Chief Minister, though the party had rejected suggestions that that was the result of organisational and electoral calculations.

The quota stir had turned violent after the arrest of Hardik Patel in August 2015. Patel community protesters had indulged in arson and stone pelting and clashes with police and damaged government and private properties worth crores of rupees.

In police action against protesters, 12 youths including one policeman had died in the state.

Kejriwal yesterday met family members of some of the Patel youths who lost their lives. Patel community has so far supported BJP in Gujarat.

On his arrival, Kejriwal had alleged that BJP president Amit Shah and his party were trying to disrupt the rally in Surat on Sunday.
Hate crime charges have been filed by authorities against a group of men who brutally attacked a 41-year-old Sikh-American man, knocking off his turban and cutting his unshorn hair with a knife.

Maan Singh Khalsa, a father and IT specialist in California, said the charges against the men who attacked him are the first step to addressing violence and bigotry, which plague communities across the United States.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office filed hate crime charges against Khalsa's attackers yesterday.

"The assailants violently targeted my Sikh faith. I am thankful to the Richmond Police Department andContra Costa County District Attorney Mark Petersonfor ensuring that my attackers were charged with hate crimes," Khalsa said in a statement issued by The Sikh Coalition.

Khalsa was driving home on the night of September 25 when a group of men in car threw a beer can at his vehicle.

When Khalsa questioned the men, they began abusing him.

Khalsa drove away from the scene but the men followed him and assaulted him through his open car window, knocking off his Sikh turban and hitting his face repeatedly.

Khalsa said there were "five to six white males in their late 20s to early 30s" who abused him and three of them then attacked him physically.

Shouting that Khalsa's hair should be cut off, the men pulled his head out of the window, and cut a fistful of his unshorn hair with a knife.

Khalsa had also sustained injuries to his fingers, hands, eye and teeth.

The Sikh Coalition, the nation's largest Sikh civil rights organization, had written to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on behalf of Khalsa, urging authorities to conduct a hate crime investigation and prosecution in the case.

Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said they do not condone such a crime in Richmond nor in America.

The Sikh Coalition said in the 15 years that have followed the 9/11 terror attacks, Sikhs remain hundreds of times more likely to be targeted in cases of profiling, bigotry and backlash than the average American.

"These hate crime charges ensure that the bias-based nature of the assault on Mr.Khalsa will be addressed during the prosecution," said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.

"The purpose of prosecuting bias-motivated assaults as hate crimes is not to impose harsher penalties. Instead, the purpose is to mitigate hatred in our society and ensure that we are all free to safely pursue the American dream regardless of our race, ethnicity, or religion," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bombay High Court today reserved its judgement on two public interest litigations against illegal hoardings, banners and posters.

A division bench headed by Justice Abhay Oka said it would pronounce the judgement in the last week of November.

The High Court said its orders of November 26, 2015, and September 17, 2016, asking civic authorities in Maharashtra to remove illegal hoardings, would continue to operate in the meantime.

The PILs filed by Suswaraj Foundation and Janhit Manch's Bhagwanji Riyani alleged that political workers, NGOs and private organisations put up illegal hoardings, banners and posters in complete violation of civic rules all over the state, defacing private and public properties and spaces.

Riyani, arguing in person, submitted today that banners announcing a protest march led by Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray had been put up in various parts of Mumbai, and demanded action against the party and its leaders for violating the High Court's orders.

Riyani also said he was getting "threats to life" and demanded police protection. The bench asked the concerned police station to provide him protection if he applied.

Suswaraj Foundation's lawyer Uday Warunjikar said there was no awareness about the laws against defacement of public or private properties, and the government should address it.

Lawyers of Shiv Sena and BJP said their workers had been instructed not to put up illegal hoardings, and action would be taken if anybody defied this directive.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's lawyer Anil Sakhare



said the police should provide more protection to the civic body's squads which remove illegal hoardings.

The HC had, on November 26 last year, asked the municipal bodies across Maharashtra to take up a special drive against illegal hoardings, posters and banners.

On September 16, 2016, the court again ordered a month-long drive against illegal hoardings. This period ended today, so the bench ordered that the drive should continue until the final order was passed.

The BMC said in an affidavit today that it had removed 12,486 banners in the city recently, lodged 2,855 police complaints, and police had registered FIRs in 138 cases.

BMC had launched prosecution in 920 cases, and also set up a toll-free number where citizens can complain about illegal hoardings, it said.

The High Court had earlier warned the political parties of action for contempt of court after it was informed that despite tendering apology and giving undertakings to the court, workers of BJP, MNS and NCP were found to have put up illegal hoardings at several places in the city.
In a landmark step to combat climate change, about 200 nations, including India, today struck a legally-binding deal after intense negotiations to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons that have global warming potential thousand times more than carbon dioxide.

Negotiators and policymakers held meetings all through the night, intensely deliberating to iron out differences over the amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reach the Kigali Amendment to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - that are widely used in fridges, air conditioning and aerosol sprays.

Theagreement reached by 197 parties on the amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is expected to prevent a global temperature rise of up to 0.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

According to the amendment, developed nations will reduce HFC use first, followed by China. India and nine other nations of South and West Asia will follow suit. Overall, the deal is expected to reduce HFC use by 85 per cent by the year 2045.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, who attended the high-level segment of the conference in the Rwandan capital Kigali, said: "We cared for our development, industrial interest and at the same time the interest of the country."



"We were flexible, accommodative and ambitious. The world is one family and as a responsible member of the global family, we played our part to support and nurture this agreement," he said according to an official statement.

Speaking after the adoption of the amendment, Environment and Forest Ministry Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha said India came to the meeting "with an open mind and a sense of accommodation to get the best deal for India, for the developing countries and for the world. We have achieved that."



The amendment will enter into force on January 1, 2019, provided that at least 20 instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of the amendment have been deposited by states or regional economic integration organisations that are parties to the Montreal Protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Under the amendment, three different schedules have been set for countries to freeze and then reduce their production and use of HFCs.

The developed countries, led by the US and Europe, will reduce HFC use by 85 per cent by 2036 over a 2011-13 baseline.

China, which is the largest producer of HFCs in the world, will reduce HFC use by 80 per cent by 2045 over the 2020-22 baseline. India will reduce the use of HFCs by 85 per cent over the 2024-26 baseline.

Developed countries have also agreed to provide enhanced funding support to developing countries. The Montreal Protocol amendment is legally-binding, unlike the Paris Agreement signed last year but set to enter into force next month.

India's lead negotiator Manoj Kumar Singh said: "It was



very good negotiation and hope all the Parties are happy with it because major concern of major countries - all the economies - has been taken care of and it is a good balance between environment and economy," Kumar said.

Noting that India has taken a position to have baseline of 2024-26, then freeze year in 2028 and start work thereafter, Kumar said, "we will be having a very good ambition and doing the phase down in time".

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.

Hailing India's role in reaching the deal, Indian climate experts said India went with a clear strategy and a proactive agenda to enhance the overall environmental ambition of the agreement and to protect the nation's economic interests.

Director-General of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Sunita Narain said the Kigali amendment reflected the principal of common but differentiated responsibility. "It also reflects the emerging reality of a world in which China will have to take more and more responsibility to solve global environmental issues," she said in a statement.

Her deputy Chandra Bhushan said the amendment "finally agreed to not only protect India's economic interests, but also doubles the climate benefit compared to the previous Indian proposal. It will avoid HFC emissions equivalent to 70 billion tonne of CO2."



The amendment is a critical step towards limiting warming and the single biggest climate action of the year, just weeks before leaders meet in Morocco for international climate talks.

Climate Action Network, an NGO working to promote government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change, said the results from Kigali as well as the recent outcome on aviation emissions shows that governments are taking the objective of the Paris Agreement seriously.

Yesterday, after holding bilateral talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the Kigali Conference, Environment Minister Dave said India has agreed to move its freeze year from 2030 to 2028. Freeze year is the year in which phasing down of HFCs begin.

The Kigali Amendment to the Protocol has created three categories of countries, with different schedules and timetables for reductions, and with the vast majority of countries freezing production and consumption by 2024.

Developed countries agreed to make their first HFC cuts by 2019. China, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, and more than 100 other developing countries have committed to freeze their HFC production and use by 2024, and make further reductions thereafter.

India, Gulf States, and Pakistan have agreed to make HFC reductions on a slower track.

The amendment is a critical step towards limiting warming and the single biggest climate action of the year, just weeks before leaders meet in Morocco for international climate talks.
President Francois Hollande invoked the spirit of national unity today as he led tributes to 86 people killed in a jihadist truck attack in Nice on Bastille Day.

Today's ceremonies in the Riviera resort city had been postponed until a day after the three-month anniversary because of storms in the region.

"What was attacked on July 14 was national unity," Hollande told hundreds of victims' relatives and officials invited to the ceremony.

"It is the monstrous aim of the terrorists, to attack some in order to terrify others, to unleash violence in order to sow division... Well, I tell you, no, this evil enterprise will fail," he said.

"In some families, three generations were swept away," Hollande said, as he described "the entire nation's compassion and solidarity" for mourning relatives.

The July 14 attack saw a 31-year-old Tunisian extremist ram a 19-tonne truck into a crowd of 30,000 holiday revellers on the Promenade des Anglais seafront before police shot him dead.

More than 400 people were injured, some grievously.

The Islamic State (IS) group said the driver, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was one of its followers.

The massacre marked a peak of brutality in a string of jihadist attacks in France over the past two years that have ramped up security fears while stoking anti-immigrant sentiment ahead of presidential elections in 2017.

Hollande's Socialist government came under fire for alleged security lapses ahead of the attack in Nice, a bastion of the rightwing opposition.

Several politicians from the right attended the ceremony including former president Nicolas Sarkozy and Alain Juppe, both candidates in the Republicans party's presidential primary next month, and far-right National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen.

Many families are still struggling to deal with their grief.

"Nice and all of France weeps for the 86 victims. Our sadness is unending," said Cindy Pellegrini, a relative of the victims, who read a text in their memory at the start of the one-hour ceremony.

And some survivors of the attack are still trying to put their lives back together.

Vincent Delhommel Desmarest, who runs a restaurant on the Promenade des Anglais, is still haunted by the bloodbath and has yet to return to work.

"You don't sleep at night. I saw the whole thing, the lorry bearing down, the mutilated, decapitated bodies, the guts," said Desmarest, leader of a victims' group.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The longstanding India-Africa partnership is neither prescriptive nor exploitative but is based on mutual respect and represents south-south cooperation in all its dimensions, India has told the UN.

"The longstanding India-Africa partnership is based on solidarity and mutual respect and is neither prescriptive nor exploitative. It represents south-south cooperation in all its dimensions, one that continues to contribute to the implementation of 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN D C Manjunath said at a session of the New Economic Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) here yesterday.

He said India and Africa represent one-third of humanity and their similar and shared experiences and struggles translate into similar scale of challenges and concerns both at the level of national priorities and collective interests in an increasingly globalised world.

"India and Africa worked together to develop a common understanding of our core priorities for an inclusive economic growth to eradicate poverty and allocate adequate resources in the debate on SDGs, Financing for Development and the 2030 Agenda," he added.

He underscored that the India-Africa Strategic Partnership seeks to address many of the challenges that the African Union have identified.

"The core strengths of our development partnership are capacity building, mobilising financial support and sharing of technical expertise. It complements our rapidly growing trade and investment links," he said.

India and Africa have focussed on programmes for poverty eradication; provision of affordable quality healthcare and education, generating employment opportunities; building access to modern and renewable energy services, infrastructure and connectivity between resources and markets.

Besides the wide-ranging development and humanitarian assistance efforts, India also partners Africa in promoting peace and security through its longstanding contribution to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, he added.

Manjunath noted that while Africa has made rapid strides in recent years, difficulties surrounding agriculture productivity, skill development, manufacturing capability, the current low commodity prices and slow economic growth, lack of diversification of economies, poor connectivity and infrastructure remain some of the critical constraints.

"Chronic armed conflicts for control over resources in certain regions of Africa also impede progress," he said adding that reliance on official development assistance continues to be high despite their declining levels from traditional donors.

He said Africa-India trade doubled in the last five years to reach nearly USD 72 billion last year making India the fourth-largest trading partner for Africa.

Indian FDI in Africa has also surged, with major investments in telecommunications, IT, energy, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and automobile sectors.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and China will soon hold a dialogue on New Delhi's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in which it hopes "differences" will be narrowed down.

President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a second round of dialouge on the issue of India's entry into the NSG, over which China has reservations, will be held soon.

"This will be helpful. President Xi told PM," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit tomorrow.

The Chinese President's word on the issue came after the Prime Minister told him that India was looking forward to working with China on realising its membership of the NSG.

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."



Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

Last month, a Chinese delegation led by Director General of Department of Arms Control Wang Qun had visited India for talks on the issue with Indian officials.

In the June Plenary of NSG in Seoul, despite strong American support, China stonewalled India's bid to get entry into the group on the grounds that it was a not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
 Flash

Haiti will hold long-delayed presidential elections on Nov. 20, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announced on Friday.

Initially postponed by political turmoil, elections were pushed back yet again by last week's Hurricane Matthew, which devastated southern Haiti, leading officials to call off an Oct. 9 poll.

The CEP said it needed at least five weeks to prepare for the elections, "because a significant number of voting centers were partially damaged or partially destroyed," and "in some cases, voting centers are not accessible because of ... impassable roads in many locations," the daily Haiti Libre said.

In addition, thousands of Haitians displaced by flooding are without their national identity cards, and will require time to retrieve or replace them, the CEP said.

Haiti has consistently failed to meet its electoral timetable and is officially without a head of state.

The CEP called off a scheduled presidential runoff two days before voters were to go to the polls on Jan. 24, citing rising violence and threats against the election process.

The runoff pitted opposition candidate Jude Celestin, of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH), against ruling Tet Kale Haitian Party (PHTK) candidate Jovenel Moise.

Tensions rose after Moise won the first round on Oct. 25 with 32.8 percent of the ballots, followed by Celestin, who garnered 25 percent of the ballots.

The outcome angered supporters of the opposition, since going into the first round, polls showed Celestin was the favorite to win, with 33.4 percent support, while Moise trailed in distant second place with 17.5 percent.

In the meantime, the president of the National Assembly, Jocelerme Privert, has served as Haiti's provisional president.

Political instability has roiled Haiti since its first democratically-elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, was ousted by a U.S.-backed coup in 2004.
In a veiled disapproval of terror sponsored from across the border, India and Russia today strongly pushed for steps to deny safe havens for terror and called for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the UN to tackle the menace.

The strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations came forth in a joint statement issued by the two countries after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an engagement that took place against the backdrop of the Uri attack and the subsequent surgical strikes.

The two leaders also favoured a strong global legal regime on the principle of "zero tolerance" to the menace and without adopting double standards.

"India and Russia recognise the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge.

"They stressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements," the joint statement said.

At a joint press briefing, Modi conveyed to Putin his appreciation of Russia's unequivocal condemnation of the Uri attack during their talks on terrorism, including that emanating from Pakistan.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both the countries were united in dealing with the challenge of terrorism.
India today signed an agreement with Russia for cooperation in the implementation of 'smart cities' programme and use of IT solutions of the Russian companies.

The agreement was signed between JSC Rusinformexport and the Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd and the Haryana government, according to an official statement.

The agreement was signed in Goa where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement.

India plans to have 100 smart cities by 2022. Out of which 60 have been chosen -- 20 in January, 13 in May and 27 last month. The remaining will be picked by 2018.

Meant to change the way urban India lives, smart cities will enjoy uninterrupted power and water supply, internet connectivity, e-governance, along with quality infrastructure.

Besides this, the two countries also sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.





ALSO READ: BRICS summit: Modi,Putin ink pact for building helicopters in India

The defence deals included India buying the 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over $5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.
India today announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the being held here.

The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier.

The most strategically important decision is the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.

No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard.

This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.

The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.

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Describing the reforms undertaken by the Indian government as "work in progress", a top Obama Administration official has linked the growth in bilateral trade between the two countries to India opening up and liberalising its economy.

"Prime Minister Modi came in with a very ambitious agenda, including to improve the business environment, the Make in India initiative, the Digital India initiative," US Trade Representative Michael Froman told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of his next week's travel to India to attend the US-India Trade Policy Forum meeting.

There have been a number of important reforms  the Goods and Services Tax bill, the Bankruptcy Law, the creation of commercial courts, the issuance of a national IP strategy, the opening of certain sectors to investment  that are important and help contribute to a better business environment, he said.

"However, it is a work in progress, and there continues to be issues around investment and restrictions that can be addressed in order to improve the business environment," said Froman who is scheduled to travel to Mumbai and New Delhi next week.

One of the key architect of India-US trade relationship in the Obama Administration, Froman said India had been successful in increasing its growth rate, and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

"And as it opens up to further trade and investment, I think we will see the relationship expanding further," he said when asked about the timeline to achieve the goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama to increase the bilateral trade to $500 billion a year.

"The United States is quite an open economy, so the key is that as India continues down the path of reform, and opens and liberalises its economy, it will help grow the US-India trade relationship," Froman said.

In Mumbai on October 19, Froman is expected to meet with the private sector, and on the next day he would be in New Delhi for the US India Trade Policy Forum meeting.

The Indian delegation would be led by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman.

"This is a good opportunity to have another Trade Policy Forum. Over the last few years, we have seen enhanced engagement through the Forum on a whole array of issues, and it has proven to be a useful Forum for getting the issues on the table," he said.

"The US and India have a $109 billion trade relationship, but given the size of our economies, and how much we have in common, we could be doing a lot more. The TPF is one mechanism for us to address the issues so that we can expand our trade and investment relationship," he said.

Froman said the Obama Administration had worked with India on an array of intellectual property rights issues.

"We both care a lot about strong copyright protection and the enforcement of copyrights, and the new (Indian) National Policy includes a focus on trade secrets, which we think is important. We appreciate the process that India went through in developing its IPR Policy," he said.

"We continue to work in the pharmaceutical area, and we very much believe that there is no contradiction in promoting innovation and promoting access," Froman said.

Asserting that the US is very much committed to the public health objective, Froman said with the government of India, the Obama Administration had talked about a whole array of issues about access to medicines, including tariffs on imported medicine and opening up the health services market so that there are more providers in the market.

"We try to take a holistic approach to this," he noted.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a very high safety standards, he said, when asked about the delay in FDA's clearances for Indian drug and pharma companies.

"We do not compromise that for anybody. The primary mandate of the FDA is safety. I'm sure it is a process that takes some concerted effort, but at the end of the day, it means that Indian firms will be meeting a very high standard," he observed.
Pakistan has said that the Indian move to completely seal the 3,323-km-long border between the two countries by December 2018 would be "contrary" to the Indian position of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said the announcement by Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month that India will "completely seal" the border with Pakistan by December 2018 was contradictory to the Indian stand of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood.

"On the one hand, they talk of establishing peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other hand their actions contradict their claims," he said yesterday in response to a question.

Zakaria, however, said India has not yet officially communicated to Pakistan about the decision.

"India has not formally conveyed any such plan (sealing the border) to Pakistan. We don't have the details," he said.

Rajnath Singh had said India was planning to seal the entire border with Pakistan by December 2018 and that a proper monitoring mechanism, including the use of technology, would be in place for the purpose.

His announcement had come after he reviewed the security situation along the border with ministers from four states - Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat - that share border with Pakistan.

The announcement was also significant as it came in the wake of increasing tension between India and Pakistan after surgical strikes by army on terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

The surgical strikes were in response to an attack on an Indian army base in Uri on September 18 in which Pakistan- backed terrorists killed 19 Indian soldiers.

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Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani today emphasised on the urgent need for branding Indian silk both at home and abroad so that its products find more overseas buyers and yield better value realisation.

The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 5th India International Silk Fair being held here on October 15-17. The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council expects a business of over USD 50 million from the three-day exhibition, an official statement said.

The minister saw the future of Indian silk industry as "very bright".

Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, Central Silk Board Chairman K M Hanumantharayappa and Indian Silk Export Promotion Council Chairman T V Maruthi were also present on the occasion.

Nearly 110 exhibitors from different parts of the country have displayed a wide range of products of silk, silk-blended items such as garments, accessories, made-ups, carpets, sarees and interior decoratives of silk and silk-blend fibres.

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Jammu and Kashmir government has given the go-ahead for the construction of a 332 km-long, 220 KV transmission line from summer capital Srinagar to Leh in the frontier Ladakh region that is suffering energy shortage.

The approval to the State Power Development Department to sign an MoU with the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) in this regard, was given by the state cabinet which met here yesterday under Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, an official spokesman said.

The sanctioned cost of the project is Rs 1,788 crore and the cost of the project will be borne by the Centre and state in the ratio of 95:5, the spokesman said.

The electricity supply system of Ladakh region is currently isolated from the Northern Grid and fed through local small hydro generation and diesel generator sets.

The region is experiencing energy shortage and to overcome this, the 220 KV transmission line has been planned to improve reliability of power supply through interconnection with the Northern Grid.

The Cabinet said the power department shall operate and maintain the transmission Line from Alusteng (Srinagar) to Leh at its own cost after taking it over from PGCIL.

The finance department shall provide the necessary funds to the power department for operation and maintenance of the transmission line after it is taken over by the state government, the spokesman said.

He said the Cabinet also instructed the finance department to issue necessary orders for waiver of all state taxes for construction of the 220 KV line.

The 332 km long line would pass through Srinagar-Zojila-Drass-Kargil-Khalsti to Leh.

The project was approved in January 2014 and is scheduled for commissioning in September 2017.

Once completed, it will feed power to Ladakh region and interlink the state's existing 66 KV system, he said.

The spokesman said the project is being executed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) and subsequently will be transferred to J-K Government after an MoU to this effect is signed between State PDD and PGCIL.

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An Indian Army jawan allegedly committed suicide at his residence in Mahad in Raigad district after shooting himself with a revolver, police said today.

Rajesh Balkrishna Pilaware, 32, allegedly shot himself while he was alone in the house. His wife and children saw him lying in a pool of blood after returning home yesterday, a local police official said.

Pilaware was posted in Punjab and was visiting his family in Mahad.

The jawan was taken to hospital where he was declared brought dead, the official said, adding that the reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained.

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Ratifying appointment of Nitish Kumar as its president, making strategies for its expansion in other states with 2019 parliamentary poll in mind are the main issues JD(U) will discuss at its two-day national council meet beginning at Rajgir tomorrow.

State JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar said over 170 delegates from 23 states including Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala would take part in the meeting at Rajgir in Bihar's Nalanda district.

General Secretary and MLA Shyam Rajak said the National Council meeting would ratify election of Nitish Kumar as party chief.

Kumar had taken the rein from Sharad Yadav in April this year. Kumar was the sole candidate for the post after the nomination was invited last month in the national capital and was declared elected unopposed.

Rajak said the meet would adopt political and economic resolutions as guidelines for future.

The meet is expected to draw strategy for coming poll in Uttar Pradesh as well.

Former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, former Union minister M P Veerendra Kumar, party's General Secretary K C Tyagi and a host of Bihar ministers and legislators would be present in the meet.

Rajgir, about 100 km from capital Patna, is a famous tourist place in CM's native Nalanda district.

The meet would discuss how to take CM's two "important achievements"- good governance and prohibition - among commoan man and take the message in other states, Neeraj Kumar said.

Rajak said the expansion plan of the party in other states, with an eye on the 2019 Parliamentary election, would also be an important agenda of the national council.

Nitish Kumar is expected to address the meet in an open session on second day-- on Monday.

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Meanwhile, Bihar chief of JD(U), Basistha Narayan Singh said former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi would attend the concluding open session of party national council meeting at Rajgir on October 17.

Political resolution would be passed at the two-day national council meeting, he said.

Party representatives from as far as Dadar Nagar Haveli, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh would be present in the meet, Singh said.

The party state chief said the session would start at 3 PM tomorrow in which election officer of the party, Anil Hegde, would announce the unanimous election of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the JD(U) President which would be ratified by the national council.
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Cuba welcomed on Friday new steps taken by U.S. President Barack Obama, to make "irreversible" the relations between the former Cold War foes but said they are still "very limited" while the economic and commercial embargo stands.

The director for U.S. affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry Josefina Vidal said the new Presidential Policy Directive approved by Obama is positive although the document does not hide Washington's intentions of promoting economic, political and social changes in the island.

"The (U.S.) document recognizes Cuba and its government as a legitimate and equal partner and ... allows both countries and peoples to achieve a relationship of civilized coexistence within the large differences between the two governments," she said in a brief press conference.

She also indicated the document may be useful for the next American administration because it reflects the feelings of large sectors of the American society and political circles.

Vidal added the United States has no intention to stop developing "interventionist programs" that oppose the interests of the Cuban government.

"This policy directive does not hide the intention to continue developing in our country subversive programs that respond to U.S. interests and involve in them sectors of the Cuban society," she said.

On Friday, Obama issued a Presidential Policy Directive on Cuba and ordered the relaxing of a series of trade, travel and financial restrictions, another step forward to make irreversible the process of normalization of bilateral relations between the two countries that began in December 2014.

Among the changes, Cuban pharmaceutical companies could apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval and sell in U.S. territory innovative products manufactured in the island.

Also, another measure would let U.S. firms provide infrastructure services to the Cuban government or nationals to directly benefit the people.

For American travelers, the biggest change is the removal of limits on the amount of rum and cigars they can pack in their luggage, strictly for personal use.

Perhaps one of the most important changes is removing the prohibition of foreign vessels entering a U.S. port to load or unload freight for 180 days after docking at a Cuban port for trade purposes.

The measures are contained in the latest Obama administration executive order on Cuba to sidestep the Republican-controlled Congress and further relax the economic and trade blockade the White House has imposed on Havana for over 50 years.

The U.S. Congress has resisted Obama's call to lift Washington's economic embargo on Cuba.
Chief Justice of India T S Thakur today lauded the "exemplary performance" of judiciary in the country and said the huge pendency of cases was due to increasing litigations, as he pitched for raising the strength of judges.

"National average which is I think around 650 cases per judge at the high court level. Performance of judges in India is exemplary, is very very commendable. Backlog is not because judges are not working," he said at a function here.

He said "the number of cases that are coming before us is so large... We are deciding more than judges in other countries decide."



His remarks come days after the Union Law Ministry had said in a note that shortage of judges was not the "sole reason" for increasing pendency of cases and cited data of states like Delhi and Gujarat which are struggling to dispose of cases despite a higher judge-population ratio.

The CJI had in April last lamented "inaction" by the Executive to increase the number of judges to handle the "avalanche" of litigations.

In his address here today, Justice Thakur also said the judiciary was not looking at any particular number and was ready to discuss and evolve a mechanism for increasing its strength.

"We are not looking at any particular number (of judges) such as 40,000, 50,000. We are saying let us sit across the table, let us evolve the reasonable number and then evolve a mechanism and roll out a plan...."



"Government has its views. Government also keeps examining the issue and there is a continuous debate. I only wish that that this debate ends and we agree on a certain number, there is a roll out," he said.

Justice Thakur said he had prepared a report analysing various factors such as judges-case or judges-population ratios and would send it to the government.

The essence of the report was that the number of judges must be increased in order to ensure that the backlog was reduced, he said adding the pile-up was not because judges were not working but due to filing of large number of cases.

Referring to the Law commission's report in 1987 which suggested that there be 40,000 judges, he said the strength today was only 18,000 though the population and number of litigations had gone up manifold.

Justice Thakur was delivering a special address on Mediation Awareness Programme arranged by Tamil Nadu Mediation and reconciliation centre and Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy.

Justice Thakur also said a majority of the three crore



pending cases in the country are accounted for by eight major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra.

These states accounted for 80 per cent of the population in the country and naturally pendency would be high for them, he said.

Stressing the need for frequent interactions between the lower and higher judiciary, he said the meetings should not be restricted only to Legal Services but cover other issues such as infrastructure and staff.

On the issue of mediation, the CJI said the real challenge for the lower judiciary was to identify the cases which have to be recommended to the alternative dispute redressal (ADR) centres.

Stating that there were complaints from the mediation centres that even though they have trained mediators and other infrastructure they did not get cases to settle, Justice Thakur said it was the duty of the lower judiciary to identify the cases which can be referred to ADR Centres.

This would reduce the burden on the judiciary and also bring down the backlog besides helping the litigant to get relief, the CJI said adding training programmes such as the one held here today would help in achieving better results.

Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh, Chairman of Tamil Nadu Mediation and Conciliation Centre, was among those present.
In a bid to popularise judo in the country, a development programme for the youngsters was organised by the national federation in various cities in north India, which received praise from the world body for its success.

In association with the International Judo Federation, Judo Federation of India organised 'Judo Educational Journey Through India' from October 1-11 in various cities of North India.

During the two weeks, the IJF experts travelled to hold over 15 sessions in nine cities -- Agra, Haridwar, Dehradun, Jallandhdar, Gurdaspur, Narnaul, Rohtak, Sonipat and New Delhi. Each session involved large numbers of judokas and altogether more than 3,000 young people and judo teachers took part in the event, a release said.

Happy at the success of the programme, IJF President Marius Vizer said JFI would consider conduct of the same programme in South India next year.

"The Judo Educational Journey through India, organized for the very first time in this part of the world, was a real success. I want to congratulate all the people from the IJF, to the Judo Federation of India and the regional and local organisations for all the work done to make this event a success," he said.

For the first time also, the IJF included in its ranks the world and London Olympics medallist judoka Miklos Ungvari of Hungary.

The first stage of the Tour was launched in the wonderful setting of the Taj Mahal in Agra with the judokas undergoing practice in front of this architectural wonder.

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Actor Kabir Bedi will speak at the Arts for India charity event to honour the two-time Academy award-winner and "Gandhi" director Richard Attenborough in London next week.

The 70-year-old veteran star, who will be the first Indian actor to attend the event at BAFTA, praised Attenborough for his contribution to the world of cinema.

"Lord Attenborough remains an iconic figure in world cinema. I first met him at the London Press screening of his Oscar-winning 'Gandhi', where I bowed and touched his feet, Indian style, as a mark of reverence," Bedi said in a statement.

"I salute BAFTA, BFI and Arts For India for honouring a great British actor, producer and director for his magnificent contributions to the world of films. I'm privileged to be a part of it," he said.

Attenborough was an English actor, film director and film producer. He was also the president of British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

He is best known for his roles in "Brighton Rock", "The Great Escape", "10 Rillington Place", "34th Street" and "Jurassic Park".

The award will be received by film producer and educator, Lord David Puttnam.

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Actress Kangana Ranaut suffered a minor injury while shooting for "Simran" in the US.

According to sources, a minor accident happened yesterday in Atlanta while the 29-year-old actress was shooting. The actress has got a small cut near her eyebrows.

"While shooting one of the scenes she got a small injury. Nothing major though, luckily it is just a small cut near her eyebrows but she is fine now and will resume back shooting," sources close to Kangana said in a statement.

In Hansal Mehta's directed film "Simran" the National Award-winning actress will play Praful Patel, a 30-year-old divorcee.

Kangana will next be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's period drama "Rangoon" alongside Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor.

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Aggressively wooing the politically dominant Patel community ahead of next year's Assembly polls in Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal today sought its support to "clean" the state's politics and assured support to get "justice".

On the second day of his four-day visit to the BJP-ruled state, the Delhi Chief Minister was greeted with black flags at various places by some little-known groups who termed him traitor for demanding proof of Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Kejriwal met family members of four Patel youths who died during last year's OBC quota agitation. Before that, he addressed a gathering at the Patel-dominated Piludra village in Mehsana district and sought the community's support to "clean" Gujarat's politics.

The village held special significance as the quota agitation started from here one year ago, he said. "Now I request you to start another movement from this village to clean the politics of Gujarat. We all must come together to fight against corruption and clean Gujarat's politics," he said.

He also shouted the slogan "Jay Sardar - Jay Patidar" several times during the speech, and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel's statue in Mehsana.

He then visited Kaamli village in Unjha tehsil of Mehsana district where he met the kin of Nagjibhai Thakor, a police constable who committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from bootleggers and politicians last month.

At this village, he also met the parents of Kanubhai Patel, a Patidar youth who died during quota violence last year.

He then visited Umiya Mata temple, revered by the Patel community, at Unjha. Outside the temple, members of 'Rashtriya Patidar Sansthan' protested against Kejriwal over his remarks on the surgical strikes.

Kejriwal landed in Ahmedabad in the afternoon and met family members of three Patel youths who died during the violence in August last year.

Talking to reporters after meeting family members of



Siddharth Patel, one of these youths, Kejriwal demanded more compensation for the kin of all the Patel youths who died during the quota agitation.

He also termed these deaths as "murders".

"Bullets were fired on unarmed people who were protesting in a peaceful manner. I believe it was an act of murder. Police do not fire on their own, they only follow orders. So strict action must be taken against those leaders who gave such orders," Kejriwal said.

"I learned that state government gave Rs four lakh to family of each victim. This is nothing, as many families have lost their sole breadwinner. I demand that government give more compensation and take care of every family till their children stand on their feet," the AAP leader said.

Prior to visiting Siddharth's family, he went to Ghatlodia area of city to meet the kin of Nimesh Patel.

During his visit to Siddharth Patel's house in Vastral area, Kejriwal faced protest from the members of Sardar Patel Group, a prominent Patel outfit which was part of quota agitation alongwith Hardik Patel-led PAAS.

SPG workers alleged that the AAP national convener had come with an eye on next year's polls, and showed him signs with message "Kejriwal Go Back".

To avoid trouble, police took eight SPG members away from the spot before Kejriwal's arrival. They were released soon, Inspector Paresh Solanki of Ramol police station said.

Kejriwal blamed BJP president Amit Shah for this. "Amit Shah is behind these protests. Just days ahead of our Surat rally on Sunday, a non-bailable arrest warrant has been issued against in-charge of Gujarat AAP, Gulab Singh. It shows BJP is too much scared of us," he said.
US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held face-to-face talks today for the first time since Washington halted their bilateral push for peace in Syria.

The pair met in a Lausanne hotel shortly before they were to take part in a broader gathering with regional players to relaunch international efforts to end the Syrian war, officials said.

After talking for 40 minutes, Kerry and Lavrov joined envoys from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Jordan and Qatar to seek ideas on how to end the conflict.

Previously, Russia and the United States had pursued a joint effort to impose a ceasefire, but this broke down when Syria's Bashar al-Assad launched an assault on rebel-held east Aleppo.

Kerry has since accused Russian-led forces of taking part in the regime's bombing of hospitals and homes and has put an end to the bilateral track -- while still remaining in close contact with Moscow.

Ahead of today's talks, a senior US official travelling with Kerry told reporters that the plan was to bring the countries most deeply implicated in the conflict together to thrash out new ideas.

"The format through which we are pursuing solutions to this horrible conflict in Syria has evolved," he said.

"We are not pursuing this directly with the Russians bilaterally any more, but just because the format has evolved doesn't mean that the underlying objectives have changed."



Those objectives, he said, are for a steep reduction in violence, increased humanitarian access to besieged civilian communities and eventually for a political dialogue between the government and opposition.

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Hinting that there would be no alliance with Congress in the upcoming by-elections in two Lok Sabha and one Assembly seat in state, the opposition Left Front led by CPI(M) has asked its party leaders and workers to prepare for the upcoming by-polls and strengthen the party organisation.

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of a meeting with Front partners at CPI(M) headquarters today, Left Front Chairman Biman Bose hinted that this time there would be no electoral understanding with the Congress for the by-polls.

"Notification for by-polls in Cooch Behar and Tamluk Lok Sabha Seats and Monteswar Assembly constituency will be issued in two or three days. We have asked our leaders and workers to start preparation for the by-polls and strengthen the party organisation," Bose said.

Responding to queries whether there would be an electoral understanding with the Congress for the by-polls, the Left Front Chairman said, "There was no such discussion in today's meeting."



"The Left Front constituents have been asked to start the primary preparations for the by-polls. As far as the Congress is concerned, it is better to ask its leaders about their plans for the by-polls. We are not concerned about that."



The CPI(M)-led Left Front had forged an alliance with the Congress in West Bengal ahead of the last state Assembly polls.

The decision to forge an alliance with ideologically opposite Congress raked up an inner party debate within the CPI(M).

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The grandson of Jitan Ram Manjhi was arrested in Gaya for possesing liquor bottles with the former Bihar Chief Minister calling it a "conspiracy" to malign him.

Superintendent of Police Awkash Kumar said Manjhi's maternal grandson Vicky Kumar Manjhi was caught with liquor bottles near Kathwara village under Dobhi police station area in Gaya district last evening.

He said Vicky was arrested while travelling in a car with his friend Ravi Kumar. 12 bottles of beer and one bottle of Royal Stag were found in their possession.

30-year-old Vicky Manjhi is son of the former Chief Minister's daughter.

Both the accused have been sent to Gaya central jail as per the new Excise law in force in the state from October 2, the SP said.

Strongly reacting to the developments, Manjhi alleged the entire episode was hatched by police to please political master as part of a "conspiracy" to malign him.

Manjhi, chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha, a constituent of BJP in NDA, told reporters in Patna that law should take its course in the episode.

"If my grandson has done anything wrong, law should take its own course. But I smell conspiracy in the entire episode," he said.

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Members of the Maratha community today took out a huge "silent march" here in southwest Maharashtra in support of their charter of demands, including reservation, the latest in a series of such state-wide protests by the politically influential group.

Thousands of members of the community took part in the "Maratha Kranti Mook Morcha" (Maratha Revolution Silent March) which also saw participation from socio-religious and political groups.

Members of Parliament Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Udayanraje Bhosale from Satara also joined the march attended by people from Konkan, Belgaum (Karnataka), Sangli and adjoining areas.

Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra Revenue Minister, expressed solidarity with the community and briefly marched with others.

Participation by a large number of women and college girls was one of the highlights of the event.

Five girls met District Collector Amit Kumar Saini at around 12.30 PM and submitted a memorandum listing the demands, which included quota for community members in government jobs and education, scrapping of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and speedy trial in the Kopardi case wherein a Maratha girl was raped and murdered.

Schools, colleges and shops remained shut and city buses were off the roads. Cinema halls cancelled their afternoon shows in support of the march.

Member of Parliament Dhananjay Mahadik, MLC Mahadev Mahadik and former Maharashtra Minister Hasan Mushrif were some other prominent persons who showed up at the event.

The community had been taking out such silent marches across the state for the last few weeks.

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India today inked three mega defence deals with Russia that included purchase of a most advanced air defence missile system as part of 16 pacts even as the two traditional allies strongly pitched for "zero tolerance" in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.

The bilateral pacts were signed here after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held "fruitful and substantive" wide-ranging talks encompassing entire gamut of bilateral ties. The two sides also made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

Modi prefaced his remarks at a joint press event with Putin invoking a Russian proverb to drive home the point that "an old friend is better than two new friends," in a reflection of India's apparent unhappiness over Russia's recent joint military exercise with Pakistan.

Besides the purchase of 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf long- range air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion, the other two deals related to procuring four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates and setting up of a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The inking of these deals assumes significance since in in the recent past it was perceived that India, which had signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the US providing access to Americans to Indian military bases, was drifting away from its traditional defence ally, Russia.

Modi appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the Line of Control(LoC) last month targeting terror launch pads in PoK.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.

The two leaders also discussed Uri attack by Pak-based terrorists during their "restricted talks" segment after which the Indian Side expressed its appreciation for Russia's unequivocal condemnation of the attack on army base in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which "sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy", also said it was "satisfied" about Russia understanding of its interests.

"We are satisfied that Russia understand India's interest and they will never do anything contrary to India's interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject," Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to India's concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.

Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities.

Modi and Putin also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulam



nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

A joint statement issued after their talks said the two sides noted with satisfaction "the progress in discussions on the General Framework Agreement and the Credit Protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 with a view to conclude these documents before the end of 2016."



Asserting that ties with Russia were "strong and time-tested", Jaishankar said the commercial pacts inked today will generate "unprecedented" investment and were an effort to "bring up to speed" the bilateral economic ties, which were lagging behind.

Asked why terror was becoming an important issue in BRICS, which is a body meant to deal with issues relating to economy and development, Jaishankar said the bloc has been discussing contemporary issues.

"Earlier they dealt with economic challenges and now terror is an important issue and BRICS has never shied away from discussing political issues," he said.

Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

"These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," he said.

He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

"Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties. In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability."



On cooperation in atomic sector, Modi said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulam 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India."



The joint statement said Russia strongly supported India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and welcomed India's accession to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Talking about India's expanding presence in Russia's hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in that country's Oil and Gas sector.

"And, with President Putin's support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.

"A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising 'Energy Bridge' between our two countries," he said.

The Prime Minister said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.

"Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields," he said.

(REOPEN DEL 66)



The joint statement said Russia also supported India's interest in full membership in the Wasseanaar Arrangement, a prominent multilateral export control regime



The joint statement said the two countries reaffirmed their continued commitment to work together towards development of energy efficiency and renewable energy source.

On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement.

"Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

"And, with President Putin's backing, we hope to fast track India's association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement," he said.

Modi added that efforts by the two sides for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance infrastructure partnership.

The Prime Minister said success of the Summit "shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.

"It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues."



Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.

"We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage," he said.
A mild sedative could greatly reduce the risk of people experiencing delirium after undergoing an operation, a new study has found.

The study suggests sedating patients may reduce the risk of post-operative delirium by up to 65 per cent.

The condition may affect up to one in three people who have a major operation, causing confusion and hallucinations - with the over-65s particularly at risk.

The team, including scientists at Peking University First Hospital in China, believes the sedative may help the brain 'recover and reset' after surgery.

Post-operative delirium usually strikes within the first two days of a person waking from general anaesthetic.

The symptoms range from relatively mild, such as a person not knowing their name or where they are, to more severe, such as aggressive behaviour or even hallucinations.

"Post-operative delirium is a huge challenge for the medical community - and incredibly distressing for patients and their families," said Professor Daqing Ma, from the Imperial College London in the UK.

"In many cases patients become almost child-like, and do not understand where they are, what is happening, and become very upset. Hospital staff have also been injured by delirious patients becoming aggressive," said Ma.

The causes are unknown, but one theory is that major surgery can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which in some cases can spread to the brain.

The risk of the condition increases with age, and it seems to strike more often when patients undergo major, lengthy operations.

The delirium can last from a few hours to a couple of days, and some research suggests it may be linked to an increased risk of elderly patients later developing dementia.

In the new study, researchers assessed 700 patients age 65 or older who were about to undergo major surgery.

Half received a low dose of a type of sedative called dexmedetomidine after the operation, as an infusion directly into a vein in their arm, while half received a placebo salt-water infusion.

The patients received the infusion of sedative or placebo around an hour after surgery, and for the next 16 hours.

This sedative, which is commonly used for medical procedures and in veterinary medicine, leaves a patient relaxed and drowsy, yet conscious. The drug is considered safe as it does not affect breathing.

Both groups received the same general anaesthetic before undergoing their operation. They were then assessed for symptoms of delirium every day for a week after procedure.

The results showed that nearly one in four patients in the placebo group - 23 per cent - developed delirium. However only just under one in ten patients - 9 per cent - who received the sedative developed the condition.

Scientists are still unsure how the sedative works, but one theory is it allows the brain to rest and recover immediately after surgery, said Ma.

The study was published in The Lancet journal.

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Seeking to allay India's concern over Russia's growing military ties with Pakistan, a top official and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin today said there are no talks for sale of military equipment to Pakistan and that the recently held army exercise was directed at countering terrorism and not aimed at India.

Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, asserted that the military exercise does not show a "significant" change in his country's relations with Pakistan.

"Our relationship with Pakistan has existed for a while. In some areas it has broadened but I will not call it as significant change," Chemezov, who was the KGB station chief in Germany when Putin was a young operative there, told a select group of journalists.

Asked about the recently held army exercise, Chemezov said it was directly connected with modern way of specialised fight against terrorists.

Highlighting terrorism, he said that ISIS was not just an Arab danger but a global one.

"ISIS is a global danger and it not just involves terrorism in the Arab world but does involve terrorists in Russia, India as well as Pakistan. We feel that joint military exercise in this area are vital for world peace. These exercises are not in any way targeted at anything to do with India or any other country," Chemezov said.

Asked about the sale of Mi 35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, Chemezov said that Russia has "not delivered any modern aircraft or any military aircraft to Pakistan".

"We have made deliveries of helicopters but those are specialised transport helicopters. Delivery has already been made. There is no contract negotiations for any military related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan," he said.

Chemezov said that Russia would be glad to cooperate with India on the issue of terrorism and would be happy to not just provide equipment and weapons but also share best practices of its special forces and increase cooperation.

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Nabard is looking to take its digitisation of SHGs to 22 more districts, to be completed by the end of 2016-17, under the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme after successful pilot execution in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, Chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala said today.

Nabard had launched the the largest microfinance programme in the world involving 7.9 million self-help groups (SHGs) and picked Ramgarh in Jharkhand and Dhule in Maharashtra for the pilot project for digitisation, Bhanwala said.

Buoyed by the encouraging results, the project will be extended to cover another 22 districts across the country and will be completed by this fiscal, Bhanwala said after receiving honorary degree of Doctor of Science at the 37th Convocation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here.

Stating that Nabard-TNAU linkage has contributed to the development of agricultural education, infrastructure and strengthening of research activities, he said that if Tamil Nadu is at the forefront of agriculture, the contributions by agricultural scientists and farmers of the state were substantial.

Strengthening the agricultural sector is crucial for poverty alleviation, ensuring food security, increasing employment opportunities and enhancing rural income, Bhanwala said.

Consistent efforts taken by the Centre, RBI and Nabard had resulted in agricultural credit growing impressively during the last decade, especially after the policy of doubling of credit was unveiled in June 2004.

The credit flow to agriculture reached Rs 8.77 lakh crore as on March 31, 2016, of which crop loans accounted for Rs 7.05 lakh crore, he said.

The ratio of agricultural credit to agricultural GDP has increased to around 42 per cent by the end of 2015-16 from 10 per cent in 1999-2000, he said.

In the over 34 years of its existence, Nabard has emerged as the largest development financial institution in the country, playing "a catalytic role" in agriculture and rural development with a view to attaining sustainable rural prosperity.

Declaring the institution of endowments, Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Doraikannu said the government had allotted Rs 1,429 crore for agriculture education and research during 2011-16.

The state has received three Krishi Karman award in the last five years, he said.

Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao presided over the convocation, in which clsoe to 600 students received degrees and awards.

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Union Health Minister J P Nadda today assured all support to Uttar Pradesh government after 24 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of a religious leader were crossing it this afternoon.

Nadda said Union Health secretary C K Mishra has already spoken to senior Health officials of the state and assured all necessary support.

"Deeply pained by the loss of lives in stampede at Varanasi. My condolences with bereaved families. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured.

"Health Secretary, GOI has spoken to the Health Sec & other Senior Officials of Uttar Pradesh & have assured them all the necessary support," Nadda tweeted.

The stampede took place at Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event this afternoon.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of the Ganga to take part in the two-day camp.

Officials said that the nineteen people included women were killed during the stampede.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the MP from Varanasi, has already expressed anguish over the incident and asked senior officials to take stock of the situation.

Modi also announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Meanwhile state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed and free treatment to the injured, who have been admitted to different hospitals in Varanasi and Chandauli.

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Aam Aadmi Party today intensified its attack on L-G Najeeb Jung, calling him a "spokesperson of BJP" after he rejected the Delhi government's advice to dissolve the Shunglu Committee, which is examining 400 files on decisions taken by the Arvind Kejriwal regime.

Senior party leader Ashutosh questioned the legality under which the Shunglu Committee is examining the files on decisions taken by the Delhi government.

"Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung should stop behaving like a political spokesperson of his latest adopted outfit -- the BJP. He is hiding behind the Narendra Modi government to cover-up his unconstitutional and illegal actions," he said.

The Kejriwal government had yesterday advised Jung to dissolve the Shunglu Committee, which is examining 400 files on decisions taken by the AAP regime, but he turned down the request and gave the panel a six-week extension.

Jung had formed the committee chaired by Shunglu on August 30 and ex-chief election commissioner N Gopalaswami and ex-chief vigilance commissioner Pradeep Kumar are also its members.

In a three-page press statement, Jung wondered why the AAP government is "afraid" of the truth coming out if everything, as claimed by its ministers, is as per rules.

"We have made it clear time and again that why can't the L-G wait until the Supreme Court gives its decision. The AAP and the Delhi government cannot be cowed down by the threat of using the CBI for political vendetta against us."



"The AAP government is not afraid of Jung's machinery and falsehoods being spread by him," Ashutosh said.

He also questioned whether Jung can cite a single rule under which Delhi government officers are being verbally summoned before the unconstitutional and illegal committee.

"Why is the Delhi L-G unable to state under which provision of the Constitution, law or rule has he formed a three-member committee to examine the Delhi government files?" he said.

"On whose illegal instructions did Jung form this committee, about which he is fumbling for words to explain under which law/rule this committee has been formed? Can he deny that he is violating his oath of office and secrecy by showing official files to outsider individuals?" the AAP leader said.

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Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray today criticised the NDA government, in which Shiv Sena is an alliance partner, saying the ruling dispensation is "not different" from previous "incompetent" UPA regime as people's issues remain unresolved.

Aditya, son of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, organised a protest march against state government to highlight its "inaction" on policy issues in education sector.

The march, called 'KG to PG', was first such protest to be organised under the leadership of the Thackeray scion in the view of upcoming elections to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), due next year.

The march started from Wilson College at Girgaum chowpatty and ended with Aditya's address at Islam Gymkhana.

On the occasion, he said Sena initially thought that the NDA government is "their" own which will provide relief to people after 15 years of "misrule" by the previous Congress-NCP government, but the present regime has proved to be a dampener.

"The previous government was an incompetent and an ineffective government and this government is not different (either). People's issues remain unresolved," Aditya said.

He said Yuva Sena was forced to take out morcha as the issues concerning students remained unresolved despite assurance by Education Minister Vinod Tawde.

"The journey of the last one-and-a-half years has been more of promises rather than good governance. It seems as if all demands have been put on ATKT (a process in education system that allows students of pre-graduation and graduation to study in the next grade if they have failed in 1 to 4 subjects)," the Yuva Sena chief said.

He asked the government to declare timing when it will come out with a law regarding admissions in KG class, and called for doing away with the practice of conducting interviews of parents at the time of admission of their wards.

"In last year, 1.5 lakh students failed in class IX



exams. This is the condition of our education sector. This year, two lakh students have failed to receive admissions in the online admission system of this government. Why was this system brought anyway," he questioned.

Aditya said the concept of 'Digital India' is a "farce".

"If government wants it (Digital India) to succeed, it should come out with a helpline number along with a WhatsApp number rather than only having a website. We keep asking questions but receive no reply. Why has the issue of excess weight of school bags not been resolved yet?



"It's been two years now and people are asking us when will 'acche din' actually arrive," the young leader said.

Aditya's broadside came against the backdrop of growing chasm between Sena and BJP, with leaders of both the parties attacking each other over issues of governance and corruption.

On its annual Dussehra rally on Tuesday, Uddhav had dared BJP to snap ties, in response to BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's statement that BJP can fight BMC polls on its own strength.

BMC is ruled by the saffron combine of Sena and BJP, with the former being a major partner in power.
India and Russia today affirmed the need for "zero tolerance" for terrorists and their supporters even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin his appreciation of Kremlin's unequivocal condemnation of the Uri attack during their talks on terrorism, including that emanating from Pakistan.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said at a joint media event with Putin after their annual summit here.

Asked if the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan figured during the talks, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, "The restricted form did cover Uri and support given for the terror strike (by Pakistan)." He said a more detailed conversation between Modi and Putin on the driving forces behind terrorism would take place at the lunch hosted by the Prime Minister.

On his part, Putin said the two countries were closely cooperating in the fight against terror.

"President Putin reaffirmed Russia's continued commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with India and noted the commonality of positions of both the countries on such issues as war on terrorism. Indian Side expressed its appreciation for Russia's unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack on army base in Uri," a joint statement issued after the talks said.

India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which "sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy", also said it was "satisfied" about Russia understanding its interests.

"We are satisfied that Russia understand India's interest and they will never do anything contrary to India's interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject," Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to India's concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.

The Foreign Secretary also asserted that the assumption of friendship with Russia, "which was more than a partner", was that India trusts that they will not do anything contrary to its interest.

Strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms and



manifestations, Modi and Putin emphasized on the need for a comprehensive international collaboration for its eradication, the joint statement said.

"India and Russia recognize the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge.

"They stressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements," it added.

It said, "The leaders also stressed on the need to have a strong international legal regime built on the principle of 'zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism', and called upon the international community to make sincere efforts towards the earliest conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)."



Recognizing that the rapidly expanding role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to certain security vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed through universally applicable rules for responsible behaviour of states to ensure their safe and sustainable use, they welcomed the conclusion of the Indian-Russian Inter- Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in this regard.

The Leaders also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists, the joint statement said.

They also called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity, it added.

India and Russia reiterated their support for Afghan



government's efforts towards the realization of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process based on the principles of international law, the statement said.

Both sides expressed concern over the continuing instability in South-Eastern Ukraine and supported a political and negotiated settlement of the issue through complete implementation of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015.

The two sides are convinced that the conflict in Syria should be peacefully resolved through comprehensive and inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue based on the Geneva Communique of June 30, 2012, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both Sides underlined the necessity for cessation of hostilities, delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas, and continuation of intra-Syrian dialogue under UN supervision. India recognized Russia's effort towards achieving a political and negotiated settlement of the situation in Syria.
There is a need to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at MIHAN project in collaboration with Russia for Russian aircraft used in the Indian Air Force, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said.

A Russian delegation, led by Minister for Industries and Trade Denis Manturov, yesterday visited to Multi- modal International Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), where its members were welcomed by Fadnavis.

The team saw the facilities and infrastructure at MIHAN, which also houses a special economic zone (SEZ). The delegation visited existing Air India maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) depot and premises of TAL Manufacturing Solution.

Fadnavis held a high-level meeting with the Russian trade and industry delegation at MIHAN.

Later, Fadnavis told the media "there is a need to set up a MRO facility with the support of Russian Government in MIHAN (for IAF aircraft bought from Russia)."



Fadnavis said he would soon meet Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to get necessary permissions and clearances required for the MRO project.

Representatives from Russian manufacturing companies will also be invited for the meeting, Fadnavis said.

He said if the MRO comes into existence, it would solve problems related to procurement of original equipment for a large number of Russian aircraft used by the IAF, which has its Maintenance Command in Nagpur.

Due to a mismatch in standards and procurement of components for the Russian aircraft in the IAF, there is a huge scope for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to invest and set up units in India, the Chief Minister said.

"With these OEMs in the country, the problem of sourcing components for the IAF will be solved," he said.

Once the nod of Defence Ministry is received, he said, top priority would be accorded to starting the project.

Manturov said the Russian Government would provide full support to projects that could be set up in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis expressed his government's willingness to join hands with Russia for further development of MIHAN, which is spread over 4,300 hectares of land.

Out of the land area, the airport is on about 1,360 hectares and SEZ around 2000 hectares.

The possible Russian investment in MIHAN is likely to be discussed during the BRICS summit that began in Goa today.

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US President Barack Obama has held a National Security Council meeting to review progress in the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIS and the efforts to alleviate sufferings of the Syrian people, the White House has said.

"Although the United States suspended bilateral channels with Russia in pursuit of a Cessation of Hostilities, the President directed his team to continue multilateral discussions with key nations with a vested interest in the region to encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence and, more broadly, a diplomatic resolution to the civil war," the White House said.

"The President's team highlighted our continued prosecution, together with our global partners, of an aggressive campaign against ISIL that includes military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic efforts," it said yesterday.

During the meeting, Obama emphasised that preventing attacks on the US and countering terrorist threats from ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria remained his top priorities.

He was also updated on Coalition efforts to apply simultaneous pressure against ISIS across Syria and Iraq, the White House said.

More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

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Expressing profound grief over the loss of 24 lives in a stampede at Rajghat bridge in Varanasi today, Opposition parties held the state government and local administration responsible for the incident.

BJP blamed authorities for lack of arrangements and management at the bridge which led to the stampede in which several lives were lost.

"Proper arrangements should have been made for such a big congregation at the Jai Gurudev samagam which was not done... Even the local intelligence unit failed to give any input in this regard which resulted in mismanagement and loss of life," BJP state unit president Keshav Prasad Maurya said.

BSP supremo Mayawati said it is the responsibility of the state government and local administration to ensure proper arrangements and police force for such public functions so that no untoward incident occurs which was however not done in Varanasi.

Congress communications department chairman Satyadev Tripathi said Varanasi incident is the fallout of "administrative failure".

24 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede on an overcrowded Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of Jai Gurudev were crossing it to attend a congregation this afternoon.

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Pakistan prison authorities are returning parcels sent by relatives of Indian fishermen captured and jailed in that country, after relations between the two nations soured following the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across LoC, officials said today.

As many as 438 fishermen from Gujarat, and 51 from Diu are lodged at Pakistani jails after being apprehended by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) near international maritime border in the last nine months. Most of them are lodged at Karachi jails, an official of Fisheries department said.

"Fishermen's relatives would send parcels containing letters, dry food items, toothpastes, clothes, medicines, paan masala, to them in Karachi jail. Earlier, jail authorities would accept these parcels, but ever since the situation between the two countries have worsened after surgical strikes, parcels are being returned," said Shukar Anjani, an official of Diu Fisheries department.

"This is not a matter of Diu alone but the situation is being faced by relatives of all fishermen lodged there. Several such parcels sent by relatives of fishermen in Gujarat and Diu after the strike have come back as they were not accepted," Anjani said.

"We have received complaint from relatives of fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails. The parcels that were returned contained stamp of Karachi jail which means they reached till there and were then returned.

If the parcels were being accepted before, it means jail authorities are not accepting them after surgical strikes by India," Diu Collector Parimal Jani said.

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A private college teacher has been arrested under the draconian blasphemy charges in Pakistan's Punjab province for allegedly speaking against Islam, police said today.

Police have registered an FIR against the teacher on a complaint by the father of a student of Quaid-i-Azam School and College of Science and Commerce in Toba Tek Singh, about 200km from Lahore.

The teacher - identified as Azeem - had spoken against Islam, according to the FIR registered under section 295 A of Pakistan Penal Code.

The complainant told the police that his son was absent for a day this week and when he went to school yesterday, the teacher beat him for being being absent.

The teacher also spoke against Islam, the complainant alleged.

The student informed his family about the incident and they - along with a large number of people - demonstrated against the teacher outside the school and later marched towards the police station.

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Pakistan today called on the international community to pay attention to end what it called a "constantly deteriorating humanitarian situation" in Kashmir, as it expressed "grave concern" on the unrest in the Valley.

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan calls "for attention of the International Community, particularly, the UN Secretary General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Secretary General OIC, and Permanent Members of UNSC for taking immediate measures" to stop violence and unrest in Kashmir.

In a statement issued on the eve of 100 days of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, the Foreign Office said the "constantly deteriorating humanitarian situation" in Kashmir is a matter of "grave concern" for Pakistan.

Kashmir has witnessed violence and unrest since Wani's death in an encounter with security forces.

The situation has improved lately and curfew was today lifted across the Valley. At least 84 people, including two cops, have died in the clashes between protestors and security forces, that have also left thousands of people injured.

Pakistan has repeatedly raked up the Kashmir issue at the international fora, including at the UN General Asembly session in September. But its efforts have largely failed amid India's diplomatic office to isolate the country globally.

The Pakistan Foreign Office also said that Pakistan government remains "extremely worried" over the continued detention of Hurriyat leaders, including that of Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

"We express serious concern over the mental torture being inflicted upon Mirwaiz Umar Farooq by keeping him in solitary confinement," it said.

It said the detention of Hurriyat leaders is a "serious violation of the human rights as prisoners of conscience.

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Telugu film star and Janasena party founder Pawan Kalyan today extended support to struggle by residents of some villages in West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh against establishment of an aqua food park.

The activists, who spoke ahead of Kalyan at a press meet here, alleged that the food park being set up in the Godavari delta area in the district polluted a major canal that is lifeline to lakhs of people, including farmers and fishermen.

The factory is being set up without conducting any public opinion and that serious police cases are being filed against those fighting against the food park, they claimed.

Kalyan asked why the TDP government and local BJP MP and other MLAs did not respond adequately to the pleas of those opposed the aqua food park.

Why BJP MP and party MLAs did not look into the fears of pollution of river at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about cleaning the Ganga, he asked.

He also questioned the logic in imposing prohibitory orders in small villages.

"Don't make it like a Nandigram," the



actor-turned-politician said.

Noting that he is not opposed to industrial progress, Kalyan, however, suggested that the government consider shifting the food park to a different location.

His party would provide legal support and fight for justice to the affected people, he added.

Kalyan, who is hugely popular among youth, campaigned in support of the BJP-TDP combine in the 2014 elections. His campaign is considered one of the major reasons for the success of the combine at the hustings.

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Pakistan Airlines (PIA) has cancelled some flights from Karachi to New Delhi and Mumbai due to "very poor" passenger numbers amid tensions between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, said that its flights from Lahore to New Delhi are operating normally.

Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack last month.

"Lahore-New Delhi flights are operating normally, however due to very poor load during last three to four weeks few of the Karachi-New Delhi and Karachi-Mumbai flights have been cancelled," the airline said.

Passengers who had reservations on these cancelled flights have either been accommodated on PIA's subsequent flights or re-routed to Pakistan through other airlines, it added.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, there have also been reports saying the Indian government might look at airspace restrictions for Pakistan airlines.
A sub-inspector of police working with the Central Crime Station in the city was arrested for alleged theft attempt in Almasguda here, police said.

According to Meerpet police station inspector N Ch Rangaswamy, the accused-- J Mahender Reddy-- was arrested yesterday and later released on bail granted by a local court.

Rangaswamy said that M Shiva Prasad, who returned from vacation found that someone was inside his house. He also noticed that the grill of a window had been removed.

"After entering the house, Prasad found that someone was inside the bathroom. He immediately called the police, who reached the spot and nabbed the intruder," Rangaswamy told PTI.

After questioning, the accused was identified as sub-inspector working with CCS in Hyderabad. Since he could not give convincing answers as to why he entered into the house, he was arrested, the officer said.

Reddy was attached to a Special Investigation Team that is probing the encounter, in which terror suspect Viqaruddin was killed.

Reddy has been booked under charges of house trespass and attem pt to commit theft, police said.

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President Pranab Mukherjee today paid floral tributes to former head of state A P J Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary.

Kalam, who was the President between 2002 and 2007, died on July 27, last year.

"Mukherjee paid floral tributes to A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India on the occasion of his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

"Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan along with family members of Kalam also paid floral tributes on the occasion," a press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

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Syrian pro-government forces used intense air strikes as cover for an advance in the battleground city of Aleppo ahead of fresh diplomatic talks on today to end the conflict.

The United States and Russia, which support opposite sides in the five-year war, will meet in Switzerland to try to resurrect the peace process.

Moscow has faced rising international criticism over its backing for President Bashar al-Assad's onslaught in divided Aleppo, including Western accusations of possible war crimes.

Violence has continued unabated in the northern city, once Syria's commercial hub but now ravaged by Russian and regime air strikes in support of a major government offensive against rebels.

The meeting comes after leading charities called today for a ceasefire in the battered city, issuing a joint plea "to establish a ceasefire of at least 72 hours in east Aleppo".

"This will allow the sick and wounded to be evacuated, and for food and medical aid to enter the besieged area," said a statement from Save the Children, which joined the International Rescue Committee, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam International in calling for a truce.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said Russian and Syrian warplanes pounded opposition-controlled eastern districts again yesterday, though it did not have any immediate information on casualties.

It said pro-government forces had used the air raids to advance southwards from positions in north Aleppo with the goal of "opening a route to the airport", east of the city.

The intensified bombardment has put a severe strain on rescue workers and medical staff in east Aleppo, home to an estimated 250,000 residents under siege.

"This recent escalation has been huge and we've had a lot of work," said Ibrahim Abu al-Leith, a spokesman for the White Helmets rescue force in Aleppo.

He said rescuers were still working to dislodge people from under the rubble in the Tariq al-Bab eastern district.

AFP's correspondent in east Aleppo said some people had been stuck under the rubble for at least two days as rescuers scrambled between neighbourhoods.

Others bled to death after White Helmets teams were unable to reach them in time.

Since the collapse last month of a truce brokered by Washington and Moscow, Aleppo has been engulfed by some of the worst violence of the conflict.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since the regime's assault began on September 22, the Observatory said.

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jammu and Kashmir is probing the possibility of use of over 150 smuggled pigeons for the purpose of espionage to pass on secret information to the Pakistan Intelligence Agencies across the Line of Control (LoC).

The CID is investigating a case in which 153 pigeons were seized by the police that were being smuggled from the Punjab border to the sensitive Pulwama district of south Kashmir, a police officer said.

"Few days ago, police seized few cartons from a Kashmir-bound vehicle in which 153 pigeons were being smuggled to the Kashmir Valley. The pigeons had strange pink marking and suspicious rings after which the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu referred the case to the CID for investigation," Sunil Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, told PTI.

He said that the police has handed over the case to the CID whereas on its part it has registered a complaint under atrocities towards Animals Act and the accused were produced in the court where they paid the fine.

"As far as the other side of the case is concerned, CID is investigating it under the directions of DC Jammu," he said.

When contacted, the DC Jammu, Simrandeep Singh, said that he got message that the pigeons could have been used for transmitting secret messages across the border.

"The pigeons were packed in extremely cruel conditions. A case under prevention of cruelty to Animals Act was filed and the court released the pigeons and the man after depositing the fine," he said.

He said that after becoming suspicious of the strange pink markings on the pigeons and different types of rings attached to them, he instructed the CID to probe the matter before the birds are released.

"The CID is examining the purpose of special colour applied to the pigeons and whether they were any colour code. We want to be fully sure before the pigeons are released," the DC said.

The pigeons were having different colour rings and some of them had different and special magnetic rings attached to them.

The birds have been handed over to an NGO- Save Animals Value Environment (SAVE) and would be released only after the investigation is completed.

"The CID is investigating the case and after that decision will be taken whether to release the birds or not. As of now the investigation is going on," the DC said.

Earlier, the authorities had received intelligence inputs that the terrorists might use unconventional means to target security installations in the region following which restrictions were imposed on the air-borne activities in the state.

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Punjab government tonight transferred Ludhiana Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-IV) Jaswinder Singh with immediate effect amid Congress party's demand for his suspension for his alleged biased role in registering cases against the party leaders.

The ADCP has been transferred and directed to report at Punjab State Police Headquarters, Chandigarh till further orders, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said.

Punjab Congress leaders have been staging sit-in front of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's house here demanding the transfer of Ludhiana Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh and suspension of the ADCP for their alleged biased role in registering cases against Congress leaders.

They have also been protesting over the arrest of Youth Congress leaders and cases slapped against party workers under various sections, including section 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC.

A violent clash had erupted between Congress and Akali Dal activists on Dussehra eve in Ludhiana when Congress workers tried to burn the effigy of 'Chitta Ravan' and it had left several people injured.

Badal had asked DGP Suresh Arora to conduct on the spot inquiry in the incident and submit a report in this regard.

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Controversial Delhi-based meat exporter Moin Qureshi was today detained at the airport here in a money laundering case but managed to give immigration authorities the slip and flew to Dubai after showing a court order in an income tax case, leaving officials red faced.

An inquiry has been ordered by the immigration authorities into the gaffe.

Qureshi was detained based on a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case against him.

As the immigration department informed the ED about his detention, Qureshi presented a court order in which there was no restriction on his flying abroad. The immigration officer checked for the veracity of the court order and allowed him to fly to Dubai.

As the ED team reached the airport to take the meat exporter into custody, they were informed that he had been allowed to fly on the basis of a court order.

However, the immigration officer realised that the order was in connection with an Income Tax case and not in the ED case, prompting the authorities to order an inquiry.

According to airport officials, Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the court's nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport.

"We have sought documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel. Our officials were on the spot to take his custody but he was allowed to fly abroad," ED sources said.

It is understood that the agency wanted to question Qureshi and had issued summons to him but could lay its hands on him.

The agency had registered a case against Qureshi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year. He is under the scanner of probe agencies for alleged tax evasion and hawala-like dealings.

The agency had slapped fresh charges under PMLA after taking cognisance of the I-T department's charge sheet (also called prosecution complaint) against Qureshi in alleged tax evasion case in a local court last year.

The ED had earlier been probing this case under forex violation laws after the I-T department first shared documents indicating hawala and alleged contravention of forex laws by the businessman and his business entities based here.

It had alleged that Qureshi has sent "huge amount of funds" through the hawala route to Dubai, London and few other overseas destinations in Europe.

The agency early last year had also conducted searches on Qureshi's premises and had questioned him.

The Income Tax department, during its probe, had found Qureshi had 11 bank lockers which were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles belonged to the businessman.

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A female employee of the Kalyan Railway Hospital who convereted the saree she wore into a stretcher to transport a train accident victim to the facility was felicitated here by Thane city Mayor Sanjay More.

The Mayor gave the employee a shawl, srifal and appreciation letter at a brief function yesterday in the civic corporation.

On September 27,2016 a railway employee Vishnu Kiraji Andale was run over by a speeding train in which both of his legs were damaged. The accident happened in Vashind Railway station when the gangman was on work.

The injured gangman was lying on the tracks writhing in pain but no one came forward to rescue him.

When the Kalyan Railway Hospital employee Manisha Shinde, who was passing by, came to know about the accident she without loss of time converted her saree into a stretcher and rushed him to the hospital.

However, the victim died during treatment.

It was alleged that there was no sretecher available at the station that time.

The Mayor addressing those present for the brief function said that the presence of mind shown by Manisha of converting her saree into a stretcher was noteworthy and this should prove to be an inspiration for other members of the society.

He urged members of the society to rush to help the needy in the golden hour.

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Railways has joined hands with Russia for carrying out a feasibility study for upgrade of the speed of passenger trains on Nagpur-Secundrabad route to up to 200 kmph.

The high speed project will be jointly financed by Indian Railways and Russian Railways with 50 per cent cost share.

According to a protocol signed between Indian Railways and Russian Railways at Goa, a technical and execution study for upgrade of the speed of passenger trains in Nagpur- Secundrabad route to up to 200 kmph will be carried out.

Earlier, an MoU was signed between Railway Ministry and Russian Railways on technical cooperation in rail sector, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia during December 2015.

MoU covers modernisation of existing lines of the Indian Railways in order to raise train speeds up to 160-200 kmph, Modern Control and Safety related Systems based on satellite navigation and digital communication means and satellite and geo-information technologies.

It also aims to cover transportation safety and cyber security, rolling stock, heavy haul transportation, organisation of Human Resources training for the Indian Railways, secondary and higher vocational education of students and advanced training of staff members, including managers, station redevelopment, dedicated freight rail corridors, modernisation, reconstruction and construction of track superstructure and civil engineering works, including bridges and tunnels.

A Steering Committee has been formed for operationalisation of the MoU with representation of senior officials from both sides.

There will be joint working groups for speed raising, station renovation and training.

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The 96-year-old head of Thailand's Royal advisory body has been made caretaker of the monarchy as the country mourns the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Prem Tinsulanonda's appointment is in line with the constitution, which states that the Privy Council president is acting regent when the throne is vacant.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha informed the National Legislative Assembly on Thursday that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would like to take some time to grieve with the nation before accepting the invitation to become the new King.

"Pending the proclamation of the name of the Heir or the Successor to the Throne under Article 23, the President of the Privy Council shall be Regent pro tempore," the Constitution says.

The duty of the Regent pro tempore ends when a meeting of the National Legislative Assembly invites the heir to ascend the throne.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam also confirmed last night that the Privy Council president has been named the regent.

Prem, was appointed council president in 1988, succeedingformer prime minister Sanya Dharmasakti. Prem was prime minister for eight years from 1980.

The world's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol, died on Thursday in a Bangkok hospital, at the age of 88.

The King's body was taken in a convoy yesterday to the Grand Palace, with thousands of weeping mourners lining on both sides of the street to pay their respects to their beloved King.

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A restraining order filed against "The Breakfast Club" star Anthony Michael Hall has been dismissed after the plaintiff failed to show up in court.

The 48-year-old actor has been involved in a long-running dispute with his neighbour over a shared gate for their Los Angeles condominiums.

Hall was investigated by police in early September after one of their angry confrontations, during which the other resident fell to the ground, was caught on camera.

He filed court papers for a restraining order, claiming Hall had shoved him to the ground, causing him to break his wrist and injure his back, and his request was granted on a temporary basis, reported TMZ.

The case returned to court to determine whether the protective order should be extended, but the judge overseeing the dispute threw out the request after the neighbour missed the hearing.

As a result, Hall is no longer legally bound to stay away from the plaintiff.

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Two robbers today looted cash and jewellery after taking an elderly woman hostage at gun point in Timarpur area of north Delhi, police said.

The incident, which was caught on CCTV, occurred around 7.30 AM when 60-year-old Vinod was alone in her house in Gandhi Vihar area, a senior police officer said.

The woman told police that she had responded to a doorbell and as soon as she opened the door the duo barged inside, he said.

After threatening her at gun point the duo tied her down and thrashed her to know where she had kept money and jewellery, the officer added.

They looted around Rs four lakh cash and jewellery worth Rs two lakh, he said, adding police have the CCTV footage and is trying to identify the robbers.

It is suspected that they at some point of time were tenants of the woman, the officer said.

A case was registered under relevant sections of IPC at Timarpur police station.

The woman has a married daughter who lives in Ludhiana while she lives alone at Gandhi Vihar.

Investigators are also checking the call details of the woman to find out if someone known to her was involved in the robbery.

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In the largest inflow of foreign direct investment, Russia's state-controlled oil giant Rosneft and its partners today took over India's second biggest private oil firm Essar Oil in an all-cash deal valued at about USD 13 billion.

Rosneft bought a 49 per cent stake in Essar Oil's refinery, port and petrol pumps, while Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte, one of the world's biggest commodity trading companies, and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners split another 49 per cent equity equally.

The remaining 2 per cent will be held by minority shareholders after delisting of Essar Oil.

The deal has an enterprise value of close to USD 12.9 billion - USD 10.9 billion being for a 20 million tons a year refinery in Gujarat and over 2,700 petrol pumps and another USD 2 billion for Vadinar port in Gujarat. The deal factors in Essar Oil's debt of about USD 4.5 billion and about USD 2 billion debt with the port company.

Also, the near USD 3 billion dues to Iran for past oil purchases will continue to be on Essar Oil books.

Trafigura, which has been funded by Russian bank, may sell its stake to Rosneft at a later date.

"We would be utilising significant portion of the deal proceeds in debt reduction. Group debt will reduce by about 50 per cent," said Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar Group.

Essar Group, one of India's largest and most indebted conglomerates, would trim its about Rs 88,000 crore (over USD 13 billion) debt by half and ward off creditor pressure.

The 49 per cent stake Trafigura and UCP are picking will be split between the two in 49:49 ratio while Essar Group will hold the remaining 2 per cent.

Ruia said the equity value of the deal is "on or about Essar Oil's delisting price of USD 5.8 billion".

Of the USD 12.9 billion value, USD 6.5 billion is for the debt with Essar Oil and port company. Another USD 0.5 billion is for working capital, leaving USD 5.9 of equity value which is equal to the delisting price of Essar Oil.

Ruia said as per SEBI order the shareholders of Essar Oil will be paid if the final equity value of the deal with Rosneft is higher than the delisting price.

"We will get to know of that when the deal closes in first quarter of 2017," he said.

The acquisition is the biggest in India and largest



outbound deal for Russia. The all cash deal is expected to close in first quarter of 2017.

The deal was announced as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting here of the leaders of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Ruia said Rosneft will continue to use Essar brand for the retail operations. "We have signed a branding agreement under which retail outlets will continue to use Essar brand because it is a very strong brand."



"We are not exiting oil and gas business. We continue to own and operate the Stanlow refinery in UK which is a 12 million tons refinery and has 12-13 per cent market share. Also, the upstream exploration and production business is not part of the deal," he said.

He said two agreements were signed today for the sale.

"The first sale and purchase agreement envisages the sale of 49 per cent to Petrol Complex Pte Ltd (a subsidiary of PJSC Rosneft Oil Company); the second envisages the sale of the remaining 49 per cent to Kesani Enterprises Company Limited (owned by a consortium led by Trafigura and United Capital Partners) at an enterprise valuation of Rs 72,800 crore (USD 10.9 billion).

"An additional Rs 13,300 crore (USD 2 billion) will be paid for the acquisition of Vadinar Port, which has world- class storage and import/export facilities," Ruia said.

As per the deal, Essar Energy Holdings Ltd and Oil Bidco (Mauritius) Ltd -- which control Essar Oil signed separate agreements for the 98 per cent stake sale.

Russia's VTB Bank PJSC will lend Essar USD 3.9 billion to restructure debt, said Andrey Kostin, VTB CEO. Rosneft itself will pay about USD 3.5 billion for the Essar deal, Ruia said.

"We plan to utilise proceeds from the stake sale to deleverage the Group and pave the way for strategic consolidation and growth in other businesses," Ruia said.

Essar Oil, part of a steel-to-ports conglomerate controlled by the billionaire Ruia brothers, operates a 405,000-barrels-a-day refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat. The refining complex also has a captive power plant as well as a port and terminal facilities.

The deal is the single largest foreign investment in the Indian refining sector and will strengthen the ties between the world's largest oil producer and the world's fastest growing fuel consumer.

"The all-cash deal encompasses Essar Oil's 20 million tonne refinery in Gujarat and its pan-India retail outlets," Ruia said.

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The deal includes the refinery as well as the Vadinar port and more than 2,700 retail gas stations. The initial transaction will not include a power plant serving the refinery, which could be transferred later after getting necessary approvals.

"The closing of the transaction is conditional upon receiving requisite regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. We expect to obtain the relevant approvals before the end of this year," Ruia said.

While the refining sector is delicensed with 100 per FDI allowed, the deal will not as such need any major regulatory approval in India. It will only need an approval by the Competition Commission of India.

The 20 million tonne oil refinery in Vadinar accounts for 9 per cent of India's total refining output and is supported by a 1,010 MW captive power plant, Ruia said.

"The additional Rs 13,300 crore that the new stakeholders have agreed to pay is for the 58 million tonne deep draft port in Vadinar that helps in importing crude and exporting finished products," he said.

Initially, Ruias wanted to shed only 49 per cent in favour of Rosneft but the USD 3.2 billion they would have got from the Russian company wasn't enough to pay off the USD 4.5 billion debt on the company's books.

A larger 74 per cent stake was offered to Rosneft but that idea was dropped as the Russian company faces US sanctions and by a virtue of its majority stake Essar Oil too would have come on that list.

At this stage, Trafigura was roped in and offered 24 per cent stake. Trafigura, which has close ties to Rosneft, was to finance its acquisition by taking loan from Russia's VTB Capital, part of state-controlled bank VTB.

The deal includes the Vadinar refinery as well as the Vadinar port and more than 2,700 petrol pumps. A power plant serving the refinery as well as company's coal-bed methane? (CBM) blocks are not included in the deal.

As part of the deal, Rosneft-Trafigura will also take over the debt of Essar Oil and the port and terminal company.

Ruia said VTB Capital has played a major role in the transaction, which has been structured in such a way that it does not invite US sanctions on Essar Oil.

Last year, US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had issued a Crimea Sanctions Advisory, adding Rosneft and its subsidiaries to its Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List in retaliation for the Russian's invasion of eastern Ukraine.
Republican Party of India (Athavle faction) has postponed its proposed "Maratha-Dalit solidarity" rally for indefinite period, apparently at the behest of ruling BJP.

The rally, postponed once on October 7, was supposed to be held at Shirdi, though no date was finalised.

An RPI functionary said the rally was postponed after some senior BJP leaders spoke over the phone with Ramdas Athavle, Union Mos for Social Justice and Empowerment, but refused to elaborate further.

When contacted, Athavale said: "The Shirdi rally was planned for solidarity between the communities (Marathas and Dalits). We have decided to postpone it for some period due to some other works. We will discuss with party workers and then announce the date later," Athavle told PTI.

Athavle's RPI(A) is part of NDA dispensation and is an ally of the BJP in Centre and Maharashtra.

Though "solidarity" rallies were planned with an objective to send message that dalits are not against Marathas, dalit leaders like Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of B R Ambedkar, are reportedly against holding such programmes.

Marathas, numerically and politically strong community in Maharashtra, have been organising massive rallies or 'muk morchas' (silent marches) demanding reservation for them in government jobs and education and for amending SC and ST Prevention of Atrocity Act which they claim is being misused against Marathas.

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Ramping up defence ties, India and Russia today announced deals worth about Rs 43,000 crores for purchase of state-of-art Russian air defence systems, collaboration in making four stealth frigates and setting up facility for joint production of Kamov helicopters.

The decisions were taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin that covered a wide range of areas including defence.

Amid India's growing defence ties with the US and the Europe, Modi asserted that Russia will remain India's major defence and strategic partner.

The most critical deal signed today was the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, including stealth, besides missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

India is looking at buying at least 5 such systems, which will give the country a quantum jump in its capability against incoming missiles, including ballistic, besides drone or aircraft from both Pakistan and China.

India plans to deploy three such systems along the border with Pakistan and two along the border with China.

Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, Russia umbrella organisation encompassing over 700 high-tech companies including all military firms, said that the contract negotiations for the air defence systems will start now and it is hoped that it will be formalised by mid next year.

Speaking to a select group of journalists, Chemezov said that if all goes well the system will start getting delivered to India in 2020.

"S-400 is a state of art system and most modern and advanced air system which is vital for a country that wants to secure itself," he said.

Sources said that each system, having eight launchers, a control centre, radar and 16 missiles as reloads, would cost over USD one billion each.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. It can hit targets at a speed of 17,000 km an hour. This is faster than any aircraft in the world.

India will be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-



class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates which is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.

Under this deal, valued at about half a billion American dollar, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.

India and Russia also signed a USD one billion worth agreement for creation of the joint venture to jointly produce Kamov 226T helicopters that will replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers.

While 40 of these choppers will be brought to India off the shelf, another 20 will be brought down as knocked down versions. Rest of the helicopters will be made in India.

The joint venture will become a pilot project for the Russian-Indian part of the Make in India programme.

"The joint venture for local production of Ka-226T is a profoundly new and substantial step in the development of cooperation between India and Russia. The fleet of Russian-made helicopters in India is over 400 units.

"But this is the first of such large-scale complex agreements for delivery and production of new helicopters in the amount of 200 units, which is fully in line with the Make in India initiative," Chemezov said.

He added that in addition, over the next five years there will be facilities set up for maintenance and servicing of the produced helicopters.

"Therefore the agreement presents not just production but a full-lifecycle contract," he said.

The combined share of the Russian participants in the joint venture will amount to 49.5 per cent, the share of the Indian side - 50.5 per cent.

The joint venture is set to create also facilities for the overhaul within 7 years after deliveries of the first batch of helicopters.

The Kamov helicopters are capable of operating at heights of 20,000 feet and once inducted will take over the role of maintaining the forward posts on the Siachen glacier.

The three deals are worth USD 6.5 billion or Rs 43,000 crore.
Russia's flagship aircraft carrier set off today for the Mediterranean Sea where Moscow's naval forces are supporting its bombing campaign in Syria, the defence ministry said.

The deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier comes weeks after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the ship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to boost the country's naval forces in the area.

The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the ministry said.

In addition to safeguarding maritime navigation, the ships are meant to "respond to new types of modern threats like piracy and international terrorism," the ministry said.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of President Bashar al-Assad and has deployed a naval contingent to back up its operation.

This is the first time that the Soviet-era Kuznetsov - Russia's only aircraft carrier part of its Northern fleet based in Murmansk - will join the Russian deployment after undergoing a refurbishment.

The defence ministry did not specify how long the aircraft carrier's mission would last.

Russia has a base in government-controlled Syrian territory from which it has flown most of its bombing raids in the country.

This week President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying Moscow's deal with Damascus to deploy its forces in the country indefinitely, in a move seen as firming their long-term presence.

The defence ministry said earlier this week that Moscow was poised to transform its naval facility in the Syrian port city of Tartus into a permanent base.

Moscow has flown long-range bombing raids from bases in Russia and fired cruise missiles from ships in the Caspian Sea and a submarine in the Mediterranean.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin today arrived at INS Hansa base in Goa for the BRICS summit, after a delay of more than nine hours due to bad weather, making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

Putin, who finally landed here around 10.20 AM was scheduled to arrive at 1.30 AM, but his flight had to be diverted to Mumbai due to visibility issues.

Thick fog had enveloped the areas around INS Hansa base causing the delay, a senior naval official told PTI.

Putin was received at the base by Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs V K Singh and Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza.

Putin became the third head of state after South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Michel Temer to arrive here for the BRICS summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached the state last night.

All the Presidents were offered a red carpetwelcome by Indian Navy at INS Hansa, a naval base near Dabolim airport.

The base is home to several fighter plane squadrons attached to Indian Navy.

Earlier this morning, Modi took to Twitter to welcome all the heads of states, who arrived for the BRICS summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet in Goa.

"India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit," he tweeted early this morning even as Putin's flight was diverted to Mumbai.

The tweet was repeated in Russian language by the Prime Minister.

South African President Jacob Zuma was also greeted with a tweet by the Prime Minister.

"A warm welcome to you, @SAPresident. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days," Modi said.

Giving an Indian touch to his tweet welcoming Brazilian President Michel Temer, who was the second head of state to arrive here, Modi tweeted, "Namaste Presidente @MichelTemer! Welcome to India for the @BRICS2016 summit."



The Prime Minister was received at the airport last night by Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and others. He was welcomed at the resort in South Goa's Benaulim village by Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

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South Africa's anti-corruption watchdog has called for the prompt release of a potentially explosive report into allegations President Jacob Zuma allowed a powerful Indian business family undue political sway over him.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's call came after Zuma launched last-minute court action delaying the release, saying he had not had time to respond to questions about so-called "state capture" by the Gupta family which stands accused of wielding so much power it was even able to nominate a cabinet minister.

"I disagree with those who say the 'state capture' investigation was not urgent," Madonsela told reporters.

"This matter has created so much fracture in the executive and in the country, it was necessary for the investigation to be done and to be done fast so that any cloud is cleared."



The report was expected to be released yesterday, the last day in office for Madonsela, who has regularly clashed with the president.

The Guptas - brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh - built an empire in mining transportation, technology and media after coming to South Africa from India in the early 1990s. One of Zuma's sons, Duduzane, is a business partner of the Guptas.

In March, deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas accused the family in a statement of offering him the job of finance minister, something he said he rejected.

Zuma, 74, has survived a series of damaging scandals, but has faced increasing criticism as the economy has stalled and after the ruling ANC party suffered unprecedented losses in local polls.

"Just because sometimes we deal with underhand people, it doesn't mean we also have to be underhanded," Madonsela told her farewell conference, adding that she was not directly referring to Zuma.

Madonsela said she had handed the report to parliamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete for "safe keeping", pending a court hearing next month.

But, in the latest political move, Mbete yesterday refused to accept the report saying that keeping such documents was not within the Speaker's duties.

Madonsela declined to comment on new reports that ANC lawmaker David van Rooyen had met the Guptas the night before his appointment as finance minister in December.

Van Rooyen replaced the widely-respected Nhlanhla Nene, but was removed from the job after only four days, following a market plunge and wave of political outrage.

Under Madonsela, the Public Protector's office gained a reputation as a formidable corruption buster, handing down scathing findings against Zuma, state agencies and public companies.

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The Saraswati river, so far considered mythical, did exist, a government-constituted expert committee has found.

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the government will take action on the report, which according to her, "cannot be challenged".

"We have reached a conclusion that river Saraswati existed, it flowed. It originated in the Himalayas and met gulf at the western sea," Professor K S Valdiya, who led the panel, said while handing over the report to the government.

Valdiya, an eminent geologist, said the river passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat, land texture of which was studied by the panel.

According to a senior Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) official, Saraswati passed through Pakistan before meeting Western Sea through Rann of Kutch and was approximately 4,000 km in length.

One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch measuring nearly 3000 km in length fell in India, the official claimed.

In its report, the seven-member committee has stated that the river had two branches: western and eastern. The Himalayan-born Satluj "of the PAST", which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets, represents the western branch of the ancient river.

On the other hand, it said, Markanda and Sarsuti (corruption of Saraswati) represented the western branch of Saraswati, known as Tons-Yamuna.

On his part, Valdiya, a Padma Bhushan awardee, said the committee, during its six-month research, came across "an unique" palaeochannel (a path abandoned by river when it changes its course) relating to present Ghaggar, Sarsuti, Hakra and Nara rivers. Historically, he stated, that around 1700 "small and big" towns and villages were located around the palaeochannel concerned during Harappa Civilisation.

"Some towns were spread over more than 100 hectares. These colonies were there for 5,500 years. Was it possible that these cities could live without water? No. It means that a flowing river provided water to the towns, villages. Which river it was? What was its name? We worked to find it out," Valdiya said.

During its six-month research period, the committee studied piles of sediments, their shapes and features which appeared to have been brought by a "big river" and are reminiscent to ones found in present-day Ghaggar, Ganga and Yamuna.

"At some places, there is 30-ft deep sand layer (in the



palaeochannels), at some places the width of the palaeochannels is five km and is filled with water.

"This suggests that the relatively smaller rivers of today, like Ghaggar and its tributary Dangri, would not have brought such sediment. It must have been brought in by a big, flowing river," he said.

In the report, the committee also observed that constituent minerals of the palaeochannels, at several spots, have come from catchment areas of Sutlej and Yamuna and from Greater and Lesser Himalaya.

"Both the mineral and chemical compositions we studied tell us that the river which flowed through Sarsuti, Ghaggar-Harka had originated in Himalaya. It had two branches: eastern and western. The confluence of the branches was near Shatrana, 25 km south of Patiala. And suddenly, it flows crossing the dessert (Rann of Kutch) and meet gulf of western sea," he added.

Valdiya suggested the name Saraswati was popular among people from Haryana and several structures and bridges in the state were rechristened after it. The state's revenue records also suggest so, he added.

Bharti lauded the committee members as "honest" and their efforts as "serious which cannot be challenged", but stopped short of stating that the report has been accepted by the Ministry.

She said "it will be summarised and discussed" during a convention of experts" the Ministry will organise and also presented to Cabinet.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry later, Bharti said the report is an assertion of assumption that River Saraswati originated from Adibadri in Himalaya to culminate in the Arabian Sea through the Rann of Kutch.

"...This river was once upon a time the lifeline of North-Western states of India and a vibrant series of civilizations from Mahabharat period to Harappa had flourished on the banks of this river," the statement quoted her as saying.

Now there is scientific report that Saraswati river did exist, Bharti said.

The Minister added that the report will be studied by the CGWB as well as experts in the Ministry for its "optimum" use. Bharti said the report will be submitted to the Cabinet also for further action.

"We will see whether we can use water in the palaeochannels to quench thirst of arid areas of Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. We will also see if it can be recharged artificially? Such an effort will be less expensive than coming up with new projects to provide water there," she said.

The Minister also stated that the government will now prepare summary of the report and hold a convention.

(REOPENS DEL 65)



Stating the water held by palaeochannels in the region amounts to billions of cubic metre and is free of pollution, Valdiya urged the government to come out with strict laws to regulate extraction of water from palaeochannels in arid regions "from where the river used to flow".

He also appealed to Bharti to launch missions to develop systematic database of all surface maps of palaeochannels, to ensure aquifer delineation and development and to recharge palaeochannels.

The report also recommended Union Water Resources Ministry to regard as "prized heritages" of tremendous importance the rivers carrying life-supporting water and the cultural creations located along their banks.

It also suggested the government to form a cell within CGWB to handle activities mentioned in the above mission.
A Saudi-led air bombing of a packed funeral hall in the Yemeni capital Sanaa killed at least 140 people and wounded some 600. Photo: Twitter/@Arab_News

A Saudi-led coalition today blamed "wrong information" for the bombing last weekend of a packed funeral hall in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed at least 140 people and wounded some 600.

The coalition's Joint Incidents Assessment Team, or JIAT, said a "party" affiliated to Yemen's General Chief of Staff headquarters had passed intelligence that the hall was filled with leaders of Shiite Houthi rebels, whom the coalition has been targeting since March 2015 when it intervened in Yemen's civil war in support of the internationally recognised government.

The unidentified party insisted the site was "a legitimate military target," the English-language statement said. The Air Operation Center in Yemen, it added, directed a "close air support mission" to target the site without approval from the coalition's command.

The investigation team called on the coalition to immediately review the rules of engagement and recommended that compensation be offered to the victims' families.

"JIAT has found that because of non-compliance with Coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a Coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries," it said.

This is the first time the coalition has acknowledged it was behind the bombing, after an initial denial. The Yemeni government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has yet to publicly comment on the October 8 bombing.

Yemen's chief of staff is Major General Mohammed Ali al-Maqdishi, a close ally of the powerful army general Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, now serving as vice president.

Al-Ahmar is also a top ally of Yemen's Muslim Brotherhood, whose followers are fighting the Houthis alongside government troops.

The US-backed coalition, which accuses Houthis of being Iranian proxies, has come under heavy pressure to investigate the bombing. Human Rights Watch said in a report Thursday that the bombing constitutes an apparent war crime and said remnants of a US-made bomb were found at the site of the strike.

Along with arms, the United States provides the coalition with logistical support and mid-air refuelling of its warplanes.

The White House has said it will immediately review its assistance to the Saudi-led coalition, explaining that such assistance was not a "blank check.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven workers have been killed and two others injured in an explosion at a coal mine in China's Guizhou Province.

The accident took place on Thursday when 18 people were working underground at the Rongsheng Coal Mine in Zhenfeng County of Guizhou Province, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

Rescuers managed to pull out 11 workers, with two of them severely injured but their conditions are not life-threatening, local government said.

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi today expressed shock and grief over the stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli in which 19 people were killed and 60 others injured.

Extending her condolences to the families of the deceased, Sonia hoped that the concerned authorities were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims.

The Congress President said she has instructed the UP Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Varanasi DCC and Congress workers to provide all possible assistance to the people.

"Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the stampede in Varanasi.My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of this tragic incident," the Congress Vice President tweeted.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp.

Congress Chief Ministerial candidate Shiela Dikshit as also UPCC Chief Raj Babbar expressed condolences over the tragedy.

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Bihar Opposition BJP today asked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to clarify JD(U)'s stance on triple talaq.

Backing the Union government's plea in the Supreme Court on triple talaq, Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi asked Kumar to clarify if he supports "Muslim women's interest on the topic".

"Whether or not the JD(U) is in favour of triple talaq, Nitish Kumar should break his silence on the issue and clear his party's stand during its two-day national council meeting at Rajgir (from tomorrow)," he said.

He was addressing members of state executive of the party on the second and concluding day of the meeting here at his official residence 1, Polo Road.

BJP's National General Secretary and Bihar in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, who is also a Rajya Sabha member and Supreme Court advocate, said the JD(U) and RJD should make their stand clear on the issue.

Yadav said there are various countries including Pakistan which are opposed to the practice.

"It (the abolition of triple talaq) is the demand of Muslims women which is being heard in the Supreme Court," he said.

Talking about the surgical strikes, Yadav thanked both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Army for bringing immense pride to the the nation.

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A leading Syrian opposition group slammed international talks today in Lausanne aimed at ending the five-year war, as warplanes pressed fierce raids on second city Aleppo.

Abdal Ahad Stefo, deputy head of the Istanbul-based National Coalition opposition body, told AFP the talks "will only lead to wasting more time, further procrastination, and the shedding of more Syrian blood".

Key global players, including the top diplomats from Russia and the United States, will meet in Switzerland today for last-ditch talks aimed at ending Syria's five-year war.

UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura, Iran's chief diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, and foreign ministers from rebel-backing countries like Qatar are also expected to attend.

But Stefo said the meeting would fail to make any progress as no Syrians were invited.

"The absence of Syrians from these preparatory meetings is one of the problems that has complicated and confused (the path to) a political solution," he said.

"The common denominator among all the meetings that have been held since 2012... Until now is the absence of Syrians and a monopolisation by the United States and Russia," Stefo said.

The US and Russia back opposing sides of Syria's conflict but have spearheaded efforts this year to secure a truce and a political settlement to the war.

Two ceasefire deals brokered by the world powers in February and mid-September both collapsed.

"Since February, we've been talking about a truce that would bring a cessation of hostilities, but what happened on the ground was the exact opposite -- more people are besieged and increasingly starving," Stefo said.

"The United States and Russia are the main ones responsible."



More than 800,000 people are living under siege in Syria, with an estimated 250,000 of them encircled by government forces in the eastern half of Aleppo.

Fierce air raids pounded several opposition-held districts of the city today, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based monitoring group did not have immediate word on casualties.

Clashes were raging on the southern and northern edges of Aleppo, as well as in the central district of its Old City, the Observatory said.

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BJP Tamil Nadu unit today Expressed displeasure over the delay in nabbing killers of Hindu Munanni functionary C Sasikumar last month here.

Though it was almost more than 20 days after the murder, there was "no progress" in nabbing the culprits, party state President Tamilisai Soundararajan Tamilisai told reporters here.

Sasikumar was hacked to death by a four-member gang here on September 22 here when he was returning home in Subramaniampalayam, in the outskirts.

The party will appeal to the Union Home Ministry to monitor the situation in the State, where Hindu outfit leaders were killed in the last one year, she said.

A situation should not arise where political rivals were murdered to take revenge, in view of the forthcoming local body elections, she said and appealed to O Paneerselvam, who has taken charge of administration, to give more attention to monitor the law and order situation.

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The Russian authorities have arrested an "illegal" fishing ship of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Sea of Japan, with one person killed and eight others injured in the conflict, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Saturday.

A patrol boat of the Russian border guards stopped the DPRK fishing boat "Dae Yang 10" in Russia's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan at 22:20 Moscow time (19:20 GMT) Friday, the FSB said in a statement.

Russian border guards got on the ship for inspection, and found some "illegally obtained aquatic resources onboard the ship," said the FSB. "The 48 nationals of the DPRK onboard the ship attempted to seize the arms of the Russian officers and to attack them."

In reponse, the Russian guards made some warning shots in "self-defense," followed by "destructive fire with small arms," during which nine of the DPRK citizens were injured, and one of them died later, the FSB said.

A member of the Russia patrol guards was wounded on the head, it added.

Pyongyang has yet to make any comments on the incident.
A private college teacher and a sufi preacher have been arrested on draconian blasphemy charges in separate incidents in Pakistan's Punjab province, police said today.

The teacher was arrested in Toba Tek Singh area, about 200 kilometres from Lahore, for allegedly speaking against Islam.

According to a complaint filed by the complainant, his son was beaten by the teacher for absenting from Quaid-i-Azam School and College of Science and Commerce for a day, police said.

The teacher asked the boy why he had absented himself, and when the boy said he missed the college for "personal reasons" the teacher beat him and also allegedly spoke against Islam, according to an FIR registered under section 295A of Pakistan Penal Code.

The student informed his family about the incident and they - along with a number of local people - demonstrated against the teacher outside the school and later marched towards the police station.

The teacher was arrested from his house in the area.

In another incident in the province, a sufi preacher was arrested on blasphemy charges in Daska district for allegedly denying Islamic beliefs and articles of faith.

The complainant claimed to have provided the recording of his "utterances" to police, Dawn reported.

The report said the man was arrested after local people resorted to protest.

Both the persons face up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, which introduced the draconian laws in 1985 in a bid to appease right-wing parties. These laws have often been alleged to have been misused to settle personal scores.

On Thursday, two seminary students have been arrested in the province under the controversial blasphemy laws.

Militants also target people blamed for blasphemy or those demanding changes to them. Punjab's liberal governor Salman Taseer was killed in 2011 when he termed the regulations "black law" after visiting Christian woman Aasia Bibi, who is on death row, in a jail in Lahore.

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Thieves broke into the Kadipur tehsil treasury here and decamped with Rs 1.15 crore, police said today.

The incident took place late last night when thieves broke open the double locks of the treasury and fled away with the cash, they said.

The money amounting to Rs 1 crore was brought from the Bank of Baroda branch in Kadipur yesterday and was kept in the treasury along with Rs 15 lakh for disbursal among farmers for their land acquired for the Purvanchal expressway, police said.

Station officer of Kotwali Anil Sonekar and two constables have been placed under suspension for laxity, they said, adding one of the constables abstained from duty without informing the officers concerned, while the other was unaware of the theft.

Senior police and administrative officials have reached the spot and inquiry is going on, they said, adding an FIR has been filed in this connection.

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With the arrest of three persons from Palghar, the district rural police today claimed to have cracked the murder case of a 30-year-old man, who ran a money transfer business.

The accused, identified as Vishal Vaity (24), Sumit Patil (19) and Kashinath Kalbande (27), were traced and arrested recently in connection with the murder of Kalpesh Pimple last month, DSP Rural Palghar, Sharada Raut, told this to reporters.

According to Raut, on September 11, after closing his days business, Pimple was on his way home in Kumbavli in the district.

"He was carrying the day's collection and a laptop with him on his two wheeler. When he reached near Boisar MIDC at Kolawade naka, a group of unidentified persons attacked him with lethal weapons and fled from the scene with the bag containing cash and the laptop," Raut said.

Police had previously registered an offence under IPC Sections 397 (attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) and 341wrongful restraint) aganst the unidentified accused. However, Pimple, who was admitted to the hospital, succumbed to his injuries on three days later. Following that police booked a case under Section 302 (murder).

Probe into the case was taken up by the Local Crime Branch headed by Senior Police Inspector A B Vhanmane. "The accused were traced and arrested during this week," police said.

Police said that the accused had already destroyed the victim's laptop and had made some purchases from the robbed money.

"Mobile phones, a motor cycle, cupboard and cash, all valued at Rs 1.70 lakh were seized from them," Raut said.

According to police, Vaity has total 13 crimes registered against him in various police stations in Mumbai and Thane rural district the police said.

The accused were produced before the local magistrate, who remanded them in police custody till October 17.

The Crime Branch officials are carrying out further investigation into the case.

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Over 40 Tibetans were arrested today from Margao town of Goa for protesting against Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrived in the coastal state for the BRICS summit.

The protesters, demanding independence for Tibet, were rounded up from a site 15 km away from the BRICS summit venue.

"A total of 43 Tibetans were arrested in the town where they were protesting. They will be produced before a local court later in the day," Margao Police Inspector C L Patil told PTI.

The protest was held under the banner of Tibet Youth Congress.

The stir began just before Xi arrived at INS Hansa base this afternoon for the two-day summit that started today.

"We want India to help Tibet get freedom. We want our country to be free. We are against the illegal occupation of Tibet by China," TYC leader Tenzing Jimmy told reporters at the protest site.

The protesters, including women, were waiving placards with slogans demanding China unconditionally start talks with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's envoy.

Goa Police started a crackdown on Tibetans a week before the Summit, being attended by leaders of five emerging economies, including India and China. In the last few days, more than 20 of them were detained and left with a warning.

But the protest at Margao caught the police unawares.
Triple talaq is valid, but its misuse should not be allowed as it will give government a chance to "target" the practice, imams from National Capital Region said in a conference today.

The conference, said to be attended by 500 imams, vehemently opposed Centre's stand on triple talaq and Law Commission's move seeking feedback from public on whether Uniform Civil Code be made optional.

In its bid to up the ante over the Commission to reverse the move, the imams also decided to collect signatures from community members, especially women, to send out message that they don't have objections with the present personal laws.

The conference, organised by All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Mufti Aijaz Arshad Qasmi, was also attended by its general secretary Wali Rahamani.

"During the meeting, we decided to deal with the issue of complaints relating misuse of triple talaq. Triple talaq is valid. Though it should not be misused as that may give a chance to the government to attack the practice.

"So, we have decided to spread awareness about it and discussed strategy to tackle government's stand on it in court," Qasmi said.

Qasmi, also Delhi Waqf Board member, said the imams picked flaws in the UCC during the meeting and opposed the move which will "threaten diversity and pluralism" of the country.

"The AIMPLB general secretary asked attendees to be mentally prepare for protest over the issue, if need be. The protests will be carried out peacefully," he added.

Making perhaps the first such move, the Law Commission had on October 7 sought feedback from public on whether the practice of triple talaq be abolished and whether a uniform civil code should be optional.

In its affidavit submitted to Supreme Court on the same day, the Centre had also opposed before the apex court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims.

The government had said that triple talaq cannot be regarded as an essential part of the religion and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, in the affidavit, referred to constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to drive home the point that the practice of triple talaq and polygamy needed to be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court.

The law panel's move assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of 'triple talaq', which many complain is abused by Muslim men to arbitrarily divorce their wives.

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin makes him unfit to be the next US President, a top American nuclear security official has said.

"This is a huge, huge deal. I think that Trump's motivation here to play into Putin's hands is driven by one thing for sure and one thing that I'm deeply concerned about," Mike Morell, former acting director of CIA, told reporters during a conference call yesterday.

"The thing that I'm sure about is that Trump is cozying up to Putin because Putin has played him like a fiddle. Putin has figured out what makes Donald Trump tick and he's playing to it," he said.

Noting that he cannot remember a single time in American history where the US government has accused another government of trying to interfere in its elections, Morrell said, "this is really unprecedented and, as a national security person, it shakes me to my core."



Rather than condemn these efforts, the Republican nominee has actually cheered them on, supported them, alleged Matt Olsen, former head of the National Counter terrorism Center, he said.

"When somebody running for president refuses to acknowledge this kind of threat to the US, not only refusing to acknowledge the threat but refusing to even condemn it, that suggests that Trump does not understand what it takes to defend the US and what is involved in defending the United States and the American people," said Jamie Rubin, Hillary for America Senior Media Advisor for National Security Affairs.

"One of the things that I find fascinating is Donald Trump's absolute refusal to acknowledge Russia's role here. He simply refuses to acknowledge the role, even after his running mate this morning, said that the Russians were behind this," Morrell said.

"It even gets worse than him simply not acknowledging it. In my mind, he's actually cheering it on. He's reading from WikiLeaks material at his rally to the point of parroting now-debunked disinformation. He's encouraging people to read the hacked materials. He is encouraging his attack on our democracy, and I find that amazing and shocking,"he said.

Rubin said on a policy level Trump has praised Putin's leadership.

"He has adopted Putin's talking points, with respect to the attacks on ISIS or not in Syria. And when issues have come up of Putin's crack downs inside Russia, on journalists, on others, he's defended Putin rather than condemn him. The first understanding of what is the national interest is to know what's good for the US, and Trump doesn't seem to understand that," he said.

Morell said he was deeply concerned about the people around Trump - the Paul Manafort's, the Roger Stone's, the Carter Page's - who may have financial or other relationships with Russia.

"They're actually working on behalf of the Russians in getting this material out and spreading it around. I don't want to go overboard here and say I know that for sure. I certainly don't. But I'm deeply concerned about it," he alleged.

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will address Indian-Americans at a charityevent organised for Hindu victims of terrorism in New Jersey.

Trump's attendance and address at tomorrow's event organised by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) makes him the first presidential candidate to attend an Indian-Americans' event this election cycle.

"This is a history in the making. Never in the history of US presidential election, a candidate has come to a Hindu event," said Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition.

Kumar described the concert as a "Bollywood, Tollywood, Punjabi extravaganza"to benefit Kashmiri and Hindu refugees.

In a short video message last month, confirming his attendance to the event, Trump said the Hindu community had made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture.

"We look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy," he said.

In a short video message, he described this as an "incredible" event.

"In his video statement Trump has made terrific statements about Hindus and Indians. He has gone all out for friendship with India and Indian Americans and Hindu Americans," Kumar said.

He claims to have donated more than a million dollar to the Trump Campaign and the Republican party this election cycle.

"All the proceeds from this would go for the benefit of victims of terror particularly Kashmiri Pundits and Hindu refugees from Bangladesh," he said.

This is for the first time in the last two presidential elections that a presidential candidate would be making an appearance at an Indian-American event.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organised by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes.

But those are all closed door events away from public glare.

Clinton, often called as Senator from Punjab and has a large following among the Indian Americans is yet to make any public appearance before the community.

But she has appointed a large number of Indian Americans in her campaign team.

A recent Pew Survey had said that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly voted for Democrats.

Trump's decision is seen as an attempt to woo the small but powerful Indian-American community who can play a key role in some of the battle ground States if the race is close.

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Turkey has angrily reacted to the cancellation of a panel in Sweden about the failed July coup attempt seeking to oust the government from power, calling it a "blow" to the freedom of expression.

The panel "July 15th - Behind the Scene of the Bloody Coup" had been planned to take place in Stockholm yesterday.

The office of the Turkish prime minister, in a statement late yesterday, condemned the cancellation and said it was the result of "interference by some Swedish parliamentarians."



"The cancellation of the panel planned to inform the international community on the treacherous coup attempt of July 15 against Turkey's democracy and parliamentarian system, and the prevention of Turkish journalists from making a statement contradicts with Sweden's tradition as the country with the world's oldest piece of legislation on the freedom of media," the statement said.

The panel should have taken place in a small school of a Stockholm district. Local authorities claim they cancelled the event because of security concerns.

"We did a risk assessment taking into account who would attend and what could happen outside. I don't want my schools turned into a battlefield," Bo Andersson, a Stockholm city schools official, said.

The Swedish foreign ministry has not commented.

Turkey has blamed the failed putsch on a rogue group in the army led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, charges he denies.

The government has launched a relentless crackdown on alleged coup plotters, detaining or suspending tens of thousands of people from state institutions including in education.

The purge has alarmed European states, which have urged Turkey to act within the rule of law.

Furious with the cancellation of the planned event in Stockholm, Ankara said it expected "the European countries, which unfairly criticise Turkey for hindering the freedom of the press at every opportunity, to show the necessary reaction to these attacks on the freedom of media and expression by Sweden.

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Two US citizens "held" in Yemen have been freed and were taken to Oman today after mediation by authorities in the Gulf nation, the state-run Oman Agency reported.

The agency, quoting an Omani foreign ministry spokesman, said the two Americans were brought to Oman aboard an aircraft that earlier today flew to the Yemeni capital to evacuate those wounded in air strikes on a funeral in Sanaa last week.

It did not identify the US nationals.

But it quoted the spokesman as saying that Oman mediated the release of the pair in order "to help the American government obtain the liberation of a number of Americans held in Yemen."



"Two of them were freed and taken this evening to the Sultanate of Oman aboard an Omani air force plane ahead of the repatriation," the spokesman added.

He said Omani authorities secured their release "in coordination with Yemeni parties in Sanaa", the capital which is under the control of the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, supporters of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

There have been dozens of kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen over the years, most of them by members of the country's heavily armed tribes seeking concessions from the authorities.

Since the Huthi rebels overran the capital in September 2014, they have detained several Westerners, most of whom have been released through Omani mediation.

On September 20, a US citizen who ran an English-language school in Sanaa was detained by men who said they were security officers working for the Huthis, witnesses said at the time.

A rebel leader later said the US national was detained for providing the Saudi-led coalition with target coordinates for its deadly campaign against the Iran-backed Huthis.

Today's release comes almost two weeks after a Franco-Tunisian Red Cross woman staffer kidnapped in Yemen almost a year ago was freed and taken to Muscat after Omani mediation.

A member of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman has good ties with countries outside the wealthy bloc including Iran and Yemen.

It is the only GCC country not to have joined the coalition air war against the Huthis and their allies in Yemen, although it maintains good relations with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

Oman is also one of the few Arab countries to have a good relationship with Shiite Iran and has mediated between Tehran and Washington on prisoners in the past.

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Transportation app has signed an agreement with Ministry of Electronics and IT's CSCs (Common Services Centres) for skilling drivers on its platform.

The agreement, part of its UberSHAAN initiative, will help individuals receive driver training, facilitate license procurement and vehicle financing, India President Amit Jain told PTI.

He added that through this agreement, aims to ensure that people who come to these Common Services Centres, especially in the grassroots, gain access to tools, training resources and related information for becoming a driver partner on the Uber platform.

"We are excited to partner with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on taking Digital India to the next level. It is our endeavour to create economic and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities for thousands of individuals in India. CSCs are the pillars of Digital India and we hope to maximise our reach through this partnership," he said.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, CSC CEO Dinesh Tyagi and Prabhjeet Singh, Uber India GM (Delhi).

CSCs are ICT-enabled centres that provide individual access to Internet and computer devices, in particular, to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. The primary objective of the CSCs, currently numbering about 1.70 lakh, is to bring e-governance services within the reach of the citizens.

CSC had earlier said it would launch short duration skill programmes involving basic level, and, in some cases, advanced level courses in areas such as electrical repair, assistant motor mechanic for two-wheeler and four wheeler, welding, mobile repair and even cybersecurity, among others.

"We have fostered a relationship with Uber and people in villages can now go and register as driver partners at our CSCs. I guarantee you, through this partnership (between CSC and Uber), Uber will create economic opportunities for all," Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Uber plans to start the initiative with an initial pilot phase in and around Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The US-based company will kick off the partnership by identifying high potential CSCs, training them on the process and documentation and then facilitating the same for individuals who are willing to join the Uber platform.

Based on its success, Uber will expand the initiative to CSCs at the national level, Jain said.

As part of UberSHAAN, Uber aims aims to create 1 million livelihood opportunities in India by 2018. It has already partnered National Skill Development Corporation, Maruti, National Safai Karamchari Development Corporation as part of the programme.
Eyeing the most backward classes (MBC) votes in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today said his party would give the community quota within quota if voted to power.

Party General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters that Gandhi gave this assurance today to party leaders from the Most Backward Castes in Uttar Pradesh at a meeting here.

Azad, who is party affairs in-charge in Uttar Pradesh, said Gandhi assured the leaders that the party would include the promise in its election manifesto and implement it if voted to power.

Congress is in political wilderness in the state for 27 long years with the Mandal-Mandir politics coming on the horizon and emergence of BSP.

The Congress leader lamented that only a section of the backward classes have accrued most of the benefits of reservation while the most backwards or extremely backward classes remain laggards.

In an apparent dig at SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Azad said benefits of reservations have gone to only some dominant castes in the state while the most backward castes have been neglected.

There have often been accusations that the Samajwadi Party rule in the state have helped the dominant Yadav community gain the most.

Azad said Congress has been instrumental in bringing reservation within reservation for the most backward classes in 10-odd states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Replying to a question as to how much of the 27 per cent reservation for the backwards will go to the MBCs, he said a high-level panel would go into the issue in a time-bound manner to suggest modalities, as had happened in some states earlier.

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The Obama administration has announced that it is eliminating a USD 100 limit on the value of Cuban rum and cigars that American travellers can bring back from the island.

The administration is also lifting limits on cargo ship travel between the US and Cuba and easing US and Cuban researchers' ability to conduct joint medical research.

The measures are contained in a new round of regulatory changes meant to ease US trade with Cuba.

The Obama administration has now made six sets of changes loosening the US trade embargo on Cuba in hopes that the normalisation of relations with the island will not be reversed by a future administration.

This round is expected to be the last before President Barack Obama leaves office.

Cuban rum and cigars will now be subject to the same duties as alcohol and tobacco from other countries, meaning most travellers will be able to bring back as many as 100 cigars and several bottles of rum.

Because high-end Cuban cigars can sell for more than USD 100 apiece outside Cuba, every US traveller can now legally bring back many thousands of dollars of Cuban products, potentially generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new annual revenue for the Cuban state.

The change does not mean that Cuban rum and cigars will be available for sale in the US the change is aimed at tobacco and alcohol brought home for personal use.

The previous limit restricted travellers to a combined value of USD 100 in rum and cigars, although enforcement of the limit notably declined after President Barack Obama declared detente with Cuba on December 17, 2014.

The head of US affairs at Cuba's Foreign Ministry, Josefina Vidal, said the measures are "a significant step," but she said they have "a very limited character" and leave in place restrictions on investment in most parts of the Cuban economy.

She also complained that the rationale for the measures is that that they are meant to encourage "subversive" changes on the island.

The administration has described its policy goal as aimed at helping the Cuban people improve their lives by winning greater economic and political freedom from the single-party state.

"Challenges remain - and very real differences between our governments persist on issues of democracy and human rights - but I believe that engagement is the best way to address those differences and make progress on behalf of our interests and values," Obama said in a statement announcing the changes.

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Vice President Hamid Ansari today left on a five-day visit to Hungary and Algeria, where he will raise the matter of cross-border terrorism and a host of other bilateral issues.

The visit comes amid the continuing tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and the Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

"Absolutely. This will be the major theme in all his (Vice-President) bilateral talks," Sujata Mehta, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs told reporters yesterday, when asked whether Ansari will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism with the leaders of the two countries.

"Terrorism will be a major item in both Hungary and Algeria," she said.

Ansari will first visit Hungary from October 15 to 17 and Algeria from October 17 to 19.

During the visit, Mehta said, Ansari will hold discussions with Presidents of Hungary and Algeria, Prime Minister of Hungary and Speakers of national assembly.

She said terrorism was not new for Algeria and that the country has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past.

"There will be meetings of minds to fight terrorism with all his (Ansari) interlocutors and counterparts in both the countries," Mehta said.

The Vice-President's visit to Hungary comes after more than two decades after the then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in India in 2001.

While around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries, bilateral trade between India and Algeria stands at USD 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India.

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A Vigilance Court today ordered 'quick verification' against Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and a former minister in the case relating to seizure of four elephant tusksfrom the actor's residence here in 2012.

The order in this regard was issued by the Vigilance court at nearby Muvattupuzha.

The court also gave a similar order against former UDF minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and four others in the case, sources said.

Four elephant tusks were seized from the actor's house in a raid by Income Tax authorities in June 2012 for illegally keeping the tusks and a case had been registered against him.

The case has been posted to December 16.

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Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said the issue of cross-border terrorism, which has badly affected India, will be raised with the top leadership of Hungary and Algeria during his five-day trip to the two nations as he arrived here in the Hungarian capital.

"Fight against terrorism is a universal subject now. It will figure in our discussions with both the countries," he told reporters accompanying him on board Air India One.

Ansari was replying to a question on whether he would raise the issue of cross border terrorism affecting India with the leadership of both Hungary and Algeria, in the wake of the terror attack in Uri in which 19 soldiers were killed.

The Vice President said that Algeria had dealt with its domestic terrorism very effectively in the past.

"This is an area where we can have ties and cooperation with Algeria," he said.

In Hungary, the issue of cross border terror emanating from across India's border will be raised in his bilateral meetings with Hungary's President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other top leadership.

Two MoUs, including one on river management will be signed by India and Hungary during the Vice-President's visit.

Ansari said Hungary has immense experience in cleaning river as well as making it navigational and the MoU on river management is expected to help India get expertise in cleaning Ganga and other rivers.

The Vice-President said that bilateral relations at the highest level of the government was very limited in the past and his visit would fill up the gap.

Ansari's visit to Hungary comes over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

The Vice-President said that Hungary is a preferred investment destination for many Indian companies and they have set up bases in Hungary to expand their businesses in other Europeans countries.

On the second leg of his visit from October 17, Ansari



will tour Algeria, the North African country being a major source of oil and gas.

"Algeria has extensive deposits of phosphate. We want to explore whether joint venture industries could be set up in Algeria with Algerian phosphate and gas and Indian funds and technology so that fertilisers could be brought to India from Algeria instead of raw materials," he said.

The visit to Algeria comes after a long "cooling off" period in bilateral relations.

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations way back in 2001.

In his deliberations with the Algerian President, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other top leadership, Ansari said he would like to revive the old and deep ties that India has with the Arab nation.

He said due to some difference of opinion on some third country, there was a "cooling off" period in relations but that time is over now.

"They (Algeria) want cooperation and we want cooperation. Both sides want the relations to be strengthened," he said.

Ansari is accompanied by union minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers Mansukh L Mandava, MPs Prabhakar Kore, Javed Ali Khan and Saugata Roy.
India today made it clear to China that they cannot afford to have differences on the issue of terrorism and that no country is immune from the menace, a significant statement that comes against the backdrop of Beijing's stand on enforcing UN ban on JeM Chief Masood Azhar.

The Indian view was conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to be held tomorrow.

"Both India and China are victims of terrorism and the region was suffering from the menace. The Prime Minister said no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we cannot afford to have any differences," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting.

He said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar, the brain behind the 26/11 and Pathankot attacks.

"We expect China will see logic in it," Swarup said.

The Indian stand assumes significance against the backdrop of China continuing to block India's move to get Azhar designated as a global terrorist.

India has been upset with China when it put on technical hold New Delhi's move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by UN. Recently, China extended the hold by few months.

Indian envoy to China Vijay Gokhale said both the Prime Minister and the President agreed that terrorism is a scourge for the region.

The Prime Minister said India and China must increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and look for a common ground and a long-term road to tackle the menace.

President Xi said India and China must step up counter-terrorism efforts and strengthen security dialogue and partnership.

It was announced that Yang Jiechi will meet his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval soon.

Asked whether China has been provided with any evidence in the pursuit of obtaining China's support on the Azhar issue, Vikas replied no.

To another question, he said China condemns all forms of terrorism and a counter-terrorism dialogue has taken place with it. "This will be discussed in the next round and our expectation is that China will take all steps....(to check the menace).

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Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today said if his party is voted to power it would abolish contractual system of appointments in the government, particularly in municipal corporations, committees and other local bodies.

"All the employees working on ad hoc or daily wage basis in these bodies will be regularised once the Congress comes to power," he said at a function here on the eve of Parkash Parv of Bhagawan Valmiki.

Urging the Valmiki Samaj to support the Congress in the upcoming Punjab elections, he said, "If the party comes to power (financial assistance) under the Shagun Scheme will be increased to Rs 50,000 while old age, handicapped and widow pensions will be increased to Rs 2,000 a month."



"We will also provide 300 units of electricity for free to the poor and not only continue the Aata-Daal scheme, but will provide tea and sugar under it," he assured.

Punjab AICC-in-charge Asha Kumar appealed people to help the Congress form government.

She added the party is committed to the welfare and uplift of downtrodden people.

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Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala says the decision of cinema owners association to not allow screening of films with Pakistani artistes was unfortunate and he would request them to reconsider the move as that will result in losses for Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".

Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India yesterday announced that it won't release movies starring actors from Pakistan, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

This has put an uncertainty on the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" as it features Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan.

The movie, starring Aishwarya Rai, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma is slated to hit theatres on October 28.

"It's unfortunate with Karan, that this film started two years back when the situation was different. We are going to request all the parties, all the concerned authorities, that he is an Indian. An Indian should not suffer from the hands of another Indian," Sajid said at an event.

"We will humbly go and request everyone. He is an Indian citizen, please help him. Our entire team thinks we will be successful."



Varun Dhawan, who was also present at the event, said he agrees with Sajid.

"I totally agree with what Sajid sir said. I stand by him," he said.

The filmmaker said considering what the nation is going through, they all stand in solidarity with the army.

"We all are behind our nation, our army. Several associations have decided that at present we are not going to work with them (Pakistani artistes).

Actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal took to Twitter and said that producers are being punished for no fault of theirs.

"Terrorist have claimed one more life... Of solidarity of Indian film industry!



"Pak artist got their money and travelled club class and safely went back home... And we punish our own producers for no fault of theirs. Think.

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A woman flier suffered a heart attack and died soon after her aircraft landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here.

Officials said the incident was reported yesterday around 10:35 AM when a 69-year-old woman, accompanied by her husband, coming from Mumbai fell unconscious in the arrival terminal.

"The lady, wife of a CEO of a Mumbai-based hospital, was rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors declared her brought dead due to cardiac arrest. The body was later handed over to Delhi Police for postmortem and further procedures," they said.

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A woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a wealthy Indian-origin family's home in an upscale area here, prompting the British police to launch a murder probe into the incident.

Harcharanjit Matharu, 58, his wife Baldev, 60, and daughters Ranjeeta, 26, and Rupinder, 33, are believed to reside in the one-million-pound home in the upmarket neighbourhood of Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire.

Emergency services rushed there after screams were heard from the home. The woman, in her 30s, was found dead in the property earlier this week.

Police refused to reveal the identity of the woman and details of the autopsy.

Police launched a murder inquiry on Thursday after a post- mortem was conducted and a man was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to The Sun.

"At around 5.50 PM on Monday, officers attended a property following a report that a woman in her thirties had died. A Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out and following this, the Force's Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation. A scene watch is currently in place at the property," a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel of the Major Crime Unit said, "We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward".

"We sent two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance crew and an ambulance officer. They were assessing a woman in her 30s and sadly they confirmed one patient was dead at the scene," South Central Ambulance Service's spokesperson said.

An adjoining bungalow to the home at the centre of the murder probe was built for the family's car leasing firm's employees to live in.

Neighbours said both homes are owned by the Matharu family.

The family firm is valued at two-million pounds. The firm is run from a property in nearby Denham area.

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The second unit of Kudankulam nuclear plant was today dedicated to the nation and foundation stone of two more units was laid after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held comprehensive talks in which they resolved to further boost cooperation in the atomic sector.

The second unit generates 1,000 MW of power and the new units will each have the same capacity.

A joint statement issued after the talks said Russia strongly supported India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and welcomed India's accession to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime.

It also said there has been progress in discussions on the General Framework Agreement and the Credit Protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 with a view to finalise these documents before the end of 2016.

Unit two was dedicated and foundation of two more units of the Kudankulum plant was laid which was witnessed by Modi and Putin through video conferening.

"Russia is convinced that India's participation will strengthen the international export control regimes and in this regard welcomed India's application for membership in the NSG, reiterating its strong support for India's early entry into the NSG," said the statement.

In his media statement in presence of Putin, Modi said dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation of unit 3 and 4 reflected "tangible results" of India-Russia cooperation in the Civil Nuclear Energy sector.

"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India," he said.

On August 10, the first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear plant was dedicated to the nation jointly by Modi and Putin who had participated at the ceremony from Moscow via video-conferencing.

The joint statement said both sides affirmed that their successful nuclear energy cooperation is one of the most tangible and substantive aspects of their strategic partnership.

It said the two sides reaffirm their intention to further expand cooperation under the 'Strategic Vision to Strengthen Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy' signed on December 11, 2014.

"In this context they noted with satisfaction a series of positive developments marked in their civil nuclear cooperation this year, including attainment of full power capacity of Kudankulam Unit 1, integration with electricity grid of Kudankulam Unit 2, commencement of the site work for Kudankulam Units 3 and 4," it said.

The joint statement said theIndian side stated that it was working towards early allocation of the second site for the construction of the Russian-designed nuclear power plant.

The statement said both sides appreciated the progress



being made in the implementation of the "Programme of Action for Localisation" between Russia's Rosatom and India's Department of Atomic Energy.

The localisation programme will have active engagement of Indian nuclear manufacturing industry for local manufacturing of equipment and components for upcoming and future Russian-designed nuclear power projects.

Both the sides also noted with satisfaction continued senior official level interactions between their atomic energy establishments, including under the framework of three Joint Working Groups on Nuclear Fuel, Science and Technology and Nuclear Power, and the Central Working Group on Localisation set up during the last two summits.

The two countries also reaffirmed that they have a common interest in preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and in strengthening the multilateral export control regimes.

"A responsible approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is demonstrated by India and Russia's constructive participation in relevant international fora such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, etc.

"Both sides reiterated their desire to strengthen interaction and coordination of views on these issues," it said.

Russia also supported India's interest in full membership in the Wasseanaar Arrangement, a prominent multilateral export control regime.

The joint statement said the two countries reaffirmed their continued commitment to work together towards development of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
Infosys Ltd cut its annual revenue growth target for the second time in three months as India's IT software services exporters have run into a headwind of major Western customers holding back on spending amid uncertainties created by Donald Trump's brash statements in the U.S. presidential campaign and the post-Brexit turmoil in Europe.

While the company reported a 6.1 percent growth in second quarter profit at Rs 3,606 crore it said on Friday that it now expects revenue to grow between 8 percent and 9 percent during the current financial year.

Infosys, the second-largest player in India's $150 billion-plus software services outsourcing industry, Infosys had cut its guidance as recently as in July, to 10.5-12 percent growth. It had also warned that it was seeing some "softness" after Britain voted to leave the European Union in June.

"During the course of Q2 we have seen signs of cautious client behaviour," said on a conference call. Royal Bank of Scotland's decision to shelve a plan to list a new bank in Britain, for which Infosys was a technology partner, also contributed to the lowering of revenue guidance, Sikka said.

Firms like Infosys and industry leader Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) depend on North America and Europe for a major chunk of their revenue. TCS on Thursday had reported Trump & Brexit blues hit Infosys Country's second largest IT major cuts growth forecast to single digit figure lower-than-expected revenue growth and warned clients were delaying spending.

The lowered outlook initially startled investors, sending shares more than 5 percent lower before they pared losses.

The firm's shares, however, recovered and were trading 1.9 percent lower. Investors took the view that a sector that is a showpiece of the Indian economy is still well placed in the longer term.

"We don't believe that the structural story of outsourcing has changed," said Nilesh Shetty, a fund manager at Quantum Asset Management Company Pvt Ltd. "The engineering talent in India is still priced a lot lower than the developed world."

For its fiscal second quarter ended September Infosys had a revenue of Rs 17,310 crore, which grew 10.7 per cent over the same period last year.

The company added 78 clients during the three months to September, taking its total number of active clients to 1,136.

Sikka said the company had won large orders of over $ 1.2 billion in the quarter, which was good in a "difficult and structurally challenging time"

The lower forecast is also expected to force software lobby Nasscom to reduce its growth estimates for the $ 108 billion Indian tech industry. In April, the industry body had projected 10-12 per cent growth for the year ahead.

Larger rival Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Thursday called the second quarter "unusual" saying that there is caution among customers due to 'growing uncertainties in environment'. The company had reported an 8.2 per cent increase in profits at Rs 6,586 crore as revenue grew 7.8 per cent to Rs 29,284 crore

Sikka said while Infosys continues to navigate an uncertain external environment, we remain focused on executing our strategy and increasing momentum of our software plus services model.

``Considering our performance in the first half of the year and the near-term uncertain business outlook, we are revising our revenue guidance," he added.

In association with Mail Today Bureau


India and Russia on Saturday announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally, as the two tighten their military relationship.

The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the resort state of Goa, where leaders from the BRICS group of emerging nations are meeting.

Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the country's defence forces, and is part of Modi's drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said.
In a landmark step to combat climate change, about 200 nations, including India, today struck a legally-binding deal after intense negotiations to phase down climate-damaging HFCs that have global warming potential thousand times more than carbon dioxide.

Negotiators and policymakers held meetings since yesterday morning and through the night, having intense deliberations to iron out differences concerning the amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reach the Kigali Amendment to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

The agreement reached by 197 parties on the amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is expected to prevent a global temperature rise of up to 0.5 C by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

According to the amendment adopted by nations, developed countries will reduce HFCs use first, followed by China along with a large number of countries.

India and nine other countries of South and West Asia will follow suit. Overall, the agreement is expected to reduce HFCs use by 85 per cent by 2045.

The amendment will enter into force on January 1, 2019, provided that at least 20 instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of the Amendment have been deposited by states or regional economic integration organisations that are parties to the Montreal Protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

"We cared for our development, industrial interest and at the same time the interest of the country," Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, who attended the high-level segment of the conference here, said.

Under the amendment, three different schedules have been set for countries to freeze and then reduce their production and use of HFCs.

The developed countries, led by the US and Europe, will reduce HFC use by 85 per cent by 2036 over a 2011-13 baseline.

China, which is the largest producer of HFCs in the world, will reduce HFC use by 80 per cent by 2045 over the 2020-22 baseline.

India will reduce the use of HFCs by 85 per cent over the 2024-26 baseline.

Developed countries have also agreed to provide enhanced funding support to developing countries.

Unlike the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Montreal Protocol amendment is legally binding.

Hailing the role played by India reaching the deal, Indian climate experts said India went with a clear strategy and a proactive agenda to enhance the overall environmental ambition of the deal and to protect the nation's economic interests.

"The amendment finally agreed to not only protect India's economic interests, but also doubles the climate benefit compared to the previous Indian proposal. It will avoid HFC emissions equivalent to 70 billion tonne of CO2," Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said.
India and Russia today sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

The defence deals included India buying the 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

"These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," he said.

He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

"Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties.In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability."

On cooperation in atomic sector, he said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India," said the Prime Minister.

Talking about India's expanding presence in Russia's hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in that country's Oil and Gas sector.

"And, with President Putin's support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.

"A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising 'Energy Bridge' between our two countries," he said.

The Prime Minister said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.

"Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields," he said.

On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement.

"Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

"And, with President Putin's backing, we hope to fast track India's association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement," he said.

Modi added that efforts by the two sides for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance infrastructure partnership.

The Prime Minister said success of the Summit "shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.

"It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues," he said.

Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.

"We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage," he said.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Mormon leaders are urging members to vote against ballot measures that would legalize marijuana in Arizona, California and Nevada and a Colorado proposal to make assisted suicide legal.

Church President Thomas S. Monson and his two counselors signed the two letters that were sent this week to members in those four states.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tries to maintain political neutrality by refraining from backing one party or endorsing candidates, but leaders sometimes weigh in on what they consider crucial moral issues.

They say marijuana in homes is a risk for children and that it can cause brain development problems for youth.

Their opposition to assisted suicide is rooted in the faiths belief in the sanctity of life. The letter says legalizing the practice cheapens human life and dignity.
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.
Dr. Laura Besong, Sub-Director In charge of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.

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How should people take care of their pets daily?



Having a pet is like someone having a baby. The animal needs to be fed, treated taken care of properly. It has to be washed regularly to prevent smells and infestation by worms and other parasites that can be detrimental to its health. I will like to call on pet owners to have a responsible behaviour towards their animals. The animals should not be left to go out and fend for themselves because many people have pets but these animals go to the dustbin and feed. It is very dangerous because when an animal gets infested outside, it comes back to the house and plays with children and with the owners. This is very dangerous because it can transmit rabies to the members of the family and even to the neighbours around.



The animals have a right to treatment which includes vaccination.



What should an individual do when bitten by a pet?



When someone is bitten by a pet or scratched by a cat, this person should wash the wound with a lot of water and soap. That will reduce the viruses that were deposited on the wound and by so doing, reduce the risks of being contaminated and infected with rabies then he should go to a health centre to be administered an anti tetanus injection, as well as the human treatment for rabies which is usually called the post-treatment.



What is the government doing to fight stray animals that are a danger to the population?



Fighting against stray animals is the responsibility of the Council. The Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industry has given funds to some urban councils to tackle this public health issue. The Council, for example organises the killing or elimination of stray dogs on public roads. This is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation which issues an order instructing that this activity be carried out with MINEPIA staff. Conventions have been signed with laboratories like Centre Pasteur for diagnosis, surveillance and training of its personnel as well as vaccination of personnel who are exposed. The main way of preventing rabies is through the vaccination of dogs and eliminating it from the animal population.



Can you tell us about this campaign that begins today and targets about 8000 pets?



When we evaluate the annual vaccination campaign, we understand that most people cannot really afford to pay for this vaccine even though it is subsidised. So the Minister has decided to put in place 8,000 vaccines to fight rabies through this campaign.

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The Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family tackled Senators worries on burning issues yesterday, July 8, 2015.

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The Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Professor Marie Therese Abena Ondoa, has condemned the practice whereby Cameroonian women are lured into job opportunities in foreign countries only to find themselves in slavery. We have followed declarations by returning female slave workers over the media. Measures will be taken to stop the phenomenon, Prof. Abena Ondoa assured concerned Senators yesterday who wanted to know governments measures to assist hundreds of women reportedly working as slaves in the Middle East.



The Women Empowerment Minister who was at the Senate on July 8, 2015 to present deliberations of the 59th session of the United Nations Committee on the Condition of the Woman that held from 9 to 20 March, 2015 in New York, United States of America, received a question on the matter from Senator Claude Kemayou. Minister Abena Ondoa however used the opportunity to advise parents to stop indebting themselves to sponsor these journeys undertaken by their daughters for greener pastures. Children should also know that they can have everything back here in Cameroon, she stated.



During the restitution workshop chaired by Senate Vice President, Jean Takougang, other matters emerging from the Senators questions concerned the challenges faced when putting female candidates during local elections, the need for a concrete objective buried in a slogan to help parliamentarians support increase women empowerment budgetary allocations, early marriages and the need for families to promote culture, amongst others.



Among her several responses, Minister Abena Ondoa invited men to be involved in the promotion of gender and women empowerment while emphasising that building awareness against child discrimination starts in the family. She concluded with hopes that the Persons and Family Code draft forwarded by the Prime Ministers Office to the Ministry of Justice will solve several problems raised by the Senators.

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"Some of us are going to have a very nervous week, we're on a knife-edge in a couple of seats," he said. "We're definitely in it. In light of all the negative attacks, I'd be very pleased with any increase in numbers," he said.
"Given both the High Court's recent ruling and the absence of a provision allowing interpreters to be permitted in the jury room, it is likely that if the ACT sheriff, in preparing the jury list determines that a deaf person is not capable of serving as a juror the sheriff would not be found to be discriminating against the potential juror."
"We've also been able to expand our services to continue working with children once they get to school, and have launched a range of exciting new group programs which have been really well received by our children and families," she said.
Social Services Minister Christian Porter promised to establish an independent complaints and serious incidents system in early September, aimed at speeding up help to those with a disability. This followed a PwC report which found the roll-out was underprepared, under-resourced and went ahead with its key architects knowing there were risks of serious problems.
Some extraordinary luck, or crisis, may allow him to slip his bonds. Some counter-pressure, particularly in his electorate, may force him to do something. But he'll get no help from Labor, or from the enemies behind and alongside him. Minor "achievements", as with his alliance with One Nation over volunteer firefighters, can't give moral authority over his party or the nation, or create such confidence in his leadership that he can develop any sort of winning followership.
On Monday, Oct. 10, board members of the School District of the Menomonie Area approved a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley that will allow the club to reopen in our school district and community. The approval by the school board  combined with many generous donations from members of the Menomonie Area  will help to provide children in our community with a safe and structured experience during both after school and summer programming. It is expected that the club will reopen in Menomonie at River Heights Elementary School sometime after Jan. 1, 2017.

The partnership that the school district has with the Boys and Girls Club keeps the club available to all age-appropriate children living in the communities served by the School District of the Menomonie Area for the affordable rate of $15/year per child or $30/year per family. Children who are home schooled or who attend a private school in our community are also eligible to participate.

According to information provided by the Boys and Girls Club, the after school program typically runs from the time that the school day ends until 7 p.m. and includes a healthy snack, supervised free time, and a daily challenge. All members participate in mandatory homework time or a planned educational activity with club staff and volunteers. The Boys and Girls Club provides programming that includes various activities in the core areas of Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health and Life Styles; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.

Last summer, the Boys and Girls Club in Menomonie also offered partial-day programming that coincided with the the school districts summer school program and full-day programming on weekdays when the SDMA summer school program was not in session. The club is also open on most weekdays during the school year when school is not in session, with the exception of a few holidays.

With the scheduled reopening, the club is looking for people from our community to get involved with our children. Both volunteer and some paid positions are needed, and more information on getting involved is available on the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley website.

Despite the partnership that has been established between the school district and the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, the club cannot exist in Menomonie without the support from the community. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who have generously donated to provide this opportunity for our children.

Even though enough funding has been secured to reopen the club, more funds will be needed to keep the club operational in our community. Individuals, businesses, service organizations or others who would be willing to help support the club can donate by sending a donation to 1005 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703, or by visiting the Boys and Girls Club website at: www.cvclubs.org/donate. Mailed donations for the Menomonie Center should include a note specifically designating those funds for Menomonie.

Should school families or stakeholders have any questions or information about the school districts partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, I invite you visit me at the Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue, or contact me at 715-232-1642. More information about our schools can be found on the school district website (www.sdmaonline.com), and I regularly post school-related information on Twitter (www.twitter.com/sdmaonline) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/menomonie.schools)
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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.
With two school referendum questions on the Nov. 8 ballot, Chippewa Falls Schools Superintendent Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos has been making the rounds, providing information on the subject for anyone who wishes to attend a dozen public information sessions.

At her fifth such session Thursday at the Senior Center, she said easily the most frequent question she has received is: If referendums authorizing a new elementary school and/or a new high school are passed, where would the new schools go?

Eliopoulos now has answers for both situations.

An ad-hoc committee consisting of 15-20 people  from school and government officials to parents and realtors  was assembled to study the potential sites for a replacement for Stillson Elementary School and a new high school. A strong consensus has emerged for each, she said.

Should the first referendum question pass  the centerpiece for the $61.2 million proposal is replacing Stillson Elementary in the town of Lafayette  the district examined three options.

The strong consensus is a site approximately a mile west of the current Stillson. Eliopoulos said a land owner has indicated a willingness to sell the district a piece of their land at a fair price.

Stillson was first built in 1930, and is not only the districts oldest building but also in the most need of repair. Several additions have been made in the ensuing years, the most recent 22 years ago, but it has been identified as having space needs and lately has experienced water and sewer problems.

It sits on just six acres along what can be a high-traffic area on County Highway J. That is a much smaller size of land than houses many elementary schools, and the district is looking for around 15 acres that will allow greater separation between dropoff areas for school buses and parents vehicles, and the playground.

When they began looking at a floor plan and how it might fit on the current site, Eliopoulos said building on the present site was ruled out.

The district also looked at an area of land it owns about three miles from the current site, on County I near Seymour Cray Boulevard, but objections had been voiced over the distance being too great from the present school.

That land, which was purchased a decade ago when a seventh elementary school was being considered, doesnt even lie within the Stillson geographical boundaries.

The first referendum question also includes money for several other improvements, including additions at Jim Falls and Halmstad elementary schools, repairs and improvements on the districts five-year priorities, and the purchase of land for a new high school.

The present high school is on the congested West Hill, with Hillcrest Elementary and McDonell Central High School on adjoining property and Chippewa Falls Middle School just down the road.

The high school was built in 1959 and while it remains in good shape, it is also built on a much smaller parcel of land than the 65-80 acres the state recommends.

The idea behind building a new high school is to shuffle the middle school students to the current high school, remodel the middle school so it could accommodate Hillcrest Elementary students and adult community education and move the Chippewa Valley Alternative School into the current Hillcrest building that already houses administration.

The entire plan would cost up to $98 million, and constitutes the second referendum question that will be on ballots of those who live within the Chippewa Falls School District. Both questions are separate, meaning voters could vote for or against either question independently of the other.

The ad-hoc committee also looked at three locations for a new high school. They included 86 acres in the Wissota Green/Industrial Park area and 71 acres along County N, north of the middle school.

But Eliopoulos said there was a strong consensus for 72 acres of state-owned land to the east of the city, near Highway 29. It is bordered on the west by Premium Waters, on the north by Summit Avenue, on the east by Seymour Cray Boulevard and on the south by Chippewa Crossing, near where the new fire station is being built.

If you have ever tried to drive on the West Hill (during the start and end of school times), you know we have a lot of traffic, Eliopoulos said. The preferred area will have easy access to medical facilities (HSHS St. Josephs Hospital) and our business partners in the industrial park, and with all this open land theres room for real estate development and commercial development.

She encouraged people to attend one of the seven remaining sessions (go to the schools website at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us for the list of dates and times, along with a host of other information about the referendum questions). There is also an opportunity for people to email questions to the school district.
The late Jerry Falwell, leader of the Moral Majority and founder of Liberty University, built the religious right into a major political force.

His son Jerry Jr. is well on his way to destroying it.

Falwell fils, now Libertys president, was among the first and most prominent evangelical Christian leaders to embrace thrice-married, foul-mouthed casino mogul Donald Trump, declaring in January that Trump had lived his life in the spirit of Jesus. This endorsement validated Trumps character for millions of evangelicals, helping to propel Trump to the Republican nomination. Falwell continued to campaign for Trump, spoke at the Republican convention and likened Trump to Winston Churchill in an August op-ed in The Washington Post.

Now the Access Hollywood video, in which Trump boasts in vulgar terms about sexually assaulting women, has caused late defections from Trump by Republican officeholders and conservative thought leaders.

But Falwell is standing by his man. He speculates that the leak of the video might have even been a conspiracy among the establishment Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (Wis.). Falwell allowed that what Trump said in the video was reprehensible, but he argued on New Yorks WABC Radio that were all sinners and dismissed Trumps words as dumb comments on a videotape 11 years ago.

Trump is creating a lot of wreckage as his campaign founders and he lashes out on Bill Clintons sexual misdeeds and even the late Ted Kennedys 1969 Chappaquiddick scandal. One of Trumps victims is likely to be the religious conservative political movement, as many of its leaders have averted their gaze from Trumps misogyny, hoping ends justify means.

Ralph Reed, formerly of the Christian Coalition, claims that for evangelical voters, a 10-year-old tape of a private conversation with a TV talk-show host ranks pretty low on their hierarchy of their concerns.

And Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, dismissed Trumps lewd video by saying the candidate was only trying to look like hes macho.

These religious political leaders continued support of Trump undermines their claims to speak for traditional morality. And their political calculation  that theyre supporting Trump because hed appoint conservative justices to the Supreme Court  appears to be backfiring, as well. Trumps woes are putting the Senate (and perhaps the House) in jeopardy for Republicans, potentially depriving them of whatever defenses they would have had against Hillary Clintons nominees and policies.

Ryan has belatedly located his moral and political compasses and is making clear that his only goal now is to protect the House Republican majority. In fact, few conservatives are willing to advocate for Trump other than the likes of Rudy Giuliani and Fox Newss Sean Hannity, who defended Trump by saying, King David had 500 concubines for crying out loud.

In the past, religious-right leaders claimed to care about personal morality. We will not rest until we have leaders of good moral character, Reed said back in the Monica Lewinsky days. Evangelical leader James Dobson advocated Bill Clintons impeachment in 1998 because he set a bad example about respecting women.

But Dobson supports Trump, excusing his behavior because the candidate is a baby Christian. Franklin Graham, though formally neutral, draws equivalence between Trumps crude comments and Democrats godless agenda.

There are a few evangelical leaders, including Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention and Christianity Today executive editor Andy Crouch, who have tried to maintain their integrity. Theologian Wayne Gruden, who had endorsed Trump, now says, I cannot commend Trumps moral character, and I strongly urge him to withdraw from the election.

And James MacDonald, who has been on Trumps evangelical advisory council, called Trumps words on the video the kind of misogynistic trash that reveals a man to be lecherous and worthless ... the guy who gets a punch in the head from worthy men.

But where are the high-profile figures in the movement, such as Reed, Robertson and Falwell? In January, Falwell said Trump lives a life of loving and helping others, as Jesus taught. He likened Trump to his father.

And now, no regrets. Falwell said that years from now, I dont think anybody is going to be sitting around thinking about whether Donald Trump said this or that on the videotape in 2005. I think theyre going to be sitting around saying, Gosh, I wish we had different Supreme Court justices.

Or maybe theyll be wondering how differently things might have turned out if Falwell, with his ends-justify-the-means logic, hadnt made a deal with the devil and destroyed the moral credibility of the movement his father built.
What Comes After the Defeat of ISIS in Mosul?

In the run up to the operation to recapture Mosul from ISIS, the indigenous communities of the Nineveh Plain are the victims of a competition over who controls the region. The campaign to liberate Mosul from ISIS is frequently depicted by both political leaders and media outlets in primarily negative terms: as an endeavour to expunge the group as an end in and of itself. But along with the campaign to dislodge the group from its last remaining strongholds in Nineveh, the status of several of Iraq's territories, and the very existence of communities and peoples within them, are at stake. The Nineveh Plain, inhabited mainly by Assyrians, Shabaks and Yezidis, is one such territory. While the Plain, which extends north and east from the city of Mosul, remains largely occupied by ISIS, competition over its post-ISIS future rages. Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Peshmerga expanded into and occupied the Nineveh Plain. The summary annexation of the Plain was enshrined in the 2009 KRG draft constitution, which lists the individual districts of the Plain as part of the "historical entity" and within the "administrative borders" of the Kurdistan region. The KRG has used the emergence of ISIS to significantly expand its territory, and both political and Peshmerga officials have declared that all of these territories are now "Kurdish" and will be annexed to the KRG. The peoples of the Nineveh Plain, however, continue to fight for a greater stake in their own future. The conditions that prevailed in the Plain prior to the invasion of ISIS make for a grim blueprint of a future under formal KRG annexation. Kurdish parties and militias carried out massive electoral fraud backed by intimidation and violence in 2005 and 2009 elections. The KRG and its proxies expropriated US aid and development funds allocated specifically for minorities in the Nineveh Plain. Those seeking to resist KRG annexation of the Plain and assert their own political will faced intimidation, violence and even murder. Legitimate police forces comprised of local Assyrians and Shabaks were blocked from forming or dismantled and replaced by security forces loyal to the KRG. Despite the almost entirely non-Kurdish demographic of the region, the central argument promulgated by the KRG to justify its occupation of the Plain was that the Peshmerga was the security force most willing and able to defend its inhabitants. This claim was unmasked in appalling fashion during ISIS' invasion of the area in August 2014. Having disarmed Assyrian residents of the Plain prior to the ISIS invasion, the Peshmerga fled under the cover of night without firing a shot to protect Assyrian civilians , after reassuring them that they would be protected and that there was no need to flee. This pattern was echoed in the Yezidi stronghold of Sinjar, and has led to to a deep and lasting sense of mistrust among Yezidis and Assyrians towards the Peshmerga. The Nineveh Plain is neighboured to the north by the governorate of Dohuk, known to Assyrians as Nohadra, together forming the historic heartland of Assyrian demographic and cultural continuity. The staggering scale of the illegal confiscation of Assyrian land in Nohadra, undertaken directly by or under the auspices of tribally and politically connected Kurds, is vast enough to have been recently described by an Assyrian political leader as "a genocide like that carried out by ISIS, only more gradually." Assyrians seeking to overturn these confiscations have exhausted every possible legal and political avenue within the structures of the KRG to no avail. Threats and even assassination have resulted. The long-standing practice by Kurdish tribes and parties of seizing Assyrian land during periods of upheaval and displacement and preventing the return of original Assyrian inhabitants is of particular concern when contemplating the return of IDPs to the Plain. The political dynamics feeding into contestations over the Nineveh governorate are highly complex, involving not only the KRG and actors representing local populations, but Turkey, the PKK, Baghdad and Iraqi Sunni Arab political parties. It is impossible to lift particular territories such as the Nineveh Plain out of the quagmire of contemporary Iraq. But the survival of local populations in the Plain can be ensured only if measures are taken to empower them directly. The Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU), an Assyrian force already deployed and receiving support from both Baghdad and the United States, is a model of how security forces native to the Plain can defend their own communities in a broader federal framework. Structures of governance and administration must similarly carry the consent and trust of those seeking to return to their homes and towns. Resources allocated for reconstruction must be channelled through NGOs, development organisations and other bodies that are close and responsive to the needs of their constituents, minimising the potential for manipulation and expropriation. The realisation of these measures and capacities must precede decisions over the political future of the Plain following the extirpation of ISIS. In January 2014, Baghdad announced the creation of a province in the Nineveh Plain, following long-standing calls by Assyrian, Shabak and Yezidi political parties. The subsequent invasion of the Plain by ISIS, however, exposed the inadequacy of top-down governmental decisions per se in addressing fundamental questions facing Iraqi territories. Recent discussions in the Iraqi parliament over the status of territories in Nineveh continue to reflect deep political suspicions and impasses, demonstrating clearly that the political future of the region will continue to be contested after ISIS is dislodged from Mosul. Only through the empowerment of their independent and legitimate capacities can Assyrians and the other peoples of the Plain navigate the coming period of uncertainty and political competition. Over the past decade, the peoples of the Nineveh Plain have been subject to conditions and contestations that are inimical to their own survival and flourishing. The coming period must be seized to not only rid Nineveh of the Islamic State, but to restore and buttress the agency of its most vulnerable communities against the very real prospect of total disappearance.
I am paying for private schools with my taxes? the women from Pepin asked following my presentation at a recent town hall meeting. Yes, you are, I told her.

Residents were surprised at the sharp increase in the state spending on private schools  nearly a doubling in seven years. At the same time, Pepin School District lost nearly half of its state support. With less state money, property taxes made up a larger share of school support.

Wisconsin has funded private schools in Milwaukee by taking money from local public schools for a long time.

With passage of the last state budget, private and independent charter schools in southeast Wisconsin cost state tax coffers $645 million.

As I explained at the town hall meeting, this is only the beginning of putting a price tag on private school spending buried in the state budget. Much of the cost of private school students bore by public schools is not transparent.

For example, public schools must pay to transport private school students. One Pepin resident asked why her neighbor was paid by the state to take her child to a private school. The cost, bore by the Pepin School District, was less expensive than sending a school bus to transport the child.

Public school districts pick up other private school costs. The cost of special education services come out of the local public school budgets for some private school students.

Over the past few years, payments for private schools directly from local public school districts rose as the statewide voucher or private school subsidies grew.

The most recent state budget removed limits on how many students from a school district can go to a private school at the expense of the public school district  and local taxpayers.

Consequently, some districts  like Eau Claire  experienced a quadrupling of students leaving public school and going to private school on the taxpayers dime.

State law sets the amount of money coming from a public school district at about $7,800 for high school students and about $7,200 for elementary students. Some public school districts may receive much less aid per public student from the state. For example, the Eau Claire school district received about $5,100 per student in state aid but paid out about $7,800 per private high school student, leaving local property taxpayers to pick up the difference between those amounts.

Wisconsin property taxpayers already pick up 41 cents of every school dollar spent compared to Minnesota property taxpayers 25 cents of every school dollar. These numbers are from a recent United States Census Bureau report using data from the 2014 school year.

Costs of private school subsidies will continue to grow even if more students do not opt for a private school education at the publics expense. Buried in details of the most recent state budget is an automatic increase in the amount sent to private schools for each student regardless of whether or not the public school receives any increase in state support.

One of the Pepin Town Hall attendees reminded me that I made no mention of the tax credit for private school tuition also passed in a recent budget. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau pegs the cost of this credit at $11.5 million in tax year 2014.

Recent news from Madison described another new scheme for private schools  a type of tax-free private school savings account. Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, described the proposal as an account that could be used to pay for private school tuition and other costs. Parents either could use a debit card to access the money or be reimbursed for their expenses.

Wisconsin does not need any more plans to siphon public school money away from local schools. In a recent press release, statewide education leader and Eau Claire schoolteacher Ron Martin said it best, Education savings accounts literally take money out of our neighborhood public schools and hands it over to subsidize private tuition, with zero accountability.
Previewed by a concept believed to be production ready when it was first shown in Beijing four years ago, the BMW i8 Roadster has been delayed a number of times, but its finally on its way to enter the brands portfolio.



According to the brands CEO Harald Krueger, cited by AutomotiveNewsEurope, who spoke on the matter at a press conference in Santa Monica, California, last Tuesday, the i8 Roadster will be added to the automakers lineup in 2018.

Krueger declined to talk about the cars spec sheet, but previous info reveals that it will benefit from a longer-range battery and a more powerful electric motor over its current fixed-roof sibling. Speaking of which, the latter will also go through a few revisions and when it will finally be ready for the market, it will gain the same updates as the i8 Roadster.

During the same event, the BMW official confirmed that the i3, with its upgraded battery that can provide a total driving range of 300 km (186 miles), up from the previous 190 km (118 miles), has been very well received by customers and described the orders for the green hatch as very positive.

PHOTO GALLERY
Mitsubishi UK has just added a new special edition boasting more standard equipment to the Outlander PHEVs range.



UKs best-selling plug-in hybrid is now available in the limited edition Juro which is basically Mitsubishis way of throwing a free infotainment system with DVD, TomTom satellite navigation, smartphone integration and DAB radio in the GX3+ trim level. Oh, and theres a new emblem with the models name on the bonnet too.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Juro also comes with host of other features as standard, including cruise control, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

The powertrain remains as is, consisting of a 2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor mounted on each axle for a combined output of 200hp and 32 miles of pure electric driving range. As a result, the official combined fuel economy is an impressive 156mpg UK while CO2 emissions are rated at 42g/km on the European test cycle.

Since the models official UK launch, Mitsubishi has sold more than 25,000 Outlander PHEVs in the this market alone, paving the way for the companys future plans that include a full SUV offensive, complete with electrified powertrains.

As for the Outlander PHEV Juro, price is set at 32,749 (including the UK governments plug-in grant), which is exactly the same with the GX3+ trim level.

PHOTO GALLERY
Since the Gripz concept was supposed to carry the genes of the Z family, it could also preview a future Z model.



In fact, even before Nissan unveiled it at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, various rumors suggested that the next Z will be a crossover instead of a coupe.

Now, after more than a year and with the 370Z on its last legs, Car Advice directly asked Nissan Europe chairman Paul Willcox if the next-gen model would be a crossover.

That a good question. I cannot comment. I think the important point is, what is part of the Nissan brand? And I think dynamic performance is part of that heritage. I wouldnt rule anything in or rule anything out, but we dont comment on future products.

So, is that a yes or a no? Luckily, Willcox went on saying that Nissan aims to focus its strategy on growth segments, rather than tackling every existing niche.

The risk is to chase every single segment in the market. I have a line of product managers who come to me and want product in every segment. If we do that, the economics, engineering, design and trying to make a return it doesnt work. We have to be absolutely critical to make sure the car can deliver volume were not looking for massive fragmentation.

One thing is for certain, the Japanese car maker is going to focus on crossovers, as Paul Willcox concluded:

Having more products, maybe companies including Nissan have made some mistakes there. Were going to focus on [vehicles such as] crossovers, and having the right products to complement that.

PHOTO GALLERY
A local child whose battle with autism continues to be on the forefront of his familys agenda isnt giving up on raising support for his neurodevelopmental disorder.

MJ McAnerney has raised more than $200,000 since 2012 in support of local families living with autism.

His annual Ride for Autism and juice stand have been the key fundraising initiatives for his cause.

On Saturday, the 2016 Ride for Autism will take place in South East Kelowna where participants can jump on their bicycles and tour through the vineyards and orchards of the Okanagan.

Cyclists can ride from just 30 minutes to four hours in teams of two or three. The event begins at Bottega where teams are given a map of pre-selected local wineries that they are challenged to visit in the time allotted. The event is designed for riders ranging from novice to expert, with prizes awarded to the top teams in each classification.

At the end of the event, riders will be greeted with live music and a delicious meal.

The goal is to raise $100,000 for the Pacific Autism Family Centre (PAFC). PAFC is a proposed centre of excellence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. The centre is set to open in Richmond in less than 31 days.

Click here to support Team MJ or click here to register for the ride.
Photo: Contributed

Deep Water Horizon  Taming the dinosaurs

It is not easy to create a historically accurate re-telling of a life event while still capturing the human element, but Deep Water Horizon succeeds in spades.

The plot chronicles the events of the 2010 oil-rig explosion that killed 11 men and caused a massive offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

It suggests the accident was entirely preventable as the crew (under protestation) was directed to take short cuts when the project began to run behind schedule.

The film is based on the crews experience and centres on Chief Electrical Engineer Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) and Operations Supervisor Jimmy Harrell (Kurt Russell) as they return to the rig to spend another shift of 21 days at sea.

On the transport helicopter are some suits from BP (British Petroleum) who have been sent to find out what the delay is and to, ironically, present Harrell with a seven-year safety award.

The corporate greed of BP is embodied by villain Vidrine (John Malkovich), who smiles and sneers at the workers with equal arrogance and disdain. His job is to ensure the profit of the company, period.

The film breaks down into two parts:

Part one  meet the crew

Part two  all hell breaks loose.

The vibe of the crew as they jest and poke at each other is light and realistic. Some dialogue is banal and some funny, but all of it helps us understand what it takes to work on a floating stick of dynamite 45 miles from shore.

Wahlberg plays Williams simply and with sincerity. He is an honest and straight-forward guy who does the right thing in times of crisis.

There is some great chemistry between Wahlberg and Kate Hudson, who plays his wife, Felicia. Their dialogue is casual, relaxed and real and the dynamic with their precocious 10-year old daughter is charming.

While he is home on leave, Williamss daughter reads the story shes written describing what her daddy does for a living.

He tames the dinosaurs, she says, referring to the fact that oil comes from the prehistoric creatures. She explains that her dad pours mud down pipes to keep the pressure from overpowering the system.

She then proceeds, with her dads help (it is obvious theyve done this many times before), to illustrate the metaphor by puncturing a soda can with a metal straw and pouring liquid honey into it to stem the bubbling cola.

The scene is foreboding when the soda can erupts unexpectedly considering what we know is going to happen.

When the oil explodes into the pipe room, it arrives with all the force and destruction of a rampaging T-rex.

We also get to meet the only woman on board the Deepwater Horizon, Andrea Fleytas (well played by Gina Rodriguez  Jane The Virgin series), a technician running the complex navigation system that keeps the rig centred over the drill site.

She becomes a key voice of reason in the midst of disaster.

Damn, Malkovich plays a great villain. He gives Vidrine a Louisiana drawl that oozes a plantation owner's disregard for the underlings that run his place. Shivers!

Kate Hudson is heart-breaking as Williamss wife, desperately calling all the numbers on her check list trying to find out what is going on. Anyone who has worried about a loved one can relate to her feelings of fear and helplessness.

Kurt Russell looks haggard, but perfect as the crusty and disenchanted Jimmy Harrell. Its not his first rodeo and he struts aboard the rig like a sheriff in a spaghetti western.

At $110 million, the CGI and cinematography are everything you would expect, and director Peter Berg has done an excellent job manufacturing the chaos of a total system failure.

The use of lighting and sound combines to recreate the disorientation and terror the crew must have felt. It is unnerving and adrenaline-inducing to watch.

The film is a 107-minute-long roller coaster that ends with the survivors rushing into the arms of their loved ones.

It is an emotional reminder that for everyone involved on Deepwater Horizon (or any life-threatening ordeal), it is the relationships in their lives that matter most.

The fire burned for 87 days and leaked an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. It remains the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Great acting, great directing and a compelling story of heroes and villains makes this a film worth seeing.

I give this film 4 out of 5 hearts.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Bonnie Gratz

When I was in junior high, my drama teacher scared the heck out of us.

Llewellyn Jones was not only a gifted teacher and playwright, he was also a film aficionado and felt it incumbent upon him to show us as many film noir classics as possible.

The most important part of this education was to share the work of horror master Alfred Hitchcock.

So by the age of 14, I had seen them all  Dial M for Murder, Rebecca, Vertigo, Frenzy, The Birds, but the most horrifying was Psycho.

I dont think I have ever forgotten the fear I felt the first time I saw Norman Bates, his mother and their crimes. If you know Psycho, I am sure you feel a chill thinking about them, too.

Alfred Hitchcocks work was also strangely compelling and through the years, I have revisited all the classics many times over and have shared them with my film students and family.

Psycho remains my favourite.

This Saturday night our soap opera, As The Sun Burns, presents our own version of Psycho as a fun murder mystery at The Black Box.

Major movie star Janet Leaves (played by guest star Elana Bizovie) is in K-Town and heap of financial trouble.

She wants to start a new life, so she decides to rip off her agent, leaving the precarious life of a starlet behind. After driving through the pouring rain, she comes upon the shabby, mysterious Bates Motel and a beckoning, blinking vacancy sign.

Throughout the night, she will encounter an unusual Halloween party, mother and son, detective team, her agent, sister, creepy clown and, yes, a killer.

Patrons at As The Sun Burns-Bates Motel episode will be invited to guess the killer to win prizes, trick or treat with the soap stars at intermission, get their photos taken at the Haunted Photo booth and stay and dance with DJ Corney at our post-show Monsters Ball.

As The Sun Burns stars Joseph Otoo, Brock Gratz, Adam Weaver, Reid Gratz, David Gadd, Victoria Weaver, Hilary Omoe, Sharon Espherson, and yours truly will all be starring in this episode.

Tickets are just $15 in advance from www.selectyourtickets.com or $25 at the door.

Patrons who dress up will have their names entered to win passes to KFX 2017 and tickets to the upcoming play, Yeti.

Other fun Halloween events happening at New Vintage include:

Whos Line Is It Anyway, Improv Night  Fri. Oct. 21 at 8 p.m,. Studio 100, RCA; Tickets at The Door, $10

Adult Actors Coffeehouse  Monday, Oct.24 at 7:30 p.m., Studio 100, RCA; Free

Harry Potter-The Cursed Child Part One-Play Reading  Tues. Oct.25 at 6 p.m., Pulp Fiction Coffeehouse; Free

Improv Film Night,The Blair Witch Project  Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m, Studio 100, RCA. Tickets, $10

Teen Theatre Class-The Haunting Of Hathaway House  Sat. Oct. 29 at 12 pm, Studio 100, RCA; Free

Popcorn Playhouse, 101 Dalmatians  Saturday, Oct.29 at 3 p.m., Studio 100; Tickets $7 for adults, $5 for kids

These above events have limited seating, so RSVP to [email protected] to book your seats or for more information.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Google Street View

The success of the Sheraton Hotel across from Kelowna Airport has prompted developers to propose a second hotel in the area.

City council will be asked to approve rezoning and OCP amendments at the property located on Innovation Drive.

The developer is proposing to consolidate the two properties for construction of a six-storey hotel.

Currently, the properties are zoned CD15, a comprehensive zone intended for light industrial use.

"Because of the success of the Four Points Sheraton hotel to the north of the site, the applicants believe that there is a strong demand for a second hotel near the airport," said planner Ryan Roycroft.

"As the CD15 zone does not permit hotels, the applicant will be required to have the properties rezoned to C9, Tourist Commercial prior to any development."

The proposed site is currently vacant.

"An additional hotel in the Airport Industrial Park will help support businesses in the area and provide additional accommodation near the burgeoning Kelowna International Airport."
Photo: The Canadian Press An emotional Opposition leader Rona Ambrose makes a brief statement following the death of former Conservative MP and Alberta Premier Jim Prentice.

Former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister Jim Prentice died Thursday in a plane crash near Kelowna, British Columbia. Family, friends and political colleagues expressed their condolences:

 "Words cannot begin to express our profound shock and heartbreak at the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Jim, has died in this tragic event. In addition, another member of our family was also on the plane, Ken Gellatly, the father-in-law of one of our daughters, also a very special man. To lose two family members at once is unbelievably painful and we are certain you will appreciate and respect our wishes for privacy at this time and the coming weeks. We are also thinking of the other families who have been affected by this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with them. In the time Jim has been with us, he was a friend to many. Jim was a loving and compassionate man who dedicated his life to his family and public service. He will be so greatly missed." The Prentice family.

 "It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Alberta premier, Jim Prentice, who died last night in a tragic plane crash just outside of Kelowna. Jim was a man who brought his deep convictions to everything he turned his hand to  whether it was law, business, or politics. At each step of his career, Jim was a strong voice for the people of Alberta and for the people of Canada. He was highly respected and well liked in the House of Commons, across all party lines, because he brought an intelligent, honest, and straightforward approach to everything he did." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

 "I spoke with his wife, Karen, and expressed the profound sorrow and sympathy I feel, and that I know all Albertans feel, in the face of this unspeakable tragedy. He served our province in so many roles for so many years. He deeply loved Alberta. He worked tirelessly for all of us, in the true spirit of one who is committed to public service. I benefited from his advice, and the Government of Alberta is continuing to pursue many of his initiatives." Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

 "Jim was a friend and mentor to us all and his dedication to public service was an inspiration to everyone who had the honour of working with him. Beyond this dedication and commitment to public service, Jim was a kind and generous man who always put his family first. Our deepest sympathies are with his wife Karen, their daughters and the entire Prentice family." Ric McIver, interim leader, Alberta Progressive Conservative party.

 "It is incredibly sad for Albertans and Canadians ... Jim was an incredibly passionate, wonderful fine person. He felt deeply about people and whether there was opportunity for them." Former Alberta health minister Stephen Mandel.

 "I enjoyed working with Jim Prentice when he was a key federal cabinet minister and then as premier of our closest friend and neighbour, Alberta. Tami and I express our deepest condolences to Jim's family and friends and to all Albertans. This is a deep loss for all of Canada." Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

 "Jim came to see me when I became mayor one of my very first meetings, in fact  and he helped me navigate those tough first few weeks. Even after he left federal politics, he was an important part of this city and always ready to help however he could." Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

 "I will remember Jim Prentice as one of the most affable, respected public servants, whose humility emboldened his intellect. Rest in peace." Conservative Member of Parliament Lisa Raitt.

 "Jim leaves a rich legacy of public service and loyal representation federally and provincially. However, of special note was his genuine commitment to, and work on behalf of First Nations people in Canada. Jim brought his remarkable work-ethic, intellect and passion to bear on matters critical to the improvement of quality of life for First Nations people." Roy Whitney, Chief of the Tsuut'ina First Nation.

 "Jim was a consistent voice for a stronger, more united Canada. Most importantly, Jim was a good friend, a caring father and grandfather, and loving husband. My heart goes out to his wife Karen and to all those who were close to him." Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister.

 "It is with great sadness that Catherine and I learned of the sudden passing of Jim Prentice today. We join all New Democrats in offering our most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time. As a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, and later as the Premier of Alberta, Mr. Prentice served both Canada and Alberta with honour and respect." NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.

 "Jim was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to build a better country and province. He was a consummate professional and someone who loved Alberta and believed deeply in its potential. His reasoned, pragmatic voice in Canadian politics will be sorely missed." Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

 "Laureen and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Jim Prentice." Former prime minister Stephen Harper.

 "Our heart goes out to Karen, the girls and his two beautiful grandchildren. All of us in the Conservative family are devastated today. It is a huge loss to the country. He was a well-respected political leader and a business leader," but we know he was most proud to be a father and grandfather." Rona Ambrose, interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

 "When he left politics one of the things he said was he was looking forward to being a grandfather, spending time with family  what a tragedy that he has been taken from them so soon." Former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith.

 "Our deepest sympathies are extended to Karen and their whole family. Jim was an important contributor to the political life of Canada, and one of the true gentlemen I have known. He will be missed but his legacy on the many issues and people he touched will live on." Former prime minister Brian Mulroney.
Photo: Oak + Cru

A local chef is heading to Germany Sunday to compete in one of the largest and most prestigious culinary competitions in the world.

For Iain Rennie, executive chef at Oak + Cru, this will be the second Culinary Olympics he has participated in, having claimed a gold medal with Team BC in 2012.

The Culinary Olympics are held every four years in Erfurt, Germany, and hosts 54 different countries and over 10,000 chefs from around the world, from Oct. 22 to 25.

Rennie is one of six members of Culinary Team Canada.

The team will be competing in a hot food competition, which consists of a three-course meal, on Oct. 22 and a cold food competition on Oct. 24.

The hot show is for 120 people and we have five hours to do that, Rennie said. The cold show is judged only on appearance.

Rennie says teamwork is just as important as individual skills in the competition, and the team has been practising for a year.

Rennie grew up in Parksville, B.C., and hit the ground running from a young age. His father was an executive chef and his grandfather was a commercial baker.

Rennie has been working professionally in the food industry for 25 years and moved to Kelowna two years ago.

While Rennie is confident Team Canada can be successful this year, he says a big part of the competition is seeing other chefs from around the world he hasn't seen in years, and sharing their culinary expertise with each other.

Team Canada will be bringing some local ingredients with them to Germany, giving local producers a chance to show off their products on the world's stage.

We're actually going to the farmer's market tomorrow to try and find some more produce and that, Rennie said.
Photo: Kelowna RCMP Suspected stolen pickup.

Kelowna RCMP nabbed suspected car thieves in a dramatic arrest in the Glenmore area Friday morning.

Police were called at 10:10 a.m. about a suspicious set of circumstances involving a man and a woman associated to a white Mazda pickup truck in the 1900 block of Bernard Avenue, said Const. Jesse ODonaghey, RCMP spokesperson. Officers were told that the vehicle was last seen leaving the area of Spall Road and Bernard Avenue.

After a check of the vehicle's licence plate, along with a description of the truck, police discovered it had been reported stolen on Sunday Oct. 2nd from an Ethel Street location.

RCMP officers flooded the area and quickly spotted the alleged stolen vehicle in a parking lot in the area of Kane Road and Glenmore Road, said ODonaghey.

Both occupants of the vehicle, a man and a woman, followed the directions of our officers at the scene. With the safety of the general public in the immediate area as our upmost priority during this arrest, the duo were taken into police custody in a safe manner and without incident.

Both suspects, a 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, both from Kelowna and of no fixed address, remain in police custody as they face potential charges, O'Donaghey said.
This evenings top stories for Oct 14, 2016, with Castanet's Wayne Moore.
With more than 20 years under his belt as a Transportation Safety Board (TSB) investigator, Larry Vance is giving some insight as to how the investigation into Thursdays Cessna Citation plane crash will play out.

Now retired, Vance is often called in as a consultant on TSB investigations. He says the TSB will put together a team of four or more people to conduct their investigation.

There is two main responsibilities that they (TSB) have, one is to protect perishable evidence, he said.

The second thing is to start looking right away at what they might suspect will involve just that (model of) airplane  in other words, if there is a systemic safety issue, then they have to look for that so they can prevent the same accident from happening again.

Vance said from there investigators will look into issues, such as where the plane departed from, maintenance records, weather and possible witnesses.

Then they will get the pilots records and they will look at where the pilot came from and start getting information on the pilot, Vance said. Then the big thing is they have to go to the accident site and start documenting what is there.

While there are several phases to the investigation Vance does not expect the TSB to release the cause of the crash until sometime next year.

Depending on the terrain and how difficult it is to get in there to the wreckage, typically out in the field that could take a number of days to a week. Then the investigation itself . takes a long time. I say it will be a year before you find out the real cause.

The plane reported in the crash is a Cessna Citation 500, a turbofan-powered, small-sized business jet built by the Cessna Aircraft Company.

While Vance says he doesnt know a lot about the Cessna Citation he did say the plane was reliable with a good reputation.

Accidents are typically mechanical, operational or environmental; or some combination, there of, he explained. I think you would find quite the spread, same as you would for any other type of airplane.

He says he isnt sure if a black box was on board but he understood the Cessna Citation from Thursdays crash was an older model.

The investigator in charge of this incident is Beverley Harvey. Harvey has 30 years of civil aviation experience. Prior to joining the TSB, she was an inspector at Transport Canada, and a pilot with a commuter airline.

Since joining the TSB, Harvey has participated in several TSB investigations.
Photo: Google Street View

The Independent Investigations Office has concluded their investigation into the death of a man near the Bennett clock tower in Kelowna on Oct. 5.

The IIO investigates any cases of serious harm, including death, that may have involved police in some way.

The man was reportedly in medical distress by the clock tower, and later died, after being involved with police earlier.

Marten Youssef, spokesperson for the IIO, says they did not establish any connection between the death of the man and the actions, or inaction, of police.

Kelowna RCMP notified the IIO of the incident when it first happened.
Friday Data Dump -- White House Responds to FOIA Request by Public Advocate

Contact: Eugene Delgaudio, Public Advocate, 703-845-1808, eugenedelgaudio@rcn.com; twitter: @eugenedelgaudio, @publicfreedom



FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 14, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The White House authorized the release of 424 pages of documents containing very little evidence to support President Obama's assertion that a "growing chorus" had complained about transgender bathroom and shower policies, proving his public statements made earlier this month on transgender policies a fraud.



Public Advocate, a non-profit group, thanked the White House today for producing the 424 pages of documents that uncovered proof that the President, and two federal agencies, lied when telling the nation in an address and posted statements earlier this year that a "growing chorus" had complained and that he was responding to a national outpouring about transgender bathroom and shower policies.



Eugene Delgaudio, president of Public Advocate provides the following statement in response to a legal review of 424 pages of documents provided by the federal government:

"Thank you President Obama for releasing 424 pages of documents proving your trangendered bathroom decree was lawless. This is an honest confession by your legal representatives and we don't like the policy but appreciate the admission.



"There was no 'growing chorus' of Americans supporting transgender access to the bathroom of their choice - in fact there were only six individual letters - not even an octet."

Public Advocate has obtained over 100,000 likes, petitions, and shares on just a handful of websites responding negatively and in opposition to President Obama's transgender policies. (publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10573)



Timeline and Discoveries of Legal Action By Public Advocate

(publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10794)



Description or summary of all documents found in 424 pages in FOIA request from the Department of Education has been posted here.



Delgaudio wrote his supporters about Obama's FOIA Response "I smelled a rat" publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=10800



CONCLUSION:

Public Advocate hit the nail squarely on the head. The Obama Administration continues to force radical, leftist policies on this country that are opposed by a majority of Americans.



One News Now Reported On this:

www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2016/10/10/bathroom-access-obamas-fraud-upon-america
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
Chino, CA (91710)

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Charlie Carver and Kala Brown didn't show up to dinner on Aug. 31.

It seemed odd. The South Carolina couple had just moved together into a house in Anderson, and Brown was excited to show off her new live-in beau to her friend, Lindsey Mayson.

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"That's what that Thursday night was supposed to be about," Mayson told the Daily Beast. "It was meeting them and having dinner with them and getting to know each other."

But that never happened. Security footage showed Carver leaving work that day, but he never went to dinner. Neither did Brown.

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Standing up one friend for dinner, while rude, could have been an isolated incident. But then neither of their mothers heard from them. No other friends or family did, even though they rarely went a day without calling a relative.

They were just  gone.

"It's like you have a hot skillet, and they are two drops of water you put on it. They just disappear," Kala's mother Bobbie Newsom told Dateline. "It's not that they just haven't talked to their moms. No one has heard from them."

When the concerned friends and family tried calling the couple, their phones were off.

Some thought they could have fled town on an impromptu vacation, as the couple's 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, sporting an LSU vanity plate on the front bumper and an LSU decal on the back windshield, was missing.

But that didn't quite make sense. The door to their house was unlocked, and their prescription medications were still at home. So were Brown's contact lenses and glasses.

Most shocking to some, their Pomeranian dog Romeo was roaming the house freely without food or water, its crate missing.

"That dog is her baby," Newsom told Dateline. "She'd never leave him like that."

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Police began looking into it, but as of this week, nearly two months after anyone had heard from them, they still don't have any suspects.

"We tracked down the leads we had, but there isn't very much," Lt. Mike Aikens told Dateline. "We just want to make sure they are okay, because it has been some time."

The case became even stranger on Sept. 1, when Charlie Carver's Facebook page announced that he and Kala had gotten married.

A week after that, a message was briefly posted to the account stating the couple was fine, and then deleted, People reported.

It struck his friends and family members as odd  Carver wasn't an active Facebook user.

Suddenly, the page exploded with content, as if it had been hacked. It would appear to be flooded with spam, but a closer inspection revealed many of the posts to be related to the couple.

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News stories about the missing couple appeared in rapid-fire succession, along with other stories about missing people. Strange, violent images and memes began being posted on the Facebook page.

"I weren't crazy, I'd be insane," read one. Another read, "Sometimes late at night I dig a hole in the backyard to keep the nosy neighbor's guessing."

Even innocuous ones took on new meaning, such as one posted photograph that simply included the final lines to "Hotel California" by the Eagles: Last thing I remember, I was running for the door. I had to find the passage back to the place I was before. "Relax," said the night man. "We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

---

Facebook users, seeming to be friends and family, have desperately asked questions on many posts.

On one  a post of a missing poster for the couple  a user wrote, "Why the missing poster, Charlie? Is there a message you're trying to send?"

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On Oct. 1, one user commented on the marriage announcement, "Where the hell is Kala Brown???" to which Charlie's Facebook account responded, "kala is with her husband charlie."

On another post, a user asked where Kala was, to which Charlie's account responded "who the (expletive) are you to question me about my girlfriend?"

Carver's mother Joanne Shiflet told NBC that all the photographs of the two that have been uploaded are more than a year old, and that her son didn't post memes like these.

"It's getting people thinking they are found, but they are not," Shiflet said.

"I wish I could tell them to stop," Carver's younger sister Katie told the Daily Beast. "If they know where he is, bring him home."

The account also appeared to be messaging friends.

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"im just missing to everyone else," Carver's account told a friend in a message obtained by the Daily Beast. "We [are] both ok. there is only one person that knows where we are . . . the person that means the most to me and kala she know where we are and we are coming that way for ever."

Meanwhile, Brown's account hasn't been updated since Aug. 27.

Anderson police Lt. David Creamer told the Daily Beast that he does not believe his office has attempted to contact Facebook in an attempt to discover who is posting these things.

"To do anything like that, we'd have to issue a search warrant to Facebook," Creamer said. "I don't know if we've done that but I'm pretty sure we have not done that.  You'd have to serve [Facebook] with a search warrant to search their records for an IP."

A Facebook spokesperson told the website that if they were served with a warrant, they would turn over "recent login/logout IP addresses  and location information."

The investigation continues, and the couple's families just want them home, regardless of why they've gone missing.

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"There are so many people who are worried about them and love them," Newsom told Dateline. "Whatever the problem, we'll figure it out. No one here will judge them. We love them."

Added Shiflet, "You would never imagine this empty feeling. It's so much worse than you can think, not knowing."
"...king of the hate left..."--

"As my friend Capper -- the best Wisconsin blogger ever -- says, there will be more. There's always more." - karoli

"...the psychiatrically attuned Capper..."--

"This is really great of you! I'm so proud to know someone like you"--

"Capper, a reasonable (and maybe even likeable) Lefty..."--

"capper, the Sidney Freedman of the hate left..."--

"I love capper because, well, what's not to love. But I also hate capper for alerting me to nonsense like this."---

"Capper, you really have a knack for this kind of writing. Really."--

"Crap. I agree with capper. Can Armageddon be far behind?"--

"capper is right. OMG, did I actually say that?"--
Delores Guerrero, 34, who also uses the name Dolores, was extradited to Chicago this week to face murder charges in the July 2, 2000, killing of a 17-year-old boy, according to authorities. (Chicago police photo )

A Chicago-area man arrested in Mexico over the summer after fleeing the country has been charged in the Back of Yards killing of a 17-year-old boy in July 2000, according to authorities and court records.

Delores Guerrero, 34, who also uses the name Dolores, was arrested in Mexicali, Baja California, in August, 16 years after the youth was killed, according to a news release from local authorities in Mexico.

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Guerrero, who was brought back to Chicago this week, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a teen in the 4800 block of South Hermitage Avenue about 11:50 p.m. on July 2, 2000, according to police News Affairs.

The boy was identified as David Venta, 17, according to records from the Cook County medical examiner's office. An autopsy found he died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

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Guerrero was talking with the teen before he hit him several times, then pulled a gun and shot him, according to the news release from Baja California state police.

Investigators sought and received a murder warrant in 2002 for Guerrero, who records indicate was 18 at the time of the shooting, according to court records. A federal fugitive warrant was entered in federal court in Chicago in 2008.

Guerrero moved to various places in the United States before moving to Mexicali, according to the Baja California police release. When the FBI contacted Mexican authorities, police in Baja California were able to track him to a neighborhood in Mexicali.

When police went there to find him, spotted him on the street and when officers went up to him, he denied the charges but was handed over to U.S. authorities after police determined he did indeed have a murder warrant against him, according to the release.

Guerrero, who previously lived in Bolingbrook, appeared in Cook County bond court on Tuesday and was ordered held without bail, according to court records. He's due back in court Oct. 28.
A member of the Chicago Police Department walks by a restaurant door while examining a car that was carrying a woman when she was shot in the jaw while driving on the 3100 block of West 54th Street on Oct. 16, 2016, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

One man was killed and 17 other people were wounded in shootings since Saturday morning on Chicago's West and South sides.

Two people were being questioned after a 26-year-old man was found fatally wounded Saturday morning in the Little Village neighborhood.

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About 7 a.m., officers responding to a call of shots fired near Rockwell and 24th streets found a man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head, said Officer Bari Lemmon, a Chicago police spokeswoman.

He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:25 a.m., Lemmon said.

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The man was later identified as Vincent Zarco, of the 2400 block of Wesley Avenue in Berwyn, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Officers curbed a vehicle near the scene, and someone threw a weapon out the window before they approached. The gun was recovered, and two suspects were taken into police custody for questioning.

In a separate shooting about 10:40 p.m. Saturday, a 25-year-old man was in serious condition after he was shot on the right side while he was standing in the 1000 block of West 14th Street in the University Village/Little Italy neighborhood. He was taken to Stroger Hospital.

A crowd gathered in the Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments, watching as officers searched for evidence in a courtyard and parking lot.

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A 60-year-old man, who has lived in the complex since the 1970s, said he was in bed when he heard multiple gunshots. He checked to see if any bullets had gone through his window. His apartment wasn't hit by the gunfire.

He figured it was nothing until he saw officers at the complex.

Saturday's shooting wasn't the first time the resident had heard gunfire, but the shooting was distinct in the number of gunshots that were fired.

"I've heard some but not like this," he said.

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The shootings follow a violent day in Chicago in which six people were killed and at least 16 wounded between late Friday morning and early Saturday.

In other shootings:

A male was shot in the leg about 4:45 a.m. in the 8300 block of South Ada Street in the Gresham neighborhood on the South Side, police said. Additional information about the shooting and the male's condition was not immediately available.

A 41-year-old woman was driving in Gage Park when she was shot in the left jaw, police said. The shooting happened about 4:20 a.m. in the 3100 block of West 54th Street. Officers guarded a vehicle that had stopped in a parking lot sandwiched by two restaurants near 53rd Place and Kedzie Avenue. Her condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Just before 4:20 a.m., a 32-year-old man was shot in the left abdomen and left arm while he was standing in the 1800 block of South Kostner Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

A 23-year-old man was wounded in the right ankle during a drive-by shooting about 2:50 a.m. in the 4200 block of South Cicero Avenue, police said. His condition was stabilized at Stroger Hospital.

About 2:10 a.m., a man walked up to a 32-year-old man in the 200 block of North Kedzie Avenue and shot him on the right side, police said. His condition was stabilized at Stroger Hospital. The shooting was one of three shootings that happened in the East Garfield Park neighborhood within an hour.

About 1:45 a.m., a 28-year-old man was shot in the lower right leg while he was walking in the 700 block of North Ridgeway Avenue in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, police said. He took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

At the same time, a 25-year-old man was shot at 1:45 a.m. in the 3000 block of West Van Buren Street in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, police said. The man was inside a vehicle when someone shot him, wounding him on his left arm. His condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai Hospital.

About 9:50 p.m. in the Gage Park neighborhood, a 37-year-old man was grazed in his abdomen by a bullet that went through his home's window in the 5100 block of South Trumbull Avenue. The man declined medical help. Police said it appears the man was not the intended target of the shooting.

A 27-year-old man was shot during a robbery in the 300 block of South Karlov Avenue in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, police said. A man, armed with a gun, approached the 27-year-old man at 9:50 p.m. and announced a robbery, police said. The 27-year-old man grabbed the robber's gun, which led to the victim being shot in the right hand. He was also grazed by a bullet on the right hip. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

About 8:55 p.m., a 24-year-old man was shot twice in the right leg on the 1100 block of West Wilson Avenue. He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in good condition and was uncooperative with detectives.

About 7:40 p.m. a man was shot in the 1000 block of South Oakley Avenue. Details surrounding the incident and his age are unavailable at this time. He was shot in the chest and taken to Stroger Hospital in stable condition.

About 4:40 p.m., a 24-year-old man suffered a graze wound to the left wrist while he was standing outside on the 300 block of East 95th Street. An unknown occupant in a red sedan drove by and fired shots, striking him. The victim declined treatment and no one is in custody, said Officer Kevin Quaid, a police spokesman.

About 4:30 p.m., a 24-year-old man was shot near the intersection of West 81st Street and South Peoria Street. The victim was leaning into a parked car, talking with a friend when an unknown person in a silver sedan drove by and fired shots, striking the victim in the back and stomach. The victim walked into the Little Company of Mary Hospital before being taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in serious condition.

About 3:40 p.m., a 40-year-old man was shot in the arm while he was standing outside in the 700 block of South Kenneth Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition, Quaid said.

About 1:20 p.m., a 46-year-old man on house arrest was shot in the 4800 block of West Congress Parkway in the Austin neighborhood in the rear of a residence, Quaid said. The man suffered a wound to the thumb and was taken to Loretto Hospital. Police believe the wound may have been self-inflicted, Quaid said.

About 1 p.m., a 19-year-old man was shot in the leg in the Ida B. Wells Homes neighborhood, Quaid said. The man was walking near 37th Place and Langley Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in good condition, Quaid said.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified an apparent stabbing victim as a shooting victim.
Angel Odzhakov, 31, a cab driver who helped a sick passenger get to the door of their home, was crowned "Chicago's Top Cabbie" in a competition that garnered about 12,000 online votes. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune) (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A cabdriver who helped a sick passenger get to the door of their home was crowned "Chicago's Top Cabbie" in a competition that garnered about 12,000 online votes.

Angel Odzhakov, 31, said he was shocked to find out he beat out 85 other drivers in the first-ever contest, which was staged by the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Services. He received 14 nominations and nearly 3,600 online votes to claim the prize of a free taxicab medallion.

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"Honestly, I never win anything. I did not believe I could win this one," the Evanston resident said Friday.

Winning the medallion "is something really exciting for me because I can finally work for myself, be kind of my own boss, have my own cab on the street. But that's not going to change the way I work. I'm still going to do pretty much the same thing and really try to help people to get from Point A to Point B."

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One of the nominations submitted in the citywide competition open to all 12,000 licensed cabdrivers was from one of Odzhakov's passengers, who wrote, "I felt really dizzy and sick, cabdriver walked me to my front door to make sure I got home OK. He was really nice about it and wasn't expecting a good tip."

Another nomination said, "I was running late for my meeting. Angel was extremely knowledgeable about the fastest route to take and I got to my meeting on time."

Other riders touted his friendly, courteous and professional demeanor and prompt service. Odzhakov has not had any complaints lodged against him in the city, according to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Services.

The contest was launched in May and a task force of city officials and others including the publisher of the monthly trade magazine Chicago Dispatcher selected a dozen finalists. The public voted online last month for the driver they wanted to win one of the city's 6,999 medallions, which are a requirement to own and operate a taxicab.

"We know it's a tough time in the industry right now and this was an opportunity for us to do two things, one, promote positive customer service, positive behavior in the taxi industry and two, highlight those positive behaviors," department Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek said.

The city did not provide the value of the medallion, only saying the value is set by the market and can fluctuate, rising and declining over time.

For Odzhakov, getting a free medallion means that once he buys a car he no longer will have to pay the $600 weekly cab leasing fee. When he moved from Bulgaria to the Chicago area in 2006 at age 20, friends suggested he could make a living by driving a cab. He started working as a cabdriver in Evanston before getting licensed in Chicago last year.

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Citing the hours as the toughest part of the job besides city traffic, he anticipated taking an extra day off his work schedule and putting in fewer hours behind the wheel. Currently, he works six 12-hour days each week driving a Flash Cab.

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Odzhakov has focused on giving rides to people in underserved areas to make money in the face of the competition of ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. "I barely work downtown and I believe people in underserved areas still  they're still calling cabs rather than ride-share," he said.

Since those ride-hailing services entered the Chicago market, the taxi industry has argued there is an uneven playing field because ride-share drivers are not subject to regulations that include undergoing criminal fingerprint background checks, completing a training program and exam to obtain a city-issued license, and charging fares set by the city.

In June, the City Council passed a set of rules that would require ride-sharing drivers get special chauffeur licenses and fulfill training requirements online. Additionally, the city would conduct a study on the need for fingerprinting and give the ride-share companies a year to implement plans to accommodate disabled riders. On Thursday, Uber was sued in federal court by Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago and three individuals in a claim that the ride-share company doesn't provide enough wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

The city presents a medallion to a cabdriver of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with the Taxicab Driver Excellence Award every year. This summer Bayo Aladesuru was recognized for his service to the disabled community.

lvivanco@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lvivanco
Like other school systems across the nation, the Archdiocese of Chicago is being forced to grapple with the toxic legacy of plumbing made of brain-damaging lead.

Test results released this week detected alarmingly high levels of lead in about 30 percent of the 180 parochial schools where water was sampled during the summer. Some amount of the metal was found in at least one water source at every school tested, according to a spreadsheet of results.

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Some water fountains where high levels were found have been replaced or taken out of service, and others were equipped with filters, said Anne Maselli, a spokeswoman for the archdiocese school system. Sinks that aren't typically used for drinking water have been labeled for hand-washing only, she said.

Even public schools generally aren't required to test water for lead, but last year's crisis in Flint, Mich., has drawn attention nationwide to lingering hazards that can damage the brains of children. Low levels of exposure to lead can cause permanent damage to developing brains.

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"The safety and well-being of our students is our most important priority, so it was important that the archdiocese complete this testing," Jim Rigg, the archdiocese's superintendent of Catholic schools, said in a statement.

There is no legally enforceable limit for individual taps in homes or schools, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year advised officials in Galesburg, Ill., to distribute bottled water or water filters to any homeowner with lead levels exceeding 15 parts per billion. Bottled water, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, can have lead levels no higher than 5 parts per billion.

Consultants found a wide range of lead levels in archdiocese schools, similar to earlier reports from Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts. Average levels were low  2.8 parts per billion  but more than three dozen samples exceeded 40 parts per billion, a level once described by the EPA as an "imminent threat and substantial threat to the health of children and pregnant women."

More than 420 samples exceeded the FDA's bottled water standard, according to the archdiocese spreadsheet.

The highest levels found were in a sink at St. Joseph School in Wilmette, a drinking fountain at St. Christopher School in Midlothian and a sink at Most Holy Redeemer School in Evergreen Park.

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The archdiocese said it took action only if at least one water source at a school had lead levels higher than 15 parts per billion, and about a third of schools were in that category.

Officials referred to the 15 ppb figure as an "EPA action level." In fact, that federal standard applies to water systems as a whole; water officials must take action to reduce lead if at least 10 percent of samples taken exceed that level.

As more school districts and local governments test for lead in water, officials are finding it is nearly impossible to predict when high levels of the toxic metal will flow out of a particular faucet or fountain.

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Schools are mainly at risk from lead plumbing inside older buildings, where water can stagnate in old lead pipes overnight. The archdiocese says it will attempt to mitigate that problem by routinely flushing outlets used for drinking water.

Forrest Claypool, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has vowed to do "whatever it takes" to rectify lead problems after high lead levels were detected in dozens of buildings. Other school districts have shut down fountains and offered students bottled water.

mhawthorne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @scribeguy
WASHINGTON  Former senior U.S. national security officials are dismayed at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's repeated refusal to accept the judgment of intelligence professionals that Russia stole files from the Democratic National Committee computers in an effort to influence the U.S. election.

The former officials, who have served presidents in both parties, say they were bewildered when Trump cast doubt on Russia's role after receiving a classified briefing on the subject and again after an unusually blunt statement from U.S. agencies saying they were "confident" that Moscow had orchestrated the attacks.

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"It defies logic," retired Gen. Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and the National Security Agency, said of Trump's pronouncements.

Trump has assured supporters that, if elected, he would surround himself with experts on defense and foreign affairs, where he has little experience. But when it comes to Russia, he has made it clear that he is not listening to intelligence officials, the former officials said.

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"He seems to ignore their advice," Hayden said. "Why would you assume this would change when he is in office?"

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Several former intelligence officials interviewed this week believe that Trump is either willfully disputing intelligence assessments, has a blind spot on Russia, or perhaps doesn't understand the nonpartisan traditions and approach of intelligence professionals.

In the first debate, after intelligence and congressional officials were quoted saying that Russia almost certainly broke into the DNC computers, Trump said: "I don't think anybody knows it was Russia that broke into the DNC. I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, okay?"

During the second presidential debate, Trump ignored what a U.S. government official said the candidate learned in a private intelligence briefing: that government officials were certain Russia hacked the DNC. That conclusion was followed by a public and unequivocal announcement by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security that Russia was to blame.

"Maybe there is no hacking," Trump said during that debate.

"I don't recall a previous candidate saying they didn't believe" the information from an intelligence briefing, said John Rizzo, a former CIA lawyer who served under seven presidents and became the agency's acting general counsel. "These are career people. They aren't administration officials. What does that do to their morale and credibility?"

Former acting CIA director John MacLaughlin said all previous candidates took the briefings to heart.

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"In my experience, candidates have taken into the account the information they have received and modulated their comments," he said. Trump, on the other hand, "is playing politics. He's trying to diminish the impression people have that [a Russian hack of the DNC] somehow helps his cause."

On Thursday, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, said information she received has led her to conclude that Russia is attempting "to fix this election." She called on Trump and elected officials from both parties "to vocally and forcefully reject these efforts."

Trump has consistently adopted positions likely to find favor with the Kremlin. He has, for instance, criticized NATO allies for not paying their fair share and defended Russian President Vladimir Putin's human rights record.

"It's remarkable that he's refused to say an unkind syllable about Vladimir Putin," Hayden said. "He contorts himself not to criticize Putin."

Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, said in the vice-presidential debate last week that the United States should "use military force" against the Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Trump disagreed. Rather than challenge Assad and his Russian ally, Trump said in the second debate, the United States should be working with them against the Islamic State. "Assad is killing ISIS. Russia is killing ISIS. Iran is killing ISIS," he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State. Russia and Syria have mostly been targeting opposition groups as well as civilians trapped in Aleppo - not the Islamic State.

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"That's the Syrian, Russia, Iranian narrative," Hayden said of Trump's assertions.

The Washington Post's Greg Miller contributed to this report.
They're in demand among parents who say traditional public schools have failed  but they're not always successful. Their intense rate of growth has fueled an equally intense debate about the role they'll play in the future of U.S. education. Advocates see their expansion as evidence that parents have a huge appetite for school choice. Critics see the beginning of the end of public education, with systems of neighborhood schools replaced by independent, privately run companies without the same obligation to teach the toughest students. A great deal of confusion surrounds charter schools. Here are some of the myths.

Myth No. 1: Charter schools are everywhere.

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At its national convention this year, the NAACP called for a moratorium on charter school expansion. The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, a union-backed coalition, demands: "Stop flooding our communities with under-performing and unaccountable charter schools." The charter debate is front and center in the education reform wars, and you'd think that they're everywhere  a wave overtaking every community. Not quite.

Chicago charter school advocates gathered to protest a provision that would cap the number of charter schools in the city under a contract with the Chicago Teachers Union. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Yes, the charter movement is growing. And charters have a significant market share in an increasing number of cities, with New Orleans (where 93 percent of students attend charters) leading the way, followed by Detroit (53 percent), Flint, Mich., (47 percent) and Washington (44 percent). Forty-three states and Washington, D.C., have laws allowing for charter schools.

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But in many parts of the country, charters are few and far between. About 3 million students are enrolled in approximately 6,800 charters, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. That's only about 6 percent of all public school students. Eight states have no charter schools, and five have fewer than 10. The debate is loud, but the market share is still small.

Myth No. 2: Charters are were the brainchild of union-busting billionaires.

Critics of charter schools often accuse philanthropists  including Microsoft founder Bill Gates, entrepreneur Eli Broad, hedge fund manager John Arnold and the Walton family, heirs to the Walmart fortune  of fueling the rise of charter schools and other reform projects as a way to promote free-market ideology and undermine teachers unions. In Salon early this year, Diane Ravitch (a George H.W. Bush-era federal education official who has become perhaps the nation's most voluble charter critic) railed against Gates for using his wealth to push charters in Washington state. In the Huffington Post, Bill Bigelow argued that Charles and David Koch are involved with school reform because "they hate public schools."

It is true that deep-pocketed foundations have played a key role in the expansion of charter schools, through contributions to charters themselves and to the ecosystem of organizations that work with such schools. But charters were originally the brainchild of teachers union stalwart Al Shanker, who served as president of the American Federation of Teachers from 1974 to 1997. Shanker proposed charter schools in 1988, arguing that they would give small groups of teachers a way to dream up new methods of reaching the students for whom traditional schools were not working. Their successes and failures would hold lessons for other schools striving to improve. The first charter school opened in Minnesota in 1992.

Some charters have acted as Shanker envisioned, but in many states they haven't, rejecting requirements for teacher certification or barring collective-bargaining rights. Driven by a vision of market-based reform, charters have become not laboratories so much as competition meant to either spur traditional schools to improve or replace them. Just a few years after proposing charter schools, Shanker largely disavowed them, holding instead that schools would get better only by standardizing their goals  the same theory that underlies today's controversial Common Core state standards.

Myth No. 3: Charters are better than traditional public schools.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is a big fan of expanding school choice via vouchers and charters. "We will rescue kids from failing schools," he told the GOP convention in July. Books, articles and documentaries like "Waiting for 'Superman" have created in the popular imagination a picture of charter schools with impossibly long waiting lists, offering an escape to children desperate for a better education in neighborhoods beset by crumbling traditional schools.

While it is true that some charter schools outperform traditional schools, it is also true that many charter schools fail. The Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) has produced a series of studies comparing academic results at charter and traditional schools. In 2013, CREDO found no difference nationally between traditional and charter schools in math, while in reading, the average charter school student gained the equivalent of an additional eight days of learning per year.

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But there was wide variation. Among the charters CREDO studied, 31 percent were significantly weaker in math than their traditional school counterparts, 29 percent were significantly stronger and 40 percent showed no real difference. CREDO studies also show variation across state lines. In cities, charters tend to fare better: The average student in an urban charter school gains the equivalent of 40 more days of learning in math and 28 additional days in reading. But the average charter student in Texas and in Ohio  a state that has been notorious for allowing poor-performing charters to persist  learns less in math and reading each year than her peers in traditional schools.

Myth No. 4: Charter schools are public. Or private.

In August, a National Labor Relations Board majority ruled that a charter school in Brooklyn "was not established by a state or local government" and was, therefore, "not itself a public school." The board's lone dissenter argued that "charter schools operate as K-12 public schools" and should be treated as such since "they are substantially regulated under state and local laws, and they are overseen by state and local authorities." This is one of education's more bitter feuds, a semantic battle that underlines how important public education is to our nation's notion of itself. Advocates insist that charter schools are public because they are tuition-free and equally open to all children. Critics argue that charters are at the leading edge of an effort to privatize public education in the same way other government functions, such as prisons, have been outsourced to private companies.

Neither side is entirely right. Charters are a hybrid, and judges and regulators have struggled to figure out how they should be treated under the law. "Courts have had a difficult time determining their legal status because they exhibit both public and private characteristics," researchers wrote in a University of Massachusetts Law Review article last year. When charter students in Colorado, for instance, set a fire that destroyed private property, the property owners sued the school for negligence. The school argued that it was a public entity and therefore immune. A federal judge agreed, finding that the school's autonomy did not make it a private institution.

Often, the public- or private-ness of charter schools depends on state law. In many states, for example, charter schools are subject to sunshine laws, meaning their records and board meetings are open to the public. But not everywhere: In D.C., for instance, charters are exempt from sunshine laws, which means journalists and parents often cannot access even basic information about how the schools spend taxpayer money.

Myth No. 5: All charters employ zero-tolerance discipline.

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Many of the nation's most heralded charter school networks were built as "no excuses" schools that practice a broken-windows approach to discipline. Children are expected to abide by strict rules  walking in silent lines, eating silent lunch, sitting up straight, maintaining eye contact with the teacher as she moves about the room  and are punished for even small infractions. The suspension rate among charters nationally was 16 percent higher than among traditional schools in the 2011-2012 school year, according to the Civil Rights Project at UCLA.

But it has never been the case that all charter schools subscribe to the no-excuses, zero-tolerance philosophy. In D.C. in 2011-2012, the same year that charter schools were 72 times more likely than the traditional school system to expel a student, there were six charters that issued zero suspensions or expulsions, and 15 others that issued five or fewer.

Lately  amid growing concern over feeding the school-to-prison pipeline with expelled students, and over producing graduates ill-equipped to deal with the freedom and responsibility of college life  there's been a shift even among some stalwarts of the no-excuses approach. At Ascend charter schools in New York, kids no longer get in trouble for wearing socks that are the wrong color. In D.C., charter schools' suspension and expulsion rates are dropping. Some KIPP schools now use restorative justice, which prioritizes working through problems over doling out punishment. Even Education Secretary John King Jr.  whose charter school in Boston is known for both its high test scores and high suspension rates  delivered a speech this summer calling on charter leaders to rethink their approach to discipline.

Washington Post

Emma Brown covers national education for The Washington Post.
France's foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has foretold an ominous fate for Syria's largest city: "Aleppo will be totally destroyed by Christmas."

Not just fallen, but razed. No city can withstand the magnitude of bombing being inflicted now by Russian and Syrian government airstrikes. By winter, Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin likely will have the territory they coveted. But thousands of innocents will have died by then, and thousands more will have joined the ranks of refugees fleeing to Europe.

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Putin and Assad's course toward a city's annihilation has been made easier by President Barack Obama's weak, indecisive handling of five and a half years of civil war in Syria. Obama allowed Putin to take control of the trajectory of events in Syria, and now the White House's options are decidedly limited.

The recent U.S.-brokered cease-fire negotiated with Assad and Putin  the one that was supposed to safeguard civilians in Aleppo  quickly crumbled: Putin calculated he wouldn't pay any meaningful price for handling Aleppo his way. The steady barrage of bombing will achieve his aim of routing anti-Assad rebels  which is all that matters to a leader with a long history of flouting international law and wiping out opponents through any means necessary.

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Is there any price that the West can exact on Putin? Washington has hamstrung itself. Belated strikes against Assad's air capability risk getting U.S. forces tangled in direct conflict with Russian forces. The Kremlin has already warned that it would defend Assad's forces from U.S. attack.

Hitting the Kremlin economically is the best still-available tack. Sanctions imposed on Russia following Putin's pilfering of Crimea and his direct support of separatist rebels in Eastern Ukraine have taken a bite out of the Russian economy at a time when the country already is suffering from flagging oil prices. Sanctions on Russia's banking, energy and defense sectors caused the country's economy to contract by about 1.5 percent in 2015. When you factor in what's happened with oil prices, the overall contraction neared 4 percent last year. Even more worrisome for the Kremlin, experts say, is the impact sanctions have had on international corporations considering long-term investment in Russia. Many have set aside ambitious 20-year plans, opting for five-year projects.

The U.S. can directly slap another round of sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Aleppo, and it should. But Obama should also enlist Western European leaders to join in imposing the sanctions, as they did after Crimea. Europe is Russia's largest trading partner, and when Europe economically punishes the Kremlin, the welt for Russia is always bigger.

There's no guarantee that another, heftier round of economic sanctions  along with asset freezes and travel bans on key Kremlin players  would cause Putin to reverse course in Aleppo. The Ukraine-related sanctions were imposed on the Kremlin in 2014, yet Russia still occupies Crimea and stewards separatist activities in Eastern Ukraine.

But we do know that what the West has done to save Aleppo's civilians hasn't worked. France is pushing for a war crimes investigation into Russia and Syria's air assault, but that hasn't caused Putin to flinch. France also proposed to the U.N. Security Council the establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria. Russia simply vetoed the measure. Another round of U.S.-Russia talks on Syria is slated for this weekend in Switzerland.

Sanctions may not save Aleppo, but they would send the Kremlin a message that it faces consequences for its thuggish behavior. And if Obama is tempted to hand off the crisis to the next administration, he should ask himself how the civilians of Aleppo would feel about waiting it out.
COLUMBUS  Imagine walking into a classroom and not understanding a word anyone is saying.

For the children of immigrants, its a common experience. But for English language learners who enter that classroom in kindergarten or first grade, English is fairly easy to pick up.

The curriculum is a close match to what an ELL student has to learn, said Terri Schuster, ELL program coordinator with the Nebraska Department of Education. The academic curriculum is the same  learning numbers, how to read, their letters. ... Its not a huge task to have ELLs in kindergarten.

The challenge is when an ELL student enters a district in middle or high school.

When ELLs come into high school theres a big gap between what an ELL student needs to learn as opposed to what other students are learning at that same time, said Schuster.

Schools need to not only close that gap, but because of No Child Left Behind, theyve come under pressure to have ELLs graduate on time.

Once a student reaches ninth grade under NCLB, theyre classified as cohorts and calculated into the school's graduation rate.

At one time they could have given them more time to learn the English language, then the content (math, science, language arts, etc.), said Lakeview High School Principal Steve Borer. Now we have to give them both to graduate in a timely manner.

Borer said the school district only gets about three or four older ELL students during any given year, but some are coming in at 16 or 17 years of age. And its not always clear what the best course of action is.

Sometimes these newcomers, they come from a different system, so they need so many credits to graduate, said Borer. Do they want to get their diploma when theyre 21? Its a difficult decision to make when they dont entirely understand how our school system works.

Lakeviews day is divided into eight class periods, so classes for beginning ELL students alternate between a regular class and ELL. For students with very low English levels, their regular classes are not language-intensive. As they progress, they take more regular classes, sometimes with a paraprofessional helping, and get assistance as needed.

Because the issue is fairly new at Lakeview, school administrators are still working out the details on how to address it.

Erica Earley, ELL coordinator at Columbus Public Schools, said this has been a concern since she started in her position three years ago.

This year, CPS had 24 ELL students transfer into the high school from a variety of backgrounds.

Some have transferred from Honduras, Cuba, Guatemala, said Earley. Some have transferred from places as close as Schuyler.

CPS school day is divided into four blocks, so ELL students only have one ELL block in their day. Along with content instructors, CPS has also developed shelter classes that combine things the students need to learn for math, history, even language arts, with ELL instruction.

So they can get that high school credit but also be able to work on their English, said Earley. So that helps us get toward those graduation credits in a more-timely manner.

CPS is also looking into opening more summer school opportunities so students have additional chances to catch up with their peers.

We've done it with an ELL language arts class and ELL math class because time is just such an issue, said Earley. Time is, well, its the No. 1 issue. So if they can get some more classes in when other people aren't, that can help them catch up.

For some students, English isnt their only obstacle. Some may have learning disabilities or gaps in their education, which are harder for educators to detect with the language barrier. They simply need more time.

Schuster said with growing immigrant populations across the state, this topic is getting a lot of attention among ELL educators in Nebraska. Some school districts in Omaha with lots of resources and large immigrant populations have newcomer centers where new ELL students have intensive English language training. But smaller schools, like Lakeview, only have a handful of these students and limited resources.

So we have to be creative with how we organize the students day, she said. We have to think creatively with how we work with the content teachers. Its very much about teamwork, or at least it should be, when it comes to ELL."

Earley said grouping these students with their cohorts into graduation classes is partly why CPS graduation rates dont look as strong as other districts. No Child Left Behind is no longer in place, but it's unclear how the replacement, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), addresses the issue.

They do graduate, said Earley. But sometimes it just takes five or six years.
A sign shows how to find some of the many attractions offered this year at the Pumpkin Daze event at Abbey Farms in Aurora. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Families looking for some fall fun continue to find what they're looking for in Kane County at Abbey Farms in Aurora.

The annual Pumpkin Daze event opened on the third weekend in September, and it will operate seven days a week until Oct. 31 at the farm at 2855 Hart Road. Abbey Farms is a nonprofit farm run by and for the monks of Marmion Abbey.

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Adam Voirin, chief operating officer at Abbey Farms, said the pumpkin event has been held for eight years and continues to draw anywhere from 50,000 to 75,000 people during the six weeks it is open.

"I think what's different here is that we don't have carnival rides and things you see at other festivals. This is more of an old-fashioned county fair atmosphere," Voirin said. "I think the best compliment I've heard came from this woman who was here with her kids looking at our windmill. She said her kids had not looked at their cellphones for five hours, and she wondered how we could do that. It's like people step back in time."

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Voirin said a number of attractions were added this year as well as amenities that organizers hoped would add to the fun.

"We have what we call a 'human hamster ball' where people get in these large 10-foot-diameter balls and walk in them down a hill," he said. "We've also added corn cannons where people can shoot corn inside a netted area. And we've also expanded our craft beer and wine tent."

Eric and Kelly Janisch, of Oswego, came with their 3-year-old daughter Sophia Friday and said they first visited two years ago.

"We come, I suppose, because of the location and the activities here are fun," Eric Janisch said. "We like the hayride and the corn maze. For us, this is fine. There's a smaller staff here, and my daughter is too young anyway for the carnival rides. It's just her speed."

Kelly Janisch described the staff at Abbey Farms as "friendly and accommodating."

"I'm visually impaired, and they were very kind, and I like what they had here to do," she said. "We'll definitely come back. I feel like they cover all the bases here, and it's worth the price."

Meghan Stevens, of Crawfordsville, Ind., said the trip to the farm was kind of a family reunion weekend because she was able to visit her parents John and Barbara Reh, of Aurora. None of them had visited the farm before.

"The kids liked the bouncing pillows and the duck races, and I personally like having the farm setting," Stevens said. "The weather (Friday) was perfect, and now we're all eating the doughnuts."

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Barbara Reh said she came after finding a Groupon deal online and likes that the admission fee goes to support the monks at Marmion Abbey.

"I was very happy with the things they have here for small kids, who could spend the entire day here," she said. "We came for the Halloween stuff, but there is so much more to do."

"I liked it as well, and there's a lot to do," John Reh added. "There are a bunch of activities, and the kids get to run around and burn off some energy. It's a wholesome place for kids to hang out."

Frank and Jennifer Hudock, of Hanover Park, brought their 5-year-old son, Maks, who enjoyed going in and out of some teepees that are on the grounds.

"This is our second time here, and we needed a pumpkin for school decorating," Frank Hudock said. "It's big enough here so people can spread out and have some room."

Batavia residents Chris and Jami Browning and their daughter Ella Marie, 6, likewise appreciated the close location to their home. Like the Hudocks, this was their second visit, and Chris Browning called the farm "affordable" as well as "one of the better places in the area."

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David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
After completing training and certification for her truck driving license, Auroran Priscilla Smith Brackenridge is the first deaf female truck driver in the state and one of only a handful in the nation (Denise Crosby / The Beacon-News)

From the time she was 16 and had that first license in hand, Priscilla Smith Brackenridge has loved to drive.

On family vacations, she'd often take over the wheel, and was fascinated by her dad Edgar's job as a truck driver, a career he shared with his own father.

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But despite that third-generation interest, Brackenridge said she was not encouraged to follow that same road. Truck driving, after all, is a man's profession, she was told.

Besides, she had another disadvantage working against her. Brackenridge is totally deaf.

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She is also totally determined.

On Monday, three months after completing the College of DuPage's CDL Training Program, the 41-year-old Aurora woman will begin working for regional carrier U.S. Xpress. And according to Women Truckers Association, a nonprofit formed in 2007 to promote women in the industry, she appears to be the first deaf truck driver in Illinois, and one of only a half dozen in the nation.

Isobel Bell, who runs COD's training program, has not heard of another driver like Brackenridge.

"Priscilla is an excellent lip reader, but it took her longer to get through the program," she said, because she had to work with interpreters on a daily basis.

It was "her focus and determination" that not only got her to this point, Bell added, but those characteristics will serve her well in an industry that is "very tough for men, much less women."

According to Bell, about 10 percent of Illinois truck drivers are women, a number that likely will rise as more females are recruited to meet the shortage of drivers nationwide. As baby boomers retire, there is just not enough younger people filling their shoes, she noted.

"There is definitely more of a focus on hiring women," confirmed Women Truckers President Ellen Voie, adding that females tend to be safer drivers because they are more patient and take fewer risks.

Being deaf, of course, poses its own challenges. But none are unsurmountable since 2013, when the United States Department of Transportation, after years of prohibition, began allowing deaf drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles such as large trucks. According to the website for the National Association of the Deaf, "in announcing this historic decision, the DOT-cited research" demonstrated "that deaf drivers are as safe as hearing drivers."

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There was certainly no hesitation in taking Brackenridge into the COD program, as Bell herself was raised by deaf parents and has a sister who works with the hearing-impaired. She also knew it would be a learning experience for her instructors. And as expected, Bell said, they embraced the opportunity to work with deaf interpreters in this more hands-on situation.

Brackenridge can't help but smile when talking about her accomplishments.

Readily admitting to "many struggles" settling into a career, she said after getting laid off as a monitor for a local school bus company, she worked in retail for a while. And she unsuccessfully attempted programs at Waubonsee Community and Rasmussen colleges. But Brackenridge quickly realized this go-round at COD was different.

"Every day I'd get up ready to go to school," she said. "I really enjoy being a truck driver."

And, she added, it's a career that offers a better life for her family that includes her 5-year-old daughter and husband Joel, who has been "nothing but supportive."

In addition to heaping praise on the program itself, Brackenridge expressed gratitude to her cousin Sharon White, an advocate for the deaf who "guided me throughout my whole journey."

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One of the most difficult parts, Brackenridge said, was receiving a waiver for her hearing disability from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees driver regulations. It was a long process that began almost immediately after she signed up for the 240-hour COD course and was not completed until after she had received certification.

"We have found that deaf drivers in general are more cautious, more resourceful," noted Bell. "(Truck cabs) tend to be noisy anyway, so they are able to use their other senses to concentrate more closely on their environment." Plus, the use of extra mirrors and advanced technology has made a safety difference.

Brackenridge admitted she was choosy about where she would work after getting her certification. But she finally settled on U.S. XPress, a regional carrier out of Markham, which pays less than an over-the-road option but means she will be home more with her family. The company, COD's Bell noted, is "known for being a woman-friendly" organization.

Brackenridge, now in a career that will pay far more than she ever dreamed of earning, is anxious to start her training with U.S. XPress on Monday, Nothing, she insisted, is going to detour her dreams now.

"I prayed for this for so long," she said. "I am so thankful that even after all my downfalls, I have been blessed.

"I finally have a career and not just an ordinary job."

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Dcrosby@tribpub.com
According to state law, fines, penalties, and license money shall be appropriated exclusively to the use and support of the common schools ... . An exception is fines for overloaded vehicles. Seventy-five percent of those funds go to state highways; 25 percent go to the county general fund where the fine or penalty is paid. Fifty percent of money forfeited or seized in enforcing drug laws goes to counties for drug enforcement. Vehicles seized in drug law cases may be used by law enforcement agencies or sold with the proceeds going to schools.
Illinois State Police along with Markham State Police investigate the scene of a police shooting at the Stadium Club nightclub at 16300 Dixie Highway in Markham Oct. 2, 2016. (Nancy Stone/ Chicago Tribune). (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Less than two weeks after police fatally shot a man outside Markham's Stadium Plus nightclub, the venue has voluntarily closed its doors, and the city has changed its liquor laws in an attempt to prevent further violence in the town, a city official said.

City aldermen voted Tuesday to prohibit businesses with capacity of more than 200 people from staying open past 2 a.m. The move follows Daily Southtown investigations detailing a history of shootings at two Markham clubs where the city failed to intervene and stop violence.

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Until this summer, when it was renamed and apparently taken over by new ownership, Stadium Plus was known as Adrianna's. Under that name, the popular nightclub saw at least eight people shot, two fatally, between Christmas Eve 2010 and July, police and court records show.

Donte T. Jones (Provided by family attorney Cannon Lambert)

The club's closing comes after Donte Jones, 36, was fatally shot by police early Oct. 2 outside Stadium Plus. Police, who had responded to calls of fights in the club's back parking lot, say he threatened them with a weapon.

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It's not clear when Stadium Plus officially opened, but President Joseph Gomez applied for an Illinois liquor license June 14, and his Markham liquor license is dated June 15, according to state records. Gomez did not return a message seeking comment.

A March Daily Southtown investigation found Markham had not cited Adrianna's for anything worse than using a fire hydrant without permission. Instead of closing the club or sanctioning its owners for the violence, the city gave the property developer more than $900,000 in tax breaks.

Markham Mayor David Webb Jr. also spent at least $127,000 in campaign funds at Adrianna's banquet hall, records show.

The Daily Southtown recently revealed that another Markham establishment has seen violence like Adrianna's.

Justice Social Club, also known as Red Diamond strip club, has seen at least five people shot since fall 2013, reported fights inside the club and its parking lot, strong-arm robberies and gun crimes, records show.

Markham's liquor license change would also affect Justice Social Club and one other city club, Ald. Rondal Jones said.

Center, Barbara Jones, mother of Donte Jones, surrounded by family and friends Oct. 3, 2016, in Maywood, talks with media and pleads for answers to the police involved shooting of her son, Donte Jones. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Justice Social Club's liquor license allows it to be open until 4 a.m., state records show.

Jones, who has expressed concern to the Daily Southtown over Adrianna's, praised Stadium Plus' current ownership for shuttering the nightclub. A banquet hall at the property is set to remain open.

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"This is a family community, and that's what we're trying to bring in," Jones said. "Not anything outside of that, what they call the thug life. We're a wholesome family community, and that's what we want to portray."

He said Webb has been "very vocal" about keeping new clubs from opening at the site of Adrianna's, and he supports the mayor.

Webb did not return messages seeking comment.

Some said the club's voluntary closure isn't enough.

Cannon Lambert, an attorney for the family of the man fatally shot outside Stadium Plus, said a voluntary closing "is not good enough" and called for a review of the site's liquor license and zoning.

"At some point, you have to realize that it's a problem," he said.

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Lambert said he hopes never to see a club there again.

Attorney Patrick Walsh, who represents a man suing Adrianna's after he was shot 10 times outside the club and blinded, said the city should have pulled Stadium Plus' liquor license instead of letting it close voluntarily. He also said he would like to see the banquet hall shut down along with the club.

Illinois State Police along with Markham State Police investigate the scene of a police shooting at the Stadium Club nightclub at 16300 Dixie Highway in Markham Oct. 2, 2016. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

"The conduct can occur in a banquet hall, or it can occur in a dance club," he said.

Jennel Hooper's nephew Christopher Hooper died after he was shot in the stomach in March 2015 at Adrianna's. She said the club's closing was "wonderful news" that the family had waited a long time to hear, but it can't heal their wounds.

"Closing the doors won't close the chapter on the ... hurt that has been caused to my family," Jennel Hooper said.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

After Christopher Hooper's death, a petition with more than 1,700 signatures called for the club to be shut down.

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Christopher Hooper had a son who is now 5. He continues to look for his father, Jennel Hooper said.

"How do you explain to a 5-year-old that Dada isn't coming back?" she asked.

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Will County officials said groundwater monitoring must be one of the top priorities of their 2017 legislative agenda or their county will have "brownfields."

The county has at least nine quarries that have become regional dumping grounds for construction debris, and no one is monitoring them to be sure it is clean debris, said County Board Speaker Jim Moustis, R-Frankfort Township.

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Officials are concerned that the debris could contain contaminated materials that would eventually leech into the water system.

"This stuff is really dangerous to Will County. We may not see the effects of it, but your grandchildren will," he said at a recent meeting of the County Board's Legislative Committee. "Will County will become a brownfield."

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A brownfield is land once used for industrial or commercial purposes that may have become polluted or contaminated with hazardous waste and must be cleaned up before it can be developed again.

Will County has more quarries than other counties, and with such dumping being prohibited in neighboring Cook County, Will County has become the "dumping ground," said Brent Hassert, the county's legislative lobbyist.

The state legislature gets a "lot of pushback" from several sources regarding the monitoring of construction debris, he said.

With a lot of redevelopment in Chicago, there is "a lot of political pressure not to stop flow of where they get rid of their stuff," Hassert told the committee.

Moustis noted that when the county opened the Prairie View landfill on the former Joliet arsenal site, the federal government said they could not accept trash from outside the county. Yet the county's quarries are being filled with construction debris from outside the county, he said.

"These are unregulated, unprotected landfills created by state of Illinois," Moustis said. "They jeopardize our environment, and we get no money for it. Why is this free dumping?"

Moustis suggested that the county try to get fees from those who dump the construction materials in the county's quarries, and use that money to pay to monitor the sites.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

If cost is the issue for monitoring, he suggested that Will County pay to monitor its own sites.

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"We need to appeal directly to the Rauner administration, not just the legislature. We need to give this a full-court press before our water is contaminated," he said.

Even though other counties don't have quarries, or don't have as many as Will County, Moustis said they need to be educated on this issue.

"Water does not stop at our boundaries. Others are in danger of contamination. It's not just us," he said.

Cleaning up contaminated groundwater is a difficult, if not impossible, task, he said.

Hassert suggested that they appeal to municipalities, get them to understand this problem, regulate the quarry sites and monitor groundwater in their jurisdiction.

slafferty@tribpub.com
Tom Severson is pastor of the Vineyard Church in downtown Elgin and says he is generally supportive of Elgin's new public nuisance offender ordinance and its intentions. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

An Elgin ordinance that could label a handful of people as nuisance offenders and ban them from the downtown area for breaking some local laws raises concerns for the American Civil Liberties Union and local social services.

Edwin Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, said the group will be monitoring what Elgin does to implement the ordinance approved last week in an effort to crack down on a small number of people police say break some laws on a consistent basis, particularly in the downtown area.

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The Elgin City Council unanimously approved a two-year trial period for the ordinance, which would create "public nuisance-free zones" on an experimental basis. Offenders would be banned from the zones, which include the downtown and public property such as parks, for 90 days. It would jump to 180 days for a second or subsequent instance.

Exceptions would be made for things such as attending a meeting with an attorney, doctor or social services agency; attending court or contacting police; traveling through in a car; heading to a dwelling or facility; heading to get food or medicine; heading to school; and heading to work.

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"For the next 24 months I want the city to talk about this issue of homelessness. The challenge is for all of us," Mayor Dave Kaptain told the council at the conclusion of last week's discussion.

City Manager Rick Kozal stressed the ordinance does not make homelessness a crime. Rather, it deals with what he said were the actions of five to 15 people that require an inordinate amount of city resources and negatively impact the downtown. He said those individuals may or may not be homeless and don't seem to want to get help from the city's various social services agencies.

Yohnka said the ACLU is keeping an eye on how the ordinance is implemented and conducting research on similar legislation and related court rulings from other regions.

Elgin's law targets behavior such as public intoxication, possession of open containers of alcohol, public indecency, aggressive panhandling, prostitution, disorderly conduct, sitting or lying on sidewalks, littering, vandalism and drug-related crimes.

Elgin City Council member Tish Powell called the new ordinance "a step in the right direction," and, with reports of feces found on stoops near downtown businesses, not an overreaction.

Elgin's public works department has documented about 30 incidents between May and August this year when workers have had to clean up an area soiled by human waste, according to statistics provided by the city.

Since the beginning of 2013 there have been 323 citations issued for public intoxication, with more than three-quarters of those occurring downtown, according to the police department,. During that time, there also have been 657 citations written for possession of open alcohol containers, with more than 90 percent issued downtown.

The fire department also reported that since 2013, there have been approximately 762 calls for service downtown, with the majority of these incidents relating to highly intoxicated individuals.

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"One can understand the frustrations, and no doubt there are serious issues. The question is how do you best deal with such problems," Yohnka said. "The criminal justice system is not the place to solve these problems."

Those who are found to be public nuisance offenders under the Elgin law could be charged with criminal trespass if found in one of the zones and fined or sentenced for up to six months in jail. Other related changes impose fines for public indecency and jail time for public intoxication. It would become illegal to sell alcohol to people on a list of repeat offenders provided by police. The new rules also would prohibit storage of personal items on public property downtown.

Yohnka pointed to 2015 cases in Worcester, Mass., and Grand Junction, Colo., where federal judges found panhandling laws to be unconstitutional, and a Lowell, Mass., case in which a federal judge ruled that an "aggressive" panhandling ban in that city's downtown was unconstitutional.

The ACLU's concern about the Elgin effort, Yohnka said, is whether it criminalizes matters related to being poor, homeless, or having substance abuse or mental health issues.

With the banishment of people from downtown, parks and other public spaces, there also are potential constitutional questions if someone wanted to participate in a demonstration in the city.

Elgin city employees spent six months putting together the ordinance and looked at laws in other cities, including Eugene, Ore., where a downtown public safety zone ordinance barred people who may have committed crimes in that city center.

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Eugene Police Department analyst Carter Hawley said the ordinance was adopted in August 2008 with a sunset clause for August 2010, which was extended until November 2013, then not renewed.

"The intent all along was for this not to be a forever thing," Hawley said.

Eugene is a college town with a population of more than 159,000 and the Lane County seat. The county has more than 356,000 residents, and Hawley said a count this year indicated there are about 1,400 homeless in the county.

Elgin has about 112,000 residents, and, based on what social services have told them, city staff estimates Elgin has about 150 homeless people.

Hawley said Eugene now is addressing downtown issues with strategies such as data-driven policing, more foot patrols downtown, and connecting people with social services. The work is set for a status report within the next two months, Hawley said.

After the Elgin City Council approved the ordinance, Kaptain noted that local police do a good job tracking people who are on the streets  and that the ordinance is not focusing only on the homeless. He said police work with social service agencies to try to find assistance.

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"I hope that maybe the new ordinance will encourage the hard cases that have resisted help to get that help," Kaptain said.

Kaptain wondered if something else could be done to help people who need a place to store their minimal possessions. Kaptain and other City Council members, including John Prigge, also raised the issue of where will people will go if they are banned from downtown Elgin.

"Elgin has absorbed problems from other towns that don't have the social service Elgin does," Powell said, noting that public nuisance offenders could end up being problems for other municipalities.

Kaptain said some of the issues could be addressed with putting in monitored public bathrooms in places throughout the downtown. But Powell said she heard such facilities could cost as much as $90,000 each and thought there would be logistics, safety and maintenance issues with them.

"I appreciate that the city is looking at these issues," Community Crisis Center Executive Director Gretchen Vapnar said,

Vapnar believes the city not only is expressing concern for those who live or work downtown but for those who may be homeless and individuals who may be considered public nuisance offenders.

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"It's not going to cure things, but may help," Vapnar said. "Elgin is a city, with city problems and this ordinance is not going to eliminate problems related to it. I live downtown and love it, and I've seen panhandling, but not every day."

Some of the people targeted more than likely have complicated issues that are hard to assess in the field, Vapnar said. Compounding that, the state's budget morass has meant a decrease in available social services and possible gaps in what may be available to help people with behavioral issues and people living on the streets.

"I really commend the mayor for suggesting things we could all do to help," Vapnar said.

Every weekday for 20 years or so, Vineyard Church of Elgin in downtown has offered free breakfast for anyone in need of a meal.

The program sees about 45 people a day on average, Pastor Tom Severson said.

What Elgin seems to be doing is taking a big picture view in dealing with a complicated matter, Severson said. The hard cases may be addicted to drugs, alcoholic, have other mental health issues or any combination thereof, Severson noted.

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"The bulk of the homeless want to be good citizens," Severson said.

"I know the city is working on both sides of the equation, trying to figure out what works for all citizens, and making Elgin safe for everyone," Severson said. "My hope is this gives police officers a few more tools to most effectively help and protect the community and I know Elgin has a big heart."

Severson questioned whether there might be a way to effectively reach out to people to provide services before the consequences of the new law kick in.

While crediting the city for taking steps toward addressing the related issues, Betsy Kuhn, owner of Elgin Knit Works in downtown, reminded all of what should be driving the conversations.

"We have to learn to cohabitate together," Kuhn said.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
While the incumbent in District 22 on the Kane County Board would "stay the course" if re-elected, his opponent sees the need for change.

Incumbent Kane County board member Douglas Scheflow said that he tries to speak for middle-income taxpayers. His challenger, Democrat Randy Hopp, questioned the board's actions to issue more bonds and create a cross country course at Settler's Hill in Geneva. The candidates discussed their views at a League of Women Voter Elgin Area's forum recently at Gail Borden Public Library.

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Scheflow, a lifelong resident of Elgin who attended Elgin High School, touted his work to freeze Kane County's portion of property tax levies for five years. He is an Elgin attorney and has experience running a business, he said, adding he would "stay the course" if reelected.

Hopp is a native of Elgin who has been attending Kane County Committee of the Whole meetings for almost seven years and full board meetings for a year, he said. He also served as a Gail Borden Public Library trustee for three years.

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He agreed holding down the property tax is important, but he said he doesn't think it is possible for another year. He wants to see more responsible spending and pointed to the county's move to issue pension obligation bonds to pay off its pension debt. He called it a "stupid deal to make," adding the county is trying to save money in interest payments, but it would backfire and result in the county paying more. "It is irresponsible."

He is also opposed to the county's efforts to turn Settler's Hill into a cross country course. Spending $4.1 million to create a course in an old dump is not necessary, he said.

Scheflow supports issuing pension obligation bonds because he believes it will save millions in interest, he said. Overall, the county's debt has gone down by $50 million the last few years and its budget has been balanced for five years, he said.

As for the cross country course, the money to build it comes from an existing fund and won't cost the county additional money, Scheflow said.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Candidates for the 22nd Legislative Senate District agreed things in Springfield are a mess but had different visions for solving the problems at the state level.

Democrat Cristina Castro and Independent Tracy Smodilla shared their thoughts on the office both are seeking in the Nov. 8 election at the League of Women Voter Elgin Area's forum recently at Gail Borden Public Library.

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Audience members wanted to know how each planned to support working-class families within the district and their view on the state establishing a $15 dollar minimum wage.

Castro said 55 percent of Illinois residents age 25 and older are earning minimum wage. Her brother-in-law is one of them, she said. People are working two full-time jobs to make ends meet, she said.

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"No one should be living in poverty who works full time," said Castro, who favors examining the cost of living in Illinois and establishing a higher minimum wage.

Smodilla is not a proponent of that "for good reason," she said. "We need to distinguish between a living wage and minimum wage," A $15 minimum wage would not help people move up in jobs and would create stagnation, she said. She supports creating a business-friendly environment in the state and have jobs created through retraining programs.

Neither candidate supports increasing state taxes.

Smodilla wants to do an inventory in Springfield of where revenue is coming from and where funds are being appropriated. Illinois already has one of the highest tax rates in the country, and families and businesses are leaving the state for that reason, she said.

"Before we even entertain increasing taxes on anybody, we need to pay more attention of what's in the pantry and what we have coming into the checkbook," she said.

Castro does not support raising taxes. The Kane County Board member said the county has not raised taxes in five years and has balanced its budget. What Illinois needs to do is look at holding elected officials accountable and look at ways to streamline state government, she said. She is in favor of consolidating state government and wants to look at the state's real estate holdings.

"We should look within ourselves first," Castro said. "We have done it at the county board and we should be able to do it at the state level."

Both agree something needs to be done about the state's pension system. Castro said the state needs to study the system and find other ways to address the pension debt. "The most important thing is everyone needs to be at the table," she said.

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Smodilla favors using an actuarial table as a "prudent way to control pension," and it can be used as a tool to determine the size of debt and forecast how to pay it down, she said.

The candidates had different response to this question: How does your position on creating jobs differ from your predecessor?

The Illinois General Assembly has been hostile toward corporations in the state, Smodilla said. There is a mass exodus of corporations leaving because of higher taxes and regulations bogging down businesses, she said. Corporations have no incentives to invest in the workforce and the infrastructure that creates jobs, she said. She wants to see more things to help businesses and let them know "Illinois is open for business," she said.

Castro said one of the ways to create new jobs is to invest in employee training, using Elgin Community College's efforts of developing a skilled workforce. "One of the things that makes the state unattractive is our financial mess and instability and the fact there is no budget," she said.

She wants to see more reinvestment in the community and wants to close the corporate tax loopholes that allow 2/3 of the wealthiest companies to not pay state taxes, which she estimates totals $73 billion a year in lost taxes.

"Why should it fall on the backs of taxpayers or middle-class families who have to constantly pay taxes? Enough is enough. They also have to pay their fair share," she said.

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Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Leyden Superintendent Nick Polyak's strong support of a school librarian's One Book, One Leyden program helped win him a top honor from a state librarians group. (Kevin Tanaka / Pioneer Press)

Hoping to grab his attention, West Leyden High School librarian Janine Asmus sent a copy of the book, "The Distance Between Us," to District 212 Superintendent Nick Polyak's residence in 2015.

The librarian made the plucky move with the hope that author Reyna Grande's powerful book about the immigrant experience would spur the superintendent's interest in helping launch the first One Book, One Leyden initiative.

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"Given our district's large Hispanic population, I was confident the book about the lifetime struggles of a young Mexican immigrant would resonate with our students," Asmus said in a presentation to the District 212 School Board on Thursday night. "Given the expense and time commitment of such an undertaking, I knew I needed to start at the top."

Polyak's support of the program, which eventually resulted in an inspirational visit by the author to the school, was documented in a letter that Asmus wrote to the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA).

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Shortly before Thursday's board meeting, the district received notice that Polyak had been named Administrator of the Year by the group.

The award is given annually to recognize the meritorious support of a school library program by a building or district level school administrator. The award is a new one for the group, and it is meant to recognize, with cost-cutting and less money to go around, administrators' appreciation of school librarians' efforts and the role they play in promoting learning and literacy, said Becky Robinson, executive director with ISLMA.

In her nominating letter to the school librarian group, Asmus stressed Polyak's unwavering interest in the effort, from the time she sent the book to him, courting his support.

Reading the contents for the board on Thursday, Asmus said that after Polyak read the book, he, "to my delight invited me to lunch to discuss it and solicit my ideas for creating a One Book, One Leyden program."

Following up, "whenever I had questions, he was more than willing to help me," she said. The superintendent "attended book discussions, proudly wore a One Book, One Leyden shirt, followed the twitter hashtag" for One Book, One Leyden, she said.

Working with Asmus, he urged all faculty and strength to pass the book along to our students, she said.

"Through Dr. Polyak's support and leadership, we created a positive vibe and celebratory culture around the book," she told the board. The One Book, One Leyden event ended up "with an amazing in-house author visit by Grande and student luncheon," recounted Asmus.

Over a period of two days in February of this year, Grande spoke to students at the East and West campuses, urging them to pursue their dreams and never give up.

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"She was extremely well received by our students, faculty and staff," Asmus told the board.

The successful effort already has her in search for the next One Book, One Leyden program, she told the board.

On Friday, in response, Polyak called the award from ISLMA "a great honor for Leyden. It is a reflection of the amazing work being done in both of our high schools every day."

"Literacy is at the heart of success for every student in America," he said. "Our school libraries and media centers are crucial components in helping our students develop a love of reading and a love of learning."

The official presentation of the award is to take place at ISLMA's annual conference dinner, set for 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, in Tinley Park.

More information is available on the group's website, at www.islma.org.
I consider myself very blessed to have three wonderful children that have provided my bride and me with a number of cherished memories and laughable moments over the years. Some of the greatest recollections I have of my little ones involve Halloween.

I can recall when Brennan, 4 at the time and now 13, attended my parents annual grandkids Halloween party. He was dressed in a small green and orange clown suit and wanted to participate in bobbing for apples. When his turn came, he dove into the water with all he had. He came up empty, but had the biggest grin on his face.

I can picture Alena, 3 at the time and now 10, walking from house to house throughout our neighborhood, carrying a large bag of candy, with her big brother. She was dressed as a Disney princess and her bag of treats was so heavy that it literally tilted her to one side, but Alena would not give up her tandy for anything.

I can envision my youngest, Bekka, 4 at the time and now 6, wearing a hand-me-down bear costume that was at least twice her size. She independently made her way up to every house on the block with her siblings, often stopping to hoist the bear head up, so she would not miss out on any Halloween festivities.

The best part about these memories is that I can revisit them every time the Columbus Public Library sets out its awesome collection of Halloween picture books, which includes one of my favorite Halloween texts that I enjoyed reading to my little ones during this time of year, Mouses First Halloween by Lauren Thompson.

In Thompsons tale, readers encounter Little Mouse, a very curious and easily frightened creature, who goes out [o]ne spooky night when the moon [is] bright and encounters some strange and unusual objects. At first, our furry friend perceives these findings as haunting and scary. Upon further inspection, however, Mouse realizes that they are not so scary after all. The only terrifying things about the items are his initial thoughts.

For instance, when Mouse notices flickering in the distance, he assumes the worst when in reality, it is merely a friendly, smiling jack o lantern eager to greet him. Children, like Mouse, often have these same feelings regarding things that are different and unfamiliar. But after being shown that there is nothing to be afraid of, these fears quickly subside. Thompsons story does an excellent job reiterating this point, enabling children to enjoy the upcoming holiday fun.

So if you have little ones who will be experiencing the fun of Halloween, be sure to stop by the Columbus Public Library and treat them to some friendly, Halloween tales like Lauren Thompsons Mouses First Halloween. I am sure no matter what title you select, your little ones will be amused and intrigued. If you have questions about Thompsons mouse tale or would like other great Halloween recommendations, please contact me at 402-564-7116, opt. 4.

And dont forget that the Columbus Public Library will be partnering with the Downtown Business Association to provide a trick-or-treat event for families on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Frankfort Square. Come and make cool Halloween crafts and then visit the library for a tasty treat.
Many farm and ranch business owners desire a successor, someone who will continue the business after the current owner retires and/or eventually dies. Finding the right person is obviously the first step in the business succession process.

Some have found a family member who is interested in taking over the business. Some have found a neighbor or friend and others have made connections with complete strangers.

Finding the right person does not automatically equal success. There are barriers that prove quite difficult in many cases. The three most critical barriers to success are: Communication, Management Transfer, and a Financially Feasible Plan.

Communication

The vast majority of older farmers and ranchers are men. People who choose farming and ranching as their profession tend to like to do their own thing. Many times they also like to do it alone. Expertise in production, marketing, finance and decision making, along with hard work, has been the formula that has produced the desired results for most.

In many cases, communication skills have never been that important. Never been that important that is, until now, when a successor is to be brought into the business. The inability of the two generations of farmers to communicate with each other is by far the biggest barrier to a successful farm business transfer. It is not only the older generation that lacks communication expertise but many potential successors also have difficulty bringing up important issues.

Two communication tools that help that help with improving communications is to have clear goals for the operation (both short and long term) and to have job descriptions for everyone that is helping with the operation.

Having the goals and job descriptions in place can be beneficial to begin a healthy communication between the generations. It also helps to provide a model for farm/ranch business meetings that will continue on a regular basis.

Management Transfer

The transfer of the management and decision-making authority from the older generation to the successor generation is also a critical step in successful business transitions.

The first stage in establishing a management transfer plan is to determine the length of time that both the older generation and the successor will be involved in the management. Will this be a short time, maybe a year or two, or a long time, maybe 10 years or more?

It is a bit like the running of a relay race in track and field. How long will the exchange zone be? There will be the runner carrying the baton, rapidly approaching and a runner ready and waiting to make the exchange and then carry on. If the older generation tries to hand off before the successor is up to speed, failure could result. If the successor takes off too early, again failure could result.

Financial Feasibility

The business cannot continue if there is not a financially feasible plan in place. Feasibility, however, is a bit subjective. What one person believes to be feasible the next may declare impossible.

A feasible plan must contain at least the potential for success. A key item to consider is the cost of living for both the older and younger generations. Expectations regarding what is needed and what is a luxury have changed over the years. Cell phones, internet, satellite TV, ATVs etc. are considered necessity items for many.

It is also important to be certain that the older generation is financially secure. What expectations exist regarding lifestyle and the cost of living? What are the sources of income for the older generation? Will the older generation continue to work in the business? If so, how much income will be needed from the business to provide the style of living desired? How about the successor? Is there off-farm income to supplement the family living costs? What are the expectations for the successor regarding lifestyle and the cost of living? Where will the money come from? How much does the business need to contribute?

There are many low-interest loans with favorable repayment terms available for beginners. Nebraskas Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program, the NexGen program, also provides assistance with the cash flow and can free up funds to assist financial feasibility. Beginners have found that investing their capital, efforts and management in income producing assets such as seed, fertilizer, chemicals, rent, feed, etc., rather than attempting to invest too soon in wealth producing assets such as land, machinery and buildings have been a sound priority.

Positively addressing the three main barriers to farm business succession will help establish the next generation of Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

The information used for this weeks column is edited from information provided by Dave Goeller, UNL farm transition specialist.
Foreign visitors examine a juice extractor on display at a Canton Fair held in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

China's weak trade will stabilize and improve significantly in the months ahead, as declines narrow steadily and the trade structure has been optimized, according to a trade sector insider.

"A series of new positive factors have emerged, continuing to drive the growth of foreign trade," said Xu Bing, spokesman of the China Import and Export Fair, also widely known as the Canton Fair.

The 120th Canton Fair, which is held twice a year, will open in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Saturday, attracting 24,553 companies from home and abroad to display their products.

The biannual fair, the country's largest trade event, is considered an important barometer of China's foreign trade.

The number of international buyers this time will be around 200,000, a slight increase over the same period of last year, according to Xu.

Xu said about 1,700 companies, which have developed competitiveness in innovation and branding, would be showcased in the fair.

"With a steady increase of foreign buyers and exhibitors, we expect a slight increase in trade transaction volumes during the fair," Xu said.

China's foreign trade volumes shrank by 1.9 percent year-on-year to 17.53 trillion yuan ($2.6 trillion) in the first nine months of the year, whiles exports declined to 10.06 trillion yuan, down 1.6 percent from that of last year. The overall trade performance, however, improved on a quarterly basis, as it increased by 1.1 percent year-on-year in the third quarter.

Zeng Dexiang, president of Guangzhou Bosma Technology Co, said the company's exports improved slightly in the last quarter as more cutting-edge products became popular items in developed markets.
Eleven school students were injured yesterday after a rope broke at a forest park in Baoshan District, Shanghai.

The students were on outings arranged by their schools in Xuhui and Hongkou districts and taking part in a Climbing Mount Everest activity at the Wusong Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park, Baoshans greenery authority said in a statement.

The activity features a 13-meter iron pillar with a net around it for people to climb.

Costing 10 yuan (US$1.49), it claims to train the bravery, confidence and balance of children effectively, according to an information notice nearby, which also says the facility is safe and reliable.

However, a rope fastening the net to the pillar broke yesterday morning and part of the net collapsed while a number of students were climbing, according to witnesses.

One witness said online that some of the children appeared to be bleeding from head wounds.

The injured were taken by ambulance to the nearby Shanghai Ninth Peoples Hospital. All were suffering from minor wounds, mainly scratch and bruises, a doctor said.

Nine had been released by yesterday evening, while the remaining two are being kept in for observation, the doctor said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The wetland park, which is along the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers, was opened to the public in 2007. It is rated as a national 4A scenic spot, a city five-star park and a national educational base. The site was originally used as a military base. The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government built gun platforms there and it was a coastal defense fort during the First Opium War (1840-1842).
Ignatius Chombo, the secretary of administration of the Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) takes questions from the press in Chongqing on Oct. 13 during the CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

Zimbabweans see clearly that China and the Chinese people are their true friends and are grateful for the decades of aid programs China has provided, Ignatius Chombo, the Secretary of Administration of the Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (Zanu PF), said recently during a visit to China.

Chombo made the remarks on Thursday in Chongqing to clarify a recent allegation that Chinese aid programs, including Chinese aid workers, in Africa are losing popularity to Japanese programs, mainly because Chinese companies invested in Africa "paid little attention to creating local jobs" and Chinese aid workers were not as meticulous as their Japanese counterpart in terms of providing humanitarian care.

This allegation seems to stem from so-called new colonialism allegations that seek to incite an anti-China resentment in Africa.

But Chombo took the chance to clarify that the Zimbabwean people do not look at the matter in this way, saying that Zimbabwe's colonial history made its people able to easily tell who the real colonizers are.

"Zimbabwe was colonized by Britain for more than 100 years so we don't want to be colonized by any other country; one [colonial] country was enough. We fought for 50 years for independence. The people who came to our side with assistance were Chinese, not Japanese or Americans," said Chombo. "Those Western countries were on the other side, with those we were fighting against." Chombo pointed out that Japan only came to aid Zimbabwe and other African countries in recent years, whereas China started to help Africa even when it was a poverty-stricken country itself. It means that the time-tested rapport between China and Africa is immune to ill-intentioned allegations.

"Japan came to help Africa in order to entice Africans to vote for Japan in the UN. That's not what we are after; we are after harmonious relations like those between China and Zimbabwe," said Chombo, whose office amounts to an acting party chief under the presidency of Robert Mugabe.

Japan's aggression during the World War II is another reason why many African people still loathe Japan. "Japan attacked several countries, including China during the World War II, so that it was once an aggressor." He added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Oct. 13, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

China's policy in south and southeastern Asia is evolving through bilateral initiatives with specific countries as well as via multilateral frameworks. Seeking to invest time on the improvement of bilateral ties, President Xi Jinping has focused on Cambodia and Bangladesh and decided to visit both states before attending the BRICS summit in Goa. It is the first time that Xi visited Cambodia as president and the first time a Chinese president will go to Bangladesh since Li Xiannian in 1986. The symbolism is evident, but substance will also be needed.

To start with, attention is turned towards trade. As Xi has written in his Rasmei Kampuchea article, China has been Cambodia's biggest trading partner for three years and 2015 saw bilateral trade reach $4.4 billion. Also, according to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, trade volume between China and Bangladesh exceeded $9 billion in 2014-2015. For both Cambodia and Bangladesh there is an upward trend in their trade with China. For example, the bilateral volume of Sino-Cambodian trade was $1.12 billion in 2010 and $2.5 billion in 2011, while Sino-Bangladeshi trade was $6.2 billion in 2010-2011.

In parallel with trade, ongoing Chinese investments outline the influential economic role of Beijing. Data from the Council for the Development of Cambodia demonstrate that in 2015 China was the biggest investor in the country with a percentage of 18.62 percent. The U.K. follows China with a percentage of only 3 percent. Sectors involved include infrastructure, agriculture, industries and tourism. In the case of Bangladesh, the UN Conference on Trade and Development suggests that its inward foreign direct investment amounted to $2.2 billion in 2015. In that regard, a survey report from the Bank of Bangladesh shows that China spent $49.84 million in outward foreign direct investments from January until June 2015. The visit of President Xi in the country will certainly boost China's investments  principally on energy and telecommunications  especially if free trade zones are established.

From another perspective, the rising trade and ongoing investments are interlinked with China's objective for larger utilization of its national currency on the path towards internationalization. Signs are positive. In March 2014, for instance, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) was approved by the National Bank of Cambodia as a clearing bank for the Chinese yuan. And now Cambodia is considering the usage of yuan in order to lure more tourists from China. As far as Bangladesh is concerned, banks such as HSBC have already made their renminbi cross-border export settlements since November 2012.

Trade and investments do not alone depict the significance of President's Xi visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh. Both countries constitute important parts for the revitalization of the Silk Road. The so-called "Belt and Road" initiative can bring win-win results and is welcome in both Phnom Penh and Dkaka.

The implementation of this initiative has run smoothly in Cambodia but has encountered some obstacles in Bangladesh due to political pressure by India and Japan. The long delay and finally the potential cancellation of the construction of a deep port in Sonadia by a Chinese company is indicative. Nevertheless, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina calls China a "trusted partner." In spite of the Sonadia port setback, other infrastructure works have gone ahead. The construction of the Padma Bridge rail link from Dhaka to Jessore district constitutes one example.

It is certainly positive for China that both Cambodia and Bangladesh are members of the Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB). This means that they accept interdependence, endorse the mission of the new financial institution and are prepared to contribute in the short-term with their membership fees in order to reap larger benefits in the long-term. The AIIB, for instance, has already approved the expansion and upgrade of electricity coverage in Bangladesh.

Last but not least, the Chinese administration has managed to strengthen its political position in southern and southeastern Asia. By forging close relations with Cambodia it has found a good ally within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is not a coincidence that ASEAN issued no statement against Beijing after the Hague arbitration on South China Sea last July. Also, the increase of its economic influence in Bangladesh is for China a useful means to balance India.

Professor David Shambaugh wrote back in 2005 that Beijing's diplomacy in southern and southeastern Asia had earned praise for being adept and nuanced. Eleven years later he would certainly reiterate the same position, but now for Asia.

George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
At the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Cambodia on October 13-14. During the trip, Xi met with King Sihamoni and visited Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. He held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

This visit is expected to strengthen the traditional friendship between both nations and open a new era in the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries have signed more than 30 cooperation documents to enhance cooperation in various fields.The visit will promote China-Cambodia economic and trade cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, boosting an alignment of the initiative and Rectangular Strategy for Cambodian National Development that benefits the peoples of both nations. President Xis state visit to Cambodia is deemed as an historic milestone in the history of Sino-Cambodian diplomatic ties. that would deepen political trust. China and Cambodia will emerge as highly trusted friends, loyal partners and a community of shared destiny for generations to come, serving as a new model for states equal treatment and sincere cooperation in the international community.
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A woman walks past billboards of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (L) and Galaxy S7 (R) at a mobile phone shop in Seoul on September 12, 2016.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Friday it is banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

The DOT said in an emergency order that individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo, it said, noting anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

On Tuesday, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.

Elliot Kaye, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is "simply too great."

"I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund," Kaye said. "It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do."
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Heavy clashes between pro-government forces and IS occurred in Libya's Sirte on Friday, killing at least 14 of the government fighters, media office of the government forces announced on its Facebook post.

Misrata's hospital confirmed the casualties, saying that injured government fighters have also rushed to the hospital.

The media office also said the government fighters found a building that belonged to IS containing computers and four small planes used for surveillance.

The UN-backed unity government has launched a military campaign in May against the increased dominance of IS in Sirte (some 450 km east the capital Tripoli).

"Our troops are advancing since this morning on three axes and securing these areas, while the air force targeted a car bomb after it was spotted by our ground troops." The media office said Friday.

IS dominated Sirte, the hometown of former leader Muammar Gaddafi who was toppled in the 2011 uprising, for over a year before the pro-government fighters took control of most of the city, assisted by U.S. air strikes.
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China supports Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against drugs and is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines in this area, a spokesperson said Friday.

Calling narcotics "an enemy of mankind," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said combating drug crimes is a responsibility shared by all countries.

He said the Chinese government was committed to eliminating drug-related crimes and the nation has been actively engaged in international cooperation in this regard.

"President Duterte will also be engaged in activities related to drug control during his state visit to China. China and the Philippines are keeping in close touch about this," Geng said.

The drug control departments in both countries have begun to discuss cooperation, with results likely to be released soon, the spokesperson added.

Duterte is waging a war against "narco-politics" in the Philippines, saying about four million Filipinos are into illegal drugs. The Philippine government plans to build more rehabilitation centers for drug addicts.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with his Bangladeshi counterpart Abdul Hamid in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday hailed major opportunities for China-Bangladesh ties during his meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Abdul Hamid.

During Xi's visit, both sides decided to upgrade the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation, raising the bilateral relationship to a new level.

The two sides agreed to improve cooperation mechanism in various fields, and actively push forward the implementation of major projects in key areas, said Xi.

Both sides pledged to step up the construction projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and boost connectivity, development and prosperity in the region for the well-being of the two peoples, said the Chinese president.

The two sides also vowed to make unremitting efforts to implement the the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and push forward South-South cooperation, Xi said.

Bangladesh, Xi said, is an important country in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, and also a country with a huge population.

With a history of friendly exchanges dating back over a thousand years, the two peoples have amiable feelings for each other, said the Chinese president.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the leaders of the older generation of the two countries also laid a solid foundation for bilateral ties, Xi said.

Bilateral diplomatic ties, established 41 years ago, have maintained a healthy and smooth development under the guidance of "the five principles of peaceful co-existence," bringing practical benefits to both peoples, said Xi.

China appreciates Bangladesh's precious support on issues concerning China's core interests, and supports Bangladesh's efforts to defend independence and sovereignty and seek national stability and development, said the Chinese president.

For his part, Hamid said the Bangladeshi people have been looking forward to Xi's visit.

Bilateral ties, based on equality and mutual respect, have a long history and now face new opportunities, said Hamid.

China has become Bangladesh's first strategic partner of cooperation with the upgrading of bilateral ties during Xi's visit, he said.

With similar development goals, both sides enjoy huge cooperation potential in such areas as trade, investment, agriculture, energy and infrastructure, Hamid said.

Bangladesh will continue to work with China to support each other on issues concerning their core interests, and stands ready to become China's reliable partner while strengthening coordination with China on major regional and international issues, he said.

Xi arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day for a state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to this South Asian nation in 30 years.

Bangladesh is the second leg of Xi's visit, which has already taken him to Cambodia. He will also travel to the southwestern Indian state of Goa for a summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
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At a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in east China's Hangzhou city last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is willing to work with India to maintain their hard-won sound relations and deepen cooperation.

Xi told Modi that China-India ties have enjoyed healthy, stable and speedy development over the past years, and that as neighbors and developing nations, the two countries should continue high-level exchanges.

He also said that China and India should continue dialogue at various levels and in all areas, and frequently exchange views on major issues of common interest to enhance understanding and trust. The two countries should seek synergy between their development strategies and discuss the implementation of pragmatic cooperation in large projects of infrastructure construction and production capacity, said Xi.

He proposed that the two sides strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promised that China would continue to encourage Chinese companies to invest in India. China and India should respect and care for each other on issues of major concern, and handle differences in a constructive way.

Modi said in response that strategic partnership is of great importance both to the two countries and to the rest of the world, highlighting close high-level exchanges, bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.

HARD-WON SOUND RELATIONS

China and India are two large Asian nations with ancient civilizations. They have maintained in-depth cultural and people-to-people exchanges for thousands of years. About 1,400 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang visited and stayed in India for a long time and wrote about the ancient civilizations of India, which remain among the most authoritative historical materials for India.

During the fight against Western imperialism in the 19th century and the early half of the 20th century, the peoples of the two countries had supported and sympathized with each other. China supported India's freedom fight against British colonial rule, while Indians sent their best sons like Doctor Kwarkanath S. Kotnis to China to help in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

Culturally, the two countries have deep and wide relations. Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most loved writers and poets in China. At the Hangzhou G20 Summit, Xi recited a poem by Tagore on the beauty of the West Lake written nearly a century ago.

In the 1950s, former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru joined hands to expound the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, spearheading a new global guideline for international relations and greatly promoting the prestige of developing countries and newly independent Asian and African countries.

Due to historical reasons and problems left over by imperialists, the two countries experienced some turbulences in relations in the 1960s and the 1970s. But relations gradually came back to normalcy since the visit by former Indian Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi to Beijing in 1988.

Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping said that an Asian Century will not become a reality unless China and India, the world's two most populous nations, become prosperous together.

Over the past few decades, both China and India have picked up quickly and seen a revival of cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields and people-top-people exchanges. Their bilateral trade has reached nearly 80 billion U.S. dollars annually.

The two sides have also signed treaties to maintain peace and tranquility in the boundary area while holding negotiations by special representatives on border disputes to seek a peaceful solution at a proper time in a mutually acceptable way and in a fair manner. The militaries of the two sides have established several mechanisms to avoid clashes in the border area.

The peaceful situation between the two countries has benefitted not only the peoples of the two countries, but also the whole Asia and Indian Ocean region.

Since Modi came to power two years ago, there has been frequent exchange of high-level visits by leaders of the two countries to each other.

It is obvious that the present sound relations between the two nations are hard-won, as Xi said.

CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE TO ENHANCE TRUST, UNDERSTANDING

It is recognized that there are numerous differences between China and India. Apart from border disputes, the two countries also differ over some international and regional issues which could hamper and even disrupt smooth development of bilateral relations.

However, as Chinese leaders have repeatedly pointed out, differences between the two countries should not block the development of normal and good relations. Common interests outweigh differences between the two sides.

Over the past several years, the two countries have engaged in strategic dialogue in a wide range of sectors including finance, macro-management, cybersecurity, energy security and anti-terrorism.

Moreover, the two countries have been carrying out cooperation within the frameworks of the G20, the BRICS bloc grouping Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the Untied Nations. Both China and India are founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and are starting dialogue over global nuclear safety and non-proliferation. Both countries are trying to boost trust and understanding through various channels.

When attending the 6th meeting of BRICS senior representatives on security issues in New Delhi last month, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said that China is ready to make joint efforts with other BRICS nations to make the upcoming BRICS summit in India's Goa a success and inject new dynamics into BRICS cooperation.

When meeting representatives from BRICS nations for the security meeting, Modi said the BRICS nations are playing an increasingly constructive role in international affairs, while expressing his belief that the BRICS summit in Goa could yield practical results and cement friendly relations among the BRICS nations so as to enhance the influence of developing countries and emerging economies.

"China is willing to join hands with India to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, deepen mutual political trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges, and properly handle sensitive issues in order to push forward the development of bilateral ties in the right direction and promote Asia's development and prosperity," said Yang.

India joined last year the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to coordinate stand on maintaining regional peace, bringing back peace to Afghanistan and strengthening the fight against terrorism.

Indian officials have expressed their intention recently to boost political communication, expand pragmatic cooperation and promote cooperation and coordination with China within the framework of the G20 and BRICS so as to press ahead with common development and safeguard common interests of the two countries.

SEEKING SYNERGY OF DEVELOPMENT, PRAGMATIC COOPERATION

Many have pointed out that the economic development of China and India can provide opportunities for each other through trade, investment and other exchanges. Pragmatic cooperation in economic and trade area has proved to be a powerful locomotive for the development of bilateral ties.

As the world's two largest developing countries and emerging economies, the two countries can benefit from each other's prosperity and there is enough space for the two countries to seek synergy of development strategies and achieve common development.

China and India have been successfully cooperating in IT, infrastructure, e-commerce, industrial production. Thousands of Indian students are studying in China, mostly in medical schools. The number of tourists to each other has also multiplied over the past few years, especially after India granted e-visas for Chinese tourists.

China has also welcomed India's proposal to combine the Belt and Road Initiative with the Spice and Monsoon Roads projects of India to expand economic and trade ties with the Indian Ocean island nations and Africa, while cooperating with India in building oil pipelines from Central Asia and Russia.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was brought up by Xi in 2013, with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

As for India's "Act East" policy, China has sent positive messages for enhancing inter-connectivity with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and South Asian nations to bring together the dynamics of the whole Asian continent.

China has also called on India to jointly develop the Himalayan region by building a tripartite economic corridor with Nepal and build a Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridor as well.

Through synergy of development strategies and pragmatic cooperation, the two countries can build closer ties and tap into the potential of cooperation for the good of their own peoples.

This will also help increase mutual political trust and understanding between the two countries in seeking solution to their differences and disputes in future. Endi
 Flash

Brazil's Health Ministry informed on Friday that, one year after the beginning of the zika-related microcephaly cases, 2,033 cases have been confirmed in the country.

In 381 cases, the infection by zika was already confirmed by lab tests.

Besides the two thousand cases of microcephaly already confirmed by authorities, other 3,055 cases are still under investigation.

In one year, 486 deaths were suspected to be related to microcephaly caused by infection by zika virus during pregnancy. Out of those, 170 have been confirmed as microcephaly cases so far.

The confirmed cases occurred in 688 towns in all Brazilian states, which means the zika virus reached all Brazil's regions. So far, the northeastern state of Pernambuco, where the relation between zika infection and microcephaly was first reported, has the most confirmed cases: 389.

Bahia and Paraiba states, also located in the northeastern region, followed Pernambuco, with 319 and 181 cases, respectively.

Though the relation between infection by zika virus during pregnancy and the birth of babies with microcephaly and other malformations was first reported in Brazil, microcephaly cases have been reported in several other countries around the globe, and the World Health Organization (WHO) believes cases will reach Asia as well. Endi
Republican leaders crying over the Trumpenstein monster destroying them on Twitter (and any real chance their party could capture the White House) have only themselves to blame.

Last summer, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and three-quarters of all elected Republicans made a Faustian bargain with the orange-haired, bile-spewing behemoth who's now their party's standard-bearer.

They surrendered their principles -- and their party along with it -- in the hope that Trump, who won every primary save Ohio, would be the candidate to sink Hillary Clinton.

To do that, Republicans who loathed Trump and feared the havoc he might wreak had to convince themselves that a New York billionaire with zero impulse control, a virtuoso's mastery of the put-down and an onion skin-thin ego could somehow be transformed into a respectable, mainstream candidate.

It was the ultimate exercise in denial and delusion. And with Trump's candidacy imploding and Clinton opening a wider lead in both national and battleground polls, GOP leaders moved this week to contain the damage as best they could.

On Monday, in the wake of a competent, but far from winning debate performance by Trump, Ryan announced that he was finally tossing the Republican nominee overboard.

The revelation of a creepy and lewd 2005 video of Trump bragging about groping women was the apparent breaking point -- not, of course, all the other vile stuff Trump has said (including several exhortations of violence against Hillary Clinton) since the Speaker threw in with him earlier this year.

Ryan said he would no longer campaign with or defend Trump (which he wasn't really doing anyway) and he was freeing House Republicans to look after their own campaigns and move to protect the GOP's majority.

Cynically, Ryan did not -- as other Republicans did -- rescind his endorsement. And Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus, whose skeletal structure must be made from the same miracle substance as the stretchy comic book hero Plastic Man, reiterated his support as well.

Even still the news provoked a Category Five Trumpian Tweetstorm. The seemingly apoplectic nominee demolished Ryan and other prominent Republicans, including U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

It was as if Godzilla was stomping across Tokyo, blithely ignorant of the fact that he might have to work with the local Planning & Zoning Commission later on the rebuilding effort.

"Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary," he fumed in one Tweet. "They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win - I will teach them!"

Trump then rejoiced that it was "so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to."

What shackles? But no matter. Republicans now have what some of them privately feared the most: a wounded monster, limping into the final weeks of the campaign, with absolutely nothing left to lose.

They, of course, have everything to lose.

A Clinton victory will likely result in a Democratic takeover of the U.S. Senate, easing the White House's path on at least one, but as many as four, U.S. Supreme Court appointments in the coming years.

While Ryan may not have to sweat a total Democratic takeover of the entire House, Democrats could make significant enough inroads to give the Wisconsin Republican a four-year-long case of agita, possibly renewable in 2020.

Ryan and the Republicans now find themselves in the same place that their GOP forefathers found themselves in the 1996 election that saw Republicans abandon Bob Dole to focus on holding the Hill.

Back then, Republicans waited three weeks to toss Dole under the bus. This year, it's about a month, as Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post reported.

While he has a rabid base, Trump's support has held steady at about 42 to 44 percent in most national polls. That's nice, but it's not enough to win.

The worry for Trump - and for Republicans - should be that the high-profile defections, along with what will likely be another bad month of headlines for Trump, will depress GOP turnout and energize the Clintonistas.

Republicans could well skip the top of the ticket and vote on down-ballot candidates, making the hard decision that, to save themselves, and their Congressional majorities, they'll have to kiss the White House good bye.

And even then, they'll still have to live with the wreckage that their creation leaves in his wake.
WASHINGTON - US Treasury Department on Friday declared that no major trading partner of the US, including China, met the standard of manipulating its currency, while it retained six economies on a monitoring list created to indicate "unfair" currency practices.

In its Semi-Annual Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies, the department said none of its major trading partners has manipulated their currencies over the past six months to keep them undervalued.

However, it still puts Chinese mainland, Japan, South Korea, China's Taiwan, Germany, and Switzerland on its Monitoring List, saying their foreign exchange policies bear close monitoring.

The Treasury Department created the list in April this year based on an analysis of three criteria, including a significant bilateral trade surplus with the US, a material current account surplus and engaging in persistent one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market.

In the report, the department said that China met one of the criteria, a significant bilateral trade surplus with the US, instead of two as indicated in April's report.

The latest report explained that China's current account surplus fell to 2 percent of GDP in the first half of this year, moving below the established threshold for the criterion that current account surpluses in excess of 3 percent of GDP can be regarded as "material."

The other five economies met two of the three criteria each.

China's central bank has improved its communication on its exchange rate policy with the market since early this year and has taken measures to deal with the depreciation of its currency the renminbi, said the report.

It noted that core factors that have been supportive of the yuan remain in place, including high savings, a sizeable current account surplus, and GDP growth above the global average.

China's central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan recently said in Washington that China will continue to enhance exchange rate flexibility while maintaining a relatively stable exchange rate. He added that China will firmly continue market-oriented reforms of its exchange rate mechanism.

C. Fred Bergsten, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, recently said at a forum that China does not manipulate its currency.

He noted that the Chinese economy is still growing at a relatively rapid pace, poses a high savings ratio and has significant amount of foreign reserves. All of these could support a relatively strong yuan, he added.
A sign indicating a new home is available for sale is seen on June 23, 2010 in Miami, Florida. [Photo/VCG]

Chinese buyers have doubled their residential property purchases in South Florida over the last four years, growing from 1 percent of all international sales in 2011 to 2 percent in 2015, according to the 2015 Miami Profile of International Home Buyers released by the Miami Association of Realtors.

"That may not sound like much, but because Miami has so many international sales (22 percent of unit sales and 36 percent of dollar volume), 1 percent of our international sales are more than some market's total international sales," said Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the association.

"I still believe it's just a fraction of what it will be," she said.

Latin American, European and Russian buyers were previously Miami real estate agents' international focus. Now they are setting their sights on China, the top buyer of US real estate.

The Miami Association of Realtors recently partnered with Juwai, one of China's largest international property search portals, to promote Miami's residential and commercial listings.

Kinney has made four trips to China. In June, she presented Miami real estate projects to buyers in Chengdu, Xi'an, Changzhou and Shanghai.

"They're very, very positive about Miami, and every time we refer to 'Miami', it's like 'Oh, I want to go to Miami' and smiling. I guess it's the sunshine effect of Miami," Kinney said.

Some local real estate companies have established partnerships with the largest Chinese brokerage firm, Homelink.

"They have committed time and resources to learning the Miami market. Recently, they brought 20 top producers to train with us," said Philip Spiegelman, principal of International Sales Group, which began recruiting Mandarin-speaking agents two years ago. They now have 25 of them.

"Just look at this," said Gene Shi, president of Homelink's international operations, during a tour with another local brokerage firm Cervera, as he gestured toward Biscayne Bay, its waters shimmering outside the window of the Missioni Baia sales center in Edgewater.

"This is something you could never dream of, even for a millionaire in New York City," Shi said. "But this is a typical view for a citizen of Miami."

While Chinese buyers might enjoy having 320 sunny days a year, they come with different needs, said Lin Wenjun, the principal broker of American Da Tang Group, a New York-based real estate firm helping Chinese investors buy in the US.
Christie's has opened its new central Beijing flagship, together with an exhibition on Pablo Picasso and other Chinese artists, amid a continued expansion in China.

The flagship location, Christie's second venue in China after its Shanghai branch that opened in 2014, opened today and will serve as an auction house's offices, as well as a multifunctional and interactive venue for exhibitions, art forums, lectures and other activities, the company says.

"We are proud to have found Christie's a new home in Beijing, a city that is characterized by its tremendous cultural heritage and a profound collecting tradition," said Patricia Barbizet, Chief Executive of Christie's.

"Christie's continues to grow and invest in China and our new Beijing space marks an important milestone during our 250 year mission to connect art and collectors."

"We look forward to further exchanges with the art community and contributing to the diversified Chinese cultural landscape," Barbizet said.

According to Rebecca Wei, Christie's Asia president, Christie's scope of sales in China is being limited to post 1949 work, while the company is trying to bring more Western art into the country.

Operating in the Chinese capital is beneficial to the auction house because the city is the center of the auction industry in China, she said.

China's second tier cities, such as Nanjing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Chengdu, are also attractive possibilities for further expansions in the coming years, according to Wei.

Jinqing Cai, chairman of Christie's China, said the company hoped the space would become an integral part of Beijing's rich cultural heritage and diverse art community.

In addition to the special exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso, the space also showcased works by other leading pioneers on Saturday, including Max Ernst, Fernando Botero, Sanyu, Chu Teh-Chun and Zeng Fanzhi.

The 800sqm, three-story flagship in the Chinese capital has replaced Christie's offices in the former CITIC Building, where it had operated since 1996.

Located at 82 Jinbao Jie, 1.8km east of the Beijing Palace Museum, and situated between the upscale Jinbao Mall and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Beijing, the new place is built in a classical style among the district with a history dating back 100 years.

Despite the fact that the value of China's domestic art market fell 23 percent in 2015 to around $11.8 billion, with art sales falling 7 percent worldwide, according to the 2016 TEFAF Art Market Report published by the Dublin-based research and consulting firm Arts Economics, the country has nonetheless experienced robust growth so far this year.

According to artsy.net, through the first two quarters of the year, China has surpassed the United States in auction turnover, rising to the top of the art auction market, and this Chinese expansion demonstrates a commitment to the region's growing collector base.

The result is impressive particularly given the turbulent economic climate in China, and Christie's new base is a demonstration that the auction house is hoping to further cultivate the wealthy collector base present in the country, which is driving the art market's growth.
MEXICO CITY - China has signed $2 billion worth of cooperation agreements with Haiti, local media reported on Friday.

Planning and Foreign Cooperation Minister Aviol Fleurant said he had signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs), as part of a trade cooperation agreement with China, the daily Haiti Libre said.

The first agreement entails "a project to build a national grid, including wind and solar parks, totalling $1.2 billion," and the second agreement calls for "strengthening agriculture in Haiti," through an investment of $800 million, according to the daily.

The China Automation Control System Corporation (CACS), a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach), is one of the firms involved in the projects.

Fleurant once traveled to China in May to meet with officials there on bilateral cooperation in infrastructure.
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BEIJING - Cross-border e-commerce is now playing a bigger role in China-Turkey economic ties as bilateral trade struggled with sluggish global growth and Turkey's domestic turmoil.

"We saw opportunities despite the crisis and expanded our business in Turkey while others adopted a wait-and-see approach, following a failed military coup in July and the ongoing civil war in neighboring Syria," Hou Yibing, BD manager for Turkey of DHGate.com, a leading Chinese cross-border B2B e-commerce platform, told Xinhua on Friday.

"Our moves were bold, but should not be considered foolhardy, since we had undertaken a raft of research for our Internet-based business," said Hou, taking note of the growing number of e-commerce users and online sales revenue in Turkey.

It is estimated that there are 15.42 million e-commerce users in Turkey, accounting for one third of its total online community or about a fifth of its population, according to Hou.

World Bank data from 2015 showed that over 57 percent of Turkish are Internet users, making it the world's 18th in number terms and its Internet penetration rate is the seventh highest.

Turkey's Internet penetration rate grew over 10 percent for both 2014 and 2015, showing great development potential of its Internet industry.

By 2020, online retail sales will at least double from 2015 to hit $36 billion, according to a report released by Turkish Weekly.

China and Turkey signed the first memorandum of understanding (MOU) on e-commerce bilateral trade in November 2015 at the G20 summit in Turkish city Antalya. It concerned the Online Silk Road, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect China and other countries along the ancient land and maritime Silk Roads.

According to the MOU, China and Turkey vowed to work together to develop not only the infrastructure to make cross-border e-commerce trade possible and accessible to their SMEs, but to construct a fully functioning ecosystem for the SMEs.

"As one of the MOU's initiators and facilitators, DHGate.com is delighted to advance bilateral economic and trade cooperation with Turkey," said Diane Wang, founder and CEO of DHGate.com.

In Wang's eyes, Turkey is an essential partner of China in the implementation of the Belt and Road, and a major player that will help invigorate the Eurasian economy.

Trade between China and Turkey spans 2,000 years. Bilateral trade went from $1 billion in 2000 to $2.77 billion in 2014.

In 2015, China-Turkey trade volume dropped 1.8 percent year on year to $2.72 billion, but the decline is lower than China's 7-percent overall trade fall for the year.

Both nations are looking to increase trade growth by embracing new innovative business models.

Wang believed cross-border e-commerce could play an increasingly important role in economic ties between China and Turkey in the long run, as Internet technology substantially changes people's lives.

"For the time being, high tariffs and concerns about commodity quality are major obstacles to promoting bilateral e-commerce," said Hou, BD manager, who called for "green channel" from governments to facilitate cross-border trade.

Founded in 2004, DHGate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.2 million global sellers offering 33 million products.

China is Turkey's largest source of imports and the 18th largest export destination in 2015, Ministry of Commerce data showed.
CHICAGO -- More than a dozen Chinese and the US enterprises on Friday signed agricultural transaction contracts worth $2.1 billion, under which Chinese enterprises will import 5.1 million tons of farm products from the US companies.

Nearly 100 officials and enterprise representatives from China and the United States attended the signing ceremony held in Des Moines, Iowa.

As Iowa is a leading soybean-producing state in the United States and China is the world's biggest buyer of the product, it makes a lot of sense for American and Chinese companies to work together, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad told Xinhua.

"Right now we have a surplus of soybeans and corn, and so we need to be able to market that product," said Branstad. "China is a very big country, with a large population and is in need of soybeans. We think it is a win-win situation. It's good for Iowa farmers and it is good for Chinese consumers."

"We want to continue to increase the trade opportunities between Iowa and China," Branstad added.

Liu Jun, deputy Chinese consul-general in Chicago, said the US Midwest is a major farming area of soybeans, corn, and meat. "Iowa has unique advantages in Sino-US agricultural cooperation."

Chinese official statistics show that China accounts for 60 percent of the world's soybean transactions. China consumed 95 million tons of soybeans in the 2015-2016 seasonal year, and is expected to consume 98 million tons in the following seasonal year, of which the demand for import will be 83 million tons, up 1.2 percent from the 2015-2016 seasonal year.
Jack Ma, chairman of Alibaba Group, speaks at the Computing Conference 2016 in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 13, 2016. [Photo/IC]

HANGZHOU - China's e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba has released a laptop computer in partnership with Hewlett Packard and Intel Corporation.

The computer, released at the ongoing Computing Conference 2016 in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, runs on Alibaba's own smart operating system YunOS, and will mainly be used in China's education sector and in offices.

The computer will be used in cloud-based education and multimedia presentations. Governments in Zhejiang, Chongqing and Wuhan have inked cooperation deals to use the computer in their offices to boost efficiency.

Alibaba's YunOS system has been applied in a variety of areas, including wearable devices, automobiles and smart phones.

The Computing Conference 2016 concludes on Sunday.
A three-day fair aimed at enhancing investment and trade with the neighboring Chongqing municipality will be held in the city of Guang'an in Sichuan province from October 20 to 22.

According to Guang'an deputy mayor Chen Jie, projects worth more than 125 billion yuan (nearly $19 billion) will seek investors at the fair.

The projects involve fields such as high-end equipment manufacturing, fine chemicals and new materials, the deputy major said.

Located in the northeast of Sichuan, Guang'an is best known as the hometown of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, chief architect of China's reform and open policies.

Bordering Chongqing, the city has been designated by the central government as a demonstration zone for co-operation between Sichuan and Chongqing.

It is based in Gaotan town, Linshui county in Guang'an, and was set up in 2013.

Some 40 firms have based themselves in the zone. More than 90 percent of them are from Chongqing.

"The overwhelming majority of the firms produce auto parts for auto makers in Chongqing," said Li Jun, a leading official overseeing the zone.

More than 80 percent of the machinery manufacturing and electronic information firms in Guang'an make products exclusively for firms in Chongqing, according to the Guangan municipal government.

In June, government departments in Sichuan and Chongqing signed an agreement to allow Guang'an to be Chongqing's first choice when it transfers its auto, equipment manufacturing and electronic information sectors to the outside.
SW China province aims to cut poverty through tourism (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-10-15 13:10

GUIZHOU - Southwest China's Guizhou Province plans to lift at least one million people out of poverty in the coming five years through tourism.



The landlocked province aims to draw more sightseers and hikers to its mountain ranges and ethnic communities, facilitated by a network of high speed railways, expressways and air routes, according to the provincial government's blueprint on tourism released Saturday.



By cooperating with other provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, Guizhou hopes to become a major attraction for visitors to China.



Meanwhile, Guizhou Province plans to launch 20 local routes, grouping its 100 most popular destinations, 100 routes for hikers and mountaineers and 1,000 villages featuring unique ethnic culture and lifestyles, the document said.



The province also hopes to attract urbanites to its "hospitality farms," with activities such as the planting and harvesting of grain, fruit and vegetables, farm produce tasting and unique country accommodation, according to the plan.



Guizhou, a largely underdeveloped province with a population of 35 million, has more than 18,000 mountain villages, of which 426 are classed as "communities with unique traditions."



By 2020, at least 1,000 villages will become major tourist destinations. The income from such activities will hopefully benefit the the rural population, the document said.
Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of "The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" conference in Chongqing, Southwest China, Oct 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

CHONGQING -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) began a discussion with foreign political figures and academics in southwest China's Chongqing municipality on Friday, covering political party roles in the innovation in global economic governance.

"The CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016" conference attracted over 300 delegates from more than 50 countries, including party leaders, politicians, think-tank members, academics and representatives of business, according to the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC at the opening ceremony of the conference.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the CPC is willing to take the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange with parties from other countries.

It is the task of all parties around the world to perfect global economic governance. Parties should exert their advantages to guide the direction of global economic governance, Liu said.

Centering on "Innovation in Global Economic Governance: Initiatives and Actions of Political Parties," this year's conference comes after the G20 summit and focuses on parties' characteristics and functions, Liu said, adding that he believes the conference will give considerable impetus to global economic governance.

As the ruling party of China and an important member of the family of political parties worldwide, the CPC hopes to express the Chinese people's expectations for world economic growth and for the construction and reform of a global economic governance system.

The CPC believes the wisdom of different countries and parties at the conference can contribute to a better and more reasonable international economic order.

The CPC is willing and always ready to exchange ideas, share experience and wisdom, and meet challenges together with parties from all over the globe for the peace and prosperity of the world, according to the department.

Some party leaders also expressed their expectations about communication with the CPC.

Miyegombo Enkhbold, chairman of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) and chairman of the State Great Hural, Mongolia's parliament, said parties that are working for prosperity play an important role in a nation's development and global development. He said that, in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual respect, parties can come up with common wisdom to contribute to global economic governance.

Chynybai Tursunbekov, president of the Kyrgyz Parliament and a leader of the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), said the event offers a better understanding of China and the CPC.

Gwede Mantashe, Secretary-General of the African National Congress of South Africa, said he admires China's spirit of responsibility and the CPC's efforts in anti-corruption. He said he hopes to learn from the CPC via the dialogue.

The world economy still faces risks. We need to promote the economic recovery via multilateral actions, according to Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France.

During the three-day event, topics will include cooperation between major countries in global economic governance, mutually beneficial cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative, the roles of China and Europe in global governance, and Chinese proposals on global governance.

Through dialogue and discussion, the conference will elaborate new ideas, the tasks and requirements for global governance, and China's five development concepts. Parties will play a leading political role, build consensus and contribute to innovation in global economic governance.

Also on Friday, 60 delegates from 15 African ruling parties attended the Second China-Africa Political Parties Theoretical Seminar, which was held within the framework of the dialogue.

Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, called on Chinese and African political parties to play a leading role in promoting exchanges on development and enhancing pragmatic cooperation between China and Africa.

This year marks the 60th year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. The CPC pledged to innovate communication channels, enrich communication, and deepen exchanges with African political parties, Song said.

"The CPC in Dialogue with the World" has been held twice since 2014, aimed at providing a platform for global communication and sharing the policies and views of the CPC.




(ECNS) -- Beijing Normal University has apologized for not giving scholarships to students on time and promised to address the issue in one week.

The university said on its official Weibo account that an update of the university's computer system caused the delay.

An article published on popular mobile messaging platform WeChat said 24 students including those from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas Chinese have not received their scholarship funds.

The article, with punchy headline "Asking for Payment of Debt," said the university published scholarship information on Jan 4, but students from 2012 still haven't received the money after they graduated.

The article also said none of the departments at the university claimed responsibility for the delay when questioned.

Beijing Normal University is a renowned institution of higher education known for teacher education, science and basic learning in both the arts and sciences. The university's predecessor, Normal College of the Imperial University of Peking, was founded in 1902.
WUHAN -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for further efforts to boost innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges during an inspection tour in Central China's Hubei province.

On Friday, the final of the second "Internet Plus" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for College Students was held in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, in which 550,000 students from more than 2,100 colleges took part.

While meeting with the participants and the judges, Liu said higher education should be reformed to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship spirits, abilities and practices among college students.

Liu urged Chinese universities to cooperate with enterprises and encourage social capital in education and talent training to adapt to the new economic and technological development.

The governments should offer favorable conditions to prepare students for innovation and entrepreneurship, Liu added.

During her tour in Hubei, Liu also visited Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan University, stressing the integration of talent training, scientific research, public services as well as the inheritance and creation of Chinese culture in higher education.
A new archaeological find announced on Friday in Mexico attests to China's age-old vocation as an exporting powerhouse.

Mexican archaeologists have uncovered thousands of fragments of a 400-year-old shipment of Chinese "export-quality porcelain" that was long buried in the Pacific Coast port of Acapulco.

The shipment of rice bowls, cups, plates and platters dates from the reign of the Ming Dynasty's 13th emperor, Wanli (1572-1620), and is believed to have arrived in Acapulco aboard the China Galleon, which regularly sailed between Asia and the New World.

"During its 250 years of cabotage along the coasts of the Pacific in the Americas, the China Galleon left an indelible trail," Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), said in reporting on the find.

In an on-site interview posted on INAH's website, archaeologist Roberto Junco said "we discovered there were four or five models or styles ... characteristic of a type of ... export-quality porcelain that the Chinese made, mainly in the factories of Jingdezhen, and exported around the world."

According to Junco, the white-and-blue porcelain, painted with images of birds, beetles, swans, ducks, deer and other depictions of nature, was made in Zhangzhou, capital of south-central Fujian province, and Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, which is known as China's "Porcelain Capital."

The find, located no more than a meter and a half below ground near Acapulco's Cathedral, in what is known as the Old Quarter, included fragments of a coarser type of ceramic used to make containers for shipping provisions, such as spices and liquids.
Pollution is a scourge in China, the debilitating consequences of unbridled industrial growth. But how can China halt and reverse such devastation without undermining economic growth? For China to achieve its goal of becoming a "moderately prosperous society," this question must be answered.

One of the pioneers in seeking answers to this question has been the coastal province of Zhejiang in East China, where environmental protection had been sacrificed on the altar of economic growth. To begin its environmental healing, the Zhejiang government shut down thousands of polluting workshops and restricted heavy industries such as mining and papermaking. What happened to the economy as a result?

To find out, I went to Zhejiang, where I discovered that Anji county in Zhejiang's mountains has been transforming itself from a polluted mining area into a "green center" of ecology-friendly agriculture, industry and tourism.

In 2003-05, the county closed three mining companies and a cement factory in Yu village, consequently the village's GDP fell from over 3 million yuan ($449,842) to only 200,000 yuan, a drop of 93 percent.

Fortunately, the area has rich resources of bamboo and local residents began making money in an eco-friendly way. Today, Anji produces over 3,000 bamboo products, from underwear to home furnishings, that generate revenues of 18 billion yuan ($2.7 billion) a year, making Anji the world leader for bamboo products.

President Xi Jinping was the Party secretary of Zhejiang between 2002 and 2007, and he promoted green development. Back in 2006, when I met Xi in the provincial capital Hangzhou, he stressed the importance of Zhejiang's forests.

And speaking in Yu village in 2005, Xi famously said, "We must get rid of the old development mode. In the past, we said we wanted clear waters and green mountains and we wanted mountains of gold and silver at the same time. In fact, clear rivers and green mountains are mountains of gold and silver."

Putting theory into practice, Zhejiang has pioneered an "eco-compensation" system which enables environmental preservation and facilitates eco-friendly industries by transferring funds based on the meeting of certain standards for water quality, forest size, and the like.

For instance, the Xin'an River flows into Qiandao Lake from neighboring Anhui province, which is the source of most of the pollutants in the water. But why would Anhui, a less developed province, pay to improve the environment of Zhejiang, a more developed province?

To settle their dispute, in 2012, the parties developed an "eco-compensation" framework. Under this mechanism, if the water from Anhui attains a mutually agreed standard, Zhejiang pays Anhui 500 million yuan. If it doesn't meet the standard, then Anhui pays Zhejiang that amount.

Zhejiang's eco-compensation system is an innovative idea - a new way of thinking - to help solve what once seemed like an intractable problem.

Environmental protection is now a priority in China. Green development is the third of the Five Major Development Concepts put forward by Xi Jinping, and the government has instituted tougher environmental protection laws and is showing greater determination to enforce them. There are now no caps on the penalties levied for pollution, and NGOs as well as regulators can take legal action against corporate violators. Even the public can monitor polluting firms.

Unless China's environment is cleaned up, the Chinese dream will not be achieved, because if its environment remains massively polluted the Chinese nation will not be rejuvenated. For the first time in China's history, green development has been elevated to highest national importance.

The author is a public intellectual, political/economics commentator, and an international corporate strategist. He is also host of Closer to China with R.L. Kuhn, a weekly show on CCTV News (Sundays 9:30 am and 9:30 pm).

(China Daily 10/15/2016 page5)
WASHINGTON - The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice speaks on the new presidential action onCubaat the Wilson Center in Washington D.C., the United States, Oct. 14, 2016. The United States announced Friday it would further lift sanctions onCubato facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. [Photo/Xinhua]

The move is intended to expand scientific collaboration, increase humanitarian support, and bolster trade and commercial opportunities between the United States and Cuba, the US Treasury Department said in a statement."These steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans," US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said.The move, which will take effect on Monday, will make it easier for US companies to import Cuban-made pharmaceuticals, U.S. agricultural companies to sell their products to the island and Cubans to purchase US-made goods online.Most notably, the new measure will lift the limits on the amount of Cuban rum and cigars US travelers are allowed to bring home for personal use from the island country.US President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced on Dec. 17, 2014, that the two countries would normalize relations after more than a half century of enmity. The two former Cold War foes reestablished diplomatic relations last year.In an effort to further cement his presidential legacy on Cuba, Obama on Friday approved a Presidential Policy Directive that "takes another major step forward" in US efforts to normalize relations with Cuba."This new directive consolidates and builds upon the changes we've already made, promotes transparency by being clear about our policy and intentions, and encourages further engagement between our countries and our people," Obama said in a statement, adding that it will "make our opening to Cuba irreversible."In the new directive, the Obama Administration also renewed its call on Congress to lift the embargo on Cuba."The embargo is outdated and should be lifted," Obama said in the directive. "My Administration has repeatedly called upon the Congress to lift the embargo, and we will continue to work toward that goal."
Two American prisoners held captive by Yemen Houthi rebels have been released and taken to neighbouring Oman after Omani officials mediated their release, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday.

Kerry, speaking to reporters in the Swiss city of Lausanne, said that an airplane was sent from Muscat in Oman to the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, adding: "It secured the release of two American citizens from the Houthi."

"Their names are not being released, but we are very pleased with that," he said.

Oman state television broadcast footage of the two Americans disembarking from a plane belonging to the Royal Air Force of Oman. Yemenis wounded in the civil war in Yemen were also flown for treatment to Oman on the same plane, it reported.

A Foreign Ministry official told the broadcaster Oman had worked with Yemeni authorities in Sanaa to secure the Americans' release. A Houthi official confirmed their departure from Sanaa.

The US State Department expressed gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating the release and recognised the action as a "humanitarian gesture" by the Houthis, the northern Yemeni armed group that seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014.
DHAKA - The leading Bangladeshi newspapers of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo on Friday carried a signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of his state visit to the country.

The full text of the article is as follows.

China-Bangladesh Cooperation Will Bear Golden Fruits

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

At the kind invitation of President Abdul Hamid, I will pay a state visit to the beautiful country of Bangladesh in this golden harvest season of autumn. It has been six years since my last trip to this country and I look forward to meeting friends both old and new and discussing with them how China and Bangladesh can work together for common development.

Bangladesh is a fascinating and promising land. It is where the Padma, Jamuna and Meghna rivers flow into the sea. Its vast expanse of fertile fields which normally have the color of emerald green become a sea of golden yellow at the time of harvest. Endowed with rich natural resources, this land is home to a hard-working and talented nation and a time-honored and splendid culture. In fact, famous poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his most notable works in Bengali.

Bangladesh is a land filled with hope. Since its independence, Bangladesh has come a long way.

With strenuous efforts, it has started from scratch and successfully met the livelihood needs of its 160 million population, contributing significantly to global poverty reduction. In recent years, by seizing the opportunities of economic globalization and focusing on reform and development, Bangladesh has kept its economy growing at above 6 percent and made steady progress in industrialization and urbanization. Bangladesh is well on track to achieve Vision 2021 and become a middle-income country.

The people of China and Bangladesh have been good neighbors and friends since ancient times. Stories of our friendship and exchange witnessed by the Southern Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road throughout the millennia are still being told today. Eminent Chinese monks Faxian and Xuanzang travelled west for Buddhist scriptures. Atisa Dipankara Shrijnana, a Bengali religious master, spread Buddhism in China. They were the pioneers of our cultural exchange. Famous navigator Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty visited Bengal twice. According to his description, "This is a richly endowed and teeming land with lovely people and fertile fields." Believed by the Chinese then to be a qilin (an auspicious mythical animal), the giraffe that the Bengali king gave to the Ming emperor brought much excitement to the court and general public in China.

More recently, having endured repeated wars and incessant poverty, our peoples fought tenaciously for national independence and liberation, strove for development and progress and forged unshakable trust and friendship in the process. In the 1950s and 1960s, Premier Zhou Enlai visited Dhaka twice and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited China twice. The seed of friendship was thus planted by the veteran leaders of our two countries long before diplomatic ties were established. It has now grown into a giant tree with deep roots and rich fruits.

As a Chinese proverb goes, "Only friendships built on sincerity can last long." Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, China has always regarded Bangladesh as its true friend and partner for development. China highly values its relations with Bangladesh. We firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. Successive Chinese and Bangladeshi leaders have maintained sound interactions at bilateral and multilateral events and provided positive guidance to the growth of bilateral relations. In September 2015, I had a good meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York on the margins of the UN summits marking its 70th anniversary. We agreed to expand cooperation across the board, jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative and the BCIM Economic Corridor and take bilateral relations to a new height.

With the unremitting efforts of our two peoples, China-Bangladesh practical cooperation has produced fruitful results. China is now the largest trading partner of Bangladesh and Bangladesh China's third largest trading partner and third largest project contract market in South Asia.

Bilateral trade soared from 900 million U.S. dollars in 2000 to 14.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, registering an annual increase of around 20 percent. Jute products from Bangladesh are increasingly popular in the Chinese market. Chinese companies have built the Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory, the most advanced modern fertilizer plant in Bangladesh, the Bangabandhu International Conference Center, the largest one in Bangladesh, and are now building the Padma Bridge, the dream bridge of the Bangladeshi people. As a matter of fact, one can find Chinese and Bangladeshi people together making tireless and pioneering efforts in many sectors of Bangladesh such as transportation, electricity, energy and telecommunications. One of the first batch of projects financed by loans from the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is the Power Grid Network Strengthening Project in Bangladesh, which will benefit tens of millions of rural residents. We have also made significant progress in our cooperation in defense, security, education, culture and other fields.

Both China and Bangladesh are developing countries with a huge population. Our national conditions have a lot in common and our development goals are well-aligned. The "Sonar Bangla" dream of national strength and prosperity is in perfect harmony with the Chinese dream of great national renewal. The Belt and Road Initiative put forward by China heralds new opportunities for win-win cooperation between our two countries. Bangladesh, with its favorable geographic location and huge population, market potential and cooperation space, is an indispensable partner for China to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and production capacity cooperation in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

During this visit, I look forward to working with Bangladeshi leaders to further grow our bilateral relations, identify key areas of cooperation, advance exchanges and cooperation in various fields and bring China-Bangladesh relations to a new level.

-- We need to step up political communication for greater mutual trust. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman put forward the vision of "friendship to all, malice to none." China will always be Bangladesh's trustworthy friend and partner. Our two sides should, from a strategic perspective, strengthen high-level exchanges and top-level planning, cement traditional friendship and political ties, set more ambitious goals and build a better framework for our bilateral relations and lay a solid foundation for lasting friendship and all-round cooperation.

-- We need to align our development strategies for win-win outcomes. There is huge potential and complementarity in our cooperation. China is ready to synergize its 13th Five-Year Plan with Bangladesh's Seventh Five-Year Plan with a view to leveraging our respective comparative advantages, increasing economic exchanges and trade, building key projects in areas such as infrastructure, production capacity, energy, electricity, transportation, information, telecommunications and agriculture, strengthening practical cooperation under the BCIM Economic Corridor and delivering to our people tangible benefits of our cooperation.

-- We need to enhance South-South cooperation for common development. China stands ready to offer more assistance and support to Bangladesh to the best of its capability, enhance mutual assistance and cooperation with Bangladesh in areas such as disaster prevention and mitigation, vocational training, medical and health care services, climate change and women and children, work together with Bangladesh to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and make China-Bangladesh cooperation a fine example of South-South cooperation.

-- We need to build a bridge of friendship for greater affinity and mutual understanding. Friendship between our two countries dates back a long time. In fact, both the Chinese and Bangladeshi people drink water from the same river, known as Yarlung Zangbo River in China and Jamuna River in Bangladesh. China will work to increase exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and Bangladeshi culture so as to bring our people closer to each other. It is important that we facilitate exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, media, think tanks, tourism and youth and at the sub-national level so that more of our people will be mobilized to support closer ties between China and Bangladesh.

I believe with the joint efforts of our two peoples, China-Bangladesh cooperation will bear even more golden fruits.
56 deals are signed to boost cooperation on trade, infrastructure

China agreed to provide loans to Bangladesh for projects including roads, bridges, tunnels and power plants on Friday during President Xi Jinping's historic visit to the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka October 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Witnessed by Xi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 56 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation on telecommunication, infrastructure, finance and trade.

The two leaders also attended a joint inauguration ceremony to unveil six cooperative projects including a tunnel and a Confucius Institute.

"China will continue to offer capital, technology and human resources to help with economic and social development in Bangladesh," Xi said at a joint news briefing in Dhaka after attending the signing ceremony during his two-day state visit to the country.

Calling Bangladesh an "important partner of cooperation in South Asia", Xi said the two countries have agreed to work together to push forward the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Hasina said her meeting with Xi was "quite fruitful" and will benefit the people of both countries.

Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Bilateral trade reached $14.7 billion last year, up 17 percent year-on-year. China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, while Bangladesh is China's third-largest in South Asia.

Bangladesh is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has approved $165 million in loans for Bangladesh.

Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center of South Asian Studies at Peking University, said that Xi's visit shows that China is paying more attention to South Asia, which was not a traditional focus for diplomacy in the past.

With a population of 160 million, Bangladesh has huge market potential for Chinese companies, he said.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said Bangladesh has a number of good ports, including Dhaka, the country's capital and largest city.

China plays an active role in infrastructure construction in Bangladesh, and the country is at the center of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, proposed by China to connect East and South Asia, Ruan added.

Dhaka is the second stop of Xi's trip after Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

He is scheduled to fly to Goa, India, to attend the eighth BRICS Summit over the weekend.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
GOA, India -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the western Indian state of Goa Saturday for a summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Leaders of the five countries are expected to discuss BRICS cooperation and other issues of common concern at the Oct. 15-16 summit, themed with "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions."

A Goa declaration will be issued when the summit concludes Sunday.

Along with Xi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma will be attending the summit, the eighth of its kind.

The five leaders will hold dialogues with representatives of the BRICS Business Council and state leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries at the summit.

The BIMSTEC, initiated to connect South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

President Xi will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries on the sidelines of the summit.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which gathers the world's five major emerging economies.

The bloc members have seen their cooperation growing over the past decade, especially the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014.
DHAKA -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday completed a two-day state visit to Bangladesh, during which the two countries agreed to upgrade their ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

The visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the South Asian country in three decades, heralds a new era for cooperation between the two countries, which established contact through ancient silk routes more than 2,000 years ago.

A MILESTONE VISIT

President Xi's "historic visit", called by local newspapers, started with the highest tribute to a foreign president from the Bangladeshi side. Xi was received on Friday at the airport by his Bangladeshi counterpart, Abdul Hamid, and given a 21-gun salute. The host country dispatched fighter jets to escort Xi's plane after it entered Bangladesh's airspace.

In Dhaka, posters with pictures of President Xi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Abdul Hamid, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are adorning all the major streets and junctions across the city.

During Xi's visit, the two countries agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation, raising the bilateral relationship to a new level.

During his meeting with Hasina on Friday, Xi said the closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation the two sides forged in 2010 has yielded fruitful results, with bilateral cooperation advancing steadily in political, economic, cultural and security areas and on international and regional affairs.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation documents covering such areas as the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, production capacity cooperation, information and telecommunication, energy and power, diplomatic affairs, maritime affairs, disaster prevention and alleviation, and climate change.

They also pledged to map out new major cooperation projects, especially in such key areas as infrastructure construction, transportation, information and telecommunication and agriculture.

"Given the high-level political mutual trust and advanced cooperation in many areas between China and Bangladesh, the upgrade (of bilateral ties) was perfectly timed and proper, charting the course for future development of bilateral ties," former Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Chai Xi said.
President Xi Jinping arrived in Goa of India on Saturday to attend the BRICS summit, during which the leaders of the five emerging economies will discuss solutions of global governance.

Along with Xi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma will be attending the summit, the eighth of its kind.

The summit, themed with "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions", will be held from Saturday to Sunday. A Goa declaration will be issued when the summit concludes Sunday.

The five BRICS leaders just met last month in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou when China hosted the 11th summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

The five leaders will hold dialogues with representatives of the BRICS Business Council and state leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries at the summit.

The BIMSTEC, initiated to connect South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

President Xi will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries on the sidelines of the summit.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which gathers the world's five major emerging economies.

The bloc members have seen their cooperation growing over the past decade, especially the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2014.

Despite economic headwinds in the BRICS countries and external skepticism about whether the bloc is losing its power over recent years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said earlier this month in its latest issue of World Economic Outlook that in emerging market and developing economies, the 2016 growth will accelerate for the first time in six years.

At their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, President Xi said that BRICS members should enhance coordination to make emerging-market economies and developing countries play a bigger role in international affairs.

India is the final stop of Xi's Southeast Asia and South Asia tour, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.
China and South Africa should jointly implement cooperative projects including a railway corridor, technology park, occupational training and local-to-local exchanges, President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma in Western India's Goa during the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which is being held from Saturday to Sunday.

The two countries should keep high-level exchanges and deepen communications among political parties, legislature departments, security and militaries, Xi said.

The Chinese president called to enhance coordination in international affairs and contribute more to world peace and stability. China supports South Africa to play a bigger role in global and regional affairs, Xi said.

China firmly supports African countries' exploration of ways to develop independently without inference from outside powers, Xi added.

Zuma spoke highly of the fruitful achievements made during the G20 summit held in Hangzhou of China last month, especially the G20 summit's attention to development issues.

He expressed gratitude to China's support in areas including infrastructure construction and human resources training.
China expects the ongoing eighth BRICS Summit to achieve positive results and inject new impetus to BRICS countries' cooperation and development, President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in western India's Goa during the sidelines of the BRICS summit. [Provided to China Daily]

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in western India's Goa during the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which is being held from Saturday to Sunday.

As the host country of next year's BRICS summit, China is willing to work with the four other four member countries, including Russia, to make the summit a successful one, Xi said.

China and Russia have cooperated well under many frameworks, including the BRICS, UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi told Putin.

Mentioning that the fruitful bilateral meeting during the G20 summit held in Hangzhou last month, Xi said that China and Russia should push forward to implement the result of the meeting.

Putin said that Russia is dedicated to cooperation with China under multiple frameworks. He voiced support for China's goal of a successful BRICS summit in China next year.

President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in western India's Goa during the sidelines of the BRICS summit. [Provided to China Daily]

Saying that China is an important economic partner of Russia, Putin said that Russia would like to deepen cooperation with China in areas including infrastructure, energy and aerospace.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues including the Korean Peninsula situation, and both sides agreed to enhance communications to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

The Goa summit, themed Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions, will be attended by leaders of the five BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. A Goa declaration will be issued when the summit concludes on Sunday.

The five BRICS leaders just met last month in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, where China hosted the 11th summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
China and India should continue to push forward with cooperation on major projects, including railways and industrial parks, President Xi Jinping said on Saturday.

President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Mini ster Narendra Modi. [Provided to China Daily]

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in western India's Goa during the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which is being held from Saturday to Sunday.

The development of a healthy China-India relationship is not only helpful for the people of both countries, but also good for developing countries in the global governance system, Xi told Modi.

China would like to work with India to keep the positive momentum of the G20 summit, held in East China's Hangzhou city last month, and push forward to make the BRICS Summit in Goa a fruitful one, Xi said.

Modi said that both India and China are committed to the joint efforts to make the 21st century become the "century of Asia".

India would like to work with China under multiple frameworks, including the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Modi said, adding that India supports China to host the BRICS Summit next year.

The Goa summit, themed Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions, will be attended by leaders of the five BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. A Goa declaration will be issued when the summit concludes on Sunday.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
(Photo : getty images.) Indian leaders call to boycott Chinese goods ahead of the festive season is apparently started showing effect, as sales of Chinese goods have reportedly taken a huge hit in Indias capital city of New Delhi.

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Indian leader's call to boycott Chinese goods ahead of the festive season seems to have started showing an effect, as sales of Chinese goods such products have reportedly taken a huge hit in India's capital city of New Delhi.



The directive was said to be in response to China's continued support to Pakistan amid thr recent Uri attack.



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Despite not disclosing the approximate sales figure, it has been claimed that this time the craze for Chinese products is on a downslide.



Indian leaders made extensive use of social media channels like Facebook and Twitter to run campaign against Chinese products. Their messages are underpinned with patriotic fervour, depicting China as "anti-India" and calling Indian buyers to cripple Chinese economy by boycotting their products.



Most sellers in New Delhi market have come forward in support of the boycott campaign, but they are unable to hide their disappointment over huge financial loss that this ongoing boycott campaign has brought up on them.



"People have invested a lot on these products," a shop-owner at Old Delhi's Lajpat Rai market said. "Before taking any decision, politicians should be aware of our plight. Any plan to stop Chinese goods in India is not feasible."



Several shop keepers also shared that the retail market has become very gloomy following the ban on Chinese goods, especially that it was done just ahead of the peak Diwali. Accordingly, the scenaio will further hamper their business.



Over the years, Chinese products, such fairy lights, decorative items and statues, have enjoyed near-monopoly among Indian buyers. Their sales have touched rooftop, particularly during the Diwali season, which is the most celebrated and popular festival in entire India.



Experts noted, however, that the campaign against Chinese products will lose momentum as soon as tension between India and China subsides. The creditability of their claim cannot be doubted, given that such campaigns in the past have not achieved much success.



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Tagschina, India, Chinese Goods in India, China and India, Boycott of Chinese Goods in India
(Photo : Michigan State University) Countries in dark red have high empathy, while countries in light pink have low empathy. The countries in gray were not studied due to small sample sizes.

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A first-of-its-kind study ranking nations by empathy placed Ecuador, Saudi Arabia and Peru as the top three while the United States came in seventh. Countries from Eastern Europe held the last places in the survey.



The latest study, this by Michigan State University, is also the first to look at empathy on a country-by-country level. The top 10 are Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Peru, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Korea, the United States,Taiwan, Costa Rica and Kuwait.



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Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within the other person's point of view. In other words, it's the capacity to place oneself in another's position.



Researchers analyzed data from an online survey on empathy completed by more than 104,000 people from around the world. The survey measured people's compassion for others and their tendency to imagine others' point of view.



Countries with small sample sizes were excluded (including most nations in Africa). All told, 63 countries were ranked in the study.



Michigan State University's William Chopik, lead author of the study, said he was surprised that three countries from the Middle East -- Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait -- ranked so highly in empathy considering the long history of aggression and wars with other countries in the region.



That could be because the study did not distinguish between feeling empathy toward people in other countries versus people in one's own country.



The least empathetic country was Lithuania. In fact, seven of the 10 least empathetic countries were in Eastern Europe.



The study, published online in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, was co-authored by Ed O'Brien of the University of Chicago and Sara Konrath of Indiana University.



Konrath and O'Brien in 2011 published research suggesting that American college students had become less empathetic over a 20-year span. Potential factors included the explosion of social media; increases in violence and bullying; changing parenting and family practices and increasing expectations of success.



The latest study is the first to look at empathy on a country-by-country level. And while it "only grabbed a snapshot of what empathy looks like at this very moment," Chopik noted that cultures are constantly changing.



"This is particularly true of the United States, which has experienced really large changes in things like parenting practices and values," Chopik said. "People may portray the United States as this empathetic and generous giant, but that might be changing."



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Are moms responsible for the way their daughters dress? Guest Reviewer | 15 October, 2016 by Michael Foust

CHICAGO (Christian Examiner)  A Chicago-area author and blogger learned the power of social media this week when a five-year-old post about modesty and girls went viral, generating more than 1 million reads and sparking pushback against a column that would be considered tame in most conservative circles.

The original blog by Shelly Wildman was posted in March 2011 and titled "How Your Daughter Dresses Matters," and referenced a Wall Street Journal column from around the same time that also dealt with the issue.

"[I]t's been an interesting week," Wildman wrote Thursday.

Wildman has three daughters and in her 2011 column said she has had many battles about modesty in her home. She bemoaned the notion that "probably 80%" of clothes in stores are not appropriate for girls to wear and that girls everywhere  at school and even at church  are dressing immodestly.

She included a quote from the writer of the Wall Street Journal column that read: "We wouldn't dream of dropping our daughters off at college and saying: 'Study hard and floss every night, honeyand for heaven's sake, get laid!' But that's essentially what we're saying by allowing them to dress the way they do while they're still living under our own roofs."

"Think about that," Wildman wrote. "If, as mothers (or fathers!), we're encouraging our daughters to dress inappropriately, that's basically what we're saying. At the very least we're saying, 'Here's my daughter. She's on display. Take a good, long, hard look at her.' Ugh. The thought of anyone looking at any of my daughters inappropriately just makes my skin crawl."

Wildman said she worked with junior high girls at church and told them that "dressing a certain way attracts a certain kind of guy."

"I doubt very seriously that the kind of guy you want to attract is the kind of guy you're dressing for when you dress like that," she said she tells them. "Besides, you are above that. You are better than that. You deserve better than that. So dress for the guy you deserve."

Wildman concluded her 2011 column by encouraging moms "to see your daughter as the precious gift she is and to help her see herself that way too."

"It is my prayer that we can encourage our daughters to reflect the image that God has of herone that loves her completely and loves her enough to give up His life for her," Wildman wrote. "She's that important. She's that special. Let's help her to reflect that image to the world."

But not everyone agreed with Wildman's column. In addition to more than 1 million reads, the column also attracted 174 new comments. (She did not make all of them live.)

One woman wrote, "The way some of you are commenting, it sounds like if there was a case of rape, you'd blame the woman based on how she was dressed. Sad. BOYS HAVE TO BE TAUGHT TOO!!!"

Wildman, in her Thursday post, said some readers were missing the point of the original column.

"To those who called me misogynistic and who told me that I'm contributing to the rape culture in this country, I'd ask you to please read the post again, slowly this time," Wildman wrote. "Because nothing in that post speaks of hating girls or women. Nothing. In fact, I am the most pro-women mother on the planetI've raised three of the most intelligent, strong, independent women I know.

"Furthermore, there is nothing in that post that calls out a certain style of clothingthat's not a discussion I care to have. I'm not here to tell you WHAT your daughter should or should not wearthat's a discussion parents and children need to have together. I also don't believe you're going to hell if you wear a bikiniI have no interest in that discussion either. I simply want you to think about what you wear or choose to let your daughter wear and WHY."

Wildman also said she was troubled that the comments posted this week were "far worse" than the comments posted five years ago. Discourse in the country, she noted, "has denigrated."

"People today seem to get upset so much more easily, blaming others and pointing fingers," she wrote. "There's not much room for conversation anymore. For instance, many of the comments I received were along these lines: 'Oh yeah? Well, when is someone going to start telling the boys how to act?' or 'I should be able to dress however I want; boys just need to be taught to respect women.' Finger pointing and blaming. The problem is, that's not what this post was about! I could write a hundred posts on the problem with the way boys are not being taught to respect women in this country, but that's not what THIS post was about."

Wildman concluded her new post by encouraging Christians to "think deeply about being a little counter-cultural in this one area."

"I was not trying to address mothers of sons. I was not trying to point fingers. I just want us to think," she wrote. "When it comes to culpability I think we are ALL responsible for keeping girls safe, and this is one way, as a mom, I am simply trying to do that."
home World Boko Haram releases 21 Chibok girls following deal with government

The Nigerian government confirmed that 21 Chibok schoolgirls were released last Thursday as a result of its negotiations with the militant group Boko Haram.

According to CNN, the girls were released before dawn in the town of Banki, close to the Cameroon border. The Nigerian President's office reported that the militants also released a baby who was born to one of the girls.

"We see this as a credible first step in the eventual release of all the Chibok girls in captivity," said Nigerian Information Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed in a statement to reporters.

An unnamed source who had knowledge of the negotiations said no militants were freed in exchange for the 21 girls. However, a security source claimed that five militants have been released as part of the deal.

"Five top commanders of the Boko Haram were traded for the released Chibok girls," the source told Punch.

"Those released are not among those earlier released by the military in the North-East on October 1, 2016. These ones are confirmed Boko Haram commanders, who have been in the custody of the DSS," the security source added.

Mohammed insisted that the release was "not a swap" but a result of painstaking negotiations.

According to officials, the freed girls met with the governor of Borno state before they were taken to the city of Abuja. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo welcomed the girls with hugs when they arrived.

"Dawn, dusk, almost a 1000 days. Twenty-one of our girls are back. It is my joy to welcome you home. The nation has been waiting for you," Osinbajo wrote on Twitter.

Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014. After a few months, 57 girls managed to escape. The group released several videos showing that the girls are still alive. Last August, the militants published a video stating that some of the girls have been killed in air strikes.
home US Christian leaders demand apology from Clinton campaign for mocking Catholics

Catholic and Evangelical leaders are circulating a letter asking for an apology from Hillary Clinton for the statements made by her campaign staffers in the emails released by Wikileaks last Tuesday.

"As Christian leaders, Catholic and Evangelical, we collectively express our outrage at the demeaning and troubling rhetoric used by those within Clinton campaign a and those associated with the campaign a to describe our communities," the letter reads.

"Recently released emails clearly ridicule, demean and smear Roman Catholics and Evangelicals," it continued.

In a 2011 email exchange, Center for American Progress (CAP) president John Halpin mocked News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch and Wall Street Journal managing editor Robert Thompson for raising their children as Catholics.

He characterized the involvement of Catholics in the conservative movement as "an amazing bastardization of the faith" and described its teachings on gender relations as backwards.

One of the recipients of the email was Clinton campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri who replied, "I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion," referring to Murdoch and Thompson.

Clinton campaign chairperson John Podesta was also included as a recipient but he did not participate in the exchange. However, Catholic and evangelical leaders are still holding him accountable for not raising objections against the statements by Halpin and Palmieri.

The statement noted that Catholics and Evangelicals are working together to demand an apology from the Clinton campaign despite the theological differences between the two denominations.

"The WikiLeaks emails reveal a contempt for all conservative Christians, and we are a Catholic and Evangelical a united in our outrage and united in our call for Mrs. Clinton to immediately apologize for the Christophobic behavior of her associates," the leaders stated in the letter.

Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon commented that the accusations of anti-Catholicism against Palmieri is a "faux controversy" because she is a Catholic herself.

In an emailed statement to Time, Clinton spokesperson Glen Caplin condemned the hacking and accused Wikileaks of promoting the political agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin to help elect Donald Trump.
home US Clinton campaign chairman plotted "revolution" in Catholic Church

A newly leaked email revealed that Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta helped create a new organization to start a "Catholic Spring" in the Catholic Church.

In the 2012 email, Voices for Progress President Sandy Newman lamented the Catholic bishop's opposition to contraceptive coverage and suggested that a "Catholic Spring" was needed to bring about change in the Church's policies.

"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," Newman wrote.

In response, Podesta assured her that an organization has already been created to resolve the situation.

"We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this," Podesta replied. "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 added.

According to Catholic Herald, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good (CACG) was established in 2005 by Tom Pereillo. The group has been described by critics as a "Trojan Horse" for those seeking to undermine Catholic doctrines.

Fred Rotondaro, who serves as the organization's chairman, wrote an article for the Huffington Post in 2011 in which he questioned the Church's policy of not ordaining women priests.

The other group mentioned by Podesta, Catholics United, was created by Democrat activists Chris Korzen and James Salt in 2005. It criticized bishops for denying Communion to politicians who supported abortion.

In another leaked email, Clinton campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri and Center for American Progress President John Halpin criticized Catholics who were involved in the conservative movement.

Halpin mocked Wall Street Journal managing editor Robert Thompson and News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch for raising their children in the Catholic faith.

"They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy," Halpin wrote, referring to Thompson and Murdoch.
home US James Dobson defends his continuing support for Trump

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson released a statement explaining his support for Donald Trump despite his scandalous comments while condemning former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Trump was heard making lewd remarks about groping and kissing women in a 2005 video that was leaked earlier this month.

"First, I do not condone nor defend Donald Trump's terrible comments made 11 years ago. They are indefensible and awful. I'm sure there are other misdeeds in his past, although as Jesus said, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' I am, however, more concerned about America's future than Donald Trump's past," Dobson said.

Dobson, who also hosts the radio program Family Talk, said his condemnation of the former president is totally different.

"To my knowledge, Donald Trump has never abused women physically or had oral sex in the Oval Office with a vulnerable intern. Nor has he committed perjury by lying to Congress for many hours," he continued. "Clinton, on the other hand, lost his license to practice law for that criminal act," Dobson added.

Dobson pointed out Clinton's support for partial-birth abortion and praised Trump's pro-life stance. He also accused Clinton and his wife Hillary of not respecting the U.S. Constitution while highlighting Trump's promise to protect it.

The renowned radio host previously endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz during the Republican primaries. He began to endorse Trump when he won the nomination.

In an earlier statement, Dobson said that his decision to support the business magnate was not only due to his opposition to Hillary but also because of his belief that Trump was the most capable candidate to lead the nation.

Dobson, who is a member of Trump's faith advisory panel, also noted Trump's promise to appoint conservative justices to the Supreme Court and preserve religious liberty. He was also delighted that Trump picked Indiana governor Mike Pence as his running mate.
home World Pakistani government censors 11 Christian TV stations

In its latest crackdown against Christianity, the Pakistani government issued an order declaring 11 Christian TV stations illegal.

The order, issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority on Sept. 22, declared the 11 channels as "unauthorized TV." One channel was run by Catholics while the others were operated by Protestant groups.

"All the Regional Directors General are invited to take the necessary steps to immediately stop the illegal transmission of TV channels in their respective regions," the order stated.

A Pakistani monk identified as Fr. Mushtaq Anjum noted that proclaiming the Gospel in the country is illegal. He said that Christians have been setting up cable and web television stations for several years so that they have a platform to speak about their faith.

"Christians have no place in public television channels," he told Agenzia Fies. "We want to understand why they are called illegal. This is another discriminatory law that affects non-Muslims," he added.

According to Express, Christians have been allowed to broadcast publicly for the last 17 years. Father Morris Jalal, founder of Catholic TV, urged people to protest the government order.

Other Christians described the ban as an "act of intimidation" and an "attack on religious freedom."

Alessandro Monteduro, president of the Italian Branch of Aid to the Church in Need, admitted that Catholic TV did not have a permit to broadcast. He told Catholic News Agency that the network had followed proper legal procedures despite the lack of permits. He added that the procedures have changed but they were left unaware of the changes.

Monteduro is not optimistic about the chances of re-opening the station adding that "without a collective indignation I don't think we will be given the possibility of reopening."

Fr. Robert McCulloch, an Australian priest who has lived in Pakistan for 34 years, cautioned Christians not to overreact.

He thought there is a possibility that the crackdown is not aimed directly toward Christians. According to Catholic News Agency, he said to that it might have been caused by the souring relations between India and Pakistan because of the dispute over Kashmir.

Earlier this month, Pakistan banned all Indian television stations after a regulatory body in India banned Pakistani artists and technicians from the Indian movie industry.
home US Religious leaders urge Obama to renounce USCCR report on religious liberty

Religious leaders from different backgrounds sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama, asking him to renounce the report on religious liberty by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) last September.

The signatories of the letter include Catholic, evangelical Christian, Hare Krishna, Jewish, Mormon, African Methodist Episcopal and Muslim leaders. It was sent to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Sen. Orrin Hatch and Obama, Baptist Press reported.

The report titled "Peaceful Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles With Civil Liberties" claimed that the phrases "religious freedom" and "religious liberty" are mere code words for discrimination and intolerance. The signatories are asking Obama to publicly renounce the report's claim.

"We are one in demanding that no American citizen or institution be labeled by their government as bigoted because of their religious views, and dismissed from the political life of our nation for holding these views. And yet that is precisely what the Civil Rights Commission report does," the letter stated.

"There should be no place in our government for such a low view of our First Freedom a the first of our civil rights a least of all from a body dedicated to protecting them all," it continued.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), was one of the signatories. He had previously stated that the language used by the USCCR in the report was a "logical, moral and political disaster."

Critics of the USCCR have noted that its findings and recommendations could restrict the religious freedom of individuals and institutions if it is applied by the government.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, another signatory, thought that the report does not accomplish what was being promoted in its title. In an interview with Catholic News Service, he expressed his concern about the rights of religious organizations when it comes to its hiring practices.

He said that employers should have the freedom to hire people whose views align with the mission of the organization. He believes that an organization would not succeed if the employees are not supportive of its mission.
home US Trump and Clinton campaigns address Christian persecution petitions

Representatives of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have met with people from several religious freedom advocacy groups this week to address the global persecution faced by Christians.

The meeting came after Open Doors USA started an online petition last August asking both candidates to disclose how they will respond to the increasing religious persecution around the world.

In a phone interview with The Christian Post, Open Doors USA president and CEO David Curry revealed that the meetings had been productive.

"The conversations were wide-ranging, and we were encouraged that both campaigns seem to be in broad support of strengthening international religious freedom," an Open Doors USA press release stated.

"We found both campaigns to be taking this issue a and our recommendations a seriously, particularly our emphasis that the new administration ensure highly qualified people are appointed as the U.S. Department of State Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and the Special Envoy for Religion and Global Affairs within the first 100 days in office," it continued.

Curry said that one of the issues discussed was the plight of Christians and other religious minorities under terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. He said that the representatives from both campaigns expressed their interest and asked numerous questions about the problems related to religious freedom.

The CEO of the advocacy group believes that the issue of religious freedom is a non-partisan issue that everyone could support.

"It's really about the freedom to believe, or perhaps even not believe in anything at all a that is the essence of religious freedom," he told The Christian Post.

He noted the success of the petition and the letters to both candidates. He urged people to continue signing the petition because it reveals to both Trump and Clinton that American Christians care "about their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world."

An earlier press release from Open Doors revealed that more than 7,000 Christians had been killed for their beliefs in 2015. Curry said that the figures for this year would not be available until a later date.

Open Doors USA announced that the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church will be on Nov. 6.
10 Places Which Tell The Story Of Christian History In Britain

The Christian faith in Britain stretches back as far as the third and fourth centuries AD. While not as old as churches in the Middle East, there is still a vast history of places which have had spiritual significance over the generations.

God is everywhere, of course, but certain places come to be associated with experiences of God  what the Celtic Christians described as 'thin places'. There are also other locations which have been significant in the Christian history of the country.

American readers may note that the pound is currently at a low ebb and may be eyeing a trip across the pond. For visitors from near and far, here is a list of 10 places to visit which have a spiritual significance...

Iona

Iona is an island in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. In 563AD a monk called Columba arrived from Ireland with 12 or 13 followers where he founded a monastery. Columba was a key part of the conversion of Scotland to Christianity, while the isle of Iona itself became a renowned centre of Christian learning and prayer. By the 12th Century a large Abbey had been built and it continued to be a powerhouse of Christian faith until it was abandoned during the Reformation. In 1938 a Church of Scotland minister, George MacLeod, started an ecumenical community on the island which has thrived in the years since. The island's beauty and history make for a potent combination.

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey shares some of the historic trajectory of Iona, yet arguably its place in Christian history in Britain is even more important. Whitby, now in North Yorkshire but in the 7th Century AD a part of the Kingdom of Northumbria ,was chosen to house one of the great Benedictine monasteries. The poet Caedmon was based there, as was St Hilda of Whitby  the driving force behind much of the missionary activity of the age. The Synod of Whitby was a gathering which eventually ensured that much of the British Church would follow Roman practices, rather than those favoured by Celtic Christians. The magnificent ruins of the Abbey remain overlooking the North Sea coast.

Ffald-y-Brenin

Historic Christian sites have great value, but it's also good to visit places where God is doing new things. Ffald-y-Brenin is described as a 'House of Prayer and Retreat Centre'. It's a remote place in south Wales which welcomes visitors on retreats but also has an active prayer ministry. Director Roy Godwin has written about the experience of the Holy Spirit which is often described by visitors, in books such as The Grace Outpouring. The centre's website also links it into the heritage of Christianity in the area, "The rich heritage of Christianity in Wales is evident all around, including ancient Celtic crosses, holy wells, and pilgrim routes focussed on St Davids (only 22 miles away). Blaenannerch Chapel, where Evan Roberts encountered the Holy Spirit so powerfully in 1904, is also nearby."

St Enodoc's Church, Cornwall

This remarkable little church has a compelling history. Built in around the 12th Century, it's thought to be situated at the site of an early Celtic saint  Enodoc  who was a hermit. The church is surrounded by sandbanks and for several hundred years was virtually buried by the sand. In the 19th Century, the sand was cleared away from inside and the church began to be reused  a sign of resurrection if ever there was one!

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury has been an important place in British Christianity since St Augustine settled there in the late 6th Century. His mission from the Pope was to convert the English people to Christianity. In 597AD, the Cathedral at Canterbury was begun and although it later underwent major changes, it has been a place of Christian worship ever since. St Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral by the forces of King Henry II and it became a place of pilgrimage. From the time of the Reformation onwards it has served as the mother church of the Church of England and of the entire Anglican Communion Worldwide. It remains a stunning place to visit.

Lindisfarne

After travelling from Ireland to Iona, the Celtic Christians made inroads into Scotland and the North of England. A monastery was founded on Lindisfarne by monks from Iona. From early on, Lindisfarne became the base of missionary activity in surrounding areas. The Gospel spread further away too  St Cedd came from Lindisfarne down to Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex to evangelise. Lindisfarne itself acquired the name 'Holy Island' owing to its influence on Christian faith in Britain. The Lindisfarne Gospels are astonishing works of creativity and craft.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury, in Somerset, is probably best known today for its giant music festival. Yet its fame goes back much further... It was a place of ritual before Christianity came to the area. When the area became Christianised, an Abbey was founded. It has since become a place with various different Christian traditions and denominations. Glastonbury Tor, a nearby hill, has been important in all sorts of pagan and other faiths but also retained churches on its summit.

St Andrews

It might well be known as the place the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met, but it also has a significant Christian history. St Andrew the apostle is the patron saint of Scotland. The settlement named after him on Scotland's east coast is important in the present day too. In the early centuries of Christinaity in Scotland, it was the centre of the church  with a Bishop and a Cathedral. But the Scottish Reformation (which unlike in England, got rid of cathedrals and bishops) had a major impact. However, the fortunes of St Andrews are now linked very closely with its university  and its world renowned faculty of divinity, where the likes of Steve Holmes and NT Wright lecture.

Wigtown

Another site in Scotland with a very different story is Wigtown. In 1685 two women associated with the Covenanters (Presbyterian Protestants) were sentenced to death. They were tied to stakes and as the tide rose, they drowned. Although the debate may seem arcane to some now, at the time in Scotland questions of ecclesiology (church government) and theology raged. Margaret Lachlan and Margaret Wilson were killed because they defied Royal control of the Church  tantamount to treason. Their martyrdom gained them a place in the history books of the Church of Scotland (which developed out of the dispute). They are remembered in several memorials in the town.

Wesley's Chapel

On the edge of London's financial district, The City, stands a chapel where John Wesley regularly preached. Still a working church today, the site also hosts a museum of Methodism  the movement started by Wesley, his brother John, George Whitfield and other evangelicals in the 18th Century. The chapel hosted Margaret Thatcher's wedding and for many years, Labour Peer Lord Leslie Griffiths has been the minister. Just over the road from the chapel is Bunhill Fields burial grounds. Numerous influential figures are buried here including John Bunyan, William Blake, anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Buxton and hymn writer Isaac Watts.
45,000 People Baptised At Rick Warren's Saddleback Church

More than 45,000 people have now been baptised at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in California.

Warren called the moment "historic", before Alberto Flores became the 45,000th person to be baptised by the church.

Flores was baptised along with his 13-year-old son, Andre.

"This weekend is a historic weekend for our church," Warren told his congregation last Sunday, "because somebody in this group is going to be the 45,000th baptism of Saddleback Church. And I'm going to take whoever that person is, out to lunch."

Almost 800 people were baptised across Saddleback's 16 campuses last weekend alone, taking the total to 45,743.

"Baptisms are an amazing moment in the life of the church," Warren said.

"They are a public sign of new life in the believer, of new beginnings for all those involved, and they encourage everyone watching to renew their own commitment to Christ.

"We are grateful that God has graciously allowed us to be a part of more than 45 thousand people taking this amazing step and we pray that we'll get to be a part of many many more in the coming months and years."

The news follows research that suggests the US church is in decline.

Studies undertaken earlier this year by University College London (UCL) and Duke University in the US showed a drop in the number of Americans who claim religious affiliations, attend church regularly and believe in God.

Furthermore, researchers found that younger people are increasingly irreligious: "this decline has been produced by the generational patterns underlying religious decline elsewhere in the West: each successive cohort is less religious than the preceding one. America is not an exception."

The study found 68 per cent of Americans aged 65 and over said they had no doubt God existed, compared to 45 per cent of young adults, aged 18-30.

Saddleback said it saw its own increasing number of baptisms as a source of encouragement amid these statistics.
Samsung Galaxy S8 release date news, specs rumors: curved screens to feature in all variants?

South Korean tech giant Samsung is out to win back their lost fans after the Note 7's downfall. The company hopes to make up for their latest shortcomings with the highly-celebrated Galaxy S7's upcoming successor, the Samsung Galaxy S8.

The upcoming successor to Samsung's current flagship phone is rumored to be codenamed Dream and Dream2, with the code numbers SM-G950 and SMG955.

According to a report by the Korea Herald, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to set the South Korean company's new standard for their upcoming flagship smartphones by completely ditching the flat-surface display.

"Samsung has considered that it would make the edge display as the identity of the Galaxy S smartphone lineup if the company can provide consumers differentiated user experience through software and user-friendly functions (for the curved screen)," said Samsung Mobile Business President Koh Dong-jin.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to come in two variants, the base model which has a 5.2-inch display, and a higher-end model which has a 5.5-inch display. Both variants will have a curved edged screen.

Rumors also suggest that the higher-end model of the Samsung Galaxy S8 will be sporting a 4K high resolution super AMOLED display that will support VR functions as well, while the base model will be equipped with a 2K high resolution super AMOLED display.

Samsung is also rumored to build their new phones with the Viv AI assistant, a feature that has recently been bought by the South Korean company to go against Google's new virtual assistant that will go on the Google Pixel phones.

Other rumored features of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 includes a dual camera, a fingerprint scanner built into the device's screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 5.0 glass, an iris scanner, and wireless charging. As for the phone's innards, it is speculated to be equipped with an ARM Mali-G71 GPU coupled with an octa-core Snapdragon SoC.

Though there's still no official word from Samsung as to when the Galaxy S8 will be released, the device is expected to come to the market in the first quarter of 2017.
Turkey Deporting More Christian Ministry Workers, Tagging Them as Threats to National Security

More and more Christians doing ministry work or working in churches in Turkey are being deported by local authorities from the Muslim nation, with some of the Christians tagged as threats to the country's national security, reports World Watch Monitor.

Among these Christian ministry workers who are experiencing persecution in Turkey are Andrew and Norine Brunson, who are leading the Izmir Resurrection Church located in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The church currently has an average of 30 to 40 worshippers.

The Christian couple, who have been residing in Turkey for the past 20 years, were detained by Turkish officials for supposedly conducting activities that constitute a "national security risk."

The Turkish Interior Ministry has already ordered their summary deportation. The Christian couple have been trying since last April to renew their resident visas but have not received any response from the concerned agencies.

A lawyer who was trying to help the couple sort out their immigration problems was also reportedly denied access to the Christians. Church friends who tried sending clothes to the Brunsons were also turned away.

The Brunson couple are not the first Christians to experience this kind of treatment in the Muslim-majority nation. Last April, Canadian-American Christian David Byle was also taken into custody by Turkish officials after refusing for months to renew his residence visa.

Byle, who has worked for years with a registered Bible Correspondence Course, was also recommended for deportation by immigration authorities for allegedly being a "danger to public order."

A Turkish church leader, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject matter being talked about, said Christianity remains to be a "touchy issue" in Turkey.

"They are never going to be happy with any foreigners doing Christian work in this country," the Turkish church leader said, as quoted by Charisma News. "So we have to take these government actions in proportion, realising there are so many countries in this region where expatriate Christians can't even go openly," he added.
US Aid Worker Kidnapped In Niger

Gunmen raided the house of a US aid worker in central Niger overnight, killing his two guards before driving him off across the desert towards Mali, the mayor of the town said on Saturday.

According to French news outlet Radio France Internationale, the victim worked for Christian missionary organisation Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

"First they came on a motorbike and killed the guards," the mayor of Abalak, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters by telephone. "Then a 4x4 came and took him away and drove towards the Mali border."

Residents reported hearing gunfire near the aid worker's house, where he had been living for years. Dilo said a Nigerien soldier was among the guards killed.

Witnesses told CNN that the victim was forced to strip down to his underwear before he was taken away, which is a tactic sometimes used by abductors to stop hostages from being tracked.

Kidnappings of foreigners in Niger are rarer than in neighbor Mali, where Islamist militants are active and often seize hostages for ransom or political capital.

The militants and allied criminal gangs have long exploited the largely unpoliced desert spaces of the Sahara and attacks have increased this year as security worsens in Mali.

No US citizen has been kidnapped in Niger before, although in 2009 suspected Islamists attempted to abduct US embassy personnel from a hotel in the town of Tahoua.

A US embassy spokeswoman said there was an investigation into the incident but could not confirm any additional details. Niger security forces did not immediately comment.

YWAM is a Christian missionary organisation that has teams all over the world.

Christian Today has approached YWAM's office in Mali.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
US Broadens Syria Talks As Ferocious Assault On Aleppo Continues

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov returned to Syria talks on Saturday, three weeks after the failure of their painstakingly drafted ceasefire that many saw as the last hope for peace this year.

Kerry has pointedly avoided new bilateral negotiations with Lavrov, and his invitation to the Turkish, Saudi, Qatari, Iranian, Jordanian and Egyptian foreign ministers to join them for talks in the Swiss lakeside town of Lausanne will broaden the discussion to include powerful backers of Syria's government and rebels.

"We've asked countries to come, having done some thinking, about a realistic way forward given the differences represented in the room," a senior US State Department official said.

Since the breakdown of US-Russia cooperation, long the backbone of efforts to end the war in Syria, US officials have worked through ideas, some of which will be presented in Lausanne, the official said.

"With all that said, I'm not expecting we will have some major announcement at the end of this. This is going to be, as it has been now for several years, a very difficult process," the official added.

The new talks will not deliver an immediate solution, but could be the basis of a new process, the official said.

Pressure is rising for a halt to a ferocious, three-week-old Syrian government offensive to capture the rebel-held eastern zone of the city of Aleppo, where the United Nations says 275,000 civilians still live and 8,000 rebels are holding out against Syrian, Russian and Iranian-backed forces.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations, as well as targeting an aid convoy with the loss of around 20 lives.

Syria and Russia counter that they only targeting militants in Aleppo and accuse the United States of breaking the ceasefire by bombing scores of Syrian troops fighting Islamic State insurgents, over which the United States has expressed "regret".

A senior rebel commander said on Friday Syrian government forces would never be able to capture Aleppo's eastern sector, but a military source said the operation was going as planned.

The United Nations has said food, fuel and medicine are running out in eastern Aleppo and there will be no rations to distribute from the start of next month.

In a gesture of apparent desperation, UN Syria peace envoy Staffan de Mistura has offered to escort members of an Islamist militant group, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, out of Aleppo if that would entice Damascus to forge a ceasefire with the remaining rebels.

Lavrov has said he does not plan to bring new proposals to Lausanne.

But his deputy Gennady Gatilov said Russia wants to discuss de Mistura's offer, as well as elements of last month's failed truce deal, namely humanitarian aid deliveries and a pullout of both sides' troops from the Castello Road, a key supply route.

"And it's about time to start moving toward an inclusive political process," Gatilov told Interfax news agency.

Many in Syria's opposition say Kerry has put too much trust in Lavrov, with protracted diplomatic wrangling over ceasefires buying time for Russia's military campaign and obscuring the once central question of the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while the clock runs down to the US elections on November 8.
Dear Abby:

My 72-year-old husband believes that not voting in the upcoming presidential election is making a statement because he can't tolerate any of the candidates. He believes that not voting is telling the political parties to offer more acceptable candidates.

I believe that not voting makes no statement at all because many of those who don't vote really don't care, and that is the message that is received. Voting is a right that should be exercised. What do you think?

Not Voting in the West

Dear Not Voting:

Your husband seems to have forgotten how fortunate we are to live in a country where people can vote. In many countries, that's not the case. The most important thing citizens can do is to educate themselves about the candidates and the issues and then cast their ballot. The higher the turnout, the more reflective the outcome is of the wishes of the people.

Dear Abby:

My boyfriend, "Fred," and I have been together for 10 years, during five of which we have been engaged, although there has been no talk of actually setting a date. That doesn't bother me because I am very unhappy in our relationship now.

Fred hasn't worked in three years. I have been supporting him all this time and I'm losing my mind. I am doing everything I can, and I'm beyond stressed. I can't talk to him about it because he doesn't want to talk. I send out his resume, and he doesn't return any calls to the places that call him.

I am 32 and feel like I am in a rut. What should I do?

In a Rut in Illinois

Dear In a Rut:

Why are you sending out his resume? By now it should be clear to you that Fred has no intention of getting a job. Why should he? He has a good deal the way things are.

Engagements usually involve setting a wedding date. Because the two of you haven't, and you are unhappy in your relationship, break off the non-engagement! Cut your losses by investing no more time (or money) in your deadbeat boyfriend, and set yourself free.

Dear Abby:

I'm 10 years old and in fifth grade. I was in science class when my friend cheated off of me. I could confront her, but if I do, I risk losing her as a friend. I don't know what to do.

Confused in Castaic, Calif.

Dear Confused:

Real friends don't do rude things to each other. Now that you know your "friend" will copy your work, make sure not to sit next to her when tests are given. Unless you do, your teacher may think that because your answers are the same that you are the cheater, and you'll be in real trouble.

If you can't change seats because they are assigned, you will have to be extra-careful about keeping your test paper out of her line of sight.

DearAbby.comDear AbbyP.O. Box 69440Los Angeles, CA 90069Universal Press Syndicate
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It's not often in Dayton that a meeting has a guest speaker dressed in the full armor of a knight, but Rotarians in Dayton recently were treated to such an event.

Chevalier James Lehman, Knight of the Temple of Jerusalem, visited the Rotarians Oct. 13.

"I'm not just a bald guy wearing armor, I'm a real knight," he said. He was knighted for the work with children.

Lehman was at the meeting to present a character program called EarlyAct FirstKnight.

"The program was founded by Dr. Randall Barr who used to be a naval chaplain. He was in charge of the OCS (Officer Candidate School) and he saw a group of fantastic leaders that lacked a good moral compass," he said.

When he left the Navy, he reached out to a group of top, national psychologists and they came together to form this program.

"They tried to come up with a theme that would captivate the imagination of young children and they realized that chivalry and knights were still an exciting idea," Lehman said.

The group developed virtues that are actually show the code of ethics that were learned by knights hundreds of years ago.

"Those included respect, tolerance, compassion and discipline. All of these things that children need to know today to improve their lives and the decision-making process," he said.

The program is tied to the Rotary Club and the famous Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The test is said every day in school as part of the character-building program.

"You not only have children learning these virtues, but their teachers, administrators and parents involved with the program," Lehman said.

He described how in modern America, much of character education has fallen on educators who have little to no time to write or devise curriculum for their classes.

The program also requires a local and national project.

"We had kids in third and fourth grade in Victoria, Texas, doing a project that helped save schools in Africa," he said.

When the program is first instituted in the school, the knights come out and do a tournament of champions on their horses, dressed out in their armor and take time to meet the students and discuss EAFK to the entire student population at the rally.

"During the show we exhibit those skills of discipline and respect. But the kids get really excited when they see a knight coming out on a horse with swords, spears, axes or crossbows. Their imagination starts working and wanting to know how they can be one of those people," he said.

Throughout the school year, they have knighting ceremonies where students, selected by their teachers, are recognized for one of the character traits they've exhibited.

"If you've never been to one of these, they are really exciting to watch and it's moving to watch the students receiving an award in front of their peers. And then we surprise them with their family members. It can be emotional," he said.

Throughout the year, the curriculum or 'The Code' is set up online for educators who can click on a daily plan and select a virtue.

"There's also reading that is aligned with the assignments," he said. Most classes spend between 5-10 minutes in the morning. Occasionally, there's a homework assignment that has to be completed with parents which engages the family at home.

Students can achieve various ranks, including that of a Page, Squire and Knight. The highest honor is the Order of the Black Prince.

"We actually contacted Prince Edward's family because it's his crest that is used on the front of that medallion making it all the more special," Lehman said.

Everything is historically accurate and well-researched in order to reach the most students, he said.

The program was presented to Rotarians in hopes for their cooperation and assistance.

"Rotarians are involved by being present at the knighting ceremonies and by spending time once a month by showing students how to lead a meeting," said Dr. Jessica Johnson.

Funding for the program has already been set aside for the program by Dayton ISD. Now educators are looking to the Rotary Club for leadership and involvement in the children.

"It's about four to seven hours of time each month to attend the knighting ceremony and some time for the meeting and not all Rotarians have to attend each of those," Lehman said.

Johnson said she was planting seeds for the club and hoped to test the program at E. R. Richter Elementary this spring.

"If all goes well, we'd like to expand it to all of our elementary schools next fall," she said.

For more about EarlyAct FirstKnight, visit their website at www.eafk.org.
Musicals from Clear Springs High School and four other Bay Area campus will compete for honors in the 2016-2017 Tommy Tune Awards, to be held next spring in a Tony Award-style ceremony at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.

Clear Springs High, whose new entry will be its Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 2-4 presentation of "Big Fish," won best musical in 2014 with "Urinetown, the Musical."

Two of the other four schools have won best musical since the program began in 2003 to reward excellence in musical theater productions at Houston-area high schools.

Friendswood High won best musical in 2006 with "South Pacific" and hopes to repeat this year with its Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 2-4 production of "Les Miserables."

In 2013, Pearland High School also scored best musical with a production of "South Pacific." This year's PHS entry will be "Pippin," with a three-judge panel of local musical theater enthusiasts judging one of its performances on Jan. 19-21 and 26-28.

The other Bay Area entries are from schools that are entering for the second year. However, because the 2016 awards ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather in mid-April, which caused some schools to close, students from Clear Lake High and South Houston High will be performing on the Hobby Stage for the first time next year.

Camilla Busselberg, who starred as Laurey Williams in the 202-2016 Clear Lake entry, "Oklahoma!," and fellow 2016 graduate Linda Nibert, who portrayed Ado Annie, had rehearsed with students from each of the 45 schools that participated in last year's competition to perform in the finale of the Tommy Tune Awards ceremony.

"Camilla attends Texas A&M (University) and is studying architecture. Linda is now studying theater at Loyola University in New Orleans," said Clear Lake's head theater director, Colette Currie.

"They loved being involved in finale rehearsals last year and looked forward to performing on the Hobby stage."

Clear Lake High's new performing arts center will be the site of the school's second entry, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," which Currie will stage Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-4.

South Houston High students Mariah Martinez, now a senior, and Eddy Reyes, who is a junior, could get a second shot at performing at the Hobby, after rehearsing in April for "the show that didn't go on."

"We were really sad. Our two kids in the show were so disappointed," said South Houston's head choir director Brenda Varvoutis.

Reyes recently portrayed Charlito "Chip" Tolentino in South Houston's fall musical, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

After co-starring as Mal Beineke opposite Martinez as Wednesday in "The Addams Family" last year, both students could end up vying for Tommy Tune honors this season when South Houston competes with "Once Upon a Mattress," to be performed Feb. 2-4.

Every student who participates in any capacity of a Tommy Tune entry is eligible to apply for a scholarship from Theatre Under the Stars, which produces the contest.

For example, TUTS presented eight scholarships last year, including the prestigious $5,000 Ruth Denney Scholarship named in honor of the legendary Lamar High School drama teacher who mentored Tommy Tune, the Houston native who has won nine Tony Awards, more than anyone else in Broadway history.

In April, winners were announced on the Tommy Tune Awards Facebook page, with a reception that followed in May to honor recipients.

Among those attending the reception were best supporting actor Morgan Lenamon, as Officer Lockstock in the Pearland High School production of "Urinetown, the Musical," and Brooklyn Garza, who portrayed Penelope Pennywise in the show, accepting on behalf of Pearland's win for best musical direction.

"Seussical" at Clear Springs won for best scenic design.

TUTS also prepares each year's best leading actor and actress winners to advance to national competition at the Jimmy Awards each summer in New York City.

In 2015, best leading actress winner Audrey McKee, a Friendswood High senior, won as the magical, musical nanny in "Mary Poppins." She followed 2014 best leading actress Emily Lewis as Hope Cladwell in Clear Springs High School's "Urinetown."

Lewis' classmate, Stephen Louis, won best-featured performer as brittle, British director Christopher Belling in "Curtains" in 2013, then best supporting actor as Officer Lockstock in "Urinetown" in 2014, before scoring a nomination for best leading actor as Professor Harold Hill in "The Music Man" and taking home a $3,000 scholarship in 2015.

As a student, Currie was nominated for best supporting actress at the Tommy Tunes when the daughter of Greg and Susan Currie of Friendswood portrayed Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls" her senior year at Friendswood High School.
Residents of Middlebrook subdivision in Clear Lake hailed the recent deal forged by Houston City Councilman Dave Martin and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman to fund an infrastructure project to widen a two-lane part of El Dorado Boulevard to improve mobility and address safety issues.

The estimated $7.3 million project calls for expansion of a nearly one-mile stretch of El Dorado from the bridge over Horsepen Bayou to Clear Lake City Boulevard. The county has agreed to fund 30 percent of the project, which will provide two traffic lanes in each direction. The remainder of costs will be funded under the city of Houston's Capital Improvement Plan.

"Our neighborhood welcomes this," said Sherrie Matula, president of Middlebrook Homeowners Association, which counts 908 homes. "It's long overdue. We've had numerous traffic accidents on El Dorado, and it's been getting worse."

Matula, a resident since 1977, said it has been increasingly difficult to get in and out of her neighborhood over the years but that the new residential and retail development at the intersection of El Dorado and Clear Lake Boulevard has put even greater pressure on mobility and compromised safety.

"El Dorado was not designed to cope with this kind of traffic," said Dennis Thornton, another involved, longtime Middlebrook resident. "You have a two-lane road trying to support a huge amount of traffic."

Thornton reckoned traffic has increased threefold since the large H-E-B, which anchors the retail development called Clear Lake Marketplace and Clear Lake Shoppes at the Reserve, opened in February. Other tenants include Petsmart, MOD Pizza, Sport Clips, Subway and Nails of America.

Fidelis Realty Partners started developing the 412-acre tract in 2013, combining a residential development on 372 acres with more than 700 homes and a retail development on the remaining 40 acres on the northeast and northwest corners of the El Dorado Boulevard and Clear Lake City Boulevard intersection.

Martin, councilman for District E, said after hearing concerns from the community, he met with Morman and officials from the Harris County engineer's office and the city's Public Works and Engineering Department in April to work on a plan to alleviate road conditions and improve public safety along El Dorado.

The city is preparing to make the funds available for the project by early spring of 2017. The pre-engineering and engineering of the project are expected to take approximately 10 months.

Once the project is completed, maintenance of the improved roadway within Houston will fall to the city."I look forward to completion of this project as well as future partnerships with Commissioner Morman," Martin said in an email.

Matula and Thornton praised Martin for working with the county and coming up with a solution to aid the southern part of Martin's district, which also includes Kingwood.

"We've had to beg, borrow and steal to get services out here," Matula said.
West University Place Police Department

The West University Place Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating teen last seen Thursday, Oct. 13, in the 6400 block of Brompton.

Sloane G. Soler is 16 years of age and a student of Lamar High School. She was last seen wearing blue shorts, white Adidas shoes with black stripes, a blue jean jacket and a blue backpack.
The Texas Education Agency has directed the Houston school board and superintendent to undergo leadership training or face serious sanctions. Those could include trustees being forced from their elected positions and the closing of schools.

The order comes as the state takes a hard line on districts with chronically low-performing schools.
West University Place Police say a missing Houston teen, now located, had run away.

Sloane G. Soler, 16, was last seen Wednesday, Oct. 12, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

"Sloane may be in the Houston, Texas area or she may travel to San Francisco, California," police wrote in the post.

The Lamar High School student was located and returned home by Monday, Oct. 17, the department reported.
Members and supporters of Houston's Chinese community will stage an anti-crime demonstration in the Galleria area from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Westheimer and Post Oak.

A series of brazen robberies in recent months that appear to target Asians prompted leaders and crime victims to act while also calling for extra support from law enforcement.
A man died Friday night trying to cross the Gulf Freeway on foot, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at the Gulf Freeway and Niles in southeast Houston.

Authorities said that the man misjudged incoming traffic and ran in front of several oncoming cars, before being struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee even though the vehicle's driver tried to swerve and avoid him. A second vehicle then struck the man, who died at the scene.

Police had to shut down the freeway for several hours to investigate the incident.

Both drivers stopped and talked to police and alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash, according to authorities. The man's identity wasn't available, but authorities described him as Asian.
Dozens of Chinese residents protested on a busy Houston street corner Saturday afternoon, holding signs and chanting for more police protection and an end to violent crimes against the city's Asian residents.

At one point, a crowd that Houston police estimated to be 50 to 60 protesters stood under a hot sun at the intersection of Westheimer and Post Oak in the Galleria area, and used megaphones to voice their demands. Many wore white t-shirts with the slogan "More Police Presence. Less Crime."

"No more crime. No more robberies. We want safety. We want more police,'' the protesters chanted, as others engaged motorists at the Galleria intersection with large, colorfully printed posters.

One of the protesters was Hanssen Zinn, 32, who said he worked at a family-owned travel agency in Houston's Chinatown community and is worried about an increase in crime aimed at Asian business owners.

"I work in Chinatown in Houston, and I've seen three of my friends who got robbed," said Zinn, adding one was a woman who was followed home from a bank and robbed of several thousand dollars. "I had a friend who shopped at the Galleria Mall and went back to Chinatown, and a car followed them when they got into a restaurant in Chinatown they broke windows and got into the car, and stole all the stuff. That's really bad."

"Similar things keep happening around us; we have a lot of friends in business in Chinatown and its happening every day. We don't feel safe at all," Zinn said.

One of those handing out t-shirts at the protest was John Jiang, a 40 year-old IT consultant from Sugarland.

"I really think the violence should be stopped" in the Chinese community, where there is the perception the businesses keep a lot of cash on hand.

"Today, we do this primarily for Chinese, but also, for everybody who is a victim of crime," Jiang said.
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The day after an off-duty Houston police officer shot a man during what was called a neighborhood dispute, several neighbors questioned the officer's account of the shooting.

Police said the shooting happened when officer J. Loosmore went to a 21-year-old man's west Houston house after the man's off-leash German shepherd allegedly attacked at least one of the officer's dogs.

HPD spokesman Kese Smith initially said the man punched Loosmore in the head repeatedly and Loosmore, fearing he would lose consciousness and his gun would be snatched, shot the man several times in his chest and abdomen.

However, some neighbors on Friday afternoon disputed the officer's account of what happened on Riderwood Drive at Belle Park, where crime-scene tape still hung off the stop sign and medical gauze lay on the sidewalk.

Dina Corral, who lives across the street, said her 15-year-old son told her what he saw. She said he was getting something from their car when the altercation happened about 6:20 p.m. Thursday.

Corral said her son did not see the man hit the officer before the teen ran in the house, after which the family heard about four gunshots.

Police said Loosmore, who lives nearby, administered first aid to the injured man while waiting for paramedics.

Looking through her window, Corral said she saw the officer move the wounded man to sit him against a neighbor's brick wall, the same grassy spot where blood was still drying Friday afternoon.

Another neighbor, Jennifer Diaz, also said the officer moved the wounded man. After hearing the gunshots, she came down the street, wanting to check on her kids, who were playing nearby. She saw the man bleeding.

"I thought he was dead, the way they left him sitting against that wall," she said. A police evidence marker remained stuck to the wall Friday above the bloodstained ground. A panel of the house's siding had been pulled away near the doorway.

Diaz acknowledged that the man let his German shepherd roam the neighborhood off-leash, but she said the dog was friendly and played well with other dogs.

But from her vantage point, Diaz thought that the officer could have avoided the escalation. The officer reportedly went back to his house to get his badge and gun after a first visit to the home. And since the wounded man is black, she speculated the shooting could be seen to fit the pattern of police shootings that have drawn scrutiny in recent years.

Asked Friday about the neighbor's reports, another HPD spokesman said the department cannot discuss the case publicly because Internal Affairs has taken it over, along with homicide detectives and the district attorney's office, as is standard in officer-involved shootings. The spokesman, Victor Senties, encouraged witnesses to call Internal Affairs at 713-308-8900.

HPD said the wounded man was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in critical condition. No update was available on his condition, and police did not make his name public.

Neighbors said the man, who lives with his mother and siblings, is a friendly person who waves hello. No one answered the door Friday afternoon or responded to phone calls. Outside the home's garage sit two metal figures of dogs holding signs that say "Welcome."
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Dr. Tamika Cross has a bachelor's degree in brain behavior and cognitive science from the University of Michigan, a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, and for more than two years she has been an OB/GYN resident at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

But even with her impressive resume, Cross said a Delta Air Lines flight attendant last Sunday simply did not believe the 28-year-old black woman was a physician.

"Regardless of how hard you work, how educated you are and how many degrees you may have, you're still subject to discrimination no matter where you go," Cross told the Chronicle Friday night shortly after a long shift that began at 6 a.m. at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.

RELATED: Parents outraged over racist sign at north Texas school

"I'm at the county hospital so we're pretty busy," said Cross, who had delivered a baby by C-section and conducted other medical procedures on Friday.

The Facebook post she wrote shortly after the alleged incident has touched a nerve with thousands of other women, especially black, female doctors and other professionals, who have shared similar experiences on social media.

The incident occurred when Cross was flying back from Detroit, where she had been in the wedding of a close friend. A passenger a couple of rows ahead of her was unresponsive and in medical distress. Cross did what anyone with medical training is supposed to do.

"I raised my hand to get her (the flight attendant's) attention," she said.

But Cross said she was surprised at the response to her offer to help. At least one member of the flight crew seemed to assume a young, black woman would not have medical training, she said.

" 'Oh no, sweetie. Put your hand down. We are looking for actual physicians or nurses. We don't have time to talk to you,' " Cross recalled the flight attendant telling her.

Cross said she was stunned at the dismissive response, and the attendant kept cutting her off when Cross tried to tell her that she was a doctor.

"I don't know if she thought I was trying to order a Coke. She wasn't letting me get any words out," Cross said.

She said it also felt like the flight attendant was being condescending when she called her "sweetie." Cross said she is "not a fan of 'terms of endearment' from people I don't know."

Even with a passenger in medical need, Cross said, the flight attendant seemed skeptical as Cross insisted that she was a duly-licensed physician. She demanded proof, but Cross said she left her hospital identity badge in Houston because she wouldn't need it in Michigan.

"She continued asking me questions like I had to prove that I was a physician to her. No one carries around their diploma or resume or medical license," Cross said.

In a statement released Friday, Delta Air Lines said one person on the flight was able to produce documentation of medical training and assisted the patient, who was met by paramedics when the flight landed in Minneapolis.

"Flight attendants are trained to collect information from medical volunteers offering to assist with an onboard medical emergency. When an individual's medical identification isn't available, they're instructed to ask questions such as where medical training was received or whether an individual has a business card or other documentation and ultimately to use their best judgment," Delta said.

The flight attendant later apologized and offered Cross frequent flier "Skymiles" points as a concession.

"I don't want Skymiles in exchange for blatant discrimination. Whether this was race, age (or) gender discrimination, it's not right," Cross wrote in a Facebook post that day.

Cross said she reported what happened on the flight to a Delta supervisor during her 90-minute layover in Minneapolis. The Delta employee said he only managed the gate and had no control over the flight crew.

"He definitely was appalled. He told me to complain online," she said.

But when the gate manager offered her a drink ticket for her troubles, Cross said, she felt the company would just attempt to brush the matter aside.

"I don't think they 'got it,'" Cross said. "This was not an appropriate exchange for blatant discrimination."

That's when she turned to the power of social media, her Facebook page.

While waiting for her flight to Houston, Cross documented the incident on her page. At first, her friends and family offered supportive comments, then they began spreading the message. By late Friday, it had been shared more than 43,000 times.

"I didn't think one Facebook post from one person could go this far and be shared this much," Cross said.

Her medical colleagues in Houston are standing behind her. Dr. Barbara Stoll, dean of McGovern Medical School at UT Health Science Center, released a statement of support:

"Dr. Tamika Cross is a fine resident and we are proud of her accomplishments, dedication to her patients and her willingness to provide help when needed. McGovern Medical Center, located in the largest medical center in the world and in one of the most diverse cities in the country, honors diversity in our students, trainees, faculty and staff. They represent the face of health care now as well as in the future," the statement said.

Delta said it was "troubled by any accusations of discrimination and take them very seriously. The experience Dr. Cross has described is not reflective of Delta's culture or of the values our employees live out every day. We are in the process of conducting a full investigation."

While she was surprised at how fast word of the incident spread, Cross said, the kind of subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination that women and minorities endure is a topic that is easily relatable.

"It has opened up a conversation that is an uncomfortable conversation," she said. "It is a conversation that is avoided frequently in the workplace."
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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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Officials have identified a 15-year-old boy as the victim of a fatal shooting at a Cleveland Heights sandwich shop.

Sunny Ravi Patel, of Highland Heights, died shortly after the shooting Friday at Mr. Hero on South Taylor Road, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said.

Detectives have released several surveillance photos of an unidentified man who shot Patel during an armed robbery at the sandwich shop. They are asking the public to help identify the man.

The man entered the sandwich shop just before 8 p.m. and shot Patel once in the head, police said. The Highland Heights teen died after paramedics took him to University Hospitals.

Patel was an employee at Mr. Hero, police said. The sandwich shop was closed Saturday.

The armed man took money from a cash register after the shooting. He then ran from the store, police said.

The man is described as being approximately 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall and thin. He was wearing a white rag over his face, sunglasses, a black Nike hooded sweatshirt and gray Adidas sweatpants with black and white stripes down the sides.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to his arrest. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463 or the Cleveland Heights Police Department at 216-321-1234.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section.

Previous coverage: Man fatally shot during robbery at Mr. Hero in Cleveland Heights
cbw sour ba collage.jpg

Several events during Cleveland Beer Week will feature barrel-aged and sour ales. We've targeted a few happenings that look particularly inviting.

(cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Sours and barrel-aged versions of almost anything are all the rage. Cleveland Beer Week has multiple events celebrating the styles.

Cleveland Beer Week is Friday, Oct. 14 through Saturday, Oct. 22. Here are a few events to sip some savory suds (if you want more details, go to CBW's events page):

LIKE A SOUR TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH?

Sour Savory matches up Goose Island Brewing Co. sour ales with tasty nibbles. Info: Town Hall, 1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Goose Island Sour Sisters Night features a special tasting of the brewery's sour-ale quartet of Sofie, Juliet, Madam Rose and Lolita. Info: Lizardville Lakewood, 14018 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

What style of ales go with tacos? Four Belgian sours from Global Beer Network will be paired with a flight of tacos at the aptly named Sour Beer and Tacos night. Info: Touch Supper Club, 2710 Lorain Road, Cleveland, 6:30 p.m.-close, Thursday, Oct. 20.

Take a trip down to Platform Beer Co.'s guest beer cellar. The Social S(h)our offers rare ales from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States. Flights and tasters will be available for all beers. Info: Platform Beer Co., 4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 10 a.m.-close, Saturday, Oct. 15.

ROLL OUT THE BARREL!

How appropriate is it to mesh bourbon and New Orleans? Bourbon Barrel Aged Beers from Abita will include pours from Abita Brewing Co.'s Bourbon Street Series including Bourbon Street Chocolate Stout, Bourbon Street Honey Pale Ale and Bourbon Street Mint Julep. Info: Bourbon Street Barrel Room, 2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland, noon-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

If you miss the Abita event, this one also is scheduled: Fat Tuesday with Abita. Ten beers will be poured including Bourbon Street Chocolate Stout, Bourbon Street Honey Pale Ale, Bourbon Street Mint Julep, Octoberfest, Big Easy and more. Cajun cuisine on the menu also sounds tempting. Info: Bourbon Street Barrel Room, 2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 4 p.m.-close, Tuesday, Oct. 18.

BottleHouse Brewing Co. serves up its coveted Locktender Imperial Stout, aged one year in Tom's Foolery Bourbon Barrels. Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout Bottle Release & Pop-up will have a two-bottle limit. Jeremy Umansky from Larder: A Curated Delicatessen will do a pop-up kitchen to compliment the pours. Info: BottleHouse Brewing Co., 2050 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 2-10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16.

Take a Sierra Nevada Trip in the Woods with barrel-aged ales previously unavailable in Ohio. Old-school hip hop will spin as vintage bottles are pulled out. Featured drafts are a pretty eclectic bunch, including Biere De Garde, Bourbon Narwhal with red and black currants, Whiskey Bigfoot with ginger and a cask. Bottles are extremely limited and will be used in flights. Here's the best part: Any bottles remaining after 9 p.m. will be available for sale. Info: Beer Engine, 15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 5 p.m.-close, Monday, Oct. 17.

Fat Head's Brewery, fresh off its medal-winning performance at the Great American Beer Festival, will hold a Barrel Aged Tuesday Tapping. Sip Bourbon Barrel Aged Great Scots Scotch Ale, Bourbon Barrel Aged Spooky Tooth Imperial Pumpkin Ale and Jameson's barrel-aged Strange Trip imperial stout. Info: Fat Head's Saloon, 24581 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, 11 a.m.-close, Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Then there's Barrel Aged with Thirsty Dog. The Akron brewery is churning out some great barrel-aged ales. A brewery rep is scheduled to attend, and there will be giveaways. Plus, there's to-die-for tacos. Info: Barrio Lakewood, 15527 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 5-close, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

And in keeping with the brewery's pooch theme, Best In Show with Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. pairs BA ales with Whole Foods nibbles. A brewery rep will be on hand. Info: Whole Foods Rocky River, 19607 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.

Barrel Aged Night with Breckenridge Brewery offers a good deal: Buy a Breckenridge Barrel Aged 471 Double India Pale Ale featuring Eureka hops or Barrel Aged Well Built collaboration with Colorado's Stranahan's Whiskey, and keep the snifter. Or try a flight featuring BA 471 DIPA, BA Well Built, Mango Mosaic Pale Ale and 471 DIPA. Info: Beerhead Bar & Eatery, 1156 West 11th St., Cleveland, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.
MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio - Detectives are investigating a shooting that left a man dead early Saturday outside a bar in Maple Heights.

Jacques L. McDuffey, 21, was shot once just before 1:15 p.m. outside the H2O Lounge at the Southgate USA Shopping Center on Libby Road, police said in a news release.

McDuffey died after a medical helicopter took him to University Hospitals.

The witness who called 911 to report shots fired said several people had guns, police said.

Investigators have not reported any arrests or released any suspect information.

The shooting remains under investigation and anyone with information is being asked to call the Maple Heights Police Department at 216-587-9624 or email detectives@mhpd-ohio.com.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Maple Heights fugitive accused of rape and kidnapping has been arrested in Cleveland.

Investigators took Donzell Ward into custody Friday on Edgewood Avenue in Cleveland, the U.S. Marshals' Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force said.

Ward, 48, is charged with three counts of rape, two counts of kidnapping and one count of aggravated robbery in an Oct. 4, 1998 incident in Maple Heights, according to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted him July 8, 2015.

Ward -- who was featured as a "Fugitive of the Week" earlier this week -- had been at large for 15 months before the task force arrested him. Ward is now in custody at the Cuyahoga County Jail.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section.
AKRON, Ohio -- A former employee of the Florida-based charter jet company Execuflight told investigators that company officers destroyed or altered records in the aftermath of a fatal crash that killed nine people in Akron last year.

In depositions released by the National Transportation Safety Board earlier this month, former Execuflight pilot Donnie Shackleford said the company's executives filed paperwork that showed they fixed planes without actually performing maintenance and that they falsified the weights-and-balances measurement for the plane that crashed.

He went on to say that the pilot flying the doomed plane had expressed reservations about flying with the co-pilot -- stating that the pair did not have enough collective experience, and that "we're going to get ourselves killed."

Shackleford said Execuflight ordered him to lie to investigators, and that he lost his job after he refused to do so.

In his own deposition with NTSB investigators, Execuflight owner Daniel Lewkowicz denied the accusations and said his company is committed to safety.

An ill-fated flight

Renato Marchese, the 50-year-old pilot of the flight, and his captain and co-pilot Oscar Chavez, 40, were flying seven employees from Pebb Enterprises of Boca Raton, Florida, who were on a business trip scouting shopping malls to buy. They crashed Nov. 10 into an apartment building in Akron's Ellet neighborhood while en route to Akron Fulton International Airport.

The NTSB has not said what it believes to be the likely cause of the crash. The agency is expected to complete its investigation by next month.

NTSB investigators on Sept. 7 interviewed Shackleford, who is a veteran pilot with more than 20,000 hours in the air.

Shackleford told investigators that the company regularly pushed pilots to fly after they surpassed their maximum on-duty time set by federal law and that the executives "made such a scramble to change records and eliminate stuff right after the accident, it would make your head spin."

Pilot may have surpassed on-duty flying limits

Shackleford told investigators that Marchese already had surpassed his limit of on-duty hours when he began a three-day trip that included five other stops.

Shackleford described Marchese as "nervous," "timid," and having a "lack of confidence" when flying planes, and he told the NTSB that he had reservations about letting Marchese fly with passengers.

Marchese told Shackleford he was uncomfortable flying with Chavez as the plane's captain, specifically in bad weather. The pilots were forced to begin their descent through low hanging clouds the day of the crash.

Execuflight owner responds

In a Sept. 22 deposition, Lewkowicz said pilots are encouraged to report if they are not feeling up to flying and that pilots are responsible for keeping track of their own on-duty hours.

Lewkowicz said he checked with Marchese to see if he was comfortable with the back-to-back flights, and Marchese assured him he was.

Lewkowicz acknowledged, however, that the weights-and-balance measurements for the doomed flight were estimations. He said pilots often use a standard weight of 200 pounds per person.

The NTSB found the plane was 600 pounds overweight when it crashed.

NTSB investigators also questioned Lewkowicz about his decision to hire Marchese and Chavez. According to NTSB records, both were fired from their previous jobs -- Marchese for overall poor performance and Chavez for missing mandatory training.

Execuflight hired them in June 2015, and Lewkowicz told NTSB investigators he was unaware of the pilots' issues at their prior jobs. Lewkowicz said both had flying experience and came highly recommended.

Lewkowicz wrote in a separate letter to the NTSB that air-traffic controllers failed to provide the pilots with accurate and timely weather information.

The NTSB released the depositions just as as Textron, the company that manufactured the plane, released its own report blaming pilot error for the deadly crash.
Matt Borges

Matt Borges and members of the Ohio delegation celebrate after they cast their votes during the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.

(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Donald Trump's Ohio campaign manager on Saturday renounced its relationship with the Ohio Republican Party's top official, laying bare the long-simmering tensions over Trump's candidacy within the state GOP.

Bob Paduchik, a longtime campaign operative in Ohio, sent a two-page letter to the state GOP's central committee members on Saturday saying Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges no longer has a relationship with the campaign. The letter accuses Borges of exaggerating his relationship with Trump in media interviews, and undermining Trump's efforts to win in Ohio in order to advance his own candidacy to replace Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus.

Paduchik writes that he spoke with Trump about Borges on Thursday, when Trump made a pair of Ohio campaign stops, and describes Trump as being "very disappointed with Borges' duplicity."

"It's no great secret that Chairman Borges was never fully on board, but his actions over the past week demonstrate that his loyalties to Governor John Kasich's failed Presidential campaign eclipse his responsibility as chairman of the Ohio Republican Party," Paduchik wrote. "The chairman is also apparently driven by an insatiable need for publicity."

(Scroll down to read the full letter, or click here for a PDF.)

The Columbus Dispatch first reported on Paduchik's letter.

Paduchik also included a few articles from Ohio media outlets, including a Thursday story from cleveland.com, in which Borges described advice he had given to Trump about how to win Ohio and said he was unsure of whether he would vote for Trump.

In a statement, Borges said: "I won't let a staffer's ego get in the way of us doing all we can to win elections up and down the ballot this year."

Asked if Paduchik would make any additional comments, a Trump campaign spokesman said the letter speaks for itself.

How does this affect Republicans?

The letter is a remarkable display of disunity between a GOP presidential campaign and the state party in Ohio, a key battleground state for Republicans, just 24 days before the election. Polling suggests Trump is competing better in Ohio than he is in other battleground states, although Clinton holds a narrow lead in an average of recent polls.

Matt Cox, a Cleveland-based Republican political consultant who has worked with Paduchik in the past, said the letter puts Republican operatives in the awkward position of trying to avoid picking sides in a fight between the state party and the top of the GOP ticket.

"This is unprecedented," Cox said. "No one knows how to handle this on a human, daily-interaction level with this campaign. So to throw this in there 24 days out, I don't know how anyone can deal with it properly, and in any respect, it's not going to help elect Republicans."

RELATED:

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Rob Frost issued a statement on Saturday referencing Paduchik's letter.

"As a leader of the local GOP and a member of the state committee that elects our state chairman I understand that, despite the insinuation by a top Trump campaign staffer in Ohio, our party is providing the necessary resources in support of the Presidential campaign," Frost said. "It appears that we will be addressing this internally as a party organization, and I therefore consider it inappropriate to comment further at this time."

After the release of Paduchik's letter, two members of the party's state central committee on Saturday issued statements praising Borges.

Jim Simon, a Summit County committeeman, said: "This has been a difficult and challenging election cycle, unlike any I've ever seen and Matt has handled it perfectly. Drawing fire away from our candidates and officeholders is the chairman's job, which is something I'm sure [Paduchik] doesn't understand."

In another statement, Jo Ann Davidson, a former Ohio House speaker and the state's national GOP committewoman said: "We are poised to win elections up and down the ballot for Republicans this year in Ohio, just like we did in 2014 under Chariman Borges' leadership."

What is the state party's role in the election?

While it is a separate operation, the Ohio Republican Party has been working closely with the Republican National Committee, Trump and other candidates throughout this election season, with Borges and Paduchik holding weekly meetings.

The state party has and will sent out targeted mail encouraging early voters to elect Republicans this November. It will provide lawyers and other employees for "election day operations" -- staffers who stand by on Election Day in the event of voting irregularities. It also employs field organizers assigned throughout the state to work on the RNC/Trump joint campaign.

Who are Paduchik and Borges?

Bob Paduchik

Paduchik and Borges both have worked in Ohio politics for years, although generally not closely together.

Paduchik, who prefers to keep a low media profile, ran George W. Bush's 2000 and 2004 campaigns in Ohio.Borges previously worked as an aide to Dick Cheney, Bush's vice-president, from 2001 to 2007.

Paduchik oversaw Sen. Rob Portman's first successful campaign for the office in 2010, a year that Borges ran the election campaign for Ohio Auditor Dave Yost.

Kasich helped install Borges as state party chairman in 2013. In July 2015, state GOP committee members voted to elect him to a second two-year term without opposition.

Borges has not been shy about criticizing Trump. Last Saturday, he told state party officials they would face no ramifications from rescinding endorsements from Trump in the aftermath of the release of a 2005 video showing Trump making vulgar and sexually aggressive comments about women.

In a Saturday interview with clevleand.com, Borges complained the letter was a distraction and detracted from the party's efforts to help deliver Ohio for Trump and other Republicans this November.

"There's no worse way to be spending my Saturday 30 days from an election that (we) absolutely should have won this year than to be spending 100 percent of my time on the phone or on emails or answering questions or [granting interviews] on a topic like this that isn't helping us advance the ball," Borges said at the time.

And later that day, two high-ranking Ohio GOP elected officials -- U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and Auditor Dave Yost -- revoked their support of Trump. Kasich issued a lengthy statement criticizing Trump, and definitively stated that he will not vote for him.

Other top-ranking Ohio Republican officials in varying degrees -- running the gamut from reluctant, enthusiastic or ambivalent -- remain generally supportive of Trump.

On Friday while in Youngstown for a debate between Portman and his Democratic challenger, former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Borges joked to a reporter about national media coverage identifying him as a possible candidate for RNC chairman. But he has not publicly commented his interest in the job.

Trump also has lashed out at other high-ranking Republicans recently as his campaign has faltered, most notably repeatedly criticizing U.S. Speaker Paul Ryan this week for not being sufficiently supportive of his candidacy.

A spokesman for the Republican National Committee has not returned a message seeking comment for this story.

Cleveland.com reporter Henry J. Gomez contributed to this story

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Jim Simon represents Central Ohio on the Ohio Republican Party's central committee.
Madeleine Albright

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday in Cleveland Heights.

(Zach Gibson, AP Photo)

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will campaign for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Cleveland Heights on Sunday.

Albright, who served as secretary of state from 1997 to 2001 during former President Bill Clinton's second administration, will encourage Ohioans to vote early during her visit.

Albright will appear in Cleveland Heights at 3:30 p.m., at the Clinton campaign's organizing office at 3976 Mayfield Road.

The trip is part of a three-day swing through Ohio. She's also expected to visit Cincinnati and Dayton in the coming days.

"Albright will discuss how Clinton has spent her entire life fighting to expand opportunity for women and how she will continue to fight for families in the White House. She will also discuss how Clinton is uniquely prepared for the presidency while Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit to be Commander-in-Chief," according to the Clinton campaign.
portman strickland wfmj.jpg

Sen. Rob Portman (left) and former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (right) shake hands before the first Ohio senatorial debate on Friday at WFMJ studios in Youngstown.

(Courtesy of WFMJ)

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Ted Strickland didn't debate like a long-shot candidate on Friday.

The former Ohio governor came out swinging, effectively framing the debate in such a way that his opponent, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, had to defend his staunch support for free-trade deals, a political liability in this electoral climate.

Right or wrong, that position is particularly precarious since the debate, the first of three planned debates in the race for Senate, took place at WFMJ studios in Youngstown, and will air throughout the blue-collar Mahoning Valley.

A second debate is planned for Columbus on Monday, and a third is scheduled in Cleveland on Oct. 20.

Here are some other takeaways from Friday's hour-long debate:

1. Trump looms large

"I appreciate his endorsement of Donald Trump. That was interesting."

Ironically, it was actually Portman, the Republican, referring to Strickland, the Democrat.

Portman made the quip after Strickland invoked a common Trump refrain -- calling the people who negotiate U.S.'s trade deals "stupid" -- and said the label therefore applied to Portman, who was a U.S. trade representative under GOP President George W. Bush.

But Strickland also attacked Portman for not withdrawing his support of Trump in August, when Trump feuded with the family of a fallen soldier.

Portman first deflected to point to some of Strickland's more questionable comments during the campaign. But he eventually said last week's release of a 2005 tape showing Trump making lewd and sexually aggressive comments about women was the last straw that caused him to drop his endorsement, a difficult move given his loyalty to his party and his respect for Republican voters.

Portman attacked Strickland for not speaking out when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton called "half" of Trump supporters a "basket of deplorables." This is a line Clinton used to refer to the undercurrent of "alt-right" white nationalism within Trump's campaign. Portman also described Strickland as someone who would be a "rubber-stamp" for Clinton.

He also said he thinks Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, will be a great president, as if the two are somehow on a separate ticket.

This all shows the needle both candidates were attempting to thread, and the weird influence Trump is having over this election.

Strickland clearly wanted to tap into some of the anti-trade fervor and populist rhetoric Trump has used with success during this year's election.

Portman wanted to succinctly explain why he un-endorsed Trump without dwelling on it too much and risk alienating Republican voters.

Altogether, it didn't quite add up.

2. Portman knows his stuff

Portman has been described as running a campaign that resembles "35 different mayor's races." These words, spoken to Bloomberg by former Ohio Republican Party Chariman Kevin DeWine, illustrate the degree to which Portman has energetically stumped through the state.

Portman has praised Ukrainian-American groups in Cleveland, visited steelworkers in Warren and pushed for legislation to fight prescription-drug and heroin abuse, a kitchen-table issue that affects rural, suburban and urban communities throughout the state.

Along with Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, Portman has fought with the Obama administration to maintain a proposed uranium-enrichment site in Piketon, in Southern Ohio.

And so on.

So when Portman was asked about the need to replace aging planes at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, he thoroughly described the base's importance to the region, its unique qualities and some of the measures he'd taken to direct funding toward the base. In other words, he showed he understands Ohio's parochial issues.

Strickland said he had visited the base, but he was not armed with talking points. In his response, he at first accused Portman of filibustering for awhile, before eventually settling on saying it will take "personal involvement and the ability to work with others" to keep the base open.

3. Trade, retirement age become debate fodder

Strickland criticized Portman for expressing support for raising the retirement age of Social Security for future recipients, a reform that does poorly in polling, but one which Portman and other backers say is necessary to keep the federal retirement program solvent. Strickland described himself as someone with a blue-collar upbringing, and said Portman looks out most for the rich and powerful.

Portman, on the other hand, said he had fought China on certain trade issues, and described himself as a common-sense conservative (his words) with a record of delivering bipartisan results on issues like heroin addiction and human trafficking. This is the kind of message that can -- and probably will -- help a Republican win an election during a presidential year in Ohio.

He parried Strickland's repeated critiques primarily by attacking Strickland's economic and fiscal record as governor, a criticism that has resonated with voters. He also pointed out that he has a surprising endorsements from unions, including the Ohio Teamsters, the International Union of Operating Engineers and the Fraternal Order of Police, and said he will continue his record of being an independent voice for Ohio.

So while Strickland didn't necessarily win the debate, per se, he looked like the sort of candidate national Democrats had expected to put up a competitive challenge to Portman this November.

But the race has turned out to be anything but competitive, with Portman holding big lead in the polls, even after breaking ranks with his party last week and dropping his endorsement of Trump, the mercurial Republican presidential nominee.

4. The candidates approached the debate seriously, though it probably doesn't matter

To Portman's credit, he had nothing to gain from participating in the debate. He's riding a sizable lead -- an average in the vicinity of 15 points in every recent scientific poll of the state -- and could only be harmed by a verbal gaffe, or an effective attack from Strickland.

But he debated Strickland nonetheless, and the same can't be said for other congressional candidates -- Republican and Democrat -- who are facing safe re-elections in Ohio.

Strickland went into the debate with gusto, hoping to throw Portman off his game, and to attempt to re-insert himself into the race by taking advantage of free media exposure at a time when his campaign is short on money.

However, Strickland's strong debate performance isn't enough to change the tide of the race. A debate among Senate candidates won't exactly set television ratings records, particularly on a Friday when most political media was focused on President Barack Obama's visit to Cleveland.

If anything, it might have been only a glimpse at what could have been, had Strickland not been so badly damaged by an onslaught of early ads, largely run by outside Republican-aligned groups, that effectively defined his four-year governorship in the minds of Ohio voters as a time of economic and fiscal struggles for the state.
No. 2 Ohio State and No. 8 Wisconsin will play on Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc.

(Bill Landis, cleveland.com)

MADISON, Wis. -- No. 2 Ohio State travels to No. 8 Wisconsin on Saturday night for the biggest game of the Big Ten season thus far. Kickoff from Camp Randall Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Follow along here for a live chat and updates from cleveland.com's coverage team of Doug Lesmerises, Ari Wasserman and Bill Landis -- who are all in Madison.

Live scores and stats will appear above, while a chat and observations will appear in the comments section below.
dog.jpg

The marshes at the Sandusky Bay Duck Club will welcome flocks of migrating waterfowl in the coming weeks.

(Courtesy D'Arcy Egan)

SANDUSKY BAY, Ohio -- The Ohio waterfowl hunting seasons kicked off this weekend (Saturday) in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone, one of the best locations in the Buckeye State for bagging a green-headed mallard or a pudgy Canada goose.

Sportsmen have been gathering their gear for the big event, buying duck stamps, shotgun shells and hauling out waders and bags full of decoys. There are a couple of items they will need for the early season around Ohio's duck country this week, but might forget.

Sunscreen and bug spray.

Mother Nature has a way of foiling the best hunting plans, and this earliest of regular waterfowl seasons won't be a big hit. The hot, steamy summer around Northern Ohio has been transitioning far too slowly into the cool, crisp days of autumn. The forecast for opening week calls for balmy days and perhaps a little spate of rain now and again.

That is not good enough for duck hunters.

We want cantankerous weather. Rain, sleet and snow. Big winds. The more miserable the weather, the bigger the crowds of ducks fleeing from breeding grounds far to the north. Waterfowl counting on Ohio's marshes for a great place to rest and feed while on the long trip south.

Ducks are just beginning to arrive in Northern Ohio on their annual migration. Only a few were buzzing the marshes at the Sandusky Bay Duck Club just south of Port Clinton, Ohio, though owner Jeff Nehls has been working hard to put out the welcome mat.

The duck marshes and goose fields have been planted with crops that will soon get their feet wet. The blinds are in place, spruced up with native grasses. A sporting clays course is a new addition, the lodge is spic and span and the water levels will be just perfect for dabbling ducks.

"It's been far too warm to push the ducks into coming south," said Nehls, a retired watercraft officer. "The waterfowl numbers have been good, according to this year's surveys, so I'm expecting good hunting this year. But with the hot weather, even the early teal season was off a bit."

The bi-weekly aerial surveys by the Ohio Division of Wildlife spell it out. The most recent count found waterfowl numbers up 250 percent from the mid-September tally, but about 34 percent lower than in 2015. Duck numbers are building slightly, but Lake Erie Marsh Zone hunters won't see the big flocks until after the first cold front hits the North Country.

Mallards are the No. 1 duck in an Ohio hunter's bag, and the northern birds usually follow the freeze line when they head south. Only when the water turns to ice will they flock together and wing their way to the Buckeye State.

"We have some decent local flocks of mallards and other ducks, and they're here all year," said Nehls. The ODOW aerial count reported local mallards topped the Sandusky Bay marsh list, with 2,365 birds. Green-winged teal (1,100), blue-winged teal (1,575) and Northern pintail (1,400) were next on the list.

"When the weather gets a little cold and nasty it will bring us the big flocks from up north," said Nehls. "A welcome change in this year's regulations extends the late goose season in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone, taking our goose hunting into February."

The Lake Erie Marsh Zone duck and goose hunting dates are Oct. 15-30 and Nov. 12-Dec. 25. The North Zone dates are Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Nov. 19-Jan. 1. The late goose season in the Lake Erie Marsh Zone and North Zone is Jan. 7-Feb. 11.

The South Zone duck seasons are Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Dec. 17-Jan. 29. The goose dates are Oct. 22-Nov. 6 and Nov. 24-Feb. 11.

Nehls expects his club members will be out in short-sleeved shirts for the two-week early seasons, but expects the weather to be more ducky when the second duck season begins Nov. 12. He has expanded his goose fields to take advantage of the late dates handed down for this year, giving club members a good shot at the massive flocks of giant Canada geese.

Club opening: There is a rare slot open at the 10-member Sandusky Bay Duck Club. Call Nehls at 419-656-2302.

Rare birds: It's not unusual to see a small flock of American white pelicans motoring around Lake Erie at this time of year. The population of the large western U.S. pelicans seems to be growing, and last week Nehls spotting 30 of the big pelicans around the Bass Islands while fishing with guide D.J. Demeter.
Ohio GOP Chair Borges has Trump's ear, trust BORGES from A1

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges and members of the Ohio delegation celebrate after they cast their votes during the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The delegation cast their 66 votes for Ohio governor John Kasich.

(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Donald Trump's candidacy of bizarre political theater persisted Saturday when, 24 days before Election Day, the presidential hopeful cut ties with Matt Borges, chairman of the Republican Party in the potentially must-win battleground of Ohio.

Does Trump have a legitimate beef with Borges?

The crux, spelled out by Ohio campaign director Bob Paduchik in a letter to members of the state GOP's central committee, is that Borges has been candid about his disappointment in Trump.

Borges has expressed that disappointment to other key Ohio Republicans and given them permission to withdraw their Trump endorsements without facing party penalties. He has expressed it to reporters, including this one, in what Paduchik characterized as Borges' self-serving effort to promote a future bid for Republican National Committee chairman. And Borges has expressed it directly to Trump, who is watching his White House stock plummet because of the way he speaks of - and, according to increasing accounts, the way he mistreats - women.

The Trump team sees all of this as an effort to undermine the GOP nominee. But Saturday's very public denouncing of Borges is a head-scratcher for these five reasons:

1. Borges wanted to help Trump.

Yes, Borges is close with Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who challenged Trump in the primaries and now refuses to support the New York businessman. Yes, Borges finds many of the things Trump says and does repulsive. But Borges takes his role as state party chairman seriously. He also despises Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Helping Trump win Ohio is good for whatever ambitions Borges has. And, sure, being the next RNC chairman might be one of them.

Borges, publicly and privately, has counseled Trump on how to win the Buckeye State. He has urged Trump to tone down his rhetoric and to lay off Kasich, who beat Trump in the Ohio primary and remains popular. Is this a way of having his cake and eating it, too - of being able to voice disapproval on one hand while offering constructive advice under a friendly guise on the other? Of course it is.

But Trump can't win this election with only yes men in his corner.

2. Trump listened to Borges.

Whether you believe every detail Borges shares from his calls with Trump, it had been clear Trump respected his opinion. He has gone easy on Kasich. And though Trump has lashed out at other Republicans who have withdrawn their endorsements, he appeared to follow Borges' advice by not torching Sen. Rob Portman while campaigning in the state this week.

Paduchik, in his Saturday letter, asserted that Borges "routinely exaggerated his relationship with the candidate and the campaign." One Borges ally wondered if Paduchik and others working for Trump were jealous that the chairman had the candidate's ear. And Borges seemed to downplay Paduchik's status in the response he issued Saturday afternoon through a party spokeswoman.

"I won't let a staffer's ego get in the way of us doing all we can to win elections up and down the ballot this year," said Borges, reducing Paduchik, Trump's top man in Ohio, to a "staffer."

3. Trump needs Ohio.

No Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio - a tidbit Borges never tires of mentioning. It takes 270 electoral votes to win the White House. Clinton has a path to victory without the 18 awarded in the Buckeye State. Trump almost certainly does not.

Borges has a loyal following among most of the state's GOP insiders. Though Trump is running an outsider's campaign, he cannot win unless he expands his base. Borges, and those who work closely with him, are key to building bridges with mainstream Republican voters.

Trump's Ohio ground game and strategy were suspect even before Paduchik told Borges to take a hike. They will be more so without one of the state's best Republican strategists on board.

4. There is no evidence Borges actively worked against Trump.

Paduchik's letter alluded to financial support and other services the Ohio Republican Party is expected to provide. If Borges is withholding those things, then Paduchik has a case.

But the issue here seems to be Borges' words, not his actions. (And, yes, that is supremely ironic coming from a candidate who has downplayed a videotape of him bragging about forcing himself on women as only words - and not anything he ever acted out himself.)

What really seems to have rankled the Trump team is Borges' public deliberations over Trump. He began the week unsure if he would vote for Trump. Worried that there might be more damaging tapes out there, he elicited a promise that Trump had never used the "N" word. And he ended the week cautiously optimistic that Trump was back on track and worthy of support.

5. Trump now is pushing a self-fulfilling prophecy.

What's this really all about? The latest message from Trump as his campaign limps toward the finish line is that the election must be rigged. Rather than change his ways and try to win, he's already making excuses for why he will lose. And that's on full display in Paduchik's letter.

"I spoke with Mr. Trump on Thursday and he is very disappointed in Matt's duplicity," wrote Paduchik, a veteran GOP operative in Ohio who ran both of George W. Bush's campaigns in the state. "Mr. Trump told me, 'this is why people have lost faith in the establishment and party leaders.' I have to agree with him. Too often some leaders of our party have been quick to bail on candidates and principles; it's why our nation is on the wrong track."

Bottom line: Trump is threading the needle for an Ohio failure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou on September 5, 2016. Alexei Druzhinin | AFP | Getty Images

The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for what U.S. officials say is Russian interference in the American presidential election, U.S. intelligence officials tell NBC News. Current and former officials with direct knowledge of the situation say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin. More from NBC News:

Dems call on FBI to investigate Trump ties to Russia

New passport rule: Glasses off before you strike a pose

Black doctor: Delta shooed me away from sick passenger Vice President Joe Biden told "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd Friday that "we're sending a message" to Russian President Vladimir Putin and that "it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact." When asked if the American public will know a message was sent, the vice president replied, "Hope not." Retired Admiral James Stavridis told NBC News' Cynthia McFadden that the U.S. should attack Russia's ability to censor its internal internet traffic and expose the financial dealings of President Vladimir Putin and his associates.

Probe with bayonets. When you hit much, proceed. When you hit steel withdraw. Russian proverb

"It's well known that there's great deal of offshore money moved outside of Russia from oligarchs," he said. "It would be very embarrassing if that was revealed, and that would be a proportional response to what we've seen" in Russia's alleged hacks and leaks targeting U.S. public opinion. Sean Kanuck, who was until this spring the senior U.S. intelligence official responsible for analyzing Russian cyber capabilities, said the assault should be "overt, for everybody to see," and should "include a persuasion campaign designed to inform the Russian people." If you publicly accuse someone," he said, "and don't follow it up with a responsive action, that may weaken the credible threat of your response capability." President Obama will ultimately have to decide whether he will authorize a CIA operation. Officials told NBC News that for now there are divisions at the top of the administration about whether to proceed. Two former CIA officers who worked on Russia told NBC News that there is a long history of the White House asking the CIA to come up with options for covert action against Russia, including cyber options - only to abandon the idea. "We've always hesitated to use a lot of stuff we've had, but that's a political decision," one former officer said. "If someone has decided, `We've had enough of the Russians,' there is a lot we can do. Step one is to remind them that two can play at this game and we have a lot of stuff. Step two, if you are looking to mess with their networks, we can do that, but then the issue becomes, they can do worse things to us in other places." A second former officer, who helped run intelligence operations against Russia, said he was asked several times in recent years to work on covert action plans, but "none of the options were particularly good, nor did we think that any of them would be particularly effective," he said.

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Russian president Vladimir Putin is almost beyond embarrassing, he said, and anything the U.S. can do against, for example, Russian bank accounts, the Russian can do in response. "Do you want to have Barack Obama bouncing checks?" he asked. Former CIA deputy director Michael Morell expressed skepticism that the U.S. would go so far as to attack Russian networks. "Physical attacks on networks is not something the U.S. wants to do because we don't want to set a precedent for other countries to do it as well, including against us," he said. "My own view is that our response shouldn't be covert - it should overt, for everybody to see." The Obama administration is debating just that question, officials saywhether to respond to Russia via cyber means, or with traditional measures such as sanctions. The CIA's cyber operation is being prepared by a team within the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence, documents indicate. According to officials, the team has a staff of hundreds and a budget in the hundreds of millions, they say. The covert action plan is designed to protect the U.S. election system and insure that Russian hackers can't interfere with the November vote, officials say. Another goal is to send a message to Russia that it has crossed a line, officials say. While the National Security Agency is the center for American digital spying, the CIA is the lead agency for covert action and has its own cyber capabilities. It sometimes brings in the NSA and the Pentagon to help, officials say.

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No matter who wins on Election Day, cannabis will have a big day at the ballot box. Five states  Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada  have initiatives to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. Four states  Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota  have proposed legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. All of the recreational use initiatives are currently ahead in the polls. They will not be alone. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have legalized the possession and distribution of marijuana for medical purposes, and four states  Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Colorado  have legalized adult recreational use. (See map below.)

Legal marijuana sales are projected to reach $20.6 billion by 2020 from $7.4 billion now, with a compound annual growth rate of 29 percent, according to Arcview Market Research, a San Francisco-based cannabis research firm. If November's ballot initiatives pass in Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana and Nevada, these states alone will account for $2.7 billion in additional sales in 2018, growing to nearly $8 billion by 2020, Arcview estimates. For investors, the rising prospects of legalized pot may be too good to pass up, yet the publicly traded cannabis companies may not be such a smart bet. "These are very risky stocks and not all of them are going to survive," said Dan Nicholls, vice president of the Marijuana Index, a benchmark that tracks U.S. and Canadian stocks that are involved in the industry.

Fraudsters often exploit the latest innovation, technology, product or growth industry  in this case, marijuana  to lure investors with the promise of high returns. Securities and Exchange Commission

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Public companies in the cannabis business are a highly speculative bunch. Most shares trade over the counter and do not have to file audited financial reports with regulators. In 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission suspended five cannabis companies for fraud.

"Fraudsters often exploit the latest innovation, technology, product or growth industry  in this case, marijuana  to lure investors with the promise of high returns," SEC officials said in the investor alert about cannabis stocks.

That is not to say that all marijuana-related companies are suspect. British biotech company GW Pharmaceuticals , the largest stock on the Marijuana Index with a market capitalization of $2.8 billion, has a promising cannabis-based drug pipeline, according to Goldman Sachs, which gave the company a buy rating this month.

The Marijuana Index, which began in January 2015, is only a small slice of publicly traded cannabis stocks. To be included, stocks need to have a market capitalization of at least $10 million, a daily trading volume of $20,000 and a share price above 10 cents. Only 23 stocks have made the cut, out of nearly 200 similar stocks that trade on exchanges and over-the-counter markets in the U.S. and Canada. The average stock on the index has a market capitalization of $263.9 million and a share price under $4. Returns for cannabis stocks have been volatile. The Marijuana Index is up more than 180 percent this year, but plunged 57.2 percent in 2015. (See chart below.)


South Korea's military says the latest missile launch by rival North Korea ended in a failure after the projectile exploded soon after liftoff.



The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff says in a statement that the military believes the North unsuccessfully attempted to fire a mid-range Musudan missile.



It says the failed launch was made near an airport in the North's North Pyongan province.


Hi there,



I have a one big prob.



I want to generate xml file with a specific format Like this syntax!:





<declarationrelevededuction xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">

<identifiantfiscal>1088081

<annee>2016

<periode>8

<regime>1

<relevedeductions>

<rd>

<ord>1

<num>FF160400146

<des>PRESTATION

<mht>2400.00

<tva>480.00

<ttc>2880.00

<reff>

<if>52803595

<nom>LEADER SOFT

<ice>001540114000046



<tx>20.00

<mp>

<id>2



<dpai>2016-08-01

<dfac>2016-01-30



<rd>

<ord>2

<num>FF160400147

<des>PRESTATION

<mht>1500.00

<tva>300.00

<ttc>1800.00

<reff>

<if>52803595

<nom>LEADER SOFT

<ice>001540114000046



<tx>20.00

<mp>



So, I've created form with button to generate the xml files and I created this code for That:



Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click

Dim xmlsetting As New XmlWriterSettings

Dim writxml As XmlWriter = XmlWriter.Create("mytest.xml", xmlsetting)

Try

With writxml

.WriteStartDocument()

.WriteStartElement("DeclarationReleveDeduction")

.WriteStartElement("identifiantFiscal")

.WriteString("111111")

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("annee")

.WriteString("2016")

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("periode")

.WriteString("8")

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("regime")

.WriteString("1")

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("Relvededution")

For i As Integer = 1 To 10

.WriteStartElement("Id")

.WriteString(i)

.WriteStartElement("Nom")

.WriteString("Nom " & i)

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("prenom")

.WriteString("Prenom " & i)

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteStartElement("Adresse")

.WriteString("Adresse " & i)

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteEndElement()

Next

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteEndElement()

.WriteEndDocument()

.Close()

End With

MsgBox("fichier a ete genere avec succes", vbInformation)

Catch ex As Exception

MsgBox(ex.Message)

End Try

End Sub



when I generated the xml file I have got like this format:



<declarationrelevededuction><identifiantfiscal>111111<annee>2016<periode>8<regime>1<relvededution><id>1<nom>Nom 1<prenom>Prenom 1<adresse>Adresse 1<id>2<nom>Nom 2<prenom>Prenom 2<adresse>Adresse 2<id>3<nom>Nom 3<prenom>Prenom 3<adresse>Adresse 3<id>4<nom>Nom 4<prenom>Prenom 4<adresse>Adresse 4<id>5<nom>Nom 5<prenom>Prenom 5<adresse>Adresse 5<id>6<nom>Nom 6<prenom>Prenom 6<adresse>Adresse 6<id>7<nom>Nom 7<prenom>Prenom 7<adresse>Adresse 7<id>8<nom>Nom 8<prenom>Prenom 8<adresse>Adresse 8<id>9<nom>Nom 9<prenom>Prenom 9<adresse>Adresse 9<id>10<nom>Nom 10<prenom>Prenom 10<adresse>Adresse 10







Please help me I need to do that in this days of current month





<Serializable()> Public Class ws_subscribersCount_Response Private m_response_Code As String Private m_response_Text As String Private m_count As Integer Public Property response_Code As String Get Return m_response_Code End Get Set( value As String ) m_response_Code = value End Set End Property Public Property response_Text As String Get Return m_response_Text End Get Set( value As String ) m_response_Text = value End Set End Property Public Property count As Integer Get Return m_count End Get Set( value As Integer) m_count = value End Set End Property End Class To populate the object, just create a new one and transmit it back to the caller, or send it to an endpoint. Dim subscribers as New ws_subscribersCount_Response() subscribers.response_Code = " OK" subscribers.response_Text = m_count & " subscribers have loaded successfully" subscribers.count = m_count Another way is to create a XSD file and use Xsd.Exe to convert it to a class and code against the class.

After the program creates a class file, you drop the class in your project. This is how I use to do it.



How to make an XSD file.

XML Schema Example[^]



After creating your XML class to to code against ...

You can read it from the disk drive

Create a new one and just transmit it

Write it to a disk drive.

Store it in a database

Dim writer As MemoryStream = Nothing Dim XMLRequest As UPSRequest.AccessRequest XMLRequest = New UPSRequest.AccessRequest XMLRequest.AccessLicenseNumber = sUPSsi.AccessLicenseNumber XMLRequest.UserId = sUPSsi.UserID XMLRequest.Password = sUPSsi.Password Dim serializer As XmlSerializer serializer = New XmlSerializer(GetType(UPSRequest.AccessRequest)) writer = New MemoryStream() serializer.Serialize(writer, XMLRequest) writer.Position = 0 Dim request_serializer As XmlSerializer = Nothing request_serializer = New XmlSerializer(GetType(UPSRequest.AccessRequest)) If (True = p_Write_Certification_Request) Then Using request_writer As New StreamWriter(HttpContext.Current.Server.MapPath( " ~\Logs\UPS\"AccessRequest.xml" )) request_serializer.Serialize(request_writer, XMLRequest) End Using End If



We by new system HSAjet Mini Key ink jet printer for jobs. But Until now, we dont known to program a application by VB.NET to control it. Please help me a little information about document programe a new application by vb.net for connecting and control it. Thanks advance.



Hello !

I have e vb.net project where m using a treeview.

I have a situation when for a specific node , I need the next or previous node , I mean according to position or order that each node has on the tree.

The existing properties NextnNode or PreviousNode , are not helping me because they are referring only to nodes inside a Nodes collection , and for example if the node is last child , NextNode return NULL.

I need general function for the entire Tree.

To be more clear :

For example :

N1

-N11

-N12

--N121

N2

-N21

-N22



In the above example , the Next node of N121 will be N2 , or the previous node of N2 will be N121. ( the tree may be full/partial collapsed or expanded )



Is there any property or function to do this ?

Thank you !



modified 14-Oct-16 19:45pm.





I know the node relationship , but I have a situation where I need to have Next and Previous working in that way.

So , since the actual existing Nextnode and Previousnode are not for this kind of situation , i need help te create new functions that works as i want.



TreeView contains a private nodeTable field that contains a hashtable with all the nodes. Instead of turning the tree into a list, it is advisable to learn to walk a tree. Do to do, you'll need recursion.



If you can't read my code, try converting it here[^] Bastard Programmer from Hell





VB.NET Public Shared Function FindNextNode( ByVal node As TreeNode) As TreeNode If node Is Nothing Then Throw New ArgumentNullException( " node" ) If node.GetNodeCount( False ) <> 0 Then Return node.Nodes( 0 ) End If While node IsNot Nothing Dim nextNode As TreeNode = node.NextNode If nextNode IsNot Nothing Then Return nextNode node = node.Parent End While Return Nothing End Function Public Shared Function FindPreviousNode( ByVal node As TreeNode) As TreeNode If node Is Nothing Then Throw New ArgumentNullException( " node" ) Dim result As TreeNode = node.PrevNode If result Is Nothing Then result = node.Parent Else Dim childCount As Integer = result.GetChildCount( False ) While childCount <> 0 result = result.Nodes(childCount - 1 ) childCount = result.GetChildCount( False ) End While End If Return result End Function





"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer







Dear All,



Can you share a program using VB6 for access and post data web service?



Thanks



Good afternoon All,



I want ask something about MySQL, I have a system that made by Visual Studio 2010 n MySQL. Everytime I ran that application, sometimes appear an error "Too Many Connections". How can i handle that error. Anyone can help me please..



Thx,

HR







thanks for your suggestion. The Application can be run normally now.



regards,



Hermawan







Oh an close THE connection when you have finished with it!

Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH



How do I get a file in subfolder 3 levels down in UWP? It appears Microsoft wants a query to do this. I have this relative path under their applicationdata.localstate path: \archives\EvalResults2016\month here \day here\

The file in day folder is in this format monthdayitemname.csv I am retrieving from eBay or web service.

jeffery



Hi,



THIS IS NOT FOR .NET.

I need this in vbs, js and vba



I want to findout the path to the active user his pictures.

I know how the find the documents, desktop of favorites throu specialfolders but pictures is'nt in it



In google I didn't find anything usefull.



Jan









Javascript in a browser has no access to the users filesystem so that's pretty much useless, unless you want to describe what you're doing with it.



The work around is to just use the path of "%USERPROFILE%\Pictures".

A guide to posting questions on CodeProject



Click this:

Seriously, do it.



Dave Kreskowiak Click this: Asking questions is a skill Seriously, do it.


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.
We all know about lemmings, right? These tiny Arctic rodents occasionally commit mass suicide by hurling themselves off cliffs en masse. Why, adorable fuzzy creatures? Why?

The answer is: They don't. Lemming suicide is a myth, a misconception, a lie.

We hold this false belief because a 1958 Disney documentary called White Wilderness staged fake lemming suicide scenes for the camera. (Disney filmmakers shipped lemmings to Canada and chased them off a cliff.) Here's the scene that created the lemming suicide myth.

It's hard to know what's true and what's false, and always has been. Hoaxes, rumors, urban legends, conspiracy theories, political spin and propaganda have been with us for millennia.

The internet has made this problem both better and worse. It's better because we can look things up and research what's true. For example, Googling "lemming suicide" returns stories on the fabrication of the myth. But it's also worse, because falsehoods are easier to spread on social media and elsewhere.

In recent months, fact-checking (which in the past only professional journalists fretted over) has become central to political discourse. "Fact-checking" has come up in discussions about the role of moderators in presidential political debates and has been repeatedly mentioned during the debates themselves.

Before the internet, most fact-checking happened before publication. Anyone who cared about facts subscribed to trusted newspapers and magazines. Editors on staff, and sometimes dedicated, full-time fact-checkers, identified and researched every factual assertion.

That's all you had to do: Pick reputable sources of news (like the publication you're reading now).

Trouble is, social media causes us to lose control over the sources of information we're exposed to. We see whatever is shared by the people we follow. And they share stories from their followers. And so on.

Technology created this problem. Can technology solve it?

Algorithms giveth, and algorithms taketh away

Google this week added a "Fact Check" item to search results. This links to an article that's designed to offer explicit fact-checking related to the search query, and it appears in the expanded story box on Google News for users in the U.S. and U.K., as well as the Google News & Weather apps on both iOS and Android.

The "Fact Check" result joins other categorical highlights, including "In-Depth," "Wikipedia," "Local Source" and, my favorite, "Opinion."

And speaking of opinion, how does Google choose which fact-check article to highlight?

The company starts by looking for schema.org ClaimReview markup, which provides specifics in a web page's code on what exactly is being fact-checked in an article. It then uses a wide range of other signals to surface what Google algorithms conclude is the most reliable and authoritative fact-checking article related to the search query.

Nice!

Meanwhile, the opposite is happening at Facebook. After Facebook's human editorial team was criticized by a political activist for bias in how they chose stories for Facebook's Trending feature, Facebook laid off the editorial staffers in late August and replaced them with algorithms.

Unfortunately, these algorithms are having a hard time telling fake stories from real ones. "The Intersect" reportedly ran a series of experiments and found out that Facebook has published several hoax or fake stories in its Trending section.

Facebook algorithms are actually choosing hoaxes and deliberately spreading them to millions of users. Sadly, we humans don't need help from algorithms. We can spread misinformation just fine without them.

Anything for traffic

Did you hear about Rachel Brewson? She became the subject of a series of articles on the women's site xoJane. She's a Hillary Clinton supporter who fell in love with a Donald Trump supporter named Todd. At first, their political disagreements added passion to their relationship, and they got married. But then things soured, they split up and Rachel penned a post on xoJane headlined, "Trump is Tearing My Marriage Apart."

Great story, right? The online news site "Fusion" thought so, and interviewed the couple on camera. So did ABC's Nightline.

Unfortunately, it never happened, and Rachel Brewson doesn't exist. The whole thing was a publicity stunt to drive traffic to a now-defunct site called "Review Weekly." They even hired actors to play Rachel and Todd on camera.

This is a fraudulent business model. It's fiction presented as nonfiction, based on the idea that a prurient, gossip-centric, reality-TV-obsessed public needs to believe a drama is true in order to stay engaged.

Before Jezebel's investigative journalism exposed the fraud, there was no way to "fact-check" the story, no way to know for sure whether the story was true, partly true or a total lie.

And speaking of lies...

Let's talk politics

Political organizations have always spread disinformation that helps their candidates. But in recent years, they've been spreading disinformation about fact-checking itself!

I learned this the hard way.

Watching the political arguments over the upcoming U.S. presidential election take over my Twitter stream, it became clear that each side was arguing from its own set of facts. And this frustrated me, because facts are facts -- or they're supposed to be. So I experimented by responding to heated political arguments with links to fact-checking sites.

To quote a common clickbait catchphrase, you won't believe what happened next!

My tweets were pounced upon by hoards of people convinced that fact-checking sites are biased, corrupt and untrustworthy. Every specific site I linked to was discredited as owned or controlled by a politician or their supporters, or it was a "joke," not to be taken seriously.

Political propaganda has successfully inoculated a minority of the voting public against the scourge of fact-checking. They've been told that the news media are corrupt and fact-checking sites mere smokescreens.

The professional political operatives that advise candidates also anticipate fact-checking and have learned to make their comments fact-check-proof. They do this by being slippery, vague and categorical, instead of specific. An entire political style of speaking has emerged, designed to be fact-check-proof.

For example, saying that a candidate voted in Congress against a specific bill designed to thwart ISIS is fact-checkable. Saying that a candidate "did nothing to stop ISIS" is not fact-checkable.

Saying that a candidate's specific policy prescriptions have been denounced by a specific expert is fact-checkable. Saying that a candidate "has no clue about what to do [about education and innovation]" is not fact-checkable.

Still, the fact-checking sites try to fact-check such statements and wind up posting long-winded explanations and somewhat subjective conclusions, all of which provide more fodder for argument, disagreement and partisanship, rather than clarity over the facts.

So is that it? Are we really living in a post-fact world?

How to be an informed citizen

Thanks to the social web and the way it exposes us all to unreliable content, we're mostly on our own when it comes to figuring out what's true and what's false.

In my opinion, each of the major fact-checking sites is pretty solid. And when several sites agree -- when there's a consensus among the fact-checking sites about a specific point -- that consensus can be taken as a fact you can rely on.

My favorite fact-checking sites include Emergent, On The Issues, Factcheck.org, Snopes, Politifact, About.com, Truth Or Fiction and Hoax Slayer.

My best advice is to promote these sites from passive reference sites to active sources of content.

Spend quality time proactively browsing your favorite fact-checking sites, as if they were blogs or news sites. They're great sources of information because they tend to be clear and present controversial information in a systematic way that helps understanding.

Also: Add the Twitter accounts of several fact-checking sites to your feed or add the RSS to your reader. Get the facts even before you get the lies.

Don't be like the fake Disney lemmings and follow the internet masses over the cliff of confusion. We are not living in a post-fact world. Facts really do exist.

And that's a fact.
According to yesterdays Irish News, the local Northern Irish wing of the Conservatives are getting increasingly concerned about the national Partys relationship with the Democratic Unionist Party.

The paper reports that the concerns of the local NI Conservatives (alas, their full name really is NI) are going to be raised formally at an upcoming board meeting.

Particular focus is given to the now-reversed decision by James Brokenshire, the Northern Irish Secretary and ally of Theresa May, to attend a DUP fundraising dinner.

A letter of complaint addressed to Patrick McLoughlin, the Party Chairman, has also been drafted by the Northern Irish party board.

It has yet to be circulated publicly, but the version I saw drew specific attention to the Partys treatment of the DUP at conference:

The decision to allow them to rally our party members within the conference venue at a fringe event was bewildering but to see them feted in the conference arena by Esther McVey was particularly galling. This act handed credibility to our political opponents and further set back the prospects of equal citizenship, and Conservative representation in Northern Ireland. For those of us who recently worked for 18 months, over two gruelling campaigns, to provide the positive change Northern Ireland requires, the days events were particularly hurtful.

I noted this love-bombing campaign in my column earlier this week  but this isnt confined to conference.

Senior Ulster members can pick out other examples of DUP politicians  particularly MPs  being nice to the Tories, be it Sammy Wilson backing the Government on grammar schools in the Commons or Gavin Robinson defending Theresa Mays comments about divisive nationalists on TV.

They also claim that grassroots DUP activists on the ground are taking an uncommon interest in the Conservatives. Some suspect a deal is afoot: not just an ad hoc Parliamentary arrangement, but possibly something more substantial. Others feel they have been marginalised from the process: It would just be nice to be asked  were the local experts.

Arithmetically, the case for some kind of deal is obvious. The eight DUP MPs would substantially boost the Governments slender majority, which could be crucial if my hunch is wrong and May really does want to avoid an early election.

Sustained support from a Northern Irish party would also help to boost the Governments unionist, One Nation credentials. As the only one of Britains front-rank regional parties to back Brexit, the EU referendum campaign appears to have injected a new pan-UK perspective into the historically (and somewhat ironically) rather parochial DUP.

May and Arlene Foster, the DUP leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland, also seem likely to find it much more congenial to do business with each other than the two parties leaderships will ever have found in the past.

Although it seems unlikely, the appeal of a more permanent alliance between the two is also clear: a return of Northern Irish MPs to Government at the UK-level would be a welcome development, and the DUP will want to combat any suggestion that Northern Ireland is being marginalised or ignored.

(That the provinces current semi-detached status owes a great debt to decades of DUP policy is not overlooked by the NI Conservatives letter: The DUP, in our consideration, are separatists, if by accident and not design.)

However, risks and downsides arent hard to find either, both for the short-term political interests of the Conservatives or for the longer-term health of the Union.

In the short term, the Party should be wary of getting linked too closely with a party as socially conservative as the DUP which, as the local Tories again point out, is currently the primary force preventing Northern Ireland from joining up with the mainland on issues like gay marriage.

This makes it very difficult for any sort of electoral pact  which some Ulster members fear  to take place. The Conservatives simply cant endorse such positions, even tacitly.

In the long run, any kind of permanent arrangement between the two parties risks betraying the very mission which has led the Party to commit for so long  and admittedly, for so little reward  to offering candidates in Northern Ireland.

Ulsters endemic unionist parties fall short in two major areas, from the Conservative and Unionist perspective: they totally fail to win support from Catholics, even when they are well-disposed towards the Union; and they contribute almost as much as the actual nationalists to the provinces alienation from British political life.

The reasons for both are obvious enough. On the first point, both the DUP and Ulster Unionists are products of Protestant politics, and the former faces a steeper climb than the latter due to its origins as a vehicle for hard-line resistance to the compromises of the UUP.

As for the latter, it is simply the logic of devolved politics: it is always easier to rail against London than to take ownership of difficult national decisions, and always more tempting to demand more power (and the associated prestige, pay, and perks) than to concentrate on the unglamorous exercise of powers you already have.

Together, these suggest that the least satisfactory and most dangerous option for Downing Street would be a halfway house: an attempt to bank the DUPs votes at Westminster on a permanent basis whilst effectively abdicating any attempt to challenge their politics in Northern Ireland.

One alternative would be a typical Westminster deal: relatively loose, confined to Parliament, and conducted behind closed doors. Yet unlikely as it is, it should be noted that really committing to an alliance might work for the Tories too.

Any such merger would almost certainly entail both a dropping of the Catholic-repelling DUP brand and a certain degree of personnel churn, with hard-liners departing for the TUV and perhaps others tempted over from the UUP or elsewhere.

The result would be a real New Force (although hopefully called something else), combining the DUPs strong local machine with the Conservatives ability to bring to bear the big guns like the Prime Minister.

If Foster could use it as a justification for driving through serious reform of some her partys positions, and the arrangement forced Northern Irish MPs to own and defend UK Government decisions, it might be possible to reach a settlement that didnt betray, but in fact served and advanced, the Tory purpose in Ulster.

Absent these conditions, however, CCHQ should tread carefully when dealing with the DUP  and at least consider the advice of those Party members most familiar with them.
The worlds workers are losing rights, farmers are suffering to the point of suicide, and labour casualisation is rampant in all our countries, with the result that BRICS workers are engaged in regular protest and wildcat strikes, of which the strike by 180 million Indian workers inspired the world on September 2, it adds.

On the social front, states the declaration, The threat to our already-inadequate welfare policies is serious, especially in Brazils coup regime but more generally across the BRICS where inadequate social policies are not providing adequate safety nets.

The commodification of public services is causing misery, such as in South Africa where university students are fighting hard for a fee-free, decolonised tertiary education, it says, adding, Everywhere that peoples movements have made countervailing demands  such as democracy, peace, poverty eradication, sustainable development, equality, fair trade.

Sharply criticizing the BRICS-sponsored New Development Bank, the declaration says, it is working hand-in-glove with the World Bank; the Contingent Reserve Arrangement empowers the International Monetary Fund; and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank serves mainly corporate interests  and all these financial institutions lack opportunities for adequate civil society monitoring and participation.

Coming to Syria, the declaration says, there is a need for a just solution the Syrian crisis in accordance with the principles of international law, even as condemning the US-backed aggression and the Pentagon/NATO doctrine of regime change.

Standing in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against colonialism and occupation, the declaration says, We endorse boycotts, divestment and Sanctions against apartheid Israel, including opposition to Israels attempted export of its unsustainable water and agricultural technologies to BRICS countries.

The People's Forum on BRICS, which took place in Goa on October 13-14 in Goa, ahead of the high profile summit meeting Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has urged in a declaration that the BRICS nations should look at issues of social, economic and environmental justice, something they have been consistently ignoring. The summit meeting, says the declaration, is taking place at an unprecedented crisis facing humanity and nature, pointing towards the threat that several democracies across the world, as seen in the coup in Brazil that has overthrown a people's government. The summit began on Saturday, and will end on Sunday.Expressing great concern the state repression of people's movements and students protests in countries including India and South Africa, the declaration, however, ignores coming up with any strong words regarding human rights violations in China and Russia.The list of participants, submitted by the Peoples Forum on BRICS, intriguingly, does not have any dissident or human rights activists from the mainland China and Russia, or their representatives. In all, representatives from 10 countries participated. China has been under watch for attack on civil rights, while Russia is showing signs of authoritarianism under Vladimir Putin.The declaration talks massive levels of ecological destruction that is taking place around the world, led by corporations and in collusion with the state, even as pointing towards the teetering world economy that is on the verge of another financial meltdown resulting in stocks and currency market crisis in many of the BRICS countries.The longer-term crisis of capitalism is evident in the marked slowdown in international trade, in declining global profit rates, and in business disinvestment, especially evident in the three BRICS which have negative or negligible GDP growth, the declaration says.


CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating Government proposals to reduce the number of houses to be built in Buckinghamshire between 1996 and 2016.

The Government's original plan for 83,000 new houses over the period was strongly criticised by Buckinghamshire County Council and rural preservation groups.

The figure has now been reduced to 64,000, the number originally put forward by SERPLAN, the regional planning organisation.

Cllr Bill Chapple, deputy leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, welcomed the new proposal.

He said: "These figures represent a major climb down from the Government's previous proposals for 83,000 new homes in Buckinghamshire and are a victory for all those who called for the Government to think again.

"We have said all along that the previous proposals went far beyond what was acceptable or appropriate for Buckinghamshire and would have caused untold damage to the county."

The Marlow Society, which battles against over-development, particularly in Green Belt areas sees the new plan as a significant improvement.

Ron Waters, a society member, said: "We object to all building work that takes place in the green belt.

The new proposals will be discussed at a meeting at County Hall on January 12, before the council's eventual response is agreed by the cabinet on February 5.

To comment on the housing proposals, contact the Government Office for the South East at Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, before February 12, 2001
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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Walks Away From Pursuing Twitter Deal

Joseph Tsidulko

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Salesforce's channel doesn't look to be up in arms over the CRM leader pulling the plug on negotiations to acquire Twitter.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff told The Financial Times, in a report published Friday, that Twitter wasn't "the right fit" for the cloud software vendor, citing price, as well as other factors like company culture, as motivating his decision.

Last week, Benioff floated the idea of an acquisition at his company's Dreamforce conference.

[Related: 25 Scenes That Show Dreamforce 2016 Was An Extravaganza For The Senses]

Aborting the possibility of an acquisition lifted Salesforce's stock price by roughly 4 percent in Friday trading. The news had the opposite effect on Twitter shares, which sank by more than 5 percent.

Salesforce partners reached by CRN were mostly ambivalent about the potential combination, even though there is a precedent for its competitors spending big on social media giants. Microsoft bought LinkedIn for $26 billion earlier this year. As CRN reported at the time, Salesforce was one of the firms that bid for LinkedIn and lost.

Twitter, though, is a different type of platform -- 80 percent of its 313 million monthly users are on mobile devices, looking for instant news and personal updates. "It didn't seem to matter to the partner community," said Andy Atkins, founder and CEO of CRM Manager, a systems integrator headquartered in Philadelphia, Penn.

Twitter "would not have added business for us to work on," Atkins told CRN.

Some of Salesforce's largest stockholders were urging Benioff to walk away from the deal, not interested in having the enterprise cloud company take on a consumer platform that, while popular, did not have clear integration benefits.

While data generated by Twitter users could have proved useful for some sales and marketing applications, the consensus among investors was the price tag wasn't worth it.

The Financial Times reported, citing people close to the deal, that once Salesforce dropped out of the bidding, there were no more serious contenders looking to take Twitter over.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

When Brandon Sherrod took the stage during a recent domestic violence vigil in Stratford, he came with a song and a message.

The song was Simon and Garfunkels Bridge over Troubled Waters.
The number of people wearing seat belts has risen to 89.4 percent, up from 85.4 percent in 2015, according to the state Department of Transportation.

One of the factors for the increase has been the Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, which began last May that included 129 state and local law enforcement agencies. Those caught not wearing a seat got a $92 ticket.
These real PA creatures could become cryptids if we don't save them
The way people treat gulls is despicable, writes LIZ JONES. I agree with the outrage over the death of Cecil the lion, but at least he had a lovely life, which is more than can be said for our animals.
As seen on TV: Sergeant Maclachlan starred in the Channel 4 series Who Dares Wins

In action in the western desert at the height of the 2003 Iraq War, Sergeant Colin Maclachlan and his SAS comrades were fighting under the internationally agreed laws of war. Those laws make clear that killing wounded enemy soldiers is always illegal.

According to the first Geneva Convention of 1949 they must be respected and protected in all circumstances, and any attempts upon their lives, or violence to their persons, shall be strictly prohibited.

So much for the law  what about military reality? Sgt Maclachlans SAS patrol had been hammering Iraqi vehicles with machine gun fire and missiles packed with enough explosive to destroy the heaviest battle tank.

As you would expect, some of the survivors were horrifically wounded, one with three limbs blown off. According to the book, you treat the wounded and evacuate them to an aid post or hospital. But there was neither anywhere near.

The SAS could not spare a vehicle to drive them across the desert and nor would the battle situation have allowed it. Calling in a helicopter would have compromised their mission.

Those who could be treated with field dressings and tourniquets to stem their bleeding would have to be made as comfortable as possible and left to their own fortunes or taken prisoner.

So far so legal. But what about the three who were bleeding to death in agony, begging to be put out of their misery?

Amidst the violence and horror of the battlefield, British soldiers have confronted that dilemma down the centuries. And not just with the enemy.

The decision over your own brothers-in-arms who are wounded and dying is even more agonising. A hundred years ago, during a night march up to the attack at Passchendaele, many soldiers of my great uncles battalion, the 2nd/8th Londons, slipped off the duckboards and into the quagmire. Unable to rescue them, they shot their own men rather than let them suffocate in the liquefied ooze.

Soldiers are not machines. Despite the violent aggression that is their stock-in-trade they are compassionate human beings just like anyone else.

COLONEL RICHARD KEMP commanded British forces In Iraq And Afghanistan

No amount of battle experience or training can inoculate their hearts and minds against the sight, sound and smell of a broken and bleeding human being crying out for death. And soldiers have the means at hand to deliver it.

Whether dealing with friend or foe, this is one of the toughest decisions any man can be faced with.

But if his decision is to end the life of a wounded enemy then the soldier must be ready to face investigation. Because whatever his heart might tell him, his training tells him that to kill an enemy who poses no threat is a war crime. It must remain a war crime. To give a soldier in battle the right to make such a decision opens the way for endless litigation and for confusion on a battlefield. It also places an impossible burden on his shoulders.

Even the greatest doctor cannot predict with certainty whether a man will live or die. How can an infantryman whos trained only in battlefield first aid be expected to do so?

I understand why Sgt Maclachlan did what he did. I cannot say for sure whether I would have done the same had I been in his boots.
Cuddles: Sophie Hughes, 31, with her baby nephew Oscar before the liver transplant

When Sophie Hughes flew 10,000 miles from Australia to visit her tiny nephew Oscar, she arrived with a special present  the gift of life.

The baby was battling for survival after being born with a life-threatening condition  and his only hope was a liver transplant.

After he spent a fruitless few months on the transplant list, brave Sophie, 25, stepped forward and agreed to donate part of her own liver.

Both have now made a full recovery.

Oscars parents, Kerry and Anthony Hughes, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, last night paid tribute to Sophie.

Former travel agent Mrs Hughes, 31, said: We will be for ever thankful. It is amazing Sophie flew 10,000 miles to save him.

Oscar was born last October but tests later showed that he had biliary atresia  a condition where the main bile duct from the liver does not form properly.

Reason to smile: Oscar went on the transplant list but became so poorly that his best chance of survival was a live donation - and Sophie had no hesitation in volunteering

At just seven weeks old he underwent a major operation, but it was not a success.

Oscar went on the transplant list but became so poorly that his best chance of survival was a live donation  and Anthonys sister Sophie had no hesitation in volunteering. The surgery went ahead in May.

Speaking from Sydney, she said: My scar is like a badge of honour, and even though Im half a world away, a little piece of me is with Oscar.
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Campaign: Rosie Ayliffe tried to avoid the agonising what-ifs as she discussed the life and death of her daughter Mia

Rosie Ayliffe tries to avoid the agonising what-ifs as she discusses the life and death of her beautiful daughter Mia, who was murdered a few weeks before her 21st birthday.

You cant have regrets, she says. I feel that very strongly, because thats what eats you up and exacerbates the grief.

And there has been no shortage of grief on both sides of the world in the two months since Mia was stabbed to death by a crazed killer in a remote Australian backpackers hostel  along with another Briton, Tom Jackson, 30, who courageously tried to save her.

Rosie recalls how, when she waved Mia goodbye more than a year ago as she set off on her dream trip from their local railway station in Derbyshires Peak District, she hugged her daughter and said simply: Goodbye, I love you. Be careful.

I added, Dont forget I love you all around the world and back again. It was what I used to say to her as a little girl. And we both tried to laugh through our tears.

Obviously I was full of anxiety for her. I would rather shed gone Inter-Railing around Europe for six weeks than going to the other side of the world, but what could I say?

I wanted her to live her dream. Shed wanted to do this for so long.

It is a sentiment surely shared by every parent who has nervously watched their child set off on a gap-year adventure.

But Rosies worst fears were appallingly realised when two devastated police officers arrived at her Derbyshire home one evening in August.

As a mother, she instinctively understood something terrible had happened, even though hard facts were initially difficult to come by.

The police knew very little apart from the fact that Mia was fatally injured, says Rosie.

Brutal assault: Mia, 20, from Derbyshire, was stabbed to death by a crazed killer in a remote Australian backpackers hostel

It was only when I phoned the consulate that I found out she had been attacked and killed.

As details of the brutal assault began to emerge, the full horror became apparent; Mia had been dragged from her bed and stabbed by another backpacker, Frenchman Smail Ayad, 29.

The powerfully built former cage fighter had reportedly made threats weeks before her arrival in the hostel to massacre his fellow travellers.

But it is believed he targeted lively, attractive Mia as he developed an obsession with her after she was placed in a four-berth mixed sex dormitory alongside him.

After repeatedly stabbing Mia, he attacked a hostel worker then jumped from a balcony and chased and killed a pet dog. Having re-entered the hostel, he attacked and fatally wounded Mr Jackson, who had been trying to help Mia.

Although he is Muslim and shouted Allahu Akbar during his bloody killing spree, police have found no evidence Ayad was radicalised.

Rosie says: I was told by the police that Mia was unconscious after the first blow. But my brain refuses to believe that, and instead it plays and replays that ugly scene for me.

Rosie struggled for days to believe that her bubbly, loquacious daughter had been taken from her.

In the week after Mias death, she wrote on her blog: The problem is that I havent seen Mia for nearly a year, and so in my head shes still alive, well and living in Australia, cracking jokes and setting up a stall to sell rocks shed picked up as part of her farm work.

But now Rosie, 53, an English teacher, is trying to channel her pain into something more constructive.

She has launched a campaign to highlight the exploitation and horrendous conditions endured by backpackers such as Mia, which she is convinced were a contributory factor in her daughters murder.

Rosie explains that young travellers who want to extend their one-year working holiday visa in Australia are obliged to carry out 88 days of work on farms or in construction, carrying out unpopular, often extremely arduous labour.

Life abroad: Mia, pictured sunbathing on Surfers Paradise beach on the Gold Coast, was dragged from her bed and stabbed

To accommodate them, a network of grim hostels has sprung up  such as the one where Mia died in Home Hill, Queensland  which act as employment agencies as well as offering bed and board in sparse dormitories.

The flow of work day by day is often sporadic and backpackers are at the mercy of sometimes exploitative hostel owners and employers.

Its modern-day slavery, says Rosie. The work is back-breaking. Sometimes the hostel owner takes passports away from the young people if they owe them money for rent.

Theres quite a bit of sexual harassment too in some places. No one wants to blow the whistle, they all just want their visas.

Mia turned down one job on a strawberry farm because they were only employing girls, which set off alarm bells. In the hostels theres a tense, febrile atmosphere, with drink and drugs.

Rosie hopes that by speaking out, she can spare other parents the torment she is going through.

Younger years: Mia, whose parents split when she was three, is pictured as a toddler learning to play the piano

Mias exotic background meant she was born to travel.

Born in London in 1995, her father Howard Chung-Yap, a lorry driver, is of Jamaican-Chinese extraction.

Rosie says: Mia had genes from three different continents  you dont get much more ethnically mixed than that. Her father was a roadie in the music business. He used to take her on trips all over Europe. She would see the different countries from the cab of a truck.

So, of course, Mia grew up wanting to travel, and I didnt discourage her in any way. I took her to Istanbul when she was a baby when I helped to write the Rough Guide To Turkey.

Her parents split when Mia was three and she and her mother moved to Derbyshire.

Although Mia did well at school, gaining nine GCSEs, she left after AS-levels and embarked on a childcare course. But the grand trip was always in the back of her mind, and after saving money  along with a compensation payout from a car accident which very nearly killed her when she was 12  she set off in September, 2015.

I drummed into her the importance of dressing and behaving appropriately in every country she went to, says her mother.

I was worried, of course, but in some ways travelling as a single woman can be safer than two girls, as people can be more protective towards you.

Mias route, travelling by plane, took her to Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Thanks to Facebook, she and her mother had regular online chats, and Mias profile is festooned with photos of her travels.

Her mother says: Its ironic that Mia has been labelled as a backpacker because she hated the backpack. If she could have done the whole trip with a wheeled suitcase, with her heels and her nails all done, then she would have.

By August, Mia was in Brisbane and her thoughts had turned to staying in Australia for a second year.

Mia decided, with a British friend, Chris Porter, to follow the thousands of other backpackers on the three-month long specified work scheme. They went to Home Hill  far from the bright lights of the city.

World tour: Mia, pictured with as a toddler with her mother Rosie, travelled to Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand and Indonesia

After a few days picking up rocks and stones in a sugar cane field to protect farming machinery, Mia revealed her poor impression of the work and accommodation. In a Facebook post, she declared: Day 4 done. Just 85 left! Skills achieved; the ability to tell the difference between a rock and a clump of mud and throwing stones really far. The sun is too hot. Stupid Australia.

She described the hostel to her mother in another Facebook message as like a prison and said she was worried her first visa might run out before she was able to complete the requisite 88 days of work.

Back home, Rosie worried that Mia had been given no training about what to do if she encountered one of the many venomous snakes found in Queensland. She shared her daughters concerns about not completing the three months of work in time.

Then on August 23, police arrived at Rosies door to break the news every parent dreads.

A week later, Rosie set off for Australia surrounded by her family to be reunited with her daughter in the most unbearable circumstances after a gruelling 10,000-mile journey.

Knife attack: Powerfully built former cage fighter Smail Ayad had reportedly made threats weeks before Mia's arrival in the remote Australian hostel to massacre his fellow travellers

As she blogged from the flight: The tears are a relief, and I dont really care that my face is swollen like a swollen thing.

Whats harder is that the least suggestion of pain and violence on the film Im trying to watch brings horrific visions of Mias final moments into my head.

She arrived in Australia to the further devastating news that Mr Jackson has died from his injuries.

The police in Brisbane had been well briefed and at first refused to answer when I asked, Hows Tom Jackson? That job was left to a consular liaison, she recalls.

None of us took the news well. It was devastating to hear that this heroic man had died trying to save Mias life and I dissolved again into the hopeless sobbing that had plagued me for most of the flight.

And incredibly, the 6ft 5in senior police officer who gave us a thorough account of Mias last moments broke down himself and wept.

Having investigated every aspect of Mias private possessions, his tributes to Mia were probably the most heartfelt Id heard. It was the most comforting moment of this sorry nightmare and I will never forget it.

Rosie had initially opted not to see Mias body at the morgue, but a relative encouraged her, hoping it would provide closure.

It provided me with no closure whatsoever; it was like looking at a waxwork doll, she says.

Wed chosen something nice for her to wear and she looked really beautiful, like sleeping beauty or something. But when I lifted the gauze you could see mottling under the make-up and how traumatised her body was.

Im glad I did it because I dont want to think that she died as some kind of sleeping princess, because she died in the way she did and it was completely horrific.

Fighting back tears, she adds: I left there feeling empty and then we headed for the beach, and I went down to the sea and saw her there  I saw her on the beach in a kind of vision almost  just running along the beach.

I suppose it was all the videos and images Id seen of her just came back to me at that moment, and I had a real sense of how happy shed been there.

Mia will always be approaching her 21st birthday, on a beach, playing silly games with her friends, dancing and laughing with babies and toddlers in the sunshine, healthy and strong, and looking her head-turning, devastatingly beautiful self. So I dont pity Mia  unless I dwell on the manner of her death.

I have this sense that she is with me, not as a physical presence, but spiritually. I am guided by her and she is my moral compass Rosie Ayliffe

Rosie says: I was told by the police that Ayad had cannabis in his system. Cannabis and other drugs were rife at the time in the Home Hill hostel, to my knowledge.

Maybe if this guy started to drink excessively and use skunk [an extremely potent type of cannabis]. If thats what it was, it could have sparked a psychotic episode? Who can tell?

Some of those questions may be answered when Ayad is dealt with in court, charged with two murders and an attempted murder.

Rosie launched her campaign to improve the lot of backpackers partly because she feels it is what Mia would have wanted. I have this sense that she is with me, not as a physical presence, but spiritually.

I am guided by her and she is my moral compass.

Closure for me would be to see this campaign get off the ground. I hope that I can get the message out to other young people and their parents that there are dangers out there which they may not have anticipated.

Rosie says: Through this campaign we could save lives. Mia is not the first person to die in that situation  how many girls have been sexually harassed on the farms, leaving life-long scars?

Paul Broadbent, chief executive of the UK-based Gangmasters Licensing Authority, has met Rosie and backs the campaign. He says: Rosies campaigning is courageous and admirable and, as an organisation that exists to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers, we fully support her endeavours.

Since Mias death, Rosie has been blogging as a way to vent her feelings about all that has happened. One poignant line from the blog, addressed to Mias friends, is an eloquent testimony to her daughters spirit. She writes: Mia cant dance any more, or have babies, or travel, or fulfil her ambitions. You have to dance for her now.
Mariella Frostrup, daughter Molly, and son Dan at a fashion show in Somerset House

Listening to Mariella Frostrup talking about sex is a delightfully suggestive experience. Quite aside from those husky tones and the gutsy, full-throated laugh, the conversation is liberally peppered with eyebrow-raising innuendo.

The very mention of the word banging, for example  in a conversation about ongoing building work  provokes an instant, hearty chuckle.

For Mariella, 53, such euphemisms are harder to avoid than ever, as the broadcaster and BBC Radio 4 presenter has spent the past year editing an anthology of erotic fiction, including tales of dishevelment and passion by authors ranging from the Marquis de Sade and DH Lawrence to Patricia Highsmith and Henry Miller.

Some might think it odd then that, as a mother, Mariella is profoundly worried at the sexualisation of our society. She is, she admits, fearful for her young daughter in a world where girls are increasingly objectified, where advertising increasingly takes its cues from online porn and where the internet brings torture and sadomasochism at the touch of a button.

The only solution, she believes, is a radical rethink of sex education in schools, as it is failing to prepare a generation of children for todays sexualised society.

I live in a world where Im inundated with sexual innuendo and imagery and objectification of young girls, and increasingly young men, she says. Theres nothing wrong with having fantasies. But pornography takes those fantasies and puts them into a real-life scenario with real human beings, who are poverty-stricken, disadvantaged, dispossessed.

Were watching the abuse of other people for our own delectation and in ways that actually make the world a more dangerous place for our daughters and sons.

Mariella Frostrup has just edited an anthology of erotic literature, including tales of dishevelment and passion by authors including DH Lawrence

Her strong views are formed in part because Mariellas two children  Molly, 12, and ten-year-old Danny  are on the cusp of becoming teenagers, and she is keen to foster a culture of openness about sex with them.

I believe whatever they ask me about theyre ready for, she explains. Ill try to push it a little bit further and the minute I do, they go, Uurgh, thats gross, I dont want to talk about that. But at least youve opened the gate a little bit wider.

Mariella finds it particularly daunting bringing up a daughter in an entirely different world to the Ireland of the 1970s where she was raised.

Im very frightened for her. I try to say that theres terrible stuff out there on the internet, although I know shed be horrified rather than intrigued. Im even more concerned shell start sexting.

Boys are more lured by whats online, and are expected to be part of the crowd and say, Cor, look at this!

What I talk to both of them about is that porn is nothing to do with sex  its about people having terrible things done to them for the appreciation of weirdo perverts.

Talking about sex has become something of a specialism for Mariella.

Mariella says sex is as important to us as brushing our teeth, and being embarrassed about it is 'bizarre'

She may be best known for being the presenter of BBC Radio 4s Open Book programme since 2000. But more recently she presented Channel 4s risque series Sex Box, a show which aimed to reclaim sex from porn, but arguably was an exercise in voyeurism as real couples engaged in amorous relations on set.

Her mission  as she describes it  is continuing with her anthology of erotic fiction. Is it, in the light of this, hypocritical to condemn the pornography industry?

Not in Mariellas view. Because literature relies on the imagination, she says, it can be confined to the world of fantasy in a way that online pornography cannot.

The immense difference between erotica and pornography is that pornography is not about sex  its about sexual violence against women.

Reading erotica gives you a chance to dissect those sorts of scenarios in your own mind  theyre fantasies. Id love to see more porn made by women about sexuality and sensuality.

We are, she says, living in two separate universes  one which is still very repressed and Victorian and the other which is, because of internet pornography, a sexual free-for-all.

Sex is still a great taboo for some. But its as important as brushing your teeth, going to the loo and eating. Its what makes the world go around. So to be embarrassed about it is bizarre.

Mariella said she has the parental controls turned up as high as possible for her children, who are 12 and 10, but is aware they will access porn in some ways anyway

Mariella stops short of asking the Government to intervene in the censorship of the internet, but agrees there needs to be a big discussion about how societys freedoms co-exist with the webs horrible black hole.

And she believes that discussion must start at a young age.

The saddest, most frustrating, and most ludicrous thing is the lack of sex education in schools. Sex is used to sell every product under the sun, and gross acts of torture and sadomasochism can be found at the push of a button. We must prepare our children, but the expectation is that itll be covered at home. Thats completely irresponsible and I just do not understand it.

Last week, Mariellas Radio 4 colleague, Womans Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, told an audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival that teenagers should be shown and asked to analyse pornography rather than have sex education classes.

Mariella would not go that far.

The only safety is making sure your children will talk to you about any of it and, I hope, have an understanding of what it [pornography] really is rather than what its presented as, she says.

Every man has to be some kind of hairless, Hollywood movie star; every woman is a prepubescent Barbie with ridiculous breasts and unnatural waist. It makes me feel nostalgic for the less oppressive days of the 1970s when porn was more about atmosphere.

She adds: Pornography is analogous to the drugs industry because so many of the actors are dependent. The only people making anything out of it are those at the top.

In the Frostrup household  Mariellas husband is human rights lawyer Jason McCue  the parental internet controls are turned up to the max to prevent idle curiosity, but she is resigned to the inevitability that her children will access porn anyway.

Mariella herself had been fully prepared for the starry world of showbiz and pop hedonism that she was thrust into while she was still a teenager.

Her strident views on pornography come not from a position of prudishness but are inherited partly from her artist mother, a staunch feminist who somewhat neglected her children to go to meetings with fellow radicals.

Her childhood was poor and, at times, difficult. Born in Oslo to a Norwegian father and Scottish mother, the family moved to Ireland when Mariella was six. Her parents separated and her alcoholic father, who was foreign editor of The Irish Times, died at 44 when she was 15.

Mariella grew up in Ireland and had a poor and at times difficult childhood

Much of her early life was so traumatic she has blocked it out, and only has a clutch of random memories before she packed her belongings into plastic bags and embarked on a new life in London.

She recalls: I was lucky to have a clear idea of what I felt was right and wrong. My parents encouraged me to think that sexuality was something you explored as far as you wanted. They used to tell me the best sex Id ever have wasnt with the person you marry but with someone you love and feel safe with.

That was the best advice I ever got, and it made me feel safer, entering the world at a particularly precocious age.

Mariella hit London with her new punk wardrobe and worked her way into the glamorous world of music PR, hanging out with Bob Geldof, Paula Yates and Iggy Pop. There was a lot of drugs, alcohol, clubbing and excess  and plenty of wandering hands. It was the prime era for stars such as Jimmy Savile to be operating. Mariella shrugged them off. The women who became victims were, she says, too naive.

Yes, there were blokes who didnt think anything of chatting up a 15-year-old but you could complain because there were rabid feminists banging on about it.

Part of the reason some women were vulnerable is because, for them, sex was taboo growing up. They didnt know how to deal with it.

Mariella was in charge of publicity for Live Aid in 1985 and moved into television, presenting a music show for Channel 4. By 2000 she had been asked to become a judge on the Booker Prize panel and shortly afterwards began presenting Open Book on Radio 4.

She has always been a bookworm, delving covertly into her parents bookcase as a child to read DH Lawrence and Anais Nin, a pioneer of female erotica. It is in books that her passions now lie.

Many of the stories she waded through were written by male Victorians, and contained scenes involving servant wenches which could perhaps have been considered a little too forced for modern tastes.

But it is the ones written by women that give Mariella hope. It felt with these stories there was a glimmer of light, that the world was turning towards a place where sexuality and desire was no longer defined via male desire. Its great were all different, that men and women are different, and that should be celebrated.

Mariella has, of course, been celebrated as something of a sex symbol herself, not least because of her famously husky voice. The mere mention of it makes her bristle.

I used to re-record my voicemail messages all the time because I hated the way my voice sounded on them, she confides. But its certainly earned me some money over the years, so I am grateful.

As for her sex life now, she says that it has fallen rather by the wayside  shes been too busy reading and talking about it.

Ive been talking about sex enough to put me right off it and I havent had time. But I think of it as an altruistic mission  everyone else can have more sex and Ill just keep on talking about it.

What, then, has she told the children about her compendium of erotica? Neither of the kids know about the book yet  they think Ive been running off to parent-teacher meetings. Hopefully they wont find out until theyre older. You dont want to think about your parents having sex, let alone talking about it publicly.
LIZ JONES tells us what we can expect from the ever-elegant Sam Cam

Mrs Cameron never goes out without clinching her waist - which she is right to show off

Whats a style icon to do when shes no longer in the public gaze? Launch her own clothing line, of course.

And luckily for Samantha Cameron  who last week registered a luxury brand called Samantha Cameron Studio Limited  designing dresses rather than wearing them isnt too much of a leap: she was the creative director of luxury brand Smythson and her younger sister, Emily Sheffield, also happens to be deputy editor of Vogue.

Over the past six years, Sam Cam  who topped Vanity Fairs Best Dressed Women list last year  was frequently shoehorned into sticky-out skirts by Christopher Kane and gowns covered in roses by Erdem, but we knew her heart wasnt in it.

Becoming a figure head for the British fashion industry was in her job description, not her DNA.

You felt the moment she got home, she breathed a sigh of relief and removed all the trappings, confident enough in her background to wear a onesie.

Yet she has emerged from her immersion in fashion a changed woman. Her job as First Lady of Fashion was to patronise British labels, but she grew to enjoy dressing up.

he has appeared colourful and out there, expensive but never boring.

So the fact she is about to translate what she has learned from attending numerous Royal weddings, State occasions, resignation speeches and funerals into something we can all buy into is terrific news.

She learned the hard way.

She is not afraid of colour, so we can expect bright prints throughout her future collection. These two dresses by Preen are bold enough to impress the fashion pack

After the too-short creased Burberry dress and bare head she sported to William and Kates wedding, she found out respect is key: a formal occasion is about them, not you.

She also learned to abandon baubles at the decolletage by choosing high necks that frame her face, and that platforms are not welcome anywhere, especially if youre negotiating the stone steps to St Pauls.

Like many women she loves her Breton stripes, so expect tops like these. Mrs Cameron always pairs her's with a pencil straight skirt, to balance with widening effect of the stripes

And remember: too much fabric means that you have to show some flesh somewhere to avoid looking like a sofa, which is why she loves to emphasise those arms.

She has stuck valiantly to trousers but makes sure they end at the ankle: this lengthens the leg, shows off the shoe and is effortlessly sexy to boot.

She has cleverly learned to mix anonymous cheap pieces with designer, but also knows that head-to-toe cheap and cheerful is a mistake.

Sam does formal really well, keeping her silhouette lean, like in this blue lace gown which exudes simple elegance

Above all, she has got to know her own body shape, and dresses accordingly: she has a tiny waist and shows it off whenever she can.

My guess is her new collection will be mid-price  meaning Whistles price points of say 325 for a wool pea coat and 250 for a cocktail dress  and aimed at professional mums: the sort who feel Boden is a slippery slope to never having sex again, but who are too busy to put the time into the gym to fit into anything bodycon.

During her six years at Downing Street, she refused to give up her day job or trousers  and theyre likely to be a staple of her brand. But she also knows her way around a pair of heels
Despite still working today, the 62-year-old is battling his failing

He helped mastermind Live Aid, Band Aid and the second biggest-selling single in British history with Do They Know Its Christmas? And the songs he wrote for his bands Ultravox and Visage made them chart stars in the 1980s. He also played guitar for rockers Thin Lizzy.

Today, Midge Ure is still very much a working musician, currently on a solo tour of America with European dates planned later in the year before heading back to the States, and then on to Australia in 2017.

For a man who so clearly loves music, it seems particularly cruel, then, that he is losing his hearing.

Midge Ure in 1981 in his Ultra Vox days. The band had a string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s

Scotsman Midge, 62, who lives in Bath with second wife, Empire Of The Sun actress Sheridan Forbes, 50, and their three daughters Kitty, 22, Ruby, 19, and Flossie, 17, says he feels lucky to have good health despite the decades of rock n roll excesses. But the years spent playing arenas at deafening volumes have taken their toll.

Midge also suffers from tinnitus. Though he doesnt wear a conventional hearing aid, he uses custom-made ear-plugs while performing that help protect his ears and still allow him to follow the music.

He knows the damage cannot be undone, saying: I have a constant ringing in my ears. If I think about it, I can hear it and sometimes I can hear it more than others.

His deafness affects him most in places where there is a lot of background noise. I find it hard to sit in noisy restaurants, where the acoustics are bad and I struggle to distinguish the difference between the human voice and background noise.

I do find myself lip-reading, trying to work out what people are saying, and I have been uncomfortable in really loud places trying to talk to people. The voice just blends in with the background as opposed to being in the foreground.

While the cause of his hearing loss might be unusual, Midge is far from alone in his plight.

HEALTH COMMENT - BY DR ELLIE CANNON Hearing loss can start insidiously, so it can take time for sufferers to really notice there is a big problem. I often find that patients have gradually turned up their TV or their phone so are inadvertently compensating. It is only when these adjustments no longer help that people really become aware of their condition. Yet hearing tests are easy to arrange, via a GP or on the high street. Of course, wearing a hearing aid is a very visible treatment and I can understand the reticence as it is considered a sign of ageing. But its far more doddery to be subjecting your nearest and dearest to deafeningly loud TV and radio, and constantly asking them to repeat what they say. I cant think of a single patient who has grasped the nettle and got help who didnt tell me it was well worth it. Advertisement

Midge Ure with his family collecting his OBE in 2005 for his services to music and charity

There are more than 11 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss  thats one in six of the population  and about one in every ten UK adults has tinnitus.

Research into hearing loss in the latest Health Survey for England found that one in six women and almost one in four men over 55 reported no hearing difficulties, but were subsequently found to have some hearing loss.

Its not a surprise since, on average, it takes ten years for people to address their problem.

Midge, who also has an elder daughter, Molly, 29, with his first wife, actress Annabel Giles, says: I noticed the tinnitus first when we were doing the Ultravox album six years ago, when the band got back together.

There was no loud explosion or anything I remember that caused it. We were in the studio recording and I just became aware of this tone and it never went away.

I have been standing on stage in front of speakers for years and it has taken its toll.

Tinnitus is a medical term to describe the perception of noise either in one ear, in both ears or in the head, when there is no corresponding external sound. Most people with tinnitus describe it as a ringing sound, but others talk about buzzing, whistling, humming, whooshing and hissing.

Midge helped mastermind Live Aid, Band Aid and the second biggest-selling single in British history with Do They Know Its Christmas? with Bob Geldof

Midge tells me: I can hear the ringing when it is silent, when I am not listening to music. There is this high-pitched, constant tone  I can hear it now as we are chatting.

I think it must be dreadful for some people because it can drive them absolutely crazy. He adds: I could wear a hearing aid but I dont have one. For the past ten years, Ive had an earpiece that is specifically made for me that provides ultra-high definition  meaning what I hear is what I need to hear.

Loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is about 60dB, while a lawnmower is about 90dB and a loud rock concert about 120dB. As a comparison, a military jet taking off will generate around 130dB of noise, while a riveting machine will manage a mere 110dB.

In general, sounds above 85dB can be harmful to the delicate structures responsible for hearing inside the ear, depending on duration and how often a person is exposed to them.

Some earplugs  those worn by industrial workers or bikers, for instance  work by simply blocking all sounds entering the ear. However, modern earplugs for musicians (or music fans) can filter out or occlude certain tones that cause damage while still allowing the user to hear and enjoy music.

YOU CAN RETRAIN THE BRAIN TO ALLEVIATE TINNITUS Tinnitus is not classed as an illness in itself, but a symptom of a hearing problem. It is believed the auditory cortex  the part of the brain where sound is processed  malfunctions, causing the person to hear a noise that does not have an external source. Tinnitus is more common in the over-65s and hearing loss is the most common trigger. Its thought that the less sound a person hears, the more they focus on perceived noises. The auditory nerves can be damaged by exposure to a loud noise or an ear infection. One treatment is called tinnitus retraining therapy, through which a sufferer learns mental tricks to filter out unwanted sounds. Advertisement

Midge says: Maybe you dont need to hear the full orchestra or the full band, but just the drums and the guitar, and you can hear your voice. It means you are still in control.

Midges audiologist-made earplugs are moulded to fit his ear exactly.

On coping with his tinnitus, he says: I try not to think about it too much. Some days it will seem louder than others, but maybe that is because I am more aware of it or it is quieter or I am tired.

About one per cent of adults (some 600,000 people) in the UK have tinnitus that affects their quality of life. There is no cure, and treatment tends to focus on helping patients manage the condition.

Hearing loss is not the only health issue Midge has had to face up to. He quit alcohol with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous in 2005, and sees this as a turning point in terms of his wellbeing.

His drinking turned into an addiction after the death of his father in 2001, and he has since spoken out against the easy availability of beer and spirits from corner shops to supermarkets.

He says: Our image of alcoholics is people sitting on park benches. But in reality they are parents at school and bankers and from all walks of life.

On his friend David Bowies death earlier this year, he says: It made me feel vulnerable. He wasnt that much older than I am, and it all becomes a bit too close for comfort.

He admits he is aware that he could do more yet to improve his health. Someone posted a picture of me from the Rich Kids [the band he was part of in the 1970s] which was taken nearly 40 years ago and I look like a matchstick.

I had a 20in waist and I was really skinny. I have no idea what I weigh now. I could do with losing a few pounds, I think. I generally keep fit by being on the go and performing. But I am going to India this year with my wife, who is a yoga teacher. She goes once a year for three weeks and has talked me into it.
Sagardi

95 Curtain Road,

London EC2

Rating:

'The, uh, lambs trotters, says our Portuguese waiter, with a rather embarrassed smile. You do know theres, not much, well, meat on them. We nod. Its just that some customers have complained. All that bone, and those wobbly bits, and the skin it wasnt really what they were expecting.

I know what he means. Because the same could be said for Sagardi, a new Basque restaurant in Shoreditchs languidly beating heart.

At first sight, Sagardi seems little more than another over-polished concept in search of an easily wowed mark. But I start to see that there may be hope ahead...

With a wine list starring 14 varieties of Txakoli wine (a mouth puckering wide choice), and charming, informed service, Sagardi offers a peek into the depths of no-nonsense Basque food

At first sight, this place seems little more than another over-polished concept in search of an easily wowed mark.

Concrete walls, exposed ducts, distressed wood, glass-walled cellars, beef-ageing rooms, angry charcoal grills, white tiles and butchers blocks blah de bloody blah.

Its part of a chain, too, with branches in Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Seville. Although none, apparently, in Bilbao or San Sebastian.

The menu is vast, sprawling and overly loquacious, with endless blurb about Txuleton, The Basque Meat, and Grandmas Home Cooking and Fish Dishes, Daily from the ports of Cornwall. Before going on to list Red Almadraba Tuna from Barbate. Which, unless my geography is seriously screwed, is a long old haul from Falmouth.

And then there are the prices. 8 for Ibarra chilli peppers! 16 for roasted red peppers!! 18 for 250g of steamed clams!!!

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Another lunch lost to the misspent marketing department dollar, blowing in an ill wind of Basque-scented guff.

I sharpen my pen, and prepare for the worst. But then I gulp their cider, crisp, crazed with wild yeast, and poured from a be-fizzing height.

And start to realise that there may be hope ahead. Getaria anchovies, wallowing in a puddle of seriously good oil, are exceptional.

Smooth, civilised and discreetly rich, they possess a sonorous depth, and an elegant length that never seems to end.

Tenderloin of specially cured beef meat served with green Ibarra chilli pepper at Sagardi,

Morcilla, from Biscay, is soft, gentle and mellow, thick with rice and easy comfort.

More sausages, txistorra, or basque chipolatas, with wrinkled, burnished skins and a slightly sour bite. As fine as Ive munched all year. They remind me of those fermented sai krok Isan of north-eastern Thailand.

OK, these dishes dont so much sing the skill of the kitchen, as the quality of the ingredients. But Sagardi sure know how to source.

Not everything thrills. Bread is more blackened than charred, and drowns out any taste of chopped tomato on top.

And the undoubted freshness of the Almadraba tuna tartare is rather overwhelmed by over-exuberant spicing.

Steak, Txuleton Ciderhouse, (the cheapest variety on offer, 6 per 100g) is hewn from an old mooer.

The crust has the sort of salt crunch that all good steak deserves and the meat tastes of, well, beef. Not so over-aged that it moves into the over-gamey, rather just right. With lavishly luscious fat that tastes of ancient honey.

But true Basque beauty can be found in two dishes. First, those braised suckling lambs trotters, minuscule mouthfuls of delectably dainty feet, tiny bones clad in gently ovine nuggets of wonderfully wobbling delight.

Theyre slippery and gummy, both delicate and mildly obscene, and mixed with small chunks of chorizo and scraps of the softest, sweetest braised skin.

Theres no place for knife and fork here. Pick up, suck clean and grin. A sharp, tomatoey Biscay sauce prevents things getting too lascivious, but this is a dish of messy and multiple delights.

Then codfish (or salt cod), a great chunk of prime loin, and assuredly saline. Our waiter tells us all about the village from which its sourced, and the care they take in the kitchen, when rehydrating, and the well, I did rather stop listening. To concentrate on the eating.

The texture sits gloriously between wet and dry, the parsley and olive sauce clean, verdant and lithe. Theres real art in this transformation from stiff, unyielding block to pert, mildly gelatinous delight. An art the Basque know well.

We eschew pudding for good sheeps cheese (including a spoonful of something fetidly farmyard floor), and a basket of walnuts. Simple, but stirring.

With a wine list starring 14 varieties of Txakoli wine (a mouth puckering wide choice), and charming, informed (if occasionally a little too informed) service, Sagardi offers a peek into the depths of no-nonsense Basque food.

It aint cheap. But where else can you find braised bay lambs feet, and salt cod thats taken as seriously as this?

Despite the glitz and chit chat, this is food to make even a Basque man sing loud and lustily of love, fishing and endless games of cards.

God, I do hope they dont lose their nerve. And turn it into yet another bleeding steakhouse, says my friend Seb. So, jainkoaren prest*, do I.

Lunch: 45 per head

(*basque for god willing)

What Tom eat this week

Thursday

Back to The Barbary, for Moroccan cigars, nan-e Barbari, pata negra neck and octopus. Then dinner at 5 Hertford Street, in the upstairs dining room. Good burrata and grilled cod.

Dover sole

Friday

Lunch at Scotts. Again. Had a craving for native oysters, and devoured a dozen West Mersea no 2s. Followed by ceviche and Dover sole. Then Naama lamb shish kebabs for dinner.

Saturday

Back to The Oak for pizza. Diavola, Padron pepper, tagliata and paprika fried squid. Then bass ceviche for dinner, with fish from brilliant Fishmongers Kitchen in Shepherds Bush. Hang about, this is exactly the same as last Saturday.

Sunday

McDonalds for tea. A treat for the kids. Big Mac and chips. Tastes good at the start. The after-effects rather less sexy. Lie on the sofa afterwards, like a beached porpoise, swearing Ill never eat this junk again. Plus ca change.
Divorce

Tuesday, Sky Atlantic

Rating:

The Missing

Wednesday, BBC1

Rating:

The Victorian Slum

Monday, BBC2

Rating:

Divorce is the new comedy written by Sharon Horgan (Pulling, Catastrophe, Motherhood) and stars Sarah Jessica Parker in her first television role since Sex And The City.

I was truly excited but, having not thought much of the first episode, was certain it had to be a grow-er, as there was no way the combination of Horgan and SJP couldnt be great.

So I skipped ahead and watched episode two and also episode three and also episode four and can now categorically state that a) it is not a grow-er and b) if you dont yearn to reach inside the screen to throttle everybody then you are a stronger person than I.

If comedy is sometimes pain turned inside out then divorce, which can be extraordinarily painful, is a rich subject. But to care about people who are breaking up you have to care they are together and we never care at all. (Stay together. Dont stay together. Its all the same to me.)

Divorce is the new comedy written by Sharon Horgan (Pulling, Catastrophe, Motherhood) and stars Sarah Jessica Parker

The first episode opened promisingly enough with Frances (Parker) inspecting her face in the mirror. How have I aged?, she is asking herself as we, the audience, are casting our minds back to SITC and are asking the same thing: how has she aged?

Frances, it turns out, is a well-heeled, superbly dressed (Carrie would be proud) suburban wife, mother and recruitment consultant who no longer loves her husband Robert (Thomas Haden Church); who has literally nothing to say to him anymore.

Matters are brought to a head at the 50th birthday party of Francess awful friend Diane (Molly Shannon), which ends in a shooting.

Previously, Dianes husband had made a toast to his wife and said in front of everybody: We can all agree that Diane has never looked her age until this year, sadly, when it all came crashing down on her only joking she looks amazing, one of the many benefits of not bearing children which, of course, is her biological function

The truth is often unpleasant, but unpleasantness should not be confused with a truth. Part of the reason this plain doesnt work is because it is so often plain unpleasant. And because it is so often plain unpleasant it is also plain unfunny.

As an audience, we can deal with unlikeable characters but here they are just so implausibly toxic. Your breath stinks, Frances tells her daughter. Does plausibility matter in a comedy? It certainly helps.

And there is also the question of tone. While SJP plays Frances as somehow deep, her friends play it as if its a farce, while Robert appears to have been airlifted in from a drama about a dumb man-child whom no one would marry in the first place.

Unlike Catastrophe, which was clear-eyed and hilariously looked at marriages merits and de-merits in a way that felt honest and true, this felt fake.

Plus, you will want to throttle everybody. The Missing may be another crime drama that doesnt know when to call it a day.

After the success of season one, which starred James Nesbitt, its back for a second series but with a fresh story.

The only survivor is Tcheky Karyo, who has returned as Julien Baptiste, the worlds greatest detective (sit on that, Poirot!) even though weve yet to see him solve a case (relax, Poirot!).

The new cast is headed by Keeley Hawes and David Morrissey as a couple whose daughter returns (creepily, with that zombie look) after vanishing 11 years earlier.

This is, in part, about what happens to a family when a missing child reappears. But havent we already seen that explored in The Returned and Thirteen and also, if we are to include cinema, Room? Told across 84 time frames and 78 countries (or so it seemed) you will have spent most of your time trying to figure out where we were geographically, and whether we were in the long ago past, the nearer past or the present.

It may all make sense eventually but only if you have the patience to stick it out and can happily watch Baptiste limping around Iraq while not having a clue what he is doing there.

But this, too, may be a grow-er. We shall see. Or not see. How much patience you can summon will prove key.

The BBCs latest living history show The Victorian Slum has recreated an East End tenement as populated by modern-day families.

This Victorian slum, you will have to accept, does not come with cholera, diphtheria, scarlet fever, TB, fatal infections, prostitution (child or otherwise), infant mortality (a quarter of children died in their first year), rickets, scurvy, starvation, horse dung everywhere, and so on.

But it was still a watchable demonstration of pre-welfare poverty: debt; back-shattering work; three to a bed; the dosshouse with its coffin beds and twopenny hangovers.

I also love that eloquent little boy who, when he realised there would be no biscuits, said he experienced a depressing feeling like a ship has sunk inside me.
Inferno Cert: 12A 2hrs 1min

Rating:

There will be those who go to see Inferno and rapidly come to the conclusion that they have mistakenly entered the seven circles of Hell.

A work of such improbably linked complexities certainly wont be to everyones taste.

But there will be those who know Dante actually specified nine circles, not seven, in his Divine Comedy, and that a film based on a Dan Brown bestseller (yes, another one) with Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon and directed by Ron Howard cant be all bad.

All Dan Browns hallmarks are in Inferno  dollops of medieval and Renaissance history, complex trails of clues, a secret organisation and the inevitable race against time

I incline to the latter. Its hokum but classy, commercial hokum; very nearly as good as the second film, Angels And Demons, seven years ago, and way better than the original, The Da Vinci Code, now a decade old.

All Browns hallmarks are there  dollops of medieval and Renaissance history, complex trails of clues, a secret organisation (praise be, not the Illuminati this time) and the inevitable race against time.

But, as the plot fairly tears along from Florence to Venice to Istanbul, taking in paintings, death masks and cathedral fonts along the 21st-century Grand Tour way, do look out for the moment  surely a cinema first  when our hero makes his getaway, accompanied by his beautiful sidekick, in a car-club vehicle.

Im pretty sure neither Bond nor Bourne has done that yet.

As the film begins Langdon is suffering a head injury. Thankfully there's a pretty doctor (Felicity Jones, above with Hanks) whos about to become his instant travelling companion

Probably the films greatest strength is the compelling but appalling logic of its principal baddie, biotech billionaire Bertrand Zobrist, played by Ben Foster.

Zobrist believes world population is out of control and has a draconian solution: a genetically engineered plague to wipe out half the planet.

As Professor Langdon inevitably shouts out: Its the politics of tyrants!

I, by contrast, can at least see a certain kerb-appeal to the Armageddon-like plot, but, that said, I have absolutely no idea why Zobrist has hidden the viruss whereabouts behind a long trail of historically themed clues that begin with a Faraday pointer (nope, me neither, but basically a small, tube-like projector) and Botticellis depiction of Dantes multi-layered Hell.

Only someone has been scribbling on this one. But who?

Its hard not to warm to a slick production that builds to a splendid finish, and in which people can utter lines like Weve still got a chance to save half the world with a straight face

What a good thing that well-known Harvard professor of religious iconology and symbology Robert Langdon is in town, even if, as the film begins, hes waking up in hospital.

He has a bullet wound to the head, is suffering from nightmarish visions, and is nursing such a nasty case of memory loss and general confusion (bizarrely, he cant remember the word for the brown breakfast beverage beginning with c but can remember his Gmail password) that he still thinks hes in Boston, when actually hes in Florence.

Where hes being looked after by a pretty British doctor  played by Felicity Jones  whos about to become his instant travelling companion. Thats what happens in Dan Brown movies.

As Hanks is now 60 and Jones is just 32, its clearly been decided that their relationship is to be conducted on an escape-the-bad-guys, find-the-virus, strictly-no-flirting basis

As Hanks is now 60 and Jones is just 32, its clearly been decided  very sensibly  that their relationship is to be conducted on an escape-the-bad-guys, find-the-virus, strictly-no-flirting basis.

But dont worry, he does find romantic entanglement elsewhere in the shape of Borgen and now Westworld star Sidse Babett Knudsen, who plays World Health Organisation boss and Langdons old flame Dr Elizabeth Sinskey.

Given her day job, shed obviously like to know where the virus is too.

Howard is too intelligent a film-maker not to know this is all nonsense, but he takes it seriously, employs wobbly camerawork and quick-fire editing to effectively ratchet up both pace and tension, and makes the most of a strong supporting cast.

Irrfan Khan (right), is terrific as the initially sinister but also drily funny boss of a private intelligence company and director Ron Howard makes the most of his strong supporting cast

Look out, in particular, for Irrfan Khan, who is terrific as the provost, the initially sinister but also drily funny boss of a private intelligence company who runs his cloak-and-real-daggers operation from the lower decks of an ocean-going cargo ship.

Yes, there are moments when you long to hit a rewind button, just to pause for breath and try to piece together the increasingly unlikely plot.

And there are moments when you wonder if Hanks might be a little old for all this rushing around.

But such doubts quickly pass and its hard not to warm to a slick, good-looking production that builds to a splendid finish in Istanbul, and in which people can utter lines like Weve still got a chance to save half the world with a straight face.

SECOND SCREEN

Storks (U)

Rating:

American Honey (15)

Rating:

Where do babies come from? The stork brings them, everyone knows that.

But according to animation Storks, thats not true any more  it hasnt been since a delivery went wrong 18 years ago and the storks set up an Amazon-style delivery business instead.

And, as the film begins, thats all running very smoothly until the well-intentioned but accident-prone human orphan theyve been looking after for 18 years, Tulip, is dispatched to the letters department and not only receives an order for a baby but processes it too.

Storks is a film that never really flies, hampered by that complex premise, an annoying street-talking pigeon, and a voice cast that can never quite bring the thing to convincing life

Suddenly, the reluctant storks have a new baby to deliver.

Its a film that never really flies, hampered by that complex premise, an annoying street-talking pigeon, and a voice cast that can never quite bring the thing to convincing life.

When I saw American Honey in Cannes I was sure its near three hours would be heavily cut before release, but here it is as beautiful but slow-moving as ever.

A shame as this over-extended road trip has something to say, about being young and poor and the joyous ups and dangerous downs of life on the American road.

Sasha Lane is fabulous as Star, an 18-year-old who runs away from her abusive, impoverished home.

Sasha Lane (above) is fabulous as 18-year-old runaway Star in the beautiful but slow-moving - it runs to almost three hours - road trip film, American Honey

So, surprisingly, is Shia LaBeouf as Jake, leader of the itinerant group of young people she joins and who scrape a living selling magazines door to door.

The music is great, cinematography suitably atmospheric, and the actress catching the eye as the bands ball-breaking boss is Riley Keough, daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and grand-daughter of Elvis.
Fifteen years after 9/11, the scourge of violent Islamist extremism has become even more complex and deadly.

The alacrity with which 30,000 Muslims from around the world joined the Islamic States so-called war against humanity has puzzled many.

How could a peaceful, pluralistic religion be subverted so easily to create inhuman monsters?

ISISs call for war against humanity gained acceptance very quickly

Acceptance

Among many factors, social, economic, political, psychological, the one common feature is a brainwashing of vulnerable people on the basis of a supremacist, xenophobic, intolerant, exclusivist and totalitarian jihadi theology.

This is a blatant misuse of Islam, a spiritual path to salvation that 1.6 billion Muslims believe, teaches peace, pluralism, co-existence and good neighbourliness.

But there has to be a reason why jihadi ideology has gained acceptance so quickly; why fatwas issued by reputed moderate scholars prove so ineffective?

Jihadists are able to misuse the intolerant, xenophobic, war-time verses of the holy Quran, as Muslims believe that all verses, regardless of the context, are of universal applicability. (Picture for representation)

How are jihadis able to create a 100 per cent certainty in the minds of some Muslims that violence against innocent people, including Muslims, whom they consider infidel, will please God and lead them to heaven?

Clearly, we Muslims need to rethink some basic features of our theology. Success of jihadism lies in the fact that, at its core, the jihadi theology is not different from the consensus theology of all other schools of Islamic thought.

For instance, jihadists are able to misuse the intolerant, xenophobic, war-time verses of the holy Quran, as Muslims believe that all verses, regardless of the context, are of universal applicability.

Indeed, the Islamic theology of consensus, taught in all madrasas, says that the Quran is uncreated, meaning that it is just an aspect of God; and so, divine like God himself.

The corollary is that no verse of the Quran can be questioned in terms of its universality and applicability.

Indeed, that any Muslim who tries to do so is committing blasphemy and deserves no less than death.

The Quran on earth is said to be just a copy of the one lying safe in a divine vault in heaven called Lauh-e-Mahfooz.

Consensus

This is completely irrational. Suppose Meccan elite had not responded to Islams message of equality with violence and persecution, leading to Prophet Mohammed fleeing to Madina.

There would have been no battles in Prophets lifetime and no war-time verses would have been required.

How can these verses then acquire universal applicability and eternal value?

Not only that. There is also a near-consensus in Islamic theology around the so-called Doctrine of Abrogation whereby all peaceful, pluralistic Meccan verses, at least 124, are considered abrogated by the later confrontational Medinan verses.

This is most damaging for Islam and useful for jihadism. How do Islamic theologians reconcile the uncreatedness of the Quran, its total, unquestionable divinity, with the Doctrine of Abrogation is beyond a rational persons understanding.

This is a belief with hardly any basis in the Quran. It evolved hundreds of years after the demise of the Prophet.

The same is true of the divinity and universal applicability attached to Hadith, the so-called sayings of the Prophet, and Shariah laws.

Narrations of Hadith were recorded decades and centuries after the Prophet passed away.

Almost the last verse of the Quran (5:3) says that God has now completed the religion of Islam.

Message

How can we write books centuries after that and give them the status of revealed literature?

Yet, all ulemas are agreed that Hadith is akin to revelation. This is clearly the height of irrationality.

Similarly Shariah was first codified 120 years after the demise of the Prophet, based on some verses of the Quran and Arab practices of that era.

This has been changing from country to country and age to age.

How can we Muslims be told, as we are by a multitude of scholars, that it is the religious duty of a Muslim, to see that this Shariah is established in the world?

Wherever a Muslim turns, from al- Ghazzali, Ibn-e-Taimiya, Abdul Wahhab, Sheikh Sarhandi, Shah Waliullah to Syed Qutb and Maulana Maududi, he or she gets the same Islam-supremacist message.

The latest among the most authoritative books on Islamic theology is a 45-volume comprehensive Encyclopaedia of Fiqh.

This book has a 23,000-word chapter on jihad. It gives the final, definitive definition: Jihad means to fight against a non-zimmi unbeliever (kaafir) after he rejects the call towards Islam, in order to establish or raise high the words of Allah.

Not a word about Greater Jihad, fight against ones negative ego, nafs. Clearly Islamic theology will have to be rethought, and not just to defeat jihadism, but also to deal with many other pressing issues including human rights of women, children, homosexuals, religious minorities, atheists, etc.
Gurugram is steaming ahead in the vision mission. There has been an encouraging increase in the number of registrations for eye donation after death in the past 10 years.

The Millennium Citys eye bank is now abuzz with potential donors queuing up.

According to Dr TN Ahooja, president of the Niramaya Charitable Trust, till June this year more than 25,000 residents of Gurugram have registered themselves for eye donation after death.

The eye bank also caters to residents in adjoining Mewat district of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir

There were only 22 residents who had registered their names when the eye bank trust was launched in 2007. Now, we have 25,000 registrations. This is an encouraging sign for us as large number of people are registering to donate their eyes after death, Ahooja said.

The registration for donating eyes has increased. But we have to do a lot more to encourage people to donate eyes. The state government should do more as well. And the citizens should be aware about the importance of eye donation, Ahooja added.

As per the data provided by the trust, 1,341 people donated their eyes since 2011 and 465 people benefited due to successful transplant of cornea

As per the data provided by the trust, 1,341 people donated their eyes since 2011 and 465 people benefited due to successful transplant of cornea.

According to the data, 268 Gurugram residents donated eyes in 2012 and 82 transplants were carried out. In 2011 the number of eye donation was 214; 241 in 2013; 223 in 2014; 224 in 2015; and 171 people donated their eyes till June 2016.

The number of successful cornea transplant in 2011 was 74; 65 in 2013; 84 in 2014; and 82 in 2015.

There were 75 cornea transplants between January and June in 2016.

Eye donation depends on the wish of the person

The eye-bankcum collection centre in Gurugram also caters to residents in the adjoining Meat district, Utter Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.

With a lot many people queuing up at the AIIMS in Delhi, potential donors often opt for the Gurugram eye bank.

We have a team of 40 medical staff, which has successfully conducted cornea transplants in many delicate cases. Three members of a family from Jhansi had only 10 per cent 15 per cent eye sight. Following cornea transplant, thanks to our donors, the three members of the family are leading a normal life,Ahooja said.

He also pointed out that counselling of the deceaseds kin is the toughest job during eye collection.
Steel joy: Liberty is to reopen their Kent plant

A steel plant closed more than four years ago is to reopen and start production next year.

Liberty House said the site at Sheerness in Kent will restart production of bar-and-rod products by mid-2017, employing scores of workers.

The move broadens the range of steel products that UK-owned Liberty House can supply to the market, including hot rolled coil from its Newport works, heavy plate from Dalzell in Scotland, and bar-and-rod from Sheerness.

The Kent plant can produce up to 750,000 tons a year, taking Liberty's steel rolling capacity to 2.5m tons a year.

Virinder Bahadur Garg, chief executive of Liberty Steel Newport, said: 'We are particularly excited about the prospect of restarting the Sheerness rolling mills which were closed by the previous owner.

'Although we originally thought we would move the mills elsewhere, we believe it will be better to reopen the existing site as it will save time and cost and allow us to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the market.'

The company will recruit an initial workforce of 60, rising to 100 as market conditions allow.

'We hope some of the former workers will consider coming back,' added Garg.
Extradition order: Flash crash trader Navinder Singh Sarao

HOUND HUNTED Flash crash trader Navinder Singh Sarao, who was dubbed the Hound of Hounslow, is to face extradition to the US after losing a legal battle in the High Court.

The court hearing was the last-ditch bid for the trader, who lost a court battle earlier this year when a judge ruled that he should be sent to the States to face trial on 22 charges ranging from wire fraud to commodities manipulation on US futures markets over a four-year period.

REGNIER ROLE A former Lloyds executive has been appointed to take over at Yorkshire Building Society.

Mike Regnier, who joined the society in 2014, will take up the role of chief executive from January, replacing Chris Pilling who announced in June his decision to step down after five years in charge.

Regnier, who has held a string of senior positions at the likes of HBOS and Asda, is best known for his role as products and marketing director at Lloyds Banking Group, where he was responsible for relaunching TSB on the High Street.

FENDED OFF The chief executive of private equity group SVG Capital has shrugged off the latest attempt by an American predator.

SVG boss Lynn Fordham again urged shareholders to refuse the 650p a share offer from HarbourVest, which values the company at 1billion.

HabourVest had extended its deadline for SVG shareholders to back a deal to 1pm on Tuesday next week.

SVG supports a rival offer from a consortium including Goldman Sachs and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board.

ASSETS ADVANCE Specialist emerging markets fund manager Ashmore saw a boost in its assets, despite the upheaval on the world economy.

The business saw an overall boost of 4 per cent, with only equities experiencing a fall. Ashmore now has around 42billion under management.

Chief executive Mark Coombs said that emerging markets had proved relatively stable compared to the volatility of the previous two years.

TWITTER TUMBLE Shares in social media website Twitter fell 7 per cent late last night as the chief executive of Salesforce revealed his company would not make a bid for the business.
Jim Ratcliffe has joined the battle for Shell's 1.8billion Buzzard oil field

Billionaire industrialist Jim Ratcliffe is the latest to join the battle for Shell's 1.8billion oil field as his chemical company Ineos seeks to establish itself as a key player in Britain's oil industry.

The multinational chemical group, which has offices in Hampshire and Rolle, Switzerland, is one of a number of bidders vying for Shell's Buzzard field.

Blackstone-backed Siccar Point Energy is also believed to have put in a bid.

The oil field, which is expected to sell for up to 1.8billion, is a key part of Shell's plans to offload 24.6billion in assets following its 35billion merger with BG Group earlier this year.

Ineos, set up by Ratcliffe in 1998, is a keen buyer of oilfields in the North Sea.

Last October the company announced it had struck a deal to purchase all the British gas fields owned by German company DEA Group, claiming it would provide enough energy to heat one in ten British homes.

Ratcliffe, 63, a staunch campaigner for the use of shale and nuclear energy, has openly criticised the UK's energy policy.
Said to have died of natural causes but had several ailments in his life

Porter was freed from prison in 2000 and live in Penn Hills for rest of life

Was arrested in April 1990, four years after joining Pittsburgh's mob

Thought to be highest-ranking mob member ever turned FBI informant

Charles 'Chucky' Porter (pictured), a former underboss of the Pittsburgh Mafia, has died at his home in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania at age 82. After being arrested in 1990, he was freed in 2000

The onetime underboss of Pittsburgh's dwindling Mafia family Charles 'Chucky' Porter has died at age 82.

Porter died on Tuesday in Penn Hills, where he has lived since his release from prison in 2000.

Official reports say Porter died of natural causes but he had been suffering several ailments, including diabetes, kidney failure, neuropathy and polyps.

The defunct Pennsylvania Crime Commission described Porter as the 'right-hand' man to reputed mob boss Michael Genovese.

He joined the mob in 1986 and was arrested in April 1990.

Along with numerous associates who were also arrested at the time, the majority of the 'crime family' was dismantled.

It is said they had 'dominated the local rackets here since the bootlegging days of the 1920s'.

Porter was indicted by a federal grand jury in 1990 and later sentenced to 28 years for racketeering.

He was deemed the highest-ranking Pittsburgh mafia member to ever become an FBI informant, the PennLive.com reported.

But a judge released Porter in 2000 for helping law enforcement disrupt mob operations and keep witnesses from being killed in other parts of the country.

Porter's son, prominent Pittsburgh attorney Charles Porter Jr., had argued for his father's early release.
It was meant to be the closure shed longed for. Anguished mother Kerry Needham had been warned to prepare for the worst  that police were now confident that her son Ben who vanished on the Greek island of Kos in 1991 was dead.

British detectives said they had information from a credible witness that Ben had wandered onto a building site on a farmhouse next door to where he was staying with his grandparents Christine and Eddie.

There, the witness told them, he had been crushed by a digger. They told detectives the driver made a confession on his deathbed last year, that he realised what hed done, panicked and buried Ben in the rubble.

Although shattering news for the Needhams, at least now they would finally have closure. Kerry in particular, who was just 19 when Ben disappeared, has been ground down by the false sightings and dashed hopes.

In the early days each possible sighting resulting in a mad dash on to a plane only to find the trail go cold. He'd been taken by gypsies, sold in Greece to child traffickers, he was spotted at Kos airport buying sweets with an older child, a little blonde boy was spotted at a market was in Turkey, and a toddler matching his description was seen in Germany.

Kerry Needham has been searching for closure in the hunt for her missing son Ben for the last 25 years

Mystery has surrounded the disappearance of 21-month-old Ben since he vanished from the Greek island of Kos in 1991

Greek detectives working on the original case 25 years ago have already scoured every inch of the search area being pored over by South Yorkshire Police twice

A map showing the movements believed to be made by Ben, in relation to the theory that he was killed after being crushed by a digger

But as the Needhams have waited with bated breath during the agonising 1million British dig, there is a small group of people who knew the family would be left bitterly disappointed again.

For the Greek detectives working on the original case 25 years ago had scoured every inch of the search area being pored over by South Yorkshire Police  twice.

They could only watch as the latest search unfolded, already knowing the answer to the hunt which had set such high hopes.

The British police will never find anything from their current investigations, one of the original officers who took part in the 1991 search told MailOnline.

The retired policeman said they searched the whole area around the remote farmhouse at the time of Bens disappearance.

We thoroughly searched all the areas that the British investigators are looking now at the time and we found nothing, he said.

Ms Needham broke down in tears on television when trying to explain what some form of answer would do for her family

Ben is pictured here pretending to play on a motorbike before he disappeared

Kerry Needham (centre) with her parents, Eddie and Christine, with whom Ben was staying when he dissappeared

For the Greek detectives working on the original case 25 years ago had scoured every inch of the search area being pored over by South Yorkshire Police  twice.

They could only watch as the latest search unfolded, already knowing the answer to the hunt which had set such high hopes.

The British police will never find anything [from their current investigations], one of the original officers who took part in the 1991 search told MailOnline.

The retired policeman said they searched the whole area around the remote farmhouse at the time of the boys disappearance.

We thoroughly investigated all the areas that the British investigators are searching now at the time [1991] and nothing was found, he said.

We examined all scenarios of the disappearance of the young English boy and a full report of our findings was compiled and sent to police HQ consistent with an allegation of the abduction of a minor.

Kerry (right) with Christine in Greece. They flew back to the island of after South Yorkshire Police relaunched the search for her missing son

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins maintains his team is searching in the right places to find answers about what happened to Ben

We examined all scenarios of his disappearance and a full report of our findings was sent to police HQ consistent with an allegation of the abduction of a minor.

The investigation and the whole saga is continuing because the British have provided the money, added our source. But the operation is futile.

On Friday Detective Inspector Jon Cousins from South Yorkshire Police agreed to the repair of the farmhouse ripped apart in the search for Ben, suggesting tragically that the Greek officer may be right.

In June a witness came forward claiming to know precisely what had happened on the afternoon of 24 July at a remote farmhouse in the hills over-looking the Aegean Sea where 21-month-old Ben had been playing.

The witness said that Ben was crushed under the wheels of a large JCB digger that was clearing land around the farmhouse which his grandfather Eddie had been renovating.

The driver  Konstantinos Dinos Barkas  had not noticed the little blonde boy go under the wheels of his powerful machine through the clouds of dust that swirled around, he claimed.

And when he saw what he had done he could not bring himself to admit his part the boys death so buried him amid the hundreds of tonnes of earth that he was excavating.

Mr Barkas, a larger than life character, popular on Kos, was interviewed by police in the hours after Ben was reported missing and released.

Builders reconstruct the cesspit and part of the house where Ben Needham disappeared from after it was demolished

Forensic archaeologists and Hellenic Red Cross volunteers, assisted by a digger, go through soil at the site

The loaded tipper lorry moves soil from the new site to the farmhouse in order to be searched

But he was later seen in a distressed state sweating and shaking when he returned from the police station, the witness claimed. Mr Barkas died from cancer last year, which led the whistleblower to come forward, it is believed.

Alerted to the new information British detectives flew to Kos and spoke to the witness themselves.

Funded the Home Office, a team of forensic investigators arrived on the island in June and identified two areas where they believed Bens body may have been buried.

DI Cousins had already been on the case for over year  rifling through all the documents, reading all the witness statements and corroborating all the evidence. He even flew to Australia to verify one account.

Before the dig police told Kerry, staying in Bodrum, Turkey, to expect the worst.

As bone fragments were unearthed by an olive grove close to the farmhouse and police found 60 items of interest, Kerry broke down on Good Morning Britain as she explained how finding Bens body would finally give the family closure.

You know 25 years of living and not knowing where your child is, is torment, she admitted.

I don't like to say it but then at least we would know and it would be closure - and he can be laid to rest and we can remember him as he was.'

Police received a tip-off that Konstantinos Dinos Barkas, now deceased, had been driving the vehicle that killed Ben

Bank-rolled with a 1 million war chest from the Home Office a team of forensic investigators arrived on Kos in June and identified two areas where they believed Bens body could be

The house where Ben disappeared can be seen on the left as it was at the time, and on the right how it looks in the present day

The bones were not Bens  but the remains of ancient Greeks who had lived on the island some 3,000 years ago.

Indeed, three weeks into the search, South Yorkshire Police admit they have not found a single item directly linked to Ben and no evidence that he died under the wheels of a digger.

But Greek police say the latest dig was always destined to fail. The former officers dismiss the theory that digger driver Dinos had anything to do with Bens disappearance.

The digger driver was very helpful from the beginning, said another retired officer.

We interviewed him and he showed no strange behaviour. I remember searching the land around the farm house twice. There was a lot of soil to examine.

Barkas helped us excavate the area with his digger. By the end of his operation we were all white from the dust.

The officer told MailOnline how he and his colleagues worked night and day for a week as part of a huge search operation in the hope of finding Ben.

The mobilisation was huge, he went on. From the morning of Bens disappearance all of the policemen and firemen on the island took part. I remember the firemen climbing down the wells in the area with ladders.

Kerry Needham is pictured here on the island in 1991, the year Ben went missing

A handout picture of Ben before he disappeared, compared with an artist's impression of what he could look like prior to his 18th birthday, in 2009

They searched all the streams, ditches, everywhere he might have fallen into.

We searched a one km wide radius around the mountain side and down to the sea.

We eliminated every possibility that Ben had wandered off by himself or had fallen somewhere.

Former Kos Chief of Police Christos Bafounis declined to comment on the British investigation when contacted by MailOnline.

Despite claims by the Greeks, his investigation is flawed, DI Cousins insisted: I have reviewed, in great detail, every piece of evidence made available to me by the current Greek authorities, who are very supportive of the work we are doing in assisting their investigation.

Greek police say they searched a 1km wide radius around the mountain side and down to the sea during the initial investigations in 1991

The house had to be knocked down in order to help with the investigation, which Greek authorities are claiming is 'futile'

The investigation team are searching every hole in the hope of finding closure of Kerry and her family

He told MailOnline: This information was gathered as part of the initial investigation conducted by the Greek authorities at the time. In addition, I have had the opportunity to personally view hundreds of pieces of information, sourced by my team, from Greece and the rest of the world.

'As a result of the work that has been conducted over the last 18 months and direct information received after our successful appeal in May, I have no doubt that this phase of the operation is absolutely essential in order to get answers for Ben's family.
Hacked emails published by Wikileaks this week that appear to show Qatar pledging to donate $1 million may have breached ethics guidelines set by the Clinton foundation.

The guidelines were designed to curb foreign governments from influencing American foreign policy by making large donations.

Hillary Clinton had specifically promised to curb new donations by foreign governments while she was U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

In an email from 2012, a senior official from the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation informed colleagues that a planned donation by Qatar's government to mark Bill Clinton's birthday came up in a meeting he had with the Gulf state's ambassador in Washington.

The ambassador said that he asked 'to see WJC 'for five minutes' in NYC, to present $1 million check that Qatar promised for WJC's birthday in 2011,' Amitabh Desai, the foundation official, writes in his email, using the former U.S. president's initials.

Qatari officials offered to donate $1 million to Bill Clinton's charitable foundation and asked to meet with the former president

'Would like to see WJC [William Jefferson Clinton] 'for five minutes' in NYC, to present $1 million check that Qatar promised for WJC's birthday in 2011.' the email from the Qataris read

Hillary Clinton, who is the Democratic nominee for the November 8 presidential election, served as secretary of state from 2009 until 2013.

The hacked email is among thousands published over the last week by the pro-transparency group Wikileaks from the account of John Podesta, the chairman of Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

Clinton's campaign has been embarrassed by this and similar recent hacking attacks on other Democratic Party officials, some of which appear to show Clinton and her aides saying things in private that contradict their public positions. Her spokesmen have not disputed the authenticity of the hacked emails.

The emails released by Wikileaks do not appear to confirm whether Qatar gave the promised $1 million, although the foundation's website lists the State of Qatar as having given at least that amount.

There is no date listed for the donation. A spokesman for the foundation declined to confirm the donation.

Qatar ambassadors asked Ami Desai, director of foreign policy for the Clinton Foundation, for 'five minutes' with Bill Clinton in 2012. Pictured above, Clinton meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani in Doha 12 January 2004

Thousands of emails leaked from the account of John Podesta, pictured, the chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign

Ami Desai, director of foreign policy for the Clinton Foundation sent the email to several Clinton staffers

Reuters could not rule out the possibility the $1 million was intended as a birthday present for Clinton personally, not for the foundation. His spokesman did not respond to questions.

Hillary Clinton promised the U.S. government that while she served as secretary of state the foundation would not accept new funding from foreign governments without seeking clearance from the State Department's ethics office.

The agreement was designed to dispel concerns that U.S. foreign policy could be swayed by donations to the foundation, which is known for its work on reducing the cost of HIV medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.

Clinton's Republican rival in the presidential election, Donald Trump, has seized on the foundation for political attacks, calling it a front for corruption. Clinton's campaign dismisses this as a political smear.

The State Department has said it cannot cite any instances of its ethics officials reviewing or approving new donations from foreign governments to the foundation while Clinton served as the country's top diplomat from 2009 until 2013.

'You would need to ask the Foundation whether there were additional matters that it should have submitted for State Department review,' the department said in a statement.

There has long been concern that governments could see the Clinton's charity as a way to gain favor with America's top diplomats

The ethics agreement allowed foreign governments that already supported foundation projects to continue while Clinton was at the State Department. However, if one of those governments wanted to 'increase materially its commitment,' then the foundation was required to ask the department first.

Craig Minassian, a foundation spokesman, declined to confirm if Qatar gave the $1 million described in the 2012 email. Even if it had, he said he questioned whether the money would be considered a 'material increase.' He said Qatar has been donating since 2002, and that some of those donations have been greater than $1 million.

Qatar's embassy in Washington did not respond to questions. A spokesman for Clinton, who was campaigning in Seattle on Friday, also did not resond to questions.

Last year, Reuters found that at least seven other foreign governments made new donations to the foundation without the State Department being informed, partly, foundation officials said, because of 'oversights.'

President Barack Obama is campaigning for Clinton to be elected his successor, and the White House has repeatedly declined to discuss the breaches of the agreement Clinton signed with Obama's administration.
The plan for post-Bexit visa reform has been devised by Home Secretary Amber Rudd

European Union workers face having to secure a skilled job before they are allowed into Britain.

The post-Brexit visa regime agreed by ministers would restore border controls and slash net migration by up to 100,000.

EU tourists and students will continue to have free access in a bid to help smooth the passage of a trade deal with Brussels.

But the door will be slammed shut on the tens of thousands of low-skilled migrants pouring in every year.

Devised by Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the plan was put to a Cabinet sub-committee on Brexit on Wednesday.

There was a strong consensus that this was the only way to go, said a Whitehall insider. Ministers agreed that work will continue to see if there is an alternative.

The reality, though, is that this is the only option that is going to work in the long term and that will deliver what the public voted for  which is proper control of our borders.

Officials expect the EU to impose a visa scheme in return. That means Britons will need a permit to work in Europe and will be limited to skilled jobs. Those wanting to go on holiday in EU states  or study there  will be unaffected.

Big business is likely to condemn the plans. Firms argue that access to low-skilled labour is vital for the service sector and jobs such as building and fruit picking.

But sources point out that the existing stock of millions of EU workers will remain available  with Mrs May expected to announce they will all be granted residency.

In the event of a shortage in a particular occupation, such as agriculture, a seasonal worker scheme could be introduced. This would allow workers to enter the UK for a fixed period. Workers could also be allowed to move within the EU on intra-company transfers.

Provision will be made for the self-employed to set up in the UK provided they are skilled and self-sufficient. Polish plumbers, for example, would be allowed in if there was demand for their services. The system is likely to destroy the hopes of Remain supporters that Britain will be able to stay inside the single market.

European Council president Donald Tusk has said no compromise is possible on the free movement of people's, and insisted on hard Brexit or no Brexit at all

In a speech on Thursday, European Council president Donald Tusk said there could be no compromise on the principle of free movement of people.

He said: The only real alternative to a hard Brexit is no Brexit.

Earlier this week, Mrs May made it clear that her priority in the talks will be regaining control of borders.

She told MPs: What we are going to do is deliver on the vote of the British people to 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.

Movement for Europe campaigner outside downing street, showing the division which still exists in he UK over the issue of the vote to leave

Protesters demonstrating against the Brexit vote. There is also a push for hard Brexit, and an end to the UK's involvement in the free movement of peoples

But I am also clear that the vote of the British people said that we should control the movement of people from the EU into the UK, and we believe we should deliver on what the British people want.

The UK will be leaving the European Union. We are not asking ourselves what bits of membership we want to retain. We are saying: what is the right relationship for the UK to have for the maximum benefit of our economy and of the citizens of this country?

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister rejected the Australian-style points-based system suggested by Boris Johnson and Vote Leave during the referendum campaign.

Seventy per cent of EU migrants to the UK come here to work or to seek work. Eighty per cent of EU workers who have arrived in the past ten years are in low-skilled employment.

Earlier this year, MigrationWatch called for a system similar to the one now being backed by ministers. The group said the introduction of a work permit scheme that confines EU migration to skilled employment would reduce net EU migration by approximately 100,000 a year.

BRUSSELS BANS TO REMAIN Brussels rules banning the sale of powerful vacuum cleaners are set to stay in place even after Britain has left the EU. Brexit campaigners highlighted the absurd ban as a reason for leaving the European Union during the referendum campaign. But the Governments committee on climate change is urging ministers to preserve the rules  claiming that abandoning them would wreck hopes of meeting targets to reduce carbon emissions. Retailers have been barred from selling high-power vacuum cleaners since September 2014. Advertisement

The group estimates that around 30,000 work permits a year would need to be given to EU citizens to maintain the current stock of skilled EU workers in Britain and meet the future needs of business.

Writing on the ConHome website last week, the groups chairman, Lord Green of Deddington, said: Where employers claim to have become reliant on EU migrants to fill low-paid jobs, they will need to wean themselves away from their current dependence on cheap foreign labour by improving pay and conditions so as to attract British workers and, perhaps, by investing in improving productivity.

Britain's 12billion foreign aid budget could be used to help negotiate better trade terms for UK exporters. International aid rules prevent linking funding to contracts for domestic firms.

But ministers believe the goodwill harnessed by the UKs lavish spending on aid could help it build alliances. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and International Development Secretary Priti Patel are both said to be interested in pursuing the idea.
Brexit supporters want democratic control of immigration, not a brick wall, Michael Gove said yesterday.

The former justice secretary, who was a leading figure in the Vote Leave campaign, hit back at claims the EU referendum fuelled xenophobia.

He said many Remain supporters still struggled to understand and accept the result of the poll on leaving Brussels.

Michael Gove has slammed certain politicians he feels need to move on and accept the Brexit vote. He has also said the result was not a reflection of xenophobia

Writing in the Times, Mr Gove said: One might have thought that such a victory, against such odds, would have prompted a period of reflection, if not an outbreak of humility, among those who had got the country they profess to speak for so wrong. But, with a number of honourable exceptions, that doesnt seem to be the case.

The attitudes that led so many to call the referendum wrong appear to have survived unscathed from collision with reality.

Mr Gove said Remain campaigners were instead trying to claim the vote was an emotional spasm, an irrational cry of pain or a moment of populist anger fuelled by an appeal to xenophobia and nativism (which overwhelmed any rational judgment about what was in peoples economic interests.

He said the vote was not about blanket opposition to immigration but based on arguments for more and better qualified migrants with the skills our country needs.

Nicola Sturgeon was one of those singled out by Michael Gove as a politician losing credibility for not accepting democratic vote

He added: The public want democratic control of migration, not a brick wall.

Mr Gove said it was made clear during the campaign that Brexit would mean leaving the EUs single market, with the Remain campaign even paying for attack ads highlighting the point.

And he rounded on those politicians and pundits now trying to frustrate Brexit, saying: My, humbly offered and sincerely meant, piece of helpful advice to those, from Tim Farron to Ed Miliband, Nicola Sturgeon to Owen Jones, intent on going down this path is, for your own sake, and the credibility of any other cause you hold dear, please dont.
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The Philadelphia home where Grace Kelly was born and raised has been purchased for $775,000 by her royal family in Monaco.

It marks a happy ending for the East Falls estate, which was found covered in feces and fleas from the 14 cats that had been hoarded by the homeowner in 2013.

The 4,000 sq ft house, built in the 1920s by Kelly's father John B Kelly Sr, was originally listed in July for a cool $1million before the price was brought down to $850,000.

The Philadelphia home where Grace Kelly was born and raised has reportedly been purchased for $775,000 by her royal family in Monaco

The 4,000 sq ft house, built in the 1920s by Kelly's father John B Kelly Sr, was originally listed in July for a cool $1million

The price dropped again by another $100,000 in August but a competitive bidding war pushed the sale tag back up by $25,000.

'There were multiple offers on the property,' realtor Patty Gernerd told PhillyVoice.

'We started at a higher offer because we had no idea what the wow-factor would be.'

'The people who put in offers really wanted it because of a combination of the name and the architecture.'

Kelly spent her childhood in the home, which features six bedrooms and four bathrooms.

It was also the very place where Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Kelly before their 'Wedding of the Century' in 1956.

The house remained in the family until 1974, when Kelly's mother Margaret sold the estate to Thomas and Janet Lawnton, who then sold it six days later to Marjorie Bamont.

Bamont lived at the home for more than 40 years. She was charged with animal cruelty in 2013 when 14 live cats - and one dead - were found inside the residence.

It is the very home where Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Kelly. The actress is pictured here showing her mother her new engagement ring while they sit in the family's living room

The price of the East Falls estate (pictured here is the living room) was brought down to $850,000 in July before it dropped another $100,000 in August

Realtor Patty Gernerd said the home soon received multiple offers and a bidding war brought the price up by $25,000

Philadelphia SPCA officers said the house was covered with cat feces and fleas. A live dog was also found inside the dwelling, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Bamont, who was believed to be suffering a mental health crisis at the time, eventually pleaded no contest after she was convicted of 14 counts of animal cruelty in 2014. She died two years later.

The house was purchased after four months on the market.

A grandson of Kelly's father said the royal family is securing the estate for the winter and were planning renovations.

Kelly left the home to pursue an acting career in 1950, going on to star in the likes of To Catch A Thief, Dial M For Murder, Rear Window and Country Girl.

A grandson of Kelly's father said the royal family is securing the estate for the winter and were planning renovations

Kelly spent her childhood in the home, which features six bedrooms (including the one pictured here) and four bathroom

The house remained in the family until 1974, when it was put on the market by Kelly's mother and sold to Marjorie Bamont

Bamont (pictured here) lived at the home for more than 40 years. She pleaded no contest to animal cruelty in 2014 when 14 live cats - and one dead - were found inside the residence, which was discovered to be covered in feces and fleas

She tragically died in a car crash in 1982, but the legacy of her childhood home has remained in her former neighborhood.

Kelly's father John was a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a prominent bricklayer in Philadelphia who was almost elected to be the city's mayor.

The family was known for throwing incredible parties and hosting carnivals for the children of the community.

'People still recollect seeing Grace wait for the bus and how sweet and kind she was,' Grenard said.

'The family was beloved by the neighborhood as a gregarious and magnanimous group of local dignitaries. Their nobility was a force that shaped the community.'

Gernerd said that, despite its rocky recent history, the house has maintained its original shape through the years

'It's a solid-structured building with great bones in it,' she said. 'It was built correctly, and most of the originality is still there. The architecture of the time didn't get muted'

Gernerd said the hosue still has its original windows and bricks, as well as the stunning archways and staircase

The legacy of Kelly's childhood home has remained in her former neighborhood, which still recalls her family's famous parties for adults and carnivals for the community's children in their backyard (pictured)

Gernerd said that much like the family's legacy, the house has also maintained its original shape through the years.

'It's a solid-structured building with great bones in it,' she said.

'It was built correctly, and most of the originality is still there. The architecture of the time didn't get muted.'

'When people came to look at it, the integrity remained and you could feel the flavor when it was first built. That was the charm of the house overall.'

Gernerd said the house still has its original windows and bricks, as well as the stunning archways and staircase.

'It really is a love story,' she said.

'About the way old time houses came about and how families rose to esteem.'

The estate is seen as so important in Philadelphia's legacy that the city dedicated an official plaque in 2012 (pictured)
Tony Abbott has leapt to Donald Trump's defence, saying his policies are 'reasonable enough' and his supporters are 'decent people'.

The former prime minister condemned Trump's now-infamous 'grab them by the p***y' remarks as 'absolutely disgusting' but had nothing but praise for his politics.

'Before the Trump haters get too excited, some of his views are [over the top] but cutting tax and boosting defence are classic conservatism,' he wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

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Tony Abbott has leapt to Donald Trump's defence, saying his policies are 'reasonable enough' and his supporters are 'decent people'

The former prime minister condemned Trump's now-infamous 'grab them by the p***y' remarks as 'absolutely disgusting' but had nothing but praise for his politics

Mr Abbott expanded on his thoughts on Sky News the same night, backing his platform that includes banning Muslim immigration and building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

'The tapes that have been playing over the last few days are gross, gross beyond belief and I think they are completely indefensible,' he said.

'The point that I want to make is that the vast majority of Trump supporters are not deplorables, they really aren't.

Mr Abbott backed Trump's platform that includes banning Muslim immigration and building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico

Mr Abbott also slammed NSW MPs for wasting parliamentary time to pass a motion in the upper house calling Trump a 'revolting slug', saying it was an 'exercise in moral vanity'

'They are decent people who want to see change inside their country and that's fair enough.

'Many of the Trump positions are reasonable enough.'

His strident defence comes after Democratic presidential Hillary Clinton was forced to apologise for calling half of Mr Trump's supporters as belonging in a 'basket of deplorables' who were 'racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic'.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has also stepped up his criticism of Trump, calling him 'entirely unsuitable' for president and describing his views as 'barking mad'.

'Before the Trump haters get too excited, some of his views are [over the top] but cutting tax and boosting defence are classic conservatism,' he wrote on Twitter on Thursday

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has also stepped up his criticism of Trump, calling him 'entirely unsuitable' for president and describing his views as 'barking mad'

Mr Abbott also slammed NSW MPs for wasting parliamentary time to pass a motion in the upper house calling Trump a 'revolting slug', saying it was an 'exercise in moral vanity'.

'Posturing of any sort is something which is not really fitting for a parliament,' he said.

Mr Abbott described himself as an 'admirer' of the U.S. and insisted the world would be worse off without a 'great and strong' America.

'America is the one country in the world with the strength and goodwill to be a relatively acceptable arbiter of all the problem the world faces,' he said.
A Brisbane Apple store employee has admitted that some male staff 'always look through female customers' photos.

The shocking alleged incidents occur when employees are required to take phones 'out the back' to be restored, according to the employee.

'You're not supervised but at the same time you don't ever really have access to a person's phone unless you do a restore out the back,' he told The Courier Mail.

'I have seen guys that might go through pictures when they pop up on the Mac when doing a restore or something but that's about it.'

A Brisbane Apple store employee has admitted that male staff 'always look through female customers' photos (stock image)

The employee admitted that 'nude pics' were always looked at but said that they were never removed from the customer's device or shared to other devices.

The new allegations come after staff at another Brisbane Apple store came under fire earlier week when they were allegedly caught stealing personal photographs from customers' iPhones and taking explicit pictures of co-workers to rate them out of 10.

The employee admitted that 'nude pics' were always looked but said that these were never removed from the customers device or shared to other devices (stock image)

Four men from the Carindale store in Brisbane were sacked after they were allegedly found to have taken more than 100 photos of female colleagues and customers without their knowledge.

The alleged privacy breach came to light after an employee stumbled across a technician scrolling through a customer's phone in the repair room.

It's also alleged the workers were found to have shared the images to employees at other Queensland store to rank their appearances out of 10.

'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,' an anonymous Apple staff member told The Courier Mail.

'Everyone feels uncomfortable and the female staff don't know how to feel because the leadership won't 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.'

However, Apple has denied allegations that photographs were taken or transferred.

'Based on our investigation thus far, we have seen no evidence that customer data or photos were inappropriately transferred or that anyone was photographed by these former employees,' the company said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

'We have met with our store team to let them know about the investigation and inform them about the steps Apple is taking to protect their privacy.'

The company confirmed they are investigating the Carindale store over the string of privacy breaching allegations.

'Apple believe in treating everyone equally and with respect, and we do not tolerate behaviour that goes against our values,' the company said.
What a deplorable fiasco the child sex abuse inquiry has become. Allegations of racism and misconduct against former chairman, Justice Lowell Goddard  coming shortly after the abrupt departure of the inquirys lead counsel Ben Emmerson and his junior  are just the latest in a catalogue of disasters.

Before mysteriously resigning, claiming it had been difficult to leave behind her family in New Zealand, Dame Lowell is said to have told colleagues that the growth of paedophilia in Britain was a result of the large number of Asian men living here, and complained of having to travel 50 miles from London to see a white face  all of which she denies.

She is also alleged to have thrown frequent tantrums, treated her staff with contempt and struggled to grasp key points of English law.

Certainly Dame Lowell was deeply unimpressive. In her first year in the 500,000-a-year job, she spent three months on holiday or overseas

Disturbingly, the Home Office is accused of knowing about her shortcomings  but covering them up to avoid embarrassment. Two chairmen had already quit since the then Home Secretary Theresa May set up the inquiry in July 2014.

Certainly Dame Lowell was deeply unimpressive. In her first year in the 500,000-a-year job, she spent three months on holiday or overseas.

But unsuitable as she undoubtedly was, there is a much bigger problem with this inquiry. Its brief is so impossibly wide that in its present form it is doomed to failure.

Her departure came shortly after the abrupt departure of the inquirys lead counsel Ben Emmerson

Mrs Mays original remit was woolly enough  to examine the duty of care owed by public bodies to children and determine whether enough was being done to protect them from abuse.

Since then the inquiry has taken on a life of its own. There are now 13 investigations jammed into one amorphous bundle, with allegations going back 50 years. Beyond the basic issue of child abuse there is little  if anything  to connect them.

There are hundreds of accusations against the police, courts, NHS, BBC, Catholic and Anglican churches, local authorities, political parties and the security services  not to mention individuals including the late Labour peer Lord Janner.

Many have already been investigated elsewhere. Indeed one, the Rotherham abuse scandal, was the subject of a comprehensive report by Professor Alexis Jay, who succeeded Dame Lowell as chairman of the inquiry. Does she really need to rake over it again?

Let us be clear. The Mail has profound sympathy and compassion for the victims of paedophilia. It is an evil crime that ruins lives and, shamefully, has not been taken seriously enough by the authorities in the past.

And if there was an Establishment cover-up over the decades, then this needs to be nailed.

Like Sir Cliff Richard (left), Lord Bramall's life was blighted and his reputation trashed on fabricated evidence

But have todays authorities become over-zealous in their pursuit of historic crimes? Only this week Scotland Yard finally issued an apology for the appalling hounding of Field Marshal Lord Bramall, the 92-year-old Normandy veteran falsely accused of child-rape by a fantasist.

Like Sir Cliff Richard, Lord Brittan and other prominent figures, his life was blighted and his reputation trashed on fabricated evidence. Shouldnt this be a lesson that the inquiry must be cautious about what it accepts as truth?

Above all, its scope must be drastically reduced. Its already expected to last five years and cost 100million but its remit is so absurdly diverse that those estimates could easily double.

Yes, victims must be listened to, but not without question. They too, must move on with their lives. This cannot be an exercise in mass therapy.
Martin Blake was spared jail despite admitting to raping a 12-year-old girl

A 40-year-old man has been spared jail despite admitting to raping a 12-year-old relative.

Martin Blake from Glasgow, Montana, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the child earlier this year, accepting a plea deal which would have put him behind bars for 25 years.

At Valley County District Court on Friday, however, he was allowed to walk free by Judge John C. McKeon who gave him a 30-year probationary sentence.

The decision has sparked outrage among the local community, with more than 1,000 residents calling for the judge to be stood down.

Blake originally faced multiple charges of incest rape but agreed to admit to just one as part of his plea deal.

Prosecutors had initially suggested he face 100 years imprisonment for his crimes.

At his sentencing hearing on Friday, the victim's family gave compelling testimony asking that he not be jailed.

'I do not feel 25 years in prison is necessarily the best way for the defendant to pay for what he has done. The defendant made a horrible choice. He needs help  not to spend 25 years locked up,' her mother said in a statement.

Video courtesy of KTVQ

Blake walked free from Valley County District Court in Montana (above) on Thursday

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the judge to be impeached

The girl's grandmother said he ought to be spared jail in order not to impact his other children's lives.

''What he (the defendant) did to my granddaughter was horrible, and he should face consequences. And I certainly never want it to happen again to anyone.

'But his children, especially his sons, will be devastated if their Dad is no longer part of their lives,' she said.

Judge McKeon ordered him to 30 years imprisonment with all 30 suspended and told him to register as a sex offender.

Residents called for Judge John C. McKeon (above) to be stood down for his decision in the case

The decision sparked outrage among local residents, hundreds of whom have signed a petition calling to have the judge stood down before his retirement in November.

He retaliated with a lengthy statement, insisting that Blake's community sentence was appropriate and safe.

'The plea agreement and the pre-sentence investigation report contain detailed recommendations for assuring this safety, all of which were incorporated into the Court sentencing.

As part of his conditions, Blake must hold a job and will not be allowed to come into contact with anyone under the age of 18 without the prior approval of his probation officers and treatment providers.
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A Turkish military enthusiast has claimed he has found the final resting place of 50 German Second World War fighters donated by Hitler in 1943 in a bid to encourage Ankara to join the Axis powers.

The Focke-Wulf FW-190s were handed over to the Turkish air force who had only about 300 pilots at the outbreak of hostilities.

Turkey, in the early 1940s, attempted to avoid antagonising either side, with pilots receiving training in Britain despite accepting aircraft from the Nazis.

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A Turkish aviation enthusiast believes he has discovered the Top Secret location of 50 Nazi fighter aircraft buried under an airstrip at the end of the Second World War as part of a secret deal between Ankara and the United States

In 1943, Adolf Hitler supplied 71 Focke-Wulf FW-190 aircraft, similar to this one, in return for iron ore and chromium

The FW-190, right, pictured here chasing an RAF Spitfire over the English coast in June 1942, was a highly effective aircraft

One Turkish historian believes that of the 71 aircraft delivered by the Nazis, some 50 were buried at a military base at the end of the war.

The FW-190 was an advanced, lightweight fighter, which was more than a match for the early versions of the legendary Spitfire.

According to the Daily Sabah, Uluhan Hasdal, amateur aviation historian believes the aircraft were dismantled and carefully buried beneath an air force base in the city of Kayseri.

Turkey sold Germany raw materials such as iron ore and chromium while the Nazis supplied fighter aircraft in return.

Turkey played a careful diplomatic game during the early years of the war, providing raw materials to the Nazis while also talking to the Allies about joining their coalition against Hitler before eventually joining in the final months of the conflict

At the end of the conflict, the US government insisted that Ankara destroyed its fleet of FW-190s and bought US aircraft

Aviation historian Uluhan Hasdal believes instead of destroying the aircraft, at least 50 of them were carefully dismantled and buried at a former military airbase in the central city of Kayseri, where, if necessary, the aircraft could be re-assembled

However, the beginning of the jet age and the passage of time meant the aircraft were forgotten, until now

At the very end of the war, Turkey sided with the Allies. The US insisted, after the war was over, that Turkey destroyed the German fighter aircraft and buy surplus American planes instead.

Some experts believe the aircraft were broken up and sold for scrap following an agreement in 1947 between Ankara and Washington.

The 50 aircraft disappeared at this time, although Hasdal believes instead of being destroyed, the aircraft were carefully dismantled, wrapped in oil soaked clothes and buried at the airbase for future possible use.

However, with the arrival of the jet age, radial-engined aircraft were no longer of any military value and were forgotten.

Hasdal believes the fact the aircraft were dismantled and stored for future use means that some of them could potentially be returned to flight.

The aircraft enthusiast approached the Turkish government last year for permission to begin excavating the former airbase but faced a mass of bureaucratic red tape.

Then plans to begin the dig were further delayed due to the recent coup.

However, Hasdal is confident he has found the location of the aircraft and believes returns from a metal detector survey are proof they exist.

Hasdal said the aircraft were built for rugged conditions and may have survived 70 years buried beneath surface.
Scotland Yard came under more pressure over its disgraced VIP child abuse inquiry last night.

Lord Brittan's widow said she would refuse to meet Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe unless she was shown crucial sections of a report into Operation Midland.

Based on the testimony of a suspected fantasist known as 'Nick', police searched two of Lord Brittan's houses shortly after his death from cancer in January last year.

Lady Brittan said she'd refuse to meet Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe unless she was shown crucial sections of a report into Operation Midland. Based on testimony of a suspected fantasist known as 'Nick', police searched two of Lord Brittan's houses shortly after his death from cancer in January last year

In March, Lord Brittan's widow attacked police and MPs for hounding dead VIPs over baseless child sex allegations.

Discussing Scotland Yard's disastrous 2million investigation, she said Sir Bernard's force still had 'many outstanding questions to answer'.

In comments seemingly directed at Labour deputy leader Tom Watson and Tory London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith  who had both repeated allegations about a 'former Cabinet minister'  she said: 'It was extremely painful for me and my family to witness Leon's good name dragged into the public domain.

'I feel that using parliamentary privilege to publicise opinions that are not based on fact is a serious abuse of public office.'

Discussing Scotland Yard's disastrous 2m investigation, she said Sir Bernard's force still had 'many outstanding questions to answer'

Lady Brittan also confirmed she had been told by the police that her husband would have had no case to answer under the collapsed inquiry.

She said: 'We are pleased the rest of the world now knows for sure what I, my family and Leon's friends have always known  that he was a dedicated public servant, a devoted family man  and innocent.'

Detectives on the inquiry are set to be condemned over the decision to raid Lord Brittan's homes within weeks of his death.

They removed clothes, diaries, pictures, computers and phones as the former Tory home secretary's wife grieved.

The raids caused Lady Brittan enormous distress, and are expected to be severely criticised in a report into the inquiry by former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques.

Ahead of publication of the review into Operation Midland and other high profile sex abuse inquiries, Lady Brittan was yesterday invited to meet Sir Bernard.

A friend of Lady Brittan told the Daily Telegraph: 'She is very keen to meet Commissioner Hogan-Howe but clearly she would not be prepared to do so if he is sitting on one side of the table with a full copy of the Henriques report when she does not have a copy.'
Video of the incident has been viewed millions of times online and since being posted to YouTube

The shark escaped out a hatch, but tense moments followed as the team wait for Mr Chan to surface

Mr Chan was thrown out of the cage by the force of the shark's entry and saw two more beasts below

He has told how he managed to escape the incident unharmed after by climbing through an escape hatch

found himself trapped inside a tiny steel cage with the large maneater

Ming Chan has told of his terror after a great white shark entered his diving cage off the coast of Mexico

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A diver has told of his terror after his experience diving with sharks went horribly wrong, before video of the incident made international headlines.

Ming Chan was diving at Guadalupe Island, off the coast of Mexico, when a large great white shark managed to make its way inside his dive cage.

Without any warning he found himself trapped inside the tiny cage with the shark.

And now, after millions of people have watched the video and his incredible effort to escape unharmed, Mr Chan has told just how he avoided becoming lunch for the maneater.

'I felt his panicand thought "Hey, come on buddy, you dont want to come into my cage",' he told the Today Show.

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This is the terrifying moment a diver was trapped inside a cage with a ferocious great white shark for a full 20 seconds before the awesome predator, believed to be 3m (10ft) long, escapes

Ming Chan (left) has told of his terror after his experience diving with sharks (right) went horribly wrong. 'I felt his panicand thought "Hey, come on buddy, you dont want to come into my cage",' Mr Chan said

'I didnt have time to get frightened, but found myself outside the cage.'

Adding to his horror, Mr Chan looked down to see another two sharks swimming just metres from his feet.

Without a moments hesitation he swam back towards the safety of the cage, ensuring he wouldn't become lunch for the pair of 'four or five metre long' predators.

'I saw there was nothing inside the cage so crawled back up to the surface,' Mr Chan said.

Once back on the safety of the boat both Mr Chan and the crew could be heard breathing sighs of relief.

But despite the near death experience, the diver said he hopes to get a chance to go into shark territory again.

More than 4 million people have watched the video since it was posted to YouTube on Thursday.

The footage starts with a huge shark rising to the surface of the water in order to devour a piece of bait, used to attract sharks to the cage so the diver in the nearby cage can capture photographs of it.

But a split second later the water inside the cage begins frothing and foaming as it become apparent that the shark, measuring around 3m (10ft) long, has somehow ended up on the other side of the bars.

Realising what has happened, the observers on the boat throw the cage escape hatch open, providing the panicked predator with a getaway route.

Within moments the shark forces itself free, bleeding badly from the gills on its left side, likely as a result of having injured itself on its way into the cage.

Once it has found its way back into the open water it quickly disappears again, leaving the panicked boat crew trying to work out if anybody was inside with it.

Slowly it dawns on them that there was a man trapped inside with the awesome predator, and several nervous moments follow as they wait for him to emerge.

Fortunately he surfaces after a few seconds, tapping the top of his head with his right hand, a diving signal which means 'I'm OK', as the others clap and cheer.

Clearly shaken by the experience, he tells those watching: 'My heart is going,' while pounding his chest.

It appears the team were trying to capture footage of the awesome predator eating before the stunt went terribly wrong, with the shark somehow ending up inside a safety cage

After the beast escapes several tense moments follow as the crew wait for the diver to emerge, but he eventually surfaces, tapping himself on the top of the head in a diving signal which means 'I'm OK'

It is understood he slipped out of the bottom of the cage when the shark  about 10ft long  got trapped in it.

The close encounter was captured on video by a father from California.

The diver was luring the shark towards the cage with tuna when it thrust forward and broke a metal rail.

The father said: I thought I was filming someone dying  I couldnt believe he just walked out of it.

Despite parts of the California coast being great white breeding territory, attacks are relatively rare, although one did happen earlier this year.

Maria Korcsmaros, 52, was attacked by a shark, believed to be a great white, off Corona del Mar State Beach back in June leaving her with bite wounds on her leg.
Rags to riches: Donald Trump's mother poses with her son in 1995

He treated her like his queen, seating her on a gilded chair in a palatial room to impress visitors and waxed lyrical about how it was she, above all women, whod made him the man he was.

Given that Donald Trump, we now know, is the type of man who talks about women in the vilest language and boasts of being able to grope them with impunity, one may wonder whether his mother would actually view that as a compliment nowadays.

With Trumps Neanderthal attitude to women now, astonishingly, the issue that looks likely to seal the result of the U.S. presidential election next month, its inevitable that many are asking where on earth these views came from.

What sort of mother produces a man like Donald Trump? Well, one whose roots are intriguingly close to home, it turns out.

At first viewing, theres little to explain why the humble Mary Anne Trump (nee MacLeod)  a hard-working, church-going Scot and fiercely devoted wife who died in 2000 aged 88  could have spawned such a foul-mouthed philanderer.

Born in a crofters cottage in the Outer Hebrides, according to her son she arrived in New York so poor she didnt even have shoes on her feet, yet went on to become a fixture of the citys society and philanthropic scene.

Born in a crofters cottage in the Outer Hebrides, Mary Anne Trump poses for a portrait with an extravagant hair-do in the Fifties

The provenance of Trumps penchant for bizarre hair styles and garish bling, at least, are indisputable. Long before Donalds ludicrous coiffure, Mary became known for dramatic bouffant hair-dos enlivened with a dramatic dyed-orange swirl. She would drape herself in furs and jewellery, looking like a female version of Liberace.

When the British TV journalist Selina Scott was granted an audience with Mrs Trump while making a 1995 documentary about her son, she remarked how perfectly groomed she was. The 83-year-old Trump matriarch was now wearing Chanel on those once-bare feet.

Scott recalled: Her finger nails were a shiny scarlet, the hair coiffured, her manner impeccable  the perfect wealthy American matron, all trace of the humble Scottish lass airbrushed away. The trophy mother. Donald, she added, clearly worshipped her.

But perhaps it is that hero worship of her as the perfect wife and mother that goes some way to explain Trumps skewed attitude to women today.

In his memoirs, Trump said he admired the way she was happy to be a housewife, while never griping and bitching that her husband, Fred, a self-made property developer, wasnt at home.

A gentle but determined woman, she spent much of her life in the shadow of a controlling, driven husband, and then a controlling, driven son. As Trump biographer Michael DAntonio put it: She was, in her quieter way, as tough, stubborn and ambitious as her husband.

Trump himself described her as silently competitive with a great fighting spirit, like Braveheart.

Trump himself described her as silently competitive with a great fighting spirit, like Braveheart

But for all the superlatives he occasionally heaped on her, Trump  taught by his father to respect only wealth and business success  could never mention the fact she was a housewife without being patronising about women.

It was funny, he once mused, that his mother was a housewife all her life and yet he had hired a lot of women for top jobs, and theyve been among my best people.

Clearly, the disparity sat uncomfortably with Trump. He worshipped his mother, but didnt admire her. She represented everything he adored in women, and found that all other women fell short.

He once tried, clumsily, to sum it up thus: Part of the problem Ive had with women has been in having to compare them to my incredible mother. She is smart as hell.

Yet he later went on to admit hed never thought his mother was particularly clever until his sister Maryanne told him that she was.

Trump doesnt mention her in his biography on his official website, either. And despite her epitomising a rags-to-riches American Dream story that could inspire voters, he has avoided bringing her up during his campaign.

Looking back, I realise now that I got some of my sense of showmanship from my mother, Trump wrote in his memoirs

Still, he believed he had inherited at least one good quality from her. While his dour father was painfully awkward and shy, Mary was vivacious, the life and soul of a party.

Looking back, I realise now that I got some of my sense of showmanship from my mother, Trump wrote in his memoirs with his typical modesty. Certainly, his gaudy, glitzy taste didnt come from his penny-pinching father, either.

The youngest child of a family of ten, Mary Anne MacLeod was born in 1912, in the small village of Tong on the Isle of Lewis. Her family were ex-crofters and her father worked as a fisherman, but the islands economy was destroyed by the huge loss of local men in World War I.

Economic necessity drove her to follow three of her sisters and start a new life in the U.S. Mary, whose first language was Gaelic, took the SS Transylvania from Glasgow to New York in 1930.

In later life, Mrs Trump wasnt scared to show she disapproved of her celebrity sons shameless womanising

Given her sons uncompromising stance on illegal immigration, some have questioned whether she flouted border laws and arrived on a tourist visa, although it turns out Mary did, in fact, have full immigrant status when she set sail.

With just $50 to her name, she went to live in Long Island, New York, with an older sister, Catherine, who had fled Lewis to escape the disgrace of having a child out of wedlock.

Mary, a slender, attractive brunette with blue eyes, worked as a servant for four years before Catherine introduced her to Fred Trump, a gruff, workaholic New York builder, at a dance. Fred, who a few years earlier had been arrested at a Ku Klux Klan rally, went home and told his parents he had met his future wife.

They married in 1936 and he treated her to a 24-hour honeymoon in the unlovely New Jersey resort of Atlantic City before getting back to his all-consuming quest to make money. He made a fortune in the post-war housing boom, putting up cheap apartment buildings which he refused to rent to black tenants.

The now-wealthy Trumps eventually moved into a 23-room red brick mock Georgian mansion in the well-to-do Jamaica Estates neighbourhood of the New York borough of Queens. He had a Cadillac, she a Rolls-Royce, and they also had a chauffeur. Mary became a full, naturalised American citizen in 1942.

The Trumps had five children, although the eldest of the three boys, Fred Jr, died of alcoholism in 1981. A demanding and authoritarian patriarch whose chauvinism makes his son Donald look like a hardened feminist, Fred Snr dominated the family home, enforcing curfews on the children and banning pets, bad language and even snacking between meals.

At first viewing, theres little to explain why the humble Mary Anne Trump could have spawned such a foul-mouthed philanderer

When he came home each night, Mary would dutifully report on how the children had behaved and he would hand out punishments that ranged from being grounded to smacked with a wooden spoon. Even Donald admitted his father, though a wonderful guy, was not the easiest person to be married to.

Despite bringing up five children largely on her own, the public-spirited Mrs Trump also did voluntary work at a local hospital, running herself into the ground with her workload.

She eventually became seriously ill with an abdominal infection. Daughter Maryanne, now a federal judge, recalled Fred bluntly announcing that her mother wasnt expected to live but I should go to school and hed call me if anything changed.

She pulled through, and her daughters, perhaps inevitably, were far closer to their mother than their father, leaving Trump Snr to work on toughening up his sons, determined that the immensely competitive Donald and his two brothers should become as obsessive about business as he was. You are a king, you are a killer! he urged them to tell themselves.

Mary, who of course knew all about poverty, shared her husbands views on saving money, and they tried to pass them on to their children. She would regularly head off in her Rolls-Royce to Trump-owned apartment buildings just to collect the coins from the washing machines.

Trump Snr was rarely at home, but there was never any hint that he cheated during his marriage

Similarly, Trump Snr would go around his building sites after work, collecting dropped nails which he would make his workmen reuse. The boys were made to go with him, gathering empty bottles for their deposits.

If there was much sentimentality permitted in the family, Donald Trump has never mentioned it. What he preferred to dwell on endlessly is how he was inspired by his fathers relentless work ethic and driven to try to match his wealth.

Trump Snr was rarely at home, but there was never any hint that he cheated during his marriage  unlike his son, of course. Donald insists his mother remained devoted to her husband during their 54-year marriage, dying just a year after he did.

What must it have been like being married to a man like Fred Trump? His former daughter-in-law Ivana deftly answered that question years later when she recounted going to a restaurant with her in-laws.

The men chose steak, but when Ivana tried to order fish, Fred insisted she have steak, too. Ivana stood her ground. When they got home, Donald remonstrated with her, claiming his father said it only out of love.

As he explained in his 1997 memoir, The Art Of The Comeback, Donald Trump thought he grew up in a very normal family, one in which aggression, sex drive, and everything that goes along with it was on the mans part of the table, not the womans.

Mary was, Donald recalled, a very traditional housewife, but always had a sense of the world beyond her

Mary was, Donald recalled, a very traditional housewife, but always had a sense of the world beyond her. She was enthralled by pomp and circumstance, the whole idea of royalty and glamour, he added.

He vividly remembered her sitting down in front of the television to watch Queen Elizabeths 1953 coronation and not budging for an entire day as her husband became ever more impatient.

In later life, Mrs Trump wasnt scared to show she disapproved of her celebrity sons shameless womanising. In 1990, he was estranged from wife Ivana over his affair with model Marla Maples  but Mary attended Ivanas birthday party and read out a poem she had written for her. Ivana would always be a member of the family, she said pointedly.

The following year, Mary, by now 79, was mugged in the street, suffering broken ribs and a bruised face after she fought with an attacker over just $14 in her purse.

She never forgot her roots, revisiting Scotland more than 20 times and staying in regular touch with relatives.

In 2008, Donald and his sister, Maryanne, visited Lewis. Later, she  and not her much richer brother  donated 150,000 to a care home there in their mothers memory. She was a great inspiration, Trump told the Scottish media, while Maryanne said their mother would have been so proud of seeing Donald here today  how well he has done, all the good he has done, the TV star that he is.

That, of course, was years before he launched a toxic campaign for the White House and before he faced disturbing allegations of sexually abusing women, which he categorically denies.
Gunmen stormed the house of a longtime American aid worker in Niger, killing two people before fleeing with the man toward the border with Mali, authorities said.

The NGO worker was kidnapped on Friday night in Abalak before being taken by his abductors to Mali, a security source told AFP.

The victim had worked in the area since the 1990s with an American organization called Youth with a Mission, Radio France Internationale reports.

His guardian and a National Guard soldier were killed, according to the French news organization.

He was identified online as Jeff Woodke, of McKinleyville, California, who has committed the past 25 years of his life to a ministry he founded in Niger, according to the Redwood Coast School of Missions.

Jeff Woodke (above), a longtime American aid worker, was kidnapped in Niger on Friday

Woodke (above) has committed the past 25 years of his life to a ministry he founded in Niger

'Jeff's passion in providing humanitarian aid to those who are amongst the poorest in the world, coupled with his desire to see God's kingdom advanced in a largely Muslim world has played a large part in the life and ministry of AFBC (Arcata First Baptist Church),' Woodke's bio on the school's website says.

The security source, who asked not to be named, said: 'It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers, who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert.'

'At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire' as the hostage was being taken, the source said, without revealing the identity of the victims.

'All roads to Mali are being monitored.'

Gov. Daouda Maiga, governor of Mali's Menaka region bordering Niger, said authorities there were alerted to be on the lookout for a white vehicle.

It is the first time an American citizen has been abducted in the vast Sahel region, where al-Qaeda and criminal gangs have long targeted French nationals and other Europeans for kidnappings and demanded millions of dollars for their release.

'We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niger,' a State Department official said after the abduction late on Friday.

'The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.'

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though al-Qaeda-linked militants have abducted foreigners in Niger and brought them to northern Mali before.

Northern Mali, which fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadi groups in 2012 before a French-led military intervention pushed them out, remains subject to attacks by jihadists.

Niger's national guard soldiers are seen patrolling near the village of Abalak, where the aid worker was abducted

The abduction took place in the town of Abalak, northeast of the capital Niamey, in the Tahoua region of Niger.

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country. Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.

Earlier this month, 22 soldiers from Niger were killed during an attack by armed men who came from Mali to target a refugee camp in the Tahoua region, northeast of Niamey.

Three soldiers were also injured, according to Niger's army, which has been deployed along the country's longer border with Mali to prevent armed groups getting in.

'To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger', Niger's president Mahamadou Issoufou said during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured together) in Niamey, on October 10

Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence that has rocked neighboring states including Mali in recent years.

A number of foreigners remain hostage in the Sahel region, including a Swiss woman and a South African-British dual national, both seized in separate attacks in Timbuktu, Mali.

In Burkina Faso, an Australian doctor and a Romanian man are being held captive.

Niamey is also calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Mali.

Despite a peace accord and a 2013 international military intervention, large tracts of Mali are still not controlled by domestic or foreign troops and remain subject to attacks by jihadists.

'To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger', Niger's president Mahamadou Issoufou said during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week.
It is the fourth-biggest MDMA haul in Australian history

Two Polish men were arrested and faced court charged with importation

The 4.1 million ecstasy tablets had a street value of about $145 million

The Australian Federal Police has seized more than 1.2 tonnes of the drug MDMA worth about $145 million in Sydney.

The haul of 4.1 million ecstasy tablets was found during a raid on a storage facility in Hornsby hidden in lead-cased bags inside 88 aluminium rolls to foil x-rays at the border.

It is the biggest MDMA seizure this year and the fourth biggest in Australian history, the biggest two being 4.4 and 2.8 tonnes.

Two Polish men - Dariusz Zbroszczyk, 28 and Piotr Latusek, 29 - were arrested in Sydney's west on Thursday soon after the raid was over.

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The Australian Federal Police has seized more than 1.2 tonnes of the drug MDMA worth about $145 million in Sydney

They faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, both charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of illicit drugs and one charged with attempt to possess it.

The AFP said both men had been in Australia for a 'period of time' and the drugs, originating from the Czech Republic were intended to supply the eastern seaboard.

They were key players in the importation by a large international syndicate and police expect to make more arrests.

The raid came less than 24 hours after the AFP received intelligence about the shipment on Wednesday as part of a joint operation with Australian Border Force.

The haul of 4.1 million ecstasy tablets was found during a raid on a storage facility in Hornsby hidden in lead-cased containers inside aluminium rolls to foil x-rays at the border

ABF regional commander Tim Fitzgerald said the size of the haul and 'very sophisticated concealment method' were concerning.

'We are seeing an increase in the importation of illicit narcotics into Australia,' he said.

He said last financial year 18,000 shipments - 50 a day - were seized in Australia, and syndicates were adapting their techniques.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Justine Saunders said the amount of harm it would have caused could be understated.

'The sheer size of this seizure is of real concern and is indicative of the drug culture in Australia,' she said.

It is the biggest MDMA seizure this year and the fourth biggest in Australian history, the biggest two being 4.4 and 1.8 tonnes

'The demand for illicit drugs continues to grow and the desire for organised crime to exploit to exploit that demand at the expense of our most precious assets, our youth, continues.

'We are coming up to summer and what is seen as the party season in Australia. But there is no party in party drugs.
A 23-year-old woman has won the right to harvest her dead boyfriend's sperm so she can start the family 'he always wanted' on her own.

Ayla Cresswell from Toowoomba in southern Queensland lost her partner Joshua Davies, 23, in August and immediately went to court to make sure his sperm would be kept viable.

On Friday her dream to have a family with Mr Davies was given the green light by Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns, The Courier Mail reports.

Ayla Cresswell (pictured right) has won the right to harvest her late partner Joshua Davies' (pictured left) sperm

Ms Cresswell told the court the couple wanted 'three children' and were planning to get married.

'Joshua told me that he was very excited at the prospect of being a father, and we often talked about having children, and the effect it would have on our live,' Ms Cresswell told the court.

'It is my honest belief that this is what Joshua would have wanted.'

Ms Cresswell told the supreme court that her partner wanted to have three children

Ms Cresswell's application came with the full support of Joshua's parents John and Iona.

'Whilst Joshua never discussed this eventuality, I firmly believe that he would be proud for Ayla to have his children,' Mr Davies (senior) said.

The couple had been in a relationship for two years before Joshua's death.
Grossman said the $10 million amount 'has not been discussed'

Sources believe Bush will get a large lump of money

Billy Bush may get a whopping $10 million settlement from NBC after being booted from the Today show following the release of his and Donald Trump's lewd remarks during a 2005 interview.

Bush, who signed a three-year contract with NBC, is in the process of battling NBC News for a settlement that could equate to about $10 million, sources told Page Six.

But his attorney, Marshall Grossman, said that reports of that particular amount are 'false', adding that 'there is no $10 million agreement and that amount has not been discussed'.

Grossman said that 'negotiations are ongoing between the parties'.

Billy Bush (left) may get a whopping $10 million settlement from NBC after being booted from the Today show following the release of his and Donald Trump's lewd remarks during a 2005 interview. His attorney, Marshall Grossman, (right) said the negotiations 'are progressing'

The former Today anchor was axed from the morning show after The Washington Post released the 2005 interview between him and Trump. In the tape, Bush (right) can be heard calling actress Arianne Zucker (center), a 'hot piece of a**'

Bush's attorney also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the 2005 interview with Trump, saying that his client would have been risking his job if he had not laughed at Trump's statements and made lewd comments of his own.

'If Billy had been passive or responded 'Shut the f*** up' to Trump, Billy would have been out of a job the next day,' said Grossman.

The former Today anchor was axed from the morning show after The Washington Post released the 2005 interview between him and Trump.

Bush was with Trump on the set of Access Hollywood when the Republican nominee was heard bragging about his power over women, while he also detailed how he tried to seduce married Nancy O'Dell.

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 about 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, 'I'll show you where they have some nice furniture.''

Trump went on to say: 'I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn't get there. And she was married.

'Then all of a sudden I see her, she's now got the big phony tits and everything. She's totally changed her look.'

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 about his co-host Nancy O'Dell

Trump continued to tell Bush in the recording: ' You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful  I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait.

'And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.

'Grab them by the p---y. You can do anything.'

Since Bush's exit from the show, NBC News chief Andy Lack has already ordered his office to be cleared and all traces of him removed from their Rockefeller Center offices, a source told Page Six.

But sources close to Bush believe the host has been treated poorly since the recordings were released.

'Billy feels he's the political roadkill in NBC's desire to take down Trump,' the source told Page Six.
The British Army tested a giant water pistol that can kill terrorists at close range during a recent NATO exercise in Belgium.

The NNTEX-16L exercise was hosted at the Elsenborn military camp where the British and Belgian troops were joined by colleagues from the Netherlands and the United States.

The watercannon -which looks similar to a Second World War-era flame thrower - has a backpack which can hold ten rounds of ammunition.

British troops tested a portable water cannon system which can kill at close range but will not cause collateral casualties at a special NATO training exercise held in Belgium this week

The device, which looks similar to a Second World War-era flame thrower, pictured here being carried by a US Marine on Iwo Jima, can be equipped to fire CS gas as well as water

At ranges less than three metres, the impact of the high-power water jet is likely to be fatal.

Between three and six metres, the jet will knock down an enemy.

According to details which have emerged from the NNTEX-16L exercise, the jet gun, which was developed in Germany, can be used in situations where firing live ammunition could lead to civilian casualties.

According to Defence Online, the exercise featured different types of less than lethal technology.

Danish, German, Norwegian and Austrian troops also took part in the operation, testing out some of the latest equipment.

Some of the devices on show included lasers, acoustic and kinetic devices.

Dr Jamie Shea, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emergency Security Challenges said: 'Non-lethal capabilities are critical for force protection purposes and to give commanders a range of different options to bring potentially hostile situations rapidly under control, while avoiding escalation and the disproportionate use of force.'

Some of the devices tested used radio-frequencies to stop vehicles instead of requiring the use of conventional firearms.

Troops using such a system could stop a vehicle containing a potential suicide bomber, but which also could be driven by a civilian - without resorting to lethal force.
Pushy middle class parents are using online search tools to find rental properties next to the best state schools so they can ensure their child will win a place.

Families are so desperate to snap up the most sought-after places that they are shelling out thousands to let flats on the doorsteps of top-performing schools.

Some parents are renting out second properties near schools because their family home is far outside of the catchment area.

Rental prices are at a premium in these streets because landlords know wealthy parents will pay through the nose to get a top notch state school education.

And property websites now allow parents to filter out areas where schools have high migrant populations and a large number of poor pupils.

Families are so desperate to snap up the most sought-after places that they are shelling out thousands to let flats on the doorsteps of top-performing schools (file image)

One website, Asktenants.co.uk, allows parents download a free school report by inputting postcodes for rental properties.

It provides a discreet service for families hoping to snap up places, with no need to sign up with an email address or give any other data.

The website also shows parents the ethnic and social make up of a local areas as well as crime statistics.

A Local Schools Report lists the details of the ten closest primary and secondary schools within five miles of the inputted address and sorted by distance.

It provides data on each school including number of children on free school meals, teacher to pupil ratio, national ranking of the school, parents opinions, results trends and the percentage who speak English as a second language.

Site administrators say parents are using the reports to find properties within the catchment of schools with outstanding Ofsted ratings and say that schools with a low percentage of children on free school dinners are the most in demand.

Asktenants.co.uk allows users to rate their rental accommodation, and also gives landlords the right to reply.

But it is the educational data that has been most downloaded  with many users visiting the website for this purpose alone.

One parent told the website: The schools where we used to live were in a dire state so we used Asktenants.co.uk to research other areas and we were able to find a great school which is perfect for our two kids.

Once we had decided on a school it was a doddle to then find a great property in the estimated catchment area and we used the site to research rental options.

The site has a feature where you can hover over the school and it draws two circles around each school.

The inner circle shows the average distance that the last intake of pupils live from the school and the outer circle shows where 95 per cent of the last intake of pupils live.

Parents generally target to get a rental property in the inner circle with an intention of being close enough to their preferred to school to increase the chances of their child securing a place.

A spokesman for Asktenants.co.uk said: We launched the site to provide information to private sector tenants but we are seeing a huge number of people are visiting just to download the local schools report. Families who pretend to live closer to the school than they do are breaking the law.

However, it is hard for councils to crack down on the practice if parents temporarily move to the new property while they make their school application.

And for wealthy parents, shelling out for a rental property for a year is still cheaper than paying for a child to go to private school.

Councils are now having to employ specialist detective teams to visit alleged residences and check that parents are eating and sleeping there.

They also compare applications with council tax forms, benefits information and other data held by local authorities.

It comes amid an escalating places crisis following a baby boom which has been fuelled by high migration.

It comes amid an escalating places crisis following a baby boom which has been fuelled by high migration (file image)

Many parents in London and other built up areas now cannot get their child into any local school  even the worst ones.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: Choosing the right school is one of the most important things a parent will do and everyone wants their child in a school where they can be happy, safe and reach their full potential.

Every child should have a fair chance of getting into their preferred school and councils and schools work extremely hard to try and ensure that as many pupils as possible are allocated their first preference.

However, there are cases where this is not possible with the increasing competition that exists for good quality school places.

Inevitably, there will be certain schools that are over-subscribed and the school admissions code ensures councils and schools run a system that all parents can access equally.
A paramedic fighting for live after a horror head-on car crash in Perth has a 'long road ahead' until he is recovered, his wife says.

Wesley Ackerman, 33, was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition after a Nissan Navara 4WD ploughed into his ambulance in Serpentine at 5am on Monday.

His wife of six years Odile Ackerman said she and their young three children, two sons and a daughter, were taking it one day at a time.

'We know that we have a long road ahead of us in terms of Wesleys recovery and appreciate that everyone has respected our need for privacy during this difficult time,' she said.

Paramedic Wesley Ackerman (L), 33, fighting for live after a horror head-on car crash in Perth has a 'long road ahead' until he is recovered, his wife (R) says

He was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition after a Nissan Navara 4WD ploughed into his ambulance in Serpentine at 5am on Monday.

Mr Ackerman was by Friday able to open his eyes, squeeze his wife's hand and communicate by blinking and nodding.

A 32-year-old man who was driving the Navara was on Friday charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm.

He will appear in Armadale Magistrates Court on November 8.

A female paramedic who was driving the ambulance, Sharron Price, and a passenger in the other car both suffered minor injuries.

His wife of six years Odile Ackerman said she and their young three children, two sons and a daughter, were taking it one day at a time

Ms Ackerman said she was 'at a loss for words' to express her thanks for those who helped her husband or sent their well wishes.

'The support that we have experienced from emergency medical services worldwide has been humbling and overwhelming and I have thought at times that we are not deserving of such attention,' she said.

'I am looking forward to being able to tell Wesley when he wakes up about all this and he will not be able comprehend it either.'

St John Ambulance WA metro operations general manager James Sherriff said Mr Ackerman was making improvements 'day by day' and would hopefully be able to breathe on his own in a few days.

Ms Ackerman said she was 'at a loss for words' to express her thanks for those who helped her husband or sent their well wishes

'He seems to understand where he is and what he is doing. He is still intubated and slightly sedated, but the sedation is being reduced slowly as he gets better,' he told PerthNow.

'He is very stable but it is still early days  every day he is getting stronger and stronger. And as we see Wesley getting stronger Odile is also getting stronger.'

Mr Sherriff described Mr Ackerman as a 'humble and unassuming guy' and a paramedic 'at the top of his game'.

'He has worked for us for five years now, but has been a paramedic for 10 years, and he has mentored a lot of students. He has impacted a lot of lives. For this to happen is just devastating,' he said.

Ms Ackerman thanked everyone involved including Mr Ackerman's colleagues, other St John's members and their families, and hospital staff.

'[They have worked tirelessly by providing comfort, support and genuine care towards our family, I am at a loss for words to even begin to express my gratitude,' she said.

'I want to also mention a special thanks to the parents and staff of St Maria Gorettis Catholic School whose support and care has been difficult to accept but greatly appreciated.'

A crowdfunding page for the Mr Ackerman and his injured crew has raised more than $37,000.
A woman who was raped at the University of Virginia in the 1980s has claimed 'Jackie' from Rolling Stone's notorious campus sexual assault article stole her story.

Liz Seccuro was struck when she read the magazine's article 'A Rape on Campus' and realized how similar her story was to its main source, identified only as 'Jackie'.

Like Seccuro in 1984, Jackie claimed to have been raped during a party at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at UVA just weeks into her freshmen year on campus.

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Liz Securro, who was raped at the University of Virginia in the 1980s, has claimed 'Jackie ' from Rolling Stone's notorious campus sexual assault article stole her story

Liz Seccuro was struck when she read the magazine's article 'A Rape on Campus' and realized how similar her story was to its main source, identified only as 'Jackie'

Both women had been bloodied in their vicious attacks, with Jackie claiming she was thrown into a glass table, the shards sticking into her back as she was abused.

Seccuro wrote about her attack and its aftermath in the memoir Crash Into Me, released in 2011. 'Jackie' told her story to Rolling Stone writer Sabrina Rubin Erdely in 2014.

The story was eventually retracted by the magazine after independent investigations by the Charlottesville Police, the Washington Post and Columbia University's Journalism School found out the article was riddled with unsubstantiated claims.

Securro, who initially defended the story when it first came under fire for inaccuracies, said she now 'absolutely 100 percent' believes Jackie stole her story.

The victim's rights advocate also told Good Morning America host Amy Robach that she no longer believes any of Jackie's story is true.

'That's not to say I think she's a bad person, I just think she needs help,' Seccuro said on ABC's 20/20 special 'What Happened to Jackie?'

Securro added that she believes the firestorm caused by the article and Rolling Stone's eventual retraction was a 'really big setback' for sexual assault victims.

'There's a lot of people who want to run this into, "Women lie about rape all the time"', she told Robach.

Like Seccuro in 1984, Jackie claimed to have been raped during a party at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity (pictured) at UVA just weeks into her freshmen year on campus

Securro (pictured in college) was just 17 when she was raped at the university in 1984

'It's extraordinarily rare, the average is something like 3.8 percent. For the longest time, women who tell the truth have been marginalized and ignored.'

When Erdely first reached out to Securro to be interviewed for the article, the author thought Jackie's story might change that.

'Here could have been a piece that changed the way Americans look at the epidemic of campus sexual assault,' she said. 'And in 9,000 keystrokes we were done.'

Robach visited to the UVA campus for the special to examine how the article affected the school and the people inside it.

'I can't imagine a journalism school not talking about this story and teaching their students about how to avoid some of these pitfalls,' she told The Wrap.

Robach also interviewed UVA Associate Dean of Students Nicole Eramo, whose defamation civil trial against Rolling Stone begins next week.

Eramo, who has alleged the story portrayed her as being uncaring toward Jackie's claims, has said she became 'public enemy number one' following the story and that it changed her life and damaged her career.

Jackie's story may not have been true, but Securro's very much was.

Securro was only 17 when one of her dormmates asked her to be his date to a rush party at the Phi Psi fraternity.

Securro, who initially defended the story when it first came under fire for inaccuracies, said she now 'absolutely 100 percent' believes Jackie stole her story

The article, written by Sabrina Rubin Erdely (left), caused a firestorm when it was eventually retracted. Rolling Stone is being sued by UVA Associate Dean of Students Nicole Eramo (right)

She lost him at the house and waited on a couch, where one of the fraternity members gave her a green drink he called the 'house special'.

But after just a few sips, the college freshman knew something was 'extraordinarily wrong'.

'I could not feel my hands or feet,' she wrote in an article for the Daily Beast.

'My arms and legs began to feel numb. I started to panic, breathing shallowly and rapidly.'

That's when a boy in glasses sat down next to her and began asking questions.

He dragged her into another room, pinned her down with his arms, and began to rape Securro repeatedly.

'He beat me, despite my screams and my begging,' she wrote. 'I passed out from the fear and the pain'.

The rest of the night came in bits and pieces. Securro remembered hearing voices, feeling hands on her.

As the sun rose and light filled the room, she saw that she had been covered in nothing but a sheet - stained with her own blood.

Securro tried to report it, but the dean of students at the time, a man named Robert Canevari, dismissed her claims.

Securro added that she believes the controversy caused by the article and Rolling Stone's eventual retraction was a 'really big setback' for sexual assault victims

As she sat in front of him, still covered in bruises, he told the freshman she 'had sex with a young man and didn't want my parents to know I wasn't a good girl'.

The investigation into her rape wouldn't go anywhere until nearly 20 years later, when the man in the glasses wrote a letter to Securro.

His name was William Beebe and he was confessing to her rape.

He was arrested and in his trial it came out that two other men had allegedly attacked Securro that night. They were not charged due to lack of evidence.

Beebe served less than five months in jail.

Securro said she does not know if Jackie's story was influenced by her own, calling it a 'horrifying though'.

But Securro has been outspoken in that, just as the article purported to reveal, she received no support from the university - even after her rapist confessed.

'The current administration has refused to speak with me about making change,' she said.

'They have refused to apologize, which is all I have ever wanted. I have not sued Phi Kappa Psi, the University of Virginia, or any of the individuals involved.'

'As survivors, we can punch the sky and howl at the moon for so long...but we all live alone with our fears and lingering trauma.'

'But we also live with healing, with love, with activism, with a voice.'
The mayor of the town where where one of New Zealand's most feared gang leaders ominously warned meth dealers to 'get out' has accused the underworld figure of 'grandstanding.'

Tribal Huks leader Jamie Pink vowed everybody selling meth in Ngaruawahia, in the country's central North Island, had 24 hours to leave the town on Thursday evening after his daughter, 13, was offered the deadly drug.

The story grabbed headlines the world over, but after the deadline was reached on Friday, Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson cast doubt on Pink's claims and said he was merely vying to throw himself into the spotlight,according to NZ Herald.

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Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson has cast doubt on Pink's menacing claims meth-dealers in Ngaruawahia had 24-hours to leave the town on Thursday

The streets were quiet on Friday night after the ultimatum for the meth dealers expired

New Zealand gang the Tribal Huks (member pictured) gave methamphetamine dealers until 6.30pm on Friday to get out of Ngaruawahia

Gangsters wearing their trademark yellow and black colours could be seen wandering the town's streets early on Friday evening

Gang leader Jamie Pink says meth dealers will get 'a visit' if they don't move on

'Absolutely nothing happened as predicted. In reality I always felt nothing was going to happen but you can never be sure of course,' said Mr Sanson.

Images showed the streets left hauntingly empty on Friday night, though reports surfaced on Gangsters wearing their trademark yellow and black patch with a skull on the back lurking outside a bakery.

However Mr Sanson believes Pink's thinly-veiled threat of retribution against drug peddlers was merely showboating.

'Jamie was grandstanding a little bit.'

A spokesperson from Waikato confirmed to Daily Mail Australia there was no reports linked to the group since the deadline was announced.

'They were very well behaved,' the spokesperson said.

The Tribal Huks, which claim to have roots as far back as the late 1950s, wear a yellow and black patch with a skull on their backs

On Thursday, Pink issued his menacing public service statement.

'We ask nicely first, then they've got to go,' Pink told a community meeting on Thursday evening.

'We've got no choice,' he was quoted as saying by Fairfax NZ.

The ultimatum has alarmed Western Waikato Police, who said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia they don't condone threats of violence or intimidation.

But the comments have found sympathy with some members of the Ngaruawahia community, who are worried crime is increasing, Fairfax NZ reported.

Sociologist Dr Jarrod Gilbert, New Zealand's foremost expert on gangs, said Pink's ultimatum was, 'Jamie taking care of business the only way he knows how - the direct route.'

Police would not comment on what criminal activities the Tribal Huk gang was involved in, but Pink is no stranger to violence and vigilantism.

In 2007, incensed that a drug dealer had offered his then 13-year-old daughter ice, he turned up at a Ngaruawahia property owned by an alleged dealer and smashed in two garage wall panels and several glass panels.

The Tribal Huk gang have a fearsome reputation in the town of Ngaruawahia in New Zealand

Ngaruawahia (pictured, stock image) is a town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island

He pleaded guilty to charges of possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop, disorderly behaviour and two charges of wilful damage.

He appeared in court again in December last year on one count of marijuana possession.

In 2015, Pink told SBS's Dateline he had been jailed for 'bashing people, a few assault charges, the odd GBH'.

The Tribal Huks claim to have roots as far back as the late 1950s, but they've grown in size and stature over the past couple of decades, according to Dr Gilbert.

'Where they are somewhat unusual is that a lot of the independent groups during the 1970s and 1980s were absorbed into the much larger gangs - notably the Mongrel Mob and Black Power,' he said, referring to New Zealand's two largest gangs.

'Those two groups spread like wildfire throughout New Zealand and when one formed in an area, the other tended to form almost as a counterbalance.'

The Tribal Huks remained 'staunch' and maintained their identity, Dr Gilbert said.
For any young child, primary school is a time when learning should be encouraged.

But for Kaitlyn Evans, her early experiences in the classroom were far from positive.

The 12-year-old from Melbourne was regularly criticised by teachers and at one stage was even told her family didn't love her because of the way she acted.

However what Kaitlyn, her parents and teachers didn't know was that there was a reason for her behaviour - she had dyslexia.

And now the impressive youngster has reflected on her struggles at school, penning a heartbreaking note to raise awareness about the condition for Red Letter Day, a day to improve the knowledge and understanding of dyslexia.

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Kaitlyn Evans (pictured) has shared her story about being criticised at primary school for having dyslexia.

The 12-year-old took to YouTube to share her story for Red Letter day, a day that raises awareness about dyslexia and the difficulties faced by those with it

'When I started school it was a bright and happy place, but as time went on school got harder and harder, and I didn't know why,' Kaitlyn wrote in her Red Letter.

What is dyslexia? - Dyslexia is a condition that affects the ability to read and spell. - These difficulties result from a deficit in the phonological component of language. - There is no cure for the condition as it is a brain based difference. - It does not affect a persons general intelligence meaning they are still able to learn. Source: Dyslexia Association Australia Advertisement

'I was told "I'm lazy, I'm not good enough, I'm dumb and I need to work harder".

'I thought it was true, so I started calling myself these awful things.'

But not only did Kaitlyn write about her experiences living with dyslexia, she also created a video to further push her heartfelt message.

Posting it to YouTube, she says she hopes no other children will be judged like she was and has implored 'Education Ministers around the country to start listening'.

'At first I was ashamed and I didn't know what it meant, but now I realise it makes me special - it makes me, me,' she said.

'I'm writing my letter in red because I want to help innocent children enjoy school and not struggle like I did.'

The youngster has been joined by many other children with the condition in sharing their stories and writing their Red Letters.

Kaitlyn said she wanted to not only raise awareness about dyslexia, but bring change from parliament to improve the lives of kids with the condition

However it's not only a condition that affects kids.

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Jennifer Aniston, and even renowned painter Leonardo Da Vinci were all dyslexic.

As Kaitlyn says, it just goes to show that for children who are doubted or doubt themselves, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
A lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle by the families of children massacred in the Sandy Hook shooting has been thrown out of court.

The families had attempted to sue Remington for promoting the military-style gun to civilians after Adam Lanza used it kill 20 children and six staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

But Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis threw out the suit on Friday after ruling the gunmaker was protected under federal law,The Hartford Courant reported.

Dismissed: Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis dismissed a suit by families of the Sandy Hook victims Friday. They were suing Remington for promoting the AR-15 rifle to civilians

Deadly: The plaintiffs argued that the weapon (pictured) used to kill their children in 2012 was made for professionals, and promoting it to civilians acted as negligence on Remington's part

Family: Family members such as these (pictured at a news conference in 2013) were told Remington was protected by a 2005 law signed in by George W Bush

Bellis agreed with Remington's lawyers that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), 'squarely' covers the suit.

The law, signed into effect by President George W Bush in 2005, was intended to stop victims of mass shootings suing manufacturers, distributors and sellers, Bellis said in her 54-page ruling.

It says they cannot be sued provided 'the product functioned as designed and intended.'

That, she says, means Remington Outdoor Co is immune from prosecution in this instance.

So are distributor Camfour Holding LLC, and the Riverview Sales store, where Lanza's AR-15 was bought by his mother.

Friday's outcome didn't come as a surprise to UCLA law professor Adam Winkler.

'Federal law effectively immunizes gun makers from liability for criminal misuse of their guns,' he told the Courant.

'This lawsuit was based on an innovative but risky legal theory that attempted to carve out an exception to this federal law.'

The families had argued that Remington's advertising campaigns - which promoted the gun as an essential item for masculine civilian shooters rather than the professionals for which it was originally made - made them partially liable.

The suit had attempted to target exceptions in the PLCAA focused on 'negligent entrustment of a firearm' - that is, it accused the plaintiffs of negligence for supplying Lanza with a gun he was unfit to use.

Had the case moved on to the next stage, the plaintiffs would have outlined exactly how Remington promoted the weapon, ahead of a 2018 trial.

But Bellis ruled that neither of the definitions of negligence in Connecticut law or the PLCAA fit this case.

Lanza used the AR-15 owned by his mother, Nancy Lanza, whom he killed with a different gun prior to his rampage. She had given no indication of fearing for her life, relatives said.

Protected: The law says that manufacturers, distributors and sellers of guns cannot be sued so long as the gun functions as intended. That covers the Sandy Hook AR-15 (pictured), Bellis said

Bellis also ruled the plaintiffs did not establish a 'consumer, competitor, or other commercial relationship' between themselves and Remington, and so could not sue under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

The families' attorney, Josh Koskoff, told the Courant that they would appeal the ruling, and that they 'deserve' to have their case heard.

'To lose a motion in court is disappointing and tough to take but it is peanuts compared to what they have lost and they will fight until the end to get their day in court,' he said.

Connecticut Democratic senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with Democratic Congresswoman Elizabeth Etsy, released a statement objecting to the PLCAA.

'This misapplied and misguided law protects gun manufacturers from liability even for dangerous and irresponsible practices,' they said.

They also described it as 'an unprecedented and indefensible legal shield available to no other American industry.'

Bellis had rejected an earlier motion by for a dismissal by Remington lawyers in April.
Three Australian employees of James Packer's Crown Resorts have reportedly been detained by Chinese authorities.

Crown says a group of employees are being questioned in China, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is trying to confirm Australians are involved.

'The Australian government is aware of reports of the possible detention of a number of Crown International Group employees across China, including three Australians,' a department spokesman said in a statement.

Three Australian employees of James Packer's Crown Resorts have been detained by Chinese authorities

'Consular officials are seeking to confirm these reports with the relevant Chinese authorities.'

It has been reported 18 of the casino group's employees have been detained, including the three Australians who are believed to be part of Crown's sales and marketing team, one of whom is a senior executive.

DFAT says if the reports are correct, the Australians will be offered consular assistance.

Crown says a group of employees are being questioned in China, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is trying to confirm Australians are involved
One of the six women to accuse Donald Trump this week of inappropriately touching her without consent has said she is fleeing the country out of fear.

Mindy McGillivray told the Palm Beach Post she was groped by Trump 13 years ago at his Mar-a-Lago mansion.

Since telling her story, McGillivray says she is now living in fear of backlash from the Republican nominee's supports, both for herself and her family.

Mindy McGillivray (pictured), one of the six women to accuse Donald Trump this week of inappropriately touching her without consent, has said she is fleeing the country out of fear

'We feel the backlash of the Trump supporters. It scares us. It intimidates us. We are in fear of our lives,' she told the Palm Beach Post on Friday.

The 36-year-old, who has been staying in a hotel since he allegation was published, said she received a scare the first day she returned home to pick up some clothing.

'I look out the window and there are cars just driving around the house and looking, slowing down right at the house,' McGillivray told the newspaper.

'I dont live in a gated community. This is dangerous. There could be people out there who want to hurt us.'

Mindy McGillivray told the Palm Beach Post she was groped by Trump 13 years ago at his Mar-a-Lago mansion

McGillivray (pictured at Mar-a-Lago), who was 23 at the time of the alleged groping, says she is now terrified at potential backlash against her and her family from Trump supporters

She also addressed arrests and other troubles she has had in the past, saying she was openly discussing them because she needed to be completely honest.

Im a real person. Im not perfect... I need to expose my ugly side. This isnt for money. This isnt for fame. This is to be honest with her,' McGillivray said, referencing her 15-year-old daughter, Corina.

It comes after the 36-year-old said that Trump grabbed her backside after she helped a photographer who was covering a concert at Trump's Palm Beach manor.

'We feel the backlash of the Trump supporters. It scares us. It intimidates us. We are in fear of our lives,' McGillivray said

'I dont live in a gated community. This is dangerous. There could be people out there who want to hurt us,' she said

McGillivray, who was 23 at the time, said she was with Ken Davidoff at the Mar-a-Lago on January 24, 2003.

'All of a sudden I felt a grab, a little nudge. I think its Kens camera bag, that was my first instinct,' she told the newspaper. 'I turn around and theres Donald. He sort of looked away quickly.'

McGillivray said she became furious when she saw Trump claim during the second presidential debate that he had never groped a woman inappropriately, and immediately began to consider sharing her story.

Donald Trump has denied all the allegations against him, and suggested on Friday that some of his accusers are doing it for 'fame'

'Its a respect issue for all women. If something like this happens to you, you should speak up,' McGillivray said.

McGillivray was one of six women to speak out and accuse Trump this week. The other five were: Jessica Leeds, Rachel Crooks, Natasha Stoynoff, Cassandra Searles, and Temple Taggart.
The biological father of a teenage boy accused of planning an Islamic State-inspired attack claims he wishes he could have prevented him from being radicalised.

The 16-year-old's mother took custody when he was young and the child was groomed into an extremist by his stepfather who is now imprisoned for terrorism, his father says.

The father, who is now remarried, said he had 'no idea' how his sons radicalisation had reached the point where he was planning terror attacks.

Two 16-year-olds accused of planning an ISIS style terror attack were seen on CCTV footage in west Sydney exchanging bags as they walked to allegedly behead someone with bayonets (pictured)

The teenagers were spotted on Wednesday handing their bags to one another before allegedly entering a gun shop, where police claim they bought the weapons (pictured)

'Hes been with his mum most of his life... she can give you the answers (for his behaviour),' he told the Daily Telegraph.

He said he had not been allowed to see his son since his arrest and feeling heartbroken was an understatement.

His wife, the teen's stepmother, said he was a 'good boy' and his arrest was a 'very big shock'.

Less than an hour later the pair (pictured) were arrested by counter-terrorism police outside a Muslim prayer hall in Bankstown as they prepared for an 'immanent attack,' police claim

The two 16-year-old boys were arrested by counter-terrorism police in Sydney's south-west on Wednesday

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested on Wednesday after they were captured on security footage exchanging bags as they were on their way to allegedly behead someone with bayonets.

The 16-year-olds were seen standing on a busy sidewalk on Wednesday as they handed over their bags to one another before allegedly walking into a gun shop where police claim they bought the weapons, according to Seven News.

Less than an hour later, they were arrested by counter-terrorism police as they entered a Muslim prayer hall in Bankstown, in south-west Sydney.

Police claim the pair were planned on saying their final prayers at the hall, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

One of the teenage boys arrested on Wednesday with the intention of terrorist attack in Sydney. He is pictured here at the age of 12 at the 2012 Hyde Park riots

The teen's radicalisation was already well-advanced when he was 12 and was seen at the 2012 Hyde Park protests.

A photograph showed the boy was handed a sign to hold up that said: 'Behead all those who insult the Prophet.'

The other boy was last year kicked out of Egypt after he arrived in the country with the intention of taking up arms for a terrorist organisation.

One was also accused of telling his mother he allegedly intended to do 'something bigger' than the murder of Curtis Cheng.

'When they come, I'm going to do something to them that they have never seen before,' he allegedly said.

This is the prayer house in Bankstown where two teenagers were arrested on terror charges

The prayer hall is the Adnum Lane Musallah in Bankstown

'I'm going to do something bigger,' the boy, who was intercepted on a police wire, said, according to court documents.

His mother did not go to authorities with the information.

Police claim the boy was drawing comparisons between himself and teen terrorist Farhad Jabar who shot the Mr Cheng outside NSW Police Force headquarters in Parramatta.

The revelations come after photos emerged of the mosque in Bankstown where the teenagers were arrested, Adnum Lane Musallah.

He and another 16-year-old boy remain behind bars after facing court on Thursday for allegedly possessing M9 Bayonet hunting knives in preparation to commit a terrorist act.

Pictured is the entrance to the upstairs Prayer Hall in Bankstown, Sydney

Seen here is a set of garages in Adnum Lane

One boy allegedly had a handwritten note pledging allegiance to IS in his possession when he was arrested, according to court documents.

The pair were formally refused bail at Parramatta Children's Court and their cases adjourned until December 7.

Both teens were well known to counter-terror police.

The boy who took part in the Hyde Park riots already has a relative behind bars for terror offences.

Witnesses said they saw one of the men (pictured) smiling after he was arrested

Authorities were unaware of any specific targets of this foiled alleged terror plot, but believed an attack was imminent.

'Had we not been in the right place at the right time ... certainly somebody, potentially today, would be, or another day imminently, would be without their life,' AFP Deputy Commissioner Michael Phelan said on Thursday.

Asked if the teens were plotting a beheading, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Cath Burn said: 'We don't have any information to indicate that, however it is an ongoing investigation.'

The teens have each been charged with planning an act of terror - which carries a penalty of life behind bars - and being members of a terrorist organisation, which carries a penalty of 10 years' prison.

After the pair were arrested, radical Muslim preacher Junaid Thorne (pictured) approached officers and demanded them to tell him 'Where are my brothers?'

The teenagers, who were allegedly carrying handwritten notes pledging allegiance to ISIS, were stopped by police (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)

Four western Sydney properties connected with the teenagers - including a prayer hall and multiple homes - were raided after the boys were taken into custody.

Items were seized for forensic examination and police have not ruled out making further arrests.

The age of the two boys is of significant concern to counter-terrorism police, who are seeing an increase in the number of radicalised teens.

'The age of these two individuals at the age of 16 is of unbelievable concern to us. We are seeing it time and time again,' Ms Burn said.

'It's up to the parents, really, to try to do everything they can to make sure those signs of radicalisation at an early stage are addressed.'

If proved, this would be the 11th imminent terror attack prevented by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team in Australia.

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)

'We've got to remember that our current threat level is 'probable', and it's there for a reason,' Ms Burn said.

'We are doing everything we can to prevent such attacks.'

Earlier it was reported by News Corp that radical Muslim preacher Junaid Thorne demanded police tell him 'Where are my brothers?' after they arrested the boys.

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.

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.

Both of the men have been known to police officers for several years (pictured)

The same teen'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.
A Melbourne man says allegations he threatened to stab his pregnant girlfriend and pressured her to have an abortion are a 'fantasy'.

Bradley Said, 26, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with 18 offences, including assault, making threats to inflict serious injury and harassing witnesses.

Police allege Said threatened his on-and-off girlfriend in person, via text messages and in an abusive phone call.

A Melbourne man appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court (above) on Saturday charged with 18 offences, including assault, and making threats to inflict serious injury

'If you don't get rid of this child, I'm telling you, I'll make sure of it, do you understand,' he allegedly said in a text, Senior Constable Diane Jeffries told the court.

Police say he sent another text with the words: 'if you don't abort it, I promise you, God bless'.

In the phone call, which was recorded by the former partner and provided to police, Said allegedly threatened to 'put a bullet between her eyes'.

Said, who was arrested on Friday, said he had listened to the recording during a police interview and thought it was 'muffled'.

'It's all fantasy,' he told the court.

'I believe that I have been backed into a corner and harassed by this person.'

He also accused his former girlfriend of exaggerating.

'She has been known to dramatise and blow things up to bigger than they area,' the 26-year-old said.

Snr Const Jeffries told the court Said had also threatened his girlfriend with a knife during an argument on August 19.

'He stood over her while she was on the ground,' she said.

Police allege that Bradley Said, 26, threatened his on-and-off girlfriend telling her 'If you don't get rid of this child, I'm telling you, I'll make sure of it, do you understand,'. (stock image)

'The accused has said to her, 'If you don't get the f*** back into the car, I'm going to stab you'.'

Said allegedly also told his former girlfriend, 'I swear, I'm going to f*** you with a coat hanger.'

Police allege this was a threat to 'kill her baby in utero', with the intent of making his girlfriend fear Said would carry out the threat.

'She was petrified and in fear for herself and her unborn child,' Snr Const Jeffries said.
Two men have been stabbed at Bass Hill McDonald's in Sydney's south west.

A 28-year-old man was stabbed in the back and a 26-year-old man stabbed in the chest and face.

The brutal attack happened about 3.35pm on Saturday at the fast food restaurant on the Hume Highway.

Both men were taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.

Two men have been stabbed at Bass Hill McDonald's in Sydney's south west

The brutal attack happened about 3.35pm on Saturday at the fast food restaurant on the Hume Highway

Police said the attacker fled the scene.

He is described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance and aged in his 20s.

Police also said he was wearing a black singlet and covered in tattoos.

The Bass Hill McDonald's has been cordoned off while police undertake an investigation into the double stabbing.

Both men were taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition

Police also said the attacker was wearing a black singlet and covered in tattoos

The Bass Hill McDonald's has been cordoned off while police undertake an investigation into the double stabbing
Jonathan Bridgeman (pictured) was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court for assisting unlawful immigration into the UK

Two Britons who attempted to smuggle 13 Albanian men and a child across the Channel in a small motor boat have been jailed.

The boat owner Jonathan Bridgeman, 42, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to two and a half years in prison for assisting unlawful immigration into the UK.

Deshan Laci, 35, was sentenced to three years in prison for the same charge, the Home Office said.

After setting off from Brighton Marina, the men docked in Dieppe, France, for a few hours before setting off on the return journey to the UK at around midnight on November 15, 2014.

Bridgeman, of West Sussex, was caught after the vessel, named Sea Paz, got into difficulty outside the entrance to Sovereign Harbour, in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

The harbour master towed the boat into the marina and once docked the passengers tried to flee but were detained by harbour staff and police, although Laci managed to evade capture.

Laci, a British citizen of Albanian birth from South Croydon, was later found to be the owner of a car wash in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, and Immigration Enforcement officers discovered an Albanian man working there illegally during a raid on February 15, 2015.

Bridgeman pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on October 23, 2015 and Laci admitted the charge on September 2.

Bridgeman, of West Sussex, was caught after the vessel, named Sea Paz, got into difficulty outside the entrance to Sovereign Harbour (pictured), in Eastbourne, East Sussex

Twelve of the immigrants have been removed from the UK and one has a pending asylum application with the Home Office. Pictured, the Sea Paz boat

Twelve of the immigrants have been removed from the UK and one has a pending asylum application with the Home Office, while the child had been handed over to the care of social services.

The former car wash employee has also been deported and the business has been served with a civil penalty.

Assistant director Dave Fairclough, from the Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations team, said: 'These convictions show how different agencies are working together effectively to secure our borders.

'It is thanks to the prompt action of the harbour staff, the swift response of the police and the thorough investigation subsequently conducted by my immigration enforcement officers that Bridgeman and Laci have been brought to justice.

'This investigation and these subsequent prison sentences should serve as a warning to anyone thinking of abusing our immigration rules. You will be caught, and you will face imprisonment.'

After setting off from Brighton Marina (pictured), the men docked in Dieppe, France, for a few hours before setting off on the return journey to the UK
Two people in Georgia are lucky to be alive after a tractor-trailer carrying thousands of pounds of potatoes overturned on top of their car near a highway exit.

The car was nearly crushed on Friday, but both the driver and passenger managed to escape with injuries that were not life threatening.

Authorities said the driver suffered a 'minor injury' while their passenger suffered a 'moderate injury', but did not give further details. Both were hospitalized.

Two people in Duluth, Georgia are lucky to be alive after this tractor-trailer carrying thousands of pounds of potatoes overturned on top of their car near Interstate 85

The car was nearly crushed, but both the driver and passenger managed to escape with injuries that were not life threatening on Friday morning

The pair were driving through Duluth when a tractor-trailer exiting Interstate 85 suddenly rolled over and fell right on top of their car and trapped them inside.

Gulab Singh, the driver of the tractor-trailer, has since been charged with reckless driving

Gulab Singh, the driver of the tractor-trailer, has since been charged with reckless driving, according to WSBTV.

Singh told police his breaks failed as he was exiting the highway, causing him to miss the turn.

Witnesses saw him first sideswipe a pickup truck before he crushed the sedan.

The driver of the pickup truck was treated at the scene, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Singh was not injured in the accident. Authorities expect he will face additional charges.

Gwinnett Police spokesman Cpl Deon Washington said investigators believe Singh may have been going too fast at the time of the crash.

'(He) maybe wasn't paying attention and when he did, it was too late,' Washington told the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Authorities with the Georgia Department of Public Safety were on the scene to assess whether Singh's truck violated any equipment regulations.

Gulab Singh, the driver of the tractor-trailer, claimed his breaks failed as he was exiting the highway, causing him to miss his turn and overturn on the car

Gwinnett Police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said investigators believe Singh may have been going too fast at the time of the crash

It took more than two hours for the cleanup crew to pick up all the potatoes that had spread across the road after the accident.

A Gwinnett fire hazmat also arrived to contain fuel runoff from the truck following the collision.

Despite the messy cleanup, witnesses were in awe that everyone came out of the crash alive - especially the two in the crushed sedan.

'There were angels that were with those people,' said Ralph Hardie, whose nearby dealership shook from the force of the crash.

'Both of them could've been killed.'

Authorities said the driver of the sedan suffered a 'minor injury' while their passenger suffered a 'moderate injury', without giving further details
NBC has pulled an episode of popular sex-crime show 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' whose villain was inspired by Donald Trump.

The episode, titled 'Unstoppable,' focuses on a presidential candidate whose campaign comes unstuck when several women come forward with 'damaging accusations,' Variety reported.

It was set to air this month but the station got cold feet as growing numbers of women stepped into the spotlight this week to accuse Trump of sexual assault and harassment.

Scroll Down to See Episode Trailer

Inspiration: A lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of raping a 13-year-old girl inspired a Law & Order: SVU episode filmed months ago. Trump has strongly denied the plaintiff's claim

Comparisons: NBC have postponed their episode which was to air as scheduled one week after the third and final debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton

The episode, which was to air as the second installment of the show's 21st season, was written months ago, inspired by accusations that Trump had raped a 13-year-old in the mid-1990s.

A civil lawsuit regarding that claim - which Trump's lawyers strongly deny - is currently pending in a New York court.

The episode had already been bumped once from a planned air date of last Wednesday to October 26.

But the flurry of abuse claims that have hit the Trump campaign this week caused NBC to pull the episode altogether.

Actor: In the episode Gary Cole (pictured) plays a wealthy man whose presidential run comes unstuck when several women come forward with historic allegations

Otherwise, the channel feared, they might appear to be making a judgement on the many scandals surrounding Trump, all of which the candidate denies.

The show's subject matter - a detective squad dedicated to sexual abuse survivors - and its ripped-from-the-headlines stories mean that it always skirts the edges of controversy.

But NBC are particularly concerned about any episodes that draw inspiration from political figures.

As a result, the Trump-inspired politician, played by veteran character actor Gary Cole and written as an obnoxious, wealthy lout, was 'softened' in rewrites.

That caused murmurs among the cast and crew, Variety said. But those edits weren't enough to save the episode.

No new air date has yet been set for 'Unstoppable,' which has already had scenes inserted to deal with continuity changes caused by the October 26 rescheduling.
The 'Budgie Nine' look set to put their recent troubles behind them in style, with their return to an exclusive gentleman's club seemingly imminent.

Back in Australia after four nights in a Malaysian jail, it's believed many of the nine are members of the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, in Sydney's northern beaches.

Among the upper echelon of the country's hundreds of surf life saving clubs, Palm Beach's 95-year history tells a story of sexism, racism and a place at the high end of Sydney establishments for only the 'best', the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Included in that are many of the men who thought it a good idea to strip down to their swimmers and skoll beer from their shoes at the Malaysian grand prix.

The 'Budgie Nine' look set to put their recent troubles behind them in style as many of them return to the exclusive Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club (pictured)

The group spent four nights in a Malaysian prison after they were arrested for stripping down to their swimmers (pictured) at the Formula 1 grand prix in early October

Nick Kelly, who often acted as the group's spokesman, is reportedly on the club's committee.

Located along the gorgeous eastern coastline made famous by television show Home and Away, Palm Beach is no longer the secret it once was.

However the same can't be said for the town's surf life saving club, which despite being established in 1921 seemingly remains as exclusive and secretive as ever.

In its own right the members-only club is exclusive, claiming to be only for the 'best and brightest'.

But there's also two other areas - its sister clubs the Cabbage Tree Club solely for men and the Pacific Club solely for women.

The Palm Beach area has become a popular haven among retirees and beach lovers, however the rules within the four walls of the club haven't always been so laid back.

For more than four decades after the end of WWII the club's 'rule 16' reportedly refused membership to Japanese or Korean people.

They've also reportedly had run-ins with Jews and Catholics in the 50s and 60s, while there was anger in the 1980s when women were allowed to join as life savers.

The exclusive club is located at Palm Beach in Sydney's northern beaches made famous by TV show Home and Away. It includes separate areas reserved only for men and women

The club has no social media sites, while its website is password protected at every step except the home page and member sign-up page. However photos taken within the club give a glimpse in to the luxury of its events

Exclusive parties and functions are thrown at the club with themes including everything from James Bond to Carribbean beachside

While many business and clubs are flocking to social media to share photos and promote their works, it couldn't be more opposite for the PBSLSC.

The club has no social media sites, while its website is password protected at every step except the home page and member sign-up page.

Photos taken within the club give a glimpse in to the luxury of its events.

When its not hosting weddings or private functions, the club often throws parties with themes ranging from James Bond to a beachside Carribbean break.

The cost of joining in all the fun? $233 annually.
Tony Ledbetter (above) is accused of mutilating his pregnant ex-girlfriend's breasts with scissors

A 45-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly cutting off his pregnant girlfriend's nipples.

Tony Ledbetter from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is facing eight charges of aggravated assault.

Police allege he beat the 39-year-old woman repeatedly, slamming her head on the ground before trying to silence her screams by shoving a blanket in to her mouth.

At some point during the attack, he is accused of going to find a pair of scissors which he used to then mutilate her breasts.

The woman, who has not been named, was able to escape and ask for help, Keloland reports.

Ledbetter, whose bond has been set at $250,000, called 911 himself to report the incident.

Sioux Falls Public Information Officer Sam Clemens described the case as 'disturbing'.

'He ended up punching her in the face, slamming her head on the ground several times.

'She was yelling and screaming for him to get off of her. He then took his forearm and put it to her throat, basically restricting her air.

'The really disturbing part is when he went and grabbed some scissors and sat on top of her and used those scissors to cut off her nipples.'

Ledbetter will appear before court in Lincoln County this week.
A former prostitute has revealed that Justin Ross Harris had sex with her three times in the weeks before his son Cooper died after he was left in a hot car for hours.

Daniela Doerr distinctly remembered Harris as a 'repeat' client when police showed her his photograph, she testified on Friday.

Harris, 35, had contacted her after finding an ad that listed her services, she said. Police located her after discovering her number on Harris' cell phone following his arrest for Cooper's death.

'He had no presence, he was just dumpy. It was vanilla sex,' she told the court.

Former prostitute Daniela Doerr has revealed that Justin Ross Harris (pictured) had sex with her three times in the weeks before his son Cooper died after he was left in a hot car

Doerr (pictured) distinctly remembered Harris as a 'repeat' client when police showed her his photograph, she testified on Friday during the seventh day of Harris' murder trial

'They asked me if I'd seen this person and I recognized him. I told cops he first came to see me the week of my birthday, May 18.'

Doerr, who had been working from a hotel several miles from Harris' Smyrna home, said she could also recall him because she does not 'prefer white men'.

'He was very relaxed but it was strictly business and he was on his way,' she added.

The prosecution has been trying to prove that Harris intentionally left Cooper in his car for more than seven hours to die. He is standing trial for first-degree murder.

Cooper's death came under public scrutiny after investigators said they found evidence Harris had researched child deaths inside vehicles just weeks before his son perished.

But on Friday Detective Ray Yager testified that if Harris had used his computers to search for information on 'hot car deaths' neither he nor his colleges could confirm it.

Yager, a computer forensics expert for the Cobb County police, had been alerted that Harris and his wife Leanna had researched child deaths online.

The prosecution has been trying to prove that Harris intentionally left Cooper in his car for more than seven hours to kill his son. He is standing trial for first-degree murder

Doerr said Harris ' had no presence, he was just dumpy. It was vanilla sex,' she told the court

But the alleged searches of 'children dying in hot cars' that Harris had reportedly admitted to police couldn't be verified on any of his numerous computers, cell phones or external hard drives, Yager explained.

'No notable files' were detected with key words including 'murder, child, cruelty to or in-car deaths, surviving prison, murder, homicide, divorce, alimony or legal defense,' according to Yager.

The only topic revealed was a Reddit link to 'child free,' he added.

Defense attorneys have accused Cobb police of misrepresenting facts in the case.

In questioning by police following his arrest, Harris was said to have admitted researching how long it takes a child to die in a hot car.

Detective Phil Stoddard testified at the probable cause hearing that Harris told him he had looked at video of an advocate who had lost his child in a hot car, and who gave advice on how to prevent that from happening, according to reports.

Wesley Houston, a security guard at Harris' Home Depot satellite office, also took the stand on the seventh day of the murder trial and told the jury the father had acted weird that day

Houston said he found it a bit odd that Harris made it a point of announcing 'I'm going to the movies' before leaving the office at 4.14pm on June 18, 2014 (pictured)

Wesley Houston, a security guard at Harris' Home Depot satellite office, also took the stand on Friday for the seventh day of the murder trial.

Houston said he found it odd that Harris made it a point of announcing 'I'm going to the movies' before leaving the office at 4.14pm on June 18, 2014.

It seemed 'odd and unusual, out of character' for Harris to make what he called 'a public service announcement' as he walked by the lobby desk, Houston said.

The security guard said he routinely greeted everyone when they arrived and left the office, adding that he and Harris had never exchanged more than these customary pleasantries in the past.

Rather than innocently heading to meet friends at a movie theater, Harris knew his son was likely dead in his car, prosecutors contend.

A short while after Houston and Harris' encounter an angry woman 'with a lot of steam about her' arrived at the office, the security guard said.,

'She asked, "Where's Ross, where's my kid?"' Houston told the jury.

It was Leanna Harris, Cooper's mother.

She had just left the Little Apron Day Care center less than a mile away and was angry and distraught that her son wasn't where he was supposed to be, he said.

Detective Ray Yager testified that if Harris had used his computers to search for information on 'hot car deaths' neither he nor his colleges could confirm it, despite investigators' claims

The alleged searches of 'children dying in hot cars' that Harris had reportedly admitted to police couldn't be verified on any of his numerous computers, cell phones or external hard drives, Yager explained to the jury

As the child's mom sat on a bench waiting to find her husband, a large screen television on a lobby wall began airing news coverage of a child who had died after being left in a hot car.

'She went from hot to not,' on her emotions as Leanna realized the child on the news report was her son, Houston said.

When the security guard looked up Harris on the internal data base he recognized him as the employee who had left to see a movie.

'I put one and one together' and realized what had just happened, he said.

As Leanna sat on the bench and absorbed the news, her emotions drastically changed, Houston testified.

'She was sitting there like nothing happened,' he told the jury. 'She didn't scream, she didn't cry, she didn't show any emotions. Her emotions died out. It was like "Oh well,'" he added.

Leanna has since divorced her husband and now goes by Leanna Taylor, according to court documents.

She is expected to testify as a witness for her husband's defense in a few weeks.

Harris is pictured here in court on Thursday. Prosecutors believe he deliberately left his son to die in the family's Hyundai Tucson back in 2014

Harris with his ex-wife Leanna and Cooper. A worker at Cooper's day care told the court she was puzzled to see his mother arrive on that June afternoon to retrieve him

Cobb County Police crime scene technician Brad Shumpert stood described the horrifying graphic pictures and videos that showed the young boy's body on the asphalt outside his father's silver SUV that day.

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.

The boy's eyes were wide 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.

Defense attorney Maddox Kilgore questions teacher Keyatta Patrick about a photograph of Cooper Harris with his dad dressed in a tool costume from a day care party

Graphic images from crime scene technician Brad Shumpert showed Cooper's legs that seemed frozen in a bent position from sitting in a car seat inside the hot and locked car. The disturbing images troubled several jurors as the displays continued

Cooper was found dead in Harris's SUV aged just 22 months in June 2014

The disturbing images troubled several jurors as the displays continued. One woman kept her hand over her mouth. Another covered her eyes. Several jurors looked away from time to time.

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.

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.

Shumpert shows a photo of the car seat where Cooper was trapped for seven hours as he roasted in the hot car

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
The four-month-old baby mauled to death by a Staffie in his aunt and uncle's home had moved into the house a week before for a 'better life'.

Archie Joe Darby was killed in the attack, while his elder brother Daniel Jay, aged 22 months, was left with life-changing injuries.

The pair and their mother, Jade Rogers, were staying at the home of Jade's sister Clare Ferdinand and her husband John.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that Jade was in the bath when the attack began, and she suffered injuries trying to save her two children from the dog.

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A photo taken from Clare Ferdinand's Facebook page showing a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, the breed responsible in the attack according to police

Archie Joe Darby, left, and Daniel-Jay, right, were attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier at their home. They are pictured in a photograph posted on Wednesday

It has been suggested that the pet may have attacked Archie (pictured) in an effort to establish its territory following the family's recent arrival in the home

A photograph from this morning shows police tape sealing off the home where the savage attack took place as an investigation into the violent death begins

Jade Rogers, pictured, and her partner released a heartbreaking statement following the death of her baby son Archie and the terrible injuries suffered by his elder brother Daniel

It has been suggested that the pet may have attacked the young children in an effort to establish its territory following their recent arrival in the home.

A photo taken from Clare Ferdinand's Facebook page showed a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, the breed responsible in the attack according to police.

In a statement, the boys' mother and her partner said: 'Our beautiful sons Archie Joe Darby and Daniel-Jay Darby are so, so loved by us all and were such happy little loveable boys.

'It doesn't seem real that our little Archie Bum has gone to heaven and our little Daniel is in intensive care because of a tragic, tragic incident involving a dog attack.

'We have lost our gorgeous little four month-old baby and our beautiful 22-month-old boy is currently being treated for his injuries.

'Heaven has gained a beautiful little angel and he will be greatly missed by us all and our other little soldier is still fighting strong.'

The dog, which has since been put down, was owned by a serving police officer.

It is not known whether PC Clare Ferdinand, 31, was at the address at the time the dog launched its attack.

As news of the tragedy spread, friends took to social media to pay tribute to little Archie Joe.

The young brothers, pictured, were attacked at their home on Colchester, Essex on Thursday

Little Archie, four months, left, died, while his big brother Daniel suffered life-changing injuries

PC Clare Ferdinand, right, who owned the dog, pictured with her husband John, consented for the Staffordshire bull terrier to be destroyed following Thursday's tragic attack in Colchester

Natalie Semmens said: 'Thinking of this unbelievably strong lady Jade Sarah Rogers at this very sad time.

'My heart is breaking for you. Life is extremely cruel and unfair. RIP beautiful little Archie, thinking of you, your family and little Daniel. Xxxx'

Jessica Shorey wrote: 'Thinking of you jade such a sad time you are going through thoughts are with you and family xxx'

Jackie White posted: 'R.I.P LITTLE ANGEL. my heart goes out to your family. And big hugs to your brother who is still in hospital.Xxxxxx

Vida Page said: 'RIP little man, my heart truly breaks hearing this awful news.

'No matter what, a little baby has lost his life and his brother has life changing injuries, and the parents have to try and cope with what's happened within their family.'

On Friday, Essex Police refused to confirm that Mrs Ferdinand is employed by them though friends of the victims' family insisted she was.

A close family member, speaking from a house in Hornchurch, Essex, refused to comment on the dog attack.

A woman leaves behind flowers at the scene, which is still being guarded by officers (right)

Essex Police refused to confirm that Mrs Ferdinand is employed by them though friends of the victims' family insisted she was

A sign in the rear window of a vehicle parked in the drive of the house. The dog has since been put down

He was too distressed to talk about the matter but a dog could be heard barking inside the property.

The horror unfolded at a home in Colchester, Essex, with the young boys' mother also being savaged by the dog.

All three with rushed to hospital shortly after Thursday's attack, and it is reported the mother was in the bath at the time.

The dog has since been put down with the owner's consent, police said, while the house is currently taped off as an investigation into the violent death begins.

Flowers and children's toys, including teddy bears, were left at the scene by passers-by

A young boy carries flowers to the house in Colchester, Essex where the baby boy was mauled to death

John Ferdinand, 36, who owns the property and is the husband of PC Ferdinand, said: 'There's no chance [of us commenting] at the moment. We will get in touch when we want to.'

It's not yet clear whether the couple are related to the victims of Thursday's dog attack but it is thought that they have two young children.

Chief Inspector Elliot Judge said: 'This is a tragic incident where a young child has lost his life.

Ms Rogers, pictured with her eldest son Daniel, was also injured in Thursday's attack

'We can confirm the incident took place inside a house on Harwich Road, the dog has been destroyed, and no-one has been arrested.

'An investigation to establish the facts surrounding what happened is on-going.

'This is obviously a very difficult time for the family, who are being supported by specially trained officers.'

Officers confirmed that the mother had been injured in the attack and had been discharged from hospital.

A post-mortem examination on the body of the four-month old baby is expected to take place late next week, while an autopsy of the dog is scheduled for this evening.

One neighbour witnessed a young boy in the ambulance after the attack took place. He said: 'I was walking past and I saw a young boy sat up in the ambulance.

'His face was covered in blood - it was shocking to see. He was in a bad way the poor little lad.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the house where they found the children suffering from severe bite injuries

The scene has been active for most of the day, with forensic personnel and officers making their way in and out of the house

'I didn't actually know what had happened when I saw him. It was only later on that I found out.

'They'd not been living there very long and people round here didn't know them yet.'

Scott Mills, who lives in a house opposite, became aware of 'commotion' when he saw four police cars and two ambulances arrive at the family home on Thursday afternoon.

The 24-year-old said: 'When we heard that a baby had died, everyone was very upset. It's dreadful and so tragic.

'There were a lot of children about because of the time - a lot of children were coming home from school.'

Forensics personnel were seen taking evidence out of the home where the attack took place and putting it into a van

Police and paramedics were called to the home at about 3pm on Thursday, with the death of the baby boy announced this morning

Police remain on the scene of the attack, which took place in a house on the junction of Harwich Road with Tara Close

Detectives investigating the tragedy arrive at the scene as part of enquiries into the baby's death

Mr Mills believes the dog was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog, although the breed has not been confirmed by police: 'I saw the dog being taken away.

'At 4pm a black van arrived. The dog was taken out of the property at 4.30pm. It was on a pole lead.

'It wasn't a normal Staffie. It was a lot more chunky - probably a Staffordshire cross or some kind of bulldog breed.

'No one opposite knows the family but I wish them the best at this awful time for them after a tragic accident.'

Staffordshire bull terriers are not banned in the UK but are often mistaken for pit bulls, which aren't allowed by law.

The three other breeds to make the ban list are the Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasiliero.

The man who owns the semi-detached, 300,000 property where the dog attack happened refused to comment on the incident.

Police personnel are seen carrying evidence out of the home and investigators attempt to establish how the young baby died

A close neighbour recalled hearing a 'loud bark' on the day of the horrific attack.

FACT FILE: DOG BITE DEATHS There have been 83 deaths from dog bites in England and Wales in the last 35 years, the most coming in 2009 when there were six, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. Between 1982 and 1986 seven people were killed, and another eight between 1987 and 1991, when the Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced. But in the following five years there were six deaths, between 1992 and 1996, and eight more from 1997 to 2001. This preceded a major upturn in the number of dog bite deaths. The number more than doubled between 2002 and 2006, when there were 17, followed by 19 deaths between 2007 to 2011. Including Thursday's tragedy there have been 18 deaths since 2012. Advertisement

Thelma Monk, 79, was painting in her home, just a few doors down from the house where the attack happened, at around 3pm.

She said: 'All I heard was a dog's loud barking. I haven't seen anybody come out of that house. I didn't hear any shouting.'

Neighbour Dave Thompson said police backed into the drive to 'recover the animal' which he described as a dark brown 'Staffordshire bull breed'.

He said: 'It was alive and not aggressive when they brought it out of the house and put it into the back of the van.

'It was quite big and I think it was a cross breed.

'Everyone had been pushed back by police and a woman came out of the house first.'

Another close neighbour reports seeing the couple walking their dog, a type of Staffordshire bull terrier, in the local area.

He said: 'They have only been living there up to a year. We rarely saw them. They kept themselves to themselves. They had a nice party the weekend after the August Bank Holiday.

Several members of public have arrived at the scene this morning and afternoon to leave flowers and teddy bears

The dog has since been taken off the property in Colchester by police, while the house is currently surrounded by police tape

'They had a dog. It was some sort of Staffy, pitbull cross. I only saw it twice, they did not walk it around here very often.'

Speaking after the incident on Thursday afternoon, one neighbour, who wanted to be known only as Rachel, said: 'It's quite scary especially when it's on your doorstep.

'I feel really sorry and my heart goes out to the people involved in it.'

It is the second time in less than two months that a dog attack in Essex has led to the death of a youngster.

Colchester MP Will Quince has offered any support he can to those affected by the incident.

He said: 'This is absolutely tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.

Staffordshire bull terriers are not banned in the UK but are often mistaken for pit bulls, which aren't allowed by law

Dexter, pictured, left, last year and, right, with his mother Pamela, was killed in a dog attack in Halstead, Essex in August

'I will, of course, give the family and authorities any support I can.' A police cordon remains outside the home this morning.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named but was at home at the time of the incident, said: 'The whole community is in shock. It's all very upsetting. You are caught off guard with these things.

'I am very upset about it all. My children saw it [the aftermath] and are very upset.

'We suddenly saw police cars at the house and the fact that it was two children is very upsetting. The little baby couldn't have done anything. It's just so sad.

'I didn't know the family well but you look out of the window and recognise your neighbours. I just can't believe it.'

The horror unfolded at a home in Colchester, Essex, and a woman, understood to be the children's mother, was also savaged by the dog

The youngsters were rushed to hospital Thursday afternoon but it has been confirmed this morning that the baby has died

Dog welfare organisation, the Kennel Club, released a statement this morning about the incident in Harwich Road, which stressed any dog is capable of causing injury.

Caroline Kisko, club secretary, said: 'Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the baby that was tragically killed and the child and adult that sustained injuries in this shocking incident.

'We don't have details of what happened in this specific case as yet so cannot comment on what may have led up to it, but we do know that incidents like this are thankfully very rare in the UK.
He is accused of raping a 13-year-old who was allegedly drunk at the time

An award-winning Australian cinematographer has been charged with multiple child sex offences including aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14.

Nathan Matthew Tomlinson has worked on a string of Hollywood blockbusters and was this year even nominated for an Emmy award for his aerial cinematography work, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Tomlinson, 36, was arrested by detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad on Saturday, after his Mascot home in Sydney's south-east was raided by police.

Nathan Matthew Tomlinson (pictured) has been charged with eight offences, including aggravated sexual intercourse with a child between the age of 10-14

Police seized a blue Hummer, computers, mobile phones and clothes during the search of the home, which he shares with his girlfriend.

Mr Tomlinson was charged with eight offences, including three counts of possession of child abuse material, stemming from as far back as 2012.

He is charged with raping a 13-year-old girl in 2012 who was intoxicated at the time, according to Nine News.

Police will allege Mr Tomlinson met the victim several years ago and assaulted her in a motel room in Sydney's south-west.

They will allege he again sexually assaulted the girl when he took photographs of her in 2013.

Police also claim Mr Tomlinson was in possession of 46 child abuse videos, allegedly showing children younger than 12-years-old having sex.

Police claim Nathan Matthew Tomlinson (pictured) was in possession of 46 child abuse videos, allegedly showing children younger than 12-years-old having sex

Mr Tomlinson has also been charged with producing child abuse material after images of his alleged victim were allegedly uncovered in the search.

He was reportedly under investigation for other offences when police became aware of alleged child pornography on his computer.

Their discovery then launched a separate investigation by the Child Abuse Squad.

Mr Tomlinson owns a Sydney-based company called Film Helicopters, an aerial cinematography service which films footage from helicopters.

Mr Tomlinson owns a Sydney-based company called Film Helicopters, an aerial cinematography service which films footage from helicopters

He has worked on top movies including Wolverine, Narnia 3  Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and the Steven Spielberg drama TerraNova.

He is also regularly commissioned to shoot aerial segments for the major Australian television networks  his work featuring on popular television shows including Underbelly, Home and Away, All Saints and Masterchef.

Mr Tomlinson did not apply for bail when he appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Friday, and is due to appear at Central Local Court on October 18, via video link.

Investigations by the Child Abuse Squad are continuing.
Ferries crossing the Channel are to get French armed guards to protect passengers against ISIS attacks, it has been reported.

It has been claimed by French sources that authorities are close to finalising a plan that would put plain-clothes armed officers on-board the vessels travelling in British waters.

The scheme is said to only apply to French-operated ships and would not involve British ships.

Ferries crossing the Channel are to get French armed guards to protect passengers against ISIS attacks, it has been reported (File photo)

'A deal is close. France hopes its sea marshal units will begin operations in UK waters as soon as possible,' a French source told The Sun.

'Both countries recognise the threats posed by Islamic terrorism. This is a natural and strong response to protect citizens.'

This latest development comes two months after Brittany Ferries carried out an exercise on the Mont St Michel ferry as part of moves to make the highly trained military personnel part of the security network.

In the trial-run, half-way through the crossing three armed French sea marshals wearing full military kit landed on the ship by helicopter.

It has been claimed by French sources that authorities are close to finalising a plan that would put plain-clothes armed officers on-board the vessels travelling in British waters (File photo)

The marshals, who are effectively part of the French military, patrolled the ship and carried out other security measures.

Public demands in France for increased security have accelerated since terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice.

A Brittany Ferries spokesman said at the time: 'Access to outside decks was not allowed at the time of the helicopter's arrival.

'The security crew travelled with passengers to France, where they left the ship on foot.
The mother of Madeline Stuart, who is the first professional model with Down syndrome, has spoken about her daughter's desire to get married and the compromise that come with such a decision.

The conversation started after ABC's Australian Story interviewed an engaged couple with Down syndrome who spoke of their intention to have children, despite serious concerns from their parents.

On Saturday Madeline Stuart's mother Rosanne weighed in on the debate and said while her 19-year-old daughter has no intention of becoming a mother, she does want to get married, but like all their decisions there will have to be 'compromise'.

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Madeline Stuart's mother Rosanne weighed in on the debate and said while her daughter has no intention of becoming a mother, she does want to get married

Madeline Stuart is the first professional model with Down syndrome and said she wants to get married

'When you have a child with a disability, you have to make most of their decisions for most of their lives,' Ms Stuart said on Sunrise.

Ms Stuart said she fully supports Madeline's decisions, such as her incredible three seasons in modelling

'Everything about having a child with a disability is a compromise  it's a joint thing, like a marriage I suppose.

'You can't just say I'm going to get married and wander off into the happily ever after because it just doesn't work that way.'

Ms Stuart said she fully supports Madeline's decisions, such as her incredible three seasons in modelling, but all Madeline's decisions need to be facilitated by her.

Ms Stuart's comments follow the concerns of Down syndrome couple Michael Cox and Taylor Anderton's parents who expressed their concern after the Queensland couple aired their intentions to start a family on ABC's Australian Story.

'We want to have four kids, we're going to have three daughters and one son,' a 25-year-old Michael told Australian Story.

However, Michael's parents said for the couple to cope with children of their own would be difficult.

Michael Cox and Taylor Anderton from Queensland want to get married and have children but their concerned parents fear they will never be ready because of their Down syndrome

Michael and Taylor met six years ago through competitive swimming and got engaged on a trip to America last year

'I don't see parenthood being something that they're going to achieve or really they probably should achieve,' Michael's father Simon Cox said.

'It would be very difficult being a child whose parents both had Down syndrome and couldn't have a job and couldn't drive a car and couldn't understand maths homework.'

Michael's mother Nikki Cox said the situation was a double-edged sword.

'For all his life we've imposed no limits but then it reaches a point where there are some things that he desperately wants to do and believes that he can do that are probably not going to happen,' she said.

Taylor's mother Catherine Musk was not convinced on the idea.

'Taylor and Michael want to get married and have children and that makes me feel very worried, apprehensive and concerned,' Ms Musk said.

'It's not going to happen, it can't happen.'

The chance of two people with Down syndrome falling pregnant is rare and if a couple were to fall pregnant there is a 50 per cent chance of the child having Down syndrome.
The Royal Navy is on red alert after it was revealed that Russia plans to sail a fleet of warships along the British coast as it makes it way to Syria.

Russia's flagship Admiral Kuznetsov and seven additional vessels will pass the UK on their voyage to the war-torn country as it prepares to bomb rebel forces in Aleppo.

The fleet is expected to carry out practice bombing north of Scotland before potentially sailing down the English Channel - a mile off the coast of Britain.

It comes amid rapidly escalating tensions between the west and Russia, as the Kremlin looks to give a show of strength right on the doorstep of the UK.

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Russia's flagship Admiral Kuznetsov (shown) and seven additional vessels will pass the UK on their voyage to the war-torn country as it prepares to bomb rebel forces in Aleppo

Two British warships, possibly HMS Duncan and HMS Richmond (pictured), will be scrambled by the Royal Navy to navigate the vessels past Britain

The Royal Navy is on red alert after it was revealed that Russia plans to sail a fleet of warships along the British coast as it makes it way to Syria

Two British warships, possibly HMS Duncan and HMS Richmond, will be deployed by the Royal Navy to escort the vessels past Britain,The Times reported.

The Russian ships could arrive in Britain as soon as early next week, with their departure from the naval port of Severomorsk expected any moment.

Fellow Nato countries are expected to track the fleet's progress along Scandinavia, past the UK and into the Mediterranean, while British fighter jets will be on standby.

After arriving off the coast of Syria, the Kuznetsov is expected to take up position there for almost half a year.

The deployment comes amid tense relations between the UK and Russia, exasperated by comments made by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson was roundly criticised for his shameful callcall for anti-war protests over the bombing of Sryia outside the Russian embassy in London.

The Russian's Pyotr Veliky nuclear-powered cruiser is expected to join the fleet making its way to Syria

Admiral Kuznetsov, a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, is the flagship of the Russian Navy (pictured, sailors on the Kuznetsov's deck)

Russia accused him of Russophobic hysteria and said his claims Moscow had committed every deadly sin was a storm in a teacup full of muddy London water.

It comes as many defence experts warned that Russia's economy appeared to be on a war footing.

Reports from Moscow suggested the Kremlin had ordered officials to fly home all relatives living abroad - with some residents claiming it is 'another step towards war'.

The Kremlin is said to have told high ranking officials to bring their loved ones back to the 'Motherland' immediately - with any who disobey being overlooked for promotion.

Relations with the West are rapidly deteriorating over Russia's role in the Syria conflict and just days after Putin moved nuclear-ready missiles closer to the border with Poland.

The deployment comes amid tense relations between the UK and Russia (President Vladimir Putin, left), exasperated by comments made by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (right)

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned just days ago that the world is at a 'dangerous point' due to rising tensions between Russia and the US

Putin also 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 near to the Polish border.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned just days ago that the world is at a 'dangerous point' due to rising tensions between Russia and the US.

Moscow has been accused of posturing to the rest of the world by prepping civilians for potential war, instructing them to check on the availability of bomb shelters and gas masks.

In response, US intelligence officials told NBC News that the CIA is preparing for a possible cyber attack on the Kremlin to embarrass its leadership.

Type 42 destroyer HMS York (background) escorts the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in International Waters close to the UK in 2011

Many defence experts believe Russia is not intent on war but is instead throwing its weight around to deter western countries from intervening with Russian bombing in Syria.

Among the 'stunts' carried out by the Kremlin have been state-sponsored television guides on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil.

State-controlled media has also carried news bulletins warning civilians to familiarise themselves with the nearest bomb shelters and clarifying which government bodies would take command in the breakout of war.

Last week Russia moved nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles into one of its regions on the Baltic Sea - prompting a fearful response from Poland and Estonia.
Chinese authorities have detained 18 employees of James Packer's Crown Resorts as part of police crackdown on illegal gambling advertising in China.

Among them are three top Australian executives, including Jason O'Connor, Crown Resort's Executive General Manager of international VIP services, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

O'Connor is in charge of a program designed to bring 'high rollers' from overseas to Crown Casino in Melbourne.

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Three hree top Australian executives of Crown Resort (stock image) have been detained in China amid a crackdown on illegal gambling advertising

Among them are three top Australian executives, including Jason O'Connor (pictured), Crown Resort's Executive General Manager of international VIP services

Chinese authorities have detained 18 employees of James Packer's Crown Resort as part of police crackdown on illegal gambling advertising in China.

'I mean I can't believe how dumb they (Crown) are to risk all these people,' an industry insider told the publication.

The three Australians are believed to have been detained on Thursday while visiting China on business.

It is not if known any charges have been laid or why the Crown employees are being detained.

'Crown believes that a number of our employees in China are being questioned by local authorities and at this time we can provide no further details,' a spokesman for the company said din a statement.

The detainment comes as Chinese police crackdown on the illegal flow of capital overseas through secret banks and underground casinos, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

It is illegal to advertise Casino's in mainland China, but foreign company's get around this by marketing their resorts and cities where the casinos are.

This can come at a risk, and the Chinese police have warned against it.
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Western-backed fighters have advanced in their battle to liberate Sirte from Islamic State in a battle that killed 14 of their troops.

After six months of fighting, backed by US air strikes, Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government in Tripoli are close to clearing out the last remnants of the militant group from the former hometown of deceased leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Heavy street-to-street fighting in the Ghiza Bahriya area involved tanks and armored vehicles with heavy machine guns, as well as airstrikes to retake houses occupied by Islamic State.

Western-backed fighters have advanced in their battle to liberate Sirte from Islamic State in a battle that killed 14 of their troops

After six months of fighting, backed by US air strikes, Libyan forces allied with the UN-backed government in Tripoli are close to clearing out the last remnants of the militant group from the former hometown of deceased leader Muammar Gaddafi

Heavy fighting in the Ghiza Bahriya area involved tanks and armored vehicles with heavy machine guns, as well as airstrikes to retake houses occupied by Islamic State. Pictured, forces loyal to the UN-backed government in a field hospital

'There was an incursion on Friday made by Bonyan Marsous forces into Ghiza Bahriya,' said Ahmad Hadia, a spokesman for pro-government forces. 'A car bomb was hit by warplanes of our forces.'

Fourteen pro-government troops were killed and more than 20 wounded in clashes on Friday, according to a spokesman from the Misrata Central hospital.

The fall of Sirte would be another blow to Islamic State as the militant group comes under pressure in its main territory of Syria and Iraq, where it has also lost ground.

Islamic State took over Sirte a year ago as militants profited from the chaos that followed the 2011 fall of Gaddafi.

Infighting among rival armed factions left the country with two competing governments and no central army.

The UN-backed government in Tripoli is struggling to expand its influence over powerful brigades of former anti-Gaddafi rebels who control different areas of the country.

'There was an incursion on Friday made by Bonyan Marsous forces into Ghiza Bahriya,' said Ahmad Hadia, a spokesman for pro-government forces

Fourteen pro-government troops were killed and more than 20 wounded in clashes on Friday, according to a spokesman from the Misrata Central hospital

The fall of Sirte would be another blow to Islamic State as the militant group comes under pressure in its main territory of Syria and Iraq, where it has also lost ground

Islamic State took over Sirte a year ago as militants profited from the chaos that followed the 2011 fall of Gaddafi

Forces from the port city of Misrata began a campaign to retake Sirte six months ago, taking heavy casualties to recapture the city.

But their progress advanced with the support of US air strikes and small teams of Western special forces advising on the ground.

Islamic State is now dug in and keeping back Misrata forces with snipers and boodytraps in one remaining district.

With Misrata forces in Sirte, rival eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, who opposes the Tripoli government, has taken over four key oil ports. That has allowed resumption of oil exports but fuelled concern about renewed conflict.

Misrata backed Islamist-leaning brigades took over Tripoli from rivals in 2014 and set up their own self-declared government, forcing the elected parliament to operate in the east of the country backed by Haftar.

Misrata forces now support the UN-backed Tripoli government trying to unite rival factions. But with no real national army, armed brigades are often more loyal to their city or region than the central government.

Infighting among rival armed factions left the country with two competing governments and no central army

The UN-backed government in Tripoli is struggling to expand its influence over powerful brigades of former anti-Gaddafi rebels who control different areas of the country
Nicola Sturgeon, pictured today making her keynote speech to party conference, insisted Brexit means the only question is how Scotland becomes independent and not when

Nicola Sturgeon has insisted Brexit means the only question is how Scotland becomes independent and not when.

The SNP First Minister said her party had to answer the questions behind its 2014 referendum defeat.

But in her keynote address to the party conference in Glasgow, Ms Sturgeon insisted independence remained the answer to Scotland's problems and that she was now more confident than ever before it would happen.

In an address dominated by her domestic agenda, Ms Sturgeon said Scotland deserved the power to 'shape our own future' and vowed to deliver an early second independence referendum if Theresa May negotiates a 'hard Brexit'.

The First Minister said: 'We know what kind of country we want Scotland to be. And I believe it's a vision that unites us.

'An inclusive, prosperous, socially-just, open, welcoming and outward-looking country.

'The question now, in this new era, is how best to secure it. Let's resolve as a nation to answer that question together.'

With polls showing support for independence lagging behind support for the Union, Ms Sturgeon admitted the aftermath of the EU referendum showed her what Unionists might have felt had they lost the 2014 referendum.

And she said it offered 'common ground' on which a majority for Scottish independence might be built.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'Some who voted No believed that staying in the UK offered greater economic security, a stronger voice in the world and a guaranteed place in the EU.

'But the future looks very different today. And make no mistake - it is the opponents of independence, those on the right of the Tory party, intent on a hard Brexit, who have caused the insecurity and uncertainty.

'So it falls to us, the advocates of independence, to offer solutions to the problems they have created.'

She added: 'But with independence, the solutions will lie in our own hands.'

Ms Sturgeon said independence was the solution to Scotland's problems in a post-Brexit world

The SNP leader claimed she is more confident than ever before Scotland will become independent because of the Brexit vote

The First Minister's speech received a rapturous reception from the thousands of SNP supporters packed into the SECC on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow

Ms Sturgeon vowed to work with other parties to try and stop a hard Brexit being imposed.

And she mocked the Tories for becoming the 'Conservative and Separatist Party' which now had too much in common with Ukip.

But the First Minister warned: 'If it insists on taking Scotland down a path that hurts our economy, costs jobs, lowers our living standards and damages our reputation as an open, welcoming, diverse country - then be in no doubt.

'Scotland must have the ability to choose a better future. And I will make sure that Scotland gets that chance.

Pro independence protesters attended the SNP conference on the Clyde in Glasgow today

'And let us be clear about this too. If that moment does arise, it will not be because the 2014 result hasn't been respected. It will be because the promises made to Scotland in 2014 have been broken.

'Above all, it will be because our country decides, together, that being independent is the best way to build a better, stronger, fairer future.'

The First Minister also used her key note address to the SNP conference in Glasgow to warn Boris Johnson, David Davis and Liam Fox cannot be trusted to act in Scotland's interests over Brexit.

She will place a 'Scottish Innovation and Investment Hub' in Berlin at the heart of a four-point plan for post-Brexit Scotland.

Speculation on the fringes of the conference has focused on the credibility of the warning given polls show neither support for independence or even holding a new independence referendum after the Union was backed by 10 points in 2014.

A survey released this week to coincide with the conference found just 39 per cent of Scots back independence, compared to 47 per cent who want to stay in the UK.

Despite warnings of a second independence referendum, polls suggest the SNP is far from winning such a contest two years after losing by 10 points

Ms Sturgeon has effectively conceded she is powerless to prevent Scotland leaving the EU with the UK in two years time despite a flurry of diplomatic efforts in the wake of the Brexit vote

SNP BABY BOXES TO LAUNCH ON NEW YEAR'S DAY Scotland's 'baby box' scheme will be launched on new year's day, Nicola Sturgeon revealed today. In a speech focused on her domestic agenda, the SNP First Minister announced a competition for the design of the box. An idea borrowed from Scandinavia, the baby box is a taxpayer-funded gift to new parents that includes essentials and can be used as a crib. Ms Sturgeon said: 'I don't know about you, but as a first foot offering, I think that beats a lump of coal! 'And, then next summer, every new born baby across the country will receive a baby box full of clothes, nappies, bedding, books and toiletries. 'The baby box is a powerful symbol of our belief that all children should start life on a level playing field.' Ms Strugeon said 'inclusion' would be the hallmark of her Government and announced a 'root and branch review' of social care. She said: 'It will look at the underpinning legislation, practices, culture and ethos. 'And it will be driven by those who have experience of care.' She added: 'You know, the young people who speak to me make a simple but powerful point. 'They say the system feels like it is designed only to stop things happening. 'And, of course, it must have safeguards and protections. But children don't need a system that just stops things happening to them - they need one that makes things happen for them.' Advertisement

Ms Sturgeon has effectively conceded she is powerless to prevent Scotland leaving the EU with the UK in two years time despite a flurry of diplomatic efforts in the wake of the Brexit vote.

But she has demanded Theresa May and the Westminster government treat Scotland as an equal partner in the negotiations to quit.

Ms Sturgeon slammed 'hard right Tories' for creating uncertainty and driving toward a 'hard Brexit' that sees the UK quit the single market.

And she told delegates: 'More than ever, we need to tell our European friends that Scotland is open for business. So, today I can announce a four-point plan to boost trade and exports.

'First, we will establish a new Board of Trade drawing on the best business expertise.

'Second, we will set up a new trade envoy scheme. It will ask prominent and successful Scots to help us, boost our national export effort.

'Third, we will create permanent trade representation for Scotland with a Scottish Innovation and Investment Hub in Berlin.

'Fourth, we will double the number of Scottish Development International staff working across Europe.

'And let me be crystal clear about this  Scotland cannot trust the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox to represent us.

'They are retreating to the fringes of Europe, we intend to stay at its very heart where Scotland belongs.'

Ms Sturgeon insisted Scotland has the chance to stay a 'progressive, internationalist, communitarian country' and will focus heavily on her domestic agenda in bid to spike criticism her government is obsessed with independence.

The SNP faithful were delighted by Ms Sturgeon's warning to Westminster that Scotland had the right to a second independence referendum because of Brexit

Ms Sturgeon, pictured during toda's speech, has used her conference to warn Brexit could mean a new independence referendum

But she warned: 'Make no mistake - today, we face a choice of two futures.

REMAIN MEANS REMAIN! MAY WARNED OVER BREXIT PLAN Theresa May has been warned her days in charge of the United Kingdom were 'numbered' by the furious deputy leader of the SNP. Angus Robertson, who won a landslide election to the post on Thursday, insisted 'Remain means Remain' and demanded the Prime Minister help Scotland stay in the EU or face a second independence referendum. Scotland voted heavily for Remain at June's referendum, unlike England and Wales which overall backed Brexit. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon earlier insisted it was 'inconceivable' Westminster could refuse to allow a second independence referendum if Britain quits the single market during Brexit. No 10 today warned the question of Scottish independence was settled and urged the SNP to 'respect' the 2014 referendum. Advertisement

'After last week in Birmingham, there can be no doubt  the choice we face has never been so stark.

'The primary contest of ideas in our country is now between the SNP and the hard right Tories.'

Scottish Labour Culture, Sport, Tourism and External Affairs spokesperson Lewis Macdonald said: 'Scotland deserves better than two nationalist governments posturing at each other.

'Only Labour stands for what the majority of Scots want - remaining part of the UK and maintaining our relationship with Europe.

'Labour is the only party which stands by the common values of working together and the pooling and sharing of resources. Hard Brexit supporting Tories or independence supporting nationalists are simply advocating their own form of separation, not a future where we work together.

'It was Scottish Labour which led the criticism of the xenophobic rhetoric from the Tories at their annual conference, and it is Scottish Labour that has challenged the SNP to drop its obsession with dividing our nation.'

SNP activists have been gathered in Glasgow for three days for the party's annual conference

SNP MEMBERS DEMAND IN CONFERENCE VOTE THE LEGALISATION OF CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL USE SNP activists have overwhelmingly backed a motion in favour of the decriminalisation of cannabis for medical use. Delegates at the party's national conference in Glasgow have urged the UK Government to devolve powers to Holyrood to do this. They made the call after hearing from multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Laura Brennan-Whitefield, who called on the party to show 'compassion and common sense'. She said: 'I'm not advocating the smoking of cannabis, what I'm advocating is a progressive and reasonable, compassionate society where you can access pain relief.' Ms Brennan-Whitefield said: 'I have been living with multiple sclerosis for nine years and the fact that I'm standing here giving this speech means I am one of the lucky ones. 'It has become very clear to me over these last nine years that many people living with MS have been using cannabis to help with the symptoms of that condition, in fact it's one of the worst kept secrets at the hospital. 'All of these people risk a criminal record, unlike in Australia, Chile, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Romania and some US states. 'We as a developed western nation are fast becoming behind the times, we are the odd ones out.' Advertisement

Family of murdered waiter receive standing ovation from the SNP conference after 17-year wait for justice

The family of a murdered waiter who endured a 17-year wait for justice were given a standing ovation by delegates at the SNP conference.

The mother and sister of Surjit Singh Chhokar were applauded on to the stage in Glasgow, accompanied by their lawyer Aamer Anwar.

Flanked by Gurdev Kaur Chhokar and her daughter Manjit Sangha, he told the conference how the Chhokars were a 'humble family who demanded justice as a right and not a privilege'.

Surjit Singh Chhokar's mother Gurdev Kaur Chhokar (left), lawyer Aamer Anwar and Surjit's sister Manjit Kaur Sangha at the SNP conference

Earlier this month Ronnie Coulter was found guilty of murdering Surjit Singh Chhokar in a retrial that was held under double jeopardy laws.

Coulter, 48, had been acquitted in 1999, but has now been found guilty by majority of stabbing the 32-year-old father-of-two as he returned from work in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on November 4 1998.

Mr Anwar said the Chhokar case had become 'Scotland's Stephen Lawrence' as he told of the family's wait for justice.

He said: 'On so many occasions I watched a mother and father whose hearts were broken, with no tears left to shed.

'Throughout this period the SNP was unrelenting and unconditional in its support for the Chhokar family.'

The lawyer told the conference: 'Surjit was neither a rich nor a powerful man, but he was a loving son, father and brother who was lucky to have two stubborn parents and a sister, Manjit, who refused to be silenced.

Murdered waiter Surjit Singh Chhokar (left) and his killer Ronnie Coulter (right). Coulter was found guilty of murdering Mr Chhokar in a retrial under double jeopardy laws

'The Chhokar family symbolises for me more than anyone I have met in my lifetime what justice should be about - not the vanity of wigs and gowns or a gentleman's club, but a humble family who demanded justice as a right and not a privilege.

'The Chhokar family placed victims' rights at the heart of our modern criminal justice system and that is their cherished legacy for generations to come.'

He added: 'I want to close with the words of Mrs Chhokar, who says this. The verdict was not a cause for celebration, and my son will never return and my husband died not seeing justice but I know that my brave husband and my beautiful son will be at peace now that justice has been done, and for that as a mother I will always be indebted to your party for your love, your support, your respect and all that you did to make justice possible.'
The country's biggest union has come under fire from female officers who claim they are referred to as a 'piece of skirt'.

Female officers at Unite, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers on low wages, claim there is a 'pale, stale, male' culture at the union and if they dare complain, their male counterparts 'make [their] life hell'.

This comes after a leaked internal report recommended the union review how it dealt with complaints after dozens of female workers claimed to have been bullied or harassed within the last five years.

Unite leader Len McCluskey (pictured) became embroiled in the claim against his trade union for bullying and sexual harassment this year

The country's biggest union has come under fire from female officers. Pictured, Unite members staging a protest in 2010

The 39-page report, 'Women Officers in Unite', was commissioned by Unites Officers National Committee (ONC) in February and looked at the working conditions of Unites 76 female representatives.

According to the paper, nearly 40 percent of female staff said sharing working concerns with the union and their colleagues was 'usually viewed as a weakness'. They also complained of an 'old boys network' with women referred to as 'a piece of skirt'.

One female officer told The Times women were 'patronised', adding: 'We have a saying at Unite. It's pale, stale and male.

'I've been asked if I could wear higher heels. I've been asked whether I'm wearing stockings or tights  in the middle of a meeting.'

Another officer told the paper: 'If you complain they will make your life hell'.

A recent employment tribunal against Unite lifted the lid on alleged discrimination, misogyny and bullying at the hard-Left union.

The report, 'Women Officers in Unite', was commissioned by Unites Officers National Committee (ONC) in February. Pictured, Unite Union members demonstrating

Two weeks ago a tribunal found the union was liable for 'sexist bullying' Sally Nailard had allegedly received from two Unite shop stewards.

The 50-year-old former regional officer was based at Heathrow.

Unite leader Len McCluskey became embroiled in the claim against his trade union for bullying and sexual harassment after former union official Ms Nailard accused the Unite general secretary of calling her a scab.

Mr McCluskey was one of several union officials cited in Miss Nailards claim

Mr McCluskey was one of several union officials cited in Miss Nailards claim.

She resigned from her 47,000 position last August, following an alleged 18-month campaign of bullying and harassment.

Her evidence submitted to the tribunal, seen by the Independent, relates to a copy of an interview she gave to Sky News in 1997 after a cabin crew strike which she didnt take part in.

Her evidence states: If I was such a scab as Len McCluskey later said, I would have volunteered to operate as crew over the strike.

The tribunal found her constructive dismissal was an act of sexual discrimination and Unite is now appealing against the decision.

A spokesman for Unite said the majority of women officers agreed 'Unite colleagues and ONC reps were supportive and interested in what they do'.

The spokesman added: 'It is simply untrue to suggest that Unite has received any complaint, from any female officer, of sexual harassment/ discrimination or racism by a member and failed to immediately investigate the complaint.

'Unite has not received any complaint of sexual assault, or abuse, by an employee, towards a female officer or female member of staff.

'If we received such a complaint we would report the matter to the police and/or encourage the individual complainant to do so.

' The union of course encouraged the ONC to consult female officers about their experience in the workplaces where our members work.

'The union is considering the findings and we have responded positively , both in regard to whether there are improvements we can make but also in regard to what improvements can be made by employers of our members.

'The concerns raised over the availability of mobile numbers and home visits will be addressed in a manner that protects our female officers whilst continuing to allow members the important access to union representation.

'Unite take most seriously any allegation of sexual discrimination and all employees are encouraged to use our considerable equality provisions at all times.

'Unite is an employer which puts the issues of equality at the centre of our employment conditions.
As tensions continue to escalate between the U.S. and Russia, the Kremlin has called Vice President Joe Biden's threat to 'send a message' through America's own cyber strike 'unprecedented'.

Russia said it would protect itself from a potentially unpredictable attack from the U.S., the New York Post reported.

'The threats directed against Moscow and our states leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the US vice president.

'To the backdrop of this aggressive, unpredictable line, we must take measures to protect (our) interests, to hedge risks,' a Kremlin spokesman said, according to RIA Novosti news agency.

The Kremlin has called vice president Joe Biden's threat to 'send a message' through America's own cyber strike 'unprecedented'

Russia said it would protect itself from the 'unpredictability and aggressiveness of the United States'. Pictured, President Vladimir Putin watches the launch of a missile during naval exercises

Just one day early, Biden told NBC News: 'We're sending a message. We have the capacity to do it. It will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact.'

U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News the CIA 'had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation'.

Moscow has been accused of posturing to the rest of the world by prepping civilians for potential war, instructing them to check on the availability of bomb shelters and gas masks.

In response, US intelligence officials told NBC News that the CIA is preparing for a possible cyber attack on the Kremlin to embarrass its leadership.

Russia's UN ambassador also admitted on Friday he feels that tensions are at an all-time high.

Vitaly Churkin said that Cold War relations between the Soviet Union and Russia more than 40 years ago were different than U.S.-Russia relations today.

'The general situation I think is pretty bad at this point, probably the worst... since 1973,' he said in an interview with three journalists at Russia's U.N. Mission.

But Churkin said that 'even though we have serious frictions, differences like Syria, we continue to work on other issues ... and sometimes quite well'.

Tensions between the west and Russia are escalating to their worst levels, caused in part by the Kremlin's bombing campaign of Syria (pictured)

Churkin said that is different than during the Cold War when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack against Israel on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar in October 1973, the Mideast was thrown into turmoil.

And according to historians, the threat of an outbreak of fighting between the Soviet Union, which backed the Arabs, and the United States, Israel's closest ally, during the Yom Kippur War was the highest since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Churkin said there are 'a string of things' that have brought U.S.-Russian relations to their current low point.

'It's kind of a fundamental lack of respect and lack of in-depth discussions' on political issues, he said.

Churkin said Russia would like to normalize relations with the United States.

'If the change of administration is going to help, that's fine,' he said.

But even if President Barack Obama stayed for another term, which he is barred from doing, 'we would be pushed to trying to get back to normal in our relations'.

Many defense experts believe Russia is not intent on war but is instead throwing its weight around to deter western countries from intervening with Russian bombing in Syria.

Among the 'stunts' carried out by the Kremlin have been state-sponsored television guides on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil

The Kremlin has reportedly moved nuclear-ready missiles closer to the border with Poland. A Russian truck-mounted Topol intercontinental ballistic missile is pictured

Among the 'stunts' carried out by the Kremlin have been state-sponsored television guides on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil.

State-controlled media has also carried news bulletins warning civilians to familiarize themselves with the nearest bomb shelters and clarifying which government bodies would take command in the breakout of war.

Last week Russia moved nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles into one of its regions on the Baltic Sea - prompting a fearful response from Poland and Estonia.

Russia says the missiles are being deployed as part of regular military maneuvers to Kaliningrad, but it comes amid heightened tensions between the country and the West over Syria.

At the time, Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said Poland considers the matter of 'highest concern' and is monitoring the situation.

Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid a furious row over the Syrian conflict

It comes as the administration of US President Barack Obama prepares for a possible cyber strike on the Kremlin.

The covert operation has been prepped to ensure that Russian hackers are unable to interfere with the Presidential vote in November, NBC News reported.

Earlier this month, reports from Moscow suggested the Kremlin had ordered officials to fly home all relatives living abroad - with some residents claiming it is 'another step towards war'.

The Kremlin is said to have told high ranking officials to bring their loved ones back to the 'Motherland' immediately - with any who disobey being overlooked for promotion.

It follows a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating relations with the West over Russia's role in the Syria conflict. Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid a furious row.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned just days ago that the world is at a 'dangerous point' due to rising tensions between Russia and the US.
Officer's colleagues applaud and break out into a huge cheer

Video shows his girlfriend saying yes and the couple embracing

Soldier got down on one knee before taking part in parade in Madrid

An army officer proposed to his girlfriend in front of his colleagues during Spain's National Day celebrations.

The soldier, dressed in uniform, got down on one knee just before taking part in a military parade in Madrid.

The video shows his girlfriend saying yes and the couple embracing, with the other soldiers applauding and breaking out into a huge cheer.

An army officer proposed to his girlfriend during Spain's National Day celebrations

In the footage, the woman can be seen walking out in front of soldiers who are standing at attention.

When she gets to her army officer boyfriend, he takes hold of her hand and takes his beret off before pulling a ring out of his pocket.

Friends are heard reminding him to get down one knee, which he does, before the woman nods to say yes.

The happy couple then kiss and embrace, as the other soldiers applaud.

The footage shows the officer's girlfriend saying yes and the couple embracing

The video of the proposal was shared on social media by the Army Emergency Unit and has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.

More than 3,000 soldiers marched through Madrid to celebrate the country's National Day, which celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas.

October 12 was declared Spain's national day in 1987.
The second home sold during post-auction negotiations on Saturday morning for $1.423 million

One property was quickly snapped by buyers prior to auction for $1.38 million on Thursday

Two family homes in Tony Abbott's street, in Forestville, northern Sydney, have sold in just three days

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Former prime minister Tony Abbott is welcoming a number of new neighbours after two homes in his quiet street sold in just three days, while another is still on the market.

The two-storey family home in Lady Davidson Circuit, Forestville, a suburb of northern Sydney, was expected to be sold at auction on Saturday, reported The Daily Telegraph.

But buyers were quick to snap the property prior to the home going under the hammer, with one lucky buyer purchasing it for $1.38 million on Thursday.

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87 Lady Davidson Circuit Forestville, located in the former Prime Minister's street was sold during post-auction negotiations for $1.423

The properties in Lady Davidson Circuit, Forestville, a suburb of northern Sydney, overlook a national park (pictured number 87)

A second home, number 91, sold prior to the scheduled auction on Saturday for $1.38 million on Thursday

As well as scenic views, this spacious family home combines convenience and privacy (pictured number 91)

A second property nearby was sold during post-auction negotiations on Saturday morning for $1.423 million after passing under the hammer for 1.39 million.

The property still up for sale and the closest to Mr Abbott, number 52, has a price guide of $1.275 to $1.4 million.

The three-bedroom, two-storey home is among other properties in the street which has a real sense of privacy as the Garigal National Park falls in the backdrop.

Tony Abbott lives in the quiet street with his family and has previously said he is attached to the quiet suburb

Although the neighbouring properties to Mr Abbott are constantly for sale, neighbours say it is nothing personal

Although neighbours seem to be flocking away from the street, locals say it's nothing personal.

Agent Andrew Toohey of McGrath Forestville has found himself having to constantly answer the question why houses within the street are constantly for sale.

But he says there's no real explanation and is just a spring rush.

'That's what happens,' he said.

While some neighbours say they rarely see Mr Abbott and his family others say they've bumped into each other a few times.

'I've only ever seen him once, riding his bike at half-past-five,' seller Jenny Kidd said.

'I saw his wife just this morning,' long time resident, Wanda Parsonage, said.

The property still up for sale and the closest to Mr Abbott, number 52, has a price guide of $1.275 to $1.4 million

The backyard drop of the three-bedroom, two-storey home is the Garigal National Park
Thick smoke billowed across Sydney as 13 planned burns were performed on Saturday by the rural fire service, but blazes getting too hot to handle caused trouble for firefighters.

Commuters took to social media to capture the thick plume of smoke that engulfed Sydney after spot fires ignited during the hazard reduction burns.

Controlled burning in Forestville all the way to the North Shore suburbs near Roseville Chase forced rural fire fighters to close three lanes on Warringah Road.

Residents captured firefighters working overtime in the northern Sydney suburb of Mount Kuring-gai as reports claim a fire jumped containment lines.

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Firefighters in Mount Kuring-gai control spot fires that ignited during the hazard reduction

Mount Kuring-gai firefighters worked overtime as spot fires kept tensions running high as the sky turned orange in a false dusk

Residents and commuters took to social media to show the first full scale hazard reduction burning of the season

The northern rail line was closed as commuters were able to show how close the hazard reduction burning came to the train line and Pacific Highway

Images on social media show firefighters were engulfed in a false dusk as a quick change in conditions in Mount Kuring-gai ignited spot fires.

This resulted in a halt to traffic on the Pacific Highway and the northern rail line as firefighters battled to contain the blaze.

Sydney commuters travelling along the highway were able to capture helicopters assisting firefighters contain the rogue spot fires in Sydney's north.

Travellers showed the burning came dangerously close to the Pacific Highway resulting in closures and diversions.

The benign weather allowed firefighters to catch up with controlled hazard burning after a damp winter.

Smoke billows out from behind the bush where hazard reduction burning was taking place right on the Pacific Highway captured by a commuter

Sydney commuters travelling along the highway were able to capture helicopters assisting firefighters contain the rogue spot fires in Sydney's north

Smoke pours from the horizon as travellers on the Pacific Highway capture the controlled burns across Sydney

'As it has been the third wettest winter on record, hazard reduction work has been hard to do in that time,' a spokesman for Rural Fire Service NSW told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'But we're taking full advantage of the favourable conditions this weekend to conduct hazard reductions across the state and in the Sydney basin, in an effort to reduce the fuel load to lower the intensity of any bushfires.'

Further controlled hazard reduction burns will be performed near Mt Kuring-gai, Hornsby, Killarney Heights and Belrose on Sunday.
Major Australian airlines have banned Samsung's Galaxy Note7 on flights due to fire risks.

Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tiger passengers will no longer be able to take the smartphone on board.

The ban will come into effect on Sunday, with the four airlines changing their response to the troubled smartphone shortly after the US introduced a blanket ban on the device in the air.

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The battery of the Galaxy Note 7 has been known to overheat and catch fire with Samsung issuing a recall for about 2.5 million phones

Major Australian airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, have banned Samsung's Galaxy Note7 on flights due to fire risks.

The battery of the Galaxy Note7 has been known to overheat and catch fire, with Samsung issuing a recall for about 2.5 million phones.

Qantas, which owns Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, which owns Tiger, both decided on Saturday to ban the device completely from flights.

'The ban applies to devices being carried on to the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage,' Qantas said in a statement.

Initially, the device had been allowed if it had been turned off and not charged during the flight.

'The use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices is currently prohibited on all Virgin Australia and Tigerair Australia flights and the complete ban announced today is an additional safety measure,' Virgin Australia said.

The US Department of Transportation issued an emergency order to ban the Galaxy Note 7 on all flights to and from the country on Friday.

The ban will come into effect on Sunday, with the four airlines changing their response to the troubled smartphone shortly after the US introduced a blanket ban on the device in the air

Images show a a Samsung Note 7 exploding as pressure is applied to its fully charged battery during a test at the Applied Energy Hub battery laboratory in Singapore- It is claimed the firm has been unable to find out exactly what causes the problem

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is monitoring the situation in Australia but hasn't enforced a blanket ban.

'If we need to take further action we will but at this stage we haven't moved to actually ban them,' CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said.

Samsung announced on Tuesday it was halting production of the Note 7 after some updated versions of the phones continued to overheat.
She says a Hillary Clinton presidency gives her cause to fear for her life

The former Arkansas state employee who sued former President Bill Clinton for sexual harassment says she fears for her life in the event that his wife, Hillary Clinton, wins the election.

Paula Jones, the woman who received $850,000 from Bill Clinton as part of an out-of-court settlement after she claimed that he exposed himself to her in 1991 in a Little Rock, Arkansas, hotel, told Fox News that she is worried another Clinton administration could spell the end of her life.

Absolutely I feel that way if she gets in, Jones said when asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity if she fears for her life.

In the interview, Jones was sitting alongside two other women who have accused Clinton of sex crimes  Juanita Broaddrick and Kathleen Willey.

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Paula Jones (right), who accused former President Bill Clinton (left) of sexual harassment, says she fears for her life if Hillary Clinton (second from left) wins the election

Broaddrick has said that Clinton raped her while he was campaigning for Arkansas governor in 1978.

Willey, a former White House volunteer, claims she was assaulted in the 1990s by the then-president.

All three women joined Republican candidate Donald Trump prior to Sunday's televised debate.

Trump has accused Hillary Clinton of supporting her husband Bill's infidelity and destroying the lives of his mistresses.

His searing personal jibes came after Hillary branded the GOP frontrunner misogynistic.

'She's been the total enabler,' Trump said during a rally in Spokane, Washington, this past May.

'She would go after these women and destroy their lives. She was an unbelievably nasty, mean enabler, and what she did to a lot of those women is disgraceful.'

Jones (seen here in 1998) got an $850,000 out-of-court settlement from Bill Clinton. It was Jones' lawyers who first learned of Monica Lewinsky's relationship with the then-president

He did not give any examples or evidence for his claims, but added: 'Have you ever read what Hillary Clinton did to the women that Bill Clinton had affairs with? And they're going after me with women?'

In the last week, Trump has been accused by at least eight women of making unwanted advances and groping.

He was also overheard on a 2005 video making statements in which he bragged about using his celebrity status to initiate sexual contact with women.

Trump's claims have generated renewed interest in Bill Clinton's sexual dalliances which took place before and during his presidency - and his wife's role in defending him and denying the allegations.

Hillary Clinton once told a White House staffer that the administration had to 'destroy the story' of a woman who claimed in Penthouse magazine that she had an affair with Clinton, according to The Washington Post.

Donald Trump (seen left during his debate with Clinton this past Sunday in St. Louis) has accused her of acting as an 'enabler' for her husband

She also did not believe White House intern Monica Lewinsky's allegation that she and the president engaged in sexual activity - even though it later emerged that Lewinsky was telling the truth.

Jones suggested to Fox News that there is a historical record of people who have crossed paths with the Clintons who have ended up dead.

When asked by Hannity if the three women could be next, Jones replied: Why wouldnt we? I mean there have been so many things happen to so many people who are connected to the Clintons.

In the interview, Broaddrick hit out at Hillary Clinton by saying by saying she is 'not for all women.

She said Hillary was in the presidential race for herself.

The former nursing home administrator also accused the Democratic candidate of pressuring her into keeping quiet about the alleged incident.

Reliving their encounters with the 42nd President, Broaddrick told Fox News: 'I thought that we might possibly be able to bring this out and influence people and be able to tell them that Hillary is not for all women.

'Hillary is only for one woman and that's herself.'

Broaddrick then went on to say she met Hillary Clinton weeks after the alleged rape.

She said: 'She comes straight to me and says to me, big smile, very pleasant voice, says to me, "I'm Hillary Clinton. It's so nice to meet you. I just want to thank you for everything that you do for Bill's campaign".'

She says Hillary grabbed her arm and pulled her close, saying, 'Do you understand everything you do?'

'I felt like at that moment, she knew everything and was saying, "You better keep quiet",' Broaddrick told Fox.

Asked why she didn't go to the police, Broaddrick said of Bill, 'He could close the doors of my business - he was the police.'

Willey said Bill Clinton's alleged actions were being trivialized by people calling his alleged actions 'infidelities.

All three women accused Bill or Hillary Clinton of pressuring them to keep quiet about their alleged assaults and a fourth woman, Kathy Shelton, claimed Hillary Clinton besmirched her character.

The presidential candidate defended a man Shelton accused of raping her as a 12-year-old in 1975.

Clinton - then Hillary Rodham - said the alleged victim was an 'emotionally unstable with a tendency to seek out older men and engage in fantasizing' in an affidavit and also accused Shelton of falsely claiming to have been attacked before.

'If she was for children, she would not have put me through what I went through,' Shelton told Fox News.

In an Arkansas paper 10 years later, Clinton reportedly said Shelton's attacker passed a lie detector test, adding it 'forever destroyed my faith in polygraphs.
A former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agent was sentenced on Friday to 12 years in federal prison for leaking information to a defense contractor in exchange for cash, luxury travel and the services of prostitutes, the U.S. Justice Department said.

John Bertrand Beliveau, 47, of York, Pennsylvania, had pleaded guilty to helping Singapore-based contractor Leonard Francis, also known as 'Fat Leonard,' perpetrate a fraud scheme on the U.S. Navy by providing classified information that allowed Francis to thwart a criminal fraud investigation of the company.

Jessica Carmichael, one of Beliveau's attorneys, said Beliveau suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and while she was disappointed at prosecutors' attempts to belittle his condition, she was happy with the ruling.

'We were very appreciative and happy that the judge did take into consideration his mental health concerns in giving a sentence below the government's recommendation,' of 15 years, Carmichael said.

John Beliveau (center) a former NCIS supervisory special agent, pleaded guilty to trading classified, secret information in exchange for an estimated $30,000 cash, prostitutes and luxury vacations

His lawyers claimed Beliveau, who started working for NCIS in 2002, committed the crimes because he has mental disorders, was tired, drank too much alcohol, was weak, needed a father figure and a girlfriend due to loneliness.

The U.S. District Judge in southern California also ordered Beliveau to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy.

The Justice Department (DOJ) said Beliveau admitted to accessing NCIS databases for investigative reports related to Francis and providing copies to him so he could avoid criminal charges.

The DOJ also said in a statement that Beliveau admitted to covering up his involvement by deleting incriminating emails.

In return, the department said, Francis gave Beliveau money and paid for luxury travel to Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as lavish dinners and prostitutes.

'John Beliveau's deceit was a devastating blow to the U.S. Navy and ultimately the nation that he was sworn to protect,' U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in the statement.

In June, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau pleaded guilty to a charge of lying to federal investigators, making him the highest-ranking officer to be convicted in the case. Gilbeau is awaiting sentencing.

Sixteen people, including 11 current or former U.S. Navy officials, have been charged in the investigation, prosecutors said. Beliveau's sentencing ranks as the most severe punishment to date.

Francis pleaded guilty last year to bribery charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Prosecutors say Leonard, a 51-year-old Malaysian kingpin, bought information from Navy officials that allowed his company to overbill the military branch by at least $20million for services it provided to Navy ships at Asian ports since 2009.

Francis asked Navy captains to re-route ships to ports owned by his company or to small ports where they could impose fake port fees on the Navy.

Prosecutors say Leonard 'Fat Leonard' Francis (center) bought information from Navy officials, including Beliveau, that allowed his company to overbill the military branch by at least $20million for services it provided to Navy ships

Prosecutors in the case said they wanted Beliveau (left) to serve 15 years in prison

'In the instant offense, severe mental illness and compromised judgment, rather than greed, motivated Mr. Beliveau,' his defense lawyers had argued in a recent court filing obtained by ABC News.

'He was weak and vulnerable, and in his compromised state, he exercised terrible judgment.'

But prosecutors in the case branded the defense's request an 'insult' and said they wanted Beliveau to serve 15 years in prison.

'Beliveau's sentencing submission discusses his psychological diagnoses at length but makes no effort to identify how they justify his decision to take bribes from the target of a criminal investigation,' prosecutors said in their own filing last week.

'At any rate, there can be no doubt that the facts establish that Beliveau is a high-achieving adult who understood the consequences of his actions... Unfortunately, however, Beliveau used his considerable talents to perpetuate a lengthy and damaging bribery and fraud scheme.

'Beliveau conspired to steal tens of millions of dollars from the U.S. Navy, he put lives at risk, and has forever tarnished the reputation of the agency and country he was sworn to protect.

'That he did so for a steady stream of prostitutes, lavish trips and dinners and envelopes of cash is directly relevant to the court's analysis of his history and characteristics.'

Beliveau was part of the widespread bribery ring operated by 350lb Francis, who is known in military circles as 'Fat Leonard', through his company that provided fuel, food and supplies for Navy ships for 25 years.

They claim Beliveau (center), who started working for NCIS in 2002, committed the crimes because he has mental disorders, was tired, drank too much alcohol, was weak, needed a father figure and a girlfriend due to loneliness

The bribery ring involved more than a dozen Navy servicemen and high-ranking officials who gave him classified information.

Francis, who was arrested in September 2013 and pleaded guilty in January 2015, ripped off the Navy with the information he received on ship movements and ships being steered toward his ports.

Following the arrest, hundreds of law enforcement agents arrested other suspects in three states and seven countries and seized incriminating files from his business empire.

More than a dozen Navy officers, including a vice admiral, have been disciplined or been criminally prosecuted while some are still facing charges related to the scheme.

Beliveau didn't come into the bribery scheme until after Francis had learned he was being investigated by the NCIS, which is the law enforcement agency of the Navy.

The two men met while Beliveau was stationed from 2008 to 2012 in Singapore.

Beliveau's attorneys said that their client found Francis to be a 'wealthy, smooth-talking, popular man,' while Francis seemingly found someone he used to get information.

'(Francis) wined, dined and cultivated relationships with his guests that he would later exploit,' Beliveau's attorneys said in the more than 70-page court filing.

Beliveau didn't come into the bribery scheme until after Francis (right) had learned he was being investigated by the NCIS. Francis paid Beliveau to leak information about the investigation to him

'Mr. Beliveau was weak... In essence, Mr. Beliveau was a prime target for Francis. He was exhausted and lonely.'

In their argument for Beliveau, the court filing states that he lived with loneliness, intense securities, serious mental and physical ailments that go back to his childhood.

Though Beliveau had a successful career as an NCIS agent, his lawyers said he never had a romantic relationship or any real friends as he drank excessively and lived with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

When he met Francis, Beliveau believed that he found a friend and betrayed the country for him, his attorneys said in the filing.

'(Beliveau) became attached to Mr. Francis, a man who was powerful and had the resources to keep him safe and provide him with the numbing agents that John used as his primary coping mechanism,' Beliveau's therapist wrote at some point, as quoted in the defense filing ABC obtained.

The reference to 'numbing agents' he received included thousands of dollars, prostitutes, fine dining and alcohol.

Francis even purchased a decommissioned British warship (above), renamed it the Glenn Braveheart, and occasionally turned it into a giant party boat with prostitutes

Francis had even purchased a decommissioned British warship, renamed it the Glenn Braveheart, and occasionally turned it into a giant party boat, complete with prostitutes in the wardroom according to court records.

Starting in 2011, prosecutors say Beliveau gave Francis numerous internal NCIS reports and trained him on how to best answer questions from investigators.

'As the months went by, Mr. Beliveau fell deeper into Francis' scheme to a point in which they communicated almost daily.' Beliveau's attorneys said in the filing.

'He was symptomatically obsessed with Francis and overwhelmingly attached to the relief Francis could provide through the parties and prostitutes.'

In addition, Francis and Beliveau sent dozens of emails back and forth about hookers and payment.

In one email Beliveau wrote in 2012 to Francis, he said: 'You give your whores more money than me ;)

'Don't get too busy that you forget your friends ... let me know ... I can be your best friend or worst enemy.'

Prosecutors claim that Beliveau allegedly gave Francis 'real-time updates and warnings about every significant development' via text message concerning the NCIS' cases on him.

Beliveau's attorney's say he became attached to Francis and the luxuries that he gave him. Prosecutors claim that Beliveau (center) gave Francis 'real-time updates and warnings about every significant development' via text message concerning the NCIS' cases on him

Beliveau provided Francis with the identities of witnesses who were cooperating and also warned him that an NCIS source was making recordings of a GDMA employee.

'I have 30 reports for u (sic), not good, ur (sic) girl in Thailand fd (sic) up and got caught on tape,' one of the messages from Beliveau said, according to prosecutors.

Authorities came to suspect that a mole was working inside NCIS. They created a 'clandestine team of agents' to operate a 'secret investigation that was completely walled off' from NCIS's internal system.

Military authorities went into the NCIS system in July 2013 and placed a fake report that said the investigation into Francis' business was to be closed, in an effort to trap the mole.

Beliveau immediately reported that information to Francis, who then traveled to San Diego to meet with Navy officials who worked for him in the scheme.

Last year, US Navy commander Jose Luis Sanchez (above) pleaded guilty in the case for providing shipping schedules and other information to Francis in exchange for bribes

Military authorities arrested Francis, Beliveau and a group of service members involved in the scheme.

Beliveau agreed to cooperate with investigators in the widespread case three months later and he pleaded guilty.

His attorneys have also argued that the crimes he committed were not as bad as some of what others did for Francis.

They also said that prior to Beliveau meeting Francis, he had never done anything wrong in his life.

'Mr. Beliveau's involvement in this scheme is truly an aberration from who he truly is  an honorable, thoughtful man dedicated to a life of service,' the court filing states.

'Mr. Beliveau is deeply remorseful and disappointed in himself.'

Prosecutors have countered Beliveau's attorney's argument with stating that the 15-year prison sentence recommendation should be imposed because his crimes were worse since he was a law enforcement officer for the Navy.

'The sentence that this court imposes upon Beliveau should reflect the level of trust that the judiciary and the public place in federal law enforcement agents and the gravity of the harm that results when agents breach that trust,' the prosecutors' filing states.

'For this reason, the harm that Beliveau did to the GDMA investigation  which was considerable  pales in comparison to the damage done to the public's faith in the law enforcement officers responsible for ensuring that the justice system achieves equitable results.'

Last year, US Navy commander Jose Luis Sanchez said he provided shipping schedules and other information to Francis in exchange for bribes.
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A stampede at a religious gathering in northern India has killed at least 24 people after thousands tried to cross a bridge at once.

The followers of guru Jai Gurudev, a leader of a local religious sect, had gathered on the outskirts of Varanasi, a Hindu holy town in Uttar Pradesh, when the deadly stampede broke out.

At least 20 others were injured in the crush and taken to hospitals nearby.

A stampede at a religious gathering in northern India has killed at least 24 people after thousands tried to cross a bridge at once. Pictured are followers of the local religious sect walking along the same bridge after the stampede

Police inspector general Hari Ram Sharma confirmed that 24 people died, including 19 women.

Footage showed piles of clothes and slippers lying in a heap as policemen cleared the debris.

A spokesman from the religious sect said the stampede occurred after a rumour spread that the bridge had collapsed, according to local media.

Raj Bahadur said: 'The devotees were proceeding towards the camp [across the river] but police started sending them back. This led to rumours that the bridge has collapsed.'

Footage showed piles of clothes and slippers lying in a heap as policemen cleared the debris in Varanasi, a Hindu holy town

A witness added: 'There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother.'

Followers of the religious sect gathered for a two-day congregation on the banks of the river Ganges.

State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered a high-level enquiry into the tragedy and monetary compensation for the victims.

Stampedes at religious festivals in India, where police and volunteer stewards are often overwhelmed by the size of the crowds, are not uncommon.

In July last year, a stampede on the banks of a holy river killed 27 pilgrims in southern India.

At least 20 others were injured in the crush and taken to hospitals nearby. Pictured is a pile of clothes and shoes left behind following the stampede

Around 115 people were killed in October 2013 at a stampede near a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, site of another deadly stampede there seven years earlier.

Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012, fiercely espoused vegetarianism and claimed 'to liberate the soul from the rotation of birth and death' on his website.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the loss of life in the latest incident.

He tweeted: 'I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi.'
A hospital in Massachusetts has come under fire after surgeons mistakenly removed a kidney from the wrong patient.

St Vincent Hospital, in Worcester, Massachusetts, did not follow proper patient identification procedures, which resulted in a healthy kidney being removed from a patient on July 20.

A 32-page report revealed that the unidentified patient was at the hospital to have a kidney removed due to a large tumor.

Once the procedure began, doctors realized there was no tumor on the patient's organ.

St Vincent Hospital (pictured), in Worcester, Massachusetts, did not follow proper patient identification procedures, which resulted in a healthy kidney being removed from a patient

The organ was removed and sent to the pathology department, which confirmed the kidney did not have a tumor.

'It was later determined that the patients admission and plan for surgery to remove the tumorous kidney was based on another patients Computerized Tomography scan results, in error,' the report explained.

The report determined that two patients with the same name had Computerized Tomography scans at a different hospital on the same day in June.

The two patients' birthdays were also close in years.

A federal agency launched an investigation into the hospital's procedures and found the facility was not in compliance with requirements for patient's to have quality assessments, the Telegram-Gazette reported.

It found that the patient's records did not have the CT scan report in it.

This is one of the methods hospitals are supposed to use to confirm a diagnosis.

Additionally, the state Department of Public Healths Division of Health Care Facility Licensure found the hospital was not in compliance with the standard of performance improvement, medical record services and surgical services.

As it stands, the hospital will lose its Medicare and Medicaid agreement on December 12 if it does not fix the issues found in the inspection.

The on-site inspection and investigation was conducted unannounced.

'The Department expects the hospital to take immediate steps to address the findings of the investigation and will continue to monitor... through unannounced inspections,' DPH Spokesman Tom Lyons told the Star-Telegram on Thursday.

A hospital spokeswoman told the newspaper that the facility is working to correct the issues and enhance safeguards flagged by the inspection.

As it stands, the hospital (pictured) will lose its Medicare and Medicaid agreement on December 12 if it does not fix issues found during an inspection

'This was a deeply unfortunate situation and we will take all steps necessary to prevent it from happening again,' spokeswoman Erica Noonan said.

Some of the blame has been placed on the patient's physician, who does not work at the hospital.

Noonan said the patient's doctor 'misidentified the procedure the patient needed' before being brought to the hospital.

Lyons was unable to say if the patient whose kidney was mistakenly removed received another.

During the investigation, there were several problems found with the hospital.

One incident included the hospital putting an ID bracelet on a patient's son rather than the patient.

This was allegedly due to a language barrier but it is unclear if an interpreter was ever used.

Another report showed a previous patient registered with the hospital using another patient's name.
A filmmaker has captured footage revealing trail of devastation left behind by migrants forced to leave on the street in the middle of Paris.

An anonymous Frenchman wearing a hidden camera recorded the aftermath of a raid on a migrant camp on Avenue de Flandre in the north of the French capital.

After the migrants had been forced on to buses by police officers in full riot gear, all that was left was sidewalks blocked with trash, junk and mattresses.

The video also captures the scene before the hundreds of young Africans, mainly Sudanese and Eritreans, were confronted by riot shields and tear gas.

The men are shown forced to live and sleep on flat pieces of cardboard, with all their worldly belongings stuffed into plastic bags.

A filmmaker has captured footage revealing trail of devastation left behind by migrants forced to leave on the street in the middle of Paris

An anonymous Frenchman wearing a hidden camera recorded the aftermath of a raid on a migrant camp on Avenue de Flandre in the north of the French capital

The video captures the migrants clashing with police and locals, who are shown throwing debris at each other

The men are shown forced to live and sleep on flat pieces of cardboard, with all their worldly belongings stuffed into plastic bags

However the authors of the video, entitled 'Scenes from the apocalypse, were not sympathetic to the plight of the migrants - blaming them for ruining the iconic image of the French capital.

Generation Europe wrote: 'The Paris you know or remember from adverts or brochures no longer exists.

'While no part of Paris looks like the romantic Cliches in Hollywood movies, some districts now resemble post-apocalyptic scenes of a dystopian thriller.

'Scenes like this might spread to areas frequented by tourists, forever changing the last romantic parts of Paris that match what most people have in mind when they think of the iconic city.'

After being rounded up by police, the manly Sudanese and Ertireans were put on to buses to be taken to new acccomodation

After the migrants had been forced on to buses by police officers in full riot gear, all that was left was sidewalks blocked with trash, junk and mattresses

The video also captures the scene before the hundreds of young Africans, mainly Sudanese and Eritreans, were confronted by riot shields and tear gas (shown)
A lavish historical drama filling Sunday night's coveted 9pm slot is set to get pulses racing - but it has ignited a feud about a hidden love affair.

ITV's Tutankhamun depicts archaeologist Howard Carter, his patron the Earl of Carnarvon and his teenage daughter, unearthing the tomb of the pharaoh and his treasures in Egypt nearly 100 years ago.

However the enthralling drama drew criticism from the current Lord Carnarvon, great-grandson of the Egyptian adventurer, who disputed the show's racy affair.

But now the show's writer has claimed that to completely ignore any romance between Lady Evelyn Herbert and Carter as they hunted for the treasure in the Valley of the Kings, would be to 'dodge' the evidence.

Tutankhamun: ITV's lavish new four-part drama begins on Sunday - but it has drawn criticism from the family of Lord Carnarvon

Lord Carnarvon, Evelyn Herbert and Howard Carter at the Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922

Secret love affair: The drama's writer said they could not 'ignore' the evidence of a romance between Herbert and Carter

In the drama, Carter  played by heart-throb Max Irons, 30  is shown passionately kissing Lady Evelyn Herbert, who was with her father, played by Sam Neill, in Egypt.

But the narrative depicting an affair between Carter and Carnarvon's teenage daughter brought a furious response from the earl's great-grandson, who said: 'There was no romance between Carter and my great-aunt Lady Evelyn Herbert.

'It just didn't happen that way'.

However Tutankhamun writer Guy Burt said the story of the romance is 'emphatically not' an invention but a 'persistent rumour'.

Sam Neill as Lord Carnarvon and Max Irons as Carter in the ITV drama

Tutankhamun writer Guy Burt said the story of the romance is 'emphatically not' an invention but a 'persistent rumour'

The Valley of the Kings: In the drama, Carter  played by heart-throb Max Irons, 30  is shown with Lady Evelyn Herbert, who was with her father, played by Sam Neill, in Egypt

He told The Telegraph: 'To say categorically that there was no chance of a romance between Carter and Evelyn is to dodge some of the evidence of the time.'

He added: 'I'm not saying it's fact; it's an interpretation of the limited facts at our disposal, from which we have to draw our own conclusions.'

ITV say: 'Carnarvons teenage daughter Evelyn is swept away by the magic of the Valley of the Kings and she believes Carters theory of a lost tomb.'

Francis Hopkinson, Tutankhamun's producer, admitted the affair was 'based on speculation'.

Tutankhamun begins on ITV tomorrow at 9pm

The discovery of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamuns dazzling treasures in Egypt by archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron the Earl of Carnarvon captured the worlds imagination in 1922

'I don't mind that my great-grandfather's story was sexed up. But here's the truth.' - BY LORD CARNAVON, GREAT GRANDSON OF THE EGYPT ADVENTURER

ITV'S new drama looks like an enjoyable romp, full of the glamour of Egypt in the early 1900s. But I have considerable reservations about it being a fair portrait of my great-grandfather.

He is shown as a naive but charming gentleman explorer who was totally out of his depth without Howard Carter.

But while it was true that he was an eccentric and maverick adventurer, he was also a scholarly investigator of ancient Egypt who made significant discoveries before he met Carter.

In the drama he is shown asking Carter: 'How do you find a tomb?' as if he had no idea of the immense time and difficulty involved.

The real-life Howard Carter, who was one of the most pioneering Egyptologists of his generation

He is also introduced to 'scientific methods' as if this were some strange idea. In fact, he was a skilled photographer and we have some amazing albums of his work here at Highclere Castle, in Berkshire, the family home.

As for claims of an affair between Carter and my great-aunt Lady Evelyn Herbert, there was no romance. It just didn't happen that way. Carter was so absorbed in his work, he was something of a stoical loner.

My grandfather, despite being a great raconteur, didn't really tell me stories about his father's quest in the Valley of the Kings.

He thought the 5th Earl's death had something to do with the Curse of Tutankhamun, but his reticence was more about the emotional impact it had on him as a young man.

So, in common with millions of other people, my first real insight into the work of Carnarvon and Carter came with the arrival of Tutankhamun's treasures at the British Museum in 1972. In fact, I went to the exhibition twice  first trailing behind my parents, my grandfather and my great aunt, and then queuing with other schoolboys keen to see the treasures of Tutankhamun.

On that first visit, I can still recall Aunt Evelyn staring at the iconic golden mask.

The 5th Earl of Carnarvon, whose great-grandson says he was far more knowledgeable and capable in the tombs than the show would have viewers believe

I was too young to realise just what an incredibly poignant moment this was for her. It was the first time she had set eyes on the mask as Carter didn't bring it out of the tomb for some time after the death of her father.

Another pivotal moment came in 1987, shortly after my grandfather had died. Together with my father and Robert Taylor, my grandfather's long-serving butler, we were carrying out an inventory of Highclere. Robert suddenly turned to my father and said: 'What about all the Egyptian stuff, my lord?' My father replied: 'There is no Egyptian stuff. It's in New York or the Cairo Museum.'

But unbeknownst to my father, my grandfather had stored small items of jewellery, tools and small wooden boxes, some from the time of Queen Hatshepsut, in the cupboards between the drawing room and smoking room. They were wrapped in cotton wool and stored in tobacco tins.

The golden mask of Tutankhamun's mummy on display in a glass cabinet at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo

From that moment I couldn't help being hooked, and I have been absorbed in the story ever since.

Carnarvon found in Carter another maverick and eccentric from a totally different background, and they got on very well. My great-grandfather knew how to bring people together and make peace in sometimes troubled local politics.
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Australia's military showed off its air power in a stunning display over the city of Townsville on Saturday.

More than 70,000 people gathered in parks and public places to watch the T150 Defence Air Show in the coastal city in north-eastern Queensland, on Saturday, as the sky played host to military aircraft of all kinds.

The show was staged as part of celebrations for 150th anniversary of the foundation of Townsville, which is home to a major Royal Australian Air Force base.

'It's a fantastic opportunity for Air Force to provide such an event over Townsville's foreshore,' RAAF spokesman Air Commodore Noddy Sawade.

Among the aircraft on display were F/A-18F Super Hornets dropping flares and a C-17A Globemaster III gliding through the sky.

A C-130J Hercules, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and E-7A Wedgetail also featured, along with the Roulettes aerobatic display team.

Also making an appearance was United States Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which was flown from Japan to Australia just for the show.

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet drops two flares as it performs during the T150 Defence Force Air Show

Pictured form below, the F/A-18F Super Hornet lit the sky as the two flares were dropped

Over 70,000 people gathered in Townsville, a coastal city in north-eastern Queensland, to watch the aviation display

Many spectators appeared to be watching the show through the lens as they snapped the aircraft with their cameras in the midst of their performance

A loadmaster from an Australian Army MRH90 Taipan helicopter waves to the crowd as it performs

An Australian Army CH47 Chinook helicopter was also part of the spectacular aviation show

Spectators were able to see how fast pilots were able to transition from horizontal flight to straight up. Pictured is a F/A-18F Super Hornet

The pilots involved in the show were from Townsville, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Pictured is a F/A-18F Super Hornet dropping a flair

The USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon (pictured) are deployed in the Middle East and across the world

C-17A Globemaster III glided its way above the crowd as the sky played host to a numerous amount of aircraft

A C-130J Hercules perform a flypast as families lined the beach in Townsville to look skyward

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III performs a flypast, dropping close to the public below

Spectators look skyward along the Strand beach to watch a Hercules join the spectacular display

Telstra installed a temporary mobile base station in order to help cater for the tens of thousands of devices which descended on the town

A loadmaster from an Australian Army CH47 Chinook helicopter looks from their window at the people below

The show is believed to be quite unique because most of the air shows are at an airfield. Pictured is a Lockheed Hudson aircraft

A spectacular image captures the United States Air Force (USAF) F-16 fighter jet which flew in from Japan to be part of the show

The parade which started at 10am stemmed throughout the day, concluding at 5.20pm

The Air Show was part of Townsville's 150th anniversary of the city's foundation. Pictured is a MRH90 helicopter

The Air Force has had a long history with Townsville, dating back to World War Two. The aviation display allowed the long historical links between Air Force and the city to be celebrated

The last major air show in Townsville was in 2009 when some 70,000 people witnessed a display over The Strand foreshore. Pictures is a Historical Catalina aircraft
The Titans player said claims he simply got 'carried away doing karaoke'

Jarryd Hayne has spoken out about the infamous night he partied with an alleged Hells Angels bikie, adamantly denying he knew him.

The NRL player was seen cavorting with alleged gangster Chris Bloomfield in a notorious string of Snapchat videos filmed on September 9.

In the video posted to the social media sharing app, the Titans star is seen joy-riding around the Gold Coast with Bloomfield, an alleged bikie and former Titans under-20 player.

Jarryd Hayne (pictured left) was seen cavorting with alleged gangster Chris Bloomfield (pictured right) in a notorious string of Snapchat videos filmed on September 9

Bloomfield is seen holding up a large wad of $50 notes to the camera claiming 'Haynsey just gave me five grand'.

Hayne responded by saying 'cash money fam, cash money. Give me a f***ing cigarette'.

Now more than a month after the controversial footage aired, Hayne has called the whole situation 'bulls**t'.

Bloomfield (pictured left) is seen holding up a large wad of $50 notes to the camera claiming 'Haynsey just gave me five grand'

Hayne (pictured) said he didn't know Bloomfield nor about his alleged criminal record and simply got carried away in the moment

Defending his actions, Hayne said he wanted to set the record straight, according to the Daily Telegraph.

He said he was out at a race day when Bloomfield joined him and a few mates, claiming he knew many of his friends already.

'Then we go back to one of the guys houses and we get carried away doing karaoke. He Snapchats it for a laugh,' he said.

Hayne said he didn't know Bloomfield or about his alleged criminal record and simply got carried away in the moment.

'Maybe I should not have been singing but I was being a clown. I have had hundreds of people Snapchat me singing. I like singing when I get carried away,' Hayne (pictured) said

'Maybe I should not have been singing but I was being a clown. I have had hundreds of people Snapchat me singing. I like singing when I get carried away,' he said.

But Hayne said it didn't matter to him who Bloomfield was as long as he wasn't a bad person to him personally.
Donald Trump is stoking the fear and anger of his supporters by putting forward theories of a rigged election as his campaign tries to recover from the damaging blow of nine women accusing him of sexual harassment and assault.

On Saturday morning, Trump reiterated claims that the system is stacked against him in an unprecedented move that threatens to undermine the US' history of peaceful democratic transitions.

Trump has also urged his supporters to monitor the polls in their own neighborhoods 'because of you know what I'm talking about'.

On two occasions in the last week, Trump cited the dangers of illegal immigrants trying to vote or 'other communities' 'stealing' the election.

As Trump's campaign struggles to bounce back 23 days before election day, the business tycoon acknowledged the turning tide but fought back by casting blame on the media and Clinton's campaign for 'poison[ing] the minds of the American voter'.

Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, issued a response that read: 'Participation in the system - and particularly voting - should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he's going to lose.'

Donald Trump is stoking the fear and anger of his supporters by putting forth theories of a rigged election as his campaign tries to recover for sexual assault allegations

As Trump's campaign struggles to bounce back 23 days before election day, the business said the media was pedding 'made up charges' with the Clinton campaign

Trump lashed out at Clinton, saying she 'should be in jail' before writing: 'This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges and outright lies in order to elect Crooked Hillary.'

He also tried to shut down his sexual assault accusers, tweeting: '100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!'

While he has repeatedly called the election 'rigged', a study by Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School, found just 31 incidents of voter impersonation between 2000 and August 2014, among more than a billion ballots cast in elections at both the local and national levels.

But at a roundtable with the National Border Patrol Council last week, Donald Trump said: 'They're letting people pour into the country so they can go and vote.'

On Monday, he addressed a largely white crowd outside Pittsburgh, citing the dangers of 'other communities' who might 'steal' the election.

'So important that you watch other communities, because we don't want this election stolen from us,' he said. 'We do not want this election stolen.'

Trump's supporters are heeding his calls, with some saying they would be on the lookout for illegal immigrants trying to cast their ballots on November 8, the Boston Globe reported.

Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Marsha Catron quashed Trump's claims, saying that US borders aren't open to illegal migration before explaining that naturalization is a protracted process, Politico reported.

Regardless, Dan Bowman, a 50-year-old contractor, told the Boston Globe that if Hillary Clinton won, 'I hope we can start a coup....There's going to be a lot of bloodshed. But that's what it's going to take...I would do whatever I can for my country.'

Clinton's campaign issued a response to Trump's claims, with Mook writing: 'Campaigns should be hard-fought and elections hard-won, but what is fundamental about the American electoral system is that it is free, fair and open to the people.

'Participation in the systemand particularly votingshould be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he's going to lose.

'This election will have record turnout, because voters see through Donald Trump's shameful attempts to undermine an election weeks before it happens.'

The business tycoon has been on a tear this week, batting down sexual harassment and assault allegations as quickly as they come up.

The underlying story, Trump believes, is a plot by Hillary Clinton's campaign and her media allies to steal the election from him through a calculated series of tall tales.

He criticized everyone from Obama to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim in the wake of the sexual assault allegations, painting himself as a victim while he tried to drown out the nine women who have come forward to share their stories.

During a mid-afternoon campaign rally in North Carolina, the Republican presidential nominee cast Slim, who owns 17 per cent of the New York Times Company, as the unseen hand pulling the strings of 'corporate lobbyists' masquerading as reporters.

Trump mentioned Slim's nationality twice, as if to underscore Mexico's adversarial posture toward his pledge to wall off America from its neighbor to the south.

Spokesman Arturo Elias Ayub later said Slim doesn't know Trump at all 'and is not the least bit interested in his personal life.'

Trump also mocked his female sex-abuse accusers, calling them liars and 'sick' women seeking fame or money while suggesting that some of them are unattractive and desperate for sexual partners.

He specifically singled out former businesswoman Jessica Leeds, who appeared on CNN Thursday night to tell her experience sitting next to Trump on a flight.

She said she was 'assaulted' by Trump on a flight when he lifted the arm-rest between then and allegedly began touching her.

But Trump issued a nasty retort, saying, 'When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said: "I don't think so!", grimacing to indicate that he thought she was unattractive.

He added: 'Believe me, she would not be my first choice. I can tell you. You don't know  she would not be my first choice.'

Jessica Leeds (above) said that Trump 'grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt' on a flight more than three decades ago

Quote: 'He was like an octopus,' Leed (above on Wednesday) told the Times. 'His hands were everywhere'

He also criticized Obama for weighing in on the controversy, saying his accusers could just as easily target him.

Trump claimed his innocence, complaining: 'Right now I am being viciously attacked with lies and smears. It's a phony deal.

'I have no idea who these women are. Have no idea! I have no idea! And I think you all know I have no idea because you understand me for a lot of years, okay?'

In the first indication that his strategy was working, a group of his supporters on the lawn beyond the seating area of the White Oak Amphitheater screamed: 'We don't care! We don't care! We don't care!'

'You have to dispute when somebody says something false', Trump responded. 'Fortunately, we have the microphone. We can dispute it. Some people can't.'

But not everyone is convinced- a Reuters/Ipsos national opinion poll released on Friday showed Clinton pulling ahead of Trump by seven percentage points.

Support for Clinton has been mostly rising in the seven-day tracking poll since the last week of August, when the candidates were drawing about the same level of support.

Summer Zervos (pictured), a former contestant on The Apprentice says Trump kissed her open-mouthed and touched her breasts in a private room in 2007

Zervos (pictured foreground) had contacted Trump about a job with one of his businesses. She read a statement alongside her attorney during a news conference on Friday

Summer Zervos, a former contestant from Trump's The Apprentice, said she contacted Trump to inquire about a job with one of his businesses after the show.

Zervos said Trump met to discuss a potential job with her, but he kissed her on the lips and asked for her phone number at the end of the meeting.

Weeks later, Trump invited her to meet him at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she said she was expecting to have dinner with the New York billionaire.

Instead, he kissed her open-mouthed and touched her breasts in a private room, she said during a news conference.

'He tried to kiss me again... and I said, "Dude, you're tripping right now," attempting to make it clear I was not interested,' she said.

Kristin Anderson, 46, alleges that Trump groped her by reaching up her skirt and touching her through her underwear in a Manhattan nightclub in the early '90s

Anderson appeared on CNN on Friday night to provide more detail about her allegations against Donald Trump

Kristin Anderson also told The Washington Post that she was sitting on a couch with friends at a New York nightclub in the early 1990s when a hand reached up her skirt and touched her through her underwear.

She said she pushed the hand away, turned around and recognized Trump as the man who had groped her.

'He was so distinctive looking - with the hair and the eyebrows. I mean, nobody else has those eyebrows,' she told the Washington Post.

She said she did not saying anything at the time because she did not think anyone would believe her.

'Who am I going to tell. The club manager, "Donald Trump put his hand up my skirt",' she said.

'They will be like "yeah", and they will go to him and go did you do this? And he will say no. And where do we go from there?

'It is kind of like where we are now. He's saying no. And a ton of women saying yes.'

Rachel Crooks (above) was a 22-year-old working as a receptionist at a real estate company when she says Trump kissed her on the mouth without permission while in an elevator in 2005

Cathy Heller, now 63 and living in New York, said the billionaire forcibly kissed her on the mouth in 1997.

She told The Guardian Trump forced himself on her after they were introduced by her mother-in-law at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where she and her husband's family were members.

Rachel Crooks was a 22-year-old working as a receptionist at Bayrock Group, a real estate company based in Trump Tower in Manhattan, when she says Trump kissed her on the mouth without permission while in an elevator in 2005.

'It was so inappropriate,' said Crooks. 'I was so upset that he thought I was so insignificant that he could do that.'

Crooks told the newspaper the incident took place after she shook hands with Trump in an elevator and he allegedly refused to let go.

She says he then began kissing her on the cheeks, before then kissing her lips.

Mindy McGillivray (pictured) said Trump grabbed her backside after she helped a photographer who was shooting a concert at Trump's Palm Beach manor

Mindy McGillivary, 36, said Trump grabbed her backside while she was helping a photographer who was shooting a concert at Trump's Palm Beach manor in 2003.

'All of a sudden I felt a grab, a little nudge. I think it's Ken's camera bag, that was my first instinct,' she told the newspaper. 'I turn around and there's Donald. He sort of looked away quickly.'

McGillivray said she became furious when she saw Trump claim during the second presidential debate that he had never groped a woman inappropriately, and immediately began to consider sharing her story.

'It's a respect issue for all women. If something like this happens to you, you should speak up,' she said, according to the Palm Beach Post.

People writer Natasha Stoynoff (above) claims Trump shoved his tongue down her throat when she interviewed Trump and his wife Melania in Mar-a-Lago

Natasha Stoynoff, a writer with People magazine, traveled to Mar-a-Lago to interview Trump and his wife Melania in December 2005.

Trump said he wanted to show her a room in the mansion.

She said: 'We walked into that room alone, and Trump shut the door behind us. I turned around, and within seconds, he was pushing me against the wall, and forcing his tongue down my throat.

'I was grateful when Trump's longtime butler burst into the room a minute later, as I tried to unpin myself.'

When they were alone again, he told her that they were going to have an affair.

Cassandra Searles (above) won Miss Washington in 2013 and wrote: 'He probably doesn't want me telling the story about that time he continually grabbed my a** and invited me to his hotel room'

Cassandra Searles, who won Miss Washington in 2013, shared a picture of the other models who took part in the Trump-owned pageant in 2013 on Facebook and included a caption saying the Republican nominee treated them 'like cattle'.

'He probably doesn't want me telling the story about that time he continually grabbed my a** and invited me to his hotel room,' said Searles.

Temple Taggart (above) got emotional as she revealed that Trump kissed her against her will

Taggart said that Trump kissed her on the lips on their first-ever meeting (Taggart above with Trump and then wife Marla Maples)

Temple Taggart, also competed in the Miss USA pageant and was a contestant the first time that she claims Trump kissed her against her will.

Taggart told the New York Times earlier this year that Trump kissed her on the lips during the pageant, but shared more about her story in the wake of his comments during Sunday night's debate.

She claims that her father saw Trump during a rehearsal for the pageant and decided to get his attention so that his daughter could met the billionaire businessman.

'It was at that time that he turned to me and embraced me and gave me a kiss on the lips,' said Taggart.

'I remember feeling kind of embarrassed, like wanting to turn and wipe my mouth, like, "What just happened?"' said Taggart.

This happened again when she went to New York City to meet Trump soon after, she told NBC News.

'I remember immediately thinking, what does he think this is?' said Taggart, who added that the kiss was the kind one would give their boyfriend.
The entire encounter was captured on the store's

While the clerk fires his gun he smokes a cigarette and doesn't put it down

Clerk fires at armed robber who flees the store and runs into the street

After entering store with a gun drawn, the store clerk pulls out his own gun

An armed man picked the wrong store clerk to rob when he entered a Texas smoke shop last month.

In surveillance footage taken of the incident, a man enters Austin, Texas, store and immediately draws a gun.

Without missing a beat, the store clerk, who is smoking a cigarette, draws his own gun - a CZ-75 SP-01 9mm pistol - and begins firing at the robber.

An armed man picked the wrong store clerk to rob when he entered a Texas smoke shop last month

In surveillance footage taken of the incident, a man enters Austin, Texas, store and immediately draws a gun

Without missing a beat, the store clerk, who is smoking a cigarette, draws his own gun - a CZ-75 SP-01 9mm pistol - and begins firing at the robber

The store clerk seems completely unfazed and doesn't even put down his cigarette as he fires at the assailant

The store clerk seems completely unfazed and doesn't even put down his cigarette as he fires at the assailant.

At one point while he's shooting, he even appears to try and take a drag off the cigarette.

The armed criminal runs out of the store as a bullet breaks the glass door. He rolls into the street and runs away.

The clerk walks out to check if the armed man is still there before going back behind the counter.

The robber runs out the door as the glass shatters around him, likely from the clerk's bullets. He rolls onto the ground as he flees the store

The clerk then walks out from behind the counter with his gun drawn to see if the man is still outside
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The residents of New York's scariest haunted house left Jimmy Fallon and Kevin Hart screaming at the top of their lungs when they visited this week.

'If you guys watch this and at any point it looks like Im afraid, Im an actor and was acting,' Hart rather unconvincingly told the camera afterwards in a segment that aired on The Tonight Show on Thursday.

And DailyMail.com can attest that the residents of the Blood Manor, a popular Halloween attraction in Manhattan's Hudson Square District, are indeed, truly terrifying.

It took around fifteen minutes for us to make it through around 5,000 sq ft of themed rooms, pitch black corridors and labyrinthine passageways.

And the creepy clowns, bloody brides and hysterical girls who lunged at us at every turn clutching weapons from buzzing chainsaws to blood-spattered axes made us scream, cry and leave drenched in a cold sweat.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen also recently survived a walk (or run) through the spooky residence, so if you're brave enough, here are some of the frightening creatures that await you...

Terrorized: The monsters who lunged at us at every turn clutching weapons from buzzing chainsaws to blood-spattered axes made us scream, cry and leave drenched in a cold sweat

Creepy! Menacing clowns are everywhere at the moment and these two who haunt visitors at Blood Manor are pretty scary

Terror: Blood is a firm fixture on many of the residents of Blood Manor, including brides in wedding dresses (pictured right)

Menacing: A jester, complete with painted face and colored facial hair was one of many characters who jumped out at us

Fright: One of the scariest characters was a creepy little girl who jumped out at us in one of the themed rooms with an ax

Horror show: Another bloody bride spent the evening contorting her figure into gruesome positions around our feet

Graphic: Most of the characters are covered in bloody make-up that makes them appear to have gruesome injuries

Nightmare: Your worst fears are realized in the residents of Blood Manor, including this figure straight out of a horror movie

We survived! Pictured from left, Khaleda Rahman, Alyssa Hargrove and Jasmine Bailey after surviving a visit to Blood Manor

No escape: The creepy characters even continued to terrorize us as we enjoyed drinks after our visit to the haunted house
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A wedding day is a sacred union between two people - but couples in China instead decided to make it a union including 123 people as they joined together to mark a very special occasion.

More than a hundred graduates of Wuhan University took part in a group wedding ceremony to celebrate the 123rd anniversary of the establishment.

It was quite the spectacle as an army of brides adorned in dazzling tiaras, glittering jewellery, pristine white dresses and bridegrooms in crisp tuxedos took part in the lavish ceremony.

The brides looked resplendent in an assortment of gowns - from full-length lace creations to 50's style ruffled hemlines, Bardot-stle necklines, sleeveless bodices and vintage-inspired Victorian dresses accessorised with floral headpieces, tiaras and veils.

University staff, headmaster Li Xiaohong and family and friends joined the young couples as they posed up a storm against the stunning backdrop of the campus.

A wedding day is a sacred union between two people - but couples in China instead decided to make it a union including 123 people

Couples participated in a group wedding ceremony on a playground near the science building at Wuhan University

Men could be seen getting down on one knee and presenting their partners with rings as they wore suits and pristine white dresses

Adorned in tiaras, glittering jewellery, dazzling white dresses and crisp suits, the couples took part in a lavish ceremony

The event was something of a spectacle to behold as the couple's lovingly kissed at the 'altar' before their audience

The army of brides and grooms made their way down a huge aisle before declaring their vows in front of photographers

Hundreds of people took part in the event to mark Wuhan University's 123rd anniversary

Bride's wore a variety of dresses - with styles ranging from Bardot-style necklines, to sleeveless bodices and vintage-inspired Victorian lace gowns

The couples looked delighted as they waved for the camera, cheering and marking the occasion

The wedding ceremony took place in front of the university's headmaster, Li Xiaohong

The youngsters captured the moment on their mobile phones, taking selfies and waving to friends and relatives

Held against the backdrop of the stunning architecture of the campus, proud friends and family waved as they witnessed the ceremony

I do: Traditional Chinese weddings have traditions and customs dating back some 2,400 years

Despite its ancient traditions, in China today many couples attempt to keep historic traditions going while infusing modern elements into their wedding day

The brides and their grooms formed a line-up and posed for the camera to mark the university's 123rd year

The brides looked resplendent in an assortment of gowns - from full-length lace creations to 50's style ruffled hemlines, accessorised with floral headpieces, tiaras and veils
On the night of Halloween in 1992, millions tuned in to see what many thought was a live documentary about the paranormal. Presented by chat show national treasure Michael Parkinson, along with Craig Charles, Sarah Greene and her husband Mike Smith, Ghostwatch (Parikinson, Greene and Smith shown left) centred on single mother Pam Early and her two daughters (top right) as they were tormented by a poltergeist. Presenting 'live' from a studio, Parkinson liaised with Greene, who was based in the Earlys' home in Northolt, north-west London, as Charles spoke to 'neighbours' outside about the affected house's violent history. The cameras that had been set up in the home then quickly picked up what appeared to be real evidence of the activity of poltergeist 'Mr Pipes', including the moment when Mrs Early's daughters Suzanne and Kim screamed in terror (bottom right) as objects flew around their bedroom and their lamp bulb smashed. In reality, the show had been planned months in advance and had been filmed in July of 1992 - but that did not stop many viewers going into a panic as the supernatural suddenly seemed very real. Both the BBC and the police received a flurry of calls, with the broadcaster getting so many that its lines became jammed. The BBC was ultimately also bombarded with complaints. As many as three women are said to have gone into premature labour as a result of the stress invoked by what she saw.
Daire Shaw, 19, who goes to university in Liverpool, took a drunken photo after returning from a night out and sent it in to the NUS

A student applied for an identity card with a wacky Snapchat-filtered selfie, and was amazed when his application was accepted.

Daire Shaw, 19, who goes to university in Liverpool, took the photo after returning drunk from a night out.

As a joke, he sent the image in to the NUS alongside a form for an International Student Identity Card.

He promptly forgot about ever sending the application, and was amazed to receive the card in the post on his birthday.

The student even used the card - complete with the hugely unrealistic mugshot on him with giant eyes and a round face - and used it to buy a gift for his girlfriend in River Island.

Mr Shaw, from Belfast, told Metro.co.uk: Id completely forgotten I even did it until I checked my post on my birthday and saw the card.

Im pretty sure they thought I genuinely looked like that and were too worried to ask any questions. No one from NUS or anything has been in contact with me about it either.

Mr Shaw uploaded a picture of the card to Facebook with the caption: Jesus Christ, I drunkenly applied for my NUS card and it asked for a photo so I picked one with a Snapchat filter.

'Why did they accept this? I can never use it as ID.

The post has got more than 10,000 likes.

And his mum even found out after she was shown the image by her boss.
Government has told people to stop buying mourning ware until manufacturers catch up with demand

Bangkok's notorious red light district has been shut down for 30 days and television

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Thailand's government has warned of a national shortage of black clothing as the nation begins a 30 day period of mourning for its beloved former king.

The commerce ministry is urging manufacturers to produce more mourning wear while threatening jail or 3,200 fines for traders who take advantages of shortages to raise prices.

The country has been plunged into grief by the death on Thursday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned as a deeply revered god-like figure for 70 years.

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Thailand's government has warned of a national shortage of black clothing as the nation begins a 30 day period of mourning for its beloved former king. Pictured are people gathered outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok

The commerce ministry is urging manufacturers to produce more mourning wear while threatening jail or 3,200 fines for traders who take advantages of shortages to raise prices. Crowds thronged around the royal palace in the centre of Bangkok

The country has been plunged into grief by the death on Thursday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned as a deeply revered god-like figure for 70 years

A range of public activities have been cancelled and television programming and nightlife has been ordered to tone it down for the next month out of respect. These people held a portrait of the king as they processed near the Grand Palace

A range of public activities have been cancelled and Bangkok's notorious red light district has been shut down for 30 days.

The directives have raised some concern that the economy would suffer, but sales of black clothing, at least, are booming.

Director-general of internal trade Nuntawan Sakuntanaga called on consumers to put off buying mourning wear until manufacturers catch up with demand.

'The supply of black shirts may be low for a few days but garment manufacturers have insisted that there will not be a shortage, while they will quote prices as normal,' she said.

Black is the colour of mourning in Thailand but white, a colour that symbolises purity, is also sometimes worn. White is also worn by ethnic Chinese people at funerals.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: 'Regarding black shirts which have become more expensive, the commerce ministry has sent teams to inspect white and black clothing vendors.

'This is to make sure the shirts are not being sold at prices that are too expensive.'

The directives have raised some concern that the economy would suffer, but sales of black clothing, at least, are booming. Pictured is a woman holding a garland of flowers weeping near the Grand Palace

Director-general of internal trade Nuntawan Sakuntanaga called on consumers to put off buying mourning wear until manufacturers catch up with demand. Pictured are traders selling photographs of the late king in central Bangkok

'The supply of black shirts may be low for a few days but garment manufacturers have insisted that there will not be a shortage, while they will quote prices as normal,' the spokeswoman said

Black is the colour of mourning in Thailand but white, a colour that symbolises purity, is also sometimes worn. White is also worn by ethnic Chinese people at funerals

Since the king's death, black clothing was being sold at double the normal price in some cases.

Black marketeers could face fines and up to seven years in jail, although traders in Bangkok said business was brisk and they denied pushing up prices.

'Most people are buying black shirts,' said Songkhan Tansonan, running a street stall next to a fetid canal outside Bobae Market.

She said she had sold 200 black shirts by midday on Saturday and 400 the previous day.

'I buy them for 90 baht (2) from the wholesaler and sell them for 120 or 130 baht (2.70 to 3),' she said.

Black marketeers could face fines and up to seven years in jail, although traders in Bangkok said business was brisk and they denied pushing up prices

'Most people are buying black shirts,' said Songkhan Tansonan, running a street stall next to a fetid canal outside Bobae Market

Nongrak Bantaotuk, a nurse, said she was buying black shirts for herself and her family. She said prices had risen a bit, but that did not worry her. Pictured is a trader outside the Grand Palace

The King's body was taken to the Grand Palace for a ceremonial washing, in line with Buddhist tradition

Nongrak Bantaotuk, a nurse, said she was buying black shirts for herself and her family. She said prices had risen a bit, but that did not worry her.

'If you compare, the price is higher than before, but this isn't about prices.'

Bhumibol was the only king most Thais have ever known, a father figure with an image of moral rectitude whose loss has profoundly touched millions in the country.

On Friday tens of thousands of his grieving subjects, many holding aloft portraits of the king, lined the route of a motorcade that bore his body to the royal palace in Bangkok from the hospital were he died at the age of 88.

Bhumibol was the only king most Thais have ever known, a father figure with an image of moral rectitude whose loss has profoundly touched millions in the country

On Friday grieving subjects, many holding aloft portraits of the king, lined the route of a motorcade that bore his body to the royal palace in Bangkok from the hospital were he died at the age of 88. Commemorations continued on Saturday (pictured)

A woman performs an act of remembrance in front of a portrait of King Bhumibol. Similar scenes were recreated all over Bangkok on Saturday
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has a seven-point lead over the Republican contender, Donald Trump, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos national poll.

The survey, which was conducted during the period between October 7 and 13, gave Clinton 44 per cent support from likely voters compared to 37 per cent for Trump.

The previous poll, which was announced on Tuesday, showed Clinton with an eight-point advantage.

The new figures were revealed after a slew of women came forward to accuse Trump of groping and sexual harassment.

Hillary Clinton (seen here during a campaign rally at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, on October 10, 2016) has a seven-point lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump

On Friday, two more women publicly alleged that Trump fondled them and made unwanted sexual advances.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant from Trump's The Apprentice, said she contacted Trump after the show to inquire about a job with one of his businesses.

Zervos said Trump met to discuss a potential job with her, but he kissed her on the lips and ask for her phone number at the end of the meeting.

Weeks later, Trump invited her to meet him at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she said she was expecting to have dinner with the New York billionaire.

Instead, he kissed her open-mouthed and touched her breasts in a private room, she said during a news conference.

Trump (seen above giving a speech in Columbus, Ohio, on October 13, 2016) is fending off claims by eight women who say that he groped them and made unwanted sexual advances

'He tried to kiss me again... and I said, "Dude, you're tripping right now," attempting to make it clear I was not interested,' she said.

Kristin Anderson told The Washington Post that she was sitting on a couch with friends at a New York nightclub in the early 1990s when a hand reached up her skirt and touched her through her underwear.

She said she pushed the hand away, turned around and recognized Trump as the man who had groped her.

'He was so distinctive looking - with the hair and the eyebrows. I mean, nobody else has those eyebrows,' she told the Washington Post.

Kristin Anderson (above) says she was sitting on a couch with friends at a New York nightclub in the early 1990s when Trump reached up her skirt and touched her through her underwear

She said she did not saying anything at the time because she did not think anyone would believe her.

'Who am I going to tell. The club manager, "Donald Trump put his hand up my skirt",' she said.

'They will be like "yeah", and they will go to him and go did you do this? And he will say no. And where do we go from there?

'It is kind of like where we are now. He's saying no. And a ton of women saying yes.'

Six other women have made similar accusations against Trump in recent days. That brings the total number of women who have complained in the past few days about Trump's behavior to eight.

The Donald, for his part, says the wave of allegations is part of a coordinated campaign orchestrated by the media, the Clinton campaign, and the establishment to thwart his candidacy and 'rig' the election.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant from Trump's NBC show The Apprentice, said Trump kissed her open-mouthed and touched her breasts in a private room

On Saturday morning, Trump reiterated claims that the system is stacked against him in an unprecedented move given the US has established a history of peaceful democratic transitions.

As Trump's campaign struggles to bounce back 23 days before election day, the business tycoon acknowledged the turning tide but fought back by casting blame on the media and Clinton's campaign for 'poison[ing] the minds of the American voter.'

Trump lashed out at Clinton, saying she 'should be in jail' before writing: 'This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges and outright lies in order to elect Crooked Hillary.'

He also tried to shut down his sexual assault accusers, tweeting: '100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!'

The business tycoon has been on a tear this week, batting down sexual harassment and assault allegations as quickly as they come up.

Trump supporters attend a rally for the Republican nominee in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on October 15, 2016. The Donald says the election has been rigged against him

The underlying story, Trump believes, is a plot by Hillary Clinton's campaign and her media allies to steal the election from him through a calculated series of tall tales.

He criticized everyone from Obama to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim in the wake of the sexual assault allegations, painting himself as a victim while he tried to drown out the eight women who have come forward to share their stories.

During a mid-afternoon campaign rally in North Carolina, the Republican presidential nominee cast Slim, who owns 17 per cent of the New York Times Company, as the unseen hand pulling the strings of 'corporate lobbyists' masquerading as reporters.

Trump mentioned Slim's nationality twice, as if to underscore Mexico's adversarial posture toward his pledge to wall off America from its neighbor to the south.

Spokesman Arturo Elias Ayub later said Slim doesn't know Trump at all 'and is not the least bit interested in his personal life.'

Trump also mocked his female sex-abuse accusers, calling them liars and 'sick' women seeking fame or money while suggesting that some of them are unattractive and desperate for sexual partners.

He specifically singled out former businesswoman Jessica Leeds, who appeared on CNN Thursday night to tell her experience sitting next to Trump on a flight.

She said she was 'assaulted' by Trump on a flight when he lifted the arm-rest between then and allegedly began touching her.

But Trump issued a nasty retort, saying, 'When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said: "I don't think so!", grimacing to indicate that he thought she was unattractive.
Sharp-tongued Hilda was not killed off when Liverpool-born Alexander left the soap

It has been almost 30 years since Hilda Ogden turned her back on the famous cobbles of Coronation Street.

But ITV bosses are planning a special reference to Britains most famous char lady  as part of a series of tributes to actress Jean Alexander who died on Friday, aged 90.

The first of tomorrow nights two episodes of Coronation Street will be preceded by an on-screen tribute to Alexander which will include a photograph of her character complete with trademark rollers and headscarf.

But bosses are also considering marking the actresss 23 years on the soap  which started on July 8, 1964  by including a special reference to Hildas death in a future episode.

Sharp-tongued Hilda was not killed off when Liverpool-born Alexander  who never married or had children  left the soap in 1987.

One option is that former husband and wife Sally Metcalfe and Kevin Webster, who at one time lodged with Hilda, will learn that their former landlady has passed away.

A spokesman for ITV said: The episodes are recorded six to eight weeks previously so its not going to happen right away.

What will happen next week is that the producer and the executive producer will discuss when it might be possible. They would obviously have make a decision about whether it will work.

Social media was awash last night with tributes from fans after the stars death at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital.

Many recalled memorable moments in the drama, including the 1984 scene of Hilda returning home from hospital following the death of on-screen husband Stan.

The harrowing scene ended with Hilda sobbing as she sat alone clutching his spectacles case.

Hilda and Stan Ogden (Jean Alexander and Bernard Youens) from an 1980 episode
This is the shocking moment when a one-eyed matador was gored by the horn of a bull and stamped on by the huge beast in Spain.

Juan Jose Padilla, branded 'The Pirate' because of the eyepatch he wears, was lucky to survive after the clash during the El Pilar Feria at the La Misericordia bullring in Zaragoza today.

The 43-year-old, who fell to the floor after being charged at by the 100-stone animal, held the left side of his face in agony as worried officials rushed to help him.

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Spanish matador Juan Jose Padilla is hit by a bull during the El Pilar Feria at La Misericordia bullring

Terrifying: The matador fell to the ground, and the huge bull's front leg lands on his stomach

The 43-year-old matador was lucky to survive his latest brush with death, after being gored by the huge animal

He lost an eye five years ago, and was lucky to escape serious injury in May when he was picked up and flung by a bull in Madrid.

In his latest horrifying clash, he appeared to be falling as the bull's horns made contact, and the massive animal landed its front foot on his stomach as the matador fell underneath him.

He was rushed to hospital after taking a blow close to his eyepatch, in similar circumstances to the mauling which saw him lose his left eye.

Painful: Matador Juan Jose Padilla clutches the side of his face after the blow at the La Misericordia bullring

Worried: Officials help the matador after he is hit. Padilla was subsequently taken to hospital

Padilla, who was known as the Cyclone of Jerez before he lost his eye, was injured in Zaragoza when a bull's horn pierced his jaw and came out through his eye.

He underwent a life-saving five-hour operation to repair severe damage to his eye, bone, muscle and skin - his face reconstructed with titanium plates and mesh.

Ten years earlier he had suffered serious back injuries, but returned to the bullring, gaining a reputation for taking on the most fearsome bulls.
Donald Trump is accusing his rival Hillary Clinton of being on some kind of drug during the last debate and said that both candidates should be tested for substances ahead of the next one.

Trump was mocking Clinton for prepping for the next debate at an outdoor rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when he made the extraordinary suggestion.

The 70-year-old Republican nominee compared himself and Clinton to athletes and suggested his opponent Clinton might have been on some kind of performance-enhancing drug during their last face-off.

I think she's actually getting pumped up while she's off the trail, he said.

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Donald Trump (above, in New Hampshire on Saturday) said that both candidates should be tested for substances ahead of the debate on Wednesday

So he is calling for both candidates to take a drug test prior to the final debate on Wednesday.

Athletes, theyre making them more and more, but athletes, they make them take a drug test, right? Trump told the crowd.

I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate. Why dont we do that?

He added: We should take a drug test, prior, cause I dont know whats going on with her, but at the beginning of her last debate, she was pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like, Oh, take me down.

She could barely reach her car. So I think we should take a drug test. Anyway, Im willing to do it.

Trump accused Hillary Clinton (above) of being on some kind of drug during the last debate

I think she's actually getting pumped up while she's off the trail, Trump said about his rival

Trump has repeatedly spoken about Clintons health and raised doubts about whether she has the stamina to be commander-in-chief.

However, its Trump whose constant sniffling throughout the first two presidential debates led many on Twitter to suggest he was on cocaine during them.

Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher accused Trump of being on the drug after the second debate.

Im an expert & ABSOLUTELY, she replied to a fan who tweeted her asking if Trumps sniffle was the result of being on coke.

Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher accused Trump of being on cocaine after the second debate

Isnt diplomacy part of the job of being president? With trump as president it will no longer be the highest office in the land. Low blow, the actress added later, alongside a nose emoji.

And former Vermont Governor Howard Dean tweeted after the first debate: Notice Trump sniffing all the time. Coke user?

And Stephen Colbert mocked Trump in a live episode of The Late Show right after the debate aired.
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Hundreds of martial arts students are taking part in an international competition in the birthplace of one of the oldest forms of the ancient combat.

The 11th International Shaolin Wushu Festival will be held from October 16 to October 20 in Henan Province, the birthplace of Shaolin Wushu in China.

The festival will include group calisthenics and martial arts to promote cultural communication of martial arts.

Students of martial art schools take part in rehearsals for the upcoming 11th International Shaolin Wushu Festival in Zhengzhou

The students display their incredible core strength as they pull water from a well while hanging upside down from bars

The competitors scoop water from the buckets with one hand held behind their backs, hanging upside down on the bars

There are 1,500 students taking part from 73 countries in the four day festival in Zhengzhou, the birthplace of Shaolin Wushu

The four day festival has been held 10 times before since 1991, and according to the organisers, is a good way for martial artists to explore the country's culture, make friends and exchange skills.

As well as the competitions, there are demonstrations of different forms of martial arts, throughout the long weekend and a grand evening party.

These incredible images show the scale of the event and the level of discipline and training undertaken by the participants ahead of the festival.

Students spent Friday rehearsing, and making key preparations for the competition and festival, which formally starts on Sunday

The hundreds of competitors don brightly coloured uniform for their international festival, in gold, red and blue

The four-day festival will include group calisthenics, martial arts sitcom to promote cultural communication of martial arts

Records of Shaolin Wushu, also called Shaolin Kung Fu, go back to 495AD, and the art is about 1,500 years old

It originated in the Buddhist Shaolin temple in Henan province, the same province where the festival is now held

Shaolin Wushu, also called Shaolin Kung Fu, is about 1,500 years old, and originated in the Buddhist Shaolin temple in Henan province.

Records of the art go back to 495AD.

The incredible image shows the scale of the huge event and organisers hope it will bring people from different disciplines together

Hundreds of students practice together, wearing the same red tops and dark trousers with white trainers in the large open space

Wushu is both an exhibition and a contact martial art with various forms that have been standardised over the years

The competitors hold up a huge Chinese flag, during the rehearsal days of the festival, as others crowd around

Chinese monks in traditional orange robes watch on outside a red temple as the competitors get ready for the event

In a LinkedIn invitation to the event, the organisers wrote: 'Athletes from more than 60 countries and regions all over the world have participated in this grand festival.

'Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival is a comprehensive festival comprizing Wushu, business and trade, tourism and culture exchange.

'In this festival, we will arrange a lot of activities including Wushu competition, Taolu Competitions, Wushu performances, Chinese Martial Arts Duan Wei Exam, Chinese martial arts training and exchangegrand evening party, Greeting ceremony in Dengfeng, sightseeing of Shaolin Temple, Zen Music ShaoLin Grand Ceremony, and other culture exchange activities.

'We are confident that Zhengzhou China International Shaolin Wushu Festival is a good platform for you to make friends, exchange martial arts skills and deeply understand Chinese culture.'

One student takes the lead in front of the festival's official logo, as his colleagues look on before their turns

A group of men in orange costume hold up one man in white, in something akin to a Saturday Night Fever pose during the rehearsals

The competitors will be able to enjoy some sightseeing during their stay in the province as well. Above, competitors work in unison in the displays as the festival prepares to start
Geldof was credited as the sole writer but the keyboardist disputes that

It was the controversial No 1 that sealed Bob Geldofs status as a rock superstar.

But now the Boomtown Rats song I Dont Like Mondays is at the centre of an extraordinary legal battle, with a former bandmate claiming he co-wrote the lucrative hit.

At stake are millions of pounds in royalties accumulated in the 37 years since the song, inspired by a fatal school shooting, hit the charts.

Johnnie Fingers (pictured left) with Bob Geldof and Geldof's future wife Paula Yates in 1979

Geldof was credited as the sole writer when the single was released in 1979, but now the bands former keyboardist, Johnnie Fingers, claims he wrote the music and some of the lyrics but was pressured not to take credit at the time, and is seeking two-thirds of the royalties.

Geldof has dismissed the allegation as wishful thinking and insists that Fingers has benefited hugely from his years of association with the band.

The song was written after 16-year-old Brenda Spencer fired rifle shots into a California school playground, killing the headteacher and caretaker and wounding eight children and a police officer. When asked why, she replied: I dont like Mondays. This livens up the day. Now 54, she remains in jail.

At the time Geldof and Fingers  real name John Moylett  were on a promotional trip to the US. The shocking news came through on a telex machine as they were giving interviews to an Atlanta radio station.

The Boomtown Rats (Bob Geldof, Gary Cott, Garry Roberts, Simon Crow, Pete Briquette and Johnnie Fingers) in 1979

But their accounts of what happened next differ. Fingers, now 60 and living in Japan, claims that he composed most of the music, while Geldof provided the majority of the lyrics, according to his High Court writ.

The keyboard player said he started work on a chord sequence and melody once he returned to the UK in February 1979, evolving the now-familiar piano riff over several days before adding Geldofs lyrics.

He claims he played the melody to Geldof, who told him it sounded too classical and not Ratsy enough. But when the rest of the band joined in, it became the hit record.

Geldof counter-claims that he started writing the lyrics and music on his guitar while still in the States and says he first performed a version to an audience at a Dallas radio station.

Before the singles release, Fingers said he had wanted credit as co-author, but claims Geldof told him in an intimidating telephone call that he risked splitting up the band if he caused trouble and that he would receive his fair share.

Since 2004, Fingers has written several letters to Geldof  who was given an honorary knighthood in 1986 for his charity work with Band Aid  seeking recognition but the row is now heading for the High Court.

Fingers, now 60 (pictured) and living in Japan, claims that he composed most of the music, while Geldof provided the majority of the lyrics, according to his High Court writ

The killer Brenda Spencer who inspired the hit Boomtown Rats' song I Don't Like Mondays

Geldof says in papers filed in response that Fingerss account was likely to be a figment of his imagination. He says he first played the song with the rest of the band, including Fingers, in a recording studio several days after returning to London.

Geldof said the tune was strongly inspired by Elvis Costellos Olivers Army and Eric Claptons version of I Shot The Sheriff  and at the studio he asked two other band members to sing harmonies because he regarded his voice as inadequate.

Geldof, 65, has called for Fingerss claim to be struck out as a fair trial is not possible so long after the event. He added that his former friend was taking advantage of him by raising the issue after so long.

However, there is precedent. In 2009, Procul Harums Matthew Fisher successfully won a credit for A Whiter Shade Of Pale  after waiting 38 years to launch his bid.

Rock expert and broadcaster Paul Gambaccini said the royalties for I Dont Like Mondays would almost certainly involve a seven-figure sum. He added: Because it is a recording that is unique, it has been played for years. Even though tastes changed, it never dated. There will be a lot of money involved.
against the guilty verdicts descends into chaos

Rioters ripped through a town in Corsica and threw Molotov cocktails at police following a nationalist demonstration.

Campaigners took to the streets of Bastia to protest against the sentencing of three separatists who threw a car during a spate of violence on the island in 2012.

Marching Corsicans turned out in force to condemn the guilty verdicts the three men received in Paris, and the pro-independence protest turned violent - with fire bombs being hurled at riot police.

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A man stands in the street and prepares to launch a Molotov cocktail at riot police sent in to quell a violent nationalist demonstration against the sentence of a Paris court

Streets aflame as men in balaclavas throw petrol bombs at advancing riot police, after a demonstration in the Corsican town of Bastia turned violent

The Mediterranean island of Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon, came under the control of France in 1768 - but many Corsicans want independence from the mainland.

Nationalist violence in 2012 led to the arrest of three young men, who were handed prison terms from five to eight years in a Paris court.

Infuriated Corscians took to the streets of Bastia, in the north of the island, to protest the verdict, but soon began to riot.

Flaming bottles filled with petrol were hurled at riot police and buildings in the town.

Corsicans turned out with a banner saying 'freedom' to demonstrate the verdict of a French court, finding three nationalist activists guilty of targeting the sub-prefecture of Corte, Corsica, in 2012

Bastia supporters' group 1905 hold a tee-shirt reading 'Freedom for Tomasini' during the demonstration. Stephane Tomasini was sentenced to five years by the Penal Court of Paris

Riot police shelter behind a wall as fire bombs are hurled by separatist protesters, who were angry at the verdict of a Paris court against Corsican nationalist activists

Political leaders on the island had already the verdict from the Penal Court of Paris, and frustrations among separatists sympathizers boiled over as young people attacked police.

President of the executive council of Corsica Gilles Simeoni attempted to speak with young people during the chaos, in an attempt to bring the clashes to an end.

Nationalist activists Nicolas Battini and Stephane Tomasini were respectively sentenced to an eight-year prison sentence and a five-year prison sentence - the third man is currently on the run.

A man throws a flare during chaotic clashes following a nationalist rally on the island of Corsica

Masked men threw Molotov cocktails at police and bank headquarters in the town of Bastia, as young demonstrators took part in violent clashes with the police

Flash grenades and burning waste bins were seen lighting up the sky in the town on October 6, as violent demonstrations raged through the night.
An Army veteran who served alongside Prince Harry in Afghanistan has at last been given the service medal he should have received eight years ago  thanks to The Mail on Sunday.

Last week, this newspaper reported how Sergeant Deane Smith had lost a court battle for ownership of his Operational Service Medal.

It went missing shortly before it was due to be presented to him at a ceremony in 2008, at which the Prince and others who served with the Household Cavalry were given their honours.

Served together: Prince Harry (left) is pictured with fellow soldiers including Sergeant Deane Smith (right) on his way into a church in Windsor for a remembrance service in 2008

The missing medal  inscribed with the sergeants name, rank, regiment and military number  was discovered by chance in 2014 by a former Royal Engineer browsing stalls at a military memorabilia fair.

He contacted Mr Smith, who reported it stolen and, after it was confiscated by police, was convinced an investigation would quickly prove it was his.

But last week a court ruled that there was no evidence it had been stolen, and it should be returned to the dealer who had bought it.

Now The Mail on Sunday has stepped in to buy the medal from the dealer and handed it to the soldier.

'Closure': Sergeant Deane Smith has at last been given the service medal he should have received eight years ago  thanks to The Mail on Sunday

Mr Smith, 44, said: I cant thank The Mail on Sunday enough. I left the Army with undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and have had problems readjusting to civilian life.

Discovery: The missing medal was found by chance in 2014 by a former Royal Engineer browsing stalls at a military memorabilia fair

'A lot of it stems from needing to feel valued and have recognition that you served your country well.

'Thats all bound in the medal. Finally having mine is closure on many levels.

Mr Smith, from Calne in Wiltshire, completed three tours of Afghanistan, saving comrades lives by locating bombs and booby traps, and Prince Harry publicly praised the work of his unit.

The dealer, Richard Tigwell, said he obtained the medal from another trader for 215. He promised the sum paid for it would go to charity, adding: Im delighted that Deane has got his medal back.
Prison guards at a Northern California state penitentiary view inmates as 'little more than wild animals' who cannot be rehabilitated, according to a new report commissioned by corrections officials.

The external review was ordered after state officials determined last year that 'a culture of racism' had been allowed to fester at High Desert State Prison.

While the Association of State Correctional Administrators said that there was no evidence of widespread racism, it did find that the maximum security prison was an unstable environment where employees had to contend with violent inmates on the one hand and an unreliable bureaucracy on the other.

The ASCA is an organization comprised of prison wardens from all across North America.

High Desert State Prison in Susanville, California (above), is a maximum security facility that houses up to 3,800 inmates

The High Desert State Prison, which houses 3,800 inmates, is located in Susanville, California, about 200 miles from the state capital Sacramento.

In its 21 years of existence, the prison has had 15 wardens  five in the last 18 months, according to The Associated Press.

The instability at the top 'has left the staff without a clear sense of direction, and in particular unaware of the change toward rehabilitation in the department's mission,' according to the report.

'In their view, efforts to rehabilitate inmates of the type housed at HDSP, who they view as little more than wild animals, are both futile and dangerous.'

Correction officers (like the one seen above) at the facility need to cope with an extremely violent prison population as well as an unstable administration and bureaucracy

The report indicated that prison guards allowed the inmates to break the rules if that meant preventing more violent incidents.

'It was as if the officers and the inmates had reached an agreement. "You can do your thing, and we'll do ours, so long as you don't get violent,"' the report stated.

'Viewing inmates as dangerous animals, the officers do little to prevent violence but rather keep their distance waiting for it to occur. When it does occur, which it does almost daily, they react quickly en mass to suppress it with force.'

While the report said that its researchers failed to find any evidence of widespread racism, it did note that black inmates were more likely to be disciplined by force and that white inmates were more likely to be given coveted skilled labor jobs.
Jeremy Corbyn and his Left-wing ally Shami Chakrabarti are shamed in a Commons report today for failing to stamp out vicious anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

The powerful all-party Home Affairs Select Committee accuses the incompetent Labour leader of allowing vile abuse of Jewish people.

And it blasts former Liberty chief Chakrabarti for accepting a peerage from Mr Corbyn after her inquiry into anti-Semitic attacks on Labour MPs, which was dismissed by critics as a whitewash.

Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Shami Chakrabarti (right) were both shamed in a Commons report

Blairite MP Chuka Umunna, a member of the Home Affairs Committee, seized on the findings to attack Mr Corbyn, saying: It would be cowardly to shy away from the problem  peoples right to freedom from hatred is bigger than any individual or party.

But last night in an astonishing counter-attack, Mr Corbyn accused the committee of bias against his party and of being unfair to Ms Chakrabarti.

He claimed the report was politicising anti-Semitism as a weapon against Labour, and violated natural justice by criticising people without giving them a right to be heard.

In their report, MPs claim Labour has been compromised by its failure to deal with anti-Semitic incidents: Mr Corbyns lack of consistent leadership on this issue has created a safe space for those with vile attitudes towards Jewish people, exacerbated by the partys incompetence at dealing with members accused of anti-Semitism.

They are equally scathing about the role of Ms Chakrabarti, who was appointed Shadow Attorney General by Mr Corbyn two weeks ago, after he gave her a peerage.

It followed her controversial report in which she allegedly played down the problem of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

MP Chuka Umunna (pictured) seized on the findings to attack Mr Corbyn saying: It would be cowardly to shy away from the problem'

She later came under more fire for urging Jewish people not to desert Labour because she did not want to be left alone with Essex man.

Todays report says: Her decision to join Labour and accept a peerage from Mr Corbyn, along with her recent appointment to his Shadow Cabinet, has thrown into question the independence of her inquiry.

Humiliatingly for Ms Chakrabarti, MPs reveal that they asked her to confirm when Mr Corbyn offered her a peerage  before or after he asked her to compile the anti-Semitism report  to try to establish if the two issues were linked. But she refused to answer, they say.

Tory MP Tim Loughton (pictured), the committees acting chairman, said: History shows anti-Semitism is too easily spread through pernicious discourse

And it says her call for a time limit on Labour investigations into anti- Semitic abuse by activists should be scrapped. It adds that Mr Corbyns failure to deal with anti-Semitic incidents risks lending force to allegations that elements of the Labour movement are institutionally anti-Semitic.

Labour has been incompetent over its handling of high-profile allegations of anti-Semitism, including those involving former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who said Hitler supported Zionism, and Jackie Walker, who was forced to step down as vice-chairwoman of the pro-Corbyn Momentum group.

The MPs also lambast Twitter chiefs for failing to curb anti-Semitic abuse. In the context of its 2.2 billion global revenue, it is deplorable that Twitter continues to act as an inert host for vast swathes of anti-Semitic hate, they say.

It has the resources and technical capability to stop it and must do more to address this pernicious problem.

The MPs urge the Government to promote a new zero-tolerance of anti-Semitism and consider outlawing the persistent use of the word Zionist as a term of abuse.

Despite the reports grim findings, it says the UK is one of the least anti-Semitic countries in Europe although as many as one in 20 Britons is clearly anti-Semitic. Tory MP Tim Loughton, the committees acting chairman, said: History shows anti-Semitism is too easily spread through pernicious discourse, ignorance and collusion.

We call on all political leaders to tackle the growing prevalence of this insidious form of hate.

A Twitter spokesman said: Hateful conduct has no place on Twitter and we will continue to tackle this issue head-on alongside our partners in industry and civil society. The company has agreed to stage talks with Ministers on the issue.

Last night Mr Corbyn hit back: The report unfairly criticises Shami Chakrabarti for not being sufficiently independent.
Thieves tools like lock picks and devices to help break into cars are being openly sold by internet giant Amazon for as little as 2.

While they are not technically illegal, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) last night described them as a burglars dream.

Police chiefs also expressed concern over the availability of the devices, some of which are disguised as pens to evade searches.

The devices, which can be used to pick locks and break into cars, are being sold for as little as 2 online

They criticised the retailer for selling equipment that might encourage or facilitate crime.

One delighted customer reviewed a lock pick disguised as a pen by writing: I mostly pick locks on small dwellings and this pick pen works fantastic. Police are non [sic] the wiser when I get stopped and searched. Would recommend.

Last night the retailer refused to remove the devices from sale.

The Mail on Sunday bought a lock pick kit for 14 from Amazon made by a company called Lock Cowboy. It included a selection of lock picks and a transparent padlock to practise on.

Within minutes we were also emailed instruction manuals providing expert guidance  normally available only to locksmiths  as well as a beginners quick-start guide to help you pop your first lock.

Other tools available include specially made car keys which the seller claims can open the doors of vehicle brands including Ford, Renault, Mercedes and Porsche.

Steffan George, the MLAs director of business development, said: These tools are the same ones used by locksmiths and, when they go outside that community, they can do some real damage.

I have spoken to police officers about this issue who cannot understand how the kits can be on sale to members of the public. They are being sold very cheaply so there is no price barrier to would-be criminals and there is absolutely no checking on who is buying them.

A review left underneath one lock pick says police are 'non [sic] the wiser' when he gets stopped and searched

The tools disguised to look like pens are particularly sinister and are clearly intended to be used by thieves. Its a burglars dream.

A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs Council said: Its a concern for police that these tools can be purchased online.

Intending to steal remains an offence which can lead to arrest or prosecution, whether with lock picks or less sophisticated tools.

People should report websites or other sources of tools or advice that encourage or facilitate crime to the police, so that we can bring the offenders to justice.

A spokesman for Lock Cowboy said last night: Its perfectly legal to sell or own a lock pick set in the UK.

We always advise our customers to only pick locks that belong to them, or where they have explicit permission from the owner.

Lock picking for us is the ultimate jump from jigsaw puzzles and crosswords and it is also a great way of building up dexterity and sensitivity in your hands.
In action: Sergeant Colin Maclachlan, 42, is pictured during an operation in 2010 to free five captured soldiers in Sierra Leone

An SAS hero is facing murder charges after the Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into his mercy killing of Iraqi soldiers 13 years ago.

Sergeant Colin Maclachlan, who starred in the Channel 4 series Who Dares Wins, could be jailed after he admitted shooting dead two or three mortally wounded Iraqi troops during a bloody ambush behind enemy lines.

The 42-year-old war hero, who has a record of selfless courage on covert Special Forces operations, is being investigated by military police after revealing harrowing details of the 2003 battle in a new book.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that he was coldly informed of the police inquiry in an email from MoD officials last week.

Maclachlan, who left the SAS and the Army in 2006, says he has not been offered any support or legal advice by either the MoD or his former regiment.

Last night, devastated Mr Maclachlan insisted to The Mail on Sunday that ending the lives of the horrifically wounded Iraqis had been purely an act of mercy and spoke of his shock that he is under investigation and possibly facing a lengthy prison sentence.

The MoD has confirmed it has launched an inquiry, but refused to reveal further details.

Executing badly wounded enemy troops on the battlefield, even when intended as a mercy killing, is illegal under UK military law and is a breach of international treaties such as the Geneva Convention.

But last night Maclachlan defended his actions, saying: Our motives were entirely humane. Ill happily go to court, Ill happily go to jail, if you think Ive done wrong.

'But people should put themselves in my position first. Walk around in my boots, then judge me.

The Mail on Sunday understands that the inquiry is being carried out by the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) of the Royal Military Police.

Detectives were alerted after MoD officials were given an early manuscript of Maclachlans book SAS Who Dares Wins: Leadership Secrets From The Special Forces, in which he described the moral dilemma he faced between ending the suffering of the Iraqi casualties or leaving them to writhe in agony.

The passage detailed the human carnage following a top-secret mission to eliminate enemy troops near the town of Al Qaim, just 20 miles from the Syrian border, in the early days of the 2003 Iraq War.

In the chapter, which the MoD ordered to be censored, he wrote: When we got there, I could see there were a number of seriously injured soldiers. Many of them had lost limbs. One or two had been disembowelled, but they were still alive.

'Special Forces operatives quickly put them out of their misery, rather than leaving them to die slowly and in agony.

Later in the same section he admits that he was one of those who shot dead the wounded Iraqis, writing: I didnt enjoy killing those soldiers at the checkpoint but I had to put them out of their misery. I didnt want them to suffer any more.

He went on to describe how medical kit was in short supply and he had to decide whether to preserve vital medicine and equipment or treat the wounded Iraqis.

As seen on TV: Sergeant Maclachlan starred in the Channel 4 series Who Dares Wins

He wrote: It was awful. The Iraqis [pro-British militia working alongside the SAS] could see our struggle as we tried to help enemy soldiers who were screaming, bleeding out and dying slowly.

'Our Iraqi allies told us they understood the dilemma; they realised our mercy killings were for the greater good.

The Mail on Sunday understands the MoD was first made aware of the passage about six weeks ago but only told Maclachlan of the police inquiry on Tuesday evening last week.

One of the Armys most senior legal officials, Lieutenant Colonel Alan Nurse, was also notified of the inquiry.

Astonishingly, such a serious matter was mentioned only in passing in an email about other publishing matters.

HOW THE MOD HUNG SGT MACLACHLAN OUT TO DRY... JUST LIKE SGT BLACKMAN Jailed: Alexander Blackman, a Marine The first Sergeant Colin Maclachlan knew that he could face a murder charge was via an email from the MoD last week, after he revealed details of the mercy killings in a book. He has been offered no help by the SAS or the MoD. How the devastating news was casually mentioned in an email from the MoD His plight is similar to that of Royal Marine Alexander Blackman, who was also pursued by the MoD after killing a wounded Taliban fighter in Afghanistan, and subsequently jailed. The book which was vetted by the MoD Advertisement

The message offered Maclachlan no advice on what he should do next or any support.

Last night Maclachlan, who was captured and tortured during an SAS mission in Iraq in 2005, said: Im not playing the victim card for a second, but after what I went through there wasnt anyone or any lawyer going after my captors.

And afterwards I accepted that as being part of war, par for the course. But everyone in our military, myself included, is held accountable for anything which the ambulance-chasing lawyers can define as a war crime.

The police investigation into Maclachlan will also fuel growing anger over the hounding of British war veterans over incidents which took place in the line of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

Almost 300 UK troops have been contacted by investigators probing war crimes, including a major and two soldiers facing prosecution over the drowning of a 15-year-old Iraqi boy, even though they were cleared at a court martial in 2006.

Last month Theresa May ordered sweeping changes to stop the industry of vexatious allegations targeting British troops. But these changes will only affect soldiers who fight in future wars, not those currently facing investigation.

It also comes at a time of growing fury over the treatment of Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman who has spent nearly three years in jail for killing a dying Taliban insurgent in Afghanistan in 2011.

He was given a mandatory life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of ten years, later reduced to eight.

However in the 1982 Falklands war, an anonymous British Army sergeant was cleared of any wrongdoing under the Geneva Convention after shooting dead an Argentinian prisoner of war who was mortally wounded in an explosion following the battle of Goose Green.

Last night, Tory MP Ian Liddell-Grainger called on the MoD to drop the inquiry into Maclachlan, saying: For once, start protecting our soldiers as opposed to pursuing them.

He said the soldiers plight proved the Prime Ministers point that we should give our soldiers immunity when they go to war.

Mr Liddell-Grainger added: Nobody but nobody in the British Armed Forces is a mindless killer. Thats not why they join the Forces.

Maclachlan last night described the incident which has triggered the police inquiry.

Special Forces on desert patrol: On the day of the incident, troops travelling in adapted Land Rovers drove into covered positions on the high ground on either side of a desert highway

It took place in March 2003 after 60 troops from the SASs D Squadron joined American agents from the CIA on a mission to eliminate elite Iraqi Army units.

In the weeks before the incident, Maclachlans commanders recruited their own militia force of local Iraqis to assist them, whom they paid in US dollars.

These men, nicknamed the Scorpion Force, were then used to man checkpoints on roads used by Saddams henchmen fleeing Iraq into Syria.

Maclachlan describes how, on the day of the incident, 35 SAS troops travelling in specially adapted Land Rovers drove into covered positions on the high ground on either side of a desert highway.

HIS MISSION THAT LED TO ICONIC IMAGE OF IRAQ It was one of the most dramatic incidents of the Iraq War. Soldiers leapt from their burning vehicles in the Iraqi city of Basra in September 2005 In September 2005, Sgt Colin Maclachlan and an SAS colleague were taken hostage by rogue Iraqi police in Basra. The two were threatened by a mob who stripped them naked, tortured them, and repeatedly threatened them with execution. Maclachlan was put through six mock executions. Last year he told The Mail on Sunday how a pistol was thrust against his head and he thought: Oh well, thats me gone then. A rescue mission triggered riots, with locals throwing petrol bombs at Army vehicles. Soldiers leapt from their burning vehicles, as captured by a photographer in the image, above. Advertisement

Maclachlan says he and his heavily armed colleagues watched the Scorpion Force set up a roadblock and waited for hours, hoping the presence of the militia would persuade Iraqi Army units to launch an attack.

Suddenly three Iraqi Army vehicles were spotted approaching the checkpoint.

An SAS officer sent a radio message to the Scorpion Force commander telling him to abandon the area. SAS troops then opened fire, striking the vehicles with Milan anti-tank rockets which caused huge explosions.

Afterwards, UK snipers eliminated the runners  Iraqi troops seeking to flee the wreckage on foot.

Then, Maclachlan says he and about eight other SAS troops drove their Land Rovers from the high ground to the checkpoint.

He told The Mail on Sunday last night how, after surveying the charred remains of the three vehicles, it was clear there were a number of Iraqi casualties.

He said: We treated those we could save using tourniquets but there were three wounded guys who were very close to death.

'Two of these guys were disembowelled, the other had severe blast wounds and had lost three of his limbs.

They would have been dead in anything from a few minutes to an hour or two at the maximum.

These guys were pleading for us to do it, they were in agony. We also knew how we would have wanted to be treated in that situation.

The crueller thing would have been to continue their suffering.

If I ever met their families I would explain what happened. Should I really have just left them there, dying, screaming and burning for the next hour?

I know theres no law that says you can finish someone off, so its murder. But we are compassionate human beings, not robots.

'This is the harsh reality of combat with ordinary servicemen, and thats what we are, being put in positions of extraordinary decision-making.

Logo: Maclachlan completed his tour of duty in Iraq with the SAS in 2003 and returned to the country in 2005

Maclachlan, from Edinburgh, completed his tour of duty in Iraq with the SAS in 2003 and returned to the country in 2005.

It was then that he and an SAS colleague were kidnapped by insurgents and held captive in a police station in Basra.

The SAS men were badly beaten and tortured before they were rescued as part of a dramatic mission which triggered a riot in the city.

Locals managed to set alight a Warrior armoured vehicle and shocking pictures were seen around the world of a British soldier jumping from his vehicle to escape the blaze.

After leaving the Army, Maclachlan, a father of two, earned a first-class degree, then shot to fame as one of the four former Special Forces instructors on the hit Channel 4 programme SAS: Who Dares Wins which saw ordinary members of the public being put through a gruelling series of physical and mental tests based on the SASs selection course.

A second series of the show, set in the jungles of Brunei, is due to start on Channel 4 tomorrow. But following a dispute with producers earlier this year, Maclachlan is not part of the cast.

The success of the series persuaded publishers Headline to commission a book about how SAS skills can be used in non-military professions, which contained the passage that prompted the murder probe.

MORE TROOPS FACE PROBE British servicemen are to face a criminal investigation over the treatment in detention of two Iraqis who were accused of murdering two Army soldiers. Iraqis Faisal al-Saadoon and Khalaf Mufdhi have lodged criminal complaints with the Iraq Historic Allegations Team. They were detained by British forces after the murder of Sapper Luke Allsopp, 23, and Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth, 36, in 2003, who were killed after being dragged from their Land Rover in southern Iraq. Charges against the two Iraqis were dropped because of a lack of evidence. Advertisement

The book, out next month, features ideas on leadership and decision-making from Maclachlan and the other ex-Special Forces instructors, Anthony Middleton, Jason Fox and Matthew Ollerton.

Maclachlan had submitted the passage about mercy killings as part of a chapter called Handling the Dirty Work.

Before describing the shootings at the checkpoint, he writes: Sometimes in the Special Forces we are called upon to execute an unpleasant task, one that makes us feel uncomfortable, even though we know its success is imperative for the greater good.

Last night, an MoD official inside the Government said there were well-established procedures for considering manuscripts submitted by former personnel for publication.

An MoD spokesman added: Our Armed Forces will continue to be held to the very highest standards.

Credible allegations of criminal behaviour will always be investigated properly.

The Goose Green mercy killing... why this SAS veteran MUST be cleared

The case involving Sergeant Colin Maclachlan is not the first time a so-called mercy killing involving British troops has been at the centre of a military inquiry.

A British Army sergeant was investigated after shooting dead a mortally wounded Argentinian prisoner of war during the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict.

The soldier, whose name has never been made public, killed the PoW to end his agony after he was badly burned in an explosion which happened as he and other prisoners worked to clear debris from a battlefield.

Surrender: A British soldier guards Argentinian prisoners at Goose Green in the Falklands

A landmine or grenade exploded, starting a fire in a nearby sheep shearing shed, and the wounded Argentine soldier stumbled into the flames.

The British sergeant desperately tried to rescue the prisoner from the inferno but was forced back by the searing heat.

Rather than watch the Argentine soldier burn to death in front of him, the sergeant picked up a rifle and fired three of four shots at the prisoner to end his agony.

The incident happened on June 1, 1982, following the pivotal battle of Goose Green. The soldier and other eyewitnesses were questioned at length by an Army Board of Inquiry on their return to Britain following the liberation of the Islands in June 1982.

BATTLEFIELD CASUALTIES: THE RULES The wilful killing of wounded enemy combatants, or those who have put down their weapons, is forbidden under international treaties such as the Rome Statute and the Geneva Convention.

Article 3 of the Geneva Convention states: Persons taking no part in the hostilities [including battlefield casualties] shall be treated humanely. To this end, violence to life and person shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place.

Any soldier suspected of murder is investigated by the Royal Military Polices Special Investigation Branch. Advertisement

Defence Secretary Michael Heseltine told the House of Commons in April 1983 that the investigation had cleared the sergeant of any wrongdoing under the Geneva Convention.

He said: The full results of all these inquiries have been studied by the competent legal authorities, who have concluded that no proceedings (whether in a civil court or by court martial or through military disciplinary proceedings) should be instituted against any individual involved.

Comparing the Falklands incident to his own case last night, Sgt Maclachlan said: If you had let that guy burn to death, you should be held accountable. Why are you watching a guy burn to death? Just think how ridiculous that is. The crueller thing would be to continue their suffering.

Last year, a retired senior Royal Marines commander also revealed he had once put a wounded man out of his misery on the battlefield.

Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-Tailyour, 73, said he had given a lethal overdose of morphine to a dying comrade. He administered the lethal dose to his Arab Sergeant Major during the Dhofar War on the Arabian Peninsula in 1968, while on secondment to the Sultan of Omans forces.

Last night, Lord West, a former security minister and head of the Royal Navy, said cases like Goose Green demonstrate why the MoD needs to show caution in investigating Sgt Maclachlan.

He said: War is an ugly and nasty business. People are under immense pressure and often they have to make decisions very quickly in dreadful situations. Im not saying people can break the law, but we have to be very careful not to judge people now in the cold light of day for decisions they make in the heat of battle.

Tory MP Richard Benyon added: It serves no purpose whatsoever to rake up allegations against serving or retired servicemen, especially now that so much time has passed and the evidence trail is cold.

A terrible dilemma for any soldier in battle

BY COLONEL RICHARD KEMP, Former Commander Of British Forces In Iraq And Afghanistan

COLONEL RICHARD KEMP commanded British forces In Iraq And Afghanistan

In action in the western desert at the height of the 2003 Iraq War, Sergeant Colin Maclachlan and his SAS comrades were fighting under the internationally agreed laws of war. Those laws make clear that killing wounded enemy soldiers is always illegal.

According to the first Geneva Convention of 1949 they must be respected and protected in all circumstances, and any attempts upon their lives, or violence to their persons, shall be strictly prohibited.

So much for the law  what about military reality? Sgt Maclachlans SAS patrol had been hammering Iraqi vehicles with machine gun fire and missiles packed with enough explosive to destroy the heaviest battle tank.

As you would expect, some of the survivors were horrifically wounded, one with three limbs blown off. According to the book, you treat the wounded and evacuate them to an aid post or hospital. But there was neither anywhere near.

The SAS could not spare a vehicle to drive them across the desert and nor would the battle situation have allowed it. Calling in a helicopter would have compromised their mission.

Those who could be treated with field dressings and tourniquets to stem their bleeding would have to be made as comfortable as possible and left to their own fortunes or taken prisoner.

So far so legal. But what about the three who were bleeding to death in agony, begging to be put out of their misery?

Amidst the violence and horror of the battlefield, British soldiers have confronted that dilemma down the centuries. And not just with the enemy.

The decision over your own brothers-in-arms who are wounded and dying is even more agonising. A hundred years ago, during a night march up to the attack at Passchendaele, many soldiers of my great uncles battalion, the 2nd/8th Londons, slipped off the duckboards and into the quagmire. Unable to rescue them, they shot their own men rather than let them suffocate in the liquefied ooze.

Soldiers are not machines. Despite the violent aggression that is their stock-in-trade they are compassionate human beings just like anyone else.

No amount of battle experience or training can inoculate their hearts and minds against the sight, sound and smell of a broken and bleeding human being crying out for death. And soldiers have the means at hand to deliver it.

Whether dealing with friend or foe, this is one of the toughest decisions any man can be faced with.

But if his decision is to end the life of a wounded enemy then the soldier must be ready to face investigation. Because whatever his heart might tell him, his training tells him that to kill an enemy who poses no threat is a war crime. It must remain a war crime. To give a soldier in battle the right to make such a decision opens the way for endless litigation and for confusion on a battlefield. It also places an impossible burden on his shoulders.

Even the greatest doctor cannot predict with certainty whether a man will live or die. How can an infantryman whos trained only in battlefield first aid be expected to do so?

I understand why Sgt Maclachlan did what he did. I cannot say for sure whether I would have done the same had I been in his boots.
Two American prisoners held captive by Yemen Houthi rebels have been released and taken to neighbouring Oman after Omani officials mediated their release, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday.

Kerry, speaking to reporters in the Swiss city of Lausanne, also said that the United States was discussing a ceasefire in Yemen with Saudi officials.

He suggested he may have more to say on Sunday about ending the violence between Iran-backed Houthis and the Yemen government, which is supported by Gulf states.

A Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since an air strike a week ago on a funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed 140 people according to a UN estimate and 82 according to the Houthis.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, right, attend a meeting where they discussed the crisis in Syria, in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday

The hostages were flown to the capital of Oman, Muscat, above

The Americans' release was part of a complicated negotiation that saw those wounded in the funeral strike flown to Oman for treatment, and the Americans released to Muscat, Oman.

It's unclear how long they were held hostage or the circumstances under which they were kidnapped.

'An airplane flew from Muscat to Sanaa, it took the Houthi delegation back to Sanaa and it took wounded people from the funeral back to Oman - this is something we have been working on for the last days - and it also secured the release of two American citizens from the Houthi,' Kerry said.

Sam Farran, a former U.S. Marine, center, was greeted by family and supporters in September 2015 after being released by Houthi rebels after being held for six months with two other hostages

'Their names are not being released at this point in time, but we were very pleased with that and we continue to work on other hostage situations here and elsewhere.'

Oman state television broadcast footage of the two Americans disembarking from a plane belonging to the Royal Air Force of Oman. Yemenis wounded in the civil war in Yemen were also flown for treatment to Oman on the same plane, it reported.

A Foreign Ministry official told the broadcaster Oman had worked with Yemeni authorities in Sanaa to secure the Americans' release. A Houthi official confirmed their departure from Sanaa.

The Americans were kidnapped by the Houthi militant rebels (above) which have stepped up kidnappings in recent years to fund their activities and negotiate prisoner releases

Freelance journalist Casey Coombs (above) was held by Houthi rebels for two weeks

The US State Department expressed gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating the release and recognised the action as a 'humanitarian gesture' by the Houthis, the northern Yemeni armed group that seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014.

'We are working very hard to get a framework in Yemen which will change the dynamics and move that to the table as soon as possible,' Kerry said, adding: 'I will maybe have more to say on that tomorrow (Sunday) in London but it remains a top priority for us to try to end the violence.'

The United Nations estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the fighting in Yemen and blames coalition air strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015.

Oman, a U.S. ally which maintains warm relations with nearby Iran, has served as a mediator for past prisoner releases and other diplomatic initiatives.

Earlier this month, Oman was credited with helping to secure the release of a French-Tunisian woman working for the Red Cross who had been kidnapped by armed men in Yemen and held for nearly a year.

The country has seen increasing instability. In 2015, two American men, identified by the Wall Street Journal as Scott Darden of Transoceanic Development and Sam Farran of Universal Eagles for Security Services were released in Oman after being held by Houthi rebels in Yemen for six months.

American journalist Casey Coombs was also held for two weeks by the rebels, according to the New York Times. He had written for outlets such as The Intercept, The American Prospect and Time magazine.

In late September, an American English teacher was apparently taken hostage in Sanaa, according to the Associated Press, but it is unclear if this teacher is one of the Americans released.
A woman and her young daughter claim they were treated like 'terrorists' by staff on a Jetstar domestic flight, when they were kicked off the plane because the mother had a skin rash.

Louise Wardle and her daughter Amelia Luckman were travelling back from Uluru to Melbourne last weekend after a trip away to celebrate Amelia turning 12.

As a courtesy before taking off, Ms Wardle, from Byron Bay, New South Wales, told Jetstar staff she had come down with shingles, but not to worry because as a registered nurse she knew the illness wasn't contagious.

However her polite gesture led to the pair being marched off the plane by cabin crew, causing a two-hour delay to other passengers and ruining Amelia's birthday.

Louise Wardle (right) and her daughter Amelia Luckman (left) were kicked off a Jetstar flight from Uluru to Melbourne because the mother had shingles

'I know (shingles) it's not contagious, unless you have direct contact with the blisters, but as a courtesy I told them and requested as a precaution not to be seated near any pregnant women,' Ms Wardle told the Daily Telegraph.

After being moved from the second row to the back of the plane, the mother-of-two said she saw the cabin crew suddenly 'sccurrying' about.

Then an announcement echoed throughout the plane, asking the pair to once again make themselves known to Jetstar staff.

Unceremoniously the mother and daughter were asked to get up out of their seats, and were led from the plane.

'I was so embarrassed, everyone was staring at us like we were terrorists,' she said.

'I've only ever seen criminals walked off a plane.'

With Amelia in tears as they walked down the aisle and off the flight, Ms Wardle said she felt the need to let other passengers know they weren't in the wrong.

'I made my own announcement to all on board that "I have been told I have to disembark due to shingles, I'm so sorry, I in fact did disclose this on check in",' she said.

'And I proceeded to walk off with my head held high with two cabin crew as escorts.

Ms Wardle had told Jetstar staff about her condition as a courtesy before they flew, only to be unceremoniously walked off the plane once on board - causing a two-hour delay

Ms Wardle and her daughter were meant to be enjoying a weekend away to celebrate Amelia's birthday

'I made it very clear to staff that more education is required for basic infections  the only way of contamination is by direct contact with a blister and that certainly was not going to happen with any passenger.'

Ms Wardle compared the way she was treated to the way AIDS sufferers once were, saying people with colds, flus and even cold sores were OK to fly.

Making their travel nightmare even worse was the $595 she was slugged to stay an extra night at their resort.

Jetstar told Daily Mail Australia that the captain made the 'correct call' in refusing to allow Ms Wardle to travel.

'Of course wed rather not stop customers travelling with us but we do have a responsibility to consider the health of the other passengers onboard,' a Jetstar statement read.

'Unfortunately, this customer was unable to provide official medical clearance.'
A landmark Philly cheesesteak stand has removed a sign posted a decade ago that told customers to order only in English.

Geno's Steaks in south Philadelphia made headlines in 2006 over a small sign posted at the shop stating, 'This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'SPEAK ENGLISH.''

Late owner Joey Vento said at the time he posted it because of concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of people who couldn't order in English.

In 2007, Joseph Vento (pictured), the late owner of Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia, displayed a sign at his restaurant telling customers to order only in English. The sign has now been removed

He died in 2011. His son, Geno Vento, took over the business.

The cheesesteak stand on Thursday said Geno Vento has 'decided to move on from the sign.'

The shop says in a statement: 'It's not about a sign. It's about what you do and what your mark in life is, and Geno wants to change that mark in life.'

'I wanna make Geno's Steaks different than what my father did. Not saying that was right or wrong, but that wasn't my vision, and I wanna take Geno's to the next level,' Geno Vento told NBC10.

Geno's staff had no idea why the sign had been taken down.

'We just came in one day and it was gone,' said one worker, who requested anonymity speaking to BillyPenn.com. 'They just did it quietly.'

The decision to remove the offensive sign comes just weeks after the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump came by to place an order.

The candidate took his food when he stopped by in September to order a steak sandwich with Cheese Whiz and onions.

'Who wants one?' a winking Trump asked reporters and photographers at the time.

'Who wants? Huh? I think I'm going to get one for Hillary,' he boomed.

A man in the crowd shouted back: 'Then she'll choke on it!'

Donald Trump got cheesesteaks at Geno's in Philadelphia last month. The Donald's order came with onions and Cheese Whiz

The Republican nominee said he might order a sandwich for Hillary Clinton, leading one fan in the crowd to shout that she would 'choke on it'

SAY CHEESE! Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry visited nearby Philly rival Pat's King of Steaks in 2003. The appearance caused a near media meltdown when Kerry ordered his steak with Swiss cheese

WHIZ KID: Kerry ordered his cheesesteak with tomatoes, lettuce, and Swiss  not Cheez Whiz  in a move that became a gaffe for the wealthy and socially awkward future top diplomat

Famous Geno's Steaks is a south Philadelphia landmark

Incredibly, during Trump's visit he placed his order away from the controversial sign that seemed tailor-made for his unconventional campaign.

Joey Vento, the eatery's late founder who died of a heart attack in 2011, gained national fame for installing the sign at the time.

A high-profile lawsuit filed by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations ended in 2008 when the government determined that it didn't violate the city's Fair Practices ordinance since non-English speakers were never actually turned away.

But Vento told a Fox News Channel audience in 2006 that if a customer ordered in Spanish, he might send them away with Cheese Whiz on white bread.

'If one goes into a Puerto Rican neighborhood, how many signs would be seen in English?' he asked host Neil Cavuto.

'When one is on the telephone, it may say, 'Press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish.' But where is the number for, say, Italian or Korean?'

As a memorial to Vento, his son Geno expanded the signage with a second sign.

'Joey Vento says: Press 1 for English, Press 2 for deportation,' it reads.

MAS QUESO POR FAVOR: A sign at at the legendary business states: 'This Is America: When Ordering Please 'Speak English''

Geno's founder Joey Vento left the busies to his son, who later installed a tribute to his dad  a second sign reading 'Press 1 for English, Press 2 for deportation'

Cheese Whiz is a staple Philly steak sold by rival Pat's King of Steaks across the street, but Geno's recommends provolone. At Geno's the regular sandwich is ordered 'wit' or 'witout' onions. 'Whiz wit' sandwich is one common order.

Newcomers can learn the local vernacular by reading along on a larger sign that ends: 'If you make a mistake, don't panic, just go to the back of the line and start over.'

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry committed an unforced error while running for president in 2004, asking for tomatoes, lettuce and Swiss cheese at Pat's.

That made him the butt of jokes in southeastern Pennsylvania and cemented his reputation as a pinky-raising effete snob.
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Thousands of troops are massing outside Isis-held Mosul in preparation for a battle that could spell the end of the terror group in Iraq.

The fight to reclaim the city is expected to begin next week in what will be the biggest Iraqi military operation since the US-led invasion in 2003.

A successful conquest would destroy ISIS's last bastion of power in the country, and represent a serious blow to its legitimacy.

Some 30,000 Iraqi troops are expected to take part in the battle, with support from US special forces and western coalition warplanes.

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Thousands of troops are massing outside Isis-held Mosul in preparation for a battle that could spell the end of the terror group in Iraq. Pictured is a brigade of Peshmerga fighters

The fight to reclaim the city, Iraq's second largest, is expected to begin next week in what will be the country's biggest military operation since the US-led invasion in 2003. Pictured is a mortar team setting up a barrel outside Mosul

A successful conquest, which is being spearheaded by Iraqi government forces,(pictured) would destroy Islamic State's last bastion of power in the country, and represent a serious blow to its legitimacy

The Iraqi army recaptured the town of Qayyarah in August, and is advancing 25 miles to Mosul in preparation for the new offensive.

'All the troops are ready, now they are just waiting for the order from the prime minister,' said Major General Najim al-Jobori, one of the top Iraqi commanders overseeing the Mosul operation.

'The head of the snake is Mosul,' he said. 'I think ISIS knows this is the end of ISIS in Iraq.'

Situated on the west bank of the Tigris River, 250 miles from Baghdad, Mosul is Iraq's second largest city.

It used to be a bustling city of two and a half million people, and was famed for its university, one of the largest education centres in the Middle East.

Since Mosul's capture by ISIS in June 2014, it has been the scene of increasing brutal atrocities as the terror group struggles to contain discontent among 600,000 remaining residents.

In August, nine young men were tied to iron poles and cut in half with chainsaws after they were accused of belonging to a 'resistance faction'.

'Isil is panicked,' one resident told The Telegraph.

'Since they lost Qayyarah, they have begun to tighten their security; carrying out mass arrests and raiding houses in search for weapons and illegal phones.'

A child waves as a Pershmerga military convoy travels towards Mosul. Situated on the west bank of the Tigris River, 250 miles from Baghdad, the city used to house two and a half million people

Mosul was famed for its university,one of the largest education centres in the Middle East. Its recapture would destroy Islamic State's last bastion of power in Iraq

Peshmerga forces stand guard at the Basika front as US artillery units bomb the Deash positions in the east of Mosul with a howitzer

ISIS commanders realise the symbolic importance of maintaining its territory in Iraq. Pictured are Iraqi security forces

Mosul is by far the biggest city held by the militants - around four to five times the size of any other urban area recaptured so far from the fighters

Iraq was where the group's founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, first announced the creation of a 'caliphate' in April 2013

ISIS commanders realise the symbolic importance of maintaining its territory in Iraq.

Mosul is by far the biggest city held by the militants - around four to five times the size of any other urban area recaptured so far from the fighters

Iraq was where the group's founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, first announced the creation of a 'caliphate' in April 2013.

HOW THE CONQUEST OF MOSUL COULD COST THE UN $1 BILLION Lise Grande, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, said: 'The worst case scenario in Mosul would look something like this: you would have mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of people. 'You would have hundreds of thousands of people who are held as human shields. 'You would have a chemical attack that would put tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or maybe even more at grave risk. 'If all that were to happen at the same time it would be catastrophic.' Advertisement

The estimated 60,000 jihadis in the city have dug in for what is expected to be a complex and bloody battle.

A 7ft-by-7ft trench has been dug around Mosul's perimeter, alongside numerous barriers dubbed 'Caliphate fences'.

According to The Telegraph, the jihadis have rigged a chemical plant with explosives with the intention of using the civilian population as human shields.

Despite the formidable defences, the UN estimates more than half a million people have already managed to flee the oncoming offensive.

The capture of the city could spark the world's most complex humanitarian crisis, with one million people expected to be displaced from the city and its surrounding areas.

ISIS fighters are expected to fight hard and have a history of forcing civilians to stay in harm's way during previous battles to defend territory.

There are also fears that the liberation of the city by the Iraqi army, which relies heavily on Shia militias, could alienate Mosul's majority Sunni population.

Some Sunnis initially welcomed Islamic State's conquest of the city, and their frustration at being invaded by the rival sect could spark sectarian tensions.

Also helping in the conquest will be the Kurdish Peshmerga, who are aiming to acquire more territory and made it part of Kurdistan.

Also helping in the conquest will be the Kurdish Peshmerga, (pictured) who are aiming to acquire more territory and made it part of Kurdistan

This would be resisted by the Iraqi government, which wants to reassert its control over one of its largest population centres. Pictured are Pershmerga forces preparing their weapons

Soldiers ride on a truck carrying the flag of Kurdistan. Forces have been pouring into the region for days in preparation for the attack, expected next week

Iraq government's anti-terror teams, armoured vehicles and artillery line up in preparation for the offensive against Mosul, which is expected to be bitterly resisted by Isis fighters

Another complication is the presence of Turkish forces in a nearby camp. President Taipei Erdogan said the soldiers were an insurance against attacks on Turkey and wants them to be involved in the assault. Pictured are Iraqi and Peshmerga forces

But Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says Turkish troops have deployed in Iraq without the authorisation of the government. Pictured are Pershmerga forces gathering on the outskirts of Mosul

This would be resisted by the Iraqi government, which wants to reassert its control over one of its largest population centres.

Another complication is the presence of Turkish forces in a nearby camp.

President Taipei Erdogan said the soldiers were an insurance against attacks on Turkey and wants them to be involved in the assault.

He said: 'Nobody should talk about our Bashiqa base. We will stay there. Bashiqa is our insurance against any kind of terrorist activities in Turkey.'

But Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says Turkish troops have deployed in Iraq without the authorisation of the government.
The wife of radio legend John Laws, Caroline, is reportedly in 'poor' health as she fights cancer and they celebrate 40 years of marriage.

Mrs Laws, 79, was given the shock diagnosis during a routine check-up in June despite not having any symptoms of the cancer, reports The Sunday Telegraph.

The shock diagnosis comes 65 years after the pair fell in love when Caroline was 14 and John was 16 after they met at a dance at a mutual friend's home in Lindfield 1951.

The wife of radio legend John Laws, Caroline (left), is reportedly in 'poor' health as she fights cancer and they celebrate 40 years of marriage

John Laws arrives for the premiere of 'Mao' Last Dancer' at the State Theatre in 2009

John, 81, told The Australian Women's Weekly that he loved her at first sight in December 1976 for their wedding.

But the pair didn't see each other for 20 years as Caroline travelled to London to pursue ballet dancing, married another man and left Australia.

Upon her return, John was a fully-fledged radio and television personality and was able to woo her.

'As soon as she came back into my life that was it, she was the woman and we've been together ever since.'

He nicknamed her 'The Princess' and introduced her to his audience through his popular talkback radio show on 2UE.

Now Caroline is adjusting to life with the disease and is 'enjoying living' despite her 'fragile' condition.

The couple have started telling family members of Caroline's condition which began to deteriorate when she was hospitalised with bronchial conditions in Rome on their annual holiday at the start of the year.

Together the pair have nine children from three former marriages and enjoy collectable art, luxury travel, the Continent and fine living.

Mrs Laws, 79, was given the shock diagnosis during a routine check-up in June despite not having any symptoms of the cancer

The shock diagnosis comes 65 years after the pair fell in love when Caroline was 14 and John was 16 after they met at a dance at a mutual friend's home in Lindfield 1951

John Laws and wife Caroline during Variety Wharfies Lunch at Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf in 2007
Boris Johnson leaving Number 10, above. An active out campaigner, he had penned an unpublished article in support of remain before formally declaring his position

Boris Johnson was set to declare Britain was better off in the European Union, just two days before he announced he would be campaigning for Brexit.

Details of an unpublished Daily Telegraph article written by the former Mayor of London, have been revealed in a new book on the EU referendum campaign.

It said: 'Britain is a great nation, a global force for good. It is surely a boon for the world and for Europe that she should be intimately engaged in the EU.'

He warned that Brexit could lead to economic shock, Russian aggression and Scottish independence.

The details of the article have been revealed in All Out War, by Sunday Times' Political Editor Tim Shipman.

The remain column was written on February 19 and Mr Johnson, now MP for Uxbridge, became an Out campaigner by February 21.

Mr Johnson's piece in support of remaining in the EU was said to be to help him clarify his position

According to the Times, Mr Johnson also wrote: 'This is a market on our doorstep, ready for further exploitation by British firms.

'The membership fee seems rather small for all that access. Why are we so determined to turn our back on it?'

In comments that seem to anticipate the fall in the value of the pound, Mr Johnson write: 'Almost everyone expects there to be some sort of economic shock as a result of Brexit. How big would it be? I am sure the doomsters are exaggerating the fall-out but are they completely wrong?'

It also predicted last week's renewed threats of a post-Brexit second independence vote in Scotland with Mr Johnson writing: 'Then there is a worry about Scotland, and the possibility that an English-only 'leave' vote could lead to the break-up of the union.'

He raised the prospect that Brexit would strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin saying: 'We don't want to do anything to encourage more shirtless swaggering from the Russian leader, not in the Middle East, not anywhere.'

It was written after he had written his Leave article, and said to have been penned to help him clarify his thoughts.

Instead of this pro-EU message, Mr Johnson joined forces with Michael Gove in the campaign to leave the European Union.

After the vote in June, he wrote: 'I believe that millions of people who voted Leave were also inspired by the belief that Britain is a great country, and that outside the job-destroying coils of EU bureaucracy we can survive and thrive as never before.

Boris Johnson with Michael Gove and Priti Patel on the Vote Leave campaign trail in Preston

'I think that they are right in their analysis, and right in their choice.

'And yet we who agreed with this majority verdict must accept that it was not entirely overwhelming.'

The Mail on Sunday revealed last month how much Mr Johnson has wobbled over backing Brexit, privately telling David Cameron how the Leave campaign would be crushed only nine minutes before he put himself at the head of it.

Mr Johnson earned 275,000 a year writing his weekly Telegraph column but gave it up in July as he took up his cabinet role.

Sources close to Mr Johnson said the article was never intended for publication and was written to 'validate' his arguments for leave.
The father of the migrant boy controversially championed by Lily Allen sneaked into Britain in the back of a lorry to claim asylum  then returned to the country he fled in terror for a three-month holiday after being given the right to stay here.

Hazrat Gul Sherin, whose son Shamsher appeared with the tearful pop star last week as she apologised on behalf of Britain for bombing his country and putting him in the hands of the Taliban, came to the UK illegally in 2005, having fled war-torn Afghanistan.

His decision to flee the country was prompted not by the Taliban but because as a leading supporter of a brutal Islamist warlord  and an officer in his private army  he was afraid of the US and UK-backed Northern Alliance.

After seven years, Sherin was given indefinite leave to remain in the UK, then promptly returned to Afghanistan to visit his family.

Hazrat Gul Sherin, father of the Afghani boy who moved pop star Lily Allen to tears, was loyal to a brutal warlord and fled to the UK to claim asylum - on the back of a lorry

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the 49-year-old was a commander in the Islamist group Hezb-e Islami, led by the Butcher of Kabul, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

In the early 1990s, Hekmatyars group of fundamentalist Sunni Muslim Pashtuns clashed violently with other mujahideen factions in the struggle for control of the capital, Kabul.

Hezb-e Islami was blamed for much of the terrible death and destruction of that period and was accused of appalling human rights abuses, including the assassination of intellectuals and throwing acid in womens faces.

The civil war led to Hekmatyars fall from grace and he quickly became one of the most reviled men in the country. And in 1996, when Hekmatyar went into exile, Sherin also began to lead a quieter life.

But his allegiance to the Butcher of Kabul was remembered years later when the Northern Alliance swept to power. It is for this reason that he said he left his wife and four young children in Afghanistan. Sherin now lives in Birmingham and is hoping that 13-year-old Shamsher will be able to join him from Calais soon.

Miss Allen, 31, took a break from recording her new album to volunteer in a charity warehouse at the squalid Jungle camp, where 10,000 migrants live while trying to find ways to sneak into Britain. She told Shamsher: Weve bombed your country, put you in the hands of the Taliban and now put you in danger of risking your life to get into our country. I apologise on behalf of my country. Im sorry for what we have put you through.

Yet the boys father, from Jalalabad, revealed the startling truth behind his journey to the UK in an interview with The Mail on Sunday. To reach Britain, he hiked across eight countries before being stowed away by traffickers in a fruit lorry.

He spent seven years living on benefits in Birmingham before his claim for asylum was accepted in September 2012. He then went back to Afghanistan, flying in via Pakistan, for the first of two three-month visits to the very country that had put him in fear of his life.

Picture of Shamsher Sherin, who Lily allen apologised to on behalf of the whole UK, taken in Afghanistan ten years ago with his father Hazrat Gul Sherin and his sister

After 11 years in the UK, he can barely speak English. Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Sherin said: I was not escaping the Taliban. I had been a commander for Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and the Hezb-e Islami for many years and was put in charge of the village of Shershia in Jalalabad.

I had a profile then. Everyone was scared and could not say anything but when the Western-backed government took over from them, the villagers realised I had no power and turned on me and our house was shot at. We fled over the border to Nasar Bagh in Pakistan but somebody snitched on me and a bomb was planted at the local mosque intended to kill me.

I was injured in the blast and have three bits of metal in my body still. We had to move again to Tira and it was then I knew I had to escape to build a better future for my family.

My father had some money and sold land and I used that to make my way to Britain. I did not know anyone there but I heard they had the best human rights in Europe. It was very hard to leave. My wife Noorbabo had just had our fourth baby but I had no choice if I was to look after their future.

Lily Allen has been criticised for her tearful apology to the young Afghan boy, who promptly thanked the UK for fighting the Taliban, and whose father is revealed to be an ex-fighter

Of all the warlords who took part in the civil war which killed 50,000 people in Kabul alone between 1992 and 1996, Hekmatyar was considered the most extreme and labelled a war criminal by the post-Taliban Government of Hamid Karzai.

His dwindling band of supporters were said to have provided Osama bin Laden and his cronies safe passage to Pakistan after 9/11 and launched attacks on Allied troops but by then, Mr Sherin insists, he was selling vegetables and trying to live a peaceful life.

He said that he first became involved with the notorious warlord at 15 when he joined the mujahideen fighting the Soviet occupation. By the age of 21, he had become a commander in charge of 70 men.

I was very good at shooting at planes, he explained. Gulbuddin would give us the guns and the orders and I was in control of the area. We would sometimes be told to attack other villages.

Allen met the former fighter's son, Shamsher, in Calais' Jungle. She broke during the Victoria Derbyshire show feature. It can now be revealed that the boy's father fought in Afghanistan

Millionaire pop star, with a new album expected to be released before Christmas, broke down while talking to the son of Afghan fighter-turned-asylum-seeker Hazrat Gul Sherin

Of his escape to Britain, he said: I paid about 6,000 to the smugglers. They took a group of us overland. We would lie low in forests by day and travel at night. It was hard.

I came into Britain in the back of a lorry packed with fruit. There were three of us in there and the first we knew we were in Britain was when the lorry was opened and the police were there.

The Jungle camp in Calais where Allen visited for the BBC feature. Shamsher, 13, wishes to enter the UK as his father did

He spent 12 days in prison and applied for asylum before deciding to settle in the Alum Rock area of Birmingham, where he shared a house with other Afghans.

I WILL BE WITH YOU SOON DAD, SAYS SON The teenage refugee who met Lily Allen in the Calais camp spoke to his father on the phone after The Mail on Sunday tracked him down. In the call, Shamsher Sherin, 13, told Hazrat Gul Sherin: Ill be with you soon. The boy showed The Mail on Sunday a family picture of his father shortly before he fled Afghanistan more than ten years ago with him and his sister, Robina, now 12. The picture was then sent to Sherin by phone. Shamsher said he wants to be reunited with his father and for the rest of his family in Afghanistan to join them later. I would like to go to school and study, he added. Speaking of his determination to cross the Channel, he said: I have tried every day for one month to get on a lorry. The youngster has been sleeping in a tent in the camp for more than two months after his family paid traffickers to smuggle him to Europe from Afghanistan. Advertisement

It was very tough, he said, but I was safe and I am thankful to Britain for that. It was a much better life. I would not want to go back. I was given 42 a week to live on and after seven years I was granted my right to remain. I was very happy and managed to get work on building sites. It is work he still does.

But he was missing his family who had returned to Jalalabad now their hated head of the family had gone.

It was a risk to go back but I so wanted to see my family, I had to do it. I was too scared to spend more than ten minutes in any one room, you could not go safely to the mosque and you thought anyone with a puffa jacket was about to blow up.

His next trip back, from December to March this year, was even more alarming. Now Daesh (IS) have moved into the province and you had them and the Taliban fighting each other with the Government forces also involved. My wife had become scared that Shamsher would be turned into a suicide bomber. The Taliban tried to take him off to one of their training camps so my wife raised money through the family to pay for him to escape as I had done.

When I got over there in December, no-one knew where he was. We feared he had been taken by Daesh.

Then, three weeks ago, he received a message from a woman in the Jungle saying Shamsher was safe.

I spoke to him and felt great pride that he had made the same journey as me, he said. I told him to stay in France and not to risk his life climbing on to lorries because we will soon be together the official way.

Shamsher Sherin, aged 13 pictured having a brief telephone conversation with his father Hazrat Gul Sherin in Birmingham. He has never heard of Lily Allen

And after the news that children in the Jungle with relatives in the UK are to be brought to Britain, a beaming Mr Sherin said: I know we will soon be together and then, we hope, the rest of the family will join us in time.

As for the millionaire pop star who had put his son into the spotlight, I have never heard of her, he said.
School portraits of girls as young as 11 are being electronically altered to improve how they look.

Photography firm Cardwell & Simons, which works with more than 700 British schools, is offering to use Photoshop trickery to remove things such as blemishes.

But parents and campaigners have blasted the airbrushing service, saying it heaps further pressure on youngsters already worried about their image.

Anna Clements, above with her daughter Leila, said it is wrong to offer airbrushing on school photos, as there is already so much pressure on teenagers and young people

One mother, Anna Clements, said: It is totally wrong. There is already immense pressure on girls over their looks and they face a daily barrage of photos and messages which tell them how they should look.

An airbrushing service sends out the message that if youre not happy with anything about your physical appearance, then you can change it, and that is an extremely negative thing to be saying to children.

It makes them extremely conscious of their looks when they are at an age when they should just be able to be children. Essentially it steals their innocence.

Ms Clements, a 48-year-old scriptwriter, was offered the chance to digitally alter the photograph of her 15-year-old daughter, Leila Faris, taken at all-girl Davison High School in Worthing, West Sussex.

She added: I think it is all a result of the Kardashian-style celebrity culture where people are measured on how they look. Encouraging children to feel insecure about aspects of their physical appearance can lead to all sorts of problems later on.

Leila agreed, saying: Young people are already exposed to too many photoshopped images. School photographs should be natural. Its important were encouraged to accept how we look and feel comfortable with it.

Campaigners have often warned of the dangers linked to girls feeling judged by what they look like, which they say leads to higher rates of depression and mental illness. A recent survey found that a third of girls aged between seven and ten want to be more beautiful, while 40 per cent want to be thinner.

The offer on the Cardwell & Simons form, which charges 7 for photoshopping

Sam Smethers, chief executive of feminist campaign group The Fawcett Society, said: Women and girls face constant pressure to look perfect and even young girls feel that they are being judged on their appearance.

We should be doing more to help all our young people strengthen their sense of self and focus on their wellbeing rather than reinforcing the message that its appearance that counts.

The Cardwell & Simons order form offers parents the chance to circle areas on the school photographs and state what they would like altered  for an additional 7 cost  to make them picture perfect.

But company director Linda Simons insisted they would not alter images if parents did not request it. She added: We would only consider photoshopping a temporary mark on the face and would never change the shape of a childs face.

Most of the requests we get are to do with clothing, like a stain on the childs top or with hair being untidy or windswept.

But she indicated that the company may axe the service following complaints from parents.

Southampton-based Cardwell & Simons offers generous commission rates to the schools it works with, but Ann Scales, business manager at Davison High, distanced the school from the manipulation of images. She said: We do not advocate photoshopping but feel it is not our place to stand in the way of a private arrangement between a family and the service.

We agree that girls should be protected from pressure on acceptable looks and therefore have selected a photography service which does not use any airbrushing techniques on their photos before the proofs are sent out to parents.
The plummeting value of the pound is drawing tourists from the US and China to Britain in search of bargain prices for luxury goods.

While British shoppers are faced with price rises, designer branded handbags, watches and jewellery are flying off the shelves, bought by bargain-hunting visitors from abroad.

The rush of tourists has brought an autumn bonanza for exclusive stores in London and cities elsewhere in the UK.

Designer bags, clothes and shoes are flying off the shelves, bought by bargain-hunting visitors from abroad

Americans who buy signature jewel pumps by elite shoemakers Manolo Blahnik will pay 680  a saving of 109 on the US price. And at 1,395, the Burberry leather bridle bag costs 300 less than across the Atlantic.

The reason? The price difference between America and the UK has widened as the pound has fallen and luxury goods makers have not adjusted their British prices. The gap could disappear if they decide to change their pricing to reflect the new exchange reality.

London emporium Harvey Nichols has seen a surge in overseas shoppers, for whom the Gucci Dionysus handbag range is the big seller, with all sizes and colours disappearing fast, while other brands of designer handbags and jewellery are also doing well.

A spokeswoman said: London is always buzzing with tourists but there is a noticeable increase in international spend.

The uplift in visitor numbers is not just in London but in Manchester and Edinburgh, too.

At the sprawling Westfield London shopping centre, spending by overseas shoppers has gone up by 70 per cent since a year ago.

At Westfield London shopping centre (pictured) spending by overseas shoppers has gone up by 70 per cent since a year ago

A spokesman said the rise was driven largely by Chinese visitors buying on average ten items per shopping trip, instead of just five last year.

The most popular designer brands for visitors at Westfield are Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry. In July, London-based Burberry said it was in line for a 90 million profit boost from the falling pound, despite a drop in like-for-like sales. But further falls in sterling since then could see the group revise this even higher.

Meanwhile, the Watch Gallery chain  which has four outlets in London  said: Trade has been very strong in the past three months mainly thanks to visitors from China, the Middle East and Europe and some Americans.
A man wearing a clown mask has gone on a terrifying rampage which has resulted in one woman suffering minor injuries.

The man who was joined by another man began the crime spree when they broke into an Adelaide smash repair shop and stole a safe before holding up a service station armed with axes and knives.

The two men pulled up outside Eblen Collision Repairs in Somerton Park not far from the Adelaide CBD at 7pm on Saturday and smashed a window before finding the safe and leaving with it.

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A man wearing a clown mask (right) was joined by another man (left) in a terrifying rampage in Adelaide which has resulted in one woman suffering minor injuries

The robbery was performed in broad daylight and even a driver passing by didn't deter the brazen thieves.

'Somebody drove straight through looked at them then looked away,' Peter Eblen, the owner of Eblen Collision Repairs told Seven News.

'They smashed the window, they got in and ransacked the office at the back and managed to get a safe out.'

The robbery was performed in broad daylight and even a driver passing by didn't deter the brazen thieves

The two men pulled up outside Eblen Collision Repairs at 7pm on Saturday and smashed a window before finding the safe and leaving with it.

The men then fled the scene in a blue Holden Commodore and headed north to a service station where they terrorised frightened staff.

The men armed with axes and knives threatened staff before making off with cash, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

A female service station attendant suffered minor injuries in the robbery.

The attack is the latest in a string of clown sightings that has lit up Australia with many theorists suggesting the sighting are a strange marketing ploy.

The men then fled the scene in a blue Holden Commodore and headed north to a service station where they terrorised frightened staff
Joanne Lees, whose boyfriend was killed in Australia in 2001

A British backpacker whose boyfriend was shot dead in the Australian Outback 15 years ago, triggering a world-famous murder case, has returned to the country to build a memorial to him.

Joanne Lees, now 43, and her boyfriend, Peter Falconio, both from Yorkshire, were travelling in a camper van at night along a remote highway in central Australia in July 2001 when they were ambushed by Bradley Murdoch, a trucker, who killed Mr Falconio.

Murdoch then dragged Ms Lees into his vehicle, but she managed to escape, hiding for more than five hours among desert scrub.

Four years later, drug dealer Murdoch, 58, was found guilty of Mr Falconios murder and he was jailed for 28 years. The body of 28-year-old Mr Falconio has never been found.

Joanne Lees pictured with boyfriend Peter Falconio while the two were backpacking through Australia

Ms Lees, from Huddersfield, wants to erect a memorial for Mr Falconio in Ti Tree, 124 miles north of Alice Springs.

That was the last place that they refuelled and watched the sunset together. She believes it will also serve as a reminder to other foreigners of the dangers of travelling in the Outback. The memorial will be a car-size sculpture called Falcon Dreaming, according to reports.

Bradley Murdoch is serving 28 years for the murder of Mr Falconio after his DNA was found on Ms Lees' clothing

Ms Lees, now working as a social worker in the UK, has been in Australia since May raising awareness and money for the memorial.
Michael Gove has been effectively blackballed from one of Londons most exclusive gentlemens clubs  as revenge for destroying Boris Johnsons Prime Ministerial hopes.

The former London Mayors loyal father, ex-Euro MP Stanley, led the successful revolt to block Gove from joining the Beefsteak Club.

Boris already belongs to the 140-year-old establishment, with his father a member of the club committee which vetoed Goves application.

Conservative rivals: Michael Gove and Boris Johnson, pictured in June before they fell out

Goves allies claim he was told he could be let in next year after a cooling off period.

However, other sources say the ban is indefinite because of the way he knifed fellow Brexiteer Johnson following their referendum victory three months ago.

Hours before Johnson was due to begin his campaign to replace David Cameron, Gove launched a rival power grab, forcing Johnson to pull out.

Gove last week admitted he was wrong to have betrayed Johnson, although Boriss allies have never forgiven him.

The male-only Beefsteak Club  founded in 1876 and situated near Leicester Square  still upholds its traditions.

The male-only Beefsteak Club  founded in 1876 and situated near Leicester Square  still upholds its traditions

All the waiters are referred to as Charles, so members dont have to worry about remembering their names.

Its previous members have included Sir John Betjeman, Edward Elgar and Tory Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

Gove, whose membership had lapsed, wanted to rejoin now he had time on his hands after losing his Cabinet job.

He had hoped to join other Tories in the Beefsteak, including Eurosceptic MPs Iain Duncan Smith, Bill Cash and former Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson. Brexit Minister Lord George Bridges, a close friend of Gove, is also a senior member.

The bid to get Gove back in was led by his friends, Right-wing journalists Bruce Anderson and George Trefgarne, a Beefsteak committee member and son of Conservative peer Lord Trefgarne.

They scored a victory when the club agreed Gove would not have to seek a fresh nomination, having been a past member. But they came unstuck when the club committee met two weeks ago.

Trefgarne argued in favour of Gove, but Boriss father Stanley, 76, objected.

To spare Gove the shame of being officially blackballed it was agreed not to throw out his application, but place it on hold. In the eyes of his Beefsteak critics, it was tantamount to the same thing.

However, Gove also has powerful friends at the club. One said last night: If they ban him I will resign my membership

Blackballing refers to a traditional way of deciding applications to join gentlemens clubs. Members are invited to place a black or white ball into a box, without revealing how they have voted. A single black ball can be enough to cause refusal.
There are believed to be up to 1,000 unaccompanied children in 'Jungle'

British officials have begun registering child refugees at the Calais Jungle camp so they can join relatives in the UK.

About 300 unaccompanied youngsters from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan are expected to start arriving in Britain within days.

Home Office officials arrived at the Jungle on Friday and spent two hours registering children living in shipping containers.

Child peddling through the Jungle camp in Calais, where there are believed to be up to 1,000 unaccompanied children in the camp. Around 300 will now be brought to the UK

It is understood they will return tomorrow.

Beatrice De Navacelle, 20, who works for the Care4Calais charity, said: From what I heard from the people who were there, it wasnt very well organised. These children are scared.

There are believed to be up to 1,000 unaccompanied children living in the Jungle.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said last week that it would be a really good result if Britain ends up taking 300 lone child refugees from the camp.

It is understood that French authorities will start demolishing the Jungle at the end of the month. Up to 9,000 migrants are set to be relocated at centres throughout France.

Protesters in support of the Calais refugees rally in Westminster. The Home Office has said it will make the 'safety and security' of the unaccompanied child refugees a priority

A Home Office spokesman said: Our priority must be to ensure the safety and security of the children in the Calais camp.

When the Prime Minister met the French Interior Minister last week she made it crystal clear we intend to transfer as many minors as possible who qualify for transfer to the UK to claim asylum on the basis of close family before the start of the camp clearance.

Work is continuing on both sides of the Channel to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency.

EU law says refugees must make their claim for asylum in the first European state they reach, but children can transfer their application to another country if they have family there.
Clash: Andrew Mitchell and his wife Sharon became embroiled in an extraordinary confrontation at Londons Garrick Club

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell and his wife became embroiled in an extraordinary confrontation at Londons famous Garrick Club with the judge who ruled against Mitchell in the notorious Plebgate case.

The former Cabinet Minister told Justice Sir John Mitting, who landed him with a 2million legal bill for calling police f***ing plebs, that he was unfit to be a judge.

And Mitchells wife Sharon waded into the exchange last month, telling Sir John he should be ashamed for nearly destroying the couples family.

The Plebgate storm erupted in 2012 after police refused to let Mitchell cycle through the Downing Street gates, sparking a four-letter outburst from the politician.

In a subsequent libel trial, Sir John rejected childish Mitchells denials he had used the politically toxic phrase plebs.

He had to pay 80,000 damages to PC Toby Rowland, a member of the Metropolitan Police diplomatic protection group, in addition to a huge legal bill.

The scandal forced Mitchell to quit the Cabinet in disgrace.

His chance evening encounter with Sir John, 69, at The Garrick was the first time they had come face to face since the trial.

The Garrick: The club, whose members include Stephen Fry and Jeremy Paxman, is one of the last to maintain a ban on women members. They can attend only as guests

According to eye witnesses, when Sir John spotted Mitchell across the room he called out cheerily: I hope we arent on bad terms.

The atmosphere became more tense when the couple walked over to him and Mitchells doctor wife Sharon, who fiercely defended her husband throughout Plebgate said: Are you Judge Mitting? Sir John replied: Yes.

Sharon, a mother-of-two, then said: You got it all so wrong. You ought to feel ashamed of yourself for your treatment of my husband. You nearly destroyed our family.

Mitchell, 60, intervened: I dont believe you are a bad man. This drew a tentative Oh? from Sir John.

The former Cabinet Minister told Justice Sir John Mitting that he was unfit to be a judge

However, merchant banker Mitchell could not contain his anger at four years of humiliation and financial loss, and he added: But you are exceedingly foolish and naive and clearly live in a world of Dixon Of Dock Green.

And you have the nerve to hail me like this. Furthermore, you misled us in your first judgment about the costs. You are not fit to be a judge and I profoundly hope you retire as soon as possible.

Sir John replied: Yes. October 8 next year. (His 70th birthday.)

The Mitchells actions could land them in hot water with the clubs crusty hierarchy.

The club, whose members include Stephen Fry and Jeremy Paxman, is one of the last to maintain a ban on women members. They can attend only as guests and are denied access to parts of the establishment.

The Plebgate affair in September 2012 caused a sensation. Mitchell had just been made Chief Whip and was tipped as a future PM.

In the 2014 court case, he was accused of saying to PC Rowland: Best learn your f***ing place. You dont run this f***ing government. Youre f***ing plebs.

He denied using the word pleb but Justice Mitting said CCTV footage did not back up his version of events and dismissed Mitchells absurd claim of a police plot against him.
An SAS soldier killed an ISIS fighter with an axe as he freed young girls who were being held hostage as sex slaves.

According to the Daily Star, the SAS hero struck the jihadi in one blow to the skull during a mission in Syria last month.

The mission was a US and British covert operation in northern Syria to free girls who were being held hostage by ISIS and forced to marry their fighters.

A group of SAS fighters freed girls who were being held as sex slaves in a covert mission, joining forces with American troops. File photo

Those who refused to co-operate were raped, dipped in acid or crucified, according to the paper.

It is believed images of the girls being tortured were found and they were so brutal, they reduced the SAS men to tears.

One sergeant, said to be a veteran of Iraq, shot one ISIS fighter when two opened fire on him, but had to resort to a hand axe when his gun would not function and he could not shoot the second.

The girls and their families are said to have been relocated once they were freed.
Nearly 200 countries have agreed a deal to limit the use of greenhouse gases in a major effort to fight climate change.

The talks to clamp down on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, were called the first test of global will since the historic Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions last year.

HFCs are described as the worlds fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.

European Union representatives celebrate the adoption of the Kigali Amendment yesterday

The agreement was announced yesterday after all-night negotiations at a conference in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

It caps and reduces the use of HFCs in a gradual process starting in 2019.

America, the worlds second largest polluter, will be among the first nations to take action to battle the menace.

US Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a speech to the meeting in Kigali on Friday

More than 100 countries, including China, the worlds top carbon emitter, will start taking action by 2024, when HFC consumption levels should peak.
While Facebook, Google, and other tech giants continue to reveal new developments in virtual reality, Apple might be turning its sights to something more personal.

Speaking to Buzzfeed News, Tim Cook suggested the firm may instead be focusing on augmented reality, explaining that technology should encourage human contact.

This comes just months after the Apple CEO remarked that the firm is high on AR and raved about Pokemon Go.

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Speaking to Buzzfeed News , Tim Cook suggested the firm may instead be focusing on augmented reality, explaining that technology should encourage human contact. This comes just months after the Apple CEO remarked that the firm is high on AR

Augmented reality, in which computer-generated content is overlaid on the real world, is one of the latest fixations in the technology business.

Theres no substitute for human contact, Cook said in an exclusive interview with Buzzfeed News.

And so you want the technology to encourage that.

Over the past few years, though Apple has remained tight-lipped about its plans for future systems, the firm has made numerous moves in the direction of AR.

This includes the acquisition of PrimeSense in 2013  the company responsible for the motion-capture system in the original Microsoft Kinect  and the hiring of numerous researchers with VR backgrounds.

And, according to Buzzfeed News, the Apple has been having meetings with immersive content companies, including Jaunt.

The patent filed in September 2008 is called 'Head-mounted display apparatus for retaining a portable electronic device with display'. Its description reads: 'The portable electronic may be physically coupled to the head-mounted device such that [it] can be worn on the user's head'

The firms latest handsets also feature what could be the means to support AR, with the iPhone 7 plus hosting a Wide Color display and two-camera system that can gather stereoscopic data and generate image depth maps, Buzzfeed reports.

VR has some interesting applications, but I dont think its a broad-based technology like AR, Cook told Buzzfeed.

Augmented reality will take some time to get right, but I do think that its profound. We mighthave a more productive conversation, if both of us have an AR experience standing here, right?

And so I think that things like these are better when theyre incorporated withouta becoming a barrier to our talking.

'You want the technology to amplify it, not be a barrier.

FACEBOOK REVEALS FIRST GLIMPSE AT ITS VR SOFTWARE Facebook has unveiled the first virtual reality version of its software. Mark Zuckerberg showed off the firm's first attempt at social software for the Oculus Rift headset at the Oculus Connect conference in San Francisco. He also revealed the firm was developing a new midrange VR headset, and said its eventual aim was a pair of VR and AR sunglasses. The new software allows people to join the same virtual space, and do everything from watch a video to be transported to the surface of Mars. The first virtual family portrait: Mark Zuckerberg showed off the firm's software for the Oculus Rift headset at the Oculus Connect conference in San Francisco Zuckerberg was able to transport participants to live video feeds of his office and home, and even call his wife - all in a virtual world. He then took out a virtual selfie stick to snap a picture - and sent it to his Facebook page with a single click. He also used Oculus Touch, the firm's soon to be released 3D controller, to change his avatar's emotion - and Facebook said in future versions facial tracking could do this automatically, letting you look surprised, happy or confused in VR. Advertisement

At a conference in July, Apple CEO Tim Cook peeled back the curtain ever so slightly on its work in artificial intelligence and augmented reality, aiming to reassure investors that the company is ready to ride the next wave of technology.

Raving about hit smartphone game Pokemon GO, Cook stressed that Apple is 'high on [augmented reality] for the long-run' and investing heavily.

However, he was later ridiculed online for pronouncing the hit game as 'pokeman' - but responded with just a smiley face after being called out on Twitter for the mispronunciation.

Augmented reality, in which computer-generated content is overlaid on the real world, is one of the latest fixations in the technology business, with Pokemon GO among the first applications to catch on.

Cook also highlighted Apple's investment in artificial intelligence, which the company now uses to recommend content to users and even spot usage patterns to improve a device's battery life.

It was a small glimpse of the future from the notoriously secretive tech giant, which fiercely guards its product pipeline.

But analysts said Cook must do more to show his cards as sales of the iPhone slow.

Augmented reality and artificial intelligence are often regarded as an uneasy fit for Apple, a hardware maker that tends not to embrace new technology until it matures.

And Apple's habit of keeping quiet until it has a finished product to show - in contrast with rivals such as Google and Facebook, which iterate products in the open - doesn't help, said analyst Bob O'Donnell of TECHnalysis Research.

'They're in this weird position where they want the world to know that they are working on it, but they have nothing to show for it,' he said.

As rivals such as Google and Facebook double down on augmented reality, Apple has made no public display of its aptitude in the field.

But Cook stressed that the company is hard at work behind the scenes.

As rivals such as Google and Facebook double down on augmented reality, Apple has made no public display of its aptitude in the field.

'We have been and continue to invest a lot in this,' Cook said.

'We think there's great things for customers and a great commercial opportunity.'

Apple has more to show for its efforts in artificial intelligence, where it was an early pioneer with its Siri digital assistant.

But the company has been dogged by doubts that it has fallen behind rivals such as Amazon and Google and will be hard-pressed to catch up due to its strict privacy stance.

Raving about hit smartphone game Pokemon GO, Cook stressed that Apple is 'high on [augmented reality] for the long-run' and investing heavily

'They are running behind, and they are trying to catch up both in perception but also in fact,' said Oren Etzioni, who is CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and a professor at the University of Washington.

Cook maintained that Apple had found a way to strike the balance between progressing in artificial intelligence and maintaining users' privacy, detailing features in Apple's latest operating system.

'The deployment of artificial intelligence technology is something that we will excel at because of our focus on user experience,' he said.

Ultimately, Cook argued, phenomena such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality will only reinforce the importance of the iPhone.

He said the company was working to make sure its products worked well with third-party products like Pokemon Go.
Almost the first thing we do after boarding the Saga Sapphire is toast our good fortune in not having to go anywhere near an airport.

But that isnt all. Saga even comes to pick you up at home and drives you to your embarkation port.

Thats service and it continues for the two weeks of our thrilling Baltic cruise.

A floating world: Robin Esser and his wife spent 16 days aboard the Saga Sapphire

My wife and I are relative newcomers to this kind of holiday, but it doesnt take long for us to understand why cruising is so popular.

Our cabin is spotlessly clean and superbly comfortable; we have a choice of three restaurants; theres a spa, library and gym and our fellow seafarers (not to mention the engaging staff) are resolutely friendly.

We number more than 700, most of whom, as you would expect with Saga, are on the mature side, though there are also sons and daughters looking after their parents or grandparents. Several passengers are in wheelchairs but are still able to join shore excursions.

From Dover, we head east and then across the North Sea and through the Kiel Canal to reach the Baltic.

The canal was built on the orders of Kaiser Wilhelm II to enable his German Navy to reach the North Sea to wage war, avoiding the 350 miles round the northern tip of Denmark.

Today it has a more peaceful purpose, allowing merchant shipping along its 60 miles and cruise ships like ours to sail through and marvel at the canal banks only yards away.

Pretty: The ship stopped at the Estonian capital of Tallinn, now a Unesco World Heritage site

Once in the Baltic we head for Stockholm, where we tour the city, passing the house of Abbas Benny Andersson. Then its on to Estonia and its capital Tallinn, now a Unesco World Heritage site.

Estonia has been controlled by the Danes, Swedes, Germans and Russians, finally regaining independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

It was from the 23rd floor of the Viru Hotel that the KGB spied on guests and residents alike. The rooms are a museum and chilling reminder of the Soviet occupation.

A highlight of the cruise is the programme of lectures from various experts and entertainers. One of these is the ballet maestro, Wayne Sleep, who talks about his life and great triumphs - including that dance with Princess Diana performed as a secret birthday present for a bemused Prince Charles.

Wayne later gives a ballet lesson, which is attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

An expert on jewellery and another on art provide briefings on Faberge eggs and matryoshka, those Russian dolls that stack inside each other, and the amazing art well see in The Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Stunning: St Petersburg's Winter Palace, which left tour guests 'agog' with its magnificence

On northwards to Helsinki, capital of Finland, a Swedish outpost until the early 19th century. It became independent in the Twenties. Via the Gulf of Finland, we reach St Petersburg. And to beat the crowds we elect for Sagas private evening visit to the Hermitage.

Our guide takes us round the Winter Palace in a tour that leaves us agog. Rounding off this magical evening is a concert by the State Symphony Orchestra of St Petersburg in the Large Italian Skylight Hall.

We visit the Peter and Paul fortress, its church lavishly decorated in gold leaf and the burial place of all the tsars  including the last, Nicholas II and his family, all of whom were murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1917.

They were only laid to rest in 1998 when their remains were identified by DNA from a blood sample given by our own Duke of Edinburgh.

A two-day sailing takes us westwards to Copenhagen. This is a special place for me, as in the Sixties I was there to report on the marriage of the then Princess Margrethe to a French count.

She is now the 76-year-old Queen of Denmark and, unlike our own Queen, still has her royal yacht in which she visits Denmarks small islands.

Our last call is Norway and the picturesque port of Arendal. Then were back on the Sapphire for a two-day sail back to Dover.

Saga prides itself on repeat customers - Saganauts, as the Captain calls them. Were on-board.
Also advocates the Ritz-Carlton in Tenerife and the Abbey Hotel in Bath

Looking for a romantic self-catering spot in Scotland, or seeking family-friendly luxury somewhere sunny?

Or perhaps a quick country getaway in the run-up to Christmas?

Mail on Sunday's Travel Editor Frank Barrett answers your travel questions this week.

Luxurious self-catering accommodation on a Scottish farm called Balbinny, set in a glorious swathe of the Angus Glens (pictured)

QUESTION: We're planning a romantic break to Scotland next month. We are hoping to find a luxury self-catering place within an easy drive of Dundee, home of our favourite comics, The Beano and The Dandy. Do you have any suggestions? Rather Desperate Dan, by email

ANSWER: Balbinny, set in a glorious swathe of the Angus Glens near Forfar and Brechin, is a comfortable drive from Dundee (look out for the Desperate Dan statue in the city centre!).

The luxurious self-catering accommodation offers grass-roofed Brochs and larger Steadings, with heated balconies. Guests can use an excellent pool and gym.

You can currently save up to 100 in November and early December: seven nights in a Steading, sleeping up to six, costs 1,100; Brochs, which sleep four, cost from 1,250.

The Ritz-Carlton Abama (pictured) is located in lush parkland near the village of Playa San Juan in Tenerife

QUESTION: Our son and his wife and daughter are flying from Australia to join on us on a summer holiday next year. Were looking for somewhere family-friendly and quite luxurious, a reasonable flight from the South East. What can you recommend Sandra, by email

ANSWER: Sovereign (01293 765 003) has seven-night B&B packages to Tenerife, staying at the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Abama, from 749pp.

This includes private transfers but not flights. Return fares from Gatwick with easyJet, for example, cost from 110.

Located in lush parkland near the village of Playa San Juan, the hotel has lovely sea views. The park boasts some of the best-preserved flora and fauna on Tenerife and there is direct access to a secluded sandy beach.

The Abbey Hotel in Bath (pictured) has earned itself a reputation as a great place to celebrate the run-up to Christmas

QUESTION: We have a chance to get away for a pre-Christmas break this year. Can you suggest a good location for a fun stay in a beautiful place? David, by email

ANSWER: The Abbey Hotel (01225 809969) in Bath has earned itself a reputation as a great place to celebrate the run-up to Christmas (the citys popular Christmas market runs this year from November 24 to December 11).

Situated in the shadow of the citys abbey, the hotel has its legendary Apres-Ski Bar. You can also enjoy delicious winter suppers at Allium Restaurant and excellent cocktails at ArtBar, and dance the night away in Igloo.

Overnight stays at the Abbey Hotel cost from 125, based on two sharing on a B&B basis.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR FRANK BARRETT?
I am perched on a wooden jetty in front of my lakeside cabin, enjoying the warm autumn sunshine.

Im at Elmhirsts Resort in the Kawarthas region of Ontario, a few hours north of Toronto. And its my last chance to relax for several days.

A lone canoe out on nearby Rice Lake captures Canada in all its pristine glory. And its just such a scenario that has brought me here.

Max Wooldridge spent three days learning the watersport on Ontario's Middle Madawask river (pictured)

You delve deep into the Canadian psyche with a canoe, and the indomitable spirit of adventure, and freedom, that it represents.

Ive come to immerse myself in Ontarios rich canoe culture, and learn how to paddle properly. As I ponder my challenge, a V-shaped formation of Canada geese flies over Rice Lake.

Thats a sign that winter is coming, says resort owner Greg Elmhirst.

He hails from Yorkshire farming stock who emigrated when his ancestors were given 1,000 acres of Ontario land for services in Admiral Nelsons fleet.

In the early 20th Century, Gregs great-grandfather used the land least suited to farming to build lakeside holiday cottages.

My canoe adventure starts in nearby Peterborough. The Canadian Canoe Museum in the town showcases the vital role the canoe has played in Ontarios history.

Mr Wooldridge (pictured) carved his own paddle at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough

Ironically, the worlds largest collection of paddled watercraft is located in an old outboard motor factory.

Oh, the stories these canoes could tell, says curator Jeremy Ward, showing us a battered craft used by Don Starkell and his teenage son.

They paddled thousands of miles from Winnipeg to Brazil, encountering wild pigs, hungry alligators and modern-day pirates along the way.

More so than locomotives, wagons or steamships, it was the large fur-trade canoes that opened up Canadas frontiers.

Canadas fur-trade period was the first industry based upon cultural interaction between native people and non-native people, says Jeremy. English, Scots, French-Canadian and Metis voyageurs and native people all worked together.

He shows me a courting canoe from the early 20th Century, with a phonograph in the middle. The word canoodling could have been invented for this vessel.

Its soon time to join a paddle-carving workshop. Museum visitors can make their own from a single piece of wood. I am immediately transported back several decades to school woodwork classes, although this is much more fun.

He stayed at the Elmhirst Resort (pictured), located in the pretty Kawarthas region of Ontario

We measure and mark pieces of soft basswood with a pencil and ruler. Then, sitting astride a shave-horse, I fine-tune my paddle with a spoke-shave, carefully carving the shaft, blade and grip.

Three hours later, and after much sanding, my bounty lies proudly before me: a smooth 2ft mini-paddle. It will fit nicely in my luggage  the best souvenir of the week.

Next morning, I make the two-hour drive north to the Madawaska Kanu Centre.

Following our experienced guide, we carry two-man fibre-glass canoes down to the waters edge before heading out into Mud Bay. The name is misleading  the water here is crystal-clear.

Its wholly peaceful on the water, and the rhythmic splash of our paddles is mesmeric.

We practise our newly learned stroke sequences but are later scuppered when the wind picks up. Were soon spinning around  theres not much to do except go where the breeze wants to take us.

You delve deep into the Canadian psyche with a canoe, and the indomitable spirit of adventure, and freedom, that it represents

We return to camp to the warm and the welcoming scent of woodsmoke. Happily, the bugs and black flies have pitched up elsewhere. After dinner, the temperature drops so we gather around a fire.

We sleep in rustic cabins, and it is quiet in the woods except for some nebulous nocturnal noises.

For the next two days, home is the fast-moving Middle Madawaska river. It flows through a forest of pines and hardwoods, with sections of rapids and eddies.

A chipmunk darts under our feet as we put on our wetsuits, helmets and lifejackets.

At the rivers edge Im shivering  and Im not sure whether its from the cold or apprehension.

Finally we are given some welcome advice in case we fall into the water: keep our heads up and feet facing downstream, then wait for the splash of a rescue rope.

In Mud Bay we sat on seats. Now our thighs are strapped to the canoe so we use our whole body to steer.

The Candian Canoe Museum (pictured), which houses the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, was a definite highlight for Mr Wooldridge

Afterwards, its only my core thats a little sore. Maybe Ive been canoeing right after all.

The thrilling whitewater sections will be savoured for a long time. And I still cant quite believe that I didnt capsize.

Each night we ease our aches in the camps sauna, followed by open-air hot showers. After our stint in the wilds, we head to Ottawa, where skinny lattes and police sirens replace rhythmic paddling.

We explore nearby Gatineau National Park, the ByWard Market and Parliament Buildings as Canadas capital gears up to celebrate the nations 150th anniversary next year.

I also walk past smiling locals promoting Ottawa Duck  amphibious vehicle tours of the city. But my heart is elsewhere, still stuck on another amphibious vessel. In fact, something the canoe museum curator said has etched in my mind.

Using a network of connecting lakes and rivers, its possible to paddle across the whole of Canada. You have to carry your canoe 250 times but the longest single porterage is only about 14 miles.

My adventure has given me a real taste for back-country canoeing. And its got me thinking about more than what to paint on my treasured mini-paddle.
She's on the eight week countdown to giving birth to her second child.

And Teresa Palmer looks to be taking the last few weeks of pregnancy in her stride, taking to Instagram on Saturday to share a sweet snap while enjoying a 'lazy day' with her son Bodhi.

'I'm a sucker for boys in braces,' the 30-year-old captioned the image, referring to her two-year-old's adorable outfit.

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'I'm a sucker for boys in braces': Teresa Palmer is taking the last few weeks of pregnancy in her stride, taking to Instagram on Saturday to share a photo of her 'lazy day' with son Bodhi, two

'These lazy days,' Teresa captioned the snap shared with her 324,000 Instagram followers.

'I'm a sucker for little boys in braces,' she continued, adding the hash tags: 'Bumpy and Bodhi' and 'Eight week countdown'.

The family photo saw the Lights Out star wearing a navy striped dress while relaxing on a couch with her child.

Proud mother: Teresa has certainly taken to motherhood and often shares throwback family photos to Instagram from when Bodhi was a newborn baby

Teresa has certainly taken to motherhood and often shares sweet family snaps to Instagram.

On Thursday, she paid tribute to Bodhi in a sweet throwback photo.

Taken shortly after his birth in 2014, the make-up free mum is shown holding Bodhi in her bathroom.

Precious: Teresa is currently 32 weeks pregnant with her second child

Proud: Last week, Teresa's husband, American actor and director Mark Webber, took to Instagram to announce their second son's name - Forest

Teresa is currently 32 weeks pregnant with her second child.

Last week, Teresa's husband, American actor and director Mark Webber, took to Instagram to announce their second son's name - Forest.

Mark also has an eight-year-old son Isaac from a previous relationship.
Sir Mick Jagger's two-year-old grandson is adapting to the jet-set life with aplomb.

A beaming Ray whose mother is jewellery designer Jade, 44, daughter of Mick and activist Bianca, is pictured sitting in the cockpit of a plane en route to America.

'Come on, let's go,' Jade captioned the pic, taken as the family  including her husband Adrian Fillary  joined the Stones U.S. tour.

In July, Jade posted a snap of Ray with a microphone, sparking comparisons to his grandpa.

A beaming Ray whose mother is jewellery designer Jade, 44, daughter of Mick and activist Bianca, is pictured sitting in the cockpit of a plane en route to America

Sir Mick Jagger's two-year-old grandson is adapting to the jet-set life with aplomb

Veteran BBC foreign correspondent John Simpson has said that doctors feared he may have been slipped some radioactive polonium when he suffered a recent bout of food poisoning.

Puzzled by his rapid deterioration in health, they asked the 72-year-old's wife if he could have been targeted by Russian agents. Simpson told The Cheltenham Literary Festival: 'The doctors rather despaired of me, not the first people to despair of me, and asked my wife as I was lying there unconscious: 'Has he upset somebody?' There was a perception: 'Could I have upset Putin? Could somebody have come with a radioactive pill and dropped it in my tea?' '

Simpson also revealed that he has been banned by the BBC from war zones. 'I confess I have not been to Aleppo. The BBC won't let me do that sort of thing nowadays.'

Simpson also revealed that he has been banned by the BBC from war zones

Danczuk has a loo named after him

His ex-wife constantly flaunts her cleavage online, he was dumped by a lover for sending 'sexts' to a teenager, and over the summer he revealed he was seeking counselling for his sex addiction.

Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, has suffered fresh indignity

Now Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, has suffered fresh indignity.

A school in Gambia has named a loo after him to highlight the pitifully small charitable donation his publisher made to them  250  to settle a copyright row following the publication of his Cyril Smith biography.

His book drew on the research of John Walker, who broke the story of Smith's child sex crimes 35 years ago and who solicited a charitable donation for his contribution.

'We said that if the donation were significant enough that we could ensure that a facility at one of the schools would be named after him,' says Walker, who runs an education charity in Gambia. 'Danczuk consistently refused to make a donation. Eventually, we challenged his publisher, Backbite, over copyright issues, who made a donation of 250. True to our word, we will put the money towards refurbishing a toilet block at one of the schools, and have the facility named 'The Simon Danczuk toilet'.

'It will, after all, give an appropriate meaning in Gambia to 'going for a Danczuk'.'

Pick of the parties: Jemima's Donald grabs the attention

TALKING POINT : Jemima came as Donald Trump's wife Melania, with a dummy of the U.S. presidential candidate

OCCASION: The Unicef Halloween Ball hosted by socialite Jemima Goldsmith at One Embankment, London.

GUESTS: Actor Gillian Anderson, Princess Beatrice and model Erin O'Connor, all dressed according to the Malice In Wonderland theme.

TALKING POINT: Jemima came as Donald Trump's wife Melania, with a dummy of the U.S. presidential candidate on her back draping his hands across her chest. 'Donald, you can always grab me if you like,' she said.

GUESTS : Actor Gillian Anderson came dressed according to the Malice In Wonderland theme

RUSSIAN BAN: Robbie Williams sang Angels and Feel, but was asked to omit his latest single, Party Like A Russian, after it was criticised for borderline racism.

LADIES ONLY: Husbands and boyfriends stayed away. Jemima's partner, PR guru Matthew Freud, enjoyed a night on The Strand, while textile tycoon Arun Nayar left new wife, model Kim, to go it alone.

LETTING HER HAIR DOWN: Princess Beatrice danced and sang along to all of Robbie's songs. She complemented her Cheshire Cat outfit with a pair of 625 Jimmy Choos.
She's managed to defy the odds in Hollywood by staying happily married since 1997.

And Sarah Jessica Parker has now revealed to The Daily Telegraph the secret to her 19-year marriage to Matthew Broderick.

The 51-year-old said that keeping quiet about the details of her love life is the key to a happy partnership.

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'I don't talk about my marriage': Sarah Jessica Parker told The Daily Telegraph keeping quiet about the details of her relationship with Matthew Broderick is the trick to a happy partnership

When quizzed about her secret to a long-lasting marriage, the Sex And The City star provided a rather wise response.

'Well, my secret is that I don't talk about it. I don't talk about my marriage,' she said.

But the style icon did compliment her US actor husband, admitting: 'I mean, I am quite fond of my husband!'

'Well, my secret is that I don't talk about it': When quizzed about her secret to a long-lasting marriage, the Sex And The City star provided a rather wise response

'I mean, I am quite fond of my husband!': The US actress did make sure to compliment Matthew

The topic of marriage is quite appropriate as Sarah is making a return to HBO in her new show, Divorce.

It will air on the same network that produced her popular series Sex And The City from 1998 to 2004.

The New York-based star plays Frances, a woman who tries to get her life back after her marriage ends.

New role: The topic of marriage is quite appropriate as Sarah is making a return to HBO in her new show, Divorce

Challenging: The New York-based star plays Frances, a woman who tries to get her life back after her marriage ends

Divorce paints a picture of what it takes for a relationship to survive, the highs and lows, and what happens when a marriage can't go the distance.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Matthew, 54, married in 1997 and share a son James Wilkie, 13, and seven-year-old twin daughters, Marion and Tabitha.

The high-profile couple live in New York's fashionable West Village and are often seen together on the red carpet.
She's been busy promoting new BBC period drama Versailles.

But Dame Helen Mirren took time out of her busy schedule to attend Variety's Power of Women Luncheon in LA on Friday.

The award-winning British actress, 71, power-dressed accordingly for the occasion, which honoured strong, successful women.

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Power dressing! Dame Helen Mirren took time out of her busy schedule to attend Variety's Power of Women Luncheon in LA on Friday

Working business chic, Helen rocked a smart navy trouser suit for the occasion.

Teaming it with a crisp white shirt, she added height to her frame in cut-out booties.

And opting for a gothic black manicure and stylish headpiece her look was complete.

Business chic: The award-winning British actress, 71, power-dressed accordingly for the occasion, which honoured strong, successful women

Suave! Working business chic, Helen rocked a smart navy trouser suit for the occasion

Speaking at the event, Helen encouraged women to 'change the landscape for future generations' by voting in the upcoming presidential election.

'It's time for the best role model in the White House,' the actress said.

Also at the star-studded event were couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, who put on an affectionate display.

Powerful women! (L-R) Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Miley Cyrus, Laverne Cox, and Ava DuVernay

'A woman's right to choose has become a subject that's on the Republican platform', Scarlett told Variety

Orange is The New Black star Laverne Cox also put in a glamorous appearance in a floor-length navy dress with a thigh-high sheer panel.

Speaking about how Planned Parenthood has been threatened during this year's presidential election, Scarlett said in an interview with Variety: 'It's pretty terrifying.'

'Somehow, a woman's right to choose has become a subject that's on the Republican platform,' the Avengers actress continued. 'I don't really know what it has to do with politics at all. It seems to be a deeply personal issue.'

'Hillary is the right candidate for right now. I think she's got a lot of integrity', she said

She also recalled how as a teen growing up in New York she relied on Planned Parenthood.

'I used them to screen me for STDs or take care of my reproductive health, as did all my girlfriends. When I was asked to represent their initiative, it was a no-brainer.'

She went on to state: 'Hillary is the right candidate for right now. I think she's got a lot of integrity.

'It's time for the best role model in the White House,' Helen Mirren said

'I don't really know what it has to do with politics at all. It seems to be a deeply personal issue,' Scarlett said of the right to choose
He may have been spotted getting cosy with his rumoured fiancee Miley Cyrus as they made a rare public appearance together on Friday.

But Liam Hemsworth chose to fly solo as he attended the opening of Tiffany And Co.'s new Beverley Hills store on Thursday.

The Hunger Games actor, 26, cut a dapper figure as he posed on the red carpet in a smart black suit and tie.

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Looking good! Liam Hemsworth, 26, cut a dapper figure in a smart black suit and tie at the opening of Tiffany And Co.'s new Beverley Hills store on Thursday

Accessorising his look with a simple wristwatch, Liam smiled as he posed casually with his hands locked together.

On Friday, Liam made his first official appearance with rumoured fiancee Miley Cyrus since they rekindled their relationship earlier this year.

The pair proudly put their love on display as they celebrated the pop star's latest magazine cover at the Variety Power of Women event in LA.

Keeping it simple: Accessorising his look with a simple wristwatch, Liam smiled as he posed casually with his hands locked together

Wearing her engagement ring, Miley was seen goofing around while posing for selfies with Liam.

The couple appeared in great spirits at the celebration, which was also attended by Scarlett Johansson and Helen Mirren.

Rumours began swirling that Miley and Liam were back together when they were spotted in Australia together on New Year's Eve.

Flying solo: Liam was not joined by his partner Miley Cyrus on this occasion

It wasn't long before Miley back to wearing the engagement ring Liam first gave her in June 2012. They also moved back in together.

However the couple have largely remained quiet about their relationship.

After meeting on The Last Song, Miley and Liam dated on-and-off for three years before getting engaged. They confirmed their split in September 2013.

Finally! On Friday, Liam made his first official appearance with rumoured fiancee Miley Cyrus since they rekindled their relationship earlier this year
Jules Wainstein has reportedly asked a judge to find her estranged husband in contempt of court for not making $10,000 per month support payments.

The 35-year-old reality star filed court documents after estranged spouse Michael failed to make a court-ordered payment last month, according to an article on Friday by TMZ.

A source also claimed that Michael has not paid their children's tuition or the utility bills.

Support dispute: Jules Wainstein, shown last month in New York City, has filed court documents asking a judge to find her estranged husband in contempt of court

Jules and Michael have five-year-old Jagger and three-year-old Rio together.

A judge in New York last month ordered Michael to pay $10,000 per month as temporary spousal and child support during their divorce proceedings.

The businessman however immediately challenged the ruling and claimed he couldn't afford the payments.

His lawyer told the judge Michael has no income and his credit cards had been frozen.

Michael is the owner and founder of venture capitalist firm Private Capital Group.

His net worth previously had been reported as $25 million.

The judge ordered Michael's first payment to be made to Jules on September 30.

Divorce proceeding: Michael is shown in August with children Rio and Jagger in New York

He could face additional fines if found in contempt of court.

Michael and Jules married in 2008 and he filed divorce papers against the reality star in July.

In August Jules obtained the restraining order against Michael after she called police to her apartment following a heated argument with the 44-year-old.

Around the same time it emerged Michael was planning on filing for full custody of both the former couple's kids.

TMZ reported Michael was seeking an order limiting the 35-year-old to supervised visitations with their children claiming she is 'just too erratic' to care for them.

Reality show: The deterioration of Michael and Jules's marriage played out on the past season of The Real Housewives Of New York City

It was in contrast to comments Jules made on RHONY about how little her husband of eight years helped with their children.

After last month's fight, the NYPD told E! News: 'When officers showed up they spoke to both parties and advised for each, if they felt threatened by the other, to file a restraining order.'

There was no evidence of injury, and no arrests were made.

It wasn't the first time police have been called to their former home, in a split that has seen both side accuse the other of physical assault.

Michael filed divorce papers against the reality star on July 15.

Jules joined the cast of The Real Housewives Of New York City for season eight that concluded last month.
Kim Kardashian has received an apology from the website she took legal action against over claims she faked her Paris robbery.

On Friday, MediaTakeOut.com posted a lengthy statement online, and said: 'After speaking to sources, including some connected to the Kardashians, and getting further details on the sequence of events  we are now confident and without a doubt believe that Kim Kardashian was robbed as was reported to the Paris police. Anyone who is still questioning it, is wrong.'

'We can understand how reports questioning if the robbery in fact took place can be hurtful, and so we apologize,' the statement continued.

Lawsuit: Kim Kardashian has received an apology from MediaTakeOut.com after she filed suit against the gossip site for 'blatant lies' after it claimed she staged her October 3 Paris robbery

Sorry: The site posted a lenghty statement in which it ran through the evidence that supports Kim's version of events and finished with an apology and good wishes for the reality star

The 35-year-old reality star enlisted her lawyers to take action after, she claimed, MediaTakeOut.com posted three articles about her faking the robbery and committing insurance fraud.

In the complaint filed by Kim, and seen by Dailymail.com, her legal team accuses the gossip site of 'blatant defamatory lies' and labeling the star 'without any factual support' a 'liar and a thief'. The lawyers said the site has no credible sources to back-up the 'false and outrageous' claim.

MediaTakeOut.com and its founder Fred Mwangaguhunga not only issued an apology but also wished Kim well as she recovers from her ordeal.

'No one deserves to go through such a traumatic experience. Kim is not just celebrity, she is a person, a wife and a mother  who in no way deserved what happened to her,' the celebrity site stated.

'We wish her the best as she emotionally recovers from the traumatic incident.'

Home: The media outlet stated that 'anyone who is still questioning' the events of that night 'is wrong.' Kim is pictured with husband Kanye West in New York hours after her ordeal

Mwangaguhunga also went on CNN Friday to acknowledge their reporting had gone too far and said he believes the lawsuit will be 'resolved very soon.'

Meanwhile, Kim's French lawyer told DailyMail.com that his client is prepared to return to France if summoned by a judge leading the investigation into the heist.

Jean Veil, the 68-year-old celebrity Paris barrister who is now representing Kim's interests in France, said she is very calm and very determined over a matter that was particularly violent.

Kim's lawyers had said in the complaint the website had no credible sources to back-up the 'false and outrageous' claims laid out in three stories, and the site agreed it had gone too far

Kim's lawsuit states that the only people that know what happened on October 3 are Kim, the concierge at the apartment building 'who was also assaulted' and the assailants themselves

In the early hours of October 3, Kim was robbed by five armed men wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, who entered her Paris hotel building at around 3am after the concierge let them in.

They tied her up and held a gun to her head as she begged for her life and told them she was a mother of two, before the robbers made off with her giant ring and a jewelry box.

The TV star is said to be 'badly shaken' and 'blaming herself' after the shocking attack, and is already making changes to her public profile and security.

Kim has canceled public appearances for a month and is now recovering at her home in Los Angeles.
She was spotted without her wedding ring during a causal outing with her ex-boyfriend, millionaire property developer Nabil Gazal, on Thursday.

But Roxy Jacenko, 36, appeared to be back wearing her wedding band and diamond engagement ring in the latest of her daily elevator selfies on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, the PR guru uploaded a photo of herself swathed in designer clothing while proudly displaying the sparkly jewellery given to her by jailed husband Oliver Curtis.

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Sending a message? Roxy Jacenko was back wearing her wedding and engagement rings from jailed husband Oliver Curtis on Saturday - after being spotted without them on Thursday while accompanied by her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal

In the caption, she simply tagged several fashion brands but made no reference to her diamond rings.

It comes after the Sweaty Betty PR boss was photographed with her ex Nabil - while her husband serves a two-year sentence for insider trading.

The pair's sighting comes after it was reported last month that Roxy had been allegedly catching up with her former partner.

Out and about: It comes after the Sweaty Betty PR boss was photographed with her ex Nabil - while her husband serves a two-year sentence for insider trading

The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time the pair had been spotted having dinner together in Sydney and 'appeared relaxed with each other'.

Nabil has been described as one of Roxy's more 'serious' past boyfriends and they have been quite open about their meetings, it was claimed.

Little is known about their former relationship, besides the fact Roxy was briefly linked to soccer player Dwight Yorke after their break-up.

Former flame: Gazal has been described as one of Jacenko's more 'serious' past boyfriends and they have been quite open about their meetings, it is claimed

Meanwhile, Roxy's husband Oliver is serving a two-year sentence in Cooma Prison after being jailed for insider trading in June.

He is scheduled to appear before the courts on October 19 to launch an appeal.

The couple share two children, Pixie, five, and Hunter, two, who have not visited their father since he was jailed.

Jailed: Meanwhile, Roxy's husband Oliver Curtis is serving a two-year sentence in Cooma Prison after being jailed for insider trading in June
She has been enjoying the early months of her second pregnancy with husband Michael Miziner.

But Rachael Finch, 28, decided to cover up her baby bump beneath a brown trench coat as she strolled through Sydney Airport on Friday.

Sweeping her hair back into a tight bun and leaving her face make-up free, the model dressed casually as she pulled her suitcase through the busy terminal.

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Hiding her bump! Rachael Finch, 28, decided to cover up her baby bump beneath a brown trench coat as she strolled through Sydney Airport on Friday

Her look was completed with a pair of cropped jeans, a white shirt and her weighty engagement ring.

Rachael was likely en route to Caulfield Cup Day in Melbourne, where she was photographed the next day.

Earlier this week, Rachael bemoaned the almost unbearable effects of morning sickness she suffered during her first trimester.

'It was difficult at work from the five to 12 week mark when we kind of weren't telling anyone,' she told the Daily Telegraph this week.

Casual: Rachael wore a pair of cropped jeans, a white shirt and her weighty engagement ring

'People are wondering why you're running to the toilet to spew every five minutes': Rachael recently spoke about the morning sickness that she suffered in her second pregnancy

The Myer ambassador continued: 'It's hard to be happy and whatever when all you want to do is spew your guts up, and people are wondering why you're running to the toilet to spew every five minutes with constant food poisoning.'

While the sex of the baby hasn't been announced, Rachael admitted her daughter Violet, two, is hoping to have a baby sister.

Rachael previously displayed her bump while attending the Myer Spring 16 Fashion Launch in Sydney in August.

She wants a sister! While the sex of the baby hasn't been announced, Rachael did concede that her daughter Violet, two, hoped that Rachael would bring home a girl

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, she said: 'I think Ive had perpetual morning sickness and this morning I think I've just gotten over all this,'.

Meanwhile, Rachael made the happy announcement of her second pregnancy two months ago by sharing an image of her 12-week ultrasound on Instagram.

Rachael and Michael married in January 2013 after meeting on the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars in 2010.

'12 weeks along!!' Meanwhile, Rachael made the happy announcement of her second pregnancy two months ago by sharing an image of her 12-week ultrasound on Instagram
He's been married to make-up artist Noriko Watanabe for 27 years.

And on Friday, Sam Neill shared an innocent kiss with a brunette in Brisbane.

It's unclear who the woman in question is.

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Kiss: Sam Neill had a friendly and innocent embrace with a woman in Brisbane on Friday

The 69-year-old has returned Down Under to accept a lifetime achievement award from the Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast.

He was also recently spotted on the Queensland set of Thor: Ragnarok.

The Marvel blockbuster is being directed by fellow New Zealander, Taika Waititi.

Back home: The 69-year-old has returned Down Under to accept a lifetime achievement award from the Australian International Movie Convention on the Gold Coast

'Not sure I'm IN Thor Ragnarok exactly,' he wrote on Twitter last month.

'Was ON SET for five days. Making tea for Taika Waititi mostly. Working out with Chris Hemsworth etc.'

Neill met former actress Noriko Watanabe in 1989 on the set of Dead Calm, where she was working as a make-up artist.

Couple: Neill met former actress Noriko Watanabe in 1989 on the set of Dead Calm , where she was working as a make-up artist. They have been married for 27 years

'I always knew that when I met the right woman that would be it,' he told the Daily Mail in 2013.

The couple have one daughter together, Elena, who was born in 1991.

Neill is also stepfather to Maiko Spencer, a daughter from Watanabe's first marriage.
Duane 'Dog' Chapman moved with the aid of a walking stick on Friday while out with his wife Beth in Beverly Hills, California.

The 63-year-old former bail bondsman best known for his show Dog The Bounty Hunter clutched a long decorated wooden pole while walking.

Duane was the man in black as he donned a black jacket and black pants.

Walking stick: Duane Chapman used a cane on Friday while out with wife Beth in Beverly Hills, California

The reality star had his long blonde hair flowing down over his shoulders, sported a thin beard and accessorised with sleek white sunglasses.

Beth also wore an all-black ensemble and had her blonde hair down in bouncy curls.

She accessorised with mirrored sunglasses and carried a white purse with black trim.

Beth, 46, and Duane married in May 2006 after being together for 16 years.

Bounty hunters: Beth and Duane starred in Dog The Bounty Hunter for eight season on A&E

Got the memo: Duane and Beth both wore all-black for their outing in Beverly Hills

Duane and Beth along with his sons and daughter worked together as bounty hunters.

Their life as bounty hunters was chronicled on the A&E show Dog The Bounty Hunter that premiered in August 2004.

Chapman rose to fame as a bounty hunter after capturing Max Factor cosmetics heir Andrew Luster in Mexico in 2003 after he fled his US trial for drugging and raping multiple women.

After the hunt: Beth and Duane are shown in July 2011 in Colorado after delivering a fugitive to authorities

Dog The Bounty Hunter ran for eight seasons before it was cancelled in 2012.

Duane and Beth later starred in Dog And Beth: On The Hunt on CMT in which they gave failing bail bond agencies advice.

Beth announced in January that they were leaving the CMT show after three seasons.
She's landed numerous modelling contracts thanks to her symmetrical facial features and killer curves.

And on Friday, Shanina Shaik proved why she's one of the most sought after models as she wowed on the red carpet while attending a party for Kevin Hart in Connecticut.

The 25-year-old exotic beauty, accompanied by her fiance DJ Ruckus, smouldered for the cameras in a slinky backless frock that also drew attention to her lean legs.

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Thigh's the limit! Shanina Shaik, 25, stunned on the red carpet at Kevin Hart's Official After Party in Connecticut on Friday, in a slinky silver backless frock that also drew attention to her lean legs

Shanina took to the media wall for a series of snaps in the slinky attire.

The short hemline drew attention to her enviably toned long legs, elongated further with a pair of nude strappy heels.

Upon turning for the camera, the Victoria's Secret model offered a glimpse of her toned back through a cut-out design.

Simply stunning: Sweeping her signature brunette tresses into a chic high ponytail, Shanina enhanced her striking facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a glossy nude lip

Flaunting it: Upon turning for the camera, the Victoria's Secret model offered a glimpse of her toned back through a cut-out design

Sweeping her signature brunette tresses into a chic high ponytail, Shanina enhanced her striking facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a glossy nude lip.

Accompanying the model on the red carpet was fiance DJ Ruckus, real name Gregory Andrews, who cut a casual figure in a pair of indigo jeans, ripped at the knee, a simple black shirt and two-toned jacket left unzipped.

Accessorising with a pair of grey sneakers, statement watch and necklace, he styled his trademark dreadlocks into a trendy mohawk.

Lovebirds: Accompanying the model on the red carpet was fiance DJ Ruckus, real name Gregory Andrews, who cut a casual figure in a pair of indigo jeans, ripped at the knee, a simple black shirt and two-toned jacket left unzipped

DJ Ruckus proposed to Shanina in December last year, during a romantic escape to the Bahamas.

The couple confirmed they will have a 'location wedding,' telling Daily Mail Australia it will most likely be on a beach.

The pair are currently based in the US, with Shanina spending most her time in New York.
Jamie Lee Curtis came to the defense of her Freaky Friday onscreen daughter Lindsay Lohan on Friday after remarks Donald Trump made about the then 18-year-old in 2004 resurfaced.

'She's probably deeply troubled and therefore great in bed,' the 70-year-old Republican presidential nominee had told Howard Stern in a clip uncovered by CNN's KFile.

'How come the deeply troubled women, you know, deeply, deeply troubled, they're always the best in bed?'

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Low blow: Jamie Lee Curtis came to the defense of her Freaky Friday onscreen daughter Lindsay Lohan on Friday after remarks Donald Trump made about the then 18-year-old in 2004 resurfaced

The 30-year-old SAG Award nominee's health and acting career suffered greatly due to substance abuse, and she completed her sixth stint of court-mandated 90-day rehab in 2013.

The West End thespian's representative told CNN she's 'disregarding' Trump's comments in favor of 'focusing on helping children around the world in need.'

But Curtis - who turns 58 next month - had no trouble confronting the misogynistic reality star, who admitted to sexually assaulting women in a 2005 Access Hollywood clip.

'How dare you. I am appalled. Lindsay needed help and guidance. Not your gross, lecherous, lewd commentary,' the two-time Golden Globe winner wrote to her 643K social media followers.

The 70-year-old Republican presidential nominee had told Howard Stern in 2005: 'She's probably deeply troubled and therefore great in bed' (pictured in 2000)

Pictured Friday: The 30-year-old SAG Award nominee's health and acting career suffered greatly due to substance abuse, and she completed her sixth stint of court-mandated 90-day rehab in 2013

Syrian refugees: The West End thespian's representative told CNN she's 'disregarding' Trump's comments in favor of 'focusing on helping children around the world in need' (pictured October 8)

'YOU are the Republican nominee for the Presidency. #wordsmattermrtrump.'

The Scream Queens actress has a soft spot for Lilo, having kicked her own addictions to alcohol and pain killers back in 1999 at the urging of her adopted daughter Annie.

In speaking out, Jamie was also supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, whom she introduced onstage at UFCW Union hall in Buena Park on May 25.

Feminist: But Curtis - who turns 58 next month - had no trouble confronting the misogynistic reality star, who admitted to sexually assaulting women in a 2005 Access Hollywood clip (pictured October 7)

The two-time Golden Globe winner tweeted: 'How dare you. I am appalled. Lindsay needed help and guidance. Not your gross, lecherous, lewd commentary. YOU are the Republican nominee for the Presidency. #wordsmattermrtrump'

'Freak Out Women Friday!' The Scream Queens actress has a soft spot for Lilo, having kicked her own addictions to alcohol and pain killers back in 1999 at the urging of her daughter Annie

The My Mommy Hung the Moon author and her British Baron husband Christopher Guest will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary on December 18.

Curtis and the 68-year-old Emmy winner - who helmed Netflix's Mascots - are also the adoptive parents of 20-year-old son Thomas.

Jamie currently plays hospital owner Dean Cathy Munsch in the second season of Ryan Murphy's campy horror series, which airs Tuesdays on Fox.

She's with her: In speaking out, Jamie was also supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, whom she introduced onstage at UFCW Union hall in Buena Park on May 25

Aristocrats: The My Mommy Hung the Moon author and her British Baron husband Christopher Guest will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary on December 18 (pictured October 5)

Meanwhile, Lindsay will next play Patricia in the Belgium-shot horror flick The Shadow Within, which is due out later this year.

It centers on a private investigator 'unraveling the murder of her uncle while keeping the secret that she is a descendant from a line of werewolves.'

The former child star hasn't headlined a feature film that grossed more than $100K in the States since the dismally-reviewed 2007 thriller I Know Who Killed Me.

'Halloween Blues': Jamie currently plays hospital owner Dean Cathy Munsch in the second season of Ryan Murphy's campy horror series, which airs Tuesdays on Fox

Action! Meanwhile, Lindsay will next play Patricia in the Belgium-shot horror flick The Shadow Within, which is due out later this year
It was just two weeks ago that Kim Kardashian was involved in a terrifying robbery ordeal in Paris.

But that hasn't stopped the Kardashian clan pushing ahead with filming for the next series of their fly-on-the-wall family show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Cameras from the hit programme were seen filming Kendall Jenner, 20, at the What Goes Around Comes Around store opening in Beverly Hills on Thursday, according to Hollywood Life.

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The show must go on! Filming has resumed on Keeping Up With The Kardashians just weeks after Kim was the victim of a terrifying robbery in Paris

The site reported that filming only lasted around 15 minutes, with Kendall putting on a rocky display in a Slayer vest top.

She looked laidback at the high-end event, having earlier appeared in court to testify against her stalker.

Kendall was granted a permanent restraining order against the 25-year-old man who was accused of following her into her driveway and repeatedly knocked on her car window in the Hollywood Hills on August 14.

Rock chick: Cameras from the hit programme were seen filming Kendall Jenner, 20, at the What Goes Around Comes Around store opening in Beverly Hills on Thursday

Shavaughn McKenzie is charged with misdemeanor stalking and trespassing and could face up to six months in jail if convicted of either charge.

'I've never been so scared in my life,' Jenner said in Los Angeles County court to a jury.

Meanwhile, Kim has received an apology from the website she took legal action against over claims she faked her Paris robbery.

On Friday, MediaTakeOut.com posted a lengthy statement online, and said: 'After speaking to sources, including some connected to the Kardashians, and getting further details on the sequence of events  we are now confident and without a doubt believe that Kim Kardashian was robbed as was reported to the Paris police. Anyone who is still questioning it, is wrong.'

'We can understand how reports questioning if the robbery in fact took place can be hurtful, and so we apologize,' the statement continued.

Lawsuit: Kim received an apology from MediaTakeOut.com after she filed suit against the gossip site for 'blatant lies' after it claimed she staged her October 3 Paris robbery

Sorry: The site posted a lenghty statement in which it ran through the evidence that supports Kim's version of events and finished with an apology and good wishes for the reality star

The 35-year-old reality star enlisted her lawyers to take action after, she claimed, MediaTakeOut.com posted three articles about her faking the robbery and committing insurance fraud.

In the complaint filed by Kim, and seen by Dailymail.com, her legal team accuses the gossip site of 'blatant defamatory lies' and labeling the star 'without any factual support' a 'liar and a thief'. The lawyers said the site has no credible sources to back-up the 'false and outrageous' claim.

MediaTakeOut.com and its founder Fred Mwangaguhunga not only issued an apology but also wished Kim well as she recovers from her ordeal.

'No one deserves to go through such a traumatic experience. Kim is not just celebrity, she is a person, a wife and a mother  who in no way deserved what happened to her,' the celebrity site stated.

'We wish her the best as she emotionally recovers from the traumatic incident.'

Home: The media outlet stated that 'anyone who is still questioning' the events of that night 'is wrong.' Kim is pictured with husband Kanye West in New York hours after her ordeal

Mwangaguhunga also went on CNN Friday to acknowledge their reporting had gone too far and said he believes the lawsuit will be 'resolved very soon.'

Meanwhile, Kim's French lawyer told DailyMail.com that his client is prepared to return to France if summoned by a judge leading the investigation into the heist.

Jean Veil, the 68-year-old celebrity Paris barrister who is now representing Kim's interests in France, said she is very calm and very determined over a matter that was particularly violent.

Kim's lawyers had said in the complaint the website had no credible sources to back-up the 'false and outrageous' claims laid out in three stories, and the site agreed it had gone too far

Kim's lawsuit states that the only people that know what happened on October 3 are Kim, the concierge at the apartment building 'who was also assaulted' and the assailants themselves

In the early hours of October 3, Kim was robbed by five armed men wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, who entered her Paris hotel building at around 3am after the concierge let them in.

They tied her up and held a gun to her head as she begged for her life and told them she was a mother of two, before the robbers made off with her giant ring and a jewelry box.

The TV star is said to be 'badly shaken' and 'blaming herself' after the shocking attack, and is already making changes to her public profile and security.

Kim has canceled public appearances for a month and is now recovering at her home in Los Angeles.
She's revealed in August that she was expecting her third child.

And now Molly Sims is flaunting her blossoming baby bump in all it's glowing glory as she stepped out in style for the DL1961 x Jessica Alba Collection launch at the REVOLVE Social Club in Los Angeles.

The 43-year-old, who is due in January, stunned in a floor-length maxi that hugged her burgeoning bump at the West Hollywood venue on Friday.

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Glowing: Molly Sims is flaunting her blossoming baby bump in all it's glory as she stepped out in style for the DL1961 x Jessica Alba Collection launch at the REVOLVE Social Club in LA

Flaunting the curves of her body, the model-turned-actress sizzled in the form-fitting sheath number that featured a scoop neckline and daring thigh high slits at the side.

The Carrie Diaries star added a rock edge to her ensemble with a gold studded leather jacket as she supported her gal pal Jessica.

Adding height to her already statuesque frame, Molly slipped on a black sandal with wooden soles as she held

Teasing her golden locks into a soft curl, the fashionista highlighted her flawless skin with a dusting of rose coloured blusher.

Radiant: The 43-year-old stunned in a floor-length maxi that hugged her burgeoning bump at the West Hollywood venue on Friday

Molly is now expecting her third child with her husband Scott Stuber.

Recently she admitted that her third pregnancy has been 'really stressful' so far because she was worried about potential complications as a result of her age.

The star said she and her husband are looking forward to welcoming a third child into their family but added that they were 'super nervous' about the tests she has had to undergo.

Updating fans on her pregnancy in a YouTube video, she said so far everything is 'on track', but admitted to succumbing to some bizarre cravings - including drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows every night and eating turkey with salt and crackers.

'Cannot wait until January': Molly shared a snap with her gal pal Jessica Alba (pictured right) saying 'I CANNOT wait until January when I can wear somewhen I can wear some'

While in September, the wife of Scott Stuber, who's currently entered the thrid trimester, released a video detailing her battle with morning sickness.

She said: 'I was in New York and I threw up on the Long Island expressway next to a homeless man.

'And then when I went to get crackers inside of the gas station after throwing up, I almost threw up again because of the smell in the gas station.'

While this happened at the beginning of her second trimester, she has said that she is definitely much better now.

The couple are also parents to one-year-old daughter Scarlett, and son Brooks, four.
He's the Academy Award-winning actor who stunned international audiences with his burly physique in the 2000 film Gladiator.

But on Friday night, it wasn't Russell Crowe's figure that set tongues wagging as he emceed the 30th American Cinematheque Awards - it was his language.

The 52-year-old New Zealand actor opened the prestigious event by bluntly declaring: 'All right, American Cinematheque, let's grab the night by the pu**y!'

Inappropriate? Russell Crowe, 52, opened the 30th American Cinematheque Awards Gala on Friday with the statement: 'Let's grab the night by the pu**y!'

The bizarre remark appeared to mock US presidential hopeful Donald Trump, who recently came under fire when audio surfaced of him saying when you're high-profile like him, that it's ok to grab women 'by the pu**y.'

Russell then went on to joke about voting in the US election, in which Republican nominee Donald is competing against Democratic nominee Hilary Clinton.

'It's a huge year, so don't forget to vote... for the Academy Awards when that comes around,' he joked.

The night of nights saw a mix of high-profile celebrities attending, including Sigourney Weaver, Andy Garcia, Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig.

During the event, Ridley Scott was honoured, with Sigourney and Kristen, along with several other celebrities, taking the stage to acknowledge the acclaimed producer and director.

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Inappropriate? This isn't the first time that the Gladiator actor has made crude remarks while emceeing. When the actor hosted Saturday Night Live, his 'jokes' did not draw much laughter

The black tie affair was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.

This isn't the first time Russell has tried his hand at comedy using crude humour.

In April this year, the Oscar winner made his first appearance as host on Saturday Night Live.

Don't quit your day job...: Russell is known for his Academy Award-winning performance in the action-packed blockbuster Gladiator

One of his first gags he made during a very brief monologue was when he stated he was known for his comedic roles... the star then flicking to a clip of him impaling a fighter to death in Gladiator.

'Cracks me up every time I see that,' he chuckled. 'I used two swords! I could've used one. And I was wearing a dress.'

The Kiwi featured in four sketches on the night, with three of them featuring vagina gags, and none of them drawing much laughter.

Cracking jokes: The Kiwi made his comedy debut this year in The Nice Guys alongside the handsome Ryan Gosling




He has watched his younger brothers Chris and Liam take Hollywood by storm.

But on Thursday night, Luke Hemsworth, 35, was himself honoured as one of Tinseltown's rising stars, at People Magazine's Ones to Watch event in New York.

The Australian actor, who started his acting career on the set of Neighbours, is making a name for himself abroad after landing a role in HBO series Westworld.

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'Is this really happening?' Luke Hemsworth was recognised as one of Hollywood's rising stars at People Magazine's Ones to Watch event in New York on Thursday

Speaking on the red carpet at the event, the Australian actor told the magazine it hadn't sunk in that he was becoming a household name in the US.

'I definitely go to work and I pinch myself most days. I go, 'Wow is this really happening?''

'It's been great to finally get it out to the world because it's been such a long process from the pilot until now and it's had a wonderful reception.'

'I go to work and pinch myself': The Australian actor said it hadn't sunk in that he was becoming a household name in America

Luke will play the role of Ashley Stubbs in the series, a no-nonsense head of Security, charged with monitoring host and human interactions.

The Westworld series was developed by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for HBO, and is based on the 1973 film of the same name.

Also appearing in the series are fellow actors, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Wood and James Marsden.

New role: Luke will play the role of Ashley Stubbs in the series, a no-nonsense head of Security, charged with monitoring host and human interactions

Meanwhile, Luke married wife Samantha in 2007 and share four children, three daughters and a son.

The former soap star told the publication that they can be a bit of a handful.

'There's not a day where I don't laugh at them and with them. They're crazy and their mental and their hard work but I do love them. I love spending time with them.'
She was previously rumoured to be dating Kourtney Kardashian's ex-boyfriend Scott Disick, after being spotted with the reality star several times this year.

And Megan Blake Irwin now seems to have taken a liking to another Keeping Up with Kardashians star.

On Saturday, the 22-year-old Australian model recalled being invited to attend Kanye West's intimate gig at The Plaza Hotel during New York Fashion Week.

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'Life can't get any better': Megan Blake Irwin, 22, revealed on Saturday that she was invited to attend Kanye West's VIP concert at New York Fashion Week

'I was standing next to Carolyn Murphy and the president of IMG Models, watching Kanye and thinking, 'Life can't get much better,'' she told The Daily Telegraph.



Kim Kardashian's husband performed to the exclusive crowd - which included Heidi Klum, Pamela Anderson, and Mary J Blige - for Harper's Bazaar's celebration of ICONS By Carine Roitfeld.

The leggy blonde is often pictured out and about in New York City and she went on to gush about her life in the Big Apple.

'It's such an electric city, I'm super-happy there It feels like home now,' she said.

Hey, Kanye - Megan's in town! The in-demand Australian model has now been living in New York for six months, rubbing shoulders with A-listers everywhere

Earlier this year, the lingerie model was spotted on numerous occasions partying it up with Kourtney's ex - sparking rumours the pair were in a relationship.

In June, when questioned by The Morning Show if she was in fact dating Scott, she refused to confirm whether they were an item or not.

'I do know Scott, we're friends, but I've made a lot of great new friends in LA and New York,' she said, before clarifying, 'Not just him... a bunch of people.'

Rumoured relationship: Earlier this year, speculation ran rife that the beautiful blonde was dating Kourtney Kardashian's ex, Scott Disick

She kept fans guessing about her relationship in May by remaining tight-lipped: 'Scott is a lovely guy but that's about all I'm going to say about that.'

The blonde beauty relocated from Adelaide in Australia to New York only six months ago.

She was discovered by renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino when he was Down Under to guest edit Vogue Australia in April and her career has since taken off.

Megan has appeared in countless fashion campaigns for the likes of Vogue Japan, Harper's Bazaar and Kookai.
She first met exiled WikiLeaks founder julian assange in August 2014, when she sought advice from him about her nascent animal charity.

And on Saturday, Baywatch star Pamela Anderson made it clear that she still values his opinion - and his championing of information transparency - as she returned to the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for another visit.

Carrying bags of food from Pret-a-Manger, the blonde bombshell balanced sexy with sophisticated as she strutted into the embassy wearing a grey, form-fitting dress and a pink cardigan.

Meeting of minds: On Saturday, Baywatch star Pamela Anderson visited exiled WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London

Apparently braless, Pamela walked into the embassy with the outline of her nipples prominently on show.

She elongated her slim pins in a pair of pointy salmon-coloured heels, which matched her cardigan perfectly.

Pamela fought off the bright London rays in a pair of throwback shades, which featured gold rims and white, oversized frames.

Diplomatic dressing: Carrying bags of food from Pret-a-Manger, the blonde bombshell balanced sexy with sophisticated as she strutted into the embassy wearing a grey, form-fitting dress and a pink cardigan

Nippy out! Apparently braless, Pamela walked into the embassy with the outline of her nipples prominently on show

Pamela set up The Pamela Anderson Foundation at the start of 2014 with the goal of using her celebrity to help environmental causes and to protect vulnerable people and animals.

Since then she has raised awareness for organisations such as PETA and Mercy For Animals, and joined initiatives that seek to protect the Arctic, halt deforestation and speak out against the force feeding of ducks and geese, a practice used in the production of foie gras.

In August 2014 fashion designer and activist Vivienne Westwood introduced Pamela to Julian, which may explain why she carried a copy of Get A Life: The Diaries of Vivienne Westwood into her meeting with the exile on Saturday.

Reading material: Pammy carried a copy of Get A Life, the new book by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, who first introduced the actress to Julian in August 2014

Speaking to the Mail On Sunday shortly after the meeting, the fashion designer explained the meeting of minds.

'I was supposed to take Pamela Anderson to see Julian in the embassy but she got the date wrong, so she went on her own the day after me.

'She told me afterwards that they got on very well.

'Julian was just brilliant... Pamela's trying to help people with her new trust and he gave her some ideas on how to do that.'

It seems Pamela may have picked up the book for free when she attended the esteemed designer's star-studded event, An Evening With Vivienne Westwood, at St James' Church the previous evening.

Shady lady: Pamela fought off the sun in a pair of throwback sunglasses with oversized white frames
They were so in love that Gemma, 30, learned French

Her career may be going from strength to strength but stunning Quantum Of Solace star Gemma Arterton is not so lucky in love.

The actress has split from her French boyfriend Franklin Ohanessian, whom she was widely expected to marry.

The pair met on the set of 2014 film The Voices, and Franklin, an assistant director, went on to work with her in the arthouse movie Gemma Bovery.

They were so in love that Gemma, 30, learned French and regularly flew to Paris so that the pair could spend more time together, but it all came to a sudden end over the summer, leaving Franklin heartbroken, Im told.

However, friends say Gemma has since found a shoulder to cry on and they predict that she wont be a singleton for long.

Gemma was previously married to Italian businessman Stefano Catelli but they split up after three years.

In a recent interview the former Bond girl talked about how much she hoped her 30s would bring a happy relationship and children.

The St Trinians star has just finished making two films back-to-back and earlier this year won plaudits for her starring role in the West End show Nell Gwynn.

The actress has split from her French boyfriend Franklin Ohanessian, whom she was widely expected to marry (pictured together)

His former lover  lecturer and playwright Dr Laura-Jane Foley  gave birth to a girl named

Lyricist Sir Tim Rice has become a father for the fourth time at the ripe old age of 71.

His former lover  lecturer and playwright Dr Laura-Jane Foley  gave birth to a girl named Charlotte on Wednesday.

Her rather well chosen name (even if I do say so myself!) was announced on Lauras Facebook page.

An accompanying picture, was captioned: Delighted to introduce my darling daughter, Charlotte Cordelia Violet Christina. I revealed news of the pregnancy in May.
She's been busy traveling the world to promote her new collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger on the Together Tour.

So on Saturday Gigi Hadid allowed herself a bit of rest, as she shared a picture of herself napping on a couch monogrammed with her name.

'Power-naps are key,' the 21-year-old captioned the photo, which also showed pillows, and even wallpaper, embellished with her name.

Crazy about her! Gigi Hadid shared a snap of herself napping in a room completely plastered with her name as she took a quick break during the Together Tour for her Tommy Hilfiger collection

Gigi shared the photo from her stop in Shanghai, China, where they wrapped this season's Together Tour.

She looked to be lounging in the $295 Nylon Bomber Jacket Gigi Hadid from her collection, which has sold out on the website.

She also sported a Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt, along with skintight, black trousers, and chic, black ankle booties.

That's a wrap! The model showed off a big smile as she posed in Shanghai, China, marking the conclusion of this season's Together Tour

'Homeward bound' Gigi also shared her love for China on Snapchat as she headed home after the tour

Gigi wore her long, blonde tresses styled half up in a high ponytail, with the rest in soft waves.

She showed off a bold, bright red lipstick, and highlighted her eyes with a bit of liner and mascara.

Earlier this week Gigi was promoting the collection in Dubai and then Tokyo, before moving onto her appearance in Shanghai.

World traveler: Gigi had stopped in Japan earlier in the week, as she promoted her collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger

Keeping busy: And prior to Japan, Gigi made time for her fans in Dubai

Gigi documented her travels on social media, sharing a series of snaps from her visit to Japan on Thursday.

'To all the Japanese fans that came out to support, you are AMAZING! Hope to be back soon!' she gushed.
She was once best known as Holly Valance's half-sister.

But after years of work and carving out a career for herself, Neighbours starlet Olympia Valance admits she feels like she's finally stepped out of her sister's shadow.

The 23-year-old brunette beauty told Saturday's The Daily Telegraph how happy she was about this, saying: 'I haven't seen an article with Holly's name in it for a really long time'.

A star in her own right: Olympia Valance, 23, revealed on Saturday she feels like she's finally stepped out of her famous half-sister Holly Valance's shadow

'I finally feel like it's just Olympia Valance now, which is nice,' the actress continued.

Olympia joined the same popular Australian soap as her sister in 2014 - 12 years after Holly left Ramsay Street - playing teen rebel Paige Smith.

The Australian actress proudly divulged that her career is going nowhere but up.

Now signed to Roar - a Californian-based talent agency - Olympia revealed that she'll soon be heading over to London to shoot a pilot.

Will she return? Earlier this year, Olympia revealed her older sister could possibly reprise her old role in Neighbours

At present, the former pop princess Holly is a full-time mother to her and billionaire husband Nick Candy's two-year-old daughter, Luka Violet Toni Candy.

Yet earlier this year, Olympia revealed her older sister could possibly reprise her old role in Neighbours.

Executive producer of the show, Jason Herbison, also weighed in on the possibility.

Jason told TV Week that the 32-year-old would be welcomed back with open arms, saying: 'Neighbours is about reuniting families.'

Following in her sister's footsteps: The stunning brunette has been on Neighbours since 2014, playing rebel Paige Smith

The comment came after he said there are currently no fixed plans in place.

'However, there's always room for Holly to make a guest visit,' he said of the star, who played Felicity 'Flick' Scully on the show from 1999-2002.

'Neighbours is about reuniting families. What a coup it would be to have the Scully and Valance sisters on Ramsay Street,' he said.
He was conspicuously absent from the 2013 Because We Can Tour, with Bon Jovi's site reporting it was 'due to personal issues.'

And in Friday's appearance on Good Morning America, frontman Jon Bon Jovi revealed that former band mate Richie Sambora 'just didn't show up for the show.'

The 54-year-old insisted that 'there was no fight,' adding: 'And we haven't seen him in person since... There was no money. There was nothing I swear in my whole career, and he'll tell you the same thing. So we went on.'

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'There was no fight' Speaking with Good Morning America ahead of the release of his band's new album, Jon Bon Jovi shared that there had been no confrontation leading to Richie Sambora leaving the band

They way they were: He said Richie (pictured with the band in 2012) had simply just not shown up for their Because We Can tour in 2013

Jon noted that everyone still asks about what happened, though he insisted he didn't actually have any answers himself.

'We were in Calgary. The last album was entering the charts at No. 1. We're sold out every single night. It's show No. 21,' he explained, before sharing that Richie had just decided not to show up for their concert.

Speaking with The Guardian, Jon admitted: 'It broke my heart when Richie Sambora left the band. We worked together for 30 years.'

'It broke my heart' Jon (pictured in 1985) also admitted that he was heartbroken when Richie left, as they had worked together for 30 years

'I dont begrudge him now, but he could have done it in a better way. Instead he just chose to stop turning up to work,' he added.

Richie had told The Today Show Australia that he had left the band to spend more time with his daughter Ava, 19, with ex Heather Locklear.

'I mean, I really needed to take some time to be with my daughter. She needed me, and I needed her, actually,' he shared.

Out of nowhere: The frontman explained to Michael Strahan: 'There was no fight. There was no money. There was nothing I swear in my whole career, and he'll tell you the same thing. So we went on'

Family man: Richie would later explain that he needed to leave to be with his daughter, Ava, 19, with ex Heather Locklear (pictured in 2014)

On Friday, Jon had appeared on the morning show to promote the band's new album, This House is Not for Sale, which will be their first without Richie as lead guitarist.

The album, which is set to be released on November 4, took them three years to write. The tour will kick off on February 8.

Meanwhile, Richie recently formed a band with girlfriend and fellow musician Orianthi, which they call RSO.

Onward: He moved forward with the group including himself, Tico Torres, and David Bryan, later adding on Phil X (pictured in London on Monday) as a guitarist

Their 14th album: The group appeared on Good Morning America to promote their new album, This House is Not for Sale, which debuts November 4, with a tour following on February 8

The two struck out on an Australian tour this past summer, and Richie spoke about moving forward during an interview with MusicFeeds.com in August.

On performing his old songs from Bon Jovi, he asserted: 'I wrote them, theyre my songs, too. I get to play them, I get to do them the way Ori and I do them now.'
Their sizzling chemistry in ITVs hit drama Victoria has captivated viewers  and now it seems that the real-life romance between co-stars Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes is really hotting up.

After secretly dating for a year, the couple are searching for a house together close to Jennas rented home in trendy Hampstead, North London  and there is even speculation that Tom will pop the question before the end of the year.

Their sizzling chemistry in ITVs hit drama Victoria has captivated viewers (right). After secretly dating for a year, the couple (left) are searching for a house together close to Jennas rented home in trendy Hampstead

The stars, both 30, have viewed a number of properties valued at more than 1 million, Im told.

As The Mail on Sunday revealed last month, Jenna and Tom fell for each other last summer, shortly before they began filming their roles as Victoria and Prince Albert.

The relationship came shortly after Tom had broken up with actress Ophelia Lovibond, a close friend of Jenna. The two women have not spoken to each other since.

However, Ophelia  the star of BBC comedy W1A and Sherlock Holmes drama Elementary  has put the heartbreak behind her, and is now dating actor Henry Pettigrew. In a bizarre coincidence, they also played lovers, this time in the West End show The Effect.

My source says: Tom was involved in a messy break-up, which is why he and Jenna have been keen to keep their relationship under wraps.

Their whole courtship has been a bit cloak-and-dagger, and they have been careful not to be photographed together.

Shortly before Jenna fell for her Victoria co-star, she had been linked to Prince Harry after he made a beeline for her at a charity polo match. But source adds: Jenna has been telling everyone she has fallen madly in love. She and Tom are looking for a place to buy together.

Daisy Goodwin, who wrote the Victoria series, told me last week that her leading ladys chemistry with Tom was beneficial for the show. Tom and Jenna being so close makes it easier for them to work together. They are very private about their relationship.

James took to Twitter on Friday  the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings  to make a point about migrants

The Norman invasion of 1066 is blamed for a lot of things  and now the release of James Blunts 2005 hit Youre Beautiful can be added to the tally.

James took to Twitter on Friday  the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings  to make a point about migrants.

Today is the 950th anniversary of my familys arrival in England as illegal immigrants, he wrote.

And I still dont feel welcome. Blunt, 42, whose real name is James Blount, is a descendant of Robert le Blount, who commanded William the Conquerors fleet.

James has his own military history, of course, serving as an officer in the Life Guards before leaving the Army in 2002 to embark on a pop career.
Love: John Cleese, pictured with his wife Jennifer, has been brutally scathing about the state of BBC comedy

He has been brutally scathing about the state of BBC comedy, branding it an awful lot of c**p overseen by executives who dont know what they are doing.

But despite vowing never to work for the Corporation again, John Cleese is to return to the BBC to star in his first sitcom since Fawlty Towers almost 40 years ago.

He is taking a lead role in the bittersweet romantic comedy Edith, playing one of several men vying for the affections of the title character.

Cleese  whose own love life has been less than smooth, with three divorces to his name  will be hoping the new show proves better than his previous experiences with the BBC.

In 2001, he described making the documentary The Human Face as a total nightmare.

And in 2014 he launched his attack on the comedy output, blaming commissioning editors who havent actually written comedy or directed it and yet they think they understand comedy.

He reiterated his complaints last year, vowing: Theres no way I want to work in TV, especially at the BBC.

New show: Cleese, pictured with his daughter Camilla (left) and wife Jennifer (right), is to return to the BBC to star in his first sitcom since Fawlty Towers almost 40 years ago

Indeed, he has been notably absent from BBC sitcoms since Fawlty Towers ended in 1979, save for a one-off guest appearance in the Last Of The Summer Wine in 1993.

By contrast, he has taken roles in several major US series including Cheers, 3rd Rock From The Sun and Will And Grace.

So his decision to join Edith is a major boost for the BBCs beleaguered comedy department, which has been criticised for running out of ideas after reviving old sitcoms such as Porridge and Are You Being Served?

A BBC insider said the Corporation was delighted to have 76-year-old Cleese back on board.

Basil: Cleese has been notably absent from BBC sitcoms since Fawlty Towers ended in 1979

The source, who asked not to be named, said: Its no secret there was a falling-out with John but hes an immense talent and its great to have him back.

A decisive factor for John will have been the storyline. Apparently he loved the fact that, after three divorces in real life, he will be playing a man who finally finds true love.

Cleese may have been swayed by the involvement of Charles McKeown who has written the series.

McKeown previously collaborated with Cleeses Monty Python colleague Terry Gilliam on films including Brazil and The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen  and he even appeared in Fawlty Towers as a guest caught with a blow-up doll.

Cleese has taken roles in several US series including Cheers (left) and Will And Grace (right)

A BBC source said of Edith: We are in the very early stages of development. The show has not yet been commissioned and there are key decisions to be made about casting.

As the title suggests, Edith is the principal character. John is one of the leading male roles but it is very much a supporting role to Edith.

The source said a final decision on who would play Edith had not been made.

Cleese, who married his fourth wife, Jennifer Wade, in 2012, last night said it was too soon to talk about the new show.
Sarah Jessica Parker took a moment to take photos of her designer shoes on Saturday.

The actress, 51, was spotted sitting on the stoop of a New York City brownstone on Saturday snapping away at her pair of sparkly Mary Jane pumps.

She later posted one of the images to her Instagram along with the caption: 'Well my bags are packed and I'm ready to go' x, sj.'

Focused on her feet: Sarah Jessica Parker took a moment Saturday to sit on a stoop and snap photos of the SJP Collection sparkly Mary Jane pumps she was wearing

Next to her on the stoop was a black tote and a black fedora was positioned on the step next to her feet.

She wore a gray sweater with a black below-the-knee skirt and matching cropped jacket that was left unfastened.

Her blonde hair was parted in the middle and styled straight and she wore a pair of spectacles.

Coordinated outfit: The actress, 51,was dressed in a below-the-knee black skirt with matching cropped jacket over a gray sweater

Snapped away: Parker wore spectacles and her dark blonde hair was styled straight with a center parting

Arranged the shot: She had a black fedora that she positioned next to the silver pumps for the picture she wanted to take

Shared her photo: Parker later posted the shot to her Instagram along with the caption: ''Well my bags are packed and I'm ready to go' x, sj'

The star went into the shoe designer business in 2014 when she partnered with Nordstrom to develop her SJP Collection.

On Saturday she shared with her fans via social media that she was headed to Bloomingdale's in Short Hills, New Jersey, to promote her footwear.

'Working the shoe floor like I love and do. Answering @sjpcollection questions, helping with size/fit and showing off new styles,' she wrote.

Promoting her footwear: Also Saturday, SJP shared she was headed to Bloomingdale's for a SJP Collection meet and greet and to 'work the shoe floor'

Meanwhile, she's been reminiscing to People magazine about how nervous she was about committing to Sex And The City because she worried it would 'hold her hostage'

In an interview with People, Parker revealed that she didn't have high hopes for the Sex And The City pilot, nor did she think that the HBO series would significantly change her life.

In fact, she said, she worried that she'd be 'held hostage' by the show if it took off.

'I met my agents in L.A.  Kevin Huvane  and I was like, Do you think maybe I could not do this now? Because I wanted to keep doing a play and doing a movie and doing a play. So the way I thought it was going to change my life was that it was going to like hold me hostage to a commitment,' she explained.

The actress, who's married to Broadway star Matthew Broderick, went on to star as Carrie Bradshaw in six seasons of Sex And The City and two movies.

With hindsight, she describes the series as 'the most productive, fulfilling, professional experience I could have imagined.'

Parker is now back on HBO with a new show - Divorce.
Following her heartbreak over ex Pete Wicks' sexting scandal, she started her single life off with a brand new hairdo.

And Megan McKenna showed off her new fringe as she enjoyed a girls' night out at Justin Bieber's concert in London on Saturday.

The 24-year-old TOWIE star put on a racy display in over-the-knee boots and a silk slip dress as she stepped out with her sister Millie and friend Amber.

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Cutting Pete right out of her hair! Megan McKenna showed off her new fringe as she enjoyed a girls' night out at Justin Bieber's concert in London on Saturday

Showing her ex what he's missing, she got in on the nightwear trend stepping out in a champagne-coloured plunging slip, which fell to the top of her thighs.

Flashing her toned legs, she matched the ensemble with slinky over-the-knee boots and added a touch of biker chic in a studded leather jacket.

Accessorising with a nude studded clutch and a dash of lipgloss, her look was complete.

Pete who? The 24-year-old TOWIE star put on a racy display in over-the-knee boots and a silk slip dress as she stepped out with her sister Millie and friend Amber

Accompanying the reality star were her sister Millie and her friend Amber.

Millie got in on the boot action in a pair of knee-high boots, looking every inch the stylish sibling in a matching studded jacket and oversized T-shirt.

Meanwhile Amber also opted for an oversized T-shirt, completing the ensemble with a denim jacket.

Looking in good spirits, the stylish trio headed to the concert.

Stylish siblings: Millie got in on the boot action in a pair of knee-high boots, looking every inch the stylish sibling in a matching studded jacket and oversized T-shirt

Girls night out: Meanwhile pal Amber also opted for an oversized T-shirt, completing the ensemble with a denim jacket

Megan suffered heartache when it was revealed her boyfriend Pete sent explicit text messages to several other girls.

On Thursday she decided to kick off her newly-single life by getting a spanking new hair style to match.

The TOWIE star looked gorgeous as she uploaded a snap of her new 'do to Instagram- rocking a bold full fringe and sleek, straight locks as she smouldered for the camera.

She bangs! Megan uploaded a snap of her new hairstyle to Instagram on Thursday - getting a cut in light of recent breakup with Pete Wicks

The TOWIE star looked worlds away from her old self as she showed off her new long and silky tresses.

The brunette separated herself from the girl who dated love rat Pete by having a statement full fringe cut in, creating a classy and more mature look.

The bangs softly fell across her face, drawing more attention to her naturally pretty facial features and glowing sun-kissed skin from recent Marbella trip - where the saucy texts emerged.

Then and now: The TOWIE star looked worlds away from her old self (L) as she showed off her new long and silky tresses with a bold full fringe

Despite dressing down in a casual tracksuit, the Essex babe still maintained her usual glamorous appearance by sporting a matching grey cropped jumper underneath - which gave a flash of her enviably toned figure as she smouldered for the camera.

The photo bagged over 45,000 likes in its first hour - with many of her 1.4 million followers complementing her chic new look.

One fan wrote: '100 times better, more natural looking great new look, you look fab' while another gave even higher praise, commenting: 'Gorgeous! You look like a young Helena Christensen here!'

New woman: Megan has been putting on a brave face recently, continuing to film TOWIE in her usual glamorous appearance

Happier times: Megan and Pete were together for six months, celebrating her birthday in Marbella just days before the news broke on social media

Megan's big change comes one day after the scenes of her finding out about her ex-boyfriend's cyber infidelity aired on The Only Way Is Marbs on Wednesday night.

While the pair were filming in their Spanish stomping ground, it was reported that Pete had been sending explicit sexual messages to his former model fling Jacqui Ryland during the holiday with Megan, which celebrated her birthday.

It later emerged that the messages had been between several woman - involving topless photos and continuing for as long as three months.

Adding to her heartbreak, Megan revealed to Danielle Armstrong on the episode that she had discovered some of the tamer messages a few weeks before, but had decided to give her tattooed hunk a second chance.

Trouble: After finding out about the messages in Marbella, Megan returned home to the UK where she was approached by a grovelling Pete - resulting in a further argument

After the couple endured an explosive showdown on the beach, both parties returned to the UK to aid their woes with home comforts - where Pete then visited his girl to try and make amends.

The Essex lad explained to her: 'You need to know that I love you and I ain't going to give up.'

But Megan wasn't ready to forgive and forget after he was unable to provide a reason for why he behaved as he did, so she threw him out of the house, exclaiming: 'You're greedy, you're f***ing disgusting!'

Since the episode, Pete took to his social media page to post a cryptic message alluding to the dramatic split and perhaps his fight to win back the brunette beauty.

The 27-year-old posted to his Instagram on Thursday: 'It doesn't matter how this looks to other people. If this is something you gotta do, then you do it! Fighters fight.'
She recently gave birth to her second daughter.

But Apprentice runner-up Luisa Zissman was enjoying some time away from her little ones during a sunshine break with her gal pals last week.

The 29-year-old reality star shared a series of Instragram snaps as she showcased her incredible post-baby figure.

Glamorous: Louisa Zissman shared a series of raunchy Instragram snaps as she showcased her incredible post-baby figure

In one photo, she donned a white crochet bikini that accentuated her ample assets and toned tum.

Flashing a beaming smile and shielding her eyes from the sun with some oversized shades, she captioned the snap: 'Current situation, nursing hangover with iced coffee home tomorrow to my babies been a short but sweet break.' (sic)

The star also showcased her figure in another selfie taken from above and in another where she donned a very jazzy swimsuit.

She captioned the snap: 'Love this bikini hiding a multitude of sins! (Mainly my mummy tummy!) haha'.

Racy: The star also showcased her figure in another selfie taken from above and in another where she donned a very jazzy swimsuit

She captioned the snap: 'Love this bikini hiding a multitude of sins! (Mainly my mummy tummy!) haha'

Speaking to OK! magazine, ahead of the birth of her second child, she said: My dream is to have four daughters who are all really into horse riding, like me. Im not sure Id know what to do with a boy!

The 28-year-old beauty, who hails from Milton Keynes, gave birth to Indigo Esme back in August. She already has one daughter Dixie, 5, from her previous marriage to Oliver Zissman.

At first she didnt believe me. I gave her a book called Im Going To Be A Big Sister and she kept looking at me saying: "Youre joking?!" She was so excited. It was the cutest thing,' Luisa said.

But young Dixie wasn't so enthusiastic about the idea of a younger sister.

She was adamant she wanted a brother but Ive bought a few matching outfits for her and the baby, so shes coming around to the idea.

Delighted: Luisa posed gleefully while cradling her neat baby bump at the Care After Combat Ball in London in May

The star also opened up about giving up her beloved horse riding for the last stages of her pregnancy as a result of her hypermobility.

She said: I carried on riding until I was six months along, but I was in agony.

'Every time I got off the horse Id have to have a massage straight away. If I had my way I would have kept riding throughout my pregnancy.

Luisa started dating her husband Andrew Collins in late 2013, a few months after she found fame on The Apprentice.
Maintaining a sleek and sophisticated red carpet look in the teaming rain is tricky for even the most well-versed of movie stars.

But Lily James somehow managed to look both chic and sleek as she arrived at the BFI Film Awards in London on Saturday night.

The Downton Abbey Star was aided by a trusty umbrella as she posed for pictures in her slinky sleeveless gown teamed with silver drop earrings.

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Drenched! Lily James still maintained a stunning red carpet appearance despite the teaming rain at the BFI Awards on Saturday night

Her dark blonde hair was worn loose and long over her shoulders while smoky brown eyeshadow and a nude lipstick added to her dramatic appearance.

The actress appeared to be without boyfriend Matt Smith at the event which was held at Banqueting House.

However, there were an array of stars from the British film industry at the event including Anna Friel who also plumped for a dark dazzling frock.

Under my umbrella: The star showed off her trim figure in the sleek gown

Will it ever stop? The star looked a little anxious as she posed for snapshots

Hot metal: The stunning actress accessorised with some earrings by Jessica McCormack

Under cover: Lily looked the chic and collected as she posed inside the venue ahead of the ceremony

Stunning: The beautiful star kept things matching in her silky outfit

Strutting her stuff: Lily wowed in her chic ensemble

Sizzling: Lily's outfit was perfect for her lithe figure

The sequinned number with black frilled panels fell well below the knee and was teamed with some towering peep toe black heels.

The actress's dark brown hair was worn slicked back while deep red lipstick accentuated her features.

A black and white patterned handbag completed the look.

Why does it always rain on me? Anna Friel managed a smile despite getting drenched on arrival

A soggy arrival: Anna Friel braved the pouring rain to make her way into the ceremony

Gimme shelter: Anna hotfooted it inside the venue to maintain her well put together look

All that glitters: The former Brookside actress looked in good spirits at the event

Meanwhile Alicia Vikander amped up the glamour in a stunning white gown which showed off her slim figure to the maximum.

The short sleeved dress featured a sweetheart neckline, and was teamed with strappy white heels.

With her hair pulled up in a chic updo, the 28-year-old Swedish star wore a simple touch of eyeliner and deep red lipstick for a dramatic feel.

Strike a pose: Alicia caught up with Lily James with the pair adding some extra glamour to the occasion

Protective measures: Alicia had to hold her skirt up while wearing a coast to protect her dress on arriving at the awards

Me and my man: Alicia arrived with boyfriend Michael Fassbender

Dazzling: With her hair pulled up in a chic updo, the 28-year-old Swedish star wore a simple touch of eyeliner and deep red lipstick for a dramatic feel

Alicia was joined by her actor beau Michael Fassbender who looked dapper in a black tuxedo and bow tie.

The Irish actor was on hand to see director Steve McQueen honoured with the BFI Fellowship award.

Fassbender starred in McQueen's 2012 Oscar winning film 12 Years A Slave alongside actress Lupita Nyong'o, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch.

I'm a celebrity, get me out of here! Alicia seemed rather relieved to escape the soggy carpet

Contrasting looks: Gugu Mbatha-Raw sported a plunging floral gown as she posed with Alicia

Blooming lovely: The actress wowed in a floor-length gown that skimmed the floor

Sleek: The star showed off her slim figure in the sleek gown

Dapper: Michael Fassbender was on hand to watch his 12 Years A Slave director receive an award

Blooming lovely: Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked lovely in the delicate floaty number

A little chilly: The actress laughed as she clung on to umbrella amid the storm

Hosted by Michael Sheen, the ceremony was honouring director Steve McQueen who was nominated for an Oscar for 2012 Best Picture winner 12 Years A Slave.

'I first walked into the BFI library and cinema 28 years ago,' Steve said in response to his award in a statement.

'To think that I will now be a Fellow and honorary member, with such a distinguished list of people, is mindblowing. Im humbly honoured.'

Eclectic: Romola Garai sported an unusual long sleeved purple gown with orange stripe and blue lace detail at the neck

Covered up: The British actress ensured she wrapped up warm against the autumnal climate

Suited and booted: David Tennant was among the guests at the bash

Honoree: Steve McQueen posed for photographers under an umbrella before being awarded the BAFTA fellowship

Cate Blanchett was the recipient of the prestigious prize last year.

Meanwhile films in contention for the Best Film Award included Brimstone starring Dakota Fanning; Certain Women staring Michelle Williams, Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart, while Cynthia Nixon's Emily Dickinson biopic A Quiet Passion is also in contention.

Other attendees included Michael Sheen who was hosting proceedings, and actress Romola Garai who sported an unusual purple gown, while Gugu Mbatha-Raw wore a plunging floral number.

Host with the most: Michael Sheen looked a little bemused by the downpour

A bright touch: Jemma Redgrave sported an orange suit jacket and clinging black jeans with ballet pumps

Grateful: Issa Thomas accepts the Best Short Film Award for From My Window in Aleppo from Anna Friel

Glamorous: Alicia Vikander on stage at the BFI London Film Festival Awards

Winner: Director Steve McQueen accepts the BFI Fellowship Award

Getting close: Lily James and Michael Sheen appeared to share an intimate moment on stage (left) before he kissed Anna Friel (right)

Ladies man! The star also managed to get a peck on the cheek from Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Happy chappy: Michael Sheen hosts the BFI London Film Festival Awards

Presenting: John Maclean presents on stage at the BFI London Film Festival Awards

Say cheese: Director Issa Touma (C) with the Best Short Film award for 9 Days - From My Window In Aleppo with jury member John Maclean and award presenter Anna Friel

Chirpy: The trio seemed in great spirits as they pised with the award

Dapper chaps: Steve McQueen (left) winner of the BFI Fellowship Award, posed with presenter Michael Fassbender whilst they sported smart black suits

Picture perfect: Michael seemed in great spirits as he chatted backstage at the
Hours earlier he was knocking on doors, drumming up support for Labour's candidate in the forthcoming Witney by-election.

But Jeremy Corbyn soon swapped the election trail for the glamour of the red carpet to attend a headline screening of Snowden at the London Film Festival on Saturday night.

The Labour Party leader, 67, made some effort to smarten up, ditching his canvassing anorak in favour of a cream blazer, but still went without a tie in his customary casual manner.

All smiles: Sporting his trademark unshaven chic, Jeremy Corbyn flashed a beaming smile as he greeted director Oliver Stone with a firm handshake

Sporting his trademark unshaven chic, the veteran socialist flashed a beaming smile as he greeted director Oliver Stone with a firm handshake outside the Odeon in Leicester Square.

Jeremy completed his quirky outfit with black suit trousers and shoes and an open-neck blue striped shirt, accessorising with a ball point pen, tucked neatly into his breast pocket.

The Islington North MP, who last worked a red carpet only two weeks ago at the Labour Party Conference, didn't miss an opportunity to take selfies with his adoring fans before settling down for the film.

Upstaging Jeremy in front of the cameras were glamorous actresses Olga Kurylenko and Nina Podolska as well as Jaymes Butler and Joely Richardson.

Relaxed: The Labour Party leader, 67, made some effort to smarten up, ditching his canvassing anorak in favour of a cream blazer, but still forewent a tie in his customary casual manner

Unconventional: Jeremy completed his quirky outfit with black suit trousers and shoes and an open-neck blue striped shirt, accessorising with a ball point pen, tucked neatly into his breast pocket

Fanclub: The Islington North MP didn't miss an opportunity to take selfies with his adoring fans before settling down for the film

The film is a biographical political thriller which charts the life of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who copied and leaked classified information from the National Security Agency in 2013.

He has been branded both a traitor and hero for revealing that the Bush and Obama administrations had been snooping on their citizens by secretly acquiring Americans phone data in bulk, unbeknown to Congress.

Jeremy Corbyn has previously praised the moral courage of Snowden, who currently lives in an unknown location in Russia after being allowed to stay by Putin's government.

Happy days: Jeremy was also seen with Hong Kong businessman and socialite David Tang, 62

Upstaging Jeremy in front of the cameras were glamorous actresses Olga Kurylenko (right in left image) and Nina Podolska (left) as well as Joely Richardson (right)

Pals: Rhys Ifans and Oliver Stone attend the 'Snowden' Headline Gala screening during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square

Cool dude: Jaymes Butler rocked a leather jacket and jeans

Speaking to Radio station Voice Of Russia in 2013, Corbyn said: 'I think he should be treated as a whistleblower and I'm pleased Russia has been able to admit him for a year to be resident for Russia.

'If somebody has an overriding moral concern about the information they hold and think that it should be released then I think that Edward Snowden has done the right thing and I think we should applaud him.

Contrasting scenes: Hours earlier he was knocking on doors, drumming up support for Labour's candidate Duncan Enright in the forthcoming Witney by-election

'I think history will be kind to Edward Snowden - it'll be less kind to the CIA and the US administration.

'I think we need look at [whistleblowers] as those who stood up with moral courage to try to bring about some degree of peace and justice in the world - I don't think they should be condemned.'

Snowden premiered on September 9 2016 and was released in the United States on September 16.
Vanessa Hudgens looked lovely as she stepped out in Los Angeles Saturday morning.

The brunette beauty clutched a coffee beverage and her cell phone as she headed back to her car after leaving a yoga class.

Her hair was blown out into voluminous waves and she'd taken the time to apply her make-up sporting dark red lips and kohl-lined eyes behind her sunglasses.

Got the day started: Vanessa Hudgens looked freah and ready to go as she left a yoga class in LA on Saturday morning clutching a coffee beverage and her cell phone

The actress, 27, looked ready for anything in Volcom loose olive green pants featuring white and black flame-shaped patterns and gold dots.

She paired them with a stylish olive green bomber jacket with zipper pockets and black collar and cuffs.

Her finishing touch was a pair of black buckle sandals.

Eye-catching outfit: The actress, 27, looked ready for anything in loose olive green Volcom pants featuring white and black flame-shaped patterns and gold dots

Looked terrific: She wore a stylish olive green bomber jacket with zipper pockets and black collar and cuffs along with a pair of black buckle sandals

The former High School Musical star has been dividing her time between LA and Vancouver, B.C. the past couple of months as she started work on the freshman NBC comedy Powerless.

After shooting the pilot, the production was temporarily put on hold after the departure of showrunner Ben Queen.

But the DC Comics workplace comedy about an insurance company that deals with the destruction left behind by superheroes is still slated for a spring 2017 debut.
She's known for her quirky expressions and outspoken personality.

And Nicole Scherzinger certainly sent tongues wagging on Saturday night's Motown-themed X Factor, putting on a sizzling appearance in a floor-length purple sheer gown.

Ooozing sex appeal, the former Pussycat Doll put on a playful display with her mentee Matt Terry, throwing her leg on the judge's table in a raunchy display.

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Sha-mazing! Nicole Scherzinger certainly sent tongues wagging on Saturday night's Motown-themed X Factor, putting on a sizzling appearance in a floor-length purple sheer gown

Making the most of her fabulous figure, the X Factor judge wore a vibrant plunging one-shouldered gown, with a sheer skirt slashed to the thighs, flashing her underwear and showing off her toned legs.

As Matt got the audience on their feet with an energetic performance of The Supremes' Stop In The Name Of Love, she clapped excitedly.

The Louis Tomlinson lookalike impressed Nicole so much, the Hawaiian-born beauty threw her leg on the judge's table, exclaiming: 'You're oozing and dripping with charisma, shadoodle.'

Purple patch: Nicole showed off her stunning figure in the sleek gown

Chemistry: Ooozing sex appeal, the former Pussycat Doll put on a playful display with her mentee Matt Terry, throwing her leg on the judge's table in a raunchy display

The judges: Making the most of her fabulous figure, the Nicole wore a vibrant plunging one-shouldered gown, with a sheer skirt slashed to the thighs, flashing her underwear and showing off her toned legs

Left to right: Simon Cowell, Nicole, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh

Rubbing her thighs excitedly she added: 'I feel the heat!', as her fellow judges looked on in hysteria.

Simon Cowell appeared equally excited by the performance, telling Nicole: 'He has popped, I'm excited for you!'.

Meanwhile Ryan Lawrie, who is dating fellow contestant Emily Middlemas, admitted he was relieved when she also made it through last week's votes, however promised Nicole he would not be distracted.

Talent: As Matt got the audience on their feet with an energetic performance of The Supremes' Stop In The Name Of Love, Nicole clapped excitedly

Winning her over: The Louis Tomlinson lookalike impressed Nicole so much, the Hawaiian-born beauty threw her leg on the judge's table, exclaiming: 'You're oozing and dripping with charisma, shadoodle.'

His catchy rendition of Superstition went down a storm with everyone but Simon, who branded the performance 'mechanical with old-fashioned choreography'.

But Emily impressed the judges with her rendition of Stop in the name of love, with Louis branding her a 'hit with a unique recording voice'.

And Sam Lavery won over Sharon Osbourne with her Adele-style dusky tones, singing Hello, with the Ozzy's wife gushing that she had the only 'rock voice'.

Sweet: Ryan Lawrie, who is dating fellow contestant Emily Middlemas, admitted he was relieved when she also made it through last week's votes

Controversy: Despite sending Twitter into an angry overdrive with her performance of Mo Money Mo Problems, the judges appeared surprisingly complimentary of Honey G's performance

'I loved it, but are you David Cameron in a wig? Is it true?' Louis proclaimed

'You shut it down and turned it around, you're my guilty pleasure, the dancing was brilliant. Sharon and you are two peas in a pod.' Simon said of Honey G

Despite sending Twitter into an angry overdrive with her performance of Mo Money Mo Problems, the judges appeared surprisingly complimentary of Honey G's performance.

Louis proclaimed: 'I loved it, but are you David Cameron in a wig? Is it true?'

And continuing the compliments was Nicole, gushing: 'I don't know what happened but you shut it down! You have a rapper's personality and I love that you give it your all.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was usually blunt Simon, who chirpily added: 'You shut it down and turned it around, you're my guilty pleasure, the dancing was brilliant. Sharon and you are two peas in a pod.'

Winning the judges over: Nicole gushed 'I don't know what happened but you shut it down! You have a rapper's personality and I love that you give it your all.

Causing outrage on Twitter: Sharon controversially shouted: 'You're the bestest new rapper to come out in years.(sic)!'

And causing outrage on Twitter, Sharon controversially shouted: 'You're the bestest new rapper to come out in years.(sic)!'

However Twitter was far from convinced, with one angry viewer tweeting: 'This HoneyG cr*p has to stop. It's a mockery and an insult in a year where the rap scene is so explosive'.

Another angry viewer wrote: 'I honestly think Honey G is an actress. It seems a bit like something isn't right'.

Talented: Sam Lavery impressed Sharon Osbourne with her Adele-style dusky tones, singing Hello, with the Ozzy's wife gushing that she had the only 'rock voice'.

Getting the crowd going: Emily Middlemas sung Stop in the name of love

Impressing the judges: 5 After midnight got nothing but complements for their rendition of I'll Be There

'Simon you wonder why ratings are so low when you have the likes of Honey G there', another added.

However Four of Diamonds turned things around, making their debut appearance since replacing Brooks Way following their shock exit.

Made up of Lauren 'the mum of the group', Sophia, 'sassy' Caroline and Yasmin the joker, the four girls sung You Keep Me Hanging On, and finished on acapella line.

An impressed Nicole proclaimed: 'You were my favourite girl group so I'm so glad you're back, you sounded amazing with your harmonies

In the genes: Relley C lived up to her father's standards- who performed in a real Motown band

Comeback: Freddy Parker was saved by a Lifeline vote last week

Replacing Brooks Way: Four of Diamonds made their debut appearance and were made up of Lauren 'the mum of the group', Sophia, 'sassy' Caroline and Yasmin the joker

'You were my favourite girl group so I'm so glad you're back, you sounded amazing with your harmonies', Nicole said after the four girls sung You Keep Me Hanging On

'I couldn't believe you weren't put through in the first place. Louis hates girlbands there's your problem. Follow Little Mix's route, and don't listen to a word Louis says,' Simon quipped.

Taking a swipe at previous girlbands Louis replied,'I like this girl band cos they like each other and they can sing. They're nice that's the difference.'

Boyband 5 After Midnight, Saara Aalto, Relly C, Gifty Louise and Ryan Lawrie and Freddy Parker all impressed the judges with their performances, keeping viewers guessing as to who would be eliminated in Sunday's show.

Talent:Gifty Louise belted out Rockin Robin

Miaow! Taking a swipe at previous girlbands Louis replied,'I like this girl band cos they like each other and they can sing. They're nice that's the difference.'

Fun on set! The judging panel had a whale of a time on Saturday's show

Biker chic! Nicole put on a sizzling display in a thigh-skimming leather dress as she left the X Factor studios
She plays bored housewife Karen Gaffney in upcoming comedy Keeping Up with the Joneses.

But there was nothing boring about Isla Fisher as she arrived at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in California on Saturday.

The 40-year-old stunned in a low-cut, patterned red dress as she hit the carpet for the star-studded event.

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Lady in red! Isla Fisher looked gorgeous in a low-cut, off-the-shoulder patterned dress as she arrived for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic event in California on Saturday

Isla wore a form-fitting, off-the-shoulder number which featured a low-cut front that put her assets on display.

She coupled the flattering dress with a pair of bright red heels with bow embellishments, also showing off a coordinating pedicure.

The Wedding Crashers star wore her long, red tresses swept over in a side part, falling to soft curls that cascaded over her shoulder.

Coordinating: The Wedding Crashers star teamed the flattering dress with bright red heels, and also showed off a bold, red lipstick

The mother-of-three showed off a bright red lipstick, and looked to be in good spirits as she was seen arriving without husband Sacha Baron Cohen.

She was joined at the star-studded event by Kristen Bell, 36, who turned heads in a playful, patterned button down dress and strappy heels.

She wore a statement belt, which highlighted her toned waist, and accessorized with a wide-brimmed, black hat.

Playful: Kristen Bell also went for a fun, patterned look, showing off her slim figure with a bold, black leather belt

The Path star Michelle Monaghan, 40, showed off her toned arms in a sleeveless, high-collared polka dot dress.

The form-fitting number fell to her ankles, and she coupled it with a pair of tan, heeled boots.

She accessorized with a red purse, and wore her long, brunette tresses in a center part, and styled in soft waves.

Seeing spots! Michelle Monaghan went for a floor-length look, with a stylish, form-fitting polka dot dress

Making a statement! The Path star added a pop of color to her black and white look with a red purse

Zoey Deutch was on trend as she also sported a bold print for the Veuve Clicquot event on Saturday.

The 21-year-old wore a floor-length, patterned red gown, keeping her stylish look simple by opting for few accessories.

She wore her long, caramel tresses styled in soft waves, with a few sections pinned back for a sophisticated look.

Happy to be here! Zoey Deutch showed off a big smile as she arrived for Saturday's event in a floor-length, red patterned dress

Taking the plunge! Eiza Gonzales put her enviable figure on display in a sleeveless, low-cut mini dress with floral embellishments

Eiza Gonzales, 26, went for a more daring look, sporting a sleeveless, black patterned dress with a plunging front.

The shimmery number fell to the actress's mid-thigh, and she coupled it with a pair of Louise et Cie brown strappy heels with a a Vince Camuto bag.

Polo player Nacho Figueras, 39, looked dapper in a fitted, navy blue suit jacket, worn with a white button down, and white trousers.

Pretty as a petal! The From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series star coupled her playful, shimmery dress with a pair of strappy, suede sandals

Suave: Polo player Nacho Figueras looked dapper in a fitted, navy blue suit jacket and white trousers as he arrived hand-in-hand with wife Delfina Blaquier

He arrived hand-in-hand with wife Delfina Blaquier, who showed off her trim figure in a shimmery, silver mini dress.
With her sleek white dress and perfect updo, Alicia Vikander was perfectly glammed up to attend the BFI Film Awards in London on Saturday night.

But the 28-year-old actress didn't bank on the wet London weather.

Alicia was forced to hold up her gown above the soggy red carpet as she arrived at the Banqueting House venue.

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Umbrellas at the ready! Alicia Vikander was aided by a multitude of assistants as she held her white gown out of the puddles at the BFI London Film Festival Awards on Saturday

Luckily the Oscar-winning actress was shielded by two umbrellas and a protective coat hastily thrown over her shoulders as she held her dress aloft.

However, it was more than likely that the star may have suffered from wet feet, with a pair of strappy white sandals her only defence against the elements.

She seemed to see the funny side though - at one point glancing up to the heavens with a big smile.

Smile through it: Alicia at least seemed to see the funny side of the elements

Dazzling: The star soon regained her composure and was later spotted looking typically stunning in her slim fitting gown with sweetheart neckline.

Slim and trim: The star's white gown showed off her svelte figure to maximum effect

The star soon regained her composure and was later spotted looking typically stunning in her slim fitting gown with sweetheart neckline.

Alicia was joined by her actor beau Michael Fassbender who looked dapper in a black tuxedo and bow tie.

The Irish star was on hand to see director Steve McQueen honoured with the BFI Fellowship award.

Solo: Alicia was not pictured with her beau Michael Fassbender who was also at the event

The white stuff: Alicia added a touch of glamour to the event, where the ceremony was hosted by actor Michael Sheen

Dapper: Fassbender looked smart in a black tuxedo and bow tie as he posed for snaps

Fassbender starred in McQueen's 2012 Oscar winning film 12 Years A Slave alongside actress Lupita Nyong'o, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Alicia has been dating Michael since they fell for each other on the set of The Light Between Oceans.

The romantic drama is based on the 2012 novel about a lighthouse keeper and his wife.

Contrasting styles: Alicia posed with Lily James who wore a high necked gown in stark contrast to Alicia's sweetheart neckline

Catching up: Gugu Mbatha-Raw wore a floaty floral frock while she struck a pose with the Swedish star

Happy couple: Alicia has been dating Michael since they fell for each other on the set of The Light Between Oceans

The cast and crew were forced to relocate to a wind-swept island off the shores of New Zealand for filming, living in trailers for several months.

Alicia recently confessed in an interview with Vanity Fair that seasoned actor Michael would ask her for help with his role, bringing them closer together.

She told the monthly: 'He was very sweet at letting me in... He was like, "Can you please give me a note? What do you think I should do?"
She has gotten her body in tip-top form which she has showed off to the new issue of Shape magazine.

But on Saturday Lea Michele chose to cover up her curves when she dropped by the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA.

The Scream Queens star had on a long-sleeved, to-the-floor Missoni lace dress that looked prim compared with what she usually wears to a star-studded event.

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Prim: Lea Michele covered her body in this to-the-floor white Missoni dress when at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA on Saturday

Showing off her tiny tummy: The Glee actress wore a colorful belt that highlighted a slim waistline

Also in white at the event was Vanessa Hudgens.

She had on a sheer lace white dress that looked like it would fit in at the Renaissance Faire.

The High School Musical vet looked almost coquettish in the off-the-shoulder number with her a black choker and styled the outfit with a What Goes Around Comes Around purse and Perverse Sunglasses.

A 10 on any day! Vanessa Hudgens looked beautiful in white at the Renaissance Faire

Fetching: The actress wore a sheer lace white dress that looked like it would fit in at the Renaissance Faire

The 27-year-old Grease: Live star wore her hair up in braids with flowers in it that looked inspired by Swedish country girls.

Her maroon velvet heels that had a thin ankle strap and peep toe are a Nineties flashback.

The beauty also flashed an on-trend pointy black and white manicure.

We'll skol to that! The 27-year-old Grease: Live star wore her hair up in braids with flowers in it that looked inspired by Swedish country girls

Zoe good: Stylist Rachel Zoe also chose white for the popular event

Skye P. Marshall made a bold statement in a flor length blue willow-esque pattern dress.

True Blue Beauty: Actress Skye P. Marshall attended the 7th Annual Vueve Clicquot event

Also at the splashy event was Mexican model and actress Eiza Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old Baby Driver star showed off her curves in a flirty and plunging summer dress at the event thrown in the exclusive Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles where Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck live.

Lovely lady: Camila Bella showed off her thigh in this slit dress

Caliente! Stars usually dress in a more conservative manner when hitting the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. But not Mexican model and actress Eiza Gonzalez

Lots of skin on show: The neck line was plunging and then hem came well above her knee, showing off her toned and tanned legs

Gonzalez looked confident on the green carpet in her floral Alice + Olivia dress.

It appeared to me made from satin with pink, red, green and yellow embroidery.

The neck line was plunging and then hem came well above her knee, showing off her toned and tanned legs.

She paired the outfit with Louise et Cie brown strappy heels with a a Vince Camuto bag

The mannequin wore rep lipstick and red nailpolish. Her hair was worn in loose curls.

The star has recently been cast in Alita: Battle Angel, which Titanic director James Cameron is also working on. Also on board is actor Christopher Waltz.

Hot to trot: The star has recently been cast in Alita: Battle Angel, which Titanic director James Cameron is also working on. Also on board is actor Christopher Waltz

Also at the event was Isla Fisher, who looked pretty in a red-and-white dress with stunning red heels. Michelle Monaghan stunned in a polka dot dress.

Lea Michele made a later entrance in white. Mandy Moore chose a yellow and black fitted knit dress.

Frozen star Kristen Bell wore a colorful dress with a hat, heels and belt.

Olivia Culpo had on a floral flirty dress while Lauren Conrad went with a floral gown too, only hers went to the floor.

On fire: Also at the event was Isla Fisher, who looked pretty in a red-and-white dress with stunning red heels

Pretty as a picture: Inside the event, Isla stood next to white tables on fake grass

Contrasts: Michelle Monaghan went in polka dots (left) while Mandy Moore chose a yellow and black fitted knit dress (right)

So Anna of her: Frozen star Kristen Bell wore a colorful dress with a hat, heels and belt

More beauties! Olivia Culpo had on a floral flirty dress (left) while Lauren Conrad went with a floral gown too, only hers went to the floor

Disney Darlings: Bell from Frozen and Moore from Tangled had a nice side hug
Camilla Belle came to Hollywood in the mid Nineties to star in movies, making quite an impression in 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Now the 30-year-old actress is killing it in indies like Diablo.

On Saturday the stunner showed off her winning looks in a smart dress with a slit up the front when at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA.

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Flawless: Camilla Belle showed off her winning looks in a smart dress with a slit up the front when at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA on Saturday

The dress was unusual as it appeared as if she had a black tank top underneath a one-shoulder-strap gown.

The creation came below her knee and had a slit up the front that exposed her toned leg.

Strappy beige heels added five inches to her petite build and wore Perverse Sunglasses.

Different: The dress was unusual as it appeared as if she had a black tank top underneath a one-shoulder-strap gown

Too Cool: Camilla Belle chose to wear Perverse sunglasses to protect her peepers at the polo

Also at the event was Lea Michele, who chose to cover up her curves when she dropped by the .

The Scream Queens star had on a long-sleeved, to-the-floor white lace dress that looked prim compared with what she usually wears to a star-studded event.

She also wore her hair back.

Prim: Lea Michele covered her body in this to-the-floor white dress

Showing off her tiny tummy: The Glee actress wore a colorful belt that highlighted a slim waistline

Also in white at the event was Vanessa Hudgens.

She had on a sheer lace white dress that looked like it would fit in at the Renaissance Faire.

The High School Musical vet looked almost coquettish in the off-the-shoulder number with her a black choker.

A 10 on any day! Vanessa Hudgens looked beautiful in white at the Renaissance Faire

Fetching: The actress wore a sheer lace white dress that looked like it would fit in at the Renaissance Faire

The 27-year-old Grease: Live star wore her hair up in braids with flowers in it that looked inspired by Swedish country girls.

Her maroon velvet heels that had a thin ankle strap and peep toe are a Nineties flashback styled with a What Goes Around Comes Around purse and Perverse sunglasses. The beauty also flashed an on-trend pointy black and white manicure.

We'll skol to that! The 27-year-old Grease: Live star wore her hair up in braids with flowers in it that looked inspired by Swedish country girls

Zoe good: Stylist Rachel Zoe also chose white for the popular event

Also at the splashy event was Mexican model and actress Eiza Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old Baby Driver star showed off her curves in a flirty and plunging Alice + Olivia summer dress at the event thrown in the exclusive Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Caliente! Stars usually dress in a more conservative manner when hitting the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. But not Mexican model and actress Eiza Gonzalez

Lots of skin on show: The neck line was plunging and then hem came well above her knee, showing off her toned and tanned legs

Gonzalez looked confident on the green carpet in her little floral dress.

It appeared to me made from satin with pink, red, green and yellow embroidery.

The neck line was plunging and then hem came well above her knee, showing off her toned and tanned legs.She paired the outfit with Louise et Cie brown strappy heels with a a Vince Camuto bag

The mannequin wore rep lipstick and red nailpolish. Her hair was worn in loose curls.

The star has recently been cast in Alita: Battle Angel, which Titanic director James Cameron is also working on. Also on board is actor Christopher Waltz.

Hot to trot: The star has recently been cast in Alita: Battle Angel, which Titanic director James Cameron is also working on. Also on board is actor Christopher Waltz

Also at the event was Isla Fisher, who looked pretty in a red-and-white dress with stunning red heels. Michelle Monaghan stunned in a polka dot dress.

Lea Michele made a later entrance in white. Mandy Moore chose a yellow and black fitted knit dress.

Frozen star Kristen Bell wore a colorful dress with a hat, heels and belt.

Olivia Culpo had on a floral flirty dress while Lauren Conrad went with a floral gown too, only hers went to the floor.

On fire: Also at the event was Isla Fisher, who looked pretty in a red-and-white dress with stunning red heels

Pretty as a picture: Inside the event, Isla stood next to white tables on fake grass

Contrasts: Michelle Monaghan went in polka dots (left) while Mandy Moore chose a yellow and black fitted knit dress (right)

True Blue Beauty: Actress Skye P. Marshall attended the 7th Annual Vueve Clicquot event

Skye P. Marshall made a bold statement in a flor length blue willow-esque pattern dress.

So Anna of her: Frozen star Kristen Bell wore a colorful dress with a hat, heels and belt

More beauties! Olivia Culpo had on a floral flirty dress (left) while Lauren Conrad went with a floral gown too, only hers went to the floor

Disney Darlings: Bell from Frozen and Moore from Tangled had a nice side hug

Fun in the sun! Zoey Deutch, Gonzalez, Delfina Blaquier, Monaghan and Fisher

Lucky guy! Here Nacho Figueras is flanked by Michelle and Isla

They're angelic: Former co-stars Leah Michele and Vanessa Hudgens smiled for the photographers in their almost identical white outfits

Boho chic: Cara Santana stood out in her funky stripy number from label Milin
Hong Kong Jockey Club eye mainland China for new blood

The Chinese government may not be interested in developing horse racing but the Hong Kong Jockey Club is keen to cultivate more owners from mainland China, their Senior International Racing Consultant told AFP.

Nick Columb, who was chairman of the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Association for 20 years, added while it may not happen in his lifetime -- he is 70 -- if there were to be racing in mainland China then the HKJC would be the logical choice to run it.

However, from small acorns do grow oaks and to start with the HKJC have focussed their efforts on setting their sights on educating mainland Chinese citizens in understanding the highly complex world of horse racing.

Nick Columb of the Hong Kong Jockey Club has signed for around 40 yearlings so far this year Ben Stansall (AFP)

"China has to become part of what we (the HKJC) are trying to do in looking outwards," Columb told AFP in his first interview since he took up the role three years ago.

"We have set up the Beijing clubhouse which is a luxury hotel facility with fine dining with 1000 members.

"They are being slowly educated to the ways of racing, what horses, trainers and jockeys do. What are weights and barriers.

"As the people learn they become more and more involved in the Hong Kong racing scene."

Columb, who was speaking at the Tattersalls Bloodstock Yearling Sales at Newmarket, said Hong Kong was a unique racing model.

"Hong Kong is significantly different from other models because you must be a member to race a horse," he said.

"Once you are a member you can apply for a permit to buy a horse that comes through a lottery -- the ballot - every June and once you get a permit you can go and buy a horse.

"For a Beijing member first they they have to learn a bit about racing, develop an interest and come down to Hong Kong to race a little bit with us, become a member of the HKJC and if they have enough of an interest they can apply for a permit buy a horse and race."

That tactic has already borne fruit as the most expensive horse sold at the HKJC auction this year (when they are three-year-olds having been bought as yearlings abroad and then kept in England and New Zealand till they reach three) Jing Jing Win is owned by a mainland Chinese owner and won in impressive fashion on its only start.

Columb, born in Romania but who arrived in Australia aged four after his family paid for his father to be released from Soviet captivity in their homeland and they escaped in a hidden compartment in a train, said the HKJC were prepared should China embrace racing.

"Expansion in the future will be into China," he said.

"Should that happen we are building the training centre (Conghua in Guandong in mainland China) be ready to launch from.

"As a government China really per se is not interested in developing racing.

"The HKJC is really the instrument, the only instrument, to run racing in China so it would follow on logically the HKJC, maybe not in my lifetime, would be the betting and racing arm in mainland China should that develop but I don't think that will happen in the next few years."

Columb, who either owned or bred 17 Group One winners while he was involved in Australian racing, said for him it is 'utopia' to be involved in Hong Kong racing.

"I would say the Hong Kong racing model is the best in the world, a jewel in the middle of Asia, and I've raced everywhere," he said.

"It is a race club that is enveloped in the middle of a community and then turns itself inside out to benefit that community significantly in the taxes paid from betting and in contributions to charities, schools, parks and all other parts of life (HKJC community arm paid out HK$3bn last year).

"The fact we pay a lot of tax to the Hong Kong government (HK$20billion last year) means people from Hong Kong are paying 15 percent less tax."
Modi, Putin sign defence deals ahead of BRICS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed lucrative defence and energy pacts on Saturday following talks aimed at reinvigorating ties between the former Cold-War allies.

Modi hailed Putin as an "old friend" after their meeting in the Indian state of Goa, where leaders of the other BRICS emerging nations were also gathering for a summit.

"Your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership," Modi said alongside Putin at a beachside resort, after officials signed up to 20 agreements between the two nations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Indo-Russia Annual Summit in Goa on October 15, 2016 Prakash Singh (AFP)

Modi said the pacts on jointly producing light military helicopters, building frigates and other areas of cooperation "lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties for years ahead".

They also signed an initial agreement on India's purchase of Russia's state-of-the-art defence system, capable of shooting down multiple incoming missiles, although there were no details on a timeframe for delivery.

India, the world's top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

But India has increasingly turned to the United States, and more recently France, rather than Russia, for its hardware, as Modi cultivates closer ties with Washington.

Putin has been seeking to seal deals with India in an attempt to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy, following sliding oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

The leaders also focused on energy deals to meet India's growing thirst for fuel and electricity for its fast-growing economy.

Russia's biggest oil company Rosneft signed an agreement to buy India's Essar Oil reportedly for $13 billion, in what will be one of the largest foreign investments in India's refining sector.

The leaders also signed a framework agreement to supply more reactors to a nuclear plant in Kudankulam in southern India, which is attempting to reduce its reliance on highly polluting coal for power.

The leaders discussed the threats posed by regional and "global terrorism" although it was not clear if this included India's hiked tensions with archrival Pakistan.

Putin was seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rival neighbours, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

- Helicopters -

The deal for Russia's most modern air defence system has been in the pipeline for a few years, along with the helicopters, and the building of up to four frigates in India.

India will purchase about 200 of the choppers to replace its ageing fleet under a joint venture over several years, with some manufactured in India, as it reduces its reliance on military imports.

"In the next few months, a place will be allocated (for manufacture) and there will be investments," Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov told AFP.

India and Russia have traditionally held strong ties dating back to the 1950s after the death of Stalin. But trade has slipped beneath $10 billion since 2014, as Modi cultivates closer diplomatic and economic ties with Washington, while Russia eyes Pakistan and also China.

Modi will also hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping late Saturday, also in the hope of boosting investment and trade. Relations however have been frustrated by Beijing's decision so far to block New Delhi's entry to a nuclear trade group, among other issues.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are jockeying for regional influence in Asia.

Modi will host a dinner for the leaders of the BRICS club - which also includes South Africa and Brazil -- who arrived Saturday ahead of talks on Sunday that are expected to focus on trade and terror-related threats.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.

An Indian Navy officer stands as Russian President Vladimir Putin's aircraft arrives at the airport in Goa on October 15, 2016 Money Sharma (AFP)

Leaders of the BRICS emerging nations are gathering for a summit in Goa, India Money Sharma (AFP)
US bid to revive Syria peace plan with fresh talks

Pessimistic envoys from the United States, Russia and Syria's neighbours met Saturday in Switzerland as Secretary of State John Kerry tried to revive hopes of a ceasefire for the war-torn country.

The talks marked Kerry's first encounter with his Russian opposite number Sergei Lavrov since a US and Russian-sponsored truce collapsed last month amid a ferocious Syrian offensive.

But diplomats from all sides warned against hopes for a rapid breakthrough in Lausanne, and Moscow showed no sign of softening its strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (R) arrives on October 15, 2016 in Lausanne to meet with top diplomats in a bid to revive the ceasefire in Syria Fabrice Coffrini (AFP)

Even as the diplomats gathered in a lakefront hotel, Moscow's flagship aircraft carrier set sail for the Mediterranean to support the Russian forces shoring up Assad's rule.

Fierce fighting was continuing in the multi-front conflict, with Turkish-backed opposition fighters closing in on Dabiq, a symbolic stronghold of the Islamic State group.

And in Aleppo, Russian-backed government forces intensified their bombardment of the rebel-held east of the city, further damaging any prospect of a renewed ceasefire.

Kerry and Lavrov, once joint sponsors of international peace effort, met ahead of the broader talks, but US officials insisted that their "bilateral track" remains dead.

Instead, with President Barack Obama adamant that US forces will not become caught up in the war, Kerry was hoping that talks with Russia and regional powers may yield new ideas.

"We are not pursuing this directly with the Russians bilaterally any more," a senior US official travelling with Kerry told reporters ahead of the meeting.

"But just because the format has evolved doesn't mean that the underlying objectives have changed," he insisted.

Those objectives, he said, are a reduction in violence, more humanitarian access to besieged civilians and a political dialogue between the government and opposition.

But both US and Russian officials played down hopes of a breakthrough on Saturday, and Kerry was due to fly on to London on Sunday to brief European allies on the new effort.

Lavrov told reporters on Friday he had no "special expectations" of progress.

Iran also voiced scepticism, with a foreign affairs ministry spokesman saying: "I don't think we can have a lot of a hope for the outcome of this meeting."

The talks come as Moscow faces down growing criticism over its backing for Assad's assault in divided Aleppo.

Air strikes hit rebel-held parts of Aleppo again Saturday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based watchdog with a network of sources on the ground.

Against this bloody backdrop, a leading opposition group slammed the talks, saying they would not stop the killing.

Abdal Ahad Stefo, deputy head of the Istanbul-based National Coalition, told AFP the negotiations "will only lead to wasting more time ... and the shedding of more Syrian blood".

- Seeking concrete steps -

Aleppo has been engulfed by some of the worst violence of the conflict since the collapse of last month's truce deal.

"I think we need to see what happens in the room to determine whether this is the beginning of a new process that continues in this format or not," said the senior US official.

On Friday, Lavrov had warned that Russia was not planning on presenting new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011.

Instead he called for "concrete steps" to implement earlier UN resolutions and specifically for opposition fighters to separate from "terrorist" jihadist groups.

Kerry and Lavrov were joined by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, as well as top diplomats from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all nations that back Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key Assad supporter, was being represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Egypt, Iraq and Jordan were also set to be part of the meeting, the US official said.

The intensified bombardment has put increasing strain on rescue workers in besieged eastern Aleppo which is home to an estimated 250,000 residents.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo since September 22, according to the Observatory.

Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts.

Buoyed by his forces' gains in Aleppo, Assad vowed to use victory there as a "springboard" to capture other rebel bastions, in remarks published Friday.

All-out war on Aleppo -, -, - (AFP Graphic)

Residents receive treatment at a hospital in the regime-held part of Aleppo, on October 13, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP/File)
Stampede kills 24 at religious gathering in India

A stampede at a religious gathering in northern India killed at least 24 people Saturday as thousands of devotees of a controversial guru tried to cross a bridge at once, police said.

The followers of Jai Gurudev, a leader of a local religious sect, had gathered on the outskirts of Varanasi, a Hindu holy town in Uttar Pradesh state, when the deadly stampede broke out.

"We can confirm that 24 people have died in the incident. Nineteen of the dead are women," Hari Ram Sharma, police inspector general, told reporters in the state capital Lucknow.

Indian bystanders gather near discarded belongings at the roadside following a fatal stampede in Varanasi on October 15, 2016 STR (AFP)

At least 20 others were injured in the crush and were undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

State police chief Javeed Ahmed blamed overcrowding on the old iron bridge for the disaster.

"They had sought permission for 5,000 persons but many more people reached and joined the procession," Ahmed told India's NDTV news network.

"They were crossing a bridge when some rumour-mongering happened which led to the disaster."

A spokesman of the religious sect said the stampede occurred after a rumour spread that the narrow bridge had collapsed, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported.

"The devotees were proceeding towards the camp (across the river) but police started sending them back. This led to rumours that the bridge has collapsed," Raj Bahadur told PTI.

TV footage showed piles of colourful clothing and slippers lying in a heap with policemen trying to clear the debris.

"There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother," a witness told reporters as ambulances sped by.

Devotees from nearby districts had gathered for the two-day religious congregation on the banks of river Ganges.

State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered a high-level enquiry into the tragedy while announcing monetary compensation for the victims, his spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said.

Stampedes at India's religious festivals, where police and volunteer stewards are often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds, are not uncommon.

In July last year, a stampede on the banks of a holy river killed 27 pilgrims in southern India.

Around 115 people were killed in October 2013 at a stampede near a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, site of another deadly stampede there seven years earlier.

Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012, is among several charismatic self-styled "godmen" who enjoy a cult-like following among thousands of followers.

Typically clad in white robes and turban, Gurudev fiercely espoused vegetarianism and claimed "to liberate the soul from the rotation of birth and death" on his website.

In June, a breakaway sect of his followers were involved in a riot in Mathura city which killed 24 people.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the loss of life in the latest incident.

"I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," Modi tweeted.
Oman plane to evacuate 115 wounded from Yemen funeral raid

An Omani aircraft landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital on Saturday to evacuate 115 of the most seriously wounded from a Saudi-led coalition strike on a funeral last weekend, a rebel official said.

The strike killed more than 140 people and wounded at least 525, sparking an international outcry that prompted the coalition to announce an easing of an air blockade to allow the most seriously wounded to receive treatment abroad.

Oman is the only Gulf Arab state that is not part of the coalition fighting the Huthi rebels and has previously organised evacuations from Sanaa of Westerners and others who had been detained by the insurgents.
11 dead, 50,000 displaced in week of Somali bloodshed: UN

A week of violent clashes between rival forces in northern Somalia has killed 11 people and forced more than 50,000 to flee, the UN humanitarian agency said on Saturday.

Tensions between the rival regions of Puntland and Galmudug soared last month after Galmudug said 13 of its soldiers were killed in a misdirected US airstrike which was supposed to be targeting Shabaab fighters.

Galmudug immediately accused its neighbour of prompting the strike by feeding Washington false information, sparking a deadly standoff between the rival regions.

A Somali soldier patrols next to the burnt-out wreckage of a car that was targetted in a bomb attack in Mogadishu on September 5, 2016 Mohamed Abdiwahab (AFP/File)

On October 7, clashes erupted in Galkayo, a town divided between the two administrations and rival clans, with Puntland accusing Galmudug forces of staging an attack in retaliation for the US strike.

"At least 11 people were killed and dozens wounded between October 7 and October 13," Tapiwa Gomo, Somalia spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told AFP.

He added that a peace agreement signed on October 9 had failed to hold with fighting erupting "less than 24 hours after".

"Intermittent fighting continues and humanitarian partners in Gaalkacyo (Galkayo) estimate that over 50,000 people have been displaced as of 13 October," said an OCHA statement released late on Friday.

"Local authorities have indicated that the number could be higher as more people continue to flee the violence," it said, indicating that around 60 percent of these civilians were interally displaced people being forced to flee a second time.

"The armed violence has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation."

Galkayo, which lies about 700 kilometres (440 miles) northeast of Mogadishu, is not under the control of the central government and has seen frequent clashes between rival groups and clans.

Such groups are distinct from the Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab fighters who are fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu.

In December 2015, at least 20 people were killed and 120 wounded in an eruption of violence between rival militia groups from Puntland and Galmudug that forced more than 90,000 people to flee.
Turkish-backed Syria fighters advancing on IS-held Dabiq

Turkish-backed fighters were advancing Saturday on the northern Syrian town of Dabiq, which has become a rallying cry for the Islamic State group as the prophesied scene of an end-of-days battle.

"We are now advancing. Where? To Dabiq," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in televised comments in the Black Sea province of Rize.

Turkey launched an unprecedented operation inside Syria on August 24, helping Syrian rebels to rid its frontier of IS jihadists and Syrian Kurdish militia.

Free Syrian Army fighters battle Islamic State jihadists in Yahmoul in the Marj Dabiq area on October 10, 2016 Nazeer al-Khatib (AFP)

In the operation's early weeks, Jarabulus and Al-Rai became the first two major settlements to be captured from the jihadists.

The Syrian rebels, supported by Turkish planes and tanks, seized a strategic hilly region from IS and were now only around 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Dabiq, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Two hours ago, the rebels started their attack to control Dabiq. The rebels came from Al-Rai," it said.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said the advance was backed by heavy artillery from Turkish-backed forces.

Dabiq holds crucial ideological importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

The town itself has negligible military value compared with the strategic IS-controlled cities of Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

But among IS supporters on social media, Dabiq has become a byword for a struggle against the West, with Washington and its allies bombing jihadists portrayed as modern-day Crusaders.

"The lions of Islam have raised the banner of the Caliphate in Dabiq," one Tunisian IS supporter on Twitter in 2014, shortly after the jihadists took the town. "Now they await the arrival of the Crusader army."

Earlier this week, IS tried to downplay the advancing rebel forces in its Al-Naba online pamphlet, saying the major battle for the town was yet to come.

Anti-IS fighters and their Turkish backers "have amassed in Aleppo, announcing Dabiq as their major goal," and thinking they could score "a great moral victory against the Islamic State."

But "the great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by great events and apocalyptic omens," the pamphlet, published Thursday, said.

"These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts -- the lesser Dabiq battle -- will end in the greater Dabiq epic," the group added.

Dabiq is also the name of the jihadists' sleek English-language propaganda magazine. Every new edition opens with a quote by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the late leader of IS's precursor, the Islamic State of Iraq.

"The spark has been ignited in Iraq, and its flames will grow until they burn the Crusader armies in Dabiq," he once said.
Russian flagship aircraft carrier departs for Syria coast

Russia's flagship aircraft carrier set off Saturday for the Mediterranean Sea where Moscow's naval forces are supporting its bombing campaign in Syria, the defence ministry said.

The deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier comes weeks after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the ship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to boost the country's naval forces in the area.

The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the ministry said.

Russia's flagship aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Syria Christos Avraamides (PIO/AFP/File)

In addition to safeguarding maritime navigation, the ships are meant to "respond to new types of modern threats like piracy and international terrorism," the ministry said.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of President Bashar al-Assad and has deployed a naval contingent to back up its operation.

This is the first time that the Soviet-era Kuznetsov -- Russia's only aircraft carrier part of its Northern fleet based in Murmansk -- will join the Russian deployment after undergoing a refurbishment.

The defence ministry did not specify how long the aircraft carrier's mission would last.

Russia has a base in government-controlled Syrian territory from which it has flown most of its bombing raids in the country.

This week President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying Moscow's deal with Damascus to deploy its forces in the country indefinitely, in a move seen as firming their long-term presence.

The defence ministry said earlier this week that Moscow was poised to transform its naval facility in the Syrian port city of Tartus into a permanent base.
Xi, Modi hold talks amid India frustrations

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed during talks late Saturday to work to resolve recent frustrations between the regional rivals, an official said.

Meeting on the eve of a BRICS summit of leading emerging nations, Modi and Xi agreed to further cooperate to combat "terrorism" and to work to reduce India's gaping trade deficit with China.

But Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said there was no resolution on China's decision to block India's entry to a nuclear trade group.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa on October 15, 2016 Press Information Bureau (PIB/AFP)

India wants to become a member of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to get better access to low-cost, clean energy which it says is important for its economic growth.

But China has so far declined to back India's request, saying it wants to wait until a consensus emerges at the group.

"Our broad concerns in the current state of the relationship were conveyed to the Chinese side," Swarup said after the meeting -- their third this year -- in the Indian beach state of Goa.

"The intention was that both sides would narrow down the areas of difference since the commonalities far outweigh (the differences)," he said.

"Our expectation and hope is that China will see the logic of what we are saying."

There was no immediate comment from China's side.

New Delhi was also frustrated earlier this year when Beijing blocked its request to add a Pakistani militant group chief to a UN sanctions blacklist.

India accuses the Jaish-e-Mohammad rebel group of involvement in a deadly attack on an Indian airbase in January and more recently a raid on a army base that killed 19 soldiers.

Islamabad denies any involvement in either.

China enjoys close relations with India's archrival Pakistan and is pursuing a slew of infrastructure projects there.

Modi is keen to secure Chinese funding to fulfill his election pledge to overhaul India's crumbling railways and other infrastructure.

But the world's two most populous nations are jockeying for influence in Asia and their relationship is coloured by territorial disputes at both ends of the Himalayas.
Niger hunts kidnapped US aid worker

Niger has launched an army operation to hunt down a kidnapped American aid worker, the west African country's interior minister said Saturday.

The aid worker -- the first US national to be kidnapped in Niger -- was abducted Friday night in the town of Abalak, in the restive central Tahoua region.

"A search is underway. Our forces have been mobilised," Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum told AFP by telephone.

Last week, 22 of Niger's soldiers were killed when armed men who had travelled from Mali launched an attack on a refugee camp in the town of Tazalit Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)

The kidnappers are still in Niger, he added, after a security source told AFP earlier that they had already slipped across the border to Mali.

Bazoum said the abductors were "jihadists or bandits" seeking to sell the American to Islamist extremists operating in Mali.

He did not name the victim, but the interior ministry said he had been living in the area since 1992 for JEMED, an aid group working with the local Tuareg community.

The ministry said the kidnappers, who were armed and travelling in a Toyota, had burst into the man's home on Friday night around 9:00 pm.

They killed a bodyguard and a member of the national guard, before seizing the aid worker and heading west in the Toyota.

"These criminals are presently en route towards Mali," the ministry said in a statement, adding: "Our forces are on their trail."

A US State Department spokesperson told AFP said they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

- Aid worker 'refused to leave' -

A local resident who knows the aid worker said he was "perfectly integrated with the population" having lived nearby since the 1990s, speaking the Tuaregs' Tamasheq language fluently as well as Fula and Arabic.

"We tried many times to make him leave the area as he was more exposed than ever, but he refused, saying he wasn't afraid," the resident said on condition of anonymity.

Northern Mali fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in 2012. A French-led military intervention pushed them out, but swathes of the country remain out of government control and awash with armed groups.

Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence in neighbouring countries, including Mali.

The army has a heavy presence deployed along its northwestern frontier and Niamey has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the Mali conflict.

"To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger," Issoufou said this week during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Last week, 22 of Niger's soldiers were killed when armed men who had travelled from Mali launched an attack on a refugee camp in the town of Tazalit.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast from Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram.

The Tahoua region, where Friday's kidnapping took place, neighbours Agadez where the US has a military base which it uses to launch surveillance drones targeting jihadist groups.

A senior security source told AFP the kidnapping came as a surprise, as "the Americans do not pay ransoms".

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country.

Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.
Two US citizens held in Yemen freed: Oman state media

Two US citizens "held" in Yemen have been freed and were taken to Oman on Saturday after mediation by authorities in the Gulf nation, the state-run Oman News Agency reported.

The agency, quoting an Omani foreign ministry spokesman, said the two Americans were brought to Oman aboard an aircraft that earlier Saturday flew to the Yemeni capital to evacuate those wounded in air strikes on a funeral in Sanaa last week.

It did not identify the US nationals.

Wounded Yemeni men sit in the airport in Sanaa on October 15, 2016, as they wait for an Omani plane to evacuate them Mohammed Huwais (AFP)

But it quoted the spokesman as saying that Oman mediated the release of the pair in order "to help the American government obtain the liberation of a number of Americans held in Yemen."

"Two of them were freed and taken this evening to the Sultanate of Oman aboard an Omani air force plane ahead of the repatriation," the spokesman added.

He said Omani authorities secured their release "in coordination with Yemeni parties in Sanaa", the capital which is under the control of the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, supporters of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The United States confirmed the release of its citizens.

"We welcome reports that two US citizens who had been detained in Yemen were released and have arrived safely in Oman," said State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner.

He said Washington was "deeply grateful" to Oman for facilitating their release and noted a "humanitarian gesture by the Huthis in releasing these US citizens".

"We call for the immediate and unconditional release of any other US citizens who may still be held," added Toner.

There have been dozens of kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen over the years, most of them by members of the country's heavily armed tribes seeking concessions from the authorities.

Since the Huthi rebels overran the capital in September 2014, they have detained several Westerners, most of whom have been released through Omani mediation.

On September 20, a US citizen who ran an English-language school in Sanaa was detained by men who said they were security officers working for the Huthis, witnesses said at the time.

A rebel leader later said the US national was detained for providing the Saudi-led coalition with target coordinates for its deadly campaign against the Iran-backed Huthis.

Saturday's release comes almost two weeks after a Franco-Tunisian Red Cross female staffer kidnapped in Yemen almost a year ago was freed and taken to Muscat after Omani mediation.

A member of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman has good ties with countries outside the wealthy bloc including Iran and Yemen.

It is the only GCC country not to have joined the coalition air war against the Huthis and their allies in Yemen, although it maintains good relations with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

Oman is also one of the few Arab countries to have a good relationship with Shiite Iran and has mediated between Tehran and Washington on prisoners in the past.

In September last year, Yemeni rebels freed six foreigners, two of them Americans.
Kerry: new ideas discussed at Syria meeting

The United States, Russia and Syria's neighbours discussed new ideas for reviving a ceasefire in the war-torn country at talks Saturday in Switzerland, Washington's top diplomat said.

Secretary of State John Kerry said lower level officials would be in contact again as early as Monday to flesh out a new agenda, but refused to reveal details of the initiatives.

Kerry described the meeting as a "brainstorming" session and that despite tensions between the parties had not descended into rancour, with all agreeing on the urgency of the crisis.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) getures next to Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir at the end of Syria peace talks on October 15, 2016 in Lausanne Fabrice Coffrini (AFP)

"I would characterise this as exactly what we wanted," he told reporters at the Lausanne hotel where he met Russian, Iranian, Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian, Jordanian, Iraqi and Qatari envoys.

Kerry welcomed what he said was "a very candid, first time discussion, as open and free-wheeling as this, with all of the key parties at the table simultaneously."

"There were some difficult moments, where there was obviously tension, but everybody was constructive, he said, of a meeting that included traditional foes Tehran and Riyadh," he said.
US military detects failed N. Korean missile launch

The US military said it had detected an unsuccessful launch by North Korea of a powerful medium-range missile capable of hitting US bases as far away as Guam.

UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from using ballistic missile technology, and this latest test came as the UN Security Council is debating fresh sanctions on Pyongyang following its fifth nuclear test in September.

The US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) said the launch, detected just after midday Saturday Korea time, was believed to be of a much-hyped Musudan missile which North Korea has now test-fired seven times -- with one partial success.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) arrives to inspect a test-fire of strategic submarine-launched ballistic missile at an undisclosed location, on August 25, 2016 KCNA via KNS (KCNA via KNS/AFP/File)

Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross condemned what he called a clear violation of UN resolutions and urged Pyongyang to refrain from any further actions that might raise already elevated tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Seoul's defense ministry also confirmed the failed launch, held near an air base in the northwestern city of Kusong in North Korea at 1203 Pyongyang time (0333 GMT).

"This provocation only serves to increase the international community's resolve to counter (North Korea's) prohibited activities," said Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross.

"We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation," Ross added.

- Pacific threat -

Such launches are usually reported within hours or even minutes by the South Korean and US militaries, but Seoul's defense ministry refused to say why the announcement came so long after the event.

First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres.

The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam.

After a string of five failed launches, North Korea test fired a Musudan in June that flew 400 kilometres into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

That test was hailed by leader Kim Jong-Un as proof of the North's ability to strike US bases across "the Pacific operation theatre".

- ICBM threat -

US weapons analysts say successful Musudan testing could help the nuclear-armed North develop an operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the US mainland by 2020.

The North has publicly displayed an ICBM, called the KN-08, which uses the same engine technology as the Musudan but has never been test-fired.

The North Korean state media made no mention of Saturday's attempted launch, but the official KCNA news agency carried a foreign ministry statement warning that the United States would "pay a high price" for recent hostile behaviour that had "hurt the dignity of the supreme leadership".

President Barack Obama "will come to understand the meaning of the price before he leaves the White House," a ministry spokesman said.

There has been widespread speculation -- backed by satellite imagery showing activity at key military installations -- that the North is preparing a sixth nuclear test or a long-range rocket launch -- or possibly both.

The latest Musudan test was the first since Seoul and Washington agreed to deploy a sophisticated US anti-missile system on South Korean soil to curb the North's growing nuclear weapons threat.

Pyongyang has threatened to take "physical action" against the new system, which has also been condemned by China as a US bid to flex its military muscle in the region.

There has been widespread speculation -- backed by satellite imagery showing activity at key military installations -- that the North is preparing a sixth nuclear test or a long-range rocket launch -- or possibly both KCNA (KCNA/AFP/File)
Three people killed in Los Angeles shootout

Three people were killed and at least a dozen more injured when a shooting broke out after an argument at a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles, police said Saturday.

One person has been arrested and police have launched a manhunt for another in connection with the deadly incident in West Adams, in the southwestern part of the metro area, said spokesman Lieutenant Chuck Springer.

Around 1900 GMT, investigators were still on scene, and the bodies still inside the home that was temporarily turned into a restaurant.

One person has been arrested and police have launched a manhunt for another in connection with the deadly shooting at a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles Frederic J. Brown (AFP/File)

A woman was taken out and rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

"Today, Los Angeles woke up to a horrifying shooting in West Adams -- the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation," said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

No motive has yet been identified.

"It's a bloody scene with shell casings everywhere," LAPD spokesman Sergeant Frank Preciado told the Los Angeles Times, adding that there were about 50 people in the restaurant at the time of the shooting.

It was a popular Jamaican eatery that often held parties on Friday nights, the Times said.
ANC youth wing 'call to arms' to defend graft-tainted Zuma

The youth wing of the ruling African National Congress issued a call to arms Saturday in defence of South African President Jacob Zuma as his finance minister fought back in a fraud case involving an Indian business family linked to the scandal-tainted leader.

Zuma has been under pressure over persistent allegations the powerful Gupta family held undue political sway over him to the extent it could even nominate a cabinet minister.

South Africa's anti-corruption watchdog upped the ante on Friday in urging the prompt release of a potentially explosive report into the allegations after Zuma launched a court action as a delaying tactic.

In August, the ANC suffered its worst showing in local elections since it first came to power after the end of apartheid two decades ago Gianluigi Guercia (AFP/File)

Fighting his own corner having repeatedly clashed with Zuma loyalists, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan dubbed several transactions made by Gupta-linked companies "suspicious" in court papers seen Saturday by AFP.

The leader of ANC's youth league promptly urged its supporters to take up arms to support Zuma and to "defend the revolution."

"Comrades from Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), bring your guns. Now is the time to defend the revolution. We must do it," Collen Mainee told Zuma supporters in Durban.

"Jacob Zuma is surrounded by snakes in the ANC ... We won't allow anybody to bring Zuma down," Maine vowed.

- 'Hands off Zuma' -

South Africa's News24 broadcaster said some 4,000 people brandishing "hands off Zuma" banners joined Saturday's rally.

The delayed report into the allegations against Zuma are set for release on November 1 under new Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who took over Saturday after Thuli Madonsela's seven-year mandate expired.

Zuma has denied any abuse of influence emanating from his links with the Gupta family, to whom he admits he is close.

But those links and myriad allegations of corruption have been sapping his authority.

In August, the ANC suffered its worst showing in local elections since it first came to power after the end of apartheid two decades ago. The polls saw the opposition Democratic Alliance win key municipalities, notably Pretoria and Port Elizabeth.

Gordhan filed court papers Thursday containing details of exchanges he had with South Africa's Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) regarding transactions made by firms linked to Gupta over the past four years and valued at 6.8 billion rand ($500 million/440 million euros) which the FIC dubbed "suspicious".

The correspondance followed a decision major South African banks took in April to close the accounts of firms linked to the Guptas.

Gordhan, appointed last December, has won praise from the financial world for his stewardship of the economy but has clashed with Zuma over the running of several state enterprises amid allegations of widespread public sector graft.

The Gupta family have come under the microscope over reports they wield influence over the appointment of heads of state-run firms as well as some cabinet appointments.

Those allegations gained credence in Gordhan correspondence purportedly showing that Gupta representatives had asked him to lean on the banks to re-open the accounts they had closed.

In his court filing Gordhan said the law did not allow a government to give such an undertaking.

Gordhan himself stands accused of creating a "rogue" tax surveillance unit in the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) he ran for a decade prior to his first stint as finance minister from 2009 to 2014.

He is also accused of misconduct involving cheating the state out of 1.1 million rand over a retirement package paid to a colleague in 2010.

Gordhan insists the allegations against him are politically motivated.
Mexico official: 'El Chapo' could be sent to US early 2017

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico's national security commissioner says jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman could be extradited to the United States by early next year.

Renato Sales tells Televisa it could happen "in January or February."

A lawyer for Guzman said recently that a court could rule on his extradition around the end of the year. But he says either side would then be able to appeal.

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2014 file photo, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is escorted to a helicopter in handcuffs by Mexican navy marines at a navy hanger in Mexico City. Mexicos national security commissioner says the jailed drug lord could be extradited to the United States by early next year. Renato Sales tells Televisa it could happen in January or February. A lawyer for Guzman said recently that there there could be a court decision on extradition around the end of the year, but either side would then be able to appeal. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

Sales also said in the interview posted online Friday that the Sinaloa drug cartel boss "is not running absolutely anything from prison."

He added that Guzman is under special surveillance due to his two previous prison breaks and cannot mix with the general population.

In Sales' words, "He is not in a five-star hotel."
The Latest: Jim Beam workers in Kentucky reject new offer

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  The Latest on a contract vote by distillery workers at Jim Beam plants in Kentucky (all times local):

7:50 p.m.

Another round, same results for Jim Beam as its distillery workers in Kentucky have rejected another contract offer.

The Friday vote came hours before a looming strike at the world's largest bourbon producer.

United Food and Commercial Workers union official Tommy Ballard says workers at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston rejected a revised contract proposal by a wide margin.

The company did not immediately respond to the latest vote. The American whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company.

The current contract runs through Friday. Earlier in the week, union members voted overwhelming in favor of going on strike after rejecting the company's offer.

The company came back with a revised offer.

___

4:20 p.m.

Whiskey workers at two Jim Beam distilleries in Kentucky are voting on a revised contract offer as a strike deadline looms at the world's largest bourbon producer.

United Food and Commercial Workers union official Tommy Ballard says workers at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston are voting Friday on the new proposal.

Earlier, union members voted overwhelming in favor of going on strike after rejecting the company's offer. The current contract runs through Friday.

After the Tuesday evening vote, company executive Kevin Smith said the whiskey maker was committed to "resolving this matter expeditiously."
Stein brings activism, but no wins, to outsider 2016 contest

RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Green Party candidate Jill Stein wasted no time trying to swoop in on Bernie Sanders' political revolution.

Little more than a blip on the radar screen for a dozen years, Stein saw a fresh opportunity to woo progressives, climate activists and young radicals when Sanders left the race and threw his support behind Hillary Clinton. She's worked to build on that momentum since, but has been largely unable to draw crowds quite matching the throngs of angry voters that flocked to her outside the Democratic National Convention.

"Democracy needs a moral compass. It needs our vision, it needs our values  it doesn't need our silence and our fear," she said to a rally of several hundred last week in California.

In this Oct. 6, 2016, photo, Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein meets her supporters during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

Stein is, in many ways, further left than Sanders. She's pledging to wipe out student debt entirely and to create a wartime mobilization of resources to move the United States toward 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. But Stein has no experience in elected office and downplays the difficulty of working with an entity like Congress to pass her dramatic policy initiatives.

Stein, 66, is a doctor by training who has only ever been elected as a town meeting member in Lexington, Massachusetts  a position requiring a few hundred votes. She lost races for Massachusetts governor in 2002 and 2010, state representative in 2004 and Massachusetts secretary of state in 2006. In her 2012 presidential bid, she couldn't crack 500,000 votes.

Stein acknowledges she's not really hoping for a win. Instead, she wants to continue to build the legitimacy of the Green Party. If she wins enough votes, she can help keep the party on state ballots. If she manages to crack 5 percent, a tall task at this point, the party will be available for more public funding.

"The more powerful we are in this election, the more votes we get, the greater the chances of averting this catastrophic future that is being pursued by the both the Democratic and Republican Party," Stein told The Associated Press.

Not all self-proclaimed progressives support her approach. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania mayor who unsuccessfully ran for the state's Democratic Senate nomination on a Sanders-like platform, said Trump is too dangerous  and Stein too inexperienced  to vote for anyone other than Clinton.

"She has run a sad campaign," Fetterman said of Stein. "If you're going to wade in in the public interest, or at least under that auspice, it's at least incumbent on you to have experience, competence and an actual path."

Stein was a practicing doctor, focusing on internal medicine in young adults, before she began her foray into activism. Born in Illinois, Stein stayed in Massachusetts after graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1979. Her husband, Richard Rohrer, is also a doctor, and they have two sons, ages 30 and 33.

In the 1990s, Stein joined the movements to regulate Massachusetts' "Filthy Five" coal plants and reduce mercury exposure in the food supply. Activists in the movement say Stein's medical background was critical as she testified before legislative panels on the damage of mercury and other pollutants to child brain development.

"She was a known expert on the scene and also very concerned about these issues, and so she was very eager to help make the health case for reducing pollution," said Cindy Luppi, New England director of the Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund and someone who worked with Stein in the 1990s.

Stein's activism eventually led Massachusetts' Green-Rainbow Party to tap her to run for governor in 2002. Stein, who long viewed politics as a corrupt business, took the offer, realizing that gaining political stature could be an effective way to mount change. At the time, Stein was also fighting for campaign finance reform and single-payer health care.

"There was just this feeling that, as advocates, we were being blocked at every juncture," Stein said. "I said, everything else is failing, might as well try electoral politics."

Not everyone in the environmental movement agreed with Stein's approach. Lynn Nadeau, a fellow anti-coal activist, said she felt Stein's idealism sometimes got in the way of achieving practical goals.

"By the time she ran (for governor) in 2010, I was disgusted with her lack of insights and groundedness in practical reality," Nadeau said in an email. "Obviously she didn't listen to me and continues in her quixotic venture."

But more than a decade after her first run, Stein and her supporters see her continued pursuit as necessary in the face of dire times. She's offering an urgently pessimistic view of America's future, warning that a Clinton presidency could lead the nation into nuclear war and that the looming dangers of climate change are worse than World War II.

"There is not a future here for our younger generation  nor for the rest of us," Stein said. "We need to stand up and fight with every ounce of our energy."

Yet she also seems to believe that being president would not be that hard, telling The Washington Post recently that the job isn't "rocket science." She's largely failed to acknowledge the difficulty of pushing through some of her programs.

But to Stein and her backers, the practicality of the ideas may not be the point. Right now, it's more about spreading a message.

"Jill's attitude is that the real wisdom in this country and the real integrity doesn't lie inside the halls of the politicians elected with dirty money," said John Andrews, a Massachusetts Green-Rainbow Party member who has been with Stein since 2002. "It is out in the streets, it is out with people who know that the system is rotten, know that it's rigged."

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Associated Press writer Janie Har in Oakland, California, contributed to this report.

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Follow Kathleen Ronayne on Twitter at https://twitter.com/kronayne

Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein records a promotional announcement with some of her supporters, during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein, center, poses for a group photo with her supporters during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein answers questions from members of the media during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

Accompanied by 2004 presidential candidate David Cobb, left, Green party presidential hopeful Jill Stein meets her supporters during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

Campaign buttons for Green party presidential hopeful Jill Stein sit ready during the candidate's appearance at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)

In this Oct. 6, 2016, photo, Green party presidential candidate Jill Stein, center, takes questions from reporters during a campaign stop at Humanist Hall in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
American aid worker kidnapped in Niger, official says

BAMAKO, Mali (AP)  Gunmen stormed the house of a longtime American aid worker in Niger, killing two people before fleeing with the man toward the border with Mali, authorities said Saturday.

It is believed to be the first time an American citizen has been abducted in the vast Sahel region, where al-Qaida and criminal gangs have targeted French nationals and other Europeans for more than a decade, demanding millions of dollars for their release.

?"We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niger," a State Department official said after the abduction late Friday. "The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though al-Qaida-linked militants have abducted foreigners in Niger and brought them to northern Mali before.

The government of Niger said in a news release Saturday that the American had lived there since 1992.

"These criminals are currently en route toward Mali and our forces are pursuing them," the interior ministry said in its statement. "The president of the republic is personally following the situation and our forces are fully mobilized to capture them and put an end to this disastrous affair."

Gov. Daouda Maiga, governor of Mali's Menaka region bordering Niger, said authorities there were alerted to be on the lookout for a white Toyota Hilux, a vehicle often used by jihadists in the region.

The abduction took place in Abalak, in the Tahoua region of Niger. About a week ago, 22 people were killed in a refugee camp some 155 miles (250 kilometers) away.

A number of foreigners remain hostage in the Sahel region, including a Swiss woman and a South African-British dual national, both seized in separate attacks in Timbuktu, Mali. In Burkina Faso, an Australian doctor and a Romanian man are being held captive.

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Thai police disperse mob stirred by alleged king insult

PHUKET, Thailand (AP)  Police and soldiers on the Thai resort island of Phuket dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the country's king, who died this week.

Video shot Friday evening shows the crowd blocking the road outside a soy milk shop and waving placards with slurs such as "buffalo," a local slang word for stupidity. Some shouted for the man to come out.

One man in the rowdy crowd yelled, "If you don't love the king, who else would you love in this land?" as others argued with officers blocking the entrance to the shop.

In this Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 image made from video, people gather outside a soy milk shop on the Thai resort island of Phuket. Police and soldiers on the Thai resort island of Phuket dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the country's king, who died this week. (AP Photo)

King Bhumibol Adulyadej's death Thursday after 70 years on the throne has sparked a national outpouring of grief.

Police and a community leader wielding a megaphone dispersed the crowd by leading them to a local police station to lay a complaint.

Thai media reported that the crowd's anger stemmed from online comments that were made by the man long before the king's death.

Thailand has draconian lese majeste laws that impose stiff prison sentences for actions or writings regarded as derogatory toward the monarch or his family.

Phuket police commander Theerapol Thipcharoen said the public "came out to express their love for the king and weren't happy for anyone to disrespect him."

"But they were not violent and they knew it would be inappropriate, especially in the circumstance," he said.

In this Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 image made from video, people gather outside a soy milk shop on the Thai resort island of Phuket. Police and soldiers on the Thai resort island of Phuket dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the country's king, who died this week. (AP Photo)
WADA signs agreement with Japanese drug maker

TOKYO (AP)  The World Anti-Doping Agency has signed an agreement with Japanese drug maker Astellas Pharma Inc. to help fight doping in sports.

Astellas will identify compounds it produces, including those in development, that could be abused by athletes and share the information with the agency to help find methods of detecting the substances.

The company also will cooperate with WADA to minimize risks of such substances being misused while they're still in clinical trials.

The deal is WADA's latest collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to help catch drug cheats, following an agreement with British company GlaxoSmithKline ahead of the London Olympics in 2012.
Merkel: 'national effort' to ensure rejected migrants leave

BERLIN (AP)  Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany needs to make a "national effort" to ensure that migrants who are refused asylum leave the country.

Germany has seen a steep decline this year in the number of asylum-seekers arriving after 890,000 came last year. The government says some 213,000 newcomers arrived in this year's first nine months.

However, officials have long said that Germany needs to do more to ensure that rejected asylum-seekers leave. Some 60,000 left or were deported between January and September.

German chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a speech at the meeting of her Christian Democrats' Youth Organization. JU, in Paderborn, Germany, Saturday Oct. 15, 2016. Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany needs to make a national effort to ensure that migrants who are refused asylum leave the country. Germany has seen a steep decline this year in the number of asylum-seekers arriving after 890,000 came last year. The government says some 213,000 newcomers arrived in this years first nine months. ( Guido Kirchner/dpa via AP)
Shooting, stabbing at model Miranda Kerr's home

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Media reports say an intruder outside the mansion of supermodel Miranda Kerr has been shot by a security guard, and Kerr wasn't home at the time.

A Los Angeles Sheriff's Department spokesman said that an intruder at a Malibu residence Friday was shot three times after he stabbed a security guard late-morning Friday. Sgt. Jeff Delrio said Saturday he could not immediately provide the home address or confirm that the property was Kerr's residence.

He said the security guard was stabbed near one of his eyes and both men were taken to a hospital. He said they are expected to be OK.

FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2016 file photo, Miranda Kerr arrives at the Warner Music Group Grammy Awards After Party at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Media reports say an intruder outside the mansion of Kerr has been shot by a security guard, and Kerr wasn't home at the time. A Los Angeles Sheriff's Department spokesman said that an intruder at a Malibu residence Friday, Oct. 14, was shot three times after he stabbed a security guard late-morning Friday. Sgt. Jeff Delrio said Saturday he could not immediately provide the home address or confirm that the property was Kerr's residence.(Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP)
For Clinton, a daily dose of faith along with politics

At about 5 a.m. each day  maybe a little later on weekends  an email from the Rev. Bill Shillady arrives in Hillary Clinton's inbox.

The contents? A reading from Scripture. A devotional commentary. And a prayer. They're sometimes inspired by the headlines  focusing recently, for example, on the role of women in the Bible.

"I know she reads them, because she responds to me," says Shillady, executive director of the United Methodist City Society in New York. "We've had some interesting emails back and forth about some of the concepts."

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton listens to a sermon after speaking at Little Rock AME Zion church in Charlotte, N.C., fewer than two weeks after the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott touched off two nights of violent protests in the city's downtown. At a presidential forum in 2007, Clinton said, "I take my faith very seriously and very personally. And I come from a tradition that is perhaps a little too suspicious of people who wear their faith on their sleeves ... a lot of the talk about and advertising about faith doesn't come naturally to me." (Diedra Laird/Charlotte Observer via AP)

It's no secret that Clinton is a lifelong Methodist. But Shillady  who officiated at Chelsea Clinton's wedding, led a memorial service for Clinton's mother, Dorothy Rodham, and gave the closing benediction at the Democratic National Convention  feels that many people don't really know how much her faith "is a daily thing."

He says this is because Clinton's faith is of a personal variety, one she's not very comfortable with broadcasting.

As Clinton said at a presidential forum in 2007: "I take my faith very seriously and very personally. And I come from a tradition that is perhaps a little too suspicious of people who wear their faith on their sleeves ... a lot of the talk about and advertising about faith doesn't come naturally to me."

One reason Clinton might not speak more about her faith is that her commitment to it has been challenged over the years by political foes for various reasons. That's perhaps not surprising, given her decades as a polarizing political figure.

Donald Trump also has questioned her faith, with this claim in June: "We don't know anything about Hillary in terms of religion." Perplexed Clinton supporters noted plenty has been said and written, by Clinton and others, about her faith.

Shillady has been sending Clinton the daily messages for some 19 months now. These days, he has a multi-faith team of clergy to help prepare them. Some younger female clergy have contributed recent writings about women, dovetailing with gender issues arising in the campaign.

On Saturday, his message included a quote from St. Francis of Assisi about the need to have peace in one's heart. Telling Clinton that she was being pulled in many directions and was "in the midst of a bee hive of this world," the pastor reminded her about "the inner peace that needs to be the center of your being," according to a copy of the message that he passed on.

Often, Shillady says, Clinton will reply with comments. Sometimes she may incorporate the ideas into public remarks, but generally it's for her own inspiration and comfort.

Have the messages changed at all during the extremely tense debate season? "Some of the recent writings have definitely been about standing firm in the faith and being bold and courageous and things of that sort," replies Shillady. "I've been sending messages about loving your neighbor, and loving those that are most difficult to love."

Shillady, who met Clinton in 2002 and came to know the family when they attended his Manhattan church, says "the spiritual component of her faith is pretty private"  partly due to the nature of Methodism itself. "The Bible says to pray in your private closet, and do good at all times, and I think that's how she lives out her faith," he says.

Another key aspect of Methodism  social justice  comes into play when looking at Clinton's life as a public servant, says Stephen Gunter of the Duke Divinity School. "Good Methodism is always a combination of acts of piety and deeds of justice," says Gunter, the school's associate dean of Methodist Studies. Methodist founder John Wesley, Gunter says, "had a favorite expression: 'There is no holiness without a social holiness.'"

Gunter says Clinton's faith "is not something that she wears on her sleeve as a badge of superior identity or something. It simply is who she is." And, he adds, "her personal faith has played a significant role in her formation as a public servant."

Clinton writes about Wesley and his teachings toward the beginning of her memoir, "Living History," and also about a formative moment in her teenage years in Park Ridge, Illinois: meeting the Rev. Don Jones, a Methodist youth minister with whom she remained close until his death in 2009.

"Rev. Jones stressed that a Christian life was 'faith in action,'" she writes. "I had never met anyone like him."

It was Jones who took young Hillary Rodham and other youth group members to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Chicago, which she describes as a moment of social awakening.

Jones became "not only the most important teacher in young Hillary's life, but also a counselor over the decades whose ministrations would show her ways to cope with adversity," biographer Carl Bernstein writes in "A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton." He adds that besides family, her Methodism is probably the most important foundation of her character.

As first lady in Arkansas and then in the White House, Clinton relied on her faith at difficult moments. She met regularly with a Christian woman's prayer group starting early in her husband's first presidential term, and said in a 1999 magazine interview that she'd had survived the Monica Lewinsky and impeachment ordeals through "soul-searching, friends, religious faith and long, hard discussions."

"It's just part of who she is," says Lisa Caputo, Clinton's White House press secretary during husband Bill Clinton's first term. "She carries a passage or two from Scripture with her. She is a very spiritual person, and derives great strength and comfort from her faith."

Yet her faith has often been viewed through the prism of politics. A poll early this year showed that Democrats were much more likely than Republicans to see Clinton as religious.

In the Pew Research Center poll in January, 65 percent of Democrats (or those leaning Democratic) said they saw Clinton as "very" or "somewhat" religious, with 27 percent saying she was "not too" or "not at all" religious. But among Republicans and Republican leaners, the figures were virtually reversed: 65 percent said she was not too or not at all religious, and 28 percent said she was at least somewhat religious.

Shillady, the Methodist pastor, is a strong supporter of Clinton's; he attended the first presidential debate at Hofstra University, and watched the second one on television.

"Well, I sat there praying," he says. "To give her strength, to give her courage, to give her compassion."

FILE - In this Sept. 25, 1994 file photo, President Bill Clinton, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and their daughter, Chelsea, sing a hymn during church services at the Bethel African Methodist Church in the Harlem section of New York. Clinton is a lifelong Methodist. But the Rev. Bill Shillady _ who officiated at Chelsea Clinton's wedding, led a memorial service for Clintons mother, Dorothy Rodham, and gave the closing benediction at the Democratic National Convention _ feels that many people don't really know how much her faith "is a daily thing." (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks while attending the Foundry United Methodist Church for their Bicentennial Homecoming Celebration in Washington. During Bill Clinton's presidency, the Clintons worshipped and participated regularly at the Foundry. (AP Photo/Molly Riley)

FILE - In this Sunday, March 13, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during service at Mount Zion Fellowship Church in Highland Hills, Ohio. A key aspect of Methodism _ social justice _ comes into play when looking at Clinton's life as a public servant, says Stephen Gunter of the Duke Divinity School. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
West Indies reaches 315-6 in day-night match vs Pakistan

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Pakistan snared three wickets with the second new pink ball in the day-night match as West Indies reached 315-6 at stumps Saturday on the third day of the first test.

Darren Bravo led a staunch resistance for West Indies with a defiant 87 off 258 balls and Marlon Samuels made 76. But Wahab Riaz got two wickets in quick succession and Bravo was caught at short leg to give Pakistan control of the first test.

Shane Dowrich was unbeaten on 27 and captain Jason Holder not out on 10 at stumps.

West Indies still trails by 264 runs in its first innings after Pakistan had posted a massive 579-3 declared on the back of Azhar Ali's triple century.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah provided an early breakthrough before West Indies had added to its overnight 69-1 when he clean bowled Kraigg Brathwaite (32) in his first over.

Samuels, whose second half-century in the last 17 test innings had 13 boundaries, defied Pakistan in a 113-run third-wicket stand with Bravo.

Samuels survived a tough chance soon after completing his fifty when Azhar injured his right hand while going for a catch off his own bowling and needed treatment off the field.

Seamer Sohail Khan finally got the breakthrough when he had Samuels on the back foot and trapped him leg before wicket in Pakistan's only success during the second session.

Pakistan's seamers changed their tactics with the second pink ball in the last session after little success with swing on a flat wicket up to dinner.

Jermaine Blackwood (37) and Bravo looked to rebuild the innings with a 77-run stand for the fourth wicket as Riaz challenged Blackwood with short-pitched deliveries before the right-hander finally gloved one behind.

Roston Chase (6), who had scored a century against India in the last test series back home, also couldn't get out of Riaz's lifter  offering a simple catch at leg slip.

Bravo looked firm in his innings of more than 6  hours until Azhar returned from treatment and scooped a brilliant reflex catch in front of his face to give debutant left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz his maiden test wicket.
Sign of times? New skis: Left 1 Clinton, right 1 Trump

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  Here's a sure sign the 2016 presidential campaign has gone downhill: A Vermont ski maker is out with a new pair featuring Hillary Clinton imagery on the left ski and Donald Trump on the right.

The Burlington Free Press reports (http://bfpne.ws/2eDpC5I ) that Renoun, in Burlington, has introduced the pair showing intricate artwork, with equal-opportunity dissing of both candidates.

The Trump ski shows him wearing a button with the message "#1 most disliked," while Clinton is wearing a "#2 most disliked" button. The Clinton ski features police tape, for those who think she's a walking crime scene, while the Trump ski features a border wall, for his widely panned anti-illegal immigration plan.

In this photo provided by Renoun, CEO Cyrus Schenck, poses with a pair of skis featuring Hillary Clinton imagery, at right, and Donald Trump, at left. (Courtesy of Renoun via AP)
Linked by signature law, McCain and Feingold fight back

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A pledge scrawled on Russ Feingold's garage door and featured in a quirky 1992 Senate ad assured Wisconsin residents that he would rely on them  not wealthy out-of-state donors  to bankroll his campaign.

Once the Wisconsin Democrat got to Washington he joined forces with Arizona Republican John McCain on efforts to deflate the influence of special interest money, passing a seminal campaign finance reform law that bears both senators' names.

But now, with McCain facing a tougher-than-expected re-election and Feingold seeking to win back the seat he lost six years ago, the authors of McCain-Feingold are benefiting from the same sources of funding they once scorned.

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2009 file photo, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., take part in a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Forever linked by the seminal campaign finance law that bears their names, John McCain and Russ Feingold built their reputations in the Senate around their commitment to deflating the power and influence of special interest money in politics. But now, the two allies on campaign finance reform find themselves benefiting from the same sources of funding they once scorned. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

The goal of their 2002 law was to shore up confidence in the political system and reduce the role of big money in elections. But it also allowed people and corporations to give their money elsewhere, to independent and third-party groups. Critics have argued that increased the power of those groups, weakening the role of political parties.

Feingold no longer abides by his 1992 garage door promise and doesn't spurn outside money to help his campaign. He defends his position as necessary in the wake of the landmark Citizens United Supreme Court ruling in 2010 that gave a green light for corporations, labor unions and other outside groups to spend unlimited cash on campaign ads as long as those activities aren't coordination with a candidate or party.

"(Citizens United has) completely changed the landscape," Feingold said during a campaign stop in late September. "And we're hoping we can overturn that decision and get back to some common sense. I don't want the outside groups. I never have. ... They have a right to do it, unfortunately."

Feingold's opponent, Sen. Ron Johnson, has branded him a hypocrite over the issue.

McCain declined repeated requests for comment. But longtime McCain backer Chuck Coughlin defended the senator's use of super PAC spending while saying he believes the current system is undermining democracy.

"The defense of what he's doing right now is he's using the law that is available to him that has evolved since the Citizen's United decision," said Coughlin, a Republican political consultant who worked for McCain in the 1980s. "It's my hope as a long-time McCain supporter and a loyal supporter that he will look at the wreckage of this landscape that's around us and choose to address it through reform."

Feingold almost lost his first re-election in 1998 because he refused to allow his campaign or any other allies to accept "soft money" to counter the millions that came in for his opponent. In 2010 Feingold found himself being challenged by Ron Johnson, a businessman with no prior political experience who was emboldened by the tea party movement. Feingold stood by his refusal to accept outside money, a spigot that Johnson was more than happy to turn on.

Independent groups spent about $3 million on the race, the vast majority of it going to help propel Johnson to victory.

This time Feingold proposed a "Badger Pledge" designed to blunt the impact of outside money. It was nearly identical to one Democrat Elizabeth Warren and Republican Scott Brown agreed to in Massachusetts' U.S. Senate race in 2012.

Johnson has refused to sign it.

Outside groups are spending heavily in the race, with $6.5 million coming in by early October. Of that, $1.2 million was benefiting Feingold and almost $6.3 million has gone to help Johnson.

Outside money also is pouring in for McCain, thanks mostly to $3.7 million from his own super PAC and $1.5 million from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The $5.4 million McCain has gotten from outside groups far outpaces the roughly $900,000 that have gone to help his opponents, a former Republican state senator McCain beat in the primary and his general election opponent Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.

Kelli Ward, who lost to McCain in the primary, said the super PAC spending is "an example of establishment elitist political hypocrisy that we see on both sides of the aisle at every level of government."

"The people who are in control like to make rules for the people they want to control but not for themselves," Ward said.

While Feingold's shifts on campaign finance is disappointing, it's equally disheartening that Johnson has not disavowed outside money, said Jack Heck, director of the government watchdog group Common Cause of Wisconsin.

"I'm more disappointed that the system has changed so dramatically," Heck said.

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Christie reported from Phoenix.

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Jim Obergefell, same-sex marriage plaintiff, to be honored

CINCINNATI (AP)  The lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage across the county is being honored with an award given to those that better their communities.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in Cincinnati, says Jim Obergefell (oh-BIRK'-uh-fel) will receive its Everyday Freedom Hero award. The award recognizes people and organizations that strive to live up to the ideals of the Underground Railroad movement.

A lawsuit by Obergefell and his dying partner John Arthur sought legal recognition of their marriage by the state of Ohio, leading to the 2015 Supreme Court decision.

Obergefell has continued as an activist for gay rights and other causes.

The Cincinnati center's president praises Obergefell as "a champion of civil rights."
Britons mark 950th anniversary of Battle of Hastings

BATTLE ABBEY, England (AP)  Thousands of history buffs, many in full costume, marked the 950th anniversary of the 1066 Battle of Hastings with a dramatic reenactment Saturday that commemorated one of the most important events in British history.

The battlefield in southern England seemed to erupt as more than 1,000 soldiers in period dress clashed with swords, swung their maces and shot arrows across the fields.

The reenactment was part of a weekend of festivities to commemorate the landmark battle. Tickets have long been sold out.

Re-enactors gather in Battle, near Hastings to re-enact the ancient clash between King Harold and William the Conqueror on the 950th anniversary of the fabled Battle of Hastings, Saturday Oct. 15, 2016. Some thousands of history buffs including many in full costume marked the 1066 Battle of Hastings with a dramatic reenactment that commemorates one of the most important events in British history. (Angus Dunsire / PA via AP)

Some of the participants, dressed as warriors, had walked or traveled on horseback roughly 300 miles (480 kilometers) from York in northern England to the Battle Abbey in East Sussex in southern England to recreate a march that preceded the battle.

They stayed along the way in Saxon-style encampments during the three-week trek, drawing stares from onlookers surprised by the contrast between present day England and 1066.

Nigel Amos, designated to lead the march organized by English Heritage, called his role "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The famous battle between William of Normandy and Anglo-Saxon King Harold ended in the latter's death. William assumed the crown on Christmas Day and ruled until his death in 1087.

Thousands of combatants died in the fighting and the bloody battle was later portrayed in the Bayeux Tapestry.

Historians believe that William, known also as William the Conqueror, founded the Battle Abbey on the site several years later as a way to do penance for the extensive bloodshed.

The weekend event also included falconry displays, archery events and history lectures. The battle is re-enacted each year, but interest was at a high peak for this year's anniversary.
Judge rebukes Florida's top election official in ballot case

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  A federal judge on Saturday issued a scathing rebuke to Florida's top election official in an order cancelling a hearing on a lawsuit over vote-by-mail ballots.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker accused Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner of delaying a hearing on the lawsuit "so that he could use every second available to run out the clock" so there wouldn't be enough time to address problems raised in the lawsuit. The judge also said Detzner's actions amounted to an "undeclared war' on the right to vote in Florida, the largest swing state in the presidential election.

The judge in Tallahassee, Florida said he will make a decision on the lawsuit without a hearing that had been set for Monday.

"This court will not allow the Florida Secretary of State  a high-level officer of the State of Florida  to take a knee and deprive Florida citizens of their most precious right," Walker said in his order.

A spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's Office, Meredith Beatrice, said in an email that the department had responded by the court's deadline. She also said her office wasn't the right defendant in the lawsuit since canvassing of mail-in ballots is done by county canvassing boards.

Detzner was appointed to the job by Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

The lawsuit filed by the Florida Democratic Party says thousands of vote-by-mail ballots are rejected each election because signatures on a voter's ballot envelope and registration file don't match. Under Florida law, a vote-by-mail ballot must have a signature to be counted.

County canvassing boards rejected more than 23,000 ballots in the 2012 presidential election, according to the lawsuit.

While voters who forget to sign their ballots are given the opportunity to fix that, voters whose signatures don't match aren't, and they should be given the same opportunity to "cure" any signature problems, according to the lawsuit.

In court documents, the Secretary of State's Office argued that county canvassing boards are responsible for fixing any problems, not the agency.

After the lawsuit was filed earlier this month, the judge held a scheduling hearing. The Secretary of State's Office requested a week to respond to the lawsuit and later the notified the judge that no witnesses or evidence would be presented at Monday's hearing.

"If one were skeptical, it would appear that the Florida Secretary of State requested as much time as he felt he could possibly justify so that he could use every second available to run out the clock," the judge wrote. "And by wasting a week on his scintillating response, he quite nearly succeeded."

___
Bolivia police arrest US man with some $1.5 million in gold

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  Bolivian police say they've detained a 76-year-old U.S. citizen with more than 121 pounds (55 kilograms) of gold.

Anti-narcotics chief Santiago Delgadillo says Robert Agnew Meyer also was found with a small amount of cocaine and several pounds (kilograms) of silver coins. He puts the value of the gold alone at more than $1.5 million.

Delgadillo says the man is being investigated for possible smuggling, though he has not been charged.
Claude Puel to maximise his Southampton squad ahead of busy period

Manager Claude Puel admits he may have to rest key players and even turn to the club's academy as Southampton begin a hectic period of fixtures against Burnley on Sunday.

The Clarets will be the first of seven opponents in 22 days for Southampton, who may also have an eye on Thursday's mouthwatering Europa League clash against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Saints then play Manchester City and Chelsea either side of an EFL Cup tie against Sunderland, before the reverse fixture against Inter and a tricky trip to Hull.

Claude Puel's Southampton host Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.

Puel will be without four first-team players this weekend as both full-backs, Cedric and Ryan Bertrand, are out with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively, along with Jeremy Pied and Sofiane Boufal, who are nursing knee problems.

Shane Long is also a doubt with a hamstring strain.

"It's important to recover all these players because in some positions we have the possibility to change the players with a good level," Puel said.

"We have (Matt) Targett or Cuko (Martina), they can play good games without problem. But with all these games every three days it's important to recover and change the team and keep all the time the energy.

"It's difficult. If a player plays every three days it's not possible to keep a good performance or physical level. It's important to recover these players quickly."

Puel added he may turn to the club's youngsters for back-up in defence, including 21-year-old Sam McQueen, who is yet to make his senior league debut.

"Sam McQueen is making progress at left back and is interesting for the future and perhaps we can see him in the next few games," Puel said.

"At right back a very young player in Yan Valery, but he is a very young player and I think it is too early to play with him. It is not possible.

"We also have a solution with Maya Yoshida. He can play at right back but without the performance of Cuco or Cedric."

Boufal's return is particularly anticipated given Southampton broke their transfer record by paying Lille 16million for the forward in the summer.

He arrived with a knee injury but is now back in training and Puel is hopeful the Moroccan can feature in the next few games.

"He came back to training last week. He improved every time but I think it is not for the moment, it is too early to see him but his knee improves," Puel said.
Parade of classic cars marks Queen's 90th birthday

Prince Michael of Kent was in the driving seat as he toured a string of 90 classic British-built cars marking the Queen's 90th birthday.

The vehicles formed rows in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace with the first - a Bullnose Morris Oxford built in 1926 - the year of the monarch's birth.

The prince inspected the vehicles and met drivers dressed in traditional costumes from the period of their cars - giving a full snapshot of nine decades of motoring progress.

From left to right, Pete Gaine, Mickey Barr and Stan Streather in a 1943 Humber Snipe, part of a display of 90 historic British-built motor vehicles in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Highlights included a 5 million Ford GT40, a Bentley Continental GT, a Back To The Future-style DeLorean as well as what was reportedly the first ever Mini off the production line.

A Second World War Austin K2 ambulance - a type which the Queen herself drove during the war - was displayed by Mike Lousada.

There were drip trays under cars to stop oil leaking over the forecourt - which was just as well considering many had been rebuilt from wrecks.

One included a 1970 bright yellow AA Austin 1100 patrol van, which had been sold by the breakdown specialists - only to be bought back as a shell and built up again.

The Buckingham Palace event was part of wider celebrations surrounding the Queen's life.

It was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Motor Group and the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group.

Prince Michael is no stranger to classic motors, having once led a rally of Bentleys from the UK to Moscow to raise money for charity.

Cars in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday

A 1970 AA Patrol Morris 1000 van arrives at Buckingham Palace to form part of a display of 90 historic British-built motor vehicles commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday.

A visitor views part of a display of 90 historic British-built motor vehicles in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Carole Clark polishes a 1958 Austin Healey Sprite mk1, part of a display of 90 historic British-built motor vehicles in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday.

Vintage cars arrive at Buckingham Palace to form part of a display of 90 historic British-built motor vehicles commemorating the Queen's 90th birthday.
Steve Cook whips up Bournemouth as Hull are soundly beaten

Steve Cook atoned for a defensive howler by heading Bournemouth's second goal in an eventful 200th club appearance as the Cherries hammered Hull City 6-1.

Junior Stanislas fired a brace to add to goals from Cook, Charlie Daniels, Callum Wilson and Dan Gosling, as Eddie Howe's men romped to their record Premier League victory.

Centre-back Cook gifted Hull possession then clumsily diverted Ryan Mason's speculative effort past the wrong-footed Artur Boruc - before burying a header at the other end just seven minutes later.

Steve Cook had mixed fortunes on a record day for the club

Mason's fortunate goal had Hull level at 1-1 and Cook pounding the turf in disbelief. When the Cherries stalwart nodded home Stanislas' free-kick, he relished his quick-fire redemption with a conciliatory wave to the home support.

A dismal showing from Hull leaves Mike Phelan's side without a Premier League win in their last six matches. That this was Phelan's first game as full-time manager after a lengthy caretaker stint made it all the worse.

Bournemouth fired six Premier League goals for the first time amid another assured showing dictated by midfield marshal Harry Arter.

The 26-year-old picked the right day to conduct the tempo, with Ireland boss Martin O'Neill no doubt an impressed spectator.

Cherries manager Howe's possession-based blueprint owes everything to link men Arter and Andrew Surman, the two deep-lying midfielders a constant outlet for their team-mates.

Bournemouth immediately hit their attacking straps, the relentless Arter kick-starting every fluid move.

Stanislas curled a free-kick off a post and Daniels buried the follow-up to hand the hosts the ideal start.

Hull spent the next 25 minutes chasing shadows as Eddie Howe's possession play took hold, Jordon Ibe growing in confidence if not end-product.

Half-chances unconverted could have cost the Cherries however, with Wilson striking the bar after diverting Ibe's low cut-back.

Stanislas saw a low drive deflected wide and Ibe blasted over from 25 yards after being left in acres of space once too often.

Just when Bournemouth looked to grapple total control, though, one mistake proved costly. Cook conceded possession far too cheaply with a stray pass, and Hull pounced.

Another Cook blunder gifted the visitors the goal too, the defender lazily redirecting Mason's long-range shot past the blameless Boruc.

The distraught Cook punched the turf then buried his face in his shirt - but somehow found a rapid redemption.

Just seven minutes later the 25-year-old headed home Stanislas' whipped free-kick, relishing the goal and also raising both hands in apology to the home faithful.

Bournemouth's dominance was then fully realised when Robert Snodgrass crudely upended Callum Wilson in the Hull box.

Stanislas stalked the ball from his team-mates once the cast-iron penalty was awarded, and duly converted the spot-kick, firing straight down the middle.

After the break Hull were perhaps unfortunate not to win a penalty when Mason went down under Surman's challenge. But after that the visitors were unable to generate any tangible threat.

Stanislas massaged the scoreline with his second and Bournemouth's fourth goal, tapping in at the far post after an accurate low cross from Adam Smith.
Intercept's liver drug gets conditional backing of EMA panel

Oct 14 (Reuters) - Drugmaker Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc's drug to treat a rare liver condition was conditionally approved an advisory committee to the European Medicines Agency on Friday.

The company's obeticholic acid, or Ocaliva, is aimed at patients with primary biliary cholangitis, a condition in which the body mistakes the bile ducts in the liver for foreign objects and tries to destroy their lining. (http://bit.ly/2dYKT7R)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in May to treat the disease.

The EMA grants conditional approval for drugs that fill an unmet medical need for serious conditions and show early evidence of clinical benefits outweighing the risks.

Intercept is also testing obeticholic acid to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, another serious liver disease with no approved treatments and a much bigger opportunity for the company.
S.African anti-graft watchdog hands report into Zuma's friends to parliament

PRETORIA, Oct 14 (Reuters) - South Africa's public protector said on Friday a report into allegations of political interference by wealthy friends of President Jacob Zuma has been submitted to parliament for safekeeping pending a court case that delayed its release.

"It is not an interim report, that is my final report. We have given it to the Speaker of parliament for safekeeping," Public Protector Thuli Madonsela told reporters in the capital. "I am not at liberty to discuss any aspect of that report."
Week of violence in South Sudan kills 60, government says

By Denis Dumo

JUBA, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Fighting in South Sudan killed at least 60 people this week, the military said on Friday, stoking fears the region could plunge back into full-scale war.

Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang accused the rebels of "burning civilians, maiming women and child abductions and setting ablaze properties."

Armed men loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar killed 11 government soldiers and 28 civilians from Saturday to Thursday, Koang said in a press statement. Twenty-one rebels were also killed, he said.

A spokesman for the rebels was not immediately available for comment.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, sank into civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, sacked Machar, a Nuer, from his position as vice president. Subsequent fighting often followed ethnic lines and human rights groups say both sides targeted civilians.

A peace pact in 2015 ostensibly ended the fighting but has frequently been violated. Major clashes broke out again in July. Machar fled the country and is seeking medical treatment in South Africa. He has been replaced as vice president by General Taban Deng Gai.

The government wants the international community to designate the rebels as terrorists and take punitive measures against them.

Koang said that could include "travel bans, asset freeze and extradition to ICC of key players including ... Riek Machar." The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) tries suspects accused of war crimes and genocide.
European shares lifted by stronger banks; Man Group surges

By Danilo Masoni and Sudip Kar-Gupta

MILAN/LONDON, Oct 14 (Reuters) - European shares rose on Friday to claw back ground lost in the previous session, with banking stocks outperforming, while hedge fund Man Group also surged higher.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 1.3 percent, after touching during the previous session a three-month low.

The index however remains down by around 7 percent so far in 2016, but Clairinvest fund manager Ion-Marc Valahu backed having a "long" position to bet on more gains for European stocks.

He cited expectations that Deutsche Bank would reach a settlement with U.S. authorities over alleged mis-selling of mortgage backed securities as one reason for this.

Deutsche Bank shares rose 2 percent, and Valahu also cited expectations that Italy would fix problems with its struggling banks as a further reason to stay upbeat on European stocks.

"You should stay 'long' on European equities. I expect positive resolutions on Deutsche and Italian banks," he said.

Europe's STOXX Bank was the biggest sectoral gainer with a gain of 2.2 percent, further undepinned by better-than-expected results from three big U.S. banks.

Shares in Banca Popolare di Milano and Banco Popolare both rose more than 6 percent as investors bet shareholders would approve a merger to create Italy's third-largest lender when they meet on Saturday.

Shares in French telecoms group SFR climbed 3.8 percent after rival Altice acquired another 5 percent stake in SFR, with the broader STOXX Europe 600 telecoms index advancing by 1.4 percent.

Shares in British hedge fund Man Group jumped 13.8 percent to top STOXX gainers after the company posted a rise in assets under management, and announced a share buyback and the acquisition of investment management company Aalto.

"Overall, we think (this) is an encouraging release, and reiterate our 'Buy'," said Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Philip Middleton in a research note.
AGCO eyes comeback in South America after political shifts

By Marcelo Teixeira

FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil Oct 5 (Reuters) - AGCO Corporation , a leading agricultural machinery maker, believes political changes in Brazil and Argentina could spur renewed farm investment in South America's two largest countries and revive the region's status as a growth area.

After seeing sales dive in the two grain-producing nations plagued by deep recessions, AGCO is betting the arrival of more business friendly governments will prompt a revival in investment in the agricultural powerhouses, its chief executive told Reuters in an interview.

The company even expects to see its first sales increase since 2013 as early as next year, chief executive Martin Richenhagen said on the sidelines of a four-day meeting with South American dealers in Foz do Iguacu, a Brazilian city bordering Argentina and Paraguay.

In Brazil, the world's biggest exporter of coffee, sugar and soy, centrist Michel Temer formally took over the presidency in August when left-leaning Dilma Rousseff was dismissed from office by the Senate on charges of breaking budget rules, in the midst of the worst economic downturn in decades.

In Argentina, also a major exporter of soy and corn, President Mauricio Macri has steered the country to the center-right since taking office in December.

"Yes, we are pleased with the political changes," Richenhagen said. "When Brazil comes back, it does so big time. So, we need to make sure we have the ability to react quickly."

The head of the Duluth, Georgia-based company also pointed to promising signs in Argentina after Macri scrapped most taxes on food exports and introduced new financing measures for farmers.

The German-born executive had branded the export taxes, introduced by the previous government of left-leaning Cristina Fernandez, a "stupidity."

He has also criticized the way Brazil's former left-leaning government had stalled on granting farmers' requests for financing, saying Brasilia was slowing down the process to reduce spending.

AGCO sales in South America have been falling since 2013. Its production in the region went from 38,785 units in 2013 to 23,560 in 2015, and should fall by about 5 percent this year.

But the company expects to see the first sales increase in 2017, by an estimated 12 percent. That should help compensate for smaller sales in the United States as lower grains prices cut investments by American farmers.

Despite recent setbacks, Richenhagen said that AGCO's investors were aware of Latin America's importance in a cyclical business environment.

"Around 80 percent of our business is done outside the U.S., which gives us a balanced portfolio so when things don't go well in a region they can be compensated in another," he said.

AGCO has seven plants in Brazil and one in Argentina. The company believes demand for agricultural machinery from the region will remain strong if financing is adequate.

Farming data showed there was ample scope for increased investment, he said.

While there are 12 hectares of farm land per tractor in Germany and 36 per tractor in the United States, there are 113 per machine in Brazil and 165 in Argentina.
Libyan forces advance in Sirte, 14 troops killed, officials say

SIRTE, Libya, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Libyan pro-government forces have advanced into another area in their battle to liberate Sirte from Islamic State in fighting that killed 14 of their troops, military officials and hospital sources said.

After six months of fighting, backed by U.S. air strikes, Libyan forces allied with the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli are close to clearing out the last remnants of the militant group from the former hometown of dead leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Heavy street-to-street fighting in the Ghiza Bahriya area involved tanks and armored vehicles with heavy machine guns, as well as airstrikes to retake houses occupied by Islamic State, according to military officials and a Reuters reporter.

"There was an incursion on Friday made by Bonyan Marsous forces into Ghiza Bahriya," said Ahmad Hadia, one of the spokesmen for pro-government forces who are mainly from the city of Misrata. "A car bomb was hit by warplanes of our forces."

Fourteen pro-government troops were killed and more than 20 wounded in clashes on Friday, a spokesman of the Misrata Central hospital, Akram Gliwan, told Reuters.

The fall of Sirte would be another blow to Islamic State just as the militant group comes under pressure in its main territory of Syria and Iraq, where it has also lost ground.

Islamic State took over Sirte a year ago as militants profited from the chaos that followed the 2011 fall of Gaddafi. Infighting among rival armed factions left the country with two competing governments and no central army.

The U.N.-backed government in Tripoli is struggling to expand its influence over powerful brigades of former anti-Gaddafi rebels who control different areas of the country.

Forces from the port city of Misrata began a campaign to retake Sirte six months ago, taking heavy casualties to recapture the city. But their progress advanced with the support of U.S. air strikes and small teams of Western special forces advising on the ground.

Islamic State is now dug in and keeping back Misrata forces with snipers and boodytraps in one remaining district.

With Misrata forces in Sirte, rival eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, who opposes the Tripoli government, has taken over four key oil ports. That has allowed resumption of oil exports but fuelled concern about renewed conflict.

Misrata backed Islamist-leaning brigades took over Tripoli from rivals in 2014 and set up their own self-declared government, forcing the elected parliament to operate in the east of the country backed by Haftar.
U.S. aid worker kidnapped in Niger - town mayor

NIAMEY, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Gunmen raided the house of a U.S. aid worker in central Niger overnight, killing his two guards before driving him off across the desert towards Mali, the mayor of the town said on Saturday.
Turkey-backed Syrian rebels attack Islamic State's Dabiq - rebel

BEIRUT/ISTANBUL, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Turkey-backed Syrian rebels began an attack on Islamic State's symbolically potent stronghold of Dabiq in northwestern Syria on Saturday, a rebel commander said, taking territory that has all but cut it off according to a war monitor.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said the rebels were advancing on Dabiq and a Turkish security source said they had that morning cleared the militants from the hamlet of al-Ghaylaniyeh.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the rebels had also taken the villages of Irshaf and Ghaitun, which would all but cut off Dabiq and another large village, Soran, in an isolated pocket surrounded by insurgents.

Dabiq is symbolically important to the jihadist group because it is the site of an apocalyptic Islamic prophesy, and Islamic State has stationed around 1,200 of its fighters there said the Observatory, a Britain-based war monitor.

Euphrates Shield, the campaign by Turkey and allied Syrian rebels to clear Islamic State from areas along the border between the two countries began in August.

A rebel commander in the Euphrates Shield operation said the attack on Dabiq had started on Saturday morning and the Observatory said the rebels backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes had begun their attack on the village's environs.

However, the Turkish military sources said the operation was ongoing.

"The operation for Dabiq started 10 days ago. We started the effort to take control of the region from the south. Daesh (Islamic States) targets are being hit by Turkish fighter jets and artillery" one of them said.

According to Islamic tradition, Dabiq will be the site of a final battle between Muslims and infidels heralding Doomsday, a prophesy that the jihadist group had encouraged its supporters to regard as imminent and named one of its publications "Dabiq".

However, in a recent edition of its al-Naba online publication, Islamic State appeared to step back from that position, saying that the coming battle for Dabiq between it and the Turkey-backed rebels was not the one in the prophesy.

While Euphrates Shield has pushed Islamic State from its last foothold on Syria's Turkish border, a longer campaign by the U.S.-backed, Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces has recaptured swathes of territory from the group since last year.
Stampede kills 24 pilgrims in ancient Indian city of Varanasi

By Rupam Jain and Sharat Pradhan

NEW DELHI, Oct 15 (Reuters) - At least 24 people died and dozens more were hurt in a stampede in the ancient northern Indian city of Varanasi on Saturday, officials said.

Panic spread as thousands of Hindu pilgrims tried to cross a bridge to a sacred site in one of the world's oldest inhabited cities, at the heart of the home constituency of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Rumours about the bridge collapse led to chaos after a man fell down in a crowd," said police officer Javeed Ahmad.

The incident occurred when thousands of followers of deceased Godman Baba Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village in a remote corner of Varanasi district to take part in the two-day ritual at a camp on the Ganges, Varanasi district magistrate Vijay Kiron Anand told Reuters.

Millions of Hindus go to Varanasi every year to pray and wash away their sins by taking a dip in the sacred river Ganges.

Modi, who was hosting a meeting of BRICS nations in the state of Goa, expressed his condolences to the victims' families and promised help.

Local police claimed that the stampede occurred because the number of devotees went far beyond their estimates.

"The organizers had sought permission for a gathering of just about 5,000 people, but when the crowds started pouring in, they went far beyond 70,000 to 80,000, thereby making it difficult for police on duty," a local police official said.

Deadly stampedes are common at India's big pilgrimages and religious festivals. In 2008, 145 people died when a panicking crowd pushed people over a ravine in north India. In 2013 a crowd rush at a railway station killed at least 36 Hindu pilgrims, attending a festival.

Last July, at least 27 were killed and dozens more injured in a stampede at a Hindu festival in south India and in August 10 more died in a similar incident in the eastern state of Jharkhand.

Ravindra Sharma, who was hurt in the stampede on Saturday, said his teenage daughter was missing and the authorities were unable to trace her.
Attackers set NNPC crude pipeline on fire in Niger Delta - Nigerian army

By Tife Owolabi

YENAGOA, Nigeria, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Attackers have set fire to a crude oil pipeline in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta, a military spokesman said on Saturday, the second strike in the country's oil hub within a day.

A militant group had earlier said it attacked the pipeline, which is run by the state oil firm NNPC and a local private firm, Shoreline, near Ughelli on Friday night.

"The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is not kidding with anybody," the militants said in a statement.

"This shall be the state of affairs until all of you adjust to taking our land and the lives of our people seriously," it said, referring to this and a similar attack in the same area on Thursday night.

There was no immediate information on the impact of the latest incidents on Nigeria's oil production. Attacks have reduced output by 700,000 barrels per day since the start of the year.

Militants say they want a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth to go to the impoverished Delta region. Crude sales make up about 70 percent of national income and the vast majority of that oil comes from the southern swampland.

Nigeria, an OPEC member, was Africa's top oil producer until the recent spate of attacks pushed it behind Angola.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the government is trying to negotiate a lasting solution with the militants, but there has been no visible progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis comment that Ravana was the new form of terrorism, has drawn flak from Ravana followers in Sri Lanka.

In his Vijayadashmi address in Lucknow recently, Modi had linked Ravana with terrorism and said that the first person to fight terror was neither a soldier nor a politician, but the mythological bird Jatayu who fought against Ravana to protect a helpless Sita, whom he was trying to kidnap.

We condemn the statement made by the Indian Prime Minister equalling King Ravana to a terrorist, Ven. Ittapane Saddhatissa, a Buddhist monk who leads the Ravana Force, said adding that the Ravana Force would soon hand over a petition to the Indian High Commission here, protesting against this remark.

Ven. Saddhatissa Thera said Modis comment hampers the ongoing reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. Another organisation called the Ravana Shakthi said Ravana had not been dubbed a terrorist even in the Ramayanaya. (PTI)
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for the Belgian capital of Brussels today to re-negotiate the GSP plus with the European Union.

I will be starting the negotiation on Monday to get Sri Lanka access to one of the important markets, the Prime Minister said addressing the National Occupation Safety and excellence awards ceremony organized by the Ministry of Labour and Trade Union Relations last night.

The Prime Minister said he would talk to the European Union nations about the measures taken by Sri Lanka to ensure occupational safety. I shall do this as occupational safety is one of the criteria which the European Union looks at when granting GSP plus status, he also said.

He stressed the need for competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters stating that it would be essential at a time Sri Lanka is negotiating trade pacts with a number of countries in the world.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel and Prince Laurent as well as top officials of European Commission and European Union during his tour. (Yohan Perera)
SC decision on triple talaq must be acceptable to all stakeholders: NCP MP Tariq Anwar (India Today)

NCP MP Tariq Anwar has said that the decision of the Supreme Court on the controversial triple talaq must be acceptable to all the stakeholders.

Speaking to journalists, Tariq Anwar said that the Centre which has come with its proposal to end triple talaq would be taken into consideration by the Supreme Court after which it will come with its verdict.

"The central government has given its proposal to ban triple talaq in India. Also, there are many Muslim countries which have already banned triple talaq. Many Muslim organizations and Muslim women are raising the demand of banning triple talaq.

There are also voices within the Muslim community which is saying that triple talaq is un-Islamic", said Tariq Anwar, NCP MP.
In 634 AD the Emperor of China, Taizong of the Tang dynasty, sent an army to discipline Songtsen Gampo, the ruler of the Tibetans.

Taizong was consolidating control on the western areas of China, especially over the oases located in current-day Xinjiang. This was part of the great Silk Road, which had been a source of wealth for China  and whichever warlord managed to capture a part of it  from the second century BC, when the Han dynasty first started to trade in silk. Songtsen Gampos rising power threatened Chinese prosperity, and Taizong thought that his armies would teach the Tibetan "red-faced barbarians" some manners.

He totally misjudged his opponent. The Tibetans soundly beat the Chinese regiments, and established themselves as the pre-eminent power in the region north of India, and west of China. As part of his victory, Songtsen Gampo also received a Chinese princess as a wife, showing how power allowed him to be treated at a level equivalent to the famously snobbish Chinese empire.

The Silk Route flourished for more than a thousand years, enriching those that traded alongside it, and empowering all  Chinese, Tibetan, Hun, Mongol, Persian or Arab  who managed to capture parts of it. It was only with the arrival of deep-bottomed sea-faring vessels that the Silk Route slowly disappeared, as the European nations remapped the world, and sea-borne trade now accounts for over 90 per cent of all trade.

This massive change in wealth and power is written across the world map, as the countries that captured and controlled seaborne trade became rich and prosperous, and those cut off from it, dwindled.

The great gold mines of Timbuktu, so rich that when Mansa Musa of the Malian Empire made the Hajj, he gave away so much gold, prices of gold fell across the world, are now forgotten. Timbuktu is now a name we use when we mean somewhere far away and forgotten.

Tibet dwindled too, its empire and wealth disappearing until all we know of it is saffron-robed monks cut off from the world.

Today, China is trying to turn this around with its One Belt, One Road network, or the new Silk Road, as it is often called. Part of this is driven by internal pressures.

Almost half of all new buildings built in the world in the last two decades have been in China, with a disproportionate amount of them being built in western China, after China started its Western Development Strategy in 2000. Nobody knows the exact amount spent, but until 2006, approximately a trillion yuan ($126 billion) had already been spent, so the estimate is somewhere close to three or four times that, or about half a trillion US dollars.

All this infrastructure has to be put to some use. Many of the buildings stand empty, and the construction crews will be unemployed, unless they build beyond the borders. This is one reason why CPEC is so important to China.

Sea-borne trade now accounts for over 90 per cent of all trade in the world. (Photo: Reuters)

Given that many of the richest people in China  who have their fingers in these big building companies  are deeply linked to the Chinese Communist Party, there is an added incentive for the government to support such projects.

Whatever its compulsions, China is committed to this project, and it potentially has a lot to gain. If it can connect its population, that of central Asia, Pakistan, Russia, straight to Europe, it would be able to link up some of the biggest economies on the planet with the sources of energy, minerals and rare earth metals.

If India could be involved, half of the worlds population would be part of this network.

Historically this would be natural, it is not for nothing that the Silk Road was linked to the spice trade, emanating from India. And it would be tremendously beneficial to India, which had more than 270 million people living under the poverty line in 2010 and 15 per cent - around 180 million people still undernourished in 2015.

Unlike the economic growth that has accompanied liberalisation creating so few jobs that it is called "jobless growth", trade provides many, many avenues for employment.

There is, though, a fly in the ointment, so to speak. To access the new Silk Road India needs to go through Pakistan. In fact, the thing about CPEC is that it should have ideally gone from Lhasa to Leh to Srinagar to Islamabad and Lahore. This route has the best roads, best weather, natural linkages, and would promote much more trade.

Except, of course, it cannot. There is Kashmir in the middle of all that.

As Pakistan continues its policy of supporting militants, and exporting militants to Indian governed areas, India is raising the ante  first with Narendra Modi bringing up Balochistan (smack dab on the CPEC route) and then by publicising, for the first time ever, its cross-LoC raids  signalling a willingness to destabilise the region further.

In this endeavour it has the support of key SAARC countries  Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan  and apparently the US. Only one of these, Afghanistan, would benefit from the new Silk Road. Trade with none of them would be able to offset potential trade India could have with the new Silk Road countries.

The potential loss to the new Silk Road countries is immense, which is one of the reasons that Russia, which supplies and has contracts to maintain the majority of our large weapons systems, is going out of its way to "mediate" between India and Pakistan.

Although Kashmir is off the table in such "mediations", this is not an ideal position for India. If it allows third countries to intrude, it loses its ability to play its strengths against Pakistan. If it ups the ante, and encourages greater destabilisation, it not ends up directly undermining Chinese and Russian interests, it loses the potential benefits from accessing the new Silk Road  something that will lower life chances for our poorest citizens.

This is not ideal for Russia or China either  without Indian participation the new Silk Road will lose a large positive force. It is in the self-interest of all those living in the region to make this initiative work.

Unfortunately the dysfunctional relationship between Pakistan and India and within India (vis-a-vis J&K) may mean that we all lose.
The recent surgical strike on Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)-based militants may have avenged Uri, but by no means has affected the pattern of terrorists attacking the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Since the Uri attack, around 15 incidents of cross-border terror and ceasefire violation have taken place - including six terror bids since September 28.

The biggest question during the festive season in India is whether the threat perception is higher than usual. Big cities, important establishments and airports have been put on high alert. The truth is, only few days after a cross-LoC surgical strike operation by Indian military commandoes, India in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular is no more safer. If anything, the threat perception is alarming.

On October 14, militants attacked a paramilitary force convoy on the outskirts of the Srinagar city. The attack was carried out at Zakura, where militants fired at the vehicles of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which were carrying security personnel to their camp. One jawan of the SSB was martyred and eight others injured .

The banned terrorist organisation Al-Umar Mujahideen claimed the responsibility for the assault and warned of similar attacks in the near future. Although terrorist Mushtaq Zargar's name is well-known, that he has resurfaced can be seen as a grave potential threat for India.

49-year-old Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar is the commander-in-chief of Al-Umar Mujahideen. Until a few years ago, the Kashmiri militant commander till operated from PoK's Muzaffarabad.

Al-Umar Mujahideen had around 500 militants when the Kashmiri insurgency was at its peak in the 1990s. Zargar grew up in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar in Kashmir Valley, and was motivated to take up arms in 1984 by joining the terror outfit Jammu and Kashmir Al-Umar Mujahideen (HUM), when he was arrested for the first time.After Zargar returned to India in 1989, when one of his suggestions was not accepted by his seniors in HUM, he formed a group to annex the terror outfit.

He crossed the LoC in 1988, and later rose to lead Al-Umar after breaking away from pro-azaadi Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in 1990. Al-Umars key men were killed in gunfights and Zargar was arrested from his hideout on May 15, 1992. He has been named in several murder and money laundering cases.

Mustaq Zargars importance can be measured from the fact that four high-profile kidnappings were carried out in a bid to negotiate his release. He remained in jail until the hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 secured his release in 1999 in exchange for 150-odd hostages on board the flight. Other high-profile terrorists freed following the hijacking included Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh (who was later convicted for murdering The Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan). Zargar has since maintained a low profile.

Terror Timeline

 On August 12, 1989, Zargar carried out kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, the daughter of the then newly appointed home minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He demanded the release of five of their comrades in exchange for Rubaiyas release. The government accepted their demands and freed the terrorists.

 At least three dozen murder cases were registered against Zargar in Srinagar, including some of high-ranking Indian officers.

 Immediately after his release in December 1999, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar renewed the activity of Al-Umar Mujahideen in Muzaffarabad, recruiting and training young Muslims for the guerilla war in Indian Kashmir.

 With the help of Zahoor Sheikh, an Anantnag-based activist of the secessionist People's League, Zargar crossed over to Pakistan through Trehgam and received training at a camp organised by the JKLF in August 1988. Subsequently, he went to Pakistan for a second round of training during May 1989 and returned through Uri. Later, Zargar is reported to have executed several attacks on security force personnel and a series of murders of the Kashmiri Pandits.

 The Al Umar Mujahideen is a proscribed organisation under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002.Zargar was reportedly arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2002.

Headquarters and areas of operation:

The AuM headquarters is located in Muzaffarabad's Narul. It is primarily active in the Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Links

 The outfit has, since inception, been funded and supported by Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). It also secures substantial assistance from the PoK government based in Muzaffarabad.

 It is one of the members of the Muzaffarabad-based United Jehad Council (UJC), a 15-member conglomerate of Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

 The AuM had also forged links with the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and supplied arms to them during the insurgency in Punjab.
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The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers workers' compensation, property, automobile, liability, umbrella, bond, marine, livestock, and reinsurance; and customized insurance products and risk management services, including professional liability, bond, surety, and specialty casualty coverages through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. The company's Personal Lines segment provides automobile, homeowners, and personal umbrella coverages through direct-to-consumer channel and independent agents. Its Property & Casualty Other Operations segment offers coverage for asbestos and environmental exposures. The company's Group Benefits segment provides group life, disability, and other group coverages to members of employer groups, associations, and affinity groups through direct insurance policies; reinsurance to other insurance companies; employer paid and voluntary product coverages; disability underwriting, administration, and claims processing to self-funded employer plans; and a single-company leave management solution. This segment distributes its group insurance products and services through brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, trade associations, and private exchanges. Its Hartford Funds segment offers investment products for retail and retirement accounts; exchange-traded products through broker-dealer organizations, independent financial advisers, defined contribution plans, financial consultants, bank trust groups, and registered investment advisers; and investment management and administrative services, such as product design, implementation, and oversight. The company was founded in 1810 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.
The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, BELL TEXTRON ASIA (PTE.) LTD., Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Co. Ltd, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron LLC, Bell Textron Miami Inc., Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc., Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS (99.9%; 1 share  Textron France SAS), Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA , Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal  Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems, PEINER Umformtechnik, Pipistrel, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited , Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited.

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Morgan Stanley is the 6th largest financial institution in the US. The company is ranked 61st on the Forbes Fortune 500 list and is the 39th largest bank in the world. A financial holding company, Morgan Stanley provides a full range of financial services to clients around the world.

Morgan Stanley was formed in 1935 as a result of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall separated commercial and investment banking in a way that forced the then-largest bank J.P. Morgan & Co to split into two groups. J.P. Morgan & Co. chose to retain the commercial side of the business while partners Henry S. Morga, grandson of J.P., and Harold Stanley took the investment end. In its first year, Morgan Stanley did 24% of the IPO business and maintains a lions share of the market to this day.

The original company existed and grew through acquisitions until 1987 when it merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. The new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co existed for 14 years until 2001 when the name was shortened back to Morgan Stanley.

The bank is credited in part with both beginning and ending the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The Process Driven Trading unit lost $300 million in one day due to a short-squeeze that popped the bubble in the housing market. After teetering on the brink of failure Morgan Stanley agreed to become a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve, a key factor in the original decision to split from parent J.P. Morgan & Co. Ironically when given the chance, present-day J.P. Morgan refused to buy Morgan Stanley but that was for the better.

Today, Morgan Stanley operates through three segments via offices in 41 countries and employs more than 75,000 people. Revenue in 2021 topped $49 billion and total assets topped $1.15 trillion.

The operating segments are Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment is by far the largest and most profitable. It offers a range of services and products for businesses, institutions, and entities that include capital raising, strategic advisory, underwriting, advice on M&A, restructuring, and real estate. The Wealth Management segment provides brokerage and investment advisory services for individuals and employers. The services include brokerage, financial planning, company stock-plan administration, insurance, mortgage loans, lines of credit, and retirement planning. The Investment Management segment provides investment products to a range of institutions, organizations, corporations, and governments.
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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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.
BP, plc, once known as British Petroleum, is one of the worlds 7 oil & gas supermajors with operations spanning the globe. In terms of revenue, it ranks 4th on the list and the company is vertically integrated as well with operations in all segments of the oil and gas sector. Operations are currently underway in 80 countries around the world, the company can produce 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalents per day, and it lays claim to nearly 20 billion barrels in proven reserves. On the retail end of the business, the company operates more than 18,700 fuel stations and its largest segment is in the US.

The company was founded in 1908 with the purpose of exploring for and producing oil in the middle east. The company expanded into Alaska in 1959 and then accelerated its expansion when it merged with Amoco in 1998. Another merger with Burhman Castrol in 2000 created the company that is traded today.

BP, plc rebranded itself in 2000 giving new meaning to its name. The once British Petroleum is now Beyond Petroleum and focused on a major shift in its business. The company is working hard to move away from non-renewable carbon-based energy and into biofuels, solar, and wind. The company hopes to be net-zero in regard to carbon emissions and production by 2050 or earlier and is well on the way to doing so. Among the many avenues of advance are the build-out of solar and wind farms as well as the expansion of a major EV charging network. The network totaled more than 9,000 stations around the middle of 2022 and expansion was ramping in order to meet the goal of 100,000 EV stations before 2050.

BP p.l.c. currently operates through 4 segments including Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, Customers & Products, and Rosneft segments. The company produces and trades in natural gas and oil liquids, offers biofuels, and operates wind and solar power generating facilities. The company also provides de-carbonization solutions and services, such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage, as part of its green agenda.

In addition, it produces and refines oil and gas for its downstream operations as well as invests in upstream, downstream, and alternative energy companies including advanced mobility. Advanced mobility is the future of transportation and includes technologies like EV, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cells. To that end, the company is building 7 hydrogen production and storage hubs in key locations around the world. The company aims to produce blue and green hydrogen for the global transportation industry with production beginning in 2027. Blue hydrogen is hydrogen captured from the companys natural gas deposits using a process that captures the waste carbon.
EMCOR Group, Inc. provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It offers design, integration, installation, starts-up, operation, and maintenance services related to electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation systems; energy solutions; premises electrical and lighting systems; process instrumentation in the refining, chemical processing, and food processing industries; low-voltage systems, such as fire alarm, security, and process control systems; voice and data communications systems; roadway and transit lighting, signaling, and fiber optic lines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and geothermal solutions; clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection and suppression systems; plumbing, process, and high-purity piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; crane and rigging services; millwright services; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding services. The company also provides building services that cover commercial and government site-based operations and maintenance; facility management, maintenance, and services; outage services to utilities and industrial plants; military base operations support services; mobile mechanical maintenance and services; services for indoor air quality; floor care and janitorial services; landscaping, lot sweeping, and snow removal services; vendor management and call center services; installation and support for building systems; program development, management, and maintenance for energy systems; technical consulting and diagnostic services; infrastructure and building projects; small modification and retrofit projects; and other building services. It offers industrial services to oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. EMCOR Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The following companies are subsidiares of Stanley Black & Decker: 2315708 Ontario Inc., 3-V Fastener Co. Inc., 3xLOGIC Dalian Technology Company Limited, 3xLogic Florida LLC, 3xLogic Inc., 3xLogic Indiana LLC, 8 Commerce Drive LLC, ADT France, ASIA FASTENING (US) INC., Advanced Turf Technologies LTD, AeroFit LLC, AeroScout (US) LLC, AeroScout Industrial, AeroScout LLC, AeroScout Ltd., Aeroscout (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Al Khaja Pimex LLC, Allan Brothers, Automatic Doors Systems, Automatic Entrances of Colorado, Avdel Holding Limited, Avdel Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Avdel UK Limited, Aven Tools Limited, B&D Holdings Inc., B.B.W. BAYRISCHE BOHRERWERKE GmbH, BD Precision (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Suzhou (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Suzhou Power Tools (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Xiamen (Hong Kong) Limited, BDB Ferramentas do Brasil Ltda, BDC International Limited, BDK FAUCET HOLDINGS INC., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) POWER TOOLS CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) PRECISION MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER ASIA MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS 1 S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER ASIA MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS 2 S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER DE REYNOSA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., BLACK & DECKER GLOBAL HOLDINGS S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER GROUP LLC, BLACK & DECKER HOLDINGS LLC, BLACK & DECKER INC, BLACK & DECKER INDIA INC., BLACK & DECKER INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS S.A.R.L., BLACK & DECKER INVESTMENT COMPANY LLC, BLACK & DECKER SHELBYVILLE LLC, BLACK & DECKER SSC CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER TRANSASIA S.a.r.l., BLACK AND DECKER S.A. de C.V., Bagley Road LLC, Baltimore Financial Services Company Unlimited Company, Baltimore Insurance Designated Activity Company, Bandhart, Bandhart Overseas, Bed-Check, Belco Investments Company Unlimited Company, Besco Investment Group Co. Ltd., Besco Investment Holdings Ltd., Besco Pneumatic Corporation, Besco Pneumatic Corporation, Best Lock Corporation, Black & Decker, Black & Decker (Czech) s.r.o., Black & Decker (Ireland) Inc., Black & Decker (OVERSEAS) GmbH, Black & Decker (Thailand) Limited, Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Black & Decker Argentina S.A., Black & Decker Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Black & Decker Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Black & Decker Distribution Pty. Ltd, Black & Decker Europe, Black & Decker Far East Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Finance, Black & Decker Finance (Australia) Ltd., Black & Decker Finance SAS, Black & Decker Funding Corporation, Black & Decker Hardware Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Healthcare Management Inc., Black & Decker Holdings (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Black & Decker Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Inc., Black & Decker International, Black & Decker International Finance (UK) Limited, Black & Decker International Finance 1 Unlimited Company, Black & Decker International Finance 3 Designated Activity Company, Black & Decker International Finance Holdings (UK) Limited, Black & Decker International Holdings B.V. & CO. KG, Black & Decker Investments (Australia) Limited, Black & Decker Investments LLC, Black & Decker Limited BV, Black & Decker Luxembourg S.A.R.L., Black & Decker Mexfin LLC, Black & Decker No. 4 Pty. Ltd., Black & Decker Puerto Rico Inc., Black & Decker de Colombia S.A.S., Black & Decker de Panama LLC, Black & Decker del Ecuador S.A., Black & Decker del Peru S.A., Black & Decker do Brasil Ltda., Black and Decker de Costa Rica Limitada, Blick Plc, Bostitch-Holding L.L.C., Bristol Industries LLC, Bulldog Barrels LLC, C&C Enterprise Co. Ltd., CAM International Holdings Inc., CAMACC Systems Inc., CONNEXCENTER SA, CPE Acquisition Co., CRC-EVANS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., CRC-EVANS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, CRC-EVANS WELDING SERVICES INC., CRC-Evans B.V., CRC-Evans Canada LTD., CRC-Evans International LLC, CRC-Evans Offshore Limited, CRC-Evans PIH Servios De Tubulao do Brasil Ltda, CRC-Evans Pipeline International Inc., CRC-Evans Pipeline International Sdn Bhd, CWS Industries (Mfg.) Corp., Chesapeake Falls Holdings Company Unlimited Company, Chesapeake Investments Company S.A.R.L., Chicago Steel Tape, Chiro Tools Holdings B.V., Christie Intruder Alarms Limited, Clarke Security Services Incorporated, Columbia Manufacturing Company Incorporated, Compass Corporation, Compass II Co. Ltd., Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing LLC, Constellation (Luxembourg) Holdings S.a r.l., Contact East, Craftman, Cub Cadet LLC, DADO Inc., DEVILBISS AIR POWER COMPANY, DIYZ LLC, DeWalt Industrial Tools S.p.A., Dewalt Industrial Power Tool Company LTD., Doncasters US Holdings Inc., Dubuis et Cie SAS, E.A. Patten Co. LLC, ELU B.V., ELU Power Tools LTD, EMHART TEKNOLOGIES LLC, Eastern Vault & Security, Emhart Guangzhou (Hong Kong) Limited, Emhart Harttung A/S, Emhart Harttung Inc., Emhart International Holdings Limited, Emhart International Limited, Emhart Teknologies (Thailand) LTD., Excel Industries, Excel Industries Inc., F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd., Facom, Facom Belgie BV, Fastener Jamher Taiwan Inc., First National AlarmCap LP/Premiere Societe en Commandite Nationale Alarmcap, First National AlarmCap. Trust, Frisco Bay Industries, GDX Technologies, GMT China, GRUPO BLACK & DECKER MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V., GUANGZHOU EMHART FASTENING SYSTEM CO. LTD., Gamrie Designated Activity Company, Garden Way LLC, Generale de Protection, HSM Electronic Protection Systems, Hangtech Limited, Hardware City Associates Limited Partnership, Hefei INTACA Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd., Herramientas Stanley S.A. de c.v., Horst Sprenger GmbH Recycling-tools, Hustler Turf Equipment Inc., I.D.L. Techni-Edge LLC, INFASTECH CAMCAR MALAYSIA SDN BHD, INFASTECH DECORAH LLC, ISR Solutions, IguanaFix, Infastech (China) Limited, Infastech (Korea) Limited, Infastech (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Infastech (Mauritius) Limited, Infastech (Shenzhen) Limited, Infastech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd, Infastech Company Limited, Infastech Fastening Systems (Wuxi) Limited, Infastech Holdings (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Infastech Intellectual Properties Pte. Ltd., Infastech Receivables Company Pte. Ltd., Infastech/Tri-Star Limited, InfoLogix, InfoLogix Systems Corporation, Infologix - DDMS Inc., Infologix Inc., Innerspace Products, Interfast B.V., Irwin Industrial Tool Ferramentas do Brasil Ltda., JAFFORD LLC, JRB Attachments LLC, JennCo1 Inc., Jewel Attachments LLC, Jiangsu Guoqiang Tools Co., Jiangus Guopiang Tools Co. Ltd., Jointech Corporation LTD., K.And.M. Holdco Products Ltd., Kodiak Mfg. Inc., Lista International Corporation, Lux Star International S.a r.l., M. HART DO BRASIL LTDA., M.P.N. HOLDINGS LIMITED, M.T.D. France SAS, MTD Asia Hong Kong Limited, MTD Austria Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., MTD Consumer Group Inc., MTD Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, MTD Deutschland Verwaltungsgeschellschaft mbH, MTD Europe Holding GmbH, MTD Holdings, MTD Hungaria Kft., MTD International Operations Inc., MTD Investments Australia Pty Ltd., MTD LLC, MTD PRODUCTS ITALIA S.R.L., MTD Poland Sp. z.o.o., MTD Products AG, MTD Products Australia Party LTD, MTD Products Benelux B.V., MTD Products Company, MTD Products Czech Spol. s.r.o., MTD Products Denmark ApS, MTD Products Inc., MTD Products India Private India Limited, MTD Products Limited, MTD Products New Zealand Limited, MTD Products Nordic AB, MTD Products S.A. de C.V., MTD Products Singapore, MTD Schweiz AG, MTD Southwest Inc., Mac Tools Canada Inc., Maquinas y Herramientas Black & Decker de Chile S.A., Microalloying International Inc., Microtec Enterprises, Moeller Manufacturing & Supply LLC, Monarch Mirror Door Co., NEWFREY LLC, NFASTECH COMPANY LIMITED, NIscayah, NSW Fabristeel Netherlands B.V., National Manufacturing, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH Verwaltungs GmbH, Nelson Fastener Systems, Nelson Fastener Systems de Mexico SA de CV, Nelson Saldatura Perni S.r.l., Nelson Soudage de Goujons SAS, Nelson Stud Welding (Tianjin) Company Ltd., Nelson Stud Welding Canada Inc., Nelson Stud Welding Inc., Nelson Stud Welding India Private Limited, Nelson Stud Welding International LLC, New FEP Co. LLC, Newell Brands - Tools Business, Nippon Pop Rivets & Fasteners LTD., Niscayah Asia Limited, Niscayah Group AB, Niscayah Holdings Limited, Niscayah Investments Limited, Niscayah Teknik AB, Novia SWK SAS, OSI Security Devices, Onglin International Limited, P I H Holdings Limited, P&B Re Holdings LLC, PIH Services Limited, PIH Services ME LLC, PIH Services ME Ltd., PIH Services ME W.L.L., PIH U.S. LLC, PIPELINE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SARL, PORTER-CABLE ARGENTINA LLC, PT Stanley Black & Decker, Pacom Group AB, Pacom Systems (North America) Inc., Pacom Systems Espana S.L., Pacom Systems Pty Limited, Paladin Brands Group Inc., Paladin Brands Holdings Inc., Paladin Brands International Holdings Inc., Panalok Limited, Pengo Corporation, Pillo Health, Pinnacle Electronic Systems, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Powers Fasteners Australasia Pty Limited, Powers Fasteners Inc., Powers Fasteners Inc. (Panama), Powers Rawl Pty. Ltd., Powers Shanghai Trading Ltd., Precision Hardware, Prikos & Becker LLC, Pro One Finance SAS, QRP Inc, RCTENN LLC, RIGHTCO II LLC, Rawl Australasia Pty. Ltd., Rawlplug Unit Trust, Refal Industria e Comercio de Rebites e Rebitadeiras Ltda., Remington LLC, SBD Cayman LLC, SBD European Investment Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Holdings S.a r.l., SBD European Security International Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Investment Unlimited Company, SBD Holding AB, SBD Insurance Inc., SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings LLC, SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings S.a r.l., SBD Manufacturing Distribution & Global Purchasing Holdings L.P., SBD Niscayah S.a r.l., SBD Property Holdings LLC, SBD UK Canada Holdings Inc., SPIRALOCK GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER HUNGARY KORALTOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER IBERICA S.L., STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MOROCCO SARL, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS ONE HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S1 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S2 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY ENGINEERED FASTENING EASTERN EUROPE SP.Z O.O., SWK (U.K.) Holding Limited, SWK (UK) Limited, SWK Utensilerie S.r.l., Scan Modul, Security Group, SecurityCo Solutions Inc., Shanghai Emhart Fastening System Co. Ltd., Sidchrome Tool, Sielox Security Systems, Societe Miniere et Commerciale SAS, Sonitrol, Sonitrol Distribution Canada Inc., Sonitrol Security Systems of Buffalo Inc., Southern Monitoring Services Limited, Specialty Bar Products Company, Spiegelberg Manufacturing Inc., Spiralock Corporation, Stanley Access Technologies LLC, Stanley Atlantic Inc., Stanley Black & Decker (Barbados) SRL, Stanley Black & Decker (Hellas) EPE, Stanley Black & Decker Asia Holdings LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Asian Holdings B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Australia Pty Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Austria GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Belgium BV, Stanley Black & Decker CCA S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Canada Corporation, Stanley Black & Decker Cayman Holdings Inc., Stanley Black & Decker Cayman International Financing LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Centroamerica S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Chile L.L.C., Stanley Black & Decker Colombia Services S.A.S., Stanley Black & Decker Czech Republic s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Distribution SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 1 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 2 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Finland Oy, Stanley Black & Decker France SAS, Stanley Black & Decker France Services SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Hermosillo S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black & Decker Holdings Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Black & Decker Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker IP Holdings Limited, Stanley Black & Decker India Private Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International FZE, Stanley Black & Decker International Fiance 2 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 1 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 2 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 5 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance L.P., Stanley Black & Decker Ireland Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Italia S.r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Holding BV, Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Investment Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Limited Liability Company, Stanley Black & Decker Logistics BV, Stanley Black & Decker MEA FZE, Stanley Black & Decker Manufacturing SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Middle East Trading FZE, Stanley Black & Decker NZ Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Netherlands B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Norway AS, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Polska Sp. z o.o., Stanley Black & Decker Precision Manufacturing (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Romania SRL, Stanley Black & Decker Slovakia s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Sweden AB, Stanley Black & Decker Turkey Alet Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Stanley Black & Decker UK Group Limited, Stanley Black & Decker UK Limited, Stanley Black & Decker de Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black and Decker Commercial Private India, Stanley Black and Decker Security Solutions Mexico S.A. de C.V. (fka DEWALT INDUSTRIAL TOOLS S.A. DE C.V.), Stanley CLP3, Stanley Canada Holdings L.L.C., Stanley Chiro International Ltd, Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Engineered Fastening Benelux B.V., Stanley Engineered Fastening France SAS, Stanley Engineered Fastening India Private Limited, Stanley Engineered Fastening Industrial Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Engineered Fastening Italy S.r.l., Stanley Engineered Fastening Spain S.L.U., Stanley Europe BV, Stanley European Holdings B.V., Stanley European Holdings II B.V., Stanley Fastening Systems Investment (Taiwan) Co., Stanley Fastening Systems L.P., Stanley Fastening Systems Poland Sp. z o.o., Stanley Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Stanley Grundstuecksverwaltungs GmbH, Stanley Healthcare Solutions France Sarl, Stanley Housing Fund Inc., Stanley Industrial & Automotive LLC, Stanley Infrastructure LLC Formerly f/k/a International Equipment Solutions ("IES"), Stanley Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Inspection US L.L.C., Stanley International Holdings Inc., Stanley Israel Investments B.V., Stanley Logistics L.L.C., Stanley Pipeline Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Safety Corporation LLC, Stanley Security AS, Stanley Security Alarmcentrale B.V., Stanley Security B.V., Stanley Security Belgium BV, Stanley Security Canada ULC (fka 3xLogic Holdings Inc.), Stanley Security Denmark ApS, Stanley Security Europe BV, Stanley Security Federal Systema LLC, Stanley Security Holding AS, Stanley Security Limited, Stanley Security Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Stanley Security Nederland B.V., Stanley Security Oy, Stanley Security Singapore Pte. Ltd., Stanley Security Solutions (NI) Limited, Stanley Security Solutions - Europe Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Security Solutions India Private Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Limited, Stanley Security Sverige AB, Stanley Technical Services Ltd., Stanley Tools SAS, Stanley U.K. Holdings Ltd., Stanley UK Acquisition Company Limited, Stanley UK Services Limited, Stanley Works (Europe) GmbH, Stanley Works (India) Private Limited, Stanley Works (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Stanley Works (Wendeng) Tools Co. Ltd., Stanley Works Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Stanley Works China Investments Limited, Stanley Works Holdings B.V., Stanley Works Limited, Stanley-Bostitch S.A. de c.v., Stanley-Bostitch Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Stichting Beheer Intellectuele Eigendomsrechten Blick Benelux B.V., SureHand Inc. f.k.a. SBD Aura Inc., Sweepster Attachments LLC, THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION, TOG Holdings Inc., TOG Manufacturing Company Inc., TSI Monitoring LLC, TSI Sales & Installation LLC, The EAP Acquisition Co. LLC, The Farmington River Power Company, The Ferry Cap & Set Screw Company, The Stanley Works (Langfang) Fastening Systems Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Zhongshan) Tool Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works Israel Ltd., The Stanley Works Limited, The Stanley Works Pty. Ltd., Tong Lung Metal Industry, Troy-Bilt LLC, Tucker Fasteners Limited, Tucker GmbH, Tucker S.R.O., Universal Inspection Systems Limited, Venus Enterprise Co. Ltd., Visiocom International Pte Ltd, Voss Industries Inc., Wintech Corporation Limited, XMARK Corporation, XMARK Corporation., Yong Ru Plastics Industry (Suzhou) Co. Ltd, and Zag USA Inc..

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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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Maximus, Inc. provides business process services (BPS) to government health and human services programs. It operates through three segments: U.S. Services, U.S. Federal Services, and Outside the U.S. The U.S. Services segment offers various BPS solutions, such as program administration, appeals and assessments, and related consulting works for U.S. state and local government programs, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, child support programs, Preadmission Screening and Resident Reviews, and Independent Developmental Disability assessments. This segment also provides program eligibility support and enrollment; centralized multilingual customer contact centers, multichannel, and digital self-service options for enrollment; application assistance and independent health plan choice counseling; beneficiary outreach, education, eligibility, enrollment, and redeterminations; person-centered independent disability, long-term sick, and other health assessments; and specialized consulting services. The U.S. Federal Services segment offers centralized citizen engagement centers and support services; document and record management; case management, citizen support, and consumer education; independent medical reviews and worker's compensation benefit appeals; Medicare and Medicaid appeals; and federal marketplace eligibility appeals. This segment also provides modernization of systems and information technology infrastructure; infrastructure operations and support services; software development, operations, and management services; and data analytics services. The Outside the U.S. segment offers BPS solutions for governments and commercial clients outside the United States, including health and disability assessments, program administration for employment services, and other job seeker-related services. The company was incorporated in 1975 and is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia.
Stoneridge, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures engineered electrical and electronic components, modules, and systems for the automotive, commercial, off-highway, motorcycle, and agricultural vehicle markets in North America, South America, Europe, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Control Devices, Electronics, and Stoneridge Brazil. The Control Devices segment offers sensors, switches, actuators, and connectors that monitor, measure, or activate specific functions within a vehicle. The Electronics segment designs and manufactures driver information systems, camera-based vision systems, connectivity, and compliance products. Its products collect, store, and display vehicle information, such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled, and driver messages related to vehicle performance. This segment's electronic control units regulate, coordinate, monitor, and direct the operation of the electrical system within a vehicle. The Stoneridge Brazil segment designs, manufactures, and sells vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services; vehicle security alarms and convenience accessories; in-vehicle audio and infotainment devices; and telematics solutions. It provides its products and systems to various original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 customers, as well as aftermarket distributors and mass merchandisers for use in various vehicle platforms. Stoneridge, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan.
Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda.
Last in a three-part series.

The horrors of the Bataan Death March were magnified by the fact that nearly all the POWs were sick with malaria, dysentery or both.

By the time Sgt. Hayne W. Dominick reached the barbed-wire enclosure at Camp ODonnell on April 20, 1942, he was dizzy with exhaustion. He also was starving to death, and the lack of water was torturous.

When the surviving Americans arrived at the camp, there was only one water tap. Dangerously dehydrated, they had to stand in line for hours to get one canteen of water.

One day, after inching along in the water line for what seemed like an eternity, Dominick was the 10th man from the faucet when the Japanese cut the water off. His fellow soldiers shared their water with him.

Once at the camp, the POWs started receiving sparse rations of rice and beans. But most of the men couldnt eat the beans, because it made their diarrhea and dysentery worse.

There was no place for the men to even wash their hands, much less their filthy clothing. Dominick said a hurried trip to one of the slit trenches used as latrines was a painful, nauseating experience.

During the first weeks in the camp, 50 to 75 Americans were dying every day. Although Dominick was sick and weak, he helped bury at least 100 men. The dead were buried in graves just three feet deep, because if they went deeper, the graves would fill with water.

The conditions in the camp were so deplorable that the Japanese wouldnt enter it. When Dominick was sent to a new camp at nearby Cabanatuan on June 1, 1942, he hoped for better conditions.

The new camp was as awful as the first. For three months, Dominick helped bury 30 to 50 soldiers a day. He estimated that in total he helped bury at least 2,700 men.

When the Martinsville man became ill with cerebral malaria, it seemed certain he would end up in the cemetery outside camp. The Japanese provided no medical care or supplies, and Dominick slipped into delirium and then unconsciousness.

Only the care from an American doctor, and a small supply of quinine he had hidden from the Japanese, saved Dominicks life. He never fully recovered, and this illness led to his coming down with what was diagnosed as beriberi of the cardiac in April 1943.

For months, the Virginian fought for his life, and he somehow managed to survive. After being returned to a work detail, he was almost beaten to death by a guard who gave him an order in Japanese he didnt understand.

When two POWs escaped from another work detail, the Japanese executed 10 Americans in reprisal. One of the doomed men had a brother in camp, and the Japanese forced him to watch the killing of his sibling. The surviving brother later told Dominick what happened.

He told me how Ross and the nine other boys came to attention before the Japanese firing squad, saluted and shouted with unwavering voices in ringing unison: God bless America,  Dominick related years later. He said he heard Ross call to him: Take it easy, Jack. Ill be all right. And take care of Mother. As he told me the story from a seared soul, Jack Betts said simply, I was so choked up, Dominick, I couldnt even answer him. 

In June 1944, Dominick was packed with other Americans into a railroad boxcar that carried them to Manila. Once there, he and about 1,000 other POWs were thrown into the hold of a cargo ship bound for Japan.

Conditions in the fetid, sweltering hold were even worse than the squalid POW camps. Periodically, a few dozen POWs were allowed topside for a breathing spell, and to use the crude latrine attached to the ships railing.

The prisoners were given two canteen cups of rice and two cups of water a day. When Dominick became a POW, he weighed about 160 pounds. When he went into the hold, he weighed 120 pounds, but was down to 110 pounds by the time the ship reached Japan.

The ordeal had lasted 62 days and nights. Once on the mainland of Japan, the men were forced to work in a coal mine.

The brutality of the Japanese didnt lessen, and, by October, the POWs were having to deal with the cold. Dominick later said the cold turned out to be something of a blessing, because most of the ill effects of malaria disappeared.

By reading between the lines of stolen Japanese newspapers, the POWs were learning that Japan was nearing defeat. Starting in July 1945, they began hearing the thumping from distant bombing raids.

The camp Dominick was in was just 30 miles from Hiroshima. Because it was shielded by terrain, he didnt know that the city had been obliterated on Aug. 6, 1945, by an atomic bomb.

The effect of that bomb, and one other dropped on Nagasaki three days later, ended the war. On Aug. 22, three American bombers flying just above the treetops dropped food, clothing, medical supplies and other necessities to their countrymen below.

One of the former POWs made an American flag, and it was raised above the camp after the Japanese flag was torn down. Airdrops of supplies continued until Sept. 13, when a train arrived to take the Americans to a seaport town for evacuation back home.

After 1,216 days as a POW of the Japanese, the war was over for Dominick. His lasting act of devotion to those who had suffered and died at his side was to bear witness to the countless atrocities they had endured.
Speech codes, Title IX and the controversy surrounding lecturer Douglas Muir were up for debate at the second day of the University of Virginias symposium on free speech on college campuses.

The symposium, held at the School of Law, wrapped up Friday morning.

One of the speakers, UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh, closed his speech by criticizing UVas reaction to Muirs Facebook post comparing Black Lives Matter to the Ku Klux Klan. He read aloud the announcement, released by the School of Engineering & Applied Science last week, that said Muir agreed to take leave and that the school does not condone actions that undermine our values, dedication to diversity and educational mission.

The statement could be interpreted to mean that certain groups, such as Black Lives Matter, cannot be criticized, Volokh said, and that could have a chilling effect on speech.

Nothing here says anything about how [the tweet] is ridiculous  or We welcome a sensible discussion about this, but Mr. Muirs going to be apologizing because it was really a foolish thing to say, and a university is no place for fools, Volokh said. Therefore, maybe Id better not say anything about the Black Lives Matter movement because, no matter what I say, even if I say it in a sensible and well-informed way, something similar is going to happen to me.

According to university officials, Muirs leave of absence was voluntary, but speech advocates are concerned that administrations could be putting undue pressure on people who hold unpopular opinions  and that this effectively muzzles certain types of speech on campus.

A simple investigation or probe can be enough to silence or punish someone, said Susan Kruth, program officer with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.

Kruth shared with the audience several instances in which people had been dragged through long investigations after being accused of harassment for innocuous comments. Most of the accusations fall under the purview of Title IX, a federal law meant to protect women from the kind of persistent harassment that could keep them out of education.

But expanding definitions of harassment have created a dragnet with some unexpected victims.

For example, a student journalist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks endured a 10-month investigation following a satirical article in the annual April Fools Day edition of her student newspaper. Kruth said the incident kept the student from publishing a story about sexual assault out of fear that an indelicately worded passage might get her into trouble again.

Sometimes we subject the speaker to overly long investigations of their speech, Kruth said. And this sends the message to everyone in the campus community that the content or the viewpoint of your expression can land you in trouble, and it ends up chilling a huge amount of expression.

Kruth and Volokh both had many examples of speech that seemed either innocuous or necessary to class discussion, but were considered harassment or contributing to a hostile environment. At a top-20 law school, Volokh said, the administrators overseeing a mock courtroom exercise censored documents related to Virginia v. Black, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cross-burning could be a criminal offense if it is intended to intimidate.

Administrators believed reading about the case could cause distress for black students.

Over the last few years, this has become an ever-more important topic, and thats not good, he said.

But many people complaining about the suppression of free speech  commentators railing against student demands for safe spaces and speech codes  dont really understand the nature of the demands, said Anne Coughlin, a professor at the School of Law.

Coughlin talked about the debate surrounding discussions of sexual assault in law schools. Recently, many students have asked for trigger warnings (advance notice about the sensitive content of a discussion or reading) prior to discussions of sexual assault in law school classes. The demands, she said, have been met mostly with derision.

Coughlin said that what these women want is not censorship or harassment but a re-framing of topics that is more sensitive to people who have been victimized.

Too many of them have been victims of sexual assault, and theyre concerned that careless or even hostile ways of speaking about it might injure them, she said. By denying the warning, we are denying reality. We are telling them it didnt happen or youre wrong.

Loretta Vitt Dubova  a local attorney and graduate of UVas law school  said Kruth and Volokh seemed to focus too much on bizarre or outrageous cases. She said she worries that people who report harassment or Title IX offenses are caricatured as oversensitive tattletales, which could have a chilling effect on the speech of women and minorities.

This is why Dubova said she looks to administrators to help keep civility.

I think we should give administrations reasonable leeway within the law to make these decisions because  peoples views can affect the classroom experience, she said.

Elizabeth Thiel Mather, a spokeswoman for the School of Engineering, responded to Volokhs criticism after the event.

We respect Professor Volokhs comments, and they are an example of the type of constructive dialogue we hope will continue as we all reflect on and learn from this incident, she said.
RICHMOND  Virginia's Fairfax and Loudoun counties are seeing some of the largest spikes in early voting in the 2016 presidential election, another positive sign for Democrats who feel Hillary Clinton has a strong advantage over Republican Donald J. Trump in the former swing state.

Statewide, early voting was up more than 22 percent over 2012 with 25 days to go before the presidential election, according an analysis by the Virginia Public Access Project. The increase was strongest by far in populous Northern Virginia, where Democrats typically run up large margins that Republicans struggle to match in the more conservative, rural parts of Virginia.

In Fairfax, which delivered the most Democratic votes for President Barack Obama in 2012, early voting was up more than 73 percent. In Loudoun, which had the second-most Obama votes in 2012, early voting was up almost 53 percent.

"I'm not surprised at that. Because we know about what the Clinton campaign is doing with turnout," said Quentin Kidd, director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University. "We just know what their operation is like. We know that the Trump campaign has not had a similar operation."

In the two biggest localities that went Republican in 2012 - Chesterfield County and Virginia Beach - early voting increased by about 11 percent and 4 percent, respectively. In Hanover County, another GOP stronghold, early voting increased by about 20 percent.

"The early voting gap between Democratic- and Republican-leaning areas of the state suggests that Republicans might be wise to increase their voter contacts in the next several weeks," said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

Republican-leaning Wise County in Southwest Virginia saw the highest percentage increase in early voting, rising 187 percent. But the raw numbers there also illustrate the depth of the challenge for Republicans. In Wise, 342 people had voted early, compared with 14,802 in Fairfax.

Though most regions of Virginia saw increases in early voting, the Hampton Roads area was an anomaly, showing a 13.9 percent drop, driven by decreases in the cities of Norfolk, Hampton and Newport News.

"Clinton is worried and has been worried about African-American enthusiasm. And in particular young African-American enthusiasm," Kidd said. "This tells me that that concern is real."

Because Virginia does not register voters by party, partisan trends are difficult to extrapolate, but the geographic trends offer a gauge of voter enthusiasm.

Virginia allows voters who will face logistical hardship on Election Day to vote early by mailing an absentee ballot or voting in person at an elections office, but does not have excuse-free early voting. College students, long commuters, travelers, Virginians temporarily living overseas, military members and people with disabilities or illnesses are among those allowed to vote during the 45-day absentee period.

Virginia polling has consistently shown Clinton holding a solid lead in Virginia, where all statewide offices are held by Democrats, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a close friend of Clinton and chairman of her 2008 bid for the Democratic nomination.

The selection of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a former Richmond mayor and Virginia governor, as Clinton's running mate may also have helped solidify Clinton's status in the state.

Trump's campaign insists it's aiming to be competitive in Virginia, despite recently deploying some Virginia staff members to other states and the campaign's decision this week to fire Virginia chairman Corey Stewart, a Republican candidate for governor in 2017.

Trump and running mate Mike Pence have made frequent stops in Virginia, and campaign surrogates in the state said the rallies will continue. John Fredericks, the Trump campaign's Virginia co-chair, said on Twitter Friday that three rallies are being scheduled.

The Trump campaign on Friday announced a new Virginia leadership team made up largely of current and former Republican officeholders as well as the general manager of Trump Winery near Charlottesville.

The committee includes Reps. Dave Brat, R-7th, Robert J. Wittman, R-1st, and outgoing J.Randy Forbes, R-4th. Wittman is also a Republican candidate for governor, as is Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, who was also listed as a member of Trump's committee.

The new Trump committee did not include Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman widely considered a front-runner in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

Monday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is Nov. 1. In-person absentee voting ends Nov. 5.
I have a tendency to worry. In fact, during our wedding ceremony, the pastor sprang an extra vow on me at the last minute. He wanted me to promise that I would never worry. I responded by stepping away from the altar. We have a photograph to prove it.

Over the years, in order to survive, Ive devised strategies to fend off worry, one of which is dancing. Ive taken Nia, Zumba, Dance Fusion and Cardio Jam. I even took one hip-hop class, which didnt work out, mostly because of the sharp pains in both knees when I attempted that low bouncy movement.

To be honest, Im a bad dancer. That means all of my brain cells continually are focused on following the instructor, leaving no brain cells to engage in fretting. Ive always believed I needed to stay in motion in order to keep my mind at rest. However, constant motion can be tiring. So, when a friend suggested that I try yoga, I thought Id give it a go.

Ill have to admit, it wasnt an instant fit. By class No. 2 I had to self-impose the following guidelines:

 Dont groan loudly every time you transition into a new pose. Groaning is a buzz kill for your classmates and often will alarm your teacher.

 Remember that your arms are short. So, when instructed to place your mat an arms distance from your neighbor, add at least six inches. Yoga is not a contact activity.

 Avoid making rude body noises. Do not giggle when other people inadvertently make rude body noises.

 Do not hum or tap to any background music or chants that might be playing.

 Do not sit near the incense, because you can bet you will sneeze.

 Do not keep looking at the clock  or, at least, do not get caught looking at the clock.

 Avoid making eye contact with your neighbor during the downward facing dog pose, because you know it will make you laugh.

 You inevitably fall into a deep sleep by the end of class. Try to stifle that scream when a kind classmate nudges you awake.

At first, taking yoga felt difficult, but now Ive started looking forward to class. Surprisingly, yoga has afforded me the same benefit as dancing. That is, in order to move into each yoga position I must focus intensely and be still. The result? My mind and body experience blessed relief. For a brief time, I become thoroughly engaged in the moment  a specific moment in time when Im not fretting about the past nor am I obsessing about the future. I get to appreciate the sparkling gift of right now.

One day while I thought about this, a passage from the Bible floated into my mind, the one that says, And which of you by worrying can add a cubit to his height? A cubit is about 21 inches. My lifetime of worrying definitely has not added 21 inches to my stature. In fact, if Im being honest, I havent grown an inch since I turned 12. (Well, I did add an inch on my drivers license, but thats another story.)

The bottom line? Worry is a useless activity. So, Ill try to exchange it for a productive activity. If Im able, I hope to keep dancing and to keep taking yoga classes.

Right now, another image is floating through my mind: the face of Alfred E. Neuman, the gap-toothed mascot of MAD Magazine, a periodical that guided me through my teenage years. He always used to say, What? Me worry? Perhaps, over time, Ill be able to say the same words and mean them.

Deborah Prum is a Charlottesville-based author of fiction and non-fiction. More of her work can be found at www.deborahprum.com.
While incidences of drug- and alcohol-related cases are slightly on the rise in Culpeper County Public Schools over the course of the past five years, the percentages are minuscule, according to Russell Houck, executive director of student services for the school division.

Of the 7,974 students enrolled during the 2015-16 school year, 88 students or 1 percent of the population were disciplined for possession, being under the influence or distribution of prohibited illegal substances, according to CCPS data.

Overall, theres only a small number of kids that weve caught either using or distributing drugs. Its a problem, but its not as widespread as people are led to believe, said Houck.

Last year, Eastern View High School students tallied 19 offenses; Culpeper County High School had 27; Culpeper Middle had 25 and Floyd T. Binns Middle faced 17 drug or alcohol-related offenses on school grounds.

During the 2014-15 school year, CCPS reported 72 drug or alcohol-related cases; 50 in 2013-14; 57 in 2012-13 and 58 the previous year.

But some of the violators seem to be getting even younger.

A Pearl Sample Elementary School student received an alcohol violation in 2014-15 and an A.G. Richardson Elementary school reportedly faced possession and use of a schedule 1 and 11 drug violation during the 2013-14 school year.

Also that year, an Emerald Hill Elementary School student was reportedly caught for use/possession and distribution of drug paraphernalia, according to the annual report.

In 2012-13, a Yowell Elementary School student was reportedly caught with tobacco products.

Ninety-nine percent of our kids come to school and dont have an alcohol or drug violation, said Houck. The vast majority of kids come to school and they dont abuse drugs.

According to Houck, the punishment for a student caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol or possession of a substance for the first time is a 20-day placement in alternative education.

But a distribution offense will garner a year in the alternative program.

We try to keep the kids in school, said Houck.

According to Houck, prescription drugs offenses on school campuses seem to be on the rise.

And thats mainly because its everywhere and in every home, said Houck.

According to CCPS policy, parents or guardians must submit their childs over-the-counter and/or prescription medications to the school nurse, who is the only person authorized to distribute any medication on school grounds.

If those pills get into the school environment, there is a market for it, said Houck. Do kids make contact with other kids in school regarding drugs? Yes, they do, absolutely. And if we know about it, we will stop it.

Houck says when he talks to parents about their children and drugs, hell ask if they own guns and if they keep them locked up.

I tell them You need to lock up your prescription meds just like you lock up your guns, warned Houck. They are just as dangerous. And they are actually more dangerous because they are easier to hide. They dont have a smell like alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.

National studies reveal that prescription medications can often lead to heroin abuse.

Asked if heroin has made it into any of the schools, Houck said, If heroin ever gets into our high school, we are going to have a huge problem.

Of the 160 people who have overdosed on heroin or opioids in the Piedmont region since January, 30 had died as of Wednesday, According to Virginia State Police special agent Tom Murphy, chief of the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force.

The average age of deaths is 40 and average age of the overdose injuries is 32.

Of the 130 overdoses, 118 were directly related to heroin or fentanyl, a fast-acting, synthetic narcotic.

The oldest person who suffered an overdose in this region was 79 and the youngest was a 17-year-old Orange County young man. Both survived their overdose injuries.

The task force covers Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison and Orange counties.

Getting help

When alternative education isnt the answer for an at-risk student, CCPS administrators refer them to the Options program, which provides services that help reduce the risk of teenagers getting into trouble with the law, school or substance abuse.

The Options program provides two services specifically for substance abuse, according to its director, David Kemp.

The first one is for low- to medium risk teens and consists of two individual sessions and one with the students family called Teen Intervene.

The second is geared toward those of medium-to-high risk and includes two individual sessions and eight to 13 group sessions.

Based on the model of change, [we] try to figure out what stage of change they are in and how they can get to the next level so their risk level is lowered, explained Kemp. Kids in the second program are screened weekly and those in the first are screened once. Those that continue to screen positive and are at high risk will be referred to behavioral health for further assessment and necessary treatment.

Another local resource in Culpeper is the Culpeper Youth Network where a collaborative system of services and funding are in place to create a child-centered, family-focused environment for troubled youth.

Established in 1993, the Childrens Services Act is the law, not a program.

We provide services to children that are mandated, explained Margie Messick, CYN director.

The three funded mandates include: special education placements, foster care placements and foster care prevention. The school system, mental health services, court services, social services and the health department are the agencies that fund CSA.

People dont come to us because of a drug issue. They come to us based on those three mandates. In the 22 years that Ive been here, Ive never placed a child in a residential facility for substance abuse, explained Messick. Its very rare that I will get a referral related to substance abuse.

Messick said she typically receives referrals from case managers.

The CSA mandate provides for developing a child-centered, family-focused system; empowering families through a system of care recognizing and supporting family strengths; and ensuring that the system of care assesses needs and provides services through proactive innovation and community coordination.

To become eligible for CSA funding, a candidate must meet one or more of the following criteria: must have emotional/behavior problems; must be in imminent risk of entering residential care; requires placement for purposes of special education in approved private school program; and/or youth require foster care services.
NORAD COLORADO SPRINGS - USA - According to many sources, we are now at DEFCON 3, due to the deterioration of relations between the United States and Russia.

Thanks to David Camerons cutbacks on UKs military, Britain is practically naked to the force knocking on our door.

Daily reports of invasive aerospace incursions by Russian bombers, or incursions by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, a Soviet era rust bucket that could still do some damage, accompanied by seven other naval craft are signs of intimidation that must be halted.

Theresa May must increase MoD spending immediately and Britain must increase its fighting and defence capabilities or things will get very hairy very soon.

Because of David Camerons cut backs, we dont even have surveillance aircraft any more, such is the depth of decline caused by the former PM on our armed forces.

Meanwhile, Americas DEFCON warning system according to this site and numerous other sources has been upgraded to level 3. If it reaches level 1, then we have a full scale nuclear war on our hands. The last time the DEFCON defence system was at 3 was post the 911 attacks.

Due to tensions in Syria/Yemen with multiple nations fighting within the same zone, sooner or later there had to be a confrontation between Russia and America who both want the same piece of the pie.

Of course, most people do not care about this going on, especially when Come Dancing is such a hot topic on the mainstream media, so maybe it is in your best interests to simply go back to sleep and not worry your little mind on anything serious.

Go back to sleep. Remember, ignorance is bliss. Carry on watching your reality shows on TV and all the other awful banal dross that distracts from what is actually going on.
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Past Event - Saturday, November 12, 2016 This page may be updated if the event is repeated

Free Event

Hear a first-hand account of personal war experiences from one of the original "Band of Brothers." Centerville OH

**Repeat Presentation! At an off-site location to accommodate more people.**

Jim "Pee Wee" Martin, now 95 years old, was a member of G Company, 3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division and he was one of many who parachuted near Utah Beach on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Today, Jim is one of the few survivors from that momentous day. Hear his story and be amazed.

Two years ago, 70 years after the original landing onto the beaches of Normandy in France, Martin repeated his parachute jump. He told reporters at the time that the recent jump was a whole lot easier. "It didn't (compare), because there wasn't anybody shooting at me today."

Visit him on Facebook and note that he has more than 23,000 followers. Autographed DVDs related to his experiences will be available to purchase.

Event sponsored by Washington-Centerville Public Library. Please contact sshay@wcpl.lib.oh.us with any questions.
Benaulim: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to sign lucrative energy and defence deals Saturday, aimed at shoring up economic ties between the long-time allies.

Putin was greeted with a military band and traditional dancers after arriving in the Indian tourism state of Goa for talks with Modi ahead of a BRICS summit.

Other heads of the BRICS club of leading emerging nations -- Brazil, China and South Africa -- were also gathering for this weekend's summit that is expected to focus on trade and counter-terrorism.

Putin is seeking to seal deals with India in an attempt to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy, following sliding oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Among the agreements expected are Moscow's delivery of its most advanced anti-aircraft defence system to India, a deal that has been in the pipeline for several years.

India, the world's top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

But India has increasingly turned to the United States, rather than Russia for its hardware in recent years, as Modi cultivates closer ties with the Washington.

Nevertheless, India's ambassador to Russia, Pankaj Saran, hailed the "special and privileged" partnership between the two nations.

"It is very deep and very intense and it is poised to grow even further," Saran told reporters before the talks got underway.

The leaders are also focusing on energy deals to meet India's growing thirst for fuel and electricity for its fast-growing economy.

Russia's biggest oil company Rosneft is expected to acquire India's Essar Oil in a multi-billion-dollar deal, according to local media reports, quoting officials involved in the agreement.

The leaders are also expected to sign a framework agreement to supply two more reactors to a nuclear plant in Kudankulam in southern India.

Saran said they would also likely discuss India's tensions with neighbour Pakistan, which spiked after last month's attack on an Indian army base that killed 19 soldiers.

Modi has sought to isolate Pakistan internationally since the attack that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

India said it subsequently carried out strikes against militants over the border in Pakistan, prompting a furious response from Islamabad.

But Putin is seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rivals, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

Air defence system

In beachside Goa, the two leaders will reach agreement on Moscow's delivery of the S-400 Triumph defence system, Russian news agencies have quoted a Putin aide as saying, without detailing a timeframe.

The S-400 is Russia's most modern air defence system and has been deployed to Syria, where Moscow is conducting a bombing campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

The strong ties between India and Russia date back to the 1950s after the death of Stalin. But trade has slipped from just $10 billion in 2014, which both sides have said is not good enough.

Modi will also hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping late Saturday, in the hope of boosting investment and trade, but with relations frustrated by Beijing's decision so far to block New Delhi's entry to a nuclear trade group, among other issues.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are jockeying for regional influence in Asia. Modi will also host a dinner for the BRICS leaders, ahead of the summmit talks starting on Sunday at a plush beachside resort.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.
Mumbai: Karan Johar is known for delivering excellently star-studded productions in Bollywood and the audience will very soon witness another similar treat from the much loved director's upcoming film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

KJo's favourite girl Alia Bhatt also has a cameo in the movie. The Udta Punjab' star plays a DJ in a song.

In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Karan confirmed this saying, "She [Alia] has done a cameo in the film. She is playing a DJ in the very song that we are in (The Breakup Song).

"We had a part for the DJ, so there was a link. It was always a part in the script. If somebody has gotta do it, then why not someone whom I love," he revealed.

'ADHM', which stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in the lead, also boasts of cameos by Shah Rukh Khan, Fawad Khan, Imran Abbas and Lisa Haydon.

On a related note, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India's (COEAI) had earlier demanded KJo to stall the release of the movie owing to the ban on Pakistani artistes in the wake of the Uri terror attack.

However, recent reports confirm that ' Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and will stick to its original release dat
Kamaal Rashid Khan has even accused BJP government of being a part of this alleged controversy.

Mumbai: After the decision of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) to ban Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in single screen theatres came to light, the alleged Ae Dil Hai Mushkil die-hard fan was quick to response. The sharp-tongued controversial actor Kamaal Rashid Khan reached a conclusion that the ban is nothing but a conspiracy so that Ajay devgns Shivaay can have a solo release.

In a series of tweets, KRK, the self-proclaimed 'No. 1 critic' said: These cinema owners are cowards who are trying to harass film makers. It's a big conspiracy by some BJP darlings."

"All officials of Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) should be kicked on their a** if they will ever lift this ban again."

Ajan Devgn, who has directed, co-produced and acted in Shivaay, has earlier accused the Ek Villian actor of saying nasty things about his film under the influence of Karan Johar.

Devgn claimed that Johar had paid KRK 25 lakhs to promote his movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and bad-mouth Shivaay. Both the films are releasing on the same date, October 28.

The actor tweeted that the ban was a conspiracy to promote Ajay Dengns Shivaay and that it was Ajay Devgn who had tried to pay him but he declined.

In a recent tweet, the controversial actor even asked Ajay to show his film so that he could rate it.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has been in multiple controversies starting from Aishwaryas steamy scenes with Ranbir, which the censor board has omitted, and now the furore involving Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who plays a pivotal role in the film.

The COEAI has, however, clarified that they are not banning Ae Dil Hai Mushkil but suspending movies with Pakistani actors in them. The prganisation is constituted by a body of 400 members and is not authorised to impose their decision on any of the exhibitors or cinema owners.

Here are some of the tweets KRK has posted singing praises for the yet-to-be-released' 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil':
Deepika Padukone has kick-started the promotions for her international debut 'xxx: Return of Xander Cage'.

Mumbai: Deepika Padukone will reportedly kick start Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming movie 'Padmavati' with a traditional Rajasthani dance called `ghoomar'.

According to a leading daily, the 30-year-old star has already done a look test for the film and co-stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor will be doing the same in the coming days.

"Both have been growing their beards and hair to play their respective characters -Shahid as Rajput king Rana Ratan Singh of Chittor and Ranveer as the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji," a source said.

Reportedly, the dance sequence will be shot on a set constructed at Mehboob Studio, where Bhansali has recreated Padmavati's Water Palace from the Chittorgarh fort to film the dance sequence.

The film is a dramatized account of the siege of Chittor fort in Rajasthan in 1303 when the second Sultan of the Khilji dynasty led the invasion, motivated by his desire to capture the queen, the wife of Mewar's ruler.
Mumbai: The accident took place on October 12 while she was on her way back to hotel from the sets of Hansal Mehtas Simran. A local driver, who was behind the wheels with Kangana and rest of the crew on board, suddenly felt sick which led to the unfortunate accident.

"A local driver was behind the wheel and was driving in the leftmost lane (meant for fast-moving traffic) on highway 381. Suddenly, he started coughing profusely and then blacked out while on the move. Everyone was scared at that point. But luckily, none of them got hurt. Kangana had a few minor scratches on her elbows and her forehead that bled a little, but nothing major happened. Similarly, Kangana's team members also suffered a few minor injuries," informed a source to a leading daily.

The entire crew was sent to a nearby hospital to ensure none of them have suffered any internal injuries. Despite the horrific accident and their miraculous escape, the Queen star refused to take a break and reported to work the very next day.

Simran producer Shailesh R Singh told the daily: "It was a narrow escape. It's a miracle that they had no injuries. Kangana is a brave girl. She refused to take a break and has resumed the shoot."

Ranaut has been in the news for her ongoing legal tussle with Hrithik Roshan which is believed to get messier as the Mohenjo Daro star is gearing up for a bigger brawl with her.

Kangana will next be seen in Vishal Bharadwajs period drama Rangoon alongside Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor.
'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' is one of the films to be affected by the decision.

Mumbai: Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, actors Om Puri and Piyush Mishra have said it is unfair to ban the films, starring Pakistani artistes, which are ready for release, after cinema owners association decided to not screen movies with actors from the neighbouring country.

Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) announced that it has decided not to release movies starring actors from Pakistan, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

This has put an uncertainty on the release of filmmaker Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', which stars Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan in a supporting role. It is slated to arrive in theatres this Diwali.

"When you have decided that you won't work with Pak talent it should apply from now on, it can't be on something that has been already done in the past when the relationship was not this hard. I don't think it is right for one producer to pay the price of this decision," Bhatt said.

A demand for a ban on the Pakistani artistes came up after the Uri attack last month and has been growing, thanks to the support of political parties and people from the film industry.

Mishra said Indian filmmakers should not work with Pakistani artistes till the time ties between India and Pakistan become better, but release of movies, which are already complete, should not be stalled.

"Our relations have not been good but the main cause has started after Uri attacks only. I agree that we should not shoot with Pakistani artistes from now on, but the movie which has already been shot should not be stalled from the release as the film is produced by an Indian only. He has invested a lot of money in that."

Veteran actor Puri said it is not a decision made by the government and people should wait for the centre to take a step.

"If the government says not only actors but all Pakistanis, who have come here for business or meet their relatives, all must go back to their country and their visas must be cancelled after three days, I am with the government. Let the head of the country decide this and not us."

In the wake of Uri attack, Fawad, Mahira Khan and other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out.

The party had also threatened to stall the releases of the Johar-directed movie and superstar Shah Rukh Khan's film 'Raees', starring Mahira as the female lead.

The MNS hailed the move, saying the decision "reflects and respects peoples" sentiments. "I congratulate the Cinema Owners Association for taking this stand. They have supported our boycott of Pakistani artistes through this decision and it reflects and respects the sentiments of people of our country," MNS general secretary Shalini Thackeray said.

"The Army is fighting for the country. The country comes first and the film industry needs to realise that everything is not normal...there is tension between the two countries and people do not want to see the Pakistani artists on screen," she said.

Thackeray said the decision would lead to cultural isolation of Pakistan, which according to her was necessary against the backdrop of the rising tension between the two nations.

"There is an opposition and anger against them (Pakistani artistes). So this stand by the theatre owners was required in the backdrop of the rising tension between the two countries. Furthermore, this is a major step forward towards cultural isolation of Pakistan," she said.
Mumbai: Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala says the decision of cinema owners association to not allow screening of films with Pakistani artistes was unfortunate and he would request them to reconsider the move as that will result in losses for Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) yesterday announced that it won't release movies starring actors from Pakistan, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

This has put an uncertainty on the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as it features Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan. The movie, starring Aishwarya Rai, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma is slated to hit theatres on October 28.

"It's unfortunate with Karan, that this film started two years back when the situation was different. We are going to request all the parties, all the concerned authorities, that he is an Indian. An Indian should not suffer from the hands of another Indian," Sajid said at an event.

"We will humbly go and request everyone. He is an Indian citizen, please help him. Our entire team thinks we will be successful." Varun Dhawan, who was also present at the event, said he agrees with Sajid.

"I totally agree with what Sajid sir said. I stand by him," he said. The filmmaker said considering what the nation is going through, they all stand in solidarity with the army.

"We all are behind our nation, our army, assured Sajid.

Several associations have decided that at present we are not going to work with Pakistani artistes. Actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal took to Twitter and said that producers are being punished for no fault of theirs.
Mumbai: Deepika Padukones last film Bajirao Mastani released in 2015 and the actress wont have a release this year. However, she will start 2017 with a bang as her Hollywood debut xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, opposite Vin Diesel, is slated to release in January.

Deepika is already taking efforts to ensure the success of the film. The actress will launch the trailer of the film on Salman Khans popular reality show Bigg Boss at the launch of its tenth season on Sunday.

She also recently organized a special screening of the trailer for select media on Friday. The actress came out in style for the screening, dressed in a stunning black outfit and happily posed for the shutterbugs.

An action-packed teaser-trailer of the film was appreciated by the fans and with several pictures from the sets of the film also being much-discussed, the trailer is all set to create curiosity among fans.
Deepika Padukone, who has been publicising her Hollywood debut on social media, organised a rather low-key special screening for XXX: The Return of Xander Cage. The actress turned up in style, wearing a chic black outfit, and hosted some of her close pals at a suburban theatre in Mumbai.

She will be launching the trailer of the film during an episode of Bigg Boss tenth season, hosted by its very popular host Salman Khan.
The call by the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association Of India (COEAOI) to not screen Karan Johars Ae Dil HaiMushkil (ADHM) is yet another blow to the beleaguered producer-director Karan Johar who has been facing the brunt of political ire as well as opposition from his own fraternity due to the presence of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in his film. While Karan refuses to rid ADHM of Fawads presence, this move has made an increasing number of people in the film industry take a stand against his film and they would like nothing better than to see it being boycotted.

Says a well-informed source, If you look at the association shouting for a ban on Karan Johars films, the COEAO had similarly resolved to not release Yash Chopras Jab Tak Hai Jaan and had focused on the Ajay Devgns Son Of Sardaar. The association asking for a ban on ADHM is also telling the exhibitors that audiences will prefer Shivaay for Diwali as action is the preferred genre during the festive season.

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani doesnt think the latest ban against ADHM should be taken seriously. The association that has called for the ban has limited clout. I dont think a ban on ADHM is fair. Karan Johar worked with a Pakistani artiste at time when relations with our neighbours were not so bad. Who was to know that relations would worsen so drastically after he completed the film? It is cruel and absurd to expect Karan Johar to rid the plot of Fawads presence. Let him release his film in peace. In future we will and we must boycott all Pakistani artistes. But now, why is one filmmaker being made to look less patriotic than the others, said the indignant Nihlani.
Irrfan Khan is back from the premiere of his latest film Inferno in Florence, and he is still on cloud nine. The movie preview was held at an opera theatre, the Opera di Firenze in Florence. He says, It was unlike any premiere I had attended. The venue was straight out of a dream. The entire cast attended the screening and answered the questions from media persons from all over the world.

Irrfan was delighted at how minutely the journalists gathered at the posh opera theatre had watched the film. They asked intricate literary questions about the film from all of us. They wanted to discuss the films connection with Dantes Inferno. No one asked me about Indian politics.

Irrfan also has plenty of reason to be flattered, as the producers decided to reschedule their films release in India to cash in on Irrfans presence in the cast. He says, Actually Im supposed to be in the US for some important meetings. They wanted me to be the face of the film in India. I gladly and humbly accepted the honour, and here I am. He adds, I had to cancel them and get back home when my producers of Inferno, in all their wisdom, decided to release our film in India two weeks in advance. That sort of threw me off gear, in a good way, laughs Irrfan.

Tom Hanks, Irrfans co-star in the movie, recently was quoted as saying, I thought I was the coolest guy in the room until Irrfan walked in. Irrfan laughs it off as his great co-stars magnanimity. He says, Just being around Tom Hanks is so enriching for me. Hes a very generous co-star, colleague and I can comfortably say were friends. Inferno has a truly global cast  it gave me a chance to get to know actors from all across the world. Personally, the biggest advantage of working abroad is the exposure I get to international talent.

Irrfan goes on, I can say with full authority that this is a great time to be an Indian actor. Our cinema is being recognised and acknowledged globally. Very soon Indian actors will be able to make their presence felt in every corner of the world. Its just a matter of time.

He is also proud to say that the roles being offered to him from abroad are being modified to suit his personality. In Inferno, the nationality of my character was changed. Previously, in the HBO series In Treatment, my character was converted into an Indian when I was offered the part. Its gratifying when an Indian actor is given recognition on a global platform.
Miranda Kerr was not at home when the incident took place (Pic courtesy: Instagram/mirandakerr).

Mumbai: Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr's security guard is believed to have been stabbed in the eye while confronting an intruder, who broke into her residence in Malibu.

In turn, the guard is believed to have shot the intruder, who entered the mansion by jumping a fence, multiple times at least once in the head, reports the Mirror.

The intruder was reportedly taken by ambulance to a local hospital while the security guard was airlifted to an Accident & Emergency department.

Luckily, the 33-year-old supermodel was not at her home when the incident occurred.
Rating:

Director: Sanjeev Sharma

Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Aditi Sharma, Kay Kay Menon, Lushin Dubey, Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Vijay Raaz.

A comedic adventure film that has grown-up men as small-time crooks can be a fun ride all the way. It can be even more delicious as a comedy if the entire plot has an authentic feel, and the actors deliver their lines most unselfconsciously. In that sense, Saat Uchakkey takes off as a fun ride with several talented actors (Manoj Bajpayee, Kay Kay Menon, Vijay Raaz and others) doing their best, and mouthing the choicest swear words as street urchins most convincingly.

Theres a bit of a warning though for all those puritans who look the other way every time a cuss word is used in a film: this film may infuriate them; the dialogues are liberally laced with a never-ending trail of abuses! But theres more to this lyricist-actor-writer Sanjeev Sharma directed film as it unexpectedly turns into a social satire too. Beginning with its burlesque extravaganza, the film shows a window to a life of offenders and thugs we come across every day, but never interact with.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Old Delhi, Saat Uchakkey starts out as a tale about Bichi (Annu Kapoor), a dreaded, crafty and ruthless criminal who is most feared for his deceitful ways. The opening scenes narrate how he, despite being in a tight security cell in a prison, escapes, and subsequently, goes about preaching on the streets of Old Delhi.

The narrative then moves to seven petty crooks whose blundering ways keep landing them into trouble through an exciting gamut of mystery, treachery and one crisis after another. No one is employed, and hence, they all need cash. One of them is Pappi (Manoj Bajpayee), who is in love with Sona (Aditi Sharma), an accomplice and an equal partner in their crime. Along with him, there is a gang comprising Jaggi (Vijay Raaz), Haggu (Nitin Bhasin), Ajji (Vipul Vij) and Babbe (Jatin Sarna) who are always looking out for opportunities to make a fast buck. They are an adventurous bunch who could even consider robbery if the going gets tough. In the midst of all this, theres a cop Tejpal (Kay Kay Menon) too, who doesnt seem to be morally compromised, and makes things miserable for them as he tries to foil all their attempts.

The rest of the film is about the larcenous adventures of these men who discover a haveli near the Red Fort that they all imagine is harbouring a fortune in gold with tonnes of wealth stashed away. They all then hatch a bright plan to drill underground the large haveli owned by Diwan (Anupam Kher) secretly. The plan soon unravels, thrusting the guys on a wild journey with dangerous consequences...

One may not find any one of them likeable in the least, but as characters, they cannot be faulted. Their use of cuss words and obscenity in their dialect gives these characters a flavour thats rarely seen in Bollywood, where either they go over-the-top while displaying their seamy side, or else, are too sanitised in their approach. At one level, its an eccentric comedy likely to be best enjoyed by those steeped in the street humour, but then, it doesnt quite spin its imaginative conceit into comic gold, and offers only some minor pleasures along the way. It is while adding flesh to a non-existent storyline that the film flounders leaving poor viewers puzzled.

Had director Sharma in his debut stuck to black humour, or used great lines to lift up the screenplay, we would have had a winner. The results occasionally border on being precious, with the humour being more effective in the quirkier moments.

More problematically, the film, though filled with surprising, artful flourishes, quickly descends into an ineptly paced, toothless ridicule. The final sequence looks a bit unnecessary and tries to add, then undermine, a bit of moralising.

Among the cast, each one of them is likeable-loser character, and stands out with flashes of brilliance and their perfect comic timing and believable ease of lingo. Bajpayee isnt merely funny as this ambitious man with dreams; he is also someone with a crass wardrobe and a seething rage within. After his sterling performance in Aligarh, Bajpayee is once again, a pleasure to watch. Theres another gem of a performance by the sprightly Aditi Sharma as Sona. But despite its best intentions, its the kind of 139 minutes that you expected to be better than it turned out. Nevertheless, even if it lets you down theres enough thats interesting to keep you tuned in.
Nandamuri Kalyanram is pinning a lot of hopes on his upcoming film, Ism, directed by Puri Jagannadh. He plays an investigative journalist in the film that will release on October 21, where he fights against corruption.

Ism is basically a philosophy or an ideology of the films protagonist. We are trying to show something new  even the ending of the film is not a regular hero-kills-villain climax, says Kalyanram.

The actor says that this film will see a new actor emerge in him. Just a few days back, I watched the film with director Puri, and I told him that this is going to be the best for him in his career. And for me too! You can see a new avatar of Kalyanram in this film, he claims.

Responding to a query that Puri is known for his perverted dialogues, especially against women in his films, he says, There are no such dialogues in this film. This is a completely different film from him.

Kalyanram has lost nearly 12 kg, to justify his character in the film. The character I play is mentally and physically strong. So, Puri asked me to lose weight and I asked him for four months of time. I weighed 86 kg when I read the script, and now I am 74 kg, says Kalyanram.

Talking about his six-pack abs, he says that everyone works hard these days. Nowadays, a six-pack is not a big deal. They all go through rigorous exercises. I am probably the last person now to follow suit.

Kalyanram added that he had to eat fish every day, to tone his body. I dont like fish, but for this six-pack, I had to eat fish three times a day, he reveals.

He would also go to the gym twice a day. His family members were worried initially, but it was Puri who would encourage him every day.

Talking about his future projects, he says that nothing has been finalised. I have a lot of hopes on Ism. I havent signed any film yet, as I am listening to scripts. For me, the story is very important, he says.

Vakkantham Vamsis project with Kalyan-rams brother, Jr NTR, though officially announced, was later kept on hold. Yes, we are not satisfied with the script, so we have put it on hold, confirms Kalyanram.

Did he tell Vamsi that? Yes, why not? I always believe in one thing  be open with everyone for friendship to remain strong, says Kalyanram.

Earlier, I faced negative consequences for being soft and liberal. Now, I am always frank with everyone, he adds.

Talking about sharing projects with his brother, Jr NTR, he affirms, Yes, we share not only films, but everything.
A 23-year-old woman has been granted permission by the court to harvest her late boyfriends sperm so that she can start a family on her own. She claims that her boyfriend always wanted to have children in the future.

When Ayla Cresswell, from Queensland, in Australia, lost her partner Joshua Davies, 23, in August, she immediately went to court to ensure that his sperm would be preserved. On Friday, Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns ruled in her favour which meant that she will now be able to fulfill her dream of starting a family with Davies.

Cresswell revealed to the court that not only was the couple planning to get married but they had also discussed about having three children. The two had been in a romantic relationship for two years before Davies demise. Her decision has been fully supported by her late partners parents, reports The Courier Mail.
Bengaluru: Mental health is a widely spoken about and debated subject. Sadly, it is also the most misunderstood. Even in urban India, people treat it as a taboo topic without really knowing much about it, says Manoj Chandran of White Swan Foundation, a non profit organisation that seeks to bring about a positive change in the various prejudices surrounding mental health.

The sad part is people dont even know much about mental illness. Thanks to the stigma, they dont come forward when they have a problem, even in cities. For a population of 1.2 billion people, India has only 4,500 psychiatrists! he observed.

A survey undertaken by Nimhans last week also showed that more than 13 percent of urban Indians are affected by mental illness at some point of their lives.

This dismal state of affairs is only growing. There is a lack of services and the right kind of education. The government also plays a big role in this development. From rehab spaces to providing more access to the services, the contribution is important.

Started in 2014, the organisation is working relentlessly to spread awareness and provide correct information to the people. In this regard, he said, We are working towards providing knowledge about mental health. Knowledge goes a step further than awareness. We realised that there is a huge deficit of access to knowledge on mental health that gave rise to stigma and ignorance. We also came to the realisation that music, literature and theatre could be a great way to make a difference.

Moving Minds, a platform put forth by the organisation, is based on this realisation. The first edition of Moving Minds will consist of three public events in Bengaluru this month, reflecting upon expressions of mental health in our music, literature and culture.

We want people to unlearn what they know about mental illness and shift their mindset to see things the way they are. Different forms of art have a higher social connect. It will be an expression of sorts and will present interesting views on mental health and its stigma. Expression is the key to changing the attitude towards those affected, Manoj said. The programme aims to make people aware about their contribution in fighting the negative connotation attached to it, he added.

If a person has malaria, his family will rush him to the doctor. Why doesnt the same thing happen with someone with poor mental health? Through this platform they will realize that a small change in their perception can help a colleague, friend or family member fight mental illness without embarrassment, Manoj said.

The event will consist of a musical concert by folk-rock band Swarathma on Saturday October 15 at Church Street, a literary panel discussion at the National gallery of Modern Art on October 22 and a special discussion aimed at Kannada culture and the ingrained stigma in its society on October 29 at ADA Rangamandira.
Hyderabad: Injecting too much anaesthesia or doing it too quickly and inappropriate ventilation are some of the major reasons for complications that can arise after the drug is administered to the patient.

Recently, the city witnessed two children and a middle-aged woman lapsing into coma due to anaesthesia overdose. City anaesthesiologists, who met for a conclave at Gandhi Medical College on Saturday stated that such complications were seen where international standards, which are set for safe administration of anaesthesia, are not followed.

According to guidelines, anaesthetic drugs are administered considering the patients body weight, and the dose recommended for a child weighing 10 kg is 50 mg.

Dr M. Viresham, senior anaesthesiologist at Gandhi Hospital, said, In case of children, congenital diseases need to be evaluated before giving anaesthesia. At the same time, patients with high BP and those aged above 65 years must be closely evaluated as there are chances of complications. Hence, surgery is to be carried out only if the ailment is life-threatening.

Anaesthetic drugs dramatically lower the patients blood pressure and every human body reacts differently.

A senior doctor, on condition of anonymity, said: This is one of the prime reasons where calculation and evaluation of the patient becomes a risky job. It is especially difficult in the case of overweight patients, as any overdose can lead to a dangerous decline in blood pressure and, if it is not stabilized, then the patient is at risk of serious injury or even death.

As it affects the central nervous system often in the first few hours, the patients are found to suffer from dizziness, drowsiness and visual and auditory problems. Dr Uday Kiran, senior anaesthesiologist, said.

This is a common symptom in all patients and they recover soon. Complications are rare but cannot be ruled out and that is where we have to find out what is going wrong. Is it wrong administering of the medicine or is it overdose, must be ascertained, he said.

Asked about the issue, a senior member of the TS Medical Council, on condition of anonymity, said, The case of overdose is not only complicated, but difficult to prove. It becomes a very tedious inquiry and many relatives of victims move away. But it is important to look into it medically and find out where and what went wrong to avoid similar incidents in future.
The woman says it's "mortifying" to think that someone may have ingested the ashes. (Photo: Pixabay)

Brockton, Mass.: A woman whose mother's ashes were stolen from her car fears an addict stole and ingested them thinking they were drugs.

Carolyn Parker tells The Enterprise (http://bit.ly/2dN9z2t ) of Brockton the ashes were in a plastic bag inside a small white box in her glove compartment. They were taken from her unlocked Jeep in Massachusetts on Monday.

She said the thief took only the ashes, leaving behind her expensive sunglasses, $20 in change and a gold chain hanging from her rearview mirror. Her mother died in July at age 71. Parker had the ashes in her vehicle so she could spread them at her mother's favorite spots.

She says it's "mortifying" to think that someone may have ingested the ashes. She's asking the thief to return them no questions asked.
Police said the deceased was cited as the third accused in a murder case a few years back.

Chennai: A village panchayat president in Tiruvallur district was hacked to death on Friday when he was on his morning walk. This is the third such incident of a representative of local bodies being murdered in districts neighbouring Chennai in the last two weeks.

A gang on three bikes allegedly surrounded Thangaraj (48), president of Melmanamedu Village panchayat, when he was on his morning constitutional on Pattabiram Road.

They did him to death near the Vellaivedu police station. Police said the deceased was cited as the third accused in a murder case a few years back. They disclosed that Fridays event seemed like a murder for revenge.

He was serving as president of the panchayat for the last two terms. This time, the post was reserved for women. It appears he was planning to field his sister for the post, police sources said.

Thangaraj was running a brick kiln and was also into real estate business. His supporters blocked the Poonamalee  Thiruvallur road demanding the immediate arrest of his killers.

It may be recalled that on Sunday morning the sitting AIADMK councillor of Tiruttani municipality in Thiruvallur district, Shanmugham (42), was murdered after his car was intercepted and chilli powder was sprinkled on him.

In another recent murder of local body representative, a DMK ward member of village panchayat in Padappai in Kancheepuram district named G. Dhanasekharan was hacked to death inside a CSI church hall in David Nagar on October 2 when the service was on.
Bareilly: A day after a teen rape victim delivered a baby in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district, adoption requests have poured in for the child.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, 24 couples have approached the girls family with adoption request.

The 14-year-old rape victim, whose family ran from pillar to post to terminate her pregnancy, gave birth to a baby boy in an ambulance on Thursday after a nurse refused to assist her in delivery.

The girl was raped several times by a man in her village, who had promised to marry her, but was abandoned after she conceived. Ever since, the family has been unsuccessfully trying to terminate the pregnancy.

The family was declined permission to abort the baby by two courts in Bareilly, following which, the family later approached the Allahabad High Court, which set up a medical board to review her case.

Due to the advanced stages of pregnancy, the board noted, termination was not a feasible option.

All hopes for the family were finally dashed on Wednesday when the girl was beset with labour pains. Accompanied by her mother, aunt and the village midwife, the girl was admitted to the community health centre (CHC).

However, when the nurse at CHC came to know about the rape case, she asked the family members to take the girl to district hospital and also declined to arrange for an ambulance. She asked the family members to take the girl to the district hospital in an autorickshaw.

The family members finally arranged for an ambulance and the girl delivered baby en route to the district hospital. One reaching the district hospital, she was admitted and attended by the duty nurse, who cut the umbilical cord.
Hyderabad: Three days after the murder of seven-year-old G. Sai Prasanna in Medchal, police arrested a porn addicted teen in connection with the case. The 17-year-old suspect, who came to the house of the victim to steal money, took the girl to the bathroom to molest her. When she raised an alarm as he started stripping her, he took a blade from the spot and injured her. The teen stole Rs 7,000 from the house before escaping.

Cyberabad police said the victims aunt had no hand in the murder, and was only trying to rescue the injured kid. Police said the juvenile was an acquaintance of the victims family and used to visit their house often. Three years ago the victims family had lived in a house which was owned by the suspects father. Thats how he knew the victim and her family, said inspector S. Rajashekar Reddy of Medchal police.

The murder occurred on Wednesday in a dramatic way. The suspect came to know that the victims parents were away and only the children were in the house. He sneaked into the house while the victim was playing with her dog and her elder sister was sleeping. He used an already available key to open the almirah and stole Rs 7,000. Suddenly the girl came in and saw the suspect. When she questioned him he told her that he came into the house as per the directions of her father to get his Aadhaar card. The victim then went back to play with her dog. The teen then decided to molest her, said the inspector.

A Class X dropout, the teen had watched a lot of porn. He called the victim into the bathroom telling her that he would show her something and tried to strip her. When the girl started shouting the suspect picked up a blade and cut her wrist to warn her. Meanwhile, he also heard the sound of her aunt coming in from the gate. He then cut the victims neck, escaped from the house and jumped over the compound wall, said the officer.

The suspect then went to Dabilpur village and drank four bottles of beer. When police arrested him he had Rs 6,200 with him. Cops produced him before a juvenile justice court. Cases of murder, theft and outraging a womans modesty were booked against him.
A committee will be constituted to study encroachments with the help of other departments including GHMC Deputy Commissioners.

Hyderabad: Individuals who had approached the Court over demolitions of illegal structures got a breather after the GHMC chief ordered the bringing down of only unauthorised buildings and dilapidated buildings.

But a majority of those who approached the court are major encroachers such as N-Convention, Ramky estates, Satvika hotel and big realtors who have illegally occupied tanks across the city.

According to the latest orders, the city planners have been advised to concentrate on demolitions of unauthorised constructions and dilapidated buildings wherein notices have already been issued.

Regarding encroachments on nallahs and tanks, notices have to be issued as per the orders of the High Court  giving opportunity to the occupiers to both explain and relocate.

Dr. B. Janardhan Reddy, Commissioner, GHMC said, A committee will be constituted to study encroachments with the help of other departments including GHMC Deputy Commissioners. At present, Hyderabad has 390 kms of main nallahs and 1,000 kilometers of mini nallah channels.
Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa on Saturday. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged greetings.

Eighth BRICS Summit and first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit is starting in Goa today.

While the five-member BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the seven-member BIMSTEC bloc has Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

Ramping up bilateral ties, India and Russia are likely to sign key defence deals worth billions of dollars today as Moscow hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being New Delhi's foremost defence supplier.

While India and Russia will sign a "complex agreement" for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's ageing Cheetah and Chetak choppers, a deal on naval frigates is also likely.

Russian media reports have said other major deals will be signed too.

The most strategic important military deal will be the one for the supply of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has been quoted as saying by TASS news agency that the deal for the air defence system will be signed.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least S S400 systems that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

Other contracts that both countries are eyeing relate to the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, leasing of a second nuclear submarine by India and production of a new version of the BrahMos missile.

While Russia has traditionally being India's main defence supplier, recent years have seen American and European companies making a big headway.

Russia has slowly fought back and offered a slew of equipment, even under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Chennai: DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's wife and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi's mother, Rajathi Ammal, has visited Apollo Hospital to enquire about the health of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Sources in both AIADMK and DMK confirmed that Rajathi Ammal visited the hospital on Thursday night and enquired about the health of Ms Jayalalithaa, who has been under treatment there since September 22.

Her visit comes days after DMK Treasurer M K Stalin, son of Karunanidhi, called on doctors at the hospital.

DMK sources said Rajathi Ammal took the concurrence of Mr Karunanidhi before she went to the hospital to enquire about the health of Jayalalithaa.

Her unannounced visit came to light only on Friday.

Meanwhile, former Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah today visited the hospital and enquired about the health of Jayalalitaa.

Mr Rosaiah, whose term as the state governor ended recently, said he prayed the almighty for the speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa.

Ever since Ms Jayalalithaa was hospitalised last month, the hospital has received a steady stream of VVIP visitors including Union Ministers and leaders of political parties besides the all-time presence of AIADMK leaders.
Patna/Gaya: The grandson of Jitan Ram Manjhi was arrested in Gaya for possesing liquor bottles with the former Bihar Chief Minister calling it a "conspiracy" to malign him.



Superintendent of Police Awkash Kumar said Manjhi's maternal grandson Vicky Kumar Manjhi was caught with liquor bottles near Kathwara village under Dobhi police station area in Gaya district last evening.



He said Vicky was arrested while travelling in a car with his friend Ravi Kumar. 12 bottles of beer and one bottle of Royal Stag were found in their possession.



30-year-old Vicky Manjhi is son of the former Chief Minister's daughter.



Both the accused have been sent to Gaya central jail as per the new Excise law in force in the state from October 2, the SP said.



Strongly reacting to the developments, Manjhi alleged the entire episode was hatched by police to please political master as part of a "conspiracy" to malign him.



Manjhi, chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha, a constituent of BJP in NDA, told reporters in Patna that law should take its course in the episode.



"If my grandson has done anything wrong, law should take its own course. But I smell conspiracy in the entire episode," he said.
Hyderabad: Telugu film star and Janasena party founder Pawan Kalyan today extended support to struggle by residents of some villages in West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh against establishment of an aqua food park.

The activists, who spoke ahead of Kalyan at a press meet here, alleged that the food park being set up in the Godavari delta area in the district polluted a major canal that is lifeline to lakhs of people, including farmers and fishermen.

The factory is being set up without conducting any public opinion and that serious police cases are being filed against those fighting against the food park, they claimed.

Kalyan asked why the TDP government and local BJP MP and other MLAs did not respond adequately to the pleas of those opposed to the aqua food park.

Why BJP MP and party MLAs did not look into the fears of pollution of river at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about cleaning the Ganga, he asked.

He also questioned the logic in imposing prohibitory orders in small villages. "Don't make it like a Nandigram," the actor-turned-politician said.

Noting that he is not opposed to industrial progress, Kalyan, however, suggested that the government consider shifting the food park to a different location.

His party would provide legal support and fight for justice to the affected people, he added.

Kalyan, who is hugely popular among youth, campaigned in support of the BJP-TDP combine in the 2014 elections. His campaign is considered one of the major reasons for the success of the combine at the hustings.
Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at Goa's Taj Exotica Hotel & Resort, amid rising tensions between the two countries over Beijings opposition to a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar and its continued support to Pakistan.

The two leaders will soon hold a dialogue again on New Delhi's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in which it hopes "differences" will be narrowed down.

President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a second round of dialouge on the issue of India's entry into the NSG, over which China has reservations, will be held soon.

The Chinese President's word on the issue came after the Prime Minister told him that India was looking forward to working with China on realising its membership of the NSG.

"India's broad concerns in the current state have been conveyed to China. The intention was that both sides should narrow down their areas of differences," Vikas Swarup, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said on Twitter.

Replying to questions whether China had softened its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."

Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

Read: Will continue to block Indias NSG bid, efforts to ban Masood Azhar: China

The two leaders also discussed terrorism and India also pushed for a UN ban on Masood Azhar.

"No country is immune from terrorism. India and China must increase cooperation to deal with terror," Modi told Xi during the meet. Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region.

During the meet, both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue and Xi said that China would strengthen security dialogue and partnership with India.

"My meeting with President Xi Jinping was fruitful. We discussed various aspects of India-China ties," Modi tweeted after the meet.

"India is maintaining dialogue with China on pushing for UN ban on JeM terrorist Masood Azhar. We expect China will see logic in it," the MEA said.

The meeting between the two leaders came a day after China said that it will continue to block India's NSG membership bid and New Delhi's attempts to get Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN.

China's needling of India on these two important matters shows Beijing's strong links with Pakistan, and its steadfast opposition to give India a greater global role in the comity of nations. Interestingly, without naming China but in an obvious reference to it, India had earlier said that there was only "one country" that was opposed to both UN Sanctions on Masood Azhar as well as India's entry into the NSG.
Benaulim: India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

The defence deals included India buying the 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said. Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries. "They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration. "These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," he said.

He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

"Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties. In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability."

On cooperation in atomic sector, he said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India," said the Prime Minister.

Talking about India's expanding presence in Russia's hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in that country's Oil and Gas sector.

"And, with President Putin's support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.

"A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising 'Energy Bridge' between our two countries," he said.

The Prime Minister said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission. "Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields," he said.

On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement. "Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

"And, with President Putin's backing, we hope to fast track India's association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement," he said.

Modi added that efforts by the two sides for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance infrastructure partnership.

The Prime Minister said success of the Summit "shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.

"It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues," he said.

Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia. "We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage," he said.
New Delhi: The Anti-Corruption Branch today questioned Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia for close to three hours in connection with its probe into an alleged recruitment scam in Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

Sisodia was summoned by the ACB on October 7 informing him about the questioning.

He arrived around 11 am at the ACB office and his questioning continued for around three hours, said a senior ACB officer. "He was examined today. Details about the questioning cannot be shared since the matter is under investigation," said ACB chief Mukesh Kumar Meena.

Sisodia was questioned about the letter from his office that had authorised DCW as a body with financial autonomy, said a senior ACB officer, adding he was evasive during the duration of questioning.

Later, Sisodia alleged that the ACB summoning AAP ministers is "part of political vendetta" against them. "I don't understand why they summoned me. Ever since the AAP government has been formed, ACB has called three ministers in different cases.

"During three-hour questioning, ACB had interrogated me on just three-paragraph clarification on administrative and financial powers to DCW member secretary. The finance department of the government had sent this clarification to DCW on March 1, 2016," he said.

He added that the clarification mentioned that the women's panel was formed as per DCW Act, 1994.

"When I asked about the clarification, ACB officials did not have answers to my query," he said.

Sisodia said they are being targeted since the government has been working for the welfare of Delhi. "If I try to understand the reason behind ACB summoning me, the reason seems very clear. In the last one-and-a-half years, we have done good work which was not executed by previous BJP and Congress governments in the last 20 years. I challenge BJP and Congress to debate on works done by the AAP government," he said.

Claiming the AAP government has brought "changes" in the capital, he said, "People are happy that they are getting free water and their power bills have been halved. Parents are also happy that private schools have not increased the fees. Patients are getting free medicines. Labourers are also happy that they will get hiked salaries."

DCW chief Swati Maliwal, who has also been questioned by the ACB earlier, alleged that the agency has challenged the autonomy of the commission in a "mala fide attempt to subvert and subdue" the women's panel.

"The ACB has challenged the autonomy of the commission in the FIR it has lodged against Maliwal. This is a dangerous as the panel is an autonomous organisation and derives its powers under a statute.

"The autonomy is envisaged for the commission since it is expected to question the Governments and it's organisations in order to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding interests of women," DCW said in a statement.

"The Finance and Women and Child department on Commission's request, clarified that the Commission is administratively and financially autonomous. It is for this clarification Sisodia has been summoned," it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcome by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar as he arrives to attend the BRICS Summit in Panaji, Goa. (Photo: PTI)

Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a state dinner for the visiting heads of states and government of the BRICS and BIMSTEC groups at the iconic beachside luxury hotel 'Leela Goa' on Sunday night.

The heads of state and governments of 11 nations, including Prime Minister Modi will be meeting for two days at the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in Goa beginning tomorrow at the Taj Exotica.

While the five-member BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the seven-member BIMSTEC bloc has Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

Vladimir Putin of Russia, Xi Jin Ping of China, Michel Temer of Brazil and Jacob Zuma of South Africa will be dining at the Leela, Aung Sang Suu Kyi of Myanmar, Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, Prayut Chan o Cha of Thailand, Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal and Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan will be the guests at the hotel.

While the meetings are happening at multiple venues in the coastal state, the Leela is the only place where all these leaders and their key delegates will be converging for the state dinner where exclusive Indian cuisine will be served on the beach, a Leela hotel spokesperson said.

The Leela Goa, a 75-acre exclusive resort overlooking the tranquil Sal river and the lofty Betul mountains, is situated on the pristine Mobor beach.

The state dinner will be preceded by BRICS summit and BIMSTEC outreach. "More than 250 dignitaries from around the globe will attend the seven-course curated dinner. The event will also feature eclectic cultural performances from renowned artists across India," Shridhar Nair, general manager of Leela Goa said.

"Our chefs have been researching and curating the 'perfect' seven course meal for several months for this important closing state banquet. Our effort is to showcase our nation's rich culinary heritage to these international guests," he said.

Special arrangements have been made for the motorcades of the 11 heads of states, including, over 180 luxury sedans, in addition to the military escort vehicles, the hotel said.

The hotel which recently underwent a USD 5-million refurbishment is a striking confluence of Portuguese and Indian architecture.
The family was not allowed to cremate the victim. (Representational Image)

Balasore: The family members of a man, suspected to have died of AIDS in Odisha's Balasore district, were allegedly denied permission to undertake cremation at the community place.

Police said according to information received the person died at Tentei village under Soro police station area in Balasore district.

However, the family of the deceased said since villagers opposed his cremation at the community crematorium.

"We had to bury the body in the land attached to their residence yesterday."

The family had wanted cremation be undertaken near the river bank, away from the community crematorium.

A village youth, not wishing to be identified, said, The man, who was working in Mumbai for long time, died of suspected AIDS attack. We heard he was afflicted with HIV + virus.

He said the man was under treatment in some private clinic for some period but could not recover and his son had also died of the same disease some years back.

The police officer said the family's version of events, after the death, was being looked into.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during a public rally to induct the Dalit leader Shivram into the party at National College Ground in Bengaluru. (Photo: PTI)

Bengaluru: Taking a jibe at Pakistan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said it could seek the help of India if it could not root out terrorism on its own.

Addressing a public rally in Bengaluru, he said Pakistan was getting isolated from the world for abetting terrorism.

"If Pakistan government wants to get rid of terrorism and if Pakistan government on its own cannot root out terrorism, then it can seek help of India. India is ready to root out terrorism from Pakistan," he said.

He said constant efforts were made to improve relations with Pakistan, pointing out that Narendra Modi had invited in May 2014 all the heads of governments of neighbouring countries for his swearing in as Prime Minister to send a message that India wants to have better relations with them.

But Pakistan did not understand this and tried to take advantage in "violation", he said, apparently referring to the Uri terror attack.

"We do not hate people of Pakistan but hate terrorism in Pakistan."

Mr Singh said terrorists from Pakistan crossed the borders and killed 19 soldiers but what the Indian jawans did in retaliation was sending a strong message to the world that the country was not weak but strong.

He also said the greatest example of India being a secular country was it declared itself a secular state rather than a theocratic state unlike Pakistan that called itself an Islamic state.

At the rally, former Dalit IAS officer K Shivaram, who has acted in some Kannada films, joined the BJP.
Hyderabad: A 26-year-old man committed suicide in public view demanding that his native place be attached to the newly carved Medak district. Udavati Raju, a native of Nagireddy Peta, left a suicide note stating that his native place should be detached from the new Kamareddy district and be attached to Medak district.

Raju poured petrol over his body and lit a match before anybody could stop him. Though he was rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries in a few minutes. An intermediate dropout, Raju, who was part of the local movement in Nagireddy Peta, came to Hyderabad a day ago. On Saturday afternoon, eyewitnesses at Tank Bund alerted police about a man threatening to set himself ablaze.

Victim did not accept any help

He was standing near the Kshetrayya statue on Tank Bund. He threw his Aadhar card, a paper and a few of his photographs on the pavement before pouring petrol on himself. As soon as the police arrived, he set himself on fire and did not allow others to put it off, said an eyewitness to the incident.

The police who rushed to the spot tried to extinguish the fire, but succeeded only after the victim suffered grievous burns. He had sustained over 90 per cent burns on his body. When we tried to rush him to the hospital, he yelled that he did not want to go to hospital. He died in the next few minutes, said Gandhinagar inspector A. Sanjeev Rao.

Cops said that they were investigating the reason behind his suicide. We have to talk to his parents and relatives, Mr Sanjeeva Rao said. Sources said that Raju was frustrated that he could not get a job He was hoping that his native place would be part of Medak district, which would increase chances of better development of his village.
Bengaluru: Nearly 2,000 people including environmental activists and politicians are expected to join the human chain to protest the proposed steel flyover from Basaveswara (Chalukya) Circle to Hebbal, on Sunday.

Civic evangelist, V. Ravichandar, who plans to be part of the human chain, says its important for the government to do a rethink on the project. People need to come out in large numbers and participate in the protest to show that they care for the city, he stressed.

Urban expert, Ashwin Mahesh says its clear no effort has been made to look at alternatives to the flyover although DULT too has not given it the thumbs up.

Read: Guest column: It can rust and will require costly maintenance

More skeletons are bound to tumble out on this project. Plenty of people will be happy to work with the government to suggest alternatives to the flyover that are actually, and urgently required to tackle the congestion in the city, he added.

Sunday will see protesters gather between 8 am and 11 am at Chalukya Hotel, BDA head office, Cauvery theatre and Mekhri Circle to form the human chain, backed by activists, who have formed the Citizens Against Steel Flyover forum, and others, who have spearheaded the campaign, #SteelFlyoverBeda, that has garnered wide support from all sectors.

No diversions in traffic: Police

There will be no traffic diversions on account of the human chain that will be formed at different circles and junctions, starting for Chalukya Circle up until Hebbal flyover (the corridor where the steel bridge is proposed).

We are unsure as to how many citizens may turn up for the human chain on Sunday as the organisers themselves are not sure about it, said Charan Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police West. The five junctions to be affected are Chalukya Circle, BDA junction, Cauvery Theatre, Mekhri Circle and Hebbal flyover.

If there is a need for traffic diversions, we will decide then and there and make necessary changes, said Renuka, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic North.
Bengaluru: A series of holidays for schools in September because of Cauvery protests has forced the Department of Public Instruction to cut the ongoing Dasara holidays and to direct schools to hold full classes on Saturdays in November to make up for the lost time.

The DPI has ordered schools in Bengaluru to resume classes from October 24 instead of October 30. After intense protests broke out with the Supreme Court ordering Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, the state government was forced to announce holidays for schools and colleges across the state in the first and second weeks of September. In Bengaluru, schools were closed for at least five days, said a DPI officer.

As per the original calendar, the schools were supposed to reopen on October 30 after the Dasara holidays. But the revised schedule has directed schools to reopen on October 24. The schools have also been told to hold full-day classes on all four Saturdays in November.

The DPI circular states that in 11 districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chamarajnagar etc, two days were lost because of the Cauvery protests. In 22 districts, including Bengaluru North, South and Rural, three days were lost. DPI officials said that in Bengaluru, where the protests were violent the schools were closed for more than a week.

Sources said that majority of ICSE and CBSE schools restarted on October 12 itself, keeping in mind the lost days. Every single class hour is important for us. This year, we started classes early as we could not hold classes for more than 15 days in September because of the Cauvery protest and confusion, said a principal of a ICSE school.
An inquiry has been ordered by the immigration authorities into the gaffe.

NEW DELHI: A controversial meat exporter dodged the immigration authorities after he was detained at the IGI airport on Saturday. A look out notice was issued against him by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.

The exporter, Moin Qureshi, flew to Dubai after showing a court order in an income tax case, leaving officials red faced. Meanwhile, an inquiry has been ordered by the immigration authorities into the gaffe.

As the immigration department informed the ED about his detention, Qureshi presented a court order in which there was no restriction on his flying abroad.

The immigration officer checked for the veracity of the court order and allowed him to fly to Dubai. As the ED team reached the airport to take the meat exporter into custody, they were informed that he had been allowed to fly on the basis of a court order.

However, the immigration officer realised that the order was in connection with an Income Tax case and not in the ED case, prompting the authorities to order an inquiry. Sources said that Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the courts nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport.

We have sought documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel. Our officials were on the spot to take his custody but he was allowed to fly abroad, ED sources said. It is understood that the agency wanted to question Qureshi and had issued summons to him but couldnt lay its hands on him.

The ED had registered a case against Qureshi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year. He is under the scanner of probe agencies for alleged tax evasion and hawala-like dealings. Reportedly, the ED had been investigating funds to the tune of `200 crore parked abroad by him.

The agency had slapped fresh charges under PMLA after taking cognisance of the I-T department's chargesheet (also called prosecution complaint) against Qureshi in alleged tax evasion case in a local court last year.

The ED had earlier been probing this case under forex violation laws after the I-T department first shared documents indicating hawala and alleged contravention of forex laws by the businessman and his business entities based here.
T-Hub, the countrys largest startup ecosystem in Hyderabad, has launched T-Bridge in US, in partnership with Uber and TiE Silicon Valley. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: T-Hub, the countrys largest startup ecosystem in Hyderabad, has launched T-Bridge in US, in partnership with Uber and TiE Silicon Valley. T-Bridge is a new programme that will connect Indian startups with global market opportunities and help bring global startups to India. IT minister K.T. Rama Rao, who is at present touring US, launched T-Bridge in San Francisco on Saturday.

T-Bridge will enable startup communities in India and around the world to cross-pollinate ideas, innovate and create channels for knowledge transfer. It will also create a network of mentors, venture capitalists, incubators and accelerators. T-Bridge will help startups access UberEXCHANGE, Ubers flagship startup mentorship program and TiE Silicon Valleys mentor network.

Mr Rao said, We have a vision to make Hyderabad one of the top 10 startup cities in the world. T-Bridge is one such move towards opening a channel of investment from the world to Telangana. I believe that this association will forge new partnerships and spur investment and innovation between the two countries.

Ram K. Reddy, incoming president of TiE Silicon Valley said, The vitality and transformational mindset of Telangana leadership gained quick notoriety within the startup world. TiE Silicon Valley is pleased to host the first T-Bridge outpost in Silicon Valley. Rachel Whetstone, Ubers senior vice president for policy and communications, said, Through initiatives like UberEXCHANGE, our mentorship program for Indian startups, we hope to spur entrepreneurship. Creative partnerships like T-Bridge will continue to strengthen ties between India and the global startup scene.

Jay Krishnan CEO, T-Hub said, Since the launch of T-Hub last year, weve witnessed three-fold increase in startup activity in Hyderabad. The city is abuzz with over 30 incubators and co-working spaces. We are committed to enabling and growing this community and to helping Indian entrepreneurs access global resources. T-Bridge is one such initiative in that direction.
Mumbai: In a notable judgement, a Solapur court has ordered a 47-year-old employed woman to pay a monthly maintenance to her 38-year-old homemaker husband.

Solapur civil court's Judge P.V. Patil has ordered the woman, who is the principal of a school, to pay a monthly Rs 2,000 to her husband. However, the woman claimed that she was the victim of her husband's falsehoods and will appeal in the high court against the civil court order.

Anil and Sarita (names changed), residents of Satara and Solapur respectively, met at a mass marriage event and tied the nuptial knot in November 2004 at Dhanamma temple in Guddapur village. While Sarita was well-educated and the principal of a school, Anil was unemployed.

According to Anils claims made in the court, Sarita had married him after he had agreed to her condition that after marriage, he would become a homemaker and reside at her home in Solapur.

However, according to Anils claims, the couple split in 2014 after Sarita threw him out of the house for allegedly breaking one of the kitchen utensils. Anil also claimed that he was left to live on the streets and fend for himself. Later, he filed a case in Solapur civil court seeking maintenance from Sarita and demanding that she allows him to reside at her house.

On October 12, the court ordered Sarita to pay her husband a monthly maintenance of Rs 2,000 and accommodate him in her house till the divorce case gets over. The court ruled that Sarita should pay the maintenance to her husband as she was well aware that he was unemployed and still agreed to marry him.

Refuting all the allegations made by Anil, Sarita said, My husbands allegation that I asked him to become a homemaker is false. The fact is that he is the one who had been mentally and physically torturing me since long. In 2014, he beat me so much on Diwali that I had to be admitted in a hospital and received stitches on my head.
NEW DELHI: In what is being seen as a game-changer to boost Indias military capabilities in South Asia, Russia will supply five state-of-the-art S-400 Triumf air defence systems to India, besides setting up a joint venture manufacturing 200 Kamov 226T helicopters and supplying four new guided-missile stealth frigates.

The military deals are worth about Rs 43,000 crore, part of 16 agreements clinched after wide-ranging fruitful and substantive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday on the sidelines of the Brics Summit being held in Goa.

Another deal is the acquisition of controlling stake in Indias Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns by Russian oil major Rosneft. In a veiled disapproval of terror sponsored from across the border, India and Russia called for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN to tackle the menace.

Defence gets Russian muscle

A joint statement was issued after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here at the ongoing summit of the Brics group in Goa. Mr Modi said the highly productive outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities.

Appreciating Russias stand on the need for zero tolerance on terrorism, the PM said: Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism.

Indicative of a strong reiteration of the robustness of the traditional ties between India and Russia, besides the military agreements, other deals included an entire range from sectors like building smart cities, space, railways, energy, to cooperation in the information technology security arena.

The two nations had been talking on S-400 Triumf surface-to-air medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile system deal for about a year now. India will be the second country after China to receive this ultra-sophisticated air defence system. Russia has deployed the S-400 to defend its Khmeimim military base in war-torn Syria. Of the four Admiral Grigorovich-class guided-missile stealth frigates, two will come from Russia and two will be India-made with Russian collaboration.
Hyderabad: The TS government has zeroed in on locations for setting up dry ports. These dry ports will help increase exports from the state from the present Rs 1 lakh-crore to Rs 1.50 lakh-crore per year.

The government had failed to submit proposals to the Centre in this regard despite repeated reminders from the Union shipping ministry over the last two years. The government appointed international consultants to identify suitable locations to set up the dry ports. The consultants took up an extensive study and submitted reports to government.

Based on the reports, the government proposed to the Centre to set up four dry ports around Hyderabad by spending Rs 2,700 crore. Of this, the TS government has asked the Centre to extend financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore. Sources in infrastructure and investment department said that the four dry ports proposed at Zaheerabad along NH-9, Bhongir along NH-163, Jadcherla along NH-7 and Damarcharla along the Miryalaguda-Wadapally highway.

We have identified 825 acres in Zaheerabad, 450 in Bhongir, 319 in Jadcherla and 3,000 acres in Damarcharla. We are ready to hand over the land to union shipping ministry as and when required. There is no need to acquire any private land for these ports as there is abundant government land available in these locations, the sources said. The Centre is expected to entrust the responsibility of setting up one of these dry ports with the Visakhapatnam Port Trust.

After bifurcation of the state, Telangana was left with no sea ports since it has no coastline. This impacted exports and imports. While the government had urged the Centre to set up dry ports to compensate for the dip in revenue from exports during the last two years, it failed to identify suitable locations and submit proposals to the Centre.

With several new manufacturing units coming up in the state under TS-iPASS, especially in NIMZ-Medak and Hyderabad Pharma City, with a major thrust on exports, the dry ports have become all the more important. A dry port is an inland terminal which is directly connected by rail or road to a sea port. It offers customs clearance, temporary storage, handling and inspection for exports and international cargo similar to that of a sea port.
Hyderabad: Bifurcation of state-cadre employees between TS and AP has kicked up a fresh controversy. TS employees associations have demanded that the state government not to allow AP-native employees allotted to TS to join TS Secretariat and other commissionerates and directorates in Hyderabad till the AP government allows TS-native employees allotted to AP to join service in Amaravati.

The shifting of AP Secretariat completely to Velagapudi early this month triggered the controversy. The AP government relieved all the AP-native employees allotted to TS to join the TS Secretariat. Though the allocations were made by the Centre-appointed Kamalnathan Committee, the TS employees argue that the panel was biased and allotted AP-native staff to TS under pressure from the AP government and its employees associations.

They alleged that the AP government conspired to ensure maximum postings to AP-native staff to TS Secretariat so that it has access to all confidential information and files of the TS government. TS employees leader and MLA V. Srinivas Goud, met Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma and submitted a representation demanding not to allow AP-native staff to work in TS Secretariat.

He said, Around 100 AP-native staff were allotted to TS Secretariat. Of them, 30 gave AP as their option. Despite that, they were allotted to TS. The Secretariat employees deal with confidential information and files of government. There are chances of AP-native staff leaking this information to AP government. This appears to be a larger conspiracy by AP, which needs to be thoroughly probed. The employees cite the leakage of TS industries department data on EoDB, which was uploaded on AP website, as an example of the conspiracy, as it is to secure better ranking and to damage the prospects of TS. They alleged that of the 250 section officer posts in TS Secretariat, AP-native staff bagged 100 by producing false certificates pertaining to health problems, spouse grounds, nativity and school study.
Passengers can travel from Secunderabad to Nagpur in less than three hours.

Hyderabad: Passengers can travel from Secunderabad to Nagpur in less than three hours when the 200 kmph trains, for which India signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia, start running. The rail distance between the two cities is 575 km. The superfast Rajdhani Express takes 7 hours and 50 minutes to cover the distance with an average speed of about 80 kmph and top speed of 130 kmph. Other fast trains take over 10 hours.

The MoU was signed at the ongoing BRICS meet at Goa. The plan is to improve the railway tracks and strengthen them to allow trains to run at 200 kmph, Railway Board member Ved Prakash told this correspondent over phone. Nagpur is the connecting point between southern and northern rail corridors.

Mr Prakash said the details of survey, project reports, cost and timeline would be announced later. SCR officials said the Secunderabad-Nagpur route was one of the main corridors connecting south India with the north. Every day over 130 trains operate on this sector.
Lucknow: Twenty-four people, including 20 women, were killed in a stampede that took place on the Rajghat Bridge that connects Varanasi to Chandauli on Saturday afternoon. More than 60 persons have been injured in the incident.

ADG (law and order) Daljit Chaudhary, who air dashed to Varanasi, confirmed the deaths and said that rescue operation were on in full swing. Our first priority is to evacuate the injured and then facilitate the movement of the crowd, he said.

All the victims were devotees of the Jai Gurudev cult and were there to participate in a function held to mark the anniversary of the spiritual leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha, spoke to senior district officials and inquired about the situation.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each for the kin of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister has also asked the Varanasi commissioner to probe the incident and submit his report at the earliest.

Official sources said that a rumour that the bridge was cracking up led to the stampede while eye witnesses claimed that an elderly man apparently felt suffocated and collapsed and some other people fell on him which led to commotion.

Chief medical officer Dr V.B. Singh said that 24 people were brought dead to the hospital and many came with serious injuries. The condition of five of them is said to be critical. The remaining of the injured persons have been admitted to a hospital in Ramnagar.

Only three bodies have been identified so far and they are Rajvanti, Savitri Misra and Naval Misra. The stampede led to a 12 kilometre long traffic jam and officials from Varanasi as well as Chandauli and it took several hours before they could reach the site of the incident.

According to reports, the stampede was a result of the laxity of the district administrations of Varanasi and Chandauli and also that of the local intelligence units.

Gurudev left home at 7

In the past five months, this is the second time that the name of Jai Gurudev has grabbed headlines. In June this year, his followers clashed with the police in Jawahar Bagh in Mathura  an area they had illegally encroached upon  and the ensuing violence left 29 people dead.

On Saturday, it was again a Jai Gurudev function in Varanasi that caused a stampede and claimed 24 lives. Jai Gurudev was a spiritual leader based in Mathura and his real name was Tulsidas. It is said that he left home when he was seven years old and visited temples seeking a perfect spiritual master.
New Delhi: The saffron young turk and one of BJPs leading faces in Uttar Pradesh Varun Gandhi is turning Gandhian for the debt hit farmers.

Mr Gandhi has started offering financial help to farmers on the brink of committing suicide. Due to the worsening agrarian crisis in parts of Uttar Pradesh, there had been reports of farmers committing suicides and a large number of them are on the brink of taking their own lives.

Mr Gandhi had been donating his MPs salary for the last four years to the families of the farmers who had committed suicide. Expanding the rainbow, he decided to help the marginal farmers on the brink of committing sucide.

Mr Gandhi had been zipping across the state to create awareness over the issue and has so far covered 20 districts which include Agra, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Baharich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pratapgarh, Aligarh, Sultanpur, Sitapur, Moradabad and Allahabad.

So far the total contrubtion from the people has been nearly Rs 17.8 crore, which helped 3,250 families with each family getting about Rs 50,000. It was found the average debt of the marginal farmers ranged between Rs 30,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh. Mr Gandhi himself contributed around Rs 1.6 crore from his personal resources, which helped nearly 300 families.

I had made a pledge to donate my entire Parliamentary salary to the families of the farmers who had committed suicide. After 2014 we decide to expand this into a movement by also aiming to help those marginal farmers on the brink of committing suicide, Mr Gandhi said.

Mr Gandhi then set up three indicators to select the crisis hit farmers. These included, farmers who had defaulted on their loan-repayment, whose crops had been destroyed in a row of three crop cycles and those who has no fixed assets.

Mr Gandhi said that if a farmer suffered from all these conditions there was a significant chance that they might take their own life.

Stepping up the effot Mr Gandhi and his team contacted local banks, local administration to get the information to establish a data bank of the farmers in dire straits.

Volunteers fanned out to asecretain the real condition. Mr Gandhi and his team had also reached out to the local lawyers, businessmen, rich farmers, traders toc reate awareness.

The local elite were earlier unaware of the scale of rural distress, but, after giving me an audience and looking at the facts and faces of the impoverished, they contrubuted generously, Mr Gandhi said.

Mr Gandhi set up a direct link between the donor and farmers in distress. He said, I was conscious that I did not want to create an NGO or an organisation but simply act as a direct via media between the giver and the marginal farmer.

Besides his personal contribution, Mr Gandhi managed to raise Rs 18 lakhs, which reportedly saved 26 families from falling into a debt trap.

Mr Gandhi said that his next aim is to help 10,000 agrarian families and work with technology professionals to create a platform to address the crisis.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh along with other party leaders and newly joined SAD leaders during Dussehra celebrations in Amritsar. (Photo: PTI)

Chandigarh: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today declared a virtual war against the Akali government in the state for its "failure" to transfer the Ludhiana Police Commissioner in the 'Chitta Ravan' case, asking the party workers in all the 117 Assembly segments to burn effigies as a mark of protest.

As the Punjab Congress' siege of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's residence in Chandigarh continued for the second day, he said, "Mark my words, this is just the beginning. We will destroy the chitta and its Ravan in its entirety in Punjab."

Congress workers had reportedly prepared white Ravan effigies in protest against the sale of heroin (chitta) in Punjab. They had planned to burn them on Dussehra, along with photos of the chief minister and his son (Deputy Chief Minister) Sukhbir Singh Badal, which led to a clash between them and Akali Dal supporters in Ludhiana that left at least 35 people injured.

The police had arrested Punjab Youth Congress secretary Parvinder Singh Lapran on Wednesday in connection with the incident. Alleging police bias and claiming that no case was lodged against the Akali Dal activists, Congress workers have been staging an indefinite protest outside Badal's residence in Chandigarh since yesterday.

The protesters, including Congress MPs and MLAs, are demanding Ludhiana Police Commissioner Jatinder Aulakh's transfer and ADCP Jaswinder Singh's suspension.

Addressing them, Amarinder demanded withdrawal of cases against Congress workers jailed on "fictitious" charges of assaulting Akali Dal activists.

Asking the Akalis why were they so "touchy" about the 'Chitta Ravan' issue, the state Congress chief said, "Is it your guilty conscience that gets pricked and causes goosebumps over the very mention of 'chitta'?"

"By resorting to violence against the burning of the 'Chitta Ravan', the Akalis have actually admitted to their guilt of being synonymous with the synthetic drug," he claimed.

Amarinder said the 'Chitta Ravan' was there not only in Ludhiana but all over Punjab, with the "people using it to express their anger against the Badals".

He claimed that in Amritsar, effigies of the chief minister and his son were burnt during Dussehra celebrations. "If they (the Badals) think they can intimidate and gag the people by abusing their power, they are miserably mistaken," Amarinder said, adding that it was a matter of "few more months" before the Badals were "forced to run for cover".
Chennai: In a show of rare cordiality between the ruling party and the principal opposition in the state, the Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin on Friday met Finance Minister O.Panneerselvam and submitted a petition demanding an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue.

Stalin, accompanied by senior DMK leaders K. Duraimurugan, K. Ponmudi and others, met the Finance Minister who was with PWD Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami at the Secretariat.

The Opposition Leader explained the contents of the petition to the two ministers who promised to consider the demand. Coming out of the meeting, Stalin said he had given the petition in person to the ministers since he had trust in them.

When asked about the government stand that the issue could be solved only through the court, the DMK treasurer said the issue could be faced legally. But, an all-party meeting should be convened to jointly express the sentiments on the Cauvery dispute. In Karnataka, all the parties are united in conveying their opinion, he pointed out.

Reacting to a question that the meeting had taken place after Panneerselvam had taken over the portfolios of the Chief Minister and whether the present government is functioning smoothly, Stalin said those issues were not discussed. The decision was based on what was decided at the meeting of farmers associations. He also said a copy of the resolution had been sent to the Chief Secretary.

The petition contained three resolutions passed at the meeting of farmers' associations. The major demand was the convening of an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly. The petition also requested the state government to take a delegation of representatives from political parties and farmers' unions to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to insist on the formation of the Cauvery Management Board.

The DMK also announced its participation in the 48-hour train blockade of farmers to be held on October 17 and 18. More outfits, including Naam Thamizhar led by P. Seeman and Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi of T. Velmurugan also announced their participation in the two-day agitation.
Mumbai: Hearing a bail application of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, the Bombay High Court on Friday asked how she could be kept in prison when the prosecuting agency had said there was no case against her.

Thakur moved the high court after the special court for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act cases denied her bail on June 28.

The division bench of justices N H Patil and P D Naik asked the NIA to submit a compilation of all the previous orders and judgements pertaining to the case.

Thakur was given a clean chit by the NIA earlier this year, but the trial court refused her bail.

Her petition in the high court said the lower court had failed to take into consideration the change in circumstances.

In November 2015, the special court denied her bail, holding that prima facie there was some evidence against her.

But in May, NIA filed a fresh charge sheet (after taking over the case from Maharashtra ATS), which gave a clean chit to Thakur.

Her lawyer, advocate Jai Prakash Mishra, argued today that there was no material evidence against her. NIA's lawyer also told the high court that the agency had concluded that charges against her could not be substantiated, and the earlier charge sheet filed by ATS was erroneous.

"This is an odd case where the prosecution has no objections and yet the accused is denied bail and kept behind the bars," the bench observed, seeking copies of both the charge sheets and the special court's orders denying her bail. Next hearing would be on November 16.

Six persons died and 100 were injured in the bomb blast at Malegaon, a predominantly Muslim town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.
Ahmedabad: Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ahead of Gujarat Assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi Chief Minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.



Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf, where the BJP has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.



Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into politics if his community members want him to do so.



23-year-old Hardik's leaning towards AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.



Yesterday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit 'Yuva Azadi' over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the Army.



"We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar community's reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight," Patel said in a message from Udaipur.



Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he can do for the Patel community.



"Our youths lost lives during the quota agitation, cases were slapped against us for carrying out the agitation. Please spell out during your visit what you can do for us," Patel wrote in the memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister.



"Our main demand is reservation for our community and you should spell out what you can do for giving reservation to us," he asked.



"BJP has finished democracy in Gujarat. You are the chief minister of the capital of the country -- Delhi -- and whatever you say will be heard in the entire country. I request you to do whatever is possible for our community," the memorandum by Hardik said.



In response, Kejriwal said, "It is important that those leaders who ordered firing on Patel protesters (during quota agitation of August 2015) should be punished."
New Delhi: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be able to impress upon Russia and China to pressurise Pakistan on the issue of cross border terrorism.

"We warmly welcome Our Distinguished Guests from BRICS countries. BRICS represent half of World population and constitute 22% of Worlds GDP. Could we be able to convince other members of BRICS about the State sponsored Terrorism of Pakistan?

"If China & Russia jointly put pressure on Pakistan to hand over the Handlers & Accused of Terror crimes in India, Pak wont be able to say No," Singh said in a series of tweets He hoped the Prime Minister will be able to convince the leaders with his oratorial skills.

"Mr Modi would you be able to convince them with your Oratorial Skills? I sincerely hope you would. Best wishes to you!," he said on twitter.

The summit, which is being attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa, is likely to deliberate on a range of key issues including confronting threat of terror and boosting trade and investment.

India is also likely to reaffirm its concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties when Prime Minister Modi holds talks with Russian President Putin during which the two sides will look at ramping up their "special and privileged partnership" by inking pacts in areas of defence and nuclear energy.
The prosecution said Ramar Pillai misrepresented the facts and sold the mixture as herbal fuel to the public through various sales outlets.

Chennai: P. Ramar Pillai, who shot into fame across the country with his herbal fuel more than two decades ago, has been sentenced to undergo three years of rigorous imprisonment by a CBI court on Thursday on charges of cheating and duping the people with his invention.

The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, K. Balasubramanian, has also sentenced four of his associates to undergo three years of RI and imposed them a fine of `30,000.

They were released on bail on Thursday night after they paid the fine and submitted sureties. A high school dropout, Ramar Pillai, hailing from a village near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, shot into limelight in 1996 with his herbal fuel. He claimed he managed to convert water into fuel -a hydrocarbon fuel- by boiling certain secret herbs in it. His claims were rubbished by the scientists then.

Nearly after 15 years he returned in 2010 with a new name for his fuel, Ponnupillai Ramar. Claiming it would make transportation much cheaper at `5 for a litre he sought the government to support his efforts. Recently, he even offered his fuel to Army.

According to CBI between 1999 and 2000, Ramar Pillai colluded with few persons to do an illegal act of mixing petroleum products like Toluene and Naphtha and to market the mixture in the name of Ramar Petrol, or Ramar Tamildevi Mooligai Eriporul as if it was extracted from herbs.

The mixture was to be used as auto mobile fuel from herbs, which did not match the ISI standard. The herbal fuel was only a mixture of petroleum products, marketing of which was prohibited by clause 3(V) of the Motor Spirit Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 1988.

The prosecution said Ramar Pillai misrepresented the facts and sold the mixture as herbal fuel to the public through various sales outlets. He collected a huge amount from owners of the outlets as deposits and fuel costs. Ramar Pillai and his associates gained Rs 2.27 crore for themselves, by cheating public.

On completion of trial, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore, K. Balasubramanian has sentenced Ramar Pillai and his associates, R. Venudevi, S. Chinnasamy, R. Rajasegaran and S.K. Bharat to undergo three years of RI and imposed on them a fine of Rs 30,000.
As the issue of triple talaq rages over the uniform civil code, Teena Thacker spoke to Asma Zehra, working committee member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), to understand why has it become a political flashpoint.

The government said that triple talaq violates the right to equality of women as well as their dignity, and it has no place in a secular country.

The issue of triple talaq has surged in the last six months. The rights of Muslims have been studied in detail. In fact, the government appointed Rajinder Sachar Committee. The report has not raised the issue of triple talaq. It is a detailed report, conducted during the time of the UPA government. However, since the BJP government has come to power, suddenly a non-issue has become an issue. The issues pertaining to Muslim women are common to all women in India. Our stand is that the issue of triple talaq is blown out of proportion. It is a pre-planned attack by the BJP government to target the Muslim personal law, to snatch away the fundamental rights. Everyone has a freedom of religion in this country and every community practices its own personal law.

Do you think that the practice of triple talaq is being wrongly interpreted?

In Islam, divorce is the last resort; It is done only when all efforts of reconciliation have proved futile. The holy Quran sets certain guidelines for separation and in this the man is given the right to divorce the wife and the woman has the right to accept the marriage. The verbal acceptance qabool hai makes the marriage valid, in the same way husband can finish the marriage.

But what about women?

Women has the right to consent, she can refuse and accept. If she enters the wedlock and suppose the couple finds it difficult to sustain the marriage, there are three methods of separation: one is the right to talaq, which is a Quranic right given to the husband; second is the right of khula, which is the right of women to separate. However, if there is a situation that they fight and disagree with one another and if the woman wants to separate there is an option of going to a quasi for the dissolution of marriage.

Can you explain khula?

The woman can seek divorce. She cannot say talaq, the reason being the head of the family is the father or the husband. In Quran, man has the responsibility to feed woman while she takes care of the house. There are biological responsibilities and according to the Quran there is a difference in guidelines. At the time of divorce, he has to pay mehar and clears all the dues, but the woman seeking khula, however, can forgo and leave the husband.

Talaq is not always a problem it can be a relief for both the parties. It can be a solution for a long marital dispute. The concept of marriage in Islam is different, it is not pati parmeshwar and there is no concept of janm janm ka bandhan. The ideology differs. Islam says that both husband and wife are garments to each other, which means they cover and shield each others private matters. It says if you can live nicely live with grace... covering each others weaknesses.

However, the contract can be broken; theres no need to go to a court or a judge. The husband can just relieve her and she can go to a quasi for dissolution of marriage.

Do you think pronouncing triple talaq is an easy and simpler way of dissolution of marriage unlike the practice adopted in other religions?

Divorce rate is less in Muslim community. A report by Muslim Mahila Andolan said that issues with women and their marriage are same irrespective of cultures and religions. Frequent fights with husband, demands for dowry, an alcoholic husband, disputes with in-laws are the issues present in every community.

Desertion is a problem in other communities. Quranic measure is a gradual procedure. In other laws, both parties want to teach each other a lesson and the case lingers on. Here, after the break-up there is a road ahead. Instead of fighting, it makes things simple and easy. The Quran says keep her like a queen or separate with grace. You have no right to beat her; you should not cause any torture to her.

Why are you saying that it is a calculated move to disrupt communal harmony?

The government has its manifesto. They want to bring a uniform civil code. There has been an issue over beef earlier. These are all calculated moves to curtail the right of minorities. Nobody is suffering from this issue, but there are other burning issues like female security, female infanticide, why dont we debate on these issues? Mass tragedies like Bhopal gas tragedy, Gujarat carnage... people are still waiting for justice. The speed with which the Supreme Court has moved in this case is questionable.

Why do you think that a uniform civil code is not good?

You cannot have a single ideology for everyone. For example, north India follows different customs than south, how can you have uniformity? In south India the mamu marries the sisters daughter, in north it doesnt happen. So how can they bring uniformity? Every religion has a system.

Why cant we have debate on the Law Commissions questionnaire? Why is it rejected and boycotted straight away?

The draft is framed in such a way that you are made to submit to it. There is no option like I dont agree. They have framed it to suit their agenda as though you have to agree to a uniform civil code. All the questions are related to the regulation the problem which is being projected is not a problem. Dont offend any religion. Our constitutional rights are being snatched in the name of protecting our rights.

Do you mean triple talaq is the best way?

It is for the couple to decide. It works for women and not always against women.

Along with Muslims other minorities like Christians would also lose their existing rights. But the most vehement opposition has come from the Muslim board. Why?

We are fighting back because we are concerned about women of our community and their problem is our problem.

There is no draft that has been intellectually discussed. How will the government bring uniformity?
Samsung is expanding a US recall of the fire-prone model to a total of 1.9 million Note 7 phones, including the 1 million Galaxy Note 7s it recalled on Sept. 15.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices will be banned from aircraft in the United States starting on Saturday at noon EDT under an emergency order, regulators said after numerous reports of the devices catching fire.

Samsung scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone because of incidents where the phones began smoking or caught fire, dealing a huge blow to its reputation. The decision came after reports of fires in replacement devices prompted a new round of warnings from regulators, phone carriers and airlines.

The order from the US Transportation Department and other agencies bars owners from carrying on the devices or stowing them in checked baggage during flights.

"We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

The Transportation Department warned that passengers who packed the devices in checked luggage raised the risk of "a catastrophic incident."

"Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines," the department said in a press statement.

The agency said that the phones might be confiscated from passengers attempting to take them onboard, and that people found onboard with the phones might face fines.

In another statement issued late Friday, the department clarified that owners who attempt to travel by air with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices would only be "denied boarding."

The world's largest phone maker this week said it was also expanding a US recall of the fire-prone model to a total of 1.9 million Note 7 phones, including the 1 million Galaxy Note 7s it recalled on Sept. 15.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday the Note 7's battery "can overheat and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazard to consumers."

It added that Samsung had received 96 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the United States, including 23 new reports since the Sept. 15 recall announcement.

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Galaxy S8 is rumoured to sport 5.5-inch 4K display, 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal memory.

Samsung has reportedly started working on its next Galaxy flagship Galaxy S8 in an attempt to overcome the losses it faced due to Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

According to SamMobile, Samsung has started firmware development for the upcoming Galaxy S8. The phones ROM is being developed for use in countries like China, US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Korean and Poland, with other countries to come in near future.

Galaxy S8 is rumoured to sport 5.5-inch 4K display, 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal memory. The smartphone is expected to sport a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera.

Samsung Galaxy S8 is speculated to be released in February during the Mobile World Conference (MWC) 2017.

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Samsung would offer customers either a Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices, as alternative phones to Galaxy Note 7.

Samsung Electronics on October 14 offered alternative phones to its India customers who had pre-ordered its flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices, in a bid to appease loyal clients in one of its largest smartphone markets.

The world's largest phone maker has been hit by an avalanche of negative publicity, after being forced to recall millions of the fire-prone Note 7 devices and later scrap the high-end phone altogether.

India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing smartphone markets and a critical one for Samsung as it is the No. 1 player in the nation with a roughly 25 per cent market share.

The device that had been set to go on sale in India in early September ended up not getting to any Indian customers after it failed to resolve overheating problems which caused some of the phones to ignite.

The company initially apologised to customers for the delay in the Note 7, and in a release late on October 14 it said for those who had pre-booked devices, in lieu of the Note 7 it would offer customers either its Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices.

It also offered affected clients a free set of its virtual reality headsets, a free pair of wireless headphones, a voucher worth about $50, along with a free one-time screen replacement in case of any damage to the new smartphone within a year.

In a separate statement Samsung also questioned analyst estimates on the extent of the impact on revenue in India from the Note 7 debacle.

"We can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year," the company said in the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Samsung said however that it expected to take a hit to its operating profit of about $3 billion over the next two quarters due to the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7.

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Niamey: An American NGO worker was kidnapped in the Niger town of Abalak, northeast of the capital Niamey, before being taken by his abductors to Mali, a security source said.

"It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers, who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert", the source said, asking not to be named.

Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence that has rocked neighbouring states including Mali in recent years.

Northern Mali, which fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadi groups in 2012 before a French-led military intervention pushed them out, remains subject to attacks by jihadists.

"At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire" as the hostage was being taken, the source said, without revealing the identity of the victims.

"All roads to Mali are being monitored," the source added. It is the first time that a US national has been kidnapped in Niger. A US State Department spokesperson said they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country.

Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.

Earlier this month, 22 soldiers from Niger were killed during an attack by armed men who came from Mali to target a refugee camp in the Tahoua region, northeast of Niamey.

Three soldiers were also injured, according to Niger's army, which has been deployed along the country's longer border with Mali to prevent armed groups getting in.

Niamey is also calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Mali.

Despite a peace accord and a 2013 international military intervention, large tracts of Mali are still not controlled by domestic or foreign troops and remain subject to attacks by jihadists.

"To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger", Niger's president Mahamadou Issoufou said during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast of the country from Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram.
She said this not only could threaten treaty allies Japan and South Korea, but also theoretically could reach Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a private speech to bankers three years ago that the United States had warned Beijing it would "ring China with missile defence" unless it did more to rein in North Korea's missile program, according to hacked emails.

According to a purported Clinton campaign document attached to an email published by Wikileaks, Clinton said in a speech to Goldman Sachs on June 4, 2013, that the message to China had been, "You either control them, or we're going to have to defend against them."

It was not possible to confirm the authenticity of the leaked email. The Clinton campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of hacked emails.

The State Department on Friday declined to comment on "alleged leaked documents." When asked whether such a message had been delivered to China, an official said it was not department policy to comment publicly on diplomatic discussions.

Although Clinton's reported comments raised a stir in Asia, they are consistent with US efforts to convince China to help restrain North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which so far have borne little fruit.

According to the hacked email, Clinton said in the speech, which was delivered after she left her position as secretary of state, that Washington could not accept a situation in which North Korea developed an inter-continental ballistic missile able to carry a miniaturised warhead.

She said this not only could threaten treaty allies Japan and South Korea, but also theoretically could reach Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States.

"We're going to ring China with missile defence. We're going to put more of our fleet in the area," Clinton said, according to the email. "So China, come on. You either control them, or we're going to have to defend against them."

China has been angered by plans announced this year by the United States and South Korea to deploy the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to protect against the threat posed by North Korean missiles.

The United States has argued THAAD is not aimed at containing China, but Beijing is concerned that the system's powerful radar would compromise its security.

Current US Secretary of State John Kerry said in February that the United States had made clear that the way to prevent THAAD deployment was to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

According to the leaked emails and in other paid speeches, Clinton also praised Chinese leader President Xi Jinping as a "more worldly, somewhat more experienced" politician than his predecessor Hu Jintao, and one who had worked to assert his authority over the People's Liberation Army.

Clinton said she also told her Chinese counterparts that the United States had as much a claim to the Pacific as China, given that US forces had liberated it in World War Two.

China had "a right to assert themselves," but the United States needed to "push back to create a balance" to prevent China taking a chokehold on sea lanes and countries bordering the South China Sea, she said.
New York: A 26-year-old man, identified as Bahsid Mclean, is facing trial for murdering and dismembering his 52-year-old mother, Tanya Byrd in their Morrisania apartment.

On February 26, 2013, Mclean allegedly stabbed her in the neck, after she told him that he was a bad father.

Police said that he called them to report his dead mom missing after committing the crime.

After killing his mother, Mclean went to a hardware store and bought a power saw to carve up her body, police said.

Before dumping the bags with dismembered body parts in the dustbins he stopped to take a selfie in which he can be seen smirking with Tanyas dismembered head. The police later discovered the selfie on McLeans phone.

However, his defense lawyer told a court that Bahsid was mentally ill at the time he committed the crime and could not distinguish right from wrong.

The defense team is arguing that he is a broken man and has had voices in his head since he was a child. He had also received treatment in mental hospitals.

Lynn Calvacca, Bahsids lawyer, held up the picture to the court, arguing the claims that he is mentally unstable and said, Does this look like someone who knows what he is doing is wrong?

Tanyas dismembered dead body was found in the bin bags in the neighbourhood in four suitcases.
Last week, US had formally accused Russia of trying to interfere in the 2016 White House race through cyber attacks.

Washington: The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for interfering in the US presidential elections, U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

It quoted current and former officials who had direct knowledge of the situation who said the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging clandestine cyber operation designed to harass and embarrass the Kremlin leadership.

Vice-President Joe Biden on Friday had said were sending a message to Putin and that it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis told NBC News that the US should attack Russias ability to censor its internal internet traffic and expose the financial dealings of Putin and his associates.

Two former CIA officers told NBC News there is a long history of the White House asking the CIA to come up with options for covert action against Russia, including cyber options  only to abandon the idea.

Officials said the Obama administration is debating whether to respond to Russia via cyber means, or with traditional measures such as sanctions.
Joshua's mparents were in full support of the application (Photo: Facebook)

Queensland: Ayla Cresswell, 23, from southern Queensland has won the right to harvest her dead boyfriends sperm so that she can start a family on her own.

Right after his demise, Ayla went to court to make sure that his sperms are kept viable.

The Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns on Friday gave the green light to her dreams of having Davies children.

Cresswell told the court that the couple were planning to get married and wanted to have three children.

It is my honest belief that this is what Joshua would have wanted, she said

Her application was fully supported by Joshuas parents John and Iona.

The couple had been in a relationship for two years before Davies death.
Dhaka: Bangladeshi and Chinese companies have signed trade and investment deals worth over USD 13 billion, mainly covering infrastructure and energy sectors, in addition to the USD 20 billion in loan agreements the two governments signed during President Xi Jinping's visit to the country.

Commerce ministry officials said 13 of the projects for which China signed deals with 11 Bangladeshi private firms and two government entities covered infrastructure, communication, power and energy and sports.

The deals were worth USD 13.6 billion, they said. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, while briefing reporters on the deals yesterday, however, did not to quote any figure for the deals and the loan agreements between the two nations.

"You will have to wait more few days to know about total financial involvement of the projects to be undertaken under the agreements," he said.

Xi today arrived in India for the BRICS Summit in Goa, after completing his two-day trip to Bangladesh. Xi was the first Chinese leader to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Xi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday announced that the Dhaka-Beijing ties have now been elevated to a level of "strategic partnership".

"China-Bangladesh relationship is now at a new historical starting point and heading toward a promising future," Xi said after his talks with Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina.

Xi said China would "continue to do its best" to provide capital, technological and human resources support and carry out "more cooperation" on big projects with Bangladesh to support its economic and social development.

After the bilateral talks, Xi and Hasina witnessed the signing of 27 agreements and MoUs involving the two governments.

China's state-owned and private entities also signed 13 agreements mostly with Bangladeshi private enterprises.

"The deals could involve an amount of over USD 20 billion as those included mega projects requiring loans," a foreign ministry official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Bangladesh has also extended its support to Xi's pet 'Belt and Road Initiative' on which India has expressed reservations in the past.

Hasina said Bangladesh is willing to actively work with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and support the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar, so as to push forward development in various fields such as electricity, energy, technology, agriculture, water resources, investment, transportation infrastructure and connectivity.

"China is ready to work with Bangladesh to move forward as friends and partners who trust and support each other and to add more substance to China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation," Xi said after holding talks with Hasina.

At the signing ceremony, Hasina noted that she had a "very fruitful" discussion with Xi on issues like improving bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.
Lahore: Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria has stated that New Delhi has not formally conveyed any plans to Islamabad to completely seal its border with Pakistan by December 2018.

According to Dawn, when asked to comment on Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks that India would seal the border with Pakistan completely by December 2018, Zakaria said, "we don't have the details." He further said that on the one hand the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other, their actions contradicted their claims.

Zakaria expressed his regret over India not sharing evidence on the Samjhota Express incident, despite India's commitment to do so and claimed that the world knew that the attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis, was carried out by "RSS and Abhinav Bharat's operatives".

Highlighting the Kashmir issue, he re-iterated that Pakistan would continue to raise the human rights situation there at all bilateral and international forums.

Reacting to Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the Indian government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes claimed to have been carried out by the Indian Army across the LoC, he said that India was "desperate to divert attention of the international community from grave human rights violations" in Kashmir.

Zakaria emphasised that Pakistan was not facing international isolation and was very much engaged in world affairs, adding that a number of multilateral events and high-level visits are taking place in and out of Pakistan.
He said the Composite Dialogue Process between the two countries remained suspended. (Photo: AFP)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday said there was no "backdoor" diplomacy going on with India and the composite dialogue process between the two countries remains suspended.

"There was no backdoor or track-II diplomacy going on between Pakistan and India, as such kind of contacts were established on the desire of two sides," Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Express News channel.

India has always blamed Pakistan for militancy without any proof, Mr Aziz claimed.

"India had the habit of blaming Pakistan after every terrorist incident in their country without providing any solid evidence," he said.

He said the Composite Dialogue Process between the two countries remained suspended.

Mr Aziz said the issue of Kashmir and the continued "human rights violations" there were the focus of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's address at the UN General Assembly.

Mr Aziz also rejected the notion of Pakistan's diplomatic isolation and claimed that his country was moving in the right direction, according to the state-run news agency Associated Press of Pakistan.

He said that with the major "re-alignments" underway at global and geo-strategic levels, Pakistan was moving in the right direction.

"Development of Eurasia by Russia and China, activation of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), formation of AIB (Asian Investment Bank), etc., indicated major re-alignments," he said.

Mr Aziz said the cause of concern in the western countries about Pakistan was its growing relations and cooperation with China.

He said Pakistan also enjoyed good bilateral ties with the US, the UK, the European Union, the Middle East and other regions of the world.

Mr Aziz's remarks come amid strain in ties following the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed and India's surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.
Cyril Almeida, a columnist for Dawn, reported that leading civilian officials had warned the powerful Army to renounce its covert support to militants. (Twitter)

Islamabad: Referring to a story published in Dawn, Pakistans top military commanders said it was a feeding of a false and fabricated story of an important security meeting, and called it a breach of national security.

The remarks were made during a Corps Commanders Conference, presided by Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday, to hold a comprehensive review of the countrys internal and external security situation, with particular focus on the prevailing environment at the Line of Control (LoC) and operational preparedness of the army, Geo News reported.

Last week, the Dawn published a report by Cyril Almeida, about an alleged rift between the countrys powerful military and its government on the issue of tackling jihadi outfits, after which Almeida came under fire from the government and Exit Control List was imposed on him.

The Prime Ministers Office rejected the story thrice since it was published on October 6.

During the conference, the military once again rejected Indian claims of surgical strikes as an attempt to divert the worlds attention away from the Kashmir issue.

Read | Had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have retaliated: Abdul Basit

While expressing complete satisfaction over operational preparedness of the troops, the COAS reiterated Pakistan Armys resolve to defend their country at any cost.

The participants also resolved to continue sustained and focused combing and intelligence-based operations across the country to uproot terrorism by harmonizing it with the implementation of the National Action Plan to address extremism and other causes of terrorism.
In a statement issued on Saturday, PIA said that its flights from Lahore to New Delhi are operating normally. (Photo: AP)

Karachi: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled some flights from Karachi to New Delhi and Mumbai due to "very poor" passenger numbers amid tensions between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, PIA said that its flights from Lahore to New Delhi are operating normally.

Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack last month.

"Lahore-New Delhi flights are operating normally, however, due to very poor load during last three to four weeks few of the Karachi-New Delhi and Karachi-Mumbai flights have been cancelled," the airline said.

Passengers who had reservations on these cancelled flights have either been accommodated on PIA's subsequent flights or re-routed to Pakistan through other airlines, it added.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, there have also been reports saying the Indian government might look at airspace restrictions for Pakistan airlines.
The Bengaluru Urban district authorities have decided to demolish on October 22, the Shamanur Shivashankarappa Hospital and Kannada film actor Darshan's house that have been built on a stormwater drain in Raja Rajeshwarinagar.





Besides, 67 houses in Ideal Homes Layout will also be bulldozed. Sources in the district administration told DH that the final notices to vacate the buildings will be issued shortly so that the buildings can be brought down.



Two months ago, a survey revealed that Ideal Homes Layout was sitting on a stormwater drain and causing flash floods. The district authorities had earlier issued notices seeking explanation from the property owners why their buildings should not be demolished for being located on a stormwater drain. The property owners submitted their replies and they were not convincing as they did not match with our revenue records. We will ask the owners to vacate the buildings and demolish them on their own. Else, we will bulldoze them and slap demolition charges on them, said a senior officer in the Revenue department.



Following flash floods after the rains on July 28, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike went on a demolition spree razing buildings which had encroached upon stormwater drains in parts of the city.

Many houses were razed at Dodda Bommasandra, Arskere and Kasavanahalli. The drive came to a halt due to the violent agitation over the Cauvery water sharing dispute and the festival season.


Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was questioned for three hours by the Centre-controlled Anti-Corruption Branch on Friday over the alleged recruitment scam at the Delhi Commission for Women.





Slamming the interrogation process, Sisodia said that the questioning by the ACB was a mere "tactic" to stall the AAP government from carrying out development work.



"I was questioned for nearly three hours by the ACB today. I kept asking what is my crime, but didn't get any answer," said Sisodia. Last week, Sisodia was given a summon by the ACB to appear before the anti-graft unit.



"When I was being questioned I was wondering what irregularities the ACB has found in my departments that it has called me in an unprecedented manner for questioning me," said Sisodia. "The three-hour questioning was based on a three-paragraph note that I had written to the DCW in March," he added.



The DCW had sought a clarification from the finance department whether a member secretary at the DCW had any financial powers. "So I replied that the finance department is of the opinion that the member secretary had administrative and financial powers under the act the DCW was formed in 1994," said Sisodia, who also hold finance portfolio. "Is giving clarification such a big crime that a deputy chief minister is questioned over it for three hours," he added.



Sisodia said he kept asking the ACB sleuths what have they found against him, but in vain. "I kept asking ACB officials what is my offence. You have called a deputy chief minister who is also the finance minister. Tell him his crime. But they didnt have any answer to that," he said.



In all three AAP ministers have been called by the ACB for interrogation. "What is this going on. Actually the thing is that the AAP government has done so much work in the past one and a half years which the previous governments could not even do in the last 20 years," said Sisodia. "AAP ministers have worked 24x7 for carrying out development work. So these ACB probe or CBI inquires are nothing but mere tactics to stall the AAP government from taking welfare measures for the people," he added.



Earlier, the ACB had registered an FIR against Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal over the irregularities on a complaint of former DCW chief Barkha Shukla Singh. Singh, member of Congress, had alleged that AAP supporters were being appointed to the DCW.



The ACB had included the name of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the FIR. However, the Anti-Corruption Branch later said that it did not find anything incriminating against Kejriwal. But the AAP government called a special session of the Delhi Assembly to expose the conspiracy hatched by the Prime Ministers Office to include Chief Ministers name in the FIR.



Two days after the ACB had registered the FIR against her, Maliwal alleged corruption and financial bunglings by former chairpersons of the DCW during 2007 to 2015 on the directions of the then chief minister Sheila Dikshit.
Referring to a notification issued by the Defence Ministry, Delhi Chief Minister has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a hike in the disability pension for the armed forces instead of `reducing' it, even as he congratulated the PM for the recent surgical strikes against Pakistan.





The letter said the decision taken by the Centre of scaling down the pension for the disabled soldiers have directly impacted the morale of the soldiers who made the country proud by carrying out surgical strike at Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on September 28.



From a long time the army personnel and the retired personnel are fighting a financial battle and are demanding their dues from the government. But instead of giving them rewards, the Centre has taken steps in the last few days which are directly impacting the morale of the Army. Even the people are angry with this, Kejriwal said in the letter.



On 30th September when the Army returned after the surgical strikes, the Union Defence Ministry issued a letter reducing the Disability Pension for army personnel. Before the announcement, if a soldier is becoming 100 % disabled, he would have received a pension equivalent to his last drawn salary, he said.



Differences in salary



The Chief Minister also mentioned the difference in the salaries of the soldiers following the order which will have a retrospective effect from January 1, 2016, adding, a "slab system" has been introduced for disability pension.



After five years of service, a solider would have received of Rs 28,000  Rs 29,000 which is equivalent to his salary for a month. But according to the new rule, they would now receive Rs 12,000. Accordingly, a colonel, who was drawing a salary of Rs 80,000 would now get a disability pension of Rs 27,000, added the letter.



Kejriwal claimed after the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the soldiers are lagging behind the IAS, CRPF, police and Civil Defence employees.



Under the new rules, which come into effect retrospectively from January 1, 2016, the "service component" remains unchanged, but a "slab system" has been introduced for disability pension, Kejriwal said.



This is lower than the percentage system and is pegged at Rs 27,000 a month for officers, 17,000 for junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and Rs 12,000 for all other ranks.
Even as the Delhi government has geared itself for the second edition of Mega PTM on Saturday, hundreds of `guest teachers' will be boycotting it, which can affect the exercise.





There are 17,000 guest teachers enrolled in Delhi government schools and according to All India Guest Teachers'Association, around 6,000 teachers are likely to remain absent from the parent-teacher meet (PTM) scheduled for Saturday at all government schools.



Their absence can affect the smooth conduct of the PTM in some schools since they are also involved in handing out class results. However, Education officials said that only a few groups of guest teachers are boycotting and it can lead to "minor disturbance" in some schools but will not affect the PTM in any major way.

Scores of guest teachers have been on a protest since October 5, boycotting exams and classes over government's "failure" to keep its promises related to permanent appointment, a fixed policy for future, increase in wages, and reappointment of any guest teacher removed earlier.



Currently, the 17,000 guest teachers get wages in the range of Rs 700-900 per day, which comes around Rs 18,000-Rs 20,000 per month. The Delhi government had last Saturday announced that they will be given a monthly salary and increased the amount to Rs 32,000-Rs 34,000.



However, some guest teachers are not pleased and said that the move could be "under pressure" due to the mega PTM and that they will not end the boycott till a circular is issued. In a meeting between teachers and officials of the Directorate of Education on Friday, the protesters conveyed their decision.



Meanwhile, the government said that it is all set for the PTM and teachers will share students' report cards of their performance in the recently concluded 'Summative Assessment-I' wth their parents and individually discuss each child's progress. The first such meet was held earlier this year in all Delhi government schools, which had received a positive feedback from parents. Parents have also been sent personal SMS invites for the event.
Russian President Vladimir Putin today arrived at INS Hansa base in Goa for the BRICS summit, after a delay of more than nine hours due to bad weather, making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.





Putin, who finally landed here around 10.20 AM was scheduled to arrive at 1.30 AM, but his flight had to be diverted to Mumbai due to visibility issues. Thick fog had enveloped the areas around INS Hansa base causing the delay, a senior naval official told PTI.



Putin was received at the base by Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs V K Singh and Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza.



Putin became the third head of state after South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Michel Temer to arrive here for the BRICS summit.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached the state last night. All the Presidents were offered a red carpet welcome by Indian Navy at INS Hansa, a naval base near Dabolim airport.



The base is home to several fighter plane squadrons attached to Indian Navy. Earlier this morning, Modi took to Twitter to welcome all the heads of states, who arrived for the BRICS summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet in Goa.

"India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit," he tweeted early this morning even as Putin's flight was diverted to Mumbai. The tweet was repeated in Russian language by the Prime Minister.



South African President Jacob Zuma was also greeted with a tweet by the Prime Minister. "A warm welcome to you, @SAPresident. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days," Modi said.



Giving an Indian touch to his tweet welcoming Brazilian President Michel Temer, who was the second head of state to arrive here, Modi tweeted, "Namaste Presidente @MichelTemer! Welcome to India for the @BRICS2016 summit."



The Prime Minister was received at the airport last night by Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and others. He was welcomed at the resort in South Goa's Benaulim village by Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
Controversial Delhi-based meat exporter Moin Qureshi was today detained at the airport here in a money laundering case but managed to give immigration authorities the slip and flew to Dubai after showing a court order in an income tax case, leaving officials red faced. An inquiry has been ordered by the immigration authorities into the gaffe.





Qureshi was detained based on a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case against him.



As the immigration department informed the ED about his detention, Qureshi presented a court order in which there was no restriction on his flying abroad. The immigration officer checked for the veracity of the court order and allowed him to fly to Dubai.



As the ED team reached the airport to take the meat exporter into custody, they were informed that he had been allowed to fly on the basis of a court order.



However, the immigration officer realised that the order was in connection with an Income Tax case and not in the ED case, prompting the authorities to order an inquiry.



According to airport officials, Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the court's nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport.



"We have sought documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel. Our officials were on the spot to take his custody but he was allowed to fly abroad," ED sources said.



It is understood that the agency wanted to question Qureshi and had issued summons to him but could lay its hands on him.



The agency had registered a case against Qureshi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year. He is under the scanner of probe agencies for alleged tax evasion and hawala-like dealings.



The agency had slapped fresh charges under PMLA after taking cognisance of the I-T department's charge sheet (also called prosecution complaint) against Qureshi in alleged tax evasion case in a local court last year.



The ED had earlier been probing this case under forex violation laws after the I-T department first shared documents indicating hawala and alleged contravention of forex laws by the businessman and his business entities based here.



It had alleged that Qureshi has sent "huge amount of funds" through the hawala route to Dubai, London and few other overseas destinations in Europe.



The agency early last year had also conducted searches on Qureshi's premises and had questioned him.



The Income Tax department, during its probe, had found Qureshi had 11 bank lockers which were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles belonged to the businessman.
India and Russia today affirmed the need for "zero tolerance" for terrorists and their supporters even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin his appreciation of Kremlin's unequivocal condemnation of the Uri attack during their talks on terrorism, including that emanating from Pakistan.





"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said at a joint media event with Putin after their annual summit here.



Asked if the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan figured during the talks, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, "The restricted form did cover Uri and support given for the terror strike (by Pakistan)." He said a more detailed conversation between Modi and Putin on the driving forces behind terrorism would take place at the lunch hosted by the Prime Minister.



On his part, Putin said the two countries were closely cooperating in the fight against terror.

"President Putin reaffirmed Russias continued commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with India and noted the commonality of positions of both the countries on such issues as war on terrorism. Indian Side expressed its appreciation for Russias unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack on army base in Uri," a joint statement issued after the talks said.



India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which "sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy", also said it was "satisfied" about Russia understanding its interests.



"We are satisfied that Russia understand India's interest and they will never do anything contrary to India's interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject," Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to India's concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.



The Foreign Secretary also asserted that the assumption of friendship with Russia, "which was more than a partner", was that India trusts that they will not do anything contrary to its interest.



Strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Modi and Putin emphasized on the need for a comprehensive international collaboration for its eradication, the joint statement said.



"India and Russia recognize the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge.



"They stressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements," it added.



It said, "The leaders also stressed on the need to have a strong international legal regime built on the principle of 'zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism', and called upon the international community to make sincere efforts towards the earliest conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)."



Recognizing that the rapidly expanding role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to certain security vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed through universally applicable rules for responsible behaviour of states to ensure their safe and sustainable use, they welcomed the conclusion of the Indian-Russian Inter- Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in this regard.



The Leaders also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists, the joint statement said.



They also called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity, it added.



India and Russia reiterated their support for Afghan government's efforts towards the realization of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process based on the principles of international law, the statement said.



Both sides expressed concern over the continuing instability in South-Eastern Ukraine and supported a political and negotiated settlement of the issue through complete implementation of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of Minsk Agreements of February 12, 2015.



The two sides are convinced that the conflict in Syria should be peacefully resolved through comprehensive and inclusive intra-Syrian dialogue based on the Geneva Communique of June 30, 2012, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.



Both Sides underlined the necessity for cessation of hostilities, delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged areas, and continuation of intra-Syrian dialogue under UN supervision. India recognized Russia's effort towards achieving a political and negotiated settlement of the situation in Syria.
BJP, which is trying to woo the Dalits ahead of crucial UP polls, today celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with party chief Amit Shah paying rich tributes to the poet-saint.





Addressing a function to celebrate 'Valmiki Jayanti' at the party headquarters here, Shah said the Modi government had dedicated all its schemes to dalits and the poor to help ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.



He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creater of Hindu epic Ramayana, in uplift of the Valmiki community and dalits. Shah noted that the Maharishi had said that all are equal and added that the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.



"The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one that is working most for dalits, backwards, tribals and the poor. Take any ministry or department, you will see that the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, dalits, backwards and the oppressed," he said.



BJP has been trying hard to reach out the dalit community ahead of crucial polls in five states slated early next year but has suffered setbacks due to a string of controversies including Rohith Vemula issue and attacks on dalits by cow vigilantes.



The party has been celebrating the legacy of dalit icon Ambedkar. Shah had also addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur yesterday which was attended by dalits who had converted to Buddhism.



The BJP chief today highlighted the manner in which the government has asked banks to help finance dalits for self-employment through its schemes, saying it is a big indication of the change being initiated.



"If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to bring a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar," he said.



BJP said anyone can achieve greatness by drawing inspiration from Valmiki's life.

"Ramayana is not merely the life story of Lord Rama but is an instrument of giving the message of importance of Indian culture to the world.



"Through the Ramaayan, Maharishi Valmiki gave the message that the victory in the end will be of truth, notwithstanding how strong or clever the untruth is," he said.



Shah said Maharishi Valmiki worked silently for social harmony and the uplift of dalits all his life. "He told us that social harmony lies within the soul of Indian society. He had also said that all people are alike and one need not say this as it is embedded in the Indian culture," he said.



"Dalits, tribals, backwards, poor and youth are there in all the schemes of the BJP-led government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi," he said.



Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, BJP general secretary Ram Lal and incharge of BJP's SC Morcha Dushyant Gautam were also present at the function that was attended by a number of party workers.



Some eminent members of the Valmiki community who have done exemplary work were also honoured.
India today inked three mega defence deals with Russia that included purchase of a most advanced air defence missile system as part of 16 pacts even as the two traditional allies strongly pitched for "zero tolerance" in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.





The bilateral pacts were signed here after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held "fruitful and substantive" wide-ranging talks encompassing entire gamut of bilateral ties. The two sides also made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.



Modi prefaced his remarks at a joint press event with Putin invoking a Russian proverb to drive home the point that "an old friend is better than two new friends," in a reflection of India's apparent unhappiness over Russia's recent joint military exercise with Pakistan.



Besides the purchase of 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf long- range air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion, the other two deals related to procuring four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates and setting up of a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.



The inking of these deals assumes significance since in in the recent past it was perceived that India, which had signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the US providing access to Americans to Indian military bases, was drifting away from its traditional defence ally, Russia.



Modi appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the Line of Control(LoC) last month targeting terror launch pads in PoK.



"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.



"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.



The two leaders also discussed Uri attack by Pak-based terrorists during their "restricted talks" segment after which the Indian Side expressed its appreciation for Russia's unequivocal condemnation of the attack on army base in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.



India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which "sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy", also said it was "satisfied" about Russia understanding of its interests.



"We are satisfied that Russia understand India's interest and they will never do anything contrary to India's interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject," Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to India's concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.



Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.



"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities."



Modi and Putin also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulam nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.



A joint statement issued after their talks said the two sides noted with satisfaction "the progress in discussions on the General Framework Agreement and the Credit Protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 with a view to conclude these documents before the end of 2016."

Asserting that ties with Russia were "strong and time-tested", Jaishankar said the commercial pacts inked today will generate "unprecedented" investment and were an effort to "bring up to speed" the bilateral economic ties, which were lagging behind.



Asked why terror was becoming an important issue in BRICS, which is a body meant to deal with issues relating to economy and development, Jaishankar said the bloc has been discussing contemporary issues.



"Earlier they dealt with economic challenges and now terror is an important issue and BRICS has never shied away from discussing political issues," he said.



Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.



"These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," he said.



He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.



"Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties. In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability."



On cooperation in atomic sector, Modi said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulam 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.



"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India."



The joint statement said Russia strongly supported India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and welcomed India's accession to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime.



Talking about India's expanding presence in Russia's hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in that country's Oil and Gas sector.



"And, with President Putin's support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.



"A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising 'Energy Bridge' between our two countries," he said.



The Prime Minister said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.



"Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields," he said.



The joint statement said Russia also supported India's interest in full membership in the Wasseanaar Arrangement, a prominent multilateral export control regime.



The joint statement said the two countries reaffirmed their continued commitment to work together towards development of energy efficiency and renewable energy source.



On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement.



"Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.



"And, with President Putin's backing, we hope to fast track India's association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement," he said.



Modi added that efforts by the two sides for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance infrastructure partnership.



The Prime Minister said success of the Summit "shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.



"It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues."



Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.



"We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage," he said.


A woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a wealthy Indian-origin family's home in an upscale area here, prompting the British police to launch a murder probe into the incident.





Harcharanjit Matharu, 58, his wife Baldev, 60, and daughters Ranjeeta, 26, and Rupinder, 33, are believed to reside in the one-million-pound home in the upmarket neighbourhood of Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire.



Emergency services rushed there after screams were heard from the home. The woman, in her 30s, was found dead in the property earlier this week.



Police refused to reveal the identity of the woman and details of the autopsy.

Police launched a murder inquiry on Thursday after a post- mortem was conducted and a man was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to The Sun.



"At around 5.50 PM on Monday, officers attended a property following a report that a woman in her thirties had died. A Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out and following this, the Force's Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation. A scene watch is currently in place at the property," a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.



Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel of the Major Crime Unit said, "We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward".



"We sent two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance crew and an ambulance officer. They were assessing a woman in her 30s and sadly they confirmed one patient was dead at the scene," South Central Ambulance Service's spokesperson said.



An adjoining bungalow to the home at the centre of the murder probe was built for the family's car leasing firm's employees to live in.



Neighbours said both homes are owned by the Matharu family.The family firm is valued at two-million pounds. The firm is run from a property in nearby Denham area.
Seeking to allay India's concern over Russia's growing military ties with Pakistan, a top official and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin today said there are no talks for sale of military equipment to Pakistan and that the recently held army exercise was directed at countering terrorism and not aimed at India.





Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, asserted that the military exercise does not show a "significant" change in his country's relations with Pakistan.



"Our relationship with Pakistan has existed for a while. In some areas it has broadened but I will not call it as significant change," Chemezov, who was the KGB station chief in Germany when Putin was a young operative there, told a select group of journalists. Asked about the recently held army exercise, Chemezov said it was directly connected with modern way of specialised fight against terrorists.



Highlighting terrorism, he said that ISIS was not just an Arab danger but a global one.

"ISIS is a global danger and it not just involves terrorism in the Arab world but does involve terrorists in Russia, India as well as Pakistan. We feel that joint military exercise in this area are vital for world peace. These exercises are not in any way targeted at anything to do with India or any other country," Chemezov said.



Asked about the sale of Mi 35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, Chemezov said that Russia has "not delivered any modern aircraft or any military aircraft to Pakistan".



"We have made deliveries of helicopters but those are specialised transport helicopters. Delivery has already been made. There is no contract negotiations for any military related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan," he said.



Chemezov said that Russia would be glad to cooperate with India on the issue of terrorism and would be happy to not just provide equipment and weapons but also share best practices of its special forces and increase cooperation.
Barely a year ago, Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad embraced each other after sweeping Bihar. But the going so far has been anything but what the shutterbugs caught. Lalus protege Shahabuddins release, Raj Ballabh Yadav issue and the Patna High Court verdict on prohibition have rocked Nitishs boat. Though the apex court gave some hope to the Bihar chief minister on his prohibition agenda, the compromises effected to keep the marriage alive may have dented an otherwise well-crafted image to pole-vault himself to Delhis throne.



By enforcing prohibition, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has placed himself among politicians navigating in a realm of all sorts of ambiguity. Taking a high moral ground by claiming to follow Mahatma Gandhis tenets as incorporated in the Directive Principles of our Constitution, Nitish has silenced all his political rivals at least on the policy issue. But the style of enforcing this key social initiative has become questionable on many counts and some observers consider it as an obsessed move of a politician in a hurry.



Some controversial provisions, like arrest of all family members if someone is found consuming liquor in their house on the ground of complicity in the crime, appear to be absurd, even from the legal angle. This may give enough scope for police atrocities.



Recently, the police raided the house of Chief Post Master General (GPO, Patna), on a false tip off that he was throwing a party where liquor was being served. The men in khaki ruined the party hosted by the senior officer leaving him in a state of shock. Similar incidents were reported from other areas too.



However, the chief minister considers it as a simple administrative aberration and has asserted that the new law has strict provisions against police officers found guilty while discharging their duty. Its ridiculous that a state where 80 police officers maintain vigil over a lakh people  ranking among the lowest in the country  would be strict while enforcing prohibition. Even experts feel that this may work in the short term but it is difficult to anticipate the positive impact in the medium and long term. There are apprehensions that in a state with poor law and order maintenance record, this additional burden on the police force may impact the routine job greatly.



The porous international and long borders with adjoining states will give enough ways to smuggle liquor in through the black market, at least in the surrounding districts. But the major worry for Nitish is on the financial front as excise duty on liquor used to generate about Rs 5,000 crore annually, and this loss has come at a time when the state government is not expecting any financial bonanza from the Centre headed by his arch political rivals.



The first jerk was felt recently when the state witnessed a decline of 33.06% collection of revenue in the first quarter of this financial year in comparison to last year. This stiff fall is largely attributed to the implementation of total prohibition from this financial year. The financial pinch is now being reflected in the government expenditure.



The salary and pension to over 40,000 teaching and non-teaching staff of various universities and colleges of the state is due for the last four months, though the festival season is on.



The Nitish Kumar government has yet to kick off any major development project costing hundreds of crores unlike in the earlier regime. Questions are being raised on the successful execution of seven resolves (seven mega development projects like drinking water to every household) costing Rs 2.70 lakh crore. Some of the initiatives were kicked off a year after coming back to power.



While rubbishing charges about a financial crisis in Bihar due to fall in revenue earnings after enforcement of total prohibition, Nitish said: I have no idea about any financial crisis. I do not know how they are telling all these things. After all, how much money used to come to the state exchequer from this immoral trade? Why are they (opposition leaders) so worried about collecting money from such immoral trade?



Nitishs presumption

Perhaps, Nitishs presumption is largely based on the public savings of more than Rs 40,000 crore, estimated on liquor consumption, that would be pumped into the market which could have a cascading effect, leading to revenue generation in a big way. The government has tried its best to squeeze revenue from all possible sources, even enhancing VAT and other tax slabs on many commodities.



The chief ministers presumption appears to be crude and its short and medium term impact is yet to be assessed. Its too early to make such estimate as it will depend on how prohibition gets enforced in reality. It is possible that addicts may adopt ganja or drugs, says Alakh N Sharma, director of Institute for Human Development.



Knowing well that he is walking on a difficult terrain with hardly any previous success story to cite, Nitish wants to don a new avatar with a social face and consolidate his electoral dividend earned after many social initiatives targeted to address women of the state  like 50% reservation in local bodies, free cycles for school girls and formation of a large number of Self Help Groups.



Of late, women in Bihar have emerged as a new vote bank as proved by their aggressive participation in the last elections. Being a seasoned politician who is well aware of his fragile and weak social base, Nitish is on a move to consolidate a new social constituency by taking an initiative affecting liquor addicts, mostly men.



On the political front, Nitish, who is eyeing a major role in national politics, has made prohibition a key campaign tool to project himself taller than his rival politicians, at least in matters of social initiatives. While championing his cause, Nitish aggressively pleaded for enforcing his model in other states during his public meetings. Be it in Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Haryana or in Jharkhand, Kerala and Maharashtra, he minced no words to denounce alcoholism and asked the state governments to enforce prohibition.



But interestingly, the same chief minister recently waived the tax on export and bottling fee on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer manufactured in his state. Not only that, under pressure from his main ally, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Kumar took a U-turn by lifting the ban on the sale and consumption of toddy in the state.



Through aggressive posturing as a pro-prohibition campaigner in the country, Nitish wanted to rebrand himself. The humiliating defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent alliance with arch-rival Lalu Prasad has put Nitish in a piquant situation. To ward off his image crisis, particularly after joining hands with Lalu Prasad, he desperately needs new platforms to recast himself. Kumar had carved his image very meticulously as sushasan babu, particularly during the nine long years as chief minister in association with the BJP. He also made a brand of himself.



However, with the current partner, his chemistry may not be on the same wavelength as Lalu is also a regional player but with a stronger social base. At this juncture, Nitish is regularly facing political pressure from Lalu that sometimes even dents his image, like in the case of Shahabuddin and Raj Ballabh Yadav bail episodes.



Now, he needs to desperately outgrow Lalu in his native state. That could also help him assert his claim as an alternative leader in national politics.



(The writer is a Patna-based political analyst and the editor of bihartimes.com)

Prohibition law

August 4, 2016: The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill, 2016, passed by both Houses of the Bihar Legislature

September 7: Governor Ram Nath Kovind gives his assent

September 14: Cabinet approves Oct 2 as the date of notification, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti

October 2: Law comes into force Is the law draconian?

Law stipulates jail from 10 years to life for consuming alcohol or any contraband substance

Excise or police officer in the rank of SI or above can enter any premises at any time without warrant to inspect, search and collect samples

Any person found violating or trying to violate prohibition can be arrested without warrant

Owners who let out premises for consuming alcohol will be held guilty and sentenced to jail



Patna High Court observations



On arresting all adult family members

There may not be a more draconian provision. A house may consist of several rooms occupied by different members of the family. A particular member violates the law, the family premises is up for confiscation. I may further illustrate that if two neighbours are on inimical terms, one could easily plant liquor in the neighbours premises, the neighbour, being unaware; still, by virtue of the presumption clause, not only he gets convicted but his premises also get confiscated.

On arrests in trains and buses

A person travelling by car or train and traversing the territory of Bihar, he is caught in a predicament that he is going from a state where there is no prohibition to a state where there is prohibition. He may be an army or defence personnel carrying his liquor ration or an ordinary citizen carrying his drink to his destination. Neither of them consumed the same in this state; still they are to be persecuted and prosecuted. Why?



** The Supreme Court stayed the high court order which struck down the Bihar Excise (Amendment), Act, 2016, of March 31, 2016, and a notification it had issued on April 5, 2016, to enforce total prohibition in the state.



Shahabuddins Hall of shame

2007: Life term in CPI-ML leader Chotelal Gupta murder case

2007: 2-year jail in Keshav Baitha murder case

2008: 10-year jail for keeping unlicensed pistol of Pakistan make

2010: 10-year jail for attempt to murder the then Siwan SP S K Singhal in 1996

2015: Second life-term in a 2004 case where siblings, Satish and Girish, were killed after being bathed in acid



Pending cases:

1. Murder of Rajiv, third brother of Satish and Girish, in 2014. Rajiv was killed three days before he was to depose before the court

2. Munna Choudhary kidnapping case

3. Pratappur encounter case (trial on)

4. Attack on CPI-ML worker

5. Surendra Patel murder case

6. Attempt to murder a mukhiya



A crumbling citadel

1990: Became an Independent MLA from Ziradei in Siwan. Later, shifted his allegiance to Lalu Prasad

1996: Became Lok Sabha MP from Siwan. Retained the seat in 1998, 1999 and 2004.

1996: During LS poll, accused of attacking Siwan SP. As the police try to arrest him, the SP is given marching orders.

- JNU student leader

Chandrashekhar gunned down in Siwan

- Shahabuddin made accused

2003-04: Bihar DGP D P Ojha orders arrest of Shahabuddin

- Rabri government shows DGP the door

2005: Foreign-made weapons, foreign currencies, stolen vehicles, deer skin recovered during a raid at his ancestral house in Pratappur

- Accused in 40 cases of murder, abduction and extortion

- Gets bail in some

2006: Sent to high-security Bhagalpur jail after being arrested in Delhi in November 2005

- Shifted to Siwan the same year.

2016:

- Sept 7: Patna High Court grants bail

- Sept 10: Walks out of jail

- Sept 30: SC cancels bail
The town police on Saturday intercepted three Tibetans who were headed from Mundagod towards Goa. Police said they had received information that Tibetans would show black flags to the president of China, who is taking part in the BRICS summit in Goa. Tibetans are not allowed entry into Goa.





Additional Superintendent of Police K G Devaraj said that they were checking vehicles headed to Goa at all the checkposts in the district.
A gang of eight men trying to sell the banned Turkish Lira has been apprehended in Sanjaynagar, north Bengaluru.



The suspects  one of them a practising lawyer  had laid their hands on 5 lakh Turkish Lira valued at Rs 1.07 crore. But there was a catch: the notes were banned by Turkey in December 2004. Nonetheless, they decided to dupe people by selling the notes at a discount.



On Thursday morning, police received information that the gang was active in Sanjaynagar. A special team of 10 plainclothesmen went looking out for it. But the suspects had disappeared. Around 11 am, police received another tip-off that the gang was moving around in Jaladarshini Layout, Sanjaynagar, looking for customers. This time, the plainclothesmen managed to catch up with it.



Posing as customers, they approached the suspects. But the men denied that they had the currency. It was after much reassurance and persuasion that the gang opened up.



Interestingly, the suspects offered a discount on the currency. This confirmed that they were dealing in the banned notes. The plainclothesmen nabbed them immediately, a senior police officer said on condition of anonymity.



The suspects have been identified as Eugene Prabhu, a practising lawyer, Mohan Kumar, Anthony Raju, Shiva Yogi, Shivashankar, Zameer Ahmed, all from Bengaluru, Shivaiah and Balamanadiletti, both from Andhra Pradesh. Police seized 98 Turkish Lira notes.



Balamanadiletti told the police that a person in Andhra Pradesh had given him the currency asking him to sell it and promised him his share. Balamanadiletti confided in his friend, Shivaiah, who warmed up to the idea. The duo roped in Ahmed, a real estate agent. The network was expanded when Prabhu, a lawyer from Lingarajapuram, came on board to help find prospective buyers. According to the officer, the suspects were aware that the currency they were trying to sell was banned. Police are now hunting for the suppliers of the notes in Andhra Pradesh. A team will be sent there to unearth the racket. Similar rackets were reported in Hyderabad and other parts of the country.


India will mobilise support from BRICS to end a gridlock over the definition of terrorism that has stalled for years moves to create a global legal framework to combat the menace.



On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the eighth summit of BRICS - a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in Goa. During the meeting, he will call upon the BRICS leaders to fast-track the stalled negotiations at the United Nations on the proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) without wasting more time on the debate over the definition of terrorism.



President of Brazil Michel Temer, Russias Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping of China and Jacob Zuma of South Africa will be present at the meeting.



As the summit is taking place just a few weeks after the September 18 terror attack on an army camp at Uri in north Kashmir, the prime minister is likely to use the opportunity to once again stress on mobilising support for the early adoption of the CCIT by the UN General Assembly to create a comprehensive legal framework to combat international terrorism.



New Delhi is keen on mobilising support from BRICS to end the impasse over the CCIT because the five-nation bloc includes two important members of the UN Security Council  China and Russia.



The prime minister, according to sources, will not only refer to cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and targeting India and Afghanistan, but also cite instances of the recent terror attacks in Dhaka, Brussels and Paris as well as the rise of the Islamic State in West Asia to drive home the point that the international community must move fast for the adoption of the CCIT.



The epicentre (of terrorism) may be near India, but the impact is global. We do not expect any country to be agnostic on the issue of terrorism, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said on Saturday. India introduced the draft of the CCIT at the general assembly in 1996.



The negotiation over the CCIT was stalled due to lack of consensus on the definition of terrorism and distinction between acts of terrorism and liberation movement.



A meeting of BRICS member nations High Representatives Responsible for National Security in New Delhi on September 15 underscored the need for a global legal regime to deal with the global menace. The meeting was chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
New Delhi and Moscow on Saturday agreed to create a joint fund of $1 billion for facilitating Russian investments in India.





Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin witnessed signing of an agreement between Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) of India for creating the joint fund.



The RDIF and NIIF will pump in $500 million each to create the fund. Our efforts for early setting up of the investment fund of $1 billion between NIIF and RDIF will help advance our infrastructure partnership, the prime minister said while jointly addressing mediapersons with the Russian president after they held the 17th annual summit here.



Modi-Putin meeting was also followed by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gazprom of Russia and Engineers India Limited for a joint study on a proposed gas pipeline from Russia to India and on other possible areas of bilateral cooperation.



A pact was signed by Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board and Russias Joint Stock Company lexeevs Central Hydrofoil Design Bureau, Joint Stock Company Radar Mms, Joint Stock Company Morinsis-AGAT and Elcom Systems Private Limited for developing a single integrated transport logistics system, concept of smart city and intellectual monitoring system for the areas of high responsibility in the state.
BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and party general secretary Shobha Karandlaje have urged Kannadigas residing in the US to campaign for the BJP during the 2018 Assembly elections.





The IT wing of the party had organised a video conference of Yeddyurappa with NRI Kannadigas in Bengaluru on Saturday.



Karandlaje, in her interaction, said in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, a large number of NRIs had taken leave of absence from their work and had come to India to campaign for Narendra Modi.



Similarly, you must come here to campaign for Yeddyurappa so that he can become chief minister again.



You can either work in your home district or sit in the party head office to lend support. Please save your leave for the next 15 months to be here during the elections, she said.



A similar request was made to the audience by Yeddyurappa.



While replying to a question, Yeddyurappa said the Centre had sanctioned IIT to Dharwad. If the BJP returns to power, then Dharwad and other Northern Karnataka districts would get institutions to teach IT education. In addition, basic infrastructure would be improved in the region.



Unclear sand policy

Replying to a question on the industrial sector, Yeddyurappa said the present government is confused over its sand mining policy. When we come to power, we will ensure that iron ore produced here is utilised for domestic consumption. Mining, tourism and irrigation would be our priority, he added.

DH News Service
A high-level government panel on Saturday said the Sarasvati river, so far considered mythical, existed and it passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat.



The panel headed by eminent geologist Professor K S Valdiya, who handed over the report to Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti here, said, We have reached a conclusion that river Sarasvati existed, it flowed. It originated in the Himalayas and met gulf at the western sea. The minister said the government will submit the report to the Cabinet for further action. She also said the report will be studied by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).



According to a senior CGWB official, Sarasvati passed through Pakistan before meeting Western Sea through Rann of Kutch and was approximately 4,000 km in length.



One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch measuring nearly 3,000 km in length, fell in India, the official claimed.



The seven-member committee in its report stated that the river had two branches: western and eastern. The Himalayan-born Satluj of the past, which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets, represents the western branch of the ancient river.



On the other hand, it said, Markanda and Sarsuti (corruption of Sarasvati) represented the eastern branch of Sarasvati, known as Tons-Yamuna.



Valdiya, a Padma Bhushan awardee, said the committee, during its six-month research, studied piles of sediments, their shapes and features which appeared to have been brought by a big river.



The panel came across an unique palaeochannel (a path abandoned by river when it changes its course) relating to present Ghaggar, Sarsuti, Hakra and Nara rivers.



Historically, he stated, that around 1,700 small and big towns and villages were located around the palaeochannel concerned during the Harappa Civilisation.



While some towns were spread over more than 100 hectares and these colonies were there for 5,500 years, was it possible that these cities could live without water? Which river was the source of water for these towns. We studied it, he said.



In the report, the committee also observed that constituent minerals of the palaeochannels, at several spots, have come from catchment areas of Sutlej and Yamuna and from Greater and Lesser Himalayas.


Scattered sandals, broken flag poles and crushed water bottles bore testimony to the tragedy that struck Varanasi on Saturday.



At least 24 were killed and over 100 injured in the stampede on the overcrowded Rajghat bridge. Several others are reported missing, sources said. Eyewitnesses said there were rumours that the bridge had developed cracks and was about to collapse. People panicked and began to run on the narrow bridge, and in the process many were trampled and hurt.



There were thousands of devotees on the bridge when the accident occurred, sources said, adding that the deaths were caused due to suffocation. Around 20 women were killed, many of whom were in their 50s.



Sources said that the disciples had started thronging Varanasi in the wee hours of Saturday and within a few hours, the roads leading to the venue, which lay on the bank of the Ganga, were jammed. The nearest route to the venue passed through the narrow Rajghat bridge. Eyewitnesses said that the one-km bridge resembled a sea of humans around noon with no visible police presence. The injured were admitted to nearby community health centres and hospitals at Ramnagar in Chandauli as well as in Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Officials said it was a challenge to carry out rescue operations owing to the presence of a large number of devotees on the bridge. The incident also triggered a massive traffic jam in Varanasi, as a result of which senior officials had a harrowing time in reaching the spot.

Chaos prevailed as ambulances and other vehicles were unable to move owing to the traffic snarls on both sides of the bridge.



Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of the kin of the victims and directed authorities to provide free treatment to the injured.



A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the tragedy, sources said here. The prime minister said in a tweet that he had spoken to the district officials and asked them to expedite relief and rescue operations.



Cops admit failure



Varanasi Inspector General of Police S K Bhagat said the organisers had taken permission for only 3,000 people to attend the programme, but around three lakh devotees had assembled there.



The organisers, however, claimed that they had informed the police that around two lakh people would attend the programme.



Police officials in Chandauli and Varanasi admitted that the local intelligence unit failed to anticipate the crowd and as a result, did not make necessary arrangements.



The sudden surge of crowd took us by surprise and by the time the administration swung into action, it was too late, a senior police officer told DH.



Baba Jai Gurudev, known for preaching a simple life, urged his disciples to wear clothes made of jute and give up their lives of luxury and comfort. He died in 2012. His driver, Pankaj Yadav, inherited all the property, according to a will left behind by the godman.
Controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi on Saturday managed to fly to Dubai despite a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him in a money laundering case as immigration officials let him go on a court order in another case.



Though he was detained at the immigration check-point by officials on the basis of the Enforcement Directorates LOC, Qureshi flashed a court order obtained in an income tax case allowing him to go abroad, which prompted the authorities to allow him to fly without due diligence.



Qureshi leaving the country despite the LOC left the immigration officers red faced prompting authorities to order a probe on how Qureshi, who is facing probe on tax-evasion charges and hawala-type dealings, managed to fly out of the country.



Official sources said Qureshi was detained based on an LOC in a money laundering case registered by the ED in September last year.



Soon after his detention, the immigration department immediately informed the ED. Qureshi then told the officials that he had the courts nod to travel abroad.



He also got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport. After perusing the details, the immigration officers allowed him to board the flight. However, they later realised that the order was in connection with a case pertaining to the income tax and not the ED.

DH News Service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invoked the old friendship between Delhi and Moscow to subtly caution Russian President Vladimir Putin against scaling up Russias defence ties with Pakistan.



After he and Putin witnessed the signing of three major defence deals and 13 other pacts, Modi referred to an old adage in Russia, which meant: An old friend is better than two new friends.



One of the big-ticket defence deals inked on Saturday is for manufacturing Russian Ka-226T multi-role helicopters in India. Another agreement was for the purchase and manufacture of four more Russian 1135.6 stealth frigates by and in India. Besides, a pact was also signed for Indias procurement of S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems.



Modi apparently alluded to the decades-old and time-tested relation between Moscow and New Delhi to tacitly convey Indias concerns over the growing defence ties between Russia and Pakistan. His words were also intended to send out a reassuring message to Russia as Indias growing ties with the US too, of late, caused unease in Moscow.



The twin message was not lost on Putin, who smiled as Modi referred to the adage while reading out a statement just after he and the Russian president held the 17th annual summit here. The summit came just after the first-ever military drill between Russia and Pakistan raised hackles in India. India made no bones about its unease and, ahead of the summit, clearly indicated that the prime minister would convey New Delhis concerns to Russian president.



The joint statement issued after Modi-Putin meeting, however, noted that the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia was rooted in longstanding mutual trust, characterised by unmatched reciprocal support to each others core interests and unique people-to-people affinities.



New Delhi also lauded Moscows unequivocal condemnation of the Uri attack. Russia was not only quick to condemn the terror attack, but was also first to endorse Indias assertion that the terrorists had come from areas under control of Pakistan.



Moscow also justified Indian Armys surgical strikes on terror camps. Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own, said the prime minister.



Modi said that both he and Putin had affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters. He added that India and Russia had similar views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia. The summit left New Delhi reassured that Russias defence ties with Pakistan would not go against the security interests of India.
At least 24 people were killed in a stampede on a bridge near the venue of a religious congregation between Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi and Chandauli districts on Saturday.



Over 100 were injured in the incident. The death toll could go up as many of the injured are critical, police sources said.



According to the police, the accident occurred around noon when thousands of devotees were on their way to attend the programme organised by the disciples of Baba Jai Gurudev at Dumaria village in Chandauli district on the banks of Ganga. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Daljeet Chaudhary said the death of one of the devotees due to excessive heat triggered the stampede.


The Congress on Saturday backed the state government on its controversial decision to build a steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal (near Esteem Mall).





Congress leader V R Sudarshan said the project would help ease traffic on this important road, and dismissed the BJPs accusation that the government had a hidden agenda in implementing the project. The BJP is trying to draw political mileage by misleading people. The government does not have any agenda except the development of Bengaluru, he said.



Former mayors Ramachandrappa, Huchchappa and P R Ramesh were present at the press conference, but they did not speak much on the issue.



BJP leaders have accused the government of taking a hasty decision in clearing the project. But the fact is just the opposite: the project was approved in 2010 when the BJP was in power. The decision to prepare the detailed project report was taken by the previous BJP government. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) collected public opinion before finalising the project. The government has not taken a hasty decision, Sudarshan asserted.



The Congress had promised to implement the project in its 2013 Assembly election manifesto. The project requires just about one acre of private land, the Congress leader added.



The proposed steel flyover will be a long-term solution to traffic congestion on this stretch, Sudarshan said. The government has drawn up a plan to develop infrastructure in Bengaluru in a phased manner, he added and sought peoples co-operation.

DH News Service
Blatant in its unilateral march to build the controversial steel flyover, the government has unwittingly sparked a massive public interest in the project. Clinical examination of the structure, both by activist citizens and mobility experts, has triggered an unprecedented exchange of ideas, opinions and alternatives.



Vociferous, collective and well-articulated, the widespread opposition to the project on online and offline platforms has forced the government to respond publicly. An open letter to the Bengaluru Development minister, for instance, has had its desired effect: The minister responded, sparking another open debate.



The government, as a public policy expert feels, might eventually backtrack. But what the waves of protest have achieved is clearly this: An acknowledgement that opaque decision-making on public infrastructure projects will not go unchallenged. Transparency in governance is now firmly in public glare.



Public no pushovers



Sundays human chain protest along Ballari road is bound to demonstrate the groundswell of public anger against the project. Beyond its symbolism, the chain will also drive home a potent point to the government: That projects that bank on taxpayers money can no longer be bulldozed through.



Indeed, as the state and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) assert, the flyover project has been in the pipeline for the last two years. But repeated attempts by the media and Right to Information (RTI) activists had failed to get the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in public domain.



Only the spectre of an unprecedented citizens movement forced BDA to put up the DPR on its official site. Urban policy experts wonder what took the Authority so long. After all, the public had been seeking an explanation why a whopping Rs 1,791 crore was being spent on a project they never asked for.



Pre-project public consultation has never been an official forte. But, BDA had a claim: It had got 299 emails from the public favouring the project.



Dubious project



Dubbing the entire process as dubious, Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF) had a counter: How do 299 responses, secured in 24 hours, represent the views of nine million Bengalureans? NBFs conclusion: The consultation was designed to hide and not to consult.



Negative feedback will have scuttled the project. But by escalating the cost from Rs 1,100 crore to Rs 1,350 crore to Rs 1,791 crore without any justifiable reason in two years, the official intention was to build the flyover at any cost.



Through very transparent online platforms and letters to DH (many published here), citizens in their thousands have already articulated their near-unanimous opposition to the project.



VIPs only beneficiaries



Terming the flyover a VIP project that benefits only a micro-minority, they have sought more sustainable, cheaper, alternatives. The NBF counter echoes this view. It notes, The flyover is not for normal transportation of residents. It is not part of any comprehensive transport and mobility plan.



Besides, no cost-benefit analysis has preceded the project. One-time cost versus life-time maintenance cost has not been done. Concrete is a one-time cost, steel is a recurring cost as it gets depleted due to corrosion.



The projects environmental costs have had everyone screaming why? How can 60,000 ornamental trees planted elsewhere compensate for the axing of 812 fully grown trees, they demand to know. Braving odds, these trees have survived to give the city a semblance of green cover in the face of rising pollution.



Car-centric vision



Looking ahead, several concerned citizens have sensed the danger in following a deeply problematic car-centric mobility vision for the city.



In an open letter to the minister concerned, they articulated their vision for a city that is friendly to walkers, public transport and cyclists. They contended: There is plenty of evidence from around the world that this vision is the right one. Instead, you are proposing solutions that fundamentally ignore what the people want.




Three Amity University students died and seven others were injured after the hired car they were travelling in rammed into a tractor on National Highway (NH)-1 in Outer Delhi.





The students were going towards Murthal in Haryana from Noida for dinner when the accident occurred near Grand Orchids farmhouse in Alipur village in the early hours of Saturday.



Condition of two students Pranav Pandey (22) and Shubham (19) is critical. They are currently being operated at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, said the police. Rest of the injured have been discharged from hospital after giving medical treatment, the police added.



The incident occurred around 2.00 am when the second-year engineering students were going in a speeding Mahindra Scorpio to have dinner at Murthal. In the middle of the journey, the vehicle rammed into a tractor trolley from behind near Alipur village, said the police.



The impact of the collision was such that the upper portion of the SUV was removed from the vehicle and flung several metres away from the rest of cars body. After the accident, the tractor driver fled from the place leaving his vehicle behind.



A case of rash driving and causing death by negligence has been registered against the driver at Alipur police station, and the police are conducting raids at several places to nab him. The deceased are Shikhar (22), Ujwal (21) and Rajesh (24). The injured are: Subham (19), Pranav Pandey, Vijay (20), Shubam, Reefat (21), Vanshika (20) and Pooja (21_).

Shikhar and Ujjwal are from Meerut, while Rajesh was from Haryanas Bhiwani district. Out of the seven injured students, three are girls, police said.



The injured students told the police that on Friday evening, they decided to visit Murthal to have its famous paranthas. They hired a Scorpio around 12.30 am from Noidas 125 sector.
During its annual Volunteer Celebration awards ceremony at the San Diego Convention Center, Girl Scouts San Diego honored two Carmel Valley residents. Recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of Girl Scout volunteers.

Denise Scott received the Honor Pin in recognition of her overall contributions to Girl Scouts San Diego. She is a member of the board of directors, the Promise Circle (a group open to donors who make significant annual gifts) and several committees. Her achievements include providing key support for major Girl Scout events like the annual Urban Campout fundraiser, the Cool Women awards program and Financially Savvy Women workshop. In addition, she helps the Girl Scout Outreach Program expand Girl Scouting in underserved communities.

Patel Rosen accepted the Presidents Award on behalf of the Carmel Valley Service Unit, which she manages. Service units are volunteer-led support systems serving Girl Scout members in a geographic area. The Presidents Award recognizes high-achieving service unit teams. Through successful community events and recruitment activities, the Carmel Valley Service Unit increased Girl Scout membership and retention in the Carmel Valley area for the sixth consecutive year. In addition  through its annual holiday bazaar  the group raised funds for the SHARE (Share Her Annual Real Expense) campaign, which helps keep Girl Scouting available and affordable for all girls.

For information about Girl Scout opportunities for girl members or adult volunteers in the Carmel Valley area, contact Blanca Santos at (619) 610-0757 or bsantos@sdgirlscouts.org, or visit sdgirlscouts.org/join.
Saddleback Church hosted a fall festival Sept. 24 at the Canyon Crest Academy campus for area families. One-hundred San Diegans gathered for an afternoon of free food and activities. The fall festival is just one of several events leading up to the new launch of the Saddleback campus launch in San Diego.

Saddleback Church, founded by Pastor Rick and Kay Warren, will launch its newest campus in San Diego on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Canyon Crest Academy. Services will be at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life, will be on location for the launch.

The weekly services will feature live Saddleback Worship, an inspiring message of hope and programs for all ages. The San Diego campus will move toward providing a full range of services for the local community as it grows, including a food pantry, small groups, Celebrate Recovery?, and various other support groups and events.

San Diego Campus Pastor Jeff Gonzalez is a former Marine. Gonzalez previously served as a volunteer at Saddleback San Clemente and also led services in Afghanistan while deployed.

Jeff was called to full-time ministry at Southwest Church, and is now back to Saddleback to serve in a greater capacity in San Diego. Visit www.saddleback.com.
OSU doctors speak in patients' native language to improve health care

A new Ohio State program connecting doctors who speak the same language as their patients improves patient trust and medical outcomes.
Rosneft-led group buys Essar Oil and related operations for $12.9 bn

A consortium of Russian oil giant Rosneft and the Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners its partners today announced the acquisition of 98 per cent stake in Essar Oil, India's second-biggest private sector oil firm and its related operations, in a $12.9 billion all-cash deal.

State-owned Rosneft, the world's largest oil producer, bought a 49 per cent stake in Essar Oil's refinery, port and retail chain of 2,700 petrol pumps while its partners  the Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte, one of the world's biggest commodity trading companies, and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners - acquired another 49 per cent equity.

Essar Energy Holdings Limited and Oil Bidco (Mauritius) Limited - companies incorporated and managed under the laws of Mauritius - the controlling shareholders of Essar Oil Limited (EOL) have entered into separate definitive agreements for the sale of 98 per cent of EOL, at an enterprise valuation of Rs72,800 crore ($10.9 bn).

Essar oil will be paid an additional Rs13,300 crore ($2 billion) for the acquisition of Vadinar Port, which has world-class storage and import/export facilities.

The business transaction was announced in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

The all-cash deal encompasses EOL's 20 million tonne refinery in Gujarat, India, and its pan-India retail outlets. The closing of the transaction is conditional upon receiving requisite regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The parties expect to obtain the relevant approvals before the end of this year.

EOL operates one of the world's most complex refineries and runs India's largest private sector retail network and its acquisition will give Roseneft a strong foothold in the Indian market that is witnessing robust demand growth for petroleum products.

The growth for refined petroleum products in the Indian market for the next five years is expected to be in the 5-7 per cent range.

EOL's 20 million tonne oil refinery in Vadinar, which accounts for 9 per cent of India's total refining output, is supported by a 1,010 MW captive power plant, and complemented by a network of around 2,700 operating retail outlets.

The additional Rs 13,300 crore that the new stakeholders have agreed to pay is for the 58 million tonne deep draft port in Vadinar that helps in importing crude and exporting finished products.

The deal includes Essar Oil's debt of $4.5 billion and about $2 billion debt with the port company and power plant. Also, the near $3 billion dues to Iran for past oil purchases will continue to be on Essar Oil books.

Rosneft Oil Company is the world's largest petroleum company with revenues in excess of $80 billion. The company's main business activities include exploration and production, refining and product marketing in Russia and across countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Trafigura Group is one of the world's leading independent commodity trading and logistics group of companies with revenues of approximately $100 billion. United Capital Partners (UCP) is a large independent Russian private investment group with investments of over $3.5 billion in various industrial sectors.

The transaction is the single largest tranche of foreign direct investment in India, and re-establishes the image of India.

Earlier in 2007, Essar Group, together with Hutchison Whampoa, had sold their telecom joint venture to Vodafone in an $11.1-billion transaction. With the current transaction, this is the second instance that Essar has brought in world leaders in the sector to participate in the India growth story.

''It is a historic day for Essar. The transaction demonstrates our unique ability to build world-class assets and create immense value in our businesses. The monetisation of our stake in Essar Oil will help drive the next level of growth for our other businesses,'' Essar Group chairman Shashi Ruia said.

''We have once again reinforced our unique expertise in project incubation, execution, value creation and monetisation. We have established world-class assets that have attracted the attention of leading global companies and investors. The deals we have done have led to an FDI infusion of more than $30 billion into India,'' Prashant Ruia, director of Essar, said.

''This is a significant milestone for the Company. Rosneft is entering one of the most promising and fast-growing world markets. At the same time, this project provides unique opportunities for synergies with the existing assets of the Company and is consistent with Rosneft's enhanced presence in the fast growing markets of other APR countries, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and The Philippines,'' Igor Sechin, CEO of Rosneft, said.

''This is an important and exciting investment. Essar Oil occupies a strategic position in the global oil market and owns world-class refining and infrastructure assets that will create multiple synergies with our trading business,'' Jeremy Weir, chief executive of Trafigura, said.

''We are very pleased to reach an agreement to acquire shares of Essar Oil Limited. This is a top-tier asset operating in the promising Indian market, one of the largest and rapidly developing economies in the world.

The announced transaction establishes a strategic partnership between our investment consortium members. Deal participants have extensive operational and financial expertise, which we believe will help to unlock significant value and provide strong financial results for all investors,'' Ilya Sherbovich, managing partner of UCP, stated.
The death toll from tiny particulate pollution in London is on the brink of hitting 2,500 this year, according to new figures. At least four boroughs - Barnet, Bromley, Croydon and Ealing - have seen the deadly impact of long-term exposure to human-made PM2.5 pollution rise above 100. The analysis by Clean Air in London showed the total for the capital reached 2,475 today and is set to climb above 2,500 within days. Levels of this type of toxic pollution, found by scientists to be particularly dangerous as it can infiltrate deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream, are worse in central London, including Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. But the death toll is higher in several outer boroughs given their large populations. ''Even these shocking numbers understate the dangers we face,'' said Simon Birkett, founder of Clean Air in London. ''They exclude the effects of other air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other health effects such as reduced lung function in children for life.'' While new Mayor Sadiq Khan had ''woken up'' to the problem, he added, the government was failing to do enough to tackle it. Nearly half of Londoners now say filthy air has impacted on their health, according to a new poll. The TNS survey for London Councils also showed the figure was even higher among cyclists, 59 per cent, parents, 58 per cent, people living in inner London, 51 per cent, and those who had arrived in the capital in the last five years, 56 per cent. The most common health problem which Londoners blamed on air pollution was breathing difficulties, 16 per cent of those citing symptoms, worsening asthma, 11 per cent, and coughing, nine per cent. Nearly half of parents in the capital, 48 per cent, now say that the state of the air influenced their decision on picking a school for their children. Fifty-four per cent of them say it is on their mind when thinking about where they live. ''The fact so many people reported a negative impact on their health, and concerns about the health of their children, is worrying and shows this continues to be an issue of huge significance in our city.'' He urged the government to draw up a new Air Quality Strategy and pass new Clean Air Act legislation so existing air pollution limits and targets are not scrapped due to Brexit. Environmental lawyers ClientEarth will take the government back to court next week to try to force it to step up action to cut NO2 levels which are above EU legal limits in many parts of the city. NO2 and PM2.5 are estimated to cause an annual death toll, the combined total of life lost due to these pollutants in London, equivalent to up to 9,400 lives. ClientEarth chief executive James Thornton said: ''The air we breathe in this city is illegal and it harms the health of Londoners. ''The government needs to get a grip of this public health crisis.'' The government stressed it was ''firmly committed'' to improving air quality and that its latest report to the European Commission showed progress was being made. A spokesman added, ''We know there is more to do, which is why we have committed more than 2 billion to greener transport schemes since 2011 and we will continue to work closely with the Mayor of London to improve air quality in the capital.'' Khan is proposing introducing a 10-a-day ''T-charge'' on the most polluting vehicles next year and an expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone, possibly a year early in 2019. TNS interviewed 1,006 Londoners between September 12 and 15. Data are weighted. (Also see: Schoolkids in Wales hard hit by air pollution: study)








Calls for boycott of Chinese goods in India following China's opposition to a UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar have failed, as sales of Chinese products in the country hit a record high during the festive season, Chinese official media said today. "Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals and one of the biggest shopping seasons in India, is coming at the end of October, but encouragement to boycott Chinese goods has been spreading in the last few days on Indian social media, and even a few Indian politicians are exaggerating facts," an article in the state-run Global Times said. "However, regardless of the passionate boycott in India and Indian media's hysteric reports of a "doomsday" for Chinese products, Chinese goods have never been condemned by Indian government and are popular across the nation," it said. "The boycott has not achieved success. Sales figures for Chinese products on the top three Indian online retailers in the first week of October hit a new record. Amazingly, the Chinese mobile phone company Xiaomi sold half a million phones in just three days on the Flipkart, Amazon India, Snapdeal and Tata CLiQ platforms," the article said. Referring to the boycott calls over China's technical hold on moves to bring about a ban on Azhar as well Beijing obstructing India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, (NSG), it said, "Chinese products are often the victim when regional situations get tense, and this phenomenon has been existing for quite a few years. Now Chinese goods are on the stage again due to the Kashmir issue. "The bilateral trade relationship is one of the pillars of the Sino-Indian relationship. The trade volume was over $70 billion in 2015, and China's investment in India soared to around $870 million in 2015, six times what it was in 2014," it said. India has been expressing concern over the trade deficit which last year touched $46 billion. "To some extent, the economic relationship is the barometer of the political relationship. There shouldn't be huge fluctuation in terms of economic cooperation if the political relationship keeps steady between the two," it said. "For the dragon and elephant, enhancing economic ties would be a preferable way to promote the comprehensive bilateral relationship. The more economic cooperation exists, the more opportunities there will be for Chinese products to enter the Indian market. "India is a big potential market, and people using smartphones and doing online shopping has become the irreversible trend in the new era," it said. The commercial cooperation between these two countries could also be focused on e-commerce, service and financial investment. Another article in the same daily said India has to upgrade its industrial structures to address $46 billion trade deficit. Official data during September showed India had exported goods worth $922 million to China, while importing goods worth $5.4 billion from China. "The huge trade deficit with China has become an increasingly unharmonious factor in bilateral ties between the two countries, requiring China and India to take practical measures to narrow the trade imbalance when leaders of the two nations meet in India over the weekend for the BRICS summit," the article said. "The two countries have made concerted efforts to narrow the trade imbalance, including signing a five-year trade and economic cooperation agreement in 2014, but it seems that such moves have had only limited effects. What we need to do now is find out the root causes of the trade imbalance," it said. The major imports from China include electronic components, telecom instruments, chemicals and pharmaceutical products, while India's major exports to China include ore, plastics and cotton. "The imbalanced bilateral trade structure is actually a result of the fact that China and India are at different developmental stages in terms of industrialisation. It won't be easy to reduce India's trade deficit with China simply by relying on measures such as seeking greater access to the Chinese market for India's raw materials and agricultural products - India also needs to upgrade its industrial structure," it said. "In other words, India seeking to solve the problem of the China-India trade imbalance cannot anchor its hopes on efforts such as persuading Chinese people to consume more Indian goods at a time when more and more Indian young people are keen to use Chinese-made goods such as smartphones," it said. "Efforts such as encouraging Chinese smartphone makers to set up production lines in India may be the most effective way to reduce the trade deficit, which is partly the result of a price gap between India's imports of finished goods and its exports of raw materials," it said. "But sadly, it seems that India is not on the right path, as the country is trying to reduce its trade deficit with China through trade protectionism," it said, adding that there had been 322 anti-dumping cases in India so far, of which 177 cases involved Chinese products. "Besides, a social media campaign urging people to refrain from buying China-made products has recently been building in India. Such moves will not help contribute to reducing India's trade deficit, but could damage bilateral ties instead," it said.








CHATTAHOOCHEE, Fla. - It takes a person with patience and a passion for precision to customize fishing rods for the serious angler. Customers and his apprentice say Billy Clements has those qualities in full measure. Theyre the keys to his mastery of the craft.

The retired police officer, who once spent some of his time as an expert marksman teaching rookies how to shoot, has been devoted to a gentler kind of precision in recent years. Hes been putting personal touches on fishermens prized gear for more than a decade. He can take a blank stripped-down rod and transform it into a work of art. It takes time and fine-tuning. It also takes a genuine desire to know and connect with the customer.

When someone hires him to do customize a rod, Clements sizes up the individual before he starts the job. Quite literally so. The length of a fishermans forearm, his casting style, his height, and even his personality all go into achieving the perfect balance, the right look, and creating an all-important perfect harmony in the play between angler and rod.

A new customer wont usually get out of the shop yard before Clements watches him cast a line, at least into the yard or the neighborhood street outside his little home shop. Sometimes they might even go to the Apalachicola River or Lake Seminole together for a look at the customers casting style.

Clements can build out bait-casting rods, spinners, and even simple bream poles if thats what his customer wants. He has two machines upon which he turns the rods slowly by hand as he closely winds the threads that together secure the eyelet guides through which the fishing line will be run from reel to tip end of rod. When that task is done at each eyelet point, hell apply some epoxy and turn on the automatic rotator to let the fixative he applied to the threads dry evenly and create a single unassailable hold for each eyelet. That drying process takes about 16 hours of very slow turning.

That gives him plenty of time to think about the rest of the rods design. He often gets requests for college rods in FSU Seminole or UF Gator colors and logos. He window shops for the elements of such things and more from big sales magazines of fishing gear, most often buying online, and/or also works with what the angler brings to the table.

He has hospital-grade light and scalpel in his tool set, along with a big magnifying glass. Theres also a wood lathe he uses to fashion specialty handles. All these things come into play often as he sets his hand to the task. Many of those tools are special things, given to him by his now-passed mentor in the craft, Dr. Darrell Pack. Clements is passing his own vast storehouse of knowledge on to an apprentice who has a similar temperament. Like Clements, Wendell Hosey feels a peaceful spirit take hold inside when he does the intricate work that some might consider tedious, instead.

The two work together often at Clements shop, and Hosey in recent weeks provided critical assistance after Clements suffered a short-term injury that put one arm in a sling for a few days.

Clements was glad to have him around then, and gladder still that he wants to learn over the long term and maybe someday pass on the skills to someone younger himself.

Clements also repairs injured rods for fishermen who cant bring themselves to give up on an old friend theyve cast countless times in quest of the perfect bass or perch or catfish.

When his friend and fellow rod-mender Darryl Goodwin is overrun with work over at his own B&D Bait and Tackle store in Sneads, Florida, Clements gets the extra work if he has time. Goodwin, a perfectionist himself, admires Clements attention to detail and the painstaking care he lavishes on the treasured fishing rods. And in return, Clements sends customers to Goodwin when theyre having trouble with their reels. Clements doesnt fix those, has no interest in it at all, and knows Goodwin is a master of that sometimes gnarly job.

Their friendship and their business connection is something that each man values.
We are fast approaching the bi-centenary of an event that left its mark on the North Louth area and, indeed, of all of Ireland at a time of great change for the country. It was an incident that took place in a remote part of County Louth, near the County Monaghan border, which is even now difficult to reach, on the night of October 29/30, 1816, which came to be known as 'The Burning of Wild Goose Lodge'.

Basically it is a tale of agrarian unrest in Ireland in the post Act of Union Ireland which culminated in the Great Famine of 1845. Events like this were happening all over the island during the period but this one stood for the sheer horror and scale of the crime and retribution which resulted in the unnatural and cruel deaths of upwards of 40 persons, many innocent of any involvement in the crime, and the sufferings of many others as a result.

There have been several books and many academic papers published over the past 200 years about the atrocity and its aftermath. Recently a play was written by local solicitor Paul McArdle, which, I understand, has been turned into a T.V. documentary film is due to be broadcast about the time of the 200 anniversary. The rights and wrongs of what happened on the fearful night and afterwards has been the subject of much debate over the past two centuries. It was an event which has been turned into a political battleground between nationalists and the supporters of the landed classes who ruled our country in the eighteenth century, which have lasted into present day Ireland. Above all, however, it is a tale of mystery which has never been fully resolved for all the documentation studied by the academics and possibly never will be!

The man responsible for the creation myth, mystery and even romance surrounding the story was William Carleton whose own life was itself a bit of a mystery. He was born in County Tyrone in 1794, just before the 1798 Rebellion and lived until after the Famine, dying in Dublin in 1869. In between those two dates he had a a very chequered career, some say that he was ordained as a Catholic priest but ended up being a Protestant minister and his religious and political affiliations are very much a matter for conjecture. It is for his writings, however, that he is best remember and his 'Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry', first published in 1830, even if much of it is fictitious, give one of the best insights into the lives of the ordinary Irish people in the pre-Famine era!

Carlton's contribution to the 'Wild Goose Lodge' story is that he published an account in the Dublin Literary Gazette in 1830, entitled 'Confessions of a Reformed Ribbonman', which pro-ported to be the true story of what had happened on that fearful night in 1816. Most critics regard the story as a work of fiction but it is based on fact and the lurid tale so caught the imagination of those read it that it was translated into several languages and was widely distributed over Europe and North America.

Carleton did have an intimate connection with the area in that he lived there very shortly after the event and, apparently, was told the stories about it by a local priest Fr. Edward McArdle, with whom he had stayed. He also walked the district while employed as a tutor to the family of a local wealthy farmer, Piers Murphy of Stonetown, who still has many relatives living in the North Louth and Dundalk area. Some of the claims Carleton made about seeing gibbeted corpses swaying in the wind could just not have been true but he may seen the remains of the alleged ringleader of the Ribbonmen hanging from a 30 foot pole erected at Corcreaghy village and guarded, for time, by an armed sentry. Patrick Devan's corpse hung for 22 months before being cut down, as a warning to the local people by the magistrates of the County who were still fearful of the events that took place in 1798.

William Carlton's story makes great reading, if you can lay yours hands on a copy, but you should not take it as anything much more than a work of fiction! The best, and most readable, account, in my opinion is the book published by Terence Dooley, from the Carrickmacross area, which is still readily available from bookshops and probably can be obtained on-line. It was published in 2007 and is called 'The Murders at Wild Goose Lodge'. Keep a look-out also for the upcoming television film, which I am told, is very well produced!

Over the past fifty years I have read every everything I could lay my hands written about the Wild Goose Lodge story, and was enthralled by Paul McArdle's play. I have also listened to many stories from local people and others, including my old Editor, Frank Necy. Older people from the district were not inclined to talk much about the incident, mainly because members of their own families had been involved and old, bitter memories are very slow to fade from the folk memories. The fascinating story has been opened up greatly, however, over recent generations and I would like to come back to some of the stories about the events of the time which have never appeared in print. If I am permitted by time and space to do so!
THE old saying Hair today, gone tomorrow is certainly apt for local schoolgirl Mia Timoney who recently donated her locks to the Rapunzel Foundation.

Mia, who is in third class in St. Francis N.S., said:

I wanted to do something to help and my mum said it would be a good idea to donate it. I have been growing it since I was 3 but I got little trims in between and the piece they cut off was 16inches long.

Mum Paula said:

We are really proud of Mia and her decision to donate her hair, it is a big change for her to have such short hair after having it so long since she was quite young.

Mia got it cut in Fusion in Blackrock - it is a registered salon with the Rapunzel Foundation and a local business. They did a great job and were very considerate and careful to make sure she was happy with her new cut.

The hair has been sent off to the Rapunzel Foundation where they will use it with up to another 20 to 25 ponytails to make one wig. The wigs are used for children and young adults with long term hair loss.
Oliver Neary of Main Street Louth Village who died on September 3 last at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda was a former well known publican who introduced the first singing lounge in Louth.

He worked for a considerable part of his life abroad, but always kept his ties with home. He emigrated first to Canada where he spent many years employed by Mc Namara Construction in the mining industry in Toronto and Vancouver but every winter returned home to family and friends.

He came back to Ireland in the early 60s and married local lady Betty McGee. They had three sons Pat, David and Paul (who died in infancy in 1965). They bought a pub in his native village. He ran a very successful business for years and was the first to bring the singing lounge to the Wee County to which people travelled from near and far and featured many successful bands.

His flair for business saw him start up a local coal delivery service which he ran again for years in the course of which he made many friends and loved and enjoyed many a cup of tea the craic and a chat in many households. He moved abroad again in the 1970s and for a period worked for London transport.

He returned home for good, setting up residence in the Main Street in Louth Village. He restarted his coal delivery business and also embarked on a new venture, opening up a youth arcade, complete with pool tables in the early 80s.

Born in Summerhill in his native village, his parents died when he was very young and his aunt and uncle the late Paddy and Christina (Minnie) Neary brought up and cared for Oliver. He went to school in the village in the old Flagabog national school after which he went to work with local farmers.

He was a talented runner, competing successfully at cross country, winning many novice and junior medals and represented Louth. He was a member of the Mountpleasant club to the north of Dundalk and his only means of getting there was by Shanks Mare. He would run from his home to the club, take part in races, and run back again.

He was interested in other sport, and supported his local GAA club Saint Mochtas whose games he attended.

He took ill in 2003 and enjoyed the Monday Club for senior citizens in the local community centre, where refreshments were served and there was an opportunity for a chat with his contemporaries.

He also attended Saint Olivers Day Care Centre in Dundalk where he took a keen interest in painting. Oliver was restricted on his right side and took up painting with his left hand. He received many prizes and awards for his art work which was displayed annually at the centre.

Oliver really loved and enjoyed a new found youth when his only grandson Ciaran was born in 2008, spending much loved day to day interaction at their home which they shared.

He passed away suddenly but peacefully. He was greatly loved and is sadly missed by wife, Betty, sons, Pat and David, grandson Ciaran, daughters in law, Lorna and Carol, along with other close members of his family, Tom and Carmel Neary, Tallanstown, Padraig and Maureen Neary, Christianstown, Readypenny, Nicholas and Marian Neary, Louth Village and Brenda Garret, Kilcroney, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

After reposing at McGeoughs Funeral Home, Dundalk on Monday, September 5, Olivers funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Sean McArdle PP the following morning in the local Church of the Immaculate Conception. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

Olivers family would like to thank Rosemary at McGeoughs Funeral Undertakers and Eddie Murphy, Louth Village;, also all the homecare staff Linda Halpenny, Tina Hackett and Anne Mc Ardle who cared for Oliver for all their help, as well as relatives and friends

Olivers Month's Mind Mass was on Saturday, 8th October in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Louth.
This almost sounds like a plot for a novel. Microsoft creates a successful strategy called Embrace, Extend, Extinguish and then promptly forgets it, resulting in a string of failures.

Google, which up to now seemed happy to repeat Microsofts mistakes, accidentally picks up a successful Microsoft practice and uses it against Apple  likely taking out a number of its Android partners in the process.

Ill share some thoughts on the impact of Googles Pixel phone and related product strategy in the context of Embrace, Extend, Extinguish, and why this doesnt bode well for Apple, and then close with my product of the week.

The Most Powerful Forgotten Strategy In Tech

Back when Microsoft was starting out, its most powerful platform wasnt Windows, which was almost an industry joke at the time  it was Microsoft Office. The purpose of Microsoft Office was to take out Lotus 1-2-3, which was one of the most successful PC applications of its time.

Microsoft brilliantly figured out that to remove Lotus it first had to embrace what made the product unique, which meant it not only had to load Lotus 1-2-3 files, but also to run the complicated macros that came with them. So Microsoft created Excel, and it was as close as you could get to Lotus 1-2-3 without being a copy of the product. That made it easy for people to switch.

Then Microsoft extended the offering with word processing, a basic database offering, and eventually a presentation product. It priced the package competitively against Lotus 1-2-3, and that motivated people to switch. You see, its not enough to make an offering as good and as easy to get to as the competition  you still have to motivate folks to switch.

Finally, Microsoft coupled the competitive edge it had gained with enterprise discounts and incentives, heavy marketing, and heavy advocacy to become the standard in office productivity packages. It extinguished Lotus and Lotus Notes in the segment, and Symphony  the much-too-late response to Office  failed in market.

Microsoft used a shorter but very similar strategy against OS/2, which helped wipe it out of the market as well. It didnt use the same strategy with Zune (it just didnt execute) or its mobile phones, and those efforts failed.

Pixel Phone: Embrace + Extend

With Android phones, the embrace phase came early on. Android was about as close to a clone of iOS as an operating system could get. It wouldnt run iOS apps, but Android attacted most of the same developers, who developed on both platforms, which reduced the switching cost substantially. However, Google seemed to stall there for some time.

It just kicked off the extend part of the strategy with the new Pixel phone, which not only adds a host of impressive additional capabilities, but also ties into Googles emerging IoT strategy.

You can get a phone thats priced less than the new iPhones with a better camera, far faster charging, better performance on paper (waiting on reviews), and a far more useful digital assistant.

However, the real extension is the growing host of products Google has integrated, including an Amazon Echo-like offering, a relatively unique smart router, an updated TV offering, a growing list of Nest devices, and a new VR headset.

Granted, these products mostly will work with iOS devices as well, but theyll undoubtedly work better with Android phones, and some will work best or only with the Pixel. That makes the Pixel more attractive than the iPhone and motivates people to migrate to it.

Extinguishing the iPhone

Google already is pricing the Pixel at less than the iPhone, but Apple customers are exceedingly loyal to their company. However, Apple clearly has been cutting the cost of manufacturing its product while holding the price constant, and the user experience has been degrading as a result.

All it would take would be a substantial number of Apple users seeing this cost-cutting as taking advantage of them, and if Google could give them a voice, then they likely could cause a stampede away from the platform.

That is where Google Search likely comes in. Donald Trump recently accused Google of altering its search technology to favor Hillary Clinton (echoing a claim that surfaced this summer). Youd likely be able to toss this out, except the EU has accused Google of manipulating its search tech to favor its own offerings over those of competitors, and it is considering the imposition of historic fines against the company as a result. Thats enough smoke to suggest there really is a fire, given the level of EU interest.

In the end, the combination of a very strong product that more than matched the iPhone 7 (which is being pounded for its lack of headphone jack rather than praised for its solid advances), a massively growing ecosystem of products, unique technical enhancements (even Im interested in a phone that will charge to 7 hours in 15 minutes), and the most powerful manipulation tool on the planet (Google Search) adds up to the potential to eliminate the iPhone.

Granted, Google still would need to execute, and it has the attention span of a 4-year-old on sugar, but all of the ingredients to take out the iPhone are there.

Wrapping Up: Embrace, Extend, Goodbye iPhone

This is the first time that a firm has put together all of the elements of an Embrace, Extend, Extinguish strategy since Microsoft introduced in the 1990s. As always, the success of this strategy hinges on the firms willingness to execute, but it does represent the most powerful threat to Apples iPhone yet.

That said, the part not yet addressed is what happens to the other Android phones. The low-end phones likely are safe, as this is clearly a high-end offering, and most cant afford it. However, given its massive phone problems at the high end, Samsung in particular should be concerned. Long before Googles Pixel takes a big chunk out of Apple, it is likely to take an even bigger chunk out of the other high-end Android phones.

To them, this is Microsoft Surface on steroids, and Microsoft pretty much cornered the market on Windows tablets with that offering. Yes, Google definitely will hurt Apple, but it may wipe out a few of its Android phone partners long before Apple feels a pinch.

There could really be no other choice this week. I just saw 15-minute charge for 7 hours of battery life (total battery life around 13 hours), and I instantly fell in love. Granted, given Samsungs battery problems, I wouldnt want to be the first one with this phone  it would be kind of embarrassing to have an airline tell you that you couldnt use it anywhere near an airplane  but once vetted, this appears to be an impressive bit of kit.

Google Pixel

It has arguably the best camera in market, and it actually has a headphone jack  who knew that would be so important? It has Qualcomms very impressive quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor, a gorgeous FHD or QHD AMOLED screen wrapped with Gorilla Glass 4, a glass aluminum case, and MIMO support for stunning, cutting-edge WiFi performance (though it will require a MIMO router).

Among the phones downsides are that it isnt highly water resistant (it will stand up to sprays of water), and presently it runs only on the Verizon network in the U.S. Given the carrier issue and the fact that it is a brand new and as-yet-untested phone, I will wait to buy it  but for that 15 minutes to 7 hours charge time, the Google Pixel Phone  and particularly the XL version  is my product of the week.
Although Google didnt drop any new details on the progress of Andromeda at its big Pixel event last week, that doesnt suggest any tempering of enthusiasm for the new operating system.

#Googles #Andromeda: 1 OS to rule them all. Is another operating system what consumers need? Many people think so. https://t.co/GFPr02ruE7

 Ali Zartash-Lloyd (@Cognisant2000) October 7, 2016

Andromeda reportedly is a mashup of Android and Chrome, with features from Chrome having been ported into Android rather than the other way around. Its expected to show up next year in a new laptop, dubbed Pixel 3, Android Police reported last month. The project is known internally as Bison.

Putting It Together

Andromeda apparently is distinct from Googles current bid to bring Android apps to Chromebooks through the App Runtime for Chrome project, and the Pixel 3 wont be marketed as a Chromebook.

Google also plans to launch a Huawei-manufactured Nexus tablet that will run Andromeda, 9to5 Google reported last month.

A Chrome and Android mashup would provide a common platform across all devices that includes not only the OS but the browser functions as well, observed Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Its what Microsoft was trying to do before the government told them they couldnt, he told TechNewsWorld.

Reaching for Andromeda

Google has been on a trajectory to hybridize Android and Chrome OS in terms of running apps, the Web/Touch model and other aspects, noted Al Hilwa, a research program director at IDC.

Im not surprised to see Andromeda devices, he told TechNewsWorld.

This move is essentially what weve said all along Google should do, Hilwa remarked. Clearly they can only do it at a certain pace, given that these are established platforms with OEM ecosystems.

The pace has been fairly sedate for Google. Executive chairman Eric Schmidt appeared to hint at the hybridization in his keynote at the 2011 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Chrome and Android would have more features in common, Schmidt said two years later, though Google intended to keep the OSes separate. Those comments followed Android guru Andy Rubins move from the Android unit to head unspecified new projects. Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who was then head of the Chrome OS unit, was Rubins replacement.

That move increased speculation that Google was planning an eventual merger of the two OSes.

Hardware Expectations

Andromeda will optimize access to Google Assistant from hybrid PCs and tablets, suggested Werner Goertz, a research director at Gartner.

However, Googles new Allo chat app and its new Pixel hardware devices will be more relevant, he told TechNewsWorld ahead of last weeks event, as theyre integrated with Google Assistant.

They will form the starting point for a new ecosystem for Googles virtual personal assistant, Goertz noted. As such, Googles strategy resembles that of Amazon with Alexa.

The Pixel 3, slated for release next year, will be an ultra-thin laptop with a 12.3-inch display, Android Police reported. Its expected to have a tablet mode, but whether it will be a 2-in-1 device like Microsofts Surface Book or have some other form factor is unknown.

It will have an Intel M3 or i5 Core processor with 32 or 128 GB of storage and 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM, according to Android Police. It also will have a fingerprint scanner, two USB C ports, a 3.5 mm jack, stylus support, stereo speakers, quad mikes, and a backlit keyboard with a glass trackpad employing haptic tech and force detection. Battery life is expected to be about 10 hours.
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The rate at which Arctic sea ice is shrinking due to climate change continues to make headlines as scientists monitor and predict what is becoming a journey into uncharted territory.

Recent data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center revealed sea ice in the Arctic hit its summer low point, tying 2007 for the second lowest extent on record.

With global temperatures on the rise and already at levels not seen in 100,000 years, melting Arctic sea ice is only expected to get worse as temperatures there are warming at least twice as fast as the global average. Mark Serreze, the director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, said he wouldnt be surprised if the Arctic were essentially ice free by 2030.

Dramatic and unprecedented warming in the Arctic is driving sea level rise, affecting weather patterns around the world and may trigger even more changes in the climate system, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

As part of his climate change documentary, Before the Flood, Leonardo DiCaprio visited the Arctic with National Geographic explorer-in-residence Dr. Enric Sala to see for himself what is happening in the region.

While walking with DiCaprio on the edge of the sea ice in the high Canadian Arctic, Sala told him that we will not be able to stand on the frozen sea anymore in about 25 years.

Scientific projections, he said, show that by 2040 theres going to be almost no sea ice left in the entire Arctic.

Sala sat down with National Geographic to answer five questions regarding the critical state of Earths sea ice, and what it means for us. Watch here:
According to this new information the Russians have known about alien civilizations for several decades, to many this comes as no surprise,...
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
True love wins for Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx but the price of it is worth $5 million, in connection with a divorce clause that Holmes allegedly signed "just to get out right away" from her marriage with Tom Cruise. Holmes and Cruise ended their 6-year marriage with an unknown cause, mostly speculations about Cruise's religion. With this outcome, a divorce clause was made to make Holmes agree on the terms, and these may be the reason of a secret relationship between her and Foxx which has been circulating for the past 3 years.

Although it hasn't been confirmed, but there were settlements included on Holme's divorce clause like a $400,000 per year for Suri's medical and educational expenses until she turns 18. Not to mention, $4.8 million for child support and another whopping $5 million for Holmes, as for the 'Dawson's Creek' star, agreements within the clause should be followed by the 5-year term. According to The Inquisitr, the 5-year term does not allow her to date another man for five years after the divorce, she may date but not publicly, and her boyfriend not to be allowed near her daughter Suri. Other terms not supported by the 5-year clause are, she is not allowed to go about the Scientology specifically about Cruise's life.

In a similar article by HNGN, if the clause should be followed, Katie Holmes should be counting from 2012 plus 5 years, giving her a few months more to wait. If the wedding with Foxx is true for November 2016, then she may have to bring back $5 million. But apparently, Foxx has already asked the Top Gun actor for his approval and has amicably approved of their relationship, then the upcoming wedding.

But all of these may be better off confirmed by either Holmes or Foxx, as there was never been a definite statement from either the two of them. If this is the case, then fans may as well wait and see for the next celebrity wedding before the year end.
While it may not feel like it, we live in a time that we're supposed to have respect and equal rights for anyone, regardless of their race, gender and sexual orientation. Looks like Hollywood (and certain political candidates) did not get that memo.

Bella Thorne, who prides herself in being totally open about her sexuality and revealed that she's bisexual in August, said she's facing backlash for being so confident in herself.

"It is hard in this business for us," Bella told Maxim. "It really is. I have already had people talk s--- to me. And it comes from people in the industry, not even fans."

She added:

"I've had studios tell me my image is too 'out there,' hinting at it but not really saying it."

She defended herself and her outlook on Hollywood, stating that she will "not change [herself] for this business or for anyone else."

Bella also talked about her two celebrity crushes, who are both equally badass women: Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus.

"Demi Lovato. I must say...rawrrrr. She is a pretty toasty woman. Miley Cyrus, too. She's dope. But Demi is fire, just fire."

Well, Demi is currently single, so time to make a move, Bella!
The Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) today announced the appointment of sustainability expert Dorah Modise (previously Nteo) as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the highly experienced Rudolf Pienaar as its new Non-Executive Board Chair and Faieda Jacobs as Non-Executive Deputy Chair.

Modise will officially take the reins as CEO from February 2017, while Pienaar and Jacobs took up their positions from yesterday.

Founded in 2007 as part of a larger network of Green Building Councils globally, the GBCSA champions the application of green building principles and practices in SAs property sector, seeking to inspire a built environment in which people and planet thrive.

These high-profile appointments signal the increasing importance of sustainable building practices in South Africa.

Indeed, Modises skill set and 17 years experience in the sustainability sector is an exceptional match for the organisation.

Currently serving as the Strategic Executive Director of City Sustainability at the City of Tshwane, she holds an MBA from the University of Pretorias Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and a Masters degree in Environment and Development from the University of Sussex in the UK, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva, Switzerland and a first Degree in Environmental Health from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Before her role of transforming Tshwane into the greenest and most sustainable city on the African continent, Modise was Chief Policy Advisor for Sustainable Development at the SA Department of Environmental Affairs, where she spearheaded South Africas engagements in global sustainable development negotiations and the environment sector green economy response including the establishment and management of the national green fund.

Pienaar holds impeccable credentials for his new position having been appointed first as Non-Executive Deputy Chair of the GBCSA Board in April last year, and then as Non-Executive Director of the World Green Building Council, representing Africa, three months later.

He is a long-time champion of sustainable, green building practices, which he has implemented in the R32 billion office portfolio that he manages as divisional director of Growthpoint Properties.

Faieda is responsible for Strategic Projects at Old Mutual Property. She has 30 years experience in property, ranging from property management, property asset management and people management. Prior to joining Old Mutual Property, she was a property manager at Fountainhead Property Trust and Allan Gray Property Trust.

The GBCSA has taken great strides forward in the past nine years, leading the movement to design, build and operate properties in an environmentally sustainable way, says outgoing Non-Executive Chairman of the GBCSA, Seana Nkhahle.

This firm foundation paves the way for this exceptional new leadership team to focus on sustainability in the public sector, developing green buildings at scale and building sustainable communities  all of which dovetail perfectly with Dorahs particular skill set and experience. The GBCSA is in good hands and is assured of a bright and successful future, he adds.

"The GBCSA has seen significant growth since its inception in 2007 and is geared to grow substantially in the years to come. This is mainly due to the increasing significance of the property sector in the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and the overwhelming balance sheet benefits brought about by efficiency savings, says incoming CEO, Dorah Modise.

I am particularly passionate about sustainability and believe that South Africa still has a lot to offer in this field. I am excited about this new, challenging venture and look forward to working with the great team of professionals that I have come to know over the years and a board that is really committed to the success of the organisation. Rudolph Pienaar comes with in-depth knowledge of the industry and is well placed to provide the leadership and guidance required to get the GBCSA to its next great destination," concludes Modise.
The second presidential debate between that consummate and trustworthy proxy of the financial aristocracy, Hillary Clinton, and the real estate billionaire speculator Donald Trump has thoughtlessly and indifferently gone by. Amidst the mutual mudslinging of the United States (US) presidential campaign, as far as the poll numbers go, Trump seems to be losing ground to Clinton, even as he continues to attract very large numbers of people. Scandal seems to be the principal means in what has become a bitter fight between the two opponents to torpedo each others electoral campaign.

Surely, the video from the NBC programme Access Hollywood, the airing of which brought on public indignation at Trump boasting about successfully leveraging his wealth and celebrity status as an ace sexual predator, was kept in store for release a month before polling day (8 November), and there may be more to come as that point in time approaches. Sex scandals are very much a part of the means by which the American ruling class fights out its differences in public, and Trump has been going to town about Bill Clintons sex-escapades, except that that story is by now old hat.
In case you are not familiar with ecocide, its the newest thrust by radical environmentalists to criminalize large-scale exploitation of natural resources and innovations such as GMO foods and products. Ecocide is envisioned as a crime against peace, equivalent to genocide or ethnic cleansing. The idea is to put corporate CEOs in the dock at the Hague.

Now, a mock trial is occurring at said Hague to convict Monsanto of ecocide. From the AFP story:

Global activists Friday launched a peoples tribunal, accusing giant U.S. seeds firm Monsanto of violating human rights and committing the crime of ecocide, by posing a major threat to the environment. Monsanto, which produces genetically modified seeds as well as controversial pesticides, has already dismissed the gathering in The Hague organised by hundreds of grassroots groups as a parody with no legal standing, and refused to attend. But five professional international judges will hear from 30 witnesses, including scientists, farmers, and beekeepers, who have travelled from five continents for the three-day event. The aim is to draw up a legal advisory opinion which could be fed into existing law, including writing ecocide as a crime into international criminal law.

Dont worry, Wesley: Surely ecocide will never be enacted into law! That would cause too much economic contraction and dislocation.

Sorry. As I detail more fully in my book The War on Humans, stifling our economies and impeding freedom are precisely the points.

Cross-posted at The Corner.

Photo credit: Rosalee Yagihara, [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Downtown San Antonio has been constantly evolving over the last half-century. Something new is always being built or upgraded.

HemisFair 68 for the 68 Worlds Fair, the Alamodome, renovations of the Majestic and Charline McCombs Empire theaters, numerous new hotels, the International Center, Weston Centre, the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the Briscoe Western Art Museum, to name a few.

Somehow, one project seemed to lead to another, then another.

Lately, the pace of development has accelerated. Hemisfairs reconstruction and the expansion of the Shops at Rivercenter are already near completion, but faster change is promised by several projects still in the planning stages.

On the drawing boards are new hotels near the Tobin Center and an office/hotel tower overlooking Main Plaza. CPS Energy will be relocated from its aging River Walk headquarters to a site near the Tobin Center, opening other possibilities along the River Walk.

Nothing might spark more change downtown than the planned 23-story new Frost Tower, cater-corner from the banks current headquarters. Thats part of a complex real-estate swap in which Frost Bank will sell its existing Houston Street building to the city and then occupy 60 percent of the new Frost Tower to be built by developer Weston Urban, while City Hall consolidates scattered departments into the existing Frost Bank building.

Throw in millennials preference for urban living, and downtown San Antonio will churn with change like never before, especially as startup technology companies fill in vacant downtown office space.

The upcoming surge was the topic of a luncheon this week at existing Frost Bank building tenant Plaza Club by the Family Service Association, an organization holding a series of transformation fundraising events.

Once up, we hope the new (Frost Bank) tower will bring more people downtown, perhaps corporate headquarters, Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc. Chief Financial Officer Jerry Salinas said during the luncheon.

Salinas updated the timetable to explain that the new Frost Tower will be constructed in 2017 and 2018, opening in early 2019.

We are proud that our newest building (for the statewide banking company) will be in our own hometown, he said.

Frost Bank will employ about 650 at the new building, but more employees, about 1,200, already work in the One Frost campus near SeaWorld San Antonio.

Weston Urban anticipates more downtown workers and plans to build about 400 apartments near its new Frost Tower building, said Lorenzo Gomez, executive director of the 80/20 Foundation established by Graham Weston of Weston Urban. Weston also is a co-founder and chairman of Rackspace Hosting Inc.

Residential is the last missing piece for the transformation of downtown, Gomez said. Millennials want to walk and bike more than drive, Gomez said. They will be become more civically engaged the less time they spend in cars and traffic, he added.

They also want open, collaborative spaces at work, and the One Frost campus already provides those, as will the new downtown tower, Salinas said. We need to make sure we are moving in that direction, he said.

The luncheon discussion ranged further to education, and the growing plethora of charter schools in the inner city, to the downtown arts district. Gomez said an arts district can inspire creation in business offices. Thats where the arts come in, Gomez said.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

He recommended that arts organizations cluster in one downtown area so people can park in one place and walk to a choice of several attractions.

Some lamented that San Antonio doesnt yet have a corridor, like Austins Sixth Street, where singles can mix and meet  where other young people are, as Gomez said.

But Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who attended the luncheon, said afterward such a bar-restaurant-live music stretch is beginning to form along North St. Marys Street. It can border on The Pearl retail-office-residential complex, Wolff said.

Its the same near-downtown St. Marys Strip that was a hopping place in the 1980s and then all but died about two decades ago, partially because the area became unsafe. The strip now is revitalizing, Wolff said.

The city will have to take care of the streets and the lighting along the St. Marys Strip, he said, But its coming together. It needs to be a cluster of small venues. People like to jump from one place to another.

Downtown San Antonio is being transformed and stretched in different directions. Its beginning to project an image of a downtown that has everything. Thats healthy. A static downtown is one that dies. As downtown changes, the core of the citys economy becomes more vibrant.

dhendricks@express-news.net
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As Blue Bell worked to get its ice cream back in the market after a devastating listeria contamination crisis last year, the company decided to outsource a key ingredient used in some of its specialty products  cookie dough  that is now at the center of its latest recall.

As a result, the Brenham-based company that had endeared itself to generations of Texans is again facing public concerns just as it was getting re-established.

Blue Bell made ingredients for its specialty flavors in-house prior to the 2015 Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that killed three people and sickened many more who had eaten its ice cream. A spokesperson said it began using outside suppliers for many of its inclusions because it has not yet regained the capacity to make them itself in the wake of the 2015 recall that shut down production for three months and forced hundreds of layoffs.

When it decided to reintroduce its cookie dough flavors earlier this year, Blue Bell contracted with Aspen Hills, a 20-employee company in Garner, Iowa.

By that point, Blue Bell had lost its position as the nations leading ice cream brand and sales were half what they were.

The latest recall, triggered by the discovery last month of the listeria bacteria in some Aspen Hills packages, is more than an untimely public relations nightmare. It also illustrates the challenges of managing supply chain risks that can affect a companys reputation and consumer safety.

The real issue is, did everyone in that supply chain have proper and adequate controls over the fact that a known hazard might find its way into the finished product? said David Plunkett, senior staff attorney for the food safety program at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to identify the root of the problem, and Plunkett said all food producers are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their products.

A federal law that went into effect last month strengthens requirements that all producers proactively work to prevent contamination, not just respond to it should it occur in the marketplace. Plunkett said it affects companies throughout the supply chain, though the ones most familiar to consumers bear the greatest risk.

If youre the end producer, youre responsible for that end product, he said.

Blue Bell and Aspen Hills last month each recalled a limited amount of their products after Blue Bell discovered listeria in some ice cream that was never shipped for distribution. Blue Bell ultimately traced the bacteria to unopened packages of cookie dough.

Both companies expanded their recall efforts earlier this month, each citing an abundance of caution.

Aspen Hills said Monday it would recall about 22,000 cases of cookie dough products made between mid-July and the end of September because they might have been exposed to listeria as a result of lapses in its manufacturing practices. It said it had not found evidence of the bacteria in its products.

Blue Bell then announced it was pulling from the market all ice cream flavors made with Aspen Hills cookie dough.

That includes all half gallons and pints of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cookie Two Step produced this year and sold to retail outlets, as well as three flavors distributed to food service providers during the same time frame.

All affected products had passed Blue Bells test-and-hold procedures, the company said.

Still, the company has far from recovered from the crisis that prompted mass layoffs and a total shutdown of its facilities last year. Its cookie dough ice cream was one of the products that revealed the sweeping problem then.

Blue Bell employs about 2,700 people, down from 3,900 prior to the incident. Sales are forecast to total $445 million this year, slightly more than half of its 2014 total as determined by Euromonitor.

Privately held Blue Bell has regained a foothold in 16 states, down from 23 prior to the recall, though it has declined to comment on its recovery efforts and financial standing.

Tim Coombs, a crisis communications expert at Texas A&M University, said Blue Bell likely will lose some customers despite evidence of the suppliers role.

This is the third one; and when you have a series of them, that can lead customers to start thinking its a pretty serious problem, he said.

Its not so much a problem with the hard-core customers, but customers further out will start to question it.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The most recent pair of recalls came just months after Brenton Tarantino had started buying Blue Bell once it returned to store shelves in his home state of Georgia. It was once his favorite brand, but he said he wont risk eating it again.

I used to always be a supporter of them because I loved their ice cream, he said. But I dont know if they can come back from this because theyve had too many (recalls). 

He said hes grown partial to Talenti, the gelato brand, and the ever popular Ben & Jerrys.

Michael Phelps, a Dallas native, has witnessed the passion Texans reserve for the states most famous ice cream. He recalled the reaction in his local grocery store when Blue Bell products disappeared from the shelves last year.

People were just standing there in the freezer section looking like they had lost a family member, he said.

That first recall was enough for him to pull Blue Bell from his own freezer. He said his dog, accustomed to a nightly spoonful, sat sullenly by the door, waiting.

I think he thought I was just being cheap, he said.

He, too, has discovered Ben & Jerrys and has no plans to go back to Blue Bell, especially in light of the recent news.

For other customers, the recalls hardly seem to register.

When Blue Bell tweeted the news Monday, some people responded by simply asking when their favorite flavors would return.

katherine.blunt@gmail.com

twitter.com/katherineblunt
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LOCKHART  Roy and Beth McDonalds retirement property on Schuelke Road has all the subtle beauty of Central Texas ranch country: rolling hills, wide-open skies and a small herd of cattle, llamas and donkeys grazing on the abundant pasture.

It also happens to lie between San Antonio and prolific aquifers the citys water utility hopes will one day provide up to 20 percent of its supply.

To access those underground formations in Burleson County, six counties away, a group of private companies is acquiring limited rights to a swath of land 142 miles long and 85 feet wide in most places to build the Vista Ridge pipeline and supply water to the San Antonio Water System. Thirty-five years from now, SAWS will own the pipeline and the easements on the land.

Despite some grumbling over the easements and the project overall, the companies have successfully negotiated deals for nearly half of the route. The McDonalds are among the roughly 435 landowners along it.

Starting in summer 2015, those landowners began receiving letters from a land agent working indirectly for a subsidiary of Abengoa Water, owned by a Spanish conglomerate that agreed in 2014 to build the pipeline. The agreement required Abengoa to supply SAWS with up to 16.3 billion gallons per year of water starting in 2020.

The letters included a diagram of the landowners property drafted by the San Antonio firm Pape-Dawson Engineers. The letters mentioned Vista Ridge, but not SAWS. The agent, Ardaga & Associates, said it was working for the Central Texas Regional Water Supply Corp., a nonprofit organized under parts of state law that could endow it with certain governmental powers, including one to force private landowners to sell the rights to their property.

As such, CTRWSC may acquire by voluntary acquisition or condemnation certain property deemed necessary for the Project, the letter states. It notes that landowners must be fairly compensated according to their propertys appraised value.

The McDonalds have been through this before. Parts of their 130 acres are already encumbered with easements for oil pipelines, a high-voltage transmission line and another water pipeline, according to the McDonalds and county records.

They first bought the land in the 1960s. Beth is 76 and a retired special education teacher. Roy is an 80-year-old retired accountant for the U.S. Treasury. They moved full time to Lockhart from Austin and built a two-story farmhouse about 16 years ago. Their daughter lives next door, and their grandsons enjoy fishing in the two stock ponds on the property.

They grow hay, using only rainfall, to feed their small herd, one of the few uses they can make of the strips of utility easements on their land.

They know firsthand that such easements can reduce property values. The McDonalds said they were able to get a better deal on the first parcel they bought in the 1960s because of the Lower Colorado River Authority electrical lines cutting a diagonal swath across the pasture.

The offer for the Vista Ridge easement came in low, Beth McDonald said. The land agent proposed $16,000 for 7.5 acres, she said, an amount she feels is paltry compared with the lands true value.

But regardless of the price, they say they are not interested in a deal. Beth McDonald said they dislike paying property taxes on land someone else has a legal right to use.

The restrictions are also a factor. The easement allows the utility access to the property for a variety of reasons and does not allow any trees or permanent structures on the land.

You just hate for someone else to tell you what youre going to do, Roy McDonald said.

The Caldwell County Appraisal District considers the effect of easements on property values on an individual basis, according to its most recent reappraisal plan.

For all these reasons, the McDonalds have decided to hire a lawyer and weigh their options instead of signing the easement agreement.

In search of a good deal

Other landowners along the route are also taking a wait-and-see approach. One is Bob Southmayd, 69, who lives on 9 acres in Guadalupe County.

I believe theyve contacted me several times with letters, which I ignored, he said. I may be contacting an eminent domain, right-of-way lawyer and seeing what my options are.

For Southmayd, the project is another example of how his big urban neighbor continues to scout around the region for new water supplies.

Its just another water grab by San Antonio, he said. We had watering restrictions because of the drought where we are. San Antonio is always the last one to implement water restrictions.

SAWS officials have said Vista Ridge will secure a stable supply for a fast-growing city still largely dependent on the Edwards Aquifer, which has a pumping cap and strict cutbacks during droughts. State demographers predict Bexar Countys population of 1.8 million will swell by an additional million people by 2040.

During droughts, city ordinances require San Antonio to implement Stage 1 and 2 outdoor watering restrictions when the 10-day rolling average of the Edwards Aquifers level below San Antonio stays at or below 660 feet and 650 feet above mean sea level, respectively. But the city often avoids going into deeper drought stages, largely because of its diversity of water supplies.

SAWS has also pushed conservation, reducing the amount of water used per person from 220 gallons per customer per day in 1980 to 121 gallons in 2015.

These nuances are often lost in the debate over Vista Ridge. For some people, water fights can reinforce other deeply held political beliefs.

I will never accept San Antonio getting water from our aquifer. We need it up here, said Pauline Bostic, 96, who raised cattle on her property in Bastrop County that is now in the way of the pipeline route.

If they would send all the illegals back to Mexico and other places, they wouldnt need it, she continued. They should build a dam on the Guadalupe and have their own water.

Despite her opposition, Bostic said she haggled with the land agent to get the price up a bit and signed the easement deal.

At her age, she said, she has no interest in a long court case.

I know sooner or later, theyre going to run it down our throats, so I just went ahead and signed it, she said. If you try to buck it, it ends up that youre broke.

The Vista Ridge easement stands out in the mind of Austin eminent domain attorney Luke Ellis, who has represented property owners in other utility condemnation cases, though none for Vista Ridge at this point. On a scale from 1 to 10 of least- to most-intrusive, the Vista Ridge easement is a 10, Ellis said.

Width is his biggest concern, he said. Why create an 85-foot easement for a pipe 4.5 feet in diameter? Ellis pointed out that the easement allows for construction of multiple water pipelines at any point in the future.

If you sign, you want to try to revise that provision about the multiple lines, he said. If they refuse, then you must, as a property owner, ensure youre getting fair and adequate compensation now because you will not get paid again in the future.

Another pipeline?

The 834-page Vista Ridge contract between SAWS and Garney Construction, now the pipelines main owner, specifically mentions two pipelines on Page 197. Among other requirements, all such right-of-way easements shall permit the construction of two water pipelines in the right-of-way, the contract states.

Donovan Burton, SAWS vice president of water resources, said in an email that the possibility of a second line came up in public negotiations over the pipeline with Abengoa in 2014.

We have no plans at this time on adding a separate pipeline, but who knows what may happen in the future, he said.

Despite some opposition among landowners, Central Texas Regional Water Supply Corp. is making significant progress assembling the route, even after the turmoil that shook up the project late last year.

In November, Abengoa, a debt-ridden conglomerate based in Seville, Spain, with energy and water projects all over the world, filed for pre-bankruptcy protection in Spain.

By May, the near brush with bankruptcy had trickled down to San Antonio, when the SAWS board of trustees approved a sale of 80 percent of Abengoas stake in the project to Garney, which originally intended to only build the line.

The board of the nonprofit water supply corporation, which had been made up of Abengoa officials, went through at least six shuffles among 12 people. They included a former Texas Water Development Board employee and the wife of Marc A. Rodriguez, an Austin lobbyist who has worked for SAWS and the city of San Antonio. Rodriguez is also a longtime friend of SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente.

These days, its leadership seems more stable. Its chairman is Weir Labatt, a former San Antonio city councilman and Texas Water Development Board member.

When it looked like Garney was going to move in and replace Abengoa, somehow I realized they needed volunteers, Labatt said. He was later joined by former SAWS employee Chris Powers and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Rebecca Q. Cedillo.

Abengoa retains a 20 percent equity stake in the project. In fact, easement records and interviews show one of its employees was still involved in day-to-day work with the water supply corporation as recently as this month.

Out of 67 easements signed in Lee, Bastrop, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal and Bexar counties reviewed by the San Antonio Express-News, most of them bear the signature of Rachel Tutak. Tutak worked for Abengoa Water as legal counsel and served as assistant secretary of the water supply corporation, according to her profile on LinkedIn. She was responsible for organizing meetings, drafting documents and providing legal advice.

Efforts to reach Tutak via social media were not successful. Labatt said she resigned in early October after finding a new job in California.

On Tuesday, in an office at the Pearl shared by the Hispanic chamber and The Nature Conservancy, the Express-News sat in on an official meeting of the water supply corporation.

Such entities are covered by the Texas Open Meetings Act, although the nonprofit has resisted an attempt by Austin environmental group Save Our Springs Alliance to get access to its records. A legal case between the two is pending in state court in Travis County.

At the meeting, Labatt, Powers and Cedillo, via teleconference, met with employees of Garney, Pape-Dawson and Austin law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to discuss the series of easements. The Pape-Dawson employee told the board that easements have been secured along 40 percent of the route.

Thats good news for Garney, which needed 25 percent of the route to hit a key financial deadline that would signal the start of the construction phase. Garney is racing to meet other conditions of that deadline by the end of the year.

bgibbons@express-news.net

Twitter: @bgibbs
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San Antonio must invest more in affordable housing so the Decade of Downtown doesnt give way to a decade of displacement, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro said.

The former San Antonio mayor visited the city Friday for the unveiling of the new East Meadows housing development, built where the longtime Wheatley Courts public housing complex used to stand. The San Antonio Housing Authority property is considered an important component in the efforts to improve the citys East Side, a community that had been neglected for decades.

Castro, who supported initiatives to transform the East Side during his tenure as mayor, called the new housing a fantastic example of revitalization that will improve the quality of life for people in the neighborhood.

But he cautioned that the city must do more to accommodate its growing population as home sale prices and monthly rents continue to rise.

Im convinced that if San Antonio does not take bolder steps now to enhance housing affordability, then in a few years this ... will give rise to a decade of displacement, Castro said later in the day while speaking at an Urban Land Institute San Antonio event attended by developers and community leaders.

Is this going to continue to be a community that embraces everyone? he asked.

Those challenges arent unique to San Antonio, he said  San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Austin and other cities have encountered similar housing needs.

In East Austin, once a very affordable and diverse side of town, more than half of the African-American population has moved away in the past 20 years, Castro said.

To prevent such displacement, the HUD secretary suggested San Antonio invest more from its city budget into affordable housing. The city also might build on the success of the incentives it offered to spur much of the development thats occurred along Broadway, he added.

Developers and city officials could join together to consider if the citys land use regulations need to be changed, Castro said. Thats because zoning requirements and planning rules sometimes drive up the costs of developing housing.

My hope is that now that downtown is taking off, council will take another look, for instance, at how downtown is zoned, Castro said Friday.

An excess number of hotels built there is artificially driving up the costs of land, he said.

He also urged San Antonio to take a regional approach to planning  looking beyond its city limits for economic development opportunities.

City Manager Sheryl Sculley sat next to Castro during the Urban Land Institute luncheon and listened from the audience to his remarks.

The citys proposed $850 million bond package, which is expected to go before San Antonio voters in May, includes $20 million to make neighborhood improvements to distressed properties. That $20 million would be used to purchase land for affordable housing and to prepare land for development, according to a city presentation last month. Preparations could include demolition, environmental cleanup, extending utilities or installing sidewalks and street curbs.

City officials had explored the possibility of pursuing a more ambitious affordable housing proposal, but the current city charter only permits bonds to be issued for public works projects.

Castro said he was acutely aware before his election as San Antonios mayor in 2009 that the citys East Side had suffered from years of neglect and a lack of public investment. He wanted to change that.

It had been left behind in many ways, had not gotten the infrastructure investment, had not gotten the resources that other parts of town did over the years, he told a crowd of several hundred people at the formal unveiling of the new East Meadows housing development earlier in the day.

I had a strong belief that if we really were going to succeed as a city, that everybody had to succeed  that every single part of town had to prosper.

The San Antonio Housing Authority, the local United Way, the city and other community leaders joined neighborhood groups and churches on the East Side to reverse the years of deterioration that had pervaded the area.

The housing authority landed a $29.7 million Choice Neighborhoods grant from HUD in late 2012, and the United Way won a $24.6 million Promise Neighborhoods grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2011 to transform the neighborhood. Community leaders set out to improve the East Sides housing, education, job opportunities, recreational amenities, public infrastructure and safety. Multiple public and private investments were made.

A big part of that transformation meant tearing down a fixture on the East Side  the old Wheatley Courts public housing complex built in 1941. Bordered by Gabriel Street to the north and Hays Street to the south, North Walters Street to the east and North Gevers Street to the west, Wheatley Courts lacked central air conditioning and was well-known for its cinder block walls.

Dr. Morris Stribling, who chairs the San Antonio Housing Authoritys board, recalled going inside one of the Wheatley Courts apartments. The woman who lived there told Stribling she didnt like to cook in her kitchen during the summers because the air became unbearably hot due to the cinder block walls and lack of air conditioning.

No American should be subject to that, Stribling said.

In 2014, 201 families moved out of Wheatley Courts and the old public housing complex was torn down. Newly constructed in its place is East Meadows, which will ultimately contain 412 apartments. Construction will continue until 2018.

So far, only the first phase of East Meadows has been built. That $41.7 million development contains 215 apartments. More than a quarter of the families who vacated Wheatley Courts for demolition have applied to come back and live in the new apartments. The first tenants will start moving in at the end of October or early November.

East Meadows is a mixed-income community, meaning tenants paying full market-rate rents will live there with low- to moderate-income residents who qualify to live in apartments built with the help of tax credits. Low-income residents who qualify for public housing also will live there. Residents wont be housed in separate buildings based on their differing income levels, but will be randomly spread throughout the complex.

All of the apartments have the same amenities  washing machines and dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, ceiling fans, central air conditioning  regardless of the tenants income levels.

Washers and dryers are just as important to a single mother as a refrigerator, said Tony Salazar, an executive with McCormack Baron Salazar, the developer of East Meadows. His words drew murmurs of agreement from the crowds.

Opportunities to invest in affordable housing like the East Meadows development will only dwindle as home prices get higher and higher, Castro said.

The city needs to invest in affordable housing now, he said.

pohare@express-news.net
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More than 2,100 Bexar County residents have already cast their Nov. 8 ballots from the comfort of their own homes  or jail cells.

Theyve taken advantage of the increasingly popular mail ballot option, available to senior citizens, the disabled, travelers of all ages and those in jail awaiting trial.

With two weeks remaining before the deadline to request a mail ballot, about 35,000 people have applied for them  already surpassing the number who participated by mail in the 2012 presidential election. Up to 5 percent of the 2016 total vote could be by mail, officials said.

The Bexar County Elections Department has been inundated with applications, and several factors are cited, topped by the sheer convenience of voting at home. Although some voters still view going to their neighborhood voting site as a social event, others have a growing distaste for polls and coping with crowds, weather, darkness, transportation and parking issues.

Despite concerns about mail ballots being subject to voter fraud, Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said Friday that abundant security measures are in place, including cross-checks of multiple required signatures for these already-registered voters. Also, Texas is among several states that share voter registration data to avert double voting, she said.

But its not nationwide, Callanen said.

There are two ways for voters to request an application for a mail ballot: By mail or by calling the Elections Department. Mailed requests should be sent to Jacque Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator, 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100, San Antonio 78207. Phone requests for applications are accepted at 210-335-0362.

State election law dictates that requests must be received, rather than postmarked, 11 days before Election Day, or Oct. 28.

To qualify to receive a mail ballot, a registered voter must be 65 or older on the day of the election, have a disability or be planning to be out of the county during the election.

In the latter case, the voter does not have to be 65, and his or her ballot must be sent to an out-of-county address. By Friday, nearly 700 people had requested their ballots be sent elsewhere.

If you cant walk into someplace and vote early or on Election Day, then well mail you a ballot to a finite place outside of the county, Callanen said. The provisions will help a variety of voters, from cross-country truck drivers to those on far-flung vacations, she said.

They know theyll be at this hotel on that day, and theyll make arrangements to pick their ballot up there. They still have to mail it, and it has to be here by Election Day, she said.

Those in jail, if they have not been finally convicted, also may request a mail ballot.

We havent gotten a bunch of those this time, Callanen said.

jgonzalez@express-news.net

Twitter: @johnwgonzalez
WASHINGTON  Latino Republicans from Texas and around the country plan to gather in Las Vegas, site of the final presidential debate next week, for a reckoning amid fears that Donald Trumps extremism has caused long-term damage to GOP efforts to appeal to the burgeoning Latino electorate.

The Latino leaders intend to formalize a new organization with a Washington office while venting frustration at GOP national Chairman Reince Priebus and the Republican National Committee for failing to halt Trumps insults of Hispanics over the past 16 months.

They say theyre upset, too, at what they regard as the national partys inability to follow through after a 97-page autopsy in 2013 that amounted to an indictment of GOP methods, among them a failure to mobilize Hispanic voters.

Despite reports to the contrary, the Latino leaders  numbering between 30 and 40  wont formally call for Priebus resignation, which could appear as an empty gesture given that Priebus term expires after this election.

Nonetheless, participants will air concerns about the GOP relationship with Latinos going forward, while charting a plan to exert more influence in the national Republican Party.

It appears to be that were headed for a big debacle, said Jacob Monty, a Houston lawyer and one of the organizers of the meeting. My personal opinion is that there needs to be some sort of reckoning.

The RNC defended Priebus, arguing that critics disregard an effort begun under him that led to the hiring of 70 Latino staff members in Washington and around the country and a sustained effort to build Latino backing.

The RNC will not be represented at the meeting, a spokeswoman said.

It seems to me that they have a disagreement with Donald Trump, and I can understand that, said RNC spokeswoman Helen Aguirre Ferre. But I dont understand why that has anything to do with Chairman Priebus.

Priebus, she said, has repeatedly offered advice about the tone of Trumps campaign. I can tell you that Chairman Priebus speaks to Mr. Trump regularly. Those are private conversations, she said.

Monty is among Latino Republicans who endorsed Trump and raised money for him but who have since abandoned the GOP presidential candidate because of his utterances and his policies toward Hispanics deemed harsh. Monty was among influential leaders who met with Trump in the summer, at which point they thought they saw evidence of a softening in his views.

But Monty quickly rescinded his backing after the GOP nominee vowed again to deport anyone in the United States illegally in an aggressive Aug. 31 speech in Arizona.

When were toxic on immigration, it alienates Latinos who are legal because they think that could be my uncle, my father, my neighbor. It affects more than just the immigrant community; it affects everyone, Monty said.

Its like a burning building, he added. We can only carry a few people out. We should focus on the people who are saveable. We cant save Donald Trump from himself.

Art Martinez de Vara, a lawyer and former Von Ormy mayor, said he doesnt fault the RNC for its failure to muzzle Trump. His aim in Las Vegas, he said, is to mobilize influential Hispanic conservatives from coast to coast and to press the point that many Hispanics have traditional conservative viewpoints on the economy, foreign affairs and social policy.

Martinez de Vara is not on the growing list of Republicans vowing not to vote for Trump. Nonetheless, he believes Trump has damaged the Hispanic conservative base. A lot of people arent enthused about this election, he said.

Artemio Muniz of Houston, chairman of the Texas Federation of Hispanic Republicans, described himself as a young gun conservative who is unwilling to mince words about failures by national Republicans.

People like me who are younger, we dont spin. Theres anger, thats just the truth, said Muniz, 35. The promise was made; Reince told me personally that he would speak out against extreme rhetoric.

Muniz contended that in his eyes, Priebus did little to rein in Trump beginning when the New York billionaire opened his campaign in June 2015 by painting immigrants as criminals, rapists and drug dealers.

Massey Villarreal, a prominent Houston businessman and former president of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said that in Las Vegas he intends to emphasize the need for retooling the GOP message.

Theres broken glass that needs to be swept up, he said. We need to bring the (Latino) community back together again. Were pro-family, pro-life, pro-economic freedom and pro-small government. We want to bring people back to those core values.

Alfonso Aguilar, another organizer, is president of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, a Washington-based advocacy group. He said that rather than faulting Priebus, he blames GOP White House hopefuls whose insistence on remaining in the primary field enabled Trump to ultimately capture the nomination.

Aguilar said conservative Latinos have a challenge ahead.

Liberals have been very effective in saying that their agenda is the Latino agenda. Some Republicans believe that Latinos are born Democrats, he said.

bill.lambrecht@hearstdc.com
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Nearly two dozen San Antonio police officers have been disciplined for wearing Make America Great Again hats with GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump just before the candidate boarded his jet after a fundraiser here.

Police Chief William McManus met this week with 23 officers, including six supervisors, to discipline them for violating city policy, which prohibits any city employees from wearing political garb while on duty.

On Tuesday, members of the SAPDs motorcycle unit escorted Trump from the San Antonio International Airport to a downtown fundraiser and back. When they returned, the officers donned red hats given to them by the campaign.

In a 25-second video of the incident that Trump posted on Twitter, the New York billionaire can be heard saying, Thank you, fellas, to the officers. Several of them, wearing the hats, responded in kind and gave him the thumbs-up sign.

As Trump boarded his airplane to leave, the officers turned away and walked toward their parked motorcycles, seen in the background. The video captures at least 14 officers wearing the hats. Beneath them, text on the video reads: WE WILL MAKE AMERICA SAFE & GREAT AGAIN, TOGETHER!

On Friday, McManus said in a prepared statement that officers involved violated the departments guiding principles.

The San Antonio Police Department is dedicated to the citizens that we serve. Our mission is to treat all people with integrity, compassion, fairness and respect, he said. The recent actions by the officers assigned to the escort detail for the presidential candidate are inconsistent with our guiding principles.

McManus said corrective action would be taken.

Six supervisors will be issued a written reprimand, and 17 officers will be provided written counseling, he said in the statement. In addition, as part of the corrective action, the officers involved will receive training this month that will focus on the importance of impartiality and fairness in performance of official duties.

Mike Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, declined to comment Friday. On Tuesday, he said officers cannot wear political garb while on duty.

Through her spokeswoman, Mayor Ivy Taylor declined to comment Friday on the discipline issued by the police chief.

Earlier this week, in the wake of revelations that the officers had broken city policy, Taylor posted about her disappointment on her social media accounts.

I am deeply disappointed by some of our SAPD officers lack of judgment, she wrote on Facebook, with a similar version on Twitter. While on duty, police must be above politics with an obligation to serve everyone equally. Everything they do should send that message and todays actions did not.

Reaction to Taylors comments was immediate, mixed and sometimes visceral.

On Facebook, some people, such as Joyce Townsend, defended Taylors position.

This has received national attention (prior to the Mayors comment) on social media. Its a non-partisan issue, she wrote. They were on city time & by wearing the caps they indicated support for one of the candidates for the Presidency. Its not hard to ascertain why this wasnt proper.

Others, like Richard Hunter, excoriated Taylor.

I am a Republican who supported and voted for you, never again, Hunter wrote, adding that it was Republican support that put Taylor in office.

McManus said in his Friday statement that he understands the concerns about the cops having worn the Trump hats.

Beyond violating Departmental and City policy, the officers used poor judgment, he said. San Antonio Police Officers have always and will always remain dedicated to professionally serving all citizens. We will continue to work tirelessly to remain a national model for police agencies across the country.

On Tuesday, City Attorney Andrew Segovia sent a letter to the Trump campaign, asking that the video be removed from the candidates social media accounts. By Friday, the video was still posted and had been shared on Twitter more than 12,300 times and garnered more than 30,500 likes.

Trump visited Dallas and San Antonio on Tuesday for fundraisers expected to raise

$5 million. The visit came on the heels of revelations about lewd comments by Trump about sexually assaulting women.

Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will meet Wednesday in Las Vegas for their final debate before the Nov. 8 election.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
WASHINGTON  President Barack Obama on Friday issued a sweeping directive to enshrine his administrations historic opening with Cuba well beyond the end of his presidency, setting a new policy to lift the embargo that codified the Cold War rupture as he ended restrictions on importing Cuban rum and cigars.

The action formalizes the shift toward normalization that the president unveiled nearly two years ago with the announcement that he and President Raul Castro of Cuba had secretly agreed to repair their countries relationship. Obama was using executive power to transform what has been one of his top foreign policy priorities  and a vivid example of his strategy of engaging with former adversaries  into a set of official mandates that could shape U.S. policy toward Cuba for years to come.

Obama on Friday also made what aides said were likely his final major modifications to loosen U.S. sanctions on Cuba before leaving office, including lifting the $100 limit on bringing Cuban rum and cigars into the United States. The revisions will also allow Cuban pharmaceuticals to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration and imported into the United States, permit online retailers to sell goods in Cuba and allow credit financing for the sale of agricultural goods, such as tractors and pesticides, to Cuba.

I thought that might wake some of you up, Susan Rice, the presidents national security adviser, told an audience in a speech here Friday as she outlined the policy changes. You can now celebrate with Cuban rum and Cuban cigars.

The changes are an attempt by Obama to press forward with his thaw with Cuba even in the face of lingering opposition in Congress to repealing the embargo. The 12-page document he approved on Friday does not erase the laws restricting tourism and trade  only a vote of Congress can do that  but it declares the legislation at odds with US. policy, and requires that the administration lobby Congress to eliminate it.

Opponents of the opening, including some Cuban-American lawmakers who have characterized the policy as a concession to a brutal autocratic regime that denies its citizens basic human rights, swiftly denounced the latest move.

Todays announcement reaffirms the fact that President Obamas Cuba policy puts the Castro regimes interests first, profits ahead of Americas national security and the Cuban peoples rights and dignity dead last, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said Friday.

Yet support is growing on Capitol Hill for the approach, and it would take another directive by a future president to reverse Fridays move, something that Obamas top advisers argued would be difficult for a successor; they say the shift is already reshaping the way Americans travel to and do business with Cuba.

This directive takes a comprehensive and whole-of-government approach to promote engagement with the Cuban government and people, and make our opening to Cuba irreversible, Obama said in a statement. Challenges remain  and very real differences between our governments persist on issues of democracy and human rights  but I believe that engagement is the best way to address those differences and make progress on behalf of our interests and values.

The publication of the document  an unclassified directive that lays out the specific goals and strategy for U.S. engagement with Cuba  was significant after decades of secrecy and mistrust overhanging the relationship. We are not seeking to impose regime change on Cuba, the directive reads, asserting that the embargo is outdated and should be lifted.

As if to underscore a stark shift from the spying and suspicion of the past, the document specifically requires that U.S.-led democracy programs  which the Castro government has denounced as secret efforts to destabilize the country  be transparent.

The United States used to have secret plans for Cuba; now our policy is fully out in the open and online for everyone to see and read, Rice said in her speech Friday. What you see is what you get.

The moves Friday were the sixth round of regulatory changes announced by the Treasury and Commerce departments aimed at easing travel to Cuba as well as trade and commerce between the two nations.

The actions built on a series of milestones with Cuba as Obamas tenure draws to a close. Last month, he nominated the first U.S. ambassador to Cuba in more than 50 years, following the reopening last year of embassies in Washington and Havana. White House officials said Friday that they hoped Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the career diplomat selected by Obama for the post and who now serves as the top official at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, could be confirmed before the end of the year over the objections of Rubio and others in a lame-duck session of Congress. In other openings, the first direct commercial flight from the United States reached Cuba in August.

Still, substantial obstacles remain to full normalization, including the embargo and the decades-old, still-unresolved financial claims of Americans whose property was confiscated when Fidel Castro took power.

The latest regulatory changes, which take effect Monday, leave in place restrictions on agricultural and many other imports from Cuba, and a bar on Cuban banks opening accounts in the United States, which makes financial transactions between the two countries unwieldy.

The current $400 limit on the amount of Cuban merchandise that can be brought into the United States, however, will be eliminated, and with it, the cap on rum and tobacco products. The change bears practical and symbolic significance for a country that prides itself on its cigars and rum, both industries controlled by the government, whose popularity have become a symbol for the lasting strictures of the embargo.

During secret talks in Canada to seal the initial agreement on normalization, Cuban officials would routinely bring boxes of Cuban cigars and bottles of Havana Club rum to their U.S. counterparts, gifts that served as implicit criticism of the embargo that barred Obamas team from bringing them home to enjoy. President John F. Kennedy dispatched his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to horde 1,000 Cuban cigars for his private stash before signing the executive order instituting the trade embargo, according to a 1992 article Salinger wrote in Cigar Aficionado magazine.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump lashed out against what he called phony accusations of inappropriate sexual contact leveled by several women, two more of whom came forward on Friday.

Trump launched into his defense at a rally Friday afternoon in Greensboro, North Carolina, saying he is being attacked with lies and slander. He later put out a statement saying he would bypass the national media to address the country in a more personal way about his plans.

Trump, whose campaign has been roiled by the accusations and a 2005 recording in which he bragged about kissing and groping women without their consent, indicated he welcomed the chance to respond. He even suggested that one of the women wasnt attractive enough to draw his attention. She would not be my first choice, that I can tell you. You dont know, that would not be my first choice.

My people always say, dont talk about it, talk about jobs, Trump said. But I feel I have to talk about it because you have to dispute when somebody says something.

By bringing up the accusations at a rally with just 25 days left in the campaign, Trump is keeping attention on an issue that has caused his poll numbers to nosedive. His support turned down sharply after his first debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton on Sept. 26. Then, on Oct. 7, the Washington Post unearthed a recording of Trump talking on an open microphone in 2005 about being able to do anything to women because of his fame.

Debate Topic

That recording prompted several high-profile Republican officials to distance themselves from Trump and became a major topic at his second debate with Clinton two days later. In an attempt at counter-programming, Trump held an event with three women whove accused Clintons husband, former president Bill Clinton, of sexual misconduct, and then brought them to the debate venue as his guests.

Since then his poll numbers have plunged to an 8 percentage-point deficit against Clinton in a Fox News survey conducted Oct. 10-12, and shes gained in some crucial battleground states as well.

Clinton said Friday she takes no pleasure in the controversies surrounding Trump.

This election is incredibly painful, Clinton told volunteers at a Democratic campaign office in Seattle. I take absolutely no satisfaction in what is happening on the other side with my opponent. I am not at all happy about that because it hurts our country, it hurts our democracy, it sends terrible messages to so many people here at home and around the world.

Trumps running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, said Friday morning that the campaign would release evidence on Friday that calls into question these allegations. That came in the form of an interview given to the New York Post by a British man who claimed he was on the flight where one of Trumps accusers said he accosted her.

The man, identified as Anthony Gilberthorpe, said that Trump didnt grope the woman and it was she that was the one being flirtatious, according to the Post. He provided no evidence to backup his account other than his memory, the newspaper said.

The Post story notes that Gilberthorpe made headlines in the U.K. in 2014 when he claimed that as a teenager he solicited boys, some possibly underage, for sex parties with British politicians.

New Accuser

At the same time Trump was speaking in Greensboro, another woman was making new allegations against the Republican nominee at a news conference in Los Angeles called by activist lawyer Gloria Allred. Summer Zervos, a contestant on season five of Trumps show, The Apprentice, said Trump repeatedly tried to kiss her and grab her breasts during a private dinner when she was seeking a job with his company. She said that she continued to seek employment with Trump after she rebuffed his attempts but that he gave me the run around.

Allred, whos been a supporter of Clinton, said Zervos and other women are coming forward now because of the release of the 2005 recording of Trump bragging that he could do anything he wanted to women and his subsequent denial at the second presidential debate that he never acted in that manner.

After hearing the released audiotapes and your denials during the debates, I felt I had to speak out about your behavior, Zervos, who said she was a Republican, said as if addressing Trump. You do not have the right to treat women as sexual objects just because youre a star.

Trump released a statement later denying her account. To be clear, I never met her at a hotel or greeted her inappropriately a decade ago, Trump said in the written statement. Hillary Clinton can spend all of her time and money pushing complete lies against our campaign, but I refuse to fall victim to this vicious cycle of personal attacks.

Manhattan Nightspot

In another case made public Friday, Kristin Anderson, now 46 and a photographer living in Southern California, told the Washington Post that Trump groped her at a crowded Manhattan nightspot during the 1990s.

Anderson, at the time a model in her early 20s, said she was seated on a couch in conversation with acquaintances when Trump, who she hadnt noticed was seated beside her, slid his fingers under her miniskirt and touched her genitals through her underwear. She said she shoved his hand aside and fled the couch.

Allegations by other women have been published by the New York Times, People magazine and the Palm Beach Post. And CNN published a 2005 radio interview in which Trump said that owning beauty pageants meant he could go backstage to see women naked under the auspices of inspecting things.

In Greensboro, Trump, 70, said he had no idea who the accusers are and that some are making the allegations for a little fame. He again called the accusations lies pushed by the media and the Clinton campaign in the final weeks of the presidential election.

They are all false. Theyre totally invented. All 100 percent fabricated, Trump said. They have no witnesses, theres nobody around.

Clinton and her allies have seized on Trumps bragging about being able to make unwanted advances on women to question his fitness to serve in the nations highest office. First lady Michelle Obama delivered an emotional response on Thursday, saying, It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldnt have predicted.

The first lady, who has become an important surrogate for Clinton among women and young voters, denounced Trumps remarks and said voters must send him a message that enough is enough.

Clintons campaign on Friday said in a statement that her top female allies are being dispatched to battleground states in a concentrated effort to emphasize the troubling accusations against Donald Trump and his degrading comments about women to women voters. 

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, ignored Trump entirely during remarks Friday in which he argued instead why Clinton shouldnt be elected president. Ryan earlier this week ignited a civil war within his party when he told rank-and-file House Republicans that he wouldnt be campaigning for the partys presidential nominee or defending him.

_________

--With assistance from Terrence Dopp and Mark Niquette To contact the reporters on this story: Mike Dorning in Washington at mdorning@bloomberg.net, Kevin Cirilli in Greensboro, North Carolina at kcirilli@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Craig Gordon at cgordon39@bloomberg.net, Joe Sobczyk, Justin Blum

2016 Bloomberg L.P.
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No stranger to controversy, Phil Cortez has managed to turn his sacrifice for his country into another political flap.

While deployed in Southwest Asia for about six months, Cortez wrote mail pieces soliciting funds and support for his campaign to unseat state Rep. Rick Galindo in District 117 on Nov. 8.

Thats an apparent violation of Department of Defense directive 1344.10.

The rule states that a member of the armed forces on active duty may not participate in partisan political fundraising activities  either on ones own behalf or on that of another or allow or cause to be published partisan political articles, letters or endorsements signed or written by the member that solicits votes for or against a partisan political party, candidate or cause.

In his mail pieces, Cortez left no doubt he was politicking for himself while on active duty.

In the Air Force Reserve, you never know when you may be deployed, he wrote in one. So I write to you today from the Middle East, proud to report I run into young men and women every day from Military City  San Antonio, Texas  representing our hometown with pride.

He added: Ill be home soon, and my name will be on the ballot for State Representative again.

The mailer included contact information for supporters to join the fight.

District 117, a swing district vulnerable to Democratic or Republican control, sweeps from northwest to southwest Bexar County, encompassing Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where Cortez is stationed as a public affairs specialist with the Air Force.

Cortez had represented the district as a Democrat for just two years when he lost to Republican Galindo in 2014.

Cortez first courted controversy in 2010 while serving on City Council. He announced that the Air Force Reserve had called him to active duty and successfully urged his council colleagues to appoint his then-finacee, Leticia Cantu, to serve as his interim replacement.

The military later confirmed that Cortez, not the Reserve, had initiated his activation process, raising questions about whether hed orchestrated the arrangement to help Cantu, who ran to succeed him a year later but lost.

This time, the Air Force deployed Cortez shortly after he launched a campaign to retake the district.

While he was deployed, another Cortez mailer quipped, Politics heating up in the states? Try 120 (degrees) in the deserts of the Middle East  Reflections from the field from San Antonio native, Philip Cortez.

Cortez wrote, As I wrap up my deployment in the Middle East, politicians back home in Texas continue to debate cutting education benefits for veterans and their families.  Join me and lets send the message together that Texans honor our veterans service.

On Sept. 29, Cortez sent an email from abroad, writing, Im excited to announce that after six months on deployment in the Middle East, Ill finally be home next week!  And although I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country, six months is a long time to be without my moms enchiladas.

But there will be plenty of time for enchiladas, he continued. I need your help to reach voters before early voting begins on October 24th. Click here to sign up to volunteer and join me  as we get out to talk to voters about this important election.

Cortez recently returned home both to enchiladas and to commanders at Lackland upset with his messages.

I know its something that the leadership has been looking into upon his recent return and wants to discuss with him, said Major Tim Wade, chief of public affairs at the 433rd Airlift Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Cortez did not return a call for comment Friday. James Alderete, an adviser to his campaign, said he wasnt available.

Cortez used his free speech to stand up for younger veterans and their benefits, Alderete told me. He wasnt really even talking about his own service.

Alderete said commanders had not disciplined Cortez over the matter.

He hit a gray area, he said, and theyve had a discussion since.

The issue isnt gray but black and white. Rules that Cortez should have known specify exactly what a member on active duty may do  write a letter to the editor, display a political bumper sticker, vote  and what he may not.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
Six years ago, San Antonio businessman Francisco Quico Canseco faced a tough strategic decision.

Canseco was running as the Republican nominee for U.S. District 23 and had to decide who his campaign should target. His team decided to focus its heaviest fire not at the districts Democratic incumbent, Ciro Rodriguez, or the Democratic President Barack Obama, but against then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

These days, Pelosi cuts a somewhat lower profile as the leader of the Democratic minority in the House. But with the District 23 seat again up for grabs (when is it not?), Pelosi has again emerged as a preferred political pinata for the GOP.

Will Hurd, the first-term Republican incumbent from Helotes, is attempting to attach Pelosi to his challenger (and former Congressman) Pete Gallego, a moderate Democrat from the small West Texas town of Alpine. Hurds campaign website encourages supporters to donate today to stop Nancy Pelosi & Pete Gallego.

In the same way that Canseco told voters in 2010 that they needed to wrest control of the House away from Pelosi, Hurd and his surrogates are warning voters not to return the San Francisco Democrat to her old leadership position.

Gov. Greg Abbott, during a September visit to Hurds San Antonio headquarters, said, If Will Hurd were to lose this race, it puts Congress back on the pathway of having someone ascend to office whos even more disliked than (Democratic presidential nominee) Hillary Clinton. Abbott added, Will Hurd will not allow Nancy Pelosi to reclaim the speaker of the House position.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has made the most forceful attempt to turn the District 23 race into a referendum on Pelosi, with a wildly inaccurate ad that debuted on October 4.

The 30-second spot calls Gallego a Washington insider (he has spent only two of his 54 years in D.C.), a lobbyist (utterly false) and a career politician (okay, theyve got a point with that one). It also defines Gallego as a Pelosi protege, with the kicker: Pelosi wants Gallego back.

Its a label that doesnt quite fit Gallego, a pro-business pragmatist willing to criticize the Environmental Protection Agency for pushing too hard with its regulations and inclined to say that Congress should tweak the Affordable Care Acts mandates.

I had the single most bipartisan voting record in my freshman class, Gallego said during a Friday visit with the San Antonio Express-News editorial board. I have shown that I am perfectly willing to take on my own leadership, my own party, when I feel its the right thing to do. That stands in stark contrast to where Will is, who does what hes told and follows the leadership, even to the detriment of the district.

Gallego went so far as to flip the Pelosi issue around and suggest that Hurd is in the pocket of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin.

The truth is, Gallego said, that right now, Paul Ryans district has two votes, and this district doesnt have any.

The shot at Ryan was a rare detour from Gallegos relentless push to remind Latino voters in District 23  which runs from South San Antonio to El Paso  that Hurd belongs to the same party as the man who branded undocumented immigrants as rapists and criminals: GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Ryan, a policy wonk known to his colleagues as The Budgeteer, doesnt go for Trumpian incendiary rhetoric, but, in his own way, he has become nearly as polarizing as Pelosi. The difference is that Pelosi is at least popular within her own party, while Ryan finds himself at odds with his own partys presidential nominee.

Ryan never took to Trumps willfully crass, shoot-from-the-hip style, and Ryans recent decision to distance himself from Trump has brought down the wrath of a sizable chunk of the GOP. Over the past week, Trump wasted valuable campaign time attacking Ryan and suggesting that theres a whole sinister deal going on with the House speakers standoffish attitude to the GOP nominee.

This issue trickles down to Hurd, who has refused to endorse Trump, and called on him to step down after the October 7 release of a 2005 Access Hollywood video in which Trump bragged about groping women.

So the impact of Ryans support for Hurd is just as complicated as the effect of Pelosis praise for Gallego. Maybe theyll cancel each other out.

ggarcia@express-news.netTwitter: @gilgamesh470
A bankruptcy judge on Friday approved an agreement for a partnership affiliated with San Antonios Galo Properties to sell more than 1,000 acres of a master-planned community in the city of Georgetown to an Austin company for as much as $49.1 million.

Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ronald King issued the order approving the agreement despite opposition from the lands primary lender, which objected to the deal in part because no information was released regarding WRR Interests financial ability to finance the deal.

Laredo WO Ltd., the Galo-affiliated partnership that owns the 1,060 acres, filed for bankruptcy protection in June after the lender moved to foreclose. The land is in the Water Oak at San Gabriel development, about 20 miles north of Austin.

At a hearing Friday, an official from WRR Interests said it has the financial backing of Chicagos Crown family, ranked by Forbes as one of the countrys wealthiest. The family has interests in the Aspen ski resort, the New York Yankees, Chicago Bulls, and Rockefeller Center, Forbes has reported. The familys Crown Community Development firm has developed master-planned communities.

The lender, a successor to Kansas-based Hillcrest Bank, which was seized by bank regulators in 2010, also objected to the minuscule amount that WRR Interests put down as a deposit relative to the sale price. WRR Interests paid a $25,000 deposit, and will pay another $25,000 at the end of a 75-day examination period. It has about four months to complete the deal.

I agree that this is less than ideal, King said in approving the agreement. The earnest money is less than ideal. But weve got a buyer and thats a good thing. Were taking a little bit of a chance. I think everybody knows that  But I dont see a better option out there right now.

Laredo WO has hired a real estate brokerage firm to market the property just in case WRR Interests fails to complete the transaction. The base purchase price of the land is $38.3 million, but could rise to $49.1 million based on some additional consideration to be paid. Proceeds from the sale are expected to pay all creditors, except the partners in Laredo WO, according to Ray Battaglia, one of partnerships bankruptcy lawyers.

WRR Interests is affiliated with Randolph Todd Co., an Austin real estate developer formed in 2013. Randolph Todd will develop lots at Water Oak for homebuilders if the sale for the land south of the San Gabriel River closes.

Galo Properties has billed itself on its website as one of the largest developers of master-planned communities and and single-family lots in South Central Texas. Among its master-planned communities is San Antonio is the 3,000-acre Alamo Ranch on the far West Side.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
Dairy exports have a key role to play to boost the industry and foster growth, said Dairy UK to Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom.

The Secretary of State joined the Dairy UK Exporters Group as a special guest at a meeting hosted by AHDB Dairy, to discuss the Governments export plan for food and drink.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss current and upcoming challenges linked to the Brexit negotiations and to reiterate Dairy UKs priorities in terms of trade and dairy exports.

Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said the industry has been working hard to develop dairy exports and unlock new opportunities with countries around the world.

Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK

"The strategy we published earlier this year set out the necessary next steps to help the UK dairy industry take its proper place on the global market and we have already made significant progress working with Defra," Dr Bryans said.

"However, with 80% of our dairy exports going to EU countries, it is absolutely vital that we should maintain our access to the EU market without any tariff or non-tariff barriers.

"The government needs to maintain continuity and avoid any disruptions to existing trade partnerships.

"If we want to remain competitive, we need a level playing field with our European and global partners.

"When looking at food and drink regulations, the Government must make sure it does not inadvertently create non-tariff barriers which would hinder dairy companies ability to export their products across the world.

"We need food and drink regulations on par with our competitors so we can strengthen our position in the global market."
The European Commission has cleared an investigation under the proposed acquisition of joint control of numerous agri-food companies.

The EU Merger Regulation unconditionally cleared the proposed acquisition of joint control of Slaney Foods JV and Slaney Proteins (Ireland) by meat processor ABP Group (Ireland) and farmer-owned agri-food company Fane Valley (United Kingdom).

All three companies are active in the purchase and slaughter of live cattle, sheep and lambs, as well as de-boning and processing of meat.

Their activities cover also the marketing of fresh beef, lamb and mutton to meat retailers (including supermarkets) and industrial meat processors.

The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would not adversely impact effective competition in the EU's Single Market as regards any of these markets.

Impact on competition

The Commission's investigation focused in particular on the impact of the proposed transaction on competition in the markets where the activities of the parties overlap and which constitute affected markets in terms of EU merger rules:

 Purchasing of live cattle for slaughter in Ireland by ABP and Slaney Foods JV; purchasing of live sheep and lambs for slaughter in an area encompassing Ireland and Northern Ireland by ABP, Slaney Foods JV and Fane Valley.

 Sale of fresh beef, lamb and mutton in Ireland, including to industrial processors; sale of fresh lamb and mutton meat in Belgium, including to supermarkets by ABP and Slaney Foods JV.

 Collection of animal by-products, generated by the slaughtering activities, in Ireland by ABP and Slaney Foods JV.

The Commission concluded that the transaction would not raise competition concerns in relation to any of these markets.

The deal now places ABP as one of the largest meat processor in the UK and Ireland

As regards the potential impact on markets for the purchasing of live animals (cattle, sheep and lambs), the Commission assessed any potential increase of the slaughterhouses' buyer power to the detriment of farmers, which could affect in particular local farmers' communities.

The Commission found that farmers in Ireland tend to sell within a rather broad geographic radius and that they are able to switch slaughterhouses if they can get better prices for their animals.

Various slaughterhouses with spare capacity will continue to operate in Ireland, including in the southeast area, where the Slaney Foods JV cattle slaughtering facility is located.

The Commission thus found that farmers will continue to have sufficient alternative buyers for their animals after the merger.

The Commission also assessed the potential impact on competition in the downstream markets relating to the sale of fresh meat.

The investigation found that a number of strong competitors will remain active after the merger.

The Commission therefore concluded that the parties will not be able to increase prices or impose detrimental conditions on retailers and industrial meat processors and ultimately on consumers.

As regards the collection of animal by-products generated by slaughtering activities in Ireland, the Commission found that the volumes of animal by-products that competing renderers currently collect from the Slaney Foods JV/Fane Valley are modest.

The investigation also showed that, after the merger, rendering plants would continue to have sufficient access to animal by-products.

Finally, the Commission found that the transaction was unlikely to have a negative impact on slaughterhouses in relation to their disposal of animal by-products.

Companies and products

ABP Food Group (Ireland) has a number of meat processing plants in Ireland, UK and continental Europe and is an international supplier of fresh beef to the European and global markets.

ABP Group is also active in pet food, renewable energy and proteins. ABP operates eight meat processing plants in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Fane Valley Co-operative Society Limited (United Kingdom) is a farmer owned co-operative and is active in meat processing, porridge oats and breakfast cereals, feeds, and owns a network of retail shops for farm requisites. Fane Valley operates one slaughterhouse in Northern Ireland.

Slaney Foods JV (Ireland) has two divisions: Slaney Food International comprising its cattle slaughtering and beef meat processing business located in Ireland and Irish Country Meats encompassing its sheep/lambs slaughtering activities and mutton and lamb business in Ireland and Belgium. Slaney Foods JV operates three meat processing plants in Ireland.

Slaney Proteins (Ireland) operates a rendering plant for processing of animal by-products generated by the activities of Slaney Foods JV in Ireland.

The Commission has the duty to assess mergers and acquisitions involving companies with a turnover above certain thresholds and to prevent concentrations that would significantly impede effective competition in the EEA or any substantial part of it.

The vast majority of notified mergers do not pose competition problems and are cleared after a routine review.
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

Rain. High near 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

A steady rain early...then remaining cloudy with a few showers. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Gray's Creek neighborhood takes a hit as mom and pop restaurant closes

Everybody eats at The Creek Bar & Grill, owner Casper Critchfield said  but Nov. 13 is the restaurants last day in operation.
Kim Kardashian West's friend thinks being robbed at gunpoint will "change her life" forever.

Kim Kardashian West

The 35-year-old beauty was tied up and locked in the bathroom of her Paris apartment last week whilst armed raiders stole $10 million worth of jewellery and her pal Joe Francis thinks the terrifying incident will force Kim to live "like a prisoner".

Joe, who has known Kim for 10 years, said: "Kim is shaken up. She is in shock right now. People think she's all outgoing, but she is actually a very introverted person.

"It is a wake-up call. Kim needs way more security. You never fully get past something like this, you are so scared and Kim will end up living like a prisoner. This will change her life."

The terrified 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star - who has children North, three, and Saint, 10 months, with husband Kanye West - is still very nervous following the robbery and has been unable to be alone since returning to the US hours after the raid.

A source said: "Kim is competely shell-shocked and has told her family that her life has changed forever. She is jumping at the smallest sounds and can't be alone at the moment.

"Her family is making sure there's always someone with her and her security detail has more than doubled. She still has a lot of unanswered questions about what happened and has said she feels as if she's living in a nightmare.

"She knows she should feel lucky that nothing worse happened, but she's having long periods where she just feels numb."

Kim has previously been a prolific user of social media, but will now be running everything she posts online past a private security firm first. She is believed to be working with security experts K2 Intelligence, who Jennifer Lawrence used after her iCloud account was hacked two years ago.

Joe - who himself was robbed at gunpoint in 2005 - told Grazia magazine: "She will 100% change her outlook on her social media activity and her family's safety ... It's a nightmare. You live with full security for 24 hours a day. It's like you're in jail. You live a different life.

"She has the incredible support of her family and friends, but this is a traumatic experience. I know that because I'm a survivor and I'm talking to her as a survivor and as a friend.

"Kim is arguably the most famous woman in the world. But her whole world is going to change. I wouldn't wish what she is about to go through on anyone."
Kings of Leon returned to the music scene this week with their latest album, 'WALLS', and the opening track to the record was performed last night (October 14) on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

'Waste A Moment' is just one of the songs from the collection, which were recorded in Los Angeles with producer Markus Dravs.

As the group's seventh studio album, the LP serves as the follow-up to 2013 album 'Mechanical Bull', and sees the foursome enter what they call the 'mainstream' whilst still eager to maintain their own distinctive sound.

Speaking in an interview before the album release, band member Caleb Followill commented: "We're trying to change people's perception of [us].

"We have more depth on this album and more situations where we dipped our toe in before but never committed. Now we're wanting to dive in. I know this is a pop-driven world and what we do isn't necessarily at the top of the heap of music that people are listening to, but I feel like once people discover this album, it's going to change them."

More recently, Followill told NME: "If there was a movie made of our lives, in the last few years we had a lot of edge. Those are the moments in the movie that you'd wanna watch!

"What we were doing early on was storybook, classic, what a band should be; the drugs and the booze and the girls. Now we consider what we're doing a little more and if that's losing your edge Maybe, I dunno.

"When you look at the bands that still had their edge, most of them, their music is s**t so it doesn't f**king matter about the edge."

Kings of Leon will return to the touring circuit at the beginning of 2017, kicking things off with the first leg of a North American tour in January.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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'Coronation Street' stars have paid tribute to Jean Alexander, who died on Friday (14.10.16).

Jean Alexander in 2005

The actress, who played Hilda Ogden in the ITV soap, passed away peacefully in hospital, just three days after her 90th birthday, and 'Corrie' stars past and present took to Twitter to remember her.

Antony Cotton, who plays Rovers Return barman Sean Tully, tweeted: "The magnificent Jean Alexander. My favourite episode of Coronation Street ever, was Hilda singing Wish Me Luck..."

Sally Dynevor, (Sally Webster in the soap), added: "Jean Alexander, RIP. What a wonderful woman, and such an amazing and talented actress #thankyouforbeingyou."

Jane Danson, who stars as Leanne Battersby, wrote: "Sad to hear this. What a wonderful character she created."

Jennie McAlpine, (Fiz Brown), tweeted: "So sorry to hear about Jean Alexander. I would have loved to work with her. Thankful to have met her though. Rest in Peace Jean x."

And former 'Corrie' actor Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts, wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear about the passing of Jean Alexander lovely lady and a fine actress."

The television legend had been feeling unwell for a few days and had gone to the hospital for some tests, but on Tuesday (11.10.16), was taken back to hospital after she hadn't noticed any change in her condition.

Jean's niece Sonia Herald told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It is such a shock. She had been feeling a little poorly and had gone in for some tests. But on Tuesday she was still not too good and it was decided she might be better going back into hospital."

Sonia, along with her sister Valerie Thewlis, received a phone call to inform them of their aunt's passing, and were left to break the news to their father - Jean's brother - 91-year-old Kenneth Hodgkinson. The three are the only relatives of Jean, who never married and instead dedicated her life to her work.

Sonia added: "I saw her last week and she seemed weak and a bit tired but this was still a shock. The hospital phoned me and said they were very sorry but Jean had passed away."

Jean's portrayal of Britain's best loved cleaner Hilda - whom she played for 23 years from 1964 until 1987 - made her a household name, and even saw her receive a Best Actress nomination at the 1987 BAFTAs. In 1985, she won a Royal Television Society Award for her performance on the show.

In 2005, the UK TV Times poll voted Jean as the "greatest soap opera star of all time".
The free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that took effect on October 5 this year is expected to boost Vietnamese garment exports. Under the FTA, 90 per cent of tariff lines have been cut or reduced. The EAEU consists of five member countries, viz Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

The EAEU region has GSP of $2.2 trillion and population of 183 million. Increasing consumption in this region offers a potential market for Vietnamese goods, including textiles and apparel.

Duties were removed on 59 per cent of tariff lines the day the FTA took effect. This offers great advantage for Vietnamese companies while competing with other countries that export to EAEU region.

The free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that took effect on October 5 this year is expected to boost Vietnamese garment exports. Under the FTA, 90 per cent of tariff lines have been cut or reduced. The EAEU consists of five member countries, viz Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.#

However, to enjoy zero duties, Vietnamese goods must meet two criteria. First, they must meet rules of origin, labelling requirements and hygiene standards. Second, the volume of exports must be no more than 1.5 times of the average volume that Vietnam exported to the region in the last three years. This is called trigger safeguard measure.

As per the FTA, the EAEU would cut import tariffs from 10 per cent to zero per cent for garment and textile products and apply a trigger safeguard measure. So, in a way, there is an upper limit to expansion of Vietnamese exports to this region.

If Vietnamese exports exceed the trigger volume of 1.5 the average of last 3 years, then EAEU will conduct an investigation to decided whether to apply most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs.

Logistics remains another obstacle in increasing export volume to the EAEU. Currently, it takes one to two months time for Vietnamese goods to reach EAEU member countries, participants at a recent seminar in HCM City were told.

Last year, Vietnam-EAEU trade increased by 6 per cent year-on-year to $3.6 billion. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, popularly known as LVMH, has refused to do business with e-commerce giant Amazon, at least for the time being as it believes that it is not an appropriate platform for the brand's products. The web portal sells products from brands such as Kate Spade, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors but fails to attract the big names.

In a conference call with investors after announcing the group's quarterly sales, LVMH group chief financial officer Jean-Jacques Guiony said that the business of Amazon does not fit with the brand and there is no way the group can do business with them for the time being, media reports said.

The LVMH group recorded a 4 per cent increase in its revenue, reaching 26.3 billion, for the first nine months of 2016. Organic revenue grew 5 per cent compared to the same period in 2015, says the company's website.

Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, popularly known as LVMH, has refused to do business with e-commerce giant Amazon, at least for the time being as it believes that it is not an appropriate platform for the brand's products. The web portal sells products from brands such as Kate Spade, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors but fails to attract the big names.#

With organic revenue growth of 6 per cent, the third quarter saw an acceleration compared to the first half of the year. Asia, excluding Japan, showed a significant improvement during the quarter. The United States remains well positioned, as does Europe, with the exception of France which continues to feel the impact of a decline in the number of tourists, LVMH said.

The fashion business of the group recorded organic revenue growth of 2 per cent for the first nine months of 2016 with an acceleration in the third quarter. Fendi generated a significant revenue growth. Celine, Loewe and Kenzo also experienced good growth.

Marc Jacobs continued the repositioning of its collections and Loro Piana inaugurated a flagship store in Paris. The group also said in its report that an agreement was announced for the sale of the Donna Karan business. Online sales of the group's luxury products also increased in all regions. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
DuPont Industrial Biosciences hosted the DuPont Textile Collaboratory along with their selected pavilion mill partners at the just concluded Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and displayed how its Sorona fibre allows for the latest fabric innovations. Partners included leading fibre, fabric and insulation providers from across the Asia Pacific region.These mill partners, leaders in their fields, demonstrated their ability to provide innovative solutions with the Sorona renewably sourced fibre, and provide value though out the textile value chain.

DuPont Industrial Biosciences hosted the DuPont Textile Collaboratory along with their selected pavilion mill partners at the just concluded Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics and displayed how its Sorona fibre allows for the latest fabric innovations. Partners included leading fibre, fabric and insulation providers from across the Asia Pacific region. #

According to DuPont, Sorona is a high-performance fibre made in part from annually renewable plant based ingredients.Key innovations of the Sorona fibre on show included comfort stretch knitwear and woven collections, that were spandex-free, yet provide exceptional stretch and recovery even after repeated stretches and washes.Insulation materials made with the fibre were also shown as an alternative to down and feather filling, which offer designers and brands with a fill and down like insulation, suited for lightweight and breathable garments. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Union textiles minister Smriti Irani has called for setting up of souvenir shops in famous ASI monuments across India to sell handicrafts products made by Indian artisans and crafts persons. She made this request to Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Union minister of state for tourism and culture in a bid to provide additional marketing opportunities to them.

At the inauguration ceremony of the IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2016, Irani commended Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the organiser of the fair, for creating an infrastructure that helps not only handicrafts exporters, but also provides direct and indirect employment to many people.

Artisans and crafts persons are the backbone of handicrafts sector and they should be provided all required assistance, with regard to design intervention and technology, in order to create marketing platforms for their products, she added.

The minister appreciated EPCH for bringing products from natural fibres made by artisans and crafts persons of North Eastern, Narsapur and other craft clusters, at the worlds largest handicrafts fair. She also congratulated EPCH in attracting buyers from more than 100 countries, with an increase in number of visiting buyers by around 23 per cent over last year.

Handicrafts sector has achieved greater heights since independence and IHGF-Delhi Fair is one of the reasons for this progression, said Ajay Tamta, minister of state for textiles while addressing the gathering at the ceremony.

Over 5,000 international buyers and over 450 buying agents belonging to more than 110 countries have come to visit the ongoing fair in Delhi. Apart from overseas buyers, domestic volume retail buyers from many leading retail chains and e-commerce firms are also participating in it.

The fair has more than 2,950 exhibitors from all over India showcasing around 2,000 product lines, styles and designs of home, lifestyles, and fashion and textiles products. It is unique as the exhibitors constitute Indian participants only and buyers come from all over the globe to source a wide and varied range of products from India to cater to all segment of consumers in their home countries.

The specialty of this fair is that the products on display are all of good quality and high variety. Buyers can select products for meeting the requirement of high-end, middle-end as well as mass and low-end consumers. Another unique feature of Indian product range is that they are hand-crafted, machines are used only for finishing purposes, said Rakesh Kumar, executive director, EPCH. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The government of the African country Lesotho aims to localise the textile manufacturing industry of the country which is currently dominated by foreign investors. For this purpose, Joshua Setipa, Lesotho's minister of trade and industry has promised to provide subsidised factory spaces as well as credit lines to local garment manufacturers.

The textile sector of Lesotho is the largest employer in the country's private sector with over 40,000 workers and the government aims to make it sustainable for the long term. Foreign investors may shift base to other countries like Cambodia after 10 years and thus Lesotho will not be able to achieve the sustainability that it wants, believes Setipa.

Agreements like the US Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) encouraged foreign firms to invest in the garment manufacturing industry of Lesotho. Introduced in the year 2000, the agreement allows more than 6,400 products manufactured in sub-Saharan African countries to be exported duty-free to the US.

The government of the African country Lesotho aims to localise the textile manufacturing industry of the country which is currently dominated by foreign investors. For this purpose, Joshua Setipa, Lesotho's minister of trade and industry has promised to provide subsidised factory spaces as well as credit lines to local garment manufacturers.#

Lesotho benefitted from the agreement and increased its garment exports to the US from $140 million in 2000 to $330 million in 2015. Currently, the country exports close to 80 per cent of its textiles and garments to the US, said African media reports. It produces over 100 million garments annually.

The minister also promised a bigger factory space for Afri Expo, a small business that produces garments for major South African retailers.

This move is likely to help local manufactures like Afri Expo to expand their business and take a major share in the country's textile and garments exports. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Leading German spinning ring and ring traveller manufacturer Reiners + Furst (R+F) will introduce its Turbo rings, customised for use in compact and siro-compact spinning machines at the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 in Shanghai. In hall 1, stand B30, R+F will also present ring travellers for worsted spinning and fibre glass twisting.

Turbo rings for compact and siro-compact machines come with optimised geometry and improved surface characteristics offering the biggest benefit of low yarn hairiness and longer service life. The enhanced surface of the Turbo allows increasing machine efficiency by up to 10 per cent, especially when producing yarns from sensitive fibres or at even high spindle speeds.

The Turbo was first introduced at ITMA 2015 in Milan and as-of-date, over 2.5 million units of Turbo rings are running in major and quality conscious spinning plants across the world.

Leading German spinning ring and ring traveller manufacturer Reiners + Furst (R+F) will introduce its Turbo rings, customised for use in compact and siro-compact spinning machines at the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 in Shanghai. In hall 1, stand B30, R+F will also present ring travellers for worsted spinning and fibre glass twisting.#

For worsted spinning, the company is showing the J-traveller for ring heights of between 9.1 and 11.1 mm, with enhanced surface for better performance of the spinning process. Different shapes are available for top results in the whole range of worsted spinning.

For the processing of fibre glass, R+F is displaying the latest series of horizontal travellers for twisting of fine fibre glass filaments for ring heights of between 4.8 and 9.5 mm.

The full range of R+F ring travellers come with the professional service and support that R+F is renowned for and something customers appreciate, particularly in finding solutions of increasingly complex applications.

The Turbo rings especially designed for compact and siro-compact spinning, with benefits including low yarn hairiness, longer service life and increased machine efficiency by up to 10 per cent, will be extremely beneficial for demanding Chinese spinners, R+F MD Benjamin Reiners said.

We have been in the Chinese market since more than 20 years and R+F products are well accepted by the textile industry. We feel assured that Turbo rings too will be accepted in the same way by Chinese spinners, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
US International Trade Commission data informs that US fibre, textile , and apparel exports totalled nearly almost $28 billion in 2015. Exports of various textile raw materials and finished products included $4 billion in cotton and wool fibre; $4.9 billion in yarns; $9 billion in fabrics; $3.7 billion in made-up articles and finally $6.1 billion in apparel.This and other data was revealed by the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) to celebrate National Manufacturing Day held on October 7, in order to let Americans know about the textile industry's comeback, investments and innovations.

US International Trade Commission data informs that US fibre, textile, and apparel exports totalled nearly almost $28 billion in 2015. Exports of various textile raw materials and finished products included $4 billion in cotton and wool fibre; $4.9 billion in yarns; $9 billion in fabrics; $3.7 billion in made-up articles and finally $6.1 billion in apparel.#

In other data, the US textile industry currently supplies roughly 8,000 unique textile items to America's armed forces and the US military has spent an estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion on textiles annually, during the past decade.Quoting statistics of the US Bureau of Labour Statistics and the US Department of Agriculture, NCTO further informed that the US textile and apparel industry supply chain employed an estimated 579,300 people in 2015.Of this number, 116,400 were involved in producing textiles such as yarns and fabrics; 116,400 in making textile products like carpets; 136,800 are manufacturing apparels; 25,600 in producing artificial and synthetic fibres and filaments, while 184,100 are working in producing cotton and wool fibres. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
David Wilson Goodyear was among the first to Sock the Kaiser.

The 11-year-old Carlisle boy stopped by the campaign headquarters the week of May 12, 1918, to pledge a penny a day for a year to the Patriotic and Benevolent Fund.

This earliest incarnation of what is now the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County had not officially started, but already organizers had a source of inspiration to rally the cause.

Showing the spirit of real sacrifice and pointing the way of duty to every citizen of Carlisle, David Wilson Goodyear fired the pointing gun  of the fund campaign, The Sentinel reported.

David is a school boy; he makes a little money doing odd jobs after school hours, the story read. He is an earnest youngster who wanted to do his bit for the men who are fighting for him Over There.

More than a year had passed since April 6, 1917, when Congress declared war on Germany. American soldiers were deployed against the Central Powers on the Western Front.

In Carlisle, local residents were called upon to raise $50,000 from May 19 to May 26, 1918, for relief efforts here and abroad. A display ad paid for by the Carlisle Tire and Rubber Co. promised civilians the opportunity to Knock the Kaiser down. Three balls for a dime and the satisfaction of swatting a reproduction of Germanys War Lord.

Another ad outlined the community plan as a common sense approach to distributing money to back up our fighting men and Carlisle charities with every cent we can spare  Give Till It Hurts! Isnt it worthwhile?

That same ad claimed Carlisle was the first community in the U.S. to combine all its war funds and local benevolences into one unified effort.

Changing Times

Born out of war and discord, this annual fund drive has become an instrument of peace and civic pride. Since 1918, it has changed its name at least four times and shifted its calendar from one week to multiple months.

What started off as the Patriotic and Benevolent Fund became the Carlisle Community Chest from 1922 to 1959. It was then the United Community Fund from 1969 to 1974 before changing to the United Way of the Greater Carlisle Area from 1975 to 2001.

The amount of money raised has fluctuated from a Depression-era low of $17,376 in 1934 to a recent high of $1.5 million, according to a booklet published in 1993 that chronicles the first 75 years of the United Way in Carlisle.

That first campaign raised $36,923 in door-to-door solicitations even though The Sentinel reported that the $50,000 goal had been reached and exceeded. Eighteen agencies benefited from this outpouring of support, including the Red Cross, the Carlisle Hospital Auxiliary, the Playground Society, the Carlisle Womens Christian Temperance Union and the Womens Relief Corps.

In fall 1922, local organizers eliminated funds related to the war and its aftermath in favor of local needs only. Held the final week of October, the campaign netted just over $30,000. The booklet mentioned how the early years of the annual fund drive saw local businesses and organizations donate their services in support of the cause.

The troubled years

The Depression years were a struggle everywhere. By 1932, the Community Chest had established its third emergency fund for agencies experiencing special and unexpected expenses in addition to their annual stated goals.

In cooperation with churches, they fed undernourished children, placed receptacles for food in grocery stores and barrels on street corners to collect shoes, the booklet reads. Most organizations voluntarily held their requests to that of the previous year in a show of community cooperation during a time of great difficulty.

This financial stress continued until 1943 when the fund campaign realized a surplus in the midst of World War II. The extra money enabled the Community Chest to fund a center for African-American youths  the first of its kind in Carlisle. Campaign years 1944 and 1945 offered subscribers a choice of where they want their donation to go  general use, the Carlisle Hospital, the National War Fund or the Boy Scouts.

First staff

In the 1950s, Thelma Nieles became the first employee hired by the campaign committee. Her name would appear on meeting minutes for the next three decades and she was recognized for 50 years of service as a volunteer, and employee at a ceremony on April 28, 1977.

Ernest Tobin, a staff person from the Pennsylvania United Fund, served as the part-time executive director of the local fund drive from 1957 to 1959. He was replaced by Vincent Benenati, the first full-time director, according to the booklet. In 1960, the Community Chest joined forces with the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Carlisle Industrial Worker Fund drives to form the Carlisle United Fund.

From 1973 to 1981, the local fund drive received bequests from local supporters that were used to establish an endowment fund to cover administrative costs. This allowed more money to be channeled directly to partner agencies. 1975 saw the first appearance of the words United Way in the annual campaign drive.

Three years later, in 1978, the thermometer used to gauge progress appeared on the Square for the first time. That year also saw the first permanent United Way office on Irvine Row. The next 20 years saw the development of more ambitious campaign goals, the employer based program called United Way at Work and the formation of a Capital Campaign Review Board.

United Way has grown from a one-week door-to-door solicitation drive to a fall campaign which reaches every industry, business, organization and home in the greater Carlisle area, the booklet reads.

Wrestling with success

A long-time community volunteer, Jimmie George of Carlisle was the campaign chairman in 1967 and served for years on the United Way board of directors.

Ive always been a cheerleader, said George, adding how the campaign has grown from a purely grassroots effort into an extremely well-run and structured organization.

The younger people have stepped up to the plate and continued to have it be successful, said George, who is 86. You need new blood and energetic people to keep it moving.

Like George, Paul Strickler of Carlisle has been active in United Way functions for decades including service in several of the annual campaigns. His fondest memory involves a kick-off event where he and Ray Buzz Wolfe Jr. acted like professional wrestlers in a Wrestle-Mania type of bout refereed by Bets Clever, a former executive director.

He was trying to get the belt from me, Strickler said. It was funny.  Everyone had gathered at the Embers to enjoy this spectacle. We just pranced around. It was a lot of nonsense.

When I became involved, we were known as the United Fund, Strickler said. In 1975, we took the name, The United Way of the Greater Carlisle Area, the year I was president of the board. I have always been impressed with the leadership of our United Way starting with Perry Heath, Bets Clever, Jeff Conway and now the great young talent of Lucy Zander. I will always be grateful for the community and industry support of our United Way.
Popular actors Arjun Bijlani and Drashti Dhami are currently shooting for their upcoming Star Plus' show, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil across the breathtaking locales of Austria.

Arjun has been keeping his fans thoroughly updated about the show and is often seen sharing pictures from the sets. But this picture, we must say, is one of Arjun's best clicks so far!

He took to Instagram to share the above picture and captioned it as, "Coming soon#pardesmeinhaimeradil..hope this love story touches ur hearts @starplus @dhamidrashti."

Don't they look lovely together? Ofcourse, they do! This picture is definitely speaking volumes about their chemistry! We are sure that their chemistry will become the talk of the town.

The first promo of the show featuring Drashti as the present-day confident and independent girl Naina, is out and it is very impressive. The promo has already won our hearts. We absolutely loved Drashti in her short-hair look.

Speaking about her look Drashti said, "Yes, I have a very different look in Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil. The makers suggested I have a haircut to break the monotony and give my character a refreshing look. I am absolutely loving my hair."

Now that Drashti's promo is making waves, the fans are eagerly waiting for Arjun's promo. Arjun's character, Raghav is that of a kind-hearted guy, whose sense of humour lightens up any situation.

All in all, the show is a refreshing love story of two mature individuals who are brought together by coincidences. The show will replace 'Siya Ke Ram' in the primetime slot of 8 pm and is slated to hit the screens soon.

We can't wait for the show to begin....
Independent private investment firm Ardian has partnered with New York City based Seven Mile Capital Partners (SMCP) to establish its North American direct investment business.

Currently led by Vincent Fandozzi and Kevin Kruse, the entire SMCP team has agreed to join the company with a continued investment focus on middle market businesses that operate within or serve the industrial and related business services sectors.

Mr. Fandozzi will lead a seven-person team which has extensive experience investing in North American mid-market companies. Founded in 2011, SMCP previously managed a portfolio of middle market investments on behalf of Ardians funds of funds team and other investors.

Mr. Fandozzi has over twenty years of financial and investment experience, most recently as the Founder and Managing Partner of SMCP. Prior to this, Fandozzi was the Global Head of Private Equity and Alternative Assets at Citi Holdings, where he oversaw approximately US$6bn in assets, and previously served as the Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Citigroup, overseeing all of Citigroups corporate M&A activities.

Mr. Kruse has over twenty years of private equity experience, most recently as a Partner at SMCP and previously as a Managing Director at Warburg Pincus, where he was responsible for sourcing and executing transactions in the North American Consumer and Industrials Group.

Founded in 1996 and led by Dominique Senequier, Ardian is an independent private investment firm with assets of US$60bn managed or advised in Europe, North America and Asia. The firm maintains a global network, with more than 430 employees working through twelve offices in Paris, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Zurich, New York, San Francisco, Beijing, Singapore, Jersey and Luxembourg.

FinSMEs

15/10/2016
SPI Cinemas, Chennai's premier multiplex popularly known as Sathyam Cinemas, is considered to be one of the best in the country. SPI Cinemas has five properties and 36 screens in Chennai including Sathyam, Escape, Palazzo, S2 Theyagaraja, and S2 Perambur with a total of 8,342 seats. It operates another brand in Coimbatore called The Cinema which has 1,561 seats.

Now Chennais largest multiplex chain, will be stepping into the Mumbai market by taking over Globus Cinema, an existing single screen in a mall in Bandra, which belongs to the Raheja Group.

As per sources the deal with Globus Cinema is that SPI Cinemas will take it over and run it for a nine-year lease. The 259 seater single screen will now be called Le-Reve (the dream) and it will be state of art with 4K projection and Dolby Atmos. The theatre is all set to open this Diwali.

SPI Cinemas wanted to expand outside of Tamil Nadu, where their growth was stifled due to certain issues which had nothing to do with the running of cinemas. Tamil Nadu, over the years, had government control over admission rates and multiplexes could not charge above Rs 120 per ticket.

SPI Cinemas found it difficult to enter Mumbai multiplex market controlled mainly by the leader PVR Cinemas and INOX. So SPI took the lease model to enter the prime Mumbai market by taking over the Globus Cinema.

Swaroop Reddy, one of the Directors of SPI Cinemas, told Firstpost,  We are looking at expanding outside of Chennai. And when the offer to lease Globus cinemas, a single screen theatre, in Bandra came, we thought it would be a good idea to make our presence in the Mumbai market. At Le-Reve, we will be providing state of art comfort and cinema experience through affordable ticket pricing. Our programming will be mix and blend mainly regional Hindi and Marathi films. We will be running our own concessions (canteen), as people in Chennai know about the quality of food and beverages we sell.

Market sources say that SPI Cinemas is on an expansion mode and is hunting for more properties in Mumbai. Down south, SPI Cinemas will be operating from November first week in Kerala, as well.

Thiruvananthapurams iconic single screen Kripa owned by Muthoot Fin Corp, has been renovated and converted to two screens. And under The Cinemas label their 5-screen multiplex in the union territory of Pondichery, will commence operations by Christmas this year.

The group has already commenced work on a fivescreen multiplex coming up in a new mall in Bengaluru, which will start operating sometime next year. They have also signed up to operate multiplexes with malls coming up in Hyderabad and Warangal in the state of Telengana.

Further, they have promised to invest Rs 500 Crore with Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh for operating multiplex and IMAX screens in key cities in the state.

Multiplex market analysts believe that SPI Cinemas is on the right track by expanding outside their Chennai domain. The brand has potential to emerge as one of the biggest players in the multiplex industry. By 2020, they would have more than 150 screens, mostly in the lucrative south market. There is no business like show business.
MUMBAI Samsung Electronics Co (005930.KS) on Friday offered alternative phones to its India customers who had pre-ordered its flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices, in a bid to appease loyal clients in one of its largest smartphone markets. The world's largest phone maker has been hit by an avalanche of negative publicity, after being forced to recall millions of the fire-prone Note 7 devices and later scrap the high-end phone altogether.India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing smartphone markets and a critical one for Samsung as it is the No. 1 player in the nation with a roughly 25 percent market share. The device that had been set to go on sale in India in early September ended up not getting to any Indian customers after it failed to resolve overheating problems which caused some of the phones to ignite.

The company initially apologized to customers for the delay in the Note 7, and in a release late on Friday it said for those who had pre-booked devices, in lieu of the Note 7 it would offer customers either its Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices.It also offered affected clients a free set of its virtual reality headsets, a free pair of wireless headphones, a voucher worth about $50, along with a free one-time screen replacement in case of any damage to the new smartphone within a year.

In a separate statement Samsung also questioned analyst estimates on the extent of the impact on revenue in India from the Note 7 debacle. "We can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year," the company said in the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Samsung said however that it expected to take a hit to its operating profit of about $3 billion over the next two quarters due to the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7. (Reporting by Euan Rocha; editing by Susan Thomas)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County is making progress in its effort to recover ground lost by the departure years ago of major employers from Carlisle.

Last year the annual campaign raised about $1.44 million compared to its peak of $1.5 million in 2008, said Lucy Zander, executive director.

Right now it is trending positive, said Mindy Loftus, co-chair of the 2016 campaign. We are slightly ahead of where we were last year.

The closing of the Lear/IAC plant in 2008 and the Carlisle Tire and Wheel plant in 2010 created a large gap in the campaign that currently supports 43 programs operated by 27 partner agencies serving residents of Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Newville, Plainfield, New Kingstown and Mount Holly Springs.

They were large contributors, Zander said of the manufacturing firms. The resulting loss of local jobs meant there were fewer workers available to pledge money through payroll deductions  which is the major source of donations for the local United Way campaign.

The result was a decline in contributions from the peak of $1.5 million to a low of $1.3 million in 2012  the year before Zander took charge as executive director. Since then campaign organizers have been successful in inching up the campaign goal with a change in strategy.

There is a greater reliance now on midsize and smaller companies willing to host workplace campaigns, said Tom Bream, president of the 21-member board of directors. He added campaign committee members have always been instrumental by drumming up support for workplace campaigns through their networks of professional and personal contacts.

A broad base

The United Way has a board of directors that brings a blend of skill sets to the table while it represents each cross-section of the coverage area, Zander said. We are looking at a broad spectrum of needs.

The board usually includes an attorney, an accountant and specialists in such areas as human resources, fundraising, marketing and finance. There have been representatives from higher education, manufacturing, retail and the business community.

Directors in turn chair subcommittees of at-large volunteers that address specific facets of the United Way operation such as the endowment fund, the annual fundraising campaign and overall marketing strategy. The community impact committee is tasked with reviewing applications that partner agencies submit for funding before making recommendations on how to allocate the pledge money.

While the Carlisle United Way operates on a June-to-July fiscal year, the money allocated supports programs that follow the calendar year, Zander said. While the official campaign kick-off is in September, fundraising begins in the summer when pacesetter companies launch workplace campaigns from early June through August.

Last year 86 percent of donors gave through their workplace campaign, Zander said. She added this effort accounted for about 54 percent of the $1,438,720 raised locally. This has been a consistent split over the last five years  86 to 88 percent of donors in the workplace giving a smaller share of the overall dollars.

Each workplace campaign begins with a buy-in from the chief executive officer in charge of the company or its local branch. This alone can be a challenge even if participation has been consistent over the years.

If the company is sold, that relationship is not as strong, Zander said. Whether or not it continues depends on who is in the driver seat of the company.

Once a company agrees to host a campaign, the next step of the United Way is to send a representative to the workplace to brief employees on the scope of the need and suggest ways they can lend their support. Though some choose to pay a lump sum, the most common method is to pledge money through an ongoing payroll dedication.

Some companies provide matching funds as an incentive for employees to pledge money, Zander said. Other companies opt out completely of a workplace campaign in favor of a special fundraising event or an annual corporate gift. In 2015, the average donation through the workplace was $272 compared the average residential donation of $1,417.

While workplace campaigns account for 54 percent of donations, most of the rest of the money is raised through solicitations to the general population and to targeted lists of past donors, Zander said. Last year, the response rate to the residential solicitations was about 49 percent, according to her.

The balance of the money raised each year comes in the form of bequests left in wills and in donations transferred in from other United Way agencies. Because donors have the option of designating on the pledge form which United Way to support, there is always an amount of money transferred in and out of the area served by the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County.

Changes

Changes in technology have resulted in some companies lagging behind with outdated accounting software that is making the payroll dedication method more difficult to execute, Zander said.

We are trying to introduce more technology, Mindy Loftus said. We are looking for individuals who do not have a workplace program to get them involved.

The local United Way has introduced a Text to Give option where donors can text a number to have a pledge form come up on their mobile device. This year the agency launched a pilot crowd-funding page that enables individual donors to reach out to their network of contacts similar to GoFundMe.com.

One reason to embrace these new channels of giving is to draw support from young donors comfortable with the technology, Tom Bream said. Its trying to position us to show our relevance to the younger generation.

Besides technology, there have been changes in social expectations. Donors today demand a greater level of accountability from nonprofit organizations so that they know that their donation is going to where it has the most impact, Bream said. He added this accountability involves something more than just providing a head-count on the number of individuals served by a program.

Though statistics are important to data collection, the United Way and each partner agency must show in some way that a program is having a tangible impact on the quality of life of individuals. Benchmarks and program outcomes are part of the annual vetting process that decides how much pledge money, if any, to allocate to each partner agency and its programs.

Potential donors also want to know how much of every dollar is going to the support of programs as opposed to the overhead needed to run a campaign. We got a 100-percent guarantee, Bream said. Administrative costs are covered by our sponsors.

This arrangement means that every dollar donated to the local campaign is going towards some kind of program that helps people in the community, Zander said. She added that an endowment fund  made possible by the bequests of prominent supporters  helps to offset day-to-day operating expenses freeing up money for programs.
FRANKFURT German carmaker Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is planning to tighten spending sharply as it deals with fall-out from its diesel emissions cheating scandal, Automobilwoche reported on Saturday.Chief executive Matthias Mueller in an internal meeting demanded that material costs and overheads be cut by 10 percent as part of its annual budget round for 2017, the trade magazine said in abstracts ahead of full publication on Oct. 17.A Volkswagen spokesman declined to comment on the report.Mueller was quoted as saying of the savings: "They will be heavy and it won't be done without pain. The effects of this crisis in the coming years will go to the limits of what we can bear."

He also said this was happening at a time when ideally the company should spend its money on dealing with the structural change in the automotive industry.

The diesel emissions scandal is costing the company billions of euros and has prompted ongoing talks between management and employees on a cost-cutting deal for the core VW brand.VW's supervisory board is scheduled to meet on Nov. 18 to approve new spending targets on products, plant and equipment for the coming years, two company sources have said.

(Reporting by Andreas Cremer and Vera Eckert, editing by Jeremy Gaunt)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
It was two months ago that I seriously began to follow the events that unfolded since Shayara Banos writ petition in Supreme Court. It was making the most news in mainstream media since March. Until then I thought of it as a cut and dry case.

I had done this a dozen times over the years, explaining to curious friends that theres no such thing as triple talaq. This was the narrative I grew up with at home, and reinforced repeatedly while reading age-appropriate religious books, the photocopied and well-devoured Most Common Questions Asked to Muslims, at Islamic discussion forums, and in Quran translations and commentaries. I would be almost too pleased to enunciate the process of divorce in Islam, for it seemed perfect to me: Thought out, deliberated, arbitrated, waiting time to understand the finality of the decision (three months), and three opportunities at reconciliation. It is almost like how the courts of law prescribe it, I would say.

In a parallel universe, dark and dysfunctional, Shayara Bano suffered at the hands of her husband and in-laws, living in fear of "three words". Her truth was different from mine.

Multiple tabs have stayed open on browsers on all my gadgets for weeks now; news articles, opinion pieces, research papers, religious annotations Its as if closing them would mean that their sound reasoning would be lost with it. Because the world outside the screen doesnt look much like what I thought it was; Shayara and my worlds are colliding, and I am forced to face her reality.

Why is the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) being stubborn to not ban triple talaq? Surely the muftis, who are approached with absurd instances of unilateral divorce (worse still, via SMS and post) call it out on its erroneous nature. What recourse do bereft Muslim women have against their husbands, and men in the family, for such blatant misappropriation of their rights and dignity? Why is Flavia Agnes on the other side?

Mufti Abdul Rashid was kind enough to not get offended when I tried to push past his resilience towards simplifying the issue for me. Unilateral divorce is inappropriate, even sinful, but valid according most Islamic schools of jurisprudence. Legal Islamic precedents exist to this effect, and just as the Supreme Court judges rely on former judgments (what we call landmark rulings, like the Shah Banos), so do the muftis.

The only silver lining I could take back with me was that most muftis do not hide their displeasure when families approach them for a religious ruling on the validity of triple talaq, after its pronounced.

They agree with the internationally acclaimed Mufti Ismail Menk, that a couple be made aware of the rules and procedures of divorce when they decide to get married. The inimitable Menk took the opportunity to talk about it at a nikah ceremony once, much to the chagrin of the host family, he confessed.

Apparently, talking about the D word at all is considered a taboo, not pronouncing it out loud, three times, without much thought, some scholars harrumphed.

It was easier to understand the complexities of Islamic rulings than to fathom the Flavia Agnes ending on the same side as the anti-women Muslim Personal Law Board. Womens rights lawyer Agnes made it clear that she wasnt impressed with the PIL. I learn, so is advocate Nilofer Akhtar, who specialises in personal laws. A leading family court lawyer, Akhtar was part of the team that drafted the model nikahnama, and was among those who began the conversation on talaq-e-tafveez (womens right to divorce) in India. She points out that instant triple talaq already has no standing in the courts. There are enough landmark judgments, like the Shamim Ara judgment in 2002, where the court held that a Muslim man does not have a unilateral right to divorce his wife by triple talaq and had to provide good reasons for a divorce. The premise for taking the plea to ban it in courts is a misplaced advice.

Both lawyers feel that the battle is to create awareness against wrong practices, and insist that enough legal recourse is already available for Muslim women victims of talaq in an instant, and other indignities. It was Agnes piece (also appeared on Scroll.in enumerating these remedies that earned her the displeasure of the liberals in the first place. Its easy to understand why. These remedies were take-ways from the AIMPLBs affidavit to the SC. Well, I think it was a clever move. Making it the Boards word would have a farther reaching effect among the community, than outreaches by the courts, and especially the current government.

Agnes, Akhtar, PB Sawant, a former SC judge, and many other matrimonial lawyers, are standing on the same side as the archaic and patriarchal AIMPLB, because they see BJPs push to ban tripe talaq, polygamy and bring in the Uniform Civil Code as politically motivated. Lets not overlook this either.

Since forever, the majoritys idea of governments has been of two kinds: One that appeases Muslims and one that can reign them in (whatever this means!). The current governments act to care for Muslims, has rather scared them a lot.

AIMPLB has begun a signature campaign, asking women of the community if they want Shariah law or UCC governing their matters. In Mumbai, the exercise kick-started on 3 October. While speaking to a member of the AIMPLB, I inquired of their sample size. "We plan to take the signature campaign all over India," the office bearer said with fervour and that hit me hard. In a rare moment, I held back the urge to snap, and bit down the words I wanted to say. I write them here: If you can put into action man and machinery for this, why not use it to create awareness among the community about the Shariah prescribed method for divorce, educate on polygamy and the immorality of the way halala is put to practice instead.

That the board almost banned "instant" triple talaq in 2004, and initiated conversation on the model nikahnama eight years ago, may show that it has a will to reform undesirable social practices. That it hasnt yet, shows it has no spine.

I want the triple talaq banned, and I am not entirely averse to the idea of a UCC. I realise reforms are acceptable to Muslims, but not when they are by a BJP-led government. The Dadri lynching incident and our Prime Ministers convenient silence on it, the Kairana controversy, and more recently, the news of the tricolour wrapped casket for the funeral of Dadri-lynching accused, paint a picture of the governments complicity in the anti-Muslim rhetoric. Surely, we are not blind to it. Or fools. Like one woman office bearer of a Muslim trust said to me, "I love my country, but I cannot be blind to the past and the present of the people in the government and their agenda."

I cannot disregard the sentiments of the majority of the Muslim community. Neither should the government. Take the Muslims along, the formula has to be integration, not oppression. We need to right what Shayara Banos PIL points out. For a start, I think one Mumbai man  Abdul Razzak Maniyar  has shown the way. Posters discouraging triple talaq at city mosques is a wonderful idea. The AIMPLB and the government minorities panel can both get cracking on this one.

The government should perhaps slow down to analyse the stakes if it cares to not burn bridges with the community, but the board should not. Its already too late in the day. We cannot want both: Right to personal law, and the right to not understand and follow it correctly, because unilateral divorce is not prescribed in the Quran. Let the Supreme Court do their job, and you do yours.
Carlisle may soon allow the inclusion of production and processing medical marijuana in a designated zone in an effort to be proactive.

Since we dont have that grower or processor of medical marijuana use in our ordinance, we want to put it in, said Bruce Koziar, Anybody can go to the Zoning Hearing Board and ask for a special exception, so we want to be careful we keep it isolated where it should.

And where it best belongs, borough officials believe, is in Carlisles I-1 General Industrial zoning district. According to Koziar, that district is located along the north side of Ritner Highway, past the Pizza Grille and west toward the Sheetz. The second I-1 zone is located directly east of Taco Bell on East High Street and ending at Frog Switch & Manufacturing Co. foundry.

Carlisle Borough Council will decide during Thursday nights meeting whether to have the boroughs solicitor advertise the ordinance and schedule a public hearing for Nov. 10, at 6:45 p.m., on amending the Code of the Borough of Carlisle to add a section including the production and processing of medical marijuana in the I-1 General Industrial zoning district.

According to Koziar in an email sent Wednesday, A grower/processor shall meet the same municipal zoning and land use requirements as other manufacturing, processing and production facilities that are located in the I-1 zoning district. The Department of Health will issue 25 combined grower and processor permits in the state. They are required to use seed-to-sale tracking, thorough record keeping and retention, surveillance systems and addition security measures.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3 into law on April 17, making Pennsylvania the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana.

Carlisle Borough Council will meet at 7 p.m. inside of Borough Hall, 53 W. South Street.
Twenty three people were killed and over 60 others injured in a stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli. People had gathered in large number for a religious event on Saturday afternoon.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

Here is a list of some of the worst such disasters in India in recent years:

2016

5 May: Seven people were killed and around 90 others injured when heavy rains accompanied by lightning and squall flattened and uprooted makeshift tents of pilgrims in and around the site of Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years and attracts millions of devotees.

10 April: A massive fire swept through a temple in Kerala, killing more than 100 people and injuring at least 280 after thousands gathered to watch a fireworks display.

2015

14 July: A stampede on the banks of Godavari in Andhra Pradesh crushed 27 pilgrims to death and injured dozens as they had gathered to take a dip in the river at the beginning of the Maha Pushkaralu festival.

2014

18 January: At least 18 people were killed and over 40 injured in a stampede in Mumbai when a large crowd gathered to pay their last respects to a Bohra Muslim spiritual leader Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin went out of control.

3 October: Around 32 people were killed in a stampede at a popular Hindu festival in eastern India after panic erupts following rumours of an electrical fire.

2013

10 February: At least 36 people were trampled to death as pilgrims headed home from the Kumbh Mela religious festival on the banks of the river Ganges.

13 October: A stampede near a temple killed around 115 in Madhya Pradesh, where up to 4,00,000 devotees had gathered. Twenty-one people, including all 17 police from a local station, were suspended after the tragedy. Ratangarh town where the disaster occurred was the scene of a similar stampede seven years ago when 50 people were crushed to death.

2012

19 November: Eighteen women and children were crushed to death in a stampede when a rope bridge collapses at a Hindu festival of Dussehra in Bihar's Patna.

2011

14 January: Around 102 Hindu devotees were killed in a stampede which broke out when thousands of pilgrims made their way home after an annual pilgrimage in Kerala state.

8 November: Sixteen people, including 14 women, died in a stampede at a religious ceremony near the holy Hindu city of Haridwar.

2010

4 March: Sixty-three people, mostly women and children, were killed in a stampede at a temple where free clothes are being doled out in Uttar Pradesh.

2008

3 August: About 150 Hindu worshippers were killed in a temple stampede sparked by rumours of a landslide in northern Himachal Pradesh.

30 September: Some 224 pilgrims died in a stampede when worshippers rush to reach a hilltop temple in the northern city of Jodhpur.

With inputs from agencies
Rumour led to the stampede: organisers

Reports have emerged that the real cause behind the Varanasi stampede on Saturday was a rumour, spread by some miscreants on the pool.



According to Pradesh18, "people who were present at the venue during the incident claim that visitors were told of a bridge collapse while on their way to Jai Gurudev Baba ashram. The rumour spread through the crowd, and people started running. There were thousands of people on the bridge during the incident."

"When people reached the bridge, someone spread the rumour that the bridge was breaking, which led to the stampede," Raj Bahadur, media in charge, Baba Jaigurudev Ashrma, told Pradesh18.

Bahadur also alleged negligence from the police department, stating that the police failed to provide proper security arrangements even though it was informed in advance.

UP chief secretary, Rahul Bhatnagar has sent ADG, Law and Orde to the spot to access the situation, the report said.

SK Bhagat, IG, Varanasi Zone, however, blamed the organisers, Baba Jaigurudev Ashram for the incident stating that the organisation was given permission for only 3,000 visitors, whereas lakhs of people were present at the venue. He blamed the crowd behind the stampede.

Meanwhile, UP chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those killed in the stampede and R 50,000 for the injured. The state governmet has also announced that it will cover the medical expenses of those affected by the incident.
Lucknow: Expressing profound grief over the loss of 24 lives in a stampede at Rajghat bridge in Varanasi on Saturday, opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh held the state government and local administration responsible for the incident.

BJP blamed authorities for lack of arrangements and management at the bridge which led to the stampede in which several lives were lost.

"Proper arrangements should have been made for such a big congregation at the Jai Gurudev samagam which was not done... Even the local intelligence unit failed to give any input in this regard which resulted in mismanagement and loss of life," BJP state unit president Keshav Prasad Maurya said.

BSP supremo Mayawati said it is the responsibility of the state government and local administration to ensure proper arrangements and police force for such public functions so that no untoward incident occurs which was however not done in Varanasi.

Congress communications department chairman Satyadev Tripathi said Varanasi incident is the fallout of "administrative failure".

24 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede on an overcrowded Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of Jai Gurudev were crossing it to attend a congregation this afternoon.
Panaji: Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Goa on Saturday to attend the Brics Summit was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 am at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region, sources in the naval base told PTI.

Putin's flight, which was supposed to land at 3 am, was rescheduled to 7 am but even at that time it could not arrive.

However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane has been diverted.

Heavy security was in place along the road connecting INS Hansa base to the summit's venue hotel in Benaulim village.

Several Union and Goa government officials were also camping at the base since Friday night to welcome Putin.

"The arrival of President of Russia has been delayed. The exact rescheduled time of his arrival has not been given to us," Deputy Superintendent of Police Suchita Desai said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Goa last night and was welcomed at the INS Hansa base by Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza.

The Prime Minister was later taken to the venue hotel by road in Benaulim where he was welcomed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
With Chinese President Xi Jinpings successful visit to Bangladesh, plans for Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have effectively encircled India. Multi-billion dollar, Chinese-financed infrastructure projects are planned in almost all of Indias neighbours, from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal to Myanmar.

President Xi Jinping on his visits to South Asia has brought grand infrastructure plans for his hosts  during his visits to Sri Lanka and the Maldives in September 2014, to Pakistan in April 2015 and more recently to Bangladesh. Xis visit to Pakistan resulted in the multi-billion dollar investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that connects Chinas Xinjiang province to Gwadar port in Pakistan. Former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Olis visit to Beijing earlier this year brought forth bountiful promises of infrastructure assistance. Chinas involvement in Myanmar is of a longer standing, among several major infrastructure projects is a gas pipeline that transports natural gas from Maday port on the Bay of Bengal to Chinas Yunnan province and a proposed rail line along the same route.

India has had reservations about the Belt and Road Initiative, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. But all its neighbours, with the sole exception of Bhutan, have welcomed the Chinese initiative with enthusiasm. India is however engaged in the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor, which aims to connect Kolkata with Kunming, in Chinas Yunnan province, passing through Myanmar and Bangladesh. The BCIM corridor is a long-delayed proposal which Beijing has now referred to as part of its BRI plans.

Bangladesh and China signed agreements worth $24.45 billion for 34 projects and programmes during Xis visit to Dhaka on Friday, reported Bangladesh's largest-selling English daily, The Morning Star. While no details of projects were made available during the signing, they are expected to cover financing for infrastructure, energy, and communication projects. As the two sides elevated their ties to strategic partnership, Bangladesh expressed its support to Chinas Road and Belt Initiative and the BCIM economic corridor. They also agreed to negotiate a free trade agreement. China is Bangladeshs largest trading partner and supplier of defence equipment.

Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country to receive large investments in big infrastructure projects during the Mahinda Rajapakse regime. But when the Maithripala Sirisena government came to power in a surprise election victory in January 2015, it began a review of the controversial $1.4 billion Colombo port city expansion project. The Sirisena alliance had charged Rajapakse of turning Sri Lanka into a Chinese dependency and had vowed to review all major Chinese investments. However, the Sri Lankan government later cleared the new Colombo city project after changing some conditions in the deal. China offered to align its maritime silk road project with Sri Lankas development plans to enable the island nation to become a shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives, like Sri Lanka and Pakistan earlier, has faced international pressure over its policies. All three countries have found firm support from Beijing, which has helped them withstand the pressure. Earlier this week, the Maldives announced that it would quit the Commonwealth, the 53-member organisation of mainly former British colonies. The Maldives had been warned in late September by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) that it would be suspended if it did not take adequate steps to encourage political dialogue, release opposition leaders and improve democratic functioning in the country.

Large scale Chinese projects in the Maldives coincided with India's troubles in Male. The contract for modernising and operating the Male International Airport, granted to a consortium led by the Indian infrastructure company, GMR Group was cancelled by the new government. International arbitrators ruled in GMRs favour, but the contract for the expansion of the international airport was awarded to a Chinese company. A Chinese construction firm is building the $280 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge that would connect the Hulhule island where the international airport is located to a suburb of Male. Other projects included large housing projects and other infrastructure assistance.

China is the largest foreign investor in Nepal with two large hydropower projects underway in the country. Among the projects that were discussed during the KP Oli visit were construction of cross-border transmission lines, an international airport at Pokhara, and extension of Chinas Qinghai-Tibet rail line to the town of Jilong on the Nepal border and then to Kathmandu. The visit was marked by the fact that it was only the second time that a Nepali Prime Minister had chosen to visit China in his first foreign tour. However, a return visit by Xi in October had to be put off after the Oli government fell and the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist) leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda formed a new government in Kathmandu.

Till a decade or more ago, Chinas involvement in the relatively under-developed South Asian region was limited. But in the past couple of years, Beijing with its large financial resources looking for a destination began making a major push for connecting to South Asian countries with its grand BRI plan. While India cannot match the Chinese largesse, greater generosity in its dealings with its smaller neighbours can win it more friends and create goodwill through the region.
Criminal justice discussion scheduled

YWCA Carlisle will host a panel discussion Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. about the criminal justice system in the Carlisle area.

The event will take place at YWCA Carlisles facility located at 301 G Street in Carlisle, and will include updates from Interim Carlisle Police Chief Steve Latshaw on the use of body cameras.

Desserts and hot beverages will be served. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. Contact sbrowne@ywcacarlisle.org.

Participating panelists include at this time: Joshua Vaughn, newspaper reporter with experience journaling articles about racial disparities in our local justice system; David Freed, Cumberland County district attorney; Steve Latshaw, interim Carlisle police chief; Tim Scott, mayor of Carlisle; Brandon Flood, executive director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

Following the panel presentations a Q&A session for those attending will be held.

In order to secure a fair and equitable society for everyone, we must advocate and support necessary changes in our systems said Sonya Browne, YWCA Carlisle mission impact director. When we meet and talk through whats happening and what still needs to be done, we strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and our community and open up possibilities for lasting and demonstrable changes to occur.
NICE, France The names of the 86 victims who died in the July 14 attack in the French city of Nice were read aloud, and a white rose for each was pinned to a monument, during a national ceremony on Saturday marking three months since the killings. Tunisian-born Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a 19-tonne truck along the beach front, mowing down people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, before police shot him dead."Three months ago here, on our national day ... it was supposed to be joyous. It became hell. In four minutes, just four minutes, a truck at high speed, transformed the Promenade des Anglais into a cemetery," President Francois Hollande said.The ceremony was attended by survivors, victims' families and French political leaders from the government and opposition."We have listened to the names of the 86 people whose lives were suddenly interrupted," Hollande said, adding that the oldest was a 92 years-old Italian who died with his partner and two friends.

The youngest was just over two years old, and from Nice. She died alongside her cousin, her grandmother and a friend, he said.Hollande said France, which is engaged in the fight against radical Islamist militancy in the Middle East and North Africa, will not back down despite several attacks on French soil aimed, he said, at creating divisions and stigmatisation.

Deadly attacks by Islamist militants in Paris, Nice and elsewhere have raised questions about the place in society of France's large Muslim and Arab population, and spilled over into the campaign for next year's presidential election."What was struck on July 14 was national unity. It is the monstrous aim of the terrorists; attack some to scare others and unleash violence to create divisions," Hollande said.

"This evil enterprise will fail. Unity, freedom and humanity will ultimately prevail." (Reporting by Bate Felix; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

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By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk

| GOA, India

GOA, India India and Russia signed billions of dollars of defence and energy deals on Saturday at a summit that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East.Under the biggest agreement, a group led by Russian state oil major Rosneft said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both India's Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns. The countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow."Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western seaside state of Goa.Modi said that his views were aligned with Putin's on the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where Moscow is at odds with the West in the five-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed hundreds of thousands."We are conducting a comprehensive dialog on a wide scale of international issues, in which Indian and Russian approaches are close to each other or coincide," said Putin. Modi also praised Putin's support for the fight against international terrorism, which India accuses its neighbour and rival Pakistan of sponsoring. "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said.

MULTIPLE DEALS

The Rosneft-Essar deal will be the biggest foreign takeover in India, and Russia's largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data. It comes as Russia moves to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.Under the deal, a group led by Rosneft will acquire 98 percent of Essar Oil, and with it a 400,000 barrels-per-day refinery and port at Vadinar for $12.9 billion, the two sides said.

Russian state bank VTB said it would refinance $3.9 billion owed by the Essar Group. Rosneft would pay $3.5 billion and its partners, oil trader Trafigura and investment fund UCP the same amount for an equal joint stake.The refinery deal follows a string of upstream investments in Russia by Indian companies in recent months that, Modi said, were worth $5.5 billion.Also on display was Russia's nuclear prowess, with the second reactor of the Russian-built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu hooked up to the grid and concrete being poured in a ceremony carried by a TV linkup to mark the start of work on the third and fourth reactors there.Putin said that Russia would be able to build a dozen nuclear reactors in India over the next 20 years to back Modi's growth strategy for Asia's third-largest economy, which continues to suffer chronic power shortages.

HELICOPTERS, MISSILES, SHIPS

The defence pacts will also deepen military ties between the two countries that dates back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier. Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov 226t helicopters required by the country's defence forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be the local partner of Russian Helicopters and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.The S-400 surface-to-air missiles would strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. Also agreed were plans to build and supply stealth frigates for the Indian navy.Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of space and military industries, said two frigates could be built in India and two in Russia, RIA news agency reported. Rogozin said the ships may later be equipped with missiles manufacturered by BrahMos Aerospace, a venture co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments. (Additional reporting by Rupam Jain and Sanjeev Miglani; Writing by Douglas Busvine and Euan Rocha)

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SIRTE, Libya Libyan pro-government forces have advanced into another area in their battle to liberate Sirte from Islamic State in fighting that killed 14 of their troops, military officials and hospital sources said.After six months of fighting, backed by U.S. air strikes, Libyan forces allied with the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli are close to clearing out the last remnants of the militant group from the former hometown of dead leader Muammar Gaddafi.Heavy street-to-street fighting in the Ghiza Bahriya area involved tanks and armored vehicles with heavy machine guns, as well as airstrikes to retake houses occupied by Islamic State, according to military officials and a Reuters reporter."There was an incursion on Friday made by Bonyan Marsous forces into Ghiza Bahriya," said Ahmad Hadia, one of the spokesmen for pro-government forces who are mainly from the city of Misrata. "A car bomb was hit by warplanes of our forces."Fourteen pro-government troops were killed and more than 20 wounded in clashes on Friday, a spokesman of the Misrata Central hospital, Akram Gliwan, told Reuters.The fall of Sirte would be another blow to Islamic State just as the militant group comes under pressure in its main territory of Syria and Iraq, where it has also lost ground.

Islamic State took over Sirte a year ago as militants profited from the chaos that followed the 2011 fall of Gaddafi. Infighting among rival armed factions left the country with two competing governments and no central army.The U.N.-backed government in Tripoli is struggling to expand its influence over powerful brigades of former anti-Gaddafi rebels who control different areas of the country.

Forces from the port city of Misrata began a campaign to retake Sirte six months ago, taking heavy casualties to recapture the city. But their progress advanced with the support of U.S. air strikes and small teams of Western special forces advising on the ground.Islamic State is now dug in and keeping back Misrata forces with snipers and boodytraps in one remaining district.With Misrata forces in Sirte, rival eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, who opposes the Tripoli government, has taken over four key oil ports. That has allowed resumption of oil exports but fuelled concern about renewed conflict.

Misrata backed Islamist-leaning brigades took over Tripoli from rivals in 2014 and set up their own self-declared government, forcing the elected parliament to operate in the east of the country backed by Haftar.Misrata forces now support the U.N.-backed Tripoli government trying to unite rival factions. But with no real national army, armed brigades are often more loyal to their city or region than the central government. (Reporting by Hani Amara in Sirte and Ahmed Elumami in Tripolil; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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RIYADH The Saudi-led coalition attacked a funeral in Yemen after receiving incorrect information that armed Houthi leaders were in the area, an investigative body set up by the coalition said on Saturday.The Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since last Saturday's air strike hit the funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, killing 140 people according to one U.N. estimate and 82 according to the Houthis. Mourners killed in the attack included some of Yemen's top political and security officials, outraging Yemeni society and potentially galvanising powerful tribes to join the Houthis in opposing a Saudi-backed exiled government. "A party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa, and insisted that the location be targeted immediately," the investigators concluded, according to a statement. The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) said in the statement that the coalition's Air Operations Centre in Yemen also failed to obtain approval for the strike from commanders, a violation of protocol. The JIAT called for a review of the rules of engagement, and for compensation for the families of the victims. It also said "appropriate action" should be taken against those who caused the incident, without elaborating.

After the strike, the White House announced an immediate review of Washington's support for the 18-month-old military push against the Iran-backed Houthis. Senior U.S. officials later said the attack had killed senior figures who were important to the reconciliation process.The strike has also threatened to escalate Yemen's civil war and pull the United States further into a conflict from which it has sought to distance itself.

The Houthis responded by launching missiles into Saudi Arabia and possibly on a U.S. warship stationed off the Yemeni coast, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes against what Washington said were Houthi radar sites.The Houthis have denied firing missiles at the U.S. Navy destroyer.Sources in the coalition initially denied any role in the funeral attack, but Saudi Arabia later promised to investigate the "regrettable and painful" incident.

The JIAT statement said investigators were still assessing whether casualty counts were accurate and that there were reports that the number of victims had been inflated.Saudi Arabia's King Salman set up the JIAT in May following an international outcry over the rising number of civilian casualties in Yemen.The United Nations estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the war and blames coalition air strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since the attacks began in March 2015. (Reporting by Mostafa Hashem and Katie Paul; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

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RIYADH The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen attacked a funeral there after receiving incorrect information from Yemeni military figures that armed Houthi leaders were in the area, an investigative body set up by the coalition said on Saturday.The Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since last Saturday's air strike on the funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, killing 140 people according to one U.N. estimate, and 82 according to the Houthis. Mourners who died in the attack included some of Yemen's top political and security officials, potentially galvanising powerful tribes to join the Houthis in opposing a Saudi-backed exiled government. "A party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa, and insisted that the location be targeted immediately," the investigators concluded, according to a statement. The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) said in the statement that the coalition's Air Operations Centre in Yemen also failed to obtain approval for the strike from commanders, a violation of protocol. The JIAT called for a review of the rules of engagement and for compensation for the families of the victims. It also said "appropriate action" should be taken against those who caused the incident, without elaborating.The coalition accepted the findings in a statement released hours later and said it had begun to implement the JIAT's recommendations.

"The coalition command expresses its regret at this unintentional incident and the ensuing pain for victims families," it said."The incident is not in line with the coalition's objectives, namely protecting civilians and restoring safety and stability to Yemen."International condemnation of the strike had been swift. The White House announced an immediate review of Washington's support for the 18-month-old military push against the Houthis. Senior U.S. officials also said the attack had killed senior figures who were important to the reconciliation process.

The strike has threatened to escalate Yemen's civil war and pull the United States further into the conflict.Houthi-led forces had responded to the attack by launching missiles into Saudi Arabia and possibly at a U.S. warship stationed off the Yemeni coast, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes against what Washington said were Houthi radar sites.The Houthis have denied firing missiles at the U.S. Navy destroyer.

The United Nations estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the war and blames coalition air strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015.Attacks continued on Saturday, with Houthi media claiming responsibility for firing another missile into Saudi Arabia, at a military camp in Asir province.An air strike also hit the Houthi-controlled Hodeida port, killing a military commander responsible for operations in three provinces, according to a news agency affiliated with the group's leading ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.A spokesman for the coalition could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Katie Paul, Mostafa Hashem and Mohammed Ghobari; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

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By Kareem Raheem and Ahmed Rasheed

| BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD Around 55 people were killed in Iraq in attacks on Saturday that targeted a Shi'ite Muslim gathering, a police check-point and the family of a Sunni paramilitary leader opposed to Islamic State, according to security and medical sources. The escalation comes as Iraqi forces are getting ready to launch an offensive to take back Mosul, the last Iraqi city still under control of Islamic State, in northern Iraq. The heaviest toll was caused by a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive vest in the middle of a Shi'ite gathering in Baghdad, killing at least 41 people and wounding 33.The explosion went off inside a tent filled with people taking part in Shi'ite Ashura rituals, which mourn the killing of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Hussein in the 7th century.Islamic State claimed the attack in an online statement.

Some people were also in the tent to mourn the death of a local resident, authorities said. The tent was set up in a crowded market in the city's northern al-Shaab district. Gunmen believed to belong to Islamic State, a Sunni group, earlier in the day staged two attacks north of Baghdad, one targeting a police check-point and the other the house of a Sunni militia chief who supports the government, police sources said.

Eight policemen were killed and 11 others wounded in the first attack which took place Mutaibija, south of the city of the city of Tikrit, while the militants had three dead in their ranks. In the second, the wife and three children of Numan al-Mujamaie, the leader of the Ishaqi Mobilization militia, were killed when gunmen stormed his house in the town of Ishaq in his absence. The assailants fled, chased by security forces, and later killed themselves by detonating explosive belts, police said.

Islamic State has intensified bomb attacks in government-held areas this year as it loses territory to U.S.-backed Iraqi government forces and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias.The group claimed a truck bombing in July that killed at least 324 people in the Karrada shopping area of Baghdad - the deadliest single attack in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. (Reporting Kareem Raheed and Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Mhaer Chmayteli; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)

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Here's your politics blast from the US election campaign trail. As the election becomes a major source of anxiety for most Americans, according to a new survey, new accusers come forward with shockers from Trumps past - especially after last week's splash of a 2005 video in which Trump boasted that his celebrity gave him the ability to grab women "by the p----. You can do anything." Trump apologized for those remarks, but also dismissed them as "locker-room talk."

Eye candy

"Believe me, she would not be my first choice. That I can tell you. You don't know. That would not be my first choice, Donald Trump sarcastically said implying that one of the women who has accused him is not good looking enough to impress him.

Trump was referring to Jessica Leeds who told The New York Times that Trump groped her while the two were seated together on an airplane in 1980.

"I was with Trump in 1980. I was sitting with him on an airplane and he went after me on the plane," the Republican presidential nominee mocked at a campaign stop.

The New York Times published Leeds' and Rachel Crooks allegations - both accused Trump of forcing himself on them sexually.

When it rains...

Two more women came forward to accuse Donald Trump of unwanted sexual touching, including a former contestant from a reality show that starred the Republican presidential nominee.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice," said Trump made unwanted sexual advances toward her at a Beverly Hills hotel in 2007, while photographer Kristin Anderson alleged Trump sexually assaulted her in a New York nightclub in the early 1990s.

A Donald diversion

Depite his hectic day refuting sexual assault allegations raining down on him, Donald Trump grabbed a quick meeting with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, New York's Catholic archbishop.

The cardinal's spokesman says the topics discussed would remain private. A Trump spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Whos sick?

Donald Trump is accusing a "sick media" of trying to take down his presidential campaign in cahoots with rival Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Trump targeted Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire who owns a share of The New York Times.

Trump declared that "we can't let" Slim influence the election.

Trump has threatened to sue the Times for a story that featured two women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct.

He said, "our media is indeed sick and it's making our country sick. And we're going to stop it.

"Come on, man"

Rolling his eyes at the Republican nominee, President Barack Obama mocked Donald Trump's purported business acumen and newfound rage against the "global elite," as he rallied Friday for Democrat Hillary Clinton. He warned that democracy itself was at risk if Trump wins.

"This is a guy who spent all his time hanging around, trying to convince everybody he was a global elite ... and flying around everywhere and all he had time for was celebrities," Obama said. "Suddenly he's going to be the champion of working people?

"Come on, man," Obama said with a sardonic laugh, in what became a recurrent refrain of his campaign speech.

Stay home on Nov 8?

In the final weeks of his presidential campaign, Donald Trump is countering allegations of his own sexual misconduct by recounting accusations against former President Bill Clinton.

The basic idea: If the Republican nominee cannot expand his coalition enough to win, might he be able to leave enough voters so disgusted with both himself and Democrat Hillary Clinton that they opt for third-party candidates or simply don't vote?

If so, might Trump's core supporters  smaller than the usual winning coalition  be enough to nip Clinton?

Early voting numbers, Democratic enthusiasm and historical trends all suggest Trump cannot win this way.
ISTANBUL Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Iraq could not deal alone with driving Islamic State from the city of Mosul and that the presence of Turkish forces in a nearby military camp was an insurance against attacks on Turkey.Turkey has been locked in a row with Iraq's central government about the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq, and over who should take part in the planned U.S.-backed assault on Mosul."We won't let Mosul be given to Daesh (Islamic State) or any other terrorist organisation. They say Iraq's central government needs to approve this but the Iraqi central government should first deal with their own problems," Erdogan said."Why did you let Daesh enter Iraq, why did you let Daesh enter Mosul? They were almost going to come to Baghdad, where are you, the central government of Iraq?" he said in a speech at a ceremony in the Black Sea town of Rize, broadcast live on TV.

Turkey fears that Shi'ite militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, will be used in the planned Mosul offensive, expected to start this month, stoking sectarian unrest and triggering an exodus of refugees.Turkish soldiers have been training Sunni Muslim and allied Kurdish peshmerga units at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, and want them to be involved in the assault. Baghdad objects to the Turkish military presence there.

"Nobody should talk about our Bashiqa base. We will stay there. Bashiqa is our insurance against any kind of terrorist activities in Turkey," Erdogan said.The United States has said any foreign forces in Iraq should have the approval of the Baghdad government.

(Reporting by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

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President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism on the release of more of the kidnapped Chibok girls, after 21 of them were freed by Boko Haram Thursday, following more than two years of captivity.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday in Berlin, President Buhari said negotiations will continue until all the girls secure their freedom.



On the Chibok girls, we have been able to secure the release of 21 of them, so over 100 more are still in the hands of the terrorists somewhere in the Lake Chad Basin area which include Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.

In getting this 21 out, we hope we will get enough intelligence to go about securing the rest of them.

We are very grateful to the UN for their participation in trying to secure the release of these girls.

Please dont forget that as a result of terrorism in Nigeria, no fewer than 37,000 Nigerians were killed by Boko Haram.

Right now we have about 2 million people in IDP camps, 60 per cent of them are women and children and 60 per cent of those children are orphaned.

This is a major challenge for government; we have to provide infrastructure especially for education and health, take them back to their villages and towns and reintegrate them so that they can have normal life, he said.

The president thanked the German government for their humanitarian assistance and support for Nigeria in dealing with the effects of terrorism.

Responding to a question on the BBC interview with his wife, Aisha, the president said his wife and the opposition needed to appreciate the depth of the problems he met on the ground.

He caused laughter at the press conference when he said: I claim superior knowledge compared to her and the opposition, referring to his three attempts at the polls to become president of Nigeria over a 12-year period, succeeding in the fourth attempt.

He also said; I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.
American media company The Washington Post thinks Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari and US Republican Party nominee Donald Trump have something in common.

In an article written by the newspapers Ishaan Tharoor, Mr. Buhari was compared to Mr. Trump who has made several controversial statements since his presidential campaign began.



Below is the full article titled: Nigerias first lady criticized the president. So he told her to go back to the kitchen

If you think Donald Trump has problems, consider those of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Elected last year as a no-nonsense candidate to clean up Africas biggest democracy, his popularity has fallen amid various spiraling crises  a faltering economy, a deadly insurgency, a devastating famine. And now, even his wife is skeptical.

In an interview with the BBCs Hausa language service, Nigerian first lady Aisha Buhari suggested that she might not back her husbands potential reelection in 2019 if he didnt shake up his government. Without naming names, she said a whole host of people in senior ministerial posts didnt share her husbands values or the vision of the ruling party. The first ladys admission reinforces accusations made by critics that Buharis government has been hijacked by a cabal operating behind the scenes.

The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I dont know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years, she said. Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.

According to the BBC, some in Nigeria speculate that the first lady went this route after her own chosen figures did not win the posts they desired in government. Whatever the case, it deepens the gloom around Buharis presidency, which he won in part on a platform that promised an end to nepotism and cronyism in the country.

Then came Buharis response. Speaking to reporters while on a trip to Germany, the Nigerian president offered up a tasteless jibe: I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room, he said.

His remarks were made in front of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who according to reports, glared and then, briefly, laughed.
Samsung teased a new smartphone in China earlier this week, which was expected to be Galaxy C9 (SM-C9000) that had already surfaced in several benchmark listing. Now the phone has been certified by Chinas TENAA that confirms the design with new antenna pattern on the back. This also reveals that it will use an AMOLED display.

In other leak, images of Galaxy C9 Pro, a high-end version of the smartphone has surfaced. Even though we dont have specifications of this version, there are some images that show the new antenna design, which Samsung calls next level of antenna craftsmanship.

Samsung Galaxy C9 rumored specifications

6-inch (19201080 pixels) Full HD AMOLED display

Octa Core Snapdragon 652 processor with Adreno 510 GPU

6GB RAM, 64GB Internal Storage, expandable memory via micro SD card

Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow)

Dual SIM (nano + nano)

16MP rear camera with LED flash

16MP front camera

Dimensions: 162.980.76.9mm;Weight: 185g

Fingerprint sensor

4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v 4.2, ANT+, NFC

4000mAh battery

The Samsung Galaxy C9 and the Galaxy C9 Pro are said to come in Gold, Silver and Rose Gold colors and are expected to be announced in China later this month.

Source 1, 2 | Via
When Boeing (BA -0.15%) began delivering its 787 Dreamliner in late 2011, it set the program accounting quantity -- an estimate of foreseeable sales over the next decade -- at 1,100 units. Two years later, it raised this estimate to 1,300 units, providing a modest boost to its profitability.

Boeing may be close to raising the Dreamliner program accounting quantity again. Let's take a look at what that means, when it could happen, and why it matters for investors.

Program accounting 101

When a new aircraft type is introduced, the first few models produced tend to be extremely costly. Indeed, Boeing spent an average of about $400 million to build the first 40 or so Dreamliners, according to the Seattle Times. That's several times the average selling price.

However, costs decline significantly over time. It's fairly typical for costs to fall by about 15% every time the number of units produced doubles. In other words, the 200th plane off the line costs 15% less to build than the 100th plane, while the 400th plane built is 15% cheaper than the 200th.

Program accounting allows Boeing to smooth out the profitability of new aircraft programs. It looks up to 10 years ahead and estimates the program's total profitability over that time period. The estimated profit is essentially spread evenly over each plane produced. Thus, Boeing can report steady earnings rather than rack up huge losses on early production models followed by profits later on.

Program accounting has been stretched to its limit for the 787. Cash costs related to Dreamliner production over the past decade have exceeded revenue by more than $30 billion. However, Boeing hasn't reported losses on the Dreamliner program, because it expects to offset the cash losses it has incurred thus far with large profits over the next six years or so. Not surprisingly, this has stirred up quite a bit of controversy.

Will Boeing raise the 787 program accounting quantity again?

For the past three years, Boeing's program accounting quantity for the 787 has been 1,300 units. This covers about six more years of production. That's much less than the 10-year forecast horizon Boeing used when it originally set the accounting block at 1,100 units.

Theoretically, this means that Boeing could extend the 787 accounting block. (As noted above, it did this once in late 2013, increasing the accounting quantity to 1,300 units.) To extend the accounting block, Boeing must be able to estimate the revenue and costs associated with those additional airplanes.

This doesn't mean Boeing needs to have sold all of those planes. For example, Boeing had fewer than 1,000 Dreamliner orders when it extended the block from 1,100 to 1,300. However, Boeing has faced significant pricing pressure and a slowdown in orders for the 787 recently. That makes it harder to estimate the profitability of planes it will be delivering in the mid-2020s.

A flurry of 787 orders to end 2016?

Between the beginning of 2014 and the end of last month, Boeing booked just 131 net orders for the 787 family: 41 in 2014, 71 in 2015, and 19 through the first nine months of 2016. That gave it a total of 1,161 Dreamliner orders as of the end of last quarter.

However, Boeing could add significantly to that total in the last few months of 2016. Last week, it announced that Qatar Airways had ordered 30 787-9s. This week, Boeing added another order for 12 787-9s from China Southern Airlines.

Additionally, China's Donghai Airlines committed to buy five 787-9s earlier this year, but that order is still waiting to be finalized. Saudia also recently announced plans to buy 13 787s, although it isn't clear whether those are already included in Boeing's order book.

The big prize is a potential order from Emirates. By year-end, the Middle Eastern airline giant is expected to decide between the 787 and Airbus' A350 for an order of roughly 70 jets. Finally, Pakistan International Airlines appears to be on the verge of ordering eight Dreamliners.

If the Emirates deal comes to fruition and these other orders are finalized, Boeing would end the year with nearly 1,300 total orders for the 787. Additionally, racking up more than 100 orders in a few months would give Boeing a lot more clarity about the Dreamliner's future profitability. As a result, it could cause Boeing to extend the 787 Dreamliner accounting block again.

So what?

Extending the program accounting block would have zero impact on Boeing's cash flow, which is arguably the most important metric for any business. Nevertheless, most investors pay close attention to accounting earnings as well as cash flow -- and a block extension would have a big impact on Boeing's earnings.

For now, Boeing is reporting very slim profits on each Dreamliner it delivers, because the projected cash profits of future deliveries in the 1,300 unit accounting block are barely enough to offset the losses sustained thus far. By contrast, since aircraft production costs decline continuously, any units added to the accounting block would be highly profitable sales.

Those profits would be spread across all the remaining deliveries in the 787 accounting block. As a result, extending the accounting block would immediately increase the amount of profit Boeing reports for each 787 delivery.

787 accounting block extensions are thus a crucial aspect of Boeing's plans to boost profitability at its commercial airplanes division. The sooner Boeing can meet the requirements needed to extend the 787 accounting block, the sooner it will be able to report the strong profit growth it has promised to shareholders.
Bangladesh, China agree to elevate their ties to strategic partnership

Published: October 15, 2016

Bangladesh and China have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to strategic partnership. It was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit Bangladesh.

This is the first official state visit by Chinese head of state to Bangladesh in three decades since President Li Xiannians visit in March 1986.

Highlights of Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit

The two countries also have agreed to jointly advance Chinas One belt and road (OBOR) initiative. With this Bangladesh, formally joined Chinas OBOR initiative.

They also agreed to establish institutional cooperation in areas of maritime issues and counter-terrorism.

They also agreed to increase high level exchanges and strategic communication between them.

Both countries signed of 26 agreements on different sectors. Through these agreements consensus was reached to work together in trade and investment and other key areas such as infrastructure, energy and power, agriculture, ICT and transportation.

Comment

Geo-politically, Bangladesh is witnessing growing rivalry between China and India, particularly in the era of weakening US role in the region. In this scenario, it signifies growing importance of the Bangladesh in South Asias economics and geo-politics.

Bangladesh maintains very strong military ties with China. Even Bangladeshs economic relations with China have traditionally been dominated by trade. The bilateral trade between China and Bangladesh was about $12.5 billion in 2014 and Bangladeshs export to China has not exceeded even $1 billion.

However, in this new type of emerging big power relationship in the South Asia region relatively smaller countries like Bangladesh are adjusting and maintaining balanced economic and geo-political relations, particularly with China and India.

What is One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Initiative?

OBOR initiative is Chinas ambitious development strategy and framework focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily between China and rest of Eurasia.

It consists of two main components, the land-based Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and oceangoing 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR).

OBOR initiative part of Chinas revived 21st century Silk Road diplomacy that seeks to push it to take a bigger role in global affairs as a major global power.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: China-Bangladesh  International  International Relations  South Asia

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School is back in session, and in honor of that, the Motley Fool Answers duo ofAlison Southwick and former middle-school teacher Robert Brokamp are taking you back to the classroom -- virtually speaking. In this segment, they look back at asset bubbles. And if you think the dot-com bubble of the 1990s or the housing bubble in the 2000s was overheated, then you won't believe how wild things got back in the 1600s around tulip bulbs. (And maybe you shouldn't.)

A full transcript follows the video.

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This podcast was recorded on Sept. 13, 2016

Robert Brokamp:Which class are we in now, teacher?

Alison Southwick:It's time for history class.

Brokamp:Yeah! My favorite subject.

Southwick:Oh, I stole your favorite subject, because I called dibs on which subjects we get to do.

Brokamp:It's fine. I'm going to learn something. That's even better.

Southwick:Maybe. I know I couldn't teach you anything since you're best friends with Harry Markowitz. I think I am going to teach you something about the tulip mania, supposedly the very first speculative bubble. I think most people have heard of it, but just to recap.

The tulip mania of the 17th century. If had a big white board or chalkboard, this is what I would be writing down. The tulip, Robert, was like any other flower that came before. They were bright and vibrant, and they survived well in the low country. Why are you laughing at me?

Brokamp:You're doing a great job of teaching this with your demonstrative thing that no one else can see...

Southwick:Thank you. I'm using my hand.

Brokamp:...unless they're watching the video.

Southwick:During the Dutch Golden Age, as Holland grew into a world power, the tulip also grew in popularity. Tulips eventually became the fourth-most popular export after gin, herring, and cheese. Which sounds like a party. They make good cheese in Holland. I'll give them that. I don't know about the gin and the herring, but whatever.

So things got interesting around 1634 when the demand grew for bulbs, so much so (in other countries like France) that speculators were brought into the market. I actually don't have a good definition for a speculator. How would you define a speculator?

Brokamp:I would say it was somebody who was buying something only as an investment and is doing so, generally, as a short-term investment.

Southwick:Just turn it around. So eventually the Dutch created a futures market, and bulbs stopped changing hands altogether, but the contracts for the tulips kept moving around. The called it "windhandel," which literally meant a "wind trade." I thought that was kind of cool. Some futures contracts were being traded 10 times a day. Then the bubonic plague happened.

Brokamp:Oops!

Southwick:Womp womp!And the market collapsed. Which is not surprising.

Brokamp:It's hard to diversify against plague risk.

Southwick:It isveryhard, as we have learned. So fast forward 200 years, and the tulip mania was largely forgotten until a book was written by Charles Mackay. It was calledExtraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds.That sounds like a pretty good book.

Brokamp:It's a good book.

Southwick:Have you read it?

Brokamp:I have read excerpts, and it's generally considered one of the great books about risk management and the history of risk.

Southwick:Well, I've got some bad news for you.

Brokamp:Uh-oh.

Southwick:It took a closer look at tulip mania and other bubbles, and in the book, Mackay talks about the tulip mania this way. "The population, even to its lowest dregs, embarked in the tulip trade. By 1635, the sales of 40 bulbs for 100,000 florins," (also known as Dutch guilders, by the way), "was recorded, and by way of comparison, a ton of butter cost about 100 florins."

Brokamp:A ton of butter?

Southwick:That's what he wrote. "A skilled laborer might earn 150 florins a year, and eight fat swine cost 240 florins." Everyone believed him until the 1980s, when people began to doubt that it really was all that big of a deal.

Brokamp:Interesting.

Southwick:Yes. In 2007, Anne Goldgar wroteTulipmaniaand concluded that many of the stories around tulip mania, including what Charles Mackay wrote, probably weren't even true. For example, one story told how a sailor accidentally ate a tulip bulb that was worth more than what it would have cost to feed the whole crew for a month. Probably not true.

And she also found out that there weren't really that many people in involved in the speculative market of tulips. And while yes, the price of tulips did rise and fall significantly. Maybe six people, she said, took a serious financial hit when the bottom fell out.

Brokamp:Really!

Southwick:Yes! So when it comes to bubbles, what's generally regarded as the godfather of them all, tulip mania, was actual more on par with Beanie Babies than, say, the housing bubble. But thanks to the media and the book that Charles Mackay wrote, we all know about it, and we all thought it was a big deal. So nothing changes.

Brokamp:So there was a bubble in the story of this bubble, and eventually it was popped.

Southwick:Yeah, but it's like a different kind of bubble, I guess.

Brokamp:Yeah.

Southwick:Yeah. So your bubble was popped.

Brokamp:My bubble's been popped. Oh, my gosh.

Southwick:So that's your history lesson for today. The tulip mania of the 17th century -- and it's still held as the classic story of mania...

Brokamp:In your research, did you find out any... Now I don't know if it even mattered, or not, but when you mention the top exports -- the herring and all that...

Southwick:Herring, gin, and cheese...

Brokamp:But that's stuff that you can eat and consume, and I always wondered what the big deal was about tulips. There are plenty of beautiful flowers in the world. Why did the mania spread?

Southwick:You can't eat Beanie Babies, either.

Brokamp:That's true, but why wasn't there a rose bubble? What about the tulip caught everyone's imagination?

Southwick:Oh, I told you. Didn't you hear my sweeping ode? It is vibrant, and bright, and it survived well. Apparently tulips have such a beautiful and high saturation of color that was unlike anything other people had seen. And there was also this virus that made tulips a little bit more wacky and weird, and that was really prized, as well.

Brokamp:Interesting.

Southwick:I don't know. Why does anyone like anything?

Brokamp:That's a good question. I wonder how I ever got dates in high school.

Southwick:Oh. You were a tulip among men.

Brokamp:Thank you very much.

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The Latest on a contract vote by distillery workers at Jim Beam plants in Kentucky (all times local):

7:50 p.m.

Another round, same results for Jim Beam as its distillery workers in Kentucky have rejected another contract offer.

The Friday vote came hours before a looming strike at the world's largest bourbon producer.

United Food and Commercial Workers union official Tommy Ballard says workers at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston rejected a revised contract proposal by a wide margin.

The company did not immediately respond to the latest vote. The American whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company.

The current contract runs through Friday. Earlier in the week, union members voted overwhelming in favor of going on strike after rejecting the company's offer.

The company came back with a revised offer.

___

4:20 p.m.

Whiskey workers at two Jim Beam distilleries in Kentucky are voting on a revised contract offer as a strike deadline looms at the world's largest bourbon producer.

United Food and Commercial Workers union official Tommy Ballard says workers at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston are voting Friday on the new proposal.

Earlier, union members voted overwhelming in favor of going on strike after rejecting the company's offer. The current contract runs through Friday.

After the Tuesday evening vote, company executive Kevin Smith said the whiskey maker was committed to "resolving this matter expeditiously."

The whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company. A walkout wouldn't affect the current flow of bourbon to stores. Bourbon ages years before bottling.
Image source: Getty Images.

Here's my entry for least controversial statement of 2016: China is large enough and important enough to the global economy to move global markets. But while we tend to focus on the nation's iron consumption or debt levels or number of IPOs, two often neglected numbers should give you pause:

China is home to 19% of the world's population. China contains 7% of the world's arable land.

The growing challenge of feeding itself has forced China to invest billions of dollars in dairy farms in Australia and soybean processing plants in Brazil, as well as acquire Europe's leading agricultural biotech company Syngenta. Investors can be sure the country is just getting started, which makes food security one of the best investments of the 21st century.

Technologies that produce more food with fewer resources will be essential to creating a food secure world. That makes Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM), an agricultural processor investing in innovative food manufacturing platforms, an intriguing stock to own for investors connecting the dots on the importance of food security.

ADM "disrupts" itself

Silicon Valley is obsessed with "disruption," which has popularized the use and abuse of the word. It may be fitting more often than not for software applications, but reality is more complicated when manufacturing physical products. Often times, the companies that have the most to lose from new technologies make the best partners and financiers -- and may even be willing to "disrupt" themselves.

Archer Daniels Midland is a great example. The $25 billion company is a leading producer of food ingredients, animal feed and feed ingredients, ethanol, biodiesel, and other products. It has operations across the globe. It's the largest ethanol producer in the United States. And yet, despite its success in traditional (some might say "boring") markets, it isn't shy about investing in new technologies capable of upending its supply chain.

For example, Archer Daniels Midland seems keen to leverage its fermentation infrastructure and know-how. The company partnered with Synthetic Genomics to develop a new, highly concentrated fish oil ingredient for the aquaculture industry. While the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is an essential nutrient added to fish feed, it's currently sourced from catching and processing wild fish stocks. Not everyone is excited about that, especially food companies conscious about their perceived environmental impact.

To improve the efficiency of DHA production, Archer Daniels Midland and Synthetic Genomics turned to microalgae grown in large tanks similar to those used in beer or ethanol brewing. The industrial biotech process is remarkably efficient compared to traditional production methods. Feed the algae agricultural sugars and other nutrients, let them grow for a few days, and dry the resulting algae cells -- which are the final product. Not only that, the cells contain up to 20% DHA, well above currently marketed products.

Archer Daniels Midland also recently tapped organism company Ginkgo Bioworks to design an industrial microbe capable of producing an unnamed food ingredient. Ginkgo Bioworks is the world's largest consumer of synthetic DNA and recently opened the world's largest automated biology lab for prototyping organisms.

Of course, not every investment and partnership pans out. A failed relationship with microalgae food ingredients manufacturer TerraVia, which leased a facility from Archer Daniels Midland in Iowa, demonstrated the high risk of investing in the new field. Luckily, it didn't scare the agricultural processing leader away from investments in food security.

A long-term vision

Most investments and partnerships are in the early stages of collaboration and not capable of making a major impact in the next few years, but the last several years have demonstrated the need for the company to diversify into higher value products. Here's how the company's business units performed in the first half of 2016:

Source: SEC filings.

While Archer Daniels Midland has experienced a decline in revenue and profits this year compared to the same period of 2015 thanks to lower selling prices for commodity products, management isn't pushing the panic button for global headwinds it can't control. Instead, executives are focusing on using capital more efficiently while accelerating investments in new technologies.

In addition to the investments discussed above, investors shouldn't overlook the acquisition of Wild Flavors. It doesn't leverage industrial biotech (yet), but it provides Archer Daniels Midland with a major source of high value revenue and is currently the bedrock of the company's new Specialty Ingredients operating segment.

In what may be a preview of the future, Ginkgo Bioworks happens to be a global leader in designing organisms capable of producing flavor and fragrance ingredients more efficiently with industrial biotech. Investors may want to look at the newest operating segment for the largest sources of growth.

What does it mean for investors?

Archer Daniels Midland, despite its success and market position, has demonstrated to investors that it refuses to be left behind on the innovation curve. Making investments in industrial biotech platforms for producing specialty, high-margin ingredients will give the company a leg up when the market shifts to manufacturing high volume, commodity ingredients capable of driving food security.

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.

Maxx Chatsko has no position in any stocks mentioned. Follow him on Twitterto keep up with developments in the engineered biology field.

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NASA's path to Mars -- and Boeing's -- looks anything but straightforward compared to SpaceX's. Image source: NASA.

SpaceX wants to go to Mars -- by now, that's common knowledge. But did you know that Boeing (NYSE: BA) wants to go to Mars, too? And that it plans to get there before SpaceX?

It's true. And now, Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has thrown down the gauntlet before SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, declaring: "I'm convinced the first person to step foot on Mars will arrive there riding a Boeing rocket."

High hopes

Boeing's CEO made this declaration while speaking at The Atlantic's "What's Next?" tech conference in Chicago last week, and it came as a bit of a surprise -- mathematically speaking.

You see, whereas SpaceX plans to send humans to Mars on its own, Boeing's intention is to provide the technology NASA needs to put U.S. astronauts on the Red Planet. Accordingly, Boeing's plan depends entirely on when NASA itself intends to go to Mars -- and last we heard, that wasn't likely to happen before 2033 (with arrival scheduled for 2034).

Compare this toElon Musk's plan for Mars: Earlier this year, at the Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, Musk promised to put an unmanned Dragon 2 spaceship on Mars by 2018 -- then follow that up with a manned mission to Mars departing in 2024, and landing in 2025.

2034 minus 2025 equals SpaceX beating Boeing to Mars by nine years.

And the first shall be last?

Now, Boeing has been doing this "space thing" a whole lot longer than SpaceX has. It has an established reputation in the field, beginning with the Apollo missions and stretching to present day. At last report, Boeing and its United Launch Alliance partner Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) jointly hold the record for most consecutive rocket launches without mishap: 111 missions and counting. (In contrast, the last rocket SpaceX tried to send into orbit blew up before it was even ready to launch!)

All of that said, SpaceX insists its rockets will be flying again soon, and perhaps as early as November. Unless Boeing and NASA move their timetable significantly forward, SpaceX could once again be on track to beat them.

"He said, she said"... but they both say this

Where does this leave us? SpaceX says it will get to Mars first; Boeing begs to differ. The truth remains to be seen. But here's one thing both companies agree on: Mars aside, there are some pretty exciting prospects for aerospace right here on Earth.

You see, while Muilenburg's Mars proclamation got all of the headlines last week, what really caught my interest was his mention of other initiatives Boeing is working on. These range from efforts to promote space tourism to the development of "hypersonic aircraft" flying around Earth at speeds much faster than the norm today.

Muilenburg toutedthe prospect of "supersonic, hypersonic travel, the ability to connect anywhere in the world in a couple hours," through vehicles similar to Boeing's WaveRider hypersonic vehicle (which has been clocked at Mach 5.1). Boeing's ULA partner, Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, is developing a "Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle" that it says could one day fly passengers from New York to Los Angeles in 12 minutes, at speeds up to Mach 20.

This idea jibes with something Elon Musk mentioned as a potential new field of business for SpaceX: point-to-point transport of passengers and cargo via spacecraft.

NYC to London -- in 10 minutes flat

After listing the businesses SpaceX is already using in order to raise capital for its Mars mission, Musk observed that, in theory at least, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets could be used not only to loft satellites into space (and keep them there), but, now that SpaceX has mastered the process for launching and also landing rockets safely, to transport passengers from Earth... back to Earth.

Mused Musk: "Maybe there is some market for really fast transport of stuff around the world, provided we can land somewhere where noise is not a super big deal," such as on a drone ship stationed several miles off the coast.

After all, a rocket that accelerates to Mach 23 to put a satellite in orbit can just as easily use that speed to traverse the globe in minutes -- and land somewhere other than where it started from. "We could transport cargo to anywhere on Earth in 45 minutes at the longest," said Musk. "If we had a floating platform off the coast of, say, New York ... you could go from New York to Tokyo in 25 minutes, or cross the Atlantic in 10 minutes."

Musk's discussion of point-to-point rocket travel in September sounded a lot like what Muilenburg mentioned in October. Different emphases and different vehicles, to be sure -- but the point is the same: Sure, we'll get to Mars eventually. Meantime, if SpaceX, Boeing, and Lockheed keep going the way they're heading, then the idea of booking an hours-long international airline flight could soon seem as silly as boarding an ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.

Hypersonic travel is coming to Earth. And Boeing, Lockheed, and SpaceX are the companies bringing it.

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.

Rich Smithdoes not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him onMotley Fool CAPS, publicly pontificating under the handleTMFDitty, where he's currently ranked No. 282 out of more than 75,000 rated members.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The city of Bismarck will be applying for a federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant to assist in the cost of sidewalk improvements on Walnut and Cedar streets after a unanimous vote was taken at its monthly meeting held Thursday night at the old train depot.

The grant is made available through the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Transportation Alternative Program which provides federal funds through a competitive selection process for transportation-related activities, but cannot be used for routine highway and bridge construction. The projects can either be stand-alone or part of an ongoing transportation project.

Mayor Seth Radford asked the board to approve a resolution supporting the citys grant application and pledge to provide a 20 percent cash match, as well as 25 years of maintenance upkeep, for the project which will install new sidewalks on Walnut Street from East Main to the alley and from the alley over to Cedar Street where new sidewalk will be installed from Walnut to Elm Street.

The total cost of the project will be $134,818, said Radford. The citys 20 percent match for the grant will be around $27,000. This is a good thing for the residents of Bismarck as the city continues to find ways like this to improve our community for the better.

Earlier in the meeting, Farmington Girl Scout Troop 1181 presented the Bismarck Depot with a toy train set affixed to a 3x5 foot table. This was the final step in the troop earning the Bronze Award, the highest achievement in Junior Girl Scouts.

Radford thanked the girls  Sabrina Barton, Suzan Helton, Sidnee Miller and Cassie Widdows  on behalf of the city and the depot for their gift.

Im sure a lot of children will enjoy playing with this when they visit our historic Bismarck depot, he said. We appreciate the gift and the hard work you put in on it.

In other action by the board, a list of unfinished city projects was reviewed, the annual fall cleanup was set for Nov. 14-16, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting was set for Dec. 3 and Municipal Court Clerk Michelle Morks attendance at the Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association Regional Seminar was approved.
On this episode of Industry Focus: Financials, Joe Magyer, the chief investment officer of Lakehouse Capital in Australia, joins Gaby Lapera to chat about leverage -- a frequently overlooked banking metric that is essential for diagnosing a bank's health. They also cover return on assets, a metric that should really be used with context but is frequently cited as a stand-alone figure. Afterwards, Mr. Magyer takes what we learned about metrics and applies it to Australian banks to give a comprehensive view of the banking industry in that country.

A full transcript follows the video.

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This podcast was recorded on Sept. 15, 2016.

Gaby Lapera: Hello, everyone!Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. You arelistening to the Financials edition, tapedtoday on Thursday, September 15th, 2016. However, you are listeningto this on Monday, October10th at the earliest. Who knows, this show mightstand the test of time, so maybe you're listening to this in 2025, whichI totally hope.

Joe Magyer: And it depends on what country you're in. If you're in Australia, this whole thing is just blown up.

Lapera: In case you'rewondering who that sultry voicebelongs to,it is Joe Magyer, thechief investment officer and a portfolio manager forLakehouse Capital inAustralia, which is somehow related to The Motley Fool, butlegally I don't know exactly how, so we'regoing to skip over that.

Magyer: It'sowned by The Motley Fool.

Lapera: OK, sounds good! How's it going, Joe?

Magyer: Going really well, I'm back at Fool HQ for thefirst time in two years. It's been way too long. It's great meeting peoplethat I haven't met before,including you, and catching up with peoplelike Chris, who I haven't spent nearly enough time with.

Lapera: Oh, hey, Chris Hill. He'swaving at us. Just in case you're wonderinghow you ended up on this show,Chris Hill walked by my desk,and he did one of these classic,taking off my glasses, you know who you should talk to? You should talk to Joe, Uncle Joe. He likes banking metrics. That's what you sound like, Chris Hill.

Magyer: That's such a good Chris impression. He'sshaking his head. That's pretty strong.

Lapera: So,now that I revealed the purpose of the show --banking metrics -- I hear thatyou have a couple that you think investors should look at thatpotentially they don't really think about too much.

Magyer: Yeah.I'm a nerdin many facets. But around financials, I think people tend to gloss oversome of the more important metricswith banksin particular. People get caught up in some of thefiner points and metrics,like net interest margins. They get really excited about it,and they can sometimes miss big things,like the amount of leverage in a bank,the returns on equity and assets,and how those variables all move together. They're actually not complex. It's not rocket science. But most people just pass by it,and I think that's a missed opportunity on their part.

Lapera: Yeah,that's really sad. That's a little bit like missing the forest for the trees or missing the trees for the forest.

Magyer: Yeah, or the pine needles. A clean example is,people will look at returns on equity for a bank asbeing the best measure of how the bank is doing in terms ofcreating value for shareholders. That's basically rough cutting yournet profit over your equity that you have at a bank. Generally speaking, that's a really good proxyfor how much value a bank is creatingand how much they're earning againstequity. But,there's another variable there,which is leverage. I think a lot of people neglect thisto their detriment. They don't appreciatethe amplification and the importance.Basically, there are two levers here. There's return on assets, gross leverage,that leads to return on equity. Your gross leverageis the actual amount of assetsrelative to your equity. This is all in the balance sheet. You don't need to be a rockstar analyst or get anyfancy designations to find thisstuff. It's all right there. Total assets over equity. Doing that will allow you to find out how levered theoverall business is. Andwhen you multiply that by return on assets, that gives you return on equity,which is a very helpful way to understandthe overall economics. But when you just unpack those two numbers,it gives you more of a sense of what is creating value. Is it operational excellence? Returns on assets? Or is it just straight up leverage?

Lapera: Let'stake a quick break to talk aboutwhat leverage is,because I have discovered through angry emails, onoccasion, to the show, that some people really wantsome very basic terms defined.

Magyer: Gotcha. Sure. Overall leverage, the math istotal assets divided by total equity. Inpractical terms, talking about what the bank actually does, banks makevery small amounts of money,pound-for-pound,for how much is actually in the business. They'll make, maybe,1% on every dollar that they get in assets in the business. Theway that they make that workis the lever up a lot. So, they'll take your deposits, and they'll lend it out to people and make loans. And they do thatin a big way that will help them growand make up for the overall narrow marginsin the business. That's the leverage that's baked into the model.

Lapera: Right. Andthis can become a problem ifit's used irresponsibly.

Magyer: Yes. Flashingback in time, the major investment banks inAmerica had leverage above 30 times, back heading into what theAustralians call the GFC, theglobal financial crisis. Here, we just call itthe financial crisis, because we're Americans, and it's just our financial crisis. Ifyou're not familiar with these numbers, you might be like, that doesn't mean anything to me. But imagine if you had a house. You borrow moneyto buy the house. How much you borrowagainst how much you put down is,essentially, your leverage. So, if you buy a houseand you put down 10% equity, your levered 10:1.

The thing is, with a house,it's a pretty steady investment.(laughs) If I'd said that in 2006,that would have been pretty embarrassing. Over time, though,it's pretty steady. You are slowly putting more equity into it. That's a pretty low risk degree ofleverage. But if you'redoing the same thing with liquid assets and you're making loansthat are illiquid,but you have liquid deposits and people can take money out of your bank,you can have a bank run, and that can come in different forms. Basically, the more levered you are,the more important it is that you are rightand you don't make bad loans, and the more at risk you are that yourcapital goes out the doorone day, and you'll just have to wave a white-flag there,like what happened withMF Global orLehman Brothers. It happens. Not often, but it happens.

Lapera: Could you give an idea of how leveraged, on average, big banks inAmerica are today?

Magyer: They used to be high,but it's gotten a lot lower.Wells Fargo's(NYSE: WFC)total assets to equity now is below 10. It wassubstantially higher than that before. They've always been more conservative,except when they're creating a couple million accountsfor people who don't know about it,thousands of employees were doing that. In Australia, it's more like around 15, which is a good bit moreaggressive. That's a combination of more friendlylocal regulation, but also confidencein demand. Wells Fargo has said this for a while --there just isn't enough demand for loansfor them to go out and lever up more. They would be happy to do it,but there hasn't been that demand. Another thing,regulators have been pushing back on banks and saying, "You need to lower your overall leverage..."

Lapera: U.S. regulators have been pushing on U.S. banks.

Magyer: Yes. People are still pretty stungabout having to bail out the banks. With less leverage, you'remuch less likely to blow up. If you do, there will be much less of aneeding hand. Andoverall, it lowers a bank's returns on equity, but it also lowers the systemic risk to the overall common. Specifically, the bank lowers their risk as well. There are pros and cons to it.

Lapera: As with everything in life.

Magyer: Indeed.

Lapera: I feel like we've covered leveragepretty well. Do you want to talk a little bit aboutreturn on assets?

Magyer: Yeah. Leverage can mask bad operations. Return on assets ishow much you'regoing down in profitagainst your actual assets. That's more ofa pound-for-pound versionof how your back is doing. Historically, you'll see banks dosomething between 1%-1.5%. Before the GFC, you saw some banks,particularly Irish banks, hadnumbers that were just mind-blowing. I want to say they were above 2%, just from memory. I remember looking at them and thinking -- without accusing that anything was wrong,it just seemed unnatural. It was extremely unnatural,that turned out to be the case. What you usually see is, a strong bank will have cross-cycle returns. So, say, over a period of 10 years, an average return on assets of maybe 1.5. A bad bank will be south of one. Banks that are south of one willtypically sell at lower multiples than the ones that are higher,because they're not as good of a business. Wells Fargo has historically beenon the higher end of that.Citigrouphas historically been on the lower end of that.

Lapera: One thing that ourlisteners might not realizebecause it's not the most intuitive thing is that a bank's assets are its loans out to people. It's aconfusing thing, because for most people, a loan is not an asset. But it is for banks. Which is why,when you take leverage and assetsall together,it gives you a more complete picture of a bank than justlooking at return on equity would.

Magyer: And there areother things you can do if you want to double click a little bit and here. You can look at the makeup of,digging into the assets, what kind of loans are made. If they'rebusiness loans, that's going to be higher risk,traditionally, than residentialmortgages.

Lapera: Andeven with residential mortgages, there's a bunch of different types.New York Community Bankspecializes in multifamilyresidences, which is apartment buildings, basically, inNew York City, which is a very safe real estate market,versus maybe someone who is sellingsingle-family homes near an oil fieldin Texas.

Magyer: That's a great point. To flash anAustralian example, the requirements have changed recently, but up until recently, a bank couldmake a loan on a residential mortgage. Historically, properties have done very well as an investment class in Australia. The bank would only holdas little as 3%of capital against that loan. So, they would be levered 33:1 on thatmortgage. The logic is the same that U.S. banks had before they got their face crushed, which was, "Well,people always pay their mortgages, and there's collateral in the assets, so we're backed up there. There's mortgageinsurance, so you don't have to worryabout that. And just becauseone person's mortgage goes south, someone across the country,that doesn't mean that could happen to them."I think we all learned that that's not necessarily the case. Australian banks have notlearned that lesson. They will, eventually. I don't know when.

Lapera: Let'sactually talked about that. We were chatting a little bit before the show, and you said that Australian banks arereally expensive. This is not a spacethat I'm normally in.

Magyer: You don't dabble inAustralian banking?

Lapera: (laughs)I did once because I studied abroadat James Cook University inNorthern Queenslandin a town called Cairns. So,I needed to open an Australian bank account. But other than that, no,I have not actually interacted with Australian banks at all.

Magyer: Cool. So,up until recently, Australian bankswhere the most expensive banks in the world. They're still very expensive. Why are they so expensive? Well, default rates have been incredibly lowin Australia. The country hasn't had arecession in 25 years. Just think about that. To an American, you're like, "What?! 25 years? That's crazy!" It'salmost the longest streak ever. Australians havea lot of confidence as a result of this. Just imaginehow different your life perspective would beif you had not seen a recession. You have professional investorswho are in their early 40s who have not seen a recession. It's a very different worldview.

Lapera: That's so wild.

Magyer: Yeah. So,I think the banks tend to make loanswith a little bit more of an optimistic view than American banksdo, andinvestors tend to value thema little bit more optimistically. So,I'm actually rather bearishon the Australian banks. It's not because I'm expecting some cataclysmic event. But there are a few things. One,net interest margins are getting squeezed --to get back to that thing I was saying you shouldn't pay too much attention to before. Default rates are near record lows. They won't stay that way. I don't know when exactly they'll pop, but they won't stay that way. The banks are also paying up around 75% of their income as dividends, which does not leave...

Lapera: 75%?

Magyer: Yeah. The yields are huge, andeverybody loves that and gets excited about it. But that doesn't leave much room for error, when you're levered 15:1. All you need is a slight down-tipin your profit. When you magnify that,there won't be a lot of gravy left over for dividends.

Lapera: Yeah. If they're smart, they'll cut their dividend instead of trying to hold on. Is the real estate marketsubstantially different than it is here? I realize, at the center of the country...

Magyer: No one is there.

Lapera: No one super duper lives there. Like some kangaroos. But is it a lot tighter as a result? Is housing super expensive? Is it D.C. levels or Iowa levels? Or is it somewhere in between?

Magyer: It's regional, but overall, it's very expensive. There was some work done by Jonathan Tepper and John Hempton in the past year, a couple of hedge fund managers. They went around and basically pretended to be interested in buying homes, and went to dozens ofdifferent banks to see what they could get lent. One bank was willing to lend them -- they were posing as a couple -- 10 times their income to buy a home. That's lofty.I personally don't think I could afforda mortgage that's 10 times my income, or buy a property that's 10 times my income.I just think, overall, it's not as extreme as the U.S. was in terms of loose lending standards, overall. No doc loans, or NINJA loans -- no income, no job -- those aren't really existing in Australia.

Still, prices are high,just like we saw with the dot-com bubble. Just because assets are freely traded,and there's nothing illegal going ondoesn't mean an asset can't get overvalued. I think there's probably risk in the Australian property market today. If you're buying Australian property with a five- to 10-year residential viewpoint, it'snot something I would stress about. But there's a lot of people -- something like one in seven Australians -- own an investment property. Which is a crazy concept in America.I certainly don't know one in seven people that own aninvestment property. And most of those are what's called negatively geared. Thatbasically means they're losing moneyon a cash flow basis month to monthin anticipation of getting it backin capital gains.(laughs)When I heard that, I was like, whoa! That's apretty foreign concept to Americanproperty investment as well.

Lapera: I mean,the things you're describing, while they're not quite as bad as they were during the financial crisis, are things that were happening during the pre-financial crisis.

Magyer: Yes.I remember, back then, it seemed likea surprising number of my friends were budding real estate moguls. And I was like, "Actually, no ... " It just seemed odd, at the time. Anyway. Overall,I think property is expensive,and there's some risk there to be mindful of. If you're thinking about buying the banks, which are super levered to that and don't have much wiggle room with their payouts, and rich valuations. So,overall, I'm not predicting a crash, I'm just saying thatI think the banks are basically priced as though everything will stay great. But there are many ways to lose. And I try to avoid situations like that.

Lapera: Fair enough.I think our listeners will haveone question after hearing all that. Not that they're going to go out and buy Australian banks, but, is there a way for U.S.investors to buy Australian stocks?

Magyer: Yes. You can do itdirectly. You can alsolook at Australian funds. It should be clear that I'm not actively touting our fund, whichdoesn't even exist yet. I'm just saying, broadly speaking,you can look at active management. You can also look at ETFs. The trouble with ETFs inAustralia, though, is that the market is super top-heavy. There's thebig banks, a couple big retailers, and commodity companies. Something like 10 companiesmake up almost half of the index. There's another 2,000 that make up the other half.

Among those,you've got companies that don't look anything like the big players. There're a lot of small, fast-growing software companies that aredeeply profitable, strong recurring revenue, great balance sheets. Those are the kinds of things I get into. So, you could look for active management,but to be honest,it's kind of difficult, straight up. You could go direct, but active management, you wouldwant to find a fund that's based here in the U.S. so you could make the investment. It's hard to invest in funds that are basedoutside of America, because then you run intowhat's called PFIC rules. That's a long story short.

Lapera: Fair enough. We talked about index funds yesterday. When I sayyesterday, I mean I taped ityesterday,so you would have listened to it onOctober 3rd.

Magyer: Time is a flat circle.

Lapera: So, our last show is the one we talked about index funds.I think we've covered everythingthat both of us wanted to cover,which is awesome. I did want to share this one fun fact about you, which is,according to your Fool.com profile page, youbroke your high school's 400-meter track record.

Magyer: I did, yeah. That'sstarting to get a little long in the tooth and my profile, because it's been a while since I was in high school. But I did. I worked hard for that.

Lapera: Have you brokenany other records recently?

Magyer: (laughs) Not recently.

Lapera: Fair enough. Austin,have you broken any records that we should know about?

Austin Morgan: Definitely not for running.

Lapera: (laughs) Fair enough. That was Austin, our awesome producer, just in case you were wondering. Thank you so much for joining us. This has been super interesting. You are more than welcome to come on the showwhenever you want.

Magyer: Cool!I appreciate it.I'll take you up on that next time I'm back in the office.

Lapera: I was going to say, yeah, the time difference is kind of wild for you to Skype in.

Magyer: Yeah.

Lapera: But thank you again for joining us. I'll have to sharesome of my Australian stories with youat a later dateso we don't bore our listenerswith non-financial stuff.As usual, people on the program may have interests in the stocks they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell stocks based solely on what you hear. Contact us at industryfocus@fool.com or by tweeting us @MFIndustryFocus. Do you have a Twitter that people can tweet you at?

Magyer: @Magyer.

Lapera: Yeah, I had to write it. Thanks again to Austin for producing today's show. I hope everyone has a great week!

Gaby Lapera has no position in any stocks mentioned. Joe Magyer has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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. 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.
When Boeing (NYSE: BA) began delivering its 787 Dreamliner in late 2011, it set the program accounting quantity -- an estimate of foreseeable sales over the next decade -- at 1,100 units. Two years later, it raised this estimate to 1,300 units, providing a modest boost to its profitability.

Boeing may be close to raising the Dreamliner program accounting quantity again. Let's take a look at what that means, when it could happen, and why it matters for investors.

Program accounting 101

When a new aircraft type is introduced, the first few models produced tend to be extremely costly. Indeed, Boeing spent an average of about $400 million to build the first 40 or so Dreamliners, according to the Seattle Times. That's several times the average selling price.

Boeing incurred huge losses on the first 40 or so Dreamliners it built. Image source: Boeing.

However, costs decline significantly over time. It's fairly typical for costs to fall by about 15% every time the number of units produced doubles. In other words, the 200th plane off the line costs 15% less to build than the 100th plane, while the 400th plane built is 15% cheaper than the 200th.

Program accounting allows Boeing to smooth out the profitability of new aircraft programs. It looks up to 10 years ahead and estimates the program's total profitability over that time period. The estimated profit is essentially spread evenly over each plane produced. Thus, Boeing can report steady earnings rather than rack up huge losses on early production models followed by profits later on.

Program accounting has been stretched to its limit for the 787. Cash costs related to Dreamliner production over the past decade have exceeded revenue by more than $30 billion. However, Boeing hasn't reported losses on the Dreamliner program, because it expects to offset the cash losses it has incurred thus far with large profits over the next six years or so. Not surprisingly, this has stirred up quite a bit of controversy.

Will Boeing raise the 787 program accounting quantity again?

For the past three years, Boeing's program accounting quantity for the 787 has been 1,300 units. This covers about six more years of production. That's much less than the 10-year forecast horizon Boeing used when it originally set the accounting block at 1,100 units.

Theoretically, this means that Boeing could extend the 787 accounting block. (As noted above, it did this once in late 2013, increasing the accounting quantity to 1,300 units.) To extend the accounting block, Boeing must be able to estimate the revenue and costs associated with those additional airplanes.

This doesn't mean Boeing needs to have sold all of those planes. For example, Boeing had fewer than 1,000 Dreamliner orders when it extended the block from 1,100 to 1,300. However, Boeing has faced significant pricing pressure and a slowdown in orders for the 787 recently. That makes it harder to estimate the profitability of planes it will be delivering in the mid-2020s.

A flurry of 787 orders to end 2016?

Between the beginning of 2014 and the end of last month, Boeing booked just 131 net orders for the 787 family: 41 in 2014, 71 in 2015, and 19 through the first nine months of 2016. That gave it a total of 1,161 Dreamliner orders as of the end of last quarter.

However, Boeing could add significantly to that total in the last few months of 2016. Last week, it announced that Qatar Airways had ordered 30 787-9s. This week, Boeing added another order for 12 787-9s from China Southern Airlines.

Additionally, China's Donghai Airlines committed to buy five 787-9s earlier this year, but that order is still waiting to be finalized. Saudia also recently announced plans to buy 13 787s, although it isn't clear whether those are already included in Boeing's order book.

Boeing has captured dozens of Dreamliner orders in the past month. Image source: Boeing.

The big prize is a potential order from Emirates. By year-end, the Middle Eastern airline giant is expected to decide between the 787 and Airbus' A350 for an order of roughly 70 jets. Finally, Pakistan International Airlines appears to be on the verge of ordering eight Dreamliners.

If the Emirates deal comes to fruition and these other orders are finalized, Boeing would end the year with nearly 1,300 total orders for the 787. Additionally, racking up more than 100 orders in a few months would give Boeing a lot more clarity about the Dreamliner's future profitability. As a result, it could cause Boeing to extend the 787 Dreamliner accounting block again.

So what?

Extending the program accounting block would have zero impact on Boeing's cash flow, which is arguably the most important metric for any business. Nevertheless, most investors pay close attention to accounting earnings as well as cash flow -- and a block extension would have a big impact on Boeing's earnings.

For now, Boeing is reporting very slim profits on each Dreamliner it delivers, because the projected cash profits of future deliveries in the 1,300 unit accounting block are barely enough to offset the losses sustained thus far. By contrast, since aircraft production costs decline continuously, any units added to the accounting block would be highly profitable sales.

Those profits would be spread across all the remaining deliveries in the 787 accounting block. As a result, extending the accounting block would immediately increase the amount of profit Boeing reports for each 787 delivery.

787 accounting block extensions are thus a crucial aspect of Boeing's plans to boost profitability at its commercial airplanes division. The sooner Boeing can meet the requirements needed to extend the 787 accounting block, the sooner it will be able to report the strong profit growth it has promised to shareholders.

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.

Adam Levine-Weinberg owns shares of Boeing. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A security guard at supermodel Miranda Kerr's Malibu mansion shot an intruder who stabbed him in the face during a violent altercation Friday morning, authorities said.

Los Angeles County sheriffs spokesman James Braden told reporters that deputies responded to a report of an altercation involving a person with a gun at 11:10 a.m. local time. When they arrived they found the security guard struggling with the intruder.

Braden said the unidentified suspect stabbed the guard, who in turn shot the trespasser three or four times.

Both men were taken to local hospitals. The guard was listed in stable condition, while the intruder was listed in critical condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

KTLA reported that Kerr, 33, bought the property in 2014 after her divorce from actor Orlando Bloom. Authorities said neither Kerr nor her 5-year-old son Flynn were home at the time of the incident.

Neighbors confirmed to KTLA that Kerr owns the home, adding that Friday's incident was the second time this week that police have responded to an intruder call.

Its kind of a crazy thing to happen out here in Malibu, neighbor Craig Moore told the station. I guess it happens everywhere but we just dont ever have it happen in our neighborhood."

Kerr is engaged to Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, who recently purchased a mansion for the pair in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles for $12 million.

Click for more from FoxLA.com.
New evidence is surfacing that the group that carried out the invasion of Kim Kardashians apartment/hotel on the evening of Oct 2 in Paris were no amateurs. The gunmen involved had a strategic plan.

It is sad for anyone to experience a home invasion. My worst nightmare is to one day find a stranger lurking in my house, or to open the door and see gunmen.

Only Kim K. and a select few people know all that took place in that bathroom, with wicked men, with firearms.

One man has argued that you cannot get guns in Paris. He must have forgotten about the terrorist attacks in Paris. I was there, ministering with my family, and can assert that guns are on the streets of Paris. (You can find my report on Fox & Friends called "Pastor is Hungry for Prayer.")

Kim K.s life is extremely public, most of the time that's by choice. We all have made comments concerning her celebrity, but let our thoughts be balanced with compassion for a victim of a violent crime.

Did the gunmen restrain themselves from sexual assault? I pray that they did.

Years ago I grew up in an upper middle class community in New York City, a nice area, and yet my cheerful, happy neighbor was robbed and raped at gunpoint. -- She was never the same again.

Kim Kardashian has withdrawn from the limelight and appears to be showing the classic traits of the victimized among us.

There are some individuals who hate Ms. Kardashians success and delight over her misfortune.

Others think the incident in Paris was a ruse to get attention.

Lawyer Nancy Grace agrees with the assessment that this incident was not a publicity stunt. She said, "I definitely believe it was a set-up, but I don't necessarily think the Kardashians set themselves up."

Let's hope that Kim K. recovers well and that her smile returns.

Kim K.s life is extremely public, most of the time that's by choice. We all have made comments concerning her celebrity, but let our thoughts be balanced with compassion for a victim of a violent crime.

I know that there is a segment of the American public who just cannot feel compassion for a person like her -- someone who has made millions in a non-traditional way. But, please remember, she is a fellow human being, a mother made of flesh and blood and, plagued by human depravity just like you and I.

We all make good and bad decisions in life. We all are affected by the good and bad decisions of others.

I believe that this 35-year-old reality star has had a nightmare come true, a situation that I wish on no one.

Getting robbed at gunpoint never fully leaves a person.

This woman has experienced her share of trauma: in the past with Nicole Brown Simpson's death, and in the present with the reality of her own temporary home being invaded.

I encourage you to pray for Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, North, Saint, and the rest of their family. They need to heal, regroup, and think deeply about the way they will conduct their affairs as they move forward in this challenging world.
On Planned Parenthoods 100-year anniversary, October 15, tens of millions of Americans have now seen the shocking undercover video footage of the biggest abortion providers top-level leadership--medical directors, national program directors, even the Senior Director of Medical Services--callously negotiating the harvesting and sale of aborted fetal body parts.

Even Planned Parenthoods political allies recognize that there is nothing defensible about Planned Parenthoods illicit trade in tiny baby hearts, lungs, livers, and brains.

The board of George Soros Open Society Foundation said it best when they observed that the videos of senior leaderships participation in fetal trafficking have upended Planned Parenthood, and that the long-term consequences involve the substantial eroding of Planned Parenthoods credibility and reputation.

Planned Parenthood has never been able to deny the identities or statements of its own leadership, now captured on camera for all of history to see, although it has tried strenuously to assert that its leaderships statements on the tapes are somehow extra-contextual.

Yet Planned Parenthood has never been able to explain in what context it is appropriate to crush below and crush above on some parts of a late-term fetus, or employ a less-crunchy technique of abortion in order to ensure the most valuable body parts can be harvested intact, or how it can be legal to do a little better than break even or generate a fair amount of income through supplying fetal body parts. While it is legal to donate human fetal organs and tissues, state and federal law prohibits their sale for profit.

The House Energy and Commerce Committees Select Investigative Panel is the only official investigation taking a comprehensive, nationwide look at Planned Parenthoods harvesting and sale of aborted fetal organs and tissues.

The Panel has so far found probable cause that Planned Parenthood and its business partner StemExpress profited off the sale of fetal organs, used fraudulent and invalid consent forms to convince patients to give permission for harvesting, and engaged in systematic violations of HIPAA for five years in order to help StemExpress fulfill its order quotas for body parts.

StemExpress, a privately-held, for-profit biotech company in Placerville, Calif., harvests fetal organs at abortion clinics for resale to other research labs and publicly referred to its 5-year-long business relationship with Planned Parenthood. Less than a month after StemExpress was founded, it signed a contract with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the biggest and wealthiest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the entire country.

Inside Planned Parenthoods clinics, StemExpress own technicians did all of the work of harvesting the body parts from abortions, from start to finish. StemExpress advertised this plug-in solution and turn-key business model as a financially profitable venture for the Planned Parenthood clinics. Planned Parenthood provided StemExpress with access to patients private medical charts in order to identify patients whose pregnancies could fulfill StemExpress customer demand for specific numbers, types, and gestational age of body parts.

The Planned Parenthood-StemExpress contract terms of services are chilling, and appear unlawful on their face:

The term product of conception (POC) means any fetal organ or other fetal or placental material taken from the human uterus during an abortion.

The reasonable costs associated with the services specified in this Agreement shall be fifty-five dollars ($55.00) per POC determined in the clinic to be usable.

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte will invoice Stem-Ex [StemExpress] monthly for the number of POCs...procured by Stem-Ex. Stem-Ex will pay Planned Parenthood Mar Monte within two weeks of receipt of the invoice.

Amazingly, the contracts do not contemplate any invoicing between Planned Parenthood and StemExpress for reimbursement of specific costs: the only payments mentioned are for the number of usable fetal organs that StemExpress can procure.

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte did 18,035 abortions last year--if each abortion yielded just one usable product of conception for StemExpress, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte stood to gain nearly $1 million every year from its sale of tiny baby hearts, lungs, and brains. StemExpress, for its part, would mark up the fetal organs 5 times from the $55 it paid Planned Parenthood to a final $595 price to its customers.

Perhaps this is why StemExpress is now committing criminal contempt of Congress, rather than hand over key financial documents on its partnership with Planned Parenthood in response to Congressional subpoenas from the Panel. As the political fog from the initial media controversy begins to clear, it is becoming more and more evident that Planned Parenthood is not only guilty of the allegations that the videos document, but has been far more deeply and troublingly complicit in the criminal trafficking of fetal organs and tissues than anyone first imagined.

Planned Parenthood is not above the law, and as more incriminating details about its baby parts sales continue to surface from the Select Investigative Panel, it is time for law enforcement to bring Planned Parenthoods 100 years of lawlessness to an end.
Mexican Ranchera music legend Vicente Fernandez will campaign for presidential front runner Hillary Clinton, campaign aides told Fox News Latino.

Fernandez, a musical icon to many Mexican-American households, also will hold a debate watch party in Nevada next Wednesday.

Known as the "King of Ranchera," Fernandez officially endorsed Clinton last month.

During her Western state swing this week, which included a visit to the battleground state of Nevada, Clinton won several other influential endorsements within the Latino community, including an endorsement from Latina magazine, a publication that had not endorsed a presidential candidate in over 20 years.

"After enduring a targeted onslaught on our community by Donald Trump for the past 16 months, the stakes for Latinas has never been greater," the magazine announced in a statement.

Another influential Hispanic group, the National Council of La Raza Action Fund, will endorse Clinton before the debate, Fox News Latino has confirmed.

Recent polls show a tight race in Nevada, with Clinton opening up a four point lead over Trump in a Public Policy Polling survey released Wednesday.

Clintons campaigning in Las Vegas on Wednesday was an attempt to galvanize Latino voters in the swing state.

"Who is ready to vote in this election?" she asked several thousand Nevada supporters.

Clinton also tried to appeal to Hispanic voters by speaking of "dreamers" that she has encountered on the campaign trail.

"Ive met dreamers who want to start businesses, dreamers who want to go to medical or law school, who have big dreams," Clinton said. "By following dreams theyll help economy."

The last presidential debate will be held in Las Vegas on Wednesday at 9pm ET and will be moderated by Fox News Sunday's Chris Wallace.

Fox News' Serafin Gomez contributed to this report.
The Central Intelligence Agency reportedly is preparing a major cyber attack against Russia in response to the theft of records from the Democratic National Committee and its affiliates, allegedly by Moscow-backed hackers.

Vice President Joe Biden told NBC News, which first reported that the Obama administration was considering retaliatory measures, that the U.S. would be "sending a message" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden added that any cyber action would come "at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact."

NBC also reported that intelligence officials have been asked to present the White House with ideas for a "clandestine" cyber operation designed to "embarrass" the Kremlin.

"We've always hesitated to use a lot of stuff we've had, but that's a political decision," a former CIA officer told NBC. "If someone has decided, `We've had enough of the Russians,' there is a lot we can do."

Last week, the U.S. formally blamed the Russian government for cyberattacks on the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. A statement from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said that recent disclosures of alleged hacked emails on websites like DCLeaks.com and WikiLeaks, and by the Guccifer 2.0 online persona, are consistent with the methods and motivations of efforts directed by Russia.

"We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," the statement said.

Earlier this week Putin told an investor forum in Moscow that it did not matter who was behind the hacks, but it was "whats inside the information that matters."

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has claimed that the theft of the records proves that Russian intelligence is attempting to help her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, defeat her in next month's election.

"Hysteria started over the [allegation] that this is in the interests of Russia, Putin added, according to the Interfax news agency. But nothing in it is in the interests of Russia, while the hysteria is merely caused by the fact that somebody needs to divert the attention of the American people from the essence of what was exposed by the hackers."
FBI interview summaries and notes, provided late Friday to the House Government Oversight and Intelligence Committees, contain allegations of a "quid pro quo" between a senior State Department executive and FBI agents during the Hillary Clinton email investigation, two congressional sources told Fox News.

"This is a flashing red light of potential criminality," Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, who has been briefed on the FBI interviews, told Fox News.

He said "there was an alleged quid pro quo involving Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy and the FBI over at least one classified email.

In return for altering the classification, the possibility of additional slots for the FBI at missions overseas was discussed, Chaffetz said.

As Fox News previously reported, interviews released earlier this month, known as 302s, reveal the serious allegation that Kennedy applied pressure to subordinates to change classified email codes so they would be shielded from Congress and the public. Fox News was told as far back as August 2015 that Kennedy was running interference on Capitol Hill. But Kennedy, in his FBI interview on Dec. 21, 2015, categorically rejected allegations of classified code tampering.

Chaffetz has not read the new documents, which include classified records that must be read in a security facility. But based on a briefing from staffers, Chaffetz said there are grounds for at least "four hearings" after the recess. Chaffetz, who is currently out of town campaigning, said allegations came from witnesses though there is some conflict in the record.

"Both myself and Chairman Devin Nunes of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence are infuriated by what we have heard," he added.

"Left to their own devices the FBI would never have provided these [records] to Congress and waited until the last minute. This is the third batch because [the FBI] didnt think they were relevant," Chaffetz said.

The second congressional source backed the assessment, and both added that they expect the FBI interviews will be released as early as Monday as part of ongoing FOIA requests.

A spokesperson at the FBI provided a lengthy statement to Fox Saturday night -- disputing Chaffetz's characterization and stating that, while the conversation did happen, the two issues discussed were not connected. The FBI's statement is below:

"Prior to the initiation of the FBIs investigation of former Secretary Clintons personal email server, the FBI was asked to review and make classification determinations on FBI emails and information which were being produced by the State Department pursuant to FOIA. The FBI determined that one such email was classified at the Secret level. A senior State Department official requested the FBI re-review that email to determine whether it was in fact classified or whether it might be protected from release under a different FOIA exemption. A now-retired FBI official, who was not part of the subsequent Clinton investigation, told the State Department official that they would look into the matter. Having been previously unsuccessful in attempts to speak with the senior State official, during the same conversation, the FBI official asked the State Department official if they would address a pending, unaddressed FBI request for space for additional FBI employees assigned abroad. Following the call, the FBI official consulted with a senior FBI executive responsible for determining the classification of the material and determined the email was in fact appropriately classified at the Secret level. The FBI official subsequently told the senior State official that the email was appropriately classified at the Secret level and that the FBI would not change the classification of the email. The classification of the email was not changed, and it remains classified today. Although there was never a quid pro quo, these allegations were nonetheless referred to the appropriate officials for review."

The State Department provided a response Sunday but it did not directly address the alleged discussion of more overseas postings for FBI agents.

This allegation is inaccurate and does not align with the facts, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said. To be clear: the State Department did upgrade the document at the request of the FBI when we released it back in May 2015.
Hillary Clinton campaign Chairman John Podesta is firing back at Julian Assange as his WikiLeaks group releases hacked emails from Podesta and others close to Clinton -- including a new batch Saturday -- that have been an embarrassing distraction for the Clinton campaign.

I bet the lobster risotto is better than the food at the Ecuadorian Embassy, Podesta tweeted Friday, while Assange starts his fifth year at the Ecuador Embassy in the United Kingdom, amid a 2005 rape allegation in Sweden.

The tweet also included a picture of Podesta and celebrity chef Daniel Boulud recently preparing the dish at a private Clinton fundraiser.

On Saturday, WikiLeaks release an 2015 email exchange from Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill and long-time Clinton aide Heather Samuelson about the State Departments apparent plans to place a favorable story with Associated Press reporters Matt Lee and Bradley Klapper about the release of emails from Clinton confidant Sydney Blumenthal as the missives are turned over to a Republican-led congressional committee. (Clinton was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.)

3. I bet the lobster risotto is better than the food at the Ecuadorian Embassy. pic.twitter.com/zyViu1R4UL  John Podesta (@johnpodesta) October 14, 2016

Merrill also says in the exchange that he would like the story to run during the release of a Supreme Court decision because it will distract the news hyenas.

Clinton campaign spokesman Glen Caplin on Saturday compared the Podesta email hack to the Watergate break in.

"Four decades later, were witnessing another effort to steal private campaign documents in order to influence an election, he said. Only this time, instead of filing cabinets, its peoples emails theyre breaking into  and a foreign government is behind it."

Earlier this month, WikiLeaks posted what it said were thousands of emails obtained in a hack of Podestas personal email account.

Among the documents posted online was an internal review of Clintons private Wall Street speeches to survey the political damage her remarks could cause if they ever became public.

In what aides calculated were the most damaging passages, Clinton reflected on the necessity of "unsavory" political dealing, telling real estate investors that "you need both a public and private position."

To investment bankers from Goldman Sachs and BlackRock, Clinton admits that she's "kind of far removed" from the middle-class upbringing that she frequently touts on the campaign trail.

Podesta suggested last weekend on Fox News Sunday that his emails from the WikiLeaks posting were not authentic and argued they were acquired by Russians hacking into the Democratic Party computer files to try to influence the November election.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
After a 30-year wait, Robert Cialdini has written a sequel to his best-selling classic, Influence. The new book is Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade.

As you might expect after the long wait, Pre-Suasion is packed with new research, tactics and insights. Here are a few of the ones I found most surprising.

1. Unity -- The seventh principle of influence.

Perhaps the biggest shock in Cialdinis Pre-Suasion is that hes finally added a new major principle of influence to his long-standing roster of six. The new principle is unity, which refers to the perception of shared identity. Family is the ultimate shared identity and Cialdini proved its potency with a classroom experiment.

By offering an inconsequential benefit (one point on one test) to students if their parents completed a survey, Cialdini increased participation by those parents fivefold to nearly 100 percent. Invoking familial unity was remarkably persuasive.

Even familial language is persuasive. Cialdini cites Warren Buffets now-classic shareholder letter dealing with the future of Berkshire Hathaway. Instead of simply describing the succession plan, Buffett made his missive more persuasive by saying, I will tell you what I would say to my family today if they asked me about Berkshires future.

Unity can be based on other groups: ethnicity, geography, shared interests and many more. The more the individual identifies as being a member of that group, the more powerful the unity effect will be.

2. Surveys can increase demand.

We know about political push-polls and their effects. A statement like, Have you heard about allegations that Candidate X took bribes from lobbyists? can have a negative impact even if the voter hasnt heard about those allegations or even if they didn't exist.

Related: Ask Not What an Influencer Can Do for You

Cialdini's insight in Pre-Suasion is that simply asking a question in the right way can put customers in the right frame of mind to buy your product. His first example comes from a surprising group: religious cult recruiters. When they recruit new members, they often ask, Are you unhappy? rather than, Are you happy? or the more neutral, Are you happy or unhappy?

The cult recruiters do this because framing the issue with unhappy makes the individual more likely to focus on those things in their life that are making them feel bad.

Research supports this. Cialdini describes a survey in Canada that asked people about their social satisfaction by asking if they whether they were unhappy or happy with their social life. The group asked using the word unhappy were triggered to dwell on their dissatisfactions, and were almost five times as likely to report being unhappy.

This has major implications for business surveys. A software maker could ask, Are you satisfied with your current solution? But, they would be more likely to increase interest in a change by phrasing it, Are you dissatisfied with your current solution? or Are there problems with the product you use now?

3. Where never to sit in a meeting.

If you are heading for an important meeting, you might be inclined to sit next to the key influencer. What better place to exert some influence of your own, right?

Related: The 6 Elements of Persuasion (Infographic)

Cialdini says that would be a mistake because of the next in line effect. If discussion rotates around the table, the VIP you want to sway will be least likely to hear your message if you go just before or after her. If you speak before, shell be rehearsing what she plans to say when you are done. Speak after, and shell be mentally rehashing what she just said.

Instead, sit across from the person you want to influence. Youll be more likely to avoid speaking being just before or after her.

More importantly, youll have better visual prominence. A speaker in full view is assigned more of the responsibility for the outcome of the meeting. Cialdini gives the example of interrogation videos that record police using heavy-handed techniques to elicit a confession, such as providing false information about physical evidence.

Related: An Often-Overlooked Secret to Success

Typically, the suspect is seen facing the camera while the interrogator is viewed from behind. In this situation, viewers are much more likely to say the suspect is fully responsible for his confession than when the two parties are viewed side by side. This is called visual salience -- what you see in front of you is more important.

Cialdini wryly points out that if you actually have nothing useful to contribute at the big meeting, or you expect the meeting to go badly, you might be better off sitting next to the VIP. She wont notice your minimal input due to the next-in-line effect and you wont get blamed if no breakthrough result is reached.

Cialdinis Pre-Suasion is packed with useful nuggets like this. The combination of big-picture insights and actionable tactics make it an instant classic and worthy successor to "Influence."
Sean Copeland has been named the new administrator for the Preferred Hospice office in Farmington.

Preferred Hospice of Farmington serves patients in Jefferson, Washington, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Madison, Iron, Wayne, and Reynolds counties. Copeland returns Farmington after being promoted to the St. Louiss Preferred Hospice Office as administrator in February of 2016.

Copeland first joined the Preferred Hospice team in Farmington as an LPN in January of 2011.

I saw the compassion and care that Preferred Hospice provided through my dealings with my neighbor and the Preferred Hospice team that entered their home. I looked around and I knew that Preferred Hospice was the best, said Copeland.

He believes in Preferred Hospice and the services it provides to Veterans Affairs, Alzheimer's Support, and Meals on Wheels as well as the compassionate group of CNAs, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers that make Preferred Hospice known for great care.

Sean was first hired in 2011 as a field nurse and we received many compliments on him from nursing facilities, patients, and families over the years, said Director of Clinical Services Cindy Cole. It was also apparent that he had a lot of leadership qualities and talents that would benefit him and us in the future.

His role in Farmington will entail building a clientele and managing a great group of people which includes everyday issues such as scheduling, budgeting, and providing staff support.

My experience as a hospice surse has allowed me to manage and control the needs of both the patient and the family of our clientele. I want to share and teach with my experience in this field to anyone that will listen. Being a caregiver in this field is an amazing career and what you put into it; you get back over and over. I have trained most of our nurses/CNAs at our Farmington location and I watch them grow in the field. I see them take this career and make it their own, and love their job.

He also wants to help educate the communities about what Preferred Hospice provides in their time of need. He adds that its the ultimate gift a family can provide to their loved one in their most vulnerable time.

People do not realize that we will provide every aspect of care to a family at home; equipment, medication, and education allowing them to become the primary caregiver in a familiar setting, said Copeland.

For more information, to refer a patient, or to become a volunteer, call Preferred Hospice at 573-756-9800 or toll free at 1-888-756-9802.
A former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agent was sentenced to 12 years in prison Friday for tipping off a defense contractor about investigations into his business.

The agent, John Beliveau II, plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 2013. He admitted accepting cash, luxury hotel stays and prostitutes from Malaysian contractor Leonard Francis in exchange for sharing hundreds of internal files with Francis about criminal investigations.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Beliveau to 15 years, while his attorney asked had asked the judge to sentence him to no more than a year in home confinement and the maximum period of supervised release.



In court filings, Beliveaus attorney, Justine Carmichael, stated he suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder since he was 6. He also has suffered from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and has had alcohol problems, Carmichael said.

"We were very disappointed that the government dismissed and belittled his mental health condition, calling it nonsense and an alphabet soup of disorders," Carmichael said outside court.

In a letter to the court, Beliveau apologized and said he deserves and understands "the feeling of anger, vengeance and disgust from others in my former field." He asked for forgiveness and offered himself as an example of what not to do in law enforcement.

In addition to his prison sentence, Beliveau was also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution.

Francis is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to bribing Navy officials with more than $500,000 in cash, sex workers, Cuban cigars, Kobe beef, model ships and others gifts in exchange for favors that helped him beat out competitors and overbill the Navy. He has been in federal custody since his arrest in September 2013.

The case has led to charges against 16 people, including nearly a dozen current and former Navy officials.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Police say a teenage employee has been fatally shot during a robbery at a fast food restaurant in suburban Cleveland.

The Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County Medical Examiner's Office on Saturday identified the teenage boy as 15-year-old Sunny Ravi Patel of Highland Heights.

Cleveland Heights police say an armed suspect entered a Mr. Hero store Friday night and shot Patel once in the head before taking money from the cash register and fleeing. Patel died at a hospital.

Police say three customers and the store's owner weren't injured.

Surveillance photos show a suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses and a rag across his face enter the store with a gun at his side.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest and indictment.
A San Francisco police officer was shot in the head Friday evening in the city's Taraval District and a suspect was in custody, according to reports.

KTVU reported that the officer was conscious and breathing and was expected to survive. The officer was taken to San Francisco General Hospital after the shooting.

#SFPD Officer injured during shooting incident has non-life threatening injury as a result of the incident and is expected to survive. #SF  San Francisco Police (@SFPD) October 15, 2016

The incident began at around 8:15 p.m. local time when police responded to a report related to a mentally disturbed individual. KGO-TV reported that police tried to confront the individual who reportedly pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking the officer.

Police issued a shelter-in-place order for the area as they pursued the suspect, who had reportedly fled the scene.

This brave officer was doing his job, protecting the citizens of San Francisco, when he was struck by a bullet tonight, Martin Halloran, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association said in a statement. For his courage, he deserves all our gratitude and respect. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.

Police cornered the suspect about an hour after the shooting. SWAT units deployed non-lethal flash bang grenades and then apprehend the suspect.

It was not immediately clear what condition the suspect was in or whether he was injured in the exchange of fire with police. However, Officer Carlos Manfredi said the suspect was also at San Francisco General.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee spoke briefly to the media, saying he was grateful to the police department and that the officer was in good spirits.

I had a chance to thank him and meet his family. Im very grateful, Lee said.

Click for more from KTVU.com.
The groom behind the noise complaint in Texas that turned into a dance performance is glad his video is sparking more conversation about the relationship between officers and the African-American community, Fox4News.com reported.

David Opegbemi and his groomsmen were practicing in a residential parking lot one final time for before his Sept. 22 wedding the next day when they were approached by a Carrollton police officer about a noise complaint.

After the group explained what they were doing, one man offered to show the officer their performance.

The exchange was caught on the officers body camera and later released by the with the message, We see a lot of bad. But we see a lot of good, too.

Our intent was never to disturb the peace. We are just a group of young black educated men who were having a good time and bonding while at dance practice. It's sad that we had the police called on us, but that's our world, Opegbemi wrote. We understand that we might be perceived as danger, but we hope this shows something positive and that a group of black men at night is not always a threat.

With the recent turmoil between the African-American community and law enforcement, Opegbemi says he hopes the video will help others see all parties can get along if they respect and show kindness to each other.

Its just a positive message," he said.

Click for more from Fox4News.com
Its an election like no other. As Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton continue to vie for the U.S. presidency, the world is becoming increasingly frightened about what Nov. 8 has in store.

As the big date quickly approaches, fears are heightened. A recent study by Quantum Workplace has taken a deeper look into what employees around the country are thinking about this election.

Almost 80 percent of employed Americans plan to vote this year. Of this number, most employees (40.2 percent) say they plan to vote for Clinton, while a quarter say they will go for Trump.

Regardless of who is sworn in, fears accompany both candidates. If Trump wins, employees are concerned there will be another financial crisis and international business will suffer. If Clinton wins, they fear that they will pay higher taxes and face more government regulations.

To learn more about what employees are thinking about this election, check out the infographic below.
Thousands of people including many in full costume have marked the 950th anniversary of the 1066 Battle of Hastings with a dramatic reenactment.

The reenactment Saturday is part of a weekend of festivities to commemorate the landmark event in British history. Tickets have long been sold out.

Some of the participants dressed as warriors walked roughly 300 miles (480 kilometers) from York in northern England to the Battle Abbey in East Sussex in southern England to recreate a march that preceded the battle. They camped along the way.

The famous battle between William of Normandy and Anglo-Saxon King Harold ended in the latter's death. William assumed the crown on Christmas Day and ruled until his death in 1087.

Thousands of combatants died in the fighting.
A suicide bomber struck a funeral gathering in Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 60, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.

The attack in the Shaab neighborhood occurred around lunchtime, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. ISIS claimed responsibility in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency.

Hussein Khazem, the owner of clothing warehouse near where the bombing took place, said the bomber detonated his payload inside a funeral tent, causing a big explosion.

He saw a large number of killed and wounded people, many burning cars and major damage to the local market nearby. The dead included elderly people, children, and some women. He closed his shop to help evacuate the wounded and remove the bodies.

"The security situation is not good at all," he said. "These big incidents are happening again, especially in the poorer residential neighborhoods."

The attack comes as Iraqi security forces are preparing for an operation to retake the militant-held northern city of Mosul, the country's second largest, from ISIS.

In the past, the extremists have increased insurgent attacks inside government-held territory far from the front lines after suffering territorial losses on the battlefield.

Iraq has seen several bombings in recent months, though most have had lower death tolls than Saturday's attack. In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdad's popular shopping district of Karradah killed about 300 people and forced the resignation of the interior minister.
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Leaders of India and Russia have begun their annual talks that are expected to conclude with new defense deals and the smoothing over of recent irritants in their decades-long close relationship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in the western Indian state of Goa on Saturday, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss regional security issues and the threat posed by global terrorism. They also hope to stem the drift in their ties as India engages more closely with the United States.

Putin and Modi will lay the foundation stone of the next phase of a nuclear power plant that Russia has built in southeastern India. The two countries are also expected to sign a multi-billion dollar deal for the delivery of Russian-made anti-missile air defense systems.
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An investigation team with the Saudi-led coalition says wrong information led to the lethal bombing of a packed funeral in the Yemeni capital Sanaa last weekend, which killed around 140 people and wounded more than 600.

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team accused "a party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff" of passing wrong information that the hall was packed with Houthi leaders.

It added that the party insisted the location was "a legitimate military target," the statement written in English said. It also said the Air Operation Center in Yemen directed a "close air support mission" to target the site without getting approval from the coalition's command. The committee said compensation must be offered to the families of the victims.
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South African police say they arrested nine people during overnight arson attacks and stone-throwing near the University of the Witwatersrand, where students have been protesting for free education.

The national police said Saturday that two vehicles were set on fire in the overnight rioting in Braamfontein, an urban area of Johannesburg that was the scene of similar violence during clashes between students and police earlier in the week.

The University of the Witwatersrand has imposed overnight restrictions on access and movement on campus grounds because of security concerns.

In other overnight violence, South African media say two buildings were damaged by firebombs at the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Student protests, many of which have turned violent, have forced some South African universities to close.
A local man has been arrested after police say he stabbed his girlfriend in the back of the neck on Oct. 1.

Kevin Hahn, 44, of De Soto, is being charged with a class A felony of domestic assault in the first degree, felony armed criminal action, two class C felonies of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree and armed criminal action.

According to a probable cause statement, on Oct. 1 at 3:30 a.m. a detective with the Washington County Sheriffs Department was contacted by a Washington County Sheriffs corporal about an assault that had occurred. The woman was being treated at Parkland Health Center in Farmington with a knife wound to the back of the neck.

The detective was told the woman had been taken to the hospital by two friends. When the detective arrived at the hospital to interview the victim, she met with a Farmington officer and he took the detective to the two friends who had brought the injured woman there.

The friends told the detective that the woman showed up at their house bleeding from the back of the neck. The injured woman had told her friends that Hahn stabbed her in the back of the neck after they got into an argument.

The detective was told that the injured woman has gone to a birthday party on the evening of Oct. 1 near Sullivan and on the way home she got mad about Hahn driving too fast with the kids in the truck. They were on Lick Skillet Road when Hahn got physical with the woman and stabbed her. It was also reported that Hahn had gotten rid of the evidence.

At some point Hahn took the woman and her children to his moms house in Potosi, where he tried to bandage her up and keep her in the house. The woman walked away from the house and to a friend's house. That friend took the woman to the Washington County Hospital where they began treating her by giving her a CAT Scan after telling them she fell off the deck.

While being treated, she left the hospital and the friend took her to another friend's house. Two friends there took her to Parkland Health Center. Both women also told the detective that Hahn was currently out of prison on parole and his parole was revoked once before for domestic assault on the same woman.

The detective attempted to speak with the victim, but she seemed very scared and in pain. She wouldnt talk and stated she didnt remember anything. The detective spoke with the nurse and found out the wound was deep but didnt hit bones on the neck. She was transferred to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for further evaluation and treatment.

The corporal found Hahn sleeping in his truck in the woods just off Lick Skillet Road. Hahn was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. The detective went to where the truck was found and discovered several areas inside the truck with large amounts of blood.

Most of the blood was on the passenger seat, the inside of the door and the passenger side dash area above the glovebox. There were also several areas of blood on the outside of the truck on the passenger side, on the drivers side door handle and the truck keys. Several blood samples were taken from the truck.

The detective also went to Hahns mothers house and spoke with her. She told the detective they arrived at her house approximately 11 p.m. and was bleeding very badly from the back of her neck. She also said the woman was trying to fight Hahn and kept screaming. Blood was also found in Hahns mothers bathroom and samples were taken.

During an interview with Hahn he stated to the detective that the woman did get mad about his driving and that she got every irate and jumped out of the truck before he was able to stop all the way. He also said she was bleeding very badly, but didnt know from where.

Hahn stated he put the woman back in the truck and wanted to take her to the hospital, but she was out of control so he took her to his moms house. He said he left her there because his mom could calm her down and his mom told him to leave.

Hahn is currently on parole for robbery in the first degree and armed criminal action. He also went back to prison for a year after having a domestic assault arrest against the same woman and ordered to have no contact with her per his parole conditions.

Hahn was being held in the Washington County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
Pact & Partners Americas Announcing New Offices Opening in Miami, Florida

Pact & Partners is proud to announce the opening of its new operational US hub on the East coast in Miami, Florida. Pact & Partners is one of the leading executive search firms specialized in Life Sciences since 1987. Its international teams are dedicated to searching, assessing and appointing the best talents in all cutting-edge environments. Pact & Partners is operating in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and Middle East and recruit the best talents for its clients' businesses worldwide.

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Pact & Partners announces the opening of its new operation hub in Miami, FL. After Paris, London, Copenhagen, Denmark, Boston, New York and Dubai, the leading company in C-level and mid-management appointments in Life Sciences expands its activity in the United States of America. In the heart of the dynamic city of Miami and thanks to its strategic geographical localization, Pact & Partners is now opening new avenues for businesses in the US and in Latin America.

The Pact & Partners teams operate on three continents. These leaders in recruitment in Life Sciences are experts in all of the following sectors: Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, Medtech, e-Health, Digital health, Gene & Cell Therapy, Medical Devices, Hospital & Clinics, Bioenergy & Biofuels, Dermatology, Cosmetology, Nutrition and Animal Health.

With an international presence and a strong reputation since 1987, exclusive process and proven methods, Pact & Partners excels in all types of C-level to mid-management recruitments, from Business Development manager, Regulatory Affairs specialists, Medical Affairs directors, Clinical Development experts, Clinical Operations Managers, but also CEOs, CSOs, CFOs and Board members. Pact & Partners' clients range from the small innovative biotech to the top pharma company.

With a growing geographical presence and the strengthening of its global top ranking, Pact & Partners intends to bring the most personalized and pragmatic approach to the market of talent acquisition for clients who are looking to hire their next talents in all Life Sciences sectors.

For more information about Pact & Partners and to see how Pact & Partners assists life sciences companies through the executive search process, go to www.pactandpartners.com.

About Pact & Partners:

Pact & Partners was founded in 1987 and for over 30 years has been the leading global executive search firm, dedicated only to life sciences and have appointed thousands of professionals all over Europe, North America and South America. Those interested can get a quote online on their website: www.pactandpartners.com.

Contact Info:

Name: Pact & Partners Americas

Email: contact@pactpartners.com

Phone: +1 (617) 370-8138

Organization: Pact & Partners

Source: http://www.prreach.com/pr/26375

Release ID: 138463

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"Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose."

-- "Me and Bobby McGee"

WASHINGTON -- What did Donald Trump have left to lose Sunday night? His dignity? Please. His campaign's 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 until 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 today's righteously recoiling Republicans either did not already know or had no excuse for not knowing. Before the tape reminded the pathologically forgetful of Trump's feral appetites and deranged sense of entitlement, the staid Economist magazine, holding the subject of Trump at arm's-length like a soiled sock, 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 doesn't 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 Trump's "apology" (Trump said, essentially: My naughty locker room banter is better than Bill Clinton's 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 Trump's unfolding repentance. Burr, who is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has not received this nugget of intelligence: Contrition is not in Trump's repertoire. Why should it be? His appetites, like his factoids, are self-legitimizing.

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 America's "faith community." Some of its representatives, their 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 America's coarsened 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.

He salivated for the privilege of being Trump's 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 Kipling's 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 GOP's 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 November 8 he can simplify the GOP's quadrennial exercise of writing its post-campaign autopsy, which this year can be published November 9 in one sentence: "Perhaps it is imprudent to nominate a venomous charlatan." Fourth, Trump is the GOP's chemotherapy, a nauseating but, if carried through to completion, perhaps a curative experience.

George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost.com.
CertaPet Expands Their TeleTherapy Coverage

The company is now helping residents in three new states obtain easy access to Licensed Mental Health Professionals, reports https://www.certapet.com.

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Califonia-based CertaPet has officially announced the company's recent expansion of their teletherapy coverage. The platform is now serving residents in Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, helping them obtain easy access to Licensed Mental Health Professionals in their state. The company has focused their efforts on increasing access to care for those who currently reside in hard-to-reach rural areas as well as promoting pet therapy for residents who face emotional and mental disabilities.

"Statistics show that 1 in 4 adults and over 17 million children suffer from diagnosable mental and emotional illnesses. Unfortunately, less than 8 percent of the people who need it ever receive care for their condition," said Julie Martinez of CertaPet. "It's clear that the mental health care system in this country needs work, and we can't continue to rely on medication as the answer. This is where having an Emotional Support Animal can help. Owning an ESA can provide much-needed physical and emotional companionship while reducing anxiety. With CertaPet's recent expansion, we can now help even more people get access to this kind of therapy through the recommendation of a Licensed Mental Health Professional in their area."

CertaPet.com provides a robust teletherapy platform needed to help connect those with mental and emotional disabilities to a Licensed Mental Health Professional who can assess their needs and give them access to the level of care they require. These professionals use a carefully-crafted screening and consultation process to help residents determine if an emotional support animal is right for them as well as help them obtain the legal documents necessary to register their pet as an ESA. Residents can learn more about Emotional Support Animal Laws at https://www.certapet.com/emotional-support-animal-laws/.

Martinez went on to say, "We see it as our mission to provide mental and emotional health care access to as many people as possible. With that idea in mind, our entire team is ecstatic about the opportunity that we have to serve the people of Texas, Ohio and Oklahoma and help them get what they need to reduce their anxiety and feel more secure. We know the difference that an emotional support animal can make in someone's life, and we are proud to be expanding our efforts to help those who need these animals to better manage the symptoms of their condition."

Residents in Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma are encouraged to visit the CertaPet Facebook Page to learn more about ESA laws and to keep up with what's going on with CertaPet.

About CertaPet:

CertaPet is an online platform that connects patients with licensed mental health professionals so they can determine if they qualify for an Emotional Support Animal.

For more information, please visit https://www.certapet.com

Contact Info:

Name: Julie Martinez

Organization: CertaPet

Phone: (877) 207-0561

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/certapet-expands-their-teletherapy-coverage/138472

Release ID: 138472

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VALiNTRY CEO Daryl Dixon Receives Top Honors

Staffing company's leader named Honoree for Orlando Business Journal's "CEO of the Year" Award.

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Daryl Dixon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VALiNTRY, (https://valintry.com) one of Florida's fastest-growing technology staffing and consulting firms, has been named to a list of 24 top local executives who will be honored by the Orlando Business Journal at the newspaper's annual CEO of the Year Award. The awards are given to CEOs who have been cited for outstanding business achievement, innovation and personal community involvement in 2016.

"Our CEO is inspiring, and brings that spirit to work with him each and every day," said VALiNTRY Senior Vice President Timmy Rupeiks. "This is Daryl's second successful startup, and it's because of his innovative investment in people as well as technology that VALiNTRY has become a leader in delivering the most talented candidates to clients. It's also why we have doubled in size each year since the company's inception. Because Daryl has wisely reinvested profits into the team, office, and technology systems, we will continue to grow well into the future."

Echoing Rupeiks' sentiments from the VALiNTRY office in Nashville, TN was Co-Founder and VALiNTRY CIO, Steve Wise. "Daryl has proven that he is committed to more than just growing our company. His sense of values and ethics also lead him to give back to the community in causes that he cares about."

"He treats our clients and employees the same way he would want to be treated, committing himself to helping build the future of his city and his business by developing and mentoring new, young talent into future executive leaders and entrepreneurs," Wise said.

VALiNTRY has twice been named winner of Orlando Business Journal's "Best Places to Work", Staffing Industry Analysts' "Best Staffing Firm to Work For" and is a GrowFL Company to Watch Awardee. Dixon currently serves on the Foundation Board of Adventist University.

Orlando Business Journal's 2016 honorees for the CEO of the Year Award will be recognized at an official awards luncheon at the Hilton Orlando on Thursday October 13, 2016 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Those who would like to attend the event can register at www.bizjournals.com/orlando.

ABOUT VALiNTRY:

VALiNTRY is a fast-growing consulting and staffing firm focused on providing Technology (IT), Healthcare, Digital Marketing, Finance & Accounting (F&A), and CPA professionals throughout the US. VALiNTRY is a technology-driven, values-first firm that, in the past two years has a client-base of more than 200 businesses in 35 states providing a perpetually growing, targeted database of more than one million unique candidate resumes.

For more information, please visit https://valintry.com

Contact Info:

Name: Brent Healy

Organization: VALiNTRY

Phone: (800) 360-1407

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/valintry-ceo-daryl-dixon-receives-top-honors/138293

Release ID: 138293

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Himalayan Salt Lamp Air Purifier Heart Shaped Crystal Rock Salt Lamps Released

Useful Innovations Home Air Purifiers has released its new Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp Ionic Air Purifier. When on the salt lamp emits negative ions into the air which can help purify the air of pollutants that cause allergies, colds, headaches and other health concerns.

--

Useful Innovation Home Air Purifiers, a company based on finding solutions for home air purity, has released its new hand-carved Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp Ionic Air Purifier. The natural organic salt lamps emit negative ions into the air which have air purifying characteristics. The negative ions cause air pollutants to cling together and fall out of the air creating a cleaner air environment.

More information on Useful Innovation Home Air Purifiers and the Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp can be found on their website at: http://usefulinnovation.com.

The science of salt lamps in emitting negative ions comes from the heating of the salt and reevaporation of water attracted to the salt. When the lamp is turned on, the light heats the salt producing the negative ions which are the good ions that neutralize positive ions in the air. An excess amount of positive ions in the environment can increase bodily stress, insomnia, brain fog, free-radical accumulation in the body, and cause people to feel sluggish or stuffy and cause irritation.

Positive ions are created from various things in the environment including electrical equipment in homes like computers, televisions, and microwaves. It also comes from air pollutants and many man-made byproducts and chemicals.

Useful Innovation's Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp capitalizes on the benefits of using rock salt lamps to help purify the air in homes. Allergens and bacteria attach to positive ions in the air, which means salt lamps can help reduce the impact of allergies, colds, headaches, blood system disorders and skin conditions. Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Himalayan-Purifier-Carved-Romantic-Eco-Friendly/dp/B017QPJQ4W

Other items in homes that emit positive ions include chemicals released from modern building and furnishing materials, molds and bacteria, combustion gases from fireplaces, and wood burning stoves, chemical fumes from paints and solvents, chemicals from cleaning products, gases including radon seeping through foundations, animal hair and dander, carbon monoxide fumes from attached garages, cigarette smoke containing about 4,000 chemicals, and outdoor air pollutants.

The Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamps also emit a considerable amount of light which can be used to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. They also function as night lights in the bedroom with the aid of the dimmer switch. The hand carved salt lamps are made from high quality crystal rock salt mined in the Himalayan mountains, and each one varies according to concentrations and positions of mineral veins and deposits making each lamp unique.

Useful Innovation's salt lamps are hand crafted from the rock salt, the light fixture is inserted into a drilled out cavity. The lamp itself is screwed securely to a Neem wood base. It includes a 6-foot electrical cord with a dimmer switch and comes with a 10-watt/120VAC light bulb.

More information on Useful Innovation Home Air Purifiers and the Heart Shaped Himalayan Salt Lamp Ionic Air Purifier are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Himalayan-Purifier-Carved-Romantic-Eco-Friendly/dp/B017QPJQ4W

For more information, please visit http://www.usefulinnovation.com

Contact Info:

Name: Robert Miller

Organization: Useful Innovation

Address: Charlotte NC

Phone: (704) 888-0941

Release ID: 137953

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'One Punch Man' Season 2 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Series Will Showcase Saitamas Past; Lord Boros to Overpower Saitama?

The airing of "One Punch Man" Season 2 is already around the corner and expected to be announced later this month. Some leaks and spoilers are now surfacing online regarding what will be happening during the release date of "One Punch Man" Season 2. It was speculated that Boros and Saitama will fight once again and there are also hearsays that the fight between Saitama and Genos will be witnessed in the upcoming season.

Some reports revealed that was noted on a Twitter post that the English-dubbed of the said anime already aired last July 16 at Toonami, which the network confirmed during the last Anime Expo. The rumors could be possible because the network's official website already released the episode 9 entitled "Unyielding Justice" and "One Punch Man" Season 1 only had 12 episodes. So it is really possible for the new installment to be airing this October.

The publication noted that there will be a lot of revealing in the upcoming season like how the hero-for-fun got his extraordinary strength. "One Punch Man" Season 2 will be tackling the hero story arc but it will be focusing on Saitama's past according to some reports. "One Punch Man" Season 2 will be showing off much close combat fight scenes that are as exciting and interesting as the recent season. But there has been no information yet as to who will be the enemies or what to expect from the sequel.

There were various hearsays circulating that "One Punch Man" Season 2 will be showcasing the return of the downfallen Lord Boros. But he really has to train himself more to really depict an actual threat to both Saitama and Genos, as per GamenGuide. Currently, there has been no clear statements regarding the release of "One Punch Man" Season 2. But, several fans are halting and hoping that their anticipated anime will come back sometime this year 2016 while some assumed to have a return sooner next year 2017.
Google Pixel & Pixel XL Release Date, News & Update: New Google Handsets Better Than iPhone 7, Best Galaxy Note 7 Alternative

Google's upcoming entries in the high-end smartphone market, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, are currently making some noise in the industry.

According to reports, the new Google handsets have what it takes to challenge the mighty iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Tech experts believe that Google's decision to eliminate the Nexus branding and release a new series could definitely raise the competition to another level. They also think that Google Pixel and Pixel XL will get the attention they deserve once both devices are already available.

Google has recently partnered with Verizon to help them with the release of its upcoming smartphones. According to a report by Forbes, the partnership will certainly help the company to generate more sales because Verizon will also market the Google Pixel and Pixel XL to its current subscribers. As one of North America's most popular mobile carrier, Verizon has the right strategy and use its marketing prowess to make sure the new devices will get to a much larger group of consumers.

The current issue with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will also be an advantage for the American Search Engine company to release the Google Pixel and Pixel XL as it will narrow the consumers' choices in the market. According to industry experts, the new Google devices are now considered as one of the best alternatives for Samsung Galaxy Note 7 along with Apple iPhone 7 and the recently released LGV20.

Meanwhile, according to a report, the company is expected to generate more than 4 million Google Pixel and Pixel XL to be sold before the year ends. However, it is still far from the 60 million estimated sales of Apple's new iPhone 7 by the end of 2016. Nonetheless, it is already a huge accomplishment for Google considering that its new release is a Nexus replacement.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are already available for preorder and both are set to be released on Oct. 20.
Xiaomi Mi Note 2 Release Date, News & Update: Specs, Features, Price Revealed; Smartphone to Arrive in November

The highly anticipated Xiaomi Mi Note 2 has been in the rumor mill for a while now, and despite the lack of information from the Chinese tech manufacturer, industry observers have managed to gather several details about its development and release date. Now, new reports have emerged suggesting that the much-awaited Android smartphone might come out in the market with a $600 price tag.

According to a report by Android Headlines, a known analyst in China, Pan Jiutang, claimed that the new Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will arrive as the most expensive device from Xiaomi. The company has been known to release cheap smartphones with impressive specs and features such as Mi 5, Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus: however, the company has decided to join the high-end market and compete with the current Apple and Samsung releases.

The Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to do well in the market as tech experts are saying that the new smartphone is certainly a good Samsung Galaxy Note 7 alternative. Although the company has yet to provide the release date details of the new handset, speculations are rife that it will come out by the end of month or next month. Xiaomi is also expected to hold a presser for its big release in the North American market.

Meanwhile, according to GSM Arena, Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will most likely run on a powerful Snapdragon 835 from Qualcomm; however due to the chipset's unavailability, experts are saying that Xiaomi use the Snapdragon 821 instead. The high-powered processor will be paired with a whopping 6 GB of RAM and a 128 GB internal storage capacity. Other features of the device include a 3600 mAh battery and a 21MP rear shooter, which is said to be equipped with an autofocus technology.

As of the moment, fans must wait for the company to make the official announcement regarding its release date. Stay tuned for more news and update about the upcoming Xiaomi Mi Note 2.
Sony PlayStation Latest News & Update: Console Giant Plans To Enter Mobile Gaming? Top Five Games Getting Mobile Version By 2018? [Details]

Sony is known for its high-end gadgets sharing the limelight with Apple and Samsung. Latest news are hinting that Sony might explore the realm of mobile gaming as it plans to release at least five mobile games in 2018. Sony has been a household name for console games which is one of the reasons why gamers are excited to see what Sony has in store for mobile gamers.

Sony PlayStation Popular Games Developed For Mobile Version?

Sony PlayStation division is reportedly planning on turning five of its most popular games into mobile games in collaboration with ForwardWorks, a subsidiary acquired in March 2016. Sony reportedly aims to finish conversion and mobile game development by 2018. The Sony PlayStation mobile games are reportedly targeted to be released first in Japan before it spreads out to other Asian countries.

Sony PlayStation Mobile Gaming - Second Attempt

Sony PlayStation's plan of entering the world of mobile gaming has already been rolled out a couple of years ago, when they offered purchases between Android and PS Vita Platforms. However, Sony PlayStation's first cross-platform venture flopped and was halted officially in July 2015. It seems like Sony PlayStation division knows how rich and potent mobile gaming can be, and tries another attempt to penetrate mobile gaming.

Top 5 Candidates For Sony PlayStation Mobile Games

Although Sony PlayStation division has yet to comment on the possible PlayStation games getting a mobile version, the players are already ready with their list. The five most popular PlayStation games that players want to get a mobile game version include "Grand Theft Auto," "The Last Of Us," "Uncharted." "Overwatch," and "Diablo 3."

As of writing, there is no update whether Sony PlayStation division plans to release Sony PlayStation mobile games in the US and Europe. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more Sony PlayStation mobile games news and updates!
Huawei Mate 9 Release Date, News & Update: Smartphone to be Released in November; Specs, Price, Features Revealed

Huawei Mate 9 has been a favorite subject of numerous rumors and speculations all over the Internet for the last few months. Now, new reports have emerged suggesting that the highly anticipated flagship smartphone from Huawei will be launch during a company event on Nov. 3 in Munich, Germany. Despite the lack of concrete details from the Chinese tech manufacturer, several data have been gathered with regard to its development and release date.

According to reports, Huawei Mate 9 will start hitting the shelves on Nov 8; however, the price of the device has yet to surface as of the moment. Tech experts are still unaware if the smartphone will be released in the North American market during the same roll out schedule in China. The company might consider on having an earlier global release following the recent fallout of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7. However, without any confirmation from Huawei, these reports must be taken with a grain of salt.

According to the known tech tipster, Evan Blass, the exterior design of the new Huawei Mate 9 looks quite similar to Samsung's Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7. He also speculated that the device will most likely come in two variants - a curved and a flat screen; however, both will most likely arrive with the same specs under the hood.

Leak details revealed that the Huawei Mate 9 will run on a HiSilicon Kirin 960 octa-core processor, which will be paired with 6 GB of RAM and a 256 internal storage capacity. According to the report, both variants will carry a 5.9in QHD display along with a 20 MP primary camera and an 8 MP front-facing shooter. The smartphone's powerful processor will also be paired with Google's latest operating system, the Android 7.0 Nougat and Huawei' own Emotion UI (v5.0).

The company is expected to provide more details about the upcoming Huawei Mate 9 in the next few days. Stay tuned for more news and updates.


Oppo R9s and Oppo R9s Plus Release Date, News & Updates: Oct. 19 Release Confirmed; Device Now Available for Preorder

Oppo R9s and Oppo R9s Plus have been favorite subjects of numerous rumors and speculations all over the Internet for the last weeks now.

The upcoming smartphone was previously spotted on the TENAA regulatory board revealing its specs and features almost two months ago. According to the latest reports, the upcoming smartphones from Oppo have recently gotten China's CCC certification and both are ready to come out on Oct. 19. The Chinese tech manufacturer is said to have started sending invites for their upcoming event to launch the highly anticipated devices this month.

Oppo R9s will be powered by a Snapdragon 625 processor from Qualcomm paired with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB internal storage capacity. The device will also carry a 5.5-inch screen with full HD 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, which is pretty good compared to other handsets in its category. One interesting feature of the new smartphone is its battery technology, which has VOOC fast charging capability. According to a report by GSMArena, the Oppo R9s will carry a 16 MP primary camera with Sony's IMX398 system.

On the other hand, the Oppo R9s Plus will sport a 6-inch display with the same full HD 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution. The device will run on a slightly powerful chipset from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 652 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM. The device will also run on a 64 GB internal storage capacity and a much better battery support at 4,120mAh compared to the 3,010 mAh of the standard Oppo R9s.

Meanwhile, according Android Authority, interested buyers can now preorder the device as Oppo has already opened the early reservation page. As of the moment, the Oppo R9s and Oppo R9s Plus are going to be available only in Asia and Europe markets; however, the company might launch its new smartphones in North America before the year ends.

Stay tuned for more news and updates about Oppo R9s and Oppo R9s Plus.
Days of our Lives Spoilers for Oct. 17-21: Orpheus Creates Havoc in Salem and Nobody Can Stop Him

The town of Salem has again, witnessed the evil roots of its town people after Orpheus (George DelHoyo) commits another crime. This week on "Days of Our Lives" spoilers, the fugitive has created havoc in Salem and this time, he is determined to end everything by killing people in the pub. It's not a secret, in the town of Salem, that Orpheus and two other fugitives are lurking around town. But now, it looks like these criminals have finally caught on them.

According to the Celeb Dirty Laundry, Hope (Kristian Alfonso), Marlena (Deidre Hall), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves) and John (Drakey Hogestyn) are at the pub when Orpheus announced to John that, there is a bomb inside the pub. DOOL spoilers reveal that, despite the fear and anxiety, they managed to stay calm. But not until Jennifer descends the stairs with a bomb attached to her body.

Mondays episode according to recent "Days of Our Lives"spoilers reveal that, Hope among the rest of the people inside the pub will be as confused as ever. The next episode on Days of Our Lives apparently tells the real situation of Hope and Aiden (Daniel Cosgrove). As the new district attorney of Salem, Aiden has moved heaven and earth to make Hope realized that, he can actually blackmail her by telling what he knows about the death of Stefano (Joseph Mascolo).

Hope has a reputation to take care, and if she won't cooperate, Aiden may just go ahead with his own revelations. Meanwhile, Xander (Paul Telfer) the other fugitive that worked alongside Orpheus will come face to face with Deimos (Vincent Irizarry). Now, Deimos knows how dangerous Xander is and remained calm even when he had the gun pointed at him. DOOL spoilers for next week will also include the growing feeling of Gabi (Camila Banus) and Chad (Billy Flynn) for each other.

For more Days of Our Lives spoilers, make sure to check us here on GameNGuide.
'Ray Donovan' Season 5 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Abby is Not Cancer-Free; Storyline Based on True Story

Last month, Showtime's "Ray Donovan" ended with a what looked like a series finale rather than a season finale. The Liev Schreiber-starrer was able to wrap up things rather neatly, with fans and viewers wondering what's in store for "Ray Donovan" season 5. The show was renewed for a fifth season back in August, with a potential return date in the summer of 2017.

With several storylines neatly wrapped up last season (given the end of the Russian mob plot), what will "Ray Donovan" Season 5 explore? Fans and viewers know that Bridget (Kerris Dorsey) is looking to go to college, which means we probably won't be seeing much of her in "Ray Donovan" Season 5. As for Abby (Paula Malcomson), it seems that her cancer is in remission. But can fans and viewers really trust her on her claims?

Showrunner David Hollander spoke with TVLine in September to hint at a possible lie behind Abby's claims that her cancer is in remission. According to Hollander, "Ray Donovan" Season 5 will explore the truth or lie behind Abby's statements about her cancer, because it is possible that she is not cancer-free after all.

Hollander said that her cancer storyline has enabled the character to be more adventurous, enabling her to "create a dynamic that would shift the way people saw her." Her diagnosis changed the character in a way that she began to live her life differently, taking back power with her life. Wll this continue in "Ray Donovan" Season 5? Hollander also shared that her Stage Zero storyline was in fact based on true story. Hollander's wife was also diagnosed with Stage Zero cancer, something that is rather unusual.

When "Ray Donovan" Season 5 returns next year, fans and viewers will get to see more of Abby and find out if she is or is not cancer-free after all. According to the Hollywood Reporter, fans will also see how Ray will be changed by her diagnosis. Check back regularly to find out when "Ray Donovan" season 5 would hit TV screens on Showtime.
The K2 Latest Spoilers, News & Update: Ji Chang Wooks Controversial Shower Scene Receives Censorship Warning

"The K2" was issued a censorship warning following the release of a shower scene that featured Ji Chang Wook. The South Korean censorship board recently released its recommendation to the series' showrunners to remove similar suggestive scenes from the tvN drama's upcoming episodes.

Many fans were surprised when episode 4 of the tvN series "The K2" featured a scene that contained nearly naked actors. Aired on Oct. 1, the said scene involved Ji and his fellow male cast members in an action sequence held inside a shower room.

In the said scene, the tvN drama's protagonist Je Ha, portrayed by Ji, was accosted by his new co-workers while taking a shower inside a communal bathhouse. The former mercenary turned bodyguard had previous physical altercations with several JSS agents where Je Ha emerged as the victor. The humiliating incident prompted the said agents' revengeful shower room attack towards the said character.

Despite blurring out the pelvic areas of the actors during the said scene, the Korean Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) found it too excessive, according to Soompi. A hearing held on Oct. 12, Wednesday, revealed the censorship board's decision to impose a strict "recommendation" to the drama's showrunners.

The KCSC explained that the said scene was too suggestive given the drama's broadcast schedule. Aired at a timeslot considered within the release of family related programs, Ji's shower fight scene was deemed inappropriate.

"The K2" was found to have violated the Broadcasting Deliberation Regulation's Article 27 Clause 5 that covers the release of dignified content. The KCSC advised showrunners to edit out similar scenes in future episodes.

Meanwhile, the tvN drama posted steady TV ratings and was even identified as the most watched program during its primetime schedule. With the drama's strong viewership share, YoonA recently fulfilled a rating promise that she previously made.

The Girls Generation brought three lucky fans to the drama's filming set on Oct. 12, All Kpop reported. YoonA previously stated that she will invite a few fans to visit the series' filming location should TV ratings reach 3 percent.

The visit was made possible given the 3.8 percent viewership share posted during the tvN drama's premiere, as indicated in the same report. The series also passed the 5 percent mark with its latest episode.

"The K2" airs every Friday and Saturday on tvN. Watch Ji's shower room scene below:
Studio Ghibli 'Ranja The Robber's Daughter' Release Date, Latest News & Update: Gillian Anderson Narrates Animation, All-Star Voice Cast?

Fans of Studio Ghibli creations are in for a treat as the Japanese animation company is set to have its very first TV series, "Ronja The Robber's Daughter," cater to the Western audience. The very first Studio Ghibli TV series is getting an all star cast too, with Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files" tapped to narrate the upcoming "Ronja The Robber's Daughter." Studio Ghibli first launched the original version of "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" in 2014 and the fans are very excited to see the Western version of the animation. "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" is an adapted version of "Pippi Longstocking."

Being a voice talent for "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" isn't the first encounter of Gillian Anderson with Studio Ghibli projects. The 48-year old "The Fall" actress has worked as a voice talent in Studio Ghibli's film, "Princess Mononoke."

Studio Ghibli "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" Episodes

The original version of Studio Ghibli's "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" was comprised of 26 episodes. Amazon's take on the first TV series of Studio Ghibli is also expected to have the same number of episodes with the original version. The English-dubbed version of Studio Ghibli's "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" will be available on Amazon Video in Japan, Austria, Germany, UK and the US.

Studio Ghibli TV Series- Eye Candy At Its Best



The upcoming TV series of Amazon is expected to be the culmination of Studio Ghibli's trademark 2D and 3D effects. It is expected to be the perfect fusion of Studio Ghibli;s distinct technology mainly focused on cel-shading. Studio Ghibli "Ronja The Robber's Daughter" Release Date

As of writing, there is still no definite release date for Studio Ghibli "Ronja The Robber's Daughter." Athough Studio Ghibli's first venture into the Western audience springs off with a children's animation, the TV series is expected to be adored by the adults as well. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more Studio Ghibli TV series news and updates!
Clash Of Clans Latest News & Update: Supercell Introduces Friendly Wars; How To Compete & What More To Expect?

"Clash of Clans" introduces Friendly Wars as Supercell's latest update of the hit strategy game among mobile gamers. Previously, players can only wage war to enemy bases and clans indiscriminately. They cannot even select who they can match up with.

With "Clash of Clans" Friendly Wars, two players can engage in a battle that they can customize. To wage war, the player needs to search for his friend's clan and request for a match by pressing a specific button. The other player must comply by clicking the yes button so that the friendly war can begin.

The challenger in the "Clash of Clans" Friendly Wars will determine the duration and number of players. The war could be as short as one hour or as long as 24 hours. The size of the war could be as small as five versus five, or as large as 50 against 50. These are pre-determined before a player can issue a challenge. The winner of the friendly battle will not be awarded with XP or any loots.

Along with the Friendly Wars, Supercell also updated some battle features in "Clash of Clans." The Bomb Tower was introduced at Town Hall 8, while at Town Hall 11, there are additional 25 more pieces. Levels for the troop have three additions, namely Dragon, Baby Dragon and Wizard. New defense levels were also introduced such as X-Bow, Mortar and Hidden Tesla. With and Skeleton Spell buffs were included in the rebalancing while there is also a continued balancing changes to Clan Wars matchmaking.

Players can also expect as part of Supercell's update on "Clash of Clans" upgrade costs and reduced time. The Helsinki-based company did not forget to revisit the clan wars loot and even the XP rules. With the new updates and upgrades, players will surely have hours of fun waging Friendly Wars.


Samsung Latest News & Update: Company Apologizes For Galaxy Note 7 Fiasco, Device Banned On All U.S. Flights?

Samsung Electronics mobile chief issued a public apology for a varied number of reasons regarding the recently-released Galaxy Note 7. After the highly-anticipated device was released, users reported various issues like. Now, the United States have banned the smart phone on all air flights.

Samsung Chief Issues Public Apology

Korean new site The Investor reported that Samsung Electronics chief issued a public apology following the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco. Since reports of the faulty device came about, mobile chief Koh Dong-Jin promised to find the exact cause of the issue.

Dong-Jin then admitted that the team at Samsung is frustrated with the Galaxy Note 7 crisis. He pleaded to investors to remain patient and expressed gratitude to all Samsung Electronics board members for their support.

Aside from the Samsung Electronics board members, the employees also expressed their support for the president of the company on various online message boards. While Samsung Electronics could very well ax Koh Dong-Jin from his position, however, he remains in position.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has since been recalled from the market. It remains unknown if Samsung Electronics will continue its Galaxy line.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices -- which are known to catch fire -- are being banned from all US flights https://t.co/qJjQI23mmm pic.twitter.com/1s4da8w8pG  CNN (@CNN) October 15, 2016

U.S. Bans Galaxy Note 7 In All Flights

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that U.S. has banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on all its flights starting Saturday noon. The emergency order was issued after numerous reports of the devices catching fire have been made.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. The Transportation Department has issued a warning to all passengers regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

The device is said to be a risk of a catastrophic incident. Those who violate the ban will be subject to criminal prosecution on top of fines. In the United States, there are 96 reports of the device overheating. Check out Samsung Electronics apologize for the Note 7 fiasco in the video below.
A second route, which will service downtown to Alamitos Beach, will launch on Nov. 10.
Do you celebrate Sweetest Day? Here are a few things you should know about the mid-October holiday that started out as "Candy Day."
The Corvallis Parks, Natural Areas and Recreation Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the downtown fire station.

Members are scheduled to discuss plans by Samaritan Health Services to expand into the 84 acres it owns that are adjacent to city-owned Owens Farm land north of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. The discussion previously was scheduled for the boards Sept. 15 meeting, but that meeting had to be canceled because of the lack of a quorum.

Samaritan officials plan to keep an undetermined number of acres at the northern, more wooded and hilly portion of their acreage as open space and also hope to do a land swap with adjacent city-owned land.

The current conceptual plan involves the city providing 4.55 acres for stormwater facilities and exchanging four acres of city-owned land at the southern end of their swath for four acres of woodland at the northern end.

In other public meetings:

Monday

 The Corvallis City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd. Councilors are scheduled to take action on a contract for Municipal Judge Chris Dunfield and recommendations of a housing development task force.

Councilors also have scheduled a 7:30 p.m. public hearing to look at comprehensive plan amendments that have been recommended to help the city review Oregon State University development and growth.

The meeting will be preceded by a 5:15 p.m. executive session at which evaluations of Dunfield and City Manager Mark Shepard will be discussed.

The main council session will include a community comments segment in which the public can testify on any subject except the OSU amendments. Testimony for that agenda item will occur during the public hearing. Residents also can submit testimony on any topic in advance at www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicinput.

Tuesday

 The Benton County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 9 a.m. in the county boardrooms, 205 N.W. Fifth St. The agenda will include proposed new restrictions on tobacco sales, a garbage rate increase request and a proposed new contract for Sheriffs Office employees.

 The county board will reconvene at noon in the same location. The commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning map and development code amendments related to floodplain regulations. The board will also consider funding for a lead administrator position for the Housing Opportunities Action Council; how to proceed on several major facilities projects, including whether to accept a $1 million grant to renovate the main county health clinic; a proposed right of way transfer of Water Lane from McDougal Brothers Investments; and whether to create a senior budget analyst position.

 The Corvallis City Council will hold a work session from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 S.W. Madison Ave. On the agenda are a review of financial policies, a review of the Watershed Management Advisory Board and a discussion of the timeline and strategy of the city task force working on finding new revenue to meet unmet city needs.

The council cannot make a decision at a work session, but public testimony will be taken at the end of the meeting on agenda items. Residents can submit testimony in advance at www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicinput.

Wednesday

 The Corvallis Historic Resources Commission meets from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe, for a focus group discussion on a historic preservation plan. The public is welcome, but time limitations make it unlikely residents will be able to participate.

 The Corvallis Arts and Culture Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1310 S.W. Avery Park Drive.

 The Corvallis Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. at the downtown station. Commissioners are scheduled to deliberate on a solar access waiver requested by developers hoping to build single-family homes, apartments and townhouses on 1.48 acres of land on Highway 99W south of downtown Corvallis.

 A public brainstorming session on how to involve local bands and musicians in the new Corvallis Access Media community television station is at 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, 115 S.W. Second St.

Thursday

 The Imagine Corvallis 2040 Steering Committee meets at 4 p.m. at the Madison Avenue room.

 The Corvallis Historic Resources Commission meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1165 N.W. Monroe Ave. for a public workshop on the historic preservation plan. No decision will be made at the meeting, but the workshop could inform future recommendations or decisions by the commission.

 The League of Women Voters of Corvallis, the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce and the Corvallis City Club are teaming up on a 7 p.m. election forum at the library. The first 30 minutes will involve candidates for the Benton County Board of Commissioners, Position 3, with 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. reserved for Corvallis City Council candidates.

Friday

 The Corvallis Police Department livability officers are hosting a coffee with a cop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dutch Bros. at 2001 N.W. Monroe Ave.

Saturday

 Ward 5 Corvallis Councilor Mike Beilstein will be the government comment corner guest from 10 a.m. to noon at the library.
Wednesday afternoon Corvallis resident Curtis Wright and his wife Jo Ann were on a walk in the area around Northwest Circle Boulevard and 29th Street.

When they came upon a flock of wild turkeys. Wright snapped a few photographs of the birds and forwarded them to the Gazette-Times. Which led a reporter to try to discover how serious the problem is.

Ward 7 Councilor Bill Glassmire has noted complaints from constituents about turkeys in his ward during his council reports, and Glassmire and Ward 8 counterpart Frank Hann convened a meeting on the issue last year. The meeting was attended by a Corvallis Police Department officer and a representative from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The substance of the meeting was there is a considerable problem, Glassmire said. Some residents like the turkeys; others do not. (And) those who like the turkeys contribute to (the) proliferation by feeding the turkeys.

The feeding issue was echoed by City Manager Mark Shepard.

The most effective means to reduce turkey populations is to remove human food sources, said Shepard, who noted that city efforts have made inroads in the Skyline West neighborhood in northwest Corvallis by convincing some residents to eliminate bird seeds from dropping onto the ground from overhead feeders.

If informational outreach efforts dont work the city can cull the herd, an effort that requires an ODFW tag. Shepard said that in the past 18 months 14 turkeys have been culled in the Skyline West area. The culling is done by the Corvallis Police Department, but the culling is not practical in other neighborhoods, Shepard said, because those areas do not have sufficient safety zones to cull the birds.

Shepard also emphasized that the city hears complaints about the killing of the turkeys as often as he hears complaints about the presence of the birds.

Wright, meanwhile, could not resist the temptation to inject a bit of humor into the conversation. Noting that the sighting occurred during the CPDs pedestrian education program he wondered if the birds could be cited for jaytrotting.

Or whether they should not be bothered because they might be training for the Osborn Aquatic Centers annual Thanksgiving Day fundraising Turkey Trot.
The Corvallis business owner and the organization that runs the mens cold weather shelter in downtown Corvallis have reached a settlement.

Plaintiff Charlie Ringo, through his company CJ Holdings Inc.  which operates an office building complex across the street from the shelter  had filed a lawsuit in January against the Corvallis Homeless Shelter Coalition, the nonprofit corporation that runs the shelter as Corvallis Housing First.

The suit was seeking $500,000 in damages and an injunction against the nonprofit organization. The case was set for a jury trial in December, but both parties announced Friday that a settlement has been reached.

As part of the settlement, the coalition has agreed to not run the shelter at 530 S.W. Fourth St. after the 2016-17 season and CJ Holdings agreed to dismiss the claims, including damages, with prejudice (or permanently), so no money will be changing hands as a part of the settlement.

Im very pleased with the settlement, Ringo said Friday. I wish Corvallis Housing First well in getting back to their core mission. In practical terms, they want to move on to that core mission, which is to provide permanent housing for homeless. (The Fourth Street shelter) was a departure from that.

Brad Smith, president of the board of Corvallis Housing First, also was pleased by the settlement.

Its been a very long, difficult lawsuit, so were really pleased that its over, Smith said. I dont think its productive to point fingers at each other at what each side did. Its nice to have it behind us.

As part of the settlement, CJ Holdings also agreed not to oppose the Coalitions efforts to obtain funds to operate the shelter for this season, which is scheduled to run from Nov. 1 to March 31, 2017. Both parties also agreed to return or destroy documents previously made available in discovery.

The lawsuit had sought an injunction preventing Corvallis Housing First from operating the shelter at the downtown location in addition to $500,000 in damages. Previously, Benton County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Donohue had dismissed a claim in the lawsuit alleging trespass.

In September, the Corvallis City Council voted 7-1 to release approximately $49,000 in funds to battle homelessness, with the money aimed at helping Corvallis Housing First operate the shelter this season. But only this season, because councilors also passed an amendment that puts the council on record in opposition to further funding for the Fourth Street site.

The shelter has posed livability concerns and has been the target of multiple police crackdowns since it opened four years ago.

Ringo said Friday that he would support Corvallis Housing Firsts efforts in finding a new location for a mens cold weather shelter for next season.

I think there are other locations that would serve this population, Ringo said. It would just take some flexibility and creativity.

Smith said CHF is continuing to look for alternative locations but none have stood out.

Where else do you put a shelter? Smith asked. If the city of Corvallis believes theres a need for a shelter, and personally I feel theres a huge need for one, where do you physically locate it? No matter where you put it, its going to be next to somebody.
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.
Nie auf das Ende der Schlange gucken : So erleben die Handler den Martinimarkt in Bad Honnef
Now an app to read the language you want in your own tongue News oi -GizBot Bureau

You understand Punjabi perfectly well, but cannot read Gurmukhi, or are fluent in Bengali but cannot read Bangla, and ditto for English. Well, despair not. An app is here to help you read your preferred text, transliterated in the language of your choice.

The readmylanguage.com app is designed to overcome such reading problems, including among children. With the app, which can be installed on computers or on smartphones, a person can easily read a Punjabi newspaper transliterated in the Devanagri, or Hindi, script or even English.

SEE ALSO: WhatsApp Guide: How to Retrieve Lost Data in 10 Simple Steps

The app is presently available in a combination of 12 Indian languages - including Hindi, Bengali, Gurmukhi, Gujarati, Urdu, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, as well as English

The app can be used for any online content, like newspapers, e-books, websites in regional languages and government circulars and documents. "We are in talks with the Gujarat Vidyapeeth to bring out books in the Devanagri script transliterated in Gujarati through the app," Rajiv Nag, Chief Facilitator, readmylanguage.com, told IANS

"They will use our app and use it to do the transliteration," said Nag, also CEO Innovative Apps Pvt Ltd, that has developed the app. The app can also be used for offline versions that would be useful in the publishing industry, says Nag. Publishers could provide the app to readers for an additional sum of money.

The company is in talks with several universities and schools and is providing the app to students for Rs 200 ($3). "In Madhya Pradesh, we have sold the online school version to over 10,000 students," said Nag, adding that in Google Playstore the app costs $20.

The app, including the school version, comes with an option to get meanings of words, and also connotations. A student while reading an English text in Devnagari or Gujarati or Bengali script can easily go to the 'meanings' button to get the meaning of big words.

According to Nag, a major advantage of transliteration is that it helps in learning the language. He says many of the teachers in Madhya Pradesh schools where the app is being used have come out with favourable reports on the improvement in English among the children.

"Students in Tier II or III towns know a smattering of English. This app will help them improve their knowledge of English and also encourage them to read the language seamlessly," he added.

The app for students provides short stories, especially on the Panchatantra and Mahabharata, for Classes 4, 5, 6. "The students are able to relate to it. We also have questions and answers at the bottom to help the students."

The app, while providing the transliterated version on the right, also keeps the original text on the left, so that the reader can go back to the original if needed. This is aimed to make the student or reader more fluent in the language, he added.

Nag says many students in Madhya Pradesh where the app for reading English is in use have confirmed that their knowledge of the language has improved. The app is being used by students in several schools in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, and in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

The company has a 12-member technical team including language testers based in Bengaluru, Baroda, Kolkata and Delhi. The Kolkata team works on the Assamese, Bangla, Oriya and Urdu languages, while the Delhi team works on the Hindi, and Punjabi language, he said.

The app will be brought out in printer friendly mode soon, in accordance with e-pub standards, said Nag. The app can work with texts in HTML, MS Word and BFF (Binary File Format) and do the conversion. The app can be used to read novels and books available in soft copy.

SEE ALSO: Reliance Jio Creates World Record Overtaking WhatsApp, Facebook, and Skype; 16M Users in 26 Days

The newspaper industry is a big market which they are hoping to tap. The team is in touch with several newspapers, he said. The app would be useful in reading any website, including government websites, he added.

Asked if it could be used on Kindle, Nag said that the Kindle technology is not in sync with others, and unless Kindle allows them access to their technology they would not be able to provide the app.

Source IANS

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Price cut on Redmi Note 3 (3GB+32GB) and Mi Max

The popular Redmi Note 3 (3GB + 32GB) and the giant phablet Mi Max will get a price cut of Rs. 1,000 and will be available for Rs. 10,999 and Rs. 13,999 respectively. Users who will buy Mi Max will also get free Hungama subscription.

Price cut on Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime and Redmi Note 3 (2GB)

Xiaomi will also offer a Rs. 500 discount on the purchase on Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime, and Redmi Note 3 (2GB+16GB). The smartphones will be available at Rs. 6,499, Rs. 8,499, and Rs. 9,499 respectively.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals

Huge discount on Xiaomi Mi 5

The flagship handset- Mi 5 will also get a good discount of Rs. 3,000 and will now be available for Rs 19,999. Besides, Xiaomi will also offer 0% EMI plan to interested buyers.

Price cuts on Accessories

The Mi Diwali sale will also offer a chance to grab Xiaomi accessories at discounted prices. The Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro will get a price cut of Rs. 400 and will sell for Rs. 1,399. The Mi Bluetooth speaker after receiving a price cut of Rs. 700 will sell at Rs. 1,999.

The Mi Capsule Earphones are also in the list of discounted products and will sell at Rs. 899 after a discount of Rs. 100. Last but not the least, the 10000mAh Mi Power Bank will be available for Rs. 1,099 after a discount of Rs. 200.

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30 Percent Discount on Mi Protect Service

Xiaomi is also offering a 30 percent discount on its Mi Protect accidental and liquid damage cover.

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals
Re 1 flash sales

As part of the Diwali sale, Xiaomi is offering Re 1 flash sales on 30 units of Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime, Redmi Note 3 (2GB + 16GB), Mi 4, and 100 sets each composed of Mi Bluetooth Speaker, 20,000mAh Mi Power Bank, and Mi Band 2 at 2 pm every day during the sale.

Flat Rs. 500 off on Xiaomi Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime, and Redmi Note 3

During the Diwali Sale, Xiaomi is offering a flat discount of Rs. 500 on Xiaomi Redmi 3S, Redmi 3S Prime, and Redmi Note 3 (2GB of RAM and 16GB internal storage) which makes their official prices to Rs. 6,499, Rs. 8,499, and Rs. 9,499 respectively.

The 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage variant of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 gets a price cut of Rs. 1,000. As a result, it will be available at Rs. 10,999.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals

Rs. 1,000 off on Mi Max

The Xiaomi Mi Max is offering a flat discount of Rs. 1,000 on the big-screened Mi Max which brings its price to Rs. 13,999 from Rs. 14,999.

Xiaomi Mi 5 at Rs. 19,999

Xiaomi's flagship of the year, the Mi 5 will be up for grabs at Rs. 19,999 which not to mention is the best price for the smartphone if you're planning to buy one. Xiaomi is offering a flat discount of Rs. 3,000 on the smartphone.

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Mi Max Prime makes its way to India

Xiaomi's recently unveiled Mi Max Prime will be available in India starting from October 17 in Gold and Grey variants. Priced at Rs. 19,999, the smartphone features a 6.44-inch display with Snapdragon 652 chipset under the hood. It packs 4GB of RAM coupled with 128GB of internal storage space. It will be available for purchase on both the company's website and Amazon India.

10,000mAh Mi Power Bank Pro

Xiaomi's 12.58mm thin 10,000mAh Mi Power Bank Pro will be up for grabs at Rs. 1,999. It supports two-way fast charging and Type-C charging.

On the other hand, the standard 10,000mAh Mi Power Bank is available for purchase at Rs. 1,099 after a discount of Rs. 200. Whereas, the 20,000mAh Mi Power Bank will be available on bundle offer with USB fan at Rs. 1,899.

Click Here for New Tablets Best Online Deals

Mi Air Purifier 2 and Mi Band 2

In addition to the above products, the second iteration of both the Mi Air Purifier and Mi Band will be available for purchase during the sale at Rs. 9,999 and Rs. 1,999 respectively.

Other offers

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4G Data Tariff War: Vodafone Offers 20 GB 4G Data at Just Rs. 999 to Combat Reliance Jio News oi -GizBot Bureau

Vodafone India, one of India's leading telecommunication services providers, friday announced the launch of its Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G service in Hisar in the presence of Shri O P Singh, Inspector General of Police, Hisar and Shri Mohit Narru, Business Head-Haryana, Vodafone India The launch of 4G services will be rolled out across Haryana over the next few months.

Vodafone customers can now enjoy a superior network experience and remain confidently connected, at all times, for all their voice and data needs.

SEE ALSO: Mi Diwali Sale: Top 5 deals to watch out for

Built on the efficient 1800 MHz band, this state-of-the-art network will enable Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G customers to access internet via mobile with speeds across a range of smart devices including Mi-Fi & dongles. Vodafone 4G services can be readily accessed from 4G enabled handsets offered by leading smartphone manufacturers and available across the country.

Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G will significantly enhance the mobile internet experience for customers with faster download/upload of videos and music, seamless video chats and will also facilitate greater ease in using their favourite apps. Customers will also adore features like high definition video streaming, mobile gaming and two-way video calling.

Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G service in Haryana is built on a strong fibre backhaul, and is supported by its superfast 3G services on a new and modern network. With this launch, Vodafone is now uniquely positioned to offer in Haryana, 2G/3G/4G services on its own state of the art, convergent radio technology.

Leveraging its global network and experience, Vodafone also pioneered international roaming on 4G for its India customers visiting 25 countries including UK, UK, US, UAE, Singapore and Canada with many more countries to be launched in the near future.

SEE ALSO: 7 Tips to Capture High Resolution Photos from Your Smartphone

Commenting on the launch of Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G service in Hisar, Mohit Narru Business Head-Haryana, Vodafone India, said, "Haryana is a strong leadership market for Vodafone India and as the leading telecom service provider, our over 5.5 million customers have a lot to look forward to. Beginning with key business and residential corridors of Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak & Hisar.

Vodafone is now expanding its services across Hisar and the entire state in a phased manner. We invite our data savvy customers in Haryana to make the most of the bonanza of special benefits being offered and enjoy the best mobile internet experience. 4G has the potential to revolutionize the mobile experience through powerful innovation that impacts how we work and live.

Vodafone's global expertise and experience of launching 4G across 20 countries gives us a better understanding of this technology and the needs of the 4G customer. We assure our customers to provide the best of services in Hisar (Haryana) from today onwards.

Now in its second phase of launch, Vodafone SuperNetTM 4G services will soon also be available in 1,000 towns across the country by end of the year. The ten circles of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Odisha, Gujarat, UP (E) and West Bengal, together contribute to just under 70% of Vodafone India's data revenues.

SEE ALSO: 6 Striking Features to Expect From the UPCOMING Huawei Mate 9

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Customers buying 1GB & above packs will also get twice the and unlimited local Vodafone to Vodafone Calls (limited period offer)

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4G Mi-Fi that supports Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 10 devices

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Enjoy 4G international roaming across 25 countries including UK, US, UAE, Singapore and Canada, many more countries to be launched in coming weeks.

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Haryana is a focus and significant growth market for Vodafone India. To cater to the growing volumes of customer usage increasing need for speed, the company invested INR 114 Crores in 2015-16 to expand, modernize and build a more technology and energy efficient network. In Haryana, Vodafone has a large retail footprint with 286 Vodafone branded stores spread across prominent localities in the state, making it convenient for customers to access Vodafone's products and services within their neighbourhood.

-Press Release

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Yemeni army, Houthi Ansarullah movement warn US against further attacks

Iran Press TV

Thu Oct 13, 2016 7:14PM

The Yemeni army and the Houthi Ansarullah movement have warned Washington against further attacks on the war-ravaged nation after the US military carried out cruise missile strikes on the country's coastal radar sites.

Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman, a spokesman for Yemeni forces, on Thursday denounced the US missile strikes as unacceptable and stressed that Sana'a reserves the right to defend itself in the face of such threats.

He also noted that any new attacks by the US forces would be met with the "right" response from the Yemenis.

"The direct American attack targeting Yemeni soil this morning is not acceptable," Yemen's Saba news agency quoted Luqman as saying.

"Yemen has the right to defend itself and we would deal with any development with the right steps," he added.

The spokesman also denied that Houthi Ansarullah fighters had carried out missile attacks on the US warship.

The remarks came after the Pentagon said that three Yemeni radar sites had been destroyed by US cruise missile strikes.

This came after the Pentagon claimed that the USS Mason, a guided-missile destroyer, had come under the Yemeni attack for the second time in four days.

The Yemeni side has dismissed Pentagon's accusations as an attempt to provide a pretext for the intelligence and logistics support to Saudi Arabia in its military campaign against Yemen.

The Saudi military campaign has killed more than 10,000 Yemenis since its onset in March 2015.

In one of the deadliest single attacks in the country, Saudi fighter jets bombarded a funeral hall packed with mourners in Sana'a on Saturday, killing over 140 people and injuring at least 525 others.

The US military provides aerial refueling to Saudi bombers carrying out airstrikes in Yemen.

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Fresh violence in CAR kills 30, injures dozens more

Iran Press TV

Thu Oct 13, 2016 6:45PM

A series of new skirmishes involving the ex-Seleka fighters in the Central African Republic has claimed the lives of at least 30 people while leaving 57 others injured.

The UN peacekeeping mission in CAR, known as MINUSCA, said Thursday that its troops had killed 12 former Seleka fighters in clashes that erupted a day earlier in the market town of Kaga Bandoro in central parts of the country.

MINUSCA said the violence began after ex-Seleka fighters and their sympathizers reacted angrily to the death of one of their members who was killed when he and three others tried to steal a generator from a local radio station.

"There was a disproportionate response from ex-Seleka people, who attacked civilians, including displaced people hiding in church premises," said a statement from the mission, adding, "Peacekeepers immediately responded, trying to keep the assailants back," which led to death of 12 of them.

A number of buildings belonging to the UN and other NGOs were also affected in the violence, with reports suggesting that several premises were looted by the fighters and their supporters.

Clashes have continued between former Seleka fighters and rivals from the anti-Balaka group since former president Francois Bozize was deposed from power in March 2013 by an alliance of Seleka fighters, who are Muslims.

MINUSCA has been forced to deploy some 12,000 troops in CAR, which is one of the poorest countries in the world.

The mission has been mostly successful in establishing order in the capital, Bangui. However, reports say the rampant militancy in the countryside is still hampering aid efforts to 120,000 people in urgent need as well as more than 70,000 displaced by the conflict.

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DoD Civilians, Service Members Must Remain Non-Partisan, Apolitical

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2016  Surveys show Americans respect the U.S. military more than most institutions in the country, in part, because it is viewed as non-partisan.

Service members and DoD personnel need to keep it that way.

Service members and DoD civilians swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It doesn't matter who is elected or what party that person represents. DoD personnel will follow the lawful orders of the commander in chief.

Tradition

There is a long tradition of being apolitical in the American military. No one knew what party General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower belonged to while he served in the military. In 1948, President Harry S Truman told Eisenhower he would step down if Ike decided to run as a Democrat. The general waved that offer off, and in 1952, ran and won as a Republican.

In a more recent example, Army Gen. Colin L. Powell waited until he was retired to declare himself a Republican and serve as the secretary of state.

According to DoD Directive 1344.10 and service regulations, active-duty personnel may not engage in partisan political activities, and all military personnel should avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign or cause.

Service members on active duty may not campaign for a partisan candidate, engage in partisan fundraising activities, serve as an officer of a partisan club or speak before a partisan gathering. Active-duty service members may, however, express their personal opinions on political candidates and issues, make monetary contributions to a political campaign or organization, and attend political events as a spectator when not in uniform.

Hatch Act

DoD civilians are restricted by law in the types of partisan activities they can engage in. It varies by grade, position and agency.

The governing law is the Hatch Act of 1939. The purpose of the Hatch Act is to ensure that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion, to protect federal employees from political coercion in the workplace, and to ensure that federal employees are advanced based on merit and not based on political affiliation, according to information on the U.S. Office of Special Counsel's website. The Hatch Act has been amended several times since first passed in the Roosevelt Administration to cover changing circumstances -- the rise of the Internet, for example.

The act defines political activity as "an activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office or partisan political group."

For civilians, there are two distinct groups. The more restrictive group includes those appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate and individuals serving in non-career senior executive service positions; and career SES members, contract appeals board members, and all employees of the National Security Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

The more lenient group applies to all other employees, including Schedule C political appointees.

Those in the first group are expressly prohibited from participating in political activity. They cannot engage in any political activity in concert with a political party, partisan political group or for a candidate for partisan political party. Prohibited activities include soliciting or receiving political contributions.

Personal Opinions

However, these employees can express their personal opinions, make monetary contributions to a campaign, and attend -- but not participate in -- campaign events or fundraising functions sponsored by candidates for partisan political office or political parties.

Employees in the second group have a bit more leeway. On their own time, they may volunteer with a political campaign or political organization. Permitted volunteer activities include: organizing political rallies and meetings, making phone calls on behalf of a candidate, serving as a delegate to a party convention, and working for a political party to get out the vote on Election Day.

Federal employees cannot solicit or receive political contributions.

No one can participate in any political activities on government time or by using government equipment.

Specifically, an employee may not send or forward political emails, post political messages to a Facebook account or engage in political tweeting on government time or government equipment, or while in a federal building [including when off duty], even if the employee is using a personal smartphone, tablet or computer. Employees should never use government equipment when engaging in political activities.

Social Media

Social media is ubiquitous these days and the preferred method of communications for many Americans. Personnel may generally express their personal views on public issues or political candidates on social media just as they would be permitted to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper.

But just like a letter, employees and service members must clearly indicate they are not speaking in an official capacity. Any posting must clearly and prominently state that the views expressed are those of the individual only, and not of the Defense Department.

Active-duty military members and civilian employees in the more restricted group are prohibited from participating in partisan political activity. They can "follow" "friend" or "like" a political party or a candidate running for partisan office; they may not "share" or "re-tweet" comments or tweets from the Facebook page or twitter account of a political party or candidate running for partisan office.

Political Activities and Members of the Armed Forces provides social media guidance for military members and Social Media and the Hatch Act offers advice to civilian employees on how to avoid violating the rules.

General guidance on the Hatch Act may be found at the U.S. Office of Special Counsel's website.

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PHIBLEX 33 comes to a close

US Marine Corps News

By Sgt. Kathy Nunez | October 14, 2016

Philippine and U.S. Marines came together for the closing ceremony of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 in Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 11, 2016.

"(This) amphibious landing exercise is a result of consistency built on the preceding years' shared visions, gallant achievements, and mark-ups on lessons learned," said Brig. Gen. Maximo V. Ballesteros, the director of Philippine forces involved with PHIBLEX 33. "Change must not collide with consistency. Consistency and change should both be balanced to achieve sustainable peace, security and development."

Throughout PHIBLEX 33, more than 1,400 U.S. service members and 500 Philippine service members conducted training exercises ranging from combined arms to humanitarian civic assistance.

"We learn from the Philippine Marines in their superior jungle warfare school and outstanding combat engineering skills as they learn from us on amphibious operations and integrated fire, command and control," said Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen, commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade. "Our training together as Marines makes us all better and more capable as an interoperable force."

During their short time together, the Philippine and U.S. forces worked as one team to renovate schools and buildings in Cagayan Valley, conduct health education and information exchanges in San Vicente and Palawig, and tested their amphibious capabilities on the beaches of the Naval Education and Training Center along with several other training exercises across the country.

"The degree of partnership and brotherhood between our Marines was self-evident in the complete integration of our forces down to the platoon level and the smiles, camaraderie and friendship that was powerfully displayed from the landing beach to the tactical ranges inland," said Jansen.

Although the exercise has come to an end, the countries' relationship continues to withstand the test of time.

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Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Paolo Gentiloni, Foreign Affairs Minister of Italy at the NATO Defense College - Secretary General's opening remarks

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

14 Oct. 2016

(As delivered)

Minister Gentiloni, dear Paolo,

It is a really great pleasure to be back in Rome and to meet with you again. The meeting and the discussions that we had at the NATO Defense College yesterday and today just once again reconfirm the importance that Italy plays in our Alliance.

Because Italy really is a core member. You participate and contribute to so many different NATO missions and operations, and you've done that for so many years, one of the founding members of our Alliance. You provide fighter jets to our Baltic Air Policing. You augment Turkey's air defences with a missile battery. And Italy will lead NATO's Spearhead Force in 2018.

And Italy is also contributing by hosting many different NATO institutions and capabilities. For instance this Defence College but you also host AWACS surveillance planes. And soon, Italy will host our cutting-edge Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft in Sicily. So that's just some examples of the many ways that Italy is contributing to our Alliance.

At our Summit in July, Heads of State and Governments of our Alliance decided to further strengthen our collective defence and at the same time to project stability beyond our borders.

Italy is essential to both. For years, Italy has been a major contributor to our operations in Afghanistan and in Kosovo. To our counter-terrorism operation in the Mediterranean. And most recently, to our efforts to cut the lines of illegal migration in the Aegean Sea with a NATO presence in the Aegean Sea. And I trust Italy will be part of our efforts when we increase our presence in the Central Mediterranean. At the Warsaw Summit, we launched Sea Guardian, our new maritime operation. And just this week, I discussed with High Representative Federica Mogherini how NATO can support Operation Sophia.

For example with logistics. With escort for ships diverted for suspicious activities. And by helping to implement the UN Security Council Resolution on the Libya arms embargo.

Support for Operation Sophia is just one example of the ever closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union. And I am grateful that Italy has voiced strong support for this cooperation. NATO and the EU face the same challenges. And together we have the whole toolbox to address them.

This includes the challenge of an increasingly assertive and unpredictable Russia. In recent weeks, Russia has deployed missile systems closer to Alliance borders that could carry nuclear warheads.This is part of a pattern of large-scale military activity and exercises close to our borders. Allies are deeply concerned about this behaviour. We will continue pursuing our policy of strong defence combined with political dialogue. NATO's mission is to keep our Allies safe. But we must prevent accidents or miscalculations from spiralling out of control. Russia also continues to bomb Aleppo and support the Syrian regime. Despite the terrible toll in human lives and suffering. And despite the strong objections of the international community. We must find a way to overcome the current stalemate in Syria. And the first step to achieve this is to return to the negotiating table. So I hope that the talks in Lausanne and London this weekend will find a way forward to resolving the crisis. With a real cessation of violence. And resumption of humanitarian aid. Syria is the source of many of the security challenges coming from our southern neighbourhood. So we also discussed how NATO is helping our partners in the Middle East and North Africa to build up their own defence capacities. Because when they are more stable, we are more secure. This will also help to reduce illegal migration.

So, I thank once again Italy for contributing to all these efforts and for the close cooperation we have seen for so many years inside the Alliance with all the Allies and Italy is a core member of this unique Alliance.

Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you. We have time for a couple of questions.

Q: [Translated]: Good morning, a question to Minister Gentiloni. This morning the Secretary General, NATO Secretary General talking in an interview to the press has debated a two-fold commitment by Italy for security at the eastern borders of Europe facing Russia and as leading nation of the ultra  (inaudible) deployment force. So I would like to ask the Minister which are  (inaudible) element or detail of this commitment and considering the words of Moscow which has considered that initiative as a destructive policy, do you think this might have an impact on the attempt to establish a dialogue that NATO is trying to establish in the next few weeks with Russia? Thank you.

PAOLO GENTILONI (Italian Foreign Affairs Minister): [Translated]: I would say that the decisions that Jens has mentioned during an interview this morning are decisions which were made in the past few months and which we had announced also during the Warsaw Summit. Italy has always given its contribution to an approach aimed at strengthening our defensive set-ups in the Northern and Eastern countries of the Atlantic Alliance. We've been participating for a long time in the policing missions in the Baltic Sea and we'll participate in the next few months with 140 men in Latvia; we will participate in the NATO force under Canadian initiative which is going to be deployed there. This is not part and parcel of a policy of aggression against Russia but its part of a policy of reassurance and defense of our borders as Atlantic Alliance. Among other things these decisions have no impact on the line of dialogue that Italy has always proposed and which shares with NATO because dialogue can and must run parallel with clear signals of reassurance that our allies  to our allies who feel at risk, so much so that the meetings for carrying on the dialogue have continued even after these decisions have been made and announced even before the Warsaw Summit.

Q: I have a question about the operation Sea Guardian. My interest is about which kind NATO have with the government of Libya for this operation and what about in term of result in future about these? What do you expect from this operation?

JENS STOLTENBERG (NATO Secretary-General): Sea Guardian is a maritime security operation which NATO has decided to establish in the Mediterranean and this operation will have many different tasks. And when I for instance mentioned that Sea Guardian can provide support for operation Sophia we speak about support in international waters; about for example providing logistics. It may be different kinds of logistics but one of the issues that has been mentioned is to provide tanker ships that can refuel other naval ships at sea. When we speak about the task of escort ships diverted for suspicious activities that may be for instance as part of the implementation of the arms embargo and to escort those ships. So, these are issues we are now looking into: exactly how we can provide support for Operation Sophia. On top of that we're also looking into whether we can provide support for Libya when it comes to capacity building, partly to help Libya build defense institutions. It is extremely important to have strong defense institutions to be able to stabilize the country. Of course Libya needs to train forces but they need also the institutions which can make sure that the forces are used in the in the best possible way. NATO is looking into what we can do when it comes to building institutions; we are also ready to help Operation Sophia in helping building the capacity of the Libyan Coast Guard but that is something that will happen if so requested by the Libyan government and if that can complement the efforts of the European Union and Operation Sophia. So, what we do will complement the efforts of the European Union.

PAOLO GENTILONI: Yes, I just want to add[Interpreted]: I'd like to add from the Italian side, you do know that Operation Sophia is an operation the main goal of which in this stage is to counter and stop traffickers of human beings in international waters, stop those traffickers who organize human trafficking from Libya. On top of this which is presently its main goal other goals have been recently added upon request by the Libyan government - tasks connected to the training of the Coast Guards - the Libyan Coast Guards - training which takes place in international waters as well. So, there is at the time being no direct relationship between the Sophia operation and the likely support that Sea Guardian will give to Sophia and this is going to be something very important and the Libyan situation in a very directive way. Everything takes place in international waters aimed at achieving some specific goals and objectives: that is fighting human trafficking, training Coast Guards and controlling and surveying - and surveillance of the arms embargo. These three tasks it would be desirable to join also the contribution from NATO but while NATO will provide a contribution if the agreement will be reached - and we're sure it will reach an agreement - will provide a contribution to Sophia for its general tasks - the tasks connected to the training of the Libyan Coast Guards will be part and parcel of direct dialogue between NATO and the Libyan government. As they've asked European Union to submit a similar request to NATO so we're not presenting Sophia or Sea Guardian which is supporting Sophia as an interference on Libyan affairs - we're just meeting specific requests by the Libyan government on specific issues.

Q: Good morning. What is the position of NATO about European defense in system (sic)?

JENS STOLTENBERG: European defense is something which is of great importance for NATO because 26 of our allies are European Nations and many of them are member of the European Union. So stronger European defense will contribute to a stronger NATO; stronger European defense will be good for the European Union; it will be good for Europe; and it will be good for NATO, the transatlantic bond. So I welcome all efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities to enhance cooperation between European Nations so we are able to spend and invest the resources we enlist in defense in a more efficient way and also of course I welcome increased defense spending and we've seen in Europe that after many, many years of decline in defense spending now defense spending has started to increase again, also in Italy. And that is something that I welcome because we live in a more dangerous world with new challenges, new threats and we have to respond and adapt to that. The thing that we have to make sure is that we avoid duplication with NATO structures and with NATO and that what Europe does is complementary to NATO and I'm very much assured by very strong statements from Paolo, from Minister Gentiloni and from many other European leaders that this is not about establishing something which is an alternative to NATO but this is about strengthening European defense as part of strengthening transatlantic cooperation and that I welcome very much.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much, thank you for coming to the NATO Defense College today and have a good afternoon.



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Alliance marks 65th Anniversary of the NATO Defense College

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

13 Oct. 2016

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg led the North Atlantic Council and the NATO Military Committee in celebrating the 65th anniversary of the NATO Defense College (NDC) on Thursday (13 October 2016). During a commemorative ceremony in Rome, the Secretary General highlighted the NDC's role as a leading centre for forward-looking education.

"This College has been essential to NATO's ability to deal with evolving challenges and to prepare for an uncertain future," said Mr. Stoltenberg. He noted that the NDC holds a well-deserved reputation for excellence in scholarship and cutting-edge research which extends beyond the Alliance. The Secretary General also thanked Italy for hosting the NDC's campus for the past five decades.

In Rome, the Secretary General also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti. They discussed NATO's efforts to strengthen its deterrence and defence posture, and to counter challenges emanating from the South. Earlier at the Vatican, Mr. Stoltenberg was received by His Holiness Pope Francis. Tomorrow, Mr. Stoltenberg will participate in a conference at the NDC on NATO cooperation with partners in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He will also meet with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

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Navy to Commission Destroyer Zumwalt

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161014-25

Release Date: 10/14/2016 6:13:00 PM

By Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the destroyer Zumwalt (DDG 1000), Saturday, Oct. 15, during a 5 p.m. EDT ceremony in Baltimore.

The ship is named in honor of Adm. Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt Jr., former chief of naval operations (CNO) from 1970 to 1974. A veteran of World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, Zumwalt exemplified honor, courage and commitment during 32-years of dedicated naval service, earning a Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 79.

During his time as CNO, Zumwalt embraced technological innovation and advocated a number of successful programs including the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine and the F-14 Tomcat, all of which yielded long-term benefits to the warfighting readiness of the Navy.

Perhaps most importantly, Zumwalt was a social reformer who recognized the primary force-multiplier of the U.S. Navy continued to be its sailors and, as such, began quality of life improvements throughout the fleet, including the institutionalization of equality for minorities and women. He was considered a "thinking officer" who was devoted to sailors and creating an environment where everyone was treated equally-a legacy that can be seen today in the diversity of the fleet. His "one Navy" mentality reminds today's sailors that taking care of our warfighters ensures the Navy remains tough, bold and ready.

The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Ann Zumwalt and Mouzetta Zumwalt-Weathers, daughters of Adm. Zumwalt, and the ship's co-sponsors will give the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" in accordance with naval tradition.

"DDG-1000 is one of the most innovative and technologically-advanced ships our Navy has built and it is this spirit of innovation, this commitment to forward thinking and the ability of our Navy and its sailors to see beyond the horizon that we honor as we commission the USS Zumwalt," said Mabus. "Just as DDG-1000 is the first of its class, so too was Adm. Elmo Zumwalt."

Zumwalt is the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers designed to strengthen naval power. The ships are capable of performing critical maritime missions and they enhance the Navy's ability to provide deterrence, power projection and sea control. Stealthy, powerful and lethal, Zumwalt's integration into the fleet will provide a vital link from the Navy's current needs to its future capabilities.

The Zumwalt-class is much larger than today's destroyers, fielding a considerably larger flight deck and aviation facility-space to operate with F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, MV-22 Ospreys and unmanned systems to execute a wider array of surface, aviation and undersea missions that deliver more manpower, firepower and computing power to the fight. Zumwalt's Vertical Launch System (VLS)-one way the ship will be able to fight and defend itself-features VLS cells physically larger than similar cells on today's ships, allowing this class to fire larger and more advanced land and anti-ship missiles in the future. In addition to its size, the Zumwalt-class will be the first Navy warships to utlilize an integrated power system that will produce large amounts of power that run current systems but are also capable of powering future weapons, computing and sensor systems. The Zumwalt generates approximately 78 megawatts of power-nearly what a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier generates. This means the ship can operate all of its systems and still generate enough electricity to power a small town. Providing extra capacity to accommodate and defend against future, and increasingly available, weapons and computing systems without extensive redesign or impeding the ship's performance, will reduce future costs and extend this class of ship's time on station. Combined with its size and power, Zumwalt will be able to integrate emerging technologies and new capabilities such as advance weapons systems like rail guns and lasers, enhanced radar and sensor systems and advanced missiles.

The ship will be crewed by 147 officers and enlisted personnel and a 28-person aviation detachment. The 15,995-metric ton Zumwalt was built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is 610 feet in length and has an overall beam of 80.7 feet and a navigational draft of 27.6 feet. Two main turbine generators and two auxiliary turbine generators and two 33.6 megawatt advanced induction motors power the ship to sustained speeds of 30 knots.

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China supports Philippine anti-drug campaign: FM spokesman

Iran Press TV

Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:46PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman says his country supports the Philippines' crackdown on illicit drugs and will cooperate with the Southeast Asian country in the war against narcotics.

"We understand and support the Philippine government's policy under President [Rodrigo] Duterte of prioritizing the fight against drug crime," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing on Friday.

Duterte, a former crime-busting mayor of Davao City, won the presidency in May after campaigning almost entirely on promises to wipe out drugs and crime.

Nearly 2,300 people have been killed in the campaign against drugs since it started on June 30, according to the police, of which 1,566 were drug suspects killed in security operations.

Duterte said on September 19 that he needs six more months for his ongoing war on drugs, adding that there are too many people involved in the narcotic trade and that he "cannot kill them all."

"We would need time to put everything in order. Give me a little extension, maybe of another six months," he said.

The Filipino president plans to pay an official visit to Beijing on October 18-21 and meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

"As I understand it, during President Duterte's visit to China, he will participate in relevant anti-drugs related activities. At present both countries are in close communication about this," Geng said.

"Both countries anti-narcotics departments have already begun to explore cooperation. I believe that the results will be seen very soon," the Chinese spokesperson added.

Duterte has many times urged China to do more to stem the flow of narcotics into his country.

Philippine Foreign Ministry spokesman Charles Jose also said on Friday that during his upcoming visit to Beijing, Duterte would visit China's anti-drugs agency to be acquainted with ways that the country is tackling its own narcotics problems.

"It's not final yet but I think the purpose is to, for the president to see for himself," Jose told a regular briefing, adding that Beijing supports Manila in terms of rehabilitation programs and law enforcement.

Civil rights campaigners have criticized Philippine police operations amid concerns that some of the dead suspects may have been summarily executed by the law enforcement officers.

Human Rights Watch said the nation needs an "independent" investigation into whether Duterte has had a role in extrajudicial killings.

Duterte has dismissed criticism of his drug crackdown, threatening to pull the Philippines out of the United Nations.

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Gunmen kill 12 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai

Iran Press TV

Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:25PM

Twelve members of Egypt's security forces have been killed and eight others injured in an attack by gunmen suspected of having links to the Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the northeastern province of North Sinai.

The Friday assault was carried out at a security checkpoint near the town of Bir al-Abd.

Fifteen of the attackers, who arrived at the checkpoint in all-terrain vehicles, were also killed.

Officials said the attack started with the gunmen opening fire on the checkpoint with light arms and heavy machine guns. Mortar fire followed.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but it had the hallmarks of Velayat Sinai Takfiri terrorists group, previously known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis.

Velayat Sinai has been responsible for most attacks in the Sinai Peninsula as well as the capital Cairo. Such attacks have increased since the 2013 ouster by the military of Egypt's first democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi.

A state of emergency was declared in Sinai in 2014, following a deadly assault that claimed the lives of over 30 soldiers.

In 2015, Egyptian armed forces launched a massive operation against the militants in northern Sinai following coordinated terrorist attacks on several army checkpoints that claimed the lives of 21 soldiers in July the same year.

Velayat Sinai pledged allegiance to Daesh in 2014.

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Twitter Tricks: Will The Real Gulnara Karimova Please Stand Up?

Noah Tucker, Aziz Nur October 14, 2016

Speculation about the fate of Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of the late Uzbek President Islam Karimov once tipped as his potential successor, has gripped Central Asia and observers of the region ever since she vanished from public life amid a corruption scandal more than two years ago. So Uzbek social media was understandably set ablaze when a new Twitter account earlier this month began publishing a stream of posts suggesting Karimova herself was the author of the tweets.

But an investigation by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, has found that the person -- or group -- tweeting from the handle @Zabitaya1972 is merely posing as Karimova, whose popular Twitter account was shut down around the time she was placed under house arrest in 2014. Her conspicuous absence from her father's funeral last month, combined with her prolonged silence, has fueled rumors concerning her whereabouts.

The purpose of the Twitter hoax remains unclear, though critics of the government suspect Uzbek security services may be involved. The appearance of the Twitter account comes as Shavkat Mirziyaev, Uzbekistan's prime minister and acting president, seeks to shore up his power base following Karimov's death.

Mirziyaev has issued no comment on the legal status of Karimova, who was reportedly placed under house arrest in 2014. But for many, the fact that Uzbek authorities did not grant her temporary release to attend her father's funeral in September -- and even omitted her name when offering condolences to Karimov's family -- speaks louder than words.

Inception

Shortly after the account was created on October 2, the author or authors -- using the Twitter name Afina -- appeared to confirm widely circulating rumors that Karimova had been moved from house arrest to forced institutionalization in a psychiatric clinic in Tashkent.

Without claiming directly to be Karimova, Afina darkly tweeted about being held against her will, desperately appealing to be allowed to see "my children," and posting an image of a typed letter -- signed by "Gulnara Karimova" -- to her "mother."

The online reaction online was immediate. Uzbek social media users -- fans and critics of Karimova alike -- immediately began analyzing the clues and debating the authenticity of the account.

Many believed that Karimova was indeed tweeting from the account, citing the tone and content, images of handwritten notes posted by Afina, and what appeared to be scraps of insider information only Karimova or someone close to her could have known.

After expressing gratitude that her "requests" to see her daughter had been honored, Afina abruptly began launching bitter broadsides against acting President Shavkat Mirziyaev and the rest of the Karimov family, particularly Karimov's younger daughter, Lola, who remains active in public life in Uzbekistan.

Then, on October 9, Afina wrote in Russian: "Some guests are here. It looks like they are taking me away to be shot."

The tweets continued the following day, albeit with a notably different tone. Over the next several days, Afina posted series of first-person -- and at times obscene -- tweets implicating Lola Karimova in corruption and various crimes, including sex trafficking.

Contact

During this period, Afina contacted numerous influential social media accounts and opposition outlets via direct messaging -- including RFE/RL on October 12.

In the appeals, Afina asked RFE/RL and other outlets to write articles based on the account and publicize information from prepared texts.

In a Twitter exchange over several hours via direct messages, Afina explicitly claimed to be Gulnara Karimova.

But when RFE/RL tested Afina on basic information about Karimova's biography, the Twitter user repeatedly failed. For example, Afina appeared to believe that the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) -- where Karimova once took a course -- was in Boston. In fact, it is located in New York City.

RFE/RL then asked Afina a trick question about FIT, asking the interlocutor to "confirm" that the institute is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is located "on the west side of the Potomac River." Afina confirmed this deliberately erroneous information.

In a final attempt to confirm the Twitter user's identity, RFE/RL then asked Afina to take a selfie while holding up three fingers and send it via direct message. In response, Afina sent a photograph of a woman's hand, with four fingers visible, resting on the edge of notebook. The notebook contained handwritten lines of what appeared to be poetry -- similar to posts that Gulnara Karimova had frequently made from her own Twitter account before 2015.

When asked if the "beautiful poem" was her own, Afina replied: "Yes, thanks. Just, thinking out loud." In fact, however, the text is identical to excerpts of a romance advice column published on a Huffington Post blog in 2015.

As Afina adopted a more desperate tone, asking that serious allegations against the Mirziyaev government be published, RFE/RL confronted the user directly with the evidence that he or she was not Gulnara Karimova.

Afina admitted to the deception, but said that Karimova needs "help." The Twitter user then switched to Russian and claimed to be Karimova's daughter, Iman. As evidence, Afina sent a photograph of Iman identical to a publicly accessible image posted several years ago on the teenager's social media accounts.

After RFE/RL continued to press for evidence of the Twitter user's true identity, Afina stopped responding. Later in the day, the Afina resumed tweeting as Gulnara Karimova, providing biographical details that carefully corrected some of the mistakes RFE/RL had challenged him or her on in the private exchange.

'We Need Revolution!'

Although the true identity of the person -- or persons -- behind the hoax cannot be determined with certainty, several individuals contacted recently by Afina via direct message told RFE/RL they believe more than one person may be using the account -- and that Uzbekistan's National Security Committee (SNB) may be involved.

"This is just an SNB project. [They are] trying to get [Karimova's] supporters," a well-known Uzbek Twitter activist using the pseudonym AkhmadxonUSA told RFE/RL.

Akhmadxon, known as a follower of the influential exiled imam Obidkhon Qori Nazarov, confirmed that the real Gulnara Karimova had reached out to him via videoconference two years ago when she became embroiled in corruption scandals that preceded her spectacular fall from grace.

He says the real Karimova asked for his help in getting her messages to the public, and that her appeals superficially resembled those he recently received from Afina via direct messaging on Twitter. However, he said, having spoken extensively with her on her verified account two years ago, he was "100 percent sure" that Gulnara was not operating the Afina account.He added that Afina refused to communicate over video conference and claimed "not to remember" an agreed-upon password that the real Karimova had urged him to ask for in case others might impersonate her on social media.

He believes Afina's outreach is a provocation. "The last time I talked with Afina, she kept saying: 'We need revolution, we need to demand our rights!'" Akhmadxon told RFE/RL. He noted that "only maybe three people in the world" knew about his exchanges with Karimova, so if Afina is not Karimova, the person operating the account had access to her communication history -- such as the security services who presumably seized her electronic devices when she was arrested -- or had monitored the original exchanges. The pattern of communication from the Afina account and the people the user chose to reach out to via direct messages closely echoes previous tactics known to be used by Uzbek Security Service "trolls," who have adopted increasingly sophisticated messaging tactics in the past few years according to social media analysts.

The editor of a website known for lampooning Uzbek politics also told RFE/RL that Afina had contacted the outlet claiming to have compromising materials about the Mirziyaev government.

The texts Afina asked RFE/RL to publish stressed the importance of human rights and other values promoted by Western governments. They also included claims that Gulnara's son, Islom, was recognized by Karimov as his "true heir."

This claim contradicts speeches made by Mirziyaev, who has identified Karimov as his mentor and teacher and painted himself as the authoritarian president's rightful successor.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-gulnara-karimova -fake-twitter-account/28053426.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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China Declines Japanese Protest Over Gas Exploration in East China Sea

Sputnik News

03:47 14.10.2016

China has refuted a Japanese protest over China's alleged revival of maritime gas exploration in the East China Sea. According to Beijing, the exploration activities are being conducted "totally within China's jurisdiction."

Earlier on Wednesday, Japan protested to China what it sees as a renewal of maritime gas exploration in the East China Sea. According to Tokyo, flares have been spotted over 2 of 16 above-water exploration platforms set up by China in the East China Sea, where no official boundary between the two states has been drawn.

"It is extremely regrettable that China is proceeding with unilateral development in the area while the boundary between Japan and China in the East China Sea is not yet fixed, despite [our] repeated protests," government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Wednesday.

However, the protest has been ignored by the Chinese side.

"They are totally within the scope of China's sovereign rights and jurisdiction," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing.

According to the Japan Times, all 16 Chinese drilling platforms are located on the Chinese side of a Tokyo-proposed median line that is to separate exclusive economic zones. However, Japan is concerned about the possibility that China will drain resources from the Japanese side of the seabed, as well. Japan regards the exploration activities as a violation of 2008 accord to jointly develop hydrocarbon reserves in the sea. Talks were halted after a maritime accident between Chinese fishing boat and a Japanese coast guard vessel.

Japan and China have long disputed the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones in the East China Sea. China does not recognize the proposed median line and says its EEZ stretches further to the edge of the continental shelf, closer to Japan's Okinawa Prefecture.

They are also at odds over the Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyu Islands in China.

 Sputnik

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Haiti: UN supporting government to provide emergency food assistance to 750,000 people

14 October 2016  United Nations relief agencies are continuing work on the ground to assist Haiti in the aftermath of powerful Hurricane Matthew with the World Food Program (WFP) today helping to provide supplies for some 750,000 people, while the UN health agency and its regional partner have appealed to donors for $9 million for emergency health operations.

"We are using trucks and helicopters to transport that food as quickly as possible to save lives," stated Carlos Veloso, the WFP Representative in Haiti, in a news release, adding that the agency is working with the Government on identifying the most affected locations and providing essential aid.

WFP, which had nearly 3,450 metric tonnes of food supplies prepared even before the hurricane struck the island on 3 October, reported today that some 30,000 people, mostly living in shelters, have received the aid, including rations of rice, vegetable oil and salt.

In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural and Rural Development, the National Coordination for Food Security and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), WFP has also assessed five departments to evaluate the damage to the food and nutrition security of Haitians in the wake of the deadly storm.

According to Mr. Veloso, many people in Haiti are surviving by eating fruit from fallen trees. "What we are bringing to their families is nutritious food to help them rebuild their lives," he said.

So far, WFP estimates that nearly 100 per cent of the crops have been destroyed in Haiti's Grand'Anse department, while other departments have lost about 50 per cent of crops and fishing equipment, which was washed away in the storms torrential rains and heavy floods.

According to WFP, Haiti's Civil Protection Department is reporting that Hurricane Matthew killed over 470 people, and also caused extensive floods, damage to road infrastructure, and electricity and water shortages.

To support the Government, the UN and the wider humanitarian community in Haiti on Monday launched a $120 million appeal for food and life-saving support for the storm victims. WFP is also setting up a logistics group to facilitate storage space in Les Cayes and Jeremie to assist the emergency response of the entire humanitarian community.

Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO) are assessing the health situation in Haiti, reporting that health facilities sustained severe damage, and vaccines and medications have been lost, and must be quickly replaced. The partner agencies estimate that $9 million in funding will be needed to carry out essential activities to tackle the damage.

Canada has already confirmed a contribution of 400,000 Canadian dollars towards emergency response, in addition to an earlier donation for cholera response, PAHO/WHO stated.

PAHO and WHO have also cooperated with the Ministry of Health of Haiti on establishing a Cell for Information and Coordination of Emergency Medical Teams to improve coordination of the national and international Emergency Medical Teams.

"Haiti is the second country in the Americas to establish this highly effective coordination mechanism that proved to be effective after the recent earthquake in Ecuador," stated Dr. Ciro Ugarte, the Director of PAHO's Health Emergencies Department.

He added that PAHO's response has been substantial, with 35 team members supporting the Ministry of Health, field offices established in Les Cayes and Jeremie, and supplies and medicine sent to the field.

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UN deputy chief briefs Member States on new UN approach to cholera outbreak in Haiti

14 October 2016  Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said today that the first track of the new United Nations approach to tackling cholera involves intensifying efforts to treat and eliminate the disease and boost access to clean water and sanitation; and the second track aims to develop a framework proposal to Member States for material assistance to those Haitians most affected by cholera after the 2010 outbreak.

Mr. Eliasson briefed Member States alongside Dr. David Nabarro, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda and Ross Mountain, Special Adviser on the Impact of Cholera. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and Deputy Special Representative Mourad Wahba joined in via videoconference from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The deputy UN chief said that today, there could be no discussion of cholera situation in Haiti without taking into account the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew, which had left millions of Haitians on the southern coast of the island in "dire and desperate need of humanitarian assistance." Mr. Eliasson praised the Government of Haiti's leadership for their action thus far and hailed the "strength, resilience, and resourcefulness of the Haitian people," while simultaneously emphasizing the need for support from Member States.

He went on to reaffirm the compassion and solidarity of the United Nations and its Member States with the people of Haiti, and he reassured the nation that the UN would act with the greatest possible speed to bring assistance.

"We must convey to them that our approach to the hurricane and to cholera includes a commitment to help forge long-term solutions. We must deal with the underlying problems of poverty and fragility that make each successive shock so much more damaging," he said.

Mr. Eliasson said that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon travels to Haiti tomorrow in order to deliver that same message of solidarity to the country.

So far, the Flash Appeal launched Monday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has requested nearly $120 million in order to provide food, shelter, water and emergency sanitation over the next three months for the 750,000 people most impacted by the hurricane. Many of these people are in hard-to-reach areas.

Meanwhile, water and sanitation infrastructures have been destroyed, prompting a need for quick and early action  especially to prevent the spread of cholera. So far, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has scaled up with a recent Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) loan, and World Health Organization (WHO) has sent one million vaccinations against cholera for immediate use.

The risk of cholera, the Deputy Secretary-General announced, makes the UN's new approach to Haiti all the more urgent and requires two tracks:

First, efforts must be intensified in order to treat and eliminate cholera and to improve long-term access to clean water and sanitation. "We must build resilience to the disease," the Deputy Secretary-General said.

Second is a framework proposal to Member States in order to acquire material assistance to those in Haiti most affected by the 2010 cholera outbreak. The Deputy Secretary-General announced that the Secretary-General would present a proposal to the General Assembly before he leaves office. That proposal will be discussed with both the Haitian Government and citizens affected by cholera.

The following questions were posed to Member States:

- How do we identify and prioritize potential beneficiaries on the basis of partly incomplete information?

- How and when are we to conduct the consultations in Haiti?

- How are we to balance the potential mix between individual/household and community/collective benefits?

- How do we implement the arrangements for the package?

He underscored the need for material commitment from Member States in order to effectively design a package, particularly in light of the increased demand for assistance following the hurricane.

The UN anticipates that total funding for the two tracks outlined above will amount to $400 million over the next two years.

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Mozambique Negotiator's Killing May Re-focus Peace Talks

By Anita Powell, Salem Solomon October 14, 2016

Last week's brazen killing of a senior opposition negotiator, Jeremias Pondeca, dealt a blow to Mozambique's already troubled peace talks, further postponing the oft-delayed closed-door talks that are aimed at finding a path to peace in this Southern African nation.

For more than a year, Mozambique's ruling party and opposition have been engaged in stop-and-start peace talks that have, so far, produced no solution.

The two sides were enemies during Mozambique's brutal, 15-year civil war. After that conflict ended in 1992, the Renamo rebel group turned political opposition and contested every national election, losing them all and crying foul every time as the ruling Frelimo party again swept to power.

A fractious 2014 election sparked fresh turmoil, with Renamo's leader renewing conflict in his strongholds. The talks were supposed to finally find a solution and address Renamo's demands for greater role in politics, government and administration.

And so, when opposition negotiator Pondeca was shot dead in broad daylight on a Maputo beach by unknown assailants, Mozambican analysts were quick to label it a political hit, and observers feared for the worst.

The European Union issued a statement condemning the killing, and Human Rights Watch warned that Pondeca's death could put the peace talks at risk. The talks, which were supposed to resume this week, were delayed.

Peace talks

But then both sides did something unexpected: shaken by events, these bitter opponents did not walk away from the table.

Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, who has long accused Frelimo of causing the country's troubles, even appeared to soften -- although he accused Frelimo of orchestrating Pondeca's death.

"We cannot abandon negotiations," he said in an exclusive interview with VOA's Portuguese service. Dhlakama said that Pondeca's death is a "tragedy but Renamo will not back down. We will continue to fight for democracy. We will work to make the regime reform and make sure that there is a functioning democracy, a state of law."

President Filipe Nyusi appeared to similarly soften, condemning the killing and attending Pondeca's funeral. Some observers saw that as a rare and significant reach across the aisle from the ruling party.

"It looks like, despite the very worrisome nature of this acts, both sides decided to step up to the plate and make sure it won't derail the negotiations process, which is very encouraging," said Miguel de Brito, who is Mozambique country director of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

Maputo-based lawyer and analyst Rodrigo Rocha echoed that optimism. "This is in fact one of the most positive news that we have received in the previous times," he said.

But rights defenders say they remain concerned, as Pondeca's name is the latest on a growing list of killings in Mozambique that are believed to be politically motivated.

Politically-motivated killings

Zenaida Machado of Human Rights Watch told VOA that since March 2015, at least 10 high-profile figures have been killed from both sides. Among them are Pondeca and another member of the Council of State, a group that advises the president.

"The numbers are bigger than that," Machado added. "The killings include people who are not affiliated with any party but at one point have criticized the government or made political comments," she said.

But negotiations are, at their root, still a battle for dominance and spoils. Does Renamo's tragic loss give it an edge? De Brito isn't sure -- and in fact thinks the government's magnanimity may help them just as much.

"It does not give Renamo an upper hand, but it changed a little bit a public attitude of the government side in the negotiation. In the public eye, it has probably changed the perception of how these things work."

The public will be watching, he said, as talks resume Monday.

Andre Baptista contributed to this report.

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UN Condemns Escalating Violence in CAR

By Lisa Schlein October 14, 2016

United Nations agencies are condemning attacks by ex-Seleka fighters in the Central African Republic and calling for restraint to prevent further escalation of violence.

Tensions in the Central African Republic between Muslim ex-Seleka rebels and the Christian anti-balaka militia have been rising since September 12, when a group of ex-Seleka entered a hospital in Kaga-Bandoro in the country's north demanding treatment for a member.

Since then, a number of unsettling incidents have occurred, including attacks against civilians and violence against humanitarian workers.

The worst occurred Wednesday, according to the U.N. Human Rights office, when hundreds of ex-Seleka members attacked a camp for internally displaced people, the prefect's office and a camp run by U.N. peacekeepers.

Thirty people were killed, including 18 civilians and 12 ex-Seleka fighters, agency spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told VOA. She said many others were injured, and houses and offices were set on fire and looted.

Before the violence erupted in September, the country's armed groups were participating in a process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation.

"This sudden escalation is particularly worrying," Shamdasani said. " We are calling on the armed group to stop right now, to exercise restraint to prevent a further escalation and to go back to the table, to resume the dialogue."

The U.N. children's fund also condemned Wednesday's attack. It reported armed ex-Seleka men attacked a secondary school in Kaga-Bandoro while teacher training was underway. It said three teachers and the director of the Regional Pedagogical Center were killed.

United Nations officials are urging the ex-Seleka to resume the process of disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating, seen as a crucial step toward peace.

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Afghan Forces' Battlefield Casualties Worry NATO

By Ayaz Gul October 14, 2016

A spokesman for the U.S.-led foreign military coalition in Afghanistan said it is worried about the number of casualties Afghan security forces have suffered in recent battles with the Taliban.

According to local officials, more than 100 personnel of the Afghan National Defense and Security Force, or ANDSF, have died within the past two weeks while defending the southern city of Lashkar Gah and dozens more have been wounded.

The Taliban in recent days has staged repeated attacks on the capital of Helmand province, where the Afghan government is in full control of only two of the 14 districts.

"We do have concerns about the number of ANDSF casualties and it is something we work closely with our Afghan partners to address," said U.S. Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, spokesman for Resolute Support, NATO's mission in Afghanistan.

He told VOA that Afghan forces "did not break or collapse" despite suffering significant casualties in 2015 and instead were able to "regenerate capacity" to hold ground during this year's offensive against the Taliban.

"This year, the ANDSF successfully stayed on the offense and despite some difficult fights and casualties, has successfully defended every provincial capital," Cleveland asserted. "As we move into this coming winter, we'll again work very hard with the ANDSF to assist in their recruiting and training of new forces."

The Resolute Support mission is tasked to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces.

Most of the casualties occurred after Taliban insurgents launched a large-scale attack on Lashkar Gah on Monday, fighting their way into parts of the city. While the assault was underway, a massive suicide car bombing inside the city killed at least 40 people, including police personnel, and wounded many more.

The attack prompted the U.S. military to conduct several airstrikes against Taliban positions to support Afghan forces, according to Cleveland.

Afghan media quoted Abdul Majeed Akhonzada, deputy head of the provincial council, as claiming that the insurgents captured more than 150 Afghan forces during the fighting this week, though military commanders disputed the claim.

The commander of the international forces, U.S. General John Nicholson, recently disclosed that in July alone, Afghan army and police lost more than 900 personnel.

Afghan authorities do not publicly discuss casualties among government forces, but President Ashraf Ghani is reported to have told a meeting of civil society groups the death toll for August was over 1,000. The fighting has since intensified, with Taliban insurgents forcing their way and capturing parts of the northern city of Kunduz earlier this month before Afghan forces evicted them on Thursday.

"From March to August, about 4,500 Afghan soldiers and police were killed and more than 8,000 wounded," the New York Times reported this week, quoting an unnamed Afghan official who had seen the tallies.

In addition to high casualties, Afghan forces are also plagued with high attrition and thousands of non-existent personnel or "ghost soldiers".

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Clinton Says US Would 'Ring China With Missile Defense'

By William Gallo October 14, 2016

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton threatened to "ring China with missile defense" systems and issued a tough rebuke to Beijing's disputed South China Sea claims, according to comments revealed by WikiLeaks.

The remarks, made during a series of private speeches to Wall Street banks, seem to offer a rare, unedited glimpse into the foreign policy views of Clinton, who is usually carefully guarded when discussing such topics.

In a 2013 speech to Goldman Sachs, Clinton said if North Korea is able to produce a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, it would threaten not just U.S. allies in Asia but also the mainland United States.

"We're going to ring China with missile defense," Clinton said. "We're going to put more of our fleet in the area. So China, come on. You either control them, or we're going to have to defend against them."

In a separate speech, Clinton recalled how she issued a blunt warning to her Chinese counterparts over Beijng's claims to the South China Sea: "You don't have a claim to all of it," she said she told them.

The comments do not amount to a shocking revelation. It's no secret the former secretary of state takes a more hawkish position on China than her former boss, President Barack Obama. But they do reveal flashpoints where existing tensions with China could worsen under a possible Clinton presidency.

Missile defense

One source of military tensions between the two superpowers has been missile defense.

The U.S. in July announced it would deploy an advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, anti-missile system in South Korea. The U.S. insists the system is meant to protect against the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

But China, North Korea's main ally, opposes the deployment, saying THAAD includes radar systems that will be able to track its military capabilities. Beijing also argues the system will destabilize the region and could lead to an arms race.

The U.S. has been careful to avoid any language suggesting that the system is aimed at China, making Clinton's comments especially noteworthy.

"It's difficult to interpret this," says Robert Ross, a U.S.-China relations expert at Boston College and Harvard University. In part, that's because the THAAD system would not be completely effective against Chinese missiles, he says.

"China's ability to simply produce more intercontinental ballistic missiles to overwhelm our missile defense system would be relatively easy," he says, noting that it "costs more to build a missile defense system than it does to build a missile."

It's also not clear whether the missile defense strategy has helped the U.S. contain North Korea. Since the announcement of the THAAD deployment earlier this year, China has been even less cooperative with the U.S. on North Korea, Ross says.

South China Sea

According to speech excerpts, Clinton also made a blunter-than-usual assessment about China's territorial claims in the South China, where Beijing has overlapping claims with several other countries.

"You can call it whatever you want to call it. You don't have a claim to all of it," Clinton said, recalling an earlier conversation she had with unspecified Chinese counterparts.

If the U.S. used Beijing's logic, it could claim "all of the Pacific (Ocean)," according to Clinton. "We liberated it. We defended it. We have as much claim to all of the Pacific. And we could call it the 'American Sea,' and it could go from the West Coast of California all the way to the Philippines."

When told by her Chinese counterpart, "You can't do that," Clinton shot back: "Well we have as much right to claim that as you do. I mean, you claim it based on pottery shards from, you know, some fishing vessel that ran aground in an atoll somewhere," she said.

"You know, we had convoys of military strength. We discovered Japan, for heaven's sakes," she said, apparently jokingly referring to U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's 19th century mission to forcibly open Japan to trade with U.S. merchant ships.

The U.S. has long said it does not take an official position on the South China Sea disputes, even though it has steadily criticized China's increasingly aggressive behavior there and expanded defense alliances with Asian countries that have overlapping claims with Beijing.

China response

China has not yet responded to Clinton's alleged comments, but usually condemns such statements as inappropriate interference in its internal affairs.

"Obviously, China is going to be very unhappy about it," says Sourabh Gupta, an Asia-Pacific policy specialist at the Beijing-funded Institute for China-America Studies in Washington, D.C.

But Beijing isn't likely to be surprised. As secretary of state, Clinton often bluntly challenged China's maritime aggressiveness. She has also been sharply critical of Beijing's human rights record.

"Her foreign policy and general attitude towards China are a little bit more to the right than President Obama," Gupta said. "So it's going to become a slightly tougher and tenser relationship (if she is elected president)."

But Clinton is committed to a continuation of the current trajectory of U.S.-China relations, and that's not lost on Beijing, Gupta said.

"When she's actually been in a position of power, she has moderated her positions in such a way that a pragmatic relationship with China can continue," Gupta said.

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Migration Refugee Crisis Unfolding in Yemen, Djibouti

By Lisa Schlein October 14, 2016

The International Organization for Migration warns a migration refugee crisis unfolding in Yemen and Djibouti is having a serious impact across the Horn of Africa.

The International Organization for Migration said about 10,000 migrants, mostly from Ethiopia, make the long, dangerous trek across the blistering hot desert to Djibouti every month. From there they transit through war-torn Yemen to Saudi Arabia in search of work.

The IOM said most of the migrants are young men. About 30 percent are unaccompanied minors, some as young as 11. It said very few women are to be seen.

Speaking by telephone from Obock, Djibouti, IOM Director for East and Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Labovitz, said the women are largely invisible because smugglers take them to Saudi Arabia by car to work as domestic servants.

"It is much more clandestine and organized," he said. "And so we are not seeing them. But, it also means in terms of protection, we do not know what is going on at all."

Labovitz said Yemen recently began deporting Ethiopian migrants to Djibouti. He said it appears thousands are likely to be deported in the near future and called such a prospect "very worrying" for a "small country like Djibouti."

"What we are seeing right now, too, in Yemen is that in the government areas, they are asking us urgently to provide food and services to over 4,000 individuals in detention," he said. "And we also hear in the coalition areas that there are several thousand who may be deported soon. We do not know."

Labovitz said the IOM will not be able to handle such a huge surge of migrants. He said the Migration Response Center, the transit center run by the IOM and the Ministry of the Interior in Obock can take care of about 100 migrants at one time. Currently, the center is hosting between 600 and 700 stranded Ethiopian migrants, he said.

Djibouti could soon be facing a massive surge of migrants, creating a humanitarian crisis, added Labovitz. To make matters worse, he said the IOM's voluntary return program is largely on hold because most of the Ethiopian migrants have no documents and the IOM is strapped for cash.

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DDG-1000 Zumwalt / DD(X)

Multi-Mission Surface Combatant

Future Surface Combatant

The US Navy's 2019 budget request states that the service decided to "refocus the primary mission of the Zumwalt-class destroyers from land attack to offensive surface strike." The 2019 budget requests $89 million for arming the ships with long-range SM-6 missiles, for use against air or sea targets up to 250 miles away.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-280, Patuxent River, Maryland issued a Delivery Order 24 October 2017 under Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) N00019-15-G-0003 to Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) on a sole-source basis to perform all work necessary to complete the Tomahawk Block IV AUR Integration into DDG1000/MK57 Vertical Launching System (VLS). Tasking includes, but is not limited to, providing all material, labor, program management, logistics, and engineering. Efforts addressed in this procurement will be in accordance with applicable military and contractor documents related to the Tomahawk Block IV AUR integration into the DDG 1000/MK57 VLS and which can be found in the Block IV AUR Performance Specification (PMA280-1029) and the Tomahawk Block IV Full Rate Production (FRP) contract. The period of performance anticipated for this effort will be 12 months, with one option for 12 months for a total anticipated period of performance of 24 months. The anticipated start date was March 2018.

The Navy commissioned the destroyer Zumwalt (DDG 1000), Saturday, 15 October 2016, during a ceremony in Baltimore. The US Navy took ownership of its much-anticipated stealth guided missile destroyer Zumwalt (DDG-1000), according to a Nany press release on 20 May 2016. The 610-foot ship was set to head a fleet of next-generation multi-mission surface combatant ships expected to be operational by 2019.

The future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) got underway for the first time on 07 December 2015 conducting at-sea tests and trials on the Kennebeck River. The multimission ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.

DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer (DDG 1000) is an optimally-crewed, multi-mission surface combatant designed to fulfill volume firepower and precision strike requirements. This advanced warship will provide credible forward naval presence while operating independently or as an integral part of Naval, Joint, or Combined Expeditionary Strike Forces. Armed with an array of weapons, DDG 1000 will provide offensive, distributed, and precision firepower at long ranges in support of forces ashore. To ensure effective operations in the littoral, DDG 1000 will incorporate signature reduction, active and passive self-defense systems, and enhanced survivability features. The wave-piercing tumblehome hull form is designed both for endurance and low-radar detectability.

As a result of a Federal Government shutdown, the US Navy announced on 11 October 2013 that the christening of the future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) originally scheduled for Oct. 19 had been cancelled and postponed until a future date. Following the resolution of the shutown, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works floated off the Navy's first Zumwalt-class destroyer 28 October 2013 at their Bath, Maine shipyard. The ship began its translation from Bath Iron Works' land-level construction facility to a floating dry dock on 25 October. Once loaded into the dry dock, the dock was flooded and the ship was removed from its specially designed cradle. Once the dock became flooded, the ship floated off and tied to a pier on the Kennebec River.

There are currently three DDG 1000 class destroyers in production at Bath Iron Works, Zumwalt (DDG 1000), Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) and Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). Zumwalt is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2015. The keel laying ceremony for DDG 1001 took place in May 2013 and Start of Fabrication for DDG 1002 was in April 2012.

Developed under the DD(X) destroyer program, DDG-1000 Zumwalt is the lead ship in a class of next-generation, multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance, with capabilities designed to defeat current and projected threats as well as improve battle force defense.

The Navy's new DD(X) program was initially intended to be the centerpiece a family of three surface combatant ships, including a destroyer, a cruiser and a smaller craft for littoral operations. At one time it seemed that the DD(X) contract could end up totaling $100 billion for some 70 warships in the DD(X) family: destroyers, cruisers, and a downsized seagoing killer called LCS, short for littoral combat ship. The cruiser and destroyer were expected to share a common hull design. The Littoral Combat Ship has an advanced hull designed for high speed and a shallow draft.

The DD(X) was at one time intended to be the centerpiece of a surface combatant family of ships that would deliver a broad range of capabilities. It is provided the baseline for spiral development of technology and engineering to support a range of future ship classes such as CG(X), LHA(R) and CVN-21. This advanced multi-mission destroyer was to bring revolutionary improvements to precise time-critical strike and joint fires for our Expeditionary and Carrier Strike Groups of the future. It expanded the battlespace by over 400%; had the radar cross section of a fishing boat; and was as quiet as a LOS ANGELES Class submarine. DD(X) would also enable the transformation of US operations ashore. Its on-demand, persistent, time-critical strike was intended to revolutionize joint fire support and ground maneuver concepts of operation so that strike fighter aircraft are freed for more difficult targets at greater ranges. DD(X) was to provide credible forward presence while operating independently or as an integral part of naval, joint, or combined expeditionary forces.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. But the DDG-1000 turned out to be too expensive, and only three were authorized. This was not quite as bad as the CGN 9 Long Beach, the 17,525 ton cruiser commissioned in September 1961, intended to be the first of a class, but in practice it was too expensive. As for the DDG-1000, the SC-21 family evaporated, replaced by the unrelated Litoral Combat Ships, and a seemingly endless supply of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke destroyers.

Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics were competitors for the DD(X) contract. The Navy asked the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer to approve the winner-take-all approach, which would force the losing bidder out of the shipbuilding market. In March 2005 twenty lawmakers said the contract to build the Navy's next-generation guided missile destroyer, the DD(X), should not be a winner-take-all contract.

In March 2005 Adm. Vernon Clark, the chief of naval operations, abandoned his goal of building the Navy to a 375-ship fleet. New procedures like keeping ships deployed overseas while rotating the crews mean the Navy will need no more than 325 ships and possibly as few as 260. The rate of building new destroyers would not support more than one shipyard at acceptable costs. The plan envisioned building about 1.4 destroyers annually, but never two a year. Building those ships in two yards would cost an extra $300 million per ship.

The DD-51 destroyers are built at both General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine and at the Northrop Grumman Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi. One of the two ship builders would lose the contract if the Navy adopts the sole-source plan in the future. The men and women of these shipyards have demonstrated time and again that they build the world's best surface combat ships. But more than local employees, they are a national asset which America must retain. A loss of that magnitude could drive BIW, one of Maine's largest private employers, out of business and would create a monopoly for destroyer production. With DD(X), local employees at Northrop Grumman Ingalls, the leading DD(X) contractor, can be ensured of a relatively steady employment. This is Mississippi's largest private employer. To put it into perspective, Ingalls is about three times the size of Nissan, the state's second largest in terms of job numbers. So the local implications of DD(X) to Mississippi are clear, especially along a Gulf Coast struggling to bounce back from Hurricane Katrina.

The Navy agreed to put on hold its plans to contract with a single shipyard for building all of the nation's stealth DD(X) Destroyers, calling the sole-source proposal "premature." However, the Navy has said it will continue to seek more information on the sole-source strategy, and had not made any final decisions on whether to adopt such a proposal in the future.

On 07 April 2006 the Navy announced that the first DD(X) destroyer is designated DDG 1000. As the lead ship in the class, it will also be named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt, Jr. Zumwalt was appointed Chief of Naval Operations in 1970. As the youngest man ever to serve as CNO, Zumwalt cemented an acclaimed reputation as a visionary leader and thoughtful reformer. July 4, 2000, then-President Bill Clinton celebrated Zumwalt's accomplishments and memory with the naming of the class and lead ship shortly after the admiral's passing in Durham, N.C., Jan. 2, 2000. Zumwalt was born in San Francisco in 1920 and grew up in Tulare, Calif. He was a cum laude graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1942.

As CNO, Zumwalt initiated wide-ranging reforms in a dramatic effort to revitalize the Navy. Time magazine hailed Zumwalt as "the Navy's most popular leader since World War II." As the Navy's senior officer, he increased the warfighting capabilities of the dwindling U.S. fleet by outfitting remaining ships with more efficient and sophisticated weapons. He retired in 1974. In 1996, he took over as chairman of the board of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. In addition to numerous decorations received from the U.S. Navy, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), the Legion of Merit (two awards) and Bronze Star with combat "V," he received decorations and awards from a number of foreign countries. In 1998, Zumwalt was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his service to the United States.

Zumwalt authored two books about his life in the Navy. On Watch (1976) recounts his Navy career and warns Americans about the Soviet naval threat. My Father, My Son (1986), co-authored with his late son, Elmo III, is an account of their Vietnam experiences and his son's tragic illness.

Under the Navy's dual lead ship acquisition strategy proposed in the President's budget for fiscal year 2007, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works will concurrently build dual lead ships. Zumwalt was to be delivered in 2012.

On 14 February 2008 the Navy exercised contract modifications for the construction of the dual lead ships of the Zumwalt class (DDG 1000) to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. DDG 1000 and DDG 1001 are the lead ships of a class of next-generation multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land-attack and littoral dominance. BIW was awarded a $1.4 billion cost-plus contract for the construction of DDG 1000, and NGSB was awarded a $1.4 billion cost-plus contract for construction of DDG 1001.

Compared to current US Navy destroyers, the Zumwalt-class destroyer will triple both current naval surface fire coverage, as well as capability against anti-ship cruise missiles. It has a 50-fold radar cross section reduction compared to current destroyers, improves strike group defense 10-fold and has 10 times the operating area in shallow water regions against mines. The Zumwalt class fills an immediate and critical naval warfare gap, meeting validated Marine Corps fire support requirements.

A return to the old tumblehome configuration, combined with wave piercing technology makes the Northrop Grumman DD(X) design as close to a submarine as a surface ship can be / with the lion's share of the structure actually underwater. The DD(X) design is described as 'wave-piercing,' which means that the designers have deliberately foregone the sort of buoyancy which tends to lift conventional ships over waves. Their motive is clear; they want to minimize ship motion because any motion presents an observing radar with opportunities to pick up the ship. Similarly they will want to minimize rolling motion, and they will have to accept that waves will often break over the ship's deck.

The DD(X) concept is to have watch-standers trained functionally across warfare areas who can be flexibly employed as the situation demands. This approach results in a more compact, flexible watch team, which requires fewer augmentations and which is designed to flexibly respond to a variety of tactical situations. Underpinning this concept is a strategy in which crewmembers were highly trained across multiple warfare areas or maintenance tasks and advanced skills will apply across multiple disciplines with specialized skills only being used periodically. Watchstations are manned in three sections, or 8-hour shifts, over the course of a day.

The DD(X) destroyer maintenance strategy focuses on allowing sailors to concentrate on war-fighting tasks and skills rather than on ship maintenance and preservation (i.e., "rust busting" skills). The DD(X) maintenance strategy envisions no organizational level repair conducted on the ship.

The DD(X) destroyer will employ extensive automated damage control systems, integrated with an optimally manned damage control organization to quickly suppress and extinguish fires and control their spread.

The Navy plans the DD(X) to be a multi-mission destroyer featuring a composite deckhouse and a Wave-Piercing Tumblehome Hull displacing about 14,000 tons. Optimized for the land-attack mission, it will have two Advanced Gun Systems (AGSs) with a combined magazine capacity of approximately 750 rounds of long-range land attack and conventional munitions. Each AGS will consist of a single-barrel 155mm gun supplied from an automated magazine. An Advanced Vertical Launch System (AVLS) with 80 cells will host Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Standard Missiles (SM2-MR) for local air defense, Evolved Seasparrow Missiles for engagement of both airborne and seaborne threats, and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets for engagement of submarine threats. Two 40mm Close-In Gun Systems will enhance self-defense against air and surface threats.

DD(X)'s integrated power system will allow sharing of electrical power between propulsion motors and other electrical requirements such as combat system and auxiliary services. The Navy expects the new Dual Band Radar suite and the Integrated Undersea Warfare System to provide state-of-the-art battle space surveillance and advances in survivability and a total ship computing environment to allow a significant reduction in crew size. Introduction of additional new technology could reduce manning with each successive flight of the DD(X) spiral development.

The DD(X) program provided a baseline for spiral development of the DD(X) and the future cruiser or "CG(X)" with emphasis on common hullform and technology development. The Navy will use the advanced technology and networking capabilities from DD(X) and CG(X) in the development of the Littoral Combat Ship with the objective being a survivable, capable near-land platform to deal with threats of the 21st century. The intent was to innovatively combine the transformational technologies developed in the DD(X) program with the many ongoing R&D efforts involving mission focused surface ships to produce a state-of-the art surface combatant to defeat adversary attempts to deny access for US forces.

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Melilla

More than 200 migrants and refugees have crossed into Spains North African enclave of Melilla after climbing the high fence that separates it from Morocco, according to local authorities. In total, more than 300 migrants attempted to scale the six-metre (20 foot) barrier early on the morning of 22 July 2021, the authorities said in a statement. The 238 who made it into the territory were all men. Since mid-May 2021, more than 500 migrants and refugees had surmounted the Moroccan border fence to make it into Melilla.

Some 300 people rushed a border fence between Morocco and Spain's North African enclave Melilla, Spanish authorities said on 21 October 2018. Out of those who attempted to scale the two fences topped in barbed wire, 200 sub-Saharan Africans entered Spanish territory, a representative of Spain's government in Melilla said in a statement. One man who climbed over the fences died of an apparent heart attack despite efforts to revive him. Nineteen other people were treated for fractures or cuts sustained while scaling the fences, authorities said. Another six Civil Guards sustained non-serious injuries during the rush at the border fence.

About 70 sub-Saharan African migrants forced their way over the barbed wire barrier into Spains North African enclave of Melilla 13 October 2016. They ran to a local immigration center where they were met by dozens of migrants cheering victory, victory although their legal status in Spain had yet to be determined. Migrants wait weeks and sometimes months at the short-stay immigrant center in the hope of being transferred to a refugee reception center in mainland Spain. More than 700 people tried to scale the razor-wire barriers in Melilla on 12 August 2014, of whom only 30 reached Spanish territory where they were either repatriated or sent to the mainland Spain.

The European Union and Africa share only two land borders: one of them in Ceuta, a western Spanish territory, the other Melilla. Both sustain the entire weight of illegal African migrant crossings by those seeking a new life in Europe. The reason the two borders bear the stress of all the crossings is because crossing by water is a far less attractive and dangerous option. According to official data, up to 3,000 illegal migrants entered Spain in the first half of 2013, double the figure for the same period in 2012.

Growing tensions between Spain and Morocco in August 2010 were proof that the political affiliation of Melilla, the Spanish enclave situated on the northern coast of Morocco, remained a controversial issue. While Morocco regarded enclaves such as Melilla, Ceuta and other Mediterranean isles as occupied territories and remnants of its colonial past, the Spanish sovereignty and character of the autonomous city of Melilla are beyond dispute to the Spanish government.

A six to eight meter high fence surrounds Melilla, a city of 70,000 officially registered residents. 90% of these residents are Spanish citizens, half of Iberian origin and the other of Moroccan descent. Melilla has beena part of Spain since the Spanish military occupied northern Morocco in 1497. Furthermore, Melilla has in the meantime become part of the European Union and represents one of the most important European border posts for the prevention of irregular migration.

Since the beginning of 1990, Melilla has increasingly become a transit destination for migrants and refugees from other Maghrebi, sub-Saharan and Asian countries. These migrants and refugees gained public notoriety in Europe during the summer 2005, when they attempted to climb over the high-tech border fence that is part of the Integrated System of Border Surveillance (SIVE) in groups.

In May 2014 Morocco began erecting a five-meter-high wall, topped with blades and barbed-wire, on the border with Melilla, a north-African Spanish enclave. The measure will target migrants trying to cross into Europe, according to local activists.

Some 1,074 people breached the 12-kilometer-long fences around Melilla in the whole of 2013, and by mid-March 2014 more than 1,600 had done so since the beginning of 2014. On 17 March 2014 hundreds of migrants tried to force their way into Melilla in two attempted mass crossings during the night, throwing rocks at police who tried to stop them. Nearly 300 were arrested and at least 28 were injured in the two attempts. The last such mass crossing of Melilla's heavily protected border took place in late February 2014.

Facing Gibraltar lies Ceuta, on the western horn of a rather wide bay, the coast of which, trending south and then eastwards, past Tetuan, Vigia, Fagaasa, Jebda, Neckor and Temamsa, again juts northward into an eastern horn, formed by the promontory of Ras ed Deir. A small stream called the River of Gold, rising in the hills south of the promontory, flows into the Mediterranean Sea, on the east side of the horn ; and at its mouth stands the fortified little town of Melilla. The hills to the south are covered with numerous villages ; and further southward lie the Moorish towns of Tinkert and Meshia Zerur. In the bay itself, which is over 150 miles across, Spain owns, besides Ceuta and Melilla, the two islands of Penon de Velez and Alhucemas.

Melilla has been in the Spaniard's hands since its first capture by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, in 1496, when, barely four years after the conquest of Granada, the Spanish arms had pursued the flying Moors into Africa. Though the latter have often tried to retake it, they had never been able to shake the hold of their hereditary enemies on this small but not unimportant outwork of Europe in Africa.

It is, perhaps, not much of a possession. The climate, sultry and unhealthy, is execrable, causing frequent fevers and dangerous dysenteries, which compel a change of the garrison at short periods. Melilla is used as a settlement for the Spaniards for whom a court of justice orders a removal for their country's good, and whose lives are most probably of little value to any but themselves. A small port, within range of the guns of the fortress, affords safe anchorage for the small vessels which provide Melilla with provisions and other necessaries, for fishing boats and for the steamers that regularly maintain its communication with Spain.

Towards the end of the 19th Century Melilia was hemmed in by unfriendly tribes. These are mostly branches of the Kabyle, and go under the name of Riff. They are a brave, fierce, warlike and fanatical people,  Muhammedan, of course, by religion,  acknowledging only a nominal subjection to the Emperor of Morocco,  but really independent tribes under the leadership of their own chiefs. Whatever may be the war strength of Morocco, which is said to be capable, according to the urgency and popularity of the cause, of putting into the field from 100,000 to 200,000 men, the late insurrection in Anghera has shown that, for internal administration and the suppression of outbreaks, the Emperor's power for good is by no means great.

These irrepressible warriors, early in October 1893, attacked the Spaniards at Melilia. Convict settlements, like Michael Scott's demon, must have constant work found for them to do; and the Spanish authorities ordered the strengthening of the defences of Melilia by the erection of outworks beyond those already existing : one of these is called Fort Guariach. The works were begun ; and for a time no evil resulted. Evidently, however, those works had been noticed and information sent to the neighbouring tribes. Before long, it became a regular thing, that what the Spaniards did by day, the Riffs undid by night. To end this state of affairs, the Riffs were fired upon. Thereupon the tribes assembled in great numbers and attacked the Spaniards while at work. Thanks to European cupidity, they were well armed with riflesRemingtons and Winchesters. They outnumbered the 300 Spaniards by more than 10 to 1 ; but their attacks during the whole day were repulsed, and the Spaniards retired in the evening to Melilia, with their 20 dead and 35 wounded. Both sides had behaved well. The fierce fanaticism and great numbers of the Riffs were successfully resisted by the high courage and resolute firmness of the Spaniards ; and when night compelled these to withdraw, the Riffs followed them to the very walls of Melilla.

From 1908 until the close of 1915 Spain spent a large amount on its possessions on the Moroccan littoral and hinterland, a fair proportion of which was put into public works. Melilla has expanded into a city with modern (onveniences, and Nador has been transformed from a collection of wooden barracks into a town. Colonization has been encouraged and everything feasible done to increase tbe agricultural prosperity of the country, especially in the vicinity of Muluya, through an organization known as the Agricola Catalana. w'ar Increases Demand for Spanish Goods. Since the outbreak of the Great War exports of Spanish goods to North Africa increased on account of the lessening or stopping of exports from other European countries to these Spanish possessions." Mining near Melilla has developed, the leading enterprises being the Compafiia Espafiola de Minas del Eif, the Norte Africano, the Alicantina, and the Sindicato Minero de Melilla.

Classical territorial disagreements that were not resolved after the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco ended. The end of the colonisation of Morocco (1956) substantially changed the meaning of the Spanish North-African enclaves and, consequently, the significance of their borders with post-colonial Morocco. Morocco has identified Ceuta and Melilla as an integral part of Moroccan territory, still to be decolonised. Ceuta and Melilla remained under Spanish sovereignty.







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Overseas cyber attacks target Chinese military, science and maritime affairs

People's Daily Online

By Jiang Jie (People's Daily Online) 16:00, October 14, 2016

China has become a major victim of overseas cyber attacks, with Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), a network hacking process, angling for information about the country's military, scientific and maritime affairs, a leading Internet security company warned.

Qi Xiangdong, president of the company, Qihoo 360, said that various Chinese cities and provincial regions have been affected by APT attacks. By mid-August, the company had detected dozens of Chinese targets in working units or institutions mostly focusing on science, education, military and infrastructure construction.

Qi also said that several APT hacker organizations were detected by the company's SkyEye Labs, including OceanLotus, HangOver, DarkHotel and ProjectSauron. The last one, originating from the West, works on sensitive information theft in countries including China and Russia.

OceanLotus has been found to be operating from an unidentified Southeastern Asian country neighboring China. The organization's early attacks on China can be traced back to 2011. It mainly attacks governmental bodies and research institutes on maritime affairs.

HangOver is based in southern Asia, targeting Asian countries including China and Pakistan. HangOver pursues sensitive information, especially on scientific studies, education and military affairs. East Asia-based DarkHotel, meanwhile, concentrates its efforts on information theft from Chinese government agencies and institutions related to aerospace and aviation.

Qi's remarks were made on Oct. 13 at the Information Security Technology Conference & Expo 2016, held in Qingdao, Shandong province. More than 150 companies attended the expo.

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Syrian Terror Suspect Wasn't Placed in 'Secure Cell' Due to Legal Restrictions

Sputnik News

21:26 14.10.2016(updated 21:27 14.10.2016)

On Wednesday night, 22-year-old Syrian migrant Jaber al-Bakr, suspected of plotting a terrorist attack in Germany committed suicide in one of the pre-trial detention facilities in Leipzig. In an interview with Sputnik, Saxony's Minister of Justice Sebastian Gemkov commented on the issue.

The suicide of the terror suspect raised a lot of questions among German public. In particular, people wondered how a detainee could quietly commit suicide in a cell that was supposed to be under enhanced surveillance.

"This decision [to place the suspect here] was jointly made by social workers, psychologists and prison staff. The results of the personality test said that there was no threat of suicide in this suspect's case. Therefore, such a measure was recognized as sufficient. The suspect managed to commit suicide in the interval between the [security] check-ups," Gemkov told Sputnik.

On Wednesday, German media reported that al-Bakr had committed suicide even though he was under round-the-clock surveillance. Later on, the State Chancellery of Saxony confirmed that Syrian Jaber al-Bakr killed himself in his cell.

The 22-year-old Syrian migrant was arrested on Monday in Leipzig after he was captured by fellow Syrians who alerted the police.

Prior to his detention, al-Bakr was assessed by an "experienced psychologist" as calm and reserved. The expert said that there was no acute suicide risk, which is why the suspect was placed in an ordinary cell with a guard patrol taking place every 30 minutes.

Prior to his detention, al-Bakr was assessed by an "experienced psychologist" as calm and reserved. The expert said that there was no acute suicide risk, which is why the suspect was placed in an ordinary cell with a guard patrol taking place every 30 minutes.

"This so-called special secure room does exist. Its walls are covered with rubber, it has a soft floor, and there is a hole in the corner to do the deed. However, to accommodate prisoners in such a room, one needs clear legal prescriptions. This means that it is not always possible to keep a prisoner there," Gemkov said.

"In particular, it is prohibited, when he or she is simply aggressive or prone to doing harm. There are legal restrictions in this regard. Thus, it is impossible to put a person in this room for a long time, if there are no appropriate prerequisites," the official said.

Some reports also said that security check-ups in the prison were, among others, carried out by an intern. However, Gemkov assured that all prison staff was experienced and did their job very well.

"We have highly qualified guards, perfectly prepared for surveillance tasks. Specifically in this case, they examined the prisoner even more often than it is prescribed by instructions. Thus, this intern fulfilled her task perfectly," the official concluded.

 Sputnik

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DoD Decision Breathes New Life into Critical OCX Satellite Program

By Karen Parrish DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2016  An Air Force program that will provide a vital new command system for the global positioning system satellite constellation in the shortest time possible will continue despite cost growth, Defense Department officials confirmed today.

The next-generation operational control system, known as OCX, reached what is called a Nunn-McCurdy breach, June 30, 2016. The Nunn-McCurdy provision applies to weapons programs and requires the military services to notify Congress if a program's cost per unit increases 25 percent or more over the current baseline estimate.

But well before June 30, defense acquisition experts began working with Raytheon, the contractor for OCX, to resolve program issues. In December 2015, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall directed in-depth quarterly reviews, including a series of "deep dives" overseen by him. Certification activities began in July 2016, and culminated with Kendall certifying the program to Congress yesterday, thus allowing the program to continue.

Next-Generation GPS

James MacStravic, acting assistant secretary of defense for acquisition, discussed OCX and its importance with DoD News.

"This is what the controllers on the ground are going to use to make sure that all the satellites are talking to each other, that they're exchanging the same information [and] that they're where they're supposed to be," he said.

The OCX system will command all modernized and legacy GPS satellites, manage all civil and military navigation signals and provide improved cybersecurity and resilience for the next generation of GPS operations.

The OCX program includes the following phases: Block 0, to perform launch and checkout of GPS-III satellites; Block 1, to command all navigation signals, including the modernized military signal; and Block 2, for additional enhancements to signal assurance and navigation warfare capabilities. The ground segment capability not only supports military forces, but also civil, commercial and scientific uses. The current total program cost estimate for OCX is $5.46 billion.

OCX will consist of:

-- A master control station and alternate master control station;

-- Dedicated monitor stations;

-- Ground antennas;

-- GPS system simulator; and

-- Standardized space trainer

Turning the Program Around

Defense officials said factors in the OCX cost growth included late recognition of the magnitude of information assurance work that was required, concurrent systems engineering that drove significant rework, inconsistent configuration management of the program baselines, immature software and a lack of automation across the program. These issues drove schedule slips, which in turn increased the cost of the program, leading to the breach.

MacStravic described the efforts defense officials and Raytheon have made to turn the program around. He emphasized the work has included the personal involvement of Kendall, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Raytheon's chief executive officer.

"What we spent the summer doing was making sure  does this program have the right management resources, the right financial resources and an appropriate schedule to succeed?" MacStravic said.

Officials report that after three on-site quarterly reviews, Kendall's assessment is that Raytheon is making substantial progress on the program, but that some additional schedule increase has occurred and that there is risk of more schedule increases.

Progress has been sufficient to support certification under the Nunn-McCurdy process, officials said. Kendall's office will continue the OCX quarterly reviews begun in March 2016, which to date have included the secretary and principal deputy acquisition chief of the Air Force, the program executive officer and Raytheon's chief executive officer.

The alternatives to certifying the program included several options, including program termination, but this was deemed simply unworkable, due to the extended time it would require to design and field a new ground system for the vital GPS III network.

According to officials, the future of the OCX program will depend upon Raytheon's ability to demonstrate that it can deliver the needed capability to the Air Force at acceptable cost and within an acceptable time.

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Japanese Jet Scrambles to Ward Off Chinese, Russian Planes Rise in 2016

Sputnik News

17:01 14.10.2016(updated 17:06 14.10.2016)

The number of Japanese jet scrambles has risen in 2016, mostly due to Chinese and Russian activity, Japan's Defense Ministry said Friday.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  The Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) fighters were scrambled a record 594 times between April and October, 251 times more than last year, the Japanese Joint Staff estimated.

Of those, 69 percent of ASDF scrambles were to counter Chinese planes, or 407 times. Russian planes caused ASDF fighters to take off 180 times, 72 times more than last year.

The ASDF did not report any trespasses of the Japanese airspace by Russian aircraft. The Russian Defense Ministry said repeatedly that its planes were performing routine missions in the Pacific and the Sea of Japan.

 Sputnik

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Rohingya Muslims flee Myanmar army assault

Iran Press TV

Fri Oct 14, 2016 9:13AM

At least 26 people have been killed as terrified civilians flee violent attacks by Myanmar's security forces in northern Muslim-majority Rakhine state.

Troops went on a rampage in response to alleged attacks by unknown assailants on police which have sparked a dramatic escalation in violence along the border with Bangladesh.

Some of those killed were shot while unarmed and fleeing by the soldiers, witnesses said on Friday.

Myanmar's armed forces have often been condemned for brutality and right abuses during conflicts with ethnic minorities in the country, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

Escalation of violence

The recent killings bring the total death toll in Rakhine state to 39, including 13 security personnel, since violence erupted on Sunday.

Officials say armed men launched a coordinated assault on three border police posts in the early hours of Sunday, killing nine police and making off with dozens of weapons and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

While the identity of the attackers is not known yet, some officials have been quick to accuse Rohingya Muslims while others have pointed the finger at Bangladeshi groups.

The clashes have raised the specter of a repeat of the 2012 unrest, when Buddhist extremists killed scores of Muslims and torched their property across Rakhine, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

The UN called on Tuesday for maximum restraint as the army sent troops to the restive state, urging authorities to refrain from violent confrontations that would endanger the lives of the civilian population.

Campaign group Fortify Rights said it had received reports of extrajudicial killings in the area and called on Myanmar's government to "protect civilians regardless of religion or ethnicity."

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said her government was "exercising the rule of law." The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is already on fire by rights groups for her stance on the violence against the Rohingyas.

Incoming photos from northern Myanmar show thousands of civilians fleeing violence and persecution as troops hunt for those behind the attacks on police in torched villages.

The Rohingya and other Muslims have faced torture, neglect and repression in Myanmar for many years.

Rights groups have called Rohingyas one of the world's most persecuted peoples who face severe restrictions on their movement and access to basic services both in and outside squalid displacement camps.

Buddhist extremists have sought to brand Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite many tracing their lineage in Myanmar back generations.

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Militants shoot dead three soldiers in Pakistan's Balochistan

Iran Press TV

Fri Oct 14, 2016 1:52PM

At least three Pakistani soldiers have been killed in an attack by militants on a paramilitary patrol in the province of Balochistan.

The gunmen shot the soldiers in their head while they were patrolling on foot in Sabzal neighborhood in western Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, on Friday, officials said, adding that the armed men managed to flee the scene.

"Two of them died on the spot while the third succumbed to his injuries in hospital," said Khan Wasay, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps.

Abdul Razzaq Cheema, a senior police official in Quetta, also confirmed the soldiers' deaths.

Wasay, however, said the motive behind the assault was not clear.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in the restive but mineral-rich province, which has been grappling with separatist, extremist and sectarian violence and has been the scene of several bomb and gun attacks over the past years.

Also on Friday, four people, including a soldier from the Frontier Corps, were injured as they intercepted an assailant on the border with Afghanistan in the northwestern tribal district of Kurram.

Security officials said they thwarted the attacker's attempt to cross into Pakistan and "to create a big disaster."

On October 7, six people were killed in twin explosions claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army in Balochistan. The attack came three days after gunmen opened fire on a bus transporting Shia Muslims on the outskirts of Quetta, killing four women.

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Russian warships depart for Iranian Caspian Sea coasts for friendly ties

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, Oct 14, IRNA -- Two Russian warships departed for Iran and Kazakhstan coasts on Friday in the framework of 15-day friendship expedition.

Russian Defense Ministry announced that the planned expedition of Tatarstan missile-carrier warship and another logistical warships have begun on Friday.

The Ministry said that the expedition of the warships to Iran and Kazakhstan coasts aims to consolidate international cooperation among the Caspian Sea littoral states.

Iran and Russia Navy forces have reciprocal planning for expedition of warsips to the coasts of one another.

1391**1416

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Syrian army takes back town in Hama province from militants

Iran Press TV

Thu Oct 13, 2016 6:24PM

Syrian armed forces have liberated a town in the west-central province of Hama in their latest push to win back areas held by foreign-sponsored Takfiri terrorists.

An unnamed Syrian military source told the official SANA news agency that the army units managed to reestablish control over Ma'an in the northern countryside of Hama on Thursday.

The Syrian air force carried out intensive strikes against positions held by terrorists and their supply routes in villages and towns across Hama province, the source added.

A large number of militants were killed in the air raids that targeted their tanks and vehicles, some of which were equipped with different types of machine guns.

Another Syrian army unit also ambushed a terrorist group that attempted to infiltrate into a village in the southwestern countryside of Salamiyah in Hama.

Syrians loyal to motherland

In the neighboring province of Tartus, people gathered to sign a letter of loyalty to their homeland and President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday.

Hundreds of Syrians signed the 10-kilometer petition which will be delivered to international bodies.

The letter raps countries supporting terrorism in Syria and urges lifting the unilaterally imposed economic sanctions on the Arab country.

It further seeks "to send a message of love and loyalty to the homeland and its leader and to stress that the Syrian people will remain united despite all conspiracies," said Shahd Ibrahim, deputy head of National Unity Youth Gathering that was among the organizers of Thursday's event.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy over the past five and a half years.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura have put the death toll from the Syria conflict at more than 300,000 and over 400,000, respectively.

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Syria's Aleppo Bombarded in Overnight Airstrikes

By VOA News October 14, 2016

Warplanes belonging to Russia and the Syrian government conducted a massive air raid on targets in rebel-held areas of Aleppo overnight and into Friday morning, according to a monitor group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Friday morning that dozens of airstrikes hit eastern Aleppo overnight and while the airstrikes ended by mid-morning, skirmishes were still taking place around the northern and southern edges of the city.

According to the Aleppo Media Center - an activist collective - the airstrikes killed or wounded several people, though the exact number is unknown. some people are still buried under the rubble.

The fresh round of bombing comes just a day before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. It will be the first meeting between the two representatives since Washington and Moscow cut off diplomatic talks earlier this month.

The West accuses Russia and its Syrian allies of war crimes for bombing hospitals and U.N. relief convoys in and around Aleppo as they target Syrian rebels looking to topple President Bashar al-Assad.

Diplomacy to reduce violence

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.

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Rebel Infighting Further Complicates Solution for Syria

By Sirwan Kajjo October 14, 2016

Rebels in northern Syria have been fighting among themselves after one of the largest Syrian rebel groups was accused of having ties to the Islamic State.

The battles, that have been raging for days in Idlib province, threaten to weaken the rebels hold on the region as Syrian and Russian air strikes have increased to uproot them.

Rebels recently largely stopped fighting government forces and have lost some 30 percent of territory to government-backed forces, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

"Syrian government troops are the primarily winner of this fighting," said Rami Abdulraham, the group's head. "As the fighting among rebels is ongoing, regime forces have made large advances in Idlib and stopped a rebel offensive in the nearby province of Hama."

As Syrian civil war, which began in 2012, has grown more complex, nearly a dozen rebel forces have formed as the movement against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad splintered.

Ahrar al-Sham, a local extremist force and Jund al-Aqsa, another Islamist group, had been allies before battles erupted in Idlib last month. Local reports said nearly 100 fighters have been killed on both sides in the recent fighting.

Idlib has a strategic and symbolic significance for Islamist rebel forces. It borders Turkey and has been used as a supply point for anti-government forces elsewhere in the country. Idlib is also the only province where rebel fighters control much of the territory.

The most powerful rebel group in Idlib is the Fateh al-Sham Front, until recently an al-Qaida affiliate in Syria. It has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States. Through a complicated chain of alliances with other rebel fighters, the group has been in control of Idlib since March 2015 after rebels pushed out government troops from their last positions in the western part of the province.

The U.S.-led coalition has occasionally targeted Fateh al-Sham positions in Idlib. The Pentagon last week confirmed the death of a prominent al-Qaida leader in an airstrike in Idlib.

Hoping to stem the rebel infighting, Fateh al-Sham brokered an agreement between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham that it hopes will lead to a lasting cease-fire and the release of hostages by both sides.

But given IS's alleged influence in the rebel infighting, analysts say the agreement is unlikely to hold. While IS has no fighting presence in Idlib, it is attempting to build networks of local affiliates. Local activists say IS has long been recruiting in the province.

"(IS) has sleeper cells everywhere," a rights activist in Kafranbel, a town in Idlib province. He spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. The activist said there have been attempts by IS underground recruiters to mobilize local residents in his town to pledge allegiance to IS.

One of the rebel groups involved in the infighting in Idlib, Jund al-Aqsa, reportedly has ties with IS and was responsible for the assassination of several rebel commanders in Idlib, according to locals and analysts.

"Jund al-Aqsa has the same Salafi ideology as IS," said Sadradeen Kinno, a Syrian reporter, who closely follows militant groups in the country.

Jund al-Aqsa recently tried to distance itself from IS by pledging loyalty to the ruling Fateh al-Sham. The move "has in a sense legitimized the group despite its towing a line more similar to [the Islamic State]" said Faysal Itani, a Syria expert at the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

If rebels can overcome their differences, they "can be freed to concentrate on operations against the (Syrian) regime," Itani said.

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Russia open to sell missile systems to Turkey: Official

Iran Press TV

Fri Oct 14, 2016 3:12PM

A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country could sell missile systems to neighboring Turkey in light of a rapprochement between Moscow and Ankara.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan had discussed potential arms deals during a meeting in Istanbul earlier this week.

He said Russia would consider selling various missile defense systems to Turkey in case the latter wants them.

Peskov's comments were echoed by Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalyn, who said Ankara and Moscow are holding discussions on possible cooperation in the military-technical sphere.

"An agreement on enhanced cooperation with Russia in defense industry was struck during negotiations in Istanbul. Turkey's defense industry department is currently holding talks with Russian parties over the guidelines," Kalyn pointed out.

Commenting on Turkey's willingness to purchase long-range missile systems from Russia, the top Turkish official said his country is in principle positive about the notion.

Turkey would sit at the negotiating table and sign an agreement for missile systems once its national security is at stake, Kalyn stated.

Late last June, Turkey and Russia put an end to seven months of strained relations, when Erdogan wrote a letter to his Russian counterpart, apologizing for the Turkish military's downing of a Russian Su-24 during an anti-terror mission in Syrian skies near the Turkish border.

The Russian fighter jet went down in the mountainous Jabal Turkmen area of the Syrian western province of Latakia on November 24, 2015. The pilot lost his life in the crash, while Syrian government forces rescued the Russian navigator on board, who survived the crash.

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Turkey Extends Post-Coup Crackdown to NATO Military Envoys

Sputnik News

04:00 14.10.2016

Last month Turkey fired some 150 NATO military envoys in Europe and the US in a continuous purge, following the attempted overthrow of the Turkish government in July.

Despite calls on Ankara by human rights organizations to stop the crackdown on public servants and end the state of emergency that was declared in the country after the failed coup, Turkey seems to have only intensified drastic measures, with hundreds more arrests and dismissals reported.

According to a classified military dispatch seen by Reuters, 149 Turkish officials serving at the alliance's sites across Europe were ordered on September 27 to return to Turkey within a period of three days. A Turkish military official at NATO said that most of the envoys were dismissed, detained or jailed upon arrival.

The dismissed envoys believe they were targeted because of their western outlook and secular backgrounds, contradicting Turkey's current conservative, religious government. One of the sacked officials, in a farewell email to colleagues at NATO reportedly mentioned a "witch hunt" of high-ranking military overseas personnel.

Tens of thousands of public servants, including military officers, judges and teachers have been arrested in Turkey in connection with the July 15 coup attempt. Fearing that they would be sent to prison, some of the notified officials have chosen stayed abroad.

According to the letters seen by Reuters, Turkish citizens abroad have been sanctioned with revoked passports, frozen bank accounts and loss of pension rights. Relatives living in Turkey have been prohibited from leaving the country, and some have been arrested.

Meanwhile, a NATO official expressed his confidence that "Turkey will keep its commitment to the rule of law when bringing the perpetrators of the coup to justice."

In mid-July a coup attempt took place in Turkey. It was suppressed the following day. Over 240 people were killed during the attempt and an estimated 2,000 were wounded. Ankara has accused Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, of playing a key role in the coup.

The Council of Europe, an international organization that promotes human rights, democracy, and rule of law, accused Turkey of taking advantage of the situation in a bid to neutralize political opposition to Erdogan.

 Sputnik

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Royal Navy tests unmanned fleet of the future

14 October 2016

World's first large scale demonstration of marine robotic systems hosted by the UK.

The Royal Navy is leading 'Unmanned Warrior 16', an innovative demonstration of autonomous systems which could transform the way in which the Armed Forces of the future help keep Britain safe.

Held off the coast of west Scotland and west Wales, Unmanned Warrior 16 brings together 40 industry partners and international allies to showcase the latest in remote technology.

Over 50 aerial, surface and underwater Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) are taking part in a range of demonstrations on the themes of surveillance, intelligence-gathering and mine countermeasures.

This collaborative approach is at the heart of the new Defence Innovation Initiative and the 800million fund that supports the generation of ideas to benefit both defence and British businesses.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

"The sheer scale of this exercise demonstrates how our Armed Forces are leading in developing futuristic technologies to keep us safe at sea, or in the air. This is part of our new approach to harnessing innovation, backed by a rising Defence budget, to ensure we keep ahead of our adversaries."

From scouring the sea bed with sonar beams to watching the waves from above, these autonomous systems are diving, swimming and flying together, providing information that will be used to inform how future unmanned systems could help protect service men and women.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said:

"Unmanned Warrior is a clear demonstration of the Royal Navy's ambition to lead and win through technological innovation. Unmanned maritime systems will change how we operate, but they're just the start. Our pursuit of new technologies and ideas  from big data to 3D-printing  will ensure we remain one of the most capable and successful navies in the world."

Supervising Unmanned Warrior 16 was Royal Navy Fleet Robotics Officer Commander Peter Pipkin. He said:

"The technologies demonstrated in Unmanned Warrior have the potential to fundamentally change the future of Royal Navy operations just as the advent of steam propulsion or submarines did. This is a chance to take a great leap forward in Maritime Systems  not to take people out of the loop, but to enhance everything they do, extending our reach and efficiency using intelligent robotics at sea."

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Ukrainian Troops Launch Offensive in South of Donetsk People's Republic

Sputnik News

15:10 14.10.2016(updated 15:12 14.10.2016)

A company-sized group Ukrainian troops launched an attack on the Donetsk People's Republic in violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.

DONETSK (Sputnik)  A company of Ukrainian government forces launched an offensive on the southern positions of the Donetsk People's Republic, the DPR's defense ministry said Friday.

"In violation of their obligations under the ceasefire, Ukrainian units began attacking our positions at 1:50 p.m. today [10:50 GMT]," DPR Deputy Defense Minister Eduard Basurin official told reporters.

The official said a company-sized group of Ukrainian troops went on offensive with mortar fire backing in the Leninskiy district after 152mm artillery preparation fire.

 Sputnik

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Calgary - Alberta Oilsands Inc. ("Alberta Oilsands" or the "Company") (TSXV:AOS) is postponing its annual and special meeting (the "Meeting") until December 28, 2016 from the previously scheduled November 15, 2016 date.The postponement will provide the time necessary to account for the outcome of an appeal launched by Marquee Energy Ltd. ("Marquee") of the order of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta relating to the previously announced transaction involving Marquee and Alberta Oilsands. The appeal is set to be heard by the Court of Appeal of Alberta on November 9, 2016.The result of the appeal may affect the business to be conducted at the Meeting and, as a result, the content of proxy materials that will be mailed to shareholders in advance of the Meeting. As such, and to avoid unnecessary costs and confusion, an adequate period of time following the outcome of the appeal is required to ensure that shareholders receive and carefully consider the correct proxy material regarding the business matters to be conducted at the Meeting.As previously disclosed, Alberta Oilsands and Marquee have agreed to a plan of arrangement transaction that will create a well-capitalized, combined company positioned for future value creation. Upon closing, 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 transaction approval process and Meeting materials following the result of the appeal and otherwise 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 adequacy of timing for shareholders to receive and carefully consider correct proxy materials prior to the new Meeting date, the capitalization and position of the company resulting from the completion of the Arrangement, the land position, growth opportunities, liquidity and balance sheet characteristics of the company resulting from the completion of the transaction involving Alberta Oilsands and Marquee, the anticipated benefits to Alberta Oilsands shareholders in connection with the transaction involving Alberta Oilsands and Marquee and the expected timing of disclosure of future developments related to such transaction.

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.


Vancouver, October 14, 2016) - Lateral Gold Corp. (TSXV: LTG) (the "Company" or "Lateral") is pleased to announce that it has priced the offering described in its preliminary short form prospectus filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario on September 15, 2016 (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of 5,000,000 subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt") at a price of $1.00 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price") for gross proceeds of $5,000,000.Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, without payment of additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder, one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Lateral Share") (after giving effect to a proposed four for one consolidation of the Lateral Shares (the "Consolidation")), upon closing of the acquisition (the "RTO") by the Company of CANHaul International Corp. ("CANHaul"). Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord") and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (together with Canaccord, the "Agents") have been engaged to act as agents in respect of the Offering.The Company has granted the Agents an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time commencing on the date of closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date") and ending on the earlier of: (i) the date that is 30 days following the Closing Date, and (ii) the Termination Time (as defined herein), to offer up to an additional 15% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold under the Offering, having the same terms as the Subscription Receipts, including the Offering Price, to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.The gross proceeds of the Offering (the "Escrowed Funds"), less 50% of the Agents' Fee and the Agents' Expenses (each as defined herein), will be held by Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent"), and invested in short-term obligations of, or guaranteed by, the Government of Canada (and other approved investments), pending the satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the RTO, pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement to be entered into on the Closing Date. Upon satisfaction of all conditions to the closing of the RTO on or before 5:00 p.m. (Calgary time) on October 31, 2016 (the "Deadline"), the Escrowed Funds and the interest thereon (less the remaining 50% of the Agents' Fee, Agents' Expenses and the interest thereon) will be released to Lateral, and each holder of Subscription Receipts will receive one Lateral Share for each Subscription Receipt held, without payment of additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder.If: (i) the closing of the RTO does not occur by the Deadline, (ii) the RTO is terminated at any earlier time, or (iii) Lateral advises the Agents or announces to the public that it does not intend to complete the RTO (in any such case, the "Termination Time"), then holders of Subscription Receipts will be entitled to receive an amount per Subscription Receipt equal to the Offering Price and a pro rata entitlement to the interest earned thereon.The Company has agreed to: (i) pay the Agents a cash commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (the "Agents' Fee"), (ii) issue to the Agents such number of share purchase warrants (each, an "Agents' Warrant") as is equal to 7% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold under the Offering, with each Agents' Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one post-Consolidation Lateral Share at the Offering Price until the date that is 24 months from the Closing Date, (iii) pay the Agents a corporate finance fee in the amount of $100,000 (which has been paid in full by CANHaul prior to the date hereof), (iv) reimburse the Agents for their reasonable expenses in connection with the Offering (the "Agents' Expenses"), and (v) if the Offering is fully subscribed for gross proceeds of $5,000,000 and the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, pay Canaccord an additional corporate finance fee comprised of a cash payment of $50,000 and the issuance of such number of post-Consolidation Lateral Shares, based on the Offering Price, as have an aggregate value of $75,000 (the "Success Fee").Proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for sales and marketing, research and development, general and administrative, and other operating expenses of the Company following completion of the RTO.The Offering is expected to close on or about October 21, 2016, or such other date as may be agreed to by Lateral, CANHaul and the Agents, subject to customary closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Trading in the Lateral Shares is expected to remain halted pending the satisfaction of conditions of the TSXV for resumption of trading. It is unlikely that trading in the Lateral Shares will resume prior to the completion of the RTO.For additional information regarding the terms of the Subscription Receipts, the Offering and the RTO, see the Company's news release dated September 16, 2016.CANHaul provides business intelligence to organizations that require current information concerning the location and status of, and relevant data with respect to, corporate assets such as equipment, devices, vehicles and people. CANHaul does not manufacture hardware, instead it focuses on software, integrating products from sophisticated vendors that satisfy the evolving needs of customers. CANHaul provides real-time connectivity and visibility, which increases control, optimization and safety and enhances decision making, customer service and daily management of business operations. As an early adopter of the mobile-first/cloud-first approach with a long-held focus on an open collaborative technology strategy, CANHaul customers benefit from industry-leading data security through Microsoft Azure, powerful analytics and mobile access to their solution across leading mobile operating systems. CANHaul's innovation strategy is built on the pillars of integration and collaboration. CANHaul's open architecture system enables the extension of functionality by connecting to complementary software solutions and legacy systems vital to its customers' ever evolving needs. This collaborative approach has positioned CANHaul to capitalize on the rapid evolution of the Internet of Things, as evidenced by new partnerships and products such as ConnectX Lone Worker with Honeywell and Time Based Insurance with InsureMy. CANHaul's technology strategy seeks to open a larger addressable market. CANHaul management believes that CANHaul's solutions strongly respond to the needs of companies that require connectivity and visibility, while delivering a customizable and configurable solution to provide deep and sophisticated business intelligence to enterprises from all sectors.Lateral was previously involved in the identification, exploration and development of viable mineral properties in the United States. If the RTO is completed, the resulting issuer is expected to be a Tier 1 Technology issuer on the TSXV. Further information concerning Lateral can be found under Lateral's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.For additional information, please contact John Veltheer at (604) 562-6915.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS"John Veltheer"President, CEO and DirectorNo securities regulatory authority has expressed an opinion about the securities described herein. No Lateral securities have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state, district or commonwealth of the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act). Accordingly, these securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of any "U.S. Person" (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act), absent an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release in the United States or any jurisdiction where such offer or sale would be unlawful, or for the account or benefit of any U.S. Person or person within the United States.Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including Exchange acceptance and disinterested shareholder approval. The RTO cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the RTO will be completed as proposed or at all.Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement or other disclosure document to be prepared in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Lateral should be considered highly speculative.The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the completion of the proposed RTO; the Offering and the use of proceeds thereof; the business and operations of CANHaul; the pro forma financial information of the Company following completion of the RTO and the Offering; and information regarding the management, business and operations of the Company upon completion of the RTO and the Offering. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals for the RTO; an inability to complete the Offering; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Information Circular; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.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.Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2016 - Amato Exploration Ltd. TSX-V: AMT.H ("the Company") announces the resignation of the CFO and Corporate Secretary, Jacqueline Lilley. The Company thanks her for her outstanding work and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavours.David Molson has been appointed as CFO and Corporate Secretary to replace Ms. Lilley. David Molson has experience working as the CFO and Corporate Secretary for God's Lake Resources Inc. and is a Trustee for Sheridan Brothers Trust. Amato Exploration Ltd. is a North American exploration company based in Toronto, ON, Canada. We are currently focused on exploring for precious metals in North America.THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.This news release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current expectations regarding the Company's objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees, but only predictions. Although the Company believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to vary significantly from current expectations. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, as identified in the Company's disclosure record on www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, 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 news release./THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIES/Shares Outstanding: 40,486,656please contact: Kieran Prashad, President & CEO of Amato Exploration Ltd. at +1 (647) 478-9361.
Submission to authority is perhaps the least popular concept in America today.

Students are more ready to believe in a man rising from the dead than they are to believe that God wants them to actually submit to the authority of the teacher who doesn't respect them back. You should see the looks on their faces. Actually, you can. Go to the mirror and say, "I will pray for, respect and even submit to the authority of the president elected next month, even if he or she is not the person I voted for." I'll bet you make the exact same face. But what do you expect from a country born from rebellion? It's part of our DNA.

My own relationship with authority is not something I ever spent much time thinking about until I had some. First, I became a husband. Then I became a ministry leader. Then I became a father. Then I became a pastor. All the while, I remained accountable to someone else's authority. I had multiple jobs and therefore multiple bosses. I had the leaders in my church. There's always God himself. Someone once said we should "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you" (Luke 6:31). Having authority myself, I finally understood why submitting to it is so important.

Then I found Esther.

The book of Esther recounts a gripping political story with a use of dramatic irony could even teach Shakespeare a thing or two. In short, through a series of apparent coincidences, it falls to the king's new wife  a young Jew  to persuade the king to reverse his irreversible decree that all the Jews living in the Persian Empire should die.

Often, Bible teachers like to focus on God's providence when they teach the book of Esther, and it is indeed an important theme in the story of Esther. Others focus on themes like the fate of the wicked or the importance of faith or the courage to speak up for what's right. These are all good themes to explore in Esther's story, but we rarely focus on another theme because we hate it: submission to authority.

But at every turn of the story, we see some aspect of the righteous person's relationship with human authority explored. The king divorced his queen because he abused his authority and she rebelled against it. Esther  heretofore called Hadassah  was taken from her home against her will into the service of the king to potentially become his wife. She obeyed her uncle  who raised her  by only using her Persian name and keeping her ethnicity a secret. She submitted to the king's authority by respecting and treating his steward well to such a degree that she "found favor with him" (Esther 2:9). She seems to have worked hard to win the approval of the king, having been ordered to do so, because of her submission to authority  even pagan, ungodly authority. Mordecai acts to save the life of the king who basically kidnapped his niece because of submission to authority. But Mordecai later rejected Haman's authority by refusing to bow to him because it is an act of submission reserved for God alone. Then Esther struggles to reconcile Mordecai's authority in her life with that of the king when Mordecai's instructions contradict the king's standing rules about etiquette in court. Even the climactic confrontation with the story's main antagonist was done in submission to authority. Esther did not accuse Haman  whose authority exceeded Esther's before Chapter 7  until after the king effectively elevated Esther to at least an equal position when he promised to grant her request "even to half of the kingdom" (Esther 7:2).

To be sure, the circumstances of the Book of Esther would not have worked out without God's divine providence and his sovereign protection of his covenant people Israel. Mordecai understood this when he said, "If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place" (Esther 4:14). But Esther's part depended on her understanding of and submission to authority. She accomplished more by carefully submitting to all the authority figures in her life  the good and the bad  than she ever could have achieved through rebellion and contention. As the proverbial wisdom goes, she caught more flies with honey than with vinegar. As biblical wisdom goes, she understood that "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God" (Romans 13:1).

Kyle Hooks is the associate pastor at Angelo Bible Church. Contact him at 325-716-4258 or kyle@lookingupfrombelow.com. You can like Looking Up at facebook.com/lookingupfrombelow.
In this photo taken Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 ultra-Orthodox Jewish youths walk in the city of Elad, central Israel. As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates and which has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered its long-term economic prospects. Experts have long warned that the ultra-Orthodox community's high birthrate and poverty levels, along with low rates of employment and education, could doom Israel CNs economic prospects. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

SHARE In this photo taken Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 ultra-Orthodox Jewish youths walk in the city of Elad, central Israel. As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates and which has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered its long-term economic prospects. He insists that shirking military service, rejecting secular education and raising large families on state subsidies all serve the most noblest of purposes: a life devoted to the study of scripture that has preserved Jewish traditions over centuries and will ultimately bring about the coming of the Messiah. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) In this photo taken Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 ultra-Orthodox Jewish woman sit in an employment training center in the city of Elad, central Israel. As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates and which has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered its long-term economic prospects. He insists that shirking military service, rejecting secular education and raising large families on state subsidies all serve the most noblest of purposes: a life devoted to the study of scripture that has preserved Jewish traditions over centuries and will ultimately bring about the coming of the Messiah. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in is office in Jerusalem. As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates and which has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered its long-term economic prospects. He insists that shirking military service, rejecting secular education and raising large families on state subsidies all serve the most noblest of purposes: a life devoted to the study of scripture that has preserved Jewish traditions over centuries and will ultimately bring about the coming of the Messiah. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in is office in Jerusalem. As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israeli government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates and which has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered its long-term economic prospects. A new generation of Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jews is looking to defy stereotypes and reform the community by demanding academic degrees, satisfying professions and greater immersion in Israeli society. But their leadership remains unapologetic about advocating for an insular lifestyle that has long irked mainstream Israel and endangered the country CNs long-term economic prospects. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

By Aron Heller, Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP)  As the senior representative of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel's government, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is unapologetic about the insular lifestyle he advocates, despite irking mainstream Israel and endangering its long-term economic prospects.

He insists that shirking compulsory military service, rejecting secular education and raising large families on state subsidies all serve the noblest of purposes: a life devoted to the study of scripture that has preserved Jewish traditions over centuries and will ultimately bring about the coming of the Messiah.

"To sit and learn is a mitzvah," or commandment from God, he told The Associated Press. "It is the most important thing."

But the parochial establishment he represents is increasingly being challenged by a new generation of ultra-Orthodox Jews who are demanding academic degrees, satisfying professions, a bigger role for women and greater immersion in Israeli society.

"We are looking into the future, what will become of the next generation," said Avigayil Karlinsky, a 28-year-old social activist. "I am part of the larger Israel and I want my voice to be heard."

She said the ultra-Orthodox leadership's aversion to progress and integration is mostly about maintaining political power rather than serving their constituents. Until recently, such open criticism was unheard of, but it is gaining traction as people like Karlinsky try to change their world from within.

Experts have long warned that the ultra-Orthodox community's high birthrate and poverty levels, along with low rates of employment and education, could doom Israel's economic prospects.

Many ultra-Orthodox acknowledge this, but they reject any outside effort to enforce changes and insist the process has to happen at its own pace.

Critics inside and outside the community say a more comprehensive reform is needed, including greater emphasis on teaching children math, English and computer literacy. There also are growing calls for outreach to Israel's secular majority.

The ultra-Orthodox, or "haredim"  Hebrew for "those who fear God"  are the fastest growing sector in Israel.

They currently make up about 11 percent of Israel's 8.5 million citizens, with the majority living beneath the poverty line, according to a recent study by the Israel Democracy Institute, an independent think tank. With a growth rate four times that of the general Jewish population, their numbers are expected to rise to 14 percent in 2024, 19 percent in 2039 and 27 percent in 2059, the think tank predicted.

Gilad Malach, a researcher who specializes in the community, said reform was already underway. He said a majority of haredi men now work, compared to just a third in 2003. Women continue to be the primary breadwinners, and their employment rates of close to 75 percent are comparable to the general public, he said.

The number of ultra-Orthodox joining the military and pursuing degrees has also quietly grown, but "modern" haredim like Karlinsky still only make up about 10 percent of the community, he said. He says the leadership hopes it stays that way.

"Their approach is `nothing has changed,"' said Malach. "But regular people are more sophisticated than that. Every mainstream haredi knows he has to make adjustments."

The state offers specialized training programs, study grants and other incentives to haredim, but they have to be handled with care so as not to come off as patronizing. While leading rabbis and their representatives in parliament have given their blessing to some projects, they have offered none of their own.

"There is no vision. That's the real problem," said Malach. "They don't have any plans and it would be best if the push came from them."

Litzman, who has gained popularity with the general public as health minister by campaigning against junk food and advocating for medical marijuana, has defied calls to change his community.

He points to low crime rates as evidence of their superior values and insists that intensive Jewish studies at an early age instill lifelong learning skills that allow haredim to easily pick up professions later in life.

"There is always new ways and new things which we have to get used to and check out if we can live with it, but there is no change in halacha," or Jewish law, he said. "Until the Messiah will come, it will stay like that."

Karlinsky said she too is guided by her religious beliefs, but takes issue with what she considers a hypocritical approach of a leadership that clings to tradition to maintain control and reinforce a false sense of victimhood.

Her husband was a star seminary student in Jerusalem until he decided it wasn't for him. He turned to computer programming and now works among secular colleagues at Google in Tel Aviv.

She established "the Torah Hub," a Facebook support group for like-minded haredim, and another for victims of sexual abuse in the community  another previously taboo topic. She plans to send her two young children to ultra-Orthodox schools but also make sure they learn English so they have more options later in life.

"I'm not afraid of change," she said, dismissing long-held fears that immersion would lead to assimilation. "Perhaps those who are so afraid of being tempted by secularism don't have strong enough faith to begin with."

In Elad, a central Israeli city of 50,000 mostly haredi residents, the ultra-Orthodox are seeking a happy medium. It boasts the highest rates of employment, salaries and high school matriculation of all haredi communities in Israel. It also prides itself in having clean streets, close ties to neighboring secular and Arab towns, and ample public services like libraries, theaters and community centers.

Mayor Yisrael Porush, a 35-year-old father of six and scion of a prominent haredi family, said his main objective was to develop the city and provide opportunities for residents.

"I'm opening the door for them and it doesn't come at the expense of study," he said. "The world is moving forward and everyone wants to feel equal."

He deferred larger questions about haredi society to the rulings of the great rabbis, but clearly reveled in the companies and colleges that had opened branches in his city and accommodated haredi needs, such as separate working spaces for men and women, and flexible hours for working mothers. He said such an approach would be much more effective than open confrontation.

"Everyone understands that you have to provide for your family," he said. "But if you come at us with a gun, or with a whip, or threats, we have a problem."



Follow Aron Heller on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap
Garrett Dorsey, 8, is baptized in the Chattahoochee River, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, near Demorest, Ga. The ancient sacrament is memorialized in the gospel account of John the Baptist immersing Jesus in the Jordan River. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

SHARE Resaca Church Of God Pastor Mitchell Gaston, left, prays with others as they baptize Ellie Langford, 12, in the Coosawattee river, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, near Calhoun, Ga. Many denominations dont fully immerse baptismal candidates, preferring to sprinkle them with water. And in churches that do immersion baptism, water tanks built inside the church's sanctuary have largely replaced excursions to dunk members in a river or pond. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Nicholas Lewis is baptized in the Chattahoochee River, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, near Demorest, Ga. The ancient sacrament is memorialized in the Gospel account of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Habersham Central High School student and football player Garrett Kinsey is hugged by Head Football coach Benji Harrison, left, as Marvin Alford reacts, center, after Kinsey was baptized in the Chattahoochee River, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, near Demorest, Ga. The ancient sacrament is memorialized in the Gospel account of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) Jamie Spinks baptizes his son, Grayson, 8, in the Chattahoochee River, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, near Demorest, Ga. Children from age 7 and adults into their 70s are baptized by pastors or family. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

By MIKE STEWART, Associated Press

DEMOREST, Ga. (AP)  Take me to the river  the saying still resonates in some Southern churches where the tradition of river baptism remains alive.

The chilly, rapid waters of North Georgia's Chattahoochee and Coosawattee rivers serve to baptize members of the River Point Community Church in Cornelia and the Resaca Church of God in Resaca.

On a couple of recent late-summer Sundays, congregants of each church gathered for the ancient sacrament, memorialized in the Gospel account of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Children from age 7 and adults well into their 70s are baptized by pastors or family.

Many denominations don't fully immerse baptismal candidates, preferring to sprinkle them with water. And in churches that do immersion baptism, water tanks built inside the church's sanctuary have largely replaced excursions to dunk members in a river or pond.

But 49-year-old Kevin Mangum, the pastor who leads River Point, says river baptisms offer a special setting to assemble a crowd and demonstrate lives changed by Christ.

His church performs a mass baptism, once in the spring and again in the fall. Prayers go out for good weather, but Sept. 18 brought a "real frog-choker," as Mangum described the heavy rains.

Magnun said that as he looks at the hundreds of congregants by the river's edge in the rain, he sees their dedication as they celebrate new life in Jesus Christ.

"It's relaxing and restorative in the waters," said Mangum, who fly-fishes at this same spot on the Chattahoochee.

Resaca Church of God member Ciara Langford watched two of her daughters baptized in the Coosawattee recently, as a late-summer sun shone above foliage not yet browned by autumn, and the mountain stream rushed past.

"I felt immense joy and peace," she said. "The peace comes from knowing my children are surrendering themselves to something larger than they are."
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Assumption Greek Orthodox

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Christian Church, 801 Montecito Drive, will begin Matins at 9 a.m. Sunday with the Divine Liturgy following at 10 a.m.

The church's annual Greek Bake Sale is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 featuring baklava, gyros and other Greek delights. Pre-orders must be received by Oct. 28, and forms are available at www.orthodoxsanangelo.com/online-store.

Call 325-374-2394 for more information.

Belmore Baptist



Belmore Baptist Church, 1214 S. Bell St., will begin Sunday with the Baptist Men's monthly breakfast at 8 a.m.

Rev. Charles Smith will be the guest pastor during the 10:50 a.m. service; Children's Church for ages 4 through grade five will take place in the Fellowship Hall at that time. Rev. Skip Hill will be the guest pastor during the 6 p.m. service.

Anne's Scrapbook Ministry will meet for "Croptoberfest," Oct. 21-22, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and ending at 7 p.m. Saturday. All ladies are invited.

Call 325-651-4661 for more information.

Christian Baptist

Christian Baptist (Mature) Singles will meet for a potluck lunch at noon Oct. 15. in Baptist Retirement Center's East Village Clubhouse, 99 Green Acres Circle. Attendees may bring a covered dish, or pay $3. Games will follow.

First Christian

First Christian Church, 29 N. Oakes St., will hold an All-Church Picnic 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Angelo State University Lake House, 1925 Beaty Road.

Call 325-949-8395 for more information.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, 32 N. Irving St., will host the METS group for their third-Thursday lunch Thursday. The cost of the lunch is $8, and reservations are needed by noon Wednesday.

Call 325-655-5694 for more information, or to make a lunch reservation.

Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 4522 College Hills Blvd., will hold an Infant and Child Loss Remembrance Service at 10 a.m. Oct. 15, in the sanctuary. All who have lost a child at any stage are welcome to attend this service to honor, recognize, and remember.

At 10:30 a.m. Sierra Vista will participate in the Living Prayer Chain, a citywide event to pray for our country and our leaders. The Sierra Vista group will meet on South Chadbourne Street, between Twohig and Concho avenues.

At 1-3 p.m. Saturday, the church will host "Princesses and Pirates in the Pumpkin Patch," an event for family fun and photo opportunities. Everyone is invited.

Dr. Mike Carmichael will present "Type 2 diabetes: Guide to Prevention and Treatment," 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel Hall.

Call 325-944-4041 for more information.

Trunk or treat

Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 1720 Martin Luther King Drive, will join Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church to host a Trunk-or-Treat event, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 31, in the parking lot of Wesley Trinity, 301 W. 18th St. The free event will feature candy for the trick-or-treaters and hot dogs.

Call 325-227-8916 for more information.

Westwood Ministries



Dave T. Gentry, founder of Westwood Ministries in Kerrville, has transitioned to director emeritus after 27 years. Gentry and his wife, Norma, founded Westwood Ministries near San Angelo in 1989. Westwood Ministries will continue to serve Christian leaders under the guidance Ministry Director Jenny Gentry Johnson, daughter of founders.
Adam Sauceda/Standard-Times Residents gather by the O.C. Fisher Federal Building on Saturday to pray for America.

SHARE Hundreds of people join hands to form a prayer chain downtown.

By Adam Sauceda of the San Angelo Standard-Times

Gusty winds could not keep almost 500 residents from coming together hand-in-hand to form a human prayer chain Saturday morning near the O.C. Fisher Federal Building.

The prayer chain wrapped around the entire block: Twohig Avenue on the north, Oakes Street on the east, Concho Avenue on the south and Chadbourne Street on the west.

Participants from different denominations and faiths prayed for America in a time when tensions are high and divisions run deep, event organizer Linda Rasor said.

"We are not taking (political) sides. We are purely praying for our country that the anger and the frustration that's in people's heart will heal," Rasor said. "We're the ones who are supposed to be the light in this world, and that's what we're trying to be this morning."

Having organized a similar event to pray for rain in April 2014, which drew over 1,000 participants, Razor said she has faith the prayer will be answered.

"On April 12, 2014, we got together to pray for rain. It rained April 13, and within six weeks it had rained 7 inches, so we know it works," Rasor said.

Volunteers such as Carol Santry said they invited people they knew regardless of political or religious affiliation because the event aimed to bring people together as Americans.

"I called someone I know who is Jewish and asked her to announce it. I sat a Christian breakfast with a Muslim friend and asked her to come," Santry said. "This is not just a Christian thing."

That point was driven home when all of the diverse participants sang God Bless America, a song written by Irving Berling, a Jewish immigrant from Russia.

"We are more alike than we are different. I believe we all want America to prosper," Rasor said. "We want what's best for our country and our people. God wants what's best for our country and our people."
Ludke (left) and Padilla-Conde

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By Todd Richmond of the Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Two Milwaukee men captured in Tom Green County this month were charged in federal court Friday with trying to join the Islamic State group by traveling through Mexico to Syria.

Jason Michael Ludke, 35, is charged with attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization, and Yosvany Padilla-Conde, 30, is charged with aiding and abetting Ludke. Both men face up to 20 years in prison if they're convicted.

According to the complaint, Ludke and Padilla-Conde began corresponding on social media with an undercover FBI employee last month and said they planned to travel to Mexico, where they could get passage to Syria and join the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Ludke said he converted to Islam in 2003 and wanted to live under Shariah law. He also said he was tired of living under the infidel's system and wanted to strive for paradise.

The undercover FBI employee received an email on Oct. 1 containing a video of Padilla-Conde and Ludke with a handmade Islamic State group flag in the background. Ludke said Padilla-Conde was striving to reach paradise as well, according to the complaint.

The undercover employee told Ludke that people in Mexico would be able to get them passports for Arab counties. On Oct. 5 Ludke told the employee that he and Padilla-Conde were in Texas heading toward El Paso. Police captured them near San Angelo later that day.

The two were booked into Tom Green County Jail on Oct. 6. Padilla-Conde was released to another agency the same day, and Ludke was released to another agency Thursday, according to jail records.

Ludke told FBI agents that he and Padilla-Conde left Wisconsin because they couldn't pay their rent and he was looking to meet his brother-in-law in Mexico, although he couldn't provide his brother-in-law's name or information on his whereabouts. Ludke added he and Padilla-Conde discussed traveling to Yemen so Ludke could study Arabic, according to the complaint.

Padilla-Conde told agents he left Wisconsin because he was about to be evicted and Lude wanted to travel to Iraq or Yemen to take part in jihad, an Arabic term for holy war, and often spoke of joining the Islamic State, according to the complaint. He said he tried to talk Ludke out of it, the complaint said.

It wasn't immediately clear if the men had attorneys. The federal public defender's office said no defenders were listed for them in Texas. Court records show Ludke appeared without counsel during an initial court appearance in Texas on Wednesday. Padilla-Conde was scheduled to make his initial appearance in Abilene on Monday.

Joshua Van Haften of Madison was charged last year with trying to travel to Syria through Turkey to join the Islamic State. His case is still pending in federal court. A plea hearing has been set for Tuesday.

Read the full criminal complaint here.
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The following editorial appeared in Tuesday's Washington Post:

Before national board members of the NAACP gather in Cincinnati to decide whether to ratify a call for a moratorium on charter schools, they might want to do a little homework. We would suggest a field trip to the District, where they would see how a thriving community of charter schools has reshaped education by providing a diverse array of educational programs. That the beneficiaries of this rich choice are, in large part, children of color hopefully is not lost on an organization that is supposed to be looking out for the interests of minority people.

The some-60 members of the board are set to vote Saturday on a resolution passed in July at the NAACP's national convention that roundly criticized charter schools and called for a nationwide moratorium on their growth. Among the alleged sins: draining needed resources from traditional public schools and fueling segregation. The resolution even went so far as to liken educators in the charter movement to predatory subprime-mortgage lenders that put low-income communities at risk.

Who exactly the NAACP, the nation's oldest civil rights organization, thinks it is speaking for immediately came into question as witnessed by the reaction of black leaders across the country who have been involved with  and know a little something about  charter schools. More than 160 of them sent a letter last month to the NAACP board saying the criticisms were based on "cherry-picked and debunked claims."

In truth, the leaders wrote in the Sept. 21 letter, "charter schools generally receive less per-pupil funding than traditional public schools" and often no resources for school and classroom facilities, but despite such hurdles are "helping students achieve at higher levels than traditional district schools." If the NAACP were to get its misguided wish for a moratorium, the people who would suffer lost opportunities would be African-American students, many from low-income and working-class families.

To appreciate the importance of those educational opportunities, one need only look at the array of innovative programs that have developed in the District in the 20 years since charter schools were made possible. There is a two-generation program that educates adults and their prekindergarten-age children, a boarding school for students in foster care, an immersion high school offering three languages and an all-girls school. Set to open next year is a school focused on disconnected youths, 14- to 21-year-olds who are not working, not in school or at risk of dropping out. Instead of calling for limits, the NAACP should be pushing for new possibilities for students with unmet needs.

Cheering the call for a moratorium  and a similar resolution approved by the Movement for Black Lives  are the teachers unions that have waged a fierce battle against charters and that have provided financial support for NAACP activities. It will be interesting to see if the NAACP acts in those interests or in the interests of the nearly 700,000 black families who send their children to public charter schools, and the tens of thousands more who are on waiting lists.
(TNS) -- A recent federal appellate court ruling that favored ride-sharing firms like Uber and Lyft over the Chicago taxi industry also carried a powerful message to business: older companies beware!The decision by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which backed the city's right to regulate ride-sharing firms differently than cabs, doesn't literally give that warning. It does, however, stress that many veteran industries are increasingly under fire from innovative upstarts while also signaling that the legal system recognizes the consequences will be business upheaval and workplace casualties."When new technologies, or new business methods, appear, a common result is the decline or even disappearance of the old," the ruling stated.I'll leave it to the legal experts to determine where this court decision will ultimately lead. But from a business perspective, it seems to indicate the courts are ready, willing and able to distinguish between emerging business models pioneered by the likes of Uber and Lyft, and legacy industries such as the taxi business.Moreover, it asserts that one-size-fits-all regulations don't always apply, even if the competing businesses are ultimately providing the same service. As a result, the city can impose different rules on cabs versus ride-sharing firms because each has its own business model and its relationship with the public is different.One of the main distinctions: Ride-sharing firms pick up riders that contact them via app, while taxi customers typically flag a cabbie off the street. Ride-sharing firms have an ongoing relationship with their customers, who can rate their drivers and vice versa, while taxis operators typically don't have a clue about who is getting in their vehicles.Therefore the city can regulate them differently because the services are different, said the court, which also noted customers also see a difference between the two and the industries are not interchangeable.This won't be the last time the legal system will have to referee a battle between old and new. Nearly every mainline industry  medicine, retail, media, travel, manufacturing, finance and even law  is bumping up against fresh-faced competition on an unprecedented scale.Got a business? Yep, there's an app for that.Yet among the most contentious issues to emerge is the rising impact of the "gig" economy, a fast-growing group of independent contractors who temporarily fill the employee ranks of Uber, Lyft and numerous other organizations.There's no hard data yet on the size of this labor force. Some say it represents less than 10 percent of the domestic workforce but is growing rapidly, while other studies says it makes up nearly 25 percent. The U.S. Department of Labor is conducting a study to determine its size.We do know the gig economy consists of workers from every discipline: drivers, tech specialists, software programmers, contract nurses, adjunct workers and so on.While full-time workers usually get steady hours, regular pay and employer-supplied benefits, gig economy workers get none of that bounty. However, they do get flexible hours and more control over their schedules while earning money.Moreover, those whose skills are in demand get to bounce from various projects, which can make for a fuller career, says Ann Logue, an adjunct lecturer in finance who follows emerging economic trends at University of Illinois at Chicago."There's a lot to be said for the flexibility and freedom to do different projects," she says.But there's also a gig economy dark side, a place where people are forced out of decent-paying full-time employment into multiple jobs just to make a living.Increasingly, that's occurring due to changing technology, but companies also want to get out from under the sticky requirements that come with full-time employees, including handling payroll taxes, workers' compensation claims and human resource matters.New concerns, starting from scratch, have a better chance at accomplishing this, but older organizations already have many of these systems grandfathered into place, making it more difficult to dump.None of this is going unrecognized or unchallenged.Already some unions are at the forefront of fighting this tide by advocating for greater enforcement of regulation, trying to organize more employee bargaining units and suing employers who they believe are stripping workers of their rights.And that brings us back to the recent federal court decision and a quest for guidance.While not weighing in on gig economy matters, the appellate court did assert that business should not be insulated from competition, no matter how disruptive.If that occurred, the judges' opinion said: "Instead of taxis, we might have horse and buggies; instead of the telephone, the telegraph; instead of computers, slide rules. Obsolescence would equal entitlement."
Florida's death chamber

Floridas top court struck down part of the states capital-punishment law by ruling that only a unanimous jury may recommend a death sentence, bringing the state in line with most of the country.





Dozens of the states death row inmates may be eligible for resentencing under the new requirement, legal experts said.





This requirement will dispel most, if not all, doubts about the future validity and long-term viability of the death penalty in Florida, the Florida Supreme Court wrote in one of two 5-2 rulings issued Friday.





The two rulings, both unsigned, amounted to the second overhaul of the states death-penalty regime this year. Until recently, judges in Florida werent bound by jury recommendations in death-penalty cases, and recommendations needed not be unanimous.





The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in January that Floridas death-penalty law violated the Sixth Amendment right to a trial by jury, because it allowed judges to find facts in support of death sentences, independent of a jury.





The Florida legislature updated its death-penalty law soon after the ruling, prohibiting judges from overriding jury recommendations. But the law allowed a jury to recommend a death sentence with the vote of 10 of its 12 members.





The Florida Supreme Court on ruled on Friday that a jury must unanimously recommend a sentence of death in light of the right to a trial by jury.





An inmate, Larry D. Perry, who is charged with killing his infant son, challenged the law after the state said it would seek the death penalty. J. Edwin Mills, a lawyer for Mr. Perry, said that, while he supports the death penalty, I feel very strongly it has to pass constitutional muster.





Whitney Ray, a spokeswoman for Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, said the office was reviewing the ruling.





But in the meantime Florida juries must make unanimous decisions in capital cases as to the appropriateness of the death penalty, she said in an email.





In a second case, the Florida Supreme Court ordered a new sentencing for Timothy Lee Hurst, who was convicted of murdering a Popeyes restaurant co-worker, Cynthia Harrison, during a 1998 robbery, stabbing her more than 60 times.





A jury recommended a death sentence for Mr. Hurst by a vote of seven to five. The judge who sentenced him to die cited Mr. Hursts involvement in a robbery at the time of the killing as a strong factor in support of capital punishment, even though Mr. Hurst had not been charged or convicted of robbery.





The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in January came in Mr. Hursts case.





Mr. Hurst will face execution only if a jury unanimously recommends it based on aggravating factors proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the Florida Supreme Court held on Friday.





The same goes for the nearly 400 other death row inmates in the state. Eric M. Freedman, a law professor at Hofstra University, saidmost existing death sentences are now invalid. 





Except in a few outlier cases, the state is going to have to conduct new sentencing hearings before executing anyone, he said. 





The most recent execution was in January, days before the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in Mr. Hursts case.





Alabama is now the only state where judges can impose death sentences absent a unanimous jury finding in favor. In August, Delawares high court struck down a state law similar to Floridas.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: The Wall Street Journal , Joe Palazzolo, October 14, 2016
webguy4 said: Counting down the final days of the worst presidential election I have ever seen in my 61 years. Many times voters have gone to the polls with the strong sense of choosing the lesser of two evils. There's no shortage of allegations of personal character defects among the two major candidates. Trump is a braggart. Trump has been a womanizer. Trump has used bankruptcy laws as a businessman.



Hillary is unkind. There are countless stories of her petty cruelties over the years. Her selfishness is well documented.



Regardless of their personal failings what about policies?



It is possible for a person of poor character to take us down a better path. Or maybe at least slow down our pace down the wrong path.



For me the greatest danger any president presents is their inclination to take America further into Socialism. Every incremental step in that direction takes America closer to being like Venezuela . Click to expand...





What did Hillary Clinton, the grandmother of Obamacare, repeatedly tell the American people about a federal takeover of our nations healthcare system? CLICK HERE to hear Hillary Clinton lie to the American people.


The University of Florida wants students to know that if theyre offended or scared by Halloween, theres counselors on hand to walk them through the traumatic experience.October brings fall weather and Halloween, the university wrote in a blog titled Halloween Costume Choices posted to its website Monday.offensivehalloweenIf you choose to participate in Halloween activities, we encourage you to think about your choices of costumes and themes. Some Halloween costumes reinforce stereotypes of particular races, genders, cultures, or religions, it continues. Regardless of intent, these costumes can perpetuate negative stereotypes, causing harm and offense to groups of people.The university then urges students to keep their costumes in check in the name of inclusion and diversity.The University of Floridas Division of Student Affairs Diversity and Social Justice Statement reminds us that UF fosters a community that values and respects diversity, the blog read. An inclusive definition of diversity recognizes the variety of personal and social experiences that make individuals and communities different from one another.Also, for those traumatized by politically incorrect Halloween costumes, school counselors and the UF Bias Education and Response Team is standing by.As a community, we aspire to demonstrate integrity, respect, and compassion that strives to maintain an affirming campus climate for all members of our community, according to the website. If you are troubled by an incident that does occur, please know that there are many resources available. Please take advantage of the 7 day a week presence of the U Matter, We Care program  by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, there is a 24/7 counselor I the Counseling and Wellness Center available to speak by phone at 352-932-1575.Lastly, the Bias Education and Response Team at the University of Florida is able to respond to any reported incidents of bias, to educate those that were involved, and to provide support by connecting those that were impacted to the appropriate services and resources.UF isnt the only college taking the hyper-sensitive approach to Halloween costumes.The University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse plans to host a seminar this evening titled Is Your Costume Racist? in Centennial Halls Hall of Nations, The American Mirror reports.The event is put on by the Ethnic and Racial Studies Department, which has also offered students classes on white privilege theory and other important topics, like Food and Race in the United States.The schools far-left perspective on race and gender seems to be accepted and embraced by many UWL students.Just last month, a student filed a complaint with UWLs Hate Response Team over a Harry Potter mural in a college dorm he claimed made him very upset because it represents our ideal society and everything that I am trying to fight against, the student wrote, according to Fox News.The site reports:

The mural, in the Laux Residence Hall, depicts Neville Longbottom, a character from the Harry Potter films. The nerdy Neville was played by actor Matthew Lewis, who blossomed into a notable hunk post-puberty. The mural shows him as both a geeky boy and an attractive young man  transformed, according to the murals caption, by a stay at the Laux Residence Hall itself.

It represents ***********. Man power. Cis power. Able power. Class power. ECT [sic] ect. I am angry that I know the people who put this mural up, and I am anger [sic] because I know the people who let this mural be put up, the student wrote. Like I said earlier, maybe I am being a little sensitive, but it is how I feel. This represents, to me, our society, and I do not want it up on this wall. Why do we need a BEFORE and AFTER?The UWL Hate Response Team has also launched investigations into sidewalk chalk on campus that simply read Trump, Build the wall, and All Lives Matter because the phrases are considered hostile, the Mirror reports.
Poplar trees are a fast-growing wood crop widely planted throughout the United States and Canada, and are particularly valuable to the bioenergy, bio-products, and fiber industries. Lignin provides strength to wood but also impedes efficient degradation when wood is used as feedstock for biofuel. The researchers identified an enzyme (coniferyl ferulate feruloyl-CoA monolignol transferase) in other plants that contain more digestible lignin monomers, then expressed it in poplar. The resulting trees showed no difference in growth habit under greenhouse conditions, but their lignin showed improved digestibility.

Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and their colleagues report successfully engineering poplar trees to produce lignin that degrades more easily, thereby lowering the effort and cost to convert wood to biofuel. A paper on their work appears in the journal Science .



Digestibility data on various mild alkalinepretreated transgenic poplar lines compared to wild type. Error bars indicate SD from the mean of triplicate determinations; *P < 0.01; **P < 0.005. Wilkerson et al. Click to enlarge.

By designing poplars for deconstruction, we can improve the degradability of a very useful biomass product. Poplars are dense, easy to store, and they flourish on marginal lands not suitable for food crops, making them a non-competing and sustainable source of biofuel. Curtis Wilkerson, lead author, MSU and GLBRC

The idea to engineer biomass for easier degradation first took shape in the lab of University of Wisconsin-Madison professor and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) Plants Leader John Ralph, who was then working at the US Dairy Forage Research Center. In the mid-1990s, Ralphs group was looking for ways to reduce energy usage in the paper pulping process by more efficiently removing lignin from trees. The group surmised that if they could introduce weak bonds into lignin, they could simply unzip the material, making it much easier for chemical processes to break it down.

Studies of natural plant tissues, along with those from mutants and transgenics with misregulated monolignol biosynthetic genes, have led to some remarkable discoveries, including plants that produce homopolymers from a range of traditional as well as nontraditional monomers. These observations illustrate the inherent pliability of the lignification process. Therefore, the formal design of an improved polymer using unconventional monomers seems to be a feasible path to tailor plants with superior processing properties for both paper and biofuels production.

To that end, the introduction of monolignol ferulate conjugates  into the lignin monomer pool appears to be one of the most promising. These exotic conjugates have been shown, but to date only in in vitro model systems, to be capable of introducing readily cleavable ester bonds into the lignin backbone, permitting easier depolymerization. Wilkerson et al.

Ralphs approach had clear benefits for the biofuels industry as well, where difficulty in removing and processing lignin remains a major obstacle to accessing the valuable sugars contained within biomass, adding energy and cost to the production of biofuels.

Seeing an opportunity to carry out Ralphs concept in poplar, GLBRC researchers pooled their expertise to successfully engineer poplars highly amenable to degradation and, by extension, to industrial processing.

To produce the poplars, Wilkerson identified and isolated a gene capable of making monomers with bonds that are easier to break apart. Next, University of British Columbia professor Shawn Mansfield successfully put that gene into the poplar. The group then determined that the plants not only created the monomers but also incorporated them into the lignin polymer, thereby introducing the weak links into the lignin backbone and transforming the poplars natural lignin into a more easily degradable version.

We can now move beyond tinkering with the known genes in the lignin pathway to using exotic genes to alter the lignin polymer in predesigned but plant-compatible ways, essentially designing lignin for (chemical) deconstruction. This approach should pave the way to generating more valuable biomass that can be processed in a more energy efficient manner for biofuels and paper products. John Ralph

The research is the direct result of a collaboration funded by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, one of three US Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Centers created to make transformational breakthroughs in new cellulosic biofuels technology. Realizing the collaborative project called for a wide array of expertise, from finding the gene (Wilkerson) and introducing it into the plants (Mansfield), to proving, via newly designed analyses, that the plant was utilizing the new monomers in making its lignin (Fachuang Lu, Ralph).

The technology is available for licensing.

Resources
Now, in an open-access paper published in Science Advances , some of those same researchers have discovered that various plant species might have naturally convergently evolved to express the same feature natively.

In 2014, researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and their colleagues successfully engineered poplar trees to produce lignin that degrades more easily, thereby lowering the effort and cost to convert wood to biofuel. ( Earlier post .)

University of WisconsinMadison professor of biochemistry John Ralph, Shawn Mansfield, Curtis Wilkerson, and other Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) researchers had engineered poplar trees to express a gene from Chinese angelica encoding a feruloylcoenzyme A (CoA) monolignol transferase (AsFMT). The resulting lignin, dubbed zip-lignin, readily breaks down under simple chemical conditions.

The new GLBRC-led study shows that those poplar trees and many other plants from all over the phylogenetic tree have actually evolved to produce zip-lignin naturally. In other words, not only can we potentially breed for degradability in plants, but humans may have been doing just thatselecting certain plants for easier processingfor thousands of years.

We didnt know the plants were making the native zip because we couldnt detect it. When we added the new gene we thought we were adding functionality, but we were actually increasing what was already there. Steve Karlen, UWMadison and the papers lead author

Even though the team couldnt at first detect native zip-lignin in poplar trees or in angelicathe Chinese herb from which the group had taken the geneits absence did raise some questions. Ralph had long suspected that some plant somewhere was naturally creating zip-lignin. And Karlen wondered how angelica, or any plant for that matter, could be making the molecules that confer weak bonds in lignin but not incorporate them.

Using a method that Ralphs group had developed decades ago, plus a new and highly sensitive mass spectrometer, Karlen found a way to detect low levels of native zip-lignin in poplar trees. With the help of Phillip Harris, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, Karlen began a full-scale phylogenetic study, seeking to determine what other plants might contain native zip-lignin.

Examining the more than 60 plant samples brought back to the lab revealed that zip-lignin is found in an exceptionally diverse array of plantsin balsa, in birds of paradise, in all the grasses he sampled, and in about half of the hardwoods, to name just a few.

With collaborator Laura Bartley, an associate professor of microbiology and plant biology at the University of Oklahoma, Karlen also found zip-lignin in rice. Since an entirely different gene was responsible for making this lignin, the team determined that plants have independently evolved to make zip-lignin, essentially developing a common feature though entirely different means.

Although Karlen and his collaborators dont yet know what the evolutionary advantage of native zip-lignin might be for plants, its widespread presence broadens the scope of their research and holds out the possibility of increasing, either through engineering or breeding, the degradability of a surprisingly vast array of plants.

The convergent evolution and subsequent proliferation of plants that incorporate ML-FA conjugates into their lignins indicate that, potentially, there is a biological advantage for the production of this lignin structure. Regardless of the actual driving forces selecting for them, the diversity and environmental success of plants with native zip-lignins show that they have no apparent general disadvantages in terms of plant defense or structural stability.

 In practical terms, our discovery unveils new approaches to increasing levels of readily cleavable ester bonds in the lignin backbone, either by breeding or by transgenic methods similar to those used to introduce AsFMT into poplar. Further work is also needed to explore the effects of ML-FAcontaining lignins on processes such as carbon sequestration and biomass utilization. Steve Karlen

GLBRC is one of three Department of Energy Bioenergy Research Centers created to conduct transformational research and build the foundation of new cellulosic biofuels technology.

Resources
Kansas mosque: Three men accused of plot to bomb Somalis





Three men have been charged with plotting to bomb Somali immigrants at an apartment building and mosque in the US state of Kansas.



Curtis Allen, 49, Gavin Wright, 49, and Patrick Eugene Stein, 47, had gathered firearms and explosives for the attack, according to the US Justice Department.



The members of a militia group called the Crusaders also kept watch on the target in Garden City, officials said.



They allegedly planned to strike on 9 November, a day after the US elections.

The suspects had prepared a manifesto and conspired to detonate a bomb at apartments where Somalis were among some 120 residents, said prosecutors.



They allegedly discussed parking four explosives-packed vehicles at the corners of the complex to create a large blast in the meatpacking town.



Mr Stein offered to provide ammonium nitrate for the devices and contribute up to $300 (246) for other materials, according to prosecutors.



If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market will make a temporary move to J. Douglas Galyon Depot at 236 E. Washington St. from 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 29, as N.C. A&T University celebrates its homecoming.

Coffee will be available to enjoy along with live music. Shoppers will find a variety of seasonal, fresh produce, eggs, locally produced meats, baked goods and crafts.

Ample free parking will be available on site and at the adjacent parking lot at Church and Washington streets.

The market offers seasonal produce, baked goods, last-minute pumpkins and sweet-potato doughnuts. The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market offers SNAP/EBT.

Caldwell Academy plans Veterans Day breakfast

Caldwell Academy invites all veterans and spouses of veterans, as well as widows and widowers of veterans, to join them at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11 for a light breakfast followed by a program honoring their service.

Decorated Vietnam prisoner of war Cdr. (Ret) Porter Halyburton will speak. A retired Naval pilot, Halyburton was shot down over Vietnam in 1965 and spent almost eight years as a POW in a Hanoi prison camp.

Upon his release, Halyburton continued to serve in the Navy until his retirement in 1984. He then served as a civilian instructor at the Naval War College for another 20 years.

Those interested in attending may RSVP to (336) 235-4619 or visit www.caldwellacademy.org to RSVP online.

Woodbridge craft group to host a holiday show

The Woodridge Craft Association will present the 37th annual Santas Craft Cottage Holiday Show from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 4 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at is Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 2005 New Garden Road in Greensboro.

The event will feature jewelry, crocheted and knit items, Christmas ornaments, Christmas decor, baby items, pet gifts, holiday table runners and placemats, homemade jelly, baked goods and much more.
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GREENWICH  For the second time in less than 24 hours, incumbent state Rep. Fred Camillo locked horns Friday with his Democratic challenger, Dita Bhargava, in a debate for the 151st District seat.

This time, the venue was Lisa Wexlers WGCH radio show. On Thursday, the candidates debated at Greenwich Town Hall.

The candidates discussed the racial balance in Greenwich schools, highway tolls, affordable housing and repeated their opposition to the way the state budget has been administered in Hartford. Fiscal conservancy was a strong influence in both of the candidates answers.

I am a different type of Democrat. Im a person that votes Democratically on a lot of social issues, but fiscally I am conservative, Bhargava said. My ideas to grow our revenues is to entice businesses and families to move to the state.

Camillo is running for his fifth term. He grew up in Cos Cob and now lives in Old Greenwich. He runs Camillo Consulting LLC and has previously served as chairman of the Greenwich Republican Town Committee and briefly as a high school history teacher.

Bhargava, a newcomer to the political scene, has lived in Greenwich for nine years. She was born and educated in Canada, and worked as a portfolio manager and senior trader at Citibank, Citadel and Credit Suisse in New York City and RBS in Stamford. Since moving to Greenwich, she has been a founding board member of the India Cultural Center of Greenwich.

Racial balance in schools

Wexler took questions from callers in a town hall style of moderation for a portion of the debate, and one caller asked if the candidates thought racial balance could ever be fully achieved in Greenwich schools.

The candidates agreed that while racial balance would be good, it was not as important as other things.

I believe integration is very important, but more that every student should have access to a high quality education, and that is what we should be looking at, Bhargava said.

Camillo said he lived briefly in Byram a few years ago, and he didnt think the kids there necessarily wanted to be shipped across town to go to a different school. He said he supported universal pre-kindergarten.

You have to do what you can, Camillo said.

Camillo also said he thought the Connecticut judge that issued an order earlier this year to redistribute money to inner-city schools had overstepped his boundaries. Bhargava said she would not support any additional taxes on Greenwich to give to inner-city schools, and that the state should use the funds it already takes from the town more efficiently.

The candidates were uniformly against increasing taxes, and when asked if they would ever vote to put a toll on the Merritt Parkway, they both said no.

I am actually opposed to any type of tax, Bhargava said. I would generally vote no on tolls.

I have never voted for a tax increase in my life, Camillo said.

Affordable housing

Wexler asked about 830g, a state law that established minimum target levels of affordable housing in the state and made it easier for developers with affordable housing components built into their proposal to get approved by municipal agencies.

I thought it was a horrible law, Camillo said.

He said he had proposed legislation that would allow seniors who were rich in housing but not income to rent out space in their homes to police, firemen and EMT workers, but it was shot down by Democrats.

Bhargava said she wasnt that familiar with 830g, but thought affordable housing was important for the town and the state. She said having affordable housing would help keep young people in the state, ensuring a broad future tax base. She said one of the first things she would like to pass is a program that forgave student loan debt for college graduates who remained in the state.

The candidates agreed that they were skeptical of regional governance, and were worried it would lead to Greenwichs wealth leaking out to surrounding communities.

I generally dont believe in too many layers of government, Bhargava said.

The candidates also agreed, when Wexler asked, that they both supported animal welfare.

I love animals, in fact Im a vegetarian, Bhargava said. I dont believe in cruelty to animals in any sense of the matter.

Camillo said he would like to increase the penalty for animal abusers charged under Buddys Law, legislation he wrote which helps hold people who harm companion animals accountable. He also said he helped form the first ever animal welfare caucus in the country.

My heart hurts for the monkeys that are still in cages in Yale, Wexler said.

pfrissell@hearstmediact.com; @PeregrineFriss
Corvallis and Albany officials are cautioning about the high winds hitting the Willamette Valley over the next few days.

The National Weather Service in Portland issued a high wind watch for Saturday. The weather service also issued a hazardous weather outlook with heavy rains and high winds for much of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, which includes Linn and Benton Counties, expected to last through Monday. The National Weather Service also is forecasting heavy rain Saturday that could cause localized flooding near storm drains and low-lying areas.

In anticipation of the high winds in the forecast, both the Saturday Albany and Corvallis Farmers Markets have been canceled.

The Saturday wind advisory warns of potentially damaging winds in the afternoon and evening with gusts reaching 55 to 65 mph. The storm is likely to be strongest along the Oregon Coast and the Coast Range.

Willamette Valley officials say that flooding is not likely to be much of a factor locally, but they are cautioning area residents that the high winds could potentially cause power outages and road blockages due to fallen branches.

It is predicted to be a pretty intense storm, said Mary Steckel, director of Public Works for the city of Corvallis. While we here in Corvallis are preparing for a major event, were not anticipating that thats whats going to come to fruition.

Steckel said it is unlikely the storms will cause any significant flooding as urban streams and the Willamette River were low prior to the storm and the saturation point.

The biggest impact for Corvallis is when we get the winds, she said. As far as the possibility of flooding, we would anticipate some localized street flooding, but thats going to be because the catch basins will be plugged with leaves from the high winds. The (water) systems currently in our community should be able to handle this flow.

Marilyn Smith, city of Albany spokesperson, agreed that significant flooding is unlikely.

The rivers have a lot of capacity because its been so dry, Smith said. We are not expecting flooding except for localized street flooding because of leaves clogging up storm drains.

Smith added that the city is monitoring forecasts, and she cautioned the public about the high winds in the forecast.

Were recommending that people be prepared for power outages, she said. You can prepare by keeping supplies on hand, having a way to charge your electronics without direct power, have water on hand, stock up on medications and make sure you have a way to stay warm and dry.

Rebecca Landis, who has served as marketing director for the Albany and Corvallis Farmers Markets since 1995, said Saturday marks the first time she has ever canceled a farmers market. But Landis, who follows the National Weather Service forecasts every week, said predicted gusts of winds reaching 35 to 40 mph in the Willamette Valley presented a very real threat to both farmers and customers.

Those are the most conservative figures, and at those rates I think wed have potentially a very dangerous situation, she said. Rain is unpleasant, but its not a crisis from our standpoint. If we canceled every time we had a lot of rain in the forecast, we wouldnt have viable farmers markets.

The Corvallis Farmers Market has averaged roughly 70 vendors each Saturday and the Albany Farmers Market has averaged about 30 vendors on Saturdays, Landis said.

Its difficult to cancel, she said. But I told the vendors that wed make a decision (Thursday) and Im not getting any pushback from them.

The farmers market is anticipated to return in Corvallis on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and the Saturday markets in both Corvallis and Albany will continue through Nov. 19.
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As authorities probe the recent deaths of four infants in day care  including three in Fairfield County  records show regulators did not annually inspect every licensed child care provider in Connecticut until this year.

In 2013, only 38 percent of nearly 2,500 family day care homes were inspected to ensure safety and quality of care, and 44 percent were inspected in 2014, a Hearst Connecticut Media examination of state records found. The inspection rate rose to 87 percent in 2015.

The state Office of Early Childhood said this year, all of the states nearly 4,000 child care providers will finally receive at least one yearly inspection, due to an infusion of state money to hire and train additional inspectors.

They (new inspectors) are now all on board, and we are now at 100 percent, said Maggie Adair, a spokeswoman for the early childhood office. She said a $1 million budget increase over the last several years allowed the office to hire the additional inspectors.

Three babies died this year at family day care homes in Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford, and another infant died in Sterling. Since 2012, eight children have died in child care centers in Connecticut.

Legislators said its likely hearings will take place next year to probe the recent deaths and other issues, including the frequency of inspections and oversight of the system. The General Assembly reconvenes in January.

More Information Hed to go here 8 deaths between 2012 and 2016* deaths in Connecticut day care centers 20164 deaths In family day care homes, 2 unlicensed, 2 licensed 20151 death In a family day care home 20140 deaths 20130 deaths 20120 deaths 1 in a day care center, 2 in family day care home Head to go here 2012 2013 2014 2015 CHILD CARE CENTERS - Care provided for more than 12 children in a non-home setting Facilities licensed 1,509 1,473 1,453 1,445 Percent inspected 68%* 61%* 78% 92% Enforcement License revoked 1 1 Consent orders** 11 14 11 16 Licenses surrendered 3 2 3 2 FAMILY DAY CARE - Care provided for no more than six children in a private home setting Facilities licensed 2,620 2,481 2,388 2,265 Percent inspected 48% 38% 44% 87% Enforcement Licenses suspended 30 5 License revoked 5 5 11 8 Consent orders** 6 6 11 8 Licenses surrendered 4 4 9 6 GROUP HOMES - Care provided for seven to 12 children in a non-home setting Facilities licensed na na 28 29 Percent inspected na na 79% 83% Enforcement License revoked na na Consent orders** na na 3 Licenses surrendered na na 1 See More Collapse

I want hearings so we can get to the bottom of this and see whats going on and how to fix it, said state Rep. Kim Rose, D-Milford, and a member of the Committee on Children.

We need to be at 100 percent, Rose said, referring to yearly inspections. There are parents who put their faith in the state and they would be surprised that they are not all inspected. The Legislature needs to solve it.

Adair said the frequency of inspections has been rising for several years as the early childhood office, formed in 2013 to provide more oversight, took control.

She said the office has proposed new rules requiring child care providers to tell state officials about fractures, burns and concussions suffered by children under their care.

Care providers are now only required to report an injury if the child is hospitalized, or shows signs of abuse or neglect.

Puzzling deaths

There was little solace for Fernando Redondo, of New Canaan, after his 2-month-old daughter, Bella, died of a head injury at a Stamford family day care center earlier this year.

We just lost a child, Redondo told a Hearst Connecticut Media reporter after learning his child had died. We are not doing very good.

State officials remain baffled over the high number of deaths at child care facilities this year, in part because there is no clear link between the fatalities and the circumstances.

In fact, police allege two of the deaths were homicides.

We are not seeing a trend, Adair said.

The owners of family day care homes in Fairfield and Stamford, where two infants died, are facing manslaughter charges. The Stamford case involves blunt-force trauma and the Fairfield charges are based on an overdose of Benadryl, which is not supposed to be given to an infant.

Investigators found the owner of the Fairfield facility, Carol Cardillo, had purchased over 90 bottles of Benadryl at a CVS store.

The March death of 4-month-old Adam Seagull was blamed on diphenhydramine intoxication. Diphenhydramine is the main ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl.

Investigations into the death of an infant at a Norwalk family day care home two weeks ago, and a baby death at a similar facility in Sterling earlier this year, are ongoing and no explanations have yet been offered.

The Fairfield and Sterling family day care homes were unlicensed, while the Stamford and Norwalk facilities were operating legally, although they are now closed.

The Stamford and Norwalk centers had been recently inspected by the state, and those inspections uncovered violations and safety issues. A plan to resolve the problems was worked out.

State Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington, co-chairwoman of the Committee on Children, said an informational hearing will take place next year to probe the four deaths and evaluate the states oversight.

This latest death (in Norwalk) is enormously disturbing, and we have had four since March, she said. Two were at unlicensed day care centers, and one was clearly the result of blunt trauma. There are things here that are enormously worrisome.

Urban said day care centers must be inspected at least once a year, but conceded its a difficult task.

We must have the resources to be sure every day care center is checked and rechecked, and thats a big ask, and its a conundrum for us on the committee, Urban said.

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said he expects the child care center deaths will be discussed during hearings when the Legislature reconvenes, along with inspection frequency.

Incomplete inspections

The frequency of inspections at child care centers examined by Hearst show a slow, but steady improvement since 2012, when only 48 percent of the states 2,620 family day care homes  the type where all four infants died this year  received a yearly inspection.

State inspectors paid at least one unannounced inspection visit to 38 percent of the 2,481 family day care homes in 2013, and in 2014 regulators inspected 44 percent of the 2,388 family day care homes, leaving 1,405 facilities not inspected.

By 2015, the state inspected 87 percent of the 2,265 family day care homes, which are licensed for up to six children.

The inspection rates are contained in federal Quality Performance Reports state officials must fill out to receive federal subsidy money to reduce the cost of day care for low-income residents.

The reports cover federal fiscal years, so the latest report available spans the period between Oct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2015.

A Hearst review of hundreds of child care center licenses in Fairfield County showed steep swings in inspection frequency over the last 10 years or so.

During the 2000s, for example, a child care center often didnt see an inspector for three or four years. That frequency changes to every two years in more recent records.

Inspectors found a wide array of problems, including a lack of background checks on providers and their family members, dangerous electrical wires, dog feces in yards, broken glass, overcapacity and even gas cans left near play areas.

A small percentage of the inspections  often less than 1 percent of the facilities looked at  resulted in revocation of a day care centers license or a formal consent order mandating fixes and levying fines, the QPR reports show.

For example, of the 2,018 family day care homes inspected in 2015, only 8 licenses were revoked, or 0.4 percent of facilities inspected.

But early childhood officials say the federal reports are misleading.

They said inspections always uncover numerous violations and minor problems, such as hot water a few degrees higher than allowed, are not reported to federal officials. In those instances, the state and the day care owner work out a corrective action plan to fix the specific issues.
You might see him walking up the path to a neighbors front door in the early morning hours, depositing one or more orange clad, metal cylinders on the front steps and then hurrying back to his car. In these days of fear and uncertainty, it might be an unsettling sight.

But Steve Thompson is more milkman than marauder. The mysterious containers are tiffin carriers, essentially a three-tier lunchbox; a common sight in India but a novelty in Greenwich, and the ideal packaging for the healthy lunches Thompson and his crew deliver before the school buses start to roll. And his customers love them.

A homemade school lunch service is not the sexiest of start-up ideas in this era of digital delights, but like so many new businesses, it arose from the owners perception of a need in the marketplace. Thompson is passionate about food and healthy eating; he found neither in local school cafeterias when he started volunteering at his childrens elementary school, Riverside.

The kids were loading up on the rubbery pizza and the French toast with maple syrup. Oh sure, there was some yogurt and salad at the end of the line, but they never took that. I thought to myself, maybe there is an opportunity here to provide a real serious offering, a balanced meal alternative. Thats the origin story of Tiffinxo, the now1-year old company that delivers more than 1,000 lunches each month during the school year.

Thompson started his business around the same time the Greenwich Board of Education took Greenwich High School out of the federal lunch program because complying with new nutritional standards would mean removing popular snack dispensing vending machines. In its infinite wisdom, the town finance board mandates that the foodservice at GHS at least break even. The program has run at a slight deficit the past few years and losing the vending machine revenue was a greater concern than providing good nutritious lunches to teenage students. Ah, priorities.

Elementary schools in town participate in the federal program, but that does not mean that the menu necessarily contains healthy foods.

Balance is really the key, Thompson said. That, and healthy food that kids will actually eat. After I saw what was available in the cafeteria, I knew my kids would not get a balanced meal, so I started thinking about alternatives.

Convenient, easy to carry packaging was critical to the homemade lunch scheme, and Thompson remembered the ideal solution from his days in the British Foreign Service: the tiffin carrier. Tiffin is a midday meal in India, and the carrier is both lightweight and quite portable.

I thought what a great way to deliver a meal. We drop it off in the morning, and pick up the one used the previous day. And its easy for the kids to carry.

For $8.50 a day, a tiffin meal includes three courses: a starter, the main course, and a dessert or snack.

The three tiers allow us to pack a lot of food in a small space. We make our own granola, so we might have a granola bar as a starter, or cheese and grapes. We make our own hummus. Everything is locally sourced and organic, said Thompson.

Main courses are planned to appeal to both kids and adults. A quick look at the companys website, Tiffinxo.com, reveals such food as a beef and cheese Panini, coconut panko chicken fingers, flat bread pizza and a variety of pasta dishes and wraps.

My kids loved the food, and my husband started ordering as well and bringing it to work for lunch, said Ann Roth, a former Riverside resident who recently moved to Wilton. We really miss Tiffin, but they cannot deliver to Wilton. At least, not yet, she said.

Meal preparation starts at 2:30 a.m. in a commercial kitchen in Cos Cob. By 6:30 a.m., all meals are delivered and Thompson heads home to help his wife get off to work and take his kids to school. Then he delivers teachers lunches to their schools. The school system does not allow him to deliver meals at school to students. Have to protect that precious revenue.

Thompson recognizes that the $8.50 price tag is more than the $3 to $5 charged at school cafeterias. But it is a very reasonable price. He is looking for ways to make tiffinxo lunches available to students who get free or subsidized lunches.

Ive had about $2,500 promised to me so far by people interested in expanding this service to those kids. I would love to work with Kids in Crisis and other community groups to get nutritious meals to every kid who wants one. Right now, Im swamped and I have to find the time and people to help me grow this effort, he said.

It seems to me the schools should reach out to more providers who offer well-balanced meals at affordable prices. They can find one at tiffenxo.com.
This Sunday, parents and children participating in the model sailboat regatta on Binney Pond will have to maneuver their boats around dozens of dead, rotting fish, and put up with an unavoidable stench. The fish kills that occurred sporadically over the summer have now become a daily die-off. So whats going on?

All summer long, residents near Binney Pond and the feeder stream along Center Drive noticed and complained to the town about gasoline smells and oil slicks on those waters. Yet, according to information supplied to me by the Tesei administration in response to my Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, not once did the town bother to test for the presence of petroleum products in the water. Town conservation director Denise Savageau last month told a group of people in Binney Park, who again told her of persistent gasoline smells, that, its natural to find hydrocarbons in suburban ponds. Savageau repeatedly dismissed complaints about oil slicks as also naturally occurring due to the decay of leaves falling into the pond.

Less than 24 hours later, however, after I contacted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protections (DEEP) chemical spill hotline, an inspector dispatched by that agency discovered a large pool of red-dyed diesel fuel off I-95 near Cider Mill Creek, and affirmed that the oil was flowing into that feeder stream that runs along Center Drive and flows into Binney Pond. The DEEP inspector, Kenneth Leclerc, stated that if I hadnt called in, tomorrow you would have had a pond full of fuel.

Binney Pond experienced four distinct fish kills between June and September of this year. Most involved large numbers of menhaden, or bunker, which had migrated from Long Island Sound into the narrow creek descending from Binney Pond. Despite Savageaus claim that it was all due to oxygen depletion and only affected a die-off of a single species of fish, menhaden, chased into the pond, one of the fish kills included several different species, including carp, eel, crab, and other marine life. That fish kill also corresponded with the appearance of an oil slick and gasoline smells emanating from the pond.

It is not clear that the fish kills were entirely caused by oxygen depletion caused by a single species of fish entering Binney Pond. As Sandra Shumway, professor of marine sciences at the University of Connecticut, told Greenwich Time, its not possible to know the actual causes of the fish kills because, if there is no testing, you cant say what it is. That position was echoed by Mark Johnson, of the marine fisheries division of DEEP, whom I contacted. Johnson stated that, though its possible that the fish kills were caused by depleted oxygen, the lack of testing means that one cannot say for sure what the cause is. Johnson stated that the town should have been monitoring dissolved oxygen levels in the pond twice a day during the summer. He also stated that while the state is seeing increased migration of bunker into tidal creeks, the fish kills in Binney Pond appeared to be unique.

Information I obtained from my FOIA request for water quality tests performed at Binney Pond and its feeder streams for the past two years revealed that the town has performed no water quality tests of Binney Pond, despite frequent complaints from residents and park users of oil slicks and distinct odors of gasoline. Only one test was performed of one feeder stream along Center Drive. That test by the Greenwich Health Department found high levels of coliform, including fecal coliform and coliform streptococci, as well as extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen, suggesting long-term pollution from nutrients entering the stream. Yet those findings in July failed to motivate the town to perform follow-up tests in the feeder streams, or to test water quality levels in the pond.

Park workers now remove barrels of dead fish from Binney Pond every morning. Despite the stench emanating from the pond, the town has failed to take any actions to prevent the influx of menhaden into the pond. DEEP officials I contacted in the fisheries and watershed divisions, as well as professor Sandra Shumway of UConn, suggested the town should seriously consider putting up plastic nets at the narrow mouth of the stream where it connects with an inlet of Long Island Sound to stem the migration into the pond. Yet the the town has failed to take action.

Binney Pond has been neglected for far too long. The Tesei administration needs to take action to prevent the influx of bunker into the pond, perform regular testing of water quality, and disclose those findings to the community.

If anyone doubts that we need action to heal that park, the odor coming off the pond this weekend should convince them.

Sean Goldrick is a former member of the town Board of Estimate and Taxation.
The instructions were to use the Lego StoryStarter kits to model the fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs, but Mandy Hunter had other ideas.

The Corvallis kindergarten teacher used her Lego figures to craft a three-part scene featuring Little Miss Muffet.

There she is with her bright green tuffet. There's the spider, coming along to sit down beside her. And there she is again with an ax and a blast of Lego flame, teaching that spider a lesson it will never forget in its little eight-legged plastic life.

Forget the "frightened Miss Muffet away" part. "She has girl power," Hunter explained.

Lego has the power to inspire imagination, which is why the Denmark-based plastic toy brick company has a whole division dedicated to education.

Representatives with that division brought Oregon's first-ever Creative Problem Solvers Symposium to Linn-Benton Community College on Friday, where some 50 educators took advantage of the free training to learn how to bring Lego lessons to their classrooms.

Cathy Law, director of the STEM Academy at Oregon State University, worked with Ty Stevenson, educational consultant for the Pacific Northwest region of Lego Education, and other supporters to bring the symposium to Albany.

The idea was to give educators tools to use with their students, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known for short as STEM.

STEM skills are in short supply among young Oregonians, leaving the state at a disadvantage when it comes to filling jobs, solving world problems and simply building life skills, symposium organizers said. The more teachers who get comfortable with STEM lessons, the more children might follow a STEM career path.

In addition to the StoryStarter practice, educators  including classroom teachers, librarians, field trip organizers, after-school club advisers and 4-H leaders  practiced building and coding instructions for Lego robots.

"I think this is a great way to empower teachers, schools, kids and parents to feel capable and confident in their computer programming skills," Law said. "This teaches everybody not to be overwhelmed by it. It's fun, it's easy to do and everyone can do it."

At its heart, the opportunity to learn about STEM subjects becomes an equity issue, Law said. Almost all people will need experience with basic computing skills at some point in their lives, no matter what job they pursue. If they can't plug in a mouse or log into an account, that increases the equity gap.

Said Stevenson: "The idea is to provide access to what we do to all of Oregon at no cost so any educator who's interested in STEM can learn about how to bring this to young people."

When a teacher brings out a box full of Lego blocks, "Kids are excited: 'This is going to be fun,'" said Don Domes, facilitator of special projects with the Hillsboro School District, vice president of the statewide Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association and one of the supporters of Friday's symposium.

Lego bricks are interactive, hands-on, reusable and  after the initial investment  relatively cost-effective, he said. Users have the flexibility to build, create and invent, either singly or in teams, thus practicing exactly the kind of problem-solving skills the world is demanding for the future.

STEM teachers often have few colleagues in their buildings  or sometimes even in their districts  to work alongside, Domes said. The symposium, held on a state teacher inservice day to allow for greater participation, is a chance to get together and share ideas.

"To me, the best education for teachers is teachers teaching teachers," Domes said. "That's what we have here today."

In the StoryStarter class, participants learned the kits can be used as writing prompts. Children can build a scene, then review what came before or talk about what happens next. They can model a visual aide for a research project, then use it to work out a presentation without reading from notes.

Hunter was already developing ideas on how her kindergartners at Hoover Elementary School might use the kits, building stories, then recording the tale for others to hear.

"These little kids come up with the most amazing, incredible stories," she said. "Just this basic set, I could do a lot with. And Legos are just plain fun."

Stevenson agreed. "It's hard not to have a good time and learn something with Lego," he said. "I've never seen anybody leave without a smile."
I gave up my morning coffee over a year ago, and replaced it with Earl Grey tea. Winterwoods Tea Company makes my favorite, their blend called Inland Grey. Winterwoods has released four new tea blends as part of a Kickstarter campaign that ends on Sunday night! Right now, the only way to order the new blends is through the Kickstarter campaign. Tirza, of Winterwoods, sent me a couple of the new blends to try: Bee Wrangler and Wildwood Cedar. The Bee Wrangler is a black tea that goes perfectly with raw honey, the way I drink my tea. I love it! The Wildwood Cedar is a delicious herbal blend, and a new favorite for me. It doesnt require sweetener at all! You can read more about these and the other two new blends on the Kickstarter page. In case you are new to Winterwoods Tea Company, you can read more about them below:

(Shane and Tirza, the founders of Winterwoods Tea Company)

At Winterwoods Tea Company were passionate about creating delicious, nourishing loose leaf tea blends using the finest locally farmed and wild foraged organic herbs. We begin by sourcing our ingredients from small, sustainable farms and companies who support our values and we hand-mix all of our original tea blends in the heart of the Pacific Northwest in beautiful Spokane, Washington. Our tea is carried at natural foods stores, gift boutiques and coffee/tea shops across the United States and we also sell through local farmers markets as well as online.

We believe that tea should be healing and nourishing and thats why youll never find synthetic ingredients, preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors, refined sugars, sweeteners or other additives in our teas. As a farm to tea cup company, our original blends contain only organic herbs, spices, tea leaves, dried fruit bits and sometimes pure extracts. All of our blends are gluten and dairy-free.

At Winterwoods Tea Company we are committed to the following:

 Ingredients sourced as locally as possible

 Handcrafted in small batches

 Freshly blended, sealed, and sold within 30 days of packaging

 Certified organic or wild foraged ingredients

 No preservatives, pesticides or artificial ingredients

For this weekends giveaway, were excited to offer the following gift to one lucky Small Things reader:

Two of bags of our organic tea including one Inland Grey (Ginnys favorite!) and one Wildwood Cedar, one of our brand new Pacific Northwest herbal blends, along with a tea infuser.

Wed also love to offer Small Things readers 10% off any purchase at our shop through the end of October. Please use coupon code: small things.

You can find Winterwoods Tea Companys online store here, the kickstarter campaign (the only way to get the new tea blends) here, and you can follow Winterwoods on Instagram here.

For your chance to win, leave a comment on this post. Comments are closed and the winner is Heidi, who commented, Wow. I want to go camping with you guys! You really do it in style!!

Thank you for the giveaway :)






Some of the purported disadvantages inherent when ordering a Google Pixel or Pixel XL from Verizon have been debunked already - the phones will ship with three bloatware apps, all of them uninstallable; software updates will be issued at the same time as for units bought elsewhere. One thing that's clear, however, is that Verizon's Pixels will not have unlockable bootloaders.

That's not surprising given the carrier's general policy towards such things. But what about units purchased from Google? Sure, Nexus devices all had unlockable bootloaders, but the Pixels might be different in that regard, given the new branding and all.

Thankfully, that's now been confirmed not to be the case. A Google spokesperson issued the following statement:

Yes, Pixel owners who purchased the device from the Google store will be able to root their devices. Pixel phones purchased from the Google store will ship with an unlockable bootloader.

That should make tinkerers everywhere happy. There is however one caveat, and it has to do with rooting and receiving over-the-air updates after that - or rather, not receiving them.

Rooting involves modifying partitions on the phone. If the partitions are modified the OTA will fail to apply.

So there you go. Some good news and some bad news. Anyway, all of this is bound to be relevant for just a small number of Pixel buyers, those interested in such things. The average Joe isn't likely to care either way.

Source | Via
LEBANON  The Lebanon Community School District is reminding parents that transfer students who act up or miss too many classes may be sent back to their own schools.

Superintendent Rob Hess reviewed the clarification to the district's policy on open enrollment Thursday at a meeting of the Lebanon School Board. The meeting also included an agreement on a new approach to reviewing the superintendent's job and a reminder of the board's new meeting location schedule.

Lebanon has maintained an open enrollment policy for several years and has always reserved the right to revoke a transfer, Superintendent Rob Hess said. "Open enrollment is a privilege, not a right," he told the board.

The new language clarifies the position by adding language to point out, both in policy and in transfer applications, that students may be sent back to their home schools for erratic attendance (defined as being gone on more than 10 percent of school days), excessive tardiness (defined as arriving late on more than 10 percent of school days) or other unsatisfactory performance, including suspensions or expulsions.

The goal is not to kick a child out, added Nicole Hundley, executive secretary to the superintendent, "but rather to provide parameters" that reflect the district's expectations.

In other business Thursday, board members agreed to change the procedure they use to evaluate Hess's job performance. The evaluation is to be completed by January.

The old method had board members weighing the superintendent's performance on a scale of 1 to 4 against nine standards, including leadership, policy and governance, communications and community relations, resource management, labor relations and curriculum planning and development.

The new method keeps the nine standards but also adds specific district indicators such as graduation rates, average attendance and results of state assessment tests.

"Basically what we're trying to do is to get more toward measurable goals," Chairman Russ McUne said.

Thursday's board meeting was held at Cascades Elementary School, the first to be held this fiscal year outside the board's regular meeting room at the district office.

Board members will meet throughout the school year at one of the district's schools, both to let board members get a better look at each building and "so other people in the school district can kind of see us work," McUne said.

The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Lacomb School, followed by 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Green Acres Elementary.




Haiti - USA : Deportations of Haitians Congresswoman Wilson continues the struggle





Thursday in Washington, D.C., in response to the temporary suspension of deportation flights to Haiti, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson declared "I welcome the Obama administrations decision to suspend deportation flights to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18905-haiti-flash-usa-temporary-suspension-of-deportations-of-haitians.html . As our Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson rightly noted, now is the time to extend our sympathies and support to Haiti, which once again is in the unenviably horrific position of having to recover from yet another blow from Mother Nature.



Unfortunately, the hold is only temporary, and Secretary Johnson has made it clear that as Haiti begins its recovery from Hurricane Matthew that he intends to resume removal flights https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18928-haiti-usa-deportations-of-haitians-the-secretary-jeh-johnson-specifies.html .



Last week, I led more than 50 House Democrats and Republicans in a letter to President Obama https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18873-haiti-usa-57-congress-members-against-the-deportations-of-haitian.html urging him to not only delay the planned deportations of undocumented Haitians, but to also provide them with full and fair asylum hearings, effective counsel and other forms of relief.



I also would urge the Obama administration to redesignate Haitis temporary protective status that is set to expire next July https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-14948-haiti-flash-extension-of-18-months-of-tps-for-haitians-already-registered.html to include Haitians already in the United States and expand the Haitian Family Reunification parole Program, which promotes safe and legal migration to the U.S.



Haiti and its citizens are still extremely vulnerable and struggling to rebuild after the earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of people and left millions more homeless. The fact is that when the removals resume, the U.S. will be sending thousands of law-abiding people whove created lives here for themselves and their families and are contributing members of our society and economy back to nothing, adding insult to the injury that theyve already suffered. More important, with the battering that Haiti took from Hurricane Matthew, the island nation is in no position to receive even one deportee.



Secretary Johnsons decision to delay the deportations was the right thing to do. I hope that in the next few weeks a humanitarian solution can be found that is both fair and lawful."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18928-haiti-usa-deportations-of-haitians-the-secretary-jeh-johnson-specifies.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18905-haiti-flash-usa-temporary-suspension-of-deportations-of-haitians.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18700-haiti-flash-usa-resumption-of-regular-deportations-to-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-14948-haiti-flash-extension-of-18-months-of-tps-for-haitians-already-registered.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





Towards the beginning of works post-Matthew

Francois Joseph Annick, the Minister of Interior and Territorial Communities announced that the Haitian government will start from next week, the rehabilitation of institutions damaged by Hurricane Matthew, in the southern departments and in the Grand Anse.



The World Bank and the IDB will allocate funds

Jean Beauvois Dorsonne Friday, the Minister of National Education held a working meeting with representatives of the World Bank and the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) around the post-Matthew actions. The Minister emphasized on the emergencies and the need to mobilize funds for immediate action proposing reallocations in existing projects. An agreement was reached in this regard between the Ministry and two international banks, to activate the process of intervention on the ground.



First pilot digital tv channel in Haiti

Thursday, took place the signing of a MoU between the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL) and the National Television of Haiti (TNH) for the commissioning of a pilot digital tv channel on November 15 at the latest. The opportunity for Haitian viewers to experience the difference between analog TV and digital TV.



Consulates in Miami and Orlando closed

The Consulate General of Haiti in Miami informs the general public that the Consulate will be closed Monday, October 17, 2016, on the occasion of the anniversary of the "Death of the Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines". The activities of Consulate will resume Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 8:00 am



In case of emergency, please call (305) 793-1665.



For the same reason, the Consulate of the Republic of Haiti in Orlando will also be closed on Monday 17 October. The Consulate activities will resume Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 9.00 a.m.



Brazil's aid arrives

The Brazilian Embassy in Haiti informs that a Boeing 767 of the Brazilian Air Force arrived Friday October 14 at the International Airport Toussaint Opening of the Port-au-Prince, with a cargo of 120 field tents measuring 25 m2 each and able to house a total of 700 people. This is a first donation of the Brazilian Government to the victims of Hurricane Matthew. In addition, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that it has donated 250,000 US dollars to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Haiti.



Restoring family links

The Haitian Red Cross (HRC) informs that 3 Restoring Family Links (RFL) antennas will be installed to support the population affected by the passage of Hurricane in Les Cayes, Jeremie and Dame Marie.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Published on 2016/10/15 | Source

Added the upcoming Korean movie "Working Street"'s page to HanCinema database

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"Working Street" (2016)

Directed by Lee Sang-woo-IV

With Baek Sung-hyun, Lee Si-kang, Lee Song-yi, Yoo Dam-yeon,...

Synopsis

Find true love on the streets of desire!

Tae-seong (Baek Sung-hyun), who dreamt of a fancy life as a martial arts fighter, goes to Thailand with his brother Tae-gi (Lee Si-kang) who has no hopes or dreams and causes trouble wherever he goes. On Working Street where there are drugs and prostitutes, they meet Jenna (Lee Song-i) and their lives turn upside down.

Escape, roam and sex...the passion of youth erupts!

Release date in Korea : 2016
Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

09:44, 30 OCT 2022
A pair of unrelated news stories this week prompted reflections on volunteerism and how essential it is for our communities.

First, congratulations to the Willing Workers Club of North Albany, which celebrates its centennial today at a gathering from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North Albany Community Church, 1273 N.W. Thornton Lake Drive. The public is invited.

The club is exactly what you would expect from its name: A group of neighbors in the North Albany area is ready to step up and help if somebody needs it. And the group has a broad definition of help, including lending a hand with farm work to bring meals to the sick and injured and everything in between.

The Willing Workers have mostly been women over the past century: After all, they were the ones who tended to be home and knew what neighbors might be needing. But the group was remarkably progressive in admitting both sexes, and a recent Democrat-Herald story took note of one particular club meeting in 1945, which revolved entirely around the men's efforts. Men cooked the noon dinner and took care of the program for that particular meeting. Men cooking! Such a scandal!

The men apparently came through with flying colors: "The men received so many compliments and requests to repeat the performance that they decided to make it an annual affair," the club's minutes read.

These days, the Willing Workers still are more than willing, but the club could use some younger members in its ranks. (For information about the club, contact Christine Crawford Knight at 541-928-5917 or Margy Harmon Coker at 541-928-4120.)

In that regard, of course, the Willing Workers aren't at all alone. Service clubs and volunteer organizations around the mid-valley (and nationally, too) need to find some new blood to keep the flame going. But it's harder than ever before to convince younger folks to carve out time in their hectic schedules.

You see the same dynamic at work in the city councils and committees of smaller communities.

For example, four small cities in Linn County dont have enough local candidates on the ballot, so write-ins could be elected to public office as a result of the general election.

In Waterloo, population 230, no one filed for mayor, so the qualified person with the most write-in votes will be offered the position.

This has happened before, said City Recorder Cathy Nelson, who is used to this sort of situation. Added Georgia Edwards, the city manager of Tangent: "It's not unusual for small towns to have that sort of problem." Nelson added that he often hears that people don't want to run for office because they're too busy raising families and working.

Added to all that is the fact that serving in local office is harder than ever before.

We understand that. But, at the same time, we also understand that there aren't many better ways to serve your community than running for office or volunteering to serve on a committee or even stepping up to join the Willing Workers or similar organizations. You don't need to be a brilliant statesman. You just need to be Willing. (mm)

Correction

An editorial earlier this week incorrectly reported remarks from Oregon Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins; the editorial should have said that Atkins was predicting that a record number of Oregonians would vote by Nov. 8. The editorial incorrectly noted that 2.5 million Oregonians might vote in this year's election; it should have said that 2.5 million Oregonians would be registered by the Oct. 18 registration deadline. If they all voted, that would be great, but it's unlikely. (mm)
One of seven people accused of killing a Dubliner identified himself holding a knife in CCTV footage of the fatal assault during garda interviews, but denied stabbing the 20-year-old.

The trial heard that the deceased, Dale Creighton who was beaten to death on New Year's morning 2014, also had a stab wound to his leg.

The court heard that James Reid described what he was shown as 'horrific'.

The incident took place around 4am at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road. Dale Creighton died in hospital on January 2nd 2014.

A woman and six men, who are in their 20s and from Tallaght, have all pleaded not guilty to murder and went on trial at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday.

They 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; 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.

Each accused also initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the footbridge that New Year's Day. However, Jason Beresford changed his plea on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to the violent disorder charge.

Interviewed

Garda Brian O'Connor testified that he arrested James Reid at an address in Tallaght on the morning of January 2. He and colleagues then interviewed him at Tallaght Garda Station.

Mr Reid said he did not know Dale Creighton, but had heard something about a girl's phone being stolen that morning.

It was put to him that Mr Creighton was dead as a result of his and his friends' actions.

"It wasn't me," he replied.

He was asked which part he had taken in the assault.

"I had no part in it," he said.

It was put to him that, as far as the garda could make out from the CCTV, Mr Creighton was kicked, punched, stabbed and thrown down a set of concrete stairs.

He was then shown footage of the incident on the bridge and asked if he had anything to say.

"It's horrific," he responded.

He agreed that he was on the video and identified himself, but repeated that he hadn't assaulted the deceased.

The footage had already been played to the jury, but was replayed so Gda O'Connor could point out the figure Mr Reid had identified as himself.

"What are you holding in your hand?" he was asked in interview.

"The knife that I took off him when he swung it at me," he replied. "I jumped back and took it off him."

He agreed that he then walked out of shot with the knife and said he went home.

"I didn't want nothing to do with it," he said.

Under cross examination by Ciaran O'Loughlin SC, defending Mr Reid, Garda O'Connor agreed that he had not seen his client punch, kick, stab or drag the deceased in the footage. He also agreed that he could see him pushing someone away from Mr Creighton.

The trial continues.
The Government carried out its own review of the housing market before introducing the new Help-to-Buy scheme, but has not yet published the findings.

Minister Simon Coveney is facing calls from the Opposition to release the details of the study, which was carried out internally.

Education Minister Richard Bruton had told the Dail it was an independent study, but this turned out not to be the case.

The Department of Housing told the Herald it would make available the study of the market that was carried out during the summer, but it had not been received at the time of going to press.

Fianna Fail said it does not believe a proper market impact analysis of the scheme was carried out before the Budget.

Mr Bruton told the Dail earlier this week: "Of course, an independent analysis has been done by the department responsible for developing these programmes."

However, it has emerged that the analysis referred to by Mr Bruton was actually carried out internally in the Department of Housing.

Fianna Fail housing spokesman Barry Cowen said he believes Mr Bruton was being "disingenuous" in his statement.

"I don't believe they have one. What they are terming as a market impact analysis is just a review of the current market," he said.

Defended

"Every dog on the street knows that prices are only going to go up on the back of this scheme."

Fianna Fail wants a cost-benefit analysis of thresholds that will allow first-time buyers spending 600,000 on a property to claim 20,000 in a tax rebate.

Mr Coveney has defended the initiative, saying it is linked directly to the value of the house a person is buying.

He said the thresholds were set to avoid a "cliff effect", where someone who spends 400,000 will get a grant yet somebody who spends 405,000 will not.

"We don't expect first-time buyers are going to be buying houses above 400,000 in any numbers at all," said Mr Coveney.

"The focus here is about helping those first-time buyers who are locked out of the market."

The minister said builders are now constructing homes suitable for first-time buyers, so the market needs to be encouraged.

He said he noted a report from Daft.ie that stated the number of web searches for new-build homes shot up by 130pc in the wake of Tuesday's Budget announcement.

"This is having an effect of releasing first-time buyers. For the first time they actually believe they can buy a home again," said Mr Coveney.

Asked about suggestions that developers are already pushing up house prices, the minister said the Central Bank had safeguards to ensure this did not happen.
An Irish Army corporal who was seriously injured in a training parachute jump is responding well to treatment.

It is understood that the soldier, who has been named locally as Paul Halpin, suffered head and other injuries during a "hard landing" while undertaking a training exercise at the Custume Barracks in Athlone at noon yesterday.

He is believed to have hit a structure as he was coming in to land.

Experienced

An Army spokesperson said the soldier was very experienced in undertaking parachute jumps.

He was treated by a doctor at the site before an air ambulance based in Athlone transferred him to Tallaght Hospital.

A family open day is scheduled to take place at the barracks tomorrow.

One highlight of the event was advertised as a parachute display by the Defence Forces' Black Knights parachute team.

Serving members and their families, Defence Forces veterans and all members of the public were invited to attend the event.

"Highlights will include weapons, vehicles and equipment displays from various corps of the Defence Forces," according to an advertisement for the event.

"The Army Band will provide music throughout the day."

It was unclear last night if the open day would proceed following the accident.

It is not known if Mr Halpin was due to take part in the event, but yesterday's practice jump was training ahead of the event.

The Irish Army has no spec- ific parachute regiment, but it has a parachute club and hundreds of soldiers are trained to jump.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe spoke to the Army's chief of staff about the incident last night.

Terrible

"My thoughts are with the corporal and his family and I have asked for full details to be provided of what is a terrible incident," he said.

It is understood the full safety precautions were in place.

An Army spokesperson said parachute jump accidents were extremely rare.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority said it was unclear if it had a role in investigating the incident, but would be able to confirm if this was the case by Monday.
Comings and goings: Boot Barn in the works; Clorox plant opens

New store could be the third to move into Valley Plaza this year.
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Awhile back, Loretta Hefner, site manager at Maiden Seniors Morning Out, invited me to visit with the men and women who regularly meet at the Maiden Community Center. What shall we talk about? I wondered. Then I recalled a doctors visit Id had and the litany of questions Id been asked, queries so unrelated to my ailment that the whole experience was comical.

Who better to share doctor visit grievances with than people whove lived long enough to remember how uncomplicated they used to be.

After Loretta introduced me to the seniors, I shared a little about myself and then jumped right into the story of needing my left ear washed out due to an excessive accumulation of earwax

Well, everyone just stared at me. I dont think theyd considered in their wildest imaginations that a woman who writes human interest stories would come in and talk about one of her ears being a wax hoarder. Usually from 9:30 to 10:30 at Seniors Morning Out, the group enjoys playing games, listening to musical groups or exercising.

I posed a definite departure from the norm.

I continued, pointing out that regardless of ones malady, medical personnel always insist on measuring an incoming patients height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate. How my weight was related to my jam-packed ear, I didnt know. Maybe Id be weighed post ear washing to determine the heaviness of the extracted goo.

My height? I was completely at a loss about that one. Blood pressure? Heart rate? Both increased during the visit. I repeatedly told the nurse, Im just here to have my ear washed out.

Ignoring me, the kind, soft-spoken nurse invited me to take a seat in a cold, impersonal examination room while she recited a series of questions:

Do you have a living will? she asked.

Do you have an end-of-life directive?

Have you felt blue or depressed lately?

Do you live alone?

Is your husband able to help you if you need it?

At that point, I imagined him researching YouTube for a demonstration of how to tackle blocked ear canals.

I could tell by the looks on the seniors faces that they were as baffled by the nurses interrogation as Id been.

I just need my ear washed out, I told the nurse again.

But no, the questioning continued:

Last tetanus shot?

Whooping cough vaccination?

Did my parents have any serious illnesses? My father is deceased, so I suggested that his condition was serious.

The interrogation concluded, the nurse left, and I waited until finally my doctor came in. Hes a wonderfully compassionate man. He sat down, so we could talk about my ear. I grimaced. Conversation over, he grabbed his otoscope, peered into my left ear, and guess what? I needed to have my ear washed out! Rays of sunshine filled the room. Trumpets sounded.

I suggested that it was the seniors turn to talk. They began slowly, but then the stories poured forth.

Mae Nell Poston pointed out that sometimes a person whos been told not to eat or drink anything before coming in for blood work might just keel over if she has to wait too long. After twiddling her thumbs an hour and a half during a recent visit, Mae Nell announced, If I have to stay in here much longer, youre going to have to give me some orange juice.

A senior who wanted to remain anonymous said her doctor was always in such a hurry, that he has one foot out the door and one foot in. I have to call him back in sometimes. But hes a good doctor, she added.

Loretta said she refused to let the nurse weigh her one time. I told them, Youve got my weight on there from two weeks ago.

Willa Vay Queen, whos quite petite, said, I hate it when they give me those gowns. One size dont fit all!

Dorothy Hudson said that about 40 years ago, she went to the emergency room with a serious fluid retention problem and when wheeled through the emergency department was repeatedly asked how far apart her pains were. I kept telling them I wasnt pregnant, said Dorothy.

When Jo Hoyle, a former biology teacher, told her doctor about being bitten by a centipede that had found its way into her bathroom, he reciprocated with his own centipede bite story.

In 1985, Suzan Parrish saw a doctor whod always fall asleep, she explained. Once, when she took her four-year-old son with her, she whispered to him, I wonder what would happen if I yelled FIRE!

Her son yelled FIRE!

I had to find another doctor after that, said Suzan.

Betty Rhyne recalled how embarrassed she was when her urologist, using a device of some sort, had a look at the inside of her bladder, and exclaimed, Oh, my goodness, and then invited other doctors and nurses into the room to have a look.

Dorothy Josey, whos diabetic, felt certain her blood sugar numbers werent good, but he wasnt concerned about it, said Dorothy. He increased my prescription for my memory instead.

The regulars at Maiden Seniors Morning Out have a good time at their gatherings. If nothing else, I think I provided an experience that Dorothy and the rest of the gang wont soon forget.

Share story ideas with Mary at marycanrobert@charter.net.

Catawba County Seniors Morning Out is a half-day program that operates Monday  Thursday in Maiden, Newton, East Hickory, West Hickory, and Claremont, for people 60 or older who live in Catawba County. The service, which includes lunch, is free regardless of income level.

For more information, call 828-695-5610 or visit www.mealsonwheelsofcatawbacounty.org.
At the Brics-Bimstec (Bimstec is Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) outreach summit in Goa, there will only be one Nobel Laureate among the 11 participants: Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar. She is neither president nor prime minister, but she is treated as an equal by other heads of government. Her participation in the summit and her visit to India could have long-term implications.

At the summit, Suu Kyi will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi together in a room  for the first time. Since becoming state counsellor, foreign minister and virtually the head of the Myanmar government six months ago, she has been engaged in a fine balancing act involving the nations external partners: China, the US and India. Everything she says and does will be calibrated to promote Myanmars interests, and designed to avoid taking sides on sensitive issues.

Read: Myanmars Suu Kyi to meet PM during maiden to India after taking office

She may have a delicate role to play, especially now when India-China relations are under marked stress. The two nations disagree on a host of issues: One Belt, One Road initiative, terrorism, South Asia integration, South China Sea, etc. Myanmars position will be watched closely  both in New Delhi and Beijing.

In one area, though, South Block could receive Burmese support unhesitatingly, namely in its quest to redefine Indias neighbourhood and to strengthen Bimstec, while pondering to abandon Saarc altogether. In this endeavour, Myanmars importance for India as well as for South Asia will increase significantly, a development Suu Kyi should be happy to welcome. But, first she will need to overcome the impediment of strained relations with Bangladesh. Goa offers the possibility of a meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Suu Kyi. They met in New York last month to initiate the process of improving relations. Suu Kyi has accepted Hasinas invitation to visit Bangladesh.

After Goa, Suu Kyi is expected to travel to New Delhi. Modi and Suu Kyi will have a valuable opportunity to review India-Myanmar relations, following the visit to India by President Htin Kyaw in August. During the military rule until early 2011, Myanmar enjoyed excessive affinity with China. This began to change gradually during the presidency of Thein Sein (2011-16). Suu Kyi is striving for warm relations with Beijing, but at the same time she is determined to enhance the range and depth of cooperation with others. Her recent visit to the US resulted in a major gain  the lifting of American economic sanctions.

Read: India has advantage in Suu Kyi-led Myanmar: Chinese media

Bilateral India-Myanmar discussions will hopefully impart further momentum to expanding economic relations and broadening exchanges at the peoples level. During her last visit to India in November 2012, Suu Kyi had highlighted the role of civil society linkages, stating that Governments come and gobut the people remain. Perhaps the bilateral meeting will also pave the way for an early visit by Modi to Myanmar.

Two other countries matter much to both India and Myanmar, but only one of them will be represented at the Goa summit, namely Thailand. Myanmar-Thailand and India-Thailand ties have now been showing considerable warmth and vitality, leading a few experts to suggest that a new trilateral dialogue mechanism  India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT)  should be created and nurtured.

Read: Myanmar is special for India, says PM Modi after meeting Htin Kyaw

The country absent in Goa but of crucial relevance both to India and Myanmar is Japan. In the unfolding geopolitical game in East Asia, Japan and India have emerged as close strategic partners. By working together on a few development projects in Myanmar and forging collaboration between Indian and Japanese companies in the Myanmar market, the two nations can achieve much. It is an enticing prospect which Suu Kyis government is certain to encourage.

Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House, and a former ambassador to Myanmar

The views expressed are personal
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic US presidential nominee, recently described supporters of her opponent, Donald Trump, as a basket of deplorables. It was neither a tactful nor an elegant phrase, and she later apologised for her remark. But she was more right than wrong. Trump has attracted many supporters whose views on race, for example, are indeed deplorable.

The problem is that many of these deplorable voters are also relatively uneducated, which makes Clintons remark look snobbish. Alas, the United States has too many relatively uneducated people.

Among developed countries, the US ranks low in terms of literacy, general knowledge, and science. Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Canada, and Russia score consistently higher. This is at least partly the result of leaving education too much to the market: Those with money are highly educated, and those with insufficient means are not educated enough.

So far, it seems clear that Clinton appeals to better-educated urban voters, while Trump attracts mainly less-educated white men, many of whom in earlier generations would have been Democrat-voting coal miners or industrial workers. Does this mean that there is a link between education  or the lack of it  and the appeal of a dangerous demagogue?

Read:Pro-Trump protester heckles Obama at Clinton campaign in Cleveland

One of the most remarkable things about Trump is the extent of his own ignorance, despite his high educational attainment, and the fact that he seems to benefit from flaunting it. But this is to assume that factual truth matters in the rhetoric of a populist agitator. Many of his supporters dont seem to care much about reasoned argument  that is for the liberal snobs. Emotions count more, and the prime emotions that demagogues manipulate, in the US and elsewhere, are fear, resentment, and distrust.

This was also true in Germany, when Hitler came to power. But the Nazi Party in its early days did not find the bulk of its support among the least educated. Germany was more highly educated than other countries, on average, and the most enthusiastic Nazis included schoolteachers, engineers, and doctors, as well as provincial small businessmen, white-collar workers, and farmers.

Urban factory workers and conservative Catholics were, on the whole, less susceptible to Hitlers blandishments than many more highly educated Protestants. Low educational standards do not explain Hitlers rise.

Read: Donald Trump goes from predictable defeat to possible debacle

Fear, resentment, and distrust ran very high in Weimar Germany, after the humiliation of wartime defeat and amid a devastating economic depression. But the racial prejudices whipped up by Nazi propagandists were not the same as the ones we see among many Trump supporters today. The Jews were the so-called back-stabbers who prevented Germany from being great again.

Read: Trump will cancel climate deal

The Trump supporters are showing a similar animus against symbols of the elite, such as Wall Street bankers, the mainstream media, and Washington insiders. But their xenophobia is directed against poor Mexican immigrants, blacks, or West Asian refugees, who are perceived as freeloaders depriving honest (read white) Americans of their rightful place in the social pecking order.

In the US today, as in the Weimar Republic, the resentful and the fearful have so little trust in prevailing political and economic institutions that they follow a leader who promises maximum disruption.

In the US and Europe, todays world looks less scary to more affluent and better-educated voters, who benefit from open borders, cheap migrant labour, information technology, and a rich mixture of cultural influences. Likewise, immigrants and ethnic minorities who seek to improve their lot have no interest in joining a populist rebellion directed mainly against them, which is why they will vote for Clinton.

Read: Over 70% Muslims voters want to vote for Hillary Clinton, only 4% favour Trump: Survey

Trump must thus rely on disaffected white Americans who feel that they are being left behind. The fact that enough people feel that way to sustain such an unsuitable presidential candidate is an indictment of US society. This is because a broken education system leaves too many people at a disadvantage.

In the past, there were enough industrial jobs for less educated voters to make a decent living. Now that those jobs are vanishing in post-industrial societies, too many people feel that they have nothing more to lose. This is true in many countries, but it matters more in the US, where putting a bigoted demagogue in charge would do great damage not only to that country, but also to all countries trying to hold on to their freedoms in an increasingly perilous world.

Ian Buruma is Professor of Democracy, Human Rights, and Journalism at Bard College, New York

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016

www.project-syndicate.org
The aroma of delicious food in the air, countless fun stalls, and the thrill of rides  Diwali melas are a precursor to all the masti that Diwali is about. HT gives you a lowdown on some of the Diwali melas you can visit this year.

Festival of Lights, Dastkar

Enjoy an evening at this Diwali mela that has a cultural twist to it. Along with stalls displaying craft items by 80 groups from 16 states. There will be cultural performances from North East and Rajasthan scheduled for 15th and 16th October, and 22nd and 23rd October. Make sure to pick up some chanderi or block print items to look different this Diwali.

Where: Nature Bazaar, Andheria Modh, Chattarpur

When: On till October 26

Timings: 11am to 7:30pm

Entry: Rs. 20

Nearest Metro Station: Chhatpur on Yellow Line

Dilli Haat Diwali Mela

When you go Diwali Mela hopping, you cant miss out on the Dilli Haat melas. Organised at three different venues in the city, these melas have special traditional Diwali Bazaars, cultural performances and rock band concert. On 28 and 29th, North-East cultural society will organise an inter-college rock band concert to promote art in the Capital.

When: 25th to 30th

Timings: 11am to 10pm

Entry: Rs. 20

Nearest Metro Station:INA on Yellow Line

Dilli Haat Janakpuri is holding the mela from 21st to 23 October, while Dilli Haat Pitampura is on till October 16 and has same timings and entry.

Diwali Mela at Blind School. (Jasjeet Phala/HT )

Blind School Diwali Mela

One of the most sought-after melas, the Blind School Diwali Mela is a must-visit affair. Beautiful home decor, delicious home-made chocolates, accessories, and even clothing  there is much that you can come back home.

Where: Blind School Relief Association, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg

When: 21st - 27th Oct, 10am to 8pm

Entry: Free

Nearest Metro Station: JLN on Violet Line

Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela

Sunder Nagar Diwali mela has been a favourite among the Delhiites for 55 years now. From rides to international cuisines, shopping stalls, magic shows, and live cultural performances on both days, theres enough for everyone to have a blast.

Where: Sunder Nagar Park, Near Delhi Public School, Sunder Nagar

When: October 22 to 23

Timings: 4pm onwards

Entry: Rs. 100

Nearest Metro Station: Jangpura on Violet Line

Diwali Melas are full of fun and masti. (Sunil Saxena/HT )

Defence Colony Diwali Mela

The Defence Colony Diwali Mela has over 130 stalls set up by people from different parts of the country. Food stalls that cater Indian and international cuisines, game stalls, and a nukkad naatak on no crackers are some things that you can enjoy with your friends and family.

Where: Gumbad Roundabout, Defence Colony Market,

When: October 22 to 23

Timings: 4pm onwards

Entry: Rs. 50

Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand on Violet Line

Melas in Delhi University

Students from various colleges in Delhi University (DU) also organise their own Diwali melas. Organised by the National Student Scheme (NSS) volunteers, these melas are all about inter-college socialising, yum food and fun activities. All you need is your college ID card.

Students having fun during mela.

Sparsh 2016, Jesus and Mary College

Sparsh, the Diwali mela at Jesus and Mary College (JMC) is much more than the masti this year. The NSS society is running a campaign on safe Diwali and will spread the message through the mela as well. The volunteers have made badges on safe Diwali and the theatre society will soon stage a play around the same. During the mela, those interested will take a pledge that they will have a safe Diwali, says Ananta Khare, the vice-president, NSS JMC.

On the fun side, there will be around 25 stalls set up by students and NGOs for visitors to play games and shop at. They can also expect dhol performances, photo booth, and lotteries. Were even thinking of calling a magician this year. Last year, we held a puppet show, adds Khare.

When: October 20

Timing: 9:30am to 4pm

Entry: Open to all college students with ID cards.

Nearest Metro Station: Race Course on Yellow Line

Noor 2016, Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR)

Noor, LSRs annual Diwali Mela, is a fun affair not just for the students but for kids from various NGOs too. We will have a kids corner that will be dedicated to kids from various NGOs. There will be a jam session and various workshops for them, says Saumya Porwal, an NSS LSR member, adding, These kids will also hold cultural performances at the mela. We want the mela to be fun for everyone.

The mela has a total of around 150 stalls and tables that are by students and various NGOs wherein they sell in-house products. For the visitors, there will be an all-day DJ session. Ours is one of the biggest melas, with a footfall of around 6,000 people, adds Porwal.

When: October 22

Timing: 9am to 5pm

Entry: Open to all women and boys under the age of 14

Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand on Violet Line

Zistavta 2016, Gargi College

The Diwali Mela at Gargi College will be a grander than usual affair this year as the college is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Not only will there be the usual merchandise, food and games stalls, but there will be an array of food trucks too that will offer a wide variety of cuisines. The students can also expect a Dandiya evening as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Nupur Agarwal, a student and Public Relations Officer, says, There will be about 70 stalls so itll be great fun for the students. Apart from the usual, the NSS students and various NGOs will also put up their stalls, the proceeds for which will go to charity.

When: October 27

Timing: 9am to 4pm

Entry: Open to all college students with ID cards

Nearest Metro Station: Green Park on Yellow Line

Onella  Miranda House

The name Onella was chosen last year by the NSS students of MH for two reasons. Firstly because it means light, and secondly because even through the Diwali Mela, were trying to spread light in the society, says Pooja Premraj, president  NSS. Unlike previous years where the mela only had stalls and a few inaugural performances, the mela this year will see a sprinkling of cultural performances based on every state by the students of the college.

When: October 26

Timing: 10:30am to 4pm

Entry: Open to all college students with ID cards after 1pm

Nearest Metro Station: Vishwavidyalaya on Yellow Line

Scenic spots at this Diwali mela allow visitors to pose and get clicked.

Aashayen  Jashn-e-Diwali

Kirori Mal Colleges (KMC) Diwali Mela, Aashayen: Jashn-e-Diwali, is an equal mix of fun and shopping for students. Apart from the food, merchandise and games stalls, the students can expect fun events such as a rangoli competition, treasure hunt, and much more. Talking about the mela, Deepak Mishra, President NSS, says, Our Diwali mela isnt very commercial so we try to keep the stalls in-house as much as possible. The motive is to sell products made by underprivileged kids and by students so that the money is put to good use.

When: 19 october

Timing: 10am to 4pm

Entry: Open to all college students with ID cards

Nearest Metro Station:Vishwavidyalaya on Yellow Line
A few days ago on Dussehra, which many of us also call Vijayadashami, the Victorious Tenth, I saw something I had never seen before  a very modern, well-behaved Dussehra fete in a colony in Delhi. From what I gathered, the fete was taking place after a gap of many years. For one, the Delhi bomb blasts by the unfriends during our festivals had initially been a put-off and in the years that followed, the prime movers had got busy with their childrens important exams and so on. But the colony committee seemed to have regrouped splendidly this year.

I almost didnt go because I no longer relate to smoky burning effigies. In fact, I felt that if I did go, I absolutely had to wear a badge or a tee proclaiming Je suis Kumbhkaran (I am Kumbhkaran) because after a lifetime of trying to understand the Ramayana, it was a Facebook joke that enlightened me that the one character who seemed to have had his life sorted was that gentle giant who peacefully ate and slept his way through existence.

Read: Post-Dussehra pollution down this year: Delhi govt data

However I was very glad that I did go for I saw all kinds of heartening sights. It was slightly startling at first to see an MNC pizza chains stall at a Dussehra fete, but why not, really, something for everybody. Good old Nirulas ice-cream was there, too, an authentic bit of modern Delhi, while excellent freshly made desi treats like besan-ka-chila, dahivada and bervi-alu flew off the counter at the Old Delhi Chaat stall to which I was irresistibly drawn. I overheard uniquely Indian foodie grumbles like Golgappe mein jaan nahin hai (These golgappas lack life) and saw strangers helpfully hand each other napkins and spoons. I saw long-lost friends and got to wish them Happy Dussehra and enjoy my snacks al fresco with them in the park in the soft October air.

Pleasant bhajans were being played at just the right volume and NGO stalls sold pretty gift-bags, diyas and jewelry boxes (Dipavali is on October 29-30). I spotted a significant act of inclusion - a well-located stall for Kashmiri shawl-sellers next to the quilt-and-linen stall.

A bevy of gorgeous young ladies arrived beautifully dressed in lehngas for garba and dandiya and I actually saw young boys politely jump up to give chairs to the seniors.

Amidst these genteel happenings, I noticed that the Spirit of Dussehra Past lingered with a twist. The superhit of the evening was the man selling toy swords, bows and arrows, the same as in my childhood and at any country fair. He did brisk business with the pre-teens and it was a new, interesting sight for me to see little girls marching around with toy weapons, with their daddies teaching them how to hold and string the bow - and, of course, not shoot arrows except in the safe part of the lawn.

Read: Gurgaon celebrates Dussehra with 90-foot Ravana effigy

Most astounding was the laser Ramayana on a large screen with excellent images and sound, in place of the Big Three. We had the satisfaction of the holy fable without the fireworks and pollution. Way to go, Vijayadashami.

The views expressed are personal

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It is the worlds only natural blue dye, claims Indigo expert Jenny-Balfour Paul, research fellow at University of Exeter in the UK, and author of Indigo: Egyptian Mummies to Blue Jeans (2011).

Like Balfour-Paul, who has been researching the subject for two decades now, indigo  the plant, the dye, and its politics -- has fascinated many textile enthusiasts, scholars and artists.

Among them is Delhi-based textile artist Shelly Jyoti.

For Jyoti, a graduate in literature and fashion technology, however, the indigo trail led to another discovery of sorts. In 2008, while researching the indigo dye, Jyoti landed in Bhuj in Gujarat, where she discovered Ajrakh, one of the oldest block printing techniques in the world. Here, in the village of Ajrakpur, in the house of Ismail Khatri, one of the renowed, ninth-generation Ajrakh printers, Jyoti decided that the complex process of Ajrakh printing would now feature in her works.

Read:In arid Kutchh, a craft popular with designers faces threat from climate change

At that time, I was studying Gandhijis Champaran movement, and the revolt of the indigo farmers who were being exploited by the British. The Gandhian philosophies of non-violence and swadharma appealed greatly to me. In Bhuj, however, I learnt that Ajrakh is the Arabic word for indigo, and I knew I had to work on this, Jyoti recalls, as she prepares to set up her upcoming exhibition titled The Khadi March: Just Five Metres a collection of 20 Ajrakh works and installations on khadi at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi.

The timeless silhouette of angrakha that artist Shelly Jyoti has used in her ajrakh works. This is her way of documenting womens attires in the 21st century, she says.

What began with her trip to Bhuj -- full of foreigners interested in textile block printing  continued as the history of Ajrakh in the subcontinent unravelled in her research.

For instance, Ajrakh craftsmen -- the Khatris -- migrated to Kutch from Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan in 16th century CE , when the then king of Kutch invited them to settle in the region. While initially the Khatris settled in the Kutchi village of Dhamadka, in the aftermath of the 2001 earthquake, they had to move from Dhamadka to Ajrakhpur, a recent settlement of artisans.

Read:Want to produce khadi? Get a certificate from KVIC

Going back further, the history of Ajrakh has been traced to the Indus Valley civilization, around 2500 BC to 1500 BC. Textile scholars and historians have also documented the Egypt connection  in 1930, fragments of Ajrakh prints were found in Fustat, Cairos first Islamic settlement. The largest collection  1200 scraps of cloth  is now at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

According to the curators, Ajrakh was a utilitarian garment cloth, and not a luxury item. It was desirable in Egypt because of the high quality of its colour fast dyes and the intricacy of its designs, she says.

The sculptural button with ajrakh prints. Ajrakh is a laborious process involving 20 stages.

The fast colour is perhaps also one of the forgotten charms of the fabric  a true Ajrakh, never really loses colour, because of the laborious process that involves washing the fabric several times, a step that many modern day printers might skip.

Jyoti explains that unlike simple block printing, where blocks are dipped in colour and stamped on the fabric, Ajrakh is a much more painstaking process that involves 20 stages. The fabric is washed, printed and dried several times, to achieve the intricate patterns in indigo, madder, and other colours as well as the black and white outlines that frame the motifs.

The process is rendered more complex because of the resist printing technique  carved wooden blocks are dipped into a paste made of gum, lime and herbs, and stamped onto the cloth so that it will resist the dye and the patterns show once the paste is washed off.

The hand on this art work signifies Shellys idea that urban Indians need to do their bit to help rural artisans, spinners and weavers by buying hand-spun khadi.

To document the complex process and its history  clothes dont have a shelf life, artworks do  Jyoti used the Khatris wooden blocks that were 200-400 years old. Each block, she says, has a name, and one of them, for instance, is called gurda-kaleji (literally meaning kidney and liver, owing to the kidney shaped motifs, possibly.)

The artisans who owned these blocks, were open and welcoming, she says. But this was not their usual repetitive pattern making process  these were artworks, around my concept. It took me some convincing to get them to work with me, and go through a different process, says Jyoti, who has combined her engagement with Gandhian philosophies with Ajrakh prints to create a new visual language.

Read:Adampurs khadi hub dying a slow death

Her works include the charkha, the timeless silhouettes of the angrakha and the blouses on khadi, through which, the artist wants to focus on Gandhis idea of swadharma or my duty towards the nation  if everyone just bought five metres of khadi, it would help create livelihood for those in villages, she says.

Her works are also an appeal to the urban Indian to connect with their rural counterparts, who are struggling against the forces of globalization, she says. For instance, Jyoti uses the skills of poor, migrant women from Bengal  many of who work as domestic help  to embellish her works with the kantha stitch, in a bid to pique the viewers interest in patterns of migration that point to the shifting economies of local crafts.

With Ajrakh, Jyoti says it is the deepening environmental crisis in the Kutch desert that threatens the survival of Ajrakh. Ajrakh craftsmen, who are battling a water crisis  it takes 13 litres to produce a single metre of fabric have been demanding a separate pipeline for their village, a demand which is yet to be fulfilled. Its time urban Indians are sensitized to the livelihood crisis of rural craftsmen, and understood how they could participate in keep them going, she says.

(Shelly Jyotis works can be viewed at India Habitat Centre in Delhi from October 20-26. The show will also be travelling to Baroda, Bombay and Washington DC.)

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I hate people who kill my countrys soldiers. I hate authorities who support terrorist activities that kill innocents across the globe. I also hate people who tell me that a Fawad Khan and a Hafiz Saeed are one and the same.

Anushka Sharma in a still from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

I also abhor people who claim that loving one means loving the other and hating one is a sign that you hate the other too.

In the wake of the Uri attack by Pakistani terrorists that left 18 soldiers dead and the counter surgical strikes by India that killed around 40 terrorists, producers association here decided not to work with any Pakistani artistes or technicians till the situation improved.

The latest development on the front came on Friday when theatre owners association announced that they will not release any film involving Pakistani artistes or techniciansa straight and hard blow to Karan Johars high-budget directorial venture Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

The movie stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan along with Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Shah Rukh Khan makes a guest appearance in the film that also has Pakistani characters in the screenplayAishwarya and Anushka play Pakistani citizens in it.

While the decision to not work with Pakistan-origin artistes in the future is understandable because India is taking stern steps to pressurise its western neighbour in its pursuit against terror, the decision to stall the screening of films that have already been made makes no sense at all.

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A day after theatre owners and exhibitors in Mumbai said they will not screen films with artistes and technicians from Pakistan, director Karan Johar -- whose film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan -- found support in Bollywood actors Varun Dhawan and Paresh Rawal. Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala too come forward in support of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Karan Johar will be among the first ones in Bollywood to bear the brunt of the worsening ties between India and Pakistan as his next directorial venture Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is slated to hit theatres on October 28.

Reacting to the ongoing debate and chaos, Paresh Rawal took to Twitter to support Karan. In a series of tweets, he wrote, Terrorists have claimed one more life...the solidarity of Indian film industry! Pak artist got their money n travelled club class n safely went back home ... N we punish our own producers for no fault of theirs .Think ? Situ was diff whn pak artist wer hired so u cant blame our produ but now in future nobody would hire them even if UN passes the resolution.

Varun Dhawan and Sajid Nadiadwala, too, extended their support for the timely release of Ae DIl Hai Mushkil. Speaking at the DVD launch of their recent release Dishoom, Sajid said, Whatever India is going through, we know and are totally with Indian army. The industry has collectively decided not to work with Pakistani artists and technicians for now. But Karans film (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) was made two years ago when the situation was totally different. We would like to request all concerned authorities that he (KJo) is an Indian citizen and an Indian should not suffer at the hands of another Indian.

Varun, who was present at the event, said, I totally agree with Sajid and I stand by him.

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Friedrich Nietzsche was born today in 1844. Its been more than a century since his death (1900) and more than 50 years since he was internationally recognised as a major philosopher. But hes still known as a man who inspired the Nazis.

Nietzsche is part of a longer list of people whose pioneering ideas and iconic words earned unexpected, even chilling, followers. A recent example: Queen and The Rolling Stones objected to US presidential candidate Donald Trumps campaign playing their songs at their events.

The Nazis took Nietzsche to heart

Friedrich Nietzsche (L) and Adolf Hitler (R) (Source: Wikimedia Commons )

Adolf Hitler was a voracious reader always looking for words that reinforced his twisted ideas. And he took to Nietzsche who had very complex, existential ideas about morality, power and human will: to be brutally simple, he rejected higher powers and other worlds, and celebrated individualism.

But the Nazis took his writings - about the will to power, ubermenschlich (superman) and blond beast ( a controversial term often believed to be a reference to lions) - literally. Driven by a deeply racist and inhuman ideology, the Nazi state killed at least 11 million people, including six million Jews, many of whom perished in concentration camps. The regime also targeted many other groups : Slavs, gypsies, people of different religious groups, homosexuals, the differently abled and the mentally ill.

Nietzsches sister, Elisabeth Forster, who supported the Nazis, inherited most of her brothers works after he died. Its her totalitarian, racist forewords and interpretations that sealed Nietzsches reputation for a long time.

Read more | Van Goghs Ear: The True Story does not enhance our understanding of the painter

Social Darwinism is not Darwinism

Charles Darwin (L) and Francis Galton (R) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Charles Darwins theory of natural selection and survival of the fittest was transplanted from its original field - evolutionary biology - to everyday life. The result was horrifying: the idea that survival and success were a sign of superior morality or character. So inequality was the fault, not of social or economic factors, but of evolutionary traits.

Francis Galton (who was also Darwins cousin) took this idea further with eugenics - the belief that negative traits, from poverty to mental illness, can be bred out by controlled reproduction. This was something that some countries actually tried doing when they sterilised women of poor or mixed racial quality. In fact, many modern programs to control population such as incentives for family planning have their roots in eugenics.

Too many dictators loved Marx

Pol Pot (L) and Karl Marx (R) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

No one, arguably, has been more misappropriated than Karl Marx. His call for a revolution kickstarted a century of working class movements and produced some of historys most enduring ideas. It also inspired some of 20th centurys most brutal dictators.

Joseph Stalin, the murderous heir to the Russian state, imprisoned and executed hundreds of Communist party members, government officials and Soviets who opposed him, including artists, composers and writers. Millions died in harsh labour camps or starved in famines. Nearly 20 million people are believed to have died under Stalins rule. Similar fates awaited those who lived under Mao Zedongs China and reeled under the Red Armys violent march across the country, artificially created food shortages and systematic torture and killing. Cambodias Pol Pot and his party, Khmer Rouge, did all of this and more - from forced labour to torture to mass executions.

All of them established totalitarian states and ruling elites even as they claimed to identify with Communisms radical notions of a stateless and classless society.

Helter Skelter, the Manson version

The Beatles (L) and Charles Manson (R) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

If you google Helter Skelter, Wikipedia throws up two entries: the 1968 single by The Beatles and mass-murderer Charles Mansons interpretation of the song - that it was symbolic of an inevitable race war between White people and Black people in America. The song was, in fact, named after a slide in an amusement park.

But Manson, according to one of this followers, would listen to the song over and over and over again, convinced that The Beatles were singing about something he had been predicting for a long time - a hellish race war.

Read more | Book review: Safeguarding India offers provocative explorations
In February 1888, Vincent Van Gogh arrived in Arles, a tiny Provencal town in the south of France. He wished to establish a sort of painters colony, a group of artists who would work together and discuss art together, a desire that did not come to fruition. Only Paul Gauguin arrived, and Van Gogh and Gauguin shared for some months a house and an intense, fractious relationship.

Van Goghs own work, though, saw a remarkable efflorescence ever since his arrival at Arles. In a period of extraordinary fecundity, he created the majority of the masterpieces for which he is best remembered  work that, at the time, had found few takers.

In the time between his arrival in Arles in February 1888 and his death in July 1890, Van Gogh produced the work on which his legend is built. These canonical paintings  such as Starry Night, Wheat Fields with Cypresses, The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, Night (also known as Night Cafe in Arles), Vase with 12 Sunflowers, The Yellow House, and numerous haunting portraits of himself as well as people he knew in the area  have, as Julian Barnes wrote in a 2015 essay, turned Van Gogh into a world brand. The work of those two-and-a-half years resulted in the Van Gogh kitsch industry: the reincarnations on fridge magnets and tote bags, on tea doilies and mugs.

This was also the most tumultuous and calamitous period of a largely tumultuous and calamitous life. It culminated with Van Goghs death, at the age of 37, from a self-inflicted gun wound. It also contained the gruesome incident of the painter cutting off his ear, a tragedy that has gone some way towards establishing the mythology and iconography, the kitsch and the branding of Van Gogh even among  especially among  those who are not too intimately familiar with his work.

Bernadette Murphy (Maarten de Boer/Getty Images)

Bernadette Murphys book is a detailed exploration of this period in Van Goghs life, and a forensic examination of that December day in 1889 when he cut off his ear. She comes up with what she calls three major findings. First, Van Gogh slashed off his entire ear as opposed to a part of it. Secondly, he gave the severed ear not, as had been thought, to a local prostitute, but to a maid who worked in a brothel close to where Van Gogh lived. Thirdly, it was not, as many accounts have said, the majority of the town that wanted Van Gogh removed from Arles and committed to an asylum, but a handful of people who had vested interests in the house Van Gogh was renting in Arles. Intrepid and conscientious, Murphy hops across continents to glean information. The research is exhaustive; the text it yields is exhausting.

Read more: Watch | Turkish artists video homage to Van Gogh goes viral

If you want to know how Van Gogh thought and felt, the best places by far to go to remain his letters and his paintings (the strongest sections of Van Goghs Ear are the extended excerpts from the artist writing and the gorgeously reproduced colour plates of his paintings). If you are of a mind to find out more about that final, tortured, prodigious phase of his life, Martin Gayfords The Yellow House, an evocative, intimate account of his life and work in the south of France (and a book of which Murphy is unreservedly critical) is your best bet. For a quick understanding of his art and life, Julian Bells 2015 slender-but-hardly-slight biography, Van Gogh: A Power Seething, does the job. Murphys persistence is admirable, but her book does little to enhance our understanding of one of the greatest painters the world has ever seen.

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On Tuesday, October 11, Amitabh Bachchan played meet-and-greet-the-fans, popping in and out of Pratiksha and Jalsa, his imposing residences in suburban Mumbais JVPD Scheme, and Janak, his arty office a stones throw away.

It wasnt exactly open house. The fans, several hundreds of them, maintained a restless and buzzing vigil outside all three places. Some were there from 6am. The outstation ones. Coming from as far as Kolkata. They wouldnt leave till the lights went out. All wanted a darshan of Bachchan. It was the actors 74th birthday.

But this is a day Bachchan is always reluctant to raise a toast to. True, he wasnt shooting. Thats a concession he rarely allows himself. But he wasnt partying, either. Hes notoriously reticent in this matter.

In exasperation almost, he told me, Im not interested in celebrating. Theres nothing special about the day. Another years gone by. Im stepping into 75. This thing about age exists only in the media. What a lot of fuss and unnecessary attention is given to this day. Its not as significant as, perhaps, saying a film has completed 50 weeks. Or even 25!

The best present

A quiet time at Jalsa was all he wished for. With everybody present, except his grandkids Navya and Agstya, daughter Shweta Bachchan Nandas teenagers who are studying abroad. I went to wish him around noon. And, since he had begun the inexorable march to 75, to find out what was on Bachchans mind in these advancing years. Does he think of old age and retirement? Worry about mortality? These are most peoples fears at 60. When life has tired them out. And all they want to do is enjoy their sunsets in peace.

Outside, the city celebrated Dussehra. Jalsas gates were decorated with a heavy marigold toran. Fans from Kolkata added pink balloons in celebration of his last film Pink. Fans occupied the footpath, they spilled onto the road, cellphones in hand, waiting to take pictures and videos when he made an appearance. It was like that at Pratiksha and Janak, too. When the crowds became a hindrance to the traffic, the police requested Bachchan to step out. He did that frequently at all three properties, going to the gates to wave to the frenzied fans, sending up an appreciative and excited roar that could be heard half a mile away.

Cutouts of iconic AB characters flanked the compound walls of the Bachchan residence on October 11, and fans from Kolkata had brought in AB-themed balloons to celebrate his last movie, Pink. (Yogen Shah/HT Photo)

Seventy-four isnt a milestone year; it doesnt call for the kind of festivity that Bachchans 70th birthday did in 2012, which Jaya Bachchan brought in with the mother of all parties at Anil Ambanis Reliance MediaWorks in Film City. That party was a black tie affair that lasted four hours and included an Indian ballet performed to poems by Bachchans father, Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the launch of a coffee-table book of paintings of the actor by 70 great artists, and a documentary on his life and times. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the familys couturiers, dressed Bachchan for the night.

That was a defining day in his life. Overnight, he became a septuagenarian. Even as his last film, Ram Gopal Varmas Department, had him playing a gangster and politician and exhibiting some spark of that old anger, rebellion and controlled violence that he is famous for.

Age had been kind. He didnt look a day older at 70 than he had on his 50th birthday two decades ago when Shweta and Abhishek, both still in school, surprised him with a party at the Taj. Bipasha Basu told me she found Bachchan extremely hot and far too sexy for 70. Shes joking! he reacted. At my age, people only want to take a selfie with me.

He isnt amused at concerns for his age. Or talk about his indefatigable spirit. And his inexhaustible energy. So what if Ill be 75 next? he argued. I want to continue working. Why? Because Im getting work! Of course, its not like before. I dont enjoy the same popularity and attention. But I can live with that. Acting is a profession connected to physicality. Like sports. Athletes cant perform beyond a certain age. Look at Usain Bolt, at 30 he knows he cant compete in the next Olympic Games, if he does  he wont win. Actors also depend on physical presence. If my face is acceptable, and my body responds, Ill go ahead. But I cant do certain characters and films. I tried in Nishabd. I explored a sentiment nobody talks about. What happens when a man of 60 gets physically attracted to a girl of 16? The audience didnt accept me! We must learn to separate an actor from his character. People should understand an actors work gets limited due to the physical changes that come with age.

I dont enjoy the same popularity and attention. But I can live with that. (Jitu Savlani/Photo courtesy: Cine Blitz)

Rock of ages

Thats partly true. Producers arent signing him to romance the heroine. But while Bachchan isnt the hero of their films, hes the central character. In the 1970s, he created the angry young man. Now hes getting scripts written for him that take centre stage. His roles are being redefined. He doesnt have to go shopping for work. And hes responsible for giving shape to sensible Hindi cinema.

Modestly, Bachchan disagreed with my assessment of his career. I didnt create the angry young man, Salim-Javed did, he said bluntly. Actors dont go out to make an image. Writers do. I was just looking for more work. If the directors thought I was the actor who could enact those roles, then I just tried to do justice to their belief. And if I did Zanjeer and Deewar, then I also did Mili and Chupke Chupke.

The roles may be limited at 74, but Bachchans making the most of them. Hes doing things he never did before. While shooting for Pink in Delhi, he roamed the crowded streets in a pollution mask, unrecognised, and blogged. This is what life is all about, its called indifference, happens to all that were once recognisable.

In Kolkata on a location shoot for Te3N, he rode a rattletrap of a scooter, and tweeted, Its fascinating, such opportunities are rare, one should preserve such moments. For Piku, also in Kolkata, he cycled along the tram lines, taking bystanders in the City of Joy by surprise. In Wazir, he got the hang of riding an electric powered wheelchair  after trying out 43 models! And in Shamitabh, he sat on a toilet seat and sang the rocking number Piddly Loo!

Hes enjoying his cinema. You can see that in his choice of roles. Especially the challenge of getting under the skin of his characters and into their clothes. His look in recent films has swung between bizarre and breathtaking. And the costumes hes worn for them have ranged from retro to high street. But Bachchans managed to carry it all off with abandon.

I believe you enjoy what youre doing or dont do it, he told me. For me its all about doing something new. Creativity is not a 9 to 5 job, it comes from enthusiasm. I enjoy being alive, I look for a new struggle, a new experience every day. An artiste has no right to say hes satisfied.

As for my look, manage is an apt expression of my predicament. Theres a lot of huffing and puffing and energy drinks on the side. Its embarrassing at times. But when its inevitable, and you have a group of youngsters egging you on with expressions like Cool and Rocking, you actually start believing them and just go for it.

I believe you (should) enjoy what you do, or dont do it! (Jitu Savlani/Photo courtesy: Cine Blitz)

Matters of life and death

At his age, what are his fears, I asked hesitantly. Does he, like, think about death? That he has more years behind him than he has ahead of him? Amitabh Bachchan proved to be more progressive than that.

He replied, matter-of-factly: Age to me is the number of years Ive been alive. And I cant think ahead beyond a couple of years. Thats life. When I hear some of our leaders talk about the future, about some wonderful project they have launched that will fructify in 20 years, I know I wont be around to see that happen. Thats reality. Death is inevitable. We all have to die.

Of course, I have fears. Ive had my share of illnesses. They have been serious, sometimes debilitating, and Im a survivor. Yes, Ive been scared. Not so much for whats happening to me. But of the thought that I need to get back, to repair and return to work, because I want to secure my family. Each time I went under an operation, Id ask the surgeon, How many times have you done this? I hope youre not going to mess it this time. I seek reassurance. That, too, is life.

***

B-Day with the Big B!

In the midst of the chaos created by thousands of fans outside, heres an insiders view of what happened at Janak on Oct ober 11, when Amitabh Bachchan turned 74

Amitabh Bachchan, dressed in a lemon embroidered kurta-pajama and beige mojadis, accepted birthday greetings from the media at Janak then escaped to Jalsa where his family was waiting. They brought in the birthday with him the night before.

But Aradhya, his granddaughter who will be five in November, had been sleeping. The actual celebrations would begin now! It would be over an extended brunch. There was no special birthday lunch. No cake cutting. Simple vegetarian ghar ka khana prepared by a maharaj with his favorite dal-chawal and aloo-bhindi on the menu. Lots of namkeen stuff too, like puri aloo, chana, dosai, idli, and plenty of sweets, shrikhand puri for dessert. There was no birthday dinner outside. He doesnt like restaurant food. If he ate out, it was Italian or Chinese vegetarian.

AB wore a lemon-coloured kurta on his birthday (Yogen Shah/HT Photo)

Friends were welcome home. Fans, he stepped out to meet. The height of celebration was being home with the family. Work beckoned after this, he was beginning Sarkar 3 for Ram Gopal Varma and Thugs of Hindustan with Aamir Khan for Yash Raj Films. What was special about the day to him? That its also the International Day of the Girl Child and Vijay Dashami (Dussehra). Im happy that Salim-Javed gave me the name Vijay.

How did he begin the day? By wishing Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu for their 50th wedding anniversary! he said.

From HT Brunch, October 16, 2016

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The new Arijit Singh song, Channa Mereya, from Karan Johars soon-to-release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has received glowing reviews. It got us thinking about other great break-up songs in Bollywood.

Did you know there is a difference between a heartbreak and a break-up song though the two are often clubbed under sad songs? A heartbreak song could encompass all sorts of romantic disappointments, from being jilted, rejected, duped to being friendzoned, while a break-up song is strictly about the ending of a relationship (mutually or otherwise).

A song like the title track from the Sanjeev Kumar-Jaya Bhaduri starrer Anamika (1973) or the one from the 2009 film New York (Tune Jo Na Kaha) picturised on Neil Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif would fall under the first category, while the famous Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnaabi Ban Jayen Hum Dono from BR Chopras 1963 film Gumrah (picturised on Sunil Dutt) is clearly one about conscious uncoupling. So in case youre going through a break-up, take your pick of the background score from this list of millennial songs:

Title track Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006)

Javed Akhtars poetry, music composition by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik as the playback. Need I say more? This title track comes at a significant point in the film about adultery. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherji decide to end their extramarital affair and confess to their respective spouses, hoping theyd be forgiven. Both arent and eventually get divorced, but they lie about it thinking they are saving each others marriages. It is clearly a double whammy for them and they go about moping around New York looking miserable, lonely and still so gorgeous!

Emosanal Attyachaar

Dev D (2009)

This iconic song from Anurag Kashyaps modern re-telling of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyays tale of tragic lowe, has become a catchphrase in pop culture. There are two versions of this peppy number (rock and brass band) thatll make you want to dance the hurt away or reflect if youre being a Dev. Kashyap interprets Devdas as an egoistic moron who digs his own grave, and is the one inflicting emosanal attyachar on his women. The song is picturised on Paros wedding where a sloshed Dev tries to create a scene, but passes out even before he can get to her.

Chor Bazari

Love Aaj Kal (2009)

Chor Bazari, from Imtiaz Alis film about modern love, celebrates breaking up and depicts one of the best kind: mutual and hurt-free (like that is even possible!). The characters (played by Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone), who were once in a relationship, meet up after years of being away from each other. They hang out as friends, sing, dance and frolic around Delhi. While at it, they also list out the pros of being single and the sheer relief at being free from the vexations that are inevitable when your happiness depends on another person.

Ja Chudail

Delhi Belly (2011)

Scream therapy is a real thing and screaming songs therapeutic in overcoming post-breakup heartbreak. In a dream sequence in this film, Vir Dass character, after being dumped by his girlfriend for a rich guy, does exactly that. In this rock n roll hollering fest of a song, Das, dressed as a nerdy Elvis, gatecrashes her wedding and vandalises it while listing out her crimes. Written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, sung by Suraj Jagan, the song is obviously not great poetry but with lyrics like tujh ko kadar nahi yeh le dekh thenga mera, it makes you laugh out loud for sure.

Preet

Khoobsurat (2014)

The Queen mother (Ratna Pathak Shah) disapproves of her son (Fawad Khan) marrying a loud, silly physiotherapist (you really cant blame her, Sonam Kapoor is super annoying as Dr Mili). Hence, the need for this beautiful number written by Amitabh Verma and sung by Jasleen Royal. The song is picturised on Kapoor and Khan going through post-breakup sadness and mood swings: being grumpy, weepy and distracted by turns. As in all cases of heartbreak, there is a lot of crying too (enough to make you feel sorry for Dr Mili).

From HT Brunch, October 16, 2016

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It was in the February of this year that I last wrote about Elena Ferrante. The English translations of her books were being launched in India, and it seemed as good an opportunity as any to write about one of my favourite authors.

The central theme of that column was how it helped that we didnt know who Elena Ferrante actually was when we got lost in her fictional world. And how the authors decision to hide behind pseudonymous anonymity was not just a writers caprice or a brilliant publicity stunt set up by her publishing house. Ferrantes anonymity had a purpose: it allowed her the freedom to write about stuff that we struggle to acknowledge to ourselves, let alone say aloud to the world. And it was this liberty that allowed her voice to soar as high as it did; and to speak to the rest of us.

Well, today it is my unhappy duty to inform you that the veil of anonymity that Ferrante wrote behind has been rudely ripped apart by an investigative journalist called Claudio Gatti, who discovered her true identity or, more accurately, invaded her fiercely-guarded privacy by rummaging through her financial and property records. And that he outed the author in no less authoritative a journal than the New York Review of Books.

Well, be that as it may, I am not going to play Gattis game. I am not going to refer to the author of the Neopolitan Quartet of novels as anything other than her chosen nom de plume, Elena Ferrante. That is how she wishes to be known to the world. And it is not for us to decide otherwise.

Nor is it necessary to know the real woman to appreciate what an enormously talented writer she is. That kind of autobiographical detail actually detracts rather than adds to an authors mystique. The relationship between a writer and a reader is essentially one of imagination and a willing suspension of disbelief. Sordid reality plays no part in this social contract. If anything, it takes away from the reading experience rather than add to it.

So I, for one, am not going to enquire too closely into who Elena Ferrante really is. I dont want to know where she grew up. I dont care about her romantic life. I am not interested in whether she is married, divorced or single. It doesnt bother me if she identifies as straight, gay or bisexual. And I certainly dont need to know whether her political beliefs verge to the hard right, the liberal centre, or the extreme left.

Between the covers: (From left to right) Georgette Heyer, Philip Larkin and TS Eliot were authors and poets I greatly admired, until I delved into their personal narratives. (Photos: Shutterstock, Getty Images)

This is not a decision I make lightly. No, it is a decision born of bitter experience. Over the years, I have lost count of the number of authors whose books stopped speaking to me when I found out too much about their personal lives or even political beliefs.

It all began when I made the decision to study English literature in college. Once I had signed up, it was not enough to just read texts  poetry, prose or drama  and appreciate them for what they were. No, we also had to learn about the authors, their lives, their beliefs, and all that had influenced them in the course of their literary careers.

Well, given that I was the bookish, nerdish type, I entered into the enterprise with all the enthusiasm at my command. I had no idea how badly this would go.

It began with TS Eliot, a poet I had always admired, some of whose passages constantly played in my mind like the lines of a much-loved song (I grow old I grow old I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.). So you can imagine my despair when my research into the person led me, somewhat inevitably, to the discovery that he had been something of an anti-Semite.

I thought I would be okay with Philip Larkin, the writer of such immortal lines as Sexual intercourse began in Nineteen Sixty-Three (which was rather late for me). Between the end of the Chatterly ban And the Beatles first LP. And yes, it all seemed to be going rather well until the 1992 publication of The Selected Letters of Philip Larkin.

Thats when the essential banality of Larkins existence was laid bare, with its judicious mix of racism, classism, sexism and misogyny. Sample quote: The lower-class bastards can no more stop going on strike now than a laboratory rat with an electrode in its brain can stop jumping on a switch to give itself an orgasm. Ah, quite.

Since then, I have steered clear of getting too up close and personal with writers I admire. But I thought I was on safe ground when I picked up a biography of one of my girlhood favourites, Georgette Heyer. This was a woman who had made her reputation with Regency Romances that I had read so often that I knew the punchlines and plotlines of each by heart. And what do you know? She turned out to be a fan of Enoch Powell (yes, he of the rivers of blood fame)!

So, thanks very much, but I am not taking any chances with Elena Ferrante. All I need to know about Ferrante, the author, lies within the covers of the many books she has written. Everything else belongs to the private person behind that name; and that person is entitled to her privacy, keeping it safe from the rapaciously prying eyes of the world.

From HT Brunch, October 16, 2016

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The Ruia brothers of Essar  Shashi and Ravi  believe that 13 is their lucky number. They once had their corporate headquarters on the 13th floor of an office building in Mumbai.

So its not sure whether todays deal to sell Essar Oil to a foreign group led by Russias Rosneft, at $12.9 billion, will make them happy or sad. It is not $13 billion, but its not too far either.

They can take solace in the fact that it is the largest deal in which an Indian company has been acquired by foreign entities, and therefore the largest single inflow of foreign direct investment. Although it comes at a time the Ruias were under pressure to move the mountain of debt on their head, the deal reaffirms their knack for a good deal.

The Ruias are originally from Rajasthan. Their family was into construction. Their father, Nand Kishore, moved to Chennai to start a new business and set up a shipping and exports firm.

The brothers  Shashi is five years older  founded the Essar Group, its name taken from the first letter of Shashi and Ravi, in 1969, after their father died. In 1976, they became Indias first private group to buy an oil tanker.

The brothers moved to Mumbai in 1977 and made it their base. They shared an office building with Reliance in Nariman Point. They were lucky to get frequent advice from Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliances founder and father to Mukesh and Anil Ambani. However, what marks the two groups apart is that Shashi and Ravi did not fight and divide the businesses. They stayed together and, taking advantage of the opening up of Indias economy in the 1990s, entered steel, power, telecom, and oil refining.

It was not always a smooth sailing, as Essar Steel fell upon bad times in the 1990s and the sector went into a cyclical decline. In 1999, it became the first Indian company to default on a foreign loan when it could not pay $250 million to investors.

But now the Ruias have done the second deal in five years that gets them many billions of dollars.

Technically, the previous largest FDI was South Koreas Posco putting aside $12 billion for a steel plant in Orissa. But since that project never got off the ground, the true contender to the title of the previous biggest would be Vodafones paying $10.9 billion for a 67% stake in Hutchison Whampoas mobile telephony business in India in 2007.

Interestingly, the Ruias were a big beneficiary of that deal. In 2007, they held on to their 33% stake in Hutchison Essar. They sold it to Vodafone four years later for $5 billion.

It is, therefore, a bit puzzling that the Essar Group found itself buried under a debt mountain of debt, which it had to clear by selling Essar Oil. It would not have been an easy decision. The oil refiner was set up under a fierce competition from Reliance, adding the saga many layers given that the Ruia brothers were once advised by Dhirubhai. So deep emotional investment can be assumed.

But many corporate stories are dramatic enough to become movie scripts. The Ruias will be hoping that todays deal will propel them toward a happy climax.

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Indias largest inbound foreign acquisition may throw up an interesting fallout on the capital market, mainly for Essar Oils erstwhile minority shareholders who exited the company when it was delisted last year.

The about $13-billion deal is likely to trigger questions on whether minority shareholders can be paid the difference in valuation, after completion of the delisting process, if the acquisition price by the Rosneft-Trafigura-United Capital Partners combine is higher.

At the time of delisting in 2015, Essar Oil was valued at $6 billion (then Rs 39,000 crore), where the shareholders were offered the delisting price of Rs 262.80 a share, for exiting the company.

The delisting was completed on December 30, 2015.

An Essar Group spokesperson, when contacted on Saturday, said final details on valuation will emerge only on completion of the deal after receiving regulators approval.

We have earlier communicated that we remain committed on complying with the norms, he added.

Sebi did not respond to queries HT mailed.

According to Yogesh Chande, partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Advocates & Solicitors, promoters of a delisted company are obliged to purchase shares from the remaining public shareholders during the tail period of one year at the discovered price only (price at which delisting was done).

There is no requirement under the Sebi delisting regulations to increase the said price, post delisting, if there are favourable events of such a nature involving the target company during the tail period of one year.

Promoters may in good faith offer to pay higher price during the tail period, he noted. In that case, the same needs to be paid also to all the public shareholders whose shares have been accepted in the delisting book building process.

However, such a corporate event happening now during the tail period was not factored in the prevailing market price when the delisting process was being conducted, he noted.

To that extent, it may be to the disadvantage of those who bought or sold shares during that period on the stock exchange floor (and did not offer their shares in delisting).

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Samsung Electronics on Friday offered alternative phones to its India customers who had pre-ordered its flagship Galaxy Note 7 devices, in a bid to appease loyal clients in one of its largest smartphone markets.

The worlds largest phone maker has been hit by an avalanche of negative publicity, after being forced to recall millions of the fire-prone Note 7 devices and later scrap the high-end phone altogether.

India is one of the worlds largest and fastest growing smartphone markets and a critical one for Samsung as it is the No. 1 player in the nation with a roughly 25 percent market share.

The device that had been set to go on sale in India in early September ended up not getting to any Indian customers after it failed to resolve overheating problems which caused some of the phones to ignite.

The company initially apologised to customers for the delay in the Note 7, and in a release late on Friday it said for those who had pre-booked devices, in lieu of the Note 7 it would offer customers either its Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge devices.

It also offered affected clients a free set of its virtual reality headsets, a free pair of wireless headphones, a voucher worth about $50, along with a free one-time screen replacement in case of any damage to the new smartphone within a year.

In a separate statement Samsung also questioned analyst estimates on the extent of the impact on revenue in India from the Note 7 debacle.

We can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year, the company said in the statement.

Earlier on Friday, Samsung said however that it expected to take a hit to its operating profit of about $3 billion over the next two quarters due to the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7.
The state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will work with an Indian fund to invest $1 billion in Asias third-largest economy, the head of the fund said before a bilateral summit expected to yield several big business deals.

The RDIF and Indias National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) will each invest up to $500 million in the joint fund, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries like China.

We helped in the process of the NIIF being created, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with Reuters. Now we will provide equity capital to joint Russian-Indian projects, mainly in India.

The RDIF was set up by Dmitriev in 2011 with billions in Kremlin cash and has since made partial exits from bets in Russia, including the Moscow Stock Exchange, diamond miner Alrosa and Rostelekom.

It also worked with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest $1 billion in power projects when President Vladimir Putin last visited India in late 2014.

India is courting international investors to help finance new roads, railways and power projects that the country needs.

Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the tourist destination of Goa on Saturday for a summit at which major defence, oil and nuclear power agreements are expected to be signed.

The RDIF-NIIF partnership will also be sealed at the summit. It will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals in 2017, said Dmitriev.

Leaders of the BRICS caucus - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will also gather in Goa this weekend. The bloc has founded its own New Development Bank that has co-invested in two RDIF-backed hydropower plants in Russia that have just broken ground.

Dmitriev said he hoped that the Russian fund would be able to draw on the platform of the BRICS bank to build similar small-scale hydro projects in India that are based on Russian technology.
Passengers and flight crews will be banned from bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on airline flights under an emergency order issued Friday by the Department of Transportation in response to reports of the phones catching fire.

The order, which goes into effect on Saturday at noon EDT, says the phones may not be carried on board or packed in checked bags on flights to and from the United States or within the country. The phones also cant be shipped as air cargo.

The department initially said that passengers attempting to board planes with the phones might face fines, but later clarified that such passengers will simply not be allowed on planes. Passengers who try to evade the ban by packing the phone in their checked luggage may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines. Packing the phones in checked luggage increases the risk of a catastrophic incident, the department said.

Passengers who are currently travelling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone, the department said.

Samsung has recalled more than 2.5 million of the smartphones, citing a battery manufacturing error. The South Korean company discontinued the product earlier this week, less than two months after its August release.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been nearly 100 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the US. One fire erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month. In another case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.

The Federal Aviation Administration had previously warned passengers not to pack the phones in their checked bags and to power them off and not charge them while on board planes.

A blown-up Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone in Gwangju, 270 km south of Seoul. (AFP File Photo)

We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority, said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.

Samsung said in a statement that it is working with the department to make customers aware of the ban. The company also urged Note 7 customers to get a refund or exchange their phones by visiting their wireless carrier or retail store. Samsung has a website and a phone number, 1-844-365-6197, for customers with questions.

The Note 7 isnt the only gadget to catch fire thanks to lithium-battery problems, which have afflicted everything from laptops to Tesla cars to Boeings 787 jetliner. At least three US airlines are adding new fire-suppression equipment to fleets in case a cellphone or laptop battery overheats, catches on fire and cant be extinguished.

Rechargeable lithium batteries are more susceptible to overheating than other types of batteries if they are exposed to high temperatures, are damaged or have manufacturing flaws. Once overheating starts, it can lead to thermal runaway in which temperatures continue escalating to very high levels. Water can extinguish the flames, but doesnt always halt the thermal runaway. Flames will often reappear after initially being quenched.

Lithium batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronic devices. Manufacturers like them because they weigh less and pack considerably more energy into the same space than other types of batteries.

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency that sets global aviation safety standards, banned bulk shipments of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger planes until better packaging can be developed to prevent a fire from spreading and potentially destroying the plane.
Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday declared the second mega parent-teacher meeting (PTM) in the government-run schools as successful and said the meeting helps parents to understand the quality of their children.

The PTM has become a medium to establish communication between teacher, parents and students which was necessary, Sisodia told reporters.

Issuing report card of students to their parents by teachers is a part of the meeting, the minister said.

Sisodia also said it helps parents to understand the qualities as well as shortcomings of their children, adding that the PTM has become a best window to engage parents with teachers.

The first parent-teacher meeting was held on July 30 and the government had announced that the meeting would be held twice a year.

Sisodia had earlier said the government has sanctioned a separate budget to organise PTMs in nearly 1,000 schools run by it.

The focus of the PTMs is to encourage one-to-one communication between parents and teachers.

The minister also said it is ensuring one-to-one help to students till November 14.

During the PTM, the government is apprising the parents of the initiatives undertaken by it to improve the quality of education in its schools.
If you ever needed proof that a fine line divides genius from madness and its often indistinguishable and frequently crossed, the foreign media seems to have found it in abundance in our country. The only thing is Im not sure which side theyre coming down on. Either way the joke is on us.

A report that the police in Punjab have in their custody a pigeon, who they believe came from Pakistan and could be a spy, led to this memorable headline in the Wall Street Journal: India detains pigeons as authorities fret over risk of a coo.

Agence France-Presse says the pigeon was found carrying a note in Urdu presumably addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The note reads: Modi, we are not the same people from 1971.Now each and every child is ready to fight against India. The Huffington Post says the pigeon was found by a 14-year-old boy who took the bird straight to the police station.

The Wall Street Journal has some fascinating details. The paper says that the pigeon has been x-rayed and some unusual spots found on its abdomen. Two further x-rays followed but Rishpal Singh, an assistant sub-inspector, has said the authorities still arent sure if there is anything nefarious. Now the army will be consulted.

Rakesh Kaushal, a senior superintendent of police in Punjab, was good enough to explain the seriousness of the situation. He has told the Wall Street Journal: We thought maybe its a spy pigeon. We cant establish if its from Lashkar  its better to double check law breakers are always up to new tricks. Who knows?

Who knows indeed! With such a bird in hand our security forces need to be extremely concerned about the others still in the bush.

Meanwhile, Pakistani social media has named the pigeon Ghutarghoon Khan and theyre clearly having a hoot at our expense. But this is not the first time pigeons have caused such consternation.

Read: Pigeon found with threatening message may soon be set free

My niece Narayani tells me Ghutarghoon Khan is the second pigeon in Punjab police custody. The first was apparently caught 10 days earlier and remains in detention. I presume the police are meticulously gathering evidence before they file charges. Last year, a pigeon was discovered with a mysterious number on its feathers. At the time the deputy superintendent of police, Hansraj Hans, told Quartz: We checked for cyanide under its beak. Garud Sharma, said to be a top intelligence officer, added We are also checking for circumcision.

Read: Spy pigeon with Urdu code on wings lands at house in Hoshiarpur village

The Guardian, which has obviously done extensive research on this subject, has found a lot more than just avian espionage. The paper claims two balloons were recently found in Punjab with similar messages to the one found on Ghutarghoon Khan. Understandably no one is prepared to dismiss this as a mere case of hot air propulsion. In 2013 Indian security forces found a dead falcon fitted with a small camera. In 2010 a pigeon was detained following fears it could be a spy. Unfortunately, the paper does not relate what happened next. I wonder if it was found guilty. Regrettably, the Geneva Convention does not specify how birds accused of spying should be treated by their captors, but at this time of spiralling tension with distrust of our naughty neighbour at a peak, it would be irresponsible to dismiss such reports as a fowl affair or a story fit for the birds. In the pecking order of threats to national security these jailbirds must not be taken lightly.

The views expressed are personal

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The other day I was watching the second edition of the Donald Trump versus Hillary Clinton US presidential debate, when my running mate called. I wish India had a pre-election debate like the US. Dont you think so? I was not too eager to get into a debate on this  the fun part had just begun in St. Louis  but my accommodating soul fell into the trap.

Why do you think we need a structured US-style presidential debate? I asked her. The friend, a urban voter, sprinted off the block: First, hearing candidates argue on specific issues gives a voter the chance to understand the candidate and his politics; second, with a population that is getting more networked, debates supplement the traditional rally and rent-a-crowd combination; third, politicians can get instant feedback via social media; and fourth, watching a candidate under pressure can give people a glimpse of his/her temperament. This is important, she concluded, because public events these days are stage-managed and orchestrated by PR agencies, negating any chance of getting to know if the person has genuine leadership qualities.

Read: As it happened: Clinton, Trump clash in 2nd US presidential debate

Her arguments are strong, but I still think a US-style debate does not fit Indias needs or polity. Heres why: First, the US has a two-party political system that makes it easier to identify two candidates for a debate. India, on the other hand, has a multi-party system wherein the prime ministerial candidates of some parties arent even known before we start the multi-phase voting; second, unlike the US, we have no system of primaries. The Democrat and Republican candidates in the US are chosen through a system of primaries that features debates between several politicians who are in the running for the post of president and voting by the members of the two parties. Third, India does not have a specialised non-partisan organisation  such as the Commission on Presidential Debates as in the US. The commission was established in 1987 to ensure that the debates meet certain standards. This, of course, is not a big hurdle. We are pros at setting up Commissions; one more will not hurt anyone.

Read: Despite Trumps efforts, young voters remain unswayed by Bill Clintons history

Heres my pitch: We dont need debates between just two candidates, we need several between senior leaders of the parties in the poll fray. What we can take from the US system is the format, the structure etc. There are several compelling reasons for debates between leaders: First, our political campaigning is jaded, to put it mildly. Second, the level of discourse is abysmally poor and most parties use the same combination of strategies to woo voters: Personal attacks, promises (some of them seriously over the top) and the announcement of freebies. The poor pre-poll discourse is then carried to Parliament, where it is becoming rare now to hear soul stirring debates. [An aside, but a crucial one: The Punjab Election Commission has asked candidates contesting elections to take an oath that they will not offer allurements to voters. If it can be done, it can cure the freebie disease afflicting political parties].

Moreover, a series of debates among senior leaders will also give voters a glimpse of their ideas and thought process since many among them will go on to occupy critical posts in the government.

In article based on Why India Votes, series editor and London School of Economics professor Madhulika Bannerjee gives an apt description of Indian elections: election campaigns are rambunctious events, full of sound and fury, as the world is turned upside down, candidates trade insults, untold sums of unaccounted money change hands, electoral brokers use every trick in the book to deliver the votes they have promised to the party that pays them. In fact, in the run-up to the last general elections, senior Election Commission officials had called on candidates to avoid emotional outbursts as an increasingly acrimonious campaign reached its climax.

Read: Election Commission to define migrants, mull options for their voting rights

During the 2014 elections, I was in south Madhya Pradesh in the constituency of a veteran parliamentarian. In one day, he did seven rallies, and I attended three of them. Those were not big rallies but small village-level ones which generated considerable enthusiasm. In each of these rallies, he made a similar set of roti-kapda-makaan promises  only that he tweaked them according to the needs of the villages. But there was no debate/discussion on the big issues that plagued the regions: That year there was a land acquisition struggle going on the area; unseasonal rains had destroyed crops and the opposition government had not released compensation for farmers. A debate would have probably brought these issues out in the open, with the Opposition questioning the government in power to come clean on them.

The other thing that a debate can fix is  and this is an extension of the quality of debate  that it can push politicians to engage not only with roti-kapda-makaan issues  but new hot button issues such as gender equity, climate change, urbanisation, technology, the fourth industrialisation. Young, aspirational and networked Indian citizens would definitely want to hear different voices on these issues from leaders during these debates.

I also hope such debates, if we ever have them that is, will push politicians to do their homework and use data to corner their opponents, and also give birth to independent organisations that can fact check what they say and their promises because many of them are so over-the-top that its easier to go to moon and back than fulfil them. In the US and Britain, there are organisations such as Politifact and Full Fact that do the fact checking. Such agencies can actually keep public representatives on their toes. By not engaging in direct combat, but making tall promises and dubious allegations against each other from their own corners, politicians are doing themselves, not us, a favour.

And yes, Indias political campaigning has to match the pace of a fast-urbanising India. Before expanding on the thought, let me ask you a question: How many of you (urbanites) have been to a political rally in the last, say, five years? Not many, Ill bet.

This is not your fault: Rallies are not made for urban citizens; its designed to attract rural audiences. The parties are aware of that and that is why they are forced to cart busload of people from the outskirts of cities to fill the grounds.

How can they involve the urban citizens  who have limited time and attention span  in the political process?

You guessed it right: Have multiple structured debates between senior leaders within a time frame, with a defined list of topics mediated by an independent authority.

Here is a question for readers: A haphazard rally or an informed debate? Do let me know your choice.

chanakya@hindustantimes.com

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An unprecedented wave of social unrest including silent rallies by Marathas, crime and apparent political patronage to criminals is pushing Maharashtra towards a spiral of turmoil.

The latest in this series is the alleged attempt to rape a minor girl by a juvenile Talegaon near Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district.

The unrest forced authorities to suspend mobile internet services for the first time in any district in the state while police arrested at least seven WhatsApp administrators for vitiating the atmosphere with provocative posts.

The five year old child was reported safe and unharmed and swift action was taken against the alleged culprit. But the incident which came after the gangrape and murder of a Marathi teen by Dalit youths in Kopardi Ahmednagar district in July, once again brought the communities in conflict with each other

Nashik erupted in arson and other forms of violence. All these incidents happened in villages, seven of which are still under curfew, and not in larger towns or cities as might have been the case previously.

Political leadership missing

Amid the disturbance there was a lack of political leadership to calm the situation. It was the Nashik police which contained the violence with its independent action and community interactions.

Where is the political leadership? asks Professor Sudhir Gavhane of the Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.

Safety of women was always an issue in the large towns and metropolises but now this disease has spread even to the villages. Such acts have a direct co-relation with the failure of government policies in the rural areas over the years and the inability of those in active politics today, both government and opposition, to understand the issues and defuse the situation, he says.

Gavhane, who has deeply studied social and political issues troubling the country, says Marathas have set an example before the country through their silent morchas which should be a lesson to communities like the Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Haryana who were rather violent in their agitations demanding similar reservations.

But the fact that Marathas are on the streets in the first place is not because they want reservations per se but the failure of the farming sector and the inability of various governments to either spot the crisis or stem the consequences, he adds.

The Maratha agitation which is without a leadership worries Gavhave.

I am deeply concerned that if a leader does not soon emerge to take charge of the Maratha agitations, anything could happen and the state could go up in flames, he cautions.

Read | Nashik minors sexual assault: 2 Dalits move HC, allege attacks and boycott

As Nashik almost did last week with the flames spreading towards Pune where there were some clashes between two communities in Lohegaon. The police once again brought the situation under control with no political leaders in sight.

Political and social interactions are essential, stresses Gavhane. Police are only law enforcers.

Political patronage for criminals

However, the police themselves under attack by criminal elements everywhere. Apart from traffic cops who have been beaten up, even killed, by common citizens for simply doing their duty, even top cops in some parts of the state have been recently threatened with knives and other weapons while on duty.

Maratha community members holding a protest rally demanding reservation and justice for Kopardi rape victim at CBD Belapur in Navi Mumbai. (PTI file photo)

A former police officer, Dhanraj Vanjari, last week led a morcha of families of such police personnel who were attacked to the Raj Bhavan to petition the Governor for their safety. Why not to Mantralaya? Whats the use of appealing to ministers who do not do their jobs? he questions in return. The goons who are attacking the cops have political patronage. All political parties whether in government or opposition support such goondaism. No action is going to be taken against them by political authorities.

This kind of lawlessness with political patronage used to be common in parts of some North Indian states. That seems to have travelled to Maharashtra and is threatening to tear apart the states social fabric, says Gavhane.

He clarifies that he does not mean that it is migrants from North India who are creating the unrest. They are local Maharashtrians but lawlessness now seems to have seeped into the culture of a previously lawful state. I am not saying that we never had any problems but it was never as bad as it is now.

That, he says, is because of the lack of statesmanship among Maharashtras political leaders, including those from the opposition. They should immediately have tried to calm the situation in both Kopardi and Talegaon. But all they wanted to do was to throw barbs at each other instead of taking citizens into confidence and soothing their frayed nerves.

Dr Neelam Gorhe, leader of the womens cell of the Shiv Sena seems to agree. She holds the guardian minister of Nashik District (Girish Mahajan) responsible for jumping the gun in announcing that the minor girl was unharmed when that announcement should have been left to doctors and the police.

Mahajans eagerness to bypass the authorities gave the impression of an attempted cover-up by the government and led to immediate eruption of violence in the district, she alleges.

Reacting to the incident of an arms haul from the home of a BJP functionary, Gorhe says, During the police raid, they almost stuck a knife into the officers stomach. What does this mean? That they are not afraid of the law authorities anymore?

That corroborates both Vanjaris and Gavhanes theories that goons in Maharashtra today live under political patronage.

Read | Sexual assault of 5-year-old: Calm returns to Nashik, 7 held for fresh arson

On Thin Ice

Gorhe says that while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is doing his best to calm the situation, elements within his party are attempting to destabilise his government.

Amid the unrest only one leader has shown statesman-like qualities -- Prakash Ambedkar of the local political party Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM).

After both the Kopardi and Talegaon incidents, he chose not to incite passions. He first prevented retaliatory morchas by Dalits against Marathas and now, after Talegaon, has called for stern action against the alleged rapist while at the same time appealing to people not to vitiate the atmosphere while maintaining law and order at all times.

Who was that message for  Marathas or Dalits? Both are equal offenders, says Murtuza Kachwalla, a senior journalist from Nashik No one is less guilty than the other in adding to the tensions.

But as Maharashtra continues to sit on what could be a tinderbox, sociologists and political scientists fear more chaos and unrest to follow.

The views expressed are personal. The author tweets as @sujataanandan

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NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday turned down a request by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to dissolve the three-member Shunglu committee and instead increased its tenure by 6 weeks.

The committee was constituted on August 30 to review all the decisions taken by the AAP government after coming to power last year and was mandated to furnish its report within six weeks initially.

Defending the functioning of the committee, a statement from the L-G secretariat termed a Delhi cabinet resolution  advising the dissolution of the committee an attempt to mislead the public and take attention away from grave misdemeanours that are evident in some of the files.

The L-G secretariat said the truth hidden behind the 400-odd files being scrutinized must come out and the AAP government should not be afraid of the truth coming out if everything is as per rules.

Some misdemeanours are of the gravity that already these matters are in the process of being referred to the CBI, the statement said.

Last week, the L-G had dissolved the constitution of the Delhi Wakf Board by the AAP government and had recommended a CBI probe into allegations of corruption in the board.

The committee constitutes former civil servants known for their unimpeachable integrity and competenceand is examining files to establish the extent of malfeasance, if any, that may have been committed, the statement said.

Refuting allegations that files are being summoned arbitrarily and governance is being affected, the L-Gs office said that the files had been sent to them by the ministers themselves.

The governments claim that its work was adversely impacted is false. Files that affect day to day governance are dealt with immediately and sent back. The committee is examining only files where illegalities may have been committed and have thus been accepted by the ministers themselves by the virtue that they themselves had submitted such files for scrutiny, the statement said.

COMMITTEE UNCONSTITUTIONAL: AAP

The Arvind Kejriwal government had earlier advised Lieutenant Governor Jung to dissolve the three-member Committee set up by him to examine 400 files pertaining to decisions taken by the AAP.

Terming the committee as unconstitutional, Sisodia said there is no provision in the Constitution, or in any statute or rule, which mandates setting up of an external committee to seek files and inquire into on-going projects of public welfare and question officers.
LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party will decide on its chief ministerial candidate after the elections, party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav said on Friday, refusing to back his son Akhilesh amid a bruising feud within Uttar Pradeshs ruling family.

Mulayams announcement at a press conference came in the presence of his brother

Shivpal, whose elevation as the partys state president last month replacing Akhilesh had spilled out the familys differences in public.

An angry Akhilesh, the chief minister, divested Shivpal of key portfolios in retaliation. Mulayam managed to broker a truce between the two power centres but the undercurrent of tension remains, potentially threatening to derail the partys preparations to defend the throne in the assembly polls due early next year.

The CM candidate will be decided by the elected party legislators and parliamentary board. This is our job. This is not your (media) work, he said.

This is what had happened (in 2012). All are aware that in 2012, the people had voted for me. But I felt that I had become kalam-ghisu (one who puts signatures on tomes of papers) in my three terms as chief minister and also as the Union defence minister. The partys MLAs and the parliamentary board finalised the CM (Akhilesh).

Mulayams refusal to project Akhilesh as the man for the top job is being seen as an attempt to keep him and his supporters on a tight leash and stem any dissent against Shivpal.

Reports quoted Akhilesh as saying he will start campaign alone if he does not

find any support, in what is being seen as his growing isolation in the SP.

Mulayam, however, denied any rift in the party and family despite visible signs of Akhileshs displeasure with several of Shivpals decisions.

The BJP took a dig at the SP over the turf war. Party president Amit Shah on Friday said the ruling party should first try to control the infighting.

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NEW DELHI: The crackdown on black money is not over.

With the scheme for voluntary disclosure of unaccounted for wealth now closed, tax officials have launched a drive to unearth hidden incomes and are looking at transactions carried out beyond a six-year ceiling under existing rules, sources said.

The tax department can scan transactions older than six years by invoking clause 197C of the finance act, 2016. This clause was introduced to crack down on black money, said a finance ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

An offender, depending on the amount or assets seized, could end up paying a tax as high as 75% and could also be jailed, sources said.

Officials are scrutinising the records of those who they believe did not come clean and are hiding undisclosed wealth.

While the I-T law allows a check of income of the last six years, the finance act, under which the disclosure scheme was brought in, and foreign undisclosed assets act allow authorities to inspect records older than six years.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had promised a war on black money. The latest move comes ahead of elections in five states.

Within months of coming to power, the Modi government, on the orders of the Supreme Court, set up a special investigation team to probe ill-gotten wealth. The SIT can examine transactions that are 14 years old.

I-T notices are already being sent.

A few weeks ago, Sushmita Biswas was asked about the sale of her ancestral house in a posh locality of Kolkata. Biswas got in touch with chartered accountants and lawyers, who told her she had no reason to worry as the house was sold in 2001.

But, they were wrong.

We can catch an offender with black money generated even 40 years back or even further ago, a tax official said.

Ambiguity had arisen as the finance act gave tax officials the power to go beyond six years, Manoj Fadnis, former president, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, said.

but, the I-T act allows them to open cases only for the current year and go back six years...to avoid litigations and bring in clarity, it is important to amend the IT act too, Fadnis said.

The confusion would end with the next budget when law would be changed to end ambiguity surrounding old cases, the tax official said.

Critics dub the move as unfair, saying tax has to be paid on the current valuation of a transaction even if made decades back.

Black money does not become white if it is not discovered by the tax department for a certain period of time. Therefore, discovery of undisclosed income from a past period will lead to action under the income tax laws as applicable today, said Manoj Kumar, a legal expert and managing partner, Hammurabi and Solomon.

A disclosure of `65,250 crore was made during the four-month black money disclosure scheme that ended September 30. It will earn the government around Rs 30,000 crore in taxes.
A Delhi Police team on Sunday left for Gujarat to arrest MLA Gulab Singh, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued by a city court on Thursday.

Singh is being probed in an alleged extortion case. Three men, allegedly his aides, have been already arrested for extortion.

Joint commissioner of police (south west) Dependra Pathak confirmed that a team had left for Gujarat to execute the non-bailable warrant. Pathak said that for the last one month, Singh had refused to join investigation.

We approached the court because he was continuously refusing to join the investigations. We had asked him to join the probe again after a court executed a non-bailable warrant against him.

The Aam Aadmi Party cried foul and said the move to arrest the legislator from Matiala was a ploy to spoil Kejriwals rally in Gujarat on Sunday. Gulab Singh is also the AAPs in charge in Gujarat.

If it was only about the case, the police could have arrested him any day. But tomorrow is Arvind Kejriwals rally in Surat. The BJP government is rattled by AAPs popularity and that is why they are resorting to such tricks, an AAP spokesperson said.

The party said frivolous cases have been filed against their leaders in the past to target them. Cases have been filed against our leaders on various charges. We are being targeted, the spokesperson said.

Last month, a case of extortion was filed at the Bindapur police station after locals nabbed two men allegedly threatening two property dealers. A third man, who fled, was seen leaving in a car belonging to the MLA.

Read: Non-bailable warrant against AAP MLA Gulab Singh in extortion case

The two property dealers, Rinku Diwan and Deepak Sharma, had then alleged that three men -- Satish, Jagdish and Devender -- barged into their office and demanded money.

When Diwan refused, he was allegedly beaten up. Diwan and Sharma, however, managed to raise an alarm. A few locals, who were present in the area, heard them and rushed to help.

According to the police, the locals managed to catch hold of Satish and Jagdish, after a brief scuffle. Devender escaped in the MLAs car.

Gulab Singh had earlier told HT that he knew Devender and Satish but denied having any association with Jagdish. Singh had said the two usually used his car but denied allegations of extortion.

Satish and Jagdish work at the MLAs office while Devender belongs to the MLAs village at Ghuman Hera in Najafgarh.

Singh was reportedly not in Delhi when the three allegedly trespassed into the property dealers office and tried to extort money from them.
Controversial Delhi-based meat exporter Moin Qureshi flew out of India to Dubai on Saturday despite a lookout circular (LoC) by the enforcement directorate (ED), leaving the authorities red-faced.

The ED is investigating a money-laundering case against him.

If there is a lookout notice against a person, immigration officials have to detain him and inform the agency, in this case the ED, which would have stopped him from leaving the country.

But the immigration authorities allowed Qureshi to leave the country on the basis of a court order allowing his travel in a separate income-tax case. The immigration authorities have now ordered an inquiry into the goof-up.

The ED is probing Qureshi on charges of money laundering and violation of foreign exchange norms.

The tax authorities had also raided his premises almost three years back. The I-T department had then filed charges in court against Qureshi for not declaring his actual and allegedly ill-gotten income.

The IT department later found evidence of foreign exchange norm violation and money laundering in its probe against Qureshi after which the ED, the nodal agency to probe such matters, came into the picture.

After levelling charges in the form an enforcement case information report (ECIR), the ED issued a secret lookout circular, which was sent to immigration authorities at all exit points to stop Qureshi from leaving India.

Sources in ED said since Qureshi is an influential person, they feared he may leave the country and wont come back.

In the I-T department proceedings, Qureshi had been asked to approach the court whenever he wished to leave the country.

In May this year, the I-T department court modified the order and said Qureshi no longer had to seek permission but only inform the court before leaving the country. On Friday, Qureshi informed the court that he was leaving the country for Dubai for a few days, said a government official on condition of anonymity.

Armed with a court acknowledgement for informing it about his Dubai visit, Qureshi reached the IGI airport on Saturday morning where confusion arose.

The immigration authorities first stopped him as there was an ED lookout notice against him. But Qureshi showed the I-T order that said he had to only inform for outside travel and which he did.

Meanwhile, a team of ED officials was sent to the airport to serve summons to Qureshi to appear before it in the money laundering case, sources said.

But since the I-T department court order had come after the LoC, the immigration officials allowed Qureshi to leave India, said an immigration source.

The source said an inquiry had been ordered as the officer in-charge did escalate the matter and check the status of Qureshi with the ED.

We have sought the documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel, ED sources said.

Qureshi first hit he headlines when the I-T department raided his premises and seized his phone three years back. Many messages that allegedly showed his proximity to former CBI director AP Singh and some other CBI officials were found in the phone.

It was alleged that even after AP Singhs departure from the CBI, Qureshi continued to have good relations with other agency officials.

The income-tax department, during its probe, had found Qureshi had 11 bank lockers. These were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles belonged to the businessman.

The ED is yet to file a chargesheet against Qureshi in the money laundering case it registered last year.
Non-government organisations (NGOs) say their helplines are getting more than usual calls from senior citizens who are afraid of meeting the same fate as an elderly couple in Kalkaji.

On Monday, Govind Ram Jethani, 90, was found living with his wifes body in his house for four days. Four months ago, a video clip of a daughter assaulting her octogenarian mother in East of Kailash went viral on social media.

As Delhi is turning less suitable for elders, it can learn from Fukuoka in Japan, which faces the problem of an ageing society. In 1950, only 4.9% of the total Japanese population was above 65 years. It increased to 26.7% in 2015 and is expected to reach 38.8% in 2050.

Read more: Delhi: CCTV footage leads cops to senior citizens killer

The administration was getting complaints of loneliness from the elderly. In many parts, their bodies were discovered days after their death.

The Fukuoka administration has tied up with universities and is encouraging students to live in housing complexes instead of hostels. They are expected to lead community revitalisation activities at the ageing housing complex, said Naotoshi Nakamura of Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) who has collaborated with Fukuoka University to ensure the elderly dont feel lonely. The students are asked to invite the elderly for festivals and talk to them regularly.

This model can be replicated in India, said Age Well Foundation founder chairperson Himanshu Rath. After the number of calls increased on our helpline, we advised senior citizens to engage with neighbours. Our volunteers tell them the same thing. They must write letters and speak to relatives on a regular basis. We even advise the youth of the area to speak to the elderly every day, he said.

Of the 16 lakh elderly people in Delhi, 65% dont have enough money. As most of the elderly in Delhi and India are poor, it is difficult to engage them in these kind of activities (that require money). We need to teach the younger generation about the problems they can face when they grow old, Rath added.

In Fukuokas Hoshinohara-Danchi housing complex, five elderly housewives have started a cafe that has become a hit among the locals. They use their old coffee machines and other equipment to make coffee. The common eating area is a good concept to keep the elderly engaged. The cafe has become a communication platform, said Tsuyoto Murakami, marketing professor, Fukuoka University.

The Fukuoka authorities are trying to revitalise suburbs and youngsters are moving from cities to suburbs. Abandoned houses are being renovated and old people have been asked to look after them. Some of them have even converted their house into a small hotel.

Japan started thinking about its elders a long ago. If we start now, we will be able to do something for the next generation of elders, said Rath.

JUST TWO GOVT OLD-AGE HOMES IN DELHI

Senior citizens constitute over 10% of Delhis 1.86 crore population, yet there are only two government-run old age homes. NGOs and trusts run 48 old-age homes in Delhi-NCR, where the average minimum cost incurred by a senior citizen is about R 4,000 per month.

Dr Samir Parikh, director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, who surveyed 500 people over the age of 60, said 34% of the respondents admitted to feeling lonely, 26% felt the need for help to cope with their daily life and a good 25% had no idea who would take care of them if they fell ill.

Most elders in cities suffer urban loneliness , found a survey by a city hospital a few years ago.

The latest report by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) termed Delhi the most unsafe city for senior citizens with a rate of 89 crimes per one lakh elderly population.

It said senior citizens in the national capital are almost five times more likely to become victims of a crime than in the rest of the country. In July, four elderly men and women were murdered across the city in a fortnight.

In 2015, HelpAge India surveyed working adults aged 25-45 years across 10 cities living with at least one elderly parent. About 73% of the respondents admitted that abuse of the elderly is prevalent. 42% felt it was a problem of all developing societies, including India. 83% said identifying elderly abuse in the neighbourhood is not difficult.

Delhi alone beats the national average in the category of Using Abusive Language and talking rudely to an elder with a whopping 77% youths saying it was the most common form of abuse they have seen.

*The reporter participated in The 11th Asian City Journalist Conference in Fukuoka, Japan

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Three BTech students were killed after their car rammed a a tractor-trolley in outer Delhis Alipur at 2am on Saturday.

Ujjawal (21), Shikhar (22) and Rajesh (21) were second year students of Bio-technology at Amity University in Sector-125, Noida. The three were going to Murthal, along with seven classmates, when the accident occurred at GT Karnal Road near Alipur police station.

These were 10 BTech students who had hired a blue Scorpio car to go to Murthal to eat paranthas. They were planning to have a late-night dinner. When they reached GT Karnal Road, a tractor was moving ahead of them. It was pulling a trolley filled with bricks. Suddenly their car crashed into it, said a senior police officer.

The impact was so huge that the left side of the car was completely damaged, said police. The three students who died were allegedly sitting on the left side.

The tractor driver fled from the spot. Police are searching for him. The tractor and the car have been taken into possession, police said.

The car driver, another student, rushed Ujjawal, Shikhar and Rajesh to Satyawadi Raja Harish Chander Hospital in Narela, where they were declared brought dead.

Ujjawal and Shikhar were from Meerut, while Rajesh was based in Hisar. All three of them were living independently in rented flats near the university. Police said they have informed the families.

The remaining seven students, including three girls, received severe head injuries and are undergoing treatment, police said.

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Armed with books for third standard students, a group of 12 Delhi Police subinspectors meet at the police library every Sunday to take Hindi lessons.

While they wait in the classroom, assistant sub inspector Jai Singh walks into the class exactly at 11 am carrying a set of test papers, the 12 officers wrote a week ago. Singh is a rank junior to all of them but in the class they call him sir.

The officers, all from the northeastern states, joined the police force in 2015 and realised they had to be fluent in Hindi. They met joint commissioner Robin Hibu, who heads the Delhi Police special unit for northeast, and requested for Hindi lessons. Since August, for three hours every Sunday, Singh has been teaching them the language.

I wanted to learn Hindi long ago but never found the time or the opportunity. I am grateful to get Hindi lessons here, subinspector Birjit says in Hindi.

During the class, an officer asks Singh the meaning of sair karne gaya (gone for a walk). The officer is confused, perhaps with the pronunciation, and says he thought sair is the Hindi word for tiger. So what does the sentence mean? Singh explains the class that the word sair is a paryawachi (synonym) and that sair in the given sentence means a walk.

They are improving. Initially it was very difficult but I am teaching them Hindi from the nursery level. They get homework and I evaluate them, Singh said.

IPS officer Hibu told HT, They are a bunch of young enthusiastic officers but not knowing Hindi was becoming an obstacle for them in serving people in Delhi. They volunteered to take classes and I helped them. The response has been good.

After 16 years, in 2015 a team of Delhi Police officers visited the eight northeastern states, including Sikkim, to recruit men and women into the city police. Around 450 men and women were recruited. It is a part of the central governments initiative to turn Delhi Police into a cosmopolitan force.

Two months after the classes started, subinspector Lungfu says his Hindi has improved. Nowadays, while returning home after the police station we read the Hindi signboards. We also read Hindi newspapers. Give us some time and we will be fluent.
At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured in a stampede on Saturday when thousands of devotees rushed to cross a bridge over the Ganga during a religious gathering in Varanasi, officials said. The dead included 15 women.

Around 20 other people who lost consciousness after being suffocated in the crowd were also being treated in different hospitals, said Kumar Prashant, Chandauli district magistrate. Police said the death toll could rise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation of Rs two lakh each for families of the dead and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede, he tweeted.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, who also announced ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, ordered a magisterial probe into the tragedy.

Stampedes in religious gatherings in India have left hundreds of people dead and injured over the years, with police and volunteers often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds. However, government intervention, better infrastructure and crowd-control techniques at places of annual gatherings have brought down the frequencies of stampedes.

According to officials, the organisers of the two-day conclave on the outskirts of Varanasi had sought permission for a procession of about 3,000 people. However, the crowd swelled to over a lakh on Saturday, according to rough estimates by traffic police and the district administration.

We are investigating crowd management and will take action against those responsible, said Javeed Ahmed, director general of police.

Police said that the stampede was triggered when some people collapsed on the Rajghat bridge due to dehydration and exhaustion after walking for hours under a blazing sun. Others tried to get off the bridge as a rumour spread that the old bridge was collapsing.

The heat generated by the iron girders of the bridge also added to the discomfort of the large number of people struck for hours in the procession.

Clothes and slippers of the injured lay scattered on the bridge as rescuers rushed the dead and injured to hospital. Ambulances were struck midway as the roads leading to the stampede site were choked with people and vehicles.

Ravindra Sharma, who was injured in the stampede, said his teenage daughter was missing and the authorities were unable to trace her.

We came to seek the blessings of our god, only god can help me find her, he said.

Rajbahadur, the spokesperson of the Jai Gurudev Sansthan  which manages the seers trust -- blamed police for failing to make proper traffic management during the procession.

Crowds choke the Rajghat bridge over the Ganga on Saturday afternoon. (HT Photo)

Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012, is among several charismatic self-styled godmen who enjoy a cult-like following among lakhs of followers in India.

Typically clad in white robes and turban, the seer espoused vegetarianism and morality and claimed to liberate the soul from the rotation of birth and death, according to a bio on his website.

He is said to have left behind a vast empire worth over Rs 10,000 crore, apart from 250 luxury cars  all supposedly gifted by his devotees. He also left behind a palatial ashram in Mathura and properties in several cities in northern India.

One of his most prominent followers, Ram Vriksh Yadav and a large group had broken away to form a radical organisation and encroached upon a large plot of government land in Mathura. Yadav and more than twenty others were killed in June during clashes with police attempting to evict the group members.

With assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh barely a few months away, the opposition BJP and BSP blamed the Samajwadi Party government of failing to gauge the situation in time. The ruling party said it was not the time to point fingers but concentrate on relief and rescue.

(With agency inputs)

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A local Kashmiri news agency has quoted Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, the head of militant outfit Al-Umar Mujahideen, as saying that his organisation carried out last Fridays attacks on SSB jawans in Zakura, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

If the claims are true, it suggests a revival of Al-Umar Mujahideen. Here are six things to know about the militant outfit:

1. Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar: The founder of Al-Umar Mujahideen is held responsible for over 40 murders, including those of Kashmiri Pandits. Zargar was arrested in 1992, but was released in 1999 in exchange for passengers of the hijacked aircraft IC 814 at Kandahar.

2. Formation: The militant outfit was formed in 1989, after a rift between Zargar and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front.

3. Homegrown militancy: Apart from Hiz-bul-Mujahideen, Al-Umar Mujahideen is the only outfit led by an indigenous Kashmir-valley based terrorist.

4. Area of activity: The organisation is primarily active in the Srinagar, Baramulla, Kupwara and Pulwama districts of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir and at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

5. Muftis daughters kidnapping: Zargar is said to be involved in the 1989 kidnapping of Mufti Mohammad Sayeeds daughter, Rubaiya Sayeed. Five militants were released by the government in exchange for her return.

6. ISI links: Al-Umar Mujahideen reportedly gets funding from Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. The outfit aims to liberate Jammu and Kashmir through an armed struggle and merge it with Pakistan.

Source: South Asia Terror Portal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday nudged Chinese President Xi Jinping to forge a common ground on designating Jaish chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist, saying the two countries should improve coordination within the UN panel that decides on such sanctions.

The two leaders, who met ahead of Sundays BRICS summit, also discussed Indias bid for a place in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and steps to address growing trade imbalance between India and China.

There are designated structures within the United Nations that deal with terrorism. Prime Minister Modi told Xi that we should increase our coordination in this forum and look for common ground, said external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

Both sides recognised terrorism was a key issue.

China is currently blocking Indias attempt to put Masood Azhar of the Jaish-e-Mohammed on the UN list of proscribed terrorists, a key objective for the Modi government. Pakistan-based Jaish was blamed for the deadly militant attack on the Indian army camp in Uri, Kashmir, which left 19 soldiers dead and further strained New Delhis relations with Islamabad.

Read | BRICS Summit: No talk on terror in Chinas statement on Modi-Xi meeting

New Delhi has since sought to isolate Pakistan and is seeking support from neighbours and world power for its campaign against Azhar. But Beijing has yet to come on board.

We can only convey our concerns. It is up to them to review their decision. We hope they will see the logic, Swarup said. The issue will be taken up again when National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, next.

Xi, according to Swarup, alluded to the threat from IS and said India and China must strengthen their counter-terrorism cooperation, including their strategic communication and dialogue on this subject.

During their third meeting in less than a year, Modi brought up Indias membership of the NSG. Xi is understood have responded saying his government will soon hold a second round of discussions (with India) on this and hoped it will help.

My meeting with President Xi Jinping was fruitful. We discussed various aspects of India-China ties. pic.twitter.com/W9MxEvRbrg  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

Read | Will block Indias NSG bid, Masood Azhar ban push until consensus, says China

China has held back on supporting Indias NSG bid, saying it would wait for a larger consensus on admitting any country to the group that hasnt signed the non-proliferation treaty.

Xi also assured Modi that Beijing was working to address the trade imbalance. Bilateral trade between the two countries have soared to $70 billion, but has left India with a deficit of nearly $50 billion.

The Chinese state media, Xinhua, quoted President Xi as saying that the development momentum of China-India ties was encouraging, and a healthy and stable bilateral relationship is conducive not only to both countries development, but to safeguarding the developing countries reasonable interests in global governance and international systems.

China and India should constantly enrich their strategic cooperative partnership and chart the course of bilateral ties in line with the fundamental interests of their peoples... The two countries should maintain high-level communication and dialogue at all levels so as to expand consensus, improve mutual trust and deepen cooperation, Xi said according to the report.

India is the last stop in Xis ongoing Asia tour, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.

For full coverage of the 8th BRICS Summit, click here
India and Russia on Saturday signed big-ticket defence deals, including an agreement for the game-changer S-400 Air Defence System and Kamov helicopters and to replace the existing aging fleets and build new frigates.

The agreements on manufacturing Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

Here are the deals sealed:

Ka-226T helicopters -- Kamov 226T choppers will replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers. Kamov is a light multipurpose helicopter designed for work in difficult conditions like high mountains, hot climate and marine areas. It allows for reconnaissance, targeting and monitoring of transportation.

It also boasts of incredibly precise hovering ability, excellent maneuverability and high safety standards, and has proved to perform better than its western counterparts in Indian heat.

The chopper is equipped with two Arrius 2G1 engines made by the Turbomeca company. The passenger version of the chopper can carry up to seven people, while the transport version can carry one tonne of cargo inside the fuselage or via an external sling.

The deal is worth more than $1 billion. The helicopters will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Russian cooperation.

Read | Old friend Russias stand on combating terrorism mirrors our own: Modi

(L-R) Anatoly Isaikin, head of Russian arms trader Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, chief executive of Russian Helicopters, and T Suvarna Raju, chairman of the board and managing director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, attend an exchange of agreements event after the India-Russia Annual Summit in Benaulim, in the western state of Goa on Saturday. (REUTERS)

Frigates -- An inter-governmental agreement for four frigates through partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards was signed.

While two frigates will come from Russia, two others will be constructed at an Indian shipyard with Russian cooperation.

The frigates will be improved versions of Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates, and the deal is worth more than $3 billion.

Read | State-backed Russian fund to co-invest $1 billion in India

S-400 Air Defence System -- The over $5-billion deal to purchase the long-range air defence missile system, which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km, will prove to be a game changer for India.

The system is currently deployed in Syria, where Russia is targeting the Islamic State.

Besides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced that annual military industrial conferences will be held by India and Russia, which will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

China inked a deal with Russia in November 2014 for the supply of six S-400 systems.

Read | For global peace and stability: India-Russia joint statement full text
Militant outfit Al-Umar Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack on paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Friday night in Srinagar in which one soldier died and eight others were injured.

Militants fired upon the SSB men in Zakura as they were returning from duty. Officials said that eight SSB men were injured in the attack and a 24-year-old jawan succumbed to his injuries. A J&K policeman, Zulfikar Ali, was also critically injured in the attack.

Top police, paramilitary and administrative officials had participated in the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain SSB Jawan, Ghanshyam Gurjar. Gurjar, 24, was a resident of Dausa Rajasthan and had joined the force in April 2013.

If the claims of the Al-Umar Mujahideen are true, the attack would mean resurgence, after 16 years, of the indigenous militant group led by Mushtaq Zargar, who was released along with two others in Kandahar in December 1999 in exchange of the passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814. The two others, who were swapped in exchange of the 155 hostages, were JeM chief Masood Azhar and Omar Saeed Sheikh.

The Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is currently the only indigenous militant group operating in the valley. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants operating in valley are mostly foreigners.

Zargar was quoted by a local news agency CNS saying that the militants from his outfit carried out the attack in Zakura on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Earlier also we carried different attacks on security establishments but never claimed the responsibilities for those attacks. Now we have decided to come out in open. We will continue to target Indian security personnel operating in Kashmir valley, said Zargar. He warned of intensifying attacks in the coming days.

Zargar, a resident of old city Srinagar and known by the alias of Mushtaq Latram , was active in early nineties when armed insurgency erupted in valley in 1989. He was arrested in 1993 and then let off in 1999 in exchange of the hostages.

Police officials refused to comment on the organisations claims.

Kashmir has witnessed heightened militant activity after the army announced that it carried surgical strikes on militant launching pads across Line of Control following an attack on army camp in Uri on September 18.

Reportedly, there have been a few public appearances of the militants during pro-freedom rallies as protests escalated across Kashmir following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

As many as 89 persons have lost their lives and thousands injured after security forces used guns to contain the spiraling protests during these three months. The killings triggered more anger against the government and security forces.

For full coverage on Indias Pakistan offensive, click here.
The army has deferred a crucial annual promotion exam for young commanders for two months, amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) following the September 29 surgical strikes against terror shelters in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

Army sources said the exam has been postponed as forward positions along the de factor border are commanded by young captains and majors who cannot be spared at this critical juncture. Leave restrictions are already in place.

The exam, known as Part D in army parlance, will now be conducted from December 24-29 instead of October 19-24. Spread over six days, it tests the knowledge of officers in areas such as military history, current affairs, military law, administration and tactics.

Officers cant be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel until they clear the Part D exam. They are promoted to lieutenant colonel after completing 13 years of service.

The directorate general of military training issued a letter on October 14 informing all army commands across the country about the re-scheduling of the exam. However, it only mentioned amendment in schedule without listing out any reason.

A senior officer said the exam was deferred as young officers hadnt had time to prepare for it, given the level of activity in forward areas.

The armys Special Forces destroyed seven terror launchpads and inflicted heavy casualties on terrorists in the cross-border strike, Indias first direct military response to the Uri attack that left 19 soldiers dead.

The army is on its highest alert level to deal with a counter-offensive from Pakistan and the possibility of a flare up has been factored in the forces contingency plans.
China is likely to further press upon India to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect the east Asian country with Eurasia through a network of infrastructure projects, with Bangladesh apparently keen to be a part of President Xi Jinpings ambitious initiative.

Xi is reaching Goa on Saturday morning fairly fresh from a day in Dhaka where he is said to have pledged some $24 billion in various projects in the densely populated country.

The Chinese president will surely take the opportunity of his interactions during the BRICS summit to impress upon India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that by not joining the BRI, New Delhi is missing out an opportunity for economic development.

And, especially because most of Indias neighbours in south Asia are falling in line with the BRI  Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

A Reuters report, quoting a Bangladeshi minister, said that China plans to finance around 25 projects, including a 1,320 megawatt (MW) power plant, and is also keen to build a deep sea port.

Xis visit will set a new milestone. (A) record amount of loan agreements will be signed during the visit, roughly $24 billion, Bangladesh junior finance minister MA Mannan said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told Xi that Bangladesh was willing to work with China on the BRI.

According to Chinas official news agency, Xinhua, Hasina said Dhaka was willing to actively work with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and support the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), so as to push forward development in various fields such as electricity, energy, technology, agriculture, water resources, investment, transportation infrastructure and connectivity.

Bangladeshs information minister Hasanul Huq Inu thanked the Chinese leadership for proposing development initiatives such as the BRI and the BCIM Economic Corridor in an interview to Xinhua.

Interestingly, the BCIM actually predates Xis BRI by a few years but has been gradually made part of the broader belt and road project  much to the consternation of India.

Indias lukewarm response to BRI so far has largely been because New Delhi possibly feels that the project will create a vast zone that will be exclusively under Chinas influence.

Another major concern that India has with the BRI is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is one of the six economic corridors under Xis pet project  his idea of a lasting legacy.

Despite India repeatedly raising the problem of PoK being a disputed territory, China has gone ahead with construction works for the multi-billion dollar CPEC.

But China has been pressing India to join the BRI with Chinese experts writing reams on how the big South Asian country is crucial to the project  in the north India can be part of the belt and in the south, part of a maritime road on the Indian Ocean.

Xi will possibly take the opportunity of his meeting with Modi to further convince him about the advantages of joining the BRI.

The BCIM will be in focus as well; it is the corridor that if and when completed will connect China to south Asia by land.

A commentary in Xinhua published on Friday talked about its significance.

Covering 9% of the global landmass, the corridor was first discussed in 1999 by specialists and academics at a meeting in Kunming, Yunnan. The corridor initiative gained momentum during Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs visit to India in May 2013, the commentary said.

Chinese official data showed that trade between China and member countries of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka -- hit 111.22 billion dollars in 2015, up 4.9% from a year before, it said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping on his arrival in Goa on Saturday ahead of the BRICS Summit.

India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the @BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations, Modi tweeted.

Jinping was given a red carpet welcome after he got off the aircraft at the Dabolim Airport and was received by minister of state for external affairs, VK Singh.

Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Jinping for nearly half an hour on Saturday evening at the Taj Exotica resort here.

Read | Talks on cross-border terror, India-China rift to be in focus at BRICS Summit

India and China are expected to discuss the fallouts of the deadly cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri on Jammu and Kashmir last month attack by Pakistan-based, while India will make a pitch with its eastern neighbour to further isolate Islamabad, for backing terror infrastructure.

The arrival of Jinping in Goa, coincided with protests by Tibetan protesters at Margao town, 35 kms from Panaji, demanding China vacate its illegal occupation of Tibetans.

Nearly 43 Tibetan protesters were detained by the police, subsequently.

The eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday, which will be followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with the leaders of the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).

For more on the BRICS summit, click here.
Russia on Saturday strode back to the centre stage of Indias booming armaments market, signing deals worth more than $8 billion for helicopters, missile defence systems and warships after a rough patch in bilateral defence ties.

The agreements, the first big-ticket deals since India inked pacts worth about $3 billion for additional Su-30 jets and Mi-17 helicopters nearly four years ago, were concluded after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin met on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

Defence ties between the two sides hit a low last month when Russian troops conducted their first joint exercise with Pakistani forces. The drill was originally scheduled to be held in Gilgit Baltistan, part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and the venue was reportedly changed after angry protests by New Delhi.

India and Russia have shared a close relationship from the Cold War era, with Moscow accounting for nearly 70% of New Delhis military hardware. But Russia has been irked by India looking increasingly to the US, France and Israel for defence equipment, and recently inked a deal with Pakistan for supplying gunship helicopters.

Read | Old friend Russias stand on combating terrorism mirrors our own: Modi

The deals concluded on Saturday had all been in the pipeline for several years. Given Indias complaints about the maintenance of Russian equipment, supply of spares and delays in implementing defence projects, some the new helicopters and warships will be built in India. The move will also dovetail into New Delhis Make in India initiative and lead to investments.

The biggest deal was the inter-governmental agreement for five S-400 Triumf air defence systems, estimated to be worth $5 billion deal. China was the first foreign customer for the S-400, which can target hostile aircraft, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Under a shareholder agreement, India and Russia will set up a joint venture to make the Kamov Ka-226T helicopters. The $1 billion deal is for 200 helicopters, 60 of which will be delivered by Russia in flyaway condition while the remainder will be assembled or manufactured in India.

Read | Air defence system, frigates, choppers: What all in India-Russia security deals

In the next few months, a place will be allocated (for manufacturing the helicopters) and there will be investments, Russias trade and industry minister Denis Manturov told the media.

Under a $3 billion inter-governmental agreement, two Project 1135.6 stealth frigates, an improved version of the Talwar-class warships, will be supplied by Russia and two more will be built in an Indian shipyard.

The new deals lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead and are also in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities, Modi said.

During the meeting, India also raised its concerns about Russias growing military ties with Pakistan. Foreign secretary S Jaishankar evaded a question on this issue but said: We trust Russia fully. When we speak of friendship, the assumption is that Russia will never do anything which is not in our interest. After our discussions, we are satisfied that Russia understands Indias interest, will never do anything which is contrary to Indias interests.

Read | For global peace and stability: India-Russia joint statement full text

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Over the past 70 years, Lalbiakthanga Pachuau appears to have lived several lifetimes  from donning olive green military fatigues to fight the Japanese during World War II to starting his own newspaper and editing it for close to half-a-century.

On Friday, the 90-year-old editor of the Mizo daily, Zoram Tlangau, was declared Indias oldest working journalist by the Mizoram Journalists Association.

State information minister Lal Thanzara handed over a citation to Pachuau for his long innings in journalism and his contribution to social causes at a function in Aizawl.

I never expected to achieve such a record. I am thankful to almighty, my family, friends and colleagues for the honour, Pachuau told HT over phone. A devout Christian, the 90-year-old hopes to continue his stint with journalism for as long as he can.

Born in Siachal, 80 km away from the state capital, Pachuau studied only till Class III before joining the Assam Regiment of the British Indian Army in 1945 at 18.

He fought for the British army in Burma (present Myanmar) against the Japanese. Pachau was awarded several medals for his valour, including the Burma Star, during his 17-year-long military career.

After leaving the army, he started writing for Mizo newspapers and went on to start Zoram Tlangau, his own newspaper, in 1970, which he edits till today.

Zoram Tlangau edits his own newspaper till today. (HT Photo)

There is no official record Indias oldest working journalist but the Mizoram Journalists Association -- the apex body of journalists in the state  is confident that Pachuau is the record holder.

Guwahati-based DN Chakraborty, 85, who is the editor of Sankar Jyoti (daily) and Prag Jyotish (weekly), both in Assamese, was earlier termed by some news reports as the oldest working journalist.

We are very lucky and proud to have someone like him in Mizoram. Besides journalism, he has contributed a lot to several social causes, Lal Thanzara told HT.

Pachuau co-founded the voluntary blood donation association of Mizoram, was a key delegate during the peace talks between New Delhi and the Mizo National Front in 1980s and worked tirelessly to end the drug and alcohol menace, sources said.

He has minor hearing problem, but is in good health. His routine comprises of waking up at 5:30am daily, reading lot of books and magazines and editing the paper, said Pachuaus son Richard.

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Perhaps you read yesterday that Trump was apologizing to the corpse of war criminal Slobodan Milosevic for the U.S./NATO bombing to stop the ethnic cleansing (genocide) of Muslims who had lived there when the Drumpf family was still raising pigs in Karlstadt. Perhaps Trump was trying to please Serbian fascist leader Vojislav Seselj, founder and head of the neo-Nazi Serbian Radical Party. According to Trump's Russian allies at Sputnik News, Trump is the apple of fascist eyes in Serbia. Same in Russia, where Putin ally, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Vice Chair of the Duma and leader of the neo-Nazi Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, also endorsed him. But you know who hasn't endorsed him? American newspapers. Even the ones who hate Hillary have been urging their readers to vote against Trump. Not even the most right-wing newspaper in California, thehas endorsed Trump... yet.

But the endorsement season is still young and they're just getting going. A couple of weeks ago, they urged their readers to vote for a Democrat-- sort of-- in the California Senate race. Thedoesn't usually endorse Democrats and the one they endorsed isn't really one anyway. Republicans find it harder and harder to get on statewide ballots now that California has adopted the jungle primary. The Senate general election is between two Democrats, the Democratic establishment's Kamala Harris and a none-too-bright Blue Dog from Orange County, Loretta Sanchez. Sanchez is the stand-in for the GOP in the Senate race, and therecognized her as such and endorsed her

Californias U.S. Senate race is a classic example of an unintended consequence.





When California voters passed the 2010 ballot measure that established the states top-two primary system, they were promised the chance to elect moderate Republican and Democratic candidates.





The theory was that regardless of their political party affiliations, to get enough votes to land in one of the top-two primary spots and progress to the general election, candidates must appeal to all California voters, not just their parties hard-core bases. The top-two systems goal was to shed the extremes in favor of the middle.





While that might be happening, what also has occurred is that two candidates from the same party have ended up competing against each other in some really nasty general election local races. The November campaign to fill retiring Sen. Barbara Boxers Senate seat is the first time one of these intraparty battles is being waged in a statewide race.





The unintended consequence is that party bosses, rather than California voters, may decide the outcome of the Senate race.





Democrat Kamala Harris, the current state attorney general and former San Francisco district attorney, faces veteran Democratic Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of Orange County.





In February, Democratic Party bosses voted to endorse Harris. That has meant that the state party is throwing its money and considerable resources to Harris, leaving Sanchez empty-handed.





But dont count Sanchez out. She has spunk and guts. Recall her scrappy 1996 campaign to unseated long-time flame-throwing conservative Congressman B-1 Bob Dornan. And during her nearly 20 years in Congress, she has bucked the liberal wing of her party with her business-friendly, moderate votes. As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, she often has reached across the aisle to work with Republicans.





While these are qualities voters might find appealing, they no doubt are why the Democratic Party elite are shunning her and trying to ensure the election of the more progressive Harris. In response, Sanchez is trying to cobble together a coalition of moderate and conservative Latino voters, and Republicans.





Although Sanchez has been endorsed by Republican North San Diego County Congressman Darrell Issa, former Congressman Buck McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, former Republican Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, and her libertarian-leaning hometown newspaper, the Orange County Register, Republican lawmakers generally are sitting out the race-- pouting because their party has no candidate competing.









But many of her Republican congressional colleagues concede she is the better candidate. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, recently told the Los Angeles Times that Sanchez would be infinitely easier for Republicans to work with. He said her views about agriculture and water access demonstrate she understands rural issues.





In an attempt to rile up Democrats and Latinos by tying Sanchez to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Harris campaign calls these lukewarm supporters Trump-esque Republicans.





But Trump, who brags about contributing to politicians in exchange for favorable treatment, also is tainting Harris campaign. He contributed to Harris past attorney general campaigns. And Sanchez is quick to note that Attorney General Harris response to consumer fraud complaints involving Trump University was lacking.





Meanwhile, voters seem to have been left on the sidelines of this intraparty fight, with party leaders expecting them to just go along with their hand-picked choice for Senate.





The Californian hopes they wont. Californias next senator should have political courage. She should be willing to work with people in both political parties. She should have a business-friendly, moderate voting record. And she should have demonstrated that she gives a hoot about the entire state, including rural counties, like Kern.





She should be Loretta Sanchez.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks ahead of the eighth BRICS Summit in Goa.

The leaders held wide-ranging talks, following which the two sides signed 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

Here is the full text of PM Modis press statement welcoming President Putin:

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

Distinguished members of the Russian and Indian delegations,

Members of the media,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Putin, an old friend of India, here in Goa today.As they say in Russian:

[An Old friend is better than two new friends.]

Excellency Putin, I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship. And, in the complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship.

Friends,

Since the last two Annual Summits, the journey of our partnership has seen renewed focus and drive. President Putin and I have just concluded an extensive and useful conversation on the entire spectrum of our engagement. The highly productive outcomes of our meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of our strategic partnership.They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead.The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities. They also help us achieve the objectives of Make in India. We have also agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration. These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in. Just minutes ago, with dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of Civil Nuclear Energy. And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India. Last year in Moscow, I had said that we would be enlarging our presence in Russias Hydrocarbon sector.In last four months alone, in a clear expression of our strong and deep engagement in the Hydrocarbon sector, Indian companies have invested close to US Dollars 5.5 billion in Russias Oil and Gas sector.And, with President Putins support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries. A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising Energy Bridge between our two countries.

Friends,

With an eye on the future, we also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission. Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields. As with the last Summit, we also continue to expand, diversify and deepen our economic engagement.Businesses and Industry between our two countries is connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing. And, with President Putins backing, we hope to fast track Indias association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. The Green Corridor and the International North South Transport Corridor will serve to strengthen trade facilitation, logistical links and ensure better connectivity between our countries. Our efforts for early setting up of the Investment Fund of US Dollars 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance our infrastructure partnership. We also want our economic linkages to connect the regions and states in both countries.

Friends,

The success of this Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership. It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues. Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters. President Putin and I noted the similarity of our views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets.Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage.

Excellency Putin,

As we approach the seventieth (70th) anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties next year, India and Russia are celebrating and building on the achievements of our past. We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century. Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties.In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability.

As one would say it in Russian:

[India and Russia-together to a bright future.]

Thank you! Thank you very much.
You have failed us big time Mr Kejriwal, for your petty political gains you can become headlines for Pakistani press, read a tweet on October 5 from @IndiaPostOffice, the official twitter handle of the Indian postal service.

It was a reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging the Prime Minister to counter Pakistans propaganda over surgical strikes.

Within hours, India Post tweeted an apology saying that the account was hacked.

This is the latest in a series of opinions and statements posted from official twitter handles of government departments and bodies. Of late, the Twitter handles meant to broadcast information related to government programmes have appeared like personal accounts tweeting slander and criticism.

Last month, the Twitter handle of Digital India tweeted a poem in Hindi calling on the Indian Army to persistently fire at protesters in Kashmir.

In August, the Twitter handle of Startup India retweeted a post suggesting that the Indian Army should take care of #Presstitutes, a reference to sections of Indian media critical of the government.

The tweets expose loopholes in the governments social media policy and raise questions about the norms followed in the recruitment of social media professionals for ministries and government institutions.

WORK IN PROGRESS

The process of adopting new tools is work in progress. While the government agencies are trying to leverage social media to enhance citizen engagement, for the vast majority of government bodies, it is unexplored territory. Babus who have traditionally been dealing in paperwork and file notings are overwhelmed to see hash tags and trends. With a tech- savvy Prime Minister at the helm, every government department is trying to increase its digital footprint. At the same time, they face the challenge of reinterpreting existing work ethics and codes of conduct and applying them to the use of social media. Ministries such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting and the Prime Ministers Office which have cohesive programmes and big mandate, have separate social media wings of their own with well- defined protocols. But these are exceptions.

Overall, the government bodies lack social media guidelines for their own efforts or which others can learn from. According to Chinmayi Arun, executive director, Centre for Communication Governance, National Law University, Delhi, mistakes are bound to happen given that everyone is new to social media. But it should be non-negotiable that when anything is said using an official governmental handle, the government should take more responsibility than just saying oops. One of course is a clear and unequivocal statement apologising and taking back whatever was said. However, it should take pro-active measures to train and test people who handle its public-facing accounts and publish a clear monitoring and accountability mechanism by which they can be called to account. It should not be open to anyone to misuse the governments official handles in this manner, said Arun.

One of the areas where the lack of sensitisation is apparent is the usage of the same mobile device for multiple twitter handles  the most common reason for such goof-ups cited by social media consultants attached to various government departments. I believe these were inadvertently posted by people handling these accounts. It may neither have been their mandate nor their intention. It happens when the person has configured multiple twitter handles from the same device and ends up posting from the wrong account, said Amit Malviya, BJPs National Convener, IT.

The majority of ministries and government departments do not give phones to members of the social media teams. It is up to the individual to use his personal device or get an additional one to manage the professional handle (s). A mistake will happen if a comment which was to be posted from the personal handle is posted from the official handle.

Because of the personalised and individual nature of social media, it is easy to forget that they are representing an institution and not themselves when using these handles. This also suggests the lack of public usage training in these organisations, and the need to educate our public actors in using social media with more responsibility as office bearers of an institution rather than a personal expression or an opinion, said Nishant Shah, co-founder of the Centre for Internet and Society, Bangalore.

Another issue is that access to the account is given to multiple people. Each one of them brings their individual personality and politics to their operation of the handle, said Shah.

HIRING ISSUES

Part of the problem lies in the fact that there is no standard protocol on who can access the twitter handle of Indian government bodies and how this person or team is hired.

A few ministries (example: the ministry of railways) have a team comprising of government employees and staff of private agencies handling their account. Others have outsourced the job to agencies.

During the campaigning for the 2009 election, political parties got outside expertise to mark their presence online. The selection parameters of social media consultants  established public relations firms in some cases and individuals in others  was not uniform.

Unlike the traditional public relations officers who are from the Indian Information Services cadre, the social media consultants were selected based on their expertise in the field, political affiliation, and proximity to a party or leader.

Those who started handling social media accounts of political parties and leaders included trolls and social media influencers. Parties got youngsters who were politically motivated and willing to work for political parties. They became cheaper alternatives for social media experts, said Ishan Russel, political communication consultant.

After the NDA came to power, almost every ministry outsourced its digital expertise to agencies. Many individuals who were earlier directly working with leaders and parties got back with them via agencies. If an agency is looking for people to handle the twitter account or Facebook page of a certain ministry in the BJP government, then those who are politically inclined towards the BJP will apply for the vacancies and their chances of getting hired are also much higher than someone who is neutral or known to be an AAP sympathiser, said Vikas Pandey, 32-year-old software engineer, who headed the I Support Namo campaign on Facebook and Twitter, as a volunteer for the BJP.

Last year, the Prime Minister felicitated more than a dozen social media enthusiasts, including Vikas. The move raised eyebrows because many felt that the government was encouraging trolls. It illuminates the fact that trolls have found gainful employment in the Government of India. Also that the entire edifice of the centre is being taken over by woefully undereducated bigots, said Swati Chaturvedi, senior journalist and author.

AGENCY, THE SOFT TARGET

Till the time the government staff is well versed with social media tools, attributing the mistakes to an outside agency appears to be the norm.

In the case of the twitter goof-up involving Startup India, Commerce and Industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman blamed a private agency that was managing the account of Startup India. The retweets were done by an employee of the agency hired by the department of industrial policy and promotion. The person assigned by the agency for this particular job is not decided by the department and is the sole prerogative of the agency, she said.

S Radha Chauhan, CEO of National e-Governance Division, attributed the controversial post from Digital Indias twitter handle to an agency called Trivone. The person responsible had mistakenly tweeted from the official handle what he wanted to tweet from his personal account, said Chauhan.

Those familiar with the functioning of the governments social media verticals say that agencies are mentioned to cover up for mistakes often committed by someone from the government staff. When in crisis, blame the agency, is the thumbrule the government follows. The fact is that each twitter post is approved by the client before it is posted, said a senior executive with a digital marketing firm attached to a ministry which has recently earned lot of praise for its social media initiatives.

Nishtha Arora, social media and digital consultant in a reputed ad agency, was handling a political account till very recently. She said that the client required her to just randomly tweet or RT to be heard by the followers of a tech-savvy minister and be his digital mouthpiece. I often had to draft tweets which looked like press releases, she said.

Digital faux pas is blamed on to someone who might be an expert in the field but yet has to bow down to the client pressure so that their agenda for the day is met and the said government body or ministry remains in the news, she added.

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India and Russia sealed a number of big ticket defence deals on Saturday, including a purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement, following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors such as trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed the foundation laying of its Unit three and four.

The defence deals included India buying the gamechanger S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of more than USD 5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state-of -the-art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

TERROR TALK

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, Modi appreciated Russias understanding and support of Indias actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to Indias surgical strike across the LoC .

Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

BILATERAL BOOST

Modi said the highly productive outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead, he said.

Read | Modi, Putin meet ahead of BRICS Summit, likely to sign defence deals

The two sides signed an agreement to purchase Triumf long-range air defence missile system which can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The prime minister also announced a joint study for a gas pipeline route between the two countries.

A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the oil and gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising energy bridge between our two countries, he said.

Talking about Indias expanding presence in Russias hydrocarbon sector, Modi said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in that countrys oil and gas sector.

The two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.

On the trade front, Modi said both countries would continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement. Efforts were on for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a fund that will help advance infrastructure partnership.

...We hope to fast track Indias association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister said.

Also read | Indias push on terrorism at BRICS meet moving forward, but words stall decision

For more on the BRICS summit, click here.
Indias plan to get a stronger statement on terrorism adopted at the BRICS summit on Sunday was making progress, officials said, although consensus on the language of the proposed communique eluded negotiators from member nations.

Getting a mention of cross-border terrorism in the statement had become a sticky issue as it rings an immediate reference to Pakistan.

All countries in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are concerned about the menace of terrorism). The joint statement will reflect this, said an official familiar with the negotiations.

India has been rooting for a stronger international framework to deal with terrorism, calls for which have only strengthened in light of the recent attacks on army camps. New Delhi has been pushing for an early adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations.

While attempting to get a mention of the context more urgent for the adoption of the CCIT, India is also pushing for stronger language than what was mentioned in the communique at the 2014 summit in Forteleza, Brazil, said an official on the condition of anonymity.

Read | Terrorism biggest threat to human rights: India tells UN

Both the Russians and the Chinese are comfortable with these changes, but it is not clear how either country would take to mentioning cross-border terrorism.

We will continue to work together to conclude negotiations as soon as possible and to adopt in the UN General Assembly the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. We also stress the need to promote cooperation among our countries in preventing terrorism, especially in the context of major events, said the statement BRICS had adopted at its 2014 Summit.

Yet, Indian officials point out, major incidents resulting from cross-border terrorism such as the Uri attack have not received the attention and response that the 2014 pronouncement called for.

India has also been pushing for a change in the way UN deals with the issue of terrorism and the contradictions in world bodys approach to sanction individuals and entities.

For example, India argued Jaish-e-Mohammed was designated by the UN Sanction committee in 2001, but its chief Maulana Mazood Azhar continues to be outside the list. China had put a consistent technical hold in designating Azhar a terrorist. The designation would lead to asset freeze and travel ban, which would cripple the capacity of the organisations and individuals to plot terrorist activities.

Read | Modi, Xi to discuss bilateral ties hit by NSG issue, Masood Azhar ban push

The BRICS summit, which begins with a dinner for leaders of its member nations, will conclude on Sunday.

For more on the BRICS summit, click here.

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India has succeeded in extracting a longer time frame for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) gases to allow the transition of its refrigeration industry to cleaner options than the timelines agreed by China and developed countries.

At the 28th meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali in Rwanda, 197 countries agreed on Saturday to slash the use of climate-damaging HFC gases.

The agreement is expected to reduce global HFC use by 85 per cent by 2045 and will avert global CO2 emissions equal to more than Indias entire emissions by 2050.

Read: Global deal reached to limit powerful greenhouse gases

Used in refrigerants and air conditioners, HFCs, also known as super pollutant gases, are potent greenhouse gases with global warming potential thousand times more than that of carbon dioxide.

According to the agreement signed under the Montreal Protocol, a global treaty to regulate use of ozone depleting substances, three different schedules have been set for countries to freeze and then reduce their production and use of HFCs.

The developed countries, led by the US and Europe, will reduce HFC use by 85% by 2036 over a 2011-13 baseline of HFC use. China, which is the largest producer of HFCs in the world, will reduce HFC use by 80% by 2045 over the 2020-22 baseline and India will reduce the use of HFCs by 85% by 2047 over the 2024-26 baseline.

HT had first reported on Monday that India had sought to differentiate China from other developing countries and proposed three different timelines one each for the developed countries, China and other developing countries for phasing out HFCs. While it had earlier proposed a baseline of 2028-30, it said it was ready to move it ahead if the developed countries and China took earlier actions.

While China had agreed for an early baseline of 2020-22, it wanted other developing countries to also follow the same baseline. Developed countries, through the protocols funding channels, tried to incentivize an early phase out for the developing nations by proposing an energy efficiency fund for early adopters.

Calling it pressure tactic, India objected to this and suggested that it be either extended to the other developing countries that favour a later baseline or be scrapped altogether.

India proposed a revised roadmap on the final day which was supported by various developing countries. The agreement was finally reached after several meetings between the US, India and other countries. Developed countries have also agreed to provide enhanced funding support to developing countries.

India also announced domestic action on HFC-23 (trifluoro-methane), a super greenhouse gas that is produced as a byproduct of HCFC-22 (chloro-difluoro-methane). Currently, HCFC-22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in India. Under this new domestic law, India has mandated its manufacturers to capture and incinerate HFC-23 so that it is not released into the atmosphere. This action will eliminate release of HFC-23 equivalent to about 100 million tonne of CO2 emissions over the next 15 years.

We welcome this agreement as it reflects the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. It also reflects the emerging reality of a world in which China will have to take more and more responsibility to solve global environmental issues, said Sunita Narain, director general, CSE.

David Doniger, Climate and Clean Air programme director of US-based non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council said the Kigali deal was the biggest step after the Paris agreement against the widening threats from climate change.

And bringing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol sends a clear signal to the global marketplace to start replacing these dangerous chemicals with a new generation of climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives, he said.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal sounded the assembly poll bugle late on Friday from a village in Gujarats Mehsana district, the heartland of the Patidar quota protests that have rocked the state and hurt the ruling BJP in local body elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief chanted slogans of Jai Patidar, Jai Sardar to woo the influential community that is increasingly disgruntled with the state government over a demand for other backward class status.

Addressing a public rally at Pilodra village late on Friday night, Kejriwal raised the issue of police firing on protesters in August 2015 in which 13 Patidar youths were killed.

Whoever ordered the firing should be booked, said Kejriwal and the crowd responded with General DyreGeneral Dyre  a reference to the British officer who ordered his forces to fire on unarmed people at Jallianwallah Bagh in 1919.

The community that has held BJP president Amit Shah responsible for giving firing order on protesters has been referring to him as General Dyre.

Soon, a response came from quota agitation leader Hardik Patel in the form of a letter appealing to the Delhi CM to raise his voice from the national capital in favour of the community.

Kejriwals 10-minutue speech came after he arrived in Ahmedabad in the evening and left for Mehsana to meet two families who lost sons in the 2015 police firing. The family of Mayur Patel, one of the victims, reportedly told Kejriwal that they received all the help from the Gujarat government.

Earlier at the airport, Kejriwal said that the BJP may try to disrupt his Sunday rally in Surat, which is also going to be held in the Patidar bastion of Varachha.

His three-day trip is focused on wooing Patidars, a key vote bank of the BJP for three decades. On Saturday, he will be offering prayers at Maa Umiya temple in Unjha, the deity of Kadva Patidars, and meet more families in Ahmedabad before leaving for Surat. Kejriwal said that in Surat he would discuss issues of locals and ask them whether AAP should contest the assembly elections in 2017.

With the BJP rejecting Patidars OBC quota demand flatly since the beginning of the agitation last year, the disgruntled community members in September had disrupted a public event of Shah in Surat. Shah had to wind up his speech within minutes. Kejriwals Sunday rally will be held in the same area.

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Karnataka government is mulling an increase in the reservation ceiling in education and employment beyond 50%, based on the population, chief minister Siddaramaiah said here on Saturday.

Government will come out with a decision in this regard soon after consulting legal experts and weighing its pros and cons, he said in an official release.

Speaking at a Valmiki Jayanti function here, Siddaramaiah said that with the states plan size of Rs 85,000 crore and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population being 24.1% , Rs 19,542 crore has been allocated for the development of these communities in accordance with the population in 2016-17.

All round development is possible only when everyone is entitled to quality education, equal share in power and prosperity, he said.

Stating that social reformers like Buddha, Basavanna (social reformer), Ambedkar, Kanakadasa (saint-poet) and Valmiki should not be limited to particular communities they belonged to, Siddaramaiah said, we should realise that they were global citizens.

Pointing out that caste system is deep rooted in society, he said, we should try to create social and political awareness while being within the system.

The chief minister while announcing various developmental programmes for the Valmiki community, said 10 acres would be given in the outskirts of Bengaluru to set up the Valmiki study and research centre.
The law ministry will examine a proposal next week to make victims of serious crimes or their kin party to the trials, in a move aimed at giving them more say in the judicial process, officials said.

Under prevailing criminal law, victims are mere spectators or at best witnesses in trials pertaining to offences committed on them. Even appeals against acquittal of the accused are filed by the state at its discretion.

If approved, criminal law will have to be amended to ensure that victims get the right to participate in the trials and the right to appeal against any adverse order passed by the court acquitting the accused.

Heinous crimes include rape, murder, attempt to murder and other such offences.

In its meeting next on Tuesday, the law minister-headed advisory council on justice delivery and legal reforms will discuss the proposal among several others to bring in reforms. This will be the 10th meeting of the council.

Officials said the council will examine recommendations of the 13-year old Malimath Committee which said the present system is completely insensitive to the rights of the victims.

The victim and if he/she is dead his legal representative should have the right to be impleaded as a party in every criminal proceeding, where the offence is punishable with seven year imprisonment or more, the committee had recommended.

Currently, the state employs public prosecutors who represent it against the accused in a trial. On the other hand, the accused get the right to choose their counsel.

The committee had said that victims of such crimes should have the right to be represented by an advocate of their choice and in cases where they cannot afford lawyers, the state is duty-bound to provide legal help.

The proposals approval could lead to mixed results, according to criminal lawyer Siddharth Aggarwal. There could be more delays and confusion on who is leading the prosecution. The change will also increase the existing rich-poor divide in delivery of justice, he added.

Neelam Krishnamurthy of the Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy said the changes are over-due.

Our experience shows that we were at the mercy of the state. If the evidence is not led properly at the trial stage, the accused can get acquitted, she said.

A fire at the Uphaar cinema in Delhi had killed 59 people on June 13, 1997. Families of the victims allege that the accused got away lightly despite the number of deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday as the delegation of both the countries held a bilateral meeting at the Taj Exotica resort in Goa.

Here are the highlights of the meeting:

8pm: The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN: Vikas Swarup

7.58pm: There is close coordination between India and China on this issue,& that particular dialogue will continue: Vikas Swarup,MEA on Masood Azhar

7.55pm:

PM @narendramodi seeks common ground on UN sanctions committee with China. China put on hold designation of Masood Azhar @htTweets  Jayanth Jacob (@jayanthjacob) October 15, 2016

7.53pm: There was a brief discussion on NSG, Modi said that we look forward to working with China to realise Indias membership of NSG: Vikas Swarup

One round of consultations had already taken place between two sides, President Xi said that second round would be happening soon: Vikas Swarup on Indias NSG membership bid

7.51pm: Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue, President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership: Vikas Swarup

PM Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region: Swarup

7.50pm: During the talks, President Xi called for co-operation between India and China in Railways, industrial parks, vocational and skill training, space and ICT: Vikas Swarup

7.45pm: My meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping was fruitful; we discussed various aspects of India-China ties, tweets PM Modi

7.30pm: Bilateral talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping conclude

6.54pm: President Xi Jingping condoles Varanasi stampede deaths

The bilaterals amidst the multilateral commences. PM @narendramodi meets President Xi Jinping for the first before #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/wc8uFID64l  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

6.19pm: Delegation level talks between India and China underway in Goa: ANI

6.00pm: PM Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Taj Exotica resort in Goa

PM @narendramodi meeting Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping, before the #BRICSSummit in Goa pic.twitter.com/fYoQDOngcq  PIB India (@PIB_India) October 15, 2016
Controversial Delhi-based meat exporter Moin Qureshi managed to give the immigration personnel the slip after being detained at the airport here in a money laundering case. Qureshi flew to Dubai after showing a court order in an income tax case, leaving officials red faced.

An inquiry has been ordered by the authorities into the gaffe.

Qureshi was detained based on a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

As the immigration department informed the ED about his detention, Qureshi presented a court order in which there was no restriction on his flying abroad. The immigration officer checked for the veracity of the court order and allowed him to fly to Dubai.

As the ED team reached the airport to take the meat exporter into custody, they were informed that he had been allowed to fly on the basis of a court order.

However, the immigration officer realised that the order was in connection with an Income Tax case and not in the ED case.

According to airport officials, Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the courts nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport.

We have sought documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel. Our officials were on the spot to take his custody but he was allowed to fly abroad, ED sources said.

It is understood that the agency wanted to question Qureshi and had issued summons to him but couldnt lay its hands on him.

The agency had registered a case against Qureshi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year. He is under the scanner of probe agencies for alleged tax evasion and hawala-like dealings.

The agency had slapped fresh charges under PMLA after taking cognisance of the I-T departments charge sheet (also called prosecution complaint) against Qureshi in alleged tax evasion case in a local court last year.

The ED had earlier been probing this case under forex violation laws after the I-T department first shared documents indicating hawala and alleged contravention of forex laws by the businessman and his business entities based here.

It had alleged that Qureshi has sent huge amount of funds through the hawala route to Dubai, London and few other overseas destinations in Europe.

The agency early last year had also conducted searches on Qureshis premises and had questioned him.

The Income Tax department, during its probe, had found Qureshi had 11 bank lockers which were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles belonged to the businessman.
Dozens of foreign tourists were among passengers stranded.

Flooding from strong rains triggered by a tropical depression have left 8 people dead and 10 others missing, displaced thousands, and submerged many areas in central Vietnam, with more than 32,000 houses deep in water and many important roads paralyzed.

The low pressure system made landfall in Quang Binh on Thursday, bringing torrential rains measuring up to 700mm that flooded more than 27,000 houses in the province and more than 5,000 in the neighboring Ha Tinh.

At least six people in Quang Binh have been killed and six others reported missing by flooding, one of the worst disasters in the provinces history, according to the National Committee for Search and Rescue. One cargo vessel there sank and some of the crew members are still missing.

Vehicles are stuck in Quang Binh as the road ahead is badly flooded. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Tao

Thousands of vehicles have come to a standstill on national highways that run through Quang Binh as many sections were heavily inundated.

Flooding and erosion along the north-south rail link on Saturday morning also put 43 trains on hold, with around 10,000 passengers and 400 tons of cargo affected. One train had 96 foreigners aboard.

Dozens of foreign tourists were among passengers stranded on 22 trains in the affected region, prompting provincial authorities to provide food and water, while many flights to the region were cancelled, Reuters reported late Saturday, citing Vietnam Television.

Military personnel assist foreign tourists to get out of a flooded area. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Tao

Tropical storm Sarika, now in the Philippines, is moving toward Vietnam's central region, and could bring more rain to the affected areas, Reuters said, citing the website Tropical Storm Risk and VTV.

As of noon, southbound trains still had to wait in Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces while those traveling north were held up in Hue and Da Nang.

Do Quang Van, director of the Ho Chi Minh City division of Vietnam Railways, said passengers would receive assistance to continue their journey. Refunds are also available.

Le Ngoc Huan, a district chairman in Ha Tinh, said some places in the province are flooded by more than four meters.

Many areas have been turned into isolated islets. A report from the Central Hydrometeorology Forecast Center said the water on most rivers have reached the emergency levels.

Landslides have been forecast for mountainous parts of the provinces.

Floods leave 8 dead, 10 missing in central Vietnam Severe floods turn houses into islets in central Vietnam

Related news:

> Province drowns as non-stop rains, floods hit central Vietnam

> Tropical storm wreaks havoc on Hue's street trees
Seeking to allay Indias concern over Russias growing military ties with Pakistan, a top official and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday there are no talks for sale of military equipment to Pakistan and that the recently held army exercise was directed at countering terrorism and not aimed at India.

Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, asserted that the military exercise does not show a significant change in his countrys relations with Pakistan.

Our relationship with Pakistan has existed for a while. In some areas it has broadened but I will not call it as significant change, Chemezov, who was the KGB station chief in Germany when Putin was a young operative there, told a select group of journalists.

Asked about the recently held army exercise, Chemezov said it was directly connected with modern way of specialised fight against terrorists.

Highlighting terrorism, he said that the Islamic State (IS) was not just an Arab danger but a global one.

IS is a global danger and it not just involves terrorism in the Arab world but does involve terrorists in Russia, India as well as Pakistan. We feel that joint military exercise in this area are vital for world peace. These exercises are not in any way targeted at anything to do with India or any other country, Chemezov said.

Asked about the sale of Mi 35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, Chemezov said that Russia has not delivered any modern aircraft or any military aircraft to Pakistan.

We have made deliveries of helicopters but those are specialised transport helicopters. Delivery has already been made. There is no contract negotiations for any military related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan, he said.

Chemezov said that Russia would be glad to cooperate with India on the issue of terrorism and would be happy to not just provide equipment and weapons but also share best practices of its special forces and increase cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin began a closed-door bilateral meeting on Saturday ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa, in which a clutch of big-ticket defence deals will be signed.

Putin arrived in Goa after a nine-hour delay for the 17th annual India-Russia summit, in which Modi will likely raise concerns over Russia-Pakistans military ties among other matters.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Modi and Putin will discuss a range of issues including defence, counter-terrorism.

The leaders will later participate in the foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant via video conference.

Several defence deals are expected to be inked, including a pact for delivery of anti-missile defence system  S-400 Triumpf, a new version of the BrahMos missile. The S-400 can shoot down around 36 targets simultaneously over several hundred kilometres. Russias most modern air defence system is in use in Syria.

The two sides are also looking at a work-share agreement for the fifth generation fighter jets and a deal to jointly produce Ka-226T helicopters.

Sources said talks on a framework agreement for two more reactors in Kudankulam and their funding were in an advanced stage.

Putin earlier arrived at the Dabolim airport to a red carpet welcome after which Modi greeted the Russian President on Twitter saying: India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful visit.

Top bureaucrats from the Russian defence, energy, trade and industries ministries are accompanying the President.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Salcette (Goa) #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/vC9tuRW3Vu  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

(With inputs from agencies)
Investigation into the death of a 13-year-old Jain girl after 68 days of fasting has ground to a halt as Hyderabad Police say they cant proceed in the absence of physical clues or a post-mortem report.

Officers say Aradhana Samdariya  who died after performing the Jain ritual of tapasya  was cremated within hours of her death on October 3, six days before a police case was registered following complaints from child-rights organisations.

There is no possibility of any post-mortem and it is difficult for us to ascertain the actual reason for the death, Secunderabad market police inspector M Mattaiah, who is investigating the case, told HT. But despite growing calls for the arrest of the girls parents, the police ruled out the possibility.

Read: Dont interfere: Jain leaders tell activists as girl dies fasting for 68 days

The death triggered national outrage and put the spotlight on the controversial ritual that allegedly took the girls life with many child-rights activists saying the parents should be held responsible for coercing their daughter.

But Jain leaders have pushed back at the mounting criticism, saying they were being unfairly targeted and that their practices were harmless.

Hospital records show the girl was brought dead on October 3 and the cause of death was shown as cardiac arrest. This can happen for any reason. Parents and community leaders say Aradhana died two days after the completion of fasting; so, there is no reason to believe that the immediate cause of death was only fasting, though it could be one of the reasons, Mattaiah said.

He also dismissed the possibility of arresting Lakshmichand Samdariya and his wife Manisha, parents of Aradhana at this stage. We dont think there is any need to arrest them just based on the complaint. We are taking legal opinion before proceeding further, as it also involves the religious practices of Jain community, the official said.

Read: Jain girl death row: Religion cant be a licence to deny right to life

In their representation to Hyderabad Police commissioner M Mahender Reddy a couple of days ago, several Jain associations under the banner of Sri Jain Seva Sangh said section 304 (2) of the Indian penal code culpable homicide -- was not applicable to Aradhanas parents as they had not forced her to take up fasting and had no intention of killing her. No parents want their daughter to die. It can be treated as an accidental death or an act of God, association leader Vinod Kumar Kimti said.

The Andhra Pradesh Child Rights Association said it was receiving e-mails and calls from various Jain communities nationwide and even from some purported Vishwa Hindu Parishad members, asking it to withdraw the case or face dire consequences.

I have received at least 50 mails from various Jain groups, mostly from Maharashtra, in the last few days, demanding that I withdraw the case. Some of them even threatened me with dire consequences, if I do not do so, association honorary president P Achyuta Rao told HT.

He said a couple of leaders, claiming to be from VHP, sought to know why I was after the Aradhana case. They asked me why I did not up the case of several Muslim boys injure themselves and indulging in beating of their bodies during Muharram, he pointed out.

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A Dalit man who succumbed to HIV virus had to be cremated in front of his home in a village in Odisha after locals refused to allow the last rites at the public cremation ground.

The deceased, 35-year-old Prakash Jena (name changed), was working in Mumbai where he reportedly contracted HIV. As his health deteriorated, he returned to his native village Tentei in Soro block of Balasore district. He was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where he died on Friday.

The discrimination against the dead HIV patient came days after the union government approved amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 which safeguards the rights of people living with and affected by the HIV virus.

As the family members of the HIV victim were planning to take the body the public cremation ground at Hansianipada, villagers insisted that the family should not go to the crematorium.

We tried reasoning with the villagers, but could not make them understand. They were adamant over not allowing an HIV victim to be cremated, Soro police station inspector Kartik Mallick.

With villagers refusing to budge, the family members had to light the funeral pyre in front of their house.

The wife of the deceased is also HIV positive and one of their kids had reportedly died of same causes.
India has not formally conveyed any plan of sealing its border with Pakistan by December 2018, the countrys Foreign Office has said.

In a response to home minister Rajnath Singhs statement that India would completely seal the border with Pakistan by December 2018, Pakistans Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria on Friday said: We dont have any details.

Zakaria said the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood but their actions contradicted their claims, Dawn online reported.

The remarks come as India and Pakistan are locked in a diplomatic acrimony and border tension after the September 18 terror attack on a military base in Kashmirs border town of Uri that killed 19 soldiers.

Days later, India carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads and killed an unspecified number of terrorists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Zakaria regretted that India had till date shared no evidence on the Samjhauta Express attack in February 2007, despite New Delhis commitment at the highest political level to share the details in relation with the terror attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis.

The attack was carried out by Rashtriya Seva Sangh and Abhinav Bharats operatives, he said, adding that Islamabad has and will continue to raise the issue with India.

Zakaria said that Pakistan was actively highlighting the Kashmir issue across Europe, Britian, North America and Nordic states, and this was the reason why India is desperate and is making every effort to deflect attention from the matter.

Manifestations of these efforts are visible in their false media campaigns and false surgical strikes claim and other things like that. So, these are the reflections of the desperation of India and the pressure which is being built on India in the context of the brutalities it is committing in Kashmir.

We have been asking for the international communitys intervention in this regard and we will keep on asking for this, he said.

Zakaria said there should be a probe over unrest in the Valley, which has left more than 90 people dead since July 9, a day after the killing of top militant Burhan Wani in a gunfight with security forces.

About defence minister Manohar Parrikars statement that the government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes, Zakaria said the blatant lie stood exposed now.

Commenting on New Delhis diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the region as well in the world, Zakaria said Pakistan was not facing international isolation and was very much engaged in world affairs.

According to him, a number of multilateral events and high-level visits were taking place in and out of Pakistan.

More and more countries are engaging with Pakistan. Pakistans strategic location is of immense importance, he said, citing the examples of Russia and Irans recent engagements with Islamabad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to seal energy and defence deals Saturday that officials say are signs of a deepening partnership between the nations.

Putin will hold talks with Modi after arriving in the Indian tourism state of Goa for a BRICS summit also involving the heads of leading emerging nations Brazil, China and South Africa.

Among the agreements expected to be signed between the two leaders are Moscows delivery of its most advanced anti-aircraft defence system to India.

India, the worlds top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

Modi and Putin will also focus on strengthening energy ties to meet Indias growing thirst for fuel and electricity for its fast-growing economy.

Russias biggest oil company Rosneft is expected to acquire Indias Essar Oil in a multi-billion-dollar deal, according to local media reports, quoting officials involved in the agreement.

The menu is vast, Indias ambassador to Russia, Pankaj Saran said at a briefing on the talks, without detailing the deals to be signed.

It is more than a relationship, it is a partnership and very justifiably it has been described by the two leaders as both special and privileged, as well as of course strategic, he said.

It is very deep and very intense and it is poised to grow even further.

Saran said he also expected them to discuss Indias tensions with neighbour Pakistan, which spiked after last months attack on an Indian army base that killed 19 soldiers.

Read | Talks on cross-border terror, India-China rift to be in focus at BRICS Summit

Modi has sought to isolate Pakistan internationally since the attack that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

India said it subsequently carried out strikes against militants over the border in Pakistan, prompting a furious response from Islamabad.

We have conveyed our views to the Russian side. We are confident that Russia will reflect upon our concerns, Saran said.

But Putin is seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rivals, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

Air defence system

In beachside Goa, the two leaders will reach agreement on Moscows delivery of the S-400 Triumph defence system, Russian news agencies quoted a Putin aide as saying on Friday, without detailing a timeframe.

The S-400 is Russias most modern air defence system and has been deployed to Syria, where Moscow is conducting a bombing campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad, its long-time ally.

India was the erstwhile Soviet Unions closest military ally during the Cold War and a major importer of its military hardware. But in recent years Delhi has turned to the United States for supplies, as the two nations forge stronger ties.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders, including Chinas President Xi Jinping late Saturday, before hosting a dinner in their honour to officially start the BRICS summit.

The BRICS leaders will get down to talks on Sunday, with enhancing trade ties along with regional and global terrorism issues that are expected to be on the agenda.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.

Read | Terror from Pakistan to be on agenda of Modi-Putin meet ahead of BRICS
India and Russia sought to reinvigorate their time-tested friendship on Saturday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin presided over signing of a clutch of big-ticket defence and energy deals.

The two leaders also signalled a strong commitment to working together on key global and regional issues confronting their nations  including terrorism.

Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own, Modi said as he sought Moscows support in New Delhis fight against cross-border terrorism. We affirm the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, he added.

President Putin and I have just concluded an extensive and useful conversation on the entire spectrum of our engagement, he said after an annual summit meeting that lasted nearly three hours.

Full text: PM Modis statement welcoming Russian President Putin to India

There was a visible sign of bonhomie as the two leaders emerged from the meeting to make joint statement.

Modi began with a Russian proverbial saying that sees one old friend as more precious than two new friends, in an apparent reference to the recent churning in the relations between the two countries.

Relations between India and Russia  once considered all-weather allies -- have weakened in recent times with Indias pronounced tilt towards the United States. The recent first ever Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was Moscows way of signalling that it should not be taken for granted by Delhi. That India conveyed its displeasure to Moscow about its military exercise with Pakistan while simultaneously buying $5 billion worth of weapons, including long-range air-defence systems, speaks to the underlying tensions despite a recognition that both sides still need each other.

Foreign secretary S Jaishankar said Modi and Putin strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised on the need for international collaboration and denying safe haven, stopping recruitment and border training. The two sides also talked about an international legal regime to deal with direct or indirect support for terrorism.

He said India appreciated Russias unequivocal condemnation of a militant attack that killed 19 soldiers at an Indian Army base in Kashmir s Uri. Russias stand on terror is clear. Put two and two together, he said, when asked if Moscow had backed the armys surgical strikes.

Jaishankar said India had full faith in Russia. We are satisfied that Russia understands Indias interests, wont do anything contrary to our interests, he said, when asked about the Moscow-Islamabad military exercise.

Read | Modi, Putin meet ahead of BRICS Summit, likely to sign defence deals

The deals signed on Saturday included three major defence agreements. The two countries announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally. Officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the countrys defence forces, and is part of Modis drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation.

We continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement. Businesses, industry between our countries is connected more deeply today, Modi said.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen Indias defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, military officials have said.

Read | Indias push on terrorism at BRICS meet moving forward, but words stall decision
Normal life was paralysed in Manipur on Saturday due to a shutdown called by banned outfits in protest against the merger of the state with India on October 15, 1949.

The 18-hour general strike was called from Friday midnight by the Coordination Committee (Corcom) of the six outlawed underground organisations.

All educational institutes, government offices, shops and business establishments remained shut and vehicles were off the roads in response to the shutdown call.

Security was tightened in all vulnerable areas as officials feared an outbreak of violence. inter-state buses and trucks were stranded beyond Manipurs borders.

A statement issued by Corcom said King Budhachandra of Manipur was summoned to Shillong, then in undivided Assam, for signing the merger agreement on September 21, 1949.

However, the merger agreement was officially announced on October 15, 1949, to synchronise with the merger of Tripura.

A public convention held recently in Imphal declared the agreement as null and void, saying Manipur had an elected assembly and that the king was merely a constitutional head at the time of the merger.

The king, according to the Corcom, had no power to sign such documents without approval from the elected house.
From its birth in 2006, to its 8th annual summit in 2016, BRICS has come a long way. An organisation which brought together emerging world economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is now trying hard to stay relevant.

A look at some milestones in the BRICS journey over the last decade:

2001: The acronym BRIC was first used by Goldman Sachs, the multinational investment firm, in their Global Economics Paper, The World Needs Better Economic BRICs projecting that the economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China would be among the worlds largest in the next 50 years.

2006: As a formal grouping, BRIC started after the meeting of the leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping was formalised after their foreign ministers met on the margins of a United Nations general assembly meeting in New York.

2009: The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16, 2009. The leaders discussed the current global financial crisis, global development, and further strengthening of the BRIC group.

2010: It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the groupings foreign ministers meeting in New York in September 2010. Apparently two African countries were being considered as candidates, Nigeria and South Africa; including South Africa kept the acronym intact.

2011: South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya, China, for the first time. Brazil and India pressed China to buy such goods as Brazilian aircraft and Indian pharmaceuticals; the two countries also complained about the artificially undervalued yuan they claimed was undermining their exports.

2014: The grouping launches a multilateral New Development Bank (NDB) for infrastructure needs and the Currency Reserve Arrangement (CRA). The latter is a commitment by the five countries to set up a $100-bn pool of currency reserves to help forestall short-term liquidity reserves. China, with $41bn, contributes the most. India contributes $18 bn.
As India and Russia inch closer to signing a clutch of big-ticket defence deals, New Delhi hopes Kremlin will weigh in on the concerns it has raised over Pakistan.

We have conveyed our concerns and views to the Russian side...We are confident that Russia will reflect on our concerns, Indian ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran said.

Last month, Russia held its first military exercise with Pakistan. India is expected to convey its displeasure over the war game that coincided with its diplomatic offensive to isolate the neighbouring country after a deadly strike by suspected Pakistani militants left 19 soldiers dead at the Uri army base in Jammu and Kashmir, which is battling street protests for four months now.

Saran, who indicated that the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan would be discussed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet on Saturday, said the military exercise couldnt overshadow Indias strong ties with Russia.

We have to distinguish between the general trend of the partnership, which has developed over decades, and a specific incident. I do not think it is at all legitimate to reduce the relationship to what happened a few days ago, Saran said.

Read | Look forward to talks with China, honoured to welcome Putin: Modi

Labourers work at one of the venues of BRICS Summit in Benaulim. (Reuters)

Several defence deals are also expected to be inked at the annual Indo-Russia summit. These include a pact for delivery of anti-missile defence system  S-400 Triumpf, a new version of the BrahMos missile. The S-400 can shoot down around 36 targets simultaneously over several hundred kilometres. Russias most modern air defence system is in use in Syria.

The two sides are also looking at a work-share agreement for the fifth generation fighter jets and a deal to jointly produce Ka-226T helicopters.

The plan is to build 200 of these helicopters, which will replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers, under the Modi governments ambitious Make in India campaign.

Sources said talks on a framework agreement for two more reactors in Kudankulam and their funding were in an advanced stage.

Read | Talks on cross-border terror, India-China rift to be in focus at BRICS Summit

Read | All you need to know about the BRICS group
Around 6,000 workers are stuck outside the Lai Vu Industrial Park as residents in Hai Duong Province blocked the entrance to the park to demand fair land compensation rates. Photo by VnExpress

A new, messy turn for a dispute over land clearance that has remained unresolved for more than 10 years.

Traffic was backed up for hours on Saturday along a major highway in northern Vietnam after nearly 50 residents in Hai Duong Province blocked the entrance to an industrial park, in a show of protest against allegedly low land compensation rates.

The group arrived in front of Lai Vu Industrial Park with hundreds of bags containing waste at 6 a.m.

Around 6,000 workers could not get into the park, causing severe congestion on National Highway 5, an artery road connecting the port city of Hai Phong and Hanoi.

The protesters said they were not happy with unreasonably low compensation rates for their land, the main issue of a dispute that has lasted more than a decade.

Police soon arrived, trying to ease traffic jams and persuade the group to stop blocking the road.

The highway was cleared at around 11 a.m. when the protesters of Kim Thanh District left.

The district chairman, Nguyen Huu Tien, confirmed with VnExpress that the residents, whose land was taken for the development of the industrial park, have been demanding higher compensation.

Tien said the dispute "has lingered for more than 10 years without a solution."

Workers clean the area in front of the industrial park after the protesters left. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Chinh

Related news

> Thai investor plans giant $800 mln industrial park in Vietnam

> Industrial waste from Formosa steel plant found buried in public park

> Dispute between industrial park owner and tenant draws official warning
In a small room tucked away inside the AIADMK party office in Chennai, a group of young professionals is working round-the-clock in breakneck shifts. There is no major election in the offing but the team has hardly any time to look up from their computer screens.

The men and women comprise the partys IT wing who are battling a storm of rumours and speculations swirling across Tamil Nadu about chief minister J Jayalalithaas health. Every day, they scour Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, WhatsApp and other media to scorch possible falsehoods, fake photos and videos and identify rumour mongers to hand over to the police.

We work in three shifts, round the clock, said G Ramachandran, AIADMK IT wing secretary. A majority of offenders are people from opposition parties, and a few are attention-seeking. But the damage they do is equally dangerous.

Read: AIIMS team, UK specialist visit Apollo again to monitor Jayas treatment

The dedicated team is only one cog of a massive machinery involving the state police, ruling party and government officials who are leading a massive crackdown against anyone spreading rumours about the chief minister, who has been hospitalized for more than three weeks.

The AIADMK chief was admitted to Chennais Apollo hospitals with high fever and dehydration on September 22 but news of her treatment has been tightly controlled with cryptic health bulletins adding to the many rumours flying around.

On Friday, police arrested two Canara Bank employees in Coimbatore  gold appraiser Suresh and clerk Ramesh  for spreading rumours about the chief ministers health in front of an AIADMK local leader, Punitha Devi.

Devi complained to the police, who arrested the duo under non-bailable charges and threw them in jail.

Too stunned to react, relatives of the two employees or even the bank staff are scared even to talk, lest it complicate their situation further.

Read: Police nab two more for spreading rumours about Jayas health on social media

Their lawyer told Hindustan Times on Saturday morning that these two are normal, respectable and law abiding citizens. On an oral complaint of a political person, they have been charged with offences that are non-bailable. But I will move an application on Monday.

They arent the only ones. Police have registered more than 50 similar cases for spreading rumours about the CMs health. The last arrest was on Saturday morning of Antony Sesuraj from Tuticorin district. He said he had merely shared a social media post of a France-based Tamil person.

We have formed a special team and are scanning different sites. More arrests are likely, said a senior officer of the Cyber Crime Cell. We cannot allow people to spread rumors and create panic among people.

But activists condemn the arrests and the branding of people as criminals just because they gossiped. The state itself is in a paranoia and this is the reason why people are being slapped with criminal charges and thrown into jail for speculations on the health of a person in public life. You cannot brand them as criminals, said Sudha Ramalingam, senior advocate and activist.

I am surprised as none of the accused so far filed for quashing of charges.

The AIADMK says it is happy with the success of the crackdown.

The police crackdown by the cyber cell and the partys own monitoring have resulted in a significant drop in the number of fresh rumour-mongering cases, said Radhakrishnan.

Read: Politicians, VIPs make a beeline to Apollo to see Jayalalithaa

The arrests started with software engineer, Sathish Sharma, who was picked up for posting allegedly derogatory information on the CMs health. A mechanic was arrested from Pandian Nagar in Madurai after he posted a conversation, purportedly by a member of the Apollo Hospital satff, giving details of the treatment given to the chief minister.

The two, who were brought to Chennai, accepted their guilt during questioning, were remanded in judicial custody and lodged in Puzhal central jail. Another two persons were picked up two days ago on similar charges.

But activists say this trend is not surprising in a state whose government filed more than 200 defamation cases against media and political opponents.

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Over 40 Tibetans were arrested on Saturday from Margao town of Goa for protesting against Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrived in the coastal state for the BRICS summit.

The protesters, demanding independence for Tibet, were rounded up from a site 15km away from the BRICS summit venue.

A total of 43 Tibetans were arrested in the town where they were protesting. They will be produced before a local court later in the day, Margao Police Inspector C L Patil told PTI.

The protest was held under the banner of Tibet Youth Congress.

The stir began just before Xi arrived at INS Hansa base this afternoon for the two-day summit that started on Saturday.

We want India to help Tibet get freedom. We want our country to be free. We are against the illegal occupation of Tibet by China, TYC leader Tenzing Jimmy told reporters at the protest site.

The protesters, including women, were waiving placards with slogans demanding China unconditionally start talks with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lamas envoy.

Goa Police started a crackdown on Tibetans a week before the Summit, being attended by leaders of five emerging economies, including India and China. In the last few days, more than 20 of them were detained and left with a warning.

But the protest at Margao caught the police unawares.
The US welcomed the efforts of BRICS countries to engage constructively in global issues of importance as member nations converge in Goa, India, for the eight summit.

Responding to a question on the summit, being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this year, a US state department spokesman said, US welcomes BRICS effort of constructive engagement.

Ahead of the summit on Friday, Modi said he was looking forward to building bridges to new partnerships and finding common resolve and solutions to entrenched problems of the region.

He also said they would discuss ways to address pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of our goals. The Prime Minister is holding bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

The five BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population, and have a combined gross domestic product of $16.6 trillion.

India is likely to push for unity among the BRICS members to remove the logjam at the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for effectively dealing with terror.

Initiated by India, the CCIT is stuck at the UN due to lack of agreement among its members about the definition of terrorism.
The death of 24 people in a stampede in Varanasi on Saturday once again highlights the cult-like status enjoyed by self-styled godmen and their hold over their followers even after death.

Those who died in the holy city were followers of Jai Gurudev, a charismatic but controversial religious leader who contested elections, went to jail during the Emergency and even dug for mythical gold in a protected archaeological site near Mathura.

That was before he died in 2012 at an unconfirmed age of 116.

Since then, his legacy has passed on to the organisation he floated, the Jai Gurudev Dharm Pracharak Adhyatm Sanstha which has been preaching his ideals.

Typically clad in white robes and turban, the seer had espoused vegetarianism and morality and claimed to liberate the soul from the rotation of birth and death, according to a bio on his website.

He is said to have left behind a vast empire worth over Rs 10,000 crore, apart from 250 luxury cars  all supposedly gifted by his devotees. He also left behind a palatial ashram in Mathura and properties in several cities in northern India.

One of his most prominent followers, Ram Vriksh Yadav and a large group had broken away to form a radical organisation and encroached upon a large plot of government land in Mathura. Yadav and more than twenty others were killed in June during clashes with police attempting to evict the group members.

Also known as Tulsidas Maharaj, Jai Gurudev was imprisoned for 20 months during a period of political unrest in 1975 and led the Doordarshi political party in the 1980s and 1990s, unsuccessfully campaigning for election to Parliament.

The sect is now led by his spiritual heir Pankaj Maharaj, who was scheduled to address the gathering on Saturday at Domari village on the banks of the Ganga.

And even as the tragedy unfolded on the Rajghat bridge, people drenched in devotion moved on, chanting Go vegetarian for the cause of nature.

I am going to attend the satsang (religious gathering). I have no idea about any incident here, said Shivpujan Chauhan from Ballia, as he joined a long trail of followers making their way to hear guruji speak.

(With agency inputs)
At least 14 persons were killed and 16 others injured when a bus fell into a water-filled stone quarry in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district on Friday morning, police said.

More than 30 passengers were on board the ill-fated bus when it met with the accident around 10.30am near Namli village, about 14 kilometre from the district headquarters.

Five somehow managed to escape unhurt, while several others went missing, according to police.

The vehicle belonging to Mamta Bus Service was on its way to Jaora from Ratlam.

Additional superintendent of police Prashant Choubey said prima facie it appeared that the driver lost control of the bus due to some technical snag in the steering. As a result of which the bus veered off the road and plunged into the pit filled with rainwater.

Eye witnesses, however, claimed the bus went out of control after a tyre burst.

Police and district administration officials immediately rushed to the spot after the incident and launched a rescue operation. An NDRF team was also called from Bhopal to help the effort.

So far, 14 bodies were fished out.

All bodies were brought to the Ratlam district hospital. 10 bodies were identified and handed over to family after post-mortem.

Injured were also admitted to the district hospital, police said.

Death toll may rise as condition of many injured were critical.

The rescue operation would continue for few more hours, rescuers said.

Following the incident the district administration decided to notify the spots where stone quarries are located to prevent similar mishap in future, district collector B Chandraskhekhar said.

Administration would put up proper fencing and take other safety measure too around such spots, he added.

Prime minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting the state, and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the tragedy.

Extremely distressed by the loss of lives caused by the bus accident in Ratlam, MP. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, the PMO tweeted.

In the tweet Modi also wished quick recovery for the injured.

State chief minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of all the deceased.

The state government also announced free treatment for the injured.
The news of Bob Dylan being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for 2016 was greeted with happiness and with disbelief. Literature and music lovers in Indore and Mhow were also a divided on the issue.

Meenakshi Singh, a manager in a firm said, I am in seventh heaven. I have always wondered why Dylans lyrics were not taught as poetry.

Many fans felt that song writing and literature are different genres of creativity and should be kept in separate compartments.

According to Sandeep GR, sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Mhow, I have been a big fan of the folk rock artist right from his Tambourine Man to Highway 61 Revisited but Ive always thought Dylan was more about the harmonica and guitar than the lyrics. A Grammy for him is ok, but Nobel No.

Dr Amitava Saraswati, head of the department, mathematics at St Pauls School, Indore said, Being a diehard Dylan fan since school days who searched every record shop for a Dylan LP in the back alleys of Sudder Street in Calcutta I was taken aback on hearing the news. No doubt, his songs with strong messages became anthems but classifying music as literature baffles me.

According to Siddhartha K Rastogi, assistant professor of economics at IIM Indore, I liked and followed Dylan a lot, including his writings and autobiography. He has undoubtedly made a mark on the American and global arena for popular poetry, music, and expression. A special mention Pulitzer or a Medal of Arts would be a very apt recognition for his contribution. Despite all my liking for Dylan, I find this Nobel choice hard to digest. I feel that this diminishes the gravity of the prestigious award.

Dr Evelyn R Gaekwad, faculty in English at Shishukunj International School was also not in favour of the award being given to Dylan, I am thinking of those great writers and poets who have lost to Dylan. These include AD Hope, Judith Wright, Les Murray and Robert Gray among others. Maybe Justin Beiber will also win the Nobel in the years to come.
A writ petition to prevent the Madhya Pradesh government from holding the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Indore was moved before the MP high court on Friday. The petition will be heard on Monday.

City-based social activist Tapan Bhattacharya moved the petition alleging that the state government is favouring industries at the cost of thousands of acres of agricultural land on which lakhs of farmers are dependent.

The activist urged the court to direct the state to cancel the summit, cancel land allotment to Patanjali, Micromax, Ambanis and others which is done against the provisions of Article 14 (equality before law), and not to acquire any agricultural land from farmers.

The petition termed the state governments decision to hold a GIS as arbitrary, unconstitutional, unreasonable and malafide.

Quoting a Hindi news daily, Bhattacharya said, The state government had organised several investor summits, had spent over Rs 100 crore to woo investors, and allocated about 71,000 acres of land to industrialists, but only 12 industries were set up.

In GIS 2014, the government has signed agreements with over 245 companies to set up their industries, but no industry has come up till date, Bhattacharya said.

Petitioners counsel, senior advocate Anand Mohan Mathur said, The state was affected by drought in 2015-16, and a number of farmers have committed suicide and many have moved out of state to seek other employment.

If the state goes on converting agricultural land for industrial use, the fundamental right of farmers under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees Right to Livelihood, will be violated. The state shall endeavour to organise agriculture and animal husbandry on modern scientific lines under Article 48. But policies of the government are violating these provisions, the senior counsel said.

The investors who are invited for GIS are already heavily indebted The petition mentioned that some of the companies invited for the summit are heavily indebted to public sector banks.

Reliance group has a bank loan of Rs 1.25 lakh crore; Vendanta group standing on a loan amount of Rs 1.03 lakh crore; Essar group  Rs 1.01 lakh crore; Adani group  Rs 96,031 crore; JP group  Rs 75,163 crore and so on, the petition read.

CIVIC BODY RACES AGAINST TIME FOR GRAND GIS OPENING

Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) officials are working round-the-clock to build an effective management system so as to impress hundreds of industrialists who are expected the attend the Global investors Summit on October 22 and 23 in the city.

More than 2,000 delegates from across the world are expected to visit the summit. The district administration has started preparations for erecting a 5,000 sq meter dome to exhibit industrial products and promote the governments Make in MP agenda.

To ensure an effective parking management, an area of approximately 90,000 sq meters is cleared to accommodate more than 4,000 cars and two-wheelers. A temporary wall is being constructed to cover the entire area where the exhibition is expected to be held.

IMC spends over Rs 3 cr on beautification

In the wake of Global Investors Summit, the Indore Municipal Corporation has started anti-encroachment drives in prominent areas of city where delegates are expected to visit.

IMC staff have been issued deadlines to clean the area, paint footpaths and road markings by Saturday. A team of IMC officials carried out inspection and found many encroachments by the roadside.

According to additional commissioner Devendra Singh, three to four removal teams have been dispatched to inspect different areas of Indore. The directives include removal of pushcarts and small kiosks alongside the road between Airport and Radisson hotel and other key areas.

IMC had performed the same drill a couple of days ago, but failed as the reports of re-encroachments surfaced again.

Our teams are removing encroachments in the green belts near Bypass where small shops blocking the roads, Singh said.

The area near Indore Airport, Super Corridor and MR-10 are also parts of the beautification drive. The corporation is spending Rs 3 crore on beautification of Super Corridor, construction of dividers, painting grills and railings on VIP routes, constructing a boundary wall near Bapat square, putting up sign boards and markings.
Amateur radio operators in south Bengal have raised alarm over unauthorised radio communication along the Bengal-Bangladesh border. The communication is taking place using radio signals (very high frequency) at dead in the night and the sources of the signals are moving and speaking in code languages.

When HAM radio operators of Bengal tried speaking to them, they stopped communication briefly only to resume it again. After they brought the matter to the notice of the Centre, they were asked to monitor the signals round the clock.

Interestingly, radio sets were found with the terrorists in recent Uri attacks that were used by them for communication with their bases in Pakistan.

Alarmed, the Ham operators have deployed 23 operators to monitor the signals round the clock. They also worked throughout the pujas.

Read:250 active terrorists in Kashmir plan to target Indian forces: Reports

Their secretary of the West Bengal Radio Club (Amateur Club) told HT that the nature of the communication is highly suspicious.

After we wrote a letter highlighting the strange signals to the ministry of communication and information technology, we were called for a meeting by officials of international monitoring station in Kolkata on September 22. Ten of us met the officials. and furnished the details of our findings, said Ambarish Nag Biswas, secretary Bengal Amateur Radio Club.

We were asked to continue the monitoring. Twenty three of our ham operators monitored round the clock during Pujas. On Asthami we once again we found such unauthorized communication. It is a cause for concern for us all since the location is close to Bangladesh border and that the callers were taking in codes and words with Bangladeshi pronunciation, added Biswas.

According to the Ham radio operators, the communication was noticed in VHF (which is used by the operators) since June.

The callers were using Bengali and Urdu with typically Bangladeshi styled pronunciations. Numeric codes were also used to communicate.

Read:Bangladesh investigators identify 5 financiers of Dhaka cafe terror attacks

We have also heard names like Barik and Sofi during the conversation. The communications takes place around midnight and the location of the communicator shifts frequently. When we ask them to identify themselves, they go silent for 15 to 20 mins. Names of places such as Bashirhat, Taki and Deganga were also heard, said Biswas.

Ham operators like Souvik Chanda Dutta, Subrata Dey, Jayanta Baidya, Pallab Chakraborty, Sufal Majumder and others monitored the radio waves round the clock during the Durga Pujas.

Amateur radio, often called HAM radio, is both a hobby and a service in which participants, called hams, use various types of radio communications equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs through airwaves for public services, recreation and self-training.

Read:Kolkata Police arrest six JMB members from Assam

An estimated 30 lakh people throughout the world are regularly involved in amateur radio transmissions. HAM radio operators have worked during disasters like the Aila cyclone and the Bhuj earthquake and are present at the Gangasagar Mela every year.

The amateur radio association in Bengal was formed in 2008 and this is the first time they have encountered such strange communication along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Any reference to such communication is enough to give sleepless nights to the authorities since the 2014 Burdwan blast that blew the lid off a flourishing terror network in at least four districts of Bengal.

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The much-publicised Dalit-Maratha unity convention, a brainchild of Union minister Ramdas Athawale, scheduled next week has come to a naught as situation in Nashik continues to be tense.

The sexual assault of a five-year-old girl allegedly by a Dalit youth has forced Athawale to postpone the convention in Shirdi which is in the vicinity of Trimabeshwar where the incident took place.

The convention was an effort by the Republican Party of India (RPI-A), which is headed by Athawale, to bridge the gap between Dalits and Marathas. He has supported Marathas demand for reservation.

Besides the incident, another consternation point is the Scheduled Caste and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as Marathas allege its misuse by Dalits and tribals.

However, Athawale, who is the Union minister of state for social justice, played down the issue, saying the programme was being postponed owing to the absence of leaders from other political parties.

I had extended an invitation to all major leaders to attend the convention. They had initially agreed but have now backed out due to various reasons, said Athawale.

Athawale, who was in Nashik this week and met the victims family, rued that although the RPI (A) has never supported any Dalits indulging in criminal acts, the recent incidents have unnerved the community. We dont differentiate on basis of caste and even if the accused is a Dalit, we will never support him, he said, adding, For years, we have faced the brunt of caste violence, but never targeted any community.

This is the second time Athawale had made a U-turn on the programme. Earlier, he had announced three morchas to counter the Maratha community but backed out at the last moment. The Maratha protests have sweeping the state since a minor victim from the Maratha community was allegedly raped and brutally killed by Dalits at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district in July this year. Kopardi residents prevented Dalit leaders such as Ramdas Athawale and Prakash Ambedkar from visiting the village to meet the victims, though both vociferously condemned the incident.

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Lakhs of Maratha women, men and children took part in a peace march in Kolhapur on Saturday, despite the freeships offered to students from poor families by the Fadnavis government just days earlier. The message was clear: the community stands firm in its demands  reservation in government jobs and education, a repeal of the Atrocities Act and death for the culprits in Kopardi rape case that triggered the protests.

On Thursday, in a bid to ease tensions in the Maratha community and reduce the intensity of the ongoing protests, the BJP-led state government announced various schemes and freeships for professional courses for economically backward class (EBC) students from all the communities. The steps were an attempt to extend reservation on the basis of financial backwardness.

A protest march in Kolhapur is significant as the city in western Maharashtra was the seat of the Maratha empire and a major source of inspiration for reformist movements in 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to steps taken by Shahu Maharaj, a descendent of King Shivaji.

Saturdays march saw women and girls at the forefront, Marathas from the neighbouring districts of Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg and from villages on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border also joined in.

Two descendants of King Shivaji, Udayanraje Bhosale (an NCP MP from Satara) and Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje (Kolhapur) alsop took part. Sambhajiraje, who was recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP at the Centre, said he would talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the communitys demands.

This is the first time in the recent past that royal families of Kolhapur and Satara, both descendants of Shivaji, came together for an occasion.

In Kolhapur, the march began at six places and culminated in a public meeting at the historic Dusserah Chowk. Some of participants had come by bullock carts. Roads in Kolhapur were swamped with people coming in from outside the city since Friday night. Shops and educational institutions were closed and traffic jams were observed on some parts of the Mumbai-Chennai national high way.Leaders from several political parties and organisations also participated. The four-hour peace march eneded with a group of girls submitting a memorandum of their demands to district collector Amit Saini.

The community will next protest in Thane city on Sunday. In Marathwadas Beed district, meanwhile, Dalits united and took out a massive peace march to protest the demand for the repeal of the Atrocities Act. They were dressed in white and carried blue flags. Sources said preparations for the march was on for more than a month, soon after the Maratha protests took the state by storm.

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India has no immediate plans to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. Nor is the review of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 on the agenda at this stage.

Government sources told HT that officials had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about all aspects of Indo-Pak relations following the terror attack on the Uri army base that left 19 soldiers dead.

India held Pakistan responsible and assessed its options before opting for a military retribution by launching surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Sources said that during the briefing, the PM made no indications of any plan to review the MFN status or the water treaty.

It (review) is not on the table now. If and when a call is taken, it will be a political decision and its timing will be decided by the PM, said a source privy to the deliberations. India had accorded MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, but the neighbouring country hasnt reciprocated. India exports perishable commodities such as onions, tomatoes and potatoes through the Wagah Border, and imports cement and certain other articles.

Withdrawing the MFN status wont hurt Pakistan. It is already re-routing import through Dubai and Qatar. Under the WTO agreement, the MFN status should, ideally, not be linked to the relationship between two countries, said the source.

New Delhi, however, is keeping opinions open with sources saying the last word on the matter hasnt been spoken yet. India has shown enough diplomatic muscle to do it if it wants to. But whether to withdraw the MFN status or not is something we are not considering at the moment, a Union minister said.

After Modi return from the BJP national council meeting in Kozhikode last month, senior officials, including those from the water resources ministry, briefed the Prime Minister on the options available to India.

The Prime Minister heard the officials, but did not say anything, another government source said.

It was psychological warfare that unnerved Pakistan. It went running to the UN, the WTO and the United States, even before India took any call on these issues, another minister told HT.

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Yoga guru Ramdevs Patanjali Ayurved Pvt Ltd prides itself on its philosophy of unadulterated, swadeshi (indigenous) products, a disruptive sales pitch that has helped it become a popular consumer brand.

Pegging its products around ancient Ayurveda and nationalist pride, Patanjali has quickly become a household name in the worlds second-largest consumer market.

It seeks to dislodge global giants such as Unilever PLC and Nestle SA, selling everything from noodles to shampoo.

Slamming foreign rivals, the yoga teacher told the Wall Street Journal last year that foreign companies were fooling Indians by selling products tainted with chemicals and artificial flavours.

The firm is stretching its swadeshi pitch to jeans, planning its own brand.

But, there is a twist to this homegrown tale. Business isnt philosophy, much less ideology, and the consummate businessman in Ramdev seems to realise it.

Indian milch cattle have poor productivity. So Patanjali is looking to import genetic material, including semen, of a high-productivity foreign bull variety from a Dutch biological company for cross-breeding makeover of Indian bulls.

Patanjali Ltd is expected to sign a deal with the Arnhem-based firm, CRV BV.

According to Bloombergs corporate listing, CRV BV specialises in the development, production and sale of genetic products, including semen and embryos.

Patanjalis spokesperson SK Tijarawala did not comment on queries about the deal. Patanjali is set to enter the dairy business this year.

Last month, Ramdev attended a two-day workshop at Karnals National Dairy Research Institute, an official said.

India is the worlds largest milk producer, accounting for 18.5% of global output, but its productivity is poor.

Patanjalis acquisition is aimed at improved breeds. But its brand of desi ghee, or clarified butter, may no longer be quite swadeshi.

Also read | For Ramdev, Swadeshi lies at the heart of Patanjalis future growth

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More than 20 protesters and three cops were injured after Suwidha Centre employees clashed with the police personnel, as the latter resorted to lathicharge and use of teargas shells and water cannons to disperse them at Lambi on Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred when the protesters were on their way to chief minister Parkash Singh Badals native village. More than 200 protesters were detained.

The protesters under the banner of Punjab State Suwidha Karamchari Union had been staging a protest since September 30 at Lambi, demanding regular jobs.

On Friday, when the protesters were marching towards Badal village, they were stopped near Kheo Wali village by the police and a clash ensued. Police resorted to batons, teargas shells and water cannons, leaving more than 20 protesters injured. Three cops were also hurt.

Protester showing their injury marks. (SANJEEV KUMAR/HT)

Cashier at Muktsar Suwidha Centre, Tejinder Kumar, said they were holding a peaceful march and police used force without provocation. He said the cops didnt spare even the woman protesters, and two of the pregnant women were also beaten up. Seven of the injured protesters were taken to a Lambi hospital and hundreds of others were detained, he said.

He said there are about 1,100 employees working for more than 12 years at Suwidha Centres across Punjab. We have had talks with chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, but the government hasnt agreed to give us regular jobs, said a union leader.

Malout superintendent of police Balraj Singh said the protesters attacked the cops after which police had to use force. Three cops were injured after being attacked by the protesters, and had to be hospitalised. Around 200 protesters have been detained and a case will be registered, he said.

TEACHERS PROTEST ATOP MOBILE TOWER

Qualified but unemployed teachers (ETT and TETs) who had climbed atop two mobile phone towers in Badal village on Wednesday continued their protest on Friday. The protesters are demanding filling of 2,705 teachers posts. The union members have also been protesting atop water tanks at Jai Singh Wala village near Bathinda for the past 144 days.
Five members of family, including three women and two children, were killed in a road accident near Daula village on Bathinda-Malout road on Saturday.

The incident happened around 6:30am.

The deceased have been identified as Nirmala Devi (52), her daughter Ritu Rani (26), Ritus daughter Naira (2), Nirmalas daughter-in-law Garima (26) and her son Garnish (2).

Garimas husband Naveen Kumar, who was driving the car, received multiple injuries, while Ritus daughter Eleena (4) condition is said to be critical.

The family were returning to their native village Sadulshahar in Rajasthan, after attending a marriage ceremony in Bathinda.

Balwinder Singh, in-charge of Balluana police station, said the driver lost control of the vehicle in an attempt to avoid collision with a Nilgai (Blue bull) and rammed into a fuel tanker coming from Gidderbaha side.

The police said, the car is completely damaged and it took one hour to extricate bodies from the wreckage.

Balwinder said, all the deceased died on the spot, while injured were rushed to Gidderbaha civil hospital, from where the doctors referred them to Bathinda hospital.

The driver abandoned his tanker and fled from the spot.

The police have started the investigation under section 174 of CrPC as the prime facie, the driver of the tanker was not found at fault.

The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their family members.
As Punjab heads to polls, the opposition, Congress, is on a roll. The partys nightlong siege of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badals official residence in Chandigarh continued on Friday with Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh joining the protesting MLAs and leaders.

From outside the CMs besieged residence, Amarinder announced his own Dussehra  asking partymen to burn Chitta Ravan across all 117 assembly constituencies. The party legislators and leaders are protesting over the arrest of a Youth Congress leader and framing of attempt-to-murder and kidnapping charges against its five other leaders after a violent clash between activists of the Youth Akali Dal and Congress on Dussehra eve in Ludhiana over effigy of Chitta Ravan. Chitta is a colloquial term for drugs in Punjab and the Chitta Ravan effigy, says the Congress, was made to symbolise the demon of drug menace.

Punjab chief minister Prakash Singh Badal trying to convince Congress leaders to end their protest outside his residence in Chandigarh on Thursday. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT Photo)

Read| Now, Cong MLAs night out outside CM residence over chitta Ravana

Though his residence is a no-protest zone, CM Badal had to sneak out from the backdoor to leave for his native village in Muktsar. On Thursday, he had rushed the director general of police Suresh Arora to Ludhiana and asked him to submit a report in three days, but the Congress refused to lift the sit-in, demanding transfer of Ludhiana police commissioner Jatinder Aulakh, suspension of ADCP4 Jaswinder Singh and cases against Youth Akali Dal activists who attacked Congressmen.

Asking Akalis why they were so touchy about Chitta Ravan, Amarinder said, Is it your guilty conscience that gets pricked and causes you to get goose bumps over the very mention of chitta?

By resorting to violence against burning of the Chitta Ravan, the Akalis have actually admitted to their guilt. Mark my words, this is just the beginning. We will actually destroy the Chitta Ravan in its entirety in the state, he said.

District Congress chief Gurpreet Gogi got injured in the clash on Monday. (HT File Photo)

Read| 20 injured in Ludhiana as Akali, Cong workers clash over chitta Ravana

Nearly seven Congress MLAs led by CLP leader Charanjit Singh Channi and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu had spent the night on durries (mats) spread outside the CM residence. By Friday morning, a dozen MLAs had joined the sit-in. We had to arrange quilts as temperature dipped considerably during the night. Such protests are the best way to corner the government as people talk about it, MLA Kuljit Nagra said.

Amarinder announced the protest would continue indefinitely irrespective of whether Badal is present inside his residence. Bittu asked him to gherao Ludhiana police commissioner on October 15 (Saturday). Punjab affairs in-charge and AICC general secretary Asha Kumari also joined the protest.

Amarinder left the protest dropping the same threat that he had when he stormed a police station in Gurdaspur on Wednesday. On forming the government, I will take stern action against all police officers who are acting at the behest of Akalis, he said.
Facing flak from opposition Congress for the chitta Ravana controversy, the Punjab government on Saturday transferred Ludhiana additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP-4) Jaswinder Singh with immediate effect.

State Congress leaders, who were holding a sit-in outside chief minister Parkash Singh Badals official residence in Chandigarh since Thursday, were demanding action against Ludhiana cops for bias against party activists during the clash over chitta Ravana. They have been demanding transfer of Ludhiana police commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh and suspension of ADCP-4 Jaswinder Singh, besides attempt to murder case against Akali activists.

Read| Capt to burn chitta Ravana during PMs visit to Ludhiana

A spokesperson of the CM office said the ADCP had been asked to report at Punjab Police headquarters, Chandigarh, till further orders. The transfer orders came after a meeting of Punjab director general of police (DGP) Suresh Arora with Ludhiana police officials.

The Congress has hailed the transfer but is still demanding shifting of the Ludhiana police commissioner. We want the police commissioner and other errant officials transferred, said Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu.
The Punjab and Haryana high court has asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to explain the rationale behind not recognising distance education degrees acquired by students for which examinations were conducted at centres outside the territorial jurisdiction of universities.

The high court bench of justice Jaswant Singh also asked the UGC to submit particulars of a conscious decision taken regarding the ban on such examinations for degrees of recognised distance education courses.

The response was sought after the Punjab government didnt consider around 1,000 teachers  who had completed degree courses from universities having examination centres outside their territorial jurisdiction  for promotion.

In July, the high court stayed 2,200 promotions, but allowed Punjab to elevate these teachers in August with a rider that these would be subject to the outcome of petitions pending on the issue, and also that the state would not issue more promotion orders against vacant posts in state schools.

The UGC has also been asked whether any condition debarring the conduct of examinations through centres outside the territorial jurisdiction of universities was incorporated at the time of recognition of the courses and also whether statutes of these universities debar examinations through such centres.

Teachers who were not considered for promotion had completed their degree courses from the Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Annamalai University and Madu Rai Kamraj University, Tamil Nadu.

Following a notice in July, the UGC had maintained that degrees from universities with examination centres outside their jurisdiction were illegal. However, the court rejected the argument stating it was for the first time on July 19, 2016, that the issue came to notice.

The case will come up for hearing on November 21.

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Four students were injured when an auto rickshaw in which they were returning home overturned near Rego bridge here on Friday. The auto was overloaded with 12-13 students packed in it.

While three of the injured received minor injuries, one identified as Anurag Mehra of Rani-ka-Bagh and a student of Class 9, was taken to a nearby dispensary where he was given medical aid and later discharged. The injured were all students of Ajanta Public School, Beri Gate.

The police said that the accident took place when the auto hit a pot hole while coming down the bridge and overturned.

It has also taken the auto driver, Kuldip Singh, into custody for negligent driving.

This is yet another incident where the safety of children has been put on stake by vehicles carrying students not adhering to the safety norms.

Residents who helped Anurag with the first aid said police should start challaning the overloaded autos carrying students. Even parents and school authorities need to take some onus, they said.

Agitated parents of Anurag said that the district administration and the Police need to be strict on challaning the vehicles that are violating safety norms and the schools should also be made answerable.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday ruled out the formation of an alliance with any political party in Punjab and claimed to emerge as a single party with clear majority of seats in the state. The partys state convener, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, claimed that they would not join hands with any political party or front in the state for the upcoming assembly elections.

Ghuggi said, Forming an alliance is not the tradition of the AAP and we will not fight elections in collaboration with any political party or front.

He was here to address a political rally at Guru Nanak Nagar in favour of party candidate Karanvir Singh Tiwana. He said that the party would soon release the list of the remaining candidates for the assembly elections. He added that time was running out and candidates have to visit each and every house in the constituency.

Replying a query about the resentment of workers against the previous list released by the party, Ghuggi said, We have called workers and leaders to Chandigarh to address their grievances and would surely withdraw ticket of any candidate having criminal background.

He added that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was coming to Punjab on October 23 and would stay in the state till October 25. He said that the visit of Kejriwal would boost the morale of workers and candidates.

THIN ATTENDANCE

LUKEWARM RESPONSE: Empty chairs at AAP rally in Patiala on friday. (HT PHOTO)

The rally failed to attract people from the area as most of the chairs were lying vacant in the rally spot.

Although, the rally was delayed for almost two hours as the Ghuggi reached at around 7 in the evening. Earlier, the rally was fixed at 5 pm.

The number of the female participants was also very less in the gathering.

CHIT FUND FRAUD VICTIMS SUBMIT MEMO

Victims of alleged scams of chit fund companies met Aam Admi Party (AAP) Punjab convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, when visited the Lions Club here Nabha under the Vote jodo jhadu naal campaign, and presented a memorandum to him regarding their grievances.

The victims said, Even after orders of the Supreme Court, the SEBI remains silent and no recovery has been made from rogue companies. We hope the AAP would help us recover our hard earned money, said a victim.

The vyapar mandal also came forward with their demands. Somnath Dhall, president of the trade union, also presented a memorandum demanding the application of GST on the first step of the chain only and elimination of the collection of the tax at the lower levels to provide free environment to small traders. They also demanded the withdrawl of property tax. Ghuggi assured them to put up their issues before the party.
Vijeta (29)* and Vishal (27)* married nearly four months ago after dating for more than two years. They call themselves a happy couple, but it took a great deal of effort for them to get there.

Almost one year into the relationship, they had trouble bonding. Each carried the baggage of past relationships and though they were committed to getting married, it was hard to accommodate the others history.

We wanted to improve our relationship and decided to meet a counsellor, says Vijeta, a marketing professional.

The sessions were held once a week and lasted for nearly an hour. The couple was given questionnaires designed to reflect their personality and thoughts. The replies helped the counsellor understand their individual strengths and weaknesses and offer suggestions accordingly.

It helped a great deal, they say. We could understand ourselves and our insecurities. Once I realised that I was jealous because she was still in touch with her ex, I could deal with it better. Also, I was more vocal about my dislikes and so Vijeta understood them better, says Vishal.

Read: Does marriage counselling really work?

Tina Gupta*, 31, and Kunal Mehra*, 34, who got married in December 2013, also feel visiting the relationship counsellor was the most sensible decision they took

to save their marriage.

We had dated each other for over 5 years before we got married, so we thought we knew each other inside out. However, a month into the marriage, and we started to get this feeling that we were strangers, says Kunal. Tina agrees. After finishing household chores that were left for the weekend I wanted to relax at home, but he would insist on going out. After a tiring week day I wanted to relax but there was this mandatory phone call to his family that would go on for almost an hour daily. These were acting as triggers, she says.

Luckily one of my friends is a trained psychologist; we consulted her without wasting time. She spent 15 sessions with us and it has done us a great deal of good.

Several urban couples have been disregarding social stigma to approach psychologists for relationship counselling to bond better. Young couples believe that prevention is better than cure, says Sadia Saeed, founder and chief psychologist at Malads Inner Space counselling centre in Mumbai.

These couples are sensitive to the relationship and believe that marriage is about growing together rather than just pulling along.

Sonal Sood, a psychotherapist who runs a clinic in the upscale Jorbagh area in Delhi, sees about 15 couples in a week, the number was 4-5 till about a decade ago.

Theres definitely a shift in the trend as about a decade ago couples would come only when the relationship was in dire straits and now a majority comes before things get worse. The reason could be increasing awareness. However, most of them do not tell their family or friends that they are seeking therapy, she says.

Saeed also attributes the shift in trend to the fact that society is changing, and gender roles are too. In the past, women used to stay at home and men went to work. The roles complemented each other. Most discord among couples today comes from the ambiguity in those roles and the changing expectations from them.

Sood says, First two-three years of marriage are critical when it comes to making adjustments. Earlier couples would have children early in marriage and got busy, but nowadays children are planned late, which gives them more time with each other and pick on their weaknesses. It is also good in a way that these couples are seeking help early while they are still willing to make a change. After a point it becomes difficult to put the relationship back on track.

Read: I went through marriage counselling: Kalki

Neha Patel, a psychologist who runs Sharnam Therapy & Healing centre in Juhu and is affiliated to Nanavati Hospital, says that even before there are fractures in a relationship, there are several problems that counselling could help with. It could be about sharing responsibilities in the house that partners can differ on, or when to have children and how many. Sexual incompatibility is also a major reason of discord.

Dr Kamal Khurana, mentor- Inner Self Integration Worldwide, says, Its the increased frustration level among couples that is creating most problems; they dont know how to handle their own emotions and take it out on their partners who might be experiencing similar upheaval.

Other modern problems include money, and unsurprisingly, social media. With both the partners working these days, how to share finances becomes an issue, Patel says. Many people also complain that their partners spend a lot of time on social media which leaves them feeling left out.

When it comes to a trigger for marital discord, the reasons could be different for men and women. Men generally look for space, they would want to hang out with friends and want some time away from their partner. But a woman may want to spend more time with their spouse.

How does a couple know theyre headed down the path of trouble and need professional help to get back on track? Psychologists say there could be many small signs such as your partner finding excuses to avoid you or being secretive. You should also become alert if he or she is hiding his or her phone. Also, if your partner often insults you or puts you down, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.

The most noteworthy sign is if theres communication breakdown: couples build up resentment before they begin the important work of learning to resolve differences in effective ways. They just have the same argument over and over again with no resolution, says Shivani Misri Sadhoo, relationship and marriage counsellor.

* Names of couples have been change
People hold Thai baht notes and portraits of Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as they wait on the roadside while his body is moved from Siriraj hospital, where he died, to the Grand Palace, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 14, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Chaiwat Subprasom

King Bhumibol's death means Washington finds itself having to rely even more on Vietnam for any kind of strategic ballast in the region.

The death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday adds a new layer of uncertainty to U.S. President Barack Obama's faltering "pivot" to Asia less than a month before the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential elections.

The king was important in cementing the long-standing alliance between the United States and Thailand after World War Two, in a reign that spanned the Vietnam War and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Washington still considers vital to maintaining its influence in the region.

King Bhumibol's death coincides with faltering momentum in Obama's signature policy of rebalancing the U.S. diplomatic and security focus to the Asia-Pacific region in the face of China's rapid rise.

The main economic pillar of the rebalance, the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, is languishing in the U.S. Congress with no guarantee that Obama will be able to push it through before leaving the presidency to Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, both of whom say they oppose the deal.

Clinton, as secretary of state under fellow-Democrat Obama from 2009-13, was one of the architects of the policy but Republican Trump has questioned the extent to which he would maintain the U.S. security commitment to East Asia.

Obama's efforts to boost security ties with Southeast Asia have come in response to China's pursuit of territorial claims in the South China Sea (Vietnam's East Sea), a vital strategic waterway.

However, a torrent of anti-American rhetoric from new Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has cast doubt on the U.S. military relationship with Manila just months after Washington reached an agreement on rotating access to bases in the country.

Other Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are focused on internal political issues and are avoiding playing any leadership role in ASEAN, while even traditionally reliable regional ally Australia is treading carefully to avoid jeopardizing its economic ties with Beijing.

Thailand was already occupying a back seat in regional affairs following a 2014 military coup seen as a means to maintain stability during the king's long illness. Thailand is expected to turn further inward during a prolonged mourning period and potentially politically fragile royal succession.

King Bhumibol's son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is expected to become Thailand's new king, lacks the strong connection to the United States of his father, who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Obama offered condolences to the Thai people and the King's family, calling King Bhumibol "a tireless champion of his country's development."

Obama's former top Asia adviser, Evan Medeiros, now at the Eurasia Group, said the mourning process would likely slow a return to democratic government and Prince Vajiralongkorn was a source of "profound uncertainty."

"Hes such an unknown, unpredictable figure," he said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the United States and Thailand had been close friends for two centuries.

"Our friendship and our partnership have weathered many challenges  we expect it to continue to grow stronger," Toner told a regular news briefing.

While the United States backed a return to democracy, Toner said it would be "premature... to lay our expectations for the near term" as Thailand mourned.

Much has changed

While Washington condemned the 2014 coup, it has kept security ties with Bangkok, particularly through annual military exercises called Cobra Gold.

"The fact that we have been able to remain closely tethered and stayed largely on track with Cobra Gold and other cooperative efforts, notwithstanding the military takeover ... is testament to the strong roots we have put down and the work that were doing, the senior U.S. diplomat for Asia, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, said on Wednesday.

Murray Hiebert of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said much had changed since Obama announced his pivot policy in 2011.

"The king's death adds to uncertainty in Southeast Asia, a region in considerable flux already. This makes the U.S. rebalance to Asia more difficult because the situation in so many countries is that of 'wait and see.'

"When the pivot started, you had Thailand engaged, a new leader in Malaysia who wanted to engage, you had Aquino coming in the Philippines and very forward-leaning internationally and very open to the U.S.; you had an internationalist president in Indonesia. It was a rather different dynamic."

King Bhumibol's death means Washington finds itself having to rely even more on former foe Vietnam for any kind of strategic ballast in the region.

"The Vietnamese are providing the dynamism when it comes to strategic thinking," U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said in Washington on Tuesday.

"Indonesia is very internally focused right now ... Thailand is very internally focused, and Malaysia has a rolling political crisis," he continued.

"I dont know exactly what direction the Philippines is headed; Singapore has a lot of strategic thinkers but its a city state; I dont think you can really count on Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar to provide the strategic engine for ASEAN."

There appears little prospect for now, however, that Vietnam would be willing to open its doors further to the U.S. military should the deal with the Philippines run into problems, given past animosities and concerns about China.

I do not expect the Vietnamese calculation to be, Oh, the Philippines is doing whatever its doing, lets race full steam ahead with the United States. No, thats not about to happen," Osius said.

"The Vietnamese have been very measured in the pace at which they have expanded the security relationship."

Hiebert said Asian countries remain keen on the U.S. pivot, given their worries about China, but the pace was likely to flag further, presenting a tougher task to revive the initiative once Obama leaves power.

"I wouldn't declare the pivot dead ... I think there's still quite a bit of interest in the U.S., but some of the sort of dynamism that we saw earlier about building the region is a little bit diminished right now," he said.

Related news:

> Thai King Bhumibol, world's longest-reigning monarch, dies: palace

> Obama wraps up historic Asia trip
These celebrities didnt let their break-ups and broken marriages affect their lust for life, which is clearly evident from their glamorous transformations.

Ankita Lokhande

Actors Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput shared screen space in Pavitra Rishta.

TV couple, actors Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput called off their seven-year-long relationship for reasons best known to them. While rumours claim Sushants commercial success in Bollywood as the reason, the duo has maintained silence. Even when Sushant was being allegedly linked up with his co-stars, Ankita remained unperturbed and rather surprised everyone with her transformed look and pictures she shared on Instagram.

Jennifer Winget

Actor Karan Singh Grover married Jennifer Winger after he divorced Shradha Nigam.

Indian TVs most loved couple, actors Jennifer Winget and Karan Singh Grover met in 2007 and got married soon after. But due to Karans rumoured philandering ways and his Bollywood success, they ended their two-year-old marriage. Post which, Jennifer tried hard to busy herself with work. Her stunning makeover suddenly became the hottest talk of the town.

Rashami Desai

Actors Rashami Desai and Nandish Sandhu had done a TV soap called Uttaran.

Actor Rashami Desai who became popular with her onscreen name Tapasya tied the knot with Uttaran co-star Nandish Sandhu but troubles soon followed and they got separated. After contemplating divorce, they thought of giving their marriage a second chance, participated in a couple of reality show but all in vain. Ever since the split, Rashami can be seen donning stylish looks.

Daljeet Kaur

Actors Daljeet Kaur and Shaleen Bhanot divorced after seven years of marriage.

Actor Daljeet Kaur accused her actor husband Shaleen Bhanot of domestic violence after seven years of being married to him. Their three-year-old son Shaarav was the reason she decided to give Shaleen another chance but nothing worked out. Post divorce, Daljeet is enjoying life and sharing her happy pictures on twitter with her son and posing for covers of various magazines. Daljeet recently transformed into a hottie spotting a short hairdo.

Shweta Rohira

Ex journalist Shweta Rohira and actor Pulkit Samrat decided to call it quits on infidelity grounds.

Popularly known as actor Salman Khans Rakhi sister, journalist Shweta Rohira is now being referred to as actor Pulkit Samrats estranged wife. The couple called off their nuptial vows within a year due to alleged infidelity. Shweta seems to have taken a different route to enjoy life with her glamorous transformation and weight loss too.

Aashka Goradia

Actor Aashka Goradia dated Rohit Bakshi for almost 10 years.

Actor Aashka Goradia called off her 10-year-long relationship with boyfriend actor Rohit Bakshi due to commitment issues from his side. Reports also alleged there were issues on the professional front too. What followed was an image makeover  right from a chic hairdo to confidence oozing out in every picture, Aashka didnt let her breakup affect her frame of mind rather she chose to come out of it and move on.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Winter is coming late this year and so is the seventh season of one of the best things to happen to television: Game of Thrones.

We already know that the next instalment of the blockbuster serial will hit our television screen later than usual-- sometime in late April or early May 2017. So how do we keep the excitement alive? With fussing over whatever we can get our hands on.

This time, we searched through the deep reaches of Facebook and Instagram to find you latest pictures of the stars of the show filming and prepping on the sets. Theres Kit Harrington, Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Aidan Gillen, Liam Cunnigham and of course, Emilia Clarke. Check out the pictures and feel free to form your own theories -- like we have-- on what could happen in the next season.

Why are Bran (Isaac) and Arya (Maisie) hanging together? Is there going to be a reunion!?

Why is Arya in Northern clothes?

Heres a picture of our favourite couple, Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) arriving at shoot location in Belfast.

Brienne in her costume:

Tormund and Ser Davos (Liam Cunnigham) chilling outside their trailers.

New Season 7 set photo . #kristoferhivju #liamcunningham #tormundgiantsbane #davosseaworth #gotseason7 #gameofthronesfamily #gameofthroneshbo #got #gameofthrones A photo posted by Game Of Thrones (@gameofthrones_n1) on Oct 4, 2016 at 9:34am PDT

Lord Baelish (Aiden) in full costume.

@Regrann_App from @everything.got - Latest photos from the Season 7 sets! #gameofthrones #gameofthroneshbo #hbo #season7 - #regrann A photo posted by Efren Jaquez Gonzalez (@efrenjaquezgonzalez) on Oct 14, 2016 at 11:03pm PDT

And the most loyal squire in the world, Pod (Daniel Portman):

Daniel Portman (Podrick) on the set of the upcoming season of GOT. A photo posted by gotseason7_news (@gotseason7_news) on Sep 27, 2016 at 9:00pm PDT

Also, Lord Commander Jon Snow (Kit):

Kit ready to shoot a scene for GOT's new season! A photo posted by gotseason7_news (@gotseason7_news) on Sep 27, 2016 at 8:39pm PDT

Hanging out with Sansas (Sophie Turner) body double who also looks a lot like Rose Leslie (Ygritte):

New pics of Kit Harington and Sophie's body double on set. #gotseason7 #got #season7 A photo posted by gotseason7_news (@gotseason7_news) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:02am PDT

And finally, Mother of Dragons, Queen Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), struggling with the ruthless Irish winds and rain.

And then I fell over. Or rather a brisk 50mph N.Irish wind caught me unawares.... #gameofhowtostanduprightinagaleforcewind #atleasttheviewmsdeitallworthiteh? #bitoftailwinddoesnicleyonadragonridethough.... A video posted by @emilia_clarke on Oct 5, 2016 at 1:10pm PDT

But they are all having a good time:

Salfie  @alfieeallen #selfiewithalfie #salfie #wellithinkimfunny #dinner #homerestaurant #belfast #butfirstletmegetasalfie A photo posted by Nathalie Emmanuel (@nathalieemmanuel) on Oct 14, 2016 at 12:11pm PDT

Stupid shots  A photo posted by Sophie Turner (@sophiet) on Oct 14, 2016 at 2:19pm PDT

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Priyanka Chopra was recently seen attending a book launch event with her Quantico co-stars wearing a blue dress by the House of Herrera, a Venezuelan-American fashion designer known for exceptional personal style.

The 34-year-old star shared a picture of her swinging her hair standing beside New York celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson, on her Instagram handle.

I whip my hair back n forth.. @tedgibson @cristinaehrlich @stephaniebbmakeup @houseofherrera A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Oct 14, 2016 at 12:18pm PDT

-              . #priyankachopra A photo posted by AMMAR |  . (@ammar.chopra) on Oct 15, 2016 at 4:21am PDT

Double Tap for #Priyankachopra and #Yasmine Team #Quan2co . @BOLLYWOODREPORT ! A photo posted by BOLLYWOOD REPORT (@bollywoodreport) on Oct 15, 2016 at 1:39am PDT

PeeCee teamed her dress with a dark, shimmery lip gloss and was all smiles as the shutterbugs took snaps.

The former beauty queen is currently in New York for her American TV series, which is presently running its second season.

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Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton leads rival Donald Trump by seven percentage points, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national opinion poll taken as the Republican nominee fought off accusations of groping women.

The October 7-13 poll released on Friday shows that 44% of likely voters support Clinton while 37% back Trump. That was little changed from Tuesday when the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump trailing by eight points.

Two more women came forward on Friday with allegations that Trump had groped them, including a contestant on his reality show, The Apprentice, as the businessman said accusations of sexual misconduct against him were part of a plot to discredit him only weeks from the election.

Trumps campaign for the November 8 election has been scrambling to recover from the release a week ago of a 2005 video in which he bragged about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances

Support for Clinton has been mostly rising in the seven-day tracking poll since the last week of August, when the candidates were drawing about the same level of support.

Since then, Clinton and Trump have faced each other in two heavily watched debates -- contests that Americans believe Clinton won, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Former secretary of state Clinton also leads the field in a separate poll question that includes alternative-party candidates. Among likely voters, 44% back Clinton, 37% support Trump, six per cent favour Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and two percent support Jill Stein of the Green Party.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll is conducted online in English in all 50 states. The most recent survey includes 2,889 people who are considered likely voters given their registration status, voting history and stated intention to vote. It has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of two percentage points.

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 election approaches. RealClearPolitics web site, which tracks most major opinion polls, shows Clinton ahead of Trump by an average of seven percentage points.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will address Indian-Americans at a charity event organised for Hindu victims of terrorism in New Jersey.

Trumps attendance and address at Sundays event organised by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) makes him the first presidential candidate to attend an Indian-Americans event this election cycle.

This is a history in the making. Never in the history of US presidential election, a candidate has come to a Hindu event, said Shalabh Shalli Kumar, founder and chairman, RHC.

Kumar described the concert as a Bollywood, Tollywood, Punjabi extravaganza to benefit Kashmiri and Hindu refugees.

In a short video message last month, confirming his attendance to the event, Trump said the Hindu community had made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture.

We look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy, he said.

Trumps rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organised by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes.

But those are all closed door events away from public glare.

Often called as Senator from Punjab, Clinton has a large following among the Indian Americans but has not made a public appearance before the community. A large number of Indian Americans were appointed in her campaign team.

Trumps decision is seen as an attempt to woo the small but significant Indian-American community who could be key in some of the battle ground States. A recent Pew Survey said that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly voted for Democrats.
The new McVatican comes with a side order of outrage.

Plans to open a McDonalds next to Saint Peters Square in Rome have angered cardinals, including a group of the red-hatted Princes of the Church who live above the proposed site.

Its a controversial, perverse decision to say the least, Cardinal Elio Sgreccia said in an interview with La Repubblica daily on Saturday.

Opening a branch of the US fast-food chain in a piazza to the right of the Vaticans basilica is by no means respectful of the architectural traditions of one of the most characteristic squares which look onto the colonnade of Saint Peters, he said.

Sgreccia does not live in the building but was speaking on behalf of the seven cardinals who do reside above the site, which covers 538 square metres (5,800 square foot), and is being rented out by ASPA, the authority in charge of the Vaticans real estate.

One angry cardinal has even written a letter to Pope Francis urging him to intervene against a commercial decision which would bring 30,000 euros ($33,000) a month into the Vaticans coffers but at a noisy, burger-smelling price, La Repubblica said.

Moreno Prosperi, head of the Committee for the Protection of Borgo, the historic district around the Vatican where many cardinals live, told AFP that the planned outlet would be a further blow to the area which draws huge throngs of tourists.

Over the last few years, the identity of this area has been lost due to an increase in illegal souvenir stands and mini markets, he said.

Other members of the committee say it is madness to pack more people into an area considered at high risk of a terror attack.

Instead of a Golden Arches near the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, the space should be used to house entities which help the needy, in line with the popes call for a poor Church for the poor, Sgreccia said.

But Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, head of ASPA, told La Repubblica he was not going to back down because the deal is legally valid and he didnt see anything negative about it.

I dont see the scandal, he said.
About 150 nations meeting in Rwanda agreed a global deal to reduce greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a Rwandan minister announced to loud cheers on Saturday, a major milestone in combating climate change.

The talks on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, have been called the first test of global will since the historic Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions was reached last year. HFCs are described as the worlds fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.

The agreement announced Saturday morning, after all-night negotiations, caps and reduces the use of HFCs in a gradual process beginning in 2019 with action by developed countries including the United States. More than 100 developing countries, including China, will start taking action in 2024.

A small group of countries including India and some Gulf states secured a later start in 2029, saying their economies need more time to grow.
Nigerias first lady has openly questioned her husbands work and said she may not support him if he runs again  comments that President Muhammadu Buhari laughed off, saying, I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

His comments to reporters in Germany prompted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, standing at his side, to give him a short glare and then laugh.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa-language service broadcast Friday, Aisha Buhari said her husband did not know many top government appointees, and she accused them of not sharing the vision of his All Progressives Congress party. She did not name names.

Muhammadu Buhari, who was briefly a military dictator in the 1980s, was elected in his fourth run at the presidency in 2015 on the back of a coalition that includes former foes and opportunists who abandoned the former governing party of defeated President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari has not said whether he will run again in 2019.

He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again, Aisha Buhari said.

In his comments to reporters, Muhammadu Buhari also said he hopes his wife will remember that he ran for president three times before succeeding on the fourth effort. So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. Its not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.

Some Nigerians on social media blasted the presidents comments as misogynistic, comparing him to US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Aisha Buhari, a mother and grandmother, has a masters degree in international affairs and strategic studies from the Nigerian Defense Academy and studied at beauty schools in the United Kingdom and Dubai. As first lady, she has championed maternal and child health. According to the bio she links to from her Twitter account, she is currently undertaking a counselling course on co-dependency in the UK.

Muhammadu Buhari had campaigned on promises to crack down on corruption and turn the tide against the Boko Haram insurgency. His government announced on Friday the first negotiated release of 21 of 218 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.

However, Nigerias northeast faces a famine that threatens to kill tens of thousands of children after Boko Haram disrupted the regions transportation and farming. Some areas remain dangerous and inaccessible.

Nigeria has also fallen into recession amid slumped oil prices and lost its position as Africas biggest petroleum producer as militants attacked pipelines in the south.
The new McVatican comes with a side order of outrage.

Plans to open a McDonalds next to Saint Peters Square in Rome have angered cardinals, including a group of the red-hatted Princes of the Church who live above the proposed site.

Its a controversial, perverse decision to say the least, Cardinal Elio Sgreccia said in an interview with La Repubblica daily on Saturday.

Opening a branch of the US fast-food chain in a piazza to the right of the Vaticans basilica is by no means respectful of the architectural traditions of one of the most characteristic squares which look onto the colonnade of Saint Peters, he said.

Sgreccia does not live in the building but was speaking on behalf of the seven cardinals who do reside above the site, which covers 538 square metres, and is being rented out by ASPA, the authority in charge of the Vaticans real estate.

One angry cardinal has even written a letter to Pope Francis urging him to intervene against a commercial decision which would bring 30,000 euros a month into the Vaticans coffers but at a noisy, burger-smelling price, La Repubblica said.

Moreno Prosperi, head of the Committee for the Protection of Borgo, the historic district around the Vatican where many cardinals live, told AFP that the planned outlet would be a further blow to the area which draws huge throngs of tourists.

Over the last few years, the identity of this area has been lost due to an increase in illegal souvenir stands and mini markets, he said.

Other members of the committee say it is madness to pack more people into an area considered at high risk of a terror attack.

Instead of a Golden Arches near the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, the space should be used to house entities which help the needy, in line with the popes call for a poor Church for the poor, Sgreccia said.

But Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, head of ASPA, told La Repubblica he was not going to back down because the deal is legally valid and he didnt see anything negative about it.

I dont see the scandal, he said.
Referring to a story published in Dawn, Pakistans top military commanders said it was a feeding of a false and fabricated story of an important security meeting, and called it a breach of national security.

The remarks were made during a Corps Commanders Conference, presided by Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday, to hold a comprehensive review of the countrys internal and external security situation, with particular focus on the prevailing environment at the Line of Control (LoC) and operational preparedness of the army, Geo News reported.

Last week, the Dawn published a report by Cyril Almeida, about an alleged rift between the countrys powerful military and its government on the issue of tackling jihadi outfits, after which Almeida came under fire from the government and Exit Control List was imposed on him.

Read | Pak daily Dawn rejects false reporting charge, defends Cyril Almeidas story

The Prime Ministers Office rejected the story thrice since it was published on October 6.

During the conference, the military once again rejected Indian claims of surgical strikes as an attempt to divert the worlds attention away from the Kashmir issue.

Read | Had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have retaliated: Abdul Basit

While expressing complete satisfaction over operational preparedness of the troops, the COAS reiterated Pakistan Armys resolve to defend their country at any cost.

The participants also resolved to continue sustained and focused combing and intelligence-based operations across the country to uproot terrorism by harmonizing it with the implementation of the National Action Plan to address extremism and other causes of terrorism.
Several India-origin couples protested on Saturday against the November 2015 ban in India on surrogacy, complaining they were unable to get their embryos back from clinics in Gujarat and elsewhere.

The Narendra Modi government published a draft bill in August to ban commercial surrogacy for foreign nationals, including holders of Overseas Citizen of India status. The bill has attracted much criticism in India  considered the worlds surrogacy hub  and abroad.

Harvey and Sheetal Jassal, who had a daughter through surrogacy at Anand in Gujarat, told Hindustan Times at the Harrow protest: Our four fertilised embryos are stuck in India, we cannot get them back due to the ban. Either allow us to use them or have them back so that they can be used elsewhere to complete out family.

A large number of couples from Britain of various ethnicities have made the journey to India to have surrogate children over the years. The industry is said to be worth more than 1.5 billion to the Indian economy, but there is no regulation so far.

The protesters said that their embryos were at various stages in the fertility process.

Many embryos are still frozen in India and cant be taken out or used  will they be destroyed? Many surrogates have been robbed of their chance of a better life and are devastated. Many couples were part way through their treatment and had to stop, said London-based Rekha Patel.

This is a disastrous situation, and sadly it has come about because the policymakers simply do not understand what surrogacy is and how it works. Surrogacy is an emotive and misunderstood subject. It needs to be properly debated and understood before a final decision is made.

The scientific and ethical aspects of surrogacy were not taken into consideration before the ban was imposed, the protesters alleged. The ban, they said, did not save surrogates from exploitation, but was "robbing" them of hope of a better life.

Harvey Jassal, a London-based civil engineer, said overall it was a difficult journey to have a surrogate child but his experience of having a daughter, Anjali, in 2015 was completely amazing, lovely.

However, he regretted that their efforts at completing their family had been frustrated by the ban.

Patel hoped a campaign in India and elsewhere to petition the Modi government to take another look at the ban and the issue will help resolve the situation: Everyone in the arrangement is happy, so why ban it?

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Syrian opposition fighters backed by Turkish airstrikes launched an offensive Saturday to try to capture Dabiq from the Islamic State (IS), which assigns special status to the northern Syrian town in its ideology and propaganda.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack was preceded by intense shelling. It said that Turkey-backed opposition fighters captured three nearby villages, encircling Dabiq and cutting off all supply routes.

Turkey sent troops and tanks into northern Syria in August to help opposition forces recapture IS strongholds and curb the advance of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia, which Ankara views as an extension of Turkeys outlawed Kurdish separatists.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking in Rize on the Black Sea coast, said we entered Jarablus, and then al-Rai, and now we are moving where? To Dabiq. We will declare a terror-free safe zone of 5,000 (square) kilometers. He was referring to areas in Syria already captured by Turkish troops and Turkey-backed opposition forces.

Erdogan suggested that some of the nearly 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey could return to newly liberated areas of their country. They can go to their own lands, we can let them live there safely, he said. Thats the step we will take. We have given our proposal to coalition powers and we are moving together.

The town of Dabiq is central to IS propaganda. The extremists, citing ancient prophecy, believe Dabiq will be the scene of an apocalyptic battle between Christianity and Islam. The group named its online magazine after the town, which it has occupied since August 2014.

But the extremist group, in its latest edition of its Nabaa online magazine, played down the importance of the looming battle, saying that Turkey and its allies believe that IS fighters dont know the difference between the lesser battle of Dabiq and the great Dabiq epic.

The great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by events that have signs of doomsday that the holy warriors in trenches know about, al-Nabaa said.

The observatory had reported that the extremists have been sending reinforcements into Dabiq over the past weeks, including one of their most elite units, known as Jaish al-Isra, which arrived in recent days. It also said that IS fighters have been planting mines and explosives.

Colonel Abdul-Razzaq Freiji, a Syrian officer who defected and now fights with the Turkey-allied forces, said his fighters are bombarding Dabiq and the nearby town of Soran in preparation for an all-out ground offensive.

Daesh members have gathered lots of fighters for this battle that will be harsh, Freiji told The Associated Press by telephone from southern Turkey, using an Arabic acronym to refer to the group. We are ready for the battle and we will take it (Dabiq) no matter what the price is, and after that we will march toward al-Bab, he added, referring to one of the extremist groups largest remaining strongholds in Syria.

In the northern city of Aleppo, Syrian and Russian airstrikes hit several rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods on Saturday amid clashes on the front lines in Syrias largest city and onetime commercial centre, according to the Observatory and the Aleppo Media Centre, an activist collective.

The Observatory said government forces and their allies captured several buildings on the front lines. State TV said Syrian troops blew up a tunnel near Aleppos famous Citadel, killing dozens of opposition fighters.

The violence in Aleppo has killed hundreds of people since a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. and Russia collapsed on Sept. 19. Diplomats from the United States, Russia and other international players in Syrias civil war met Saturday in Switzerland for a new round of talks on halting the fighting.
The United States has again urged Pakistan to combat and delegitimise all terrorist groups operating on its soil, a call it has stressed with increasing urgency since the attack on the Indian Army base in Uri.

We continue to urge Pakistan to take actions to combat and delegitimise all terrorist groups operating on its soil, state department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in response to a question.

The term delegitimise was first used by US National Security Adviser Susan Rice in a phone call with her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval after the Uri attack and on the night of the retaliatory surgical strikes by India. It has since come to be used frequently in the context of terrorist groups based in Pakistan.

The reference to all terrorist groups addressed a concern felt both in the US and India that Islamabad differentiates between bad terrorists  those who threaten Pakistan  and good terrorists  those that target India such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The latter carried out the Uri attack.

But the US has said it understands that Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism. Obviously, Pakistan has suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists. We want to help Pakistan confront this terrorist threat, Toner said.

He added, We also want Pakistan to go after those terrorists who seek and sometimes find safe haven on Pakistan territory.
Back where they started, the United States, Russia and others trying to help mediate Syrias civil war are searching for a diplomatic process that could succeed where last months collapsed cease-fire failed.

With the Syrian and Russian governments pressing an offensive against rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo, no one was predicting a quick breakthrough.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was leading the renewed talks, which began Saturday afternoon. He was joined by a familiar cast that included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the top envoys from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan.

Days of deadly airstrikes in Aleppo prompted Kerry last month to end bilateral U.S.-Russian engagement on Syria, including discussions over a proposed military alliance against Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked militants in Syria. Last week he accused Russia of war crimes for targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure in the Arab country.

Nevertheless, Kerry reunited with Lavrov at the lakeside Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, and met with Lavrov before the larger gathering. U.S. hopes of any diplomatic progress appeared to rest squarely on Russias cooperation. Kerry also met privately with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The conflict has killed as many as a half-million people since 2011, contributed to Europes worst refugee crisis since World War II, and allowed the Islamic State to carve out territory for itself and emerge as a global threat.

Residents of opposition-held eastern Aleppo have faced daily violence as Syrian President Bashar Assads government seeks to take full control of the countrys largest city. On Saturday, Syrian and Russian airstrikes hit several rebel-held neighborhoods amid clashes on the front lines in Syrias largest city and onetime commercial center, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective.

In an interview this week with a Russian media outlet, Assad said a military victory in Aleppo would provide the Syrian army a springboard for liberating other parts of the country.

Despite fiercely criticizing Syria and Russia, the United States doesnt seem to have an answer.

President Barack Obama and the Pentagon have made clear their opposition to any U.S. military strikes against Assads military. The U.S. is uneasy with providing more advanced weaponry to the anti-Assad rebels because of their links to extremist groups. And sanctions on Moscow are seen as unlikely step, given their limited impact after Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea territory in 2014 and the weak appetite among Americas European partners for such action.

With no apparent Plan B, Obama directed his national security team on Friday to renew diplomatic efforts to reduce the bloodshed in Syria. The White House said it hoped the larger discussions with Russia and other key governments would encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence.

Russia says it also wants a cease-fire, but describes the U.S. and its partners as the problem.

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Vitaly Churkin, Russias U.N. ambassador, said this weekends talks are focused on getting U.S.-backed, moderate opposition forces to break ranks with al-Qaida-linked fighters.

Given the collapse of several cease-fires in Syria in recent months, Washington doubts Moscows seriousness. And with rebel-held Aleppo poised to fall, potentially in a matter of weeks, there is deep skepticism that the Syrian and Russian governments want to stop the fighting just yet.

Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he had instructed his foreign minister to make a proposal in Lausanne about fighting IS in Syria and Iraq.

Saturdays gathering also was bringing together many of the major protagonists in Yemens war, and discussions on that are likely.

An investigation team with the Saudi-led coalition said Saturday that wrong information led to the bombing of a packed funeral in Yemens capital last weekend that killed some 140 people and wounded more than 600.

The U.S. struck radar sites belonging to Yemens Iran-backed Houthis this week after a U.S. Navy ship took fire from the rebels.
The US told Pakistan on Friday to take action to combat and delegitimise all terrorist groups operating on its soil.

We continue to urge Pakistan to take action to combat and delegitimise all terrorist groups operating on its soil, State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference.

Obviously Pakistan has suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists. We want to help Pakistan confront this terrorist threat, but we also want Pakistan also to go after those terrorists who seek and sometimes find safe haven on Pakistan territory, he said in response to a question.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed and Indias surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.

Read | Uri attack an act of cross-border terror, India has right to defend itself: US

Earlier this week, in a clear indication of its support for Indias surgical strikes in PoK, the US said it empathises with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to terror threats and dubbed the Uri attack as a clear case of cross-border terrorism.

The US had also called for greater cooperation and dialogue between India and Pakistan to bring down tensions and said that they should adopt a conciliatory approach to resolve their contentious issues.
A woman was found dead at a wealthy Indian-origin familys home in an upscale area here, prompting British police to launch a murder probe into the incident.

Harcharanjit Matharu, 58, his wife Baldev, 60, and daughters Ranjeeta, 26, and Rupinder, 33, are believed to reside in the one-million-pound home in the upmarket neighbourhood of Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire.

Emergency services rushed there after screams were heard from the home. The woman, in her 30s, was found dead in the property earlier this week.

Police refused to reveal the identity of the woman and details of the autopsy.

Police launched a murder inquiry on Thursday after a post- mortem was conducted and a man was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to The Sun.

At around 5.50 PM on Monday, officers attended a property following a report that a woman in her thirties had died. A Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out and following this, the Forces Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation. A scene watch is currently in place at the property, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel of the Major Crime Unit said, We are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.

We sent two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance crew and an ambulance officer. They were assessing a woman in her 30s and sadly they confirmed one patient was dead at the scene, South Central Ambulance Services spokesperson said.

An adjoining bungalow to the home at the centre of the murder probe was built for the familys car leasing firms employees to live in.

Neighbours said both homes are owned by the Matharu family.

The family firm is valued at two-million pounds. The firm is run from a property in nearby Denham area.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemens Iran-backed Houthi movement attacked a funeral there after receiving incorrect information from Yemeni military figures that armed Houthi leaders were in the area, an investigative body set up by the coalition said on Saturday.

The Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since last Saturdays air strike on the funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, killing 140 people according to one UN estimate, and 82 according to the Houthis.

Mourners who died in the attack included some of Yemens top political and security officials, potentially galvanising powerful tribes to join the Houthis in opposing a Saudi-backed exiled government.

A party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa, and insisted that the location be targeted immediately, the investigators concluded, according to a statement.

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) said in the statement the coalitions Air Operations Centre in Yemen also failed to obtain approval for the strike from commanders, a violation of protocol.

The JIAT called for a review of the rules of engagement and for compensation for the families of the victims. It also said appropriate action should be taken against those who caused the incident, without elaborating.

The coalition accepted the findings in a statement released hours later and said it had begun to implement the JIATs recommendations. The coalition command expresses its regret at this unintentional incident and the ensuing pain for victims families, it said.

The incident is not in line with the coalitions objectives, namely protecting civilians and restoring safety and stability to Yemen.

International condemnation of the strike had been swift. The White House announced an immediate review of Washingtons support for the 18-month-old military push against the Houthis.

Senior US officials said the attack had killed senior figures who were important to the reconciliation process.

The strike has threatened to escalate Yemens civil war and pull the US further into the conflict.

Houthi-led forces responded to the attack by launching missiles into Saudi Arabia and possibly at a US warship stationed off the Yemeni coast, prompting US retaliatory strikes against what Washington said were Houthi radar sites.

The Houthis have denied firing missiles at the US Navy destroyer.

The UN estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the war and blames coalition air strikes for 60% of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015.

Attacks continued on Saturday, with Houthi media claiming responsibility for firing another missile into Saudi Arabia, at a military camp in Asir province.

An air strike also hit the Houthi-controlled Hodeida port, killing a military commander responsible for operations in three provinces, according to a news agency affiliated with the groups leading ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

A spokesman for the coalition could not immediately be reached for comment.
BANGKOK: Massive crowds of weeping Thais and saluting soldiers lined the streets on Friday as late King Bhumibol Adulyadej was borne through Bangkok, a day after his death left an apprehensive country facing an uncertain future.

Bhumibol, the worlds longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 88 on Thursday after years of ill health, ending seven decades as a stabilising figure in a nation of deep political divisions.

The phenomenal reverence towards him in Thailand was on clear display as mourners sat for hours in Bangkoks urban heat awaiting the passage of his motorcade, in scenes reminiscent of religious devotees.

Pensive-looking men and women dressed in black were jammed cheek by jowl along roadsides in the capital on the short route from the hospital where Bhumibol died to his royal palace. Some fainted and were carried away on stretchers, while others shouted King of the people! as the convoy of several vans bearing his body and the royal family slowly wheeled through hushed streets.

The king ruled 70 years and was the only monarch most Thais knew. We no longer have him, wept Phongsri Chompoonuch, 77, as she clutched the late monarchs portrait.

I dont know whether I can accept that. I fear, because I dont know what will come next.

At the palace, the crown prince was to preside over the bathing of the kings body, a traditional Buddhist funeral rite and the start of official mourning that will include at least 100 days of chanting by monks and months more of palace rituals.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, 64, is the kings named successor but has made a surprise request to delay formally assuming the throne, according to Thailands junta leader, who appealed for citizens to not cause chaos.

Bhumibol was seen as a pillar of stability during his politically turbulent reign, and uncertainty for the future rests largely on doubts over whether his son can exert the same calming moral authority.

The crown prince spends much of his time overseas and does not command the reverence at home that his father did.

There was no indication of a threat to the crown princes eventual succession, however, and analysts said the pause could merely be out of respect for the deeply revered king.

Strict lese majeste laws muffle detailed discussion of the sensitive succession issue.

We maybe shouldnt read too much into (the delay), said David Streckfuss, an expert on the Thai monarchy.

But we have already departed from what should have been a normal succession process. An element of ambiguity has been injected into the situation.

The current junta overthrew the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014, saying it wanted to end a decade of political strife.

Yinglucks brother, exiled tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, had previously been ousted in a 2006 coup.

Since then, tensions have simmered between his throngs of supporters and a competing faction seen as aligned to the crown and military.
TOKYO: UNESCO on Friday found itself in a collision course with both Israel and Japan.

Japan is holding back more than $40 million in funding, following a protest against listing documents related to the Nanjing massacre. Israel suspended cooperation with the UN agency after it adopted a draft resolution that according to Israel denies the deep, historic Jewish connection to holy sites in Jerusalem.

Foreign minister Fumio Kishida said Japan has suspended this years contribution totalling 4.4 billion yen ($42 million), but denied any direct link to the Nanjing incident that still hangs over frosty diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing.

Last year, Japan  one of UNESCOs biggest funders  warned it may pull funding after it agreed to Bejings request to mark documents recording the mass murder and rape committed by Japanese troops after the fall of the Chinese city of Nanjing in 1937. The documents were inscribed in the UN bodys Memory of the World register.

The massacre, often referred to as the Rape of Nanjing, is an exceptionally sensitive issue in the often tense relations between Japan and China, with Beijing charging that Tokyo has failed to atone for the atrocity.

Tokyo had called for the Nanjing documents not to be included and accused the body of being politicised.

Israel is angry that UNESCOs draft resolution, sponsored by several Arab countries, uses only the Islamic name for a hilltop compound sacred to both Jews and Muslims, which includes the Western Wall, a remnant of the biblical temple and the holiest site where Jews can pray. The validated resolution is expected early next week, but the wording is unlikely to change. Israelis and many Jews around the world viewed it as the latest example of anti-Israel bias at the UN.
BEIJING: Chinas last-known prisoner held in relation to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests will reportedly be released on Saturday, but hell face freedom as a frail and mentally ill man, a rights group and a fellow former inmate said.

Miao Deshuns expected release follows an 11-month sentence reduction, according to the Dui Hua Foundation, a San Francisco-based group that advocates for the rights of political prisoners in China.

The 51-year-old former factory worker is severely ill after spending more than half his life behind bars, said Dui Huas executive director, John Kamm, in an email.

Tanks and troops converged in Beijing to quash pro-democracy protests on the night of June 3-4, 1989, killing hundreds, possibly thousands, of people. Authorities later jailed more than 1,600 people around the country for crimes linked to the demonstrations. Nearly three decades later, young Chinese know little of the events that marked the last major popular challenge to Communist rule in the mainland and remain a taboo. Dui Hua said in May that Miao was due to be released on Saturday. The date could not be independently verified. The ministry of public security and the Beijing Higher Peoples court did not respond to faxed requests for comment. Miao was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in 1989 for throwing a basket into a burning tank.
The United States remains committed to helping Afghanistan become a more secure and stable country, said Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson.

In order to support Afghan security, President Barack Obama announced in July that the U.S. would keep a larger force on the ground in Afghanistan through 2016 than originally planned. And NATO allies and partners agreed to extend NATOs training mission and to fund the Afghan forces through 2020.

In their second year on the job, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces demonstrated greater discipline and capacity than ever before. The fight has not been easy.

Afghan casualty levels are higher this year than last, said Mr. Olson, but the Afghan security forces continue to execute their campaign strategy and have demonstrated resilience in security operations around the country.

U.S. forces also continue to disrupt and degrade ISIL. Counterterrorism operations against ISIL and the remnants of al-Qaida continue to be a priority for the United States in order to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists.

Security in Afghanistan is closely tied to political stability. The U.S. remains firmly committed to the unity government established two years ago between President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. The U.S. continues to urge all parties to resolve their political differences peacefully and in a spirit of inclusivity. Afghanistan is a diverse country, and its citizens need and deserve a government that is effective and able to represent all elements of society, said Mr. Olson. It is critical that there be tangible progress on electoral reforms, a credible election timeline, and a reasonable plan to prepare for a Constitutional Loya Jirga.

On the plus side, the Afghan government completed its accession to the World Trade Organization in July, reflecting a commitment to fostering trade. The government also completed an International Monetary Fund program that resulted in increased revenue collection and a crackdown on corruption.

The coalition that the U.S. and its allies have built and maintained through years of diplomacy, said Mr. Olson, will continue to stand side-by-side with the Afghan people as they chart a path toward a long sought, and long overdue peace.
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump insisted he does not know and never even met some of the women accusing him of sexual assault, and his running mate said on Friday the campaign is working on producing evidence to disprove the claims.

Trump has called his accusers horrible liars and said he will prove the allegations arent true, but Hillary Clinton and her ally, First Lady Michelle Obama, say Americans are learning more about Trumps unacceptable behaviour every day.

We cant expose our children to this any longer, not for another minute, let alone for four years, the first lady told Clinton supporters at a rally in New Hampshire. She said after years of working to end this kind of violence and abuse and disrespect ... were hearing these exact same things on the campaign trail. We are drowning in it.

Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence blamed the news media for what he characterised as an obsession with unsubstantiated claims by Trumps accusers. There will be more evidence coming out to prove Trumps innocence, Pence told Fox News. Asked what evidence he was talking about, Pence said, The campaign is working on bringing that information out. He did not elaborate.

Trump was cheered at rallies on Thursday in Florida and two appearances in Ohio, states central to his campaign. He is campaigning on Friday in another crucial state, North Carolina.

Clinton has no rallies planned on Friday, but President Barack Obama is campaigning for her in Ohio.
COLUMBUS: President Barack Obama insisted Thursday that Republicans who are disavowing Donald Trump deserve no credit for their sudden change of heart after having stood by silently for so long. He accused Republicans of filling a swamp of crazy by allowing unfounded and hate-filled rhetoric to go unchallenged within the party for years.

Campaigning for Democrats in Ohio, Obama said most Republicans arent like Trump and know better, but hadnt renounced the kind of rhetoric Trump embraces out of deference to the Republican base.

He said it was GOP complacency that led the party to nominate a candidate who he said brags and jokes about sexually assaulting women. You cant wait until that finally happens and then say, Thats too much, thats enough, he said.
BEIJING: Pakistan on Friday assured China of full security to the $46-billion economic corridor that will join the two countries while it passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the six main corridors of President Xi Jinpings ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, will connect the northwestern Xinjiang province to the Gwadar port.

India has repeatedly voiced its concerns about the CPEC because it passes through PoK.

Lieutenant General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, chief of general staff of the Pakistan army, assured General Fang Fenghui, member of Chinas Central Military Commission, that the Pakistani military resolutely supports China to push forward the BRI.

The Pakistan army is willing to provide all support for maintaining the security of the CPEC, said Hayat, the senior most serving general who is in contention for the post of army chief after General Raheel Sharif retires in November.

According to a report published on an official military website, Fang said China and Pakistan were iron brothers with an all-weather partnership.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reached important consensus with Pakistani leaders on deepening the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and building China-Pakistan community of common destiny during their meetings in recent years, Fang was quoted as saying. He said the two militaries shall make full use of the quadrilateral cooperation and coordination mechanism (among Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and Tajikistan) to counter terrorism.

The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the Pakistani side to achieve the two countries common development, so as to benefit the peoples of the two countries, Fang said.

The Chinese foreign ministry had told HT the projects aim was to boost local economy and improve peoples well-being.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Friday removed a travel ban imposed on journalist Cyril Almeida over a report he wrote about a rift between the civil and military leadership.

The governments decision followed a meeting between interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and information minister Pervaiz Rashid and representatives of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors.

The government put Almeidas name in the Exit Control List (ECL) after he filed a report in the Dawn newspaper on October 6 about a tense, high-level meeting between civilian and military leaders during which foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry reportedly said Pakistan was facing growing international isolation for failing to tackle terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Armys top commanders on Friday expressed serious concern at the publication of a false and fabricated story about an important security meeting held at the Prime Ministers House in a national English language daily.

They viewed the report as a breach of national security.
TOKYO: When Prince Hisahito was born in 2006, ending a 41-year drought in imperial male heirs, Japans government gladly dropped proposals that women might head the worlds oldest monarchy, but a decade later the little prince remains the last hope for an unreformed Chrysanthemum Throne.

The issue is back in focus after Emperor Akihito, 82, hinted two months ago at abdication, with only five heirs in the line of succession, including Hisahito, his sole grandson. The four older heirs are Akihitos centenarian uncle, an 80-year-old brother, and two middle-aged sons whose wives are in their early 50s.

In a rare televised address, Akihito said in August he worried age might make it hard to fulfil his duties. The remarks were interpreted as a desire to abdicate, a step unprecedented in modern Japan and not possible under current law.

The succession quandary has long weighed on Akihitos mind, Japanese media and royal watchers say.As the head of the imperial family, the emperor has a great sense of crisis that the royals will disappear, said a veteran Japanese journalist and long-time royal watcher, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. In a country where the population is rapidly aging and projected to shrink about 30 percent by 2060, the dwindling royal family exemplifies a much larger trend that is also hitting succession planning at Japanese family firms.

Next week a panel appointed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will start considering the topic of abdication. Domestic media and academics say the government appears to be leaning towards one-off legislation that would let Akihito step down in favour of eldest son Crown Prince Naruhito, Hisahitos uncle. Hidehiko Kasahara, an expert in imperial law, doesnt expect Abes panel to broach the topic of male-only succession, which conservatives see as central to an imperial tradition stretching back 2,600 years.

The governments stance is to avoid tackling issues like female succession that divide the public, he said.


Belle Boyd: Confederate Spy

Ardent Confederate Isabelle (Belle) Boyd became one of the Civil Wars most notorious spies. In 1861, when only 16, she fatally wounded a Union soldier who entered her familys home in Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). During the next year, she regularly provided intelligence to Rebel commanders. She was arrested several times and twice served sentences in Washington, D.C., prisons. When captured aboard a Confederate blockade-runner in 1864, Belle was banished to Canada. While traveling in England to further the Southern cause, she created a sensation by marrying Sam Hardinge, a Union officer. A widow with one child by wars end, Boyd published her memoirs, returned to America and later earned a living by acting and lecturing on her wartime experiences.

Image: Library of Congress
"Outlander" Season 3 is still a year away but spoilers have already begun to emerge and it must be said that they indicate a very adventurous ride ahead for viewers. The next season is set to cover a period of two decades and will also usher in new characters.

Actor Sam Heughan aka Jamie Fraser has revealed some interesting details about "Outlander" Season 3, reports Christian Post. He said that the next season will span two decades and take viewers on a real adventure to England, Scotland, Jamaica that will end up in North Carolina. He also spoke of surprises and some epic, dramatic scenes.

According to the actor, he has shot some very unique scenes for Season 3 and even the crew is not aware of them. Though he refused to shed light on the said scenes, it is difficult for fans not to think that they are with Claire. The reunion of Jamie and Claire is the most anticipated scene in the upcoming season.

Speaking of Claire, she is pregnant with Jamie's child but is with her husband Frank. She will be trying to adjust with her new life but it would be difficult after she learns that Jamie may have survived the Battle of Culloden. Still, she would carry on because, at present, her main focus is to raise her daughter, Brianna, reports International Business Times.

"Outlander" Season 3 is truly going to be a tough test for the star-struck lovers but viewers can watch some new love story too as new characters are set to enter the show. Fergus will be a grown up lad in "Outlander" Season 3 and will be portrayed by Cesar Domboy. A die-hard romantic, his path appears set to cross as that of Marsali's, daughter of Laoghaire.

Marsali's character will be played by Lauren Lyle and is described as a rebellious and high-spirited girl, who is a secret romantic. These two will be truly interesting to watch and so will be Lord John Grey, who is to be portrayed by David Berry. He will have a significant influence on Jamie's life and the two will become close friends in the Scottish prison.

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Excited about the new Android 7.1 Nougat features?

Wondering when the Android 7.1 Nougat update for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C will roll-out?

Google unveiled its first "Made by Google" smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL this October Significantly, the latest Google smartphones has Android 7.1 Nougat installed straight out of the box.

This is pretty significant, considering that some Nexus devices just received the Android 7.0 Nougat.

This also hinted that Google may have Android 7.1 Nougat to release soon.

Consequently, the first smartphones who received Android 7.0 will also receive the latest one. Definitely, Android 7.1 Nougat update for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C will be announced sooner, rather than later.

For now, Google announced that it will be launching the Android 7.1 Developer Preview for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C. This is while users are waiting for Android 7.1 Nougat to release soon.

To experience the Android 7.1 Nougat update for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C, check out the Android 7.1 Developer Preview here.

Google's Android Beta Program lets users check out pre-released versions of Android, including Android 7.1 Nougat features.

If users encounter issues in Android 7.1 Developer Preview, feedbacks to Google should be provided. Also, users must take Google's note seriously: "If you opt-out when your device is running a beta version of Android, all user data on the device will be wiped".

The devices that are eligible for Android 7.1 Developer Preview are Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, General Mobile 4G (Android One).

Exciting Android 7.1 Nougat features include App shortcuts API, Circular App Icons support, Image keyboard support, Enhanced Live Wallpaper Metadata, among others.

It will not be long before all Nexus users can experience the Android 7.1 Nougat features. This is as Google confirms that Android 7.1 Nougat to release soon.

Android 7.1 Nougat update for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C, along with other Nexus devices will be released officially on December.
Fact checking is the foundation stone of news publication and now Google has brought more focus on the subject with its new fact checking tag. This has been done with the ongoing US Presidential election in mind and thus, the onus has increased on news publications.

Google recently announced a new label that will appear in Google News on topics that have been properly verified with facts, reports Digital Trends. The new label will appear in the extended details box on Google news app (iOS and Android) as well as news.google.com. To get the label in their stories, news publishers will have to follow the instructions of the internet company.

According to the keyword blog on Google, the publishers need to add a new line of code to the articles that have been factually verified. They also have to adhere to the new set of guidelines that have been issued by the company. Detailing the intent and purpose of the guidelines, the blog states that the measure has been brought in with the interest of readers in mind.

They should be able to understand what was checked and what conclusions were reached. The analysis drawn by the reporters must be based on transparent sources and methods. There should also be citations and references to primary sources. The organizations must be nonpartisan and should be getting transparent funding and affiliations.

The good news is that some of the sites have also adopted the new markup and they include UK-based Full fact and US-based politics site Politifact. Others are also expected to follow up and it is hoped that the tags will start appearing to Google News readers when the final debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton takes off on October 19.

When either of the two makes any claim in their debate, PolitiFact will present the fact-checked article and it will very likely appear in the Google News listings. The new measure is surely a laudable step by the technology giant, but it is, by no means, a restrictive measure for those who do not follow the rule and will not disqualify stories that are not fact-checked.

Google News will only discredit them when the topic appears on the news aggregator.

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Several mobile brands in India recently adopted the OTA update to get the support of Reliance Jio VoLTE sim. The same is done by Lenovo India to bring the features of VoLTE to its flagship Vibe K5 Note.

According to Pressks, Lenovo Vibe K5 Note was launched in August this year. The device has very good features but it lacked the 4G VoLTE support.

Now, the company releases a new update to K5 Note. This will bring VoLTE support, which will enable users to make calls through Reliance Jio network, reports Techtree.

The reason for update in India is the craze of Reliance Jio, which is very popular in the country. Reliance launched the sim for free that offers three months of free outgoing calls and 4G internet for all Jio customers.

According to Lenovo, the software update already started rolling in India.

To get this OTA update, users have to manually check via Settings > About Phone > System Update. The new software version is S312.

The file size of OTA update is 122MB, which also includes Android security update for September 2016.

Lenovo Vibe K5 Note comes in 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 5.5 inch FHD IPS display, 64 bit Octacore MediaTek Helio P10 processor, 13 MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera. The smartphone runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow in India.

The most liked feature of Vibe K5 Note is its fingerprint scanner, which is placed below the camera module on the rear panel. The handset also equipped with Dolby Atmos speakers.

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My first probe into science started in second grade when the town I lived in dumped a truckload of huge pebbles into a hole at the bottom of our road, making what I would call a poor mans drain for the water that would accumulate after a heavy rain. Noticing this cache of new addition to our neighborhood, all the kids from three blocks around descended on the pile with the intent of cracking open the stones hoping to find geodes or perhaps fossils. You have to understand that because of glacial deposits there are just no outcrops of rock on Long Island and certainly no minerals. This find was a bonanza yielding quartz, rose quartz, clear quartz, and some iron rich conglomerate that Corky, the leader of our rockhounding group, called Indian paint pots.

Not long after this, presumably seeing the collection of drainage pit broken rocks I brought home, my dad bought me a mineral hardness kit. It came neatly packaged in a three by three compartment set, nine specimens in all, corresponding with the Mohs Hardness scale. According to Herbert S. Zim, author of the classic Rocks and Minerals, you can easily remember the order by saying: The Girls Can Flirt And Other Queer Things Can Do. With talc as number one, calcite as three and quartz as seven, topaz was eight, corundum was nine and of course diamond was the last. A quaint saying but its probably against the law nowadays to teach that mnemonic device without getting a visit from the feds and certainly benign compared to the resistor color code ditty we learned back in electronics lab years ago. Nevertheless, talc, the mineral in the news these days because of huge jury awards, claims the lowest position. It is the softest common rock one can find.

Talc is a clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It has the chemical formula: Mg3(SiO3)4.H2. It usually occurs as fibrous masses and because it is so soft, can be scratched with ones fingernail. It has a specific gravity of approximately 2.5 and a clear or dusty luster, and is translucent to opaque. Talc is not soluble in water, and has what can be described as a greasy feel. On a streak plate it leaves a white line. Soapstone is a metamorphic version composed predominantly of talc and often used in the welding trade to mark steel.

Talc is a widely used mineral. It is used in many industries, including as filler material in paper and plastic making, paint and coatings, rubber, food, electric cable, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and ceramics. Talc finds use as a cosmetic in talcum powder and as a lubricant because it is so soft. It is used to coat the insides of inner tubes and rubber gloves during manufacture to keep the surfaces from sticking. It is also employed as a matting agent in earthenware glazes and can be used to produce magnesia mattes at high temperatures. Since 1894, when Johnson & Johnsons Baby Powder was launched, talc has been used to prevent diaper rash on tiny bottoms.

Over the last 20-plus years there has been some speculation that talc powder contributes to certain types of disease, mainly cancers of the ovaries and lungs. One particular issue with talc is its frequent association in underground deposits with asbestos ore (talc and asbestos are both magnesium silicates). But because of the shunning of asbestos in the 1970s strict measures have been taken to insure that cosmetic and food grade talc is asbestos free.

Some studies performed, especially those listed by the American Cancer Society, claim to have found some small linkage while other studies by other groups have not. One study suggested genital talcum powder use may slightly increase the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer in women who are past menopause. But other studies have not found such a link. They say further studies are needed to explore this topic. One interesting scientific study published in 1993, by the U.S. National Toxicology Program, found that cosmetic grade talc was correlated with tumor formation in rats forced to inhale talc for 6 hours a day, five days a week over at least 113 weeks.

In February of this year, a St. Louis jury awarded $ 72 million to a family of an Alabama woman who died of ovarian cancer, her family claiming that the use of Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder was the root of her cancer. In May 2016, a South Dakota woman was awarded $55 million as the result of another lawsuit saying that her use of that companys baby powder for 35 years had caused her cancer also. J&J spokeswoman Carol Goodrich said the verdict contradicted 30 years of research supporting the safety of cosmetic talc. The company intends to appeal and will keep defending its products safety.

According to Wikipedia, at this time more than 1,200 other talcum powder-related lawsuits are pending. Most are in California.
Xiaomi Mi Note 2 has been on the internet for a very long time. Rumors on Xiaomi Mi Note 2 specs, features, release dates and prices were seen in most of the reports on the internet.

According to Android Headlines, a noted China based analyst Pan Jiutang suggested that Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will be the most expensive smartphone from Xiaomi.

The smartphones released by Xiaomi before, like Mi 5, Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus, were quite cheap enough when compared to the new expected Xiaomi Mi Note 2.

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to be priced at 600 USD as hinted by analyst Pan Jiutang.

The reports suggested that the hints coming from the analyst might be for the base model of Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and it is compared with the unfortunate Samsung smartphone Galaxy Note 7. Xiaomi Mi Note 2 seems to take Note 7 spot in the tech market all over the world.

The expectations were very clear during the launch of Xiaomi Mi Note 2 phablet early this year. Few rumors also suggested that Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will be released this month or in November.

Recent reports hitting the internet quoted the company's CEO saying that Xiaomi Mi Note 2 will 'surprise us'. Leaks last Oct. 13, 2016 showed Xiaomi Mi Note 2 having vertical dual camera setup.

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to have 5.7-inch QHD display with 2560 x 1440 resolution. Mi Note 2 is powered by Snapdragon 821, 64-bit quad-core processor, along with the Adreno 530 GPU equipped with a 6GB of RAM. Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to have two rear-facing 12-megapixel or 13-megapixel cameras along with LED flash. Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to be made up with metal and glass. Xiaomi Mi Note 2 is expected to come at a price tag of 600 USD as hinted by analyst.

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As Kim Kardashian isolated herself from her social life, it is being estimated that she will suffer a loss of $1 million every month.

This comes after she was robbed of millions at gun point in Paris. The loss wasn't just of millions of dollars, but also her engagement ring, which is estimated to be about $4.5 million.

In the city of love, she reported that she has been robbed of millions and her engagement ring in her hotel room on gunpoint. Traumatized Kim seemed to be on edge as she lashed out on those alleging that her accusations are fake and warned of suing them.

In a report on People, Samued Rad, the celebrity financial advisor said, "[Kim's] overall brand is generating at least $1 million a month through just general posts, not including anything that's specifically being contracted with companies," and even added that the posts of Kim Kardashian "are worth at least $20,000 a piece to her overall brand."

While a report on In touch suggested that she might suffer loss of $1 million a month because of her absence from social media, her return would create much bigger buzz that will completely make up for her loss of money and absence.

In huge disappointing news to the fans of "Keeping up with the Kardashians", it is reported on Morning news USA that show has been put on "indefinite hold."

While the E! Network spokesperson said in a statement to Just Jared following the robbery that "Kim Kardashian's well-being is our core focus right now. No decision has been made as to when production will resume."

It is to be noted that Kim Kardashian has a net worth of $51 million, Forbes had stated. However, Money Nation lists her fortune at $149 million, with the claim that she has earned $348 million in her lifetime.

Her income comes from TV, movie, fragrances, merchandising and endorsements. It would be important to inform that reports claim that Kim has decided not to flaunt her wealth anymore.

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Snapchat, with its 26-year-old founder Evan Spiegel, is set to bring out its Initial Public Offering (IPO) with the bankers in March 2017, sources familiar with the matter informed Bloomberg.

According to media reports, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. will lead the offering, while JPMorgan Chase & Co., Deutsche Bank AG, Allen & Co., Barclays Plc and Credit Suisse Group AG will also be involved as joint book runners.

The company recently renamed itself to Snapchat Inc, and has private market value of $18 billion after its last funding round. It will be the largest social media IPO since Twitter Inc. in November 2013.

While larger start-ups like Uber Technologies Inc. (last valued at $68 billlion) and Airbnb Inc.(last valued at $30 billion) stay cautious borrowing money or raising private capital, Los-Angeles based Snap is all set to go public.

The benefit for Snap is that since its revenue is less than $1 billion, it qualifies to file IPO documents confidentially with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Morgan Stanley's lead role comes after the bank arranged a credit facility for Snap in September. Snap's sale is poised to be the biggest U.S. technology IPO that Morgan Stanley has served as left-lead adviser since Facebook Inc. went public in 2012.

Snapchat is an application for sharing selfies and videos, watching news videos and chatting with friends. It has more than 150 million daily active users, as just over 40 percent of Americans aged between 18 to 34 are Snapchat users.

In a report of The Guardian, analysts at eMarketer recently said the company could bring in advertising revenue of almost $1bn by 2017, as brands ditch traditional advertising models for new media that appeals to younger people.

In a report of Reuters, it clearly brought to notice that 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.

No one from the parties involved was available to comment to Bloomberg's report, who first broke the story.

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King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri Dynasty as Rama IX. The word Rama was adopted from the name of Hindu God Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.

It is a name adopted by the king on the time of his coronation. He was the longest reigning monarch, serving for 70 years and 126 days since June 9, 1946, until the day of his death last Oct. 13.

He was the grandson of King Chulalongkorn. He was born while his father Prince Mahidol was studying at Harvard University.

His older brother Ananda Mahidol became king in 1935. But on June 9, 1946, Ananda was found dead on his bed with a gunshot wound. Bhumidol immediately replaced his brother on the throne and married a distant cousin, Sirikit Kitiyakara, in April of 1950. She was crowned on May 5, 1950, a month after his wedding.

As monarch, Bhumibol enjoyed immense popularity and led an active ceremonial life. National celebrations were held in Thailand every June to mark the anniversary of King Bhumibol's ascension to the throne.

Citizens of Thailand were glad when the king's health went well after being hospitalized from pneumonia. But prior to his death, his public appearances became seldom that made the Thais worried. That's why the death of King Bhumibol has been a shock to everyone.

Thais grieve for the loss of their most beloved king. The red light streets that used to have many tourist are like abandoned buildings due to the loss of their king.

They decided to grieve for their king for 30 days for a sign of respect. Losing their king is like losing a part of Thailand that is their heart. Their beloved king will remain in their hearts and never will be erased.

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The tension between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is such as spicy chili to put on your snack. Their rivalry is an unending spiral of hatred and accusations. In short, they are at each other's throat. But recently, Trump has been receiving these accusations from Hillary and women whom he allegedly harassed and molested.

But now, the tables have turned. Just recently, at Trump's last minute conference, he appeared with four women who claims to be a sex assault victim of Bill Clinton.

Trump said, "These four courageous women have asked to be here."

He threatened to talk about Bill Clinton's past infidelities during the debate and stepped up the various attacks against the former President after the 2005 video recording of Trump making vulgar and unnecessary comments about women was exposed.

Juanita Broaddrick said, "Donald trump may have said some bad words but Bill Clinton raped me, and Hillary threatened me. I don't think there's any comparison."

The former nursing worker claims Clinton attacked her in a hotel in 1978. Kathleen Wille, a former White House aide, claimed Clinton groped her in his office in 1993. He denied the allegation. Kathy Shelton is the victim of a sex assault case in which Hillary defended her alleged rapist.

Director of communications, Jeninifer Palmeiri, said in a statement: "We're not surprised to see Donald Trump continue his destructive race to the bottom."

Hillary Clinton understands the opportunity in this town hall is to talk to voters on stage and in an audience about the issues that matters to them, and his fantastic stunt doesn't even change that.

"If Donald Trump doesn't see that, that's his loss." As always, she's always prepared to handle whatever Donald Trump throws her way.

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It's really disappointing to learn when one of the best smartphone makers in the world is now into a deadlock due to faulty hardware in one of their flagship devices.

Samsung electronics, the South Korean giant, is now involved in complaints regarding their faulty Note 7 devices that were launched this year. However, phones are not the only problem for Samsung at the moment or at least one of the two devices that Samsung have manufactured.

Apparently one of Samsung manufactured washing machines was one of the latest additions regarding faulty Samsung devices that is now facing a lawsuit.

Samsung, a couple of weeks back, had issued a massive global recall of all their Note 7 units due to faulty batteries. It involved more than 2.5 million units. Some of the users had only issues with extensive overheating of their batteries. But now, thanks to a global recall, their devices are now eligible for a full-refund no questions asked.

Samsung however had tried to replace as many phones as they could. The problem started again when the replacement phones exploded. One the first complaints noted were a flyer onboard Southwest airlines when a phone caught fire. A court investigation is underway now

Now coming to Nicholasville, a man was seriously injured when his phone too caught fire and ultimately resulted in his family waking up to the horror of a room-full of smokes in their house.

Michael Klering, the victim in a statement said he was scared to death when he got to know about what was happening. He said that the whole room caught fire resulting in smokes out of nowhere. He did confirm that it was a replacement device and he assumed that the replaced unit was fully safe.

He told about how he was feeling the nausea and even had an emergency room visit where he ultimately vomited due to the same reason that's when he found out something was wrong. Klering however refused to hand over the faulty phone but was left devastated when he learnt that Samsung in reality wasn't really doing much over it.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Quavo feels his fans are more than ready to hear Migos upcoming album CULTURE, but his label 300 has yet to grant the group a release date. The Atlanta rapper is putting pressure on the label via Twitter, suggesting that Migos supporters are getting impatient.



You makin the fans Angry they Ready for #CULTURE Comment if U Tired Of Waiting!! REALTALK!!, he tweeted at the official 300 account.









In September, Migos announced that the album would be dropping within the month, but now almost halfway through October, there is still no sign of it.



This isnt the first time the group has expressed its frustration with the label. Following the release of their debut album Yung Rich Nation, which was met with disappointing sales, they said they were parting ways with 300, something that then-CEO Lyor Cohen debunked when he revealed they were still under contract.



Earlier this year, Offset revealed that Lyor stopped the groups collaborative project with Young Thug from coming out.



Cohen left the label to begin work with YouTubes music department in September. Migos recently signed a management deal with GOOD Music.

Migos
ELKO  A local news director was recently selected as chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board of directors.

I think that public media has a universal message, and we want to continue to be trusted and we want to continue to serve local communities, said Lori Gilbert, news director for KENV-TV and Elko Broadcasting Co.

Gilbert was unanimously elected to serve a one-year term by the board of CPB in September in Washington, D.C. Her term will expire in 2018.

Loris focus on service to rural communities of America and her experience in commercial media provide valuable insights that inform the work of the board, said outgoing board Chair Liz Sembler, praising Gilberts leadership.

Gilbert served as vice chair since 2014. This is her second term and she is the chair of the Education Committee. She was appointed to the board by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2013, said CPB.

I always felt like I was appointed to this position to represent not just the West, but rural America in general, because there are so many outlying communities, she said, explaining she has served on the corporations board since 2008.

Gilbert has been appointed to the board by two presidents, Obama and initially by George W. Bush. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid recommended her.

Rural communities are served by public media in some unique ways, and for some rural communities thats really the only local media they have, she said.

While some individuals equate National Public Radio or public television on the same level as public media, Gilbert stressed each community is distinctive and local stations have an opportunity to provide to their community. This can be done not only through local journalism, but also childrens and educational programming.

The latter allows for the involvement of teachers and librarians, she said.

For me, I dont really see changing anything that Ive been doing, because we have really been emphasizing universal access, which is to make sure everybody can receive a free, over-the-air signal, said Gilbert, discussing this encompasses both radio and television.

A great deal of federal funding goes into the infrastructure to provide this access, including translators to transmit the signal.

In fact, Elko does not have public TV or radio that originates locally but is benefited through access to the signals from Reno and Las Vegas stations.

Were in something right now called a spectrum auction, which is a little concerning because were not sure what the result of the spectrum auction will be at this point, and if especially rural stations will continue to be served in the same way they were, said Gilbert. So, were really working on preserving the public media system as a whole.

This incentive auction is being held by the FCC this year to aid the nations escalating demand for wireless broadband access. The FCC plans to reallocate a portion of broadcast spectrum used by television stations and make it available for use by wireless carriers, stated CBP.

Spectrum can be freed up by repacking television channels already assigned to television broadcasters, said the organization.

Gilbert said the CBP works closely with the Federal Communications Commission as it cares about the rules and regulations made, but stewards rural communities so that they are not forgotten.

We all know the unintended consequence of creating a federal mandate can be far overreaching and it doesnt serve rural communities, she said. Were trying to make sure that our stations can reach the underserved communities, including minority communities or even vulnerable audiences such as children.

When discussing what she would like to accomplish during her time as chair, Gilbert said everything builds on what weve been working on and then sometimes its a moving target.

She said local journalism is very important to her and something she hopes to continue working on, and seeing that communities have the tools that they need to enhance their local journalism capability and their childrens programming, certainly, the outreach that they do in their communities.

Rural stations depend more on CBP funding than urban stations, as the latter has a larger pool to garner various forms of support, she said.

Continuing in CPBs mission of diversity is also an important aspect. It allows for new avenues of growth and adaptability in order to appeal to changing audiences. This is not solely demographic, she said, but also cultural. This also involves relating to youth in the future.

As a board, we really rely heavily on our staff. We have an amazing professional staff, and theyre very dedicated and theyre very visionary. They are working very closely with stations, with policy makers. Were not your grandmas public media, she said, explaining this form of media is always improving.

This metamorphosis is taking various forms of evolution through different platforms such as podcasts and online streaming.

Its not just the traditional, over-the-air broadcasting mission anymore, but we want to make sure we preserve the same values, because the public has this trust, said Gilbert. Its an inherent trust of public media that we want to preserve and unfortunately we know that at this time, in our country, the publics trust in media, in general, is at an all-time low.

Because of this, there is work to be done to make certain that stations are encouraged to fulfill their local missions, because the CPB does not program stations and we dont tell stations how to program.  They have complete autonomy.

The public broadcasting corporation has policies and guidelines, and stations can apply for grants, she said.

CPB is the steward of the federal governments investment in public broadcasting.

For CPBs 2014 fiscal year, $445 million was approved in federal appropriation from the U.S. Congress.

Im very pleased to be doing this  because I think it is important that people realize that in communities large and small one person can make a difference, said Gilbert.

Public media still has news bureaus around the world, where a lot of commercial agencies have had to cut back, said Gilbert, explaining news broadcasts provided by public media give more of a complete backstory. Its not just the sound bite.

The news director said the more she learns about it, not originating from the public media family, she was concerned about fulfilling the role, before realizing we just do it as a little microcosm here in Elko, we serve our communities.

Serving the local area can come in the form of touring the television station. Gilbert told the Free Press that a group of eighth-graders went to the station, during which time she held up her phone and asked if everyone had one.

Well, this is your reporting tool. We need journalists, we need broadcasters. Its more than ever, because we need people to cover city hall, she said.
Lil Waynes Gone Til November book release has spurred many news items, not only from memoir excerpts, but from brand new interviews the New Orleans native has been conducting in an effort to promote the book. Among his interviews, he did a piece with New York Times, where he (innocently or not) threw shade at the young rappers out here doing their thing specifically, the crop consisting of Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, 21 Savage and Kodak Black.

When asked about these rappers, Wayne replied, I swear to God I didnt know you were saying peoples names just now, so that should probably answer that question. I just do my own thing.

This afternoon Waka Flocka shared a video where he big ups these youngns, and it seems like a response to Waynes comments Weezy isnt mentioned by name, but given the timeline of events, it would make sense, especially given either artists comments. However according to the comment section on our Instagram page, Beanie Sigel could get it too.

Waka says in the video, Mufuckas be throwing shade to these young n*ggas too. Yall n*ggas stop fronting like ya dont be hearing about these young n*ggas rapping and turning up. Stop hating on these young n*ggas.

Waka Flocka
Inevitably, theres a funny story involved, which the Roscommon actor gleefully tells Graham Norton...

Irish actor Chris ODowd is among the stars featured on the Graham Norton Show on BBC One tonight (10.35pm). Chris stars in the new Netflix comedy Mascots at the moment in which he plays a character called The Fist.

The Roscommon man told Graham Norton about the time he met his hero, the legendary Pogues frontman, Shane MacGowan  a tale which results in much ribaldry.

ODowd recounted that he and McGowan were attending an awards ceremony. Glad to see Shane, ODowd went over to introduce himself.

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After several minutes of silence MacGowan leaned over and said: "I'll just have a vodka tonic. As the creator of Moon Boy told it, Shane had mistaken him for a waiter. Or else he was just trying to cadge a free drink!




U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday the United States would honor a controversial refugee deal with Australia, under which the United States would resettle up to 1,250 asylum seekers, a deal President Donald Trump had described as dumb.





Pence told a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that the deal would be subject to vetting, and that honoring it doesnt mean that we admire the agreement.





We will honor this agreement out of respect to this enormously important alliance, Pence said at Turnbulls harbor side official residence in Sydney.





Australia is one of Washingtons staunchest allies and has sent troops to fight alongside the U.S. military in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.





Under the deal, agreed with former President Barack Obama late last year, the United States would resettle up to 1,250 asylum seekers held in offshore processing camps on South Pacific islands in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Nauru.





In return, Australia would resettle refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.





The White House has already said it would apply extreme vetting to those asylum seekers held in the Australian processing centers seeking resettlement in the United States.





The deal has taken on added importance for Australia, which is under political and legal pressure to shut the camps, particularly one on PNGs Manus Island where violence between residents and inmates flared last week.





Asylum-seeker advocates welcomed the U.S. commitment, although they remained concerned that extreme vetting could see fewer than 1,250 resettled in the United States.





What still isnt clear is how many people will have this opportunity, and that clarity must be provided, said Graham Thom, Refugee Coordinator at Amnesty International Australia.





The violence on Manus Island last weekend only further demonstrates that the Australian government needs to give a clear commitment that no refugee or person seeking asylum will be left behind in Papua New Guinea or Nauru, he said.





ACRIMONIOUS CALL





An inquiry by an upper house Senate committee in Australia said the government must be more transparent about the operations of the processing centers in PNG and Nauru, which are run by contractors.





The report, released on Friday, also said the Australian government had a duty of care to the asylum seekers being held in the camps.





Australias relationship with the new administration in Washington got off to a rocky start when Trump lambasted Turnbull over the resettlement arrangement, which Trump labeled a dumb deal.





Details of an acrimonious phone call between the pair soon after Trump took office made headlines around the world.





Turnbull acknowledged Trumps reluctance, but said the U.S. commitment was a measure of Trumps new U.S. administration.





It speaks volumes for the commitment, the integrity of President Trump, he said.





Pence was speaking on the final leg of a 10-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region that included meetings with political and business leaders in South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.





His trip to Australia is the first by a senior official in the Trump administration as the United States looks to strengthen economic ties and security cooperation amid disputes in the South China Sea and tension on the Korean peninsula.




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Passengers on United Airlines reported long delays after the latest in a long line of technology problems at the nation's biggest carriers.

United said Friday that it had fixed the overnight issue, yet hours later the airline still could not explain what went wrong or even how many flights were canceled or delayed.

Tracking service FlightStats said in the late afternoon that United had canceled 10 flights - not an unusual number - and delayed more than 380. However, those numbers don't include United Express flights, which are outsourced to smaller carriers.

Timing helped United. The outage spanned a late-night period when few U.S. flights were operating, and United reported it was fixed before the wave of morning departures.

Some passengers traveling late Thursday and early Friday took to social media to complain about delays as long as six hours.

Asked about the cause of the outage, United spokeswoman Maddie King said, "We are still working to determine that."

In August, Delta Air Lines suffered a computer breakdown after a power outage in its operations center. The airline canceled more than 2,000 flights over three days. In July, Southwest Airlines also canceled more than 2,000 flights after an outage that it blamed on a failed network router.

Airline technology systems have hundreds of programs that are often of different ages and sources and are layered on top of each other. Outside experts have questioned whether airlines have enough redundancy in their systems and test the systems frequently enough.
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In 1849, Capt. William Whiting of the U.S. Cavalry came upon a spring spouting from the grasslands in far West Texas, south of New Mexico. Whiting described it as "a clear gush of water which bursts from the plain, unperceived until the traveler is immediately upon it." The spring teemed with wildlife, he said, "abounding in fish and soft-shell turtles."

Comanche Springs became a stopping point for soldiers, travelers and explorers. Fort Stockton grew up around it; within a few decades farmers were irrigating 6,200 acres of cropland.

RELATED: State admits it doesn't know if Balmorhea drilling will harm springs

In the early 1950s, however, farms to the west began digging wells, drawing water from the same aquifers, and, soon, Comanche Springs began to wane. In 1952, more than 100 farmers sued their west-side neighbors, including Clayton Williams Sr., father of billionaire oilman and 1990 gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams Jr., in an attempt to halt the pumping.

Courts ruled the west-side farmers had a legal "right of capture." Within a few years, Comanche dried up.

A dry San Solomon Springs?

Residents of Balmorhea, west of Fort Stockton, often told me about Comanche Springs during a recent visit to their 500-person community. It's one worry, several said, about Houston-based Apache Corp.'s plan to drill as many as 3,000 oil and gas wells on 350,000 acres surrounding the town.

Oil companies need millions of gallons of water to fracture shale, and release oil from rock. Balmorhea depends on the crystal blue water of San Solomon Springs and the pool it feeds in neighboring Balmorhea State Park, which drew 160,000 visitors last year.

Is it possible that fracking operations could dry up the San Solomon, too?

Apache, which has been recognized for its efforts to protect water quality and recycle waste water, understands the fear of Balmorhea residents, and is working to nail down other sources of water for its operations. It has found several possibilities.

An oilman and a jaguarondi

But industry cooperation isn't enough for some. Texas has a spotty record challenging oil and gas companies, area attorneys and activists said.

A few told me the story of Tony Sanchez, another oilman and gubernatorial candidate.

In 1991, Sanchez's Laredo-based Sanchez-O'Brien Oil & Gas Corp. submitted an application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department - the managers of Balmorhea State Park - to drill in Falcon State Park, on the Mexican border.

Sanchez, however, sat on the parks commission then, drawing conflict-of-interest accusations. The company withdrew the application, Sanchez stepped down, and the parks department approved the permit when it was resubmitted shortly after Sanchez's departure. The commission two years later granted Sanchez, who didn't return my call seeking comment, a second permit, over staff objections. A small endangered wildcat called a jaguarondi lived in the vicinity of the drilling.

In the wake of that decision, the commission asked park staff to craft environmental guidelines. But in 1995 the commission rejected the rules it had asked staff to create.
For years, free market urbanists  the people who champion lax regulation and low taxes as a way to promote growth and affordability at the same time  have viewed Houston as a model city. None more so than Joel Kotkin, the California-based consultant and writer who's penned column after column singing the Bayou City's praises.

But lately, Kotkin's affections have strayed. Rather than Houston, he opined in Forbes yesterday, America's greatest growth story is happening inland. "There is no regional economy that has more momentum than the one that straddles the 74 miles between San Antonio and Austin," he wrote. The area is doing particularly well in higher-end technology and business services jobs, and spurring new development across the in-between towns, like San Marcos and New Braunfels.

There's certainly no doubt that Houston has fallen behind, after the oil bust took the wind out of its economic sails. Let's walk through some charts. First, employment growth, courtesy of the Dallas Fed: While Houston essentially stopped adding jobs when the oil bust started, Austin has kept on hiring like crazy, smoking the rest of the state in terms of percentage growth (keeping in mind that Houston has a much larger base):

For a more comprehensive view of economic conditions, here's the Dallas Fed's business cycle index for the state's largest cities. It includes retail sales, wages, and unemployment as well as job growth, and Austin again stands out.

So, Austin is having its moment. But such rapid growth comes with costs, as anyone who's stewed in traffic for hours on I-35 could tell you. Austin hasn't kept up with its population by adding transportation infrastructure, and while it's built plenty of homes in the last decade, its rents are still rising at a rapid clip  unlike Houston, where rents have sunk by two percent over the past year, according to Apartmentlist.com.

(For perspective, here's where we stand in absolute terms: Austin is more expensive than Houston.)

Red-hot growth can have another downside: Not everybody gets to benefit from it. Poverty has risen in all four of Texas' major cities over the past decade and a half. While it's leveled off in recent years, the gaps between their poverty rates have narrowed, with Austin coming within Houston's margin of error.

All of this raises a couple of questions.

First of all: What is it that led to Houston's rapid growth in the first place? Was it, as Kotkin argues, the city's abundance of land to spread out on and relatively low cost of living? Or was it simply its proximity to the epicenter of the oil and gas economy, which exploded between 2005 and 2014 and has since fallen off a cliff?

Probably a little bit of both, but it's at least clear that a city couldn't necessarily achieve Houston's level of success by replicating its laissez-faire model.

And secondly: Can Austin and San Antonio keep growing if they don't build in more robust ways of moving people around, like some form of mass transit? Kotkin says that the corridor could become something akin to Silicon Valley  along with everybody else  and indeed, the region is about the same size.

But the Bay Area has the advantage of BART and Caltrain, which at least makes it a little easier for someone to live in a place they can afford if they're priced out of San Francisco. Doing without transit for much longer in the Hill Country  which Kotkin says he thinks should be preserved  could create the kind of congestion nightmare that repels people rather than attracts them.
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BEIJING - The finances of religious groups will come under greater scrutiny. Theology students who go overseas could be monitored more closely. And people who rent or provide space to illegal churches may face heavy fines.

These are among the measures expected to be adopted when the Chinese government enacts regulations tightening its oversight of religion, the latest move by President Xi Jinping to strengthen the Communist Party's control over society and combat foreign influences it considers subversive.

The rules, the first changes in more than a decade to regulations on religion, also include restrictions on religious schools and limits on access to foreign religious writings, including on the internet.

Unauthorized gatherings

Religion has blossomed in China despite the Communist Party's efforts to control and sometimes suppress it, with hundreds of millions embracing the nation's major faiths - Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Taoism - over the past few decades. But many Chinese worship outside the government's official churches, mosques and temples, in unauthorized congregations that the party worries could challenge its authority.

A draft of the new regulations was published in September, several months after Xi convened a rare leadership conference on religious policy and urged the party to be on guard against foreign efforts to infiltrate China using religion.

"It could mean that if you are not part of the government church, then you won't exist anymore," said Xiao Yunyang, one of 24 prominent pastors and lawyers who signed a public statement last month criticizing the regulations as vague and potentially harmful.

The regulations follow the enactment of a law on nongovernmental organizations that increased financial scrutiny of civil society groups and restricted their contact with foreign organizations in a similar way, as well as an aggressive campaign to limit the visibility of churches by tearing down crosses in one eastern province where Christianity has a wide following.

But the rules on religion also pledge to protect holy sites from commercialization, allow spiritual groups to engage in charitable work and make government oversight more transparent. That suggests Xi wants closer government supervision of religious life in China but is willing to accept its existence.

Carving out boundaries

"There's been a recognition that religion can be of use, even in a socialist society," said Thomas Dubois, a professor at the Australian National University in Canberra. "There is an attempt, yes, to carve out the boundaries, but to leave a particular protected space for religion."

Although the governing Communist Party requires its 85 million members to be atheist, its leaders have lauded some aspects of religious life for instilling morality in the broader population and have issued directives ratcheting back the hard-line attacks on religion that characterized the Mao era.

Over the past decades, this has permitted a striking religious renaissance in China, including a construction boom in temples, mosques and churches. Christianity is widely considered the fastest-growing faith; there are as many as 67 million adherents now, at least half of whom worship in unregistered churches that have proliferated across China, sometimes called underground or house churches.

The new regulations are more explicit about the party's longstanding requirement that all religious groups register with the government, and the most vocal opposition so far has come from Protestant leaders unwilling to do so.

"These regulations effectively push house churches into taking on an illegal character," said Yang Xingquan, a lawyer who is one of the signatories of the public statement. "This is very clear."

Many Christians contend that government-approved churches are tools of the state, as sermons are vetted to avoid contentious political and social issues and clergy are appointed by the party rather than congregants or, in the case of the Catholic Church, the Vatican.

The new rules call for more stringent accounting practices at religious institutions, threaten "those who provide the conditions for illegal religious activities" with fines and confiscation of property, and require the many privately run seminaries in China to submit to state control.

Other articles in the regulations restrict contact with religious institutions overseas, which could affect Chinese Catholics studying theology in the Philippines, Protestants attending seminaries in the United States, or Muslims learning at madrasas in Malaysia or Pakistan.

Crass commercialization

For traditional Chinese religions - such as Buddhism and Taoism - which are practiced by 300 million to 400 million people and which the party views more favorably - the regulations appear intended to address a different problem: crass commercialization.

Temples often are forced by local governments to charge entrance fees, which mostly go to the state and not the place of worship. About 600 people were recently detained at Mount Wutai, a Buddhist pilgrimage site in a northeastern city, for posing as monks to hustle money by fortunetelling, begging for alms and performing street shows, the state news media reported.

The new regulations say spiritual sites should be "safeguarded" from tourism and development. The rules also require local governments to decide on applications to build houses of worship within 30 days and to explain denials in writing.

Scholars caution that it is unclear how strictly the regulations will be enforced, noting that local officials often have tolerated and sometimes encouraged religious activity that is formally illegal, including house churches.

"Past regulations have not harmed the growth of religion in China," said James Tong, a political-science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has written extensively about religious regulation in China, "and I don't think these will, either."
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GUADALAJARA, Mexico - Even in a rural Mexican community that has grown accustomed to the news of brutal killings, the abduction and murder of a popular Catholic priest has triggered profound shock and outrage.

The bullet-ridden body of the Rev. Jose Lopez Guillen was found Sept. 24 on the highway outside Puruandiro in the western state of Michoacan, a region plagued by violent conflict. The 43-year-old cleric had been abducted from his home in nearby Janamuato five days earlier.

"He was an engaging personality," said Maria Solorio, a regular at Lopez's church. "He was an excellent priest and very devoted to the community.  What happened to him was a great injustice."

Such injustices have been piling up and have prompted questions about whether the church is under attack or whether the clergy are just collateral damage in a wider wave of violence.

Lopez was kidnapped on Sept. 19, the same day authorities discovered the bodies of two slain priests in the eastern state of Veracruz; that makes at least 15 priests slain over the past four years.

The murders come at a time of strained relations between church and state in Mexico, in part because Catholic bishops recently supported mass protests against a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

In the wake of the killings the church also has abandoned its normal reluctance to criticize the government.

Mexico is the country with the second-largest Catholic population in the world, with nearly 100 million people, or more than 80 percent of the population, identifying as Catholic. But the country has a long history of anti-clericalism, and in the past century, the government officially, and often violently, suppressed the church.

But that dynamic changed dramatically after constitutional reforms in 1992 and the government and hierarchy enjoyed good relations for the most part.

Motives have not been established for the latest killings, but the Catholic Multimedia Center notes that violence against the clergy occurs disproportionately in states with high levels of organized crime, such as Veracruz and Michoacan.

The organization records 31 killings of priests in Mexico since 2006, the year then-President Felipe Calderon deployed troops to Michoacan in an effort to stamp out the drug cartels.

The intensity of the violence in Michoacan has forced some priests into social activism. One such priest is the Rev. Jose Luis Segura Barragan, who is among the most high-profile opponents of drug cartels in the state.

After he was appointed parish priest in the town of La Ruana in 2013, Segura voiced support for the armed self-defense groups that had sprung up in response to rampant insecurity in the region. Groups of locals soon tried to drive him out of town.

"Because I didn't leave, people fired bullets and threw rocks and fireworks at the church," he said.

Segura, who finally left La Ruana four months ago, came under the media spotlight for his views. Yet for the clergy, even keeping a low profile is no guarantee of safety. In the most dangerous states in Mexico, any resistance against cartels, however minor, can become a motive for murder.

Analysts generally agree, however, that violence against the clergy should be seen within the wider context of the drug war.

"It would be dishonest to say this is a targeted persecution of priests or the church," said the Rev. Hugo Valdemar Romero, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City. "But the fact that you are a priest does not liberate you from the risk of robbery, murder or torture."

While anti-clericalism is not blamed, the Rev. Omar Sotelo of the Catholic Multimedia Center said the role of the clergy makes them particularly vulnerable to crime.

"The violence against priests often has to do with their pastoral work," Sotelo said. "These are not just common crimes."

Some critics have accused Mexican bishops of concentrating on social matters, such as same-sex marriage, while turning a blind eye to the politically sensitive topic of violence.

"The church is focused on sexual issues," said the Rev. Alejandro Solalinde, a priest and famous activist. "They don't organize many marches to protest injustice, government corruption and impunity."

But attempts by prosecutors to link recently murdered priests with crime and criminals seem to have convinced church officials to speak out against the government.

Surveillance footage, apparently showing Lopez entering a hotel with an underage boy, was leaked to a media outlet in Michoacan. It caused an uproar until a woman on social media identified the pair as her ex-husband and son, not the murdered priest.

Similarly, State Attorney General Luis Angel Bravo Contreras was criticized for claiming the two priests in Veracruz had been drinking heavily with their killers before the crimes.

Church officials have responded with a vigorous defense of the victims.

"This is a common strategy," said Solalinde. "They criminalize victims in an effort to contain the public outcry."

In this Mexican context of crime, Solalinde believes violence against priests suggests they are truly living their vocation.

"This persecution is a sign that priests are defending human rights," he said.
NEW YORK - Ahmad Khan Rahami vowed to martyr himself rather than be caught after setting off explosives in New York and New Jersey, and he'd hoped in a handwritten journal championing jihad that "the sounds of bombs will be heard in the streets," authorities said Tuesday as they filed federal charges against him.

Criminal complaints in Manhattan and New Jersey federal courts provided chilling descriptions of the motivations that authorities said drove the Afghan-born U.S. citizen to set off explosives in New York and New Jersey, including a bomb that injured more than two dozen people when it blew up on a busy Manhattan street.

Meanwhile, more details emerged Tuesday about Rahami's past, including the disclosure that the FBI had looked into him in 2014.

According to the court complaint, Rahami's journal included a passage that said: "You (USA Government) continue your (unintelligible) slaught(er)" against the mujahideen, or holy warriors, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"Death to your oppression," the journal ended.

One portion expressed concern at the prospect of being caught before being able to carry out a suicide attack and the desire to be a martyr, the complaint said. Still another section included a reference to "pipe bombs" and a "pressure cooker bomb" and declared: "In the streets they plan to run a mile," an apparent reference to one of the blast sites, a charity run in a New Jersey shore town.

There also were laudatory references to Osama bin Laden, Anwar al-Awlaki - the American-born Muslim cleric who was killed in a 2011 drone strike and whose preaching has inspired other acts of violence - and Nidal Hasan, the former Army officer who went on a deadly shooting rampage in 2009 at Fort Hood, the complaint said.

Before the federal charges were filed, Rahmani, 28, was already being held on $5.2 million bail, charged with the attempted murder of police officers during the shootout that led to his capture Monday in Linden, N.J.

Rahmani remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Not a terrorist, father says

The court complaint describes Rahami buying bomb-making equipment so openly that he ordered citric acid, ball bearings and electronic igniters on eBay and had them delivered to a Perth Amboy, N.J., business where he worked until earlier this month.

Video recorded two days before the bombings and recovered from a family member's phone shows him igniting incendiary material in a cylinder, then shows the fuse being lighted, a loud noise and flames, followed by billowing smoke and laughter, the complaint said.

Investigators are looking into Rahami's overseas travel, including a visit to Pakistan a few years ago, and want to know whether he received any money or training from extremist organizations.

In 2014, the FBI opened up an "assessment," the least intrusive form of an FBI inquiry, based on comments from his father after a domestic dispute, the bureau said in a statement.

A law enforcement official said the FBI spoke with Rahami's father in 2014 after agents learned of his concerns that the son could be a terrorist. During the inquiry, the father backed away from talk of terrorism and told investigators that he simply meant his son was hanging out with the wrong crowd, according to the official, who was not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Rahami's father told reporters Tuesday outside the family's fried-chicken restaurant in Elizabeth, N.J., that he called the FBI at the time because Rahami "was doing real bad," having stabbed the brother and hit his mother. A grand jury declined to indict him.

"But they checked, almost two months, and they say, 'He's OK, he's clear, he's not terrorist.' Now they say he's a terrorist," the father said. Asked whether he thought his son was a terrorist, he said: "No. And the FBI, they know that."

Review prior investigation

The disclosure of the father's contacts with the FBI raises questions about whether there was anything more law enforcement could have done at the time to determine whether Rahami had terrorist aspirations.

That issue arose after the Orlando massacre in June, when FBI Director James Comey said agents a few years earlier had looked into the gunman, Omar Mateen, but did not find enough information to pursue charges or keep him under investigation.

Asked Tuesday about Rahami, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama "is confident that the Department of Justice and the FBI will go back and review the interactions that this individual had with law enforcement to determine if there's something different that could have been done or should have been done ..."

The bombing investigation began when a pipe bomb blew up Saturday morning in Seaside Park, N.J., before a charity race to benefit Marines. No one was injured. Then a shrapnel-packed pressure-cooker bomb exploded Saturday night in New York's Chelsea section, wounding 31 people. An unexploded pressure-cooker bomb was found blocks away - with Rahami's fingerprints on it and his face captured by a nearby surveillance camera, according to the court complaint.

Late Sunday, five explosive devices were discovered in a trash can at an Elizabeth train station.
Voting begins one week from today in Nevada. If you havent decided yet how to vote on the local races for justice of the peace and city council, show up at the candidate forums Tuesday night at the Elko Conference Center.

If you have decided how to vote, come anyway to show support for your candidate. Its a chance to hear adults discuss important issues, most likely without all of the mudslinging that has characterized the presidential debates.

Elko will have two justices of the peace after the election. Judge Mason Simons will be joined by either Court Master Andy Mierins or Nevada Highway Patrolman Elias Choch Goicoechea, who are competing for the new Department B judges position.

They will answer questions for approximately 45 minutes beginning at 6 p.m., followed by a forum for Elko City Council featuring incumbents Robert Schmidtlein and Mandy Simons and challenger Pedro Marin. Voters will pick two of the three candidates on the ballot.

The forums are being presented by the Elko Area Chambers Government Affairs Committee. As usual, we appreciate the effort that chairman Matt McCarty puts into organizing and moderating these events.

During the final week before voting begins the Elko Daily Free Press will provide as much information as possible on the local races as well as ballot questions and state and national races.

Todays Opinion page features statements submitted by the judge candidates.

We have also reposted videos of the candidates at elkodaily.com.

While you are online, take time to answer our latest poll question: Have the developments in the presidential race increased or decreased your desire to vote?

We hope readers spend much of the next week reviewing their sample ballots and considering their choices carefully. Many local residents are planning to vote as early as possible.

Early voting begins Oct. 22 at the Elko Convention Center and will continue through Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Applications for absentee ballots may be requested until Nov. 1 from the county clerk or through www.elkocountynv.net.
The Texas Education Agency, taking a hard line on districts with chronically low-performing schools, has directed the Houston school board and superintendent to undergo leadership training or face serious sanctions, which could include trustees being forced from their elected positions and the closing of campuses.

Several Houston board members, including the president, Manuel Rodriguez Jr., acknowledged Friday they could use the training to better oversee the nation's seventh-largest school district and to learn how to get along with each other. One trustee said he's not seen the board in such disarray - with heated debates that included accusations of racism - in at least a dozen years.

A.J. Crabill, a deputy commissioner at the state education agency, sent letters this week to the Houston Independent School District and 10 other districts citing concerns with the plans they submitted to improve their low-performing campuses. Because of that, he wanted the boards and superintendents to agree to "agency-directed governance training."

If the districts reject the training, Crabill said, he would not approve their school improvement plans, which means the agency would be required under state law to take major action. It could send in a state-appointed board to run the district, close the schools or assign an outside manager to oversee those campuses.

Rodriguez, in an interview Friday, said he and Superintendent Richard Carranza, who was hired in mid-August, will likely soon respond to the agency and commit to the training. The agency has not said what the professional development would entail.

The training directive and the focus on strengthening district leadership is a new approach under Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, a former Dallas school board member appointed to his job in December by Gov. Greg Abbott.

"Based on (Morath's) background as a member of a board of trustees, he feels the decisions that impact student outcomes start with the local board and their decisions," education agency spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson said Friday. "Basically, if the board can't work together, how are they going to make the best decisions to improve student outcomes? That's the whole focus of this - we want to improve student outcomes."

The agency's letters addressed schools that were supposed to roll out improvement plans this year based on failing to meet the state's academic standards in 2015 and earlier.

Houston school board member Harvin Moore, the district's longest-serving trustee with 13 years of experience, said of the state's training directive: "We could use it."

"No board would want to receive a letter like this," said trustee Greg Meyers, who has a dozen years of service. "But when you have a board that clearly isn't focused on governance and a board that doesn't model leadership the way that it needs to, this doesn't surprise me. We've been in a more difficult place than I've ever seen it in HISD as a board, and it's hurtful to me because we've been making some great progress."

The board has been particularly divided since January. Two new trustees, Diana Davila and Jolanda Jones, took office, and at their first meeting then-board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones surprised some veteran trustees by bringing forward several controversial proposals, including renaming campuses named after Confederate loyalists and banning suspensions of young elementary school students. The items passed on split votes along racial lines.

The board, however, united over the summer to hire Carranza, the former schools superintendent in San Francisco. On the job full time in Houston for five weeks, Carranza has not specified his plans for bolstering student achievement, but his first major personnel decision was naming a chief academic officer. He promoted Grenita Lathan, noting that about 20 campuses came off the state's low-performing list under her watch last school year.

Carranza, at a conference Friday, was not available to comment on the agency's training mandate. But on Monday, the same day the letter was sent, he and the board had a team-building session scheduled. The session highlighted a distrust among some trustees, and Carranza, too, said he was worried they had shared information he told them in confidence.

Rodriguez and Skillern-Jones both said Friday the friction on the board stems from the shake-up with the new members and a strong push to fix inequities in the district - a theme that has exposed racial and socioeconomic tensions.

"Anytime you have new members, you have to start over on meshing. So that transition period is rocky," Skillern-Jones said. "And shifting a board from the traditional way of things to focusing on new goals like equity is going to be difficult. But as adults we should be able to have the conversations around that in a civil fashion because it is for the greater good of the kids. I think that's the reason we're all there."

"If training can help us focus, then I'm all for it," she added.

Trustee Anna Eastman echoed: "I hate that TEA had to intervene to make it happen, but I definitely think we could benefit from some good governance training."

The other districts that received similar letters from the state education agency about training and possible sanctions were Brazosport, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hearne, Lubbock, Midland, Nacogdoches, Tyler and Waco.

Separately, in September, the Houston school district received notice from Morath that he had assigned a longtime educator to supervise Kashmere High School after seven straight years of failing to meet the state's academic standards. It's the first time the agency sent an outsider to manage a school in the Houston district.
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Immigration attorney Jessica Chen was leaving her office in a Chinatown mid-rise late one July night when two males rushed her while demanding her keys and bag.

Chen ran, fell and threw them her items. The pair sped off in her BMW SUV with her purse and iPhone. She was shaken and without a way to call for help.

And Chen isn't the only victim. A series of brazen robberies that appeared to target Asians - particularly those driving luxury vehicles - in the heart of Chinatown in southwest Houston has left members of that community calling for extra support from law enforcement.

Chen says more than 50 robberies have occurred in the greater Houston area targeting Chinese people and property.

Three incidents in July happened in a four-block area that includes the Chinese Community Center, Chinese Civic Center and an elementary school, and a fourth was less than a mile away at a shopping center in the heart of Chinatown's retail area.

"We need more HPD officers to come over, patrol and pay attention to this area," Chen said. "They can do something to improve this situation."

More Information Protests planned in Galleria area An anti-crime demonstration by members of the Chinese community is scheduled near the Galleria for 2 p.m. Saturday at Westheimer and Post Oak. See More Collapse

Community members are planning protests from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Galleria to draw attention to their concerns.

The situation was described as "increasingly intolerable" in a July 26 letter to Mayor Sylvester Turner from Chen and a dozen other leaders of Chinese community organizations.

"Unfortunately, these four incidents were back-to-back and they were in such close proximity that it caused a lot of concerns and alarm within the Chinese community," said District F Council member Steve Le, who represents the area. "We have a lot of people who do business transactions via cash because they are immigrants and they are more comfortable with cash rather than credit cards."

Leaders and victims from southwest Houston asked the mayor, city council and the Houston Police Department to provide a focused solution to the problem with more streetlights, police patrols and resident safety workshops.

Le called a town hall meeting attended by representatives from the Harris County District Attorney's Office, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the area constable and HPD. Other responses have included greater vigilance from private security firms hired by office buildings, the Southwest Management District and the International Management District.

HPD Capt. Paul Follis said the attention the letter received came just before the Westside station started an overtime violent crime initiative that ended in mid-September across the area that includes Chinatown.

"We were able to bring the overall crime rate in the whole area, not just Chinatown," he said. "We were able to seize a lot of narcotics, a few weapons and put several people in jail as a result of that crime initiative."

A string of crimes

Car break-ins and purse snatchings had been on HPD's radar for at least two months by the time Chen was robbed.

In late May, citizen reports and photos helped authorities pinpoint a Jeep SUV that had been spotted in the areas when several BMWs were burglarized. On June 1, officers arrested Joseph Hearn and Kevin Dwayne Crooks, both in their 50s.

HPD authorities and other city officials expected a summer uptick in crime, particularly because teens were out of school, Le said, which prompted him this spring to allocate an additional $180,000 from his council district funds to pay for more street patrols in the area.

On July 14, however, two hours after Chen was robbed, a 58-year-old Asian man was carjacked about 11 p.m. at the Chinese Civic Center. The armed assailants took his wallet and a Glock pistol before driving away in his 1999 Lexus.

There were two adults and one juvenile in the vehicle when police tracked down the car two weeks later. During that time, the alleged robbers had been riding around committing other crimes, authorities said.

In another incident, Kombila Essongue, 26, is accused of pulling a gun on another Asian person on July 25, taking the vehicle and engaging in a chase with police. He remains in the Harris County jail on a combined bail of $85,000 facing charges of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest with a vehicle.

And Stanard Hendricks, 19, allegedly swiped a cell phone from a woman with a Vietnamese last name on July 28. He was arrested last month on a theft charge.

Worry in the community has grown as members have connected across the Houston area through Internet chat applications in Chinese, learning about driveway robberies targeting Asians in Fort Bend County. Then, in September came the brazen death of a Spring chef from Indonesia who was killed by armed assailants who stormed his home.

"One of the reasons that the people in Chinatown are targeted is just because of the environment," said Follis, the police captain. "In that small area that is Chinatown, which is less than a three-square-mile area, there are dozens of apartment complexes over there. People are literally living on top of each other."

Follis said Hispanic residents outnumber all other groups, but the area is known for its Asian businesses.

Both Le and Follis said more trust is needed between residents and law enforcement.

"Historically, in the Asian communities, I think crimes are under-reported," Follis said. "I think there are still a lot of people that don't 100 percent trust the police department ... If they would better report their crimes, we would have a little bit better handle on what is going on out there."

Le said his efforts to bridge the gap include negotiating a twice-a-month show on 900 AM Radio Saigon Houston, a Vietnamese-language station, that started in July and features personnel from the sheriff's office. He is also working on a similar show with HPD in Vietnamese for an FM station.

Le would like a Chinese-speaking officer to lead a public safety show on a local Chinese TV station.

He thinks those programs can push messages about not leaving valuables in a vehicle, not carrying lots of cash and offering tips for dealing with panhandlers.

"These are things that are sometimes considered common sense, but the average person may not know," the councilman said. "We're trying to increase the level of trust and work together."

Raising their voices

Chen will be among the protesters at the planned demonstrations Saturday afternoon in the Galleria area.

She said until July 14, she had never been robbed before - whether in China or in the United States, where she has lived for 13 years.

Chen's SUV was found in the early hours of July 15 in Fort Bend County after the teen driver rear-ended another vehicle. Her robbery case remains under investigation by HPD.

But she's also still suffering from the experience. She's lost sleep. She's less focused. She leaves the office earlier with work - instead of staying late.

"Every society has good and bad people, no matter where it is. This is life. Reality," Chen said. "I have to face this. I have to do something to prevent this from happening to other people."
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Latino Republicans from Texas and around the country plan to gather in Las Vegas, site of the final presidential debate this week, for a "reckoning" amid fears that Donald Trump's extremism has caused long-term damage to GOP efforts to appeal to the burgeoning Latino electorate.

The Latino leaders intend to vent frustration at GOP national chairman Reince Priebus and the Republican National Committee for failing to halt Trump's insults of Hispanics over the past 16 months. They also will use the gathering to organize a new group that will have a Washington office to promote and express the party's Latino agenda.

Artemio Muniz, of Houston, chairman of the Texas Federation of Hispanic Republicans, described himself as "a young gun conservative" who is unwilling to mince words about failures by national Republicans.

"People like me who are younger, we don't spin. There's anger, that's just the truth," said Muniz, 35. "The promise was made; Reince told me personally that he would speak out against extreme rhetoric."

Muniz contended that in his eyes, Priebus did little to rein in Trump beginning when the New York billionaire opened his campaign in June 2015 by painting immigrants as criminals, racists and drug dealers.

"It appears to be that we're headed for a big debacle," said Jacob Monty, a Houston lawyer and one of the organizers of the meeting. "My personal opinion is that there needs to be some sort of reckoning."

The RNC defended Priebus, arguing that critics disregard an effort begun under Priebus that led to the hiring of 70 Latino staff members in Washington and around the country and a sustained effort to build Latino backing. The RNC will not be represented at the meeting, a spokeswoman said.

They say they're upset, too, at what they regard as the national party's inability to follow through after a 97-page "autopsy" in 2013 that amounted to an indictment of GOP methods, among them failure to mobilize Hispanic voters.

Despite reports to the contrary, the Latino leaders - numbering between 30 and 40 - won't formally call for Priebus's resignation, which could appear an empty gesture given that Priebus's term expires after this election.

Nonetheless, participants will air concerns about the GOP relationship with Latinos going forward, while charting a plan to exert more influence in the national Republican Party.

"It seems to me that they have a disagreement with Donald Trump, and I can understand that," RNC spokeswoman Helen Aguirre Ferre said. "But I don't understand why that has anything to do with chairman Priebus."

Priebus, she said, has repeatedly offered advice about the tone of Trump's campaign. "I can tell you that chairman Priebus speaks to Mr. Trump regularly. Those are private conversations," she said.

Monty is among Latino Republicans who endorsed Trump and raised money for him but who have since abandoned the presidential candidate because they deemed harsh his utterances and his policies toward Hispanics. Monty was among influential leaders who met with Trump in the summer, at which point they thought they saw evidence of a softening in Trump's views.

But Monty quickly rescinded his backing after the GOP nominee vowed once again to deport anyone in the United States illegally in an aggressive speech in Arizona on Aug. 31.

"When we're toxic on immigration, it alienates Latinos who are legal because they think that could be my uncle, my father, my neighbor. It affects more than just the immigrant community; it effects everyone," Monty said.

"It's like a burning building," he added. "We can only carry a few people out. We should focus on the people who are saveable. We can't save Donald Trump from himself."

Massey Villarreal, a prominent Houston businessman and former president of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said that in Las Vegas he intends to emphasize the need for retooling the GOP message.

"There's broken glass that needs to be swept up," he said. "We need to bring the (Latino) community back together again. We're pro-family, pro-life, pro-economic freedom and pro-small government. We want to bring people back to those core values."

Art Martinez de Vara, a lawyer and former mayor of the San Antonio-area city of Von Ormy, said he doesn't fault the RNC for its failure to muzzle Trump. His aim in Las Vegas, he said, is to mobilize influential Hispanic conservatives from coast to coast and to press the point that many Hispanics have "traditional conservative viewpoints" on the economy, foreign affairs and social policy.

Martinez de Vara is not on the growing list of Republicans vowing not to vote for Trump. Nonetheless, he thinks that Trump has damaged the Hispanic conservative base. "A lot of people aren't enthused about this election," he said.

Alfonso Aguilar, another organizer, is president of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, a Washington-based advocacy group. He said that rather than faulting Priebus, he blames GOP White House hopefuls whose insistence on remaining in the primary field enabled Trump to capture the nomination.

Aguilar said conservative Latinos have a challenge ahead. "Liberals have been very effective in saying that their agenda is the Latino agenda," he said. "Some Republicans believe that Latinos are born Democrats."
A federal judge ruled Friday that South Texas College of Law must stop using its new name - displayed on prominent billboards around town - until it resolves a bitter legal dispute with the University of Houston regents.

U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison granted a temporary injunction in a 42-page ruling that found South Texas's new name, Houston College of Law, had created confusion among consumers and caused a "substantial threat of irreparable injury" to the University of Houston Law Center.

The facts "weigh heavily in favor" of UH prevailing in the case, Ellison said.

He set a hearing Wednesday for lawyers representing the two law schools to determine how to proceed.

Ellison noted in the ruling that South Texas College of Law had wanted to change its name so consumers did not assume it was in the Rio Grande Valley or confuse it with Texas Southern University.

"It must be with a great sense of irony that (d)efendant now attempts to downplay the effects of the same type of affiliation confusion that prompted defendant to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebrand itself," he said.

The order left the South Texas College of Law officials reeling.

"We were stunned that this would be the outcome," Donald J. Guter, dean of the 93-year-old private law school, said Friday. "It's not the opinion we were expecting. We were confident we had the law on our side."

He said late Friday school officials had not had time to process the judge's order, but that administrators, staff and board members would discuss how to proceed before next week's hearing.

Tony Buzbee, a UH Law Center alumnus and the lead attorney for the team representing UH, said he was pleased and gratified by the court's decision.

"The evidence showed overwhelmingly that the name change caused confusion in the marketplace," Buzbee said. "The next step is for South Texas College of Law to remove their billboards, change their website, remove merchandise from stores and change their name in the American Bar Association database. This is a complete victory for the University of Houston and the UH Law Center."

Ellison's ruling upsets the private law school's effort to rebrand itself as a downtown campus, by stating that the name and colors South Texas chose are too similar to the brand UH had already established.

Initial confusion

Zach Wolfe, a Houston litigation attorney who studied the rulings, said the judge noted that students might be confused initially about the two schools.

"Judge Ellison acknowledged that prospective law students are unlikely to be confused about which law school they are selecting at the 'point of sale,' but his reasoning was that prospective students could easily be confused when initially looking into law schools," he said. "That was a key factor showing a likelihood of confusion, which is the key issue in trademark litigation."

South Texas began considering the name change in 2013, after a market study commissioned by the college showed that people were unclear about where the school was located and mixed it up with TSU.

Guter testified in a deposition the college could gain "broader exposure" by being associated or affiliating with UH or Rice University.

South Texas moved to change the name earlier this year after Texas Wesleyan University Law School became affiliated with Texas A&M and bypassed South Texas in the U.S. News rankings.

Five days after "Houston College of Law" announced its new name, UH lawyers filed a trademark infringement suit. Among their concerns were the use of red and white - the colors used by UH - in place of the college's crimson and gold.

Brand identification

South Texas' lawyers argued in pleadings that "Houston" didn't belong to anyone.

"The College has the right to claim Houston not only as its heritage, its cultural touchstone and its home, but also as part of its name," the college argued.

Ellison, however, ruled that UH had spent years establishing its brand and therefore had priority on the marks "University of Houston," "University of Houston Law Center" and "Houston Law," stating that the new college's name was too similar.

He also noted that UH had strong brand identification with the colors red and white.

"There can be no dispute that the cost of a legal education is tremendous, nor can there be much debate regarding the relative sophistication of prospective law students at the point of sale," Ellison said in the ruling. "It is only after their interest in legal education is first piqued that they begin the process of becoming sophisticated. In other words, there exists a period of time in every prospective law student's career where, not only is he unsophisticated, he knows practically nothing about the industry and is particularly susceptible to confusion."
SANTA ANA, Calif. - A federal judge on Monday sentenced a California man to 15 years in prison for trying to join the Islamic State group in Syria, calling his conduct a serious threat to the U.S. and saying it was influenced by his abusive childhood and history of mental problems.

Orange County native Adam Dandach, 22, was also ordered to undergo supervised release for the rest of his life after he pleaded guilty last year to trying to provide material support to a terror group and lying on his passport application.

The case against Dandach is one in a series involving young men in states ranging from California to Georgia who have been charged with trying to assist Islamic State and other groups.

The U.S. "faces significant threat from terrorists' acts planned or committed by homegrown violent extremists like (the) defendant who become radicalized online and seek to engage in terror and support groups like ISIL," federal prosecutors wrote in court filings before sentencing.

The prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence for Dandach, who authorities said had videos of executions and decapitations by terrorists stored on his computer. He also encouraged terrorist beliefs in online chatrooms and continued to write violent poetry even from jail, authorities said.

U.S. District Judge James V. Selna said terrorist activity in any form is a threat to the U.S. and other countries. In court filings, Selna acknowledged Dandach's abuse at the hands of his father, history of obesity and litany of mental problems ranging from post-traumatic stress to depression.

Dandach weighed as much as 550 pounds when he was a teenager and later underwent surgery, the judge wrote. His parents divorced when he was 9.

The now-slender Dandach appeared in court wearing shackles and a tan jail jumpsuit. He exchanged fleeting looks with his mother, who sobbed throughout the hearing, and told the judge he had dissociated himself from the person he once was.

"Pardon me for my poor judgment," he said. "I believe it should be understood that I am just a hollow shell of what I used to be."
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KIGALI, Rwanda - Environmental groups early Saturday said nations have reached a deal to limit the use of greenhouse gases far more powerful than carbon dioxide as part of efforts to fight climate change.

At issue are hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which are used in air conditioners and refrigerators and have been described as the world's fastest-growing climate pollutants.

Observers said the agreement, set to be announced shortly, would cap the use of HFCs beginning in 2019, led by developed countries including the United States, the world's second worst polluter. More than 100 developing countries including China, the world's top carbon emitter, would start taking action in 2024.

Observers said a small group of countries including India, Pakistan and some Middle East states pushed for and secured a later start in 2028, arguing that their economies need more time to grow. That's three years earlier than India, the world's third worst polluter, had first proposed.

Scientists have said an agreement could put a half-degree Celsius dent in global warming by the end of the century.

"Compromises had to be made, but 85 percent of developing countries have committed to the early schedule starting 2024, which is a very significant achievement," Clare Perry, UK Climate Campaign Leader with the Environmental Investigation Agency, said in a statement.

Environmental groups called this meeting the first real test of global will after the historic Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions was reached last year.

The new agreement is "equal to stopping the entire world's fossil-fuel CO emissions for more than two years," David Doniger, climate and clean air program director with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement.

Experts said they hope that market forces will help speed up the limits agreed to in the deal.

HFCs were introduced in the 1980s as a substitute for ozone-depleting gases. But their danger has grown as air conditioner and refrigerator sales have soared in emerging economies like China and India. HFCs also are found in inhalers and insulating foams.

Major economies have debated how fast to phase out HFCs. The United States, whose delegation was led by Secretary of State John Kerry, and Western countries want quick action. Nations such as India want to give their industries more time to adjust.

Small island states and many African countries had pushed for quick action, saying they face the biggest threat from climate change.

"It may not be entirely what the islands wanted, but it is a good deal," the minister-in-assistance to the president of the Marshall Islands, Mattlan Zackhras, said in a statement. "We all know we must go further, and we will go further."

HFCs are less plentiful than carbon dioxide, but Kerry said last month that they currently emit as much pollution as 300 coal-fired power plants each year. That amount will rise significantly over the coming decades as air conditioning units and refrigerators reach hundreds of millions of new people.

HFCs don't harm the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons and similar gases that were eliminated under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. The entire world ratified that agreement, helping to repair holes in the ozone that helps shield the planet from the harmful rays of the sun.
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has intensified a clandestine war in Somalia over the past year, using Special Operations troops, airstrikes, private contractors and African allies in an escalating campaign against Islamist militants in the anarchic Horn of Africa nation.

Hundreds of American troops now rotate through makeshift bases in Somalia, the largest military presence since the United States pulled out of the country after the "Black Hawk Down" battle in 1993.

The Somalia campaign, as it is described by U.S. and African officials and international monitors of the Somali conflict, is partly designed to avoid repeating that debacle, which led to the deaths of 18 American soldiers. But it carries enormous risks - including more U.S. casualties, botched airstrikes that kill civilians and the potential for the United States to be drawn even more deeply into a troubled country.

But the Somalia campaign is a blueprint for warfare that the United States now employs across the Middle East and North Africa - from Syria to Libya - despite President Barack Obama's stated aversion to American "boots on the ground" in war zones.

U.S. officials said the White House had quietly broadened the president's authority for the use of force in Somalia by allowing airstrikes to protect U.S. and African troops as they combat fighters from al-Shabab, a militant group that has proclaimed allegiance to al-Qaida.

America's role in Somalia has expanded as al-Shabab has become bolder and more cunning. The group carried out the 2013 attack at the Westgate mall, which killed more than 60 people in Nairobi, Kenya. More recently it has branched into more sophisticated forms of terrorism, including nearly downing a Somali airliner in February with a bomb hidden in a laptop computer.

About 200 to 300 U.S. Special Operations troops work with soldiers from Somalia and other African nations like Kenya and Uganda to carry out more than a half-dozen raids per month, according to senior U.S. military officials. The operations are a combination of ground raids and drone strikes. The Navy's classified SEAL Team 6 has been heavily involved in many of these operations.

The Pentagon has acknowledged only a fraction of these operations. The Pentagon has announced 13 ground raids and airstrikes in 2016 - including three operations in September - up from five in 2015, according to data by the New America Foundation, a Washington think tank.
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In the final weeks before the November election, Houston-area supporters of Donald Trump say they feel let down and abandoned by both the Republican Party and the nominee's campaign.

Still, they persevere to get out the vote for their candidate, standing on street corners, knocking on doors without the traditional list of homes to target and handing out home-printed fliers.

"We have gotten no guidance," said Jeana Blackford, a local leader of pro-Trump activists. "I've been doing this for 30 years, and we've never seen this. It's absurd."

The Republican parties of Texas and Harris County said they were running get-out-the-vote efforts and that they support all candidates on the ballot equally, but frustrated local Trump supporters allege the party is turning its back on its presidential nominee and his millions of followers.

The sentiment mirrors events unfolding nationally, in which a schism between the Trump campaign and the GOP is widening as the nominee berates top party members and Republican officials rescind their support of his candidacy.

"We get calls all the time from people saying, 'the party does not support him (Trump),' " said Ben McPhaul, executive director of the Harris County Republican Party. "Maybe they get that perception from the national party, though I'm not sure that's true. But we're always quick to say we support every candidate on the ticket and we support them all equally."

He said the party has been block walking and making phone calls on behalf of Republican candidates on a daily basis. The Texas GOP also said it was "committed to electing Republicans up and down the ballot."

Diverging interests

In about the last month, the interests of the Trump campaign and the Republican party have sharply diverged, said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist based in Austin and Washington, D.C. As Trump plummets in most major polls, he said, the GOP must "be realistic about what's achievable at this point" and focus on getting Republicans elected to offices at all levels.

"The RNC has no responsibility to help a suicide bomber detonate in a crowd of Republicans," Mackowiak said, suggesting Trump's low appeal could harm other races.

Blackford, however, said that with "so much at stake in this election," every level of the party should go all-in for Trump.

In a typical election, state and local parties generally focus on state and local candidates and do not carry a lot of weight supporting the presidential nominee, said University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus.

Promotion of the presidential candidate isusually is left largely to the national party and the candidate's campaign.

The Trump campaign, however, has been mostly absent in Texas. Its Houston office opened for a few months in the run-up to the March primary, then closed in the summer, Blackford said. She said local Trump supporters did not trust the Trump campaign staff, but she stressed that Trump himself had not known about the "chaos and disorganization" in his staff until it was too late.

Blackford, a 43-year-old stay-at-home mom and veteran campaign worker who traveled to other states for Trump in the primaries, said she has about 350 people in the Houston area eager to get to work, but they have been given no direction.

By comparison, the Hillary Clinton campaign has six Texas offices. Stephen Abrams Harrison, a volunteer in the Houston headquarters, said the campaign supplies the office with computers, as well as buttons and yard signs. Volunteers sit in on weekly conference calls with the board of state directors.

'Working up a game plan'

Fed up Trump supporters in September formed a political action committee based in Waxahachie, called Make America Safe Again, a merger of existing grass-roots organizations. Board member Stephani Scruggs said the PAC was formed to make up for what they perceived as the Republican National Committee's abandonment of Trump's candidacy.

The group posted a news release Thursday titled, "Pro-Trump super PAC implements own ground game amid rumors of RNC betrayal."

Scruggs said the PAC has a national network, and its primary program has been providing volunteers with a smart phone app called FriendsVote, which sends messages to personal contacts through email and social networks.

Blackford said that, absent the GOP and the Trump campaign, the PAC has become the biggest source of support for her local grass-roots efforts.

"We are working up a game plan," Blackford said. "This is just the beginning."

Outside of the local GOP, the Houston area's community of Trump fans largely is centered around a Facebook page, which Blackford helps administer, with almost 1,200 members.

It was started by Cooper Jackson, a 30-year-old from Waller who works in a northwest Houston manufacturing plant. Jackson enthusiastically supported Ron Paul in the former U.S. representative's 2012 bid for the GOP nomination, and he said Trump's noninterventionalist foreign policy initially drew him in during the primaries.

Wearing the Trump campaign's signature red "Make America great again" cap in a Mexican restaurant on Friday, Jackson pointed out a 70-word Facebook post he made Wednesday on a separate page, which garnered 294 likes.

"Trump is the karma the Republican party deserves," it said. "Trump isn't really a Republican, he isn't really a Democrat either."

Left in 'battle trenches'

Jackson described Trump as an "antibiotic" for the GOP, with the "germs" being the "neoconservatives" and the "social conservatives." He characterized the election as a battle to see who would be expelled from the party, the germs or the medicine. And he said he felt like the Harris County GOP, the state party and the national party were not on his side.

"They're leaving the Trump people out in the battle trenches while they recede to their fort to save their down-ticket freaking election," he said. "Meanwhile, the media has us pinned down with machine guns."

The schism, which spans from the local to national political scene, could have an effect on Republican turnout. Some voters may be so turned off that they stay home on Election Day.

That, combined with the GOP nominee's low appeal to social conservatives, could make the presidential race in Texas far closer than veteran politicos would expect from the typically deep red state, said Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

"We don't know how big that effect is going to be," Henson said. "I think we're kind of marching into unknown territory."

A poll released Thursday gave Trump a four-point lead over Clinton, but that was within the margin of error.

That is well below the lead 15-point lead with which Mitt Romney won the state in 2012.

"If you want to know the truth," Blackford said. "I blame the state (GOP), and the national and the local offices. I really do. That's who I blame."
AUSTIN - With a record 15 million Texans registered to vote in the November election, and a presidential race that looks more like the Jerry Springer Show than a traditional political campaign, Republicans and Democrats alike are pinning their hopes on a most unlikely ally: Big turnout.

Republicans are hoping conservatives flood the polls to vote against Hillary Clinton. Democrats hope that women and minority voters show up in droves to sink Donald Trump. But political experts and history say predictions of a deluge of voters at the polls tend to be off the mark. Texas owns one of the lowest voter-turnout rates in the country. About four out of every 10 voters usually stay home.

Both sides concede that the upcoming election could be unpredictable, since the major-party presidential candidates have the lowest favorable ratings in recent history.

Republican insiders quietly are predicting they could get slammed in some parts of Texas because too many GOP voters disgusted with Trump will stay home or cross over and vote for Clinton.

That may not be confined to the presidential race, but also local elections, where GOP incumbents fear a rerun of 2008, when Republicans lost in significant numbers.

"I think most people generally turn out to vote because of hate or fear, and this election for president is all about just that," said Jan Marks, a longtime Houston Republican who said she will vote for Clinton because she is disgusted with Trump. She crossed over in 1990 to vote for Democrat Ann Richards after GOP front-runner Clayton Williams joked about rape. "Let me just remind you that Claytie lost."

Political scientists and consultants agree with her conclusion about why people vote, but they caution that most conventional wisdom about presidential politics has been thrown out by Trump's unlikely capture of the GOP nomination.

Groups in Texas' major urban centers of Houston, San Antonio and Dallas report that Hispanic registrations are up considerably over four years ago.

"Immigrant communities are registering and mobilizing in greater numbers than they have in a long time," said Elsa Caballero, president of the Service Employees International Union of Texas, which is teaming with the Texas Organizing Project and Mi Familia Vota to increase voter turnout. Lina Guevara, a union member, insisted this year will be different: "We are tired of the bigotry that we've witnessed during this election season."

Voter registration up

At the same time, GOP groups including the Texas Federation of Republican Women, #NeverHillary activists and tea-party organizations in the same urban areas say members are expected to turn out in record numbers. "Personalities aside, this election is the game-changer on whether our country will succeed or fail," said Montgomery County resident Nick Sartin, who plans to vote for Trump even though he preferred Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

In heavily Hispanic South Texas, registrations have skyrocketed.

Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramon said more than 2,600 showed up at her tiny office in Edinburg last Tuesday, the final day to register to vote, so many that officials kept their doors open into the evening to accommodate them all. In all, more than 335,700 people have registered to vote this year, up from 307,186 in 2012.

In the greater Houston area, increases in voter registration have led to better turnout in presidential elections since 2004, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of registration and voting data for 248 postal ZIP codes. However, only eight percent of the ZIP codes with a majority Hispanic population showed such gains - mostly for Democrats.

Joshua Blank, manager of polling and research at the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, and other pollsters said they expect Hispanics will head to the polls in greater numbers than usual this year because of Trump's divisive comments about Mexicans and immigrants.

However, they said, those gains could be offset by other voters' disillusionment with both of the major presidential candidates.

In traveling the state to encourage voter registration, Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos said voters repeatedly have told him they plan to stay home because they dislike Trump and Clinton.

"Wait, there's down-ballot races that are important," Cascos tells them. "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

'Political nuclear war'

Studies attribute Texas' historically low turnout to several things: single-party dominance in state politics leaving voters thinking their chances of influencing an election outcome is low; a disconnect with government in a state where an independent spirit is strong; and state restrictions on voter registration drives.

"If there's a year when turnout could go up from where it normally is, this could be it," said Abel Hernandez, a New Braunfels independent and Trump supporter. "This election has everyone talking."

In addition to pinning their hopes on increased Hispanic turnout statewide, Democrats also are courting women angered by Trump's crude remarks and allegations of sexual advances.

"If women haven't been a subject of sexual harassment, they have a friend who has. I think that resonates with enough of the population no matter what your ethnicity that it is was like a final nail in the coffin," said Annie's List Executive Director Patsy Woods Martin. Annie's List works to elect Democratic women in favor of abortion rights to Texas offices.

Even if Texas Democrats are not predicting a Clinton victory in the Lone Star State, a new poll released Friday shows her and Trump in a near-statistical dead heat. The WFAA/Survey USA shows Trump at 47 percent and Clinton at 43, with a 4-percent margin of error.

That is a big change from a seven-point lead Trump held in polls less than a month ago, which GOP leaders had predicted would widen to an even larger lead by Election Day.

"We're in the middle of a political nuclear war, and I expect the (Republican) base is going to turn out," said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, echoing more than a dozen other state Republican leaders who would not be quoted by name. "While most of them have voted straight ticket in the past, the question is whether that will hold this time. And, how many of them will cross over because of all the explosions going on in the presidential race?"

Dylan Baddour, Matt Dempsey and Aaron Nelsen contributed to this report.
A couple of months ago an artists' collective that calls itself INDECLINE unveiled life-sized statues of Donald Trump in the nude in public spaces in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Seattle. The grossly unflattering figures got their five minutes or so of fame before authorities hauled them away.

Now, with less than a month to go before Election Day, Republican officeholders, media pundits and party officials have joined millions of other Americans in at last acknowledging the obvious: that the self-procaimed would-be emperor - "I alone can fix it" - wears no clothes. Except for his ubiquituous red gimme cap, Donald Trump is parading naked through the public square, his retinue still following and still proclaiming his greatness.

As the besieged "emperor," threatens to lay waste to the Republican Party and, in our view, to the nation itself, it's disturbing to hear Texan accents among the dwindling band of devotees. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul and Land Commissioner George P. Bush, among others, have made the cold political calculation that they have to remain wedded to Trump, despite loathsome comments that reveal him to be a sexual predator, despite a growing Greek chorus of women coming forward with evidence of his predations. It's party over principle, raw politics over patriotism.

At least, the state's senior senator has a rationale. He told the Austin American-Statesman last week - presumably with a straight face - that all presidents learn on the job, and Trump would too. Cornyn's reasoning isn't as laughable as that offered by U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert. "I think we should forgive Trump because he made those comments when he was a Democrat," the Tyler Republican told radio host Sean Hannity.

Not all Texas Repblicans are kowtowing. U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of San Antonio, locked in a dead-even race with former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, has said he cannot support a man "who degrades women, insults minorities and has no clear path to keep our country safe." U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth has rejected Trump, as well. The Trump-inspired angst is a national phenomenon. U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, one of the first targets of Trump's insults, still endorses the nominee. So does Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Even if the GOP standard-bearer pulls off the upset of all upsets, his poisonous candidacy must be the catalyst for profound soul-searching among Republicans. How did it happen that the grand old party picked a candidate for the presidency who is, in the words of Robert Kagan, a Republican national security expert, "the most dangerous threat to American democracy since the Civil War"? How did it happen that the party acceded to a candidate who dismisses talk of sexual assault as locker-room banter; who insults women, minorities, the disabled and the military; and whose authoritarian inclinations invite comparisons to Mussolini, Chavez and, above all, to his bosom buddy, Vladimir Putin?

Answers to such questions are complex and tentative at this point, and yet one response seems glaringly obvious: A political party that shows contempt and sneering disdain toward the process of governance itself eventually spirals downward into political absurdity. Donald Trump, or someone like him, is the appalling result.

Wouldn't it be nice - to borrow Trump's stock phrase when the subject of Putin's Russia comes up - if the GOP-dominated Texas Legislature could show its fellow Republicans how to reform the party? Instead of gumming up the works of government over narrow-minded ideological crusades - transgender bathrooms, so-called religious freedom laws - wouldn't it be nice if they resolved to focus with Democratic colleagues on issues that truly matter to the vast majority of Texans? For the good of the party, and the nation, Republicans post-Trump must summon the political courage to begin the hard task of reform and renewal. As a reminder of that hard reality, maybe Donald Trump (clothed) deserves a statue, after all.
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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

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(Thumbs up) At times like these, we turn to the author of "Thriving on Chaos." The great Tom Peters opined: "If you're not confused, you're not paying attention." Republicans in Texas have spinning heads.

Their leaders - Abbott, Patrick and Cruz - stand solidly behind The Donald. Meanwhile, traditionally red businessmen can't (and shouldn't) stomach Trump's positions on trade and immigration.

Bill Hammond, the straight-shooting CEO of the Texas Association of Business, offered this bit of wisdom to the editorial board this week: "The elections are held in the spring," he said referring to the primaries. "The people in the middle, the people between the 40-yard lines, don't understand that. Less than five percent of the voters are put in the driver's seat by the insane system that we have. That's why we have Trump."

(Thumbs twiddled) With Halloween coming up, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton might consider a costume from "Stranger Things," the Netflix show, because he's living in the upside-down. One week he's fighting other states because they sued Exxon Mobil, which by the way is capable of defending itself. Now, he's suing Brownsville, a city Paxton is sworn to protect, because it introduced a tax on plastic bags that were polluting the landscape.

And on top of all of this, our state's highest lawman lost his never-ending battle to extract himself from a security fraud trial. Looks like his day in court will come soon.

(Thumbs up) Reports show the Houston economy has cooled. What's a restaurateur to do? Try New York. So, start spreading the news that chef/owner Anita Jaisinghani has taken her Upper Kirby restaurant Pondicheri to Manhattan. The reviews, like those in the Chronicle, have been excellent. The message to Houston cooks is that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
Normally I don't use this forum to comment on national events or controversies. They draw plenty of comment without me. Besides, Texas offers fertile fields that are much less plowed.

But now comes the release of the extraordinary tape in which Donald Trump is caught celebrating the fact, he says, that as a "star" he can do anything he wants with women without fear of retribution, including grabbing their crotches.

But I'm not here to talk about Trump.

A major segment of the response to him is from male Republican leaders who tell us that as the fathers or grandfathers of daughters, they are shocked and offended by Trump's comments.

As the father of two daughters in their mid-20s, I feel a need to explain to these men what is wrong with their statements. First, I hope that I would be just as outraged if I were childless or the father of sons. Second, there is more than a hint of chivalry in the statements, a suggestion that they have special standing to take a position as protectors of young women. They have no idea.

I suggest that they talk to their daughters or granddaughters about the world in which they live. I asked my daughters to list for me some Trumpian incidents they had experienced. They were pleased to do so. I'm afraid I have time for only a small sample.

One was groped at the age of 8 on the playground by three older boys. They said, "Show me yours and I'll show you mine," and pulled up her dress. She was too scared to tell anyone.

At the age of 12, a man in his late 20s found her in the stacks at the library. He kissed her on the lips. She ran away and hid behind the circulation desk. "I didn't freak out until that night," she says.

At the age of 19, she was groped by a man on a long plane ride who was masturbating. She still kicks herself for not calling the flight attendant. If you find yourself criticizing her for that, you are blaming the victim.

She has, several times, had men refuse to leave her college dorm room or her apartment when she asked them to. "It led in one case to sleeping somewhere else, and in another to threatening him a tiny bit with a kitchen knife," she says.

My other daughter offers evidence that it's not only American men. She attended college and graduate school in Great Britain and traveled widely in Europe. She now lives in New York, where she says getting pawed in crowded bars is inescapable.

"Only recently have I gotten the courage to start telling bouncers about problematic men," she says. "It feels so normal that I regularly forget that I can get a guy kicked out of a bar for grabbing my butt or putting his hand up my skirt."

Once in a London pub a young man grabbed her buttocks. When she loudly chastised him, he said, "You know, most women would take that as a compliment."

Then there was this: "I was much more aggressively assaulted by a grown man in a club in 2013 - in the way that Trump so charmingly described."

And two weeks ago, this: "I was on the subway and fell asleep briefly, waking up to a man staring at my face with his hand high on my thigh. I instinctively elbowed him hard and got off at the next stop. But no one on the train car even blinked an eye."

All their girlfriends have similar stories or worse.

In other words, the issue is much bigger than Donald Trump and his Mad Men notion of reality. What to do about it? As I say, the first thing is to talk to your daughters and granddaughters. I think you'll find that they, like my daughters, have given a lot of thought to the matter.

But as a start I would sure appreciate hearing this from some of our political leaders, both Republican and Democrat:

"As the father of sons, I pledge that should I ever hear of them saying or acting in any way approaching what Mr. Trump dismisses as locker-room talk, I will make sure that they inherit not one penny from the millions I expect to make as a lobbyist or making speeches when I leave office. Not one penny!"

Casey is a former Houston Chronicle metro columnist. This column appeared as a commentary on "Texas Week with Rick Casey," on KLRN-TV in San Antonio.
Most voters probably don't think about the Texas courts of appeals except when they make headlines, which conveniently happened last week. Justice Terry Jennings of the 1st Court of Appeals switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.

"Today's Republican Party has chosen a dark path I cannot take," he said in a speech to the Harris County Democratic Party.

But the 1st and 14th Courts of Appeals should probably be making headlines for another reason - they're potentially illegal. Rather than serving discrete areas, the two courts overlap along the same 10-county area: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller and Washington counties. We can't help but view this overlap as diluting the voting power of minorities in Harris County with largely Anglo suburbs - a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The Texas Supreme Court is currently facing similar litigation, and lower courts deserve the same kind of scrutiny.

As long as Texas elects its judges, these two courts of appeals should be split into their own separate districts so that voters can truly have their say. Until that happens, these two courts will continue with their duties of hearing appeals from district courts and ensuring that trial judges follow the law. Judges serve six-year terms.

1st Court of Appeals, Chief Justice: Sherry Radack

Both Republican incumbent Sherry Radack and challenger Jim Peacock strongly agree that service on this bench constitutes a great honor. That honor should go to Radack, 65, for another term, although Peacock came as close any challenger has to convincing us that the breadth of his experience as a litigator and the need for more philosophical diversity on the court would justify a switch. But ultimately, it's hard for us to vote to unseat a sitting justice who is doing a good job, which Radack is. A University of Houston Law Center graduate, Radack was elected judge to the 55th Civil District Court in 1998 and was appointed to this seat in 2001. She told the editorial board that in her experience as trial judge, she's witnessed the hard work that juries do to get the verdict right and tries to give jury verdicts the utmost respect.

Justice, 1st Court of Appeals,Place 4: Barbara Gardner

Plato imaged a world run by philosopher-kings, but Republican judge Evelyn Keyes is the closest that Houston gets. Our resident philosopher-judge, Keyes is a member of the prestigious American Law Institute, which helps write the influential model penal code. A graduate of University of Houston Law Center, Keyes also has a doctorate in philosophy from Rice University and a doctorate in English from the University of Texas. She's penned numerous papers on legal philosophy, exploring the foundational underpinnings of our entire judicial system and arguing about the concept of justice itself.

Now Keyes is running for her third term - a "last hurrah," she told the editorial board, before she is aged out under state law. If elected, Keyes will be forced to retire after four years of her six-year term and will be replaced by a gubernatorial appointment.

There's little reason to boot this passionate thinker from the court, but we're bothered by a system that asks voters to cast ballots for a part-term candidate. If the governor is going to routinely select our judges, then Texas needs a formal appointment and retention system. We can't have it both ways.

Voters should instead go with Keyes' highly qualified Democratic opponent, Barbara Gardner. Top of her class at the Houston College of Law (formerly the South Texas College of Law), Gardner is board certified in labor and employment law and has practiced law for 30 years. She ran for the 14th Court of Appeals in 2012, and we praised her then as someone who represents those who cannot afford top law firms. She started her career working at the Bracewell law firm, but now runs her own firm. Gardner would be a fine addition to this court.

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals, Place 2: Kevin Jewell

This race for an open seat offers voters two very different candidates who would each bring great strengths in their own ways.

Republican Kevin Jewell, a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, is board certified in civil appellate law and heads up the appellate practice at the Chamberlain Hrdlicka law firm. Jewell, 48, has spent his career practicing in appellate courts and his resume is practically tailor-made for this position.

Democrat Candace White, a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law with a master's in law from the University of Houston Law Center, has served as a judge in Houston's municipal courts, served as inter-regional managing attorney for both Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services and is currently the Harris County Child Welfare Director of Region 6. In that time, she has amassed a broad range of professional and managerial experiences and would bring a much-needed recognition to the bench that the resolution of the cases will impact real lives.

Combining both candidates' skill sets would produce the perfect appellate judge. However, as we have to choose, voters should back the candidate with the surest grounding in fundamentals - Jewell.

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals,Place 9: Tracy Elizabeth Christopher

Justice Tracy Christopher is one of the "smartest, most reasonable judges" on this court. That's not us talking - that's her Democratic opponent, Peter M. Kelly, during a meeting with the editorial board. It is the kind of praise that should encourage voters to keep Christopher, a Republican, on the bench. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Christopher, 60, is board certified in civil trial law and personal injury trial law, and served for 15 years on the 295th Civil District Court before her appointment to this bench in 2009. She's received stellar bar poll ratings, and we were particularly impressed by her insight as to how the state Legislature has overridden common law in Texas, especially in medical malpractice and other torts.

But Kelly is no slouch, either. A fellow graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Kelly is board certified in civil appeals, has argued before all 14 courts of appeals in Texas and is currently chair of the amicus committee at the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, where he has served as president.

Voters can't lose in this race.
The Texas Supreme Court should be filled with nine of the best lawyers that Texas has to offer. Unfortunately, our partisan elections require that justices become party-oriented fundraisers. It takes about $1 million, if not more, to run a successful statewide campaign in Texas. That kind of money creates the appearance of impropriety on the court - if not actual conflicts of interest. It is a problem that deserves the attention of our Legislature.

Meanwhile, voters should look for candidates who are experienced in the high-level legal thinking that confronts our state's civil court of last resort.

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3: Debra Lehrmann

Justice Debra Lehrmann, 59, has spent six years serving on the Texas Supreme Court and before that she was a Tarrant County family court judge for 22 years. In that time she has acquired a reputation as a hardworking and respected jurist with a record of success dating back to her days at University of Texas School of Law.

Her Democratic opponent and former judge of the 214th District Court in Nueces County, Mike Westergren, says that there needs to be more balance on the all-Republican court. Lehrmann agrees but they differ as to the nature of the deficit. Westergren argues for more ideological balance, while Lehrmann maintains the justices need to continue to challenge each other.

A recent judicial studies graduate of Duke University School of Law, Lehrmann faced a primary challenger because of her dissenting opinions on an all-Republican panel. But those dissents are an important way to provoke dialogue on the court and spur the Legislature to clear up a statutory ambiguity. Lehrmann has also penned two legal treatises, which are used regularly by judges and attorneys as guides for understanding the law.

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 5: Dori Contreras Garza

What is Republican incumbent, Justice Paul Green, doing wrong on the Texas Supreme Court? According to his Democratic challenger, Justice Dori Garza, not much.

She told the editorial board that she's not running against Green personally, but instead to provide greater diversity on the court.

The first in her family to receive a college degree, Garza, 58, attended night school at the University of Houston Law Center and in 2002 was elected to the 13th Court of Appeals, which stretches from Matagorda County south to the U.S.-Mexico border. She's been re-elected twice and in 2010 was one of three candidates recommended by the Texas congressional delegation to serve as a federal judge in Corpus Christi.

If elected, she'll bring different personal and ideological perspectives to a court that's been critiqued as leaning in favor of corporations and state authority at the expense of everyday Texans.

That's not to say the two-term incumbent is doing a bad job. A former justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, Green has twice saved our state from unqualified political activists who tried to navigate the Republican Party primary as a path to the Texas Supreme Court. For those feats alone, Green has earned our thanks.

This is a friendly race, and both candidates praised the other as qualified for the position. Voters can't go wrong.

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9: Eva Guzman

It took 100 pages for the Texas Supreme Court to explain that our state's school funding system was constitutional, if imperfect. But Justice Eva Guzman's passionate concurrence should light a fire under Texas politicians who may think that winning at the Texas Supreme Court absolves them of any duty to improve our public schools.

Her passion for children was palpable in that opinion, and it reflects a career that began as a judge on the 309th Family District Court, where her docket was filled with foster children and broken families. Guzman, 55, went on to serve on the Houston-based 14th Court of Appeals, before being appointed by then Governor Rick Perry to this bench in 2009, where she was the first Latina woman to serve on the high court.

Guzman's Democratic challenger, Savannah Robinson, has served as a trial lawyer for 34 years, but she cannot match Guzman's years of experience at all levels of our state's judicial system.
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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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There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

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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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

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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
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

"Tax cuts skewed towards the wealthy elite starve our communities of much-needed resources while further tilting the scales towards large corporations and the rich."

- Stephen Rouzer at Main Street Alliance

If you cut taxes for the rich and giant corporations, what happens to the rest of us? Tax cuts mean budget cuts, so what suffers is education, infrastructure and all kinds of things government does to make our lives better and our local businesses stronger.

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Republicans argue that pushing wealth and income to the top few has a "trickle down" effect. They say wealthy people (like Paris Hilton) are "makers" who "create jobs" and therefore deserve to have heaps of money pushed their way for their benefit. They say that government spending on things that make the lives of We the People better really just makes us into "takers."

But in reality, policies that push more and more of our country's resources into the largest hands put our smaller hands at even more of a disadvantage. The giant corporations have huge advantages over small, local businesses just due to their size; huge tax breaks on top of their size-given advantages just make it that much harder for smaller businesses to compete. So the "WalMart business model" of undercutting and bankrupting a community's small businesses and draining entire regions of wealth gains even more power. After decades of these "trickle down" policies, this is also known as "look around you."

Trump's Tax Plan Means Fewer Customers With Money To Spend At Local Businesses

The Main Street Alliance is a "is a national network of small business coalitions" that "works to provide small businesses a voice on the most pressing public policy issues across the nation." (Donate here.)

A Main Street Alliance blog post by Stephen Rouzer, "Donald Trump's Revised Tax Plan Won't Work for Main Street," begins,

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The latest version of Donald Trump's ever-changing tax plan is facing scrutiny from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Main Street Alliance leaders. The plan, one that features across the board tax cuts, disproportionately benefits the highest-income earners, those grossing more than $1 million annually.

This description of Trump's plans as a huge benefit to the wealthiest is based on a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) post explaining a Tax Policy Center (TPC) analysis of Donald Trump's tax proposals. The CBPP post, "Revised Trump Tax Plan Heavily Tilted Toward Wealthiest, Tax Policy Center Analysis Shows" explains how the analysis shows that Trump's tax cut raise the after-tax income of the already-wealthy by another 14% or more, while hardly benefiting the rest of us - or even cutting the take-home incomes of the poorest.

This would seriously affect small, local businesses. Rouzer explains how passing so much to the top few while starving the rest of us means local businesses have fewer customers with money to spend:

A 2015 report released by the Main Street Alliance, "Voices of Main Street," surveyed over 1000 small business owners and found that 52 percent of respondents cited "more customers" as the most important key to increasing small business success. Doubling the number of respondents that said "lower taxes" and more than quadrupling the number that responded "fewer regulations." Tax cuts skewed towards the wealthy elite starve our communities of much-needed resources while further tilting the scales towards large corporations and the rich.

Rouzer concludes with some great comments from business owners:

"To level the playing field for Main Street businesses our tax code must no longer skew in favor of large corporations and their shareholders," said Deborah Field, the owner of Paperjam Press in Portland, Oregon, and a former corporate tax accountant. "Without holding multinational corporations accountable to pay what they owe and first providing relief to low and middle-income earners we shouldn't begin to consider tax cuts for the rich." [...] "The vast majority of small business owners don't support a tax system that augments their piece of the pie by cheating their fellow citizens out of theirs. When we contribute our fair share of taxes, those dollars get reinvested in our local communities," said David Borris, the owner of Hel's Kitchen Catering in Chicago and Main Street Alliance Executive Committee member. "Local communities that support tens of millions of small businesses nationally."

Amanda Ballantyne, national director of the Main Street Alliance, says that "Mr. Trump's tax breaks would deprive the government of badly needed funds for investments in infrastructure, transportation, education, and social services. The resulting budget cuts hinder the types of investments that drive local economies and put small businesses in a better position to succeed."

The kind of tax policy that small businesses need is one that supports their customer base and their communities. "In that regard, Trump's plan falls flat," says Ballantyne.

Donald Trump wants to dramatically cut taxes for the already-wealthy and their giant corporations. This would starve local communities of resources like teachers and infrastructure, while stacking the deck further against smaller, local businesses.
CERTAIN WOMEN

This year's New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center has proved a remarkable showcase for women in film. The latest from cult cirector Kelly Reichardt ("Meek's Cutoff," "Night Moves") sets in motion three vignettes, only casually linked, about a trio of women who are up against it in differing ways. It's uncertain what they're doing in the same film, except for the fact that their stories (drawn from the collection "Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It" by Maile Meloy) are shot against the majestic backdrop of Montana's mountains and big skies in gorgeous 16mm. Perhaps the three are connected as well by their aloneness (though one is a wife and mother), which is underscored by the vastness of the terrain, and a common struggle to find, if not happiness, exactly, then a viable way forward in challenging circumstances.

The excellent Laura Dern as a harried lawyer could be the poster girl for today's chronically overextended woman. Film opens among the rumpled sheets of her noon tryst with a man (James Le Gros) who's later revealed to be married. Back at work, Dern's struggling to cope with an injured client (Jared Harris) who's gone off the rails, after getting screwed by his worker's compensation claim. She'll later become entrapped in his escalating desperation.

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Gina (Reichardt regular Michelle Williams) is the wife, we learn, of Laura Dern's sack mate - and in his brief screen moments Le Gros conveys to perfection a hunky male who knows he's catnip to women. His wife seems to have channeled her libido into building their new home - maybe one reason he channels his elsewhere. Her anger at him simmers beneath the surface. Further tensions arise when she strong arms a doddering old man into parting with some sandstone blocks on his property that hold sentimental value for him. What's at stake in this second vignette, however, is too elusive to register.

Worth the price of admission is the third, most fully realized panel of this triptych. That it's delivered in Reichardt's trademark damped-down style make it all the more wrenching. Newbie Lily Gladstone is a Native American ranch hand in a remote corner of the state who wanders by accident into the adult education classes conducted by a frazzled Kristen Stewart. After they adopt a ritual of hitting the local beanery after class, it's clear Gladstone has become enamored of Stewart in a somehow innocent way -- she's likely never heard the term homo-erotic. Stewart, dead-eyed and ashy-skinned from her four hour commute - and oblivious to the effect of her glamor on the girl -- wants only to find a gig closer to home.

The money-scene arrives toward the end, when Gladstone gives Stewart a lift on horseback to her waiting car, the girl's face radiant with a happiness she never knew existed. The stunner of a denouement shows just how unreadable humans can be to each other. Reichardt takes inspired liberties with Meloy's story by making the farmhand a female -- in the original he's a hapless guy - which angles the tale toward something more haunting.

Reichardt also excels at dramatizing the collision in the same time frame of unrelated crises. In a memorable scene from the first vignette, Laura Dern's client sits freaking out in her car, just as her lover calls to dump her - as if he'd just remembered he had a wife and daughter. Dern's face - the visual equivalent of What the F -- , mirrors the weirdness and pain of the moment. Reichardt is at her best when she teases out these small miseries of everyday life. It's hard to get your arms around any over-arching theme in Certain Women, but perhaps it's the separateness of humans operating at cross-purposes as they each pursue their idea of happiness.
This past week, I traveled to Dearborn, Michigan where I addressed a Hillary for America campaign event. Held at the Arab American National Museum, the gathering provided me with the opportunity to explain why I was endorsing Hillary Clinton for President. I offered four key reasons. In the first instance, my endorsement was about her. She is, without a doubt, one of the smartest, toughest, and most experienced candidates to ever run for president. As important as these qualities are, I am also in awe of her self-control. As I watched the last Presidential debate, I marveled at Hillary Clinton's ability to remain composed in the face of her opponent's hostility and vile provocation. Given what we know of Donald Trump 's disgusting behavior and his demeaning attitude toward women, I would have found it difficult to even appear on stage with him. And yet she did so with great poise and dignity. While these personal traits served her well in a debate settling--they are also essential for a president who will be tested by major challenges every minute of every day. When the 90 minute debate ended, I came away more convinced than ever that Hillary Clinton has, to borrow Richard Ben Cramer's phrase, the "right stuff" to lead our nation. Another reason behind my wanting Hillary Clinton to win has to do with us--my community and our partners in the coalitions of concern with whom we work most closely. As some might know, I was deeply involved with the Bernie Sanders ' campaign. I agreed with Bernie on most issues and as a Democratic Party super-delegate I voted for him at the convention. I also proudly served as one of his representatives to the party's platform drafting committee where we fought with the Clinton team to shape the party's political agenda.

Bernie has correctly noted that the resultant document was the "most progressive in the party's history". We forged consensus on a range of issues like: abolishing the death penalty; raising the minimum wage; expanding Social Security; creating a public option health insurance; eliminating Super PACs; closing the loopholes in racial profiling and expanding the definition of "racial" to include religion and national origin; increasing support for Lebanon and Jordan; the need to work more closely with Arab allies; and increasing the number of refugees admitted to the US without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.



We did not get the platform language we fought for on Israel-Palestine, but for the first time in history the party calls for providing "Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity" noting that they "should be free to govern themselves in their own viable state in peace and dignity". Having scars to show from three decades of party platform battles, I can testify that this was an important step forward.



We won these battles working with allies--liberals and progressives; African Americans Latinos, and Native Americans; labor and environmental activists. We supported them and they supported us. That is the essence of working in coalition. We cannot abandon our allies because we didn't get everything we wanted. If we hope we can count on them to be with us, then they need to know that they can count on us to remain with them.



When Hillary Clinton wins, we will all be better positioned to continue our combined effort to insist that the platform we endorsed becomes policy and to continue working together to press for even greater changes in policy.



Finally, my endorsement of Hillary Clinton is about him. I not only oppose Donald Trump, I find him to be the most frightening figure to emerge on the political scene in my lifetime. On October 14, 2016, the Washington Post summed up the case against Trump in one sentence describing him as "bigoted, ignorant, deceitful, narcissistic, vengeful, petty, misogynistic, fiscally reckless, intellectually lazy, contemptuous of democracy, and enamored of America's enemies". They concluded by noting that "as president, he would pose a grave danger to the nation and the world".



What Donald Trump has done in this campaign is prey off of the fear and anger of some Americans who feel adrift in today's changing economy. Instead of providing them with real solutions, he has given them enemies to blame--Mexicans, Muslims, Blacks, etc. He has made hate-speech acceptable and unleashed a torrent of anger that, I fear, will be difficult to rein in after this election is over. I, therefore, not only believe that it is imperative that he lose this election, he must lose by a margin so large that it serves as both as a repudiation of his hate and a mandate for Hillary Clinton to govern.



That said, I reject the notion that this election can be reduced to choosing "the lesser of two evils". It is, in fact, about supporting the best candidate--the one who, despite whatever differences one might have with some of her positions, has demonstrated that she is tough, smart, experienced, and relentless in fighting to make America better. That's why I am proud to endorse Hillary Clinton.



And, by the way, the fact that in electing Hillary we will have our first woman president is a matter of consequence. As a son, a brother, a husband, a father of three daughters, and a grandfather of five more, I will be so proud when Hillary takes the oath of office because at that moment they will know that there are no limits to which they can aspire.



These are the reasons I will be working to ensure a Hillary Clinton victory in November.
IDeA Foundation contributes $ 250 000 and launches fundraising for Syrian Armenians

The IDeA Foundation made a statement on Syrian Armenians today: The IDeA Foundation wishes to express appreciation to all those individuals and organizations -- from Armenia and the Diaspora -- who voiced their support of IDeAs public statement. We value all efforts by individuals, non-profit organizations, the government and the church directed to Armenians impacted by the military conflict in Syria. We are hopeful that a process of national consolidation, focused on aiding the Armenians of Syria, will continue to gain momentum, and will enable the distribution of reliable information about the true situation of the Armenian community there. As the Syrian conflict drags on, the situation of Armenians there becomes more difficult due to the diversity of policies, views and interests. Nevertheless, we believe that saving lives is an absolute priority. At the same time, we respect the right of each individual Syrian-Armenian to determine their own future. The IDeA Foundation will complement the efforts already under way at the governmental, international and societal level, by contributing $250,000 at this stage. This will be allocated through the strategic partner AGBU that has been involved in relief efforts from early days of the conflict and other non-governmental organizations who currently implement Syrian Armenian support projects in Armenia - RepatArmenia, Mission Armenia, Aleppo NGO, and the funds will be aimed at planning and implementing the following: - aid to those who continue to remain in Syria (AGBU) - aid to those who seek temporary refuge outside Syrian borders (Mission Armenia) - aid to those who have decided to relocate to Armenia (Aleppo NGO) - aid to those who want to work and live in Armenia (RepatArmenia) Resources will be allocated according to the specific requirements and scale of each program. Individuals and organizations that wish to participate in this initiative may do so by contributing directly to the organizations mentioned above, or through IDeA. Bank account information for each of the partner organizations, and for IDeA, are available here. Individuals and organizations that wish to help with lodging or job placement may directly contact [email protected] or +374 (0) 60 700801 in Armenia. We are fully aware of the importance of preserving the Armenian communities of the Middle East. We are convinced that the national consolidation that we seek will help secure the physical security of Syrian Armenians and preserve their identity, regardless of where they reside in the future.
The 1,300 cop city council (which they will forever be known as) yesterday proposed changes to New York's wildly abusive treatment of street vendors. Since 1983, there the city has capped the number of permits required to legally sell on the street. For years, street food vendors not lucky enough to have a permit sticker, the overwhelming majority of whom are immigrants and people of color, have become targets of cops and city inspectors, who ticket and arrest them--and even brutalize their families. While some rent permits on the black market for tens of thousands of dollars, most operate in the shadows, completely vulnerable to fines that can go $1,000 a pop.

The council, led by speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, has finally (after years and years of prodding by vendor advocates) introduced legislation which might change some of this. But will it change things for the better? The council bills on the table, known collectively as the Street Vending Modernization Act (SVMA), will be debated later this month but are already being touted as a big win for vendors as they may eventually double the number of permits available.

Hooray. Now let's look at some of the details.

The bills will not lift the cap entirely, as many vendors and advocates had wanted. For a city that was handed its ass by Uber, the ride-sharing app company, over a fight to cap the tens of thousands of Uber cars driving on city streets, there is still political will to forcefully cap street vendors. Merely raising the cap will still leave thousands on the outside looking in . Some estimates of unpermitted vendors in the city go as high as 12,000. The number of new permits that could be made available through the SVMA will only reach a few thousand, up to 600 new permits per year, which would only bring in a fraction of vendors into legality (assuming the number of vendors doesn't go up during that time). Also note that the price of two year permits under the proposed bills would jump from $200 to $1000. But most troubling, perhaps, is language about "a new dedicated vendor law enforcement unit" and an "advisory panel" which will "monitor enforcement" and influence the rules.

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More enforcement? I wrote this summer about how immigrant vendors in Spanish Harlem and Queens had been seeing an uptick in an enforcement, which has always been a major problem. Will the SVMA lead to more intense ticketing and arresting of vendors who don't get one of the new permits? Will this mean newer and stricter rules for vendors who do get permits? Without getting too libertarian, it's important to note that more regulation and enforcement is not exactly what many vendors want. It might also be prudent to ask who'll lead new enforcement efforts and what role the NYPD will have in all this. Early versions of the SVMA say that the mayor would create the office and appoint its head. While it's possible that Bill de Blasio could appoint a not-that-bad enforcement commissioner (though I wouldn't even give him that much credit considering he's already been bought and sold), what about future mayors? Can you imagine a big business-coddling mayor like Michael Bloomberg or Rudy Giuliani, who famously waged a war against vendors in the 90's, selecting someone to regulate vendors? It'd be a nightmare.

And what about that advisory panel? Ideally, such a panel would be comprised of actual vendors. In corruption-prone New York, it wouldn't be surprising if business voices found their way onto the panel to to stifle and bury vendors with red tape. An adversarial advisory panel could work against vendors, leading many to think it'd be better to continue to operate outside the system. Already the city council and mayor have put into law terrible changes (which were vehemently opposed) for costumed performers, like in Times Square, that severely limit their movement. That legislation was largely driven by the Times Square Alliance, a business advocacy group representing some of Times Square's most powerful corporate neighbors. It's precisely those hidden hands of business interests, like business improvement districts (BIDs), that are always at play in city politics.

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Despite all of the proclamations of love of vendors by city lawmakers Thursday, there is little reason to trust the council. Some lawmakers, like Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, crowed about the new enforcement measures. Viverito decried "unscrupulous permit-holders", but not BIDs, when speaking of the pain and hardship suffered by street vendors. Well it's been BIDs who've been instrumental in keeping the number of permits capped--which has always been the principal source of the problem. Their roles in this ordeal have been purposely omitted.

The devil is nearly always in the details. In a city of immigrants, but dominated by business, legislative tweaks should always be scrutinized. It's no mistake the city wants to regulate performers and vendors but walks away with its tail between its legs when dealing with a big company like Uber. Part of the legacy of Broken Windows is that it was a political push as much as it was a policing strategy. It has always sought to target vulnerable groups. Squeezing performers and vendors for the sake of business interests and BIDs, like the Times Square Alliance, is baked into the bread of city politics. This is why they won't ever lift the caps entirely.
Donald Trump repeatedly makes the false claim that President Obama founded ISIS. This is absolutely absurd by any stretch of how he tries to spin it. But where did ISIS come from?

ISIS is in Iraq and Syria and many other countries. Trump likes to state that the vacuum the was left after the US troops withdrew from Iraq under Obama resulted in the creation of ISIS. This is not what happened and the growth of ISIS can be traced back decades.

The Backdrop

When the Grand Mosque in Mecca was seized in November 1979, Saudi Arabia decided that to appeal to the religious right, the ruling family would support the strict version of Islam commonly known as Wahhabism (or known in Saudi Arabia as muwahhidun, which is the 'oneness of god'). The next month in December 1979, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan the Saudi Arabia government encouraged many disaffected youth to take up arms in Afghanistan, fulfilling their pledge to encourage religious extremism. At the same time, Saudi Arabia funded mosques and madrassas all over the world to promote this extreme version of Islam.

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Throughout the 1980s, mujahideen, or holy warriors, flocked to Afghanistan to support their fellow Muslims. The most famous was probably Osama bin Laden. Shortly after the end of the war when the USSR left Afghanistan in 1989, Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990. This was a good opportunity for Bin Laden and his database of soldiers, many of whom saw little action in Afghanistan, to come to the defense of Kuwait. Bin Laden was rebuffed and the US led coalition was chosen. That database of soldiers is where the name Al Qaeda comes from; Al Qaeda means "the base."

Al Qaeda was then active throughout the 1990s and peaked in 2001. After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the US invaded under false pretenses Iraq in search of WMD. On 9/11, there were no WMD in Iraq and Al Qaeda was not operating in Iraq either. After the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Al Qaeda flocked to Iraq to attack and kill US troops. Over the presidency of George W. Bush, the war in Iraq became unpopular at home and in Iraq. A withdrawal timetable was created and US troops were scheduled by President Bush to leave Iraq in 2011.

ISIS Is Born

Several of the terrorists, mainly Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who in Jordan in 1999 founded Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, which had a partnership with Al Qaeda; Zarqawi renamed his organization Al Qaeda in Iraq. He fought against the US in Iraq starting in 2003-2004, which eventually led to different objectives and his new faction eventually called itself Islamic State in 2006, well before Obama was president. Eventually, IS made their way over to Syria, which was becoming a failed state starting in March 2011. Concurrently, after the US left Iraq in 2011 IS moved east into Iraq in 2013 from Syria and started calling itself ISIS. It was now the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. With the dictatorships that created stability in Middle East collapsing, eventually, ISIS grew and its reach went beyond Syria and Iraq. ISIS was renamed to ISIL, which meant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Now some people just refer to the organization just as Islamic State.

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So, the claim that President Obama created ISIS/ISIL/IS is just not a reflection of what happened in reality.
Sunday, October 16 is World Food Day, and this year's theme is "Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too." The relationship between agriculture and the environment is the crux of much of Heifer International's work in the field.

Climate change is accelerating, causing longer and deeper droughts, flooding and other disastrous events. Smallholder farmers and their families suffer the effects of climate change more than anyone else. They are the canaries in the coal mine. What are we doing to help them grow the food that will be necessary to feed over 9 billion people in the next 15 to 20 years? Failing to help them now could result not only in future food shortages, but also economic stagnation for the countries most heavily dependent on agricultural productivity.

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Livestock plays a key role--one that is perhaps misunderstood and counterintuitive. It turns out that with livestock on these farms, their waste and the food that they eat is very well integrated into a highly productive, highly fertile soil-management system. It allows farms and farmers to be more resilient and resistant to the kind of drought you see all over Asia and Africa.

Climate-smart agriculture needs to include the integration of livestock and agriculture--meaning growing crops for people and forage for animals while returning livestock waste into the soil. Because many smallholder farmers cannot afford quality animals, the donation of livestock, and the training of farmers to take care of animals in a healthy way is a critical piece of development and food security. It involves taking all of these components in an integrated and holistic manner so that soil is resilient and captures water, allowing all these farms to grow abundant food in highly fertile soil, and building continuity and sustainability. The way food is grown across the world absolutely must adapt to changing climate conditions; livestock has a significant role to play in helping farmers become resilient.

Malawi, a country extremely vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, currently faces a food and nutrition emergency. Nearly a third of Malawi's farmland is affected by the worst drought in Southern Africa in 25 years. The country remains challenged in building resilient smallholder farmers who can feed the nation, with most agricultural products concentration on monocrop farming with little or no livestock.

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The Government of Malawi has included climate-resilience and livelihood development in its Food Insecurity Response plan. Addressing both the immediate and long-terms needs during this crisis will strengthen smallholder farmers' abilities to adapt to climate change, which will help them manage through future droughts or other climate-related crises, thereby strengthening the food security of the country.

Farmers in Malawi using integrated farming approaches, in which crop and livestock farming mutually reinforce each other, including conservation agriculture, forest management, appropriate irrigation and the use of sustainable, efficient energy sources are withstanding the current drought caused by El Nino better than many of their peers. Kelvin Haji in Thyolo district and Chrissy Charles in Dowa district, are doing more than just surviving--they are thriving. Kelvin and Chrissy are participants in two separate Heifer International projects. Both farmers previously relied on crop farming, which did not provide the expected yields due to poor rainfall, leaving their families more vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.

The climate-smart agricultural and animal husbandry practices Kelvin and Chrissy, and other farmers like them, employ at the household level help ensure they are able to bounce back when crop production fails from the negative effects of climate change affecting the country. By irrigating and applying cow manure as organic fertilizer to their diverse crops, Kelvin and Chrissy have greater fruit and vegetable yields for home consumption and to sell for income. Manure and compost improve the ability of the soil to hold moisture and improve fertility--essential in drought conditions. Their heifers have given birth, and their cows now provide up to 12 liters of milk daily, a great source of nutrition and income. Their families eat three meals a day, every day. They can afford to send their children to school.



"To be honest with you, the farming calendar of 2015-2016 was the worst of all. Rains were really bad and there were not enough farm inputs for the majority of poor smallholder farmers. As a result, most families in this area do not have food to last them until the next growing season. But my family has because we used manure from our animal which has even increased our annual maize yield from 1,000 kg in the last farming season to 2,250 kg this year." -Chrissy Charles

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"My family was only consuming meat, milk and eggs on Christmas; and now the family has a cow that gives us money, manure and milk every day. What a blessing from Heifer International!" -Kelvin Haji
For me, at least, it's impossible to write about the United Arab Emirates without seeming like a sentimental booster. I have lived here for 10 years, and with each day of that decade my admiration for the Emiratis grows.

It grows because they transformed a barren desert into one of the world's most vibrant countries. It grows because they welcome outsiders like me to join in the high adventure of their nation building.

The UAE may not be modeled after the American government, or Britain's Westminster system, or the French architecture where the president and prime minister in effect govern on parallel paths.

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I don't quite know how to label the UAE's system of governance. But whatever the label, that system works for everybody - for nationals and for expatriates alike. I do know that this is arguably the safest and cleanest country in the world, and quite possibly one of the greenest.

I do know its leaders have ensured that, since its founding in December 1971 as a federation of seven sheikhdoms at the edge of the Gulf, the UAE has built one of the best infrastructures in the world. Its ports, telecommunications and airports - among other elements - have helped this oil-rich nation become a role model for developing countries. Its generosity toward less fortunate states, its philanthropy during natural disasters, its charities, and its outreach to the dispossessed in Africa, South America, Asia and elsewhere - all these enhance the UAE's status as a role model.

I do know that critics cavil over the fact that the media here do not enjoy the sort of freedom that publications and websites in the industrialized West do. Having been in newspaper and magazine journalism for more than five decades, and now as an author of biographies, I can tell you that journalism here is pretty lively. All that the UAE's leaders ask is that the media show respect toward its rulers, that reporters do not abuse local culture, and that public behavior be civil. I don't think that this is too much to ask of nationals and outsiders alike.

While continuing to consolidate and strengthen infrastructure, the UAE's leaders are now focusing on widening education - particularly at post-high-school level - and deepening the capabilities of Emiratis to appreciate more fully their culture and to engage in what His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan calls "knowledge development."

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Sheikh Nahayan is a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi, the country's largest emirate in terms of geography, demography and wealth. (It lifts 2.2 million barrels of oil daily from the 98 billion barrels of proven reserves of crude oil, which should last another 50 years - or more, if current exploration yields more oil.)

Sheikh Nahayan is also the UAE's Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. In his earlier cabinet position as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Nahayan vastly expanded the Higher Colleges of Technology, bringing the number of the institution's campuses to 17. While he also help establish other educational institutions, HCT's literature says the system has become a community of more than 23,000 students and 2,000 staff based on modern, technology-enhanced campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Sharjah, making it the largest higher education institution in the UAE."Founded in 1988 by Federal decree, the HCT has developed rapidly where it has a well-respected reputation for innovative and hands-on, workplace relevant teaching and learning methodologies, which are based on practical, experiential learning," HCT's website says.

Sheikh Nahayan also initiated the biennial "Education Without Borders," which attracts students and faculty from all over the world. And he created the "Festival of Thinkers," also a biennial event that brought scores of Nobel laureates and leaders from the worlds of media, business and academe to the UAE.

There's general agreement that Sheikh Nahayan will apply the same skills set, and his deep experience, to his new ministry.

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Sheikh Nahayan is also bringing his ministerial record to the ongoing national debate on Emirati identity. He's particularly keen that young Emiratis explore and learn from the history of the seven emirates, a history that reaches back hundreds of years, well before the UAE became a federation in 1971. The history of his own family is part of that formidable history - a fact that adds luster to his new role.

What also adds luster is the fact that Sheikh Nahayan is very popular with the young people of the UAE. He's seen as ideal to help develop awareness of the country's heritage.

Wikipedia says: "The total median age of the people of UAE is 30.1 years out of which the median ages for female and males are 24.5 and 32 years respectively. The sex ratio of the male and female of United Arab Emirates is 2.19: l. The life expectancy at birth of the population of United Arab Emirates is 75.69 years."
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.
By improving digital infrastructure, cities can tackle urban challenges more proactively through innovative new technologies such as e-government, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Many countries and cities are pursuing this agenda, but few have mastered it. The city of Seoul is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field, having perfected its smart city solution over the years.

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After the Korean war in the 1950s, Seouls economy was shattered. But favourable export policies and smart investment in manufacturing sent the city through three decades of exponential growth. It is now ranked 6th in the Institute for Urban Strategies Global Power City Index, which measures cities on their ability to mobilise their assets in securing economic, social, and environmental development.

More recently, in its efforts to become the top e-government of the world, the city has been investing in digital technologies in its public office, and has ranked 1st in the UNs eGovernance survey six years running.

From websites to digitising democracy

Seouls journey started back in 1999, when the metropolitan government appointed its first chief information officer.

After this, the government implemented a series of e-government projects, most notably the creation of a single online portal for citizens, which brought together government webpages that had previously only existed in silos.

By 2006, the government started pushing forward with its strategy of citizen-led smart governance with a range of e-government policies.

First was the creation of Oasis, an online public proposal system that collects citizens ideas on issues affecting the city. Every month a handful of suggestions are put forward to a board and the best ones are interpreted to form policies.

Since its launch, 565 ideas from citizens have been reflected in policies  from the designated no-smoking zones around the city to the building of Sebit-seom, the worlds first floating building which houses conferences, art galleries and music concerts.

And, once smart phone technology took off in the city  90% of Seoul citizens have smart phones  the government looked to exploit this to boost citizen engagement, creating its mVoting system.

Similarly to Oasis, the mVoting system is a communication platform where policies can be shared with citizens. With 813 voting agendas, around 70,000 citizens participate in voting via an app. To support this, the government has created 3,590 free public Wi-Fi spots across the city.

Opening up government data

Meanwhile, Seouls government has been bolstering the use of big data to improve the efficiency of public services. For instance, it is working with Korean telecommunications group KT to analyse traffic and phone data to identify popular bus routes.

By looking at the locations of calls made during the hours of midnight and 5am, as well as the patterns of the floating population, the government was able to identify which routes were used the most. This allowed it to optimise a number of late night bus routes across the city  these are now used by 7,000 citizens every day.

But the government also wants to encourage citizens and businesses to innovate. A recent report from consultancy company McKinsey estimated that better use of open data across just seven industries could generate an additional $3 trillion to the world economy every year.

To harness this potential, the Seoul metropolitan government created an Open Data Plaza  a publicly-available online repository that holds more than 4,000 data sets in 10 different categories.

The aim is to encourage citizens to develop the services they really need. And the idea seems to have worked, with the online repository being accessed around 670,000 times a day.

Embracing the Internet of Things

In its vision to becoming the world-leading digital city by 2020, the Seoul metropolitan government has been investing in Internet of Things technologies around its communities, which it hopes will help improve transportation, safety and tourism across the city.

Take the traditional Korean village of Bukchon, which attracts more than 85,000 visitors a month. The villages popularity causes significant inconveniences for locals, with increased littering, parking and noise pollution.

In response, the government invited 30 tech start-ups to pilot IoT sensor technologies around the area. And the idea worked: take the Integrated Parking Information System, which allows citizens to know the location of parking lots and real-time parking information through smartphone applications, helping reduce congestion around popular areas of the city.

Building on the success of these projects, the government is planning on rolling out IoT infrastructure to a further 99 locations across the city by 2020.

Seoul sees this roll-our as a crucial part of its Digital 2020 plan, and it is being driven by the foundation of specialised IoT academies and hackathons. The government hopes it will help foster a further 615 start-ups across the city.

Discussing the Digital 2020 plan, Seoul mayor Park Won-soon recently said that, soon, through better use of digital technologies, citizens  the beneficiaries of public digital services  would establish most policies.

Plus, through a new digital industry, our city will create jobs, which will stimulate the economy, and solve various urban problem, he said.

Seouls rapid urbanisation and development over the past 50 years brought with it myriad socio-economic problems, which have put significant strain on public services. And these pressures are sure to increase with further economic development.

It is only through innovative e-government solutions like these that Seoul will be able to maintain its global competitiveness as one of the worlds leading smart cities.
Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Michael Knapik of the governor's Western Massachusetts each presented Ziter with a state citation honoring her work with RSVP. The honor was part of the annual RSVP luncheon celebrating the work of all of the volunteers. The mayor offered a proclamation from the city. PreviousNext

Pittsfield RSVP Honors Betty Ziter As Volunteer of the Year



Mayor Linda Tyer said Ziter had put in an estimated 1,307 hours with RSVP. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  In the last seven years, Elizabeth "Betty" Ziter has put in an estimated 1,307 volunteer hours with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. And for that, she was honored as the 2016 RSVP volunteer of the year.

"Betty brings a positive attitude to her role and is always willing to help anyone in need," Mayor Linda Tyer said.

"Betty is a devoted and trustworthy volunteer with an estimated 1,307 hours over the last seven years. She takes initiative without looking for recognition."

Tyer was joined by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Michael Knapik, Gov. Charlie Baker's Western Massachusetts office director, in celebrating Ziter's work. Each read a proclamation from their respective bodies  the city, the House of Representatives, and the governor's office  recognizing her work.

"There is something in the DNA of the people in this generation that is such a lesson for the millennial generation, the next generation, and the youngsters. We all work so hard to make sure they follow in your footsteps," Knapik said.

Ziter's role was one of managing the reception desk, maintaining the volunteer database, keeping track of all of the volunteer hours, and overseeing the dispatch center to ensure the calls are being answers  in the last year RSVP provided some 1,763 rides to citizens to such things as cancer treatments to social events, according to former board Chairwoman Carolyn Valli.

Ziter had volunteered in the city's 250th celebration, Arbor Day events, with Habitat, the American Cancer Society, and with the Berkshire United Way. Farley-Bouvier called her a "superstar" for her efforts over the last seven years.

.

Beyond the transportation program for cancer patients and van transportation for medical and social events, RSVP works on neighborhood initiatives, environmental projects, run the Pittsfield Visitors Center, and works with Habitat for Humanity, among the array of volunteer opportunities.

"From the 271 RSVP volunteers, there were 27,430 hours of volunteer hours given to the city of Pittsfield," Farley-Bouvier said.

"What it shows is that when everybody does their small part, it turns into a big deal. When I see all of those little bits coming together to make sure a big impact, that fills me with such tremendous amount of hope in a world that is sometimes kind of crazy."

The honor was part of RSVP's annual volunteer recognition luncheon at the Pittsfield Country Club to celebrate the work all of the volunteers do in the city.

"I have come to believe even more strongly now than ever that Pittsfield is a truly special place. I look out in rooms like this all of the time and I see people who are committed to, are devoted to, and dedicated to this city is so many different ways," Tyer said.

That work, according to Knapik, is really what makes communities tick. While the state government has a role in a community, it is truly the people in the community who make the difference and define a community, he said.

"I can't image a community or a region that would be as powerful and strong if not for the people who are represented in this room today," Knapik said.
The School Committee discussed the issue on Thursday night.

Pittsfield School Committee Urges No On Charter School Question

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The School Committee is urging a no vote on Question 2, which would raise the cap on the number of charter schools and allow a dozen more to open.

The ballot question will be put to voters on Nov. 8. In April, the School Committee passed a proclamation against the question. That same proclamation was tabled by the City Council on Tuesday.

"One of the major issues we have is the amount of money that is paid from our district to charter schools," said Chairwoman Katherine Yon.

Yon said the district is projected to lose $2.3 million next year from students opting to go to a charter school instead of the Pittsfield Public Schools. In return, it is projected to receive $291,788 in reimbursement from the state.

"I just don't see how the math works on that," she said of the advertisements by those in favor of the question claiming school districts actually receive more with more charter schools.

Beyond that, Yon says charter school teachers don't need the same licenses as traditional public schools, and don't have as strict oversight from the Department of Education.

"Those tax dollars are going to the charter school and that charter school is run by an appointed board," she said. "This to me is taxation without representation."

The sentiment is common among public school districts across the state with 171 or so of them adopting resolutions against the question  including the city of Boston.

School Committee member Cynthia Taylor said charter schools are only considered public because they are taxpayer funded. Otherwise, she said they operate more like private schools. She added charter schools have the right to expel students if they aren't working out for the district, something the public schools cannot do.

"It is a very different standard," Taylor said.

She urged residents to "call our city councilors and ask them to support the resolution."

School Committee member Pamela Farron said the major aspect of the charter school question isn't about providing other opportunities for students to learn, but really on the funding aspect of it.

"Not every school fits every student. However, I am voting no on the charter school because of the way it is funded," she said.

The entire School Committee expressed the same sentiments. School Committee member Daniel Elias said the campaigns in favor of the question are "not truths" and urged resident to do their own research and "let the facts dictate the course of action."

The City Councilors were mostly opposed to the question but the proclamation was tabled on Tuesday because many questioned whether or not a legislative body should take such an opinionated stance on an issue going to the ballot box.
Imperial Valley News Center

Sylvia Preciado-Platero to Deploy to Hurricane Matthew

El Centro, California - More than 4,400 Red Cross volunteers from throughout the U.S. are currently en route to or on the ground in the Southeast assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Twenty-nine of them are from the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties.

Sylvia Preciado-Platero, Manager of the Imperial Valley Service Center for the American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties, has been assigned to Cape Fear, NC, where she will assist with feeding and sheltering those displaced by the flooding
24th annual fertilizer research conference

Sacramento, California - The California Department of Food and Agricultures Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) are hosting their 24th annual fertilizer research conference on October 26-27, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto, California. This event brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about the latest research and sound management of fertilizing materials.

This years conference agenda includes information on nitrogen and irrigation management, as well as groundwater recharge, soil salinity, the role of nutrients in pest management, biochar, soil health, and more.

Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) and Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) are available for the conference. Registration is $94 per day or $182 for both days; currently enrolled students pay only $52 per day or $94 for both days.

To view the agenda, register online, and see the approved CEUs, please visit the conference website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/IS/ffldrs/frep/FREPConference.html

For more information about the 2016 conference or CDFAs FREP, please contact program staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (916) 900-5022.

Since 1990, the Fertilizer Research and Education Program has funded more than 200 research projects focusing on Californias vital and environmentally sensitive cropping systems. A database of completed and ongoing research is publically available at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/frep.
Imperial County Registrar of Voters Launches Early Voting Program; Reminds of Voter Registration Deadline

Imperial, California - The Imperial County Registrar of Voters Office is launching a new early voting program that will allow registered voters to cast their ballots prior to the November 8, 2016 Election Day from the Imperial County Department of Social Services Mobile Office. The Mobile Office is a 36 foot RV that will visit eleven different communities throughout Imperial County on designated days to make voting more convenient and accessible.

It is my hope that this program will help to increase voter participation and provide an opportunity for registered voters who feel they may have a conflict or will be unavailable to vote in person on November 8th, said Imperial County Registrar of Voters Debbie Porter.

Locations & Times for Early Mobile Voting:

October 15: 10 am-3 pm; El Centro Public Library; 1140 North Imperial Avenue, El Centro

October 19: 8 am-11 am; Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo; 8027 CA-111, Niland

1 pm-4 pm; Calipatria Library; 105 South Lake Avenue, Calipatria

October 20: 8 am-11 am; Salton Community Services District; 1209 Van Buren St., Salton City

1 pm-4 pm; Americas Best Value Inn; 351 West Main Street, Westmorland

October 22: 10 am-3 pm; Walmart Supercenter parking lot; 2540 Rockwood Avenue, Calexico

October 26: 8 am-11 am; Heber Community Center; 1132 Heber Avenue, Heber

1 pm-4 pm; Seeley Fire Department; 1826 Park Street, Seeley

October 29: 10 am-3 pm; Brawley Public Library; 400 Main Street, Brawley

November 2: 8 am-11 am; Imperial County Fire Department; 518 Railroad Avenue, Winterhaven

1 pm-4 pm; Holtville City Library; 101 East Sixth Street, Holtville, CA

In addition to voting early at the Imperial County Mobile Office on one of the days listed above, the Imperial County Registrar of Voters office will be open on Saturday, November 5, 2016 and Sunday, November 6, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for weekend voting.

Election Day is November 8, 2016. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can locate their voter status and poll sites by contacting the Registrars office or by accessing the Secretary of States website at www.sos.ca.gov and clicking on the My Voter Status tab.

Voter Registration Deadline

The deadline to register or re-register to vote for the November 8th General Election is Monday, October 24, 2016. If you submit a registration application after October 24, 2016, your application will be processed for future elections.

To register to vote in California, you must be a United States Citizen, a resident of California, 18 years of age or older on Election Day, not currently found to be mentally incompetent by a court of law and not currently imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony.

Eligible residents can register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov, in person at the Registrar of Voters office at the County Administration Building in El Centro, or by mailing in a California Voter Registration Application. The application can be located at your local city hall, library DMV office or post office.

The Registrar of Voters Office hours of operation are, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and they are located at 940 West Main Street, Suite 206, El Centro, CA.

For more information, visit the County of Imperial website at www.co.imperial.ca.us or contact the Registrar of Voters office at (442) 265-1060.
Ambassador Stetson Travel to Quito, Ecuador

Washington, DC - Ambassador Nancy Stetson, Special Representative for Habitat III, will travel to Quito, Ecuador October 14-20 to serve as Deputy Head of Delegation for the United States to the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, Habitat III. The United States Delegation will be led by Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro.

Habitat III will be the first time in 20 years that the international community has come together to reflect on and plan for the mega trend of rapid urbanization. Additionally, UN member states will adopt the New Urban Agenda, a vision for sustainable urbanization as well as a new set of agreed, voluntary standards of achievement. The New Urban Agenda is designed to promote creative thinking to improve the way we build, manage, and live in cities in order to create urban areas that are sustainable, inclusive, resilient and safe for all. This agenda also reinforces the crucial linkages between urbanization and the Sustainable Development Goals (the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development), and the Paris Agreement on climate change, among other important shared, global aspirations.
Special Envoy Shaarik Zafar Travels to Nigeria

Washington, DC - Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar will conduct his first official trip to sub-Saharan Africa from October 17-19, traveling to Kano and Abuja, Nigeria. During his trip, he will meet with government officials and representatives from civil society to underscore shared priorities, including promoting educational and economic opportunities and promoting accountable governance.

While in Kano, Special Representative Zafar will offer opening remarks at an inaugural workshop on anti-corruption tools for religious leaders. The workshop will address how religious communities can work together to combat corruption, promote accountability, and encourage transparency. He will also learn about the cultural and religious history of the region. In Abuja, Special Representative Zafar will meet with religious and community leaders and learn of their current challenges and opportunities.
Special Envoy for Climate Change Travel to Marrakesh

Washington, DC - U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Dr. Jonathan Pershing will travel October 16-20 to Marrakesh, Morocco to participate in an informal pre-COP meeting hosted by the Government of Morocco. The pre-COP is the last preparatory session in advance of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as COP-22.

The Government of Morocco will serve as the Presidency and host of COP-22 in Marrakesh, which will take place on November 7-18, the first such meeting since the historic adoption of the Paris Agreement by all nations at COP-21 in Paris, France, in December of last year.

Last week, the Paris Agreement officially surpassed the thresholds necessary for it to enter into force less than one year after it was adopted, sending a powerful signal to world markets that we are moving towards a low-emissions economy with unprecedented resolve. COP-22, dubbed the COP of Implementation and Action by the Government of Morocco, will highlight major climate successes achieved this year and showcase global action as nations turn toward implementation of the Paris Agreement. COP-22 will provide a forum for actors at all levels to come together, share what they are doing, learn from each other and continue to encourage each other to do more.

Next weeks pre-COP meeting offers an opportunity for Special Envoy Pershing and his Ministerial counterparts to finalize preparations for COP-22 and continue to discuss implementation of the Paris Agreement and ongoing actions to advance global climate and clean energy efforts.
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The Menzingers are a scruffy bunch. Decked out in thrift store plaid shirts and grubby jeans, their unkempt appearance is reflected in their rugged, scrappy punk rock. Its ironic then, that the first song they play at their show at Scala in Kings Cross is called Lookers, the infectious first single from their eagerly awaited sixth album, because lookers they aint.

Sha la la la Jersey girls are always total heartbreakers. Julie from the Wonder Bar I wonder where you are, shout lead vocalists Greg Barnett and Tom May, in lines that could be taken from Working Class Americana 101: Blue Collar Rock n Roll for Dummies. In the same way as Springsteen, Tom Petty and more recently, The Gaslight Anthem, this Philadelphia four-piece make you nostalgic for something you never knew, conjuring vivid images of smokey inner city US dive bars, beat up vintage cars and destructive love affairs with tattooed waitresses while working your fingers to the bone.

They deliver their earnest, full-of-heart punk rock with urgency, but also a real sense of fun. The goofy smile doesn't leave Barnetts face as he growls tales of love lost and self-depreciation, while the diminutive May bounds across the stage from foot to foot from start to finish. Bassist Eric Keen seems generally humbled at the near sold-out crowd shouting back every word in a city on the other side of the world. And shout back they do. If theres anyone who sings The Menzingers lyrics with more gusto than The Menzingers, its their fans. The pit is a sea of pointing fingers and raised fists as the largely mid-20s male audience drown out the huge choruses on the likes of Obituaries, Good Times and Mexican Guitars from 2014s On the Impossible Past.

Sitting somewhere between the aforementioned Gaslight Anthem and the rawer nineties punk of The Bouncing Souls and Bad Religion, The Menzingers counterpoint grit with melody, and angst with joy. Soaring lead guitar lines cut through buzzsaw power chords and Mays smoother vocals play off Barnetts gruffer tones. And for a band with a sound so messy, they pull it off with an enviable precision live.

While some lyrics appear puerile on paper (I will fuck this up, I fucking know it/I don't wanna be an asshole any more), their self-flagellation obviously strikes a chord with a devoted crowd caught up in an atmosphere of high spirits and high-held beers. Meanwhile, Casey and Gates are love songs without glamorous pretence, telling tales of relationships that thrive despite  or perhaps because of  substance abuse and the struggles of working class America. While the specific references are foreign its clear the heart is not lost in translation.

Barnett, May and co seem dumbstruck at the reception in London. For a band with little-to-no mainstream recognition, theyve certainly accrued a die-hard following, and though they may essentially be a very catchy bar band, when they do it so well, theres no reason for them not to take their salt of the earth rock n roll to bigger stages.
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A deal has been reached by more than 150 countries to limit the use of harmful greenhouse gases in what the UN called the largest breakthrough since the Paris climate change agreement.

Delegates met in Rwanda for talks on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs  gases used in air conditioners and refrigerators that are far more potent than carbon dioxide.

The new agreement is equal to stopping the entire worlds fossil fuel CO2 emissions for more than two years, said David Doniger, a director at the Natural Resources Defence Council, an environmental advocacy group based in the United States.

The deal to cap and reduce the use of HFCs  described as the worlds fastest-growing climate pollutant  was announced on Saturday morning following a night of negotiations.

A gradual process beginning in 2019 has been agreed with action by developed countries including the United States, the worlds second worst carbon dioxide emitter after China.

John Kerry, US Secretary of State, who took part in meetings in the capital city Kigali, said the deal was a monumental step forward.

Air conditioning units on an apartment block in Hong Kong (Getty Images / iStockphoto)

More than 100 developing countries, including China, will start taking action by 2024.

A small group of countries including India, Pakistan and some Gulf states, pushed for and secured an even later start in 2028, saying their economies need more time to grow.

Environmental groups had hoped that the deal could reduce global warming by half a degree Celsius before the end of this century.

This agreement gets about 90 per cent of the way there, said Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

Mr Zaelkes US based campaign group said this is the largest temperature reduction ever achieved by a single agreement.

History is made. Montreal Protocol countries agree to curb powerful greenhouse gases in largest climate breakthrough since Paris, tweeted the UN Environment Programme.

Unlike the 2015 Paris agreement, the Kigali deal, agreed by 197 countries, is legally binding, has very specific timetables and has an agreement by rich countries to help poor countries adapt their technology.

HFCs are less abundant than carbon dioxide, but Mr Kerry said last month that they currently emit as much pollution as 300 coal-fired power plants each year.

That amount will rise significantly over the coming decades as sales of air conditioner and refrigerator sales soar in emerging economies like China and India.

The deal amends the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international treaty agreed in 1987.

Compromises had to be made, but 85 per cent of developing countries have committed to the early schedule starting 2024, which is a very significant achievement, said Clare Perry, UK climate campaign leader with the Environmental Investigation Agency.

HFCs, also found in inhalers and insulating foams, were introduced in the 1980s as a substitute for ozone-depleting gases.

They do not harm the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons and similar gases which were eliminated under the Montreal Protocol.

Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, said while he welcomed the deal, it was important to recognise that HFCs are a small problem compared to carbon dioxide emissions.

This is a very welcome step forward, and another important sign that the international community is at last getting serious on climate change, he said.

Paris climate talks in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Paris climate talks in pictures Paris climate talks in pictures A man is covered with a multi-coloured banner with the message, "Climate" as environmentalists attend a demonstration near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) that meets in Le Bourget, December 12, 2015 Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures French President Francois Hollande (C) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) applaud after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures US Secretary of State John Kerry (C) speaks with China's Special Representative on Climate Change Xie Zhenhua (R) and officials at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Delegates and members of NGO's read and work on copies of 'The adoption of the Paris agreement' is pictured after the announcement of the final draft by French Foreign Affairs minister Laurent Fabius at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures UN climate chief Christiana Figueres (C) speaks with French President Francois Hollande (L), United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2ndL) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures A Swiss Dominican priest poses with activists dressed as polar bears as activists gather for a demonstration to form a giant red line at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Activists hold up a giant banner reading 'Climate justice' by association 'ourpowercampaign' during a demonstration near the Arc de Triomphe at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Representatives of indigenous peoples demonstrate in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Activists form a giant red line during a demonstration on the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images Paris climate talks in pictures The slogan "No Plan B" is projected on the Eiffel Tower as part of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Paris, France, December 11, 2015. Reuters

However HFCs are only a small part of the climate change problem. Carbon dioxide, particularly from burning fossil fuels, is a much bigger threat.

Mr Childs said governments including the UK should invest in renewable energy and limit damage to the environment caused by airport expansion and fracking.

Ministers mustnt undermine the agreement to phase out HFCs by pushing new sources of climate-wrecking carbon pollution, he said.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: "The UK has already pledged to phase down use of HFCs by 80 per cent by 2030 and today's historic agreement means the rest of the world will be following our lead, after UK negotiators worked through the night at UN talks in Rwanda to achieve the deal.

"The deal will avoid 0.5C of global warming by the end of this century. That makes it possibly the biggest single step the world will take to meet the goal of the Paris climate deal to limit temperature increases to well below 2C."
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After several seasons of creams and mattes ruling the roost, gloss is finally back with a bang. The wet-look, lacquered lip was seen at Gucci, Dior, Max Mara, Vivienne Westwood and Gareth Pugh. Get the look with this clear, high-shine gloss that boosts the look of the lip and can be worn alone or on top of any of the other lip trends this season. Nudes, pillar box reds, rich wines, berry shades and even black cherry all suit a gloss on top this season.

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7. YSL Vinyl Cream Creamy Stain in 409 Burgundy Vibes: 26, Yves Saint Laurent

Get the ultra-glossy, patent, mirror-finish pout from Louis Vuitton with this rich wine, over-ripe plum shade from YSL. With a lip gloss applicator, but a lipstick finish, this glossy stain has more staying power than a traditional gloss and also stays put through eating and drinking.

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8. Rimmel The Matte Factor in 810: 6.99, Boots

Get the grown-up matte merlot lip from Rodarte with this dark raspberry matte lipstick. Or try the matte vampy purple seen at Zac Posen, with Revlon Matte Balm ColorBurst in 215 Shameless (7.99).

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9. Illamasqua Lip Lure in Pow: 19.50, Illamasqua

Hot pink isn't to everyone's taste, but it was big on the runway this season. Fuchsia pink at Jeremy Scott, a bold magenta at Topshop and statement-making hot pink glitter at Sophia Webster. Get the look from Illamasqua with this richly-pigmented glossy, liquid lipstick  not for the faint-hearted. This is hot pink in all its glory. For a more toned-down look try Urban Decay's Metallized Vice Lipstick in Big Bang, a metallic wearable pink.

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Brunching out...

Ascending the Victorian staircase showered with bare Edison bulbs dangling from wires of all lengths, you get the sense of a modern restaurant firmly aware of its heritage.

Housed in a Grade II listed building the Old Blind School takes its name from the buildings former occupation and, true to its legacy, the decor features historic teaching aids for the blind, and the renovation has kept the original lofty Georgian windows and high ceilings.

Recommended Read more Brunch on Saturday

The building has been renovated by one of the North Wests most popular gastro-pub groups, the New Moon Company. Owner Paul Newman told the Liverpool Echo: We wanted to it be accessible while still feeling a bit special... And it is just that. The menu uses top quality produce to bring brunch classics to customers with a touch of imagination.

From our table we had full view of the chefs at the pass confidently preparing full English breakfasts, Belgian waffles, French toast and eggs of all varieties.

The menu includes brunch classics from Belgian waffles to French toast

The menu also includes simpler fares of pastry, porridge, toast and bacon and sausage sandwiches. I ate the flash-seared prime English steak with fried egg and cubed home fries. There is no drinks menu, but all beverages could be ordered from the waiting staff.

Brunch for two came to just over 20.

The Old Blind School, 24 Hardman Street, Liverpool L1 9AX; info@oldblindschool.com; 07763000041

Words by Kirsty Major

Brunching in...

Buckwheat with crispy bacon, avocado, and roasted tomatoes

Serves 2

Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits  with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats  at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands  think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo  have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. The successful candidate will help them to test, perfect and launch new products all over the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news MSG additive used in Chinese food is actually good for you, scientist claims For years, weve been told MSG (the sodium salt of glutamic acid) - often associated with cheap Chinese takeaways - is awful for our health and to be avoided at all costs. But one scientist argues it should be used as a supersalt and encourages adding it to food. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Lettuce prices are rising Not only are lettuces becoming an increasingly rare commodity in supermarkets, but prices for the leafy vegetables seem to be rising too. According to the weekly report from the Governments Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a pair of Little Gem lettuces had an average market price of 0.86 in the week that ended on Friday, up from an average of 0.56 in the previous week  thats an almost 54 per cent increase. Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch  a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties

4 slices (rashers) pancetta or lean (streaky) bacon

1 lb / 450 g cherry tomatoes

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup (6 oz / 175 g) buckwheat

 cup (2 fl oz / 60 ml) red wine

2 teaspoons grated parmesan

 avocado, sliced

salt and black pepper

Place a skillet (frying pan) over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and allow to crisp, then turn over to crisp on the other side. Remove from the heat, set aside on a plate lined with paper towels, then snip into small pieces. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4. Put the tomatoes into a baking dish, add the extra virgin olive oil, and turn to coat them. Sprinkle with the oregano and some salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until just black at the edges. Remove from the oven.

Reserve a few tomatoes for the garnish and put the rest into a blender and blend to a puree. Place a medium pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent. Add the buckwheat and pour in the red wine. Allow the wine to be absorbed by the buckwheat, then add the tomato puree.

Cook for 20 minutes, or until the puree has almost all been absorbed. Remove from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and divide the buckwheat between 2 plates. Top with the avocado, pancetta or bacon, and reserved tomatoes. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to serve.

Taken from The Grain Bowl by Nik Williamson and published by Phaidon at 19.95
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Fucina  Italian

The Chiltern Street restaurant designed to be a casual luxury venue is headed up by chef Stefano Stecca, formerly of (now closed) Totos in London and Novikov prior to that. The restaurant serves food made with only 100 per cent organic produce (derived from traditional recipes inspired by Steccas childhood), and also boasts its own adjoining panetteria, where it bakes its own bread. Many other ingredients are made in-house, including its own ice cream, pasta, cold-pressed juices, and pastries; all inspired by American farm-to-table restaurants  alongside seasonally sourced produce from Italy and the UK. Fucina also serves handmade pasta and stone-baked pizza from a wood-fired oven.

Using only organic produce is Fucina, serving up Italian food in Marylebone

PISQ  Peruvian

Delve into the Peruvian melting pot at PISQ with indigenous food with Japanese, Spanish and Chinese influences. The key of PISQU cooking is the use of quality, healthy and natural superfood ingredients, many sourced from the Amazon and Andes. On the ground floor, decorated in Royal Inca grey, watch the tiradito and ceviche chef at work behind a 12-seat copper-topped Pisco Bar. Or sit along the L-shaped space offering spectacular views of the busy thoroughfare between Oxford Street and Charlotte Street through full-height windows. For a more intimate setting, head to the downstairs lounge and the Vaults: Nazca & Round Hill, for a private dining experience. Head Chef William Ortiz is adding masterclasses to the impressive list of offerings at PISQU, including a make-your-own ceviche and pisco sours.

Veneta  Venetian

The Venetian-style all-day eatery, Veneta, is another new addition to the St Jamess Market development in Mayfair. From Ben Tish and head chef Jamie Thickett (Opera Tavern), the restaurant is due for completion later this year. It will be offering regional charcuterie and cheeses (on a trolley), with an all-Italian wine list, and a lean towards seafood.

Opening in the Flat Iron square is We Are The Pancakes

Where the pancakes are  American

Its the all-day and evening home for sweet and savoury stacks of buttermilk pancakes, craft ciders, buckwheat-blinis and prosecco. Enjoy nutritious heaps of pancakes  savoury or sweet  or choose from the menu of blinis, with a selection of toppings (such as salmon & horseradish cream, smoked mackerel & salsa verde) and a selection of boozy mini-stacks and desserts (vanilla poached kumquats with Cointreau cream and salted caramel with banana & Southern Comfort cream).

The space brings together the relaxed vibes of California, with the simple design found in Northern Europe in a quintessential British setting  Flat Iron Square, the Southwark spot tipped to be a new hub for superb in London.

For more urban news, visit urbanologie.com
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Actress Jean Alexander has died at the age of 90, her family have said.

The Liverpool native was best known for playing Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street and Auntie Wainwright in Last of the Summer Wine.

Her family said she went into hospital after feeling ill earlier this week but was discharged after a couple of days and allowed to return to her nursing home.

Sonia Hearld, Alexander's niece paid tribute to her aunt and said she had continued to enjoy a celebrity status long after her stints on the famous cobbled Street and the long-running sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine.

People used to stop her just to say hello and how much they missed her, Mrs Hearld said.

She was always very good to her fans - she said 'they put me where I am'.

Alexander brought a lot of her own personality to her role, Mrs Hearld added.

Certainly with Hilda, the fact she was such a downtrodden person but just got on with it. She just touched a chord with people.

She did bring a lot of herself to the role but she was a different person, a private person. They were amalgams of people she had met, people she had observed and people she knew. She was very observant about people.

Privately, she was great fun and had a great sense of humour.

She was very glamorous - I remember when I was about four or five seeing her get ready for an evening, wearing really pretty clothes and high heels. She occasionally let me traipse around the house in them.

She was a good role model and she had a drive that carried her through.

On social media, the same fans paid tribute to her:

Alexanders first appearance in Coronation Street was in 1962, when she briefly played a landlady.

In 1964, she began the role of Hilda Ogden, which she continued for more than twenty years, retiring in 1987.

Almost 20 years after that, she was still so fondly remembered that she was voted the nation's favourite soap star.

After winning the poll, she said: It's unbelievable that people are still so fond of Hilda.

We had so many wonderful individual characters when I was in the show, Ena Sharples and Elsie Tanner come to mind, so to be picked out from amongst that crew is very, very flattering.

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City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. 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In 1985, she was awarded the Royal Television Societys Best Performance Award for her the role and was nominated for a Bafta three years later.

Also in 1988, she made her first appearance in Last of the Summer Wine and stayed with the series until 2010.

Press Association contributed to this report
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Leonardo DiCaprio has been urged to stand down from his role as a United Nations campaigner on climate change.

Rainforest charity Bruno Manser Funds urged the Oscar winner to either renounce his role as UN Messenger of Peace or hand back funding his film, The Wolf of Wall Street, allegedly received from the multi-billion dollar development fund called 1MDB.

The fund was set up by the Malaysian government to fund strategic development in the country and improve the lives of ordinary citizens, but Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was accused of channelling over RM2.67bn (630m) into his personal bank account and into lucrative private ventures.

The US government launched a probe earlier this year into whether the money was funnelled into a fund which paid for luxury homes in the US and Europe, gambling and expensive art for Mr Razaks inner circle as well as bankrolling the production of The Wolf of Wall Street via a subsidiary called Red Granite Productions.

Mr Razaks stepson Riza Aziz is listed as a producer on the movie  which was about unrestrained greed of a group of unscrupulous bankers.

The director of the environment charity which has a particular focus on deforestation in Malaysia, Lukas Straumann, told the Hollywood Reporter: "If DiCaprio is unwilling to come clean, we ask him to step down as UN Messenger for Peace for climate change."

People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.

It comes as DiCaprio is due to release his documentary on climate change, Before the Flood, after its UK premiere in London on Friday.

It depicts DiCaprio touring the world and seeing the impacts of climate change firsthand before meeting with world leaders such as Barack Obama to discuss the problem.

The Independent has contacted DiCaprios representatives for comment.
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Following a two-week-long retrial clearing Ched Evans of rape, supporters of the Chesterfield striker have taken to social media to attack the woman at the centre of the allegations for perverting the course of justice.

Mr Evans was originally found guilty in 2012 of raping a woman who was two-and-half-times over the drink-drive limit and deemed unable to consent by the jury. This was quashed in April on appeal due to new evidence found during a private investigation by his family.

In a case that has already resulted in nine convictions due to Twitter trolling over the allegations, people have continued to accuse the woman online of lying during the case and some have claimed she should face trial herself for deliberately trying to ruin someones career.

A partner at one of Londons leading law firms has debunked these suggestions, citing the UKs jury trial system and the legal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Robert Brown, a partner at Corker Binning, told The Independent: In a jury trial, as in this case, it is for the prosecution to persuade the jury beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

The verdict means that a particular jury was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of [Evan's] guilt. It is not the same as saying the woman has lied.

Saying she should be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice is a complete non sequitur. The Crown Prosecution Service could prosecute her if theres evidence she was deliberately lying, but there is no evidence of that."

Under the UKs jury system, the jury cannot give any reasons for their verdict in court and deliberations by the jury are never made public.

The fact that the jury do not give any motive for their decision is one of the reasons why you cannot say this woman should be prosecuted, said Mr Brown. Because it may be that the evidence from the woman was not the deciding factor in the case.

In jury trials, 12 ordinary people make a decision and theyre not allowed to give anyone the reasons for that decision. So it is intellectually flawed for member of the public to make an assumption that the woman was lying.

Rape support groups have attacked Fridays verdict saying the case trivialises rape and puts women off reporting.

During the retrial, the jurors heard new evidence from two former sexual partners of the accuser which had been found by private investigators.

A complainants sexual history is rarely heard in trials involving sexual offences but Mr Evans legal team sought permission under Section 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act.

The campaign group Women Against Rape criticised the decision to allow this, saying it risks deterring women from reporting rape for fear their sex lives would be aired in court.

Women are appalled at the verdict after previous boyfriends were allowed to give evidence," a spokesperson said.

"This sets a dangerous precedent to allow irrelevant sexual history evidence, which the law was supposed to prevent, opening the floodgates to trashing the womans character in any rape trial once again."
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An ancient Egyptian statue that was sold off by a local authority for cash is now believed to be in the US.

The Sekhemka figurine was controversially sold by Northampton Borough Council at auction for nearly 16 million in 2014, more than twice what it was expected to fetch.

Its buyer chose to remain anonymous and the final destination of the Sekhemka statue was a mystery, though rumours abounded about where it ended up.

But Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) documentation has revealed an application was made to export the statue, which was sold for 15.7 million, to America.

The export of the statue was delayed because of its historical importance and numerous experts also voiced their disapproval to it leaving to a private collector.

As it met the Waverly Criteria - by which the DCMS uses to judge the value of historical objects - its export licence was deferred twice. However, another buyer could not be found and the licence was granted.

Sekhemka was a court scribe and his statue is around 4,500 years old. At 75cm tall and carved from limestone, a smaller figure, believed to be Sekhemkas wife, Sitmeret, rests by his right leg. He is holding an open scroll, which features detailed carvings of hieroglyphics.

I was struck by the sculptures presence, wrote archaeologist Mike Pitts of the statue. The soft, warm limestone, the extensive paint, the composition, the manner of carving and the stylemake this a stunningly beautiful and moving object.

It was donated to the Northampton Museum by the family of a Spencer Compton, second Marquis of Northampton, in 1880, three decades after he brought it back from a trip to Egypt. The council only discovered its potential value in 2012 and made the decision to sell it less than two years later.

'Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead' at the British Museum Show all 3 1 /3 'Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead' at the British Museum 'Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead' at the British Museum 490160.bin BRITISH MUSEUM / PA 'Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead' at the British Museum 490161.bin  The Trustees of the British Museum 'Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead' at the British Museum 490162.bin  The Trustees of the British Museum

Along with UK-based groups, there has been an Egyptian campaign to have the Sekhemka statue returned to the country it was made in.

In May, Save Sekhemka Action Group UK made an appeal to the rumoured American buyer of the statue, asking for it to be permanently lent to the Brooklyn Museum.

While the UK group will no longer be pursuing the return of the figurine, the Egyptian campaigners are expected to continue battling for its return.

Northampton Borough Council says the 8 million it raised from the sale of the item - the rest went to Lord Northampton and auction house Christies - will be invested in its museum and art gallery.

But the council was widely criticised by historians and other observers for selling the artefact and the museum was also stripped of its accreditation status by Arts Council England in response to the sale - meaning it is illegible for other funding.

Earlier in October, it was revealed by the BBC that the local authority was given strong legal warnings against auctioning Sekhemka.

Any sale should not be financially motivated except in exceptional circumstances," the lawyers said.
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UK councils are preparing for the arrival of refugee children living in the Calais Jungle camp starting this upcoming week.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced she had stressed to her French counterpart that children eligible to come to the UK should be moved out of the camp before its scheduled demolition begins.

The head of Frances human rights watchdog said the destruction of the makeshift camp would begin this week as French President Francois Hollande is under pressure to deal with the refugee crisis in the country before the elections next spring.

Charities like Unicef and the British Red Cross have urged the Home Office to move quickly when it comes to bring children with ties to the UK into the country.

A report by the Red Cross last week found failures at almost every point in the process.

It said it had identified at least 178 children living in the camp who were eligible to come to the UK, but it took between 10 and 11 months on average for child migrants to arrive due to problems ranging from basic administrative errors to a shortage of staff to facilitate transfers on the French side of the border.

The delay has meant more and more children are trying to make the dangerous journey across the English Channel rather than waiting for the transfer.

Last month, a 14-year-old Afghan boy who was eligible to come to the UK became the youngest person to die trying to make the crossing when he was hit by a lorry as he tried to get on.

Calais and Dunkirk camps Show all 16 1 /16 Calais and Dunkirk camps Calais and Dunkirk camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A portrait of an Afghan man wearing a traditional Perhan Turban in the Calais Jungle (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two Gendarmes guard the main entrance to the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One Kurdish Iraqi mans reminder to himself (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two young boys in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Iranian hunger striker stands outside the only remaining shelter in the South Side of the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A church in the South Calais camp, on of the the only structures not demolished in the South Side of the camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man gets a hair cut in the Calais camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Night falls on the Calais Jungle. Fires burn in the distance (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps The containers provided as alternative accommodation for the people in the camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A young boy in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man listens to music inside one of the shipping containers (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps The awful living conditions in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Afghan man in the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One of the Iranian hunger strikers (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A family in their wooden shelter in the new Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller)

Under EU regulations, asylum claims have to be made in the first safe country they reach but children with family ties to the UK can have their claim transferred.

The Dubs Amendment to the Immigration Act, introduced by Labour peer and former child refugee Lord Alfred Dubs earlier this year, means the Government is required to resettle child refugees with links to the UK.

David Simmonds, chairman of the Local Government Associations asylum, refugee and migration task group, said councils have a strong record of supporting children travelling alone.

The British Red Cross estimates there are at least 178 refugee children in Calais who are eligible to come to the UK (Getty) (GETTY)

The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children living in England increased by more than 60 per cent to over 4,000 in the last year, and the vast majority of councils are already providing care and support for these vulnerable children and young people, he said.

Those arriving from the Calais camp will require care and support packages directly from councils and their partners.

For those children relocated with existing family living in the UK, councils will still want to be assured that arrangements put in place can meet the childs needs and that they are safe and well.

Many will have also experienced horrendous conditions within, and since fleeing, their country of origin, so councils will want to ensure they are able to settle into communities as quickly and easily as possible with ongoing support made available when they need it.

He said councils had offered to provide social workers to carry out assessments on the children, but warned the Government needed to provide adequate long term funding help the children build new lives in the UK.

Ms Rudd told the Commons on Monday that more than 80 unaccompanied children had been accepted for transfer so far this year.

The Home Secretary also said that more than 50 children had been taken, largely from Greece, under Lord Dubs' amendment to the Immigration Act.

Additional reporting by PA
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A heterosexual couple has become the first to enter into a civil partnership in the British Isles.

New laws passed on the Isle of Man, which is not part of the UK, permitted opposite-sex couples to enter civil partnerships, instead of getting married.

Adeline Cosson, 24, and Kieran Hodgson, 22, have now become the first couple to do so.

They said they did want to get married one day, but decided to have a civil partnership initially.

Ms Cosson, who is from central France, said it was common practise in her homeland.

We didnt want to call it a marriage, we wanted to call it a civil partnership. We were told we were the first ever. We are very proud to do it, Ms Cosson told the Guardian.

It helps couples move forward without having to get married right now. In France, everybody can get a civil partnership.

The news comes after a heterosexual couple from England who wanted to enter into a civil partnership lost their legal bid to be allowed to do so.

Rebecca Steinfeld, 34, and Charles Keidan, 39  academics who have been in a committed relationship since 2010 and have a baby  lost a case at the High Court.

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The couple from Hammersmith, west London, received 36,000 signatures on their petition calling for civil partnership equality.

They have been granted permission to take their case to the Court of Appeal.
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The Ministry of Defence has paid out tens of thousands of pounds in compensation to people sexually abused by Libyan military cadets brought to the UK for training with the British Army.

More than 300 cadets came to Bassingbourn barracks, Cambridgeshire, for training in a bid to help stabilise Libya after the fall of the military dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The exercise in 2014 cost the UK 13.9 million.

But many of the cadets left the barracks unescorted during their stay and one weekend several went on the rampage in Cambridge city centre and committed a string of sexual attacks.

Two are serving 12 years in prison for raping a man. Three others received shorter custodial sentences after they sexually assaulted four teenage girls.

Lawyers representing the rape victim and one of the teenage girls who was sexually assaulted argued their human rights had been breached.

Today it emerged the MoD had agreed to pay damages to the two victims in an out-of-court settlement.

While the sum was not disclosed by lawyers Slater and Gordon, it is believed to be tens of thousands of pounds.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty 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

The first claimant was raped at night in Cambridge city centre by Moktar Ali Saad Mahmoud and Ibrahim Abugtila, who were jailed in May 2015.

The defendants had denied attacking the man but were caught on CCTV leading him to a park.

They were convicted by a jury at Cambridge Crown Court, which heard they had behaved like two hunting dogs who had seen a wounded animal.

Three others, Naji El Maarfi, Mohammed Abdalsalam and Khaled El Azibi, admitted sexual assaults on four women on the same night and were also jailed.

They had stolen bicycles, pedalled from the barracks to Cambridge and assaulted the women.

The victims were all teenagers and the attacks included trying to kiss a woman without consent and then sexually assaulting her.

One of their victims said: I was subjected to a degrading attack by these men that has traumatised me.

I just hope that lessons are learned from what happened and nothing like this happens again.

Kim Harrison, a human rights lawyer from Slater and Gordon who represented both victims, said: Our clients were subjected to terrifying and degrading attacks but they are determined to rebuild their lives.

Hopefully, now the Ministry of Defence has settled this case, they will both be one step closer to getting some closure over these unimaginably traumatic events.

The arrests of the men coincided with other concerns over the conduct of the Libyan cadets training at the base following a collapse of discipline.

The incidents prompted the Ministry of Defence to send 300 soldiers back to their home country prematurely, ending an agreement to put 2,000 soldiers through basic infantry and junior command training in an attempt to help rebuild the troubled nation.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon told Parliament at the time there were things we could have done better and admitted regrets over the way it was handled.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: Compensation payments have been made to two people treated appallingly by several Libyan cadets being trained in the UK.

We have previously expressed regret that there were things we could have done better with this programme.

Press Association
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Labour has called on the Government to promise extra funds for the NHS, after reports emerged that Theresa May has told the head of the NHS that no cash boost will come in next month's autumn statement.

Jonathan Ashworth, Labours shadow Health Secretary has said the health service is "dangerously overstretched" and that the Prime Minister and Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary must take action

He added that the crisis currently engulfing the NHS was of the "government's own making".

Recommended Read more NHS boss says health service has hard four years ahead

The statement comes after reports in The Guardian that Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, met with Theresa May on 8 September and was reportedly told there would be no new funding but he should not seek more than the 10bn extra a year that the Government has promised by 2020..

Downing Street said it would not comment on private meetings, but Mr Ashworth said that more need to be done.

The NHS is facing a funding crisis with hospitals, GP surgeries and social care dangerously overstretched," he said.

"Just last week we were warned the social care sector was on the verge of tipping point. One in four patients are waiting a week or more to see their GP, or not getting an appointment at all, and thousands of patients are waiting hours in A&E and hospital trolleys.

The crisis is of this Governments own making and its up to Theresa May and Jeremy Hunt to take action... The Tories promised during the last election theyd properly fund our NHS. This is yet another example of Tory broken promises, Mr Ashworth added.

Medics have also warned the service is already at breaking point and any further lack of support could mean staff reductions, closures and reduced access and services - which would have a hugely negative effect on patients.

The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? Show all 19 1 /19 The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36454.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36456.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36455.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36457.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36458.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36459.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36460.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36461.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36462.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36464.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36463.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36466.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36467.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36468.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36469.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36470.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36472.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36473.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk The NHS at 60: has the dream been matched by reality? 36474.bin Nick Wilkinson/Newsteam.co.uk

But an NHS source with knowledge of the meeting between Mr Stevens and Ms May told the The Guardian: No 10s message at the meeting was quite blunt and stark: that there will be no more money.

Theresa May and Philip Hammond say that they presided over big efficiency programmes at the Home Office and MoD and didnt whinge about it. Their view is that the NHS is already doing very well, but thats head in the sand stuff.

The revelations come soon after one health expert warned parts of the NHS "will implode" in the winter of 2016.

Dr Mark Holland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said the days when summer used to provide a respite for busy emergency departments have now gone, and instead the NHS faces an "eternal winter".

New figures showed waiting times in A&E units this summer have been worse than for most winters for over a decade.

One in 10 patients waited for more than four hours in A&E during June, July and August - worse than any winter for the last 12 years bar one, an analysis by the BBC showed.

Only last winter marked a worse performance since the target was launched in 2004.

Data from NHS England for the summer also showed hospitals are missing key targets for cancer, routine operations and ambulance response times.

Delayed discharges - where patients are struck in hospital despite being medically fit to leave - continued to rise, with a record high during August.

Dr Holland said: "The NHS is on its knees and, this winter, areas will implode around the country. There is no reserve left.

"We coined the phrase eternal winter months ago in relation to increasingly poor performance and this data is clear evidence that is what we are now dealing with.

"Over the coming weeks and months, if we see a major increase in admissions due to flu or bed closures due to norovirus, we will collapse.

"The Government has failed to acknowledge or address the scale of the crisis in social care and delayed discharges and, at present, I see no plan of action in place to prevent it derailing the health service.

"If we are unable to discharge patients and release pressure on our emergency departments and acute medical units at the front door, the system grinds to a halt."

Press Association contributed to this report.
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Animal rights organisation Peta has taken inspiration from Donald Trump for its latest campaign, which urges people to grab a pussy  adopt a cat, that is.

The group wants to bring the posters, which it hopes will help find homes for rescue cats, to London and New York.

But the advertisement, which shows a reclining cat below the words Grab a pussy! Adopt a cat from your local shelter, has been criticised by those who say it trivialises sexual assault.

We are currently talking with billboard companies to see how many will be available in London before the US election on 8 November, a Peta spokesperson told The Independent.

Every day, we hear reports of local rescue centres that have reached the crisis point because they are bursting at the seams with abandoned cats.

Cats Protection and the RSPCA alone report receiving more than 30,000 calls a year regarding stray cats, and more than 100,000 stray dogs are picked up off UK streets by councils every year.

The organisation is well-known for its provocative and shocking advertising campaigns. A 2010 poster showing Pamela Anderson in a bikini with her body parts labelled as if she were a piece of meat was banned in Montreal by officials who said it was sexist.

Yes Peta. Lets take this time to use sexual abuse as a marketing gimmick to adopt cats. Way to Go, wrote one Twitter user about the latest campaign.

I am a proud vegan and animalist but using rape culture to promote your work is terribly wrong, wrote another.

Peta campaigns in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Anti-fur protestors from Peta are seen on the runway at the Julien MacDonald fashion show as part of London Fashion Week in September 2006 MJ Kim/Getty Images Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures The poster from the animal rights group PETA PETA Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Animals on the mind: Staunch PETA supporter Morrissey casually poses with a cat on his head for one particularly literal campaign PETA Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Helen Flanagan poses beside a poster featuring her wearing reptile skin, to promote a PETA campaign, in Covent Garden PA Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Skin trade: PETA protests against Canadian seal hunting AFP / GETTY IMAGES Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures A member of the 'Taiji Dolphin Action Group' curls up on a sheet depicting the Japanese flag, during a protest against the killing of dolphins Getty Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) gather to lie in a heap in Trafalgar Square to raise awareness on World Vegan Day PA Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Ingrid Newkirk outside Fortnum & Mason with a bloodied mouth and feeding tube Peta Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures A member of the association 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (Peta) demonstrates to denounce the way birds' livers are fatten during the foie gras production Getty Images Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Peta's leader protesting against fur in Paris in 2006 AFP Peta campaigns in pictures Peta campaigns in pictures Protesting against Canadian seal hunting AP

We know that the public will get the humour, that people will do a double-take, and that it will prompt discussions  and we hope more than a few homeless cats will be adopted as a result, the spokesperson said.

Already, one billboard company has said yes to Peta US for an ad in New York City, but space wont be available until December, and were trying to get it placed sooner than that. Every minute counts if you're a kitten with nowhere to go.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was forced to apologise when a video clip emerged from 2005 in which he made lewd comments about women.

You know Im automatically attracted to beautiful  I just start kissing them [...] And when youre a star they let you do it. You can do anything, he said.

Grab them by the p****. You can do anything.

Peta responded to criticism on Twitter, saying: Peta takes both issues seriously but the sensationalism of this election has rendered many other important issues invisible.

We took something hideous and made it into something good. Outrage is not enough, action is everything.
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Russia is expected to sail an aircraft carrier and several other military vessels through the English Channel in late October.

The Royal Navy is preparing to intercept and escort the fleet of up to eight warships as they pass close to Britain on their way to bomb rebel-held areas of Syria.

The choice of route has been described as posturing by a British naval source, and comes amid fraught relations between London and Moscow over ongoing Russian air strikes in Aleppo.

A maritime patrol aircraft deployed by Nato will also monitor the military fleet when they near the UK, which could be as early as next week.

A Royal Navy spokesperson told The Independent: UK and Nato assets routinely monitor warships from other nations when they enter our area of interest and this will be no different.

But a defence source speaking to The Times described the deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russias only aircraft carrier, as significant.

Navy admirals believe in this instance Vladimir Putin will use the voyage as an opportunity to demonstrate Russias military strength as the boats pass Britain, The Telegraph reported.

The carrier's aircraft is expected to launch flying drills off the British and French coasts, and the boats may stop north of Scotland to carry out practice exercises including bombing.

A former First Sea Lord on Friday told The Telegraph that Russian posturing risked inflaming tensions further.

Travelling via the English Channel is not typical for Russian boats headed for Syria. Instead, most come directly down the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea at the Turkish city of Istanbul.

But the Admiral Kuznetsov is believed to currently be moored in Severomorsk near Murmansk in the north-west of Russia, near Norway and Finland.

A naval source told The Telegraph: Its not catching us by surprise, we are working up what to do and we are all over it. The most likely thing is that they will go through the North Sea, down the Dover Strait and through the Channel.

They might even stop off the North East coast to fly for a bit.

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

But the source said it was also possible the Russian warships would split, with some going through the Irish Sea or down the West coast of Ireland, to cause more trouble.

The source said: Even if it splits five ways and we cant man mark them, it doesnt matter, we have got this covered.

Once in the Mediterranean, the Admiral Kuznetsov is expected to take up a position off the coast of Syria for four to five months. It could launch jets and helicopters to carry out more air strikes.
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Scotland cannot trust Conservative ministers Liam Fox and Boris Johnson to represent its interests in EU negotiations, the countrys First Minister has warned.

In her Saturday closing speech to the SNPs annual conference in Glasgow Nicola Sturgeon said the Conservatives have a different idea of what Scotlands relationship with Europe should be to the Scottish public.

In her opening speech on Thursday Ms Sturgeon announced she would consult on a second independence referendum next week, warning Theresa May that independence could be a consequence of ignoring Scotlands interests.

On Friday the SNPs Westminster leader Angus Robertson reiterated the warning, saying Ms May might not be ruling the United Kingdom for long if she ignored Scotlands interests.

There was further fuel for the nationalists narrative on Friday when it emerged that the Scottish Secretary David Mundell, the Tories only Scottish MP, might be excluded from some Cabinet discussions. He is expected to only be invited to a key Brexit committee as required.

Let me be crystal clear about this  Scotland cannot trust the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox to represent us, Ms Sturgeon told delegates.

They are retreating to the fringes of Europe, we intend to stay at its very heart where Scotland belongs. To our European friends, we say: Scotland is open for business.

Her comments echo those made by Trades Union Congress general secretary Frances OGrady on Friday at a fringe event at the conference. She called for Britains negotiating team to be cross party and include representatives of the UKs countries, regions, and cities  as well as organised labour.

Liam Fox suggested EU nationals living in Britain were bargaining chips in EU negotiations (PA) (PA WIRE)

Most of us are not entirely confident in the three Brexiteers, when our future lies in their hands, the trade unionist said.

Ms May appointed Liam Fox as International Trade Secretary, Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, and David Davis as Brexit Secretary. All three politicians campaigned to leave the EU and will be involved in negotiations to leave the bloc.

Mr Fox caused controversy at the Tory conference last week after he suggested EU nationals living in the UK could be used as bargaining chips.

Boris Johnson will be involved in EU exit negotiations (Getty) (Getty Images)

Ms Sturgeon unveiled a four-point plan to secure Scotlands interests in EU negotiations. She says the UK government has no mandate to leave the single market as that was not on the ballot paper at the referendum.

Plans laid out by Ms Sturgeon in the speech included more staff for the Scottish international trade executive and the establishment of a Scottish-German trade hub.

Make no mistake, the growth of our economy right now is threatened not just by the prospect of losing our place in the single market  disastrous though that would be, she said.

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

It is also the deeply damaging  and utterly shameful  message that the Tories rhetoric about foreign workers is sending.

And the uncertainty that message brings to our public services and Scottish employers .

More than ever, we need to tell our European friends that Scotland is open for business. So, today I can announce a four-point plan to boost trade and exports.

First, we will establish a new Board of Trade drawing on the best business expertise. Second, we will set up a new trade envoy scheme. It will ask prominent and successful Scots to help us, boost our national export effort.

Third, we will create permanent trade representation for Scotland with a Scottish Innovation and Investment Hub in Berlin. Fourth, we will double the number of Scottish Development International staff working across Europe.

Scotland voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU but Britain as a whole voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent to leave.
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Nicola Sturgeon will insist Scotland intends to stay at the very heart of Europe, with the First Minister to unveil a new plan to boost business in the wake of the Brexit vote.

The SNP leader will make clear that Scotland is open for business with a four-point plan aimed at increasing trade and exports.

This also includes measures to increase Scottish representation in Europe, with new trade envoys to represent the country, while a Scottish investment hub will also be set up in Berlin.

Ms Sturgeon will say: Let me be crystal clear about this - Scotland cannot trust the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox to represent us.

They are retreating to the fringes of Europe; we intend to stay at its very heart where Scotland belongs.

The First Minister will also use her closing speech to the SNP conference to highlight the stark choice facing the country, between being governed by the hard right Tories at Westminster or the SNP in Edinburgh.

Ms Sturgeon will condemn the deeply damaging and utterly shameful messages on foreign nationals from the Conservative conference in Birmingham.

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

She will tell the SNP conference in Glasgow: Make no mistake - today, we face a choice of two futures.

After last week in Birmingham, there can be no doubt - the choice we face has never been so stark.

The primary contest of ideas in our country is now between the SNP and the hard-right Tories.

While the UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union in June, almost two thirds (62%) of Scots taking part in the referendum opted to remain.

The Brexit vote makes efforts to boost Scotland's economy even more important, Ms Sturgeon will say.

 Nicola Sturgeon Still Not Prepared to 'Rubber Stamp' Brexit

The First Minister is expected to add: Make no mistake, the growth of our economy right now is threatened not just by the prospect of losing our place in the single market - disastrous though that would be.

It is also the deeply damaging - and utterly shameful - message that the Tories' rhetoric about foreign workers is sending and the uncertainty that message brings to our public services and Scottish employers.

More than ever, we need to tell our European friends that Scotland is open for business.

Her four-point plan will also see the Scottish Government set up a new Board of Trade, while the envoy plan will see prominent and successful Scots recruited to help increase exports.

The agency Scottish Development International will also double the number of staff it has working across Europe.

While the conference comes just five months after the SNP won a third term in power at the Holyrood elections, Ms Sturgeon will say that in many ways it feels like a political lifetime since that victory.

We are in a completely new era, she will say.

A new political era and a new battle of ideas.

A new era for our Parliament, with new powers and responsibilities

And a new era for our relationship with Europe and the wider world.

There are challenges aplenty. And as the world around us changes, we must ensure that Scotland remains the progressive, internationalist, communitarian country that the majority of us living here want it be.

Press Association
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The Labour Party was incompetent in its handling of anti-Semitic incidents within its party, and Jeremy Corbyn has not provided consistent leadership in dealing with anti-Semitism, according to a detailed and damning report by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

The cross-party report, which was begun under the chairmanship of Labour MP Keith Vaz who has since stood down, questions whether the Labour leader fully appreciates what anti-Semitism is, in the years since the foundation of the state of Israel, and was fiercely critical of the partys own internal anti-Semitism investigation, led by Shami Chakrabarti, who has since been given a seat in the House of Lords and is now serving as shadow Attorney General.

The failure of the Labour Party to deal consistently and effectively with anti-Semitic incidents in recent years risks lending force to allegations that elements of the Labour movement are institutionally anti-Semitic, the report says.

 Jeremy Corbyn's campaign team tackle accusations of antisemitism

Its own incompetence extends to the incidents involving former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who has made dozens of TV and radio appearances to defend his claim that Hitler conspired middle eastern authorities to repatriate Jews to Palestine, and was therefore a Zionist.

Mr Corbyn said the report, which is a wide investigation into anti-Semitism, was biased in its focus on Labour and said the criticism of Lady Chakrabarti was unfair.

The Labour leader said: The reports political framing and disproportionate emphasis on Labour risks undermining the positive and welcome recommendations made in it.

Although the committee heard evidence that 75 per cent of anti-Semitic incidents come from far right sources, and the report states there is no reliable evidence to suggest anti-Semitism is greater in Labour than other parties, much of the report focuses on the Labour Party.

As the report rightly acknowledges, politicising anti-Semitism  or using it as a weapon in controversies between and within political parties  does the struggle against it a disservice.

The report was jointly authored by a cross-party panel of MPs. Its wording has been agreed in full by Chuka Umunna, who is a critic of the Labour leader, and David Winnick, a veteran MP and himself Jewish.

Shami Chakrabarti and Jeremy Corbyn at a press conference to announce the findings of the antisemitism inquiry in June

Labour MP Naz Shah is also a member of the committee, but she did not contribute to the inquiry after she was suspended from the Labour Party over Facebook posts that were anti-Semitic.

The report said Mr Corbyn had a proud record of campaigning against racism but added: On the evidence we have received, we are not persuaded that he fully appreciates the distinct nature of post-Second World War anti-Semitism.

Recommended Read more Jeremy Corbyn does have a problem relating to the working class

The report also highlights the appalling level of abuse directed at Jewish MPs, including Ruth Smeeth, who recently claimed she had received 25,000 separate messages of anti-Semitic abuse on social media.

Clearly, the Labour leader is not directly responsible for abuse committed in his name, but we believe that his lack of consistent leadership on this issue, and his reluctance to separate anti-Semitism from other forms of racism, has created what some have referred to as a safe space for those with vile attitudes towards Jewish people, the report states.

This situation has been further exacerbated by the Partys demonstrable incompetence at dealing with members accused of anti-Semitism, as illustrated by the saga involving the suspension, re-admittance and re-suspension of Jackie Walker.

The ongoing membership of Ken Livingstone, following his outbursts about Hitler and Zionism, should also have been dealt with more effectively.

The result is that the Labour Party, with its proud history of fighting racism and promoting equal rights, is seen by some as an unwelcoming place for Jewish members and activists.

It said that Lady Chakrabartis report into these incidents was clearly lacking in many areas.

Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said Show all 14 1 /14 Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On Israel and Palestine The simple fact in all of this is that Naz made these comments at a time when there was another brutal Israeli attack on the Palestinians; and theres one stark fact that virtually no one in the British media ever reports, in almost all these conflicts the death toll is usually between 60 and 100 Palestinians killed for every Israeli. Now, any other country doing that would be accused of war crimes but its like we have a double standard about the policies of the Israeli government Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On Antisemitism in the Labour Party As Ive said, Ive never heard anybody say anything antisemitism-Semitic, but theres been a very well-orchestrated campaign by the Israel lobby to smear anybody who criticises Israeli policy as antisemitic. I had to put up with 35 years of this Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On Naz Shah Its completely over-the-top and rude, but who am I to denounce anyone with all of that. It was wrong. I dont think she is antisemitic, it was incredibly rude but I dont believe she is an antisemite. When the NEC investigation is finished they'll say it was rude and over the top but they wont find any evidence that she actually hates Jews. Weve got to investigate all these charges and the context in which they are made. If she is antisemitic like the other three or four members weve found who are antisemitic, shell be expelled Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On other alleged antisemites in Labour That is part of the classic antisemitic thing about an international Jewish conspiracy  that is the reason we need to have an investigation. Ive got an open mind. Ive seen nothing to suggest to me that she is antisemitic. I wouldnt have supported her if I [thought] she was antisemitic Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On whether what Hitler did was legal, as stated by Naz Shah Thats a statement of fact  Hitler, Im sure, passed all those laws that allowed him to do that  its history  literally, Hitler was completely mad, he killed six million Jews. Shes not saying its legal to kill six million Jews: what they were doing in that country allowed them not just to kill six million Jews, kill all the communists, kill all the leftists like me, my father almost died when a Nazi sub sank his boat. I have no sympathy with Hitler Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On another alleged antisemite in Labour No, that is, and thats why shes been suspended or expelled. What Ive said is that in 47 years of the party in all the meetings Ive been in Ive never heard anyone say anything antisemitic. There are bound to be in a party of half a million people youll have a handful of antisemites, youll have a handful of racists. Youve managed to dig out virtually every antisemitic comment that Labour members have made out of half a million people. Ive never met any of these people. Theres not a problem. Youre talking about a handful of people in a party of half a million people. Jeremy Corbyn has moved rapidly to deal with them Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On Jeremy Corbyns response to the allegations He met with Naz and she agreed she would stand down while the investigation is going on. He called her in to see her. Theres been a huge investigation of virtually everything that anybody put on the internet  many of these people are quite new and recent members of the party that joined in the big influx. 300,000 new people came in Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On his meeting a man accused of antisemitism in London This is the man who called for Muslims around the world to donate blood after the attacks of 9/11 when he came to London I went with him to the Regents Park mosque where he said no man should hit a woman and you should not discriminate against homosexuals. So I cant equate what I heard him say he made no antisemitic statement while he was here in London. I dont investigate people. Ive simply said what I believe to be true which is that Naz was not antisemitic. She was completely over the top, very rude, but that does not make her an antisemite Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On John Manns comments He went completely over the top. I was actually doing a radio interview at the time that he was bellowing that Im a racist antisemite in my ear. Ive had that with John Mann before a few weeks ago screaming that I was a bigot down the phone. Im not an apologist for anyone who makes antisemitic statements. What Im saying is dont confuse antisemitism with criticism of the Israeli government policy Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On calling a Jewish journalist a concentration camp guard whilst Mayor of London I cant tell if a journalist is Jewish or Catholic or anything. If a journalist is chasing you down the street at nine of clock at night you might be rude to them. Some people might have hit him! He said he was just doing his job. We went all the way to the High Court and the judge opened his judgement by saying I hope no one here is going to suggest that Mr Livingstone is antisemitic. We won the case Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On claims about Hitler and Zionism I cant tell if a journalist is Jewish or Catholic or anything. If a journalist is chasing you down the street at nine of clock at night you might be rude to them. Some people might have hit him! He said he was just doing his job. We went all the way to the High Court and the judge opened his judgement by saying I hope no one here is going to suggest that Mr Livingstone is antisemitic. We won the case Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On John Mann Id simply say to John Mann go back and check. Is what I say true, or is it not? The BBC, youve got a huge team of researchers, it will take just an hour or two to go back and confirm. I was asked a question, I answered it. I have never in 45 years since I won my first election, I have never lied. I have always answered the question Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On raising the issue if Hitler It lays you open to people smearing and lying about you. Ive always answered the questions put to me and that simple fact is weve had a handful of people saying antisemitic things in the Labour Party, theyve been suspended, some of them are on their way to being expelled, some of them have been expelled already Labour antisemitism row: What Livingstone said On people calling for him to be suspended All my usual critics  but the simple fact is I agree with them; there is no place for antisemitism in the Labour party. For them to suggest I am antisemitic is a bit bizarre considering we worked with Jewish groups and put on exhibitions about the scale of the holocaust, we worked with Jewish groups to tackling the scale of antisemitism back in the 1970s. Ive always opposed every form of racism whether its against black people or Jews. Im going to stay in the Labour party and continue to fight against all forms of racism and discrimination as I have my entire life

The fact that the report describes occurrences of anti-Semitism merely as unhappy incidents also suggests that it fails to appreciate the full gravity of the comments that prompted the inquiry in the first place, the MPs noted.

These shortfalls, combined with Ms Chakrabartis decision to join the Labour Party in April and accept a peerage as a nominee of the Leader of that Party, and her subsequent appointment as shadow attorney general, have thrown into question her claims (and those of Mr Corbyn) that her inquiry was truly independent.

Lady Chakrabarti has said her subsequent peerage in the wake of the report was not transactional, telling the BBCs Andrew Marr that I am not a corrupt person and Jeremy Corbyn is not a corrupt person.

The report also cited surveys that claim as many as one in 20 adults in the UK could be characterised as clearly anti-Semitic.

There is a real risk that the UK is moving in the wrong direction on anti-Semitism, in contrast to many other countries in Western Europe, it said.

The Committees acting chair, Tim Loughton, said: History shows that anti-Semitism is a virus that is too easily spread, through subtly pernicious discourse, ignorance and collusion.

We call on all leaders of political parties to lead by example to tackle the growing prevalence of this insidious form of hate, opposing racism and religious hate in all its forms and working harder to promote inclusion and understanding among party members and the wider public, as befits the UKs status as a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
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More voters believe Labour would be more electable if Tony Blair returned as leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn, a poll has found.

The exclsuive poll for The Independent by Comres finds that 36 per cent said Labour has more chance of winning a general election if Tony Blair is leader, but only 35 per cent said the same of Jeremy Corbyn. A further 30 per cent said they dont know.

The former Labour Prime Minister prompted speculation about his future when he was asked if he could see himself returning to politics in some way in an interview in Esquire magazine this month and replied: Thats an open question.

Alastair Campbell, who was Mr Blairs spokesman as Prime Minister, told the BBC on Saturday that his former boss would not try to come back as an MP, but that he does want to be more active in policy debate.

The difference between Mr Blair and Mr Corbyn in this survey is not statistically significant, and most Labour voters  56 per cent  say that Labour has a better chance with Mr Corbyn as leader.

Most of those who think Labour would do better with Mr Blair are currently intending to vote Conservative (49 per cent say Mr Blair), Ukip (38 per cent) or Liberal Democrat (40 per cent).

When asked whether there was still room in UK politics for a centre-left party, Mr Blair told Esquire: Theres been a huge reaction against the politics I represent. But I think its too soon to say the centre has been defeated."

Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Show all 8 1 /8 Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith clash at a leadership hustings in Gateshead, where Mr Smith was scarcely able to answer a question without being booed by Mr Corbyns supporters PA Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy himself admitted he was seven out of 10 in terms of his faith in the European Union. He said it, said Mr Smith during his second live debate with Jeremy Corbyn Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Ballot papers are currently due to be sent out on 22 August and returned a month later, with the result being announced at a special Labour conference on 24 September Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy Corbyn supporters cheer and wave placards as the Labour Leader addresses thousands of supporters in in Liverpool, England Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour Party leadership candidate Owen Smith poses for a picture with supporters during a picnic for young members in London Fields, Hackney in London Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith The Labour leader has a spring in his step at a leadership rally in Sunderland Screenshot Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour leadership contender Owen Smith delivers a speech at the Open University in Milton Keynes, where he promised to reverse Conservative cuts set to leave millions of low paid workers thousands of pounds a year worse off PA Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has urged Owen Smith to distance himself from those saying they want to split the Labour party Getty

Mr Blair announced in September that he was winding down his controversial business consultancy firm and would spend 80 per cent of his time on charity work.

The move prompted speculation that he was planning a possible return to politics.

Recommended Read more Jeremy Corbyn does have a problem relating to the working class

Mr Blair remains a highly controversial figure within the party while Mr Corbyn, despite considerable opposition among Labour MPs, won his second leadership election earlier this year with a larger percentage of the vote than 2015.

After beating challenger Owen Smith with 62 per cent of the vote, Mr Corbyn called for unity but appeared to suggest "some" rebellious MPs may face deselection by their constituency parties.

He said his subsequent reshuffle had made the party "stronger, more diverse and more coherent" but Parliamentary Labour Party chairman John Cryer accused him of sabotaging negotiations to allow MPs to elect the shadow Cabinet.

ComRes interviewed 2,037 adults in Great Britain online on 12 and 13 October 2016. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults. Full tables on the ComRes website.
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The British Government says it will consider the terms of its lucrative arms exports to Saudi Arabia after its ally admitted responsibility for killing more than 140 mourners at a funeral in Yemen.

Air strikes that targeted the gathering in the capital of Sanaa on 8 October have renewed international condemnation of the UKs controversial weapons trade with Saudi Arabia.

A report by the Saudi-led coalitions Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) admitted responsibility on Saturday but blamed wrong information from allies of the Yemeni government, which it is supporting in the countrys civil war.

 Video footage shows moment air strike hits funeral in Yemen

A party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa, and insisted that the location be targeted immediately, investigators said in a statement.

More than 500 victims were also injured in the bombing, for which the Saudi military initially denied responsibility before launching a probe into the regrettable and painful attack.

The JIATs report claimed the Air Operation Centre in Yemen directed a close air support mission to target the funeral hall without approval from the coalitions commanders, adding: JIAT has found that because of non-compliance with coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Investigators called for a review of the rules of engagement and for compensation for families of the victims, who had gathered to mourn the death of the father of rebel interior minister Jalal al-Rowaishan.

The JIAT, which was set up by King Salman in May, also said appropriate action should be taken against those who caused the incident, without elaborating further.

Welcoming the report, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was awaiting further detail on the attack in a future report to be released by the JIAT.

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

Our consideration of the reports will be used to contribute to our overall view on the approach and attitude of Saudi Arabia to international humanitarian law, as part of all the information available to us, a spokesperson added.

This, in turn, informs the risk assessment made against the arms export criteria.

Tobias Ellwood, the Middle East minister, repeated his call for peace talks and a truce between all sides in the Yemeni civil war, which has seen the country split into zones controlled by the Hadi government, Houthi rebels, al-Qaeda and Isis.

I stressed this in meetings with Yemeni and Saudi leaders, including President Hadi and Foreign Minister al-Jubeir, in Saudi Arabia this week, he added. We are considering the Saudi investigation report in detail.

Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, formally raised concern over the funeral strike on 9 October and Mr Ellwood travelled to Riyadh for high-level meetings with Yemeni and Saudi leaders on Thursday, but no details from the closed talks have been released.

Britain sold 3.3bn worth of arms between April 2015 and March 2016 alone  the first year of the Saudi-led coalitions deadly bombing campaign in Yemen, where it intervened against Houthi rebels at President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadis request.

Ministers have repeatedly rejected calls for a pause in weapons sales amid frequent reports of war crimes and the Government refused to give MPs a vote on the issue, despite the American Senate holding a debate on US exports.

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the Government's promise to "consider" the terms of its exports showed it has finally woken up to the fact British arms sold to Saudi Arabia may have been used for the horrific and indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Yemen".

The scene of the air strike on a funeral hall on 8 October (Reuters)

If this review uncovers breaches of international humanitarian law by the Saudi government, as is highly likely, UK arms sales to the country must be suspended immediately," he added.

This should mark the start of a shift towards ending British arms sales to the world's most repressive regimes altogether.

Jeremy Corbyn and Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas are also among those calling for trade to be suspended, but Theresa May defended the sales last month, claiming the UKs relationship with Saudi Arabia helped to keep people on the streets of Britain safe.

She was speaking in the wake of a report by the Committees on Arms Export Controls, which concluded that British weapons had most likely been used to violate international law and contribute to the humanitarian devastation in Yemen.

A United Nations report on children and armed conflict said the Saudi-led coalition was responsible for 60 per cent of all child causalities  510 deaths and 667 injuries  in the conflict last year.

The UN warned that while international attention has focused on Syria, more than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen, including at least 4,000 civilians in the past 18 months alone.

All parties in the conflict, including Isis and al-Qaeda, are accused of human rights violations, and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have also killed civilians with landmines and indiscriminate shelling.

The conflict has left half of the countrys 28 million inhabitants without sufficient food, with hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation in a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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Babies born in Scotland will be gifted baby boxes from New Years Day 2017, the countrys First Minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon said Nordic-style policy, which was first announced in April, would be a symbol of a belief in a level playing field for all children.

Finland has been giving out care packages to all expectant mothers for 80 years. The boxes, which include around 80 items useful for babies, have been credited with cutting infant mortality and raising life chances.

 Baby boxes trialled in UK

The boxes contain items such as baby clothes and nappies. Babies sometimes sleep in the boxes.

The First Minister said the first mothers living in pilot areas would start getting the boxes in January and that there would be a full roll-out in the summer.

We promised a baby box of all essential items for all newborns. Its a policy borrowed from Finland where its contributed to the lowest rates of child mortality in the world, she told delegates.

Im delighted to give you an update on our plans to introduce it here. Next month well launch a competition in partnership with the V&A in Dundee for the design of the box.

The first boxes will be delivered to newborns born in pilot areas on New Years Day.

Nicola Sturgeon announced the timescale at conference (John Linton/PA)

She joked that such a box would beat a lump of coal as a first-foot offering, a reference to the Scottish tradition of giving people coal to mark the New Year.

The boxes will be part of a general overhaul of free childcare provision in the country. Ms Sturgeon pledged that services would greater flexibility for parents.

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"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 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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. 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She made her comments in her closing speech to the Scottish National Partys conference in Glasgow.
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The Scottish National Partys conference has backed the decriminalisation of cannabis for medicinal use.

Delegates at the partys conference called on the UK Government to devolve the power to regulate the drug to the Scottish government.

Cannabis is currently a Class B drug and people in possession of it can be sentenced to up to five years in prison. Dealers can face up to 14 years.

Recommended Read more Danish couple face prison for selling cannabis to cancer patients

In practice, however, the maximum penalties for possession are rarely enforced across the UK.

The SNP delegates overwhelming vote came just weeks after former Conservative justice minister Crispin Blunt said he had been told to stop asking difficult questions about drugs policy while he was in office.

Mr Blunt told a fringe event at a Tory conference that he had been rebuffed for asking how much policing drug prohibition costs  and told in ministerial discussions that it was impolitic to raise the issue.

The SNPs conference heard from multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferer Laura Brennan-Whitefield, who called on the party to show compassion and common sense over the issue.

I'm not advocating the smoking of cannabis, what I'm advocating is a progressive and reasonable, compassionate society where you can access pain relief, she told delegates.

I have been living with multiple sclerosis for nine years and the fact that I'm standing here giving this speech means I am one of the lucky ones.

It has become very clear to me over these last nine years that many people living with MS have been using cannabis to help with the symptoms of that condition. In fact, it's one of the worst kept secrets at the hospital.

She continued: I don't think someone who is in pain should be criminalised for trying to ease that pain.

The vote does not necessarily mean the Scottish government will adopt the policy but it gives an indication of strong support for the measure within the governing party.

Cannabis around the world Show all 13 1 /13 Cannabis around the world Cannabis around the world Morocco Farmers destroy cannabis plantations under Moroccan police supervision in the northern Moroccan Larache region, pictured here in 2006 AFP/Getty images Cannabis around the world Colorado Growing business: Cannabis on sale at River Rock Wellness Sam Adams Cannabis around the world Oakland Oaksterdam in Oakland, California, is the world's only university dedicated to the study and cultivation of cannabis Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Cannabis around the world Seattle A cannabis smoker marks the start of the new law by the Space Needle in Seattle Getty Images Cannabis around the world China Cannabis growing wild in China, where it has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria Cannabis around the world Uruguay Uruguay has voted to make the country the first to legalize marijuana AFP/Getty Cannabis around the world Colorado A groundswell of support from the public led to full legalisation in Colorado Getty Images Cannabis around the world Berlin A man smokes licenced medicinal marijuana prior to participating in the annual Hemp Parade, or 'Hanfparade', in support of the legalization of marijuana in Germany on August 7, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. The consumption of cannabis in Germany is legal, though all other aspects, including growing, importing or selling it, are not. However, since the introduction of a new law in 2009, the sale and possession of marijuana for licenced medicinal use is legal. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Cannabis around the world UK The UK latest figures show 2.3 million people used cannabis in the last year AP Cannabis around the world Amsterdam Tourists visiting Amsterdam will not be banned from using the citys famous cannabis cafes Getty Images Cannabis around the world Merseyside These 25 cannabis plants, seized in Merseyside police, could have generated a turnover of 40,000 a year Cannabis around the world San Francisco April 20, 2012: People smoke marijuana joints at 4:20 p.m. as thousands of marijuana advocates gathered at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. The event was held on April 20, a date corresponding with a numerical 4/20 code widely known within the cannabis subculture as a symbol for all things marijuana. Reuters Cannabis around the world Spain A cannabis users' association will pay the town of Rasquera more than 600,000 a year for the lease of the land

Delegates heard that cannabis had been able to help reduce pain in patients suffering from arthritis, cancer, Crohn's disease and epilepsy  as well as those receiving palliative care.

Half of the US states have legalised cannabis for medicinal use, with others decriminalising or legalising the drug completely.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he would like to legalise cannabis for medical purposes and that the UK should have a debate about changes to other drug laws.
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The SNP could go into another Scottish independence referendum arguing that Scotland should keep using the Pound, John Swinney has suggested.

The Scottish Governments former finance minister told a fringe event at his partys conference in Glasgow that he did not regret adopting the stance.

There is division in the independence camp over whether it was the right strategy to suggest retaining the Pound.

Asked whether he believed the SNP could propose a different economic approach at a second independence referendum, Mr Swinney, who is Scotlands deputy first minister and it education minister, said he did not necessarily think that would be the case.

I took what I thought were the best decisions. I would love the currency issue to have been one which glided through nice and smoothly and didn't cause any disruption, but the other options we considered were not without their challenges.

I don't regret anything about the arguments I put forward. I have to honestly accept they weren't sufficiently compelling because we didn't win the referendum, which is why we have to be open minded about how we pursue these arguments in the future."

He added: I don't know if it necessarily has to be a different economic policy.

The former finance minister suggested that George Osborne's stated refusal to let the SNP use the Pound was one of the reasons why the arguments for Scottish independence were unsuccesful in 2014

Scotland goes to the polls Show all 20 1 /20 Scotland goes to the polls Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Piper Ryan Randall leads a pro-Scottish independence rally in the suburbs of Edinburgh Getty Images Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides A "No" campaigner bursts into song as the BBC's Nick Robinson walks past Getty Images Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Chris McAleese holds a Saltire flag as he speaks with Gerrard Corrigan, left, and Robbie Devine outside Bannockburn Polling Station in Scotland AP Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides George Mackay and his daughter Anne Mackay run a polling station from their caravan at Coulags near Lochcarron PA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Voters arrive at the polling station in the village hall in the remote Highland area of Lochcarron, Scotland PA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides A No campaign supporter and Yes campaign supporter debate with each outside the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, Scotland AP Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Martin Greenhouse arrived at Partick polling station wearing a Scottish football jersey with the number 14 - for 2014 - on the back. Martin said that he'd lived in Scotland for years and would be remaining north of border regardless of the outcome tonight. "Westminster does London very well. But not the rest of Britain. Devolution works, independence will work better and the regions of England will take note. That's why my wife and I are voting YES." James Cusick/The Independent Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides A supporter of the 'Yes' campaign stands outside a polling station Reuters Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides A yes supporter talks with a man and a woman with a Union flag in George Square, just a few hours before polling stations will close in the Scottish independence referendum Getty Images Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Chris McAleese at Bannockburn Polling Station, as voters go to the polls in the Scottish Referendum PA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Ryan Randall plays the bagpipes outside a polling station in Edinburgh, Scotland Reuters Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Fashion makes a point on voting day in the Scottish Independence referendum in Stirling EPA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Voters come to Notre Dame Primary School polling station as the people of Scotland take to the polls to decide their country's fate Getty Images Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Voters come to Notre Dame Primary School polling station as the people of Scotland take to the poles to decide their country's fate in a historic vote Getty Images Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond chats to school children at Strichen Primary School in Strichen PA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown with No campaigners outside the polling station at North Queensferry Community Centre as polls open PA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond gives the thumbs up after voting in the Scottish referendum in Aberdeenshire, Scotland EPA Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Residents take part in a "short walk to freedom" march in Edinburgh Reuters Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides Young voters leave a polling station in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh Reuters Scotland goes to the polls Scotland decides David Aguilar, left, and Aleix Sarri from Catalonia, who are visiting Scotland to support the Scottish independence referendum, gesture and hold up a placard supporting a Yes vote at passing motorists in Edinburgh, Scotland AP

The former Chancellor had said in the run-up to the vote that a Yes vote meant losing the Pound, and that there was "no ifs, no buts" on the matter.

Mr Swinney made his comments shortly after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the Scottish Government would consult on a second independence referendum in the coming weeks.

Speaking on Friday she said independence might be a way of avoiding the economic instability of Brexit and leaving the single market.

The Pound tanked to a multi-decade low this week following economic uncertainty caused by the EU referendum. Food and grocery prices are expected to increase in the coming months.
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An American aid worker has been kidnapped by gunman in Niger, where he was helping local tribes overcome drought and food shortages.

Jeffery Woodke was abducted from his home in Abalak by armed men who killed two guards before driving him across the desert into neighbouring Mali.

The Youth With A Mission (YWAM) charity told The Independent the attack was launched at 9pm local time on Friday (9pm BST).

A Niger national guard patrol in a village near Abalak in June 2012 (AFP/Getty Images)

Pete Thompson, a spokesperson for the group, said Mr Woodke had 29 years of experience in Niger and had been working with a local partner organisation called JEMED.

At the time of the abduction, two other men were killed including a local Tuareg night guard and a national guard, Mr Thompson said.

It is not known where he has been taken and no group has yet claimed responsibility for his abduction.

His family have been informed and the US government is tracking the situation.

Nigers interior ministry said Mr Woodke was driven away in a Toyota Hilux truck across the desert towards neighbouring Mali, where parts of the north remain under the control of rebels and Islamists waging a violent insurgency.

These criminals are now heading towards Mali. Our forces are on their trail, said interior minister Mohamed Bazoum.

Residents reported hearing gunfire near the aid worker's house late on Friday night.

 Thousands flee Boko Haram to camps in Niger

The mayor of Abalak, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters that gunmen first came on a motorbike to kill the guard before the truck came to take Mr Woodke away.

JEMED, the local charity he was working with, aims to help Tuareg and Fulani nomads in the region overcome drought, disease and a lack of access to education.

Mr Woodke is also listed as an instructor on the website of The Redwood Coast School of Missions, based in California.

A biography says he attended Humboldt State University, gaining a bachelors degree in wildlife management and masters in Environmental Systems and International Development.

He has committed the past 25 years of his life to a ministry he founded in Niger amongst a number of unreached people groups, it says.

Jeff's passion in providing humanitarian aid to those who are amongst the poorest in the world.

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It is believed to be the first time an American citizen has been kidnapped in Niger, where suspected Islamists attempted to abduct US embassy personnel from a hotel in the town of Tahoua in 2009.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Mourabitoun group is active in the region and has launched terrorist attacks and kidnappings targeting foreigners, including massacres at hotels in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast.

Militants, criminal gangs and people traffickers have long exploited the largely unpoliced Sahara and attacks have increased this year as security worsens in Mali, where France intervened to dislodge Islamists in 2013.

Mr Woodkes abduction came as two American prisoners held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen were released and taken to neighbouring Oman.

State television broadcast footage of the two Americans disembarking from a plane belonging to the Royal Air Force of Oman, alongside Yemenis wounded in the civil war flown in for treatment.

The US State Department expressed gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating the release and recognised the action as a humanitarian gesture by the Houthis, the armed group that seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014.
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The United Nations is calling for the end of "widespread impunity" for sex attackers in a country where up to three quarters of all women and girls have been raped.

A new report found that children under the age of five were among those sexually attacked last year in Liberia, where the vast majority of documented rape victims are minors.

Despite more than 800 reported rapes, only 34 convictions were made for the crime in 2015, with officials warning that the assaults are vastly underreported due to widespread stigma and discrimination against victims.

An report by the UN Mission in Liberia and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said rape has become the second-most reported serious crime in the country.

A poster in a market in Monrovia during a 2009 anti-rape campaign in Liberia (AFP/Getty Images)

Investigators found that justice was being hampered by institutional weaknesses, corruption, lack of due diligence by the government and financial constraints.

These combined factors have led to a widespread culture of impunity for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly for rape, putting women and children at continued serious risk of sexual violence, the report said.

In the Liberian context, victims face challenges at every step of the process if they attempt to hold their assailants criminally accountable.

Families are frequently put under pressure to settle cases out of court, while most perpetrators are men known to victims as either community members or relatives, meaning women fear reporting rape over the fear of reprisals or social shame.

Investigators said the high rates of sexual assault in Liberia were part of the legacy of the West African nations two civil wars, which ran from 1989 to 2003.

Between 61 per cent and 77 per cent of all woman and girls in the country were raped during the conflict, according to previous research by the World Health Organisation.

But there has been no criminal accountability for perpetrators of war crimes in Liberia, the UN said, with cultural and patriarchal attitudes additionally hampering investigations into sex attacks.

Of rapes documented by the UN in Liberia in 2015, almost 80 per cent of victims were under the age of 18, including at least five girls under the age of five.

The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws

But investigators said the statistic does not mean minors are being disproportionately targeted, adding: Child rape reports may be higher because they shock the conscience and are not preempted by the generally discriminatory attitudes towards women survivors of rape.

The UN said that although the Liberian government has asked for help addressing sexual violence under its obligations as party to international human rights treaties and instruments, attacks are still committed with alarming frequency.

The report said its inability to ensure criminal accountability for perpetrators of rape shows that Liberia is not in compliance with its human rights obligations.

It recommended a review of the countrys penal code to bring laws governing rape up to international standards, enact a proposed Domestic Violence Act criminalising marital rape and set up a sexual crime division in courts.

The UN also called for a centralised system to monitor attacks and protect witness and victims to ensure they feel protected when reporting the crime, as well as public awareness programmes and specialist training for police and judges.

Speaking to mark the International Day of the Girl on Wednesday, Liberias minister of gender and development said the government was attempting to tackle rape among other issues including child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic abuse.

Julia Duncan-Cassell told a conference in Monrovia called on others to join her in advocating for policy and laws that protect the girl child from every form of sexual and gender based violence, the Liberian Observer reported.
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Nigerias President has been condemned after dismissing criticism from his wife by saying she belongs to my kitchen.

President Muhammadu Buhari was responding after his wife, Aisha Buhari, said she might not support him at the next election unless he replaced senior members of his government.

Speaking at a press conference during a visit to Germany, the President said: I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other rooms.

He also suggested he had superior knowledge over her and his other critics because in the end I have succeeded in politics.

The 73-year-old President made the comments while standing next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She was reported to have glared at him before laughing briefly.

Mr Buhari's statement has been widely condemned, with commentators and social media users slamming the joke.

Daniel Bekele, director of Human Rights Watchs Africa division, said the remarks were sexist and offensive.

A strong response is urgently needed from Africa and beyond to condemn President Buharis statement objectifying women. He should urgently apologise for his words and act in a manner that demonstrates his apology is genuine, he wrote.

But Nigerias presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the Presidents comments should not be taken seriously.

Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour. Those of us around him know there is never a dull moment with him, he tweeted.

Mr President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women.

Ms Buhari had earlier told the BBC her husband needed to shake up his government and remove ministers who did not share the vision of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I don't know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years, she said.

If things continue like this ... I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.

President Buhari with his wife, Aisha, during his swearing-in ceremony (Getty) (Getty Images)

Mr Buhari was elected last year after several attempts. A former military ruler, he was swept to power promising to fight Islamic extremism and tackle corruption.

He has since been praised for maintaining order but has had to deal with a number of crises, including widespread corruption, Nigerias first recession in over a decade and the bloody seven-year war against Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Mr Buhari claimed success earlier this week when 21 girls kidnapped by the terrorist group were freed after negotiations with the government. Officials said they expected the other 190 girls in captivity to be released in the coming weeks.
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Barack Obama almost appeared to be enjoying himself as he launched another blistering attack on Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, at a rally in Cleveland on Friday.

The US President, stumping on behalf of his fellow Democrat and former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, delivered a string of zingers at the property developers expense, needling Mr Trump for having positioned himself as the candidate of the working class.

The guy spent 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people, Mr. Obama said. Theres no record that hes supported minimum wage or supported collective bargaining, invested in poor communities. And then suddenly, hes going to be the champion of working people? Come on. Come on, man.

Mr Obama urged Ohio voters to reject Mr Trumps dark and pessimistic vision, and mocked the Republicans recent claims that the media and the Clinton campaign were part of a conspiracy by the global elite to deny him the presidency.

This is a guy who spent all his time hanging around trying to convince everybody he was a global elite, Mr Obama said. Talking about how great his buildings are, how luxurious and how rich he is and flying around everywhere. All he had time for was celebrities and now suddenly he's acting like hes a populist out there.

Referring to Mr Trumps supposed business acumen, Mr Obama noted the former Apprentice stars failed casino ventures and the $916m deduction he claimed on his 1995 income tax return. Usually the house wins, unless [Mr Trump] owns the house, Mr Obama said. Then it loses a billion dollars.

Mr Obama was speaking at the same time as two more women went public with claims that they had been sexually assaulted by the GOP nominee, who has been hit at least half a dozen such allegations since the emergence of a 2005 video in which he can be heard boasting about kissing women uninvited and grabbing them by the p****.

A day before Mr Obamas Cleveland rally, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered an impassioned address of her own in New Hampshire, denouncing Mr Trump for his words and alleged actions, which she said fell far short of the basic standards of human decency.

The Presidents blunt denunciation extended to those Republicans who had unendorsed Mr Trump after hearing the 2005 tape, and who previously, Mr Obama said, stood by silently and  didnt say anything. What, you werent appalled earlier when he was saying degrading things about women?

Ms Clinton leads Mr Trump in Ohio by an average poll margin of less than two per cent, and the Obamas not only denounced the Republican, but also made the case for Ms Clinton as an inspiring candidate. His former Secretary of State is the most qualified person ever to run for president, Mr Obama said, adding: Shes going to be great at it."
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Donald Trump faces the prospect of a new round of sexual assault allegations after the Washington Post published an interview with a woman who claims she was groped by the Republican presidential nominee at a New York nightspot in the early 1990s.

Kristin Anderson, then a 20-something aspiring model who was at the club with friends, said the stranger sitting next to her on a red velvet sofa had reached up her skirt and touched her genitals through her underwear.

He did touch my vagina through my underwear, absolutely, Ms Anderson told the Post.

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Only after she had shoved the man off and moved away did she turn to look at him closely. It was Donald Trump, she said. He was so distinctive looking  with the hair and the eyebrows. I mean, nobody else has those eyebrows.

The incident was over in 30 seconds or less, Ms Anderson, now 46, told the newspaper. It wasnt a sexual come-on. I dont know why he did it. It was like just to prove that he could do it, and nothing would happen, she said, adding: There was zero conversation. We didnt even really look at each other. It was very random, very nonchalant on his part.

Ms Anderson recounted the story to friends over the years, but was persuaded to come forward publicly in recent days following similar accusations from several other women and the release of a 2005 tape in which Mr Trump could be heard bragging about sexual assault.

The Trump campaign insisted her story was fiction. Mr Trump strongly denies this phony allegation by someone looking to get some free publicity. It is totally ridiculous, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks told the Post in a statement.

She said she believed the Manhattan club at which the incident took place was China Club, which Mr Trump frequented in the early 1990s, at a time when he had divorced his first wife Ivanka Trump and not yet married his second, Marla Maples.

After the incident, Ms Anderson concluded that Mr Trump was gross but, she said, It didnt cross my mind then that this person was a predator.

Shortly after the interview with Ms Anderson was published, former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos appeared at a press conference in Los Angeles, where she accused Mr Trump of having groped her at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2007, after they had met ostensibly to discuss job opportunities in the property developer's organisation.

Lawyer Gloria Allred, who is representing Ms Zervos, said that, instead of a job, Ms Zervos claims she got the Donald all over her, kissing her, touching her breasts, leading her into his bedroom.

In a statement later on Friday, Mr Trump said of Ms Zervos: I vaguely remember Ms Zervos as one of the many contestants on The Apprentice over the years. To be clear, I never met her at a hotel or greeted her inappropriately a decade ago. That is not who I am as a person, and it is not how Ive conducted my life. In fact, Ms Zervos continued to contact me for help, emailing my office on 14 April of this year asking that I visit her restaurant in California.

At the second presidential debate on Sunday, Mr Trump denied having ever engaged in the behaviour that he described on the 2005 tape, such as grabbing women by the p****.

The New York Times subsequently interviewed two women who both claimed to have had unpleasant encounters with the property developer. Jessica Leeds, 74, said Mr Trump had groped her when they were seated next to each other on a flight in the 1980s.

Rachel Crooks, who worked for a firm based in Trump Tower in 2005, found herself in a lift with Mr Trump and tried to introduce herself by shaking his hand. The Apprentice star kissed Ms Crooks, then 22, directly on the mouth, she told the newspaper.

In a lengthy account published late on Wednesday night, People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff recalled travelling to Mr Trumps Florida property Mar-a-Lago to interview him with his wife Melania, also in 2005. Mr Trump, she claimed, had cornered her in private and within seconds, he was pushing me against the wall, and forcing his tongue down my throat.

Mr Trump has denied all the allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy against his candidacy orchestrated by the media and the Clinton campaign. Ms Anderson, who now lives in California, said she does not support Mr Trump or his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, and is registered as having no party preference.

At a campaign rally on Friday, Mr Trump angrily denounced the allegations made about him in recent days, calling the women sick and saying the accusations were fabricated.

I don't know who these people are. I look on television, I think it's a disgusting thing and it's being pushed, they have no witnesses, there's nobody around, Mr Trump said at the rally in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Some are doing it for probably a little fame, they get some free fame. It's a total set-up, he said.
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A 54-year-old British man has disputed the account of a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by Donald Trump when they sat next to each other on a flight in the 1980s.

In an interview with the New York Post, which was set up by the Trump campaign, Anthony Gilberthorpe said he was seated across the aisle from Mr Trump and his accuser, Jessica Leeds, when the alleged incident took place in the planes first class cabin.

Ms Leeds, now 74, told the New York Times this week that, during the flight, Mr Trump had raised the armrest between their seats and begun groping her. He was like an octopus, she said. His hands were everywhere.

But Mr Gilberthorpe claimed that not only did Mr Trump not touch Ms Leeds as she alleges, but that it was she that was the one being flirtatious. When Mr Trump rose to go to the loo, Mr Gilberthorpe said, Ms Leeds had confided in him that She wanted to marry [Mr Trump].

The 54-year-old retiree suggested he was incensed to read Ms Leedss story, especially her claim that the guy in the seat across the aisle could see as she was molested by Mr Trump. That I sat there  eyes bulging  and not intervening is nonsense, he told the Post.

Mr Gilberthorpe made headlines in the UK in 2014, when he claimed to have procured teenagers to attend parties during the 1980s, where they were sexually abused by several deceased Conservative party politicians. The claims were unsubstantiated and unprovable.

In rebutting Ms Leedss account, Mr Trumps surrogates have also suggested that her story is fabricated because the armrests in first-class plane cabins during the 1980s did not move  a detail that has since been debunked by aviation experts.

On Friday, Mr Trump offered his own counter-argument as to why the incident never took place: because Ms Leeds was insufficiently attractive. Believe me, she would not be my first choice, Mr Trump told supporters at a rally in North Carolina. That I can tell you.

The Republican presidential nominee has also been accused of sexual assault or harassment by at least five other women in recent days, including two who came forward on Friday.
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Far from the over-heated cable TV studios and indignant editorial boardrooms many voters in America, including those who say they are still on the fence about whom to support, remain unsure that the allegations of abusive behaviour towards women in the past should disqualify Donald Trump from being president.

Interviews conducted by The Independent almost a week after a first leak that quickly turned the phrase grabbing pussy into a crude sort of national punchline  both in the Mall of America in Minnesota and in one of the states staunchest Republican congressional districts northwest of Minneapolis  revealed a complex picture where revulsion was often mixed with forgiveness.

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In this corner of the Midwest, moreover, the stereotype of a Trump supporter, who loves him no matter what, was much harder to find than voters carefully trying to make up their own minds about what it all means. Much more elusive, though, were committed Clinton fans. Instead, the most common theme was that she  and her husband, Bill Clinton  have done much worse.

He is not a crook, like Hillary Clinton, said Debbie Bullock, 61, who was visiting the worlds most infamous retail emporium, where shops are a second thought beside the jangle of indoor rollercoaster rides and theme park attractions, with her husband, Louis Bullock. Both agreed: no one who has allegedly been a public servant for so long gets to be a millionaire without being corrupt.

Like some of the other women voters we spoke to, she was ready simply to disregard the allegations of Mr Trump shaming women with verbal  or worse  abuse. I dont have a problem with it, she offered flatly. I agree with him that that was locker-room talk. Where were these women a year ago? Why now all of a sudden are they crawling out of the woodwork?

The other counts against the Clintons were rehearsed in almost identical fashion by successive voters in both places. She was responsible for the deaths of Americans in Benghazi in 2012. She threatened Americas security using a private email server. She will take America on the same downhill course that Barack Obama has set it on. And, well, Bill had his intern.

To judge a man in the present time for a ten-year-old statement is, I guess, pretty short-sighted and not very forgiving, argued Christian Nickol, 31 who, with a baby in arm and one other infant on the floor was waiting for his wife and three more children to whoosh down a river-raft slide and get a soaking. He described himself as leaning Trump.

Jessica Leeds, 74, who alleges Mr Trump sexually assaulted her when they were seated next to each other on a flight in the 1980s ((AP))

I mean she has basically caused people to lose their lives in recent history as well as not keep the United States secure as it should be, as a Secretary of State, he added.

Barely anyone seemed able to express love for Mr Trump as a person. "I dont like Donald Trump, I dont like the way he talks, Louis Bullock conceded. His way of acting, going about himself, I dont like that, added Quinn Riley, in the mall as a birthday treat for his small daughter, pulling at his cuff. Nearly always, however, an even so followed. As Mr Bullock put it: I kind of wonder, how did the guy get to be a billionaire if he is such a simpleton? He has got to have some kind of sense."

"His straightforwardness is good sometimes but it is very, very bad sometimes, Mr Riley added. The only thing that I find positive about Donald Trump is that he is a successful businessman and our financial state of the country and how we right-size it. He too described himself as uncertain still, but more interested in Mr Trump than Ms Clinton.

Over and over, however, as these voters juggled their distaste of the Republican nominee on a personal level with some gut desire to see him president anyway, they turned to comparisons with Ms Clinton.

As immoral a man as he probably he is, I dont think he is responsible for deaths of people - of Americans - like Hillary is, Mr Nickol noted. He has said some crazy stuff, Joe Cusyk, 59, wandering the rides in the Mall on his own, remarked. But I was a member of the military and the fact she left those people over there in Mogadishu die (he presumably meant Benghazi), you know, I have a big problem with that.

And then there the comparisons with Bill, which Mr Trump himself has been pedalling hard.

I want to know, how can Bill Clinton do it in the White House with another woman and thats not a big deal compared with the words that Trump spews, said Janet Doll, who with her husband and brother-in-law, Mike and Bill Doll, was drinking cocktails in the middle of the afternoon at the Corner Bar in St Michael, Minnesota, after burying a beloved aunt at noon. Oh my god, everyone spews crap sometimes, but he can actually do it in the White House?

I think it's deplorable, Bill Doll said of some of what is being said of Mr Trump and his past behaviour, but went on: Its stuff he said, its not stuff he did. Hillary has actually done illegal things. And like many other voters at the Mall and in St Michael, a small town in the heart of the congressional district that was once represented by former presidential candidate, and arch-conservative, Michele Bachmann, he pointed an accusing finger at the US media.

I think at this point that Trump is not going to win or he is going to need a miracle to do it, because the mainstream media is against him, he said, alleging, for example, that it had somehow conspired to give her debate questions in advance while not giving them to him.

Minding a very lonely Als Bowling Alley down the road in St Michael, Cher Strand said something else that quickly emerged as a common theme. Im voting for the lesser of two evils, she said, because as far as Im concerned theyre both crack-pots.

But, once more, that meant the Republican, not the Democrat. Yes, I know, its a bad record that he has on women. But even though he might be a traitor to women, she is a traitor to her country," she explained, also a large cocktail at hand.

Back in the auntys wake in the Corner Bar, Mike Doll offered perhaps the most dispiriting observation of all. Its come down to this: I am going to hate voting for Trump, but I am going to love not voting for Hillary.
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One person has been killed and eight others injured after Russian border guards opened fire on the crew of a North Korean fishing vessel.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed the vessel, trawler Dae Yong No. 10, was encroaching in Russian waters in the Sea of Japan on Saturday.

During a search of the vessel, the FSB guards found "illegally obtained aquatic bio-resources" on board, a statement said.

The fishing crew then became aggressive, the FSB alleged, and the ship attempted to flee while its the crew tried to wrest weapons from the Russian guards.

A Russian coast guard ship fired at the trawler's propulsion system, disabling it, and on the North Korean crewmen.

Russia usually maintains amicable relations with North Korea and but the incident marks the severity with which Russian will guard its eastern border, as well in the west.

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

Fearing Nato encirclement, Russia has flexed its muscles on its western flank, most significantly by annexing Crimea in 2014.

But the move has left other eastern European nations fearful of Russian expansionism and sparked increased deployments by Nato amid increasing tensions.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Thailand is set to crown a new monarch this month after King Bhumibol Adulyadejs death ended his 70-year reign  but the former rulers only son and heir, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is not popular with everyone.

In fact he is known more for his eclectic dress sense, scandal-plagued past and failed marriages than any regal qualities.

The 64-year-old Crown Prince was pictured at Munich airport earlier this year wearing a small white crop-top, faded slim-fit jeans and a fake tattoo sleeve.

 Woman forced to kneel before portrait of Thai king after 'posting disrespectful comments online'

And he has already asked to delay becoming king, raising fears of deepening instability in Thailand after the death of his much-loved father.

Recommended Read more King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand dies aged 88

Who is the king-in-waiting?

Born in 1952 in Bangkoks Royal Palace, Prince Maha was educated in the UK at Kings Mead School and Millfield School before attending Australias Royal Military College. He spent much of his working life training with armed forces in Britain and the US, winning an array of military titles and a pilots license after developing a love of aviation.

He rushed home from Germany  where he spends much of his time, reportedly with a former Thai Airways air hostess who he is planning to marry  when his fathers health deteriorated and has since requested to delay taking to the throne so, he says, he has more time to mourn.

Experts believe this could deepen a period of instability in Thailand that has included two coups, anti-government protests and a bloody fight for secession by Muslim separatists in the countrys southern provinces.

The crown prince is seen to lack the public popularity that gave his father's rule legitimacy, raising fears of a power struggle in the south-east Asian country.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (left) photographed at Munich airport in July 2016 (Bild)

Why is he so controversial?

It is Prince Mahas playboy personal life that has attracted most attention. He is famous for his dedication to his pet poodle, Foo Foo, which was awarded the rank of Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Thai Air Force and given its own Wikipedia page.

It has frequently appeared at official functions; including accompanying the Crown Prince to a 2007 reception hosted in his honour by the US Ambassador Ralph Boyce.

Mr Boyce allegedly recounted the event in a leaked cable, writing: Foo Foo was present at the event, dressed in formal evening attire complete with paw mitts, and at one point during the bands second number, he jumped up on to the head table and began lapping from the guests water glasses, including my own.

The Air Chief Marshals antics drew the full attention of the 600-plus audience members, and remains the talk of the town to this day.

When the dog died last year, it was given a four-day funeral complete with Buddhist rites before being cremated in an extravagant ceremony.

Foo Foo and its owner hit the headlines in 2014 when opponents of the Crown Prince leaked a video showing his third wife, Princess Srirasm, lying on the floor feeding the dog cake while wearing nothing but a G-string.

The footage prompted a national scandal in Thailand and attracted news coverage across the world.

How do people feel about him becoming king?

The leaking of the tape marked the eruption of below-the-surface tensions among the countrys elite as to who should succeed King Bhumibol.

Some would prefer the Crown Princes younger sister, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to take the throne but Thai law forbids a female monarch.

 Public pray for dying king in Thailand

A diplomatic cable from 2010, released by Wikileaks, reported members of Thailands political elite expressing hopes that the King would override the laws in order to appoint the Princess as his heir.

They highlighted Prince Mahas alleged record of meddling in politics and embarrassing financial transactions. The cable records officials saying the Crown Prince could not stop either, nor would he be able, at age 57, to rectify his behaviour.

What about his family?

Prince Maha has been married three times. His first  to his cousin  reportedly included him fathering five children with a mistress, who he then married instead.

The second wife left the country when the relationship ended.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Royal guards shade Queen Elizabeth II and Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej from the sun with traditional Thai parasols during the welcoming ceremony at Bangkok military airport Reuters Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures The Thai royal family, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn & Queen Sirikit Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej reviews royal guards at a ceremony marking his 69th birthday Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej takes pictures during the royal ploughing ceremony in Bangkok Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch, and Queen Sirikit preside over a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the king's accession to the throne Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand rides with French President de Gaulle in French official Citroen convertible upon his arrival at Orly airport, south of Paris Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand rides down the Champs-Elysees with French President de Gaulle Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit stand near Belgian King Baudouin I, during their official visit to Belgium Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand on a stopover at the Touquet airport on August 1948 during his journey to Great Britain Getty Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej - Life in Pictures French President de Gaulle and his wife alongside King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and his wife attend a show at the Opera de Paris Getty

In 2011 four of the children she had with the Crown Prince published a letter claiming they had been abandoned by their father and banned from returning to Thailand.

They wrote: We were ordered by our father not to return home to Thailand ... We were afraid to risk even demonstrating the slightest inference of disrespect toward the Royal Family.

Prince Maha ended his relationship with his third wife, Princess Srirasm, in December. Her parents were later thrown in prison for two-and-a-half years for royal defamation.

Who will his allies and enemies be?

The fears about his ascension to power go deeper than concerns about his romantic life and canine commitment.

The Crown Prince is known to be friends with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the businessman and former owner of Manchester City, who was ousted as the Thai premier in 2006.

Fears of a potentially powerful partnership between Mr Shinawatra and the future king were reported to have been the motivation in part for military coups in 2006 and 2014.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was outed in a 2006 coup after public protests (AFP/Getty Images)

Amid the turmoil, prominent members of Thailands ruling class have reportedly been killed in a sign of what could become a more widespread conflict.

Two died while in custody while another reportedly fled to Myanmar. In 2014, a senior policeman accused of insulting the monarchy mysteriously fell from a hospital window.
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A powerful typhoon is bearing down on the Philippines and could be the most damaging storm to hit the country this year.

Typhoon Sarika, which has already caused several deaths, is gaining strength and expected to make landfall in the early hours of Sunday morning UK time.

With winds of up to 115mph, Sarika is expected hit the country as a category 3 storm, bringing huge amounts of rain, which could cause landslides and flooding, and storm surges of up to two metres above normal levels.

"We can see from the radar that the storm is very destructive, government forecaster Benison Estareja told AFP news agency. It can destroy wooden houses, it can topple trees. It can possibly rip off roofs. This could so far be the most damaging typhoon this year."

The storm, known locally as Karen, is predicted to hit the eastern side of Luzon, the Philippines largest and most populated island, and travel across its centre, also affecting parts of Manila, Mr Estareja added.

It is not expected to pass through the central Philippines islands, where Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 6,000 people in 2013.

Heavy rains have already been battering the capital and other areas and public storm warnings have been issued in provinces across Luzon.

After passing through the Philippines, Sarika is expected to pick up the pace as it travels west across the warm waters of the South China Sea towards Vietnam.

Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds Show all 14 1 /14 Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon1.jpg AP Photo/NOAA Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon-quality.jpg EUMETSAT Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds AN31618033Typhoon-Haiyan-hi.jpg REUTERS Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon2.jpg AFP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon3.jpg AFP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon4.jpg AFP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon-house.jpg AP Photo/Nelson Salting Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon8.jpg AFP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon6#.jpg AP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon5.jpg Reuters Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon1.jpg Reuters Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon-trees.jpg STR/AFP/Getty Images Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds yphoon.jpg AFP Typhoon Haiyan: Most powerful storm to ever hit land batters Philippines with 235mph winds typhoon9.jpg Getty Images

Vietnam has already been dealing with flooding in its four central provinces, which have killed at least 11 people and displaced thousands.

Flooding from heavy rainfall brought by a tropical low pressure system since Wednesday has cut food supplies to thousands of people and blocked north-south traffic, the government said in a statement on Saturday.

Seven people drowned or were electrocuted in Quang Binh province, four others were killed in three nearby provinces, and at least 30,000 homes were submerged, state-run Vietnam Television (VTV) said, citing government reports.

"It is our priority now to save people's lives," Chairman Nguyen Huu Hoai, of the provincial People's Committee in Quang Binh, said on a VTV bulletin.

Dozens of foreign tourists were among passengers stranded on 22 trains in the affected region, prompting provincial authorities to provide food and water, while many flights to the region were cancelled, VTV said.

Tropical storm Sarika could bring more rain to the affected areas, analysts said.
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A small region in Belgium has rejected a landmark EU trade deal with Canada, potentially delaying a signing expected later this month.

Wallonia, a french-speaking area in southern Belgium, has voted 46 to 16 against "Ceta" because of fears local workers will be laid off if the agerement leads to cheaper farming and industrial imports.

Belgian law requires the backing of all seven regional, federal and linguistic entities for the deal to be accepted by the national government.

Politicians from the region delcared they would not allow the government to sign the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta) which has raised concerns about Britains negotiations once Article 50 is invoked.

Any proposed deal Britain strikes with the EU will require a similar ratification process where all nations must agree and the Belgian town could torpedo any agreement.

"I will not give powers to the federal government, and Belgium will not sign CETA on October 18," Paul Magnette, Wallonias leader, told the regional parliament.

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 Ceta deal can only go ahead if there is unanimous agreement of all 28 member states, with the signing coming as soon as 27 October if the agreement wins universal backing.

EU trade ministers are set to make a decision on the proposals next Tuesday.

The bloc has agreed that parts of Ceta can be implemented before all national parliaments have voted, with opponents fearing it will be used as a template to push through the controversial EU-US trade deal, TTIP.

Speaking just before the vote in the Parliament of Wallonia, the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said that Europe not signing Ceta would send a very clear message to the rest of the world.

If we find in a week or two that Europe is incapable of signing a progressive trade deal with a country like Canada, then who does Europe think it can do business with in the years to come? Mr Trudeau asked.
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When Europe abruptly closed its land borders last spring to refugees fleeing war, it made a much-heralded promise: Wealthy nations across the European Union would take in tens of thousands of desperate Syrians and Iraqis who had made it as far as near-bankrupt Greece only to find themselves trapped.

But one by one, those nations have reneged, turning primitive camps, such as the Divata camp, into dire symbols of Europes broken pledge.

Amid allegations of Greek mismanagement, the site on the grounds of an abandoned toilet-paper factory still lacks basic heat, even as night-time temperatures dip into the low 50s Fahrenheit (low 10s C).

Mosquitoes infest the white canvas tents of refugee families stranded here for months. A 14-year-old Syrian girl was recently raped. There are reports of stabbings, thefts, suicide attempts and drug dealing.

I wont go out alone anymore, said Rama Wahed, a 16-year-old Syrian girl hugging herself in her familys tent.

In the opposite corner, her 17-year-old brother, Kamal, stared blankly ahead. Since their father died in Syria, he is the man of the family. But he looks like a lost little boy. Like so many other families here, their family of five has been waiting for word to go somewhere, anywhere but here. Caught in a broken system, they are losing hope.

Kamal swatted at the mosquitoes swarming his legs, both of them bandaged and infected after he could not stop scratching at the bites. To keep the bugs at bay, they run a cheap fan inside the tent, even though it makes cold nights feel even colder.

Were never getting out of here, he said. Never.

In June 2015, as asylum seekers were rushing into Europe in growing numbers, EU leaders met in Brussels. Two countries were bearing the brunt of the crisis  the Mediterranean entry points of Greece and Italy. In what leaders heralded as a remarkable show of solidarity, the rest of the EU agreed to share the burden.

The EU would relocate 40,000 refugees, mostly Syrians, to member countries stretching from Portugal to Finland. They would be given shelter, aid and a chance to rebuild their lives. As the number of asylum seekers surged, the EU later boosted its pledge  promising to relocate up to 160,000.

Recommended Read more Drone footage shows rubble where part of Aleppo used to stand

But 16 months after its initial decision, the EU has lived up to only 3.3 per cent of that pledge, relocating 5,290 refugees  4,134 from Greece and 1,156 from Italy.

At first  and to some extent, still  the problem in Greece has been an overwhelmed asylum system that takes months to register migrants. Although the number of refugees entering the program has recently increased, its future faces an even greater obstacle.

Citing concerns about cultural differences and militants masquerading as migrants, nations are breaking their promises to take in refugees. Those countries that are offering spaces are offering fewer than they originally pledged. Others are offering none at all. Last week, Austrias foreign minister became the latest senior European official to suggest the bloc should simply drop the pretence and scrap what he called a completely unrealistic program.

Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Show all 10 1 /10 Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Migrants attempt to pass the Greek-Macedonian border guarded by Macedonian police near the town of Idomeni, northern Greece AFP/Getty Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonian Border Crisis A migrant reacts as he carries a child during clashes with Macedonian police at the Greek-Macedonian border Reuters Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis A Macedonian policeman armed in riot gear clashes with a migrant girl, police have reinforced control at the border with Greece in a bid to stop the influx of migrants, but a few hundred Syrians managed to cross the frontier overnight AFP/Getty Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Macedonian special policemen guard the border as more than a thousand immigrants wait at the border line Reuters Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Migrant men help a fellow migrant man holding a boy as they are stuck between Macedonian riot police officers and migrants during a clash near the border train station of Idomeni, AFP/Getty Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis A barbed wire fence lines the border of Macedonia and Greece near the Gevegelija Railway station, Macedonian special policemen are guarding the border as more than a thousand immigrants wait at the border line of Macedonia and Greece Reuters Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Macedonian Police stand firm at the Greek-Macedonian border in a bid to stop the influx of migrants AFP/Getty Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Government of Macedonia has declared the state of emergency in the region of country's southern and northern border and in accordance with the law to open a possibility for appropriate engagement of the army of Macedonia AFP/Getty Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis Macedonian police drove back crowds of migrants and refugees trying to enter from Greece on Friday after a night spent stranded in no-man's land by an emergency decree effectively sealing the Macedonian frontier. Reuters Macedonia/Greece Border Crisis Macedonia Border Crisis A migrants woman with childrens wait to pass the Greek-Macedonian border, guarded by Macedonian police near the town of Idomeni, northern Greece AFP/Getty

In Greece, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is labouring to get as many refugees as possible into hotels and apartments, but most are still facing harsh conditions in unheated camps. There, according to a new report by Amnesty International, they face threats because of poor security and the approaching winter, and there are serious lapses in support for vulnerable refugees, including minors and pregnant women. Some of the refugees, the report charged, are going without adequate food.

The Greeks say they are taking steps to improve conditions for the 50,000 refugees the UNHCR says remain in the country. But given the amount of EU money available to aid refugees in Greece  more than one billion euros ($1.11 billion)  critics say the camps should not be as bad as they are.

Odysseas Voudouris, formerly Greeces general secretary for migrants at the Interior Ministry, resigned last month, protesting what he called a mishandling of the camps by the countrys Migration Ministry. He described the Diavata refugee camp as a symbol of a larger problem.

 Refugee crisis: Stranded refugees face deteriorating conditions in Greece camps

Initially, he said, a German non-governmental organisation had proposed a camp in the outskirts of Greeces second-largest city, Thessaloniki, using 2.5 million euros in EU funds. But the Migration Ministry overseeing the camps insisted that it spend much more  8.5 million euros, including hundreds of thousands earmarked for a local construction firm.

Voudouris said he then asked the UNHCR to estimate the costs, to which it replied that a camp for 1,500 refugees  there are now about 1,600 here  should run about 1.5 million euros. But, he said, the Migration Ministry still insisted on spending far more, dragging out the process to the point where there is still no agreement on what to build or by when.

In the meantime, the conditions are bad, and these people are sleeping outside, he said. Winter is almost here.

The Migration Ministry declined to comment. But Maria Stavropoulou, head of the Greek asylum service, a different unit not directly involved with the camps, insisted that her country was improving its handling of the refugee crisis every day. She said that she remained optimistic that European nations will ultimately fulfil their pledges to take in refugees  but that her country was prepared if they did not.

If the pledges dont come in, then [the refugees] will have to stay here, she said. They have to live with that, and so do we.

 Refugees in Greece: Every day you die many times

An hour after dawn on a recent weekday, Abdelwahab, 14, the youngest son in the Wahed family, walked to school with his 10-year-old sister, Joudy.

We used to walk to school together in Aleppo, he said. Its different now. Everything is.

For starters, school isnt real school. The Greeks this week were rolling out a pilot program, allowing up to 1,500 refugee children into public schools. But some Greek parents  including those who send their children to a school not far from this camp  have staged protests to stop them. They argue that the refugee children may carry contagious diseases and live in such unhygienic conditions that they pose a health risk.

In this former plant where the Waheds are forced to live, the best education on offer is a few hours a day in an impromptu schoolhouse run by Save the Children. Some of the children here, according to Ahmed  their teacher and a Syrian refugee himself  have been out of school for four years.

They need to be settled, he said. They are missing out on their futures. They need a real home.

Greece: A new age of austerity and anger dawns Show all 2 1 /2 Greece: A new age of austerity and anger dawns Greece: A new age of austerity and anger dawns 364833.bin GETTY IMAGES Greece: A new age of austerity and anger dawns 364834.bin EPA

During Arabic class, their teacher tried to engage the few children who turned up  about 10 kids out of about 150 in the camp ages six to 14. Some of the refugee parents said they are afraid to send their children to school alone. Others said their children dont want to go and they dont have the strength to force them.

The teacher asked the class for a saying in Arabic to practice their writing. Abdelwahab was the first to speak up.

Heaven, he said, quoting the Koran, lies under the feet of our mothers.

Earlier at the family tent, his mother, Lamis  a widow struggling to care for four children  was doing what she does best: trying to cheer them up.

She is a young 48. Spirited and jovial, she comforted them two years ago when the war didnt kill their father but cancer did. When they crossed the Aegean Sea in March in a packed raft, her children came ashore in Greece wet and afraid. She cracked a joke about wet cats. All the kids, she said, laughed.

But humour is not working now.

Rama, her 16-year-old daughter, said she is terrified after the recent rape of another girl. The culprit, another Syrian refugee, was brutally beaten by camp residents soon afterward. Although there are a few Greek police officers stationed at the camps entrance, residents say they rarely intervene.

We are stuck here, Rama said. Nobody cares what happens to us.

Dont say that, Lamis said with an encouraging smile. They promised to let us in. They will keep their word. Its taking a little more time than we thought. Im telling you, they will keep their word.

Thats not true. Were never leaving, Rama said. I told you  we never should have left home.

Its done, and we cant go back, Lamis said, suddenly growing serious.

Why not? We should, said Rama, provoking her mother. There is nothing here for us. They do not want us.

Have you seen the pictures of Aleppo? Lamis said. There is nothing left, my daughter. Go back to what?

Lamis was crying now, and her daughter relented.

Im sorry, Rama said softly. I just want to leave.

 The Washington Post
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A Syrian refugee arrested on suspicion of planning a major terror attack in Berlin reportedly spoke to a member of Isis in Syria about a possible target a day before police discovered explosives in his apartment.

Jaber al-Bakr was arrested on Monday after being detained by three Syrian refugees who overpowered him and tied him to a sofa, two days after police found around 1.5kg of explosives in his apartment.

He was found dead in his prison cell on Wednesday. Authorities said he had killed himself.

Germany's Welt am Sonntag (WamS) cited investigation sources saying US intelligence had provided a tip-off on Bakr after tapping several phone calls between him and an Isis member in Syria.

German police and crime scene investigators exit an apartment complex in the Pausdorf district of Leipzig (EPA)

During the calls, the 22-year-old reportedly spoke about his attack plans.

In a call on 7 October, Bakr told his contact that two kg of explosives were ready and he named a possible target, saying a "big airport in Berlin" was "better than trains", WamS reported.

In July, the Isis claimed responsibility for two attacks in the German state of Bavaria - one on a train near Wuerzburg and the other at a music festival in Ansbach that wounded 20 people.

WamS said federal prosecutors investigating the case assumed Bakr wanted to make a vest packed with explosives for an attack.

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

Bakr arrived in Germany in February 2015 during a refugee influx into the country and was granted temporary asylum four months later.

The man who rented the flat in the eastern city of Chemnitz in which Bakr last lived - a 33-year-old Syrian who WamS named as Khalil A - is in custody and is being investigated on suspicion of helping Bakr, the newspaper said.

Separately, Berliner Morgenpost newspaper and regional broadcaster RBB cited federal security sources as saying Bakr spent a night in Berlin in the second half of September and met a contact there.

During that time, he visited one of the city's two airports, they added, without saying which one.

Earlier this year, police said they were investigating more than 400 tip-offs over migrants alleged to have extremist links in Germany.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Flying the Isis flag in Sweden is not illegal and cannot be considered an incitement to racial hatred, according to a Swedish prosecutor.

A 23-year-old man from Laholm has avoided prosecution after he allegedly posted a picture of himself with the Isis flag as his Facebook profile photo.

The photo was reported to the police in March and the men was investigated for incitement to racial hatred. The man, originally from Syria, denied the charges.

He said he is not a supporter of Isis and claimed the flag has been used as a symbol of Islam for hundreds of years and then abused by Isis, his defence attorney Bjorn Nilsson told the Swedish newspaper Hallandsposten.

Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP

Prosecutor Gisela Sjovall took the decision not to prosecute, saying the issue was whether the Isis flag could be considered a hate symbol, in the same way the Nazi swastika could be considered an incitement to racial hatred.

Ms Sjovall said waving an Isis flag could not be considered hate speech, according to Hallandsposten. Incitement to racial hatred was made an offence in Sweden to protect minority groups.

But waving the Isis flag "is not an expression of disrespect towards any ethnic group," she said, because Isis is "against everyone except those who belong to Isis".

Monochrome flags are an ancient tradition in ancient Eastern, Arabic and Islamic tradition.

The flag is also used by al-Shabab in Somalia and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, among other terror groups.

 Boris Johnson on the Isis flag

Boris Johnson previously said the Isis flag should not be banned by law in Britain, because it is a "free country".

Mr Johnson made the comment when he was Mayor of London: I dont like people carrying the Isis flag  I think a balance has got to be struck, he said.

We live in a free country and I think youd have to have primary legislation to designate certain bits of iconography as being illegal. It would be quite difficult.
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Turkey-backed Syrian rebels have begun their attack on the Isis-held village of Dabiq in northwestern Syria, which the jihadist group believes will be site of an apocalyptic battle.

Dabiq is symbolically important to Isis because it is the site of an apocalyptic Islamic prophesy.

The group says Dabiq will be the site of a final battle between Muslims and infidel Christians heralding Doomsday.

While the village holds little military importance to the so-called Islamic State, its online propaganda magazine takes its name from the town and losing control of it would be a significant ideological blow.

Issue 12 of Isiss propaganda magazine Dabiq, published in the wake of the November Paris attacks

A rebel commander involved in the campaign and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told Reuters the attack began on Saturday.

Turkey-backed rebel commander Colonel Abdul-Razzaq Freiji said participants of the Operation Euphrates Shield are bombarding Dabiq and the nearby town of Soran in preparation for an all-out ground offensive on the two areas.

Isis has stationed around 1,200 of its fighters in the town, according to the Observatory, which has been held by the group since 2014. The surrounding countryside has also been heavily mined.

Turkish military sources said the operation to take Dabiq started earlier this month and that while air and artillery strikes were targeting the village, there were no new developments on the ground.

The operation for Dabiq started 10 days ago. We started the effort to take control of the region from the south. Daesh [Isis] targets are being hit by Turkish fighter jets and artillery, one of them told Reuters.

In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work

Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel groups have been pushing into Isis territory in an operation backed by Turkey since 24 August. Several towns near the village have been recaptured in recent days.

Dabiq and another village, Soran, are both in a pocket mostly surrounded by territory gained by the Turkey-backed rebels after recent advances.

In a recent edition of its al-Naba online publication, Isis appeared to step back from their suggestion the battle at Dabiq would herald the apocalypse, saying that the coming battle for Dabiq between it and the Turkey-backed rebels was not the one in the prophesy.

While Euphrates Shield has pushed Isis from its last foothold on Syrias Turkish border, a longer campaign by the US-backed, Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces has recaptured swathes of territory from the group since last year.

Isis also faces an expected assault on Iraqs Mosul, the largest and most important city it has held since its lightning advance across huge tracts of Syria and Iraq in the summer of 2014.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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An Israeli human rights group urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action now to end the country's occupation of Palestinian territory.

Hagai El-Ad, executive director of B'Tselem, told an informal council meeting Friday on Illegal Israeli Settlements: Obstacles to Peace and the Two-State Solution that Israel has controlled Palestinian lives in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem for the past 49 years and counting.

Israel will not cease being an oppressor simply by waking up one day and realising the brutality of its policies, he said.

With the 50th anniversary of the occupation approaching next year, El-Ad said: The rights of Palestinians must be realised, the occupation must end, the UN Security Council must act, and the time is now.

Mr El-Ad stressed that the council has more than just power: you have a moral responsibility and a real opportunity to act with a sense of urgency before we reach the symbolic date of June 2017 and the second half of that first century begins.

The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Show all 10 1 /10 The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Medics evacuate a wounded man from the scene of an attack in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed a vehicle into a bus stop then got out and started stabbing people before he was shot dead AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Israeli ZAKA emergency response members carry the body of an Israeli at the scene of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. A pair of Palestinian men boarded a bus in Jerusalem and began shooting and stabbing passengers, while another assailant rammed a car into a bus station before stabbing bystanders, in near-simultaneous attacks that escalated a month long wave of violence AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Getty Images The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians throw molotov cocktail during clashes with Israeli troops near Ramallah, West Bank. Recent days have seen a series of stabbing attacks in Israel and the West Bank that have wounded several Israelis AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Women cry during the funeral of Palestinian teenager Ahmad Sharaka, 13, who was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes at a checkpoint near Ramallah, at the family house in the Palestinian West Bank refugee camp of Jalazoun, Ramallah AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A wounded Palestinian boy and his father hold hands at a hospital after their house was brought down by an Israeli air strike in Gaza Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinians look on after a protester is shot by Israelis soldiers during clashes at the Howara checkpoint near the West Bank city of Nablus EPA The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies A lawyer wearing his official robes kicks a tear gas canister back toward Israeli soldiers during a demonstration by scores of Palestinian lawyers called for by the Palestinian Bar Association in solidarity with protesters at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, near Ramallah, West Bank AP The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Undercover Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian in Ramallah Reuters The IsraeliPalestinian conflict intensifies Palestinian youth burn tyres during clashes with Israeli soldiers close to the Jewish settlement of Bet El, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, after Israel barred Palestinians from Jerusalem's Old City as tensions mounted following attacks that killed two Israelis and wounded a child

Another Israeli rights group, Peace Now, was invited to speak but it was represented by its sister organisation, Americans for Peace Now, which has also campaigned for an end to Israeli occupation.

The occupation is a threat to Israels security and to Israel's very existence, said Lara Friedman, the groups director of policy and government relations.

When Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation signed the Oslo peace accords 23 years ago, the settler population in the West Bank was 116,000, she said. At the end of 2015, it was almost 390,000.

I urge you here today to finally take action in the Security Council to send a clear message to Israel that the international community stands by the two-state solution and unambiguously rejects policies that undermine it  including Israeli settlement policies, Ms Friedman said.

Israels UN ambassador Danny Danon accused B'Tselem of joining Palestinian attempts to wage diplomatic terror against Israel at the UN.

He also accused the group of choosing to slander and besmirch Israels good name and vowed that we will continue to fight and tell the truth about Israel despite the attempts to spread lies about us.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, called the informal meeting a very positive exercise that builds on his discussions about a new UN resolution that would demand an end to Israeli settlement building.

 Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised for Land of Israel 'propaganda' video

The Palestinians pushed for the Security Council to adopt a resolution against settlements in February 2011 but it was vetoed by the United States. The 14 other Security Council members voted in favour of the resolution, reflecting the wide support for the draft which had more than 100 co-sponsors.

What the United States might do about a new settlements resolution remains to be seen.

US deputy ambassador David Pressman told the meeting that the United States remains firmly committed to advancing a two-state solution ... [and] we are deeply concerned about continued settlement activity.

He recalled that last week the United States condemned new Israeli settlements and said that since 1 July more than 2,400 settlement units have been advanced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This makes a viable Palestinian state more remote, he said.

In short, we need to start implementing the two-state solution on the ground right now, Mr Pressman said.

While a peace deal can only be achieved through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, he said, significant progress towards creating a two-state reality can be made now that will help restore hope and lay the groundwork for successful negotiations.

We continue to stress the urgency and importance of taking these steps now and refraining from actions that corrode the prospects for two states, Mr Pressman said.

Mr Mansour called Mr Pressmans use of the word now twice very interesting, saying his comments are in line with strong messages from Washington expressing outrage against the intensification of settlement activities.

He said it was too early to say whether this would translate into US support for a new settlements resolution.

Associated Press
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At least 41 people have been killed in a suicide attack believed to have targeted Shia Muslims in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

More than 30 others were injured in the attack in a funeral tent in a crowded marketplace in the Shaab neighbourhood in the north of the city.

The militant is believed to have detonated a suicide vest inside the tent with was crowded with mourners.

Officials said the attack happened around lunchtime.

Many Shia pilgrims are in the city, taking part in mourning rituals in the area to commemorate the killing of Prophet Mohamed's grandson and early Shia imam, Hussein, in the 7th century.

Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack via its propaganda arm, Amaq. The claim could not be independently verified.

The group has carried out similar attacks on the capital repeatedly in the past year, attempting to inflame sectarian tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Show all 11 1 /11 In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings People gather at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shia district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings People gather at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shia district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings People gather at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shia district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings People gather at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shia district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings Security forces and citizens inspect the scene after a car bomb explosion at a crowded outdoor market in the Iraqi capital's eastern district of Sadr City, Iraq, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. AP In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings People gather at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shia district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings A woman reacts at the scene of a car bomb attack in Baghdad's mainly Shi'ite district of Sadr City, Iraq, May 11, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings A bulldozer clears the wreckage following a car bomb attack in Sadr City, a Shia area of Baghdad, on May 11, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings Iraqis walk past flowers and shoes left on the ground at Oraiba market a day after it was targeted in a car bomb attack on May 12, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings Iraqis mourn in the holy city of Najaf during the funeral of victims of a car bombing in Baghdad's Shiia area of Sadr City during on May 11, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Baghdad hit by 24 hours of Isis bombings Baghdad bombings Mourners carry the coffins of bomb victims during a funeral procession at the holy shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf, Iraq, on May 11, 2016. AP

In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdad's popular shopping district of Karradah killed about 300 people and forced the resignation of the country's interior minister.

It came as the Iraqi armed forces planned to launch an assault to recapture Isis' second city and stronghold in the country, Mosul, from the jihadists.

That would be a major blow for the group as it is where their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared their "caliphate" in 2014.

Recommended Read more Isis loses a third of its territory in Syria and Iraq

Since the start of January 2015, the terror group has been on the backfoot and retreated from vast swathes of territory it captured in 2013 and 2014.

Iraqi government officials told Reuters the group had executed 58 people suspected in taking part in a plot to switch sides and hand Mosul over to the government.

The plotters were drowned before being buried in a mass grave in a wasteland on the outskirts of the city.

One of them was reportedly a local aide of al-Baghdadi.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The White House is considering launching an unprecedented cyber attack against Russia in retaliation for their alleged interference in the US election, intelligence officials say.

Current and former officials have said that the CIA has been asked to deliver options for clandestine cyber operations designed to embarrass the Russian government.

The anonymous officials told NBC News the CIA were already operating cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation.

The source said they had already gathered information that could potentially expose wrongdoing by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It follows repeated alleged attempts by Russian state-backed hacking groups which have resulted in the leak of thousands of emails sent by senior members of the Democratic party.

A hacker known as Guccifer 2.0 released thousands of emails sent between senior members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) days before their conference in July where they discussed ways to undermine the candidacy of Senator Bernie Sanders. It led to the resignation of the DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Another group, DC Leaks, is believed to have leaked details of Michelle Obamas passport and a third, called Fancy Bears, is thought to have attempted to disrupt the UK General Election in 2015 by posing as an Islamist group hacking into the servers of major TV broadcasters.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

When asked about reports the US was planning a cyber attack on Russia, Vice-President Joe Biden told US news show Meet the Press that they would be sending a message to the Kremlin.

It will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact, he added.

When he was asked if the American public will know when the message is sent, he replied that he hoped not.

Relations between the two countries have reached a new low in recent weeks with former MI6 boss Sir John Sawers warning that the world is entering an era more dangerous than the Cold War.

Russia is expected to sail an aircraft carrier and a fleet of warships through the English Channel in the coming weeks.

The Royal Navy is preparing to intercept and escort the eight ships as they pass close to the British coast on their way to attack the rebel-held areas of Syria in Moscows latest provocation.

A British naval source described the move as posturing and another said the deployment of Russias only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was significant.

The second source told The Times it demonstrated that Russia was keen to show its military strength as it faces economic pressure from the fall of commodity prices and sanctions by Western leaders over its actions in the Ukraine and Syria.
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Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones have been declared forbidden hazardous material and banned from all flights to, from or within the US.

From 5pm today, UK time, it will be a federal offence to carry the device aboard an aircraft, whether its in your hand luggage, checked-in baggage or your pocket.

If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, they will be denied boarding, said the US Department of Transportation in a statement.

Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident.

Recommended Read more Samsung Galaxy Note 7 permanently discontinued after explosion fears

Around 2.5 million of the new smartphones have been recalled following cases of exploding batteries. Replacement units have also caught fire. Samsung has withdrawn the line, and buyers are being offered a full refund.

British Airways issued a statement on its website, saying: Customers who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device MAY NOT transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

BA and other airlines are asking US-bound passengers at check-in if they have the phone.

Previously the ban had applied only to Galaxy Note7s in checked-in luggage.

The US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx, said: We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.
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If we had twenty of her one year ago, the population of the camp would have been halved by now. Rowan Farrell is referring to Suzon, a French lawyer who has given up her job in order to offer information to refugees in the Calais migrant camp about their legal rights.

The camp is preparing for a full eviction that could start as soon as next week. No official notice has been made by the authorities, but it has been made clear to NGOs that the demolition date is approaching.

Rowan is the co-founder of the Refugee Info Bus, a project that provides access to technology and information to the residents of the Calais Jungle. Suzon is one of many lawyers and legal practitioners who have come to the camp to alleviate some of the problems here. Sitting in Khyber Cafe, it is clear that people are looking hard for the answers to their questions. Previously, the Info Bus has provided workshops on the legal rights of displaced people in Europe, as well as information about the Dublin Convention, Brexit and the various asylum systems across the continent  but now the conversations are turning towards the impending eviction of the camp.

It is 2pm, and volunteers from the legal centre and the Info Bus are scattered around the restaurant, holding workshops, surrounded by huddles of refugees. It is noisy  pockets of conversation buzz with the ebb and flow of tense questions and complicated answers, as volunteers aim to answer the questions of as many people as possible. We try to hold as many workshops as possible, so that we know that we have reached as many people as can, a volunteer tells me. This is the crux of the problem: information can only be given out on a person to person basis, and there is a danger of rumours distorting what little facts are known.

(Refugee Info Bus ) (Refugee Info Bus)

The Refugee Info Bus is one of several projects attempting to address this issue. Help Refugees are distributing documents in English, French, Pashto and Arabic that contain information about the evictions and how refugees can prepare for them. Bold letters warn the reader that THESE DETAILS COULD CHANGE.

Previously, the authorities had mentioned Monday 17 October as a possible eviction date but the Calais prefecture vehemently denied such claims: The date is not yet known. The objective is that the demolition will be finished before the start of winter.

The French state has not sent representatives to clarify this to the residents of the camp, nor to the NGOs working to support them. They havent pinned a notice up and no one has told us officially what is going on, Rowan says. I am also told that the first indication of the date of the previous evictions in February was a local bin man disclosing the end date of his contract to collect rubbish in the south side of the camp. That eviction saw 3,000 refugees forced out of their shelters  this time, it will be 10,000.

The lack of concrete facts makes it impossible to plan for the future. On a daily basis, Suzon deals with a frenzy of questions about where to claim asylum and in which direction a journey should continue. Smuggling prices have gone up  should asylum be claimed in France?

Calais and Dunkirk camps Show all 16 1 /16 Calais and Dunkirk camps Calais and Dunkirk camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A portrait of an Afghan man wearing a traditional Perhan Turban in the Calais Jungle (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two Gendarmes guard the main entrance to the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One Kurdish Iraqi mans reminder to himself (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Two young boys in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Iranian hunger striker stands outside the only remaining shelter in the South Side of the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A church in the South Calais camp, on of the the only structures not demolished in the South Side of the camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man gets a hair cut in the Calais camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps Night falls on the Calais Jungle. Fires burn in the distance (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps The containers provided as alternative accommodation for the people in the camps (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A young boy in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A man listens to music inside one of the shipping containers (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps The awful living conditions in the Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps An Afghan man in the Calais camp (Photo: Emily Garthwaite) Calais and Dunkirk camps One of the Iranian hunger strikers (Photo: Alan Schaller) Calais and Dunkirk camps A family in their wooden shelter in the new Dunkirk camp (Photo: Alan Schaller)

Uncertainty is reflected in the faces of everyone in the camp. Sifat and Nazif are two Afghan men, who have both claimed asylum in France. They are unclear of the details: We just know about how they want to destroy the Jungle. They want to finish the Jungle on the seventeenth of this month. But they also say that they are not sure. They are not sure if they will destroy the Jungle or not. This lack of concrete information is concerning for the men. They cannot plan for anything beyond next Monday and they do not know if they will get a place on a bus that will take them to one of the promised CAO centres.

The following information is what we do know: the French government will evict the Calais Jungle, and this will happen by the end of the year at the latest  but probably sooner than that. The French government has promised to make enough space in accommodation centres (CAOs) for all of the residents who want to go. Tenuous facts have been passed from the authorities to NGOs, which have then been passed to refugees. There has been no attempt to impart information directly to the camp by the French state.

Information is being doled out individually, and the opportunity for facts to become distorted and misconstrued is prevalent.

Memories of the previous evictions in February are also raw. The demolition of the south side of the camp was violent, and everyone remembers the tear gas, rubber bullets and fire. This time, however, the authorities are bound to provide transport to the shelter accommodations that are spread throughout Northern France and Paris, but the buses havent arrived yet and people are unsure if there is a plan. Nazif worries that when they destroy the Jungle, there will be a lot of problems.

The issue is becoming particularly prevalent in the light of a lack of response by the UK Home Office to the plight of the unaccompanied minors in the camp. The French State has reportedly delayed the evictions for another week, supposedly to give enough time to investigate the claims of 1,022 children who live in the Calais camp and bring them to safety.

The question remains: how can a population of 10,000 people prepare for an exodus if they do not know when it will happen?
The Citizens' Assembly is a special committee set up to deliberate on Ireland's strict abortion regime

A special committee set up to deliberate on Ireland's strict abortion regime has met for the first time.

The Citizens' Assembly, a randomly selected group of 99 members of the public and chaired by Supreme Court Judge Mary Laffoy, held its first discussions in Dublin Castle.

At the heart of its work is examining the eighth amendment to the Constitution, which gives equal right to life to the mother and to the unborn child.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the assembly is above party politics and he appealed for respect for the members, particularly on social media.

"In a world where anonymity seems to have so much power and so little responsibility, in this assembly you are not only having your voices heard, you are putting your heads above the parapet," Mr Kenny said.

"And because you are, I'm asking Ireland, public and private, official and unofficial, to allow you to undertake this vital work with the necessary dignity, space and freedom."

The Taoiseach described the issues being examined in the assembly as deeply complex, hugely challenging and profoundly ethical.

Abortion law is only one of several topics the assembly is examining but by far the most divisive.

Ireland's strict ban on abortion was clarified in 2014 to allow for a termination if the mother's life is at risk, including from suicide.

But there are growing campaigns for women to be allowed access to abortion if their unborn child is diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality or in cases of rape and incest.

The 99 members of the assembly were chosen at random from around Ireland and their views on abortion were not known in advance.

The assembly will hold a number of public hearings on the issue and it is expected to hear from experts and interested groups.

All hearings are public and streamed online.

The first meeting was described as introductory, allowing members to meet and get a better understanding of the role they will play in the assembly and to consider the key principles underpinning their work and the rules and procedures.

An expert panel will also advise the assembly on each topic it discusses.

Its report on the eighth amendment is expected to be ready for the Dail in the first half of next year.

A pregnancy can be terminated under the Protection Of Life During Pregnancy Act if there is a risk to a woman's life, including from suicide.

The procedure can involve a medical or surgical termination or an early delivery by induction or Caesarean section to deliver the baby.

Figures from the Health Service Executive showed 26 terminations were carried out under the legislation in 2014 and the same number again in 2015.

In both years, 14 arose from a risk to the life of the mother from physical illness, three in relation to suicide and nine following emergencies arising from physical illness.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has been criticised for failing to close off a tax ruse that is being exploited by rich people to gift homes to their children without paying any tax.

This is despite Mr Noonan recently admitting the tax provision was being exploited by wealthy people.

Known as the dwelling-house exemption, the relief allows houses and apartments to be inherited tax-free.

Tax experts say well-heeled people are now gifting houses worth 1m or more to their children and using the inheritance tax exemption to avoid tax.

The tax that would be due on a 1m house inherited by an only child is 227,000.

As well as avoiding tax, many of those exploiting the dwelling-house exemption are renting out the properties, breaking the rules of the relief.

The exemption has increased in popularity in recent years, sparking concerns that it is causing a huge leakage from the tax system.

Ordinary people who pass on a property or a gift to their children or other relatives are hit with tax at 33pc once they are outside tax-free thresholds.

In some cases, families have been forced to sell family homes just to pay the inheritance tax due.

Minister Noonan increased the tax-free thresholds in the Budget, but there was surprise that he did not move to stop the dwelling-house exemption being exploited.

That's despite the fact that there has been a rise in the numbers using the dwelling-house exemption to avoid inheritance tax.

Last year, about 741 people claimed the exemption - up from almost 500 in 2012.

Solicitor Susan Murphy of MakeMyWill.ie said the last few years have seen a large increase in the amount of claims for this exemption.

"Questions have arisen about suspected abuse from wealthier people whose families could face a large inheritance tax liability, with the rate now at 33pc.

"The Revenue Commissioners and the Finance Department discussed this issue recently and it was anticipated it would be addressed in the Budget. Unfortunately, it wasn't," Ms Murphy said.

Revenue has previously acknowledged that the exemption from inheritance tax was "much abused".

And Mr Noonan admitted in a Dail answer in the summer that the relief was being exploited dishonestly.

"My department - and the Revenue Commissioners - have encountered some evidence that individuals may be using the relief as a way of passing on wealth tax-free in a manner which is not in line with the core aim of the relief."

Abused

A spokesman for Mr Noonan said that he is still considering whether or not to tighten up the rules.

However, Fianna Fail is questioning why the rules have not been changed to stop the relief being abused.

The party's finance spokesman Michael McGrath said he was aware the tax relief was being used to transfer extremely valuable properties, other than the family home, free of inheritance tax.

He added that the exemption should be only available to deal with genuine situations.

"If the Revenue believes that the scheme is being abused, they should suggest changes to the law to address that."

Asked why the issue was not addressed in Budget 2017, a spokesman for Minister Noonan said: "The issue is under consideration."

There was no answer when it was put to the minister's spokesman that the Government was afraid to upset Fine Gael donors by moving to stop the exemption being abused.

Scheme was put in place to protect carers

The dwelling-house exemption was introduced to protect someone living with and caring for an older person in the pensioners home.

If this home is left to them, they may have to sell it to pay the 33pc inheritance tax. In the meantime, they may have sacrificed their chance to own their own home.

So the relief allows houses and apartments to be inherited tax-free. Under the exemption, a son or daughter inheriting a property has to live in it for at least three years, and continue to live there for six years after inheriting it. The property being passed on doesnt have to be a family home  it could be a second property or holiday home. Neither does it have to be passed on to a relative.

If they meet these conditions, they inherit the property tax-free.
Middle-income families have not gained much from the Budget, but the self-employed are the big winners.

The self-employed will end up three times better off than most in terms of Budget boost.

It's also clear that the personal tax system is becoming increasingly skewed, with middle and high-income PAYE (pay as you earn) earners accounting for an even greater percentage of the overall personal tax take.

The three lower rates of the universal social charge were cut by 0.5pc each.

The gain for a PAYE worker on 55,000 will be 278 a year. This works out at 5 a week for a married PAYE couple with one income.

That is why it was dubbed the Fiver Budget.

However, a self-employed person with children on the same single income of 55,000 will gain 778 over a year. This works out at 15 a week, according to tables from the Department of Finance. This is three times more than the PAYE worker.

Almost 150,000 self-employed people are gaining from the cuts to the USC and from the move by Finance Minister Michael Noonan to increase what is called the earned income credit.

This has increased by 400 to 950, which will mean less tax for the self-employed.

The introduction of the earned income credit is to make up for the fact that the self-employed do not get the PAYE tax credit of 1,650.

Both PAYE workers and the self-employed will gain from the cutting of the three lower rates of USC. The 1pc rate, that applies on income up to 12,012, goes to 0.5pc.

The 3pc rate goes to 2.5pc. This applies on income between 12,013 to 18,772.

And the 5.5pc rate falls to 5pc from the start of next year. This means that income between 18,772 and 70,044 will be levied for USC at 5pc.

But there was no move to cut the income tax bands - the income levels you pay at different rates.

Workers will still move into the higher 40pc band on income over 33,800.

The failure to raise the bands will mean that any promotions or wage rises middle-income workers get will be eaten up by higher taxes.

The Irish Tax Institute has pointed out that 29pc of workers pay no tax at all.

This amounts to just over 700,000 people.

And the narrowing of the tax base continued in the Budget.

The minister increased the ceiling of the band on which the reduced 2.5pc rate of USC will be payable from 18,668 to 18,772.

This move means the salary of a full-time worker on the minimum wage will remain outside the top rates of USC.

The Irish Tax Institute pointed out that the USC changes will mainly accrue to those on lower pay. A person on 18,000 will get a 15pc reduction in their tax bill.

The average worker will see a 2.7pc reduction in their tax bill. Those on 75,000 will see a 1.3pc reduction in their tax bill.

Burden

President of the Institute Mark Barrett said this left middle-income earners carrying an increasingly large burden to fund the State.

We are back to the dangerous policies of old of taking huge swathes of the workforce out of the tax net.

The idea - which was the only good aspect of the USC, that everyone who works pays something, however small - has been abandoned.

This means a heavy burden falls on those who pay for everything - the middle and higher-income groups.

The scrapping of water charges and the freezing of the property tax means the State has become increasingly reliant on ordinary income tax payers to support it.

This is why there was so little in the way of tax cuts for middle-earning PAYE workers.

We want to invest more in State services, that are proportionately needed and used by the lowest paid, but that has to be paid for by direct tax payers.

At the height of the crazy Celtic Tiger boom, a whopping 42pc of workers paid no income tax.

This fell to 12pc with the introduction of the USC - as one of the core principles of that levy was that everyone should contribute something.

We are now back to a situation where 29pc paid no direct income taxes.

This is a result of the hard left in the Dail hijacking the political agenda, with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail aping their disregard for how to properly fund State spending.
Ronan Doherty, ceo, ElectroRoute; Atsushi Suzuki, head of the power business planning office, Mitsubishi; and Niamh Troy, an energy analyst at ElectroRoute. Photo: Andres Poveda

japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi has taken a majority stake in Irish energy trading firm ElectroRoute.

ElectroRoute's senior founding management team will stay in place, including chief executive Ronan Doherty, after Mitsubishi takes a 60pc stake.

The Irish company, which has grown from four employees in 2011 to 40 today, now plans to open its first offices abroad, thanks to the backing of Mitsubishi.

The Irish business trades energy across spot trading, futures trading, cross-border trading and green certificates trading.

It also provides managed trading services to clients, giving them access to pan-European markets. It currently has over 600 megawatts of assets under management.

ElectroRoute has a presence in energy markets in Ireland, UK, Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

Mitsubishi Corporation is Japan's largest trading and investment company. As well as car manufacturing, it's also involved in finance, banking, chemicals and the food sector.

The ElectroRoute move is the first of its kind for the firm as it looks to pursue new business models in the energy sector.

Ronan Doherty believes the interest in his firm from Mitsubishi is a "wonderful validation" of the company's business model.

"With their support, ElectroRoute is now ideally placed to strengthen our positioning within our international energy markets.

"The ElectroRoute team and I are extremely excited about the new avenues that this investment will open up for our business and we are already putting plans in place to accelerate our next phase of expansion," he said.

Mr Doherty's company started off with support from the Bank of Ireland 'Start Up and Emerging Sectors Equity Fund' as well as Enterprise Ireland.

Mitsubishi's new energy and power generation chief operating officer, Yoshinori Katayama, said the global giant was pleased to add the innovative firm to its portfolio.

"It is a long-term strategy for our business to identify companies that will give us new business opportunities to pursue rather than traditional long term contracted IPP investment businesses.

"We were very impressed with ElectroRoute's business model and talent pool, which we felt made it a unique proposition," he said.

"It is vital for us to now ensure they will have the significant resources and the independence required to develop into a global enterprise."

ElectroRoute will now press ahead with plans to expand its client services offering into the UK.

"Choosing to partner with Mitsubishi Corporation allows us to build upon the vision we had when we founded ElectroRoute," said Mr Doherty.

"We will be able to develop our service offering for our clients, identify and expand into new markets, and grow our team. For the board members and investors who have been with us since the beginning, this is a very exciting time."

Mitsubishi is continuing to invest into the energy sector and announced on Thursday that it had developed an algorithm for deep learning that will be embedded into the firm's robots, machines and eventually its car brands.
The United States government has heightened its clampdown on big multinationals who try to avoid paying US taxes by shifting income and operations overseas to places including Ireland.

The US Treasury announced new regulations that would limit a company's ability to minimise its tax bill through transactions involving debt, and which do not support new investment in the United States.

It forms the latest step in the US government's fight against so-called corporate inversions, which it has branded a tax avoidance strategy.

In an inversion, the American company typically buys a smaller foreign rival.

It then relocates, at least on paper, to the rival's home country so that the new combined company is not based in the US and can avoid a potentially hefty tax bill.

Ireland has been a favourite location for this type of activity in recent years, with companies essentially reinventing themselves as being Irish to avail of our low corporate tax rate, while keeping their core operations in their original jurisdiction.

Although Congress in the US has yet to agree on a way to deal with the issue, the Obama administration has moved to attempt to deal with the issue in recent years by tightening the rules.

The clampdown so far has already scuppered the planned $160bn merger of drugs giants Pfizer and Allergan, which would have created Ireland's biggest company by shifting Pfizer's global tax base to Ireland.

But other companies that have inverted, mostly through acquisitions, include Perrigo and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

The latest regulations target so-called earnings stripping, which occurs when the US subsidiary of a newly inverted company avoids taxes on domestic operations by sending them overseas as tax-deductible interest payments.

"This administration has long called for legislative action to fix our broken tax system," said US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. "In the absence of Congressional action, it is Treasury's responsibility to use our authority to protect the tax base from continued erosion," Mr Lew said.

"We have taken a series of actions to make it harder for large foreign multinational companies to avoid paying US taxes and reduce the incentives for US companies to shift income and operations overseas," he added.

"Such tax avoidance practices are wrong and should be stopped."

"Today's final regulations are an important step in addressing earnings stripping, a commonly used technique to minimise taxes after an inversion."

Business groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, have warned that the regulations could harm the cash management operations of US-based multinationals.

They also warned that there could be damaging unintended consequences for a range of businesses by creating mountains of red tape.

The Government has in the past stated that Ireland has nothing to fear from the clampdown by the US government.
There may be job losses at the HP plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Fears are growing over potential job cuts by HP in Ireland as the computing giant announced it would reduce its headcount by nearly a tenth.

HP Inc has refused to rule out potential job losses at its plant in Leixlip, Co Kildare, after the company announced that it would be cutting between 3,000 and 4,000 jobs over the next three years worldwide.

HP split two years ago into two new companies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and HP Inc. HPE is a company that focuses on technology infrastructure and services, while HP Inc is a personal computing and printing company.

Both companies have a presence in Ireland.

However, HPE will not be involved in the jobs cuts, which are specifically related to HP Inc.

When asked by the Irish Independent whether or not the recently announced cuts would have an effect in Ireland, a spokeswoman for HP Inc said: "We have no country breakdown figures available."

She added: "It is a global figure and we don't disclose employee numbers at a regional level."

Subdued

Worldwide, HP Inc employs 50,000 people and it is understood that the company currently has around 4,000 staff at its Kildare base.

HP Inc's staff in Kildare mainly work in manufacturing, research and development, marketing, sales, and services.

The job cuts on a global scale are a reaction to the subdued personal-computing market.

The company said that ultimately the amount of jobs cut will be dependent on the outcome of key outsourcing decisions.

HP Inc will also look to ease the culling by placing existing employees in outsourced roles.

Shares in the company fell by as much as 1.3pc in after-hours trading.
Householders who have broadband from Vodafone are being hit with price hikes.

The telecoms giant is increasing prices by up to 84 a year.

And it is ending some of its older mobile phone plan deals.

The company confirmed that broadband prices are rising by between 5 and 7 a month from the first day of November.

One frustrated customer explained that his 'Simply Broadband' deal with the telecoms company will go from 38 a month to 45.

"That is just under a 20pc increase to the price I agreed to 10 months ago when I signed a 12-month contract," he said.

In a statement, the company said: "This adjustment is in response to increased operational costs, primarily due to the rise in wholesale prices."

It added that the price of its recently added TV, broadband, home and mobile package will not be affected by the increase.

Plan

A spokesperson said: "Customers have the option of changing their plan and should contact a Vodafone customer service agent for details."

Vodafone is also ending some low-priced mobile phone plans.

"A small number of customers who are currently on old, outdated plans are currently being moved to the new Vodafone Red 30 Day plan as Vodafone upgrades its internal systems," a spokesperson said.

"Vodafone has been in contact with affected customers to inform them of the move."

Managing director of price comparison site Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke, said: "In June, Open Eir confirmed an increase of 3.50 a month in its fibre broadband prices for wholesale customers.

"Now, we're seeing Vodafone raise its prices by between 5 and 7 per month as a result of costs associated with this wholesale hike - although not all customers are affected."

He warned that we could see price increases coming down the line from other broadband providers too.

Sky, Eir and Virgin have already increased prices for their services this year.
Central Bank chiefs appear to have been squared away ahead of Budget 2017, even rowing in behind the so-called Help to Buy Scheme that is already being blamed for driving up house prices.

The scheme neatly side steps the Central Bank's own lending rules by handing lump sums to qualifying home buyers, but came complete with a blessing wrestled out of Philip Lane.

One former regulator is unconvinced by this year's Budget though. Stefan Gerlach, who stepped down as Central Bank deputy governor early this year to join BSI Bank in Zurich, was on Twitter during the week. He congratulated Dan O'Brien for an Irish Independent column which described the budget as "overly rosy and under risk-proofed".

"An excellent analysis that raises good questions. How is it possible that the budget is still in deficit? Populist economic policies...", Gerlach mused.

Unilever storm in a tea cup

Tesco, along with Musgrave's SuperValu and Centra brands, may prove eventual winners from this week's Unilver showdown.

It looks like the big grocery chains went out to bat for the plain people of Ireland against price hiking corporate mega-giant Unilever. If you spent the week under a rock, the supermarkets spent it publicly resisting price hikes by the Anglo-Dutch conglomerate that produces a staggering 800 popular brands and products.

In Britain, where the row first kicked off, Marmite was also a big winner.

Fears there, that the inexplicably popular spread could disappear from shelves sparked a mass outpouring of angst - and reminded everyone how popular the potted yeast by-product remains.

Here, Unilever's best known brand is Lyons Tea. But fears it could disappear from shelves quickly gave way, in many cases, to consternation that the quintessentially Irish cuppa is made by a foreign corporate giant.

Not just that, but it's even bagged in Blighty. When the dust settles, Musgraves might not be the only Cork firm getting a bounce from Unilever price fever.
Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Coca-Cola Co topped the list of the world's 100 most valuable brands in 2016, while technology and automotive brands dominated the overall rankings, according to a new report from brand consultancy Interbrand.

Microsoft Corp, Toyota Motor Corp, IBM Corp, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Amazon.com Inc, Mercedes-Benz and General Electric Co were also on the Top 10 list, according to Interbrand's 2016 Best Global Brands report.

Social network Facebook Inc, e-commerce giant Amazon and toy company Lego were the top growing brands.

This year, technology and automotive took 29 of 100 rankings on the annual list.

The report ranks brands based on financial performance, its influence on customers and its power to command a premium price or drive company sales.

Apple's brand value rose 5 percent from a year ago to $178 billion and Google's brand value was up 11 percent from a year ago to $133 billion, according to the report.

Apple, Google and Coca-Cola are the most valuable brands as "their finances are strong, their brand is a powerful driver of choice and they are very strong compared to competitors," Jez Frampton, Interbrand's global chief executive officer, said.

Hitting the Top 100 for the first time, French fashion brand Dior and Silicon Valley automaker Tesla Motors Inc at Nos. 89 and 100 respectively. Hugo Boss, Chevrolet and Kleenex dropped off the list, the report said.

Interbrand is part of Omnicom Group Inc.
Former 'Coronation Street' actress Jean Alexander died yesterday aged 90.

Alexander, who played the much-loved character Hilda Ogden between 1964 and 1987, died in hospital, three days after her 90th birthday.

She had been admitted to Southport hospital for tests but was discharged after a couple of days and allowed to return to her nursing home, her niece Sonia Hearld said.

But on Tuesday Alexander was readmitted to hospital, where she later died peacefully yesterday.

Mrs Hearld, of Selby, North Yorkshire, said: "My aunt died sadly earlier today."

"I saw her last week when we went to see her in hospital. She was feeling a little bit poorly but she was talking to me and my husband quite happily.

"There was nothing telling us anything was wrong - she was just generally weak and under the weather.

"We have not had the details."

Mrs Hearld - one of Alexander's few relatives - paid tribute to her aunt.

She said she had continued to enjoy her celebrity status long after her stints on the famous cobbled Street; and also as Aunty Wainwright, the money-grabbing junk shop owner, on 'Last of the Summer Wine' , from 1988 to 2010.

"People used to stop her just to say hello and how much they missed her," Mrs Hearld said.

"She was always very good to her fans - she said: 'They put me where I am'."

Video of the Day

Alexander brought a lot of her own personality to her role, Mrs Hearld added.

"Certainly with Hilda, the fact she was such a downtrodden person but just got on with it. She just touched a chord with people."

"She did bring a lot of herself to the role but she was a different person, a private person. They were amalgams of people she had met, people she had observed and people she knew. She was very observant about people.

"Privately, she was great fun and had a great sense of humour," she said.

"She was a good role model and she had a drive that carried her through."
She's keeping tight-lipped about her screen test for RTE's Dancing With the Stars but Vogue Williams has admitted "everyone" would love to host the show.

The Howth woman (31) is said to be one of the favourites for the presenting gig on Ireland's upcoming version of Strictly Come Dancing, which is scheduled to air in January.

Former Big Brother winner Brian Dowling recently revealed he screen-tested for the series alongside Vogue at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Stillorgan.

"I am keeping my mouth well shut," Williams said when asked about the secret audition.

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"I think everybody in Ireland would like to host Dancing With The Stars. There is still competition but I think everyone would like to host a show like that.

"I think it's going to be a massive show.

"Regardless of whether I am involved or not, I will definitely be watching it."

Dowling revealed he was a bag of nerves ahead of audition for the coveted gig but it was Williams who put him at ease. He described the former Fade Street star as "so easy to get along with".

Other stars rumoured to be in the running include Nicky Byrne, Angela Scanlon, Grainne Seoige and Amanda Byram.

Williams, who lives in London, has been enjoying spending time at home in Dublin for the last few weeks.

While she loves working in the UK, the TV star admitted she's unsure if she will ever try to crack America.

"I always say I like to go where the work is and I do that but I love my little home in London and I love being able to come back home," she told the Herald.

Video of the Day

"I've fallen in love with Dublin all over again since being home for the last month and I would miss that in LA. Then again, if you got a big job in LA you're not going to turn it down."

The former reality star is hoping her upcoming series of documentaries for RTE2 will also be picked up in Britain.

"I have loads of show ideas and hopefully my series will sell to the UK. I've seen it and it would work well in the UK," she said.
After months of speculation and whispers in the wings, the Gate Theatre has named Selina Cartmell as the its new director.

Ms Cartmell will take over from Michael Colgan, who will step down in April 2017 after 33 years with the theatre.

Originally from Cumbria, England, Ms Cartmell will become the theatre's first female director and the fourth person to hold the title in the Gate's 88-year history.

Last night, Mr Colgan congratulated her on her appointment, saying: "I have loved every minute, every second of working in that beautiful theatre. I hope Selina loves it as much as I have.

"She is an enormous talent and I am a great admirer of her work."

MS Cartmell will begin working at the theatre in January, following in the footsteps of Michael MacLiammoir, Hilton Edwards and Mr Colgan.

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin's Samuel Beckett Centre, Cartmell is an acclaimed director and has staged work at The Abbey and London's Royal Court. She is currently working on Belfast's Lyric Theatre's production of 'Three Sisters'.

She described her new Gate role as "an honour" and the theatre itself as "the most inspiring theatre space" in Ireland.

"As the new director, I will be both an enabler and a programmer," she said.

Michael Colgan leaves a rich legacy behind him.

Under his watch, The Gate has become renowned for staging the works of Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett and Brian Friel.

Known for his powers of persuasion, Mr Colgan managed to convince performers such as Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Penelope Wilton and Cynthia Nixon to perform in Gate productions.

Video of the Day

He also received the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government in 2007, and an OBE from Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

"It is the right time to leave," he said yesterday. "I am extremely proud of my time there and I will miss that building terribly."
Stabbing victim Leo Carolan was described as a beautiful man who left us too soon at his funeral today.

The Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome cemetery was packed to capacity as people came together in a non-religious ceremony to pay tribute to the talented 25-year-old who was stabbed to death at his house on the South Circular Road in Dublin earlier this month.

Despite the fact mourners were told Leo would have wanted the day to be a celebration of his life, for many it was impossible to hold back tears.

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Leos brother Alex told how the popular DJ was born in Ireland and went to school in Straffan, Co. Kildare, before moving to France when he was 11. He lived in various parts of France before returning to Ireland a few years ago.

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I never got to see Leo much these last few years being in different countries but wed always talk on the phone. Even when wed fight wed talk like we never fought. Even after hed punch or head-butt me wed talk the next day.

Hed always be there to call if you were his friend or his family. I cant really think of much to say. Its good to see he had so many friends and family.

"He was loved by everyone and will always be loved by everyone. Its just unfortunate we didnt get to grow old together but thats life.

His friend Emily said she learned from speaking to Leos friends and family this week that there were so many layers to him and he was loved by all who knew him.

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Pals Tara and Tasha read several tribute posts friends of Leo from around the world posted on Facebook in the days after his death.

He is survived by his parents Brendan and Catherine and siblings Alex and Eva.
The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has warned that ostracising and "cutting off" those guilty of child sexual abuse increases the danger of them reoffending.

Archbishop Eamon Martin told child-safeguarding delegates from dioceses and religious orders: "In a society which demonises and clamours for permanent exclusion of such offenders, one wonders how to strike the balance between mercy and justice."

He made the remarks in an address to the National Child Safeguarding Conference in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The conference focused on some of the complex areas of child safeguarding and was addressed by abuse survivor 'Pauline', who told delegates how she felt the church's response to survivors could be improved.

Survivors

The Archbishop stressed that those clerics guilty of the sexual abuse of minors "cannot minister again as priests" and he cited Pope John Paul II, who said in 2002: "There is no place in the priesthood for those who would harm the young."

Conference delegates were told that part of the dilemma for the church was how to seek redemption for the offender while not compounding the "lifelong trauma" of survivors.

"The church's response to those found guilty is one of the most delicate and controversial issues in safeguarding," he said.

Emphasising how abuse not only damages lives but is also "toxic" to faith and hope in God, the Catholic Primate said Pope Francis had encouraged church leaders "to meet with victims and their loved ones, to listen to those who have suffered so greatly and to ask their forgiveness".

Admitting that "mistakes have been made" in dealings with survivors, the archbishop admitted: "I have at times failed to realise how easily my own words and approach can unintentionally come across as hurtful or defensive to those who have been betrayed and let down by church leaders or other personnel in the past."

Last month, survivors of institutional abuse in Northern Ireland, Jon McCourt of Survivors North West and Margaret McGuckian of Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (SAVIA), told a Stormont committee that they felt Archbishop Martin "belittled" them at a meeting last July.

The Primate of All Ireland said in a statement that he was "somewhat taken aback" by the comment.

Elsewhere in his keynote address, Archbishop Martin said responding to survivors on the issue of redress and compensation needed to be approached with "openness, respecting the right to justice for survivors, respondents and all concerned".

The conference discussed the needs of those against whom allegations are made and the challenges posed by the need to protect children, while also upholding the principle that the accused is innocent unless proven guilty.

The church authorities must remain open to constructive criticism about the implementation of its procedures, the archbishop said.
Killer Dave Mahon is appealing against the seven-year prison sentence he received for knifing his partner's son to death.

Mahon (45) was found guilty of killing Dean Fitzpatrick (23), the older brother of missing teenager Amy, on May 26, 2013.

Dean suffered a stab wound to the abdomen outside an apartment at Burnell Square, Northern Cross, on the Malahide Road in Dublin.

His mother, Audrey, shared the apartment with Mahon at the time.

A two-week trial heard Mahon had been in a relationship with Ms Fitzpatrick for 12 years by the time he killed Dean.

Agitated

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The State argued that Mahon was drunk, angry and agitated when he thrust a knife into Dean "with deadly intent".

Mahon was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. He had pleaded not guilty.

Mahon was granted legal aid in the Court of Appeal yesterday to bring an appeal against the severity of his sentence.

Mr Justice George Birmingham ruled on Mahon's legal aid application, which was uncontested. Mahon, who was not in court, had been on legal aid during his trial.

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He and Ms Fitzpatrick moved to the Costa del Sol with her children, Dean and Amy, in 2004.

Mahon, who worked as an estate agent, told gardai they were millionaires, with eight or nine houses and bars, but had spent it all looking for Amy.

The teenager went missing without trace on New Year's night 2008 as she walked home from a friend's house along an unlit dirt track.

Despite extensive searches, she has never been found.

Disappeared

Dean was 17 when his sister disappeared. He moved back to Dublin soon after turning 18 and lived with his father, Christopher Fitzpatrick.

He met his partner, Sarah O'Rourke, in 2010. They had a son together and lived in Lusk.

Ms Fitzpatrick has remained with Mahon, despite his conviction for knifing her son to death. She has said she forgives him. However, Dean's father has said he will never forgive Mahon, and he believes he should have been handed a longer sentence.
The trial of seven Dubliners charged with murdering a man, who was beaten to death, has heard that the deceased also had a stab wound to his leg.

One of the accused identified himself with a knife in CCTV footage of the fatal assault during garda interviews, but denied stabbing 20-year-old Dale Creighton on New Year's morning, 2014. The court heard that James Reid described what he was shown as "horrific".

The incident took place around 4am at a footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between St Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road. Dale Creighton died in hospital on January 2.

A woman and six men, who are in their 20s and from Tallaght, have all pleaded not guilty to murder at the Central Criminal Court.

They are Aisling Burke (23) and David Burke (28), both with a current address at Beechpark, Collinstown, Westmeath; Graham Palmer (26) with a current address at Park Avenue, Portarlington, Laois; Ross Callery (23) currently of Gortlum Cottages, Brittas, Dublin; James Reid (26) currently of Glen Aoibhinn, Gorey, Wexford; Jason Beresford (23) with an address at Coill Diarmuida, Ard a' Laoi, Castledermot, Kildare; and Gerard Stevens (27) currently of Grosvenor Square, Rathmines in Dublin. Each accused also initially pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the footbridge that New Year's Day. Jason Beresford has since changed his plea to guilty to the violent disorder charge.

Garda Brian O'Connor testified that he arrested James Reid on the morning of January 2 and he was interviewed at Tallaght Garda Station. Mr Reid said he did not know Dale Creighton, but had heard something about a girl's phone being stolen that morning. It was put to him that Mr Creighton was dead as a result of his and his friends' actions.

"It wasn't me," he replied.

He was then shown CCTV footage of the incident and identified himself on the video.

"What are you holding in your hand?" he was asked in interview.

"The knife that I took off him when he swung it at me," he replied. "I jumped back and took it off him."

Under cross examination by Ciaran O'Loughlin SC Garda O'Connor agreed that he had not seen his client punch, kick, stab or drag the deceased in the footage. He also agreed that he could see him pushing someone away from Mr Creighton.

He confirmed that no camera covered Mr Reid taking a knife from the deceased.

The trial continues.
A 15-year-old boy is awaiting sentencing for stealing 4,500 during a burglary.

Judge John OConnor adjourned sentencing the teenager who has already spent a period in custody on remand. Bail was granted.

The teenager, who is in voluntary care, pleaded guilty to burglary at a barbers premises in Swords on a date earlier this year.

Dublin Childrens Court heard he broke into the salon twice on the same day.

He first took money from a till and later returned and forced his way into the office where he found the safe.

He was identified after gardai obtained video evidence from security cameras.

The boy was warned that he will get a custodial sentence if he breaks his bail conditions, which he has done in the past.

The court heard he made some admissions but disputed the amount taken and has no previous criminal convictions.

While on remand in Obers-town detention centre, he behaved well and engaged with the staff.

Bail terms, including a 9pm to 7am curfew, were imposed by a judge last August 5.

The teenager had also been ordered to stay away from the Swords area and must cooperate with welfare agencies.

A solicitor for Tusla has told the court that the boy had complex needs and required stability.

He had done well while on remand in Oberstown. Going home was not in his best interests, and his mother was worried about him, the court heard.

Some of his problems related to his peers, and he needed to refrain from drug-taking, but the court also heard he had emotional and language issues.

The boys social worker said he had gone into voluntary care last year. His first placement worked well until another youth was sent there and the boys behaviour worsened.

He was then sent to a unit in the Midlands and later to another in Dublin. The social worker was of the view that the teenager was more at risk then, and he ran away from care in July and August.

The court heard the boy already has a pro-criminal peer group. His mother loves him and all her children but struggles to manage, the social worker said.
Adele Condron-King, aka Twink, has been given a last chance by a judge to save her home from repossession by a bank.

Judge Jacqueline Linnane adjourned possession proceedings by Start Mortgages against Ms Condron-King and her estranged husband, David Agnew.

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The proceedings are in relation to their former home in Knocklyon, Dublin, and the court heard the matter has been ongoing since 2010.

The court heard that the bank was owed about 250,000, including 18,000 arrears.

Judge Linnane told solicitor Mark Doyle, for Ms Condron-King, that his client had made no payment on the mortgage over five years. The judge said other payments had been very small.

"This shows the matter has been ignored," the judge said.

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Mr Doyle told the court that he was not on record yet, but was acting on behalf of Ms Condron-King. He said there was an agreement in place with the bank and moneys had been transferred yesterday.

He told the court that Ms Condron-King was now putting the house on the market and was looking for a six-month adjournment to allow the agreement to be implemented and the sale to progress.

Barrister Shaula Connaughton-Deeny, for the bank, said her client was opposing the application because Ms Condron-King was in breach of the agreement.

She said it stated that if moneys were not paid by the end of September last, the bank would seek possession of the house.

Following difficulties in serving Mr Agnew with legal proceedings, Judge Linnane last year granted leave for him to be served at his place of work, the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, at Rathmines Road. Ms Connaughton-Deeny said it seemed that no solicitor intended to come on record for Mr Agnew, who did not appear in court yesterday.

The judge said she was not granting the bank an order for possession because it would interfere with any eventual sale.

The judge said Ms Condron-King had to address the arrears and had to decide the seriousness of the proceedings. She said the bank had made many efforts to address the matter.

"The costs are also mounting and the matter is now coming to an end. I therefore am allowing Ms Condron-King one final adjournment."
THERE have been calls for no demonstrations by either side of the fraught abortion debate outside the Citizens' Assembly examining the Eighth Amendment.

The inaugural meeting of 99 citizens, chaired by Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, takes place today in Dublin Castle. Taoiseach Enda Kenny will address the assembly.

The future of the Eighth Amendment, the law giving equal status to the life of a mother and her unborn child, is the first agenda item.

Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell, who supports repealing the Eighth, said while "people have the right to protest", she'd prefer no visible presence from either side outside assembly meetings.

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Pro-Life Senator Ronan Mullen said he wasn't in favour of the assembly, but "it'll have to be let do its work".

He didn't know anyone who was interested in "marching outside", he said, adding: "What would that achieve?"

The Pro-Life campaign will hold what is described as a "short awareness event" for the media at Dublin Castle. Spokeswoman Cora Sherlock said they won't be approaching assembly members.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will today launch the first meeting of the Citizens Assembly.

Here are five things you need to know about it:

1. Where is it on and can I attend?

The meeting will take place in Dublin Castle this afternoon at 1.15pm.

Members of the public can watch the proceedings online and it is expected to conclude at 3.15pm.

2. What is the Citizens Assembly?

The Citizens' Assembly is a group of people which has been established to examine potential changes to the following:

Irelands abortion laws;

Fixed term parliaments;

How referenda are held;

How Ireland is tackling climate change;

The response to challenges facing the ageing population.

It comprises 99 people who were selected at random to fairly represent the electorate.

The assembly is entirely independent of politicians and will be chaired by Supreme Court judge Mary Laffoy.

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3. What will be happening today?

There will be an introductory address from the Taoiseach and other speakers.

The meeting will then enter a private session, where the procedures of the Assembly will be discussed.

The first item on the Assemblys agenda is the future of the Eighth Amendment, the law giving equal status to the life of a mother and her unborn child.

While it will be addressed today, a discussion on the Eighth Amendment will not begin until the next weekend meeting of the Assembly on November 25.

They will call for submissions in advance of next month's meeting.

4. Why has it been established?

The Assembly has been introduced because it welcomes different opinions and views from people other than politicians.

However, some people have criticised the Assembly, claiming it has been set up as a means to delay decisions on controversial matters.

5. How is the Assembly meant to make a difference?

The assembly will publish a report on each of the five issues listed above to the Oireachtas by May next year.

It will then be deliberated on by a yet-to-be-established cross-party Dail committee.

This committee will then make its own recommendations, based on the Assemblys views.

These will subsequently be forwarded to the Dail and Seanad for a further vote in autumn 2017/early 2018.

The Assembly has said that a recommendation and report on the Eighth Amendment will be submitted to the Oireachtas in the first half of 2017.

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You can make submissions to the Assembly through this link
Gardai are investigating after a man (42) was brutally assaulted at a Luas stop in Tallaght on Friday night.

Simon Cleary (42) from Kingswood, Co Dublin was on his way home from the city centre when he was attacked at Belgard Square at around 1am.

He was in town having drinks with colleagues from work and got the Luas home, Simons wife Patricia told Independent.ie.

Patricia said Simon fell asleep on the Luas on the way home and got off at Tallaght after missing his stop at Kingswood.

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When he got off at Tallaght he saw a couple of fellas walking behind him and he instantly started to walk faster.

He was trying to get a taxi when the three men came up behind him and started reaching for his phone.

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Simon began to walk away faster and one of them punched him in the back of the head and he fell down. He could have been killed instantly.

Patricia said that the three men continued to kick Simon in the head and face and punched him repeatedly.

He was badly beaten up. He had a foot print on his face from being kicked so badly.

The three men stole his mobile, his work phone and his wallet during the attack.

He walked home to Kingswood because he couldnt get a taxi. When he came in I was shocked. There was blood everywhere.

Patricia said she was particularly worried about Simons head as he had fallen off a building in Australia a few years ago and had to get a complete facial reconstruction.

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He is blind in one eye and has titanium plates in his head so I was really worried that they might have injured his good eye or damaged the plate in his head. Im worried about the damages underneath his face.

Simon went to Tallaght hospital where he got six stitches in his head and three in his lips.

The punch from the back of the head could have killed him instantly. We read about those stories all of the time.

Im from Tallaght and its generally safe but I just wanted to warn people that this kind of thing can happen, said Patricia.

Its terrifying, hell be left with scars now.

Simon is in bed trying to recover. Hes in a shocked state with a very swollen head but hes ok. Im lucky hes not an overly dramatic person.

It could have been worse. Id hate to think it would happen again to someone, particularly a young girl walking on her own. One blow can kill.

Gardai were called and are investigating the incident.

No arrests have been made but anyone with information is asked to call Tallaght garda station at 016666000.
Health recruiters from the UK, Australia and Canada are attempting to recruit Irish nurses with incentive packages (stock photo)

Major health employers from the UK, Australia and Canada will step up the international recruitment drive for Irish nurses today with tempting incentive packages at a major recruitment fair in Dublin.

One hospital in the Isle of Man is offering to pay a nurse 277 a month to subsidise rent or a mortgage for two years if the cost is higher than in Ireland.

The bidding war threatens the HSE's efforts to recruit nurses to fill the 1,000 full-time jobs announced in the Budget earlier this week.

Some non-HSE Irish hospitals will be among the 57 employers at the Health Sector Jobs fair today.

However, they face competition from overseas employers offering packages worth 10,000.

The different packages cover areas of expense, such as travel costs, shipping of furniture, estate agents' fees and funded education courses.

The Noble Hospital in the low income-tax Isle of Man said its salaries started at 27,910 and ranged up to 35,385, while its relocation package was worth 7,766 .

In contrast, the HSE's relocation package for Irish nurses returning here from the UK is just 1,500 and salaries start at 27,211.

Many of the HSE-run hospitals will not be at the fair in the RDS at they rely on recruitment agencies, which may be more costly.

Along with nurses, the overseas employers are also hoping to poach junior doctors, GPs and consultants

Stephen McLarnon, chief executive of Health Sector Jobs, the company behind the jobs fair, said: "When we ran this job fair in April 2016, we were stunned by the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals attending.

"Registrations for today's fair in the RDS are already ahead of where we were for April and we're expecting a big turnout on Saturday due to the levels of dissatisfaction there is in the market."

Mr McLarnon added: "Ultimately, there is still no strategy to retain staff and keep Irish healthcare talent here, with patients, nurses, midwives and doctors paying the price.

"We would love to see more HSE hospitals exhibiting this Saturday, but they don't seem to see the value of being there and promoting their job vacancies."

Public hospitals here are also facing stiff competition from our own private hospitals.

Bonus

Beacon Hospital in Dublin has a term-time work policy for staff which allows employees take up to 13 weeks off per year to spend time with their families for occasions such as holidays.

The Mater private hospital also said it was actively recruiting nursing staff to join one of the country's leading private hospitals.

A bonus scheme was launched 12 months ago and has been extended until December 31.

The programme offers nurses who join the hospital a 6,000 bonus incentive, of which 3,000 is paid after one month of employment and a further 3,000 is paid after six months of employment.

The bonus was subject to a minimum two-year stay with the Mater private, said a spokeswoman.
One of the most senior officers in An Garda Siochana will next week present a dossier to the Government detailing a set of serious allegations about the culture within the force.

The high-ranking officer has been in consultation with a well-known Dublin law firm in relation to making a protected disclosure.

According to sources, the man will attack senior Garda management and highlight what he believes is the "dysfunctional" environment within Garda headquarters.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, who is under fire over the force's treatment of whistleblowers, has been made aware of her officer's intentions to submit a dossier under Section 42 of the Garda Siochana Act.

By using this section of the legislation, the report will go directly to Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

The decision by the officer to make a protected disclosure is significant given his seniority and good standing within the force.

The force is already reeling from the allegations made by Superintendent David Taylor. Supt Taylor has claimed he was ordered by senior management to attack the character of Sgt Maurice McCabe.

He also claimed that senior management ran a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe, which involved allegations being made about him to politicians, gardai and members of the media.

Supt Taylor said Commissioner O'Sullivan was made personally aware of the campaign; however, she has denied that this was the case.

It's likely that the latest Garda dossier will be examined by retired High Court Judge Iarfhlaith O'Neill, who is also examining other protected disclosures.

Mr Justice O'Neill is due to report back to the Tanaiste in five weeks. It's expected a State inquiry will follow.

However, sources have expressed concern about the review given that Supt Taylor's mobile phones have been confiscated and are in the hands of senior gardai.

Part of Supt Taylor's disclosure relates to the sending of text messages that detail the alleged smear campaign against Sgt MCabe.
Traffic was at a "standstill" following a single-car collision on the M50 on Saturday morning.

The crash occurred between Junction 13 Sandyford and Junction 12 Firhouse.

One person was assessed by a paramedic at the scene and brought to hospital as a precaution, but gardai confirmed to Independent.ie that there were no injuries.

AA Roadwatch were reporting "major delays" in the area and said the hard shoulder was also affected by the incident.

The incident has since been cleared.

One report on social media described the traffic as being "at a standstill".

Emergency services including Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene of the collision.

Weather in the capital was extremely wet this morning with heavy and consistent rain showers.

AA Roadwatch are warning motorists about surface water and have pleaded with drivers to drive carefully.
The victim suffered serious head injuries after he was attacked at the junction of Lord Edward Street and Lower Careys Road, Limerick.

Gardai have arrested a man in his 30s in connection with the Limerick murder investigation.

Gardai are investigating the death of Gerard Freyne, following a fatal assault in Limerick on October 12.

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The incident took place at Lord Edward Street in Limerick at 7.45pm.

Mr Freyne was removed to hospital where he subsequently died from his injuries.

Gardai this morning arrested a 32-year-old man in Limerick in connection with the death.

The man is detained at Roxboro Road Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
A man has been rushed to hospital after being shot in West Dublin on Saturday night.

The victim, who is in his 30s, was injured in the attack on Cherry Orchard Court in Ballyfermot.

He was brought from the scene by ambulance to St James' Hospital where his injuries are described as not life threatening.

The attack happened at approximately 8.20pm.

In a statement gardai said: "Gardai from Ballyfermot are at the scene of a shooting incident at Cherry Orchard Court. The incident occurred at approximately 2020hrs.

"A male aged in his 30s injured in the incident has been taken by ambulance to St Jamess Hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

"The scene is preserved for a technical examination. No arrests have been made an enquiries are ongoing."

This is the second shooting to take place in the estate in the last year.

In May, Keith Murtagh (32) suffered a grazed arm when a gunman opened fire on a house in the estate.

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A woman, who was in the house at the time, also suffered minor injuries in the attack.

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Gardai believe that Murtagh was the intended target when a hitman shot dead innocent drug addict Martin ORourke last April.

It is not known if tonight's attack is connected to the shooting of Murtagh or any other previous Dublin shooting.

Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who was in the Cherry Orchard Court area at the time of tonight's incident or who may have information, to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station 01-6667200 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
hero rescuer, Davitt Walsh, who saved baby Rionaghac-Ann from drowning in the Buncrana pier tragedy that claimed five other lives has been awarded a gold medal for bravery at sea.

He was conferred with the Michael Heffernan Gold Medal for Marine Gallantry.

Road crash victim dies

Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the death of a 69-year-old woman who was struck by a car on Thursday morning.

The collision occurred on Grange Road, Donaghmede, on Thursday morning just after 10 o'clock.

The woman was brought to Beaumont Hospital with serious injuries and died yesterday evening.

Mahon to appeal

David Mahon (45) is set to bring an appeal against the severity of his seven-year sentence for killing his partner's son.

In June, Mahon, of Burnell Square, Northern Cross, on the Malahide Road, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Dean Fitzpatrick on May 26, 2013.

Crimecall assault case

A "talented musician" who handed himself in to gardai after his assault on a Croatian man was featured on RTE's CrimeCall will be sentenced early next year.

Bernard McDonagh (30) of Barn Lodge, Cappogue, Finglas, Dublin, pleaded guilty to punching the man, who fell to the ground and broke his jaw in two places.
The Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, Co Laois Photo: Collins

A prison officer was slashed with a homemade knife after coming to the rescue of an inmate during a revenge attack.

The attack took place shortly after 7pm at Portlaoise maximum security prison on Friday.

The brave officer came between a criminal carrying a shiv and his intended target during an altercation on the C2 landing.

The officer was slashed across the hands and lower arms while intervening in the attack.

It is understood the attacker targeted a fellow prisoner following accusations he had robbed his wheelchair-bound mother by holding a screwdriver to her throat.

Prison management were aware of the previous incident since the accused arrived on a transfer from Castlerea at lunchtime yesterday.

The prison officer is currently in hospital in Portlaoise receiving treatment.

Sources said the prisoner's life "was saved by the quick and brave actions of the officer".
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has condemned the hounding on social media of individuals from both sides of the Eighth Amendment debate.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Citizens Assembly in Dublin Castle today, the Taoiseach called on people to take time to reflect, before you react on internet sites.

Mr Kenny emphasised the importance of the Assembly being able to carry out their work with the necessary dignity, space and freedom.

Social media has the Assembly within the reach and the sights of those with deeply held views. Regrettably, we live in a time when an opposing view is no longer seen simply as a diverse opinion, or a topic worthy of debate, he said.

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Rather, we live in a time when diverse opinion has become something, or someone, to be pitied, to be ridiculed, and indeed, virtually hounded, he added.

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Addressing those who view the Citizens Assembly as a stalling tactic by the Government, the Taoiseach said abortion has divided Ireland in the past, and it is vital that the people be consulted on such a contentious matter.

Some people give out to me about having set up a Citizens Assembly, but Ive been to negotiations over the past few months, as you are aware, and I was told that I have to go back and consult with the people.

99 people from across Ireland have been randomly selected to represent the Assembly, which will examine potential changes to the following:

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Irelands abortion laws;

Fixed-term parliaments;

How referenda are held;

How Ireland is tackling climate change;

The response to challenges facing the ageing population.

The Assembly will be chaired by Supreme Court judge, Mary Laffoy.

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Justice Laffoy echoed Mr Kennys sentiments, warning that Any individual or organisation which attempts to contact a member of the Assembly will be automatically excluded, adding that they should be free to carry out their work without harassment or criticism.

One of the guest speakers, David Farrell, Professor of Politics at UCD, told members of the Assembly that while they have been established to discuss change, they are entitled to decide that no change is needed.

Following the speeches, members met in a private session to deliberate the rules and procedures to be followed by the Assembly going forward.

The Citizens Assembly will meet again on November 25th in the Grand Hotel in Malahide, at which time it will commence its consideration of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

A report will then be presented to a yet-to-be established cross-party Dail committee, who will make its own recommendations based on the Assemblys views.

These will subsequently be forwarded to the Dail and Seanad for a further vote in Autumn 2017/early 2018.

The Assembly has said that a recommendation and report on the Eighth Amendment will be submitted to the Oireachtas in the first half of 2017.
A short-stay visa waiver programme that allows certain non-EU nationals to travel from the UK into Ireland unimpeded has been extended.

Under the Programme, which was agreed in 2011, tourists or business people who have lawfully entered the UK, including Northern Ireland, on a valid UK visa will be able to travel on to the Republic without the need for an Irish visa.

The programme has now been extended for another five years until the end of October 2021.

"The scheme has been regarded by all tourism-promotion agencies as a success since its inception and has contributed to ongoing increases in tourism," a statement from the Department of Justice stated. "In this regard, it is noted that tourism figures have risen year on year, with Dublin Airport having its busiest year to date in 2015, with a record 25 million passengers travelling through the airport last year."

Meanwhile, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross, yesterday met with the CEO of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons, to assess the prospects for tourism in the context of Brexit.

"We are closely monitoring developments in the British outbound tourism market. As our closest neighbour and our largest source market for overseas visits, Britain will remain a priority market," Mr Ross said.

"In parallel with that, a review of new and developing tourism markets is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017."
An Irish Army corporal, who was seriously injured in a training parachute jump, is responding well to treatment.

The soldier, named locally as Paul Halpin, is understood to have suffered leg and head injures during a "hard landing" while undertaking a training exercise at Athlone's Custume Barracks at noon yesterday.

It is believed he hit a structure while coming in to land at Custume Barracks in the centre of Athlone.

An Army spokesperson said the soldier was very experienced in undertaking parachute jumps.

He was treated by a doctor before an air ambulance based in Athlone transferred him to Tallaght Hospital in Dublin.

Doctors had considered moving the soldier to Beaumont Hospital but he remained at Tallaght after he was found to be responding well to treatment.

A family open day is scheduled to take place at the barracks tomorrow.

One highlight of the event was advertised as a parachute display undertaken by the Defence Forces Black Knights parachute team.

Serving members and their families, Defence Forces veterans and all members of the public were invited to attend the event.

"Highlights will include weapons, vehicles and equipment displays from various corps of the Defence Forces," an advertisement for the event stated.

"The Army Band will provide music throughout the day," it said.

A Defence Forces spokesman has confirmed that the open day will proceed on Sunday.

The Irish Army has no specific parachute regiment.

However, it has a parachute club and hundreds of soldiers are trained to jump.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe spoke to the army's chief of staff about the incident yesterday evening.

"My thoughts are with the corporal and his family and I have asked for full details of what is a terrible incident," Mr Kehoe said.

Precautions

It is understood full safety precautions were in place.

The Army spokesperson said parachute jump accidents were extremely uncommon.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said it was unclear if it had a role in investigating the parachute incident.

However, the spokesperson said that they would be able to confirm if they do by Monday.
A farmer has died in what is thought to have been a slurry-related accident on a farm at Coagh in Co Tyrone.

The accident happened yesterday evening around 5pm.

The man who died has been named locally as farmer Alastair Sloss, of Ruskey Road in the village. It is believed he died at the scene.

Local DUP representative Keith Buchanan last night expressed his sympathies to the grieving family

The Mid Ulster MLA said: "This is another tragic loss within the farming community.

"It once again reminds us all of the dangers associated with slurry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at the time of such devastating loss.

"I would also urge everyone working on farms to follow all recommended safety procedures, particularly when working with slurry."

Mr Buchanan also revealed that there was pressure on farmers to finish their slurry spreading to meet today's government deadline.

The MLA said: "Farmers are very aware that the closed period for slurry spreading is due to commence at midnight on October 15.

"The Agriculture Minister has said however that farmers are able to put a case forward in exceptional circumstances to spread slurry beyond the closed period."

The chairman of Mid Ulster Council, Trevor Wilson, said his heart went out to the bereaved family. "This is a terrible tragedy," the Cookstown councillor added.

"The family will be in all our thoughts and prayers after this dreadful event."

Ulster Unionist MLA for Mid Ulster Sandra Overend also expressed her sadness on hearing the news.

Mrs Overend said: "To hear of another local farming accident brings a clench to my stomach. I was so saddened to hear of the tragic death of Alistair Sloss yesterday evening and I immediately thought of his family who are suffering their greatest sadness; my heart goes out to them.

"The slurry spreading season, which is now concluding, brings a stressful time for farmers, juggling responsibilities, tending to animals and preparing the land. It is just terrible that this tragedy has happened and another farming family is grieving as a result. My thoughts and prayers are with them."

News of yesterday's tragic death in Coagh comes just days after a Co Fermanagh farmer was lucky to escape with his life while mixing slurry.

Five cows died during the incident at Letterbreen on Tuesday.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Tom Elliott said: "I am a farmer myself, I know that farmers all over the country are under pressure at the moment.

"This is no doubt a traumatic time for the farmer and his family. There could have been a tragedy on our doorstep."

Earlier this week, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland called on farmers to make sure to take extra care while mixing slurry.

"At certain concentrations, just one breath can kill," a HSE spokesman warned. "Do not take any chances when mixing slurry. Your life may depend on it."

Between 2000 and May 2015, 11 farm deaths were caused by slurry.

It is understood that the Health a Safety Executive is investigating the incident which claimed Mr Sloss's life.

In a statement issued following yesterday's Coagh tragedy, the HSE said its "deepest sympathies are with the man's family at this most difficult time".
TV3 presenter Vincent Browne has been banned from driving for six months after clocking up too many penalty points.

Over a three-year period, Browne has reached the maximum allowance of penalty points for offences such as speeding and using a mobile phone while driving.

I believe I thoroughly deserved disqualification from driving for six months from the 5th of September last, he told The Irish Daily Star.

The veteran broadcaster will not have to appear before a court unless he decides to appeal the ban.

It is not the first time Browne has been in trouble for motoring offences.

In 2014, he appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court after being fined 100 for using his phone while driving back in December 2013.

During the hearing, Judge Hugh ODonnell advised the broadcaster to invest in a hands-free kit for his car.

I already have, he replied.
Malak Thawley with her American husband Alan. The couple had been living in Ireland for three years when she died

A grieving husband whose pregnant wife died during a "simple procedure" at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street has spoken of his struggle to cope since her tragic death.

Alan Thawley, whose wife Malak died at the hospital in May, has revealed his agonising distress as an internal hospital report into the case criticised the standard of care she was given.

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"My wife, my pregnant wife, my best friend died," he said, reliving his darkest day. "This perfectly healthy beautiful woman just died. No warning."

Mrs Thawley (34) was admitted to the hospital for an emergency keyhole operation after she was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy.

The internal hospital report found one of her main blood vessels was accidentally torn during the procedure, and there was a lack of experience in recognising and managing the tear.

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There was also inadequate communication between the medical team and a delay in decision-making. It meant that valuable time was lost in responding to the emergency and the resuscitation of the patient.

Mrs Thawley was in the early stages of pregnancy when a private scan on May 8 discovered it was ectopic, which meant the baby was developing outside the womb and putting her at risk.

The couple were living in Dublin, where Mr Thawley, who is from the US, is employed.

Mr Thawley was reassured the surgery was a simple procedure and that it would take just 45 minutes - but he endured hours of torment as doctors fought to save his wife, he told RTE News.

"I was told by hospital staff to relax. You will be seeing her in 45 minutes." But he never saw her alive again.

He recalled getting "cryptic messages" from nurses who tried to reassure him during the frantic attempt to save his wife's life.

Her surgery began at 4.38pm and Mr Thawley was told the devastating news of her death at 8.15pm.

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Doctors who sat with him asked if there was anyone to call to accompany him home but he said there was nobody.

One of the doctors personally drove him home and gave him their mobile phone number.

Mr Thawley, who has received strong legal support, revealed he is battling to cope without his wife since losing her.

His solicitor, Caoimhe Haughey, last night criticised the decision to add Mr Thawley's response to the investigation team as a "footnote" in the report. She said he had told of how distressed and disturbed he was after getting a draft version of the document.

The hospital has apologised to Mrs Thawley's family and vowed to follow up on the report's recommendations.

It calls for a full review of how keyhole surgery is performed at the hospital, and recommends an education programme for staff on the recognition of an acutely collapsed patient under anaesthesia.

A spokesman for Holles Street last night said a coroner's inquest into the case is expected to begin soon and would allow "the facts of this tragic case to be examined in public".
A fountain to quench the thirst of walkers on the Cammino di San Tommaso has opened in Abruzzo, in central Italy.

This little gem provides hikers not with water - but revitalising wine.

What's more, the fontana del vino in Caldari di Ortona is both free and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Created by the local Dora Sarchese vineyard, the fountain will pour red wine for the thousands of tourists and pilgrims who make the journey from Rome to Ortona to visit the citys cathedral where the remains of Thomas, one of Jesus disciples, are kept.

Ortona is a 2.5-hour drive from Bari, to which Ryanair flies from Dublin, and roughly the same distance, cross-country, from Rome.

The fountain, a joint project between Dora Sarchese and the organisation in charge of maintaining and promoting the Cammino di San Tommaso, a popular pilgrimage route, is believed to be the first in Italy to be open all the time.

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Similar attractions have previously been used as one-off set ups to celebrate events and festivals... just not 24/7.

A post on the vineyards Facebook page said the Fountain of Wine is a welcome, the Fountain of Wine is poetry before adding that it was not for the use of drunkards or louts.

The Fountain of Wine is a gift for the Cammino di San Tommaso in which we believe so much and that in this way we want to help to grow, it said, slightly confusingly.

The Fountain of Wine is not the Trevi Fountain, not spilling wine all the time.

Perhaps Italys most famous wine fountain is that in the centre of Marino, from which wine flows during the annual Grape Festival. In 2008, however, a plumbing error meant that instead of wine coming forth from the fountain, it was re-routed to residents.

Mayor Adriano Palozzi said at the time: "Due to a technical error, instead of connecting wine to the fountains, we accidentally channelled it into some local homes.

"Apparently the people living around the square who got the wine coming out of their taps were very surprised, they thought that it might be some kind of present from the local council. It only lasted three minutes, we corrected it straight away."

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Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Secondary teachers could be facing heavy financial losses as they kick off a wave of industrial action that will close hundreds of schools.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) announced a series of strike dates that will cause chaos in the education system within weeks.

More than half the country's second-level schools are now facing effective closure from Thursday, October 27, in the row over pay.

The Department of Education could not confirm last night that members of the ASTI would continue to be paid if they withdrew from supervision and substitution work.

The looming chaos follows overwhelming support for action on two fronts by members of the 18,000-strong union, arising from its rejection of the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), which has started the process of restoring pay cuts imposed during the austerity era.

The ASTI has announced a plan of stoppages designed to cause chaos in the education system in pursuit of full and immediate restoration of those cuts.

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The teachers' union is planning for seven one-day strikes, starting October 27, linked to its demand for pay equality for newly qualified teachers.

The union has also announced withdrawal from supervision and substitution duties from Monday, November 7, which is likely to close about 450 schools indefinitely.

What it boils down to is that after the first strike day on October 27, schools would open again on Friday, October 28, and then close later that day for the week-long mid-term break.

Schools are due to reopen on Monday, November 7, when the withdrawal from substitution duties will take place.

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But the November 7 deadline gives school managers insufficient time to put together a contingency plan involving external supervisors, who would be needed if teachers stopped doing this work.

Schools would have to close on health and safety grounds, because of lack of cover for break times and absent teachers.

The union has rebuffed a request from the Department of Education to give longer notice of any withdrawal from supervision and substitution to allow for the recruitment and vetting of external supervisors.

The one-day strike dates include: Thursday, October 27; Tuesday, November 8; Wednesday, November 16; Thursday, November 24; Tuesday, November 29; Tuesday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 7.

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But lack of supervision and substitution cover from November 7 is likely to mean that schools will be closed anyway by the time the second one-day strike is due on November 8.

If schools cannot organise cover, it means they cannot reopen after the mid-term break.

School leaders have confirmed that they need a lot longer than three weeks to put contingency arrangements in place.

Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools general secretary Eileen Salmon said they would be advertising for supervisors next week, but it would take until the end of November to complete the process.

"Schools will want to stay open, but realistically it will be the third week in November before we can have external supervisors recruited and vetted," she said.

While ASTI members would be available for other work, including their core duty of teaching, the question arises as to whether they would get paid if they are not doing supervision and substitution, which the department deems to be part of their contract.

The department could not confirm to the Irish Independent last night that they would remain on the payroll in those circumstances.

The ASTI says their members should no longer have to do the supervision and substitution work because they rejected the LRA.

The strong mandates delivered by ASTI members for industrial action are believed to be as much, if not more, to do with a desire to bring matters to a head rather than a widespread sense of militancy.

The ASTI has been in ongoing dispute with the Government since 2012 over junior cycle reform, which is still unresolved, and the rows over pay have come on top of that.

There are strong indications that many rank-and-file members, exasperated at the "no settlement" stance being an influential wing in the union leadership, believe the scale of disruption threatened will force hands.

ASTI president Ed Byrne said "teachers are reluctant to take industrial action or to interrupt the running of schools in any way. However, we have flagged our serious issues well in advance and remain available and committed to a resolution through talks without pre-conditions."

Education Minister Richard Bruton (below left) reacted with "disappointment" to the ASTI announcement.

Mr Bruton has invited union leaders to a meeting next week to discuss the issue.

The other two teacher unions, the TUI and the INTO, have both accepted the LRA.

Mr Bruton has said full pay restoration now was "untenable" because the knock-on cost across the public service would be 2.3bn, representing the entire amount available in the Budget for this year and next.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he hoped there would be some agreement.
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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.
For the past two weeks I've been opening the same the envelope every day, frowning at its contents and returning it to my in-tray. No, it's not a bill. It's my absentee ballot for the US election, requested months ago on the basis of my dual US-Irish citizenship. This is the first US presidential election in which I'm eligible to vote, so the arrival of the envelope from the Maryland State Board of Elections sent a tingle up my spine. For years, as an observer, I have watched this elaborate system of choosing a president. This time I get to play a tiny part.

But that's where my excitement ends. You think it'd be easy to just tick a box and mail it back. But each time I've tried to fill out the ballot, I've cast it aside to ruminate further on what's happening to America.

Firstly, the conduct of this election from the start - by the candidates, as well as the media - has severely damaged the dignity of the office of president. Sidelining discussion of tough policy issues in favour of discussing past indiscretions, vulgar sexual banter, lost e-mails, claims of sex assault and now cat GIFs has devalued the job. Instead of choosing a guiding hand for America, this feels more like selecting the first supreme leader of the Kardashian era.

Secondly, I still know some normally sane people, men and women, who will hang in with Trump to the bitter end. Some of them cite his plan to control taxes, trade and immigration. Others are sickened by Trump's alleged misconduct, yet remain convinced the US cannot survive if it doesn't change political course. They insist that voting for an establishment presidency is akin to standing on the sidelines while America goes to hell in a handbasket.

So it's with a pang of anxiety that I re-open my ballot and try again.

Donald Trump and his Republican running mate Mike Pence occupy the coveted spot at the top of the ballot paper. Underneath them are Democrat Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine. Next comes Libertarian Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, followed by Green Party candidate Jill Stein and her vice presidential pick Ajamu Baraka. There's also a blank space for a write-in candidate, where voters can enter anyone.

As I mourn the dwindling possibility of a last-minute white knight entering the race, I again look for a diversion. Handily, this comes in the form of instructions showing how to cast my vote. There is a small oval to be filled in, which leaves adequate room for trouble. Specifically, the instructions say to blacken the oval "completely" and not make any marks outside it.

But as much as I agonise over America's future, the truth is my vote has already been cast for me. Because I'm a registered voter in Maryland - an overwhelmingly Democratic state - all 10 of Maryland's electoral votes are guaranteed to go to Clinton. Except in Maine and Nebraska, it's winner takes all for each of the other 48 states in the electoral college process. In fact, everything boils down to electoral college mathematics, and the candidate who wins an absolute majority of state electoral votes prevails. So if you're a Clinton supporter in the heavily red state of Kentucky, your state's entire vote is going to Trump whether you like it or not. Similarly, diehard Republicans in California can vote as early and often as they like for Trump, but Clinton will haul away all 55 electoral college votes in this Democrat stronghold.

As always, the final result depends on a handful of states switching colour. Swing states where every single ballot will matter are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, South Carolina, Nevada and Colorado. Since Trump's "locker-room banter" upended his campaign in a classic October surprise, Clinton has shot ahead in several swing states, and there's talk that she could win the electoral college in a landslide.

Yet I still delay. I wonder what now for America if Trump bombs and demolishes the GOP in the process. How will tens of millions of Americans accept losing to Hillary Clinton, who they loathe? Trump is already promoting the notion of a stolen election and painting Clinton as an illegitimate president. Accepting the likelihood that neither candidate will be able to make post-election peace with the opposing side, there can be no good outcome. America will remain hopelessly divided over war, security, climate and much else.

If I don't hurry up, the whole thing could be over before I cast my vote. But of course there's always next week's final debate. With fresh allegations hurtling around both camps, it will be a barn-burner.

Either by early voting or absentee ballot, one-third of the electorate will have voted before November 8. But as I blacken my oval, taking care not to go outside the lines, I can't help wondering if one more vote in this unseemly circus will change anything for the better.

Carole Coleman is a former RTE Washington Correspondent
As someone who so recently campaigned vigorously for equality in the marriage referendum, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone is now presiding over a huge inequality - the widening of the gap between working parents and those who choose to stay at home to care for their children.

With her "universal" childcare provision in the budget, Ms Zappone will make it yet more difficult financially for a family to choose childcare by a parent or family member. There seems to be some assumption that all stay-at-home parents are either doing so against their wills, as they just can't afford to work; or that they are so super wealthy that they don't need to work, and spend their days relaxing.

The reality is that many have chosen to step away from work to be at home to care for their own children, as they feel it is important for their families and beneficial for their children. Many more parents who work outside the home would love the opportunity to be stay-at-home parents, if only they could afford to do so.

As a stay-at-home parent, I don't want or expect to be paid for my work as a childcare provider - I have chosen to forego my salary in order to care for my children. I do, however, want to see an end to the clear discrimination that already exists in the tax system against one-income households with a parent at home - discrimination which is now being increased further with this new subsidy. The paltry increase of 100 in the home carers' tax credit goes nowhere near addressing this inequality.

Comments by the Taoiseach that "if the State wishes to subsidise children's care, we need to know where the children are and who their childminders are" are insulting in the extreme to stay-at-home parents and family carers.

Are parent or family childcare providers only valued once they have completed childcare qualifications and registered with Tusla? Should we be subject to Tusla inspections in our own homes? Can we not be trusted to care for our own children?

Stay-at-home parents may not contribute much to the economy in taxes (though many have contributed plenty in prior employments), but the value to our children, our communities and society at large is something that cannot be given a monetary value.

It is time that Ms Zappone and this Government woke up to that fact, and rectified this inequality.

Elaine Noonan, Glenageary, Co Dublin

Working parents need subsidy

Today, I heard a woman bemoaning the fact that stay-at-home mothers were discriminated against in the Budget because they are not in the workforce outside the home.

There were articles in many of the papers supporting this view. Those who work will have their childcare subsidised. Stay-at-home mothers should equally be compensated for their sacrifices,they feel.

This poses a conundrum. Those women who are in employment come home every evening and start a full day's work of cooking, cleaning, ironing and childcare routines. In fact, exactly what the others do in a full day.

So, therefore, if the latter group gets a subsidy for that, shouldn't the former get a double subsidy for managing two jobs in one day?

Common sense has gone out the window when this is the cry from people, most of whom make a conscious choice to stay at home full time and look after their children.

They don't have creche costs and have much more leisure time and opportunities to educate and socialise their children as they see fit.

The cost of living is too high in this country and every effort should be made to make things easier for people. Childcare costs is one of those areas that can cripple working parents and prevent women, especially, from returning to the workforce, as is their right should they so wish.

In an ideal world, the government of the day would give us all a big subsidy every year just for being alive. In the real world we just have to get on with it and be grateful for what we have.

Mary Cleary, Dublin 24

Noonan and accountability

Finance Minister Michael Noonan's refusal to engage in a one-to-one debate with Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty on Monday night's 'Prime Time' is disturbing to all those who value accountability and meaningful opposition in Irish politics.

In a healthy democracy, it should not be the ruling Government's prerogative to select its opposition, whether that be in our parliament, or on our national broadcaster.

Noreen Breen, Templeogue, Dublin 6W

Politicians have betrayed the young

I fully agree with columnist Lorraine Courtney (Irish Independent, October 13)that our Government failed to adequately address the plight of young adults in Budget 2017.

I would put it more strongly than that and say that they have been betrayed by successive governments since 2008.

The financial burden placed on their shoulders, exacerbated by a fall in their income is a travesty of justice. Our young people are our future and our politicians - though they give lip service to the contrary - are unperturbed by our youth having to leave our shores because they can't afford to live here. Once again, an opportunity to make significant changes in their favour, such as raising the threshold for the higher rate of tax, was not taken in the Budget. Some effort was made to address childcare but it is such a paltry sum for people with so many bills to pay.

To add insult to injury, the necessities of life were subject to charges, eg water and house charges. It must surely be a contravention of the principles of a Republic that such charges are not paid for out of general taxation.

As we lurch from crisis to crisis, our lovely country seems to have lost its way.

Mary O'Donovan, Limerick

Don't defer to UK over Brexit

Brendan Keenan's prescription for Brexit is far too deferential towards the British (Irish Independent, October 12).

There is no need to meet British interests half way, because the reinstatement of a hard border in any event would break an Inter-Governmental Treaty (Belfast 1998).

North and South voted "Remain" and therefore the DUP/Conservative axis must be challenged head on. Partition has strangled Ireland for nearly a century - now is the time for reunification.

John Bradbury, Manchester, United Kingdom

Bob's blowin' in the wind

Was Bob Dylan ashamed of his name and his place? Did he beg, steal and borrow? Did he become as commercial as McDonalds? Will the guffers, some of them bluffers, always come to his aid? And they gave him the Nobel Prize for Literature - the times they ain't a-changin' at all.

Joseph Mackey, Athlone, Co Westmeath

When Bob Dylan was asked what his songs were all about, the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature replied: "They're all about three minutes."

Dr John Doherty, Ard Chondai, Co Dhun na nGall
On Saturday night I headed for the Cooley Kickhams Clubrooms for a rather special '80s disco being run as a fundraiser or the club. This saw the only night that well-known local celebrity and one-time DJ Mickey 'Dynamo Disco' Duffy come out of retirement specially for the fundraiser for the club and the place was packed with nostalgia filled revellers.

I was only in the door when I met up with club's chairman, vice chair and assistant treasurer Adrian Sheelan from Rathcor, Sean Marks from Ballagan and Martin Rice from Rathcor who told me this was their second year running the event and if it was half the craic was the previous year, they were in for an excellent night!

Next I got talking to Andy Bradley from Racecourse Road and Marie Sheelan from Carlingford who told me they were really looking forward to a great night.

Extremely busy on the night were James Loughran from Ballagan, Peter Thornton from Muchgrange and Joanne Reilly from Cooley who all play with the club and were on hand to work behind the bar to quench the 80s clubbers thirsts.

I then caught up with the legend that is Michael Duffy who told me that his DJ setup is actually the one he built himself in his teens in the 70s complete with Fal lights and the unique Dynamo Disco frontage. He said that Ciaran Gormley was the one responsible for getting him to come out of retirement last year to do the fundraiser and it was that good, he asked if he'd return this year and he agreed!

I then headed over for a chat with John Tasker from Mountpleasant who was with Pauline Malone from Rathcor who assured me they were too young to remember any of these tunes and it would be a quiet night for them.

Not too far away I then had the pleasure of meeting up with Kate Gilmore from Grange who was with Kim Craig from Belfast who were described to me as "naughty girls who were far, far, far too young to remember any of these songs"!

After this I headed over for a chat with Cormac and Marguerite Gormley from Ballynamoney who were there with Donald and Anne McDonald from Rathcor and Donald was sporting his AC/DC t-shirt and told me it was going to be an epic night.

Just arrived in was Frances D'Arcy from Bay Estate who was with her sister Carol Sheelan from Rathcor. Frances was in rare form and was looking fantastic in her 80s dress and told me the night was well worth the 10 admission fee!

I then headed over to a table where some the Setanta Triathlon Club were sitting and there I met up with John McDonnell from Clonmel, Debbie Lundy from Blackrock, Peter Reilly from Cavan, Anne Burke from Carlingford, Fergal and Geraldine Cunningham from Cooley who were up for making a great night of it.

Not too far away I then got talking to Colette and Peadar Sheelan from Rathcor who were with Margaret Sheelan from Irishgrange who were definitely up for making it a real night to remember.

I then headed over for a chat with Marcella Murphy from Castleblaney who was with Paul McKevitt from Cooley who told me they were there last year it was a brilliant night and they were back for more!

Just arrived in their Mod outfits were Robbie and Aoife Coan originally from Dublin but now hanging their porkpie hats in Whitestown who were waiting for a brilliant night unfold along with Irene and Aidan Malone from Templetown, with Irene sporting her 80s shoulder pads, Stephanie Malone from Templetown and Sandra Gormley from Rathcor who were ready to party the night away.

Finally, before I departed, I caught up with Dave and Anne Hughes from Baltrasna and Anne Marchat from Monksland who were getting ready to party in an 8os style all night long!
Horseware Ireland have been very generous in supporting ISPCA in recent years by donating a large quantity of their equine rugs for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys

Dundalk company Horseware Ireland have been very generous in supporting the ISPCA over the past number of years by donating a large quantity of equine rugs for the rescued horses, ponies and donkeys enhancing their rehabilitation prior to being responsibly rehomed.

During a recent visit to the ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow, Co Cork, Horseware Ireland were able to see first-hand how their generous donation is benefiting the many rescued equines ensuring they will be extra warm and dry this winter.

Tom MacGuinness, Managing Director at Horseware said: 'Horseware's driving motivation is to make life easier for horse and rider. Over the past 30 years, that mission has driven us to create many discoveries that have improved the lives of millions of horses worldwide, allowing them to be more comfortable, improved their well-being and led happier lives.

'Through programmes such as our Rambo Trade In programme, we have been able to make many hundreds of rugs available to horses in need. Horseware is pleased to support the ISPCA, we are delighted to celebrate World Animal Welfare week, and look forward to working with ISPCA for many years to come'.

ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said: 'The ISPCA is proud to continue our strong partnership with Horseware Ireland enabling us to continue our vital work rescuing and rehabilitating Ireland's most cruelly treated, neglected and abused equines.

'This donation makes a real difference to the equines rescued from neglectful circumstances. The ISPCA is delighted to receive such high quality equine rugs and even more grateful will be the animals that benefit from the generosity of Horseware Ireland'.

Gift in kind donations like this are very welcome at the ISPCA helping them to manage their costs to help the animals who need them the most. By donating items like equine rugs, good quality hay, wood shavings, animal feed, veterinary supplies or even tea for our hardworking Inspectors and volunteers to nominating the ISPCA as your charity of the year 2017, you will be helping us to continue our work with vulnerable animals.

Horseware started with a small team, in Dundalk, in 1985. Founded by Tom and Carol MacGuinness, their determination to produce a rug that didn't leak, didn't make the horse sweat and didn't slip led to the creation of the first fully waterproof and breathable turnout that really worked.

Today, their Rambo range is still made in the same town and they are constantly striving to produce the best we can and have grown into a leading manufacturer of clothing for horses and riders. They say they never stop evolving; we're always seeking out untrodden paths, pushing boundaries and finding new challenges, using innovation to make a difference to horses and those who look after them.

For more visit www.ispca.ie.
A group of top French journalists, writing for eleven different print and online publications, has been exploring Louth and Ireland's Ancient East, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland.

The journalists, whose publications have a combined circulation of more than two million readers, stayed in Carlingford as part of their visit to Dublin, and Louth.

After checking out Dublin's rich history and heritage, they travelled to Drogheda where they enjoyed a tour of Beaulieu House and a walking tour of the Boyneside town, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Scholars Townhouse.

The next day, they visited Monasterboice, explored the village of Carlingford and stayed in Ghan House.

Monica MacLaverty, Tourism Ireland's Head of Southern Europe, said: 'Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of influential journalists to visit Ireland's Ancient East - helping us to spread the good news about this part of Ireland to prospective French visitors.'

'France is one of our top four markets for tourism to the island of Ireland and we have seen very good growth in French visitor numbers so far again this year, with the most recent CSO figures for June-August showing growth of +7.3% - an extra 12,400 French visitors compared with the same three-month period in 2015.' And it's hoped there will be more French visitors this autumn,
Edward is an adorable puppy: he's five months old, at that gawky stage of having a puppy's playful mind in the body of a young adult dog. Edward accompanied me last week on Irish breakfast television to highlight an important issue: puppy smuggling.

Edward is now blessed with a lovely home, living with a family who dote on him. But his life didn't start out that way. He was bred by somebody who planned to use him to make a significant amount of cash. He was one of a group of twenty young puppies who were found crammed into the boot of a car in Cairnryan ferry port in Scotland in July. The puppies were all too young to travel, were not accompanied by pet passports and, although microchipped, they had not been registered. The puppies were seized by the Scottish SPCA and returned to Ireland. The rescued puppies, aged from 4 - 8 weeks old, including Shih Tzu's, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs and Cocker Spaniels, all classic "on trend" breeds of dog that are much in demand. They were transported to the ISPCA's National Animal Centre in Longford, where they were given all of the treatment they needed to ensure that they had a good start in life. They were then successfully rehomed.

Edward's story has a happy ending, but it rarely works out like this for smuggled puppies. Some of them die in transit, and the rest are sold for cash. They are treated as money-making commodities rather than sentient, living creatures. The people who buy them don't realise their origins, and after the stress they've been through, the pups are far more likely to fall ill, to develop behavioural problems and to have a range of long term issues.

Every year, tens of thousands of under-age, unvaccinated, undocumented puppies are smuggled out of Ireland. It's a tax-avoiding, heartless trade, but it's now on the radar of the officials charged with controlling cross-border transfer of dogs. There are now serious EU-imposed controls on the export of dogs to the UK, with rules affecting pet dogs, and different rules for puppies destined for selling to new homes. Puppy smugglers try to dodge these rules, but the regulatory bodies are now on to their case, and there have been a high number of seizures of puppies at ports in recent months. It's now getting so difficult to smuggle dogs that hopefully people will be deterred from trying, so that the problem will ease.

What are the rules for pets and for dogs that are planned to be sold in the UK?

It's simpler for pet owners. All pet dogs must be microchipped, they need to have a pet passport (obtained from their local vet), and they must be given a rabies vaccination three weeks before travelling to the UK. The rabies vaccine lasts for three years, so for regular travellers, this is not an onerous demand.

The rules are stricter for dogs and puppies that are destined to be passed on to new homes in the UK

There is a specific European Directive - known as the Balai Directive - that governs the cross border transport of all dogs other than personal pets. Any dogs being exported for commercial purposes (e.g. any puppy to be sold or rehomed) must comply with Balai Directive, which has been in place for two years. This applies as much as dogs travelling from France to Germany, or the Netherlands to Belgium, as much as it does between Ireland and the UK. It's been introduced as a way of regulating trade in living animals. Other animals - such as farm animals - are equally tightly controlled for cross-border trade.

The Balai Directive lays down strict rules for puppies and dogs that are crossing borders. They need to be microchipped, registered and vaccinated against rabies three weeks before travel. Critically, they have to be at least twelve weeks old on the date of travel (In fact, since the rabies vaccine cannot be given earlier than twelve weeks of age, no puppy is allowed to travel before it's 15 weeks old ). Additionally, all pups and dogs have to be health checked by a vet within two days of the date of transport, and they must have a certificate stating this. The premises where the dogs begin their journey must be registered and approved by the authorities in the exporting country as "Balai compliant premises", and they can only be transported in a "Type Two Transporter": this is a vehicle that has been formally registered for transporting dogs

These rules involves a significant financial cost, and that's why so many people try to smuggle puppies out, in car boots and vans. Authorities in both the UK and Ireland have begun to crack down on the ferry port routes - often from the Republic via Northern Ireland and on to Scotland - used to transport pups. International, multi-agency action is clamping down on puppy smugglers.

"Operation Delphin" is a joint operation by animal protection officers in Scotland and Ireland (SSPCA, RSPCA, ISPCA, DSPCA) as well as customs, Revenue Commissioners, ferry operators and other UK and Irish authorities. They have been using intelligence gained from observing people selling puppies in the UK to target vehicles and individuals at ports.

So here's the good news: at last, the puppy smugglers are losing the battle.
A Dundalk school are hosting a 'Rise and Shine' breakfast club for Childline as part of Cheerios Childline Breakfast week

This year's Cheerios Childline Breakfast takes place from October 17th-21st, when people around Ireland are encouraged to host or attend a breakfast in aid of Childline, or make a donation by text.

St Joseph's N.S Breakfast Club has organised a breakfast in Dundalk to raise funds for the campaign and are busy getting ready for the event.

As Ireland's only 24-hour service for Children, ISPCC Childline believes that every child, every morning, deserves to Rise and Shine. Funds raised through Cheerios Childline Breakfast helps ensure Childine is there for children, every day - and night.

Childline answers over 1,000 calls from children all over Ireland, every single day, and night.

Children call Childline to talk about everything from everyday troubles to major life issues, with thousands of calls every year from children experiencing issues such as loneliness, isolation, bullying, distress and abuse.

Last year, Childline answered 421,672 calls to the phone service and 18,304 conversations to its Childline online service options.

Over the past ten years the Cheerios Childline Breakfast has become one of the biggest fundraisers for Childline, with last year's event raising over 230,000 for the service.

Grainia Long, CEO of the ISPCC said: 'Children value Childline, because Childline values them, respects their rights as individuals and provides a forum for children to talk about any issue that they wish.'

'We would like to thank the creches, schools and organisations all across the country for taking part in Cheerios Childline Breakfast.'

Tess Hughes from St Joseph's NS Breakfast Club said: 'We are delighted to be taking part in the Cheerios Childline Breakfast Week.'

She added: 'As well as raising funds for much-needed support at Childline, it is a great morning for the children with everyone getting involved. Thanks to all of our staff for providing their time and energy for such a great cause.

We would encourage creches and workplaces all across County Louth to get involved in this amazing fundraiser.'

To be part of Cheerios Childline Breakfast log onto www.childlinebreakfast.ie, call 1850 50 40 50 or email breakfast@ispcc.ie.

A registration pack comprising of posters, money box and information on the event will be sent out to those wishing to host a breakfast.
Big changes are taking place at St Joseph's National School with the official opening of the refurbished building and the news that principal Marcella O Conluain is retiring at Christmas.

Marcella, who has taught in the school since 1980, oversaw the 4.8million refurbishment of the school which has its official blessing and opening on Friday October 21.

'This is a major event in the life of the school and we are delighted that Archbishop Eamon Martin will be blessing the school after celebrating Mass in the Holy Family Church while the well-known children's author Martina Conlon McKenna will be cutting the ribbon.
Stephenstown pond will celebrate a 'Witches Supper' for Halloween, a spooky magical event from 4p.m to 5.30pm on October 28th

All monies raised at this event will go directly towards the purchase and installation of new playground equipment at the children's playground. Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Tickets 8 from the Dairy Maid coffee shop.
The second week of the RTE show Painting the Nation saw the six remaining amateur artists being challenged to capture the beauty of Carlingford in water colours.

Having survived the first week when they were located at Powerscourt in Co Wicklow, Sunday's episode saw them travelling north to Carlingford, with impressive views of the village nestling between the mountains and lough.

And they weren't just asked to capture the scene which songwriter Percy French to wax lyrical about where 'the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea,' but they had a tasty subject to tackle for the warm-up challenge.

They were asked to paint a still life of Carlingford fish, chips and mushy peas, with ketchup and vinegar!

With easels set up in the stunning location of Wood Quay on the harbour edge, the artists' jaws dropped when they lifted the covers on the tables in front of them to reveal the traditional fish supper!

Next the painters moved on to the Exhibition Challenge, after which the judges decided which painters go onto the next heat, and which painter had leave the competition. For this they had to paint a view of Carlingford Lough in watercolour and again against the clock.

The show is hosted by actress Pauline McLynn and the amateur artists, who were selected from hundreds of hopefuls from across Ireland have to impress the judges, professional artists Una Sealy and Gabhann Dunne, as they travel to different locations each week.
Mock customs checkpoints were posted at Carrickarnon on Saturday as part of the Border Communities Against Brexit protest

It was one of a number of protest events along the border during a day of action against Brexit last weekend.

But the protest at Carrickarnon became the high profile event of the day, garnering headlines across the country as it captured the fears of a return to the 'hard border' similar to those in the 1970s and 80s between Dundalk and Newry.

With up to 1,000 people from both sides of the border joining the protest on Saturday last, mock customs checkpoints were set up to highlight how border controls were previously imposed.

Declan Fearon from the group 'Border Communities Against Brexit' which organised the protests from Dundalk to Derry and Donegal told the Argus:

'We held this day of action really to stand up against any plans for border controls. This cannot be allowed to happen.'

He said the events were aimed at highlighted to the British Government how the majority of people in Northern Ireland has voted to remain within the EU, and the

Speakers, who included Paddy Malone from Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, raised the concerns of both residents, workers and businesspeople who work and live along the border.

The protest highlighted the impact border controls would economically on the border counties, and especially for those who depend on cross border movement for their livelihood.

'There are 40,000 people who cross the border every day,' added Declan 'People for whom, the free movement north and south is a essential.'

He welcomed the fact that politicians from parties both north and south attended the protests to express their own support.

Meanwhile, there was a glimmer of hope yesterday (Monday) that the UK are seeking to avoid introducing a hard border when the Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said that Britain wants to maintain the common travel area between Ireland and the UK in the wake of the Brexit vote.

It would mean, he said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper that external borders would need to be strengthened to avoid illegal migration into the UK.

These tougher measures at ports and entry points would include those in Ireland if the common travel is maintained.

'We have put in place a range of measures to further combat illegal migration working closely with the Irish government,' Brokenshire said according to the newspaper.

'Our focus is to strengthen the external border of the common travel area, building on the strong collaboration with our Irish partners,' said the N.I secretary, giving the strongest indication yet that a hard border could be avoided.
A man who admitted a number of offences including having more than 400 worth of cannabis, found during the search of an address in which 25,000 cash was also found, had his cases adjourned for probation and community service reports last week.

Christopher Sherry, (29), whose address was given as 48 Quay Street, pleaded guilty to a range of offences. Judge Flann Brennan heard how on April 23 2014, Gardai with a search warrant went to an address at Barrack Street and found cannabis, estimated to be worth 439.

In addition, 25,000 was also found, along with 2506 and a number of mobile phones. Sherry admitted the cannabis was his and claimed it was for his own personal use and denied it was for sale or supply.

Gardai said that analysis of his phones 'indicated something different'.

A couple of months later, on August 18, Gardai on patrol in Drogheda were told about a man who had left Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital but still required treatment. It was Sherry and Gardai were told his family were also looking for him.

They came across Sherry in a field, along with his brother, Gerard, and they managed to coax him out of the field and were convincing him to go back to hospital when the defendant tried to run away.

Gardai stopped him and Sherry hit an officer a number of times in the face. The Garda ended up having to go to hospital himself to get treatment for eye and jaw injuries. Gardai said Gerard Sherry was trying to help them when his brother was lashing out.

On February 20 2015, Gardai on patrol spotted Sherry causing a disturbance at Quay Street. He took an iron railing from a fence outside the house and started swinging at Gardai, telling one of them he was 'going to leave him on his back'. He managed to run off.

Around two weeks later, on March 7, Gardai clocked Sherry in a Toyota Avensis going at 153kmph on the M1 at Rathmullen. They followed him and while he stopped, he took off again and went off the motorway at junction 15 in a dangerous manner.

He crashed a short distance from the junction as Gardai caught up with him after he lost control of the vehicle. He had no licence or insurance.

Sherry has 26 previous convictions, including eight for having drugs and one for having drugs for sale or supply, had been banned from driving for ten years in 2013.

Solicitor Eleanor Kelly said her client 'is well aware of the difficulties' he's facing in court. She said Sherry 'has been battling drugs since he was 14' but stayed in a residential treatment programme from November last year to this summer.

He was treated at Coolmine and 'for the first time in ten years, he's clean of drugs'. Ms Kelly handed in a number of letters to court, including one that Sherry had written himself.

She said her client had suffered a breakdown when he hit the Garda in Drogheda and 'now knows they were trying to help him'. In the aftermath of that incident, he had spent nearly a month in St Bridget's in Ardee and 'doesn't want to go back to the way he was'.

Sherry is now married and his wife is expecting the couple's second child. Ms Kelly said: 'He's trying to find work to help get his life back on track'.

In addition, she said Sherry is working in a community-based programme where he speaks to young people 'who are facing the same path as he was' and is trying to help them turn their lives around.

Ms Kelly added Sherry is willing to do engage with the Probation Service and to do community service. She said: 'He's asking for a chance to prove that he's a changed man and that he won't come before the court again.

'He has stayed out of trouble since getting out of the addiction centre'.

Judge Brennan said he would pass sentence in the matters when he's had the benefit of a community service and probation report and adjourned the case, with Sherry on bail, to January 18.

An application by Gardai for the cash found at the address in Barrack Street to be confiscated by the State was also adjourned to January 18 after Ms Kelly said it was Sherry's wife's money and she intends taking an application to get it back.
A Louth man has pleaded guilty at Special Criminal Court to possession of a stolen car last year, but the State is nor proceeding with a charge of IRA membership.

Last December, Joseph Finnegan (54), of Cullenstown, Readypenny, Dundalk, had been charged with IRA membership and possession of two stolen cars, a Ford Focus and an Audi A4, on July 11, 2015, at the same address.

Barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tony McGillicuddy, said the matter was listed for trial last Tuesday but the accused could be arraigned on the charge of possessing stolen property which was a Ford Focus car.

The court heard that the possession of a second stolen car, an Audi A4, was to be taken into consideration at sentencing.

Mr McGillicuddy said that the only other count outstanding on the indictment was a membership charge and a nolle prosequi (no prosecution) could be entered for that charge on the sentencing date.

In June this year the accused pleaded guilty to four charges of possession of firearms and ammunition.

Counsel for Mr Finnegan, Micheal P O'Higgins SC told the court that the State was not proceeding with the main charge of IRA membership.

Mr Finnegan was then arraigned before the court and he pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a stolen car.

His barrister asked the court for 'as much time as possible' for his client to organise his affairs.

Mr Justice Bobby Eagar, presiding with Judge Sinead Ni Chuluchain and Judge James Faughnan, remanded Mr Finnegan on continuing bail until October 24, when a sentencing date will be fixed.

The State did not object to bail on the same terms and conditions.
A Dundalk man who defrauded friends out of 200,000 while he was working in an investment bank in Dublin has had the case against him adjourned so he can come up with proposals about paying the investors back.

Paul Sharkey (42), Ballinurd, Kilkerley, was before Judge Leonie Reynolds at Dundalk Circuit Court on Monday after he pleaded guilty, following the start of his trial this summer, to three counts of dishonest appropriation of funds relating to investments made by two couples in North Louth in 2011 and 2012.

Sharkey, who has no previous convictions, didn't invest the 150,000 he received from the first couple, nor the 50,000 he got from the second husband and wife. He was a gambling addict who 'tried to win back' the investments by betting on dogs and horses, sometimes placing hundreds of small bets a day.

But he failed to get back the money for the couples and, in victim impact statements, they said they had been 'financially devastated' by the loss of the cash. The woman who invested 50,000 used her lump sum from early retirement to fund her part of the deal.

At the time of the offences, Sharkey was a vice president (pricing) of the Northern Trust Investment Bank (Ireland).

Judge Reynolds heard how the first couple, who ran their own business, had known Sharkey for many years and it was at a Christening at their house in May 2011 that the husband spoke to him about investments.

Sharkey advised them to invest in a fund run by the bank which he called Trinity RPO and which he said would give them a 90,000 return on a 50,000 investment. There was no investment fund called Trinity RPO and it had never existed, the court was told.

The first 50,000 was handed over in cash to Sharkey in September 2011 at the victims' home in North Louth. In the months afterwards, the couple received fake statements, purporting to show the investment growing rapidly.

The husband spoke to a mutual friend about the investment and how well it was doing and the second couple, who knew Sharkey for almost 30 years, spoke to him about Trinity RPO and asked about investing.

In February 2012, the second couple handed over 50,000 in cash and they received fake statements over the following months saying their investment was making money, the last statement, in April 2013, purporting to show 80,000 in investment value.

The first couple told Sharkey they wanted to invest again and gave him a further 50,000 in April 2012 and a similar amount in November of that year.

However, the 'house of cards came down' in April 2013 when the second couple's daughter was getting married and they decided to withdraw 10,000 from their investment to help her out.

They tried a number of times to contact Sharkey, but he didn't reply to messages and eventually, they confronted him outside his own house where he promised he would get them the cash. He didn't and he didn't turn up at the daughter's wedding to which he had been invited.

The couple ended up having to borrow money for the wedding and a short time later, they contacted the Northern Trust Investment Bank. Bank officials told them they had no idea what they were talking about, that they didn't deal with individual investors like them and Sharkey was not authorised by them or the Central Bank to invest for them.

The Gardai became involved and on July 8 2013, Sharkey was arrested. In a statement, he told Gardai he had received the money and had, at the time, wanted to set up a company. However, he accepted that the money was gone and he had made up the statements of the 'imaginary performances' of the couples' cash.

Sharkey was admitted to the Rutland Clinic for five weeks following his statement where he was treated for gambling and alcohol addiction. He was fired from his job.

Judge Reynolds heard the couples sued the bank for their money and the bank settled, as a 'goodwill gesture' before the case went to court, with the couples getting 80% of their investments back.

However, the first couple are still out of pocket to the tune of 40,000, while the second were at a loss of 20,000.

Barrister Libby Charelton said her client had said in his statement to Gardai that he intended getting the couples' money back for them through gambling. He made 'hundreds of small bets a day, while 'drinking on a daily basis' and he was battling with these addictions while keeping up a veneer of being a family man with a great job in an investment bank.

Ms Charleton said Sharkey had gambled and lost his friends' money. He had lost his job, his mortgage is in arrears and he was battling addiction.

Adrian Conlon, from the Brew Crew Cafe, told the judge Sharkey had been helping him on a part-time voluntary basis over the past 18 months and he was willing to give him a job. A large number of testimonials were handed into court, along with a probation report.

Ms Charleton said Sharkey continues to attend counselling, GA and AA meetings. He is remorseful. But the judge said the pleas of guilty had come 'very late in the day' and she wanted to know 'where the expression of remorse is'.

She said: 'The focus should have come long before now. He has been aware of what's involved for the past three years, but there is no reference today as to how these losses are going to be made good'.

She said she wanted to see what concrete proposals could be put in place by Sharkey to compensate for the losses and added: 'I'm not sure if he really appreciates how serious this is . . . I have grave concerns about how he's dealing with this'.

She adjourned the case to November 15 in Naas, when a date for finalisation will be fixed.
Dundalk TD Peter Fitzpatrick, said that new CSO figures show that the live register in Louth has fallen by 15.48%.

The Louth deputy spoke after the latest figures showed that there are now 5,002 people on the live register in Dundalk, a drop of 500 on the previous month.

Deputy Fitzpatrick said: 'There's also good news across the county, with the live register having fallen by 2,093 to 11,432.'

He said that a wide range of efforts were undertaken to tackle joblessness in Louth, and to help people back into work.

'Three major milestones have now been passed, with the Live Register falling below 300,000, unemployment falling from its peak of 15% to below 8%, and the number of people employed exceeding two million, all for the first time in eight years.'

The Dundalk TD added: 'Each new job created in Louth is another family looking forward to a brighter future.

Fine Gael in Government continues to prioritise job creation, because we believe that only a strong economy, supporting people at work, can pay for the services needed to improve people's lives here in Louth and around the country.'
Cllr Mark Dearey with the Green Party leader Eamon Ryan TD at the meeting held in the Town Hall earlier this year.

The Green Party earlier today announced that a special Brexit border summit will take place this Saturday, October 15, in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The event will welcome Green Party leaders from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, along with MEPs from the Green-EFA group in the European Parliament, and the leadership of the European Green Party.

Green Party Councillor on Louth County Council, Mark Dearey said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming party leaders from the UK and Ireland, MEPs from a number of countries and the heads of the European Green Party to this special event in the Dundalk Institute of Technology.

'We want to positively influence the Brexit negotiations that will take place in the coming years via our membership in different Governments and our position in the European Parliament.

'We want to reach common positions on the free movement of people, tax justice and co-operation on climate change and environmental issues in any Brexit outcome.

'The event could not be more timely given the news today of discussions between the Irish and UK Governments on the creation of all-island border checks in place of the creation of a firm North-South border.

'We support the attempt to protect the Common Travel Area in an all-Ireland manner, but have to make sure this does not compromise the ability of the Irish state to stand up for the four freedoms that come with membership of the European Union'.
A large number of Gardai, serving and retired, is expected at this evening's Mass in Blackrock to mark the first anniversary of the murder of Garda Tony Golden.

The Mass, which takes place at St Oliver Plunkett Church, comes a year to the day that the 36-year-old father of three was gunned down by Adrian Crevan Mackin at a house at Mullach Alainn, Omeath on October 11 2015.

Gda. Golden, who was based at Omeath Garda station, had been accompanying Mackin's partner back to the home she shared with him after she had made a complaint to Gardai about domestic abuse. Mackin, who was on bail from the Special Criminal Court, was armed and murdered Gda. Golden and critically injured his partner before turning the gun on himself.

Gda. Golden, who was originally from County Mayo and was married to Nicola, was credited for laying down his life to protect the young victim of domestic violence. In the aftermath of Gda. Golden's murder, there was nationwide shock and revulsion at the brutal killing, which came just over two years after the murder of colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe.

Gda. Golden's State funeral which took place in Blackrock saw thousands of officers from all over the country, led by Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan, join with politicians and members of the community in Louth to pay their respects to Gda. Golden. He was laid to rest at Heynestown.

Over the past 12 months, there have been a number of tributes paid to him. The month after his death, his colleagues in the Gardai, along with other frontline emergency service personnel from Louth, raised more than 26,000 for the Irish Cancer Society's Movember, a cause which Gda. Golden passionately supported.

And, more than 60 members of the force undertook a cycle from Blackrock to Ballina in his memory to raise funds for his children.
Argus reporter, Margaret Roddy (fourth right), with members of the Cara Cancer Support Group at the 'Light up for breast cancer' event at the Town Hall

Dundalk's Town Hall has turned pink as part of the Paint It Pink campaign to raise awareness of and funds for Breast Cancer.

'I'm delighted that An Tain Art Centre and the Town Hall has been lit up pink for October,' said Paul Hayes, Managing Director of An Tain Arts Centre. I hope that when people pass by and see the light they will realise that October is breast cancer awareness month. We are all linked be our experiences with cancer in friends or loved ones. Lighting the building up pink it's just one small gesture to say to breast cancer sufferers that you are not alone."

Every year in Ireland over 2,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. That figure is rising and according to statistics by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland there has been a 33% increase in the number of cases diagnosed over a ten year period.

In Louth 910 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2013, 67 with breast cancer. However, 85% of women are surviving breast cancer, thanks to cancer research which is improving detection and treatments.

Last year, 117 calls to the Irish Cancer Society's free nurse helpline were from people in Louth, and 27 of the calls were in relation to breast cancer. Night nurses supported by the Irish Cancer Society cared for 65 cancer patients in Louth, including seven breast cancer patients.

Visit www.paintitpink.ie or call 1850 60 60 60 for fundraising ideas and information on breast cancer
Putting ourselves first is the best thing that we can do to be of help to others, fact!

Think about it now, when you are at your happiest, how do you feel? Full of energy, love, motivation and compassion? Yet how often are we encouraged to put ourselves first? Growing up, many people are taught to take great care of other's feelings and needs, which is a good value, however how often are we encouraged to do the same for ourselves?

It would seem that too many people have this foolish idea that making themselves a priority is selfish. The problem with this way of thinking is that eventually you will run out of energy. When energy is low, negativity will creep in and the consequences usually result in anger, blame and resentment.

When we don't take care of ourselves our emotions usually manifest in a number of ways such as lashing out at our children, co-workers, loved ones, family members and so on. Additionally we may turn our irritations and frustrations inwards which can result in self destructive behaviours and a victim mentality.

In fact, research has documented that when people don't practice self-care they tend to experience higher rates of depression, illness, isolation and self-destructive behaviours. Giving when we feel happy and fulfilled is by far a more positive and beneficial experience for all involved.

Observe your life right now and notice what it is that you are doing for yourself right now? All too often we give and give without caring for our own self at an emotional, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual level.

Self-care is an act of self- respect. It is not selfish but rather an essential practice necessary for your survival and overall wellbeing.

The key is to achieve a balance between your daily responsibilities and stresses on the one hand and those self- care practices that help you to recharge and rebalance on the other. The following exercise will help you get started -

Divide a single sheet of paper into two columns. List down every activity and responsibility that you do each day/week. Be sure to include everything that takes up your time, energy, resources, money etc. Now move over to the right column and list down all the self- care activities that you currently practice. How are you doing? Are your current responsibilities significantly outweighing your self- care habits?

If you have not been practicing Self Care, what's holding you back? When you reflect on this question become aware of your inner barriers such as your thoughts and feelings about this.

Now take a few minutes and ask yourself what would it take for you to begin taking responsibility for yourself? How might you prioritise your needs including your emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual needs?

Focus not on what you have tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you do. What will your next action step be today to begin rejuvenating your life?

Remember, life isn't about finding yourself, as I often hear people say, life is about creating yourself!
Nominations are presently being sought by a sub-committee of Charleville Chamber for the Charleville Business Awards, which take place at the Charleville Park Hotel on Saturday night the 12th November starting with canapes at 7.30pm, followed by a 4 course meal at 8pm. The guest speaker on the night will be the very successful businessman, Pat McDonagh.

There are seventeen different award categories as follows; best large business, best small business, business man of the year, business woman of the year, customer care award, best fashion retailer, best fast food outlet, hair/beauty award, best large supermarket, best lunch offering (daytime dining), best new business, best restaurant (night time dining), services sector award, best shop window, best small supermarket/food retailer, social media award, outstanding contribution award.

There may be up to ten nominees in each category and the winner will be selected by an independent judging panel and the winner will be announced on the night and presented with their prize. Nominations may be submitted to the E Centre at Baker's Road, Charleville. Tickets for night are priced at 45 (table of ten 400) and will go sale shortly and may be obtained from the Charleville Park Hotel,

Office Assist at Main Street or from the E Centre (063-33133). Music for the night will be provided by the Pete Rivers Band and will be followed by a disco. There will also be a raffle on the night for various spot prizes with the proceeds being donated to the 'Fight for Fionn' fund.

The last awards night to promote excellence in business acumen in Charleville was in 2014 and was an outstanding success. The committee organising this year's event intend that the 2016 event will be a similar success.

Hard to believe altar is already 30 years of age

It is difficult to believe that the rite of dedication of the new altar in Charleville's Holy Cross Church is now thirty years old, the changes to the sanctuary having been dedicated on the 30th September 1986 by the then Bishop of Cloyne Most Rev. Dr. John J. Aherne, in the presence of the late Parish Priest Very Rev. Seamus Canon Corkery. The modifications to the altar came about due to the Second Vatican Council, which required a spacious and suitable sanctuary, where there would be room for a number of sacred ministers on the altar when required. The altar is, of course, the most important feature and focal point within the church.

Holy Cross Church was built at the turn of the last century when the foundation stone of the Gothic-Revival building was laid on the 18th September 1898 by Charleville native Most Rev. Dr, Robert Browne, Bishop of Cloyne and a native of Charleville.

He was accompanied by the then parish priest of Charleville Very Rev. P. J. O'Callaghan, who was the real driving force behind the building of the new church.

Holy Cross Church was opened for worship some four years later on the 4th May 1902 when Bishop Robert Browne was again on hand to consecrate the new church in his native town. The dedication sermon was preached by Most Rev. Dr. Sheehan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. The spire and belfry were not completed until 1910.

Cradle of excellence at Shoestring Theatre

As the members of Charleville's Shoestring Theatre Company make the final preparations for the opening night of their latest production, John B. Keane's 'Many Young Men of Twenty' at the Schoolyard Theatre on the 22nd of October, their long-time director, Kevin O'Shea was in reflective mood as he recalled the group's achievements over the past 23 years.

"We have been competing at the top level in the Irish amateur drama movement over the years since we won the All-Ireland confined drama final in 1986," Kevin said.

"Since then we have won drama festivals all over Ireland and competed in the open All-Ireland final in Athlone on fifteen occasions, finished in every position there except first, won best director, best actor awards, best supporting actor awards and best set. We won the Dundalk International Drama Festival and toured to San Francisco and Los Angeles, and won the prestigious Abbey Theatre Award," he said.

Kevin is naturally chuffed that the Shoestring Company is seen as a cradle of excellence in drama circles with their policy of introducing young people to the stage, resulting in many of them choosing the theatre as career opportunities.

"We are delighted that we in the Shoestring helped these to cut their teeth in acting or stage management like Denis Foley, William Lyons, Mark Griffin, Beatrise Leikuka or Katie Holly, who made her debut as a playwright this year.

"The latest members of the Shoestring group to embark on the professional route are Serena Kennedy who has been accepted to pursue a course in Film and Theatre techniques at the prestigious Bow Street Academy in Dublin and Myriam Perron, who has won a stage management course at Trinity College also in Dublin." said Kevin.

All the aforementioned got their grounding in stage craft working on the many productions directed by Kevin O'Shea.

The experience they gain from working in an environment in which professionalism is demanded in every facet of a production, is invaluable to them when they go on to do an interview for a place on the Trinity, the Abbey, UCC or Bow Street Academy film and theatre courses.

"He can be very demanding whether it be hanging the coat on the correct nail on the back of a door or in the delivery of a line or a phrase to get the exact meaning, or in making the right move at the right time on stage, but it is hugely exhilarating to work with him. The sense of achievement at the final curtain call is immense and the standing ovation makes everything worthwhile," said one member of the cast speaking of Kevin.
A free service encouraging people to dispose of unused or out-of-date medicines is available in Cork from now until November 20 as part of a new initiative aimed at curbing the nuisance of unwanted medicines.

Unwanted medicines are said to be responsible for up to 93 per cent of poisoning cases that occur in the home or domestic setting.

The 'Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly' (DUMP) campaign is organised by the HSE with the backing of pharmacists in Cork and Kerry and the new measures are being supported by Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Kerry County Council and the Southern Regional Waste Management Office.

More than 250 pharmacies in Cork and Kerry are participating in the campaign for 2016 where the HSE and participating pharmacists will actively encourage people to return unwanted medicines so they can be disposed of safely.

Medicines build-up over time due to unfinished courses of antibiotics or a condition/illness that is no longer a problem where the remainder of the medication is not used. Also, older people or someone with an ongoing illness can often have large amounts of medicine at home and people should avail of what is a great opportunity to rid the home of unwanted medicines.

"We would strongly urge people to take this opportunity to get rid of out-of-date or unused medicines. Medication can pose a real hazard in the home, particularly to children or other vulnerable people," said HSE pharmacist, Louise Creed.

"Clearing out your medicine cabinet is something that should be done on a regular basis. Check all the dates and remove anything that is out of date or no longer required. As well as the hazards posed by overdose, accidental poisoning and damage to the environment, medicines can change when out of date and may end up being harmful," she added.

The National Suicide Research Foundation also report that approximately 50 cases of suicide each year involve drug overdose and that about 8,000 people attending Emergency Departments each year is due to deliberate drug overdose. Unwanted medicines also cause environmental damage when disposed of along with household waste, flushing down toilets or poured down sinks.
Giving your company a prominent profile online is one of the most effective ways of increasing your client base.

That's the premise behind an 'Internet Engine Optimisation' seminar taking place at the Mill in Castletownroche on Thursday, October 20.

Organised by the North Cork Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the seminar will offer participants the chance to compete with larger companies by being visible on search engines.

"Since people use search engines to find products both online and locally, it is important that a company gets found high on search results for words that relate to their product or service," said LEO business advisor Joan Kelleher.

Please note this will be a seminar and not a practical workshop where you will be working on your own website during the training.

The cost of the seminar will be 40.

For more information and to book a place on the seminar visit www.localenterprise.ie/corknorthandwest.
Key works to redesign the Annabella Roundabout in Mallow will now not take place until the New Year

A senior Cork County Council official has conceded work is unlikely to start on a major plan of works at the Annabella Roundabout in Mallow before the end of this year.

The roundabout, which is already a serious peak-time traffic blackspot, is to undergo an overhaul in order to cope with the anticipated increase in HGV traffic from Dairygold's expanded West End operation.

In 2012 the then Mallow Town Council granted Dairygold planning permission for the West End expansion with conditions, one of them being they pay a 'special contribution' of 514,836 for works at the roundabout

These planned works entail the redesign of the centre island and approach kerbs to create a second traffic lane facilitating the flow of north and southbound traffic.

Dairygold appealed the condition claiming that it was unfair to place the entire cost of the works on them, instead proposing a payment of 17.8% of the costs on the basis that their expansion would only result in a 17.8% increase in HGV's using the roundabout

An Bord Pleanala ruled in their favour, ordering that 423,000 of the contribution be refunded to Dairygold by the council "in accordance with a fixed payment schedule."

Last December hopes that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) would cover the cost of the shortfall were dashed when its regional manager Paul Moran wrote to Cork County Council saying they had "no obligation to do so."

"We have sought legal advice and see no basis why TII should refund the balance," wrote Mr Moran.

The authority said that in light or TII's stance the cash strapped local authority had no option but to "review the entire project and examine how it could be funded".

At the time Cllr Timmy Collins (Ind) said the lack of available funding for the project from council coffers has effectively left the project "dead on its feet."

However, in March of this year, much to the relief of the authority, TII reviewed their position and agreed to refund 80% of the cost to Dairygold in phased instalments - paving the way for the project to go ahead.

Senior council engineer Jim Moloney said it had been hoped the works would commence before the end of 2016.

With no sign of work yet commencing, Cllr Melissa Mullane (SF) raised the issue with council officials at the October Kanturk/Mallow committee meeting, asking if a time-frame for the works had been decided.

Mr Moloney replied that tenders for the project were due back by middle of next week.

"It will take a number of weeks to assess the tenders and appoint a contractor. I know that we were told works would start before Christmas, but that is unlikely at this stage," he said.

In response to a further query from Cllr Mullane, Mr Moloney confirmed the delay would not impact on the availably of funding for the project.

"I will come back to the committee with a full update on progress next month," he said.
A Mid Cork man given eight years for seriously assaulting his wife, who refused to give evidence against him in court, faces a retrial following a successful appeal.

Anthony Kelleher (42), with a last address at Raleigh North, Macroom, had pleaded not guilty to assault causing serious harm to his wife, Siobhan, at their home in Macroom on June 12, 2014.

He was unanimously found guilty by a jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and jailed for eight years by Judge Sean O Donnabhain last May.

However, Mr Kelleher was released from prison in July following a successful appeal against conviction.

In a judgment setting out the reasons for its decision, the Court of Appeal said it was not satisfied Kelleher received a fair trial but was "strongly of the view" that a retrial be directed.

Giving judgment, Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan said the critical prosecution evidence comprised two statements made by Siobhan Kelleher when she was a patient in hospital.

The statements were admitted into evidence pursuant to section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act, "an exceptional provision", Mr Justice Sheehan said, which allows a jury to receive previous statements from a witness when they refuse to give evidence during a trial.

In two statements, Mrs Kelleher said her husband had pulled her out of bed by the pony tail which resulted in clumps of hair coming out.

She described being thrown across the corridor, thrown down the stairs and kicked a number of times by her husband as he did so.

The defence placed significant reliance on the evidence of Prof. Stephen Cusack, a consultant at Cork University Hospital, who said the injuries suffered by Mrs Kelleher were consistent with a fall down the stairs.

The defence also relied on a solicitor, who recalled Mrs Kelleher giving evidence under oath on a previous occasion that she "would have had a few drinks" on the day and all she could remember was "falling at the clothes line and nothing else", according to the Court of Appeal's judgment.

Mr Justice Sheehan said a key aspect of an accused person's right to a fair trial is the right to be able to effectively cross examine witnesses called to give evidence against them.

In this case the principal prosecution witness, Mrs Kelleher, took the oath and proceeded to say in answer to questions put to her that "I do not wish to give evidence".

She did so in the course of legal argument as well as in the presence of the jury and no explanation for her refusal to answer or submit to cross examination was offered, Mr Justice Sheehan said.

At no stage did the trial judge intervene and explain to the witness that she was obliged to answer the questions she was being asked, Mr Justice Sheehan said.

When Mr Kelleher's barrister, Thomas Creed SC, asked the trial judge to intervene and give directions to the witness, the trial judge declined and gave no reasons for his refusal.

Mr Justice Sheehan said the trial judge had a duty to intervene and give appropriate directions to the witness including, if necessary, warning her as to the consequences of a continuing refusal to answer.

The result in this case was that no cross examination could be said to have taken place.

In the Court of Appeal's view, the trial judge's failure to intervene "further seriously undermined" Kelleher's right to a fair trial.

Furthermore, the Court of Appeal considered the trial judge's presentation of Prof. Cusack's evidence to the jury "resulted in unfairness" to Kelleher.

The admission of Mrs Kelleher's statement without any engagement with issues raised, coupled with the trial judge's failure to intervene when she refused to answer questions, "resulted in substantial unfairness" to Kelleher and the court was not satisfied that he received a fair trial.

Mr Justice Sheehan, who sat with Mr Jutice Alan Mahon, and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court was strongly of the view that a retrial should be ordered.

Kelleher was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 25 next.
The first two candidates have emerged in the race to take up the vacant Fianna Fail seat on Cork County Council's Kanturk/Mallow district following the recent resignation of Daniel Fitzgerald.

As predicted by The Corkman two-weeks ago former county councillor Bart Donegan has thrown his hat in the ring for the seat as has Kanturk based solicitor Gearoid Murphy.

Mr Donegan was originally co-opted on to the then Kanturk electoral area in 2012 following the death of his father Michael. However, he lost his seat in the 2014 local elections after local government reforms realigned the constituency.

The Milford native told the Corkman that this put him at a huge disadvantage.

"I lost basically half of my traditional voting area. Despite this I still polled 70% of the first preferences in the area that was left to me," he pointed out.

In a letter sent to party delegates confirming his intention to seek the vacant seat Mr Donegan said he had "vast" political experience, with the Donegan family having served at both local and national level for more than 70-years.

"I have been a member of the Milford cumann since the age of 14 and secretary for the past 17-years. I am also treasurer of the Eamon de Valera Comhairle Ceantair," wrote Mr Donegan.

He said he still maintains and active interest in local politics, working with other party colleagues on a range of issues.

"If successful, I will work full-time for the people of the Kanturk/Mallow area, hold regular clinics and plan with councillors and TD's for the good of the district," he wrote.

Mr Murphy is also no stranger to the world of politics, having joined Fianna Fail at nine years ago while still in college. The 28-year-old serves on the party's national executive and is chair of the Con Meaney Memorial Cumann covering Dromtariffe and Kilcorney.

Aware of the need for a county councillor in Mallow, Mr Murphy has pledged to move to the town his bid to be co-opted onto the council is successful.

"I would, of course, serve the entire electoral area. However, I would particularly focus on establishing myself as a local representative in Mallow and on the issues affecting the town and surrounding areas," Mr Murphy told The Corkman.

"I feel it is important that Mallow is not left under-represented until the next election as so many services and amenities provided there are vital not only to the town, but also to communities throughout the northern part of the county," he added.

Mr Murphy said he felt strong Fianna Fail representation on the council was vital to the future of the party in the area.

"If Fianna Fail is serious about increasing or even maintaining our standing in local government at the next election, then we need a Mallow-based councillor," he said.

Mr Murphy maintained that if selected he could run a "strong campaign" as an established Mallow candidate in the 2019 local elections.

"It will take a lot of hard work, but the role of county councillor is one which I greatly desire to fill and I would work passionately and tirelessly for the people of Mallow and Duhallow if co-opted," he pledged.

It is understood that party delegates will convene in early November to select who should take up the vacant seat.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan said it was important that this process was not allowed to drag on.

"We are short in numbers at both distract and full council levels, so it is important that we select Daniel's replacement as soon as possible," said Cllr Moynihan.
If you fancy trying out a night out with a difference in a venue that that has housed patriots, paupers, volunteers, agitators, smugglers and petty thieves whilst witnessing secret weddings, executions and daring escapes then a visit to The Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol, is a must when Ireland's greatest storyteller Eddie Lenihan will enchant you with Tales of Magic, Myth and Mystery in the lead up to Halloween on Saturday 22nd October.

Eddie Lenihan is a living legend to all who remember being entranced by his 'Ten Minute Tales' which were broadcast on RTE and for his series on BBC Radio. Eddie is one of the few practising Seanchai remaining in Ireland and is particularly well known for his tales of Irish folk heroes, fairies, fallen angels and other supernatural beings as recorded in Irish mythology, folklore and oral history.

Eddie Lenihan will be supported on the night by one of Ireland's most talented traditional musicians Sean Walsh. Log onto www.orielcentre.ie or phone 042 9328887 for tickets as soon as possible as tickets are limited.

Other date at the Oriel Centre to keep in your diary is Saturday 12th November when it will welcome a performance by the internationally lauded and revered jazz and blues legend, Mary Coughlan. Tickets online at www.orielcentre.ie.
Louth's talented food and drink producers are being offered the chance to showcase their skills at a national level, thanks to Ireland's artisan food festival, Bite 2016.

And they have a chance to win a free stand at the second annual festival if they manage to impress the organisers with a brief description of their services.

Festival organisers are on a nationwide hunt for talented food and beverage producers for the event, which will be held in Dublin's RDS from November 18-20.

It will be a chance to exhibit your product to the 20,000 Irish food and drink lovers who are expected to descend on the festival in the run-up to the Christmas season.

"Bite 2016 promotes Ireland's vastly expanding artisan food and craft drinks sector, letting people with an interest in food experience just how much quality that we have in the field to the plate industry," said festival organiser Patrick O'Sullivan.

Artisans in Louth who would like to win a free stand at the Bite 2016 festival in November are asked to write a brief 150-word description of their practice and why they deserve to be chosen.

Entries, including full name and contact details and the name of this publication can be sent to info@bitefoodfestival.ie. The closing date for the competition is Friday October 28.

Bite 2016 takes place at the RDS Main Hall from November 18-20. Full details and booking can be found at www.bitefoodfestival.ie.
Boyne Valley Tourism launched the 2016 Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival programme and it features a number of events in County Louth.

'The Ghosts of Drogheda Heritage Walk', is a walking tour of Drogheda examining the town's bloody past and meeting some of the town's 'Ghosts'; while Drogheda Museum, Millmount invites children to hear how the ancient Irish Festival of Samhain became Halloween. These events can be booked at the Museum and from their experience last year they book up very fast.

The 'Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival' full event programme offers 28 different events. Full details and a downloadable Festival Brochure can be found on www.spiritsofmeath.ie
Drogheda woman Joan Jordan has been named as MS Person of the Year 2016.

Joan, from Tenure, who was diagnosed with MS six and a half years ago, was nominated for the award by her husband Niall for her amazing work not just locally but nationally on behalf of patient advocacy.

Joan is Mum to Lily (12) and Aidan (9) is not only an active member of the Louth Branch of the MS Society of Ireland, she also contributes to a national blog on living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Proud husband Niall told the Drogheda Independent: 'She actually won two awards on the night, MS Person of the Year and Volunteer of the Year as part of the group of bloggers who write about what it's like to live day to day with MS.

'She's not a big fan of awards, she wouldn't be one for blowing her own trumpet but I'm happy to blow it for her!' he added.

Joan was first diagnosed with MS after she started to suffer from persistant headaches and then lost the use of her right hand and her right leg.

She was admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where an MRI scan confirmed her diagnosis.

'It took a long time to get used to the idea, to adapt and to accept it,' explained Niall. 'A number of years ago Joan got involved with the local Louth Voluntary branch and took on the role of assistant to the secretary. She loves her work with the group and does everything from helping to organise some of the weekly activities to working on fundraising events. So she is a active member in the group but she also helps to run it too.'

Joan was unable to attend the MS Ireland event to receive her award as she had been away the previous day at a conference in Milan and because of her MS was too tired to make the long journey to Cork. However, the award was picked up on her behalf by Louth secretary Jerona (Ronnie) Van De Berg.

The Louth branch also held an event in her honour on Tuesday.
Oliver Neary, of Main Street, Louth Village, who died on September 3, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, was a former well-known publican, who introduced the first singing lounge in Louth.

He worked for a considerable part of his life abroad, but always maintained his ties with home.

He emigrated first to Canada, where he spent many years employed by McNamara Construction in the mining industry in Toronto and Vancouver, but every winter returned home to family and friends.

Oliver moved back to Ireland in the early 60s, and married local lady Betty McGee. They had three sons Pat, David and Paul (who died in infancy in 1965).

They bought a pub in his native village. He ran a very successful business for years, and was the first to bring the singing lounge to the Wee County, to which people travelled from near and far, and which featured many successful bands.

His flair for business saw him start up a local coal delivery service, which he operated for a number of years, in the course of which he made many friends, and enjoyed many a cup of tea, the craic and a chat in many households.

Oliver moved abroad again in the 1970s, and for a period worked for London Transport.

He returned home for good, setting up residence on the Main Street in Louth Village.

He restarted his coal delivery business, and embarked on a new venture, opening up a youth arcade, complete with pool tables, in the early 80s.

Oliver was greatly loved, and is sadly missed by his wife, Betty, sons, Pat and David, grandson Ciaran, daughters in law, Lorna and Carol, along with other close members of his family, Tom and Carmel Neary, Tallanstown, Padraig and Maureen Neary, Christianstown, Readypenny, Nicholas and Marian Neary, Louth Village and Brenda Garret, Kilcroney, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

After reposing at McGeough's Funeral Home, Dundalk, on Monday, September 5, Oliver's funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Sean McArdle PP the following morning in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Louth. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.
Pictured at the launch of Dyspraxia Awareness Week 2016 are Chloe Browne from Drogheda and Hannah McDonnell from Dublin

A 10-year old Drogheda girl is leading the way in promoting awareness of Dyspraxia.

Chloe Browne, a student in Drogheda's Aston Village Educate Together, was diagnosed with Dyspraxia when she was 8 and is a member of Dyspraxia DCD Ireland, the organisation which provides information and a national support network for parents, teenagers and adults.

Affecting more than one child in every Irish classroom, Dyspraxia is characterised by difficulty with thinking out, planning and carrying out sensory/motor tasks.

A person with dyspraxia may have a combination of several problems in varying degrees; these include poor balance, poor fine and gross motor coordination, difficulties with vision, motor planning, perception problems and poor awareness of body position in space. Affected children may have poor muscle tone and have difficulties with simple motor tasks such as running, doing up buttons and using scissors; writing, dressing and self-feeding are likely to be problematic. They may fall over frequently and bump into things.

With proper help and support, children with dyspraxia can learn to cope with or overcome many of these difficulties, Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland aims to ensure that adequate resources are available, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support and education.

There is a Dyspraxia Awareness Week event in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk on Wednesday October 12 from 8-9.30pm. There is a talk from 'Caged in Chaos' Author Victoria Biggs.

This is a free event however booking is advised. For admission call 01 8747085
Deputy Fergus ODowd was one of the politicians to meet with Jacinta Walsh

Families in Louth are in desperate need of respite beds a meeting of the Louth Respite Working Group has heard.

The Louth Respite Working Group is a group of parent and support organisations in Louth who have come together to lobby for the provision of appropriate Adult respite for our children and adults with disabilities.

Members of the group include Autism Support Louth, SNAP, Drogheda ABACAS School for children with autism, Councillor Maeve Yore and the Dundalk Parents and Friends Group.

A presentation was given on the night by Jacinta Walsh representing the Louth Respite Working Group which clearly identified the need for additional Adult respite in Louth.

She said there are three main groups in desperate need of respite, older adults with a disability living at home with older parents, younger adults with challenging behaviour and emergency or crisis situations.

She said at present there is no respite provision at all for these three groups.

The Louth Respite Working Group were delighted to welcome Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, Senator Ged Nash, Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick and a representative from Deputy Gerry Adams office to a meeting in Ardee on Tuesday 4th October.

This need has been agreed by the HSE to have been identified by the Disability Database but at the moment there are no funds in the existing Service Plan to meet those needs and therefore additional funding will need to be found.

'Many families are in desperate need of regular appropriate respite and are living on a constant basis under extreme amounts of stress,' said Jacinta Walsh. 'We are asking our local politicians to step up and secure funding for an adult respite service for Louth.'

All the politicians in attendance vowed to do their utmost to help these families.

'We are asking for a ring fenced revenue stream to be allocated to Louth HSE to provide appropriate, regular, planned respite for families with adult children with a disability in Louth.'

A presentation was also given by Praxis Care , who have many years' experience of working with people with severe challenging behaviour and complex needs of what a respite service to meet the identified needs might look like.
An off duty Garda reservist pursued a burglar who broke into the home of a Drogheda chip shop owner and helped officers capture him a short distance from the scene.

Dundalk Circuit Court heard how the off duty Garda was waiting in a queue at Dominic's Takeaway in Drogheda on the evening of October 1 2013 when Dominic Borza, the owner, entered in a distraught state and said there had been a burglar in his house, which adjoins the takeaway.

The actions of the off duty reservist ensured that Thomas Ashton, (49), 87 Harelawn Park, Clondalkin, was apprehended and charged with burglary and having a crowbar with intent to commit a criminal offence.

At the circuit court on Monday, Judge Leonie Reynolds heard how Mr Borza, (61), had been upstairs in his house when he heard a sound on the landing. He initially thought it was a member of staff but saw Ashton in a bedroom.

Ashton struck Mr Borza and pushed him, running down the stairs and over a roof and a fence in an effort to get away. The off duty reservist went after him and contacted his colleagues at Drogheda station, all the while following a van that Ashton had got into.

Drogheda Gardai stopped the van, in which Ashton was a passenger, at the Old Slane Road. A glove, which was matched to one found on the roof and left by the defendant as he escaped, was found in the van, along with a black cap and a crowbar.

Ashton had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but changed his plea once his trial, earlier this summer at Dundalk Circuit Court, got underway.

Judge Reynolds heard how Ashton has seven previous convictions, including two - for criminal damage and theft - which were committed while he was on bail for this burglary.

She was also told how burglary, in which nothing was taken, has had a 'negative' impact on the victim, who revealed in a statement that he has fitted metal bars to the windows of his house and is 'always checking CCTV' when he's working in the takeaway at night.

In addition, he no longer feels he can have his grandchildren over to stay at night any more'.

Ashton is now a father of a ten month old child with his partner and now has 'some stability', barrister Libby Charelton said.

Ms Charleton added the probation report was 'very detailed' and the probation officer had 'gone out on a limb' for her client, recommending that the case be adjourned to allow Ashton to start and complete a criminal behaviour awareness course run by the service that was starting today (Tuesday) and which runs for five weeks.

Judge Reynolds said that it was clear Ashton is 'at a cross roads' in his life and while he had shown a willingness to complete the awareness course, he was still providing urine samples that showed traces of drugs.

Ms Charleton said Ashton is on medication for alcoholism and this is showing up on the screenings.

The judge said she was willing to allow Ashton to complete the course, provided he adheres to a number of strict conditions, including that he comply with the directions of the Probation Service, he has to give advance notice if he's not able to attend the course and that evidence is provided about his medication showing up on the screenings.

Judge Reynolds said she was treating the burglary 'very seriously', particularly as Ashton committed further crime while on bail for it.

She adjourned the case to Naas Circuit Court on November 15 when a date for finalisation will be fixed.
Three local female entrepreneurs representing Network Ireland - Louth Branch - emerged victorious at the National Women in Business Awards in Cork.

In June of this year, Margaret Reilly of Grand Designs/CTR Manufacturing, Alma Jordan of Agrikids and Yvonne Brady of EVB Sport won the Women in Business regional awards (Network Ireland - Louth Branch). They then went forward to represent Louth in the National Awards, where they were pitted against the winners of the 7 other regions for the national title of Businesswoman of the Year.

And it was here that Louth emerged victorious with Alma Jordan of Agrikids and Yvonne Brady of EVB Sport winning the Emerging Business Category and the SME Less than 5 employees category respectively.

Alma Jordan created AgriKids which is a farm safety educational platform for children with a series of story books, a 'Farm Safe' clothing line and an interactive gaming app to promote farm safety to children.

Yvonne Brady is founder of EVB Sport, a company that designs and manufactures supportive sports-wear and promotes pelvic health for women. Following the birth of her 3rd child Yvonne found a gap in the market to support women to continue in high impact sport. Coming from an engineering background she set to work to develop The unique technology to enable women to exercise safely in particular during high impact sport. The judges were impressed with the speed of growth of the business: from a start-up in 2013 to international presence in 16 countries now. Extensive research and testing supported by Enterprise Ireland has allowed the product benefits be verified and this has been crucial in increasing sales.

The wins by Alma Jordan and Yvonne Brady meant that 50% of the awards actually went to Louth this year, an amazing achievement and one that showcases the drive, ambition and talent of Female Entrepreneurs and Women led business in the Louth/Meath area.

"We are delighted that two of our members were so successful in the National Awards" said Bronagh Conlon President of Network Ireland Louth Branch. "We have a fantastic group of women led business across this region and we would encourage other women in business, women employees, women in the arts and the professions to join us."

Network Ireland - Louth provides a platform for women in business the professions and the arts to develop and grow both on a professional and personal level. A business breakfast is held every month to allow members to network, support and mentor each other as well as learning, personal development and having fun.

"Our door is always open for new members to come along" says Bronagh. 'We would like to thank our local partners Louth Local Enterprise Office, AIB and Coca-Cola. For further details on Network Ireland-Louth Branch visit www.networklouth.ie.'
The site of the new proposed 84-home council housing estate at the rear of Scoil Bhride in Dunleer

A design team has visited the site of the new proposed 84-home council housing estate at the rear of Scoil Bhride in Dunleer.

Director of Services Joe McGuinness confirmed to local councillors last week that 'there is a lot happening behind the scenes' in relation to the multi-million euro project.

'We hope to see the designs done by the spring and then we will be returning for Part 8 planning to the council,' he stated.

Local council chairperson Dolores Minogue said she will be discussing the proposed turning/ drop off area and playing pitch for the school as part of the project. 'It's badly needed,' she stated.
Local TD Imelda Munster has criticised plans by the HSE to cut Primary Care Services by 1.5 million between now and the end of the year.

She said the HSE has instructed management to make the savings in staff cutbacks which will mean serious cuts in home help, support staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and public health nurses.

Ms Munster said she has also been made aware of a meeting held last Friday where management instructed that the contracts of nine and a half full-time clerical and administration staff in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and Louth County Hospital were to be terminated with immediate effect.

Deputy Munster said: 'It beggars belief at a time when service provision is already cut to the bone, that the HSE can continue to slash vital public health service provision such as home help support staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and public health nurses all of which are Primary Care Services,' she said. 'The sacking of clerical and administration staff at OLOL and LCH will also directly and adversely impact on patients getting appointment notices and waiting on letters from doctors and consultants.'

The Sinn Fein TD hit out at what she described as 'savage cuts' just as we are coming in to the winter months, and on top of the closure of nine beds in the Cottage Hospital and nine beds in the Louth County. She said this will completely clog up discharges from the hospitals.
Is there a person who makes your life a lot easier when you go shopping?

They could be anyone - the friendly face who hands over a cup of coffee each morning, the worker who carries your groceries out to the car, the man who delivers the milk and bread - on time, each week.

What about the person who never ceases to smile as you watch them under pressure, serving hot dinners (and they might throw in the odd extra sausage when the boss isn't looking!).

Or they could dress you from head to toe like a king or queen, sort out your bank account worries, give a bit of advice about the winner of the 5.15 at Chepstow or even prescribe the perfect tonic to that sore throat.

What about advice about the best camera to buy, the lady who can serve the best pint of Guinness in town or the master butcher who knows his stuff.

We'll also include members of the hard working council maintenance staff, taxi drivers or even that friendly bus driver.

They can be young or near retiring or even due for retirement a decade ago!

And they can be from anywhere - Drogheda to Termonfeckin, Collon to Bettystown, Donore, Dunleer, Ardee and all places in between.

We want to hear about all the heroes and unsung heroes out there.

Yes, this competition is for EVERYONE and YOU can decide who wins.

You can nominate your top employee by filling in the entry form on this page and state in less than 200 words why they should win. If your entry wins, you collect 50 too.

We will have cash prizes and trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

To enter, fill in the form and send it to the Retail Employee of the Year, Drogheda Independent, 9 Shop Street, Drogheda before Monday, October 31 at noon.

We will have a judging panel looking over the entries and from week to week, depending on volume, we might include the odd surprise visit to a nominated person!
The iconic Drogheda North Lighthouse at Mornington is about to get a complete facelift thanks to plans for a new conservation project to preserve and restore this impressive structure.

The conservation project at the lighthouse will take between five and ten years to complete and has been undertaken by Drogheda Port Company with the support of the DHAG Built Heritage Investment Scheme. The project undertaken by the company will be led by a specialist conservation architect, Fergal McGil Architects and KC Environmental to conserve the structure and its many original features and materials.

The current lighthouse dates back to approximately 1880 and comprises a cast-iron lantern with glazed panel, surrounded by a walkway which is approached by ladder, set on cast-iron supports. It is set within brick boundary walls which also contain the original Lighthouse keeper's house.

The North Lighthouse is one of three related lighthouses that were constructed and commissioned in 1842 by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners. The light initially had a fixed light pattern but electric power meant conversion to flashing signal around 1950.

The expense of maintenance and the use of modern electronic navigational systems have made many working lighthouses like this one redundant.

However, Drogheda Port Company are keen to restore and maintain the North Lighthouse as it makes a significant contribution to the surrounding maritime landscape and forms part of an interesting group of related lighthouses in the area.

Work on the conservation is now underway and Drogheda Port Company are hopeful it will contribute to the tourist potential of the area and will form part of the Boyneside Trail.
St Aidan's Church in Ferns was filled to capacity recently as people from across the diocese gathered for the eighth annual St. Padre Pio Healing Mass.

The Mass was concelebrated by newly appointed novice director for the Capuchin order, Fr. Sean Kelly OFM Cap., and present also were Italian and Polish friars along with Novitiates of the Capuchin Order and Fr Paddy Cushen and Fr Bernard Cushen.

St. Pio holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people across the world and the strong devotion to him across the county of Wexford was evident once again in the massive turnout for the occasion of his feast day celebrations.

The church was filled to capacity over 30 minutes before the Mass began. People with disabilities, elderly and young people, babies and children, all came to be blessed by the relics.

Everybody received an individual blessing with the relics of St Padre Pio including a glove that was worn by him during the stigmata which he suffered for most of his lifetime.
If Hillary Clinton succeeds in her bid to shatter the glass ceiling and take the White House it will be fitting that in doing so she will have seen off the challenge of one of the greatest misogynists to ever grace the global political stage.

Sunday night's debate was a new low in American politics with Trump - reeling after the release of recordings of his vile 'locker room' banter with Billy Bush - resorting to bully-boy tactics in a desperate bid to get his floundering campaign back on track.

Early in the debate, Trump was asked to explain his despicable comments about using his star power and wealth to prey on women. The belligerent billionaire offered a mealy-mouthed non apology before almost immediately reverting to type.

Stalking the stage and looming over Clinton, Trump offered his usual tirade of ill-informed racist and misogynistic rhetoric, spewing out claim after claim with little basis in fact.

The Democratic team were no doubt prepared for a backlash from the wounded animal but Hillary Clinton appeared genuinely taken aback by just how far Trump was willing to go.

Indeed, it looked as if the usually unflappable Clinton had been shaken by the pre-debate press conference in which Trump sat side by side with three women who have accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault and rape.

Bill Clinton's past is Trump's trump card and in the face of public outrage, unlike any he had previously encountered, he opted to play it. It was the nuclear option and it seemed to work.

Still, despite all of Trump's bullying bravado, Clinton still probably just managed to shade the win.

Her composure and professionalism was in marked contrast to the aggressive, hectoring manner adopted by Trump.

Trump had previously demurred from raising Bill Clinton's history with women in the debates, claiming he did not want to cause hurt to Clinton's daughter Chelsea.

Now, with his chances of reaching the Oval Office in serious jeopardy, Trump obviously decided Chelsea's feelings come far, far behind his own political future.

Hillary Clinton's daughter can join that ever growing pantheon of women - like Alicia Machado, Arianne Zucker and Nancy O'Dell - who Trump will use as he sees fit.

Of course, this being Donald Trump, the debate was about far more than his casual misogyny. His racism, bigotry and general lack of understanding about world affairs were also front and centre.

In one interlude - which would have been bizarre in any campaign other than this - a Muslim woman in the audience asked Trump how he would stop the rise of Islamophobia.

After initially saying Islamophobia is a 'shame', Trump then embarked on yet another of his incendiary anti-Muslim rants.

Another segment saw Trump answer an African American voter's question on would he be a devoted President to all Americans with a diatribe on crime and poverty in inner cities.

With a month to go before America finally goes to the polls, the race - almost incomprehensibly - is still relatively tight. One thing looks certain, we haven't seen the last scandal.

Aside from who will take the White House, the biggest question that remains is how much further American politics can plunge.

Given all that has happened in this often disgusting race, the worrying thing is that we probably still haven't reached the bottom of the barrel.
Memories of homework, school plays and classroom jokes came flooding back for 30 former Colaiste Bride students recently as they celebrated their 40 year reunion in the Riverside Park Hotel.

Students who attended the school in 1976 joined together for a meal and much-needed catch-up thanks to six former students who rounded up the troops. Though a lot has happened in the last four decades - from babies to house moves and everything in between - former student and organiser Anna Murphy said nothing had changed.

'We all gelled as if we had never left school at all. When we met in the Riverside, we fell back to where we were 40 years ago,' said Anna, who organised the event with five other former students who she still remains friends with. 'We really haven't changed a bit.'

The ladies came together to enjoy a sit-down meal, but according to Anna, not a lot of sitting down was done!

'It was like speed dating. After the first course, everyone was moving around to speak with somebody else,' she laughed.

'The meal was delicious and the staff couldn't do enough for us.'

The reunion follows on from the 20th reunion in 1996, which was also organised by Anna and co. The ladies had a tough job trying to find people but were delighted that 30 could make it on the night.

'We had names and addresses but people had moved away and things. Through word of mouth, Facebook and the Enniscorthy newsletter, we managed to get 30 which we were really happy with,' said Anna.

The ladies came from as near as Enniscorthy and as far away as Ennis to meet their old friends.

'It was an absolutely brilliant night from start to finish,' said Anna, who said they hope to have another in ten years time.
A Balbriggan filmmaker was among the prizewinners at this year's Fingal Film Festival which proved a huge success, screening a broad range of short films, features, documentaries and animation to an appreciative audience of film buffs in Swords.

In a celebration of independent established and emerging filmmakers both nationally and from around the globe, the 2016 Fingal Film Festival took over a screen at Movies@Swords for a weekend.

The festival opened to a sold out Dublin Premiere of 'Cardboard Gangsters' with cast and crew in attendance. The screening was followed by a lively Q&A session with star John Connors, director, Mark O'Connor and producer, Richard Bolger.

Nine prestigious Fingal Film Festival awards ranging from cash prizes to film equipment to broadcasting of films have now been announced. Among the winners was Balbriggan filmmaker, Ciaran Behan who took the Best Fingal Newcomer award for his film, 'Cousins'.

'It's been an exciting fifth year said Liz Kenny, Festival Managing Director. The quality and range of submissions this year has been fantastic. As a young festival we have come a long way and it is so encouraging for our future growth and direction.The support has been overwhelming from both the film industry and our audiences. The local goodwill and enthusiasm here in Fingal has been truly amazing, a special big thank you to all our volunteers, they all have worked so incredibly hard.'

The Best Feature Film category this year was taken by an Irish film called 'South', directed by Gerard Walsh while Canadian film, Murphy's Law took the documentary prize. The Best Short Award went to Jo Southwell's film 'Deirdre' while the Best Student Film was awarded to Rapto, by director, Carl O'Donovan.

A competitive animation category in this year's festival was won by 'Little Flower' , a film by Brigette Heffernan and the special Irish language film 'Scannan na hEireann award went to Sean Breathnach and his film, 'Maidhm'.

This year's festival had a special 1916 centenary category for short films and the award was taken by 'Proclaim!', a film about the printing of the 1916 Proclamation, directed by Maureen O'Connell. The Outstanding Achievement in Media Award went to Spanish film 'In Dialogue'.

The Fingal Film Festival was established in to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers, offering encouragement and promotion of new work. The festival connects emerging voices in film with industry experts and independent creative filmmakers from around the world. The festival would like to thank their Main Sponsor Fingal County Council and other sponsors: TG4, RTE Supporting The Arts, Swords Express, Film Equipment Hire Ireland, Foras na Gaeilge Screen Training Ireland and Domino's Pizza.
A free programme of events featuring a range of workshops and writer talks in libraries across Fingal has been launched and will run until the middle of next month.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler visited Donabate Library to launch 'The Write Time' initiative, which will continue until November 12.

It is running in various branches across the county is free, but booking is essential as places are limited.

The talks and workshops focus on many different themes, from writing to travel, and the challenges of writing bilingually. The full list of events can be found on https://www.facebook.com/FingalLibraries/ .

Speaking at the launch, Betty Boardman, County Librarian, said: ''Fingal County Council is delighted to be holding this series of creative events in its libraries over the next few weeks. The workshops and talks from established authors and facilitators will provide inspiration and a practical way forward for budding writers'.

All of the events are free of charge and booking is essential as places are limited. For further information please check the events page on www.fingal.ie or to book an event, please contact your local Fingal Library
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has officially launched this year's One Good Idea competition and is encouraging students from Fingal to enter.

Now in its ninth year, the aim of the One Good Idea is to increase students' understanding of energy efficiency and climate change by encouraging them to take individual and collective responsibility for tackling these important issues.

Contestants must come up with creative ideas for an energy awareness campaign to change behaviour and improve energy efficiency in their homes, schools and communities.

Open to primary and post primary school students, participants have the chance to win prizes for themselves and their schools.

Entry can be made via www.seai.ie/onegoodidea and the best projects will be showcased at the national finals in Croke Park on May 16 2017. Closing date for entries is November 11.

Commenting, Jim Gannon, CEO at SEAI, said: 'I am very impressed at the passion, enthusiasm and creativity shown by last year's participants in getting the message out about the challenge we all face in addressing climate change.'
Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved families, is hosting its local monthly meeting for bereaved parents in Swords on Wednesday, October 19.

The meeting, which takes place from 7.30pm to 9pm at BASE, Brackenstown Road, offers parents a safe and comfortable forum where they can connect with other bereaved parents who will understand the depth of their loss and grief.

A bereaved mother, speaking about the benefits of Anam Cara meetings, said: 'I have some great, supportive friends and close family, but it feels sometimes that, until you meet somebody who has been through it, nobody understands.'

Anam Cara CEO Sharon Vard stressed that this event is open to all bereaved parents 'regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death or whether the death was recent or not.'

Ms Vard also spoke about the new resources Anam Cara have made available for bereaved parents and their families: "We have made a series of short videos which are a powerful resource to any family experiencing the death of a child.'

She said the aim of the videos is to reassure parents, that they will, one day, learn to cope with the overwhelming sense of loss and desperation that is associated with the passing of a child.

'Newly bereaved parents and families need the support of those who have suffered a similar experience and learned to cope again, they need reassurance that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that they too will be able to emerge from the depths of despair and start living and enjoying life again,' she said.
Fingal communities will unite on in mid-October for a local 'spin-off' of the Cycle Against Suicide that begins at Malahide Community School.

The cycle will start on October 15 at 10.30am from Malahide Community Cycle and take the riders on a 48km route around north Dublin.

A spin-off is a locally organised cycle that takes place once each month after the main 14-day Cycle around the island of Ireland ends.

The 48km route travels through Malahide, taking in the historic Malahide Castle and Demense, and onto Swords before looping around Dublin Airport. The halfway stop, and mental health presentation, will take place at Ballymun United FC, before returning to Malahide via picturesque Portmarnock, taking in the beautiful coastal landscape of Lambay Island, Ireland's Eye and Howth Head.

Register now to help spread the Cycle Against Suicide message: 'It's OK not to feel OK; and it's absolutely OK to ask for help.', Join the participants in breaking the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland by logging on to www.CycleAgainstSucide.com/SpinOff to register or for more information. If you would prefer to volunteer rather than cycle, the Dublin North SpinOff Committee welcomes all support, both in advance of the event, as well as on the day itself. Check www.facebook.com/CycleAgainstSuicide or @CASuicide on Twitter.
Malahide's St Andrew's Parish Council and St. Sylvester's Parish Council are partnering Age Action Ireland to distribute potentially life-saving carbon monoxide alarms to older people.

Gas Networks Ireland donated 4,300 of the alarms to Age Action as part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.

Some 33 Care and Repair partners, across 11 counties, will be distributing the alarms to those in need, including the two Malahide groups.

The Care and Repair Programme was established to carry out minor repairs for older and vulnerable people free of charge, giving them access to reliable tradesmen and providing a befriending service.

The programme aims to help older and more vulnerable people stay in their own homes, in their own communities, and live as independently as possible while being comfortable and secure.

Jennifer Connelly, Regional Manager, Age Action Ireland said: 'Our Care and Repair teams provide invaluable service to older and more vulnerable people and we are hugely grateful that this donation of carbon monoxide alarms has been provided for our members.

'The people we visit as part of this programme are often living alone, with no family members to care for or look out for them so one of our main aims is to ensure they are comfortable, and furthermore safe, in their own homes.'

Owen Wilson, Gas Networks Ireland said: 'Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that's very difficult to detect so it's essential that every home has a carbon monoxide alarm.

'Gas Networks Ireland, is very pleased to be able announce today the donation of 4,300 carbon monoxide alarms to Age Action Ireland to help older people protect against the deadly gas.'

Paul McGowan, Commissioner for Energy, Safety and Water, Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) said: 'Carbon monoxide is often known as the silent killer. It's really important that everyone is aware of it and able to take the preventative measures to protect against it.

'I would encourage anyone with older loved one, or older neighbour, to check if they have an alarm and if not to help them to get one either at the local DIY shop or through Age Action Ireland.'
Residents and staff of Tara Winthrop Private Clinic in Swords celebrated Positive Ageing Week recently where an event took place each day of the week.

Fr Joseph Njanackal celebrated Mass at the beginning of the week where the Tara Winthrop Residents Choir sang a variety of hymns.

The participation of various people, who assist in a variety of activities on a voluntary basis, was acknowledged on the Wednesday afternoon by the residents while an Art Exhibition, where the work of the many talented residents was on display, including art work by staff worker Helen Kinsella.

Voluntary choir worker Margaret Lyons amazed all with her playing of the piano for an afternoon of music while two residents, Margaret and Martin, brought tears to the congregation with their rendition of the My Fair Lady musical hit 'On The Street Where You Live'.

A beautiful cake was provided by the clinic's chef, which was relished by all with a glass of wine, while some of the female residents made beautiful apple tarts for all.

'Many of the residents enjoyed some Ballroom Dancing on the Friday, which brought back fond memories to many of them,' said Jola Dzumyk, Activities Coordinator at Tara Winthrop Private Clinic.

'The Positive Ageing Week was a huge success and everyone enjoyed all the week's activities we put on for them,' she said. This year Age Action celebrated 14 years of Positive Ageing Week with both young and old coming out in force in their towns around the country to celebrate ageing in a positive light.
Youthreach Balbriggan has recognised its students' achievements in a special presentation of certificates held at the Bracken Court Hotel.

There was a great atmosphere around as past and present students, joined by family and friends and centre staff came together for the presentation.

Over the course of the evening, students received seven sets of awards and certificates for courses and programmes they participated in during 2015 and 2016.

These courses and programmes included QQI, Manual Handling, Food Safety, Job Seeking skills, Teenagers and Gardai, the President's Gaisce Bronze Award and Foroige's Drug Education programme.

During the course of the evening Lauren Kelly (current student) and Aaron Murtagh (past student) spoke positively about their experience of Youthreach and the influence that it had had on their lives.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of Balbriggan Youthreach's 'Student of the Year Award' for 2015 / 2016 which went to Shauna Linay, a very popular and deserving former student.

Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board were represented at the ceremony by Chief Executive, Paddy Lavelle and Regional Youthreach Co-ordinator, Ken Smartt.

The National Youthreach Co-ordinator, Gerry Griffin also attended the event together with Mayor of Fingal, Darragh Butler and local Councillor, Grainne Maguire.

Representatives from local community organisations - Foroige Youth Services, the Environmental Health Association and Balbriggan Tidy Towns were also in attendance.

Gerry Curran from the Courts Service was the key speaker at the special presentation.
A packed Blue Bar in Skerries was the venue for huge celebration last week as Skerries Tidy Towns and committee members were feted by a proud community and the local chamber of commerce after winning the national Tidy Towns title.

Skerries Chamber laid on the celebration that saw the committee and volunteers of Tidy Towns get the local recognition they so richly deserved after making Skerries the tidiest town in Ireland and shining a light on the town that is set to provide a massive boost for tourism and commerce in the town.

Leading that effort was Tidy Towns stalwart chairperson, Ann Doyle who was at the centre of the celebrations in the Blue Bar last week and when we met her a few days prior to the celebration she was looking forward to the community having the chance to share the joy of this fantastic achievement by coming together for one big party.

Reflecting on what the win means for the community she loves, Ann told the Fingal Independent: 'There's great pride for us all in living in the tidiest town in Ireland and that title doesn't go away quickly - we all remember previous winners so that title stays around. It is going to be very good for tourism and the business people will do well out of it and they deserve it because they keep their premises lovely.

'There's a feeling of well-being in living in a nice town for everybody, be they old or young or disabled or whatever - everybody benefits from living in a lovely place. Skerries is very natural too - it's not over-manicured and that's one of the thing's the judges in the competition liked.

'We've just kept it's own natural beauty and added one or two bits and pieces to it that it might need. There's huge pride in the achievement and great credit is deserved for everybody from the council, the business people, the residents, the volunteers - everybody can take a bow.'

The celebration at Blue Bar allowed everyone to take that well deserved bow and in hosting it Skerries Chamber have recognised the positive economic impact the Tidy Towns title is likely to have on the town.

Once all the celebrations have died down - and that might not be for a while yet - Ann and her hard-working committee and band of some 300 volunteers will be getting back to work. There will be no resting on laurels for Skerries Tidy Towns as Ann explained: 'Well, we obviously have to live up to this title now. You might say that when you win, the pressure is gone but the pressure will now be to maintain the place and live up to the title.' Nobody doubts the town will live up to the title thanks to this committed group of volunteers who probably even stayed back to clean up the mess after the party.
Residents affected by the development of a new runway at Dublin Airport are likely to stage an airport protest in the coming weeks against the daa's attempts to have restrictions on night-flying lifted from its planning permission for a new runway.

Restrictions on night-flying attached to the planning permission of the new runway by An Bord Pleanala can now potentially be overturned by the Irish Aviation Authority after the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross gave that body new powers to manage noise control from Irish Airports.

In the wake of that decision, FORUM (Fingal Organised Residents United Movement), an umbrella group of residents groups across Fingal who are opposed to the lifting of those restrictions, held a public meeting in Portmarnock which attracted around 400 people.

Chairman of FORUM, David Kelly told the Fingal Independent that a lot of people at the meeting were not aware those night-flying restrictions were under threat or that the IAA was being given the power to potentially change or overturn them.

The daa say the restrictions are too onerous and would have the effect of reducing capacity at the airport at key times and would 'stymie' the airport's growth and hurt job creation.

The residents under the flightpath of the new runway however, believe those conditions put in by An Bord Pleanala are essential. They say they are not opposed to the new runway but want to see night-time flying and the noise that comes with it, reduced.

Talking about the mood of the public meeting on the issue, Mr Kelly said: 'A lot of people felt we should organise a protest. They don't want to wait on the sidelines to see what happens next.' The FORUM chairman said his committee is yet to decide on the form that protest will take and when it will happen but he said he expected that some kind of public protest at Dublin Airport will be organised before Christmas.

The group has already met with the daa a couple of times and with the IAA, although that meeting occurred before the announcement of the IAA's new powers. A further meeting with the IAA is to be arranged to discuss the implication of the body's new powers which will be exercised by a separate unit within the organisation.

Mr Kelly said: 'The daa say there are quieter planes now but on the other side, there has also been more research on the affects of airport noise since 2007 (when permission for the runway was granted). They say it will effect jobs but how effective will workers be if they can't get a good night's sleep? There's two sides to every story.'

A further public meeting of FORUM will be arranged before Christmas.
The Minister of Finance is to raise the issue of householders living in pyrite-affected properties being hit with tax bills from Revenue when they had previously thought they were exempt.

Sinn Fein TD Louise O'Reilly had called on Minister Michael Noonan to intervene in the cases where a number of householders had received the demands when they believed they were exempt until 2016.

Deputy O'Reilly used oral questions in the Dail to question the Minister for Finance directly on what flexibility existed in the system to assist those who were in receipt of the pyritic damage exemption until 2016, but were told they must now retrospectively pay it.

She questioned the Minister on what action he could take to intervene.

Deputy O'Reilly said: 'It is not their fault that their houses and their homes have pyrite.

'They could had no way of knowing when they bought their homes that pyrite was present. They sent in all of the documentation. They complied with all of the rules as they understood them. They even went to the trouble of ringing the Revenue Commissioners to double-check that they did in fact have the exemption, and they did this every year.

'They submitted large quantities of documentation- everything that was requested of them. They further went to the trouble of making phone calls just so they could be clear about it.

'Again, it is not their fault that the records and recordings do not go back far enough to capture this, but they have told me and assured me they did everything possible.

'What they seek from the Minister is a modicum of flexibility.

'He must understand, their homes have been rendered effectively worthless by pyrite. The value of even those homes that have been remediated is severely impacted.'

In response Minister Noonan said he will raise the issue with Revenue to see if anything can be done. 'The crux, according to the reply here, seems to be that the remediation of the homes took place before LPT was part of the tax code.'
Fingal's talented food and drink producers are being offered the chance to showcase their skills at a national level, thanks to Ireland's artisan food festival, Bite 2016.

And they have a chance to win a free stand at the second annual festival if they manage to impress the organisers with a brief description of their services.

Festival organisers are on a nationwide hunt for talented food and beverage producers for the event, which will be held in Dublin's RDS from November 18-20.

It will be a chance to exhibit your product to the 20,000 Irish food and drink lovers who are expected to descend on the festival in the run-up to the Christmas season.

'Bite 2016 promotes Ireland's vastly expanding artisan food and craft drinks sector, letting people with an interest in food experience just how much quality that we have in the field to the plate industry," said festival organiser Patrick O'Sullivan.

'Many of the artisans who will take part in the festival go on to achieve success nationally, and in some cases internationally.

'Now we want to offer talented people, who maybe unknown outside of their locality, the chance to bring their expertise, ideas and experiences to a wider audience.'

Bite 2016 will feature top chefs and food experts as well as a huge range of producers, who are there to sell, sample and educate people about their unique products.

Artisans in Dublin who would like to win a free stand at the Bite 2016 festival in November are asked to write a brief 150-word description of their practice and why they deserve to be chosen.

Entries, including full name and contact details and the name of this publication can be sent to info@bitefoodfestival.ie. The closing date for the competition is Friday October 28. Full details and booking can be found at www.bitefoodfestival.ie.
A delegation from the neighbouring community surrounding Oberstown Children's Detention Campus in Lusk will meet with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs later this month to demand guarantees for that community's security in the wake of a series of serious incidents at the facility.

The community held another public meeting last week which was initially convened to discuss Minister Katherine Zappone's apparent reluctance to meet them but with just hours to go before that meeting was convened, the minister had a change of heart and will now meet with neighbours of Oberstown on October 20.

Michael Hoey of Country Crest which has its headquarters right across the road from Oberstown has chaired a number of public meetings in the area where residents aired their concerns about security breaches at the facility.

The community delegation will be accompanied by Senator James Reilly and Deputy Brendan Ryan TD at that meeting later this month and Mr Hoey has welcomed the minister's change of heart.

He told the Fingal Independent that if the minister had continued to refuse to meet the community, residents were ready to stage protests to 'force her to meet them'.

Mr Hoey did not want to discuss the specific demands the community would put to the minister at that meeting but said they all related to having new assurances put in place guaranteeing the safety and security of the facility's neighbours.

'We need a new security plan put in place. Nobody seems to know what to do if there is a break out - the gardai don't know, the neighbourhood don't know and the management there don't seem to know.

'We want a system puint in place that is going to safeguard this community.'

Mr Hoey said that neighbours of the site were 'very decent, calm and reasonable people' and that they woud be making 'very reasonable demands' of the minister, whose department has overall responsibility for the campus.

Mr Hoey said that local residents were 'growing very frustrated' at the minister's lack of engagement with them and are glad now that she has agreed to meet.

'We want a guarantee for the safety of people in this area and we are not going to stop until we have that,' Mr Hoey told the Fingal Independent.

The community representative said that Oberstown had a lot of childcare expertise but needed more personnel with expertise in security and this is one of the concerns, the community wanted to raise with Minister Zappone.

The residents concerns have been heightened by a spate of incidents at the facility in recent months, including an escape onto the campus roof by a number of detainees who set a fire.
The Director of Oberstown Children's Detention Campus in Lusk has faced questions by an Oireachtas committee after a summer of unrest at the facility culminating in a roof-top escape by children detained at the campus which left a member of staff seriously injured.

Campus director, Pat Bergin faced questions from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs and admitted that staff at the facility were 'fearful' in the wake of the summer incident that saw children escape onto the roof of the detention centre and light a fire during a day of industrial action by care staff.

Mr Bergin told the committee that staff were 'fearful' of losing control of the campus as was the case on that day.

He said the events of that day had a 'serious impact' on everyone who works at Oberstown and that it was a 'long 12 hours' for everyone at the facility.

He said that loss of control was down to a number of factors which included the fact that there was industrial action that day and lower staff numbers in control of the children. He said the children knew that and were 'empowered' by that knowledge.

He said that media reports had made a lot of the fire that was set on the roof but he said the children were not in danger from that fire, as they moved to another roof after lighting it.

Fingal Senator and her party's Seanad spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Lorraine Clifford Lee (FF) had some tough questions for the campus director, putting staff's criticisms of his leadership directly to Mr Bergin. She told Mr Bergin that after talking to a number of staff members at Oberstown, 'staff morale seems to be very low at the moment and this seems to be rooted in your own management style'.

She said that some staff had described his management style as 'dictatorial' and said that at a recent meeting of up to 100 members of staff held in Balbriggan, a vote of no confidence was passed in the Oberstown director.

Mr Bergin told the committee that he was aware of that meeting but had there had been nothing communicated to him about any vote of no confidence in his leadership. He told the committee that the criticisms of his leadership laid out by Senator Clifford Lee had never been raised with him by a member of staff.

Senator Clifford Lee said there appeared to be a 'breakdown of trust between senior management and staff' at the facility and a 'complete absence of communication with staff' on the management's behalf. Mr Bergin rejected that criticism and said the he was 'inclusive and engaging' in how he managed the facility and was focused on the agenda that has been set out to move the facility forward. He said that he was 'constantly engaging with staff through union contact and direct contact with staff in the units'.

Other members of the committee questioned Mr Bergin on a whole range of issues and concerns around the management and security arrangements at the campus and were concerned at the regularity with which security incidents appear to occur at the Lusk facility.

Mr Bergin explained how the campus was formed by bringing three separate institutions together and had changed the profile of the children it dealt with, after it was decided children would no longer be housed in adult prisons. He said all of that had presented challenges for the new facility in bringing in a new ethos and a new way of dealing with its detainees.
A Balbriggan street is quite literally brimming with history from wall to wall thanks to the culmination of a long-awaited project in the town.

The project, which the Balbriggan Tourism committee was instrumental in bringing to fruition, now dominates Railway Street, , one of the town's main thoroughfares.

It was initiated following extensive study and public consultation in the area. In 2012, a Public Realm Plan for Balbriggan, funded by the Heritage Council and facilitated by Fingal County Council was initiated.

The Paul Hogarth Company was appointed by Fingal County Council and the former Balbriggan Town Council to facilitate a consultation-led design process for Railway Street. This resulted in the publication of a document titled 'Railway Street: A New Beginning', an ambitious plan for the rejuvenation of this historical street.

The wall art project consisting of eight large-scale plaques is a direct result of recommendations suggested by The Paul Hogarth study.

The images reproduced on the plaques tell the story of Balbriggan's famous textile manufacturing firm, Smyth & Co, known locally as Smyco.

Smyth & Co. was established in 1780 and focused its production on high quality hosiery.

A variety of textile mills, factories, and a thriving cottage industry were central to the life of the town for several centuries and many of the town's inhabitants and their ancestors worked in them.

The merit of Balbriggan's stockings and hose became renowned worldwide with customers from the ranks of European royalty and nobility, such as the Empress of Austria and the Tsarina of Russia.

Smyth & Co most famous customer was Queen Victoria. In 1898, the master craftsman of Smyth & Co., Thomas Mangan, was presented with a signed portrait of Queen Victoria in recognition of their association with the Queen.

The name Balbriggan became a trademark of superior quality as Smyth's craftsmen repeatedly won prizes at world trade fairs. Some of their achievements are commemorated on the eastern wall of the Smyth & Co. factory building (facing Balbriggan Railway Station).

One of the plaques contains a reproduction of L.S. Lowry sketch of Railway Street.

On the night of the launch, local historian Dr. David Sorenson entertained the gathering with a very informative talk on the history of Railway Street and the Chairperson of Balbriggan Tourism, Cllr Tony Murphy, thanked the attendees but especially thanked the people who made this project possible.
An adorable little pooch who was rescued from the boot of a car on a ferry in a Scottish port has pawed his way into the hearts of a local family.

'Edward' was one of 20 puppies illegally shipped out of Ireland that was seized by the Scottish SPCA as part of Operation Delphin which targeted the illegal trade between here and the UK.

All the pups were returned to the Ireland where they originated from, which prompted an appeal by the ISPCA for people to come forward and give them a new home.

And up stepped the McLaughlin family in Malahide who are delighted with the newest addition to the family.

'My children had been asking for a family dog for some time and my wife and I came around to the idea after setting down some ground rules on taking care of the new pet,' Mr McLaughlin has said.

'My preference was for a rescue dog/puppy but rescue dogs don't tend to be puppies.

'I saw a post on Twitter about the puppies found in a car boot in Scotland. I called the ISPCA immediately and after meeting their criteria for adoption, we met Edward.

'He has been a gift to our house. He welcomes each and every one of us on return to the house with more enthusiasm than you can imagine.

'And I'm looking forward to adopting a companion rescue puppy to keep each other company and further enrich our lives.'

Meanwhile the ISPCA has urged prospective dog owners to choose their new pet carefully in order to make an informed decision.

The ISPCA recommends adopting a puppy from your local rescue centre or dog pound. All dogs and puppies adopted from the ISPCA Centres are health checked, parasite treated, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered/spayed when old enough

If you decide to buy a puppy online, go to www.ipaag.ie first to ensure the advertising website complies with IPAAG

The ISCPA warned that puppies from puppy farms or other unscrupulous breeders can develop illnesses once you get them home, so save yourself the heartache and do your research before you have brought the puppy home.
The new draft of the Fingal Development Plan will contain an objective to achieve a 30kmph speed limit in the immediate vicinity of schools around the region. Councillors voted by a large majority in favour of the move

The new draft of the Fingal County Development Plan (2017-2023) will contain an objective to achieve a 30kmph in the immediate vicinity of the county's schools.

Councillors voted by a large majority in favour of the move but the measure will have to undergo a separate process outside of the development plan, complete with a separate public consultation process, before it can actually be put into practice.

A similar scheme is being trialled on a number of Fingal's housing estates currently and Cllr David Healy (GP) wants to see this special speed limit extended to the 'immediate vicinity' of our schools.

Cllr Healy said he understood the new speed limit would be achieved through a different process but said he wanted the development plan to reflect a commitment to achieving that goal within the six-year lifetime of the plan.

His Green Party colleague, Cllr Roderic O'Gorman said the motion was 'extremely important' and he said the same reasons were behind the move as were used to argue in favour of the 30kph speed limit within housing estates, namely the risk of children running out in front of traffic.

Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) said he supported the special speed limit in housing estates but thought that extending it to schools that are located in towns and villages would result in traffic problems while Cllr David O'Connor (NP) was concerned as to how the measure could be enforced.

But there was widespread support for the motion from a number of councillors, despite planners arguing the issue was for another process and not for the development plan.

But when the issue was put to the vote, only four councillors voted against Cllr Healy's motion, as it passed by a huge majority with some 31 councillors backing Cllr Healy's motion.

Following the meeting where the decision was made, Senator James Reilly, a former Minister for Children welcomed the vote in a statement issued to the Fingal Independent.

Senator Reilly said the decision was to be 'commended' and added: 'It will come as a huge relief to many parents in the area and will be a valuable protection for our small children. There is no question but that this will save lives.'

Senator Reilly concluded: 'I congratulate Fingal County Council in being an early mover in this regard.'
Teachers in Fingal are at breaking point who ahead of this week's Budget have called for an end to what they have described as the 'injustice' of the two-tier pay scales.

Ahead of the Budget, the INTO met with over a hundred public representatives in Dublin to outline primary teachers' case for increased funding.

The 'Stand up for Primary Education' campaign sets out their vision for primary education in Ireland and their key areas of focus: smaller class sizes, increased funding for school running costs, an end to the ban on promotion and increased opportunities for professional development for teachers.

The union also wants to see further progress on pay equality to build on last month's pay agreement.

Local INTO Media Coordintor and local primary school teacher Kyna Rushe said that newly qualified teachers 'were frustrated' as they could not understand why they are being paid less for doing the exact same job.

She said that teachers ere 'demoralised' and were seeking 'pay equality now, not later'.

Ms Rushe added that teaching principals were feeling the strain of 'lost posts'.

'They are under pressure to complete all normal, appropriate duties and the extra roles placed upon them, for less pay.,' Ms Rushe explained.

''It means there is a high burnout rate for teaching principals and it is exhausting.

'Principal's want lost posts restored, to assist and improve with the appropriate running of the school. Principals are simply overwhelmed with bureaucracy at the moment.

Ms Rushe told the Fingal Independent that class sizes were increasing with 'upwards of '34 pupils in the one classroom'.

'This is due to schools trying to retain the teaching staff they currently have, or gain the teacher they lost, this academic year.'

Another area of concern is school funding, she said, claiming that some schools within the Fingal area, cannot meet the bills coming in the door.

'Heating bills, water bills, electricity bills, cleaning and general running costs are crippling schools. Schools in this position feel 'they are in an endless battle to keep the wolf from the door,' Ms Rushe added.
A teenager who was out celebrating St Patrick's Day and was found by gardai collapsed on the ground before he became violent towards them had his case further adjourned for him to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme.

Jordan Joyce (19) was ordered to attend with the Restorative Justice Services but at last week's Swords District Court, it became apparent he had not attended.

His defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said the defendant had thought he had already attended the meeting after he attended all meetings with the Probation Services.

'He should have rescheduled the meeting,' said Ms D'Arcy, adding that Joyce hasn't come to garda attention since and has 'turned his life around completely'

On St Patrick's Day, Joyce became aggressive and violent and ripped one garda's epaulette when he got to his feet, Swords District Court heard.

He was with a large group of youths who were draped in Tricolours and carrying bags of alcohol in Rivervalley Park in Swords.

Gardai were on bicycle patrol when they came across the youths. The youths ran off and left Joyce in a collapsed state on the group due to intoxication.

His violent behaviour continued in the garda station. The court heard Joyce apologised to the gardai the following week. He has no previous convictions.

Joyce, of St Cronan's Close in Swords pleaded guilty to the offences which happened on March 17th.

Ms D'Arcy previously told Swords District Court the teenager suffers from anxiety and depression and was drinking heavily at the time.

'He is now getting counselling and has stopped drinking,' said Ms D'Arcy.

Joyce undertook to attend all appointments with the Probation Services and the Restorative Justice Services but Judge Dermot Dempsey warned him if he is in breach of this he can be held in contempt of court and could face up to three months in prison.

He remanded the case back to December 12 for a Restorative Justice Report.
An attempt to allow for large office developments in lands zoned GE or General Enterprise has been voted down in the latest round of meetings to consider a new draft of the Fingal County Development Plan (2017-2023).

Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) wanted to remove the restriction on office developments over 1,000 square metres on land with this type of zoning and have planners consider each planning application 'on its merits'.

In proposing the change, Cllr Dennison said he was conscious of the high demand for office space in Dublin City and how Fingal might be well placed to take advantage of that demand. He said he wanted to allow planners the 'flexibility' to allow larger office developments on GE zonings where they deemed the location appropriate.

County Planner, Matthew McAleese said that the logic behind capping the size of office developments on GE lands was that this kind of project was more suited to a 'HT' zoning or 'High Technology' which were sited closer to large residential areas and to had good access to public transport where you could create 'high quality designed, campus-style' office developments.

Mr McAleese said it was important to keep that distinction or there would be a risk of having large office developments in unsuitable outlying areas simply because the land might be cheaper.

He also made the point that this type of office development does not always sit well alongside the other heavier or 'dirty' industries allowed under a GE zoning.

Cllr Tony Murphy (IA) said that Cllr Dennison's motion would not mean that a large office development would always be allowed on a GE zoning but planners could consider such an application on a 'case-by-case basis'.

Cllr David Healy (GP) however, said that the Mr McAleese made a 'strong case' and he argued that another approach to achieve what Cllr Dennison is looking for would be to review the zonings of GE lands and see if any of them should be rezoned to HT.

Mr McAleese thought that was a valid point and said that could be pursued through a variation to the plan. He said these zonings do require further study.

Cllr Eoghan O'Brien (FF) said that councillors should consider very carefully, the implications of Cllr Dennison's motion would have on over 4,000 acres of GE lands in the county.

Ultimately, Cllr Dennison's motion was defeated by a comfortable majority.
Fire fighters from Gorey responded to a two-car road traffic accident at Ballycanew on Friday night.

The fire service said no one was hurt in the collision, which happened at around 7.30 p.m. Two appliances attended. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, fire fighters attended a fire in a derelict house at Pugin Park, Rosslare Harbour. Later on Saturday, there was a car fire in Ballinatray Upper, and on Sunday at 2.30 a.m. there was an unrelated car fire near the Piercestown GAA Club.
Warm tributes were paid recently to Vinny Kavanagh as he retired from Courtown Coast Guard after 31 years of service to the local community.

He first joined the Courtown inshore rescue crew in the late 1980's which was taken over by the RNLI in the early 1990's, and served as senior helmsman. He retired from the lifeboat in 1998 and then joined the Irish Coast Guard in Courtown, and for the last eight years, served as the deputy officer in charge. He also acted as PRO and spokesperson, and health and safety officer.

Friends, family and colleagues gathered in The Taravie recently to wish Vinny well in his retirement. Tributes were paid, and presentations were made, by Coast Guard sector manager Niall Ferns; Courtown Arklow officer in charge Jim Murphy; and the new deputy officer in charge David Swinburne who spoke on behalf of the Coast Guard crew. They all paid tribute to his commitment and contribution to the local service.

Jim said that the crew were very sorry to see Vinny going, as he was invaluable, and brought so much experience with him. 'He never missed an exercise or a call out,' he said.

In response, Vinny thanked the crew for their help and support over his 18 years with the service. He also thanked his wife Denise, son Paul and his wife Bridget, and daughter Sheena and husband Eoin who were also present.

He said that there have been some tough call-outs over the years, and some of the work is not pleasant, but it's work that has to be done. He said that the pagers could go off at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. but this was part of what the duties involved.

'There's great camaraderie,' he told this newspaper, adding that the service has been totally transformed over the years. Training is offered in areas such as health and safety, first aid, manual handling, radio, and search and rescue skills, and the Coast Guard has invested in the best of equipment.

He recommended joining the Coast Guard. 'I think it has improved my life no end,' he said. 'I am competent in first aid and search and rescue skills among others.' Courtown Coast Guard accepts new crew each January and trains on the last Thursday of each month in the Coast Guard house at Seamount at 7.30 p.m. Those interested in joining can call to training or contact Jim Murphy.
Gorey Credit Union last week hosted visitors from Ethiopia, Russia and Gambia, who were part of an international delegation visiting Ireland for an international partners conference held by the Irish League of Credit Unions in Athlone. The aim of the conference was to provide a forum for discussing the challenges of developing credit unions in low-income countries.

The visitors were welcomed by Gorey Credit Union president Tom Fitzpatrick who explained his role, and the role of the credit union board. He also talked about the future plans for Gorey Credit Union, and the constraints that they had adhering to a reserve of 10 per cent, implemented by the Central Bank. He said that Gorey Credit Union hopes to launch a major marketing drive for member loans shortly.

The Gambia delegates were greeted by four students from Gorey Community School - Des Dowling, Ciaran Flood, Emlyn Williams, Alanna McPartland and their teacher John Forrest. Gorey Community School has strong links with Gambia, and Gorey Credit Union members also funded the setting up of one of the first credit unions in Gambia.

At an open forum, chaired by general manager, Barry Monaghan, key personnel explained their roles to the delegates. Geraldine Sheehan said that alongside the Central Bank's role in regulating Credit Unions, they also must also ensure compliance with European directives.

Noeleen Cullen spoke about her role front-of-house which involves explaining the complexity of financial services in plain language to members to help them select the most suitable service for them.

The delegates addressed members of the Gorey board of directors and management team, outlining the successes and challenges that they are facing, Credit Unions, they said, are acknowledged as a way of giving low income families the means to provide for basic human needs such as housing and education.

John Long from the League Board thanked Gorey Credit Union for its hospitality and congratulated them on being a thriving credit union. The delegation also visited the Avoca office of Gorey Credit Union and Arklow Credit Union.
A farmer who was airlifted to hospital following an accident at his farm in Oulart last Wednesday has thanked the emergency services for their efforts.

Mervyn Rath of Kyle, Oulart, suffered a broken leg after being pinned against the metal railing of a cattle crush when a cow fell against him.

The injury was centred on his lower leg below the knee, and emergency services had to cut off his wellington boot to inspect the wound.

A man who was with him called the emergency services, as Mr Rath was in severe pain. An ambulance crew arrived on scene and the decision was made to airlift him to hospital due to the seriousness of the injury, and the need to get him to hospital quickly.

An Air Corps Emergency Aeromedical Service helicopter was dispatched from Custume Barracks in Athlone and carried Mr Rath to University Hospital Waterford. He was released from hospital yesterday, Monday.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Rath had the utmost praise for the helicopter crew, the ambulance crew, and that staff at the hospital. 'I couldn't praise them highly enough,' he said.

His lower leg is now in plaster and he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. He said he has been inundated with warm wishes since the accident, and thanked everyone who has been in contact with messages of support and offers of help, and those who have helped on the farm since he was hospitalised.
Food producers from across the county had a taste of success at this year's Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards with big wins for many local companies.

Irish Country Meats took home the title of 'Best in Wexford' at the contest in Dingle. They also won a gold medal in the Prepared Lamb category for their French Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic Crumb and a bronze medal in the same category for their Aldi Specially Selected Premium Lamb Rack in an Oven Cook Bag. Their Merguez Lamb Sausage picked up a gold award in the Sausages (Other) category.

Atlantis Seafoods were the proud recipients of the coveted 'Seafood Innovation Award' sponsored by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). They received the award for their Kilmore Quay haddock goujons and will now benefit from 4,000 worth of services from BIM's Seafood Development Centre.

'We have worked closely with BIM in their Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty in recent years and the expertise and assistance from their team has been instrumental in the success of our new Kilmore Quay range,' said Managing Director of Atlantis Seafoods John Kenny.

They also struck gold with their goujons in the Prepared Seafood category and the Gluten Free Ingredients category.

Wexford based artisan baker Carmel Moran scooped a gold award in the Breakfast Cereals category for her Oat Couture Granola.

'I'm looking at the shiny gold labels here and still pinching myself!' she said.

Killowen Farm celebrated a win when they took home a bronze medal for their Greek Style Natural Yoghurt in the Dairy (Plain Yoghurt) category. They also proved they were cream of the crop in the cream category by winning a gold for their Dunnes Stores Simply Better Farmhouse Irish Whiskey Cream.

Gorey company Wild About won the Best in Farmers Market award for Wexford. Their Raspberry Chilli Chutney also impressed judges and won them a gold medal in the Chutney category.

Wexford also did particularly well in the bread categories. In the Craft Bakers Yeast section, Staffords Bakeries picked up bronze for their Traditional Vienna, while they also won a silver award in the Traditional Irish Barm (Yeast) Brack category for their brack and bronze for their Aldi brack. In the Sweet Dough Goods section, Staffords picked up another silver for their Hot Cross Buns. Meanwhile, Pettitt's Supervalu Wexford won silver in the Craft Bakers Sourdough section for their natural sourdough.
Tralee's Craft Makers Centre will host the opening of its second exhibition this Thursday night, October 13.

Following the successful conclusion of the first official show in new Craft Makers' gallery on Ashe Street, the work of Kerry based artist Roisin McGuigan will go on show from Thursday evening.

McGuigan is an internationally recognized artist, hailing from Newry who has made her home in Kerry.

Her latest show is titled Unearthing Place II and features numerous new works.

Roisin says she draws inspiration from the horizons seen each day and her work has been described as unique and powerful.

For those interested in learning more about her work, methods and influences Roisin will be presenting a gallery talk about her work in the Craft Makers' exhibition room on Saturday October 15 from 3.00pm.

It is a free talk and everyone is welcome to attend. Roisin is also running a series of art classes at Craft Makers in October.

To find out more about Roisin log on to www.craftmakers.ie for details.
A Blennerville mother is hoping that her new book entitled 'Asperger's; Our Way of Life: An Amazing Adventure' in which she talks about the struggles of having a young daughter with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and the journey she went on to understand her daughters condition, can help other parents in the same situation.

Margaret Dillane, who lived in Blennerville for 19 years before moving to London, admits that her "whole world was turned upside down" when her daughter Yasmine was diagnosed with Asperger's aged seven.

She struggled with anxiety before ultimately making the decision to find out as much as she could about the condition so that she could understand her daughter better.

"Asperger's is a social communication disorder, someone with the condition would find it very difficult to communicate socially; they can't read the cues of normal social communication like body language and conversational cues so all of this has a knock on effect into the person's life," she continued.

"I always knew that there was something happening with regards to how she was with other people and I knew that there was something different about her but I kept saying that she'll grow out of this behaviour," said Margaret, talking to The Kerryman.

"When we got the diagnosis, it was a double-edged sword. In one way, I was delighted as it put everything into perspective; I thought she was just being rude when she answered someone logically or when she pointed out if someone looked weird, she just didn't understand that you're not supposed to do that,"

"One of the heart-breaking things was when I would bring Yasmine to parties and she would push people or hurt people because she was having a sensory overload and she was going through a meltdown,"

"I was forever going around telling people how sorry I was for her behaviour because I didn't understand why she was doing this," she added.

She has described it as the "story of my daughter and I and our journey through Asperger's; I wanted other people to experience our journey and I wanted to show anybody else who might be in the same position that there is so much to be gained by understanding the condition".

"The result of the book is that Yasmine was able to learn and know how to behave around other people, it's been wonderful to see the change in her,"

"It wasn't about me trying to fit her into what I believed was 'normal' society which I know now to be ridiculous, there's no such thing as normality, I wasn't going to be able to 'fix her autism', I needed to understand her thinking and her behaviour, that way we could work toward progress,"

"If someone can get a lesson from my book, that they're not alone in having children with Asperger's, that it's not a condition, it's a way of life and that they have nothing to fear from it, I'd be very happy," she finished.

Margaret's book is available on Amazon for 5.99 by searching 'Asperger's; Our Way of Life: An Amazing Adventure' or by the link on our Kerryman Facebook page.
A powerful play on human trafficking will be staged at Institute of Technology Tralee next week.

Kerry Stop Human Trafficking have sponsored the performance of Diablo which is to take place at ITT's North Campus next Thursday evening, October 20, at 7.30pm.

The hour long play - which looks at all aspects of human trafficking - is written and directed by Patricia Downey and is performed by Spanner in Works productions.

It earned very positive reviews following performances in Northern Ireland and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

"Very often when we think of Trafficking we immediately think that it is a problem that exists somewhere else and not close to us, however this is not so," said Mairead Fernane of Kerry Stop Human Traffic king.

"Sadly Ireland has been identified as a Source, Transit and Destination country for Human Trafficking and our group has been working to highlight this issue in Kerry since 2005," she said.

"We hope that the staging of the play will help raise awareness of the reality of Human Trafficking in Ireland. Trafficking is the new Slavery," said Mairead Fernane.

Diablo contains some strong language and is suitable for over 18s. Tickets, costing 10 for Adults and 5 for Students who are over 18, can be purchased in advance or at the door on the night.
Gardai in Tralee have launched an appeal for witnesses after a man was 'viciously' attacked in Tralee Town Square at around 9pm last Friday night.

The victim was passing through the Square on his way back to work when he was set upon and repeatedly punched by a group of men.

Gardai are asking anyone who was in the square or any business owners who may have CCTV footage of the incident to contact them at Tralee Garda Station.
A man who is pleading guilty to a charge of dealing cocaine says he only did so to get his son out of trouble with others to whom his son owed hundreds of euros.

John McCarthy, Lacca, Ballyduff, appeared before Judge James O'Connor at Listowel District Court on Thursday charged with three counts under the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act: the possession of cocaine for the purposes of sale and supply against section 15 of the Act; and the unlawful possession of cocaine as well as the unlawful possession of cannabis, each contrary to section three of the Act.

The charges arise from a search of Mr McCarthy's premises carried out by gardai on New Year's Eve of 2014.

Mr McCarthy also appeared on foot of a public order charge arising from his part in a 'feud' in Ballyduff.

Judge O'Connor heard that the defendant had 31 previous convictions, 21 of which were over public order disturbances.

Solicitor for the accused, Padraig O'Connell, asked Judge O'Connor at the outset of the hearing not to finalise his order at Thursday's sitting.

Mr O'Connell explained that his client had not been directly involved in the altercation that led to the public order charge on which he appeared on Thursday.

"There was a feud between the parties and it is an accepted fact that this man only got involved in the periphery of the matter at the very end of it.

On the matter of the drugs charges, Judge James O'Connor queried the nature of the scene gardai uncovered on the date, finding - as the Judge outlined it - cocaine, cannabis, weighing scales, a list and other items amounting to 'everything a drug dealer would have' as Judge O'Connor remarked.

Mr O'Connell said his 45-year-old client would be pleading guilty and accepted what the court had heard. He said his client would be setting out what happened and why it happened, and that the drugs were not being sold among the general public - but among the man's friends. Gardai concurred with this.

"He (Mr McCarthy) got involved on behalf of his son...whose life was threatened over hundreds of euros he owed...and he dealt solely with his friends," Mr O'Connell said.

"This fellow is no angel," Judge O'Connor remarked. "He got involved in relation to his son and threats but it wouldn't knock much sweat off him.

"If he wants to avoid jail he is going to have to make a contribution back into society. You have 31 previous convictions and this would be 33. That's serious," Judge O'Connor warned Mr McCarthy. The court heard that Mr McCarthy had worked as a carpenter, but has been caring for his elderly parents for years. The case was put back until December 1 next.
Kenmare is on course to see what was once one of the most coveted tracts of land in the county become a major public asset of recreational walkways, sporting facilities and housing for the elderly.

Kerry County Council has successfully bid to acquire the 'peninsula lands' -adjacent to the town centre and running along the banks of the Finnihy River - from Nama. Sold for nearly 20 million by the Arthur family in the boom to Conor Slattery of Sigma Private Equity Ltd, the land has since remained undeveloped - after a major project was refused by Kerry County Council and An Bord Plenala on appeal.

A political row erupted this week over media reports on the Nama bid, with local Senator Mark Daly saying a 'public representative' he did not name was premature in talking publicly about the process last week.

"The Reverend Michael Cavanagh (Kenmare Church of Ireland vicar) and I first met with the receivers and later Nama officials on behalf of the community on the possibility of acquiring the peninsula back in 2012," Senator Mark Daly said.

The Kenmare Peninsula Group was set up with Nama advising locals, according to Senator Daly, that the 'best way forward' was as part of a joint approach with Kerry County Council under Nama's community benefit clause - enabling the agency to prefer bids showing clear advantage for communities.

However, Senator Daly said he feared news of the successful Kerry County Council bid may have broken too early: "I have been talking to officials who are disappointed that public representatives went public on the matter prematurely, at what is a delicate point in the sale."

Local Fine Gael County Councillor Patrick Conor Scarteen spoke publicly on the matter last week but said news of the successful bid was 'long out there.

"It was in the public domain long before I was contacted about it and a lot of people were asking me 'is it was true that the Council had bought the lands there?' Cllr Conor Scarteen told The Kerryman.

He said he facilitated meetings with both the county manager and municipal area manager on the peninsula lands site as recently as last year. "I brought the County Manager there and we walked every inch of it and arranged a meeting with the Peninsula Group of which I am a member.

"It would be a fantastic addition to the town of Kenmare, stretching from the sea right up to the centre of the town and a significant part could be a recreational park, with other space set aside for the use of local sporting clubs and community activities, but that's all down the road. There's huge support for it locally," he said.
A Listowel man is facing 89 separate charges under the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act arising from an inspection of his farm carried out by gardai last December in which they say they discovered a large number of animals in 'appalling conditions without food or water'.

Thomas Doyle, Fourhane, Listowel, is charged with 89 separate counts under the Animal Health and Welfare Act of 2013 arising from an inspection of his farm carried out by gardai on December 29 of last year.

The case came before Judge James O'Connor at Listowel District Court on Thursday, where gardai outlined what they say is the evidence they uncovered in the inspection prior to the Judge making a decision on whether to accept jurisdiction or not.

Judge O'Connor ultimately declined jurisdiction in the matter, sending the case forward to the Circuit Court.

Gardai told the court that Det Gda Shane O'Driscoll called to the farm at 12.40pm on December 29, 2015, in response to a call from a member of the public concerned about the welfare of animals on the property.

Among some of the discoveries gardai say they made was a pony and goat trapped in a horsebox with a dead foal for days without food or water; a collie that had wound itself on a chain around an ESB pole for days, with only dirty ground water to drink; a pig left on sodden bedding in a horsebox; a cockerel left in a timber hutch without food or water and on sodden bedding and two goats trapped in another horsebox for days one of which was suffering so badly from an ingrowing horn that it had to be put down.

Gardai said other charges related to a jack russell chained to a kennel; a ferret in a hutch on wet and dirty bedding that was 'licking water off the mesh of the hutch'; two miniature pigs left without food or water; a caravan containing cages of smaller pets including one in which there were two canaries - one dead, one alive - another in which there were two rats on wet bedding with no food or water.

The scene was discovered in the middle of Storm Frank. Along with KSPCA officers gardai fed the animals. They said a vet forced to put down a goat due to its ingrowing horn the following day.Gda O'Driscoll said he made contact with Mr Doyle, who said he had been away from the farm since December 23.

Mr Doyle is charged with 22 counts of failing to safeguard animal health and welfare under section 11 of the act; 22 counts of permitting suffering (section 12); 22 counts of failing to supply clean water and food (section 13) and 22 counts of leaving animals unattended without provision for their welfare (section 14).

Solicitor Pat Enright told the court his client had arranged for another person to feed and water the animals while he was away from the farm. Mr Enright said his 38-year-old client - whom he described as being 'eccentric in some ways' had started off with a couple of animals initially, but that people started leaving unwanted animals with him.

"It reached the situation where every penny he was earning was going on animal feed...his abilities were surpassed," Mr Enright explained, adding: "He went away for Christmas but had an arrangement for someone to look after them, but I don't think there was an appreciation by him or that man of what was involved." He said Mr Doyle co-operated fully with gardai, doing 'everything that could be done'. He still keeps a pony and a couple of rabbits at the farm.

Judge O'Connor described it as a 'very bad case', declining jurisdiction in the matter to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence by December 1 next before the case goes to the Circuit Court. Mr Enright indicated his client would be pleading guilty before the higher court.
A man has been brought in custody before a court in Kerry on Monday afternoon charged with breaking into a residence in the early hours and raping the occupant, a woman who lived alone.

A Detective Garda Sergeant told the court he arrested the man - who cannot be named for legal reasons - at a garda station Monday morning and charged him, at another garda station.

He has been charged with one count of rape, one count of attempted rape. He was also charged with one count of burglary in which a sum of 500 was taken.

The court heard that the man made no reply to the charges.

The alleged offences occurred in the early hours, at around 3.15 am, on a date in mid-September 2015, the arresting sergeant told the court.

Counsel for the man, in the course of applying for bail, said his client would be prepared to abide by any bail conditions the court saw fit to impose on him.

However objecting to bail, the sergeant said there was strong evidence and there was a risk of flight.

The court heard that the accused man's fingerprints were located in the alleged victim's residence and that the man had left behind a jacket which he was seen wearing on closed circuit television footage.

In objecting to bail the sergeant said that "I fear for the safety of the public if this man is granted bail."

Judge James O'Connor refused bail and remanded the man in custody to appear again in court today, Wednesday.
The owner of a car that was taken without his consent was presumably delighted on the double on being reunited with the vehicle - to find it had been polished, shined and hoovered by the man who took it.

The unusual details of the case led the district judge hearing it to remark to the solicitor defending 'you have the strangest of clients'.

The case came before Thursday's sitting of Listowel District Court when Joey Costello, 8 Dirha Cottages, Listowel, pleaded guilty to a charge of 'unlawfully taking possession of a car without the consent of the owner' contrary to section 112 of the Road Traffic Act.

The incident occured on September 27 last, gardai told the Court. At 5.15pm on the date, gardai received a report of a car having been taken from a carpark at the rear of William Street in Listowel. The owner had parked the car at 2pm, but couldn't find it anywhere on returning later that evening.

Gardai said they later found the car outside Mr Costello's house in Dirha and that he had the car keys in his pocket. He admitted taking it and was arrested.

In outlining the circumstances of the case, Solicitor Padraig O'Connell began by informing the court that his client had suffered a seizure at the lunchtime break of Thursday's sitting, indicative of medical difficulties he suffers from.

Mr O'Connell said Mr Costello 'took a shine to the car' when he saw it in the car-park.

"There was no damage done," he explained. In fact: "He polished it, shone it and hoovered it as if he was the owner," Mr O'Connell said, also suggesting that his client may have deluded himself on the matter that day.

"Mr O'Connell, you have the strangest of clients!" Judge O'Connor said and he adjourned until December 1, 2017 by which time Mr Costello has to pay 500.

"We'll take it from there," Judge O'Connor concluded.
A Listowel publican has pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving in December of last year when she was forced to take to her car in response to an 'emergency' after having had a couple of drinks at home.

Sandra O'Gorman, Farranawanna, Tarbert, appeared before Judge James O'Connor at Listowel District Court on Thursday charged with drunken driving on the John B Keane Road, Listowel, on December 14 of last year.

A blood sample taken from Ms O'Gorman returned a reading of 50mg per 100 mls of blood, gardai told the Court.

Solicitor Pat Enright said his client, whom the court heard runs The Risin' Sun bar in Listowel, was at home on the evening and had had a couple of drinks when 'there was an emergency in town'.

Mr Enright said the disqualification period would prove an 'awful inconvenience' to Ms O'Gorman and asked the Judge to postpone the period by six months, which Judge O'Connor granted. Ms O'Gorman was also fined 175 for the offence.

"The sun is sinking a bit today," Judge O'Connor remarked; on learning the name of Ms O'Gorman's pub.
James Corry who was arrested in Killorglin last year on foot of a European Arrest Warrant

A barrister at the High Court last week accused the German federal authorities of "culpable negligence" for waiting for more than 10 years to pursue an arrest warrant for a Killorglin resident suspected of involvement in a Provisional IRA bombing.

Remy Farrell SC said that the Germans had engaged in "finger-pointing" at the gardai and the Irish state and failed to explain why they did not act on information given to them by gardai back in 2005.

Mr Farrell was representing James Anthony Oliver Albert Corry (46), who was arrested in Killorglin last October on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by German authorities.

Mr Corry, a well-known local musician and former actor, is suspected of involvement in a Provisional IRA attack in Osnabruck, Germany in 1996 in which three mortar shells were fired at a British army barracks.

Mr Corry was placed on the International Wanted List in 2004 and in May 2005 gardai contacted German authorities to tell them he was living in Kerry. The German prosecutor's next move came this year when they issued a European Arrest Warrant and gardai executed it in October.

Mr Farrell said: "This is a delay of truly exceptional proportions," adding: "It is unconscionable that a party to such proceedings would refuse to give an explanation for a 10-year delay."

Under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, he said, any move to take Mr Corry away from his family in Ireland would need to be of "pressing social need".

He said that if the Germans did perceive such a need, they would be guilty of "culpable negligence" for waiting so long.

The gardai and Irish authorities deserved no criticism for their part, he said, despite the German Federal Prosecutor suggesting they could have arrested Mr Corry on foot of the International Arrest Warrant. Mr Remy described this as "nonsense" and "unconvincing finger-pointing" adding: "There is no legal authority to do so without a [European] Arrest Warrant."

Mr Remy also said that under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, were Mr Corry to be found guilty of the offence in Ireland or the UK, he would be released within two years.

However, in Germany, he could face life imprisonment if found guilty. This, he said, was "oppressive" and unfair in circumstances where another person extradited to the UK for a similar offence would face a maximum of two years in prison.

Representing the Minister for Justice, Sean Guerin SC said the alleged offence was "very serious" and therefore the public interest could never be described as insignificant, regardless of any delay by the Germans. Regarding Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, he said it does not apply in this case because there are no exceptional family circumstances that require Mr Corry to remain in Ireland.

He added that there is nothing discriminatory regarding the possibility of life imprisonment in Germany versus two years in the UK for a similar offence. "He would be treated in the same way as anyone else in that jurisdiction," he said.

Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved judgment until November 14.

The former north Belfast man is a suspect in the IRA mortar attack in which three mortar shells were fired at the barracks petrol station from a Ford Transit van but missed their target. Nobody was killed or injured but substantial damage was caused to the base.
Back row (Left to Right): Trisha Dowling, Service Co-ordinator NEWKD; Kevin Sugrue, Mc Carthy Insurance; Padraig McGillicuddy, Proprietor Ballygarry Hotel; Siobhan Rivas May, Director of Auditing, PSC; Seamus Cotter, Director, PSC Accounting Services; George Kelly, GoKerry.ie; Siobhan Murphy, Advertising & Marketing Manger, The Kerryman; Sean Healy, Head of AIB Kerry; Joe Shannon, Branch Manager AIB Tralee; Colm Cooper, AIB National Youth Ambassador; Margaret Griffin, Retail Business Manager, AIB Kerry; Eamonn O'Reilly, CEO of NEWKD. Front Row: Michelle Diggins, Sales & Marketing Manger, Ballygarry House Hotel; MD of The Kerryman John Feerick; Kevin Hughes, Editor of The Kerryman and Oonagh Harrington, Relationship Manager, AIB Kerry. Photo by Domnick Walsh

The Kerryman Business Awards are now open for entry and it's time to get down to business if you feel you have what it takes to claim this important accolade. The Kerryman - along with its nine sponsors - want to reward people who make business a priority and who wish to see their innovative and pioneering efforts recognised as the best in the county.

This is set to be the biggest and the most exciting event in Kerry's business calendar and the finale takes place on Friday 25 November at The Ballygarry House Hotel. But between now and then, it's time to submit your application which is FREE to apply. Guest speaker at the event will be Dragon's Den star, Gavin Duffy, while the 2014 Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, will be the evening's emcee.

In all, there will be three businesses shortlisted from each of the nine categories with the final winner from each category going head-to-head for the overall prize of 'Best Kerry Business Award 2016'.

The aim of the competition is to identify and celebrate the diverse range of industries throughout the county from small start-ups to multinationals and the people and personalities behind them. The Kerryman Business Awards are a countywide initiative that recognises the entrepreneurialism, innovation, diversity and talent that exists in every sector of the local business community. The awards will equally honour Kerry's many industry leaders by acknowledging their inventive business methods, product development, enterprise, sustainability, and overall success.

"This is the first year of The Kerryman Business Awards and it's sure to become one of the main talking points on the business calendar as we look to honour the hard work and endeavour of businesses in Kerry," said John Feerick, Managing Director of The Kerryman.

"We're also delighted to announce the addition of associate sponsors for each of our nine categories and judging from the hugely positive feedback we have received, we are confident the level of entries will be of a high standard. I look forward to celebrating with you all at our Gala Awards ceremony on Friday 25 November at The Ballygarry House Hotel," John added.

Siobhan Murphy is The Kerryman's Advertising and Marketing Manager and she described the awards as a very important opportunity to give some well-deserved recognition to both individual and group businesses for their entrepreneurial success.

"They tell the story behind the success, the commitment, sheer dedication and hard work that goes on behind the scenes in every business in Kerry," said Siobhan.

"We would encourage all businesses to rally around and recognise the organisations that are performing well and that as many businesses as possible would either put themselves forward, or nominate someone else in one or more of the categories listed. These awards will also give your company the opportunity to see its profile rise and be seen as a model of success," concluded Siobhan.
Pictured recently receiving the award with her parents John and Maura Earley is Prof. Kelly-Holmes, Prof. Emeritus Edward Maxon Browne and Dr Joachim Fischer, School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics and UL

Grace Earley is a Tralee woman with proud west of Ireland links as dad, John, hails from Balla, County Mayo - a good combination you might say when facing the trials and tribulations of a busy European Parliament where Grace recently started her internship.

At 17, Grace had her first taste of parliamentary debating when attending Presentation Secondary School where her skills blossomed at a young age. During the transition year programme, Grace - along with two fellow students - went on to represent the school at the Mini European Parliament in Stormont and with the support of teachers, Grace was encouraged to participate in public debating and consequently represented the school in national competitions.

It seemed inevitable that Grace would one day go on to study Humanitarian and Applied Sciences in the University of Limerick which she completed in June of this year. Independently, Grace was among a distinguished gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa for the 'One Young World' summit in October, 2013 when she was a representative of O2 Ireland's 'Think Big' programme. Passionate about Human Rights, Grace was in the company of many distinguished world counsellors, including Kofi Annan, Noble Laureate Muhammed Kunus, Bob Geldof, Boris Becker and Francois Pienaar.

Grace would eventually choose Ghana as the destination to complete her academic studies and she resided there for six months during 2015. Grace's linguistic studies were further enhanced when completing a term of study in Nantes, France. On top of that, she recently received the 2016 Maxon-Browne Prize, which is awarded to the student whose final year project receives the highest grade of academic achievement.
A large crowd attended a business advice talk by former Dragon's Den judge and presidential candidate Sean Gallagher at the Brandon House Hotel on Tuesday night.

Gallagher gave the audience, which was largely comprised of local business people, 14 tips about how to maximise their businesses under the headings: success leaves clues, self determination, change is inevitable, work on your business, hope is not a strategy, surround yourself with positive people, involve others, the basics of good business, leadership versus management, most of us start small, embrace technology, risk and failure, step up and the time to act is now.

Gallagher, who began his career working on community projects, said he was offering advice he had learned from decades working as an entrepreneur, from his work on community projects and tips he picked up while working as a columnist for the Sunday Independent.

Speaking to this newspaper prior to the meeting, Gallagher said: 'In my column I have profiled businesses and many of them have faced considerable challenges and they have overcome these obstacles. Businesses in New Ross have faced many challenges from the recession to competition from large players. There has also been the advance of technology which affects every business.'

Gallagher outlined how important innovation is for businesses to survive, adding that many companies are looking at reinventing themselves and diversifying.

'Every area faces its own challenges and the flipside of that is that every area has its own advantages which are unique to it and in the case of New Ross, while proximity to three large urban towns and cities may be a competing factor, it is important for business people in New Ross to believe in themselves and discover what the towns strengths are, while people support local businesses.'

Gallagher said most people who come to an area do so for an experience. 'To get tourists to spend money you need accommodation, bed nights and restaurants and leisure facilities to keep them occupied. You need arts and culture also to create an overall package. This gives people the experience and they tell others about how they got.'

Niall Bennett, president of New Ross & District Chamber of Commerce and Tom Banville, head of Enterprise Wexford also addressed the meeting.
Fire fighters from Gorey responded to a two-car road traffic accident at Ballycanew on Friday night. The fire service said no one was hurt in the collision, which happened at around 7.30pm.

Two appliances attended. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, fire fighters attended a fire in a derelict house at Pugin Park, Rosslare Harbour. Later on Saturday, there was a car fire in Ballinatray Upper, and on Sunday at 2.30 a.m. there was an unrelated car fire near the Piercestown GAA Club.
Up to 300 guests attended a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Brandonvale Co-operative Creamery in the Glanbia branch in Graiguenamanagh recently.

The crowd - which included some descendants of the founding members of Brandonvale - attended the open day at the Glanbia Agribusiness Store in Tinnehinch to take part in the celebrations where a history book entitled 'Graiguenamanagh to Glanbia' - which was written for the occasion by William Crean - was launced. Guests were treated to a free barbecue and various spot prizes.

The celebrations were opened with an address by Chairman of Glanbia Co-operative Henry Corbally who spoke of the significance of the occasion. A special plaque to commemorate the event was presented to Raymond Ryan, Manager of the local branch and chairman of the area advisory committee John Ryan made a presentation to Mr Crean.

The book is wonderfully written and tells the story of the Brandonvale Co-operative Creamery from its foundation in 1916 through the political and economic struggles of the 20th century to present day Glanbia.

It also charts the development of the dairy industry. The book can be purchased in the Glanbia Agribusiness Stores in Graiguenamanagh and Goresbridge. It is also available in Doran's SuperValu, Barron's, Kinsella's and in the Fairview Service Station in Graiguenamanagh.
Revenue Officers seized 150,000 cigarettes and the van in which they were smuggled when it arrived of a ferry from France at Rosslare Europort last week.

Following routine profiling, the Irish-registered van was stopped and searched with the assistance of detector dog Alfie as it disembarked the ferry. The cigarettes, branded 'Kent', 'Marlboro Red' and 'Marlboro Gold' were found, concealed in bags labelled as 'charcoal'.

The smuggled cigarettes have a retail value of 78,761, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of approximately 62,785.

A Romanian man was questioned and investigations are continuing, with a view to prosecution.

Revenue said the majority of people pay the right amount of tax and duty and if you know someone is evading tax or involved in smuggling, report it. Contact Revenue's Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295.
The County Council is taking part in talks about the future use of the landmark and semi-derelict St Senan's Hospital.

Council chief executive Tom Enright said the local authority is currently actively pursuing a future use for St Senan's which would involve its restoration and occupation.

'St Senan's hospital is a unique building, designed and built for a particular function. However, its very large size and status as a protected structure listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage presents difficulties in identifying a suitable use and increases the cost of refurbishment.

'I am hopeful that the on-going discussions will bear fruit and result in the building being restored and brought back to life in the near future,' he said.

Ian Lumley from An Taisce said the organisation have been raising concerns 'about the unresolved future of this landmark building for some time.'

'The most recent information is that the HSE intends to put it on the market., but there is no time frame for this. In the meantime serious deterioration is continuing,' Mr Lumley told this newspaper.

Last year a group of Chinese investors was said to be interested in the building and grounds, however, following an initial approach that potential deal fizzled out.

St Senan's has been empty since 2013 and has been hard hit by vandals and thieves who have stripped out copper and lead from the roof, leaving the historic building open to the elements.
On September, 22, the staff of St. Mary's Secondary School, New Ross, both past and present, came together in the Brandon House Hotel to honour their colleague Marie Winters on her retirement after 31 years of dedicated service to teaching in St. Mary's.

Many tributes were paid to Marie by her colleagues, the board of management and support staff. Marie started her teaching career in St. Mary's in 1985. She was employed by the then principal Sr. Maureen Freyne.

Marie was a dedicated, hard working, innovative and creative teacher who always kept the interests of her students to the fore. She was never one to shy away from introducing new methodologies, programmes or giving up her time to benefit both the students and the school.

In 1988, she was one of a team of teachers who introduced the Leaving Certificate Applied programme into the school. In 1995 Marie introduced the successful Leaving Certificate Vocational programme which has benefited many students over the years. Outside of classroom life Marie brought great humour and laughter to the staffroom. Over the years she accompanied students on many school tours from Cork and Clare to Paris, Munich and Boston, to name but a few.

Presentations were made to Marie from her colleagues, the board of management and support staff.

Marie then entertained those present with a parody she had written especially for the occasion which brought the house down. A school spokesperson said: 'We wish Marie best wishes, health and happiness in her retirement and may she enjoy every minute of it.'
Bringing learning to the great outdoors is the aim of the new Wexford Forest School initiative which planted its roots in the Irish National Heritage Park recently.

The first forest school in the county to be funded by a local authority, it will welcome children from schools across Wexford to learn about protecting the environment, bushcraft, building shelter and identifying nature. It came together through the collaboration between Outdoor Park Manager Chris Hayes, Ciara Hinksman of Earth Force Education and local Forest Rangers Orla Gallagher and Shane Furlong.

'There is a phrase that has been coined by Richard Louv called "nature deficit disorder" that is used to describe the negative consequences that occur when children don't spend enough time outdoors. Parents and families are so busy with school, homework and dinners to be made so it can be challenging for them to get the kids out in the evening,' explained Orla. 'We are looking at this as a way of getting children to come and engage with nature and develop a passion for the outdoors. Kids are the future stewards of the environment. If they don't learn how to care for it and appreciate it, who will?'

Children from Crossabeg National School are the first to dive into the project and will visit the park each Thursday over the next seven weeks. Their first visit to the site was met with great enthusiasm from not only the children, but the teachers themselves.

'The kids had really positive feedback about the day and did everything with great enthusiasm. Even the third class teacher and principal Eamonn Codd were getting involved,' said Orla.

The forest school leaders try to encourage children to engage with nature in a fun way through the medium of stories and songs. They also teach them about wildlife tracking, pointing out various species of plants and animals as they explore the site.

'We teach in a way that is really accessible to kids,' said Orla. 'A lot of the time, they don't even realise the amount that they are taking in.'

The children will also be given the chance to channel their inner Bear Grylls as bushcraft and survival skills form a big part of Forest School. Making and using tools and building fires are some of the areas that they delve in to and although participants are young, the rangers ensure that safety is the top priority.

'We have about 22 students at the moment and there are at least three adults there at any one time,' explained Orla. 'A big part of what we do in the fire skill section is help them to develop their own risk assessment abilities. We teach them that fire is really beneficial as it keeps us warm and we can cook with it but also instil the risks in them such as the possibility of getting burned. These lessons will stand to children as they get older.'

Forest School programmes can run throughout the year, in all weathers, except for high winds.

The founders of Wexford Forest School all have one shared aim: to establish a regional hub for forest schools over time. However, they understand that it will take time for the initiative to grow and flourish. The current phase of Wexford Forest School is a pilot scheme with Crossabeg National School. Wexford County Council have provided funding of approximately 2,700 under Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund for this first seven weeks. Following this, Orla said that they hope to spread interest to schools across the county.

'The first bit of funding is for seven weeks but hopefully we might get some more next year all going well,' said Orla. 'Schools that are also interested in getting involved can also provide some funding themselves.'
New Ross Historical Society will hold its next lecture on Thursday, October 20, in New Ross Boat Club at 8pm, entitled 'A military history of the Easter Rising'.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr Pat McCarthy who will outline how the Easter Rising in 1916 was a military event with no associated political movement, despite it being labelled the 'Sinn Fein Rising'.

This lecture will examine the military aspects of the Rising such as the original plan for a nationwide rebellion; the forces involved on both sides, in particular the British garrison in Ireland, and the impact of the countermanding order on the rising. It will then look at the reaction of the British military, their plans and tactics to suppress it and how these were implemented. It will conclude by looking at lost opportunities and errors on both sides.

Non members are welcome 5 per lecture, or full membership is 15 for the year.
Sligo illustrator Gary Reddin, of Reddin Designs, was one of ten creative companies from Ireland, Sweden, Iceland and Finland to attend the Digital DNA @ The Planetarium conference last week in Armagh.

'Digital DNA was an excellent event with a strong focus on innovation within businesses,' says Gary. 'Since setting up in 2014 we've worked with over 90 national and international clients providing commercial illustration, branding strategies and website design. Our line of art prints is sold in four retailers across Ireland. We've recently recruited two new staff and I'm actively exploring ways to expand further. Digital innovation and collaboration are key to this, so this was an amazing opportunity.'

As well as attending the Digital DNA conference, Gary also took part in a Creative Exchange event discussing how to grow a digital business. The digital entrepreneurs were funded to participate in Digital DNA @ The Planetarium by the EU-funded MyCreativeEdge.eu implemented by the WDC.
Drama lovers in Tubbercurry have a big treat in store this month: Big Guerilla productions present 'Danger Money' a play which offers an insight into the beautiful 'close-up' of rural Irish life.

Seamus O'Rourke a writer and actor from County Leitrim once again teams up with Cavan playwright John McManus (The Quare Land) in his latest production Danger Money coming to Tubbercurry on Friday the 28th of October.

Often described as being of the same ilk, John the writer and Seamus the actor hope to bring a story full of heartache and humour to the stage and with McManus's very individual madness sprinkled throughout, it promises to be a production to remember.

Seamus will play Teddy (the Mucker) Tucker in the play which has been on tour since the beginning of May of this year and is due to finish up in Tubbercurry at the end of the month.

Comedy with a dose of reality, this play is not to be missed with all proceeds in aid of the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival.

Tickets are 10 each and are on sale now in Margaret Kennedy's and Gillespies Menswear & Sport.
Ten music stars who have publicly stated their support for Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign.

Demi Lovato

Lady Gaga

Ja Rule

Beyonce

Katy Perry

Pharrell

Madonna

Paul McCartney

50 Cent

Ariana Grande
While North West Hospice has a large team of specialist staff, volunteers play a pivotal role in the organisation's success.

Chief Executive, Dr Nigel McCarley, said the hospice is reliant on volunteers who make up 75 per cent of its workforce.

"A lot of people give a lot of their time to the hospice, and a good example would be the renovations of our new offices at Wine Street Car Park," he said.

"From the word go they were bringing in and out furniture and within five weeks everything was set up."

He added: "They do major work at fundraising which is essential.

The organisation could simply not provide without volunteers and the generosity of the community. For that, we are very grateful."

Each year, North West Hospice must generate 2m.

While they receive 1m in funding from the government, the rest is collected through fundraising.

It is a tall ask, but Dr McCarley said the hospice has seen a 20 per cent increase in donations since opening their offices on Wine Street.

"The new offices have created a higher profile and has made it easier to connect with the community."

Despite this greater connection, Dr McCarley admits there is still a misconception about the role of the hospice.

A survey carried out in Sligo found that more than half of adults had little to no knowledge of the Hospice care.

The organisation is currently trying to combat this through school education programmes. They are also launching a new website in the coming months.

But perhaps the biggest project on the horizon for North West Hospice is their attempts at securing sufficient funding for a new, purpose built centre.

"Where we are now is an old maternity ward which isn't ideal.

"We have agreed to seek planning permission which will take at least a year, and we will move forward from there."

At North West Hospice, the philosophy is living until you die.

"It's tough at times, but we have a special service delivered by special people."
The North West will continue to flounder unless urgent action is taken by the Government to boost job creation in the region.

That's according to Sligo-Leitrim Fianna Fail Deputy Eamon Scanlon. The Ballymote TD was commenting on the latest employment statistics.

They reveal that the Border region, which includes Sligo, has an unemployment rate of 9.2 per cent, compared to the national unemployment rate of 7.9 per cent.

He's now calling for a targeted jobs strategy for the North West: "Despite the Government spin about falling unemployment stats, the reality here in the North West is that any improvement is happening at an extremely slow pace.

"The region is a victim of the two tier recovery and a lack of investment by Fine Gael and Labour over the past five years.

"The Government has continued to focus its jobs strategy on Dublin and the commuter counties, leaving rural Ireland and the North West behind.

"There are serious barriers to job creation in this region that must be urgently addressed including the provision of an adequate rural broadband network and improved transport services. Without these improvements it will remain difficult to attract foreign direct investment to the region.

"As well as targeting FDI investment, we need to support rural micro-enterprises and rural entrepreneurs, and measures must be put in place to create a fairer playing pitch for rural businesses, which are often more disproportionately affected by rising costs and revenue raising measures than their urban counterparts.

"The North West has been left behind by this and the last Government and these figures reflect the seriousness of the situation. Unless urgent action is taken, the region will continue to flounder and the recovery will remain Dublin focused".
A father sent abusive texts and Facebook messages to a girl after his son was beaten up, Sligo District Court was told.

The man's son received a severe beating and ended up in hospital and the defendant suspected it was the girl's two brothers who were responsible. The girl was going out with the defendant's son at the time.

Before the court was David McGowan (46), a lorry driver of Riverside Apartments, Sligo who admitted harassing Shannon Luby, now 18, between December 1st and 2nd 2014 at JFK Parade and with making threats to kill Gavin and Kyle Luby (22) between the same dates.

He was represented by Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor.

Mrs Luby told the court that at the time her two sons were blamed for assaulting the defednant's son, Kevin but she stated they weren't even in Sligo at the time.

The witness described the messages sent to her then 16-year-old daughter as very bad and deplorable. The defendant had threatened to kill her two brothers.

Inspector Denis Joyce read the content of the messages to court including one where the defendant told Shannon Luby to get two graves ready for her two brothers.

McGowan also stated that he was going to kill the brothers.

The Inspector said that Shannon Luby was in a relationship at some stage with Kevin McGowan but they had broken up.

Kevin McGowan subsequently was beaten up and the defendant assumed Gavin and Kyle Luby were responsible.

Mrs Luby said the texts and messages had a big effect on her daughter who was doing studying for Leaving Certificate at the time.

The witness agreed with Mr MacSharry that there had been no messages sent from the defendant since.

However, the witness said that the defendant's "son and wife were continuing this on and I want this stopped completely."

McGowan apologised in court to the Luby family for his behaviour saying he had been extremely upset at the time.

His son, who was also 16 at the time, had received broken ribs, a perforated lung and had a knife put across his stomach.

In reply to Inspector Joyce who asked if he had drink taken when he sent the messages, the defendant said he had "a few on him."

Mrs Luby said the defendant's son was still interrogating her daughter and turned up a her new place of employment two weeks ago.

The defendant said he knew nothing about this. Asked by Judge Kevin Kilrane why he thought his son was beaten up, McGowan said his ex wife had asked Shannon Luby to stop visiting their home.

His son had told him it was the Luby brothers who had assaulted him but he was afraid to make a statement to Gardai.

Adjourning the case to November 3rd the Judge said he would like to hear from the defendant's son and directed a witness summons be issued for this purpose.

The Judge said he would also like to hear from Shannon Luby but Mrs Luby said she would prefer not to bring her daughter to court.
A 20 year old man who admitted stealing two Mayo GAA jerseys from Elvery's, Johnston Court was fined 200 at Sligo District Court. John Ward of Glenview Park, Ash Lane walked into the store on August 5th last with another person and walked out with two Mayo jerseys worth 70 each without paying for them.

He was subsequently identified on CCTV and admitted the offence. The jerseys were not recovered. Ms Laura Spellman, solicitor said Ward, who had 44 previous convictions, had 140 in court.

She said Ward would have been a regular visitor to the court a number of years ago but he had since got married and settled down. Judge Kevin Kilrane remarked: "It appears he was lining himself up for the third Sunday in September and he will have to wait until next year now."
IT Sligos Student Union has called for the Government to fully reinstate the Postgraduate grant and other sources of funding

IT Sligo Students' Union has been actively engaged in campaigning with the Union of Students in Ireland in the run up to Budget 2017 due out today.

Issues that they would see as being of particular importance to Sligo students are;

For the Government to reduce the Student Contribution charge by a minimum of 500.

For the Government to reverse the decision made in Budget 2011 to reduce the grant by 4% and a further 3% in Budget 2012.

For the Government to reverse the decision taken in Budget 2011 and decrease the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent rate of the grant from 45km to 24km.

For the Government to fully reinstate the postgraduate grant in Budget 2017.

For the Government to begin phased restoration of the Student Assistance Fund to 2012 rates to reflect the real costs attached to participation in Higher Level Education in Ireland.

Meanwhile Sligo Chamber of Commerce will host a post-budget breakfast briefing in the Sligo Park at 7.30am tomorrow (Wednesday morning) where details of the budget will be discussed and explained.

Martin Coggins from Coggins and Co will be presenting to between 50-60 members and their employees. There are 2 CPD credits available to those attending.

Sligo Chamber has called for increased flexibility in regulations governing pension to allow workers to gradually transition into full retirement.

They want the Government to bring in incentives to encourage enrolment in private sector pensions; a subsidy rather than a tax relief may be more attractive to workers they say.

The Chamber would like the Government to ensure that it is as administratively easy and cost effective as possible for Small to Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurs to establish or participate in pension schemes.

They'd also like a sustainable system for the funding of public sector pension to be delivered.

In their pre-budget recommendations, Sligo Chamber called for various measures supporting growth in the region.

They include;

Equity in tax credits by ending discrimination of the self-employed. Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to 1,650 to match that of the PAYE workers.

A timeline should be set out to bring the USC for the self-employed earning over 100,000 in line with that of PAYE workers.

A reduction of the marginal tax rate to below 50% would provide a tax system that supports productivity and will help attract and maintain a skilled workforce.

A further decrease of Capital Gains Tax rate to 10% and an increase to a 10million lifetime threshold.

Self-employed and owner-directors should be able to avail of an opt-in social protection scheme to allow them access to social welfare should their business fail.

Increase flexibility in the application of approved Employee Share Schemes.

Reduce the liability for taxation for qualifying SMEs and their employees under Employee Share Schemes.

Maintain the 12.5% Corporate Tax rate.

Retain the 9% VAT rate for hospitality and tourism sectors.

Sligo Chamber also called for investment in housing, water, transport, broadband for the area.

They'd like a vacant site value tax which rises as the value of vacant land suitable for development rises.

They want a sustainable funding model for Irish Water agreed and implemented as soon as possible, with appropriate charges for both domestic as well as non-domestic users.

They also called for the Government to prioritise and accelerate investment in the roll out of the National Broadband Plan to areas where there is a capacity to generate an economic activity amongst local businesses.

Sligo Chamber called for childcare subsidies conditional on educational quality standards being met, capitation grants for childcare providers and a national policy to provide after-school care.
Rosemarie Gilchrist and Gerry Foley at the building that housed Folliott Bartons miners in the Gleniff Valley

This Saturday's Documentary on One programme on RTE has a Sligo connection. It's called The Prospector's Son and features local author, Rosemarie Gilchrist.

She unravels the story of her cousin, Cyril Barton, who was orphaned at the age of 8 in South Africa in the 1800s.

It's said that the boy was taken in by a tribe, until he was found by a man who traced his family back to Ireland.

In the documentary, Rosemarie goes in search of what actually happened.

Cyril was born in South Africa in 1875 to Irish parents, Florence and Folliott Barton.

Cyril's mother, nee Florence Lyons Montgomery, came from an Anglo-Irish family who were landlords in Killargue, County Leitrim.

She married Folliott Barton from Pettigo, County Fermanagh, who also came from a landed family.

Cyril's parents lived in Tullaghan, Sligo and his father had a mining enterprise there in the 1870s before he and his wife emigrated to South Africa.

Folliott, an engineer, set up a large scale mining enterprise in Belbulbin, Co Sligo. However, things didn't go to plan and the enterprise ended five years into a twenty-one year lease. He was then declared bankrupt, and a hurried escape to South Africa followed in search of better prospects.

The programme hears from Gerry Foley, a retired engineer from Sligo, who gives more insight into the story.

As a child in South Africa, Rosemarie's grandmother told her a story about an orphaned Irish boy, lost in Africa, who grew up in the bush, cared for by a local tribe until he was found by a man who then traced his family back to Ireland.

Florence was a graphic letter writer, and her letters written to her family back in Ireland have survived, and document the birth of Cyril in Grahamstown in June 1875, along with the trials and tribulations of Florence, Folliott and Cyril and their travels through South Africa via ox-wagon.

It was a day-by-day existence where they constantly struggled to make ends meet, and longed to return to Ireland.

After a number of years the letters stop. Rosemarie's grandmother's story has always fascinated her, and years later she came across some old family documents from Ireland which give an account of what happened next to Cyril and his parents.

The documentary learns that Florence died of malarial fever. After her death, eight-year-old Cyril and his father then moved onto the gold fields of the Northern Province. En route, Folliott had his possessions and wagon stolen, and was killed. The maid travelling with them grabbed the young boy, Cyril, and took him to her tribe in the mountains. According to the family account, nothing more was heard of Cyril for many years although all enquiries were made as to what had become of him. Years afterwards, his grandmother, Mrs Barton, had a South African newspaper sent to her in which was an account of a white child having been found by a hunter in a wild tribal area far up country. She at once got into communication with the hunter and eventually Cyril was brought home to his father's people in Ireland.

In Documentary on One: The Prospector's Son, Rosemarie and documentary maker, Sarah Blake, go in search of Cyril's story - a trail that moves from Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo, to the remote Highveld of the Mpumalanga region of South Africa, and back to Dublin. The programme will be available for podcast/download from Friday 14th October on the Documentary on One website www.rte.ie/doconone
The beautiful surroundings of Humewood Castle played host to the recent Kiltegan Charity Ride out in aid of two worthy causes.

The event took place in support of West Wicklow Day Care in Baltinglass and the KARE/Lalor Centre, Baltinglass.

A large number of riders came along to take part on the day and participants of all ages and abilities from Wicklow and surrounding counties enjoyed a great outing in the scenic foothills of Wicklow. The event was also supported by Shillelagh & District Hunt and members were delighted with how well it went.

Thanks are extended to everyone who came along and took part to support two great charities who help the local community.
A year on from the horrific fire which claimed the lives of 10 young people and an unborn baby at a halting site in Carrickmines, candles representing each one were lit and placed on the altar at the Holy Redeemer Church in Bray.

Earlier on Monday afternoon, members of the Lynch, Gilbert and Connors families met at St Peter's Church for the blessing of a plaque in their memory.

At the Little Bray church, Fr Larry Behan prayed for Thomas Connors (27), his wife Sylvia (30), their children Jim (5), Christy (3) and Mary (six months), Willy Lynch (25), his partner Tara Gilbert (27), their unborn child 'baby Angel Lynch', their daughters Jodie (9) and Kelsey (4), and Jimmy Lynch (39), brother of Sylvia and Willy.

He told family members that they are welcome to the church at any time, to say a prayer for their lost loved ones.

On the morning of Sunday, October 10, 2015, they all perished in a fire at the Carrickmines halting site on Glenamuck Road.

On Monday of this week, their grieving relatives attended a series of ceremonies throughout the day to mark the first anniversaries of their deaths.

There was the blessing of a memorial plaque and Mass in Balally Parish Church, before mourners paused outside the Glenamuck Road site for a moment of reflection and prayer.

They then continued their journey to Bray for the blessing of a plaque at St Peter's, and Mass at the Holy Redeemer.

There was a blessing at Springfield Cemetery in Bray on Monday afternoon followed by a later blessing at Crosstown Cemetery in Wexford, where Thomas, Sylvia, Jim, Christy and Mary are laid to rest.

Members of the Gilbert and Lynch families, as well as Sylvia Connors, were from Bray.

At Mass in Bray on Monday, Father Dan Nguyen welcomed members of each family to the parish.

'We would like to send out our sincere sympathies to the Connors family, the Lynch family and the Gilbert family; today our heart goes out to all of you,' he said, before introducing Father Derek Farrell, parish priest of the Travelling Community.

'This is a very, very difficult and hard day for members of the three families here today,' said Fr Farrell. 'This first anniversary is a very significant moment, but it's only one moment. We know that there are many hard days ahead - the investigation report ahead, the coroner's report ahead. This is one hard day among many. We are here with the family members to celebrate memories of their loved ones who died one year ago today.'

Fr Paddy Kelly, Chaplain to the Travellers, blessed the sad cluster of candles with incense as the names of the victims of the fire were read out to the congregation.

In a statement prepared by the families, they said that the lives of three families were changed forever by a devastating tragedy that shocked the whole of the community, the nation and the whole of the world.

'They went to bed full of expectations and the thought of their whole lives in front of them,' they said. 'Not in anybody's worst nightmare could it be imagined what lay ahead that night, and what devastation and horror their extended families would wake up to the next morning.

'Their families never come to terms with their loss. They just learn to live with it, with the support of each other and the community as a whole.'

The Lynch family gave particular thanks to Jim O'Brien and the Bray Travellers Community Development Group for their unwavering support in the last year.

'To Jim in particular for always being at the end of the phone to answer questions that needed to be asked. For his constant visits to Fassaroe and for all his time transporting to and from places that the family needed to attend.'

They thanked Father Derek for his support and spiritual guidance and visits to their home.

'To the people of Bray for giving us the support, sympathy and prayers and strength to try and cope with our loss. To the community of Fassaroe thank you for all your cards, prayers, your words of support and most of all for being there when, as a family, we needed support. We will be forever grateful.'

They thanked everyone who made collections, supplied food, and the schools who raised funds to erect a grotto that is situated at the top of Blind Lane in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

On Monday evening, Traveller community organisations led a candlelight vigil outside the Dail.

Surviving residents of the tragic halting site have been living in temporary accommodation in a Ballyogan council car park after residents of a nearby housing estate objected to them being placed there.

Work is expected to start soon to rebuild permanent accommodation close to where the fire took place. The work is expected to be finished by next summer.

Meanwhile, the Bray Travellers Community Development group has been working with family members for the past 12 months.

Jim O'Brien explained that overcrowding issues at the home of the Lynch family in Bray have been resolved.

The group has been providing ongoing services to support the bereaved in the year since the tragedy and will continue to do so.
The village of Glenealy has rallied in support of a local woman who wants some of her 'independence' back after having both her legs amputated.

Bridget Evans contracted an infection in her leg that ended up spreading and causing her to have a double leg amputation.

Things have changed dramatically for Bridget since the operation and she wants to restore some normality back into her life by having her car specially adapted so a wheelchair user can drive it.

'The car is partially adapted and I could drive when I had the one leg but not since I had my other leg amputated.

'Having a wheelchair adapted car would mean so much to me. I live out in the country and I'm pretty much stuck here. Not being able to drive makes things very difficult. I can't really get out anywhere and I love being out and about and meeting people.

'I'm a very sociable person but not having a car leaves me stranded. Being able to drive a car would give me so much more independence.'

Initially Bridget had one leg amputated but in August of 2015 she was informed that the infection had also spread to her remaining leg.

Emergency surgery was required and Bridget ended up in critical condition and spent twelve days in an intensive care unit.

Now her cousin Natalie Duffy and Anne Hogan of Glenealy Tidy Towns have lent their assistance by starting up a fundraising campaign in order to raise the 3,000 needed to fit sensors into the gear stick of her car so Bridget can operate the clutch.

The Bus Eireann route Bridget lives on doesn't have adequate bus stop infrastructure to safely operate a wheelchair lift, leaving her totally reliant on taxis to travel to Wicklow town or elsewhere.

'If I want to go into Wicklow it costs me 22 there and back in a taxi. It's just too much money to be spending. I have a free bus pass but it isn't much use to me when I can't get on the bus.

'If I want to get the train I have to give 24-hours' notice. That's no good to me if a friend contacts me and says "do you want to meet up in town in a couple of hours?"'

'Everything has to be planned way in advance. It hinders me an awful lot and makes things very difficult.

'To be able to drive again would be really life-changing, even to just be able to drive down to have a look at the sea front in Wicklow would be great.

'I was told three weeks ago that I will definitely never walk again. It was a big blow but it would have felt a lot worse if I thought I would never be able to drive again as well.'

Fundraising efforts on behalf of Bridget have already raised 920 in the space of a week and she is overwhelmed with the amount of support the campaign has received.

'People have been brilliant to me, especially Natalie Duffy and Anne Hogan. I have had lots and lots of support and people have been so good.

'I can't wait until I get behind the wheel of the car. I'll go out and beep the horn driving down Glenealy's Main Street and on the way back home again.

'It's my dream to be back driving and the last few years have been hard but I know I'm lucky to be alive and that there are plenty of people who are a lot worse off than me,' said Bridget.
Alexander's character Hilda Ogden is one of the most fondly-remembered in the soap's history

Coronation Street stars past and present have paid tribute to their former co-star Jean Alexander, who has died three days after turning 90.

Alexander, who played the much-loved character Hilda Ogden between 1964 and 1987, died in hospital on Friday.

Her family said she had recently undergone tests and was readmitted on her birthday after "feeling a little bit poorly".

Julie Goodyear, who played former Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch, said Alexander was "an absolute joy to play scenes with".

She added that she "was the exact opposite of the character she played".

"This proves what an amazing actress she was.

"Jean was a very private person and meticulous in her work. She really was a perfectionist and always word-perfect.

"Rest in Peace, Jean. Hilda will be remembered forever as one of the best characters in Coronation Street."

Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow in the soap since its first episode in 1960, described working with Alexander as "wonderful", adding that she "created one of the most iconic Coronation Street characters".

"She could make you laugh, particularly with Hilda's comedy singing, but she could also deliver incredibly moving performances and make you cry."

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Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, lodged with Hilda with his on-screen wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) after arriving in Weatherfield in 1986. He said starring alongside Alexander was his "proudest and most exciting moment on the show".

He said Alexander was always first to "make a new arrival feel welcome".

"She was an all-round lovely lady and such a talent. I will never forget the scenes I had with her and what she taught me.

"She was also great fun. We used to watch snooker in the green room with her as she loved snooker."

Dynevor said: "Michael and I loved her and any scenes we did with her we always wanted to do our very best.

"Hilda will always be my favourite Corrie character."

Liverpool-born Alexander won the nation's heart with her turn as the pinny-wearing, sharp-tongued cleaning lady who was rarely seen without a set of tightly-wound hair curlers.

Fans tuned in in vast numbers to watch her daily battle to get her inept husband, Stan, out of the pub and into work.

Sir Laurence Olivier was among her followers and a host of famous faces including Sir Michael Parkinson, writer Willis Hall, former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman and Russell Harty also formed themselves into the British League for Hilda Ogden.

When Alexander decided to leave the soap in 1987, nearly 30 million people watched her farewell episode, according to reports.

In the years after leaving the cobbles she became a mainstay of BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine as eccentric bric-a-brac shop owner Auntie Wainwright.

In 2005 she was voted the greatest soap opera star of all time and there were calls for Hilda to be memorialised.

Alexander said at the time: "I just couldn't see myself stood on a pedestal cast in bronze.

"Knowing my luck, the Southport seagulls would find me and do their worst, as they have done before - usually when I have just washed my hair."

Alexander starred in Last Of The Summer Wine until 2010, and she continued to enjoy celebrity status after her retirement in 2012, her niece, Sonia Hearld, told the Press Association.

"People used to stop her just to say hello and how much they missed her," Mrs Hearld, 64, said.

"She was always very good to her fans - she said 'They put me where I am'."

Alexander brought a lot of her own personality to the role for which she will best be remembered, said her niece.

"Certainly with Hilda, the fact she was such a downtrodden person but just got on with it. She just touched a chord with people.

"She did bring a lot of herself to the role but she was a different person, a private person. They were amalgams of people she had met, people she had observed and people she knew. She was very observant about people."

Despite being best known for her portrayal of downtrodden and impecunious characters, Alexander was remembered as being glamorous off screen.

"Privately, she was great fun and had a great sense of humour," Mrs Hearld said.

"She was very glamorous - I remember when I was about four or five seeing her get ready for an evening, wearing really pretty clothes and high heels. She occasionally let me traipse around the house in them.

"She was a good role model and she had a drive that carried her through."

The actress had no children of her own and Mrs Hearld is one of her few surviving relatives.

Alexander reportedly suffered a stroke in 2014 and had been living in a nursing home. Her death appears to have been unexpected.

Mrs Hearld said: "I saw her last week when we went to see her in hospital. She was feeling a little bit poorly but she was talking to me and my husband quite happily.

"There was nothing telling us anything was wrong - she was just generally weak and under the weather.

"We have not had the details."

John Whiston, creative director at ITV Studios, said: "Everyone who loves what is special about Coronation Street will know how sad it is to hear that Jean Alexander has died.

"Hilda Ogden was the earthy heart of the show for very many years, and the brilliance of Jean as an actor was that she could shift from high comedy to deeply emotional and moving drama in a heartbeat.

"That takes real skill and real acting but also real humanity. That is what the world has lost with her passing."

A Coronation Street spokeswoman confirmed that Monday night's episode will be dedicated to Alexander.

They added that show bosses were considering having characters reference the death of Hilda, who would now be 92.
Hindu pilgrims hold religious flags and walk on a crowded bridge after a stampede on the same bridge on the outskirts of Varanasi, India (AP)

At least 19 people have been killed and 25 others injured in a stampede as they were crossing a crowded bridge to reach the venue of a Hindu religious ceremony in northern India, police said.

The stampede happened on the outskirts of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh state known for its temples, said police officer Kumar Prashant.

Another police officer, SK Bhagat, said organisers were expecting 3,000 Hindu devotees at the ceremony, but that more than 70,000 thronged the ashram of a local Hindu religious leader, Jai Baba Gurudev, on the banks of the Ganges River.

"We were not prepared for such a large crowd," Raj Bahadur, a spokesman for the organisers, told the Associated Press.

The stampede happened as police started turning people away from the overcrowded bridge, the Press Trust of India news agency cited Mr Bahadur as saying. That triggered a rumour among the devotees that the bridge had collapsed, and they started running for safety, he said.

Mr Prashant said 19 people were killed and 25 others were taken to hospital, some of them in a serious condition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

"I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected," he tweeted.

Deadly stampedes are fairly common during Indian religious festivals, where large crowds gather in small areas with few safety or crowd control measures.

In October 2013, a stampede in Madhya Pradesh state in central India killed more than 110 people, mostly women and children.

AP
Gunmen raided the house of a U.S. aid worker in central Niger overnight, killing his two guards before driving him off across the desert towards Mali, the mayor of the town said on Saturday.

"First they came on a motorbike and killed the guards," the mayor of Abalak told Reuters by telephone.

"Then a 4x4 came and took him away and drove towards the Mali border."
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday dismissed criticism voiced by his wife Aisha Buhari in a BBC interview, saying she belonged in the kitchen and he had "superior knowledge" about running a government.

"I don't know exactly what party my wife belongs to. Actually she belongs in the kitchen, the living room and the other rooms in my house," Buhari told reporters with a chuckle after a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Buhari's wife told the BBC in an interview published on Friday that she might not back her husband in the next election unless he shakes up his government.

Her husband, a 73-year-old former military ruler, was elected last year after a campaign largely fought on his pledge to crush the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and crack down on corruption. He also served on the country's supreme court.

Nigeria, which has Africa's largest economy, is in recession for the first time in 25 years, largely due to a fall global oil prices that has slashed the state's main source of income.

Buhari said his government was continuing to fight to combat major economic, security and corruption problems it inherited.

He said the government had made strides in fighting Boko Haram, which is now active in just 14 of 177 regions of the country, and was working to combat militant groups in the Niger Delta.

Buhari also said Nigeria would continue working to free the remaining girls kidnapped by the jihadist group Boko Haram in 2014 after the group on Thursday released 21 girls on Thursday.

"About 100 more (girls) are still in the hands of the terrorists. We hope we'll get some ... intelligence to go about securing the balance."

Buhari said Nigeria was grateful for the help of the United Nations for its help in trying to free the girls, but that Nigeria still faced massive consequences from the group's power and influences, including up to 2 million people internally displaced refugees, including many children.

Despite the problems, Nigeria - the most populous nation in Africa - would be able to produce enough food for its own population of 185 million people, and start exporting food in about 1-1/2 years, Buhari said.

Merkel said the European Union would begin negotiations with Nigeria this month about a migration deal to ensure it could repatriate Nigerian citizens denied asylum in EU countries.

She emphasised the importance of focusing resources on those people fleeing wars rather than those looking for better economic conditions.

But she said Germany would continue to work with Nigeria to provide training for young people so they would not flee in the first place.
A pregnant teacher at a prestigious Sydney school has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old male student.

The teacher (33), who is married and pregnant, was charged on Thursday afternoon with indecent assault and six counts of sexual intercourse with a person under her care between 17 and 18 years of age,

She was arrested in the city centre and taken to Newtown Local Court, The Australian reports.

Her mother and husband were both present at the court and her mother told reporters she was supporting her daughter.

The student in question allegedly told a school counsellor about the incidents.

Detectives were alerted to the alleged relationship last month and the teacher was suspended.

The prosecution claim to have text messages supporting the allegations.

The school costs 20,000 a year to attend.
A beleaguered Donald Trump sought to undermine the legitimacy of the US presidential election on Saturday, pressing unsubstantiated claims the contest is rigged against him, vowing anew to jail Hillary Clinton if he is elected and throwing in a baseless insinuation his rival was on drugs in the last debate.

Mr Trump accused the media and the Clinton campaign of conspiring against him to undermine a free and fair election.

"The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president," he said, referring to the several women who have come forward in recent days to say that Mr Trump had groped or sexually assaulted them. He has denied the claims, calling the women liars.

Earlier Saturday, Mr Trump took to Twitter to warn that "100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!"

"Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail," he added. "Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election."

In a country with a history of peaceful political transition, his challenge to the election's legitimacy - as a way to explain a loss in November, should that happen - was a striking rupture of faith in American democracy.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose decision not to campaign for Mr Trump angered the nominee, made clear he does not share the candidate's concern about the election's legitimacy.

"Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," said AsheLee Strong, speaking for him.

It was not the first time Mr Trump has raised the idea the election is unfairly tilted against him, but it has become a resurgent theme for the New York billionaire and many of his supporters in the past several days as he has slipped in preference polls and faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

As well, campaign money is tight, at least in comparison with his rival's resources, according to information that pre-dates the release of a 2005 video that showed him bragging about imposing himself on women.

Mr Trump began this month with 75 million US dollars in his campaign and joint party accounts, he said on Saturday in a statement. That is exactly half of what the Clinton team said it had on hand - a worrisome financial disadvantage for the Republican side.

There was trouble in Ohio, too, where Mr Trump severed ties with the state's Republican Party chairman, Matt Borges, who had become openly critical of the nominee at times. That crack in unity comes in a critical battleground state, where Republican governor John Kasich is also not behind Mr Trump.

Mr Trump's Ohio chairman, Bob Paduchik, accused Mr Borges of undermining Mr Trump as part of a bid to be the next Republican National Committee chairman.

Mr Trump's tribulations and accusations overshadowed the release Saturday of yet more emails hacked from accounts of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, laying bare aspects of the campaign's internal deliberations.

The latest batch showed the campaign worrying whether Senator Elizabeth Warren might endorse Bernie Sanders, wrestling with how to respond to revelations about her private email use, and lining up materials to respond to fresh accusations from Juanita Broaddrick, who accused Bill Clinton of raping her decades ago. He denied the rape accusation, which was never adjudicated by a criminal court.

On Mr Trump's accusations of a rigged election, Mrs Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, said in a statement that "what is fundamental about the American electoral system is that it is free, fair and open to the people".

"Participation in the system - and particularly voting - should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he's going to lose," he said.

Mr Trump also suggested at one point on Saturday that Mrs Clinton had been on drugs during the last debate. Instead of spending the weekend preparing, he said, "I think she's actually getting pumped up, you want to know the truth."

"I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate, 'cause I don't know what's going on with her," he said.

Mr Trump offered no evidence to support the bizarre claim, which he appeared to base on his belief Mrs Clinton was energetic at the start of their second debate and downbeat at its conclusion. Nothing about Mrs Clinton's demeanour in the debate suggested she was under the influence.

AP
Archie Joe Darby (four months) was killed and his brother Daniel (22 months) seriously injured in the attack

A DOG that killed a four-month-old baby and seriously injured his 22-month-old brother in England on Thursday was owned by a serving police officer, it has been reported.

The boys' mother was also hurt in the attack, in Colchester, Essex. It is not known whether PC Clare Ferdinand (31), the dog's owner, was at the address when the pet - believed to a Staffordshire bull terrier type - mauled the family.

Essex Police have refused to confirm that Mrs Ferdinand is employed by them, although friends of the victims' family insisted that she is.

A post-mortem examination on the body of the four-month-old boy is expected to take place next week.

Police said the dog, believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier-type, had been put down with the consent of its owner and a post-mortem examination was due to take place on the animal on Friday.

Chief Inspector Elliott Judge said: "An investigation to establish the facts surrounding what happened is ongoing.

The Reverend Justin Lunniss, who lives just yards away, said: "The police where there and I saw the animal being led out. It was brown and I think it was a staff. I didn't see any blood but a dog handler was leading it away with a safety pole with a loop at the end."

Neighbours also described seeing emergency services taking the injured children and a woman from the home.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I didn't see the older child being taken away but I saw the baby. There were loads of paramedics around them, then the woman was brought out.

"She was distraught, she had to be held up by two people on either side, she was walking very slowly."
A 2004 recording of the presidential candidate Donald Trump making lewd and derogatory comments about Lindsay Lohan, including speculating about what sex with her would be like, has resurfaced.

On Friday, CNN published an audio of an interview with the Republican candidate and radio host Howard Stern where the pair discussed the then 18-year-old actress.

Stern began by saying: I bet you trade in this Melania for Lindsay Lohan.

Mr Trump is then heard asking: What do you think of Lindsay Lohan?

Expand Close Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar / Facebook

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Whatsapp Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar

I think shes hot, replied Stern.

Theres something there, Mr Trump said, But you have to like freckles. Ive seen a close up of her chest and a lot of freckles. Are you into freckles?

The pair then discussed Lohans appearance, name and her relationship with her father, before Stern asked: Can you imagine the sex with this troubled teen?

Yeah, youre probably right, the real-estate mogul replied. Shes probably deeply troubled and therefore great in bed. How come the deeply troubled women, you know, deeply, deeply troubled, theyre always the best in bed?

Expand Close Supporters of Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump cheer as Trump takes the stage at a campaign rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S., October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar / Facebook

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In response to the recordings, Lohans manager told CNN: Right now, Lindsay is choosing to focus on the positive things happening in her life and has decided to disregard the comments made about her by the Presidential nominee Donald Trump. She is focusing on helping children around the world in need and thats where her passion is.

Lohan has been visiting refugee camps in Turkey and has documented her visits and raised the plight of children trapped in the midst of the Syrian civil war on social media.

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The re-emergence of this interview follows the release of a previously unheard audio of him making lewd comments about women including a boast that he could use his fame to grab [women] by the p***y, which resulted in a string of senior Republicans denouncing his comments and reversing their endorsement of the candidate. Mr Trump has apologised for the comments but also dismissed them as locker room talk.

In the week since the tape was aired, over a dozen women have come forward with allegations Mr Trump sexually harassed or assaulted them. Mr Trump vehemently denies all the claims and at a rally in North Carolina yesterday said: They are all false, all completely invented, fiction, all 100% totally and completely fabricated.

Representatives for Mr Trump, Stern and Lohan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Independent.co.uk)
Michelle Obama condemned Donald Trump's past comments about forcing himself on women on Thursday, becoming emotional as she said of his attitude toward women: "it's cruel, it's frightening, and the truth is it hurts".

Ms Obama said she felt the comments "personally", and that they evoked the experiences of women everywhere who had been objectified or even sexually assaulted.

"It's like that sick, sinking feeling you get when you're walking down the street minding your own business and some guy yells out vulgar words about your body," she said. "Or when you see that guy at work that stands just a little too close, stares just a little too long, makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin."

She continued: "It's that feeling of terror and violation that too many women have felt when someone has grabbed them or forced himself on them and they've said no but he didn't listen."

Ms Obama said she had decided to speak about sexual assault rather than give her planned campaign speech for Hillary Clinton because she was unable to stop thinking about the 2005 'Access Hollywood' tape in which Mr Trump described groping and kissing women without their consent.

"It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldn't have predicted," she said, lamenting the fact that many would treat it as "just another disturbing footnote in a sad election season" without realising the effect the words had on women.

In the hours before Ms Obama took the stage in New Hampshire, four women came forward with allegations that Mr Trump had inappropriately touched them.

Natasha Stoynoff, a former 'People Magazine' reporter, alleged that Mr Trump pushed her up against a wall and forcibly kissed her while she was at his Mar a Lago resort in Florida to do a story about the businessman's marriage to his wife Melania.

Jessica Leeds claimed to the 'New York Times' she was seated next to Mr Trump on an airplane when he lifted the armrest and began to grope her "like an octopus".

Rachel Crooks said she introduced herself to Mr Trump while working as a receptionist in Trump Tower, and claimed he kissed her "directly on the mouth".

Finally, Mindy McGillavray claimed that Mr Trump groped her from behind during at event at Mar a Lago.

Mr Trump vehemently denied the accusations during an event in Florida on Thursday.

"These claims are all fabricated, they're pure fiction and they are outright lies," he said.

He apologised to anyone offended by his 2005 comments, but has since dismissed them as "locker-room talk".

Ms Obama said she found that cavalier attitude particularly disturbing.

"This was a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behaviour," she said. "And to make matters worse, it now seems clear that this isn't an isolated incident.

"It's one of countless examples of how he has treated women his whole life and I have to tell you that I listen to all of this and I feel it so personally. And I'm sure that many of you do too, particularly the women."
Two more women claimed yesterday that Donald Trump had made unwanted sexual advances, including a former contestant on 'The Apprentice' who said he forcibly kissed her, grabbed her breast and thrust his crotch at her.

Six women have now come forward with stories about encounters with Trump that ended with groping, kissing and other unwanted sexual advances.

The Republican presidential candidate addressed the growing accusations of sexual misconduct yesterday during a rally in Florida, calling the claims "disgusting".

"They have no witnesses. There was nobody around. Maybe they are doing it for fame," he said.

Summer Zervos was on Mr Trump's reality television show in 2005, and said he tried to get her to lie down on a bed with him when she met him two years later to discuss possible employment.

Ms Zervos became emotional yesterday as she read a statement claiming that, during a subsequent meeting, Mr Trump greeted her by "kissing me open mouthed as he was pulling me toward him".

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She continued: "He then grabbed my shoulder and began kissing me again very aggressively and placed his hand on my breast.

"He put me in an embrace and I tried to push him away. I pushed his chest to put space between us and I said, 'Come on man, get real.'

"He repeated my words back to me, 'get real', as he began thrusting his genitals," she claimed.

Ms Zervos said she felt compelled to come forward after Mr Trump denied during the second presidential debate sexually assaulting any women.

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"Mr Trump, when I met you I was so impressed with your talents that I wanted to be like you. I wanted a job within your organisation. Instead you treated me as though I was an object to be hit upon," she said in the statement.

A second woman claimed that Mr Trump reached up her skirt at a New York nightclub in the early 1990s.

Kristen Anderson claims she was sitting on a velvet couch at the China Club when a man slipped his hand into her skirt, touching her upper thigh and between her legs through her underwear.

"He did touch my vagina through my underwear, absolutely," she said.

She says she slapped the hand away and stood up, only to recognise the man as Mr Trump.

"It wasn't a sexual come-on. I don't know why he did it. It was like just to prove that he could do it, and nothing would happen," she alleged in the 'Washington Post'.

The accusation reflects behaviour Mr Trump described in a 2005 recording, when he said he would kiss women without permission and "grab them by the p----" because, "when you're a star they let you do it".

Ms Anderson says she has discussed the story with friends for many years, including immediately after the incident, but only came forward after the 2005 tape emerged and several other women accused Mr Trump of touching them inappropriately.

Hope Hicks, a female spokesman for Mr Trump, denied Ms Anderson's allegations.

"Mr Trump strongly denies this phoney allegation by someone looking to get some free publicity. It is totally ridiculous," she told the 'Washington Post'.

Mike Pence, Mr Trump's running mate, reiterated that message yesterday: "Stay tuned. I know there's more information that's going to be coming out that will back his claim that this is all categorically false," he told CBS.

Trump's White House campaign has been scrambling to recover from the release a week ago of a 2005 video in which he bragged about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances. ( Daily Telegraph, London)
In the wake of Hurricane Matthews sweep of the North Carolina coast, emergency and rescue personnel in Cabarrus County are doing what they can to help out.

Several EMS staff have already deployed, and others remain on call to relieve those already working if necessary.

It is vitally important that local governments assist each other in times of emergencies, County Manager Mike Downs said via email. Often, they do not have enough in-house resources to handle large-scale emergencies while continuing to offer day-to-day services, as well. You never know if the next emergency will affect your jurisdiction and what outside resources you will need to assist with response and maintain continuity.

An ambulance strike team with EMS Director Alan Thompson traveled to Bladen and Robeson counties. The group joins four other ambulances and an ambulance bus to help rescue survivors on a mission to finish this weekend.

Another Cabarrus County team and incident manager will replace the ones already out in the field once they return.

Four people from the county have also joined a 20-person personnel task force in Columbus County on a mission that will finish Monday.

Other fire departments, planning and zoning personnel, and other agencies remain on standby to respond as more manpower and equipment are needed.

Meanwhile water levels continue to rise, and massive flooding plagues several towns across the state. The death toll from Hurricane Matthew rose to 24 in North Carolina, 44 nationwide as of Friday, Oct. 14.

According to NASA, North Carolina saw 20 inches of rain from the hurricane after a week of heavy saturation before Matthew hit. Flooding covered roads and cut off neighborhoods.

Cabarrus County Fire Marshal Steven Langer said some rivers havent crested yet, meaning they might continue to rise, meaning that the Cabarrus County forces on standby now might be called to action to give those currently working a break.

At some point you have to change out resources, he said. You have to change out people. Theres a good chance we could get a call. Its just so hard to say.
Not since George and Martha in the play Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or for older readers Don Ameche and Frances Langford in the radio comedy The Bickersons, have we seen the kind of verbal pugilism practiced in the war of words between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

If the business of Trumps lewd language about women caught on tape 11 years ago and Bill Clintons sexual history with Hillary enabling him in the trashing of his conquests could be set aside, only the issues would remain, and wouldnt that be good?

During their Sunday night debate, Clinton recycled the familiar Democrat playbook that the wealthy arent paying their fair share in taxes, when the real issue is that government already receives record amounts in tax money, but misspends much of it and never seems to have enough.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) has closely followed Clintons shifting tax positions.

In the debate, Clinton said she only wants to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, not the middle class. ATR notes she has said just the opposite on many occasions. It calculates that if all of her tax proposals are enacted, it would cost taxpayers $1 trillion over 10 years and gives the following examples:

She has said she would not veto a payroll tax hike on all Americans should such a bill reach her desk and would set aside her pledge not to boost taxes on middle-income earners.

She wants a tax on sodas that ATR estimates would add $2.16 per 12-pack. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) charged this would violate her pledge to protect the middle class from tax hikes: Frankly, I am very surprised that Secretary Clinton would support this regressive tax after pledging not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000. This proposal violates her pledge.

Other tax increases include a national gun tax of 25 percent, a 65 percent death tax, which ATR notes she wouldnt have to pay because of the way she has arranged her finances. She wants to raise the current capital gains tax from 23.8 percent to 43.4 percent, which would harm investments and stifle capital creation. She would not lower the corporate tax rate, which Trump has pledged to do, even though the U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, which has driven many businesses overseas. And, like President Obama, she is an enemy of the coal industry, despite her claims to be friendly toward it in Sundays debate. Her campaign chief, John Podesta, has left the door open to a carbon tax, saying if Congress passes such a measure well take a look at it.

Trump purports to favor school choice, which is an essential tool for escaping poverty and would do more than any federal anti-poverty program to help poor children obtain a good education. Hillary Clinton claims to favor school choice, but only as far as publicly funded charter schools. Since she and many Democrats receive political contributions from teachers unions, its unlikely shell let poor children escape failing schools. In the latest debate she tried to claim credit for all she has done for children, but what she has not done by refusing to support school vouchers, which allow parents to use public funds to pay for some or all of their childs private school tuition, overcomes whatever good she may have accomplished.

Rumors are swirling about opposition researchers offering to pay employees of Trumps NBC program The Apprentice for recordings of other lewd things he might have said to further distract from the issues.

The hypocrisy meter is in hyper drive when you consider that some of the same Democrats condemning Trump said of Bill Clintons numerous affairs its just about sex and had nothing to do with his performance as president. These are people who still hold John F. Kennedy in high regard, despite his long list of women with whom he had sex, including secreting some into the White House.

This wont be the end of the revelations about Trump. Anything to divert attention from Hillarys real positions on the real issues that matter most to Americans. If we must have bickering, how about bickering over something important?
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Vedanta shares tanks ~4% on subdued numbers in Q2FY23 Vedanta Limited shares fell as much as 4% to Rs274 in intraday trade on Monday after the company reported a 60.8% yoy drop in consolidated net profit at Rs1,808 crore for the quarter ended... October 31, 2022 | 31-10-2022 1:54 pm
Photography is a beautiful art that tells a story that is visually enchanting. After winning the social media and our hearts with some of the most thought-provoking photo-sets, photographer Arjun Kamath's latest work will make you want to pack your bags and book tickets for Bengaluru.

Arjun Kamath Photography

Arjun, who earlier created a photo series that captured the story of a woman who was shown as being subjected to society's oppressive norms from marriage, domesticity and childbirth was also in news for his another photo set that captured the journey of a dark-skinned woman in Indian society that loves the fairer skin. Both won our hearts and how!

Since he was studying abroad, he had to leave the city every once in a while to head back. Capturing Bengaluru like never before, his latest photo set gives a deeper and a meaningful glimpse of the city.

Speaking to Indiatimes, he said:

"This habit of bidding goodbye to my city and family each time made me very emotional. And with time I slowly understood, why I felt so emotional; and that's because not only did I miss my family... but also my city, the warmth of its people, it's culture and tradition. The city I spent 25 years of my life growing up in."

Explaining the inspiration that went behind the idea, he said:

"And then I started to wonder what is it about the city that I miss? The pubs, the parties? Maybe not so much. I never partied as a child. But it was the little things. The people in my neighborhood, the little things they did... Making Rangolis, the old Ajjas (Grandfathers) and Ajjis (Grandmothers) waving goodbye each time I would leave for school in the school auto rickshaw. So I wanted to relive my childhood through the series. More of a tribute to a city which is fast changing and slowly losing its identity in someway; although it's about change and evolving and embracing what the future holds, it's also important to respect and protect your roots."

To give a tribute to Bengaluru, he recently collaborated with model Archana Akil Kumar to pay tribute to the city through a beautiful photo series titled Naam Oru Bengaluru - A Walk Down Memory Lane.

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Dharma Productions

Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) announced that it has decided not to release movies starring actors from Pakistan, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa. The decision to ban films with Pakistani artists hasn't gone down too well with a lot of people, it seems.

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, and actors Om Puri and Piyush Mishra have expressed their displeasure on the same. Saying that it is totally unfair to ban films that are on the verge of their official releases, here's how the industry is reacting to the ban. Stating his opinion, Vikram Bhatt said,

Mid-Day

"When you have decided that you won't work with Pak talent it should apply from now on, it can't be on something that has been already done in the past when the relationship was not this hard. I don't think it is right for one producer to pay the price of this decision."

According to Piyush Mishra, Indian filmmakers should not work with Pakistani artistes till the time ties between India and Pakistan become better, but release of movies, which are already complete, should not be stalled. He added,

MTV India

"Our relations have not been good but the main cause has started after Uri attacks only. I agree that we should not shoot with Pakistani artistes from now on, but the movie which has already been shot should not be stalled from the release as the film is produced by an Indian only. He has invested a lot of money in that."

Veteran actor Puri, who received a lot of flak for making statements against the soldiers was careful with his words this time. According to him, it is not a decision made by the government and people should wait for the centre to take a step. He said,

Mid-Day

"If the government says not only actors but all Pakistanis, who have come here for business or meet their relatives, all must go back to their country and their visas must be cancelled after three days, I am with the government. Let the head of the country decide this and not us."

(Also read: Ignoring All Threats And Bans, Karan Johar Plans To Release 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' On Schedule)
In what could be a game-changing arms acquisition, India announced that it will buy the S-400 'Triumf' air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Read more

1. At Least 24 Killed In Stampede During Meeting Of Jai Gurudev Cult In Varanasi

At least 24 people were killed and many others were injured during a stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli.

The stampede occurred while supporters of Jai Gurudev were going for a 'samagam' via the Rajghat bridge. Police said rumours about the bridge collapsing fueled chaos. Read more

2. For The First Time Since The Air India, Indian Airlines Merger The National Carrier Makes Operating Profit

For the first time since the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines in 2007, the merged national airline has posted an operating profit.

The merged Maharaja has reported Rs 105 crore operating profit in FY 2015-16 as costs have come down due to a fall in oil prices and because of increase in passenger revenue owing to sharp rise in domestic air travel. Read more

3. Ramar Pillai, The 'Inventor' Of Herbal Fuel Sentenced To Three Years Imprisonment For Fraud

The inventor of Ramar Bio Fuel, Ramar Pillai, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by a CBI court in a cheating case. His associates, R Venudevi, S Chinnasamy, R Rajasegaran and S K Bharat have also been sentenced to the same period and a total fine of Rs 30,000.

His claim had taken the global scientific community storm and created hope for the common man as the herbal fuel which could be used in automobiles was way cheaper than the conventional fuel. Read more

4. 16-Year-Old Kota Student Commits Suicide After Recording Video Message To Family

The 16-year-old medical aspirant killed himself by jumping into the Chambal river after leaving a video message for his younger brother, asking him to work hard to fulfill their parents' dreams.

Before taking the extreme step, Aman made a video clip with his mobile phone at the bridge apologising to his parents for his action and for not being able to do what they had expected of him. Read more

5. Behave On Board, Or Find Your Name In No-Fly List; India Will Soon Have New Aviation Security Norms

Unruly flyers who seriously endanger flight security or prove to be a threat to co-passengers and crew may soon be barred from taking to the skies. India is considering its own version of a 'No-Fly List' as part of a massive aviation security revamp that has been taken up at the highest levels of the government.

The concept of No Fly List has emanated from the US, where the federal government terrorist screening centre maintains a list of people who are barred from boarding commercial flights into and out of America and even over its airspace. Read more
Unruly flyers who seriously endanger flight security or prove to be a threat to co-passengers and crew may soon be barred from taking to the skies.

India is considering its own version of a 'No-Fly List' as part of a massive aviation security revamp that has been taken up at the highest levels of the government.

Reuters

"We are working on systems for better passenger tracking to ensure a smoother and safer air travel experience for all," junior aviation minister Jayant Sinha said. Asked if this `tracking' would include barring people convicted of serious aviation felonies, the minister said, "We are considering this along with a number of other options."

The concept of No Fly List has emanated from the US, where the federal government terrorist screening centre maintains a list of people who are barred from boarding commercial flights into and out of America and even over its airspace.

Reuters

In recent months, there have been several cases of unruly passengers threatening the safety of their flight or co passengers. Apart from the dangerous, there are vulgar flyers, too.

Last month, a flyer stripped himself bare in the lavatory of an aircraft while flying from Bhubaneswar to Delhi and then tried to call airhostesses inside by ringing the crew bell! The authorities will have to determine the criteria for putting people on this list, in case the move is cleared by the government.

Also read: Gujarat Man Arrested For Clicking A Selfie With Airhostess In-Flight & Smoking In The Toilet!

The threat from unruly passengers is increasingly being seen as a real challenge as India evaluates its entire gamut of aviation security in the current situation.

Reuters

Sinha is working on strengthening aviation security along with the home ministry under the overall guidance of the PMO.

The government's pro posed regional connectivity scheme has the potential of opening new airports with estimates of the number of operational airports going from current 75 to 150 in less than a decade along with the number of aircraft rising from 400 to 1,200 in the same time.
Delhi has already bagged the reputation of being the most polluted city in the world, and the city has no capacity for more.

With thousands of people dying every year and several catching fatal diseases due to pollution, it is about time that we think about the kind of air we breathe.

Flickr/yahooindia

As the nation awaits Indias most celebrated festival, Diwali, Delhi governments Pollution Control Committee is trying to control the impact firecrackers have on air quality.

The team is combating the illegal trade of fireworks that enters the city every year around the festival. The poor quality of these low-cost fireworks comes with an alarming rate of air pollution hike.

The institute has written to the Customs Department to ban imports of harmful crackers from any country. Theyve also asked Delhi Police to ensure that action is taken against anyone who breaches the law.

huffingtonpost

The air pollution around Diwali remains at its all-time high, all because of the fireworks.

In the letter, the institute has taken refuge under a 1992 notification that banned the entry of fireworks that contained sulphur and sulphurate in mixture with chlorate. This combination is mostly found in Chinese products.

Although the ban hasnt been enforced extensively, the institute now seeks suitable measures to be taken under the same reign. This year, they plan to put a complete ban on such products.

Therefore, no importer shall import fireworks and Licensing branch of Delhi Police is directed to ensure that all wholesale license holders are informed about these provisions and warned that in the case of violation, action as per law will be taken against them.
Baba Ramdev's Patanjali took the Indian FMCG market by storm in the recent years with one USP-swadeshi (indigenous) products.

The unparalleled marketing pitch in India was a runaway success with many turning towards 'desi' products making Patanjali a serious threat to established multinational corporations.

The desi wave propelled Patanjali CEO, Acharya Balkrishna to become one of the richest men in India.

BCCL

Now it turns out that the 'desi' Patanjali is willing to make some 'compromises'.

The company now planning to artificially inseminate Indian cows with bull seamen from Brazil.

That is just one part of the its future plan of action, the other being selective breeding. The company is planning to produce producing 92 per cent female offspring through the programme.

BCCL/ Representative Image

The decision to import foreign seamen was taken considering the poor productivity of Indian milch cattle.

It also points out that with the selective breeding, they can also avoid more bulls being end up in slaughterhouses.

Patanjali is set to sign an agreement with Dutch company CRV BV, specialises in the development, production and sale of genetic products, including semen and embryos.

fennbrahmans

According to the company they will import seamen from Brazilian bulls, and that is not just the end, there is more- these bulls have an Indian connection.

The Brazilians back in the 1940s visited India and taken indigenous cows, which over a period with selective breeding, balanced nutrition and care, had produced a rich pedigree of female and male calves, said Yashpal Arya, who heads Patanjalis dairy unit.

With the use of technology and identification, the Brazilians have maintained a bloodline of proven bulls. Hence, these bulls (in Brazil) are basically Indian indigenous bulls but born and brought up in Brazil, he added.

While it might not make any big difference to the average customers, it is worthwhile noting that some gaurakshak groups don't even consider non-Indian breed cows 'Gau Mata'.
In what could be a game-changing arms acquisition, India announced that it will buy the S-400 'Triumf' air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reuters

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

Reuters

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

"We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said. Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism. Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

Reuters

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

Reuters

S-400 'Triumf'

The most strategically important decision inked on Saturday is the inter-governmental agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400km.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defence along its borders with China and Pakistan, military officials have said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that BJP president Amit Shah and his party were trying to disrupt rally in Surat on Sunday.

"We have organised a rally in the Surat on Sunday, where we will discuss issues related to state and their solutions. AAP will also ask the people if we can fight Assembly elections of Gujarat," Kejriwal said.

Reuters

"However, it is learnt that Amit Shah and BJP are trying to disrupt my rally. This is not my rally but it is the rally of people of Gujarat. If they disrupt the rally, they will be playing with sentiments of people of Gujarat...I hope they would not do that," the AAP leader said at the airport.

NDTV

Kejriwal landed at the airport here this evening on a four-day visit to Gujarat to woo the Patel community ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections. He left for Mehasana where he would be meeting family members of those who were killed in clashes with police during the Patel quota agitation in August 2015.

Twitter

AAP rally in Surat will held in Varachha, a Patel stronghold. Ahead of the rally, posters carrying Kejriwal's photographs with Burhan Wani, Hafiz Saeed and Osama bin Laden, terming them as "heroes of Pakistan", appeared in Surat city today. AAP blamed BJP for the "defamatory" posters.
If you just watch the video below you will be appalled by the state of affairs. But unfortunately, this kind of bullying is widespread among many schools in India. Empty classrooms and dark corners of the school have now become common places for bullying. And while it is hard to deal with the physical abuse bullying entails, it is even harder to cope with the emotional scars the victim is left with.

In this video, watch how these young boys from a school, allegedly in Bihar, mercilessly beat one of their schoolmates. They jam their elbows to his neck and pick shoes to hit his face.

Some claim that these kids are from a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Bihar. However, that is difficult to confirm at the time. So far 75,000 thousand people have shared the video and it has been viewed 1.6 million times. Yet no substantial information has been received.

Please help in spreading the word and finding these boys.
One Indian soldier was killed and eight others were injured when terrorists attacked a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) convoy in Zakura area on the outskirts of Srinagar late on Friday evening.

Terrorists fired at the vehicles of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) which were ferrying the personnel to their camp after performing law and order duties in the city.

Jawans retaliated but couldn't fire aggressively given the civilian population. 1 jawan lost his life, while 8 others are injured: DKumar  ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016

This is the first militant attack in the city since the encounter at Nowhatta on August 15 in which a CRPF commandant was killed and nine other personnel were injured.

ANI

The latest attack also comes days after an encounter in Pampore after two suspected Lashkar terrorists took shelter in a government building. The two gunmen were killed by the army after an operation which went on for three days.

In the wake of recent spurt in attacks, Army and other security forces will resume counter-terror operations besides enhancing protective measures at key installations and stepping up vigil in the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is almost beguiling to watch the Obamas stealing the show wherever they go. The couple are on their last rounds to a lot of places this year since the president will serve his last day on January 20, 2017. Consequently, the two are making a lot of public appearances, addressing a lot of queries and meeting a lot of people before the grand day.

Recently, Michelle Obama epic speech in New Hampshire moved a lot of people. Whether she spoke strongly in favour of Hillary Clinton or her scathing take-down of the Democratic nominee's "opponent", she mastered the art of leadership.

I simply will not repeat anything here today. Last week, we actually saw this candidate bragging about sexually assaulting women. I cant believe Im saying that a candidate for president of the United States bragged about sexually assaulting women, Michelle said during her speech.

But while she broke the internet with her strong beliefs and words, Obama was caught up campaigning for the Democrats in Ohio. And during his speech, he just couldnt stop praising Michelle.

If you want to hear the best case for Hillary Clinton, you want to hear the very real stakes in this election, I would advise you to link up to Michelles speech from New Hampshire, the President said.

She was pretty good. Thats why you get married, to improve your gene pool.
Aisha Buharis BBC interview has wqsparked fierce condemnation in Kano State.

At Jamaatul Izalatul Bidah Mosque in Farm Centre, Kano, Shiek Ismail Illyasu Mangu spoke to the thousands of worshipers immediately after the Jumaat prayer, calling on security agencies to arrest the first lady because her interview is capable of inciting millions of Nigerians against her husband.

We are sad about the interview granted by the wife of the President. We believe that opposition members in the country are using her against the government. Her statement is unfair and capable of inciting violence. It is a threat to the peace of the country and we do hope the security agencies will immediately arrest her.

We believed that some ungrateful elements in the country are using the wife of the president to tarnish the image of the president and the country. Nigerians are not in her support. 

Source: BreakingTimes
Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Le Hai Binh (Photo: VNA)

They must work to ensure that their plants do not affect the environmental safety of their neighbouring countries, the diplomat said during a regular press conference in Hanoi on October 13

In the conference, reporters raised queries on how Vietnam ensures safety for locals in areas near Chinas three nuclear power plants which lie close to the border shared with Vietnam. The plants were put into operation recently as reported by Chinese media.

Vietnam has asked the Chinese side to soon work together on a mechanism for regular exchanges of information on those plants, said the spokesperson./.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest as hundreds of Shia Muslims celebrated Ashura in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

Ashura is the mourning of the killing of Prophet Muhammads grandson Hussein in the seventh century.

As many as 31 people were confirmed dead and 51 people have suffered injuries. Reuters reports the tent was set up in a crowded market in the citys northern al-Shaab district.

Police as medical personnel have arrived the scene as rescue efforts continue.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday ended his three-day official visit to Germany when he visited the Acting Commander of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Sani Aliyu, in an hospital in Berlin.

Aliyu is said to be receiving treatment in the German hospital for the injuries he sustained in an auto crash on Maiduguri-Damaturu Road about six months ago.

The Head of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar, who was with him during the ill-fated trip was said to have died in the crash.

The two military officers were said to be on a duty tour in the North-East when the accident occurred.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President was accompanied to the hospital by the Governors of Borno and Imo States, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Buhari was said to have congratulated Aliyu for recuperating fast.

The President and his delegation wished him a quick recovery and an early return to his family and duties in Nigeria. He gave a further assurance that his administration will continue to accord priority to the health and wellbeing of service personnel, the statement read.

Shehu also quoted doctors managing Aliyu as saying that the military officer could barely move his head only when he was admitted.

The rest of his body was said to be torn and broken in many parts.

Source: Punch
Tears streamed down the face of 31-year-old Blessing (not real name) as she narrated how her whirlwind romance with a 67-year-old Irish construction worker in Lagos, ended in her getting infected with HIV.

For Blessing, her pain was not just because she had got the virus but that the man, she identified simply as Jim, even intensified his sexual intercourse with her after he learnt of his status more than two years ago.

Blessing walked into the Area F Police Command, Ikeja on Thursday, inconsolable to report Jims alleged action.

When she faced journalists on Friday, however, things took a dramatic turn as she screamed at reporters and shielded the man she had accused from being interviewed and photographed.

You see what you have done now? We could have settled this at home, she was heard telling the man, who also became furious and lashed out at reporters.

Jackass, liars. Get out of here, the Irish man told journalists.

When the scene calmed down somewhat, Blessing launched into a narration of a romance, which she said later devastated her.

She said, We have been dating for some years. I work as a real estate agent, while he works with a construction company.

In January 2014, he became ill. He was always sweating and running temperature. So, I accompanied him to see his doctor in a hospital in Ikeja. He was given treatment for malaria but the hospital also ran some tests and usually, they run HIV tests without telling the patient just to be sure.

When the result came out, we went to see the doctor. I heard the man asking him if I was his sex partner but he said no. The man also asked if he could speak with him in my presence, he said no. When we left, he was given some drugs, which he hid from me.

Any time he wanted to take the drug, he hid it. Then one day, I caught him taking the same drug. I asked him what it was for and he said it was for a recurrent leg pain he was getting. I wrote down the name of the drug and searched for it on Google. That was when I learnt that it was anti-retroviral drug used for HIV.

I confronted Jim and asked if he had HIV, he denied it flatly. I then told him to give me his doctors number so that I could confirm myself. He said no. While he was sleeping, I took his doctors number from his phone and called the man. The doctor told me that he could not speak on the phone and said I should come and see him. When I went there, he broke the news to me that Jim was HIV positive. He then decided to run a test on me. It confirmed that I was HIV positive. I felt like dying.

I was so angry because he deliberately infected me. I know this because he protected his family. Around the time we went to the doctor together, he sent his wife abroad to ensure she did not contract the virus. But in my case, the sex even intensified that I was happy that he was falling in love with me more every day.

Blessing said after the initial test, which showed she was HIV positive, the doctor recommended a second test, which again proved that she was indeed HIV positive.

According to her, she was devastated and angry at how her life had changed for the worse.

Jim denied that he infected me and even accused me of infecting him even though the doctor said this could not have been so considering the fact that it had not manifested in my body in any way, while he had fallen sick long ago, Blessing said.

She said despite her anger, she still did not want to report the matter to the police.

She said, But I told Jim that he had to take care of the cost of my medication and had to make sure I was comfortable since he was the one who infected me. He then agreed to pay me N2.5m.

But he started abusing me. He would say no man would dare marry a girl with a disease like me. I threatened to report him to the police and he said I should go ahead. He said I would become depressed and commit suicide due to stigma if I did that.

I packed out of his house in anger. Then, one day, I went to his house and found him in bed with my best friend. He did not care. The humiliation was why I decided to finally come to report to the police.

In Nigeria, non-disclosure of HIV status to a sexual partner and deliberate infection of a partner are criminal offences enshrined in the Sexual Offences Act 2015.

Section 24 and 39 of the law criminalises the intentionally, knowingly and willfully transmitting HIVand an act where a person intentionally fails to disclose to the person in respect of whom an act which causes penetration is being committed, that he or she is infected by HIV or any other life-threatening sexual transmissible disease.

Jim, who was furious for most part of the encounter with journalists, continued to say that Blessing infected him instead.

She wanted money from me, he said.

Jim said he had been in Nigeria for more than 40 years.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DolapoBadmus, said the police were still conducting investigation on the case.

She said, At the moment, we are treating the lady as the victim and the man as the suspect. If our investigation reveals anything to the contrary, we will amend our focus on the case.

But we are also going to look for the friend, whom the complainant said she found naked with the man to determine her status. If we find her and she requires test and treatment, we will ensure she gets that as soon as possible.

Source: Punch
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has shared his thoughts about child marriage.

The issue of child marriage was again brought to the public when the Katsina Emirate Council declared a marriage between a 14-year-old girl, Habiba Isa, and the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Usman, irreversible.

Isa who clocks 15 on Saturday, October 15, was allegedly abducted on August 16, 2016, by one Jamilu Lawal, a reported aide of the emir. She later converted to Islam, which the council said was voluntarily.

This sparked outrage as her father lodged a complaint with a humanitarian civil rights organisation, Stefanos Foundation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) eventually had to intervene as she was later allowed to appear before CAN officials and others in the palace on Thursday, where she was interrogated on the issue by the Kaora Katsina, Alhaji Nuhu Abdulkadir, on behalf of the emirate council.

She was asked whether she was forcefully converted to Islam  she replied no.

She was also asked whether the emirate council or any other person forced her into the marriage with the emir  she also answered no.

The third question was whether by the time she met her husband, she was already experiencing menstrual period  she answered yes.

However CAN was not in support of the marriage and her conversion to Islam.

An official said, This girl (Isa) standing before us is 14 years. She is supposed to be in school and not given out in marriage.

Emir Sanusi on the whole saga said via his Instagram page:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany will repatriate Nigerian migrants.

The Local, a German news website, reported on Saturday that Merkel will support Nigerias fight against Boko Haram, but its asylum seekers will be sent back by authorities.

She said most of the migrants claim to be seeking international protection from the insurgents but Germany presumes that most of them came for economic reasons, unlike the Syrians or Iraqis who are fleeing war zones.

At a joint press conference with President Muhammad Buhari on Friday, Merkel said: I think we will need to take a vastly greater interest in the destiny of Africa.

Reports claim that so far this year more than 10,000 asylum seekers in Germany are from Nigeria. Germany is asylum seekers top destination in Europe and Merkels government has come under a lot of pressure following last years massive influx of migrants to her country.

Buhari is currently in Germany to discuss issues on terrorism, militancy and migration.

SEE ALSO: Photos Of Buhari Arriving Germany, Meeting With Angela Merkel
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, put on the sacred Aare crown on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun, for the first time amidst jubilations and local gun salute by the natives. Oba Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, performed the symbolic trip from Ile Oodua, his palace to Oke Mogun shrine, to mark this years Olojo Festival, being the first time he would participate in the festival as Ooni.

Olojo Festival holds annually in Ile Ife, to mark creation of the universe and Aare crown a special crown made of 151 items. It is wore only during the celebration of the festival and was adorned by Ooni.

Decked in all white apparel, Oba Ogunwusi, had been in seclusion for 5 days. He left his residence for Oke Mogun around 4: 30p.m for the final rites before he wore mystic Are crown. At exactly 5 p.m. Oba Ogunwusi, emerged with Are crown holding a white dove, amidst prayers and several gunshots which began with the journey to Oke Mogun and Idi Aje. Two major ports of call during Olojo Festival where rituals and prayers were said for the peace of Nigeria and Yoruba race. Are crown, according to sources, in Oonis palace weighs 100 kg, last made the trip to Oke Mogun several years ago.

 Because the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, owing to his advance age in last 3 years of his reign did not wear Are crown even during the celebration of Olojo. On the procession of Ooni to Oke Mogun were Ife chiefs, priests and members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, as well as indigenes and tourists from different parts of world. Before Ooni commenced the trip, his messengers, who wore only shorts, wielding cane performed the symbolic sprint to Oke Mogun three times to clear the route the monarch would take. The festival was peaceful, as all and sundry were in celebration mood, praying for the progress and development of the Yoruba race and the country at large.

Source: Vanguard
Michelle Obamas Thursday night speech in New Hampshire will go down in history and might very well ensure Hillary Clinton might get elected.

It is the second time Michelle Obama has called for popular support for Hillary after her speech at the Democratic National Convention.

This time, she condemned the Republican Presidential candidate, Donald Trump and his comments about sexually harassing women.

Last week, we saw this candidate actually bragging about sexually assaulting women, Obama said. And I cant believe that Im saying that a candidate for president of the United States has bragged about sexually assaulting women. And I have to tell you that I cant stop thinking about this. It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldnt have predicted.

Id love nothing more than to pretend that this isnt happening and to come out and give my normal campaign speech, she said. But this was not just a lewd conversation. This wasnt just locker room banter. This was a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behavior and actually bragging about kissing and groping women.
A mob comprised of youths have attacked Shiites trying to rebuild their destroyed school near Zango road, Tudun Wada in Kaduna state.

Two Shiites were said to have lost their lives, while ten other members were injured in the attack which occurred on Saturday.

Premium Times reported a shop owner along Zango Road, say the issue was getting out of hand as hundreds of youth were advancing towards Ungwan Muazu, an area where many Shiites reside, to hunt for them.

Bala Zango, the shop owner said, We heard that, two persons suspected to be members of the Shiite were dead. Its very scary because at the end of the day, its the innocent people that will fall victim.

Witnesses were also reported to have said that, Governor Nasir El-Rufais Special Adviser on Youth, Awwal Maikyau, was attacked as he attempted to mediate.

The school which the alleged victims were trying to rebuild was attacked on Tuesday.

SEE: Mob Burns Shiites Leaders Residence In Kaduna

Some thugs came to attack us with weapons, insisting that we must be evicted completely from the place, a Shiite told Premium Times.

Police arrived the scene and went with some of our members and some community members for settlement.

As they left, 10 of our Shiite members were machete. It was rumoured that one person died, but we are still making inquiries to confirm.

This is the danger behind playing politics with religion, the member said.

El-Rufai on Friday ordered the immediate arrest of the mob which carried out the first attack, saying those involved must be brought to justice.
It was a rising wave of emotion, gratitude and excitement recently, as Roseline Nkemdilim Obi, winner of the maiden edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year was celebrated, as Nigerian Breweries Plc donated a block of staff quarters to the Federal Government Girl College, Onitsha, in honour of Obi, who teaches Mathematics and Chemistry at the school.

Days after the Minister of Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, led other important dignitaries to commission the staff quarters in a grand ceremony at the school located on the outskirt of Onitsha, in Anambra North Local Council of the state, the excitement and the emotion of the event still reverberates around the area.

Obi, who beat nine other finalists to the coveted prize last year, also got a N1million cash prize plus another one million Naira to be paid to her annually for five years. The building of the quarters in her school was part of the prize for emerging as the 2015 Maltina Teacher of the Year.

The emotional teacher described the day as her day of success and an end to her wilderness journey of 14 years. She revealed that the award has opened a lot of doors for her and that she had resisted several attempts by many corporate organizations to pull her out of the teaching profession.

She praised Nigerian Breweries for the gesture, adding that it takes a greater sacrifice on the part of the company to appreciate the great sacrifice and contribution of teachers to the development of the nation.

On her part, the principal of the school, Mrs. Margaret Enonuya, expressed great appreciation and thanked the company for what she described as an unparalleled support for the cause of education in the country.

Rarely indeed has any Secondary School in Nigeria been so honoured as today to be awarded the gift of a twin three-bedroom bungalow for producing a national icon, the Maltina Teacher of the Year by Nigerian Breweries Plc. We feel proud of what Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has done, she said.

Chief Chukwuemeka Oseneman, who represented the Obi of Onitsha at the event, gave kudos to the winner for adding another feather to the cap of Onitsha and Anambra State. She also praised the company for counting Onitsha worth of the initiative.

Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, who was represented on the occasion by Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, explained that the idea of the school-based project was to ensure that when a teacher won, the community where he/she teaches also wins.

In 1994, our company decided to take a more active role in its commitment to the development of education in Nigeria when it established the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund with a take-off value of N100 million. Since then, the fund has impacted over 20, 000 students across Nigeria, he said.

Students of the staged various cultural shows in appreciation of the gesture, while parents and teachers also thumbed up NBL for the initiative, which they described as a pacesetter.

Source: Guardian
Nigerian Newspaper Headlines Today: October 14

Punch

The Federal Government, through its National Biosafety Management Agency, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to retail store giants, Shoprite and Next Cash N Carry to withdraw any product that contains Genetically Modified Organisms from their shelves or risk a total shutdown.

National Mirror

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday, gave a specific order to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

Thisday

The Lagos State government and its Osun State counterpart have partnered on the Atlantic Bond Initiative on the forthcoming Lagos-Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Fiesta to be held in the United States of America, USA.

Leadership

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has said her country will earmark about 18 billion Euros for the development of the Lake Chad region.

Vanguard

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism on the release of more of the kidnapped Chibok girls, after 21 of them were freed by Boko Haram, following more than two years of captivity.

Premium Times

The Nigerian presidency is scrambling to fend off attacks being directed at President Muhammadu Buhari over his shocking remark that his wife belonged to his kitchen, his living room and the other room.
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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Several reactions have trailed Aisha Buharis comments that she may not back her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, at the 2019 election unless he (the President) reshuffles his cabinet.

Aisha Buhari, had in a BBC Hausa interview, expressed her displeasure in President Buharis government, saying that the President does not know most of the appointees in his cabinet.

She also suggested that the Presidents government had been hijacked by a few people, who were behind the presidential appointments.

In the interview, Mrs. Buhari said, The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I dont know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.

Some people are sitting down in their homes, folding their arms, only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.

When asked to name those who had hijacked her husbands government, she refused, saying, You will know them if you watch television.

On whether President was still in charge, she said, That is left for the people to decide.

Mrs. Buhari added that her husband had not told her whether he would contest the 2019 election.

She said, He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Buharis comments on her husbands government have attracted both applause and criticisms by Nigerians.

For instance, the Convener of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, Dr. Junaid mohammed, praised Aisha for forthrightness and described her comments as 100 per cent correct.

Mohammed, who said Aishas honesty earned her his respect, added that she could have said more, considering the information at her disposal, but chose to be diplomatic.

He said, From the bits I heard by myself and from friends whose judgements I respect, everything said by Mrs. Buhari is true. In fact, given the fact at her disposal, she has been very diplomatic because she could have said a lot more and mentioned names and positions like I did in the interview I had with Saturday PUNCH some weeks back. But she didnt do that; she confined herself to what she said, which are all factual.

Some of the facts she said are matters in which I have privileged information and knowledge, so I believe she was telling the truth and I do not want to question her motivation or listen to what people say. I believe it is in the interest of this country to listen to what she says before we are driven into a ditch by her husband.

According to Mohammed, Aisha had the right to have made the comments because she was speaking about her country and her nuclear family and she is the closest human being to the President.

When the chips are down, it is she, her children and Buharis children from his first marriage that will carry the burden. So nobody has the right to tell her what is appropriate or inappropriate, he added.

National Publicity secretary of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba organisation, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, also said being the closest person to the Presiddent, Aishas comments should not be ignored.

Odumakin said as Aisha noted, President Buhari should reshuffle his cabinet to accommodate competent people.

The fact remains that being the wife of the President, her views cannot just be thrown away like that, he said.

You can count on your fingers the cabinet members that know what they are doing there. There is no impartial observer of the government that will not agree that this cabinet has not performed well. It took a long time for the President to appoint his cabinet members and we had expected something more. The President should reshuffle the team and make sure he puts on board people who can deliver.

Mr. Victor Borubo, Ijaw National Congress Spokesperson, who stressed that he was giving his personal view and not that of the organisation, described the issues raised by Aisha as valid.

Borubo also called on the President to reshuffle his cabinet as suggested by his wife, saying, A good number of people in the Presidents cabinet are misfits and square pegs forcing themselves into round holes. So to that extent, I agree that a lot of the cabinet members should simply give way. What if a man he says is not corrupt is incompetent, what good is he to us?

Chief Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine and a former presidential aspirant, also praised Aisha Buhari for her comments.

Momodu said the Presidents wife said what he and some other supporters of the President had been saying for long and that if care was not taken, the party could further be divided.

He said, Aisha Buharis comments are welcome. She has done what most Nigerian women and men cannot do  speaking the truth as it is, not minding that shes a beneficiary of power. It shows shes a forward-looking, intelligent and responsible woman who knows that life doesnt begin and end in Aso Rock.

If she had been telling her husband and he had not listened to her, now she has put it on record as a yardstick to judge her in the future. She should be celebrated.

What she said is what many of us had been saying before, that some people have hijacked this government from the President. I have said it before and I remember the [Senate President] Dr. Bukola Saraki had also said it.

Some people are saying she has no right to speak such things, but thats not true. She has every right to do so, as the Presidents wife and a public figure. Before the President won the election, she campaigned for him.

So, she has the right to express what she feels about her husbands government because she has so much to lose if her husband fails.

Also, the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, said Aisha said the truth and that her comments were reflections of the Presidents weaknesses.

It has been obvious for long that the President is not in control of the government. If you have been watching the situation of things, different officials in the APC hold different positions and always differ on issues.

If the President is in control, this wouldnt have been so. It shows weakness on the part of the President. He has always appeared to be constrained by some forces despite the powers conferred on him by the constitution.

The President should know that authority and responsibility go hand-in-hand, so for whatever is happening, President Buhari should take responsibility.

Onovo called on the President to display strength and not allow a cabal to run his government.

He said, When a cabal runs a government, they further their selfish interests because they are behind the policies made. Hence, if the President cannot run the government, it shows weakness and failure.

He should encourage national unity by inviting all groups and parties to participate in his government because diversity encourages innovation and development.

Also, a former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Mr. Reno Omokri, commended Mrs. Buhari for speaking out, though he described her as a wailer.

He wrote on his Facebook page, Wow! This is explosive! Even Buharis wife has turned to a wailer! Aisha Buhari has told the BBC what we have been saying all these months. You need to watch/read this interview. It is well worth your time.

His wifes decision to go public with her concerns will shock many people, but it shows the level of discontent with the Presidents leadership. Now, will all those who have had a field day attacking me for my criticism also attack the First Lady?

The Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose on Public Communication and New Media, Mr. Olalere Olayinka, also described the Presidents wife as a wailer.

Obviously referring to the President Buharis supporters, he said, Start attacking Aisha Buhari. And to the wailers, [there is] no need to wail again. Let Aisha Buhari do the wailing for now, he wrote on Twitter.

In the same vein, reactions have been trailing Aishas interview on various social media platforms, where the news has been trending, with majority of them backing the wife of the President.

In a Facebook comment, Michael Gabriel said Mrs. Buharis comments showed how poor President Buhari was performing.

Its shocking to hear  that its coming from the First Lady herself only shows how abysmally the present government has performed so far, he said.

This is honesty. Even if it could cost her marriage, this woman still spilled the truth. We need people like her.

Ifeanyichukwu Chigozie also said on Facebook that going by Mrs. Buharis comments, it was apparent that the current economic downturn was as a result of nepotism and corruption.

He said, Nigerians are suffering, yet people are pretending as if everything is fine. The value of naira has dropped by 70 per cent over one year, yet you (President Buhari) are still blaming the previous President.

We kept complaining of bad economic policies, nepotism and massive corruption, but our complaints were dismissed. It feels good now that Aisha Buhari is on-board with us.

Mohammed Tahir also said, Aisha Buhari must be commended for her courage. Her action should not be viewed as trying to gain favour from her husband. She has been with him for 27 years, she knows him well and he knows her well.

She is the only one who will stand by him in victory and in failure, we wont be there. Therefore, we must listen to her very attentively. To me, she is patriotic and wants to free her husband from the cabal.

Alphonsus Ogbennaya said on Twitter, This is patriotism and love for her husband at play. Her advice must have been rejected privately, thats why she went public, because if her husband fails, she and her kids will also share the blame. Thanks, Aisha, for your boldness.

But some others condemned the Presidents wifes comments.

A political analyst Hatab Fadera also said it was wrong for Mrs. Buhari to have gone public with her opinions.

He said on Facebook, I think it is her fundamental right to say in public whatever she feels is not right. However, I refuse to understand the necessity of her points. I disagree in total that she has to necessarily know who the President can and cannot appoint.

Reacting to the development, an Abuja based legal practitioner and former National Secretary of the Labour Party, Kayode Ajulo, expressed doubts over the authenticity of the story.

He said, I doubt it if the Presidents wife said some of the things being ascribed to her.

Source: Punch
Twenty-year-old Uweb Samuel, a Cross River State indigene working as a domestic help in Magodo area of Lagos, sat on the grounds of the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, with his head bowed.

Shaking his head intermittently to register remorse, Uweb said he did not imagine he would end up the way he had.

My boss trusted me so much. In fact, I had access to every part of the house, he said.

But that trust came back to bite his boss, Mr. Ajadi Babatunde, few days ago when he came back from a trip abroad and left a wad of pound sterling notes in his room.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that he trusted his manservant so much that he left the house but left his key on the door of his room.

That day, Babatunde took a peek inside the room and saw something he could not resist.

I counted the 50 notes and there were 67 there, he said.

That is 3,350. In current official exchange rate of pounds to naira, that amounts to N1.33m.

Samuel said he knew it was a lot of money that could change his life, but thought about building a house immediately.

He said, There is no house in our village in Calabar that my siblings and I could call a home. So, I thought it was my chance to build a house for my family.

I took the money before my boss came back home and took it to my sisters husband to hide for me.

When my boss came back and started to look for the money, he asked me and I told him I did not see any money. Even though it was just the two of us in the house, I insisted I did not take any money.

Some workers were doing some renovation work in the compound. He asked if any of them entered the house but they said no. The workers said I must have been the one who took the money and started to beat me.

They tortured me even though my boss did not instruct them to do that. I still did not admit that I took it. But when it got to a stage, I told them I would kill myself, my boss then told them to take me to the police. But his brother came and spoke with me gently, that was why I decided to confess.

By the time the police stormed the house of Samuels brother-in-law, half of the money was gone, while the man had gone into hiding.

Samuel sobbed as he said he was sad that he betrayed his boss trust.

According to him, he was being paid N15,000 monthly as a domestic help but that his crime had nothing to do with his salary.

I wish my boss would forgive me. I did not know this is what will happen to me, he said.

The police have said investigation was ongoing on the case and the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Source: Punch
Republican Presidential candidate, Donald Trump has challenged his democratic rival, Hillary Clinton to a drug test.

Trump suggested Hillary Clinton was pumped up before the second presidential debate and is now calling for a drug test before the final debate. Polls suggested Clinton won the first and second debate as calls have increased for Trump to step down.

SEE ALSO: Michelle Obamas Speech Breaks The Internet

Ahead of the third debate, Trump said, We should take a drugs test,

Trump has seen in the polls reversed in recent times as he now trails Clinton by 9%.
Parents could be brought in keep secondary schools open after teachers voted to strike.

The ASTI, which represents 18,000 teachers, has announced it will hold 7-days of strike action on dates in October, November and December.

The union has also decided to withdraw from supervision and substitution duties from the 7th of November.

The Irish Times is reporting that Department Officials are considering hiring parents and members of the public to become supervisors for a fee of 38 a day - however it is likely most schools will not have enough time to vet and recruit them.

ASTI President Ed Byrne says that's a matter for Richard Bruton:"The Minister will have had ten weeks since he stopped the pay of supervision and substitution duties and I would have believed he would have had a contingency plan.

"I might also add, the money being stopped was also put in to the February legislation, prior to July 2015, so he has had a very long run at this with regard to getting ready for this.

"So I believe that the contingency plan should be able to keep schools open on the days that we withdraw from supervision and substitution duties."
According to accounts just filed with the Companies Office by Pembroke Capital Ltd and subsidiaries, the five directors enjoyed the pay pot in spite of the firm plunging into the red.

The figures show that the firm  which is owned by Standard Chartered with its Irish offices located in Dublin and Limerick  recorded a pre-tax loss of $75m after recording a pre-tax profit of $90m in 2014.
Twitter, meanwhile, is preparing to move into its new state-of-the-art head office in Dublin on Monday.

The micro-blogging firm, which employs 200 people here and is led by former RTE Primetime presenter Mark Little, will make the move after the buildings owners, Hibernia REIT, carried out a 29m refurbishment of the building.

Twitters operation in Dublin is the firms biggest office outside the US and will occupy most of the office accommodation at Cumberland Place.

Twitter has committed to a 20-year lease for the building. Confirmation of the move coincides with new documentation lodged by Twitters Irish arm, Twitter International Company, with the Companies Office showing that the firm bucked the companys worldwide loss-making performance in 2015.

Globally, Twitter in 2015 recorded pre-tax losses of $533m (483m) as its revenues increased by 58% to $2.2bn.

However, an auditors report for the Dublin-based Twitter International Company shows it posted a profit last year for the second successive year.

The size of the profit is not revealed as Twitters company status here in unlimited and is therefore not required to file annual accounts.

Twitter is one of the most high-profile US multinationals to have unlimited status in Ireland, with big players such as Apple and Linkedin along with more recent US firms to base here, including AirBnB and Dropbox, opting for the same status.

Dublins Twitter operation is the firms European Middle East and African head office. It has 25 different functions, including sales, policy, HR, finance, legal, IT, and engineering.

The firm only established in Ireland in September 2011 but has increased its workforce to more than 200 people. Its workforce is drawn from 30 countries.

Documents filed by Twitter in the US show that $774m of the global revenues in 2015 were based outside the US. Twitters Dublin firm would oversee a sizeable chunk of those revenues, given its responsibility for the EMEA region.

As part of the deal to lease the space at Cumberland Place, Twitter will pay an initial rent of 4.6m per annum, equating to an average of 50 per sq ft for the office space.

Hibernian recently announced that it has let the remaining 33,000 sq ft available space to Travelport. The two lease agreements bring Hibernias total contracted annual rent roll to over 45m for the building.
Reported attacks on financial institutions in Britain have risen from just five, in 2014, to 75, so far this year, data from Britains Financial Conduct Authority shows.

However, bankers and experts in cyber security say there are many more attacks. Banks are under constant attack, Shlomo Touboul, chief executive of Israeli-based cyber-security firm, Illusive Networks, said.

Mr Touboul cites the example of one large, global financial institution with which he works. It experiences more than 2bn such events a month, ranging from an employee receiving a malicious email to system-generated alerts of attacks or glitches.

Machine defences filter those down to 200,000, before a human team cuts that to 200 real events a month, he added.

Banks are not obliged to reveal every such instance, as cyber-attacks fall under the FCAs provision for companies to report any event that could have a material impact, unlike in the US, where forced disclosure makes reporting more consistent.

There is a gray area...Banks are, in general, fulfilling their legal obligations, but there is also a moral requirement to warn customers of potential losses and to share information with the industry, Ryan Rubin, UK managing director of security and privacy at consultant, Protiviti, said.

Banks are not alone in their reluctance to disclose every cyber-attack. Of the 5m fraud and 2.5m cyber-related crimes occurring annually in the UK, only 250,000 are being reported, government data show.

But while saving companies from bad publicity or worried customers, failure to report more serious incidents, even when they are unsuccessful, deprives regulators of information that could help prevent further attacks.

A report published in May, by Marsh and industry lobby group, TheCityUK, concluded that Britains financial sector should create a cyber-forum, comprising bank-board members and risk officers to promote better information-sharing.

Security experts said that while reporting of all low-level attacks, such as email phishing attempts, would overload authorities with unnecessary information, some banks are not sharing data on more harmful intrusions, because of concerns about regulatory action or damage to their brand.

The most serious, recent known attack was on the SWIFT messaging network, in February.
Billy, 11, was nominated by his mum Christine Shanahan.

Hunters syndrome is a rare progressive disease that causes painful joints, heart problems, and enlarged liver and spleen, along with delay in development and speech problems.

Billy is almost completely deaf and suffers painful carpal tunnel in his hands. Every week, he endures a four-hour infusion to try to slow the progression of his disease. Along with other endless appointments and procedures, Billy also needs physio and occupational therapy.

However, despite all the difficulties he faces, he has never let his illnesses get him down. He loves nothing better than going to school to be with his friends and just being a normal child.

His mum Christine said she believes she is the mother of a superhero and has the most rewarding job in the world.

Billy is a superhero and the bravest boy I know. I may be a little biased, but everyone who knows Billy is blown away by his courage, his constant smile and infectious laugh. Even though every day is a battle for him he never lets the pain get to him and always manages to put a smile on everyones face. I would love if you could recognise this amazing little boy with this award. Billy loves Superman, Spiderman and all the superheroes but, to us, he is the most amazing superhero of all, she said.

His dad Will also paid tribute to Billys national school, St Patricks in Bruree in Limerick, which has given Billy the best school experience possible.

Billy loves school so much that his mum and I joke that he must be the only child in Ireland that hates the summer holidays. As a family, we are particularly grateful to all the staff at St Patricks, especially the principal, Jimmy Wolf, and Billys special seeds assistant Eileen OConnell. They have gone above and beyond to ensure Billy has the best school experience and well be forever indebted to them, he said.

Billy was one of the many parents and children from all around the country honoured in the ninth annual Boots Maternity and Infant Awards

The head of marketing at Boots Ireland, Gillian Hennessey, said the awards were about recognising unsung heroes and meeting inspirational people from all across Ireland and sharing their remarkable stories.
Yesterday, she launched her technology company Speakable, and she says it is on a mission to connect people to the power of their civic voice.

Speakbles first product, Action Button, allows readers of news stories to participate in the outcomes of those stories  whether by donating, signing a petition or emailing a policymaker, said Jordan.

So far, the technology firm has linked with The Guardian US, Huffington Post and Vice, allowing Action Button to feature on the stories those sites carry.

The social activist said it was a headline from four years ago that sparked the idea for Speakable in her head.

In 2012, I read a headline I wont forget: 14-year-old education advocate shot by Taliban for going to school.

I was enraged reading the article but as I got busy I forgot about the story and continued my day answering emails.

Then I started to think: if I cared so much, why wasnt I doing something about it? she wrote on the Huffington Post yesterday.

Me Hewson said Action Button now allows people to make a real impact online because it gives them an opportunity to do something immediate with the outrage they might feel having read a story.

She says talking about world events is often not enough to change the world in which we live.

Dozens of platforms exist so we can talk about whats going on in the world, but whats the next step?

Twitter for instance, gives our voices the power to be heard  but what does that sound translate into? Often not enough: talking about news is not the same as acting on news, she said.

She explained she first approached Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington about the idea in 2014.

Then the technology was piloted and the team learned that people want to do more than read headlines, they want to change headlines.
The increase has been particularly significant in men who have sex with men (MSM) according to HPSC.

While the centre said that cases of most sexually transmitted infections remained relatively stable in 2015 compared to a year earlier, its specialist in public health medicine, Dr Derval Igoe, said: We are concerned about a 50% increase in syphilis, and a 30% increase in HIV cases in 2015.

Although some of the increase in HIV can be explained by a change in the notification procedures for HIV and an outbreak in people who inject drugs, these increases have largely being seen in MSM.

MSM account for four-fifths of the syphilis cases, and more than half of the HIV cases. For HIV, an increasing proportion of MSM born abroad, and particularly from Latin America, who were HIV positive before coming to Ireland, has contributed to this. There are also increases in the number of MSM from abroad who report acquiring HIV in Ireland.

She said that while gonorrhoea numbers last year were similar to 2015, the latest data for the first six months of this year showed that instances of the infection had risen by 63%.

The HSE pointed to a recent survey on sexual behaviours in MSM in Ireland which showed that 25% of men have had condomless anal intercourse with more than one partner in the last year, posing a risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and STIs. It found 37% of men had never been tested for HIV and 38% had never been tested for an STI.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed an experimental immunotherapy drug could herald a breakthrough in the treatment of HIV and Aids.

In early tests, rhesus macaques given the antibody showed sustained recovery from infection by the monkey equivalent of the HIV virus. Within four weeks of receiving the therapy, almost no SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) could be detected and two years after finishing the treatment, levels of the virus remained below the threshold considered harmful. The monkeys appeared healthy and their immune systems functioned efficiently.

The antibody used was a tweaked variant of the drug vedolizumab which has been available since 2014 in the US and Europe to treat bowel diseases such as Crohns and ulcerative colitis.
The unprecedented move by the Catholic Church in this country is a response to a request by Pope Francis to bishops worldwide.

Abuse survivor, Marie Collins, who also sits on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Vatican, said the day will make a difference to some victims as a gesture of acknowledgement of their hurt, and less so to others.

Ms Collins said the day of prayer was the brainchild of a Canadian abuse survivor who asked her local church to include a prayer for survivors in its liturgy. The local priest refused. She then made a similar suggestion to the Commission for the Protection of Minors and Pope Francis liked the idea.

Last month, a new era of accountability began when it was decided by the Pope that the congregation of bishops and congregations of religious leaders in Rome will be able to discipline deficient bishops who have failed in safeguarding children. Up to now, such inquiries were carried out by the highly-secretive Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.

Speaking at a National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church Conference yesterday, Archbishop Eamon Martin said the day of prayer will provide an opportunity for parishes and congregations to pray for all those involved in safeguarding, for healing in the lives of those deeply wounded by abuse, for atonement and ongoing purification of all members of the church in this regard.

This years safeguarding conference is to focus on two new safeguarding standards: Care of the complainant and care of the respondent.

A few years ago it would have been difficult for us to address pastoral care for respondents at a safeguarding conference. Even today it is important for us not to deflect from the immense hurt and trauma of complainants by considering care for those accused of abuse. The work of mercy, however, compels us to reflect on the impact of accusations on those accused, on their family members and communities, Archbishop Martin said.

The Churchs response to those found guilty is one of the most delicate and controversial issues in safeguarding. In a society which demonises and clamours for exclusion of such offenders one wonders how to strike the balance between mercy and justice, seeking redemption for the offender while being careful not to compound the lifelong trauma of survivors. Whilst we must be mindful that when offenders are ostracised and cut off from support there is a greater danger of reoffending, it is widely recognised now that those found guilty of sexual abuse of minors cannot minister again as priests, he said.
Dublin North West TD Noel Rock yesterday said he would not be accepting the increase which is part of the civil servants pay restoration under the Haddington Road Agreement.

However, a number of Fine Gael politicians said it would not be a good idea to sever the linking of TDs wages to the civil service pay scale as it would make their salary a political issue.

Education Minister Richard Bruton said: There was a time when politicians decided what their pay was and that was scrapped which was right and, instead, a link was put to a position in the public service.

As a result, TDs are due to see a bump in their pay when wages are restored to principal officer level in the civil service.

Chair of the Fine Gael parliamentary party Martin Hayden said: I do feel that we need to be careful not to undervalue the job, and I am mindful of people who may come after us.

It is very expensive to run for the Dail. If the structure changes too much, the only people who would be able to run would be people with the means to back them up or people with secure jobs in the civil service they can go back to.

He said TDs were one of the first group to experience a pay cut after the crash.

A number of other Fine Gael TDs did not wish to comment on the issue, including Bernard Durkan who said: I dont think it would be fair that I would suggest to other TDs what to do.

Although Mr Rock, made it clear he will not be taking any additional wages, he said he would not be putting pressure on any other party members to do the same.

The genesis of my political career was my refusal to take unvouched expenses as a councillor.

This pay rise came up and I am of a generation where a lot of my peers are teachers and nurses and are fighting for a partial restoration. For me, such a large pay rise would be unacceptable.

Speaking on RTE radio, Mr Bruton said it would be a matter for the Dail: I believe that politicians should take a lead and I think we have, throughout this.

Meanwhile, 86 TDs and Senators who lost their seats or didnt seek re-election are currently receiving average termination payments of over 40,000.

It follows the Oireachtas setting aside 3.5 million in termination payments or redundancy payments for this year and next year for the eligible 86 TDs and Senators who lost their seats in this years elections.

New documentation published by the Houses of the Oireachtas concerning its 2017 Estimates of Expenditure confirms that this year it is projecting to spend 3.388 million in termination payments and a further 109,000 under the same heading next year.

In addition, the Oireachtas has set aside 15.4m for a pension fund and annual pensions are usually paid out after termination payments have been made.

However, the vast bulk of the pension payments would be paid out to former TDs and Senators who vacated their seats in prior elections.

The annual spend on pensions is one of the Oireachtass biggest annual single outlays and the spend on pensions this year is expected to be more than the Oireachtass combined 14.6m spend on office equipment and external IT (9.2m); office premises expenses (2.9m); and consultancy services (2.5m).
District Judge James Faughnan and his wife Mary McMahon sought the injunction after the group posted on Facebook that it was organising a protest outside Ms McMahons business on Saturday, October 22, over what one of the groups members says was a recent decision of Judge Faughnan to jail a man for a public order offence.

The injunction, preventing picketing at the Faughan/McMahon home and business property, applies to Joe Doocey, Knocksbarrett, Ballina, and Colm Granahan, Castlereagh, Killala, both Co Mayo.

It prevents them and any others from acting in concert or with knowledge of the order and from interfering with them, their children, or employees.

Judge Faughnan was appointed to the bench in 2013, having practised as a solicitor in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. He was designated to the Roscommon/East Galway District Court area last July.

In an affidavit, he says that while sitting in Tuam District Court on September 13 last, one of the sentencing matters caused certain parties in court to become some irritated. On leaving the courthouse, he noticed a gathering of people videoing his car registration but paid no heed.

Subsequently, gardai advised him of a Youtube video Rogue Judge Sends Innocent Man to Jail in which Mr Doocey refers to the public order case in which a man was jailed for three months and speaks of all district court judges as being Nazis.

Mr Doocey warns remember what happened to Hitler and promised the Anti Corruption Taskforce would be outside Jimmy Faughnans house or his wifes business, whatever it takes to bring these people down....

Mr Doocey also claimed in the video he (Doocey) has been harassed by gardai for the past seven years and says it is a war crime committed by a judge who is supposed to protect the people.

The Faughnan/McMahons have four children, all aged under ten.

In the Facebook posting, people are invited to join the October 22 protest outside Ms McMahons business in Carrick-on-Shannon and also gives train and bus times from Sligo to Carrick.

It says the protest would also visit the family home and, if time allows, it would also go to the home of another district court judge, Kevin Kilraine.

In an affidavit, Ms McMahon says she is gravely distressed about how such actions may impact on her children, employees, customers and how they may affect her personally and in her business reputation.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted Conor Bowman SC, for the judge and his wife, the injunction sought and made it returnable to next week.
The 29-year-old man claims he was sleepwalking when he raped his female friend after they went to bed together following a night out.

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 in the early hours of September 28, 2008.
While the cost of claims is an ongoing cost driver, what is more worrying is the emerging trend of increasing claims costs from the public health sector, said Mr Goode.

The founder of totalhealthcover.ie pointed out that in 2014 legislation was introduced allowing public hospitals charge patients with private health cover.

Those with health insurance who consent to be treated as a private patient when admitted to a public hospital can be charged between 813 and 1,000 a night.

The statutory charge of overnight and day in-patients services is 75 a day, up to a maximum of 750 in any 12 consecutive months. However, the 75 fee does not apply to medical card holders and other patient groups.

The Government had predicted that about 30m would be collected from public hospital costs, but Mr Goode said some reports now indicated the amount raised was closer to 150m.

Mr Goode claimed recent announcements from a number of health insurance companies confirmed that the hospital charges were having an impact on insurance costs  Laya Healthcare attributed its 5% increase in July to the new charge and VHI said it was one of the reasons for its second increase this year.

If every health insurance member continues to sign these forms without querying why they are being charged, they can expect more premium hikes to cover the cost, he warned.

Mr Goode said people could continue to be treated as public patients and the 75 charge was fully covered by health insurers.
The prospect of the closures follows yesterdays deliberations by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) standing committee on how to deploy industrial action backed by four out of five members voting in the past month. The first strike date announced is Thursday, October 27, followed by six more on November 8 (Tuesday), 16 and 24 (both Thursdays), 29 (Tuesday), December 6 and 7 (Tuesday and Wednesday).

But if the dispute with Government is not resolved before the mid-term break ends on Friday, November 4, ASTI members withdrawal from supervision and substitution work the next Monday could lead to doors remaining closed for the following few weeks until schools have had time to hire people for the work and have them Garda-vetted.

ASTI president Ed Byrne said teachers are reluctant to take industrial action or interrupt the running of schools, but members democratic rejection of the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) was met with an extreme and hostile reaction by the Government. We have flagged our serious issues well in advance and remain available and committed to a resolution through talks without pre-conditions, he said.

The groups representing school boards will meet Department of Education officials next week to discuss how they respond to the crisis, having been unable to finalise any contingencies on the supervision and substitution issue until they knew how soon and to what extent any school closures would take effect.

Education Minister Richard Bruton expressed disappointment about the ASTI decisions and the inevitable severe disruption to students and parents from the widespread school closures. His department had told the ASTI it would require around eight weeks notice of withdrawing from the duties to allow time to recruit and vet staff without forcing schools to close.

It is regrettable that ASTI have decided not to co-operate with the contingency arrangements. Despite ASTIs decision, the department and school management bodies will proceed to finalise contingency arrangements, the minister said.

While there is precedent for having to hire in outside staff to cover supervision or teacher absences, when the ASTI withdrew from the work during a previous pay dispute in 2002, things are different this time. A backlog in Garda vetting for non-teachers working in schools means special needs assistants (SNAs) appointed to work with children who have special needs are currently waiting several weeks.

Mr Bruton said he has repeatedly offered that the department can suspend implementation of measures associated with the unions repudiation of the LRA if ASTI suspends its directive on withdrawing from working so-called Croke Park hours while talks take place.

A Department of Education statement said he hopes the ASTI can now engage in constructive dialogue with its officials.

The minister emphasised that he has not and will not be setting any pre-conditions to dialogue taking place. This has previously been made clear to the ASTI leadership, it said.

But Mr Byrne has said that any previous engagements have had Mr Brutons officials repeatedly tell ASTI that the only way of dealing with their issues was through the LRA.

The department statement referred to progress through talks with the Irish National Teachers Organisation and Teachers Union of Ireland, including an agreement that will see new entrants affilliated to those unions get a 15% increase in their starting salaries by January 2018.
Now 77, the woman was in court with supporters and clearly upset by the outcome.

Hers is regarded as a test case for about 30 other actions over symphysiotomies but the court stressed each must be decided on its own particular circumstances.

While another woman obtained 350,000 damages over a symphysiotomy, that case was very different as the baby was delivered before the symphysiotomy was performed and there was an absence of indications justifying the procedure, Ms Justice Mary Irvine said yesterday.

In this case, clinicians believed there was a high probability of obstructed labour and the symphysiotomy was performed to avoid that.

Legal sources believe the judgment will have adverse implications for similar cases concerning the procedure, carried out in some hospitals from the mid-1940s to mid-1960s.

Symphysiotomy was sometimes performed to address disproportion rather than a Caesarean Section. It involved partly cutting fibres joining the pubic bones to increase pelvic capacity with a view to facilitating vaginal delivery.

The woman claimed her antenatal symphysiotomy, done without a trial of labour, was done without her knowledge, was unjustified and she suffered lifelong consequences, including incontinence, back pain and mental health difficulties.

The High Court accepted she suffered physical and psychological difficulties caused or contributed to by the symphysiotomy but rejected her claim it was done without any justification.

Dismissing her appeal, Ms Justice Irvine, with whom Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice Michael Hanna agreed, said this type of symphysiotomy has long since been abandoned for good reason. Assessed by present day standards and where women here can better control their own fertility, it would be considered inherently defective.

The mechanics of labour were not as well understood in 1963 as now but even by the late 1960s, there was much greater understanding about a mothers ability to deliver a baby which appeared disproportionately large for her pelvis.

By 1963 standards, and the womans very particular circumstances, there was credible evidence she had not established this symphysiotomy could never, in any circumstances, have been justified.

There was evidence a reasonable and respectable body of clinicians of like expertise to the hospital master who performed the symphysiotomy would have approved of his decision and no evidence of deviation from a general and approved practice.

Marie OConnor, chairperson of the national advocacy group, Survivors of Symphysiotomy, said: todays decision by the Court of Appeal comes as a grave disappointment to the plaintiff, whose rights were so blatantly violated by Master Stuart at the Coombe Hospital in 1963. Survivors of symphysiotomy everywhere feel betrayed.

It is understood a decision to appeal the decision is pending.
Judge Jacquelinne Linnane adjourned possession proceedings by Start Mortgages against Ms Condron-King and her estranged husband, David Agnew, in relation to their former home, Idrone House, Idrone Avenue, Knocklyon, D16.

Judge Linnane told solicitor Mark Doyle, for Ms Condron-King, that the matter had been going on since 2010 and his client had made no payment on the mortgage during five years. The judge said other payments had been very small.

This shows the matter has been ignored, the judge said.

Mr Doyle told the court that he was not on record yet but was acting on behalf of Ms Condron-King. He said there was an agreement in place with the bank and moneys had been transferred yesterday.

He told the court that Ms Condron-King was now putting the house on the market and was looking for a six-month adjournment of the proceedings to allow the agreement to be implemented and the sale to progress.

Barrister Shaula Connaughton-Deeny, for the bank, said her client was opposing the application because Ms Condron-King was in breach of the agreement. She said it stated that if moneys were not paid by the end of September last, the bank would seek possession of the house.

Ms Connaughton-Deeny said the bank was owed about 250,000 including 18,000 arrears.

Following difficulties in serving Mr Agnew with the legal proceedings Judge Linnane last year granted leave for him to be served at his place of work, the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, at 163 Rathmines Road, Dublin.

Ms Connaughton-Deeny said it would seem that no solicitor intended to come on record for Mr Agnew, who did not appear in court yesterday.

Last May, Judge Linnane had adjourned the proceedings after being told that Ms Condron-King had contacted the banks solicitors with proposals to deal with the outstanding arrears.

Yesterday the judge said she was not granting the bank an order for possession because it would interfere with an eventual sale of the house.
But, yesterday, a High Court judge did not relate her most serious complaints to the fall. Mr Justice Michael Twomey awarded Helen Boland of Midleton, Co Cork, over 25,000 for general damages for neck and ankle injuries and over 20,000 special damages making a total of over 46,000.

However, he did not attribute the plaintiffs serious back injury or depression to the fall.

John Lucey SC, for the defendant company, Reardens of Washington Street, told Mr Justice Twomey there had been a tender offered in settlement of the case before it went to trial. He said this tender would have certain implications for the issue of costs. James OMahony SC for Ms Boland asked for an adjournment of the costs ruling and the judge acceded.

The accident in Reardens occurred six years ago on November 19, 2010. Ms Boland was accidentally knocked over by doormen, ejecting a patron, causing her to fall down four or five steps.

Initially, the plaintiff experienced an ankle injury and soft tissue injury to the neck. However, she later developed a back injury. In the course of the seven days of evidence at the High Court sitting in Cork, there was conflicting evidence about whether the back injury was a naturally occurring injury or one attributable to the fall. The back injury required surgery and injections, and morphine patches for pain.

After citing a number of conflicts between medical practitioners, Mr Justice Twomey said in his view the lower back pain and depression were not caused by the fall. He only awarded her in respect of general damages for neck and ankle and some loss of earnings in the first year after the accident.

The plaintiff was in the Irish Navy for 10 years but had moved on to other employment prior to the date of the accident. More recently, she did a degree at CIT in human resource management.
Adapted from Dan Browns blockbuster novel, Inferno (12A) stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, the Harvard professor of symbology who cracked the Da Vinci code.

Inferno opens in Florence, with Langdon in a hospital ward sporting a bullet wound to the head, suffering from amnesia and experiencing vivid visions of Hell.

All of which is bad enough, but soon Langdon and his physician, Dr Brooks (Felicity Jones) are running for their lives from a female assassin, with various government agencies and the World Health Organisation hot on their trail 

Written by David Koepp and directed by Ron Howard (who previously directed The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons), Inferno is a relentlessly paced pursuit movie with Langdon and Brooks solving cryptic puzzles on the hoof as they race from Florence to Venice and onward to Istanbul in a desperate bid to prevent the release of a virus designed to wipe out half the human race.

The early stages offer an intriguing set-up, not least because amnesia has robbed Langdon of his most potent weapon, and Ron Howard oversees the editing of action sequences that owe a debt to the staccato rhythms of the Jason Bourne movies.

Its all very promising, but the blend of endless chase scenes, improbable scenarios and cerebral brain-teasers results in a rather muddled story.

Tom Hanks is as charismatic as ever as the bewildered but resourceful Langdon, but elsewhere the supporting cast fails to provide the characters with any great depth.

Storks (G) opens with a rather shocking discovery  storks no longer bring babies to expectant parents, but instead operate a drone-like delivery service for retail behemoth Cornerstore.com.

But when chief-stork-in-waiting Junior (voiced by Adam Samberg) contrives to accidentally send a new baby out into the world, the race is on to ensure his boss, Hunter (Kelsey Grammar), doesnt discover the mistake.

Aided and abetted by Tulip (Katie Crown), a human orphan adopted by the storks when her delivery was botched 18 years previously, Junior sets out on an epic quest to deliver one last baby 

Written by Nicholas Stoller, who co-directs with Doug Sweetland, Storks is a breathless chase movie that finds Junior and Tulip pursued by a ravenous wolf pack, the oppressively alpha male Hunter, and the odious sneak Pigeon Toady (Stephen Kramer Glickman).

Packed with action sequences as the heroic duo negotiate a number of close escapes, the story also finds room for a heartfelt message about adults making more time in their lives to connect with their children  if the unorthodox family unit of stork, human and baby can manage to nurture a loving relationship whilst running pell-mell from their enemies, the subtext implies, then surely more conventional families can do so too.

The animation is superb, especially when the wolf pack morphs into a variety of incarnations (including a bridge and a submarine) to continue its pursuit of Junior and Tulip. Overall, its a solid family-friendly animation, although the relentlessly frantic pace does tend to pall after a time.

Telling one of the great rags-to-riches rock-n-roll stories, Oasis: Supersonic (15A) has for its narrative spine the bands appearance at Knebworth in 1996, when Oasis, less than three years after signing their first professional contract, played to a phenomenal three-quarters of million people over three nights.

With Noel and Liam Gallagher on board as executive producers, Mat Whitecrosss documentary was never likely to give us the kind of searing insight of recent classics, such as the Amy Winehouse film; that said, Noel and Liam provide much of the voiceover commentary to old home-movie footage, and they arent particularly precious about either their own or the bands reputation in doing so.

Its a conventional narrative, as Whitecross charts the evolution of a band that was going nowhere fast under Liams direction until Noel  until then an unassuming roadie, and a bit of a loner, a bit of stoner  joined as the main songwriter.

Spotted by Alan McGee of Creation Records, Oasis were soon going stratospheric  or, if you prefer, supersonic. Its an exhilarating trip down memory lane, not least because Oasis were the last British band to inspire Beatlemania levels of devotion in their fans, although McGees statement that Any band worth its salt is about something more than the music does beg the (unanswered here) question as to what Oasis were actually about other than crafting timeless riffs.

That said, Noel and Liam are constantly entertaining, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny, as they cast a jaundiced eye back over those all-too-few few crazy years when Oasis were the only legitimate heirs to the rock-n-roll legacy of The Beatles and The Stones.
Special. Everyone wants a bit of it in their lives.

At once addictive and nourishing, the feeling of having and holding something unique is what, as humans, we all crave. Without it, thered be no magic, no fairy dust; no object of affection - nothing special.

This feeling holds particular sway for followers of fashion. In an industry polarised by mass market and rarefied luxury, the instances of finding something individual yet accessible can feel like a dystopian quest, leading one to give up before having even started. That is, until now.

When designer Joanne Hynes joined forces last month to launch her debut collection for Dunnes Stores, fans and pundits knew to call off the search. This was more than a collaboration  it was a veritable coup.

HEAVY METAL: Divide and conquer with the metallic bell sleeve polo neck and matching culottes. Wear together by night for maximum impact or mix and match to dial it down for daywear ease.

Since graduating 15 years ago from Central Saint Martins MA and establishing her eponymous label in 2003, the Tuam native has created an immediately identifiable signature with her rebellious ready-to-wear and accessories lines.

Averse to definition, she channels her semantic irreverence with crystal-cut intuition  a seer-like vision of what women want. Moreover, she does this without bowing to the demigods of demographics, winning a democracy of age-inappropriate fans in the process. Sounds like hyperbole? Hardly. Let me set the scene.

Im sitting across from Hynes as she oversees an e-commerce photoshoot for the October story of her winter 2016 collection for the Irish retailer.

As we chat, she feeds her three-week-old son Faolan (Irish for little wolf) who is one of a brood of four  all under the age of four.

Having taken one week off to have her baby, she spent the ensuing fortnight launching her Joanne Hynes at Dunnes Stores line (which almost sold out in 48 hours) and working on her spring 2017 line.

Im exhausted just thinking about it.

It is brilliant because hes at that age and I can hold him while Im designing, she says as her little wolf sleeps in her arms.

A lot of design is about dialogue anyway and I find with design you are not just sitting there drawing dresses. A lot of it is about the cloth, thinking about how it works.

Its this realness combined with a considered craft-driven ethos that has made her partnership with Dunnes Stores such a strong commodity.

But after years at the helm of high fashion with an already formidable fan base (Daphne Guinness, Paloma Faith and Amy Huberman to name a few), I cant help but ask why the high street? Why now?

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: This disciplined yet devilish dress with the peekaboo waist and feather-clad skirt (with pockets!) is a de facto party season winner.

Thats where things are exciting. Thats where things are possible, she explains.

No stranger to collaborations (previous ones include Pretty Polly hosiery and Joanne Hynes for Topshop), Hynes credits her relationship with Dunnes Stores, and the trust of chief executive Margaret Heffernan, as an unusual advantage in a retail environment, especially when it comes to creative freedom.

I think, as well, its down to the fact that she knows my work, she adds, she loves fashion; she follows fashion. I think thats why the collection is with Dunnes because they are so receptive to that.

The collection, fully comprehensive from coats down to socks and hosiery, encapsulates all of the little nuances of the Joanne Hynes woman.

The result? A greatest hits anthology of the designers signature motifs (crystal collars, Perspex embellishment, abstract Tiger Lady appliques) combined with a proclivity to deliver an element of the unexpected.

Whats more, the customer goodwill and appetite for her studded sleeve parkas, reversible shearling coats, neoprene dresses and velvet bomber jackets (amongst other goodies) has been phenomenal.

I think genuinely people appreciate it. They feel that theyre winning because it is customer-centric, quality-centric and design-centric. The design is really important for me, she stresses. Really important.

This has hit the sweet spot for many of her fans. Notwithstanding the fact, that as a working mother who wears her own collection, Hynes knows whatll work without losing that element of fun.

Washable fabrics and stretch fabrics all make the grade; but so do audacious pompom coats, metallic jacquard knit skirts, stretch sparkle tops and offbeat Lurex tights. So, just how does she manage to skillfully navigate this fine line between frivolity and function?

POMPOM FEVER: Unorthodox, perhaps, but this pompom coat is a keeper. Sober in structure, whimsical in execution, it makes dull winter days dynamic.

For me, and actually with everything, she admits, its all in my gut  all of my design. I have to feel it  its not my head; its more my instinct.

Its this GPS that has steered denizens of Irish women into a braver lane, shifting perspective gears and looking at unusual pieces with everyday eyes. When Hynes sets the style agenda, women take the minutes.

Im always thinking about communicating how to wear pieces. Like the pompom skirt. Yes, its a skirt with pompoms but its so wearable! she laughs.

With me, if I was feeding Faolan. I might do it with a denim shirt that I have in my wardrobe or I might wear it with a sweater  it depends on where Im going but its taking that anxiety out of it. Its just a great skirt with pompoms. Thats what its about. Thats fashion.

The reversible muddy pink shearling coat  a talking point (and sell-out success) for September evolves for October into a more patrician patchwork cousin.

Limited edition and not to be repeated, once these fellas are gone  theyre gone. Hynes admits herself that shes putting one away herself for archival purposes.

The customers even bought the samples. Im left with nothing! she says jokingly.

Might this be the elusive alchemy - serious design that doesnt take itself too seriously?

On that note, she changes for our cover shoot and opts for a fit and flare sculpted midi dress with a metallic belt from the new collection. It sums up my fine line theory perfectly  polished yet playful or as Hynes likes to call it ladylike with a bit of mischief.

I love it, just love it; its fitted with a great bell sleeve and is made of really heavy jersey. I call it the bondage cloth. The lines on it are incredible and what it does for the body is just amazing.

I agree but Ive only got eyes for a feather-skirted guna with a coquettish waistline cut-out I spot on a studio mannequin. Shes a beauty.

And theres more where that came from. For spring 2017, expect the same coltish mood, killer quality and limited edition numbers as winter but with a couple of good hooks and little talking points that make it all fun.

Thats all shes giving away (trust me, I tried) but know this  when you walk into a room wearing Joanne Hynes, thats when the fun really begins.

Joanne Hynes at Dunnes Stores will be available to buy week commencing October 17 in the following Dunnes Stores  Grafton Street, Stephens Green, Cornelscourt, Liffey Valley, Patrick Street, Eyre Square and online at www.dunnesstores.com
Yes the wines of Chile are reliable and increasingly interesting, Portugals use of native grapes is always exciting and good value, France and Italy are still fascinating, but in terms of value, flavour and for breadth as well as depth, I recommend Spain.

Torres is an interesting example, easily one of the largest wine producers in the world (exporting to 150 countries), but they never stop striving and have never stood still.

Currently the company is run by the fifth generation but Miguel Torres Snr is still there to give a guiding hand and to inspire.

He visited Dublin recently and spoke at length about the need to give back to the society and to the environment  rarer sentiments than you would expect in the wine world.

With almost 2,500 hectares under vine they have vineyards in most of the major wine regions of Spain but also in Chile and California.

Like others they are committed to reducing their environmental impact (grape growing is a monoculture after all) but have taken it a little further than most with more than 10 million invested so far.

I visited some of their lesser known plots earlier this year,such as the 25ha Sauvignon Blanc Fransola vineyard in Santa Maria de Miralles in Penedes which is near the fascinating Gran Muralles (The Corkscrew, 95) vineyard where they are reviving ancient Catalan varieties that will thrive if the planet warms too much for native grapes.

This is a blend of Garro, Querol plus Monastrell and others and is dense and inky but also vibrant and fresh.

Fransola (30  Sweeneys Dublin, Joyces Galway) is Sauvignon Blanc based and has a delicious fragrant pear-peach character with good mineral undertones  one of my favourite Sauvignons.

You probably know the entry level Torres wines such as Vina Sol and Sangre de Toro which often appear on special offers but I have a few new Torres wines to recommend below plus two old favourites from smaller producers.

BEST VALUE UNDER 15

Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2013, Catalunya, Spain  14.99

Stockists: JJ ODriscolls, Drinagh Skibbereen, Galvins, OBriens, Ardkeen Stores, Molloys.

The Coronas brand was first registered in 1907 which must make it one of the worlds oldest.

Mainly Tempranill,o but with an injection of Cabernet Sauvignon this is solidly ripe with red and black frutis (blackcurrants and plums) with balanced acidity and integrated tannins. Try with winter stews.

Condes de Albarei Albarino, Rias Baixas  14.99

Stockists: Celtic Whiskey Shop www.celticwhiskeyshop.ie Baggot Street Wines, Independents

This is one of the best value Albarino in terms of price vs quality with big bright peach and apricot aromas, a weighty mouth-feel and crisp lemon-peel tinged freshness on the finish.

This will go well with the usual suspects like fish and shellfish but also try with a Thai Green Curry.

F de Bodegas Los Frailes, Valencia, Spain  12.99

Stockists: Stockists: Quay Co-Op Cork, Olive Branch Clonakilty

The Velazquez family have been growing grapes in their estate since 1771 and practice bio-dynamic and organic viticulture with a herd of sheep to make their own organic treatments and old Monastrel vines up to 60 years old.

Ripe cherry and red plum flavours, juicy and satisfying from the front palate to the lingering finish.

BEST VALUE OVER 15

Jean Leon 3055 Merlot-Petit Verdot 2013, Penedes, Spain  19.99

Stockists: Bradleys Cork, Independents.

Jean Leon owned the legendary La Scala restaurant in Beverly Hills and created this vineyard in the 1960s to supply customers like Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio  it was sold to Torres in 1994.

Mainly Merlot, but with some inky Petit Verdot to add a little more depth, this has red plum fruit flavours, a refreshing ripe berry character and comes in a very stylish bottle.

Torres Celeste 2013, Ribera del Duero, Spain  20.95

Stockists: JJ ODriscolls, OBriens, Ardkeen Stores, Egans Kenmare, McCambridges, Sweeneys.

This is grown at 900m above sea level and is 100% Tempranillo (as would be expected in Ribera). Cold nights and hot days give this wine admirable freshness and I liked its toasted aromas and chewy dense black fruits and prune tinged finish.

Torres Perpetual 2013, Priorat, Spain  45

Stockist: The Corkscrew www.thecorkscrew.ie

Perpetual is made from old vine vinos de guarda Carignan and Grenache on a couple of spectacular hillsides in this most beautiful of wine regions.

Winemaker Mireia Torres is the companys technical director but makes this wine personally  inky and rich with generous supple fruits and admirable elegance. A keeper.
PSYCHOLOGICAL thriller The Girl on the Train doesnt need any more plaudits, but the accolade it deserves most will probably never feature on an Oscar nominee list. Emily Blunt, who plays sad, unreliable lead character Rachel, should get the gong for best female screen drunk ever.

Her portrayal of the excruciating, grubby reality of female alcoholism is, quite simply, the best I have ever seen. It is so realistic, so convincing and so unvarnished that it should be required viewing in schools.

Quite apart from the engrossing storyline (no spoilers here), Blunts performance shows how a once-successful and happily married young woman can slide, slowly though inexorably, into dirty-fingernailed misery when the party turns sour.

Her character, drawn from the bestselling book by Paula Hawkins, is a magnificent study of the denial, the blackouts, the loneliness and the vulnerability that come with alcoholism.

And worse, it shows how society reviles a drunk and, in particular, a drunken woman. Nobody believes what she says any more, including  most disconcertingly of all  herself. Her own vodka-sodden memory has become too sketchy to trust.

There have been other powerful depictions of the destruction wrought by alcohol on women drinkers. Toni Collette, for instance, put in a sterling performance as the binge-drinking mother in Glasslands in 2014, but she played a woman who was further along in her descent into alcoholism.

What makes Emily Blunts Rachel so noteworthy is that it echoes a reality that has been playing out for real in Ireland over the last two decades. Since 1995, young women have been matching young men, drink for drink and, in some cases, out-drinking them.

Equality at last? Well, there is something in that. Nobody wants a return to the days when women were forced into the snug with a little sherry to keep them sweet. These days, youre just as likely to see a big creamy pint in front of a woman as a man. Three cheers for egalitarian conviviality.

If only it were so straight-forward.

When it comes to alcohol, women will never be metabolically equal to men. The simple physiological fact is that womens bodies process alcohol differently to men. That means they can drink exactly the same amount as men, but the concentration of alcohol in their systems will be much higher.

Without meaning to wreck the buzz, women are also far more prone to alcohol-related health risks. According to Alcohol Action Ireland, theres a long list that includes tissue damage, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, heart disease and alcohol dependence.

Moderation, of course, is the answer yet its still surprising to read just how little a woman can safely drink without risking her health. The HSE guidelines say no more than 11 standard drinks in a week (17 for men). To translate that into post-work scoops, its roughly the equivalent of a single bottle of red wine (750ml), which comes in at 10.5 units.

That doesnt leave a drinker a whole lot of wriggle room, which might go some way towards explaining why our emergency departments have seen more female alcohol-related admissions than ever before. When it comes to teenage girls, the hospital visits are even more frequent; up 29% since 1995, compared to 9% for boys.

The picture gets even more depressing. In August this year, Beaumont Hospital liver specialist Prof Frank Murray warned of a surge in liver disease among young Irish women which, he said, was caused by a reckless attitude to drinking.

Deaths in Ireland due to alcohol  three every single day  used to be mainly among older men, but now they are more gendered balanced and include much younger people.

Part of the reason for that, according to Prof Murray, is that people  and in particular women  are radically underestimating how much they drink. To put that in context, he said that drinking a half bottle of wine a night several times a week and a bottle each day at the weekends was enough to cause liver failure.

Like others, Prof Murray has pinpointed the availability of alcohol and affordability as key areas for policy action, though, for the second year running, there has been no increase in the price of the pint in the Budget.

Astounding, however, is what the drinks industry gets away with when peddling its particular poisons.

The so-called pinking of the alcohol market began in the 1990s, but since then the way that the alcohol industry has targeted women with an array of so-called girly drinks is not only shameful but downright misleading.

Theres a version of light vodka thats marketed in a bottle that looks like it belongs on a perfume shelf. It also includes the helpful fact that a glass contains just 81 calories.

Other brands, with words such as Little Black Dress and Cupcakes in the title, have been hailed by womens magazines as yummy chick-centric drinks that are perfect if you want to indulge your girly side and enjoy every fun-filled occasion.

Oh, save us. Its hard to know which is worse; the manufacturers for dressing up alcohol in blousy frills, or the womens press for swallowing the bunkum neat.

Id much prefer to read about the women who feel the need to crack open a bottle of wine after work just to take the edge off, or the women who feel at their best after two vodkas. And lets hear more from the shot-popping younger women who are going out to get hammered.

Lets call the drinks industry on its cynical advertising policy which has been trying to lull us into a mellow world of make-believe for far too long.

To be fair to them, they often warn consumers to enjoy alcohol sensibly. But it doesnt always work out like that. Alcohol can be a life-limiting, health-damaging, habit-forming drug. Just ask the Girl on the Train.
The grief stripped me to the bone

There is no right answer and the issue cannot be solved with a one hat fits all attitude, writes Annie Roche

OVER the last few months, the debate over repealing the Eighth has escalated and both sides seem to be preparing for a referendum in the near future.

Like all of you, I have listened to the arguments. It is a topic that evokes strong feelings and on social media it can be particularly brutal.

Recently, I decided to tweet my own personal story and opinion.

I am a mother who watched my daughter die at six days old from a fatal condition. It is an experience that changed my life.

Aishling was my third daughter. I had heard about these kinds of tragedies. I had read about them. Like most people, I naively assumed that this kind of thing would never come to my door. I had always felt sympathy for people who had to endure such ordeals. I had rightly assumed that I couldnt imagine how it felt. They had my condolences and thoughts for a brief moment and then I got on with my life.

I had the luxury then of basing my opinions on what I thought was a rational, reasonable examination of the facts. I felt that I had listened to both sides of the argument and had reached an educated conclusion.

Six years ago, I believed that the best option was to carry a baby to term and to spend precious time bonding with and loving that baby.

When I look at photos of myself from those years, I dont really recognise the woman looking back at me. I have grieved for that woman. I have wished that I was still that woman, but I am not.

My daughters condition was not diagnosed during my pregnancy.

I went through nine months believing I would have a perfectly healthy baby and imagining how our family life was going to change.

Aishling was just over 24 hours old when she became ill. She was two days old when she was transferred from Cork to Crumlin. We could not go in the ambulance with her. We followed them in the car on what felt like the longest journey we have ever taken. To this day I still hate sitting in a car driving behind an ambulance.

Aishling did not have a properly developed, working heart. When we got to Crumlin we hoped they could fix it. The bottom line was, they couldnt. We faced making the most difficult decision, whether to allow her to go through palliative procedures in an attempt to prolong her life, or withdraw her care.

I thought about my beautiful baby lying in intensive care and the suffering I already witnessed her go through. We had to ask ourselves extremely difficult questions, such as what is a reasonable quality of life, how much pain and how many procedures were we willing to put her through, what were we willing to put our other two children through and what were we as individuals and parents able to endure.

We made the decision to withdraw Aishlings care. I held her, loved her, memorised everything about her.

I watched her die. All I could hope for was that being in my arms meant she felt safe and that morphine was enough to stop her feeling any pain.

That experience changed me as a person, as a wife, as a mother. The grief stripped me to the bone and it has taken a lot of time to rebuild myself. I never faced making a decision during my pregnancy about what path to take, but because of my experience I have thought about it. What I have learned is that there is no right answer. This is not a black and white situation and should not be approached with a one hat fits all attitude.

People who decide to travel to terminate their pregnancies should be listened to with respect. I have spoken to people who made that decision. I have spoken to people who wanted to carry their baby to full term. Both speak passionately, their love and grief for their children immeasurable and equal. I discovered that people who terminate do so for the same reasons that I chose to withdraw Aishlings care.

I ask that in the months ahead people approach this debate with respect. On both sides of this issue there are bereaved parents.

It is not necessary to tell people who share their experience that they are wrong. You dont have to agree with their choice, but please show some empathy. It is unnecessary to use hurtful and purposefully provocative language in what is already an emotional discussion.

I fear that for some, this debate will become extremely difficult to bear. We need to remember these are real-life situations. We need to acknowledge their grief and their lost babies.

We loved him as long as we could

No one can undo a life and no one can be spared grief by initiating death, writes Cliona Johnson

Our son only ever knew love. He was diagnosed with a condition called anencephaly which meant he would not survive for long after birth. It was not a situation I had ever prepared myself for. Who would? My life took a painful but unexpectedly love-filled path which takes my breath away to this day.

On the day we received the awful news of his condition, one reality was clear  our time was short. We would have a small window in which to give him all the love we had for him.

There and then we named him John Paul, after his Dad. This was my husbands suggestion, we were welcoming this child together. I was not alone.

The next couple of days were a blur of broken sleep with nightmares, waking up and finding the nightmare was reality, the routine of looking after my other kids and the job of telling them the tragic news about their little brother.

Slowly, we began to hope. And make plans. Plans to celebrate his short life  plans to give him all we could. I began to live in the moment, enjoying each kick, each turn, each hiccup. A hug from one of my children to their baby brother was never rushed for the sake of peeling carrots or finishing homework. Each moment was filled with meaning.

The love, care and support of our wider family and friends overwhelmed us. People thought of the most beautiful things to do for us and for John Paul.

One example was my mother-in-law who, along with all her grandchildren, knitted a tiny blue cardigan, which he would wear when he was born. My son was going to be clothed in love, even if just for a short time and not just our love but the love of many people around him.

The obstetrician invited our other children to our 32-week scan  this was an occasion where he facilitated them meeting their brother for the first and possibly only time. Nothing was too much trouble, whatever they wanted to see he found for them  even proof that he was a boy.

John Paul was born at 36 weeks. It was late at night and all was quiet. He lived for 17 minutes and passed away peacefully when my husband cut the cord. All our hopes for him had been fulfilled. We had met him, held him, told him we loved him and baptised him. Now we could let him go.

Seventeen minutes might seem like a very short time, but it is etched in our hearts forever.

It has been such a gift to look back during our time of suffering and loss and remember those precious times together.

Our one comfort has been knowing that we loved him for as long as we could and then let him go when the time came. This is what all parents want to do for their children  to be there for them when theyre needed and to let them move on to greater things when the time is right. With John Paul, it all just happened in a much shorter space of time.

Babies like John Paul, with terminal illnesses, are being used as a strong argument today, to repeal the Eighth Amendment.

I believe that Irish people have deep compassion and a desire to be there for one another. When we hear of a mum like me carrying a terminally ill baby we want to take away the pain. It is only natural. But no one can undo a life and no one can be protected from grief by initiating death.

If I had travelled to England that time, my baby would have had an injection into his heart and I would have had to deliver him dead. When I think of this and then of our experience with John Paul  the precious time we had, the profound experience of family  I find it heartbreaking that any woman wouldnt be offered the kind of care we received  perinatal hospice care. This is the best possible care for a mum and her baby in my opinion.

I am free to remember and celebrate John Pauls life, instead of trying to forget and move on. I am so grateful for this and I would wish it for any mum facing these awful circumstances.

Cliona Johnson is a spokeswoman with the group One Day More, a support group for parents who receive a poor prenatal prognosis for their child.

www.onedaymore.ie
SINCE the crash of 2008, one or two ministers have tended to find themselves at the epicentre of a controversy after each years budget: then finance minister, Brian Lenihan, for his introduction of the universal social charge, in 2010; James Reilly, in health, in 2012; Alan Kelly, on Irish Water, last year. These are just a few.

This year, the budget had seemingly passed without any major flashpoint, aside from a few grumbles about the tone and tenor of Childrens Minister Katherine Zappones new childcare package. At 4pm on Wednesday, 27 hours after the delivery of the budget, Leinster House resembled a ghost town.

The post-budget phone-in, on Sean ORourkes show on RTE, went without incident, and it seemed the budget had passed off successfully, and Paschal Donohoe could finally take to his bed, for the first time in a month, free of worry.

Then, just a couple of hours later, Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor found herself under fire from her own colleagues.

As Juno McEnroe and Elaine Loughlin reported on the front page of this newspaper on Thursday, outraged rural Fine Gael deputies tore strips out of Mitchell OConnor at a party meeting.

A presentation she gave backfired and TDs turned on her. There were fireworks between TDs and Mitchell OConnor, who tried to leave the meeting a number of times.

Having spoken to ministers and TDs alike, there is no question that OConnor got a right pasting from TDs.

At the PP meeting, the week of the budget, as a minister, you do not go in unprepared. And she appeared to be so, in comparison to Leo (Varadkar) and Simon (Coveney), who both gave comprehensive briefings as to what they were doing, one senior Cabinet minister told me.

Varadkar firstly gave the parliamentary party a powerpoint presentation on the budget, which was described as sophisticated and well-delivered. Coveney followed up by giving a detailed handout to TDs about his help-to-buy scheme  and, typically of the aspirant leader, it was comprehensive and thorough.

The temperature in the room rose significantly when the rookie minister stood up to give hers.

It was embarrassing, to be honest. She managed to get up everyones nose so quickly because her phone wouldnt work. The gulf in class from the two lads was incredible, one veteran TD informs me.

She stood up, reading from her phone. It kept crashing, in need of a password... She spoke about how brilliant her department was. That really annoyed people, another said.

Of great surprise was the fact that it was Sligo-Leitrim TD, Tony McLoughlin, who lashed the minister about job creation in his constituency, contributing three times to the meeting.

Fine Gaels Tony McLoughlin this week criticised Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor. Picture: James Connolly/PicSell8

Its because of Brexit, the lack of job opportunities, too. With all the jobs coming to Dublin, theyre [politicians] feeling more isolated than ever before, added another source.

McLoughlin confirmed there were exchanges: There should be incentives in the North-West for jobs, in my opinion. There are a lot of them announced in Dublin and along the east coast. We are a border constituency, and, with Brexit, we need to be protected.

Clare TD, Joe Carey, also took issue with the jobs minister.

Carey and Tony tore strips off her. She got cranky, added the source.

Mitchell OConnor told McLoughlin that she had holidayed in Sligo and it was thriving, to which the TD came back angrier.

Carey also confronted Mitchell OConnor about how he arrived at her department last week with a delegation from home, and her special adviser, former journalist, Alan Cantwell, was unaware of 240 job losses in Clarecastle, at the Roche Ireland pharmaceutical factory.

Eventually, having had enough, Mitchell OConnor said she had to leave the meeting and junior minister, Pat Breen, would take any further questions. Her exit was not well received.

She came out fighting the following day, on radio, saying she was not too badly bruised by the previous nights events.

The episode has led some in Fine Gael to question Mitchell OConnors capabilities.

Some people in Fine Gael, like Michelle Mulherin, have put the attacks on Mitchell OConnor down to gender. But the willingness of TDs to kick lumps out of a senior minister is nobodys fault but Enda Kennys, the man who appointed her in the first place.

Her promotion to Cabinet was of some surprise, but the decision to put her into the economically sensitive post of jobs, enterprise and innovation shocked many more, given her distinct lack of business experience.

Many asked why Richard Bruton  who had performed well in the job in the last government  was not left there and Mitchell OConnor put into education, given that she is a school principal.

She has not overwhelmed people since taking office, and a car-crash interview with this newspaper left many unimpressed. Her inability to name her predecessor  Labours Ged Nash, whom she simply called the lad from Drogheda  was a low light.

But, probably most significant was the hard slapdown she got from Kenny over a proposal to give tax breaks to encourage emigrants home.

Junior minister Pat Breen TD took over after Mitchell OConnor left a briefing early. Picture: Fennell PHotography

Late last month, Mitchell OConnors department gave a briefing on the proposal to the media and it became front-page news. But, by lunchtime, it was as dead as a dodo.

In the Dail, Kenny dismissed the idea of a 30% tax rate for returning emigrant graduates.

The so-called emigrants tax was to be aimed at those earning more than 75,000, in specialist jobs in areas such as medicine, science, IT and finance, and those who were eligible would pay just 30%.

Mr Kenny was replying in the Dail to Fianna Fails Micheal Martin, who asked if he accepted that the proposal was unfair and discriminatory.

Mr Kenny replied: Yes, I do. He said it would be unfair and discriminatory, of course if a returning emigrant paid a different rate of tax, simply because they had come back to live in Ireland. His outright rejection was a humiliation for Mitchell OConnor, and she made no secret of her displeasure.

By so openly sanctioning his own minister, Kenny has cut the legs from under her in the early months of her cabinet career. As his choice, Mitchell OConnor, with some legitimacy, should have deserved more support and loyalty from her leader. But Kenny, once again, proved himself a ruthless operator when he needs to be.

However, by doing what he has done, Kenny cleared the way for last Wednesdays attacks to take place.

If Mitchell OConnor was worthy of consideration for Cabinet in the first place, then she certainly has deserved better, in terms of support from her boss.

But the privilege of being a minister means you have to be able to do the job and the events of last week have again brought her performance into focus.

Ultimately, the blame for who caused the events of last Wednesday night must lie with the man who allowed it all to happen: Enda Kenny.
Dateline Dateline Irrawaddy: Only By Appointing Special Envoys Will Engagement With China Work

On this weeks Dateline Irrawaddy U Maung Maung Soe and U Aung Thu Nyein discuss Burmas peace process with The Irrawaddys Burmese editor Ye Ni.

Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy. This week, well discuss the resurgence of gunfire and the future of 21st Century Panglong Conference. Ethnic affairs analyst U Maung Maung Soe, and U Aung Thu Nyein from Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar will join me for the discussion. Im Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

As you know, gunfire has resurfaced in Kachin, northern Shan and Karen states. And most recently, border posts were attacked in Arakan States Maungdaw. These renewed clashes and violence has raised question about national reconciliation and the internal peace efforts of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. U Maung Maung Soe, you have compiled an analysis of the 21st Century Panglong Conference. Considering the continuing clashes, do you think the national reconciliation strategy and internal peace policy of the NLD-led government is working?

Maung Maung Soe: The 21st Century Panglong made a good start. It included many [ethnic armed] groups except the Kokang, Palaung [Taang] and Arakan groups. And every participating group could speak freely and present its views to the people, which is positive. But the problem is that the government, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said that [the peace process] would be based on the NCA [nationwide ceasefire agreement]. There are 13 groups, including the Naga group, which opted out of signing the NCA. And only eight groups have signed it. So, it seemed that the government would have to focus on convincing non-signatories to sign NCA after the conference. But it failed to do so, and it will be problematic, I think. Around [September] 16 or 17, [the government] discussed the political framework but only with the eight NCA signatories. Again, on September 25 Saya Khu Oo Reh of UNFC [United Nationalities Federal Councilan ethnic alliance of NCA non-signatories] and U Aung Kyi from the Myanmar National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) held talks in Chiang Mai. But they did not get an answer, and the problem escalated as a result.

If the NLD government has decided to implement the peace process based on NCA, I think it needs to focus its efforts on dealing with NCA non-signatories including those in the UNFC. Again, both the KIA [Kachin Independence Army] and SSPP [Shan State Progress Party], which are clashing [with the Burmese military], in fact had already signed Union-level ceasefires in 2012 and 2013. If all of them would try to abide by the Union-level ceasefire agreement, there would be fewer clashes, even if NCA is not signed.

Again, there have been renewed clashes with RCSS [Restoration Council of Shan State] which is one of the NCA signatories. So, I think they need to enforce the rules. The NLD-led government has kept silent about the clashes over the past month since the 21st Century Panglong Conference, which has frustrated many people. So, rather than concentrating on the framework for political dialogue, the NLD-government and NRPC should focus on this problem.

YN: You mean the government should focus on ceasefire process rather than political dialogue?

MMS: Yes.

YN: Peace and national reconciliation is the top priority of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis NLD government. As far as we are concerned, the difference between the NLD government and U Thein Seins government is that the NLD has hired foreign consultants such as those from South Africa and England, and the prominent one: Kofi Annan for the Arakan State Advisory Commission. It will also undertake peacebuilding training in foreign countries. So there have been concerns and criticism as some argue that Burmas peace process is an internal issue to be solved by Burmese people only, and that Burmese people understand the problem better than foreigners, who should not be involved. U Aung Thu Nyein, whats your view on this?

Aung Thu Nyein: In Burma, we have seen various conflicts between different groups. And it seems that it is a multi-layered conflict. I dont think we can copy from other countries to solve those problems. We are different in that there are fewer rebel groups in other countries, but we have many ethnic armed groups in Burma, so it is more difficult to handle. We need advice from foreign experts and international assistance in our peace process, but we should exercise caution. Under U Thein Seins administration, the government peace negotiation team led by U Aung Min took a homegrown approach to peace-building to solve internal problems internally. There is another approach that we call a joint venture. For example, if a meeting day was to be appointed, stakeholders such as the government, the military and ethnic armed groups met and made the decision together. And to me, it seems that the new government is not up for a homegrown approach. It should adopt a joint venture approach, making collective decisions.

Regarding the 21st Century Panglong, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appointed the date by herself and just asked the other stakeholders to come. I think it would be better to make a collective decision about the date and agenda. Again, the government has formed the Arakan State Commission led by Kofi Annan without holding negotiations with stakeholders in advance. I mean, the government should have consulted with Arakan parties and other stakeholders in advance in order to solve the Arakan issue. If it had done so, there would have been fewer problems.

YN: As the international community is somehow involved in national reconciliation and Burmas peace process, I think China played a role, too. China invited and rolled out the red carpet for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi while she was still an opposition leader. And they invited her again after she took the office, rolling out red carpet along with the Guard of Honor. China officially stated that it supports Burmas peace process initiated by the government, and it also urged ethnic armed groups to support it. But then, renewed clashes have broken out with ethnic armed groups on the Burma-China border. So, U Maung Maung Soe, to what extent do you think Chinas influence will impact on Burmas peace process?

MMS: China exerts its influence for its border stability and border security. It is not that China does not urge [the ethnic armed groups to participate]it does urge the ethnic armed groups along the border to join the peace process. But the problem is that the other side [the government and military] still cant accept three groups, including the Kokang, in joining the peace process. This is the problem.

Again, since China is a vast country, the central government and subnational administrations have some different views. Burma shares a border with Yunnan Province in terms of administrative regions. And in terms of military regions, it borders Chengdu Military Region. They have their own regional interests and they will act on those interests. So, it is not enough for Burma government to deal only with the Beijing government: it also has to deal with the Yunnan Province government. Yunnan is equal in size to our country while Chengdu Military Region is bigger than our military. So, we need to engage with Chengdu Military Region. It is not that we did not engage with them in previous timeswe did. Shan State and Kachin State chief ministers have engaged with the Yunnan government and our military region engaged with theirs. But we could not deal with them effectively because they are much more powerful than us.

So, while Burmas government should maintain its direct engagement with the Beijing government, it should also appoint a special envoy to deal with Yunnans government. And Burmas military should also appoint a special envoy to engage with Chengdu Military Region. It is not just enough to let commanders and chief ministerswho have very limited authority and powerdeal with them. Only by appointing special envoys, the engagement will work. On the other hand, Burma needs to understand well that China wants all of the ethnic armed groups along the border to be included in the peace process.

YN: The peace building process today as far as we are concerned is not just the solving of problems between the pro-democracy forces and military regime or problems between the Burma Army and ethnic armed groups. But there have been tensions between ethnic armed groups themselves, for example tensions between the Shan and Palaung, the Kachin and Shanni and the Wa and Shan, and so on. So, my question is: can we still hope for peaceful and harmonious co-existence?

ATN: Our country is faced with multiple and multi-layered conflicts. There are various conflicts in various forms at various levels. And I attended the 21st Century Panglong Conference and found that every participant spoke frankly there. The Burmese people have never heard of such frank speaking before. So, it is like opening dormant wounds, and many problems have come to their attention for the first time. These problems need to be handled promptly, I think.

Some ethnic armed groups still cant lay down their arms because the designation of territories is not yet finished after the ceasefire is signed, and particular forces want to expand their territories and take advantage of this. Some forces still cant lay down their arms because of other forces.

As you said, there are problems between the Shan and Palaung as well as between other groups. And I think the governments peace and national reconciliation efforts should not just focus on the negotiation table, but it should also work on many other things immediately, such as ceasefire monitoring on the ground. And the government should also adopt and implement an ethnic equality policythere are international examples of this. It can implement that policy separately outside of the peace dialogue. It should do such things promptly.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!
The huge data breach that compromised as many as 500,000 user accounts was bad news on a number of fronts for Yahoo. The aggravation stemming from the hack continues as Verizon suggests that it may back out of or seek changes to the $4.8 billion deal to buy Yahoo.

Yesterday, Verizon General Counsel Craig Silliman said that the hack could have material impact on the deal and give it reason to exit or restructure the transaction, according to Computerworld. Yahoo stands by the value of the company, while Verizon is seeking to reduce the acquisition price by $1 billion.

Best of Frien-emies: Google

Google has declared itself a frien-emy of the established carriers. Light Reading reports that Google says that its broadband networking activities make it a competitor to telephone companies in only a minority of cases. Indeed, Mike Blanche, the head of Strategic Relationships for Google, told an audience at the Ovum Digital Futures conference that Google considers itself to be 80 percent partner, 5 percent competitor, and 10 percent supplier to telcos.

Blanches comments, says the article, which are similar to those he has made in the past, are intended to assuage telco concerns. The concerns have existed since Google Fiber was created in 2012.

Transportation Department: $65M in Grants

Though it may seem a bit contradictory, one of the biggest drivers of innovation is the same government that is often accused of being bloated and lethargic. This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $65 million in grants through initiatives from the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) program and Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox program. The programs are run by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), respectively.

The grants will be leveraged to total almost $170 million in public and private investment, the press release says. The ATCMTD program will use the funding to help communities use technology to enhance mobility. The projects will increase the efficiency of the highway system.

The MOD program is part of the U.S. DOTs effort to explore the potential of integrating public and private transportation choices, the press release says.

The Galaxy Note 7 Has Come to This: Fireproof Boxes

The depth of the disaster that the Galaxy Note 7 has proven to be for Samsung can be summed up by one fact: Samsung, according to Reuters, is sending out fireproof boxes for returns of Note 7 devices.

The bad news keeps coming. The faulty Note 7s will cost Samsung billions of dollars, and harder to quantify humiliation. Reuters reports that the carrier is taking no chances with the devices, which were released two months ago. The boxes come after some of those phones  and some replacements  went up in smoke.

Indeed, this is not the type of paragraph that marketing departments enjoy reading:

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.

It remains to be seen whether the incident will damage the companys reputation in the long haul. Chances are pretty good, however, that the story will remain hot for quite some time.

Gartner: 3D Printer Shipments on the Fast Track

Gartner found that 3D printer shipments will total 455,772 this year. That is a 108 percent increase compared to last years 219,168 units that shipped in 2015. Gartner predicts that 6.7 million units will ship in 2020.

Datamation suggests that shipments of enterprise-graded 3D printers will grow 44 percent this year. Among the drivers are manufacturers increasing use of the devices for prototyping and as-needed production.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
The Antarctic is full of wildlife and is largely untouched by man. However, it is still in danger as issues over its safety come into question. While marine wildlife in the region needs to be protected, there are also those who see the area as a place for fishing. That is now the issue facing protected areas in the Antarctic.

Stanford News reports that the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) would be meeting in Hobart, Australia. This meeting would be joined by 23 nations as well as the European Union. The issue stems from some nations that see the area as a source for marine resources, as Cassandra Brooks, a PhD. candidate at Stanford School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences said. Brooks is also the lead author of the study.

As the research shows, CCAMLR is said to have the opportunity to lead the way in negotiations for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Antarctic region. However, the study also shows that CCAMLR has been failing in some of its duties. This could possibly have consequences on MPAs not only in Antarctica, but in other places as well, as Kristina Gjerde, co-author and legal scholar at the International Union for Conservation of Nature said.

One of the issues arising from the situation is how to define the concept of "rational use," as Phys Org reports. This is essential as the region has a large stock of marine life, some of which are also vital in the fishing industry. Large populations of fish are present, as well as krill. Krill is food for a number of fishes, birds and whales.

Rational use has been defined as fishing without causing damage to marine ecosystems. The definition, however, could be vague as it has to also define other terms such as catch limits for fishing. This has caused some nations to push rational use beyond its original definition.

Another issue has to do with sunset clauses. MPAs have been established with an indefinite time frame, though some nations suggest instead that such areas have expiration dates that range from 20 to 30 years. International politics also play a role in how the MPAs should be handled.

Though much of the issues are large, people could help in some ways by promoting a greater awareness to the Antarctic region and to the vast variety of life that could be at risk, should definitions governing MPAs be altered. Local communities near the areas could also have their own limits as to how much fishing is allowed.

While such efforts might be small in relation to the larger global and political issues that surround it, such efforts could help in making people have a stand about Antarctic MPAs.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) explained on Thursday its worries about Samsung Electronics Co.s smartphone crisis, asserting the fact that Galaxy Note 7 debacle will cost the company $5.3 billion. While the tech giant can easily bounce back from the financial loss, the controversy could be very harmful to the economy and the foreign exchange market.

A Serious Problem For South Korea Economy

This multi-billion dollar earnings hit from lost sales has already started to affect the Korean Won going down 1.5 percent, turning it into the worst performing currency in Asia this week. In addition to this problem, investors and analysts have predicted lost revenue in the region of $17 billion for Samsung, as reported by Reuters.

However, Samsung affirmed that the real hit to its operating profit might be about $3 billion over the next two quarters, bringing about $5.3 billion of total losses to the global tech giant. In order to cover these losses, the company will boost the production for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and could make an earlier release for the Galaxy S8, according to the International Business Times.

Samsung's Ratings Might Not Be Affected

Although this is a delicate situation that represents a serious hit to Asias fourth-largest economy, Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-Jeol explained that even if the cancellation of the Galaxy Note 7 is an undeniable issue for the South Korean economy, it is too soon to make sweeping predictions. Also, an analysis made by Standard & Poors Global Rating showed that Samsung rating might not be affected.

"We believe the impact on the ratings will be limited at this stage mainly because of SEC's significant net cash holdings of about $58.3 bn as of June 30, 2016, and strong operating cash flow," Standard & Poors Global Rating members told the IBT.

The global smartphone maker announced in early September the cancellation of 2.5 million Galaxy 7, after it was known that the phones could burst into flames. According to Reuters, the consequence of this decision was a sales hit of $2.2 billion, considering that the cost of each device was $882.
Google News introduced on Thursday a new fact check feature that will appear as a tag among every news search result. This incredible innovation will be available on both iOS and Android platforms, and for U.S. and U.K. users, allowing them to know which stories are real and which are not reliable.

According to Digital Trends, publishers will have to put a new line of code to fact-checked articles posted on the web to accomplish this, with each article adhering to some guidelines set by the search company. The fact check tag joins existing news tags as "in-depth", "highly cited" and "opinion."

Googles Best Feature In Years

"Google News determines whether an article might contain fact checks in part by looking for the schema.org ClaimReview markup. Publishers who create fact-checks and would like to see it appear with the 'Fact check'tag should use that markup in fact-check articles. We're excited to see the growth of the Fact Check community and to shine a light on its efforts to divide fact from fiction, wisdom from spin," said Google in a blog post.

Although this is probably the best feature Google have made in years, it is not appropriate that it is released less than a month before the final U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, both of them well known for attacking each other with wild statements and accusations. Considering this situation, fact checking their speech will allow people to determine which statements are lies and which are the truth.

Fact-check Feature As A Key Factor In U.S. Presidential Elections

"I always say fact-checking is a compliment to political reporting, not a supplement. If look at discreet statements that politicians make, it's really hard if you're a political reporter covering the latest speech and step back and say 'that's not really true.' You don't have a lot of space to get into that -- but with a fact check, you can take that one statement and really put it under a microscope," Washington Posts fact checker Glenn Kessler told Engadget.

If this new feature ends up being effective, it could change the history of U.S. presidential elections, and, possibly, even politics around the world. The American electorates will vote on November 8, and just as what happened with the WikiLeaks Email scandal, another tech development could change the outcome of this major event.
Mars is now the focus of attention for space exploration. NASA has been exploring the planet with the Curiosity rover and other unmanned missions. Private enterprises such as SpaceX are planning to send manned missions to Mars in the near future. Now, Europe is joining in as it sends its own mission to find life on Mars.

Europe tried to send an unmanned mission to Mars thirteen years ago, but that didn't succeed, according to Phys Org. As space exploration turns its focus on Mars, Europe has decided to try sending another unmanned mission, this time teaming up with Russia.

The European Space Agency (ESA) will initially be sending a lander to Mars to pave the way for a much longer Mars mission. The rover is called Schiaparelli and will ride on the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) on its way to Mars. The journey to get there will take seven months. The first mission that TGO and Schiaparelli will do is to orbit Mars and test its atmosphere for any signs of life.

TGO and Schiaparelli would be the first phase of this mission. A second phase would commence in 2020, EurActiv reports. This would be the ExoMars rover. Schiaparelli would also be used in the first mission to test out entry and landing to Mars.

Schiaparelli is expected to separate from TGO on October 16 at around 1430 GMT. It would first orbit the planet before entering on Wednesday from an altitude of 121 kilometers and at a speed of 21,000 kph,

Once it reaches an altitude of 11 kilometers it will slow its descent speed to 1,700 kph at which point a parachute would open to cushion its landing. The lander will then jettison the parachute and its protective outer shell once it reaches a suitable altitude, and from there will have nine speed-controlled thrusters for its landing. From the time it enters Mars' atmosphere to its landing it is estimated that it will take a total of six minutes.

Europe tried to send a mission in 2003 with the British-built Beagle 2, but it lost communication after it separated from its mother ship, the Mars Express. NASA was able to locate it in January 2015. Beagle 2 was able to land safely on Mars but wasn't able to communicate.

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For the longest time, there have only been a handful of similarities between humans and robots. Basic anatomy like having arms, legs, and a head, for instance, is among them.

However, another has been added to the short list when Japanese researchers proposed an idea that mimics how people naturally cool-off when undergoing excessive activity. Perspiration has only been attributed to living organisms, but it seems that humanoid robots have reached this realm as well.

Structural Burden Leads Researchers To Apply Unique Cooling System

Overheating is one of the major problems when it comes to robotics. When these robots exert a high constant torque demand on their motors, the generated heat causes performance issues.

Engineers solved this problem by adding fans, coolants, radiators, and other dedicated infrastructure designed to address the heat being produced. But all of these takes up space and adds mass to the machine, according to Spectrum.

This issue was getting in the way of researchers from the University of Tokyo led by Professor Masayuki Inaba. Their 1.7-meter tall, 56-kilogram musculoskeletal humanoid robot, dubbed Kengoro, is already burdened with components, gears, circuit boards, and 108 motors and there were simply no room for a cooling system.

Kengoro's Sweat System

So they used Kengoro's skeletal structure to address this problem instead. And this isn't just your cop-out cooling mechanism where water channels will pass through and circulate through the frame.

No, Kengoro actually sweats. The team achieved this by creating a skeletal frame that is microporous, meaning tiny holes are dotting the "bones" of the robot.

When Kengoro is undergoing a lot of activity and starts to heat up, water from a pump is released in the inner porous components of the frame. It then travels near the surface of the structure where the liquid evaporates rather than leaking on the floor.

Kengaro Needs To Keep Itself Hydrated To Keep Generated Heat In Check

The result is that the robot can run for half-a-day by only consuming about a cup of deionized water, although it has to constantly hydrate itself to keep the generated heat in check. The unique cooling system also allows Kengoro to do push-ups for 11 minutes straight without burning out its motor, reported Gizmodo.

"Usually the frame of a robot is only used to support forces," said Toyotaka Kozuki, lead author of the research. "Our concept was adding more functions to the frame, using it to transfer water, release heat, and at the same time support forces."

While researchers admitted that traditional fans and radiators are better, they found that this new human-like system works thrice as efficient than air cooling and is significantly better at having water circulating through the interior channels. It's certainly is a weird day when a human's natural biological process is adapted by machines to help them function better.
The human population continues to grow, and along with it, there is also the need to produce food. Agriculture has been essential to humanity, though it also needs land in order to produce crops and vegetation, possibly threatening areas such as rainforests and wildlife. Even small-scale farming could have an effect on it.

Researchers from the Lund University in Sweden have studied the effects of small-scale agriculture in Southeast Asia, according to Science Daily. They were joined by 40 other researchers coming from Germany, Indonesia, Switzerland and New Zealand. The team is led by Now Yann Clough, a researcher from the Faculty of Science at Lund University.

The research focused on monoculture, or the investing on a single species of trees while clearing rainforest. Yann Clough has noted that while this method might give short-term gains to farmers, the rainforest biodiversity gets affected in the process. Carbon source for the forest is also lessened. There is also soil damage done when chemical fertilizers are used, as the soil loses nutrients such as nitrogen.

This is apart from the clearing that's done before the area could be used for farming. Small-scale farming has been seen to be environmental-friendly. The study, however, shows that it actually does much harm to tropical rainforests, as noted in the Lund University website.

Yann Clough said that changing how farmers approach agriculture will require a lot of work. This might also involve financial incentives for farmers who would have to learn how to properly do small-scale farming without affecting biodiversity balance. Governments need to also have political will in order to impose environmental-friendly small-scale agriculture.

For the study, Yann Clough and his team have interviewed 450 small-scale farmers. They have also measured data that included forest growth, soil fertility and carbon storage. The study has noted that many of the small-scale farmers have chosen to invest in either palm trees or rubber trees since these have the least financial risk.
In 2014, Orbital ATK launched the Antares Rocket into space. The mission, which was supposed to bring supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) was at that point standard, as it had survived two previous missions without a hitch. But the rocket exploded and caused US$15 million worth of damages to the launch pad alone. Now, the spaceflight company is ready to relaunch Antares.

According to Space.Com, the last launch of the Antares Rocket was on October 28, 2014. After a few seconds from liftoff, the unmanned rocket exploded, which was meant to carry 5,000 pounds of food, scientific experiment supplies, and other such cargo. It was the third mission in private company Orbital ATK's US$1.9 billion contracts with NASA.

After the explosion, both NASA and Orbital ATK quickly launched investigations to see what wrong with what was supposed to be standard flight. Soon after, The Verge notes that Orbital likened the incident to one of the main engines on Antares. Then, the rocket was being propelled by two AJ26 engines, which were Soviet rocket engines that were originally built in 1960 and refurbished by Aerojet Rocketdyne, an American manufacturer.

Aerojet, like Orbital, reasoned the explosion happened within Antares' turbo pump but reasoned that debris from elsewhere in the rocket caused it. Meanwhile, Orbital claimed that the problem could be traced from its manufacturing. In the end, Aerojet paid Orbital US$50 million in damages. NASA agreed that the incident was caused by an explosion in the turbo pump, but could not assess whether it was due to debris or manufacturing problems.

NASA, Orbital, and the state or Virginia spent over a year repairing the damaged launch pads. Meanwhile, Orbital also worked on replacing the rocket, which meant pairing up the complicated interfaces of an engine with the core of the rocker, in what is essentially a redesign of the rocket's inner workings. In May, the repaired Antares made its way back to the launchpad.

To test the rocket, Orbital oversaw a static fire - a 30-second test for the engines, while the Antares itself was constrained. Orbital confirmed that everything went well. After that, it was simply a matter of scheduling a launch day, which is now scheduled for October 16, 8:03pm ET.

The launch of the Antares is scheduled in a few hours and will scarily determine whether or not the last two years of Orbit's work have been worth it. Those first few seconds, which will hopefully drag onto minutes, will prove whether or not the work, hours and money spent to repair the rocket were worth the trouble. Nevertheless, the spaceflight company remains optimistic.

The treated Antares Rocket will take flight on Sunday, in order to provide the ISS with necessary cargo. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services 1 program. "It's going to be home again," Frank DeMauro, vice president and general manager of the Advanced Programs Division at Orbital ATK, said about the mission.

If the mission goes well, it will solidify Orbit's name in the space launch industry. Not only will it put faith in the company again, but it could open up some very vital and significant opportunities. After all, its contract with NASA will expire in 2018.
Just about a month after releasing its latest line of flagship smartphones, the pair of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has announced that it is started to sell SIM-free versions in the U.S.

SIM-Free iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus

"SIM-free" iPhone 7and iPhone 7 Plus models are not associated with any single carrier, as noted by Apple. They are unlocked and do not contain the usual carrier-specific SIM card. Buying SIM-free version of iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus is only available through the company's retail stores or Apple.com.

An unlocked mobile device gives users the added flexibility of inserting a SIM card of their choice, from any supporting carrier. According to AppAdvice, purchasing an unlocked, SIM-free iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus without carrier commitment is an advantage for consumers. Instead of going with a carrier financing or wireless contract commitment, customers can now buy enjoy the flexibility of not being tied to one carrier.

According to CNET, the SIM-free iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus can be activated by using a SIM card from any supported CDMA or GSM carrier network around the world. In the U.S., the customers can choose any supported national carrier network, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint or AT&T.

Apple's SIM-Free iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus Offer

Both SIM-free handsets from Apple have the same base prices as those for units tied to U.S. telecoms. The price for iPhone 7 models with 32 GB of storage is starting at $649. For iPhone 7 models that come with 128 GB the price is starting at $749, Customers will have to pay $849 for 256 GB models. Larger iPhone 7 Plus models will have a starting price of $769 for the 32 GB tier. For 128 GB and 256 GB of storage the prices will move up to $869 and $969, respectively.

Gold, silver, black, Jet Black and rose gold iPhone 7 models are available in the SIM-free variant, same as for their SIM-locked counterparts. On Apple.com store delivery dates are shown between Oct. 17 and Oct. 19 for most of the color options, except for the Jet Black version that ships in three to five weeks. For the iPhone 7 Plus, all models, except the Jet Black option, ship in three to four weeks. Orders for SIM-free versions of the Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus ship out in six to eight weeks.
The Google News has just been improved upon with a new feature. Google recently announced the Fact Check tag. This is an addition to the sites labeled article types and the recent Local Source tag. It will help readers to determine articles that are actually fact-based.

The new feature will also make a distinction if an article contains fact checks or not.

What Is The Fact Check Tag Feature?

Google's Head of News Richard Gingras said on its website that readers can now notice the tagged articles in the expanded story box. They can be seen on news.google.com.

It will also be visible to iOS and Android device users in the US and the UK. They can do that by using the Google News & Weather apps.

This new feature will display a fact check label next to news stories. Google described it as an effort to divide fact from fiction. It was further stated that this is applicable to sites who already have a fact-checking service. The sites can request to be added in the search results.

The tech company can identify whether an article needs a fact check. This can be achieved by means of the claim review markup.

Fact Checking

According to BBC, fact-checking has already become more popular for the past few years. The Duke University Reporter's Lab revealed that there are more than 100 fact checking sites online.

It's commendable for Google to do something about fact checking. Though Facebook is still now doing anything about it. According to Tech Crunch, news that is displayed on the famous social networking site has to be fact-checked.

Apparently, news articles that are not even credible can trend. Facebook does not seem to address the issue. Users can be misled by reading rumor, hoax or conspiracy theory articles. The tech company recently assured that it will develop technology to prevent fake stories in its Trending topics.
Much of space remains to be discovered. Our Solar System itself still has much that astronomers have not found. The Milky Way holds much mystery, with one possibly being uncovered recently, as an ancient globular cluster has been found that could be the key to knowing how the galaxy was formed.

The center of our galaxy contains old stars in it. Scientists have long speculated it but now these ancient stars have been seen for the first time. The ESO's VISTA telescope has been used to locate these stars, according to Science Today. The ancient stars are known as RR Lyrae.

Normally, the center of the Milky Way cannot be seen since it is blocked by dust. This dust is residue from the time the galaxy was formed. VISTA has infrared capabilities though that can penetrate this dust and see the center. What has been found are the RR Lyrae stars in star populations that are 10 billion years old. They are said to be some of the remains of ancient star clusters.

The discovery has been made by Dante Minniti of the Universidad Andres Bello in Chile. Working together with him is Rodrigo Contreras Ramos of the Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, also in Chile. The observations have been made as part of the Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) ESO public survey, as the European Southern Observatory stated in its site. The survey has been done so as to search the central part of the Milky Way.

The RR Lyrae stars could be seen in dense globular clusters. Even though they are in clusters, seeing them could be a challenge as they are old stars and appear less bright than other stars around them. Some of them are obscured by dust as well. Looking for them in the center of the Milky Way can be challenging as the RR Lyrae stars there are surrounded by younger and brighter stars.

Contreras Ramos has explained that these stars are important as it could be evidence that the galactic bulges of galaxies might have happened as a result of several globular clusters coming together. If this is true for the Milky Way, then it might also be likely for other galaxies as well.
The thing about the internet and the billionaires that milk it is that anything can happen. At one point Yahoo was your number one go-to search engine and mail provider. The next thing you know, the company is slowly being overtaken by competitions. There was also a time when Friendster was the biggest thing to hit social media, even before "social media" became a household term. The next thing you know, Friendster asks you to back up your photos before their shutdown. Clearly, if a company doesn't do well in adapting to the fast-changing trends, things can change in a snap. But if a company continues to grow with the fast-paced world, the turn of events will be positive instead of negative, like what happens with Facebook. The company has been blending in silently and never settles even for a minute. You won't even notice how hard it works if you don't look at the details.

Facebook And Its Success In Ads

Since Facebook is arguably the biggest social media platform, its ads revenue is skyrocketing and almost never-ending. While now may be too early to compare Facebook ads and Google ads since they still differ in target markets, this still gives people a forecast of Facebook's success. Whether or not it will soon overpower Google, it's a good argument. Nevertheless, the only thing certain as of now is that Facebook is pretty far away from going down. They have the finances. They continue to innovate. There are pretty much zero hints that the company will follow the footsteps of yesterday's faded internet companies.

Facebook Gives You Everything You Need Under One Platform

If you haven't noticed, Facebook is subtly giving you all you need under the Facebook platform. Most of which still needs further development, but it's clear that the company's goal is to be all you need. Facebook may have started as a simple social media site that connects people. However, that did not end there. Soon enough, the company improves its chat services. The Facebook Messenger became one of the most used messaging platforms online, plus there's also the WhatsApp.

Furthermore, YouTube videos no longer embeds properly in the Facebook platform, giving way for Facebook-uploaded videos to be prioritized over the equally loved YouTube videos. It was an issue for a short time. But eventually, people adjusted and shifted its attention to Facebook uploaded videos.

Facebook Targets Online Sellers

Then, there's the Facebook Marketplace, the company's take on online selling platforms. It's undeniable that Facebook is taking advantage of its popularity and large audience to cater to more services. Why else would you go to other selling sites when the biggest social media site has the same service? Not only will you be able to sell to a larger population, you will also be saved from the hassle of leaving the platform and creating different accounts. The Marketplace might still be imperfect, The Forbes reported, but the company seems to be working hard for it to become a priority rather than a second-option.

Facebook To Venture Into Being A Search Engine

With that, it's only expected that the company will also develop their search engine services. Right now, they still don't power their own search engine, but everyone can probably agree that this is where Facebook is headed. We've seen the platform improve its searching ability. Years ago, all you can search are people's names. Then, you were given the opportunity to use and search hashtags. Now, people can search using keywords, and the search tool isn't even faulty. In fact, it's really smart in giving you the results you need.

All these suggest that Facebook is slowly dominating the internet. It's a single platform, but it is bound to beat multiple companies. Sure there are still factors that may still not exist at this point in time. However, based on everything we all see right now, it looks like the company will stay intact for the foreseeable future.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with Softbank is planning to create an investment fund for tech startups worth $100 billion. The Arab state and the Japanese mobile carrier pledge to donate to the planned fund.

Saudi Arabia has already indicated that they will donate up to $45 billion to the investment fund while Japan's Softbank will donate $25 billion. The rest of the money to complete the $100 billion fund will come from other "large global investors" according to Softbank.

According to CNN, the move is expected to help the oil-rich nation to shift its economy from being dependent on oil to one that can maintain itself through technology and other means. This, according to Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is part of the country's 2030 vision.

Softbank is the right partner for this endeavor as Japan is one of the most technologically-advanced nations in the world. Softbank is known for its success in choosing the right investments according to Ace Research Institute analyst Hideki Yasuda. He also said in a report that the company is "looking for another Alibaba."

The company which was founded by Masayoshi Son has time and again proven that they are among the best in terms of investing. One of their first investments was Alibaba, the Chinese version of eBay. They have also sold "Clash of Clans" creator Supercell Oy to Tencent for $8.6 billion. Recently, Softbank has bankrolled $32 billion on ARM Holdings, a British company that designs iPhone chips. However, this last investment by the Japanese company was not met kindly by some of its stakeholders.

Saudi Arabia has already started investing In tech start-ups even before this partnership with Softbank. Uber, which has been operating in the country since 2014, received $3.5 billion from the nation's Public Investment Fund. Uber is the most valuable startup worldwide.
"The Young and the Restless" spoilers for Oct. 17-21 have Jack works with Phyllis in his most desperate situation to bring Victor down, while Phyllis seems to have found the biggest roadblock of her life in Ashley.

Jack Works With Phyllis Against Victor, Ashley

Jack (Peter Bergman) is on to his last ditch decision to work with Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) in his quest to seize power from Victor (Eric Braeden). Jack agrees working with his ex-wife only because of their plot against Victor, nothing in between, and Phyllis knows this too well.

Ashley (Eileen Davidson) though sees the other way around as Jack gets closer to Phyllis. Afraid that some spark might rekindle them both once again, Ashley does her best to pull Jack away from Phyllis. Will Ashley succeed with her plans despite Jack's determination to topple down Victor?

Billy And Victoria War Continues, Nick And Sharon Get Closer

While Jack and Billy's (Jason Thompson) rift grew over time, Billy's war against Victoria (Amelia Heinle) will force Jill (Jess Walton) to make a decision to save the company, especially with its current feat.

Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon, (Sharon Case) on the other hand, seem to enjoy each other's company while Dylan is out. They sure both know their limits. Will Sharon and Nick unconsciously brew a familiar romance?

Michael Muhney Comeback As Adam Newman

Reports of Michael Muhney's comeback on "The Young and the Restless" as Adam Newman have been swirling around since early this week. If speculations turn out to be true, then it means Adam will be back from the dead. Yet how the Y&R showrunners will bring the character back is what fans must watch out for.

Another reported character to come back on the show is Justin Hartley as Adam Newman too. Should showrunners recast Hartley instead of Muhney? No one knows yet until now.



Meanwhile, below is the video teaser for Monday's episode, Oct. 17.



"The Young and the Restless" airs weekdays at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
"The Bold and the Beautiful" spoilers for Oct. 17-21 have Bill and Brooke prepping to exchange vows, Steffy and Wyatt getting back together, and Liam wallowing in despair. Is Brooke ready to say "yes" or will she just run away from the ceremony?

Brooke To Abort Wedding Ceremony?

"The Bold and the Beautiful" next week opens with Bill (Don Diamont) setting his wedding date with Brooke (Katherin Kelly Lang). Bill seems he is so into it. Brooke on the flip side casts her doubts about the whole event. For one, she wants to muster up his family's approval and she cannot get it from her son RJ (Anthony Turpel). Bill and Brooke seem like on the brink of having their wedding cancelled.

Ridge To Win Back Brooke

Out in desperation, RJ tries his best for the wedding not to take off by convincing his dad Ridge (Thorsten Kaye) to stand up for his family and get back with Brooke. Will RJ succeed with his desire to rebuild his family? Could there be really a chance for Brooke and Ridge to make up? According to spoilers, Ridge will push Brooke to marry Bill instead so she could give him his shares at Forrester Creations.

Quinn Now In Control

As Eric (John McCook) recuperates at home, Ridge persuades his father to withdraw the power of attorney he signed. Eric denies it and goes on to renew his vows with Quinn (Rena Sofer) witnessed by Wyatt (Darin Brooks). Quinn has the full power over Forrester Creations now and Steffy (Jacqueline Wood) is not so happy about it.

Steffy And Wyatt Together Again

While Wyatt is happy for his mom's renewal of vows, he is trying to iron kinks out in his marriage with Steffy. Steffy agrees to be with Wyatt again. Liam (Scott Clinton) is devastated upon knowing that his wife is filing for divorce. Is he going to get back at his brother Wyatt?

"The Bold and the Beautiful" airs weekdays at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Within a week, The Vampire Diaries season 8 would premiere. As the date approaches, speculations about the supernatural drama continue to make rounds, most of which are about the possible return of Nina Dobrev, the previous lead star who played the role of Elena Gilbert.

However, Dobrevs return to the show is still under negotiation. If Elena would return to Mystic Falls, it would raise a lot of questions about her relationship with Damon in The Vampire Dairies season 8.

Unromantic Reunion With Damon

In an interview with TV Line, Somerhalder hinted that the Delena reunion -- if it pushes through -- may not be a romantic encounter. He said Elena may or may not end up with one of the Salvatore brothers.

Elena lost everything she has ever loved, her house was burned down and she ended up in a box. While the Salvatore brothers ruined Elenas life, everybody still wants to end up with one of them. Based on the trailer for season 8 which showed Damon and Enzo (Michael Malarkey) out for blood after they had an encounter with a mysterious creature in the vault in the previous season, speculations suggest that Elena might play an important role in saving the two.

Bringing Back The Good In Damon & Enzo

Even as Enzo and Damon are consumed by evil, Bonnie (Kat Graham), Stefan (Paul Wesley) and the rest of the gang attempt to discover a way to bring back the good in the two. However, it is Elena who is Damons anchor to his humanity, capable of digging into his soul and bringing him back to his senses.

It should be noted, however, that CW President Mark Pedowitz previously clarified that the return of Nina Dobrev is not yet confirmed since discussions are still going on with the actress. However, the show would want her back since Elena is integral to the drama.



"TVD" Season 8 Spoilers

Meanwhile, new spoilers for "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 hint at new targets, including someone from Stefans past. There would also be a road trip to North Carolina. Bonnie would face a tough decision, and while she is starting to lose hope, she nevertheless joins the search.A mysterious threat is also said to target Carolines (Candice King) family.

The Vampire Diaries season 8 will premiere on The CW on Oct. 21.
Since the highly regarded sci-fi horror series "Stranger Things" was renewed for a second season on Netflix, countless surprises have slowly been revealed both by its cast members and production team. Now latest reports revealed that two new members, Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery, have been signed to help bring crazier things in Hawkins Town.



The first season brought fans in a remorse when it casted death upon Barb, and Eleven went missing as she vaporized with a demagorgon. Now that it is confirmed that Barb is not reappearing on "Stranger Things" season 2 and rumors about Eleven's possible death are yet unanswered, the team of strange kids needs additional forces to help them in their quests. Thus, came two new members, Sink ("American Odyssey") and Montgomery ( "Power Rangers").

A previous report already confirmed that the Red Ranger star in the new "Power Rangers" movie, Montgomery, will be playing a role in "Stranger Things" season 2 as Billy, the stepbrother of Max, played by Sink.

New Cast For "Stranger Things" Season 2

Billy as a character is said to be a young adult who is edgy, a heavy drinker, hyperconfident who uses his charms to get girlfriends from their boyfriends, and a Camaro lover. But behind his what-seems-to-be-exciting persona is his dark side, a violent and unpredictable one. Max, on the other hand, was described as boyish, confident (at a good level), tough, but one weakness she has is she never trusts anyone.

Reports did not actually mention if these two kids will be one for the team or they will be against them. But rumors have it that they will be replacing Eleven, and this might just be a hint that they are going to be siding the stars. Millie Brown, on the other hand, did not want to spoil the thrill for her character as she refused to share whether she will return alive or dead on "Stranger Things" season 2. She, however, guaranteed that fantastic things will be up for the new season. Meanwhile, stars Joe Keery and Noah Schnapp were both promoted as series regulars for the second season.

More Spoilers for "Stranger Things" Season 2

"Stranger Things" season 1 ended with a lot of loose ends, which sparked theories and conspiracies among fans. The Duffer Brothers, getting some idea of what fans are coming up with for assumptions about "Stranger Things" season 2, have confirmed that some of the predictions are actually close to what they prepared.

Netflix has previously released another promo trailer showing the potential episode titles of season 2. These titles have been a big basis for fans to quickly speculate on the plotlines of the new season. As the brothers did confirm some theories, they did not elaborate further, saying that the new season will mainly show the aftermath of everything that took place in season 1.

"Stranger Things" season 2 release date still remains unconfirmed but speculations say it will air in July 2017.


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In a presidential campaign being waged primarily over questions of personal integrity, the current occupants of the White House are staking out the moral high ground against Donald Trump, whom they are casting as morally unfit to be president.

President Obama and the first lady are making the case with increasing vigor on the campaign trail that the Republican nominees personal conduct has disqualified him from holding the nations highest office.

On Thursday, Michelle Obama, who has generally refrained from political combat, delivered her most forceful and emotional rebuke of Trump, calling his treatment of women disgraceful and declaring that no woman deserves to be treated this way.

Lets be clear: This is not normal. . . . This is intolerable, she said during a campaign rally for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in Manchester, N.H., directly addressing news reports that Trump had groped and kissed several women against their will.

I cant stop thinking about this, the first lady said, her voice cracking at times. It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldnt have predicted.

The Obamas had been campaigning against Trump before the disclosure last week of a videotape in which he made lewd comments about women in 2005 and the allegations against him of sexual assault. But the new revelations have raised the stakes of their personal plea to the public to reject the New York real estate developer.

You dont have to be a husband or father to say, Thats not right. You just have to be a decent human being, President Obama said of Trumps lewd comments, during a Clinton campaign rally in Greensboro on Tuesday.

While the president seemed to revel in his takedown of Trump, mocking him as unfit for a job at 7-Eleven, it is the first ladys increased political role in the campaign that has added an emotional punch to the Obamas argument.

Michelle Obamas speech, televised live on cable news networks, marked her second appearance on a national stage in which she assumed the role of mom-in-chief to speak to the nations moral conscience.

Her address at the Democratic National Convention in July  during which she said the first familys motto is when they go low, we go high  was widely viewed as an emotional rallying point for the Democratic Party.

In New Hampshire, Obama, the mother of two teenage girls, warned that the country cannot endure this or expose our children to it any longer  not for another minute, let alone another four years.

The first lady retains broad popularity, with her national approval ratings reaching 64 percent after her convention address, according to Gallup, and in many ways she is Clintons most effective public surrogate on matters of personal conduct and moral authority.

A former corporate lawyer who met her husband when she was assigned to mentor him, Michelle Obama has spent her adult life balancing the demands of work and family life. In her remarks Thursday, she reflected on the stories from previous generations of the male boss who could say and do whatever he pleased to the women in the office.

Trump has been accused of walking in on naked contestants in his beauty pageants, and a reporter for People magazine wrote this week that he sexually assaulted her while she was interviewing him for an article shortly after he married his current wife, Melania.

So many have worked for so many years to end this kind of violence and abuse and disrespect, the first lady said. But here we are, in 2016, and were hearing these exact same things every day on the campaign trail. We are drowning in it.

The latest Trump controversies have come at a time when both Obamas have been emphasizing their work as role models to young boys and girls.

The president participated in a town-hall-style event Tuesday with ESPN to talk about the My Brothers Keeper initiative his administration began in 2014 to provide support for at-risk young African-American men. And the first lady has spent the past 18 months building Let Girls Learn, a global initiative focused on girls education.

But on a more personal level, the first couple stands as a moral contrast to Trump, whose three marriages have been longtime tabloid fodder.

The Obamas marked their 24th wedding anniversary this month, and a 12-page cover story in the October edition of Essence magazine celebrated their marriage under the title Grace & Power. The package included photos of the Obamas gazing at each other while holding hands.

The president, while promoting policies for women and girls, has often spoken admiringly about being surrounded in the White House by strong women, including his mother-in-law, Marian Robinson.

At the town-hall event, President Obama jokingly told a young woman, who asked for advice on balancing work and family, that her husband should just do what you tell him to do, which has worked very well in my house.

On Thursday, the first lady took a more serious tone, when she contrasted Trumps lewd comments to the example set inside the White Houses living quarters.

I can tell you that the men in my life do not talk about women like this, she said. And I know that my family is not unusual. And to dismiss this as everyday locker-room talk is an insult to decent men everywhere.
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By Donald Nieman | (The Conversation) |  

Donald Trump has a lot in common with former Confederates  white southerners who redeemed the South by bringing an end to Reconstruction 140 years ago. Like the Redeemers, Trump fears that electoral fraud threatens the republic. And like them, Trump equates electoral fraud with black and brown voters.

Trump has often claimed that only a rigged system could deny him victory. How? Not through sabotaged debate microphones or a biased media but through unqualified voters.

At a recent rally in Pennsylvania  a must-win state  Trump digressed from his text to remind his mostly white audience of this danger, urging them to go to certain areas on Election Day and watch who was voting. The implication, of course, was that they should challenge anyone who appeared to be unqualified. Nor was this a random remark. The Trump campaign features a website where supporters can sign up to become a Trump Election Observer and Stop Crooked Hillary From Rigging This Election!

How can Trump Election Observers distinguish between qualified and unqualified voters? Trump doesnt say. But his reference to certain areas  and the entire tenor of his campaign  suggests that their color will give them away.

Intelligence and virtue

Trumps invitation is eerily familiar to anyone who has even a passing familiarity with the Reconstruction that followed the U.S. Civil War. Slavery was abolished, black men were voting and the Republican Party of Lincoln was sparking a civil rights revolution. As Ive written elsewhere, white southerners in the Reconstruction era saw their world turned upside down.

So too have white men in the 21st-century U.S. They have been confronted first with an African-American president and now with the prospect of the nations first female chief executive. Then and now, many white men have responded with disbelief.

We are living in a world where intelligence and virtue are put under foot, a group of South Carolina white men exclaimed in 1867, while ignorance and vice are lifted to power.

Disbelief gave way to fury as white southerners formed paramilitary organizations to keep illegitimate voters from casting ballots. The groups went by different names: White Brotherhood, Knights of the White Camelia, Red Shirts, Democratic Rifle Clubs and, most notoriously, the Ku Klux Klan. They employed persuasion, intimidation, disruption and murder to deter black voters from the polls. One of these organizations instructed its members to control the vote of at least one Negro, by intimidation, purchase, keeping him away or as each individual may determine.

African-American voters resisted  sometimes by taking up arms  but their tactics ultimately proved ineffective. Through violence and chicanery, white supremacists reduced black voter turnout, and by 1877, drove the party of Lincoln from power in every southern state. They would maintain an iron grip on the region until the civil rights movement of the 1960s once again shook the Souths political order.

A demographic in decline

Today, the modern Republican Party and its 2016 presidential nominee confront demographic change just as threatening  if not as dramatic  as the changes unleashed by Reconstruction. Between 2004 and 2012, the white share of eligible voters declined from 75.5 percent to 71.1 percent in the U.S., a trend that promises to continue.

Barack Obamas victory in 2008 and reelection in 2012 underscored the implications for Republicans. Unable or unwilling, it seems, to appeal to black and Latino voters, they lost the presidency and faced an uncertain future. Like their Redeemer forbearers, they raised specious concerns about electoral fraud. In many states, they also passed laws requiring citizens to produce a state-approved photo ID before being allowed to vote.

Why the rush to secure the sanctity of the polls? Its not because fraudulent voting is on the rise. Indeed, as one analyst quipped, It is more likely that an individual will be struck by lightning than that he will impersonate another at the polls. Rather, these laws target individuals lacking appropriate photo ID who are, not coincidentally, overwhelmingly poor black and brown Americans.

Trumps expressed concerns about voter fraud are standard for modern Republicans, but his solution to the problem is both new and 140 years old. He urges supporters to take matters into their own hands by going to certain neighborhoods to watch who is voting.

And then what?

Join Russian President Vladimir Putin in denouncing the legitimacy of the U.S. election?

Or, more immediately, block black and brown people from entering the polls? Perhaps threaten them? Tackle them? Worse? Coming from a candidate who has incited violence against hecklers at his rallies, the suggestion is ominous.

Trump and his Republican allies are the latest in a long line of politicians who have used law and direct action to disfranchise minority voters. Like southern proponents of white supremacy who came before them, they will probably fail. In the long term, thanks to continuing shifts in population, they are swimming against powerful demographic currents. In the short term, they face constitutional difficulties. Federal courts in North Carolina and Texas recently declared voter ID laws in those states unconstitutional.

However, the future is by no means certain. The doubt Trump casts on the integrity of the electoral system supports Putins efforts to delegitimize liberal democracy here and abroad.

The outcome of the election will determine whether Trumps efforts to block measures to make the political system more inclusive will triumph in the near term. Should he win, he will almost certainly appoint judges unsympathetic to the claims of minority voters as well as women. The result would be a return to a shameful past of minority vote suppression, thereby undermining confidence in democracy and exacerbating the racial tensions that divide us.

Donald Nieman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Binghamton University, State University of New York

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

-

Related video added by Juan Cole:

Democracy Now!: VP Debate Roundtable: Naila Awan & Katherine Franke on Trumps Call for Voter Intimidation
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Maan News Agency |  

BETHLEHEM (Maan)  Following a controversial UNESCO vote that saw the adoption of a draft resolution that sharply criticized Israeli policies around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while supposedly rejecting Jewish ties to the holy site  referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount  was received warmly by the Palestinian Authority (PA)s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement released Thursday.

Meanwhile, the resolution also criticized Israeli policies at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, the Bilal ibn Rabah Mosque/Rachels Tomb in Bethlehem, and strongly condemned Israeli military campaigns in the besieged Gaza Strip, while urging an end to the near decade-long Israeli blockade on the Palestinian enclave.

The resolution was passed after 24 countries voted in its favor, six voted against, and 26 abstained from the vote, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

While the resolution did not outrightly reject Jewish ties to the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount, it was highly critical of Israeli policies in and around the site and Israeli attempts at changing the status quo, which prohibits Jewish worship at the site, and referred to the site only by its Islamic name Al-Aqsa/Haram al-Sharif, and did not mention the Jewish name Temple Mount.

However, the resolution did make clear that UNESCO recognizes the importance of the Old City of Jerusalem for the three monotheistic religions  Islam, Judaism, and Christianity  and highlighted the significance of the holy sites in Hebron and Bethlehem for all three religions. The only way to be treated like a normal state is if it starts acting like one The PA statement said that the decision to adopt the UNESCO resolution reflected the continued commitment of the majority of member states to confront impunity and uphold the principles upon which UNESCO was founded. The statement continued to express the PAs disappointment with several countries  mainly European  which had changed their votes that were initially in favor of the resolution, after what the statement referred to as Israels PR bullying. Rather than spending millions to spin its illegal colonization into normalcy and distort reality, Israel, the occupying power, must understand that the only way to be treated like a normal state is if it starts acting like one, by ending its occupation of Palestine and seizing its irresponsible and illegal actions in the occupied land of the State of Palestine, especially East Jerusalem, the statement read. The statement added that Palestinian activities at the UN and on the international level would not be deterred by distortions and smear campaigns, and would continue pressuring the international community to take responsibility and act on Israels violations of international law which have continued with impunity for half a century.

Spokesperson for the Palestinian Presidency Nabil Abu Rudeineh also released a statement Thursday responding to the UNESCO decision, saying that he hoped that the resolution would highlight that the United States should revise its mistaken policies of encouraging the continued occupation of Palestinian lands, while showing Israel the importance of ending its occupation of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, and to end its policies that contribute to increasing tensions.
[JURIST] The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed concern [statement] over the rising occurrence of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines in connection with the ongoing war on drugs encouraged by President Rodrigo Duterte [official website]. Duterte has continued to draw international criticism [AP report] for promoting mass violence towards alleged drug dealers contrary to humanitarian standards. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda [official profile] denounced Philippine officials for condoning such lethal force against civilians. Bensouda further stressed that the Philippines is a state party to the ICC, and any Filipino who participates in mass violence within the courts jurisdiction may be subject to prosecution. The ICC plans to continue monitoring the countrys activities and will determine whether to launch a preliminary investigation.

Duterte took the presidential office in May after promising [WSJ report] the Filipino population that he would aggressively crackdown on corruption and crime. During his campaign, Duterte declared [Guardian report] that 100,000 people would die in his crackdown on crime. Since Duterte has taken office, over 400 suspected drug dealers have been killed and 600,000 have surrendered to the police. Earlier this month, he declared [JURIST report] a state of lawlessness in the Philippines, which would allow police and military personnel to frisk individuals and search cars. In August, Duterte named [JURIST report] 150 serving and former state officials connected to the nations illegal drug trade and ordered them to either surrender to the authorities or risk being hunted down. Duterte has stated that he disregards criticisms from the UN and human rights groups. Also in August, Duterte threatened to withdraw [JURIST report] the country from the UN following criticisms against his controversial crackdown on illegal drugs. Earlier this month the UN condemned [JURIST report] remarks made by Duterte comparing his war on drugs to the genocide of Jews by Hitler.
[JURIST] The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) [official website] set new rules [press release] on Thursday establishing new liquidation risk management rules for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF). The industry will now be required [Reuters report] to establish programs that protect shareholders in the event that investors suddenly sell off their assets. The SEC proposes that the rules apply stricter standards to the industry, however some leeway has been given to ETF holders. While funds will have to be categorized on a four-tiered scale based on liquidity, the previous form of this rule set six stricter tiers. Stricter rules set thresholds for the amount of assets that can be classified as illiquid or must be available for cash conversion, however ETF holders are left to determine what happens when these thresholds are not met. ETFs that honor securities redemptions may also be exempt from the cap on highly liquid and liquid assets. The SEC will later address the use of derivatives in funds. The rules will begin affecting large funds in December 2018 and small funds in June 2019.

The enforcement of securities regulations continues to be a major concern in the US. Earlier this month, the US District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III conditionally dismissed [JURIST] an SEC suit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for misleading investors. Also this month a hedge fund manager agreed [JURIST] on a settlement agreement for SEC charges imposed for a widespread scheme involving the bribery of officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Libya. Last month Wells Fargo [corporate website] shareholders filed suit [JURIST report] against the banking conglomerate over their allegedly deceptive sales practices.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] released a statement [text] Thursday outlining plans to collect data on the use of force by police officers from across the nation. Attorney General Loretta Lynch [official profile] described the project as focusing broadly on officer-civilian interactions, while encompassing use of force. The plan is guided by the Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) [materials]. The DCRA requires law enforcement agencies to report all civilian deaths resulting from police interactions or occurring in their custody. The new data collection project was created to record non-lethal interactions in addition to those monitored by the DCRA. Lynch said the initiative is aimed at increasing transparency while building trust between officers and their communities.

The data collection comes after years of concern over violence between law enforcement and civilians in the US. In September the DOJ opened an investigation into the fatal police shooting of Terence Crutcher [JURIST report]. In July local groups and the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the Baton Rouge Police Department for violating the First Amendment rights of protesters who were peacefully protesting the police killing of Alton Sterling [JURIST report]. Also in July the Attorney General gave her response to the shooting of police officers [JURIST report] in Dallas during a peaceful protest of recent police shootings of Sterling and Philando Castille. In December an Ohio grand jury decided not to indict [JURIST report] two officers involved in a 2014 shooting resulting in the death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.
KEARNEY  LaMoyne J. Fern, 94, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, at Mother Hull Home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Burial will be at White Hill Cemetery northwest of Minden with military honors by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honors Team, Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services and one hour before services Tuesday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to White Hill Cemetery Association, First United Methodist Church or Kearney Volunteer Fire Department.

Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.



LaMoyne was born March 15, 1922, in Kearney to Delbert and Elizabeth (Patterson) Fern. He grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1939.

LaMoyne lived briefly in California and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served two years in Guam during World War II before he returned to Kearney in 1946.

LaMoyne married Janice English on Nov. 18, 1946, in Oberlin, Kan. They have lived all but three of their 70 married years in Kearney. LaMoyne worked in Kearney and Minden as a butcher and then sold insurance for Bankers Life of Nebraska. From 1963-1969, LaMoyne and Janice owned and operated A&W Drive-In. His exploits at retrieving stolen mugs and slowing down speeders were legendary. They later owned Tastee Freeze near the college.

LaMoyne also worked at Kearney Buick, the sheriffs department and Brodine Inc. He joined the fire department in 1971 as a driver and volunteer fireman. He became an emergency ambulance technician in 1982. LaMoyne retired as a driver in 1987. LaMoyne and his wife also owned the Cowpoke Western Store from 1983-1995. He drove for Eppley Express from 1991 until 1998.

With his curly white beard and mustache, little red nose, cherry cheeks and eyes that twinkle, more than 9,000 children visited LaMoyne since December 1992. That was the beginning of his service as the real Santa in the Christmas Gingerbread House on Central Avenue. Every year, he began growing his beard in August. During the holiday season, he worked three days a week and talked to an average of 900 children of all ages.

LaMoyne was a member of First United Methodist Church, Corvair Society of America, and the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America. LaMoyne could fix anything and everything. He enjoyed tinkering, woodworking and traveling the world with his wife.

LaMoyne is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter, Julie Thatcher and husband Fred of Overland Park, Kan.; son, John Fern and wife Janis of Glenvil; daughter-in-law, Barb Fern of Grand Island; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Harty of Denver.

LaMoyne was preceded in death by his son, Jeff.

Memorials are suggested to White Hill Cemetery Association or First United Methodist Church.

Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.
U.S Secretary of State John Kerry disembarks from his aircraft upon his arrival at the airport in Kigali, Rwanda, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 where he is due to attend the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Kerry is expected to apply pressure for a deal to quickly phase out hydrofluorocarbons which are used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and insulating foams. (AP Photo)
In this Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 photo, Samsung Electronics Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are displayed at its shop in Seoul, South Korea. Samsung Electronics said Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, it has expanded its recall of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in the U.S. to include all replacement devices the company offered as a presumed safe alternative after the original Note 7s were found prone to catch fire. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
FILE - In this Friday, June 10, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during a Planned Parenthood Action Fund membership event in Washington. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat who supports abortion rights, says if Clinton wins the presidential election, Planned Parenthood's federal funding will be secure during her term. Schakowsky believes the GOP campaign against the organization might lose steam as a result. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
RCMP vehicles guard an area Friday near the site of a fatal small plane crash east of Lake Country. Former Alberta premier Jim Prentice and three others were killed Thursday night when their plane went down after taking off from Kelowna International Airport.
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British Columbia Premier Christy Clark says a diesel spill in the waters off the Great Bear Rainforest is a prime example of the federal government's inadequate commitment to disaster cleanup on the West Coast. Clark addresses a gathering of First Nations leaders and B.C. cabinet ministers, in Vancouver, B.C., in a September 7, 2016, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Nigerians have reacted to the statement President Buhari madeabout his wife Aisha, in the presence of the most powerful woman in theworld  German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Reacting to Aishas yet-to-beaired explosive interview with BBC Hausa, where she claims that hisgovernment has been hijacked by those who didnt campaign for him,Buhari laughed off her allegations, saying,

I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my

kitchen and my living room and the other room.

Reacting to Aisha Buharis controversial BBC interview, former Chief

Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie today said if his wife went

public to criticize him the way Aisha Buhari did to her husband, in her

BBC Hausa interview, he would send her packing from his house. In an

interview with Vanguard, Owie said although what Aisha Buhari said was

right, it could have been said in the bedroom when she had some private

time with her husband.







Aisha is right in criticism of President Buharis appointments, but the

medium she adopted is very wrong. Such advice from a wife to a husband

should be given at Bed time and not to the hearing of anybody. If a wife

does that to me, the woman will return to her parents house within 24

hours of that statement. A Benin Parable says- Only ones enemy that

will advise one in the presence of The Oba in council.he said

Dele Momodu on the other hand, said this:

Ben Bruce posted this message:



Reno Omokri posted this



Other reactions
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Its true. Man nearly dies on plane because crew didnt believe black woman was doctor. The medical fiasco on Delta Airlines has now gone viral after a Facebook post by Tamika Cross, MD, the physician who was turned away as a fellow passenger was unresponsive. Tamika joins a long list of female physicians who have experienced the same discrimination.

Meet a few of these doctors below.

Tamika Cross, MD: OB/GYN chief resident

I was on Delta flight DL945, and someone two rows in front of me was screaming for help. Her husband was unresponsive. I naturally jumped into Doctor mode as no one else was getting up. Unbuckle my seatbelt and throw my tray table up and as Im about to stand up, flight attendant says, Everyone stay calm, its just a night terror, he is alright. I continue to watch the scene closely. A couple of minutes later he is unresponsive again and the flight attendant yells call overhead for a physician on board. I raised my hand to grab her attention. She said to me, Oh no sweetie put your hand down; we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel; we dont have time to talk to you. I tried to inform her that I was a physician but I was continually cut off by condescending remarks. Then overhead they paged, Any physician on board, please press your button. I stare at her as I go to press my button. She said, Oh wow youre an actual physician? I reply yes. She said, Let me see your credentials. What type of doctor are you? Where do you work? Why were you in Detroit? (Please remember this man is still in need of help and she is blocking my row from even standing up while bombarding me with questions.) I respond, OB/GYN, work in Houston, in Detroit for a wedding, but believe it or not, they DO HAVE doctors in Detroit. Now excuse me so I can help the man in need. Another seasoned white male approaches the row and says he is a physician as well. She says to me, Thanks for your help but he can help us, and he has his credentials. (Mind you he hasnt shown anything to her. Just showed up and fit the description of a doctor.) I stay seated. Mind blown. Blood boiling  Supervisor verified that with me afterward. In an emergency, they never ask to show credentials. This could have been life or death. We didnt know if he had a pulse or anything!

Kadijah Ray, MD: Anesthesiologist

In response to the horrific treatment of Dr. Tamika Cross on Delta Airlines! Ive received that same treatment on two different flights while trying to help people in distress. And no, I dont have my credentials with me. You wouldnt allow me to carry that on! Would far exceed your weight and size requirements.

Trupti Shah, MD: Emergency medicine

On an Egypt Air overnight flight from Cairo to JFK, the lady seated in front of me was having difficulty breathing. I heard the commotion but did not understand the conversation since it was in Arabic. I asked if I could help and identified myself as a doctor. I was told by the male head flight attendant to sit down. They then announced overhead asking for medical help. I got up again but was ignored. A male cardiologist, from NY, who was fluent in Arabic offered assistance and was immediately ushered to the woman. He noticed that I was trying to help but was not allowed. While they went to get him the medical kit on board, we spoke. He had trained at my hospital. As soon as he was handed the medical kit, he immediately gave it to me but the flight attendant tried to take it back. He had to intervene in order for me to help the woman; he translated. The woman had started taking amoxicillin given to her for a sore throat and developed a rash, itchy throat and shortness of breath. I checked her blood pressure and lungs. Then I gave her prednisone, Benadryl, and Pepcid from my carry-on (all of which I carry with me when I travel abroad.) She felt better after 30 minutes. An hour later, the meals were served. I had reserved a vegetarian meal, but when I requested it, the same male flight attendant told me that you people always lie. He argued and refused to believe me. He asked for proof, and I showed him my printed flight itinerary. He then brought me a completely burnt tray.

Jessica Kiss, DO: Family medicine chief resident

Same thing happened to me on the side of the freeway. Car overturned, glass in head, pouring blood. People questioned me as I ran over in horror as they kept moving him around to check the wound. I say Im a doctor. Please lay him down. Someone keep his neck still. Someone hold pressure on the wound. The other lady on scene tells me to prove it! Go away, lady, Im trying to keep this guy from dying from your negligence.

Mariam Anwar, MD: Internal medicine/geriatrics

On an Emirates flight, the flight manager asked for my credentials and wouldnt let me help. Let a white nurse help though without asking for her credentials. Of course, I helped anyway. It was an elderly male with [emphysema] COPD exacerbation, hypoxic and also having an anxiety attack. We had to calculate if we would have enough oxygen to last the trip without having to land  would not make it if he needed more than baseline (5 L). The manager put him in business class and gave us seats too. We monitored him for several hours; he became unresponsive, hypertensive. I checked an EKG, glucose and after several sternal rubs he woke up. Of course, I lost several hours of sleep on a long flight and a flight attendant had to take care of my toddler while I assisted him. When his shift was over another manager came (he was Arab). He told me to go back to economy class, and he let the white nurse stay in business class the entire flight! Blatant discrimination and lack of respect!

Susan Goldberg Cohen, MD: Internal medicine/Palliative care

Had the same issue on a plane when sick passenger was in row behind me but Marcus Welby in tweed jacket ran from way back of plane  Flight attendant admonished me for not taking my seat when there was a medical emergency in progress  ugh 

Amina Moghul, DO: Family medicine

Had something similar happen to me. A patient syncopized [fainted] right next to my seat. I identified myself as a physician and was pushed out of the way and told to step aside for a male RN to tend to the passenger. I was so stunned, I froze for a few seconds before politely introducing myself to the nurse as a physician and recommended we work together. The flight attendant continued to ignore me and direct questions and offers to get help or equipment to the male nurse. I thought it was just me that had experienced this 

Ashley Denmark, DO: Family medicine

On Delta 2215, a flight attendant requested over the intercom a doctor or nurse to report to the front of cabin to assist a passenger. Without hesitation, I made my way and was greeted by two Caucasian women and a Delta flight attendant. I quickly asked, Whats going on? Then I stated, Im a doctor. How can I help? Immediately, I was greeted by puzzled looks from all three women. The flight attendant asked, Are you a doctor? to which I replied Yes. My response only left a more puzzled look on the attendants face. She turned around and began to talk to another flight attendant. I stood there in bewilderment because someone on the plane was in need of medical assistance and no one was escorting me to the passenger in need. Finally, one of the Caucasian passengers who came to assist spoke and stated that she and the other passenger present to assist were both nurses. Then she asked, Are you a doctor? to which I responded Yes  again. She immediately responded Well you need credentials to show you are a medical professional. I gave a funny look but, remained composed and quickly quipped I have my hospital badge which should be enough. The Delta flight attendant continued to look puzzled then stated, We have two nurses here who came first. You can have a seat now, and we will let them handle it. If we need more help, we will come and find you. As I walked back, I scanned the cabin. I looked for someone in distress, unresponsive wondering who was this person who needed help. At that moment the gravity of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. Apparently, the nurses and flight attendants didnt think I was a doctor. Why else were nurses being allowed to take charge of a medical situation when a doctor was present? Surely it couldnt be the color of my brown skin? So here I was, the doctor with 11 years of training being asked to take a seat and not partake in caring for the passenger in need. As an African American female physician, I am too familiar with this scenario. Despite overcoming and excelling academically and obtaining the title of Dr. in front of my name, I still get side-eye glances when I introduce myself as Dr. Denmark. Commonly, Im mistaken for an assistant, janitor, secretary, nurse, student, etc. even when I have my white coat on. Read more on Dr. Denmarks Delta discrimination here.

Janelle Evans, MD: Urogynecologist

We were in the middle of the Atlantic on Delta flight 200 to Johannesburg, South Africa, when a man had a GI bleed, hypotension, and became unresponsive in my aisle. Of the four physicians on board, only I had credentials with me, and the purser denied the man care until one of us produced it. I am a urogynecologist, and there was also an ICU physician, but she was told she could not help (she was Latina and similarly petite like me). I told her to ignore the purser and assist. While we worked to stabilize the patient, the purser would not put the lights on to start IVs and adequately see the medical kit. The kit was less than half-stocked with no aspirin, no nitro, nothing. She tried to start drink service while we had a fully naked man in the walkway between lavatories and bloody stool all over one side of the plane. We successfully stabilized him and no sooner had we done so that she angrily declared that we were relieved of medical duty because she was going to deal with the in-flight phone physician rather than us. I had made it clear I wasnt leaving the area and personally spoke with the ground doc who confirmed that his condition required in-flight assistance. I never heard from Delta until my article got published. It did not go viral like Dr. Cross, but they did call and comp our flight. I never received a thank you from the purser and left the plane with the patient, covered in bloody feces. In the aftermath, apparently the purser tried to cover it up and only reported it as a minor incident. My information was not included.

Pamela Wible is a family physician who has offered medical care during two in-flight emergencies. Nobody ever asked for her credentials. They did offer her a bottle of wine as a parting gift. She doesnt drink.

She pioneered the community-designed ideal medical clinic and blogs at Ideal Medical Care. She 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 credits: Pamela Wible
Quality enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that local company Maher's SPAR Goresbridge was nominated for a prestigious Q Mark Award at this years National Q Mark Awards, held in the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel.

The Q Mark certification is awarded only to companies who achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence, with Q Mark criteria ensuring that clients exceed legal requirements rather than simply adhering to them. This further assures consumers that companies who hold the Q are committed to continuous improvement and best practice.

Its fantastic to see local businesses being nominated for The Q Mark Awards! says Irene Collins, Managing Director, EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association), speaking at the event. To be nominated for The Q Mark Awards is an enormous achievement, particularly as this year has seen the highest number of attendees at the star studded event. she continued; Companies who hold The Q Mark demonstrate to their customers that the highest standards of quality and excellence are at the heart of their business and that is something that is really worth celebrating!

The EIQA offers its programmes across all sectors, with customers in retail, food service, manufacturing, institutions, prison services, government, healthcare, business and professional services, financial institutions, nursing homes, leisure centres and not for profit organisations
Back in the 90s, when the EU had ceased to be a mere trade agreement and had become a full-blown oligarchy that would eventually gobble up most of western and eastern Europe, my belief was that it had not only been a doomed concept, it had additionally been rushed into being far too quickly. Although, at that time, the governments of Europe were gleefully joining up, I said, I give it twenty years, tops.

It was an offhanded remark and, in truth, I was throwing a dart at a board regarding the time period, but twenty years did seem about right to me. And this shouldnt have been a difficult prophecy. There were three major reasons for its validity.

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

First off, the countries of Europe had perennially been at war with each other since long before gunpowder was invented. Europe is basically tribal and there is simply no way that the mindsets and objectives of, say, the British are going to be the same as, say, the French. If under the EU diktat, British fishermen were then told that they could no longer fish their own waters because Brussels had decided to give British territorial waters to the French so that they could fish, there would be greater cause for enmity between countries than ever before in history. (The quote above from Robert Frost was meant to pertain to individual property owners, but it applies equally to modern-day tribes.)

Sudden Change Breeds Resentment

Second, the rulings from Brussels came in a torrent after its formation. Nearly every country in Europe was shoehorned into fitting in with Union objectives. As a result, whilst some countries gained some advantages, all countries lost the basic freedom that comes with self-determination. Those who objected were threatened that theyd better behave. Those who suggested departing from the union were further threatened that that theyd be shut out of EU trade and destroyed economically.

Most people behave like sheep in most situations. Thats a basic trait of mankind, in any culture, in any age. However, sudden change (in either events or public opinion) often sparks revolt. Certainly King George of Britain discovered this when he chose to make up for a wartime monetary shortfall by imposing a stamp tax on his colonies in America. A decade later, the French people, when they heard (falsely) that Queen Marie Antoinette had replied to the shortage of bread amongst her minions, Let them eat cake, it served as a jolt to public opinion that would send many Frenchmen over the edge to the point of rebellion.

The elite in Brussels have grossly overplayed their hand, time and time again, by imposing sudden and dramatic change on the countries of Europe, whilst behaving arrogantly, bringing many of Europes people to the boiling point.

It Wasnt the People that Joined the Union

To add to the tyranny, no countrys population voted in a majority to join the union. Half-hearted referenda were undertaken by some countries, but voter turnouts were often poor. In other countries, the referenda were not binding. In the end, each government went ahead with only minority support and plunged headlong into a union that would benefit them, the leaders, but would not serve their people well.

The EU was, from its inception, the antithesis of Government of the people, by the people, for the people. It was, instead, an Uber-Government of the political leaders, for the political leaders, by the political leaders.

All the above contributed to the likelihood (at least in my view) of a short-lived EU.

But the easy task is to predict the event. The more difficult task is to predict an approximate date, so that investment decisions and major life decisions may be timed to avoid the individual becoming collateral damage. The important question therefore would then be, What will be the trigger to begin the collapse?

As the years passed and the cracks in the EU started to appear, the race was on as to whether the undoing would be as a result of the economic failure of the southern member-states, or by the social strains of immigration that Brussels forced onto its member-countries. In each case, it was predictable that the political leaders would defend the EU policies at all costs, although each would increasingly lose the support of constituents by doing so.

On the economic front, all eyes were on Greece and the other Mediterranean members, as they clung stubbornly to their collectivist economic policies. They would continue to bleed red ink at the expense of their more economically responsible northern brethren. Along the way, in order to appease her voters, German Chancellor Angela Markel stated firmly that the EU would not bail out the Italian banks; that they would have to rely on bail-ins (a measure that had been approved in 2014 for all EU countries). Then the news came that the German Deutsche Bank was on the ropes, threatening to cause a bloodbath for the German people. Germany, having lost billions of its money to the other EU countries, would need $14 billion to pay for Deutsche Banks mis-sold mortgage-backed securities and that would just be the beginning.

The German people had paid through the nose to support other EU members, but a line had been drawn in the sand as to future bail-outs, just before Germany realised its own crisis.

Suddenly, Mrs. Merkel has been caught between her obligation as Chancellor to the German people and her personal commitment to the EU. Her problem is exacerbated by the fact that she is up for re-election in 2017.

Ironically, in the race for the collapse of the EU, it may be that the trigger that begins the process is Germany, the country that was most responsible for its creation.

The comparison with the Titanic is an apt one. Like the Titanic, the EU was presented as a super-state, one that would be bigger and better than all the others in Europe. It was declared unsinkable. Yet, soon after it was launched, it hit an unexpected iceberg from which it could not recover.

Years from now, historians and economists will debate the identity of the EU iceberg. Some will say Brexit; others will say Deutsche Bank. Still others will cite events that we have not yet seen. However, for our purposes, it matters little. The dominoes have begun to fall and all of us that may be impacted by an EU collapse should make sure that we have all our own ducks in a row - to assure that we are impacted as minimally as possible.

Jeff Thomas

International Man and Strategic Wealth Preservation

jeff.thomas1066@gmail.com
FRANKFURT, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank is studying a possible change of its strategy in the United States, where it is fighting a $14 billion fine the Department of Justice (DoJ) is requiring over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds before the financial crisis, two sources close to the company said on Saturday.

They said that while abandoning the United States, its most important market, altogether was very likely out of the question for the bank, it could consider scaling down its activities, so as to focus more on the needs of German corporate clients overseas.

German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in an abstract of a story due to be published on Sunday said earlier that a change of business strategy might be part of a settlement with the DoJ, in addition to paying the fine, possibly by giving up its investment banking in the United States, but the two sources did not confirm this connection.

A Deutsche Bank spokeswoman declined to comment on the report.

The bank has been engulfed in crisis since news of the DoJ fine demand emerged last month.

It is fighting the fine but could have to turn to investors for more money if it is imposed in full.

Progress is also slow on steps to cut staff, overheads and the sell off of non-core businesses that chief executive John Cryan announced when he took on his job last year.

A source with direct knowledge of matters said on Friday that the bank's CFO last month told staff representative that job cuts could be double those planned, in a step possibly removing a further 10,000 employees. A second source familiar with the discussions said on Friday the management was examining the countries where it is present so as to decide where it was worth staying.

Generally, the bank is looking hard where to generate future profits and whether to curb trading activities in its investment banking division.

Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Saturday said the supervisory board had been discussing how to proceed in the United States, including a complete withdrawal, although given that market's importance, this might be too radical a move.

A partial exodus from the U.S. could, on the other hand help save capital costs and expenditure, the newspaper said.

(Reporting by Kathrin Jones and Alexander Huebner, writing by Vera Eckert, editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Participants in the 2016 Walk, Run and Roll For Thought take to the trail at Lions Park in Bremerton.

Engineers, teachers, parents, and artists were just a few of the 63 survivors, family and friends who gathered at Lions Park in Bremerton on Sept. 10 to break the silence regarding brain injury.

Brain injury not only changes the lives of the survivor, but also the lives of family members. Understanding what to do with those changes is crucial for moving forward.

Diana Bluthenthal spoke at the event about the realities of living with a brain injury. She, her husband and their two sons were in a car accident in November 2011. She said that Harrison Medical Center occupational therapist Janice Worman gave her "professional terms to the behaviors" she and her family experienced. If one does not understand the residuals of brain injury, it is difficult to develop healthy coping skills and seek appropriate help.

"Janice also reminded me 'Recovery is not a linear path.' Fluctuations in behavior and moods are common following brain injury and are frequently misunderstood thus adding to the confusion on how to manage life after an injury," Blumenthal said.

The Brain Injury Support Group of Kitsap County organized The Walk For Thought event and continues to carry out the works of Dr. Sherwood Young. His vision was to create environments and situations for survivors and their families to better understand the effects and behaviors of brain injury as well as help individuals construct a new normal. Today, the support group continues to meet twice a month, sharing common bonds and exploring ways to productively move forward so both survivors and all those involved have healthy opportunities to learn and practice living a life with hope.

The group seeks solutions to day-to-day challenges, shares updates in the recovery process, provides a network of support for survivors and families, and continues to educate community members that life may change after a brain injury, but the pursuit of happiness is everlasting.

The 2016 Walk, Run and Roll For Thought was also a time of celebration for Worman and her tireless efforts and total dedication to help those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries in Kitsap County and surrounding areas. Janice is an occupational therapist at Harrison Medical Center Rehab in Silverdale. She has been helping those with traumatic brain injuries for 24 years.

It can be very difficult to quantify a traumatic brain injury, but Worman is a master at doing just that. She is also a master at crafting various therapy plans for each of her patients that, in many cases, extend out for many years.

Truly, if there were more people in the world like Janice Worman, this world of ours would be a much better place to live.

Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent was present and gave Worman a key to the city and a special certificate of appreciation for her efforts in helping her patients.

We look forward to next year's 2017 Walk, Run and Roll For Thought.

Rick Bonari is the Kitsap County representative to the Brain Injury Alliance Of Washington.
SHARE Charlotte Garrido is seeking her fourth term as the south end Kitsap County commissioner her third consecutive term.

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  Democrat Charlotte Garrido, seeking a third consecutive term as Kitsap County commissioner, hopes if elected to build on her outreach to neighborhoods in the south end and take her "neighborhood planning" initiative countywide.

Garrido, 70, began her civic career in Olalla more than 30 years ago as a grass roots activist, working on the county's comprehensive plan, parks preservation and promoting local agriculture. Her goal is to help Kitsap residents pinpoint their own neighborhoods' needs and to bridge the bureaucratic gap that sometimes exists between the county and its constituents.

"The philosophy is that people who live in their neighborhoods are experts about their own surroundings, and government can learn from that," she said. "Since we have many services, neighborhoods could benefit from it. It would be a really good mutual relationship."

Garrido, who faces Republican Chris Tibbs in the Nov. 8 election, served a single term as South Kitsap commissioner from 1997 through 2000, during the early days of growth management planning. As a consultant to the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, she laid the foundation for bringing four-year degrees to Kitsap County. She holds a doctoral degree in urban planning with a focus on public participation.

Elected again in 2008, she has been active in efforts to create living-wage jobs and has stumped for better state ferry service to the Kitsap Peninsula and other ferry-dependent communities.

"Charlotte has been very effective in advocating for the ferries as a regional leader," said state Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island.

"She's very passionate about workforce development," said Julie Tappero, chairwoman of the Olympic Workforce Development Council, a regional advisory group on which Garrido has served for a number of years. Garrido recently shepherded through a strategic plan the group needed to bring funding for job creation in the county. Her willingness to dig into the details of bureaucratic protocol was greatly appreciated, said Tappero, a Garrido campaign donor.

Garrido knows that her affinity for planning and procedure is a target for some critics.

"People say I only deal with process. I don't get anything done," she said. "The fact of the matter is, the only way you get things done is knowing the steps from start to finish or knowing when to take the next step."

Garrido believes her neighborhood planning initiative is a promising framework on which to build toward tangible goals.

Take the rural community of Harper, for example, she says. For more than a decade some community members have wanted to restore the Harper Creek estuary, site of an old brick factory. Garrido over the past couple of years has been meeting with Harper neighbors on the latest iteration of the plan. Construction on the first phase, removal of industrial fill and replacement of an old culvert to improve fish passage, began this fall. The more complex phase 2 involves additional culvert work and construction of a new bridge on Olympiad Drive.

Garrido acted as a liaison between the neighbors and the county's public works department, said Jim Heytvelt, a Harper resident who's had a hand in a number of neighborhood projects over the years. Garrido made sure the conversation was a two-way street, said Heytvelt, also a campaign donor.

"She never says, 'I think this,' or, 'I think that,'" he said. "She's trying to draw suggestions out of people, out of the group. She encourages people to contribute, in my opinion."

But others in the neighborhood are still chafing over changes to a small boat launch as a result of the project.

"We all got this warm fuzzy feeling that she wanted to hear from us about the project," said Bruce Hinds. "She said she was interested in people's opinions and best interests. It didn't necessarily go that way."

Although revised plans call for a graded slope down to the beach that will allow for hand-launched craft like small boats and kayaks, Hinds wishes they'd leave things as they've been. He also worries about the effect of silt from the estuary on his beach-front property and its potential effect on property values.

Heytvelt says the new beach access was a collaborative effort between some of the neighbors, and state and county officials. "It satisfied a lot of people. It didn't satisfy everybody," he said.

Garrido points to neighborhood outreach in Manchester as another example of government listening to locals and providing resources to achieve mutual goals. The county's stormwater department designed an underground treatment chamber for runoff with a small village green-style park at ground level. As in Harper, not everyone is satisfied with the result. Some say it's too small for a park, Garrido said, but residents who worked most closely on the project are pleased. The park sees regular use in the summer for farmers markets and other events.

Garrido also worked closely with Harper, Manchester, Olalla and the Wicks Lake-Glenwood area on the county's recent comprehensive plan update. Each community has its own unique flavor, she said, but common themes emerged, including a push for traffic safety, crime prevention and better bus service.

The county already has vibrant community advisory councils in Kingston, Central Kitsap and Suquamish, Garrido said. She'd like to see more throughout the county. Another recommendation is to have better coordination among departments for a more "holistic" approach to engage residents and promote county services available to them.

Garrido's outreach in South Kitsap has been a pilot project to gauge the benefits of neighborhood planning. County officials also have studied cities, like Seattle and Vancouver, that have their own designated "neighborhoods" departments, as well as counties across the country that use the neighborhoods model.

One of these, Manatee County, Florida, has done targeted neighborhood outreach for about a decade, with the goal of lifting up downtrodden areas. The first couple of years involved a lot of staff time, said Cheri Coryea, Neighborhood Services Department director. Getting buy-in from different departments was, in some cases, hard won. But time spent knocking on doors and setting up kiosks in the park to highlight county services bore fruit, Coryea said.

"It's really relationship building," she said. "We say we're going to stop talking about you and start talking to you. ... You don't go in there and try to force yourself in."

Although the Manatee County has scaled back on intensive outreach, connections with core leaders remain. The neighborhood "catalysts" in turn serve as a contact point for county news and complaints flowing back the other way, Coryea said. "That's the philosophy we've been able to use, and it's working. It's not a perfect science."

Heytvelt wonders about the county's ability to rally neighbors' interest when there isn't a project like the estuary in the offing. Over more than two decades, he's watched cohesion in Harper wax and wane as issues and causes come and go.

"Something has to be the central focus of why you're going to get people together," he said.

Another hurdle will be attracting younger participants, Heytvelt thinks. The average age of the Harper neighbors group is 55 to 65, he guesses. And there's the issue of proximity.

"The farther our neighbors live from the bull's-eye of the target, the less they participate, because, 'That's not my backyard,'" he said.
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By Andrew Binion of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  The trial date for a man charged in November 2014 with premeditated first-degree murder was pushed back Thursday to February, with a warning from the judge that she would not abide further delays.

David Kalac's attorney also indicated Thursday to Kitsap Superior Court Judge Jeanette Dalton that he would seek a "diminished capacity" defense, confirming that he will challenge the state's allegation that Kalac, 35, planned to kill Amber Coplin, 30, who had been in a relationship with Kalac but was trying to move on, but would not challenge that Kalac did kill Coplin.

The trial had been set for Oct. 31, but Dalton postponed it until Feb. 21.

"If I set it out to February, I expect it to go in February," Dalton told the attorneys.

Kalac's attorneys have indicated in court records and courtroom statements that they believe substance abuse, especially alcoholism, affected Kalac. They have sought additional medical testing of Kalac. That testing, and the time to prepare for trial with the testing results, meant if the trial proceeded as soon as possible testimony would push up against the holiday season, burdening jurors.

The new defense strategy came after Kalac's previous attorney, Ron Ness, died suddenly of natural causes in August. Adrian Pimentel, who was assisting Ness, became Kalac's lead attorney. Shortly after assuming lead in the case, Pimentel signaled he would change direction despite objections from prosecutors, who did not want to further delay the trial.

The case drew widespread attention when Kalac allegedly posted photos of Coplin to the Internet and then fled to Oregon, where he later surrendered to police.

Under the new date, Kalac's trial will take place more than two years and three months after Coplin's death. Kalac had been previously convicted in a jailhouse assault, but will remain in the Kitsap County Jail until the new trial, according to prosecutors.
SHARE Aaron M. Chambers

By Kitsap Sun Staff

PORT ORCHARD  Kitsap County Sheriff's Office detectives on Friday arrested a man who had been suspected in a drive-by shooting that occurred early Thursday in South Kitsap.

Aaron M. Chambers was arrested Friday on Bravo Terrace SE, off Sedgdwick Road, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies credited several tips received after Chambers was identified Thursday as a possible suspect.

An arrest warrant for Chambers was issued Thursday afternoon for a drive-by shooting in a residential neighborhood in the area of Mile Hill Drive and Harrison Avenue SE. Investigators believe the shooter had targeted another vehicle. Nobody was injured.

Chambers was convicted in 2004 of second-degree assault while armed with a firearm for shooting another man. The man survived. Chambers was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to court documents. He has other felony convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, car theft and possession of drugs.

Chambers is scheduled in January for trial in Kitsap County Superior Court. He is accused of being the driver in a South Kitsap shoplifting theft in January 2016.
SHARE Chris Tibbs is running for Kitsap County commissioner for a third time. After two unsuccessful bids to unseat north end Commissioner Rob Gelder, he's taking on incumbent Charlotte Garrido.

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  Republican Chris Tibbs, making his third run for Kitsap County commissioner, hopes that if he's elected he'll be remembered in decades to come for playing a key role in fixing the Gorst bottleneck.

Tibbs, 36, former chairman of the Kitsap County Republican Party, ran against Rob Gelder in 2011 for a vacated seat and again in 2012, losing both times. The incumbent Gelder is running unopposed Nov. 8 for North Kitsap commissioner.

Tibbs, now a Port Orchard resident, in 2016 was among several applicants for a vacant Port Orchard city council position. He was not chosen.

Tibbs took 44.1 percent of the vote in the Aug. 2 primary to Garrido's 37.3 percent among voters in District 2, encompassing South Kitsap and a portion of Bremerton, including downtown. The general election expands the vote to all of Kitsap County.

"I believe that county government should work for the people," Tibbs said. "I will listen to their concerns and prioritize projects based on what will impact their lives the most. A perfect example of where this is most needed is Highway 3 through Gorst. People in Kitsap County have complained about the traffic in this area for over a decade, yet nothing has been done to fix it."

Tibbs would work with local, state and federal officials to secure funding from multiple sources, which will be required to widen Highway 3 through Gorst, build a new interchange at Highway 3 and Sam Christopherson Way and widen connecting ramps. Tibbs would work with Kitsap Transit on new park-and-rides west and south of Gorst to reduce the number of cars traveling through.

Many politicians and leaders have tried to tackle the corridor before. Impediments are funding, geographical challenges and the Navy's railroad.

The effort will take coordination with local groups like the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council and West Sound Alliance, as well as advocating for Kitsap's interests with Congress, the Navy and Department of Homeland Security, Tibbs said. All of that requires networking, in which Tibbs says he has a proven track record.

"It all comes down to relationships and respect," he said. "There's challenges no doubt. It's a large undertaking, but if we don't try, if we don't start moving forward, it will never happen."

Tibbs cites, as evidence of his qualifications to get the job done, 2014, a banner election year for the local GOP, when four legislative positions and four local seats went to Republicans. Tibbs touts his role in the 2013 election of Jan Angel to the state Senate and in 2016, the allocation of $300,000 from the state to restore the Turner Joy, a retired Navy vessel turned museum, for which Tibbs lobbied.

Tibbs has strong backers, including Angel and acting Kitsap GOP Chairwoman Heather George. But a contingent of party members remains critical of his handling of finances and other matters during his tenure.

Angel affirms Tibbs was instrumental in her victory over Nathan Schlicher in November 2015 for the 26th District Senate seat vacated by now-Congressman Derek Kilmer. Tibbs recruited volunteers and raised funds for Angel in what remains the most expensive race ever for state Legislature  $3.1 million raised total for both candidates.

"He played a very huge role in that," Angel said. "He was the organizer of a lot of different programs here in Kitsap to support the campaign."

Tibbs' goal to affect a solution in Gorst is admirable but fraught with obstacles, Angel said. The biggest challenge would be adding a third lane from the Highway 304 on-ramp to Gorst, estimated to cost nearly $160 million. Transportation projects of such magnitude require constant effort so it doesn't get pushed to the back burner, Angel said, and there Tibbs would likely deliver.

"When Chris takes on a project, he puts his head down and charges," she said.

As a lobbyist through his consulting company Westsound Strategic Partners, Tibbs gets high marks from John Hanson, president of the Bremerton Historic Ships Association, owner of the Turner Joy, for whom Tibbs advocated pro bono. Mason County, which paid Westsound Strategic Partners $2,000 in 2016, also was satisfied with his work testifying on behalf of Mason and other counties about the impact of unfunded mandates from the state, said Terri Jeffreys, president of the Mason County Board of Commissioners. "I found his work to be complete and very detailed, and his follow-up was very, very good," she said.

Westsound Strategic Partners in 2015 was paid $5,000 from Kitsap Transit for analysis of election data related to a proposal for passenger-only ferry service between Kitsap County and Seattle. A measure to increase the county's sales and use tax by 3/10ths of 1 percent to help fund the service is on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Count among Tibbs' detractors Linda Simpson, former vice chairwoman for the Kitsap County Republican Party. Simpson in December 2014 was excluded from a meeting at which Tibbs was re-elected to a second term as chairman, a move she says stemmed from her questioning of party finances.

Simpson cites reimbursements made to Tibbs, including $4,272 in 2014 for travel, meals and other expenses, as potentially improper. She has filed a complaint against the party with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Simpson says the local party's reimbursement of $4,333 to Westsound Strategic Partners in 2016, after Tibbs had announced his retirement as party chairman but before he officially stepped down, smacks of conflict of interest.

Tibbs in 2014 (before the meeting from which Simpson was excluded) addressed her financial concerns in a lengthy email to precinct committee officers, who vote for the chairman. Tibbs said the party's executive committee approves the budget, which includes reimbursement for expenses for the otherwise unpaid position, and the committee reviews actual expenditures. The committee that year authorized a stipend for the chairman, said Tibbs, who scaled back his work as sales manager for Ootopia Coffee during his first two-year term that began in late 2012.

Tibbs also served on the state Republican party's executive board, which required travel around the state.

Expenditures in 2014  including money to get out the vote  were higher than historically, but so was the amount raised, Tibbs said. He points to election results as evidence of money well spent.

Tibbs later apologized in writing for Simpson's exclusion from the meeting. That only partly satisfied Kathryn Simpson (no relation to Linda), another party member critical of Tibbs. Kathryn Simpson complained to the Washington State Republican Party.

Kathryn Simpson now lives in Virginia and has followed Kitsap politics through social media. She wonders why no Republicans have stepped up this year for the 23rd District seats, and why Gelder is getting a pass for another term.

"If you want to look at what Chris has done, I think he destroyed a lot of goodwill, and we don't have people running for those positions," she said.

Acting Chairwoman George, who took over for Tibbs in July, recently spoke to concerns about the party's finances and Westsound Strategic Partners. She affirmed that the executive board has oversight of the budget, including reimbursements for travel and the chairman's discretionary spending. That includes recruiting and supporting volunteers. Revenues and expenditures are reviewed monthly at the executive board meeting, which party members are welcome to attend, she said.

Reimbursements to Tibbs' company in early 2016 were related to the Republican precinct caucuses and county convention. Equipment and services for automated calls and text messages could be obtained wholesale through Tibbs' company "as a cost-saving measure," George said. Similar activity took place in July in the run-up to the primary election. According to the PDC, businesses owned by party officials can receive reimbursements, as long as charges do not exceed market rate.

George dismissed Linda Simpson's claims of fiscal mismanagement on Tibbs' part and defended his contributions to the party.

"Chris has spent countless hours working to recruit candidates, building effective working relationships through the state of Washington, which has allowed us to thrive as a party," George said. "Chris has given of his time, talent and treasure to build the Republican party we have today, and it is largely because of his will we have become so successful."
MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN) Molly Mansker (center), sews a shield as (clockwise, left to right) Joanne Berry, Laura Reynolds and Lori Johnson learn how to assemble hand-sewn items that go into feminine-hygiene kits for girls in Africa. The volunteers with the Poulsbo chapter of Days For Girls create the reusable pads to help girls in Malawi, who don't have access to feminine products.

SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / CHILDREN OF THE NATIONS Two recipients of the Days For Girls feminine hygiene kits. The bags are distributed by Silverdale-based Children of the Nations. MEEGAN M. REID / KITSAP SUN) Patterns and cut fabric that will be sewed into shields lay on a table during a recent work session of the Poulsbo chapter of Days For Girls.

By Terri Gleich, Special to the Kitsap Sun

POULSBO  Thanks to a group of Poulsbo-based volunteers, at least 50 girls in the African nation of Malawi are attending school this month, all month.

The volunteers sent the girls reusable feminine hygiene kits sewn out of colorful cotton prints and absorbent flannel. And while that might strike some as an odd gift, it's actually life-changing.

Young girls in Malawi and throughout the developing world often miss up to five days of school a month because they lack feminine hygiene products to manage their periods.

And when girls miss that much school  up to two months a year  they're more likely to drop out, marry young and stay in poverty.

"If a girl goes to school during their period, they are shamed if people see. Boys laugh at them and they have a not-good reputation for them. They are ashamed to go back to school," said Lezitah Mtema, a Malawian intern for Silverdale-based Children of the Nations.

"I know there are a huge number of girls facing that problem. It means their future is doomed."

It's a dire problem, but it has a remarkably simple solution  a $10 reusable feminine hygiene kit that takes about three hours to sew.

Days for Girls International, a Washington-based nonprofit, designed the kits, which contain eight absorbent flannel pads, two waterproof panty shields, two pairs of underwear, two one-gallon Ziploc bags, a bar of soap, a washcloth and a drawstring bag to carry the supplies.

Since the effort began in 2008, more than 300,000 kits have been distributed in 100 countries. According to the organization's website, school absence rates in Uganda plummeted from 25 percent to 3 percent after girls got the kits. The number in Kenya dropped from 36 percent to 8 percent.

When Poulsbo's Molly Mansker first heard about the issue, she was shocked and angry. "How can this possibly be? Something as basic as that."

A seamstress since age 10, she quickly got to work creating a local Days for Girls chapter and recruiting volunteers. She reached out to Children of the Nations, which cares for orphaned and destitute children in five nations, including Malawi, to deliver the kits.

Cheryl Cuthbertson, the relief agency's director of sustainable practices, agreed to take 50 kits to Malawi last summer. The pouches were so well-received that the group is now seeking 600 by next summer to serve all of the girls in its Malawi-based programs, which serve three villages.

"The girls just shouted for joy," Cuthbertson said. "Even giving them two pairs of new panties is a big deal. You're talking about families that are living on $1.25 a day."

Photos and a video provided by Children of the Nations show a dozen smiling girls clapping, cheering, laughing and pointing as a local nurse explains the kits and shows the girls a printed card for tracking their monthly cycles. The nurse also teaches the girls about menstruation, hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases and refusing unwanted sex.

Lasaundra Bies, a volunteer with the Poulsbo Days for Girls chapter, has been to Malawi on three medical missions with her husband, William Bies, who is a physician's assistant. She was there when the Poulsbo hygiene kits were distributed and said the nurses quickly requested more.

For most girls and women in Malawi, there's no money for disposable pads and no sanitary place to dispose of them. So they're forced to use whatever they can find, including banana leaves, rags and newspaper. Often, they lack underwear to hold the materials in place, so they use a cord or rope. Others simply stay home, sitting on cardboard or trash until their period abates.

In addition to being ineffective, using leaves or newspaper causes medical issues, including itching and infections. "We go through a lot of Vagisil cream. It's a common complaint we see on a daily basis," Bies said.

"It overwhelms me what these girls are doing everyday to be able to go to school and what moms are doing to be able to take care of their kids. They'll use anything they can find."

As the Poulsbo chapter works to create 100 kits by the end of the month and an additional 500 by next summer, Bies and Mansker are finding it easy to recruit volunteers, including a group from Port Angeles who recently traveled to Poulsbo for training.

"Every woman we talk to is like, 'I want to do something.' It touches a chord with every single one of us," Bies said.

Terri Mansell, assistant director of the Poulsbo chapter, said there are many ways to get involved. People who don't sew can donate money or materials, cut out fabric, iron the pieces or help assemble the kits. "Some people are committing 20 hours a week and some are giving five hours a month. It's a feel-good thing. You feel good when you get done."

"It's not going to cure poverty," Mansker said. "But for a lot of these girls, it's a huge piece."

Mtema, the African intern, agreed. "Most of the time in Malawi, girls are sidelined. They are not that valued. If you send a girl to school, it's more important. It educates the whole society because girls will stay and help the village."

HOW TO HELP:

Days for Girls Poulsbo Chapter has monthly work parties at the Poulsbo Library. The next one is 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24. For details, follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Days-for-Girls-Poulsbo-WA-Chapter-129484457491178/

In addition to volunteers, the group is seeking donations of:

 100-percent cotton or cotton flannel in dark colors with botanical or geometric patterns to help hide stains

 100-percent polyester thread in dark colors

 Dark-colored panties in girl's size 10, 12 and 14

 Dark-colored washcloths

 Gallon Ziploc freezer bags (no sliders)

 Hotel-sized bars of soap

 Cash or gift cards for supplies

Contact: poulsbowa@daysforgirls.org
Stuff reports:

Air New Zealand has issued a total ban on fire-prone Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on all of its flights from 5am on Sunday morning.

A spokeswoman said the airline strongly advised travellers not to bring these devices to the airport with them.

They cannot be accepted for travel and there is no storage facility available for them at our check in areas, the spokeswoman said.

It came after the United States Department of Transportation issued a total ban on passengers and flight crews bringing the phones on airline flights into and out of the United States.
Stuff reports:

Two stalwarts of Toast Martinborough have pulled out of next months festival, with one complaining about overzealous policing of liquor laws.

Heavyweight vineyard Palliser Estate  whose former director, the late Richard Riddiford, was one of the driving forces behind the festival  has dropped out, as has neighbouring Escarpment Vineyard.

Escarpment director and winemaker Larry McKenna said changes to liquor law enforcement makes it too difficult. They [police] have prosecuted various sites for breaching the liquor act  now, its just not worth getting involved.

Really, any one of the sites at any time could be considered in breach. Its jeopardising the future of the event.

Palliser Estate chief executive Pip Goodwin said Toast used to be extremely fun for all those involved. However, things have changed, including the environment under which we operate.

McKenna blamed Wellington polices alcohol prevention squad for taking a harder line than local officers. However, Wellington alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Damian Rapira-Davies said police were simply carrying out their jobs.
The Ukraine-EU high-level political consultations with participation of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will be held in Brussels on October 19, 2016.

"The Ukraine-EU high-level political consultations with participation of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and profile members of the European Commission will be held in Brussels on October 19, 2016," the press service of the president reported.

The press service said that the leaders of Ukraine and the EU institutions will discuss the development of the situation in Donbas and Crimea, the course of fulfillment of the Minsk agreements and the prospects of the regime of sanctions against Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine. The parties will negotiate progress in the implementation of reforms and ways to increase the EU support. They will also coordinate future steps on ratification of the Association Agreement and introduction of the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.
The boil advisory for Tallulah, La. has been lifted, but many residents and business owners in the area are frustrated with the City of Tallulah Water System leaving the city with brown water for the past week.

Mayor Paxton Branch says he is thankful residents remained patient as the situation was resolved... for now.

"The most important thing is that the boil advisory has been lifted, so it's safe to drink the water as well as utilize the water. So, it's really good and businesses will be glad to hear that," says Branch.

Marlin Evans is a small business owner in Tallulah; he sells cubed ice in bags and bulk. He says when Tallulah's water turns brown, he is forced to shut down his business.

"This is Flint, Michigan in Tallulah, Louisiana," Evans says. "Anytime there's a boil water alert we have to shut the machine down."

Evans also has to deal with the water at home.

"I go home and take showers a lot of times, and you look down in the drain and it is brown - literally brown," says Evans.

Last weekend, one of the City of Tallulah Water System's filters went down, turning the city's water brown. The city did not go under boil advisory until Monday, forcing everyone to use brown water for several days.

Mayor Branch says the system's filter system has been repaired, but the system is old and definitely needs improvements.

"Our system is about 69 years old. Therefor, we're dealing with parts that we don't know when they're going to go out. You know, it's just an old system, and we just thank most of our constituents and our clients for just being patient with us, understanding that this is not in our control," says Branch.

KNOE reached out to The City of Tallulah Water System for comment, but received no answer.
The Ukrainian military recorded 21 instances of ceasefire violation on the part of militants from the midnight until 6:00 p.m. on Ocotber 14, Kyiv said.

According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, 16 episodes of shelling took place in the Mariupol sector, with Kyiv's adversary "broadly using heavy weapons".

"The positions of the Ukrainian forces in the areas of Shyrokyne, Lebedynske, Vodiane, and Pavlopil cane under fire from 122mm artillery pieces. Also, the militiamen repeatedly used 120mm mortars there. The Ukrainian positions in Talakivka were also shelled from mortars of the same caliber, while in Maryinka and Karasnohorivka the adversary conducted fire from a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle and mortars," the ministry said in a release posted on the official website.

The Luhansk sector saw four instances of shelling, in particular, targeting the village of Nova Oleksandrivka in the Popasna district where various systems of grenade launchers were used, Kyiv said.

In addition, a shelling was recorded in the Donetsk sector where militants fired machineguns and small arms targeting the town of Avdiyivka, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.
By Choi Sung-jin



The nation's exports to the United States and Vietnam have increased since 2010 but its shipments to China have been on a downswing, a trade group reported Friday.



According to data released by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Korea's shipments to the U.S. increased from $49.8 billion in 2010 to $69.8 billion last year. Exports in the first eight months of this year amounted to $44.5 billion.



The share of U.S. bound shipments in Korea's total exports also grew from 10.7 percent to 13.8 percent over the period, the KITA data showed.



Exports to Vietnam nearly tripled, from $9.7 billion to $27.8 billion, with its share jumping from 2.1 percent to 6.4 percent of Korea's total overseas shipments.



"The U.S. economic recovery has led to a revival of domestic consumption and the consequent increase in demand for imports," the report stated.



Also, Korean businesses have significantly increased their direct investment in Vietnam, and the expanded production there is resulting in an export increase in a virtuous circle, it reported, adding that exports to the Southeast Asian country, which has emerged as the "second manufacturing base overseas" for Korean companies, are expected to continue to rise.



Meanwhile, Korea's exports to China and that country's portion in Korea's exports have fluctuated over the period: from $116.8 billion (25.1 percent) in 2010 to $134.2 billion (24.2 percent) in 2011, $134.3 billion (24.5 percent) in 2012, $145.9 billion (26.1 percent) in 2013, $145.3 billion (25.4 percent) in 2014, and $137.1 billion (26.0 percent) in 2015. Since 2013, the overall amount of exports to China has turned downward.



"China's economic slowdown and the Beijing government's policy shift toward domestic consumption-oriented growth, as well as the falling exports of the world's second-largest economy, have combined to exert a negative influence on Korea's exports to its biggest export destination," the report said.



Although Korea's export of consumer goods to China has sharply increased, overall shipments are unlikely to maintain the vigor of the previous years because of China's stunted growth and changes in the Chinese trade structure, it added.



"As the demand for consumer goods is increasing in the Chinese market, as is the case in the U.S., Korean exporters need to set up a strategy to promote the export of high-end consumer items that have brand power," the report said.








By Choi Sung-jin



Riding on the "hallyu" fervor and consequent "K-beauty" boom, the domestic cosmetics industry has emerged as a promising export sector.



Spearheaded by the two front-runners  Amore Pacific and LG Household & Health Care  Kolmar Korea and Cosmax are surfacing as major manufacturers followed by smaller but promising firms, industry watchers say.



One such firm rapidly following the top companies is Claires Korea, which started its operations of its new manufacturing plant in Gimpo, west of Seoul, last month.



Established in 2011, the company made sensations with just one hit item, "Guerisson 9 Complex Cream" in the Chinese market, recording 180 billion won ($160 million) in sales last year. The "horse oil cream," first released in 2014, is based on German horse oil known to be effective in healing wounds and the company has sold more than 30 million products in China by just word of mouth.



Encouraged by the popularity of the horse oil cream, Claires Korea has set up a subsidiary, Cos Nine, and seeks to emerge as a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM)  a company that makes a part or subsystem that is used in another company's end product, and plans to go further to be an original design manufacturer (ODM)  a firm that designs and manufactures a product as specified and eventually rebranded by another firm for sale.



"Our goal is to become one of the big-three' cosmetics makers by 2020, sharing the market with the two existing manufacturers of Kolmar Korea and Cosmax," said Kim Hyung-tae, CEO of Cos Nine.



As the domestic cosmetics consumer market grew riding on the K-beauty boom, its manufacturing market has also expanded.



The number of cosmetics sellers in Korea, as registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stood at 3,840 last year, recording a hefty 6.5-times increase from 591 in 2010. The figure includes not only manufacturers-marketers, such as Amore Pacific and LG Household & Health Care, but also OEMs and ODMs, including Cosmax and Kolmar Korea.



Industry watchers estimate the market for original equipment manufacturing and original design manufacturing to be from 1 trillion won to 1.5 trillion won annually.



Shinsegae International, a clothes maker affiliated with Shinsegae Department Store, has also jumped into the cosmetics manufacturing market, by setting up Shinsegae Intercos Korea, a 50-50 joint venture company with Italy's Intercos, last December.



Shinsegae International's objective of making fashion and cosmetics as its two major pillars for growth, and Intercos's strategy of targeting Asian markets using Korea as a stepping stone, have matched up with each other, the industry watchers said. Shinsegae International is building a large cosmetics plant and research and development center in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, and will start operations at the complex as early as this December with the goal of attaining yearly sales of 100 billion won by 2020.



Tony Moly, a major cosmetics brand here focusing on road shops, is also building a 59,400-square meter plant in Zhejiang Province, China, to be completed by next March. The company plans to serve as OEM and ODM for eight Chinese cosmetics companies.



Korea's cosmetics industry is moving from a trend-setter to a manufacturing center by winning global recognition for its technological and production capacities, they said.



"For instance, Amore Pacific's latest hit product, Cushion Foundation compact, has become a must item' among global cosmetics brands," said an industry executive. "That and other hit products have reaffirmed Korea is a market to watch, which continues to lead global market trends."




By Choi Sung-jin



Many North Korea watchers predicted the reclusive regime would conduct its sixth nuclear test on Oct. 10, the founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party, which turned out to be wide of the mark.



Now they point to December as the month to watch, when there are several anniversaries and political events in the isolationist regime.



They note, for instance, that Dec. 17 is the fifth anniversary of the death of the previous leader Kim Jong-il and that Dec. 30 is also the fifth anniversary of his son and incumbent leader Kim Jong-un taking over the helm of the socialist state.



Pyongyang may make "strategic provocations" timed with these anniversaries to demonstrate its nuclear and missile capacity and prove that the economic sanctions by the international community have turned out to be useless, experts say.



"December is filled with various anniversaries for North Korea and the recovery work of the flood damage also will have been completed by then," said Chung Sung-jang, senior researcher at Sejong Institute. "The North may launch a long-range missile on the fifth anniversary of Kim Jong-il's death or conduct its sixth nuclear test to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Kim Jong-un's inauguration."



Pyongyang seems to have refrained from another nuclear test on Oct. 10 because of strong checks by China, which has been helping the North restore from the flood damage swiftly, he added.



Another expert took note of the fact that the North's propaganda machine is emphasizing Kim Jong-il's death-bed instructions, which called for perfecting the nuclear armaments in the shortest possible time.



"Chances are high that the North would launch a missile or carry out a nuclear test on the anniversary of the senior Kim's death," said Chang Yong-suk, a fellow at the Seoul National University Institute for Peaceful Unification.



North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test two days before Kim Jong-un's birthday on Jan. 8, and launched a long-range missile prior to his father's birthday on Feb. 16, and conducted the fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9, the regime's founding anniversary.



Others expect that North Korea may make provocations around the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8, given that the recalcitrant regime has maintained all along that its nuclear weapons development program is aimed at the United States.



"What's certain is that North Korea is ready to make provocations, nuclear or missile, any time it wants to," said Chung Jun-hee, spokesman for the Ministry of Unification.




Iron trade between China and North Korea is continuing despite the latest United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution that bans such exchanges except for livelihood purposes, a United States expert said Thursday.



The U.N. sanctions, adopted earlier this year in response to the North's fourth nuclear test in January, prohibits North Korea's exports of coal, iron and iron ore, as part of efforts to cut off sources of revenue that could be used for its nuclear and missile programs.



Still, however, exports for "livelihood purposes" are allowed, a big loophole cited by many experts in what has been billed as the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Pyongyang.



On Thursday, Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), said that analysis of satellite imagery of the Musan Mine, one of the North's largest iron mines, and the nearby border with China shows that its iron trade is continuing.



"Based on the imagery ... the Musan Mine remains active and traffic between the mine and the border crossing continues," Lewis said in a report on the website 38 North. "Although the area cannot be said to be 'teeming' with trucks in any of the images seen in this study, there are clear signs that trade is continuing."



Comparing imagery from September 2015 and August 2016, it is clear that mining operations are ongoing even after the adoption of the latest resolution, as evidenced by new and growing spoil piles at the Musan Mine in northern North Korea, he said.



"Overall, satellite imagery indicates that the Musan Mine remains active and iron ore continues to be exported to China. It is not possible to estimate whether the total amount of ore is significantly less than in previous years, but it appears that the livelihood exception ... has allowed this trade channel to remain open," he said. (Yonhap)




The military chiefs of South Korea and the United States paid a joint visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington on Thursday.

Gen. Lee Sun-jin, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his U.S. counterpart, Gen. Joseph Dunford, made the visit ahead of their annual Military Committee Meeting (MCM) set for later Thursday.

It was the first time the JCS chairmen of the two countries paid a joint visit to the memorial, an official said.

"Your sacrifices 66 years ago helped the Republic of Korea become what it is today," Lee said of the 1950-53 Korean War in which the U.S. fought alongside the South. "We will overcome North Korea's nuclear and missile threats with the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance forged in your blood and sweat."

During the visit, Lee handed Dunford an "Ambassador For Peace" medal to be awarded to Dunford's father, Joseph F. Dunford Sr., a Korean War veteran who as a young Marine participated in the landmark landing operation in the western port of Incheon that turned the tide during the war.

Lee, who has been on a visit to the U.S. since Tuesday, is scheduled to hold trilateral talks with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts on Saturday to discuss ways to deal with North Korean threats. (Yonhap)
The military chiefs of South Korea and the United States agreed Thursday to develop "effective response measures" in order to deter and counter additional provocations from North Korea, the Pentagon said.



Gen. Lee Sun-jin, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his U.S. counterpart, Gen. Joseph Dunford, reached the agreement at their annual Military Committee Meeting (MCM) in Washington, denouncing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile provocations, the Pentagon said in a statement.



"The generals agreed to continuously develop effective response measures in order to deter, and if necessary, respond to additional provocation from North Korea," the statement said.



Dunford affirmed that despite the nuclear and missile threat from the North, the Korea-U.S. alliance will "continue to grow firmer and stronger, and the U.S. will continue its ironclad commitment to the defense of the Korean Peninsula," the statement said.



Lee stressed that the South and U.S. will continue its proactive cooperation, including establishment of a practical collaboration system and deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in order to effectively respond to North Korean nuclear and missile threats, it said.



Other South Korean and U.S. officials in attendance included Rear Adm. Chung An-ho, acting chief director of strategic planning at South Korea's JCS, U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Harry B. Harris and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Vincent Brooks.



Earlier in the day, Lee and Dunford paid a joint visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington.



It was the first time the JCS chairmen of the two countries paid a joint visit to the memorial, an official said.



"Your sacrifices 66 years ago helped the Republic of Korea become what it is today," Lee said of the 1950-53 Korean War in which the U.S. fought alongside the South. "We will overcome North Korea's nuclear and missile threats with the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance forged in your blood and sweat."



During the visit, Lee handed Dunford an "Ambassador For Peace" medal to be awarded to Dunford's father, Joseph F. Dunford Sr., a Korean War veteran who as a young Marine participated in the landmark landing operation in the western port of Incheon that turned the tide during the war.



Lee, who has been on a visit to the U.S. since Tuesday, is scheduled to hold trilateral talks with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts on Saturday to discuss ways to deal with North Korean threats. (Yonhap)




South Korea remains firm on its support for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the foreign ministry said Friday, affirming it is not pushing to bring in tactical nuclear weapons from the United States to counter growing threats from North Korea.

"Our stance on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains unchanged," Cho June-hyuck, foreign ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing in Seoul.

Cho made the remark in response to a question on whether South Korea and the United States will discuss deploying tactical nuclear arms on the southern part of the peninsula during the meeting of the bilateral foreign and defense ministers set to take place in Washington next week.

"Both are expected to talk a lot about (Washington's) extended deterrence during the meeting," he said, referring to the U.S.' commitment to mobilize all military assets, including nuclear weapons, to defend its allies in crisis.

In the face of the North's continued military provocations and worries that it is close to weaponizing its nuclear devices, some are raising the need for South Korea to arm itself with nuclear weapons by either introducing U.S. nukes or developing its own.

Pyongyang detonated five nuclear devices since 2006 with the last being tested Sept. 9.

On Thursday, a presidential advisory panel on reunification said it is necessary for the government to consider deploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to ensure deterrence against a nuclear-armed North Korea.

The U.S. withdrew nuclear weapons from the South in the early 1990s after Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to keep the peninsula nuclear-free. Since then, the South has relied on the U.S. nuclear umbrella or extended its deterrence strategy to defend against North Korea. (Yonhap)
Ukraine not to move forward in political issues of Minsk Agreements until security package implemented - Poroshenko

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that the non-implementation of the secuirty package by the enemy hinders making steps in the implementation of Minsk Agreements by Ukraine.

"The enemy's attempts to breach Minsk Agreements continue. Someone is trying to add critics to Minsk [Agreements]. I have stressed and stress again: this Minsk plan envisages clear measures and criteria. Ukraine would not go ahead in the political process until the security element, the security package is observed," Poroshenko said in Chuhuyiv, Kharkiv region, on Saturday.

He recalled that the security package includes the full ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign military servicemen from the Ukrainian territory, the transfer of the Ukraine uncontrolled sections of the Ukrainian-Russian border first to OSCE and then to the Ukrainian government, removal of heavy weapons and unimpaired access of OSCE monitors to the entire territory.

The president said that the Minsk plan is an absolutely clear plan of returning Ukrainian sovereignty to Donbas, and "today the rest of it is from evil."

Poroshenko again said that Ukraine does not rule out a large-scale intervention by Russia, but "Ukrainian Armed Forces are ready to give a fitting reply."
Ukrainian MP Serhiy Taruta (not a member of any parliamentary faction) has said that claims forwarded against him by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) are groundless. He intends to initiate the creation of a temporary parliamentary commission to investigate into activities of NBU Governor Valeriya Gontareva.

"The National Bank of Ukraine in its statement made another attempt to shrug off the serious accusations against NBU Governor Valeriya Gontareva brought by entire business society of the country and the major part of civil society, including lawmakers. This is the absolute majority of Ukrainian citizens. I do not discredit with my words as NBU representatives have claimed. I as a lawmaker accuse Gontareva of being incompetent," Taruta said on Facebook.

He said that he wants to take all possible steps to remove Gontareva from the post of the NBU head.

"Unfortunately, in her activities on the post of NBU governor Gontareva is not restricted only with incompetence. As for accusations of corruption against Gontareva  I would initiate the creation of a temporary commission in the Verkhovna Rada to investigate into Govtareva's activities in the nearest term. I am sure that we  Ukrainian lawmakers jointly with civil and business societies of Ukraine  will be able to achieve the dismissal of Gontareva from the post of the NBU head," Taruta said.

Earlier the NBU appealed to the Security Service of Ukraine, Prosecutor General's Office and National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine asking to open criminal cases over the spread of provocative materials with accusations against Gontareva.
Leaders of some parties want to give part of Ukraine to Russia or militants

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that leaders of some political forces set a goal of transferring a large part of the Ukrainian territory to Russia or militants.

"Leaders of some political parties set a goal of transferring a large part of the Ukrainian territory to Russia or separatists. I emphasize that as president I would not allow doing this. One should not go to foreign embassies and campaign that this is the transfer of Donbas to someone You will give away the territory but would not have peace," he said in Chuhuyiv, Kharkiv region, on Saturday.

The head of state said that today Ukraine needs unity of society and the state in the issue of peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas.

"Now more than ever we need unity of society and the state. An attempt to split this unity is an indicative element of hybrid war that Russia is making against the sovereign Ukrainian state," he said.
City fire crews will be out on Saturday to promote smoke alarm safety during a smoke alarm canvass in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.

Throughout the day, crews will knock on doors to check if residents have smoke alarms on every level of the home and in bedrooms. Those without enough alarms or without working alarms will have the opportunity to receive alarms or batteries at no charge. Firefighters will also install them at no cost.

Woodland Heights recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield through the organization's Neighborhood Revitalization program.

"The Springfield Fire Department chose Woodland Heights for its canvass because residents there have shown great interest in improving their quality of life," said Randy Villines, assistant chief of prevention. "Installing smoke alarms only goes so far. We also need residents, like those in Woodland Heights, committed to learning more about how they can make their homes and lives safer. "

Between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, firefighters will visit homes bordered by Washington Avenue, High Street, Jefferson Avenue and Atlantic Street. Between 1 and 3 p.m., they will be in the area bordered by Jefferson Avenue, High Street, Lyon Avenue and Atlantic Street.

The smoke alarm canvass is part of a city-wide effort to promote fire safety during October, which is Fire Prevention Month. Throughout the month, the Department will also visit every Springfield classroom from kindergarten through 5th grade.

Additionally, firefighters will conduct "Carline Canvasses" at schools throughout Zone 1. Parents will be surveyed while waiting to pick up students. If they express a need for smoke alarms, the fire department will go to their home to install additional alarms at a later date.

Springfield residents interested in obtaining a free smoke alarm or batteries for their existing alarms can call 874-2300. The Department's free smoke alarm program is available to all Springfield residents.


Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera chairs the Invest in Sustaining Peace - Pledging Conference for the Secretary-Generals Peacebuilding Fund at the UN Head Quarters in New York on 21 September 2016. Seated with him is UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson (R )

Sri Lanka co-hosted a Pledging Conference to Refinance the Secretary Generals Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).held on 21st September 2016 at the UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 71st sessions of the United Nations General Assembly.Sri Lanka together with Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, Somalia, Sweden, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom co- hosted the event. The conference was able to generate pledges from thirty countries amounting to a sum of US Dollars 152 million to support UN peacebuilding efforts across the globe. Foreign Minister Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, chaired one segement of the conference and delivered closing remarks on behalf of the co hosts. In his national statement delivered at the conference Hon. Mangala Samaraweera said that since the creation of the Fund in 2006, it had come to the assistance of many countries emerging from conflict. Sri Lanka, he noted, has been working closely with the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) since the Presidential Elections of January 2015, when the Government prioritized reconciliation and development as twin agendas to be pursued in guiding the nation towards durable peace. He pointed out that last year, Sri Lanka was declared by the UN Secretary-General as a country eligible to receive support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. In his closing remarks on behalf of the co hosts, Minister Samaraweera said that due to the cooperation of member states, the Fund will be able to continue to support critical projects in countries emerging from years of violent conflict, like Colombia, and in other countries where peace is fragile and needs to be sustained, such as in Mali, Somalia and Sri Lanka. We are also emboldened by the fact that so many of you pledged, making the Peacebuilding Fund one of the most broadly supported funds in the UN system,  the Minister further said.

The full text of the Statement made by Minister Samaraweera follows below:

Remarks

by

Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

Pledging Conference for the Secretary-Generals Peacebuilding Fund

New York, 21st September 2016

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

I am pleased to join hands with Kenya, Mexico, The Republic of Korea, The Netherlands, Somalia, Sweden and the United Kingdom to co-host this important Pledging Conference to refinance the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund.

Since the creation of this Fund in 2006, it has come to the assistance of so many in countries emerging from conflict, and has facilitated post-conflict stabilization. It has been a catalyst and a means of mobilizing funding to invest in the prevention of the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict, and for addressing its root causes.
Mijatovic urges Ukrainian authorities to step up efforts to end impunity for attacks against journalists

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic has welcomed the commitment by the authorities, the media community and civil society to strengthen media freedom in Ukraine, ending a four-day visit to Kyiv. She also called on the authorities to intensify their efforts to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists, OSCE said on its website on Friday.

Mijatovic met Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and stressed that the cases of Ukrainian journalists Roman Suschenko, detained in Moscow, and Mykola Semena, under house arrest in Crimea, remain at the top of her agenda.

"I am receiving more reports of threats made against journalists, especially online, and particularly targeting those involved in investigative journalism," Mijatovic said.

"Harassing and labeling journalists as traitors is unacceptable in a democracy," she said.

Mijatovic also met with Sevgil Musaeva, the editor-in-chief of Ukrayinska Pravda, and paid tribute to journalist Pavel Sheremet, who was killed by a car bomb in July.

"All journalists killed in Ukraine, including Georgiy Gongadze, Oles Buzina and Viacheslav Veremiy, deserve full justice to be served. Impunity puts every journalist at risk," she said.

"It is unfortunate that I still have not been able to travel to the eastern part of Ukraine and to Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in order to meet journalists and civil society to make first hand assessment of media freedom issues that according to reports need immediate engagement by my Office," she said.
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

Read more
Defense minister about prospect of getting lethal arms: ball is on U.S. field, they are to decide

Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said that Ukraine must do everything depending on it in the creation of the strong armed forces and then count on help of other countries.

"I am deeply convinced that we first must do everything depending on us ourselves to build the armed forces able to protect own Ukraine and then count on help from others and to be independent on a decision of the Senate or governments of other countries. As for the process [of adopting the bill on the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine in the U.S. Congress] it is to pass a concrete way and decision-making," he said on Channel 5 TV.

Poltorak said that he several times met U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.

"They [the United States] understand what we need first of all, but I think that the ball is on the field of the United States and they are to decide," the minister said.

Earlier in September Carter said that the United States continues mulling the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine.
This article appears in the October 14, 2016 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Philippine s t o Obam a: Kee p You r Aid!

[Print version of this article]

by Michael Billington

The tremendous transformation to optimism and moral strength taking place within the Philippines, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, is captured in the following brief report, reprinted from the EIR Daily Alert Service. The hysterical diatribe against Duterte coming from Obama and his ilk over Dutertes War on Drugs is not surprising, given that Obama is pushing drug legalization across the country and around the world, contributing to the worst drug epidemic in American history and tearing every community in the country apart.

Some of the Cabinet officials referenced here have been technocrats in the past, serving Philippine governments subservient to the Washington and London bankers, but have gained courage and moral fortitude from Dutertes leadership. Duterte has dedicated himself to ending the hunger, poverty, and drug addiction of his country, and to totally rejecting Obamas effort to use his country as a battle station for a war on China.

Michael Billington

King Rodriguez - Presidential Communications Operation Office

Oct. 7Go to Hell with your aid! Was this Philippine President Duterte again telling the U.S. that the people of the Philippines were no longer Americas Little Brown Brothers? Closebut in fact it is a quote from President Sukarno of Indonesia in 1964, after the assassination of JFK (who had supported Sukarno) and the launching of a regime change operation against him from London and Washington, as part of Americas tragic turn to British imperialism and colonial wars.

But Duterte said essentially the same thing yesterday: Go away, bring your money to somewhere else. We will survive as a nation. Speaking to police officers in the southern city of Butuan, Duterte said, How do you look at us, [as] mendicants? We will survive. Even if well go through hardships, we will survive. But we will never, never compromise our dignity. If you think it is high time for you guys to withdraw your assistance, go ahead, we will not beg for it.

An End to Subservience Declared

And not only the President is standing up to Obama:

 Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay posted on his website a statement titled, America has failed us. It reads, in part: Breaking away from the shackling dependency of the Philippines to effectively address both internal and external security threats has become imperative in putting an end to our nations subservience to United States interests. He said that, despite being granted independence in 1946, the former colonial masters held onto invisible chains that reined us in toward dependency and submission as little brown brothers not capable of true independence and freedom. He said that the carrot and stick policy had been effectively used all through the long years since our independence to force Filipinos into submission to American demands and interests. This is what [President Duterte] is now trying to liberate us from.

 General (ret.) Delfin Lorenzana, the Defense Secretary, speaking to the foreign press today, was asked about Dutertes charge that the CIA was out to assassinate him. He said that he had asked U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg about it, who said, We dont do that. It is not known whether Lorenzana reminded the Ambassador of Obamas weekly drone kill list. Lorenzana did note, however, that President Duterte keeps saying to us in private, I dont think I can solve this problem during my time,  asking them to continue the mission if he were to be assassinated. Lorenzana said Duterte was not fatalistic, but was aware that a persons life is very fleeting.

Lorenzana said his country had faced similar attacks from the U.S. during the time of Marcos, concluding: Personally, I welcome this development. Its time maybe to reassess our relationship. Maybe we should reassess what we should be getting from the alliance . . . Its part of maybe growing up. We should not be too dependent on one country, adding that he was looking to China and Russia for possible arms purchases and other help.

 In Washington, D.C., the Philippine Secretaries of Finance, Budget, and Socioeconomic Planning spoke at the Philippine Embassy Wednesday, and all three were extremely optimistic about Dutertes commitment to reversing the economic disaster left over from the past administrations, openly admitting that the poverty rate in the country is the worst in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), that the wealth gap is horrendous, that the oligarchy living in Manila had ignored any development outside of the capital (although the infrastructure in Manila is also disastrous), and that agricultural output and farmer income is literally declining from an already low base.

CC/Mike Gonzalez

Threats Rejected

When an American wealth management financier rose to warn them that Dutertes statements and behavior were causing her clients to pull out of the Philippines and that they had better stop him, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez responded that he had been meeting with Canadians, Japanese, and others who were very anxious to invest in the country, and that the government would be meeting with China this month to discuss infrastructure investments. If some of you in the U.S. are having second thoughts about investing, he said, it is too bad for you to miss out, but we have plenty of investors.

This is a powerful model for the worlds developing nations of the necessary fight against Obamas imperial warmongering and economic looting. Projected U.S. aid to the Philippines for 2017 is a paltry $188 million and perhaps a few worn out Coast Guard vessels. The United States long ago stopped building any infrastructure in the Philippines, or anywhere else for that matter.
PRESS RELEASE

Kerry, Lavrov Meeting in Lausanne on Syria, But No Breakthrough Expected

Oct. 14, 2016 (EIRNS)U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will convene a meeting with three or four other foreign ministers in yet another attempt to secure an agreement on a series of short cease-fires in Aleppo, Syria. The other countries participating are expected to be Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It had also been suggested that Iran might be participating, but Irans Tasnim News Agency reported yesterday that Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif would not be going. The Guardians Julian Borger reported from Washington yesterday that US officials are downbeat about the chances that 72-hour truces in Syria, even if agreed, will ever be implemented.

Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov, in a briefing to reporters yesterday, stressed that the two sides are still talking, as its "practically the only one remaining platform for an exchange of opinions." He refused, however, to make any forecast as to what the outcome of the meeting might be. Lyndon LaRouche commented that thats the right attitude. There should be no optimism about this meeting.

After Lausanne, Kerry will travel to London on Sunday to brief his British, French, and German counterparts.
PRESS RELEASE

Obama NSC Meeting To Plot Next Syria Move

Oct. 14, 2016 (EIRNS)Washington sources have confirmed news reports that President Obama convened a meeting of the National Security Council to hear policy options for Syria, in light of the Syrian-Russian military operations to wipe out the last rebel stronghold in Aleppo. Broadly, four options have been prepared: A no-fly zone, a safe zone, a bombing campaign to wipe out the Syrian Air Force, and an expanded arming of the vetted Syrian rebel groups. According to one source, there is heavy opposition to the proposal to bomb the Syrian Air Force, because it would almost certainly escalate into a direct conflict with Russia. Among the options of arming the Syrian rebels, there is a range of possibilities, from highly restrictive arming, focused on the Kurdish fighters in the Syrian Democratic Force (YPG for the most part), to a much broader arming of rebel forces integrated into some of the hardcore Salafist groups.

A second source, who in the past participated in the process of developing and presenting such military options, anticipates that Obama will make a specific decision, based on the three or four options presented to him, and he will make a formal decision, and later issue an execute order.

One source emphasized that the situation on the ground has gotten far more dangerous, citing the movement of Turkish military units into areas very close to where Syrian Army units are operating, as well as the intensity of Russian and Syrian military operations in and around Aleppo. The threat of a direct conflict with Russia has increased, the source admitted.
PRESS RELEASE

Moscow: U.S. Pursuing Scorched Earth Policy on U.S.-Russian Relations

Oct. 14, 2016 (EIRNS)In Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, during her weekly briefing yesterday, accused the United States of shredding U.S.-Russian relations.

"We regret to see Washington continue to aggravate Russian-American relations," she said.

"We hear threats, nearly on a daily basis, to expand the sanctions and also appeals to the international community to follow suit."

She noted,

"The Pentagon has been building up its military presence along Russian borders" and, "Russophobic propaganda from some of the very top officials is totally off the charts."

In fact, "It is more undisguised lies than propaganda," she said.

"What we hear daily are complete lies, for example, about Russian hackers who nobody has seen but who everybody already knows in absentia."

"We have the increasing feeling that the outgoing U.S. Administration has been pursuing a scorched earth policy in bilateral relations," Zakharova went on.

"This is a dangerous policy that could have detrimental consequences for international stability and is unlikely to bring any positive change. In any case, nobody should be under the illusion that Russia can be pressured, be it the current American leadership or the incoming administration. Hopefully, the new administration will prove to be smarter than its predecessor."

Turkeys Deputy Prime Minister, Numan Kurtulmus, is apparently also very concerned about where U.S.-Russian relations are headed. He warned, in an interview with Anadolou on Wednesday, that the "proxy wars" in the Middle East between the United States and Russia could signal the re-emergence of world-wide conflict between the two Cold War superpowers. The war in Syria is on the brink of becoming a "wider regional war," he said. "If this proxy war continues, after this, let me be clear, America and Russia will come to a point of war."
When methane started leaking out of a well at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility outside Los Angeles last October, noxious fumes blanketed the nearby Porter Ranch neighborhood for months. Residents complained of nausea, nosebleeds and vomiting; more than 8,000 families were forced out of their homes by the stench of the chemical odorant added to natural gas to help detect leaks.

Two thousand miles away, in a poor Alabama community, residents are complaining of similar symptoms after lightning struck equipment at an underground pipeline. An estimated 500 gallons of the same chemical spilled into the soil and groundwater, according to state environmental officials.

But, unlike in affluent, predominantly white Porter Ranch, residents in Eight Mile have been largely ignored, stuck for eight years with the stifling rotten egg stench that still hovers over the low-income, mostly African American enclave just north of the Gulf of Mexico.

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Residents say there have been no relocations to hotels or rented homes. No transfers to schools out of harms way. No U.S. Cabinet members swooping in to investigate. No national media hordes.

Because we dont have the financial wherewithal to put pressure on these people, they simply turn their heads, said Eight Mile resident Carletta Davis, one of hundreds of people suing Mobile Gas Service Corp. over the leak of the chemical mercaptan. Our children are sick.... Its absolutely an outrage.

The two leaks have another thing in common: San Diego-based Sempra Energy owns and operates Aliso Canyon and, for most of the eight years since the lightning strike, it also owned the Eight Mile facility.

Sempra spokesman Art Larson referred all questions to Mobile Gas. He said the Eight Mile leak was discovered a few months before Sempra acquired the Alabama utility in October 2008; it sold the company last month. Mobile Gas declined to comment because of pending litigation.

At least three lawsuits out of 14 filed by hundreds of Eight Mile residents are still pending, according to Sempra Energy securities filings. The residents allege damage to health and property values. In one typical case, the lawsuit accuses Mobile Gas of continuing to expose residents to noxious mercaptan pollution, which is annoying, unpleasant, obnoxious, disturbing, and harmful to the plaintiffs health.

Mobile Gas acknowledged the leak in court documents but claimed that waste cleanup firms they had hired failed to get rid of the spilled chemical. Those firms did not return calls for comment.

Mercaptan, a class of chemical that includes compounds of sulfur and mercury, has been used for decades to give odor to natural gas and has been considered fairly harmless by government and industry. Whether the smell is the source of the illnesses in Porter Ranch and Eight Mile has been a subject of debate.

At the Aliso Canyon facility, mercaptan was released along with vast amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, during a leak from a single well.

The response from government officials was heightened by the potential for a catastrophic explosion and by significant air quality and climate change concerns. And yet it still took four months to seal the problem well.

At Eight Mile, only mercaptan  not natural gas  leaked in June 2008, according to Mobile Gas.

Robert Jackson, a senior fellow at Stanford Universitys Woods Institute for the Environment, said a spill into groundwater, as at Eight Mile, could remain in plumes with irritating effects lasting for years.

Our sense of smell is acutely sensitive to mercaptans, Jackson said. Theyre irritants. They irritate our eyes. Theyre designed to smell bad, to be unpleasant.

Dr. Jeffrey Nordella, an urgent care physician in Porter Ranch, said he has been conducting his own research on mercaptans health effects since the Aliso Canyon leak.

Mercaptan is toxic to the human body, Nordella said. The question is exposure  how much and for how long?

Exactly how the chemical affects human health is unclear, though at least three workers have died after exposure to extremely high levels of methyl mercaptan, one of several variations of the chemical, according to reports by two federal agencies.

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry cited a 1970 case of a 53-year-old worker who developed anemia, fell into a coma and later died after he opened and emptied tanks of the compound. He also suffered seizures, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency noted in a 2013 report.

In 1979, a 19-year-old was exposed to methyl mercaptan at high concentrations for a few minutes and died 45 minutes later as a result of respiratory arrest and heart failure. In 2001, a 24-year-old worker was found dead at a chemical factory with what tests showed were large quantities of methyl mercaptan in his liver, kidneys, lungs, blood and urine.

The EPA report said that exposure to methyl mercaptan even when not at those extreme levels can depress the central nervous system and affect respiratory function. Signs of exposure can include mucous membrane irritation, headache, dizziness, staggering gait, nausea and vomiting.

Markell Williams was just 3 years old when a powerful chemical oozed into the soil and water less than a mile from his home. By age 5, he was having seizures.

His mother, Raquel Williams, 33, blames the chemicals pungent smell that permeates the air in their community. Whenever the odor would grow strong  and it can hit with a blast that sometimes forces people to run for cover  it seemed to trigger Markells seizures with growing intensity and frequency, his mother said.

Over the last year, the seizures have become so frequent that Markell, now 11, has missed months of school.

This year, hes been hospitalized five times because his seizures didnt get any better, said Raquel Williams as she sat next to his hospital bed in September.

More than 1,300 residents have filled out health assessment questionnaires describing symptoms such as nosebleeds, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, seizures, vision problems and hypertension.

The Facebook page for the We Matter 8 Mile Community Assn. includes photos of infants and toddlers on ventilators, children with blood dripping from their noses and adults wearing medical masks to protect themselves from the stench.

But Davis, who is the associations president, said that Mobile Gas and government officials are treating the problem as merely an unpleasant odor despite reports  for eight years running  that residents are being sickened.

Likening the struggle to the Flint, Mich., water crisis, Davis said she intends to keep fighting.

Nobody is going to do this for us, she said. Were just falling through the cracks.

On its website, Mobile Gas acknowledges that its investigation and treatment of the mercaptan spill have taken a long time because of complex geology and groundwater flow.

But it says that two water treatment systems built to remove mercaptan from surface water and groundwater have helped mitigate the problem.

The new owner of Mobile Gas, St. Louis, Mo.-based Spire Energy, said employees have not detected any odor. And recent visits by state environmental agents didnt reveal any problems.

What happened in Alabama only involved mercaptan, which has been safely used to odorize natural gas for nearly 100 years, Spire Energy spokeswoman Jenny Gobble said in a statement. There is no evidence linking low levels of mercaptan in the air to any lasting health effects.

The company declined to discuss specific cases.

Dr. Mary McIntyre, chief medical officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, said through a spokeswoman that the agency was working with other state and federal agencies to find solutions for the Eight Mile community, and it has also contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, though, the agencies are unable to determine any association between reported conditions and the 2008 mercaptan spill, she said.

The years of troubles in Eight Mile have led some residents to pack up and move. But most of the 3,000 residents dont have the resources to leave.

The median income in Eight Mile in 2014 was $35,000, or more than $8,000 lower the state median. In Porter Ranch, by comparison, the median income in 2014 was $105,602, more than $44,000 higher than the California median income.

Southern California Gas paid more than $500 million to temporarily relocate about 8,000 Porter Ranch families and clean more than 1,700 homes. Eight Mile residents say they got nothing approaching that assistance. Some have settled their cases with Mobile Gas for undisclosed amounts. Local media reported that most settlement payouts ranged from $3,000 to $10,000 apiece.

Jeremiah Hollins, a 65-year-old retired truck driver, used to find relief when he boarded his rig for out-of-town trips. But, now in his retirement years, he said the constant smell of mercaptan is taking its toll.

My doctor told me that I need to get out of this area, Hollins said. Hollins wrestles with respiratory trouble and holds himself up with a walker because of trouble in his legs that he believes is made worse by breathing in mercaptan.

Marcus Richardson, 39, works as an environmental safety and health professional. Long before his headaches and nosebleeds began, he smelled a problem.

I started smelling sulfur, Richardson said. I said, Ma, I think youve got a gas leak. She didnt have a gas leak. The whole community had a gas leak.

Richardson thought he had escaped the effects of mercaptan when he left Eight Mile looking for a change of scenery. He moved in with a girlfriend in the Northridge area of Southern California, just two miles from the Aliso Canyon natural gas facility.

He was in Northridge when Aliso Canyons leak started Oct. 23.

I got exposure on both ends, said Richardson, who said he felt pure outrage over the contrast in how the leaks were handled in the two communities.

The response that they had in California was immediate; it was swift, Richardson said. The prestige of that community propelled a swifter action than in this community.

Dozens of Eight Mile residents marched on the state Capitol in Montgomery on Thursday to voice their years-long frustrations to state leaders. They chanted Eight Mile, we matter and many wore surgical masks. By the time they boarded buses to go back home, the governor had agreed to meet with them next week.

We will not stop until we get answers, said DaShaun Taylor, holding a poster of her cousin breathing on a ventilator. Because literally, as the signs says, we cannot breathe.

ivan.penn@latimes.com

For more energy news, follow Ivan Penn on Twitter: @ivanlpenn

Times researcher Scott Wilson contributed to this report.
Several major U.S. carriers offer no-frills airfares on domestic flights, but some airlines may be considering bare-bones fares for international routes to respond to stiff competition from foreign rivals.

Delta Air Lines, the nations second-largest carrier, is considering ultra-cheap fares on transatlantic routes to compete with rivals such as low-cost Norwegian Air International, a subsidiary of Norway-based Norwegian Air Shuttle, one of Europes biggest low-cost carriers.

In an earnings conference call this week, Delta executives said revenue from transatlantic flights was down, partly because of competition from foreign low-cost carriers.

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The executives didnt name the carriers, but Delta and several other major U.S. carriers have petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation to halt Norwegian from flying to the United States from a base in Ireland, claiming Norwegian is competing unfairly by skirting labor laws. Norwegian rejects such charges. The DOT has yet to issue a final decision on the matter, but has said it has found no evidence of labor law violations.

The parent company, Norwegian Air Shuttle, already flies to the United States from its base in Norway.

Asked during the earnings call Thursday how Delta would compete with low-cost carriers from Europe, Delta Chief Executive Edward Bastian said the airline will consider offering ultra-cheap fares for international flights.

I think we have to look at our entire service offering and ensure that we are supplying what the market wants to buy, he said. I think what we know is that Delta has a very, very strong brand, and much stronger than some of the [ultra low-cost carriers], and that people would prefer to fly with us than they would on some of the unknown, non-brand names.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
Alaska Airlines plans to start flying from Los Angeles International Airport to Cuba in January despite an attempt by rival JetBlue Airways to hijack the route away from the Seattle-based carrier and leave Southern California travelers out in the cold.

Alaska Airlines was one of eight U.S. carriers awarded routes to Cuba under the Obama administrations efforts to open relations with the communist country.

JetBlue was also awarded Cuban routes and has begun service to the island nation from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The carrier plans to launch more routes from Orlando, Fla., and New York soon.

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But when Alaska asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow the airline to postpone the start of its service by 37 days, JetBlue petitioned the agency to reallocate the route to JetBlue.

JetBlue wrote to the Department of Transportation suggesting that Alaska wants a delay because the LAX-to-Cuba route doesnt have strong passenger demand, and requested that JetBlue take the slot to instead fly a new route from Boston to Cuba.

An attorney for Alaska, David Hefferman, fired back with a letter to the agency saying JetBlue had itself requested delays in starting new service to Colombia in 2009.

JetBlues own history of seeking [and receiving from the department] a much longer start-up extension when it was a new entrant into the U.S.-Colombia market supports Alaskas position, he wrote.

Alaska is still waiting to hear the Transportation Departments ruling on the matter.

Our nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Havana will serve the needs of West Coast residents, and were confident the Department of Transportation will approve this request, Alaska spokeswoman Halley Knigge said.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
Boos and cheers for Yusuf/Cat Stevens

Randy Lewis writes that in his emotionally and spiritually rich recent L.A. concert, Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, quickly jumped over the quarter-century he devoted to pursuing his newfound Muslim faith, [Yusuf/Cat Stevens Sings About the 50th Anniversary of His Musical Career, Oct. 8]. Lewis went on to chastise those fans who, he claims, initially vilified Yusuf for his conversion to Islam. The reason Yusuf was, and should continue to be, vilified: He publicly and repeatedly agreed that author Salman Rushdie must be murdered for writing a novel he and the Ayatollah found offensive.

Gary Wigodsky

Hermosa Beach

I just finished reading your review on Cat Stevens and found it to be spot on. My wife and I saw Thursdays show and havent been able to stop talking about it. I was fortunate enough to see him in Detroit in 1971 and 1972, and this show made the perfect full circle. Thanks for your fine review.

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Jeff Weiss

Calabasas

Sully role was true to source

Regarding Oscar-caliber actresses are all too regularly relegated to phoning it in [Oct. 5]. Rebecca Keegan must not have read Chesley Sullenbergers book, Highest Duty, on which the movie Sully was based. Laura Linneys portrayal of Sullenbergers wife is an extremely accurate depiction of the way it was presented in the book. The prosecutorial NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] in the movie, a different story.

Larry Hazard

Huntington Beach

Environmental effects ignored

Regarding Deepwater Horizon: A Disaster Film Taps into Outrage [Sept. 30]. Just saw this movie and found it shocking, tense, amazing and terrifying. At the end theres a statement about the millions of gallons of oil spilled and what happened to BP. But I think the producers and director missed a big opportunity to describe the environmental disaster the spill instigated.

Joanne Aloni-Boldon

Encino

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speak during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press )

Why politics is so tiresome

I can see why reporter Robert Lloyd is so exhausted with the media coverage of the election [Election 2016: Weve Had Enough! Cant We Vote Now? Oct. 8]. Working at The Times, you have to pretend that youre objective journalists while also being total shills for the Democratic Party, throwing out professional integrity, pushing the liberal agenda as well as slanting coverage to favor Hillary Clinton. Give the man a vacation.

Stan Evans

Valley Village

Wilson was not a big fan

Regarding In 1915, D.W. Griffith made a revolutionary film and Birth is a great film that argues for evil [Oct. 2]. Two articles perpetuated several mistakes about Woodrow Wilsons reaction to D.W. Griffiths The Birth of a Nation. Although President Wilson screened the film in the White House, he was not one of its most prominent champions. His only known reaction to the movie is that this was a very unfortunate production and I wish most sincerely that its production might be avoided, particularly in communities where there are so many colored people. Wilson almost certainly never said, It is like writing history with lightning, and my only regret is that it is all so terribly true.

A. Scott Berg

Los Angeles

Film portrayal of race in America

What a statement about race in America to have Nate Parkers Birth of a Nation and Ava DuVernays 13th as the focus of Calendar [Oct. 7]. As my wife says, America is suffering from post-traumatic slavery disorder.

Philip S. Hart

Los Feliz

Griffith invented modern cinema?

D.W. Griffith certainly expanded the language of motion pictures during the transformation period (1908 to 1914). But to say he practically invented modern cinema is a stretch and obscures the work of his contemporaries  G.M. Anderson, Urban Gad, Lois Weber, the Ince brothers, Giovanni Pastrone, etc. The notion that Griffith invented film technique was a publicity stunt arranged by Griffith himself.

M.A. Solomon

Los Angeles

Holocaust denial is far-reaching

The more troubling thing about Kenneth Turans review of the movie Denial [Rising to Defense of Truth, Sept. 30], of the 1996 British court trial, is that of having Californias school teachers give a classroom assignment in critical thinking and demand essays debunking the Holocaust as fiction not two years ago.

Craig Carr

West Hills

Missing theater review feature

I really miss Theater Beat on Fridays. As I read the Oct. 7 Calendar section, I was astonished to see that there were 27 reviews of films and only one review of a play. Only a handful of the films reviewed could be considered major releases. If you have that much column space for film reviews, surely you could cut four or five film reviews and replace them with stage reviews. We have a vibrant live-theatrical community in Los Angeles, and one of the necessities for theater to grow is exposure. I hope The Times will consider resurrecting the Friday Theater Beat and do its part in helping L.A. theater to thrive.

Steve Apostolina

Burbank

 The trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Arrrgh! Wheres Johnny Depp

Disney has finally released the new trailer for the upcoming 2017 Pirates of the Caribbean movie [Depp Is MIA in Peek at Pirates,  [Oct. 9]. But Disney did not include a very important asset to the trailer that gives us that excitement. Johnny Depp has been the prime focus of these movies but was nowhere in the trailer. So what does this mean? Are they replacing him? Does he die in the movie? All these questions are getting the fans worked up.

Cassandra Alvarado

Watts

John Prine article well done

Regarding John Prines Creativity Is Back in Gear [Oct. 5]. Your piece on John Prine, in the L.A. Times, was great! I live in Nashville, and the Tennessean doesnt cover him like you did.

Mary Lou Lancaster

Nashville
Actress and filmmaker Rose McGowan (Charmed, Grindhouse) joined a growing trend Thursday night when she shared her experience with sexual assault at the hands of a powerful Hollywood executive with her followers on Twitter.

In recent days, actresses Minnie Driver (Speechless, Good Will Hunting) and Amber Tamblyn (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Two and a Half Men) both opened up about incidents of sexual assault in their pasts, admissions that come in the wake of the growing controversy around Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his treatment of women.

In her series of tweets, McGowan relayed how she was told that no one would believe her rape claims because she had previously done a sex scene in a movie, before stating, Its been an open secret in Hollywood/Media & they shamed me while adulating my rapist. And used the hashtag #WhyWomenDontReport throughout her reveal.

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This is not the first time that McGowan has weighed in on the 2016 election.

In August, McGowan wrote an open letter addressed to Trump, the Rupert Murdoch family and the media at large for poisoning society with hateful rhetoric.

We, the public, are being sickened by an ever expanding assault on our right to live a healthy and free life. Donald & you ratings driven colluders, are holding us the public hostage and exposing us to disease, McGowan wrote, later describing the disease as terror cancer.

A representative for McGowan did not immediately return a request for comment.

libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire
UNDERRATED

John Rothman in One Mississippi: A character actor who has been seen in the likes of Damages, Synecdoche, New York and various cogs in the Law & Order universe, Rothman is maybe the most magnetic figure on this new series based loosely around the life of comic Tig Notaro. As the tightly wound father of Notaros character, Rothman exists on some vaguely detached planet ruled by obsessive-compulsive disorder. Rothmans performance is a tragic embodiment of the futility of maintaining control over grief and loss.

Richard Sears Sextets Altadena: Fronted by a young pianist who has performed with Chick Corea and named for the artistic-leaning enclave in the L.A. foothills where drummer Albert Tootie Heath calls home, this album is full of zig-zagging, free-flowing invention over five movements and a taut 35 minutes. The Philadelphia-born Heath is an underappreciated gem having played with John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Dexter Gordon (to name a few), and his rich musical track record only gains further esteem with intricate compositions by Sears and a band that includes top-flight talent such as cornetist Kirk Knuffke and saxophonist Steven Lugerner.

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OVERRATED

Desert Trip: Combining the most revered talents in classic rock with the deep-pocketed fans who love them, this three-day concert is revolutionary as a bold-face testimony of the concert industrys shift into luxury event planning while offering further proof that the Woodstock generation will never tire of celebrating itself. With reserve seat tickets approaching a monthly rent payment, the trippiest part of this show (now in its second weekend) is the raw shame in imagining its inevitable lineups of the future. Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters, Wilco, Radiohead, Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, anyone?

Disneys dig through its archives: For all Disneys success in recent years (Zootopia, Big Hero 6 and any given Pixar entry) it cant quite help but cannibalize itself with recent live-action reimaginings of Petes Dragon and The Jungle Boook and a planned motion capture-assisted take on the 90s favorite (and Broadway favorite) The Lion King. While Hollywood continues to prove there are seemingly as many ways to retell a story as there are to tell one, this is in a sense how we are punished for no longer buying DVDs. Just resist the urge for a live-action take on The Incredibles.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

chris.barton@latimes.com

Follow me over here @chrisbarton.
On October, 18, EMA Association is glad to welcome you at the IX EMA Eastern Europe Anti-Fraud Conference, an international conference for experts in payment fraud and cyber crimes prevention in the CIS, Baltic and Eastern European countries.

This year's conference offers a unique opportunity to become familiar with some specific cases of the best practices in the interaction among banks and cooperation with the cyber police  the experience gained in a struggle with new and intensively expanding schemes of the fraud and cyber crimes in the country.

The focal point of the event will refer to how the immediate information exchange between the banks and the law enforcement agencies enables the banks to minimize their risks, while joint educational activities contribute to the minimization of clients' risks.

The updated format of this year's conference features minimum of the presentations and maximum of live communication, minimum of advertising and maximum of useful information.

The conference is composed of:

* Three major sections providing space for the discussion of the most relevant issues thrilling the experts in this branch:

- Internet scam while using social engineering methods;

- The logic attacks on the ATMs;

- Cyber threats and cyber security.

* Exciting panel discussion:

- Internet scam due to a fault of card holders: a client's carelessness or a bank's inaction in the matter of the client's awareness improvement?

*Activities in the groups in four flows with diverse themes and group brain storming on forecasting the trends in the fraud and financial cyber crimes in the region.

At the close of the conference, all participants are encouraged to participate in the informal part of the event, in a casual atmosphere of live communication with the colleagues and friends.

For the full program and registration please visit: http://ema.com.ua/ix-international-fraud-conference-2016/

Organizer of the Conference:

 Association is an industry specific association of the market's participants, whose mission is to comprehensively contribute to the development of the cashless payment instruments and services in Ukraine.

Meeting point: FRAT-Social Club, 36-D Evgeniya Konovalca (Schorsa).

General news partner of conference: Interfax-Ukraine.
Were midway through October already, somehow, and the few weeks of respite before the holidays kick in are a great time to head out to restaurants. Maybe check out the Arts District in downtown L.A., where this week Jonathan Gold considers a bar with a great outdoor patio, and a James Beard Award-winning chef making your bar food.

You might also want to sign up for a swank pop-up dinner where everyone wears white, detour to one of a few new brewery tasting rooms, or go to Highland Park for a cruffin (which would be a mash-up of a croissant and muffin). Or if buffets are more your speed, theres a company thats buying up buffet food that would normally go to waste, and offering it at very steep discounts.

 Amy Scattergood

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What to eat with your bourbon

Jonathan checks out Everson Royce Bar, the Arts District wine bar and patio from Randy Clement, who also runs Silverlake Wine, and his partners. Why are we here? Because the bar food menu is from Matt Molina, formerly the executive chef at Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza. Is he reinventing what youll order with your bourbon? No, but what hes making is awfully good.

Wearing white for dinner

If you like to dress for dinner, you might want to attend this party. As deputy food editor Jenn Harris reports, Diner en Blanc is an elaborate, enormous and secretive dinner party that began 28 years ago in France (this should not surprise you), in which the participants dress only in white. The next pop-up dinner is happening the first week of November in Los Angeles. And no, the food isnt all-white; only your outfit.

Thousands of people attend this years Diner en Blanc pop-up dinner in New York City. The Los Angeles Diner en Blanc is scheduled for November. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images )

Where to drink beer

Sure, you can drink craft beer at home on the couch, or in your favorite neighborhood bar, but why not try lifting a pint at a brewerys tasting room? Beer writer John Verive checks out four that have recently opened.

Whats a cruffin?

Youve likely heard of the cronut, pastry chef Dominique Ansels croissant-doughnut hybrid. Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, the San Francisco bakery that makes cruffins (a croissant-muffin hybrid), has opened a location in Highland Park. We also have other news about restaurants in and around L.A., including a new ramen shop from the guy who brought us Umami Burger.

Another way of looking at buffet food

We waste an enormous amount of food in this country, whether at home or in restaurants. One company, BuffetGo, is trying to do something about it, at least when it comes to restaurant buffets. The company buys food thats unsold at buffet restaurants, and customers can then buy that food online  at a drastically reduced fee. The food is discounted by 75% to 90%, which both helps eliminate waste and cuts customers food budget.

Jonathan Golds 101 Best Restaurants, the authoritative annual guide to local dining, is online for subscribers. And because youre probably wondering, Golds 2016 Best Restaurants list will be out online Oct. 25, the same evening as our annual Bite Nite celebration. The print copy is out Oct. 30.

City of Gold, Laura Gabberts documentary of Jonathan Golds Los Angeles, is available on Amazon.

Check us out on Instagram @latimesfood

In the Kitchen: Sign up for our weekly cooking newsletter

Check out the thousands of recipes in our Recipe Database.

Feedback? Wed love to hear from you. Email us at food@latimes.com.
All things considered, its a bit of a miracle that this Edward Killingsworth-designed house in Long Beach even exists.

Built in the late 1950s as a model residence for the Marina Tower, a 12-story oceanfront condo building, it was meant to be knocked down 18 months later once construction on the building started.

Instead, the grand project failed and the house stood and then withstood a series of depressing renovations.

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Though Killingsworth is one of Southern Californias most celebrated architects, known for his Post-and-Beam-style, Midcentury Modern masterpieces, ensuing owners had trouble staying true to his vision, replacing the original kitchen with stock cabinetry and French Country-style flourishes, glass walls with plywood.

1 / 13 An Edward Killingsworth-designed house in Long Beach (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 13 Ted and Kelly Hymans restored and revived home in Long Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 13 Edward Killingsworth is one of Southern Californias most celebrated architects, known for his Post-and-Beam-style, Mid-Century Modern masterpieces. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 13 Architect Ted and Kelly Hyman in their restored and revived home in Long Beach. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 13 After renovation was finally complete, the Hymans invited Laura Killingsworth, the designers widow, for a visit. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 13 Built in the late 1950s as a model residence for the Marina Tower, a 12-story oceanfront condo building, this house was meant to be knocked down 18 months later once construction on the building started. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 13 The Hymans made sure even the knobs on the living room console the fruits of Teds 20-some-hour online research matched the design of the home. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 13 Ted and Kelly Hymans historically accurate restoration of the Marina Tower model apartment designed by Edward Killingsworth. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 13 The few minor departures from Edward Killingsworths plan were in the spirit of his work, like a window added in the bedroom to bring in more light. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 13 Back yard of the Marina Tower model apartment, restored. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 13 Ted and Kelly Hyman restored their Long Beach home together, in absolute consensus. Every time we came to an impasse on what to do, we didnt move forward until we came to an agreement, says Kelly. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 13 For Ted and Kelly Hyman, restoring their mid-century modern home was a test of their partnership. With a project like this, says Ted you either get divorced or it strengthens your relationship. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 13 Ted and Kelly Hyman cleaned and painted, planted new bamboo out back, and plotted and researched to make sure any renovations would match the houses original design. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

So when it hit the market in 2013, potential buyers were looking to go with the original plan: tear it down.

Instead, Kelly and Ted Hyman appeared to fulfill a different type of destiny.

The couple, who had been living in a modern downtown Los Angeles loft, heard the home was on the market and went to see it on a whim. A free architecture tour, laughs Ted, a partner in the architecture firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects.

Once inside, they encountered a far more dire picture than the one broadcast by real estate photos. Still, they sensed the magic. This is the house an architect should live in, recalls Kelly, the professional organizer behind Organized Clean Design.

This despite the fact that the floors they took for travertine in the photos were actually cork, disintegrated by dog-dug holes and accompanying urine.

Yet the Hymans, with their elevated aesthetic and seeming prophetic vision, saw past it. They bought the home, and even as Kelly stood atop a ladder wiping grime and rat feces off the cabinet tops and Ted bolted to Home Depot for tarps when the faulty roof brought the rainstorm indoors (on Thanksgiving, to increase the drama), they were excited.

They started their tenure with a six-month just live with it plan before taking any steps.

During those months they cleaned and painted, planted new bamboo out back, and plotted and researched like a pair of academics collaborating on a thesis. They toured several Killingsworth homes, his office building, then drove to Santa Barbara to recover the original seven-page plan for the house. With that in hand, Ted sat at an Ikea table in the study, hand-drafting their restoration plan.

To see the house now, with gleaming white marble and Corian, furniture by modern design legends from Isamu Noguchi to Eero Saarinen, and a view of water from every inch of the home, its hard to imagine the house looking anything other than idyllic.

And since completing the renovation, the Hymans have had their share of appropriately cloud nine moments.

Chief among them, hosting a 75-person wedding for their daughter (a clear motivation to get things done on time); also, welcoming Laura Killingsworth, Edwards widow, for a visit.

The Hymans beam with pride as they recall her reaction to the home she hadnt visited since 1958 and her eagle-eye approval at the historically accurate restoration, right down to the knobs on the living room console  the fruits of Teds 20-some-hour online research.

Even the few and minor departures from Killingsworths plan were in the spirit of his work, like a window added in the bedroom to bring in more light (a move that earned admiration from Laura Killingsworth).

The Hymans success is not just a testament to their hard work, but also to their teamwork.

Every time we came to an impasse on what to do, we didnt move forward until we came to an agreement, says Kelly. And the collaborations that came out of that  those always ended up being far superior to either idea.

Adds Ted: With a project like this, you either get divorced or it strengthens your relationship.

home@latimes.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: @latimeshome | pinterest.com/latimeshome | facebook.com/bestcoastlife |

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They found a Fickett house, bought into the neighborhood
Good morning. Im Paul Thornton, The Times letters editor, and it is Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016. With such a slow news week behind us, its difficult to think of what pithy Opinion punditry to serve up here, so bear with me through this newsletter.

Fooled ya. In fact, Republican Donald Trumps campaign has collapsed so quickly, threatening to destroy his party or at least change it permanently, that its hard to know where to begin. The Times editorial Friday assessing the damage caused by repeated allegations of groping and lewd, demeaning comments about and toward women provides a good vantage point from which to look back at arguably the worst week for any nominee in the history of presidential politics.

The editorial board says Trump isnt helping his candidacy by engaging in petty fights with his fellow Republicans or attempting to smear his accusers rather than making the case for his election:

Trump mostly has himself to blame for the declining fortunes of his campaign, engaging in one pointless and distracting fight after another rather than making a persuasive case for his election. And it was Trump who decided that sexual misconduct  Bill Clintons, that is  was a salient issue in the campaign, to the point that his campaign paraded a group of the former presidents accusers before the news media just before the last presidential debate. Now, of course, Trump and his beleaguered band of television surrogates object that the media and public are being distracted by the extraneous issue of Trumps behavior toward women. Trump is correct that the disturbing accusations against him have coincided with the release of emails from the account of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, which do contain information embarrassing to the Clinton campaign  as would the ventilation of the private communications of any political campaign  but no bombshells. Even if the emails were purloined by hackers associated with the Russian government, as U.S. intelligence officials believe, the contents shouldnt be off-limits for discussion any more than were the Trump tax returns surreptitiously provided to the New York Times. Clinton already has been pressed to explain comments she made at a speech to a housing-industry group that public officials need both a public and a private position. She likewise should respond to other details from the emails  for example, Chelsea Clintons fear that associates of the Clinton Foundation were trying to capitalize on their government connections to aid their clients. But the fact that voters are more interested in Trumps obscene comments about women captured on tape  and troubling allegations that he acted the way he talked  isnt surprising. Nor is it a result of a conspiracy. Trump trained this spotlight on himself.  Click here to read more.

Thanks, Donald  no, really. Editorial writer Mariel Garza says that Trumps, um, frank discussion of what he thinks about women might finally provide that Ferguson moment for us to start seriously examining what half the population has put up with since, well, forever. Garza writes: The Trump groping story is unfolding not unlike the Bill Cosby rape train wreck. After one woman came forward, it empowered more women to tell stories as well. Theres power and cover in numbers. L.A. Times

Trigger warning: Trumps about to talk. Theres a constituency of millions, writes Robin Mather, for which the 2016 campaign has aggravated the post-traumatic stress caused by sexual assault. And survivors of sexual abuse can expect the trauma to continue long after Nov. 8: Those of us who have endured debasement and dehumanization will vote, too. The difference between us and you, however, is that neither I'm with her nor Make America great again will bring us peace. L.A. Times

#NeverTrumpers need to get over themselves and vote for Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump threatens freedom of the press and declares he might throw his opponent in jail if elected. He wants to ban all members of a particular religion from entering the United States. He believes more countries should have nuclear weapons. Hillary Clinton does none of these things, notes James Kirchick, so the conservatives who courageously fought against Trump during the primaries and now feel uneasy about a Clinton presidency should do the right thing and vote for the only candidate capable of beating the Republican nominee. L.A. Times

Muslims dont need Donald Trump to tell them to report terrorist activity. Many of them have stepped up already as allies of law enforcement and either helped save American lives or tried to alert authorities to terrorist plots, writes Salam Al-Marayati: Paradoxically, even as immigrants and refugees are invaluable in the fight against terrorism, they are subject to anti-Muslim bias and stereotypes that see all Muslims as potential terrorists. That image is projected on refugee and immigrant communities by violent extremists in the Middle East and xenophobes in the United States, and it is based on a false narrative  that Islam and the West are at war, and always will be. L.A. Times

How about some positive words for Hillary Clinton? Meghan Daum praises the Democratic nominee for staying strong during Sundays debate when Trump was acting every part the bully, lurking ominously behind Clinton, threatening at times to imprison her and bringing along her husbands accusers in some hypocritical ploy to intimidate his opponent. Anyone else would have had steam coming out her ears, if not her lunch making a backward trip up her esophagus, but Clinton was made of steel, Daum writes. L.A. Times

Theres more on the ballot than just Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump  a lot more. The Times editorial board researched nearly three dozen races  interviewing candidates and holding the ballot initiatives fine print under a microscope  and made recommendations for contests ranging from president down to local measures and judges. Find a complete list of endorsements here.

Bob Dylan, Nobel laureate? It's not so strange, really. The Times editorial board welcomes news of Dylans Nobel Prize in literature, lauding the Swedish Academy for recognizing the literary pedigree of poetry set to music: Dylan demonstrates that pop can be art, yet remain pop. It can have broad appeal to a mass radio audience of adolescents and young adults and still have something to reveal to those same people in their later years, and to the generations that come after them. L.A. Times

L.A. gets recognition for trying to cut out fossil fuels  from the New York Times. Its editorial board is hopeful about the citys exploration of completely cutting out coal and natural gas in favor of renewable energy sources: Los Angeles, the nations second-most-populous city, has the potential to serve as an especially powerful role model for other cities, just as California has served as a model for other states and, indeed, the nation as a whole. It has taken a crucial first step by committing to study the issue. New York Times

Reach me: paul.thornton@latimes.com
The way Michael Jones tells it, the Los Angeles Police Department patrol cars rolled up on him and a few friends as they stood on a downtown street corner one morning, shooting promo videos for his new line of streetwear.

This would have made him nervous in any case, he says. Hes 30 years old and African American, after all  attributes known to trigger racial profiling.

It was more than that, though. The date was July 8, the day after a sniper wearing body armor shot and killed five Dallas police officers and wounded seven others.

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And Jones fashion items, khaki and denim vests with optional hoodies, are bullet-resistant.

Ive done a lot of research, and I believe there is a growing market for these sorts of things.  Michael Jones, designer

The officers, with guns drawn, told us to get down on the ground, says Jones, who also works as a security guard. After about 15 minutes, they put me a car and one of the officers started asking questions like, Why are you wearing body armor? 

I told him it was part of my fashion line, Jones says. He said, Why would you want to wear a vest like this  fashion or not  at a time like this? 

That officer, Jones says, missed the point.

His fashion line was inspired by growing anguish over police shootings of blacks, police shot in the line of duty and terrorist attacks from San Bernardino to Paris, France, Jones says. Every time you turn on the news, what do you see? Another person got shot somewhere.

So, these vests are intended to serve as protection, he says, and to make this fashion statement: Weve got to do something about all this violence.

Incidents such as the North Hollywood shootout in 1997  during which 12 police officers were wounded in a prolonged gun battle with two heavily armed bank robbers wearing home made body armor  have periodically stirred questions about civilian access to gear designed for protection during combat.

The suspect accused of shooting and killing two Palm Springs police officers responding to a domestic dispute last Saturday was a convicted felon, and so could not have legally purchased the body armor he wore during the suspected ambush.

But to date there are few restrictions nationwide on the purchase of such clothing  although Rep. Michael Honda (D-San Jose) has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale to most civilians of enhanced body armor designed to stop high-caliber bullets. It was supported by the California State Sheriffs Assn. but never came up for a vote.

Darnell Hunt, a professor of sociology and director of the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA, says that the idea of a body armor fashion line resonates with this moment of intense scrutiny on police shootings of black people nationwide and with history.

Conventional wisdom for generations in the African American community is to be fearful of police, and dont expect them to protect and serve us, Hunt says. So, its not irrational.

Hunt also sees a possible connection between Jones aspirations and the new Netflix series Luke Cage, which features a black superhero with bullet-proof skin who steps in to defend his Harlem neighborhood from bad guys on both sides of the law.

The makers of Luke Cage are trying to tap into the national debate over the vulnerability of black bodies to police bullets, he says. This entrepreneur is making a similar point: We dont want to be victims of police overzealousness.

Emblazoned with the brand name 9Nation Republic  slogan: Is this what its come to?the vests range in price from $250 to up to $2,000 for designs that include ceramic plates to protect against high-powered handguns.

So far, Jones has sold three of the vests, all to an African-American customer in Texas.

Im still working on an advertising campaign, Jones says. But Ive done a lot of research, and I believe there is a growing market for these sorts of things.

Jones is not the first person to try to tap into a civilian market for body armor.

In Bogota, Colombia, for example, tailor Miguel Caballero, aka The Armored Armani, has for years specialized in custom, bullet-proof clothing for VIPs who, as he likes to say, have a reasonable possibility of getting shot.

Jones, however, says he is focused on a potential market of average people who worry about violence and suspect that having to wear items like these could become a normal part of daily life.

Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com

@LouisSahagun

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As he responded to a trespassing call last year, Long Beach Police Officer Jeffrey Meyer walked away from his partner and headed down an alleyway alongside an apartment complex tagged with gang graffiti.

He stopped moving when he noticed a broken window in the rear of the apartment hed been trying to access.

Meyer believed there were squatters inside. Without calling for his partner or identifying himself as a police officer, he drew his weapon, pulled back the windows blinds and used the flashlight on his handgun to illuminate the room.

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Suddenly, he opened fire.

The bullet struck an unarmed man inside, tearing through his back. Hector Morejon, 19, would die later that day. Meyer said he feared Morejon was turning toward him with a handgun in his hand, but no weapons were recovered at the scene.

In a recent memo sent to Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna, the Los Angeles district attorneys office said Meyers actions on April 23, 2015, didnt rise to the level of criminal conduct. But in a rare move, prosecutors delivered a stinging rebuke of Meyers tactics, calling his failure to give Morejon a chance to surrender deeply troubling and blaming the officer for turning a routine encounter into a deadly shooting.

Clearly, Meyers tactical deficiencies were a substantial, if not the primary cause, of Morejons death, prosecutors wrote in the memo dated Sept. 22.

Meyer wrote in his report that he suspected the people inside the apartment were probably gang members, according to the district attorneys memo. His report said that when he peered through the window, he saw a man inside about 10 feet away quickly turn and start taking a firing stance, crouching by bending a knee and raising and extending his right arm in the officers direction, the memo said.

The officer wrote that he fired because he believed that the male was holding a handgun.

Meyer, a 26-year department veteran, could not be reached for comment.

Long Beach Deputy Police Chief Richard Conant, who chairs the departments internal board that reviews shootings, declined to comment on Meyers tactics. Asked if he agreed with the prosecutors criticisms, Conant said, we respect their findings.

It is not clear what, if any, discipline Meyer faced. The results of police officer disciplinary proceedings are confidential under California law.

Long Beach does not make public the outcomes of cases brought before the departments shooting review board. Court documents in a civil case brought by Morejons family, however, cited a police lieutenants deposition in which he said Luna did not find the shooting out of policy. Conant declined to comment on Lunas conclusion but said the department thoroughly investigates all uses of force.

Earlier this year, the city paid $1.5 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by Morejons family. His death was one of several controversial shootings of unarmed people by Long Beach police in recent years.

The city also paid out a total of $4.5 million this year to settle lawsuits brought by the families of Jason Conoscenti and Tyler Woods, both of whom were unarmed when they were shot and killed by police. A lawsuit brought by the family of Feras Morad, a 20-year-old college student who police said assaulted an officer, is still pending. Morads family alleges he was under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug and needed help when police arrived. His family also criticized the officer who opened fire for confronting Morad before backup could arrive.

Conant said he did not believe the killing of Morejon and the other shootings had weakened the departments bonds with city residents.

Our community doesnt look at us as an enemy or an occupier, he said. They look at us as partners and friends.

Rick Wyant, a forensic scientist who has testified in more than 100 use-of-force cases and also serves as a reserve sheriffs deputy in Washington state, said he agreed with prosecutors criticisms of Meyers tactics. He said he understood why Meyer could see Morejons movements as threatening, but also said his response to being surprised was fairly normal.

If Im in my house and someone sticks their head through the window, Im going to make a jumpy kind of movement, just like anyone else would, Wyant said.

Still, he said, laws governing officer use of force give police wide latitude to defend themselves.

The burden of proof is pretty high, Wyant said.

The initial call that put Meyer and Morejon on a deadly collision course last year had little to do with gangs or gunfire.

Around 2:10 p.m. that day, someone called Long Beach police to report that 11 men and women were vandalizing an apartment they had broken into on Hoffman Avenue. Meyer and another officer, Xavier Veloz, responded to the scene separately.

Meyer was familiar with the area. About a month earlier, he had responded to a call about a shooting near the same location and wrote in his report about Morejon that the alley was known for drug sales and activity by the violent Eastside Longo gang. Prosecutors noted in their memo, however, that Meyer and Veloz did not observe any gang activity in progress at the complex on the day Morejon was shot.

As they investigated the trespassing call, the officers noticed that windows at one of the apartments at the site were either broken or left open, according to the district attorneys memo. The officers figured squatters were inside.

They asked workers at the complex to call the property management company to come unlock the door.

As they were waiting, Meyer decided to walk down the alleyway.

In the memo, prosecutors repeatedly criticized Meyers decision to approach the window alone and draw his weapon. With no other signs of an obvious public safety threat, prosecutors said Meyers decisions created danger for himself and any trespassing suspects he might encounter.

Meyer increased the potential for a violent encounter without any legitimate reason. It is unclear what Meyer hoped to find, prosecutors wrote. There was little to gain and much to lose by arming himself and secretly approaching the window.

Meyer wrote in his report and later told investigators that Morejon turned toward him, prompting him to open fire in self-defense. Morejon, however, was felled by a single gunshot wound to his lower back, according to an autopsy report.

It is illogical to assume that Morejon would point at Meyer with nothing in his hand, particularly if all that was visible protruding though the window was the barrel of a firearm, prosecutors wrote. Nevertheless, they said they had no reliable evidence to contradict Meyers account.

Three other people were inside the apartment when Meyer opened fire, according to the district attorneys memo. Two of them told prosecutors they were sleeping at the time of the shooting and woke to the sound of Morejon screaming. Neither of them had any idea the police were outside, and both said they cowered in terror, afraid to leave in case the shooter was still nearby, according to the memo.

They said some people stayed at the apartment because they were homeless, while others stayed there after using drugs. Morejon, who also went by the gang moniker Dynamite, tested positive for marijuana, fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to an autopsy report and the memo. His family has denied he was involved in gang activity.

A third witness, Edgar Rodarte, was interviewed three times but gave conflicting accounts of Morejons movements in the seconds leading up to the shooting.

On the day of the shooting, Rodarte told investigators Morejon had nothing in his hands and did not turn toward the window before Meyer opened fire. Several months later, Rodarte told police that Morejon may have had a glove in his hand, and turned back toward the living room and pointed just before he was shot, according to the memo.

In May 2016, he again said that Morejon turned before he was shot. Rodarte also repeatedly changed his account as to whether or not he and Morejon knew police were outside before the shooting occurred, according to the memo.

In their legal analysis, prosecutors said they declined to file murder charges because there was no evidence to contradict Meyers statement that he opened fire because he feared his life was in danger.

Prosecutors also weighed filing voluntary manslaughter charges, which they described as a very close call, but said they believed they could not prove that crime beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the memo.

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer Matthew Hamilton contributed to this report.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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Gabriel Picazo applied to only one University of California campus  and not the one his family and friends expected.

The 20-year-old from Long Beach chose UC Merced  the youngest, smallest and least renowned of the UC systems nine undergraduate campuses. It is far from bustling urban centers, located in a flat expanse of grazing land that it shares with cows.

But Merced had what the aspiring engineer wanted: a focus on sustainability, with cutting-edge research and ambitious conservation goals.

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Deep in my heart, I wanted to go to UC Merced because everything you heard about it was that it was going green, Picazo said.

Eleven years after opening its doors as the first new American research university of the 21st century, UC Merced is attracting more students, winning research accolades, rising in national rankings  and moving forward with an ambitious campus expansion.

The progress was celebrated Friday when UC officials broke ground on the construction, which will more than double the size of the campus, from 104 to 219 acres, allowing it to accommodate about 10,000 students by 2020. The $1.3-billion project will include new student housing, research labs, a dining hall, a pool and fitness facilities.

UC President Janet Napolitano, Board of Regents Chairwoman Monica Lozano, UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland and four students did the official honors, scooping up dirt with golden shovels against a backdrop of a bulldozer and blue-and-gold UC flags.

Were coming of age in a remarkably quick period of time, Leland said in an interview.

She said she was most proud of progress in the rising graduation rate of the students, the majority of whom are low-income, underrepresented minorities and the first in their families to attend college. Though UC Merceds six-year graduation rate of 67% still is the lowest among UC campuses, it is higher than predicted for students with the schools demographics and was one reason the campus landed for the first time this year on U.S. News & World Reports list of top national universities.

Leland spoke of the facultys achievements in research, recognized this year in the Carnegie Classification, a national review. The campus has attracted strong faculty, she said, including Roland Winston, who came to sunny Merced from the University of Chicago for the chance to perfect a solar technology that is now being installed in China, Mongolia and other far-flung places. Winston is now the director of UC Solar, which has all the UC campuses involved in researching ways to make solar energy more efficient and affordable.

The recent accolades have created positive buzz about UC Merced, long the campus of last resort for students rejected at their preferred UC choices. The system guarantees a spot for all Californians who meet UC eligibility requirements  a 3.0 grade-point average and completion of a series of college-level courses called A-G  and Merced has been the only campus with room for those who dont get in elsewhere.

But the percentage of such referred students dropped to just 8% this fall compared with 28% in 2005. Leland said the campus could have filled its entire incoming class with those who voluntarily selected Merced, but it over-enrolled students this year to honor the UC guarantee.

As a result, the campus admitted about 2,200 freshmen and transfer students, squeezing them into dorms designed for 1,800. To make room, university officials leased off-campus housing for 450 students and converted double rooms into triples and triples into quads.

We have an acute need to grow, said Daniel Feitelberg, Merceds vice chancellor for planning and budget.

The 2020 project will help ease that crunch, with 1,700 additional beds expected to be ready in two years. The university signed a 39-year contract with the private development consortium Plenary Properties Merced to maintain major building operations at an annual cost of about $10 million. Though some faculty members questioned the move to a private contractor, Feitelberg said it would provide an incentive to build top-quality buildings, delivered on time  or face reduced payments.

The expansion project, in the works for four years, will build on Merceds environmental commitments to consume no net energy and produce no net trash or greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. As with all of the current buildings, the new ones will be constructed with some recycled material, such as Coke bottles and newspapers, and be cooled with pipes filled with chilled water, which are more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioning systems.

At a VIP luncheon Friday, Merced city and county officials said the project would prove a boon to the San Joaquin Valley, where poverty and unemployment rates are among the states highest. The project is expected to create 2,500 jobs over four years and $1.9 billion in one-time economic benefits, officials say.

It will be transformative, said Hubert Hub Walsh, chairman of the Merced County Board of Supervisors. UC Merced, he said, already has raised the college ambitions of area youths and created rich opportunities for residents, such as a recent visit by NASA officials.

But not everyone shared the boosterism. The groundbreaking was interrupted by several student protesters, who called for dignity and respect and distributed written demands for a cultural resource center, more diverse faculty, ethnic study courses and a halt in enrollment growth until current student needs were met.

Katelyn Fitzgerald, UC Merced student body president, said those needs included housing, food security and mental health resources. She also said that she and other students felt their voices had not been adequately included in the planning process.

Theres a huge disconnect between students and administrators, Fitzgerald said. Why isnt the university focusing on these issues before we grow more?

UC Merced spokesman James Leonard said the university was proud of the resources and support devoted to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and planned to increase that aid as the campus grows.

Several students said the new facilities would add more luster to a campus they had grown to love, despite initial misgivings among some.

Jalen Siler, a senior from Compton, said he cried when his father told him he would not take out loans to send him to his dream school, Syracuse University, when UC Merced was offering a free ride. But Siler said he found that the small campus offered a rich array of leadership opportunities. There, he could be a judge in student conduct cases, a fraternity leader. The new buildings, he said, will be another selling point when he pitches the campus to his friends back home, as he now does.

Jessica Rivas, a senior from North Hollywood, mistakenly thought that UC Merced was in Santa Cruz; after arriving on campus in the middle of nowhere, she was determined to transfer as soon as she could. But she quickly changed her mind after joining a student leadership program Merced runs with Yosemite National Park, an experience that has shaped her desire for a career in wilderness education.

Adam Delong, a Sacramento freshman, said he chose UC Merced over UC Santa Cruz because he heard about great research opportunities for undergraduates, which on more elite campuses require an Olympian effort to land. He hopes to do stem cell research, possibly in one of the new labs.

His one fear about the expansion is that it might jeopardize one of UC Merceds best features: its small size, which engenders close friendships and teamwork.

People generally want to head in the same direction together, he said, and thats what Im afraid will disappear with the 2020 plan.

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Air quality regulators have issued a notice of violation to the Torrance Refining Co., saying the 750-acre refinery  whose flare stacks shot flames and billowed thick black smoke Tuesday  had caused a public nuisance with air pollution.

The former Exxon Mobil refinery has been responsible for an unacceptably high number of flaring events resulting from shutdowns at its Torrance facility, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said in a news release Thursday.

The refinery, owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy, lost power Tuesday morning as a result of faulty wiring during the upgrade of a substation, according to Southern California Edison.

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The shutdown left about 100,000 customers without electricity in the South Bay, and the resulting eruptions from the refinery prompted the city to order residents to keep their doors and windows closed. Most customers had power restored within hours.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District said the refinery had flared twice before this year  after a software malfunction in July and a power cut in September.

The agency said it would seek an order from its hearing board seeking improvements in maintenance, monitoring and electrical infrastructure at the refinery. Public hearings will be held to address concerns.

christopher.goffard@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATchrisgoffard
Los Angeles police are still trying to sort out details of a mass shooting at a West Adams restaurant early Saturday that left three dead and 12 wounded.

Heres what we know:

Q: What exactly happened?

There were about 50 people inside the restaurant in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard when an argument broke out.

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Three men left the restaurant, returned with firearms and began shooting, according to police. Others at the restaurant also opened fire, and some diners were caught in the crossfire, police said.

The shooting continued in the driveway of the restaurant, which is located in a house on a residential block, police said.

Q: What do we know about the place where it happened and the owner of the eatery?

The business is identified in registration papers as Dillys Kitchen, which is located inside a home on Rimpau.

The owner of the house and business, who identified himself only as Dilly, told The Times that he came to the U.S. in 1994 from Kingston, Jamaica.

He is 63. He started his catering business out of his home in 2003 when he moved into the West Adams neighborhood. He said there was another shooting in 2011.

The guy that died in that shooting was my friend, he said.

He said he also believes he lost another friend in Saturdays shooting. He said he heard the mans name as one of the dead from other people who were at the house. He said he heard that the three dead victims were all men.

He plans to sell the house and move back to Jamaica.

Dilly said he worked several jobs in Kingston, Jamaica, where he lived. He drove a cab for 27 years, built furniture and ran a small restaurant where he cooked.

By 1994 he came to the United States with a woman who would become his wife in 1996.

He worked for a Togos sandwich restaurant for five years near LAX before losing his job and starting his catering business.

I do catering, thats all I do, he said. Except on Saturdays when people come over and I cook food for them.

According to online reviews, Dilly was usually making about seven dishes at once. His jerk chicken was a favorite dish, but reviewers also gave his stuffed fish, oxtail, stewed chicken and goat curry high grades.

In 2011 one reviewer described his beef patties as the truth!

What do we know about the victims?

Police took into custody two persons of interest  a man and a women  but were still looking for suspects Saturday afternoon. A gun was recovered from the scene, police said.

Officers are now canvassing the neighborhood looking for witnesses.

Some of the wounded were taken by ambulance to hospitals, while others drove themselves, authorities said.

What did witnesses see?

It was just pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. It didnt stop. It just kept going. ... Really loud, said one woman who lives in the area.

It was a series [of gunshots] first, like really fast, then a pause, almost like someone reloaded, she said. It was specific, as if someone was pointing at people.

She estimated she heard about 20 gunshots in total. She ran to the window and watched people run by her house, screaming. Some held beer bottles, she said. Many jumped in their cars and sped off, she said.

Within minutes, police helicopters appeared overhead and firetrucks and police cars were parked on the street, she said.

Paul Elen, 64, who was visiting his brother in the neighborhood, said, I heard about 15, 20 shots.

First it was two shots, he said. Then they started firing again.

He said he saw people running down the street. I seen somebody fall, so I said its time to go in the house, he said. I heard a lot of screaming.

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Another woman alleges Donald Trump grabbed and kissed her

Donald Trump is on the defensive -- again.

On Saturday, another woman stepped forward and alleged that nearly two decades ago Trump made unwanted advances.

He took my hand and grabbed me and went for the lips, Cathy Heller, now 63, told the Guardian newspaper.

The incident, alleges Heller, occurred at a Mothers Day brunch at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

While greeting brunch attendees, she said, Trump made his move.

He said, Oh, come on. He was strong. And he grabbed me and went for my mouth and went for my lips, she recalled.

A spokesman for Trump forcefully denied the allegations.

There is no way that something like this would have happened in a public place on Mothers Day at Mr. Trumps resort. It would have been the talk of Palm Beach for the past two decades, Jason Miller, a spokesman for Trump, said in a statement.

The reality is this: For the media to wheel out a politically motivated Democratic activist with a legal dispute against this same resort owned by Mr. Trump does a disservice to the public, Miller added.

Heller denied to the Guardian that she has a legal dispute with Trumps resort. She is supporting Trumps opponent, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Heller is the ninth woman to come forward in the past week with allegations that Trump groped or forcibly kissed them before he ran for president last year.

He has denied all the allegations as false and politically motivated.
Anyone who has served on a jury  or seen the film 12 Angry Men  knows that jurors often argue vociferously about the guilt or innocence of a defendant and sometimes change their minds. Encouraging jurors to be candid is one reason most states protect jurors from testifying in court later about their deliberations.

But last week, the Supreme Court was asked to rule that the Constitution requires the veil of secrecy to be pierced when there is evidence that a jurys decision was warped by racial discrimination. The court should accept the invitation.

Miguel Pena-Rodriguez was convicted in Colorado of unlawful sexual contact with two teenage sisters who said he grabbed them in the bathroom at a racetrack. After the trial, two jurors reported that during deliberations a third juror, a former police officer, had made biased remarks about the defendant and an alibi witness because they were Latino. He was quoted as saying that the defendant must be guilty because hes Mexican and Mexican men take whatever they want.

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After the other jurors reported those remarks, Pena-Rodriguezs lawyers sought a new trial but were barred by a rule  similar to those in most states and the federal courts  generally prohibiting a juror from testifying as to any matter or statement occurring during the course of the jurys deliberations. (California rules allow some evidence about statements in the jury room that might have influenced the verdict improperly.)

During Tuesdays oral argument, some justices seemed sympathetic to Pena-Rodriguezs claim. But others worried that if the court allowed an inquiry into racial bias in jury deliberations, it would have to permit challenges based on expressions of other sorts of prejudice. What about religious bias? Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. asked.

Its an important point. If a Jewish or Muslim defendant is convicted because a juror voted  or persuaded others to vote  based on hateful stereotypes, that too is a violation of the constitutional right to a fair trial. The court should hold that a defendant can challenge a conviction if there is evidence that any form of discrimination barred by law  racial, religious or gender  deprived him or her of a fair trial.

Allowing defendants to challenge convictions based on what was said during jury deliberations admittedly would make such appeals more likely. But jurisdictions that allow such inquiries in the case of possible racial bias dont seem to have clogged the courts with them.

Its also true that a decision in favor of Pena-Rodriguez wouldnt prevent jurors in future cases from acting on unspoken prejudices; but at least they wouldnt infect their fellow jurors with them.

As a general matter, the privacy of jury deliberations should be respected. (We would oppose, for example, recording or transcribing deliberations.) But when a defendant can offer evidence  as Pena-Rodriguez did  that blatant bigotry was factor in the verdict against him, courts shouldnt turn a blind eye.

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The cornerstone of modern crime-fighting is the meticulous collection and analysis of data. Beginning in New York in the 1990s, then later in Los Angeles and other cities, data-based initiatives like CompStat allowed police agencies to better identify crime trends and respond quickly with teams of officers assigned to the trouble spots. The same numbers are used to evaluate law enforcement personnel and policies.

So it is baffling that such data-oriented police agencies have been collectively unable to provide reliable nationwide data on uses of force. It is especially frustrating at a time when high-profile police shootings, many of them of unarmed African American men, have elevated questions about racial bias in law enforcement and other institutions of government. Without numbers it is impossible to know whether uses of force are rising and whether police in any given city are unfairly targeting any group.

The U.S. Department of Justices national use-of-force database, announced Thursday by Atty. Gen. Loretta E. Lynch and due to be launched early next year, will help. Police agencies are already required to report deadly encounters. The new initiative requires them to report non-lethal uses of force as well. If done properly, the Justice Departments effort will harmonize the many different ways in which the nations approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies define and describe uses of force. California is ahead of the curve in that it already collects and publishes public safety data, and recently began publishing use of force data.

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Unfortunately, the numbers mean little and cannot be analyzed if police agencies dont get them right. A recent study by Texas State University in San Marcos researchers showed that police in California failed to report 440, or 30%, of deadly police shootings from 2005 to 2015. The L.A. County Sheriffs Department accounted for 34 of the missing reports. The Los Angeles Police Department accounted for an additional 21. State law provides no penalty for failing to report.

So the frustration remains  even large, sophisticated police agencies that are fully invested in data analysis can be sloppy with fatal use-of-force numbers. That fact must give federal justice officials pause as they receive data on lesser incidents. Those numbers will be in some ways more important, because they can reveal attitudes and practices that pervade departments but arent necessarily reflected in the statistically rare cases of deadly force. As it collects numbers, the Justice Department will have to prod local agencies to abide by the high standards of data collection and reporting that many agencies already use to track crime and officer performance for their own purposes.

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We live in the era of the data dump. Lately, however, it seems the hackers who once challenged government surveillance or the illegal wartime activities of superpowers, have taken on a new type of target.

WikiLeaks, the transparency website founded in 2006 by Julian Assange, has waded into the waters of partisan politics with its release of thousands of private emails from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons campaign. Theres a principled argument for this kind of radical transparency. Assange himself made it more than a decade ago on his then-blog: The more secretive or unjust an organization is, the more leaks induce fear and paranoia in its leadership and planning coterie.

The reality, however, is that some secrets exist for a reason. While Assange may be basking in the limelight for embarrassing Clinton these past two weeks, some of his recent actions may have caused significant collateral damage  particularly to members of the LGBT community.

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In July, WikiLeaks published documents from inside the regime of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following a failed attempt at a coup. That leak, however, included the private information of thousands of Turkish women, including their home addresses. In publishing Saudi Arabian diplomatic cables, the site outed two male teenage rape victims in Saudi Arabia, and published the name of a man imprisoned for sexual deviation. One survivor was reportedly raped by a man while abroad and one was so violently raped [that] his legs were broken, the cables said, according to the Associated Press.

WikiLeaks methods were criticized by exiled whistleblower Edward Snowden, who exposed the NSAs controversial metadata program in a 2013 leak. Democratizing information has never been more vital, and WikiLeaks has helped, Snowden has said. But their hostility to even modest curation is a mistake. The Washington Post later argued that WikiLeaks operates under a reckless just-publish-everything mentality, acting with a blatant disregard for the civilians caught in the crosshairs.

When it comes to reporting on LGBT lives, redacting sensitive information is extremely important. The practice of outing, revealing someones sexuality before the individual is willing or able to come out publicly, has been criticized by LGBT activists as an invasion of privacy, but this is only part of the story. Outing can cause severe psychological harm, it can lead to youth being expelled from their homes, and it can even get someone killed.

It destroys lives.

And yet WikiLeaks mantra of radical openness has seemingly begun to filter down to the culture at large.

During the Olympic games in Rio, Nico Hines, a writer for the Daily Beast, posed as a gay man on hookup apps like Grindr and Jackd. Hines, who is straight and married, claimed that he was looking to meet up with male Olympic athletes. Although identifying information was later redacted by the site, the original draft made it relatively simple to discern which men got in contact with Hines. Several of these Olympians represented countries where being out remains illegal. The article was later taken down.

In 10 countries around the world, being LGBT is not only a crime  it is punishable by death. Nations mandating the execution of LGBT people include Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iran and Saudi Arabia, the same country where WikiLeaks forced gay men out of the closet. In March, Okaz, a newspaper in Jidda, reported that Saudi officials have recently sought to make discussing ones sexuality on social media a death penalty offense. This decision follows a recent uptick in sting operations targeting gay men, with 35 criminal prosecutions for sodomy in a six-month period.

In July, 19-year-old Hassan Afshar became the latest LGBT person put to death in Iran. Iranian officials claimed that the teenager, still in high school at the time of his arrest, raped another young man, even though Afshars parents insisted the sexual encounter was consensual. The distinction didnt matter. The young man, who was denied access to a lawyer, was hanged July 18. Since 1979, reports estimate that 4,000 to 6,000 LGBT Iranians have been sent to the gallows because of their sexuality.

Cases like Hassans have become more common in recent years, as LGBT people have been subject to an international backlash from conservative groups following recent gains in equality. In Indonesias Aceh province, ruled by sharia law, citizens are subjected to 100 lashes if found guilty of same-sex intercourse. The countrys high court is set to rule on whether to bring the penalty against homosexuality nationwide, which could mean up to 15 years in prison for those convicted. Ahead of that decision, Indonesia has sought to block access to all gay hookup apps, including Grindr, Blued and BoyAhoy.

Even in the U.S., LGBT-identified people may choose not to disclose their sexuality to office mates or supervisors, in fear of being the victim of workplace discrimination. According to UCLAs Williams Institute, between 15% and 43% of LGBT people have faced on-the-job harassment, with transgender employees most vulnerable. Despite the passage of marriage equality in 2015, you can still be fired in 28 U.S. states for being LGBT. These include Kansas, Mississippi, Idaho and Indiana.

Being outed can lead to job loss, but for youth, it can even mean living on the street  or worse. The Williams Institute of UCLA School of Law reports that 40% of homeless-youth service providers clients identify as LGBT, and a majority of them were kicked out of their homes because of their orientation or gender identity, the report says. LGBT youth who face rejection from their community are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide than those who experienced acceptance. Nineteen-year-old Tyler Clementi, then a student at Rutgers, brought national attention to this issue in 2010 after his roommates filmed him having a sexual encounter with another man. Clementi, who was still coming to terms with his sexuality, took his own life after the video was put online.

Sensitive subject matter requires great sensitivity.

WikiLeaks mission is to expose government wrongdoing and corruption through radical transparency, promoting a culture of greater accountability. By forcibly outing LGBT people, though, the site has done the oppositehelped bigots, bullies and oppressive regimes everywhere.

Hillary Clinton will likely recover just fine from these leaks and from future data dumps. Not everyone may be so lucky.

Nico Lang is the East Coast reporter for the Advocate. You can also read his work on Salon, Onion A.V. Club and the Guardian. Find him on Twitter @nico_lang.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook

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As he fell further behind in polls and battled allegations of sexual misconduct in recent days, Donald Trump moved to darker corners. He sketched out conspiracies involving global bankers, casually threatened to jail his political opponent, and warned in increasingly specific terms that a loss by him would spell the end of civilization.

The distrust of U.S. institutions that Trump has nurtured among his core supporters is readily apparent.

One North Carolina man predicted in an interview that the military would probably assassinate Hillary Clinton if shes elected president. A woman at an Iowa town hall for Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, offered to join a revolution if Clinton prevails. Another man at an Ocala, Fla., rally was certain Trump would fire the FBI and scores of other federal bureaucrats in a housecleaning if he wins.

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Many who have watched Trumps campaign warn that the spread of such ideas may be only the beginning. The scorched-earth strategy Trump has adopted risks creating a lasting and bitter divide in American society, they say.

Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter | The race to 270

It is going to have consequences, said Charlie Sykes, a conservative radio host in Wisconsin who has raised alarms about the Republican Partys identity crisis. Somebody referred to this as civic vandalism: the paranoia, the injection of the conspiracy theories that there are dark forces that somehow are going to rob him of this election.

Historians, political scientists and other experts say the durability of Trump, what he proudly calls his movement and the extent of its impact, will depend heavily on the results of the election.

Even a tight loss, let alone a Trump win, could push his brand of politics further into the mainstream. Not only would future candidates and the party adopt some of the sharp rhetoric, but members of Congress in districts carried by Trump might feel compelled to join in, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.

If this is a close election, this is a signal that there are real rewards for this type of discourse, said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

Alternatively, though a Clinton landslide would almost certainly force changes in the two major political parties, it might not create the same fundamental reordering in the countrys politics. Without Trump, the movement could die, the same way supporters dispersed following Ross Perots and Pat Buchanans failed runs for the presidency.

Historians point to the strength of the countrys institutions and the short memories many Americans have after bitter campaigns, making the case that Trump could present more of a ripple than a sea change.

Its amazing to me how much we forget about past rhetoric, said Lara Brown, author of a book on the history of presidential candidates and interim director of the George Washington University School of Political Management. She cited the ugly 1884 election between Grover Cleveland, derided as a fornicator, and James Blaine, labeled a liar, that is now lost in the dusty pages of history books.

She predicted that many Trump supporters would deny their role in backing him if he loses in a blowout, a phenomenon borne out by polls in past elections.

No matter its results, the election has shown that the country, and both political parties, are splitting apart more deeply. Eight in 10 voters in a Pew survey released Friday say Trump supporters and Clinton supporters dont just disagree on ideas or policy solutions; they rely on different sets of facts. Indeed, it was the one area in the Pew survey that backers of both candidates agreed on.

Another poll, taken this month by SurveyMonkey, found that 40% of voters said they had lost faith in American democracy, while 6% said they never had it.

If Trump refuses to concede a close loss to Clinton, that faith could erode even further.

Trump has been a master at tapping into the polarized fact universe, devoting much of a major Thursday speech in West Palm Beach, Fla., to castigating the establishment media as part of a larger conspiracy, working hand-in glove with the Clinton machine to destroy him as part of a concerted, coordinated and vicious attack.

The conspiracy, he said, includes Clinton meeting in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty and enrich global financial powers, her special interest friends and her donors.

On Saturday, as sexual allegations piled up against him, he tweeted about a FIX! and an election being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges, and outright lies, in order to elect Crooked Hillary!

The rhetoric had the markings of Trumps campaign chief, Stephen Bannon, who as editor of the conservative website Breitbart pushed against the mainstream media with stories about a global conspiracy of elites bent on undermining Americas culture and civilization.

Ben Shapiro, a former editor at the site who left in protest over Bannons management and philosophical leanings, said he believes Trump and Bannon are less interested in disrupting order and are instead orchestrating a blame game  aimed at Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan; Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, a New York Times investor; international bankers; and any number of other targets.

Its everybodys fault, Shapiro said. If we lost, its not because we lost. Its because they stabbed us in the back.

The goal, he predicted, is to maintain Trumps image of strength among core supporters so the two men can build a media empire centered on the same ideas. That would keep Trumps brand alive, and, depending on the size of his audience and the number of votes he gets in the election, maintain his influence on the Republican Party.

He wants the firefight. He needs the firefight, Shapiro said.

Clinton has tried to make Trumps temperament the central topic of the election. But she insisted Friday that she is not taking satisfaction in his increasingly erratic behavior.

Damage is being done that were going to have to repair, she said during a visit to a campaign office in Seattle. Divisions are being deepened that were going to have to try to heal.

Other Republicans are also expecting a party battle, with Trump supporters on one side blaming mainstream Republicans for backing off from Trump, and factions of mainstream Republicans blaming Trump supporters for making him the nominee.

Mitt Romney, the partys 2012 nominee, predicted during an Ashcroft in America podcast interview posted on Friday that even a Trump loss would spark many, many people who still carry his banner and that it would require a leader in the mode of Winston Churchill or Dwight Eisenhower to restore any semblance of Republican unity, something he does not expect to see in the next four years.

Absent that kind of leadership, I think it will be very difficult for the Humpty Dumpty to be put back together again, he said.

Trump has already begun laying out his case, lashing out against Ryan after the speaker said he would no longer publicly defend Trump and calling out Republicans who denied their endorsements as disloyal losers. Many of Trumps supporters have pledged to stick with him against the others.

Theyre turncoats, said Terry Gravely, a 72-year-old Trump supporter at a Pence rally in Fletcher, N.C. They will regret it.

Theyre scared hes going to be elected, said Mike Hollowell, a 55-year-old who fixes boats and attended a Trump rally in Florida. And their little gravy train is going to end.

Times staff writers Michael A. Memoli in Seattle and Melanie Mason in Ocala, Fla., contributed to this report.

noah.bierman@latimes.com

Twitter: @noahbierman

Hillary Clinton keeps fishing for big money while lagging behind with smaller donors

More women accuse Trump: You do not have a right to treat women as sexual objects just because you are a star

Can you believe we still have 24 more days of this?
As he wrapped up a rally in a Cincinnati arena Thursday night, Donald Trump, battered by a week of unceasing bad news, paused to bask in the moment.

Is there anywhere better to be anywhere in the world  than a Trump rally? the Republican presidential nominee bellowed, arms outstretched. We love each other!

The crowd roared back. Yes, the din seemed to say, this is the best place in the world.

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The last eight days have thrust Trumps campaign into a tailspin, starting with a leaked recording from 2005 in which he discusses groping women. Multiple women have since stepped forward to accuse him of unwanted sexual advances. The fight over whether to stick by Trump or give up on him consumed the Republican Party. His poll numbers plummeted, and his path to victory has never been narrower.

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But at Trumps rallies throughout the week  in which the faithful came by the thousands in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio  the mood was more ecstatic than funereal. His loyal band of deplorables was undaunted, fortified by a common language, common enemies and a common conviction that Trump will win this election.

Trump rallies have become their own bubble of facts and feelings. And in that bubble, the campaign is going well.

Im feeling good, said Scott Abbott in Ocala, Fla., on Wednesday afternoon, pressing his face against a chain-link fence to catch a glimpse of Trumps motorcade pulling up to the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. He acknowledged hed be stuck outside during the speech, but he was chipper rather than disappointed. The thousands inside the pavilion and many others waiting in line must be a good sign, he said.

Its going to be a landslide with Trump, said the Tampa-based software developer. It certainly looks like it.

News reports of Trump rallies tend to focus on the seething anger of the audience  the chants of CNN sucks! and escalating hostility toward the press, the profanity-laced homemade signs and T-shirts, and the anti-Hillary Clinton mantra Lock her up! often beginning even before the candidate takes the stage.

But Trump supporters saw themselves not as roiling, but electrified and invigorated. Above all, they were steadfast. First Lady Michelle Obama may have been shaken after this week, as she said in an emotional speech Thursday in New Hampshire, but there was no wobbling among the Trump faithful.

At one event Tuesday at a Panama City, Fla. amphitheater, the vibe was akin to a community picnic. Waiting for Trump to arrive, rally-goers lounged on blankets and tossed around Frisbees. They ate the unappetizingly named but appealingly pungent butt fries  barbecue pork heaped on a pile of french fries.

Smoking a cigarette on the periphery of the crowd, Mark Breaux, a contractor from Santa Rosa Beach, approvingly surveyed the scene.

I like the feeling here. Youre all on the same side, he said. In his hometown community populated by, as he termed them, hippies and artists, many times, I know Im on my own. It feels like I live around a bunch of idiots.

Most of the two dozen Trump supporters interviewed this week were unlike Breaux in that respect. They live in solidly Republican neighborhoods and have solidly Republican social circles. They are inundated with evidence of Trump support, including neighborhoods dotted with Trump-Pence yard signs and Facebook feeds brimming with pro-Trump sentiment.

Diane Fudge said she meets Trump supporters everywhere she goes. Her 83-year-old uncle, a lifelong Democrat who backed President Obama  hes voting for Trump. Fellow passengers on a cruise she took this year  most are voting for Trump.

Why does everyone Im running into say theyre voting for Trump, and then the news says he doesnt stand a chance? asked Fudge, a 55-year-old travel agent from Homosassa, Fla.

The polls, which showed the GOP candidate falling further behind in national surveys and in key battleground states, were not to be trusted inside the bubble. They simply didnt align with what Trump supporters saw themselves.

Theyre all lies. Look at these people. People are still standing in line, said Sandy Dubey, a retired nurse watching crowds amass at the Ocala event. The polls, theyre rigged.

One popular theory held that some Trump supporters were keeping their preference to themselves, leaving his popularity underrepresented in the polls; some evidence of this existed early in the Republican primaries but disappeared as Trump solidified his hold on the nomination.

Somehow being a Republican became being a racist. A lot of people dont want to be classified as a bigot or a racist, said Dwaine Hodge, a contractor from Ocala.

His own son asked Hodge not to wear his Trump gear when he picked up his grandson from school because everyone will think his son is a racist, Hodge said.

Others dismissed the polls using a now-standard Trump talking point.

Its going to be Brexit, said Mike Hollowell of Inglis, Fla., a reference to the British referendum to leave the European Union, which stunned political observers when it passed in June after final polls predicted a loss.

The skepticism extended beyond the polls to the media as a whole and the stories it was producing, particularly the accusations of inappropriate groping by Trump that emerged midweek.

Thats just propaganda that Hillary is putting out there, said Cindy Wells, a factory worker from Mason, Ohio, as she waited in the concession line at Cincinnatis U.S. Bank Arena. A lot of the media is putting spin out there. Theyre going to dig up anything they can to make him look like a bad person.

Rebecca Robinette, also at the Cincinnati rally, said the timing made her suspicious.

Them coming out now  I dont believe it, said Robinette, a social worker from West Chester, Ohio. If its true, they wouldve come out way earlier.

Faith in Trump sometimes requires leaping into an alternative universe. Throughout the week, Trump insisted he stood still during Sundays town-hall debate against Clinton, despite video from the event showing him pacing the floor.

Did you see where she said I entered her space?  This is a liar, he said in Panama City. She entered my space.

The riff became an instant applause line; when he said it in Cleveland, audience members clapped and nodded their heads in agreement.

Trump supporters dont assert their candidate is flawless; many related to his rough edges, his vices, his past embarrassments.

Some even acknowledged he could be his own worst enemy.

Some of the things he says  dang, did you really just say that? I could slap you myself, said Brenda Warner of Port St. Joe, Fla. She said she was disappointed by his answer in the second debate to a question posed by a Muslim woman about Islamophobia.

He was talking at her, Warner said. I didnt care for that. Because there are a lot of good ones, she added, referring to Muslims.

Fudge said Trumps unpredictable activity on Twitter could make her cringe.

I wish hed stop tweeting at 3 oclock in the morning, she said. His wife needs to hide the phone.

Both women admitted to being more anxious as the election neared, fearing voting shenanigans or a hostile political establishment could stack the deck against Trump.

But as women, their mere presence at these events was proof to fellow Trump fans that he would win. After all, if Trump was alienating women, why would there be so many female fans at his rallies?

There were a ton of women at that thing. A ton of them, Breaux said, reflecting days later on the Panama City rally. I got the feeling that there is a sleeping giant out there, and Trump is going to kick some ass.

melanie.mason@latimes.com

Follow @melmason for the latest on national politics.

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As voters weigh two dueling death penalty measures on the Nov. 8 ballot, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the effort to end executions in California, saying they want to see the practice abolished both in the state and across the U.S.

Some have long been active practitioners of so-called conscious capitalism, giving to social causes and ballot measures in support of issues such as education and the environment. But this year, the death penalty debate has generated heavier funding and drawn in some first-time donors, as contributors say they see potential for change amid waning public opinion of capital punishment.

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It feels like now the time is right, said Nicholas McKeown, a computer science professor at Stanford University and founder of four tech companies. Public opinion has changed a lot, and theres also the general sense that we need to bring about that change in California so that it sweeps across the country to the Supreme Court and nationwide.

McKeown and Netlfix CEO Reed Hastings have been the two biggest contributors to the cause. Other top donors include Robert Eustace, who served as senior vice president of knowledge at Google, and Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and founder of Emerson Collective, a nonprofit that advocates for policies on education, immigration reform and environmental conversation.

Among the new donors are Paul Graham, CEO of start-up incubator Y Combinator. Theres also billionaires John Doerr, a venture capitalist who has backed some of the most successful tech entrepreneurs, and Tom Steyer, who has spent millions on the fight against climate change and this year decided to take action against the death penalty, calling it failed policy.

Together, they have dished out $4.2 million into a $7-million campaign to pass Proposition 62, which would replace the death penalty with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The same funding drive is also working to oppose Proposition 66, which intends to speed up the death penalty system through changes in how and how often death row inmates can appeal their convictions.

Public support for capital punishment was at its peak nationwide in the mid-1990s, when 80% of Americans favored the death penalty in murder cases. But that support has since fallen to 49% percent of Americans  the lowest in more than four decades, according to a Pew Research Center survey released late last month.

Roughly 42% now oppose the practice.

Yet in California, voters have refused to abolish the punishment. The last time a measure similar to Proposition 62 was on the ballot in 2012, it was rejected by 52% of voters. And that measure raked in more funds, at least $7.2 million, including $437,500 from McKeown and $250,000 from Hastings.

This year, Proposition 66 intends to shorten the time that legal challenges to death sentences can take through new procedures, such as requiring initial appeals to be heard in trial courts and establishing new deadlines.

Police associations, prosecutors and sheriffs have pulled in $4.3 million in donations to support the ballot measure and defeat its competitor.

But Silicon Valley supporters say they have rallied behind Proposition 62 due to the death penaltys cost: Ending it could save the state about $150 million annually within a few years, although the impact could vary by tens of millions of dollars, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office.

McKeown, the overall top donor who has contributed $1.5 million to the cause, called the practice inhumane and pointed to its abolition throughout Europe and other Western democracies.

Graham, who has doled out $500,000, said he has never supported the death penalty but only recently learned of what he called the flaws in its application. One recent study in the journal PNAS, he said, estimated more than 4% of death row inmates have been wrongfully convicted.

It always seemed barbaric, and clearly had no deterrent effect, he said in an email. But I didnt fight that actively against it because I thought the people being killed were murderers  the proverbial worst of the worst.

California voters oppose ending states death penalty 

Whether their funding will make a difference remains to be seen, as polls suggest not enough voters have changed their minds on capital punishment to repeal it. An USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll has found more than half of likely voters still oppose the measure to abolish the death penalty.

The latest tally, a survey by the Field Poll and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley, found 48% percent of 942 likely voters supported Proposition 62, as opposed to 37% that didnt. Another 15% were undecided.

Proposition 66 received less support, with 35% reporting they were inclined to vote Yes, 23% who said they would vote No and 42% who are undecided.

History suggests that when voter support for a controversial ballot measures remains below 50%, its passage is uncertain, even when its leading in the polls, according to the Field Poll survey.

jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com

Follow @jazmineulloa on Twitter

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The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and guest conductor Thomas Dausgaard are looking to start off an upcoming concert on a more eccentric note.

One of Beethovens most celebrated works, Symphony No. 3, Eroica, will be the headlining piece at the chambers concert at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on Oct. 29. However, the night will open with a roughly 10-minute work called A Freak in Burbank, a composition making its West Coast debut and dedicated to the legendary and eccentric filmmaker Tim Burton.

Its a really fun, flashy, sort of mischievous piece of music and a really fun way to start the program before we start into the more serious fare, said Scott Harrison, executive director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

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Swedish composer Albert Schnelzer, who wrote the piece several years ago, explained in an email that the composition started off as an idea to see how the music of composer Joseph Haydn could influence todays music.

There is also something very unpredictable about Haydns music that always makes it interesting, Schnelzer wrote. While I was starting out with this piece, I read a biography about Tim Burton and was immediately struck with the similarities between these two artists. The playfulness and the burlesque was something they both shared, so I decided to let Tim join us and see what would happen.

Schnelzer said he is a fan of composer Danny Elfman, who is known for scoring many of Burtons films. However, the Swedish composers goal was not to try and copy Elfmans style, but rather capture who Burton is.

The biography about Tim Burtons childhood affected me quite a lot, and the sense of loneliness and sorrow you feel when you grow up if you are not like everyone else is something I think many of us can relate to, Schnelzer wrote. Being a freak at one time or another is not easy. So, in many ways, this is a piece about you and me as well.

A Freak in Burbank premiered in 2008 and has, so far, been performed more than 60 times by symphonies around the world.

Though the piece has been performed many times, Schnelzer said that he has not heard if Burton himself has listened to the composition.

I know that the [British Broadcasting Corp.] tried to contact him in 2010 when this piece was performed at the BBC Proms in Royal Albert Hall, but I dont know if he ever got that message and what he thinks of the piece, Schnelzer wrote. I sincerely hope he understands that this is my homage to a great artist who has influenced so many people, and that being a freak, whether its in Burbank or Stockholm, is actually something to be proud of. We are all different.

For ticket information, visit laco.org or call (213) 622-7001.

--

Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio
Re: Measure M  Burbank and Glendale should oppose it. Burbank City Council refused to endorse the measure, citing a failure by Metro to deliver improvements in the city and surrounding area. In spite of billions from A, C and R sales taxes we have reduced local Metro bus service and a failure to expand regional rail, the lowest cost and fastest-to-deliver option to reduce traffic on our streets.

Measure Ms primary purpose is to fund the Westside Purple Line subway extension. For the price of a quarter mile of subway we could have frequent regional rail from Chatsworth and Sylmar to Union Station with connecting buses at all stops.

All Metro has delivered to the Valley is an extra freeway lane on the 405, which has failed to relieve traffic. They are in the process of doing the same on I-5, with anticipated similar results. We need a fairer plan, and a better way of funding local transit.

Paul Dyson

Chair, City of Burbank Transportation Commission

President, Rail Passenger Assn. of California and Nevada

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Measure Bs bumpy questions

Regarding the upcoming vote on Measure B: This measure is asking Burbank voters to approve a replacement terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport.

No architectural plans have been released, and construction wont begin for five to 10 years.

No cost to Burbank sure sounds appealing, but if one really reads the fine print, its more appalling.

Federal grants mean tax dollars. We all pay those. Increased ticket, parking and concession fees are not free either.

Just because we keep our current number of 14 gates doesnt mean there cannot be more flights.

A no vote is the only real protection left for Burbank citizens to retain airport accountability, transparency and oversight. I am not anti-airport, use it often, support improvements and upgrades. But they must be done responsibly and with an eye to the future. Why give up the hard fought protections that have cost Burbank millions of dollars and decades to achieve?

Measure B gets an F. Please vote no on B!

Roy Wiegand

Burbank

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Terminal should take flight

The terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport must be replaced, per federal regulation. This is not changeable, avoidable or up for debate. A no vote on Measure B, on our ballots on Nov. 8, does not mean we keep the old terminal, a fact that seems to have been lost in the debate thus far.

Measure B does two things. First, it allows for construction of a new terminal that will comply with federal safety regulations on a site that protects our local tax base. This site, preferred by the Airport Authority, will not require kicking out any Burbank businesses. Vote no, and those businesses might be forced to leave Burbank for the city of Los Angeles in order to make room for the new terminal  taking their tax dollars with them.

The second effect of Measure B has the potential to be even more beneficial for our city. Right now, the Airport Authority is made up of nine members, three each from Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena. This gives Glendale and Pasadena  great communities, but less impacted by the airport than Burbank  the power to outvote the Burbank representatives. Measure B promises to change that, giving Burbanks appointed commissioners the power to block any move to expand or otherwise change the airport.

Heres what Measure B doesnt do: It doesnt expand the number of gates. It doesnt expand the number of flights. It doesnt lift the voluntary curfew. And it doesnt cost Burbank a dime.

I urge my neighbors in Burbank to vote yes on Measure B, and in so doing, to fix the airport on our own terms.

Joshua Goodman

Burbank

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Concerns over super majority

According to the Measure B pamphlet, the new airport board will give Burbank a super majority. As it is now, Burbank cannot strike down a motion if Glendale and Pasadena are in agreement. Now at first blush, this super majority seems like a good thing. But, Im wondering why we have to approve Measure B in order to get this consideration. After all, were the ones whose daily lives and property values are directly affected by the airport.

Furthermore, the board members are not elected, but appointed. Given the fact that theyre not beholden to the voters of Burbank, what assurance do we have that they will always act in our best interest? Additionally, Airport Authority meetings seem to be held on Monday mornings, which limits access for most of the general public. So much for transparency. Im afraid this super majority is going to end up with carte blanche. We live a 12-minute walk from the airport and two blocks outside the noise abatement zone, so Measure B is of particular interest.

Carol Tensen

Burbank
Karen Zacarias would cringe when uninformed critics reviewing works by Latino playwrights used the word telenovela to describe stage performances  particularly those depicting intense emotion  that were well outside of the popular genre.

Its not that she has a problem with telenovelas, but she shuddered at the idea that the term was used as a default to stereotype Latino-written works.

So Zacarias thought about teaching audiences what a real telenovela looks like and engaging them in a play that would test the genre, celebrate the culture and employ a large Latino cast.

The result: Destiny of Desire, a two-hour telenovela with original songs and plot twists making its West Coast premiere at South Coast Repertory. The show plays through Nov. 13.

Theater can be exciting, emotional and intellectual, but sometimes it lacks heart, Zacarias said by phone from her home in Washington, D.C. We are putting an all-Latino cast on South Coast Repertorys main stage, and its an indication of how we are part of American theater.

And those stereotypes? Dont expect them.

I think that will send a huge ripple because we have actors who are tired of playing the maid, the impoverished immigrant or gangster, she said. This play is to reflect our humor, our sophistication and our representation in theater.

Telenovelas are often equated with soap operas, but they are more like a mini-series, she explained. They have a beginning, a middle and an end, and often resolution.

The storylines are often powered by emotions such as revenge, family, love and passion and at times encourage social change. This genre, the playwright said, needed a conversation in contemporary American theatre.

The play begins on a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico, where two baby girls are born  one into a life of privilege, the other of poverty. A scheming former beauty queen switches the babies at birth, and 18 years later, the girls are brought together by misfortune.

The comedy is a co-production with Chicagos Goodman Theatre and is directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, the artistic director of the Los Angeles Theatre Center, an award-winning theater and film director and a professor at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.

Its a familiar cast to Valenzuela, as his wife, Evelina Fernandez, their daughter Esperanza America and son Fidel Gomez are all part of the production.

America, who plays Pilar Castillo, one of the women who was switched at birth, said she and her family were interested in pursuing the play, as it is a story about women defining their own destiny in a telenovela format that shows the reality of socioeconomic class.

Peoples perception of what Latinos do now is very skewed, said America, a UCLA alumnus. Theater is an amazing way to give a voice to our community and to people without a voice. We use it as a vehicle to show the talents of our people.

With their father as a director and their mother as an actress and playwright, America and Gomez said they enjoyed growing up in an artistic family and had considered other industries for work, but always found themselves returning to theater.

When they arent rehearsing, the family said they continue the conversation about the play, its themes and characters motivations at home.

Destiny of Desire, Gomez said, is a political and cultural movement as it highlights relationships and redefines the Latino community and creates dialogue about human behavior.

What the play is not is a parody or satire, Zacarias said.

Its an act of rebellion, she said. Its an homage to a telenovela. Theres this kind of deliciousness to it and you start to care about the characters. Its really fun to watch all these things unfold.

*

IF YOU GO

What: Destiny of Desire

When: Till Nov. 13

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Tickets start at $22

Information: (714) 708-5555 or scr.org

kathleen.luppi@latimes.com

Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday. The two leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

During the meeting, Xi said the closer partnership the two sides forged in 2010 has yielded fruitful results, with bilateral cooperation seeing steady progress in political, economic, cultural and security areas and on international and regional affairs.

China highly values its friendly cooperative ties with Bangladesh and will continue to offer support within its capacity for the economic and social development of the South Asian country, Xi said.

Noting that China is striving for its "two centenary goals" while Bangladesh is pursuing its "Sonar Bangla" dream of national strength and prosperity, Xi added that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative can dovetail with Bangladesh's cooperation strategies with the outside world.

The "two centenary goals" refer to China's aspiration to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the time the Communist Party of China celebrates its centenary in 2021 and turn the People's Republic of China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the time it celebrates its centenary in 2049.

Since establishing diplomatic ties 41 years ago, China and Bangladesh have adhered to "the five principles of peaceful co-existence" and have respected and supported each other in choosing the development path and domestic and foreign policies in accordance with its national conditions, said Xi.

Now in their pursuit of development, the two countries should be friends and partners that trust and support each other and advance practical cooperation to reap even richer fruits, so as to inject more impetus into bilateral ties, said the Chinese president.

Hasina, for her part, said the traditional friendship between Bangladesh and China, forged by the two countries' leaders of the older generation, enjoys deeply rooted public support in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh admires China's economic achievement, and is ready to strengthen cooperation with China while pursuing its "Sonar Bangla" dream, said the prime minister.

Bangladesh resolutely adheres to the one-China policy and is ready to maintain mutual understanding and support with the Chinese side on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, she said.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, production capacity cooperation, information and telecommunication, energy and power, diplomacy, maritime affairs, disaster prevention and alleviation, and climate change.

The two sides also issued a joint statement about the upgrading of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership of cooperation.

The document said the visit has ushered the traditional friendship between China and Bangladesh into a new era and bears significant historical importance to the bilateral relationship.

The two sides agreed to enhance high-level exchanges, maintain frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries on the sidelines of multilateral fora, strengthening exchanges and cooperation at various levels between the two governments, legislative bodies, political parties, and peoples to deepen mutual trust at all levels.

They agreed to enhance the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, fully tap the potentials of cooperation in various areas, work on "the Belt and Road Initiative" so as to realize sustainable development and common prosperity of the two countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

Bangladesh is appreciative of the initiative, believing it will bring important opportunities for Bangladesh' s goals of becoming a middle-income country by 2021 and a Developed Country by 2041.

China and Bangladesh agreed to expand and deepen trade and investment cooperation and identify infrastructure, industrial capacity cooperation, energy and power, transportation, information and communication technology and agriculture as the key areas of bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

They agreed to start feasibility studies on the establishment of China-Bangladesh Free Trade Area.

China will continue to encourage and support Chinese enterprises to invest and build Economic and Industrial Zones in Bangladesh. Bangladesh will facilitate and support Chinese enterprises doing business in Bangladesh.

Chinese side will provide support and assistance to Bangladesh in strengthening disaster management capacity building, seeking waste management and water treatment solutions for both urban and industrial areas and developing earthquake resilient infrastructure.

China and Bangladesh agreed to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and to announce the year 2017 as the Year of Friendship and Exchanges between China and Bangladesh.

The document specified that China will train 500 Chinese-language teachers for Bangladesh and 100 Bangladeshi cultural professionals, and invite 600 Bangladeshi students to visit China during 2016 to 2020.

It also said the two sides are ready to enhance communication and coordination in pushing forward the construction of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. They agreed to push for early consensus on the Joint Study Report and establish the governmental cooperation framework between the four parties, so as to launch early harvest programs at an early date.

The document highlighted bilateral cooperation in other fields such as industrial capacity, finance, maritime affairs, climate change and fight against terrorism and on international affairs.

Xi arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day for a state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the South Asian country in 30 years.

Bangladesh is the second leg of Xi's visit, which already took him to Cambodia. He will also travel to the western Indian state of Goa for a summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The 14th annual Crystal Cove Alliance Soiree welcomed 420 guests to The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast on Oct. 1, raising $418,000 to support the nonprofits mission to preserve cultural, natural and historic resources of Crystal Cove State Park.

Our organization is gearing up for some very exciting initiatives, and these require the help of our wonderfully dedicated supporters, Alix Hobbs, the alliances president and chief executive, said in a statement. This dedication will enable us to ensure that this precious resource thrives far into the future, for all the generations to come.

The event included a cocktail reception with hors doeuvres, a silent auction and a three-course dinner.

UCI professor nominated for Nobel Prize in literature

Ngugi wa Thiongo, a professor of English and comparative literature at UC Irvine, was nominated for the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature  an honor that went to music legend Bob Dylan.

Thiongo, born in 1938 in Limuru, Kenya, received his college degree in Uganda. He is a writer of novels, plays and essays.

During his career at UCI, he has published Wizard of the Crow, winner of a 2006 California Book Awards gold medal for fiction, and Dreams in a Time of War, a memoir of his childhood in Kenya.

Vanguard University 5K helps alumna with cancer

Vanguard Universitys fifth annual Run for Mercy 5K on Oct. 1 welcomed about 100 runners and walkers who helped raise more than $2,000 for alumna Noel Taylor Miller and her family.

The event was created by the Costa Mesa universitys alumni relations office to raise funds for Vanguard graduates in need.

Over the last five years, the Run for Mercy 5K has raised thousands of dollars for families like the Millers, Joel Gackle, director of alumni and university relations, said in a statement. It has been powerful to see what an impact we can make when our community gathers together.

Miller, who lives in Temecula, endured months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment after a large growth in her uterus developed into cancer in the placenta and spread to her brain, according to a news release.

She suffered cerebral hemorrhages, which led to multiple brain surgeries. Her family said she is slowly recovering.

UCI Stem Cell Research Center to host open house

The Stem Cell Research Center at UC Irvine will host a Stem Cell Awareness Day open house from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the universitys Gross Hall.

The open house will give guests a chance to learn about scientific advances and the future of medicine through tours of the center, meetings with scientists and lab demonstrations.

For more information, email andreao@uci.edu.

Nonprofit to hold wine-tasting party in Laguna Beach

Tias Arms, a nonprofit founded by former Hoag Hospital nurse Joanne Baker, will hold a wine-tasting party from 3 to 6p.m. Oct. 23 at Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach. RSVPs will be taken until Sunday.

A selection of wines from South Africa and an assortment of hors doeuvres will be featured at the event, which will benefit children in South Africa.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at tiasarms .org/events or by mailing a check to Tias Arms, 3 Wild Goose Court, Newport Beach, CA 92663.

Mozambique is at 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach.

OCC students get helping hand from Pimco founder and family

Pimco founder Bill Gross and his wife, Sue, donated $240,000 to the Orange Coast College Foundation to support programs for students pursuing career and technical education.

Many of Orange Coast Colleges [career technical education] programs fill a vital need in Orange Countys local economy for a skilled workforce and were excited to be a part of that, said Sue Gross, president of the Gross Family Foundation. However, for many students, limited financial resources hinder their ability to complete coursework and find employment.

The donation will help establish a Sue and Bill Gross Scholars program at OCC.

LCAD to start two new degrees

The Laguna College of Art + Design plans to launch two new degree programs  a creative writing bachelor of fine arts in fall 2017 and a master of fine arts next summer.

Norm Leonard, a screenwriter, author and publisher, chairs the colleges BFA and MFA programs in creative writing.

Im excited to assist students and faculty to create rich, craft-driven explorations of writing that are as playful as they are earnest, Leonard said in a statement.

Balboa Yacht Club to host annual CHOC Regatta

Childrens Hospital of Orange Countys Glass Slipper Guild plans its annual CHOC Regatta from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar.

The event will aid the guilds $1-million pledge to the Hyundai Cancer Institute & Complementary Integrative Medicine Center, according to a news release.

In addition to boat racing, the weekend will include live music and childrens activities.

For more information about the Glass Slipper Guild, visit choc.org/giving/guilds/glass-slipper-guild.

O.C. fairgrounds holding art contest

The OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is sponsoring its #DrainsToOcean public awareness art contest seeking to remind people that because storm drains lead directly to the ocean, all should think about what they dump down the drain.

Individuals or groups of up to four can submit family-friendly works that reflect the drains to ocean message.

The top six entrants will be invited to paint their designs on a storm drain cover at the fairgrounds in December. The winning design will receive a 2017 OC Fair Super Pass.

Designs must be submitted online at ocfair.com by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 4.

Segerstrom helps schools get set for performance

For the third year in a row, Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa has selected four Orange County elementary schools to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program.

The center has chosen Las Positas Elementary School in La Habra, Santiago Elementary School in Santa Ana and Riverdale and Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary schools in Anaheim.

For the next several months, artists contracted with Segerstrom will work with each schools students and teachers to help put on a Disney show at their campuses.

In March, the Segerstrom Center will host performances from the four schools musicals.

CdM High teacher nominated for national award

Corona del Mar High School English language and composition teacher Laura Holk was nominated by a former student for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

The national LifeChanger of the Year program, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, honors K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States, according to a release.

Ms. Holk was my 12th-grade English composition teacher, said Brian Dunn, who nominated Holk.

On a daily basis, I watched her find the middle ground between authority and friend in a way that connected her to students.

The LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given to 15 people and a National Spirit Award will be given to the school that demonstrates the most support for its nominee.

The winner will be announced during a surprise award ceremony at each of the honorees schools.
It was just a day on the beach for Alyce Cancellieri and Jai Snowdon until they saw a man floating in the water at China Cove in Newport Beach.

The two Newport residents were on the beach with a group of family and friends the afternoon of Sept. 26 when they noticed what they called a belligerent middle-aged man walking down the shore with a woman holding a paddleboard and accompanied by two small corgi dogs.

The man was stumbling around, Cancellieri said. He seemed intoxicated, and the woman seemed to get fed up.

The woman took the board into the water and left the man behind on the sand, they said.

The scene was disturbing enough to prompt Cancellieri and Snowdon to call police. They said they suspected something bad might happen.

Then the man tried to swim after the woman.

As Cancellieri walked down the beach to get a better view of him, she noticed that he was not moving in the water.

As a childcare professional and former junior lifeguard, Cancellieri reacted on instinct and jumped into the water after him.

Snowdon, who received lifesaving training when he lived in Australia, gave his 2-year-old son to his wife and ran into the ocean to swim after Cancellieri.

Snowdon got to the man first. When he rolled him over, his eyes were wide open and his face was purple, Snowdon said.

Snowdon cradled the mans head while Cancellieri tried to keep the lower half of his 200-plus-pound body afloat.

Several boats passed as Cancellieri and Snowdon struggled to keep the man, and themselves, afloat, Cancellieri said.

The two were shouting Help us, were drowning, but nobody helped, she said.

I was in shock, she said. I thought we would drown with everyone circling us.

In the end, two men in a small boat stopped to help.

It was amazing and a big relief, Cancellieri said.

Snowdon said they could not have kept the man afloat much longer.

Those guys on the boat were great, Snowdon said. If they werent out there, who knows what would have happened.

Knowing they needed to get the man medical help as soon as possible, they sped the boat toward the nearby Coast Guard dock.

Summoning the lessons he learned from his lifesaving classes, Snowdon began to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the man and pounded on his chest, but there was no pulse.

After they pulled up to the dock, an Orange County sheriffs deputy administered CPR and was able to revive the man, Cancellieri said.

The Sheriffs Department told Cancellieri and Snowdon this week that the man is fine, though they still dont know his name.

Its all very surreal still, Cancellieri said.

Its a weird feeling, Snowdon said. I wasnt going to sit back and watch somebody die. Its not in me.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter: @benbrazilpilot
Since the Affordable Care Act came online, 20 million more Americans have access to healthcare, including a million more Californians.

For healthcare providers like UC Irvine Medical Center, this means more customers. In fact, according to its last financial report, UCIMC has seen substantial increases in both patient admissions and outpatient visits over the past year.

But instead of investing in the proper staffing it needs to deliver quality care to more people, UCI is moving in the opposite direction.

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Last week, UCI Medical Center announced that despite recording a $70 million profit last year, it is eliminating 175 jobs. These jobs include nurses, medical assistants and the technologists who monitor cardiac conditions, care for the mentally ill, or operate CT scanners.

Among the individuals who lost their jobs are experienced caregivers who have spent more than 30 years at UCIMC. UCI claims that the cuts are necessary to maintain a healthy bottom line. But UCIs workers know differently.

This spring, a survey of more than 5,000 UCI patient care and service workers revealed that 91% are concerned that their departments are understaffed, and another 40% report being injured on the job.

So who wins in all of this? Certainly not patients, the frontline care workers on the chopping block, nor those left behind who will again be forced to do more with less.

The real winners appear to be UCIs outside management consultants, a growing army of non-clinical UCI bureaucrats and UCI Healths Chancellor and CEO Howard Federoff.

In addition to his $800,000 annual public university salary, Federoff gets a 20% bonus for hitting the pre-determined profit targets these job cuts are allegedly aimed at realizing.

UCI is, after all, a supposedly nonprofit, tax-exempt public hospital, the frontline in Californias effort to meet the challenge of serving more healthcare consumers.

At the end of the day, the cuts underway at the very profitable UCI Medical Center will make that job harder, not easier. UCIs patients, and workers, deserve better.

--

KATHRYN LYBARGER is president of AFSCME Local 3299, the UC systems largest employee union.
South Coast Water District crews this week detected traces of gas in a South Laguna neighborhood where residents have reported foul odors for months.

However, the source of the gas is still unknown.

On Monday afternoon, the district, responding to a residents phone call, discovered hydrogen sulfide at Laguna Terrace, a manufactured-home park at 30802 S. Coast Hwy. that sits across from the Montage resort.

The amount of the colorless gas, produced by bacterial breakdown of human and animal waste, was 4 to 6 parts per million, according to South Coast General Manager Andy Brunhart.

In that range, prolonged exposure to the gas could cause nausea, tearing of the eyes, headaches or loss of sleep, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration website.

Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs and collects in low-lying, poorly ventilated areas, according to OSHA.

Mondays finding adds a chapter to a saga that has frustrated Laguna Terrace residents, some of whom say they have noticed the stench for at least a year. They have reported odors emanating from sinks, toilets and air conditioning vents.

Water district crews had visited the area several times, to no avail  until Monday.

The district is not responsible for sewer laterals in the park, but as a precaution, it installed three backflow devices at the connection between its main line, which runs under South Coast Highway, and the private laterals.

The devices have an internal mechanical disc that prevents water or liquid from flowing uphill into the laterals feeding Laguna Terrace, Brunhart said.

Late last month, residents shared their concerns with their property manager, Chicago-based Hometown America Corp., in hopes of finding a solution. Homeowners also spoke at last weeks Laguna Beach City Council meeting.

Michele McCormick said she first reported the smell to Hometown in April 2015 after arriving to a house full of gas.

I thought I left the stove burner on all day, said McCormick, who has lived in the park for five years.

One night the odor funneled through a vent in her bedroom wall. McCormick said sometimes she has had to leave her house because the stench was so unbearable.

She spent thousands of dollars to fix her plumbing system and clean up sewage that had collected under her home. Crews installed an 8-foot-tall vent pipe on her property, allowing gas to escape. But the smell persisted, she said.

Chas Naylor moved to Laguna Terrace in February. He said he occasionally notices the odor, such as one night last week when the sulfuric smell was coming from his sink.

Every day Im in this flu-like haze, Naylor said.

At times, he said, he has endured a persistent cough, headaches and phlegm in his chest, though he said this week that the symptoms are improving.

Hometown officials say they have worked for months trying to find a solution.

The company said in an email to residents this week that it repaired the wastewater collection system at Laguna Terrace last year, though it did not give details about the work. Company officials ruled out the possibility that the repairs caused the odors, the email said.

Following residents complaints, Hometown hired an independent water-quality expert to analyze the wastewater system and installed air-quality monitors, which confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, according to the email.

Hometown representatives declined a request for further comment.

McCormick said she was disturbed by the email, adding that she was unaware of Hometown placing monitors in the wastewater system.

Theyre saying theyre doing all kinds of things to help me, but I would like to know what those things are, McCormick said. My concern is not just for myself but for the health of other residents.

According to Hometowns email, the company will continue monitoring hydrogen sulfide levels and will create a report to share with residents.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
Attorneys representing the Glendale Unified School District were granted access to the names and addresses of 724 registered voters living in the Sagebrush area of La Canada Flintridge who signed a petition in support of transferring their neighborhood out of Glendale Unifieds jurisdiction and into La Canada Unifieds, following a ruling made Friday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Amy Hogue granted the release of the signatures to Glendale Unifieds attorneys, who filed a petition seeking a court order for the names and addresses of transfer supporters in September.

Hogue, however, did not grant the districts additional request to halt current proceedings initiated by the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization in September to decide on the transfer.

The 11-member committee is expected to vote on the matter next year.

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Hogue asked Glendale Unified attorney Stan Barankiewicz why the district wants the names and addresses.

Barankiewicz said the data could help the school district build arguments against the transfer by pointing out how many Sagebrush petitioners have school-age children  and how many dont.

He said the signatures could also give insight into their residential or commercial property values should Glendale Unified potentially argue that those petitioners could make personal gains in property values under the transfer.

We have a right to make those arguments to the county committee, Barankiewicz told the judge.

After the hearing, he said he was not authorized by Glendale Unified to speak to the press.

Local officials have said the nearly 400 students who live in the Sagebrush area could equate to a $3.6-million loss for Glendale Unified, at most, per year in state funding by 2018, should the students no longer attend Glendale schools.

The Sagebrush area consists of about 385 acres with about 1,000 homes, representing about 2% of Glendale Unifieds tax base.

County committee members do not typically look at signature data as part of their process to decide whether to transfer territory from one school district to another, but to get the county committee to weigh in on the transfer, Unite LCF!, a citizens group that supports the transfer, needed to collect roughly 400 signatures of registered voters living in the Sagebrush area who support transferring the territory.

The 700-plus signatures that Unite LCF! gathered were verified by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder.

The citizens group recently gained the support of Marilyn Smith, an attorney who represented the organization pro bono on Friday.

Smith was part of the initial effort to transfer the territory into La Canada Unified after the city of La Canada was incorporated in 1976. An earlier effort by Sagebrush residents was launched in the early 1990s, but ultimately failed.

In the 1970s, she said, Sagebrush residents wanted to unify the city and school districts boundaries. That same sentiment remains today, she added, despite claims that Sagebrush residents only seek to raise their home values.

Its Unite LCF. Its not, Raise our property values, Smith said.

In response to Glendale Unifieds plea for the signature data, Smith said: Its really voter intimidation.

While Glendale Unifieds attorneys can examine the signature data, they will not be permitted to take photographs or make copies of the names and addresses, Hogue said, even though Barankiewicz told her that he wanted two watermarked copies of the data.

Instead, Hogue said the attorneys could partake in 19th-century note-taking.

As part of the county committees consideration in the matter, it will seek input from residents during two upcoming public hearings.

The first hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the boardroom at the La Canada Unified School District headquarters, 4490 Cornishon Ave., La Canada.

The second hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 in the MacDonald Auditorium at Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Ramsdell Ave., La Crescenta.

--

Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
Last month, Lionel Shriver spoke at a writers festival earlier about her problems with the accusation of cultural appropriation in the world of writing, setting off a debate that is still going strong about who gets to write what.

The kind of fiction we are allowed to write is in danger of becoming so hedged, so circumscribed, so tippy-toe, that wed indeed be better off not writing the anodyne drivel to begin with, she said. I am hopeful that the concept of cultural appropriation is a passing fad.

I havent been able to stop thinking about what was said and the many comments, as well as op-eds that followed, especially because, as an Armenian American, I am actually part of the ethnic group she directly referenced in her speech and novel We Need to Talk About Kevin.

Her novel, which was later made into a film starring Tilda Swinton, centers on the character Eva Khatchadourian, a travel writer and publisher, whose son goes on to commit a school massacre.

During her speech at the writers festival, Shriver referenced a letter she received from an Armenian-American reader who objected to her narrator, saying that he felt her ethnicity disparaged his community.

I took pains to explain that I knew something about Armenian heritage, Shriver said she wrote back, because my best friend in the states was Armenian, and I also thought there was something dark and aggrieved in the culture of the Armenian diaspora that was atmospherically germane to that book. Besides, I despaired, everyone in the U.S. has an ethnic background of some sort, and she had to be something.

This explanation took me aback. As a writer of nonfiction who regularly enters and reports on various ethnic, religious and social communities, I would hope Im entering these often sacred spaces with context, nuance and a strong sense of respect  things that are important to me mostly because of my own background and the intergenerational trauma that comes with it. So I dont think that just because Im not from a specific community, I cant write about it.

Its true that limiting people to only write about what they innately know is just as segregating as people not taking a sensitive approach to writing about what they have not lived.

For me, the difference lies in approach, understanding and the representation of people as complex, living, three-dimensional human beings, something which I feel Shriver did not, or care to do  whether it was toward Armenian Americans in her book, where an Armenian-American character appeared because she had to be something or the comment she made about her disdain for cultural appropriation, insensitively wearing a sombrero during her speech to illustrate her dislike of the accusation of cultural appropriation.

But this is an issue that isnt just steeped in representation as fictional or nonfictional characters, it is one where the world of publishing is still very much entangled in privilege and power, where authors and writers who can bring more complex characters to life dont get the opportunity to do so.

Perhaps novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen said it best in a recent L.A. Times op-ed: For centuries, though, the job was easier for white writers who could get published and who could say anything they wanted about anyone, anywhere. Now those people who were written about are writing back and speaking out. They demand a conversation, they criticize, and sometimes they are too sensitive. But they are not silencing anyone. The ones who are truly silenced are the ones who cannot get published.

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LIANA AGHAJANIAN is a Los Angeles-based journalist whose work has appeared in L.A. Weekly, Paste magazine, New America Media, Eurasianet and The Atlantic. She may be reached at liana.agh@gmail.com.
U .S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Yemens Houthi rebels released two U.S. citizens on Saturday, without identifying the Americans.

Kerry said they were freed as part of complicated diplomatic arrangement that included airlifts for Yemenis wounded by a recent airstrike carried out by a Saudi-led coalition. Those individuals were taken to Oman for treatment.

Kerry said the U.S. has been working on such efforts for the last few days, alongside a push for a cease-fire in Yemen that would allow the countrys internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis to return to negotiations.

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The state-run Oman News Agency said two Americans held in Yemen were released and flown to the sultanate following negotiations between Omani officials and Yemeni authorities in the capital, Sana, which is controlled by the Houthis and their allies. It also did not identify the Americans.

Yemens war pits the government against the Shiite Houthi rebels and allied army units loyal to a former president. A Saudi-led coalition has been intervening on the side of the government since March 2015.

After peace talks broke down two months ago, the Saudi-led and U.S.-backed coalition stepped up airstrikes and forced the closure of Sanas international airport. Negotiators representing the Houthis and their allies ended up stranded in Oman, but were allowed to return to Yemen under the latest deal.

The bombing last weekend of a packed funeral hall, killing 140 people and wounded 600, appears to have galvanized diplomatic efforts. An internal investigation by the coalition said Saturday that the strike was carried out based on wrong information and had not been approved by the coalitions top command.

More than 100 people who were wounded in the funeral hall bombing have been allowed medical evacuation to seek treatment outside of Yemen, a Yemeni government official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the news media.

Speaking to reporters in Switzerland, where he was attending talks on Syria, Kerry said a plane flew the Houthi delegation back to Yemen from the Omani capital, Muscat, and returned with people wounded in the funeral hall strike.

This is something weve been working on for the last days, he said.

He said the effort also secured the release of two American citizens from the Houthis. Their names are not being released.

Kerry said the U.S .was very pleased with their release and was working to resolve other hostage situations in Yemen and elsewhere.

Kerry said he had spoken with the U.N. envoy to Yemen as well as the Saudis, and that he was continuing to work very hard to get a framework in Yemen that creates a dynamic that allows to get back to the table.

It remains a top priority for us to try to end the violence and get to the table as soon as possible, Kerry said.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner later issued a statement saying the U.S. was deeply grateful to Omans Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his assistance in securing the release of the Americans.

We recognize the humanitarian gesture by the Houthis in releasing these U.S. citizens. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of any other U.S. citizens who may still be held, the statement said.

Oman, a U.S. ally that maintains warm relations with nearby Iran, has served as a mediator for past prisoner releases and other diplomatic initiatives.

Earlier this month, Oman was credited with helping to secure the release of a French Tunisian woman working for the Red Cross who had been kidnapped by armed men in Yemen and held for nearly a year.

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The Chinese government will further streamline registration procedures for private businesses after the October introduction of related measures to encourage entrepreneurship and improve the business environment.

The measures, initially approved in May and put in place from Oct. 1, included merging five business certificates into one license. They have significantly facilitated the operation of private businesses within two weeks of implementation, showed data from the General Administration for Industry and Commerce in a report heard at the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Friday.

Registering a new business in China now takes only two to three working days, compared to a previous process of several months involving stacks of printed documents to be submitted to half a dozen departments.

The premier praised the progress, while pointing out that more efforts are needed as starting a business in China still requires too many certificates.

"We should reduce those certificates that are not really required for starting a business, therefore fully releasing the benefits of reforms and the market," Li said.

The premier has continuously stressed that streamlining business registration and scaling back government control would serve another round of opening-up and improve China's global competitiveness.

Measures have been taken since 2015 in China to combine the business license, the organization code certificate and the certificate of taxation registration into a single document, with another two certificates, namely the social insurance registration certificate and the statistics registration certificate, included later.

"Chinese people do not lack the passion and wisdom for innovation and entrepreneurship," Li said. "The key is to properly unleash their potential."

Measures to be introduced to further facilitate business registration in China include encouraging pilot measures to integrate more certificates into the current scheme to be taken in certain cities and regions for assessment before putting them into practice nationwide, and providing an online service covering the whole registration process.

Currently, 22 provinces and regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have launched such trials.

The Friday meeting also called for greater efforts in on-time and in-time regulation with better information sharing and recognition among government departments.

A total of 488,000 new business licenses have been issued since Oct. 1. An online survey showed more than half of those surveyed gave positive comments on the business registration reform.

Data also showed new business registrations increased from about 12,000 per day in 2015 to 14,600 in the first eight months of 2016, compared to only 6,900 before the changes.

Premier Li also stressed the importance of proper supervision in carrying out the business registration reform, while warning against the disruptive examination of private enterprises.

Despite the fact that China faces mounting downward economic pressure, the employment rate is up. Li said that more than 10 million urban jobs have been created since January.

"This is a remarkable achievement, and the way to ensure employment is to boost market potential and vigor," Li said.
A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for a stronger response from the international community to counter the cross-border movement of foreign terrorist fighters.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal here at a meeting on counter-terrorism, noting that the frequent cross-border flow of foreign terrorist fighters has caused ever greater harm to international security and stability.

Foreign terrorist fighters are individuals who travel to a state other than their states of residence or nationality for the purpose of participating in terrorist acts.

Wu said countries should strengthen border control and law enforcement cooperation to stem the cross-border flow of foreign terrorist fighters, especially their "back flow."

"The UN and the relevant international agencies should set up counter-terrorism data bases as soon as possible and share intelligence so as to create conditions for effectively curbing the cross-border movement of foreign terrorist fighters," he added.

On combating cyber terrorism, Wu noted that the international community should jointly take measures to crack down on the use of Internet by terrorist organization for disseminating violent extremist ideologies as well as planning acts of terror.

He also said the international community should strengthen cooperation in regulating financial and other fields and suppress attempts by terrorist organizations to acquire financing through smuggling oil, cultural relics or drugs.

"Being an important member of the international counter-terrorism camp, the Chinese government has always been resolutely against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, and has taken firm measures to guard against and combat terrorism according to law in order to safeguard our national security and the safety and security of our people' s lives and property," said Wu.

He also noted that the Chinese government takes an active part in multi-lateral cooperation mechanisms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum.

"We have carried out substantive counter-terrorism cooperation with other countries in such areas as intelligence sharing, information verification, specific case handling and capacity building," he said.

"The Chinese government is ready to continue to work with other countries in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation on an equal footing, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, push for new progress in international counter-terrorism cooperation," he added.
Oct 15, 2016, 1:58pm ET

Toyota and Suzuki explore partnership

Toyota and Suzuki are in talks about technology sharing.

At a surprise press conference October 12 in Japan, Toyota and Suzuki announced that they are in talks about a potential partnership.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda and Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki said that the partnership would focus on safety, environmental and information technologies.

The announcement confused Japan's auto industry, because Suzuki specializes in small cars and Toyota already has an entire subsidiary specializing in them  Daihatsu  which happens to be Suzuki's biggest rival in the kei car market. Toyota upped its ownership of Daihatsu from 51 to 100 percent earlier this year.

Toyota has alliances with several other automakers, too. It owns a 16.5 percent stake in Subaru, formed a strategic partnership with Mazda in 2015 and owns 5.6 percent of Isuzu, despite having a controlling stake in its rival Hino.

Suzuki, for its part, had a two-year partnership with Volkswagen until its outspoken boss Osamu Suzuki, told off VW in epic fashion over a dispute over Wolfburg's secrecy involving its diesel engines.

Though the partnership is still in its exploratory phase, there could be far-reaching ramifications for the Japanese auto industry. It would mean three major alliances: Toyota-Daihatsu-Hino-Subaru-Isuzu-Mazda-Suzuki, Nissan-Mitsubishi, and Honda.

Though neither party admitted it, it may be Nissan's recent takeover of Mitsubishi that prompted Suzuki to reach out to Toyota. One Toyota insider we spoke to believes India is the key. Suzuki has a huge presence there, where joint venture Maruti-Suzuki owns a whopping 47 percent of the market.

Funnily enough, this isn't the first time Toyota and Suzuki would be bedfellows. Remember when they both supplied cars to GM's Geo?
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Friday signed a bill raising the gasoline tax 23 cents per gallon, the first tax hike in his 2,460 days in office and the state's first increase in the tax on gasoline since 1988.

New Jersey drivers will no longer pay the second-lowest state gas taxes in the U.S., a rare exception in an otherwise high-tax state. The new, higher price will take effect Nov. 1, while corresponding sales, estate and income tax cuts will be phased in over years.

The governor on Friday also lifted the executive order shutting down statewide nonessential construction projects.

"This compromise legislation locks in what I called for from the beginning: tax fairness for all residents, leading to a more affordable state and an improved economy," the governor said in a statement Friday.

Christie, a Republican, struck the deal with Democratic leadership in the state Legislature after months of political wrangling that resulted in a statewide construction freeze idling more than 1,000 road, bridge and rail projects and taking crews off the job at the height of construction season.

The 23-cent gas tax hike, along with increases in diesel fuels and non-motor fuels, will produce $1.23 billion annually to finance an eight year, $16 billion transportation program. The trust fund, which pays for road, bridge and rail work across the state, ran out of money for new projects over the summer.

Negotiations over that tax hike pitted Christie's demand for "tax fairness" and broad-based tax cuts against a bipartisan plan out of the Senate that that offered smaller, more targeted cuts that Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) deemed more affordable.

The tax fight consumed Trenton in recent months, even killing a proposed referendum to constitutionally protect contributions to the public employee pension system destined for the fall ballot.

The final product, signed into law Friday, eliminates the estate tax, raises the retirement income tax exclusion, increases the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor, creates a tax deduction for veterans, and rolls back the sales taxes three-eighths of a percentage point.

Christie has praised the tax cuts as making New Jersey more affordable, though budget analysts questioned the soundness of giving up $1.4 billion a year while the state struggles to make ends meet and fully fund education and public worker pensions.

Moody's Investors Service weighed in, saying the lost revenue, "equivalent to 2.9 percent of current revenues, will worsen the state's existing budget challenges."

Though Sweeney agreed to the deal, his support took on a more matter-of-fact tone, pleased that it would bring an end to the shutdown and produce billions for a fraying infrastructure network, but aware of the coming budget crunch.

"I wasn't crazy about the deal," Sweeney said. "We couldn't go 18 or 15 more months without the Transportation Trust Fund. We couldn't do it. Our roads are crumbling and our people are out of work."

The slight reduction in the sales tax, from 7 percent to 6.625 percent over two years, and the elimination of the estate tax account for the biggest hit to the treasury, at $634 million and $522 million by 2021, respectively, according to the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services.

Beginning on Jan. 1, New Jersey will no longer tax estates under $2 million. The tax will be eliminated entirely the following year.

Conservative lawmakers have long objected to New Jersey's low estate tax threshold, which they argued drives residents and their wealth. Lawmakers from both parties made a similar argument against the retirement income tax as forcing retired workers to move away from their families in favor of lower taxes.

Though dropping the estate tax will carve more than $500 million annually from the state budget, supporters hope retaining taxpayers will ultimately replace those lost revenues.

In the years long march to a transportation deal, progressive groups condemned that tax cut as a giveaway to the state's wealthiest residents.

At the same time, they successfully urged the Legislature to offset the impact of the higher gasoline tax for low-income workers with a bump in the Earned Income Tax Credit. The expansion, from 30 percent to 35 percent of the federal limit, will benefit about a half million New Jerseyans, three quarters of whom earn less than $20,000 a year.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Lehigh Valley residents may want to keep their eyes skyward Sunday night.

A rocket bringing supplies to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 8:03 p.m. from Wallops Island, Va. and will be visible to much of the East Coast.

Though clouds will start to move in later in the evening, mostly clear skies are expected in the Lehigh Valley region at launch time, National Weather Service meteorologist Sarah Johnson said Saturday afternoon.

A map shared on NASA's Wallops Island Twitter account shows the launch will be visible from Boston to Pittsburgh to South Carolina. The Lehigh Valley can expect to see the rocket -- which will appear as a bright light rising above the horizon and moving southeast -- about two minutes after liftoff.

Located on the East Coast and want to see the #OA5 #Antares Rocket Launch. Keep your eye on the sky Sunday, Oct 16, 8:03 p.m. pic.twitter.com/UHc3tmiomV  NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) October 12, 2016

The mission is conducted by Orbital ATK, which has contracted with NASA for a series of supply missions to the space station. The Cygnus spacecraft launching via an Antares rocket Sunday will be carrying more than 5,000 pounds of supplies and experiments, the mission's website says.

Orbital ATK tweeted that online live streams of mission briefings begin at 4 p.m. Saturday on NASA TV.

#OA5 mission briefings will be streamed live on NASA TV starting at 4 pm EDT today: https://t.co/nAB4l0qb5B  Orbital ATK (@OrbitalATK) October 15, 2016

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
China agreed to provide loans to Bangladesh for projects including roads, bridges, tunnels and power plants on Friday during President Xi Jinping's historic visit to the country.

Witnessed by Xi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 56 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation on telecommunication, infrastructure, finance and trade.

The two leaders also attended a joint inauguration ceremony to unveil six cooperative projects including a tunnel and a Confucius Institute.

"China will continue to offer capital, technology and human resources to help with economic and social development in Bangladesh," Xi said at a joint news briefing in Dhaka after attending the signing ceremony during his two-day state visit to the country.

Bangladesh loans will aid road and energy projects

Calling Bangladesh an "important partner of cooperation in South Asia", Xi said the two countries have agreed to work together to push forward the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Hasina said her meeting with Xi was "quite fruitful" and will benefit the people of both countries.

Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Bilateral trade reached $14.7 billion last year, up 17 percent year-on-year. China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, while Bangladesh is China's third-largest in South Asia.

Bangladesh is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has approved $165 million in loans for Bangladesh.

Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center of South Asian Studies at Peking University, said that Xi's visit shows that China is paying more attention to South Asia, which was not a traditional focus for diplomacy in the past.

With a population of 160 million, Bangladesh has huge market potential for Chinese companies, he said.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said Bangladesh has a number of good ports, including Dhaka, the country's capital and largest city.

China plays an active role in infrastructure construction in Bangladesh, and the country is at the center of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, proposed by China to connect East and South Asia, Ruan added.

Dhaka is the second stop of Xi's trip after Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

He is scheduled to fly to Goa, India, to attend the eighth BRICS Summit over the weekend.
The new top floor of County Hall in Portlaoise, dubbed heaven by a councillor, is now paying out nearly 800m a year in wages and pensions to county council staff across Ireland.

The figure is set to grow higher, as more pensions are added in 2017 to the centralised MyPay payroll system, which will have 72 full time staff by the time it is fully operational.

Thats quite an amount of activity, the Chief Executive John Mulholland put it mildly at the September council meeting.

We have five other additions to come, including Dublin City, Cork and Wexford. We are at 60 staff now, when fully operational we will have 72. When you look at the volume processed, we are well over three quarters of a billion, he said.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Mulhall praised the project.

To have 60 people upstairs, you could call it heaven. It is a major achievement. We provide payroll for 26 county councils, with more to come, he said.

Sixty staff is always a good news story, agreed Cllr James Kelly.

At the meeting, councillors approved a 15 million overdraft for MyPay.

The overdraft is a precaution if payments from all the local authorities do not arrive before wages and pensions are individually paid out.

The council also set up its own bank account for MyPay.

The Mypay contract was won by Laois County Council after a competitive bidding process in 2013.

It was set up on the vacant new top floor and has since been rolled out on schedule and in budget.

To date, 953,327 payments are being made a year to Irish local authority staff, worth 776.7m. There are 3,226 pay groups paid, and a total of 1,479 payroll runs.

The 60 jobs were mostly filled by council staff who transferred from other county councils.

It was launched by Minister Alan Kelly in 2015, who said the speed with which new structures and practices have been put in place is inspiring. It was expected to save 4 million a year in administration costs.
The father of a 17-year-old Laois male charged with stealing a car told the district court he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown trying to control the youth.

The man described his own son as an absolute scumbag and asked could the gardai respond immediately if the boy kicks off at home.

The youth was charged with the unauthorised taking of an MPV, and theft, from Woodview, Stradbally, on September 28 this year.

Inspector Aidan Farrelly said there was no objection to bail, but the State wanted a curfew on the juvenile between 9pm and 8am.

However, the accused told the court that he would break the curfew.

Im going to be brought back (to court), thats too early, he said.

You can go to Oberstown (detention centre) if you want, retorted Judge Catherine Staines.

Send me to Oberstown then, replied the accused.

The accuseds father addressed the court, saying that he and the accuseds mother were separated and the accused would not be able to stay with him.

Telling the court that his son wanted to go back to prison, the father said hes an absolute scumbag since he had come out of custody, and it was the parents belief that the boy needs treatment.

The father said that his son had recently ran out in front of a garda car, to which the boy told the court that he wanted to be killed.

The father said that such things happen on a daily basis, and Inspector Farrelly agreed that there were concerns over the boys mental well being.

The accuseds father went on to say that the boys care worker cannot handle him.

The court heard that the boy has been referred to Nua Healthcare, and Judge Staines said she wanted to know why there was no place available for him at Nua.

The accused then said he would stick to the curfew, but asked the court to extend the curfew to 10pm as he likes to go for a spin with the lads.

The problem is, youre charged with stealing a car, remarked Judge Staines.

I wont be out stealing cars, replied the accused.

Judge Staines then gave him the ultimatum of a 9pm curfew, or going to Oberstown, to which the accused said he would agree to the 9pm curfew.

However, the accuseds father said: I know that curfew will be broken. Im on the verge of a mental breakdown.

He also said that the problems were messing up his younger son.

Judge Staines asked could the mother look after the accused, to which the mother replied that she could not.

Judge Staines put the matter back to October 20, to hear from Nua Healthcare and to find out if there is a place in Oberstown for the accused.

The father also asked could the gardai give an assurance that they would come out immediately if the accused kicks off, but Judge Staines said she could not speak for the gardai.
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The High Court has appointed a receiver over shares in a company linked to Kevin McGeever the former property developer who faked his own kidnapping and was later found in Leitrim.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott on Friday appointed solicitor Mr Hugh Kane of Kane Tuohy as receiver on an interim basis by way of equitable execution over shares in the Belize-based Universal Assets Ltd, which the court heard owner of a mansion called 'Nirvana' located on a five acre site in Craughwell Co Galway.

Mr McGeever with an address at Clontarf Dublin 3, has claimed 'Nirvana' is held in trust for his daughters Shanelle and Renee who live in Australia.

The application to appoint Mr Kane was brought on behalf of businessman Mr James Byrne as part of his attempts to recover a judgment of 1.2m obtained against the Mr McGeever.

Mr Byrne had obtained judgment against Mr McGeever and his company in 2014 over a failed deal to purchase several apartments in Dubai sold by Mr McGeever's KMM Intel Properties.

Seeking the appointment of Mr Kane, whose firm acts for Mr Byrne, Gary McCarthy SC said the application was being made to protect Mr Byrne's position.

The shares in Universal Assets, counsel said were owned by a Mr Robert Kearney. Counsel said Mr McGeever is the beneficial owner of the shares. Counsel said while 'Nirvana' has been neglected in recent years it was a "magnificent property" that had been lavishly decorated.

Mr McGeever has claimed he manages the property and has power of attorney, renewed, every year over the company.

He had claimed the shares in the company are held in trust on behalf of his children and despite being given many opportunities to hand over evidence of the trust he has failed to do so

Counsel said it was clear Mr McKeever had sought "to hide behind an offshore company" for the purpose of avoiding creditors. The appointment of Mr Kane as receiver was sought so matters could be fully investigated by him.

The application was opposed by Mr McGeever's lawyers. They had argued there was no rush to make the appointment and Mr McGeever was seeking a valuation on Nirvana in ease of the court. .

In his ruling Mr Justice McDermott said the justice of the situation required that a receiver be appointed. In his ruling the judge noted that no deed of trust had been provided to Mr Byrne's lawyers nor had details about the trust nor has the identities of the trustees been provided.

The matter was adjourned to October 25th.

Mr Byrne has also proceedings seeking Mr McGeevers attachment and committal to prison over his alleged failure to fully disclose details about his assets

The application, which has been opposed, has been before the courts on several previous occasions.

That action has also been adjourned to October 25th to allow Mr McGeever to take steps including transfer shares in Universal Assets to Mr Byrne.

Last April Mr McGeever pleaded guilty before Galway Circuit Court, and received a two years 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.
Lib Dem Peer Jeremy Purvis recently visited Lebanon, an already struggling country which has taken so many refugees from the conflict in Syria. Here he writes for the Scotsman about his experience.

The scale of the flow of refugees into Lebanon cannot be understated. Amnesty International puts the figure at more than 1.5 million. The flow of refugees into the country is proportionately the equivalent of the US taking most of the population of Mexico (little good a Trumpian wall). The number of refugees that the UK has accepted pales into insignificance by comparison. Driving along the Syrian border area I saw informal settlement after informal settlement where Syrians were trying to make a living in the fruit and vegetable industry in this agricultural region. Their homes are nothing more than a flimsy plastic-sheeted shelter. Their possessions are what they could squeeze into an old Peugeot taxi that took them across the border. You see the threadbare tarpaulins with a weather-worn UN logo fluttering in the wind and it seems to sum up the response from the rest of world to their plight. The tolerance, sympathy, understanding, generosity and support for the traumatised from Syria by the Lebanese organisations I met was hugely impressive. But unless we increase the resources available to support these vulnerable people it is hard to see how sustained improvements in access to health care, education and shelter will be delivered.

He calls for a stronger international response to the crisis:

We have left it to local bodies, often with insufficient support, to address these long-term questions. The Lebanese Organisation for Studies and Training, a non-religious body working to help build post-conflict peaceful communities in Lebanon, is one local charity working hard for long-term reconciliation. There is a significant danger that, as with other crises, after the military operations and the humanitarian relief, our attention moves on. The colossal migration of people in the region is a challenge we are barely addressing now, but its consequences cannot be ignored. At the UN Security Council last week we saw an increase in diplomatic pressure on Russia and the Syrian regime. But in many respects a resolution to the conflict in Syria seems as far away as ever. With no end in sight to the violence, the refugee crisis in Lebanon and other states in the region is likely to get worse before it gets better. We need a response from the international community that matches the scale of the challenges we face.

* Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online.
Most people in Central and Eastern European countries covered by the Belt and Road Initiative hold a positive outlook toward China's economic growth, believing the momentum will continue for the next 10 years, according to a survey released on Friday.

Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed said they believed the Chinese economy has stable growth, while 33 percent said it is on a fast track, according to the 2016 Chinese Enterprise Global Image Survey Report on Central and Eastern Europe.

The survey, published by China International Publishing Group, polled 2,000 residents ages 18 to 65 in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Romania between July and September.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aims to boost trade and connectivity across Asia, Europe and Africa. It involves 60 countries and regions with a total population of 4.4 billion.

Global cooperation in infrastructure, logistics and production capacity is the biggest highlight of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

According to the survey, 55 percent of interviewees believe that Chinese companies are able to bring quality and bargain products to their markets, and 42 percent think Chinese businesses will help create jobs.

Major infrastructure projects have been launched in Central and Eastern Europe, including a railway hub project in Lodz, Poland, and steel and nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic with investment from Shanghai-based CEFC China Energy Co.

Wei said countries in Central and Eastern Europe are especially interested in collaborating with China on infrastructure projects. Yingli Green Energy Holding Co, one of China's biggest solar power companies, has begun talks with at least 10 companies in Central and Eastern Europe for solar projects.

Yang Ming, Yingli's deputy general manager, said Central and Eastern European countries have a growing need for solar energy, which gives Chinese companies the opportunity to diversify their markets.

But the survey found that only 37 percent of respondents have a favorable impression of Chinese companies, compared with 74 percent for Japanese companies and 61 percent for those from the United States.

"It is urgent for Chinese companies to ... stop bringing managers from home after investing in manufacturing facilities or research branches in Europe," said Zhao Qizheng, former head of the State Council Information Office. Localization will be the key to their success, he said.
THERE is disappointment this week after the Limerick-Cork motorway was not included in Budget 2017.

In a week where the head of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Michael Nolan spoke in support of the proposed M20, Limerick Chamber chief executive Dr James Ring has said the group was hopeful the first budget of the 32nd Dail would herald at least the go-ahead of the planning process for the road.

However, Transport Minister Shane Ross was not allocated any additional funding for his department in the package, leaving the link between Irelands second and third cities on ice at least until the Capital Investment Plan is reviewed.

Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea said his party lobbied for a start to planning of the scheme in Finance Minister Michael Noonans budget, but we were told there is a limited amount of capital expenditure.

We are not going to give up on this  it is a vital piece of infrastruture, he said.

Minister for Tourism and Sport Patrick ODonovan  who serves under Mr Ross  has defended the lack of a mention, saying: Yesterday was not a day for announcing new expenditure of projects in terms of capital.

Indeed, while 319m was pledged for regional roads  including bypasses in counties Wexford and Galway  there was no mention of the long-awaited link between Irelands second and third cities.

Former Education Minister Jan OSullivan said: In our alternative proposals, we put in 10m for preparatory works to get it started. We costed our proposals and allocated 10m. I was hoping there would be at least be some allocation to get this started.

Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan added: It was disappointing that there was no mention of the Limerick to Cork motorway in either speech [Noonans or Paschal Donohoes]. This motorway is a much needed critical piece of infrastructure to deliver a proper spatial strategy.

Dr Ring says while the M20 will now be pushed back by at least another year, the Chamber is putting in place a group of stakeholders to lobby for the building of the lroad.

Not only are there huge economic benefits for the people of the region, there will be a major reduction in accidents and more importantly, fatalities, when the motorway replaced the current sub-standard N20, he said.

Mr Nolan  who addressed the Limerick Chamber in the hours after Budget 2017 was announced  said: A safe and efficient transport link between Limerick and Cork will form an integral part of the [western] corridor and will, on completion, play a major role in realising the full potential of the inter-urban motorway network both locally and nationally.

Dr Ring added: Balanced regional development is a core reason to develop the M20. Connecting Limerick and Cork will bring Munsters two cities closer together, enable greater collaboration between then and, indeed, further up to Galway, which will be linked with Limerick in 2018.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Mr ODonovan said: There is obviously a requirement for the Limerick-Cork road to be looked at, and the Department of Transport and Infrastructure is very aware of that. It is something which will be kept under consideration.

His Fine Gael colleague in Co Limerick, Deputy Tom Neville added: Given that Cork does have a healthy FDI environment, and that Limerick is starting to see that now, it is going to add more weight to the case for that road. I have spoken to Minister Ross about this, he is aware of my representations in relation to this, and we will continue to push for it.

Ibec, the Construction Industry Federation and the regions Chambers have united in a call for the M20 to start.
HIGH Court proceedings have been initiated following severe flooding in the Corbally area of Limerick city last Christmas.

More than a dozen houses in Richmond Park were flooded and a number of cars submerged in several feet of water by flood waters after the canal broke its banks at around 8.30pm on December 12, 2015.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the Corbally area were also left without power for several hours after a local sub-station was flooded.

While Ard Scoil Mhuire narrowly escaped major water damage, the school was forced to close for a day due to health and safety concerns.

College Park Road was closed to traffic for more than 48 hours following the flooding which saw gardai, council workers and members of the Defence Forces all deployed to assist local residents.

Following the incident, which saw several feet of water flow into houses and at least one dog drown, separate investigations were launched by Limerick City and County Council and Waterways Ireland.

Both agencies have refused a Freedom of Information request from this newspaper seeking copies of correspondence between the two bodies in the aftermath of the flooding incident.

Limerick City and County Council has confirmed that several emails and letters were exchanged between senior officials at the local authority and officials at Waterways Ireland in the days after the flooding.

However, it says the correspondence are protected by legal privledge as High Court proceedings have been issued in respect of compensation claims.

Waterways Ireland has also refused to disclose details of the correspondence.

I regret to advise that these records are the subject of legal proceedings stated Caroline McCarroll, FOI Officer.

Neither Limerick City and County Council or Waterways Ireland have disclosed any details of the pending High Court proceedings.
THE Higher Education Authority has spent nearly 80,000 in attempting a resolve a long-running dispute at the University of Limerick, concerning the allegations of two whistleblowers and other claims by former staff.

The HEA confirmed to the Limerick Leader that the initial review they commissioned from Mazars  following the first report by the Limerick Leader last September  has cost some 69,000.

The review comprised three distinct phases over an intensive three month engagement, said the HEA; one focusing on Person As allegations, one on the allegations of Persons B and C, and one on allegations made by other parties who came forward, with considerable time spent on-site at the University of Limerick.

In addition, another successive report by a facilitator found that the normal avenues for dispute resolution would be highly unlikely to be successful in this case.

Including VAT and travel expenses, this invoice came to 9,610.

The above sums do not include the salaries received by the two employees who are currently suspended with pay for the past 16 months.

Nor does it include the legal fees borne by UL in dealing with this case.

A lot of money is being spent and all people are looking for is basic justice. Its very, very frustrating. I havent dealt with anything like this before, said Fianna Fail deputy Willie ODea, who raised the case of the two women in the Dail a year ago.

Both he and deputy Niall Collins will again be raising issues at UL under oral questions in the Dail in the coming weeks.

The HEA has stated that it has exhausted its powers in dealing with the UL case, and has passed it on to the Department of Education and Skills.

The Limerick Leader is awaiting a full response from that department to a number of queries.

In a statement to the Limerick Leader this week, the whistleblowers said: We have been through so much hurt and pain with this situation. It is ongoing trauma and chronic stress.

Our reputations have also been severely damaged and we deserve to have it rectified.

We have only told the truth in this situation and we have already been vindicated for that with the Mazars review. This situation has to be resolved and can only be done by someone completely independent to all parties.

We just want all our issues answered and that is resolved fairly for everyone's benefit so that we can all move on from this.

In all, more than a dozen allegations were brought to the attention of the HEA involving claims regarding expenses, and human resource practices.

A spokesperson for UL said that there are currently two claims before the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to the suspended employees, and the university is cooperating fully with this process. In the interim, the university is exploring any other options available to resolve this matter.
THE Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum will host a night of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour later this month to celebrate the extraordinary life of screen legend Maureen OHara.

The event, which takes place on the eve of the anniversary of her death, will mark the start of a fundraising campaign to build a new wing dedicated to the Irish-American actress whose entire collection of memorabilia has been donated to the museum by her grandson Conor Fitzsimons.

The lifetime achievement Oscar Maureen was presented with in 2014 is among the items in the collection which will go on display in Foynes, as will her many other awards and accolades.

The collection also includes never-before-seen personal items and her collection of Meissen China.

Also among the items on display will be costumes and accessories from many of her films, as well as the style and dresses the Irish beauty wore to major Hollywood events and broadcasts.

Some of these will be worn for the first time in years during the gala event on October 23 when models from the Holman Lee agency will showcase them on the catwalk.

Rarely seen footage of the actress will merge with clips from her best known films to provide a backdrop to the fashion show.

Maureen OHara played a central role in the establishment of the flying boat museum, becoming the museums patron and officially opening it in 1989.

But her connection with Foynes went back much further than that; her husband, the aviator Charles Blair flew in and out of Foynes during the flying boat era from 1939-1945. Some 30 years later, Maureen joined him in Foynes when he landed in his own Sandringham Flying Boat in 1976.

When, in 1988, the idea of a museum for Foynes was first proposed, Ms OHara - who by then had a residence in Glengariff, Co Cork - was suggested as a potential supporter of the project. Founder and manager of the museum Margaret OShaughnessy was the woman tasked with contacting the Hollywood star.

She recalled: I was given her telephone number in Glengariff so I called her, I was terrified. But I neednt have been. She was wonderful and fully supported the idea and promised to do all she could to promote it.

Each summer she would join us in Foynes for the Irish Coffee Festival which coincided with her birthday, so she would also celebrate her birthday in Foynes. We had a special celebration at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare for her 80th birthday. All her family flew in for it.

And in 1991 we hosted the European premiere of her last major movie, Only the Lonely, with John Candy, Ally Sheedy, Milo OShea and Anthony Quinn, here in Limerick at her insistence, she added.

When Maureen died last year I was invited by the family to attend her funeral in Washington DC, which I did. Now the family have decided to donate almost all of her memorabilia to the museum and we are honoured to house it in a new wing of the museum which is currently being designed, Margaret concluded.

The gala event on October 23, entitled A Celebration of the Life of Maureen OHara Blair, will mark the start of the campaign to raise funds for the construction of the new wing.

A number of Maureen OHara themed prizes will be raffled on the night, including a return flight for two to either Boston or New York courtesy of Aer Lingus, and a weekend in the suite the Hollywood star stayed in in Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo during the filming of the Quiet Man.

Tickets, priced at 50 each, are available from the Foynes Flying Boat musuem or by phoning 069 65416 or 087 2490830.

An anniversary Mass for Ms OHara will take place in St Senans Church Foynes at 5.30pm on Sunday evening, October 23, and is open to all.

Meanwhile, this Saturday, a specially commissioned sculpture to celebrate 100 years of Boeing will be unveiled at a private event at the musuem.

The commission, which is entitled Tail of Foynes is a 22ft high, steel sculpture featuring a tail of the iconic Boeing aircraft, the 747. The piece was created by Irish sculptor, Shane Holland, and is supported by Irelandia Aviation.

The museum has a special relationship with Boeing as it boasts the worlds only full sized Boeing 314 Flying Boat replica in its collection.
THERE must be something in the water in Caherconlish - a natural fertility booster perhaps - as not one, but two mums from the village have given birth to quads.

Lisa Fenton and her partner Wayne Downey are celebrating on the quadruple after welcoming four tiny bundles of joy - two boys and two girls, into the world.

Lisa from Caherconlish, a first-time mum, is getting lots of tips and advice from fellow quads mum, Grace Slattery, who also, unbelievably hails from the same village.

We have been communicating throughout the whole pregnancy, she has been such a help, said Lisa of Grace who gave birth to her little darlings in 2014.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader on Monday night - her first night at home since giving birth on Wednesday of last week - Lisa said all four newborns, who were delivered by Caesarean section, are thriving.

The first baby born was Alexander Matthew, 3lb 6oz, followed by Ashley Cienna, 3lb 1oz, Maxwell Lucas, 3lb 4oz and Kayla Marie, 3lb 4oz.

They are doing amazing, Lisa smiled.

Every day their feeds are going up and they are coming off of something every day - there are not many wires attached to them now.

Tonight is my first night home and knowing that I can come home and that the babies are safe and I can see them any time or ring the neo ward any time means so much.

On Monday, Lisa and Wayne got to enjoy skin-to-skin contact with the littles ones which she said was amazing.

I got to hold two together and you could see them holding each others little hands. Obviously they havent been that close in nearly a week. They were together for nearly seven and a half months so for them not to be together must be strange for them.

They may be only a week old but Lisa can already see little individual quirks in their personality.

We have two feisty ones - Ashley and Max. she smiled. The other two are chilled out and laid back- loving the space so that they can stretch out their long limbs. They are all going to be tall.

While she said the babies were quite active during her pregnancy she had no complications all the way through.

I worked for as long as I could until August, said Lisa who is a preschool teacher at UniKids in Castletroy where she says she received tremendous support throughout the pregnancy.

We just bought a new house out near Ballyneety. We are still not in there but we are trying to get all that organised to be in next week. We are currently at my partner Wayne parents house in Croom. We were trying to get all the painting done before they are born because obviously we cant do that when they are here.

The news that the couple were expecting quads came as a complete surprise.

The staff at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, she said, have been amazing.

They dont get enough credit.
IRELANDS largest film studio has been unveiled as Troy Studios in Limerick threw open its doors for the first time.

The studio, running to some 350,000 square feet, is playing host to upwards of 800 people interested in working in the film and television production industry.

A new website aimed at promoting Limerick as a film destination was also launched this Saturday morning at the facility, which Troy chairman Joe Devine said was now real and is going to be big.

In studio A, we have got at least 800 people who are interested in finding out more about the opportunity here and that, queuing outside the door at 7.30am, (means) there is definitely something special going on here, Mr Devine told a room full of local politicians and council staff, including Mayor of Limerick City and County Cllr Kieran OHanlon and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick ODonovan.

I said that when I stood up at 9am and it struck me that this is real and it is going to be big. The incredibly healthy attendance is indicative of the level of interest and support Troy has experienced from the start of the project.

Mr Devine noted that Troy had 350,000 square feet under one roof, comprising 70,000 sq foot of soundstages, comprising 280,000 sq ft of support infrastructure and a five acre backlot, which he said meant that Troy here will truly offer world class facilities to cater for movies and tv productions of any scale.

Soundstage C in @TroyStudios, which is about half the size of studio A. Incredible facility, a game changer for Limerick pic.twitter.com/NyP9TxNMmZ  Alan Owens (@alanowens_limk) October 15, 2016

Siun Ni Raghallaigh, director of Troy, told the Limerick Leader that Limerick had come out in force to want to be involved in this industry, given the phenomenal interest in the film industry open day, being hosted by Screen Training Ireland, the Irish Film Board, in connection with Troy and Innovate Limerick, the councils investment arm, which has driven the studio deal from its conception.

She said: We have somewhere near 900 people on A Stage listening to seasoned and experienced heads of department from the film industry talking about careers in the industry - so you cant get better than that at this stage."

Wonderful talk & huge enthusiasm from the Art, Continuity, Props, Sets, Hair , Makeup and Costume departments @screentraining #FilmLimerick pic.twitter.com/EFNM59GXDW  Yvonne Sweeney (@YvSweeney) October 15, 2016

Ms Ni Raghallaigh  CEO of Ardmore Studios  said that Troy was now in selling mode but declined to say when production would start in the Castletroy facility.

It is expected that production will begin in the new year.

Of the Film in Limerick website, which has been spearheaded by Innovate and will offer a shop window to potential productions looking at the region, the Troy director said it was a resource that will no doubt prove invaluable as part of our strategy to grow film production infrastructure in Limerick and the Mid-West region.

Mike Cantwell, head of Innovate Limerick, said: Today's open day at Troy Studios is the first significant step in preparing film crews for an international film industry on the west coast of Ireland.

Innovate Limerick has created Film in Limerick which is a shop window for national and international film producers looking for possible locations to shoot in Limerick and the Mid-West region.

This one-stop shop will provide all the information a film producer needs while showcasing the landscapes, buildings, accommodation and expertise which the region has to offer, he added.

Trish Long, Disney, Mike Cantwell, Innovate Limerick and Conn Murray, CEO Limerick Council

Mayor OHanlon said it showed that the council is serious about Limerick becoming a major player in the film production industry.

- For more, see the print editions of the Limerick Leader next week
MUSE Productions have launched their next production  the well-known Man of La Mancha  marking the first time that the award-winning work will be performed in the Limerick and Clare area.

Written in 1964, Man of La Mancha is based on the work of Miguel De Cervantes and the original production has won five Tony Awards and has been revived four times on Broadway.

Speaking at the launch in the Shannon Springs Hotel, award-winning actor and founding member of Muse Productions Martin McNelis thanked the community and sponsors. Mr McNelis is the director of this ambitious project, with over 20 years experience to bear in his musical directorial debut.

He was then followed by vice president of the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Seamus Power who welcomed Muse Productions to the AIMS family, which is a 140-member strong 32-county organisation.

The company gave everyone in attendance a sneak peak of the upcoming production, showcasing three numbers from the show  Man of La Mancha/I, Don Quixote, Its All the Same and the finale The Impossible Dream.

Man of La Mancha will run for three nights only from November 3 to 5 in St Patricks Comprehensive School, Shannon. Booking will open on October 24, with tickets priced at 15 each.
The eighth meeting of BRICS countries' leaders will be held over the weekend in Goa, India, which shows continued progress of cooperation.

Western countries have always been skeptical toward non-Western international cooperation, and their opinions on the Goa summit are no different.

Since the establishment of BRICS, speculations of disunity among the countries and decline in their power have emerged one after another. However, the truth is that cooperation among the countries has continued to be strengthened and institutionalized. Even though growth in the emerging markets is slowing and Russia and Brazil have even witnessed a contraction, compared with the situation in the West, BRICS countries still hold comparative advantages for development.

The West suspects that BRICS is an organization against the Group of Seven, but this view comes from narrow-minded zero-sum mentality. BRICS countries all have their own objectives and problems to address, and cooperation, not confrontation, is the aim of their grouping together. No BRICS country shares exactly the same interests with the West, but they have no interest in uniting to confront the West.

Western countries are still the most powerful in the world, and BRICS countries attach great importance to their ties with the West. Even Russia, with fiercest disagreements with the West, won't shut the door to improve relations with the US and EU. The West should not view anything non-Western as anti-Western or simply take others' pursuit of interest as confrontation.

The world is diverse, and differences coexist and overlap. Confrontation is not the theme of the 21st century. The notion that the world has been split into G7 and BRICS is not only untrue but also misleading, and only breeds tension.

BRICS countries themselves are different in many aspects. China and India have lived with territorial disputes, but the geopolitical contention between them is mostly hyped by some ill-intentioned people. The BRICS is not targeted against anyone, and disagreements among its member countries are minor issues. Cooperation is the norm, and disagreements are natural.

The notion of one country leading an international organization for geopolitical purposes belongs to the era of Cold War. In the 21st century, cooperation should be inclusive, not exclusive.

BRICS countries boast rich natural and human resources, huge markets and policy potential. As political stability expands in emerging countries, the late-developer advantage will help them overcome obstacles. It's almost certain that the BRICS countries will maintain a faster pace of economic development in the mid to long term compared with the developed ones.
The spooky subjects that are featured on new stamps of the world

Apr 29, 2021, 9 PM

Aland issued a stamp earlier this year marking the 350th anniversary of a local witch hunt that started with the conviction of Karin Persdotter.

Jerseys Myths and Legends set issued Oct. 6 features folklore involving fairies, a sea sprite, witches, a dragon, a black dog, and a ghostly bride. The souvenir sheet includes the six stamps se-tenant.

Romania pictures bats on four stamps issued Sept. 9 and shows another one on the first-day cancel.

The three witches from Macbeth are stirring up trouble on the design of this stamp from Tristan da Cunha commemorating the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeares death.

By Denise McCarty

Six recent stamps from Jersey illustrate some of the local myths and legends of this island in the English Channel.

The 48-penny low denomination of this set issued Oct. 6 is inscribed The Fairies of St. Brelades Church.

According to this legend, the original site selected for the church was in an area considered special by the fairies. Every time construction would begin, the fairies would move the workmens stones, tools and even the foundation until the message was finally received to build the church elsewhere.

The next stamp, a 60p denomination, depicts the legend of William and the sea sprite.

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In this folk tale, a sea sprite wanted to eliminate William, the beau of a woman the sprite wanted for his wife. To do this, the sprite transformed himself into a horse that was presented as a gift to William.

However, while riding the horse, William realized the deception, beat the horse with mistletoe and the sprite turned into a rock in Bonne Nuit Bay.

The 74p stamp shows one of the witches of Rocqueberg. In this tale, a young man thinks he is dancing with beautiful women near Rocqueberg Point, but they were actually old witches.

The myth of the dragon of St. Lawrence is illustrated on the 76p stamp. This tale involves the seigneur de Hambye of Normandy who slew a violent dragon. However, the seigneurs squire then killed his master, took credit for slaying the dragon, and married the widow. After the squires trickery was discovered and he was executed for his crime, the widow had a memorial mound built on the site where the seigneur died. The mound is now known as La Hougue Bie.

The 1 stamp shows the black dog of Bouley Bay. An article on the website of the Jersey Evening Post describes this creature: A giant dog with eyes as big as saucers and long sharp teeth was said to roam the beach terrifying anyone foolish enough to be in the area. One theory is that the beast was dreamt up by smugglers in order to keep people away from the bay so that they could get on with their illegal activities.

On the 1.29 denomination, a skull wearing a veil adorned with flowers represents the ghostly bride of Waterworks Valley.

According to the local legend, a bride who killed herself after being jilted on her wedding day appears in a phantom carriage each year on the anniversary.

For more information about these and other local lessons, visit the BBCs web page about Jersey folklore.

Nick Parlett designed the stamps. Lowe-Martin of Canada printed them by offset in sheets of 10 and in a souvenir sheet with the six designs se-tenant (side-by-side).

William Shakespeare

More skulls and witches can be found on stamps from Ascension Island, Pitcairn Island, and Tristan da Cunha marking the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

Book illustrator Victor Ambus created the designs for the Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha stamps. His illustrations represent characters from Shakespeares plays.

The 65-penny Ascension Island stamp features Hamlet and shows the title character in a graveyard holding the skull of the court jester Yorick (act 5, scene 1).

On the 50p stamp from Tristan da Cunha, the three witches from Macbeth are stirring a boiling cauldron of toads, snakes, and other creatures while a bat flies above them.

The other plays and characters featured on these two sets are Malvolio from Twelfth Night (50p), Henry V (55p) and Romeo and Juliet (1.60) on stamps from Ascension Island; and Bottom, Titania and Puck from A Midsummer Nights Dream (35p), Ophelia from Hamlet (1), and Falstaff from The Merry Wives of Windsor (1.20) on stamps From Tristan da Cunha.

The stamps from Ascension Island were issued Aug. 8, and those from Tristan da Cunha on July 4. BDT International Security Printing printed them by offset in sheets of 10.

Pitcairn Island issued five Shakespeare stamps March 9. The $1 and $1.80 denominations feature the three witches and Hamlet with Yoricks skull, respectively.

Aland

Aland offers a historic view of witch trials on a stamp issued April 8.

This nondenominated stamp paying the basic rate to European countries marks the 350th anniversary of a witch hunt that began in 1666.

The design depicts a scene before the execution of Karin Persdotter for witchcraft.

Aland Post reported that Persdotter was accused of practising sorcery; she was thought to be able to find lost items, single out thieves and foresee who was going to die. From whom had she received the gift if not from the Devil? Convicted of witchcraft, she was condemned to be executed by axe and burnt at the stake.

While awaiting her execution she was visited by district judge Nils Psilander and a local pastor, Bryniel Kjellinius, who convinced her to inform on 13 other women. In addition to Persdotter, six other women were executed for witchcraft in Aland between 1666 and 1670.

Juha Pykalainen designed the stamp. Cartor Security Printing printed it by offset in sheets of 30 (two panes of 15).

Romania

Four species of bats are pictured on a set of stamps issued Sept. 9 by Romania: the brown long-eared or common long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), 2.50 lei; common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), 4.50 lei; common bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii), 8 lei; and common noctule (Nyctalus noctula), 15 lei.

In announcing these stamps, Romanias philatelic bureau, Romfilatelia, addressed some myths associated with these flying mammals: From flying rats that get caught in human hair, messengers of evil and dirty creatures by their nature, the myths about bats are numerous, however the real and known features of these mammals come to contradict the popular beliefs.

Romfilatelia also said, [B]ats are actually capable of altruism, helping colony members who were not able to hunt with food. They also spend much of their resting time by cleaning their fur, like cats do, to ensure their health and that of the entire colony.

As to being related to rodents, the Bat World website, said, Bats are not flying mice; they are not even remotely related to rodents. Bats are such unique animals that scientists have placed them in a group all their own, called Chiroptera, which means hand-wing. Bats are grouped with primates and lemurs in a grand order called Archonta.

Victor Telibasa designed the stamps. They were printed by offset in sheets of 32, miniature sheets of five stamps and a label, and in a souvenir sheet with the four stamps se-tenant.
Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off a visit to Bangladesh Friday. The visit is taking place three decades after the former Chinese president Li Xiannian visited Dhaka in 1986. Both China and Bangladesh have great expectations for this historic state visit.

In recent years, the leaders of China and Bangladesh have had frequent interactions on different occasions. In 2014, the President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid and the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China separately in November and June and had talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

The leaders of both sides reconfirmed they would promote a closer bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership to constantly score new results. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong made an official visit to Bangladesh in 2015 and the cultural and educational ties between the two sides have been strengthened. Xi himself visited Bangladesh in 2010 when he was vice president. His state visit this time will bring the Sino-Bangladeshi relationship to a new level.

On the one hand, China is the biggest trade partner of Bangladesh and Bangladesh is the third biggest South Asian trade partner of China at the moment. Xi's visit will bring new opportunities to the two countries' trade cooperation and the development of the Bangladeshi economy.

During this visit, the two sides are expected to sign agreements in more than 20 projects, including the construction of transportation, electricity and energy infrastructure. These projects will help develop Bangladesh and improve local people's livelihoods.

Moreover, Bangladesh is located in the Bay of Bengal and borders on India and Myanmar. It is not only China's important cooperative partner in South Asia, but also has a key place in the development of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor. Chinese investment in Bangladesh will help increase regional infrastructure connectivity and create more possibilities in cooperation among the four countries.

Besides, the two countries' industrial structure is complementary and it is feasible that the labor intensive industries of China will be moved to Bangladesh in future.

In June 2016 the two sides signed a memorandum for the establishment of a Chinese Economic Industrial Park in Chittagong, Bangladesh. It means there will be more Chinese enterprises investing and starting business in Bangladesh in near future and their rich experience in infrastructure construction and manufacturing can contribute to Bangladesh's development.

Undoubtedly, Bangladesh is eager to draw from China's successful experience and seize the chances brought by the construction of "One Belt and One Road" and promote bilateral connectivity. At the same time, China will benefit from the excess manufacturing capacity and these actions will help China to reach out internationally to create new drives for growth.

On the other hand, Xi's visit will help deepen the mutual understanding between the two countries' people and create more chances for governmental and non-governmental exchanges between the two sides.

For a long time, information about Bangladesh has been rarely seen in Chinese mainstream press and the news about Bangladesh is no more than natural disasters.

As a result, the Chinese people usually have a vague impression of the country. It is significant that the state visit will open a new window for Chinese people to learn about the society and culture of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, there are more and more Bangladeshi youngsters learning Chinese and planning to take further education in China, it is important for them to know the real China in the proper and right way. This visit will be a perfect opportunity for China to share the fruits of development with Bangladesh and present the image of itself as a responsible country.

With the construction of "One Belt and One Road" and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Corridor, Xi's visit to Dhaka will mark a milestone in the Sino-Bangladeshi relationship and bring new opportunities to bilateral cooperation, just as he pointed out in 2015 that "China and Bangladesh have nothing but friendship, trust and cooperation." It is clear that China will make more specific plans to enhance the ties with Bangladesh in future.

The author is lecturer in Bengali studies, Communication University of China.
A system developed by the Chinese military was released recently to precisely monitor heavy air pollution, which continued to plague northern China, including Beijing, on Friday and will not disperse until Saturday.

Moderate smog has fallen over Beijing, parts of North China's Tianjin, Northeast China's Liaoning Province and East China's Shandong Province since Wednesday, with some areas expected to see heavy smog.

China's national observatory renewed a yellow alert, the third-highest level of warning, for smog on Friday. China has a four-tier color-coded system for air pollution, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Beijing saw the average density of PM2.5, airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter and a major air pollutant, reach 200 micrograms per cubic meter on Friday, with the reading rising to 300 in some areas, the city's weather bureau said.

The smog decreased visibility to within 500 meters in some parts of Beijing. The local weather bureau advised the public to reduce outdoor activities.

The rain and cold weather will come to clear the smog late Saturday. The temperature will fall substantially due to the rain.

Meteorologists expect North China to see more smog in autumn and winter, given unfavorable weather conditions this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported early October when the first round of smog this autumn hit North China.

Precise assessment

A system called NARS to forecast and control air pollution with high precision was launched on September 12. The system is the first of its kind in terms of the current research on air pollution control.

The NARS system is based on nuclear, biological and chemical technology, which used to be strictly confined to military application, the China Newsweek reported on Thursday.

"It could spot air pollution sources with an accuracy of 1 to 3 kilometers, calculating the contribution percentage of each source to pollutant concentration in different areas and during different periods of time," said Huang Shunxiang, leading researcher of the team at the anti-chemical engineering institute of the People's Liberation Army.

Such accuracy is very high for smog analysis, considering the complication with the changing weather conditions and moving pollutants, Wang Gengchen, a research fellow from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday.

The calculation results for each pollution source and its contribution to the overall pollution enable authorities to decide which factory would cut or stop production, in a bid to maintain air quality while optimizing businesses' interests, Huang said.

"Previously, it was difficult to locate the air pollution sources after pollutants from one source and those from another source started photochemical reaction and formed moving pollutants," Huang said.

Tens of thousands of factories in Beijing and six neighboring provinces and regions, including Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Shandong, Inner Mongolia and Tianjin, were shut down or limited production weeks before China staged a military parade in Beijing in September 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in WWII. The powder blue skies impressed the nation at that time, and the PM2.5 density was the lowest since monitoring began in 2012.

Wang noted that the prerequisite for the sound system operation is making a list, indicating the distribution of all the pollution sources in certain area and the percentage of a pollutant that each pollution source emit accounts for.

"The systematic analysis could help spot monitored factories emitting excessive pollutants secretly, complementing the environmental protection authorities' real-time monitoring of major emitters," Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, told the Global Times on Friday.

Despite Beijing's attempts to limit air pollution, the capital saw only 186 days with air quality that met the national standard in 2015, which means air pollution cast shadows over Beijing for nearly half of the year. The city was also shrouded with heavy air pollution for 46 days, or 13 percent of the year, said the local environmental protection bureau.
Radium is a highly radioactive element and can be extremely dangerous. However, it was once used in many everyday products, including wristwatches and toothpaste, and thought to have curative properties until its intense radioactivity was found to cause adverse health effects.

Radium has an abundance of about 1 part per trillion in the Earth's crust, according to Chemicool. Trace amounts of radium are found in uranium ore, because radium is created from the decay of the uranium atom, which then into several other unstable elements before finally ending in the element lead. There are several known isotopes of radium, but due to the rapid decay rates of many of the isotopes, it is uncertain about the natural abundances of the radium isotopes.

Just the facts

Atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus): 88

Atomic symbol (on the periodic table of elements): Ra

Atomic weight (average mass of the atom): 226

Density: 3.2 ounces per cubic inch (5.5 grams per cubic cm)

Phase at room temperature: solid

Melting point: 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit (700 degrees Celsius)

Boiling point: 2,084 F (1,140 C)

Number of natural isotopes (atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons): 33

Most common isotopes: Ra-226 (unknown percent of natural abundance), Ra-223 (unknown percent of natural abundance), Ra-224 (unknown percent of natural abundance), Ra-228 (unknown percent of natural abundance)

Radium (opens in new tab) Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Andrei Marincas

History

Marie and Pierre Curie, Polish and French chemists, discovered radium in 1898, according to New World Encyclopedia. The discovery came from the study of pitchblende (a type of uranium ore) found in Bohemia (today's Czech Republic). The uranium was removed from the ore and the remains were found to still be radioactive. The radioactive remains were then separated out and when the spectrum was studied, the material was found to be primarily barium with an unknown element.

According to Peter van der Krogt, a Dutch historian, the element was named for the Latin word "radius" or "ray" because the radiation emitted from the new element was about 3 million times greater than the radiation from uranium. The Curies were able to extract about 1 milligram of radium from nearly 10 tons of pitchblende, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Pure radium was isolated in 1902 by electrolysis by Marie Curie and Andre Debierne, a French chemist, according to New World Encyclopedia. Radium E, known to be bismuth-210, was the first synthetic radioactive element that was created synthetically by scientists at the University of California, according to Time.

Who knew?

Current research

Radium is often used to treat various forms of cancers. In a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Isis Gayed and other researchers from Texas discuss treating bony metastases brought on by prostate cancer. The patients were treated with isotope Ra-223 and closely followed through treatments. Several factors were considered and compared before and after treatments including pain levels, PSA, creatinine, and hematological values. The patients that had lower PSA and creatinine levels and higher hemoglobin levels responded better to the radium treatments.

A 2014 article by Ashley Lehman, an American researcher, published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, discusses how the medication used in the above study, radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo), works. When radium encounters bone, it behaves similarly to calcium and gravitates toward where new bone formation is occurring. The radium in the medication collects in the bony metastatic sites there the damage from alpha particles being emitted by the decaying radium is primarily limited to the surrounding cancerous tissue as the alpha particles only travel short distances. The study concluded that using radium-223 was a promising treatment for those with prostate cancer and that the same treatment was currently being studied with in breast cancer patients who have developed bone metastases.

There are several ongoing trials for using radium-223 for breast cancer, including a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by a group of American researchers, with an abstract published in the American Association for Cancer Research in 2015. The study is aiming to get a total of 227 participants to study the effects and safety of using radium to treat bony metastatic sites caused by breast cancer.

Additional resources
Rather than leading to the violent downfall of humankind, artificial intelligence is helping people around the world do their jobs, including doctors who diagnose sepsis in patients and scientists who track endangered animals in the wild, experts said Thursday (Oct. 13) at the White House Frontiers Conference in Pittsburgh.

Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) haven't always been met with enthusiasm. Famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking warned on several occasions that a fully developed AI could destroy the human race, and Hollywood sci-fi movies are rife with fierce robots battling humans for control. But at yesterday's conference  attended by the country's leading researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and students  scientists explained how newly developed AI is accelerating research and improving lives.

Here is a look at five AI inventions that are already redefining technology. [The 6 Strangest Robots Ever Created]

Wildlife preservation

A herd of Grevy's zebras. (Image credit: Rich Carey Shutterstock.com)

Many researchers want to know how many animals are out there and where they live, but "scientists do not have the capacity to do this, and there are not enough GPS collars or satellite tracks in the world," Tanya Berger-Wolf, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said at the conference, which was jointly hosted by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University and was also streamed live online.

Instead, Berger-Wolf and her colleagues developed Wildbook.org, a site that houses an AI system and algorithms. The system inspects photos uploaded online by experts and the public. It can recognize each animal's unique markings, track its habitat range by using GPS coordinates provided by each photo, estimate the animal's age and reveal whether it is male or female, Berger-Wolf said.

After a massive 2015 photo campaign, Wildbook determined that lions were killing too many babies of the endangered Grevy's zebra in Kenya, prompting local officials to change the lion management program, she said.

"The ability to use images with photo identification is democratizing access to conservation in science," Berger-Wolf said. "We now can use photographs to track and count animals."

Diagnosing sepsis

Sepsis is a complication that is treatable if caught early, but patients can experience organ failure, or even death, if it goes undetected for too long. Now, AI algorithms that scour data on electronic medical records can help doctors diagnose sepsis a full 24 hours earlier, on average, said Suchi Saria, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.

Saria shared a story about a 52-year-old woman who came to the hospital because of a mildly infected foot sore. During her stay, the woman developed sepsis  a condition in which a chemical released by the blood to fight infection triggers inflammation. This inflammation can lead to changes in the body, which can cause organ failure or even death, she said.

The woman died, Saria said. But if the doctors had used the AI system, called Targeted Real-Time Early Warning System (TREWScore), they could have diagnosed her 12 hours earlier, and perhaps saved her life, Saria said.

TREWScore also can be used to monitor other conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, she noted. "[Diagnoses] may already be in your data," Saria added. "We just need ways to decode them." [A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence]

Search and rescue

Victims of floods, earthquakes or other disasters can be stranded anywhere, but new AI technology is helping first responders locate them before it's too late.

Until recently, rescuers would try to find victims by looking at aerial footage of a disaster area. But sifting through photos and video from drones is time-intensive, and it runs the risk of the victim dying before help arrives, said Robin Murphy, a professor of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University.

AI permits computer programmers to write basic algorithms that can examine extensive footage and find missing people in less than 2 hours, Murphy said. The AI can even find piles of debris in flooded areas that may have trapped victims, she added.

In addition, AI algorithms can sift through social media sites, such as Twitter, to learn about missing people and disasters, Murphy said.

Cybersecurity

Finding flaws and attacks on computer code is a manual process, and it's typically a difficult one.

"Attackers can spend months or years developing [hacks]," said Michael Walker, a program manager with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Information Innovation Office. "Defenders must comprehend that attack and counter it in just minutes."

But AI appears to be up to the challenge. DARPA held its first Cyber Grand Challenge on Aug. 4 in Las Vegas, a competition won by Mayhem, a program created by the Pittsburgh-based startup ForAllSecure.

Walker described how the second-place team Xandra "discovered a new attack in binary code, figured out how it worked, reached out over a network [and] breached the defenses of one of its opponents, a system named Jima. And Jima detected that breach, offered a patch, decided to field it and ended the breach."

The entire episode took 15 minutes. "It all happened before any human being knew that flaw existed," Walker said. The attack happened on a small network, but Walker said he was confident that AI could one day patch bugs and respond to attacks online in the real world.

Restoring touch

Researcher Rob Gaunt prepares Nathan Copeland for brain computer interface sensory test. (Image credit: UPMC/Pitt Health Sciences Media Relations)

In a landmark event announced Thursday, researchers revealed that a paralyzed man's feelings of touch were restored with a mind-controlled robotic arm and brain chip implants. [Bionic Humans: Top 10 Technologies]

A 2004 car accident left the man, Nathan Copeland, with quadriplegia, meaning he couldn't feel or move his legs or lower arms, Live Science reported yesterday. At the Frontiers Conference, Dr. Michael Boninger, a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explained how innovations allowed Copeland to feel sensation in his hand again.

Doctors implanted two small electronic chips into Copeland's brain  one in the sensory cortex, which controls touch, and the other in the motor cortex, which controls movement. During one trial, Copeland was able to control the robotic arm with his thoughts. Even more exciting, Boninger said, was that the man reported feeling the sensation of touch when the researchers touched the robotic hand.

Many challenges remain, including developing a system that has a long battery life and enables full sensation and movement for injured people, he said. "All of this will require AI and machine learning," Boninger said.

Original article on Live Science.
Zimbabweans see clearly that China and the Chinese people are their true friends and are grateful for the decades of aid programs China has provided, Ignatius Chombo, the Secretary of Administration of the Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (Zanu PF), said recently during a visit to China.

Chombo made the remarks on Thursday in Chongqing to clarify a recent allegation that Chinese aid programs, including Chinese aid workers, in Africa are losing popularity to Japanese programs, mainly because Chinese companies invested in Africa "paid little attention to creating local jobs" and Chinese aid workers were not as meticulous as their Japanese counterpart in terms of providing humanitarian care.

This allegation seems to stem from so-called new colonialism allegations that seek to incite an anti-China resentment in Africa.

But Chombo took the chance to clarify that the Zimbabwean people do not look at the matter in this way, saying that Zimbabwe's colonial history made its people able to easily tell who the real colonizers are.

"Zimbabwe was colonized by Britain for more than 100 years so we don't want to be colonized by any other country; one [colonial] country was enough. We fought for 50 years for independence. The people who came to our side with assistance were Chinese, not Japanese or Americans," said Chombo. "Those Western countries were on the other side, with those we were fighting against." Chombo pointed out that Japan only came to aid Zimbabwe and other African countries in recent years, whereas China started to help Africa even when it was a poverty-stricken country itself. It means that the time-tested rapport between China and Africa is immune to ill-intentioned allegations.

"Japan came to help Africa in order to entice Africans to vote for Japan in the UN. That's not what we are after; we are after harmonious relations like those between China and Zimbabwe," said Chombo, whose office amounts to an acting party chief under the presidency of Robert Mugabe.

Japan's aggression during the World War II is another reason why many African people still loathe Japan. "Japan attacked several countries, including China during the World War II, so that it was once an aggressor." He added.

Caption Ignatius Chombo, the secretary of administration of the Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) takes questions from the press in Chongqing on Oct. 13 during the CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016.
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Seeking new business opportunities and a chance to engage with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a group of Chinese tycoons is to embark on a trip to Canada, only weeks after an exchange of high-level visits by the two countries' leaders.

The China Entrepreneur Club (CEC), the premier business leaders platform in China, will launch on Sunday an eight-day Canadian journey, with plenty of focus on strengthening cooperation in finance, technology and cultural consumption.

Trudeau, who had just met with CEC members in Beijing only six weeks ago, will host the delegation at the Willson House residence on Meech Lake.His frequent exchanges with the CEC is seen by many as a "strong signal" indicating business cooperation between private sectors of the two sides will soon enter the fast lane of development.

The CEC said it will mainly look into the policy landscape of Canada and seek fresh opportunities during visits to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

A series of important face-to-face meetings will also be arranged with leaders in finance, technology and innovation and consumer goods, it said.

The trip comes as at a time when Beijing and Ottawa are joining hands to create a "new golden decade" in bilateral relations, evidenced by an exchange of visits by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Trudeau within one month.

China-Canada relations have improved steadily since last year. Trade volume between the nations reached 55.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, and Trudeau promised a doubling in trade with China by 2025 during Li's trip to Canada in late September, the Chinese premier's first official visit to the country in 13 years.

The Canadian prime minister made his first official visit to China in late August and early September, when he also attended the Group of 20 summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

According to Ma Weihua, CEC president, the main purpose of the group's international tours is to bolster public diplomacy of the Chinese private sector, demonstrate the integrity of Chinese entrepreneurs, learn from the most advanced business environments of the world and seek opportunities for cooperation.

More business opportunities have been created thanks to the recent improvement in bilateral relations between China and Canada, Ma said, adding that the mission of the entrepreneurs is to turn enthusiastic cooperation wills into practical business projects.

Canada is the 11th destination for the CEC's annual visits, following successful trips to the United States, Britain, France, Belgium, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Italy, the European Union and the United Nations.

Established in 2006 as an NGO by 31 Chinese business leaders, the CEC is committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and business integrity while promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Its 50 members include billionaires who oversee companies that together amass over 3 trillion yuan (about 445.8 billion U.S. dollars) in annual income.
Over the past century the world has become a much smaller place. Ireland has been one of the big winners from this globalisation.

It has turned us from the sick man of Europe to one of the Worlds richest nations in a little over a generation. Like all powerful forces, however, the benefits of globalisation ebb and flow.

A slowdown in the Chinese economy and poor decisions by Oil Sheikhs in the Middle East have meant that the global price of oil has fallen from $147 per barrel at its peak in 2009 to around $50 today.

All of this landed on Longfords doorstep last week with the loss of 170 jobs in Cameron, a company which supplies the Oil industry.

The losses are no doubt a terrible blow to the county, particularly for those families who have been directly affected.

By comparison to the number of people working in Longford, the losses are smaller but comparable to the closure of Dell in Limerick and are one of the largest of recent years.

There is no doubt this will dent peoples confidence, just as good news seemed to be flowing again. Employment has been recovering and the county recently received its largest inward investment announcement in decades. How Longford weathers this most recent setback will depend on the actions taken over the coming months.

There are a few examples which might give us hope.

In 2011 the telecoms company Talk-Talk closed its site in Waterford with the loss of 575 jobs. This came only 18 months after the closure of the iconic Waterford Crystal. It would have been easy to despair.

At an event I attended last year a former employee of Talk-Talk outlined how he and a number of colleagues had gone on, following their redundancy, to found their own company - Eishtec.

Over the last four years it has gone on to become one of the fastest growing companies in Ireland, expanding from nine to over 1,500 employees in Waterford, Wexford and Clonmel.

This is not a once off either.

The closure of the Digital Equipment facility in Galway in 1993 saw the loss of 600 jobs but more than 15 new companies were founded in its wake. It is often cited as one of the key reasons for the success of Galway as a hub for the MedTech industry.

Similar stories come from the closure of Motorola in Cork. The enormous Irish aircraft leasing sector based out of Shannon traces its genesis almost solely back to the collapse of Tony Ryans Guinness Peat Aviation.

What these examples show is that towns can emerge stronger from an economic blow if there is a clear plan to help workers get back on their feet and find new opportunities.

As such the immediate focus must be on helping those affected find new work, training opportunities or funds to begin a new business.

The EUs Globalisation Adjustment Fund has been used in other cases to do just that. There is a substantive case that the Cameron workers qualify for the scheme but it is by no means cut and dry.

That case must be made forcefully at a national and European level over the coming months in order for it to succeed.
20,000 has been allocated for the Pound Street junction in Edgeworthstown.

The road surface at the junction is to be ungraded and Cllr Paul Ross (FG) has welcomed the developments.

This junction was particularly bad at the traffic lights and it is a key route to a number of industries located in the town with a lot of lorries on this road daily, he added.

The Council was waiting on works to be completed by Irish Water but with no sign of this happening it makes sense that the junction be upgraded as soon as possible.

Cllr Ross went on to say that the junction served as an entrance route to the town and it would have been an unacceptable situation to have left it in the condition that it is currently in.

I am delighted that the works will be completed in the coming weeks, the local area representative in Legan added.

This together with the works that is ongoing on footpaths on Pound Street will ensure that the town of Edgeworthstown will become more enhanced.
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Columnists Press Releases
SEVENTY-FIVE suspects have been detained for sending blood samples from pregnant women from the Chinese mainland to Hong Kong for tests to ascertain the sex of their babies, according to a report in yesterdays Wenzhou City News.

The alleged ringleader, a 59-year-old Hong Kong man surnamed Lin, is still being hunted together with more than 40 other suspects in the largest case of its kind in China, the newspaper said.

Police in Wenzhous Yongjia

County in east Chinas Zhejiang Province said the number of suspects could exceed 300 and the money involved is estimated at more than 200 million yuan (US$30 million).

Some women in Yongjia who paid for the service were from rural districts and mostly pregnant with a second child. They hoped to find out if they were expecting a boy, police said.

At least four women of 10 known to police aborted their babies because they were found to be girls.

Police believe that by the end of last year, about 50,000 women had paid for the illegal service since 2013 when Lin is alleged to have started the business in Shenzhen in south Chinas Guangdong Province.

Police told the newspaper that during a March crackdown on illegal gender tests and abortions they found a suspect surnamed Li, a former hospital worker, pitching the service to pregnant women in Zhejiangs Leqing City and Yongjia.

Another suspect, a man surnamed Zhou, who worked in a private hospital in Leqing, also emerged around that time. He is alleged to have taken blood samples from women at his office and a rented apartment.

Both were suspected of moonlighting as agents for a Shenzhen-based company called Kanghai, which turned out to be a part of the network allegedly led by Lin.

Shenzhen, which neighbors Hong Kong, is a popular transfer point for blood samples in the illegal trade as DNA gender tests for babies are not considered against the law in Hong Kong, police told the newspaper.

The blood samples were said to have been mailed to Shenzhen as cosmetics, picked up by local agents and then taken to Hong Kong.

In December last year police rounded up 11 suspects in Shenzhen, which led to more arrests later.

Lin and his colleagues are alleged to have owned over 30 companies which employed 120 people and around 200 agents.

Police said the employees, most of them women in their 20s and 30s, were paid up to 200,000 yuan a month.

The cost of a gender test under the illegal scheme was 6,000 yuan in most cases, police told the newspaper.
An American aid worker from the non-governmental organization JEMED has reportedly been kidnapped in the Tahoua region of Niger, close to the border of Mali, local sources told French news outlet RFI. The kidnapping occurred in the same region of Niger as last weeks attack on a Malian refugee camp.

RFI reports:

An American citizen was kidnapped in Abalak, in the region of Tahoua in north-central Niger, according to RFI information. [The citizen] works on behalf of the American NGO YWAM (Youth with a Mission). The [bodyguard] of the American aid worker and a Nigerien national guard were killed during the kidnapping. [According to] Nigerien government sources, the kidnappers would then headed north to Tchintabaraden and, further, to the Malian border.

France24 has further confirmed that the kidnappers retreated towards the Malian borders. While it was initially reported that the NGO was YWAM, it is now confirmed it is JEMED and the American had been living in Niger since the 1990s.

No group has claimed the kidnapping, but al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has been behind several kidnappings of Westerners in Niger in the past and is a suspect in todays incident. In 2008, two Canadian diplomats were taken by the group in Niger and later released after a ransom was paid. A year later, AQIM attempted to kidnap US embassy employees in Tahoua. In 2010, a French citizen named Michel Germaneau was kidnapped in northern Niger. Germaneua would later be transported to northern Mali and killed by AQIM after a failed French raid to rescue him.

The same year, two other French nationals working near Arlit, Niger, were taken by AQIM. In 2011, two more French nationals were taken, but were killed in a subsequent French rescue raid. AQIM has taken other hostages this year, but from neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. In January, AQIM captured an Australian couple in northern Burkina Faso. The group would later release the woman, but her husband remains in captivity. In Timbuktu, Beatrice Stockly, who was previously kidnapped in 2012, was taken again earlier this year.

Additionally, Al Murabitoon, which is now part of AQIM, kidnapped a Romanian national in Tambao, Burkina Faso, last spring. However, the Romanian man was taken by a faction of Murabitoon led by Abu Walid al Sahrawi, who has declared his allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi of the Islamic State. This faction, known as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) is still thought to be holding him. ISGS could potentially be another suspect in todays kidnapping. (See this map made by The Long War Journal for more information.)

Todays kidnapping in Niger happened in the same general region as last weeks attack on a Malian refugee camp. No group has claimed that attack, but jihadists are suspected. Nigerien authorities have blamed a Malian Tuareg separatist group for the attack, but the group has denied any involvement.

Article updated with new reporting on the correct NGO.

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
A Saudi-led military coalition against Yemens Ansar-Allah (also known as the Houthis) recently bombed a funeral hall in Sanaa. Western outlets reported that while the Oct. 8 strike targeted and killed Houthi officials, it also killed over 140 people. According to Al Arabiya, Saudi King Salman has mandated treatment for the wounded, while the Kingdom has more broadly shunned responsibility for casualties from the airstrike.

From the Iranian perspective, the airstrike against their Houthi allies represents an escalation of the conflict in the southern Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, the attack appears to have struck a chord with Iranian leaders. This can easily feed into existing Saudi-Iranian tension and abet the regional Cold War between the two Persian Gulf powerhouses. While rising sectarianism and the Syrian Civil War have been sources of this animosity, geopolitics and alliances also feature into Tehrans post-strike censure.

To date, there has been an outpouring of condemnation of Saudi Arabia from Iran, including from political elites like Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif, as well as key Foreign Ministry Deputies. But the response from Iranian military and security elites, as well as conservative newspapers is particularly telling. A prominent feature of this condemnation is a penchant for narrative, circumscription of their own support for the war, as well as extending the blame for the strike to the U.S.  which is currently reviewing their support for the military coalition. Such political finger-pointing is emblematic of how Tehran has traditionally perceived the war in Yemen.

Leading conservative dailies in Tehran  Kayhan and Vatan-e Emrooz  have respectively dubbed Saturdays bombing Sanaas Karbala and Yemens Karbala, in their headlines. The reference to Karbala  the location where the grandson of the prophet Muhammad (Hussein ibn Ali) was martyred in 680 AD  is telling. The deployment of the term coincided with the annual holiday of Ashura, which mourns Husseins death. Thus, the Karbala reference elevates those who died in Sanaa to Husseins level by implying that they are martyrs. While suffering and martyrdom are key motifs in Shiite Islam, the two Iranian outlets also offer a distinctly political message with their religious allegory. Vatan-e Emrooz reported death tolls as high as 500, likely aiming to incite greater vitriol against Saudi Arabia. And Kayhan, whose editor-in-chief is a confidant of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has harshly criticized the U.S., the U.K., and Europe for equipping the Saudis with arms. The article in Kayhan further mocks the claim the West is the standard-bearer of human rights, and per its title, offers the events in Sanaa as proof of Western hypocrisy.

Irans military elite have expanded upon this line of criticism. Irans former Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, told the press: If human rights organizations dont condemn the atrocities of the al-Saud in Yemen, this will definitely imprint a shameful mark on their record. Turning to what he perceived to be the source of Saudi aggression, he said, American support for the al-Saud has grown their boldness, more than in the past. Another former Minister of Defense, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, who now serves as Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), also took to blaming America. Shamkhani exclaimed that, America is a participant in the Saudi regimes recent atrocities  meaning the bombing of a mourning ceremony in Yemen with weapons Washington provided  and must be held accountable.

In condemning the attack, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck a similar tone. The IRGC issued a press release explicitly describing a chain of the White Houses atrocities which includes Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Libya, Bahrain, and in recent yearsthe oppressed and defenseless people of Yemen.

The IRGC claims that there is a new U.S. regional policy which involves a gradual massacre of Muslims, a theme which the Islamic Republic has previously alluded to so as to sweep its own sectarian behavior (which has led to the deaths of countless Muslims) under the rug. Setting its sights on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the press release derided the Saudis, noting that the blood-spilling al-Saud regime is making up for its defeats in the geographies of the world of Islam. This is a relatively new theme in Irans strategic discourse, namely, the touting of its victories in theaters of conflict where Iranian proxies and Shiite militias have beaten back Sunni or Western-allied forces in the post-Arab Spring Middle East.

An important element of the press release was the vague reference to support for the Houthis. While offering steadfast political and ideological support, the press release only mentioned that the brave and noble nation of Iran has always supported the resistance of Muslim nations, particularly the oppressed people of Yemen against the Zionist [-like] crimes of the al-Saud. This declaration did not mention, for instance (as Tehran typically does with respect to groups fighting the State of Israel) that it remains committed to militarily backing the Houthis. This failure to mention battlefield support may be an attempt to either right-size allegations of Iranian backing, or downplay instances where Iranian arms have been spotted on the battlefield, as was the case with anti-tank missiles used against Saudi armor.

Mohsen Rezaie, who commanded the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War and now is Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, also ignored the military component, only noting that Iran should take a firm stance in international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and its leading body, the Security Council (UNSC). As such, omissions about Iranian involvement in the conflict on the Arabian Peninsula  be it through arms shipments or the presence of its proxy Lebanese Hezbollah, means that the true scale and scope of Iranian support to the Houthis will likely remain murky for some time.

Returning back to narrative, Seyyed Hassan Firoozabadi, a military advisor to Supreme Leader Khamenei (and former Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff) claimed that the Kingdom was picking up where DAESH (a pejorative acronym for the Islamic State) had failed. Deriding Wahhabism (the form of Sunni Islam adhered to by most Saudis), Firoozabadi exclaimed that the attacks of Arabian warplanes has shown the true nature of Wahhabism and the al-Saud. Firoozabadi went on to call Wahhabism an English faith, attempting to make it appear alien to the region. Echoing themes from the IRGC official statement, Firoozabadi proclaimed that in various fronts today, the Saudi government faces resistance [from] revolutionary currents in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, but added that, the Yemeni resistance in various fronts has confronted [Saudi] Arabia with defeat.

Amid such hyperbole, an understanding of how Iranian military and security planners conceptualize threats is necessary. Irans security elites continue to see their regional rivalries through larger prisms like sectarianism and the global alliance structure. Therefore, the recent strike in Sanaa only serves as another data-point in the narrative-driven world view to which Tehrans defense establishment subscribes.

Behnam Ben Taleblu is a Senior Iran Analyst at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

Behnam Ben Taleblu is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), a fledgling organization in the Sahel which holds allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi of the Islamic State, has claimed its second attack in Burkina Faso. A Mauritanian news outlet, Al Akhbar, has reported both of the terrorist groups claims of responsibility.

Al Akhbar reports:

The Islamic State organization claimed responsibility [for the] Wednesday, October 12 [attack] against a position of the Burkinabe army in the town of Intangom located in the extreme north of Burkina Faso, near the border with Mali.

Three Burkinabe soldiers were killed in the assault, while reinforcements sent to the post were also reportedly attacked. It was initially reported that the Burkinabe military killed some of the attackers as well, though this was later debunked by local media.

However, it is not entirely clear how Al Akhbar obtained information of this latest claim. In ISGS first claim, the statement from ISGS was sent directly to the outlet. In this new claim, Al Akhbar makes no mention of that. Official Islamic State media has also not yet released any claim. Al Akhbar routinely publishes statements sent from Sahara-based jihadists, but this report could not be independently verified by The Long War Journal.

ISGS claimed its first-ever attack in September, which also occurred in Burkina Faso, nearby the one earlier this week. That assault, which occurred on a Burkinabe gendarmerie post in Markoye, left a border agent and a civilian dead. (See LWJ report, Islamic States Sahara branch claims first attack in Burkina Faso.)

The Islamic State branch in the Sahara is led by Abu Walid al Sahrawi. Sahrawi was originally the spokesman and a senior leader for the al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) splinter group, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO). Most of MUJAO eventually merged with the forces of Mokhtar Belmokhtar to form Al Murabitoon and pledged allegiance to al Qaeda leader, Ayman al Zawahiri. After several leaders of Murabitoon were killed, Sahrawi eventually took the helms and defected with a faction of the group to the Islamic State. Most of Murabitoon, however, did not and eventually re-merged into AQIM.

ISGS is also thought to be holding a Romanian national, which was taken from Tambao, Burkina Faso last year. The hostage was taken by Sahrawis faction of Murabitoon before the split.

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Ankara appreciates the statement of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the possibility for Turkey to play a positive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement, Turkeys Foreign Ministry told Trend in an exclusive interview.

Sergey Lavrov told reporters Oct. 14 that Turkey may play a positive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts resolution.

"First and foremost, Turkey wishes peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region will contribute to peace and stability in the region. The unconstructive position of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict poses a risk for a long-term peace and stability in the region, said the ministry.

Turkey supports Azerbaijan in this issue and advocates a solution to this problem in the framework of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the ministry added.

Undoubtedly, Turkey will support Azerbaijans position in this issue. In this regard, Turkey as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group is closely monitoring the settlement process and is trying to promote negotiations by means of close contacts with Azerbaijan, said Turkeys Foreign Ministry.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
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Jade Mountain Gets Gold for Being Green

Nick Troubetzkoy, who designed and built the multiple award winning resort which overlooks the Piton Mountains rising from the Caribbean Sea in front of Jade Mountain, said: "The beauty of St. Lucia's landscapes, the warmth and character of its people and the unlimited potential to create something very special here captured my imagination."Troubetzkoy described Jade Mountain, artfully sculpted into the mountainside, as "a response to almost every hotel I've ever visited ... where I found myself disappointed by what I encountered."So he set about redesigning the basic concept of a holiday related hotel experience. "I wanted to create individualized spatial environments that would enable guests to forget the fact they're in a hotel room - and in essence to forget every preconception and to experience the psychology of a dynamic and monumental space on an intuitive and primal emotional level."Eliminating the fourth wall in all rooms, or sanctuaries as they are known on property, gave Jade Mountain another clear distinction: "We aimed to give our guests the feeling of entering a private space fully integrated into the island's ecology, where they could simply relax, breathe in the air while basking in the surroundings and enjoying a wonderful sense of calm and peace - versus being boxed into a traditional hotel room breathing recirculated, machine-processed air," said the visionary.Nick TroubetzkoyTroubetzkoy's devotion to sustainable design means the resort has its own rainwater fed water purification plant system and recycles treated sewage water which irrigates a nursery which in turn propagates thousands of tropical plants for landscaping.The design, which merges the free flow of air and the free flow of water through the infinity pools and waterfalls of the sanctuaries, according to Troubetzkoy, is a direct reflection of the natural attributes of the land of St. Lucia itself: "When you combine water with air and the earth itself in this way, you unlock a profound potential for an almost magical level of enjoyment and celebration - a magic that may very well be the ultimate achievement of Jade Mountain and St. Lucia."The Green Building Council adjudicators certainly felt Troubetzkoy had succeeded and noted: "This is a very impressive accomplishment for such a unique project, and we congratulate you and your team on implementing some pioneering, non-traditional approaches to the LEED prerequisites and credits."The U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) monitors the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated through LEED, a leading third-party verification system for sustainable structures around the world.For further information about Jade Mountain, call 1 800 223-1108 or visit
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Anakahanum Khidayatova  Trend:

In terms of bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, the UK remains a largest foreign investor and hopefully will further remain so, the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

We are working closely with Baroness Nicholson [the UK special trade envoy for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan] on a number of issues, said Crofts, adding that the bilateral relations between the UK and Azerbaijan remain as strong as ever.

So far, Britain has invested about $25 billion into the Azerbaijani economy. The lions share of these investments has been directed to the oil sector. Azerbaijan eyes to expand its cooperation with the UK in the non-oil sector as well, particularly in tourism, agriculture and investments.

Along with that, there are wide opportunities for the British companies to put their investments in Azerbaijans petrochemical industry.

Elsewhere in her comments, Crofts said Britain remains the destination of choice for Azerbaijani students.

English is not only a language of commerce here, but a language of education, academic research, a language of technology and development. I am very fortunate and proud to be the British ambassador here, she said.

Ambassador Crofts added that a number of delegations from the UK are going to visit Azerbaijan soon.

I cant give the details now. Azerbaijan will host the second meeting of intergovernmental commission between Azerbaijan and the UK early next year, she added.

Commenting on the Brexit, Crofts said it, of course, has had an impact on Britain, but fundamental position is that Britain is and will remain a global trade nation.

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK stood at 418.06 million manats (about $262 million as of Oct. 15) in the eight months of 2016, which is 1.5 times higher than in the same period of 2015.

Exports of Azerbaijani products to the UK rose greatly this year as compared to 2015.

In the eight months of 2016, the value of the Azerbaijani exports stood at 54.9 million manats (about $34 million as of Oct. 15), going up by 11.4 times.
Panaji : Russian President Vladimir Putin today arrived at INS Hansa base in Goa for the BRICS summit, after a delay of more than nine hours due to bad weather, making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state. Putin, who finally landed here around 10.20 AM was scheduled to arrive at 1.30 AM, but his flight had to be diverted to Mumbai due to visibility issues. Thick fog had enveloped the areas around INS Hansa base causing the delay, a senior naval official told PTI.

Putin was received at the base by Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs V K Singh and Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza. Putin became the third head of state after South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Michel Temer to arrive here for the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached the state last night.

All the Presidents were offered a red carpet welcome by Indian Navy at INS Hansa, a naval base near Dabolim airport. The base is home to several fighter plane squadrons attached to Indian Navy. Earlier this morning, Modi took to Twitter to welcome all the heads of states, who arrived for the BRICS summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet in Goa. "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit," he tweeted early this morning even as Putin's flight was diverted to Mumbai.

The tweet was repeated in Russian language by the Prime Minister. South African President Jacob Zuma was also greeted with a tweet by the Prime Minister. A warm welcome to you, @SAPresident. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days," Modi said.

PTI
Muvattupuzha: The Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court on Saturday ordered a quick verification against actor Mohanlal in a case relating to the seizure of elephant tusks from the actor's residence in Kochi. Besides the superstar, a quick verification was also ordered against the former Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and those who handed over the elephant tusk to the actor.

The court order came after a detailed hearing of the case. In 2012, four elephant tusks were recovered from the actor's house. Though the actor claimed that he bought the tusk, a case was registered against him by the forest department under the wildlife protection Act 1972.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijans Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov has said that Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakovs recent statement on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is inappropriate.

Ushakov said on Oct. 13 that Moscow is not optimistic about the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the near future and added that Moscow will continue to work with Baku and Yerevan on the issue.

Such a statement by the representative of a country that co-chairs the OSCE Minsk Group is inappropriate, Ahmadov said at a New Azerbaijan Party conference in Baku Oct. 15.

He reminded that earlier, the US Secretary of State John Kerry also made such a statement.

Both the Azerbaijani public and government had quite resolute responses to these statements, Ahmadov said, adding that each Azerbaijani citizen wants the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be resolved soon.

Ahmadov believes that changing the status quo in the near future is one of the most appropriate ways to ensure peace and stability in the region.

He said such statements by the officials of the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group, which was created to resolve the conflict, indicate the lack of capability to fulfill their commitments.

Ali Ahmadov added that the OSCE Minsk Group has made significant efforts to resolve the conflict, but these statements cast a shadow on its activity.

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.
Trump is Wrong on Trade

Trumps claims (see here) that America has lost high paying manufacturing jobs to China because the communist country promotes its exports through subsidies, tax advantages and currency manipulations. The reality is that we should not care what China does. The more China subsidizes its industries, the more its trading partners gain in the abundance of cheap goods and services and, contrary to what Trump believes, in the creation of high-paying jobs. In an exchange economy, there is a natural antagonism between producers and consumers. Producers benefit from scarcity, consumers from abundance. A producer wants to be the only store on a block selling a limited number of products for a limited period of time. Consumers, on the other hand, want abundance with more producers and products available over a longer period of time. This conflict arises naturally in an exchange economy. Robinson Crusoe hunting for himself will clearly prefer abundance to scarcity.

Competition promotes abundance while enabling income and wealth equality

In a non-competitive environment, high-paying jobs may occur in protected industries, but it depends on the ability of trade unions to capture a portion of the profits generated by monopolistic or oligopolistic firms by demanding higher wages. The pressure from non-union labor is a constant threat to these high-paying jobs created by government actions of artificial scarcity. Yet, there is no guarantee that this will bring higher paying jobs instead of just higher profits to these protected industries.

In a competitive environment where abundance is the norm, high-paying jobs come from high productivity. Our living standards are higher than those living in Africa not because we are smarter or work harder, but because our labor is grafted onto a much larger capital base. Robinson Crusoe will catch more fish with a net than with his hands. And the more nets he has, the more fish he will catch. His productivity is constantly increasing with more resources at his disposal.

Thus, high-paying manufacturing jobs in a highly competitive environment come from high value productivity. No one will pay you more than the value of what you produce1. Suppose you could make a five-piece widget that could sell for a subjectively high price of $100 per unit in a highly competitive widget industry. To make this widget you hire 100 workers who work on the widget independently and require 10 hours to complete one widget. Abstracting from other non-labor costs and profits, how much could you pay each worker? Less than $100 or $10 an hour. Now suppose you specialize and each worker works on only one of the five components of the widget. The gains from the division of labor allow you to make a widget in half the time or 5 hours. How much could you pay each now? Less than $100 or $20 per hour. Now suppose we add a machine that allow each worker to complete a widget in one hour. How much can workers expect now? Less than $100 or $100 per hour. High wages come from the division of labor and the abundance of capital. The greater the amount of capital, the greater the value productivity and, in a competitive environment, the greater the wages.

Of course, competition will ultimately reduce the price of widgets, reflecting growing abundance, and the nominal wages of this unskilled labor. Yet, if deflation is the norm, real incomes or the standard of living of the average worker will be constantly rising: every man benefiting from the increase in real wages resulting from more abundance or lower prices.

Now suppose that China subsidize its exports to the point that we can buy them essentially for free. This will mean that we no longer have to use scarce resources to produce these products at home and we can divert some of the capital from these industries (steel, textiles, etc.) to be used in other industries. With more capital, these other industries, ceteris paribus, will have higher paying jobs than before trade with China.

Trumps trade policy is structured on creating scarcity. Trade restrictions do not increase the amount of capital but force a diversion of capital to import competing industries. Capital would be dispersed more widely and hence wages would be lower than they otherwise would be. His policy would lead to an economic reality that would be the exact opposite of what he is promoting.

The key word above is ceteris paribus. Trump is confusing association with causation.

The real culprit or cause of the loss of purchasing power is the American Central Bank. It is directly responsible for the growth in income inequality and the slow decline in living standard of the American middle class (see here). Monetary policy is econspeak for legal counterfeiting! A simple example will make this clear: Suppose we have $10 to spend on 10 apples; market forces normally will generate an equilibrium price of $1 per apple. If the amount of money doubles, prices will rise to $2. The government will have stealth taxed the public five apples. Few understand that the central bank is in reality a thief robbing the purchasing power of your money while you sleep. Although central bankers may attend fancy lunches in thousand-dollar suits, it does not diminish the reality that they are nothing more than counterfeiters. The only difference between them and the guy printing currency in his basement is they do not fear the police breaking down the doors of the Eccles building.

If Trump really wants to make America great again, he should seriously consider returning the U.S. to sound money (here). He should consider implementing a Chicago type plan (here) based on the creation of a new cryptocurrency.

There is another aspect of Trumps trade policy that is not currently being discussed. He talks about bridges and cars soon to be built by American steel. But how would his administration respond to complaints by the big three automakers that Audi, Land Rover, BMW, Hyundai, and Toyota have unfair competitive advantage nationally and internationally by using low cost Chinese steel? Would he impose restrictions on all imports that use Chinese components as inputs? It is clear this would quickly escalate into trade wars where everybody loses. Globalization, or international competition, has led to razor thin margins, and Trumps policy would put U.S. industry at a competitive disadvantage both nationally and internationally.

Trump also talks about fair trade. Again, we should be totally indifferent on whether China, or any other country, is or is not trading fairly. If fairness is a real concern, maybe the first action of a Trump presidency would be to shut down the Export-Import Bank which unfairly benefits U.S. exporters.

He also is misguided in thinking that trade is like negotiating with a supplier, where one gains at the expense of others. The best US policy, or that of any country, should be the elimination of all barriers to imports. This can be done unilaterally. Abundance should always be preferred to scarcity.

1 Something advocates of a higher minimum wage do not seem to understand.

Frank Hollenbeck teaches finance and economics at the International University of Geneva. He has previously held positions as a Senior Economist at the State Department, Chief Economist at Caterpillar Overseas, and as an Associate Director of a Swiss private bank. See Frank Hollenbeck's article archives.

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 2016 Copyright Frank Hollenbeck - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Pakistan is interested in the North-South transport corridor project, said Pakistani prime ministers special adviser on foreign affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi in a meeting with Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Baku, said Azerbaijani Economy Ministry.

During the meeting, Mustafayev praised the economic ties between Baku and Islamabad.

Azerbaijan, located at intersection of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, has a favorable geographic position and transit opportunities. The country has modern transport infrastructure and work is underway to implement the North-South project, as part of which a railway bridge will be constructed across the Astarachay River before the end of the year, said Mustafayev.

He added that a free trade area is being created at the Baku International Sea Trade Port with participation of an UAE company.

According to Mustafayev, Pakistan may make use of Azerbaijans transit opportunities, the free trade area and the North-South corridor.

In turn, Tariq Fatemi said Pakistan is interested in the North-South project.

Pharmaceutics, tourism, agriculture and trade issues were also discussed during the meeting.

The North-South corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe to South-East Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia.

It is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year at the initial stage and later to increase the figure to more than 10 million tons.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
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George Jackson and Brett Logan were both arrested on Thursday on charges related to the distribution of crack cocaine.

(North Adams Police Department)

NORTH ADAMS  Two men were arrested at two separate locations in North Adams on Thursday as part of a wider crackdown by local and county authorities on drug distribution in the area.

George Jackson, of New Jersey, and Brett Logan, of North Adams were taken into custody after search warrants were executed at two separate residences in North Adams, where police say crack cocaine, drug distribution paraphernalia, ammunition and cash were also found and confiscated.

The search warrants and arrests were part of a larger, ongoing investigation concerned with the trafficking of crack cocaine from New Jersey into the North Adams area for distribution purposes, North Adams police said.

Agents from the Berkshire County Drug Task Force, as well as North Adams police assisted with the investigation.
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(The Republican file)

SPRINGFIELD -- Judging by comments attributed to him in the arrest report, Geraldo Villanueva doesn't much care for hospitals or police officers.

So Villanueva, 36, of Springfield, was doubly displeased when police showed up to help an American Medical Response ambulance crew take him to the hospital for a suspected drug and alcohol overdose on Aug. 14.

"Don't touch me bitches. Let me go you pigs," he said after being strapped into a chair and carried from his third floor apartment on Marble Street, according to the report.

"Let me go so I can (obscenity) you up. I don't want to go to the hospital," he added.

The trouble began around 3:30 a.m. when a neighbor called 911 to report that Villanueva had "mixed alcohol and pills (and was) passed out but breathing," according to the report written by Officer Samuel Gomez-Gonzalez.

When ambulance crew arrived, Villanueva woke up and became combative as they strapped him into a chair and began carrying him down the stairs, the report said.

Between attempts to unbuckle himself from the chair, Villanueva managed to kick a male paramedic several times in thigh, then lunged at a female paramedic, pinning her against the wall, the report said.

When police arrived, Villanueva became "even more irate," the report said.

A neighbor advised the officers to stay out of Villanueva's sight "because he doesn't like police officers and he will act up -- meaning he would attempt to hurt the officers if given the opportunity," the report said.

He made several attempts to pull an officer's gun from his holster, causing another officer to strike him to prevent him from getting the weapon. Alerted by the commotion, several neighbors jumped on the officers' backs in an attempt to prevent them from taking Villanueva away, the report said.

Three Springfield firefighters arrived to help, and Villanueva was eventually handcuffed, loaded into the ambulance and taken to Baystate Medical Center, according to the report.

No attempt was made to arrest Villanueva at the scene, where between 20 to 30 onlookers had gathered. At the hospital, he was treated for a possible drug or alcohol overdose, plus a bruised eye, cut lip and contusions suffered while struggling for the gun, the report said.

Following a show-cause hearing last month, Villanueva was ordered to appear for arraignment Monday in Springfield District Court.

He pleaded not guilty to attempted larceny of a firearm and two counts of assault and battery on ambulance personnel.

He was released without cash bail and ordered to report back for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 22.
EASTHAMPTON Police executed a search warrant on a Clifford Street apartment, Friday and arrested an Easthampton man, and seized a quantity of marijuana as well as alprazolam and amphetamine pills.

Easthampton Police Detective Dennis Scribner said the raid was the result of an on-going investigation . Scribner said marijuana was found in a variety of containers along with packaging materials and paraphernalia used in the sales of the drug.

Police also seized approximately $11,000 in cash they believe are the proceeds from illicit drug sales.

Christopher Roy, 28, of 16 Clifford St. in Easthampton, was booked on charges of possession of a Class D substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a Class E substance (alprazolam) and possession of a Class B substance (amphetamines). He is being held in lieu of $1,000 cash bail pending arraignment in Northampton District Court Monday.

Massachusetts State Troopers from the District Attorney's Anti-Crime Task Force and the Holyoke Police K-9 unit participated in the raid.
Vermont crash.jpg

(AP Photo)

BURLINGTON,Vermont The man accused of killing five high school students in a wrong-way crash on Vermont's I-89 Saturday night was arraigned Friday morning as he lay on his hospital bed in a makeshift courtroom at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

The Burlington Free Press reported that Steven Bourgoin, 36, was wheeled into a conference room at the hospital for his arraignment on five counts of second-degree murder, one count of driving a police cruiser without permission and a single count of grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Five young high school students were killed when prosecutors said Bourgoin drove his Toyota Tacoma pickup truck the wrong way on I-89 in Williston, Vermont and struck the car the students were riding in. The car burst into flames killing all five.

As a Williston police officer was trying to rescue the kids in the burning car, prosecutors said Bourgoin took the officer's cruiser and drove away from the accident scene, traveling south toward Richmond, Vermont.

As he drove south, Richmond police attempted to stop him, and he made a U-turn on the highway and began driving north in the southbound lanes. As he drove a distance of less than 15 miles, authorities said Bourgoin collided with seven more vehicles.

Bourgoin was hospitalized after the incidents in critical condition. His condition has been upgraded since Sunday morning.

Throughout the Friday morning arraignment, Bourgoin did not open his eyes or acknowledge the people around him. His attorney requested a determination of competency to stand trial. In court filings, attorney Robert Katims pointed out that Bourgoin went to the University of Vermont Medical center three times the day before the incident and was referred to the hospital's Howard Center, a counseling and crisis center.

Judge James Crucitti ordered Bourgoin held without the right to bail.

Killed in the crash were Eli Brookens,16, Janie Cozzi, 15, Liam Hale, 16, Mary Harris,16, and Cyrus Zschau, 16. Four of the students attended Harwood Union High School. Cozzi attended Kimball Union High Academy in New Hampshire. All five grew up together attending schools in the Kimball Union system.
SPRINGFIELD -- Hampden Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ford on Friday found himself accepting a "time served" sentence for a man accused of distributing heroin stamped "Hollywood."

Heroin packaged with that stamp has been linked to five fatal overdoses in Chicopee and Holyoke since Dec. 30, 2015, a prosecutor said.

Dale Bass, lawyer for Francis Willor, said his client realizes he is getting a "tremendous break" because the prosecution cannot depend on its main witness -- suspended city narcotics Detective Gregg Bigda.

Ford said, "I agree with Mr. Bass. It's a gift."

Assistant District Attorney Amy D. Wilson said Bigda made observations essential to the case and it is anticipated there would be issues with calling him as a witness if the case went to trial. Ford said he understood the difficulty involved with having Bigda as a key witness.

In videos recorded in February at the Palmer police station, Bigda is seen threatening to kill and plant drug evidence on two teens accused of stealing an unmarked Springfield Police vehicle. Bigda received a 60-day suspension for the incident.

Both the city and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni's office referred further investigation of the incident to federal officials, according to letters released Friday.

Ford accepted the joint recommendation from prosecution and defense and sentenced Willor, 43, of North Adams, to 2 years in the Hampden County Correctional Center.

But of that, Willor must only serve the 286 days he has already served while awaiting trial, with the rest suspended in favor of three years probation. As part of the plea agreement, Willard was not sentenced as a subsequent offender.

A charge of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute was dropped. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid sometimes mixed with heroin and has been linked to a number of fatal overdoses across the country.

A co-defendant, 54-year-old Elvin Resto of Holyoke, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of heroin and was sentenced to the 286 days he has already served and two years probation.

The two men, along with several co-defendants whose cases are still pending, were arrested Jan. 2 after an investigation by the Springfield Police narcotics unit.
SPRINGFIELD Two men were critically injured Saturday morning when the car they were in struck a tree near the intersection of Berkshire Avenue and Cottage Street and broke apart, ejecting one man from the wreckage.

Pieces of the late model Honda lay on either side of Berkshire Avenue when rescue workers arrived at the scene at about 3:30 a.m., Dennis Leger, executive aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said. The Jaws of Life were used to extricate one of the victims from the wreckage, while firefighters had to cut a fence down to retrieve the other victim who was ejected from the vehicle in the crash.

Leger said the two largest pieces of the car lay on either side of the street with debris spread across a large area. Springfield Police Lt. David Kane said officers had to search to find the registration plates for the car so they could identify the owner.

Both men, officials said were in their early 20's, were transported to the Baystate Medical Center by ambulance.

Kane said the Springfield Police Traffic Bureau responded to the scene to begin a complete accident reconstruction to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
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State Police say K-9 "Nanuk" helped police locate a man who fled from a courthouse in Brookfield on Wednesday.

(Massachusetts State Police)

BROOKFIELD  Massachusetts State Police say that K-9 "Nanuk" assisted authorities apprehend a suspect who fled from a courthouse in Brookfield on Wednesday.

The suspect, wanted on felony warrants, escaped from Brookfield District Court and ran into a section of woods nearby to the courthouse, according to police.

Police say Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers (ICE) were in the process of chasing the suspect on foot, but were not able to apprehend him.



After State Police Troopers were called in to help with the chase, a K9 Unit was deployed and "Nanuk" was used to track from the point where the suspect was last seen.

Acquiring a scent, police say Nanuk tracked into the wooded area where the suspect was spotted, and was able to find several pieces of clothing that belonged to the suspect.

After plunging through thickly wooded areas, underneath a bridge, and through deep water, police say Nanuck began to "air scent"--which was an alert to authorities that the suspect was within a close distance.

According to police, the suspect was apprehended a short time later, roughly 100-150 feet away from where Nanuck began to "air scent."
NH Young Democrats protest outside Trump rally

Members of the New Hampshire Young Democrats and others hold signs outside Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's Portsmouth rally blasting his controversial comments about kissing and groping women. (The Republican | Shannon Young)

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- With Donald Trump facing criticism over remarks he made about women in a leaked 2005 recording, New Hampshire Democrats took to the streets outside the GOP presidential nominee's Saturday rally in protest.

Members of the New Hampshire Young Democrats and others held signs outside the businessman's Portsmouth campaign event blasting his controversial comments about kissing and groping women -- remarks which they argued are unacceptable.

Supporters of the Republican nominee hopeful, however, questioned the timing of attacks on Trump's character and why the same scrutiny isn't given to his opponent.

Rally-goers further contended that the White House race should instead focus on issues.

New Hampshire Young Democrats President Lucas Meyer, a 26-year-old Concord resident, said protesters decided to focus on Trump's comments and not promoting Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton due to the "gravity of what's at stake."

"A nominee for a major political party -- who's the nominee for president -- that says things like this is unacceptable," he said. "We don't have to spin anything, we don't have to make up any creative catch lines, these are just his words."

Echoing many of the arguments First Lady Michelle Obama made about Trump during a stop in Manchester earlier this week, Meyer stressed that the GOP nominee's comments are "not normal" or "politics as usual."

Sheila Vargas, 26, of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, said although she hasn't been too active as a member of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, she felt personally compelled to protest Trump's comments on women as a survivor of sexual assault.

"I felt like me coming out here and saying that sexual assault is not a joke was really important not just for me personally as a healing process, but also giving other people the strength to do it themselves," she said. "I would absolutely love to live in a world where someone running for president doesn't say things about women, calling them 'Miss Piggy,' 'Miss Housekeeping,' or his most recent comments, which I can't even repeat, but that's the world that we live in today."

Vargas added that she finds it unfortunate that Trump has cast his comments as "locker room banter," contending that the conversation around sexual assault needs to change at the societal level.

"I think that the excuse that they're making that it's locker room talk is completely unacceptable," she said. "I know his supporters are really drilling that into peoples' heads, but I think there's no excuse for it."

Mike Kimball, a 48-year-old Trump supporter from Seabrook, New Hampshire, agreed with that sexual assault needs to be addressed at a cultural level, but questioned whether it should be the focus of a presidential campaign.

"It's always on the politics side and in this, people bring out the worst in other people. It's not really what it should be about," he said. "I agree to a point that you obviously don't want vote for people who treat people badly, but unfortunately, who's the lesser of two evils here and that's what it comes down to."

Kimball added that Clinton's campaign should face similar criticism over her history of treatment toward women.

"How can the Clinton campaign degrade Donald Trump over the things people are saying he's done when she's been covering for her husband for years for things that he's actually done," he said, alluding to rape and sexual harassment accusations former President Bill Clinton has faced.

Kimball further took issue with what he called the level of "bullying" in the presidential campaign.

"Maybe this is a good opportunity for either one of these politicians to talk about the bullying crisis in America. We're seeing it right now in the election process -- we're seeing outright bullying between each other, so I think that's a major problem in the world," he said. "But we're looking right past it and concentrating on the bullying that they've done."

Laura Young, a 56-year-old Haverhill, Massachusetts resident, meanwhile, said she decided to attend the rally at a Portsmouth Toyota dealership to show Trump that women do support his campaign.

"It's not all about what he said and definitely Clinton has done worse," she said.

Young further questioned the timing of the leaked recording and recent reports of women accusing Trump of sexual assault.

"Why did it come out now? It's been years -- 30 years (since) this one lady she he groped her on a plane. Come on, 30 years you waited? And at that point in time?" she said.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 15

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistan and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas have signed a joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations, Turkmen foreign ministry has said.

The signing ceremony took place at the permanent representative office of Turkmenistan in New York.

During the ceremony, the representatives of both countries confirmed their interest in strengthening the friendly relations and developing the bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Calling Hillary Clinton "the most corrupt person to ever seek the office of the presidency," Republican nominee Donald Trump took aim at his Democratic rival's record and stamina during a New Hampshire rally on Saturday.

Trump, speaking to supporters who gathered at a Portsmouth Toyota dealership, blasted the former secretary of state's use of a private email server and accused her of colluding with federal agencies to avoid charges.

The GOP nominee further questioned his rival's decision to take time off the campaign trail for "debate prep," calling for Clinton to take a drug test before Wednesday's final head-to-head forum.

Taking aim at the email controversy that has plagued his Democratic rival's campaign, Trump argued that allegedly hacked Clinton campaign emails published by WikiLeaks suggest she colluded with the U.S. State and Justice Departments to avoid federal charges in an investigation into her private server.

Contending that Clinton "should be in jail," Trump further argued that his opponent sought to "cover up her crimes" by deleting 33,000 emails from her server after receiving a congressional subpoena.

"She acid washed them, lied to Congress under oath, made 13 iPhones disappear -- some with a hammer -- and now, last week we learned that two boxes of emails and evidence are mysteriously missing," he said, drawing chants of "lock her up" from supporters. "Hillary Clinton should've been prosecuted and should right now be in jail."

Trump also called for Clinton to submit to a drug test ahead of the next presidential debate, telling supporters that he believes she is "getting pumped up."

"I think she's getting pumped up, you understand...we're like athletes. More and more we make them take a drug test, I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate," he said. "Why don't we do that?...Because I don't know what's going on with her. But, in the beginning of the last debate she was all pumped up...and at the end it was, 'take me down.' She could barely reach her car."

The businessman added that he's "willing to" take a drug test.

The Republican nominee, referencing recent allegations he has faced for sexual assault, further accused "the corrupt media" of rigging the 2016 presidential election against him.

"The election is being rigged by corrupt media, pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president and you know what I mean," he said. "In fact, the cousin of one of these people -- the cousin said it was a lie...We can't let them get away with this folks. It's total lies that you've been seeing, but we're going to stop it."

Trump further took direct aim at allegations he sexually assaulted a woman on a plane decades ago.

"How about this crazy person on the airplane, can anyone believe this?...It's a crazy world we're living it," he told supporters. "It's a rigged election, we're talking unsubstantiated claims, no witnesses, put on the front pages of newspapers."

Trump's visit came just days after First Lady Michelle Obama took aim at the businessman's comments on women during a Clinton campaign event at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

Borrowing a line from Obama's speech, the businessman stressed that "enough is enough."

The GOP nominee, in addition to taking swipes at his opponent, touted his plans to address the opioid epidemic, help veterans and defend the country's southern border with Mexico.

Polls give Clinton a nearly 4-point edge over Trump in the important battleground state, according to RealClearPolitics' averages -- down from the 6-point lead she enjoyed earlier this week.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 15

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Acting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has submitted a draft law on combating corruption to the Legislative (lower) Chamber of the countrys parliament as a legislative initiative.

Under the Article 83 of Uzbekistans Constitution, a draft of the law on combating corruption has been submitted to the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistans Oliy Majlis (parliament), the Uzbek media reported Oct. 15 citing the acting president.

It was noted that the draft law is aimed at a comprehensive legislative regulation of relations in the field of combating corruption, improving the efficiency of anti-corruption measures implemented by public authorities, organizations and institutions of civil society, as well as the complete elimination of corruption in all spheres of social life, creation of intolerable situation towards all its manifestations in society by raising legal awareness and legal culture of citizens.

Adoption of the law will create additional legal guarantees to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, will contribute to the protection from illegal encroachments on private property rights, undue interference in the activities of businesses, and as a consequence, will ensure the growth of business activity and will increase the investment attractiveness of the country, according to the report.
Advocates for the preservation of Lake James are asking McDowell officials to make this countys rules for the lake more similar to what Burke County has now.

They first brought their request to the McDowell County Commissioners who referred the matter to the county Planning Board for more study.

I urge McDowell County to call their counterparts in Burke County and ask questions, as the proposed stronger protection ordinances have been in effect and working in Burke County since 2003/4, said Lake James resident Martha Whitfield last month. I urge the Planning Board to pass the changes at their next meeting and forward their recommendation to the McDowell County Commissioners for their November meeting.

The Foothills Conservancy has likewise asked for this to be done. Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina urges McDowell County to adopt lake protection ordinances similar to those in Burke County, said Executive Director Susie Hamrick-Jones. FCNC serves 8 counties, including McDowell, and was instrumental in the creation of Lake James State Park's 2004 Long Arm expansion and subsequent additional acreage.

And on Monday, these same people who are worried about protecting the lake and its quality came again to the McDowell County Commissioners and urged that changes should be made.

Burke County has done some excellent things, said Ron Shuping. I commend them. Maybe we should adopt them.

So what are the differences between McDowells rules and Burkes rules for the same lake? The McDowell News took a look at the ordinances for the lake in both counties and was given information by George Johnson, president of the Lake James Environmental Association.

Advocates for the lake say they hope McDowell will adopt the same rules that were in Burkes Article XII  Lake James Overlay District.

These are the well-proven restrictions that the 2003 McDowell ordinance originally came from, said Johnson. An alternative is to adopt the restrictions provided by Lake James Environmental Association, The Catawba Riverkeeper and other concerned citizens.

Zoning within the county

Peter Minter, senior planner for Burke, said his countys specific rules for land surrounding Lake James were incorporated into the 1997 Burke County Zoning Ordinance as Article XII  Lake James Overlay District.

This district jurisdiction applies to all lands in Burke within 250 feet (measured horizontally) of the reference line of Lake James. That reference line is Duke Energys Lake James Project Boundary of 1,200 feet above mean sea level or the official shoreline of the lake. This applies to all subdivisions of land that lie in whole or in part within 250 feet of the reference line of Lake James, according to Minter.

McDowell County based its rules using the same reference line.

That is what we look at, said McDowell Planning Administrator Ron Harmon. We look at the shoreline. The rule of thumb that I use is: if it touches the water, it is Duke Energy. If it touches the land, it is McDowell County.

Lot sizes

Under Burkes rules, minimum lot sizes for homes are determined by several factors such as where it they are located and the availability of water and sewer.

Burke has a sliding scale for minimum residential lot sizes but the very minimum lot size for the Burke side of Lake James is one-half of an acre. It could go up to 2 acres if the lot does not have public water and sewer. Conservation districts in Burke are another factor. In one conservation district on the lake, a lot size could go up to 3.5 acres while in another conservation district it could go up to 5 acres, according to Minter.

Here in McDowell, the rules allow for a minimum lot size of 1.5 acres. However, the minimum lot size may be reduced to .75 of an acre if the subdivision in which the lot is located has an average lot size of at least 1.5 acres.

Lake advocates also want requirements which would increase the amount of shoreline per lot on the McDowell side.

Woodland buffers

Both counties require a natural woodland buffer to be maintained within 100 feet of the reference line, or shoreline.

In both counties, all trees, shrubs and ground cover are considered protected vegetation in that woodland buffer. But Johnson and other lake advocates would like to have language added that calls for an approved revegetation plan to be submitted as part of the process of approving a development. They also want to add a prohibition on structures such as gazebos and storage sheds in the buffer area.

The Lake James advocates want more restrictions on the removal of trees, shrubs and ground cover and additional restrictions on shoreline stabilization. They want rules regarding stormwater management and erosion control that offer more protection for the lake.

Setbacks from the lake

Burke Countys rules for setbacks state all new construction must meet a 125-foot lake setback. It is measured horizontally from the reference line (or the shoreline) of Lake James.

No construction disturbance is allowed within 100 feet of the reference line except one 4-foot wide access trail to the boat dock. The additional 25 feet of construction disturbance is allowed for construction equipment to maneuver around the home while it is under construction.

On the Burke County side, land along the lake that has a slope of more than 25 percent cannot be used for building. McDowell County does not have this restriction.

However in McDowell County, primary structures on the lake must have a setback of 65 feet. On lots with a slope greater or equal to the 2:1 ratio, the setback requirement is increased to 75 feet from the reference line. Uncovered wooden decks attached to a primary structure are allowed to extend 15 feet from the primary structure. Roads and/or driveways shall be set back at least 75 feet from the shore and shall be designed to minimize disturbance to existing natural vegetation and topography, except for bridges and bridge approaches and access ways for emergency vehicles. Primary structures shall be set back at least 15 feet from the side property lines, according to Harmon.

Johnson and other lake advocates want McDowell to have a 125-foot setback from the shoreline similar to what Burke has.

Open spaces

In addition, Burke County requires subdivisions to dedicate a certain amount land within that subdivision as an open space. It could be a park or a picnic area for recreational purposes or it could be a section left untouched. It has to be a minimum of 25 percent of the total area, according to Minter.

Here in McDowell, there are no rules that require an open space or community property within a subdivision, said Harmon.

Advocates for the lake have asked McDowell officials to consider a 15 percent open space requirement.

Johnson has asked for more restrictions which would require all new developments on the lake and the Catawba River to have their new utility lines installed underground. Streetlights shall use fixtures to direct light away from other properties and the water surface.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Shell offered the technology for Irans Ibn-e Sina Petrochemical Complex worth $350 million, the director of Hamedan provinces industry and mine department, Hamidreza Matin told Tasnim news agency.

This is while a Chinese company also offered to invest in the project, but a lesser amount - $168 million, he said.

The report didnt mention the Chinese companys name, but Iran was negotiating with Sedin Engineering Company last year to develop the mentioned project.

Shell signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran Oct.9.

"We can confirm that we have expressed our interest to further explore potential area of cooperation with Irans National Petrochemical Company through a Letter of Intent," Nureddin Wefati, head of Media Relations for the Middle East and North Africa of the company told Trend Oct. 10.

Meanwhile, Shana news agency reported that Shell offers direct investment in the project.

Iran used to plan to invest $253 million in Ibn-e Sina project to produce 266,000 metric tons of products annually, such as ethylene oxide, ethylene glycols, ethoxylates, glycol ether, etc.

Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian banks would issue a $220 million loan to the project, but IRNA reported earlier that Shell may invest directly into this project.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 13



By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:



US Treasury's recent decision easing deals with Iran will not reduce the fear that large banks have of dealing with Iran, believes Hooshang Amirahmadi, president of American Iranian Council.



"Major global banks can't absolutely make certain that they will be able to isolate completely US dollars coming out of commercial transactions with Iran and the banks cannot guarantee that those dollars will not enter the US banking system and so the banks will not want to risk losing their banking licenses if their monitoring systems fail them - so they will avoid the transactions," Hooshang Amirahmadi told Trend.



The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) which is a part of US Department of the Treasury on Oct. 7 released new guidelines for dealings with Iran, aimed at loosening restrictions on the countrys ability to trade in US dollars.



The easing will help smaller transactions and more localized trade deals as well as money transfers, Hooshang Amirahmadi mentioned.



Those involved in such transactions, however, risk mistaking the identity of Iranian entities under sanctions and free from it, he added.



In its new guidelines the Treasury said, "It is not necessarily sanctionable for a non-US person to engage in transactions with an entity that is not on the [sanctions list] but that is minority owned, or that is controlled in whole or in part, by an Iranian or Iran-related person on the [list]."



"The web of ownership and control is too complicated in many such situations for a firm to easily distinguish the legitimate partner from the illegitimate one," Amirahmadi noted.



The new guidelines allow deals with firms that are not under sanctions, but the rules still restrict entry of transactions into US financial system.



He further touched upon the impact of the new guidelines on Iran's capital market and on Tehran's stock exchange, saying it remain minimal even if the new relaxation will ease psychological barrier to some extend.



"Finally, The US Treasury's OFAC has subsequently issued a clarifying statement saying that the new measure is not designed to remove any sanction or allow transactions outside the JCPOA. This means dashing the hope that it originally raised," he concluded.



Although the nuclear related sanctions on Iran were lifted following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on January 16, Iran still has difficulty establishing banking ties with leading European banks as they are worried about running afoul of US regulations.
by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, October 15, 2016

While other companies have used crop art  variations on crop circles  to promote products or causes, few have had as close an affinity with this unusual advertising format as Our Little Rebellion (OLR).

BFY Holdings (and BFY Brands)  which was formed in July 2015 when private-equity firm Permira acquired Medora Snacks and Ideal Snacks  launched Our Little Rebellion in August as a master brand for formerly Medora-owned PopCorners, plus the Bean Crisps and Crinkles brands.

Paul Nardone, a former CEO of Annies Homegrown who became BFYs CEO in August 2015, has been expanding the brands distribution. Theyre now available at conventional retailers, natural food stores, and club and convenience stores across the U.S., as well as online retailers, reports BFY. PopCorners is also distributed on JetBlue flights.

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All three of the popped snacks, now sporting new, brightly colored packaging, are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free and OU kosher.

In tandem with OLRs launch, BFY established a new supply chain for non-GMO corn comprising 59 family farms in Nebraska.

According to the company, the farms supply 20 million pounds of corn used in Our Little Rebellions snacks, and will also make more Non-GMO Project Verified corn available to food and beverage manufacturers across the U.S. However, citing proprietary reasons, the company declined to say how many total pounds of corn the 59 farms produce, how much will be available to other food and beverage companies, and which other companies are using the supply source.

In addition to promoting the snacks, the crop-art billboard is intended to increase awareness and support for non-GMO corn and the family farmers who cultivate it. The company cites a U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate that only about 8% of the corn acreage in the U.S. is non-GMO.

The crop ad was created in October (designated Non-GMO Month), in a non-GMO cornfield in Nebraska, through a partnership between the snack maker and the Non-GMO Project. It features their logos and urges viewers to Join the Corn Revolution by visiting PopCorners.com.

The site offers six ways to keep the non-GMO revolution alive, and a link to the Projects Living Non-GMO site. It also includes a video (embedded below) showing the creation of the crop art, which was hand-cut by 15 people over a week, and a second video featuring the family farmer whose land is hosting the crop art.

The company isnt sure how many planes fly over the field with the crop ad, but reports that the grassroots stunt is being supported by a national media blitz that is generated 50 million-plus in its first few days.

Time-lapse video and drone footage of the crop billboard are being promoted on the companys and the Projects social media channels. Our Little Rebellion is also running advertising on Facebook and other social platforms.

Agencies and partners contributing to the campaign include Town Square Productions, Rachel Kay PR, Super Digital and Stray Digital.
by Jess Nelson , October 14, 2016

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has nipped speculation that his company might acquire Twitter in the bud.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Benioff said that Twitter wasnt a good fit for the cloud company and that they will not be pursuing a bid.

Twitters stock has dropped by a third over the past ten days as potential bidders drop from consideration. Rumors began in early October that Twitter would soon be acquired when The Wall Street Journalreported that Twitters board was meeting with potential bidders, including Salesforce, Apple, Disney and Google. All four bidders have now stated they would not pursue an acquisition.

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Upon news that Salesforce has ditched its bid, Twitter stock dropped 6% while Salesforce shares jumped more than 5%.

This is the first time that Salesforce -- which has acquired nine companies thus far in 2016 alone -- has publicly announced that they would not pursue an acquisition.

Salesforce most recently announced the acquisition of Krux, a personalization-driven marketing technology company, for $700 million in cash and stock on October 3. Kruxs behavioral-tracking analytic capabilities will soon find itself a home in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Learning, motivation, and reward are complicated neurological entities. Recent research has made headway, but many questions remain. Paradoxically, according to the latest study, forgetting expectations of a reward could, in fact, help us to learn better in certain situations. Share on Pinterest How we are motivated to find rewards seems dependent on forgetfulness, to a certain extent. Although the mechanisms by which learning, reward, and motivation, occur are not well understood, the neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be heavily involved. The current study adds to our knowledge of how dopamine translates to reward and how this information is processed in the brain; it attempts to answer some pressing questions. It builds on previous work that demonstrated how forgetting might actually aid certain forms of learning. The recent findings are another building block in the push to explain the neuroscience of motivation and reward. One important theory within this field of neuroscience is known as reward-prediction-error (RPE). RPE appears to form the neurological basis of how the brain assesses rewards and drives an organism towards a goal.

Reward-prediction-error Certain dopaminergic neurons in the brain have been shown to fire in situations where a task is being carried out and a reward is at stake. If a received reward is expected, these neurons do not fire, however, if the reward is not expected, they do fire. Rather than coding whether a reward is received or not, it splits the difference between expectation and reality; this is RPE. In simple terms, if a rat, for instance, presses a lever at random, not expecting a reward, but gets one, these neurons will fire  dopamine increases. If a rat presses a lever, expecting a reward, they will not fire. So, if the reward is expected, dopamine levels will decrease. However, other recent studies have shown that this dopamine response can sometimes remain high even when working toward a predictable reward in certain types of task  even if it is expected; researchers believe that this long-lasting signal might represent motivation. It is thought that the way in which dopamine is released helps switch between these two modes: pulses of dopamine influence the RPE aspect of reward, whereas a longer, more sustained dopamine signal creates and maintains a motivation to find the prize. The current study, published this week in PLOS Computational Biology, set out to better understand how this dual action of dopamine might work.
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A study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, and the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC) shows that nearly everywhere in Canada, provinces and territories impose obstacles to the reimbursement of these medications by the public system because of their cost.It imposes all types of conditions before reimbursing any of the direct-acting antivirals: a fibrosis level of F2, prescription from a specialist physician, the absence of HIV infection, etc."There are many new direct-acting antivirals, marketed by different pharmaceutical companies. We studied reimbursement practices for simeprevir, sofosbuvir, ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and paritaprevir-ritonavir-ombitasvir plus dasabuvir. We found that 85 to 92% of the provinces and territories in Canada restrict access to these medications to persons with moderate fibrosis," affirmed Alison Marshall from the Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, lead author of a study to appear in"The treatment is effective, safe and economically viable. We should treat all people infected with hepatitis C," insisted Dr. Julie Bruneau, a physician and researcher at the CHUM. Canada is committed to the World Health Organization's objective of eradicating hepatitis by 2030."Currently, in Canada, the majority of new and existing hepatitis C infections occur in people with recent or former injection drug use. These people are often vulnerable and stigmatized and have a difficult relationship with the health-care system. Telling them to wait often means losing sight of them. If we want to significantly reduce infection in the future, we need to offer appropriate services, screen and treat these people. If they get reinfected, they have to be treated again immediately. If not, we'll lose the battle and that will be more costly in terms of money and human lives," explained Dr. Bruneau.If the trend continues, the costs associated with treating patients with cirrhosis of the liver will increase from $161M to $258M a year in 2035."In terms of public health costs, it's less expensive to pay $60,000 now for an antiviral treatment than $500,000 for a liver transplant later," indicates Dr. Bruneau, also a Professor at the Universite de Montreal.Scientists at the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C are calling for a national strategy to eliminate hepatitis C in the country. "Even though health care is the responsibility of the provinces and we have 13 public health insurance plans in Canada, we need a national plan and shared goals that can be adapted to local realities. We did it for HIV and we should also do it for hepatitis C," argues Naglaa Shoukry, a researcher at the CRCHUM and the director of the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C.In Australia, this type of approach provided leverage to negotiate the price of antivirals with pharmaceutical companies, enabling access to HCV therapy for all patients living with hepatitis C with no restrictions based on severity of liver disease. In the first five months of therapy being available, 26,500 have received treatment (12% of the estimated total with chronic hepatitis C)."At the present time in Canada, it's the law of supply and demand; there are negotiations on a company-by-company, pill-by-pill basis. There is no transparency and we don't really know how much the new antivirals really cost. The only way to eliminate hepatitis C is by adopting a national strategy to screen and treat all infected individuals, particularly people who inject drugs," concluded Naglaa Shoukry.Source: Medindia
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Number of Hungry People in the World

In a world of 805 million, one in nine people suffers from chronic hunger

About 11 million people in the developing countries are undernourished

Sixty percent of those who suffer from chronic hunger are women

About five million children below the age of five die due to malnutrition

A majority of the world's hungry people live in developing countries

Asia has the most hungry people

One out of six children in the developing countries is underweight

Causes of Hunger

Poverty

Poor agricultural infrastructure

World population

Food and agricultural policy

Natural disasters

Conflict

Climate change

On the World Food Day, people around the world are encouraged to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger. Public awareness campaigns, hunger walks, and food drives are some of the events that are carried out on the World Food Day. This year, the day falls on Sunday, 16October, the theme is "Climate is Changing. Food and Agriculture Must Too".Everyone feels hungry on a daily basis. Most people are able to satisfy the need. But people who suffer chronic hunger do not have the option of eating when hungry. Hunger can make a person weak and less productive.According to the World Food Program, 66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry, with 23 million in Africa alone. About US$3.2 billion is needed per year to reach all the hungry school-age children.The cause of hunger is not a shortage of food but rather access to food. The primary causes of hunger includeThe world produces enough food to feed everyone.But the problem is that many people in the world don't have sufficient income to purchase food or land to grow food.In September 2000, a commitment was signed by world leaders to achieve eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015. One of the goals is to eradicate poverty and hunger. About forty countries have achieved the goal by reducing the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.Climate change also called as global warming is the rise in the surface temperatures on the Earth. Climate change is due to the human use of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, resulting in extreme weather conditions.One of the issues related to climate change is food security. The world's poorest including farmers and fishers that live in the rural areas of developing countries are the most affected by higher temperatures and weather-related disasters.It is important to meet the needs of every human being on the planet. The global population is growing steadily, which is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. To meet the demand, the adverse effects of climate change should be adopted in agriculture and food systems. Strategies that will make the agriculture and food systems more resilient, productive and sustainable should be adapted. New methods that produce more food in the same area of land with the minimal use of natural resources should be adopted. Food waste is a moral issue. One-third of the planet's food goes to waste, which is enough to feed two billion people. Food is wasted at every stage, right from harvesting until it reaches the table. Thus, it is important to reduce food losses through better harvesting, storage, packaging, transport, and market mechanisms before reaching the retail stage.The FAO has urged countries to address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development. Strengthening the resilience of farmers, guarantees food security for the hungry population in the world and also reduce emissions. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, recognized that the fundamental role of sustainable agriculture is addressing climate change, hunger, and poverty.No human being in the world should have to experience hunger. People who suffer from chronic hunger have learning disabilities, less productivity, are sick more often and live shorter lives. Hunger leads to global insecurity and environmental degradation. Extreme climate events and financial crisis may affect a person's ability to feed themselves and their families. These small and large events can be prevented with good policy and resiliency measures. Ending hunger in this generation is possible, but for this to happen, it is every person's responsibility to give their commitment in their fight against hunger.Source: Medindia
Tehran, Iran, Oct. 10

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Northern Ireland can and is willing to use its areas of expertise to develop business ties with Iran, Noel Johnston, director of India, Middle East and Africa at Invest Northern Ireland told Trend October 10.

Johnston made the remarks after his return from a UK trade event in Tehran.

"My first impressions of business links between Northern Ireland and Iran are positive," he said. "I was pleased with the warm welcomes and the open doors from all the Iranian companies we met with."

Northern Irelands exports in such sectors as mining, aerospace, agritech, airports and hotels will certainly be of interest to businesses in Iran, Johnston underlined.

"Of course there are areas to be overcome such as the free movement of finance and the ownership issues," he noted.

"Invest Northern Irelands IMEA team, headquartered in Dubai, continues to develop business links with Iran and I am confident we will see a positive increase in trade over the coming years," he reiterated.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

The latest statistics from Irans energy ministry indicates that the country increased gas deliveries to power plants by almost 8.2 percent to 37.817 billion cubic meter (bcm) in the first half of the current fiscal year (FY), which started on March 21.

Iran plans to increase gas-to-power to 65 bcm in the current FY. The volume was only 35 bcm in 2013.

Liquid fuel consumption has significantly declined in Iran due to the boost in the gas deliveries to power sector.

For instance, Iran used about 24 billion liters of gas oil and fuel oil in power sector in the fiscal year to March 2014, while this volume in the first half of current FY stands at 2.353 billion liters, almost five times less than the same period three years ago.

Fuel consumption and actual power generation capacity of Irans power plants

On the other hand, Irans LPG consumption in households declined from 2.4 million tons in 2010 to around 2 million tons in 2015. During this period, Irans LPG production also increased by 750,000 tons per year.

Iran started LPG export in early 2015 for the first time.

Currently, about 82 percent of Irans population uses natural gas in households.

Mohsen Qamsari, the director for international affairs at the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), told Mehr Oct. 14 that currently Iran exports 140,000 tons of LPG monthly.

Qamsari said that currently Iran exports about 600,000 tons of gas oil and 1.4 million tons of fuel oil monthly. These figures are equal to the export of about 22.6 million liters of gas oil and 52 million liters of fuel oil daily, both being historic records.

During the last year, Irans total export and bunkering of diesel and mazut stood at about 6 million liters and 40 million liters, respectively.

Oil products export outlook

Iran plans to increase the oil (and gas condensate) refining capacity from the current 1.8 million barrels per day (mb/d) to 3.1 mb/d by March 2021, according an official document seen by Trend.

The document prepared by Oil Ministry says that three major refineries will become operational by 2021.

The Persian Gulf Star Refinery will add 360,000 b/d, while Siraf Complex, Anahita and Bahman Geno refineries will add 480,000 b/d, 150,000 b/d and 300,000 b/d to the current refinery capacity, the document says.

During the last FY, Iran daily produced 67.1 million liters of gasoline, 89.39 million liters of gas oil, 10.13 million liters of kerosene, 64.49 million liters of fuel oil, as well as 10.66 million liters of liquid gas.

Iran imported 9.98 ml/d of gasoline during the last fiscal year. The figure increased to 12 ml/d in the first half of current fiscal year.

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Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agency's Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu
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Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred.

For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 14

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Alongside negotiations with Hungarian MOL Company to export 140,000 barrels per day of crude oil, Iran is finalizing talks with Austrian company OMV to a sign mid-term oil export contract.

Iran sold a 1 million-barrel spot oil cargo to OMV recently, but it wants to sign mid-term contracts (12-month) with European companies, Fars reported Oct.14.

Iran is exporting about 2 million barrels per day (mb/d), doubled since January 2016 after implementation of a nuclear deal, but currently sells only spot oil to European companies.

Before sanctions, EU was importing 18 percent of Irans total oil and gas condensate exports which was 2.5 mb/d. Currently, less than 8 percent of Irans total oil exports is delivered to Turkey and EU.
Tehran, Iran, October 15

By Mehdi Sepahvand -Trend:

Tehran has reacted strongly to the Gulf Cooperation Councils announcement that was read during the closing of a joint meeting with Turkey recently.

Countries which have violated their neighbors territorial integrity with their intervention and through war and terrorism are not entitled to advise others against intervention, part of an announcement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry read, Tasnim news agency reported October 15.

The Iranian ministry in the statement denounces terrorist adventures in Syria in particular, calling for global response to the catastrophe.

Elsewhere in the statement, the Foreign Ministry rebukes the GCCs statement over the sovereignty of three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf.

It also reprimands the GCC for lack of goodwill in its references to the Iranian nuclear deal, aka Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkeys Air Force has destroyed two headquarters of the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group in Syria as part of the Shield of the Euphrates operation, said a message posted on the website of the Turkish Air Force.

Supporting an attack of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the Turkish Air Force also destroyed 80 IS positions.

On Aug. 24 morning, the Turkish Air Force, with the support of the coalition aircraft, launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo.

The operation was dubbed the Shield of the Euphrates.

Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives.

Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
The meeting between Russia, the United States and several regional powers on the Syrian settlement in Swiss Lausanne have ended after 4.5 hours, a source in the Russian delegation said, Sputnik International reported.

The foreign ministers of Russia, the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Jordan  all the participants of the talks  have left the meeting.

The meeting was held behind the closed doors, no press conference will take place afterwards.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has lasted for about five years. Since its beginning it has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced millions more. The international community has undertaken steps to end the Syrian conflict and to solve the humanitarian crisis in the country.
GRAND BLANC  After 67 years, Don Bullis, 87, formerly of Port Austin and now living in Grand Blanc, has received some good news regarding his brother, Milton, who was a soldier in the U.S. Army serving in Korea.

Milton Bullis was declared missing in action in 1950. But soon, Milton will be returning home.

In a letter to his mother in September 1949, Milton Bullis, the youngest of eight children, said all the things a young soldier says when hes a long way from home. Bullis was stationed in Hawaii, where he was receiving training before being shipped to Korea.

Bullis talked a little about the training, and the routine he was going through. He spoke of how much he missed his mother, and the rest of his family. He asked his mom to say hello to his girlfriend. He also asked her to send a couple of small items that would hopefully make his life a little more comfortable, and provide a touch of home.

Milton Bullis also told his mother not to worry, that he only had a little over a year to go, and then he would be home for good.

A few months later, on Dec. 1, 1950, Cpl. Milton T. Bullis was with his unit in North Korea. He was captured by Chinese soldiers. Over the course of the next three months, Bullis and his companions were led on a death march across Korea. Traveling at night to avoid detection by U.S. planes, the POWs received little in the way of nourishment, and were inadequately clothed. Subjected to intense hardship due to the frigid North Korean winter, they were forced to march all night and hide in barns and other buildings during the day.

Nearly every morning one or more of the prisoners couldnt be roused. Only 31 of the 133 captured soldiers survived. Cpl. Milton Bullis did not. He died due to malnutrition and exposure sometime in March 1951, at the age of 20.

His death was recorded by the Army as March 31, 1951. His body was never recovered  until now.

Late in the 20th century, communication between the governments of North and South Korea relaxed enough to allow the recovery of some bodies from the 1950s conflict. Unfortunately, due to the ravages of time, many of the recovered bodies were unidentified.

Don Bullis did his part to help. In 2005, his daughter did some research into the identification process.

She had gone online and gotten information about DNA samples they were taking, Bullis said. She gave me the phone number to call.

DNA samples were being taken from relatives of soldiers missing and presumed dead in Korea. When a body was recovered, tests would be run, and DNA comparisons made. In order for the procedure to work, two samples were needed, and Bullis was the last surviving sibling. His nephew, Joe, supplied the additional DNA sample.

As you might expect, Don Bullis has many memories of his younger brother. Since they were only about a year and a half apart in age, they did many things together.

There was a park in Detroit called Palmer Park, Bullis said. They had these little wading pools. We used to ride our bikes up there in the summer, and wade in the water. We used to go to Belle Isle. Wed swim, ride our bikes, shoot marbles. We used to draw together.

As they grew older, the Bullis brothers remained close, and Milton even took over his big brothers job when Don joined the Army in 1946.

I got out of the Army in 48, Bullis said. He joined in 49. I had heard about the conflict in Korea. He had been talking about joining, and I tried to talk him out of it.

But Milton Bullis felt it was his duty, and enlisted early in 1949.

It was a memorable year for the Bullis family. The last time Don saw his younger brother, it was a sad occasion. Their older sister died of tuberculosis at the age of 26.

He came home for the funeral, Bullis said.

Soon after that, Milton Bullis was sent to Hawaii, and then to Korea.

When word came that Milton had been captured, Don Bullis concern was for his mom and dad.

I lived with my parents at that time, he said. I was home alone the day they came to the door. I remember when I saw the soldier walking up to the door, I knew something had happened. I prayed that he was missing, and not dead.

At the time Milton Bullis was listed as MIA. The Bullis family received official notice later, in March 1951, that he had indeed died, but the body had not been recovered.

Seeking some closure, Mrs. Bullis took out an ad in a Detroit newspaper seeking information about her son, Milton. She placed a picture of him in the paper, along with the known details of his capture and death, asking Korean War veterans with information to contact the family.

A few months later we got a call from a fellow who lived in Roseville, Bullis said.

Bullis and his brothers drove to Roseville and talked to the man. It turns out he had been in the same regiment as Milton Bullis, and had been captured at the same time.

Being a medic, it was his job to check every morning to see who had died during the night, Bullis said. They were giving them very little to eat. One morning he went to wake my brother up, and he was dead. According to the guy, they didnt let them bury the dead, but were allowed to pile rocks and dirt on the bodies.

During the search for remains, which took place between 1996 and 2004, more than 200 U.S. soldiers were recovered. Six of those have recently been identified ... three from Michigan. Cpl. Milton Bullis was one of them.

Korean War veterans received a letter of appreciation in 2000, from Kim Dae-jung, president of the Republic of Korea, marking the 50-year anniversary of the Korean War. The letter thanked them for their help and sacrifice. They also received a Korean War Service Medal. In the case of Cpl. Milton Bullis, the letter and medal went to his only surviving sibling, Don Bullis.

I was asked by someone why it was important to me to have his body brought back, Bullis said. I have a mother and father whose grave I visit. My sister, who died of TB, is buried in the same cemetery. I just think it would be some solace to me to have his remains here.

That hope will become a reality soon. Cpl. Milton Bullis will return to Michigan, and be laid to rest in the Great Lakes National Cemetery, in Holly. He will receive a police escort from Metro Airport, in Detroit. The Patriot Motorcycle Club will escort him, as well. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

Its a bittersweet pill to swallow, Bullis said. Im happy they found him. It gives me some closure. After 67 years, it just doesnt seem possible. I always had hope they would find him before I left this world.

Don and Milton Bullis were the best of friends, and being able to finally lay him to rest is an emotional release, but difficult.

It was a great loss, Bullis said. Not just for him, but for the 67 years we could have been together.

A brief memorial service will be performed at the airport, before the remains are brought back to Grand Blanc. Cpl. Bullis remains will be in a special container until cremation. On top of that container is a uniform and Bullis medals.

I have a master sergeant assigned to me, Bullis said. Hell be with me all the way from the funeral home, to the airport, and back. Hell make sure (my brothers) uniform is not soiled in any way, and all the proper ribbons are there, along with my brothers name tag.

A memorial service will be performed at the cemetery, with full military honors. It will be officiated by Bullis pastor and a U.S. Army chaplain.

There is a wall constructed at the cemetery called the Wall of Honor, Bullis said. His remains will be in an urn. Im going to purchase another urn, so some of his remains will be with me.

It will be an emotional day for Don Bullis, and long anticipated.

Cpl. Milton Bullis is finally returning home.
Ministerial meeting on Syria in Lausanne, Switzerland has not resulted in a ceasefire agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday, TRT Haber reported.

"We have informally exchanged views on the situation in Syria, although we have not reached any specific ceasefire agreement. But it was not supposed to happen," Cavusoglu said in an interview with the TRT Haber broadcaster.

He also noted that there were divided views among the meeting participants with respect to what should be done first  to achieve ceasefire or to separate terrorist groups from moderate opposition.

"Everyone, including the Turkish side, shared their views and proposals on how to achieve the truce and to deliver humanitarian aid to Aleppo. First of all one needs to achieve a ceasefire but the fight against the Daesh terrorist group must be continued," the minister said.

The foreign ministers of Russia, the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Qatar took part in the talks on the Syrian settlement.
Enzo Biochem, Inc., an integrated diagnostics, clinical lab, and life sciences company, researches, develops, manufactures, and markets diagnostic and research products based on genetic engineering, biotechnology, and molecular biology. It operates through three segments: Life Sciences Products, Clinical Laboratory Services, and Therapeutics. The Life Sciences Products segment develops, manufactures, and markets products and tools to clinical research, drug development, and bioscience research customers. It offers proteins, antibodies, peptides, small molecules, labeling probes, dyes, and kits, which provide life science researchers tools for target identification/validation, content analysis, gene expression analysis, nucleic acid detection, protein biochemistry and detection, and cellular analysis. This segment also provides its products to scientific experts in the fields of cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes and obesity, endocrine disorders, infectious and autoimmune disease, hepatotoxicity, and renal injury. The Clinical Laboratory Services segment provides molecular and other clinical laboratory tests or procedures used in general patient care by physicians to establish or support a diagnosis, monitor treatment or medication, and search for an otherwise undiagnosed condition. It operates a full-service clinical laboratory in Farmingdale, New York; a network of 30 patient service centers in New York and New Jersey; and a free-standing 'STAT' or rapid response laboratories in New York City and Connecticut, as well as a full-service phlebotomy center and an in-house logistics department. The Therapeutics segment develops novel approaches in the areas of gastrointestinal, infectious, ophthalmic, and metabolic diseases. It markets its products and services through its direct sales force and a network of distributors in the United States and internationally. The company was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
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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The following companies are subsidiares of Iron Mountain: AB Archyvu Centras, AB Archyvu Sistemos, AB Archyvu Sistemos Estonia Branch, AS Archivu Serviss, Accutrac Software Inc, ArchivesOne, Archyvu sistemos, Arhiv-Trezor d.o.o., Ausdoc Group Pty Limited, Ausdoc Holdings Pty Limited, Bonded Services (International) B.V., Bonded Services Acquisition Ltd., Bonded Services Group, Bonded Services Group Limited, Bonded Services International Limited, Bonded Services Limited, Box Butler, Britannia Data Management Limited, Capital Vision Holdings SAS, Capital Vision SAS, Connected Corporation, Cornerstone Records Management, Crozier Fine Arts, Crozier Schweiz Ag, Custodia S.O.S. SA, DBJ Limited, DMS Storage s.r.o., DigiGuard, Disaster Recovery Services Limited, Docscan Cape Town Proprietary Limited, Docscan Proprietary Limited, Docu-File JHB Proprietary Limited, DocuTar Iratrendezo es Tarolo Szolgaltato Kft., DocuVault, Docufile (Pty) Ltd, EAC Invest, Eurospags Investments ApS, EvoSwitch, F.T.S. (Freight Forwarders) Limited, F.T.S. (Great Britain) Limited, F.T.S. (Road Transport) Limited, FTS Bonded Limited, Fairfield Fine Art, File Express Limited, Film Media Services Limited, First International Records Management AG, First International Records Management LLC, Fleet Freight Limited, Fontis International GmbH, Fortrust, G4S Secure Data Solutions Colombia, Glenbeign Records Mangement (GRM) DWC-LLC, Global Logistics Worldwide Limited, Haworth Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Haworth Group Limited, Hays IMS, Helcom Limited, IG2 Data Security, IM Mortgage Solutions LLC, IMI Investments Two Ltd, IMSA Peru SRL, IO.com, Information Storage Consolidation Co, Iron Mountain (Deutschland) Service GmbH, Iron Mountain (Espana) Services S.L, Iron Mountain (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (Ireland) Services Limited, Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre Holdings B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre Services B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Services BV, Iron Mountain (Schweiz) AG, Iron Mountain (UK) Data Centre Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) EES Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) PLC, Iron Mountain (UK) Services Limited, Iron Mountain A/S, Iron Mountain Acquisition Holdings Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Argentina S.A., Iron Mountain Arsivleme Hizmetleri A.S., Iron Mountain Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Asia Pte Limited, Iron Mountain Australia Group Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Group Services Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd, Iron Mountain Austria Archivierung Gmbh, Iron Mountain BPM SPRL, Iron Mountain Belgium NV, Iron Mountain Bulgaria, Iron Mountain Canada Operations ULC, Iron Mountain Ceska Republika S.R.O., Iron Mountain Chile S.A., Iron Mountain Chile Servicios S.A., Iron Mountain Cloud LLC, Iron Mountain Colombia S.A.S., Iron Mountain Cyprus Limited, Iron Mountain DIMS Limited, Iron Mountain Data Centers LLC, Iron Mountain Data Centers Services LLC, Iron Mountain Data Centre Pte. Limited, Iron Mountain Data Management (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain Data Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain Deutschland GmbH, Iron Mountain Do Brasil Ltda, Iron Mountain Document Holdings Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Document Storage Services LLC, Iron Mountain EES Holdings Ltd., Iron Mountain Enterprises Sdn. Bhd., Iron Mountain Espana SA, Iron Mountain Eswatini (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain Europe (Group) Limited, Iron Mountain Europe Ltd., Iron Mountain FZ-LLC, Iron Mountain Finland OY, Iron Mountain France S.A.S., Iron Mountain Fulfillment Services Inc., Iron Mountain Global Holdings Inc., Iron Mountain Global LLC, Iron Mountain Group (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Hellas SA, Iron Mountain Holdings (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Holdings (France) SNC, Iron Mountain Holdings Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Hong Kong Ltd., Iron Mountain Incorporated, Iron Mountain India Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Information Management LLC, Iron Mountain Information Management Services Canada Inc., Iron Mountain Information Management Services Inc., Iron Mountain Intellectual Property Management Inc., Iron Mountain International (Holdings) Ltd, Iron Mountain International Holdings BV, Iron Mountain Ireland Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Ireland Limited, Iron Mountain Korea Limited, Iron Mountain Latin America Holdings Sociedad Limitada, Iron Mountain Lesotho (Proprietry) Limited, Iron Mountain Luxembourg Sarl, Iron Mountain Luxembourg Services S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain MDM Limited, Iron Mountain Macau Limited, Iron Mountain Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi es Szolgaltato Kft., Iron Mountain Management Services GmbH, Iron Mountain Mayflower Limited, Iron Mountain Mexico Holding S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Iron Mountain Mexico Servicios S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance Holdings LLC, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance I LLC, Iron Mountain Nederland B.V., Iron Mountain Nederland Holdings B.V., Iron Mountain New Zealand Limited, Iron Mountain Norge AS, Iron Mountain Participations SA, Iron Mountain Peru S.A., Iron Mountain Philippines Inc., Iron Mountain Poland Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Polska Services Sp z.o.o., Iron Mountain Polska Sp. z.o.o., Iron Mountain Receivables QRS LLC, Iron Mountain Receivables TRS LLC, Iron Mountain Records Management (Puerto Rico) Inc, Iron Mountain Records Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain SRL, Iron Mountain Sdn. Bhd., Iron Mountain Secure Shredding (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Canada Inc., Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Inc., Iron Mountain Services Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Services S.A.S., Iron Mountain Shanghai Co Ltd, Iron Mountain Singapore Pte. Ltd., Iron Mountain Slovakia s.r.o., Iron Mountain South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Information Management (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Records Management (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South America Sarl, Iron Mountain Southeast Asia Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Taiwan Ltd., Iron Mountain UK Services (Holdings) Ltd, Iron Mountain US Holdings Inc, Iron Mountain Vietnam Company Limited, Iron Mountain d.o.o. Novi Banovci, Jigsaw Freight Limited, Jigsaw Pieces Limited, Jin Shan Limited, KDM Spectrumdata Pty Ltd, KH Data Capital Development Land LLC, Lane Archives Technologies Corporation, Livevault, Marshgate Morangis Sarl, Mimosa Systems, Nettlebed Acquisition Corp., Novo Group Limited, Novo Holdings Limited, Novo Overseas Limited, NxtGen Data Center & Cloud Services, OEC Records Management Company Private Limited, OSG Records Management (Europe) Limited, OSG Records Management Center LLC, OSG Records Management Centre LLC, OSG Records Management Crypto LLC, OSG Records Management Foreign LLC, OSG Records Management LLC, OSG Records Management LLC (Ukraine), OSG Records Management LLP, OSG Services sp. zoo, Oda International Management Corporation NV, Osrecki d.o.o., PT Iron Mountain Indonesia, Preferred Media Ltd, Prism Integrated Sdn Bhd, Recall, Recall (London) Limited, Recall (Shanghai) Ltd., Recall Europe Finance Ltd., Recall Europe Limited, Recall GQ Ltd, Recall Holdings, Recall Holdings Limited, Recall India Information Management Pvt. Ltd., Recall International Pty Limited, Recall Italy SRL, Recall Limited, Recall Overseas Holdings Pty Limited, Recall Shredding Limited, Recall Technology Pty. Ltd., Recall Total Information Management India Pvt. Ltd., Record Data Limited, Royal Seal S.R.O., SIA RIATech, Saracen Datastore Limited, Shanghai Iron Mountain Data Storage Co. Ltd., Shuttle SRL, Startify, Superior Storage Limited, UAB Confidento, and Xepa Digital.

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The New York Times Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides news and information for readers and viewers across various platforms worldwide. It offers The New York Times (The Times), a daily and Sunday newspaper in the United States, as well as international edition of The Times; and operates the NYTimes.com Website. The company also transmits articles, graphics, and photographs from The Times and other publications to approximately 1,500 newspapers, magazines, and websites; licenses electronic databases to resellers in the business, professional, and library markets; and offers magazine licensing, news digests, book development, and rights and permissions. In addition, it engages in the live events business, which hosts physical and virtual live events to connect audiences with journalists and outside thought leaders; direct-sold website, mobile application, podcast, email, and video advertisements, as well as digital advertising services; operates Wirecutter, a product review and recommendation products; develops mobile applications, including games and cooking products; prints and distributes products for third parties; and offers other products and services. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
The Indian military says it has killed three suspected militants who allegedly attempted to seize an army base in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, as heightened tensions continue in the disputed Himalayan region, Press TV reported.

According to army spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia, the three gunmen, wearing army fatigues, were shot dead in a heavy exchange of fire with Indian soldiers early on Thursday after they fired at sentry posts and tried to break through an army bases perimeter in Kupwara district near the border with Pakistan.

He further said that three AK rifles and some ammunition were recovered from the gunmen, adding that no Indian army troops was killed or sustained injuries in the incident.

The base attacked serves as the local headquarters of the counter-insurgency military unit and is situated in the vicinity of the fortified Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The attack came less than three weeks after allegedly Pakistan-based militants assaulted an Indian army base, killing at least 19 soldiers, the deadliest such raid in nearly two decades.

The incident sparked further tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of failure in establishing security over the region and curbing the militants. Pakistan, however, rejected Indias claims that the militants had come from Pakistan, demanding credible proof.

Meanwhile, reports say that a number of militants, allegedly from Pakistan, unsuccessfully tried to break through the barbed wire fence on the LoC at two points in the Nowgam sector and one at Rampur on Wednesday night.
ONEOK, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in gathering, processing, storage, and transportation of natural gas in the United States. It operates through Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids, and Natural Gas Pipelines segments. The company owns natural gas gathering pipelines and processing plants in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions. It also gathers, treats, fractionates, and transports natural gas liquids (NGL), as well as stores, markets, and distributes NGL products. The company owns NGL gathering and distribution pipelines in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado; terminal and storage facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois; and NGL distribution and refined petroleum products pipelines in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as owns and operates truck- and rail-loading, and -unloading facilities connected to NGL fractionation, storage, and pipeline assets. In addition, it operates regulated interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission pipelines and natural gas storage facilities. Further, the company owns and operates a parking garage in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma; and leases excess office space. It operates 17,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines; 1,500 miles of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines; 5,100 miles of state-regulated intrastate transmission pipeline; six NGL storage facilities; and eight NGL product terminals. It serves integrated and independent exploration and production companies; NGL and natural gas gathering and processing companies; crude oil and natural gas production companies; propane distributors; municipalities; ethanol producers; and petrochemical, refining, and NGL marketing companies, as well as natural gas distribution and electric generation companies, producers, processors, and marketing companies. The company was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Sherwin-Williams Company develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells paints, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: The Americas Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Americas Group segment offers architectural paints and coatings, and protective and marine products, as well as OEM product finishes and related products for architectural and industrial paint contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners. The Consumer Brands Group segment supplies a portfolio of branded and private-label architectural paints, stains, varnishes, industrial products, wood finishes products, wood preservatives, applicators, corrosion inhibitors, aerosols, caulks, and adhesives to retailers and distributors. The Performance Coatings Group segment develops and sells industrial coatings for wood finishing and general industrial applications, automotive refinish products, protective and marine coatings, coil coatings, packaging coatings, and performance-based resins and colorants. It serves retailers, dealers, jobbers, licensees, and other third-party distributors through its branches and direct sales staff, as well as through outside sales representatives. The company has operations primarily in the North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of February 17, 2022, it operated approximately 5,000 company-operated stores and facilities. The Sherwin-Williams Company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Smart & Final Stores, Inc. operates as a food retailer in the United States. It operates in two segments, Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice. The company's stores offer fresh perishables and everyday grocery items, such as produce, meat and deli, dairy and cheese, grocery, and beverage products, as well as paper and packaging, and restaurant equipment and janitorial supplies. It also provides various private label products under the First Street, Sun Harvest, Simply Value, La Romanella, Montecito, Iris, and Ambiance brands. The company sells its products to household and business customers; restaurants; caterers; and various other foodservice businesses, such as food trucks and coffee houses through vendors and suppliers. As of December 30, 2018, it operated 326 grocery and foodservice stores, including 59 Smart & Final stores, 201 Smart & Final Extra! stores, and 66 Smart Foodservice Warehouse stores located in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, as well as 15 stores in Northwestern Mexico operated through a joint venture. Smart & Final Stores, Inc. was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Commerce, California.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15

Trend:

Russia and India have signed a number of agreements in the military-technical sphere.

These include the agreements on the delivery of S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems, building Project 11356 frigates for the Indian Navy, as well as establishing an Indian-Russian company for building of Ka-226T helicopters, TASS reports.

The documents were signed following the talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The S-400 Triumf is the most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system that went into service in 2007. It is capable of destroying aircraft and cruise missiles at a distance of up to 400 km and ballistic targets flying at a speed of 4.8 km per second at a distance of 60 km.

China has been the first foreign buyer of the S-400 system. The sides announced about signing the contract in the spring of 2015. According to media reports, the deal was worth about $3 billion.

Six Project 11356 frigates were built for the Russian Navy, however, the construction of the last three remained open to question because they are equipped with power units produced in Ukraine.

The Indian Navy has six Russian-made Talwar-class frigates, precursors of Project 11356 ships, designed for export.
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.
Well-child visits for Tricare users over age six, as well as physicals required for school admissions, will now be covered due to newly updated rules.

The policy change, issued this week, seeks to bring the healthcare system's rules closer in line with the pediatric care standards known as "Bright Futures," included in the Affordable Care Act. Those rules, laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics, are considered the blueprint for preventive child healthcare. Tricare is exempt by law from the Affordable Care Act.

Under previous rules, Tricare coverage for well-child exams, which are often conducted in conjunction with doctor visits for vaccinations, stopped at age six. The new policy, however, extends those visits through age 21.

"Health Promotion and Disease Prevention annual examinations for those beneficiaries age 6-21 include those services recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures guidelines," the policy states. "This includes developmental observation, physical examination, screening, immunizations and anticipatory guidance."

The change to Tricare policy has long been advocated by a coalition of childhood health watchdogs known as Tricare for Kids. Those efforts resulted in proposed language in the not-yet passed 2017 National Defense Authorization Act ordering a report on a plan for implementing the change, among other tasks.

Tricare for Kids members said they are pleased with the update.

"Tricare for Kids is thrilled to see Tricare bring coverage into alignment with Bright Futures -- something we have been advocating for military kids for years -- and applaud additional preventive measure alignments for maternal and child health issues," said Kara Tollett Oakley, a consultant with the Children's Hospital Association on military child health issues and founder of the Tricare for Kids Coalition.

The policy update also altered other rules, including genetic testing for breast cancer for some high-risk patients, and the age at which women may receive cancer-screening pap smears. The entire policy document is available on Tricare's website.

--Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com.
Searchers found two more bodies inside vehicles that were submerged in flood waters in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew, increasing the toll in the state to 26 dead, Gov. Pat McCrory said Saturday, Associated Press reported.

McCrory talked a lot about recovery at his Saturday news conference  one week after the hurricane dumped more than a foot of rain 100 miles inland causing massive flooding in the eastern part of the state. Towns such as Princeville, Lumberton and Fair Bluff remain under water, and not all rivers have crested.

Early next week, the governor plans to release a detailed plan on how North Carolina will rebuild, including how to pay for the effort. But he said serious problems remain.
DETROIT - Automation Alley on Friday night awarded some of the region's leading companies in technology and advanced manufacturing.

It is the 16th year the technology business association has honored Southeast Michigan's tech drivers, from startups to international businesses, as part of the Automation Alley Awards.

"Tonight, we celebrate you: those fearless leaders who have turned their visions into reality, who are disrupting their industries, who are architects of the future," Tom Kelly, Automation Alley's executive director, said at a gala event at the Detroit Yacht Club.

This years winners include:

* Outstanding Educational Initiative Award: Michigan Apprenticeship Program Plus (MAP+)

* Startup of the Year: QuipzOR

* Excellence in International Business Award: Hosco Fittings

* Advanced Manufacturer of the Year: Fori Automation

* Technology Company of the Year: Vectorform



Winners are chosen by Automation Alley from a list of nominees in each award category. An online voting process also contributes to the selection of the finalists.

You can see past award winners here.
FILM REVIEW

'The Accountant'

1.5 stars (out of 4)

MPAA rating: R for strong violence and language throughout

Cast: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal

Director: Gavin O'Connor

Run time: 128 minutes

"The Accountant" crosses "Rambo" with "A Beautiful Mind," wonders what would happen if Vin Diesel played Alan Turing, ponders the possibility of Jason Statham carrying a really big gun and an even bigger calculator.

And yes, it's as lousy as all this sounds.

The film stars Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, an amoral, autistic math genius who also is gifted in the arts of shooting and punching people to death. This combination of extraordinary traits means he's at the top of the professional field, narrow as it may be, of assassin accountants, and therefore of great value to organized criminals in need of someone who can not only figure out what ripoff artist has his hand in the boss's till, but also is ready and willing to blow that hand clean off.

If this sounds silly, like an opportunity for some campy fun or an exercise in putting one's tongue in one's cheek, pump the brakes there, pal. Director Gavin O'Connor smothers the film in a humorless tone suggesting he's dead serious. He plows forward with a violent, unending grimness, through a screenplay sludged up with extraneous characters, pointless narrative convolutions and twists as plausible as a Michael Bay Oscar win.

O'Connor at least had Tom Hardy and Edward Norton to beef up his previous notable pictures, "Warrior" and "Pride and Glory," respectively. But here, he's merely the latest to overestimate Affleck's ability to convincingly bear the brunt of weighty drama. Of course, the script, a hoary chasm of overcooked cliches and unconvincing exchanges between flimsy characters, does Affleck no favors. He's the kind of guy that needs crisp, wry wisecracks softballed over the plate, not a character driven by obsessive-compulsion and harboring a deep desire to experience a human feeling. Affleck's dead-eyed performance is weirdly inert and awkward, and he looks uncomfortable, like he's trying not to laugh, or holding in a fart on a hot date.

Christian's front is a strip-mall accounting firm, where he fudges deductions for naive yokels, covering for his skullduggery uncooking books for whoever can offer him a stack of cash or an original Jackson Pollock. He has just enough socialization to get by in the company of others, who probably just think he's a bone-dry math nerd who likes to go home and scribble "Star Trek" fan fiction. We learn his psychological origin in a series of hacky flashbacks: His dad was a gung-ho, old-school foot-putter-downer who wasn't going to have an extra-sensitive pansy boy for a son, so he trained Christian and his brother to be tough guys, hiring a martial artist to pummel the crap out of them and make them hard inside and out.

Now, the adult Christian participates in a bizarre nightly ritual in which he blasts music that sounds like death-metal dubstep, turns on a strobe light and grinds a billy club up and down his shins, Affleck grimacing like he's experiencing a colonoscopy in the back seat of a school bus. I had no idea what the hell was going on in these scenes, although I later figured out they feature some kind of self-inflicted torture with the intent of desensitizing him to external stimuli. It certainly seems pretty far removed from even the most alternative of alternative-medicine treatments for Asperger Syndrome. When he's done, he pops a prescription pill, and hits the sack.

Christian is recruited by a robotics company to siphon the inconsistencies from 15 years' worth of books, a gig that requires only his brain, a bunch of dry-erase markers and a Genius Montage in which he spends all night scribbling numbers on the glass walls of a conference room, muttering to himself while fluttery piano music plays on the soundtrack. He susses out the discrepancies in record time, but the company's honcho (John Lithgow) curtails the project before Christian can finish, thus triggering his compulsion. He can't just drop it. He has to see everything through to its logical conclusion. But his hands are tied, so he goes home for an extra-brutal billy-club-on-shin session, while we cringe and wince and wish it would stop, and stifle a derisive laugh.

The film here challenges my reductionist abilities. The plot sprawl tangles a large supporting cast in its vaguely comprehensible web. J.K. Simmons and Cynthia Addai-Robinson are government investigators trying to nail down the man they know only as "the Accountant." Jon Bernthal goes hammy as a private-security thug pointing guns at white-collar crooks. Jeffrey Tambor holds down a few flashbacks as the man who turns Christian to a life of crime. Anna Kendrick is the deer in the headlights, her airy smile and delivery surely employed to lighten the sour, dour faces for a minute or three, but her more whimsical traits are secondary to being a distressed damsel who briefly almost bonds with Christian over columns of numbers - she's an accountant, too, albeit a relative plebian - and ends up just going along with all his killing in cold blood and whatnot. She's the only one who sees a sad guy beneath Affleck's impenetrable mope.

Beneath "The Accountant's" avalanche of implausibilities is a troubling, exploitationist portrayal of autism - the serious medical condition employed as plot device. The film begs sympathy for its mere existence within a character so poorly conceived, we can't be sure if he deems killing to be morally abhorrent, or a law in need of frequent breaking, or just a thing he's good at. Affleck gives him no real inner life beyond what's written in the script, which foregoes any opportunity to provoke thought or a larger conversation, instead opting for the wearisome elements of the common cornball action-thriller. I hesitate to call it "psychological," because that might imply that it actually has a brain in its head.
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U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, speaks at a candidate forum in Ann Arbor on Oct. 13, 2016.

(Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

ANN ARBOR, MI - U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell says she's been focused on the Gelman dioxane plume issue in Ann Arbor ever since the Flint water crisis, and she believes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency needs to play a role in working with the state to "ensure that this water is permanently cleaned up."

"My No. 1 goal is to ensure that the drinking water in this area is safe at all times and that the government at all levels needs to work with the community to ensure that it is safe," the Dearborn Democrat said at a forum this week.

"I've been part of many community meetings, digging in and trying to understand what the issue is," Dingell said of Ann Arbor's groundwater pollution, which stems from discharges of the toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane many years ago by Gelman Sciences, a company that operated on Wagner Road.

Gelman Sciences was acquired by Pall Corp. in 1997, and Pall was acquired by Danaher Corp. last year.

The company is putting millions into ongoing pump-and-treat remediation efforts, but many local officials and residents want to see more done to address the plume, which poses a long-term threat to Ann Arbor's water supply and a more immediate threat to private wells in township areas surrounding the city.

"The state has got the lead on it, but we have included EPA," Dingell said of discussions that have happened this year.

"We are asking questions. We believe that the employer needs to be held accountable for what has happened there."

Dingell said there are some people who don't believe it's in the community's best interest for the Gelman plume to be designated as a federal Superfund site, but she still believes the EPA has a role to play in ensuring a proper cleanup.

Her remarks came during a 12th Congressional District candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters in Ann Arbor on Thursday night, Oct. 13.

The five candidates talked about the importance of clean water in the context of the Flint water crisis. Dingell was the only one who discussed the Gelman plume.

Republican candidate Jeff Jones said what happened in Flint could happen just about anywhere.

"Almost every city here in Michigan has lead pipes, and we're all subject to that potential danger," he said.

"The residents of Flint were innocent, and so someone should have jumped in to make sure that those pipes were fixed, they got clean water, they were supplied with what was necessary, and that didn't happen."

Dingell said what happened in Flint never should have happened, and the government at all levels failed the people of Flint.

Working Class Party candidate Gary Walkowicz expressed concerns about the challenges ahead for the next generation as a result of climate change and other environmental concerns. He said the problem is that decisions are being made by corporations such as oil companies and politicians who work for them.

Libertarian Tom Bagwell said as long as there is a government, it does have a responsibility to protect natural resources and the environment.

"That being said, there's a lot of bureaucracy that holds up action when we do have problems, when things like Flint happen," he said.

"I find it amazing that in the midst of that, the people who made sure in the very beginning that resources got deployed were not government officials," he added. "It wasn't state and local government or federal government.

"It was actually the private market. It was companies, it was charities, bringing clean drinking water and serving as that initial response while government tried to figure out what was going on."

Green Party candidate Dylan Calewarts criticized Dingell's record, suggesting she hasn't been effective in getting environmental legislation passed. He recalled she introduced the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016.

"That went absolutely nowhere," he said.

The legislation was included in the Senate version of the Water Resources and Development Act, which is expected to be reconciled with the House version before the end of the year. Dingell is working to include the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act in the final version of the WRDA.
China and Bangladesh sign an agreement to build a deep sea port. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his trip to Bangladesh and committed to $24 billion in loans to the developing country.



The deals were to provide support for infrastructure including the construction of a seaport, railways and power plants.



Bangladesh junior finance minister M.A. Mannan said, "Xi's visit will set a new milestone. A record amount of loan agreements will be signed during the visit, roughly $24 billion."



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He added, "Our infrastructure needs are big, so we need huge loans."



The construction of a deep seaport that has been on hold for years will finally begin. The port is located in Sonadia.



Zhao Gancheng, director of South Asia Studies at Shanghai Institute for International Studies, said, "I really don't think there is a zero sum game going on in Bangladesh between China and India. Bangladesh welcomes both Chinese and Indian investment."



The expert said that the partnership between India, China and Bangladesh is part of the One Belt initiative that will be equally beneficial to the neighboring countries of the Indian subcontinent.



He added, "Bangladesh has an enormous need for investment, and I don't think it's going to become a site for strategic competition, a game between the great powers or a pawn."



According to American journalist Wade Shepard, the seaport in Bangladesh is crucial to world trade. China's initiatives to develop it will be a major advantage.



He said, "Although a small country, Bangladesh is of clutch geopolitical importance, being located in the armpit of India and right on the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean region contains 25 percent of the world's land, 40 percent of its oil and gas reserves, and a third of the global population. It hosts one of the world's busiest and most important shipping lanes, which supplies East Asia with the bulk of its Middle Eastern crude oil. "


ANN ARBOR, MI -- A pair of local nonprofit organizations are among those receiving grants totaling $534,000 from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The grants, which were received from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, provide funding for services to children throughout the region, including the Wild Swan Theater out of Ann Arbor and the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan of Ypsilanti.

The Wild Swan Theater received $29,200 to support an original main stage and touring production for elementary school audiences, inspired by folktales from Arab culture.

The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Ypsilanti chapter received $30,450 for implementing Healthy Futures, a program that improves the physical, mental and emotional health of girls in low-income communities in Washtenaw County.

"This year grants are the largest in the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund's history because of the increased support received from the DADA," said Mariam C. Noland, president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, in a press release. "Thousands of children throughout metro Detroit will benefit from the services provided by these 15 organizations."

This is the largest round of grants in the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund's 17-year history, more than doubling the total of previous years. More than $5 million in grants have been awarded to 138 organizations and the funds have created a $2.4 million endowment.
BAY CITY, MI -- Bay City's Material Girl is bringing home another accolade.

As the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time, Billboard magazine has named Madonna its 2016 Woman of the Year award winner.

"Madonna is one of a miniscule number of super-artists whose influence and career transcend music," Janice Min, president and chief creative officer of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group, said in a statement. "With her creative vision, relentless innovation, and dedication to philanthropic causes, she is an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world, all while shattering every career record out there. She is an important feminist on top of that, a one-of-a-kind artist who's used her influence to change the conversation around women, sexuality and equal rights."

Now 58 years old, Madonna continues to be a force in pop culture, Min said, pointing to her recent tribute performance to Prince that she performed at the Billboard Music Awards in May alongside Stevie Wonder.

Madonna, who was born in Bay City and later grew up in Metro Detroit, frequently comes up in conversations around Bay City. It seems every other year or so, a community leader calls for the town to do something to pay tribute to the Queen of Pop. But as of today, there has only been talk.

In addition to her success in the music industry, Billboard is honoring the seven-time Grammy winner for her philanthropic efforts. Madonna's "Raising Malawi" organization is currently constructing the southeastern African country's first pediatric surgery and intensive care unit, which will double the number of life-saving surgeries performed on children each year.

Madonna will receive the honor at the 11th annual Women in Music event Dec. 9 in New York City.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - State police Lt. Rob Davis and area troopers answer reader's questions in Ask a Trooper.

We'll get right to the questions and answers.

Have a traffic question? Email Davis and the troopers at the Lakeview and Rockford posts at AskTpr@michigan.gov

Lorrie: I have a question about the yellow flashers on school buses. I have several times locally encountered a school bus in motion, not yet stopped, with yellow flashing lights. I stopped, but the bus keeps going. If the bus is still moving and has flashers on, do I need to stop when they are still moving? (I am headed the opposite direction facing them) I have had this happen many times and am very confused when it happens. I figure once the bus goes by me, it is OK to move along since they did not stop.

Rob: In that situation you're fine to continue on your way.

State police Lt. Rob Davis

Chris: My question(s) regard lights on vehicles:

I have seen green lights showing up on a lot of municipal vehicles. Do I have to yield to a vehicle flashing green lights?

How many, and what color lights, are allowed on private vehicles driving down the road. Some vehicles seem to have 6 or more "fog" lights on at the same time which are brighter than high-beams. I have seen multiple vehicles around town with blue or red lights behind the grill or on the hood. Are these legal or are they police cars of some sort?

Rob: The green lights are akin to an amber caution light and should be treated the same. It's not really about yielding, but more about using due care and caution, as they might be stopped and/or working in the roadway.

As to the second portion of your question, vehicles in motion can only have white or amber to the front, red or amber to the sides, and red or amber to the rear (with the exception of the white backup lights and license plate light). So they can have the fancy colored lights when they're parked, but should turn them off before moving.

Hope that helps.

James: Many times I see drivers cross a double yellow line into the center lane ( 4 lane road) in order to turn into a business near the intersection. The lane is provided as a turn lane for vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

This prevents the lane from being legally used for a left hand turn and results in traffic backing up where those vehicles can't get in the center lane.

Other times, I see vehicles not crossing the double yellow line of the center turn lane, but stop in the lane to the right and make their left turn from there.

Traffic then backs up in that lane and doesn't clear until the turn is made. I see drivers that are held up in both of these situations get upset and honk their horn. I see this quite frequently at the corner of Henry and Norton in Muskegon where a Burger King is located. Can you let all your readers what is proper?

Rob: I took a look at the intersection on Google Maps. In those instances, that is a dedicated left turn lane and cars going the other direction should not be using it to turn into businesses (hence the double yellow).

So the cars going in the opposite direction would have to use that inside lane to make the turn, although I understand that it feels awkward and improper.

Chuck: This might seem like a strange situation but it occurred to a friend of ours in Ohio and I am curious about how this would be dealt with under Michigan State law.

Our friend was driving on a residential 2 lane street and signaled a left turn to turn onto another 2 lane residential street.

A person driving behind our friend thought that our friend was pulled over to the right side of the road and was just pulling out from a parked position. This person proceeded to go around our friend on the left hand side (might or might not have crossed into the oncoming lane) and as our friend proceeded with their turn they collided.

The officer responding to the call gave our friend a ticket for not yielding. In this case it seems like a he-said/she-said situation where it would be difficult for the officer to determine exactly what happened based on each person's account of the situation.

However, I would think that the person driving behind has the ultimate responsibility for the situation since they can see a potential hazard and are responsible for taking action to avoid an accident. Will be interested in your perspective on this situation.

Rob: This is a tough one to answer without being there to investigate it. I guess my question would be why did the other vehicle think your friend was parked on the shoulder?

My guess is that the officer also believed that your friend was parked on the shoulder / curb, and failed to yield to oncoming traffic to the rear, prior to pulling from that position.

So if you pull to the curb or shoulder for whatever reason, you have basically given up your position in the main traveled portion of the roadway and forfeited your claim to having right-of-way. Many accidents are he said/she said, and officers have to make decisions based on driver statements, witness statements, and scene evidence.

If your friend doesn't agree with the outcome, he should contest the ticket.

Pam: I'm curious about left hand turn arrows on main streets. Some are before the regular traffic and some are after. I thought I had it figured out that it depended on whether it was a north-south street or east-west street.

However, I came to an intersection at Division and Hall that did not prove that theory. Please explain how it works.

Rob: It can change from intersection to intersection based upon numerous factors specific to the intersection, like pedestrian crosswalks.

One other thing to remember is that those lights have pressure plates at the white stop line which also dictate what they will do. So if you encroach into an intersection prior to making your left (like you might do on a red blinking light) the light might turn red, because it no longer believes you are there, if that makes sense?

I did a column on this recently that might be of some help:
MECOSTA COUNTY, MI -- A driver who rolled a vehicle into a cornfield in an alcohol-related crash later assaulted a police officer at the hospital, police said.

The crash happened about 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 along 14 Mile Road near 110th Avenue.

Mecosta County sheriff's deputies said the driver lost control of his vehicle and it overturned in a cornfield. The man was taken to Spectrum Health Big Rapids hospital for injuries not considered life-threatening.

While being checked at the hospital, the man assaulted a deputy, police said.

The deputy had minor injuries and did not need treatment.

Police said the driver eventually was taken to the Mecosta County Jail on charges of assaulting a police officer and operating while intoxicated.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI -- A Las Vegas homicide suspect was shot and killed at a home west of Traverse City after he went there to find his wife, police said.

Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputies said 30-year-old David Peretiatko died at the Jack's Trail residence in Long Lake Township after some type of incident at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

The wife, 23-year-old Ashley Peretiatko, was injured with gunshot wounds to the face and a hand.

Police said David Peretiatko was a suspect in an Oct. 11 Las Vegas stabbing death. Police allege he lured a person to a hotel room, stabbed the person, then stole the person's vehicle.

The homicide apparently happened after a series of events in the lives of David and Ashley Peretiatko.

Police said the couple had been living on the West Coast in early October and were the parents of two children. They did not have custody of the children, however.

Ashley Peretiatko, whose Facebook page showed she lived in the Los Angeles area, left the West Coast in early October and came back to Michigan to be with family.

Her family has a home along Jack's Trail, address records show.

Las Vegas police, after the stabbing there, contacted Ashley Peretiatko's father to say the husband may be on his was to Grand Traverse County.

Then on Oct. 14, an FBI agent contacted a Grand Traverse County sheriff's sergeant with information that David Peretiatko may be in Northern Illinois and likely was headed to Grand Traverse County.

The sergeant then called Ashley Peretiatko's father to alert him and learned, at that moment, that David Peretiatko had been shot inside the home.

Ashley Peretaitko's mother was on the phone to 911 at the same time as her father was talking to the sergeant.

Police did not say who shot David Peretaitko or how his wife received her injuries. Investigators said Ashley Peretiatko's injuries are not life-threatening.

Sheriff's detectives have not made any arrests and say they are awaiting autopsy results. State police crime lab technicians are processing the scene and collecting evidence.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A man police say briefly stole a police cruiser Oct. 4 was arrested the day after the joyride, police said.

Daniel Patrick Rademacher, 24, is charged with unlawful use of an automobile.

Police allege he jumped into cruiser parked near Benjamin Avenue and Alexander Street SE.

The officer assigned to the cruiser left the keys in the car as he helped aid a shooting victim in the 1000 block of Benjamin Avenue SE.

Police say Rademacher jumped in cruiser and drove it a couple blocks before leaving the area on foot. The cruiser was located at Alexander Street and Fuller Avenue SE.

Rademacher was arrested Oct. 5 near Fuller Avenue and Franklin Street. He was identified because his image was clearly visible on the stolen cruiser's dash cam.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The reaction of school leaders to news that the way Michigan students are tested could change after this year has been mixed.

The state's Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is an online standardized test given annually to students in grades 3-8. Students have struggled with the more rigorous exam, first given in 2015, as a replacement to the MEAP.

Under a proposed plan outlined by State Superintendent Brian Whiston, the M-STEP would only be given in elementary school in the fourth grade and in the seventh grade in middle school each year. A new exam would be given at the beginning and end of the school year to measure how much growth students have experienced.

Hudsonville Superintendent Nicholas Ceglarek said the district's educators are advocates for accountability and less standardized assessment. Whiston's plan seems to call for just that approach, he added.

"We believe the most valuable assessments for both students and teachers are specific, formative assessments that allow for immediate feedback and adjust instruction to meet the needs of students," Ceglarek said.

"While statewide assessments provide comparative data, our teachers and principals work most closely with our common unit assessments to inform instructional practices and assess students' content knowledge."

In spring 2016, roughly half the students in grades 3-8 failed to score as proficient in any of the four subject areas -- English language arts, math, science and social studies.

Whiston says he wants a test that delivers results in a timely manner and that teachers can use to create a "road map or game plan for students to be able to set goals based on where they are currently performing and where they need to be."

Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten added: "Continuously changing and increasing narrow, high-stakes testing of content that's mainly forgotten three months after its learned makes no sense.

"It is simply pandering to those who advocate for education reforms that are harmful to student learning and merely focused on perpetuating the industrial model of schooling. What we need are localized assessments focused on learning 21st century 'soft' skills designed around showing instead of just knowing what one has learned by doing, exhibiting, making and creating."

For example, Britten referenced the 6Cs--collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creativity and confidence.

He said that is what his district is attempting to do through its human-centered design work so that students have the skills they need to be successful in future careers that don't yet exist.

"Lansing needs to back off," he said. "They've done more than enough damage already."

The State Board of Education heard a presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from the Michigan Department of Education expanding on changes that have been discussed by Whiston this year. A final plan will go before the board later this year or first of 2017 for approval.

Still, some members of the State Board of Education are questioning yet another change.

Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler said parents are calling for the same things as schools leaders. They want consistency and stability. He said the Friends of Kent County Schools will be discussing the issue at an upcoming meeting.

"We have got to decide on a test and stick with for at least five years to collect good data," said Shibler, who said he does like the idea of testing at the beginning and end of the year to see how much student have improved over the course of a school year.

"The data need to be consistent to improve teaching and learning. The purpose of testing is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each child to determine the areas they need to improve on."

He said state lawmakers need to admit that funding is important to help students reach their potential because what's currently being received is inadequate.

Kent City Superintendent Mike Weiler said he would like to see the M-STEP in place for another two to three years. Like Shibler, he said consistency is necessary.

"If we had more time, it would show whether the M-STEP was a useful and valid test," he said. "If you throw away, it seems meaningless."

John Helmholdt, communications director for Grand Rapids Public Schools, acknowledged there would be frustration in switching again teachers have invested so much time in training on the M-STEP.

Like many districts, GRPS uses the Measures of Academic Progress or MAP test to measure student's academic growth over the course of the year. Helmholdt said if it was adopted, it could reduce the number of high stakes test by one for GRPS.

"We (Michigan) needs to pick whatever test and just stick with it," he said. "Stop the churn, burn and uncertainty."

Whiston wants Michigan to be a Top 10 education state in 10 years. He said improving Michigan's testing system is part of his goal, and the changes he's putting forth could reduce the amount of time students spend on assessments.

A letter to the State Board of Education from business and education groups, including the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Detroit Regional Chamber, recommends continuing with the M-STEP. The group cites a few reasons, including delaying for years the implementation of the state's new educator support and evaluation system.

The letter noted: College- and career-readiness for every Michigan student is crucial to the state's economy, its talent base, and to improving its public education system."
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IP Consulting is headquartered in Kentwood at 3635 29th St. SE. (Photo courtesy of IP Consulting)

KENTWOOD, MI -- The state is rewarding a Kentwood IT firm with a $180,000 grant for expanding in Michigan instead of Virginia.

IP Consulting, Inc. will use the money to add 25 new jobs at its Kentwood office, at 3635 29th St. SE. The performance-based grant from the Michigan Business Development Program only pays out if the information technology firm delivers the jobs.

The positions will pay market rate, which is an average salary of $67,000, according to documents filed with the state.

The $180,000 grant will be used for recruitment and training of the new workers that will more than double the firm's current 18-person workforce.

The grant is tied to IP Consulting spending nearly $700,000 on its office space from new technology to work stations.

IP Consulting specializes in cyber security, network infrastructure, unified communications and data centers. The firm designs, implements and manages innovative IT solutions to support its customers' business goals.

The IT solutions firm is on a growth streak.

It made this year's list of Michigan's top 50 companies to watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, and was recently named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.

Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Virginia, which would have been closer to the company's customers and a larger talent pool.

"IP Consulting's growth and demand for our services have brought us to a critical crossroad," said Katie Belock, the firm's financial manager, in a statement.

The firm worked with The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group, on its successful grant award from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., which was announced Oct. 13.

"IP Consulting is another example of the growing high-tech sector in West Michigan," said Jen Wangler, The Right Place's business development manager, in a statement. "As part of our three-year strategic plan, we are dedicated to ensuring this industry has the support and resources it needs to grow and succeed in our region."

The firm is also tapping into Grand Rapids Community College, which approved a $200,000 revenue bond in June to provide free training for newly hired workers. The bond is supposed to be paid back with the state income tax paid by those employees who will be earning more after they gain the new skills. The state-funded training is part of the Michigan New Jobs Training Program that aims to provide a pathway for people to earn a living wage.

Job growth within West Michigan's high-tech sector continues to outpace the national average. The industry has grown by 20 percent in West Michigan, compared to the national average of 11.6 percent since 2009. The region's high-tech workforce has expanded to 14,000, according to The Right Place stats. More than 730 high-tech companies in the 13-county region call West Michigan home.

The region's overall industry growth is also outpacing the national average, with 13.8 percent overall industry growth compared to the national average of 9.4 percent.

IP Consulting is accepting applications at ipconsultinginc.com/careers/.
JACKSON, MI - A 34-year-old man previously convicted of multiple drug offenses is now charged with delivering a fatal dose of heroin.

William Darnell Amison allegedly provided Roseanna Whitehill, 39, with the drugs that killed her on Aug. 28 in Jackson, Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said.

District Judge Michael Klaeren arraigned him and set his bond at $500,000, the prosecutor's office reported Friday in a statement.

Amison also is accused of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Whitehill was not the victim in the alleged sexual assault, Jarzynka said, but the two crimes took place within the same time frame. Both victims are adults.

"All I can say at this point, it is part of the overall incident," the prosecutor said of the sexual assault.

Jarzynka released few details about what occurred, including any relationship between the Whitehill and Amison, as the case is pending and has not yet been presented in court.

Efforts on Friday afternoon to contact authorities at the Jackson Police Department were not successful.

Jackson police earlier reported responding at 5:32 p.m. Aug. 28 to a "suspected heroin overdose" at a home in the 1200 block of Greenwood Avenue. A resident found a 39-year-old was not breathing. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both of Amison's alleged crimes are punishable by up to life in prison.

Amison was discharged from probation in May. He was sentenced three separate times to prison for delivering of manufacturing less than 50 grams of cocaine, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

Amison was last sentenced to three to 40 years in prison in December 2008 in Jackson County.

Jarzynka called heroin and prescription opioids, which often lead to heroin use, the No. 1 drug problem in Jackson County.

He has been working with police and others to try to tackle the issue. Jackson police and the county sheriff are focusing on and developing cases involving heroin suppliers. They are "diverting substantial police resources" on such investigations, he said.
PORTAGE, MI - A simple idea that started small a couple of years ago, is still simple but about to get a lot bigger.

The Green Glove Dryer, a plastic device that a Portage mom invented to dry wet winter mittens using the heat registers of her house, is now being sold in more than 500 stores. And that is expected to get a boost in November when it and a new sister product are featured on the Home Shopping Network.

"It's exciting times. Lots going on. I feel we're growing this business and this product line every day," says Karen Smoots, who developed The Green Glove Dryer in 2014 with her husband, Ryan.

With two young sons who were outdoors everyday in the snow during the winter of 2012-2013, the couple set out to solve the problem of what to do with mittens and gloves that seemed to stay wet inside.

The Green Glove Dryer is a 12" by 4" polypropylene device that has six, protruding 7" nozzles with holes. It is placed over a floor heat register. Wet gloves are sheathed on the nozzles and are dried by the hot air that is blowing through the register and forced into them.

It is "green" in that is an efficient use of an existing resource and requires no electric power of its own.

Karen Smoots, who began selling the dryers in November of 2014, said she is now approaching 20,000 units sold. Each now sells for $19.95. They are on the shelves at Dunham's, M.C Sports, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lee's Adventure Sports, D&R Sports, Bittersweet Ski Area, Bill & Paul's Sport Haus, Sportsman's Warehouse, Made in America stores and other stores.

If things go well, Green Glover Dryers may soon be sold nationwide if Smoots solidifies a deal with ACE Hardware stores. Another thing that is likely to push sales is Smoots' upcoming appearance on the Home Shopping Network. It is scheduled for Nov. 21.

"We will be debutting our Wall Dryer, our floor dryer (The Green Glove Dryer) and an exclusive accessory pack just for HSN," she said. "Also exciting is that we've picked up more retail stores. We're picking up more specialty markets. We are growing our Amazon.com business and we are hopefully going to see our product on the shelves of ACE Hardware nationally very soon."

Smoots appeared with The Green Glove Dryer on the QVC shopping network in May of 2015 and said that was "a fantastic experience." But QVC took issue with the use of "green" in the product's name and would not allow her to use that name on the show. She said she sold about 300 of her dryers in about four minutes on the show -- without calling them by name.

"They wouldn't brand us," she said. Her product was called a white polypropylene heating device. People wanted them, she said, "But nobody knew what it was called."

That won't be a problem with HSN, which she said saw the product and inquired. On HSN, she plans to introduce her second product, The Wall Dryer, an adaptation of the floor device. It has four nozzles that allow users to dry hats, scarves, gloves and other garments by hooking it onto wall-mounted heat registers.

Smoots is to showcase The Green Glove Dryer and The Wall Dryer on HSN's Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman on Nov 21. The show strives to feature "the latest brands and never-before-seen ways to use all your favorite products," according to its website.

Production of the Wall Dryer is set to start on Monday at W-L Molding Co., whose leadership has been willing to manufacture devices in small quantities, hoping they find larger markets that will demand larger quantities and need them to increase production.

The company, at 8212 Shave Road in Portage, now has three small presses dedicated to producing Smoots' seasonal products during the height of their selling season. They have the capacity to manufacture 5,000 Green Dryers per week and 3,500 Wall Dryers per week, Smoots said.

The name of Smoots' company was changed recently from Dry My Gloves Inc. to KMS Designs Inc. to reflect it has more than one item in production and others on the way. Smoots said two new ideas she cannot yet disclose are also inventions that will help families around the house.

Civic leaders are happy that Karen Smoots' idea - from concept to production - has been nurtured in Portage. They gathered Friday at W-L Molding, along with company owner Nigam Tripathi and his production staff, to celebrate the start of production on The Wall Dryer.

"The scope of what happened in this area is breathtaking," said Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. "People think about Michigan and manufacturing anyway. But what I love here is it's (Smoots novel products are) right from the inventor to engineering and design, through to production and packaging distribution, all right here. It's huge. But what I like even more about it is you have a person who had an idea and there was this ecosystem around that person to take it to market."

He was in attendance Friday along with: U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, Michigan Sen. Margaret O'Brien, Michigan Rep. Brandt Iden and Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas.

"She is the poster child for the new economy, where there is entrepreneurialism, quick design, quick shipping of products and teams of people working together," Strazdas said.

Tripathi said W-L Molding has found success in catering to small customers as well as large.

Strazdas praised that flexibility, saying, "This would not have happened on my watch as a Baby Boomer, where manufacturing plants only worked with big companies. These plants have to be nimble. They have to use computer automation. They have to bring small lots of product in. They have to produce products quickly. That is the new future and it's now."

O'Brien, of Portage, has liked Smoots' concept from since she discovered it -- from a business perspective and a consumer perspective.

"When I run in the winter, I come home. My mittens are wet. My hat's wet. My shoes are wet," she said. "And to be able to see the heat that's already in the house drying them better than a dryer could? That's awesome."

She described Smoots situation as "what's so great about being an American."

"You have here somebody who loves and cares for her family," O'Brien said. "She sees a need. Comes up with an idea, and then here in little Portage, she's able to bring this idea from (being) an idea in her head all the way to actual production and selling in stores. She's a true entrepreneur. She's amazing."

Smoots said the idea for The Green Glove dryer came from needing a way to get her young childrens' gloves dry inside. The 1994 graduate of Cassopolis High School said the idea to use heat registers occurred to her when she realized there were seven registers on the main floor of her house "just pumping heat out."

Smoots, who continues to work as an educator for the state of Michigan, and her husband Ryan, an industrial engineer who has helped with the business since its inception, have two sons, Collin, 13, and Nolan, 10.
President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit China this October, signaling deeper trade ties with the country. (Photo : Getty Images)

China is looking to explore more opportunities for farm and fisheries imports in the Philippines as it lifts ban on a local fruit, which could signal that the two countries are ironing out differences triggered by the sea row dispute.



China is resuming shipments from 27 suspended exporters of Philippine bananas as a "gift" when President Rodrigo Duterte visits Beijing on Oct. 19 to 21, Reuters reported.



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"I would look at that as a goodwill move," Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol told Reuters in an interview. "The atmosphere would be positive."



According to Reuters, Pinol's comments "suggest Duterte is following through on his promises to build a commercial alliance with China," as stressed a number of times in his speeches.



Reuters noted that the trade talk is "hugely symbolic" and marks a "stark turnaround in ties" after The Hague's earlier ruling over the sea dispute earlier went in favor of the Philippines. In July, an international tribunal in The Hague rejected China's claims in the South China Sea, casting darker shadows over Beijing and Manila's relationship.



The Philippines, the world's second-largest importer of bananas after Ecuador, was banned from exporting the said produce to China last March.



About 35 tons of bananas from the Philippines were destroyed by China, with damages amounting to $33,000. According to Chinese officials, the bananas were destroyed over noncompliance, saying it detected the presence of the pest Dysmicoccus neobrevipes in the shipment made by NKM Import/Export Inc. to Dalian Kawoo Import and Export Co. Ltd, Manila-based news website Philstar reported.



Banana exports remain an important industry for the Philippines. In 2015, the country exported $157.5 million worth of bananas to China.



"We very much appreciate the action of the Chinese government as this will relieve our banana farmers from the serious problem during the suspension considering that China is a huge market for our banana industry," Pinol said in a separate interview with Philstar.


Nicholas Boyles

Nicholas Boyles Facebook photo.

(Facebook)

SAGINAW, MI -- A Saginaw man is dead after ingesting a synthetic drug he purchased over the internet and police are warning others not to purchase any drugs online.

Nicholas Boyles died on Sept. 28 after trying to smoke a synthetic drug he had ordered online from China, Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth said.

"He tried to smoke it and it didn't work and he ended up dying," Ruth said.

Now Ruth is asking others not to ingest synthetic drugs.

"You shouldn't ingest these things or illegal drugs into your body," Ruth said. "Don't order synthetic drugs from China thinking they are going to work."

Lab results are pending to determine what the drugs were that Boyles purchased, but Ruth said they appear to be "some kind of bath salts."

Boyles moved to Saginaw from Flint, Ruth said.
SAGINAW, MI -- A Bridgeport Township teen is headed to trial in connection with a robbery of a Family Dollar store.

Martell T. Jackson

District Judge M. Randall Jurrens on Tuesday, Oct. 14, concluded Martell T. Jackson's preliminary hearing by ruling prosecutors showed probable cause to take him to trial in Circuit Court.

Jackson, 17, is charged with armed robbery and two firearm offenses in a Sept. 23 incident at the Family Dollar at 3130 Williamson near King and Studor roads.

Police have said a male robber displayed a gun at the store about 11:57 a.m. He fled on foot after robbing the store, police stated.

Spaulding Township Police Chief Jay Bruns located Jackson near the store within a few minutes of hearing the report of the robbery, police stated. Police arrested Jackson, who they say was in possession of stolen cash. Police also found a gun in the vicinity of where Jackson was arrested, police stated.

Court records show Jackson last lived in an apartment complex near King and Dixie that is about a mile away from the store.

The robbery charge Jackson faces carries a maximum possible penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. He also faces single counts of carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Jackson remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.
Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems CEO Marcus Welz speaks during the Autoblog UPSHIFT 2016 on Oct. 6 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo : Getty Images)

Earlier this week, the Chinese firm Sanan Optoelectronics claimed that it held talks with the German Osram Licht AG company. These talks were regarding a probable acquisition which would add another digit to the already flooded Chinese overseas purchases.



However, Sanan hasn't provided any details regarding its ongoing communication with Osram, saying that there haven't been any agreements over the price plus the binding documents have yet to been signed.



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If this purchase becomes a successful one, the Chinese company would take over a huge German high-end lighting producer capable of providing headlights even for the latest BMW 7 series!



According to a Bloomberg report, this acquisition would add up to the already heaped pile of $190 billion of foreign business acquisitions of China. The step of entering into Germany's industry would be a huge achievement for China, but this news has raised concerns among various European officials and politicians.



Despite enormous prospects for China's business potential, Sanan remarked that there still remained a number of uncertainties that were to be cleared out before any decision came to the surface. Since Siemens AG holds around 17 percent shares in Osram, this isn't only about Sanan and Osram.



The equation has also pulled in Siemens, the largest engineering company in Europe. Given the current situation, Siemens is speculating regarding offloading its stake to the potential buyers. Selling Osram's remainder may affect Siemen's close ties with Osram after the two have come a long way to work on big industrial projects in the energy sector as well as the consumer-facing industry.



Any arising prospects of Siemens exit from Osram would subsequently result in the worsening of relations between the companies' internal management. Joe Kaeser, the CEO of Siemens questioned his counterpart's choice to heavily invest in Malaysia's semiconductors manufacturing facility.



This has been a surprising blow to Osram. According to another report, the company has terminated around 7800 jobs after this spin-off and has decided on selling its general lamps unit to a Chinese LED-maker for 400 million euros.



How would the entire situation pan out? Will China be able to add another important business unit to its stockpile of overseas assets?






Award-winning sound engineer, Appietus has urged Ghanaians to vote for political parties based on achieved results of promises they make during their campaigns.

The music producer in an interview on Joy FM said: I feel that every four years we should look at what you have done. When they come, they say we will do A,B,C,D then when its time to vote again theyll tell you, oh the time is short."

"Tell me what you can do in the time you have been given, if you do it then we can give you the four years to go again. For that we trust you that if you have done it then you can do it again, he added.

The Aben Be Bom music producer also advised politicians to use the 4-year period to implement campaign promises.
Natalie Portman is drumming up Oscar buzz in her latest role as the iconic Jacqueline Kennedy in the new movie Jackie which was shown as part of the New York Film Festival this week.

Portman, 35, already a best actress Oscar winner for the 2010 ballet film Black Swan, plays Kennedy in the days immediately after the 1963 assassination of her husband, U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Battling conflicting emotions of grief, anger and loss of faith, Portmans performance is seen by awards watchers as a leading contender in the Hollywood awards season that ends with the annual Oscar ceremony in February.

Jackie opens in U.S. movie theaters on Dec. 2.


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Tripoli (AFP) - Libya's UN-backed unity government suffered a blow in its Tripoli base late Friday when a rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the reinstatement of the former administration.

The Government of National Accord (GNA) is the centrepiece of Western hopes to stem an upsurge of jihadism in the North African nation and halt people trafficking across the Mediterranean that has led to thousands of drownings.

It was intended to replace two rival administrations, one in Tripoli and one in the eastern Cyrenaica region.

But late on Friday the head of the former Tripoli-based Government of National Salvation, Khalifa Ghweil, proclaimed its reinstatement from the offices of a key consultative body of the GNA.

Ghweil has never accepted the legitimacy of the UN-backed government which took control of the administration in Tripoli in April.

He is subject to international sanctions, renewed by the European Union just last month.

Libya's Prime Minister of the self-declared Islamist-backed government in Tripoli, Khalifa Al-Ghweil, delivers a speech during a ceremony in 2015

In his statement, he declared all members of the GNA "suspended from their duties".

The UN-backed government riposted with a statement threatening to arrest "those politicians who... attempt to create parallel institutions and destabilise the capital."

It condemned "efforts to sabotage the political agreement" brokered by the UN last December and denounced the seizure of the Council of State building by an "armed group."

The persistent chaos has hobbled Western efforts to battle a growing jihadist presence in Libya, which has been the launchpad of deadly attacks on holidaymakers in neighbouring Tunisia.

The western Tripolitania region had been the GNA's main stronghold.

The authorities in Cyrenaica still refuse to cede power, bolstered by the backing of the well-armed militia of controversial military strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Libya has two rival parliaments, both elected since the NATO-backed overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The first, elected in 2012, is dominated by Islamists. It appointed the Tripoli government.

The second, elected in 2014, is not controlled by the Islamists but it is marred by a controversial court decision declaring its election illegal. It appointed the Cyrenaica-based administration.

A majority of its members issued a statement expressing support for the UN-backed government.

Many of them said they had been coerced into not holding a formal vote of endorsement as stipulated under the UN plan.

In a careful balancing act, the UN plan made the 2014 parliament the sole legislative body, but also turned most of the members of the 2012 parliament into a mandatory consultative body, the Council of State, which was stormed on Friday.

The battle for power erupted into armed conflict last month when the Cyrenaica administration's main backer Haftar seized all four of the main eastern oil export ports.

He exploited the absence of fighters loyal to the UN-backed government who were battling IS in the city of Sirte to the west with air support from the United States.
BMW's self-balancing motorcycle. (Photo : BMW Motorrad)

The future of motorcycles, envisions BMW Motorrad, is its Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle that self-balances and is so stable it might one day eliminate the need for bulky, life-saving helmets.



Motorrad showed-off Vision Next 100 as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations. The bike has self-balancing wheels that keep the bike upright even at a complete stop. The stability of this zero-emissions machine should enable rides to ditch the helmet, claims Motorrad.



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"Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time," said Edgar Heinrich, design director of Motorrad. "Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out.



"In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear."



Motorrad's Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle was the last of four international stops of the "Iconic Impulses" event celebrating 100 years of BMW California a few days ago.



Despite Heinrich's confidence, Motorrad's management said riding without a helmet won't happen for now, at least, and might have to wait for the self-balancing motorcycle to hit the street. That event won't likely occur before 2030, said Motorrad.



While Vision Next 100 will be self-balancing, it won't be fully autonomous, said Motorrad.



"We do not envision autonomy on motorcycles," said Heinrich.



BMW the car maker, however, aims to commercialize fully autonomous vehicles by 2021. It's been working with Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving cars.



In 2015, BMW collaborated with its German rivals Daimler and Audi, the luxury subsidiary of Volkswagen, to buy Here, a digital mapping service from Nokia, to assist in their self-driving car effort.



The worldwide campaign to advance autonomous cars, however, has seen several setbacks, including well-publicized road accidents in the United States, Germany and China. An accident in the U.S. took the life of a driver. These accidents have mostly involved self-driving sedans produced by Tesla.


Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - With scores killed in fresh sectarian violence and militia fighters still refusing to disarm, Central African Republic is on a razor's edge weeks before a French troop pullout and a key donors' conference.

After more than two years of brutal slaughter between Christian and Muslim groups that displaced one out of 10 of the country's 4.5 million people, CAR had appeared to be returning to normal, holding peaceful elections early this year after a visit by the pope.

But despite 12,000 UN peacekeepers and a few hundred remaining French troops, tensions are high and tens of thousands of people are still displaced and in need of aid.

This week saw 30 killed and scores more hurt when fighters from a mainly-Muslim militia group attacked civilians and clashed with UN peacekeepers. The week before a dozen people died in the capital in fighting between Muslim forces and Christian vigilantes.

At the end of this month, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian flies into the capital, Bangui, to wind up French military Operation Sangaris, launched in December 2013 amid fears of an imminent sectarian bloodbath.

After an earlier scale-back only 350 troops remain.

No effective army

CAR plunged into chaos after the March 2013 ousting of long-serving president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel alliance -- triggering revenge attacks and a spiral of atrocities in which thousands were slaughtered.

But in February this year, Central Africans managed to calmly vote into office former university professor President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

The UN mission has several times been criticised for not lifting a finger during clashes, while some of its soldiers have been accused of sexually abusing Central African civilians

He took charge however of a state with little authority and no effective army.

Security is effectively overseen by the United Nations and constantly threatened by warlords whose armed bands are a legacy of decades of instability and who have been deaf to calls for DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Repatriation).

"Wherever there are armed groups, the authority of state is not complete," said Gaston Yendemo, chief administrator of the central Nana-Gribizi region where this week's clashes took place.

'Disproportionate response'

The violence in the central market town of Kaga Bandoro began when a member of the mainly Muslim ex-Seleka militia was killed as he and three others tried to steal a generator from a local radio station.

"There was a disproportionate response from ex-Seleka people, who attacked civilians including displaced people hiding in church premises," said a MINUSCA statement.

The fighters then attacked a camp for displaced people as well as NGO offices. UN troops from Burundi and Pakistan hit back to protect civilians, killing 12 of the assailants.

"Five thousand more displaced people from the bishop's quarters have taken refuge next to the MINUSCA base," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced later.

The UN mission has several times been criticised for not lifting a finger during clashes, while some of its soldiers have been accused of sexually abusing Central African civilians. A similar accusation hangs over a small number of French soldiers.

UN Deputy Secretary General Herve Ladsous urged the world to stand by the Central African Republic at a donors' conference to be held in Brussels in November 2016

Aid workers meanwhile, who are often targeted, are withdrawing making the situation worse for ordinary people.

"In Kaga Bandoro alone, the reduction of humanitarian activity has deprived at least 200,000 people of help. In the region, food insecurity affects 120,000 people and 73,206 people are still displaced," OCHA reports.

Floods, cholera and the occupation of schools by armed groups makes life even more difficult.

UN Deputy Secretary General Herve Ladsous earlier this month urged the world to stand by CAR at a donors' conference taking place in Brussels on November 17.
Niamey (AFP) - An American NGO worker was kidnapped Friday night in the Niger town of Abalak, northeast of the capital Niamey, before being taken by his abductors to Mali, a security source told AFP.

"An American NGO worker was kidnapped Friday around 9:00 pm local time (2000 GMT) in Abalak. It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert", the source said, asking not to be named.
This week the warlord Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga surrendered in southern Democratic Republic of Congo with about 100 of his fighters. Instead of arresting him, local officials in the provincial capital of Lubumbashi gave Gedeon a celebratory welcome. No doubt as a political gesture to the government, Gedeon wore a shirt with a photo of President Joseph Kabila and the slogan Shikata  which means stay for a long time, a reference to efforts to extend Kabilas presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit that ends on December 19.

From 2002 to 2006, Gedeon led a militia that committed numerous atrocities in an area of central Katanga that soon became known as the triangle of death. As Gedeons group fought the Congolese army and terrorized local civilians whom they initially claimed to be defending, hundreds were killed and an estimated 150,000 forced to flee their homes. In some cases, Gedeons fighters publicly tortured victims before killing and cannibalizing them.

Gedeon surrender ed once before, in 2006 with about 150 fighters, most of whom were child soldiers. The government tried him for crimes against humanity in a landmark case for Congolese justice. In March 2009, he was convicted and sentenced to death .

But Gedeon managed to escape from prison in 2011. He went on to lead an armed group that has carried out serious abuses in central Katanga for the past five years.

It remains unclear what led to Gedeons latest surrender, but it comes against a backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding President Kabilas future.

In the past, the Congolese government has given amnesties to former warlords and rewarded them with senior positions in the Congolese army, effectively perpetuating the cycle of impunity and abuse .

It should not resort to old practices this time. Authorities should ensure that Gedeon is returned to prison, ideally in a high-security prison outside of Katanga to minimize the risk of escape. They should also open judicial proceedings into the alleged crimes committed since Gedeons escape in 2011.

Doing so will make the surrender of one of Congos most brutal warlords an opportunity for accountability and a measure of justice for victims  and not just the recipe for more atrocities.
Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar will conduct his first official trip to sub-Saharan Africa from October 17-19, traveling to Kano and Abuja, Nigeria. During his trip, he will meet with government officials and representatives from civil society to underscore shared priorities, including promoting educational and economic opportunities and promoting accountable governance.

While in Kano, Special Representative Zafar will offer opening remarks at an inaugural workshop on anti-corruption tools for religious leaders. The workshop will address how religious communities can work together to combat corruption, promote accountability, and encourage transparency. He will also learn about the cultural and religious history of the region. In Abuja, Special Representative Zafar will meet with religious and community leaders and learn of their current challenges and opportunities.
The Progressive People's Party (PPP), has accused the Electoral Commission of disqualifying its flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, from the December 7 general elections, as a punishment for his decision to sue the commission over the filing fees it had described as because they protested the filing fees that has exorbitant.

The PPP sued the EC insisting that the GHc50,000 and GHc10,000 filing fee for presidential and parliamentary nominees respectively, was too high and must be reduced.

They had also argued that the ECs processes used in fixing the amount was arbitrary, and were challenging same in court.

But an Accra High court, which was hearing the case dismissed an injunction suit they had sought to prevent the EC from collecting the fee. Meanwhile the substantive case is still pending.

Days after the case, the EC subsequently disqualified 13 presidential nominees including the PPP's flagbearer from the race.

The EC has explained that the disqualified aspirants forms were fraught with anomalies; a move that has forced the PPP to return to court , this time to prevent the Electoral Commission from balloting the four approved presidential candidates for the election.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Policy Director for the PPP, Kofi Asamoah Siaw, claimed the EC was biased against them.

The point is that, because the PPP went to court, the Electoral Commission is aggrieved; the EC is being vindictive to the PPP and wants to trample on our rights and disqualify our flagbearer and we say that it is completely unacceptable and not backed by law.

He further charged Ghanaians to stand up and speak against what he described as injustice against them.

Today, we stand with the strong conviction that, the EC is moving with the clear mind to discriminate against the PPP and that is an offence under the laws of the country; and we should not let the EC deceive everybody, and all Ghanaians must stand up against it. Today it is the PPP, tomorrow I don't know who it would be, Mr. Siaw added.

EC was biased; Nana Addo is 'guilty' of perjury

The PPP had also accused the EC of bias for allowing the presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akuffo-Addo, they alleged committed the offense of perjury, hence should also not be on the ballot for the December 7 general elections.

According to the PPP, Nana Addo perpetuated criminality when he failed to declare his assets, as required by the electoral regulations, but signed an oath to affirm that he had met all the requirements when he filed his nomination.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
The Electoral Commission has cleared 147 parliamentary nominees in the Greater Accra Regio, making them eligible to contest the December 7 elections.

According to EC, the nominees successfully met all the requirements for the contest.

All the 147 candidates who filed have gone through successfully so they can all be confirmed as parliamentary candidates across the 34 constituencies we have in Greater Accra, the EC's Greater Accra Regional Director of Elections, Kwame Amoah said.

Mr. Amoah told Citi News that, the commission did not disqualify any candidate in the region because it educated all the aspirants on how the nomination forms were to be filled.

He further gave the breakdown of the nominees saying NDC filed in all the 34, as well as NPP. PPP filed in 24 constituencies, CPP, in 30 constituencies, GCPP, only one and PNC 6. Hassan Ayarigas ACP also filed in 4 constituencies, and we have 8 independent candidates.

All those who picked the nomination forms, we took their contacts so when the details of how we would process the nomination forms came out, we got in touch with them so that they would be able to fill the forms well and then to be able to submit the forms within the specified period, he added.

EC disqualifies 3 in Brong Ahafo

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has disqualified 3 parliamentary nominees in the Brong Ahafo Region from contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The affected nominees were contesting the Asutifi North and South constituency seats. The three disqualified candidates include GFP's Kofi Anane, NDP's Tawiah Joseph and a PPP aspirant.

24 parliamentary nominees disqualified in Ashanti Region

The EC had also told Citi News that it disqualified 24 aspirants in the Ashanti Region because they couldnt pay the GHc10,000 filing fee pegged for nominees in the race.

13 presidential aspirants disqualified

The EC on Monday rejected the nomination of 13 presidential nominees because their forms were allegedly fraught with errors.

Some of the aspirants, including the Progressive People's Partys (PPP) Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has subsequently dragged the EC to court to seek redress.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Member of Parliament for the Awutu-Senya West constituency, Hanna Serwah Tetteh has donated two ambulances to the Awutu Bawjiase and Bereku Health Facilities.

Presenting the equipment, Hanna Tetteh said she procured the vehicles with her four- year share of the National Health Insurance Scheme Fund for Members of Parliament.

She re-called a number of development projects the government had provided in the Awutu-Senya District within four years and appealed to the electorate, to come out in their numbers and vote massively for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections for more developmental projects.

She said educational infrastructures at Awutu Bereku, Bontrase, Bawjiase as well as the up-grading of Senya Bereku Health facility with 30-bed capacity ward, improvement of road network and extension of electricity to a number of communities in the constituency were reasons why the NDC should be retained in power.

She said besides these achievements, Awutu Bereku Circuit Court had also been provided with new building, whilst the construction of markets at Senya Bereku and Bawjiase and other projects were in the pipe line.

She expressed the hope that, the people would accept the immense contributions she had made to promote the well-being of the constituency and reciprocate the gesture by giving her their mandate once more for her to better their lots.

Madam Tetteh said: I have reached where I am today not by my power but your individual and collective voting power, and it is my duty to make good use of this gesture to the advantage of all at Awutu devoid of political affiliations.

Naakye Dode Akabie XIIII, Queen Mother of Awutu-Bereku Traditional Area who received the keys to the vehicles commended Madam Tetteh for her hard work towards the realisation of the people's aspirations.

Mrs Patricia Antwi, District Director of Ghana Health Service, expressed appreciation to the MP for the assistance, adding that it would help accelerate the operations of work.


The lady at the centre of the Techiman Fire Chief's manhood case has spoken at last, denying that the embattled Municipal Fire Commander is her boyfriend.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE in Techiman, Ataa Takyi, a Community Fire Assistant attached to the Techiman Fire Station, said she had never befriended Eric Philip Ansah Andoh, the fire boss, as being circulated on social media.

She said assertions by the fire chief during an interview with DAILY GUIDE were false.

Ataa Takyi said her boss sexually harassed her and attempted to fondle her breasts.

Mr Ansah Andoh, in an earlier interview, told DAILY GUIDE that Ataa was his girlfriend and that they had had several sexual encounters.

The fire chief said that that fateful day  Saturday, September 17, 2016  was the fourth time he was passing the night at Ataa's place and that they had previously had sexual encounters, even though he admitted she is his subordinate.

According to Ataa, when she was employed about four months ago, she was assigned to the office of the fire boss who proposed love to her but she told the man that she had a very serious boyfriend who had promised to marry her and so she would not give in to his advances.

She said anytime she went to the office to clean the place, her boss would try to grab her breasts with the intent to fondle them but anytime he attempted such a move she resisted.

According to her, on that fateful day, she was sleeping in her room when her boss knocked and when she opened the door at about 12.30 am, she saw the officer holding a black polythene bag full of clothes and asked her to wash them for him.

She said the officer bypassed her and sat on the chair in the room before she could alter a word.

Ataa maintained that she asked the officer to get out of the room because she was about to go to bed but the man refused and instead asked her to give him the chance to have sex with her, which she refused.

The lady asserted that the officer started harassing her and claimed that he could get whatever he wants due to his position.

Fearing that the officer had ill motive, Ataa said she pretended she was interested in what the man was doing, adding that the fire officer undressed, sat on the bed and asked her to suck his penis. At that juncture, Ataa said she had a second thought and decided instantly that when the man put his penis into her mouth, she would bite it severely.

According to Atta, when the officer inserted his erected organ in her mouth, she mustered courage and bit him so hard that he collapsed with blood oozing from the organ.

She said she later called the Fire Service emergency number and reported that fire was burning in her house.

Atta told DAILY GUIDE that in a moment the fire tender arrived with six fire officers and she ushered them into her room where they found the officer lying in a pool of blood.

She said they transported him to a private hospital where he received treatment.

She said the following morning, she reported the matter to the Techiman police.

Meanwhile, the matter is before a Techiman circuit court. When the case was called on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, the judge, Juan Eyi King, adjourned it to October 27, 2016.

The interdicted fire officer has been charged with rape and Ataa Takyi also charged with causing harm.

The court has granted the Fire Commander bail in the sum of GH2,000 to enable him to recover while Ataa is already on police enquiry bail.

Eric Bawah, Techiman
Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has filed a suit against the Electoral Commission (EC) following the disqualification of its flag bearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, from contesting in the December 7 general elections.

Dr. Nduom's party wants the High Court to restrain the Charlotte Osei-led commission from going ahead to conduct balloting for the already-cleared candidates until the court has determined whether or not the EC's decision to reject Dr. Nduom's nomination is lawful.

The suit, in which Dr. Nduom is an ex-parte applicant, cites Ms Charlotte Osei in her capacity as the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election as the first defendant and the commission as the second defendant.

The PPP, which has assembled a team of lawyers, led by former Attorney General, Joseph Ayikoi Otoo, is seeking an order of prohibition to restrain the EC from proceeding with balloting for positions of presidential candidates for the 7th December elections.

They are seeking a further order directed against the 1st Respondent in her capacity as Returning Officer for presidential elections to grant the Applicant the opportunity to amend and alter the one anomaly found in Dr. Nduom's nomination papers, as well as accept his nomination papers as amended or altered to enable him to contest as a presidential candidate for the 7th December, 2016 elections.

In the writ, the PPP said J. Ayikoi Otoo would move a motion praying for an order for a judicial review by way of certiorari to bring to the court the decision of the EC of 10th October, 2016, which disqualified the Applicant as a presidential candidate for the 2016 general election and have the decision quashed by the court.

The PPP is asking the court to overturn the EC's decision on the grounds that there was a breach of the rules of natural justice, error apparent on the face of the record, and failing to live the requirement as imposed by law.

Dr. Nduom was rejected by the EC together with 12 other presidential aspirants for failing to fill their forms correctly.

Prior to this court action, he had met with the EC Chairperson to impress on her to rescind her decision, but the meeting ended in a deadlock and an official of the commission was later quoted as saying that the PPP flag bearer did not bring anything new for the commission to rescind its decision.

Even before the disqualification, the PPP had dragged the EC to court for charging exorbitant fees for both the presidential and the parliamentary slots.

The party said the GH50,000 fee for presidential candidates and GH10,000 for parliamentary aspirants were capricious and arbitrary use of power by the EC, but the Accra High Court dismissed the application and deferred the reasons for the dismissal.

The PPP also had a contempt suit against the EC for collecting the filing fee for its flag bearer, even before the court ruled on the injunction suit.

EOCO Petition

Later, the party again filed a complaint against the commission at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Auditor General's Department for issuing a false receipt to the party.

Dr. Nduom said on Adom FM that we gave the EC GH1,700,000 as payment for our parliamentary candidates but we were issued with a receipt of GH1,700.00 by the commissionI acknowledge that is a mistake.

Later the party's Communication Director, Paa Kow Ackon, confirmed that we have written a letter to the Auditor General and EOCO to investigate the EC because it is dangerous if we have an EC who can issue false receipts to a political party.

Dr Nduom has vowed to do everything possible to fight his disqualification by the commission and had said variously that the EC trampled on his right by preventing him from taking part in the contest to be Ghana's president on January 7, 2017.



Peace Council

The PPP has also appealed to the National Peace Council to call the EC to order.

At a news conference in Accra yesterday, PPP Policy Analyst, Kofi Asamoah Siaw, said the posture of the EC demonstrates that it is out of control.

We need to reverse this trend [because] the entrenched and belligerent posture will only lead this country to a point of no return, he told the media.

Mr Siaw urged the silent majority in the country, the National Chief Imam, the Christian Council of Ghana, the National Peace Council and the Ghana Bar Association to call the EC to order.

Meanwhile, EC boss, Charlotte Osei, at a press briefing on Monday, said the commission would be unable to accept the nomination of Dr Nduom because he was not able to raise the 432 subscribers expected to endorse his nomination due to some anomalies discovered on his forms.

She said, One subscriber, Richard Aseda (Asida on the Voters Register), with Voter ID no 7812003957), endorsed the forms in two different districts (pages 21 and 39). The subscriber was found to be on the Voters Register in one district thereby disqualifying his second subscription and reducing the total number of subscribers to below the minimum required by the Law.

The same subscriber, Richard Aseda (Asida) endorsed the form with different signatures in both portions of the nomination forms. This raises questions as to the legitimacy of one or both signatures.

Mr Siaw also said they discovered some mistakes in the nomination forms given them by the EC's Akuapim North District office, but instead of making fuss about it, they called the EC to have it resolved amicably.

He believed the EC could have reciprocated this gesture in an equal measure rather than the harsh decision it took against the party's leader.

By William Yaw Owusu
Information reaching DAILY GUIDE indicates that the successful launch of the manifesto of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sent shivers down the spine of the rank and file of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) across the country, particularly in the Volta Region.

Some key members of the NDC in the Volta Region told DAILY GUIDE that the enthusiasm that greeted the launch of the NPP's manifesto had led to a rethink of their strategy.

They said they had received several calls from various parts of the region about the inroads being made by the NPP due to apathy among NDC members.

In an attempt to boost the morale of members and sympathizers of the NDC in the region, the regional executives, in consultation with the national executives and other key personalities of the NDC, have devised new strategies and boosted the old ones.

The sources disclosed this ahead of a press conference by the NDC in Ho on Tuesday.

They said the press conference was held to create a positive impression about the NDC to motivate the party's members.



Empty manifesto

A press statement, read by the regional chairman of the NDC, John Kwadwo Gyapong, emphasized that we (NDC) are confidently reiterating our unalloyed and unflinching support for His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to win the 2016 elections.

President Mahama and the NDC must be given another mandate to continue to build a Better Ghana, it stated.

The support, he noted, was emboldened by what he described as the empty 'Kalyppo' Manifesto launch last Sunday.



Admission of failure

We cannot say that the entire Volta Region has been fully developed under the Better Ghana Agenda started by late President Atta Mills.

That notwithstanding, the good works that have begun should not be truncated with the change of the current leadership of the country.

The firebrand chairman disclosed that the NPP's promise of a habour at Keta was overdue because the NDC had started some feasibility studies in the area, which indicated that the project could only be executed after the construction of a sea defence wall at Akplorwu Torkor, Horvi and Blekusu.

He added that approval has also been given for a deep-sea oil exploration in the Keta Basin by a Swiss company.

In an attempt to counteract the NPP's Coastal and Middle Belt Development Authorities, Mr. Gyapong revealed that the NDC would establish a development authority, especially for the Volta region.

He stated that the NDC government would construct a bridge over the Volta Lake, water processing plant at Sogakofe, as well as offer 10 tractors per district, among others.



Tribal card

He said that if Volta gives NPP a chance it means the construction of the bridge on the Volta Lake, establishment of satellite campuses of UHAS at Hohoe and Keta, water projects, among others, will come to a standstill.

Kofi Attoh, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central and senior member of the party, called for unity among the supporters of the party to ensure the re-election of President Mahama.

Koku Anyidoho, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, noted that the NPP should forget about the region because it would continue to be the 'World Bank' of the NDC.

Also in attendance were Dzifa Attivor, the former Transport Minister and other party executives in the region.

From Fred Duodu, Ho ( [email protected] )
F-16IN Block 70 (concept drawing). (Photo : Lockheed Martin)

Saab JAS 39 Gripen. (Photo : Saab)

With a wary eye on a future war against either China or Pakistan, India will soon issue tenders for an advanced fourth generation fighter jet to replace its large fleet of aging Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG fighters acquired from the defunct Soviet Union as far back as the 1980s.



India's new fighter program will replace jets in 11 Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter squadrons (one IAF squadron has 18 aircraft) whose MiG 21s and MiG 27s are slated for retirement over the next 10 years. IAF is facing a shortage of front line combat jets for its 34 operational fighter squadrons.



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IAF says it needs at least 45 squadrons to take on either China or Pakistan, which are close allies with an anti-India military agenda. It plans to replace some 900 fighters, mostly Soviet made.



IAF this September signed contracts to buy 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters from France's Dassault Aviation, ramping-up an arms race against Pakistan as the United States and China watch apprehensively from the sidelines. The Rafale won India's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) competition against the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.



The Rafales give India a weapon potent enough to carry on the fight against Pakistan's U.S.-made Lockheed Martin F-16 air superiority fighter jets and the PAC JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters produced jointly by Pakistan and China.



India hopes the Rafales, which can carry nuclear weapons, can help address the military imbalance in its favor. Despite the acquisition of the French fighters, the IAF still needs more modern combat aircraft.



Indian media says that even at this early stage, two fighters might well be the finalists for IAF's search for a fourth generation ++ fighter.



The favorites are the Lockheed Martin F-16IN Block 70 /72 that will be produced exclusively for India and in India by Lockheed and the Saab JAS-39 Gripen that lost out to Rafale in the MRCA competition.



Lockheed has offered attractive incentives to India, saying it would move its F-16 manufacturing to India from Texas to produce the Indian F-16s. Lockheed claims the F-16IN will be the most sophisticated F-16 in the world.



"If it is single-engine fighter, there are mainly two: Lockheed Martin and Saab," said Muthumanikam Matheswaran, retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal.


ACP Vance Gariba in a group photograph with the parliamentary candidates for korle klottey, Ayawaso east and central in a group photograph after the dialogue series

Some parliamentary candidates have called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to educate them on Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 94, which will regulate the December general elections.

This, according to them, would give them the opportunity to also train their members in the constituencies to effectively discharge their duties during the elections.

Henry Quartey, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso Central, who doubles as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, made this appeal on behalf of his colleagues at a dialogue series organized by the Nima Divisional Police Command for all the parliamentary candidates in the division to discuss security issues in Accra.

Present at the event were Dr Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Korle Klottey Constituency, Lawyer Philip Anderson, NPP parliamentary candidate for Korle Klottey, Nii Noi Nortey, an independent candidate of Korle Klottey, Henry Quartey, Opare Addo, CPP parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Peter Mireku, NPP candidate for Ayawaso East and others.

Officials of the EC in the Ayawaso and Korle Klottey, as well as the district police commanders of the areas, were in attendance.

Some constituency chairmen and members of the District Election Security Taskforce were also present.

The various aspirants pledged their support for peace in the area.

Lawyer Philip Addison urged the police to act professionally on the election day.

He said they would work hard to sustain peace in Korle Klottey Constituency.

The Nima Divisional Police Commander, ACP Vance Gariba, in an address, said the police would not countenance the use of 'machomen' by some of the candidates to create commotion of December 7.

He said even though it's the right of the political parties to police the ballot boxes, it should be done within the confines of the law.

ACP Gariba urged the candidates to educate their supporters on the electoral laws and not flout them.

Even though the police have identified some hotspots within the various constituencies, there is the need for us to engage the constituency executives and their candidates in a dialogue to mitigate the concerns to bring peace.

I assure you that the police on that day will provide equal opportunity and platform for all so please all grievances must be shared for peace to prevail.

Hagar Rachel Owusu, the Korle Klottey District Electoral Officer, on her part, said candidates who want their agents to be trained by the EC can officially write to the commission.

She said the EC was already training all officers who would be deployed on the election day, adding that they have made provision for standby officers to serve as backup on December 7.

BY Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

( [email protected] )
An Electoral Commission should ideally, exist only to facilitate the free expression, by the populace, of its political preferences in an election.

Facilitating the free expression of a peoples political will is not like invigilating an examination. Examinations are important, yes. But an election is far more crucial, in that it produces a government which takes control of a countrys resources and shares them out  in any way it wants.

If the country makes a mistake and chooses the wrong government, the results can be horrific. For the four years that a government stays in power before it can be legally changed, is all thats needed to drastically reduce the standard of living of some members of the population, while enhancing that of the governments cronies.

Therefore, when an Electoral Commission is set up, it has to make sure that the election result that climaxes its activities, reflects in no uncertain terms, the true choices of the people, as regards both individual candidates and political parties.

A good Electoral Commission ought to understand that its primary duty is to help the people express their political wishes without too much trouble. The Commissions rules must be both absolutely clear and relatively idiot-proof. It should not be learned lawyers only who can interpret, correctly, the requirements that validate or invalidate a candidates ability to present himself to the electorate either to be chosen as its representative, or to be rejected by it.

In countries where real democracy is practised, one seldom hears anything whatsoever about The Electoral Commission. The EC does its job quietly behind the scenes, and wins the confidence of ALL political parties to such an extent that legal challenges to its decisions are noticeable by their absence. When did we last hear that a single parliamentary candidate in, say, the UK, had been prevented from running because he had made an administrative mistake, i.e. filling out the form required of a would-be candidate?

Of course, the literacy rate in the UK  both in the literal sense and in the political  is higher than that in Ghana. But that is why the Electoral Commission, in drafting legislation which it wants Parliament to enact into electoral laws, must pay attention to local conditions before proposing those laws or formulating subsidiary regulations that arise from the provisions of the main electoral legislation.

Political parties and their candidates in Ghana have only themselves to blame, of course if they have been so negligent that they cannot fulfil the provisions of the countrys electoral laws, however complex they may be. They ought to have consulted legal counsel where they were not sure of the meaning of any particular provisions of the electoral legislation. At worst, they should have tackled the task of fulfilling the administrative aspects of fielding candidates in an election at such an early stage that they could have walked into the offices of the Electoral commission to  as it were  rehearse the registration of their would-be candidates.

Would the EC have co-operated with parties and people who tried to rehearse their registration of nominees? If it refused, it could be exposed for being uncooperative, couldnt it? Because, as I have stated, its primary duty is to assist those in the political process who may legitimately need its assistance or advice. There are certain areas where the EC cannot help nominees, for sure  for instance, it would be unrealistic to expect the EC to check and detect whether a man called Aseda had nominated two different persons from two different parties!

But there are other areas where the EC can help would-be candidates, and it ought to do so in a whole-hearted manner, instead of, as it were, putting tricky obstacles in their way to trip them up and get them disqualified.

It ought to be clear to the EC itself that being forced to disqualify as many as thirteen would-be presidential candidates out of sixteen who applied, is too high an attrition rate. And the EC should behave like a sensible public body and recognise that if the system fails too high a proportion of those it was evolved to serve, then the system is dysfunctional.

(Now were a teacher to set an examination in which over 60 percent of his pupils failed, attention would essentially be drawn to his teaching methods, or maybe his marking techniques  not so? No intelligent person would automatically put all the blame on the intellectual capacities of his pupils; right?)

The Electoral Commission must heed the advice usually given to journalists employed by the better-quality media, that they must take care, when reporting, not to become the story themselves. There are times when  if say, youre a lady who is covering the activities of a Donald Trump  you are obliged to report what he has tried to do to you or has actually done to you! But, in general, the idea is for the reporter to be as accurate as he/she can be, publish and go away.

In the same way, an Electoral Commission that has itself become the story, has ipso facto already failed. Its failed in its job to facilitate the desire of members of the electorate to put themselves forward to the electorate as people who want to become their elected representatives. A failure on such a huge scale as has occurred, added to the heaps of bad publicity that the EC has attracted to itself because some political parties find its methods confrontational, ought to make the EC sit up and take notice.

By the way: how did our electoral laws become so complex that it takes some of our best qualified legal practitioners to understand them fully?

No  a system that cannot be correctly used by the people whom it was designed to serve must be seen as inefficient  pure and simple.

By Cameron Duodu

www.cameronduodu.com
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region, Edward Bawa, has finally begged all aggrieved members and supporters of the party in the constituency for forgiveness for his actions.

Mr. Bawa pleaded with members of the NDC in the constituency, who had been offended by his actions and comments in the primary, to let sleeping dogs lie.

Many observers thought the NDC parliamentary candidate would never beg for forgiveness and reconcile members of the fragmented NDC in Bongo before December 7 due to the fact that Bongo has been a safe seat for the NDC over the years.

The parliamentary candidate launched his campaign with a colourful event, which attracted hundreds of supporters and members of the NDC from all parts of the constituency.

Before the launch, many people thought the breakaway pressure group known as 'Lailai' would pose a threat to his candidature.

But addressing the NDC members and supporters at the launch at Bongo, Mr Bawa indicated that the party suffered post-election crisis which he claimed was addressed by party executives and some bigwigs in the constituency.

The outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bongo Constituency and Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo appealed to all aggrieved persons in the party to forgive the parliamentary candidate and ensure that the NDC retains the Bongo seat.

According to him, the NDC, over the years, has effectively developed deprived communities in the country.

From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bongo
A YOUTH Employment Agency (YEA) community police assistant, Vincent Antwi, who was at the Yefri police station in the Nkoranza North District of the Brong-Ahatfo Region, was killed by a KIA truck last Tuesday.

The driver, 34-year-old Kwasi Nyamekye, is now in the cooler helping the police in their investigation. The Nkoranza North District Police Commander, who gave his name only as Aboagye, confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE but did not give details.

However, our sources said the driver might have intentionally knocked down the officer after a resident of Yefri reported to the YEA officer that he (driver) and some others were allegedly felling his (resident's) trees for charcoal.

It said after the complaint had been made at the police station, the officer together with the complainant went to the place where the trees were reportedly being felled. On the way, they allegedly saw the KIA truck loaded with charcoal and signaled the driver to stop. The driver reportedly pretended to be stopping, but all of a sudden, sped off to Busunya, the district capital, instead of going to the Nkoranza South capital where it was originally heading to.

The officer and the complainant who were on a motorbike, reportedly chased the driver and caught up with him near Busunya. When the truck came to a halt, the officer was said to have climbed onto the bags of charcoal and directed the driver to drive to the Busunya police station instead of Yefri where the report was made.

On the way to Busunya, the driver purportedly drove in a meandering manner and so Vincent fell onto the ground and got injured badly.

He was rushed to the St Theresa's Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver was subsequently arrested and detained for further investigation, DAILY GUIDE gathered.

FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Nkoranza

[email protected]


The EASTERN Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said the statement made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regional chairman, Bismark Tawiah Boateng, that the hospitality industry promotes prostitution shows his level of thinking and by extension, the ruling party's lackadaisical attitude towards job creation.

Our attention has also been drawn to numerous unguided comments made by the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Bismark Tawiah Boateng, which by its nature nurtures violence and bigotry which do not augur well in an election year.

These uncivilised, irresponsible and reckless comments targeted at NPP parliamentary candidates in the Eastern Region are becoming one too many. Indeed, such backward lines of speech have become the stock in trade of the NDC leadership and activists, including the incompetent Mahama, their leader, the Regional Chairman, Kiston Akomeng Kissi, the NPP observed at a press conference at Suhum on Thursday.

Mr Tawiah Boateng asked the people of the Abetifi Constituency not to renew the mandate of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Bryan Acheampong, because according to him the latter was promoting prostitution with the establishment

of hotels in the area.

According to him, the MP was investing in hotels which he (Boateng) claimed would lead to an increase in prostitution among teenage girls in the area and must therefore, be rejected at the polls to save the future of the youth of Abetifi.

But the NPP says the NDC regional chairman's attack on Bryan Acheampong in respect of hotels raises questions about the true position of the NDC on industrialization and development in the region and Ghana as a whole.

The NPP has described the comments made by the NDC man as very offensive to hotel owners, and said they should not come from any political party leader.

In Tawiah Boatengs own absurd logic, his own Chief of Staff and former Eastern Regional Minister, Julius Debrah, promoted prostitution when he bought the Mac-Dic Hotel Annex in Koforidua. Was Julius Debrah promoting prostitution as chief executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority when he went across the country promoting the building of hotels to enhance the hospitality industry? Does it mean that the NDC's chief financier in the Eastern Region, Antarctic, will be boosting prostitution in Koforidua with his newly commissioned Eastern Premier Hotel?'' the NPP asked.

The NPP said it's because there is huge unemployment rate in the country, Mr. Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, had made unprecedented investments in the hospitality industry to create jobs for the many unemployed Kwahu youth, which the NDC needs to support but not to speak against.

From Daniel Bampoe, Suhum
A lawyer with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is in doubt as to whether the EC exercised sound legal judgment in disqualifying 12 presidential aspirants from running.

Mr George Loh wonders whether the Constitution allowed the Electoral Commission to, on the basis of errors and mistakes, disqualify persons from contesting elections without affording them an opportunity to correct the errors as required by law.

The elections governing body, the EC, Monday this week, shocked the nation by cutting down the number of presidential candidates from a possible 17 to four.

It cited clear errors, mistakes and fraud for its decision.

But many of the candidates have accused the EC of vindictiveness, bias and plain lawlessness and are heading to Court for redress.

More soon

Story by Ghana I Myjoyonline.com I Malik Abass Daabu
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Lome, Togo, to attend the Heads of State meeting of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa.

The Lome summit is aimed at making maritime space the key driver of Africas economic and social development.

Discussions will focus on issues of maritime insecurity, preservation of marine life, the sea as a factor for development, regional and international cooperation to safeguard maritime safety.

Todays meeting of the Heads of State will among others consider how to curb criminal acts that breach the peace, security, and navigation of the African seas, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

President Mahama will return to Accra, later today.


The New Patriotic Partys (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Ledzokuku constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Dr. Okoe Boye, has accused the incumbent Member of Parliament, Benita Sena Okity-Duah, of providing poor leadership for the area since she was voted in 2012.

Okoe Boye said her inefficiency has given the people of the area no choice except to vote for him on the ticket of the NPP to promote development in the area.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Saturday, Dr. Okoe Boye said the area was facing numerous challenges including poor sanitation and high unemployment; but little has been seen of the current MP in terms of steps to address them.

We have a member of parliament who is not visible, and the leadership she is providing is very poor so I think most of our people are poised for change, not just empty change, but positive change and that reflects in my candidature, said.

We have very huge problems in the constituency, we have issues with sanitation, we have issues with education and the literacy levels of our students are very poor, and we also have issues with jobs, and in all these you don't see any coherent or well-spelt out leadership because people are interested to help but what we need is leadership to collate their energies and that is what I am going to provide, he added.

He said Okity-Duah has failed to lobby for developmental projects from the central government for the constituents.

He lamented that with crime rates soaring and several complaints from fisherfolks in the area for a landing site, not much has been seen from the current MP.

Dr. Okoe Boye said the situation demands that constituents vote massively for him to address all their challenges since he has an impressive track record in leadership.

I have shown the leadership, being a physician, I have shown the way when it comes to health, trying to give health access and help to those who cannot afford. I have done a lot of outreaches, when it comes to sanitation, I have helped to provide facilities that will help to take care of the waste for instance at the beach, he noted.

'The MP must ensure development'

The NPP candidate argued that, Members of Parliament must be held responsible for bringing development to their constituents and attempts to hold district officers solely responsible for developments is a cheap way of running away from responsibility.

The Ledzokuku parliamentary seat has since 2008, been held by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The party's Nii Nortey Dua occupied the seat from 2008 to 2012.

Benita Sena Okity-Duah, the incumbent MP is seeking re-election to serve for another four years.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
15.10.2016 LISTEN

I found out that I was a Christian for revenue only and I could not bear the thought of that, it was so ignoble (Mark Twain)

Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religionseveral of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn't straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother's path to happiness and heaven (Mark Twain)

DABBOUSIS YELLOW JOURNALISM AND OTABILS BULLY PULPIT

This is why his corpus of journalistic writings should be collected and stuffed into Akufo-Addos mock coffin and buried deep in an ocean of human feces.

Thus, the rhetorical violence of Dabbousis journalism rather subtracts from Akufo-Addos political capital if, in fact, he has any to start with.

All this is not to say he should not criticize the Mahama administration where it deserves criticism. We approve this statement of his:

I will criticize the president but of course

Except that it should not be essentialist in rhetorical tone because if indeed it is, there will be a deluge of quick critical rhetorical reversion to the conflict-prone geopolitics of his Lebanese/Middle Eastern background.

The essentialist pathway is counterproductive. Then also maybe, just maybe, the government is not doing nearly enough by way of fighting corruption.

But President Mahama and his government are not the originating parents of corruption in the body politic. As a matter of fact Dabbousis conman John Kufuor, the originating grandparent of Adam and Eve, is also the great-grandparents of political corruption.

Kufour nailed the etiology of political corruption on his two grandchildren, Adam and Eve, who have always lived in the Flagstaff House, built by the generous children of South Africas racist Gandhi.

And equally true, let us just say, yes, there is so much the government can do, for corruption is as much a huge problem in the Flagstaff House and parliament as it is in our mosques and churches, including Pastor Otabils. In the churches and mosques it is Gods problem, Gods mercy, that is, to deal with it, but rather absurdly it is seen as an entirely different animal once it is in the court of the secular world.

Why is Dabbousi running away from this basic fact? Is it because politicians, particularly those in the ruling government, are a different species of political animals, wicked and unconscionable ones at that, and so they must be held to different if higher standards of moral critique? How about the moral corruption of Dabbousis own political writings?

This excruciating etiology of moral illusion probably explains why corruption cannot be traced to President Mahama and his government. Furthermore, neither President Mahama nor Akufo-Addo is or represents the deity of corruption in the nation. The Ghanaian society is that which corrupt to the bone. The Second Coming of Christ and the Judgment Day will both surely take place in Ghana, a friend once told this author, on account of the heightened level of corruption in that country.

Fadi the Savior or, rather, let us just say Fadi the Redeemer, should simply tell us when this Second Coming of Christ and the Judgment Day are due in Ghana through his yellow journalism. He should also tell us, convince us as to why he thinks the politics of The Satanic Verses in the Ghanaian body politic is not unique to the two major political parties.

The above notwithstanding, we all need to come together as we direct our collective efforts toward neutralizing what Pastor Otabil calls error of leadership. Unfortunately, both the former (and Dabbousi) miss the bigger picture. Either he is being mischievous or economical with the truth.

Which politician in Ghana is not religious, either his [Otabils] kind of Christian or Dabbousis kind of Moslem for the most part? Those he referred to as Christians are already in the business of running state bureaucracies and government in various capacities.

A chunk of the most corrupt politicians are arguably Otabils Christians (and Dabbousis Moslems). These Christians (and Moslems) steal from state coffers and then dish out part of these booties to pastors and churches in the form of offertory/tithes and as donations to religious charities.

These charitable acts are done to confirm the spiritual effectiveness of Otabils prosperity theology, with the latter remaining a far cry from the tenets of liberation theology and the soteriology of the first century.

These criminal philanthropists in turn get preferential treatments in the Ghanaian church. They also make pastors fabulously wealthy. It is a quid pro quo of sorts.

It is the same with some of Dabbousis criminally rich Moslem and criminally rich imam. Today it is difficult telling a criminally rich politician from a criminally rich pastor.

Then again are the judges caught on Anas Aremeyaw Anas investigative camera not either Christians or Moslems? What are the religions of the foul-mouthed communicators in both the NPP and the NDC? What is the religion of MP Nelson Abudu Baani, the same man who suggested on the parliamentary floor that adulterous women should be stoned to death, and of foul-mouthed male chauvinist and political ethnocentrist Kennedy Agyapong who made a wild claimwithout evidencethat Madam Charlotte Osei traded her womanhood for the EC Chair?

Was Adolf Hitler not a Christian? Were the architects of Apartheid not Christians? Was Osama bin Laden who openly nursed the idea of ruling Saudi Arabia someday not a Muslim? How about the influential conservative political theologian Rev. Pat Robertson, who vigorously lobbied for both Charles Taylor and Mobuto Sese Seko in the United States?

Is Mahamudu Bawumia, who lied about the voters register, made such a fool of himself at the 2012 petition trial, and now goes about conveniently using selective statistics to question the health of the economy, not a Muslim?

What about the religion of the inventor of Yen Akanfuo and All-Die-Be-Die? Is President Mahama who is widely blamed for mismanaging the economy not a Christian? Was the Taliban not made up of Muslims?

Fake Muslim and Christian clerics from Sheikh Ustaz Sham-una Jibril to Owusu Bempah are all into politics now, making all sorts of foolish and unscientific predictions about who is going to win the next presidential elections, creating unnecessary political and social tensions in the country.

Perhaps the major problem is that Christians, especially those Pentecostals and Charismatics, who hide behind the banner of divine grace (as well as the Bible and the Quran) to perpetrate all sorts of heinous crimes against the state and their fellow humans thinking that the benevolence of divine grace comes with no responsibility or strings attached, are not the answer to the nations myriad problems.

Interestingly enough, Christians and Muslims are better if not sophisticated thieves in our contemporary politics! And the contemporary church is one place, a haven, if you will, where Christian politicians and political Christians hide money stolen from the national coffers!

In fact, religion should be detached from politics as politicians hide behind the two major religions to commit crimes against the state. The point here is not to necessarily lump all religious folks as evilfar from it. Of course there are just too many good and conscionable Christians and Muslims out there. It is to rather reinforce the notion, contrary to Pastor Otabils, that Christians (and Muslims) have always been in government and politics but their legacies are nothing to write home about!

The central issue is that the problems we have as a people go beyond the simplistic formula of religion. After all, how many of our leaders have been practitioners of the Traditional Faith, atheists, Buddhists, agnostics, deists, and the like since independence?

All these examples attempt to explain why moral education and its expected remediation ramifications have remained endlessly illusionary, hopelessly useless platforms for dealing with corruption.

Thus, influential religious personalities like Otabil sometimes misuse the church as a bully pulpit in a way that it should not, although we acknowledge and endorse his practical wisdom in matters of political expediencyfor the most part.

In other words they tend to explain why the moral and political fight against corruption in the country remains a mirage. At the end of the day it is not as if most Christians (and Muslims) do not want to get into politics, because politics is corrupt and corrupting, but because they themselves are corrupt and do not want to come in and make a bad situation worse.

Then again criminality in the contemporary church is nothing new, and is more than astounding. Max Romeos Stealing in the Name of Jah and Paul Kellys Stealing in the Name of the Lord capture this criminal sentiment in the modern church. Cultures classic tune Jah Alone A Christian makes perfect sense.

Dabbousi and Otabil then need to answer the question of why members of their faiths in politics (and outside it) are so corrupt and overly materialistic to the point of grinding absurdity and abnormality.

What Ghana needs now are not criminal Christians and Muslims in national politics. What Ghana in fact needs now are men and women who will religiously uphold the constitution and then allow their consciences and patriotism to do the rest. Anything less spells disaster and doom!

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

Pastor Otabils presentation assumes an answer to this very question without the benefit of elaborate caveat (s). This question is just as important as the moral subtext of his presentation. The only problem we have on our hands is that it is not an easy question to answer with statistics.

There are those who, for instance, do not see Jehovahs Witnesses, Catholics, Mormons, and Rastafarianism to name but four, as Christian organizations. The Church of Christ on the other hand sees all other Christian denominations as non-Christian whose members are destined for hell.

And then there are the longstanding traditional conflicts between the Catholics, Presbyterians, and Methodists on the one hand and Pentecostals and Charismatics on the other hand. More so, there are many traditional Catholics, Presbyterians and Methodists who say Charismatic and Pentecostal churches are money-making machines, not soul-saving outfits. On the other hand, Charismatic and Pentecostal churches claim their Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist critics are spiritually dead.

Then again controversial Christian counselors, such as Rev. Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, who are of the view that anyone who says thank you Jesus after eating wifes food is stupid, are not considered Christians by some of their colleagues. Plus, not everyone considers Bishop Obinim a Christian. Finally, it is also possible that individuals from K.K. Kabobo, Azigiza Jr., Lord Kenya, Ofori Amponsah to Nana Kwame Amapdu may have become Christian pastors and evangelists for the love of money!

There is also the fact that some of those who claim to be Christians patronize Mallams and Traditional Priests, with some Christian clerics even going as far as buying spiritual powers from these Mallams and Traditional Priests. Neither does toting the Bible (and Quran) make one a Christian, for if it were so Kweku Bonsam will no doubt be deemed a Christian. He can liberally, even spontaneously, quote and discuss the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in ways many Christian cannot.

These may have been why Mark Twain remarked that If Christ were here there is one thing he would not bea Christian (As aside, Twain was alleged to have said that Christ learned to walk on water because Arabs who were in charge of the Sea of Galilee imposed exorbitant fees on those who both used and plied it). Yet, all these divisions and conflicts and misunderstandings are not unique to Christianity. Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and so on, all have these internal problems too.

Secular politics too have similar problems.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The point of it all is that Christians (and Muslims) are not morally superior to non-Christians (and non-Muslims) for that matter.

Even more importantly, Christians (and Muslims) are not superhuman. In other words being a Christian or Muslim does not mean loss of ones humanity. For instance in spite of his angelic godliness, Bishop Obinim has never publicly shied away that he is human given his defective pastoral and bishopric characterology. In another context, it is always easy to read through the rational subtlety of Otabils Machiavellian pretensions! This observation is public knowledge.

Are Otabil and his Christians superhuman and more politically astute than non-Christians? Why does he see political theology as foolproof antidote to the countrys myriad problems? What are his strategies to deal with the intrinsic fallibility and corruptibility of human nature? Does he see any connections among his brand of prosperity theology, greed, corruption, moral superiority, and materialism?

Otabil might decide to stand for political office and some of his church members might even vote against him. These maverick members of his church might argue that entrepreneurial and pastoral success is not necessarily transferable to secular politics. One wonders why he is not in politics himself! Still, we have not answered the one important question of all, which is that the more religious the country becomes the more evil, heinous crimes and corruption seem to increase in statistical volume!

Beyond that, whoever says financial incentives (incentivization) do not matter in the mushrooming of churches today is not of this world. The idea behind the Catholic Churchs selling indulgence to some of its members of yore is not dissimilar to what some contemporary Men of God in the Pentecostal and Charismatic folds insofar as soteriology goes. Perhaps the greatest irony is the House of the Lord and the Flagstaff House both of which have become a den of thieves!

An influential personality such as Otabil plays his politics so well, and wisely, owing his model success not necessarily to his charisma, his brand of prosperity theology, but, perhaps, to the unflinching financial support of his teaming membership and prudent investment strategies.

And by playing his politics well through selective patronage of a certain political party, perhaps the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in this case, he is rewarded handsomely with board memberships on lucrative concerns owned and managed by influential political players mostly associated with the NPP.

Likewise, we have strong suspicions that Dabbousi is in politics for the benefits, not because he hates President Mahama and his government, should Akufo-Addo win the presidency. Perhaps he has been promised a portfolio in a potential Akufo-Addo government? Who knows?

REFERNCES

Ghanaweb. Any Man Who Says Thank You Jesus After Eating Wifes Food Is Stupid-Lutterodt. October 5, 2016.

Ghanaweb. Im Not ScaredFadi Dabbousi. September 27, 2016.

Ghanaweb. Error of leadership, Cause of Ghanas WoesOtabil. October 6, 2016.

Ghanaweb. I respect President MahamaFadi Dabbousi. September 26, 2016.
The Head of Communications at the Electoral Commission, Eric Kofi Dzakpasu has rejected claims by the Progressive People's Party (PPP) that he masterminded the disqualification of their flagbearer, Papa Kwesi Nduom from the December 7 presidential race.

The PPP's Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary candidate, William Dorworkpor alleged on The Big Issue that Mr. Dzakpasu said he would show them where power lies because the party sued the EC in protest of the filing fees they complained was too high.

William Doworkpor, PPP Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary candidate

But Mr. Dzakpasu in responding to the allegation on Citi FM's News analysis programme, The Big Issue on Saturday said he couldn't have made such comment.

I don't know Mr. Doworkpor, I don't know at which gathering I made such claim. I personally subscribe to the idea that there are laid down legal means of resolving electoral dispute and I think anyone who goes to court over any issue of electoral dispute has a legitimate right to do so. I'm nowhere near those who even make decisions on receipt of nominations in terms of who goes through or who does not go through. I couldn't have said it and I didn't say anything of that nature, he stated.

The Policy Director for the PPP, Kofi Asamoah Siaw had also accused the EC of disqualifying its candidate because of the court case ; an allegation the ECs head of communication rejected.

EC is made up of seven commissioners and the 7 commissioners at any point in time couldn't have sat down to say that they are taking the PPP on, he argued.

Nduom, 12 other presidential aspirants disqualified

The PPP's presidential nominee was among 12 other party presidential nominees who were disqualified from the race due to errors on their nomination forms.

They have accused the EC of being bais against them.

Meanwhile, the party has vowed to fight the disqualification with all of its might in court after efforts to have the issue resolved amicably proved futile.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Two Illegal Domesticated Siberian Tigers Are Saved In Qingdao (Photo : Getty Images)

Contrary to earlier media reports that a family argument caused a female visitor to the Badaling Wildlife World zoo to leave her car and be attacked by a tiger, the victim, Zhao, said she was carsick. Because she blames the driver of the zoo patrol car nearby when the attack happened of not rescuing her after her husband asked for help, Zhao wants Badaling to pay her 2 million yuan as damage.



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However, Chen Xu, a lawyer who specializes in civil dispute, said there is slim chance the park would pay her 2 million yuan because there was also a mistake on her part. He explained, Compensation would have to be based on evidence that the woman had not made any mistake at the time.



But the truth is that she got out of the car herself. So I don't think she will win if she sues the zoo in court, he continued.



The zoo and Zhaos family have agreed that Badaling, located in Beijing, would pay the family 1.25 million yuan as compensation for the death of Zhaos mother who ran after her daughter and attempted to rescue Zhao but got killed instead. But in the case of Zhao, the zoo insisted it is only 20 to 30 percent responsible for the injuries she sustained, China Daily reported.



She and the zoo agreed to pay her 745,000 yuan, however, Badaling is not willing to pay her more for mental anguish and future medical treatment, but Zhao wants more.



The zoo is backed by results of an investigation by the Yanqing District government, released on Aug. 24, that it was Zhao who triggered the tiger attack because of her failure to follow safety warnings. The report pointed out park visitors were reminded several times not to get out of their vehicles and the zoo have also installed reminders all over the place.



But investigators said the zoo must further improve its emergency training and discover more ways to remind visitor to follow rules for their safety.



However, He Bing, law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said Badaling could have some liability and Zhao has the right to sue for money. The professor added telling tourists not to leave their car is not enough, but Badaling must take responsibility for protecting guests.






15.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - 'It all started around 12 midnight. The pressure from the waves was so intense that everyone had to run for their life.

''As I speak now, my boat, outboard motor and nets have all been carried away. I do not know what I will do to survive because I have nothing left to lean on,' Adzi Raka Tetteh, a victim of the recent tidal destruction at Jamestown in Accra could not hide his frustration as he recounted the event.''

'A mixture of desperation, anguish and sorrow was the mood in the area as residents stood in groups, wondering how they were going to pick up the pieces.'

Extreme tidal events along the coast of Ghana in the months of April and September did considerable damage to private and public infrastructure and underscored the vulnerabilities of many shorefront communities to coastal hazards, which would only become more severe and frequent due to changing climate and rising sea levels.

The wave events and destruction that followed have necessitated a rethink and national deliberations to examine institutional arrangements in place to plan for and respond to such hazards and occurrences, which are predicted to occur with higher frequencies.

The changing climate has the potential to adversely affect various sectors of the Ghanaian economy including, health, agriculture, forestry, environment, among others.

Other studies have shown that African countries to be the most vulnerable, especially their fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

News Reports

Recent news reports indicated that violent 'tidal waves' that swept through parts of the coast of Ghana left in their trail damage to the livelihoods of hundreds of fishermen, with storms destroying homes, fishing boats, outboard motors, fishing nets and other equipment of fishermen in the Greater Accra, Volta and Western Regions.

The disaster that occurred left many fisher folks dejected and government officials as usual paid sympathy visits to victims of one misfortune or another.

It is good to show sympathy to community members who have experienced misfortune through no fault of theirs. Showing concern is human and the government cannot be faulted for doing that.

It is important, however, to identify and carry out appropriate interventions in such vulnerable coastal communities instead of waiting for those areas to be under serious threat before any interventions are undertaken.

Coastal Flooding

Sanwoma ((also known as Ankobra) is one of over a dozen communities facing such a situation. This village is always knee-deep in water and floods twice daily at high tides.

The entire community would be gone or underwater at some point in the future.

During moon tides water levels as high as 0.7 meters gets inside schools and bedrooms and since 2014, seven people have drowned at night due to the unexpected high flood.

An old woman died three months ago sleeping in her bed when water invaded her room and she couldn't get out to save herself.

Mr Frank Kofigah, a resident of Fuveme, another such community on the Keta strip, says it is the fifth time the disaster has occurred in the area this year.

'A few dozen years ago, the sea was about 5km from the the village but today it is less than 5m. During high tides, the sea could move several metres inland and the recent wave event washed away about 30 houses including the only school in the village'.

Early Warning

We could predict with a high level of precision when high tide events would occur, and days when such flooding is most likely. Informing people of those periods when risk of flooding is highest could be provided to the coastal public, disaster relief and response agencies and district authorities to better prepare when such flooding events strike.

With good weather forecasting this information could provide the framework for an early warning system where high risk areas could be advised to evacuate and fishermen advised to move boats and other equipment to safe areas.

Mitigation and Coping Strategies

Coastal communities cannot afford to lose more lives and the situation is not going to get better as the sea level continue to rise.

Sea defence walls or relocation or soft approaches are possible ways of mitigation.

Sea defence: Shoreline protection works could protect private and public infrastructure. They are: appropriate in places where high value real estate, large populations and public infrastructure are at risk and the cost benefit is positive, but unlikely to be affordable in all places for all communities, so alternative solutions are necessary.

In some areas the presence of the structures have led to loss of fishing livelihoods and where the structures are defective, they have been overtopped by waves and hanging in the middle of nowhere.

Relocation

Various options could be considered for the short and long terms while emergency relocation of entire communities has been proposed for some vulnerable areas.

As land tenure and other socio cultural considerations are a constraint to such relocation, government and district assemblies needs to collaborate with the traditional leaders to fashion the way forward.

Soft Engineering

This involves the application of soft measures such as tree and other vegetation planting efforts, beach nourishment, beach cleaning, and construction setbacks, where there is a policy for communities to leave a reasonable distance between the high water mark of the tides and the settlement construction or any public infrastructure.

Challenges

Meanwhile, the main challenges identified with coastal protection include weak institutional capacity in public institutions at the district and national levels; lack of political will and interest; inadequate funding; limited knowledge and information of local communities, data standardisation and difficulty in integrating data from other institutions as well as turf protection.

Also identified were the need for strategic coordination between institutions relevant to coastal management and strengthening the Statutory Planning Committees at the district level to take responsibility for coastal management issues.

A recommended imperative for the National Develoment Planning Commission to the district assemblies was to highlight coastal management issues and expand their spatial planning function to cater for coastal management.

Barriers to coordination

However, there appears to be significant barriers to coordinated action against coastal erosion and flooding issues in Ghana.

These include the lack of integrated and standard information shared by the key actors; budgetary constraints for the coordination activities; absence of buy-in from local communities and territorial differences among Ministries, Departments Agencies; weak regulatory and planning frameworks which cause a lack of integrated views and policies on coastal management.

Also, research findings have focused on specific hotspots, but are not generally considered by the political decision makers at national and local levels. Institutions like National Disaster Management Organisation who are in charge of emergency actions are clearly left out of coastal disaster planning and preparedness until after a disaster event and they clearly lack resources to do any coordination.

What We Can Do

We need integrated approach to solving such natural shocks and must begin to look at big picture issues which require the collaboration of key stakeholders within the public and private sectors and civil society organisations and traditional authorities in capacity building programmes.

There is the need for the development of new policies and regulatory frameworks to protect the coast; as well as financing coastal protection and investments in public awareness and sensitisation.

There is also the essence of teaching communities to combat coastal erosion and adapt to climate change are much more social and environmentally adequate measures.

Policies

Integrated coastal management policies and practices seems not to be very developed in Ghana. It is imperative to develop a strategic coordination between institutions relevant to coastal management and establish a vision on coastal management.

Way Forward

Considering the list of actions and potential investments needed to combat coastal erosion and flooding in Ghana, it is imperative to create a national forum or coordination mechanism related to coastal protection planning and investment.

The government, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and private sector could work together towards the realisation of this objective.

As a first step, contiguous coastal areas could begin working together on such common issues as coastal erosion and flooding by invoking the relevant sections of the Local Government Act 462 and the National Development Planning Commission Act 480.

Conclusion

Generally, there is a strong opinion out there for the need to set up an interagency group to focus on integrated coastal management programmes, as the issues confronting Ghana's coast are enormous and complicated than one single line agency could handle under the current legal and institutional arrangements.

While details of such a programme together with institutional and legal framework should be among the priorities of government, the setting up of such working should have the authority and mandate from the President and if possible housed under the office of the Vice President.

There is the recognition that the most expensive investments of the country are within the coastal zone and most importantly, more than 30 per cent of Ghanaians live on six per cent of coastal lands where climate change stressors including flooding, sea level rise and coastal erosion wreak havoc with high frequency.

The time to take action is now!

GNA

A GNA feature by Lydia Asamoah/Kofi Agbogah
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - In October 1956, the people of Hungary stood up against the oppression of Soviet rule. The subsequent uprising almost succeeded but the Soviet Union finally re-established its control and the revolution was quashed by brutal efficiency.

From March 1944, during the Second World War, Hungary was occupied by the forces of Nazi Germany, being liberated by the Soviet Union's Red Army on April 4, 1945.

Backed by Joseph Stalin, Hungary's fledging communists bullied their way into power. Having destroyed all political opponents, the communists consolidated their grip on power and in 1949, Hungary had officially become the People's Republic of Hungary.

In just a matter of years, more than 300,000 Hungarians were purged under the communist rule: exiled, imprisoned or killed.

On 23 October 1956, students in Budapest staged a peaceful demonstration, having, the night before, drawn up a list of 16 demands

These include the need for a new government led by Imre Nagy; that all criminal leaders of the Stalinist era be immediately relieved of their duties; general election by universal and secret ballot to elect a new National Assembly with all political parties participating; for the Russian language to cease being a compulsory subject in Hungarian schools; and for the removal of Soviet troops from Hungary.

By the evening of the 23rd, the demonstration had reached 200,000 in number. 'Russians go home!' they shouted. Red stars were torn down from buildings.

A 30-foot bronze statue of Stalin in the city's Hero Square, erected five years previously as a gift to the dictator from the Hungarian People, was pulled down.

A delegation of protestors tried to broadcast their demands on national radio, demanding that the radio should belong to the people. The police opened fire and killed several demonstrators.

The communist regime condemned the protest and sent in the troops, but found that many of his soldiers sided with the demonstrators.

What had begun as a peaceful demonstration turned very quickly into a full-scale revolution.

On 28 October, the Soviet Union withdrew its troops from Hungary. People sensed victory. Political parties, long since banned, reformed; new newspapers sprung up, most only a side long, plastered up on shop fronts, trees and street lamps.

The new Prime Minister, Imre Nagy, promised open elections and a coalition government.

But the Soviet Union ordered the tanks back in. They reappeared in Hungary on November 3, and entered Budapest the following day. This time, with brutal efficiency, the uprising was crushed.

Nagy appeared on Radio Budapest early on the morning of November 4, as the tanks started their devastating work in the capital: 'This is Imre Nagy speaking. Today at daybreak Soviet forces started an attack against our capital, obviously with the intention to overthrow the legal Hungarian democratic government. Our troops are still fighting; the Government is still in its place. I notify the people of our country and the entire world of this fact.'

And that was it. Nagy's voice disappeared - no one ever heard it again. Seconds later, the National Anthem played, not the communist version but the anthem that brought tears to patriotic hearts. A couple hours later, at 8.10, Radio Budapest broadcast its last appeal, 'Help Hungary help, help, help,' before being taken off air.

Just after 1 pm on November 4, Moscow radio announced, 'The Hungarian counter-revolution has been crushed.' Nagy sought sanctuary in the Yugoslavian embassy and was replaced by the harder JAnos KAdAr, who, loyal to Moscow, welcomed the return of Soviet forces to crush the 'counter-revolutionary threat'.

More than 200,000 Hungarians fled across the border into Austria and the West until that escape route was sealed off. Thousands were executed or imprisoned by KAdAr's regime in reprisal.

Imre Nagy, lured out of the embassy by a promise of safe passage to Belgrade, a promise written by KAdAr himself, was arrested and taken to Romania. Later, he was smuggled back into Hungary, charged with treason, tried and, on the orders of KAdAr, was executed on June 16, 1958.

His body was buried within the prison yard.

The remains of Nagy were reinterred during a formal public funeral on the 31st anniversary of his execution.

There were more than 100,000 mourners in attendance. Just two months after Nagy's reburial, his country played an important part in accelerating the collapse of communism. Soviet troops finally withdrew from Hungary in 1991.

The October 23, is now celebrated as a Hungarian national holiday.

GNA
15.10.2016 LISTEN

By Dennis Peprah, GNA

Bomaa, (B/A), Oct. 15, GNA - Mrs Freda Prempeh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North in the Brong-Ahafo Region, has advised the electorate to reject offers from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

She said they should vote on merit in the December 7 polls.

She alleged that the NDC would approach and entice them with gifts and money for their votes in the general election, but asked voters to examine their living conditions and cast their votes accordingly.

Addressing supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a rally to launch her Election 2016 campaign at Bomaa, near Duayaw-Nkwanta, Mrs Prempeh appealed to the electorate not to 'trade the future of the country with gifts and scanty monetary gains'.

She reminded voters of high electricity and water tariffs, collapse of the National Health Insurance Scheme, School Feeding Programme, free maternal care and a number of poverty intervention strategies that the erstwhile NPP government left behind.

Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's Vice Presidential Candidate said no amount of insults and intimidations could stop the opposition from criticising the government.

He said the NDC lacked ideas and policy direction, hence it had destroyed the solid and sound economic foundation the NPP laid to facilitate national socio-economic transformation.

Dr Bawumia indicated that a new NPP government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the Presidential candidate would make life better for all classes of the Ghanaian population, and advised the electorate to vote for the Party in the general election.

GNA
By Jerry Azanduna, GNA

Zebilla (UE) Oct. 15 GNA - Schools in the Upper East Region have been urged to include the climate change concept in their curricula so that students would learn from an early age how to adapt to and mitigate its effects.

Climate change increases the frequency, intensity and uncertainty of weather and climatic conditions such as floods, tropical cyclones, heat waves and drought.

It leads to ecosystem degradation, reduce availability of water and food and increase health threats among others.

Mr Obed Asunka, the Project Officer for the Garu Presbyterian Agricultural Station in charge of the climate change concept in the Upper East Region, made the call at the Teacher's Day celebration at Zebilla in the Bawku West District.

The project was aimed at supporting the people to fight and minimise the effects of Climate Change on human lives by raising awareness and advocacy and is being championed by OXFAM, an international organisation working to improve on the lives of rural people.

Mr Asunka said human influence on the climate system was having a negative impact on the environment all over the world and Ghana could suffer devastating consequences if nothing was done to mitigate the situation.

'In view of this, it would be appropriate if the Ghana Education Service could champion the cause of fighting climate change by educating the students and using its platforms to sensitise the population on the need to stop environmental degradation,' he said.

Mr Asunka said bush burning and deforestation promoted global warming was a major threat to the environment, and called on Ghanaians to desist from such negative practice.

He called on the teachers to see the need for adaptation and mitigation as complementary strategies for reducing and managing the risks of climate change.

Mr Peter Danguah Kpakpo, the representative from the unions in education called on teachers to help eradicate bad climatic conditions in the country.

He said teachers should promote forestation by planting trees in their communities and school compounds, churches, mosques and other social places to prevent global warming.

GNA
15.10.2016 LISTEN

By Awudu Salami, GNA

Kintampo B/A, Oct. 15, GNA - Sheikh Zaeem Abdul Wadud Harun Cisse, the National President of Tijjaniya Muslims of Ghana, has appealed to Ghanaians to shun political extremism as the nation prepares for the December 7 general election.

He said multiparty democracy was a healthy game of diverse ideas whose collective goal was the comfort of the nation.

"Therefore, this year's election should be regarded as another opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic pluralism and national stability," he said.

Zaeem Cisse made this known at a meeting by members of the Tijjaniya Sufi Order at Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo Region.

He advised politicians to pursue their trade in the context of unity for national prosperity, which would help sanitise the political environment, promote national integration, and enhance good governance.

He said politicians were not only leaders but also servants of God.

"Indeed, they hold political power in trust of the masses and stand to be accountable to the Supreme Lord. They must, therefore, uphold the values of transparency, honesty, and equity to pass the Divine Test on the day of accountability," he said.

Commenting on the significance of elections in democratic politics, the Islamic Scholar described it as means by which various political parties secure the mandate of the citizens to serve God and humanity.

He stated that elections were opportunities of diversity not sources of animosity and must be conducted in the supreme interest of the people and with absolute love for the country.

Zaeem Cisse expressed concern about the involvement of youth in political violence, saying that they are the best beneficiaries of stability and the worst victims of anarchy.

He therefore urged the youth to resist any effort by any individual or institution to use them as firewood for political inferno.

The Tijjaniya Leader also advised media practitioners to allow patriotism to rule their performance.

"Your ideation, your diction, your presentation, must all be constructive and promotive of peace, love, unity, and development of Ghana," he added.

GNA
By Lydia Asamoah, GNA

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and four other organisations have signed an agreement under an initiative to provide life micro-insurance for fisher folk within the fishing communities in the country.

The agreement forms part of commitments to transform and develop Ghana's Fisheries and Agricultural sector while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for poverty and hunger reduction.

In the letter of agreement signed by the representatives of various partners, each partner's role and responsibilities were spelt out in the micro-insurance initiative, which involved a savings-linked life micro insurance product with a permanent disability embedded.

The initiative was expected to significantly benefit the livelihoods of about 135,000 individuals in the fishing community comprising, 71,000 inland fisher folk and 27,000 women involved in fish processing and marketing.

USAID, under its Ghana Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), is implementing the initiative in partnership with Millennium Insurance, UT Life, Vodafone Ghana and BIMA.

BIMA, a world leading micro-insurance and health services provider, would support with the distribution and policy administration of the product while Millennium Insurance and UT Life Insurance would underwrite it and the SMFP would support education and sensitisation of fisher folk on the insurance initiatives and also make available its local partners to support the registration efforts.

Vodafone Ghana would support the partnership by deploring its mobile money platforms for premium collections and claim payment.

At the signing ceremony in Accra, Dr Brian Crawford, Chief Party of SFMP said his organisation was facilitating the micro-insurance initiative for the fisher folks based upon a request from the fishers at various platforms for such an initiative to improve their lots, especially during closed fishing seasons, a period where fishermen are banned from fishing and disturbing the sea to enable restock of fish.

He said the agreement was a private sector led initiative to complement Government adopted a fishery policy which also has an aspect of micro insurance for fishers.

Dr Crawford explained that there were more than 200, 000 people directly employed in the fishing industry but 2.2 million people depended on fishing as a way of life and as livelihoods and that the insurance package could serve as social benefits to them.

Ms Mary Dove, General Manager in charge of Operations at Millennium Insurance said anybody whose livelihoods depended on the sea qualified to be part of the programme.

She explained that it was a savings link policy with death and personal accident benefits- 'which means that part of the contributions paid goes to a savings fund and the other is used for the insurance product itself'.

'The fisher folk select either a term of three or five years cover after which one can withdraw the money and then continue contributing. The policy packages include a permanents total disability, income support benefits, and maturity benefits,' she said.

The insurance policy would also offer the policy holder a once a year opportunity to withdraw up to 30 per cent of total annual contribution, which could be used as a pay out during any potential closed season.

Ms Yolanda Zoleka Cuba Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone Ghana Limited said Vodafone has more than 80 per cent coverage and still working to expand to the rest of the country so they could cover everybody everywhere.

'For us it is an important milestone as this is not only a business transaction but it's a social impact initiative and part of our core strategy around inclusion,' We should make sure we leave no one digitally behind," Ms Cuba said.

Mr Kwaku Yeboah-Asuamah Managing Director of UT Life Insurance said the agreement was a good thing that would allow fishers to redraw money during lean seasons and would contribute to their quality of life by increasing their economic and social security benefits.

GNA
Accra, Oct 15, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday arrived ina aLomA, Togo, to attend the Heads of State meeting of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security, Safety and Development in Africa.

aA statement issued in Accra on Saturday and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the summit was aimed at making maritime space the key driver of Africa's economic and social development. a

Discussions awould focus on issues of maritime insecurity, preservation of marine life, the sea as a factor for development, regional and international cooperation to safeguard maritime safety.

The meeting among others would consider how to curb criminal acts that breach peace, security, and navigation of the African seas, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

President Mahama would return to Accra, later in the day.

GNA
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Springs of Joy Ministries International, on Saturday held a free medical screening and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal for residents of East Legon and surrounding areas in Accra.

The exercise, which was held in collaboration with the Executive Fitness Club, was also used to create awareness on breast cancer and screening by Pledge Pink Ghana.

Participants were screened for their blood type, Body Mass Index, blood pressure, malaria and hepatitis B.

Members of the Church and the public led by Prophet Dr Akwasi Agyeman Prempeh, the General Overseer of Springs of Joy Ministries International walked through some of the principal streets of East Legon before converging at the East Legon Executive Fitness Club premises for the medical screening.

In an interview with journalists, Prophet Prempeh said the exercise was the church's contribution to the needy in the communities around East Legon to be able to meet their health needs.

He said through the Church's non-governmental arm, Helping Generations, which was initiated by professionals within the mission, aimed to help the community, especially the needy either in health or in financial challenges.

Prophet Prempeh said the Church every year undertakes the exercise to educate the community and since October was a month of awareness creation for breast cancer the Church was taking the opportunity to sensitise the community about how important it is for them to have a regular check-up.

"Today our target is to register and renew the NHIS card of 500 people free of charge," he said.

Mrs Rosemond Prempeh, the first lady of the Church, said for cancer early detection was key and encouraged the women to go for the screening and not be scared.

She said the target was to screen about 250 women and those who would be found to have the lump would be referred to authorities for further examination and support.

Mrs Prempeh said it was important that no woman was stigmatised because of breast cancer and that the Church believed in going out into the communities to offer support and counselling to men whose wives might be going through cancer.

Mr Emmanuel Kyeremanten Agyarko, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wugon, lauded the Springs of Joy Ministries International for the continuous effort to enhance its relationship with the community, especially the support for the needy.

Mr Martin Brobbey, Events Committee Chairman of the Executive Fitness Club, said he was happy about the collaboration to offer medical screening for residents of East Legon.

GNA
By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - The Head of Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing, University of Ghana, says nursing and midwifery would be respected if the officials step up their game to improve on their image across Ghana and beyond.

According to Dr Lydia Aziato: 'In today's Ghana the image of nursing is on the negative trail where one can find negative media reports about nurses and midwives across the country.'

Dr Aziato said within the Ghanaian milieu, the populace expected the nurse to show desired courtesy, adding that the demeanour of a nurse and her choice of words were important determinants of satisfaction.

She was speaking at the Nightingale Awards Ceremony held at the 37 Military Hospital to climax the hospital's 75 anniversary celebrations in Accra.

The occasion which saw both serving and retired Military and civilians staff receiving plaques for their long service and hard work was on theme: 'Military Nightingale: Ensuring client satisfaction through quality service and adequate staffing.'

The occasion was also used to mark the end a week long Trade Fair held by the Hospital.

Dr Aziato noted that no matter the competency of a nurse or midwife, if their communication with patients was not appropriate, the care they would be offering to patients would also be perceived as negative.

She therefore urged them acquire social and interpersonal skills that were responsive to the socio-cultural needs of the patients.

The Head of Department of Adult Heath, School of Nursing called on the Hospital staff to continue to acquire requisite skills and expertise saying: 'Requirement of quality care calls for continuous professional development as well as seeking academic progression and specialisation.'

According to her: 'An enhanced expertise would contribute to autonomous nursing practice where specialists nurses and midwives are able to make independent decision and contribute to policy.

'I caution her that such autonomous actions should be done within the legal framework and institutional policies and protocols.'

Dr Asiago opined that quality care was enhanced when nurses and midwives were enlightened.

She admonished the staff to always be committed to lifting the image of the Hospital and emphasised the need to actively engage in research at all levels so that care in the future would be evidence based.

On staffing, Dr Aziato asked the authorities to take steps to employ more hands to avert cases where nurses and midwives were overworked.

She proposed an effective mentorship for new student nurses and midwives in order to prepare them for the future.

Dr Aziato called on the Ministry of Defence to create a more enabling environment for staff so that they could give off their best to clients.

She also recommended the establishment of a Research Fund so that officials could access it to enhance their research activities which include client satisfaction surveys.

'Let us remember that there is no quality if clients are not satisfied,' she added.

Brigadier General Ralph K. Ametepi, Director General of the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services, congratulated the staff who had worked tirelessly for the Hospital over the years.

He said the Military High Command was taking steps to curtail shortage of staff and other medical challenges.

GNA
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - The UN Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon has highlighted the close relationship between climate change, sustainable agriculture and food and nutrition security on this year's World Food Day scheduled for October 16.

He was speaking on: 'The climate is changing, Food and Agriculture must too.'

The target for the Day is to throw more light on how agriculture could be diversified to conquer challenges posed by climate change.

The UN Secretary General said in order to bolster food security in a changing climate; countries must address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development.

He said targeted investments in these sectors would build resilience and increase the incomes and productivity of small farmers, lifting millions from poverty.

They would also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard health and well-being.

'Agriculture must be more resilient, productive, inclusive and sustainable,'' Mr Moon said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

The UN Secretary General expressed worry on the increasing effects of climate change on the ecosystem and agriculture making production of food difficult to meet the demands of the expanding global population.

Mr Moon said record-breaking temperatures, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe droughts and floods caused by climate change were affecting society's ability to produce food.

'The most vulnerable people are world's poorest, 70 per cent of who depend on subsistence farming, fishing or pastoralism for income and food,' he said.

He said without concerted actions, millions of people would fall into poverty and hunger, which would threaten or reverse hard won-gains and endanger the UN's ability to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

To salvage the situation, Mr Moon said next month, the historic Paris Agreement on climate change would enter into force, which would provide a much-needed boost to global efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, limit temperature rise and promote climate-compatible sustainable agriculture.

The UN Secretary General urged governments and their partners to take a holistic, collaborative and integrated approach to climate change, food security and equitable social and economic development.

'We can achieve a world of zero hunger and free from poverty, where all people can live in peace, prosperity and dignity only through partnership,' Mr Moon said.

GNA
A customer orders dishes from a menu of an Italian luxury restaurant in Beijing. (Photo : Getty Images)

A growing number of international luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada and Hermes, have ventured into China's food industry and the trend continues, according to an article by the Global Times.



Advertisement

For some luxury brands, Beijing has become one of the top choices. Louis Vuitton, which owns the Crystal Jade La Mian Xio Long Bao restaurant, has opened two restaurants in the city.



Montblanc, a German luxury brand, manages a chocolate coffee shop in Sanlintun while British luxury brand, Alfred Dunhill, opened Alfie's, a restaurant, in Beijing in 2013.



"Luxury has become a common cross-border phenomenon," Huang Shuxiong, a partner at an advisory firm, said.



"It can take advantage of brand influence, and mine their brand value," Huang was quoted as saying in the report. "By cleverly publicizing its brand culture and lifestyle concepts, luxury-branded restaurants and other enterprises can firmly lock in high-end consumer groups."



The report said that luxury brands have enticed many Chinese food lovers who can afford to spend money on lavish meals in a luxurious environment. Some people however, are concerned that foodies focus too much on brand and that luxury restaurants may soon lose their consumers.



According to the report, this is due to brand effect in which fans of luxury brands want to experience everything related to their favorite brands, while others believed it as a way of improving their lifestyle.



Zhang Jieke, 33, a food artist in Beijing, questions if the "luxury restaurant" concept was sustainable.



"What makes many consumers eager to try these kinds of restaurants is not the food they have. It is the novelty of the experience and the concepts associated with a lifestyle of luxury or high-quality personal taste that draws them," Zhang said.



"But after the novelty wears off, it will be hard for luxury restaurants to keep repeat customers," Zhang added.



On the contrary, Zhang said that an average person can buy similar types of food at a lower price in Shanghai's street restaurants and be sufficiently fed.



He added that many young Chinese are willing to spend money and enjoy highly priced meals, but for them the most important thing is they have satisfied their need for luxury brands. For people who cannot afford to buy luxury items, experiencing the lifestyle in luxury restaurants fill the gap for these people.



"Most of them can't afford a luxury bag or watch. But hundreds of yuan for one dinner per month in a luxury-branded restaurant is acceptable to them," Zhang said.



For luxury brands, it has been a smart decision for them to break into the Chinese food industry, Huang said. The decline in sales of luxury goods in 2014 drove luxury brands to expand their sales model and add diverse elements to their brands, he added.



"Luxury brands gradually turn themselves from selling brands and products to selling a lifestyle, which includes restaurants," said Zhou Ting, director of Fortune Character Institute, a high-end lifestyle research and advisory body in China, said.



It is also easier for restaurants to reach the public and luxury brands are aiming for more middle-class consumers, including young Chinese.



According to Patrizio Sacchetto, director of operations at COVA Beijing, luxury brands can use their high-quality food, service and international vision to attract consumers. He said getting into the food business provided luxury brands with variety and competition.



"China is an important market for us. Chinese young people are our target because they are open-minded and willing to try new things," Sacchetto added.


By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA

Ho, Oct. 15, GNA - Visits to major tourist sites and attractions in Volta Region, have declined from 91,594 in 2014 to 10,728 in 2015, Alhaji Sulemana Amadu, Senior Resource Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GHA), has said.

He described the decline as a 'heavy blow' to the industry and blamed it on 'petty squabbles' relating to land ownership and management of the facilities.

Alhaji Amadu who was addressing this year's Regional Tourism Awards ceremony in Ho, said bad roads, inadequate activities at the sites and lack of data also contributed to the decline.

He said the situation was gradually collapsing some attractions and sites and called for concerted efforts from stakeholders, especially traditional rulers to reposition the Region as major tourist destination in the country.

Alhaji Amadu called on Municipal and District Assemblies in the Region to give priority to tourism development and promotion.

He said the Authority was strategising to enable more rural communities to participate and enjoy benefits of tourism through 'stay home' concept, which allowed visitors to stay with host families within rural communities.

Mr Spencer Doku, Manager, Planning and Business Development, GHA, described the Region as a 'giant' in tourism resources and appealed to stakeholders to help develop and promote the sector.

Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Deputy Minister, Tourism and Creative Arts, asked payers in the hospitality industry to re-package festivals in the Region to attract tourists.

She also urged them to ensure quality service delivery, saying, 'service must not change. The name of the hotel can change, workers can leave but quality service must not change'.

A total of 27 individuals, attractions and sites were awarded and appreciated for their contributions to the sector in the year.

GNA
By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, Oct 15, GNA - Dr Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Executive Director, Financial Accountability and Transparency - Africa (FAT-Africa), a civil society organisation, has called for transparency and accountability in the funding of political parties in Ghana.

He said transparency demanded that Ghanaian voters had the right to know how parties were funded in order to make informed choices.

Dr Kan-Dapaah, who was speaking in Accra during a media engagement on political party funding and accountability, said Ghanaians deserved to ask for transparency and disclosures in political party funding and how the money was disbursed.

The programme which was organised by FAT-Africa under the Star-Ghana Initiative, was attended by more than 50 journalists from both the private and public sector media.

He said financiers of most political parties did it with the aim of regaining when the party came into power.

He explained that 'This is something we must not accept. That is why there is the need for full accountability and disclosure of political party funding.'

Mr Francis Darko Asare, the Programme Manager, FAT-Africa, called for public funding of political parties.

He said political parties funding in Ghana remained unregulated; declaring that "monies that come to political parties for their campaigns and day to day running are unlimited, undisclosed and unknown".

"There are serious costs and consequences for the current state of affairs that affect both our nation and even the political parties themselves," he added.

Mr Darko Asare said under such a system, politics and political systems would be liable to capture by small number of moneybags and moneyed interests including some of foreign origin.

He warned that parties and campaigns stood the risk of becoming conduits for criminal elements to launder illicit money - drug money.

"Perhaps, it is time to make the spending of the monies of Ghanaians by political parties legitimate by providing a framework that regulates the financing of political parties in Ghana.

"We believe that this advocacy must not stop until the powers that be change their minds and decide to their signature to a bill on the Public Funding of Political Parties," Mr Darko Asare added.

GNA
Veronica Kumako, a middle-aged trader whom Vodafone Healthline assisted with surgery to correct her face tumor last year, has expressed her profound gratitude to the telecommunication giant, adding that her life is more than beautiful now.

Following a decade of misery, the cheerful Veronica said she is now empowered to socialize, laugh and work to provide for himself and his teenage son, Ishmael.

Before the successful surgery, Vero was living with a tumor that encroached into her eyes, disfigured her face, made breathing difficult and made her a liability to her immediate family, neighbors and customers alike.

I started feeling some swelling in my nostrils at age 24. Three years later, I couldn't breathe well and later a small boil appeared closer to my eye. I didn't take it serious until it became so big that I had to go to Battor, where I was transferred to Korle Bu said Vero on the award-winning television show, Vodafone Healthline. When my condition didn't get better after five years, my husband absconded and left me to my fate.

Vero said initially she couldn't do her business in the market because no one wanted to come close to her but now, everything has changed. Now my heart is at rest and I give Vodafone Ghana the credit, she added.

Healthline, since 2011, has catered for the full cost of surgeries for many Ghanaians suffering from various health conditions who cannot afford to pay for their medical bills, and also educates, informs and demystified various myths on health related conditions.

Season 6 of the 13-episode series airs on UTV at 9pm on Mondays, with a repeated version on TV3 on Saturdays at 6:30pm.


A 25-year-old self-styled native doctor has been arrested by Police in the Central Region for allegedly kidnapping and raping a pregnant teenager.

Chris Bonny was arrested upon a complaint by the family of the victim that she was missing.

Joy News' Richard Kojo Nyarko reported that the 16- year-old victim upon agreement with her boyfriend to terminate her pregnancy, consulted Chris Bonny.

According to the victim, the suspect said having sexual intercourse with her was the only way to successfully terminate the pregnancy.

She alleged the self-styled native doctor gave her concoctions and alcohol to weaken her, then he would have sex with her while she stayed at his house.

According to her, he had sex with her twenty-five times in the five days that she lived with him and her attempts to flee were unsuccessful.

She alleged the 'doctor' would always send her boyfriend and her girlfriend who checked up on her regularly on errands before having sex with her.

He said I risked being paralyzed or getting me and my entire family wiped off the surface of the earth if I ever mentioned to anybody that he had been sleeping with me.

He slept with me in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and at dawn when my boyfriend was lying beside me. He would tap me and beckon me away from where my boyfriend slept and have sex with me, the victim said in Twi.

The Awutu-Breku police apprehended the boyfriend of the victim and the self-styled native doctor after a complaint was lodged by the girl's family that she was missing.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | AA
Niamey (AFP) - Niger has launched an army operation to hunt down a kidnapped American aid worker, the west African country's interior minister said Saturday.

The aid worker -- the first US national to be kidnapped in Niger -- was abducted Friday night in the town of Abalak, in the restive central Tahoua region.

"A search is underway. Our forces have been mobilised," Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum told AFP by telephone.

The kidnappers are still in Niger, he added, after a security source told AFP earlier that they had already slipped across the border to Mali.

Bazoum said the abductors were "jihadists or bandits" seeking to sell the American to Islamist extremists operating in Mali.

He did not name the victim, but the interior ministry said he had been living in the area since 1992 for JEMED, an aid group working with the local Tuareg community.

The ministry said the kidnappers, who were armed and travelling in a Toyota, had burst into the man's home on Friday night around 9:00 pm.

They killed a bodyguard and a member of the national guard, before seizing the aid worker and heading west in the Toyota.

"These criminals are presently en route towards Mali," the ministry said in a statement, adding: "Our forces are on their trail."

A US State Department spokesperson told AFP said they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

Aid worker 'refused to leave'

Niger's army faces frequent attacks from armed groups coming from Mali, thus keeping a heavy military presence deployed along its northwestern frontier

A local resident who knows the aid worker said he was "perfectly integrated with the population" having lived nearby since the 1990s, speaking the Tuaregs' Tamasheq language fluently as well as Fula and Arabic.

"We tried many times to make him leave the area as he was more exposed than ever, but he refused, saying he wasn't afraid," the resident said on condition of anonymity.

Northern Mali fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in 2012. A French-led military intervention pushed them out, but swathes of the country remain out of government control and awash with armed groups.

Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence in neighbouring countries, including Mali.

The army has a heavy presence deployed along its northwestern frontier and Niamey has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the Mali conflict.

"To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger," Issoufou said this week during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Last week, 22 of Niger's soldiers were killed when armed men who had travelled from Mali launched an attack on a refugee camp in the town of Tazalit.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast from Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram.

The Tahoua region, where Friday's kidnapping took place, neighbours Agadez where the US has a military base which it uses to launch surveillance drones targeting jihadist groups.

A senior security source told AFP the kidnapping came as a surprise, as "the Americans do not pay ransoms".

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country.

Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.
The Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper says President John Dramani Mahama was wrong in questioning the cost of the redenomination of the cedi.

Speaking on MultiTV/Joy FM news analysis show, Newsfile, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako said: "the President goofed and goofed big time."

President John Mahama while on a campaign tour at the Ablekuma North constituency in Accra last week questioned the cost of the cedi redenomination undertaken by President John Kufuor's government in 2007.

President John Mahama pictured above

He challenged the NPP's vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who was then a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to come clean on the cost of the redenomination.

Related: Bawumia has the nerves to talk about incompetence - Mahama

In a response, Dr. Bawumia said the request by the President was another "demonstration of incompetence."

Kweku Baako in his submission on the issue said the comment by the President was an "inexcusable gaffe" that must not be rationalized.

Mr Baako believes "it was just politics...propaganda on a political platform which all of them do anyway...but in this case it is the President so you take him on, you deal with it but because he is our president, we are showing some little moderation and respect in dealing with this matter."

Kweku Baako read part of a Parliamentary Hansard of December 4th, 2006. According to the Hansard, the then Governor of the Bank of Ghana was asked to disclose the cost of the exercise in parliament but he did not give the full figure.

However, with reference to a Daily Graphic publication, Mr Baako said 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.

"There is no need to rationalize it....yesterday I heard some NDC communicators trying to revise the whole thing to the effect that the president was not talking about the cost of the printing but that there were some other related things which should be added to, then why didn't the President tell us? he quizzed.

Policy Advisor to the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Kofi Asamoah Siaw on the same platform said the President's comment is evidence of a "desperation that has hit the NDC campaign and they are pushing the President so hard...they should give him a break so that he can retire peacefully after December 7."

On his part, the NPP MP for Obuasi West Kwaku Kwarteng quoted a Daily Graphic publication Mr Baako referred to. He said the story, authored by Samuel Doe Ablordepe read: "The bank of Ghana spent a total of $66.2 million about E62,188 million on the redenomination exercise, the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Paul Acquah has disclosed."

Kwaku Kwarteng

He then challenged the President to arrest the culprits if he suspects any corrupt dealings in the redenomination of the cedi.

The NDC MP for North Dayi, George Loh, on the other hand, reiterated the President's call and urged Dr. Bawumia to make public the cost of the redenomination exercise.

George Loh

Kindly find attached video below.



Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Akosua Asiedua Akuffo | [email protected]
A new research by the Social Enterprise Activity in Ghana has revealed that 98 social enterprises in Ghana currently employ 998 young people directly, impacting 103,148 lives in Ghana.

This was announced at the British Council Ghana high level launch of the Social Enterprise Activity in a Ghana Research Report.

The event which was held at the British Council in Accra brought together the private sector, development partners, civil society, academia, government and social enterprise experts.

Welcoming participants, Liliana Biglou, Head of British Council Ghana, recounted her experience with some underprivileged women in Kenya which motivated her to appreciate the value of social enterprise.

Businesses have power not for profit alone, but to bring social empowerment to societies, she said.

She reiterated that the British Council is keen to leverage the UK experience with Ghana's flair for innovation and the need for socially relevant solutions.

From the report, there are about 26,000 social enterprises operating in Ghana.

About 98 social enterprises sampled nationwide for this research are currently employing over 900 people annually earning over GHC 8 million Ghana cedis.

The research identifies some key bottlenecks affecting the growth of the social enterprise ecosystem in Ghana.

These include 71% reporting access to financing, 47% debt and equity, 32% lack of understanding of social enterprise operational model, 26% lack of technical skills and 32% lack of advisory and other support services.

The report also highlights some growth plans for the ecosystem in Ghana including 59% reporting increase in sales and customers, 61% expanding to new geographical areas and 59% attracting new investments.

The report highlights a positive outlook for the social enterprise in Ghana with the current support systems by government and other development partners including the British Council.

Highlighting some of the achievements in the ecosystem in Ghana, Sydney Hushie  head of British Council Ghana social enterprise programme indicated that the British Council in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and SE Ghana are in the process of development of a social enterprise policy for Ghana which is to streamline operation of social enterprises.

He also mentioned the setup of a social enterprise network, support of the Social enterprise Award with the AGI and connection of social enterprises to the UK market.

In his keynote address, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry, spoke on the potential of social enterprises to create jobs, transfer technology, and create new products and services.

He mentioned government's efforts at fostering an enabling environment for social enterprises to prosper.

According to Dr Spio-Garbrah, the government of Ghana has a rural entrepreneurship programme currently running in 161 districts, as well as opportunities for funding made-in-Ghana technology through the GRATIS foundation.

By: citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Lome, Togo, to attend the Heads of State meeting of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa.

The Lome summit is aimed at making maritime space the key driver of Africa's economic and social development.

Discussions will focus on issues of maritime insecurity, preservation of marine life, the sea as a factor for development, regional and international cooperation to safeguard maritime safety.

Today's meeting of the Heads of State will among others consider how to curb criminal acts that breach the peace, security, and navigation of the African seas, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

President Mahama will return to Accra, later today.

-Flagstaff House
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Three Christian based organisations have donated books and hygiene kits worth 2,000 dollars to kids of the Street Academy at a ceremony in Accra.

They are Victory International Foundation, Dixmoor House of Prayer in Chicago, and Adopt-A-Lamp Ghana.

The organisations have jointly take up the responsibility to sponsor 27 kids in junior high school to the senior high school levels.

Presenting the Items, Reverend Ray Johnson, Director of Victory International Foundation on behalf of the organisations said they were touched by the plight of the kids hence extended a hand to them.

Rev Johnson said a few months ago they decided to adopt the Street Academy and introduce other organisations to the boy as a result of the support given to less privileged children in the society

He said the items were to be given to the kids to facilitate their academic work.

Rev Johnson said items including reading books would afford the kids the opportunity to engage in reading after school.

According to him every year, more children would be given financial assistance to propel their academic work.

Mr Ataa Lartey, Executive Director, Street Academy expressed gratitude to the organisations for lending a hand to the children, adding that their support would go a long way to advance the course of the less privileged in the society.

GNA
By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Three Former Presidents; Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor received awards on Friday for their contribution to the tourism sector in Ghana during their tenure of office.

The awards, received by their representatives formed part of the maiden edition of the tourism hall of fame awards night organised in Accra by the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF).

In an address read on her behalf, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative arts said, the government was working intensely to improve the tourism sector.

She therefore, made a call to the private tourism sector to cooperate with the government to improve the sector.

"I wish to appeal to the private tourism sector to develop much more interest in the current development plan, make their inputs, and ensure successful execution," she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said, government was paying much attention to the infrastructure especially access roads leading to tourist sites.

"Government, through my ministry is pursuing the redevelopment of the Efua Sunderland Children's Park into a world-class recreational Centre," she added.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare used the occasion to congratulate GHATOF, the organisers of the event, and the award winners of the maiden tourism hall of fame awards.

Speaking on the theme for the event: "Tourism, our heritage for national development", Nene Nagai Kassa VII, Chief of Agormeda and the Chairman for the night said Ghanaians must learn to appreciate people while they were alive.

He appealed to stakeholders of the tourism sector to give the needed attention to the tourism private sector.

"Tourism is one of the sectors that draws a lot of income into the country and so let's help them to grow"

The Hall of Fame 2016 was awarded to nominees in various categories including Bust, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories with the former head of states picking awards for the Bust category.

Baffour Nana Anim(I), Sanaahene of Akyem Ati-Amanfrom and President of the GHATOF was also awarded with "Exemplary Leadership Recognition" special awards.

Royal Mac Dick Hotel, Sunseekers Tours and Azmera Restaurant were honoured with the Gold awards.

The Mole National Park and South Ridge Hotel were honoured with Silver awards while Japan International Corporation Authority received a bronze award for their contribution to the tourism sector.

Appreciation awards, Special Recognition life time achievement awards were given to some chiefs, individuals and institutions who have contributed to the Ghana tourism industry in different capacities.

GNA
More Robots to Be Produced in Tianjin by 2020

Visitors talk to Jiajia, a humanoid robot developed and created by scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China, during the World Economic Forum in June. (Photo : Getty Images)

The robotics industry in Tianjin is expected to produce a total of 60,000 robots annually, which is worth about 12 billion yuan ($1.8 billion) by 2020, according to a forecast by the Tianjin Municipal Commission of Industry and Information Technology.



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Robots made in Tianjin have attracted much attention that last month, an underwater robot made by a local company that cleans the bottom of ships, won a prize at an innovation contest and became popular, China Daily reported.



"The working efficiency of the underwater robot could be enhanced by three times compared with manual work. The robot can be widely applied to large ships, propellers and precision instruments for offshore exploration," Zhang Yang, general manager of Tianjin OSTAR Underwater Vehicles Co Ltd, said.



Zhang said that they have received orders from China National Offshore Oil Corporation and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. He added that the annual sale of the robot is expected to reach 16 million yuan, which account for about 80 percent of the company's total annual sales.



Currently, there are more than 100 companies that make robots in Tianjin, which is worth about 3 billion yuan, with a capacity to produce more than 1,000 robots.



Robots have been used by traditional companies with labor-intensive work to lower labor costs and develop the high-end manufacturing industry.



A unit of Markor Furniture Group, which is located in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area, said that it had reduced labor costs by 50 percent with the use of robots.



"The robot industry in Tianjin is to be a new springboard for economic growth based on the advantages of a strong local industrial foundation," Li Chaoxing, director of the Tianjin Municipal Commission of Industry and Information Technology, said.



According to the International Federation of Robotics, sales of industrial robots climbed 17 percent in China in 2015, slightly lower than the 56 percent increase in 2014.



China accounts for more than a quarter of the 248,000 industrial robots sold globally.


15.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra Oct. 15, GNA - The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) has filed a writ seeking an order of the Court to restrain Mrs Charlotte Osei, the Electoral Commissioner.

He is praying the Court to stop the Electoral Commission from proceeding with the balloting for the position of Presidential Candidates for the December 7, polls.

PPP is also seeking an order directed at the Electoral Commissioner to grant Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom of the PPP the opportunity to amend and alter one anomaly found on his nomination papers and accept his nomination as amended so he could contest in the Polls as Presidential Candidate.

The restraining order was in a Notice of Motion for an Order for Judicial Review.

The PPP applicant contended that his disqualification was in breach of the rules of natural justice and an error on the face of the record.

PPP is seeking for further orders as the court may deem fit.

On October 10, the EC disqualified the PPP and 12 others for various errors on the documents of the applicants submitted to the Commission.

GNA
15.10.2016 LISTEN

By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Luqman Abubakari, a student who is alleged to have embarked on riots with three others on the premises of TV3 Network at Kanda, Accra has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court on Friday.

Abubakar, a student of University of Development Studies, Nyankpanla, Abdul Kudus Adams, Isaac Kwame Siraboya both security guards and Eric Sofo a businessman were admitted to bail in the sum of GH 10,000.00 with two sureties.

They pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime to wit rioting, unlawful entry, assault and rioting.

Admitting three to bail, the court presided over by Mrs Ruby Aryeetey warned parties not to engage in any counter actions.

According to her if any of the accused persons engages in any untoward actions, the court would revoke the bail granted them.

The court adjourned the matter to October 25.

In an application for bail, Mr Emmanuel Darkwah counsel for Abubakari said the fact presented before the court was not a true reflection of what happened adding when the opportunity comes, they would explain what really happened.

Mr Darkwah said his client would not interfere with investigations as he was currently in pain as a result of 'dislocated shoulder' and was itching to seek medical attention.

Mr Gary Nimako Marfo counsel for the rest of the accused persons drew the court's attention that the charges preferred against them were bailable and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the accused persons.

Mr Marfo noted that the matter was purely based on student politics.

According to him the accused persons went to the premises of TV3 when Abubakari called them saying he had been attacked.

He told the court that his clients who had not had any brush with the law had been incarceration for the past four days.

Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police A. A. Annor before presenting the fact asked the court not to grant bail to the accused persons except Abubakari.

According to DSP Annor, he was afraid if the accused persons, who were not students were granted bail, they might go to the hostels of the complainant and others to cause mayhem.

He said the Police would prepare cogent evidence to show that the accused persons perpetuated the crime and if they were not checked they may bring the nation on its knees.

The prosecutor said on October 11, this year at about 21:45 hours the police had information that riots had broken out on the premises of TV3.

On the same day prosecution said police investigations revealed that a producer of TV3 known as Kombla Klutse invited Julian Mawuse Cobbina a student of GIMPA Law School to the premises for an interview following his election as National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) during its news at 22:00 hours.

Prosecution said Abubakari and the three accused who were in black Toyota vehicle also went to the premises of the TV3 under the pretext that he was the NUGS President. Abubakari also said he was to tell the producer that he had documents purporting that he was the NUGS President.

Mr Cobbina and his executives arrived at the premise there were exchanged of words between Abubakar and Mr Cobbina.

In the process, Mr Cobbina and his team were assaulted and were chased away.

Personnel of TV3 could not handle the issue and sought assistance from the Police who intervened and arrested the accused persons.

GNA
15.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Brand owners of Indomie, De United Foods Industries (Gh) Ltd (DUFIL), is supporting the Ghana Police Service in the effort to better manage traffic, with the provision of traffic booths for the Tema Regional Command.

The booths, fitted with seats, would be placed at vantage points, from where police officers could manage road traffic.

They would serve as shelter, protecting the officers from the vagaries of the weather-hot sun and rain.

The Inspector General of Police had recently asked his men to concentrate on traffic management at major intercessions to create order and convenience for motorists.

The General Manager of DUFIL, Mahesh Shah said the decision to provide the booths was in recognition of the good job the police had been doing to ensure peace, order and security.

He said as a good corporate citizen with the head office in Tema, Indomie found it necessary to support the police in whatever way to facilitate their work.

He encouraged the police to continue with their good work, adding that Indomie would not hesitate to offer further support to them.

The Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Manly Awini who received them, said the traffic booths would support core policing.

He said officers on duty have had to contend with harsh weather in the form of rain and scorching sun but with the donation of the traffic booths, that challenge should be addressed.

The company plans to replicate the gesture in other parts of the country. Indomie has previously supported the police service in various ways to facilitate their work.

GNA
By Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA

Winneba (C/R), Oct. 15, GNA - Alhaji Shamsu Kwakwa, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Campaign Committee, says President John Dramani Mahama's quest for Ghanaians to upgrade their knowledge, especially people living in zongo communities is unmeasurable.

Alhaji Kwakwa made this known when he led a campaign team of the Council of Elders of the NDC Zongo caucus to Duakwa, Konyako, Agona Swedru, Winneba and Bawjiase in the Central Region.

The campaign team is galvanising votes for the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama to continue another four- year term in office.

He said the pursuit of knowledge by Ghanaians was at the heart of President Mahama and that the building of basic, junior and senior high schools, the conversion of Polytechnics to technical universities, the distribution of computers to teachers and schools, books and school uniforms to pupils was the it's manifestation.

'President Mahama has also directed the inclusion of Arabic tutors into Youth Employment Agency for their payment of monthly allowances for their good work being done.'

Alhaji Kwakwa said on health, President Mahama had built and expanded a number of Regional and District hospitals, polyclinics, health centres, especially CHPS Compounds to bring health care to doorstep of every Ghanaian.

He said the NDC party and Zongo Caucus was the most predominant platform seeking to improve Zongo communities in the country.

Alhaji Kwakwa dismissed claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it would ensure the better welfare of people living in the Zongo communities when voted into power in the December general election.

He used the occasion to introduce the NDC parliamentary candidates for the December 7 elections in the areas visited and urged them to vote massively for President Mahama.

According to him, due to the massive development projects across the country, especially in the Zongo communities by the Mahama-led administration, there was no doubt that the NDC would win more Zongo votes.

Alhaji Mohammed Aremeyaw, National Coordinator of the Zongo Caucus said President Mahama-led administration had brought development projects to the doorsteps of the people, of which the people in the Zongo communities were beneficiaries, especially education.

These development projects, he said, would attract Ghanaians to vote massively for President Mahama and the NDC come December 7.

On the Hajj Pilgrimage, Alhaji Aremeyaw who is also popularly known as 'Coolie Younger' said the completion of the first phase of the Tamale International Airport airlifted pilgrims from the northern sector to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without any hitched.

He said President Mahama had shown great commitment towards the country's development as well as excellent performance in providing long lasting solutions to major challenges confronting the country over the years, hence, the Caucus's optimism of achieving 100 per cent votes for the party.

He said development projects such as construction of roads, schools, health facilities, drainage, provision of potable water among others, were the priorities of the NDC.

Alhaji Aremeyaw, Caucus appealed to Ghanaians especially the Zongo youth, to continue to take advantage of the social interventions programmes introduced by the government of President Mahama.

He said the interventions programmes according to him had helped to reduce youth and graduate unemployment and called on the youth to be innovative and come out with programmes that would create jobs for themselves.

Alhaji Ismael Bawa, a member of the Council of Elders said the accounting to the people tour by President Mahama across the country, had exposed the opposition NPP's claims of incompetence against his administration.

He said the tour had revealed the hard work of NDC in its effort to improve the lives of the people as part of the Better Ghana Agenda.

Alhaji Bawa cited the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Kasoa Interchange, Ho University, among others, as some of the hallmarks of the Better Ghana Agenda.

GNA
By Robert Anane/Christielove Basmel Aborchie

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - The Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) has marked the 47th World Standards Day on the theme: 'Standards Build Trust.'

The day is set aside to honour people who worked to develop standards that facilitate trade, technological advancement, and also to create awareness on the value of upholding the right standards in all spheres of human endeavour.

Mr George Ben Crentsil, Executive Director of GSA said the theme was chosen to throw light on the fact that, there was the need to ensure that the quality of goods and services was absolutely trustworthy.

He said maintaining high standards generated trust because it made consumers certain that they were paying for reliable returns.

Dr Crentsil said the requirements specified in standards for products and services, promoted quality, safety, reliability, efficiency and effectiveness, adding that this was crucial to ensuring trust and harmony in global trade and service provision.

'Let us all throw a challenge to be quality conscious,' the Executive Director said.

Mr Abdul-Karim Lukman, the Chairman for the occasion, said the Day was an opportunity to educate and to work on how to improve products and services in the country.

He said by doing so, prospective consumers would increase their patronage, which would in turn promote the provision of goods and services, thereby generating more revenue for the country.

Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry was the special guest of honour for the occassion, and officially launched the programme.

GNA
15.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 15, GNA - Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry, says maintaining the right standards in all spheres of life is key to promoting quality, efficiency and progress.

'Cutting corners in order to cut down on cost and maximise profit could be much more expensive, because of the unpleasant consequences that often go with such behaviour.'

The Minister, said this at the 47th World Standards Day Celebration, which was held in Accra on Friday, October, 14.

This year's celebration was on the theme: 'Standards Build Trust,' and seeks to throw light on the link between adherence to standard practice in all spheres of life, and the trust such practice inspires in publics, clients, and all other stakeholders who stand to gain or lose, depending on how well standards are maintained.

Dr Spio-Garbrah, who officially launched the day, noted that it was a good thing that Ghana for example, had quite a good reputation as a dependable supplier of pharmaceutical products.

'Pharmaceutical products from Ghana are therefore in high demand all over the world,' he noted.

The Minister said this kind of trust could only be earned when one diligently stuck to standard practice, and became known and respected for that.

He said besides serving the needs of prospective beneficiaries better, maintaining standard practice also ensured the growth and progress of individuals, businesses, organisations and nations.

'A country that is known for poor standards in the provision of goods and services, would definitely perform poorly in a world that has now become a global village.'

Dr Spio-Garbrah, urged the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to continue in its bid to ensure adherence to the right standards as it had excellently done in the past.

'The government would continue to support the Ghana Standards Authority in all ways possible, to ensure that the authority effectively execute its mandate, which would ultimately promote socio-economic growth,' said Dr Spio-Garbrah.

The occasion was hosted by the GSA.

The World Standards Day is celebrated every year, to re-enforce the need to live up to the right standards in all fields of endeavour, in order to ensure trust and dependability.

GNA
business Rosneft's entry to put pressure on giants like IOC, BPCL: Expert Energy expert Narendra Taneja said that this entry of a global giant like Rosneft will put tremendous pressure on domestic players like IOCL, BPCL etc and will work out in favour of the Indian customer.
business NIIT Tech Q2 net at Rs 59 cr, India business declines 7.2% Strong growth in western geographies with traction in both key verticals of BFSI and travel and transportation resulted in 4.6 percent growth in the US with revenue share of 49 percent and 7.9 percent sequential growth in EMEA with revenue share of 33 percent to total revenues.
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A visitor looks at displays at the Pingtang International Experience Planetarium in Guizhou Province. (Photo : Getty Images)

The country's National Astronomical Observation (NAO) and Alibaba Group have partnered to establish an astronomy research center using big data, the state agency announced on Thursday, Oct. 13.



The Xinhua News Agency said that the research center will feature an online database of astronomical information, with a virtual space observatory that will allow users to explore the cosmos.



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The report said that the center will also enable users to conduct scientific research through cloud computing to be provided by Aliyun, Alibaba's cloud computing unit.



According to Yan Jun, head of NAO, data science was one of the first disciplines to be used in astronomy. Through big data, new opportunities for astronomical research have been opened. Yan however, added that they were also confronted with some challenges, especially in the area of data collection, storage, processing, transportation, analysis, and sharing of information.



The report said that the volume of data collected through astronomical observation is expected to reach 250 trillion bytes a year.



It is expected that NAO's partnership with Aliyun, which specializes in AI and big-scale computingwould help enhance and upgrade the country's capability in astronomical research.



According to the report, the virtual space observatory will use the data collected by scientists through the large sky area multi-object fibre spectroscopic telescope (LAMOST), also known as Guo Shoujing Telescope.



LAMOST, the country's major optical telescope project, started its operation in 2008 to collect high quality spectra, an important collection of data that provide astronomers with essential information on celestial bodies' atmosphere, chemical composition, density and magnetism.



Last month, China launched the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which it said is the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope, in Guizhou Province.



President Xi Jinping said that FAST launching is significant to the country's goal to achieve major breakthrough in scientific research as well as help innovation-driven growth and propel the country to become a global science power.



FAST's tasks include survey of neutral hydrogen in the space, observation of pulsars as well as spacecraft tracking and communications.


UNESCO's draft resolution uses only the Islamic names for key sites in Jerusalem, including Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and decries "Israeli illegal measures against the freedom of worship and Muslims access" to their holy sites

Egypt's Grand Imam, Shawky Allam, one of the worlds highest Sunni Muslim authorities, hailed Friday a UNESCO resolution that uses only the Islamic names for parts of the Old City of Jerusalem, such as "Al-Aqsa Compound" or "Al-Haram Al-Sharif," and denounces Israel for restricting Muslim access to the holy site and for aggression by Israeli occupation forces and extreme settler groups.

In his statement Friday, as reported by Al-Ahram Arabic website, Allam urged swift action to capitalise on UNESCO's resolution that affirms Muslims' right to Jerusalem, to establish the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.

UNESCO's draft resolution, entitled "Occupied Palestine," strongly condemns "escalating Israeli aggressions and illegal measures against the freedom of worship and Muslims access to their Holy Site Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and requests Israel, the Occupying Power, to respect the historic status quo and to immediately stop these measures."

In the past year, Israeli authorities allowed increasing numbers of Jewish settlers to access and storm Al-Aqsa compund while restricting Muslims' entrance.

Allam called on the international community, including the UN and Security Council, to work hard to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, sure the right to return for Palestinians, establish the Palestinian state and end the tragedy for Palestinians.

Israel suspended cooperation with UNESCO Friday saying the resolution denies the "historic Jewish connection to holy sites in Jerusalem."

Israelis refer to the area that encompasses Al-Aqsa Mosque as the "Temple Mount," saying it was the site of two prominent Jewish temples in ancient times.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UNESCO resolution, while Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu dubbed the resolution "absurd," AP reported.

The resolution also reaffirms "that ... two concerned sites located in Al-Khalil/Hebron and in Bethlehem are an integral part of Palestine."

On the Gaza Strip, the resolution "deeply deplores the new cycle of violence, going on since October 2015, in the context of the constant aggressions by Israeli settlers and other extremist groups against Palestinian residents, including school children, also asks the Israeli authorities to prevent such aggressions."

Since October 2015, Israel's deadly use of force against Palestinian protests in Gaza and the West Bank has killed 230 Palestinians.

Al-Aqsa Compound is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The resolution, which was passed Thursday at the committee level, is sponsored by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 war. It later annexed the holy city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state, a move never recognised by the international community.

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October 15, 2016 Al-Qaeda Fighters In East-Aleppo (Defined) Down To Three! The pro-jihadist "west" is doing its best to define the number of civilians in east-Aleppo up and the number of al-Qaeda fighters in the city down. If the current numbering trend continues there will be a no al-Qaeda fighters left in east-Aleppo even as none have left. They will be redefined into "moderate rebels" who are entitled to the failed ceasefire they had never accepted in the first place. The terrorists in east-Aleppo are encircled and besieged. The Syrian army nibbles away piece after piece of their territorial hold while the Syrian and Russian air force attack any recognized concentrations of forces or material. It is only a question of time until they are completely defeated. Most of the fighters in the besieged area are associated with al-Qaeda. They are several thousand strong. Only few civilians remain. The eastern parts once housed some 300,000 people. About 10% of those, likely less, are still there. That are the realistic numbers. The spin differs. When in 2013 the sectarian rebels had enclosed and completely besieged (map) the government held parts of Aleppo every win of theirs was called a liberation.

bigger They since killed many of the people they "liberated". Others fled. But the tide has turned. This animated map shows the development from September 2015 to 2016. The now besieged "rebel" held areas in east-Aleppo are shrinking every day. This is today's situation. Much of the northern parts of the besieged area, including the Palestinian camp Handarat, are back in government hands.

bigger Sooner or later the Syrian army will try to split the "rebel" held part along the east-west road from the airport to the inner (old) city. The number game is played in front of the United Nations and in the "western media". The first marks from an October 5 post here: "It is primarily al-Qaeda that holds Aleppo," said (vid) the spokesperson of the U.S. led 'Operation Inherent Resolve', Colonel Warren. That was back in April and al-Qaeda (aka Jabat al-Nusra) has since strengthen its capacities in the city. The French Syria (military intelligence) expert Fabrice Balanche tells Le Figaro (translated from French): [Al-Qaeda's] grip on Aleppo's east has only increased since the spring of 2016, when it sent 700 reinforcement fighters while moderate brigades fighters began to leave the area before the final exit was closed. The provisional opening of a breach of the siege of Aleppo in August 2016 (Battle of Ramousseh) has further increased its prestige and influence on the rebels. The UN Special Envoy for Syria De Mistura told (vid, 27:43) the UN Security Council: We have seen information from other sources that tell us more than half of the fighters present in eastern Aleppo are al-Nusra. We have also seen reports alleging the intentional placement of firing positions close to social infrastructure, inside and aside civilian quarters. A few days after that speech De Mistura held a press conference in which he offered to escort al-Qaeda fighters out of the besieged area. He alos sharply revised the number of al-Qaeda fighters down to less than 10% of all fighters. From his October 6 press conference: We have done a much more updated analysis of the al-Nusra reality in eastern Aleppo. I know I was quoted, and is correct, I did refer to a figure which was close to 50%, you must have heard it, I think it was in the context of the Security Council. Well based on a more accurate estimates, which are also more up to date, and which are never completely perfect but are in my opinion, quite reliable, we are talking now about a presence in eastern Aleppo of at maximum 900 people, 900 people. The previous figure probably was also based on the out of date figure, that about 1500 al-Nusra fighters had left Idlib and other locations in order to join the al- Ramousseh battle which you remember took place some time ago when they attempted to re-take al-Ramousseh road. But they, according to our information, did withdraw, once this counter-offensive did not succeed and failed. So this amends, and please take it now as the line, which can always be amended by facts and figures, and more effective analysis, but that amends the so-called 50% thing. 900 al-Nusra fighters in eastern Aleppo. The total number is, the question is of the fighters in general, including the so-called main stream fighters or the AOGs in eastern Aleppo, the maximum figure that is being considered as such is 8000 people, 8000. So we went from "it is primarily al-Qaeda that holds Aleppo" to some 10% of all fighters there within a few month without any al-Qaeda fighter leaving. This while the siege was partially breached by the "rebels" in August and additional al-Qaeda fighters reportedly used the opening to entered the city. One gets the feeling that Samantha Power herself, the "wailing banshee" and U.S. Ambassador to the UN, dictated those "more accurate estimates" to De Mistura. But even those numbers are still too high some "diplomatic sources" now tell Reuters: The number of Islamist rebels in eastern Aleppo who are not protected by any ceasefire deal, and can therefore be legitimately targeted, is far smaller than an estimate given by the United Nations, diplomatic sources have told Reuters.

...

Several sources independently told Reuters that de Mistura's figure for JFS fighters was far too high, and the real number was no more than 200, perhaps below 100. One Western diplomat said it possibly had no more than a "symbolic" presence. Next week we will be down to one or three "symbolic" al-Qaeda fighters in east-Aleppo. When De Mistura finally escorts them out he will need a few helpers to push the wheelchairs of those few, old and disabled people. That then will have "liberated" east-Aleppo from all Jihadi-fighters and only upright, secular and democratic rebels will remain. They will fall under the ceasefire (the one the U.S. and these "rebels" never accepted or immediately broke). They do not deserve to be targeted by Russia and the Syrian government - no matter what they do. That, at least, is what John Kerry and the "western" media will tell the people. It will of course be complete bullshit and no serious analysts will fall for it. But those do not get quoted in the media. While the number of Jihadis and rebels gets defined down the number of civilians in the now besieged area goes up. The eastern besieged parts of the built-up city originally had some 300-400,000 inhabitants while the government held western parts held nearly 2,000,000. That is, at first sight of the above maps, irritating. But if one studies the satellite pictures underlying the maps in detail one will notice that at least half of the now besieged parts are open country and factory areas. The built-up share is much smaller than in the western parts. Current UN estimates for the western parts vary between 1.3 and 1.5 million. That is consistent with Syrian government claims. The UN has several relief missions and offices in the western parts and those estimates seem therefore reliable. But for the eastern part the UN has given the abstruse estimates of 250,000-275,000. It has not given any sources for that number. It also has no offices and no missions in the eastern part. It is implausible that only very few people left an area that is ruled by various competing Jihadi groups, has had little electricity and water and has been fought over for years. Until very recently passages to west-Aleppo were open to civilians. The rebels only now blockade them. An independent estimates of the real population in east-Aleppo comes from Martin Chulov, a journalist for The Guardian who has visited the area ten times since it was occupied by rebels from out of town. After his last visit he estimated the actual number of inhabitants to be down to 40,000: Those who remain in eastern Aleppo, roughly 40,000 from a prewar population ... Just last week Chulov reconfirmed his observation: I returned to the city for the last time. Finding residents in the east was difficult. Those who had stayed this long had no plans to leave. Umm Abdu, a wedding dress seamstress turned nurse was one of them.

...

Umm Abdu has left Aleppo, and few of the others I met along the way have stayed behind. The Syrian government estimates are consistent with Chulov's observations: EHSANI2 @EHSANI22

According to well informed senior sources in #Damascus , number of civilians in #Aleppo does not exceed 60k according to their best estimate

11:02 AM - 14 Oct 2016 EHSANI2 @EHSANI22

@MoonofA @TPAtticus @CamilleOtrakji "range" of Syrian government estimate of civilians in E.Aleppo is 40k-60k...60k is high of the range

11:48 AM - 14 Oct 2016 In other siege areas where the rebels gave up to the Syrian government the numbers of people coming out of them were much smaller than the original inhabitants. The numbers were also smaller than all prior estimates. Daraya, near Damascus, originally had some 80,000 inhabitants. The numbers of besieged people in Daraya the UN had given were variously between several ten-thousands and down to 8,000. When the evacuation of Daraya started the Syrian army estimated that 800-1,200 fighters and 4,000 civilians would come out. In the end the numbers of leaving fighters was some 600-700 and less than 2,000 civilians turned up to leave. The area was searched and all had left. Based on the Daraya numbers and those of other sieges in Syria there are probably no more than 4-5,000 fighters and some 3-5 civilians per fighter, i.e. their immediate families, in east-Aleppo. The real total could easily be as low as 20,000. But even then the al-Qaeda fighters will be still be the majority of the "rebels" in the city. It is implausible that their total number is now less than the number which were earlier announced to enter as reinforcement. The official spinmasters talking to Reuters obviously want the numbers to be very, very low to keep the al-Qaeda fighters unharmed and in place for future operations. I am confident that neither the Syrian nor the Russian military will be a sucker for such bullshit. That role is reserved for "western" journalist and the the usual lobbyist-"analysts" who are employed by Qatar, the U.S. and other Jihadi sponsors. Theo Patnos, who was held hostage by al-Qaeda in Syria for nearly two years, was interviewed by Vanity Fair (watch the video at that link). Asked what the presidential candidates know about Syria he responds: They dont know a thing about Syria. Neither do the journalists, by the way. Theyre doing their best, but they dont know. Theyre guessing. They speak with great authority but they really know very little. I dont criticize them for being incompetent, but I criticize them for not having the up-close knowledge. Theyre speaking of a planet theyve never visited but they speak as though they do know and its a little confusing for me. Posted by b on October 15, 2016 at 18:47 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
A crowd gathered on the Historic Courthouse lawn in Morganton on Thursday night as people mourned the lives of victims of domestic violence and celebrated the stories of survivors in a candlelight vigil.

Kristy Graf, with Options, a local shelter and center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, said the organization meets every year at the courthouse during the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month. About three dozen people were in attendance at the event, which began at 7 p.m.

This is really how we stop domestic violence is by spreading the awareness, she said. We have to break the silence.

Sheriff Steve Whisenant began the vigil with a prayer and asked to be able to make a positive difference and bring peace to victims and their families.

Give them security, he said. Father, just give them hope.

Immediately following Whisenants prayer, Georgia Hoskins told her story and said shed been in a home where her mothers boyfriend was very physically and mentally abusive. Hoskins, 16, and her family stayed at Options when she was a child.

We wondered late into the night if hed follow through with his plans and put rat poison in our supper, she said. I wondered why every time I got a new doll, the man would turn it into a dog toy. I used to hate to watch my mother cry over the hateful and downgrading things that were said to her. Id always want to stick up for my mom, but being 8 at the time, it took courage that I didnt have.

She told the audience how one day, while her moms boyfriend was at a friends house, they packed all their things and ran away. She said they had to go out of state to find a shelter, but Options took them in.

They helped us as a family, and it helped us get back on our feet, she said. They made me feel important and like we deserved a new start.

Hoskins said now she would like to become a counselor and help other families who are in similar situations.

While Hoskins and her family finally were able to escape the abuse, many people do not or cannot get out before tragedy strikes.

After Hoskins spoke, the names of the people who have died this year in North Carolina were read aloud, along with how they were killed as the crowd lit their candles in memory of the victims.

Since Jan. 1, 50 people have been murdered in the state alone.

Graf said that number is high, but the year isnt over and more names will be added to the list.

She said that Options hasnt personally suffered a loss in 2016, but the same cant be said for years past.

As part of the ceremony, cutout shapes lined the entrance of the Old Courthouse Square. The hearts in the middle of their chests told their stories.

One tiny cutout represented a young girl who was killed. The following was printed inside her heart:

Hi! My name is Amber. I was only eight when my Daddy murdered me. Daddy had supervised visits with me and he convinced my grandparents to give him a few minutes alone with me. He called Mommy and told her that she was going to lose the thing that she loved the most in this world.

Mommy could hear me begging Daddy not to kill me. Mommy ran to neighbors to get help, but when the police came, the house was on fire. They told Mommy that Daddy and I were found dead on the floor from gunshot wounds.

Little Ambers tragic death was just one that was told on the hearts of the white cutouts. But Graf said its just as important to remember the living, the people who are still struggling against domestic violence and trying to survive.

To learn more, visit the website of the North Carolina collation Against Domestic Violence at nccadv.org.

Find out more about Options by going to their Facebook page or optionsburkecounty.org.

Visit morganton.com to see a video of the vigil, including hearing Hoskins tell her story and hear the names of the 50 victims and how they died.
The flood waters from Hurricane Matthew may not have hit Burke County, but some local heroes went to the areas most affected to offer their expertise and lend a helping hand.

Members of Burke County EMS were called east to help with disaster relief following the devastation left behind after the deadly hurricane. One of those deployed is still working to help rescue those who have been stranded by the flood waters.

Burke County native Kaleb Nicholson is a paramedic with EMS and hes also a part of the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team. As a specialist with NCHART, Nicholson got the call that he was needed to fly along with military personnel on Blackhawk helicopters and rescue people who are stuck in the floods.

Nicholson said he originally was slated to be home by Saturday or Sunday, but now he may be called into South Carolina to help with rescues there, too. In the meantime, hes stationed in Salisbury, where all of his missions begin.

He said hes glad to help in his hometown, across the state or anywhere else he is needed, and being part of NCHART is a real honor.

I get to do things very few civilians get to ever do, he said. We provide civilian rescues using a military helicopter. It really is a privilege to be a part of it.

Capt. Brad Browning with EMS said more crews initially had been requested from Burke County, but were cancelled early on. With the subsequent flooding after Matthew, Nicholson was picked to be deployed. Browning, who was a member of NCHART himself, said that many times its quicker and safer to send in a helicopter for a rescue mission than to have a boat crew.

Nicholson said hes been working in Moore County, Fayetteville and Kinston, but most of the rescues have been in Lumberton, which is nearly completely underwater in parts.

Weve seen lots of places with water over the stop signs, he said.

So far, Nicholson said he has been a part of 26 rescues, and the entire group has done more than 60. He said usually ground crews will call in the helicopters when the situation is unsafe for a boat, mostly because of rushing water.

Along with the rescues that are planned, Nicholson said they also search for victims who will be clinging to high ground and flag down the helicopter.

He said many of the rescues have been dangerous, but one in particular stands out.

We had an elderly couple that were on their deck, he said. There was power lines down about 10 feet from where they were, and we had to get in there to get them. Thats hard, especially when youre talking about being hooked to a steel cable.

While the rescues Nicholson helps with might be hair-raising, he said safety is always a No. 1 concern and plenty of precautions are taken to keep the crews safe.

It really is a group effort, he said. We train a lot. If it wasnt for all the training we do, then none of it would be possible.

With all the expertise that goes into his job, Nicholson said having the support of family and friends back home is another reason hes able to help others.

We really couldnt do it without all the families, he said. We could be gone for weeks at a time while theyre at home. Theyre making all the same sacrifices we are. Id just like to say thanks.
I would rather be writing about Bob Dylan's surprising Nobel Prize in literature this week, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his contribution to modern culture. But that would entail ignoring the elephant in the room: the refusal of many in the Republican Party to admit they have nominated a man so unfit to be president he may well take the party down with him when he loses Nov. 8. I have been a proud Republican for more than three decades  but today I am ashamed of my party and its leadership.

Donald Trump's words are so despicable that many of them can't be printed or uttered verbatim on national media. His actions are worse. He treats women like horseflesh he owns by virtue of his power and wealth. He feels entitled to walk into the dressing room of young women, even young girls in the Miss Teen USA contest, when they are undressing for one of "his" beauty pageants and brags about it on "The Howard Stern Show." He gropes perfect strangers on airplanes, in hallways. He thrusts his tongue down the throat of a People magazine reporter while his pregnant wife, Melania, is upstairs at Mar-a-Lago, calls a reporter from The Philadelphia Inquirer a c--- and a b---- when she writes an article he doesn't like. And when he is confronted, he denies everything and insults the accusers. "Look at her. I don't think so," he says, as if he wouldn't deign to assault anyone he rates less than a perfect "10" in the system he uses to judge women's worth by their beauty.

Do I believe the accusers? Yes, I do. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose by coming forward so publicly. They may support Hillary Clinton  can you blame them?  but would they take on a man who is known for his intimidating lawsuits if this information were false? Their lives will be upended by their revelations. Trump claims that they are all lying and that he will release the evidence at the "appropriate time." Yeah, right after he releases his tax returns.

Republicans who continue to defend Trump always fall back on the defense that the Clintons have done worse. I have written thousands of words about Bill Clinton's disgusting behavior and called on him to resign the presidency when the Monica Lewinsky story broke. But Bill Clinton is not running for president. I've criticized Hillary Clinton for her conflicts of interest with the Clinton Foundation while she was secretary of state, and I've suggested she and her family abandon all ties to the foundation if she's elected. I've criticized her private email servers and her mishandling of classified information. I haven't blamed her personally for the deaths in Benghazi, any more than I would blame President Ronald Reagan, for whom I worked at the time, for the deaths of 241 Americans in the Beirut bombings in 1983. Terrorists were responsible for those deaths, not Secretary Clinton or President Reagan.

But creating some moral equivalency between Donald Trump's behavior and Hillary Clinton's shows just how corrupted our politics have become. Partisanship should not blind us to words of unspeakable crudeness or acts of sexual aggression and assault. Conservatives have been at the forefront of warning that when we define deviancy down, we make acceptable what should be unacceptable, thus undermining morality. We know this in our hearts. We must stop making excuses on behalf of a man who has demonstrated from the very moment he descended the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his candidacy on June 16, 2015, to today that he is unfit by every measure to lead this great nation.

This election and that portion of the electorate that supports Donald Trump shakes my faith in the future of conservatism and the Republican Party. I pray my party and my country can recover from this stain on our politics.

Linda Chavez is the author of "An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal." To find out more about Linda Chavez, visit www.creators.com.
Assailants attacked Friday a North Sinai security checkpoint, killing 12 armed personnel. Fifteen attackers were killed in the shootout that ensued

Egypts armed forces launched early Saturday successful airstrikes on a number of terrorist hideouts and arms depots in North Sinai, after a Friday terrorist attack on a security checkpoint, an army spokesman Facebook statement read.

Assailants attacked Friday a North Sinai security checkpoint killing 12 armed personnel. Fifteen attackers were killed in the shootout that ensued.

The Saturday airstrikes were based on intelligence information, and conducted in coordination with the people of Sinai, the statement added. They lasted for three hours.

A number of terrorist elements, said to have executed the checkpoint attack, were killed and seven 4x4 vehicles were destroyed.

The army said in the statement that its offensive on terrorists in North Sinai is still ongoing.

The armed forces stresses that, with the support of its great people, it is determined to eliminate the [terrorist] elements that target the safety and security of this country, the statement read.

Following the attack, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a statement mourning the victims and vowing that such a tragic incident would only "increase our determination and persistence to continue our battle for development and survival."

Hundreds of security forces in North Sinai have been killed in similar attacks by Islamist militants since the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Egyptian security forces have killed hundreds of suspected militants in North Sinai during the same period.

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Anyone who has ever driven down a back-country road, or even just checked out a grocery store parking lot on a busy shopping day, will tell you Ford makes some of the most popular trucks in Texas.

This week in Austin, however, the blue oval earned bragging rights as not just one of the state's most popular truck makers, but also its best.
A North Texas pair is charged with three counts of child endangerment after three children in their care tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

According to the Wichita Falls Times Record News, police and a Child Protective Services investigator arrested Fawn Jessie Kemp, 34, after a 9-year-old child in her care arrived to school with a bruise on the side of her face.
The parties involved in the Switzerland talks will look at ways to revive a truce between rebels and government forces in Aleppo as well as ways to resume an overall cessation of hostilities in Syria

Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry arrived in Lausanne, Switzerland on Saturday to take part in diplomatic talks on the Syrian civil conflict on an invitation from US Secretary of State John Kerry, Egypts state-owned MENA news agency reported.

The talks in Switzerland are the first since a ceasefire failed last month in the Syrian city of Aleppo, where the forces of President Bashar Al-Assad, with aid from Russia, are fighting various rebel groups.

The parties involved in the Switzerland talks  the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar and Egypt  will look at ways to revive a truce between rebels and government forces in Aleppo as well as ways to resume an overall cessation of hostilities in Syria.

Last week, Egypt said it regrets the UN Security Council's failure to take action to save Syria's Aleppo after a French-drafted resolution and a rival Russian proposal to end fighting in the Syrian city failed to pass on 8 October.

Russia vetoed the French-drafted resolution to end airstrikes in Aleppo, while its own rival draft text, which would have merely scaled down military action in the city, was rejected after it failed to get a minimum nine votes in favour.

Britain, France and the United States voted against the Russian measure, which called for a ceasefire but did not explicitly mention a halt in airstrikes.

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Thursday that we looked to the French and Russian draft resolutions and voted for them because both resolutions called for a ceasefire and a truce that would have allowed humanitarian aid for Syrian citizens.

Reiterating the need for a political solution in Syria, El-Sisi demanded full respect for the Syrian people, the disarming of radical groups and the rebuilding of the Syrian state.

Since the collapse last month of a US-Russia sponsored ceasefire, Aleppo has been suffering from some of the worst violence it has seen in the five-year civil conflict.

Russian and Syrian jet fighters have been pounding rebel positions in the eastern part of Aleppo for weeks, leaving more than 370 people dead  including nearly 70 children  and hospitals destroyed, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as cited by AFP.

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Elections for spots within parliament's 25 committees will be held Sunday and Monday, with many expecting a significant shakeup

Following a procedural sitting on 4 October, Egypts parliament will begin its second session on Sunday where elections will take place for top parliamentary committee positions.

According to parliament's internal bylaws, MPs meet at the beginning of each legislative season to elect the senior members of parliament's 25 committees.

Parliament's schedule of debates announced Saturday show that the plenary session on Sunday will be adjourned early so that MPs can elect senior members of the 25 committees, with one head, two deputies, and one secretary-general for each committee.

The results will be officially declared in a plenary session Monday morning.

On Thursday, MPs who wish to become members of certain committees registered their names. Each MP can join no more than two committees, and MPs have already begun jockeying for leading committee posts.

The pro-government parliamentary bloc Support Egypt will meet Saturday evening to name its candidates for the senior committee posts.

The head of the bloc Mohamed El-Sewedi told reporters Saturday that many of its members are looking to become committee heads.

We will review all the names and see who performed well in the first session and who was not up to expectations, said El-Sewedi.

Parliament's Human Rights Committee is expected to see a major shake-up. Its chairman Anwar El-Sadat, the head of the Reform and Development Party, resigned a week before the end of parliament's first session last August.

El-Sadat's resignation came after parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal joined a number of MPs in accusing him of seeking to promote Western agendas.

In a statement to reporters on 30 August, Sadat said he had tendered his resignation "because of lack of cooperation from parliament's speaker, secretariat-general and the government in responding to memorandums submitted by the Human Rights Committee aimed at addressing complaints raised by citizens, as well as parliament's failure to communicate with the outside world over implementing Egypt's international commitments and defending its image abroad.

Mahmoud Makhaleef, the Committee's current deputy head, told MPs that he intends to stand for the post of head of the Human Rights Committee.

However, Makhaleef is an independent MP who lacks backing from the Support Egypt bloc. Makhaleef told reporters he has high hopes that his good performance in the first session and his stance against El-Sadat's Western agendas will be enough for MPs to elect him as the committee's new head.

Two other MPs from rival political parties  Akram Qortam, the chairman of the Conservative Party, and Alaa Abed, parliamentary spokesman of the Free Egyptians Party  also announced that their intention to run.

Rumours are also circulating that El-Sadat will run again and that he has support among many of the committee's members who approved of his policy based on reinforcing relations with Western human rights organisations.

The Support Egypt bloc surprised all on Saturday by announcing that it will support re-electing Bahaaeddin Abu Shoqa, an appointed MP and secretary-general of the Wafd Party, as head of the committee of legislative and constitutional affairs.

The bloc's parliamentary spokesman Alaa Abdel-Moneim, who announced last week that he would compete against Abu Shoqa, said on Saturday that he has decided to withdraw, opting instead to support Abu Shoqa.

High-profile MPs Saad El-Gammal and Kamal Amer are expected to be re-elected again as heads of the Arab Affairs Committee and the National Security Committee.

El-Gammal, a leading founder of the Support Egypt bloc, is well-known for his anti-Western positions. As head of the Arab Affairs Committee, El-Gammal issued a series of fiery statements where he made call for former US president George W. Bush and former UK prime minister Tony Blair be put on trial for war crimes for masterminding the destructive war against Iraq.

El-Gammal also seized an Arab parliamentary meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh last week to describe the new JASTA law, issued by the US congress this month, as reflecting American bullying in its best form.

Kamal Amer, the former head of military intelligence and parliamentary spokesman of the pro-government Guardians of the Nation Party, is also expected to be re-elected as chairman of the Defence and National Security Committee.

Some sources say the leading members of other parliamentary committees, especially those in charge of economic portfolios, are expected to change.

The two committees on foreign relations and African relations are expected to see stiff competition among MPs.

Former foreign minister Mohamed El-Orabi told reporters that he has high hopes that Support Egypt will back his re-election bid.

Some sources say businessman Ahmed Said, former head of the Free Egyptians Party, intends to stand against El-Orabi.

Said played a role last summer in containing tension with the European Union over Egypt's human rights record and the January murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo.

Some also expect that independent MP Mostafa El-Guindi will be elected head of the African Affairs Committee instead of former intelligence officer and member of the Free Egyptians Party Hatem Patshat.

El-Guindi has wide-ranging communications with African countries, especially Ethiopia, whose relations with Egypt has been strained due to its plan to build a dam on a tributary to the River Nile.

El-Guindi led many parliamentary and popular delegations to Ethiopia to help contain tensions with Egypt.

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Fresh diplomatic talks to end the Syrian conflict open in Switzerland Saturday, the first since Washington halted bilateral negotiations with Moscow on a truce agreed earlier this month.

With violence still raging in Aleppo, US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and top diplomats from the UN and regional powers in Lausanne.

But even before the talks began, Lavrov appeared to be dampening down hopes of a breakthrough with Russian news agencies on Friday quoting him as saying he had no "special expectations" for the latest diplomatic effort.

And a French diplomatic source told AFP: "When you see the results from the previous (truce) efforts, quite frankly I'm a bit sceptical about the next ones."

With no let-up in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's onslaught on eastern Aleppo, the sides will look at how to revive the short-lived ceasefire.

Moscow and Washington hammered out the agreement before it quickly crumbled amid the ferocious assault on the rebel-held part of the city, backed by Russian air power.

The offensive has sparked accusations of potential war crimes from the West.

Lavrov also insisted on Friday that Russia did not plan to present new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict.

Instead he said Moscow would call for "concrete steps" to implement earlier UN resolutions and the now defunct US-Russia ceasefire deal.

Kerry and Lavrov will be joined in Lausanne by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, along with the top diplomats of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key supporter of Assad's regime, has said its Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will take part as well.

Kerry is then due to head to London, where he is likely to meet up on Sunday with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany.

Hopes however are low that the talks will lead to a breakthrough in resolving the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

Some experts think Russia may be playing for time as it seeks to solidify its positions ahead of the US presidential elections, now only weeks away.

"The Russians are seeking to maximise their advantage before (President Barack) Obama's successor -- probably (Hillary) Clinton -- steps in with a likely firmer approach to Syria," said Karim Bitar, a researcher at the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs think tank in Paris.

In Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said Russian and Syrian warplanes again pounded opposition-controlled eastern districts on Friday.

The intensified bombardment has put yet more strain on rescue workers and medical staff in the besieged east, home to an estimated 250,000 residents.

Overwhelmed rescue workers combed through the rubble of shattered buildings looking for victims of the bombardment.

Assad, meanwhile, buoyed by the gains pro-regime forces have made in Aleppo, said he would use a victory there as a "springboard" to capture other rebel strongholds.

"It's going to be the springboard, as a big city, to move to another areas, to liberate another areas from the terrorists," he said in an interview with Russia's Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid published Friday.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo since the assault began, according to the Observatory.

Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts, according to the monitor, which compiles its information from sources on the ground.

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Akufo-Addo should have apologised over hardship  ...
Sacramento, CA  Analysts looking into contributions towards the 17 statewide ballot measures say campaign spending has now exceeded $372 million  breaking a 2001 record for the most money raised for ballot races in a single election.

Maplight, which ran the analysis, partnered with Secretary of State Alex Padillas office to set up a power search tool for public use, as reported here. Its findings include that, to date, over 53 percent of the donations went to fueling marketing efforts to fight increasing the cigarette tax  and to limit what the state pays for prescription drugs.

Funds are still pouring in. In fact, since the beginning of this month alone, ballot measure campaigns have raked in more than $30 million. More than half that amount  some $17 million  has come from those fighting against and for Prop.56, which seeks to increase the state cigarette tax by two dollars a pack. Tobacco companies, which oppose it spent almost $10 million; billionaire Tom Steyer, a big supporter of the measure, gave $5.8 million. In all, opponents and proponents of the cigarette tax raised nearly $95 million, with the former outspending the latter by roughly two to one.

The most expensive battle  over Prop.61, which would restrict prescription drug prices  has generated over $101 million overall. Unsurprisingly, the lions share, $87 million has come from opponents in the pharmaceutical industry. However supporters have contributed more than $14 million.

There are three other ballot measures where opponents outspent proponents, according to Maplight. This includes Prop. 53, which would require voter approval before the state could issue infrastructure bonds. The head opponent of Prop 53, Governor Jerry Brown, gave $1.7 million this month from his 2014 campaign fund. The measures sole supporters are the measures sponsors, farmers Dean and Joan Cortopassi, who spent over $4.5 million to promote it, over concerns relating to potential changes to the states water distribution plan on their land.

The other two ballot fights where those against outspent those in favor are: Prop. 67, which upholds the states plastic bag ban, for which plastic bag manufacturers ponied up all of the funds to fight; and Prop. 66, that would speed up the death penalty appeals process. Many opponents of the latter measure also lent support to Prop. 62, which aims to replace the states death penalty with life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Coulterville, CA  The CHP reports a crash on Highway 132 resulted in the death of a Jamestown man while a Coulterville man suffered major injuries.

The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. Friday on the highway just east of Bond Flat Road in the Coulterville area. The CHP reports Nicholas Goins, 32, of Jamestown driving a 1988 Toyota eastbound crossed the double yellow lines smashing head-on into a 2007 BMW driven by Franklin Harp, 45, of Coulterville. Goins vehicle went off the roadway and down a steep embankment. It came to rest in a grassy field and then burst into flames.

Goins was pronounced dead at the scene. Harp sustained major injuries and was taken by ambulance to Sonora Regional Medical Center. The CHP reports the crash remains under investigation and that driving under the influence may be a factor in the wreck.
At least 14 pro-government fighters were killed on Friday in clashes with the Islamic State group in the Islamist militants' former Libya bastion of Sirte, a medical source said.

"Fighting today began at 9am (0700 GMT) and the toll to now is 13 dead and 25-30 wounded," hospital official Abdellatif Abdel Ali said.

One fighter, who was shot, later died after being operated upon.

Ali said the majority of those killed were shot in the head by sniper fire.

Forces allied with Libya's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) have cornered IS fighters in Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli, since launching an offensive on May 12.

After a pause in fighting on Thursday, pro-GNA fighters resumed the battle against IS holdouts in a seaside residential district of Sirte.

At least three US air strikes hit IS positions on Friday, an AFP journalist in the city said.

A pro-government forces commander told AFP that IS snipers were slowing the anti-jihadist advance.

"These gunmen are well trained and equipped. The haven't given in even with air raids and the seige we've imposed on them," Al-Hedi Issa told AFP.

"So we prefer to advance slowly in order to preserve the lives of our fighters."

The fighting has left more than 550 GNA fighters dead and 3,000 wounded. The IS death toll is not known.

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SOUTHINGTON  A car crashed into a utility pole directly in front of the Fire Departments headquarters early Saturday morning. No injuries were reported and the accident is still under investigation.



At about 2:30 a.m. a man driving a 2006 Mazda crashed into the utility pole in front of the fire station at 310 N. Main St., according to Fire Captain James Paul. No injuries were reported.



Eversource Energy was called to the scene to evaluate the pole, Paul said.



The Mazda sustained significant damage and was towed from the scene, according to police officials. The area is poorly designed, a dispatcher noted, saying this was not the first crash to occur in that location.



The driver was issued a written warning, police officials said. The accident is still under investigation.



ltauss@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter: @LeighTaussRJ






Attacks killed at least 46 people in Iraq on Saturday, including a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group that was the deadliest to hit Baghdad in months.

The violence comes as Iraqi forces prepare for an operation to retake Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country -- a key battle, but one that will not end the threat of attacks such as those carried out on Saturday.

In the deadliest attack, a suicide bomber targeted a funeral tent where mourners were gathered to pay their respects in the Shia-majority Shaab area of north Baghdad, killing at least 34 people and wounding least 36, officials said.

IS issued an online statement claiming the attack, saying it was carried out by a man who detonated an explosive vest.

A witness said the bomber entered the funeral tent and blew himself up as lunch was being served.

"I saw with my eyes 20 martyrs on the ground," the witness said.

Blood stained the ground at the scene of the attack, which was littered with the remains of plastics chairs mourners had been seated on.

IS, a Sunni extremist group, considers Shias to be heretics, and frequently carries out suicide bombings and other attacks against them in Baghdad and elsewhere in the country.

Saturday's bombing is the deadliest to hit the Iraqi capital since early July, when a suicide bombing in central Baghdad sparked infernos in a crowded shopping area, killing more than 300 people.

That attack led to a shakeup of senior Baghdad security officials and the announcement of other measures aimed at improving security in the capital, but the bombings have continued.

Also on Saturday, militants attacked two areas north of Baghdad, killing a further 12 people, according to police.

In Malha, an area east of the city of Tikrit, suicide bombers attacked a federal police position, killing eight and wounding 11, officers said.

And in the Ishaqi area, two militants shot dead the wife and three children of the commander of local tribal forces before fleeing and blowing themselves up when they were cornered by Iraqi forces.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for those two attacks, but Saturday's Baghdad bombing was just the latest in a series that IS has said it carried out against Shias in the capital.

One IS-claimed bombing in Baghdad on October 9 killed at least five people, while two more earlier in the month left a total of at least 10 dead, and two others killed at least 17 people at the end of September.

The attacks come as Iraqi forces prepare for an offensive in northern Iraq to retake Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country, after regaining much of the territory the jihadists seized in 2014 and 2015.

The launch of the operation is expected to be announced soon, but it will mark only the start of a battle that is likely to be the most difficult and complex yet in the war against IS.

A coalition of heterogenous and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight their way through IS defences to reach the city, in some cases over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles).

Then they will likely seek to surround the city before launching an assault, marking the start of deadly street fighting with die-hard jihadists in a city with a large civilian population.

The battle may spark a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning that up to one million people may be displaced by the fighting as winter sets in.

Even the recapture of Mosul will not mark the end of the war against IS, which still holds other territory in Iraq and is likely to turn increasingly to insurgent tactics such as bombings and hit-and-run attacks as it loses more ground.

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When you think about the hyper-successful people of the world -- the multi-billionaires, the CEOs, etc. -- you probably imagine them working 24/7. And while they might put in more hours than the average person, they always have at least some downtime, or time when theyre not working.

Related: 7 Ways to Maximize Downtime

Downtime isnt as glamorous as time spent working, yet the habits and choices successful people make in their downtime is often as critical a factor to their success as anything else.

So, what do successful people do with their downtime?

1. Exercise

Conventionally defined successful people often exercise regularly. Why this correlation? It could be a number of factors, as exercise has a ton of benefits. It could be that regularly exercising is a trait of motivated, goal-oriented people, who naturally succeed in other areas of life. It could be that the stress relief and energy boosts from the activity itself make them more productive and make them feel better throughout the day.

Or it could help to compartmentalize their life with regular routines. Whatever the case, the correlation is high.

2. Have fun

Have fun? And be successful at the same time? It seems like some kind of trap, yet tons of successful people -- including Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and Sheryl Sandberg -- will likely tell you that taking a real break from work, on a bona fide vacation, will do wonders for your mental health, productivity and overall well-being. It may feel intimidating or even wrong to take a vacation, but the benefits are more than worth it.

3. Meditate

Spend some time learning how to meditate properly, and youll wonder what you did before the practice. Mindfulness meditation, at its most basic form, is simply a way to clear the mind of thought and be present in a given moment. Doing this for even 10 minutes a day can help you clear your mind, improve your memory, become more focused and reduce stress. Its no wonder that meditation is such a common strategy among successful people.

Related: Entrepreneurs, Here's Why You Need Downtime For Your Mind

4. Read

There are so many benefits to reading regularly, its hard to know where to begin -- and it doesnt matter much what you read, either. Reading newspapers, magazines, non-fiction books and fiction all can help you improve your vocabulary, broaden your perspectives, improve your memory and retention, and help you generate new ideas for your business or career. Even if you dont have much time to sit and crack a book, you can at least listen to audiobooks during your commute or during other dead periods.

5. Learn.

Successful people know that no matter how much you think you know, theres always something new to learn. Even if youve somehow mastered everything related to your industry, theres always new information, trends and technology coming along to defy your expectations. Take the time to learn new things, whether that happens through workshops, classes, seminars or the act of just reaching out to new people.

6. Volunteer.

Successful people spend time volunteering, in part to give back to their communities, and in part for the networking opportunities. Volunteering tends to bring all types of people together, regardless of the specific type of volunteer event, so make sure to seek out these opportunities in your city -- even if its only for a few hours a month.

7. Network.

Networking events are always valuable, and you should make an effort to seek them out. New people can provide new opportunities, new contacts, new skills and new information. PLus, staying social is good for your mental health.

8. Appreciate loved ones.

Finally, the most successful people try to take time to appreciate their loved ones, though unfortunately, this isnt always the case. Some people are so possessed with the idea of making more money, getting more power or advancing their careers that they neglect the people who make it all worth it. Doing so may get you ahead a little faster, but it could leave you alienated, unfulfilled and feeling that all your hard work was a waste. Dont be one of those people; make time for your friends and family.

Related: 3 Reasons Every Entrepreneur Needs to Take Vacation Time

Merely doing these eight things in your downtime wont be enough to automatically make you more successful. Still, these strategies can help you minimize your stress, maximize your productivity and hone your focus to what matters most in your life. Cumulatively, theyll help guide you toward a more successful and rewarding career -- and keep you sane while you're doing it.

Related:

8 Things Successful People Do With Their Downtime

5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Get Ahead Over the Holidays

7 Ways to Maximize Downtime

Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
The ballet Don Quixote is not really about Cervantess deluded knight errant, but its a classic of the ballet repertoire and for a good reason. Its a non-stop dancing feast, colorful, vibrant, sprinkled with humor and stellar moments.

Ballet San Antonios first ever Don Quixote, which opened Friday night at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, delivered all of that and then some.

The story, such as it is, revolves around Kitri and Basilio, two young people in love whose relationship is opposed by Kitris father, who wants her to marry the rich nobleman Gamache. Don Q and Sancho Panza arrive in Sevilla just in time to get mixed up with this situation and ultimately help the lovers, who end up happily united.

Choreographed by Ballet San Antonios artistic director Willy Shives after Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky - two Russian dance-makers from the imperial era - the show moves forward at a nice pace through a series of scenes  including a Gypsy camp where the lovers hide for a while, a dream sequence and a merry tavern gathering  ending with wedding festivities.

All the dancers rose to the occasion Friday night. Marko Micov as the attractive matador Espada and Kathleen Martin as his supple and elegant partner Mercedes shone on several occasions  in a dance with a cape that he swirled around like a magician, and later in the tavern when Martin showed her exceptional flexibility and stage presence.

The Gypsy group, led by Ihosvani Rodriguez and Sofie Bertolini, impressed as well though the scene as a whole is a bit of a disappointment as neither the music nor the set-up draw much on actual Gypsy traditions.

More beautiful dancing followed in the dream section with a charming ensemble of ballerinas in short tutus delicately flickering en pointe, like the dryads (nymphs) they are supposed to be. Kate Maxteds performance as Cupid was especially light and softly breezy.

And the lovers, portrayed by Sally Turkel and Michael Agudelo (replacing the pre-announced Dan Westfield), danced up a storm throughout the evening but saved their best for last in the grand pas de deux in Act 3, which featured lots of crowd-pleasing jumps and lifts.

The largely non-dancing roles of Gamache, Don Q, Sancho and Kitris father Lorenzo were equally well cast. Ian Morris turned Gamache into a farcically inept suitor; tall Mayim Stiller was an endearing Quixote, and James Hernandez as Sancho elicited sympathy.

The large ensemble, dancing as villagers, bridesmaids, matadors, framed the action with verve and painterly sweeps of swirling bodies and costumes.

Though no costume designer is listed in the program Raul McGinnis is given credit as wardrobe master.

Bravo to Ballet San Antonio!

Don Quixote repeats 7:30 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday. Go to tobi.tobincenter.org for information.

Jasmina Wellinghoff writes about the arts
In Cixin Lius novel Deaths End, the only human embedded in a hostile alien culture tells the woman he has long adored a fairy tale about an ancient kingdom where an artist does away with people by imprisoning them in his exquisite paintings.

Later, the brightest minds of the womans world study the story from every angle, looking within it for the secrets that will allow them to save humanity, maybe even the entire universe, from annihilation. They find remarkable things, including the possibility of changing the speed of light. But they never exhaust the storys gifts.

Like those scientists, I can pull many marvels out of Deaths End, the final book in Lius mind-blowing science-fiction trilogy: space cities orbiting Jupiter, an unexpected view of our reality from inside the fourth dimension, the deliberate bursting of a star - and the tender regard of a man for a woman (and vice versa) that carries each through centuries of struggle. But, unlike the malevolent artist of the tale, Ill never be able to contain Lius riches in a simple document.

Instead, Ill simply gape in amazement at a trilogy that belongs in the pantheon with the greatest works of Arthur C. Clarke, one of Lius self-declared precursors. Liu offers brain-busting thrills for the reader who thrives on hard-science speculation, but has plenty of love for the troubled human conscience, too.

Liu, 53, a former power plant engineer, has sold more than 1 million copies of the novels in this trilogy in his native China. Ken Lius English translation of The Three-Body Problem, the trilogys first novel, won the 2015 Hugo award. Ken Liu, a graceful writer of speculative fiction himself (and no relation to Cixin Liu), also translated Deaths End.

In The Three-Body Problem, humanity makes first contact with the Trisolarans, whose harsh, unstable world is approaching destruction. Unfortunately for people, the technologically superior Trisolarans have decided to colonize Earth and wipe out the human vermin. In the second novel, The Dark Forest, creative-thinking astronomer Luo Ji lands on a deterrent that will slow the Trisolarans down: He demonstrates that exposing the position of the Trisolarans home planet in space leaves them to open to destruction by unknown, superior entities.

More Information Death's End By Cixin Liu Tor Books, $26.99 See More Collapse

Deaths End plays out the implications of the dark forest theory that stellar civilizations, in the effort to ensure their own survival, would tend to destroy any other civilizations whose existence they discovered. For a time, humanity is in a tense stalemate of non-exposure with the approaching Trisolaran fleet, while pursuing multiple possible solutions to its own survival.

While Luo Ji returns in Deaths End, the novels chief (but far from only) viewpoint character is Cheng Xin, a young woman who will several times be placed in the position of making critical decisions about human survival. Through long periods of hibernation, she lives over centuries, bringing a world view not unlike our own into futures dizzyingly changed.

Either through conscious homage or contact with the archetypal substrate, Deaths End evokes great moments of classic science fiction: the black monolith of Clarkes 2001, Larry Nivens Ringworld, and particularly the interdimensional thought experiments of Edwin A. Abbotts Flatland. (In a most surprisingly place, the novel also quotes Gone With the Wind.)

While I enjoy these touchstones, as an American reader I also relish what Liu brings to the novel as a man who grew up during Chinas Cultural Revolution (a painful period dramatized in The Three-Body Problem). Scientific questions in the trilogy are scrutinized by some characters from political or right-thinking points of view; people go from being viewed as heroes to public enemies in a short time for the same action. Distinctive Trisolaran technologies monitor everything humans say and do everywhere, forcing creativity on the part of those humans who would conspire together.

Cheng Xin lives out Sheldon Kopps sobering dictum that important decisions must be made on the basis of insufficient data, but we are still responsible for everything we do. I would not want to be in her shoes, but I am grateful for the ride that she, Luo Ji and Cixin Liu have taken me on, and highly recommend it to you.
How did Adolf Hitler  described by one eminent magazine editor in 1930 as a half-insane rascal, a pathetic dunderhead, a nowhere fool, a big mouth  rise to power in the land of Goethe and Beethoven?

What persuaded millions of ordinary Germans to embrace him and his doctrine of hatred?

How did this most unlikely pretender to high state office achieve absolute power in a once democratic country and set it on a course of monstrous horror?

A host of earlier biographers (most notably Alan Bullock, Joachim Fest and Ian Kershaw) have advanced theories about Hitlers rise, and the dynamic between the man and his times.

Some have focused on the social and political conditions in post-World War I Germany, which Hitler expertly exploited  bitterness over the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles and a yearning for a return to German greatness; unemployment and economic distress amid the worldwide Depression of the early 1930s; and longstanding ethnic prejudices and fears of foreignization.

Other writers  including the dictators latest biographer, the historian Volker Ullrich  have focused on Hitler as a politician who rose to power through demagoguery, showmanship and nativist appeals to the masses.

In Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939, Ullrich sets out to strip away the mythology that Hitler created around himself in Mein Kampf, and he also tries to look at this mysterious, calamitous figure not as a monster or madman, but as a human being with undeniable talents and obviously deep-seated psychological complexes.

More Information Hitler: Ascent 1889-1939 By Volker Ullrich Translated by Jefferson Chase Knopf, $40 See More Collapse

In a sense, he says in an introduction, Hitler will be normalized  although this will not make him seem more normal. If anything, he will emerge as even more horrific.

This is the first of two volumes (it ends in 1939 with the dictators 50th birthday) and there is little here that is substantially new.

However, Ullrich offers a fascinating Shakespearean parable about how the confluence of circumstance, chance, a ruthless individual and the willful blindness of others can transform a country  and, in Hitlers case, lead to an unimaginable nightmare for the world.

Ullrich, like other biographers, provides vivid insight into some factors that helped turn a Munich rabble-rouser  regarded by many as a self-obsessed clown with a strangely scattershot, impulsive style  into the lord and master of the German Reich.

Hitler was often described as an egomaniac who only loved himself  a narcissist with a taste for self-dramatization and what Ullrich calls a characteristic fondness for superlatives.

His manic speeches and penchant for taking all-or-nothing risks raised questions about his capacity for self-control, even his sanity.

But Ullrich underscores Hitlers shrewdness as a politician  with a keen eye for the strengths and weaknesses of other people and an ability to instantaneously analyze and exploit situations.

Hitler was known, among colleagues, for a bottomless mendacity that would later be magnified by a slick propaganda machine that used the latest technology (radio, gramophone records, film) to spread his message.

A former finance minister wrote that Hitler was so thoroughly untruthful that he could no longer recognize the difference between lies and truth and editors of one edition of Mein Kampf described it as a swamp of lies, distortions, innuendoes, half-truths and real facts.

Hitler increasingly presented himself in messianic terms, promising to lead Germany to a new era of national greatness, though he was typically vague about his actual plans.

He often harked back to a golden age for the country, Ullrich says, the better to paint the present day in hues that were all the darker. Everywhere you looked now, there was only decline and decay.

Hitlers repertoire of topics, Ullrich notes, was limited, and reading his speeches in retrospect, it seems amazing that he attracted larger and larger audiences with repeated mantralike phrases consisting largely of accusations, vows of revenge and promises for the future. But Hitler virtually wrote the modern playbook on demagoguery, arguing in Mein Kampf that propaganda must appeal to the emotions  not the reasoning powers  of the crowd.

Hitler, it became obvious, could not be tamed  he needed only five months to consolidate absolute power after becoming chancellor.

Non-National Socialist German states were brought into line, Ullrich writes, with pressure from the party grass roots combining effectively with pseudo-legal measures ordered by the Reich government.

Many Germans jumped on the Nazi bandwagon not out of political conviction but in hopes of improving their career opportunities, he argues, while fear kept others from speaking out against the persecution of the Jews.

The independent press was banned or suppressed and books deemed un-German were burned.

By March 1933, Hitler had made it clear, Ullrich says, that his government was going to do away with all norms of separation of powers and the rule of law.

Hitler had a dark, Darwinian view of the world.

And he would not only become, in Ullrichs words, a mouthpiece of the cultural pessimism growing in right-wing circles in the Weimar Republic, but also the avatar of what Thomas Mann identified as a turning away from reason and the fundamental principles of a civil society  namely, liberty, equality, education, optimism and belief in progress.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Iraq could not deal alone with driving Islamic State (IS) group from the city of Mosul and that the presence of Turkish forces in a nearby military camp was an insurance against attacks on Turkey.

Turkey has been locked in a fierce row with Iraq's central government over the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq, and over who should take part in the planned US-backed assault on Mosul.

Speaking at a ceremony in the Black Sea town of Rize, Erdogan said Turkey would not allow Islamic State or any other organization to control Mosul. He also said Turkish-backed rebels in neighboring Syria were advancing on the IS group-held village of Dabiq in the country's northwest.

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It was 1958, and pianist Van Cliburn was a young artist who had entered a period in his life that was full of grace, a time when he could do nothing wrong.

He won the gold medal at Moscows first International Tchaikovsky Competition, an event at which everyone anticipated a Russian winner as the Soviet Union basked in its Sputnik success.

Cliburns surprise triumph is the centerpiece of Nigel Cliffs new book, Moscow Nights.

The Russians loved the tall, lanky Texan with pop-star intensity. The applauding audience kept pleading in unison, first prize, first prize, after an early round of the competition.

After winning the gold medal, Cliburn often performed at the intersection of classical music and international politics, including White House state dinners and U.S.-Russian presidential summits in Moscow and elsewhere.

He demonstrated time and again that culture, notably classical music, can be common ground for humanity, even when politics positioned nations at the verge of nuclear war.

No musician calmed Cold War fears and conflicts more than Cliburn.

His star power reminded U.S. and Soviet presidents time and again that there was more to the world than just missile strategies.

More Information Moscow Nights By Nigel Cliff Harper, $28.99 See More Collapse

Moscow Nights  the title comes from a popular song often played by Cliburn  is more than a biography.

The book does cover Cliburns life, from his Texas and Louisiana youth to his 2013 death in Fort Worth.

Cliff reports well on Cliburns Julliard School education in New York, leading up the 1958 competition, which may not be familiar to many readers who already know much about the pianists life.

But Cliburn is only half of the Cliffs book.

Moscow Nights is balanced by chapters devoted solely to explaining the Cold War, which is useful for understanding the history-changing roles Cliburn played between 1958 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989.

It includes a critical White House performance in 1987 before Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev during a summit in which talks had not been going well.

A fairly complete biography of Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev is mixed into Cliffs book, too, including Khrushchevs rise to power after Joseph Stalins 1953 death, the 1959 Kitchen Debate with U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Khrushchev adored Cliburn until the Soviet leader died in 1971.

Cliff also delves into the death-threatening atmosphere of censorship and control of musicians, especially composers, during the Stalin regime, a condition that thawed only slightly under Khrushchev.

The book begins, though, with a highlight of Cliburns life, the New York City ticker-tape parade held for him, the first for a classical music musician. About 100,000 people celebrated Cliburns Moscow victory on May 28, 1958.

Many San Antonians heard Cliburn perform afterward, both here and elsewhere.

San Antonio is not mentioned in Cliffs book, but the pianist was scheduled perform in a sold-out Municipal Auditorium concert in 1959. He canceled because of a toothache.

In 1966, he performed his signature concert piece, the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, at the Joe Freeman Coliseum with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, an event sponsored by the Festival San Jacinto Association.

In 1976, he was featured with the San Antonio Symphony in a concert at College Station. He next came to San Antonio for a 1992 private concert at the request of then-President George H.W. Bush during a drug summit attended by Latin American heads of state.

But the concert most San Antonians remember best was his appearance on Valentines Day in 1997 when he performed the Tchaikovsky concerto with the San Antonio Symphony, Christopher Wilkins conducting. Cliburn also narrated Aaron Coplands Lincoln Portrait during that concert at the sold-out Trinity University Laurie Auditorium.

Cliburn that night still had that legendary stage presence that had won Russian hearts in 1958.

In Moscow Nights, Cliff relays to readers the personality and talent that bent history away from war and toward art and peace.

dhendricks@express-news.net
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Brace yourselves for a shiplap-lined Christmas.

HGTV's "Fixer Upper" stars Chip and Joanna Gaines recently premiered their new Magnolia Market Christmas Line, and it shares the duo's refined, rustic design aesthetic. Even better, the prices are affordable.

>>Take a look at the some of the line's offerings in the gallery above.

Christmas ornaments range from $6-$15, pillows start at $21 and wreaths -- from the countrified "Twig Wreath" to the sophisticated "Silver Bells Wreath" range from $18 to $118. (Story continues below.)

Other odds and ends include ornamental miniature Christmas trees, driftwood candle holders, knit stockings and velvet mistletoe garlands.

SEE ALSO: 5 things we learned from Joanna Gaines' first Magnolia magazine issue

This new product launch is just the latest in a string of project kickoffs. Their freshly published "The Magnolia Journal" is a quarterly lifestyle magazine that's already distributed 400,000 copies across the U.S.

Earlier this month, the duo celebrated Silobration, the second annual party at their Magnolia Silos.

RELATED: Chip & Joanna Gaines' 'Fixer Upper' Magnolia Market: 11 things to know before you visit Waco's silos

Joanna Gaines also debuted Magnolia Home, a new line of furniture and accessories which includes a 25-shade line of paints. Among the paint color names? "Wedding Band, "Ella Rose" and  of course  "Shiplap."

Up next for the lovable Waco, Texas pair: Their new book "The Magnolia Story" will be released Tuesday. It shares everything from their childhood experiences to their first home renovations.
Schenectady

For an amateur mixed martial arts fighter, James Hilton is apparently not a touchy guy.

The 33-year-old Glens Falls man charged with fracturing the skull of a Schenectady police officer last year said he was defending himself from being "attacked" by a patrolman who tried to physically restrain him, according to video played at Hilton's felony assault trial Friday.

"Nobody puts their hands on me. I don't care who they are, even an officer of police," Hilton, speaking in a low, gravelly voice, told a detective interviewing him after his arrest, the video showed.

Detective Edward Ritz was questioning Hilton about the attack on Patrolman Mark Weekes on Aug. 1, 2015 that required the officer to be hospitalized.

Police said Hilton was dancing with a traffic cone on Broadway near State Street. They said Weekes noticed an intoxicated Hilton and told him to put the cone back where it belonged. Weekes left but returned a few minutes to see Hilton on State Street still with the cone.

Hilton allegedly struck Weekes 28 times during an attempted arrest of Hilton and put him in a near choke hold. He was arrested by Schenectady police after a police dog tracked Hilton to a trash bin where he was hiding.

Schenectady County Assistant District Attorney Christina Tremante-Pelham played the video of Hilton's interview with Ritz as the detective testified before acting state Supreme Court Justice Frank Milano.

On the video, a suspicious Hilton said he was celebrating his friend's birthday but declined to name the friend.

"Did you guys get into it, obviously?" the detective asked Hilton in an interview room, where he read him his rights.

"He put my arm behind my back and tried to assault me," Hilton responded "Yeah, we got into it."

On the video, Hilton more than once raised the possibility that police might "beat the (expletive)" out of him.

And he said he did not care. "I don't feel pain," Hilton said. "(Weekes) grabbed my arm and attacked me."

Hilton is charged with felony assault of a police officer and resisting arrest,

Hilton and Weekes are both Iraq war veterans.

Attorney Lincy Jacob, will begin her defense on Monday, has said she will consider arguing that Hilton is not guilty by mental disease or defect.
GREENWICH  The Amogerone Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will host a memorial service Sunday.

Firefighters and supporters will gather at the small park at Milbank Avenue and Mason Street, where a small monument to the fire service is located. The gathering will pay tribute to the spirit of volunteerism and sacrifice, said an assistant chief of the Amogerone company, Richard Neuman.

Town workers were sprucing up the little traffic island on Friday in preparation for the memorial service.

Those gathered will pay a tribute to Bruce Funston, a longtime member of the company who died this year at the age of 74. He joined the company in 1958, and held a number of positions.

There will be a short service commemorating Funston and brief remarks beginning at 9 a.m.

We do bring a bell and ring it, Neuman said. Also participating in the ceremony will be the president of the company, Dana Neuman, the assistant chiefs wife.

The annual commemoration coincides with Fire Prevention Week in the second week in October. It originated as a testament to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed up to 300 people. Other volunteer fire companies in Greenwich are also holding events this weekend.

The Amogerone Company was founded in 1876 and is the oldest in Greenwich. Among its main assets is a fire truck that can refill oxygen tanks through an on-board air compressor, and a booster pump cascade system.

The company will be housed in the Central Fire Station nearing completion on Havemeyer Place.

Robert.Marchant@scni.com
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BRIDGEPORT  Members of the citys Library Board did not violate state Freedom of Information laws when they privately discussed embattled Library Director Scott Hughes performance without him in the room, a state official said.

The boards Personnel Committee convened behind closed doors Wednesday to decide what to do about Hughes. Earlier this year, members came close to firing Hughes, but instead placed him on probation to try to improve his management of the library system and his communication with the board.

Hughes was expected to attend Wednesdays meeting, but instead took a personal day off from work.

One of his allies on the personnel committee  Sauda Baraka  walked out of Wednesdays meeting, arguing that under Connecticuts Freedom of Information laws the committee could not talk about Hughes without him being present.

Im not participating because I think this is a violation of (the) FOI (Act), Baraka told her colleagues.

But Thomas Hennick, the public education officer for the state Freedom of Information Commission, said afterward in an interview that the Personnel Committee was only obligated to inform Hughes of the meeting.

And under the FOI Act, Hughes has the right to request any discussion of his performance by the library board or its committees be public  something he has done frequently this year.

But, Hennick said, Hughes cannot prevent the board from discussing him by skipping a meeting.

The person (who is the topic of a personnel discussion) only needs to be notified, Hennick said. If the person doesnt show up, thats on the person. Its not the boards problem whether or not the person appears.

Tom Errichetti, a Library Board member who participated in Wednesdays discussion, said Hughes was informed of the personnel committee meeting when it was first scheduled back in September.

He was well aware, Errichetti said. Errichetti said Hughes contacted him Tuesday afternoon to tell me he was taking personal days on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Errichetti said he did not ask for an explanation, and that Hughes did not offer one.

The Personnel Committee declined Wednesday to reveal what, if any, decision was made about Hughes probation and employment. Their recommendation is expected to be taken up by the full Library Board next week.

Hughes decision to skip Wednesdays meeting did not help his already damaged standing with some board members.

Its indicative of an ongoing lack of communication with the board, which was the primary focus of the original probation, Library Board Chairman Jim ODonnell said.

Hughes has not returned numerous requests for comment.

Former state Sen. Ernest Newton, who supports Hughes, said it was unfair for board members to hold Hughes absence against him, without knowing the cause.

We dont know what came up, Newton said.

A library employee who did not wish to be identified said it would be best if the full Library Board makes a final decision about Hughes next Wednesday.

I really want this situation to be resolved, one way or the other, the staffer said. We cant go on like this.
BRIDGEPORTMayor Joe Ganim knows a thing or two about second chances.

The people of the city of Bridgeport gave me a second chance, the gave me an opportunity, Ganim said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, in an edited video released by the city.

On Friday, Mayor Ganim joined junior Sen. Chris Murphy in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the The Jay Brothers Unified Resource Center, a social service center for residents with rap sheets.

Convicted in 2003 on 16 federal corruption charges in a pay-to-play scandal that relied on his mayoral power, he staged an unlikely comeback. After being released from prison in 2010, his rise and fall and rise culminated with his swearing in as mayor less than a year ago.

The mayor is now something of a felon advocate, and the second-chance center is a brick-and-mortar symbol of his administrations efforts to reintegrate former inmates.

The center is unique to Connecticut, according to a statement from city spokesman Av Harris, who said that it will concentrate diverse services ... for those Bridgeport residents returning from incarceration including everything from career counseling to yoga, to parenting classes.

It might be hard for other felons to get back the exact same job that they had before they went behind barsas Ganim didbut the mayor is hoping that service offered at the center increase their chances of being economically integrated and productive.

It will be a huge help not only to our second chance individuals but also for Bridgeport area employers who are looking for good people, Ganim said in a statement.

The center is named after the late Jay Brothers, a recovered addict and former councilor for Center for Change of New Haven, whose family was in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In the video, produced by another Ganim aide, you can hear more about Brothers legacy as well as comments from a woman with a criminal record who hopes to utilize the centers services.
Russia's flagship aircraft carrier set off Saturday for the Mediterranean Sea where Moscow's naval forces are supporting its bombing campaign in Syria, the defence ministry said.

The deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier comes weeks after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the ship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to boost the country's naval forces in the area.

The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the ministry said.

In addition to safeguarding maritime navigation, the ships are meant to "respond to new types of modern threats like piracy and international terrorism," the ministry said.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of President Bashar al-Assad and has deployed a naval contingent to back up its operation.

This is the first time that the Soviet-era Kuznetsov -- Russia's only aircraft carrier part of its Northern fleet based in Murmansk -- will join the Russian deployment after undergoing a refurbishment.

The defence ministry did not specify how long the aircraft carrier's mission would last.

Russia has a base in government-controlled Syrian territory from which it has flown most of its bombing raids in the country.

This week President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying Moscow's deal with Damascus to deploy its forces in the country indefinitely, in a move seen as firming their long-term presence.

The defence ministry said earlier this week that Moscow was poised to transform its naval facility in the Syrian port city of Tartus into a permanent base.

Moscow has flown long-range bombing raids from bases in Russia and fired cruise missiles from ships in the Caspian Sea and a submarine in the Mediterranean.

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A U.S. attorney and the FBI announced charges Thursday against 13 Saginaw men for trafficking heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.

An indictment unsealed in Bay City alleges the men conspired to distribute the drugs in the Saginaw area, primarily in a part of the city commonly known as the south side or Sunnyside.
The long-awaited opening of passenger rail service in the North Bay will have to wait until next year after the discovery of an engine malfunction in a similar train system put a wrench in plans to get the cars chugging before the New Year, officials said Friday.

Replacement of the engines combined with a staffing shortage, ongoing testing and several unexpected issues with grade crossings and electrical circuits will delay the opening until at least late spring, said Farhad Mansourian, the general manager of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, or SMART.

It is important to identify issues now so that when we do open our doors we become a safe, reliable and dependable service, Mansourian said. Safety is more important than trying to meet a deadline.

Its the latest setback for the rail service, which was approved in 2008 along 43 miles of track. Residents in Marin and Sonoma counties weary of the slog along Highway 101 were all but assured the 14 green-and-gray rail cars would begin running this year.

The engine problem was reported in Toronto in early July after a rail car similar to SMARTs diesel-powered cabs failed. The failure was the result of a design flaw in the crank shaft, Mansourian said in a letter to his board of directors, who are expected to approve the delay at their Wednesday meeting.

The Japanese manufacturer, Nippon Sharyo, will begin replacing the engines in November at their facility outside Chicago and continue through March 2017 on their own dime, Mansourian said.

In the meantime, he said, SMART workers and contractors will continue testing 63 glitchy gate crossings and try to figure out why the electrical circuit, or shunt, between the rail and the trains wheels has not been working consistently.

The train district has also had trouble filling jobs because of the cost of living in the increasingly posh North Bay. Mansourian said only a few of the agencys 80 positions still need to be filled.

Were hoping everything comes together and that we will be in a position to open in late spring, he said.

The district plans to launch service with seven two-car trains moving between the Sonoma County Airport, north of Santa Rosa, to downtown San Rafael, at a cost of $450 million. The line will eventually be extended to cover 70 miles from Cloverdale to Larkspur along old Northwestern Pacific Railroad tracks, and will include an adjacent bicycle and pedestrian path.

One-way fares will range from $3.50 to $11.50, depending on the distance, with half-off discounts for seniors, youths and passengers with disabilities. There are also cut-rate eco-passes designed for regular commuters and businesses.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @pfimrite
At least 11 people have died and several more are missing in heavy flooding in central Vietnam, state media said Saturday, with tens of thousands of homes completely submerged by water.

The communist government has ordered local authorities to mobilise the army and police to rescue trapped residents following heavy downpours, state-run Vietnam Television reported.

The channel said at least 11 had died in the flooding with some 27,000 homes under water in the region.

Local official Nguyen Huu Hoai told AFP that the death toll was seven in Quang Binh province, but added that conditions were improving.

"We can reach areas which were isolated by flooding," the chairman of the provincial People's Committee told AFP.

Though rainfall is expected to ease, officials warned the region could be hammered again if Typhoon Sarika in the South China Sea reaches Vietnam.

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Wayne Friday, a former city police commissioner, bartender, and a political columnist who chronicled the coming-of-age of San Franciscos gay community, died Wednesday. He was 79.

Mr. Friday, who had been suffering from Parkinsons disease, took his own life, said San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, a longtime friend who was notified by the citys emergency services department of his death.

Those of us in the LGBT community who are in politics now, we would not be where we are without people like Wayne Friday, Wiener said.

He knew everybody ... and everybody wanted to know him, said state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco. He described Mr. Friday as one of the most generous individuals Ive ever met as well as someone I could turn to for counsel because of his extraordinary political instincts.

Mayor Ed Lee ordered flags flown at half-staff Friday at City Hall and police stations in honor of Mr. Friday, whom he called a true representation of the free spirit of San Francisco.

A native of Michigan, Mr. Friday worked for a brokerage firm in New York, then come to San Francisco in 1970 and soon began tending bar at taverns that catered to gays and lesbians. He eventually became president of the Tavern Guild, an association of gay bars that also provided health services and social support in the early years of the AIDS epidemic, Leno said.

It was total freedom out here, for everybody, Mr. Friday recalled in a 2001 interview with The Chronicle. I had just come out of the closet. ... The city was a fantasy for grown-ups, gay and straight alike.

One of his friends was Harvey Milk, the gay community leader who was then political columnist for the Bay Area Reporter, the weekly gay newspaper. After closing time at the NTouch bar on Polk Street, Mr. Friday said in the interview, they would head for a diner, where Harvey would hold court and talk politics until daylight.

Mr. Friday took over the column when Milk was elected to the Board of Supervisors in November 1977, a year before his assassination by former Supervisor Dan White. He kept up the column until 2004.

We used to think of him as our gay Herb Caen, the newspapers publisher, Michael Yamashita, said Friday. He was involved in the early beginnings of gay political power in San Francisco. ... He loved to be on the inside of any kind of story.

He became this focal point of LGBT politics, Leno said. Long after Mr. Fridays retirement, he said, everyone still courted him for endorsements and called him regularly for information and gossip.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who became mayor after White killed Milk and Mayor George Moscone, recalled the increasing tension between police and the gay community. Wayne was respected by all sides, so I knew I could rely on him as a mediator, she said after Mr. Fridays death. As a political journalist and a public servant, Wayne Friday fought for LGBT rights to ensure all voices were heard in San Francisco.

Mr. Friday also worked for many years as an investigator for the district attorneys office, then spent about a decade as one of five members of the city Police Commission, appointed by Mayors Frank Jordan and Willie Brown.

Leno said a commemoration of Mr. Fridays life will be held next month.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Donald Trump charged on Saturday that "corrupt" media were seeking to rig November's presidential election in favor of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

"Hillary is running for president in what looks like a rigged election," the Republican nominee told supporters in New Hampshire.

"The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president."

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A man is in critical condition after darting out in front of a car Saturday morning in downtown San Antonio, police said.

According to police at the scene, the driver was traveling west on Market Street near Navarro Street at about 1:30 a.m. when the man ran out into the middle of the street, right in front of the car.
A pregnant woman is in stable condition after a driver ran a red light and struck her vehicle Saturday morning on the city's West Side, San Antonio police said.

The woman was driving south on the Loop 410 frontage road near Marbach Road when another vehicle ran the red light at the intersection and T-boned the woman's car, forcing her vheicle across two lanes of traffic and into a ditch, police said.
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Two people were found dead within hours of one another Friday along San Pedro Avenue on the city's North Side, authorities said.

The body of an unidentified man was found after 5 p.m. in a wooded area near the intersection of Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue near North Star Mall, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said.
In the final stretch of the race for the White House, Green Party nominee Jill Stein is making a quick stop in Houston on a campaign trail trek through the Lone Star State.

The Harris County Green Party is hosting a community event from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Last Concert Cafe in downtown Houston.

The speaker line-up includes Stein herself at 4:50 p.m., as well as Brian Harrison, Green Party candidate for Texas State House District 147, and Martina Salinas, Green Party candidate for Texas Railroad Commission.

In addition to speeches, the campaign stop includes interactive painting and a DJ.

READ MORE: Stein brings activism, but no wins, to outsider 2016 contest

The trailing candidate  who is still polling in the low single digits - already stopped in El Paso Friday and has plans for San Antonio and Austin Sunday and Monday.

"In Dr. Stein, Texans will find a revolutionary politician willing to stand up to the status quo and to the institutional ossification of both the Democratic and Republican parties," according to a campaign press release. "With polls showing a solid majority of Americans in favor of an alternative party, the Green Party offers a voice to voters disenchanted by the historically unpopular Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump."

This is not the physician-activist's first stop in the Bayou City in recent months. In early August, Stein nabbed the party's nomination in a Houston convention featuring a remote guest appearance by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

"The lesser evil is a losing strategy because people stop coming out to vote," she told party faithful at her University of Houston speech. "Hillary Clinton is the problem. She is not the solution to Donald trump. We are the solution. We are the ones we've been waiting for."
Separatist leader Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said her belief that Scotland will become independent was stronger than ever as she confirmed preparations for a second referendum for leaving Britain.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, first minister of the semi-autonomous Scottish government, has pledged to "explore all options" to prevent Scotland being taken out of the European Union against its will.

But with some of these options already being dismissed by the British government, Sturgeon has said another independence referendum is "highly likely".

In a speech on the final day of the SNP conference in Glasgow, Sturgeon said: "I have never doubted that Scotland will one day become an independent country.

"And I believe it today more strongly than I ever have before.

"But I've always known that it will happen only when a majority of our fellow citizens believe that becoming independent is the best way to build a better future, together."

The SNP will present a bill for another referendum to the Scottish Parliament next week. It would be pursued if all other options to keep Scotland in the EU should fail.

British unionists warned Scots that remaining in the UK was the only way to protect Scotland's place in the EU, and Scotland voted against independence in 2014.

But Scotland now faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU along with the rest of the UK, despite voting by 62 percent to remain.

Sturgeon said: "We will propose new powers to help keep Scotland in the single market even if the UK leaves.

"But if the Tory government rejects these efforts, if it insists on taking Scotland down a path that hurts our economy, costs jobs, lowers our living standards and damages our reputation as an open, welcoming, diverse country, then be in no doubt.

"Scotland must have the ability to choose a better future, and I will make sure that Scotland gets that chance."

Sturgeon acknowledged, however, that independence would "bring its own challenges".

One challenge Scotland faces is convincing EU member states who are wrestling with their own separatist movements to accept a unique Brexit solution for Scotland, or ultimately admit Scotland as a new member state if it votes for independence.

Corsican separatist Francois Alfonsi, president of a coalition of regional groups called the European Free Alliance (EFA), told a meeting on the sidelines of the conference that attitudes towards Scottish independence are shifting in Europe.

He said: "It is historic, this vote for Brexit, because it is creating conditions very new for the independence of Scotland.

"EFA has to be unconditional supporters of the SNP, but there are other supporters now."

Scotland's External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "The reaction to Scotland now is not the same as the reaction in 2014.

"One very senior European politician has said to us: 'We didn't understand why you wanted to be independent in 2014, but we understand now.'"

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A man comes out of a church after a fire-and-brimstone sermon on the Ten Commandments, pauses, and then tells his wife, At least I havent made any graven images!

This is the type of praise Republicans could muster for Donald Trumps second debate performance. He did not have a mental breakdown on stage or try to kiss anyone against their will  some of the lowest bars ever set in the presidential debate expectations game.

What Trump actually did was ensure that hard-core conservatives stay with him until the end of his political journey, when Republicans begin the search for survivors and examine the charred black box. Trumps performance was perfectly tuned to make a loyal Rush Limbaugh listener burst out in Hell, yeah! Put Juanita Broaddrick in the audience? Threaten to jail your opponent? Throw WikiLeaks in her face? Blame her for the death of Capt. Khan in Iraq? Dismiss all the fuss about sexual predation as locker-room talk? Hell, yeah!

This kind of thing has been normalized in far-right discourse for decades.

To many people outside the talk radio hothouse, Trumps debate performance was appalling, contemptible, shameful, squalid, vile. Do we really want a president who views the rule of law as a means to imprison his opposition? A president who dismisses talk of sexual assault on the theory that boys will be boys? A president who urges a foreign power to hack his opponent, then excuses that power when it is caught? A president who accuses his opponent of killing American soldiers based on a position he actually took himself?

Trump and his advisers must know that the conservative talk radio audience, and the Republican primary electorate, is different from a national electorate, which actually includes minorities, young people and women who dont like disgusting boors. Perhaps Trumps strategy was a recognition that even his strongest supporters were on the verge of bolting and needed to be appeased. Perhaps Trumps knowledge of policy is so thin that it fills three or four minutes of a 90-minute debate, and all he has left is trash talk. Or perhaps he is incapable of shame and nasty to the core.

Whatever the explanation, Trump achieved the worst possible outcome for the GOP. He was good enough with his base to avoid a generalized revolt and bad enough with the rest of the country to continue his slide toward major defeat.

This sad Republican fate is deserved. It is the culmination, the fruition, of an absurdly simplistic anti-establishment attitude. The Trump campaign is what happens when you choose a presidential candidate without the taint of electoral experience  and all the past vetting that comes with it. It is what happens when you pick a candidate who has not engaged in serious public argument over a period in which his or her views and consistency can be tested. It is what happens when you embrace a candidate only on the basis of an outsider persona, who lacks actual political skills  like avoiding a constant stream of distracting gaffes.

When you have contempt for politics, you often get a politics worthy of contempt.

The Trump evangelicals deserve a special shout-out in all this. By accepting, even excusing, Trumps talk of sexual predation, they are demonstrating a political polarization that runs so deep that even common decency no longer matters. This is what many Democrats showed in the 1990s by minimizing or excusing a presidential abuse of power for sexual purposes that seems even more odious two decades removed. Now some evangelicals are making a similar case  downplaying the importance of integrity, morality and character in leadership.

Until recently, it was presumed, by both critics and supporters, that the GOP was the party of traditional moral order. Under Trump, it seems much more like British conservatism at its worst  hate and mock the liberals, fear the outsiders, and put a topless woman on Page 3. The deep partisanship of Trump evangelicals  fighting for a team rather than standing for principles  is actually aiding the secularization of American politics.

And so, it turns out, some are making a graven image  of a figure who deserves contempt.

michaelgerson@washpost.com
Gustavo Castro Soto, his wife and their two children are now safe, far from La Esperanza, Honduras, where masked gunmen shot Gustavo in the head and left him for dead.

The attack took place in the early morning hours of March 3, in the home of human rights activist Berta Caceres. Gustavo was preparing for an environmental justice conference on the Agua Zarca Dam that has rerouted a rural Honduran river away from the indigenous population that lives along it.

Berta, a 45-year-old mother and grandmother, internationally known and honored as an environmental justice advocate, was the primary target of the assassins and was murdered that night. Gustavo survived but was detained for over a month by government authorities who treated him as a suspect rather than a victim of the crime.

Gustavo Castro Soto is Carolinas cousin, someone we had gotten to know well through our time in Chiapas, Mexico, where, among the indigenous Maya, we worked as physicians and he helped them hold on to lands farmed since pre-Columbian time.

We learned of the attack and aftermath from family, as well as the Mexican press and social media, and did our best to publicize Gustavos predicament in the U.S., knowing that international support might be key to saving his life.

For days after the murder of Berta, Honduran authorities held Gustavo in custody and subjected him to rough interrogation. With the aid of the Mexican consul, he gained release and managed to arrive safely at the Mexican Embassy in Tegucigalpa. But when Gustavo tried to fly back to Mexico, he was removed from the airport by police and ordered back to La Esperanza for more interrogation. All the while, the true assassins remained at large, as they presumably do now.

Fortunately, Gustavos brother, Oscar, a human rights activist and investigator at the University IberoAmericana in Mexico City, came to his aid, negotiated his release and guarded him while he was forced to remain in Honduras as authorities investigated Bertas murder.

Oscar stayed, putting his life at risk, until Gustavo was finally allowed to depart Honduras.

Honduras is known as one of the most dangerous places on Earth, where assassinations by local gangsters can be arranged for as little as $220 per hit.

Doling out money for the hits are the economic interests behind the Agua Zarca Dam, and other post-coup development that displaces, disenfranchises and defrauds the many for the profits of the few. And posing an equal if not greater danger, it is reported that the Honduran government maintains death squads that it supplies with lists of troublemakers to be eliminated. Berta was on such a list.

Thus, it is not difficult to understand that men, women and even unaccompanied children flee the violence, injustice and poverty of Honduras and elsewhere in Central America.

Many ride trains, trucks, buses and walk almost 2,000 miles to the United States in the hope of crossing into safety. While some in the United States consider them criminals for crossing our border illegally, many of us would likely do the same if our brother, sister or child were in mortal danger.

This is a forced migration. U.S.-sponsored coups, civil wars, economic blockades and military support to illegitimate regimes are responsible for much of it. There has been long-standing interference in Central American affairs. They include the overthrow of Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, propping up the Somoza dynasty in Nicaragua that culminated in the CIA-led Contra War, and the civil war in El Salvador that set the stage for the murder of priests, nuns and Archbishop Oscar Romero. Policy has driven and continues to drive the misery and disintegration that propels thousands of refugees north toward our borders.

Our next president, if that person has wisdom and courage, will have the opportunity to hit the reset button on U.S. foreign policy in Central America.

Hillary Clinton, as secretary of state, played a major role legitimizing the military coup in Honduras that deposed a democratically elected president who was then replaced by the corrupt and vicious dictator who now rules. If she becomes president, she has an added obligation to right the past wrongs.

Hopefully she will be pushed in that direction by her vice president, Tim Kaine, who served as missionary to Honduran youth during the Contra War. A group of five Democratic congressmen, led by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, is already promoting saner foreign policies with a bill to discontinue military aid to Honduras.

Donald Trump would presumably build his wall and continue the beggar thy neighbor, America-first policies that have created the social chaos that threatens not only Central America but also the U.S.

In our extensive experience in Central America and Mexico, we have found great wealth of culture and spirit. Most people we encountered, poor included, had fierce love of family, village, city and nation, and would not consider leaving their homes except under extreme duress.

Intelligent U.S. foreign policies could reduce, rather than add to, that duress.

Carolina Gonzalez Schlenker, a physician, is an investigator in the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonios Department of Family and Community Medicine and runs its Promotores program. Thomas Schlenker is a physician and former director of San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District. He now heads the Health Strategies Group at Interlex.
Has Texas denied special education services in public schools in violation of federal law and at the expense of our schoolchildren?

A Houston Chronicle analysis says yes. The analysis showed that Texas public school districts have drastically reduced their provision of special education, from about 12 percent of students in 2004 to 8.5 percent of students in 2015.

The Texas Education Agency, the Chronicle reported, decided to keep special education placements at 8.5 percent.

In Northside Independent School District, the largest in San Antonio, the figure dropped from 14.7 percent to 11.1 percent. This contrasts with a rate of about 13 percent nationwide.

The federal government has now written that the Texas Education Agency may have to discontinue the use of any cap unless it can show that no child deserving of special-education services was denied as a result.

But in prior comments, the TEA has said it never had a cap, that it didnt require any reduction in special-needs populations. It says its 8.5 percent benchmark is about data collection. In other words, the TEA might look more closely at a districts data if its special-needs population is large enough.

Here is one solution to this mess: The TEA should pay for reasonable data collection by school districts.

Money is the key to understanding this fight. On one hand, a federal law requires Texas to identify and provide services to all special-needs kids. On the other, this federal mandate is largely unfunded, so if Texas school districts provide services to kids who should not have a special-needs designation, then other school programs lose the resources they deserve.

The TEAs responsibility is to help allocate the right amount of resources to special-needs programs. To do this, it needs data. To ask a school district to submit information about special-needs populations and programs is reasonable.

But the TEA should not use data collection as a Trojan horse. It may not conceal a program that takes resources away from deserving kids under the pretense that the program only collects data.

A problem is that a data-collection benchmark can indeed act like a Trojan horse for a quota even if the TEA does not intend that result. This is because the benchmark gives school administrators comfort that they have met standards if their district is at or below 8.5 percent.

Even if the TEA does not set any penalties for a higher percentage, school administrators might be tempted by the assurance that the state wont come sniffing around seeking more information. They might not want the hassle of extra data analysis.

School administrators might alter their special-needs decisions to move closer to the safe harbor of 8.5 percent. Special-needs kids might pay the price for administrators peace of mind.

One way to approach this problem is to stop collecting data about special-needs populations. The problem with this is that less data probably means a higher chance of error in resource allocation. And that means that students, one way or the other, lose out.

Another alternative is that the TEA could collect more data. For instance, it could collect large amounts of data from all schools, whether or not their special-needs populations exceed a benchmark. But this could cost a lot, and since resources are limited, students again would pay the price.

A third alternative offers a better solution, assuming that data collection is costly. The TEAs benchmark should not be allowed to operate as a penalty. So the TEA should first say, plainly and publicly, that data collection is not a penalty.

It should explain if true  that school districts with percentages higher than the benchmark (those in Austin and San Antonio among them) have not been penalized.

And it should reimburse school districts the reasonable costs of data collection, which funds the mission of the TEA rather than the goals of a particular district.

This comes down to money and data, with the welfare of Texas schoolchildren on the line.

Susan Morse is a professor of law at the University of Texas at Austin.
A historic district designation for San Antonios central downtown will not create any new regulatory strictures. It will, however, make available to downtown property owners state and federal tax credits that could equal 45 percent of most renovation costs.

This is why the citys application for this designation with the National Register of Historic Places is a vitally important pursuit  one that, if achieved, could accomplish more to address the decay afflicting some downtown buildings and revitalize other parts of the area than all the city has done to date.

The citys efforts were laid out recently in an Express-News article by Richard Webner. The 0.33 square miles of downtown this designation would cover include the River Walk tourist area to just north of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

Nearly 200 historic buildings and other structures could be affected. Among these are the Tower Life Building, the Hilton Palacio del Rio and the Light building, which a local partnership is under contract to buy from Hearst, the parent corporation for the San Antonio Express-News.

We know: Anytime the term historic district is applied, property owners envision added hurdles for renovation or demolition.

But Shanon Shea Miller, the citys director of the Office of Historic Preservation, explains that this simply isnt so. If downtown property owners dont use the tax credits, they wont have to clear their renovation projects through the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service.

Parts of downtown are already deemed historic, or are in the River Improvement Overlay District or in the citys downtown design guide. Projects in these areas already go through the citys Historic and Design Review Commission. If future developers dont use the tax credits, they wont have to take those extra state and federal steps for their projects.

Webner explained that developers with big projects are the most likely to use the tax credits. And the extra layers of process can indeed mean extra renovation costs because of state and federal requirements. But because the tax credits cover nearly half of most renovation costs, the developers will come out ahead.

Downtown is on the cusp of major change with a city/state master plan in the works for Alamo Plaza and developments at Hemisfair.

The city has made subsidies available to developers with downtown projects and has pressured owners of vacant buildings to maintain them. The addition of this designation  along with those other transformative projects  could mean a nearly complete revitalization of downtown if property owners take advantage of tax credits to spruce up or remake their buildings.

This is a good  and exciting  move by the city.
Teaching youngsters in a classroom how to interact with police can help determine the outcomes of real interactions on the street.

According to a recent Texas Tribune article, thats the premise behind a proposal by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, and other legislators to craft ways Texas schools can help in this regard. Its a worthy effort.

Schools can teach comply, then complain. They can also, however, teach the basic rights that anyone stopped by police should enjoy. In other words, what constitutes illegality on the part of officers. But the first step indeed has to be that comply, then complain strategy.

Whitmire envisions both. Spurring this is a genuine crisis in community/police relations.

Most of the debate has focused on how police can improve training and address implicit biases that might be at work. But the flip side is that the public also can be educated. The Department of Public Safety, the Texas Tribune additionally reports, is considering new language in its guidelines for stopped drivers.

Whitmire said ninth grade is a good time to start teaching students about police interactions. Drivers licenses could soon be in their futures.

Yes, Texans should put themselves in officers shoes during a stop. But police should also put themselves in the publics shoes. Anxiety, anger and fear because of some high profile shootings can be pronounced.

But comply, then complain will generally be the best course. Teach it in the schools.
Re: Racism today, Your Turn, Sept. 21:

One of the most absurd things I have read lately is that the Ku Klux Klan is irrelevant.

The Southern Poverty Law Center estimates there are 190 KKK chapters in the U.S., with up to 6,000 active members. David Duke, a former imperial wizard of the Knights of the KKK and former member of the Louisiana House, has belonged to the American Nazi Party and was often seen wearing a Nazi uniform. He is vocally anti-Semitic, and supports racial segregation and white supremacy. He formed the NAAWP (like the NAACP, but for white folks). He was arrested for starting a race riot in 1972 and was deported from the Czech Republic for denying the Holocaust.

Granted, the KKK may have stopped lynching blacks, but they still burn crosses on the front lawns of those who oppose them. Their philosophy runs counter to the American ideals of freedom for all, equality of all, regardless of race or creed, and the right of every citizen to vote.

Go to the SPLC website to educate yourself about this continuing menace to our society.

Charlene Kaiser, Pipe Creek

Clinton machine

I cannot believe the Express-News is supporting Hillary Clinton! Nothing about her passes the smell test, from the Clinton Foundation to the private server to her early years as a lawyer. This woman is running for president of the United States.

The Clinton machine is very powerful. I wouldnt be surprised if they really can rig the election. I know that Donald Trump doesnt know how to filter his comments, but he is a businessman and, just maybe, can shake Washington up.

I feel that our country is going in the wrong direction. Have felt that way for a long time. Washington is broken. Maybe we need a Donald Trump!

Kathye White, Boerne

Debate etiquette

There should be a rule that you are not allowed to interrupt your presidential opponents until it is their time to counter in a debate. All you have to do is take notes, which I see they do, and wait your turn. It is as simple as that. That would end this talking over one another. It is rude, and you cannot hear either of them.

Each opponent should have the opportunity to counter what the other just said and not just proceed to the next question.

The reason they let this happen is that the media/news channels get higher ratings. We are talking about the president and vice president of the United States here. And not just voters in the U.S. are watching, but people all over the world. Common courtesy, tact and professionalism should be upheld.

Carol Bocchetti, Boerne

Trumps punch line

Donald Trumps plan to be our president fills the bill as the biggest joke in history. Its so clear to me that the main objective in his running for president is to ensure that Hillary Clinton is elected. They were good friends before and now their sparring matches are inimitable comedy shows.

Heaven help us.

Dorothy Wallingford

What price change?

Re: White grievance soul of Trump campaign, Michael Gerson, Other Views, Oct. 6:

Arguably the best conservative columnist of our time hits the nail squarely on the head. He characterizes Donald Trump, his advisers and surrogates as waging a movement of white economic and cultural grievance  (between) a party of social elites and ascendant minorities. He goes on to state, This struggle is rooted in race and class.

Trumps cronies have a long history of these notions. Gerson names Chris Christie, Roger Ailes, Steve Bannon, Rudy Giuliani and Newt Gingrich. One does not have to look far into the past of any of these folks to realize the truth in Gersons message. As he states, they are almost psychotically sycophantic, despite their diversity.

They confirm the fact that cultural and social acceptance would be met with intolerance and lack of inclusion, and obviously we can forget about diversity in a Trump regime.

We know the majority of voters strongly desire change, but what price are we willing to pay for such change? They will unequivocally deliver the change that only the white radical vote could deliver  hate-filled, thoughtless and ugly, and certainly unconstitutional, creating endless court battles, a familiar theme of Trumps existence.

We can do much better. Change does not have to start at the top; all politics is local, after all.

Jerry Kempe, New Braunfels

Worse climate?

I view the climate change dilemma as a freight train barreling down the tracks. Some have noticed  weve already seen some signs of it coming.

With Hillary Clinton as president, we may just get out of the way, but with a chance of The Donald and our own Rep. Lamar Smith up in Washington, I suggest getting more home insurance policies at least.

Bill Hurley

Scary words true

In 185l, Alexis De Tocqueville wrote in his classic Democracy in America that our elections represented moments of extreme peril. And extreme peril, he wrote, does not always impel a nation to rise to meet it; it is sometimes fatal. It can arouse passions without offering guidance and cloud a nations intelligence rather than enlighten it.

True words and frightening ones!

Carl Lloyd

Health care priority

Re: Humana cut from Baptist hospitals; Patients are now out of network, Front Page, Oct. 4:

Once again, it is apparent that when it comes to health care in the U.S., the Hippocratic oath is really the Hypocritical oath since it is driven not by concern for patients but by bottom-line profit for shareholders.

Chuck Mire
Al Kauffman, professor at St. Marys University School of Law, has done many a public service in his illustrious career, including arguing cases in which he thwarted erosion of precious rights. Add one more service.

I commend for your reading pleasure  displeasure when you grasp the enormity of what Texas has done through the years  an op-ed he wrote for these pages a Sunday ago (Halt Texas pattern of voter discrimination, Opinion, Oct. 9).

And while youre at it, read Robert Brischettos history of gerrymandering (Democracy distorted by gerrymandering, Opinion, Oct. 2).

There is a tendency, when history reveals heinous acts, for folks to shrug and say, That was then, this is now. Weve evolved, in other words.

But what Kauffman did was draw a bright line from early 20th-century efforts to keep minority voters from the polls to present-day efforts to do the same. He demonstrated that suppressing the vote isnt only history, it is an ongoing current event.

Heres the pattern: Texas implements discriminatory policies, suffers their overruling in court, complains about court and national overreach, and then designs new ingenious ways to reinstitute the discriminatory policies.

Given unlimited space to write, Kauffman could have started earlier when it comes to Texas at war with its own citizens of color, but he started in 1927. That was when the U.S. Supreme Court said it was unconstitutional to deny African-Americans a right to vote in the Democratic primary. Democrats were then the party in power  and such shenanigans are always about preserving power.

After that 1927 ruling, Texas passed a law allowing the political parties to choose who gets to vote in their primaries. Guess who was denied? Right, African-Americans.

Five years later, the high court ruled that unconstitutional. Texas then allowed parties to choose their own members  African-Americans again excluded. It took a 1944 ruling to put an end to the nonsense.

Texas history also includes this:

The states were asked to ratify the 24th Amendment, which repealed the poll tax in federal elections. Poll taxes disproportionately disenfranchised poor blacks and Mexican-Americans.

In their ratification vote in 1963, Texans rejected a repeal of the poll tax, 56 percent to 43 percent.

This, no matter how old I am, is not ancient history. And the irony was that many poor blacks and Mexican-Americans were unable to vote on their ability to vote in federal elections.

The 24th Amendment came to be anyway in 1964 because enough states ratified the measure. Wonder of wonders, the poll tax could still be applied in Texas state and local elections  until the Supreme Court banned the poll tax altogether in 1966.

To say Texas is dragged kicking and screaming into progress is not at all understatement.

And, as Kauffman wrote, the pattern persists. Texas voter ID law has been rejected three times. And this last time, folks who challenged the law had to go back to court because it appeared the state was not doing its part to educate voters that they dont need photo IDs to vote.

Even now, Texas says it will appeal the latest voter ID ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Texas leaders persist in their insistence that the voter ID law is about in-person voter fraud, which is virtually nonexistent. Federal overreach? No, voter discrimination is about state overreach to preserve a partys continuing dominance, changing demographics be damned.

Kauffman advocates restoration  legislatively or by the courts  of federal preclearance. Certain states, because of past discriminatory practices, had to get changes to voting law approved by the federal government. Texas was among them. Preclearance had been a part of the Voting Rights Acts Section 5 but was weakened by the Supreme Court.

Yes, restoring preclearance would indeed be a move forward.

Another, however, starts with grasping how Texas elected officials have advocated discrimination. When you go to the polls for this extremely important election, remember that not everyone wanted to allow this. And then act accordingly.
El-Borollos Symposium for Drawing on Walls and Boats this year featured 40 artists, receiving a warm local welcome in its third edition

The third annual Borollos Symposium for Drawing on Walls and Boats took place in the fishing town of Borg El-Borollos, in northern Egypts Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, between 1 and 13 October.

The initiative started in 2014 with the aim of decorating the town's houses with murals and adorning fishing boats with vibrant paintings.

The annual event is organised by the Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Mohsen Foundation for Culture, Arts and Development, and invites Egyptian and international artists as well as the town's own residents to contribute to the project.

Some 25 artists from 10 countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Tunisia, Sudan and Portugal, participated in last year's edition.

According to curator Eman Ezzat, the symposium has grown over the past editions. This year's edition hosted 40 artists, and comprised 15 international artists from 14 different countries, including Senegal, India, Serbia, Macedonia and Saudi Arabia.

Not all artists can make murals or know how to take into consideration the effects of weather conditions on the coastal town, which can possibly affect the works later on. Also, not all artists are comfortable with painting on streets. These were some of the things we considered while head-hunting the artists, Ezzat told Ahram Online.

Bright colours take over the otherwise plain grey cement and red brick buildings, adorning them with flowers, birds, marine themes, as well as characters and scenes that evoke folkloric tales. Colourful satellite dishes are depicted in one of the murals.

The designs transform the town's walls to canvases, and camouflage doors to look like entrances to other worlds.

Riham El-Sadany, one of the artists who participated in this year's edition, talked to Ahram Online about the different aspects of the symposium.

On the one hand, its mostly about involving the locals and interacting with them, in an effort to integrate more art into their lives. Another aspect is bringing all these artists to spend time together for the 15 days. And lastly, each artist is given small boats to paint on, which are collected for an exhibition held in Cairo afterwards, she says.

According to Ezzat, the venue of this year's exhibition has yet to be decided on, as they are searching for a space that can accommodate all 40 boats and do them justice in presentation.

All the designs are really beautiful, and the artists created wonderful works, El-Sadany attests.

For her own boat, El-Sadany painted the side panel with a series of dancing women, as if responding to a tribal African rhythm, painted in black against a white background. At the bottom of the boat she depicted another woman, this time in colour and with a more modern look, her lips and hand blowing a kiss that scatters the petals of a rose.

This woman is more similar to the ones in my other paintings, she says.

Unlike the boat, with which she had total liberty, painting murals on the locals' homes was a different experience for El-Sadany.

When youre painting on someones home and in their neighbourhood, you have to be considerate and make something appropriate. They have to like it in the end, she asserts.

Though in past editions locals were happy and hospitable to the artists and the project as a whole, Ezzat says their hospitality was even more vivid this year.

They understand that we're doing something for them. In the first edition they had lots of questions, and they felt they needed more than just art. But they now see the benefit of the symposium and how it shed light on them.

In a 2015 interview with Ahram Online, Abdel-Mohsen, founder of the organisation behind the event, talked of how the festival can over time change the infrastructure of the impoverished area and enrich its community.

With raised interest in the town and the governorate, new skills and jobs will be created, perceptions of beauty will be instated and hopes infused, he said.

We tell them that its not just about beautifying the city, but that it's about making them happy, widening their scope of opportunities, and putting this city, which sits at such a strategic beautiful spot between the lake and the sea, under the spotlight, Ezzat added.

El-Sadany also shared some heartwarming anecdotes of her encounters with local children and their interaction with the artworks.

There were many comical situations. The children were so excited and just couldn't wait to see the finished work. They kept guessing what it will be like and were making funny comments the whole time.

"One artist was working on an ultra-contemporary piece, and the children commented that it will bring in afareet (ghosts or a jinni) and that now no one will come to visit. It was endearing as their idea of art is very naive and very literal.

While El-Sadany has attended similar events before, she thinks this symposium has a special flavour.

Seeing as the organisers are artists too and [that the symposium] does not seek profit, this makes a big difference in the overall spirit while working, she says.

Im certain that this symposium will have a wider effect on the community over time. Its a great initiative, with wonderful hospitality from the locals and the organisers, despite its modest budget.

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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A French expert has examined the architectural condition of Al-Tunbagha Al-Mardani Mosque in Bab Zuweila area in a step towards drawing up a plan for its restoration

French expert Christophe Polio, from the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP), has embarked on an inspection tour around Al-Tunbagha Al-Mardani Mosque in Bab Zuweila area to check its architectural conditions as a step towards drawing up a plan for its restoration.

Mohamed Abdel Aziz, head of the Historic Cairo unit at the Ministry of Antiquties, told Ahram Online that the mosque edifice has several problems due to erosion. There is also a high level of humidity and accumulated salts on the mosque's walls due to the leakage of water from nearby streets.

Its existence in a busy residential area, Abdel Aziz said, has added to its deterioration due to the negative behaviour of area inhabitants who throw garbage beside it.The mosque was also subject to bad restoration practices in 1896 by the Arab Heritage Conservation Committee, responsible for Islamic monuments at the time.

After his inspection tour, Polio told Ahram Online that the prayer hall (Iwan Al-Qibla) is the most deteriorated part of the mosque and needs to be completely rehabilitated. Cracks have spread over the walls and its woodwork and marble are in a very bad condition.

Polio is to write a detailed report on the mosque's condition and will suggest a plan for its restoration. Both are to be submitted to Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany for discussion in a special meeting with Polio next week.

The mosque of Al-Tanbugha Al-Mardani was built in the style of congregational mosques. it has a court surrounded by four aisles. The deepest and largest of the aisles is the one in the direction of prayer.

In the centre of the nave there is an octagonal fountain covered with marble. The facade of the northern aisle is covered with beautiful marble inscribed with the date of construction. The rest of the prayer direction wall is covered with a fine marble dado, or panel, inlaid with mother of pearl.

The Mosque has three entrances and a dome supported by eight granite pillars.



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A woman who once accused her husband of raping her has walked into a police station and accused Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Nelson Chamisa of rape, ZimLive can reveal.

Police have launched an investigation into the sensational claims by 39-year-old Nyaradzo Nyathi, the wife of Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agent Herbert Garikai Nyathi, who is currently on diplomatic service in Canada.

Nyaradzo left her home she shares with her mother on Mtukudzi Drive in Norton saying she was going to her house in Greendale in Harare on February 28.

Along the way, she took a detour into Norton Police Station where after producing a diplomatic passport, she went on to tell the police an incredible tale about how the MDC leader attacked her.

Nyaradzo, according to police sources, said she was returning from a jog at around 9.45PM on November 8 last year and had just reached their gate when Chamisa allegedly emerged from nowhere, grabbed her and raped her inside her home in Knowe Phase 2.

The MDC leaders spokesman Nkululeko Sibanda said they would not be commenting until they hear from the police.

The alleged rape is being investigated under crime reference CR15/03/19.

ZimLive has been told that Zimbabwes ambassador to Canada, Florence Zano Chideya, ordered Nyaradzo to be returned home after her mental health was questioned. Nyaradzo had accused her husband of rape, but he escaped arrest because he enjoys diplomatic immunity.

Police sources say Norton police have referred the case to police headquarters in Harare, and police are keen to question the MDC leader.

MDC MP Job Sikhala said on Twitter: When handsome men of substance and fame are alleged of rape when million women scream at their sight. Mapererwa manje vana kamba.

Nyaradzo and her husband have lived at Zimbabwean diplomatic missions in Namibia, Austria and Canada.

 ZimLive

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Leader of the Devine Kingdom Baptist Ministries, pastor Ian Ndlovu has made a chilling prophecy saying God is going to shake Zimbabwe and Zambia very shortly.

The respected man of God was speaking during his Sunday service yesterday in Bulawayo. He said, Whether we like it or not, God is going to shake Zambia and Zimbabwe.

I perceive that the work of God of ensuring that the future is freed from imprisonment by the past will continue at a more hectic pace and at a higher tempo

I said God you are going to shake our country, why is our country going to be shaken and then God says, so that the things that must remain must remain and the things that must go they must fall away.

This is God answering me in my spirit, its a mystery, what I am saying its a mystery.

Watch video below:

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ust about everyone wants to hold Wells Fargo accountable for a scheme in which sales quotas drove employees to set up phony credit card and bank accounts without customer knowledge. A Donald Trump advisor declared the behavior stupid and greedy, while Hillary Clinton proposes to make it easier for consumers to take companies to court for such behavior. So far, over 5,000 regular workers have been fired at Wells Fargo, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has fined the bank $185 million. Hold Wells Fargo Accountable even has its own Facebook page.

Will it make any difference? Not much, warns William Lazonick, a leading expert on American corporations and co-author of a new study on CEO pay sponsored by the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Until critics truly understand why companies have strong incentives to create such schemes in the first place, they will go on doing so, hurting workers, customers, and taxpayers. The entire economy will be dragged down and economic inequality will continue to rise.

As Lazonick explains, the Wells Fargo cross-selling scandal and other scams that ripple across the headlines are born in a business culture in which executives are focused on jacking up stock prices in the short term so that they can cash in on stock options and awards. As long as this continues, the urge to cheat will be too tempting for most to resist.

Here are three things anyone wanting to hold Wells Fargo accountable needs to know.

1) American businesses have become stock manipulation machines

When a company does a stock buyback, it purchases its own outstanding shares, a financial trick that reduces the number of shares on the open market and boosts the price per share. As Lazonick points out, the 449 companies in the S&P 500 index that were publicly listed from 2003 through 2012 used over half their earnings to buy back their own stock, almost all through purchases on the open market. Buybacks continue apace.

When companies do this, profits that could have been used to develop new products, pay workers fairly, and invest in the long-term health of the firm are diverted to prop up share prices. Executives love buybacks, because they often get paid in stock-based instruments. They can time stock price-boosting activity and cash in at the optimal moment to line their pockets.

Before 1982, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considered stock buybacks to be a potentially unlawful form of stock price manipulation. But that year, under the sway of Reagan-era enthusiasm for unfettered markets, the SEC loosened its rules. This change, plus a shift toward stock-based compensation for top executives, has exacerbated economic inequality by pushing pay at the top into the stratosphere while shortchanging workers. Instead of growing companies in the long term and paying workers what they deserve, executives have focused on boosting stock prices in the short term for their own benefit. Stock buybacks drain trillions of dollars from the real economy and produce nothing of value.

2) Focusing on short-term stock prices leads to corruption

As long as companies are incentivized to boost stock prices in the short term, executives will be tempted to do that by any means necessary. The problem is not just buybacks, Lazonick emphasizes. They will also engage in all sorts of misconduct and even outright fraud, whether its Wells Fargo setting up fake credit card accounts or pharmaceutical firms resorting to price gouging, as Mylan has done with its EpiPen.

Lazonick points out that even the most vocal critics of such shady business practices often dont understand whats behind them. When Mylan raises the EpiPen price, he explains, they use a million phony arguments to justify why they are doing it, but the truth is that they are doing it to boost the stock price so that executives can gain.

Simply stopping a particular shady activity will not solve the problem, says Lazonick. As long as the incentives for stock price manipulation are there, companies caught in one scam will just move onto another. Its totally corrupting, he observes. There may be some ethical constraints going on in some companies, but the scams still continue. Price gouging has been going on in pharmaceutical companies for thirty years. No one should be surprised about Mylan. Or the next Mylan.

Lazonick notes that even if an executive doesnt want to engage in unethical behavior to boost stock prices, the pressure to do so from, say, an activist investor may be too great. Her job may depend on it. CEOs who resist may be gone pretty quickly, he notes.

3) Punishment means little until executive pay is understood

Big fines, clawbacks, and withholding executive pay may sound great in terms of punishing wrongdoing, but they dont mean much when they are based on fiction.

The Wells Fargo board announced that CEO John Stumpf would lose unvested stock awards and would not be paid his annual salary while the investigation into the cross-selling scam was going on. But how much does he actually get paid? How much are his stock awards really worth?

Turns out, hardly anybody really knows.

Lazonicks research with Matt Hopkins shows that for decades, corporate executives have been making far more money than anybody reports, because the metric used to estimate what they take home is wrong.

When people talk about how much a CEO like Stumpf makes, they are usually basing the number on something called  estimated fair value (EFV) of his or her stock options and stock awards. But that doesnt represent what Stumpf puts in his bank account and reports on his tax return. In the case of stock options, that estimate derives from a celebrated economic theorem, often referred to as the Black-Scholes model after the two economists who formulated it. But the real numbers require looking at actual realized gains (ARG)  thats how much stock-based pay is worth at the time executives actually cash in.

When you use the EFV metric, Stumpfs compensation numbers from 2006-2015, for example, add up to add up to $179 million. Thats a lot of money, to be sure, but if you use the correct ARG numbers, you see that Stumpfs taxable, take-home pay for those years was actually $259 million. Thats 1.45 times more than the vast majority of reports indicate.

Even the most progressive organizations have been incorrectly stating CEO pay, says Lazonick. The AFL-CIO, for example, has long decried a ratio of CEO-to-average-worker pay of about 350:1. The actual figure, according to Lazonicks research, is more like 700:1. He warns that people need to realize that they have been given false information.

Reporters and others who are questioning executives on these things just quote the wrong numbers. The executives must be laughing all the way to the bank. The ones who are doing all the buybacks and the price gouging and the scams to get their stock prices up are the same ones for whom the actual realized gains are far out-pacing this phony metric of estimated fair value. The public is being mislead.

The actual numbers that determine what executives take home reflect stock price volatility  the kind of volatility that happens, for example, when a buyback or cross-selling scam jacks up the price.

No wonder executives are happy that nobody understands it. Theres no accountability if theres faulty accounting.

Lazonick and his colleagues were surprised when they found out how far off reported estimates of actual CEO pay have been:

Once we really took a deep dive into how to estimate executive compensation, we realized how complicated it is to understand. We knew there was a problem of measurement, but we didnt know how systemic it was or the extent of it. The reality is astonishing.

Lazonick points out that while understanding the CEO pay numbers is important, even more important is realizing whats driving those numbers. Executives engage in stock price manipulations schemes because they expect to time the market and take home giant piles of money when those prices rise temporarily.

Stock buybacks that shortchange workers and scams that defraud customers drive the numbers. They fatten the banks accounts of executives and leave everyone else high and dry.

It would be helpful, of course, if regulators would catch misconduct and fraudulent activity earlier, but ultimately, says Lazonick, the solution must come from taking on the corrupt culture of self-centered stock manipulation behind these activities.

The fix, he says, is a relatively simple one.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 497 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our second goal, meetups and travel.

Photo: The subtle sweet beauty of brown pelicans Treehugger (J-LS)

Newly discovered fossils suggest unicorns were real (Wat)

People with autism make more logical decisions Business Insider (furzy). And why would one assume not?

Twitter suitors vanish as Salesforce rules out bid Financial Times. Id rather not have Twitter messed up by a new owner.

China?

Brexit

Nicola Sturgeons manoeuvres offer a chance to shape Brexit Guardian (Dr. B) The City exodus is already happening. It just doesnt look like you expect it to Telegraph. Vlade: Of course, voters in Midlands/North England couldnt give a toss if a number of people from SouthEast lose well paid jobs. At least until such a time that the London tax take starts to erode significantly (and that tax base is mostly on the back of the middle class well paid jobs, not a few high paid bankers who have ways and means of avoiding it anyways), and the unemployment starts going up.

Ian Hislop: satirist the British establishment loves to hate Financial Times (J-LS)

German Government Has Ruled Out State Help for Deutsche Bank Wall Street Journal

Ukraine/Russia

RUSSIA DROPS FISH BOMB ON NEW ZEALAND AFTER NZ PRIME MINISTER KEY ATTACKS PRESIDENT PUTIN John Helmer. From Helmer by e-mail: The covert story here is the NZ Govts decision to end the nuclear-free zone ban on US warships.

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

Pentagon Video Warns of Unavoidable Dystopian Future for Worlds Biggest Cities Intercept (Chuck L). Wowsers. They must be desperate for budget. Did they miss that NYC is being gentrified to the degree that poor people are being pushed further and further away by the rents? And that its pretty hard to have subterranean labyrinths when it takes jackhammers to get into the schist? Now 50+ years out, all bets are off (re urban centers falling apart due to general collapsebut were likely to see big populations declines with that, not teeming hordes) First Nuclear Strike  the positions of Obama, Trump, Clinton Defend Democracy

Trade Traitors

Clinton E-mail Tar Baby

2016

Why Google News is adding a Fact Check label Christian Science Monitor. Lambert: I cant think of a worse idea.

#RIPJournalism: Trust falls, Gallup 32%, Pew 18%, Facebook 12%, press group 6% Washington Examiner (Phil U). Of course, its Trumps fault.

Rethinking automatic insurance coverage for preventive health care Minnesota Public Radio News. Phil U: URGH someone needs to take the ACA out back and shoot it.

3 arrested in alleged bomb plot targeting Somalis in Kansas Associated Press (furzy)

Journalist Amy Goodman Shouldnt Be Arrested for Covering Dakota Pipeline Story Matt Taibbi, Rolling Stone

The governor of Oklahoma created Oilfield Prayer Day in hopes of saving the states oil and gas industry Business Insider (furzy). Only in America

A flood disaster in N.C.: Satellite photos before and after Hurricane Matthew Washington Post (Lulu)

Noam Chomsky Unravels the Political Mechanics Behind His Gradual Expulsion From Mainstream Media Alternet (furzy)

The Cheap Airfare Party Is About to End Bloomberg. About to? I had major sticker shock when I bought my Thanksgiving and Christmas tickets.

Profit Duds Rattle U.S. Stocks in Winding Week Bloomberg

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour. John Z: My daughter, Lynn, took the attached video clip of a praying mantis in her yard. While filming, the insect turned around and looked straight at her. She later found out that praying mantises have ultrasound hearing so apparently the bug heard her and turned to check her out. The still picture is from the video clip.

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
At the end of a two-day visit to Rome, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined Italys essential role in strengthening NATOs collective defence and projecting stability beyond Allied borders.

Meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Mr. Stoltenberg thanked Italy for hosting important NATO assets, such as the NATO Defense College, AWACS surveillance planes and, shortly, cutting-edge Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft in Sicily. Addressing NATOs cooperation with the European Union, the Secretary General outlined how the Alliance could support Operation Sophia: with logistics and with escort for ships diverted for suspicious activities.

Turning to Russia, the Secretary General expressed concern over Russias continued bombing of Aleppo and its pattern of large-scale military activities close to NATOs borders. Allies are deeply concerned about this behaviour. We will continue pursuing our policy of strong defence combined with political dialogue, he added.

Earlier today, the Secretary General participated in a conference on NATOs cooperation with partners in the Mediterranean and the Middle East at the NATO Defense College in Rome. He highlighted the importance of NATOs Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) programs. He also stressed that the establishment of the NATO-ICI Regional Centre in Kuwait this December will take the Alliances partnership with Gulf countries to a new level. It will provide a platform to boost cooperation in key areas, including civil emergency planning, crisis management and public diplomacy.
Yoga is a long-term coping mechanism



Yoga helps with anxiety in several ways

(NaturalNews) Anyone who has ever suffered from any type of anxiety can attest to the fact that the feeling can be so distressing that you are willing to do just about anything to make it stop. It's almost understandable that people are so willing to turn to prescription medications out of a desire to turn off those worrying thoughts, even when they know that there are some very serious side effects that come along with these pills. However, a new study points to a very effective treatment for anxiety that won't put your health at risk.The study out of Georgia State University found that yoga can help lessen the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Participants in the study reported their daily worry levels dropping or leveling out after starting to practice yoga. The study was published in theThe study's lead author, Jessica Morgan Goodnight, said that those suffering from anxiety are plagued with uncontrollable worries about the future, which manifests itself physically via muscle tension and sleep troubles, and it can even affect their relationships. Yoga's ability to reduce worrying is what makes it such a promising treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.This study is not the first to point to such an effect. An earlier study supporting this finding came out of Boston University, where researchers examined the effects of Hatha yoga in particular on anxiety. In that study , which was published in the, more than 500 cases were studied. The researchers found that yoga was the most beneficial for those who had higher levels of anxiety. Hatha yoga is a fairly broad term that includes all types of postural yoga, which is used in conjunction with breathing techniques Nova Southeastern University voluntary assistant clinical professor of medicine, Dr. Adam Splaver, said: "As our knowledge of the downsides of drugs increases, more and more people are becoming interested in non-drug alternatives to treat anxiety. There's evidence to show that yoga can work, and instead of just treating the symptoms like meds do, it actually helps you learn to cope with your worries. Given the choice, most of my patients would rather overcome their problems than put a Band-Aid on them."Dr. Splaver raises an excellent point: Why would anyone want to take a dangerous pill that will only suppress symptoms when they could learn a technique that would help them truly conquer their anxiety ? It seems that part of the problem is that people simply do not realize the extent to which options like yoga can help, whereas they are constantly being bombarded with marketing messages from pharmaceutical companies.How exactly does yoga help with anxiety? First of all, it reduces tension and emphasizes relaxation. When a person is anxious, they can hold tension in their neck, jaw, shoulders and other places, and this tension feeds back into the mind to prolong that uneasy feeling. The relaxation that yoga brings about helps loosen anxiety's grip.Yoga's emphasis on breath control is also part of its success in treating anxiety, and breathing clean air can be tremendously healing. By breathing slowly and deeply, the nervous system can be soothed. Perhaps one of its best properties, however, is its ability to interrupt those all-consuming cycles of worry and fear. Practicing yoga helps you step outside of your head a bit, letting go of worries without even realizing it as you focus on your breath and body instead.Research such as the Georgia State University study couldn't come at a better time. Anxiety disorders, which include post-traumatic stress and depression, are the most common mental illnesses in the nation. According to, they affect around 40 million adults, and are on track to becoming the second leading cause of disability around the world by the year 2020. Yoga has incredible potential to help deal with anxiety naturally and keep people off dangerous pills.
When private corporations take control of public resources, the people often lose

(NaturalNews) As parts of Canada continue to hobble through record-breaking drought conditions, multinational food giant Nestle has reportedly secured the takeover of yet another community water well from which it plans to extract up to 1.6 million liters (roughly 423,000 gallons) of water per day for private bottling purposes.In order to maintain "future business growth" with its multi-million dollar bottled water enterprise, Nestle outbid an actual Canadian town in taking over the well site, which currently provides fresh, clean water to local residents right from the tap. The Township of Centre Wellington had tried to protect the well from corporate takeover, but Nestle swooped in and purchased it before anyone could stop it.Reports indicate that Nestle was so eager to snatch up the well that it even waived all of its typical purchasing conditions, which include having the water tested to make sure it meets quality and quantity requirements. The new well will serve as a backup for another Nestle-owned well in the nearby town of Aberfoyle from which it currently extracts upwards of 3.6 million liters (roughly 951,000 gallons) per day of water.Nestle's takeover of water wells throughout the world remains an ongoing problem that's received less-than-adequate attention from lawmakers and regulators. Peter Brabeck, chairman of the Nestle Group, is actually on the record as saying that all water throughout the world should be privatized, a credo that seems to embody the vulturous ways in which Nestle aggressively acquires public water sources for private gain."Groundwater resources will not be sufficient for our future needs due to drought, climate change, and over-extraction," a campaign known as "Boycott Nestle" recently warned. "Wasting our limited groundwater on frivolous and consumptive uses such as bottled water is madness. We must not allow groundwater reserves to be depleted for corporate profit."In response to outrage over Nestle's recent water takeover in Ontario, the company now claims that it had "no idea" that the entity it was competing against was the township itself. Nevertheless, Nestle is not backing down from acquiring the site, which will generate millions of dollars in profits at the expense of local residents.It's an unfortunate situation for the town's residents, who will no longer have exclusive access to their own water. The town's mayor commented tothat its bid was an attempt to stop this very thing from happening, and that what should have been a publicly-owned natural resource is now a corporate-controlled commodity owned and controlled by Nestle "When water taking is solely within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the only role we really have as a municipality is to comment to the ministry, and it issues all the permits," Mayor Kelly Linton told the media. "So purchasing the well would automatically give us control , and that's what we were looking for, control of our water source and not just the ability to comment."Even worse is the fact that Nestle owns another nearby well in Elora that sits on land owned by the Six Nations of the Grand River, on a reservation where more than 90 percent of local residents  some 11,000 people  don't even have access to clean water . So while these people continue to suffer, Nestle will now be profiting from what would have been their own clean water source, just like it will from the many other wells throughout Ontario and the rest of the world that, in a just world, would belong to local residents rather than private corporations.
(NaturalNews) If trees could talk, what would they say? Emerging research suggests that if they had mouths, they might just say a whole lot because, believe it or not, trees have brains and intelligence, and are able to communicate with other trees much like humans do with other humans when in social situations.Not only can they talk to each other, but trees also care for each other and feel pain, says forester Peter Wohlleben, who tells all of his experiences with trees in a recent piece for the. Far from just inanimate plants, trees do many of the things animals and humans do, though for many this is not necessarily obvious.When Wohlleben began his career as a forester back in the 1980s, he wasn't privy to what he now says is a hidden civilization living inside every forest. He knew how to look at various tree species and assess their value on the lumber market, but he didn't actuallythese trees as the living beings they truly are.He writes about his experiences observing the unique ways in which trees grew, especially at their root systems. From the vast intertwining root webs to the robust trunks and unique branches and leaf growth patterns her observed, Wohlleben came to realize that there's a whole lot more to trees than just their potential to be turned into furniture.The first signs of what he describes as "tree friendships" were evident in the strange growths around dead tree stumps that Wohlleben came to realize were being kept alive by nearby trees. Nearby trees of the same species, astonishingly, actually care for each other, and they do this by feeding one another when they can't do so on their own as a way of collective survival "Most individual trees of the same species growing in the same copse or stand will be connected through their root systems," he writes. "It appears that helping neighbours in times of need is the rule, which leads to the conclusion that forests are super-organisms, much like ant colonies."In support of this, research by Professor Massimo Maffei from the University of Turin shows that trees not only help each other out, but they specifically offer help to other trees that are like them. Trees are capable of identifying their family members and relatives, the science shows, which allows them to care for their own kind and make sure they persist.In some cases, trees actually appear to marry one another, as observed in instances where two trees that are intertwined at their root systems support each other during illness, care for each other throughout their lives, and eventually die, often at the same time.Wohlleben likens this beautiful phenomenon of love and friendship between trees to the way elephants travel in herds and care for one another throughout their lives. Like elephants, trees are beautiful creatures with a whole lot of love to give to one another -- so much so that they have a hard time letting go of their loved ones in times of death.How do trees communicate with each other? Through chemical and electrical signals that run throughout their underground fungal networks -- or what Dr. Suzanne Simard from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver describes as the "wood wide web.""It's hardly surprising that most of us see trees as practically inanimate, nothing more than objects," says Wohlleben. "But the truth is very different. They are just as intensely alive as we are ... and for much, much longer."
On the countdown of US President's Obama's regime, recent report has underscored the current Administration's performance and "Business-As-Usual" undertakings despite commitments and pledge given to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Disclosing records, the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) declared that the Obama Administration has already offered more than 250 Million acres of land and offshore for lease to companies for coal, oil and gas extraction.

Ultimately, if were going to prevent large parts of this

Earth from becoming not only inhospitable but uninhabitablein our lifetimes, were going to have to keep some fossil fuels in the ground rather than burn them and release more dangerous pollution into the sky.

--Obama, Statement of the President on Keystone XL Pipeline

President Obama was known to be a figure who encourages climate change actions and promotes environmental sustainability. His decisions such as pledging on the international climate agreement held in Paris last year which meant cutting down US emissions to hep attain the less than 2 degree Celsius of global temperature increase, cancellation of numerous drilling leases for offshore oil and gas extraction and freezing of lease for federal coal were astonishing enough for the world. During his administration, it was also the first attempt ever that a regulation on methane use from hydraulic fracturing was put forth.

But according to the report of RAN, despite the positive actions of President Obama towards environmental aspects, the figures and records of the administration's ativities do not match with the President's campaign. In fact, the US' BAU despite the country's commitments greatly offsets the President's efforts on climate change.

Read: Rainforest Alliance Network Report

By the numbers, Obama's Administration has leased 15, 004, 773 acres for offshore oil and gas extraction; 10, 216, 229 acres for onshore oil and gas extraction; and for coal, 46, 008 acres. As RAN cited the findings of EcoShift Consulting, if the president can be bold enough to freeze all the leasing on federall managed areas, 450 Billion tons of carbon can be kept intact, under the ground which translates into 25% cutdown on US' emissions in a year.

By signing the Paris Climate Agreement, President Obama agreed to protect future generations from climate chaos. Instead, he has continued to auction off hundreds of millions of acres to drill, frack, and mine in our oceans and public landsdevastating communities and jeopardizing our chances at climate stability. Its now time to truly follow through on this commitment by ending these lease sales, and tip the scales in favor of the planet and the people impacted by these dirty fuels, RAN Senior Campaigner Ruth Breech explained in a press release.
A new study uncovers a new virus wherein aside from its own gene, and some toxic DNA found in the virus that infects the bacteria, there are also unexpectedly DNA from other animals and a gene for black widow spider venom, Live Science. reported. There are possibilities that the animals have stolen the DNA from the virus or the virus stole the foreign genetic material. Scientists say that it is actually more common that there could be an exchange happening across domains of life and future research can find it.

There are major domains of tree of life: the eukaryotes ---which includes animals, plants, and fungi; prokaryotes, which are single-celled microbes that lack nuclei and are considered as the earliest forms of life. Under prokaryotic, there are two domains. These are what we know as Bacteria, and Archaea, which are microorganisms that flourish in unkind environments such as underground petroleum and hot springs. Normally, a particular virus cannot just get in a certain domain. For example, it is unlikely that viruses that infect bacteria called bacteriophages to infect eukaryotic or cells with nuclei. Previous studies already claimed however that there are some viruses that "stole" genes of the host and use this DNA to dodge and manipulate the victim. There is also another previous study that stated that there are some bacteria that resides in humans and animals such as e.coli, which means it is still possible that the phages can still be in eukaryotic domain.

That is why it is come as a surprise that a DNA of a black widow spider to be found in a certain bacteria. The new study findings in a phage called Wolbachia, a bacterium that infects 40 percent of the species --- such as arthropods which includes crustaceans, insects, and spiders. Wolbachia are one of the most widespread bacterial infections in the planet according to Seth Bordenstein, who is the study co-author and a microbiologist at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

Researchers discovered that this particular phage's genomes have number of genes that are also found in eukaryotes. "This is the first time, to the best of my knowledge, that animal genes were found in bacteriophages," Bordenstein told Live Science. These genomes have combination of eukaryotes and bacteria genes. In this combination, it also includes DNA, which was previously found in a study about creation of black widow spider venom.

It is still unknown on how the phages use the genes. Possibilities such as using genes to break in animal cells or dodge the animal's immune system to infect the host. On how the DNA streamed to the phage and animals is another story. It is either the genes in the phage came from animals or that genes of the animals came from the phage.

"We should consider all possible routes of transfer," Bordenstein said.
The Great Barrier Reef was declared dead on Friday after an obituary was posted on Outside Magazine. However, to clarify things, recent reports say that the reef is not dead but is sick and dying.

"The Great Barrier Reef of Australia passed away in 2016 after a long illness. It was 25 million years old," the obituary said. This post invaded social media with more than 1.37 million shares as of press time. However, CNN notes that "there is a big difference between dead and dying."

Russel Brainard from the Coral Reef Ecosystem Program at NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Centers said in an interview that the obituary is a means to create a "sense of urgency" and call to action about the state of the word's largest living structure. The problem came when people, who are not aware of the Great Barrier Reef's current situation, took it literally.

Read: Great Barrier Reef Nears Its Death, Tourists Rush to Australia

Currently, Australia's Great Barrier Reef has been in a fast decline with rising water temperature damaging more than 1,400 miles of the area. Also, research early this year discovered that corals located in the northern and central parts of the reef were dead due to coral bleaching.

"After the bleaching event in May, 60 per cent of what we saw was bleached very white. Another 19-20 per cent was covered in sludgy brown algae. Even of what remained healthy, some looked a bit on edge," said Amanda McKenzie of the Australian Climate Council. "When we went back a few weeks ago to see if they had recovered or died, quite a large proportion had died."

WWF says that the quick disappearance of the Great Barrier Reef is mainly due to two things: human-caused cilmate change and overfishing. If the obituary will come true in the future, Think Progress says that more than 850 million people will be affected of the Great Barrier Reef's death.
A storm hitting the Bay Area has people living in the Santa Cruz Mountains worried about possible erosion after the massive Loma Fire left the landscape in fragile shape.

Homeowner Norman Noble spent the past week focused on cleanup and repair after the 4,500-acre fire destroyed his utility shed, as well as scorched his property. But on Friday, with the rain picking up, he spent time digging up soil to divert water away from the road and his land.

Aside from the water, windy conditions had some worried about trees that have been weakened by the ongoing drought.

"The wind, you've just got to watch out," said Bob Pilgreen from Travis Tree Professionals. "There's going to be a lot of trees falling if the wind comes up. It's going to be crazy."

Cal Fire has set up a weather station on Loma Prieta to monitor conditions and notify residents of any potential mudslides.

The storm is expected to grow stronger this weekend.
A man suspected of opening fire at a San Francisco police officer, who a department spokesman deemed "very, very lucky" to survive, was taken into custody on Friday night.

Officers responded to a report of a mentally disturbed person in front of a GameStop at Lakeshore Plaza around 8:15 p.m., officer Carlos Manfredi said.

When they approached him, however, the suspect, who police did not know was armed, turned around and fired several times at the officers. A bullet hit one of the officers in the head, taking him down near Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive, Manfredi said.

The wounded officer's partners began to run in the suspect's direction, only to realize that their colleague had been struck and was lying on the ground. They ran back to help the still unidentified officer, who was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital.

Witnesses recalled hearing three shots and said the officer appeared alert as emergency responders treated him. Police said the officer is in critical but stable condition.

"We are very fortunate" that he did not suffer life-threatening injuries, Manfredi said. "Half an inch closer and we would be telling a different story right now."

Meanwhile, police called for citywide assistance and launched a massive manhunt to find and apprehend the suspect, who had run into and taken cover in Stern Grove park.

Officers circulated a surveillance photo of the man, who they said was in his late 20s, had curly hair and was dressed in a gray hoodie.

San Francisco police and California Highway Patrol officers closed the park and set up a perimeter when the suspect popped out of bushes and fled on foot. Officers shot at him, said Manfredi, who could not confirm how many rounds had been fired.

The suspect fell onto the ground but continued to move. His handgun was "present" and being held "close to his chest," Manfredi said.

Police tweeted at about 9:30 p.m. that they "had the suspect contained" and had used a flash bang in an attempt to detain him.

They followed that with a tweet around 9:45 p.m. saying the suspect had been taken into custody by a SWAT team.

The man refused all commands to give up his weapon and surrender peacefully so police officers were forced to use a distraction tactic to "get close to the suspect and make the arrest and gain compliance," according to Manfredi.

The suspect, who was reportedly detained near 28th Avenue and Vicente Street, was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, which was briefly placed on lock down Friday night. Police did not confirm what condition he was in.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was also at the hospital to visit the officer who was shot.

"He was able to speak to me," Lee said. "In fact he was calling me 'Mr. Mayor' and I told him, 'You just got shot, son. You dont have to have that kind of respect for me.' But he was alert and he knew what happened."

The officer was taken into the Intensive Care Unit, said Lee, without commenting further on his condition.

"I just wanted to be there and thank him for being on the spot and trying to stop the suspect," he said.

Lee said he was accompanied by police commissioners, who, like him, are solely focused on helping the officer get back on his feet.

"I want him to really recover from this," Lee said, acknowledging that the officer can avail of top-notch medical treatment at San Francisco General Hospital.

"I have very great hope," he said.

Streets in the Sunset and Taraval districts were closed during the shooting and ensuing manhunt, snarling traffic. Police also urged residents to shelter in place.

An investigation is ongoing.
In 2010, the public agency constructing the Transbay terminal signed a $650,000 contract with the geotechnical firm that officials now believe is to blame for the Millennium Towers flawed and sinking foundation.

The terminal sits right next door to the sinking tower, but a confidentiality agreement may have limited what Transbay officials knew when they awarded the contract.

Officials with that agency, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, stress that the seven-year contract with Treadwell & Rollo is limited to soils removal and environmental consulting on the Transbay project  not geotechnical advice.

But Elsa Ortiz, a member of the Transbay governing board at the time, told NBC Bay Area that she would not have voted to award Treadwell & Rollo any contract based on what she knows now.

As I recall, and Im kind of sure we were not told about the seriousness of the settlement of the building, Ortiz said.

Ortiz said that the board made a series of votes that she now questions. One, she said, dates to late 2008.

Thats when the board approved what she thought was a standard easement agreement to allow Transbay access to the Millennium project next door.

Ortiz says she did not realize that the Millennium project was even sinking. She also says she didnt know about a provision of the agreement that made the Transbay Authority liable, should its project contribute to the problem.

It would have raised serious concerns, and the implications would have gone just beyond the building, she said. So, yeah, I would have liked to have known that was happening.

By 2010, Transbay officials realized the building was sinking worse than predicted.

In February, Transbay opened negotiations over a potential financial settlement regarding the sinking. The following month, the Transbay authority sent out a report detailing the extent of the sinkingalong with an email that specified the data was confidential and not for public release.

Transbay officials recently acknowledged that some data related to the towers sinking was mistakenly labelled confidential.

Mistake or not, the head of the citizens advisory panel on the project said no one told him about the problems at Millennium.

"There was no information that I recall one way or the other to show that there were problems about to happen, or preexisting conditions, said Jim Lazarus of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

At the time, he said, he chaired the panel charged with soliciting public opinion about the project.

I dont think any of that information every came across during our meetings, Lazarus said. Five or six years ago, during this time period, I recall nothing about the building sinking, nor do I recall anybody from Millennium telling us that they had concerns about the building.

With the Millennium data marked secret, Treadwell & Rollo  the soils engineers who designed the foundation  won approval from the Transbay governing board. The contract consisted of a seven year consulting deal related to soils removal on the Transbay transit project.

That was three months after the Millennium data was deemed confidential.

Ortiz says board members did not know what was going on with the sinking Millennium building next door, let alone the firms role in the project.

It was not disclosed to us that they were working, also on the Millennium tower, we just approved the contract because they got the highest score, she said.

If I had known there was kind of conflict in there  I dont think I would have supported it, she said,

Jerry Cauthen, an engineer and consultant to the Transbay project, before the Millennium was built, said that he was a little bit surprised when he learned that Treadwell & Rollo ended up with any consulting deal given his experience with the firm.

He said Treadwell & Rollo had an aggressive, even arrogant position in defending another project that experts feared could sink, at nearby 80 Natoma St. That project was halted in 2004 amid concerns it could sink and ended up being scuttled.

Cauthen says he wonders what the screening committee for the consultant contract knew about Treadwell & Rollos track record.

Its conceivable that the committee didnt know about some of the history. Treadwell & Rollo is not going to outline that history, Cauthen said.

Treadwell & Rollo officials are not commenting on the Millennium project. Meanwhile, the $650,000 consulting deal is still in place.

Transbay officials issued a statement saying the contract is limited to environmental consulting, environmental remediation, and hazardous waste abatement for the Transbay Project and is not for geotechnical services.

The agency said Treadwell & Rollo ranked the highest in how it responded to questions posed by Transbays panel.

No issue related to the Millennium Tower is within the scope of the contract, the agency wrote. They went on to state that the engineers who designed the Millennium foundation are not involved in this contract.

However documents reviewed by NBC Bay Area, and prepared by Treadwell & Rollo under the consulting deal, mention the wall Transbay was building between the two projects. Treadwell & Rollo engineers now blame that wall for the sinking problem.

Treadwell & Rollo noted that proposed construction activities will disturb soil during the excavation, included construction of a buttress for the adjoining 301 Mission Street property. The firm recommended anti-dust measures for the work.

Ortiz said that whatever the details about the consulting deal, she is troubled about how little the board knew when it granted the contract to Treadwell & Rollo in June 2010.

I think that anybody on the board would have raised concerns too, what would been have the solutions? I dont know.
A Peninsula community activist filed a lawsuit Friday against the Titans of Mavericks surf contest and its operators in San Mateo County Superior Court.

John Ullom claims the contest operators, Cartel Management, and others created a fake blog using his name in an effort to discredit him.

Ullom has been an outspoken critic of the famous surf contest accusing operators of not following the proper steps in obtaining its 2015 permit.

The lawsuit contends the false website and email made accusations against public officials in Ullom's name.

Ullom's lawsuit says the website has damaged his credibility and image in the community.

He was not available for comment.

A message asking for a reaction by Cartel Management was delivered to its representatives Friday night.
A San Francisco police officer narrowly missed a lethal gunshot wound to the head on Friday night, and is now hospitalized with part of his body paralyzed, according to the city's interim police chief.

"It was a lot more than" just a minor graze wound, Toney Chaplin said at a news conference on Saturday. "One centimeter down and this may have been a fatality."

The officer, who was shot by a still unidentified suspect who is in custody, has undergone surgery to remove bullet fragments from his brain, Chaplin said. He is also suffering from "partial paralysis on the side of his body from the shot to the head," he said.

Sources close to the investigation told NBC Bay Area that the officer's name is Kevin Downs, but Chaplin declined to identify the officer.

Chaplin shared, however, that the officer has been part of the police department for two years and was assigned to the Taraval District station.

Downs appears to be a Marin County resident who co-founded a nonprofit called Ranchin Vets that helps veterans find work in the agricultural industry. Chaplin said only that the officer is a "good, strong" community member and a "fantastic" policeman.

Those who know the officer say that he and his family promote a legacy of serving others.

"His oldest brother served three tours of duty in the military," Ben Matranga, a family friend, said. "When Kevin came back, he worked with a non-profit that helped veterans with PTSD so very long commitment to public safety."

Officers responded to a report of a person behaving erratically and threatening people at Lakeshore Plaza around 8:15 p.m., officer Carlos Manfredi said.

When they approached him, however, the suspect, who police did not know was armed, turned around and fired several times at the officers. A bullet hit Downs in the head, taking him down near Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive, Manfredi said.

Downs' partner began to run in the suspect's direction, only to realize that his colleague had been struck and was lying on the ground. He ran back to help and request backup for Downs, who was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital.

Witnesses recalled hearing three shots and said the officer appeared alert as emergency responders treated him. Manfredi said Downs is "very, very lucky" to be conscious and recovering with his family.

"Half an inch closer and we would be telling a different story right now," he said.

A man suspected of opening fire at a San Francisco police officer on Friday night was taken into custody by a SWAT team, police said. Jean Elle and Cheryl Hurd report.

Meanwhile, police called for citywide assistance and launched a massive manhunt to find and apprehend the suspect, who had taken cover in Sigmund Stern Grove.

San Francisco police and California Highway Patrol officers closed the park, where, Chaplin said, a wedding was underway and guests had to be safeguarded. Officers set up a perimeter when the suspect popped out of bushes and fled on foot. Officers chased and shot at him, said Manfredi, who could not confirm how many rounds had been fired.

The suspect fell onto the ground but continued to move. His handgun was "present" and being held "close to his chest," Manfredi said.

Police tweeted at about 9:30 p.m. that they "had the suspect contained" and had used a flash bang in an attempt to detain him. They followed that with a tweet around 9:45 p.m. saying the suspect had been taken into custody by a SWAT team.

The man refused all commands to give up his weapon and surrender peacefully so police officers were forced to use a distraction tactic to "get close to the suspect and make the arrest and gain compliance," according to Manfredi.

The suspect, who was detained near 28th Avenue and Vicente Street, was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, which was briefly placed on lock down Friday night.

Officers had "no clue" that the man was holding a firearm, Chaplin said, but demonstrated "21st century policing at its best."

"They did everything they could to make sure that at least the subject had a fighting chance," he said.

Chaplin said the suspect is in critical condition, and has not yet been formally charged. The department is investigating the encounter and interviewing involved officers. The chief also did not comment on the suspect's criminal history.

The police department will host a town hall meeting next week at which time more details about the shooting will be shared, he said.

According to Chaplin, the suspect's family had "zero to do with this," so he said he is trying to be both transparent and respectful of families on both sides.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who went to the hospital Friday night to thank Downs for his service, released a statement on Saturday.

"Last night I received one of those calls that as a mayor you never want to receive," he said. "The phone call that tells you a police officer has been shot in the line of duty."

Lee said Downs was wounded while chasing an armed man who was a danger to the community, acknowledging the perils police officers encounter daily.

"Each day, the members of San Francisco Police Department face uncertainty and danger with the purpose of protecting our city and its residents," he added.

In the hours after the shooting, police departments, including those in Fremont and Redwood City, tweeted out prayers and support for the San Francisco Police Department.

It has been nearly 10 years since a San Francisco police officer was shot in the line of duty. In Dec. 2006, officer Brian Tuvera was gunned down while trying to arrest a wanted escapee in the Sunset District. The 28-year-old spent just over four years on the force before his death.
Donald Trump sought to undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. presidential election on Saturday, asserting unsubstantiated claims the contest is rigged against him, vowing anew to jail Hillary Clinton if he's elected and throwing in a baseless insinuation his rival was on drugs in the last debate.

Speaking to supporters at a campaign stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Trump suggested Clinton has been "getting pumped up" with performance-enhancing drugs and challenged the Democratic candidate to take a drug test before their third and final debate next week.

Trump argued that Clinton was more energetic during the beginning of their debate last Sunday in St. Louis, but lost her steam by the end of the 90 minute showdown.

"I don't know what's going on with her, but at the beginning of her last debate she was all pumped at the debate, and at the end it was like 'uh, take me down.' She could barely reach her car," he said, adding "I'm willing to do it."

Trump offered no evidence to support the wild, baseless claim. Nothing about Clinton's demeanor in the debate suggested she was anything but clean and sober.

His speech at the Toyota of Portsmouth, his first of two campaign events on Saturday, was intended to focus on his plan to end the opioid addiction crisis  an epidemic battling the Granite state. But he deviated from policy proposals to press his election-rigging allegations and disparaged his accusers. NBC News has not independently confirmed allegations made by nine women against Trump.

Meanwhile, the list of women alleging aggressive sexual behavior by Trump continued to grow Saturday.

Cathy Heller told The Guardian newspaper that Trump Trump tried to kiss her on the mouth when he was introduced to her at a Mother's Day brunch 20 years ago at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The Guardian reports that two people provided accounts of the incident that matched hers.

Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller dismisses Heller's account as "a false accusation" and argued there is "no way that something like this would have happened in a public place on Mother's Day at Mr. Trump's resort."

At a rally in Bangor, Maine  a congressional district where polls indicate he has the strongest support in the state  Trump mostly steered clear of specifically attacking the nearly dozen women who have come forward this week to allege that the real estate mogul and TV personality had sexually assaulted them or made unwanted advances.

Instead, he addressed the allegations broadly, saying they were part of a massive conspiracy to derail his candidacy.

"The corrupt media is pushing false allegations and outright lies to get crooked Hillary elected," Trump said, adding "Its a rigged system. Were going to stop it. Were going to stop it.

Earlier Saturday, Trump took to Twitter to warn that "100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!"

"Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail," he added. "Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election."

Trump's tribulations overshadowed the release Saturday of yet more emails hacked from accounts of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, laying bare aspects of the campaign's internal deliberations.

The latest batch showed the campaign worrying whether Sen. Elizabeth Warren might endorse Bernie Sanders, wrestling with how to respond to revelations about her private email use, and lining up materials to respond to fresh accusations from Juanita Broaddrick, who accused Bill Clinton of raping her decades ago. He denied the rape accusation, which was never adjudicated by a criminal court.

Later Saturday, he will head south to New Jersey to speak at the Republican Hindu Coalition, according to the group's website.

Founder Shalabh Kumar says Trump will attend the event at the Edison Expo Center to speak out against terrorism and to help raise money for terror victims in India.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Chicago Sun-Times editorial board endorsed Rep. Tammy Duckworths bid to unseat incumbent Republican Mark Kirk in the U.S. Senate Friday. The news comes just hours after the Chicago Tribune editorial board also endorsed Duckworth.

The Sun-Times endorsement cites Duckworths achievements in Congress and credits the combat veterans remarkable life story, which includes losing both legs co-piloting a Black Hawk helicopter over Iraq in 2004 and recovering to earn a Ph.D in political science.

The editorial board reportedly endorsed Duckworth in the hope that she will become real leader in Washington who can deliver results for both Illinois and the nation.

The endorsement also includes some sharp criticism of Kirk, who the board says has long been a mystery."

The Sun-Times faults Kirk for being so careless in his words and claims, pointing to an August interview where Kirk referred to President Barack Obama as the drug dealer in chief for making a $400 million cash payment to Iran that was tied to the release of American prisoners.

Additionally, the Sun-Times faults Kirk for proposing neat and tidy solutions to enormously difficult international challenges. The paper references Kirk's proposal during a Chicago Tribune editorial board endorsement session to create one big refugee center in Jordan for Syrian refugees, despite the fact the country has signaled no enthusiasm for such a scheme."

The Sun-Times also criticizes the Republican-controlled Senate for being an ineffectual, debased body that failed to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by deceased former Justice Antonin Scalia earlier this year.

Mark Kirk has had his chance, and so too has the Senates Republican majority, the editorial board wrote. Tammy Duckworth represents a positive change that cant come soon enough."

In response to the Tribune's earlier announcement endorsing Duckworth, Kirk said it was a "low blow and cheap shot" that is "not based on fact or reality."

"The indisputable truth is that while Cong. Duckworth has been rated as one of the least effective members of Congress, Senator Mark Kirk has been one of the most successful," Kirk spokesman Kevin Artl said in a statement. "Kirk has created bi-partisan support to keep the Export-Import Bank open, saving over 40,000 Illinois jobs, he secured millions in funding for law enforcement to crack down on gang violence and he is viewed as a national leader when he bucked his own party and said he could not support Donald Trump."

"Illinois families want results -- not rhetoric -- and that's what Sen. Kirk delivers," Artl added.
The Illinois mother of a set of conjoined twins who were attached at the head says they have been reunited after being separated in a procedure at a New York City hospital.

Nicole McDonald wrote in a Friday Facebook post that her 13-month old sons, Jadon and Anias, were separated following 16 hours of surgery at Montefiore Medical Center. She later posted a picture of Jadon alone in a hospital bed. She said Anias was still undergoing surgery.

"They had to reopen Anias' incision. He's still in surgery," McDonald wrote. "No idea how much longer it will be. My heart aches for him all alone down there without his brother. Such a scary time to be alone."

Hours later, McDonald wrote that the brothers had been "finally reunited."

"How surreal. I now realize that I always saw you as separate because seeing you like this is really nothing different to me," McDonald wrote. "When I stand at your bedside, Jadon, it's almost as if Anias is still there. Anias, when I leaned over you I protected my hair from Jadon. But the view is still the same. This is how I always saw you. I love you so much. Now it's time to step forward into the new chapter of our life. I'm ready to fight and I know you are too."

McDonald earlier described the atmosphere as "one of celebration mixed with uncertainty." She says Jadon did better than Anias during the procedure, adding that doctors predict he may not be able to move part of his body at first.

"When they told me they were wheeling Jadon up first, it took me a second to comprehend," she wrote. "I actually asked why they rearranged the room because I hadn't really internalized the idea that there would be 2 beds in here."

McDonald and her husband first found out they were having twins during a routing ultrasounds when she was 17 weeks pregnant. But hours after learning the big news, the couple was called back for a repeat ultrasound, a call she said is "every pregnant mother's nightmare."

"It was on that day, in that dark room, that our whole life changed," McDonald wrote in a GoFundMe page for the family. "I was informed that I was pregnant with craniopagus twins, which in normal language means twins who are joined at the head. I was given the option on many occasions to abort my precious babies. I kindly declined. I had heard their heart beats...they spent their life listening to mine. It was my job as their mother to give them life and I decided that I would give everything up, if need be, to do so. Miracles happen...and there is one (really, two :)) unfolding before our very eyes."

McDonald went into labor on Sept. 9, 2015 and an emergency c-section was performed at Rush University Medical Center.

The boys were named Jadon and Anias.

While the babies started having some health problems shortly after birth, things quickly "went downhill" for the McDonald family.

"Anias started having trouble breathing," McDonald wrote. "Because of the way he was positioned in my belly, his chin was against his chest and his jaw couldn't grow. His airway was also constricted. As he required more oxygen for day to day life, his breathing got worse and worse, until eventually he was back on oxygen."

Months later, the couple met with a specialist in hopes of successfully separating the twins. Fast forward to October, the babies have undergone their final surgery, but their most difficult.

The family's GoFundMe page has raised $161,161 as of Friday, exceeding their goal of $100,000 to aid with the babies' medical care.

McDonald thanked the doctors and nurses that have worked with the family and her children.

"We love you," she wrote.
Embattled Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps honorary Chicago street sign was reported stolen, police confirmed Friday.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and aldermen had recently proposed taking down the "Honorary Trump Plaza" sign in the 400 block of North Wabash Avenuebut Chicago police say a member of Trump Hotel and Tower security told them it was stolen sometime between Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Emanuel, speaking Thursday outside Trump Tower with Illinois Democratic lawmakers as part of a Get Out The Vote initiative as Election Day encroaches, acknowledged the missing sign. At the time it had reportedly been taken down by the citys Department of Transportation.

I understand why they wanted to take that sign down, Emanuel said Thursday. It didnt speak to the values of the city that he was expressing, but more importantly than a symbolic actionthe best way to make sure its not a symbolic action, but a real actionis to make sure that you turn out the vote in your respective communities.

Department of Transportation officials were not immediately available for comment.

Emanuel has said he supports Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and has said that he thinks Trump is "wrong for America," criticizing the candidates proposal to use stop-and-frisk tactics to fight crime in Chicago.

Trump has also recently dismissed a slew of allegations of sexual assault, calling them a "coordinated and vicious attack" from the media and Clinton campaign.

During a press conference on Oct. 5 after a City Council meeting, Emanuel voiced his support of a proposed ordinance to remove the street sign.

"We'll put the sign back up when he releases his tax returns," Emanuel said at the time.

No one was in custody Friday and Area North detectives were investigating.
Former Connecticut U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman said as his days in Washington wound down, he could see a growing chasm between lawmakers and the people they're elected to govern.

"As the political system has failed to deliver for people and people have in our country have become more and more angry at Washington, it was just inevitable that somebody who was an outsider would come along," Lieberman said, following a news conference Friday.

Lieberman represented Connecticut in the U.S. Senate for 24 years, retiring in 2013. Perhaps most notably, Lieberman's national profile rose substantially as the Democratic vice presidential nominee alongside Al Gore in 2000.

"It was only 16 years ago and to me it feels like yesterday, but in terms of American political history, it was a tough race, it was a close race," Lieberman said.

He said the politics are very different today than they were 16 years ago. He remembers debating with Dick Cheney, who had recently stepped down as CEO of Halliburton, very well, but adds they respected one another the entire time.

"We disagreed on almost everything but I thought that it was all very civil and not personal, no personal attacks and at its best thats what it was meant to be, but this campaign seems very far from that, unfortunately, to the detriment of the country," he said.

Lieberman said he wants Hillary Clinton to win the White House but says even if she doesn't, the next president will have a tough time because Republicans and Democrats don't often work together they way they did years ago.

"Whoever is elected president will have an even harder time trying to find common ground with the opposite party, and it can be done," the former senator said.
A mother and daughter from Ansonia jumped into action Friday morning to help three people trapped in a single car crash on Route 8 in Shelton.

During the morning rush around 7:30 a.m., Janet Roberge was driving on Route 8 near exit 11.

"Came upon the commotion of the accident, stopped, I called it in," she said.

Next, Roberge and her daughter Rhiannon didnt hesitate to help.

"Thats somebodys family member, could have been mine," Roberge said, "Could have been anybodys and I have a conscious. I couldnt drive by without helping."

The Roberges said a few other people had pulled over on the side of the highway.

"They didnt know what to do, they were too shaken up themselves, like how do we get the car open," Rhiannon said.

But Rhiannon came up with a way.

"With my moms crowbar," she said. "I just smashed the window and I just climbed through the back windshield."

Janet said she focused on caring for the unconscious man in the drivers seat.

"I assisted with keeping the gentlemans airway up," she explained. "Holding his neck."

As Connecticut State Police and Shelton first responders arrived, both tried keeping the drivers wife and sister-in-law calm.

"Letting them know like you guys are going to be OK," Rhiannon said. "Everythings going to work out, were going to get you the right help."

Emergency personnel utilized the Jaws of Life to remove the SUVs smashed doors.

"Thats the one sound I never want to hear again, near my ears, the Jaws of Life," Janet said.

The three injured people who survived the rollover were rushed to Bridgeport hospital. A hospital spokesperson told NBC Connecticut the husband and wife were admitted with serious injuries. An update on the third passengers condition was not available.

Neither Janet nor her daughter considers their actions heroic.

If more people stopped and took care of each other, the world wouldnt be the way it is today, Janet said.

State Police are investigating the cause of the car accident.
A second man has been arrested in the 2006 murder of a man found dead in a field in Ledyard.

State police arrested Christopher Vincenti, 32, of New London, on Friday.

He is charged with the decade-old murder of 41-year-old Anthony Hamlin, of Groton.

A driver traveling on Shewville Road in Ledyard called 911 around 8:20 a.m. on Jan. 28, 2006 to report that there was a body in the field next to 448 Shewville Road, according to police. Investigators responded and found Hamlins naked body in a vacant field.

The last time anyone had seen Hamlin alive was around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2006 in the area of the New London Transportation Center, police said.

Hamlin, a father of five and member of the Eastern Pequot Tribe, told his family he was grabbing dinner from Subway before getting on a train to head to Virginia for a new job, but his body was discovered the next morning.

Police said they developed information over the past decade that linked Vincenti and another man, Timothy Johnson, to Hamlin's death.

Johnson was arrested last week.

Vincenti is facing a felony murder charge and is being held on $1 million bond. He is scheduled to be in court on Monday.
A U.S. citizen was kidnapped by "unknown group of assailants" Friday in the West African nation of Niger, according to the U.S. Embassy, NBC news reported.

The American was kidnapped in the region of Tahoua, which border's the countries of Mali and Nigeria. No other details, including the identity of the victim, were released.

The Associated Press reported the hostage was a longtime American aid worker. NBC News was not able immediately confirm that.

Daouda Maiga, governor of Mali's Menaka region, which borders Niger, told the AP that several armed men burst into the aid worker's house and took him after killing two others at the scene.

Foreigners have been kidnapped in Niger before for ransom, but this is believed to be the first time an American national has been taken hostage there, according to news agency Agence France-Presse.
Cigar aficionados are applauding the Obama Administrations decision to lift the United States decades-old ban on Cuban cigars and rum.

For the U.S. market, I think its great, said Willie Martinez, who owns House of Cigars in Farmers Branch. "Its going to get rid of that myth when people actually start smoking the product theyre going to realize that really you got other cigars out there on the market that are as good or even better."

Two master cigar rollers from Cuba make the House of Cigars products in house.

We actually brought back the way cigars used to be made in the old days, said Martinez. Thats part of what makes the Cuban cigar, is the actual building, the technique that they use in putting the filler together.

Cuban cigars are overrated, said one regular customer, Tim Nace, of Dallas. Its actually just a novelty. You cant have it so, I gotta have it.

Beginning Monday, Americans traveling abroad, including those visiting Cuba, can now bring home all the Cuban cigars and run they want  subject, of course, to normal Customs regulations and fees.

I think its a good idea, said another regular at House of Cigars, Pam Tresp, of Dallas. I dont know if I would do that because I like these cigars. Ive yet to find anything better but if thats want I liked, Id want to bring back as many as I could."

Another milestone in normalizing relations with Cuba comes later this month, when American Airlines begins five direct flights to Havana from Miami and Charlotte, North Carolina.

There will not be any direct flights to Cuba from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport or Love Field in Dallas.
The city of Austin has hired an attorney to represent a white police officer accused in a lawsuit of throwing a black teacher to the ground during a traffic stop.

Documents obtained by The Austin American-Statesman show the city hired attorney Charles Frigerio to represent Officer Bryan Richter just months after city officials condemned the incident.

Austin officials say state law requires they provide a legal defense to Richter in such cases.

Richter arrested elementary school teacher Breaion King after she was stopped for speeding in June 2015. A camera in the patrol car recorded the arrest. The newspaper published the video in July.

King has filed a federal lawsuit against Richter and the city.

Frigerio says Richter used a reasonable amount of force during the arrest.
As the City of Dallas works to fight blight and raise minimum property standards, records obtained by NBC 5 indicate that not everyone is paying up for violating the law.

From 2011 to the middle of this year $5 million dollars in fines and fees from code compliance tickets have gone uncollected. That is money that could be in the city's general fund and used to pay for roads and parks, or police and fire pay.

"Enforcement is everything. We can talk about writing tickets all we want, but you've got to kind of deliver at the bottom line," said Mayor Mike Rawlings.

Records show nearly 40,000 property citations that remain on the city's books worth about $7 million. As of April of this year, the city's only collected $2.7 million. The approximately $5 million difference is made up of cases that are unresolved.

The face value of all Code type property citations written since 2011, including cases that have been resolved and met the state mandated record retention schedule is approximately $14.1 million. Despite the numbers the city has improved it's collection of delinquent payments. Over the last three years nearly $22 million has been collected, and citation payment rates have increased by 36-percent.

Defendants may be able to resolve their outstanding case through non-monetary resolutions.

Jose Padilla was a few days late paying a ticket for high weeds in the alley he shares with several other businesses in the 3300 block of Samuell Blvd. After completing extensive mowing and weeding he got the ticket dismissed, but the neighboring property owner has has wracked up more than $7,000 in penalties that have gone unpaid.

Padilla worries the city is keeping a close eye on the property he started leasing two months ago due to his neighbors inability to pay up.

"As soon as I get here I already got tickets on my door, violations. If they can't walk through it or they see it messy there they go writing a ticket out," Padilla said.

After receiving a ticket Padilla reached out to the property owner to iron out a maintenance agreement for the alley they share, but he has been unable to make contact.

"It's not even on my part of the property, but I had to take care of it, regardless, because the (buildings) are combined. I can't afford another ticket or another bill added to me," he said.

It's a problem similar to the city's struggles to hold some property owners accountable.

"We are having a tough time finding owners of these homes, who's accountable for these homes," said Councilman Erik Wilson. "We're not in the business of just writing tickets for the sake of writing tickets our expectation is to enforce our current laws."

"Those are opportunity costs in terms of whether we're talking about police pay, filling pot holes.That's the difference between a (new) sidewalk. That's the difference between a sewer line," said Wilson.

One of the largest offenders is the owner of a large apartment complex in the 200 block of South Jim Miller. It's on the hook for $24,911.64 in unresolved tickets for a variety of violations from July of 2014 to June of 2015.

The complex is in Wilson's city council district and he knows firsthand how difficult it can be to track down an absentee owner. According to property tax records the complex is currently owned by Amaz Property Acquisitions.

"This particular owner is just not responsive to anything we do no matter how heavy-handed we are. We're actively pursuing it. We've done everything legally we can do, quickly as we can through the legal system, to actively pursue this particular owner," Wilson said.

Citations can be handled through payment, court program or possible dismissal if a trial is requested.

Citation payment rates have increased through added reminder letters, timely signing of warrants, and a new third party collection agency.

While the ultimate goal is to collect the fines and fees the court deems owed to the city, Mayor Mike Rawlings said enforcement is what matters most, making and maintaining contact with the person responsible for the violation. He said it's especially important for residential property owners who have failed to meet minimum housing standards.

"Money is important, but more importantly the enforcement, putting the paper trail in place so we can move in and the court system take ownership of those homes, knock them down, resell them, fix them up. But it's very important that we do it," said Rawlings.
Nearly seven months to the day since he was nearly killed in the line of duty, Fort Worth police officer Matt Pearce walked onto the tarmac at Alliance Airport Friday to watch his friend and hero take the ride of a lifetime.

Officer Brandi Kamper was nominated by Mayor Betsy Price to go on the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Hometown Hero Ride  a flight around North Texas with some of the best fighter pilots in the country.

Kamper was one of several officers that responded on March 15 when Pearce was shot several times during a police pursuit in Fort Worth.

Pearce said he and Kamper had been working for some time to create a medical response unit in the department, and when the shooting took place she happened to be in on a day she wasnt even supposed to be on duty.

God has a bigger picture for me, Pearce said. He placed her at work when she wasnt supposed to be at work.

Kamper provided essential medical help at the active scene for Pearce and ultimately helped save his life.

When I saw Brandi I just said, thank God, Pearce said.

Kamper said she just did her part.

There were 350 officers from all over the Metroplex that responded to Matt, she said. Everyone came to rescue our brother. Thats what we do.

While his recovery continues and he still has surgeries ahead, Pearce has recovered enough where he can almost walk completely without a cane and said he plans to return to limited duty at the department in the coming weeks.

Hes certainly far enough along that he could come to the Alliance Air Show with Kamper on Friday and see her flight.

Kamper and Pearce spent the morning suiting up and briefing with the Thunderbirds team, learning how to handle the extreme G-force of their maneuvers and how they pull off some of their amazing in-air stunts.

Then at about 10:30 a.m., Kamper, who took on the call-sign Unicorn, went up into the air with Thunderbird 8 for a one-hour flight where she got to be a part of some of their maneuvers. Thunderbird officals said she reached nine Gs at one point in the flight.

Pearce told his friend he was a bit jealous, but glad to see the honor go to her.

Pearce and Kamper said since the shooting they have become closer friends than ever and are still working to expand the medical team on the FWPD.
Credit ratings agency Moody's knows Dallas city leaders are working to find fixes for the troubled Dallas Police and Fire Pension Fund as they stare down a multibillion-dollar funding hole.

But the agency still saw too much risk and downgraded $1.6 billion worth of the city's general obligation bonds Friday to AA3 from AA2. Moody's also changed the outlook to negative on both the city's debt and Dallas Water Utilities' debt, fearing an indirect financial hit on that department.



CLICK HERE to read more from our media partners at The Dallas Morning News
Chinese investors traditionally bought real estate in Daelim-dong in southern Seoul and Yeonnam-dong in the western part of the capital, which are home to large Chinese minorities.

According to Seoul city officials on Wednesday, Chinese nationals own 4,139 lots or a combined 171,614 sq.m in Seoul as of end-June this year, nearly double in terms of the number of lots from two years ago and up nearly one-third in square meters. Over the same period, real estate owned by U.S. citizens rose just one percent and by Japanese 3.4 percent.

Chinese property investors are turning their sights on Seoul after swarming the southern resort island of Jeju.

But now they are buying up real estate on Yeongjong Island and Songdo in Incheon, as well as the affluent Gangnam district of southern Seoul.

Ten Chinese families live in W1.3-billion condominiums in a high-riser in Hapjeong-dong near the trendy Hongik University neighborhood, while other Chinese investors have bought land and buildings Gangnam and Seocho (US$=W1,138).

According to Seoul city, some 120 properties in Gangnam are Chinese-owned. Investors are apparently drawn by the facilities of the capital and the proximity to China, some with an eye to owning second homes or renting to other Chinese nationals.

There are fears that the trend will drive real estate prices up even further. Jeju Island has seen the price of real estate surge 28 percent last year alone as Chinese and Koreans snap up real estate there. The steep rise makes it more expensive for others to find homes on the southern resort island.

Sydney, Australia and Vancouver, Canada experienced similar headaches after Chinese investors snapped up real estate. But others believe property prices in Korea will not overheat because the market is relatively small and investors are wary of tension with Pyongyang.

Shim Gyo-eon at Konkuk University said, "Increased investment in real estate by Chinese people could balance out dwindling demand here due to an aging society compounded by a low birthrate."
Typhenie Johnson's mother could barely speak through her tears.

"We just want to bring her home," Deborah Johnson Strub, sobbing.

25-year-old Johnson has been missing since Monday, after she disappeared from outside the Post Oak East Apartments in the 13000 block of Tristian Lane.

Fort Worth Police arrested her ex-boyfriend Christopher Steven Revill, 32, Monday evening on a kidnapping charge.

Since then, hundreds of police and volunteers have joined family members to search areas of east Fort Worth.

Police said they have focused on two areas -- one is Sandy Lake Park where Revill's parents live. The other is close to Trinity Blvd. and 360, where Revill's cell phone has led them to.

Family, friends and volunteers gathered again Saturday afternoon to comb through rough terrain and trees near Trinity Blvd.

Much of Johnson's family lives up north, driving down from Iowa, Wyoming and South Dakota over the last several days.

Through tears, Johnson's mother said she is so grateful that complete strangers would spend their time searching for her daughter.

"We've learned to love and trust everybody we meet," Strub said, adding that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the largest city the family has been in. "Hopefully we find Typhenie and find her safe."

Typhenie Johnson's family resumed searching for the missing 25-year-old Sunday, concentrating on the Fort Worth side of Lake Arlington.

Friends, family and strangers joined the search efforts, led by Johnson's twin brother Asher.

"I realize these people out here, they care about other people, because everybody has a family, so just knowing... the fact that one family member is missing out of the community, that kind of affects everybody in the community," said Asher Johnson.

Friends and family don't want to wait days or even minutes not searching for Johnson.

Fort Worth police will resume their search efforts on Monday.

Typhenie Johnsons family pleaded for answers Saturday morning in the 25-year-olds disappearance.

A MOTHER BEGS FOR ANSWERS

Johnson's mother could barely speak through her tears Saturday.

"We just want to bring her home," Deborah Johnson Strub, sobbing.

25-year-old Johnson has been missing since Monday, after she disappeared from outside the Post Oak East Apartments on Tristan Lane in east Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Police arrested her ex-boyfriend Christopher Steven Revill, 32, Monday evening on a kidnapping charge.

Much of Johnson's family lives up north, driving down from Iowa, Wyoming and South Dakota over the last several days.

Through tears, Johnson's mother said she is so grateful that complete strangers would spend their time searching for her daughter.

"We've learned to love and trust everybody we meet," Strub said, adding that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the largest city the family has been in. "Hopefully we find Typhenie and find her safe."

Typhenie Johnsons family holds out hope for her safe return, they held a candlelight vigil Saturday night.

On Saturday night, friends, family, neighbors and search volunteers gathered for a prayer vigil in Euless.

"A hundred miles away, a thousand miles away, we're all here for one reason, to find my sister " said Asher Johnson, Typhenie's twin brother. "We're not done. It's not going to end until we find her."

Hundreds of police and volunteers have joined family members to search for Johnson.

Police said they have focused on two areas -- one is Sandy Lake Park where Revill's parents live. The other is close to Trinity Blvd. and 360, where investigators said Revill's cell phone led them.

Family, friends and volunteers gathered again Saturday afternoon to comb through rough terrain and trees near Trinity Boulevard.
A Dallas police officer is recovering after a shootout left him injured Friday evening in Oak Cliff, police say.[[397163641,R]]

The officer was conducting an investigation of an unrelated property crime when a deadly shooting unfolded in front of him, just before 7 p.m. in the 300 block of Brownlee Avenue.

The officer  in plain clothes, driving an unmaked police vehicle, whose identity has not been released  returned fire, and stopped the shooter, but not before he was struck in the foot.

Dallas Fire-Rescue medics rushed the officer to Baylor University Medical Center, and he is expected to be OK, police said.

Dallas Police Deputy Chief Thomas Castro provides an update on the shooting that injured a police officer Friday in Oak Cliff.

Three other men were taken to the hospital. Police said the suspect, 24-year-old George Zapata and the man he shot died. Authorities say Zapata also shot a second man, who was listed in stable condition Saturday at a hospital.

During a brief press conference late Friday a police spokesman did not take any questions.

Several people in the neighborhood heard the gunshots and saw the aftermath.

Several people in the neighborhood heard the gunshots and saw the aftermath.

"We heard multiple gunshots and usually we just stay in there because you hear gunshots, like almost every day around here," Brisalinda Maldonado said.

"I think right now all around the country is dangerous. It's just the atmosphere right now with people itself. We've survived this. I've lived here all my life, but it's not frequent. But it is  it's a way of life out here," said a man who did not want to be identified.

Dallas police officers investigate at the scene of a reported shootout between an officer and suspects near the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue.
Jeffrey Schmidt and Lydia Mackay, partners in marriage and theater, love Halloween.

From 2004 to 2009, the couple hosted elaborate Halloween parties with distinctive themes and imaginative sets built by Schmidt, a critically acclaimed director, designer and actor.

After a few years of fun, Schmidt and Mackay decided to channel their creative energies into creating new plays.

We had stories we wanted to tell and we wanted to have a direct hand in creating theater in Dallas, said Mackay, an actor who teaches performance at Texas Christian University.

The result is The Drama Club and their October tradition of producing new works continues with repertory productions of Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time and The Incident.

Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time follows The Drama Clubs tradition of developing pieces created by a collaboration of playwrights and the companys artistic members.

As soon as their production of Faust in October 2015 closed, Schmidt and Mackay began developing the concept of this years show.

They knew they wanted something to complement Halloween festivities and they turned to John M. Flores, Maryam Obaidullah Baig and Michael Federico, to twist fairytales and myths into something appropriately spooky.

Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time is an international theatrical feast of four plays with influences from Mayan mythology, the Brothers Grimm, Irish lullabies and Urdu poetry.

The Drama Club is a collective group of artists and the ideas those artists bring is our brand. We serve the show. We create the idea, curate the idea, invest in the idea and workshop the plays before producing the shows. Its time-consuming but very fulfilling, Mackay said.

Fulfillment does require funding.

When they started producing shows in 2008, Schmidt and Mackay initially funded their productions out of their own savings accounts.

For last years production of Faust, the two used Kickstarter to raise funds. They were glad for the enthusiastic support, but Mackay said she noticed a specific trend with their supporters.

They were all of our friends! I wish people beyond the arts community donated to the arts and supported the creation of this new work, Mackay said.

They said they work hard to be frugal and The Drama Club does not carry any debt.

This year, they said they were grateful to receive a grant from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs for Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time.

With the funds it raises, The Drama Club is devoted to developing and commissioning work in Dallas.

In school, I was told to be successful I needed to go to a larger market. What about my home? What about cultivating and curating art here in Dallas? Mackay asked, challenging preconceived ideas about a successful theater career.

Unlike Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time, The Drama Club did not commission The Incident.

Terry Vandivort, an award-winning, legendary Dallas actor, wrote the play after sextuple bypass surgery.

The play is about Vandivorts harrowing, life-threatening ordeal in 1979 and until he wrote the show, he had only shared his story with one living person.

He said his health issues forced him to face his mortality and his past.

This thing wanted to come out. I dont want to die afraid of this, Vandivort said.

He put pen to paper during his six weeks off work after his surgery. Before he finished the play, he shared it with Cameron Cobb, a friend and fellow actor who is directing the show for The Drama Club. Cobb was intrigued and urged Vandivort to finish it.

It is an opportunity to see this seasoned actor perform his story as a survivor of this painful, crazy event. Its a redemptive story about trying to get past this life-altering incident, Cobb said.

The play was a part of Kitchen Dog Theaters new play reading series and after receiving a positive reaction, Cobb suggested approaching The Drama Club about producing a full production of the show. Vandivort was thrilled with the idea.

I have so much respect for The Drama Club. I was so taken with Faust. It made me euphoric! I went dancing for the first time in fifteen years. It was electrifying and so kinetic. I wanted to work with those people, Vandivort said.

Mackay admits she was not sure The Incident was a good fit for The Drama Club, but Schmidt advocated for its production, because it pushes limits and challenges the audience.

Its really a Dallas story, Cobb said. In The Incident, Vandivort describes in great detail the subcultures of Dallas in the late 1970s.

It talks about a world, a milieu, a subculture that people dont know existed and the people who inhabited that world. As it has grown and modernized, Dallas has squeezed out the various subcultures where people were fighting for their lives without any solution to their humanity or their needs, Vandivort said.

As my life changed, I could tie it to how Dallas changed and that could propel the story.

Vandivorts devotion to the context of the setting fascinated Mackay.

As someone who lives here, it takes the place to another level, Mackay said. As places were mentioned in the show, Mackay realized she had recently visited that exact location. That familiarity heightens the horror of the story for the audience.

The Drama Club initially intended to produce The Incident last summer, but Schmidt and Mackay came across a problem many small theaters face: they could not find a space for rehearsals and performances.

Art is being created here in Dallas, but it is a fight to get it out into the world, Mackay said. Vandivort is impressed by the amount of new work being created in Dallas.

Im always surprised by the explosion of new pieces in this city. More is being created here than when I was growing up here. But space is at a premium, Vandivort said.

The search for space is symptomatic of the challenges smaller theaters face as the artistic community in Dallas grows.

What artistic environment do we currently have and what do we want? Mackay asked.

Mackay would like to see some sort of partnership between large and small organizations to help meet each others needs.

Vandivort said he remembers when investing in the arts was an act of civic responsibility and is concerned about the devaluation of the arts in society.

Culture needs to be genuinely as important as investment banks and fur salons. Thats what needs to change, Vandivort insisted.

Cobb argues for a change at the government level.

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs needs to be granted real agency. There needs to be real, genuine advocacy in the avenues speaking the language of civics. Thats how you affect change, Cobb said.

Eventually, The Drama Club realized running The Incident in repertory with Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time was the perfect solution.

A happy byproduct of the delayed run of The Incident was the ability to develop a relationship with Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a group working closely with people affected by violence in the LGBT community.

Vandivort said he admires SOSs work and The Drama Club has partnered with SOS to present talk-back sessions on October 19 and 26.

Were using theater to help educate and inform and change the mindset around these issues. Thats why were here. That is why art is so powerful, Mackay said.

Vandivort said he is interested in investigating opportunities to partner with SOS in the future and one day, he might want to see another actor perform the show. But at this moment, Vandivort is relishing this creative endeavor.

While I was writing, I thought I would end this show with a question, but five pages before ending the show, I came across a source that provided conclusive evidence and a resolution. I found a way out of a morass, Vandivort said.

By sharing The Incident, his entire spine-tingling secret story, Vandivort dispels the ghosts of his past and finds a way to help others who have experienced similar traumas. With The Incident alongside Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time, Halloween at The Drama Club has never been so haunting.

The Incident and Wild, Wicked, Wyrd: Fairytale Time are now playing at Bryant Hall at the Kalita Humphreys Theater through October 29. For tickets and information, visit www.thedramaclub.org.
A video of an unidentified diver's close encounter with a shark, while the diver was inside the cage and the shark broke through, has gone viral.

The video, taken during a diving trip off Baja near Guadalupe Island on Oct. 4, appears to show the shark chow down on bait in the water and then break through a cage where a diver was observing. People in the video appear to jump to action to help the diver, a crew member opening the top of the cage so the shark could escape.

NBC 7 spoke to an employee at a local dive shop who said the crew on that boat did exactly what they were supposed to do in these situations.

They were all on it. They knew what to do," said Jodie Booras , marketing director at Ocean Enterprises. You have to anticipate anything. The crew knew what to do and acted perfectly."

Video appears to show the shark flailing around, then getting out of the cage and swimming away. Crews then pulled the diver to safety.

Booras, who said she took that same boat and cage tour this past August, told NBC 7 the cage is safe.

Id do this before surfing in Australia or South Africa, where you're not protected," she said.

Solamar V, the touring company that offered the excursion, has an office in the Los Angeles area. They released the following statement regarding this incident:

The cages have been inspected and reinforced while also extending our 'no bait' zone around all cages, and a meeting with other operators will take place later this month in order to work together to minimize unfortunate incidents like this one."
A deadly shooting and a felony traffic stop within a block of each other caused tension among residents and police officers Friday night in a neighborhood where an 18-year-old was fatally shot by police earlier this month.

Police got into a brief shoving match with lookiloos in a street in South Los Angeles after a traffic stop. Police ordered several suspected burglars out of a car at 108th Street and Western Avenue when a group of people approached.

Police pushed citizens away from the scene and dozens of police cars converged on the scene.

The traffic stop happened about a block away from the scene of a shooting at West 107th Street that left one person dead and wounded a second person. That person's condition was not immediately known.

"I'm just tired of this killing right now," said Valerie Girvan, who tentatively identified the man who died as her 19-year-old son.

Family also believed that he was shot by gang members, but said he was not a part of a gang.

Information about the shooter was not immediately available.

The shooting happened near where police shot and killed Carnell Snell Jr., 18, Oct. 1. That killing prompted angry protests. Beck took the unusual step of publicly disclosing video showing Snell holding the gun.
An LAPD officer fatally shot someone 12 days before killing another, NBC4 has learned from our sister station Telemundo52.

The mother of a 14-year-old Jesse Romero who was fatally shot by a Los Angeles police officer was shocked to learn the news.

Teresa Dominguez, who is suing the department for the death of her son, wondered why did the department allowed the officer back to work after he had just killed someone else.

LAPD officials declined to comment, but Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a statement, saying, "While we cannot discuss personnel questions or ongoing investigations relating to the deaths of Jesse Romero and Omar Gonzalez, the Mayor empathizes with loved ones who are grieving and in pain, and understands the gravity of these cases and the sensitivity around them."

LAPD policy says officers returning to the field after a shooting requires the approval of the police chief. That comes after a briefing with command staff about the offier's "readiness and suitability" as well as a psychological evaluation.

The LAPD said that usually happens three days after the incident, but could take longer.

The department confirms Officer Eden Medina was back in the field and cleared for duty six days after the shooting death of Omar Gonzalez, a man they say was armed when he got into a fight with officers after a pursuit.

Police confirm Medina fired his weapon twice, killing Gonzalez.

Cleared for duty six days later, he was back in East Los Angeles, on the job, and would soon be the one who pulled the trigger and killed Jesse Romero, who police claim first fired at them.

Romero's mother calls the officer an assassin and questions whether her son would still be alive today if the LAPD had replaced Medina in the field while his first shooting investigation continued.

He should be in jail for his killings, she says, adding that her faith in LAPD brass is broken.
At this stage of the campaign, we often hear similar claims repeated over and over in stump speeches. As part of our running feature on those repeats, Groundhog Friday, we note here some of the misleading talking points we heard this week. It is by no means an exhaustive list.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on GOP nominee Donald Trumps comments about wages, Oct. 10 rally in Detroit: So, if people  if people arent worried about the fact he pays no income tax and if theyre not worried about how hes misled people about where he gets his steel, point out to them that he actually stood on a debate stage during the Republican primaries and said, Wages in America are too high. You know, I love it. He keeps denying these things. And he must forget that we do have video and audio in 2016 and you can actually pull it out again and show people.

This Democratic talking point has been around since at least the Democratic National Convention in July, when we first wrote about it when it was used by Sens. Bob Casey and Kirsten Gillibrand. It has been repeated by others, including Vice President Joe Biden, since then.

Trump did use the phase wages too high at a Nov. 10, 2015, GOP debate, as Clinton said. But Trump made his remark when he was asked about raising the federal minimum wage to $15. He said he was opposed to raising the minimum wage; he did not say that the overall wages are currently too high.

[T]axes too high, wages too high, were not going to be able to compete against the world. I hate to say it, but we have to leave it the way it is, he said. When he was asked about that wages too high comment two days later, he told Fox News: And they said should we increase the minimum wage? And Im saying that if were going to compete with other countries, we cant do that because the wages would be too high.  The question was about the minimum wage. Im not talking about wages being too high, Im talking about minimum wage.

Democratic Convention Day 1, July 26

Clinton on Trump calling the military a disaster, Oct. 12 rally in Las Vegas: Hes called our military a disaster. Now, how can you be the commander in chief if you dont respect the men and women who serve in the United States military?

As her running mate, Tim Kaine, has done, Clinton cherry-picks Trumps words. The Republican nominee did say, in a January primary debate, Our military is a disaster. But he has made clear on numerous occasions that hes referring to the funding of the military, not the men and women who serve in the armed forces. For instance, heres Trump on Sept. 12 speaking at a National Guard Association Convention: My plan calls for a major rebuilding of the entire military and the elimination of the defense  and we have to do this so quickly, its a disaster  of the defense sequester. It is a disaster. Have no choice, it is a disaster. Its called depletion. We have been depleted as a military, we cant let that happen. The greatest men and women on Earth, but we have been depleted by whats taken place, Trump said.

Kaine Twists Words of GOP Rivals, Sept. 16

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on New York job loss, Oct. 10 rally in Ambridge, Pennsylvania: And Hillary Clinton doesnt have a clue about how to bring back jobs, that I can tell you, folks. She doesnt have a clue. If she wanted to, she couldnt do it. You know, in New York state, she ran for the Senate. And you know upstate New York is a disaster for jobs. And she said, Im going to bring back 200,000 jobs. Guess what? Right down the tubes, worse today than ever before.

This is a new twist on an old claim. As we have written before, Trump exaggerated when he claimed last month that New Yorks job losses during Hillary Clintons eight years as the states U.S. senator were worse than just about any place in the country. This time, Trump is flat-out wrong when he claimed that New York is worse today than ever before.

It is true, as Trump said, that Clinton in the 2000 campaign promised 200,000 jobs for upstate New York that did not materialize, as documented in an Aug. 7 Washington Post article. But New York is not worse today than ever before. As of August, New Yorks unemployment rate stood at 4.8 percent, a tick below the national average and well below what it was in 1976, when it was above 10 percent for the entire year. The August unemployment rate in the upstate areas of Buffalo (4.7 percent), Rochester (4.5 percent) and Albany (4 percent) are all roughly half what they were during the Great Recession.

Trumps Job Loss Exaggeration, Sept. 14

Trump on Clintons coal stance, Oct. 10 rally in Ambridge: [W]eeks before Hillary Clinton made a statement someplace else before going to West Virginia and trying to get their vote, if you can believe this, she said we are going to close the mines and were going to put the miners out of work. Then she went to West Virginia and she tried to convince them, well, she didnt mean it.

Trump is referring to Clintons comments at a CNN town hall forum in March in which she said she wants to move away from coal, but added, we dont want to forget those people. She promised to bring renewable energy jobs to coal country to replace lost coal jobs.

GOP Convention, Day 2, July 20

Donald Trump on Clintons emails, Oct. 10 rally in Wilkes-Barre: 33,000 emails  she deletes them, she bleaches them, that nobody does because its such an expensive process.  After she gets the subpoena, she does that.

This is a two-fer. Lets start with the claim that Clinton bleached some of her emails, which Trump went on to describe as unusual and expensive. This frequent line from Trump is wrong on two counts: The software used to delete Clintons emails is free, and no chemicals were used. The FBI said that Platte River Networks, which set up and maintained Clintons server, used an open-source software program called BleachBit. BleachBit debunks Trumps claims on its FAQ page: Actually, it is completely free of charge for everyone in all situations. It also says, BleachBit is neither a chemical nor a physical device. BleachBit is an anti-forensics software application.

Trump also twists the facts when he says Clinton deleted emails after she got a subpoena. It is true that 31,830 emails that Clintons lawyers deemed personal were deleted after Clinton received a subpoena from a Republican-controlled House committee investigating the 2012 deaths of four Americans in Benghazi. But there is no evidence that Clinton knew that the emails were deleted after the subpoena was issued. The Clinton campaign directed a contractor managing Clintons server to delete the emails in December 2014. But the contractor didnt get around to deleting the emails until late March 2015, after the subpoena was issued. The Clinton campaign says she only learned about the delay in deletions when the FBI released its report on its investigation in September, and we have found no evidence to contradict that.

FactCheck.org is a non-partisan non-profit organization that will hold candidates and key figures accountable during the 2016 presidential campaign. FactCheck.org will check facts of speeches, advertisements and more for NBC.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are being banned from all air transportation in the United States effective Saturday at noon ET, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday.

The phones, which are prone to overheat and catch fire, are no longer allowed on planes that travel to, from or within the U.S., even in carry-on or checked baggage, according to a statement released by the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Phones that passengers try to take onto planes may be confiscated, and the passengers may face fines, or stiffer punishment for anyone caught trying to evade the ban by packing a Galaxy Note 7 in checked luggage. Passengers seen with the phone prior to boarding a plane may be prevented from boarding.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

Samsung Electronics has already announced it is discontinuing the Galaxy Note 7 after the initial phone was recalled due to a fire hazard, followed by a recall of the replacement phones. Learn more about how to get a refund or replacement phone at Samsung's recall website.

The company said earlier Friday that discontinuing the smartphone will cost it about $3 billion in the current and coming quarters. Samsung added that it will make significant changes in its quality assurance processes to improve product safety. It did not elaborate.

More than 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones were recalled due to the unexplained overheating problems before Samsung gave up the product earlier this week, just two months after its launch in August.

In the United States, 1.9 million Note 7 phones are subject to the two recalls.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said there were 96 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the country, including 23 new reports since the first recall announcement last month. The company received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with the phones.
Travelers lining up at Miami International Airport are going through security with a new rule in place: no Samsung Galaxy Note 7's allowed on any flights. That includes carrying it in your hand, bag, or anything.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx released a statement on the ban.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Foxx said.

Traveler Rena Williams had some concerns. She had to make sure her family members she was traveling with did not have the phone like her nephew.

I had to hold off on my ticket until I talked to him, and then I had to call the airline to make sure it was ok," Williams said. "I was afraid that someone might get on a plane with one."

Samsung users we spoke with do not have the Galaxy note 7, but are still disappointed.

"With today's technology that those type of things would have been taken care of before hand as far as the lithium batteries and testing them before you put them out on the market," said John Tarver.

While Samsung owners are up in arms over the ban, other phone users are breathing a sigh of relief.

"If I had a Galaxy and all my info with all my contacts and everything on it and they told me I couldn't get on my flight today, I would have been pretty upset," said Gray Edgerton.

Samsung has recalled more than 2.5 million of the smartphones, citing a battery manufacturing error. The South Korean company discontinued the product earlier this week, less than two months after its August release.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been nearly 100 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the U.S. One fire erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month. In another case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine returned to South Florida Saturday to campaign and celebrate the opening of the Liberty City organizing office.

Joining Kaine at the Florida Democrats block party Saturday, is hip hop recording artist and Virginia native Pusha T who will lay out why he is supporting Clinton and Kaine in this election and urge Floridians to register to vote.

The event will took place in the parking lot of the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center at Miami Dade College North Campus.

Kaine discussed his and Hillary Clintons plans for the economy and their shared vision for America.

Special guests DJ MOS, Angela Yee, Karen Civil, Eva Marcille Pigford, DJ Big Lip, and Jeffrey Wright will also joined in the celebration.

With more people voting in this election than any in history, Kaine will urge Florida voters to visit iwillvote.com to register to vote ahead of the new October 18 voter registration deadline.
A coastal flood advisory will remain in effect for parts of Miami-Dade and Broward through the weekend due to the annual King Tide.

The National Weather Service says there is a high risk for rip currents and coastal flooding associated with the King Tide until Monday morning.

The City of Miami is warning residents that driving through floodwater isn't advisable since the water may be deeper than it appears. The city also cautioned against entering floodwater or allowing children to play in floodwater.

Residents in low-lying areas were advised to use sand bags.

The City of Oakland Park is offering free sand bags for residents or businesses at its Sand Bag Depot at 5100 Northeast 12th Terrace. The depot will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A 65-year-old man who was served an eviction notice went on a shooting rampage Tuesday afternoon, wounding a neighbor and opening fire on a Florida deputy, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Larry Dennis Hoad shot and wounded a resident in his St. Petersburg triplex, then fired several gunshots at another neighbor's home, the Sheriff's Office said. The rampage was captured on surveillance video released Friday.

Deputies served Hoad with eviction papers Tuesday morning. A few hours later, the sheriff's office received reports of shots fired in the same area.

A sergeant arrived at the scene and Hoad fired two shots at the sergeant, who returned fire and hit Hoad twice. Hoad was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with life-threatening injuries. He remains in critical condition.

The injured resident, 30-year-old Shawn Smith, was hospitalized in critical condition for "several" gunshot wounds, the sheriff's office said.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said Hoad was on "a violent rampage looking for more victims. We are very fortunate that Hoad did not kill a deputy sheriff."

He faces three counts of attempted murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Every November, my wife and I attend a veterinary conference in Key West. While the trip is always educational and fun, the family member who enjoys it the most is our older dachshund, Grendel. Whether shes frolicking on the dog beach or parading up and down Duval Street, she is thoroughly convinced the trip is all about her. But not this year.

This year, she is staying with friends in Miami.

I know - first world dog problems. How could I be so heartless? Surely I must be vying for the title of Meanest Dog Daddy In The World! (Im not, but trust me, thats exactly how I feel.) What on earth could possibly inspire me to leave the Diva of Duval Street at home? The decision was prompted by the discovery of an invasive parasite known as New World Screwworm in the Lower Keys. And yes, this little parasite is a big threat, not just to our pets, but to our native wildlife, and our local economy as well.

What the heck is a screwworm?

New World screwworms are the larvae, or maggots, of a fly that thrives in warm, humid climates. While the United States has not had an outbreak of screwworm in over fifty years, the USDA lists many of our South American and Caribbean neighbors as currently dealing with screwworm. Screwworms can infest pets, livestock, and other warm blooded animals - including humans. Thankfully, frequent bathing means the chances of a human becoming infected with screwworm are slim. That said, populations without access to basic hygiene are considered at risk. Adult screwworms (flies) lay their eggs near open wounds - even wounds as small as a flea or tick bite. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel into the living tissue of the host, continually eating the flesh until the life cycle is complete. Screwworms do their damage quickly and without mercy. Left untreated, screwworm infestations can be fatal.

While screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1950s, the USDA announced earlier this month that it had reappeared in the some of the Lower Keys. Sadly, the latest victim is the already endangered Key Deer population. While their total numbers are somewhere between just 600 and 800, fifty animals have already been euthanized due to screwworm infestation. Given that this number likely to rise, and that all other warm blooded animals are at risk, its no surprise the veterinary community is on edge.

Can screwworm spread to the rest of Florida?

Screwworm has been described by Floridas Commissioner of Agriculture as a "potentially devastating animal disease that sends shivers down every ranchers spine." While the threat to pets and wildlife is very real, livestock and food animals are especially susceptible to screwworm infestation. If screwworm finds its way to Floridas mainland, the financial loss to our agricultural sector could easily top $1 billion. Hence the shivers.

What can pet owners do to stop the spread of screwworm?

Stopping screwworm in its tracks calls for a community effort. And the USDA is asking for your help. The most important thing pet owners can do right now is cooperate with local efforts to contain and eradicate the disease. An Animal Health Check Zone is now in place from Mile Marker 91 south. Animals leaving the Keys will be given health checks at Mile Marker 106 to make sure they are not showing signs of screwworm. The checkpoint will ensure the parasite does not not move north and infest animals in other parts of the state. It is very important that pet parents comply with requests to to have their fur kids checked at these stops.

If you live in the Keys, or will be visiting there with your pets, be sure to check them daily and thoroughly for any signs of screwworm. Look for any type of wound, even tiny ones, and monitor them for changes. Infested wounds will deepen and enlarge as the the parasites feed. Wounds showing discharge, or giving off an unpleasant odor, should be checked out by a licensed veterinarian immediately.

Are there any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for screwworm?

Screwworm can only be treated with prescription medications dispensed by a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, an infected pet may have to be sedated for the larvae to be extracted. Because of the risk to humans, this must be done in a setting where controls are in place to ensure the parasites are handled safely. The risk to humans also means veterinarians must assist the USDA in tracking the possible spread of the disease. Confirmed cases of screwworm must be reported to the USDA by your veterinarian. Remember, its not just our pets that are at risk, but our wildlife, our food supply, and ourselves.

Is it safe to bring pets to the Keys?

As of this writing, the USDA is not telling pet owners to reconsider bringing animals in or out of the Lower Keys. We chose to leave Grendel at home because for all her spunk and sassiness, she has some health problems. One such problem is a liver condition which makes it harder for her body to handle certain medications. Im not sure how quickly she would bounce back from a screwworm infection. It is certainly possible were being overly cautious (read, neurotic). But the decision we made is the right one for her and for our family. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is best for your pet and your family.

Because while I may not be the Meanest Dog Daddy in the World, theres a good chance Im one of the most overprotective. Besides, theres always next years convention.

Sorry, Grendel.

For more information on New World screwworm, please click here to visit the USDAs website.

Dr. Kupkee is the lead practitioner at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic.

Click here to check out deals and discounts exclusively for NBC 6 viewers.
A year has passed since a person was fatally shot and several others wounded at a Zombie-themed festival in Florida, and there still have been no arrests.

The News-Press of Fort Myers reported Saturday that Fort Myers detectives have interviewed hundreds of witnesses and examined hundreds of images and videos, and that the killing at last year's Zombicon street festival remains unsolved. Crime Stoppers also received 150 tips.

The anniversary of the shootings is Monday. Police believe someone fired shots into the crowd in Fort Myers during the festival, which attracted as many as 20,000 people.

One of the victims, 20-year-old Expavious Tyrell Taylor, died at the scene. Five others were wounded.

``I will never get over it,'' said Taylor's grandmother, Estella Wilson.

In a video released by police after the shooting, hundreds of people in costume could be seen milling around, some having their photos taken with a person dressed in a large skull head and holding a scythe. Four loud pops are heard in the video, and then people start to run.

Four lawsuits have been filed against the festival's promoter organizer and its security company, alleging they failed to keep patrons safe.

The lawsuits have been consolidated and are headed to an arbitration hearing next month.

Lawyers for the two businesses, Pushing Daizies and Southwest Florida Security, have denied responsibility in court documents.

Kyle Roberts, a Florida Gulf Coast University student, was shot through the right hand. Scot Goldberg, who is representing Roberts, of Port Charlotte, said he hopes to get the issue resolved during the November mediation.

He said Roberts has problems with his wrist and nerve tissue.

``He's young and he's recovered well,'' Goldberg said.

Twenty-one-year-old Tyree Hunter, a student at the same university, was shot in the leg and said the injury and memories still bother him.

``You get a little anxiety being around a lot of crowds,'' Hunter said.
A South Florida woman has been arrested for her alleged involvement in a Fort Lauderdale bank robbery, FBI officials said Friday.

Chelsea Wilson, 24, of Hollywood, was arrested early Friday morning by the FBI and South Florida Violent Crime Task Force.

Wilson remained behind bars Friday on federal charges, Broward jail records showed. It was unknown if she's hired an attorney.

Officials said Wilson was involved in Thursday's robbery of a TD bank at 1215 Southeast 17th Street. The FBI and other agencies are still investigating.
Two police officers helped a woman save her 1-year-old child Friday night in the Bronx, police said.

NYPD officers Felix Baez and Giovanni Laguna were patrolling the area near 138th street and Willis Avenue in their unmarked police car when they saw a young woman, holding her 1-year-old daughter, running down the street yelling for help in Spanish at around 8:30 p.m., authorities said.

The officers stopped and identified themselves to the woman when they noticed her daughter turning blue in her arms. Laguna immediately laid the baby on the ground and performed CPR while Baez called for an ambulance, police said.

Once the baby showed signed of life, the officers drove the ailing infant and her mother to Lincoln Hospital, where she was treated, police said. The infant is in stable condition.
Two adult brothers walking home from a Brooklyn synagogue on Yom Kippur were attacked by men who spewed anti-Semitic slurs, the Anti-Defamation League said.

The group said that the two men were walking from the Flatbush Park Jewish Center in Mill Basin on Tuesday wearing yarmulkes and prayer shawls when they were accosted by three men who instigated a scuffle.

"They called us pigs, Jews, stuff I don't even want to say on TV," one of the victims, Dani, told NBC 4 New York.

The two brothers, Dani and Eli, sought medical attention after the attack, which ADL director Evan Bernstein called an "appalling act of apparently hate-inspired violence."

"The fact that this assault occurred at the most solemn time of the year for Jews makes the incident even more disturbing," he said.

Dani said he believes the attackers targeted him and his brother.

"They came at a right time because they know no one's using their phones, they know people are in synagogues, they know people are home, people are sleeping, people are fasting. They know people are not gonna be around," he said.

Brother Eli said because he had been fasting for Yom Kippur he was feeling woozy from the attack. Doctors wanted to take his blood at the hosptital and give him anti-biotics, but he refused, he said, saying he didn't want to break his fast.

Bernstein says that the ADL was "confident that the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the attacks as a potential hate crime and that they will do their best to bring the perpetrators to justice."

Police sources told the Daily News that the case was being investigated as a possible bias crime.

"For it to escalate where I got assaulted in my neighborhood, by somebody I've never seen, to come and feel assaulted, I feel ashamed," said Dani.

Anyone with information on the men should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
James Doe's quest to collect the remainder of his $3.5 million hush-money from disgraced former House Speaker Dennis Hastert could soon face a major decision in court.

A judge on Friday listened to arguments from both sides regarding a motion to dismiss the breach-of-contract lawsuit filed last month.

The judge said he would take those arguments under consideration and rule by Nov. 29.

In court Friday, attorneys for one of Hastert's victim's, known as James Doe, claimed Hastert was the first to reveal the existence of the alleged arrangement and said Hastert was trying to get out of paying the remainder of the deal "on a technicality."

Mr. Hastert has publically admitted he entered into this contract. He's never denied it. In fact, he public admitted it in open court," attorney Kristi Browne said. My client gave uphis right to sell his story, speak about it publicly, gave up his right to speak to anybody about what happened to him and that is substantial consideration for this motion.

Meanwhile, Hastert's attorney argued James Doe, also referred to as "Individual A," "breached that obligation when he disclosed not only the agreement but the subject matter of the agreement."

In his lawsuit, James Doe said that it was not his fault that a hush-money deal fell apart when Hasterts bank withdrawals caught the attention of the FBI.

Hastert did not deny the abuse, the mans attorney, Kristi Browne wrote in the motion, filed in Kendall County Court. Hastert admitted his wrongdoing and agreed to compensate Plaintiff.

The former Speaker and his now-adult victim had entered into a verbal pact where Hastert was to pay the man $3.5 million dollars. But the payments stopped after $1.7 million, when banking officials became alarmed at the frequency of the former Speakers withdrawals. Hastert pled guilty to a crime known as structuring, making withdrawals of less than $10,000 to avoid being detected by federal regulators.

The plaintiff requested that Hastert consult an attorney, to ensure their agreement could be legally executed, but Hastert declined, promising to pay every last dollar of their agreed monetary settlement, Browne wrote. The banking issue was brought to Hasterts attention, but to preclude further scrutiny, Hastert chose to make more overt violations of the banking laws he was warned about.

In a motion seeking dismissal of the case, Hasterts lawyer has argued that the man has no further claim, because the statue of limitation had expired. But Doe, known previously in Hasterts criminal case as Individual A, rejected that argument, at one point comparing the case to a parent who must make good on paternity to an illegitimate child.

Hastert has an ongoing moral obligation to any child victim for any harm his conduct caused, the motion states. Was the confidentiality provision of the parties agreement worth $3.5 million? Hastert certainly thought so.

Hastert's attorney also argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed because Doe violated the confidentiality agreement when he spoke to federal authorities, citing a breach-of-contract.

The parties return to court again Friday. Hastert is serving a 15-month sentence at a Federal prison in Rochester, Minnesota.
First lady Michelle Obama's stump speech for Hillary Clinton on Thursday won widespread praise for running Donald Trump's rhetoric about women through the mud, with one magazine calling it "this election's most important speech."

NBC News reports that, despite initally being considered a potential liability for her husband, Obama now polls as one of the most beloved and trusted figures in the United States.

Her involvement in the 2016 campaign marks a departure from some recent first ladies, like Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan, yet her reported reluctance to become a political spouse separates her from Hillary Clinton.

"There has never been anything quite like this," said author Kate Andersen Brower, who was "stunned" by how emotional Obama's speech was and expects Obama to leave a big mark on the position for years to come.
A huge, ground-floor retail space has its new tenant  A.C. Moore, which will replace long-time occupant f.y.e. in the highly visible South Broad Street store.

Philadelphia Business Journal contributor HughE Dillon reported Thursday afternoon that arts and crafts retail chain A.C. Moore is moving into the Land Title Building at Broad and Chestnut streets.

The retailer is set to take 20,000 square feet, marking the retailer's first push into the city's downtown and its first location in the country in a traditional urban center, according to Philly.com.

To read more on the new space, click here.
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A man who filmed children changing clothes at a popular Pennsylvania amusement park will spend more than a decade behind bars for the crime.

Fifty-two-year-old Kurt Eichert, of Springfield Township, told Judge Edward Smith that he's sworn to live out the rest of his life as a law-abiding and godly man before he was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison Thursday in Easton federal court.

Smith responded saying Eichert is "an example of the evil that lurks in civil society" and noted that this wasn't the first time he was convicted of such conduct.

Federal prosecutors say Eichert amassed 65 hours of video of children changing at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

Eichert pleaded guilty in July to possessing and distributing child pornography after cutting a deal with prosecutors.
It's been six months since Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, and already some seriously ill children have access to the drug.

But qualifying adults won't be able to get medical marijuana until the program is fully in place in early 2018.

By this fall, the state Health Department expects to publish temporary regulations for growers and processors, and by year's end for dispensaries, physicians, patients, caregivers and laboratories.

The state already has approved more than 50 applications for caregivers to bring medical marijuana into the state for sick children.

A look at how the program is developing:

THE BACKDROP: A NEW LAW AND DEVELOPING PROGRAM

The law sets standards for tracking plants, certifying physicians and licensing growers, dispensaries and physicians. Patients will be able to take marijuana in pill, oil, vapor, ointment or liquid form but won't be able to legally obtain marijuana to smoke or grow.

Twenty-five states have comprehensive programs, and an additional 17 have laws that permit limited access to marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Leslie Bocskor, a Nevada-based marijuana industry consultant, said Pennsylvania is on track to set the standard for comprehensive medical marijuana programs.

TIMETABLE

The Health Department must license growers and processors, license dispensaries, register physicians to prescribe the drug and issue patient identification cards.

The state is developing applications for each step of the process, and the department expects to publish temporary regulations for growers and processors in the Pennsylvania Bulletin this fall.

The department has requested public feedback on the program and plans to issue temporary regulations for dispensaries, physicians, patients and caregivers and laboratories by the end of the year.

The state already has issued temporary guidelines for caregivers to access medical marijuana for children and has approved more than 50 applications.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

Patients must have one of 17 serious medical conditions listed under the law to qualify for use as well as hold a medical marijuana identification card.

Applications are not yet available for adult patients to buy out of state, but approved caregivers can apply to buy marijuana and bring it into Pennsylvania for children. Some states, like Nevada, provide out-of-state authorizations.

The limited accelerated access is not overly common but shows a compassionate and sensible approach to creating an efficient system, Bocskor said.

WHERE WILL IT BE GROWN AND DISPENSED?

The law allows for up to 25 marijuana growers and processors as well as up to 50 dispensaries that can have three locations each. States have launched programs with different licensing volumes, and Pennsylvania will likely evaluate its number of licenses after the market is established.

The initial process will be competitive.

The state is trying to map out the demand for medical marijuana and the availability of public transportation to get patients to a dispensary.

LICENSING GROWERS, DISPENSARIES AND PHYSICIANS

Physicians must register with the program and take a four-hour course to qualify for licensing.

Growers and dispensaries must apply with the state, pay a permit fee, show a proof of capital, undergo a background check and complete a two-hour training course. The applications for each are expected to become available by the end of the year.

Often, outside companies partner with in-state stakeholders to apply for licenses and develop businesses, Bocskor said.
This is one exceedingly pet-friendly happy hour.

Morgan's Pier, 221 North Columbus Boulevard, and Tito's Handmade Vodka are teaming up on Sunday from 2pm to 6 pm to host "Yappy Hour" to benefit the PSPCA's life-saving mission of protecting animals, preventing cruelty, and improving the health and quality of life for animals throughout the region.

This is a one-time only opportunity to bring your dog to dine at Morgan's Pier.

There will be a specialty cocktail menu including the "American Mutt," a twist on an American Mule concoction. All proceeds from the drinks ordered off the menu plus a dollar from every other drink purchased during Yappy Hour will be donated to the PSPCA.

If you're a dog lover, but don't have a dog, you may be able to meet your new best friend there as PSPCA's adorable adoptables will be looking for their new pet parents at the event.

David Frei, 26-year lead commentator for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, will close out the night by hosting the "Worst in Show" contest.

Similar to the World's Ugliest Dog contest, Frei will be looking for the least adorable dog in attendance to win prizes provided by Unleashed By Petco on Girard Avenue and Bow Wow Treats.
Gov. Tom Wolf's administration has 30 days to produce copies of more emails sent or received by Katie McGinty when she was his chief of staff, before she ran for U.S. Senate, a Pennsylvania court ruled Friday.

The emails, sought by the state Republican Party, do not have to be released before the Nov. 8 election.

The Commonwealth Court's ruling upholds a decision by the Office of Open Records. A Republican Party official made the original request for the emails under Pennsylvania's open records law last summer when McGinty was preparing to run for U.S. Senate.

McGinty left Wolf's office in July last year and is challenging the re-election bid by Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.

Toomey, a first-term senator, is one of the most vulnerable Republicans as the GOP struggles to hold onto its Senate majority. A McGinty victory could tip Senate control to Democrats.

The 30-day timeframe to respond virtually ensures that the emails would not become public before the election.

The Wolf administration would not say Friday whether it will appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court. It has 30 days to appeal, a move that also would virtually ensure that the emails are not released before the election.

Wolf's administration had told the Office of Open Records that it withheld some emails because they fell under exemptions shielding personal emails or deliberations leading up to an official decision. But the Office of Open Records said the administration hadn't sufficiently proven that those emails should be exempt for those reasons

It did allow the Wolf administration to withhold some emails under an attorney-client exemption.

Wolf's press secretary Jeff Sheridan said in a one-sentence statement that the administration was reviewing the court's decision "and will take appropriate action once that review is complete.''

McGinty's campaign spokesman said in an email that McGinty "is always on the side of transparency,'' but he did not respond to a follow-up email asking whether McGinty has asked the Wolf administration to release the emails.

The state Republican Party said that, to date, 71 out of 15,000 pages of emails dug up in response to its request have been publicly released.

The decision focused on the GOP's request for emails from Jan. 20, 2015, the beginning of McGinty's tenure as chief of staff, through July 7, 2015.

"The time has come for Governor Tom Wolf to stop hiding Katie McGinty's emails from the public,'' GOP spokeswoman Megan Sweeney said in a statement. "For the past sixteen months, Katie McGinty has been able to hide her email behind a taxpayer-funded group of government lawyers.''
This election, polls have been center stage and often come under fire.

Donald Trump has mentioned online polls, for example, only to have them be contested as falsified, irrelevant, unethical, or out-of-context. But even more respected polls have been all over the map, with most showing a Clinton lead but by vastly different margins.

What explains this variation? How are polls conducted, and what makes for a trustworthy survey? Here's a look into polling during the 2016 election season.

But first, an introduction.

How Are Polls Conducted?

In 2016, most polls are done either online or over the phone. Pollsters use a sample size  a group meant to represent the larger population  to project how American citizens will vote in November. They come up with unique definitions of their populations: some survey registered voters, others likely voters, and others the adult population. "Likely voters" is an especially tricky category, as pollsters have to define what that means by measuring the enthusiasm of their respondents.

And low response rates make it difficult for pollsters to get a truly random sample, experts said.

"No poll is perfect," said Andrew Gelman, political science and statistics professor at Columbia University. "Response rates are typically less than 10 percent. So every poll needs to adjust the sample to match the population in some way."

Because the polls arent random, biases based on the sample taint the data.

Polls often differ because their samples vary.

"Who responds to a poll changes from one day to a next," Gelman said. "Different people are home. Different people are likely to respond."

When one of the parties is especially mobilized, its candidate will often experience a bump in the polls that doesnt necessarily represent a change in public opinion. For example, after the Republican National Convention, Trump saw a perceived increase in support, and Hillarys lead jumped immediately after the DNC.

Polling can also prove a self-determining process because if a candidate is thought to be winning, more of his or her followers will take the time to answer a survey, which changes the polling summary.

"Recently, theres been a big shift towards Hillary Clinton in the polls, and I think that does represent a real shift in public opinion, and I think there are people who have changed their vote intention," Gelman said. "But also, now that the news is looking better for Clinton, I think more Clinton supporters are likely to respond to polls. And now that the news is not looking so good for Trump, I think Trump supporters are less likely to respond."

Gelman said this year's elections have proved different than those from the past. With Trumps leaked 2005 video footage about sexual assault and subsequent Republican fall-out, things are becoming increasingly unclear.

"Its really very hard for me as a political scientist to try to identify how important things like a split of the Republican party would be because historically, when weve had these kinds of splits, its typically been when the economy was going so strongly that basically everybody wanted to stay with the incumbent," Gelman said. "All sorts of things could happen. Presumably the most likely thing is that Clinton will win by a little bit more than 4 percent, but not a landslide. But its just hard to know because this is not something that weve really seen before."

And now, a deeper look at 2016 polling data, broken into three types: aggregated predictions, statistically relevant polls and unscientific surveys.

1. Aggregated Predictions

Aggregated predictions are not polls, but analysis of available polling data to predict who is most likely to win the election.

Example: FiveThirtyEight

How It's Done: Nate Silver aggregates polling data to predict the outcome of the elections based on a model set months before. He forecasts the probability that each candidate will win in November and offers three options to interpret his predictions.

"Its one way of us telling readers, 'Hey, we dont have all the answers on this. Heres a couple of different ways you can do it,'" said Micah Cohen, politics editor at FiveThirtyEight.

As of Oct. 14, all three of FiveThirtyEight's models give Hillary Clinton more than an 80 percent chance of winning the election.

The three forecasts are based on all polling data that the FiveThirtyEight team considers legitimate. They've banned a few pollsters because of "really compelling evidence that theyre faking polls or that theyre doing something else really shady," according to Cohen.

But FiveThirtyEight doesn't treat all polls equally. Silver has rated each poll, and those with higher grades are weighted more in the model. Cohen explained that grades are based on "how accurate the pollster (has) been in the past" and "how methodologically sound" the pollster is. Silver relies more heavily on state polls because historically they've been right more often.

The model makes predictions based on likely voters, a category Silver lets the pollsters define for themselves.

Strengths: According to Cohen, "The most basic strength is it does in a systematic and unbiased way what everyone is doing anyway."

Decades before FiveThirtyEight was conceived in 2008, politically active citizens were still trying to combine and decipher polls to predict who would win elections. Silvers model is impartial, and so it should be more on point than subjective interpretations.

Silver was one of the most accurate pollsters during the 2012 elections, predicting every state in the union correctly.

Weaknesses: Statistical models improve with more data. Because presidential elections only happen every four years, FiveThirtyEight doesnt have a ton of historical data to determine its model.

"We dont know that much about how presidential elections work, and so were kind of limited by the sample size," Cohen said.

And then theres the fact that, like many analysts, Silver was blindsided by a Trump Republican nomination. As Gelman said, this isnt your typical election, and the polling data might not play by the same rules that led to correct FiveThirtyEight predictions in 2008 and 2012.

Similar resources: The Upshot by The New York Times

2. Statistically Relevant Polls

The most common polls during election season are conducted by polling organizations, often with a media partner, to predict the outcome of a race. The polls have a stastical basis, and pollsters typically release details on methodology and an expected margin of error.

Example: Marist Institute for Public Opinion Poll

How Its Done: Marist conducts both state and national polls, with live callers phoning both mobile phones and land lines. Lee M. Miringoff, the institutes director, said that his team is in the field nearly every day.

Used by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, the Marist poll earned an "A" on FiveThirtyEights pollster rankings, correctly predicting 88 percent of the 146 polls Silvers team analyzed.

A new poll released on Oct. 10 had Clinton up by 14 points in a two-party race and leading Trump by 11 points when third and fourth party candidates were introduced.

Each poll starts with a sample size of approximately 1,100 adults 18 and older. For national polls, Miringoff determines how many voters to call in each state from the states population and relative weight in the election. His probability model is based on likely voters, so first he must find out if the person on the line is registered to vote. Then, he asks a series of questions to gauge how likely they are to cast a ballot. Even if someone is unlikely to vote, theyre included in the model  their vote just weighs less.

"In polling, not all opinions are created equally," Miringoff said. "The ones who are going to vote are the ones you are most interested in finding out about."

Miringoff can ensure that his data is fitting with the U.S. demography by comparing census calculations with his own. He emphasized that the polls represent how the American people feel in the moment. A poll before and after one of the debates might not look the same.

"Its all about timing. When youre dealing with an election, its a moving target," he said. "This campaign has been one of ups and downs at different times, usually after an important event."

Strengths: By using two different methods  landlines and cellphones  Miringoff offsets bias from both (though not bias from only using calling). Younger people are more likely to pick up their iPhones, whereas older voters might still have a landline, so Marists polling takes into account different demographics based on the media they use. The team is also able to take note of how many people own cell phones versus landlines in each state and distribute polling to reflect that  one state may be 80 percent cells and 20 percent landlines, while another is 60 percent and 40 percent.

Weaknesses: The model takes time and costs money. A post-debate poll, for example, might last four days. Meanwhile, some pollsters are releasing data the night of the debate. Miringoff said that those polls will be skewed, as most responses will come from those impassioned to weigh in after 10:30 p.m. on the East Coast. But theyre fast.

Also, refusal rate (which includes people who arent home or whose numbers dont work) is pretty high. These days, its hard to get someone to agree to take a survey over the phone. Clearly its become a more difficult process, Miringoff said.

Similar resources: Quinnipiac University, Gallup, CBS News/New York Times

Example: UPI/CVoter Poll

How Its Done: The UPI/CVoter poll is one of two mainstream polls that has often predicted a Trump victory or shown a nearly tied election (the other is the University of Southern California/ Los Angeles Times poll). Both polls use last vote recall, where pollsters ask respondents who they voted for in the last presidential election to gauge how many voters are switching parties or wont vote at all after participating in the last election. According to Yashwant Deshmukh of CVoter, last vote recall accounts for the Trump lead in his past predictions. However, UPIs latest data shows Clinton with a comfortable lead.

CVoter has a "C+" on Silvers pollster ratings.

After using a phone model in 2012, CVoter has moved online for 2016, experimenting with multiple platforms (like SurveyMonkey, Google, etc.) to garner about 250 responses per day. Internet users are incentivized to answer. Boosters focus on specific demographics  for example, one survey is in Spanish, exclusively targeting Latino voters.

CVoter measures likely voters by simply asking, "How likely are you to vote?" Its cut-off model removes unlikely and undecided voters from the equation. Like Marist, CVoter polls nationally based on population per state.

Strengths: Its fast. UPI can update predictions with the data from 250 responses every day.

Weaknesses: Because the poll is online and compensated in some way, its tainted with participation bias  tendencies that skew the data.

"It is not a random probability sample," Deshmukh said. "Nobody claims that."

Deshmukh conceded that hes "not a big fan of online samples," and if possible, he would have chosen a calling model with both landlines and mobiles. However, using automated dialers to call cells is illegal in the United States, and hand-dialing each number would make the process too expensive, he said.

Also, theres a reason why most pollsters dont use last vote recall  it relies on people remembering actions from four years ago, and respondents may misreport.

Deshmukh did not directly address his company's "C+" rating on FiveThirtyEight.

Similar resources: YouGov, Reuters/Ipsos, Google Consumer Surveys

3. Unscientific Surveys

Unscientific surveys are Internet-based polls that ask the user - anyone who comes to the site - to indicate their preference. They can quickly get feedback on a real-time event, such as a debate or a political convention.

Example: The First Debate

The day after the first 2016 presidential debate, Trump tweeted out that his "movement" had won the night before. He included an image with 10 polls all showing him as the victor. However, national polls conducted during the week following the debate implied a bump in Clinton's overall popularity.

So why did 10 polls indicate that she had lost the debate?

Websites like Drudge Report and CNBC launched surveys to try to monitor how each candidate performed. They were unscientific, in that they didn't use any controls. Forget categories like "likely" or "registered" voters -- anyone from around the world could respond, and if someone used proxies, the user could get into the survey multiple times. Also, as Miringoff noted, the East Coast respondents would only be those who were fired up and and would not be representative of national opinion.

Strengths: Unscientific polls yield nearly immediate results. As Gelman said, People want to click every day, so you have to have something new."

Weaknesses: There is absolutely no evidence that they're believable.

What It All Means

According to Cohen, data from the last 15 presidential campaigns indicate that polls don't move much between October and Election Day. So based on current polls, the U.S. is is more likely to elect its first female president on Nov. 8.

But the final tally will probably be close, Gelman said. In the end, what matters is which "likely voters" turn up to the voting booths.

There is evidence that theres higher turnout in close elections," Gelman said.

And polls are subject to human error and can be wrong, as Cohen pointed out.

These are tools built by very fallible people, he said.
Venezuela-born, Los Angeles-based pianist Otmaro Ruiz starred in the latest Jazz Live concert on Oct. 12 at San Diego City College's Saville Theatre, fronting a quartet featuring Ana Barrreiro on drums, Sezin Ahmet Turkmenoglu on double bass and Larry Koonse on guitar.

Barriero began the evening with an extended, virtuosic drum solo, leading the band into Not An Exit, a start/stop modal original that had a kind of Eye of the Hurricane type vibe, with heavy emphasis on the interaction between Koonse and Ruiz. Ruizs solo began slowly, building in organic fashion until he arrived at a stream of uninterrupted eighth notes and a dramatic vamp once again involving the drummer.

Next up was an infectious bolero, Obsession, featuring a fleet and logical bass solo from Turkmenoglu and a dense series of baroque ornamentations from Ruiz, who seemed to channel both Chick Corea and Oscar Peterson, while Barreiro kept everything moving with a symphony of clicks and rimshots.

Barreiro was a constant source of joy the entire evening with a very clear and precise ride cymbal sound, illustrating the rhythmic motifs of And Then She Smiles with beautiful detail. Koonse began The Simple Life a cappella, with shimmering finger-style chords that led into a riveting solo out of the John Abercrombie tradition, where notes fell like soft rain on the Saville Theatre stage.

Koonse continued to ignite sparks on the Ruiz original, Living Pictures, with a burning essay before handing the baton back to the composer, whose ultra-melodic ingenuity brought Richie Beirach and Lyle Mays to mind.

Ruiz closed the evening with Road Stories, blending a tricky ostinato in support of deftly handled piano/guitar unisons and a feeling of a slowly decelerating tempo.

There arent many better ways to spend a Tuesday night than checking out Jazz Live at the Saville Theatre. The next opportunity comes on Tuesday, Nov. 8, which might be just the ticket for music lovers weary from the American political circus.

Robert Bush is a freelance jazz writer who has been exploring the San Diego improvised music scene for more than 30 years. Follow him on Twitter @robertbushjazz. Visit The World According to Rob.
An active duty Marine fatally struck by a car while lying on the freeway last Sunday has been identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner.

Grant Weidman, a 28-year-old Marine based in Camp Pendleton, was seen lying across the number one lane of westbound Interstate 8 in the College Area of San Diego at about 3:21 a.m. before he was killed, according to the Medical Examiner's office.

A woman driving a sedan was unable to stop her vehicle in time to prevent hitting the man, said Medical Examiner officials. After the collision, she called 911 and his death was declared when first responders arrived at the scene.

At least two cars struck the man, and one driver left the scene, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said.

CHP officers are not sure why the man was in the freeway to begin with, as there is no reason to believe his car was broken down. No car belonging to the marine was found in the area.

An ongoing investigation is underway. Officers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision without realizing it to come forward with information.
A deputy-involved shooting investigation is that much closer to heading to the District Attorneys office after the medical examiner released the autopsy report, shedding greater light on how suspect Sergio Weick died.

The autopsy report released Friday shows 33-year old Sergio Weick died with 27 separate wounds, consistent with 18 multiple penetrating and perforating gunshot wounds to the head, torso and extremities.

The incident happened on August 11. Deputies say Weick was a known gang member and had a warrant out for his arrest when they spotted him outside of a home in Vista.

The sighting soon led to a short car chase through Vista and then a car crash.

According to the newly released medical examiner report, one deputy followed Weick on foot while another detained a passenger who was in his car.

The foot chase ended when deputies Peter Myers and Christopher Villanueva caught up to Weick standing near some bushes.

Deputies shot Weick on the left side of his body when they say he reached for his waist and appeared to reach for a weapon." Weick collapsed and deputies handcuffed him.

Investigators say Weick had shotgun shells and knives on him. They later found a sawed-off shotgun, knives and drug paraphernalia in his car.

More than a month after the shooting, family members joined others on the streets of Vista, protesting Weick's death and calling for justice for the deputies involved.

"Sergio did not deserve to die. He was a human being just like you and I," Weicks aunt Maria Hoyt said after the release of the autopsy report. Sergio had a past but because of his past he did not deserve to die the way he was killed.

Sheriff homicide detectives say they plan to hand the case over to the District Attorneys office for review by mid-November.
Note: This article was updated to reflect that accusations against Applegate were made by his ex-wife, not the Issa campaign. And to take out references to strategies during the primary when there was little campaigning.

The 49th Congressional District takes in the North County coastline from Del Mar up through Oceanside and extends, even into Dana Point.

Campaign ads targeting this area have turned into vicious attacks between the two candidates--an indication of just how close the race is.

Congressman Darrell Issa is an eight-term incumbent and the wealthiest member of congress, with an estimated net worth of more than $250 million.

But a new television advertisement from Democrat Douglas Applegate, a retired Marine Colonel, takes aim at that wealth. The ad accuses Issa of profiting off his time in Congress.

Issa's campaign has fired back at him with a campaign mailer, citing accusations made by Applegates ex-wife in the request for a restraining order of harassing and threatening her during a divorce and custody battle.

During the primaries, Applegate used the campaign strategy of tying Issa to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, whom Issa has endorsed.

A campaign manager for Applegate sent NBC 7 the following statement:

Darrell Issa consistently puts his political party ahead of his country instead of doing what is right for people in his district. Supporting Donald Trump is a perfect example of that. The very same day this disgusting video came out, Issa announced he is joining Trumps campaign. Voters in the 49th will reject Trump and Issa on Election Day.

NBC 7 reached out to Issa's campaign but did not recieve a comment.

Issa outspent Applegate more than $600,000 in the June primary. Applegate received 45.5 percent of the vote while Issa finished with 50.8 percent.

NBC 7 reported earlier this week how the Democratic congressional campaign committee is spending millions to boost Applegate. They purchased more than $2 million dollars in television ads to air in San Diego, after identifying this district as a potential swing to replacing a House Republican with a Democrat.
Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from San Diegos food and drink scene, including new food tenants at Liberty Public Market and a startup company that will deliver growlers of beer to your door.

Liberty Public Market Adds to Food Vendor Lineup

The large-scale food hall, which opened earlier this year in Liberty Station, welcomes new additions including a Canadian artisan sandwich concept called Roast, an offshoot of a Vietnamese restaurant in Hillcrest, and a spirits-focused expansion to its wine store.

New Startup Delivers Growlers From Local Breweries to Your Door

Hopsy, which launched in the Bay Area in January, will next bring its services to San Diego. The startup delivers growlers from local breweries straight to your door and also offers a home tap system and a beer club for members. Its hub in Linda Vista will also retail various beer growlers.

The Hake Reopens in La Jolla With New Food & View

After a 10-month revamp, The Hake has just revealed its expanded Prospect Street space which includes a freshly redesigned dining room with brand new panoramic ocean views. The menu has also been thoroughly refreshed, with influences from Mexico, the Mediterranean and Asia.

K Sandwiches Begins Rebuilding After Devastating Fire

Since shuttering last year due to a tragic building fire, K Sandwiches recently announced that it has entered the permitting process to begin rebuilding its beloved snack shop, which sold everything from Vietnamese banh mi to fresh-baked croissant sandwiches.

Italian Specialty Market & Frozen Popsicle Shop Coming to Little Italy

Scheduled to open in February 2017, Roma Market will include a bakery and pizza oven, plus hot prepared food and a coffee bar that doubles as a beer and wine bar. The specialty foods store will share space with Dixie Pops, a new frozen popsicle concept.

Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here.


Anyone missing a pig?

The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is searching for the owner of a pig found wandering the Casa De Oro area of Spring Valley this week.

How could you miss this little piggy?

The pig has been staying at the departments animal care facility in Bonita since Oct. 11. But animal care workers are looking for someone to bring home the bacon.

We are looking for the owner of this little girl and the owner will need to identify what she was wearing when she came to us in order to claim her, a Department of Animal Services Facebook post reads.

On Monday, animal care workers confirmed that the pig's owner had still not come forward, despite the media and social media coverage.

Workers said the pig could be up for adoption after receiving medical treatment for a hernia.

You can call the department at 619-767-2675 if you think it's your pig.
Protesters once again took to the streets Friday night, just a little over two weeks after the police shooting of Alred Olango.

According to the El Cajon Police Department (ECPD), the protesters were heading eastbound on Main Street in El Cajon. Officers from the California Highway Patrol were also on scene assisting with traffic control.

It's unclear what led up to the protests.

An NBC 7 reporter on scene said there were approximately 20 to 30 protestors in the streets. It appeared that they were blocking the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Main Street. The protests may be begun just after 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Olango, 38, was shot and killed on Sept. 27 during an encounter with ECPD officers Richard Gonsalves and Josh McDaniel in the parking lot of a shopping center in the 800 block of Broadway in El Cajon.

According to police, Olango was acting erratically and had refused to comply with the officers orders to remove his hands out of the pockets of his pants. They said Olango pulled a 4-inch vaping device from his pocket and pointed it at Gonsalves and McDaniel in what police described as a shooting stance.

McDaniel deployed a Taser at Olango while Gonsalves fired multiple rounds from his gun.

Olango's death sparked days of protests on the streets of El Cajon, some of which were peaceful while others turned violent.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation announced Friday they've raised funds to equip San Diego Fire-Rescue crews with Personal Escape Systems (PES), as they face daunting new challenges in modern firefighting.

Last October, the foundation launched the campaign to support first responders with the special equipment of PES. According to the Foundation, PES is a device that allows firefighters to escape through an upper floor window in less than 30 seconds.

In critically dangerous situations where firefighters have become trapped or disoriented in a fiery structure, the PES could be imperative to their survival.

Foundation officials said they are matching a purchase by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) by donating an additional 155 PES units for their firefighters.

In the midst of fire season, SDFD firefighters will be able to greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to flee a burning building. Foundation officials say their old escape equipment would allow them to flee in about four to six minutes through a complicated process, compared to the greatly reduced and simplified 30-second escape time of PES.

That amount of time can make the difference between life and death for firefighters, said Foundation officials.

Each device costs nearly $700 apiece, with funding made possible through donations and community support, according to the Foundation. The campaign was launched in 2015 with a $50,000 donation from the Siegel family.
Jurors have returned a verdict in the trial of a San Diego man accused of killing a Wisconsin woman and leaving her body in a communal shower of a downtown San Diego hostel.

Jason Lewis, 41, a registered sex offender with a criminal history that includes sexual battery and felony domestic violence, was convicted Friday of first-degree murder charges in the death of Jordhann Rust.

On Dec. 15, police found Rust's body in a communal shower area on the second floor of the 500 West Hotel and Hostel at West Broadway and Columbia Street.

The 26-year-old Wisconsin woman had just arrived to San Diego with her boyfriend days before her death.

Experts determined the cause of death was blunt force injury to the head and neck and possible strangulation, according to testimony in court.

The victims DNA was found on pants and bed sheets found inside the defendants room, according to testimony from investigators.

Lewis pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. His attorney did not call witnesses to testify on his client's behalf.

Ann Nielsen, Rust's mother, testified last week and described hearing her daughter screaming on the other end of the phone on the night she died.

The last words Nielsen heard Rust say before the line went dead were, That hurts!

Nielsen called the San Diego Police Department and told authorities that she heard "crashing against a wall" and her daughter saying "Ow, Ow, Ow" before their call was disconnected.

Rusts boyfriend Cory Nowell was arrested, accused of domestic violence on December 12. He was jailed for two days and was released Monday night, Dec. 14.

In a 911 call to police, Nowell told the dispatcher he returned to the couple's room and found Rusts clothes and shoes but no sign of her.

A member of the hotel's housekeeping staff discovered Rust's body in a communal bathroom the next day.

Surveillance video recorded Lewis purchasing a suitcase at a local store on December 14. San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel said Lewis used that suitcase to move Rust's body.

On Thursday, SDPD homicide detective Louis Maggy showed jurors a suitcase found in Lewis' room at the hostel. Maggy unzipped the suitcase and testified the victims blood was found in the bottom inside corner and on the side of the luggage.

Nowell said the couple lived on the streets in Denver before coming to San Diego. He testified she had a history of wandering off with strangers.

Lewis faces 56 years behind bars when he's sentenced in December.
Solicitors for a questionable for-profit group have been spotted all over San Diego--from Encinitas to Chula vista, even in the east county.

The company is called Something for Soldiers Sales LLC and it's based out of Georgia. It's a for-profit company but many wouldn't know that unless you really look at the fine print.

Employees travel all over the country, moving from city to city after they are exposed on social media.

Wayne, who did not want to disclose his last name, lives in Lakeside and retired last year after serving 20 years in the military. He said he is always looking for ways to give back to soldiers overseas, but a recent encounter completely turned him off.

"The whole interaction was really awkward, rehearsed and staged for me," he said. He told NBC 7 that last week a worker from Something for Soldiers Sales LLC came knocking on his door and asked for a donation for gift bags to send overseas.

"He actually had pricing schedules for sponsorship levels, $24 all the way up to $200--$24 would send one care package out," he said.

NBC 7 spoke with a former employee of the company who says he's seen the group bring in up to $14,000 a day going door-to-door. He added only three to five percent of the funds raised actually go to care packages. Workers get a commission of about 50 percent on the amount they bring in, something that made sense to Wayne after his conversation.

"At the end, he was like, 'Well could you at least give me some money for my time out here speaking to you?' I was like, 'no you've got to be kidding me!'" Wayne told NBC 7.

Warnings are posted all over social media, including one from Weber County Sheriff's Office in Utah. There's even a "Something for Soldiers Sales is a Scam" Facebook page.

"I think it's very disgraceful that people or organizations would go around on the sole purpose of using our military, our veterans; anyone who has served as a platform to get money," Wayne said.

NBC 7 reached out to the company to get information on how much money is actually going towards helping soldiers overseas. They told us the company's president would have to disclose that and he would call us back. As of Friday evening, we had not heard back from him.
Mothers and families who have lost loved ones to drunk driving gathered for a 5K walk at Liberty Station Saturday in the ongoing fight to prevent deadly DUI crashes.

Tami Riley, who lives in Hawaii, was among the mothers who united for the Walk Like MADD 5K. She lost her son, Lucas Riley, just two months ago to a crash caused by a suspected drunk driver on State Route 67.

I feel like I didnt have an option  I had to come out [to this walk], Tami told NBC 7, fighting back tears. Its still very emotional. Weve all been devastated by this crash. Its necessary to make it public knowledge. As a family, we want to help the problem [of drunk driving] down here.

Tami Riley walks in honor of son, Lucas, killed on SR67 in #Ramona. He was supposed to get married this month #DrunkDrivingEndsHere #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/FVmgY0Z440  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 15, 2016

Lucas died in a fiery three-car crash on SR-67 on Aug. 20 when a truck driven by a DUI suspect veered across the road and struck Lucas Mini Cooper head-on. The impact set the Mini Cooper on fire.

Riley was a recent graduate of San Diegos Point Loma Nazarene University  a talented art major whose work is on display at the Cedar Street Parking Garage in Little Italy. He was also engaged to be married, and his fiancee told NBC 7 he was a loving, caring man. After the crash that claimed Lucas life, his fiancee begged the public: Please dont drink and drive, please.

.@SDSheriff says 18 ppl died in SDSO & CHP jurisdiction this year so far. #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/11RbcikOlc  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 15, 2016

As Tami walked the 5K Saturday, she carried a photo of her son and his hat in his memory, with 17 family members and friend by her side. She said she hoped Lucas story would help others make the right choice when drinking and thinking about getting behind the wheel.

Another team that took part in the Walk Like MADD 5K Saturday was a team from the San Diego County Sheriffs Department (SDSO) and San Diego County District Attorneys office, walking in honor of fallen SDSO Deputy Kenneth James Collier.

Collier was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver on Feb. 28, 2010. His patrol car crashed off the side of State Route 52 while he was trying to stop a drunk driver who was traveling on the wrong side of the freeway.

Help stop drunk driving & join @SDSheriff at #WalkLikeMADD on October 15 to honor the memory of Deputy Ken Collier. https://t.co/w8QMqV7oNi pic.twitter.com/G68r0AVaLj  San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) October 14, 2016

We walk in honor of Ken, forever keeping his memory alive, and we walk in honor of all of the law enforcement deputies and officer who risk their lives every day so that we are safer, a statement from the SDSO read.

To learn more about Walk Like MADD events across the country, click here.
A Maryland man whose family operated a home day care was sentenced to 17 years in prison for producing child pornography.

In July 2015, FBI agents interviewed 41-year-old Steven Edward Baker at his Vienna, Virginia, business, Action Signs, and he admitted having child pornography on his work and home computers and that he had been downloading child pornography for 10 years, according to his plea agreement.

Investigators found 45 images and seven videos of a girl under the age of 12 at Baker's home and workplace, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Baker produced the images and video from January 2008 to July 2013 at a park and at what appears to be his home.

An additional 50,000 images and 1,000 videos downloaded from the internet were found.

Maryland state records show Baker listed as a family member on a registration for a child care facility in Kensington from 2008 to 2012. The state records show the listed owner of the child care was Diane Baker, who is referenced as Bakers wife in an FBI affidavit, the News4 I-Team previously reported. The affidavit specifies there were suspicious on-line postings by Baker as early as 2011.

The day care no longer operates.

The FBI tracked Baker by connecting online postings to an IP address belonging to Action Signs, according to the FBI affidavit. When investigators at the store asked him if he knew why they were there, "Baker stated, I have child porn on my computers, and, I have been waiting for someone to come, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said, Baker stated, Im actually downloading a file right now. Do you want to see? Come on Ill show you.'

According to the FBI affidavit, agents found the suspicious on-line porn postings were made by a person who used the username SIGNMAN.

After serving his prison sentence, Baker will have to register as a sex offender anywhere he lives or works and will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
An arrangement for sex in a Silver Spring, Maryland, hotel resulted in a man getting shot Saturday morning, according to police.

A Montgomery County police spokesman said the victim and a woman agreed to meet for sex at a hotel in the 8700 block of Colesville Road. Once the man showed up at the room, he was shot by another man who was already inside the room, the spokesman said.

Police are unsure if any money exchanged hands between the victim and the woman. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are looking at surveillance video from the hotel for clues to the identity of the gunman.
A Maryland sandwich shop with dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide got lucky when two hungry firefighters walked in the door for lunch.

Two firefighters stopped in a Subway in the 9900 block of Greenbelt Road in Lanham, Maryland, during their lunch break on Friday when their portable carbon monoxide detectors started going off, the Prince George's County Fire Department said in a statement.

The firefighters immediately called for additional resources. Responders found that an exhaust vent from the boiler/HVAC unit had broken and was sending carbon monoxide directly into the store.

Firefighters turned the unit off and used fans to bring down the carbon monoxide levels. No one was injured. The fire department says it appears the unit had just turned on for the day.
What to Know A .40 caliber handgun was found inside a student's backpack at a high school in Stafford County.

The school principal sent an email to parents notifying them of the incident.

According to the email, no one was threatened or hurt by the incident.

A 17-year-old high school student has been arrested in Stafford County, Virginia, Friday after police say a handgun was found in the student's backpack.

In a letter to parents, Colonial Forge High School Principal Greg Daniel said police removed a .40 caliber handgun from the students backpack.

Police said "suspicious activities" led them to search the student. The juvenile has been charged with possession of a concealed weapon and possesion of a firearm on school property.

No one was threatened or hurt, Daniel said.

Sheriff's deputies are investigating how the student got the gun.

The student is being held at the Rappahannock Juvenile Center.

Daniel said students should report any threats to the school resource officer or an administrator.

A spokesperson for Stafford County Public Schools gave the following statment to News4:

"On Friday, October 14, 2016, Law Enforcement Officers confiscated a handgun from a students backpack at Colonial Forge High School. No one was threatened or hurt in the incident. Administrators acted swiftly by reporting this information immediately to law enforcement when they noticed suspicious activity from the student. Stafford County Public Schools takes this matter very seriously. The safety of students and staff is a top priority for SCPS. There is zero tolerance for weapons on campus."

Stay with News4 and NBCWashington as we continue to update this developing story.
The Obama administration is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the American presidential election, U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

Current and former officials with direct knowledge of the situation say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation. Former intelligence officers told NBC News that the agency had gathered reams of documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vice President Joe Biden told "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd on Friday that "we're sending a message" to Putin and that "it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact."
In Detroit, Hillary Clinton wrongly said that back in the Great Recession  Donald Trump said rescuing the auto industry didnt really matter very much. He said, and I quote again, Let it go.  Trump supported the auto bailout in 2008. The let it go quote is from 2015, and taken out of context.

Clinton previously has highlighted Trumps 2015 comments, which showed Trump backing away from his previous support of the governments auto rescue efforts. He said last year that you could have let it go bankrupt but that the auto industry would have ended up ultimately in the same place whether it had received government assistance or not.

In a Sept. 5 speech in Cleveland, Clinton correctly said Trump had made the let it go comment last year. As weve written, she wrongly implied that same day in Illinois that Trump had said he didnt care about the auto industry or its workers. But Clintons latest comment in Detroit moves her talking point from a wrong implication to an outright falsehood.

Heres Clintons comment on Oct. 10 at a rally at Wayne State University in Detroit:

Clinton, Oct. 10: But nobody should be surprised, because back in the Great Recession when millions of jobs across America hung in the balance, Donald Trump said rescuing the auto industry didnt really matter very much. He said, and I quote again, Let it go. Now, I cant imagine that. I  I supported President Obamas decision to rescue the auto industry in America.

As a presidential candidate, Trump has been criticized for either flip-flopping on his position or being inconsistent, but back in the Great Recession, as Clinton says, at the time the auto bailout was being considered by the federal government, Trump made several comments in support of government intervention.

On Dec. 10, 2008, Trump told CNBC: It would seem to be that they should Chapter it and the country should put up the financing.

CNBC reported that Trump said, You have to save the car industry in this country.

That day, the House passed a rescue plan to provide $14 billion in government loans to the auto industry, with the contingency that the companies agree to government oversight through a to-be-appointed car czar. The following day, the Senate voted down the plan, which had been backed by both then-President George W. Bush and President-elect Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton, then a senator, voted for it.

General Motors and Chrysler were in a particularly shaky financial state in the midst of the 2007-2009 Great Recession. The New York Times reported in December 2008: G.M., Chrysler and industry experts have said that the two companies would likely not survive until the end of this month without government aid, and the companies had already agreed to carry out sweeping reorganization plans in exchange for the help.

On Dec. 17, 2008, Trump again voiced support for government help for the automakers, telling Fox Business Neil Cavuto: I think the government should stand behind [the Big Three automakers] 100 percent. You cannot lose the auto companies.

Cavuto pressed him on whether the auto bailout should happen. Trump said: There are so many ways that it can be saved.  If they do a Chapter 11  and over the years, Ive put companies into a Chapter 11. You negotiate from Chapter 11.

Heres that exchange with Cavuto, edited for length:

Cavuto, Dec. 17, 2008: But would you bail them out? Trump: There are so many ways that it can be saved. Cavuto: Bankruptcy is an option. Trump: If they do a Chapter 11  and over the years, Ive put companies into a Chapter 11. You negotiate from Chapter 11.  Cavuto: The other guys say they would be different because bankruptcy for them is not an option, that it would be a scarlet letter and a stigma. Trump: Thats right. Theyre saying people wont buy cars. Cavuto: Do you buy that? Trump: Well, I absolutely dont, because Id rather buy a car than fly in an airline. When United Airline is bankrupt, when Delta Airlines goes bankrupt, and Im supposed to be flying, Id rather have a car than fly on an airline if thats the case. But they didnt lose any business. Now, as long as they know that the companys going to be around its not going to hurt them one bit. In fact, people would like it. But you have to make a better deal with the unions, despite [United Automobile Workers President Ron] Gettelfingers brilliant salesmanship  its brilliant  despite that, you have to make a much better deal with the unions. And you have to make a better deal with everybody, I mean, everything.  Cavuto: Do you think that we can afford to do without one of the Big Three? Trump: No. I think you should have the Big Three. I think, frankly, they should do dip financing. I think the government should stand behind them 100 percent. You cannot lose the auto companies. Theyre great. They make wonderful products. Maybe theyre making too much. Maybe theyre not making too much.  Trump: The government is going to give them 35 billion, give them 50 billion in good financing, get a good, strong czar. I think the idea of a czar is great. I think Jack Welch would be, by the way, a great czar. But you know, these are minor details. But there are Cavuto: Not you, though? Trump: No. Cavuto: You wouldnt want to do it? Trump: No, I dont want to do it. But  but Jack Welch would be a great czar. He would really be a great czar. We need a tough, smart, very corporate kind of a guy, and man, would he be good. And thered be others. I could name others also.

Two days later, President Bush announced that he was authorizing the use of government funds to help the auto industry, despite Congress inability to pass legislation. GM received $13.4 billion and Chrysler $4 billion that month from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, known as the Wall Street bailout program.

Under President Obama, GM and Chrysler did declare bankruptcy and restructured with billions more in government loans and backing. The total financing disbursed was nearly $80 billion, with all but $9.3 billion eventually being recovered by the government, according to the Treasury Department.

Trumps position has varied over the years. In November 2012, Trump criticized Obama in a tweet for being a terrible negotiator on the bailout, falsely claiming that Chrysler was going to send all Jeep production to China.

And his let it go comment came last year in a press conference in Michigan. Trump was asked whether he would have done what President Obama did in Detroit. Heres the response (see the 2:54 mark).

Trump, Aug. 11, 2015: There are two ways of looking at it. You could have let it go, and rebuilt itself, through the free enterprise system. You could have let it go bankrupt, frankly, and rebuilt itself, and a lot of people think thats the way it should have happened. Or you could have done it the way it went. I could have done it either way. Either way would have been acceptable. I think you would have ended up ultimately in the same place.

That comment shows Trump waffling on whether he would have supported the auto bailout or not. But at the time the deal was being debated in Congress, in late 2008, Trump said, I think the government should stand behind [the Big Three automakers] 100 percent.

Clinton is wrong to say he didnt support a government-backed rescue during the Great Recession.

FactCheck.org is a non-partisan non-profit organization that will hold candidates and key figures accountable during the 2016 presidential campaign. FactCheck.org will check facts of speeches, advertisements and more for NBC.
It's going to get worse for Wells Fargo before it gets better.

In the wake of the biggest scandal in the bank's 164-year history, distrustful customers are not opening as many checking accounts or applying for credit cards, and branch visits and meetings between customers and bankers are down, too.

Wells has also been hit with several lawsuits from customers, employees and shareholders. There are calls from politicians for fraud charges against the bank. And Wells almost surely faces settlements and fines way beyond the $185 million it agreed to pay regulators when the scandal broke wide open last month.

Or, as Wells Fargo executives put it to Wall Street analysts, using what has become a remarkably common term in this age of corporate malfeasance, the bank's legal expenses are likely to be "lumpy."

Wells Fargo executives, including newly appointed CEO Tim Sloan, are having trouble quantifying what the long-term effect on the bottom line will be.

Investors expect Wells to walk away from this crisis mostly intact, but it is apparent that the bank's recovery will be long and arduous.

For now, "our immediate priority is restoring trust in Wells Fargo," Sloan said in a conference call with investors Friday, the same day Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced was suspending Wells Fargo from doing business with state agencies, and excluding the bank from participating in any state bond offerings, joining California and Illinois.

The San Francisco-based bank is engulfed in a crisis that started in mid-September, when Wells reached a settlement over allegations that its employees opened up to 2 million bank and credit card accounts without customers' authorization in order to meet high sales goals.

Under pressure from politicians and investors, CEO John Stumpf abruptly retired on Wednesday.

On Friday, Wells reported third-quarter earnings of $5.6 billion, down from $5.8 billion a year earlier. That is not a good measure of the effects of the scandal, which didn't break until the quarter was nearly over.

But at Wells' 6,000 U.S. branches, there are signs that customers are backing away, even though the bank says it clamped down on the abuses over a year ago.

Wells reported a drop in what it calls banker and teller "interactions" in September from both a year ago and from August. Also, consumer checking account openings dropped 25 percent in September from a year earlier and 30 percent from August. Consumer applications for Wells credit cards also fell sharply in September.

In addition, referrals for mortgages from Wells' retail branches were down 24 percent from August. Wells is the nation's biggest mortgage lender.

What all of this could mean for Wells' balance sheet is difficult to quantify. Not every credit card application will result in an opened credit card account. Not every account opened will get used, carry a balance, and get charged interest.

"We are beginning to try to calculate whether there will be a trend at all," Wells Fargo CFO John Shrewsberry said in an interview. "The income implications for us, if at all, are down the road."

To help recover from the scandal, Wells has announced a series of changes in how it deals with customers. Every customer will get an email after an account is opened to confirm the person opened it, and electronic signatures will be required on all new checking, savings and credit card account applications.

The bank is also eliminating sales goals for its employees and announced a new "mystery shopper" program in which people will go undercover as customers to make sure employees are doing their jobs right.

Wells is also taking steps to ensure that employees who call the bank's ethics hotline to report abuses are not retaliated against, something that is said to have happened in the past.
Select Regal Cinema theaters will be screening the final presidential debate this week, including three locations in Connecticut.

The theater said it is "excited to offer voters, debate teams, political science classes or regular Joes the chance to watch Clinton and Trump" on "the big screen".

Regal Cinema theaters in Connecticut screening the debate on Oct. 19:

Regal Brandford Stadium 12

325 E Main St.

Branford, Connecticut

Regal Brass Mill Stadium 12

Brass Mill Center, 495 Union St.

Waterbury, Connecticut

Regal Stonington 10

85 Voluntown Rd.

Pawcatuck, Connecticut

A free small drink with purchase of popcorn will be offered.
The school of the deceased flying student who intentionally downed a plane in East Hartford this week is inviting the aviation community to join them in mourning.

"Those that want to tell or hear stories, those that need to be comforted, those that can help are all invited," American Flight Academy wrote on its Facebook on Friday.

On Tuesday, the student pilot identified as Feras M. Freitekh and the instructor Arian Prevella got into some kind of argument or struggle while flying a twin-engine plane, a law enforcement official told NBC News. Freitekh was at the controls during the time of the crash, the official said.

Prevalla, the owner of American Flight Academy in Hartford, escaped from the burning plane and treated at the hospital. Freitekh was found dead inside the charred remains of the plane, officials said.

The Facebook post from the school noted that it will not be commenting on the accident, but instead, wanted to focus on the grief linked to the tragedy.

"I would like to look inward to our aviation community to help us grieve for the loss of a young man that so many loved and cared about. We will never understand why he did what he did," the post reads.

"It is difficult to look back and think to ourselves, 'what could I have done?' The answer to that question is 'nothing'."

The school explains how members of the aviation community fly for different reasons: delivery packages, transporting people, conducting flight training, or recreational flying.

"Everday people look up and see airplanes in the sky."

The statement says that most people do not know the complexities of keeping an aircraft operating safely, which is why people often want to find a "villain" for incidents like the East Hartford crash.

"Since something like this is so rare it is easy to want to point fingers and try to find a reason for the madness. People that dont know any better want to find, or create, a villain that almost never exists."

The school calls on members of the aviation community to mourn and support each other. Grief counselors will be made available for anyone, the school said.

Contact the Hartford Jet Center for information on a time and date of the event and leave a name and how many people will be attending.
The Massachusetts babysitter accused of kidnapping and assaulting a young girl last year changed her plea to guilty on Friday.

Abigail Hanna was charged with kidnapping and other offenses in connection with the kidnapping of 2-year-old Lyndon Albers from her home in Hamilton back in November of 2015.

Hanna appeared in Salem Superior Court on Friday, where she pleaded guilty to all of the charges, including breaking and entering, kidnapping, assault and battery on a child and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

She was sentenced to 5 to 7 years in state prison, followed by 10 years of probation.

Police said Hanna broke into Lyndon's home and kidnapped the child. She had babysat for the child once before.

The child was found hours later naked by the side of the road in Rowley with her head shaven.

Officials said Hanna was hallucinating and had suffered a miscarriage a month before the incident.
There were candles, prayers, words of encouragement and community support Friday night in East Boston as dozens marched in the honor of two police officers wounded in a shooting.

Boston Police Officers Richard Cintolo and Matthew Morris remained in critical but stable condition Friday. The two were shot after responding to a domestic violence call on Gladstone Street in Orient Heights Wednesday night. The incident left the suspect, Kirk Figueroa, dead.

"Any time something like this happens, it hits us all," said Joanne Pomodoro, who attended the vigil for Cintolo and Morris Friday. "My brother is a policeman, my other brother is an EMT."

"I wish you the best my friend. Absolutely a safe, quick and happy recovery," said Mike Anderson, a friend of Cintolo.

Anderson said the two grew up together, and that Cintolo's father is a retired Boston Police Officer. He also said Cintolo's brother is currently on the force.

"Protect and to serve, that's his motto," said Anderson. "He'd stop for a bird in the street and scoot it to the curb so it wouldn't get run over. That's the kind of guy he is."

Others describe Cintolo as a mediator, who always wore a smile.

"He's the first call when they call places around here. He's always around to go there and translate to people because this is the Spanish community," said Marco Asuaje, who lives in East Boston.

Neighbors that spoke to necn off camera said Officer Morris and his wife are wonderful people.

People in the community they protect and serve still can't believe what happened.

"I feel very sorry for them and for their families," said Marco De Castro.
A convicted child rapist who had been freed, much to the chagrin of his neighbors in Weymouth, Massachusetts, has been arrested again.

Police in Boston arrested Richard Gardner late Friday afternoon on a fugitive from justice charge out of Rhode Island. He will also be charged with violating the terms and conditions of his release, with authorities saying he violated a "child safe ordinance" in Quincy.

Gardner is a Level 3 sex offender who was released after almost three decades behind bars. Authorities say he was freed due to human error. He was convicted of kidnapping and raping several boys in the 1980s.

With neighbors near his old home in Weymouth upset, Gardner has been tossed out of a library and a shelter since being freed.

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office failed to petition to have Gardner committed in civil court as a "sexually dangerous person," which is why he was released.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, he will be arraigned in Boston Monday as a fugitive from justice.

Stay with necn as this story develops.
The missing woman suffering from Alzheimer's was found and returned to her family Friday evening.

Police in Boston found 83-year-old Cui Mei Chen in Cambridge.

She went missing around 9:15 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Agganis Way in the city's Brighton neighborhood.

Authorities described Chen as an Asian female who is approximately 5'2 and 98 pounds. When she went missing, she was wearing a dark grey or black jacket and grey pants with a vertical stripe. She carried a green satchel.
A New Hampshire man is facing charges after state police said he caused a wrong-way crash in Concord on Saturday morning.

Police said a trooper was traveling northbound on I-93, south of Exit 13, at about 1:30 a.m. when he spotted the wrong-way driver traveling southbound.

The trooper swerved to avoid the driver, crashing into the guardrails next to the break-down lane.

Police said the wrong-way driver stopped his vehicle after the trooper crashed.

The trooper was taken to Concord Hospital and was later released for minor injuries.

The driver was identified as Gregory Dumais, 28, of Hillsboro, New Hampshire.

Dumais was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless conduct. He was later released on $10,000 bail and is due to be arraigned on October 28.
He seemed to bounce around the country trying on different lives - gangsta rapper, bounty hunter, military veteran, and religious family man.

The many faces of Kirk Figueroa.

The emerging portrait of the man who opened fire on Boston Police on Wednesday night is as confusing as it is conflicting.

He was a constable who allegedly told people he was a Boston Police officer.

"He told me he was a constable and that he had powers to arrest anybody in any jurisdiction," explained Diego, Figueroa's roommate, an NBC employee. "And I think he just kind of saw himself as above the law, in a way."

The cop wannabe supposedly ran a private security firm in Miami, San Francisco and here in Boston.

"He was secretive. Very secretive," Diego said. "Drapes over his window. Door always locked, door always closed. He would disappear for weeks at a time."

The website for his firm heralds an 8-year military career in the Army Reserves, military police battallion, though the Army says he never took basic training and was given a "hardship discharge" after just five months.

He also served a one-week stint as a corrections officer.

And there was a failed attempt to become a private eye in Florida - denied because of a criminal past.

He also had a criminal history.

According to court documents, Figueroa tried to torch his own car with a gallon of gasoline and open flame. A week later, he was arrested for lying to police about being a private detective, even brandishing a badge.

There was a failed marriage to a woman from his old New York neighborhood. In a divorce filing last year, she claimed he deserted her and that he was abusive and cruel.

"Gave me black eyes," she wrote. "chocked (sic) me, pulled out my hair, verbally humiliated me..."

His roommate in East Boston tells necn Figueroa angrily accused their third roommate of being an Islamic radical, but someone later claimed in a social media post under one of his aliases that he had been reborn "...as a baby into the Nation of Islam." Those aliases? Muhummed Isa Al Mahdi, kham menkaure hotep, Solomon, Fox and Kocoa Xango.

necn tried to find out more about Figueroa from the people who may have known him best, but his brother said they've been estranged and his mother is in mourning.

His wife did not call us back. Figueroa was killed in the shootout before their divorce was finalized.
The Royal Navy is testing just how much robot craft can do by themselves in military exercises off the British coast.

Operation Unmanned Warrior 16 is a chance for allied nations and the defense industry to show off their latest maritime autonomous systems, as part of a broader military exercise called Joint Warrior.

"Fire and forget" torpedoes capable of homing in on the noise emitted by a target -- then sinking it -- have been around since World War II, but the systems involved in this exercise are less offensive.

More than 50 craft are taking part this week, including uncrewed helicopters and underwater vehicles, and an autonomous rigid inflatable boat (RIB). They will perform tasks such as surveillance, intelligence-gathering and mine countermeasures.

Some of the craft are operating out of the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre on the coast of Scotland. The center conducts trials year-round for the U.K. Ministry of Defence, and during the exercise will demonstrate three of Unmanned Warrior's five themes: command and control, mine hunting, and hydrographic survey.

Among the craft under test are Remus 100 and Remus 600, which use sonar beams to locate mines and to map the sea bed, and the Blue Bear Blackstart fixed-wing uncrewed aerial vehicle, which serves as a communications relay when the other craft are out of direct radio range of the base.

A key part of the exercise is to determine how the different autonomous craft can be made to interact with one another, whether relaying signals or giving shorter-range craft a ride to and from the operations area.

Some of the underwater mapping craft can run missions of up to eight hours without human intervention -- longer if another autonomous vehicle picks them up and carries them back to base. At one stage of the exercise nine autonomous craft were interacting with one another to complete their missions, the Navy said.
By Reuters

GOA: The state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will work with an Indian fund to invest $1 billion in Asia's third-largest economy, the head of the fund said before a bilateral summit expected to yield several big business deals.

The RDIF and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) will each invest up to $500 million in the joint fund, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries like China.

"We helped in the process of the NIIF being created," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with Reuters. "Now we will provide equity capital to joint Russian-Indian projects, mainly in India."

The RDIF was set up by Dmitriev in 2011 with billions in Kremlin cash and has since made partial exits from bets in Russia, including the Moscow Stock Exchange, diamond miner Alrosa and Rostelekom.

It also worked with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest $1 billion in power projects when President Vladimir Putin last visited India in late 2014.

India is courting international investors to help finance new roads, railways and power projects that the country needs.

Putin will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the tourist destination of Goa on Saturday for a summit at which major defence, oil and nuclear power agreements are expected to be signed.

The RDIF-NIIF partnership will also be sealed at the summit. It will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals in 2017, said Dmitriev.

Leaders of the BRICS caucus - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will also gather in Goa this weekend. The bloc has founded its own New Development Bank that has co-invested in two RDIF-backed hydropower plants in Russia that have just broken ground.

Dmitriev said he hoped that the Russian fund would be able to draw on the platform of the BRICS bank to build similar small-scale hydro projects in India that are based on Russian technology.



GOA: The state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will work with an Indian fund to invest $1 billion in Asia's third-largest economy, the head of the fund said before a bilateral summit expected to yield several big business deals. The RDIF and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) will each invest up to $500 million in the joint fund, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries like China. "We helped in the process of the NIIF being created," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with Reuters. "Now we will provide equity capital to joint Russian-Indian projects, mainly in India." The RDIF was set up by Dmitriev in 2011 with billions in Kremlin cash and has since made partial exits from bets in Russia, including the Moscow Stock Exchange, diamond miner Alrosa and Rostelekom. It also worked with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest $1 billion in power projects when President Vladimir Putin last visited India in late 2014. India is courting international investors to help finance new roads, railways and power projects that the country needs. Putin will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the tourist destination of Goa on Saturday for a summit at which major defence, oil and nuclear power agreements are expected to be signed. The RDIF-NIIF partnership will also be sealed at the summit. It will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals in 2017, said Dmitriev. Leaders of the BRICS caucus - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will also gather in Goa this weekend. The bloc has founded its own New Development Bank that has co-invested in two RDIF-backed hydropower plants in Russia that have just broken ground. Dmitriev said he hoped that the Russian fund would be able to draw on the platform of the BRICS bank to build similar small-scale hydro projects in India that are based on Russian technology.
Bharati Jacob By

Express News Service

Jacob co-founded Seedfund in 2006 along with Pravin Gandhi and Mahesh Murthy and has been the lead partner in diverse investments including Redbus (sold to Nasper, South Africa) etc. Jonathan Anada writes about her journey to the top...

Bharti Jacob had no ideas of becoming an entrepreneur when she was in college. But she did know she wanted to be in business.

Jacob however has managed to become a leader in the world of venture capital in India.

Ask her whether she ever thought she would be an entrepreneur or someone at the top of a large business and her answer comes fast and straight. One word  no.

I did not think I would be where I am now when I was in college. This was not something I thought I would be doing, she says. Then how did a girl with no ideas of becoming an entrepreneur end up as the managing partner of a top venture capital firm?

Ask her and she shrugs. I wouldnt call it a series of accidents. But I never did turn down any opportunity that I got. I went through three broad job roles before ending up here, managing a venture capital fund with a partner, she says.

As a person with a birds eye view of what the young crop of entrepreneurs, many of whom are inspired women with many dreams of making it on their own, Jacob says that there were many instances where her identity as a women posed a challenge.

Bhartis solution however, was simple. How do you deal with such issues? You pretend like they do not exist and bull through anyway.

There were instances where you get hit on, or where peole think you do not know what you are talking about, but I just ignored them. If you dont bother with these things, they cannot affect you, she smiles.

Jacob also says that a lot of young entreprenuers have ideas that they sometimes give up too easily on. For women, especially, where societal pressures are still a burden, what does she have to say? Perseverence is the key.

Do not give up on your dreams. You might think that such and such an idea is not viable, but you will not know unless you actually try them out.

And stick with them until the end. This is not just for young women, but all aspiring entrepreneurs. You need to persevere, even when your venture is not doing as well. That is crucial, she signs off.

Jacob co-founded Seedfund in 2006 along with Pravin Gandhi and Mahesh Murthy and has been the lead partner in diverse investments including Redbus (sold to Nasper, South Africa) etc. Jonathan Anada writes about her journey to the top... Bharti Jacob had no ideas of becoming an entrepreneur when she was in college. But she did know she wanted to be in business. Jacob however has managed to become a leader in the world of venture capital in India. Ask her whether she ever thought she would be an entrepreneur or someone at the top of a large business and her answer comes fast and straight. One word  no. I did not think I would be where I am now when I was in college. This was not something I thought I would be doing, she says. Then how did a girl with no ideas of becoming an entrepreneur end up as the managing partner of a top venture capital firm? Ask her and she shrugs. I wouldnt call it a series of accidents. But I never did turn down any opportunity that I got. I went through three broad job roles before ending up here, managing a venture capital fund with a partner, she says. As a person with a birds eye view of what the young crop of entrepreneurs, many of whom are inspired women with many dreams of making it on their own, Jacob says that there were many instances where her identity as a women posed a challenge. Bhartis solution however, was simple. How do you deal with such issues? You pretend like they do not exist and bull through anyway. There were instances where you get hit on, or where peole think you do not know what you are talking about, but I just ignored them. If you dont bother with these things, they cannot affect you, she smiles. Jacob also says that a lot of young entreprenuers have ideas that they sometimes give up too easily on. For women, especially, where societal pressures are still a burden, what does she have to say? Perseverence is the key. Do not give up on your dreams. You might think that such and such an idea is not viable, but you will not know unless you actually try them out. And stick with them until the end. This is not just for young women, but all aspiring entrepreneurs. You need to persevere, even when your venture is not doing as well. That is crucial, she signs off.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Despite several busts, racketeers are still trying to exchange outdated Turkish banknotes for Indian rupees around South India.

The Bengaluru police cracked yet another such racket yesterday, this time capturing an eight-member gang, including one advocate, as they tried to sell non-legal Turkish paper to a guileless businessman.

Police said they seized 99 banknotes of the old Turkish lire, with a face value of Rs 1.6 crore but which ceased to be legal tender in 2009.

The arrested men have been identified as Yujin Prabhu [the advocate], Antony Raj, Shivayogi, Zameer Ahemed, Shivakumar, Mohan Kumar, all residents of K R Puram and Basaveshwaranagar, and Shivanji Reddy and Balamandi of Andra Pradesh. All but the advocate are into small businesses in Bengaluru.

Police said the last two men, Reddy and Balamandi, both of whom had been arrested for a similar offence in Andhra Prades earlier, sourced the currency notes and sought the help of the others in locating suckers who could be sold the paper.

The gang zeroed in on one businessman in Bengaluru. Police got wind of the moves and pounced on the gang. They are now in judicial custody.

A number of Turkish currency rackets have been reported in the southern states, peddling notes that used to be legal tender in Turkey until 2009.

The old Turkish lira used to be the currency of Turkey until 2005 when the country switched to the New Turkish Lira. In 2009, the currency changed again to the Turkish Lira. The New Turkish Lira can be exachanged for the new currency until 2020 but is not valid for transactioins.

BENGALURU: Despite several busts, racketeers are still trying to exchange outdated Turkish banknotes for Indian rupees around South India. The Bengaluru police cracked yet another such racket yesterday, this time capturing an eight-member gang, including one advocate, as they tried to sell non-legal Turkish paper to a guileless businessman. Police said they seized 99 banknotes of the old Turkish lire, with a face value of Rs 1.6 crore but which ceased to be legal tender in 2009. The arrested men have been identified as Yujin Prabhu [the advocate], Antony Raj, Shivayogi, Zameer Ahemed, Shivakumar, Mohan Kumar, all residents of K R Puram and Basaveshwaranagar, and Shivanji Reddy and Balamandi of Andra Pradesh. All but the advocate are into small businesses in Bengaluru. Police said the last two men, Reddy and Balamandi, both of whom had been arrested for a similar offence in Andhra Prades earlier, sourced the currency notes and sought the help of the others in locating suckers who could be sold the paper. The gang zeroed in on one businessman in Bengaluru. Police got wind of the moves and pounced on the gang. They are now in judicial custody. A number of Turkish currency rackets have been reported in the southern states, peddling notes that used to be legal tender in Turkey until 2009. The old Turkish lira used to be the currency of Turkey until 2005 when the country switched to the New Turkish Lira. In 2009, the currency changed again to the Turkish Lira. The New Turkish Lira can be exachanged for the new currency until 2020 but is not valid for transactioins.
Kiran Parashar K M By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Two parallel investigations have led police to a new revelation: a gang that specifically targets pawn brokers and businessmen of the Marwari community. Investigation into the recent twin murders in Vasanthnagar of two Marwari women and the arrest of another gang have led the police to this conclusion.

The arrest of four people  Ramesh (31), Rajesh (38), Manoj Kumar (33) and Bhagwan Lal (36)  revealed that the gang specialises in targeting rich Marwaris. These gangs used to hire robbers from other states. Police sources said, The arrested people do not belong to the Marwari community. They hail from Rajasthan and Bihar, but have been living in Bengaluru for many years. As their prime targets were pawn brokers, the gang was named Marwari gang in police circles.

The Bengaluru-based gang used to collect data and identify people of this community with deep pockets.

The gang would hire robbers from Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan and other places and hatch a plan to target the community members. At a time two teams would be formed that would strike in two different places in the city. The inter-state robbers would give the valuables that they had robbed and get money in return from the local gang. The local gang would also collect commission for the assignment given to the outsourced gang. The locals would fund the travel of the inter-state robbers, by air or rail, so that they make a quick exit out of the city after the crime.

The police said, The accused are now in K R Puram police custody. With the arrests of the gang members, we have been able to crack many cases. They have eight robbery cases in various police stations in the city.

Double murder accused had links

Prime accused in the Vasanthnagar double murder case, Maneesh, also had links with the members of this gang and had visited them when they were in RMC yard police custody.

Police are investigating whether he was also part of the gang. Maneesh had allegedly killed Santhoshi Bai and her daughter-in-law Latha in their Vasanthnagar residence in September. Police sources said, As many of these businessmen keep their assets and business dealings under wraps due to black money issues, no complaint is filed when thieves target them. This comes as an advantage to the gang too.

BENGALURU: Two parallel investigations have led police to a new revelation: a gang that specifically targets pawn brokers and businessmen of the Marwari community. Investigation into the recent twin murders in Vasanthnagar of two Marwari women and the arrest of another gang have led the police to this conclusion. The arrest of four people  Ramesh (31), Rajesh (38), Manoj Kumar (33) and Bhagwan Lal (36)  revealed that the gang specialises in targeting rich Marwaris. These gangs used to hire robbers from other states. Police sources said, The arrested people do not belong to the Marwari community. They hail from Rajasthan and Bihar, but have been living in Bengaluru for many years. As their prime targets were pawn brokers, the gang was named Marwari gang in police circles. The Bengaluru-based gang used to collect data and identify people of this community with deep pockets. The gang would hire robbers from Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan and other places and hatch a plan to target the community members. At a time two teams would be formed that would strike in two different places in the city. The inter-state robbers would give the valuables that they had robbed and get money in return from the local gang. The local gang would also collect commission for the assignment given to the outsourced gang. The locals would fund the travel of the inter-state robbers, by air or rail, so that they make a quick exit out of the city after the crime. The police said, The accused are now in K R Puram police custody. With the arrests of the gang members, we have been able to crack many cases. They have eight robbery cases in various police stations in the city. Double murder accused had links Prime accused in the Vasanthnagar double murder case, Maneesh, also had links with the members of this gang and had visited them when they were in RMC yard police custody. Police are investigating whether he was also part of the gang. Maneesh had allegedly killed Santhoshi Bai and her daughter-in-law Latha in their Vasanthnagar residence in September. Police sources said, As many of these businessmen keep their assets and business dealings under wraps due to black money issues, no complaint is filed when thieves target them. This comes as an advantage to the gang too.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Afghanistan will soon open a consulate in Hyderabad which will be a step forward for expansion of ties between both the countries, Shaida Mohammad Abdali, ambassador for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to India, said here on Friday. He said he would meet Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday to discuss the project.

We have asked for a sister city relationship between Jalalabad and Hyderabad. I am going to discuss this with the CM and sign agreements, said Abdali.

Shaida Abdali addressing a

conference in Hyderabad on

Friday | Vinay Madapu

The ambassador also announced the ground work for an India-Afghanistan business summit. We will be holding a major business summit and Chabahar port will be the theme of it, he said. Initially, Delhi was chosen to be the host city for the summit but the ambassador was keen on holding it in Hyderabad.

The Chabahar port built by India in Iran connects the land-locked Afghanistan to India through the Arabian sea. Pakistan had earlier this year blocked Afghanistan traders from doing business with India at the Wagah border.

Abdali said the Chabahar port deal was achieved after 13 years of negotiating between the countries involved. Countries like Poland and Japan have expressed their interest to invest in Central Asia due to this port, he added.

Speaking on Afghanistans trade route to India through Wagah border, he said, We are not depending on routes that we cant rely on. He said Afghanistan wanted the route to function. We want Pakistan to be a beneficiary in the port, he added.

The ambassador said Afghanistan has over 3 trillion dollars worth natural resources that will attract businesses. We want to partner with someone whom we believe and trust. We would like to share this with our close neighbour. , said Abdali.

HYDERABAD: Afghanistan will soon open a consulate in Hyderabad which will be a step forward for expansion of ties between both the countries, Shaida Mohammad Abdali, ambassador for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to India, said here on Friday. He said he would meet Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday to discuss the project. We have asked for a sister city relationship between Jalalabad and Hyderabad. I am going to discuss this with the CM and sign agreements, said Abdali. Shaida Abdali addressing a conference in Hyderabad on Friday | Vinay MadapuThe ambassador also announced the ground work for an India-Afghanistan business summit. We will be holding a major business summit and Chabahar port will be the theme of it, he said. Initially, Delhi was chosen to be the host city for the summit but the ambassador was keen on holding it in Hyderabad. The Chabahar port built by India in Iran connects the land-locked Afghanistan to India through the Arabian sea. Pakistan had earlier this year blocked Afghanistan traders from doing business with India at the Wagah border. Abdali said the Chabahar port deal was achieved after 13 years of negotiating between the countries involved. Countries like Poland and Japan have expressed their interest to invest in Central Asia due to this port, he added. Speaking on Afghanistans trade route to India through Wagah border, he said, We are not depending on routes that we cant rely on. He said Afghanistan wanted the route to function. We want Pakistan to be a beneficiary in the port, he added. The ambassador said Afghanistan has over 3 trillion dollars worth natural resources that will attract businesses. We want to partner with someone whom we believe and trust. We would like to share this with our close neighbour. , said Abdali.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Tragedy befell the six youngsters, who were returning to Hyderabad after celebrating their close buddy's birthday party in Bhadrachalam, when their speeding car fell in a roadside water pit.

Three engineering graduates including two girls were killed, who had gone on a picnic to celebrate their buddy's birthday without informing their parents, in a road accident that occurred on Vijayawada- Hyderabad highway at Aitipamula in Nalgonda district of Telangana in the wee hours of today. The remaining three students, who received grievous injuries in the mishap, are being treated at a corporate hospital in Narketpally in the district.

According to local police, the deceased are- Ratna Reddy (22), Shruthi Reddy (22) and Prasanth (22), hailing from Siddipet town. They along with other three friends- Swetha (22), Dileep (23) and Vinod (23) had gone to Bharachalam to celebrate Vinod's birthday at the temple town on Thursday. After taking part in the birthday bash of Vinod, the six students started to Hyderabad in a Swift car on Friday night. After completing 200 Kms of journey safely, the speeding car rammed into the parapet of a small bridge on the highway at Aitipamula, which is 120 Kms away from Hyderabad. The car later flew in the air before falling in the water pit.

"The impact of the crash is so severe that of the six youngsters in the car, two died on the spot whereas another student died while he was being shifted to a nearby hospital," police said. "Vinod, who was behind the wheel, got critically injured. However, his condition is stable now," Kattangur Sub Inspector Ranjith Kumar told the New Indian Express. He further felt that over speed could be the reason for the accident.

In the investigation it is further learnt that, the six students had gone for this picnic without informing their parents. While Swetha and Dileep also belong to Siddipet, Vinod is from Warangal district. All the six engineering graduates had completed their B Tech, last year.

The students had studied in Indur Institute of Technology in Siddipet. Cops registered a case and started investigating the mishap.

HYDERABAD: Tragedy befell the six youngsters, who were returning to Hyderabad after celebrating their close buddy's birthday party in Bhadrachalam, when their speeding car fell in a roadside water pit. Three engineering graduates including two girls were killed, who had gone on a picnic to celebrate their buddy's birthday without informing their parents, in a road accident that occurred on Vijayawada- Hyderabad highway at Aitipamula in Nalgonda district of Telangana in the wee hours of today. The remaining three students, who received grievous injuries in the mishap, are being treated at a corporate hospital in Narketpally in the district. According to local police, the deceased are- Ratna Reddy (22), Shruthi Reddy (22) and Prasanth (22), hailing from Siddipet town. They along with other three friends- Swetha (22), Dileep (23) and Vinod (23) had gone to Bharachalam to celebrate Vinod's birthday at the temple town on Thursday. After taking part in the birthday bash of Vinod, the six students started to Hyderabad in a Swift car on Friday night. After completing 200 Kms of journey safely, the speeding car rammed into the parapet of a small bridge on the highway at Aitipamula, which is 120 Kms away from Hyderabad. The car later flew in the air before falling in the water pit. "The impact of the crash is so severe that of the six youngsters in the car, two died on the spot whereas another student died while he was being shifted to a nearby hospital," police said. "Vinod, who was behind the wheel, got critically injured. However, his condition is stable now," Kattangur Sub Inspector Ranjith Kumar told the New Indian Express. He further felt that over speed could be the reason for the accident. In the investigation it is further learnt that, the six students had gone for this picnic without informing their parents. While Swetha and Dileep also belong to Siddipet, Vinod is from Warangal district. All the six engineering graduates had completed their B Tech, last year. The students had studied in Indur Institute of Technology in Siddipet. Cops registered a case and started investigating the mishap.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move that would help to further firm up the several centuries-old ties between Germany and Kerala, an Honorary German Consulate began functioning here. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and German Consul General Hellwig-Boette jointly inaugurated the mission at a function held at the Hotel Taj Vivanta.



Syed Ibrahim, who has been working as director of Goethe-Zentrum here and Kochi, has been named the first Honorary Consul of Germany.



The ties between Kerala and Germany go back several centuries. Germany finds a partner in India in general and Kerala in particular. The new Consulate will strengthen Germanys presence in the state, said Pinarayi.

Referring to the technological assistance provided by Berlin in making the Cochin Airport(CIAL) the worlds first solar powered airport, German Development Bank (Kfw) funding for Kochi Water Metro and the aid for academic institutions, the Chief Minister said he was pleased at the efforts made by Europes biggest economy in making Kerala a green state Addressing the gathering, German Consul General Hellwig-Boette said the actions of the Honorary Consul would help attract more German companies and tourists to the state, provide expertise to city-specific challenges and opportunities for students interested in pursuing higher studies in Germany.



According to Hellwig-Boette, a Consulate operating locally can be of immense help to German tourists visiting Kerala. And she said green technology, over which Germany has considerable expertise, will help keep the state green and attract more tourists. In fact, 62,000 Germans visit the state annually.

On her maiden visit to the state, the German envoy visited the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Kerala University campus here.



Honorary Consul Syed Ibrahim said he would do his utmost to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation between Kerala and Germany. Chief Secretary S M Vijayanand and chairman of Goethe-Zentrum G Vijayaraghavan also spoke. October 14 German Unification Day was also celebrated on the occasion.

Goethe-Zentrum in Thiruvananthapuram was started in 2008 at Kunnukuzhy near Kerala University and visa processing facility began in 2011.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move that would help to further firm up the several centuries-old ties between Germany and Kerala, an Honorary German Consulate began functioning here. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and German Consul General Hellwig-Boette jointly inaugurated the mission at a function held at the Hotel Taj Vivanta. Syed Ibrahim, who has been working as director of Goethe-Zentrum here and Kochi, has been named the first Honorary Consul of Germany. The ties between Kerala and Germany go back several centuries. Germany finds a partner in India in general and Kerala in particular. The new Consulate will strengthen Germanys presence in the state, said Pinarayi. Referring to the technological assistance provided by Berlin in making the Cochin Airport(CIAL) the worlds first solar powered airport, German Development Bank (Kfw) funding for Kochi Water Metro and the aid for academic institutions, the Chief Minister said he was pleased at the efforts made by Europes biggest economy in making Kerala a green state Addressing the gathering, German Consul General Hellwig-Boette said the actions of the Honorary Consul would help attract more German companies and tourists to the state, provide expertise to city-specific challenges and opportunities for students interested in pursuing higher studies in Germany. According to Hellwig-Boette, a Consulate operating locally can be of immense help to German tourists visiting Kerala. And she said green technology, over which Germany has considerable expertise, will help keep the state green and attract more tourists. In fact, 62,000 Germans visit the state annually. On her maiden visit to the state, the German envoy visited the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Kerala University campus here. Honorary Consul Syed Ibrahim said he would do his utmost to expand the scope of bilateral cooperation between Kerala and Germany. Chief Secretary S M Vijayanand and chairman of Goethe-Zentrum G Vijayaraghavan also spoke. October 14 German Unification Day was also celebrated on the occasion. Goethe-Zentrum in Thiruvananthapuram was started in 2008 at Kunnukuzhy near Kerala University and visa processing facility began in 2011.
Rahul Singh By

Express News Service

Siddarth Varadarajan, erstwhile Editor of The Hindu, sets the premise of this book: Women are often the worst affected by militarisation, he writes, but their stories rarely get heard. Garrisoned Minds is a worthy attempt to correct this imbalance by acknowledging the strength, courage and resilience of women who live under the shadow of the gun in South Asia, as Mitu Varma, one of the editors, puts it. The areas covered in the book under review are: Nepal (during the Maoist conflict), India (the Northeast and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and FATAthe Federally Administered Tribal Areas).

These areas have been in the news lately, particularly Kashmir, FATA, and Balochistan. As a counter to Pakistans campaign against Indias so-called human rights abuses in Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened up a new front by putting the spotlight on Balochistan, following the terror strike on Uri. You can be sure that New Delhi will follow this up with a focus on Islamabads vulnerability in FATA and PoK, even though, as this book reveals, the Indian government has much to answer for in the way it has treated the Northeast.

Garrisoned Minds points out three major developments in the region. One, the 1978 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Two, the Islamisation of Pakistan under General Zia ul-Haq. And three, the American invasion of Afghanistan, following the attack on the World Trade Center. The impact of these developments are still with us.

The Americans poured arms and money into Pakistan, to defeat the Soviet army in Afghanistan. They also made common cause with the Mujahideen, little realising that their allies would become their most dreaded foes. The war was fought with US brains, Saudi and UAE money, writes Muhammad Zafar, a reporter with the Quetta-based Express Tribune, and proxy militias from Pakistans FATA, which are populated mainly by the Sunni, Hanafi, Deobandi and Wahabi sects. Once the Soviets were defeated, Pakistan was left in the lurch by Washington, with many Mujahideen-turned-Taliban taking over Afghanistan and also pouring into Pakistan.

In the wake of the Afghan war, 3.5 million Afghan refugees entered Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwas. Most of these refugees were Sunnis, and since they were unemployed, they served as human resource for banned outfits and became conduits for the transfer of arms. But no matter who ruled or who was ousted, women faced the brunt. This reviewer learnt a great deal from Garrisoned Minds. For instance, about the little known Hazara community in Balochistan. Originally from Afghanistan, with distinctive Mongolian features, who soon became targets of the fundamentalists. On June 15, 2013, a suicide bomber blew up a bus filled with women Hazara students. Twelve young women lost their lives, while several others were injured. Their crime? Going to college. Getting an education is not just difficult for Hazara women in Balochistan, says Zafar. After the attack, 60 per cent students in Sardar Bahadur Khan Womens University in Quetta left their education.

What comes through in Garrisoned Minds is the role of Islamic fundamentalist forces in subjugating women. The transformation of the former, relatively liberal principality of Swat Valley is instructive. On a winter night in January 2009, a group of armed men dragged out a 25-year-old woman, a professional dancer, by her hair, in the Valleys main town, Mingora. After brutally battering her with their rifle butts, they shot her through the head. Their bloody message: no dancing or music would be permitted by the Taliban. Music, dance and girls education was un-Islamic, they declared. The Taliban was eventually expelled from Swat, but the music and dance did not return.

Siddarth Varadarajan, erstwhile Editor of The Hindu, sets the premise of this book: Women are often the worst affected by militarisation, he writes, but their stories rarely get heard. Garrisoned Minds is a worthy attempt to correct this imbalance by acknowledging the strength, courage and resilience of women who live under the shadow of the gun in South Asia, as Mitu Varma, one of the editors, puts it. The areas covered in the book under review are: Nepal (during the Maoist conflict), India (the Northeast and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and FATAthe Federally Administered Tribal Areas). These areas have been in the news lately, particularly Kashmir, FATA, and Balochistan. As a counter to Pakistans campaign against Indias so-called human rights abuses in Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened up a new front by putting the spotlight on Balochistan, following the terror strike on Uri. You can be sure that New Delhi will follow this up with a focus on Islamabads vulnerability in FATA and PoK, even though, as this book reveals, the Indian government has much to answer for in the way it has treated the Northeast. Garrisoned Minds points out three major developments in the region. One, the 1978 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Two, the Islamisation of Pakistan under General Zia ul-Haq. And three, the American invasion of Afghanistan, following the attack on the World Trade Center. The impact of these developments are still with us. The Americans poured arms and money into Pakistan, to defeat the Soviet army in Afghanistan. They also made common cause with the Mujahideen, little realising that their allies would become their most dreaded foes. The war was fought with US brains, Saudi and UAE money, writes Muhammad Zafar, a reporter with the Quetta-based Express Tribune, and proxy militias from Pakistans FATA, which are populated mainly by the Sunni, Hanafi, Deobandi and Wahabi sects. Once the Soviets were defeated, Pakistan was left in the lurch by Washington, with many Mujahideen-turned-Taliban taking over Afghanistan and also pouring into Pakistan. In the wake of the Afghan war, 3.5 million Afghan refugees entered Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwas. Most of these refugees were Sunnis, and since they were unemployed, they served as human resource for banned outfits and became conduits for the transfer of arms. But no matter who ruled or who was ousted, women faced the brunt. This reviewer learnt a great deal from Garrisoned Minds. For instance, about the little known Hazara community in Balochistan. Originally from Afghanistan, with distinctive Mongolian features, who soon became targets of the fundamentalists. On June 15, 2013, a suicide bomber blew up a bus filled with women Hazara students. Twelve young women lost their lives, while several others were injured. Their crime? Going to college. Getting an education is not just difficult for Hazara women in Balochistan, says Zafar. After the attack, 60 per cent students in Sardar Bahadur Khan Womens University in Quetta left their education. What comes through in Garrisoned Minds is the role of Islamic fundamentalist forces in subjugating women. The transformation of the former, relatively liberal principality of Swat Valley is instructive. On a winter night in January 2009, a group of armed men dragged out a 25-year-old woman, a professional dancer, by her hair, in the Valleys main town, Mingora. After brutally battering her with their rifle butts, they shot her through the head. Their bloody message: no dancing or music would be permitted by the Taliban. Music, dance and girls education was un-Islamic, they declared. The Taliban was eventually expelled from Swat, but the music and dance did not return.
Sujitha J By

Express News Service

Theres nothing like a little bit of retail therapy to feel rejuvenated. Add to that some pampering via a body massage, lemon tea and lilting music, and your day is made. Little Lavish, the new luxe home decor store, and a mini spa titled Thai Sabha at TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai, promises all this and more. Created in the concept of shop-in-shop model, Little Lavish is a boutique with a range of lifestyle, home decor and wellness products.

It was a boom in the spa business that encouraged Rema Devi and her daughters Soundariya and Anjana to start their own venture in Bengaluru. Anjana says, We then expanded to Hyderabad and Chennai when my sister and I joined. While Soundariya is a computer science graduate who completed an entrepreneurs course from IIM Bangalore, Anjana is a management graduate from Symbiosis, Pune, with a postgraduate degree in management from Leeds University, UK. Rema Devis beauty professional credentials lent weight to the idea behind the venture. She has styled stars such as

Rajinikanth, Prabhu and Mohan Babu.

Thai Sabai specialises in Thai tradition, also known as lazy mans yoga. In this therapy, they stretch your muscle for you. The spa has a host of options to choose from. Aroma oil and dry massages in Thai traditional, Balinese, Hawaiian Lomilomi and Shiatsu forms. In aroma oil massage, one can choose from green tea, lavender, litchi and pomegranate, among others. They also provide whole body scrubs and wraps.

Soundariya says, Chocolate scrub and wrap is very popular. People opt for it as chocolate has anti-aging properties. One can also choose from fruit and other options.

Pawan Ananth, party planner and a regular to the spa, says, The comely look, soft lighting, the pleasing background music, affable approach, cozy ambiance all transport you to Thailand. I also love their personalised and holistic treatment. Narayan, a marketing professional, loves the way they start the therapy with a massage and end with scented towels. He is also a fan of the lemon tea that they serve.

One can also take advantage of the assortment of artifacts made from driftwood, marble, metal and brass. They have items such as Buddha bust, Thai men and women, elephants, beautiful mannequins and so on. Heterogeneous home decor items such as tiny Buddhas, huge waterbodies, quirky wall hangs, laundry baskets and home organisers also dot the store. Anjana says, We handpick our products and take turns and fly to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand to strengthen the inventory.

Their collection of accessories is varied and ranges from studs to big pendants; from daily wear to party wear. Their accessories are cut out from various objects such as wood, pearl, silver and crystals. Their bag collection is also impressive. They bring handmade stuff such as painting, soaps, bags, footwear straight from the craftsmen. Anjana says, As of now, we curate objects only from Asia and we want to expand to other countries as well. We also wish to develop the chain to tier-two cities and introduce more products. And Soundariya wants to open a cafe in Alwarpet. Looks like the three musketeers have it all planned out.

Theres nothing like a little bit of retail therapy to feel rejuvenated. Add to that some pampering via a body massage, lemon tea and lilting music, and your day is made. Little Lavish, the new luxe home decor store, and a mini spa titled Thai Sabha at TTK Road, Alwarpet, Chennai, promises all this and more. Created in the concept of shop-in-shop model, Little Lavish is a boutique with a range of lifestyle, home decor and wellness products. It was a boom in the spa business that encouraged Rema Devi and her daughters Soundariya and Anjana to start their own venture in Bengaluru. Anjana says, We then expanded to Hyderabad and Chennai when my sister and I joined. While Soundariya is a computer science graduate who completed an entrepreneurs course from IIM Bangalore, Anjana is a management graduate from Symbiosis, Pune, with a postgraduate degree in management from Leeds University, UK. Rema Devis beauty professional credentials lent weight to the idea behind the venture. She has styled stars such as Rajinikanth, Prabhu and Mohan Babu. Thai Sabai specialises in Thai tradition, also known as lazy mans yoga. In this therapy, they stretch your muscle for you. The spa has a host of options to choose from. Aroma oil and dry massages in Thai traditional, Balinese, Hawaiian Lomilomi and Shiatsu forms. In aroma oil massage, one can choose from green tea, lavender, litchi and pomegranate, among others. They also provide whole body scrubs and wraps. Soundariya says, Chocolate scrub and wrap is very popular. People opt for it as chocolate has anti-aging properties. One can also choose from fruit and other options. Pawan Ananth, party planner and a regular to the spa, says, The comely look, soft lighting, the pleasing background music, affable approach, cozy ambiance all transport you to Thailand. I also love their personalised and holistic treatment. Narayan, a marketing professional, loves the way they start the therapy with a massage and end with scented towels. He is also a fan of the lemon tea that they serve. One can also take advantage of the assortment of artifacts made from driftwood, marble, metal and brass. They have items such as Buddha bust, Thai men and women, elephants, beautiful mannequins and so on. Heterogeneous home decor items such as tiny Buddhas, huge waterbodies, quirky wall hangs, laundry baskets and home organisers also dot the store. Anjana says, We handpick our products and take turns and fly to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand to strengthen the inventory. Their collection of accessories is varied and ranges from studs to big pendants; from daily wear to party wear. Their accessories are cut out from various objects such as wood, pearl, silver and crystals. Their bag collection is also impressive. They bring handmade stuff such as painting, soaps, bags, footwear straight from the craftsmen. Anjana says, As of now, we curate objects only from Asia and we want to expand to other countries as well. We also wish to develop the chain to tier-two cities and introduce more products. And Soundariya wants to open a cafe in Alwarpet. Looks like the three musketeers have it all planned out.
Venkata Susmita Biswas By

The worlds deadliest carriers of vector-borne diseases are becoming more difficult to eradicate as mosquito-caused epidemics continue to claim lives in India and in other underdeveloped countries

Twelve-year-old Gautam Chaudhary complained of high fever and chills on September 22 evening. Preliminary tests found that the boy had dengue. Three weeks on, his mother, Babita, is busy preparing a papaya leaf concoction in her Mumbai home for Gautam who is recuperating from the life-threatening illness. As Babita recounts the stories of the days that followed, she narrates it all in a matter-of-fact way. Did she expect a dengue attack in her family? Well, I have never seen any fumigation in my neighbourhood. Surely not in the last month. Gautams family had to move the boy from one hospital to another in search of good doctors. By then, his condition worsened and the doctors told Babita to be prepared for the worst.

However, in the first week of October his platelet count improved and he is back home. But not everyone has been as lucky as Gautam this season.

The mosquito has become the global public enemy no.1. Be it the Zika virus in the Americas, or dengue, chikungunya and malaria in India, mosquitoes are wreaking havoc across the globe. In Delhi, 952 cases of dengue were recorded in September alone. Also, India for the first time reported a chikungunya-associated death this year in the capital.

The city is also coping with a dengue outbreak with 2,133 cases and 11 deaths so far. Of the cases, more than 900 were reported in September alone.Ankita Sukla, 16, missed school for 15 days. The Dwarka resident had 104 fever for five days before she visited the doctor. The dengue fever was accompanied by joint pain and rashes but matters became worse after the fifth day. I felt so weak that I couldnt get up from my bed. My board exams are nearing and I couldnt even study or attend classes.

Delhi is also battling a chikungunya outbreak with 6,667 cases reported so far, compared to 64 cases last year. Ashwini Shrivastava, a resident of Malviya Nagar, visited the doctor after he had high fever two weeks back. Subsequent tests confirmed my fear as I tested positive for chikangunya. Though the contamination was low, it gave me rashes all over the body. The pain hasnt gone yet and I still cant walk properly. Doctors say it may take six months or more to fully recover.

Ashwini believes the state government is not taking adequate measures to check the menace. Civic bodies should do regular fumigation both during the day and night to keep infections at bay. City hospitals need to be well equipped to help the poor, the worst affected.

Even though Delhi seems to be battling a bad case of chikungunya, it is Karnataka that has been the worst hit by the vector-borne disease. As many as 10,494 cases have been reported in the southern state, making it the prime victim.

Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal accounted for 65 per cent of the malaria cases reported this year. While Odisha reported 1.1 lakh cases and 14 deaths, West Bengal registered 4,116 cases and 27 deaths. West Bengal is also battling a dengue outbreak that claimed at least 24 lives this year. According to some estimates, the number of dengue-related deaths in West Bengal is pegged at 38 as of September. There has been a 120 per cent increase in the number of dengue-related deaths from 2015. In 2015, 14 deaths were recorded of a total 8,516 recorded dengue cases.



How did it come to this?

Monsoons in India are synonymous to the triumvirate of mosquito-borne maladies: malaria, dengue and recently chikungunya. Mosquito nets, repellents and killer bats come out of storage and families perform various preventive rituals to protect themselves. While the rituals are elaborate and extensive, they are not foolproof. Homes and public spaces are ripe for mosquito breeding if a single preventive action is not taken. One bite by an infected mosquito is all it takes. And that is how thousands of Indians contract one of these painful and deadly diseases.

Delhi resident Rinku Kaw is not sure how she got the virus even after being a cleanliness freak. Even though I got chikungunya about a month-and-a-half ago, I still have joint pain. I can barely cook and look after my children. The homemaker says she has no energy left after fighting chikungunya.

The resurgence of these vector-borne diseases stems from multiple factors. At the core of which is vector control, and there can be no complacency in this aspect. Says Dr Mandar Kubal, a Mumbai-based specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases: Vector control is where everyone goes wrong, and mosquitoes strike back with the slightest complacency from our side.

According to Dr Claire Donald, a researcher who studies mosquito transmitted viruses at the University of Glasgow, Indias problems are no different from other areas affected by the virus India lacks in vector control strategies. As there are, at present, no effective vaccines for zika, dengue or chikungunya, the only way to reduce the risk of disease is to reduce transmission through bites. It is therefore important to control breeding and protect against mosquito bites, she says.

Bengalurus garbage menace has played an ugly role in putting the city on the chikunguya map of the country. Even though residents segregate waste and take precautions to prevent breeding, the civic authorities have not done enough, says Dr Sowmya Raghavan, a bio-chemist from Bengaluru. Be it garbage collection or fumigation, the citys municipal corporation has failed its residents in both aspects this year.

Regular surveillance and fumigation are the backbone of the prevention practices. There is a gap between the number of trained personnel to carry out the preventive measures and the size and population of the country. Therefore, the penetration of sanitation workers in all sections of society may not be adequate, says Dr Kubal. This mismatch between manpower and population has resulted in ineffective implementation of prevention mechanisms and surveillance practices.

Vector control is not restricted to insecticide fumigation by the civic authorities. Individual homes also have a huge role to play. We must keep our surroundings clean and garbage-free. Water should not be allowed to stagnate,Dr Kubal adds.

He stresses the use of mosquito nets, repellents and wearing full-sleeve shirts and tops, and trousers. Stay covered and make sure children playing outside are also adequately covered to avoid mosquito bites.

India also lacks in active reporting when it comes to fevers and symptoms related to dengue, chikungunya and malaria. Dr Mamata Sahoo, a Bastar-based public health specialist, finds that the tribal population in the malaria endemic region does not report fevers. Despite advising the locals to visit the clinic in case of malaria symptoms, they are indifferent and attempt home remedies, she says.



First Chikungunya Death?

In 2006, chikungunya resurged in India after a 32-year hiatus, with 1.39 million cases reported that year. During the same period, a chikungunya fever epidemic was also reported in the Reunion Island where around 2,66,000 people (34.3 per cent of the population) were affected. Of these cases, 254 turned out to be fatal, thus changing the perception that the disease is non-fatal.

In India, though chikungunya has been commonly known only for inducing limbic deformities and debilitating pain and fever. Doctors have asserted that it is not a killer disease. This is a misconception, says Dr Kubal. The correlation between an increase in mortality associated with a chikungunya epidemic was investigated in 2008 by experts in Gujarat, he notes.

The 2008 study from Gujarat published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal found an increase in mortality rates in Ahmedabad during August-November 2006 (when a chikungunya epidemic occurred in the city) compared with previous months in 2006 and the same months in the past four years. The authors said the mortality rate data for Ahmedabad were consistent with observations of other researchers that the virus may have mutated and become more dangerous. Doctors say that if a patient has co-morbid conditions s/he has a risk of dying from chikungunya viral infection.

Despite studies like this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to claim that chikungunya is not fatal. Authors of the 2008 study wrote: Although 10 chikungunya deaths were reported in Ahmebadad, the website of the government of India continues to report zero deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its chikungunya factsheet says that while complications are not common, the disease can cause death in older people.

Ten years and one death later, the health ministry still continues to call it non-fatal and is yet to modify its view based on the available evidence.



Next stop Zika Virus?

Just like chikungunya surprised the world with its resurgence in 2006, the Zika virus has had scientists in a daze this year. It was first isolated in 1947 in a monkey in the Ugandan Zika forest. The virus rarely caused complications in humans and for decades remained dormant, affecting only monkeys.

In 2007, the first Zika outbreak was reported in the Federated States of Micronesia, a Pacific island nation. By 2014, the virus had spread to four other Pacific island nations and has since been spreading explosively, according to WHO. As of now, 23 countries in the Americas have documented Zika virus outbreaks. The geographical spread of the Zika virus and its probable association with birth defects and neurological disorders have prompted WHO to declare a health emergency.

According to recent studies, 71 countries and territories reported evidence of Zika virus transmission. While India is not on that list, a Lancet study suggests that the country is vulnerable.

China, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia are also at risk, according to the study. Dr Donald says that intercontinental travel and movement of goods and livestock are key factors that enable the spread of mosquitoes and thereby the virus itself. Explaining how movement increases the risk of the virus spreading, she says, Mosquito eggs could get transported in tyres or in lucky bamboo. These vectors are highly invasive species and find new habitats. So, movement of infected people or livestock from endemic areas to naive areas which already have competent mosquitoes can bring new viruses into contact with new mosquito populations.

Singapore is currently battling a Zika outbreak with nearly 200 cases reported so far. Experts believe that the virus is spreading at a high rate in the country because the population has a low immunity to the Zika virus. According to a study by the National Institute of Virology exploring Zika virus in the Indian context, it is difficult to predict with certainty, what would happen if ZiV (Zika) virus is introduced into a new region and new ecosystem.

Dr Donald says that it is possible that one may get lifelong immunity following the Zika virus infection as is the case with Chikungunya virus. At the moment there are no long term studies to show that this will be the case for Zika virus as well. Studies in monkeys have shown that they are immune to reinfection by the same virusbut for how long it is not known, she says.

The current Zika outbreak caught scientists by surprise and is an excellent example of why we must be prepared for the unexpected. The best way to do this is by controlling mosquitoes, says Dr Donald. In fact, we can learn a great lesson from our island neighbour, Sri Lanka. The country has eliminated malaria after battling the disease since the mid-20th century. The WHO declared the country malaria-free in September this year. Incidence of malaria decreased by 99.9 per cent after the country implemented a control programme. Until 2006, Sri Lanka recorded around 1,000 cases of the disease every year, but by 2012, the scenario changed. The last malaria case reported in the country was three years ago.

WHO hailed the efforts of Sri Lanka and called the strategies highly effective. Mobile malaria clinics were set up in high transmission areas. The clinics provided prompt and effective treatment which reduced the parasite reservoir and the chance of further transmission. The health centres screened every blood sample collected for the malaria infection and developed a nationwide electronic reporting system. The backbone of the project was effective and extensive surveillance. They did not miss a single case and used targeted fumigation to manage mosquitoes, says Dr Kubal.

At present, there is no specific antiviral or vaccine for zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses. Doctors and scientists say that it is hard to predict when these diseases will be eliminated. In many cases these viruses are emerging or re-emerging in many countries throughout the world. The only solution for now is to manage the breeding and spread of mosquitoes.

Fight against Malaria

India is in the control phase, but is working to reach pre-elimination by 2017 and complete elimination thereafter. Since 2005, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has trained and deployed female volunteers or Accredited Social Health Activists in every village with a population of at least 1,000 people. They are trained to perform rapid diagnostic tests and administer artemisinin-based treatments. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme also launched a partnership with the Indian Medical Association, under which over 2,50,000 Indian doctors are mandated to follow common guidelines for preventing, diagnosing and treating malaria.

India has also been a key player in developing vaccines.

Vector Control and Prevention Practices

Keep your surroundings clean and free of garbage

Do not allow water stagnation and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

Change and refresh water from flower pots, vases, bird baths, pets water bowls etc. once a week

Keep stored water always covered with a lid

Spray insecticide aerosols during the day and at dusk

Do not wear clothes that expose arms and legs

Use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents

while sleeping

Install screens or wire meshes on windows to keep mosquitoes out

Cut tall grass and weeds to reduce outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes

Flying danger

There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes Female mosquitoes bite people, males dont Both sexes usually eat fruit and nectar but the female also needs blood protein to create good quality eggs Females lay eggs every three days for their entire lives Mosquitoes hate cold weather, anything below 80 degrees. If it dips below 50 degrees, some species hibernate Female mosquitoes live for two months but males only live for about 10 days Females who hibernate can survive as long as six months Males find females by listening to the sound their wings make Mosquitoes choose their victims based on sweat Mosquitoes like dark clothes because dark clothing retains more heat Bigger people tend to be bitten more as they give off more heat and CO 2

Some alcohols encourage mosquitoes, as theres more ethanol in your sweat

Mutation of Viruses

Dengue: The Dengue virus has undergone several mutations. Since 1943, it has mutated four times and all the four strains of the virus have been identified. Each have different manifestations. DENV1(classic dengue fever); DENV2 (hemorrhagic fever with shock); DENV3 (fever without shock); DENV4 (fever with shock).

Malaria: The Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which causes a deadly form of malaria, has been found to have developed resistance to the most effective anti-malarial drugartemisinin. This mutation has not yet been seen in Indian samples. But it does pose a serious threat to the malaria endemic population of India.

Chikungunya: The resurgence of the Chikungunya virus in 2005 was accompanied by a mutation. The virus is normally transmitted by aedes aegypti mosquito, but it was transmitted in 20052006 by aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as Asian tiger mosquito.

Zika: Two mutations of the Zika virus have been identifiedAfrican and Asian. The Indian population is vulnerable to the Asian strain, according to some reports. Zika virus has been found to cause

microcephaly in newborns.

The worlds deadliest carriers of vector-borne diseases are becoming more difficult to eradicate as mosquito-caused epidemics continue to claim lives in India and in other underdeveloped countries Twelve-year-old Gautam Chaudhary complained of high fever and chills on September 22 evening. Preliminary tests found that the boy had dengue. Three weeks on, his mother, Babita, is busy preparing a papaya leaf concoction in her Mumbai home for Gautam who is recuperating from the life-threatening illness. As Babita recounts the stories of the days that followed, she narrates it all in a matter-of-fact way. Did she expect a dengue attack in her family? Well, I have never seen any fumigation in my neighbourhood. Surely not in the last month. Gautams family had to move the boy from one hospital to another in search of good doctors. By then, his condition worsened and the doctors told Babita to be prepared for the worst. However, in the first week of October his platelet count improved and he is back home. But not everyone has been as lucky as Gautam this season. The mosquito has become the global public enemy no.1. Be it the Zika virus in the Americas, or dengue, chikungunya and malaria in India, mosquitoes are wreaking havoc across the globe. In Delhi, 952 cases of dengue were recorded in September alone. Also, India for the first time reported a chikungunya-associated death this year in the capital. The city is also coping with a dengue outbreak with 2,133 cases and 11 deaths so far. Of the cases, more than 900 were reported in September alone.Ankita Sukla, 16, missed school for 15 days. The Dwarka resident had 104 fever for five days before she visited the doctor. The dengue fever was accompanied by joint pain and rashes but matters became worse after the fifth day. I felt so weak that I couldnt get up from my bed. My board exams are nearing and I couldnt even study or attend classes. Delhi is also battling a chikungunya outbreak with 6,667 cases reported so far, compared to 64 cases last year. Ashwini Shrivastava, a resident of Malviya Nagar, visited the doctor after he had high fever two weeks back. Subsequent tests confirmed my fear as I tested positive for chikangunya. Though the contamination was low, it gave me rashes all over the body. The pain hasnt gone yet and I still cant walk properly. Doctors say it may take six months or more to fully recover. Ashwini believes the state government is not taking adequate measures to check the menace. Civic bodies should do regular fumigation both during the day and night to keep infections at bay. City hospitals need to be well equipped to help the poor, the worst affected. Even though Delhi seems to be battling a bad case of chikungunya, it is Karnataka that has been the worst hit by the vector-borne disease. As many as 10,494 cases have been reported in the southern state, making it the prime victim. Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal accounted for 65 per cent of the malaria cases reported this year. While Odisha reported 1.1 lakh cases and 14 deaths, West Bengal registered 4,116 cases and 27 deaths. West Bengal is also battling a dengue outbreak that claimed at least 24 lives this year. According to some estimates, the number of dengue-related deaths in West Bengal is pegged at 38 as of September. There has been a 120 per cent increase in the number of dengue-related deaths from 2015. In 2015, 14 deaths were recorded of a total 8,516 recorded dengue cases. How did it come to this? Monsoons in India are synonymous to the triumvirate of mosquito-borne maladies: malaria, dengue and recently chikungunya. Mosquito nets, repellents and killer bats come out of storage and families perform various preventive rituals to protect themselves. While the rituals are elaborate and extensive, they are not foolproof. Homes and public spaces are ripe for mosquito breeding if a single preventive action is not taken. One bite by an infected mosquito is all it takes. And that is how thousands of Indians contract one of these painful and deadly diseases. Delhi resident Rinku Kaw is not sure how she got the virus even after being a cleanliness freak. Even though I got chikungunya about a month-and-a-half ago, I still have joint pain. I can barely cook and look after my children. The homemaker says she has no energy left after fighting chikungunya. The resurgence of these vector-borne diseases stems from multiple factors. At the core of which is vector control, and there can be no complacency in this aspect. Says Dr Mandar Kubal, a Mumbai-based specialist in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases: Vector control is where everyone goes wrong, and mosquitoes strike back with the slightest complacency from our side. According to Dr Claire Donald, a researcher who studies mosquito transmitted viruses at the University of Glasgow, Indias problems are no different from other areas affected by the virus India lacks in vector control strategies. As there are, at present, no effective vaccines for zika, dengue or chikungunya, the only way to reduce the risk of disease is to reduce transmission through bites. It is therefore important to control breeding and protect against mosquito bites, she says. Bengalurus garbage menace has played an ugly role in putting the city on the chikunguya map of the country. Even though residents segregate waste and take precautions to prevent breeding, the civic authorities have not done enough, says Dr Sowmya Raghavan, a bio-chemist from Bengaluru. Be it garbage collection or fumigation, the citys municipal corporation has failed its residents in both aspects this year. Regular surveillance and fumigation are the backbone of the prevention practices. There is a gap between the number of trained personnel to carry out the preventive measures and the size and population of the country. Therefore, the penetration of sanitation workers in all sections of society may not be adequate, says Dr Kubal. This mismatch between manpower and population has resulted in ineffective implementation of prevention mechanisms and surveillance practices. Vector control is not restricted to insecticide fumigation by the civic authorities. Individual homes also have a huge role to play. We must keep our surroundings clean and garbage-free. Water should not be allowed to stagnate,Dr Kubal adds. He stresses the use of mosquito nets, repellents and wearing full-sleeve shirts and tops, and trousers. Stay covered and make sure children playing outside are also adequately covered to avoid mosquito bites. India also lacks in active reporting when it comes to fevers and symptoms related to dengue, chikungunya and malaria. Dr Mamata Sahoo, a Bastar-based public health specialist, finds that the tribal population in the malaria endemic region does not report fevers. Despite advising the locals to visit the clinic in case of malaria symptoms, they are indifferent and attempt home remedies, she says. First Chikungunya Death? In 2006, chikungunya resurged in India after a 32-year hiatus, with 1.39 million cases reported that year. During the same period, a chikungunya fever epidemic was also reported in the Reunion Island where around 2,66,000 people (34.3 per cent of the population) were affected. Of these cases, 254 turned out to be fatal, thus changing the perception that the disease is non-fatal. In India, though chikungunya has been commonly known only for inducing limbic deformities and debilitating pain and fever. Doctors have asserted that it is not a killer disease. This is a misconception, says Dr Kubal. The correlation between an increase in mortality associated with a chikungunya epidemic was investigated in 2008 by experts in Gujarat, he notes. The 2008 study from Gujarat published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal found an increase in mortality rates in Ahmedabad during August-November 2006 (when a chikungunya epidemic occurred in the city) compared with previous months in 2006 and the same months in the past four years. The authors said the mortality rate data for Ahmedabad were consistent with observations of other researchers that the virus may have mutated and become more dangerous. Doctors say that if a patient has co-morbid conditions s/he has a risk of dying from chikungunya viral infection. Despite studies like this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare continues to claim that chikungunya is not fatal. Authors of the 2008 study wrote: Although 10 chikungunya deaths were reported in Ahmebadad, the website of the government of India continues to report zero deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its chikungunya factsheet says that while complications are not common, the disease can cause death in older people. Ten years and one death later, the health ministry still continues to call it non-fatal and is yet to modify its view based on the available evidence. Next stop Zika Virus? Just like chikungunya surprised the world with its resurgence in 2006, the Zika virus has had scientists in a daze this year. It was first isolated in 1947 in a monkey in the Ugandan Zika forest. The virus rarely caused complications in humans and for decades remained dormant, affecting only monkeys. In 2007, the first Zika outbreak was reported in the Federated States of Micronesia, a Pacific island nation. By 2014, the virus had spread to four other Pacific island nations and has since been spreading explosively, according to WHO. As of now, 23 countries in the Americas have documented Zika virus outbreaks. The geographical spread of the Zika virus and its probable association with birth defects and neurological disorders have prompted WHO to declare a health emergency. According to recent studies, 71 countries and territories reported evidence of Zika virus transmission. While India is not on that list, a Lancet study suggests that the country is vulnerable. China, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia are also at risk, according to the study. Dr Donald says that intercontinental travel and movement of goods and livestock are key factors that enable the spread of mosquitoes and thereby the virus itself. Explaining how movement increases the risk of the virus spreading, she says, Mosquito eggs could get transported in tyres or in lucky bamboo. These vectors are highly invasive species and find new habitats. So, movement of infected people or livestock from endemic areas to naive areas which already have competent mosquitoes can bring new viruses into contact with new mosquito populations. Singapore is currently battling a Zika outbreak with nearly 200 cases reported so far. Experts believe that the virus is spreading at a high rate in the country because the population has a low immunity to the Zika virus. According to a study by the National Institute of Virology exploring Zika virus in the Indian context, it is difficult to predict with certainty, what would happen if ZiV (Zika) virus is introduced into a new region and new ecosystem. Dr Donald says that it is possible that one may get lifelong immunity following the Zika virus infection as is the case with Chikungunya virus. At the moment there are no long term studies to show that this will be the case for Zika virus as well. Studies in monkeys have shown that they are immune to reinfection by the same virusbut for how long it is not known, she says. The current Zika outbreak caught scientists by surprise and is an excellent example of why we must be prepared for the unexpected. The best way to do this is by controlling mosquitoes, says Dr Donald. In fact, we can learn a great lesson from our island neighbour, Sri Lanka. The country has eliminated malaria after battling the disease since the mid-20th century. The WHO declared the country malaria-free in September this year. Incidence of malaria decreased by 99.9 per cent after the country implemented a control programme. Until 2006, Sri Lanka recorded around 1,000 cases of the disease every year, but by 2012, the scenario changed. The last malaria case reported in the country was three years ago. WHO hailed the efforts of Sri Lanka and called the strategies highly effective. Mobile malaria clinics were set up in high transmission areas. The clinics provided prompt and effective treatment which reduced the parasite reservoir and the chance of further transmission. The health centres screened every blood sample collected for the malaria infection and developed a nationwide electronic reporting system. The backbone of the project was effective and extensive surveillance. They did not miss a single case and used targeted fumigation to manage mosquitoes, says Dr Kubal. At present, there is no specific antiviral or vaccine for zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses. Doctors and scientists say that it is hard to predict when these diseases will be eliminated. In many cases these viruses are emerging or re-emerging in many countries throughout the world. The only solution for now is to manage the breeding and spread of mosquitoes. Fight against Malaria India is in the control phase, but is working to reach pre-elimination by 2017 and complete elimination thereafter. Since 2005, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has trained and deployed female volunteers or Accredited Social Health Activists in every village with a population of at least 1,000 people. They are trained to perform rapid diagnostic tests and administer artemisinin-based treatments. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme also launched a partnership with the Indian Medical Association, under which over 2,50,000 Indian doctors are mandated to follow common guidelines for preventing, diagnosing and treating malaria. India has also been a key player in developing vaccines. Vector Control and Prevention Practices Keep your surroundings clean and free of garbage Do not allow water stagnation and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds Change and refresh water from flower pots, vases, bird baths, pets water bowls etc. once a week Keep stored water always covered with a lid Spray insecticide aerosols during the day and at dusk Do not wear clothes that expose arms and legs Use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents while sleeping Install screens or wire meshes on windows to keep mosquitoes out Cut tall grass and weeds to reduce outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes Flying danger There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes Female mosquitoes bite people, males dont Both sexes usually eat fruit and nectar but the female also needs blood protein to create good quality eggs Females lay eggs every three days for their entire lives Mosquitoes hate cold weather, anything below 80 degrees. If it dips below 50 degrees, some species hibernate Female mosquitoes live for two months but males only live for about 10 days Females who hibernate can survive as long as six months Males find females by listening to the sound their wings make Mosquitoes choose their victims based on sweat Mosquitoes like dark clothes because dark clothing retains more heat Bigger people tend to be bitten more as they give off more heat and CO2 Some alcohols encourage mosquitoes, as theres more ethanol in your sweat Mutation of Viruses Dengue: The Dengue virus has undergone several mutations. Since 1943, it has mutated four times and all the four strains of the virus have been identified. Each have different manifestations. DENV1(classic dengue fever); DENV2 (hemorrhagic fever with shock); DENV3 (fever without shock); DENV4 (fever with shock). Malaria: The Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which causes a deadly form of malaria, has been found to have developed resistance to the most effective anti-malarial drugartemisinin. This mutation has not yet been seen in Indian samples. But it does pose a serious threat to the malaria endemic population of India. Chikungunya: The resurgence of the Chikungunya virus in 2005 was accompanied by a mutation. The virus is normally transmitted by aedes aegypti mosquito, but it was transmitted in 20052006 by aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as Asian tiger mosquito. Zika: Two mutations of the Zika virus have been identifiedAfrican and Asian. The Indian population is vulnerable to the Asian strain, according to some reports. Zika virus has been found to cause microcephaly in newborns.
Harsha By

Six years ago, Muliya Venkatakrishna Sharma developed a hobby of scouting for jackfruit in his neighbourhood. Sharma was mocked, for jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a poor mans fruit. Undeterred, he continued with the aim of bringing awareness about the benefits of the fruit. Millions of households in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bangladesh have been incorporating jackfruit into their menu, but 75 per cent of jackfruit grown in India goes a waste, he rues.

His muse has turned into a movement. Sharmas 2.5-acre hilly plot in Muliya near Alike village in Karnatakas Dakshin Kannada District is home to 250 jackfruit trees of 75 varieties. I have no intention of making money. I am developing it as a demonstration plot for the benefit of other farmers, he says.

Jackfruit is a valuable food source that ensures food security, helps small farmers in distress and is a safe food as it is free from pesticide residues. The average age of the trees is less than five years, and 80 per cent of the saplings have been grafted by jackfruit expert Gururaj Balthila.

The plot creates awareness on ideal spacing between trees, intercrops such as tamarind that dont interfere with the growth of jackfruit trees, varieties that are suitable for local conditions and how wild jackfruit (Hebbalasu) is best suited as rootstock for grafted saplings.

Every sapling in the plot has been identified in Sharmas diary. It helps me understand which variety is wilted and needs to be replaced, he says. His son Radhakrishna M, a civil engineer, and his friends popularise jackfruit on social media. Radhakrishna has also trained on value additions of jackfruit in Maharashtra.

Sharma and his friends have named the trees. Shradda is named after a neighbours daughter, Smile is named after its owner Ismail, Prashanti after an institute in Alike, Eshanya after the eastern direction it faces, and so on. It all started with Akala (untimely), a tree in a farmers backyard in Guruvyankere (60 km from Mangaluru), which bore fruit even in the monsoon, Sharma recollects.

Sharma has created Uber-Kepu Halasu Snehi Koota (Jackfruit Friends Forum) with some farmers, which strives to generate awareness about the fruit through activities under the guidance of farming experts in villages. The forum is the principal sponsor of Jack Fests in villages. The fests increase awareness about the nutritional value of this under-utilised crop. Jackfruit saplings have found a place in nurseries, and nearly three lakh saplings have been planted. Today, a marriage is incomplete without a jackfruit dish or kheer or ice cream, says Sharma.

Six years ago, Muliya Venkatakrishna Sharma developed a hobby of scouting for jackfruit in his neighbourhood. Sharma was mocked, for jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a poor mans fruit. Undeterred, he continued with the aim of bringing awareness about the benefits of the fruit. Millions of households in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bangladesh have been incorporating jackfruit into their menu, but 75 per cent of jackfruit grown in India goes a waste, he rues. His muse has turned into a movement. Sharmas 2.5-acre hilly plot in Muliya near Alike village in Karnatakas Dakshin Kannada District is home to 250 jackfruit trees of 75 varieties. I have no intention of making money. I am developing it as a demonstration plot for the benefit of other farmers, he says. Jackfruit is a valuable food source that ensures food security, helps small farmers in distress and is a safe food as it is free from pesticide residues. The average age of the trees is less than five years, and 80 per cent of the saplings have been grafted by jackfruit expert Gururaj Balthila. The plot creates awareness on ideal spacing between trees, intercrops such as tamarind that dont interfere with the growth of jackfruit trees, varieties that are suitable for local conditions and how wild jackfruit (Hebbalasu) is best suited as rootstock for grafted saplings. Every sapling in the plot has been identified in Sharmas diary. It helps me understand which variety is wilted and needs to be replaced, he says. His son Radhakrishna M, a civil engineer, and his friends popularise jackfruit on social media. Radhakrishna has also trained on value additions of jackfruit in Maharashtra. Sharma and his friends have named the trees. Shradda is named after a neighbours daughter, Smile is named after its owner Ismail, Prashanti after an institute in Alike, Eshanya after the eastern direction it faces, and so on. It all started with Akala (untimely), a tree in a farmers backyard in Guruvyankere (60 km from Mangaluru), which bore fruit even in the monsoon, Sharma recollects. Sharma has created Uber-Kepu Halasu Snehi Koota (Jackfruit Friends Forum) with some farmers, which strives to generate awareness about the fruit through activities under the guidance of farming experts in villages. The forum is the principal sponsor of Jack Fests in villages. The fests increase awareness about the nutritional value of this under-utilised crop. Jackfruit saplings have found a place in nurseries, and nearly three lakh saplings have been planted. Today, a marriage is incomplete without a jackfruit dish or kheer or ice cream, says Sharma.
Last year, when the Indian Special Forces (SF) had raided a camp of insurgents in Myanmar, there was a chorus of Cassandras in New Delhi who proclaimed that India should dare not think of attempting such a strike against Pakistan. The Pakistani forces were well equipped and highly professional. They had a sophisticated air defence network. Any such provocation by India would lead to a major escalation that could result in nuclear war and the destruction of New Delhi. China would intervene militarily. Besides, Indian SFs were not as good as those of the USA or Israel to pull off such an arduous strike. All these naysayers have egg on their faces today. It is now clear that they had paralysed India into complete impotence for virtually 30 years against the asymmetric war that Pakistan has been waging in Punjab first and then in J&K and the rest of India.

On the night of September 28, the SFs launched a highly sophisticated and well-synchronised operation across a 250 km frontage of the LoC in J&K stretching from Poonch to Neelam Valley and Gurez/Kupwara sectors. Eight teams of over 200 commandoes slipped past the Pakistani defences. The Pakistani Army was on full scale alert. Their radars and the Swedish Saab-200 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft were fully activated. Despite this, our para commandoes penetrated up to three kms inside PoK and stealthily got into position behind eight launch pads. Some reports indicate that to defeat the AEW surveillance aircraft, some commando groups were inducted using High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) Ram-air manoeuvrable parachutes. These leave no radar signature and are absolutely silent. The launch pads had been kept under surveillance for the past seven days, by the NTROs spy satellites and the Heron, and Searcher drones and humint sources. When these pads filled up, our commandoes struck around 0230-0330 hours of September 29. They opened a withering barrage of small arms fire (Tavor-21 and AK-47 assault rifles with under-barrel grenade launchers), Carl Gustav and Russian Thermo baric rockets. Initial reports indicated that some 38 terrorists (including Pak soldiers) had been killed. Damage assessments are still pouring in. The actual casualties inflicted on the terrorists may well be as high as 70-80 or even more. Indian artillery now began to pound the Pak posts that could interfere with the raiders. This forced them to hunker down and enabled our commandoes to get away without a scratch. Only one commando blew his foot on a mine but was safely evacuated. By 0900 hours, all were safely back on Indian soil. The Army Chief and DGMO briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security about the operation. Then as part of the escalation control process, our DGMO spoke to his Pak counterpart and told him about the raids. Pakistan was stunned. Gen. Rahil Sharif had been virtually daring India to attempt a raid on their soil. The Indian SFs had now done just that. Pakistan was on the horns of a painful dilemma. If they conceded the truth, they would be disgraced. Gen. Sharif did not want to face the wrath of his officer corps. So, GHQ Islamabad went into flat denial mode. This obviated any justification for a retaliatory strike on India. Pakistan, it seemed, was not keen on escalating the situation and hence was seeking a way out by denial. The only operational options left to it were terrorist attacks on Indian Army camps and cross LoC fire using small arms and mortars. It tried both. The terror attacks on Baramula and Handwara military camps proved to be damp squibs in as much as they were just shoot and scoot strikes. In Handwara, the alert Indian troops chased the terrorists and killed three of them.

In the annals of SF operations, these raids will go down as a textbook model. These were tactical operations with a huge strategic impact. These had been conducted against a fully alerted enemy who was technologically on par. An unfortunate political controversy was generated that such cross-border raids had been conducted earlier, thrice during the UPA regime, but had not been publicised. The fact is that the raids conducted in 2011, 2013 and 2014 were highly localised and isolated sub-tactical actions, launched at the formation level. These had inflicted some 3-10 casualties on Pakistan.

The latest surgical strike was a class apart in scope and scale. It was orchestrated with the NSA and all three service chiefs participating. The NTROs spy satellite resources and the service drones were deployed to monitor the targets 24x7 for a whole week before the strike. Artillery was used to provide covering fire to help the raiders make a clean break and exfiltrate. The main feature was that Pakistan was informed of these raids in a clear move to call their nuclear bluff and test if China would intervene. Pakistan blinked and China refused to let the tail wag the dog. All the Cassandras were proved to be hopelessly wrong. The message that must be put across clearly is that this was not a one-off operation. Should Pakistan provoke, India would retaliate across the border. This message should not be drowned out by the political cacophony.

The writer is a war veteran and strategic analyst

gagandeep.bakshi@yahoo.com

Last year, when the Indian Special Forces (SF) had raided a camp of insurgents in Myanmar, there was a chorus of Cassandras in New Delhi who proclaimed that India should dare not think of attempting such a strike against Pakistan. The Pakistani forces were well equipped and highly professional. They had a sophisticated air defence network. Any such provocation by India would lead to a major escalation that could result in nuclear war and the destruction of New Delhi. China would intervene militarily. Besides, Indian SFs were not as good as those of the USA or Israel to pull off such an arduous strike. All these naysayers have egg on their faces today. It is now clear that they had paralysed India into complete impotence for virtually 30 years against the asymmetric war that Pakistan has been waging in Punjab first and then in J&K and the rest of India. On the night of September 28, the SFs launched a highly sophisticated and well-synchronised operation across a 250 km frontage of the LoC in J&K stretching from Poonch to Neelam Valley and Gurez/Kupwara sectors. Eight teams of over 200 commandoes slipped past the Pakistani defences. The Pakistani Army was on full scale alert. Their radars and the Swedish Saab-200 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft were fully activated. Despite this, our para commandoes penetrated up to three kms inside PoK and stealthily got into position behind eight launch pads. Some reports indicate that to defeat the AEW surveillance aircraft, some commando groups were inducted using High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) Ram-air manoeuvrable parachutes. These leave no radar signature and are absolutely silent. The launch pads had been kept under surveillance for the past seven days, by the NTROs spy satellites and the Heron, and Searcher drones and humint sources. When these pads filled up, our commandoes struck around 0230-0330 hours of September 29. They opened a withering barrage of small arms fire (Tavor-21 and AK-47 assault rifles with under-barrel grenade launchers), Carl Gustav and Russian Thermo baric rockets. Initial reports indicated that some 38 terrorists (including Pak soldiers) had been killed. Damage assessments are still pouring in. The actual casualties inflicted on the terrorists may well be as high as 70-80 or even more. Indian artillery now began to pound the Pak posts that could interfere with the raiders. This forced them to hunker down and enabled our commandoes to get away without a scratch. Only one commando blew his foot on a mine but was safely evacuated. By 0900 hours, all were safely back on Indian soil. The Army Chief and DGMO briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security about the operation. Then as part of the escalation control process, our DGMO spoke to his Pak counterpart and told him about the raids. Pakistan was stunned. Gen. Rahil Sharif had been virtually daring India to attempt a raid on their soil. The Indian SFs had now done just that. Pakistan was on the horns of a painful dilemma. If they conceded the truth, they would be disgraced. Gen. Sharif did not want to face the wrath of his officer corps. So, GHQ Islamabad went into flat denial mode. This obviated any justification for a retaliatory strike on India. Pakistan, it seemed, was not keen on escalating the situation and hence was seeking a way out by denial. The only operational options left to it were terrorist attacks on Indian Army camps and cross LoC fire using small arms and mortars. It tried both. The terror attacks on Baramula and Handwara military camps proved to be damp squibs in as much as they were just shoot and scoot strikes. In Handwara, the alert Indian troops chased the terrorists and killed three of them. In the annals of SF operations, these raids will go down as a textbook model. These were tactical operations with a huge strategic impact. These had been conducted against a fully alerted enemy who was technologically on par. An unfortunate political controversy was generated that such cross-border raids had been conducted earlier, thrice during the UPA regime, but had not been publicised. The fact is that the raids conducted in 2011, 2013 and 2014 were highly localised and isolated sub-tactical actions, launched at the formation level. These had inflicted some 3-10 casualties on Pakistan. The latest surgical strike was a class apart in scope and scale. It was orchestrated with the NSA and all three service chiefs participating. The NTROs spy satellite resources and the service drones were deployed to monitor the targets 24x7 for a whole week before the strike. Artillery was used to provide covering fire to help the raiders make a clean break and exfiltrate. The main feature was that Pakistan was informed of these raids in a clear move to call their nuclear bluff and test if China would intervene. Pakistan blinked and China refused to let the tail wag the dog. All the Cassandras were proved to be hopelessly wrong. The message that must be put across clearly is that this was not a one-off operation. Should Pakistan provoke, India would retaliate across the border. This message should not be drowned out by the political cacophony. The writer is a war veteran and strategic analyst gagandeep.bakshi@yahoo.com
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India on Friday categorically dismissed a report in Pakistani media contending that Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar had apprised German Ambassador in New Delhi that no surgical strikes were conducted by Indian forces.

Issuing an official rejoinder to the story that appeared in Pakistans The News International the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was concocted and baseless. The News International Pakistans story titled Indian FS admits surgical strikes was a bluff is completely concocted and baseless, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in an official statement.

The German Ambassador, Martin Ney, was in the group of foreign envoys briefed by the Foreign Secretary on September 29 on the surgical strikes. They have had no further conversation since on this subject, Swarup added.

The report in the Fridays edition of The News International created a flutter as the Pakistan Government and Army have gone to lengths to deny that Indian forces conducted trans-border precision strikes to neutralised terrorists in their launch pads. The new report had attributed the information to anonymous sources and contended that the Indian foreign secretary has categorically denied and said that there was no surgical strike undertaken by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Pakistani mission had been told that during a formal meeting on the issue of the ongoing India-Pakistan stand-off between German Ambassador to India Dr Martin Ney and Indian FS Subramaniam Jaishankar in New Delhi, the Indian foreign secretary has categorically denied and said that there was no surgical strike undertaken by Indian Army inside Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, the report said.

NEW DELHI: India on Friday categorically dismissed a report in Pakistani media contending that Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar had apprised German Ambassador in New Delhi that no surgical strikes were conducted by Indian forces. Issuing an official rejoinder to the story that appeared in Pakistans The News International the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was concocted and baseless. The News International Pakistans story titled Indian FS admits surgical strikes was a bluff is completely concocted and baseless, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in an official statement. The German Ambassador, Martin Ney, was in the group of foreign envoys briefed by the Foreign Secretary on September 29 on the surgical strikes. They have had no further conversation since on this subject, Swarup added. The report in the Fridays edition of The News International created a flutter as the Pakistan Government and Army have gone to lengths to deny that Indian forces conducted trans-border precision strikes to neutralised terrorists in their launch pads. The new report had attributed the information to anonymous sources and contended that the Indian foreign secretary has categorically denied and said that there was no surgical strike undertaken by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Pakistani mission had been told that during a formal meeting on the issue of the ongoing India-Pakistan stand-off between German Ambassador to India Dr Martin Ney and Indian FS Subramaniam Jaishankar in New Delhi, the Indian foreign secretary has categorically denied and said that there was no surgical strike undertaken by Indian Army inside Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, the report said.
By IANS

VARANASI: The death toll in Saturday's stampede here in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 25, with one of the injured succumbing to his injuries overnight, police said on Sunday.

Authorities meanwhile said that 20 of the dead had been identified. And seven of the injured were still in critical condition in hospital.

Police officials said they were trying to ascertain the identity of the remaining five dead. More than 50 people were being treated at various medical facilities in the temple town.

The stampede occurred at the 130-year-old Raj Ghat bridge on the banks of river Ganga where a religious congregation was to be presided by Acharya Pankaj Baba, disciple of late Jai Gurudev, a religious and spiritual leader from Mathura.

The dead include 20 women and five men, police officer Anil Kumar Singh told IANS.

On the second day of the congregation on Sunday, Pankaj Baba paid tributes to those who perished in the tragedy and they were 'Satsangi Shaheed' (Spiritual Matryrs).

The dead have been identified as Naval Kishore Mishra, Savitri Mishra, Rajwati, Ramwati, Sumitra and Vimla Devi from Delhi, Rampatti Devi, Dashtarth Singh, Prithvipal Singh, Israti Devi, Susheela Devi and Mallu Devi from Rajasthan, as well as Prithvipal, Ashok Kumar, Kamlesh Devi, Kamini, Sarla Devi, Sohanlal, Indu and Keshwati from Madhya Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the dependants of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to those injured.

He has also suspended five senior district officials ,including the Superintendent of Police (City) of Varanasi and the traffic in-charge.

The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi has been asked to get a magisterial probe conducted into the reasons behind the tragedy.

The Prime Minister's Office is monitoring the treatment of the injured, an official told IANS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. as thousands of people took out a procession.

Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity.

Varanasi District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand blamed Acharya Pankaj, the successor of Jai Gurudev and the organiser of the two-day congregation in Domri village.

"The organisers had told us that 3,000 people would come but over 300,000 turned up," he said.

Pankaj Das in turn blamed the administration for failing to take proper measures.

VARANASI: The death toll in Saturday's stampede here in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 25, with one of the injured succumbing to his injuries overnight, police said on Sunday. Authorities meanwhile said that 20 of the dead had been identified. And seven of the injured were still in critical condition in hospital. Police officials said they were trying to ascertain the identity of the remaining five dead. More than 50 people were being treated at various medical facilities in the temple town. The stampede occurred at the 130-year-old Raj Ghat bridge on the banks of river Ganga where a religious congregation was to be presided by Acharya Pankaj Baba, disciple of late Jai Gurudev, a religious and spiritual leader from Mathura. The dead include 20 women and five men, police officer Anil Kumar Singh told IANS. On the second day of the congregation on Sunday, Pankaj Baba paid tributes to those who perished in the tragedy and they were 'Satsangi Shaheed' (Spiritual Matryrs). The dead have been identified as Naval Kishore Mishra, Savitri Mishra, Rajwati, Ramwati, Sumitra and Vimla Devi from Delhi, Rampatti Devi, Dashtarth Singh, Prithvipal Singh, Israti Devi, Susheela Devi and Mallu Devi from Rajasthan, as well as Prithvipal, Ashok Kumar, Kamlesh Devi, Kamini, Sarla Devi, Sohanlal, Indu and Keshwati from Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the dependants of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to those injured. He has also suspended five senior district officials ,including the Superintendent of Police (City) of Varanasi and the traffic in-charge. The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi has been asked to get a magisterial probe conducted into the reasons behind the tragedy. The Prime Minister's Office is monitoring the treatment of the injured, an official told IANS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha. The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. as thousands of people took out a procession. Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity. Varanasi District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand blamed Acharya Pankaj, the successor of Jai Gurudev and the organiser of the two-day congregation in Domri village. "The organisers had told us that 3,000 people would come but over 300,000 turned up," he said. Pankaj Das in turn blamed the administration for failing to take proper measures.
By PTI

BENAULIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks in which India is expected to raise concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties besides looking at ways of ramping up their "privileged partnership" in areas of defence and nuclear energy.

Through the morning, the leaders land! Presidents of Russia, Brazil and South Africa arrive in Goa for @BRICS2016 #BRICS pic.twitter.com/yLEHfQmClN  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

Putin, who arrived in Goa after a delay of nine hours due to fog, held restricted talks with Modi after which the two leaders will be joined by their respective delegations.

A quiet tete-a-tete before beginning restricted talks. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E meet in the Leaders Lounge pic.twitter.com/9uyh76u39M  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

A focussed review before a broader engagement. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E begin with restricted talks pic.twitter.com/npVRgC07P0  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

"We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues.



Defence and security issues to dominate," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.



The two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements especially in the field of defence and energy in the afternoon following the talks.



While India and Russian are expected to sign a "complex agreement" for setting up a joint facility for production of 200 Kamoc helicopters besides a deal for four naval frigates, a "forward movement" is expected in the talks for the purchase of five system of S400 Triumf air defence systems that will cost over USD 5 billion.



The two leaders will also exchange views on important regional and international issues.



Indian envoy to Russian Pankaj Saran said, "Indo-Russia ties have more than just the bilateral dimension. There are regional and global issues, various troubled hotspots where Russia has stakes and where India has stakes."

BENAULIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks in which India is expected to raise concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties besides looking at ways of ramping up their "privileged partnership" in areas of defence and nuclear energy. Through the morning, the leaders land! Presidents of Russia, Brazil and South Africa arrive in Goa for @BRICS2016 #BRICS pic.twitter.com/yLEHfQmClN  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016 Putin, who arrived in Goa after a delay of nine hours due to fog, held restricted talks with Modi after which the two leaders will be joined by their respective delegations. A quiet tete-a-tete before beginning restricted talks. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E meet in the Leaders Lounge pic.twitter.com/9uyh76u39M  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016 A focussed review before a broader engagement. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E begin with restricted talks pic.twitter.com/npVRgC07P0  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016 "We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues. Defence and security issues to dominate," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. The two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements especially in the field of defence and energy in the afternoon following the talks. While India and Russian are expected to sign a "complex agreement" for setting up a joint facility for production of 200 Kamoc helicopters besides a deal for four naval frigates, a "forward movement" is expected in the talks for the purchase of five system of S400 Triumf air defence systems that will cost over USD 5 billion. The two leaders will also exchange views on important regional and international issues. Indian envoy to Russian Pankaj Saran said, "Indo-Russia ties have more than just the bilateral dimension. There are regional and global issues, various troubled hotspots where Russia has stakes and where India has stakes."
By ANI

PANAJI: Prime Minister Modi will chair the BIMSTEC meeting, followed by a meeting of BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders.

BRICS brings together the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The BRICS Summit comes at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan has gone sour following the terror attack at Uri and surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC.

Terrorism will be on the agenda and India is likely to pitch for united fight against the international threat.

Besides, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing people to people contact and bolstering intra BRICS trade will also figure during the Summit.

BRICS, India-Russia summits set to kick off in Goa today

The Eighth BRICS Summit and the 17th India-Russia Annual Summit will kick off in Goa on Saturday.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday evening to participate in the India-Russia Summit, BRICS Summit and first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.

Have a look at all the events that are going to take place at the 8th #BRICS Summit in Goa on the 15-16 October, 2016 pic.twitter.com/sgOdeAHNJv  BRICS 2016 (@BRICS2016) October 13, 2016

At the 17th India-Russia Bilateral Summit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. Delivery of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to New Delhi and counterterrorism will be high on their agenda.



Besides, both nations are set to sign several agreements to give a fillip to their defence and nuclear cooperation. Apart from these, energy, infrastructure, railways, agriculture, hi-tech among others will also dominate the agenda.



Agreements to build frigates for the Indian Navy and a joint venture in India to build multi-task Kamov-226 helicopters are also likely to be signed.



Apart from the bilateral summit, India will host world leaders for the eighth BRICS Summit and a first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.



Prime Minister Modi in his tweets said the outreach with BIMSTEC leaders is significant. The Prime Minister hoped to tap the huge potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring.



He expressed happiness that India is facilitating an outreach Summit with BIMSTEC leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He looked forward to deliberations with leaders of China and South Africa, which will strengthen India's bilateral relations with its partners.



The Prime Minister also welcomed President of Brazil Michel Temer for a bilateral visit, which will open new vistas of cooperation with Brazil. He tweeted that India is honoured to welcome President of Russia Vladimir Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit in Goa.



He emphasised that as BRICS chair this year, India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic and people-to-people relations, which will benefit India greatly.



He looked forward to useful conversations with leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on global and regional challenges.

PANAJI: Prime Minister Modi will chair the BIMSTEC meeting, followed by a meeting of BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders. BRICS brings together the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS Summit comes at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan has gone sour following the terror attack at Uri and surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC. Terrorism will be on the agenda and India is likely to pitch for united fight against the international threat. Besides, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing people to people contact and bolstering intra BRICS trade will also figure during the Summit. BRICS, India-Russia summits set to kick off in Goa today The Eighth BRICS Summit and the 17th India-Russia Annual Summit will kick off in Goa on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Friday evening to participate in the India-Russia Summit, BRICS Summit and first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. Have a look at all the events that are going to take place at the 8th #BRICS Summit in Goa on the 15-16 October, 2016 pic.twitter.com/sgOdeAHNJv  BRICS 2016 (@BRICS2016) October 13, 2016 At the 17th India-Russia Bilateral Summit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. Delivery of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to New Delhi and counterterrorism will be high on their agenda. Besides, both nations are set to sign several agreements to give a fillip to their defence and nuclear cooperation. Apart from these, energy, infrastructure, railways, agriculture, hi-tech among others will also dominate the agenda. Agreements to build frigates for the Indian Navy and a joint venture in India to build multi-task Kamov-226 helicopters are also likely to be signed. Apart from the bilateral summit, India will host world leaders for the eighth BRICS Summit and a first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. Prime Minister Modi in his tweets said the outreach with BIMSTEC leaders is significant. The Prime Minister hoped to tap the huge potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring. He expressed happiness that India is facilitating an outreach Summit with BIMSTEC leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He looked forward to deliberations with leaders of China and South Africa, which will strengthen India's bilateral relations with its partners. The Prime Minister also welcomed President of Brazil Michel Temer for a bilateral visit, which will open new vistas of cooperation with Brazil. He tweeted that India is honoured to welcome President of Russia Vladimir Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit in Goa. He emphasised that as BRICS chair this year, India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic and people-to-people relations, which will benefit India greatly. He looked forward to useful conversations with leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on global and regional challenges.
By PTI

BENAULIM (Goa): India today announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over USD 5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit being held here. The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier.

The most strategically important decision is the Inter-Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game-changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates. Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration. No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard.

This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013. The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's ageing Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.

BENAULIM (Goa): India today announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over USD 5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters. The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit being held here. The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier. The most strategically important decision is the Inter-Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game-changer in the region. It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year. Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates. Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration. No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard. This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013. The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's ageing Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.
By PTI

AHMEDABAD: Aggressively wooing the politically dominant Patel community ahead of next year's Assembly polls in Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal today sought its support to "clean" the state's politics and assured support to get "justice".

On the second day of his four-day visit to the BJP-ruled state, the Delhi Chief Minister was greeted with black flags at various places by some little-known groups who termed him traitor for demanding proof of Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Kejriwal met family members of four Patel youths who died during last year's OBC quota agitation. Before that, he addressed a gathering at the Patel-dominated Piludra village in Mehsana district and sought the community's support to "clean" Gujarat's politics.

The village held special significance as the quota agitation started from here one year ago, he said. "Now I request you to start another movement from this village to clean the politics of Gujarat. We all must come together to fight against corruption and clean Gujarat's politics," he said.

He also shouted the slogan "Jay Sardar - Jay Patidar" several times during the speech, and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel's statue in Mehsana.

He then visited Kaamli village in Unjha tehsil of Mehsana district where he met the kin of Nagjibhai Thakor, a police constable who committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from bootleggers and politicians last month.

At this village, he also met the parents of Kanubhai Patel, a Patidar youth who died during quota violence last year.

He then visited Umiya Mata temple, revered by the Patel community, at Unjha. Outside the temple, members of 'Rashtriya Patidar Sansthan' protested against Kejriwal over his remarks on the surgical strikes.

Kejriwal landed in Ahmedabad in the afternoon and met family members of three Patel youths who died during the violence in August last year.

AHMEDABAD: Aggressively wooing the politically dominant Patel community ahead of next year's Assembly polls in Gujarat, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal today sought its support to "clean" the state's politics and assured support to get "justice". On the second day of his four-day visit to the BJP-ruled state, the Delhi Chief Minister was greeted with black flags at various places by some little-known groups who termed him traitor for demanding proof of Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Kejriwal met family members of four Patel youths who died during last year's OBC quota agitation. Before that, he addressed a gathering at the Patel-dominated Piludra village in Mehsana district and sought the community's support to "clean" Gujarat's politics. The village held special significance as the quota agitation started from here one year ago, he said. "Now I request you to start another movement from this village to clean the politics of Gujarat. We all must come together to fight against corruption and clean Gujarat's politics," he said. He also shouted the slogan "Jay Sardar - Jay Patidar" several times during the speech, and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel's statue in Mehsana. He then visited Kaamli village in Unjha tehsil of Mehsana district where he met the kin of Nagjibhai Thakor, a police constable who committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from bootleggers and politicians last month. At this village, he also met the parents of Kanubhai Patel, a Patidar youth who died during quota violence last year. He then visited Umiya Mata temple, revered by the Patel community, at Unjha. Outside the temple, members of 'Rashtriya Patidar Sansthan' protested against Kejriwal over his remarks on the surgical strikes. Kejriwal landed in Ahmedabad in the afternoon and met family members of three Patel youths who died during the violence in August last year.
By Online Desk

BENALIM, GOA: The thick fog that enveloped Goa overnight served as the metaphor for Indo-Russian relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin today.

Currently eye-to-eye with Pakistan, India is wary of the growing warmth between Russia and its sub-continental neighbor. The Indian side would be keen to protect the countrys privileged partnership with Russia in defence and nuclear energy, where it has several plum contracts for armaments purchases on offer.

Putins arrival in Goa was delayed by nine hours due to the fog over Goa, making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

He was scheduled to land here at 1.30 am and with visibility low around the INS Hansa naval base, his plane was diverted to Mumbai. INS Hansa is a naval base near Goas Dabolim airport, and is home to several fighter plane squadrons of the Indian Navy.

Putin landed finally at 10.20 am today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Goa last night. As has been his style lately, the Indian PM tweeted his welcome to Putin in the Russian language.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed that the main points on the agenda are defence and security related. "We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues. Defence and security issues to dominate," he tweeted.

There are a dozen agreements on the table for talks later in the afternoon, mostly in defence and energy.

Being a major defence supplier, Russia would be keen to make progress on several defence deals, which offers India some leverage on charming the once superpower away from Pakistans allure.

Three defence deals in particular are of interest: One, joint production of 200 Kamoc helicopters; two, deal for four naval frigates; three, purchase of five S400 Triumf air defence systems.

Pakistan is clearly going to be the elephant in the room as Putin and Modi begin talking. And so being his snarky self, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh prodded the PM to charm the Russians away from Pakistan.

"Mr Modi would you be able to convince them with your Oratorial Skills? I sincerely hope you would. Best wishes to you!," he said on Twitter.

BENALIM, GOA: The thick fog that enveloped Goa overnight served as the metaphor for Indo-Russian relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin today. Currently eye-to-eye with Pakistan, India is wary of the growing warmth between Russia and its sub-continental neighbor. The Indian side would be keen to protect the countrys privileged partnership with Russia in defence and nuclear energy, where it has several plum contracts for armaments purchases on offer. Putins arrival in Goa was delayed by nine hours due to the fog over Goa, making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state. He was scheduled to land here at 1.30 am and with visibility low around the INS Hansa naval base, his plane was diverted to Mumbai. INS Hansa is a naval base near Goas Dabolim airport, and is home to several fighter plane squadrons of the Indian Navy. Putin landed finally at 10.20 am today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Goa last night. As has been his style lately, the Indian PM tweeted his welcome to Putin in the Russian language. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed that the main points on the agenda are defence and security related. "We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues. Defence and security issues to dominate," he tweeted. There are a dozen agreements on the table for talks later in the afternoon, mostly in defence and energy. Being a major defence supplier, Russia would be keen to make progress on several defence deals, which offers India some leverage on charming the once superpower away from Pakistans allure. Three defence deals in particular are of interest: One, joint production of 200 Kamoc helicopters; two, deal for four naval frigates; three, purchase of five S400 Triumf air defence systems. Pakistan is clearly going to be the elephant in the room as Putin and Modi begin talking. And so being his snarky self, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh prodded the PM to charm the Russians away from Pakistan. "Mr Modi would you be able to convince them with your Oratorial Skills? I sincerely hope you would. Best wishes to you!," he said on Twitter.
Balbir Punj By

Even after the Indian security forces hit hard at terror camps that Pakistan has been promoting in the areas under its control in Kashmir, it has shown no let up in its lifes ambition to deliver more cuts on India hoping to bleed it white.



The continuing terrorist attacks in Kashmir, the Pakistani boats in Gujarat coast that the Indian Coast Guard captured, the detection of IS armed training camp in Kerala forests to launch a series of terror attacks and kill certain targeted VIPs on coming Diwali season all reveal a coordinated low intensity war continuing to be hatched from Pakistani soil.

amit bandre



The anti-terror force NIA succeeded through a bold infiltration into the Kerala training camp for the Diwali attack preparation held in the interior of Kannur district- a region with a strong Muslim presence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has let it be known that the Anwarul Khalifa organisation linked to IS as its Kerala unit was training 12 young people.



One of the objectives was to follow the example of the French IS groups recent attack on a public celebration in Nice city by driving in a truck loaded with explosives into the crowd and mow down hundreds of people. This organisation was distributing propaganda leaflets and videos to fuel anti-India feelings among the Muslim community in Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.



It is significant that the local police was either not aware of the training camp or pretended not to notice it. This is the second such training camp for terrorists that flourished in Kerala state over the last ten years.

An earlier camp in 2008 went undetected but police sources had let the states media people know that they did have information on this camp but it was the state government that ignored its implications. Only after the media investigation brought this to public notice, the government woke up and sought to make some arrests but it led to no results.



The recent exposure of the second camp came after the NIA had managed to infiltrate the group and gain massive evidence of radicalising propaganda material, fire arms and bombs and other weapons. The plan to plough through a crowd with a truck full of incendiary material was obtained in right time and NIA managed to avoid the tragedy.



Two months back the state had woken up to the cries of many non-Muslim families that found girls from them had been abducted through a clever plan to lure them through marriage to Muslim boys, convert them and then radicalise them to move to Syria. As many as 21 Kerala young men and women had left to join the IS through a circuitous route.



Let us take a look at how the IS radicalisation is reducing man (including woman) to a beast. Many newspapers across the world (Pakistan excluded) published the other day a clip from a video put out by the IS showing a woman cadre of the jihadi outfit on its order beheading a condemned man- condemned by the outfit and then cooking his head as the other armed cadres watched.



The jihadist in Nice event, a recent convert to Islam was taking the name of Allah as he moved into the crowd and mowed down hundreds before the French police shot him down. The Islamic State (IS) propaganda material exhorts their co-religionists to kill all non-Muslims and individuals. Bloodcurdling and repulsive as these set of events are, the man turning to beast does not end there.



The followers of IS are also told to destroy all the pre-Islamic heritage landmarks and sculptures etc. Recall what Taliban power in Afghanistan in the days it ruled Kabul, did. It bombed to dust several Buddhist monuments. Now you can see why Central Asian invaders into India considered it their religious duty to destroy the temples and other historic monuments over 800 years of their rule. Mathura, Kashi, Ayodhya, Somnaththe list is endless.



With so much evidence floating around that a section of jihadists is now determined to convert or exterminate the entire world population groups that do not agree with them including Muslims themselves as the bombings of mosques of different sects in the community in Pakistan itself reveal, what results can we expect from repeated appeals to Pakistan to shun terror?



The Islamic State sponsors terror in the name of religion, where decades of brainwashing people in the name of jihad had promoted roots for violence to grow to feed into a mass that sees such violence as a mandatory part of its religious existence. Pakistan is happy to be the fulcrum of the emerging jihadi turn around of its religion on a global scale.



So it is time for the global community to review whether repeated appeals to end its sponsorship of terror in the name of religion would ever succeed. In Pakistan a good section of the masses led by the mosque-military combine and brainwashed by three decades old Wahabi lesson dolling out madrasas is now convinced that its destiny lies in the global spread of its version of the religion.It will treat the peace music from global community with the disdain that Nazis treated then British Prime Minister Chamberlain with his totem peace umbrella in the 1930s.

Even after the Indian security forces hit hard at terror camps that Pakistan has been promoting in the areas under its control in Kashmir, it has shown no let up in its lifes ambition to deliver more cuts on India hoping to bleed it white. The continuing terrorist attacks in Kashmir, the Pakistani boats in Gujarat coast that the Indian Coast Guard captured, the detection of IS armed training camp in Kerala forests to launch a series of terror attacks and kill certain targeted VIPs on coming Diwali season all reveal a coordinated low intensity war continuing to be hatched from Pakistani soil. amit bandre The anti-terror force NIA succeeded through a bold infiltration into the Kerala training camp for the Diwali attack preparation held in the interior of Kannur district- a region with a strong Muslim presence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has let it be known that the Anwarul Khalifa organisation linked to IS as its Kerala unit was training 12 young people. One of the objectives was to follow the example of the French IS groups recent attack on a public celebration in Nice city by driving in a truck loaded with explosives into the crowd and mow down hundreds of people. This organisation was distributing propaganda leaflets and videos to fuel anti-India feelings among the Muslim community in Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu. It is significant that the local police was either not aware of the training camp or pretended not to notice it. This is the second such training camp for terrorists that flourished in Kerala state over the last ten years. An earlier camp in 2008 went undetected but police sources had let the states media people know that they did have information on this camp but it was the state government that ignored its implications. Only after the media investigation brought this to public notice, the government woke up and sought to make some arrests but it led to no results. The recent exposure of the second camp came after the NIA had managed to infiltrate the group and gain massive evidence of radicalising propaganda material, fire arms and bombs and other weapons. The plan to plough through a crowd with a truck full of incendiary material was obtained in right time and NIA managed to avoid the tragedy. Two months back the state had woken up to the cries of many non-Muslim families that found girls from them had been abducted through a clever plan to lure them through marriage to Muslim boys, convert them and then radicalise them to move to Syria. As many as 21 Kerala young men and women had left to join the IS through a circuitous route. Let us take a look at how the IS radicalisation is reducing man (including woman) to a beast. Many newspapers across the world (Pakistan excluded) published the other day a clip from a video put out by the IS showing a woman cadre of the jihadi outfit on its order beheading a condemned man- condemned by the outfit and then cooking his head as the other armed cadres watched. The jihadist in Nice event, a recent convert to Islam was taking the name of Allah as he moved into the crowd and mowed down hundreds before the French police shot him down. The Islamic State (IS) propaganda material exhorts their co-religionists to kill all non-Muslims and individuals. Bloodcurdling and repulsive as these set of events are, the man turning to beast does not end there. The followers of IS are also told to destroy all the pre-Islamic heritage landmarks and sculptures etc. Recall what Taliban power in Afghanistan in the days it ruled Kabul, did. It bombed to dust several Buddhist monuments. Now you can see why Central Asian invaders into India considered it their religious duty to destroy the temples and other historic monuments over 800 years of their rule. Mathura, Kashi, Ayodhya, Somnaththe list is endless. With so much evidence floating around that a section of jihadists is now determined to convert or exterminate the entire world population groups that do not agree with them including Muslims themselves as the bombings of mosques of different sects in the community in Pakistan itself reveal, what results can we expect from repeated appeals to Pakistan to shun terror? The Islamic State sponsors terror in the name of religion, where decades of brainwashing people in the name of jihad had promoted roots for violence to grow to feed into a mass that sees such violence as a mandatory part of its religious existence. Pakistan is happy to be the fulcrum of the emerging jihadi turn around of its religion on a global scale. So it is time for the global community to review whether repeated appeals to end its sponsorship of terror in the name of religion would ever succeed. In Pakistan a good section of the masses led by the mosque-military combine and brainwashed by three decades old Wahabi lesson dolling out madrasas is now convinced that its destiny lies in the global spread of its version of the religion.It will treat the peace music from global community with the disdain that Nazis treated then British Prime Minister Chamberlain with his totem peace umbrella in the 1930s.
By Express News Service

KURNOOL: Four pilgrims from Hyderabad were killed and three others were severely injured when their SUV overturned ner Chagalamarri in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh this morning. The condition of one of the injured is said to be critical.

The deceased were identified as Subbaraju (55), Kanakaraju (72), Rangaraju (58) and Ramakrishnamraju (55). The injured were Murthy Raju, Rammohanraju and driver Krishnarao. All are residents of Nagarjuna Homes in Kukatpally of Hyderabad.

Police said the groups went on a pilgrimage to Tirupati on October 11 and then to Srisailam. They were returning to Hyderabad when the accident occurred.

The injured have been rushed to the Kurnool General Hospital where the condition of driver Krishnarao is said to be critical.

Police said the families of the victims have been informed and the bodies would be handed over to them after the post-mortem procedures.

KURNOOL: Four pilgrims from Hyderabad were killed and three others were severely injured when their SUV overturned ner Chagalamarri in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh this morning. The condition of one of the injured is said to be critical. The deceased were identified as Subbaraju (55), Kanakaraju (72), Rangaraju (58) and Ramakrishnamraju (55). The injured were Murthy Raju, Rammohanraju and driver Krishnarao. All are residents of Nagarjuna Homes in Kukatpally of Hyderabad. Police said the groups went on a pilgrimage to Tirupati on October 11 and then to Srisailam. They were returning to Hyderabad when the accident occurred. The injured have been rushed to the Kurnool General Hospital where the condition of driver Krishnarao is said to be critical. Police said the families of the victims have been informed and the bodies would be handed over to them after the post-mortem procedures.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: A Vigilance Court in Kerala today ordered a Quick Verification (QV) probe against Malayalam film star Mohanlal in relation to the recovery of contraband ivory tusts from his residence back in 2011.

Lumped together with him as respondents in the probe are senior Congress leader, former forest minister and current MLA Thiruvananchoor Radhakrishnan, who was the states forest minister at that time, and two others, P M Krishnakumar and K J Krishnakumar, who claimed to have gifted the tusks to the actor.

The charge against Radhakrishnan is that he did not take any legal action against the actor after the ivory was recovered from his residence.

The ivory tusks came to light when the Income Tax Department conducted a raid on Mohanlals residence in 2011. The tax department reported the matter to the Kerala Forest Department, which registered a case of illegal possession against the actor under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

But no action was taken against the film star. A citizen named A F Poulose of Eloor filed a petition in the court on this matter. The court ordered the states Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) to conduct a time-bound probe, called a Quick Verification, and report back to it before December 12.

A F Poulose s petition filed in the Vigilance Court alleged that a proper investigation was not carried out into Mohanlals possession of contraband wildlife products because higher officials interceded on the actors behalf. Further, forest officials remained content with registering a case against Mohanlal, but did nothing to take custody of the ivory. The Kerala High Court had closed all proceedings in the case this year.

Meanwhile, the actor wrote to the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoEF) requesting relaxation of the law in his case.

A senior forest officer confirmed to New Indian Express in the past that the actor did declare a pair of ivory tusks to the office of the chief wildlife warden and that the department allowed him to keep the stockpile of ivory.

KOCHI: A Vigilance Court in Kerala today ordered a Quick Verification (QV) probe against Malayalam film star Mohanlal in relation to the recovery of contraband ivory tusts from his residence back in 2011. Lumped together with him as respondents in the probe are senior Congress leader, former forest minister and current MLA Thiruvananchoor Radhakrishnan, who was the states forest minister at that time, and two others, P M Krishnakumar and K J Krishnakumar, who claimed to have gifted the tusks to the actor. The charge against Radhakrishnan is that he did not take any legal action against the actor after the ivory was recovered from his residence. The ivory tusks came to light when the Income Tax Department conducted a raid on Mohanlals residence in 2011. The tax department reported the matter to the Kerala Forest Department, which registered a case of illegal possession against the actor under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. But no action was taken against the film star. A citizen named A F Poulose of Eloor filed a petition in the court on this matter. The court ordered the states Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) to conduct a time-bound probe, called a Quick Verification, and report back to it before December 12. A F Poulose s petition filed in the Vigilance Court alleged that a proper investigation was not carried out into Mohanlals possession of contraband wildlife products because higher officials interceded on the actors behalf. Further, forest officials remained content with registering a case against Mohanlal, but did nothing to take custody of the ivory. The Kerala High Court had closed all proceedings in the case this year. Meanwhile, the actor wrote to the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoEF) requesting relaxation of the law in his case. A senior forest officer confirmed to New Indian Express in the past that the actor did declare a pair of ivory tusks to the office of the chief wildlife warden and that the department allowed him to keep the stockpile of ivory.
By Express News Service

DHENKANAL: Beautifully decorated puja pandals have come up in Dhenkanal to welcome Goddess Laxmi. As many as 36 puja pandals have been erected for Laxmi Puja, which begins on Saturday.

These pandals have come up in a row from Korian bypass to College Chhack, a stretch of five kms. Light decorations and theme-based pandals are the highlights of this year and organisers are spending lakhs of rupees for the 11-day festival. This year, the focus of organisers is on mythology as far as the themes of pandals are concerned. The Laxmi Bazar puja committee has spent `20 lakhs for decorations, which includes a light gate on Samudra Manthan while at Ganesh Bazaar, a light gate on four dhams in India has come up. The height and width of all the bamboo gates erected by the puja committees are restricted to 18 ft and 16 ft respectively on safety grounds.

Earlier, a meeting was organised by the district administration with members of Joint Puja Committee and police on smooth conduct of the puja. Police administration has emphasised on crowd management and sought support of different puja committees. To cash in on the festivity, vendors have arrived with their wares from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The national level nine-day Pallishree Mela will be held on the sidelines of the Laxmi Puja from October 17 at the New Bus Stand in Mahisapat. Organised by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the district administration, the fair will have more than 200 stalls with artisans, SHGs, vendors from as many as 14 States showcasing their products at the mela.

DHENKANAL: Beautifully decorated puja pandals have come up in Dhenkanal to welcome Goddess Laxmi. As many as 36 puja pandals have been erected for Laxmi Puja, which begins on Saturday. These pandals have come up in a row from Korian bypass to College Chhack, a stretch of five kms. Light decorations and theme-based pandals are the highlights of this year and organisers are spending lakhs of rupees for the 11-day festival. This year, the focus of organisers is on mythology as far as the themes of pandals are concerned. The Laxmi Bazar puja committee has spent `20 lakhs for decorations, which includes a light gate on Samudra Manthan while at Ganesh Bazaar, a light gate on four dhams in India has come up. The height and width of all the bamboo gates erected by the puja committees are restricted to 18 ft and 16 ft respectively on safety grounds. Earlier, a meeting was organised by the district administration with members of Joint Puja Committee and police on smooth conduct of the puja. Police administration has emphasised on crowd management and sought support of different puja committees. To cash in on the festivity, vendors have arrived with their wares from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The national level nine-day Pallishree Mela will be held on the sidelines of the Laxmi Puja from October 17 at the New Bus Stand in Mahisapat. Organised by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the district administration, the fair will have more than 200 stalls with artisans, SHGs, vendors from as many as 14 States showcasing their products at the mela.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Despite the feel good factor in the government, the SC, ST, BC and minority students have decided to take a militant route for the reimbursement of fee which was not done before October 20. However, officials on Friday averred that the state revenues were growing.

A decisive leadership, feel good factor, confidence in governance, single window clearances, ease of doing business in real estate sector resulted in a phenomenal growth rate in the net revenue in the stamps and registration department. A record growth of 31.21 per cent has been achieved in the state in the net revenues during the first six months in the current financial year 2016-2017, said S Narsinga Rao, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister. He added that Rs 1,475 crore was the net revenue achievement in 2015-2016 during the first six months from April to September. During the same period for this financial year (2016-17), the corresponding figures are Rs 1,935.30 crore.

As against the annual target fixed for the 2016-2017 of Rs 4,291.99 crore, the achievement in the first six months is Rs 1,935.30 crore accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the target. The revenue is mainly on sales and purchase transactions of lands and buildings. In all as many 5,76,991 documents have been registered in the state in the first six months.

The corresponding growth rates of other southern states are far behind Telangana State. APs growth rate is 12.27 pc, Karnatakas 2.31 pc, Keralas 3.57 pc and Tamil Nadus is minus 2.63 pc.

The State is likely to register highest growth in excise revenue. As against Rs 14,000 crore target this year, the State is likely to get Rs 17,000 crore on liquor sales. However, the State has made no much progress in the land sales so far, which is expected to fetch Rs 12,000 crore. Students unable to apply for jobs till govt reimburses fee

National Backward Classes Welfare Association president R Krishnaiah on Friday threatened that students and BC organisations would launch a militant type agitation and even gherao ministers, if the fee dues were not cleared before October 20. Krishnaiah told Express that as the government could not clear the fee reimbursement dues of last academic year, the students who passed out of the colleges could not get their certificates. The managements were holding back their certificates and the students were unable to apply for jobs. Those students who were in the middle of their courses, were not allowed to attend classes till their fees was cleared, he said.

HYDERABAD: Despite the feel good factor in the government, the SC, ST, BC and minority students have decided to take a militant route for the reimbursement of fee which was not done before October 20. However, officials on Friday averred that the state revenues were growing. A decisive leadership, feel good factor, confidence in governance, single window clearances, ease of doing business in real estate sector resulted in a phenomenal growth rate in the net revenue in the stamps and registration department. A record growth of 31.21 per cent has been achieved in the state in the net revenues during the first six months in the current financial year 2016-2017, said S Narsinga Rao, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister. He added that Rs 1,475 crore was the net revenue achievement in 2015-2016 during the first six months from April to September. During the same period for this financial year (2016-17), the corresponding figures are Rs 1,935.30 crore. As against the annual target fixed for the 2016-2017 of Rs 4,291.99 crore, the achievement in the first six months is Rs 1,935.30 crore accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the target. The revenue is mainly on sales and purchase transactions of lands and buildings. In all as many 5,76,991 documents have been registered in the state in the first six months. The corresponding growth rates of other southern states are far behind Telangana State. APs growth rate is 12.27 pc, Karnatakas 2.31 pc, Keralas 3.57 pc and Tamil Nadus is minus 2.63 pc. The State is likely to register highest growth in excise revenue. As against Rs 14,000 crore target this year, the State is likely to get Rs 17,000 crore on liquor sales. However, the State has made no much progress in the land sales so far, which is expected to fetch Rs 12,000 crore. Students unable to apply for jobs till govt reimburses fee National Backward Classes Welfare Association president R Krishnaiah on Friday threatened that students and BC organisations would launch a militant type agitation and even gherao ministers, if the fee dues were not cleared before October 20. Krishnaiah told Express that as the government could not clear the fee reimbursement dues of last academic year, the students who passed out of the colleges could not get their certificates. The managements were holding back their certificates and the students were unable to apply for jobs. Those students who were in the middle of their courses, were not allowed to attend classes till their fees was cleared, he said.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Congress and TDP, which are poles apart, for one-more time showed a rare unanimity in criticising Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on a different issue.



A day after seeking a white paper on the States financial position, the two parties on Friday called him a Chief Minister in the country, who is not easily accessible even to his own party MLAs and leaders. Congress MLA Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said, KCR has become an unseeable and unreachable leader for not only commoners but also legislators of opposition parties and his own party MLAs.



In an another press meet, TDP TS unit working president and MLA A Revanth Reddy described the Chief Minister as a leader who is not reachable to anybody and who always prefers to spend his time in his farmhouse.



Both the Congress and the TDP stepped up their offensive against the CM, alleging that KCR had become an autocrat and is ignoring the problems of people. Because of the states apathy towards sufferings of the poor, Aarogya Sri scheme has now become dysfunctional, Venkat Reddy alleged.

HYDERABAD: Congress and TDP, which are poles apart, for one-more time showed a rare unanimity in criticising Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on a different issue. A day after seeking a white paper on the States financial position, the two parties on Friday called him a Chief Minister in the country, who is not easily accessible even to his own party MLAs and leaders. Congress MLA Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said, KCR has become an unseeable and unreachable leader for not only commoners but also legislators of opposition parties and his own party MLAs. In an another press meet, TDP TS unit working president and MLA A Revanth Reddy described the Chief Minister as a leader who is not reachable to anybody and who always prefers to spend his time in his farmhouse. Both the Congress and the TDP stepped up their offensive against the CM, alleging that KCR had become an autocrat and is ignoring the problems of people. Because of the states apathy towards sufferings of the poor, Aarogya Sri scheme has now become dysfunctional, Venkat Reddy alleged.
By IANS

KIGALI: In a historic step towards realising the Paris Agreement on climate change, nearly 200 nations on Saturday unanimously decided global phase out of super greenhouse gases, replacing them with climate-friendly alternatives.



The heat-trapping organic compounds -- HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are the super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning world over.



After night-long hectic negotiations here on the fourth day that ended early Saturday, the 28th meeting of the Parties to the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, froze the agreement to eventually eliminate the use of HFCs.



"Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise," said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim.



According to the agreement, the A2 (developed) countries agreed to a baseline of 2011-2013 with cuts in HFCs beginning in 2019.



Whereas A5 (developing) countries agreed to two sub-groups with two different baselines. The A5 Group 2 that includes India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq - with a baseline of 2024-2026 and a freeze date of 2028.



"This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation... is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies," Solheim said.



The remaining developing countries agreed on an early phase down with a baseline of 2020-2022 and a freeze date of 2024.



The scheduled phase down of HFCs will help avoid close to 70 billion tons of CO2 emission equivalent which translates into shutting down of 750 coal power plants or shutting down over half of coal power stations in China.

KIGALI: In a historic step towards realising the Paris Agreement on climate change, nearly 200 nations on Saturday unanimously decided global phase out of super greenhouse gases, replacing them with climate-friendly alternatives. The heat-trapping organic compounds -- HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are the super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning world over. After night-long hectic negotiations here on the fourth day that ended early Saturday, the 28th meeting of the Parties to the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, froze the agreement to eventually eliminate the use of HFCs. "Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise," said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim. According to the agreement, the A2 (developed) countries agreed to a baseline of 2011-2013 with cuts in HFCs beginning in 2019. Whereas A5 (developing) countries agreed to two sub-groups with two different baselines. The A5 Group 2 that includes India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq - with a baseline of 2024-2026 and a freeze date of 2028. "This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation... is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies," Solheim said. The remaining developing countries agreed on an early phase down with a baseline of 2020-2022 and a freeze date of 2024. The scheduled phase down of HFCs will help avoid close to 70 billion tons of CO2 emission equivalent which translates into shutting down of 750 coal power plants or shutting down over half of coal power stations in China.
By IANS

BEIJING: China on Friday made it clear that it will not climb down over opposing India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar declared a terrorist and enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group.



It made its stand clear on the eve of President Xi Jinping's visit to India to attend the two-day BRICS summit.



"My colleagues have responded to the listing matters many times here. I would like to re-emphasize what have been said," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shunag said here, referring to Beijing's opposition to Azhar being declared as a terrorist.



"As we speak, various parties are still divided on India's application to list certain individuals. The technical hold to the listing application gives more time to the (1267 UN) Committee for deliberation and relevant parties for further negotiations.



"This also shows that China is serious and responsible for this issue," Geng said at a press conference.



China has twice blocked India's attempt to get the UN to ban Pakistan-based JeM chief Azhar who is accused of plotting the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks.



On India's bid to enter NSG, Geng said China stuck to its earlier stance.



"China's position has not changed regarding the accession to the NSG by India and other non-NPT countries," he said.



"As for the China-India leaders' meeting, President Xi Jinping will meet and talk with relevant leaders, including Indian Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit to be held in Goa, India. Relevant arrangements are still under discussion, and we will release information in due course," he added.



In June, China blocked India's entry into the elite grouping, citing the latter's non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

BEIJING: China on Friday made it clear that it will not climb down over opposing India's bid to have Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar declared a terrorist and enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group. It made its stand clear on the eve of President Xi Jinping's visit to India to attend the two-day BRICS summit. "My colleagues have responded to the listing matters many times here. I would like to re-emphasize what have been said," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shunag said here, referring to Beijing's opposition to Azhar being declared as a terrorist. "As we speak, various parties are still divided on India's application to list certain individuals. The technical hold to the listing application gives more time to the (1267 UN) Committee for deliberation and relevant parties for further negotiations. "This also shows that China is serious and responsible for this issue," Geng said at a press conference. China has twice blocked India's attempt to get the UN to ban Pakistan-based JeM chief Azhar who is accused of plotting the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks. On India's bid to enter NSG, Geng said China stuck to its earlier stance. "China's position has not changed regarding the accession to the NSG by India and other non-NPT countries," he said. "As for the China-India leaders' meeting, President Xi Jinping will meet and talk with relevant leaders, including Indian Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit to be held in Goa, India. Relevant arrangements are still under discussion, and we will release information in due course," he added. In June, China blocked India's entry into the elite grouping, citing the latter's non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
By ANI

DAMASCUS: Amid ongoing violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad has insisted that the countrys armed forces must continue to clean up Aleppo city, even as diplomats are preparing to halt bloodshed in rebel-held areas of the city.



A renewed Syrian army offensive, supported by the Russian air power, against eastern Aleppo, has claimed the lives of more than hundred civilians in recent days, which has prompted the American- backed western forces to accuse Assad and his supporters of war crimes.



In an interview to a Russian newspaper, Assad said recently that the Syrian government has no option but to press on with its offensive.



"You have to clean. You have to keep cleaning this area and push the terrorists to Turkey ... to go back to where they come from, or to kill them, he said.



"There's no other option, but Aleppo is going to be a very important springboard to do this move," he added.



He further said, Its going to be the springboard, as a big city, to move to other areas, to liberate other areas from the terrorists, this is the importance of Aleppo now.



His remarks comes close on the heels of a meet scheduled on Saturday between United States, Russia and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar in Lausanne, Switzerland.



U.S. Secretary John Kerry will also confer with key regional and international partners in London on Sunday for further talks on ending the violence in Syria and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries, the State Department said.



Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was quoted by CNN, as saying that he hopes Saturdays discussion might launch a serious dialogue on the basis of the principles contained in the Russian-American deal, when the ceasefire agreement collapsed last month.



Russian state news agency Tass quoted Lavrov, as saying on Friday that he has no special expectations from Saturdays meeting.



We would also like to work in a concrete way and to see first to what degree our partners are prepared to comply with UN Security Council resolutions, he told a news conference in Yerevan, Armenia.



However he said, Russia will propose concrete moves to implement past Security Council resolutions on Syria.



Earlier, Lavrov said that Western partners weren't engaging in reciprocal steps to settle the Syrian crisis.



Tass, on Friday, had reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying an agreement to keep the Russian air task force at Syrias Hmeymim airfield, in Latakia province, indefinitely.

DAMASCUS: Amid ongoing violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad has insisted that the countrys armed forces must continue to clean up Aleppo city, even as diplomats are preparing to halt bloodshed in rebel-held areas of the city. A renewed Syrian army offensive, supported by the Russian air power, against eastern Aleppo, has claimed the lives of more than hundred civilians in recent days, which has prompted the American- backed western forces to accuse Assad and his supporters of war crimes. In an interview to a Russian newspaper, Assad said recently that the Syrian government has no option but to press on with its offensive. "You have to clean. You have to keep cleaning this area and push the terrorists to Turkey ... to go back to where they come from, or to kill them, he said. "There's no other option, but Aleppo is going to be a very important springboard to do this move," he added. He further said, Its going to be the springboard, as a big city, to move to other areas, to liberate other areas from the terrorists, this is the importance of Aleppo now. His remarks comes close on the heels of a meet scheduled on Saturday between United States, Russia and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar in Lausanne, Switzerland. U.S. Secretary John Kerry will also confer with key regional and international partners in London on Sunday for further talks on ending the violence in Syria and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries, the State Department said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was quoted by CNN, as saying that he hopes Saturdays discussion might launch a serious dialogue on the basis of the principles contained in the Russian-American deal, when the ceasefire agreement collapsed last month. Russian state news agency Tass quoted Lavrov, as saying on Friday that he has no special expectations from Saturdays meeting. We would also like to work in a concrete way and to see first to what degree our partners are prepared to comply with UN Security Council resolutions, he told a news conference in Yerevan, Armenia. However he said, Russia will propose concrete moves to implement past Security Council resolutions on Syria. Earlier, Lavrov said that Western partners weren't engaging in reciprocal steps to settle the Syrian crisis. Tass, on Friday, had reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law ratifying an agreement to keep the Russian air task force at Syrias Hmeymim airfield, in Latakia province, indefinitely.
By AFP

Port-au-Prince: At least 473 people are now known to have died as Hurricane Matthew leveled swaths of southern Haiti last week, officials said Tuesday, 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.

'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 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.

The world body's chief Ban Ki-moon said a massive international response was needed to help Haiti as the United Nations launched a $120 million 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 skeptical of aid promises from abroad as well as the government's 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.

Cholera fears rising

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 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 Organization, told reporters Tuesday. "Priority must be given to the institutions already working in the country."

"They know the people and therefore they are the most effective."

Port-au-Prince: At least 473 people are now known to have died as Hurricane Matthew leveled swaths of southern Haiti last week, officials said Tuesday, 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. '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 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. The world body's chief Ban Ki-moon said a massive international response was needed to help Haiti as the United Nations launched a $120 million 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 skeptical of aid promises from abroad as well as the government's 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. Cholera fears rising 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 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 Organization, told reporters Tuesday. "Priority must be given to the institutions already working in the country." "They know the people and therefore they are the most effective."
By IANS

ISLAMABAD: India has not formally conveyed any plan of sealing its border with Pakistan by December 2018, the country's Foreign Office has said.



In a response to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India would completely seal the border with Pakistan by December 2018, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Friday said: "We don't have any details."



Zakaria said that on the one hand the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other, their actions contradicted their claims, Dawn online reported.



The remarks come as India and Pakistan are locked in an unprecedented diplomatic acrimony and border tension after the September 18 terror attack on a military base in Kashmir's border town of Uri that killed 19 soldiers.



Days later, India carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads and killed an unspecified number of terrorists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.



Zakaria regretted that India had till date shared no evidence on the Samjhauta Express attack in February 2007, despite New Delhi's commitment at the highest political level to share the details in relation with the terror attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis.



The attack was carried out by Rashtriya Seva Sangh and Abhinav Bharat's operatives, he said, adding that Islamabad "has and will continue to raise the issue" with India.



Zakaria said that Pakistan was actively highlighting the Kashmir issue across Europe, Britian, North America and Nordic states, and this was the reason why "India is desperate and is making every effort to deflect attention" from the matter.



"Manifestations of these efforts are visible in their false media campaigns and false surgical strikes claim and other things like that. So, these are the reflections of the desperation of India and the pressure which is being built on India in the context of the brutalities it is committing in Kashmir."



"We have been asking for the international community's intervention in this regard and we will keep on asking for this," he said.



Zakaria said there should be an independent probe in the current unrest in the valley which has left more than 90 persons dead since July 9, a day after the killing of top militant Burhan Wani in a gunfight with the security forces.



About Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Zakaria said "the blatant lie stood exposed now".



Commenting on New Delhi's diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the region as well in the world, Zakaria said Pakistan was "not facing international isolation" and was very much engaged in world affairs.



According to him, a number of multilateral events and high-level visits were taking place in and out of Pakistan.



"More and more countries are engaging with Pakistan. Pakistan's strategic location is of immense importance," he said, citing the examples of Russia and Iran's recent engagements with Islamabad.



ISLAMABAD: India has not formally conveyed any plan of sealing its border with Pakistan by December 2018, the country's Foreign Office has said. In a response to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India would completely seal the border with Pakistan by December 2018, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Friday said: "We don't have any details." Zakaria said that on the one hand the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other, their actions contradicted their claims, Dawn online reported. The remarks come as India and Pakistan are locked in an unprecedented diplomatic acrimony and border tension after the September 18 terror attack on a military base in Kashmir's border town of Uri that killed 19 soldiers. Days later, India carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads and killed an unspecified number of terrorists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Zakaria regretted that India had till date shared no evidence on the Samjhauta Express attack in February 2007, despite New Delhi's commitment at the highest political level to share the details in relation with the terror attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis. The attack was carried out by Rashtriya Seva Sangh and Abhinav Bharat's operatives, he said, adding that Islamabad "has and will continue to raise the issue" with India. Zakaria said that Pakistan was actively highlighting the Kashmir issue across Europe, Britian, North America and Nordic states, and this was the reason why "India is desperate and is making every effort to deflect attention" from the matter. "Manifestations of these efforts are visible in their false media campaigns and false surgical strikes claim and other things like that. So, these are the reflections of the desperation of India and the pressure which is being built on India in the context of the brutalities it is committing in Kashmir." "We have been asking for the international community's intervention in this regard and we will keep on asking for this," he said. Zakaria said there should be an independent probe in the current unrest in the valley which has left more than 90 persons dead since July 9, a day after the killing of top militant Burhan Wani in a gunfight with the security forces. About Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Zakaria said "the blatant lie stood exposed now". Commenting on New Delhi's diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the region as well in the world, Zakaria said Pakistan was "not facing international isolation" and was very much engaged in world affairs. According to him, a number of multilateral events and high-level visits were taking place in and out of Pakistan. "More and more countries are engaging with Pakistan. Pakistan's strategic location is of immense importance," he said, citing the examples of Russia and Iran's recent engagements with Islamabad.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will address Indian-Americans at a charity event organised for Hindu victims of terrorism in New Jersey.

Trump's attendance and address at tomorrow's event organised by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) makes him the first presidential candidate to attend an Indian-Americans' event this election cycle. "This is a history in the making.

Never in the history of US presidential election, a candidate has come to a Hindu event," said Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition. Kumar described the concert as a "Bollywood, Tollywood, Punjabi extravaganza" to benefit Kashmiri and Hindu refugees. In a short video message last month, confirming his attendance to the event, Trump said the Hindu community had made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture.

"We look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy," he said. In a short video message, he described this as an "incredible" event. "In his video statement Trump has made terrific statements about Hindus and Indians. He has gone all out for friendship with India and Indian Americans and Hindu Americans," Kumar said.

He claims to have donated more than a million dollar to the Trump Campaign and the Republican party this election cycle. "All the proceeds from this would go for the benefit of victims of terror particularly Kashmiri Pundits and Hindu refugees from Bangladesh," he said.

This is for the first time in the last two presidential elections that a presidential candidate would be making an appearance at an Indian-American event. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organised by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes.

But those are all closed door events away from public glare. Clinton, often called as Senator from Punjab and has a large following among the Indian Americans is yet to make any public appearance before the community. But she has appointed a large number of Indian Americans in her campaign team.

A recent Pew Survey had said that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly voted for Democrats. Trump's decision is seen as an attempt to woo the small but powerful Indian-American community who can play a key role in some of the battle ground States if the race is close.

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will address Indian-Americans at a charity event organised for Hindu victims of terrorism in New Jersey. Trump's attendance and address at tomorrow's event organised by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) makes him the first presidential candidate to attend an Indian-Americans' event this election cycle. "This is a history in the making. Never in the history of US presidential election, a candidate has come to a Hindu event," said Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition. Kumar described the concert as a "Bollywood, Tollywood, Punjabi extravaganza" to benefit Kashmiri and Hindu refugees. In a short video message last month, confirming his attendance to the event, Trump said the Hindu community had made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture. "We look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy," he said. In a short video message, he described this as an "incredible" event. "In his video statement Trump has made terrific statements about Hindus and Indians. He has gone all out for friendship with India and Indian Americans and Hindu Americans," Kumar said. He claims to have donated more than a million dollar to the Trump Campaign and the Republican party this election cycle. "All the proceeds from this would go for the benefit of victims of terror particularly Kashmiri Pundits and Hindu refugees from Bangladesh," he said. This is for the first time in the last two presidential elections that a presidential candidate would be making an appearance at an Indian-American event. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organised by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes. But those are all closed door events away from public glare. Clinton, often called as Senator from Punjab and has a large following among the Indian Americans is yet to make any public appearance before the community. But she has appointed a large number of Indian Americans in her campaign team. A recent Pew Survey had said that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly voted for Democrats. Trump's decision is seen as an attempt to woo the small but powerful Indian-American community who can play a key role in some of the battle ground States if the race is close.
By IANS

DAMASCUS: At least 15 people were killed by a suspected US-led air strike on al-Raqqa, a monitor group reported.

"The warplanes, believed to be from the US-led anti-terror coalition, struck areas in the town of Dahham in al-Raqqa on Friday," Xinua news agency quoted Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying.

The UK-based watchdog group also said that the death toll could likely rise.

This is not the first US-led air strike that lead to civilian casualties. The United States has admitted before that civilian victims may have fallen during the coalition's air strikes, which had started targeting the IS positions in Syria since 2014.

In January 2014, the IS took over al-Raqqa and declared it their de facto capital.

DAMASCUS: At least 15 people were killed by a suspected US-led air strike on al-Raqqa, a monitor group reported. "The warplanes, believed to be from the US-led anti-terror coalition, struck areas in the town of Dahham in al-Raqqa on Friday," Xinua news agency quoted Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying. The UK-based watchdog group also said that the death toll could likely rise. This is not the first US-led air strike that lead to civilian casualties. The United States has admitted before that civilian victims may have fallen during the coalition's air strikes, which had started targeting the IS positions in Syria since 2014. In January 2014, the IS took over al-Raqqa and declared it their de facto capital.
By IANS

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump is toast, proclaimed the pundits for the umpteenth time since he began his dizzying presidential run as an "explosive video" hit the airwaves to send his campaign into a tailspin.

Time magazine which had done a cover on the "Melt Down" of the Republican presidential candidate in August did another about his "Total Melt Down" as appalled leaders of Trump's own party abandoned him in droves.

But the diehard believers of the Manhattan Messiah still flocking to his rallies in thousands refused to see the "huge" writing on the wall as rival Democrat Hillary Clinton enlarged her lead in polls amid a WikiLeaks drip-drip-drip-drip of embarrassing emails.

A week after a hot mic had caught him bragging about groping women with impunity in a 2005 video, Trump was defiantly standing dismissing it all as a global conspiracy of multinationals, liberal media and the "Crooked Hillary" Clinton machine.

He was not perfect, he said in a rare apology for telling "Access Hollywood" host, Billy Bush, "When you're a star, they let you do it... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything."

But it was all "locker room banter" and his Democratic rival's hubby Bill Clinton had said and done worse, Trump asserted hitting back with dirt for dirt.

And what's more, Hillary had attacked the former President's accusers more viciously than Bill, averred the billionaire as he paraded three of them as his guests at the second presidential debate.

House Speaker Paul Ryan disinvited Trump from a rally and asked his flock to fend for themselves. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee John McCain withdrew his endorsement though party chief Reince Priebus pledged "complete fidelity" to Trump.

But meeting a backlash from grassroot supporters, many "disloyal" Republican leaders got back on his train soon after the feisty second presidential debate as an "unshackled" Trump lashed out at leaders like "weak" Ryan and "loud mouth" McCain.

With only one in five Republicans calling the Trump tape as disqualifying, his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told Republican leaders: "Enough of the pussyfooting around."

Then keeping pace with the email revelations, several women came out of the shadows accusing the mogul of forcibly groping and kissing them with even mainstream media reporting their tales in salacious details in tabloid style.

Jessica Leeds, now 74, claimed Trump "was like an Octopus" during a flight to New York in 1979. His "hands were everywhere" as he kissed her "wherever he could find a landing spot".

"If he had stuck with the upper part of the body, I might not have gotten so upset," added the former travelling businesswoman strangely. "But when he started putting his hand up my skirt, that was it. I was out of there."

"The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION" Trump tweeted as he called her and other accusers "horrible horrible liars".

Meanwhile, WikiLeaks dumped thousands of emails purportedly hacked from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's account for the seventh day running.

These included messages highlighting Hillary's email scandal, Wall Street connections, handling "backroom deals" and her 2013 admission that the largest share of donations to the Clinton Foundation came from abroad.

In one of her paid speeches to Wall Street bankers, she declared, "You need both a public and a private position" as "politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavoury".

Podesta called it a "dark plot" hatched by the Russians in collusion with the Trump campaign as the US government accused Moscow of trying to influence the presidential election.

"It's flattering," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN, "but it has nothing to be explained by the facts; we have not seen a single proof."

"There are so many pussies around the presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment on this," he added in response to a cheeky question about Trump's pussy riot moment as Russia had its own Pussy Riot moment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself dismissed the "hysteria" over hacking as a diversionary tactic noting, "Everyone is saying, 'Who did it?' But does it matter that much? It's what's inside the information that matters."

Meanwhile a moveable fortune-telling Trump machine in the style of Zoltar appeared on the streets of New York City. But does the "All Seeing Trump", as it is called, know what the November 8 poll holds for him?

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump is toast, proclaimed the pundits for the umpteenth time since he began his dizzying presidential run as an "explosive video" hit the airwaves to send his campaign into a tailspin. Time magazine which had done a cover on the "Melt Down" of the Republican presidential candidate in August did another about his "Total Melt Down" as appalled leaders of Trump's own party abandoned him in droves. But the diehard believers of the Manhattan Messiah still flocking to his rallies in thousands refused to see the "huge" writing on the wall as rival Democrat Hillary Clinton enlarged her lead in polls amid a WikiLeaks drip-drip-drip-drip of embarrassing emails. A week after a hot mic had caught him bragging about groping women with impunity in a 2005 video, Trump was defiantly standing dismissing it all as a global conspiracy of multinationals, liberal media and the "Crooked Hillary" Clinton machine. He was not perfect, he said in a rare apology for telling "Access Hollywood" host, Billy Bush, "When you're a star, they let you do it... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything." But it was all "locker room banter" and his Democratic rival's hubby Bill Clinton had said and done worse, Trump asserted hitting back with dirt for dirt. And what's more, Hillary had attacked the former President's accusers more viciously than Bill, averred the billionaire as he paraded three of them as his guests at the second presidential debate. House Speaker Paul Ryan disinvited Trump from a rally and asked his flock to fend for themselves. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee John McCain withdrew his endorsement though party chief Reince Priebus pledged "complete fidelity" to Trump. But meeting a backlash from grassroot supporters, many "disloyal" Republican leaders got back on his train soon after the feisty second presidential debate as an "unshackled" Trump lashed out at leaders like "weak" Ryan and "loud mouth" McCain. With only one in five Republicans calling the Trump tape as disqualifying, his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told Republican leaders: "Enough of the pussyfooting around." Then keeping pace with the email revelations, several women came out of the shadows accusing the mogul of forcibly groping and kissing them with even mainstream media reporting their tales in salacious details in tabloid style. Jessica Leeds, now 74, claimed Trump "was like an Octopus" during a flight to New York in 1979. His "hands were everywhere" as he kissed her "wherever he could find a landing spot". "If he had stuck with the upper part of the body, I might not have gotten so upset," added the former travelling businesswoman strangely. "But when he started putting his hand up my skirt, that was it. I was out of there." "The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION" Trump tweeted as he called her and other accusers "horrible horrible liars". Meanwhile, WikiLeaks dumped thousands of emails purportedly hacked from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's account for the seventh day running. These included messages highlighting Hillary's email scandal, Wall Street connections, handling "backroom deals" and her 2013 admission that the largest share of donations to the Clinton Foundation came from abroad. In one of her paid speeches to Wall Street bankers, she declared, "You need both a public and a private position" as "politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavoury". Podesta called it a "dark plot" hatched by the Russians in collusion with the Trump campaign as the US government accused Moscow of trying to influence the presidential election. "It's flattering," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN, "but it has nothing to be explained by the facts; we have not seen a single proof." "There are so many pussies around the presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment on this," he added in response to a cheeky question about Trump's pussy riot moment as Russia had its own Pussy Riot moment. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself dismissed the "hysteria" over hacking as a diversionary tactic noting, "Everyone is saying, 'Who did it?' But does it matter that much? It's what's inside the information that matters." Meanwhile a moveable fortune-telling Trump machine in the style of Zoltar appeared on the streets of New York City. But does the "All Seeing Trump", as it is called, know what the November 8 poll holds for him?
The Chinese government will further streamline registration procedures for private businesses, to encourage entrepreneurship and improve business environment.

The new measures, including merging five business certificates into one license, which were put in place on October 1 after being initially approved in May, have significantly encouraged private businesses. The State Councils executive meeting, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on October 14, listened to a report on its implementation.

Recent figures from the General Administration for Industry and Commerce show the new streamlining efforts have had a significant impact within two weeks of implementation. The time required for registering a new business is now only two to three working days, while it previously took several months and required stacks of printed documents that had to be submitted to half a dozen departments.

The Premier remarked on the success of the new measures. He also pointed out that greater efforts were required in streamlining business registration, as too many certificates are still required for business operating.

We should cut those certificates that are not really required for starting a business, and therefore fully release the benefits of reform and the market, Premier Li said.

The Premier has continuously stressed that efforts are being taken to streamline business registration and scale back government control to meet the requirements for another round of opening up and improve Chinas global competitiveness.

A number of measures have been put in place since 2015 to integrate the business license, the organization code certificate and the certificate of taxation registration, into a single document. Another two certificates, namely the social insurance registration certificate and the statistics registration certificate, joined the ranks this month.

Chinese people do not lack the passion and wisdom for innovation and entrepreneurship, Premier Li said. The key is to properly unleash their potential.

Further measures will be introduced to better streamline business registration.

First, piloting measures in merging those certificates into the current scheme are encouraged to be taken in certain cities and regions, and will be promoted across China after proper evaluation.

Second, the government will explore the better use of Internet Plus, aiming to put the entire business registration process online. Currently, 22 provinces and cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, have launched such trials.

The meeting also called for greater efforts in on-time and in-time regulation with better information sharing and recognition among government departments.

A total of 488,000 new business licenses have been issued since October 1, and online survey shows that more than half of those surveyed gave positive comments on the business registration reform.

Figures also show that the number of new business registrations grew from about 12,000 per day in 2015 to 14,600 in the first eight months of this year, while the number was only 6,900 before the reform.

While China faces mounting downward economic pressure, the employment rate has sweetened.

Premier Li said more than 10 million urban jobs had been created since January.

This is a remarkable achievement, and the way to ensure employment is to boost market potential and vigor, Premier Li said.

The Premier also stressed the need for proper supervision in the context of the reform, while he also warned against disturbing examination to private enterprises.
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Reporter/Columnist

Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth).
A mild sedative could greatly reduce the risk of people experiencing delirium after an operation, according to new research.

The study, by scientists at Imperial College London and Peking University First Hospital, suggests sedating patients after they undergo an operation may reduce the risk of post-operative delirium by up to 65 per cent.

The condition may affect up to one in three people who have a major operation, causing confusion and hallucinations - with the over-65s particularly at risk.

The team, who publish their study tomorrow in The Lancet, believe the sedative may help the brain 'recover and reset' after surgery.

Post-operative delirium usually strikes within the first two days of a person waking from general anaesthetic.

The symptoms range from relatively mild, such as a person not knowing their name or where they are, to more severe, such as aggressive behaviour, believing people are trying to harm them, or even hallucinations.

Professor Daqing Ma, co-lead author of the new study from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, said: "Post-operative delirium is a huge challenge for the medical community - and incredibly distressing for patients and their families. In many cases patients become almost child-like, and do not understand where they are, what is happening, and become very upset. Hospital staff have also been injured by delirious patients becoming aggressive. However we currently have no treatments options available for this condition."

The causes are unknown, but one theory is that major surgery can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which in some cases can spread to the brain.

The risk of the condition increases with age, and it seems to strike more often when patients undergo major, lengthy operations.

The delirium can last from a few hours to a couple of days, and some research suggests it may be linked to an increased risk of elderly patients later developing dementia.

In the new study, co-led by Professor Dongxin Wang at Peking University First Hospital, researchers assessed 700 patients age 65 or older who were about to undergo major surgery at the Beijing hospital.

Half received a low dose of a type of sedative called dexmedetomidine after the operation, as an infusion directly into a vein in their arm, while half received a placebo salt-water infusion.

The patients received the infusion of sedative or placebo around an hour after surgery, and for the next 16 hours.

This sedative, which is commonly used for medical procedures and in veterinary medicine, leaves a patient relaxed and drowsy, yet conscious. The drug is considered safe as it doesn't affect breathing.

Both groups received the same general anaesthetic before undergoing their operation. They were then assessed for symptoms of delirium every day for a week after their procedure.

The results revealed that nearly one in four patients in the placebo group - 23 per cent - developed delirium. However only just under one in ten patients - 9 per cent - who received the sedative developed the condition.

Scientists are still unsure how the sedative works, but one theory is it allows the brain to rest and recover immediately after surgery, explained Professor Ma.

"Previous studies have shown that patients who struggle to sleep after their operation - perhaps because they are in pain or on a busy, noisy ward - are at increased risk of delirium."

He added that the sedative dexmedetomidine seems to not only trigger sleep, but actually mimics the natural state the brain enters during sleep.

"Although other sedatives induce sleep, they do not trigger the natural 'sleep state' the brain requires to rest, reset, and recover."

Professor Ma added that previous research have suggested the sedative may help prevent delirium, but this is the largest study to show such beneficial effects. The study also confirmed there were no side effects of the sedative.

Further results showed the patients given the sedative had fewer post-operative complications than the placebo group, and were discharged from hospital earlier.

The team will now assess if the sedative has long-term benefits, beyond the seven-day study period.

Professor Ma added: "There is still much more work to do around post-operative delirium, as we still don't fully understand what is happening in the brain, and why some patients are more at risk.

However these findings suggest this sedative may be a potential method of preventing post-operative delirium in some patients."

The research was funded by the Braun Anaesthesia Scientific Research Fund and Wu Jieping Medical Foundation.

CASE STUDY: "I thought I was sailing down the River Trent on a hospital ship"

Professor Michael Wang, a clinical psychologist from the University of Leicester, suffered post-operative delirium after major heart surgery in 2012.

He recalled: "I first woke around 18 hours after my operation at a Leicester hospital. A doctor was speaking with a nurse about my operation at the foot of my bed, and I asked them where we were. I thought the doctor replied Nottingham, which confused me as I thought we were in Leicester.

I formed the conclusion I was on a hospital ship, sailing down the River Trent. My operation took place over the Christmas period, and I thought perhaps the ship was a private facility allowing surgeons and anaesthetists to earn extra money.

I looked out of the window and saw trees moving past on the 'river bank', which confirmed my suspicion. I also thought I heard the sound of other ships' fog horns in the distance, which I now realise was the sound of other patients' bedside call buttons.

I kept trying to pull out the tubes in my arm and chest, which were providing vital fluid, antibiotics and monitoring as I didn't believe I needed them.

The staff, who were incredibly patient and to whom I subsequently apologised - said to me: "We know you believe this is all part of a conspiracy, but if you pull out your lines you will die."

Shortly after this, I believed I was moved into a dark room filled with rolled-up carpets. This, of course, didn't happen and I now know I stayed in my bed on the intensive care unit the whole time.

However, I was convinced I had been placed in this room, and when friends came to visit, I was puzzled by why they needed to squeeze through the gaps between the carpet rolls. I also saw a nurse nearby keeping an eye on me, perched among the rolls of carpet.

Later I awoke to find myself in a sinister Chinese mausoleum under the intensive care unit (or so I thought). It felt like some kind of nightmare, with dark recesses and glowing Chinese symbols. I have since realised these symbols were based on the illuminated heart monitor buttons on the wall opposite my bed.

Once I was discharged from intensive care (approximately three days after my operation) most of the delusions cleared.

Although my hallucinations sound frightening, I felt strangely detached from them. I think this is because of my familiarity, through my work, with the intensive care unit environment and the experiences of patients - and so part of me knew I was suffering from delusions. Indeed, I have researched post-operative delirium and I know that most patients find their experiences far more terrifying than I found mine.

However, the experience allowed me a crucial insight into what patients experience in post-operative delirium, and why it's so important to gain understanding to improve treatment and prevention of this condition."
A survey is being launched today [Friday 14 October 2016] to help understand the psychological impact on surgeons of errors or complications which arise as a result of surgical procedures.

It is hoped that the research will examine the impact that both complications and errors have on a surgeon's professional and personal life and generate a national picture of how surgeons react when things go wrong, and allow for the creation of intervention strategies that will mitigate the negative effects on surgeons and allow them to flourish within their work environment.

The research is being conducted by a research team at Bournemouth University and The Royal Bournemouth Hospital. PhD student Catherine Johnson said, "This research aims to generate a detailed understanding of the impact there is on surgeons when complications and errors occur. Once we understand what is going on we will be better placed to create support for surgeons to not only ameliorate the negative impacts of adverse events, but to ensure that their practice is maintained to the highest possible standards.

"Once surgeons complete the survey, we will have a detailed idea of the ways in which they respond to complications and errors. We recognise that all surgeons are different and that we cannot put every individual who opts for a career as a surgeon into the same 'box'. However, because we have the opportunity to reach tens of thousands of surgeons with our survey and we hope to gain a much more detailed an understanding we will have of the different ways in which surgeons may be affected by adverse surgical events. In this way we will gain valuable insights into how they might best be supported when such events inevitably occur."

The research is being supported by The Royal College of Surgeons England and the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh.

Mr Kevin Turner, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and a supervisor of the research project, said, "We all know that things can go wrong in surgery and dealing with the consequences of complications and errors is part and parcel of a surgeon's life. Very little is known about the impact that adverse events have on surgeons both professionally and personally. Our survey will provide a detailed national picture of the challenges, responses, and resilience surgeons have when dealing with adverse events and will allow the development of better targeted support. I have been very pleased to work with Bournemouth University on this project. Ultimately, I believe our research will help surgeons and will benefit our patients."

Catherine Johnson concluded, "The bottom line is that surgeons who are supported through adverse events will provide better patient care in the future. That is what we are aiming to achieve through this research and why it is so important."

Surgeons across the UK are being encouraged to participate in the survey, which takes around 15 minutes to complete, and contribute to this important research, and can do so at www.surgeonwellbeing.co.uk.
The University of Michigan will join nine other clinical centers across the country working to compare the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for women with uterine fibroids.

The five-year, $20 million project is funded by The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The effort centers around building a national registry tracking patients, treatments and outcomes.

Sites aim to enroll roughly 10,000 women aged 18-54 representing diverse geographic, racial, ethnic and clinical backgrounds who are being treated for uterine fibroids. U-M will focus recruitment for the registry on the greater Ann Arbor community, Flint, and the Detroit suburban area with the goal to recruit 500 to 1,000 women for the study.

"Uterine fibroids affect a significant population of women across the country who require some form of treatment, including medication or surgery," says Erica Marsh, M.D., chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the U-M Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the principal investigator for the Michigan site.

"Unfortunately, we don't have data that allow us to compare outcomes between patients who receive different therapies for fibroids. Understanding how quality of life, recurrence rates and fertility rates differ between treatments is critical information for women, their families and clinicians who are making decisions about fibroid care. This effort will allow us to better counsel women on the outcomes they can expect from a given treatment."

Uterine fibroids are the most common, benign tumors in women and are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the U.S. While they are asymptomatic in some women, they can sometimes lead to significant pain, bleeding, and fertility problems.

Treatment options include watchful waiting; medical treatment; embolization, ablation; and surgical procedures including myomectomy and hysterectomy.

Source: University of Michigan Health System
New Delhi: This enactment of Ramayana, as if on cue, started precisely at the point Prime Minster Narendra Modi left the narrative this Vijayadashmi.



Even the political symbolism in the choice of venue - India Islamic Centre in Delhi - matched PMs presence at the Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow earlier this week. Completing the allegorical ensemble was the cultural troupe from the country with the largest Muslim population: Indonesia.



The evening performance started with Sita Haran- the kidnapping of Sita. The aged Jatayu- vulture demigod - fights till the very last. Hes the first one to take on the Ravana, the first line of defence against terror- is probably what the Prime Minister meant- his speech replete with imagery and metaphors when he spoke in Lucknow this Tuesday.



But this Indonesian Ramlila has no dialogues. The expression and stage movement of artists tell the story. Only a background score keeps pace with the fast changing drama on stage.



The message is for our neighbours. Indonesia is a Muslim country and like India all religions are respected there," says Shiram Joshi, closely associated with the function.



Performed by Bali Ranganiketan Cultural Artists, the programme was organised by three NGOs. Under the magnificent dome of the Islamic Cultural Centre this Friday evening, they all sat- foreign diplomats, ochre robed saadhus, Maulanas in shin-length Aligari pyjama. And they all waited with patience. The chief guest was stuck in a traffic snarl on his way from Mewat in adjoining Haryana.



Almost an hour after the stipulated time- Indresh Kumar took his place on the podium and the proceedings began. On his right sat NSA Ajit Dovals son Shaurya, and alumnus of Chicago University. He, like BJP leader Ram Madhav, is now actively associated with the right-wing think tank India Foundation.



Indresh, a member of the RSS national executive, has been active as pracharak in border states including Jammu and Kashmir. Of late, he and his Muslim Rashtriya Manch have been working among religious minorities.



In his inaugural address, the RSS leader elaborates on Ramlila and its importance in the current context. Pakistan was born on the 14th of August, he says. India, that is Bharat, has had an eternal existence.



In contemporary politics, Indian Muslim or Muslim India was a debate which was started by All India Babri Masjid Action Committee leader Syed Shahabuddin at the peak of the Ram Temple Movement in the late eighties. India Islamic Centre precedes that. Indian Gandhi laid the foundation of the centre just before her assassination in 1984. She had intervened to name it thus as against the proposal to establish an Islamic India Centre in Delhi. Twenty two years later her daughter-in-law, Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the building in 2006.



The temple movement was led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Its political benefits accrued on the BJP. The title suit is pending in the Supreme Court. The Uniform Civil Code - part of BJPs original agenda along with Article 370 - has however resurfaced this autumn. The government has already filed an affidavit stating its view on triple talaaq. Thirty years back, a Congress government at the Centre was caught in a quagmire spiralling out of the Shah Bano Case.



On the sidelines of the function, Indresh Kumar speaks about all these issues.



The Muslim religious leaders should first try to arrive at a consensus among various groups," he says. It is a matter related to the rights of eight crore Muslim women in the country."



Its been a rather eclectic evening. The traffic outside on the Lodhi Road whizzes past as guests leave the venue.



After a long summer one can feel a perceptible nip in the Delhi air.


New Delhi: A top JNU Academic Council (JNUAC) member has slammed Union minister for culture, Mahesh Sharma for politicizing the universitys decision to junk a course on Yoga and said the shoddy proposal put forward by the Special Centre for Sanskrit Studies (SCSS) was rejected purely on academic grounds.



Renowned scholar and JNUAC member HS Shivaprakash said he himself was a practitioner of Yoga and a disciple of legendary yoga gurus like Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Vishnudevananda.



Naturally, I was thrilled when I heard JNU was going to introduce a course on Yoga. But as I went through the proposal put up by SCSS, I was appalled, he said.



The course material was based on only two texts. The authors of the course seemed to know nothing more about Yoga than a smattering of Patanjali Yoga. There was not a single hint of Buddhist, Jain, Shaiva, Shaktha, Vaishnava and Tantrik versions of yoga which developed in many directions post Patanjali. The course proposed on Indian culture was equally shallow, Shivprakash said.



The JNUAC move to reject the short-term Yoga course had kicked up a row with the Union culture minister pitching in accusing the university  often referred to as a Left bastion  of playing politics with the ancient Indian tradition. We are here for the people who support yoga... When we talk of yoga, everybody should rise above politics, minister Mahesh Sharma said a few days ago.



Shivaprakash said the minister shouldnt have made that accusation without verifying facts, and accused the Sanskrit department of misrepresenting facts.



When one of the highest political figures like the minister for culture issues a statement based on misinformation from aggrieved parties, I think it is my duty as a senior faculty of JNU and Member of Academic Council to clear the smog that envelops the issue in question. I am sure that the Vice Chancellor of JNU, who headed the meeting on the afternoon of July 1, 2016, and other truthful members will bear me out. It is incontrovertibly true that the courses proposed by SCSS was rejected by majority in AC. However the reason was not 'political' as representatives of SCSS have us believe. It was purely academic, he said.



Minister Mahesh Sharma refused to react to Shivaprakashs allegations.



Professor Girish Nath Jha, chairperson of Special Centre for Sanskrit Studies (SCSS), dismissed Shivaprakashs claims. The Academic Council has rejected it thrice. I am sure it has everything to do with ideology and nothing to do with merit of our proposal. They always have a problem with Sanskrit language, Indian ideology, Indian culture and other things. I dont agree that our proposal was not good, he told News18.



Explaining what happened at the Academic Council (AC) meeting, Professor Jha said three courses  Computational Linguistics, Indian Culture and Yoga Philosophy  were put up for approval.



They had no objections to first one. When the matter came to the other two, many in the AC objected. Some even said that there is nothing called Indian Culture, we have only cultures. Even about Yoga, some said that it was born in China. We have proof that Yoga is Indian and was born in India. I dont know what these people have against India and Indian culture. When other departments decide their curriculum, they dont consult Sanskrit department. But when Sanskrit departments wants to do something everyone jumps into it with their own suggestions.



Shivaprakash, a renowned Kannada author and winner of Kendra Sahitya Academy and Kendra Sangeet, Natak Academy Awards, said the SCSS tried to push through the courses on Yoga and Indian Culture in the last two JNUAC meetings unsuccessfully.



They were given suggestions to present the course again after fleshing it out to make it more comprehensive. SCSS would do nothing of the kind. They had assumed that they are laws unto themselves who did not need to heed suggestions of their inferior colleagues, he said.



Shivaprakash also rubbished allegations that the Yoga and culture courses were rejected by Left-leaning academicains of JNUAC.



When the courses were proposed again on July 7 for the the third time, the first objector was Professor Vijaya Ramaswami, herself a fine Sanskritist and a great scholar on Bhakti. I spoke next highlighting the objections mentioned in previous para. Professor Kunal Chakravarti who has been teaching Puranik traditions for decades was the next to object. Convinced by the objectivity and depth of critics, the Vice Chancellor wanted the opinion of all members. Majority of them critiqued the course not for its political content but for its academic shoddiness. It is not true that course was rejected by the diehards of the Left. Neither Prof Ramaswami nor I represent that spectrum. It is true that the more members of the Left wanted the course redone not because of their different political vantage points but because they were convinced by our response as was the Vice Chancellor, he said.



Vijaya Ramaswamy and Kunal Chakrabarty were not available to corroborate Shivaprakashs claims.






I still cant get over the surprise  or should I say shock  of hearing a Sikh woman implore other Sikhs to vote for Donald Trump. This was at Gurdwara, a Sikh temple, in San Jose, California. The woman was a white American who had converted to Sikhism, and wore ultra-traditional garb: a turban, robe, and kirpan (a ceremonial sword). She was selling bangles and religious objects outside the prayer hall.Donald Trump is the only person who can defend America from the Muslims. Lets all vote for him and save America, she said to passersby.I know I should have ignored her, but I couldnt help walking up to her and saying: Dont you realise that to the people Trump is appealing to, we are all Muslims; that the turban on your head looks very much like what Osama bin Laden wore; and that the dark skin of the people you are preaching to is what really offends these racists?She responded by yelling at the top of her lungs: Trump is going to make America great again; he tells it like it is; look at what crooked Hillary did in Benghazi. I walked away, because I realised that I was speaking to a segment of America that is not well educated and wont listen to logic.But it isnt just the uneducated, it seems. Silicon Valley, where I live, is one of the most ethnically diverse and educated places in the world. Immigrants like me fit right in and we welcome others  of all nationalities and religions. No Silicon Valley executive, with the exception of Peter Thiel, has expressed support for Donald Trump  because his values are antithetical to what the Valley stands for.So I was even more shaken up when one of my Indian-American friends, a successful venture capitalist, told me that he planned to vote for Trump because he will put the Muslims in their place. He uttered the same anti-Muslim sentiments that we hear in Trumps tirades. I was dumbfounded that there are more people in the technology world who would vote for a person who built a platform based on racism, bigotry, and xenophobia, who couldnt look beyond their religious biases.Perhaps all of this shook me up because I still vividly recall the days after 9/11, when anti-Muslim hysteria was at its peak. Dark-skinned or Arab-looking people with beards (like me) became targets of angry mobs. I had refused to heed the advice of my friends to shave my beard and had angry insults hurled at me when I ventured into a small town on my way to the North Carolina coast. Two of my Sikh friends children were so fearful that they cut their hair and removed their turbans. Indian women who wore ceremonial bindis on their foreheads were disparaged and labelled dotheads.Since 9/11, there have been dozens of hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims. This is what happens when you stoke the flames of racism and bigotry.Sadly, these are demons that Donald Trump has already unleashed on America  until recently one of the most open, inclusive, and tolerant countries in the world. Yes, all human beings have biases, and there has always been some racism beneath the surface. But America has been making great strides from its days of slavery and segregation. For the last five decades, to express racist views has become increasingly unacceptable.Now, a presidential candidate is retweeting members of the Ku Klux Klan  and his party is standing behind him. Politicians who decreed immigration and free trade are rallying against it. Respected political leaders remain silent when Trump spews racist venom, makes sexist rants against Latino beauty queens, and we see videotapes dignifying sexual abuse and misogyny.It is very likely that the majority of the US will take a stand and vote against Trump. Despite Americas flaws, it does have a collective conscience and does do the right ethical and moral things.But damage has already been done. Racism, bigotry, and xenophobia have again risen to the surface and become acceptable. The world has seen a side of America that has shocked it, and the country has lost moral ground. How will the US now stand up to tyrants who perform ethnic cleansing, leaders of corrupt banana republics who turn their countries into cash registers for their businesses, and despots who ignore the constitutions of their countries, when the same sentiments are openly being expressed by a potential president of America?Lets not forget that once the bigots have finished demonising Mexicans and Muslims and the gays and lesbians, the Jews, Hindus, Mormons, and Sikhs will be their next targets. The demagoguery will never stop.Vivek Wadhwa is a distinguished Fellow and Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Engineering at Silicon Valley. The opinions expressed by the author are personal and do not reflect the views of Network18.
Held extensive talks with President Putin. His affection for India & role in enhancing India-Russia ties is a major source of strength. pic.twitter.com/8lTUXHPtfE  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

India and Russia on Saturday said there should be zero tolerance for direct and indirect support of terrorism and that the UN global strategy on counter-terrorism should be applied without any double standards.The joint statement, signed by the two countries after two hours of talks, had a strongly worded paragraph on terrorism. PM Modi and President Putin stressed on the need to deny safe havens to terrorists, and the importance of counter-terror ideology.During talks, Modi expressed gratitude to Russia for its unequivocal support in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes the Indian Army carried out on terror camps in Pakistan-held territory.Putin highlighted combating terror as one of the priority areas in the India-Russia relationship. During the lunch meeting, Modi briefed Putin about increased cross-border infiltration from Pakistan and its inaction on 26/11 and Pathankot attacks.Despite the two sides referring to each other as especially privileged strategic partners, there is still a question mark on whether the Russia-Pakistan military exercise will happen again.India has been protesting against the joint military exercises and the issue came up during the talks on Saturday.Answering a question about the friendship exercise, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, After todays meeting, we are sure Russia would not do anything that harms our interests.It is obvious that Russia is closely watching Indias growing relationship with the US, and the military exercise with Pakistan is their way of saying we have our own options  one of the reasons why this years summit is crucial for New Delhi.PM Modi reiterated that Russia will remain Indias major defence and strategic partner. A mere reading of the 16 MoUs and three announcements between the two allies shows how India wants to broaden this relationship in the years to come.Agreements were signed on shipbuilding, joint study of a gas pipeline, railways, space cooperation and oil and gas.Major defence deals signed included the supply of S-400 anti-aircraft air defence systems, which can engage targets at a range of 400m, the joint manufacturing of Kamov helicopters and four additional frigates.Jaishankar also said that a major component of talks was around economic issues and increasing trade.Naturally we particularly focused on our trade and economic ties. We noted with satisfaction that in the composition of reciprocal export and import flows, the majority of products have high added value, including engineering and industrial processing products, Putin said.
My meeting with President Xi Jinping was fruitful. We discussed various aspects of India-China ties. pic.twitter.com/W9MxEvRbrg  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

India and China must not have any differences on the issue of terrorism and must find common ground in the UN Sanctions Committee. This was Prime Minister Narendra Modis message to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a 30-minute meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on Saturday.The meeting comes days after another face-off between New Delhi and Beijing at the United Nations, where China has virtually blocked Indias efforts to get Pathankot attack mastermind and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a terrorist.Modi discussed the issue with Xi on Saturday and reiterated the need to impose a travel ban on Azhar and freeze his assets, sources said."The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, and the need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN," Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters after the meeting."Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue. President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership. Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which is a scourge afflicting the entire region," Swarup said.China has so far maintained that Indias proposal to impose global sanctions on Azhar does not meet the criteria  the only nation to hold this view in the 15-member UN Sanctions Committee. Rest all have backed India.Beijings technical hold on the proposal ends in three months and it will have to decide on the issue one way or the other.Swarup said the issue will be discussed again in a meeting between the National Security Advisers of both countries. He, however, did not say when and where the meeting would take place.The other contentious issue discussed in the meeting was Indias bid to enter the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group, where China wants the relaxations made for India to be made for Pakistan too.Swarup said while one round of negotiations have taken place on the issue, another round of dialogue will be held soon, which will be helpful.The BRICS Summit was officially underway on Saturday evening and will continue on Sunday where Modi will be hoping to further diplomatically isolate Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and the subsequent surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army on terror camps in Pakistan-held territory.Apart from security and counter-terror cooperation, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  or BRICS  will also focus on boosting trade ties and discuss measures to arrest the alarming rise in global warming.The five emerging markets represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population, and have a combined GDP of $16.6 trillion.
Nashik: Curfew continued to remain in force in seven villages of Igatpuri and Trimbakeshwar tehsils in the wake of group clashes and incidents of stone pelting following alleged rape attempt of a minor girl by a teenager here, even as police have so far arrested 117 people in connection with rioting, stone-pelting and arson.



While curfew was imposed in eight villages in Igatpuri and Trimbakeshwar tehsils in Nashik on Wednesday night, it was lifted from one village on Friday.



According to police, the situation in Nashik city and parts of the district remained under control and no untoward incident was reported in the last two days.



Protests had 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.



Meanwhile, condition of the minor victim, who was admitted in Nashik Civil Hospital is stable and improving.



Addressing a joint press conference, Special Inspector General (Nashik range), Vinaykumar Choube and Commissioner of Police Ravindra Singhal said, "In Nashik rural, 82 persons have been arrested and 23 offences for rioting, stone pelting and arson have been registered so far."



Besides, in Nashik city, 20 cases were registered in different police stations and 72 persons involved in these incidents since Sunday have been identified, of which 35 have been arrested, they said.



"Curfew was clamped in eight villages in the district on Wednesday night. However, curfew in Vilholi village in Igatpuri tehsil was lifted today, while that in seven other villages will continue till Saturday," they said.



Mobile internet services continued to remain suspended to prevent spread of rumours and are likely to be restored tomorrow, after taking a review of the situation, Singhal

said.



"Police are keeping a tab on social media to find out the spread of any troublesome messages. So far, seven persons were booked for allegedly circulating wrong messages on social networking sites and one person was also traced for spreading messages on Facebook," the Commissioner said.



Choube said, District Collector B Radhakrishnan and District superintendent of Police (Rural) Ankush Shinde are visiting the sensitive areas in Nashik and appealing people to assist the administration and police for keeping peace.



"City police also conducted raids on some people's houses and recovered two pistols, five live cartridges and other arms on Thursday," Singhal added.



Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Social Justice, Ramdas Athawale will visit the city late on Friday night and hold talks with the district and police authorities on Saturday over the situation, an official statement said.
New Delhi: Faced with the threat of escalation of terror attacks in India post the surgical strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the union government is trying to revive the controversial national counter terror center (NCTC).



The idea of NCTC was mooted by former Home Minister P Chidambaram after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks but had to be dropped after severe opposition from then Gujarat Chief Minister and now PM Narendra Modi.



As head of parliamentary committee on home affairs, Chidambaram asked Union Home Secretary on Friday if government had any plans to revive NCTC. Sources said the Union Home Secretary was non-committal.



But CNN-News18 has learnt that government has carried out multiple meetings on the issue of NCTC and is wiling to rework the draft proposal to take into account concerns expressed by state governments earlier.



Interestingly, Chidambaram's successor Sushil Kumar Shinde had offered a watered-down version of NCTC, but state CMs lead by Narendra Modi had opposed the very idea of NCTC.



The NCTC as originally envisaged was supposed to be an independent counter-terror body but subsequently it was agreed upon to locate it within the Intelligence Bureau.



The mandate of NCTC was to carry out counter-terror operations and collect, collate and disseminate data on terrorism.



They were also empowered to carry out counter-terror operations and to this state governments objected.



State governments argued that law and order is a state subject and a central body carrying out operations in state would mean attack on federal structure.



The altered proposal from Sushil Kumar shinde said senior-most police officers in all states - the Director Generals of Police and the chiefs of anti-terror squads of all states will be members of the Standing Council of the NCTC. They will be informed before the NCTC conducts an operation in their state.






Benaulim: Seeking to further isolate Pakistan on terror, India will mount a major diplomatic offensive against it and push for stepped up cooperation, including support for a comprehensive global convention to tackle the menace, when it hosts the annual summit of BRICS, a 5-nation grouping representing nearly half of the world's population.



The summit, being attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa, is likely to deliberate on a range of key issues including confronting threat of terror and boosting trade and investment.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leaders will discuss ways to address "pressing international and regional challenges that stand in the way of our goals".



"I am optimistic that the BRICS Summit will strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation and advance our common agenda for development, peace, stability and reform," the Prime Minister said in a Facebook post.



The five BRICS countries represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population and they have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion.



India is likely to push for unity among the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) members to remove the logjam at the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for effectively dealing with terror. Initiated by India, the CCIT is stuck at the UN due to lack of agreement among its members about the definition of terrorism.



India is also expected to push for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations in the area of counter-terrorism.



Preceding the BRICS summit, Modi is likely to raise the issue of terrorism with Putin and other leaders tomorrow when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.



Addressing a press conference today, India's envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran, replying to a question on Russia's recent military exercise with Pakistan, said India expected Moscow to reflect on its concerns.



As the top leaders of the grouping meet within weeks of Uri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit as also the BIMSTEC outreach meet being held the same day, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.



"Representing nearly two thirds of humanity together, we hope to tap the potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring," Modi said on the first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.



India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism.

The Prime Minister, without naming Pakistan, had told the



G-20 that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated.



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in her address to the UN General Assembly, had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in strikes in India, including Uri, are a "living proof" of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror.



Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS who will attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.



New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when these leaders attend the BRICS- BIMSTEC outreach meet.



This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to holding such an event.



Indian officials have made it clear that New Delhi's effort would be to have "strong language" used in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism, including on how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.



"Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will be reiteration of national positions," Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said.



During the meeting of National Security Advisors (NSA) of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched for action to be taken against not only the sources of finance but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition.



Three MoUs, including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs, have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries.



The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports.



The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech by the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat.



Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international matters.
Seeking to allay India's concern over Russia's growing military ties with Pakistan, a top official and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said there are no talks for sale of military equipment to Pakistan and that the recently held army exercise was directed at countering terrorism and not aimed at India.Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, asserted that the military exercise does not show a "significant" change in his country's relations with Pakistan."Our relationship with Pakistan has existed for a while. In some areas it has broadened but I will not call it as significant change," Chemezov, who was the KGB station chief in Germany when Putin was a young operative there, told a select group of journalists.Asked about the recently held army exercise, Chemezov said it was directly connected with modern way of specialised fight against terrorists.Highlighting terrorism, he said that ISIS was not just an Arab danger but a global one."ISIS is a global danger and it not just involves terrorism in the Arab world but does involve terrorists in Russia, India as well as Pakistan. We feel that joint military exercise in this area are vital for world peace. These exercises are not in any way targeted at anything to do with India or any other country," Chemezov said.Asked about the sale of Mi 35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, Chemezov said that Russia has "not delivered any modern aircraft or any military aircraft to Pakistan"."We have made deliveries of helicopters but those are specialised transport helicopters. Delivery has already been made. There is no contract negotiations for any military related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan," he said.Chemezov said that Russia would be glad to cooperate with India on the issue of terrorism and would be happy to not just provide equipment and weapons but also share best practices of its special forces and increase cooperation.
Mumbai: Yuva Sena president Aditya Thackeray on Saturday criticised the NDA government, in which Shiv Sena is an alliance partner, saying the ruling dispensation is "not different" from previous "incompetent" UPA regime as people's issues remain unresolved.



Aditya, son of Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, organised a protest march against state government to highlight its "inaction" on policy issues in education sector.



The march, called 'KG to PG', was first such protest to be organised under the leadership of the Thackeray scion in the view of upcoming elections to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), due next year.



The march started from Wilson College at Girgaum chowpatty and ended with Aditya's address at Islam Gymkhana.



On the occasion, he said Sena initially thought that the NDA government is "their" own which will provide relief to people after 15 years of "misrule" by the previous Congress-NCP government, but the present regime has proved to be a dampener.



"The previous government was an incompetent and an ineffective government and this government is not different (either). People's issues remain unresolved," Aditya said.



He said Yuva Sena was forced to take out morcha as the issues concerning students remained unresolved despite assurance by Education Minister Vinod Tawde.



"The journey of the last one-and-a-half years has been more of promises rather than good governance. It seems as if all demands have been put on ATKT (a process in education system that allows students of pre-graduation and graduation to study in the next grade if they have failed in 1 to 4 subjects)," the Yuva Sena chief said.



He asked the government to declare timing when it will come out with a law regarding admissions in KG class, and called for doing away with the practice of conducting interviews of parents at the time of admission of their wards.



"In last year, 1.5 lakh students failed in class IX exams. This is the condition of our education sector. This year, two lakh students have failed to receive admissions in the online admission system of this government. Why was this system brought anyway," he questioned. Aditya said the concept of 'Digital India' is a "farce".



"If government wants it (Digital India) to succeed, it should come out with a helpline number along with a WhatsApp number rather than only having a website. We keep asking questions but receive no reply. Why has the issue of excess weight of school bags not been resolved yet?



"It's been two years now and people are asking us when will 'acche din' actually arrive," the young leader said.



Aditya's broadside came against the backdrop of growing chasm between Sena and BJP, with leaders of both the parties attacking each other over issues of governance and corruption.



On its annual Dussehra rally on Tuesday, Uddhav had dared BJP to snap ties, in response to BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's statement that BJP can fight BMC polls on its own strength.



BMC is ruled by the saffron combine of Sena and BJP, with the former being a major partner in power.




I'm just chillin getting ready for #amazonindiafashionweek @zobelloclothing #photography @amit_arora_photography @strawberrifox @qmodels #strawberrifox A photo posted by RL Bond (@imrlbond) on Oct 11, 2016 at 9:34pm PDT

New Delhi: The 28th edition of FDCI's ongoing Amazon India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2017 will be remembered not only for its glamour but also for first-of-its-own-kind shows.Not only are the menswear shows hit because of the designers presenting some spic and span ensembles but also for the drool-worthy male-models who walk the ramp. Their signature beards and muscular physique set the ramp ablaze, each time they get down to business.We've heard a lot about women models taking the lead but it's now time to acknowledge the men who manage to win applauds and exhibit collections in the most sassiest ways. No, we aren't objectifying them; we're solely acknowledging their silent efforts in the world of showbiz and glamour.Here's a feast-your-eyes-on kind of a list of 4 of the most good-looking models you should look out for in this edition of AIFW.
New Delhi: THE man who penned the cheering script for the Narendra Modi wave of 2014 will now try a hand at giftwrapping the Badals in Punjab.



The ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has roped in Piyush Pandey and his Ogilvy & Mather ad agency to dust up the image of the party and its leadership as they prepare for the state Assembly polls slated early next year.



SAD MP Naresh Gujral who is putting the final touches to the deal told News18 that the traditional Akali vote bank was intact but their "publicity campaign needs a professional touch".



"O&M will guide us on how to present facts before the people in the right manner. Biased news reports have to be debunked," he said.



O&M co-executive chairman and national creative director Piyush Pandey said the talks with SAD is in the conclusive stage.



"It is too early to say what will be the nature of this campaign, we are in the process of working on the campaign," he told News 18.



News18 learns that O&M has been primarily roped in to alter the impression of the state under the SAD rule as a drug haven. Party sources said that despite an 80 percent conviction rate of drug suppliers and drug users, the state continues to be a drug corridor. SAD wants O&M to help them rebuild the image of government as one with zero tolerance to drugs.



The party wants to portray that Punjab under Akalis had a decade of "tranquility and tarakki," a SAD leader said requesting anonymity.



Pandey had redefined brand-building for political campaigns in India by coining the catch phrase 'Ab ki baar Modi Sarkaar for the heavyweight campaign run by Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. A runaway hit, the slogan helped make the 2014 polls a presidential style campaign and Modi romped home with a massive verdict.



However, Pandey's task in Punjab would be a lot tougher. After 10 years in power, the Badals are facing a massive anti-incumbency and all the pre-poll surveys show the Aam Aadmi Party emerging winner with a comfortable majority. The rampant drug abuse in the state, attributed to political patronage, hasnt helped matters.



One factor going strong for SAD despite the anti-incumbency is the support of partner BJP. A BJP leader said the party will back up the SAD campaign with all its might. BJP President Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitely will attend an event at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on October 31. A day later the prime minister is expected to be in Punjab.
Ludhiana: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh on Saturday said if his party is voted to power it would abolish contractual system of appointments in the government, particularly in municipal corporations, committees and other local bodies.



"All the employees working on ad hoc or daily wage basis in these bodies will be regularised once the Congress comes to power," he said at a function here on the eve of Parkash Parv of Bhagawan Valmiki.



Urging the Valmiki Samaj to support the Congress in the upcoming Punjab elections, he said, "If the party comes to power (financial assistance) under the Shagun Scheme will be

increased to Rs 50,000 while old age, handicapped and widow pensions will be increased to Rs 2,000 a month."



"We will also provide 300 units of electricity for free to the poor and not only continue the Aata-Daal scheme, but will provide tea and sugar under it," he assured.



Punjab AICC-in-charge Asha Kumar appealed people to help the Congress form government.



She added the party is committed to the welfare and uplift of downtrodden people.
Samsung did launch the Galaxy Note 7 in India and had opened pre-booking for customers. But the exploding Note 7 took center stage and the Galaxy Note 7 never made it to the store. Many who had pre-booked the Note 7 in India were left with no answer as to what will happen to their money.Samsung latest statement has offered those customers some relief. Samsung India announced that in lieu of the Galaxy Note7 Pre-book offer, they would like to provide customers with an exclusive Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge offer.On purchase of Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, you will get the following benefits they'll be shipping the new Samsung Gear VR, absolutely free. Along with that, they will also ship free Samsung Level U  Stereo Wireless Headset. That's not all to gain customer confidence they will be bundling in an Oculus VR content voucher worth Rs 3,300.In addition, Samsung would also offer you One Time Screen Replacement for a period of 12 months from date of activation.Samsung has asked their pre-booking Note 7 customers to visit the retailer or online portal from where they had pre-booked their Galaxy Note7 to avail this offer.For customers who are not interested in this offer, Samsung is offering a full refund of the pre-booking amount from the retailer or online portal.
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.
Vzuelan awarded $160,000 for false imprisonment

The assessment of damages was done by Master Patricia Sobion-Awai in favour of Jose Ali Arreaza Lanza, of Tucupita, Venezuela.

Lanza had been arrested on April 30,2010, after the boat he was in was intercepted by the Coast Guard in the waters off Cedros. The captain of the vessel was ordered to the Cedros Port where they met Customs officers.

Lanza produced his firearms licence for the Browning nine millimetre pistol and ammunition he had in his possession and explained that on his last entry into the country he was told he had to lodge his firearm at the police station and retrieve it upon his departure.

He was never given that opportunity as he was immediately slapped with a Customs charge of importing the pistol and ammunition not being the holder of a firearm users licence and then four hours later was taken to the Cedros Police Station where he was charged with possession of the firearm and ammunition.

He was detained at the station, where he slept on the ground until May 3,2010, when he was taken to the Point Fortin Magistrates Court.

He was remanded for three days as bail had been refused. While waiting to be taken to the Remand Yard following his first appearance, Lanza fell ill and had to be warded for four days for uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension.

He was taken back to court when he was discharged and was granted bail.

On May 20, when he returned to court when the matter against him was dismissed after the prosecution issued notices of discontinuance.

Lanza was represented by Shankar Bidaisee.
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(Newser)  Gunmen stormed the house of a longtime American aid worker in Niger, killing two people before fleeing with the man toward the border with Mali, authorities say. It is believed to be the first time an American citizen has been abducted in the vast Sahel region, where al-Qaeda and criminal gangs have long targeted French nationals and other Europeans for kidnappings and demanded millions of dollars for their release, the AP reports.

"We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a US citizen in Niger," a State Department official said after the abduction late Friday. "The US Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas." There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though al-Qaeda-linked militants have abducted foreigners in Niger and brought them to northern Mali before. (Read more Niger stories.)
(Newser)  LAPD Sgt. Frank Preciado tells NBC Los Angeles it was "one of the most horrific crime scenes I've seen in a while." Three people were killed and a dozen wounded in a gun battle that broke out shortly after midnight Saturday inside a Los Angeles restaurant. Police believe it started with an argument during a birthday party at a "makeshift restaurant without permits." The Los Angeles Times describes the businessnamed Dilly'sas a Jamaican restaurant with a DJ and dominoes games operating out of house. Police say three people left Dilly's during the party and came back with guns. They started shooting at another group at the party, and others shot back. Diners were caught in the crossfire.

When we got there, there were three people dead and people running everywhere, Preciado says, describing a "bloody scene with shell casings everywhere." Approximately 50 people were in the restaurant when the shooting started. "It was just 'pop, pop, pop, pop, pop," a neighbor says. "It didn't stop. It just kept going." Two people of interest have been detained, and police are looking for suspects and witnesses. Some of the wounded are in critical condition. A neighbor tells CBS Los Angeles he was shocked when he heard about the shooting. "Around this area...we dont really have any problems with anybody," he says. "Everyone knows everyone and were all pretty much like family." (Read more shooting stories.)
(Newser)  A woman with mysterious chest pains was in a prickly situation thanks to the porcupine quill she unwittingly swallowed, and which in turn poked a hole in her aorta. Live Science reports the 49-year-old woman went to the ER with shortness of breath and chest pains that worsened when she would lie down. Doctors thought she was just having a panic attack and sent her home. But her symptoms continued, and she went to a different ER a week later. This time doctors found fluid around her heart and a defect on the wall of her aorta. They admitted her for treatment. The fluid around her heart had to be drained every few days because it kept building up, and the defect on her aorta appeared to be growing.

Doctors decided to operate on the woman and discovered a "black, sharp object" that "appeared to be a quill" stuck in her aorta. Tests confirmed it was a porcupine quill. That's when the woman revealed her dog had a run-in with a porcupine a few weeks before her symptoms started. She must have accidentally eaten one of the quills while removing them from her dog. The quill then poked through her esophagus and into her aorta. "Sharp foreign body ingestion is extremely rare but poses devastating complications and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with otherwise unexplained chest pain," a report published recently in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants concluded. (Read more porcupine stories.)
(Newser)  John Kerry says Yemen's Houthi rebels released two US citizens on Saturday, the AP reports. The US Secretary of State said the unidentified Americans were freed as part of a complicated diplomatic arrangement that included airlifts for Yemenis wounded by an airstrike this past week carried out by a Saudi-led coalition. Kerry said the US has been working on such efforts for the past few days, alongside a push for a cease-fire in Yemen that would allow the country's internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis to return to negotiations. The state-run Oman News Agency said two Americans "held" in Yemen were released and flown to the sultanate following negotiations between Omani officials and "Yemeni authorities" in the capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis and their allies.

Kerry said the US was "very pleased" with the release of the two Americans and was working to resolve other hostage situations in Yemen and elsewhere. Yemen's war pits the government against the Shiite Houthi rebels and allied army units loyal to a former president. A Saudi-led coalition has been intervening on the side of the government since March 2015. After peace talks broke down two months ago, the Saudi-led and US-backed coalition stepped up airstrikes and forced the closure of Sanaa's international airport. Negotiators representing the Houthis and their allies ended up stranded in Oman, but were allowed to return to Yemen under the latest deal. (Read more Yemen stories.)
Our planet earth seems to be more crowded as a group of scientists, engineers, businessmen, and lawyers unveiled their plans on Wednesday at a press conference in Paris to create the "first nation state in space" to be called "Asgardia". Their goal is to become the guardians of Earth that will foster peace, open up access to space technologies and offer protection for citizens of planet Earth.

Asgardia was named in honor of Norse, an ancient mythological city in the skies ruled by Odin from Valhalla. Asgardia satellite is planned to be launched in autumn 2017, it will comprise the nation itself, creating its own legal framework, flag, national anthem and other symbols of nationhood.

This project was lead by Igor Ashurbeyli, a Russian nanoscientist and businessman who believes the celestial state will one day join the United Nations. He is also the founder of the Aerospace International Research Center in Vienna and is currently the chairman of UNESCO's Science of Space committee.

The project's website states Asgardia will offer an independent platform free from the constraint of a land-based country's laws. It will become a place it in orbit which is truly 'no man's land".

Asgardia is the prototype of a free and unrestricted society, which holds knowledge, intelligence and science at its core along with the recognition of the ultimate value of each human life.

Initially, the nation space will consist of at least one satellite launched into orbit as early as next year, with its citizens residing firmly on terra firma.

How to join and become a citizen?

People who are interested to join Asgardia, can register as easy as signing up online and, theoretically, you can become a citizen of Asgardia.

Currently the project hopes to reach 100,000 citizen to be apply the Asgardia to the United Nation for official nation status.

However, even registered as citizen of Asgardian, a citizen won't actually reside on the satellite.

"Physically the citizens of that nation state will be on Earth; they will be living in different countries on Earth, so they will be a citizen of their own country and at the same time they will be citizens of Asgardia," Mr Ashurbeyli said.

So far the technical details are scarce but a spokesperson for the consortium said the Asgardia group will continue to reveal information and believes it will be able to launch its first satellite into space within 18 months.

Hoping Possibilities Beyond Earth

The project proposal and vision for Asgardia is lofty. The team says that one of their early plans is to create "a state-of-the-art protective shield for all humankind from cosmic, manmade and natural threats to life on earth." Such threats, they say, include the dangers posed by space junk, and even asteroids. But, at present, details remain hazy about what form such a shield could take.

And while the project does not currently include plans to set up an Asgardian settlement in space, Ashurbeyli believes life beyond Earth will be vital to the future of humankind. "We are laying the foundations to make that possible in the distant future," he said.
It appears that World War 3 may be happening soon as Russia launches the Topol missile from a submarine in the Barents Sea. This missile is considered as the fastest in the world.

"This is a conflict, there should be no doubt," said Matthew Rojansky, director of the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center, according to CNN.

According to reports, RS-12M Topol is a deadly, single-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile which covers a range of 10,000 kilometres or 6,125 miles. This can also bear nuclear warhead, with a yield of 550 kilotons.

Three ballistic missiles were recently launched by Russia. Aside from the Topol missile, another missile was launched from a north-west island. A nuke rocket from a Pacific Fleet submarine was also launched in the Sea of Okhotsk over Japan.

Just recently, two rockets were launched aiming at the coast of Antalya, Turkey where many UK nationals are holidaying. Although there are no casualties with the launch, many are speculating that it could be Russia who did the rocket attack.

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shogi said that World War 3 is not happening. He stipulated that the launch are "normal combat training manoeuvres" and will not be a threat to world peace.

"The ideas of a military war, a new cold war or an arms race are being circulated. Of course, it is not true," he said.

In another news, Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling out Russian relatives of officials who are living or schooling abroad to go back home. This move could be because of the possibility of sparking World War 3 anytime due to the conflict of US and Russia over the civil war in Syria.

It is known that Russia sent airstrikes to Syria to kill the rebels. But the concern of US is the innocent lives being taken because of the attacks. Since Russia has expressed their intention to pulverize and flatten Aleppo, there is a possibility that US and UK will intervene by reviewing the military options of the Russian campaign.
Washington:

US First Lady Michelle Obama on Thursday launched a scathing takedown of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, calling his sexually aggressive comments about women disgraceful and intolerable.



Obama, a Harvard-educated lawyer who has largely shunned the political limelight to focus on education and health issues, galvanized a rally for Democrat Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire with an impassioned plea to stop this madness.



Her comments came as Trump fought back against a cascade of allegations of sexual misconduct, which surfaced just days after a video emerged of him boasting that his fame allowed him to grope women with impunity.

Also read: Donald Trump touched two women inappropriately? His lawyer sends legal notice to New York Times



This wasnt locker room banter. This was a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behaviour. And actually bragging about kissing and groping women, said the 52-year-old first lady.



It doesnt matter what party you belong toDemocrat, Republican, independentno woman deserves to be treated this way. No one deserves this kind of abuse.



She lashed out at what she called Trumps cruel and frightening attitude towards women, while deliberately never using his name.It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldnt have predicted, she said.



This is not normal. It is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful. It is intolerable.



Trumps presidential bid was teetering after claims from at least six women surfaced, alleging that he had made unwanted sexual advances towards them in the past, including groping and kissing.



The Manhattan billionaire said on Sunday in his second presidential debate with Clinton that despite his lewd conversation with then Access Hollywood host Billy Bush in 2005 captured on video, he had never sexually assaulted women.



Trump has vehemently denied the claims reported by various US media outlets including The New York Times, NBC and People magazine, slamming them as politically-motivated and threatening to sue the Times.



The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION, Trump posted on Twitter. But Michelle Obama nevertheless attacked him with a vengeance.



The men in my life do not talk about women like this, she said. This is not how decent human beings behave and this is certainly not how someone who wants to be president of the United States behaves.She championed Clinton as a unifying force and said only she could help heal the wounds that divide us.

The first lady warned that if Trump were elected, were telling our sons that its okay to humiliate women. Were telling our daughters that this is how they deserve to be treated.



While our mothers and grandmothers were often powerless to change their circumstances, today we as women have all the power we need to determine the outcome of this election, Obama said to cheers.We have knowledge. We have a choice. We have a vote.

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Benaulim (Goa):

Issues such as Indias NSG membership bid and China blocking UN ban on JeM chief and Pathankot attack mastermind Masood Azhar are likely to be raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Goa on Saturday.



A range of key bilateral and international issues including ways to tackle threat of terrorism besides security situation in the region are also likely to figure in the talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.



Ahead of Saturdays meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said in Beijing on Friday that there was no change in Chinas stand on Indias NSG membership bid and New Delhis attempts to get Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN.

Also read: China strikes its guns, says no change in its stand on Indias NSG bid and Masood Azhar ban



The spokesperson said relations between India and China made great headway despite some disputes but there was no change in Beijings stand on the issues of NSG and Azhar.



Geng said China maintains that 1267 Committee of the UN designated to ban terrorist outfits should work on true facts and make a decision according to consensus of its members.



On the NSG issue, the spokesperson said, Chinas position has not changed regarding the joining of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by India.

Also read: BRICS Summit: India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic ties, says PM Modi

According to Indian officials, New Delhis NSG membership bid and Azhar issue are set to be discussed by the Indian side in tomorrows meeting.



Xi is arriving in Goa on Saturday to participate at the annual BRICS summit. Prime Minister Modi and Xi had last met on the sidelines of G-20 in Hangzhou in September.

Also read: India expected to continue its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on terror issue

Also read: India Pakistan tensions overshadow BRICS summit as India seek to isolate Pakistan on terrorism



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Benaulim:

India will look to corner Pakistan at the BRICS summit while trying to diplomatically isolate it on the terror front. Further, India will also push for stepped up cooperation, including support for a comprehensive global convention to tackle the menace, when it hosts on Sunday the annual summit of BRICS, a 5-nation grouping representing nearly half of the world's population.

The summit, being attended by Russian President VladimirPutin, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders ofBrazil and South Africa, is likely to deliberate on a range ofkey issues including confronting threat of terror and boostingtrade and investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leaders willdiscuss ways to address "pressing international and regionalchallenges that stand in the way of our goals".

"I am optimistic that the BRICS Summit will strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation and advance our common agenda fordevelopment, peace, stability and reform," the Prime Minister said in a Facebook post.

The five BRICS countries represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population and they have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion. India is likely to push for unity among the BRICS(Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) members to remove the logjam at the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for effectively dealing with terror.

Also read: PM Modi to meet Chinese premier Xi Jingping at BRICS Summit, may discuss NSG bid and Masood Azhar

Initiated by India, the CCIT is stuck at the UN due tolack of agreement among its members about the definition ofterrorism. India is also expected to push for enhanced cooperationamong BRICS nations in the area of counter-terrorism. Preceding the BRICS summit, Modi is likely to raise theissue of terrorism with Putin and other leaders tomorrowwhen a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the sea side venue.

Addressing a press conference today, India's envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran, replying to a question on Russia's recentmilitary exercise with Pakistan, said India expected Moscow to reflect on its concerns.

As the top leaders of the grouping meet within weeks ofUri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, India will beforceful in its demand at BRICS Summit as also the BIMSTEC outreach meet being held the same day, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

"Representing nearly two thirds of humanity together, wehope to tap the potential for cooperation and the dividendsthis will bring," Modi said on the first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. India has made strong references both at UNGA as well asG-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Also read: BRICS Summit: India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic ties, says PM Modi



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Mumbai:

Amid growing demand for a ban on Pakistani artistes, Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) on Thursday puts an uncertainty on the release of Karan Johar's "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", which sees Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in a supporting role and is slated to arrive in theatres this Diwali.

COEAI also decided not to release movies starring actors from Pakistan in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

Also Read: Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' gets U/A certificate by Central Board of Film Certification

Addressing the media, COEAI's president Nitin Datar said that the decision was not taken under any political pressure,but rather, keeping public sentiment in mind. "Today, the meeting of Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India took place and it was decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country, we request all our members and exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artist, technicians, directors,music directors etc," Datar said.

"We are also in the process of requesting other associations connected with the film industry to support the sentiments in the best interest of our nation."

He said that while the decision to not screen certain films would cause monetary losses for the theatre owners,there might have been greater damage if their screens were vandalised.

"The association is not going to screen any movie and the decision implies from today until things don't get normal.States included under the association are Gujarat,Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa," Datar added. In the wake of Uri attack last month, Fawad, Mahira Khanand other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out. The party has also threatened to stall the releases of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and "Raees", starring Mahira in the lead role.

Subsequently, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a motion to ban artistes from across the border from working in the industry till Indo-Pak relations are normalised. It, however, had said that "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", "Raees"and other films starring Pakistani actors, which have completed production, would not be affected.

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Benaulim:

India and Russia strengthened their bilateral relationship by signing major defence deals worth billions of dollars on Sunday. The deal is being considered highly important for Moscow too as it tries to fight tough competition from the Americans and Europeans to continue being New Delhi's foremost defence supplier.

While India and Russia will sign a "complex agreement" for production of 200 Kamov, 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's ageing Cheetah and Chetak choppers, a deal on naval frigatesis also likely. Russian media reports have said other major deals will be signed too.

Also read: Modi, Putin to ink deal on S-400 air defence missile systems at BRICS meet

The most strategic important military deal will be the one for the supply of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has been quoted assaying by TASS news agency that the deal for the air defencesystem will be signed. India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least S S400 systems that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creatinga layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.

Also read: All you need to know about stealth frigates, S-400 anti-aircraft system and Kamov 226T helicopters

Other contracts that both countries are eyeing relate to the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, leasing of a second nuclear submarine by India and production of a new version of the BrahMos missile.

While Russia has traditionally being India's main defence supplier, recent years have seen American and European companies making a big headway. Russia has slowly fought back and offered a slew of equipment, even under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Also read: PM Modi welcomes Russian President Putin ahead of Rs 39,000 crore defence deal

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New Delhi:

Air India flight AI 438 carrying MP Narendra Singh Tomar encountered a technical glitch and was forced to make an emergency landing in Bhopal on Friday night.

The flight from Delhi averted a huge tragedy due to the safe landing and the minister was reported to be completely safe.

Further, more than 100 passengers traveling in the flight were also reported to be safe. The Air India flight is expected to stay in Bhopal until its technical issues are addressed properly.

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Washington:

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday blamed Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, who is the largest shareholder in The New York Times, for the daily coming out with stories against him.

"The largest shareholder in the Times is Carlos Slim. Now Carlos Slim, as you know, comes from Mexico. He's given many millions of dollars to the Clintons and their initiatives. So Carlos Slim, largest owner of the paper, from Mexico," Trump said at an election rally in North Carolina.

"Reporters at The New York Times, they're not journalists, they're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and for Hillary Clinton. We're going to let foreign corporations and their CEO's decide the outcomes of the (elections). You just can't do this," he said.

Over the weekend, the daily came out with stories in which in interviewed women who have accused him of inappropriate relationship.

"We can't let this (foreign influence) happen. We are not going to let it happen where they decide the outcome of our elections. They can't do it and we're not going to let it happen. This is our last chance to save our country and reclaim it for we the people, and it's going to happen," he said amidst applause.

Trump alleged that no paper is more corrupt than the failing New York Times.

Also read:

New York Times dares Donald Trump to go ahead with his lawsuit threat, stands by its story accusing Republican nominee of sexual assault

Donald Trump touched two women inappropriately? His lawyer sends legal notice to New York Times

Two American women accuse Donald Trump of inappropriate touching, says report

"The good news is it is failing, it won't be around too much longer. But they are really, really bad people? he said. The real estate mogul said he is being viciously attacked with lies and smears.

"It's a phony deal. I have no idea who these women are, have no idea. I have no idea. I think you all know I have no idea because you understand me for a lot of years. When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said I don't think so. I don't think so," he said amidst applause.

"Whoever she is, wherever she comes from, the stories are total fiction. They're 100 per cent made up, they never happened, they never would happen. I don't think they'd happen with very many people but they certainly aren't going to happen with me. Folks, you know my people always say, oh don't talk about it, talk about jobs, talk about the economy. Don't worry, your jobs are going to be coming back to North Carolina like you've seen, the economy's going to be good," he said.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed 16 defence agreements worth Rs 39,000 crores as a part of 17th India-Russia Annual Summit ahead of eight BRICS Summit to be held in Goa on October 15 and 16.

Earlier, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African premier Jacob Zuma were first amongst global leaders to arrive for the BRICS Summit in Goa on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the venue on Friday night.



The eighth edition of the international conference will begin shortly in Goas Taj Hotel as leaders from BRICS countries will continue to arrive according to their respective schedule. The 8th BRICS Summit is being held in Goa from Oct 15 to 16.



Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putins arrival in Goa to attend the BRICS Summit was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

Also read:India, Russia likely to sign major defence deals worth billions of dollars



The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 AM at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region, sources in the naval base told PTI.



His flight, which was supposed to land at 3 AM, was rescheduled to 7 AM but even at that time it could not arrive.



However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane has been diverted. Heavy security was in place along the road connecting INS Hansa base to the summits venue hotel in Benaulim village.

Also read: PM Modi to meet Chinese premier Xi Jingping at BRICS Summit, may discuss NSG bid and Masood Azhar



Several Union and Goa government officials were also camping at the base since last night to welcome the Russian President.



For the summit, Goa has been transformed into a fortress, with anti-aircraft guns deployed along the South Goa beaches.

Watch: Tibetans protest in Margao against China's illegal occupation of Tibet

Here are the live updates:

#Companies of both countries are improving industrial cooperation, military and technical cooperation also improving: President Putin

#In last 4 months alone,in Hydrocarbon sector,Indian companies have invested close to US$ 5.5 billion in Russias Oil & Gas sector: PM Modi



#India & Russia are moving towards a bright future: PM Modi



#We both agree on zero tolerance towards terrorism and also on the situation in Afghanistan: PM Modi

#Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own: PM Modi



#The success of this summit highlights our (India-Russia) strong convergence of views on pressing issues: PM Modi

#We continue to expand, diversify & deepen economic engagement. Businesses, Industry between our countries is connected more deeply today: PM

#With an eye on the future we also agreed to setup a Science and Technology Commission: PM Modi

#With Pres Putin's support we are willing to expand the scope of our relationship further: PM Modi

#We agreed to work on an annual military industrial conf that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute & push collaboration: PM

#I am aware of your (President Putin) deep affection for India, ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi

#Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi on India-Russia

#Modi addresses joint conference with Russian President Putin after signing the defence deal

Goa: Delegation level talks between India and Russia #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/7mZuycBj0B  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

#BRICSSummit 2016: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa, welcomed upon arrival by traditional Indian dancers pic.twitter.com/oBTup5sPl5  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

BRICS Summit 2016: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa pic.twitter.com/pTemQgo6NG  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Tibetans stage protest in Margao, raise 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans pic.twitter.com/yyTGlESDSQ  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Police detain Tibet activists who were staging protest in Margao against China's illegal occupation of Tibet pic.twitter.com/Ehz8dDxBvH  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Tibetans stage protest in Margao, hold placards with 'Free Tibet and end the occupation' and 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans pic.twitter.com/O7LUQrWdXG  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks ahead of #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/Tp2lOOxHnZ  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks #BRICS2016 (Pic Source: MEA) pic.twitter.com/h1hTzKjM9P  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Salcette (Goa) #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/vC9tuRW3Vu  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/FmO2xvNsWT  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/DiA3p5HxWB  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: South African President Jacob Zuma arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/d0oybp1UpT  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

#BRICSSummit to begin today, hoardings and banners seen in Goa for the Summit pic.twitter.com/CMAwtYECKh  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/EGosQuZqWC  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Goa: Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/VM3AHg9MzV  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

#Visuals of anti-aircraft gun on the beach near one of the venues of #BRICS2016 in Panaji (Goa) pic.twitter.com/6FdG4YF3ZP  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

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New Delhi:

Former Law Minister M Veerappa Moily has expressed his opinion on the governments stand on the practice of triple talaq. The Congress leader has asked the Muslims to think about reforming themselves so that the axe of law does not fall on them. He also said that religions will have to introspect and reform in every field where triple talaq practice needs to be changed.

Any reform in any religion will have to come from within. It is always difficult to impose it by law. I think as civilisation advances, each one and each religion will have to introspect and make reforms in whichever field civilisation warrants. I dont think we can have very rigid practices. Triple talaq is one such area where reform is necessary, he said Indian Express.

It is a question of humanity. Having three wives, I dont think, any religion can propagate it. Even in so far as Islam is concerned, they are also not propagating it. Many Muslim countries dont practice triple talaq So, instead of waiting for a public debate and waiting for a law to tell us what should be done, it is high time our Muslim brothers and sisters think of reforming themselves, so that the axe of law will not fall on them, he said.

Also read: Law panel seeks public views on Triple Talaq, uniform civil code

Earlier, the sensitive issue of triple talaq was broached by the Law Commission. The commission asked the public whether the practice of triple talaq be abolished and whether a uniform civil code should be optional.

Amid a raging debate on uniform civil code, the law panel has sought public views on the subject to revise and reform family laws, saying the aim is to address social injustice rather than plurality of laws.

Also read: Triple talaq row: Muslim Personal Law Board says Uniform Civil Code not good for India

In an issued appeal, the Commission said the objective behind the endeavour is to address discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonise the various cultural practices even as it assured the people that the "norms of no one class, group or community will dominate the tone and tenor of family law reforms".

In an accompanying questionnaire, the Commission has asked whether the existing personal laws and customary practices need codification and whether it would benefit people.

Also read: Triple talaq row: Govt hits out at Muslim Personal Law Board, calls for 'enlightened debate' on Uniform Civil Code

Should the practice of triple talaq be abolished, retained or retained with suitable amendments; and whether a uniform civil code should be optional are among 16 queries by the commission.

It has also sought to know whether the uniform code should include subjects like divorce, marriage, adoption, child custody, succession and inheritance.

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Twenty20 chief coordinator Sabu M Jacob has said his party is against mixing politics with religion.
New Delhi:

The nation on celebrated the 85th birth anniversary of India's favourite President and Missile Man Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He was among the few Indian personalities in contemporary India who won the admiration of one and all, cutting across every section of society. Before holding the position of nation's sovereign, he was an aeronautical engineer with DRDO and ISRO. He played major role in Indias Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. He is remembered as a champion of the poor and down trodden in society.



Here are ten things that you should know about him:



1. APJ Abdul Kalam known as the father of Indian Missile Technology, for his prominent role in India's 1998 nuclear weapons tests and launch vehicle technology.



2. Dr. Kalam received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. Along with Dr. Zakir Husain and Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, he is the third president of India to have received the award before claiming the presidential post.



3. APJ Abdul Kalam is popularly known as the People's President and was elected as India's 11th President from 2002 to 2007.



4. Kalam was nominated for Youth Icon of the Year award by MTV in 2003 and 2006. His age was 73 respectively then.



5. He was also a Veena player and religion and spirituality were very important to Kalam throughout his life.



6. APJ Abdul Kalam once said, If you want to shine like a . First burn like a .



7. On , he became the first Asian to be bestowed the Hoover Medal, Americas top engineering prize, for his outstanding contribution to public service.

8. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam always talked about his vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2020



9. He is also the author of the some of the best-sellers like Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India and India 2020.



10. Dr Kalam succumbed to a massive cardiac arrest and died on while delivering a lecture on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth" at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.





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New Delhi:

The eighth edition of the international BRICS conference is happening in Goas Taj Hotel. The leaders from various countries are participating in the summit. BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The 8th BRICS Summit is being held in Goa from Oct 15 to 16.

On the occasion, we are presenting some important facts about BRICS.

# BRICS started in 2008 as a group of four. South Africa was included afterwards.

# The first BRIC meeting was held in Sapporo on the eve of the Toyako-Hokkaido Summit in 2008.

# At the third summit of BRIC, South Africa was invited to join forming the BRICS.

# The five countries include 3.6 billion people which is about half of the population of world.

# All the five countries are among the most populated countries of the world. They all feature in top 25 most populated countries.

# The term BRIC was first used in 2001 by then-chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O'Neill.

# The Goa Summit has been organized at a time when three of the major countries  Russia, India and China have many strategic and political priorities to pursue.

# The BRICS summit covers many diverse topics. It has evolved from just having financial-trade context to having issues like global governance, development policies, peace and security, energy and climate change, and social issues.

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New Delhi:

Ajay Devgn and Karan Johar are gearing up for a clash as their upcoming movies 'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' both are set to be released on the same day this Diwali.The competion has become more interesting as Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) came to a definite conclusion on Friday that they will not be screening Fawad Khan starrer 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in four states that was slated for a Diwali release.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's profit will be affected after being banned in four states as another big budget film 'Shivaay' is releasing on the same day.

"We have decided that we will not screen these films," said Nitin Datar, Chief, COEAI. The single screen owners in 4 states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka) have taken a call to put Karan Johar's forthcoming film on hold.

Also Read: Cinema owners' association boycotts Fawad Khan starrer 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' in four states

Addressing the media, COEAI's president Nitin Datar said that the decision was not taken under any political pressure,but rather, keeping public sentiment in mind. "Today, the meeting of Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India took place and it was decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country, we request all our members and exhibitors to refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artist, technicians, directors,music directors etc," Datar said.

"We are also in the process of requesting other associations connected with the film industry to support the sentiments in the best interest of our nation."

He said that while the decision to not screen certain films would cause monetary losses for the theatre owners,there might have been greater damage if their screens were vandalised.

"The association is not going to screen any movie and the decision implies from today until things don't get normal.States included under the association are Gujarat,Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa," Datar added.

In the wake of Uri attack last month, Fawad, Mahira Khanand other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out. The party has also threatened to stall the releases of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and "Raees", starring Mahira in the lead role.

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New Delhi:

Ahead of the AAPs rally in Surat, AAP alleges BJP of circulating posters which carries Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's photographs with Burhan Wani, Hafiz Saeed and Osama bin Laden in the city. The poster termed Kejriwal as Heroes of Pakistan.

Kejriwal alleged that BJP President Amit Shah and the BJP is trying sabotage the rally in Surat. "We have organised a rally in the Surat on Sunday, where we will discuss issues related to state and their solutions. AAP will also ask the people if we can fight Assembly elections of Gujarat," Kejriwal said a newspaper.

"However, it is learnt that Amit Shah and BJP are trying to disrupt my rally. This is not my rally but it is the rally of people of Gujarat. If they disrupt the rally, they will be playing with sentiments of people of Gujarat...I hope they would not do that," the AAP leader said at the airport.

Kejriwal has already arrived in Gujarat to woo the Patel community ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections. Ahead of his arrival in Gujarat, local outfit Yuva Azadi had shouted slogans against him over his statement on Armys surgical strikes.

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New Delhi:

Vice President Hamid Ansari left for a five-day visit to Hungary and Algeria on Saturday. The visit is being considered vital from India's point of view as Ansari is set to will raise the matter of cross-border terrorism and various other bilateral issues.

The visit comes amidst continuing tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and theIndian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

"Absolutely. This will be the major theme in all his(Vice-President) bilateral talks," Sujata Mehta, Secretary inthe Ministry of External Affairs told reporters yesterday, when asked whether Ansari will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism with the leaders of the two countries.

"Terrorism will be a major item in both Hungary and Algeria," she said. Ansari will first visit Hungary from October 15 to 17 andAlgeria from October 17 to 19.

During the visit, Mehta said, Ansari will hold discussions with Presidents of Hungary and Algeria, PrimeMinister of Hungary and Speakers of national assembly.

She said terrorism was not new for Algeria and that the country has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past. "There will be meetings of minds to fight terrorism with all his (Ansari) interlocutors and counterparts in both the countries," Mehta said.

The Vice-President's visit to Hungary comes after morethan two decades after the then President Shankar Dayal Sharmahad visited the central European country in 1993.

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in India in 2001. While around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries, bilateral trade between India and Algeria stands at USD 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India.

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New Delhi:

After signing 16 crucial defence deals with Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi spoke at length about global need to combat cross-border terrorism, fostering business ties and military collaboration between the two nations, ahead of BRICS Summit.

On Saturday, India and Russia signed 16 defence agreements worth Rs 39,000 crores as a part of 17th India-Russia Annual Summit ahead of eight BRICS Summit to be held in Goa on October 15 and 16.

Here are top 10 quotes by PM

1. Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship

2. An Old friend is better than two new friends

3. President Putin and I agreed on zero tolerance in dealing with terror and those supporting it

4. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support on the issue of combating cross-border terrorism

5. We agreed to work on an annual military industrial conferance that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute & push collaboration

6. We continue to expand, diversify & deepen economic engagement. Businesses, Industry between our countries is connected more deeply today

7. India & Russia are moving towards a bright future

8. We're celebrating & building on our past achievements.Close friendship has been source of strength; driver of peace &factor of stability

9. Agreed to work on annual military industrial conference to push collaboration

10. Agreed to set up a S&T Commission.Our societies will reap benefits of joint development,transfer & sharing of cutting edge tech in different fields

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Mumbai:

Actress Kangana Ranaut got injured when she was shooting for "Simran" in US. According to sources, a minor accident happened on Friday, in Atlanta while the 29-year-old actress was shooting. The actress has got a small cut near her eyebrows.



"While shooting one of the scenes she got a small injury. Nothing major though, luckily it is just a small cut near her eyebrows but she is fine now and will resume back shooting," sources close to Kangana told.



In Hansal Mehta's directed film "Simran" the National Award-winning actress will play Praful Patel, a 30-year-old divorcee.



Kangana will next be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's period drama "Rangoon" alongside Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede in Varanasi. aDeeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured,a he tweeted.

aI have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi,a he said in another tweet.

At least 19 people were killed and several injured in the stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli where a large number of people had gathered for a religious event this afternoon.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

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New Delhi:

India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

ALSO READ | BRICS Summit Highlights: India signs historic defence deal with Russia



Heres the full text of PM Modis speech during the delegation meet:



Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,



Distinguished members of the Russian and Indian delegations,



Members of the media,



It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Putin, an old friend of India, here in Goa today. As they say in Russian:



aaaaaaa aaaaa aaaa aaaaaa aaaaa



[Means: An Old friend is better than two new friends.]



Excellency Putin, I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship. And, in the complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship.



Friends,



Since the last two Annual Summits, the journey of our partnership has seen renewed focus and drive. President Putin and I have just concluded an extensive and useful conversation on the entire spectrum of our engagement. The highly productive outcomes of our meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of our strategic partnership.They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead.The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities. They also help us achieve the objectives of Make in India. We have also agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration. These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in. Just minutes ago, with dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of Civil Nuclear Energy. And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India. Last year in Moscow, I had said that we would be enlarging our presence in Russias Hydrocarbon sector.In last four months alone, in a clear expression of our strong and deep engagement in the Hydrocarbon sector, Indian companies have invested close to US Dollars 5.5 billion in Russias Oil and Gas sector.And, with President Putins support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries. A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising Energy Bridge between our two countries.



Friends,



With an eye on the future, we also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission. Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields. As with the last Summit, we also continue to expand, diversify and deepen our economic engagement.Businesses and Industry between our two countries is connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing. And, with President Putins backing, we hope to fast track Indias association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. The Green Corridor and the International North South Transport Corridor will serve to strengthen trade facilitation, logistical links and ensure better connectivity between our countries. Our efforts for early setting up of the Investment Fund of US Dollars 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance our infrastructure partnership. We also want our economic linkages to connect the regions and states in both countries.



Friends,



The success of this Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership. It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues. Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters. President Putin and I noted the similarity of our views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets.Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage.



Excellency Putin,



As we approach the seventieth (70th) anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties next year, India and Russia are celebrating and building on the achievements of our past. We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century. Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties.In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability.



As one would say it in Russian:



aaaaaaa aaaaaaa-aaaa aa aaaa a aaaaaaaa aaaaaa



[India and Russia-together to a bright future.]



Thank you! Thank you very much.

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Nagpur:

Russia is looking forward to collaborate with India in the manufacture of defence planes and spare parts for aircraft. Denis Manturov, Russian Minister for Industries and Trade, said this after visiting Multi-modal International Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) on Friday.

Manturov, who led a delegation of trade and industry representatives from his country, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The delegation visited MIHAN and saw the facilities and world-class infrastructure available at the project developed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC).

In a release issued last night, MADC quoted Manturov as saying Russia was looking forward to invest in India in collaboration with the Central Government, especially in manufacturing spare parts of aircraft and making defence planes.

He found Nagpur an ideal location for such units and said his Government was keen to investment in them. Manturov said he would encourage Russian companies to invest in MIHAN.

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New Delhi:

Speaking on the triple talaq row, former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee said that muslim organisations should consider Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as an inseparable part of the Constitution. He added that though All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) caters to the needs of specific religion but if it violates right to live or gender equality then it should be abandoned.

It is significant to note that Article 44 of the Constitution lists UCC as one of the directive principles of state policy.

He also slammed AIMPLB for its decision to boycott Law Commission. He said that AIMPLB should come forward and debate on the questionnaire given by the Commission instead of boycotting it. "Child marriage and triple talaq is a constitutional abuse. For us, rights endowed in the constitution are supreme and not the personal law board," he added.

Sorabjee also said that political parties should come on a common ground and should not indulge in politics over the issue. "Parties should take lessons from Shah Bano case and should foster confidence of all stake holders on the issue," he quipped.

Muslim law board has been reluctant to do away with Triple Talaq which they say is an integral part of religious Shariat. The government has recently asked the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and certain other Muslim organisations to reconsider their decision to boycott the Law Commissions consultations on triple talaq and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

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Goa:

India and Russia on Saturday affirmed the need for zero tolerance for terrorists and their supporters even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin his appreciation of Kremlins unequivocal condemnation of the Uri attack during their talks on terrorism, including that emanating from Pakistan.

Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region. We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, Modi said at a joint media event with Putin after their annual summit here.

Asked if the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan figured during the talks, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said, The restricted form did cover Uri and support given for the terror strike (by Pakistan). He said a more detailed conversation between Modi and Putin on the driving forces behind terrorism would take place at the lunch hosted by the Prime Minister.

On his part, Putin said the two countries were closely cooperating in the fight against terror.

President Putin reaffirmed Russias continued commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with India and noted the commonality of positions of both the countries on such issues as war on terrorism. Indian Side expressed its appreciation for Russias unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack on army base in Uri, a joint statement issued after the talks said.

India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy, also said it was satisfied about Russia understanding its interests.

We are satisfied that Russia understand Indias interest and they will never do anything contrary to Indias interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject, Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to Indias concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.

The Foreign Secretary also asserted that the assumption of friendship with Russia, which was more than a partner, was that India trusts that they will not do anything contrary to its interest.

Strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Modi and Putin emphasized on the need for a comprehensive international collaboration for its eradication, the joint statement said.

India and Russia recognize the threat posed by terrorism, and believe that the full implementation of the relevant UNSC resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy without application of any double standards or selectivity will be instrumental in countering this challenge.

They stressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists and the importance of countering the spread of terrorist ideology as well as radicalization leading to terrorism, stopping recruitment, preventing travel of terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters, strengthening border management and having effective legal assistance and extradition arrangements, it added.

It said, The leaders also stressed on the need to have a strong international legal regime built on the principle of zero tolerance for direct or indirect support of terrorism, and called upon the international community to make sincere efforts towards the earliest conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Recognizing that the rapidly expanding role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to certain security vulnerabilities that needed to be addressed through universally applicable rules for responsible behaviour of states to ensure their safe and sustainable use, they welcomed the conclusion of the Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in this regard.

The Leaders also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and recognized the need for resolute action against the menace of terrorism and threats of illicit drug-production and drug-trafficking, including elimination of terror sanctuaries, safe havens, and other forms of support to terrorists, the joint statement said.

They also called for constructive international, regional and bilateral cooperation in order to help Afghanistan in addressing the domestic security situation, improving the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening counter-narcotics capabilities, ensuring socio-economic development, and enhancing connectivity, it added.

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Mehsana:

Amid speculations of AAP planning to make a determined bid in poll-bound Gujarat to gain a foothold, party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday sought the support of the agitating Patel community to clean the politics of Gujarat.

Addressing a public gathering at Patel-dominated Piludra village here, the AAP chief said the village holds special significance as the quota agitation by the community started here a year ago, even as a little known outfit staged a protest over his remarks on cross-LoC surgical strikes.

Recalling that AAP could make a clean sweep in Delhi in 2015 Assembly polls with the support of the common man, Kejriwal sought to draw a parallel with Anna Hazares anti-corruption campaign and the Patidar agitation.

I salute your courage, as I came to know that Patidar agitation originated from this village. Few years back, we did Anna Andolan against rampant corruption in the country. We asked the government to enact a strict law to curb corruption, as we did not have such powers, said Kejriwal.

Instead of fulfilling our demand, we were asked to form a government to bring such law. We were not taken seriously. As we did not have any other option, we formed a party and acquired 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi. This is the power of the common man, said Kejriwal to a cheering crowd, mostly from the Patel community.

Patel agitation started from this village. Now, I request you to start another movement to clean the politics of Gujarat from this village. We all have to come together to fight against corruption and clean Gujarats politics, said Kejriwal.

He also raised the slogan of Jay Sardar - Jay Patidar several times. Kejriwal also paid floral tributes to Sardar Patels statue in Mehasna.

He visited Kaamli village of Unjha taluka of this district, where he met the kin of Nagjibhai, a constable who committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from bootleggers and politicians last month.

At the village, he also met parents of Kanubhai Patel, a Patidar youth died during quota violence last year. He then visited Unjha-based Umiya Mata temple, revered by the Patel community.

Outside the temple, members of a little-known outfit Rashtriya Patidar Sansthan, staged protests against Kejriwal over his remarks on the surgical strikes. Patel quota stir leader Hardik Patel had yesterday issued a statement in support of Kejriwal.

We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar communitys reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight, Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through his organisation in Mehasna gave a memorandum to Kejriwal seeking his support to the stir.

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Islamabad:

Pakistan has said that the Indian move to completely seal the 3,323-km-long border between the two countries by December 2018 would be contrary to the Indian position of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood.



Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said the announcement by Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month that India will completely seal the border with Pakistan by December 2018 was contradictory to the Indian stand of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood.



On the one hand, they talk of establishing peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other hand their actions contradict their claims, he said in response to a question.



Zakaria, however, said India has not yet officially communicated to Pakistan about the decision.



India has not formally conveyed any such plan (sealing the border) to Pakistan. We dont have the details, he said.



Rajnath Singh had said India was planning to seal the entire border with Pakistan by December 2018 and that a proper monitoring mechanism, including the use of technology, would be in place for the purpose.



His announcement had come after he reviewed the security situation along the border with ministers from four states - Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat - that share border with Pakistan.



The announcement was also significant as it came in the wake of increasing tension between India and Pakistan after surgical strikes by army on terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.



The surgical strikes were in response to an attack on an Indian army base in Uri on September 18 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 19 Indian soldiers.

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New Delhi:

BJP on Saturday trained its guns on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav saying he has not only lost confidence of people of Uttar Pradesh but his family too which recognises his incompetence and that SP is a sinking ship.

Lapping up Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadavs comments that partys Chief Ministerial candidate will be decided by newly-elected legislators, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said this proves that he has no faith left in his son and that he cheated the public during last polls after they elected his government with hopes of change.

Mulayam Singh Yadavs remarks are an indication that Samajwadi Partys ship is sinking and one that recognises Akhilesh Yadavs incompetence, as he has failed on all fronts and thus lost the confidence of the people of the state.

By making Akhilesh Yadav chief minister in 2012, Mulayam Singh cheated the public that elected Samajwadi Party to power with hopes of seeing a change in the state that was riddled with corruption, nepotism and anarchy. Akhilesh has only added to the woes of the people in the state, he said.

Sharma said Mulayams assertion is a clear indication of the fact that he has himself rejected the government led by Akhilesh Yadav, which the people of the state have already rejected.

He claimed that the remarks hold no significance as the people will not elect Samajwadi Party legislators anymore and the question of electing a chief minister would not arise.

Akhilesh Yadav has failed on all fronts, be it providing power or water to the people or providing an administration of law and order. People are very upset with Akhilesh, who is also the Home Minister, due to the deteriorating law and order and anarchy in the state. That is why people have rejected him and 2017 polls will be a mere formality, he said.

Sharma said Uttar Pradesh has suffered badly in the last many years after they tried Congress, BSP and SP, all of whom failed them in resolving their problems.

Resultantly the state suffered immensely and situation turned from bad to worse. The benefits of central schemes are not reaching the masses and public is very angry, he said.

Samajwadi Party supremo had said earlier that the elected MLAs of the party and the parliamentary board would take a final call on the next Chief Minister after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

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New Delhi:

Salman Khan, later on Friday, shared a sneak peek of the Bigg Boss house. Salman Khan will be hosting the show for the seventh time in a row.



This is my seventh season as host of Bigg Boss. Each season is exceptional in its own way. But with known faces, you know or at least think you know what to expect. Each time the show has surprises galore. But this time, there is a kahani mein twist. The presence of the common man promises a most uncommon season. So expect the unexpected, Salman said in a statement.



The show has taken a turn this time. It will contest between common people and some known faces.



Bigg Boss works on the lines of the British television show Big Brother. The show's participants are to remain inside the Bigg Boss house for three months, with no connection to the outside world.



Bigg Boss producers, at the end of last season, invited general public to register for the show. Keeping in mind, TRPs falling for past few years, celebrities will be brought in as wild card entries and guests.



A tentative list of the contestants participating this season has also come out. Manoj Punjabi, Mandira Chauhan, Nitibha Kaul, Parmod Kumar, Lokesh Kumari, Firoz Khan, Nikhil Mehta, Manjo Kumar, Kajol Tyagi, Davinder Devgan, Navin Prakash, Ruchika Singh and Priyanka Jagga are the contestants for Bigg Boss 10.



The first episode of Bigg Boss 10 will premiere on October 16 at 9 pm with its host being Salman khan.
Panaji:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2016 in Goa, tweeted on Saturday that his meeting was fruitful and that various aspects of India-China ties were discussed between the two leaders. My meeting with President Xi Jinping was fruitful. We discussed various aspects of India-China ties, PM Modi tweeted.

Here are the LIVE updates:

Leaders of the BRICS nations pose for a group photograph outside the BRICS Dome in Goa, before the informal dinner (pic source: MEA) pic.twitter.com/Xd3YmlxNh6  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

#We are maintaining continuous dialogue with China & expect China to see the logic of what we are saying: Vikas Swarup, MEA on Masood Azhar



#When NSA meets State Counsellor Yang Jiechi I expect this issue will be taken up further: MEA on pushing for UN ban on Masood Azhar



#President Xi clearly said that China opposes all forms, manifestations of terrorism and that there must be increase coop with India: MEA

#China clearly acknowledges the issue of terrorism, and the danger it poses: Vikas Swarup,MEA



#PM Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's bid for membership of NSG, & hope that they continue their support: MEA

#PM Modi thanked President Zuma for the statement that he had issued post Uri attack, and that India appreciated solidarity shown by them: MEA

ALSO READ | India-Russia assert the need for zero tolerance for terrorists and their supporters

#President Zuma said on bilateral side we needed to expand coop'n in areas,called for simplification of visa regime b/w the 2 countries: MEA



#PM Narendra Modi commended South Africa for the tremendous contribution it had made to the BRICS grouping: Vikas Swarup, MEA



#President Xi said that India & China must step up counter terror efforts,also said that we must maintain our strategic comm,dialogue on it: MEA



#PM Modi said India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground: Vikas Swarup, MEA



#PM Modi said that today no country is immune from terrorism, and this is an issue on which we cannot afford to have any differences: MEA



ALSO READ | India-Russia sign 16 deals worth Rs 39000 crore: Top 10 statements by PM Modi

#President Xi lauded India's chairmanship of BRICS, and in particular outreach with BIMSTEC countries which he described as innovative: MEA



#PM Modi to have meetings with Sri Lankan President, also with Prime Minister of Bhutan on Sunday: Vikas Swarup, MEA



#There is close coordination between India and China on this issue, & that particular dialogue will continue: Vikas Swarup, MEA on Masood Azhar

#The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN: MEA



#Our broad concerns in the current state conveyed to Chinese side, intention was that both sides should narrow down areas of differences: MEA



My meeting with President Xi Jinping was fruitful. We discussed various aspects of India-China ties. pic.twitter.com/W9MxEvRbrg  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

#One round of consultations had already taken place between two sides, President Xi said that second round would be happening soon: MEA

#There was a brief discussion on NSG, PM said that we look forward to working with China to realise India's membership of NSG: MEA



#President Xi said that terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase, he alluded to the threat from ISIL: Vikas Swarup, MEA

#PM Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region: Vikas Swarup, MEA

#Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue, President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership: Vikas Swarup

#Both (PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping) reviewed bilateral relationship and its dimensions: Vikas Swarup, MEA

#PM Modi meets South African President Jacob Zuma in Goa

ALSO Read | Full text of PM Narendra Modi's speech at 17th India-Russia annual summit meet

#Delegation level talks between India and China underway in Goa



#PM Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Goa at BRICS 2016



Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Goa on Saturday to participate in the five-nation BRICS Summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet. Xi was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh at IS Hansa base located near Dabolim airport, 15 kms away from the Summit venue in South Goa.



Artistes performed various Indian dances depicting the rich culture of the country as Xi walked down the red carpet.

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New Delhi:

UP anti-terror squad on Sunday arrested three more Naxals with explosives and detonators in Noida, UP IG ATS said. The names of arrested people are Sunil Kumar Yadav from Sasaram, Bihar; Brij Kishore Tomar from Aligarh; and Shailendra Kumar from Buxar, Bihar.

Earlier on Saturday night, six suspected naxals were arrested from a residential area in Noida sector 49. Pradeep Kumar Singh, suspected area commander of Naxal, PWG, Latheaar was also detained, said IG ATS.

Total recoveries from arrested naxals include 6 pistols, 50 catridges, 45 Gilletin Rods, 125 detonators and 13 mobiles.

The men, who were living in flat number 102 in Hindon Vihar, Sector 49 were planning a big attack in Delhi-NCR, reports said. According to reports, one of them is expert in bomb-making. Arms and ammunitions have been recovered from their posession.

According to sources, the arrested men were trying to flee in a white Wagon-R, but were caught by the security forces.

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Your Social Security benefits play an important role in your retirement, and for those applying for disability benefits under Social Security (SSDI), the stakes can be even higher. A denial of benefits can have devastating effects on your ability to live comfortably. Fortunately, if your Social Security benefits are denied for medical reasons, there is an appeals process that you can follow to try to get your benefits restored.

The process is now available online for your further convenience  a great relief for those who have trouble getting to the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office for reasons of time or disability. Thanks to the online access, you can appeal your benefits conveniently even if you currently live outside of the United States.

The online portal allows you to initiate an appeal or pause the process and continue an appeal that you had already started. This secure portal guides you through all of the process steps and allows you to update any supplementary information that is needed to re-evaluate your case. Such information includes:

Information regarding medical treatment you have received since the previous submittal of information to the SSA, including all medical treatments and tests along with the doctors and hospitals involved in your care.

Subsequent changes in your medical conditions and all of your daily activities.

An update on all medicines that you are currently taking.

Submitting your information online can help to expedite the appeals process.

Be sure to act quickly, as you generally have sixty days to request an appeal (measured from the time you receive the SSA letter). In some cases, you may be able to receive payments during the appeals process if you ask for an appeal within ten days of the denial  but you run the risk of having to pay back those funds should you lose the appeal.

There are generally four levels of appeal: reconsideration, a hearing, an Appeals Council, and Federal Court. In some states, the reconsideration step is passed up and your case goes straight to a hearing.

In reconsideration, your claim is given a complete review by an examiner and a medical consultant that were not involved in the original decision. The personnel involved in your original evaluation are not allowed to decide your reconsideration claim. According to Nolo.com, approximately 5-10% of reconsiderations are granted.

The next step is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who was not involved in either the original decision or the reconsideration. Hearings are generally held within a 75-mile radius of your home.

If you disagree with the ALJ's finding, you may take your case to the Social Security Appeals Council, but your final recourse is to file suit in Federal Court. See SSA publication EN05-10041, "The Appeals Process," for more details on the appeal options.

You are welcome to submit your own appeal, or have a legal representative do it for you. For further advice on representation, see SSA Publication EN-05-10075, "Your Right To Representation". In either case, the online portal provides another layer of convenience.

If you believe your benefits have been unjustly denied, don't hesitate to appeal. The online portal makes it easier to do so, but whether you are more comfortable with the online approach or prefer a face-to-face meeting, be sure to have all the information you need to make your case and bring representation if you feel that it is necessary. Fight for what is rightfully yours.

Let the free MoneyTips Retirement Planner help you calculate when you can retire without jeopardizing your lifestyle.
NEWTOWN  Flanked by members of the states Congressional delegation, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords urged a crowd gathered outside Edmond Town Hall on Saturday to continue fighting for gun control legislation.

Giffords, who was shot in the head in 2011 while meeting with constituents in her Arizona district, talked for more than an hour with a group of anti-gun violence activists and elected officials before holding a rally with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and others.

Stopping gun violence takes courage; the courage to do whats right; the courage of new ideas, said Giffords, who struggles to speak as a result of the shooting. Ive seen great courage when my life was on the line. Now is the time to come together, be responsible  Democrats, Republicans, everyone.

We must never stop fighting, she continued. Be bold, be courageous. The nation is counting on you.

Saturdays event was part of a 14-state bus tour called The Vocal Majority, in which Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, make stops to raise awareness about gun violence. Following her near-assassination, Giffords and Kelly founded the Americans for Responsible Solutions, a political action committee.

Esty, whose district includes Newtown, where 20 first graders and six staff members were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 , said Giffords is a living example of how dangerous guns can be.

The importance of having (Giffords) here is, in part, a reminder of the danger and the risk, said Esty, who has made gun legislation central in her re-election campaign against Republican Clay Cope.

She was a member of Congress doing a Congress on your corner, like I do every month, and was gunned down for engaging in democracy, she added. Theres a kinship between the Newtown community and Gabby because of the extraordinary tragedy and notoriety.

Change happens at the ballot box, Esty said. It should not happen at the end of a gun.

Since the Sandy Hook shooting, many Connecticut elected officials, including Esty and Blumenthal, have focused on legislation such as expanding background checks for gun buyers and stopping people on the terrorist watch list from buying firearms.

In the past year, Esty joined other Democrats in a sit-in in the U.S. House chambers trying to force a vote on that legislation. Blumenthal joined his counterpart, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy in a nearly 15-hour filibuster on the Senate floor.

But those efforts have not resulted in passage of new legislation. Blumenthal said Saturday it was crucial for voters to send a message in the upcoming election.

Heres the blunt, stark political truth, Blumenthal told the crowd. We have work to do, we have work to do between now and election day. Ninety percent of American people favor common-sense, sensible measures against gun violence. We have a majority on our side. What we need to do is make sure they are a voting majority.

The senior Connecticut senators message was echoed before the start of the rally, when he, Esty and Giffords took part in a round-table discussion with leaders of advocacy groups, victims of gun violence and parents of children slain at Sandy Hook, including Jeremy Richman, who lost his daughter Avielle.

Mary Ann Jacob, who worked at Sandy Hook and survived the shooting, urged people to continue fighting, saying that real change takes time.

Im confident and I have a lot of hope that well look back on this time through the lens of history and realize that the shooting that claimed Jeremys daughters life is what changed things, she said. I think every single person in this room and in this country needs to stand up for what they think is right and I hope theyll join us.

The Former Rev. Henry Brown, who survived being shot in the chest in 1972, and now advocates against gun violence, said to be successful, everyone must fight together.

Were on a mission to change an environment, Brown said. If we lose sight of whats important, then well be fooling ourselves. Its one people bringing about a change and if we can get that change in place, we can do all of that stuff.

awolff@newstimes.com; 203-731-3333; @awolffster
Contributed photo / Ridgefield Police Facebook Page

Two Ridgefield police officers were recently given Exceptional Service Awards by the Police Commission, according to a post on the departments Facebook page.

According to the post, Sgt. Brian Durling was honored for helping save the life of a man who was in cardiac arrest on June 26. Durling, the post said, used an AED to shock the victim and then provided CPR until firefighters arrived.
Lifting sanctions more beneficial for US: Cuba

United States,Politics,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Sat, 15 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 15 (IANS) In its first reaction to the US decision to further lift sanctions on Cuba to facilitate trade as well as scientific and humanitarian exchanges between the two countries the island nation said the measures are more beneficial for Washington than Havana.

The General Director for America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba said in Havana the new measures for further easing sanctions approved by the US President Barack Obama on Friday are more beneficial to the US than to Cuba, Efe reported.

Josefina Vidal, the most visible Cuban face in the process of normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said the measures are "positive" but very limited in nature while parts of Obama's directives have interventionist aspects.

Obama issued a directive that is intended to seal its open policy towards Cuba and make it "irreversible", accompanied by a new relaxation of the embargo to boost medical cooperation and help improve the island's agriculture and infrastructure.

"The document does not hide the purpose of promoting changes in the political, economic and social order, nor hides the intention to further develop interventionist programs," said Vidal.

Still, Vidal acknowledged the importance of the new directive since it recognises the Cuban government as a "legitimate and equal partner" as well as "the benefits that would accrue to both countries to achieve a relationship of civilized coexistence while large differences exist between the two governments".

She said the policy contains guidelines that can be "useful" if the next US administration is willing to continue the rapprochement with Cuba.

Vidal also praised the new relaxations of the economic embargo, but opined that they're limited in nature because most of them only broaden or deepen previous concessions.

She stressed that direct investment by the US companies is still prohibited except in the telecommunications sector, along with imports of Cuban products, especially those from the state sector, the prime driver of the national economy.

The official also stressed that the financial sector has not yet adopted the new measures, and restrictions remain on Cuban banks trying to open accounts at the US bank branches.

The measures approved by the US, which constitute the sixth round of easing of sanctions will take effect on October 17, include the promotion of joint medical research projects between citizens and imports of the US and Cuban pharmaceutical products.

They also allow authorised Americans to provide services related to the development, repair and maintenance of infrastructure services in Cuba and exports from the US of items such as pesticides and tractors.

In addition, the restrictions that prevented certain foreign vessels that had entered the Cuban ports from entering the US have been removed for purposes of loading or unloading within 180 days, and the curbs put on American travellers bringing back Cuban rum and tobacco for personal use will be lifted.

On December 17, 2014, Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro announced that the two countries would normalise relations after more than a half century of enmity.

"This new directive consolidates and builds upon the changes we have already made, promotes transparency by being clear about our policy and intentions, and encourages further engagement between our countries and our people," Obama said in a statement.

In the new directive, the Obama administration also renewed its call on Congress to lift the embargo on Cuba.

"The embargo is outdated and should be lifted," Obama said.

--IANS

ss/vm
According to city planning documents reported on by the San Francisco Chronicle, Tesla could double the factory space by adding on another 4.6 million square feet to the current 4.5 million square feet. The company is looking to add new buildings in spaces like the factorys parking lot and in an open lot next to the test track.

The move is a predictable logistics change required to deliver 500,000 cars a year by 2018, up from the 50,000 cars the company shipped last year.

By the end of 2016, Tesla is expected to ship just under 80,000 cars for the year, so this massive growth will have to come in 2017 and 2018. In the third quarter of this year, the company finally hit its quarterly car shipment goals, following two consecutive quarters where the company underwhelmed with its shipment figures.

Many of the 500,000-car figure are supposed to come from Teslas planned upcoming car the Model 3, which isnt scheduled to start shipping until the end of 2017

Tesla merger with SolarCity, which goes up for a shareholder vote in November, will require $12.5 billion in cash by the end of 2018 cash in four key areas, according to a note from Oppenheimers Colin Rusch.

Specifically, Tesla will need to fund $5 billion to $8 billion (or more) in capital expenditures combining its stationary power business with SolarCity; another $2 billion in capital for the auto unit; as well as cash for working capital and operating lease obligations.
A hypersonic space line, or a transportation system that would transport people halfway around the earth in a matter of hours, isnt science fiction. Its a science being perfected in part at Spaceport America, according to Michael Moses, president of spaceport tenant Virgin Galactic.

Virgin Galactic announced Thursday, before Moses spoke on the second day of the International Symposium for Personal and Commercial Spaceflight, that the former senior vice president for operations would now oversee the companys human spaceflight program.

Virgin Galactic was supposed to launch flights from Spaceport America, in southern New Mexico, several years ago. Area taxpayers paid about $219 million to get the spaceport going. But a series of minor setbacks and a major spacecraft crash during testing in October 2014 set the company back years.

Its never easy to develop technologies that have never been tried before, Moses said. And it often takes more time than anyone anticipates.

The replacement spacecraft is undergoing flight testing. Moses said. As soon as spacecrafts safety is assured, Virgin Galactic will be relocating to Spaceport America to commence flying the several hundred passengers who have signed on to become astronauts  a title bestowed on people who have flown more than 62 miles or 325,000 feet above the earth  and have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a two-hour ride.

Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines, has invested more than $500 million in Virgin Galactic. His plans include more than building a rocket ship to give rich people rides into space.

Sir Richards real vision is building a sub-orbital, point-to-point transportation system, Moses said. He wants to have the first hypersonic space line.

Virgin Galactics tourism flights from Spaceport America are a means of proving technologies and gaining experience from flying multiple times. Each time SpaceShipTwo flies, taking six passengers into sub-orbital space, it will generate more than $1 million in revenue, cash that underwrites some of the investment.

If Bransons vision is fulfilled, people will be able to fly at hypersonic speeds  thats more than 5,000 mph  from Dallas-Fort Worth to London in two hours or from Los Angeles to Sydney in under four hours.

There are roughly 700 Virgin Galactic future astronauts who have already paid deposits for their flights on SpaceShipTwo come from more than 50 different countries, about half of which have never before sent a human to space. They span in age from under 10 to over 90 years of age.

Branson wants hypersonic point-to-point transportation, using a mix of SpaceShipTwo and LauncherOne fundamental technologies.

SOURCES- Las Cruces Sun-News, Space.com, virgin galactic
By Olivier Ferret 15 October 2016 - 10:10





Max Verstappen

The COTA track is very special, its a new track but with a lot of old school corners in it (but with more run off) which makes it really cool to drive. Turn 1 has such a big radius it gives a lot of overtaking opportunities, and then the whole of the first sector has the Ss, its a bit like Silverstone or Suzuka. It is a really fun circuit to race. I had a good look around Austin last year and really liked it, I love America in general, the people are so friendly and I always feel comfortable and relaxed there. Burgers and meat, it is so good there. I will probably have to be a bit careful to watch my weight as you can eat so well in Austin. I am sure I will find time for a nice steak though.

The circuit in Mexico is interesting, its still really new, they had only just finished it when we went there in 2015. Hopefully when we go there this year the grip will have improved and the lap times will be faster. The fans are really passionate in Mexico, a lot came to the race last year so it will be good to see them out in force again this year. Last year I didnt get any chance to look around at all, I want to taste some authentic food and see some sights this year.

Daniel Ricciardo

The track in Austin is sick, I love it. It has a lot of unique features like the wide apex at turn one, you could fit about four cars side by side through there. There are loads of opportunities to overtake and have fun throughout the whole track. It has fast flowing sections and hairpins, pretty much everything I like in a track. Austin city is also awesome, I really like its character. Its raw and authentic which makes it cool without trying to be. The old school bars and music venues which are super cool just makes it work. Petes Piano bar and Rainey Street has a lot of local music which is a really nice vibe and I want to check out Hotel Vegas this year.

Last year in Mexico it was quite challenging, the surface was so new it meant grip levels were really low. This year should be a bit more fun with a bit more feeling. The track has some really cool sections, driving slow through the stadium bits means you can feel the atmosphere from the fans. Last year it was the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival so we went out on the Sunday after the race. We had a meal and everyone was dressed up in the skulls, it felt like we were in a movie. For me, having Austin and Mexico as a back to back is great because they are two of the most hospitable places we go and really cool to spend time there.
Former Vice President and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the release of 21 Chibok girls...

Former Vice President and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the release of 21 Chibok girls as a sign of things to come and a ray of light on the fight against insurgency in the country. Similarly, the Buhari Media Support Group said the release of the girls was an attestation of the pragmatism of the Buhari government in resolving issues that had become national challenges for Nigeria and Nigerians.In a statement from his media office in Abuja, the former Vice President said the news of the release of the 21 girls was a clear indication that hope always wins and prays for the release of the remaining girls who are still in captivity.While congratulating President Buhari for what he called a monumental achievement and a sign of things to come, Atiku said: President Buhari assured the country that he would return the Chibok girls to their families, and this is the evidence we all need that he is committed to delivering on his promise.He was full of praises for the role played by the Nigerian military, negotiators, activists and campaigners in ensuring that this milestone was achieved. This just shows how much we can achieve as a people when we stand in unity and faith.He challenged the government not to relent in ensuring that the remaining 197 girls are released and reunited with their families.If we continue at this positive and commendable rate, the rest of the girls will soon be reunited with their families and Nigerians can close this sad chapter in our nations history once and for all.Meanwhile, the Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) said the release of the girls is not just cheering news but a clear evidence of President Buharis pragmatic approach to resolving national challenges.In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Muhammad Labo, and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, made available to The Nation in Abuja, the group commended the President for the achievement and congratulated the parents of the girls for reuniting with their children after over two years in captivity.The organisation however said that the President should be appreciated for subjecting the dictates of sovereignty that limit negotiation of any sorts with terrorists, officially, to the empathy of parenthood and the soft emotions of a father.The statement said further that by this singular act, the President has put a smile on the faces of the Nigerian mass by sacrificing the universal doctrine of no negotiation with terrorists for empathy.The group also said that the release of the girls has further enhanced the peoples confidence in the President as a man who matches his word with action, adding that under 16 months in government, President Buhari has degraded the once dreaded Boko Haram terrorists off Nigerian territory and reduced the once seeming protracted rebellion into a whimper, treacherously seeking out soft targets to register a diminished presence.
One would have thought it ironic that President Muhammadu Buhari would joke about his wife belonging to his kitchen while standing next to...

One would have thought it ironic that President Muhammadu Buhari would joke about his wife belonging to his kitchen while standing next to the Angela Merkel, the female German chancellor.Buhari made this statement while responding to a question about the interview granted by Aisha Buhari, his wife, to BBC Hausa, during which she said she would not campaign for him in 2019 if things did not change in his government.At the start of the 2015 presidential election campaign, Aisha Buhari was absent on the political scene until her husband introduced her at a rally in Ogun state.After their victory, she described her husband as a gender-sensitive man with many daughters, saying she was absent at the campaigns because she had to focus on the home.In the same vein, she accepted that she would perform her duties traditionally as the wife of the president if her husband scrapped the office of the first lady and also expressed trust in her husbands ability to make Nigeria great again.During a visit to Kubwa general hospital in 2015, Aisha Buhari pleaded with Nigerian men not to abandon their wives in times of trouble.Not taking the women in the Nigerian senate and house of representatives into consideration, President Muhammadu Buhari has made a total of 11 female appointments in his government.This is far less than the 35 percent stipulation of the 2006 national gender policy.These 11 appointments are six female ministers, Amina Zakari as acting INEC chairperson, Abike Dabiri and Maryam Masha as special advisers, Hadiza Bala Usman and Esther Nnamdi Ogbue as directors of Nigeria Ports Authority and Petroleum Products and Marketing company respectively.Citizens, especially females, have been clamouring for a balance in the appointments. Most notable is Aisha Buhari who seeks fair representation.This is not fair; we are not asking for equal representation but fair representation in governance, she said.While campaigning for her husbands re-election in 2015, Patience Jonathan, wife of the immediate past president, told supporters that Buhari would sideline women.During Buharis era, he said women should be confined to the kitchen but under Jonathans administration, women have been liberated to contribute to national development, she said in Enugu.If you vote for Buhari again, you will return to the kitchen. It is not our portion to go back to the kitchen. We have women that are capable. We can contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria.Buharis image maker may have already dismissed his kitchen comment as a joke, but what if he meant it and he was only fulfilling Patience Jonathans prophecy?
As the security situation in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, deteriorates, some dare-devil gunmen on Thursday evening snatched the...

As the security situation in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, deteriorates, some dare-devil gunmen on Thursday evening snatched the pilot car of the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Prof Ivara Esu, and killed a policeman in the process.The driver of the car was also shot by the gunmen whose real number could not be ascertained.The attack by the gunmen took place at Goldie Street opposite the NNPC filling station in Calabar at about 7pm, when the pilot vehicle ran into a group of heavily armed men who were parading the street.After the executive council meeting at the Governors office in Calabar yesterday, the pilot vehicle led others cars as the escorted the deputy governor to his house.After dropping him off, the vehicle proceeded to drop the security men in the vehicle in their houses. While they were driving along that Goldie Street axis, they ran into a traffic jam caused by a group of cultists operating in the area. The cultists, numbering over 20, were armed with guns and machetes. When the cultists descended on the pilot vehicle, they shot the driver and drove off with the car. The other people in the car scampered for safety, a source who pleaded not to be mentioned narrated.Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, said a policeman who was shot during the melee died later in the hospital.She said the vehicle was later recovered by the police at the scene of the incident, adding that so far, no arrest has been made.
Nigerian army has debunked claims widely publicised on some national dailies and some online media that the military said it has no know...

Nigerian army has debunked claims widely publicised on some national dailies and some online media that the military said it has no knowledge of the release of 21 Chibok girls by the islamist Boko Haram sect.In a release made available to newsmen on Saturday, the military said it is working in harmony with sister security agencies to ensure the freedom of the remaining girls as well as rid the country totally of the terrorist group. It however said negotiations for the girls release solely rests on the shoulders of the politicians and not the military.It read thus: The Defence Headquarters attention has been drawn to an online and newspaper publication insinuating that there is a mix feelings among Nigerian military ranks and files as a result of the recent release of some Chibok girls. The military wishes to state unequivocally that the Armed Forces will continue to work closely with all our sister security agencies to achieve more feat in this direction. The military also want to debunk the baseless and unfounded story that there is disquiet in the military over the condition of release of the girls.The Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are one, working together to finish the war on terror and other criminalities which can be done covertly or overtly. The most important thing is achieving our strategic objective. The DHQ has said before that negotiation with the terrorists or any other group rests purely on our respected political leaders. The military operations to rid our land of terrorists continue.It is important to state that not all information are meant for public consumption due to processes which is purely political. More so, the ongoing military operation is making unprecedented progress with rescue of many captives held by the terrorists. The general public should discountenance with this baseless and misleading story.While the Armed Forces holds the media veritable partner, it urges the media to be mindful and clarify with the military when reporting security and defence issues bothering on sensitive national matters of this nature.
Opposition parties on Friday called for a change in electoral laws to allow municipal polls to be overseen by the national election commis...

Opposition parties on Friday called for a change in electoral laws to allow municipal polls to be overseen by the national election commission and not "partisan" state authorities."We want the National Assembly to amend the electoral laws so that local government elections will henceforth be organised by INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria)," a coalition of 16 parties said in a statement.It said state governments were rigging local polls to secure victory for the ruling party in the province.The group cited the October 8 local government election in the southwestern Ogun state which it said was rigged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Muhammadu Buhari.The coalition, including the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the Labour Party, said the APC was declared winner in all the 20 local government and 37 community development areas in Ogun state."It is obvious that the state electoral body could not conduct a credible poll. We therefore call on the National Assembly to review the section of the constitution that empowers the state governments to conduct local government elections with a view to avoiding a rape of our democracy," it said.Otunba Rotimi Paseda, who signed the statement on behalf of the coalition, said the Ogun vote was marred by intimidation, rigging and violence.Paseda said electoral fraud was so glaring that the opposition party agents refused to sign the result sheets and called for the results to be annulled.
The countrys air has been filled with excitement since the news of the release of 21 of the secondary school girls kidnapped by the dre...

The countrys air has been filled with excitement since the news of the release of 21 of the secondary school girls kidnapped by the dreaded Boko Haram sect at Chibok, Borno State, since April 2014. Their release came after they had spent about 900 days in the den of the dreaded sect along with their more than 200 other colleagues.While many see Thursdays release of the 21 girls as a sign that the remaining 197 who are yet unaccounted for will return, others see it as a development that portends a bitter-sweet experience for the affected parents because of the heart-rending experiences the returnees will narrate to them and the revelation of the identities of those that are dead as well as the circumstances that culminated in their demise.Fatima Abba-Kaka, a member of Bring Back Our Girls (#BBOG), the advocacy group at the forefront of the agitation for the release of the girls, said in an interview with our correspondent: For some of the parents, the arrival of these girls will mean the truth about those that Boko Haram claims have been killed. These ones will probably tell the real story of the girls that lost their lives.Mr. Hosea Tsambido, the Chairman, Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), Abuja, an umbrella body for members of the Chibok community, was allowed audience with the girls when they arrived Abuja. He noted that while the girls were all emaciated, they were well composed and acted in very normal and respectful manner. He also said they were very excited when he introduced himself to them.Tsambido said: I met them. They looked so emaciated but composed and not acting rude at all. There was nothing to show that their stay with terrorists for so long had changed them. They were so excited when I introduced myself. They know a lot of my siblings back home and still remembered their names.A lot of the parents kept calling me for information as soon as the news broke, to know if their daughters were among the 21. When I eventually got the names and called their parents, I did not actually sense so much excitement from them, because they have been traumatised for so long and it took a while for the news to sink in that their daughters are finally back. The other parents who are not amongst the 21 feel so bad that their daughters are still in captivity.The Chairman of the Chibok parents and father of one of the girls still in captivity, Yakubu Nkeki, said they had been contacted by the Minister of Women Affairs and had been asked to come to Abuja with the parents of the 21.He said: I just spoke with the Minister of Women Affairs. We have been invited to Abuja. We are boarding a vehicle and will hopefully arrive Saturday. My daughter is not among the 21, but as their leader, I am happy for the lucky parents. I am very happy for them that their daughters are back.Most of the parents in Chibok have been rejoicing since the news broke. They have all been trooping to my house in excitement. The release of these 21 has renewed our hope for the release of our other daughters, which is good. We dont want to think about those whose daughters might have died. The important thing for us is that we have hope and our hope has been renewed by the release of the 21.Another parent, Rev. Enoch Mark, whose two daughters are amongst the abducted girls, expressed excitement about the release of the 21. Although none of his daughters was among the 21, Rev. Mark says he sees the move as a sign that more of them will be released.He said: My wife and I have been unable to sleep since we heard the news. Even though neither of my daughters is amongst the 21, I am still really excited and hopeful because it means that those still alive will all return home soon. I am so grateful to the government for making this possible.Rebecca Isyaku, the girl who escaped by jumping off the vehicle when they were being taken away by Boko Haram more than two years ago, was filled with excitement at the release of 21 of her friends.She said: I am very happy today because I hear that 21 of my friends have been released. I used to think the government could not do it, but this has shown that it can. It even seemed like the government itself felt that it could not do it, but this has shown that it can.Even though we are yet to see or hear the names of those released, we are still happy that 21 of them are back. We will keep demanding until the others return. This has brought more life to the parents. They had been thinking of their daughters but now they have hope. Their faith has been renewed.A member of the Chibok community, who lives in Maiduguri, in a telephone conversation with newsmen, expressed excitement, saying it is what the community has been asking for.He said: We lack word to describe our excitement. This is what we have been asking for. Now that our hope has been restored, we are going to organise prayer and fasting to seek Gods face for the return of the others.We learnt that they swapped a few leaders of Boko Haram for the girls in Banki. Whether it is true or not does not matter. The government can release as many Boko Haram members as they want so that they will release our daughters and other Nigerians in captivity. This singular act by the government has renewed our confidence in the government.Another member of the community and member of the #BBOG, Gyanpany Yanga, said that they were not bothered if a swap for Boko Haram leaders would mean more terrorists out there because they have always seen Boko Haram as still being active with their constant attacks on Chibok and neighbouring communities.I am very happy, honestly. I commend the Federal Government for a job well done. But any of their lapses, we will still talk about it. Not that we are fighting; we are telling them the truth. Let them continue the good work because after they have brought back all the girls and it remains one, we will continue to demand.We are not bothered if it was a swap or not or what it might mean to our community, because Boko Haram is still disturbing in Chibok. They recaptured about four villages a few days ago. So, whether the girls were returned as a result of an exchange or release, or whether their number will increase or not, the government knows that it has to stand up to work as a responsible government.We know the capabilities of our military and how good they are. We recommend them all over the world.The leader of strategic team for #BBOG, Aisha Yesufu, on her part stated that the release of the 21 girls would not be complete until the government puts enough effort into their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.I am very excited and joyful for the wonderful development. That says a lot for us. It means a lot. We have continuously demanded from the government because we believe in the capability of our government.Today, we have seen it with the rescue, and we know that the remaining 197 out there will also be rescued and we hope that all other that were abducted will be released as well.For us as a movement, the rescue of the Chibok girls is the easy part. The main part for us is to ensure that our girls are rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society and made to get that life that is theirs, which the terrorists tried to truncate.We are not just a movement that demands, we proffer solutions, and part of what we have done is the verification, authentication and reunification system that we passed over to the government. And from what we are seeing on ground, there has been an improvement with the government in this situation than we saw when Amina Ali was found.We must not let the terrorists win with them, because if we just rescue them and allow them to just be, then everything would have been defeated. We need to ensure they are rehabilitated, returned to school and get that education and become the world leaders they are meant to be.While the leader of the group, Oby Ezekwesili, was said to have travelled to the US and was not on hand at the Unity Fountain with the rest of the group to celebrate the release of the 21 girls, her excitement on her twitter handle was infectious as she thanked the government, the Red Cross, the military and the Swiss government for their combined efforts in ensuring the girls release.Some of the tweets read: I can only weep right now. You know that kind of cry that is a mix of multiple emotions. Lord, some of our girls are back. It is 4 am in California and I can no longer sleep. Join me in singing the words of Psalm 126. When the Lord turned again the CAPTIVITY.With tears of unspeakable joy at the release of 21 of OUR #ChibokGirls, We cry out and use them as a point of contact for the rest 197. Imagine how it feels for parents of our 21 #ChibokGirls to behold and hug their daughters after 913 days of their captivity. #HopeEndures on.Another member of the group, Fatima Abba-Kaka, in her excitement, said that finally, the group has been vindicated. She said that God has vindicated the group from those who said that the girls were never taken.I feel incredible. I couldnt eat today or do anything. This is what we have been expecting from our government. We believe in our government. Even when they thought they couldnt, we believed they could, and they have done it and need to do more.The issue is that if there is negotiation, there has to be an exchange. We gave the government three scenariosnegotiation, military might or a combination of the two. Definitely if you negotiate, you will release their own.Right now, let us get all our girls and abducted people back and then the military can strategise and know how to handle Boko Haram. To me, the life of a single Chibok girl is more than anything. So I am okay with the negotiations.
NEWARK-- A city man was found guilty in federal court Friday of being in possession of a firearm despite being barred from doing so because of a prior criminal conviction, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Lucas Sumler, 42, was already a convicted felon when he was found with a .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition March 25.

Sumler faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he's sentenced Feb. 1, 2017.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, along with Newark police and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, assisted in the investigation leading to Sumler's conviction Friday, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
VERONA -- When Warren Gramm started out as the music teacher at Academy I Middle School in Jersey City, he had to overcome a pretty sizable obstacle - the school didn't have any instruments.

"We were doing more traditional things, like music history and theory," Gramm said. But, he said, it was tough to get the kids engaged. So, nine years ago, when the school partnered with Verona-based non-profit "Little Kids Rock," he jumped at the opportunity to take part in a weekend-long training the organization was offering Jersey City teachers.

LKR founder, David Wish, said Gramm's story is not unlike the one that prompted him to form the music charity.

Wish was a first grade teacher in East Palo Alto, Calif. in the early 1990s when he started thinking of ways to incorporate music education into his students' school days. Without many resources, he started teaching his kids music basics through songs that were popular at the time, namely Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin.

The class became so popular, that he was soon holding fundraisers to buy instruments, offering before and after school classes to other grades in the building, and having the kids write and perform their own songs that they recorded on CDs.

By 2002, the idea had become so popular that Wish left teaching to found Little Kids Rock, which partners with school districts across the country to bring popular music education to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn music.

"We believe that every human is profoundly musical, it just has to be drawn out of you," Wish said in an interview about the program.

"We teach the music that inspires kids... (and) the impact of it is immediately visible to teachers."

The program operates by training teachers of all subjects how to teach music, and providing free instruments to the schools. Through teachers volunteering their time to learn and teach the curriculum, and an annual budget of about $6 million raised through grants and donations, Little Kids Rock has brought pop music education to about 500,000 students at 30 school districts across the country.

From its Verona office, LKR has sent trainers to more than 100 schools in New Jersey - including in districts like Newark, East Orange, Trenton, Elizabeth, and Montclair - and to hundreds of others across the nation.

It also brings its "Modern Band" curriculum to the schools, where kids can play in a group band that uses instruments like guitars and drums, and plays rock and rap music. The curriculum is sometimes used in addition to more traditional music programs in districts, and other times it becomes the music program, Wish said.

In an effort to continue to grow, the program has launched the online "Jam Zone," which contains video tutorials teaching kids about music and how to play popular instruments. It has also started a "Half a Million Music Makers fundraising campaign" to help support its spread to the next 500,000 kids.

Gramm said he has seen the difference the program has made in his students.

"In districts like Jersey City, it's tough. Money is tight. You don't always get the music (education) you'd hope for," he said. Thanks to LKR, he said, his students have not only had the opportunity to learn, but have played shows at venues like Carnegie Hall, and have had jam sessions alongside famous musicians, like Liberty DeVitto, the drummer for Billy Joel.

Wish said his goal is to provide those types of opportunities to more kids.

"We are trying to create a national movement," he said. "We want to introduce music into kids' lives in a way that will stick."

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The driver of the commuter bus that struck and killed a Jersey City 11-year-old boy has been charged after police found that he was driving with a suspended license, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari said tonight.

Raul Delatorre-Galarza, 44, of Elizabeth, has been charged with causing a death while driving with a suspended license and he is being held at Hudson County jail in Kearny on $50,000 bail. Schillari said Delatorre-Galarza has had multiple license suspensions in the past.

George Gonzalez was struck at the corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Neptune Avenue just after 8 a.m., authorities said. He had just left his aunt's home to walk to the bus stop to go to BelovED Charter School.

A family member said the commuter bus was maneuvering around a double-parked truck when it struck George. The 11-year-old was resuscitated at the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11 a.m.

The crash remains under active investigation by the Hudson County Sheriff's Office, the Jersey City Police and Hudson County Prosecutor's Office. Anyone with information on the crash is urged to call the HCSO's Crash Investigation Unit at 201-915-13000, ext. 7050.

There have been 24 traffic fatalities in Hudson County in 2016, including five in October and nine since Sept. 7. A 72-year-old Bayonne man was walking near East 21st Street in Bayonne last night and was fatally struck by car.
JERSEY CITY - Former Jersey City Councilman Jaime Vazquez was carried by pall bearers through a crowd of mourners from a Downtown funeral home this morning and was taken to be laid to rest in a procession of dozens of vehicles.

After the 67-year-old Vietnam veteran's flag-draped casket was placed in a hearse outside Introcaso-Angelo Funeral Home at about 11:30 a.m., one of his fellow vets led a cheer of "Ooh Rah" before the procession left for Holy Name Cemetery.

"He was a true pioneer of Downtown Jersey City," Jersey City Councilman Daniel Rivera said after paying his last respects today. "He helped a lot of Latinos until his death. His memory will never be lost and he will be missed."

Vazquez was the Downtown councilman for 12 years starting in 1985, as well as a longtime activist for the city's Latino and veteran communities. The U.S. Marine who received a Purple Heart following an injury during the Vietnam War died on Tuesday after suffering a massive heart attack.

"We are losing an icon, a community leader who cared more about others than himself," said community activist and former School 39 Principal Angelo Estrada at the funeral home. "He helped anybody regardless of party affiliation."

Estrada said that when he saw Vazquez for the last time a week ago on Newark Avenue, the veteran told him: "Enjoy life because you never know how much time you have."
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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.
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Receipts $25 million lower than expected; Ricketts says hell freeze hiring, some travel

LINCOLN  A special budget-cutting session of the Legislature isnt likely following the release of a new state report on Nebraskas tax revenues.

A State Department of Revenue report issued Friday showed that net tax collections for September were 5.3 percent  or about $25 million  less than expected. Gross receipts were 1.6 percent  or $8 million  less than predicted.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said hes not likely to call a special session, based on the receipts and the states healthy cash reserve.

Still, he said, circumstances could change depending on a meeting by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board later this month.

The Revenue Department report compares tax receipts with the revenue forecast issued in February by the forecasting board.

It meets again this month to review its predictions.

The downturn in revenue is certainly a significant challenge, but we are working to manage it within state agencies, Ricketts said. I have every confidence that the Legislature and I can work together in January to do what needs to be done to meet the challenge.

Ricketts in July instructed the state budget office to cut quarterly allotments to state agencies by 1 percent every three months.

The governor said Friday he will cut agency allotments by an additional 1 percent for the third quarter, which begins in January. In all, Ricketts plans to withhold at least 4 percent from state agencies for the year.

The fiscal picture will become clearer after the forecasting boards meeting and when the Legislature starts its budget-making process.

Ricketts this summer also called for agencies to review all hiring and limit travel to essential services. He said hes now putting a ban on non-essential out-of-state travel and instituting a hiring freeze in state agencies for all positions that

arent mission critical.

Ricketts has enacted a ban on all non-essential travel for code agencies, and he has asked all other agencies, boards and commissions to follow suit, his spokesman Taylor Gage said. Hiring freezes among nonmission-critical positions, which might include administrative staff, consultants and contractors, will vary by agency, he said.

State Sen. Heath Mello, chairman of the Legislatures Appropriations Committee, said he doesnt think a special session is likely to be needed, though hell be waiting to see what happens when the forecasting board meets.

Mello applauded the governor for taking steps through the executive branch to prepare agencies, and pointed to the value of maintaining a strong cash reserve fund.

The state has a healthy cash reserve to prepare us for uncertainty when you see more volatile revenue, said Mello, who for four years has shepherded the budget-making committee. He

is term-limited.

Renee Fry, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute, expressed concern that the growing budget shortfall raises a red flag that lawmakers have gone too far with tax cuts in recent years.

The continued downturn in revenue threatens investments in schools and other vital services and makes it more difficult to address pressing issues like corrections and property taxes, she said in a statement.

Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton pointed to $70 million in tax refunds that the state paid out in September, which was 31 percent  or $16 million  more than forecast. He called the amount hard to predict and an anomaly.

Fulton called Septembers net receipts challenging because its a big month for tax collections. That does present us a challenge going forward, so well watching things carefully, he said.
POOLER, Ga.  Waist-deep floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew coursed down the street in Pooler and seeped under Lori Galemores doors, swamping the carpets and furniture as she and her three sons retreated upstairs, where they stayed until firefighters arrived by boat.

Galemore and her neighbors in Pooler, a community about 35 miles inland from the evacuated Georgia coast, were deluged not by seawater driven ashore by the hurricane, but by rain and runoff that overwhelmed a drainage ditch at the end of their cul-de-sac.

Everybody said, Youre not in a flood plain. You dont need flood insurance, Galemore said Wednesday as her husband and sons threw out soggy furniture, waterlogged books, towels and blankets and wet chunks of drywall. And flood insurance is expensive. Who wants to pay that?

Galemores story is all too common. Many Americans dont have flood insurance, some because they dont want to pay for it, some because they dont see the need for it.

Even in high-risk flood zones where homes are required to have such coverage, the compliance rate nationally was only 53 percent as of 2015, according to the governments National Flood Insurance Program.

Industry officials say it is a troubling situation, especially since the risk of flooding appears to be on the rise.

We seem to be having more and more flooding events, be it climate change or other things. Were seeing areas that are experiencing flooding events that may not have experienced them in the past, said Cynthia DiVincenti, a vice president at Aon National Flood Services.

Ordinary homeowner insurance typically covers wind damage  torn-off roofs, fallen trees  but not flooding. Banks require homes in high-risk flood zones to buy flood insurance, but even then the percentage of properties that are covered is well short of 100 percent. It was 57 percent in Florida, 72 percent in South Carolina and 81 percent in Louisiana, the National Flood Insurance Program reported.

Worse, lots of flooding takes place outside those designated hazard areas. That was the case when heavy storms flooded parts of South Carolina last year and an unnamed storm recently inundated the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area. The damage in Baton Rouge was put at $660 million, and most people there had no flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly disaster we see in the United States, said Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman Rafael Lemaitre. Flood claims have averaged more than $1.9 billion per year since 2006, according to federal officials.

Flood insurance in low- to moderate-risk areas averages $400 to $600 a year, according to FEMA. FEMA, through the National Flood Insurance Program, offers flood insurance because its generally not profitable for private insurers to sell it.

Matthew sideswiped Florida and Georgia last week before blowing ashore briefly in South Carolina and unloading more than a foot of rain on North Carolina, where it triggered disastrous flooding. The U.S. death toll is well over 30.

Walter Cokers fish camp on the Matanzas River in Crescent Beach, Florida, was inundated. The 4-foot surge destroyed a warehouse on the property where he stores furniture imported from Indonesia. The boat slips he rents out were torn apart, with the huge wooden pilings used to hold the docks jerked out of the river bottom. Floodwaters inundated his bait and tackle shop, ruining the coolers that hold bait and beer.

Coker didnt have flood insurance.

I did look into it. It wouldve been very expensive, he said. Its one of those things you dont buy it on something you dont think will happen.

The floodwaters were waist-high inside Kathy Fingers elegant two-story brick home with crystal chandeliers in Nichols, South Carolina. Now she is unsure how to proceed without flood insurance.

I wouldnt imagine that hardly anyone had it, the 67-year-old said of her town near the Lumber River. The river had never overflowed before, and no one had any reason to fear it would, she said.

Homeowners without flood insurance may qualify for federal grants for shelter and food, but those are typically small sums and arent meant to replace all losses. Homeowners can also apply for low-interest disaster loans, which must be repaid.

Paul Mueller estimated his Pooler home has up to $80,000 worth of damage from the foot of water in his house. Like his neighbors, Mueller doesnt have flood insurance either.

Were all in the same boat here, he said. If we had trees to come down on our houses, wed have been covered. Thats the sad truth.
The Obama administration announced Friday that it is eliminating a $100 limit on the value of Cuban rum and cigars that American travelers can bring back from the island.

The administration is also lifting limits on cargo ship travel between the U.S. and Cuba and easing U.S. and Cuban researchers ability to conduct joint medical research. The measures are contained in a package of relatively small-scale regulatory changes meant to ease U.S. trade with Cuba.

The Obama administration has now made six sets of changes loosening the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba in the hopes that the normalization of relations with the island will not be reversed by a future administration. This round is expected to be the last before President Barack Obama leaves office.

Cuban rum and cigars will now be subject to the same duties as alcohol and tobacco from other countries, meaning most travelers will be able to bring back as many as 100 cigars and several bottles of rum. Because high-end Cuban cigars can sell for more than $100 apiece outside Cuba, every U.S. traveler can now legally bring back many thousands of dollars of Cuban products, potentially generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new annual revenue for the Cuban state.

The change does not mean that Cuban rum and cigars will be available for sale in the U.S.  the change is aimed at tobacco and alcohol brought home for personal use.

The previous limit restricted travelers to a combined value of $100 in rum and cigars, although enforcement of the limit notably declined after President Barack Obama declared detente with Cuba on Dec. 17, 2014.

The administration has described its policy goal as aimed at helping the Cuban people improve their lives by winning greater economic and political freedom from the single-party state.

Challenges remainand very real differences between our governments persist on issues of democracy and human rightsbut I believe that engagement is the best way to address those differences and make progress on behalf of our interests and values, Obama said in a statement announcing the changes.

Rum and cigar production is entirely government-run under Cubas centrally planned communist economy. While the first regulatory changes focused narrowly on helping Cubas growing private sector, Fridays new rules are almost entirely aimed at similarly state-run industries including shipping and medical products.

The package of regulatory changes announced Friday also allows cargo ships to visit U.S. ports directly after docking in Cuba. They had been barred from U.S. ports for 180 days after visiting Cuba. Cuba blamed that measure for harming its ability to import and export and dampening hopes that a new military-run port in the city of Mariel could serve as a major link in the regional cargo shipping system.

A senior Obama administration official said the new regulations focus on Cuban state enterprise should not be interpreted as a shift away from helping ordinary Cubans.

We have designed the policy very much to have the maximum benefit to the Cuban people, broadly, but in so doing we are not restricting engagement with the Cuban state. That has been clear since Dec. 17, 2014, the official said in a conference call with reporters held on condition of anonymity. The Cuban people continue to be at the center of everything were doing.

More than 160,000 American travelers visited Cuba last year and that figure is expected to double this year. Hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans visit family on the island each year and will also be able to take advantage of the new measure, which comes a month and a half before the restart of commercial flights to Havana after more than 50 years.

Regular air service between the U.S. and Cuba was severed at the height of the Cold War. But about 300 flights a week will soon connect the U.S. with an island cut off from most Americans by the 55-year-old trade embargo on Cuba and formal ban on U.S. citizens engaging in tourism on the island.

The restart of commercial travel between the two countries is one of the most important steps in President Barack Obamas two-year-old policy of normalizing relations with the island.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has already announced the carriers selected to operate routes to Havana: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.

They are obligated to begin flights right after Thanksgiving, but airlines may begin earlier. Delta said it would launch daily service Dec. 1 from Atlanta, Miami and New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport, subject to Cuban regulatory approval, with flights going on sale Sept. 10.

Other carriers also will serve the Cuban capital from Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando and Tampa.
LAPORTE  A jury has found a LaPorte man guilty of engaging in years of sexual activity with two underage victims.

David Flynn, 45, was found guilty Thursday in LaPorte Circuit Court of Class A felony child molesting; two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct, along with two Class B felony counts of incest and two counts of Class C felony incest.

It took the jury just over a half hour to reach its verdict following two days of testimony.

During opening arguments Wednesday, Flynn was portrayed by the defense as a family man who, after a break-up in South Carolina, moved back to LaCrosse with custody of all five of his children.

His attorney, Mark Worthley of Valparaiso, said Flynn worked long hours as a mechanic and his mother moved in with the family, which later relocated to LaPorte, to help care for the children.

Flynn testified he did not engage in sexual contact with the children and that although he gave police a confession, he felt pressured to do so.

Worthley called the allegations false and said the court would not let him present him evidence he felt would better illustrate why the claims were not true.

LaPorte County deputy prosecutor Catherine Breitweiser-Hurst told jurors neither victim knew the other was being molested and that Flynn was methodical in his approach to keep anyone from finding out.
LAPORTE  A mixed martial arts fighters claim he fought off two people dressed as clowns this week turned out to be a false report, LaPorte City police confirmed.

The police department sent out a post on Facebook declaring the story a hoax Friday. The Times confirmed the post came from the department.

Just to put all minds to ease, the media story of a clown incident on Andrew Ave. was investigated, by our detective bureau, and discovered to have been [a] false report. Appropriate action will be taken by our detectives, the post read.

Its unclear how police uncovered that Matthew Cox concocted his story and LaPorte Police Chief Adam Klimczak was unavailable for comment Friday.

Cox said earlier this week he was walking about 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 1200 block of Andrew Avenue on the citys west side when two people wearing masks and checkered clown outfits approached him.

He had claimed two clowns yelled profanities at him, leading Cox, a self-described experienced cage fighter trained in martial arts, to crouch into a fighting stance.

He said one had a sledge hammer and another pulled a knife on him.

Cox said one of the clowns was running "like a freight train" straight toward him when he knocked the subject to the ground with a punch.

The fallen clown pulled a knife, according to Cox's story, but he grabbed the clown by the wrist and knocked the blade out of his hand while continuing the pummeling.

Cox claimed the other clown took off running and the one he had beaten up was on the ground moaning when he left and called 911 while running home.

Officers quickly showed up to find Cox breathing heavily and talking fast while describing what had just taken place, police said.

"If he's not in the hospital right now from everything that I've done to him, then he's hurting really bad," Cox said Thursday during an interview about the alleged encounter.

Police said officers went to LaPorte Hospital to try and locate the suspects, but nobody matching the description had checked in.

LaPorte police Chief of Detectives Tom Thate said earlier this week that investigators were treating the report seriously unless information developed that would dispute the victim's claims.
LAKE STATION  The boyfriend accused of killing his Lake Station girlfriend is now in police custody, Lake Station Police Captain Brian Williams confirmed Friday night.

Jovanni Torres, 31, of the 27000 block of New Hampshire Street, has been charged with the shooting death of Aimee Giro, 26, Williams said.

Torres was taken into police custody about 6 p.m. Friday by Lake Station police with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Police discovered Giros decomposing body Oct. 5 in Torres home with multiple gunshot wounds after they received a request for a welfare check.

Williams said Giro didnt show for work Oct. 2 even though she was scheduled. Giros father went to the home on Oct. 5 where he saw flies on the window, Williams said.

Through the investigation, police learned a woman had spoken to Torres about two weeks prior to Giros death, Williams said. During the conversation, he had warned he may kill Giro, according to police.

Torres confided to the woman that Giro caught him looking at child pornography, Williams said.

After obtaining a search warrant, they entered the home and found the woman dead. According to a coroners news release Giro died of a gunshot wound.

Its believed she was killed Oct. 1, Williams said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lake Station Police Department at (219) 962-1186 and ask to speak with Detective Sgt. Kevin Garber or Police Capt. Brian Williams.

People are also encouraged to email information to kgarber@lakestation-in.gov or bwilliams@lake station-in.gov
An unidentified male was killed early Saturday after being shot in the 200 block of South Bensley Street in Calumet City.

A John Doe was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at Franciscan Health Hammond, according to the Lake County coroners office. The death was ruled a homicide.

The victims name, age and address are unknown. Calumet City police and the Lake County coroners office are handling the investigation.
EAST CHICAGO  An Angel with four paws roams the halls of St. Josephs Carmelite Home, providing comfort for the more than 80 children who call the facility home, and acting as a loyal companion to the seven Carmelite nuns who manage and staff the home.

Recently named Hero Pet of the Year by the Chesterton-based Celebration of Wildlife group, Angel became top dog after people voted online based on the nomination submitted in September by Tom Dabertin, a member of the Carmelite Homes board of directors.

This is the second year weve had this Hero Pet contest, said Bob Gregg, Celebration of Wildlife coordinator and member of the Porter County Wildlife Management Advisory Board.

My wife and I watch the Hallmark Channel Hero Pet program. They are just heart-jerking stories, Gregg said of the inspiration to begin this contest in Northwest Indiana. We had five great stories submitted this year. It was so emotional.

The story of this American Bulldog mix began as a stray found on the streets of Crown Point in the fall of 2013. When first taken in by the Lake County Animal Control staff, the dog showed signs of abuse. However, as she gained strength, the staff named her Angel because she had a very kind, gentle disposition that staff felt made her seem almost angelic, Dabertin wrote in his nomination.

Sheriff (John) Buncich called us in October 2013 to ask if we would like to have a pet, recalled Sister Maria Giuseppe, the Carmelite Homes administrator. Buncich is chairman of the Carmelite Home board.

Sister Maria Giuseppe said she was a little reluctant at first, but would welcome the right dog.

Buncich and his staff trained Angel for her new duties.

She came to us in January 2014. She is definitely special, the nun said with a smile in her voice. When a child first comes to us, she seems to gravitate toward that child. She sits beside them, putting her head in their laps. Shes very affectionate. Shes really tuned in to them.

On any given day, Angel makes her rounds, calming nervous children, always ready to play and bringing children out of their shells, Dabertin said.

Over the past few years, she has coaxed frightened children who are unaccustomed to the home, from underneath beds by showering those children with kisses and attention, Dabertin said in his nomination letter.

And Angel is very respectful of the house rules, Sister Maria Giuseppe said.

She knows she cant come in the chapel when we are at Mass or in prayer, the nun said about Angel. Shell sit outside and watch. Shell peek in but wont come in. When we come out of the chapel, she wags her tail, shes so happy to see us.

The convent of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus Northern Province next to the Carmelite Home at 4840 Grasseli Drive is home to the seven nuns and Angel.

After working at the Carmelite Home, Angel returns to the convent each night, accompanying three nuns, Sister Maria Giuseppe said.

Shes used to eating at night, between 10 and 10:30 (p.m.). Angel sleeps just outside the door of Sister Carmelitas room, she said.

Shes just a part of the family, Sister Maria Giuseppe said, adding Dr. Tracy Cooley in Highland is our vet and takes wonderful care of Angel.

During a recent ceremony in Valparaiso honoring Angel as Hero Pet of the Year, the Carmelite Sisters received certificates for a years supply of Redford Natural Dog Food provided by Pet Supplies Plus in Valparaiso and a one-year supply of Heartgard to prevent heartworm from Valparaiso-based McAfee Animal Hospital.

A banner now on display at the Carmelite Home celebrates Angels new title, and East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland also proclaimed Angel the citys Hero Pet of the Year.
HOBART  Barring the addition of a buffer zone, E&B Paving contractors are refusing to return to a construction site along Interstate 65 where a 35-year-old LaPorte worker died Wednesday, a union spokesman said this week.

If you drove down that stretch of road over the last couple of weeks, there were workers performing less than 12 inches away from traffic, said Ed Maher, a spokesman for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

The death of Brandon Beau Dewayne Fiscus, with the Anderson-based E&B Paving, is being investigated by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Fiscus was killed at the construction site Wednesday after police say a woman lost control of her SUV and struck him as he worked along I-65 just one mile south of the Ridge Road exit.

Maher added workers have agreed to patch up existing holes, but only at night, when an additional lane closure can be granted. They want main line work delayed until the spring, he said.

INDOT spokesman Matthew Deitchley said Thursday the state agency was not aware of any workers refusing to return to the job site, but that INDOT and the contractor mutually decided to halt work through this weekend out of respect for the worker and those on the job site who experienced this tragedy.

There are 28 remaining days of work planned for this year, with most of that work at night, per the original schedule. Ramps and main line work is all part of that plan, he said.

Construction in the area of the crash has been ongoing since May. The right and outer shoulder are marked off with construction barrels, and there are many informational signs warning drivers of the construction area.

Police said Jasmine Tirado, 23, of Merrillville, was driving north on I-65 when she changed lanes several times before hitting a construction barrel separating the construction area from traffic on northbound I-65. After hitting the barrel, Tirado continued into a construction area where Fiscus was using a concrete saw, police said. She is accused of hitting another barrel and striking Fiscus, throwing him into her windshield.

Barrels vs. barriers

Maher said safety concerns about the use of plastic construction barrel drums, rather than concrete barriers, were raised to the Indiana Department of Transportation prior to the workers death. However, Deitchley said INDOT did not field any complaints about better worker protections on the job site, noting the responsibility of safety equipment lies with the contractor.

A spokesman for E&B Paving could not be immediately reached for comment Friday.

INDOT oversees and ensures the work zone meets safety requirements for the traveling public, but the safety of contractor workers and any decisions about work zone safety equipment for workers is ultimately the decision of the contractor, Deitchley said.

While concrete barriers may increase worker safety, the closure of additional lanes to accommodate the barriers could create massive backups and increase accidents for all involved, he said.

It must be stressed that this tragic accident happened miles into the work zone, which met all safety requirements, not at the beginning or end of the zone where traffic begins to taper, Deitchley said. This driver, who was seen weaving in and out of traffic, cut into the middle of a work zone recklessly before striking the worker.

He added state policy dictates when and how many lanes can be closed in this section of I-65 during certain hours, he said. Upwards of 100,000 vehicles travel this section of I-65 every day.

Closing an additional lane of traffic on I-65 during the day, in addition to what was already closed due to construction, would violate this policy. Therefore INDOT and the contractor included as much nighttime work as possible, so an additional lane could be closed for safety, he said.

Maher said worker safety should be of utmost importance on such a busy highway.

These are just people doing their jobs. Any of us, at the end of our work day, get to go home to our families, and unfortunately in construction, its a much more dangerous job so measures have to be taken, he said.

Safety is paramount

The hope is to have INDOT install concrete barriers in the spring, Maher said.

INDOT recently notified project managers, engineers and contractors of adjustments to change orders regarding safety, according to a letter dated Oct. 13 and obtained by The Times. It states by identifying these improvements through change order, the costs to these improvements can be tracked and therefore not counted against the on budget metrics.

Safety is paramount on all construction projects and should not influence decisions based on meeting any metric concerning budget, the letter states.

Deitchley said the state memorandum has been in the works for two or three months and its release Thursday had nothing to do with the recent fatality.

This was a terrible tragedy, where a young man lost his life and every one of us is shocked and saddened. INDOT will continue to work, along with our contractors to make work zones as safe as possible, he said. But it cannot be ignored that drivers must slow down and pay attention, especially in work zones. One poor decision by a driver can shatter the lives of so many, no matter how many safety measures are in place.

State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, who chairs the House Roads and Transportation Committee, said theres no single solution to protect workers at construction sites. Soliday last year unsuccessfully pushed legislation authorizing cameras to enforce speed limits in work zones.

Lets be honest. That driver should have not crossed those barrels. The behavior of drivers out there, because Ive witnessed it, is becoming almost unconscionable, he said.

Times staff writers Joseph Pete and Sarah Reese contributed to this report.
CROWN POINT  St. Mary Catholic Community School hosts its 55th annual spaghetti supper Wednesday at the school, 405 E. Joliet St., Crown Point.

The meal includes spaghetti, Caesar salad, Italian bread, dessert and coffee or milk.

Ticket prices are $5 for senior citizens, $8 for adults ages 15 to 59 and $5 for children 5 to 14. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the school at (219) 663-0676.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Drive-thru service also is available; call ahead for orders of 10 or more. Delivery service is available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those who have a place of business in the Crown Point area and would prefer to dine in for lunch. There is a five order minimum for this free delivery service.

To request a delivery service order form, call the school and an order will be faxed or email cflores@stmarycp.org.
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Friends and family said their final goodbyes Saturday at the funeral for District Attorney Ken Thompson.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Governor Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch attended the service at the Christian Cultural Center in East New York.

Thompson died Sunday at the age of 50, days after announcing he had cancer and would be taking time off for treatment. Mourners say Thompson, Brooklyn's first African-American DA, was a champion of justice.

"He was never looking for the limelight or anything," said Graham Weatherspoon, retired NYPD officer and board member on the Amadou Diallo Foundation. "He just wanted to do what he could do to help people. Whether it was as a defense attorney or prosecutor, he just wanted to help people he was adjoined with. And this is what public service is."

During his time as DA, Thompson focused on exonerating the wrongfully convicted, and refrained from prosecuting people for low-level offenses such as possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Reach for your wallets. It is going to be expensive to pull Americas largest territory out of its death spiral, Puerto Ricos outgoing governor warned the islands new federal oversight board on Friday.

Even if Puerto Ricos 3.4 million residents keep tightening their belts, and even if the creditors who lent it $74 billion agree to less than full repayment, the island will still need the assistance of the federal government to bring this economic and humanitarian crisis to an end, said Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla, addressing the panel that the Obama administration set up to handle the territorys staggering debt.

He urged the boards seven members to join him in one voice before Congress to seek help.

Twenty floors below the room in Lower Manhattan where the governor made his remarks, protesters chanted their opposition to colonialism  which is how they view the power that the panel holds to make decisions about Puerto Ricos future.

It was the first substantive meeting of the board, known in Spanish as the junta, the Spanish word for political group, that Congress created this year to direct Puerto Ricos financial affairs. The group is similar to the control boards that have led other distressed American jurisdictions, like New York City in the mid-1970s. But because of heightened sensitivities about Puerto Ricos colonial history, Congress gave Puerto Ricos governor, and not the board, the authority to draft the 10-year fiscal plan that will become the basic road map for moving Puerto Rico out of its financial troubles.
In the face of mounting criticism of his record on transparency, Mayor Bill de Blasio called for changing a state law that the city has said blocks the release of details about disciplinary actions taken against New York City police officers.

The mayor, in a written statement issued on Friday afternoon, said the statute, a section of the states civil rights law, was flawed and that the public interest was disserved by it.

The section, 50-a, has been at the center of a legal dispute over disclosing the disciplinary history of the officer who placed Eric Garner in a fatal chokehold. The law has been a longstanding obstacle to civil rights groups, reporters and others seeking information about misconduct by police officers and corrections officers.

Without significant changes to this statute, the city remains barred from providing New Yorkers with the transparency we deserve, the mayor said. We hope advocates for greater transparency will join us in the effort to reform this state law.
Whether given to Flushing Bay, Newtown Creek or the Gowanus Canal, these awards  the plunger goes to the runner-up  are no coveted achievements, but rather seats in an environmental hall of shame.

The awards are held at the end of 20 weeks of testing conducted by the Citizens Water Quality Testing Program, a volunteer group. Its members sample water at some 50 locations from Yonkers to Jamaica, Queens, and take them  by subway, by kayak, by a network of cyclists in Brooklyn known as the Pony Express  to Pier 40 in Manhattan or other testing sites throughout the city.

The samples are tested for fecal bacteria from sewer runoff  hence the toilet-themed awards  and the results are posted online, providing water-quality enthusiasts with data in addition to what is typically made available by government agencies. The levels often rise with rainfalls that exceed the capacity of treatment plants and cause sewage to flow directly into local waterways.

The awards have now been held five times. Last year, the winner was Flushing Bay, near La Guardia Airport, and the year before that, the Saw Mill River, which runs through Westchester County and empties into the Hudson River in Yonkers. The river regularly registers the highest pollution levels, but Mr. Buchanan awards other bodies of water to widen the spotlight.

If it was a competition, the same locations would win every year, he told a group of samplers on Thursday. They were gathered around a table of snacks and beer at the River Project, an educational center on Pier 40 along the Hudson River near Houston Street. We want to spread the love around.
A Muslim student from Bangladesh, Nazmus Sakib Choudhury, 25, said he was afraid of a Trump presidency and intended to vote Democratic. We dont have an option, he said.

Not everybody agreed. An older man from Canada, who did not want to give his name, said he wanted to use his citizenship to vote for Mr. Trump.

Maria Ester Lopez, 34, a Bronx resident from Mexico, said she felt both lucky and blessed to get her citizenship on the last day to register to vote by mail.

Its kind of a miracle, she said. Just in time.

But not everybody made it.

In line with a national trend, applications for citizenship rose over the last 12 months in the area that includes New York City and Long Island, with 110,895 people trying to become citizens, compared with 88,627 over the previous 12-month period, according to the federal Citizenship and Immigration Services. And applicants faced significant waits. As of June 30, 72,595 applications were pending. (By comparison, 52,953 applications were pending at the same point the previous year.)

The federal Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes the applications, denied that those numbers represented delays. We are monitoring the situation and managing resources to address disparities in processing times, Katie Tichacek, a spokeswoman for the agency, said.

But the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, which helped prepare 600 applications for citizenship over the last year, has noticed a substantial lag time in processing in 2016, which has resulted in some people not being naturalized in time to vote, Angela Fernandez, the groups executive director, said. It took only three months to process applications in New York at this time last year, but now took longer than five months, she said.
A Connecticut judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School attack, delivering a blow to an ambitious effort to hold accountable the makers of the assault rifle used in the 2012 massacre before the case ever went to trial.

The judge, Barbara N. Bellis of State Superior Court, had surprised even some of the plaintiffs by allowing the case to move toward trial this year, despite a 2005 federal law that offers firearm manufacturers and sellers broad protection from lawsuits when guns are used in crimes.

But in a decision filed on Friday, Judge Bellis repeatedly cited the law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, as the basis for her reasoning. This action falls squarely within the broad immunity provided by the act, she wrote.

Lawyers for Remington Outdoor, whose AR-15-style Bushmaster rifle was used by Adam Lanza in the attack at the school, in Newtown, Conn., had argued for dismissal of the lawsuit. The complaint also named the wholesaler and a local retailer as defendants.
The countries that have eclipsed the United States in educational achievement have far more effective systems for training teachers. Consider, for example, Finlands system, which has consistently ranked among the best in the world. Decades ago, Finland moved teacher education out of teachers colleges and into universities, where students are given rigorous preparation and recruited from the top quarter of their graduating high school classes.

Teachers colleges in the United States have resisted proposals for raising entry standards along these lines, which is unfortunate given how abysmal teacher training is in this country compared with training in high-performing nations. The problem was underscored in a 2013 study by the National Council on Teacher Quality that rated only 10 percent of the 1,200 programs the study examined as adequate. Most programs had low or no standards for admissions.

Even when they offer adequate instruction, the programs fail in other ways. For example, they regularly train people in subject areas where no new teachers are needed, while ignoring areas where there is a teacher shortage, like math, science and special education. Beyond that, schools often fail to arrange for student-teaching programs in schools in high-poverty areas, which puts those schools at a disadvantage for finding new staff members.

This week, the Department of Education released rules that are meant to address these problems and help states distinguish strong teacher-training programs from weak ones.
After the Americans overthrew Saddam Hussein, the once-oppressed Shiite majority came to power and ran roughshod over the Sunnis, Kurds and other minorities. The current Iraqi prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has tried to be more inclusive. But old resentments linger, not only among his fellow Shiites but also among the Sunnis, whose anger at being largely excluded from governance contributed to the rise of the Islamic State. The Kurds, the other major sectarian group, are similarly disaffected.

These forces are in play in Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that some Sunnis say should be granted more autonomy from the central government once ISIS is pushed out. For that reason, some experts have argued that the attempted liberation of Mosul should be delayed until governance and other issues are addressed.

The counterargument is that delaying the battle for Mosul would carry its own risks. American officials say that after recent victories in retaking Ramadi, Falluja and other towns from ISIS, the American-Iraqi coalition has momentum. Meanwhile, ISIS  knowing something is coming  has stepped up its abuse of the local population and strengthened its defenses. President Obama also does not want to leave the operation to his successor.

The Americans and Iraqis have made some attempt to improve governance by assigning advisers to bolster the weak governor in Nineveh Province, where Mosul is located. As for the threat of mass displacement, the hope is that residents will stay put and help secure the city once ISIS is routed. Nevertheless, American, Iraqi and United Nations officials have planned for a worst-case outcome  in which 750,000 or more people flee the fighting  by setting aside $2 billion and preparing emergency sites where civilians can live until it is safe to return.

The Americans have already negotiated an elaborate battlefield plan with the Iraqis that is designed in part to avoid more sectarian conflict. The best American-trained Iraqi counterterrorism forces, backed by some army units, federal police and American air power, will make the assault on Mosul. Iranian-backed Shiite militias, accused of human rights abuses after earlier battles, and Kurdish forces will be kept on the outskirts of the city. Post-battle security is being assigned to thousands of local police officers and tribal fighters.
He was a curious amalgam of modern and feudal: an American-born, Swiss-educated king who could not be criticized under Thailands stern lese-majeste laws; an accomplished sailor, painter and saxophonist who once jammed with Benny Goodman, but before whom his subjects had to prostrate themselves; a constitutional monarch with limited powers who commanded a vast fortune and was accorded almost divine status; a head of state whose reign was punctuated by a progression of bad governments and coups, yet was loved by his countrymen.

Perhaps it was because he was all these things that King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on Thursday at age 88, became the personification of Thai nationhood in his 70-year reign. And that is also why his passing is so troubling to his country and its allies.

King Bhumibol was an accidental king, placed on the throne of what used to be Siam at age 18 after a tumultuous period in which his uncle abdicated and his older brother, the next king, was found dead with a bullet through his head. Yet politics, geopolitics and his remarkable personality transformed him into a powerful unifying force in a profoundly divided country, revered by the poor for whom he launched hundreds of development projects and esteemed by the royalist military and political elite.

The generals needed him to give legitimacy to their coups and so built up the monarchy. And as Southeast Asia became a battleground of East and West, the United States saw in the king a critical bulwark against Communism.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled Friday that the death penalty cannot be imposed without the unanimous support of a jury, deepening the recent turmoil around capital punishment in a state with a long history of executions.

One of Fridays decisions, in a case that previously reached the United States Supreme Court and upended Floridas death penalty system, said that the Eighth Amendment, which forbids cruel and unusual punishment, and Florida state law effectively mandated consensus in capital cases. The court said in a separate case that a new state law, which allowed for the death penalty when 10 of 12 jurors agreed, was unconstitutional.

Requiring unanimous jury recommendations of death before the ultimate penalty may be imposed will ensure that in the view of the jury  a veritable microcosm of the community  the defendant committed the worst of murders with the least amount of mitigation, the Florida court said in siding with Timothy L. Hurst, a death row inmate whose appeal led lawmakers early this year to rewrite the states death penalty law.

Referring to a 1958 United States Supreme Court opinion invoking the Eighth Amendment, the Florida court added, This is in accord with the goal that capital sentencing laws keep pace with evolving standards of decency.
Two men in California were charged with hate crimes on Friday in connection with an attack on a Sikh man, punching him in the face and using a knife to cut up to 10 inches of his hair, which was unshorn by religious mandate, a prosecutor said.

The attack, which unfolded over the span of about three minutes and a half-mile stretch of road in Richmond, Calif., on Sept. 25, started by chance, officials said.

Five men who were doing subcontracting work at a refinery were staying at a local hotel and had been drinking beer most of the day when they went to get something to eat, Simon OConnell, a deputy district attorney with the Contra Costa District Attorneys Office, said in an interview on Friday.

The men were in a pickup around 8:45 p.m. when they pulled up to a red traffic light next to a sedan driven by Maan S. Khalsa, 41, of Richmond. In what Mr. OConnell said was an unprovoked act, the occupants threw beer cans at Mr. Khalsas car. When he rolled down his window and said, You guys forgot something, the men, angered by his remark, followed him to the next red light.
CINCINNATI  The boos at the Trump rally were scattershot as the first laptop-toting reporter emerged from the black curtains covering a side entrance a few hundred feet from the spotlighted stage.

Within moments, they grew to a menacing, thunderous roar.

Donald J. Trumps supporters have aimed their verbal ire at undocumented immigrants, Republican rivals and Hillary Clinton. This week, they have settled on a new target: the news media.

But even reporters long accustomed to the toxic fervor of Trump rallies were startled  and even frightened  at the vitriol of a Cincinnati crowd on Thursday evening as more than 15,000 supporters flashed homemade signs, flipped middle fingers and lashed out in tirades often laced with profanity as journalists made their way to a crammed, fenced-in island in the center of the floor.

The Trump supporters crowded by the metal barriers protecting the area, leaning over to get in one last insult before returning their attention to the stage as Rudolph W. Giuliani strode out.
WASHINGTON  There is a long tradition of presidential candidates ratcheting up their language when they are trailing in the closing weeks of an election.

But in the same fashion Donald J. Trump has broken with other political traditions, he is taking a longstanding rite of fall to new heights  or perhaps new lows.

On Thursday and Friday alone, Mr. Trump unleashed a barrage of near-apocalyptic warnings about the potential destruction of the country, broad accusations about the illegitimacy of American democracy, and crude innuendo about his opponent that is almost without precedent in modern presidential history.

He warned that Hillary Clinton was conspiring with financiers to destroy American sovereignty, claimed the fate of civilization depended on his victory and ridiculed the appearance of the one of the women accusing him of sexual harassment, while also deriding Mrs. Clintons looks and saying she ought to be in prison. He also said the presidential election amounted to a big ugly lie.
TORONTO  A former Alberta premier, Jim Prentice, and three others have died in a plane crash in southern British Columbia, Mr. Prentices family confirmed on Friday.

The family said that Mr. Prentice, who had also served as a federal minister, died in the crash late Thursday. He was 60.

He was among former Prime Minister Stephen Harpers most trusted cabinet ministers. At different times from 2006 to 2010, Mr. Prentice served as the industry minister, the environment minister and the minister of Indian and northern affairs.

Mr. Prentice left federal politics for provincial politics and became the premier of Alberta in 2014. His party was defeated in elections a year later, which ended the Conservative partys four-decade hold on power in the province.
MEXICO CITY  The government of El Salvador won a long-running legal battle on Friday when an international arbitration panel ruled that it did not have to pay compensation to a mining company that was denied a concession to drill for gold.

The case had been watched by antimining activists, who had pointed to it as a test of the rights of governments to make laws protecting their citizens health and the environment against challenges from corporations.

The panel, the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes, at the World Bank in Washington, accepted El Salvadors argument that the company, Pac Rim Cayman, did not meet all the legal requirements to receive a permit.

The ruling was a relief to the Salvadoran government, which faced a demand for $314 million in compensation from Pac Rim Cayman for the loss of expected profits from the mining venture.
MOSCOW  Somewhat obscured by the volatile American presidential election this week was the implosion of relations between the Kremlin and the West.

It began after the United States distanced itself from cooperation on Syria and suggested that Russia should be investigated for war crimes.

President Vladimir V. Putin took it badly, sending relations into the kind of tailspin not seen for decades, with dogs of war baying on the state-controlled news media. So badly, in fact, that some analysts began to suspect that other factors were driving his response.

Mr. Putin instantly unplugged several nuclear accords, including a 16-year-old bilateral agreement on reducing stockpiles of weapons-grade plutonium, and he formulated a list of unattainable economic and legal demands as the cost of reviving the pact.
UNITED NATIONS  In the end, politics trumped gender.

One of the top female candidates vying to lead the United Nations was viewed as too close to the United States. Another was seen as too close to Russia.

Even the 56 other countries that banded together to push for the first female secretary general in the 70-year history of the United Nations could not rally behind a choice. Ultimately, their own national interests mattered more.

The rejection of all seven female candidates spoke to the way the United Nations still operates, critics say  a clubby culture of quiet diplomatic bargaining and horse trading, dominated by men.

The women measured up very well  some better than others, said Jean Krasno, a political science professor at the City College of New York and the chairwoman of the Campaign to Elect a Woman U.N. Secretary General, an advocacy group. And yet it didnt happen, and I really feel that there was a lot of discrimination against the women.
GOA, India  India and Russia signed billions of dollars worth of military and energy deals on Saturday at a summit meeting that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East.

Under the biggest agreement, a group led by the Russian state oil giant Rosneft said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both Indias Essar Oil and the port facilities the company owns.

In addition, the countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow.

Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India said after talks with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in the western seaside state of Goa.
Adult life is full of commitments: bills to pay, family to see and a job you probably have to show up for. But in a world where many of us complain of being overscheduled, theres something uniquely depressing about having no control over the time once quaintly called personal and free.

A recent study by Gabriela Tonietto and Selin Malkoc, then at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, found that scheduling leisure time with friends  for movies, drinks, bike rides  can make these otherwise enjoyable activities feel like chores, which is often why we cancel them.

The New York Times covered the culture of plan-canceling as early as 1986. (Those who cancel do so for widely varying reasons that range from failing to write down lunch dates to psychological problems, the article said.) The topic has more recently been given new life thanks to the advent of efficient if impersonal modes of communication like text message and email.

But if technology has made bailing on commitments too easy, how about a radically different approach? Make fewer to begin with.
Pierre Etaix, a French director of seamlessly choreographed slapstick films, including Happy Anniversary, which won an Oscar for best live-action short subject in 1963, died on Friday in Paris. He was 87.

The cause was complications of an intestinal infection, his wife, Odile, told Agence France-Presse.

Mr. Etaix (pronounced ay-TEX), an actor as well as a director, specialized in a deadpan visual comedy, animated by sight gags, funny sound effects and fantasy sequences that harked back to the silent films of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Max Linder as well as his own background as a circus performer.

He was an assistant to Jacques Tati on the 1958 film Mon Oncle, providing gags, designing sets and illustrating the poster, before striking out on his own in 1961 with La Rupture (The Break-up).

With a screenplay by Jean-Claude Carriere, who would later write The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and other films for Luis Bunuel, it told the story of a boyfriend who tries to answer a rejection letter with one of his own but finds himself in an unequal battle with his pen, his inkwell and his desk.
It was unknown whether Pedals walked upright because his forepaws were injured or if he had been born with a congenital defect, but either way his supporters had organized into an online community to promote his well-being. On Friday, an administrator of a Facebook group dedicated to the bear posted an anguished statement for its more than 21,000 followers. It was tagged feeling heartbroken.

Image Pedals, an American black bear who walked on his hind legs, was killed by a hunter in New Jersey, activists said. Credit... Joe Esposito

PEDALS IS DEAD, the statement said, which accused the authorities of not doing enough to protect a local treasure and said the states Department of Environmental Protection and the Division of Fish and Wildlife really dont have a heart.

For the hundreds and thousands of animals lovers who were following his story, I am sorry that we have this sad news to bring to you, the statement said. PEDALS is at peace now because his beautiful soul left his body when he was killed.

The internet does not like it when a famous animal is killed (think of Cecil the Lion or of Harambe, the Cincinnati zoo gorilla turned into an unstoppable meme). The apparent death of Pedals at the hands of hunter was also met with the by now predictable online outrage. Gothamist reported that the bear had been assassinated.
What happened? Surely part of it is culture. While we live in an age of Twitter-fed self-promotion and self-assertion, Mr. Bush believes in reticence and in dignity. Bill Clinton and Ross Perot mastered cable TV; Mr. Bush might well have thought Arsenio Hall was a building at Andover. Talk radio was on the rise in the late 1980s and early 90s, as was reflexive partisanship. Rush Limbaugh, who endorsed Pat Buchanans primary challenge against Mr. Bush in 1992, embodied the former; Newt Gingrich, who broke with Mr. Bush over the 1990 budget agreement, was the leading example of the latter.

Mr. Bush, who began his political career in Texas fighting the John Birch Society, has never been truly at home in whats become the Breitbart universe. In the aftermath of the loss of his first race for office, in 1964, Mr. Bush wrote a heartfelt letter to an old friend: This mean humorless philosophy which says everybody should agree on absolutely everything is not good. He continued, When the word moderation becomes a dirty word we have some soul searching to do.

The words  touchingly naive and heartfelt  seem to come from a vanished world. The product of Greenwich Country Day School, Andover and Yale, Mr. Bush was the last president of the World War II generation. A decorated combat hero, he nevertheless found it incredibly difficult to talk about himself  a legacy from his mother, who discouraged self-reference and self-absorption by saying that no one wanted to hear about the Great I Am. As a child, Mr. Bush was nicknamed Have-Half for his tendency to split any treats in two to share with friends. His was an ethos of empathy. Mr. Bush always wondered about what the other guy was thinking and feeling. That was Mr. Bushs reality  one far removed from Mr. Trumps Hegelian assertions of his own power, prowess and centrality.

As temperamentally distinctive as Mr. Bush is from Mr. Trump, historians seeking to tell the story of the devolution of the Republican Party will also find that the forces that gave us 2016 have roots in the first Bush administration. Mr. Atwater and Roger Ailes, who worked for the Bush campaign in 1988, practiced a rough politics of conservative populism. A pragmatist when it came to amassing power, Mr. Bush was willing to do what it took to defeat Gov. Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts, running a campaign that painted Mr. Dukakis as soft on crime for his record of furloughing convicted murderers and criticized his veto of a bill mandating that public schoolchildren recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The difference between 1988 and 2016, however, is that for Mr. Bush such attacks were the means to an end: a victory that would enable him to focus on what he truly cared about, which was governance. For Mr. Trump, the means are the end  he is, as Jeb Bush aptly put it during the 2016 primaries, the chaos candidate. The elder Bush used to dismiss campaign posturing with a phrase of Maos, calling such blasts empty cannons of rhetoric. Mr. Trump cant get enough of such cannon fire.
ILYA SHLYAKHTER

Cambridge, Mass.

To the Editor: Howard Dean extols ranked-choice voting without mentioning its antidemocratic features. The most serious is that it is non-monotonic, which means a voter can raise the ranking of a candidate, even to first place, and by doing so cause him to lose because of anomalies in the transfer of votes as candidates are sequentially eliminated. This is not a rare event but can happen surprisingly often in close elections. If there is anything antithetical to a democracy, its that giving more support to a candidate should hurt rather than help.

Mr. Dean mistakenly thinks that ranked-choice voting supports the principle of majority rule. But this is not true, even when the sequential elimination of weaker candidates whittles the number down to two. The reason is that voters who supported weaker candidates can have all their preferred candidates eliminated, so in the end these voters are not counted in the contest between the final two.

These and related problems cropped up in the 2009 mayoral race in Burlington, Vt., which had adopted ranked-choice voting. Burlington voters voted to repeal it, as have voters in other cities that had similar unfortunate experiences. Moreover, countries like Australia that have long used ranked-choice voting have remained essentially two-party systems.

It makes no sense to adopt a fundamentally flawed voting system when there are simpler alternatives, like approval voting, that do not suffer from such failures and would facilitate the entry of new candidates and parties.

STEVEN J. BRAMS

New York

The writer is a professor of politics at New York University.

To the Editor: Howard Deans suggestion that the United States should adopt ranked-choice voting is long overdue. Australia, whose electoral system I have studied extensively, has used ranked choice for almost a hundred years.

Beyond giving voters the ability to take a chance on a third party, ranked choice would immediately defuse the toxic polarization of our national political scene by psychologically reframing how we see the choices we face. Replacing our red-versus-blue Armageddon with something more nuanced would make us a less angry country almost overnight.

Ranked choice would also make voting more complicated; this could overwhelm some voters and depress turnout. Australia deals with this problem effectively by combining mandatory voting with some ingenious procedures that simplify the decision process while preserving an enviable level of freedom of choice. We would do well to learn from Australias example.
I never would have guessed Id become one of the more than four million Americans married to a foreigner when we met, six years ago, at a party in London. That was awkward, too: I thrust out my hand, saying, Hi, Im Lauren! I would learn, much later, that French people have their own set of rules for making introductions. At social events in Paris, where we now live, kisses are exchanged before names. Je mappelle as an icebreaker is strictly academic.

In the small, proudly uncosmopolitan town in North Carolina where I grew up, the definition of exogamy was marrying someone from New Jersey. Our family trees grew in neat orchards of demographic similitude. Our parents, like their parents  the odd war bride aside  had paired off with people who were their mirror images.

This was a function of time as much as place. There was no internet. There was no weekend in Reykjavik. The United States Census Bureau began to take note of mixed nativity marriages only in 2013. But for the past four decades, multicultural marriages  interracial, interethnic and interreligious  have been increasing, with at least 7 percent of married-couple households now including one native and one foreign-born spouse. In California, Nevada, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, the rate is about double that. This is not just an American phenomenon. In 25 out of 30 European countries, for example, mixed-nativity marriage is on the rise, with the proportion, in some cases, reaching up to 20 percent.

Studies have suggested that multicultural marriages are a tricky undertaking, with higher rates of divorce. There are psychotherapists who specialize in multicultural couples counseling. I imagine that they must occasionally zone out during the telling of yet another tale of mistranslation, homesickness, conflicting traditions, fuzzy communication or visa woes. (Obtaining the proper paperwork can be particularly difficult for same-sex binational couples.) Trouble lurks in the quotidian in multicultural partnerships. Trying to decide on the appropriate hour for dinner  in France, 9 p.m. is par  has caused more drama in our household than the more universal stumbling blocks of what to name our daughter and where to live. There are certain pleasures well never share, like eating cold pizza for breakfast.

But for every ease that multicultural marriage takes away it offers an enrichment. Authentic recipes (hint: throw a couenne de lard  raw pork rind  in that daube de boeuf), spare passports, children who can bounce between two languages without ever once having drilled themselves on first-group verbs.
Like many people, I needed a cat photo for my personal website. Lulu did the trick. She was puffy, orange and belonged to the ex-roommate of my sisters boyfriend. Lulu  whose nickname is Luyonce  vamped obligingly, and Lulus owner soon decided that her budding cat model required an Instagram account.

That was just over six months ago. My websites traffic has languished, but Lulu now commands nearly 40,000 Instagram followers. Be the cute you wish to see in this world, one post says. In another, she gloats from the bottom of a laundry hamper.

The glorious rise of my furry affiliate came as a bit of a shock, and Im not alone in my consternation. Nobody intended for the internet to be swarmed with cats. (Asked what surprised him most about online life, the digital pioneer Tim Berners-Lee replied, Kittens.) Yet here they are, modeling toupees made from their own discarded fur as part of the Trump Your Cat movement or popping up to protest Brexit.

Of course nobody intended for the planet to be swarmed with house cats either. In many ways, their online dominance is an extension of their earthly conquests, and the same flesh-and-blood behavior that propelled cats across the globe also sustains Lulu and her peers.
Is there a double standard for women in politics?

Imagine if it were Hillary Clinton who had had five children by three husbands, who had said it was fine to refer to her daughter as a piece of ass, who participated in a radio conversation about oral sex in a hot tub, who rated men based on their body parts, who showed up in Playboy soft porn videos.

Imagine if 15 men had accused Clinton of assaulting or violating them, with more stepping forward each day.

Imagine if Clinton had held a Mr. Teen USA pageant and then marched unannounced into the changing area to ogle the young bodies as some were naked and, after doing the same thing at a Mr. USA pageant, marveled on a radio show at what she was allowed to get away with.

Imagine if in a primary election debate Clinton had boasted that theres no problem with the size of her vagina.
First, serious religious conservatives didnt want Trump. Yes, he had hacks and heretics on his side from early on: Jerry Falwell Jr., Mike Huckabee, various prosperity preachers. But most churchgoing Republicans preferred other candidates; only 15 percent of weekly churchgoers were steady Trump supporters from the start.

The older culture warriors favored Ted Cruz; younger Christians wanted Marco Rubio (Falwell Jr.s Liberty University voted decisively for the Florida senator); the naive wanted Ben Carson. Iowa, the evangelical stronghold whose first-in-the-nation status makes every sophisticated G.O.P consultant groan, gave Trump one of his worst early-state showings, while more secular Northeastern states handed him landslide wins. And the Mormons  well, you know about the Mormons. The bottom line is that if it werent for the religious right, the Trump takeover would have been far easier, the G.O.P.s surrender that much more abject.

Second, religious conservatives have stronger reasons than other right-wing constituencies to fear a Clinton presidency. Tax rates go up and down, regulations come and go, but every abortion is a unique human life snuffed out forever. Hillary Clintons support for legal abortion at every stage of pregnancy may not be a sufficient reason to hand the Oval Office to a man like Donald Trump; I think that it is not. But given pro-life premises, it is a far more compelling reason than the candidatess differences on tax policy or education or family leave.

And thats without getting into the legal and regulatory pressure that a Clinton administration could bring to bear on conservative religious institutions, the various means that liberal legal minds are entertaining to clamp down on religious dissent from social liberalisms orthodoxies. Asking Christian conservatives to accept a Clinton presidency is asking them to cooperate not only with pro-abortion policy-making, but also their own legal-cultural isolation. If you cant see why some people in that situation might persuade themselves that Trump would be the lesser evil, you need to work harder to imagine yourself in someone elses shoes.
Its that feeling of terror and violation that too many women have felt when someone has grabbed them, or forced himself on them and theyve said no but he didnt listen, she said. It reminds us of stories we heard from our mothers and grandmothers about how, back in their day, the boss could say and do whatever he pleased to the women in the office.

That made me think of my mom, who said that when she worked at a bond company in Washington in her 20s, the executives routinely pulled the young women onto their laps at the Christmas party.

Of course, Michelles inspiring message is somewhat undercut by the fact that her husband is ushering the lecherous Bill Clinton back to the White House.

It was clear that the Trump family understanding of sexual harassment might be wanting when Don Jr. said in a 2013 radio interview on the topic: If you cant handle some of the basic stuff thats become a problem in the workforce today, then you dont belong in the workforce. He also tweeted, Lesson for the night if you look like @mark_mcgrath you too can sexually harass the hell out of anyone. HR rules dont apply ;) hahahaha.

The 70-year-old swaggering Republican nominee always seemed like he was caught in a 1959 time warp, bragging to Frank Sinatra in a Vegas steam room about broads and skirts.

But the raft of accusations of sexual assault, trespass kissing, surprising disrobed women and teenagers in beauty contest changing rooms, and agreeing with Howard Stern that the 23-year-old Ivanka was a piece of ass, have added a sicker aspect to the cave man image.
Whatever voters disappointment with the fractious and bitter election campaign, the moneyed forces underpinning the candidates are quietly doing very well. Its estimated that the $6.3 billion record set for election spending by presidential and congressional candidates in 2012 will be surpassed by at least a billion dollars this year, driven by affluent mega-donors whose insider heft with politicians grows with each seven-figure check they write.

For all the discord of the campaign, there is overwhelming agreement by the public  78 percent, according to a Bloomberg Politics national poll last year  that the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision should be overturned, as it is a main cause of wealthy Americans rising power to buy political clout.

Unfortunately, the publics concern has stirred virtually nothing in the way of a straight-talk debate between the two presidential candidates about how they would rein in the abuses of big money. This is a grave omission. The lure of outsized donations is corrupting the political process.

Debate moderators have let the issue slip away. Hillary Clinton managed to broach the subject briefly in the debate last Sunday, promising to use her Supreme Court nominations to reverse the effects of the Citizens United ruling, which in 2010 ended restraints on campaign spending by corporations and unions. Donald Trump continues to insist that he relies on his personal wealth, not influence-craving donors, to finance his campaign. That may have been true in the primary elections, but Sheldon Adelson and other Republican oligarchs are heavily backing him in the homestretch drive.
The phantom clown fits the broad definition of an urban legend, a term popularized by the folklore scholar Jan Harold Brunvand in his 1981 book The Vanishing Hitchhiker. While urban legends are hard to define, Dr. Brunvand thinks of them as enduring rumors about improbable events, usually with a humorous or macabre element, that are spread by word of mouth.

Folklorists call them friend of a friend stories and argue that they survive because they offer us lessons and morals that are often tied to concerns about our transition to a modern, depersonalized society. For instance, the classic yarn about the mother who dies after finding a rat in her familys KFC dinner is seen as a cautionary tale about the perils of eating out, while the babysitter who gets high and puts an infant in the microwave is a warning about not leaving your children with strangers.

Some folklorists align the current clown scare with other stories of phantom attackers, like the Phantom Slasher of Taipei from the 1950s or the Mad Gasser of Mattoon, Ill., from 1944. The latter most likely played on World War II-era fears of gas and wartime instability; in general, urban legends tend to spread in times of anxiety, when there are low levels of trust in official institutions and sources of information. Our current moment certainly qualifies.

But when did clowns become scary? It turns out that even asking that question is evidence of a short cultural memory. Dark clowns go back centuries before Stephen King. As Benjamin Radford, author of the recent book Bad Clowns, points out, Its misleading to ask when clowns turned bad, for they were never really good.

One of the earliest antecedents of the modern clown was the 16th-century Harlequin, who wore a suit of brightly colored patches. While usually more irritating than evil, he drew on malevolent roots. One of Harlequins first appearances in literature is a 1585 poem that features him journeying through the underworld to spring a villainous brothel-keeper from the torments of hell. According to Enid Welsford in her 1935 study The Fool: His Social and Literary History, Harlequin appears first in history or legend as an aerial specter or demon, leading the ghostly nocturnal cortege known as the Wild Hunt. The Hunt eventually lost some of its terrors and the wailing procession of lost souls turned into a troupe of comic demons.
Mr. Kaczynski ended up leaving school for journalism. At BuzzFeed he earned a reputation as a gadfly whose research methods (which he keeps secret) went far beyond those of the usual reporter with a Lexis-Nexis password.

In 2012 he provided proof that Mitt Romney had touted his Massachusetts health plan as a model for the Affordable Care Act. In 2013, he discovered that Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky had given a speech rife with passages from a Wikipedia entry on the movie Stand and Deliver and used erroneous quotes by founding fathers in two books.

Mr. Kaczynski has little in common with those glad-handing political reporters who work in the field as they court sources attached to this or that campaign. He is a digger who, along with his team, finds scoops back at headquarters.

Having received a diagnosis of pancreatitis at 19, Mr. Kaczynski neither smokes nor drinks. To keep up his health, he runs from five to six miles each morning while wearing a 12-pound training vest. Even then he is doing his job, listening to the hours of old audio he has loaded onto his iPhone.

Andrew Morse, the executive vice president for editorial at CNN U.S. and the general manager of CNN Digital Worldwide, wooed the reporter and his three colleagues away from BuzzFeed. He was especially impressed by the 2002 snippet, found by Mr. Kaczynski and Mr. McDermott, from the Howard Stern radio show episode in which Mr. Trump said he supported the Iraq war. (The candidate continues to deny he ever approved of the invasion, despite the recorded evidence to the contrary.)

The light bulb really went off, Mr. Morse said.

After accepting the job, Mr. Kaczynski changed his Twitter handle from @BuzzFeedAndrew to @KFILE. But the nature of his work did not change. Just before leaving BuzzFeed, he and another reporter found that Mr. Trump had appeared in a cameo role, fully clothed, in a soft-core Playboy video in 2000. In his first CNN scoop, Mr. Kaczynksi and another reporter unearthed a similar Trump appearance in a 1994 Playboy production.
The Timess first article on the Panthers was a wire report, Armed Negroes Protest Gun Bill, published on May 3, 1967. The piece began, With loaded rifles and shotguns in their hands, members of the antiwhite Black Panther party marched into the state Capitol today.

Image Armed Negroes Protest Gun Bill, May 3, 1967.

The Timess first article on the Black Panthers. [Click to read on desktop] The Timess first article on the Black Panthers. [Click to read on desktop]

What the article did not explicitly say, though it was reported later by others, was that the Panthers had read a statement that afternoon calling upon the American people in general  not just African-Americans  to help them in their push for rights.

The Times sent its own reporter a few days later to write a profile of Mr. Newton, the partys young co-founder. That article was no more measured than the first. It barely mentioned police brutality, instead lavishing attention on the fact that the Panthers had weapons. Political power comes through the barrel of a gun, Newton was quoted as saying.

To some degree, the Panthers were responsible for presenting themselves as a battle-ready legion. This is how the Black Panther Party wanted to be seen, said Todd Gitlin, a professor of journalism and sociology at Columbia University. The Panthers and The Times were taking part in a coproduction.

And in subsequent articles, The Times did investigate the Panthers broader goals a bit more closely. A Times Magazine article by Sol Stern argued that to write off the Panthers as a fringe group of little influence is to miss the point. The groups roots are in the desperation and anger that no civil-right legislation or poverty program has touched in the ghetto.

But as tensions with law enforcement escalated into increasingly violent clashes, the press focused with increasing intensity on violence between the Panthers and the police  especially Newtons violent run-in with a police officer in October 1967, which led to a murder trial the next year. There was far less attention paid to the partys critique of law enforcement.
Some experts, however, say they may be insufficient. James G. Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander of NATO, wrote in Foreign Policy last week that the first step could be making Americas evidence against Russia public.

Revealing the names of the officials who authorized the cyberattacks against the United States would put Moscow in an extremely uncomfortable position, wrote Mr. Stavridis, a former admiral who is now dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Ideally, the United States could reveal emails or conversations between Russian officials that demonstrated their intent to undermine the U.S. electoral process.

But that would run counter to Mr. Bidens hope not statement. Mr. Stavridis and others have advocated other steps, including knocking holes in the Kremlins wall of censorship so that opponents of Putin could begin to conspire with one another.

As a response to the Russian attacks on the U.S. democratic system, this would be both proportional and distinctive, Mr. Stavridis wrote. It might also be deniable  a key to any covert action approved by the president.

Many others have advocated using cybertechniques to expose Mr. Putins links to Russias oligarchs and reveal his financial holdings overseas, which are believed to be vast. But such steps would risk escalation, and advisers have warned Mr. Obama that the United States is more vulnerable than most nations.

Mr. Putin initially denied any Russian involvement in the attacks. But in an interview several days ago, he said the important thing was not how emails from Hillary Clintons campaign had been hacked, but what they said. Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, went further. We did not deny this, he said of the hacking. But he added that the United States had offered no proof.

A crucial question being debated in the White House is whether warnings like Mr. Bidens will be enough to make Russia, or others, pull back in their hacking. The calculus behind the decision to formally accuse Russia was that the mere publication of the conclusion could temper the activity.
THE TAKEAWAY Mrs. Clinton, it appears, need not worry about winning the black vote; some polls have put Mr. Trumps support among African-Americans at 1 percent or even 0. But her campaign needs black voters to turn out in great enough numbers to propel her to victory the way they did Mr. Obama in 2008. This ad is meant to remind them viscerally of how they felt when Barack Obama was elected  and to ask them to assure that his victories will not have been in vain.

Changing channels...

A Matter of Trust

Smiling photos of Mrs. Clinton being sworn in as secretary of state and as a senator turn sinister over haunting strings. A sneering narrator in the ad for Donald J. Trump declares that, again and again, Mrs. Clinton lied: about her finances, about sniper fire in Bosnia, about Benghazi, the Clinton Foundation, her private email server. Each time, the word LIED fills the screen. So when Hillary Clinton says she will preserve, protect and defend the United States, why would we believe her? the ad asks.

Not Quite a Spit Take

The formula is familiar by now: Actors appear against a plain white background, imploring viewers of the importance to vote, often for Mrs. Clinton. This ad appears to follow exactly that formula: Hillary Clinton is honest and trustworthy, a woman says, before breaking character. Can we cut? she says to an unseen director. I cant say these words  I just dont believe what Im saying, she complains. Youre an actress, the offscreen voice says scoldingly. Not that good of an actress, she retorts, shaking her head and walking off the set. A clever spoof from Make America Number 1, a pro-Trump super PAC.

Sight Gag

Slowly, the chin begins to elongate and the smile shifts to a frown, as the fresh face of Jason Kander, the young Democratic challenger for Senate in Missouri, morphs into the visage of Representative Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader. Cool but slightly creepy computer-generated effects in this new ad from the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican group, transform the smiling Mr. Kander into Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders, and finally Mrs. Clinton  all in an attempt to link him to the same old liberal thinking.
HUDSON, Ohio  Some stood alongside heavily trafficked highways, big enough to read a quarter-mile away.

Others occupied quiet corners on dusty county roads.

But an overwhelming majority had one thing in common: They heralded the name TRUMP.

Over the course of eight days, while traveling some 3,000 miles by motorcycle across the northern United States, I was steadily confronted by presidential yard signs.

I idly recorded those in support of Donald J. Trump until, after the first few days, the number approached 100. I eventually lost count.
In the past week, as a swirl of sexual assault accusations against Donald J. Trump has prompted a loud national discussion about male power and womens rights, the first woman to be a major partys presidential nominee was barely heard from.

Though Hillary Clinton has stood at the center of feminist debates for more than two decades, she has at times been an imperfect messenger for the cause. That has never been more apparent than now, as her old missteps and her husbands history have effectively paralyzed her during a moment of widespread outrage.

The most impassioned speeches on the topic have come not from her, but from the first lady, Michelle Obama, who said Mr. Trumps words had shaken me to my core, and from President Obama and others. When Mrs. Clinton herself spoke, she quickly changed the subject to other groups of people Mr. Trump had insulted, and she tried to lighten the mood with a joke about watching cat videos.

It makes you want to turn off the news. It makes you want to unplug the internet or just look at cat GIFs, Mrs. Clinton told donors in San Francisco on Thursday, making her first remarks on Mr. Trumps treatment of women since several came forward to accuse him.
If we try to play our own version of identity politics and try to fuel ourselves based on darker emotions, thats not productive, he said. He made calls to several of the Republican presidential candidates to outline the agenda; Mr. Trump feigned mild interest but they did not speak again. (The Trump campaign did not return emails with questions for this article. Mr. Ryan also declined to be interviewed.) Mr. Ryan had hoped that Mr. Trump would eventually embrace his plan.

When Mr. Trump clinched the nomination in May, Mr. Ryan was rattled, said several people who talked to him that day.

The conventional wisdom among the people we talked to here was, Dont worry, this will end, said Charlie Sykes, a former conservative talk radio host in Milwaukee and a friend of Mr. Ryans. So it was a huge shock. I think a lot of us here believed we were going be the firewall in Wisconsin, that there would be an outbreak of rationality.

With campaign rhetoric getting increasingly contentious, Mr. Ryan made the unusual choice of announcing that he was not ready to endorse Mr. Trump. None of this pleased Mr. Priebus, who prided himself on building the modern Republican Party in Wisconsin and longed for unity going into the race against Mrs. Clinton.

In text messages and phone calls, Mr. Priebus tried to persuade Mr. Ryan  who was relishing his independence  to accept Mr. Trump, said numerous officials with knowledge of the exchanges who requested anonymity to discuss internal party matters. Mr. Trump would yell at Mr. Priebus and in turn Mr. Priebus would needle Mr. Ryan.

When that did not work, Mr. Trump claimed Mr. Ryan had agreed to endorse him before a visit to Capitol Hill to try to woo fellow Republicans, a claim Mr. Ryan viewed as a serious breach. That was the first realization that Trump wasnt just a public persona, said a Republican involved in planning the meeting, who insisted on anonymity so as not to alienate Mr. Trump, but that his staff does not deal in good faith.

In June, after a period of relative silence on Mr. Trumps part, Mr. Ryan finally felt comfortable enough to endorse him. Staff members of both men began to coordinate for the Republican National Convention. But days later Mr. Ryan aggressively criticized Mr. Trump for his remarks about a Hispanic judge.
The truth is that both candidates have said some incredibly offensive and toxic things, Mr. Scott said. I dont defend, one iota, any of the indefensible, disgusting things that Donald Trump has said. I just simply make sure that I do my research to understand the offensive, troubling things that Hillary Clinton has said as well.

Mr. Scott, 51, cannot be any more different than Mr. Trump, in background or demeanor. He was raised in poverty by a single mother; he credits her and a white Chick-fil-A franchise owner he befriended as a young man with instilling in him the conservative values he has relied upon as he charted his political rise.

An evangelical Christian, soft-spoken and typically friendly with political allies and opponents, he has long espoused a worldview consistent with Republican orthodoxy, favoring low taxes, small government and a central role for religion in the public sphere.

Before being appointed to an open Senate seat by Gov. Nikki Haley, also a Republican, in 2012, he had served on the Charleston County Council, in the State Legislature and in the United States House of Representatives. He was elected in 2014 to finish out the Senate term that had been vacated by Jim DeMint.

In July, after an African-American vigilante shot a number of police officers in Dallas in apparent response to the police shootings of black men around the country, Mr. Scott delivered a trio of speeches on the Senate floor. He praised police officers as heroes, but also acknowledged a trust gap between the police and blacks  and said that during one year, while he was an elected official, he was pulled over seven times by the police.

Mr. Scott is running for re-election, though he does not face much of a contest. His Democratic opponent, Thomas Dixon, is an ex-convict, a recovering drug addict and a political neophyte in a deeply red state where voters have not ousted a sitting senator since 1930.

Still, Mr. Dixon has jumped on Mr. Scotts simultaneous criticism of and support for Mr. Trump. This summer, after Mr. Scott called Mr. Trumps comments about a judge of Mexican heritage overseeing a lawsuit involving Mr. Trump racially toxic, Mr. Dixon, in a prepared statement, said: Apparently, Senator Scott thinks its O.K. to support a candidate for president who says racially toxic and sexist things from time to time.
BAMAKO, Mali  Gunmen stormed the house of a longtime American aid worker in Niger, killing two people before fleeing with the man toward the border with Mali, the authorities said Saturday.

The American, Jeffery Woodke, who works for a local nongovernment organization, was taken from his home in Abalak by a group of armed men in a pickup truck, a statement from the Interior Ministry said.

It is believed to be the first time an American citizen has been abducted in the Sahel region of Africa, where Al Qaeda and criminal gangs have targeted French nationals and other Europeans for more than a decade, demanding millions of dollars in ransom.

"We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Niger, a State Department official said after the abduction late Friday. The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."
LUCKNOW, India  At least 24 people were killed and 20 others were injured in a stampede that occurred Saturday as worshipers were crossing a crowded bridge to reach a Hindu religious ceremony in northern India, the police said.

The stampede took place on the outskirts of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, a state known for its temples. Organizers were expecting 3,000 people at the ceremony, but more than 70,000 crowded into the ashram of a local Hindu leader on a bank of the Ganges River, a police officer, S. K. Bhagat, said.

We were not prepared for such a large crowd, said Raj Bahadur, a spokesman for the organizers.

The stampede happened as the police started turning people back from the overcrowded bridge, Mr. Bahadur said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency. That set off a rumor that the bridge had collapsed, and people started running for safety, he said.

Nineteen people were killed at the scene, and five others died at a hospital, said Daljit Chaudhary, another police officer. Four of the 20 injured people were still in serious condition, he said.
A child welfare group organized a march on Saturday, calling on the police to arrest the parents and ratchet up the charges to murder. Religious activists pushed for the criminal case to be dismissed.

Aradhanas death falls in delicate legal territory in India, whose Constitution protects both the individual rights of citizens and the rights of groups to their own religious practices, even extreme ones.

Her father, who owns a jewelry store, has said that he and his wife had tried to persuade the eighth grader to break her fast earlier, but that she had insisted on continuing for 68 days, to match the number of letters in a Jain mantra.

It is also evident, however, that her family was eager to celebrate and publicize her extreme fast.

When Aradhana had completed 68 days of fasting, she was dressed in bridal finery and paraded in a chariot before a crowd of 600, including a member of Parliament from the area. Local Hindi papers carried a quarter-page advertisement that referred to her as a bal tapsvi, or child saint. People took selfies with her. She was so weak at the gala event that photographs show her father carrying her over his shoulder, like a baby.

Late the next night, after she had broken the fast with some liquid, Aradhana began sweating profusely and gasping. The family rushed her to a hospital, where a doctor pronounced her dead of cardiac arrest, her father told the ANI news service.
BAGHDAD  More than 50 people were killed Saturday in Iraq in attacks that struck a Shiite Muslim gathering, a police checkpoint and the family of a Sunni paramilitary leader opposed to the Islamic State, security and medical officials said.

The attacks took place as Iraqi forces were preparing to launch an offensive to take back Mosul, the last Iraqi city still under control of the Islamic State in the northern part of the country.

The heaviest toll was caused by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives in the middle of a Shiite gathering in Baghdad, killing at least 41 people and wounding 33. The explosion went off inside a tent filled with people taking part in Shiite Ashura rituals, which mourn the killing of the Prophet Muhammads grandson Hussein in the seventh century.
BEIRUT, Lebanon  A Saudi-led military coalition involved in Yemens war acknowledged on Saturday that one of its jets carried out an attack on a funeral this month in the Yemeni capital, Sana, that killed more than 100 people and wounded hundreds of others.

The strikes, which hit Sanas fanciest reception hall while the prominent family of a rebel official was receiving condolences, were delivered on the basis of false information, provided by Yemeni officials, that indicated the presence of armed rebel leaders at the site, according to a statement given by a coalition investigative body and published by the Saudi state news agency.

The attack was one of the deadliest of Yemens war and led the United States to announce an immediate review of its support for the Saudi-led coalition that is bombing Yemens rebels. It has also led to renewed calls from human rights organizations and some American lawmakers for the United States to halt or delay weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and its allies.

Human Rights Watch, in a report on the attack, called it an apparent war crime and unlawfully disproportionate. Yemeni medical officials said after the attack that more than 100 people had been killed, while the United Nations put the death toll at more than 140.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland  Talks among the United States, Russia and critical Middle East states aimed at brokering a new pause in Syrias war broke up after a few hours on Saturday without signs of progress, or a break in the Syrian governments ferocious assault on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo.

Secretary of State John Kerry began the talks in the Swiss lakeside city of Lausanne, meeting one on one with his Russian counterpart, Sergey V. Lavrov. Their 40-minute encounter, described as businesslike by a State Department spokesman, John Kirby, came 12 days after Washington suspended bilateral contacts with Moscow and called for a war crimes investigation into Russian actions in Syria.

Mr. Kerry and Mr. Lavrov then headed into talks with the foreign ministers from regional powers involved in the conflict, including Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, along with the United Nations mediator, Staffan de Mistura. The diplomats left about four hours later with terse comments that gave away nothing of substance.

Before the talks began, both sides played down prospects of a breakthrough.

Mr. Kerry, who was expected to leave Sunday for talks in London with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, told reporters that discussions with Russia and the Middle Eastern states would resume on Monday.
More than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemens civil war. This week, the United States became more directly involved in the conflict, which already included Saudi Arabia and insurgents with ties to its sectarian rival, Iran.

A house in Sana destroyed by a Saudi-led coalition airstrike last year. Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency

Since March 2015, the Saudis and their allies have waged a military campaign against the Houthi rebels.

The Houthis, a Yemeni insurgent group, took over Sana, the capital, in 2014 and unseated the government months later with the help of rogue army units. They have since secured control of a large part of the country.

Sparsely populated areas Sana Saudi- influenced YEMEN Houthi forces Al Mukalla Tribal militias Coalition forces U.A.E.- influenced Taiz Gulf of Aden Aden 150 Miles YEMEN Coalition forces Sana Houthi forces Taiz Aden 100 Miles The New York Times | Source: American Enterprise Institute

While Yemen is mostly Sunni, the Houthis are a Shiite group that has been fighting the government on and off since 2004. They have ties to Iran, but the rebels have denied claims by Saudi Arabia and its allies that they receive military support from Tehran.

Houthi fighters in Sana last year. Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

The United States has helped the Saudi-led military coalition from the beginning.

Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, March 2015 to October 2016 Sparsely populated areas Sana YEMEN Houthi forces Al Mukalla Coalition forces Taiz Gulf of Aden Aden 150 Miles YEMEN Sana Coalition forces Houthi forces Taiz Aden 100 Miles The New York Times | Source: Airstrike data compiled from news reports by the American Enterprise Institute

The Americans are providing targeting intelligence and refueling Saudi warplanes involved in bombing rebel positions. But coalition strikes have also destroyed hospitals, markets and residential neighborhoods, killing large numbers of civilians.

A funeral home in Sana bombed last week. Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency

Last Saturday, airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition killed more than 100 people at a funeral in Sana, shown above. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the war, according to the United Nations, and the threat to civilians has increased since the collapse of peace talks in August.

An American warship recently fired cruise missiles at radar installations in Yemen.

After the Houthi rebels launched two failed missile attacks at an American warship in the Red Sea, another American vessel destroyed three radar installations in Yemen.

A radar site attacked by the United States. AP Video, via Associated Press

It was the first direct military engagement by the United States in the civil war in Yemen. The Obama administration has been pushing for a deal to end the increasingly deadly conflict while quietly supporting the Saudi-led air campaign against the rebels.

There is a critical lack of health services and food in the country.

The aid group Doctors Without Borders withdrew from six hospitals in northern Yemen after several of its facilities were attacked in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes.

Food packages in Sana in December. Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency

Food packages from relief agencies, like those pictured above in Sana, are vital for many Yemenis contending with the threat of starvation, malnutrition and a critical lack of water and sanitation.

The chaos in Yemen has given extremist groups an opportunity to step up operations.

Graffiti in Sana protesting American drone strikes. Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency

The Qaeda branch in Yemen is one of the terror groups most committed to plotting attacks in the West. The United States has been using drones to strike against the branch for years. In August, the Islamic State claimed a suicide attack in southern Yemen that killed more than 50 military recruits.
Schiaparelli lander Trace Gas Orbiter Schiaparelli lander Trace Gas Orbiter Schiaparelli lander Trace Gas Orbiter Schiaparelli lander Trace Gas Orbiter Trace Gas Orbiter Schiaparelli lander European Space Agency/ATG Medialab

The ExoMars spacecraft has two components: the solar-powered Trace Gas Orbiter and the Schiaparelli lander.

The mission will search the Martian atmosphere for methane and other gases that might be produced by microbial life on Mars.

Liftoff

The ExoMars spacecraft was launched on March 14 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The spacecraft took seven months to travel 300 million miles to Mars.

ESA/Stephane Corvaja

Separation

Three days before arriving at Mars, the spacecraft released the Schiaparelli lander to coast toward the planet.

ESA

Touchdown

The lander was designed to carve through the atmosphere, release its parachute, separate from its outer shell and fire thrusters as it fell to the surface. But signals from the lander stopped shortly before it was expected to land.

ESA

The landing site

The lander was supposed to touch down on Meridiani Planum, near the site where NASAs Opportunity rover landed in 2004.

Endeavor Crater Iazu Crater Opportunity rover 5 MILES Victoria Crater Bopolu Crater Planned landing site MERIDIANI PLANUM Endeavor Crater Iazu Crater Opportunity rover 5 MILES Victoria Crater Bopolu Crater Planned landing site MERIDIANI PLANUM Endeavor Crater Iazu Crater Opportunity rover 5 MILES Victoria Crater Bopolu Crater Planned landing site MERIDIANI PLANUM Endeavor Crater Iazu Crater Opportunity rover 5 MILES Victoria Crater Bopolu Crater Planned landing site MERIDIANI PLANUM Endeavor Crater Opportunity rover Victoria Crater Bopolu Crater Planned landing site MERIDIANI PLANUM ESA/German Aerospace Center/Freie Universitat Berlin

In the neighborhood

The Opportunity rover spent more than two years studying nearby Victoria Crater, below, then drove to Endeavor Crater.

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona/Cornell Univ./Ohio State Univ.

Opportunity explored the rim of Endeavor Crater, below, for five years. The rover is now descending toward the craters floor.

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell Univ./Arizona State Univ.

A glimpse of Mars

The ExoMars missions first low-resolution image of Mars was taken on June 13 from a distance of 25 million miles.
Minority teachers may be perceived more favorably by minority students because they can serve as role models and are particularly sensitive to the cultural needs of their students, said study author Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng, assistant professor of international education at NYU Steinhardt. However, in our study, we were surprised to find that minority teachers are not just viewed more highly than White teachers by minority students, but in many cases by White students as well.

The findings, published in the latest issue of Educational Researcher, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Educational Research Association, underscore the importance of having a diverse workforce of teachers.

The demographic divide between teachers and students is of growing public concern. Racial and ethnic minority students make up the majority of students in public schools, especially in urban areas. In contrast, less than 20 percent of teachers are racial or ethnic minorities.

An overwhelmingly White teacher force is working with a majority non-White student population, Cherng said.

People typically view the demographic divide through longstanding racial achievement gaps, and scholars have argued that teachers of color may work particularly well with students of color. This concept of race matching  where, for instance, Black students prefer or perform better with Black teachers  has been shown to boost student achievement.

In the new study, the researchers examined whether student perceptions of their teachers varied based on the teachers race. Cherng and his coauthor Peter Halpin, assistant professor of applied statistics at NYU Steinhardt, analyzed data from the 2009-2010 school year of the Measure of Effective Teaching study. The researchers focused on data from 1,680 teachers in 200 urban schools, along with their more than 50,000 students in grades six through nine.

The Measure of Effective Teaching study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, used in-depth surveys to gather students perceptions of their teachers instructional practices. The students were asked questions on seven measures core to their experiences in the classroom, including whether their teacher treats students with respect, explains difficult concepts clearly, makes class interesting, and tries to understand students feelings.

The researchers found that students perceived Black and Latino teachers more favorably than White teachers. These patterns remained largely intact, particularly for Latino teachers, even after considering factors such as student performance, teacher working conditions, and other measures of teacher efficacy. Latino teachers were better perceived across all measures, while students perceived Black teachers (more than their White peers) to hold students to high academic standards and support their efforts, to help them organize content, and to explain ideas clearly and provide feedback.

Interestingly, the researchers found mixed evidence of race matching among students of color: Latino students did not have particularly favorable perceptions of Latino teachers, but Black students did have positive perceptions of Black teachers  and Asian American students preferred Black teachers even more than did Black students.

Our findings underscore the importance of minority teacher recruitment and retention, Cherng added.

About the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (@nyusteinhardt)

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYUs Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, media, and psychology. Since its founding in 1890, the Steinhardt School's mission has been to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. To learn more about NYU Steinhardt, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu.
Students at Loachapoka Elementary School learned about the different cultures of their fellow classmates Friday through poetry and dancing.

The school has hosted the the Hispanic heritage program for students and their parents for several years.

Nancy Blanco, an English as a second language teacher at the school, said there are 104 English learners in the Lee County School System.

We want to make sure our academic instruction is understandable for those in multi-lingual homes, Blanco said.

Grecia McMullen, bilingual parent liaison and Hispanic Heritage Month event coordinator put the event on with assistance from the Auburn University Latino Student Association, donors and parents.

The program was done both in English and Spanish.

The event started with a procession of flags from some of the kindergarten students who were carrying flags from different countries.

Following the procession was a poetry reading from fifth grade students Miracle McLennon and Dulce Perez.

Sixth grade students gave presentations on some influential Hispanic people.

The Auburn University Latino Student Association brought Aubie as their special guest.

William Brannon, president of the association, said two values that Latinos and Aubie share are family and hard work.

Latinos place an importance on family, Brannon said. We should all treat our friends like family. We work hard at every single thing we do.

Brannon and other members of the association invited Aubie and some teachers to come up to the stage to learn Bachata, a dance that originated in the Dominican Republic.

After the program, some of the students and their families had a meal together.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The two stand-up paddlers enjoying a leisurely morning in Newports Back Bay thought they were just spending a morning out in the water. Little did they know they were being watched and documented.

Orange County Coastkeeper on Friday held a workshop to train volunteers how to collect data on human activity along the coastlines Marine Protected Areas, designated stretches of beach and ocean that have restrictions to protect marine ecosystems, restore depleted fish populations and preserve ocean life.

The MPA Watch program, held at Westcliff Park in Newport Beach, isnt meant to catch people in illegal activities, or to take a tally on whether marine life is flourishing in protected areas. The goal is simply to observe and document what people do at the beach, even if its as simple as sunbathing.

The goal of this program is to develop information, so were out here observing what people do, said Ray Hiemstra, Orange County Coastkeeper associate director of programs. Were not judging what people do, our goal is not to catch people doing any particular type of activity. Ours is to passively observe and gather information.

The Marine Life Protection Act was signed in 1999, but wasnt enacted until 2012. Its purpose is to reexamine and redesign Californias system of Marine Protected Areas for a long-term plan to protect marine environments from overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction.

Areas stretch from Northern California to the Mexico border. Locally, they include areas from Bolsa Chica and Crystal Cove, through Laguna Beach, and into Dana Point.

While some areas have restrictions but still allow some fishing, others  such as Laguna Beach  are a no take zone, meaning nothing can be taken out of the ocean, from tide pools or beaches.

Data gathered through the MPA Watch program gives substance to observations.

For example, Table Rock beach in Laguna is very crowded, Hiemstra explains. But exactly how crowded and what people are doing there is unknown. By tracking peoples activities at that beach during a set period, decision-makers will have real data to show what people are doing there and if theres a need for signage or other measures to protect areas.

Wendy Marshall, director of education for Discovery Cubes Ocean Quest in Newport Beach, joined the training program, Friday, along with two other employees of the marine educational center. Their plan was to learn how to do the survey, then pass the knowledge on to students who take trips out on boats.

We bring a lot of kids who have never been to the beach before, Marshall said. To be able to go to one place and see an estuary and harbor and open water and see how it connects, its a pretty powerful experience.

About 200 people in Orange County have received training since the program started in 2012, and there are about 400 surveys submitted each year, Hiemstra said. There are 32 survey points from Bolsa Chica to Dana Point.

Surveys can be as simple as a two-minute scan of the beach, or a 30-minute walk from one point to another. There are similar MPA surveys along the entire California coastline.

Through the studies, Coastkeeper has made a not-exactly-shocking observation.

The most popular thing is recreation, sitting or laying at the beach. Which probably isnt pretty surprising, but we didnt have any real data on that before, Hiemstra said. Weve also found that actual poaching activities, people taking things, is pretty rare. People know the rules and they are following them, which is good.

One area that has benefited from the observation reports is a rocky outcropping in Dana Point between Salt Creek and Strands Beach.

The point there was getting pounded by people coming and stripping it out, Hiemstra said. We put up signs, just letting people know that it is a Marine Protected Area.

On Friday, the group did a survey of Castaways Beach in Newport, a bit inland from the coastline under tall bluffs in the Back Bay. Its one of four survey sites on the Back Bay estuary.

The group, holding clipboards, did a quick scan of the beach and water. They jotted down temperature, visibility, winds, tides and other observations.

The two stand-up paddlers came into their survey area, so they jotted down their presence. A kayaker was cruising along. Other things theyd look for: Are there fishing poles or spear guns on the vessels?

If you see someone out there on a paddleboard, dont just naturally assume they are just happy out there paddling around. This is a vessel, and they might be using it as transportation to go fishing. In most of the areas, thats perfectly legal, Hiemstra said. We just want to make sure people are fishing where they are supposed to.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@scng.com
Do more people find Hillary Clinton unreliable, calculating, deceiving, morally bankrupt and lacking in core beliefs or Donald Trump immature, petulant, unqualified, temperamental and egocentric?

We will know the answer on election night.

But when it comes to serious issues like job creation, it seems easier to have faith in Trump if he is elected president  provided economic advisors nudge him away from some of his protectionist trade policies.

I have no faith in Hillarys predilection for higher taxes, more regulations and soaring energy costs, which could spark countless jobs moving offshore if she is elected. For evidence, lets look to California because Mrs. Clinton echoes the business-bashing policies of Gov. Jerry Brown that have driven thousands of jobs out of state.

Mexico has been the top foreign destination for California companies for the last eight years. Jobs have also migrated to India, Costa Rica, Malaysia and other countries.

California isnt losing just low-paying jobs like seamstresses and clerks. Companies now issue paychecks in Mexico to people who manufacture automobiles, aerospace parts, respiratory products, electronic components and surgical tools.

Im experiencing an upsurge in California companies inquiring about relocating to Mexico  a reaction to the contempt that Gov. Brown and Democrat legislators show toward the private sector. Also, more business leaders exploring non-U.S. locations for their facilities probably reflects their fears that Hillarys campaign will prevail.

If Mrs. Clinton wins, its akin to electing Jerry Brown to the presidency. Seriously, look at the similarities.

Both prefer stacking agencies with appointees looking for villains in corporate operations while ignoring labor union excesses. Both will expand Al Gore-like carbon cap-and-trade measures despite job losses, particularly in manufacturing. Both will provide never-ending subsidies to their crony capitalist friends as funds are funneled through the U.S. Energy Dept. and three California agencies  GO-Biz and the film and energy commissions.

Hillary is unlikely to shake up inefficient or fraud-prone agencies in Washington, similar to Gov. Browns indefensible lack of action in Sacramento. To them, calcified government is okay.

Will a President Clinton fire members of the National Labor Relations Board for their bullying of companies? No. Will she remove officials from the renegade Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their unilateral regulatory abuses? No. And lets not even pretend that she will reform the Justice Department or its FBI component, which turned blind eyes to her security violations.

Gov. Brown and Mrs. Clinton openly embrace Big Government, thereby making it nearly impossible to conduct true reforms.

Their conformity extends to minimum wages. Jerry Brown approved a one-size-fits-all minimum wage statewide, which will hurt companies in the San Joaquin Valley that already have difficulty competing with low-cost foreign challengers. Hillary wants to impose a uniform minimum wage nationwide  as if it costs the same to live in Scranton as it does in San Francisco  an irrational act sure to cause factory closings.

When it comes to expenditures, watch out. Mrs. Clinton will spend billions of dollars on labor-backed boondoggles like Gov. Browns pet project, the San Francisco-Los Angeles high-speed rail system  which no longer is high speed.

Under a Hillary-imitates-Brown scenario, dysfunctional federal programs will be preserved. Unneeded projects will be funded. Cost overruns will be ignored. Wrongdoers holding office will keep their jobs.

Companies will need to defend their interests with the persistence of Navy Seals to overcome the anti-business, anti-profit, anti-transparency, pro-union, pro-taxes, pro-spending, pro-regulation, super-leftist zealots that monopolize todays policy debates.

If Jerry Brown-Hillary Clinton policies prevail, then we will see more jobs move to other nations not just from California but from other states, too.

Joseph Vranich, President of Spectrum Location Solutions in Irvine, helps companies find optimum places in which to locate.
SAN DIEGO  A former federal agent has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for tipping off a defense contractor who was under investigation for overbilling the Navy by at least $35 million.

Former Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigator John Beliveau II was also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution.

He was sentenced Friday in federal court in San Diego on charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery.

Believau has said mental health and drinking problems clouded his judgment.

Prosecutors asked a federal judge in San Diego to sentence Beliveau to 15 years in prison  the longest sentence sought yet in the bribery case that has led to charges against 16 people.

The defendants include nearly a dozen current and former Navy officials. Like Beliveau, most of them were bought off with luxury hotel stays and the services of prostitutes provided by Malaysian contractor Leonard Francis, prosecutors say.

Beliveau wrote a letter to the judge saying he deserves and understands the feeling of anger, vengeance and disgust from others in my former field. He asked for forgiveness and offered himself as an example of what not to do in law enforcement.

Beliveaus attorney Jessica Carmichael said her client was targeted by Francis, a boisterous executive with Glenn Defense Marine Asia who is nicknamed Fat Leonard.

Beliveau has suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder since he was 6, according to his attorneys court filings. He also has suffered from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and has had alcohol problems, Carmichael said.

Prosecutors say Beliveau shared hundreds of internal files with Francis about criminal investigations being conducted regarding his business, and in return GDMA executives arranged prostitutes, provided Beliveau up to $30,000 in cash, and sent him on trips around Asia.

Francis is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to bribing Navy officials with more than $500,000 in cash, sex workers, Cuban cigars, Kobe beef, model ships and others gifts in exchange for favors that helped him beat out competitors and overbill the Navy.

Beliveau met Francis after being assigned to Singapore in 2008. He was struggling after recovering from cancer treatments and later contracted dengue, Carmichael said.

Mr. Beliveau has never had a friend or a romantic relationship because of his mental health disorders and Francis knew that and exploited that, she said.

In her court filings, Carmichael said: Francis extravagant parties provided a break from Mr. Beliveaus hellish reality. He found an escape from his depression during the lavish dinners and evenings with prostitutes. Mr. Beliveau became clinically obsessed with Francis and dependent on the momentary relief he could provide.

The lawyer wanted the judge to give her client no more than a year in home confinement and the maximum period of supervised release.

Prosecutors say Beliveau kept Francis abreast of investigations for years. In 2012, when he was made a supervisory agent, Beliveau emailed Francis after granting him two favors and not receiving anything in return and reminded the executive, I will always be your friend but you will get nothing else  until I get what you promise.
CalOptima announced Friday that the protected health information of thousands of its members could have been compromised when a departing employee took a flash drive containing the crucial information.

According to a statement issued by CalOptima, the employee downloaded the data to a personal, unencrypted flash drive. The employee returned the flash drive to CalOptima within a couple of days, after being asked to, said spokeswoman Bridget Kelly.

The flash drive was in the employees possession from Aug. 14 to Aug. 17, officials said.

Kelly said CalOptima is cooperating with local law enforcement and health plan regulators on the investigation.

We dont have any reason to believe this information was shared, but the investigation is still ongoing, she said.

CalOptima is a county-organized health system that provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities.

Kelly said the security matter affected about 7 percent of CalOptimas membership  about 56,000 members. The downloaded personal information included member names, demographic information, Social Security numbers and other health plan details.

We have implemented several additional safeguards to better protect members against this type of incident in the future, Kelly said.

CalOptima recommends that affected members monitor the security of their credit and personal information using services offered by the agency at no cost to members. Adultsmay request access to 12 months of free triple-bureau credit monitoring services, which alerts them when changes occur to their Experian, Equifax or TransUnion credit files.

For child members, parents may request access to a free service geared toward determining whether a fraudulent credit file exists in the childs name.

Anyone with questions is asked to call CalOptimas customer service department at 844-640-4101, or visit caloptima.org.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@ocregister.com
Twenty-four days.

Thats all that separates us from the day after the most contentious election in modern history. Circle it, Nov. 9. The only certainty is that slightly less than half the nation will wake up in a funk. And according to polls, even many who voted for the winning candidate will have done so reluctantly. Our collective reaction the day after  and that of both the winning and the losing candidate  will set the course for the next four years. So heres my hair-of-the-dog tonic for both the public and the candidates.

First, from the citizenry: Forbearance.

Itll be extremely difficult, but come Nov. 9, lets not judge Donald Trump based on his comments about Mexico sending us its rapists, his mocking of a New York Times reporter with a disability, or his history of misogyny. And if Hillary Clinton is elected the nations first female president, we must end the fixation with Benghazi, stop repeating FBI Director James Comeys assessment that she was extremely careless with her private email servers, and stop blaming the rise of ISIS on her stewardship at the State Department.

Its too much to ask that their pasts will all be forgotten, but reasonable to request that we move on in the name of national unity. For far too long, the largest number of us have allowed our voices to be muted by the loudest voices. Its important we not let them take us down that road for another four years. Hopefully, the candidates can provide leadership that heals.

If Trump wins, he needs to appear magnanimous toward Clinton and he can begin by retiring his Twitter account and banishing Crooked Hillary from his lexicon. His first appointment to the cabinet should be a Hispanic and his senior staff should include women and people of color.

He should make clear that some of his most extreme statements in the campaign he does not intend to act on and instead, he will listen. Hell listen to the generals, hell listen to the members of the Congress, hell listen to the general public, offered U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., when I asked him for suggestions.

Coons, who led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Morocco and Eastern Europe last summer, also thinks it important that Trump visit NATO, sit down with our allies and say, Its a treaty. We stand by our treaties, you can trust us as an ally. If Russia invades you, we will defend you, thats what the NATO treaty means.

If Trump is the loser, he must accept the legitimacy of his fate with grace, a tall order for him. Unfortunately, he has already planted seeds for questioning the elections validity. Last Monday in Wilkes-Barre, he warned an overwhelmingly white crowd that their votes were at risk of being stolen from people in other communities. A week prior, in Altoona, he similarly warned that the only way he could be beaten was if in certain sections of the state they cheat. That sort of unfounded thinking is destructive and must end.

Additionally, the nation can ill afford another confab where U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell implores his fellow Republican leaders that the single most important thing we went to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president. Its healthy for one party to wish to defeat another, but the nation cannot sustain the type of attacks on Obama now being redirected toward Clinton.

If she wins, she should immediately reach across the aisle. She should request that the Senate confirm Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court  a centrist with impeccable credentials who happens to be a Democrat. Coons, a member of the Judiciary Committee, concurs.

Many in my party on the left are urging her to withdraw his nomination or to not renominate him and to instead nominate someone 15 years younger and much more left, he told me. And I certainly understand how that appeals to a progressive agenda.  There are some critics of Garlands centrism. But I think getting the country back, our Congress back, to working with each other begins with confirming a confirmable justice.

Coons would also advise Clinton to put together a bold infrastructure plan, noting that its a rare area of agreement between such disparate interests as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and organized labor.

We have huge problems in terms of rail, road and ports, Coons said. I commute to Washington on Amtrak almost every day. I go through a tunnel that was built in the 1870s. I go over two bridges that were built more than 100 years ago. If you go to our competitor countries like China, South Korea and Japan, they have world-class, state-of-the-art airport, rail, ports. Thats why theyre succeeding and competing with us in infrastructure.

The self-described radical centrist who represents Delaware and holds the seat formerly held by Vice President Joe Biden hopes a President Clinton would seize a moment here to put forward a balanced centrist agenda, encourage Republicans to work with her across the aisle, not try and make big sort of strikes to the left, and instead say we need to work together because there are a lot of people in the middle who have been completely turned off by the last several campaign cycles.

Should she lose, she must be gracious in defeat, accept the outcome, and give Trump the opportunity to show that actions speak louder than words. Thatll be tough, given the invective shes incurred, but there is historical precedent for a losing presidential candidate putting the nation first. Richard Nixon accepted a controversial defeat in 1960 and Al Gore did likewise in 2000.

Whomever the victor, come Nov. 9, we need to put this election behind us.

Michael Smerconish can be heard from 9 a.m. to noon on SiriusXMs POTUS Channel 124 and seen hosting Smerconish at 9 a.m. Saturdays on CNN.
Metrolink and other rail service will experience major interruptions this weekend and next due to several construction and maintenance projects.

The Metrolink Orange County, Inland Empire-Orange County and 91/Perris Valley lines will be affected by the demolition of the Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles and other maintenance work.

Metrolink will run two round-trip services on the Orange County Line. Trains 660, 661, 666 and 667 will operate between Irvine and Norwalk, while buses will travel to stations from Irvine to Oceanside and from Norwalk to Los Angeles. Buses will provide service for northbound trips departing form stations south of Irvine.

Though there wont be train service on the Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Metrolink has coordinated buses for one round-trip route for trains 857 and 860, departing from San Bernardino and Oceanside, respectively.

The 91/Perris Valley Line trains 751, 752, 753 and 754 will run in Norwalk and Riverside, while bus service will be available from Norwalk to Los Angeles.

For real-time information on traveling Saturday and Sunday, and Oct. 22 and 23, visit metrolinktrains.com.

91 PROJECT NEAR MILESTONES

Meanwhile, the Riverside County Transportation Commissions 91 Project is reaching milestones starting Sunday.

We are actually opening up ramps that are going to be in their final configuration, said Eliza Perez, a spokeswoman for the transportation commission.

The 91 Project is adding regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and direct express connectors from northbound I-15 to westbound 91 and from eastbound 91 to southbound I-15. It is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2017. Other improvements are also being made to ramps, lanes, interchanges and surface streets along the 91 between the Orange County and Riverside County lines in Corona and Pierce Street in Riverside.

On Sunday at 10 p.m., the new westbound 91 Maple Street flyover onramp will open. In addition, the Maple Street Bridge will open with two southbound lanes, meaning drivers north of the 91 freeway can head south to access the westbound 91. Motorists can use Serfas Club Drive or Smith Street to reach Maple Street north of the 91, and those south of the 91 can access the westbound 91 form Sixth Street.

At 12:01 a.m. Monday, the Main Street Undercrossing with three lanes in each direction will open, two weeks ahead of schedule. It closed Aug. 28 for crews to build a middle section of the bridge.

On Tuesday at 8 p.m., two ramps will close for two months. During the westbound Maple Street offramp closure, drivers can use the new westbound 91 offramp at Serfas Club Drive, which opens at 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Motorists are advised to follow detour routes and check real-time traffic information at IE511.org.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7762 or jkwong@ocregister.com or on Twitter: @JessicaGKwong
In the heart of Orange County, the dense and diverse 1st Supervisorial District is home to Santa Ana, Little Saigon and a regional government hub that has emerged as an epicenter of surging homelessness.

And as the November election nears, trends of poverty and demographic change that are reshaping traditionally wealthy and Republican Orange County loom over a contest pitting a well-funded incumbent from the growing Asian community against a city councilwoman who would be the county boards first Latina member.

Andrew Do is seeking re-election in one of the most expensive supervisorial campaigns of the past two decades. He says the track record he has built during the 20 months since he took office via special election  a record he says includes improving the countys mental health system and its response to homelessness  demonstrates his qualifications for another term.

His opponent, Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michele Martinez, frames Dos accomplishments as pre-election political displays. She argues he has had little impact on what she sees as the countys most pressing issue: increasing the stock of affordable housing.

Do calls the attacks disingenuous.

Local political scientists say the race is less likely to be decided by the candidates stances on particular issues or governance records than by simple name recognition, ethnic voting blocs and partisan lines.

But of the myriad issues that come before the Board of Supervisors  which oversees $6.1 billion in annual spending on public safety, parks, social services and health care  how to respond to the growth of street encampments sits at the core of the campaign in the countys most Democratic-leaning district.

POLITICKING HOMELESSNESS

The Santa Ana Civic Center and its population of 460-plus homeless people occupy common ground for Do and Martinez, creating a focal point of election-cycle finger pointing. The area is owned by the county but policed by Santa Ana, giving each candidate opportunities to blame the other for the areas woes.

The back-and-forth came to a head when the two politicians separately appeared on KFI AM 640s John and Ken Show in a single week. The radio hosts lambasted the pair, claiming they had been ineffective at helping the homeless.

Within a week of their appearances, Martinez and the Santa Ana City Council declared a public health and safety crisis at the Civic Center and demanded the county step up to fix it. Do called for the county to convert an abandoned bus terminal into a temporary homeless shelter within 30 days, while pointedly reminding the public it was a 2014 Santa Ana council moratorium on homeless shelters that prevented supervisors from addressing the issue sooner.

The new shelter is now open, and Martinez and her council colleagues approved $1.3 million to clean up the Civic Center by regularly power-washing the area and doubling the police presence there, among other initiatives.

Do said the countys speed in opening the shelter demonstrates his ability to achieve major program goals. And he cites other efforts to help the homeless  approving a year-round homeless shelter in Anaheim, hiring a director to coordinate the countys homeless services and obtaining a grant for new mental health facilities.

I challenge anyone to go back and find a supervisor who has gotten more things done in a year and a half than I have, Do said.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Martinez said Dos accomplishments are bandages on a larger problem that he has ignored: Orange Countys lack of affordable housing. She said the scarcity contributes to homelessness in the county and affects all low-income people. She has made increasing the affordable housing stock a central theme of her campaign.

Hes stepping up (on homeless issues) now because its political season, said Martinez, who also serves as president of the Southern California Association of Governments. But we need to figure out how we permanently house people, because shelters arent solving the problem.

At a recent SCAG meeting, Martinez called for increased development throughout Orange County to build affordable housing stock. She has proposed that the Orange County Housing Authority form a joint task force with the countys other local housing authorities to create a regional plan to increase low-income units.

In the past two years, Orange County has permitted none of the 2,119 units of very-low-income or low-income housing that California says it needs through 2021. During Martinezs first eight years on the City Council, Santa Ana permitted 268 units of low-income and very-low-income housing out of the 1,268 units the state said it needed then.

Do said it is insincere for Martinez to criticize his record on permitting affordable housing units. He said the countys low-income housing requirements are for unincorporated land, very little of which is in the 1st District. And he said the county can work with cities to build affordable housing only if the cities permit the projects first.

She is throwing out proposals that she has no idea how to implement, Do said. It sounds good, but there is no meat behind it.

But Martinez pointed out that Do often votes on items outside his district and therefore can have sway over regional issues. As such, she said, county officials should position themselves as regional leaders and collaborators on housing issues.

Being a supervisor goes beyond the 1st District, she said.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND MONEY

Yet despite the public finger-pointing and debate over how to fix problems that ail Orange County, local political academics have said other factors may determine who wins, among them voter turnout in the Vietnamese and Latino communities and partisan politics.

Jodi Balma, a professor of political science at Fullerton College, said Martinezs advantages lie in her popularity in heavily Latino Santa Ana, where she has governed for a decade, and her Democratic Party affiliation.

Republicans outnumber Democrats by 4 percentage points countywide, but in the 1st District, Democrats lead by nearly 18 percentage points  or 37,000 potential voters. Balma said that gap in the nonpartisan supervisorial race could be magnified by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trumps campaign troubles, should they discourage conservatives from voting or encourage Democrats to cast votes.

Twenty-four percent of the 1st District  or 53,188 voters  is registered without party preference.

Balma said Dos advantages include his incumbency and his ability to communicate more with voters because of more extensive fundraising.

As of last week, Dos campaign had raised nearly $640,000 and spent nearly $649,000  three times and six times what Martinez had brought in and spent, respectively. Dos campaign is one of the most expensive supervisorial bids in two decades.

The union that represents Orange County sheriffs deputies recently spent nearly $86,000 on three direct mailers supporting Do via its independent expenditure committee. Martinez has had no independent expenditure groups backing her candidacy.

Voter turnout in the Latino and Vietnamese communities also could be pivotal in the race, according to Balma and UC Irvine political scientist Mark Petracca.

Before the June election, when 12,000 fewer 1st District voters were registered, nearly 37 percent identified as Latino and 25 percent as Vietnamese, according to Political Data Inc. Balma suggested the percentage of Latino voters might have grown since then, mirroring statewide trends that have seen higher voter registration in that group.

If Martinez is elected, she also would be the only Democrat on the board.

Balma said predicting the outcome is difficult.

Its going to come down to voter turnout, she said.

Contact the writer: jgraham@scng.com or 714-796-7960
WASHINGTON  President Barack Obama on Friday moved to cement his administrations historic opening with Cuba by issuing a sweeping directive that will last beyond his presidency, setting forth a new U.S. policy to lift the Cold War trade embargo and end a half-century of clandestine plotting against Cubas government.

The action formalizes the shift toward normalization that the president unveiled nearly two years ago with the announcement that he and President Raul Castro of Cuba had secretly agreed to repair their countries relationship.

Obama on Friday also made what aides said were likely his final major modifications to loosen U.S. sanctions on Cuba before leaving office, including lifting the $100 limit on bringing Cuban rum and cigars into the United States.

It is Obamas latest use of executive power to press forward in the face of lingering opposition in Congress to repealing the embargo, this time through a 12-page document that essentially transforms what has been a presidential priority into a set of official mandates that will shape U.S. policy toward Cuba for decades.

It would take another directive by a future president to reverse the move, but Obamas top advisers argued that it would be difficult for a successor to cancel a set of policy changes that are reshaping the way Americans travel to and do business with Cuba.

This directive takes a comprehensive and whole-of-government approach to promote engagement with the Cuban government and people, and make our opening to Cuba irreversible, Obama said in a statement. Challenges remain  and very real differences between our governments persist on issues of democracy and human rights  but I believe that engagement is the best way to address those differences and make progress on behalf of our interests and values.

The policy directive was notable because it was public instead of classified.

We are not seeking to impose regime change on Cuba, Obama said, asserting that the embargo is outdated and should be lifted.

As if to underscore a stark shift from decades of U.S. policy toward Cuba, which were marked by spying and suspicion, the document specifically requires that U.S.-led democracy programs  which the Castro government has denounced as secret efforts to destabilize the country  be transparent.

The actions built on a series of milestones with Cuba as Obamas tenure draws to a close. Last month, he nominated the first U.S. ambassador to Cuba in more than 50 years, following the reopening last year of embassies in Washington and Havana. The first direct commercial flight from the United States reached Cuba in August.
Fifty years ago today in Oakland, college students Bobby Seale and Huey Newton founded the Black Panther Party. In response to racism, Seale and Newton envisioned a nationwide movement to build community prosperity and protect black people from police brutality. With these issues once again in the national conversation, we look back at the history of the Black Panther Party. BLACK PANTHER PARTY FOR SELF-DEFENSE

The Panthers grew out of a reaction to the civil rights movement. Police often brutalized protesters during nonviolent demonstrations, so many activists urged black people to protect and empower themselves and their communities.

Seale and Newton wanted to create a coalition of black people who could defend themselves from police brutality. They chose the name of the party based on the behavior of the panther. Newton said the animal will not attack unless the aggressor continues, then hell strike out.

The logo comes from the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, which led groups of armed civilians to register black voters in Ku Klux Klan-dominated areas of Alabama in the 60s.

ARMED PATROLS

In an effort to prevent police brutality, party members carried guns and followed officers around the city.

When officers stopped a suspect, the group observed the police performing their duties, keeping a distance so as to not interfere. It was legal in California and many other states to openly carry weapons in public, and Panthers educated each other on their rights.

The group would watch for violence. If an officer raised a weapon, the Panthers cocked their guns in an attempt to intimidate.

NEWS SERVICE

The Panthers published a newspaper to distribute around the country, aimed at unifying their goals as a political movement. Newton and Seale published a series of principles known as the 10-Point Program. They called for housing, education and employment for all black people, criminal justice reform and an end to police brutality and the draft.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

The Panthers promoted pride in natural appearance, wearing Afros.

FIGHTING SEXISM

By the end of the 60s, the majority of Panthers were women. To promote equality, they challenged gender roles by arming women with guns and having men cook breakfast for children.

COMMUNITY SURVIVAL PROGRAMS

Following Marxist ideology, the Panthers began social programs.

Free breakfasts for children: The party started kitchens across the country and members volunteered to make meals for children.

Clinics and health care: The Panthers opened free clinics, rehabilitation centers and sickle cell anemia-testing centers.

The Panthers opened free clinics, rehabilitation centers and sickle cell anemia-testing centers. Education initiatives: Members taught self-defense, first aid and classes on economics and politics.

BLACK PROTEST MOVEMENTS TODAY

Black Americans today face many of the same problems they did half a century ago. Movements like Black Lives Matter are taking up the mantle to protest what they see as police brutality and systemic racism.



Black Lives Matter: The group describes itself as a peaceful protest movement against police brutality. Members say they want to create awareness of the value society places on black lives, advocate for justice and promote the contributions of black people to society.



Colin Kaepernick: The football player has refused to stand during the national anthem. Kaepernick said, These arent new situations  and have never been addressed and they need to be. One specifically is police brutality  Cops are getting paid leave for killing people.

HISTORY OF THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY
SACRAMENTO  Employees at a remote Northern California prison largely view inmates as little more than wild animals incapable of being rehabilitated, according to the latest in a long series of critical reports.

California corrections officials sought the external review after the state inspector general reported last year that High Desert State Prison guards had created a culture of racism and engaged in alarmingly frequent use of force against inmates.

The Association of State Correctional Administrators found little evidence of overt racism, but plenty of other problems at the maximum security prison housing about 3,800 inmates near Susanville, nearly 200 miles from Sacramento.

Employees view themselves as united in a two-front battle against some of the states toughest inmates on one side and a distant, disconnected state bureaucracy on the other, according to the report provided to The Associated Press.

The report blames a lack of communication and leadership at the prison, which has had 15 wardens in its 21 years of existence  five in the last 18 months.

That has left the staff without a clear sense of direction, and in particular unaware of the change toward rehabilitation in the departments mission, says the report. In their view, efforts to rehabilitate inmates of the type housed at HDSP, who they view as little more than wild animals, are both futile and dangerous.

Guards rarely interact with inmates unless violence erupts, tacitly allowing illegal activities like gambling among inmates as a way of keeping the peace, the review team found.

It was as if the officers and the inmates had reached an agreement. You can do your thing, and well do ours, so long as you dont get violent, the reviewers wrote. Viewing inmates as dangerous animals, the officers do little to prevent violence but rather keep their distance waiting for it to occur. When it does occur, which it does almost daily, they react quickly en mass to suppress it with force.

Spokesmen for both the state inspector general and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, which represents most prison guards, said Friday that they could not immediately comment.

Employees of all races denied the institutionalized racism described by the inspector general.

Minority inmates denied being addressed with racist language, though they believed they were victims of discrimination. Reviewers found white inmates were disproportionately assigned to skilled jobs, while Latinos were underrepresented. Black inmates were disproportionately likely to face discipline and use of force.

Don Specter, director of the nonprofit Prison Law Office that represents inmates, said his law firms investigation last year found that inmates were often subjected to racist comments.

Its incredibly difficult for the Department of Corrections to rehabilitate prisoners when at least some of the staff have those kind of comments  suggesting that the prisoners are not human or, even milder, not fit for rehabilitation, he said.

Corrections Secretary Scott Kernan ordered the nearly $188,000 report in March.

The department recognizes there is good work being done by our staff at High Desert State Prison under difficult circumstances, and will continue to strive for improvements, he said in a statement, adding that, Our overarching goal is to ensure safety for everyone and to promote rehabilitation in support of public safety.
BEIJING  On Saturday, China plans to release the final prisoner held for the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, but after more than 27 years behind bars, he will rejoin the world a physically and mentally ill man, a rights group said.

Miao Deshun, a factory worker from Beijing, was not a leading figure in the pro-democracy demonstrations. Nevertheless, he was given a suspended death sentence for arson after he threw a basket at a burning tank during the June 4, 1989, crackdown on the protests.

His sentence was later commuted to life in prison and subsequently reduced further, according to the Dui Hua Foundation, a San Francisco-based group that advocates for the rights of political prisoners in China.

At 51, Miao has spent more than half his life behind bars and has had no contact with the outside world for many years: His family stopped visiting him more than 10 years ago, reportedly at his own request, Dui Hua said in a statement.

He suffers from hepatitis B and schizophrenia: Former prison inmates remember him as a very thin man who refused to admit wrongdoing and participate in prison labor, who was both tortured and confined to periods of solitary confinement as a result.

No one other than prison officials or other prisoners in the ward for sick and disabled prisoners have seen him for many years, Dui Huas executive director, John Kamm, told The Associated Press in an email, adding that Miao was severely ill.

Tens of thousands of troops and tanks converged on Beijings iconic Tiananmen Square to quash months of protests on the night of June 3-4, 1989. Several hundred people were killed  possibly several thousand  and more than 1,600 people around the country were subsequently jailed.

Today, young Chinese people know little of the events that marked the last major popular challenge to Communist rule on the mainland, but in Hong Kong, the anniversary is always marked with a candlelight vigil attended by tens of thousands.

Wu Wenjian, a dissident and painter who was in jail with Miao Deshun in Beijing from 1990 to 1994, said Miaos persistent refusal to accept that he had committed a crime, participate in hard labor or sign repentance letters, was partly why he had remained in jail so long.

Hes a loner, Wu said. At that time, whoever got a suspended death sentence would at least pretend to accept the sentence and the reform education, but he wouldnt. He kept appealing and refused to be reformed.

Wu said prison guards had frequently beaten Miao, including with electric batons, and even then he had not been in good health. The main problem was with his mental health, he said. Its quite understandable given that he got a suspended death sentence and was under immense pressure.

The Dui Hua Foundation said Miao was due to be released Saturday from Yanqing prison northeast of Beijing after being given an 11-month sentence reduction this year, but the AP said the date could not be independently verified, as the Ministry of Public Security and the Beijing Higher Peoples Court were not responding to faxed requests for comment.

Hu Jia, a prominent human rights activist, said Miaos life had been ruined, adding that he would need to readapt himself to a society very different from the one that existed before he was jailed.

He might find himself leaving a small jail but entering a bigger prison, he said. Hes likely to find himself surrounded by state security police upon his release, something unimaginable before he went to jail. Release from jail does not necessarily mean more freedom.

But Qi Zhiyong, who lost a leg in the crackdown near Tiananmen Square, said he was excited by the news of Miaos release. We are from the same generation  an oppressed generation, he said.
It is dusk, prime time when mountain lions hunt. Camera in hand, pepper spray at my side, I run the trails of Whiting and ONeill county parks just days after closures from lion sightings.

Suddenly, theres movement in the shadows.

Forget the spray. After thousands of hours roaming Orange County wilderness without a decent mountain lion sighting, I stick with the camera. There are few things more memorable than facing a 160-pound animal with bone-crushing jaws capable of bursts up to 50 mph.

Yes, Im dumberer.

But instead of a mountain lion, a scene unfolds that is equally awesome and a lot more safe  two does, two fawns and a big buck with noble antlers.

According to experts, my failure to see a mountain lion during more than 25 years of exploring the countys backcountry is no surprise. Despite the hubbub about the trail closures, the reality is that these magnificent creatures are disappearing in Orange County at an alarming rate.

And, it turns out, we are to blame.

BIG CAT INBREEDING

John Gannaway is an OC Parks division manager and has been visiting the countys wildlands since he was in college in the early 1980s. For years, hes lived in canyon country.

Yet, during all those years, Gannaway has never stumbled across a mountain lion.

Sure, hes seen mountain lions while tracking them, responding to reports from concerned hikers in county parks. Still, its exceptionally rare to spot a mountain lion in the wild.

Thats both comforting and a concern.

There are so few mountain lions left in Orange County, they are inbreeding to the point that experts see genetic mutations.

A 13-year study released in 2015 by Winston Vickers of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that humans are the biggest killers of mountain lions in Orange County and surrounding areas.

Despite protection from hunting, annual survival for radio collared pumas was surprisingly low (55.8 percent), and humans caused the majority of puma deaths.

The most common sources of mortality, Vickers said, were vehicle collisions (28 percent of deaths), and mortalities resulting from depredation permits issued after pumas killed domestic animals (17 percent of deaths).

Other human-caused mortalities included illegal shootings, public safety removals, and human-caused wildfire.

The future of these big cats is especially worrisome.

Human population growth expected over the next century, Vickers study states, exacerbates these threats.

MISTAKEN IDENTITIES

Mountain lions, Gannaway points out, are part of the natural environment. He also notes that most so-called sightings involve other species.

Birds foraging in the leaves can make a surprising amount of noise. Bobcats, coyotes, even dogs often are mistaken for mountain lions.

Regardless, safety remains the priority. Rangers review field camera recordings, follow up on reports, inspect tracks and scat, consult California Department of Fish and Wildlife experts.

We keep an eye out, Gannaway says. We train our staff that what is key, is unusual animal behavior. If an animal is sitting on a trail, thats abnormal.

If we have multiple sightings in a particular area, he adds, then we know the animal is a little more bold than usual.

Bold behavior around Sept. 19 was what caused the closures of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and the west side of ONeill Regional Park. But further investigation found no additional mountain lion activity and after four days both areas reopened.

Cases closed? Not quite.

We never know for sure, Gannaway says of mountain lion whereabouts. They can stay in an area three days to a week if theyre feeding on a deer.

Or they can move 10 miles in a night.

LAST LION STANDING

One of the problems is that existing man-made wildlife corridors dont work.

My inspection of the wildlife underpass below the 91 Freeway, just east of the 241 Toll Road, found no visible use  except for dog walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. The few scattered boulders there are more designed for people needing to rest than they are for mountain lions needing to hide while moving.

Yet the site is a critical connection between the massive Chino Hills State Park and the Santa Ana Mountains.

Vickers study agrees.

None of the radio collared pumas used the Coal Canyon undercrossing, the report found. However, two unmarked pumas were killed from 2001-2013 while attempting to cross this major freeway within 3 km of the Coal Canyon undercrossing.

The 91 Freeway underpass failure is common. Wildlife corridors that facilitate safe movement through the landscape, the scientist says, are lacking or insufficient.

Vickers study estimates that at most, 27 mountain lions remain in the Santa Ana Mountains, our inspiring range of canyons, cliffs, ridges and mountaintops that we see from our homes, freeways and office buildings.

More construction is already underway and if youre a mountain lion, thats scary. The UC Davis study states, 14,000 new homes and associated highways will be constructed at the south end of (the 241 Toll Road) in the center of puma habitat in the Santa Ana Mountains.

He cautions, Evidence points towards pumas being less likely to successfully navigate this human-dominated landscape in the future.

Still, there is hope.

While Vickers concludes habitat alone isnt enough to protect the species, he says a combination of remedies could help. These include increased fencing along the 241, improving and adding more underpasses and building natural-looking overpasses.

Still, there always will be at least one mountain lion for us to look at in the foothills of Saddleback Mountain.

Its the one at the ONeill nature center and its stuffed.

Contact the writer: dwhiting@scng.com
California has the strictest gun laws in the nation, but that hasnt quelled our state politicians need to do something. In this election, Proposition 63 seeks to add yet another layer of rules, especially on the purchase of ammunition, on top of already stringent gun laws.

On the surface, Prop. 63 is largely duplicative of a raft of gun bills passed by the state Legislature earlier this year  overriding some, while also imposing a few extra burdens on law-abiding gun owners.

Thats a problem. As the California Police Chiefs Association said in a letter opposing Prop. 63, the proposition reverses many of the exemptions that allow officers and police departments to continue purchasing ammunition freely for on-duty purposes, and creates a duplicative database that will be a costly and less effective way to monitor ammunition purchases.

Essentially, Proposition 63 complicates current law with one that is costlier and seriously flawed, the chiefs continued. And this is not the only existing law this initiative complicates.

That is likely why, despite being named the Safety for All Act, the proposition is not supported by any major law enforcement organization.

Meanwhile, it is opposed by not just the California Police Chiefs Association, but the California State Sheriffs Association, Association of Deputy District Attorneys for Los Angeles County, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Fish & Game Wardens Association, California Reserve Peace Officers Association, Western State Sheriffs Association, Law Enforcement Action Network, San Francisco Veteran Police Officers Association and the Law Enforcement Alliance of America.

A common refrain in letters of opposition from law enforcement is that Prop. 63 will do little to nothing to combat gun crime and unnecessarily burden the law-abiding.

This measure would do little to prevent the criminal element from acquiring guns and ammunition via the black market or through theft, the California State Sheriffs Association wrote. Instead, it would place additional restrictions on law-abiding citizens who wish to purchase ammunition for sporting or hunting use, retain guns and magazines that are currently legal for them to possess and pass historical or family heirloom guns down to their next generation.

Effectively, this measure will create a new class of criminals out of those that already comply with common-sense practices that now exist.

The editorial board recommends a no vote on Proposition 63.
CLEVELAND  President Barack Obama Friday implored voters here to reject a dark and pessimistic vision offered by Donald Trump and urged a robust turnout on behalf of Hillary Clinton in a state where the presidential candidates are locked in a razor-thin contest.

Following by a day Michelle Obamas deeply personal denunciation of Trump, the president also assailed the Republican nominee as a morally compromised and intellectually inferior person who fakes his concern for the working class in America.

The guy spent 70 years on this earth showing no regard for working people, Obama said, describing Trump as a wealthy opportunist who is pretending to be something he has never been. And then suddenly, hes going to be the champion of working people? Come on. Come on, man.

Obama cited a litany of statements from Trump as evidence that the Republican nominee is unfit to be president, and said people do not have to be a husband or a father to know that Trumps comments about women were unacceptable.

You just have to be a decent human being, Obama told a crowd of Democrats at a rally on the banks of Lake Erie, with Cleveland skyscrapers as a backdrop.

The presidents searing critique of Trump is an indication of the Clinton campaigns hope that it can emerge victorious in Ohio despite recent polling that suggests a very close race in the Buckeye State.

Just weeks ago, Ohio  with its many economically struggling communities of mostly white, working-class voters  seemed to be trending toward Trump, with several polls indicating a small lead for the Republican nominee. Clinton went several weeks this fall without visiting the state.

But the avalanche of news since the publication of a lewd recording in which Trump demeans women appears to have benefited Clintons chances here. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll released Friday showed the race in Ohio between Trump and Clinton essentially tied among likely voters, with Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, getting almost 10 percent of the vote.

For Clinton to win Ohios 18 electoral votes, she will need overwhelming support in African-American centers like Cleveland, where slightly more than half of the residents are black. Early voting began this week, and Obama on Friday repeatedly urged the crowd and those watching on television to take nothing for granted.

Ohio is always close, Obama told the crowd. You can go vote early right now. Early voting started on Wednesday. This is an opportunity for you to exercise your right to vote, your civic responsibility.

The presidents stump speech has evolved over the last several weeks, with Obama testifying to Clintons qualifications, but also lashing out at Trump in increasingly blunt terms.

As Obama was in her assault on Trump in New Hampshire Thursday, the president has become unleashed in his criticism of the Republican nominee. In a speech Thursday night to Democrats in Columbus, Ohio, Obama assailed what he called the swamp of crazy that Republicans have allowed to fester in recent years.

He said Trump was merely the outgrowth of a political worldview that Republicans have increasingly embraced in Washington and around the country.

You claim the mantle of the party of family values, and this is the guy you nominate? Obama told the crowd in Columbus. Youre the party that is tough on foreign policy and opposes Russia, and then you nominate this guy, whose role model is Vladimir Putin, the former head of the KGB? Im sorry, what happened?

Obama repeated that criticism of Republicans on Friday morning, blaming the partys elected officials for failing to stand up to Trumps brand of politics until polls showed that it might damage their own fortunes.

Republicans who knew better stood by silently and even during the course of this campaign didnt say anything, Obama said. He acknowledged that a number of Republicans have denounced Trump in the wake of the lewd recording, but added, What, you werent appalled earlier when he was saying degrading things about women?

During much of his speech, Obama seemed almost bemused by the turn the campaign has taken, with Trump becoming an easy target for the presidents criticism on domestic policy, foreign affairs and personal temperament.

But the president clearly understands that Clinton needs help in establishing the kind of passionate connection with voters that he had in 2008. Several times during his remarks, Obama described Clinton as tough and qualified and urged voters to embrace her.

During the campaign, he said, Clinton has not been complaining or whining or fighting.

She was just doing the work, he said. And thats what you want from a president: someone who is going to sit there and do the work for you.

As he has in the past, Obama described his one-time secretary of state as the most qualified person ever to seek the presidency. He said shes going to be great at it, and he urged those who supported Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who challenged Clinton in the primaries, to back her now.

If you felt the Bern in the primaries, you need to vote, he said to big cheers from the crowd.

But in the end, the case Obama made Friday morning was to reject Trump. His voice rising in a singsong cadence, the president said that courtesy, equality, honesty and kindness were all on the ballot.

Democracy itself is on the ballot right now, the president bellowed above a roar from the crowd. Send a message of progress. Send a message of hope.
SACRAMENTO  California officials said Friday that they have again denied parole for a follower of cult leader Charles Manson who is serving a life sentence for a murder he committed 47 years ago.

Parole officials decided that Robert Beausoleil, 68, should remain in prison for the 1969 death of musician Gary Hinman. He can seek parole again in three years, said board spokesman Luis Patino.

Beausoleil was an aspiring musician and actor before he joined the Manson family, and he has written and recorded music while in prison.

He originally was sentenced to die, but his sentence was commuted to life in prison when the California Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional in 1972.

He was in jail when other Manson followers killed actress Sharon Tate and four others, then murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary.

Theres absolutely no doubt in my mind, if released, Bobby will be just a model citizen. I think hes a very insightful and introspective person, and there is nothing about him that is dangerous, said his attorney, Jason Campbell.

Beausoleil had been denied parole 17 times previously.

Thank God, Hinmans cousin, Kay Martley, said of the latest parole decision.

He killed, murdered my cousin and it was gruesome. Three days they kept him and tortured him, she said. All of this just comes back, even after 47 years.

Beausoleil was denied parole in part because he has been recording music for sale without the permission of California authorities, said Martley and Debra Tate, Sharon Tates sister.

He previously had permission from Oregon authorities, where he had been serving his sentence until last year, they said. Patino and Campbell said they couldnt comment.

If he cant play by the rules in place within prison, how can he play in a free society? said Tate.

Beausoleil was transferred in 1994 to the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem at his request, after he married a woman from Oregon while in prison and later fathered four children. He was transferred last year to the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, southeast of Sacramento, after his wife died and he had a disciplinary infraction at the Oregon prison.

Martley fears that officials may decide to parole Beausoleil next time because of his young age when he committed the crime, and because he elderly now.

In January, Gov. Jerry Brown reversed the parole board and blocked the release of Bruce Davis, 74, who was convicted in the slayings of Hinman and stuntman Donald Shorty Shea. In July, Brown blocked the release of Leslie Van Houten, 67, who is serving a life sentence for the LaBianca killings.
SANTA ANA  A woman was taken to a hospital as a trauma patient after her motorcycle crashed into a car Friday night in Santa Ana, authorities said.

The 7:45 p.m. crash was reported at Bristol Street and Santa Clara Avenue, according to Santa Ana police.

The rider, in her 20s, was taken to UCI Medical Center in stable condition, said Capt. Shane Sherwood of the Orange County Fire Authority. Her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.

Further information on the other vehicle and its driver was not immediately available.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7865 or afausto@scng.com
JERUSALEM  Israel announced Friday that it would suspend cooperation with the top U.N. cultural agency, charging that the international body ignored Jewish ties to its holiest site.

Israeli officials had reacted angrily to a UNESCO draft resolution approved Thursday that criticizes Israels actions in and around Jerusalems holiest site and fails to explicitly refer to the Jewish connection to the place.

Israels Education Minister Naftali Bennett said the UNESCO decision denies history and encourages terror.

The resolution, which was submitted by seven Arab countries at a meeting in Paris, highlights a long list of what it called Israeli violations of the Haram al-Sharif and al-Aqsa Mosque, Islams third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina, and other Muslim holy sites in the West Bank.

The document outlines Israeli refusal to implement previous decisions by UNESCO concerning Jerusalem and to appoint a permanent representative of the organization to be stationed there. It also criticizes Israels persistent excavations in East Jerusalem particularly in the Old City and its failure to allow free access to the mosque.

While acknowledging that the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls are important for the three monotheistic religions  Judaism, Islam and Christianity  the resolution stops short of mentioning the significance of the site, where two Jewish temples are believed to have once stood, as holy to Jews.

Israeli politicians and U.S. Jewish leaders lashed out at the resolution for its failure to mention the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount or the Western Wall, Jewish terms for the same site, which is considered the holiest in Judaism.

The resolution requires final approval from UNESCOs executive board during its official plenary next week.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Facebook that the UNESCO decision was absurd.

Today UNESCO adopted its second decision this year denying the Jewish peoples connection to the Temple Mount, our holiest site for over three thousand years. Whats next? A UNESCO decision denying the connection between peanut butter and jelly? Batman and Robin? Rock and roll? he said.

Israels ambassador to UNESCO, Carmel Shama Hacohen, said, Israel and the Jewish people do not need UNESCO or any other country to approve the unique connection between the Jewish people and the State of Israel and Jerusalem in general and its holy places like the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in particular.

The resolution was backed by 24 countries. Six opposed it, 26 abstained and two were not present. The United States is not a party to UNESCO.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was created to protect world heritage sites of outstanding universal value, among other things.

The resolution focuses on alleged Israeli shortcomings in allowing access for Muslims to the mosque, excavations around the specific site and in Jerusalem in general and changes to its facade. It calls on Israel, which the United Nations sees as an occupying power in the part of Jerusalem where the Old City sits, to restore the historic status quo at the site and condemned Israeli aggressions and illegal measures against the Awqaf Department, the Muslim body charged with caring for the holy site.

Palestinian leaders welcomed the resolution.

Israel always claims we focus on the religious arguments, but we are not denying any religious connection. The third paragraph of the resolution recognizes the historic importance for the three monotheistic religions, said Mounir Anastas, the Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO.

UNESCO has been asking Israel since 1968, one year after the occupation started, to stop its excavations and archaeological work in all areas of Jerusalem, he said. UNESCO has asked repeatedly for Israel to allow a technical mission to Jerusalem, not a political mission, to report on the state of conservation in the city but it is always denied.

UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said in a statement Friday that UNESCO is dedicated to dialogue and peace and such divisions prevent us from carrying out our mission.

Recognition, use of and respect for the various names used by different religious groups was paramount, Bokova said.

The Al Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram al-Sharif, the sacred shrine of Muslims, is also the Har HaBayit  or Temple Mount  whose Western Wall is the holiest place in Judaism, a few steps away from the Saint Sepulcher and the Mount of Olives revered by Christians, she said.
When Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was running as a candidate last year, he counted on his wife to do a lot of the work for him. Twenty-eight years his junior, Aisha Buhari spoke to women and young people at rallies around the country, promising that her husband would end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigerias north and bring back thousands of girls kidnapped by the group.

But on Friday, she voiced disappointment in her husbands time in office, saying she will not support him if he runs for a second term  unless he makes major changes.

The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I dont know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years, she told the BBC on Friday. Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms, only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.

President Buhari, who is on a state trip to Germany this week, responded to his wifes criticisms by saying, I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room. That earned him a grimace from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is arguably the most powerful woman in the world. Merkel later laughed.

Buharis wife has herself proven influential: She opened a large beauty parlor in northern Nigeria and wrote a book about beauty based on her time studying in the United Kingdom.

Buhari took over the presidency last year, winning in a landslide election against incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, who had lost support for failing to take Boko Haram seriously until it was too late. Buhari ran on a campaign promising increased security and a crackdown on corruption, and to limit government spending. But Nigerias economy continues to slump: This summer, it officially went into recession. To help stave off costs, Buharis office placed advertisements in local newspapers to sell two of his presidential jets. He also handed over two of his presidential helicopters to the Air Force.

But his wife said his government is being hijacked by outside players who are influencing him in the wrong direction. At 73, the president hasnt yet decided if hell run for reelection in 2019. But if he does, theres at least one person we now know he cant count on for a vote.

He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before, she said on Friday. I will never do it again.
Two men will face a combined 10 years in prison for selling a victim of human trafficking for sex, according to prosecutors.

On July 4, Jalil Qaalif Rollerson, 21, of Oakland rented an Anaheim motel room for the woman to use for sex with customers, according to the Orange County District Attorneys office. He then drove the woman to an area of Anaheim known for prostitution, prosecutors said Friday.

Later that night Rollerson drove the woman and Austin Woods, 23, of Oakland, to an area of Santa Ana known for prositution. During the ride Woods confronted the woman about not making enough money from an earlier john and she was kicked out of the van on a freeway.

Both Rollerson and Woods pleaded guilty to one felony count of pandering. Both men had prior felony convictions.

Rollerson was sentenced to four years in state prison. Woods was sentenced to six years in state prison.

Contact the writer: lawilliams@scng.com
Like the real clown she is, Rainbow Trout maintains her smile and good cheer through a season of bad P.R. for her profession.

Did Rainbow Trout, a retired math teacher, fear the fear of clowns? Not at all. Was the 61-year-old bracing for the paycheck hit that she could take  as other clowns have  in canceled gigs? Nope. Did she think the Stephen King-i-fication of her kind would ruin clowns in society for good? Nada.

This kind of thing happens this time of year, every year, she said in such a lilting, pleasant voice that it almost sounded like she could break out in song. Im not going to play into it.

Donna Trout, a.k.a. Rainbow Trout, is the smiley rebel in the Year of The Horror Clown. She wont scare anyone, even when people try to slip her cash bribes to get a rise out of their friends. She wont make eye contact with reluctant children or push the issue with tentative parents. She is a faithful adherent to the Good Clowns version of the hippocratic oath  first do no harm. Her job is to bring joy.

So she resists any kind of fear, including her own, after 28 years of good clowning. Rainbow Trout marches on with white grease-painted chin held high.

After Halloween, she said, it will blow over.

Scary clowns or reports thereof have popped up since early August, when in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a sinister-looking clown called Gags appeared holding black balloons. Turns out, Gags was a marketing stunt for a short horror film about how a clown terrified a town. The stunt worked. Since then, scary clowns seemingly are everywhere. Luring children into the woods (South Carolina), allegedly showing up on college campuses (Penn State), robbing a Taco Bell (Phoenix). Authorities in England, Australia and Canada also have dealt with scary clown reports.

Many turn out to be hoaxes, but some scary clowns truly scare. At a time when mass shootings are all too common, a report of an armed clown at Merrimack College in Massachusetts put the campus in lockdown.

Scary clowns are in Nebraska, too. Three teenagers dressed as clowns were criminally cited by police in Grand Island, and one teenager was charged with making terroristic threats, after police said they chased people. A clown at an Omaha haunted house recently gave one woman such a fright  she alleges that he grabbed her head and slammed it on a table  that police have cited him on suspicion of misdemeanor assault.

And Omaha schools have dealt with the clown reports.

Everyone was freaking out, said Lily Inks, a 14-year-old freshman at Bellevue East High School who said reports of a clown outside the school sent everyone into a tizzy.

A Bellevue Public Schools spokeswoman said there were zero clowns at or near Bellevue schools, which raises the age-old philosophical question: If a clown is reportedly nearby, but no one sees it, does it still scare the bejesus out of you?

Scary clowns have long been part of the horror schtick, thanks in no small part to serial killer and clown John Wayne Gacy, who once told authorities: You know ... clowns can get away with murder. Also, place the blame with the Steves: Spielberg for Poltergeist (1982) and King for It (1986).

Dysfunctional Krusty the Clown is a regular on The Simpsons. Horror-hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse performs in scary clownface, and its fans have been labeled a hybrid gang by the FBI. In an op-ed for Time magazine, group frontman Violent J. criticized a whole army of scary, terrifying and dangerous clowns out there in this country trying to suppress the rights of thousands of people. ... The only difference is these clowns dont wear greasepaint.

Clown anxiety stretches back to the 1800s. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie wrote in a 2013 article for Smithsonian Magazine that the worlds best-known clowns in the 1800s  Joseph Grimaldi in England and Jean-Gaspard Deburau in France had two things going against a positive view of clowns: Frenzied, anxiety-riddling stage antics and real-life troubles. Deburau killed a boy who had called him by his clown name. Grimaldi  viewed as the ancestor of the modern clown  had a sad life and died penniless. Charles Dickens, who took Grimaldis memoirs and wrote about him, presented a clown that was well, Dickensian, McRobbie wrote.

She cited the work of Andrew McConnell Stott, an English professor and published author, who credited Dickens with creating todays scary clown, a figure who is literally destroying himself to make his audiences laugh. What Dickens did was to make it difficult to look at a clown without wondering what was going on underneath the makeup.

Over the years, clowns evolved. Circus clowns made everyone laugh, but their mischief meant that you didnt know what they were going to do next.

Emmett Kelly, the sad hobo, presented a sympathetic kind of clown. Bozo and Ronald McDonald were beloved, although, like that other beloved character Santa Claus, a stranger in a costume can just be scary for that reason. Some kids dont have to see Stephen Kings Pennywise to be scared of a clown. They just are.

The hobo is dead, Bozo is off the air and on Monday, McDonalds announced that it was benching its mascot, citing a need to be mindful of the current climate.

Even Halloween consumers are aware. Jeremy Lubash, prop room manager at Mangelsens, said some would-be Halloween clowns this fall have told him that they changed their minds because they were afraid people might shoot at them.

When others choose clown costumes, Lubash investigates: I kind of joke with them and say, Im not going to see you on the news, am I? 

Local clowns differ in their views.

Happy D. Klown of Lincoln went with the hopeful notion that all publicity is good publicity.

I take this as an opportunity to turn it into a positive, said Happy, who added that although hes received tons of support, he doesnt want his real name used in this column.

Colors da Clown of Omaha, a.k.a. Linda Hartin, said shes not so sure. A couple day cares canceled on her last week, saying parents didnt want clowns around.

It worries me, she said.

But Rainbow Trout has decided to fight hype with hype.

She showed me around her home: the storage room stocked floor to ceiling with clown accouterments, from balloons to noses to shoes; a powder room that her husband built near the bathroom so she can douse herself with talcum without getting it everywhere; and her colorful costume of home-made overalls and $425 clown shoes. She wears silly pins and hands out silly cards, including one she likes to give to old men: Free pass to pass gas.

She can put on a full clown face in less than 15 minutes. She says she likes to do this in front of children so they can see shes just a regular person.

First, she slathers on greasepaint. Then, she dusts herself with baby powder. Next, its red lips and nose, black accents around the eyes and chin, rouge on the cheeks, blue on her eyes and finally, a couple of white starbursts salted with glitter, for flair. Her face on, Donna is now Rainbow Trout.

When Rainbow Trouts minivan with its red clown nose pulled up to the Pavilion at Twin Creek Apartments in Bellevue, no one ran away.

When the clown set up her face-painting table, no one screamed in terror.

Instead, children flocked to her, and even clown-phobic adults like Kacie Kibler warmed up.

The 28-year-old leasing agent said the movie It, followed by a trip to the circus, ruined clowns for her.

Kibler carefully observed as Rainbow Trout painted a tiara onto her 7-year-old daughters forehead.

She doesnt have the scowl, the crazy teeth, she said of the clown. Shes got a nice smile!

And something else. Business cards.

That way, the clown said, you can say you met Rainbow Trout today.
LONDON (AP)  London Zoo said Friday that a silverback gorillas escape from its enclosure was a "minor incident" that posed no danger to the public  but animal rights activists are demanding an official, independent investigation.

A wildlife advocacy group said the incident, which ended without injuries to visitors or the animal, could have had a more tragic outcome.

Kumbuka, a 400-pound male western lowland gorilla, escaped from his enclosure Thursday evening into what the zoo said was a "secure keepers area."

Armed police descended on the zoo and visitors were locked inside buildings until the animal was subdued by a tranquilizer dart. Officials said the public was not in danger and the gorilla was back in his enclosure in just over an hour.

"In the zoo, we train throughout the year for a variety of different emergency procedures, often in collaboration with the emergency services," said Malcolm Fitzpatrick, the zoos curator of mammals. "Its testament to that training that this incident was dealt with so quickly and remained a minor incident."

Some witnesses reported that the gorilla had been behaving aggressively and banging on the glass of his enclosure before his escape. Fitzpatrick said Kumbuka did not break through the glass  but would not say how he got out.

Fitzpatrick said Kumbuka was back with his gorilla family Friday, "doing very well" and had been given extra treats after his brief escape.

The zoo said an investigation into the escape is underway.

The Born Free Foundation, which campaigns for zoos to be phased out, said the incident was a reminder of the risks of keeping dangerous wild animals in captivity.

"This incident could have ended very differently," said the foundations Chris Draper. "We are calling for an urgent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this escape, and into safety procedures at London Zoo."

Several recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety and ethics of keeping large primates in zoos.

In May, a gorilla named Harambe was shot dead at the Cincinnati Zoo after it grabbed a 4-year-old boy who had fallen into a moat.

In 2007, a 400-pound gorilla escaped from an enclosure and ran amok at a Rotterdam zoo in the Netherlands, biting one woman and dragging her around before he was finally subdued.

Primatologist Ian Redmond, chairman of conservation group the Gorilla Organization, said the latest incident "has again raised the public debate on the ethics of keeping great apes in captivity, and the plight of gorillas in general."

"It is to be hoped that the inquiry into how the escape happened will extend to a behavioral study to determine why Kumbuka appears to be so stressed, as reported by many zoo visitors," Redmond said.

Fitzpatrick said Kumbuka and the other gorillas at London Zoo help to fulfill the zoos mission to inspire a passion for the animal world in visitors.

"Kumbuka is a fantastic silverback gorilla, and when you see him interacting with his son and daughter, it really inspires our visitors," he said. "And we hope that they themselves will then have a lifelong connection to animals, habitats and helping to conserve them."
A couple of years ago, Lincoln architect Kevin Clark of Clark Architects Collaborative 3 was asked to inspect a 200-foot bell tower on the grounds of a religious retreat center southwest of Waverly, Nebraska.

The inspection would determine how well the sealant joints and caulking were holding up on the concrete tower built in 1964.

A job like that typically would have involved renting a boom truck and hiring someone to inspect the tower up close.

Instead, Clark used a drone.

With a remote control unit in hand, Clark directed the white quadcopter to turn on its four rotors  propellers that provide vertical thrust  and then to lift off the ground and circle the tower.

After the 20-minute inspection flight, Clark reviewed the video.

We never needed a boom truck, never needed a person licensed to go up that high and didnt need to reposition the truck all around the tower, said Clark, whose firm is one of the first in the area to own a drone as an architectural tool.

The architect said hiring a boom truck and an operator for that single inspection would have cost hundreds of dollars. The drone that he used for the job cost about $1,200.

Since that flight, Clark has used drones for a variety of tasks. He said that although many people in architecture understand the potential of drones, few have used them to their fullest capability. In addition to flying for architects, drones have monitored traffic for police, searched for missing people, followed wildlife for naturalists, observed livestock and crops and laid down fertilizer where needed for farmers, and delivered packages, among other tasks.

Another structure where Clark used a drone was the Newman Center-St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on the edge of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Though the church has a 110-foot tower and a three-story-high roof, Clarks drone gave him the capability to closely monitor construction progress on those tall elements.

The drone has been a very useful construction tool, he said. I used it to check out specific elements on the site and on the building in the middle of winter without having to climb anything. Im not a big fan of heights.

Though he likes his DJI Phantom 3 drone, Clark just bought a Mavic  a newer drone from DJI thats about half the size and weight of the Phantom 3. When folded up, the Mavic is the size of a two-liter bottle and retails for about $1,000.

We hope the smaller size will make this a tool we have in our bag at all times, he said.

Using a drone allows an architect to see views of sites and buildings that are different from those captured by cameras on the ground or high in the sky.

Google Earth is amazing, but youre only getting a view from one direction, he said. So were often using the drone to capture different perspectives of a site or building.

Images shot with the drone also can be used as marketing tools to give potential clients unusual, rarely seen views of sites and buildings.

That includes interior views. Though Clark has flown his DJI Phantom 3 inside buildings, thats rare.

For interiors, its really loud; you dont want to do it when anyone else is around, he said, adding that the Mavic promises to be quieter. The newer drone also has sensors that detect obstacles, which makes for safer indoor flying.

Clark said the Federal Aviation Administration requirements for drones used for work include that the drones must to be registered with the FAA, cannot fly higher than 400 feet above the ground, must be kept in visual sight at all times and cant fly within five miles of an airport. Operators must be over 16, have a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate from the FAA and be approved by the Transportation Security Administration.

Nebraska has no laws governing the use of drones, but Lincoln allows police to arrest someone for recklessly flying one.
#nuclear power plant S. Korea, Poland sign MOU on nuclear power plant project South Korea and Poland signed an agreement Monday to jointly push for a plan to build a nuclear power plant in the European nation, raising hopes for Seoul's first nuclear power pl...

#KBO Battle of homegrown aces set in Korean Series opener Two of the best homegrown pitchers in South Korean baseball this season will go head-to-head to open the championship series Tuesday. The SSG Landers will host the Kiwoom Heroes...
DefExpo2022: Invest for Defence to be held on October 20

Kejriwal seeks Patel support to "clean" Gujarat politics

Ahmedabad

oi-PTI

Mehsana, Oct 15: Amid speculations of AAP planning to make a determined bid in poll-bound Gujarat, party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today sought the support of the agitating Patel community to "clean" the politics of Gujarat.

Addressing a public gathering at Patel-dominated Piludra village here, the AAP chief said the village holds special significance as the quota agitation by the community started here a year ago, even as a little known outfit staged a protest over his remarks on cross-LoC surgical strikes.

Recalling that AAP could make a clean sweep in Delhi in 2015 Assembly polls with the support of the common man, Kejriwal sought to draw a parallel with Anna Hazare's anti-corruption campaign and the Patidar agitation.

"I salute your courage, as I came to know that Patidar agitation originated from this village. Few years back, we did Anna Andolan against rampant corruption in the country. We asked the government to enact a strict law to curb corruption, as we did not have such powers," said Kejriwal.

"Instead of fulfilling our demand, we were asked to form a government to bring such law. We were not taken seriously.

As we did not have any other option, we formed a party and acquired 67 out of 70 seats in Delhi. This is the power of the common man," said Kejriwal to a cheering crowd, mostly from the Patel community.

"Patel agitation started from this village. Now, I request you to start another movement to clean the politics of Gujarat from this village. We all have to come together to fight against corruption and clean Gujarat's politics," said Kejriwal.

He also raised the slogan of "Jay Sardar - Jay Patidar" several times. Kejriwal also paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel's statue in Mehasna.

He visited Kaamli village of Unjha taluka of this district, where he met the kin of Nagjibhai, a constable who committed suicide allegedly due to harassment from bootleggers and politicians last month.

At the village, he also met parents of Kanubhai Patel, a Patidar youth died during quota violence last year.

He then visited Unjha-based Umiya Mata temple, revered by the Patel community.

Outside the temple, members of a little-known outfit Rashtriya Patidar Sansthan, staged protests against Kejriwal over his remarks on the surgical strikes.

Patel quota stir leader Hardik Patel had yesterday issued a statement in support of Kejriwal.

"We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar community's reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight," Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through his organisation in Mehasna gave a memorandum to Kejriwal seeking his support to the stir.

PTI

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 15:28 [IST]
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

As Jaya ails, Amma merchandise a big hit outside Apollo hospital in Chennai

Chennai

oi-Vicky

Chennai, Oct 15: There is a lot of activity outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu chief minister if undergoing treatment. While there is tension among Jayalalithaa's supporters, there are some who have decided to make a quick buck.

Vendors have set up shops selling 'Amma' merchandise. These include pens, pendants, rings, postcards, envelopes and posters. These vendors make around Rs 2,000 a day.

Many who come to the hospital to find about their Amma's health end up buying merchandise from these vendors. There has also been a heavy demand for head bands, wallets and chains.

The cost of such merchandise ranges from anything between Rs 20 to Rs 150. The cost of a pen is Rs 20 and it is in high demand. The next item which sells the most is the Amma key chain which is priced at Rs 30.

Prayers being offered

While on one side the vendors are making a quick buck, there are scores of followers and well-wishers who have been offering prayers outside the hospital. Some of the followers have not left the area for the past five days.

On Friday, tension reached sky high as the hospital did not release any medical bulletin.

Also read: Jayalalithaa's health: After Stalin, Karunanidhi's wife Rajathi Ammal visits hospital

The London based critical care expert Richard Beale was called in once again. Nitish Naik, professor of cardiology at AIIMS also was present at the hospital along with his colleagues, G C Khilnani and Anjan Trisha.

The hospital is also likely to call in a set of experts from Singapore. They are likely to arrive in Chennai on Sunday night.

On Friday, former governor and a close friend, K Rosaiah visited the Apollo hospital. He said that she is responding well to treatment. "I hope she recovers from all ailments. I am sure that my prayers are answered and God will give her good health," he said outside the hospital.

OneIndia News
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

Jayalalithaas health: After Stalin, Karunanidhis wife Rajathi Ammal visits hospital

Chennai

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, Oct 15: It is not everyday that members of the warring political parties-AIADMK and DMK---in Tamil Nadu are seen together like friends. At a time when Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is unwell, members of the two parties are meeting too often.

Days after DMK leader MK Stalin visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai, where the CM is undergoing treatment, DMK president M Karunanidhi's wife Rajathi Ammal visited the hospital to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health on Thursday.

During her hospital visit, Rajathi Ammal also met the CM's friend and trusted advisor Sasikalaa Natarajan. Reports say Rajathi Ammal's daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi are also likely to visit the hospital soon.

"Rajathi Ammal wished the chief minister a speedy recovery," said a DMK leader.

DMK treasurer and the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin, visited the hospital and talked to the doctors there regarding Jayalalithaa's health condition last week.

"We have been told that her condition is improving. Our wishes on behalf of the DMK and our party chief Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi) for a speedy recovery and resumption of her work," he told reporters after the visit to the hospital.

Also read: AIADMK worker ends life over poor health condition of 'beloved CM' Jayalalithaa

The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital at Greams Road, Chennai, since September 22. Her supporters are constantly praying for Jayalalithaa's speedy recovery.

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.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 7:46 [IST]
Fact Check: Is RBI planning to introduce currency notes with photos of APJ Kalam, Tagore?

85th Birth Anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Twitter salutes the beloved President

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, Oct 15: As the nation celebrates the 85th birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Saturday, the users of the micro-blogging site, Twitter, were the first to honour the immense contributions of the former president.

Since early Saturday morning, #APJAbdulKalam started trending on Twitter. One of the most loved presidents of the country, Dr Kalam was immensely adored by the youngsters as he constantly promoted science and technology during his entire life.

Dr Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. The eminent scientist, Dr Kalam, was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990), and India's highest civilian award-- the Bharat Ratna in 1997.

He was popularly known as the "Missile Man of India" for his immense contribution in the field.

In 2002, Dr Kalam became the 11th President of India and famously became the "People's President" for his friendly nature to one and all.

Dr Kalam succumbed to a massive cardiac arrest and died on July 27, 2015 while delivering a speech at the IIM Shillong.

Here we bring you some of the tweets:

#APJAbdulKalam at the European Parliament representing india



Remembering Dr. Kalam on his birth Anniversary. pic.twitter.com/5h5DGarz1r  Sir Rohit Sharma (@imRo450) October 14, 2016

"If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun" ~ #APJAbdulKalam

One of the most inspiring and loved presidents of India.   Radhika Mundra (@radhikamundra99) October 14, 2016

Everyone must watch this story#APJAbdulKalam , A Lesson for my Teacher https://t.co/G6XL0xRJTx  Being Bhagat Singh (@BeingBhagatS) October 14, 2016

On his birth anniversary, let's remember the views and virtues on which #APJAbdulKalam lived all his life. One of the greatest humans  shadab ahmed (@shady2k8) October 14, 2016

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 8:00 [IST]
BRICS: Tibetan protesters detained in large numbers in Goa

India

oi-Vicky

Panaji, Oct 15: The Goa police has detained several protesters from Tibet ahead of the BRICS summit to be held on Saturday.

The protests are being led by the Tibet Youth Congress (TYC) against the illegal occupation by China of Tibet. The president of the TYC, Tenzing Jimmy confirmed that several activists had been detained by the Goa police.

The protests were taking place outside the resort where the summit will be held. The protesters had also put up posters of Chinese president Xi Jinping and blackened it. Police officials have managed to remove all the posters.

The protesters have, however, said that they will continue to protest despite heavy security being in place.

In a statement released the Tibetan Youth Congress said that they were here to demand the end the illegal occupation of Tibet. The world needs to hear this, the statement also read.

Meanwhile security is tight all around Goa where the high profile summit will be held on Saturday. While security forces are patrolling the streets, an anti aircraft gun too has been set up at a beach near the venue.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:32 [IST]
By BRIC or luck: Modi has shown Putin the money, can he satisfy Xi now?

India

oi-Raghotham

By S Raghotham

A slew of military deals, amounting to $10 billion, restoring Russia to its position as India's pre-eminent defence supplier; a broadened energy partnership spanning nuclear (foundation stone laid for the Kudankulam power plant's units 3 & 4), oil and gas, including cross-investments in Indian and Russian entities (India has invested $5.5 billion in the Russian oil and gas sector in just the last four months, tweeted MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup; and Russian oil major Rosneft is to buy the troubled Essar group's oil refinery, port and petrol pumps for $13 billion); a partnership in even renewables, where the world hasn't heard much from Russia; a billion-dollar Russian investment in Indian infrastructure and India showing keenness to deepen connectivity and economic ties, including joining an Eurasian free trade area; a new joint Science & Technology Commission, putting India-Russia relations on the same footing as the broad India-US relationship; and some very nice words of friendship and praise for both Russia and personally for its strongman Vladimir Putin -- "an old friend is better than two new ones", "I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship", and "In a complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership"!...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled out all stops in his embrace of the Russian bear on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. In return, Putin gave India some comfort on India's fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, backing India's recent surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Kashmir, and signing up to a new anti-terror pact. Will all this be enough to keep Russia away from Pakistan, with which it recently held its first-ever military exercises, for long, at a time when a natural Russia-Pakistan-China alliance is developing just as a natural India-US partnership is growing?

[Also Read: Bear-hug: How Modi intends to keep Putin happy, and away from Pakistan]

If pleasing Russia proved that expensive, the challenge with China's Xi Jinping will be even greater. China's need to use Pakistan as its strategic cat's paw, its Cuba, against India overrides China's economic goals with India. Could India signing up to be a junior partner in China's 'Silk Road' project be enough to wean it away from Islamabad? Can Modi convince Xi to lift his hands off the lid on India joining the NSG and on the UNSC declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist when the two leaders meet this evening? Or, will today's meeting prove conclusively that the BRICS is a grouping of disparate countries with divergent, even mutually antagonistic, strategic goals that cannot sustain much longer as each is called to choose sides in what China has already warned is a coming new 'Cold War'?

OneIndia News
From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet

India, Russia join hands, seal big ticket defence deals

India

oi-PTI

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15: India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4. The defence deals included India buying the 'gamechanger' S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion.

The two countries will also collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia's understanding and support of India's actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India's surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

Also read: Bear-hug: How Modi intends to keep Putin happy, and away from Pakistan

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region. "We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters," Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism. Modi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

PM begins media statement by welcoming President Putin with a Russian saying:"An Old friend is better than two new friends" pic.twitter.com/5DjWX9I020  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

PM:Robust civil nuclear coop'n,LNG sourcing,pship in Oil&Gas,engagement in renewables can construct an Energy Bridgeb/w our two countries pic.twitter.com/ZBavZoYUFv  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

PM ends:We're celebrating&building on our past achievements.Close f'ship has been source of strength; driver of peace &factor of stability pic.twitter.com/vdwOtAhmW0  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

PTI
In his maiden visit to Russia since Ukraine war, Jaishankar to hold talks with Lavrov

Military exercise with Pak not targeted at India: Russia

India

oi-PTI

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15: Seeking to allay India's concern over Russia's growing military ties with Pakistan, a top official and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin today said there are no talks for sale of military equipment to Pakistan and that the recently held army exercise was directed at countering terrorism and not aimed at India.

Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostech State Corporation, an umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, asserted that the military exercise does not show a "significant" change in his country's relations with Pakistan.

"Our relationship with Pakistan has existed for a while. In some areas it has broadened but I will not call it as significant change," Chemezov, who was the KGB station chief in Germany when Putin was a young operative there, told a select group of journalists.

Asked about the recently held army exercise, Chemezov said it was directly connected with modern way of specialised fight against terrorists. Highlighting terrorism, he said that ISIS was not just an Arab danger but a global one.

"ISIS is a global danger and it not just involves terrorism in the Arab world but does involve terrorists in Russia, India as well as Pakistan. We feel that joint military exercise in this area are vital for world peace.

Russia-Pakistan military exercise: India says fully trusts Moscow

These exercises are not in any way targeted at anything to do with India or any other country," Chemezov said. Asked about the sale of Mi 35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, Chemezov said that Russia has "not delivered any modern aircraft or any military aircraft to Pakistan".

"We have made deliveries of helicopters but those are specialised transport helicopters. Delivery has already been made. There is no contract negotiations for any military related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan," he said.

Chemezov said that Russia would be glad to cooperate with India on the issue of terrorism and would be happy to not just provide equipment and weapons but also share best practices of its special forces and increase cooperation.

PTI
IT industry veteran appeals to PM for a 'corruption-free' Karnataka

Thailand: PM Prayuth can stay in office, court says

UK PM Liz Truss resigns after 45 days in office, successor to be elected next week

Iraq gets a new government after a year of deadlock

Modi holds bilateral meet with Chinese president Xi Jinping

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the BRICS Summit here.

"The bilaterals amidst the multilateral commences. PM @narendramodi meets President XI Jinping for the first before #BRICSSummit," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

India is likely to take up the issue of Pakistan's state sponsorship of terrorism following last month's cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in which 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for the attack.

BRICS: Tibetan protesters detained in large numbers in Goa

In the aftermath of the attack, New Delhi launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan in the international community while the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

During the meeting between Modi and Xi, the issue of China putting on technical hold the inclusion of JeM leader Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council's designated list of terrorists is also expected to come up.

China recently extended by six months its technical hold it had put in April.

The BRICS Summit will be held here on Sunday.

IANS
Gujarat: PM Modi cancels road show, page committee sammelan in wake of bridge collapse

When a tragedy strikes, India unites: PM Modi on Gujarat bridge collapse

PM Modi to visit Gujarat's Morbi on Tuesday

PM Narendra Modi chokes up as he talks about Morbi tragedy | Video

News flash: Terrorists open fire on a police vehicle in Handwara

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Oct 15: Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address a joint press conference, later today.

Get all the latest news updates of the day:

11:15 pm: Varanasi stampede: SP City SP Traffic CO Kotwali VNS and Thana in charge Ramnagar & Mughalsarai suspended for gross negligence.

10:50 pm: Six naxals arrested from Hindon Vihar area in Noida, confirms UP IG ATS.

10:25 pm: Sri Lankan president to meet with PM Modi on Sunday

10:20 pm: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena arrives in Goa.

9:40 pm: Terrorists open fire on a police vehicle in Tootigund Handwara.

9:20 pm: Varanasi stampede: Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmad visits the stampede site.

9:00 pm: President Xi said that terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase

8:30 pm: PM Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's bid for membership of NSG.

8:05 pm: India and China had been victims of terrorism: PM Modi

8:00 pm: India, China recognise terrorism as key issue.

7:50 pm: India and China reviewed bilateral relationship and its dimensions: Vikas Swarup

7:40 pm: PM Modi meets South African President Jacob Zuma in Goa.

7:20 pm: Petrol price hiked by Rs 1.34 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.37 per litre.

6:35 pm: Delegation level talks between India and China underway in Goa.

6:30 pm: Patidar community members in Mehsana protest against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's visit

6:20 pm: Blast rocks Jalalabad city of Afghanistan. More details awaited

6:10 pm: PM Modi meets Chinese president Xi Jinping in Goa.

{tweet10}

6:05 pm: Varanasi stampede : Death toll rises to 24

5.56 pm: Meat exporter Moin Qureshi released from ED detention after questioning

5.31 pm: One naxal arrested from Kondagaon area of Chhattisgarh.

5.00 pm: PM announces ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs each to next of kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 for those injured.

4.45 pm: It (Varanasi stampede) is an unfortunate incident. CM office monitoring situation.Guilty will be booked for negligence: Gaurav Bhatia,SP.

4.39 pm: Explosion in a moving auto rickshaw in Agra. One killed, more than 6 injured.

4.33 pm: Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi, says PM Modi.

4.08 pm: Baghdad bomb targeting Shiites kills at least 11: officials.

3.54 pm: Varanasi stampede: 19 brought dead, out of which 15 females, and 4 males. Four injured, says doctor.

3.34 pm: UP CM announces Rs 2 lakhs each for kin of those killed in the Varanasi stampede,also announces Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured.

3.30 pm: Death toll in stampede during Baba Jai Gurdev's sabha in Varanasi rises to 14.

3.22 pm: 10 people killed in a stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in Varanasi: IG zone SK Bhagat.

3.14 pm: Stampede during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in Varanasi. More details awaited.

3.06 pm: The two (PM Modi-Pres Putin) leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations: S Jaishankar, FS on BRICS 2016.

2.30 pm: The sense of meeting (PM Modi-Pres Putin) was that the relationship has really progressed well in last 9 months: S Jaishankar,Foreign Secratary.

2.23 pm: Companies of both countries are improving industrial cooperation, military and technical cooperation also improving: President Putin.

2.07 pm: With an eye on the future we also agreed to setup a Science and Technology Commission: Narendra Modi.

2.03 pm: Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi on India-Russia.

Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi on India-Russia #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/uBUNYa7LEK  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

2.02 pm: India and Russia sign pact for joint production of 200 Kamov helicopters. PM Modi and President Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across different fields.

1.54 pm: India and Russia sign MoUs on energy, infrastructure, rail and others.

1.48 pm: Signing of Memorandums of Understanding between India and Russia

Goa: Signing of Memorandums of Understanding between India and Russia #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/J00g4SRJFC  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

1.41 pm: Family of SSB Jawan Ghanshyam who lost his life in Zakura attack(J&K), in mourning in Dausa (Rajasthan).

1.29 pm: House and car of Tripura BJP state president Biplab Deb was attacked last night. He escaped unhurt. Two arrested in Tripura.

1.26 pm: DG SSB Archana Ramasundaram pays tribute to jawan Ghanshyam who lost his life in Zakura terror attack in Srinagar.

1.19 pm: Wreath laying ceremony underway of Jawan Ghanshyam who lost his life in terror attack in Zakura (J&K) yesterday.

1.00 pm: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa, welcomed upon arrival by traditional Indian dancers on BRICS summit.

12.48 pm: Union Minister Arun Jaitley, Prakash Javadekar and Mahesh Sharma also present for the meeting.

12.40 pm: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa in BRICS Summit 2016.

12.35 pm: Meat exporter Moin Qureshi detained at Delhi Airport, an ED look out notice was pending against him.

12.34 pm: Meeting underway at HM's residence for discussion on ways to implement schemes named after Deendayal Upadhyaya better.

12.25 pm: Tibetans stage protest in Margao, hold placards with 'Free Tibet and end the occupation' and 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans in Goa.

12.15 pm: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks ahead of BRICS Summit.

12.02 pm: Police detains Tibet activists who were staging protest in Margao against China's illegal occupation of Tibet.

11.58 am: Tibetans stage protest in Margao, hold placards with 'Free Tibet and end the occupation' and 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans.

Goa: Tibetans stage protest in Margao, hold placards with 'Free Tibet and end the occupation' and 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans pic.twitter.com/O7LUQrWdXG  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

11.45 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks.

Goa: PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks #BRICS2016 (Pic Source: MEA) pic.twitter.com/h1hTzKjM9P  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

11.30 am: PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit in Goa.

Salcette (Goa): PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/dgTXT840ti  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

11.18 am: We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues; Defence, security issues are going to dominate: Vikas Swarup, MEA.

11.05 am: LG Najeeb Jung will meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh at latter's residence at 12:45 PM.

10.50 am: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Dabolim city for the BRICS Summit.

Goa: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/yPTc4PQTh0  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

10.25 am: A warm welcome to you South African President. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in coming days: PM Modi.

10.08 am: South African President Jacob Zuma arrives in Dabolim city for the BRICS Summit.

9.40 am: Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for the BRICS Summit

Goa: Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/VM3AHg9MzV  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

9.15 am: Visuals of anti-aircraft gun on the beach near one of the venues of BRICS 2016 in Panaji (Goa)

#Visuals of anti-aircraft gun on the beach near one of the venues of #BRICS2016 in Panaji (Goa) pic.twitter.com/6FdG4YF3ZP  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

8.55 am: Goa police detained our activists for staging a protest against China's illegal occupation of Tibet: Tenzing Jimmy, President of TYC.

8.35 am: Two more women accuse Donald Trump of sexual assault, including former a 'Apprentice' contestant.

8.05 am: PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold bilateral talks at BRICS 2016, today.

8.00 am: Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Goa delayed due to heavy fog cover in the city.

#BRICS2016 Update: Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Goa delayed due to heavy fog cover in the city. pic.twitter.com/eDJBiA2BGl  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

OneIndia News
Pak off the FATF grey list doesn't mean it's not under scrutiny anymore: MEA secretary

Imran Khan again targets Pakistan's establishment on Day 2 of protest march; govt rules out talks over snap polls

Amid turmoil at home, Pakistan PM Sharif to visit China to felicitate Xi for his record win

Pakistan is bluffing about surgical strikes, says Germany

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 15: Germany has sought a clarification from Pakistan about a recent report which said that the Indian Foreign Secretary had denied carrying out a surgical strike in Pakistan.

A Pakistan daily had reported that India's Foreign Secretary had admitted to the German Ambassador during a recent meeting that the Indian army had not carried out a surgical strike across the Line of Control.

The German embassy has said that the report which appeared in the News International is baseless and without any truth.

Terming the report as a bluff, the German embassy said that the statement was without truth. Further Germany has also sought a clarification from the Pakistan embassy in this regard.

In the report that appeared in the Pakistan newspaper it was claimed that German authorities, during a recent meeting with Pakistan officials in Berlin, had informed them about the conversation between the German Ambassador and the Foreign Secretary.

Germany has termed this as false and has sought an explanation and clarification from Pakistan in this regard.

The spokesperson for the Ministry for External Affairs, Vikas Swarup said that the report was completely concocted and baseless. The German Ambassador was in fact one of the envoys who was briefed about the surgical strikes on September 29 he also said.

Also read: Pakistan army expresses concern over news leak about rift with government

It may be recalled that after the surgical strikes, Germany had supported India and said that everyone has the right to hunt terrorists across the border.

Germany had also said that under international law, every state has the legal obligation to make sure that no terrorism emanates from the territory it controls and also every state has the right to defend itself against international terrorism.

Germany also said that it stands with India as it has a strategic and ongoing bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 11:03 [IST]
Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out

Spying for Pakistan? 2 arrested in Rajasthan

India

oi-Vicky

Bikaner, Oct 15: Two people have been arrested in Rajasthan in connection to a case of spying. The duo were arrested at Kajuwala area of Bikaner in Rajasthan.

It is alleged that they were seeking out information about the army and the BSF. Further investigations are being conducted by the Rajasthan police.

Their activities were suspicious. They were trying to seek information on the BSF and the army which is patrolling the border areas. While it is not yet clear who they were seeking the information for, officials say that it appears to be a clear case of spying.

Rajasthan: 2 suspects trying to seek information about army and BSF arrested in Khajuwala area of Bikaner; probe underway. pic.twitter.com/i3p6uSbyn9  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

The arrests comes just two days after the Gujarat ATS arrested two people in connection to a spying case. It was found that they had collected information and had passed it on to the ISI in Pakistan. Investigations also found that one of the two who were arrested had been honey trapped and also lured with money to seek out information.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that the cases of spying are on the rise ever since the surgical strikes took place. The ISI has activated almost all its networks in the border areas.

The ISI has been seeking information about troop movement. Calls are being made by impersonating Indian officers. Further the ISI agents are also tapping railways stations since information on the movement of troops can also be found out.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 12:32 [IST]
Issue of Uniform Civil Code should be left to religious leaders: Mulayam Singh Yadav

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, Oct 15: In the face of strong opposition to Uniform Civil Code by Muslim outfits, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday said the issue should be left to religious leaders.

"I will not say much on this issue but there should not be dispute on it. The issue of uniform civil code should be left to religious leaders. On the issues of country and humanity everyone should be united," Yadav told reporters when asked about his views on the ongoing debate over Uniform Civil Code.

This issue was raked up earlier also, he said and recalled a programme in Pune in which social thinker late Ram Manohar Lohia was speaker.

"There was a tension among Hindus and Muslims on this issue but a large number of people gathered to hear Lohiaji, who said that Quran, Geeta and Ramayana - all teach us lesson of humanity. Everyone should hold rope of religion and live unitedly", he said.

"As a result of Lohiaji's speech, the tension vanished the next day," he said.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), along with several other organisations associated with the Muslim community, had opposed the Law Commission's questionnaire on the possibility of a UCC and accused the Modi government of waging a "war" against the community.

PTI

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 8:28 [IST]
Court holds writ by Hindu petitioners in Gyanvapi case maintainable: What does this mean

On camera: Varanasi folks in panic as 'ghost in white' goes for a walk on rooftops

Varanasi stampede: Death toll mounts to 24, PM expresses grief, announces ex-gratia

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief at the loss of lives in a stampede in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, and announced an ex- gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed.

He also directed officials to ensure all possible help is extended to those affected. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," he tweeted.

"I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," he said in another tweet.

Modi sanctioned ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Twenty-four people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede on an overcrowded Rajghat bridge on the border of Varanasi and Chandauli when followers of a religious leader were crossing it to attend a congregation this afternoon.

The incident took place in Ramnagar police station area of Varanasi when thousands of followers of Jai Gurudev were proceeding towards Domri village in Chandauli for the two-day samagam (camp) which began today,

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016

PTI
India alone may not bring about change in Pakistan: Expert

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Oct 15: Observing that Pakistan tends to regard itself as "indispensable", an eminent South Asian expert has said that unless the rest of the world is willing to join India, Islamabad will only continue to "play games" with New Delhi.

"India alone may not able to bring about change in Pakistan's behaviour. Pakistan tends to think of itself as indispensable to the world: too important for the rest of the world to ignore.

Thus unless the rest of the world is willing to join India, Pakistan will only continue to play games with India, assured by the prospect of lining up others behind it in its games," said Aparna Pande, director, Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia, Hudson Institute, a think-tank.

As other experts at a panel discussion here urged India to come up with policies to address Pakistan's concerns, Pande emphatically argued that in Pakistan, the psychological need for imaginary threats from New Delhi will not go away as a result of India's policies.

"Pakistan needs to threaten India and feel threatened by it to maintain its national identity. That makes normal policy responses ineffective," she said. The military's institutional interests require that Pakistan continue to attract international attention through terrorism and nuclear weapons, she added.

"Nothing short of fear of the unraveling of Pakistan or the prospect of global isolation will make the military rethink its fundamental worldview. India has to remain the enemy, Kashmir must continue to be the casus belli. Nuclear arms must be brandished both to mobilise Pakistani nationalism and to keep India at bay," Pande said.

"The world must be persuaded to remain engaged with Pakistan on Pakistan's terms, without changing Pakistani behaviour. Promises must be made to be broken because no one can do anything about it any way," she said.

Pande warned that the reluctance to understand the Pakistan military's mindset and worldview as the core issue in India-Pakistan non-relations leads to ideas that look good on paper but will only lead to frustration down the road.

Pande was participating in a panel discussion on the launch of a book titled "Not War, Not Peace: Motivating Pakistan to Prevent Cross-Border Terrorism," by George Perkovich and Toby Dalton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Former Assistan Secretary of State for South Asia Robin Raphel also spoke on the occasion.

Responding to the argument in the book that "the condition of 'no war' is unsustainable if 'no peace' is the core of either state's policy", Pande said one must look for an answer to the question who gains by a 'no war, no peace' status. "It is Pakistan's security establishment," she stressed.

PTI
Sonia chose Manmohan Singh as he posed no threat to her, Rahul Gandhi: Obama

US Presidential Election: Barack Obama destroys Donald Trump in 80 seconds

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Washington, Oct 15: The current first family of the United States, the Obama family, looks adamant to completely "destroy" chances of Donald Trump to set his foot in the Oval Office of the White House.

After the first lady Michelle Obama, President Obama took potshots at the Republican presidential nominee.

This is what Twitter had to say about Obama's recent remarks against Trump:

I ... LOVE ... THIS ... MAN. @BarackObama destroys trump in 80 seconds. https://t.co/5YelM1Y3sx  Van Jones (@VanJones68) October 15, 2016

According to the Associated Press, as the presidential election draws to a close, Obama has increasingly embraced his role as troll-in-chief to the former reality star who hopes to succeed him in the Oval Office.

Blame the Republicans

Without mincing any words, Obama blamed GOP for Trump's rise. "The problem is, that they've been riding this tiger for a long time. They've been feeding their base all kinds of crazy for years primarily for political expedience. So if Trump was running around saying I wasn't born here, they were okay with that as long as it helped them with votes," Obama said at an event for the Ohio Democratic Party in Columbus.

Also read: An open letter by former Nuclear Launch Officers against Donald Trump

Read President Obama's 'Swamp of Crazy' speech about Republicans here:

Obama weighs in on Trump's "conspiracy" speech  "COME ON, MAN!" pic.twitter.com/x9nJrpnuRE  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) October 14, 2016

Trump targets Obama

The Republican presidential nominee is not someone to keep quiet for a long time against his adversaries. In his usual "cheap" style, Trump wondered why President Obama hasn't been accused of sexual assault.

This is what Republican presidential nominee said about Obama:

"Look, Obama is an incompetent. He's an incompetent president. He doesn't know what he's doing, and he's out campaigning all day long. He's talking about me like he knows me. I don't know him; he doesn't know me.

Why doesn't some woman maybe come up and say what they say falsely about me, they could say about him? They could say it about anybody. They could say it about anybody. I'll tell you what, he better be careful, because they could say it about anybody. Anybody at all.

But Obama is an incompetent. As a president he's about as bad as it gets. Look at what's happening, how Iran is taunting us. Look at the world."

This is what a social media user had to say about Trump and his verbal diarrhea:

I hear Facebook is rolling out a new option where you can mark yourself "safe" from Donald Trump.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 15, 2016

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:42 [IST]
When is Dev Diwali 2022? November 7th or November 8th? Know timings, significance and more

Will respond if Pakistan provokes: PM Modi to tell Xi Jinping

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 15: "We reserve the right to retaliate if our security is threatened. While we want peace, we cannot take Pakistan's provocation lying down," Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tell the Chinese President, Xi Jinping ahead of the BRICS summit to be held in Goa on Saturday.

Pakistan has been seeking an engagement with India. However, India maintains that an engagement will be possible only if Pakistan does more to clean up the terror machinery that exists on its soil.

The message from Pakistan is likely to be conveyed to Modi by Jinping when the two meet at 5.40 pm on Saturday. Jinping will arrive in India at 1.10 pm.

India will tell China that it does want an engagement with Pakistan, but there are steps that ought to be taken first. If they provoke we reserve the right to respond, Modi will tell the Chinese president.

Also read: BRICS: Tibetan protesters detained in large numbers in Goa

Modi will also ask China to advise Pakistan to do more on the terror front and stop provoking India. Pakistan must be told to mend its ways, India will also tell Beijing.

While China made it clear that it will continue to block a ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief, Maulana Masood Azhar, India will bring up this subject again.

India would quote the example of United Kingdom which had initially blocked a ban on Azhar. However, the technical hold was lifted by them at the United Nations Security Council after the country realised what a dangerous terrorist he is.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10:07 [IST]
"We reserve the right to retaliate if our security is threatened. While we want peace, we cannot take Pakistan's provocation lying down," Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tell the Chinese President, Xi Jinping ahead of the BRICS summit to be held in Goa on Saturday.
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Amy Goodman

(Image by Aditya.G) Details DMCA



Reprinted from www.thenation.com

This Monday morning, shortly after the sun rises over the small city of Mandan, North Dakota, the award-winning journalist, and host of Democracy Now!, Amy Goodman will walk into the Morton County--Mandan Combined Law Enforcement and Corrections Center and turn herself in to the local authorities. Her crime: good, unflinching journalism.

Goodman had the audacity to commit this journalism on September 3, when she was in North Dakota covering what she calls "the standoff at Standing Rock": the months-long protests by thousands of Native Americans against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The $3.8 billion oil pipeline is slated to carry barrel after barrel of Bakken crude through sacred sites and burial grounds of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, and tribe members fear it could pollute the Missouri River, the source not only of their water but of millions of others', should the pipe ever rupture. Their protests, which began in April and ballooned through the summer months, represent the largest mobilization of Native American activists in more than 40 years--and one of the most vital campaigns for environmental justice in perhaps as long.

Goodman's arrival at the main protest site, the Sacred Stone Spirit Camp, was significant. At the time, not a single one of the major broadcast networks had sent a reporter to cover the Standing Rock mobilization; none had even bothered to mention it on the air. But there was Goodman, standing at the edge of a grassy plain that was in the process of being churned into gullies of dirt, reporting on one of the most significant stories of the day. Clutching a large microphone, she captured the scene as hundreds of protesters tried desperately to stop a crew of bulldozers from tearing up the earth--the earth, they said, that belongs to nobody--only to be confronted by a force of private security contractors wielding attack dogs and pepper spray.

"People have gone through the fence, men, women, and children," Goodman reported, her voice taut, then rising, louder and more intense. "The bulldozers are still going, and they're yelling at the men in hard hats. One man in a hard hat threw one of the protesters down"!"

As Goodman narrated, a security contractor, burly in a deep blue shirt, could be seen belly-flopping a man onto the ground. Protesters streamed in to help him, stumbled over mounds of newly churned dirt, faced off with contractors whose faces were hidden behind oversized sunglasses. The scene was full of movement. Overhead, a helicopter hovered, circled, while back on the ground, protesters began to report burning eyes, and dogs--dogs lurching at protesters, dogs straining against their leashes, dogs with mouths open, mouths biting.

"Why are you letting the dog go after the protesters?" Goodman could be heard shouting at a security contractor as a woman screamed in the background. "It's covered in blood!"

Within hours of the attack, Democracy Now! had turned its footage into a seven-minute video that it released as a web exclusive. Three days later, Goodman followed up with an extensive report--"Dakota Access Pipeline Co. Attacks Native Americans with Dogs and Pepper Spray"--that she broadcast live on her show. The video quickly went viral, pinging across Twitter and Facebook (where it was viewed more than 14 million times) and landing, ultimately, on the same big news stations that, until that moment, hadn't bothered to cover the protests: CNN, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, NPR.

Goodman's report created a rare crack in the consensus of silence. And, as Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi writes, the outrage it generated may well have influenced the Obama administration's decision to halt work on the pipeline several days later. This was journalism that mattered.

Yet, on September 8, Goodman received the news that Morton County, North Dakota, had issued a warrant for her arrest. The charges: criminal trespass, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in prison and a fine. When asked to explain the grounds for arresting a working journalist, McClean County State Attorney Ladd Erickson told the Grand Forks Herald that he did not, in fact, consider Goodman a journalist.

"She's a protester, basically," Erickson told the newspaper. "Everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions." And in The Bismarck Tribune he later added, "I think she put together a piece to influence the world on her agenda, basically. That's fine, but it doesn't immunize her from the laws of her state."

It's worth pausing here for a moment to contemplate the full and chilling absurdity of this statement: According to Erickson, a woman who appeared at a protest carrying a microphone emblazoned with the name Democracy Now! and trailing a video crew; who can be heard in the resulting video report identifying herself to a security guard as a reporter; and who then broadcast the video on the daily news program she has hosted for 20 years is not actually a journalist. She is not a journalist, because she harbors a strong perspective, and that perspective clashes with his own. By the same distorted logic, every muckraking news gatherer from Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair on through I.F. Stone, and, yes, today's Matt Taibbi (whose work Erickson apparently admires) was not a journalist but an activist flirting with arrest.

This notion should disturb anyone who labors in the journalism trenches, particularly those who dedicate their days, and often nights, to covering stories that challenge the mighty and prick at the powerful. Engaging in serious journalism--journalism that captures a society's forbidden, or simply hidden, stories--is hard and scary, and it requires bravery, conviction, and determination, along with an abiding faith in the protective power of the First Amendment. When that faith is compromised, the possibility of serious journalism collapses--a reason, no doubt, the Committee to Protect Journalists came out forcefully on Goodman's behalf.

"This arrest warrant is a transparent attempt to intimidate reporters from covering protests of significant public interest," Carlos Laur-a, senior program coordinator for the Americas at CPJ, said in a statement. "Authorities in North Dakota should stop embarrassing themselves, drop the charges against Amy Goodman, and ensure that all reporters are free to do their jobs."

Thus far, the North Dakota authorities remain committed to their own embarrassment; the charges have not been dropped, which is why Goodman is going back to North Dakota to turn herself in--and then fight the charges.

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From Consortium News



Donald Trump speaking with supporters at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona. June 18, 2016.

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Yes, The New York Times is the newspaper of the Establishment and reflexively accepts almost anything that the powers-that-be say is true, but Donald Trump undercuts that valid critique when he spins a conspiracy theory about the Times plotting with women who simply confirm what Trump has said about his own sexual predations.

It wasn't a couple of women who announced Trump's compulsion to kiss and grope women and rely on his wealth and star power to keep them silent. It was Trump in his " locker room talk" with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush in 2005:

"You know, I'm automatically attracted to beautiful -- I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. ... Grab 'em by the p*ssy. You can do anything."

And, it wasn't Miss Arizona and a few other beauty pageant contestants who described Trump's creepy interest in ogling naked teen-age girls in backstage dressing rooms. It was Trump in a radio show with shock jock Howard Stern.

"I'll tell you the funniest is that I'll go backstage before a show and everyone's getting dressed," Trump told Stern in recordings of Stern's show. "No men are anywhere, and I'm allowed to go in, because I'm the owner of the pageant and therefore I'm inspecting it. ... 'Is everyone OK?' You know, they're 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."

In other words, Trump does a disservice to anyone who seeks to analyze the actual interplay between the mainstream U.S. media and the politically powerful when he exploits that serious concern by using it to cover up his own unconscionable behavior.

"I take all of these slings and arrows gladly, for you," Trump told a cheering crowd in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday. "I take them for our movement, so that we can have our country back. Our great civilization here in America and across the civilized world has come upon a moment of reckoning."

Yet, Trump is not some innocent martyr for the cause. The simple and obvious truth is that he did what he bluntly described himself doing, forcing himself on unsuspecting women and satisfying his prurient interest in seeing naked women, even girls as young as 15.

That he is now attacking the honesty of women who simply confirm what he himself has said about his own behavior is truly bizarre. His recent assertion that his self-admissions were not to be taken seriously -- and that thus the confirmations of his own words by a variety of women coming forward -- must be false stands as one of the most audacious lies ever told in U.S. politics, which is saying something.

This is not a "he said/she said" situation. It is a moment in which "he" confessed to the actions that "she" -- or in this case, multiple she's -- is confirming, except now the "he" says he was lying when he made his un-coerced confessions and thus the confirmations must also be a lie.

Spinning a Conspiracy Theory

As bad as that is, Trump has made matters worse by wrapping his self-contradictions about his own actions in the web of a global conspiracy. That means his cover-up also discredits the valid concerns about the real coordination of policies by the wealthy and the political/media elites. Trump's conspiracy theory is like many other conspiracy theories that divert attention from some genuine wrongdoing by postulating an absurd alternative reality that is easily disproved.

In this case, Trump enables the Times, which does deserve criticism for a long pattern of falling in line behind the falsehoods of the Establishment, to now wrap itself in the cloak of courageous journalism reporting facts that Americans need to know to function as informed citizens in a democracy. With his preposterous threat to sue the Times, Trump gives the Times unearned credibility as the protector of the public interest.

Trump further undermines his generally accurate contention that the powers-that-be are enriching themselves at the expense of regular people when he surrounds that important point with various right-wing nostrums about slashing taxes on the rich and wiping away regulations that somewhat constrain the actions of big banks and big corporations.

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Jenin, Palestine, Friday, October 14, 2016

Dear Diary,

Today is a day of rest and I badly need it. Yesterday was a very long day; I traveled by a small bus (shared tax) from Hebron to Ramalah where I met some international tourist. Two were from Italy, two from Ireland, one from Canada, and others from Germany, Iceland and even one Israeli woman interested in human rights for Palestinians. I have also met other Israeli citizens while filming demonstrations. Not all Israeli's are Zionists*, nor are all the settlers fanatics. But those that are not seem to be the exceptional minority of Israelis, that continues to shrink.

At about 6 P.M. yesterday I left Ramalah, again by shared taxi called a 'service taxi', pronounced "serveece". I was traveling to Jenin to meet my friend from last year, Mahmoud and his wonderful father Mustaffa, his mother Shafaq and the family. They have invited me to stay in their home on numerous occasions, as they do for many internationals. Last year I had promised them that I would not forget them, nor Palestine, and that I would return this year for the Olive Harvest Festival, which will be November 6th in Jenin. I am only staying in Jenin now until Monday when I will return to Hebron.

The international tourists that I met in Ramalah and I have decided to share a small apartment in Hebron when I return on Monday. We will each pay 110 New Israeli Shekels (INS), equal to about $30 per week. They, like me want to tour Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) checkpoints, Palestinian schools, olive orchards, non-violent demonstrations, and take pictures and videos of them, as well as of any random street crimes against humanity.

The Free Palestine movement has a non-violent "weapon" that puts fear and rage into the Zionists*. The weapon is the camera and the truth. Palestinians who are known by the Zionists* to film IOF crimes are severely punished and threatened by organized mobs of settlers, police and IOF. Palestinians are constantly harassed threatened, jailed and lynched. It is rare to meet a Palestinian man who has not been in prison and tortured.

Internationals filming crimes are often blocked, sometimes roughed up by the Border Police, arrested and deported before their 3 month Israeli visa expires. Known internationals who come to Palestine as witnesses in solidarity with Palestinians are blacklisted indefinitely and denied re-enter by Israel. Zionists* fear that their crimes will be uncovered by international tourists for the world to see and the main stream media is a co-conspirator in the attempted cover-up, and are not reporting Israeli crimes against humanity.

My friend Mahmoud has a long day planned for me, and an opportunity for a unique experience for a Westerner; it is a bachelor party Arab style. It will be a long night of feasting, music, dancing and laughter. All the men and boys in the village of Burqin will turn out for it. I will take many pictures and videos to post on my Facebook page (David William Pear). Now I will take a nap (more to follow later).

"Here is more about the camera as a weapon of non-violent self-defense: I met a man in Hebron by the name of Badee. Badee took me to one of the refugee camps for Hebron's displaced Palestinians, their families and their descendants. Theses are Palestinians who where drive from there home in 1948, and after, by Israel colonization and expansion. There are still two refugee camps in Hebron, and many more in Palestine. The U.N. is supposed to fund social services for them, but the budget was never what was promised by the international community. Beyond ironic, Israel says that since he UN caused "the problem", the UN should pay for it.

After touring the refugee camp Badee took me to a friend's house near where an infamous execution of a wounded Palestinian man was shot in the head by an IOF soldier from the Boarder Patrol ,a most ruthless, powerful and feared unit, even by internationals. See the video on YouTube "Execution of motionless, unarmed Palestinian youth in Hebron".

The neighbor lives on a slope with a Zionist* settlement above. He has had to build a chain link cage around his house because settlers rain stones, garbage and feces down on his home. The IOF is stationed on the street in front of his home, and for anyone to enter his home they must climb the hill on a dirt path, sneak through the bushes and climb a fence to come in through the back door.

Palestinian lives are a living hell, but Palestinians refuse to surrender to the constant harassment, threats and oppression. I hope later to tell you the full story of the execution and the Palestinian man who took the video. I plan to meet with the man if it can be arranged.

The camera is a powerful weapon that Zionist* hate and fear. Badee is working on a project to get donated cameras from abroad, and have international tourists carry them into Palestine in their luggage. Even donated cameras have an expensive customs tax imposed by Israel on them, as well as any goods received by international mail.

The most powerful weapon against oppression and crimes against humanity is the truth. Dear Diary, I promise to do my best to tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth during my journey. If one wants to support truth and human rights they could visit the website of "International Solidarity Movement", and other such organizations. I see them doing good work here in Palestine.

It is now late, we returned from the party at 1 A.M. I must get some sleep. Good night from Jenin, in occupied Palestine.

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It's been nearly four years since Adam Lanza murdered his mother at the Newtown, Connecticut, home they shared, then assaulted Sandy Hook Elementary School, killing 20 children, six staff members and, finally, himself.

Naturally the usual suspects -- including but not limited to US president Barack Obama -- immediately began rolling around in the victims' still-wet blood and dancing on their graves, screeching for more of the very laws that had made Lanza's atrocity possible in the first place (for example, the Gun-Free School Zones Act, which virtually ensured that he enjoyed an extended timeframe in which to murder with impunity before facing an armed response).

The ghouls have marked time since the massacre with chest-beating ritual designed to keep the victims traumatized and periodically reopen their wounds. Newtown made a spectacle of acquiring Lanza's home and demolishing it. The school district spent more than $50 million closing, demolishing, and rebuilding Sandy Hook Elementary.

And of course the victim-disarmament lobby deployed one of the perennial favorites in its propaganda arsenal (pun intended): Malicious litigation in the form of "lawfare" ("the abuse of Western laws and judicial systems to achieve strategic military or political ends").

Freedom won an important battle on the lawfare front on October 14, when Connecticut Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis dismissed a lawsuit filed in the names of 10 of the Sandy Hook victims' families against Remington Arms, Camfour Holding LLC, and Riverview Sales -- respectively the manufacturer, distributor and retail seller of the Bushmaster rifle Lanza used in his killing spree.

The dismissal was clearly mandated by a specific law, the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," passed by Congress in 2005 to protect gun manufacturers from litigation of this sort. But that law shouldn't have even been necessary. Such litigation is meritless and frivolous on its face. The attorneys who drummed up the suit on behalf of (or to pitch to) the plaintiff families should be denied any monetary compensation from the families for their morally reprobate "work," personally financially sanctioned by the court to recoup the costs of this farce to the taxpayers, and disciplined by their state bar association for ethics violations (e.g. barratry, "vexatious litigation or incitement to it").

Remington Arms manufactured an indisputably legal item of a type available for general sale for more than a century. Camfour Holding LLC distributed that legal item to retailers. Riverview Sales legally sold that legal item Lanza's mother.

The item was not defective, at least in any way which incited, encouraged, or brought about the killings. It was an inanimate object.

The cause of the killings -- the ENTIRE cause of the killings -- was Adam Lanza's intent to kill, full stop. None of the defendants bears so much as an iota of responsibility for Lanza's actions. But the ambulance-chasers who brought this suit bear full responsibility for THEIR actions. They should be made to feel that responsibility, preferably in the form of finding themselves destitute, unemployed, and unemployable (other than, perhaps, at a "would you like fries with that?" level).
Readings for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: EX 17: 8-13; PS 121: 1-8; 2 TM 3:14-4:2; LK 18: 1-8;

Amy Goodman is in trouble. She's the television journalist my wife and I had dinner with last summer. She's the host of "Democracy Now: the War and Peace Report" -- a daily news hour on the Pacifica Radio and Television network.

In the face of mainstream media's refusal to cover significant grassroots events and issues, Ms. Goodman's program has been called "probably the most significant progressive news institution that has come around in some time" (by professor and media critic Robert McChesney.) In addition to sources such as OpEdNews, Information Clearing House, and Alternet, "Democracy Now" is an invaluable fountain of information about issues that touch all of our lives. Amy's program is an example of what can be accomplished for peace and social justice in the face of overwhelming odds.

Anyway, Amy is in trouble. Or should I say that judges in the North Dakota legal system are in trouble. I mean the court's black robes there are about to tangle with a woman who is stronger and more committed than all of them put together.

The issue at hand is a charge of criminal trespassing against Ms. Goodman. It stems from her coverage of Native American protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline -- a nearly 2000-mile, multi-billion-dollar construction stretching through North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. The pipeline cuts across Sioux Tribe sacred sites and burial grounds at their Standing Rock Reservation. Defense of those holy grounds has brought together thousands of Native Americans from across the country and Latin America, as well as indigenous peoples from around the world.

On Labor Day weekend this year, while Amy was covering that resistance, security forces of Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the pipeline's builders, set dogs on the Standing Rock "Protectors" (they refuse the name "protestors"). She filmed a dog whose mouth was dripping with Protectors' blood.

Amy's honest reporting (protected by our Constitution's First Amendment) proved offensive to ETP, their security forces, and to the local police. Hence the charges.

_____

Please keep all of that in mind as we attempt to understand today's liturgy of the word. In the context of an unjust legal system, our readings raise the question of what it means to "pray always." Jesus says it means persistently demanding justice. Amy embodies that meaning.

Actually, the readings compare what might be termed men's intermittent way of praying with women's unrelenting persistence. For instance, in today's readings, men shockingly pray that God might intervene to slaughter their enemies.

In contrast, the woman in today's gospel is in it for the long haul. She indefatigably confronts the power structure of her day as her way of "praying always." That is, like Amy Goodman, she persistently works to bring her world into harmony with God's justice. According to Jesus, that's what prayer means.

Take that first reading from Exodus... Did it make you raise your eyebrows? It should have. It's about God facilitating mass slaughter. It tells the story of Moses praying during a battle against the King of Amalek. It's a classic etiology evidently meant to explain a chair-like rock formation near a site remembered as an early Hebrew battleground.

"What means this formation?" would have been the question inspiring this explanatory folk tale. "Well," came the answer, "Long ago when our enemy Amelek attacked our people, Moses told Joshua to raise an elite corps of fighters. During the course of the ensuing battle, Moses watched from this very place where we are standing accompanied by his brother Aaron and another assistant called Hur.

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From Salon

Just when you thought that big banker greed had surely bottomed out with the 2008 Wall Street crash and bailout, along comes Wells Fargo, burrowing even deeper into the ethical slime to reach a previously unimaginable level of corporate depravity.

It's one thing for the giants of finance to cook the books or defraud investors, but top executives of Wells Fargo have been profiteering for years by literally forcing their employees to rob the bank's customers. Rather than promoting a culture of service, executives have pushed a high-pressure "sales culture" since at least 2009, demanding that frontline employees meet extreme quotas of selling myriad unnecessary bank products to common depositors who just wanted a simple checking account. Employees were expected to load each customer with at least eight accounts, and staffers were monitored constantly on meeting their quotas -- fail and they'd be fired.

That's why the bosses' sales culture turned employees into a syndicate of bank robbers. The thievery was systemic and not subtle: Half a million customers were secretly issued credit cards that they hadn't requested. Fake email accounts for online services were set up without customers' knowledge. Debit cards were issued and activated without telling customers. Depositors' money was moved from one account to another. Signatures were forged -- and, of course, Wells Fargo collected fees for all these bogus transactions, boosting its profits.

This is not a case of a few bankers gone rogue, but of a whole institution gone rogue, rotting from the head down. Some stories of corporate villainy make me throw up my hands in astonishment. But this one is so putrid, it makes me literally throw up.

The sorry, still-evolving saga of Wells Fargo systematically stealing from its small depositors is a gag-inducing story of executive-suite greed. Start at the very top, with CEO John Stumpf, who claimed at a recent Senate hearing on the scandal to be shocked and "deeply sorry" that thousands of his employees had been opening bogus accounts in the names of non-English-speaking and elderly customers.

The silver-haired bank chief assured senators that he and other top bosses knew nothing about this massive breach of the bank's code of ethics, blaming low-level employees and firing 5,300 of them.

Go here to see Video: Wells Fargo Fires Thousands of Employees for Creating Fake Accounts

But John: First, weren't you the one squeezing those employees relentlessly to push customers into multiple accounts? Second, how could you possibly not notice a huge crime spree that rampaged throughout your bank's branches for seven years? Third, what about all those calls that honest employees made to your "ethics hotline" every day? And, fourth, while you now cravenly blame your $12-an-hour employees for this bank-run mugging operation, it turns out you read about it in a 2013 expose by The Los Angeles Times. Why didn't you stop it then?

Stumpf didn't act because he was busy stuffing his own pockets with the loot, hauling off more than $100 million via his personal pay in the last four years alone. What a deal: Workers are pressured to rob customers, then they get fired, while the boss of the caper grabs a fortune and protects all the higher ups -- and he expects to get away with it all by making a non-apology to some senators.

But the chief is not the only one who should be held accountable at Wells Fargo. Where were its board members, who are empowered and duty bound to set, monitor and assure ethnical corporate behavior from the top down? For seven years, this 15-member board of governance sat idle, apparently incurious about the corporation's flagrant, widespread thievery, even after the report by the Los Angeles Times exposed it. Far from investigating and clamping down, the board kept shoving multimillion-dollar bonuses at Stumpf and other top executives. This is a powerhouse board, made up of top executives from other corporations, former government financial officials and big-time academics. And they are extremely well paid to be diligent, receiving as much as $400,000 a year to keep Wells Fargo honest.

What's at work here is the ethical rot that now consumes America's entire corporate system -- a system that steals from the many to further enrich the few, buying off the integrity and vigilance of those who run it. Excuse me, but I have to go throw up now.


The Alt-right is coming to save you!

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If you perchance pass through Trump Central Station aka Breitbart News of late, you may notice the ever-continuing reports they put out on the race war they are stoking for clickbait. This takes the form of their looking through the news cycle in order to report on various crimes committed by black people. They try to disguise their blatant racist fear-mongering in different ways in the hopes of making it seem like they are the defenders of 1) Police 2) Law and Order 3) White Women 4) The Black Community 5) America from Obama's "black revenge." The Breitbart agenda appears to be to affect and instill fear of black people. Their blatant appeal to a racist demographic has the added effect of increasing racist emotions and views through the use of the traditional right-wing propaganda technique of sophistry (cleverly concealed lies) combined with outright blatant lies. Which they are well known for in general and from their past when they got a black woman fired over their lies.

Breitbart has recently gotten the reputation as the pre-eminent preserve of the Alt-right community or movement. Oddly enough, their star writer, Milo Yawnopolis, while receiving the lion's share of media attention as the leading spokesman for the Alt-right movement, insists that he is not even a member of that movement or community. He says that because he is a Zionist and supports Dubya Bush and that past group and agenda, therefore HE is not an Alt-right believer - since they are not those things he tells us. He also makes the point of defending the Alt-right as being misjudged by the "media" as being a racist movement - when in reality the racist contingent of the Alt-right is really a tiny percentage of the movement.

That is an interesting take on the Alt-right seeing as that the naming of the movement was by Richard Spencer of the National Policy Institute and right-wing website Taki's Magazine. Richard Spencer is one among many on the fringes of the right-wing who have for years promoted a pseudoscientific rationale for making distinctions between people based upon their ethnic or racial backgrounds, i.e. scientific racism. That isn't the racism of the person who emotionally expresses racist views based on their upbringing or perception of the world. That is the racism of the cool clinical ideologue who seeks to make it clear that their views are supported by rational scientific methods. Like Nazis, for example.

They never present any actual biological proof of their racist theorizing, but they pretend that it must exist because of slight differences in the very little data that they can scrap together. The problem they face is the truth of human biological diversity. While humans are diverse in many biological ways as we all know, the degree of that difference beyond the superficial looks and sizes, is extremely slight.

If you look inside, humans are basically the same. If you look at the brain cells, the supposed seat of cognition and mentality, you will not be able to find much difference between any healthy person. Scientists in modern times reached the consensus many years ago that there is no biological basis for the supposed scientific-racist ideology of the Nazis and the Alt-right; i.e., the belief that character and mental differences between people are determined at the biological level.

Which is why in every racial or ethnic configuration on Earth you can find very smart and kind people, or stupid and mean people, or confident and talented people, or shy and average people. The same types of people are found in all countries and all cultures in every type of racial or ethnic configuration. If the Alt-right racist ideology was true then that wouldn't be the case. So they rely on statistics taken out of contextual frames of reference to concoct convoluted proofs of racist theories. If more people of a certain ethnicity do worse on a test or are incarcerated more often than another ethnic division, then that is proof to them they are right about biological differences determining those outcomes. All other causes are irrelevant to them because they are not starting with a search for truth, they are starting with an idea of truth being a certain way, they then search for ways to make any data they can find dance to their racist tune. This is called confirmation bias: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias.

Milo Yawnmonopoly of course disagrees with them, seeing as he does the obvious place that any racist ideology leads to in the modern world - but at the same time he tells us that the Alt-right should not be tarred with a wide brush stroke as being all racist, because you know, he says so. And he is the face of Breitbart News, which in no way can be seen as promoting racism. Right?

Alt-right racist ideologues like Derbyshire or Sailer or Spencer would disagree with Milo Yawnknucklehead's assessment of the Alt-right. And really, if you take away their openly racist promotion of "our racism is based on truth, justice, and the American way," what do you have left of the Alt-right that makes it different from the regular right? Dislike of Dubya Bush? Wellll, wasn't Dubya and co. discarded by almost the entire right-wing as they mostly went all Tea Party on us?

After the crash of the economy and the mess in Iraq, the right-wing was very quick to make Dubya and co. a caste of untouchables. Memories of them had no place in Conservatism 2.0 as they tried to dig themselves out from under the wreckage of the economy and the 2008 elections.

How about Milo's support of Zionism as making Milo different from the Alt-right? Are Alt-righters anti-Israel as he claims? Now this is where our boy Milo Yabadabbadont is shown to be playing games with his claims about the Alt-right. If the truth of the Alt-right is as he claims; i.e., that only a tiny percentage are racists - then why does he make the point of saying his difference with the Alt-right is that he supports Israel? Because the media is intent on portraying the Alt-right as a racist movement outside of the mainstream right-wing, which is very pro-Israel. Milo, knowing his future in the right-wing media depends on not offending Israel, makes a point of always saying he is not with the Alt-right because he is a Zionist. This is because blind devotion to Israel fell out of favor with the rise of the Tea Party. And the Alt-right is mostly just a rebranding of the Tea Party (with many racists as well), and many of them believe in the various conspiracy theories that have been around for years and years and have found a new life online - you know the ones, the ones having to do with Jews in control of the world banking system, media, and so on. Milo does not want to be seen as one of those people who follows the Alex Joneses of the world.

The Alt-right doesn't really exist like Milo Yomamasaidknockyouout wants us to believe. According to his description, it is essentially the Tea Party, but it isn't. How is his description of the Alt-right any different from the Tea Party - both support overt nationalism and patriotism, are not happy with the establishment Bush GOP types, are not happy with supporting foreign financial and military adventures and spending, and also include a bunch of racists, and anti-Semites, and people who strive to keep up with the Alex Joneses?

Was the Alt-right concept in truth invented by racist ideologues, specifically by those who believe they are inherently superior to black people, who appear to want to use that ideology to advance agendas which in the end are all about keeping the scary black man away from them and their wimmin folk?

I do not say that at all. And Milo does not support them racist Alt-right folks, no not one bit. He is just the face of Breitbart News, and they do not in any way, not even every single day do they devote time and space to stoking fear and hate of black people. Just like according to Milo the Alt-right is not really racist, they are also not really misogynists either. Nope. Nor is Breitbart News. But that is for another discussion.
Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=6562

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/prostate-cancer-therapeutics-market.html

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Prostate cancer is among serious health issue among men has large socioeconomic impact on the society. It is the most common cancer diagnosed among men in developed regions, while it is sixth most common cancer diagnosed in less developed nations. Routine screening, early diagnosis, and recent treatment options have enabled increased survival of prostate cancer patients. Prostate cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in prostate gland of a male individual. Approximately 75% of prostate cancers are developed sporadically in which genetic changes occur after birth. Although, cause prostate cancer is largely unknown, some of the prime factors associated with the disease include obesity, overweight and past history of certain cancers. A person with cardiovascular disease is more prone to advanced metastatic cancer.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with free PDF Brochure:Androgens have significant role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and therefore androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) was found to be most useful in treating of locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Presently, the prostate cancer therapeutics market is driven by major drugs such as Zytiga (Johnson & Johnson), Xtandi (Astellas Pharma, Inc. / Medivation, Inc.), Provenge (Dendreon Corporation), Jevtana (Sanofi) and Xofigo (Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical, Inc.). The prostate cancer therapeutics market is slated to increasing rapidly in the near future owing to promising drugs in the pipeline. These drugs are expected to drive the market during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. In 2013, Johnson & Johnson acquired Aragon Pharmaceuticals that has second generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARN-509), a highly potential drug for treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move by Johnson & Johnson to mitigate the expected slowing of Zytiga sales.Zytiga, launched in 2011, clocked sales of over USD 1 billion in 2012 and works by targeting the enzyme CYP17A1 responsible for androgen production. The drug is expected to lose its patent protection in 2016. Moreover, Zytiga is facing stiff competition from Xtandi (Astellas Pharma, Inc. / Medivation, Inc.). The Astellas drug has already matched the sales of Zytiga and is rapidly moving further upstream as the patients are using treatment for long period and urologists continuing to adopt the drug. High prices of newer drugs and uncertain reimbursement policies will be restraining the market to some extent. However, the growing awareness about prostate cancer, rapid urbanization, and government efforts to fund cancer treatment will drive the market during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :On the basis of geography, the global prostate cancer therapeutics market can be segmented into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the world. American men have highest rates of prostate cancer followed the European males. It is estimated that more than 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2014. In U.K., more than 40,000 new cases are registered having prostate cancer, and about 11,000 deaths occur annually. Therefore, the global prostate cancer therapeutics market has been traditionally dominated by North America Asia region ranks lowest in terms of rate of prostate cancer.Some of the key players in this market are Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca plc, Astellas Pharma, Inc., Sanofi, Medivation, Inc., Ipsen SA and Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceutical, Inc.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:
Male Infertility Treatment Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Male infertility refers the male inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. It is majorly due to low sperm count, hormonal problem or presence of low number of motile sperms. Hence, fertility in male requires normal functioning of hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes. However, 40% -50% cases have no identifiable cause and 30% -40% cases are due to problem in the testes. The various causes of increasing infertility in male includes consumption of alcohol and drugs, rising stress level, obesity, smoking, and environmental toxins. Infertility in male diagnosed with various techniques such as DNA fragmentation techniques, oxidative stress analysis, sperm agglutination, sperm penetration assay, microscopic examination, and computer assisted sperm analysis.SpermCheck fertility is a U.S. FDA approved home screening test to determine low sperm count for men in 2012. According to the American Society for Reproductive medicines, in approximately 40% of infertile couples, male partner is sole cause of infertility and about 85% -90% are treated with conventional treatment such as drugs or surgery.Download Complete Healthcare Analytical Brochure:Global male infertility treatment market segmented into drugs, hormonal therapy, and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Drugs used for male infertility treatment are clomiphene citrate,and tamoxifen.Hormonal therapy market further segmented into human chorionic gonadotropinhormone(hCG), and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH).Gonadotropin therapy is given to the patients to increase the testosterone level and sperm count. If these therapies are not worked after 6 to 12 months treatment then option is assisted reproductive technologies. Assisted reproductive technology further is segmented intoin vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), frozen embryo transfer (FET), and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). Geographically, male infertility treatment market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and rest of the World. Assisted reproductive technology segment dominated the global market due to higher success rate as compared to the drugs and hormonal therapy. However, doctors suggest ART treatment after the failure of drugs and hormonal treatment. In assisted reproductive technology segment in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer is the most dominated procedure in 2014. Geographically, the North America is the highest revenue generating market due to more awareness, and reimbursement facility for male infertility treatment. However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a highest rate due to rising awareness, and increasing incidence of infertility in men due to changes in the lifestyle.Global male infertility treatment market is anticipated to grow at a faster rate due to the changes in the lifestyle, environmental effect, rising incidence of infertility cases, number of obese people, and increasing consumption of alcohol and drugs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally 1.9 million obese and 600 million people were diagnosed to be overweight. Global organization for stress states that six out of ten people suffer from stress at work place and the highest stress rate was found at China (86%). However, the major limitation experienced in the male infertility treatment market is due to repeated treatment failures leading to an emotional impact on the patient. The person undergoing immense stress after the diagnosis or repeated failure of the treatment which would further result to intensify the infertility problem andresult in most of the patients to discontinue the treatment. The other limitation is the social taboo, and high cost associated with the treatment. Out of the 40% fertile men, only 15% of the men opt for the treatment for infertility due to the embarrassment, guilt, and other reasons.Some of the major players having presence in the global male infertility treatment market includesParallabs, European Sperm Bank, Origio, Cryolab Ltd., IrvineScientific, Microm UK Limited, and Merck Serono.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:
Psoriatic Arthritis Pharmacotherapy Market -Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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Psoriatic Arthritis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects toes and fingers followed by nail or skin psoriasis. The clinical features are varied but the major symptoms are peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, psoriasis, dactylitis and axial disease. According to Arthritis Foundation, the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients suffering from psoriasis is approximately between 7% and 48%. Psoriatic arthritis appears most often between the age of 30 years and 50 years. The factors contributing to the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis are genetic factors, environmental factors and immunological factors. Genetic factors explain that 40% of the psoriatic arthritis has family history of skin and joint diseases. Environmental factors such as bacterial and viral infections have been implicated as a cause in psoriatic arthritis. Immunological factors consist of cytokines such as TNF- which is critically involved in inflammatory process, leading to bone and cartilage degradation as well as skin inflammation. There are five different types of psoriatic arthritis that includes different joints and spinal column. There are two types of method by which psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed by imaging and laboratory test. Imaging tests consist of X-Rays and magnetic resonance imaging and laboratories consists of rheumatoid factor and joint fluid test.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The pharmacotherapy of psoriatic arthritis consists of drugs such as DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), NSAIDs, Immunosuppressant and TNF- inhibitors. In chronic conditions surgeries and other procedures are practiced such as steroid injections and joint replacement surgery. The DMARDs consists of drug that reduces the progression of psoriatic arthritis and protect joints and other tissues from irreversible damage, it includes drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine and leflunomide. The NSAIDs help to relive the pain and reduction of inflammation and most of them are OTC drugs including Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. While immunosuppressant helps to control the immune system including azathioprine and cyclosporine. TNF- inhibitors assist reducing pain, swollen joints and morning stiffness this class of drug includes etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, Humira, certolizumab and golimumab.Some of the major factors driving the psoriatic arthritis market are rising geriatric population, increasing incidences of psoriatic arthritis and major onset for growth in this market is expected from the launch of blockbuster drugs such as Simponi and Vicodin along with many impending biologics that are in late stage of development. The major factors restraining the growth of psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy market are the new biologics that are observed to be highly efficient but come with high cost. Lack of patient awareness is one of the major factor affecting the growth of psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy market according to CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention) nearly 10% - 12% of the patients visit clinics during the chronic stage of psoriatic arthritis as most of them ignore initial symptoms which are very common like skin reddening along with a joint pain or a skin rash.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :North America was observed to be the leading geography due to high prevalence of psoriatic arthritis followed by availability of modern healthcare facilities is assisting the growth of this market. Europe is the second largest market for psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy as its the region expected to observe rapid aging population. Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World are the most attractive and growing markets in psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy. In Asia-Pacific China, India, Japan, South Korea and Australia are observed to be the leading geographies in psoriatic arthritis.The psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy market is predominantly led by the players such as Pfizer, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Merck & Co, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories and Novartis International AG. It was observed that Abbott Laboratories, Johnson and Johnson and Amgen, Inc. account for the major market share in psoriatic arthritis pharmacotherapy.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:
Substance Abuse Treatment Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023

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There has been an increase in the use and abuse of the substances such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. Substance abuse is defined as harmful use of these substances in order to alter the mood. Generally, substance abuse is referred to the use of illegal drugs as these are potentially addictive and can pose negative health effects. However, alcohol, inhalants, solvents and even coffee can be abused. Hence, almost any substance can be used to a harmful extent and can be abused. Substance abuse results in health deterioration irrespective of addiction. Chaotic home environment, genetic risks, poor social coping skills and inappropriate behavior are some of the factors that may cause substance abuse. Early recognition of substance abuse symptoms can increase the chances of successful treatment.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Aggressiveness, irritability and forgetfulness constitute substance abuse symptoms. Doctors recommend community resources for the patients willing to quit the substance abuse. During this process doctors may also prescribe certain medications that help control the cravings and manage the medical complications resulting from the substance abuse. As a part of education the patients are recommended to seek immediate medical care if they experience these symptoms. Currently, with the increasing use of illicit drugs, leading to increased number of deaths and healthcare costs. For instance, in the United States, illicit drug prescription and alcohol abuse resulted in around more than 90,000 deaths while tobacco abuse results in around 480,000 deaths annually. Furthermore, management of increasing addiction and abuse to nicotine, alcohol and illicit prescription drugs costs around USD 700 billion for the Americans every year.Several research studies identified that combination of behavioral therapy along with medications ensures best mode of treating the patients. This is necessary as long term use of drugs alters the brain function and enhances the compulsions to use the drugs. Hence, prevention of relapse is one of the most important components of substance abuse treatment. Behavioral therapy enables the patient to cope up with the drug cravings and avoid relapse. Medications such as Methadone and nicotine patches assist in controlling the withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Medical treatment is necessary as drug users are observed to have an underlying medical disorder which must be treated along with the drug abuse treatment.The market for substance abuse therapeutics can be segmented into alcohol, nicotine dependence therapeutics and drug abuse therapeutics. For instance, Chantix (vareniciline) and zyban represents the medications prescribed against nicotine addiction. In addition, Vivitrol (naltrexone), Campral (acamprosate calcium) and disulfrum are some of the drugs recommended for the patients suffering from alcohol dependence. Cocaine and opioid abuse are some of the drug abuse therapeutics. Other factors such as annual cost of the treatment and regulatory policies govern the market growth. Geographically, developed economies such as the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Germany, France, Spain and others exhibit high number of substance abuse patients as compared to developing economies such as China and India.The factors such as increased awareness and financial support for mental health and substance abuse treatment along with increasing substance abuse illness will drive the market growth. Furthermore, this factor favors the growth of mental and substance abuse centers. On the other hand factors such as no control over the addiction and lack of willingness to seek treatment for the substance abuse might restrain the market growth. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, ltd., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Alkermes plc, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pfizer, Inc. are some of the companies operating in this market.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:
Tocopheryl Acetate Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

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Tocopheryl acetate is an ester of acetic acid and tocopherol. Tocopheryl acetate is considered as potent anti-oxidant that can penetrate through human skin to reach living cells. It is isolated from vegetable oils, dairy product, eggs, meat, nuts, cereals, yellow vegetables and leafy green vegetables. It is used in various personal care and cosmetic products such as eye shadow, blushers, moisturizers, lipstick, bath soaps, detergents, hair conditioners and skin care products. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified tocopheryl acetate as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).Download exclusive Sample of this report:Growing demand for high performance antioxidants is expected to drive the tocopheryl acetate market. Tocopheryl acetate is generally used as a substitute for vitamin E. In chemical structure of tocopheryl acetate the phenolic hydroxyl group is blocked which reduces the acidity of the product and extends the shelf life. In addition, rising demand from personal care industry is anticipated to fuel the market growth. Tocopheryl acetate is hydrolyzed slowly once absorbed by the human skin and regenerates tocopherol (vitamin E). The benefits of the tocopheryl acetate includes protecting skin from UV damage, improving moisture content and skin texture, reduction in severity of sunburns, prevention of melanin deposits, inhibition of lipoperoxide associated skin disorders and improves stability of cosmetics. Furthermore, increasing consumer health awareness across the globe is projected to boost the tocopheryl acetate market. Per capita expenditure on healthcare is increasing at tremendous pace in developing countries. The consumer groups in developing regions are becoming conscious about the health and aging issues and seek the treatment with organic products.However, moderate hazardous effects of tocopheryl acetate are expected to hamper the market growth in the next few years. Environmental Working Groups Cosmetics Database has classified the compound as moderate hazard. Tocopheryl acetate is related with concerns regarding organ system toxicity, contamination of hydroquinone and cancer. According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), tocopheryl acetate demonstrated positive mutation results with mammalian cells that can lead to cancer. The compound also poses a threat of bioaccumulation as it can get accumulated under the human skin.Rising online retailing and rising specialty product segments for men are expected to provide immense opportunities for the players in the market. Due to rise in online retailing, the distribution channels for the products that contain tocopheryl acetate are widening. This widening would the companies to reach out customers in every corner of the world. Additionally, new products development due to continuous research and development activities is expected to be an important opportunity for the existing players to maintain their market share.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market for tocopheryl acetate in terms of consumption and production. Changing consumer preference and increasing awareness about health is driving the demand for personal care and cosmetics products, which in turn expected to drive the tocopheryl acetate market. North America followed Asia Pacific in terms of consumption of tocopheryl acetate. Growth in Europe is expected to be muted due to regulations on the use of the compound in personal care and cosmetics products as it pose a threat of cancer and other disorders. Rest of the World tocopheryl acetate market is expected to grow at a moderate pace during the next few years.Global market for tocopheryl acetate is characterized by high level of consolidation. During the last few years, the market has consolidated with high degree of mergers and acquisitions. Some of the key players in tocopheryl acetate market include Stuart Products, DSM, ADM, Soham Organics Ovt. Ltd., Perchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals and The Dow Chemical Company.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:
Japanese Encephalitis Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

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Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection mostly found in the rural parts of the Asia. Encephalitis According to World Health Organization, intensification and expansion of irrigated rice production system in South-East Asia over past 20 years is primarily responsible for escalating the disease burden by Japanese encephalitis. The disease is caused by flavivirus and affects approximately 68,000 people annually in Asia.Astonishingly there is no permanent cure to the fetal disease and about 20-30% of patient usually dies within a short span of time from the onset of disease. Moreover approximately 50% of the survived patient population develops permanent brain damage. The disease can be broadly classified into three prominent categories: prodromal febrile stage followed by acute encephalitic stage marked by CNS involvement. The last stage is either marked by either recovery or persistence of symptoms with permanent neural damage.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Apart from paddy fields Japanese encephalitis is also predominant in areas where pigs are here pigs are intensively raised and is passed to mosquitoes that bite the infected pigs. Major outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occurs usually in every 5-10 yearsSymptoms of the Japanese encephalitis include mild fever, prolonged headache, neck stiffness, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis, drowsiness, dilated pupil, disorientation. Additionally onset of mental issues such as hallucinations, tremors and confusion are other common symptoms predominant among patients suffering from Japanese encephalitis. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Inactivated Vero cell culturederived Japanese encephalitis vaccine manufactured as IXIARO is the only licensed and available in the United States. In May 2013, FDA licensed IXIARO for use in children 2 months through 16 years of age. Vaccines such as SA14-14-2, IC51 marketed in Australia and New Zealand as JESPECT and ChimeriVax-JE marketed as IMOJEV are other very promising vaccines which are likely to escalate the overall market for Japanese encephalitis. Countries that had major epidemic in past include china, Republic of Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Countries such as periodic Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Malaysia do have epidemics but instance are very rare as compared to the major epidemic countries. side effects of Japanese encephalitis vaccine include: fever, muscle pain, light headedness, stomach upset, seizures and skin rashes.Some of the major restraints to the growth of the market include high cost of the vaccines which is limiting the sales of the vaccines due to poverty and lack of appropriate healthcare infrastructure. An inexpensive live-attenuated vaccine is used in China, but is not available elsewhere. As preventive measure vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is compulsory for foreign travelers visiting to regions with high prevalence of infection. Though infection to travelers It is estimated that less than one in a million travelers develop Japanese encephalitis in any given year.Geographically the market for Japanese encephalitis is majorly contributed by the Asia-pacific followed by the Rest of the World market pertaining to high prevalence rate and sales of vaccines. Lack of appropriate stock of preventive vaccine in the United States is major restraints to the growth of the market. Travelers are major contributors in spreading disease in European and America region. Key manufacturers for Japanese encephalitis market include Chengdu Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, Intercell Biomedical Ltd., Novartis International AG, Sanofi Pasteur 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:
Apoptotic Therapeutics in Oncology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

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Apoptosis is the death of cell in a programmed fashion that is observed largely in multicellular organisms. This programmed cell death occurs in a cascade of biochemical events which include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation and chromosomal fragmentation. Anywhere between 50 and 70 billion cells die each day due to apoptosis in the average human adult. This cascade has been hypothesized to be exploited as an ideal method of anti-cancer strategy traditionally by inducing DNA damage with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Download Exclusive Sample of this report:These methods have been the backbone of most anti-cancer therapies today, but with increasing knowledge of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, innovative apoptotic agents have been under investigation since the past several years. There are currently several of these agents in clinical trials for potential role in cancer therapeutics and are expected to become another weapon in our arsenal for the fight against cancer. In technical process death receptors CD95, death receptor DR4 and DR5 along with tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 TNFR1 can effectively induce apoptosis when bound by their ligands. Significant evidence obtained in several animal models confirms the validity of strategies for targeted apoptosis and has revealed an enormous potential for therapeutic intervention in a variety of illnesses. Almost all key participant proteins in cellular apoptosis regulation have been identified and can be targeted by therapeutic strategies which include above mentioned death receptors, Bcl-2 proteins, caspases, endogenous caspase inhibitors and transcriptional regulators.The current scenario is quite challenging with greater restraints than drivers due to low success ratio. The superior tumor killing activity of TRAIL agonists and the toxic side effects associated with systemic treatment of other death ligands. In animal models a great degree of success was achieved for treatment against inflammatory bowel disease with the help of anti-TNF antibodies or genetic TNF knockout. WHO predicted that annual cancer cases will reach to 19.3 million by 2025 from the 14.1 million annually in year 2012. There were 8.2 million deaths from cancer in the world in 2012 according to cancer research U.K. More than 60% of worlds total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. These regions account for 70% of the worlds cancer deaths. This also represents a sizable opportunity for innovative cancer therapeutics companies worldwide. Current economic scenario indicates an improving purchase power and increasing investment in healthcare in developing countries which also governs the fact that emerging players in this arena can profit considerably contrary to conventional observations that profit can be gained only from developed regions such as North America and Europe.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Current companies that are involved in the research and development of targeted apoptosis therapeutics include Genentech and Amgen are in the process of conducting phase-1 clinical trials for soluble TRAIL agonists as anti-cancer agents. An agonistic TRAIL-R2 antibody (TRA-8) was generated by Sankyo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) and proved to be cytotoxic against primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells without inducing cell death in normal hepatocytes. Human Genome Sciences Inc. has recently enrolled patients in phase 2 clinical trials with the TRAIL-R1-specific human monoclonal antibody HGS-ETR1 for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. According to the study, approximately six of 57 patients enrolled even reached a stable disease situation. GlaxoSmithKline disclosed a series of similar piperidinyl substituted isatins and related 5-alkylaminosulphonyl-3,3-dichloro-oxindoles. With this, Pfizer has also continued research in caspase inhibitors such as isatin-based caspase inhibitors, from which the compound MMPSI, a (2-methoxymethylpyrrolidinyl)-sulfonylisatin, was able to reduce ischemic injury. This can also be used in targeted apoptosis for cancers. Several Merck inhibitors are currently in preclinical trials.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:
Political Action Committee (PAC)  A popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. A PAC must register with the FEC within 10 days of its formation, providing name and address for the PAC, its treasurer and any connected organizations. Affiliated PACs are treated as one donor for the purpose of contribution limits.

PACs have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The PAC's money came from voluntary contributions from union members rather than union treasuries, so it did not violate the Smith Connally Act of 1943, which forbade unions from contributing to federal candidates. Although commonly called PACs, federal election law refers to these accounts as "separate segregated funds" because money contributed to a PAC is kept in a bank account separate from the general corporate or union treasury.

Many politicians also form Leadership PACs as a way of raising money to help fund other candidates' campaigns. Since June 2008, Leadership PACs reporting electronically must list the candidate sponsoring the PAC, as per the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. Leadership PACs are often indicative of a politician's aspirations for leadership positions in Congress or for higher office. (A breakdown of spending by Leadership PACs is available on this web site.)

For more information on PACs, check out the FEC's "Campaign Guide for Corporations and Labor Organizations" and the "Campaign Guide for Nonconnected Committees" (both available in PDF format). For an alphabetical list of PAC acronyms, abbreviations, initials, and common names, see the FEC's list of PACRONYMS.

What's a super PAC?

A new type of PAC was created after the U.S. Court of Appeals decision in Speechnow v. FEC in 2010. These PACs make no contributions to candidates or parties. They do, however make independent expenditures in federal races - running ads or sending mail or communicating in other ways with messages that specifically advocate the election or defeat of a specific candidate. There are no limits or restrictions on the sources of funds that may be used for these expenditures. These committees file regular financial reports with the FEC which include their donors along with their expenditures. View the current list of super PACs.
Notes from The Oregonian/OregonLive's books desk.

Robert Michael Pyle: Pyle isn't just a nature writer; he's the founder of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a Guggenheim Fellow, an honorary fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and the author of 20 books, including two poetry collections. Now, Oregon State University Press has published a collection of his writings, "Through a Green Lens: Fifty Years of Writing for Nature" (304 pages, $22.95), which includes a 2005 rumination on how a liquefied natural gas terminal would affect the lower Columbia River. Pyle, who lives in southwest Washington, will speak about his career and the Clark County Green Neighbors program at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver.

Supernatural crime: Chris Roberson, the Portland-based co-creator of the comic book series "iZombie" that inspired the CW television series of the same name, continues to play in the supernatural world with his debut novel, "Firewalk" (Night Shade Books, 356 pages, $24.99). In a starred review, Library Journal praised Roberson's "terrific pacing," adding, "Roberson's novel will serve well horror and urban fantasy fans alike." The publisher calls it "True Detective" meets "Twin Peaks." "Firewalk" will be released Oct. 18.

Pacific Northwest stories: Ooligan Press, Portland State University's nonprofit teaching press, has released "Siblings and Other Disappointments," a collection of 12 short stories by Kait Heacock about people and their relationships that are set in the Pacific Northwest. Heacock is a 2012 Ooligan graduate and a former Tin House Books editorial intern; she now works at New York's Overlook Press. Heacock will discuss the book with her mentor, Portland writer and editor Kevin Sampsell, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Powell's Books on Hawthorne, 3723 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.

Mystery writers panel: Five Portland mystery writers will participate in a panel discussion titled "Mysteries of Portland." Zoe Burke, Chelsea Cain, Bill Cameron, Warren C. Easley and Angela M. Sanders will talk about how the city informs and inspires their work. The free panel runs from 2 to 3:30 pm. Sunday, Oct. 23, in the U.S. Bank Room at the Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave.

OryCon 38: There's still time to register for discounted admission to OryCon, an annual science fiction and fantasy convention, which takes place Nov. 18 to 20 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, 1401 S.W. Naito Parkway. Special guests include Tor Books editor Diana Gill, author David Weber and illustrator David Mattingly. Registration is $60 for ages 13 and older until Nov. 5, $65 at the door; $30 for ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free but must be registered at 38.orycon.org.

The presence of God: Chris Anderson, an Oregon State University English professor, Catholic deacon and 1994 Oregon Book Award finalist, has a new book, "Light When It Comes: Trusting Joy, Facing Darkness, and Seeing God in Everything" (Eerdmans Publishing, 181 pages, $16.99). Anderson calls the book "a collection of short pieces describing the presence of God in our lives -- but in a way that tries to avoid the kind of God-talk that so often puts people off."
By David Sarasohn

Oregonians love government services.

They love thinking up ways to extend them.

Paying for them, not so much.

Next month's ballot offers three different measures to increase state funding to particular services, none with any plans to increase state revenues. This might be a problem, or it just might reflect a touching faith in the ability of the folks in Salem to figure everything out.

Two of them, carving off small pieces of the lottery for veterans' services and for outdoor school, are fairly minor, and the lottery's role as the duct tape of our budget, holding together gaps we'd rather not deal with, may not yet be at the breaking point. It's particularly hard to argue, after the last 15 years, that Oregon shouldn't somehow find another $10 million for its veterans, especially in a state that lacks the support for veterans that a major military base can provide.

It's even hard to argue against Measure 98, providing another $800 for each high school student for technical education and graduation support, in a state with abysmal high school graduation rates and largely abandoned vocational programs. Even students, such as the ones clamoring to attend Portland's Benson High, might show up to vote for this.

And the measure includes a way to come up with the quarter-billion dollars it would cost over the next two-year budget period. The money would come out of the increased revenue, about $1.5 billion, that the state would collect in 2017-2019.

Except - as is so often the case when Oregon devises a clever plan for funding - there's a problem with the number. Oregon will indeed be collecting more revenue in the next two-year period. But considering the increased expenses of 2017-2019, Oregon will actually be short an estimated $1.4 billion to maintain its current service level during those years. That's partly due to PERS costs - which, despite a surplus of indignant posturing, the state will be paying, that being how law works - plus more than $300 million for health care expansion, and the reality that services cost more every biennium: Offering the same 2015-2017 education service level in 2017-2019 will cost an estimated 8.2 percent more.

So the state is short $1.4 billion even before needing $277 million to fund Measure 98, ostensibly out of all the extra money the state will have rolling in.

That plan, says Chuck Sheketoff, executive director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy, "is sort of like going after phony money."

Which, even more problematically, is sort of an Oregon fiscal tradition. For the last quarter-century, Oregon has clung to the idea that it can do big new things - sharply cutting property taxes, massively increasing prison capacity, dramatically improving educational outcomes - without any new connected revenue.

And we're always astonished when it blows up in our faces. Oregon's fiscal inspiration is neither liberal nor conservative: It's Wile E. Coyote.

So, notes Ken Rocco, the state's legislative fiscal officer, passing Measure 98 would give the state a $1.7 billion budget shortfall, and instead of shipping a clear $800 to each high school student, "I think it would just be thrown into the overall rebudgeting the state would have to go through."

Rocco recalls how the legislature responded to a previous initiative measure, dedicating a fixed percentage of lottery money to state parks: "We took all the general fund money out of parks, and just gave them the lottery funds."

Tim Nesbitt, former state AFL-CIO head and advisor to governors, who has been consulting on Measure 98, argues that "To say because we have these problems we shouldn't consider anything new or different for our students is to ignore opportunities," and that Measure 98 could be phased in over time, and voters should give it a place in legislative budget debates.

Still, the basic realities of that debate would change only if voters passed Measure 97, a hefty gross-receipts tax on corporations doing more than $25 million in annual business in Oregon. There are various arguments against Measure 97 - the most widely heard being that the problem of charging a tax is that somebody will have to pay it - but it does produce actual revenue for a state with an eager enthusiasm for government services but an unwillingness to think about Oregon's actual financial realities. We hear the regular urgings that if 97 loses, the legislature could show up in February and produce a revenue package everyone will love - although somehow that's never happened in 25 years.

"Oregon's students and communities would absolutely benefit from more hands-on, professional skill-building opportunities through expanded (Career Technical Education) and (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs," said House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, in a statement Thursday. "But if Measure 97 fails to pass, we will have to turn our focus to maintaining current education investments, including CTE and STEM, and the broader goals of Measure 98 would be difficult to achieve."

Every election is a chance to show who we are, and 2016 is no different.

Voting to generously fund a worthwhile program without the resources would make it clear that we're still Oregon.

David Sarasohn's column appears on the first and third Sundays of the month. He blogs at davidsarasohn.com.
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Supporters of cheer ahead of the arrival of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump before a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Cincinnati.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo)

By E. J. Dionne, Jr.

The urgent task of progressives in this election is to defeat Donald Trump. But even if we succeed, we have a long-term responsibility: to understand why Trump happened and to face up to how failures on the left and center-left have contributed to the flourishing of a new far right, not only in the United States but also across Europe.

The left, you might fairly protest, has enough problems without being blamed for the rise of a dangerous figure who is, first and foremost, a creation of the conservative movement's radicalization and the Republican leadership's pandering to extreme views over many years. When I watch GOP leaders bemoaning their party's fate under Trump (or belatedly jumping off his ship), I am reminded of John F. Kennedy's warning that "those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."

But progressives should resist complacency bred by the idea that the anger on display in this election will soon subside as older voters uneasy with change decline in numbers. Throughout the West, social-democratic and left-liberal parties are facing defections, divisions and decline. Their economic model - combining a market orientation with welfare states, strong unions and regulations - is no longer delivering the broadly shared prosperity that was once its hallmark. Yes, part of the problem, particularly in the United States, comes from a weakening of social protections thanks to conservative policy victories and the resistance of congressional Republicans to social reform. Nonetheless, even if Trump loses big, the center-left has a lot of work and rethinking to do.

The grievances of Trump supporters have been well-covered this year (although it should not have taken both the Trump and Bernie Sanders campaigns to bring them to the fore). Many voters fear that the social and economic world that has defined their lives is irretrievably passing away.

The left is in trouble precisely because it has not responded adequately to this fear or managed to tame the forces that produced it. This is not just a political mistake but also a moral failing.

It is tempting to discount the Trump movement as primarily a backward-looking reaction among less-well-off white voters who can abide neither the cultural changes of the past half-century nor the increasingly diverse country that has come into being since we changed our immigration laws in the mid-1960s. And it's true that racism and nativism have taken particularly vicious forms in this campaign - remember, Trumpism was born in birtherism.

But we can condemn prejudice and still understand the adversity afflicting Trump supporters. And we should acknowledge that those who are angry about what's happened to their lives are not all delusional bigots.

Technological change has undercut incomes and living standards for a significant share of our fellow citizens. An influx of immigrants has shocked certain communities, leading them to experience a genuine sense of displacement and powerlessness in the face of change they cannot control. There are struggles for power as new groups gain political ascendancy and older groups, once a majority, become minorities. There are also battles over material resources as newcomers are perceived as taking jobs (sometimes for lower wages) from groups that once dominated particular fields.

Supporters of immigrant rights need to be sensitive to who pays the highest cost for a more open society. Some remedies are obvious, including additional federal funds to communities whose local budgets have taken a hit as they provide services to large numbers of new residents. Broad egalitarian measures, including a higher minimum wage, can lift the incomes of lower-skilled immigrants and the native born alike. Those who - rightly, in my view - support a generous refugee policy can take care to help those fleeing oppression and violence locate in areas with the capacity to absorb them, and not expect a small number of communities to take an outsize number of those in need. And advocates of immigration reform need to do a far better job of making the case that the rights of the native born are strengthened, not weakened, when millions of undocumented residents are allowed to earn equal rights themselves.

Also feeding populist rebellions on the left as well as on the right is the fact that supporters of an open global economy have simply not been attentive enough to the costs of change. Every trade deal is defended in the same way: There will be a majority of "winners" and a minority of "losers," and the losers will be assisted and compensated. But the assistance and compensation are never adequate, and the trade deals have focused far more on protections for investors than for workers.

We have added hundreds of millions of new workers to the global labor market. This has created a downward-trending bidding war for less-skilled labor, which is particularly tough on the least advantaged workers in the most advanced economies. A much-cited study by three well-known economists, David Autor, David Dorn and Gordon Hanson, found that import growth from China cost 2.4 million American jobs in the 2000s. It must also be stressed that deindustrialization has undercut the opportunities for African Americans in inner cities, as the sociologist William J. Wilson has written. Progressives have an obligation to underscore that angry white Trump voters have grievances and interests in common with their fellow citizens of color.

Yes, trade creates jobs, but it can also destroy them. Those who lose out dramatically will notice trade's impact more readily than those who gain ground gradually.

The global economy is not going away, and the United States draws some real advantages in the worldwide competition it fosters. But unless there are what Jared Bernstein and Lori Wallach have called "new rules of the road" on trade deals, advocates of an open economy will face ever more ferocious opposition. Just as it has often fallen to capitalism's critics to save the system, so might critics of free trade push its advocates to more sustainable approaches.

Progressives and moderates alike also need to recognize that arguments can be sensible as far as they go but still send signals of indifference to those who are losing out. Take a group we might call the "schoolers." They say again and again that there's nothing wrong with our economy that can't be solved by giving more education and more training to more people. The core insight here is certainly right: We must do far better in preparing workers for the economy as it exists.

But especially for older workers, a lot of this talk sounds like a put-down. They can be forgiven for thinking they're being blamed for following the rules that applied when they first entered the workforce: A high school degree and hard work would be enough to allow them to live well and their kids to live even better.

Trump is blowing smoke when he claims he can reopen the old factories and mines. But his promise, however empty, sounds more sympathetic than technocratic talk about "the skills gap." And the education argument should not be used to draw attention away from another problem, the declining bargaining power of workers in a world where unions are weaker. Progressives need new approaches to empowering workers, as David Madland argued recently in a paper for the Center for American Progress.

Then there is the paradox of "cosmopolitanism," a word that captures another aspect of the reaction. Attacks on "rootless cosmopolitans" are the stuff of old forms of anti-Semitism. Trump, whether consciously or not, veered toward a classic anti-Semitic trope on Thursday, when he declared that Hillary Clinton "meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers."

But there is a another, positive understanding of the idea of cosmopolitanism, offered by Princeton philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah. He writes that "two strands . . . intertwine in the notion of cosmopolitanism. One is the idea that we have obligations to others, obligations that stretch beyond those to whom we are related by the ties of kith and kind, or even the more formal ties of a shared citizenship. The other is that we take seriously the value not just of human life but of particular human lives, which means taking an interest in the practices and beliefs that lend them significance."

This should be an aspiration for all of us. And it means that those who live cosmopolitan lives must go about "taking an interest in the practices and beliefs" of those whom the late Rev. Andrew Greeley called "neighborhood people." Being "citizens of the world" is not high on their priority list. They love the particular patch where they were raised or that they have adopted as their own.

I suspect that many of Trump's backers are neighborhood people. Economic change, including globalization, is very hard on them. It can disrupt and empty out the places they revere, driving young people away and undermining the economic base a community needs to survive.

Liberals and conservatives alike insufficiently appreciate what makes neighborhood people tick and why they deserve our respect. Liberals are instinctive cosmopolitans in the citizens-of-the-world sense. They often long for the freedom of big metropolitan areas. Free-market conservatives typically say that if a place can't survive the rigors of market competition, if the factories close, the people left behind are best off if they find somewhere else to live.

Let it be said that there are no simple answers for the plight of neighborhood people who find themselves under siege. Ghost towns are another old story. There are limits to how much a local economy can be propped up when it is pummeled by globalization's gales.

But if there are limits to what can be done to help such places help themselves, this does not mean that nothing can be done. Neighborhood people are the forgotten men and women of an integrating planet. Their affections and loyalties are civic gifts. We should nurture them, not cast them aside.

The far right is still a long way from winning majorities. The center-left's constituency is younger and more diverse and thus much more like the United States of the future. My reading of the polls is that unless we repeal both women's suffrage and the remaining parts of the Voting Rights Act, Trump will lose. The video portraying his disgusting misogyny and the latest round of harassment charges against him have further tilted the electoral playing field Clinton's way.

But to roll back the far right, progressives need fresh thinking about how an innovative economy can make those innovations work on behalf of the many and not just the few. We also need to tend to non-economic matters such as patriotism and a sense of belonging. Citizens worry not only about their pocketbooks but also about how to build community and how to rear children in a challenging time.

Progressives regularly preach empathy and insist that the best way to solve a problem is to deal with its underlying causes. These principles apply as much to the struggles of our political opponents as they do to the problems faced by our allies. Defeating Trump is the first step. Giving an ear and a heart to the legitimate concerns of his supporters is the next.

Liberal elitism will never pave the way for liberal egalitarianism.

E.J. Dionne is a Washington Post columnist, a Brookings scholar, a Georgetown professor and the author of "Why the Right Went Wrong." He delivered a version of this essay last month for the Navin Narayan Memorial Lecture at Harvard University.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post
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Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump listens during the town hall debate at Washington University on October 9, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri.

( Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images)

By Charles Krauthammer

WASHINGTON -- The second presidential debate -- bloody, muddy and raucous -- was just enough to save Donald Trump's campaign from extinction, but not enough to restore his chances of winning, barring an act of God (a medical calamity) or of Putin (a cosmically incriminating WikiLeak).

Charles Krauthammer

That Trump crashed because of a sex-talk tape is odd. It should have been a surprise to no one. His views on women have been on open display for years. And he'd offered a dazzling array of other reasons for disqualification: habitual mendacity, pathological narcissism, profound ignorance and an astonishing dearth of basic human empathy.

To which list Trump added in the second debate, and it had nothing to do with sex. It was his threat, if elected, to put Hillary Clinton in jail.

After appointing a special prosecutor, of course. The niceties must be observed. First, a fair trial, then a proper hanging. The day after the debate at a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump responded to chants of "lock her up," with "Lock her up is right." Two days later, he told a rally in Lakeland, Florida, "She has to go to jail."

Such incendiary talk is an affront to elementary democratic decency and a breach of the boundaries of American political discourse. In democracies, the electoral process is a subtle and elaborate substitute for combat, the age-old way of settling struggles for power. But that sublimation only works if there is mutual agreement to accept both the legitimacy of the result (which Trump keeps undermining with charges that the very process is "rigged") and the boundaries of the contest.

The prize for the winner is temporary accession to limited political power, not the satisfaction of vendettas. Vladimir Putin, Hugo Chavez and a cavalcade of two-bit caudillos lock up their opponents. American leaders don't.

One doesn't even talk like this. It takes decades, centuries, to develop ingrained norms of political restraint and self-control. But they can be undone in short order by a demagogue feeding a vengeful populism.

This is not to say that the investigation into the Clinton emails was not itself compromised by politics. FBI director James Comey's recommendation not to pursue charges was both troubling and puzzling. And Barack Obama very improperly tilted the scales by interjecting, while the investigation was still underway, that Clinton's emails had not endangered national security.

But the answer is not to start a new process whose outcome is preordained. Conservatives have relentlessly, and correctly, criticized this administration for abusing its power and suborning the civil administration (e.g., the IRS). Is the Republican response to do the same?

Wasn't presidential overreach one of the major charges against Obama by the anti-establishment GOP candidates? Wasn't the animating spirit of the entire tea party movement the restoration of constitutional limits and restraints?

In America, we don't persecute political opponents. Which is why we retroactively honor Gerald Ford for his pardon of Richard Nixon, for which, at the time, Ford was widely reviled. It ultimately cost him the presidency. Nixon might well have been convicted. But Ford understood that jailing a president for actions carried out in the context of his official duties would threaten the very civil nature of democratic governance.

What makes Trump's promise to lock her up all the more alarming is that it's not an isolated incident. This is not the first time he's insinuated using the powers of the presidency against political enemies. He has threatened Amazon's Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, for using the newspaper "as a tool for political power against me and other people. ... We can't let him get away with it."

With exercising free political speech?

Trump has gone after others with equal subtlety. "I hear," he tweeted, "the Rickets [sic] family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide!"

He also promises to "open up" libel laws to permit easier prosecution of those who attack him unfairly. Has he ever conceded any attack on him to be fair?

This election is not just about placing the nuclear codes in Trump's hands. It's also about handing him the instruments of civilian coercion, such as the IRS, the FBI, the FCC, the SEC. Think of what he could do to enforce the "fairness" he demands. Imagine giving over the vast power of the modern state to a man who says in advance that he will punish his critics and jail his opponent.

Charles Krauthammer's email address is letterscharleskrauthammer.com.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post Writers Group
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Honoree Bob Dylan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences President Neil Portnow appear onstage at the 25th anniversary MusiCares 2015 Person Of The Year Gala honoring Bob Dylan at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

(Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

By Adam Bradley

Nora Ephron once asked Bob Dylan whether he considered himself a poet, by which she meant if he thought his words could "stand without the music." Dylan responded, "They would stand, but I don't read them. I'd rather sing them." Clearly, he's not alone: On Thursday, we learned that Dylan had won the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature, "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition." In other words, Dylan won for being a poet who happens to sing.

It's about time.

Joining the ranks of William Butler Yeats (1923), T. S. Eliot (1948), William Faulkner (1949), Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1982) and Toni Morrison (1993), the last American winner, the award establishes that Dylan is a writer first and a rock star second. That his words, as Dylan once said himself, stand alone: "It ain't the melodies that are important, man, it's the words."

In recognizing Dylan, the Nobel committee no doubt meant to honor those words, but also to stir things up - to unsettle the literary establishment by inviting a pop star to crash their party; perhaps, also, to send a not-so-subtle rebuke to a generation of American authors it deems unfit for the honor.

As much as the Swedish Academy might feel as if it is shaking things up, though, conferring the award on Dylan is actually a fairly safe move. After all, his lyrics stand up well on the page; they comport themselves as poems. Witness the collection of lyrics edited by literary critic Christopher Ricks in 2014, presenting Dylan's words as if they were torn from Wordsworth and Coleridge's "Lyrical Ballads." Recall that in that same year, Dylan's handwritten draft of "Like a Rolling Stone" sold for more than $2 million. His literary cred was already established.

As a poet, Dylan's art is most apparent in the studied imperfection of his rhymes. There's something unsettling but appealing in the lack of rhyme resolution in this couplet from "Thunder on the Mountain": "I'm gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of bitches / I'll recruit my army from the orphanages." Technically, this is a mosaic slant rhyme - mosaic in that Dylan rhymes multiple words ("sons of bitches") with a single four-syllable word ("orphanages"), and slant in that "sons of bitches" and "orphanages" do not constitute a perfect rhyme. He's a poet. That's hard to dispute.

The real question is this: How far are we willing now to open the door to consider the literary merit of others' song lyrics? In the years to come, might the Nobel committee consider the work of Nas or Kendrick Lamar? Joni Mitchell or Taylor Swift? Will Dylan's award prove an exception, or will it establish new rules?

Popular song lyrics are the pulse of contemporary poetry - provided we do not restrict them to the written word alone. "Of all the nonsense that has been written about the poetry of Neil Young, Paul Simon, or even Bob Dylan," Greil Marcus writes in "Mystery Train," "no one has ever said anything about Jimi Hendrix's 'Little Wing.' The poetry question, especially when we are dealing with a song, has to do with how a writer uses language - and his music will be part of his language - to make words do things they ordinarily do not do, with how he tests the limits of language and alters and extends the conventional impact of images, or rescues resources of language that we have lost or destroyed."

Marcus does not reject Young, Simon and Dylan as artists; he rejects the myopic assessment that imputes poetic value to their lyrics in silence. Hendrix's poetic appeal best expresses itself in recorded sound, in the grain of Hendrix's voice. That the way Hendrix sings the word "anything," from 1:33 to 1:36 of "Little Wing," is just as worthy of poetic attention as an exalted Dylan line imbricated in rhyme.

In 2013, former NPR critic Bill Wyman made the case for Dylan to receive the Nobel. "His lyricism is exquisite," Wyman wrote. "His concerns and subjects are demonstrably timeless; and few poets of any era have seen their work bear more influence." The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards sees it differently.

"I don't think that rock & roll songwriters should worry about art," Richards once said. "I don't think it comes into it. A lot of it is just craft anyway, especially after doing it for a long time. . . . art is the last thing I'm worried about when I'm writing a song. I don't think it really matters. If you want to call it art, yeah, OK, you can call it what you like. As far as I'm concerned, 'Art' is just short for 'Arthur.' "

Richards is onto something. Some of the reasons a song lyric works well as a poem are the same reasons that it works well in a recorded song: lyric concision, perhaps, but also occasional superfluity; imagistic beauty, but also an artful ugliness. At the same time, some of what makes for a good poem can get in the way of a good lyric -- assonance, for instance, which can create a small, beautiful music on the page, might clash with the music in performance as song; or a rich accretion of image, which might choke out the space necessary for the music to breathe. Let's hope this recognition of Dylan's work will inspire us to hear song lyrics -- Dylan's and others' - anew: as both a musical and literary form.

Adam Bradley is a professor of English at the University of Colorado, Boulder where he presently teaches the course, "The Poetics of American Song Lyrics" and the author of the forthcoming, "The Poetry of Pop."
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department.

Friday, Oct. 14

1:35 a.m.  Property was stolen from the 4000 block of Holland Drive.

Thursday, Oct. 13

3:40 a.m.  Police were sent to the 800 block of Village East Drive for a report of theft and prowling.

5:35 a.m.  A deputy was sent to Homer Township to investigate a report of a stolen vehicle.

10:11 a.m.  Deputies are investigating a hit and run crash that occurred in Homer Township. The vehicle involved was reported as stolen a short time before the crash occurred.

1:30 p.m.  A Larkin Township resident reported a hunting rifle missing. The rifle was last seen in 2012.

3:44 p.m.  Outbuildings on property in Edenville Township were broken into. Stolen was a total of $345 worth of property.

5:25 p.m.  Gasoline, valued at $33.18, was stolen from a Greendale Township gas station.

6:22 p.m.  An Edenville Township girl, 16, became disorderly then left her home. A deputy located the girl, and left her with her father and her counselor.

6:27 p.m.  A Bay City man, 37, was arrested in Midland for driving on a suspended license.

7:35 p.m.  A padlock was cut off a Homer Township storage unit door. There is no indication any property was missing.

8:33 p.m.  A Midland man, 22, was arrested for marijuana possession after a traffic stop in Midland.

9:21 p.m.  Property was stolen from the 700 block of Village East Drive.

9:58 p.m.  A Sanford man, 34, was arrested for heroin possession as well as on a warrant listing a charge of heroin possession.

10:04 p.m.  Officers responded to a call of domestic violence at a Glencoe Street address.

11:04 p.m.  A Lee Township man, 34, and an Edenville Township woman, 31, were arrested at an Edenville Township home for probation violations.

11:30 p.m.  Police made an arrested for marijuana possession at Eastman Avenue and Harcrest Drive.
To the editor:

The members of Right to Life of Midland County would like to thank the many individuals and organizations who made our 2016 Focus on Life dinner a success.

We are deeply grateful to our guest speaker, Louis Brown, executive director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, for his inspiring talk about religious liberty and our right of conscience in the work to protect the dignity of life.

We also thank our dinner sponsors for their generous support of the Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund, as well as our table hosts, New Life Vineyard Church, State Rep. Gary Glenn, St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, Knights of Columbus JC Hickey Assembly 2974, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Knights of Columbus Council 8043, Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Frank Allbee family, Knights of Columbus Council 2141, Pregnancy Aid of Midland County and Patricia Curtis. We are deeply honored by your support.

A special thanks to the youth group of Our Lady of Grace Parish for your enthusiasm in making all of our guests feel welcome and for your commitment to be the champions of the unborn in generations to come.

To all of our guests, we appreciate your generosity in supporting programs that foster respect and protection for human life.

LORIE SHANE

Secretary

Midland County Right to Life
'Two divisions of the Khalifa's army (about 6,000 men under Osman Digna and 8,000 men under the Emir Osman Azrak) put their faith in Allah and charged straight at the British camp. They wore the holy uniform of the patched(plus, in some cases, chain mail). They advanced in an enormous crescent, brandishing their spears and their texts from the Koran, and chanting, like thefrom the minaret,  (There is but one God and Muhammad is his Prophet). The shells knocked holes in their lines, but the holes were soon filled. From 2,000 yards the British infantry started volley-firing with their smokeless Lee-Merfords. Still the Dervishes came on steadily, now running, now walking. The Maxims then joined in. At 800 yards' range the Egyptian and Sundanese battalions followed with their Martini-Henrys, firing black powder. There was pandemonium in the British camp, and the enemy was lost in the smoke  British infantry were firing volleys shoulder to shoulder, with the front rank kneeling and the rear rank standing  As the smoke cleared, shot and mangled, 2,000 men at least [lay] in crumpled heaps. Thousands more were retreating, wounded. Not a single man had survived to reach the British firing line.'
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BLOOMINGTON  State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said Friday he's "optimistic" state officials will resolve transportation funding problems before a potential Connect Transit shutdown in January.

Ill be an advocate, with many others, to see where other state funds may be directed for transit and downstate transit ... and how soon, to stabilize their operations, he told The Pantagraph.

Brady said he expects some action during the Legislature's fall veto session, which will begin Nov. 15.

Connect Transit is one of many transit systems, especially downstate, facing major budget issues because the state is behind on payments to them. Rural provider Show Bus, which serves seven Central Illinois counties, including McLean, DeWitt, Ford and Livingston, also is in danger of suspending service, at an undetermined date.

Rich Carter, a spokesman for Comptroller Leslie Munger, said transit payments are behind due to the state's ongoing general fund bill backlog, currently $9.3 billion, and low revenue, especially in October and November.

Payments right now are averaging about four months in arrears, he said.

Downstate transportation money is generated by state sales tax that flows into the general fund. It's then transferred to a fund specifically for transportation, but that transfer is overdue.

Transit systems are expected to be paid quarterly, but Connect Transit and Show Bus weren't paid in July or October. Both draw about two-thirds of their total revenue from the state.

Carter said the backlog is exacerbated by court-mandated and statutorily required payments, including general state aid for schools and employee salaries.

"In October, we will have enough to make those payments, but there will be nothing left over, he said.

Brady said some funds may have surpluses that can be used for transit, but "those areas are going to be protected like a mother lion watching her cub."

He did not specify which funds may be targeted.

We'll be trying to find those funds somewhere in the six-month state budget that has not been spent yet, which will be difficult, he said, referring to the stopgap spending plan approved over the summer to run from July 1 through December.

Both said the ultimate solution is to pass a balanced long-term budget. Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislators have fought over how to do that.

Brady said he hasn't heard from constituents yet about their concerns, but Connect Transit contacted him this month, and Heartland Community College President Rob Widmer told him Friday his students rely on Connect Transit.

Ill be doing everything I can to stabilize the financial picture for Connect Transit and fulfilling the states obligations to the best of our ability, he said.
SPRINGFIELD  A campaign-season film that takes a critical look at Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago is coming to the small screen starting this weekend.

The film from Illinois Policy Action  the advocacy arm of the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, which has close ties to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner  will begin airing Saturday in the Central Illinois television markets in Decatur, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana. It will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Peoria's WEEK Channel 25 (see accompanying chart).

There also are plans to make it available online later this month.

Titled Madigan: Power, Privilege, Politics, the film has stirred controversy since it was announced in mid-September.

It comes as Republicans are spending millions of dollars in campaign money, much of it coming from Rauners political fund and personal bank account, to tie Democratic candidates for the General Assembly to Madigan, who is also chairman of the state Democratic Party. Rauner and his fellow Republicans hope to cut into the Democrats supermajorities in the House and Senate in the Nov. 8 election.

The hourlong movie, which premiered this week at movie theaters in Springfield and Downers Grove, is in line with the Republican message that Madigan and his decades in power are to blame for Illinois many economic and fiscal woes. The Illinois GOP has said the party had no involvement with the film.

Because Illinois Policy Action is registered as a tax-exempt social welfare organization, it is barred from participating in partisan politics. The designation also means the group doesnt have to disclose its donors or most of its expenditures.

Spokeswoman Diana Rickert said when the film was announced that the group wont ever get involved in party politics and that its release was timed to coincide with the election because thats when voters are most engaged.

Information on how much the group paid for airtime altogether was not yet available Friday from the Federal Communications Commission. However, the organization is spending $27,000 to broadcast the film a total of five times on TV stations WBUI, WICS and WRSP, which reach households in the Decatur, Springfield and Champaign-Urbana areas, said Jennifer Valenti, the stations local sales manager.

One of the controversies surrounding the film is how much interview subjects were told about who was producing it.

Capitol Fax blog creator Rich Miller, whose political column appears in newspapers around the state, has said he wasnt told Illinois Policy Action was involved and wouldnt have agreed to an interview if he had been. Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, a frequent critic of Madigan, wrote that he knew the group was involved but apologized for taking part because doing so was inconsistent with the Tribunes mission as an independent newspaper.

There has also been inconsistent information about how involved the Illinois Policy Institute was in the production.

The team at Illinois Policy Action was enthusiastic to give us complete creative control in order to produce a film thats fair to its subject and participants, executive producer John Papola of Austin, Texas-based video production company Emergent Order said in a prepared statement late last month. Their stated goal was to shine a light on a vitally important person in their state about whom the general public knew very little.

However, following a screening for the news media Tuesday in Chicago, Papola acknowledged that the film was written by the Illinois Policy Institutes Austin Berg.

Austin brought a wealth of knowledge to the table that would have been very difficult for us to produce from scratch, Papola said, according to Politicos Illinois Playbook.

Viewers should bear these facts in mind as they watch the film, said Jay Rosenstein, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who teaches at the University of Illinois. Rosenstein had yet to see the film as of Friday, but hed watched the trailer and read news coverage about it.

This movie has already been sort of promoted and branded as a documentary, and from what Ive seen and heard, it certainly doesnt fit the definition of a documentary to me, Rosenstein said. Theres a big universe of nonfiction film, and documentary is just one small part of that.

He added, When a so-called documentary has been produced and financed by an organization that is clearly a partisan political organization, you already should be suspicious.
Barbara Judge applauded the way maternity leave was catered to in the United States. According to her, it's perfectly fine for companies to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for firms that employ more than 50 people.

Judge recommended that British system should also change their ways of allowing a complete year off to women. She stressed that this was bad for women's career expansion and also put them at a risk of losing their jobs.

"My mother used to say: 'When a baby is born it needs to be fed, bathed and diapered," Judge told the audience at the Wealth Management Association, as per The Telegraph. "An 18-year-old girl can do that. Your job is to get the money to pay the 18-year-old girl. When you have to be there is when the child gets smarter than the nanny."

The issue on how long mothers and fathers should spend off work when they have children is almost always debatable. Although they can always return earlier, women are allowed 39 paid weeks off work in the UK.

In contrast, men can take up to two consecutive paid weeks off work as a paternity leave. Last year, new rights came into effect, which permitted a total of 50 weeks off to be shared between the parents of which 37 would be paid.

The most evident reason behind making the decision of rejoining work is the cost of childcare. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group if 35 industrialized nations, put forward a study that showed childcare costs in Britain are considered to be the highest in the western world.

According to a report from Citizens Advice, parents have to spend an average 11,300 annually on childcare. Such questions often rise up such as, "how long did you have off with your child, and do you have any regrets?

The choice pretty much lies in the hands of parents. Despite the fact that it is economically feasible to continue as an employee, one's child might have to pay the price. A baby does have greater needs that to be just fed and cleaned regularly. The love and affection of a mother is scientifically proven to be a great asset for the child's mental and psychological development.
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Patently Apple posted a report yesterday titled "Samsung's Note 7 Crisis Costs will Rise to 6 Billion and Airlines Rush to Adopt Fire-Containment Bags." I noted in that report that "The Southwest Airlines incident with a Galaxy Note7 catching on fire on October fifth turned the tide of public opinion against Samsung. Even Samsung's heir apparent admitted that the incident was the trigger for him to pull the plug on blundered smartphone. The incident put the airline industry into panic mode. In short order they've now begun to outfit planes with fire-containment bags capable of withstanding 1,760C heat to stop smartphone and laptop battery fires from spreading throughout the plane.

One Android fan commented on that report saying "What's somewhat disturbing is how some of those consumers who bought the Galaxy Note 7 said they are still going to keep using them and they don't care if they put others at risk on airplanes and other public transportation where they've been asked not to use them."

I responded by saying: "Yes it's disturbing and they should realize that if they get burnt, there's no suing Samsung for failing to return the Note7. If a fire is onboard a plane due to their Note7 and someone is injured - it will land them in jail. While stupid isn't assigned to Samsung fans alone, this is over the top."

Late yesterday the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced it is issuing an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated in the press release that "We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority. We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye added that "The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall. I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It's the right thing to do and the safest thing to do."

What Air Travelers Should Know

If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, they will be denied boarding.

Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone.

If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Note7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests themselves and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage.

For additional information on returning your recalled Galaxy Note7 device to the manufacturer, call 1-800-SAMSUNG or 1-800-726-7864 or visit the website: http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/ [external link]

For additional information about safe travel with lithium batteries and other potentially hazardous materials, visit the DOT Safe Travel Website at http://phmsa.dot.gov/safetravel/batteries.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
For the second year, Port Washington will host its own Restaurant Week which is being organized by the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District (BID).

Starting Sunday, October 16 and running through Sunday, October 23, all of the participating restaurants will be offering a three-course Prix-Fixe menu for just $25. (On Saturday, October 22 only available to 7pm).
Ms. Lindsay Hansen-Park, founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives podcast, has published a piece on the non-Mormon Quartz blog entitled Hillary Clinton sounds powerful when she speaksand thats exactly why some women wont give her the vote.

It immediately becomes obvious that, by some women, she intends many Mormon women.

The article is perhaps worth a read:

Hillary Clinton sounds powerful when she speaksand thats exactly why some women wont give her the vote

Here are three initial reactions to her essay from one privileged patriarchal male:

*

Granted that there is nowhere near gender parity among the general officers of the Church, Ms. Hansen-Park nonetheless exaggerates when she contrasts 300+ male General Authorities to only nine female leaders. She has more than doubled the number of male General Authorities by, I hypothesize, counting Area Authorities as General Authorities  which, by definition, they arent.

*

Theres probably some truth to the notion of a Primary Voice, but, again, Ms. Hansen-Park exaggerates it by comparing a sixteen-year-old General Conference talk by Margaret Nadauld  why did she need to go back so far to find her specimen?  to Hillary Clintons 2016 Democratic National Convention speech. Why does she include no General Conference talks by male leaders for comparison? I would bet that Governor Mitt Romneys speech to the 2012 Republican National Convention was different in tone and style from any talk that Mr. Romney ever gave as an ecclesiastical leader in Massachusetts. General Conference talks by men, no less than by women, are typically soothing, non-threatening, and full of easy-to-access examples and metaphors. Theyre virtually never strident, loud, or shrill in the manner of a political rally. The reverent, devotional atmosphere of a Mormon worship service will always differ considerably from the raucous partisan boosterism of a political convention.

*

Ms. Hansen-Park is at least as dismissive of Mormon women in her article as most patriarchal males are likely to be. She mentions the conservative political views that prevail in Utah, but fails to accord them any actual significance. She allows them no explanatory role for the relative lack of enthusiasm that Utah Mormon women feel for Mrs. Clinton. Instead, not granting that Utah Mormon women might have real reasoning minds and actual views, she sees Mrs. Clintons failure to gain support in Utah as a byproduct of the enculturation of powerless females at the hands, largely, of dominant Mormon males. Her own implicitly liberal political views are, it would seem, the default setting for rational thinkers. Not to agree with her is, ipso facto, to prove oneself unempowered and irrational. But is it not possible that Utah Mormon women actually reject Mrs. Clintons political ideas and disapprove of her record? By seeming not even to consider that explanatory option, is Ms. Hansen-Park not infantilizing Latter-day Saint women, just as some Church-critical feminists claim Mormonism itself does?
Prominent Iranian Rights Activist Narges Mohammadi Rejects Prison Sentence in Stinging Open Letter

10/15/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

In an open letter from Evin Prison prominent human rights defender Narges Mohammadi has strongly rejected the Appeals Courts decision upholding her harsh prison sentence, describing it as a tyrannical way to silence her activism.



Narges Mohammadi with her children (file photo)



I am a 44-year-old woman condemned to 22 years in prison by the Islamic Republic of Iran and I know very well that this is not the end of the story, wrote Mohammadi in a letter published on the reformist Kaleme website on October 7, 2016. I have no doubt that those who provided the ink for penning such rulings and those who used it to write them, as well as the noble people of my country, all know I have committed no crime or sin to deserve such a harsh punishment. I have faith in the path I have chosen, the actions I have taken, as well as my beliefs. I am determined to make human rights a reality [in Iran] and have no regrets.

If those who claim to be spreading justice are firm on their judgment against me, I am also firm on my faith and beliefs. I will not waiver under tyrannical punishments that will limit my freedom to the four walls of the prison cell. I will endure this incarceration, but I will never accept it as lawful, human or moral, and I will always speak out against this injustice.

In September 2016 Branch 26 of the Tehran Appeals Court upheld Mohammadis 16-year prison sentence consisting of 10 years for membership in the [now banned] Defenders of Human Rights Center, five years for assembly and collusion against national security, and one year for propaganda against the state. She will become eligible for release after serving 10 years in prison.

Mohammadi, who has two young children, must also serve six years of an 11-year prison sentence issued in 2011 for assembly and collusion against national security, membership in the [now banned] Defenders of Human Rights Center, and propaganda against the state. It remains unclear if she could serve that sentence concurrently with her most recent sentence.

I have been arrested four times and sentenced three times, wrote Mohammadi. This time I have been punished not just for what I have done, but also for what [according to the court] I have not done. In the ruling against me they have said my human rights activities were politically motivated because I organized rallies to protest acid attacks on women instead of caring about homeless women, drug addicts and prostitutes.

Further down in her letter Mohammadi rebutted the accusation that she had not extended her human rights activism to issues mentioned by the court while discussing womens rights in Iran: I have been accused of not visiting homeless women. But in court I mentioned an example... of a young woman we visited with some of my colleagues. Her husband had married other women and abandoned her and their children. She worked as a taxi driver in the summer heat and winter cold to be able to feed her children. But since men are in charge, she was not able to step out of the country because she needed her husbands permission.

In a land where men are legally allowed to marry four women and have unlimited temporary marriages, is it not common to see abandoned homeless women?... The result of such injustice by men, as the legal head and guardian of the family, is nothing but the disintegration of the family, is it not?

Mohammadi also mentioned the case of a sociology professor who was forced into exile in March 2016 after serving a four-year prison sentence for his peaceful political activism: Was it right to reward academics such as Saeed Madani with solitary confinement [in Evin Prison] for all his scientific and humanitarian studies about phenomena such as prostitution?

Mohammadis most recent arrest on May 5, 2015, ostensibly on the older charges, was more accurately related to her meeting in Tehran with the European Unions foreign policy chief in March 2014.
Attorney Arrested in Iran for Wearing Green Movement Shirt

10/15/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

An attorney has been arrested in western Iran for wearing a shirt honoring the Green Movement, an informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.



Mohammad Najafi wearing a shirt with "Ashura 88" written on it





Mohammad Najafi was arrested on October 11 [2016] in Shazand, Markazi Province, by agents of the Intelligence Ministry for appearing in public with a shirt that had Ashura 88 printed on it. For his release, bail has been set at 200 million tomans ($63,400 USD), said the source.

Usually the bail amount is lower, but Najafi had a prior arrest, the source told the Campaign. Shazand is a small town and it would be difficult to meet the bail amount. At the moment, he doesnt have enough [money to pay it] and his family doesnt know what to do.

Mr. Najafi had been arrested during Ashura in 2009 for taking part in the famous protests in Tehran. That day had a special meaning for him, and he wanted to remind people of the protests and the crackdown that took place, added the source.

The Green Movement arose in opposition to the outcome of Irans 2009 presidential election, which resulted in the widely disputed victory of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The peaceful protests that swept Iran after the election were violently put down by the state and are still a highly sensitive subject, referred to by hardliners as the sedition.

Ashura 88 is a reference to the mass protests of that year that peaked during the Ashura religious festival in the Iranian year of 1388 (on December 27, 2009).

According to the source, Najafi has been taken into custody on numerous occasions since 2009 for his peaceful activism. He is also facing two charges of public disturbance for posting comments on the internet that were critical of the Islamic Republic and for making speeches at civil society gatherings, but neither case has proceeded to trial.
A judge turned aside a challenge Friday Oct. 14 to a wiretap authorized by the No. 2 man in the Riverside County prosecutors office that a drug case defendant said was illegal because only the district attorney should have signed it.

The case is one of several challenges of wiretaps that were generated by the District Attorneys Office during the four-year term of Paul Zellerbach, who lost a bid for re-election in 2014.

Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Van Wagenen signed the wiretap that was challenged Friday in Riverside County Superior Court.

Because the wiretap was illegal, evidence it produced that led to the arrest of Christian Agraz, 33, of Chula Vista was illegally obtained, Agrazs lawyer, Jan Ronis, argued. Agraz is charged with possession of illegal drugs.

But Judge John Molloy turned down Ronis motion after a nearly four-hour pretrial hearing that included the introduction of a news release that showed Zellerbach was not in his Riverside office the day the warrant was issued. He was at a program encouraging school attendance in Hemet.

Zellerbach, who took the witness stand, said he recalled going to the event.

Ronis said he would appeal.

Ronis and his co-counsel, Guadalupe Valencia, said case law allowed a subordinates signature only in extreme cases, such as when San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos was unreachable to sign a warrant application because a family member was hospitalized.

Riverside Senior Deputy District Attorney Ivy Fitzpatrick said during the hearing that the county followed state legislative intent and court cases that allowed the district attorney to delegate a broad range of duties to a designated person, and Van Wagenen was that person.

Molloy said the district attorney was out of the office, and the distance  whether he was in Sacramento or across the street  made no difference.

Wiretapping came under scrutiny in Riverside County when a state attorney generals report showed that judges approved 624 warrants requested by prosecutors in 2014, the most in any U.S. county. For 2013-2014, the county numbers were more than double the next closest total.

RELATED

Warrant issued for arrest of ex-District Attorney Zellerbach

Contact the writer: 951-368-9075 or gwesson@scng.com
A 36-year-old Moreno Valley woman illegally helped her husband flee to Mexico to avoid sentencing in an immigration case, according to a federal indictment.

Elba Soto was charged Wednesday, Oct. 12, with being an accessory after the fact and making false statements to U.S. Marshals. She is being held without bail until her Oct. 19 arraignment in U.S. District Court in Riverside.

Soto is accused of driving her husband  Jose Guadalupe Vega-Zunigato Mexico so he could avoid sentencing. Hed pleading guilty to illegal reentry into the U.S. after having been deported. His sentencing is set for Monday.

Vega-Zuniga admitted being deported to his native Mexico four times between 2000 and 2008, U.S. Attorneys Office spokesman Thom Mrozek said in a written statement. Vega-Zuniga also admitted hed been convicted of drug trafficking and assault with a deadly weapon.

Photographic evidence shows that Soto drove across the U.S.-Mexico border Aug. 18, according to the statement, with her husband in the passenger seat.

He faces a maximum prison term of 20 years. If convicted as charged, she could be imprisoned for as long as 15 years, federal officials say.
SAN BERNARDINO  The city is moving forward with a program credited with dramatically reducing violence in other cities.

City officials have studied versions of the program, known as Ceasefire, for more than a year  since before this years spike in shootings, with 52 people killed since Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, community advocates organized by Inland Congregations United for Change have pushed the city to move forward with the plan  repeatedly marching through crime hot spots and delivering 2,300 signatures in support as of Monday.

The sooner its implemented, the church and community leaders of ICUC said again Monday, the sooner San Bernardino can begin seeing the type of homicide decreases other cities have witnessed since implementing Ceasefire: 30 percent in Oakland, 55 percent in Stockton and 63 percent in Richmond, for example.

But dont expect a huge turnaround right away.

Ceasefires specifics vary from city to city, and a 4-0 vote Monday just directs City Manager Mark Scott to pursue a $175,000 partnership with California Partnerships for Safe Communities, the consultant thats helped cities in California and other states do analysis, program building and monitoring.

We dont suggest that something like this will cut rates in half in 12 months, Scott said. Hopefully, within two years you will start seeing that kind of an impact.

More than the $175,000 consultant payment will be needed later to hire staff and others, with the budget for that likely coming from money slated to go to police officers, Scott said. The Police Department is recruiting aggressively but remains unable to find qualified candidates for the 259 sworn officer positions the City Council has approved.

What is Ceasefire?

Chris Lopez, chief of staff to Mayor Carey Davis, said in a presentation Monday that Ceasefire really means five things:

1. In-depth analysis of risk

2. Direct, respectful communication

3. Intensive, relationship-based case management  a blend of outreach and case management

4. Intelligence-based, targeted enforcement, informed by the principles of procedural justice

5. All implemented continuously as a closely coordinated, joint strategy to reduce shootings citywide.

Research that controls for other possible reasons for violence reduction shows Ceasefire works, Lopez said.

Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said he first looked at Ceasefire after then-City Manager Allen Parker saw a presentation on it and organized a trip with Burguan and other city and school district officials to Chicago.

Chicagos model didnt quite fit for San Bernardino, Burguan said, but he continued studying. That led to a trip to Oakland with other police, City Council members, the mayor and his staff to look at what that city has done.

Although skeptical of some of the statistics that look at subsets of violence, Burguan said Ceasefire would be a good addition for San Bernardino.

In a report provided to the City Council, California Partnerships writes that Ceasefire reduces not just shootings but over-incarceration and frayed relations between police and the community.

News stories about Ceasefire often describe it as a carrot-and-stick approach that rewards young men who step away from violence while targeting those who dont with intensive enforcement, the consultants write. But Ceasefires most distinctive feature involves an alliance of civic, criminal justice and community leaders communicating a respectful and compassionate anti-violence message to young people at highest risk of violence.

Contact the writer: rhagen@scng.comTwitter: @rmhagen
Current and former San Bernardino leaders clashed Thursday in a televised debate over whether replacing the city charter would help or hinder economic development, corruption and the future of the city.

Measure L would replace the citys charter  in place, with amendments, since 1905  with a new one.

In broad strokes, that means the city would go from a modified version of a strong mayor form of government to a council-manager form; the positions of city attorney, city clerk and city treasurer would no longer be elected; and elections would shift from odd-number to even-number years, among other changes.

But what that means for the average citizen was the source of passionate disagreement.

We need a new modern city charter thats consistent with the broadly accepted best practices that successful cities all around us have been using for years, said Susan Lien Longville, arguing in favor of Measure L. We need to close the door on the old, cumbersome charter that helped pave the way down the road to bankruptcy.

Former City Attorney James F. Penman disputed that the charter had anything to do with bankruptcy: The city thrived under it for years, and bad political decisions are to blame for squandering a budget surplus, he said.

What the proposed new charter would do, he said, is take power away from the people.

It would change from a voter, citizen-friendly charter to a City Hall-runs-the-roost charter, he said, referencing the first and 16th president of the United States in support of more elections.

Penman continued: Abraham Lincoln said, In leaving the peoples business in the hands of the people, we cannot be wrong.  Are you going to leave the peoples business in your hands, the voters, or are you going to hand it over to someone hired by a politician?

Longville partnered with Carey Davis, the citys mayor, in an hourlong debate against Penman and resident Amelia Sanchez-Lopez, hosted by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce.

Opponents of the proposed charter zeroed in on how the proposed new charter shifts power from being directly in the hands of elected officials  accountable to the people  to officials hired by the City Council who they say cannot as effectively combat corruption.

Proponents of the new charter say having those elected positions causes confusing lines of authority and encourages officials to act politically rather than give good counsel.

Contact the writer: rhagen@scng.com
The United States continues to lag in its efforts to close startling racial and income gaps in college completion rates, a top Obama Administration official said Friday.

By age 24, people from the poorest families are three times less likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those from the wealthiest families, Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell said in a speech at UC Riverside.

Whites who are young adults are twice as as likely as black Americans to complete a bachelors degree, while students who are the first in their families to attend college are three times more likely to drop out than those whose parents are college graduates.

We have a ways to go, Mitchell said. As a nation, we are still far off from the presidents goal of becoming first in the world in college completion.

Mitchells appearance at UCR came after he spent the day with educators and students in Riverside, including trips to Riverside City College and meetings with high school and community college officials.

Mitchell, who was confirmed by the Senate as under secretary in 2014, oversees programs including post-secondary education, federal student aid and initiatives to help more students of color graduate from college.

He praised UCR for its commitment to diversity and inclusion as an essential element of an excellent education, noting that 56 percent of its undergraduate students receive Pell Grants to pay for college, 16 points higher the UC average. More than half are the first in their families to attend college, also well above the UC average, he said.

UCR has dramatically increased college completion rates in recent years, Mitchell said.

Six-year graduation rates for black and Latino students at UCR are considerably higher the national average for those groups, he said.

You are doing a lot right, he said.

Mitchell discussed higher education investments including expanded federal student aid and tools to help students with college searches. He touted a proposed partnership with states to offer two years of free community college and zero or low-cost tuition for low-income students at four-year universities such as UCR.

The administration also has worked to make it more affordable for students to repay loans, he said.

California has room for improvement, he said.

Last year, nearly a quarter of first-year students entering Cal State Universities needed to take remedial math. The rate for black students was 48 percent and 38 percent for Latinos, he said.

Nearly three fourths of the states incoming community college students from 2012 to 2014 required remedial courses, he said.

Educators must ensure kids are prepared for higher education.

UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox, who held a brief question and answer session with Mitchell after his speech, agreed.

Were trying to make this not just about course completion, but also about mastery, Wilcox said.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9292, stwall@scng.com,
Authorities say a drug-induced Needles resident smashed his ex-girlfriends windshield while cradling an 11-month-old child.

Matthew Kormes, 22, is being held on suspicion of child endangerment, a San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department news release states.

The incident was reported at 5:47 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, near Broadway and G streets in Needles, about a mile from the Arizona border.

Kormes used a stereo hed ripped from the vehicle to break the windshield, causing shards of glass and dust to be sprayed in the direction of the child, the release states.

Investigators say Kormes was under the influence of methamphetamine.

The child was released to its mother. No injuries were reported.

Kormes bail has been set at $100,000.

Anyone with information related to the crime is urged to contact Deputy Tyler Bengard at 760-326-9200.
Devout Catholic Don Nelson was about as pro-death penalty as one can be.

Then his mom was beaten to death with a tire iron by Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker, who broke into her home.

She was two years away from the retirement she was looking forward to, Nelson said.

The 72-year-old Temecula man choked up in an interview Thursday, Oct. 13, as he recalled her brutal murder 31 years ago, and the day a short time later when authorities captured Ramirez, ending the trail of terror he blazed that brutally hot and fearful summer.

His wife Patty Nelson, 71, said they rejoiced when the self-professed Satan worshiper was sentenced to death for 13 murders.

All the jurors voted for the death penalty, and we were so happy, she said. Just because I knew that he was going to be gone. He deserved it.

Fast forward three decades. The Nelsons anger and pain remains.

Even today I dont think there really is closure, Don Nelson said. How do you find closure when you have to go to a grave to visit your mom?

But the Nelsons have forgiven Ramirez and no longer believe anyone should be put to death for a crime.

The members of St. Mother of Teresa of Calcutta parish in Winchester are poised to vote in favor of Prop. 62, which would repeal Californias death penalty.

DEATH ON BALLOT

California voters once again are being asked to wrestle with their consciences on capital punishment.

In 2012, voters rejected Prop. 34, which would have eliminated the death penalty. On Nov. 8, they will face that decision again in the form of Prop. 62, which seeks to replace the maximum sentence of death with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. It would retroactively apply to existing death sentences.

A competing measure on the ballot, Prop. 66, would preserve the death penalty. It also aims to speed up the slow process of litigating appeals for death row prisoners.

We need to fix it or get rid of it, said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. Prop. 66 is a group of common-sense reforms to the death penalty. I think it makes sense to give these reforms a try.

Appeals often drag on for decades because there arent enough attorneys to take cases. Hestrin said Prop. 66 would expand the pool of eligible attorneys.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, statewide co-chairman for the No on 62, Yes on 66 campaign, said California should keep the death penalty.

Its all about justice for victims, bottom line, Ramos said by phone.

Many times, he said, life in prison is justice.

However, I dont know how a life term would be justice for a serial killer, for a person who intentionally murders a police officer in the line of duty, or for a person who rapes or tortures their victims before killing them, Ramos said.

TERRIBLE SUMMER

In any event, Patty Nelson said she and her husband have gone from viewing Ramirez as the essence of evil to a human being created by God. And they have begun to heal, thanks to an inquisitive and sensitive nun, a conversation with a holocaust survivor and trips to state prisons with the children of inmates.

Such feelings were impossible to imagine during that terrible summer of 1985.

Southern California had been rocked by multiple serial murderers, among them Charles Manson, the Zodiac and Freeway Killer. Now a new wave of terror was spreading, as the Night Stalker repeatedly killed at random after entering homes through unlocked doors and open windows.

It was so hot, Patty Nelson recalled. Everybody seems to remember the heat when Richard Ramirez was going around.

One such night, Ramirez entered the Monterey Park home of Joyce Nelson, 60, through a window. It was July 7, 1985.

Don and Patty Nelson lived in West Covina at the time. The following morning  a Sunday  Patty Nelson took the couples two daughters to Mass. Uncharacteristically, Don Nelson stayed home with their three sons, who were sick.

TERROR HIT HOME

Don Nelson got a chilling phone call. Minutes later, his wife returned home.

I saw Don standing on the driveway, looking like he had had a heart attack, she said.

He was bent over. He was shaking. His face was white.

I thought he was going to pass out, his wife said.

Then he told her what had happened.

The kids just started screaming.

It was gruesome.

She was beaten to death with a tire iron on the head, Don Nelson said.

During the aftermath, the Nelsons continued to support death as punishment, although the Catholic Church opposed it.

Patty Nelson continued to faithfully attend Mass.

Don Nelson walked away.

I basically became what I call a blue-sky Catholic, he said, adding that he still believed in God. But I was angry at God  that he would let something like that happen.

BOTTLED UP

Years passed. Decades passed. He remained bitter.

Then something happened.

One day in fall 2011, while the couple lived in Chino Hills, Patty Nelson noticed an announcement in a church bulletin about an all-day retreat in the San Gabriel Mountains. The theme was: Day of reflection for those whove lost a loved one to murder.

They planned to attend.

By that time, Patty Nelson said she had begun to question whether her pro-life position on abortion was consistent with support for the death penalty. Her husband wasnt going to let anyone change his mind.

I was ready to go to war with Sister Sue Reif, the retreat leader, Don Nelson said.

Midway through the retreat, there was a free time during which participants could go for a walk, pray or read the Bible. Don Nelson chose to reflect at a koi pond.

Sister Sue walks up and asks, You OK? Nelson recalled. Then she asked Nelson to tell her about his mother.

So I opened up and talked about all the feelings I had bottled up inside, he said. The healing started that weekend.

REGULAR PEOPLE

More healing came in spring 2012. They sat on a five-member panel in a prison ministry training session with two paroled killers, including a woman who had killed her husband and a man who had played a secondary role in a murder  and was now pursuing the priesthood.

I began to understand that they are regular people, Patty Nelson said.

That was reinforced in May 2013 when the couple took a trip to a state prison with the children of inmates.

A short time later, Ramirez died of cancer in a San Francisco Bay Area hospital.

Ramos, San Bernardino Countys top prosecutor, praised the Temecula couple.

I have so much respect for the families who have lost loved ones to the horrendous crime of murder, especially a serial killer like him, Ramos said. I will never pretend to stand in their shoes.

If they have changed their position in a faith-based format, God bless them.

EXECUTION AND ERROR

State Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula, also had positive things to say about the couples journey, though he strongly supports capital punishment.

My heart breaks that they lost their loved one to such a heinous monster as Richard Ramirez, Stone said. I also respect their religious conviction. I think it is very noble to forgive Mr. Ramirez for his heinous crimes against many people.

The Nelsons have shared their conversion story many times, and recently did so again at a session outlining the churchs position on the death penalty. John Andrews, a spokesman for the Diocese of San Bernardino, which serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties, said the diocese has held several such meetings in recent weeks and plans more.

The Nelsons are also involved in a ministry for families of murder victims.

These days, the Catholic Churchs teaching against the death penalty makes perfect sense to them from a religious standpoint. Don Nelson sees a justice aspect to the position as well.

That way, if there is an error, youre not executing an innocent person, Nelson said.

Asked if life without a chance at parole also is unjust for an innocent person, Nelson said yes. But at least under that scenario, he said, unfairly convicted prisoners have recourse.

If you execute them, they get no appeal, he said.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9699, ddowney@scng.com, @PE_DavidDowney
Californias education system must adjust to a globalized economy that increasingly uses automation to replace workers, Lt. Gavin Newsom said Friday, Oct. 14, in Riverside.

Speaking to about 300 people at the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Legislative Summit, Newsom added that income inequality must be addressed for businesses and entrepreneurship to succeed.

I am pro-job, which means you cant be anti-business, Newsom, a Democrat, told the lunchtime audience at the Riverside Convention Center. But I am also cognizant of this fundamental fact as a businessperson, that businesses cannot thrive in a world that is failing.

And unless we address the issue of our time, the issue of growing income inequality  every single business leader in this room will be substantially impacted.

Newsom, 49, began his remarks by talking about his small business roots  after college, he co-founded a wine store  and his respect for entrepreneurs.

(I have) a strong bias for entrepreneurs, a strong bias for those putting themselves on the line and taking risks, he said.

Were at a hinge point where were going from something old to something new, Newsom said. The old industrial economy is collapsing  something radically different is happening. Theres a change in the plumbing of the world.

Automation is replacing manual labor on a wide scale, Newsom said. Almost 4 million people work in the fast food industry, but around the corner from Newsoms office, a company is developing machines that can make world-class hamburgers every 10 seconds, he said.

All automated. No pensions, no workers comp  that labor savings goes to increasing the quality of the product, making it cheaper and increasing profits, Newsom said. Whats going to happen to those 3.6 million jobs? Anything that can get repeated gets replaced.

He also warned against looking to new-era companies to fill the void. Combined, Facebook and Google employ fewer than 75,000 people, Newsom said.

Were getting a lot of apps. Were getting a lot of friends. Were searching (online), he said. But these folks arent creating jobs.

An on-demand economy, Newsom said, requires an on-demand education  we still front-load way too much of our education. Every single graduate is like a milk carton with a sell-by date. You become stale very quickly in this economy.

Education, he said, is the only way out. You cant reform it. Youve got transform it. Its got to be relevant now to the world we live in.

  We have got to give people the tools to plug back in and get up-skilled. And weve got to do that with a radically different mindset, with the urgency that this economy requires us to think.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9547 or jhorseman@scng.com
Used to be, if you wanted to see one of Andy Warhols soup cans, a piece by Robert Rauschenberg or a work by Sister Corita Kent, youd have to drive to L.A.

Now, thanks to donations to the UCR ARTSblock, works by these well-known artists can be seen in the Inland Empire.

On Monday, Oct. 10, the organization that includes the California Museum of Photography, the Culver Center and the Sweeney Art Gallery, announced that art collectors Ernest and Elaine Nagamatsu had donated 25 works of art, with an estimated value of $200,000. The pieces include the Warhol painting, a multi-patterned quilt by Rauschenberg and one of Kents block graphic designs.

It was the latest in a year-long string of grants and donations that have strengthened the standing of the ARTSblock gallery complex, particularly that of the Sweeney. The Nagamatsu couple also donated 13 pieces to the museum in 2015.

In April, Peter Norton, founder of Norton security software, donated 75 pieces to the ARTSblock organization, valued at $500,000. Some of the pieces went to the California Museum of Photography, but 55 of the works became part of the Sweeney collection.

ARTSblock Interim Executive Director Tyler Stallings said the donations have added significantly to the Sweeneys collection. The museum now has 1,200 pieces in a collection valued at $1.8 million.

Stallings said he hopes the recent donations will grab the attention of other collectors looking for a home for their artworks.

It definitely sends a signal, Stallings said.

Drew Oberjuerge, executive director of the Riverside Art Museum, said she was impressed but not surprised by the donations.

I think it speaks to their level of expertise, she said of the ARTSblock. Whats so exciting is the Sweeney has such a history of cutting-edge exhibits. This really rounds out their profile.

The recent donations, he said, came from years-long relationships with the donors. Stallings said he first met Norton in 1997. Stallings was putting together an exhibit for the Huntington Beach Art Center. A few years later, when Stallings was at the Laguna Art Museum, he worked with Norton again.

You often have access to people via the artwork that you wouldnt otherwise have, Stallings said, because you have that in common.

Both donors, he said, connected with ARTSblock through the Museum of Photography, which has long enjoyed a high-profile reputation for both its exhibits and collections. Nagamatsu loaned photographs to the museum for an exhibit in 2015 titled Interrogating Manzanar. That multi-dimensional exhibit also utilized space in the Culver Center and the Sweeney.

He saw all that we did around that show, Stallings said of Nagamatsu, so when it came time to make a donation from his collection, he came to us.

A Rauschenberg triptych from Nagamatsus first donation, along with pieces by Ansel Adams, Man Ray and others, are currently on display on the third floor of the Museum of Photography, part of an exhibition of recent acquisitions. Plans to display the newly donated works have not yet been made, Stallings said.

ARTSblock has also benefited from some significant grants this year. In April, the Getty Foundation announced a grant of $250,000 for the production of Mundos Alternos: Art and Science Fiction in the Americas, an exhibition that will be part of the Pacific Standard Time event held at galleries throughout Southern California in 2017 and 2018.

Mundos Alternos, which also will include elements of UCRs Eaton Collection of science fiction books and other materials, will feature large-scale kinetic works, photos, paintings, sculpture and other pieces from more than 30 artists.

The UCR museums also received a $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. That amount seems insignificant in light of the other donations, but Stallings said thats not the case.

The recognition by the national agency, he said, shows were doing good stuff.

Contact the writer: mmuckenfuss@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9595
State Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga is again facing Democratic challenger Ron ODonnell in the 23rd state Senate District.

Morrell defeated ODonnell and two other candidates in a special election in March 2014 for the seat, which was vacated by Bill Emmerson. After that loss, ODonnell, an anti-foreclosure crusader, vowed he would challenge Morrell again.

In the June 7 primary, Morrell won 54.8 percent of the vote, followed by ODonnell at 29.8 percent and Democrat Mark Westwood at 15.4 percent, according to the California Secretary of State.

As of Sept. 29, Morrells campaign had received $275,382 since the beginning of the year and still had $330,802 on hand, according to the states Cal-Access website.

ODonnell, of Highland, did not have any campaign financial disclosures listed on the site.

The 23rd Senate District includes Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Cedar Glen, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Crestline, Homeland, Hemet, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Menifee, Mentone, Nuevo, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, Wrightwood and Yucaipa.

Name: Ronald J. ODonnell

Age: 65

Resides: Highland

Party: Democratic

Family: Two children and four grandchildren

Occupation: Educator/Author/Businessman

Education: Doctorate in Law in 1978, Bachelors in Economics 1974, Associate in Accounting 1972.

What is the most important issue facing your district?

I am running on the campaign motto, Jail the Banksters who illegally foreclosed on 24 million American citizens with 6 trillion dollars in TARP money at their disposal. Foreclosure was not necessary, just a money maker for them. See my website, ForeclosureAmmunition.com.

My first day in the Senate, I will introduce a Bill to change California from a Non-Judicial Foreclosure State into a Judicial Foreclosure State where all homeowners will have a right to a fair hearing before a judge in a court of law  before they get thrown out into the streets in California.

Name: Mike Morrell

Age: 63

Resides: Rancho Cucamonga

Party: Republican

Family: My wife, Joanie, and I have been married for 39 years, and together we have three children: Kristen, David, and Matthew. Kristen and her husband, Jeff, have three children, Cora, Molly, and Micah. David and his wife, Kate, have a son, Jack Michael.

Occupation: Business Owner/State Senator

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of La Verne

Interesting Fact: In college, I was paid $35 to be an extra in a movie. The only people who saw the film were the parents of my best friend. My acting debut was roughly 30 seconds of screen time. I put half the money in the bank and spent the rest.

What is the most important issue facing your district?

A primary responsibility of government is to provide for the protection and safety of our communities. Accomplishing this task requires the collaborative and coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local resources. I strongly opposed both AB 109 and Prop. 47 and continue to call for their repeal. Statistics show that a healthy economy can help reduce high crime rates. Unfortunately, California has one of the worst regulatory environments in the nation. I have consistently voted against legislation that would impede the ability of local small businesses to create jobs and have worked to reduce red tape and prevent tax increases.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I spent 25 years as a small business owner before running for state office. I was fortunate that most years my business was successful, but I know firsthand how Sacramentos burdensome regulatory environment hurts small businesses and their ability to create jobs. Our community needs representation that rejects the status quo as well as policies that drive up the already high cost of living. Ive kept my promises to the voters as reflected by my voting record, for which I have earned top marks and been endorsed by organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Contact the writer: byarbrough@scng.com or @LBY3 on Twitter
An adjunct faculty member in theater at Riverside City College is being honored with an award for his work as a set designer.

Christopher Murillo, who designs backdrop scenes for plays, is set to receive the Princess Grace Theater Fellowship, Pierre Cardin Award, Oct. 24 in New York.

The award comes with a $20,000 grant from the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a New York-based charity established in 1982 by the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco to honor the legacy of his late wife, Princess Grace Kelly.

The money will help Murillo, 31, continue his work with the Playwrights Arena, a Los Angeles-based theater company where he is an artist in residency for a year.

Its an amazing opportunity, said Murillo, who has taught classes at RCC since 2014. Its unfathomable to think Im a recipient.

He recently worked on a production of Mary Poppins for Performance Riverside, a theater company at RCC.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9292, stwall@scng.com, @pe_swall
The headmaster of St Augustines College in the Central Region, Joseph Connel, has been interdicted, 3news.com has gathered.



Mr Connel was asked to step aside on Friday, October 14 by the Ministry of Education for charging unapproved fees.



Onua FMs correspondent Kwame Kakarba told 3news.com that it all began when the interdicted headmaster charged fresh students GH430 aside governments approved fees.



Most parents were not happy with the situation and some proceeded to lodge a complaint with the Central Region Directorate of the Ghana Education Service.



Kwame Kakarba said a call was placed by Deputy Minister of Education Alexander Kyeremeh, who ordered the immediate interdiction of the headmaster.

Source: 3news









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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Tormentor-in chief of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Executive Editor of Africa Watch Magazine, Mr. Steve Mallory (aka Kwadwo Osei) has turned his attention on the Acting Chairman of the party, Freddie Blay, describing the NPPs strongman as a greedy man.



He wrote in his latest edition of the magazine that: Perhaps if Blay had not been so greedy, Mahama would have gone for that interview, gotten himself hired, and moved to London for the job as it had all been arranged. Then the history of Ghana may not have been as it is today. But this fact does not change: The NPP was wrong with Blay then, and it is wrong with the man now.



According to Steve Mallory, While a Member of Parliament for Ellembelle on the ticket of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) some years ago, the then-ruling NPP government was very generous to Blay, even making him the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. He almost got everything he wanted from the NPP, and yet he was never satisfied.



At the time, the former NPP dye-in-the-wool said some people inside the NPP had realized that John Mahama, then the MP for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, could someday become president, so they were scheming to offer a cushy international job in the UK as bait to get him out of the country. Unaware of this plot, Mahama went ahead and applied for the job.



But when a letter arrived in Parliament inviting Mahama to come over to London for his interview regarding that job, the Speaker was out of town, and this invitation fell on Blays desk, so he secretly replaced Mahama with himself. He then went for the interview in London, failed miserably and returned home quietly. Blays greed destroyed that plan, and as fate would have it, Mahama finally became president.



Perhaps if Blay had not been so greedy, Mahama would have gone for that interview, gotten himself hired, and moved to London for the job as it had all been arranged. Then the history of Ghana may not have been as it is today. But this fact does not change: The NPP was wrong with Blay then, and it is wrong with the man now.



But enough of the past. The truth remains that Akufo-Addos ill health does not allow for a sustained and rigorous election campaign, and it does not do any favors to the party and even the presidential candidate himself. The man is struggling to maintain a sustained period on the campaign without breaking it off to seek medical attention.

Source: myradio360.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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Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari has put his wife down in the crudest way possible, saying she should not be commenting on political matters because shes a woman and a wife.



Frankly, these are outdated and misogynistic comments from the leader of Africas largest nation, sounding like something a Donald Trump would say.



Buharis wife, Aisha, broke ranks this morning when she told the BBC that her husbands running of the country could lose him her support when he runs for re-election. And whilst the comments were perhaps out of place and harmful to Buhari politically, his response leaves much to be desired.



I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room. Buhari, who is on a state visit to Germany, told the Associated Press.



So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. Its not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.

For a deeply conservative nation like Nigeria, this would probably win him more support than condemnation. On the global stage, it would be a horrific disaster.

video below:-

Below is the full text from Aisha Buhari's controversial interview with BBC Hausa Service.

BBC Hausa: It has been One and a half years since President Muhammadu Buhari came into power, a lot of people are expressing their unhappiness over the way few acquaintance of the President have hijacked power while neglecting people that work for his success. Like we have promised, here is how the interview with Aisha Buhari and Naziru Makailu from Abuja goes.



BBC Hausa: People have goodwill towards President Muhammadu Buhari, especially looking at the things he did before, but since coming into power things have not been working the way they should, what do you thing is the cause?



Aisha Buhari: I am not a government official, but in my opinion as a woman, a mother, what I think is it is well known that the first 4 years are not going to be easy. Firstly, it was people that brought the government into power. More than half of those people are not appointed into the government. Some people that are not politicians, not professionals were brought into the government. They dont even know what we said we want and what we dont during the campaign. They even come out and say to people we are not politicians, but they are occupying the offices meant for politicians. Some have parted with their wives, some lost their children lost, some women too have parted with their husbands because of politics, a lot happened during the time. The way things are going I too I am not happy. We are just starting, we have not finished. Some people that worked for the government have been appointed. But those heading government agencies you can find one fighting his state governor, they contested together during election one in APC while in PDP.



BBC Hausa: Who are those doing these kinds of things?



Aisha Buhari: Everybody knows them. Those people should know that people voted singly. Even Buhari too had one vote. Nobody voted 5 times. 15.429 Million People. That one that people are thinking too, he had only some 2 or 3 people. I am pleading to them to have the people at heart and embrace everybody so that we can all move together. Not even now in 2016 or 17, lot of people are creating divisions within the APC, which is our source of concern. They think they have worked for the government while those appointed some of them had no voters card. What I fear is uprising of 15.4 million people.



BBC Hausa: Is the President aware some people are subverting his government?



Aisha Buhari: Whether he knows or he do not, those that voted for him knows.



BBC Hausa: But you are the most closest to him, did you tell him?



Aisha Buhari: There is nothing I can tell him, he is seeing things himself. Out of the people he has appointed, take 50, 45 of them I dont know them. Perhaps he doesnt know them too. I have been living with him for 27 years.



BBC Hausa: Do you think there are some people that are dictating to the President things to do, not him?



Aisha Buhari: That is what I am saying, those that know they dont have voters card, they should give chance to those that have, they are the ones that struggled and knows what we want to do. Some of them if you go to a meeting with them they will tell you, we are not politicians, if somebody is wise, they will not accept to take any political office. They didnt even work for it. Even if you are asked to, you should say it is not my profession. Those places not headed by politicians will cause people discontent.



BBC Hausa: One would wonder to hear you say some people have hijacked the government without him knowing, but who do you think are those people?



Aisha Buhari: I dont know them, I dont know them. I dont know them



BBC Hausa: But some people are calling names, saying 2 or 3 are the ones, do you that as well?

Aisha Buhari: Yes I agree. Because of those appointed apart from Fashola, Ameachi and some others, not much, I dont know them, most of us too dont know them, and he too does not know them



BBC Hausa: One would wonder that Buhari is not the one charge knowing him as a person who had leadership experiences, people would not believe



Aisha Buhari: Yes it is surprising; nobody thought it is going to be like this. But now that it is sosometimes when one is doing something wrong without him knowing, but when people talk to them, they should listen. Because in the future, whether he is going to contest or not, it is that same people that would vote for APC. We hope those people dont come back, and everybody dont hope so too



BBC Hausa: You said Whether he is going to contest in the future or not, has he disclose it to you whether he is standing or not?



Aisha Buhari: He didnt tell me, but I have made up my mind.













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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Leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Eastern Region has vowed to carry out reprisal attacks on supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who attacked NPP members in the region if the police do not address gangsterism by activists of the ruling party.



The NPP therefore appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor to call the NDC to order and stop its members from attacking and intimidating NPP members or else they would defend themselves.



The Eastern Regional NPP sounded the warning at a press conference addressed by its chairman, Kiston Akomeng Kissi.



Mr Akomeng Kissi, flanked by the regional executives, told journalists at the Suhum Constituency office that the NDC has adopted the use of violence as a campaign strategy in some constituencies in the region.



In the Eastern Region, particularly Suhum, Abirem and Akwatia, they will continue to fulfill their purported ill-fated 50/50 agenda.



According to the statement, The NPP, in the Eastern Region, will like to state in clear and unequivocal terms that we will not tolerate this going forward.



The warning comes on the heels of an alleged attack by NDC thugs on NPP Loyal Ladies, a women supporters group of the opposition party, who had gone to campaign at Suhum.



They attack innocent citizens, and in some cases, in the full glare of the police, it stated.



Reported Cases



It cited the alleged attacks on the opposition partys polling station Chairman for Methodist Junior High School (JHS), Suhum, Ibrahim Yusif on August 26th, 2016; NPP youth called Abubakari Bala on 27th August, 2016, as well as the abduction and unlawful detention of an NPP youth activist, Akpabli Amenyo on August 28, 2016



According to the NPP, These violent schemes have the propensity of marring the peace and stability of the region before, during and after the elections.



Inaction



The Eastern Regional NPP called on the Peace Council and the law enforcement agencies to warn supporters of the NDC in the region to desist from such barbaric attacks.



But it appears the Peace Council and the security agencies are reluctant in addressing the concerns of the opposition party in the Eastern region, considering the continuous reports of brutal attacks on NPP supporters by the NDC in the area.



According to the party, We have come to the realization that the Eastern Regional Police Command, their Divisional and District Commanders are not being professional in their work.



It said, Indeed, the Ghana Police Command in the Eastern Region has proven to us beyond reasonable doubt that our civil approach to the incessant aggression and attacks of the NDC will not work.



The Eastern NPP stressed that we therefore caution that henceforth we will be forced to adopt a new approach to defend our supporters and our interests if need be.



Probe



The opposition party urges the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to, as a matter of urgency, commence thorough investigations into all the cases mentioned above and institute a probe into the conduct of the Suhum Municipal Police Commander and his Crime Officer.



EC Accused



Meanwhile, leadership of the Eastern Regional branch of the NPP has alleged that the Electoral Commission, by some of its actions and inactions, is scheming to give undue advantage to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region.



One of such actions is the unwarranted transfer of the District Electoral Officer of the Suhum District after he prevented unqualified people, who we have found were sponsored by the NDC from transferring their votes.



According to the statement, We are reliably informed that his transfer was at the behest of the NDC parliamentary candidate. We are further reliably informed that the ransacking of the ECs offices was done by thugs sent by the Suhum Municipal Chief Executive cum NDC parliamentary candidate. Items taken by these rampaging criminals were taken to the Suhum Municipal Chief Executives residence.



It said, It will sadden you to learn that these thugs were driven in a vehicle belonging to the state. This vehicle is a dark blue Ford Expedition with registration number GB 24612. It is known to be used by a man nicknamed Cambodia, a brother of Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff.



When Suhum Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Yahaya, attempted to retrieve the stolen items from the MCEs residence, he and his men were assaulted and held hostage. His phone was seized by the thugs who made him beg for it in the presence of the MCE.



This must be investigated by the IGP and the feedback made public to avert any negative repercussions based on suspicion of bias, it declared.

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 parliamentary aspirant for the Peoples National Convention (PNC) in the Sissala West Constituency in the Upper West Region, Haruna Bayiriga, has withdrawn from the race.



A letter from the constituency secretariat of the party said Haruna Bayiriga had pulled out due to the cost of filing and the demand for declaration of assets of parliamentary aspirants.

A letter to this effect, signed by the partys constituency secretary, Mohammed Abdulai, said the astronomical increment of filing fees from GH1,000 at the last election (in 2012) to GH10,000, and the requirement to pay same on or before 12 noon of October 10, 2016, had forced the party out of the contest.

Also, the request for candidates to declare their assets requires legal services which add to the cost, the letter stated further.

The letter said the party had hoped the High Court would vary the decisions to enable poorly resourced parties to participate in the elections, but it turned out not to be so.

Mr Bayirigas withdrawal from the contest leaves the Upper West Regional Minister and incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the New Patriotic Partys (NPPs) Patrick Adama, as the straight rivals in the contest for the seat.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Amidu Sulemani launched his campaign at Gwollu last Sunday, and called on the people to return him and President John Mahama to power to enable the NDC to continue to bring development to the people.

Campaign launch

Addressing the supporters at the rally, the regional minister said the NDCs expansion of access to education, water, health care, improvement in sanitation conditions, security and other social interventions were evidence of proper investment of resources to improve society in general.

He said the party would continue to tackle projects and policies to alleviate poverty in order to empower the average person to make the right choices in life.

The MP for Wa Central, Mr Rashid Pelpuo, who is also a Minister of State in charge of Private Public Partnership, said Alhaji Amidu Sulemanis prominence was evidenced in the fact that he had worked in all the governments of the NDC or its antecedent, the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) since the early 1980s, and that the electorate should endorse him on December 7.

Amid the carnival atmosphere, gingered by contemporary tunes in local showbiz, the likes of the MP for Wa West and a former Minister of Health, Mr Yieleh Chireh; the MP for Sissala East, Mr Alijata Sulemana, and the National Womens Organiser of the NDC, Madam Zainab Mahama, all extolled the virtues of the NDC candidate who once also served as Ghanas ambassador to Egypt.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The project manager of Ghana Peace Award (GPA) Rev. Professor Emmanuel Narsh, has called on embassies in the country to stop issuing visas to politicians until the December 7 polls are conducted.







He said the move would ensure that politicians did not engage in acts that could plunge the country into violence, adding that when politicians know that they cannot leave the country at any point in time during this election period, they will be decent in whatever they do or say.

Prof. Narsh also advised appropriate agencies to monitor, name, shame and sanction media outfits that allow their outlets to be used to create violence and tension.

He was speaking at the launch of the maiden Ghana Peace Awards ceremony (GPA), an initiative to reward individuals and institutions which are committed to ensuring peace in the country, in Accra on Thursday.

The Awards

The initiative, which is scheduled to take place on October 29 this year, is under the auspices of the Stability Foundation International (SFI), in collaboration with state institutions such as the National Peace Council (NPC), the National House of Chiefs (NHC), and the Ministry of the Interior.

Thirty-two categories, including humanitarian and service, human rights, courage of conscience, man of peace, presidential peace, media peace, and inter-faith peace awards will be presented at this years awards ceremony.

Stakeholder involvement

Prof. Narsh observed that institutions that had the obligation to maintain and sustain peace ought to act in a manner that would help remove all oppressive structures from society.

He said social institutions such as the NPC, the NHC and other civil society organisations (CSOs) ought to get involved by holding politicians who engage in violent campaigns to check.

In order to maintain and sustain peace in the country, these institutions ought to act responsibly in order to remove all oppressive structures that are inimical to national peace and stability, he added.

Collaboration

Prof. Narsh called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to apply the electoral laws firmly without discrimination, since any attempt to bend the rules could spark violence.

He also urged the political parties to see the EC as a key partner in the democratic process by constantly seeking clarification on issues that they did not understand rather than attacking the integrity of the electoral body.

"We need to, as a people, know that the EC is the mandated body for the conduct of our elections. We need to support the EC to discharge its mandate in a peaceful manner rather than creating conditions that will spark violence and put the electoral body into disrepute," he added.

National interest

For his part, the Chairman of Christian Praise International Centre (CPIC), Apostle Dr Jackson Owusu, called on the media and the security agencies to put the interest of the country first in the discharge of their duties.

The event is meant to honour individuals and organisations that contribute to peace and unity in the country.Dr Owusu urged media practitioners and media owners to be circumspect in the content they generate.According to him, the use of abusive language and personality attacks could spark violence and must therefore be avoided.

Source: Daily Graphic









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After the release of the tape last Friday showing Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women, several new accusations and a recording have all surfaced lending credence to the accusation that Donald Trump sexually assaulted women in addition to potentially engaging in pedophilic voyeurism of underage girls.

As we and others reported yesterday, several witnesses testify that Trump walked casually into the 1997 Miss Teen USA pageant and admitted hes seen it all before while watching underage teenage girls  some as young as 15  undress.

It appears as if that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Last night audio emerged of Trump admitting he wanted to pick out and marry a ten year old girl he saw on an escalator.

Soon. Thursday night. You going up the escalator? he asked the young girl.

Yeah! she responded.

I am going to be dating her in ten years. Can you believe it? Trump said.

If his pedophilic advances on a ten year old werent bad enough, multiple women have come forward alleging Trump inappropriately touched them.

The Washington Post offered a run down of the women who have come forward thus far:

One of the women alleges that Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt during a flight more than three decades ago, the New York Times reported . Another says he kissed her on the mouth outside an elevator in 2005, according to the same report. A third woman says Trump groped her rear end at his Mar-a-Lago resort 13 years ago, the Palm Beach Post reported . The fourth, then a People magazine reporter, says Trump kissed her without her consent when the two were alone in 2005 right before an interview she was about to conduct with Trump and his wife.

Adding credence to their allegations, the Post added:

Trump and his campaign denied the allegations. But in each of the first three instances, the newspapers spoke to people close to the women  a universe that includes friends, family members, significant others and colleagues  who verified that they told them their stories about what they say happened months or years ago. In the fourth, the reporter wrote a detailed first person account of what she says happened on Peoples website.

Add to that a fifth women  Miss USA contestant from Washington state  and a pattern has begun emerging. Rolling Stone covered this instance reporting:

Cassandra Searles, Miss Washington 2013, recalls that when she was a contestant, the businessman demanded the women redo their introductions when they failed to look Trump in the eye. In a Facebook post this year, Searles called Trump a misogynist who treated us like cattle and lined up so he could get a closer look at his property. Other contestants from the same year, like Paromita Mitra of Mississippi, bolstered Searles recollection. Mitra commented, I literally have nightmares about that process. Searles added in a comment on her initial posts thread, He probably doesnt want me telling the story about that time he continually grabbed my ass and invited me to his hotel room.

In each and every instance the women coming forward argue they were compelled to speak out after Trump denied having ever sexually assaulted a woman during the second debate on Sunday.

While Trump surrogate and historical revisionist Katrina Pierson argued the women are only coming forward for their 15 minutes of fame, in every case the women have told their stories of Trump sexually assaulting them to several witnesses in the past. In the case of the People Magazine reporter, the victim even went so far as to document the harassment on the magazines website in a first person account after the assault occurred.

Trump has already issued threats to sue several publications in order to silence them from reporting on the womens accusations.

Assuming even one of the accusations against Trump is true (though all are well documented) the implications are critical for the election as it means Trump lied on stage to the American people about violating the law and sexually assaulting women as he bragged about ten years ago when saying he grabs womens genitals and kisses them without consent.

Previously:

Peacock Panache readers:

Tim Peacock is the Managing Editor and founder of Peacock Panache and has worked as a civil rights advocate for over twenty years. During that time hes worn several hats including leading on campus LGBTQ advocacy in the University of Missouri campus system, interning with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and volunteering at advocacy organizations. You can learn more about him at his personal website.

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The Australian Federal Police has revealed its latest successful drug bust, and goddamn, the figures are astonishing.

The AFP announced a 1.2 tonne motherlode of crystal MDMA was seized from a storage unit in the northern Sydney suburb of Hornsby yesterday.

via Australian Federal Police.

Its thought that massive stash of Molly would have equated to over 4 million ecstasy tablets, with an estimated street value of $145 million.

The bust has already been lauded as the largest police seizure of illicit drugs this year, and the AFP reports its the fourth largest MDMA bust in the nations history.

Heres some footage shot outside AFP headquarters earlier today:

Two Polish men, aged 28 and 29, were arrested after the seizure. Theyll be facing court today on charges of possessing and importing commercial quantities of the drug.

If found guilty, those charges come with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Deputy Commissioner Operations Justine Saunders said further arrests are also expected.



Source: Australian Federal Police.

Photo: 22 Jump Street.
Yesterday, News Corp writer Rachel Corbett experienced the wrath of 60,000 or so high school students when she wrote an article telling them to eat a teaspoon of cement, harden the fuck up and stop complaining about their coming HSC exams.

Corbett was writing in response to posts in the HSC Discussion Group 2016 on Facebook, used by students to share memes and shitposts, blow off exam stress and share study advice.

She singled out the current generation of high school students as whingers, pointing to several examples from the Facebook group, an somehow failing to point out that whingeing about exams has been a high school tradition since time immemorial.

After the article went viral, students from the HSC Discussion Group found a new way to blow off steam  sending angry Tweets to the writer herself, who is probably regretting poking this particular hornets nest.

Im currently being trolled by 17 year olds for this https://t.co/bA3K5NiA2Q  Rachel Corbett (@RachelCorbett) October 14, 2016

Earlier today, Instagram commentors began flooding Corbetts feed with snake emojis  so many that, as of earlier this afternoon, her account settings had changed to private.

Corbett has not spoken publicly since yesterdays comments, although if we were in her position, wed probably be reluctant to respond to the flood of anger directed her way, either.

While many clearly took legitimate issue with her words and how they were expressed, we would hope that those commenting can respect the difference between that and downright cyber bullying.

Source: Instagram.

Photo: Instagram.
A court in Brisbane has heard that accused killer Gable Tostee might as well have pushed his TInder date Warriena Wright from his balcony to her death, such was the young womans fear for her life on the fateful night that they met.

In his closing statements to the jury in Tostees murder trial yesterday, prosecutor Glen Cash QC said that audio recordings of Wrights final moments betray terror bordering on hysteria as she is forced onto the defendants balcony.

It is alleged that, in August 2014, Tostee and Wright met and exchanged messages after matching on Tinder, but a date at his Gold Coast apartment led to a violent altercation, and ended with the New Zealand tourist falling to her death.

The prosecution conceded that Wright probably unlawfully assaulted Tostee by throwing rocks at him and attempting to hit him with a telescope, but that Tostee effectively turned the tables, and that his subsequent use of force was unreasonable.

In the audio recordings played to the court earlier this week, Wright can be heard crying no, no, no and pleading to go home as Tostee forces her onto the balcony of his 14th floor apartment, without her belongings or phone.

Wright fell to her death while attempting to climb down from the balcony, and prosecutor Cash told the Supreme Court that her actions were attributable to fear  fear for her life, and fear of what might happen if she were to be allowed back inside the apartment.

Cash said that, in the moment, Wright was faced with two options:

One was to try and go back into the apartment, to go back through where Gable Tostee was, to have to engage with the man who on the crown case had violently restrained her. The man who had just told her in response to her begging to be permitted to go home that he would not let her do so because she had been in his words a bad girl. In light of what he had done and what she feared he would do, what then was her only reasonable and rational option in those circumstances? The only remaining option  is to attempt to climb down the balcony to escape Gable Tostee.

At the closing of his remarks, Cash told the jury that, if they were persuaded that Tostees conduct instilled sufficient fear in Wright that she felt she had no option but to climb over his balcony, then he caused her death as much as if hed actually pushed her.

Tostee himself did not take the stand in his trial, and he did not call any witnesses. Addressing the jury, however, defence barrister Saul Holt QC said that Wrights response was disproportionate, and the decision to climb to her death was hers alone.

To prove murder in Queensland, the prosecution must show an intention to either kill or do grievous bodily harm, and Holt said that the prosecution had not satisfied this element.

Holt told the jury that the audio evidence demonstrates that Tostee responded to wrights increasingly erratic on the night in a perfectly appropriate way, and that he locked her on his balcony in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Gable Tostee was lawfully permitted to restrain Ms Wright because she attacked him with rocks  he was acting to remove a disorderly person from his property and the law says you can do that, he told the jury..

Locking her on the balcony, shutting and locking the door was an act of de-escalation  to intervene, an act that created safety, in essence, for both of them.

That sequence of events is a desperate tragedy but it is not murder and it is not manslaughter, Holt told the jury. Just because somebody is dead does not in itself mean someone is criminally responsible for that death.

The jury is expected to begin its deliberations next week.

Source: ABC News.

Photo: Queensland Police Service.
An alleged home invader has been shot multiple times and a security guard reportedly stabbed in the eye after an attempted break-in at Miranda Kerrs Malibu home.

It is alleged that the guard was stabbed after confronting an intruder who had jumped a fence to gain access to the residence; in turn, the guard fired multiple shots at the intruder, hitting him at least once in the head.

Both men were rushed to hospital, but per reports from gossip monsters TMZ, both are expected to survive.

Kerr, who is engaged to Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, was not home at the time of the alleged incident.

In 2009, Miranda Kerr and her then-husband Orlando Bloom were the victims of the notorious Bling Ring, when four celebrity-obsessed teens broke into their Los Angeles home.

During the robbery, the burglars stole goods including high-end fashion, works of art and a Rolex watch collection, totalling nearly half a million dollars.

Source: Mirror.

Photo: Don Arnold / Getty.
bus crash in Albany

For the second time this month, an Upstate New York driver has come under fire for trying to pass a school bus on the right.

Fox News reports an impatient BMW driver was caught on video Tuesday, apparently trying to pass a bus at the intersection of Broadway and I-787 near Quay Street in Albany. The incident was captured by dash cam from another driver who slowed down to let the school bus merge in front of him.

The BMW driver can be heard honking and yelling, then appeared to pass the car with the dash cam and tried to pass the bus in a fit of road rage. The BMW then crashes into an orange barrel and concrete barrier, hitting the school bus as it ends up on two wheels.

A BMW driver can be seen exiting his vehicle after crashing into a concrete barrier while trying to pass a school bus in Albany on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016.

"I thought there was another lane!" the frustrated BMW driver can be heard saying afterwards.

Some online commenters say the road has always been one lane, but concrete barriers were recently added to make it more narrow.

He appeared to escape the vehicle unharmed. No serious injuries were reported, though Albany police told News 10 Now that three children on the bus were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The driver was issued a ticket for unsafe passing.

Last week, video showed an SUV passing a school bus on the right in Binghamton, nearly hitting a Chenango Forks High School student. The driver turned himself in to police days later after the clip went viral.
Clementia Announces Top-line Results from Phase 2 Trial of Palovarotene for Treatment of Patients with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Details Category: Small Molecules Published on Saturday, 15 October 2016 11:19 Hits: 2244

MONTREAL, Canada I October 14, 2016 I Clementia Pharmaceuticals Inc. today announced top-line results from its Phase 2 clinical trial investigating palovarotene for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). FOP is an extremely rare, serious disease in which an accumulation of heterotopic ossification (HO, extraskeletal bone) in muscle and soft tissue progressively restricts movement by locking joints leading to loss of function, physical disability, and risk of early death. Several positive trends were detected in this 40-subject placebo-controlled trial, including palovarotene-related reductions in the proportion of subjects who developed new HO, reductions in volume of new HO, reductions in patient-reported pain associated with flare-ups, and reductions in the time to resolution of FOP-related flare-ups though none reached statistical significance. Palovarotene was well-tolerated, with all subjects completing the 12-week trial and enrolling into the open-label extension trial.

"The results of this landmark clinical trial are encouraging and closely mirror what was observed in previously reported animal studies with palovarotene," said principal investigator, Frederick Kaplan, MD, the Isaac & Rose Nassau Professor of Orthopaedic Molecular Medicine and Chief of the Division of Molecular Orthopaedic Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "This study has considerably enhanced our knowledge of FOP and is a significant step forward for the entire FOP community."

The 12-week Phase 2 trial randomized subjects to three dose groups: 10 mg palovarotene for 2 weeks followed by 5 mg for 4 weeks (10/5), 5 mg for 2 weeks followed by 2.5 mg for 4 weeks (5/2.5), or placebo. Treatment was initiated within 7 days of the onset of a flare-up with evaluations made at baseline, at the end of treatment (6 weeks), and after a 6-week observation period (12 weeks). Subjects on placebo were at 2.6 times greater risk of forming HO than those on palovarotene 10/5 mg treatment, while those on either palovarotene regimen with new HO formed less HO than those on placebo. Subjects on the 10/5 regimen reported a greater improvement in pain associated with flare-ups and a reduction in the duration of overall flare-up symptoms. Though a dose-related increase in the incidence of mucocutaneous adverse events was observed, no subject required a reduction in dose due to tolerability issues nor was discontinued from the trial.

Full results of the Phase 2 trial are expected to be published next year. Clementia continues to gather important additional data in the Phase 2 extension trial and in the ongoing observational Natural History Study. Data from these studies will inform the design of a Phase 3 registration trial, which is expected to start in 2017. "That patients were able to tolerate palovarotene with no discontinuations for safety reasons at a 10-mg dose encouraged us to implement a higher dose in the Phase 2 open-label extension and to extend the number of days dosed," said Donna Grogan, MD, CMO of Clementia. The extension trial has also introduced a chronic daily dose based on new research conducted by scientists at Penn and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and findings from the completed Phase 2 trial.

Many years of laboratory research paved the way for this clinical trial. A leading investigator, Maurizio Pacifici, PhD, director of Orthopedic Research at CHOP, and his collaborators first showed that palovarotene produces powerful biological effects in transgenic mouse models of human FOP and inhibits HO markedly. "Those results have provided the basis and rationale for testing palovarotene to prevent HO in FOP patients in this trial," said Pacifici.

"We would like to thank the patients, their families, the investigators, and their research teams," said CEO of Clementia, Clarissa Desjardins. "Developing a potential treatment for FOP is our passion and our goal, and we will continue to press forward as rapidly and rigorously as possible to deliver a much needed potential therapy for all FOP patients."

Additional information about palovarotene and Clementia's clinical program can be found at clementiapharma.com.

Editor's Note: Kaplan declares no disclosures and is the Global Principal Investigator for Clementia's Phase 2 Study.

About Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

FOP is a rare, severely disabling congenital myopathy characterized by heterotopic ossification (HO) of muscle and soft tissues. Heterotopic ossification is bone that forms outside the normal skeleton and, in FOP, progressively restricts movement by locking joints leading to a cumulative loss of function, disability, and risk of early death. Virtually all newborns with FOP have a hallmark toe malformation in which both big toes are shortened and bent inwards. FOP is caused by a mutation in the ACVR1 gene resulting in increased activity of BMP Type I receptor or ALK2 receptor involved in the bone morphogenetic (BMP) pathway, a key pathway controlling bone growth and development. There are currently no approved treatments for FOP.

About Palovarotene

Palovarotene is a retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist (RAR) being investigated as a treatment for FOP. Preclinical studies in mouse models of FOP demonstrated that palovarotene blocked both injury-induced and spontaneous heterotopic ossification, maintained mobility, and restored skeletal growth. Palovarotene received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and orphan designations for the treatment of FOP from both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

About Clementia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Clementia is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering treatments to people who have none. The company is developing its lead candidate palovarotene, a novel RAR agonist, to treat fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and other diseases. For more information, please visit www.clementiapharma.com.

SOURCE: Clementia Pharmaceuticals
The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

Malaysia is blessed with some of the best beaches and islands in the world. Pulau Perhentian Kecil was voted as the 13th best beach in the Worlds Top 100 Beaches by CNN.com. Since we visited the beach and island recently, we believed it deserves the recognition. Thus, we also found a secret beach in Pulau Perhentian Malaysia.

Share Pin The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

The Long Beach on Pulau Perhentian Kecil is one of the best beaches we visited so far. The water near the beach is shallow and clear and it stretches beyond the man made jetty. You can find many tourists snorkelling, swimming, chilling and sun bathing on this beach.

Share Pin The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

While everyone was impressed with the Long Beach, there is actually a secret beach in Pulau Perhentian. We bought the secret island tour from Bubu Villa and we shall not reveal the actual location of this beach. We can show you the pictures and videos of this secret beach but to go there, you better book the tour from Bubu Villa.

Share Pin The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

The secret beach is a hideaway beach in Perhentian Islands. It is more like a private beach and you cant find any shops, restaurants or hotels near the beach. It is a hidden beach only accessible by boats.

When we reached the secret beach, there was only a few people on the island. If you want to go nude, this is the beach you can do so but you do understand the local law of no public nudity. Nude at your own risk. Like we mentioned earlier, this is a secret beach so only the locals know about this place. If everyone knows about this beach, it wont be called the secret beach anymore.

Share Pin The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

What we like about the secret beach, the condition of this beach is pristine. The trees in this area create natural shade and you wont find many people or boat near this area. You can expect quiet and private moment here. As usual the water is crystal clear and it is good for swimming. Please take note that there are almost no one here so when you swim, just be extra careful.

How to go to Secret Beach in Pulau Perhentian

We know the exact the location of this secret beach in Pulau Perhentian but the best way to get here is to book the tour from Bubu Villa. Bubu Villa is located in Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Share Pin The Secret Beach of Pulau Perhentian Malaysia

How to go to Pulau Perhentian

The best way is to fly to Kota Bahru Airport and travel to the Kuala Besut Jetty. From there, you take the speed boat to Pulau Perhentian (either Pulau Perhentian Kecil or Pulau Perhentian Besar).

Subsequently you can fly to Kuala Terengganu Airport but the travel time to Kuala Besut Jetty is further.

Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S22 Ultra and Sony ZV-1. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two. I used to travel around 17 International trips per year but now staying at home. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For advertisements or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's posts
Lake Louise, AB Canada  where to stay and driving trips to the best lakes in the area.

Today Im sharing all about our trip to Lake Louise.

Fairmont Lake Louise. The hotel was beautiful!! It was the perfect location to take day trips to all the amazing lakes around the area. We spent two nights at the. The hotel was beautiful!! It was the perfect location to take day trips to all the amazing lakes around the area.

We ate all our meals in the hotel. We had room service (awesome), sampled the breakfast buffet (so much yummy food) and had dinner at Walliser Stube (a German restaurant  get the cheese fondue!). We checked on Cookie Sunday  they gave us each two cookies when we left. OMG  the chocolate chip cookies were SOOOOO good!!! I need the recipe!

Keep reading to see all the amazing scenery. It is the most beautiful place Ive ever been!

Lake Louise

Fairmont overlooks Lake Louise . The

The hotel is amazing. It is the best place to stay in Lake Louise.

111 Lake Louise Drive

Lake Louise Alberta, Canada T0L 1E0

1-403-522-3511

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a short drive from the Fairmont.

It is BEAUTIFUL.

I could have stayed here all day taking pictures.

Look at that water! I can only imagine how great it looks when the sun is out!

Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed lake. Its brilliant blue-green colour is a result of light refracting off the rock flour in the glacier run-off which flows into the lake.

We went to Moraine Lake twice  once at sunset and once at sunrise.

Unfortunately, it was really cloudy and rainy both times.

We didnt get any good colored sky photos.

That said, it was still one of the most beautiful places Ive ever been.

There is a staircase to the left in the parking lot that will take you right up to the top of the mountain for the best views. DONT try and climb the giant rock pile!! Just go the back of the rock pile and use the stairs.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake Road

Improvement District No. 9, Canada AB T0L 1E0

Lake Louise Gondola

Lake Louise Gondola has great views of the area.

You can choose an open chair or fully enclosed gondola for the 14 minute ride.

The view from 6850 feet.

You can see Lake Louise and the hotel in the middle of the photo.

The Lake Louise Gondola

Box 5, 1 Whitehorn Road

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada T0L 1E0

1-877-956-8473

Emerald Lake

Can you even believe this is real?

SO beautiful! This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park.

It is the largest lake in the park.

Emerald Lake

Columbia-Shuswap A

British Columbia Canada

Natural Bridge

We stopped at the Natural Bridge on our way back from Emerald Lake.

Natural Bridge is about a mile from Emerald Lake.

There is a parking lot next to the bridge.

The water is beautiful!

This is definitely worth the stop on the way to or from Emerald Lake.

Natural Bridge

Canada, Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada

Bow Lake

We stopped at Bow Lake on our way to Peyto Lake.

Bow Lake is on the Icefields Parkway.





We just pulled over and took a few photos.

SO beautiful!

Bow Lake

Improvement District No. 9, Alberta Canada





Peyto Lake

You have to walk through the Snow Forest to get to the viewing area for Peyto Lake.

It was great getting to see snow! We dont get a lot in Alabama!!

It is a good hike uphill to get to the viewing area at Peyto Lake, but it is totally worth it!

Look at the water! It is not photoshopped at all. It really looked like that.

During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake, and these suspended rock particles give the lake a bright, turquoise colour.

Here is a panorama shot of the lake.

Peyto Lake

Improvement District No. 9, AB

Canada

Next week I will share the last stop on our trip, Banff.

We got some of the best sunrise photos EVER and ate TONS of great food!!

Stay tuned!!

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Heavily armed and armored gunman Kirk Figueroa, shot dead in Wednesday's firefight in East Boston, told one of his roommates he intended to die famous  right before police say he opened fire with a tactical shotgun, critically injuring two officers before other officers fatally shot him, reports the Boston Herald.

"He said, 'You're going to read about me in the newspaper. Everyone is going to know my name,'" said Julian Morello, the younger brother of Diego Morello, who lived with 33-year-old Figueroa. "I don't know if he planned it or what."

A domestic dispute brought police to their Gladstone Street home at 10:51 p.m. The call quickly became a life-and-death struggle, with witnesses reporting as many as 50 gunshots.

"(We are) trying to figure out what exactly could have been a motive," Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. "Where this man was coming from, this hasn't been established yetit's going to be complicated to get to the root of this," the Boston Herald reports.

The mayor said the initial police call was for a domestic disturbance at the home, and one of the possible causes for the call was a dispute over the heat in the apartment. Walsh said there seems to be more to the situation than turning the heat up or down, noting police said Figueroa was well armed and wearing a bullet-proof vest.

"We don't know what sparked it. As they continue to investigate and talk to (Figueroa's) family and extended family, they will be able to get a better picture of who our two police officers encountered that night," Walsh told reporters at Boston Common following a gun control rally. "It's still clearly unfolding. (He) seems like a very complicated individual. Obviously there are some aliases in other states and a lot of arrests and violence and things like that. It's still unfolding. We are going to continue to look at the background and get a better sense of who he is."

Figueroa was a Boston constable sworn in this summer and had a background check done on him by Boston police before the license was issued. Police were prohibited from conducting a background check on a federal level.
The City of Tempe, AZ, will unveil and dedicate a new Tempe Public Safety Memorial on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at Tempe Beach Park, located at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue.

This memorial is a meaningful expression of gratitude and honor to the police officers, firefighters, and police canines who have given their lives in the line of duty. If you would like to know more about those people, you can read their stories at www.tempe.gov/publicsafetymemorial. The city is inviting the public to join the Tempe City Council, the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department, Tempe Police Department, Tempe Public Art, and families of those public safety members who made the ultimate sacrifice to dedicate this memorial.

Artist Benjamin Victor sculpted the Tempe Public Safety Memorial. Victors work includes several police, firefighter, and war memorials and is shown at the National Sculpture Society in New York City at the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol and around the world. You can view his portfolio at www.benjaminvictor.com.

The Tempe Police Foundation is still accepting donations to fund ongoing maintenance for the memorial. You can donate at http://tempepolicefoundation.org/.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse*

Many Americans have seen the signs, the portent of intimidation against any American unwilling to toe the fascist line and support Republican standard bearer Donald J. Trump. The candidate himself has incited his acolytes to take matters into their own hands and monitor people of color, people of the wrong faith, places people of the wrong faith worship, suspected immigrants, and to assemble their gangs to carefully watch and supervise Americans while they are in the voting booth In November. The terrifying prospect of Trumps supporters, armed and angry after being told for months that the upcoming election is already rigged and therefore will have been stolen from them; actually taking action is a clear and present danger to the public. As a portent of what could be coming as the election looms closer, the event in Palmyra Virginia is a troubling indication that the phrase elections are messy may take on a meaning only Iraqis under Saddam Husseins tyrannical rule could comprehend.

On Thursday, an ardent Trump supporter who was legally armed took intimidation to the next level and positioned himself in front of a Democratic congressional candidates office in Virginia for twelve hours. The armed man just stared inside the office at the women volunteering and changing position only to make sure staff and volunteers saw the gun on his hip. It is noteworthy that the intimidator was not doing anything illegal by strapping on a gun and stalking a candidates campaign office for twelve hours straight; but legal can be damn terrifying when a Trump supporter with a gun and a pocket Constitution is protecting persecuted Trump voters by staking out a campaign office for hours.

Democrat Jane Dittmars Palmyra congressional campaign office volunteers said they were rightfully frightened at what the intimidator, Daniel Parks said was his way of supporting Donald Trump and protesting against Hillary Clinton. And, he was helping other Trump supporters horrified at being persecuted. Parks said,

Im just trying to provide a voice for someone who might be closet supporters of Trump. Other people that are a little worried to speak out because of possible persecution.

No-one persecutes Trump supporters any more than they do evangelical Christians, they just dont. Not supporting Donald Trump is not persecuting his minions and criticizing his advancement of Americas rape culture isnt either; it just isnt. That persecution mindset has been cultivated by, first evangelicals and more recently by Donald Trump through various conspiracy theories that the Clintons, Republicans, unattractive women, jealous men, Hispanic-named federal judges and an ever-broadening coalition of corporate press and media are conspiring to prevent Trump from sitting in the Oval Office and besmirch his already slimy character.

Parks, a Virginia resident claiming to have served in the military didnt do much besides show people inside the campaign office that he was armed while intimidating the volunteer staff, all women, to stop Trump supporters from being persecuted. He also told CBS 19 affiliate Newsplex that carrying a gun is legal and that he had no ill intention by carrying it while making a bizarre reference to ignorance breeding fear. He said, Were not a threat to anybody, the only threat is ignorance, and ignorance breeds fear. For the group of female campaign volunteers, a maniac with a gun staring at them for twelve straight hours breeds fear, and only an ignorant sot thinks stalking a Democrats campaign office for twelve straight hours will boost Trump supporters morale and prevent them from being persecuted.

Despite what is certainly negative media exposure, Mr. Parks took the time to comment on the news that Donald Trump was pulling out of Virginia and promised that he wasnt giving up on the state. He might be pulling out, but were not pulling out, and Im going to stand my ground and speak out for what I believe in. Parks is planning a similar protest later this year in Richmond; likely to stop Trump supporters from being persecuted and intimidate other Democratic campaign volunteers.

One of the women volunteering for Jane Dittmars campaign in Palmyra, Su Wolff, said the protestor, and a late-arriving armed cohort, were there to intimidate the staff, not support Donald Trump. Ms. Wolff said,

He turned sideways to be sure that we would see that he has an open carry gun, which is legal, its fine, but its intimidating. If he wants to support his candidate thats fine, but dont come here and stare into the office all day.

Unfortunately. Trumps supporters have been incited to intimidate their perceived enemies by the candidate who himself survives solely on intimidation; Donald Trump certainly is void of substance and if not for his celebrity television exposure, nearly all Americans would regard him as a racist loudmouthed bully. Daniel Parks is following Trumps lead in trying to intimidate women volunteering for a woman running for Congress. Parks wasnt protesting against anything; any more than he was standing his ground and speaking out in what he believes in, he was there to intimidate women. There was no ground to stand, and standing mute and staring for twelve hours is not speaking out; it just isnt.

This incident does not bode well for the remainder of the campaign or after the election because as Trump continues to falter and more Americans realize he is just a clueless racist and sexual predator, more Trump devotees will take his incitement to act to heart and protest the existence of their perceived enemies. Unfortunately, they will be armed, ignorant, angry and dangerous and one ardently hopes federal and state law enforcement and intelligence agencies are aware of the threat and prepared to confront it when it manifests itself.
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Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will be holding a dream team rally in Denver to help election Hillary Clinton and drop the hammer on Donald Trump.

The Clinton campaign announced that Sanders and Warren would be in Colorado for Hillary Clinton:



On Sunday, October 16, and Monday, October 17, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont will campaign in Colorado for Hillary Clinton. On Sunday, in Denver, Sanders will be joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts to contrast Clintons plan to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, with Donald Trumps plans, which would benefit himself and other millionaires and billionaires like him. On Monday in Fort Collins at Colorado State University, Sanders will lay out the stakes of the election for students and millennial voters.

At the events, Sanders will talk about Clintons plans to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, combat climate change and move to sustainable energy, make public colleges and universities tuition free, and end a broken criminal justice system. Most importantly, Sanders will emphasize the need to defeat Trump and make Clinton our next president.

With ballots dropping on Monday, Sanders will also urge voters to look for their ballots in the mail and to return them early. The 2016 election is the first presidential election in Colorado in which every active Colorado voter will get their ballot in the mail.

The Republicans and Trump cant match the star power that Hillary Clinton can deploy to get out the vote. Warren and Sanders were the ticket that some progressives wanted to see in the general election, but the two powerhouses of the left will be hitting the road to try to seal the deal for Hillary Clinton in Colorado.

It is easy to see why this election is going to badly for Republicans. While Donald Trump is feuding with the Republican Speaker of the House, and officials in his own party, Democrats and the left are united around Hillary Clinton.

The Sanders/Warren rally is a signal that Democrats will be deploying all of their resources and using all of their advantages to get Hillary Clinton elected in November.
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Ive finally found a silver lining to Donald Trumps existence, and even I dare say his elevation to presidential candidate. And for this, I thank Donald Trump.

Donald Trumps overt misogyny and sexism draw attention to the motive and meaning of the Republican Partys policies designed to control and punish women for their independence.

From Paul Ryans bill that attempted to give a womans rapist more control over her body and life than a woman is allowed in many Republican controlled states to the Republican attempt to shove a transvaginal ultrasound wand between our legs for no reason other than to punish us, Republican policy has offended and outraged women.

There was the Republican legitimate rape slip and their attempt to legislatively redefine rape as only forcible rape and to redefine a victim as an accuser.

But it was sold with paternalistic condescension, masking the noxious misogyny hiding beneath. We were told it was about babies. And who doesnt love babies.

But Republicans tried to turn the Violence Against Women Act into a Pro-Violence Against Women Act. Republicans wanted women in jail who harmed a fetus unintentionally. They let men go free for abusing women and killing a fetus, while jailing women for having a miscarriage. They came up with a bill that encouraged neighbors and family to report on pregnant women who suddenly were no longer pregnant.

Indeed, Donald Trumps running mate Mike Pence tried to force funerals for fetuses.

We knew it wasnt really about babies, because when the babies were born, Republicans treated both the woman and the baby like trash who deserved to starve, unless they were middle-class and white.

We knew it wasnt about life, because Republicans have been crafting legislation that would force pregnant women to die in order to save the fetus.

We knew it wasnt about life because they push war and the death penalty and keep trying to repeal Obamacare.

We knew it wasnt about life or families because even when children were slaughtered during the Sandy Hook attack, Republicans refused to allow even the most basic gun sales reforms.

Republicans refused to even consider making it hard to sell guns legally to people on the terror watch list.

However, we couldnt convince women who didnt pay a lot of attention to policy. We often couldnt have a discussion with our fathers or brothers about what they were supporting, because they could hide under the small government argument and no amount of pointing out that controlling womens bodies is the embodiment of anti-liberty, big government intrusion landed.

And then along came Donald Trump.

While a troubling amount of people still support him and dont seem to be able to articulate an actual real reason for it that stands up under scrutiny, many have found Trumps bragging about sexual assault a bridge too far.

Donald Trumps hatred toward women, as evidenced in his treatment of them  including young girls  as pieces of meat, turns off a lot of good men and has awoken many Republican women. They say that Republicans refusal to take back their endorsement of Trump is proof that the left was always right.

And they are correct.

We were right about Republican policy. It is anti-woman. It is a war on women. It is an assault on our liberty.

Donald Trump is the ugly face of the real intention behind the Republican policies. Its indecent, its wrong, its disgusting, its immoral and its uncivilized.

Republicans dont get to lecture women about morality anymore or claim they know best. Anyone who supported Donald Trump when he first opened his mouth about Muslims and Mexicans knew he was bad news and had terrible judgment.

Trump attacked a Gold Star family and tried to humiliate Hillary Clinton by seating women her husband allegedly had an affair with in his family box at the second debate. This is clearly a sick man.

Now hes trashing women whove come forward to say that he did the things he bragged about in the leaked Access Hollywood tape. Donald Trump sneers that they arent pretty enough for him to sexually assault. And Republicans stand by him.

So now women know exactly who Republicans are and what is behind their hateful policies.

Thanks, Donald Trump.
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President Obama is now the greatest job creator president in U.S. history. As of September, he had a record 78 straight months of job growth, some 15 million jobs going back to 2010. The unemployment rate went from almost 10 percent in 2010 to just under 5 percent by August 2016.

Obama has not only restored the United States good reputation, lost under George W. Bush, but the nations credit rating as well; he has brought the economy back to pre-2008 levels and demolished every Republican myth told about tax and spend liberals.

According to Republicans, none of that has ever happened. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), in this weeks Republican Address, says that using the same tired old policies that failed to create all these jobs, House Republicans are going to create 2.3 million jobs over the next two decades.

Today @RepKevinCramer delivers the weekly address on our #BetterWay solutions for job and economic growth. pic.twitter.com/iKNAlJbFcP  House Republicans (@HouseGOP) October 15, 2016

Cramer says,

As I travel around North Dakota, my constituents tell me their greatest frustration is the overreach of the federal government, said Rep. Cramer. People feel the federal government is working against them, no matter how hard they work or how much they plan. Thats why the Better Way is a solution-based agenda that can help get big government out of the way and put our nation on a better path.

Americas energy boom has the potential to support an additional 2.3 million jobs over the next two decadesand our agenda will ensure government doesnt get in the way, said Speaker Ryan. Kevin has seen firsthand what smart regulation does for economic growth. Now, its time to take these lessons learned and apply them on a national scalethats a Better Way.

By getting big government out of the way, what Cramer means is cutting taxes on corporations and the 1 percent so the rest of us can pay their way while they send jobs overseas and squirrel the extra profits away in off-shore accounts.

Yes, trickle-down economics is a proven myth, but theyre never tired of pushing it.

It also means getting rid of regulations. When Cramer says no more Keystones, hes not talking about the inevitable and expensive leaks that result, but the delay in getting straight to the inevitable leaks: no more of these endless delays that hold up jobs and projects indefinitely, he says.

Of course, its going to take more than two decades to create those 2.3 million jobs if were to judge by Keystone XLs 35 permanent jobs as an example of Republican job creation.

In fact, if you look at average yearly job growth, Democratic presidents easily outperform Republican presidents in recent history. Going back to President Carter, he, President Clinton, and President Obama, all out-performed Reagan, Bush I and Bush II.

Back in January, Paul Waldman over at The Washington Posts The Plum Line, pointed out that,

This isnt just a matter for historians to mull over, because right now were in the midst of a presidential campaign, one in which  and I cant stress this too emphatically  every Republican candidate is essentially promising to bring back George W. Bushs economic policies. There is some variation in their particular plans, but all the candidates say basically the same thing: if we cut taxes (particularly for the wealthy) and scale back regulations, the economy will positively explode in a supernova of job creation and prosperity.



But we tried that not too long ago, and it failed. Spectacularly. Thats not to mention that when Bill Clinton raised taxes in 1993, every Republican predicted a job-killing recession, and they said something similar when Barack Obama allowed some of the upper-end Bush tax cuts to expire.

As Waldman demonstrated, the job-killing recession has not materialized. Again, each time Republicans have tried these policies, they have failed. Even while Obama was creating jobs, Republicans were trying to kill them with the sequester.

Now, having accomplished nothing at all but obstruct Obamas forward progress since 2009, they are telling us once again, if they try these policies, they will create jobs they have never been able to create. Red state after red state is being destroyed by the same economic policies Republicans want to inflict on us nation-wide.

They call this #BetterWay. but clearly, it is a worse way. History is proof that Republican economic policies will fail, each and every time. No lessons have been learned. That would be contrary to Republican ideology, which is to keep doing the same old thing again and again no matter how terribly it fails.

When Paul Ryan says its time to take these lessons learned and apply them on a national scalethats a Better Way, he means the same old way, and we all know what that means.

Job growth chart: The Washington Post
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Donald Trump may have cost himself any chance of winning the state of Ohio after he condemned and attacked the state Republican Party chair for criticizing his behavior towards women.

The Columbus Dispatch reported:



Underscoring the searing divisions over Donald Trump within the Republican Party, Trumps Ohio campaign today disassociated itself with state GOP Chairman Matt Borges because of his lack of support for the partys presidential nominee.

Trump is very disappointed in Matts duplicity, Trumps Ohio director, Robert Paduchik, told the GOPs state central committee in an extraordinary letter today  a mere 24 days from the election.

Mr. Trump told me, this is why people have lost faith in the establishment and party leaders, Paduchik added to the 66-member group, which picks the chairman.

The problem is that the Ohio Republican Party had been footing the bill for Trumps campaign workers in the state. If Trump breaks with the state party, he could lose his campaign workers on the ground in a critical swing state.

Donald Trump has no grassroots staff of his own. The nominee is forcing the Republican Party to pay for and staff his get out the vote effort. Trump was already going to struggle on the ground because Gov. John Kasich is refusing to apply his powerful political operation to helping him.

In real world terms, what this means is that Trump may not have the resources on the ground to get his voters out on election day in Ohio.

The Buckeye State is vital to any hope that Trump still has of winning, but by picking a fight with the state GOP chair, Donald Trump may have handed Ohio to Hillary Clinton.
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Trump promised, at a West Palm Beach rally also full of Nazi rhetoric and dangerous attacks on the free press, that,

We already have substantial evidence to dispute these lies, and it will be made public in an appropriate way and at an appropriate time  very soon.

Remember when Trump promised us he has secret proof that Obamas birth certificate was a fraud? He didnt, as he has now admitted by claiming to have put to rest the birther conspiracy. Or having a secret plan to defeat ISIS? He doesnt.

Mike Pence got into the act as well, saying Friday morning that, Stay tuned. I know theres more information thats going to be coming out that will back his claim that this is all categorically false.

Well, allegedly, the Trump campaign has provided the proof. A man named Anthony Gilberthorpe, who is British, and who claims to have been on the same flight as Donald Trump and Jessica Leeds in 1980, when she says he groped her. He was like an octopus, she told The New York Times. His hands were everywhere.

Gilberthorpe told his story to the New York Post. Leeds had said there was a man sitting across the aisle. Gilberthorpe is apparently claiming to be that man. He says it was Leeds who was flirting with Trump. Before Trump fans get too excited, they need to stop and think about what just took place.

Newsweeks Kurt Eichenwald pointed out a couple of problems with Trumps witness  admitting there is a witness. Remember, all Trump has said so far in his own defense was that Leeds was not attractive enough for him to sexually assault: Manyou dont knowThat would not be my first choice

First, there is this:

Trump offers "witness" who says Trump was on plane beside woman who says she was assaulted. 1st element of allegation confirmed. Not smart.  Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) October 14, 2016

And that means,

Whether Trump's witness proves to be a nut or not, Trump just confessed he was on that plane beside that woman by putting the man forward.  Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) October 14, 2016

If that wasnt bad enough, it turns out that Trumps witness is as much of a con man as Trump himself. In other words, it gets much, much worse  for Donald Trump.

As Think Progress has pointed out, not only is it his word against hers at this point, but Gilberthorpe is not a credible witness, given his penchant for, wellmaking things up. Gilberthorpe is, by all accounts, a serial fableist.

Like Trump, in fact. And certainly no character witness.

According to Think Progress,

In 1987, for example, he told newspapers in England that he was engaged to fashion designer in California named Miss Leah Bergdorf-Hunt. Both our families are delighted, he told The Gloucester Express. It was later revealed that he was not engaged. Also there was no Miss Bergdorf-Hunt. He invented the whole thing.

So to be clear: while Gilberthorpe remembers Leeds flirting with Trump, he also remembers being engaged to a woman who never existed.

As recently as 2014, Gilberthorpe alleged he was paid to recruit underage rent boys for orgies attended by ministers from Margaret Thatchers cabinet. But he had no evidence and never produced any beyond what the Post calls his self-described excellent memory.

In fact, just about all Trump has accomplished is admitted he was on the plane with Jessica Leeds and seated beside her, exactly like she said. So now Trump has helpfully placed himself at the scene of the alleged sexual assault, and has provided a witness in his defense who makes things up.

Not the best of scenarios for Donald Trump. Not quite the evidence of his innocence that he promised. But then, Donald Trump has never delivered on his promises. Ask anyone to whom he has owed money.
NEW YORK  Lower airfares and rising salaries are putting a squeeze on Delta Air Lines.

Luckily for the airline, the price of jet fuel remains cheap and the Atlanta-based carrier was able to report Thursday a third-quarter profit of $1.26 billion, down 4 percent from the same period last year.

Summer is typically the strongest period for U.S. airlines and Delta's earnings could signal an end of an extraordinary run of record profits for the industry. The issue is that this era of cheap fuel isn't going to last forever.

Delta  which is the first major U.S. airline to report earnings  paid $1.50 for each gallon of jet fuel in the quarter, down from $1.89 during the same period last year. An oil refinery owned by Delta in Pennsylvania lost $45 million in the quarter, yet possession of the facility gives the airline a 3-cents-per-gallon fuel advantage over competitors. Every penny per gallon saved adds up with the airline consuming 1.1 billion gallons of fuel during the quarter. Delta warned in its earnings release that, for the first time in several years, year-over-year fuel prices will be higher in the next quarter.

After posting more than $56 billion in industry profits since 2010, U.S. airlines now are struggling with too many seats in the sky, lower airfares and increased costs for most non-fuel expenses including salaries and payments for new aircraft.

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The amount of money Delta collected for each mile that each available seat flew plunged 6.8 percent during the three months that ended Sept. 30.

The average airfare for each 1,000 miles passengers flew during the summer was $153.80, down 5.3 percent from the $162.40 Delta collected during the same period last year.

The number of available seats and the miles they flew increased 1.5 percent while the actual flying by paying customers fell 0.2 percent. A year ago, 86.8 percent of Delta's seats were filled with paying passengers during the peak July, August and September quarter. That fell this year to 85.4 percent.

Delta, the world's second-largest airline by passenger traffic, said it plans to slow its growth to 1 percent in the next quarter and into 2017 so it can try to raise airfares. It hopes that its industry-leading on-time performance will convince travelers  especially higher-paying business fliers  to book with Delta and possibly pay more to do so.

Delta indicated on a call with investors that airfares may have hit their low point.

The airline's president, Glen Hauenstein, said that within the next 90 days he expects more than half of Delta's routes to see higher year-over-year revenue per available seat. In the past six to eight weeks, the airline has seen airfares climb on last-minute bookings.

Latin America routes  which have been hammered by regional economic troubles  saw revenue per available seat climb 1.4 percent.

However, lucrative Trans-Atlantic routes fell 9.7 percent, something Hauenstein attributed to the growth of low-cost airlines in that market, terrorism fears and Great Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the subsequent drop of the country's currency.

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"We continue to be cautiously optimistic," Hauenstein said.

While Delta is taking in less cash, it's also paying out more.

The number of full-time equivalent employees rose 1.3 percent to 84,084. Salaries and benefits jumped 8 percent to $2.5 billion. And that doesn't factor in a proposed new pilot contract which would drive up Delta's wage expenses more.

Delta also continued to replace its aging fleet of jets, leading to a 14 percent increase in its aircraft payments. Its fleet climbed from 925 jets to 960 in the past year. The new jets also have more seats than those they are replacing, making it even harder for Delta to easily pull down its capacity and increase airfares.
If there's one thing auto lovers can take from this election cycle, it's confirmation that Ford is resurrecting the Bronco SUV and Ranger pickup.

The news break comes from an unlikely source: A plant chairman for United Auto Workers Local 900 responding to Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump's accusations in the first debate that Ford is moving jobs to Mexico.

Bill Johnson, who represents workers at the Wayne, Mich., plant that made the Focus and C-Max compact cars now being moved to a plant in Mexico, told the Detroit Free Press that Trump needs "to get his facts straight."

Trump said in the debate that thousands of jobs would be leaving Michigan as a result of Ford's decision to move its small-car production south of the border.

Ford fired back that no jobs would be lost. The UAW supported this, with Johnson adding that while autoworkers "hate to see products go to Mexico," the return of the Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco SUV will secure the future of UAW workers at the Michigan Assembly Plant more than the comparatively low-volume compact cars.

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The SUV-crossover is the best-selling segment in the U.S. The midsize pickup segment is hot with the return of the Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and overdue redesigns of the Honda Ridgeline and segment best-selling Toyota Tacoma. These models, along with the Nissan Frontier, are averaging double-digit sales increases over 2015.

Ford is missing the action, despite having the best-selling vehicle in America for more than three decades with the Ford F-150.

Ford Vice President Mark LaNeve whetted speculation in February at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show by announcing the automaker will add four new SUVs globally by 2020.

Yet Ford refuses to confirm the return of the Bronco and Ranger.

"We do not speculate about future product plans," Ford spokesman Bill Collins said, in response to what is becoming increasingly obvious.

Automakers use carefully crafted promotional cycles to maximize interest  and media coverage  during the long introductory period of new models. Ford's unwillingness to confirm what its workers are planning for is less a denial than a preference to control that cycle.

In place of specifics we have speculation, which dates back much further than 2016.

In August 2015, John Wolkonowicz, a former Ford product planner and current independent analyst told Bloomberg the Bronco will have newfound appeal. "Gen Y has discovered the original Bronco," Wolkonowicz said. "Ford has seen what the Mustang can do for them, and they are bringing back their iconic names."

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Originally launched in 1966, the rugged two-door off-road vehicle competed with the Jeep CJ, now known as the Wrangler. It grew over time on a truck platform shared with the Ford F-150 pickup truck. Due to increased safety standards and the third brake light, it became illegal to remove the top in 1992, though there is ample evidence of users getting around that on Ford truck forums. After 30 years of production, and one infamous stint in 1994 as O.J. Simpson's getaway vehicle in a surreal televised low-speed chase as Los Angeles police pursued him for the alleged murder of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, the Bronco was discontinued in 1996.

Vehicles were getting smaller and more fuel-efficient, and the versatile Explorer appealed to families as a minivan alternative while retaining some of the ruggedness of a utility vehicle.

While the Bronco helped usher in the SUV-era, its demise helped enter in the crossover era.

The difference between an SUV and crossover, which often are lumped together in sales statistics and marketing materials, is that SUVs like the Bronco were based on stiffer, rougher riding body-on-frame construction, same as a pickup. Crossovers are the same size, but have moved to the unibody construction used on cars for smoother, softer rides.

The new Bronco is expected to be similarly sized to the Ford Explorer midsize crossover, but the Bronco should be a true SUV built on a body-on-frame truck platform. It should be more off-road capable, thereby able to better compete with Jeep's portfolio of trail-rated crossovers.

It would make sense to share the platform with the Ranger midsize pickup truck, which was discontinued in the U.S. in 2011 but is still manufactured and sold in 180 other countries, including Mexico. It was redesigned in 2015 and shares a platform with the Everest three-row SUV available in Australia. Chances are the Bronco will look more like the Everest than the fanboy images going around social media, where all this speculation was ignited.
People's Food Co-op of Rochester will be hosting two fundraisers for the PFC Community Fund at the Bleu Duck Kitchen on Friday, Oct. 21.

The Bleu Duck, in the Conley-Maass building at 14 Fourth St. SW, will serve appetizers, beer, and wine from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Admission is $15.

Later that same night, from 10 p.m. to midnight, the Bleu Duck will host an evening of hip hop and hot dogs. Admission is $10 at the door; hot dogs are $5.

To register, call 289-9061.

The PFC Community Fund was founded with the intent of providing supplemental or project-specific funding to local nonprofit organizations that have missions consistent with the goals of the People's Food Cooperative.
Verizon's top lawyer says it now has reason to believe Yahoo's recently disclosed data breach has a "material" impact on Verizon's pending $4.8 billion acquisition of Yahoo.

That leaves open the possibility that Verizon could seek a change in the price or other terms.

A Verizon spokesman confirmed that Craig Silliman, general counsel at Verizon, made the comments to reporters during a roundtable discussion Thursday.

"I think we have a reasonable basis to believe right now that the impact is material and we're looking to Yahoo to demonstrate to us the full impact," he said.

Silliman didn't say whether Verizon will seek a price reduction, but added that Yahoo will have to convince Verizon if it doesn't believe the breach of at least 500 million users' email accounts had a significant impact on its business.

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Earlier this week, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam said his company was investigating but vowed Verizon wouldn't walk away from the deal.

Yahoo said in a statement Thursday that it is confident of the company's value and that it is still working toward integrating with Verizon. The deal was expected to close by the end of March 2017.

The security issue could worsen Yahoo's problems: Users were already declining, and so was revenue. Verizon had wanted Yahoo's popular sites to combine with AOL's advertising technology to help it build a digital-ad company that could compete with industry behemoths Google and Facebook. Verizon bought AOL in 2015.
WABASHA  A man made his first appearance Tuesday in Wabasha County District Court, where he stands accused of kicking a woman, drugging her and refusing to let her leave a house.

Kenneth John Anderson, 52, of Bellchester, faces one count each of second-degree assault, domestic assault by strangulation, false imprisonment and terroristic threats, all felonies. He remains in custody in lieu of $60,000 conditional bail and is due back in court Oct. 25.

The charges stem from alleged incidents Saturday, when Anderson kicked a woman out of a home about 3:30 a.m. She got dressed and went to a casino; Anderson arrived there about an hour later. The woman left the casino and drove home to get some clothes, the complaint says; Anderson pulled in behind her and began beating on her car windows.

He was able to get into her car and forced her to pull back into the driveway by pulling her hair, court documents say. Anderson shut off the car, removed the keys from the ignition and gripped them so the ends poked out as he allegedly hit her with his fist.

Anderson pushed the woman out of the car, got her on the ground and allegedly kicked her in the ribs and face, then stepped on her head and ground her hand into the ground. He pulled the victim into the house by her hair, the report says, took her into a bedroom, "ripped her clothes off her body" and put a belt around her neck.

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Anderson allegedly tied the belt to the bed so if she moved, it would strangle her. The woman claimed he hit her with steel-toed boots, threatened to kill her and forced her to take some vicodin and drink whiskey, the complaint says.

The victim reportedly passed out until 5 p.m., then went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with bruised ribs and a concussion.

A review of Anderson's criminal history reflects felony convictions in 2005 for second-degree assault and terroristic threats.
A Rochester man accused of driving drunk in a crash that injured his friend has been charged with felony criminal vehicular operation.

Samuel Roberto Anderson, 25, made his initial appearance Tuesday in Olmsted County District Court, where he also faces misdemeanor counts of DWI and driving after revocation. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Dec. 16.

Anderson has also collected 29 tickets for parking violations since May 2015, court documents show.

The criminal charges stem from a single-vehicle crash about 11 p.m. Sept. 28 near the intersection of Fox Valley Drive and Salem Road Southwest in Rochester.

The car, allegedly driven by Anderson, had left the road and crashed into nearby trees; both the front and rear ends of the car were wedged into the trees. The vehicle was sitting about six inches above the ground.

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Witnesses reported seeing the car headed west on Salem Road, then heard tires squealing and saw the car go over the curb into the trees.

One of the deputies on the scene recognized the car from a driving complaint about a suspected drunken driver 30 minutes earlier, the complaint says. Officers found Anderson pinned in the driver's seat; the registered owner of the vehicle was pinned in the passenger seat.

Both men were taken by ambulance to a local hospital; Anderson had a cut above his right eye and a broken left ankle; the passenger suffered a broken arm.

Deputies noted the "strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the interior of the car," court documents say; Anderson's eyes were "bloodshot and watery and his speech was slurred." Anderson refused a preliminary breath test.

At the hospital, Anderson was reportedly belligerent with medical staff, refused to sit for X-rays and eventually had to be restrained.

A search warrant was obtained for a sample of Anderson's blood and urine; test results of the fluids are pending.
A Rochester woman accused of using and selling drugs out of a home  and keeping a loaded handgun within reach of a 4-year-old child  has been sentenced in the case.

Sarah Marie Walsh, 23, pleaded guilty in August to felony second-degree drug sale. In exchange for the plea, two counts of first-degree drug sale, and single counts of storing methamphetamine in the presence of a child and causing a child to be exposed to meth, all felonies, were dismissed at Monday's sentencing.

Olmsted County District Court Judge Pamela King sentenced Walsh to 57 months in prison, stayed for 25 years, and 97 days in jail, with credit for 97 days already served. She was also ordered to complete drug treatment and 100 hours of community work service.

Walsh's co-defendant, Derek Ty Cobb, 29, faces two counts of first-degree drug sale, and one count each of first-degree drug possession, fifth-degree drug sale, fifth-degree drug possession, storing meth in the presence of a child and causing a child to be exposed to meth, all felonies. He also faces one count of possession of a pistol as a user of controlled substances, a gross misdemeanor.

Cobb hasn't entered a plea in the case, but is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 27 on a different case.

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The couple's charges came after members of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team executed a warrant about 5:50 a.m. April 17, 2015, at 3208 U.S. Highway 52 North after receiving information about drug activity at the home, said Capt. Scott Behrns of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.

When they entered the house, Walsh and Cobb were inside with the child, who was sitting on top of a backpack on the couch.

An investigator opened the backpack, and found a loaded and uncased 9 mm handgun in the side pocket, the criminal complaint says. A second loaded magazine was located next to the gun in the same pocket.

Beside the couch was a desk with a bag of meth and a meth pipe on top, the report says. Meth paraphernalia with residue was also allegedly found on the counter and in the cabinet of the bathroom.

Investigators recovered 21.4 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine and 102 grams of marijuana, Behrns said, with a total estimated street value of $7,000. About $1,000 in cash was also found.

Cobb admitted purchasing one or two ounces of meth about every three days, court documents say, and had been selling meth for about a year. He usually sells it five times a day in Winona, less often in Rochester. Walsh sold it for him "a couple of times," and reportedly admitted knowing she put her son in harm's way.

Cobb allegedly admitted to selling marijuana, too, and said the drugs in the home were his.

The child was placed with relatives.
Dear Answer Man, the Alatus project on Second Street has come up in connection with the Miracle Mile project -- or is it called Miracle Market project? Anyway, is the Alatus project good to go? If so, when will construction start?

It's not good to go. The $110 million project, proposed by Twin Cities developer Alatus , received a preliminary OK from the City Council on Sept. 20, but now comes the hard part: a final plan, a return visit to the always-unpredictable Planning and Zoning Commission, two public hearings and then final action by the council.

I checked with the Alatus team regarding next steps and Chris Osmundsonsays they submitted their final plan on Wednesday -- I need to look at that -- and they hope to get in front of the P & Z on Nov. 9. "Assuming approval, we would be before the City Council on Dec. 19," Chris said by email.

Alatus also will appear at the Destination Medical Center Corp. meeting on Oct. 27 regarding the proposed DMC boundary modification for the project. That meeting is at Mayo Civic Center, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

So things are cooking.

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I checked with some Folwell neighborhood opponents, such as Mark Bransford,and they're also cooking. Bransford and others associated with the Folwell Neighborhood Association have raised concerns for months about the 13-story project's height, scale, parking garage, impact on traffic and more.

Bransford made it clear in a chit-chat that the issue is "far from over."

"The city council vote to approve was a very tenuous 4-3 and height was a clear concern," Mark said. "Alatus has said repeatedly that they won't reduce the scale of the development. Couple the opposition that many in the neighborhood have expressed with the prospect of the final vote coming after the new year and with potential turnover on the city council, (developer Bob) Luxshould be nervous. DMC project or not, this is far from over."

Among other new wrinkles is Olmsted County District Judge Kevin Lund's recusal last month from the City Lines case, which we learned about only Thursday, and reasonable people would surmise is related to the Alatus project. Lund lives in the Folwell area and isn't a happy camper for many reasons, including City Council Member Michael Wojcik'sinvolvement with the project. There were fireworks at the Post Bulletin Dialogue meeting on the topic in June, with Lund making strikingly sharp comments to both Wojcik and Lux.

In his recusal from the City Lines case, Lund notes that an unnamed "member of the City Council" will be a "key witness for both parties," the privately owned City Lines bus company and the city of Rochester. The PB tried without luck to contact Lund Friday on the matter, but he's apparently referring to Wojcik, who he says in the recusal statement "has exhibited a decided lack of private and public candor and honesty as it relates to a development issue directly impacting my family's home."

"Since this matter is a court trial, the presiding judge is required to make unbiased judgments about the credibility and believability of those called to testify," the statement says. "I simply cannot do so as it relates to this witness. Consequently, recusal is ethically required."

We checked with Wojcik on the matter Friday and he was aware of Lund's recusal but doesn't know more about it, other than that Lund is apparently "mad" about the Alatus project.

For his part, Wojcik has been a fan of the project. He said this about the opposition at the council meeting where it received preliminary approval: "There's a little bit of, I think, fear mongering that has been going on out there, that this is the domino that's going to tip and destroy the neighborhood ... I think that the opposite is actually true."

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I've heard rumblings about next steps if the project is approved, which makes Lund's statement and the outcome of the four city council races on Nov. 8 that much more interesting.

Regarding "Miracle Market" -- that's what the apartment and retail project proposed for Miracle Mile Shopping Center was called initially, though that name has been used less often in recent documents. That project goes to the council on Monday after getting the Planning and Zoning Commission's somewhat accidental blessing Wednesday.

I'll have more on that Miracle on 16th Avenue on Monday.

The second Earl of Rochester

One of my most attentive readers, John McNeil , who has perhaps the best handwriting of anyone in Rochester, sent this after my excellent item last month on the coats of arms and heraldry on the facade of the former Rochester Public Library building. That landmark was designed by Harold Crawford and is now the Mayo Medical School's Mitchell Student Center.

I deduced that the coat of arms at the top of the front entry is from Rochester, England -- our city's namesake, once removed by way of New York state -- but John says it may also be associated with the heraldry of John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, who lived a few generations after Shakespeare and was, among other claims to fame, a poet.

Actually, I can't find a connection to the Earl of Rochester and that emblem on the old library, but I won't let that get in the way of a good column item. Here's a short sample of Wilmot's literary wit:

We have a pretty witty king,

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Whose word no man relies on,

He never said a foolish thing,

And never did a wise one.

Some things never change, obviously.
ZUMBROTA  The eighth annual Gooodhue County EDA Summit will be held Oct. 26. The summit, which is open to the public, will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Zumbrota VFW.

Hosted by the Goodhue County Economic Development Authority and Community and Economic Development Associates, the meeting will focus on arts as an economic driver and the workforce shortage in the county, region and state.

Representatives from the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, as well as regional arts professional will share information and experience with attendees.

"You take a look at some of the cities in Goodhue County and the success they've had in places like Zumbrota and Red Wing," said Ron Zeigler with CEDA. "We want to try to highlight some of the opportunities out there. Not everyone is aware of the opportunities out there, and arts is one of them."

Goodhue County Commissioner Brad Anderson said he hopes businesses and community leaders attend to brush up on the opportunities with arts.

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"This meeting is important because arts and workforce development are connected in that healthy and vibrant communities that offer arts, recreation and high-quality schools create an environment which encourages robust businesses and industry," he said. "This is what will attract people to live and work in our county."
EYOTA  At noon Thursday, 1.2 million students across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio took bites out of locally grown apples.

Those at Dover-Eyota Elementary School were among them.

"Five, four, three, two, one!" they counted down, led by Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Dave Frederickson and state Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). At zero, there was a collective "crunch" into Cortland apples from Mueske Family Farm.

Frederickson, Nelson and several others from the Minnesota Farm to School Leadership Team joined a couple of local farmers at the school to commemorate Gov. Mark Dayton's proclamation of October as Farm to School Month.

The group visited 12 schools in 8 days around the state. All of the schools had received Farm to School grants.

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"[The grant] has been wildly successful these last four years we've been doing it," Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Andrea Vaubel said. "We've given over $1.5 million to 83 different projects. The grant is a one-to-one match, and the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Center for Prevention helps the schools match the state funds."

The grants help schools with the resources they need to serve locally grown, healthy food in their cafeterias.

"I want to commend D-E for being a leader in this regard," Nelson said. "They told me about what was happening with school lunches using locally produced food."

The elementary school used its grant money to upgrade its kitchen from a heat-and-serve unit to one that can take food fresh from the farm and prepare a healthy meal.

Carrie Frank, the district's nutrition director, led the group on a tour of the new kitchen, showing off its new processing equipment.

"With the funds, we were able to purchase a root peeler," Frank said. "We can do 20 pounds of carrots or potatoes, and it'll rotate them. We don't have to do any peeling. And we have a Robot-Coupe, an industrial vegetable processor. You can make coleslaw, shredded potatoes and slice up your cucumbers and carrots."

Additionally, the district planted apple and pear trees at D-E High School for their agriculture classes to work with.

The Farm to School grant is part of the Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program (AGRI). Its goal is to get local food into schools. That is commonly done by helping schools install equipment that will allow them to prepare fresh food.

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It makes a difference in many ways.

"We're an open enrollment district, and we had a family who came to this district this year because of the nutrition program," Frank said.

St. Charles apple grower Carol Mueske, whose apples were eaten during the Crunch, was in attendance, along with Fred Kappauf of Rochester's Sekapp Orchard.

After lunch, the students gave the Leadership Team colored pictures of farms to express their gratitude.

The Farm to School Leadership Team includes University of Minnesota-Extension, the state Dept. of Health, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Education, the Minnesota School Nutrition Association, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Renewing the Countryside, Schoolyard Garden Coalition and USDA Rural Development.

Applications for the next round of grants are due Nov. 2. Learn more at www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/mnfarmtoschool.aspx .
WEST ALBANY TOWNSHIP  Motorists on Minnesota Highway 60 near West Albany in Wabasha County will see the closure and detour for bridge deck repaving continue into next week as Minnesota Department of Transportation crews await sufficient curing of concrete.

The delay in opening the road is necessary for the concrete to gain the required strength so traffic can travel on the bridge.

The repaving work requires a detour to take westbound Highway 60 traffic north on Wabasha County Road 4 to Wabasha County Road 33 west to Wabasha County Road 2 south, where it connects with Highway 60. The eastbound route is the reverse.

The route for motorists heading to Spring Creek Motorcross is signed and accessible from the east side of the work zone on Highway 60.
Forest Service cancels prescribed burns planned for BWCA

DULUTH  The Superior National Forest has canceled plans for four prescribed burns this fall within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Forest spokeswoman Kristina Reichenbach said Thursday that officials have decided to wait for better conditions next year.

The prescribed burns near the Gunflint Trail and near Ely are intended to reduce the threat of wildfires in areas where large patches of downed timber remain 17 years after a massive windstorm tore through the area.

The 1999 storm downed millions of trees across 500,000 acres of the forest, including 350,000 within the Boundary Waters. While officials say significant progress has been made toward completing a series of planned prescribed burns since the storm, the threat of wildfire persists in some blowdown areas.  Associated Press

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Striking Allina nurses ratify new contract

MINNEAPOLIS  Nurses at five Allina Health hospitals in Minnesota have approved a contract to return to work.

A majority of rank-and-file members of the Minnesota Nurses Association on Thursday voted to ratify the tentative agreement reached earlier in the week. Both the union and Allina Health say the nurses will return to work Sunday morning.

The nurses had been on strike in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since Labor Day, during which time they rejected multiple contract proposals from Allina.

Union Executive Director Rose Roach has said the agreement reached on Tuesday secures advances for nurses in workplace safety, staffing policies and health insurance.

In a joint statement, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith say they are "grateful this long and painful strike has ended."  Associated Press

Dayton redoubles focus on disability worker hiring

ST. PAUL  Minnesota state officials are redoubling their efforts to hire more workers with disabilities.

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Gov. Mark Dayton announced Thursday he's re-launching two hiring programs toward that end. One program called Connect 700 gives potential workers with disabilities a 700-hour trial to find a better job match. A second program offers 50 full-time positions that can be shared by employees with disabilities.

It's part of Dayton's goal to increase employment for people with disabilities up to 7 percent of the state workforce by 2018. He said Thursday they've reached 6.2 percent but there's more work to be done.

Dayton and others hope their efforts signal to employers across the state that it's an important goal. Minnesota has among the worst employment rate for workers with disabilities in the nation.

Wildlife managers predict good hunting for pheasant opener

MONTEVIDEO  Wildlife managers are predicting good hunting when Minnesota's pheasant season opens Saturday.

The Department of Natural Resources says the state's pheasant population is up an estimated 29 percent from last year thanks to another mild winter and good nesting conditions this spring, although standing crops will provide ample cover.

Gov. Mark Dayton travels to Montevideo (mont-uh-VID'-ee-oh) for the sixth annual Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener. It marks a return to the city that hosted his inaugural pheasant opener in 2011. Dayton will attend a community banquet Friday evening. He'll be joined in the field Saturday by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson.

Minnesota's long-term pheasant population trend remains downward due to the loss of grassland. The population is about 14 percent below the 10-year average and 48 percent below the long-term average.  Associated Press

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Man charged in alleged attack over Vikings inflatable

MINNEAPOLIS  Authorities have charged a Madison, Wis., man in a confrontation involving a Minnesota Vikings inflatable yard decoration in Stoughton.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have invited 36-year-old homeowner David Moschel to attend a practice and a game at U.S. Bank Stadium in November.

Jacob Justice, 21, is accused of slicing Moschel's face and head with a box cutter numerous times. Police said Moschel and Justice got into a confrontation Sunday night after Justice allegedly damaged Moschel's inflatable.

Moschel was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Justice appeared in court Tuesday on a charge of second-degree reckless injury. The felony carries a potential penalty of 12  years in prison and a $25,000 fine. A telephone listing for him couldn't be found.  Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 people who died in police chase

BURNSVILLE  Family members are trying to raise money to return the body of a Minnesota mother of five, who was killed in a crash by a man fleeing police, to her native Honduras for burial.

The State Patrol said Aida Leticia Sevilla Ocampo, 39, of Burnsville, died Monday night when her SUV was struck by a van by Matthew Vogel, 22, of Bloomington. The chase began in Apple Valley when police spotted the van being driven aggressively and determined it had been involved in a hit-and-run crash earlier in Savage. Vogel also died in the crash.

Col. Matt Langer, chief of the State Patrol, said it appeared the squad cars were "quite a distance behind" Vogel's van when it struck Ocampo's SUV, causing it to flip. She died instantly.

Ocampo was on her way to work and only a short distance from her home when she was struck. Family friend Marcus Martinez told WCCO-TV that four of her children were at home when it happened.

"The children didn't want to believe it. It was the next morning that they finally got it that their mom was gone. They thought they were going to go to the hospital and see their mom, but no," he said. A GoFundMe page has been set up to return Ocampo's body to Honduras.

The Star Tribune reported that Vogel had a long criminal history, the most recent a felony conviction for repeatedly violating a domestic violence no-contact order in July.  Associated Press
It's hard to be heard above the din of any presidential election, let alone this year's, so most school districts are sitting this one out.

Only 28 districts are putting operating levy referendums before voters this year  the fewest in 32 years  and only 10 are asking for money for buildings, according to the Minnesota School Boards Association.

"Anytime you go up and try and put information out during a presidential election, it's a very hard thing to do because you get drowned out," said MSBA communications director Greg Abbott. And when school boards can't get out the message about why they need money, he said, voters are reluctant to approve.

Increased state funding and the fact that many districts passed tax measures in the last few years may also contribute to the low, he said.

Minnesota school districts must get voter approval for taxation that exceeds a limit set by the state. Every few years, districts need to come back to renew or increase that authorization.

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Minneapolis is one of the districts that has a tax measure on the ballot this year. The district is asking voters to renew an existing operating levy, with no projected tax increase. Still, like many Minnesota districts, Minneapolis depends on the referendum money.

"If this referendum doesn't pass, each school will be hit with huge cuts, insurmountable cuts," said referendum campaign manager Donald McFarland. He said the money in question is about 13 percent of the district's budget.

Minneapolis has had referendum success in past presidential years. In 2008, for example, voters approved by a wide margin a measure that nearly doubled the per-pupil operating levy.

But the situation is different this year, following a year and a half of upheaval in the district's leadership. Still, McFarland said he's optimistic the message is getting out, despite the presidential race. He said canvassers with the Minneapolis DFL Party have been distributing referendum information.

"Voters in Minneapolis are pretty clear on who their presidential pick is, so we're able to quickly pivot to what else is on the ballot, and that's really this referendum," McFarland said.

In other districts it's a different story. Minnesota districts vary widely in how much money they collect from voter-approved taxes. Some districts boost their state funding by several thousand dollars per student, while others collect only a few hundred dollars per student.

The state makes up for some of this gap with other kinds of funding. Disparities spiked in 2013, but since then have narrowed and are smaller than they've been in decades.

Still, the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale district last passed an operating levy increase in 2002, and it ranks 35th out of 49 metro-area districts in how much referendum money it collects per student. Voters rejected a $900-per-student increase in 2015, so this year the district reduced its request to $630 per student.

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"Even though it's a presidential year, we just didn't feel like we could take a year off and not try to push this forward, because it's really that important for us," said Superintendent Christine Osorio.
BURNSVILLE, Minn.  Leticia Ocampo's children recall her as a mom who was ready with a hug.

The Burnsville woman was killed Monday night when a driver crashed into her vehicle while fleeing police. That high-speed chase had begun after a hit-and-run accident miles away.

The intersection of County Road 5 and 131st Street in Burnsville is still littered with shards of glass and metal from the crash. And just two houses down is where the Ocampo family lives in a four-bedroom home.

Sitting at the kitchen, Adrianna Macias said Leticia Ocampo had been her best friend.

"Leticia  or Leti, how we all knew her  she was a very happy person, very friendly, a very good mom, and she always cared for others," Macias said. "She cared a lot for her family back in Honduras, and for everybody here."

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As Macias spoke, two of Ocampo's five children sat at the table, quietly eating slices of pizza. They said they would miss their mom's traditional Mexican corn soup.

Ocampo's husband, Octavio Iniguez, was born in Mexico. She was born in La Ceiba, a city along Honduras' northern coast, known for its beautiful beaches and nearby national parks. Adrianna Macias described Ocampo, 39, as a woman full of life who loved the outdoors, the trails and camping.

"Oh it was fun! I think she was the only one that did not complain about the camping experience," Macias said. "She enjoyed being out there, sitting by the bonfire, talking, and hiking. She was the one who always kept up the pace."

While a TV played in the background, 13-year-old Cinthia Guzman-Ocampo smiled, thinking back to the family's recent trip to Willow River State Park in Wisconsin.

"We went up by a waterfall, we stayed there for a little bit, and then we went to eat ice cream," Cinthia recalled. She said her mother was fun, joyful and physically affectionate.

"When I'd get home from school, I'd have to say, like, bendicion, like blessings, and then we'd like kiss on the cheek," she said. "And then before I went to bed, we would kiss on each cheek, and then the forehead, and then hug."

"I will miss coming home to her," she said. "And before I go to bed."

It was the same in the mornings, too, said Ocampo's oldest son, 14-year-old David Guzman-Ocampo.

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"She would say, did you forget something?" he said. "And then we'd be like, 'Oh, good morning,' and give her a kiss."

Holding Ocampo's youngest child, one-year-old Lupita, Anna Ocampo said the loss of her sister has changed her life forever. The 36-year-old came to Minnesota from Maryland only a week ago.

"For the past week, I've been here with them," she said through a translator. "And now my sister has left us, and I'm the sister that's closest, and I have to take care of them with their dad. And it's very difficult. Very difficult."

She doesn't know how to get counseling for the kids, and is trying to help raise funds to take Ocampo's body back to Honduras. That's where her mother lives, with Ocampo's oldest daughter.

Across the street, neighbor Chuck Mattingly was in his kitchen when he heard the accident, which also killed the driver, Matthew John Vogel, 22, who had been fleeing police. He says it's a heartbreaking loss for the five children.

"The father, or whoever is taking care of them, they've got a terrible job on their hands," he said. "It never gets any easier for the people that are alive."

Funeral arrangements are pending, and expected to be held at the South St. Paul Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church.
LA CROSSE, Wis.  A police chief in Wisconsin has accused a county judge of compromising courtroom safety when she told his officers to not bring their firearms when they appear in court to testify against a man accused of threatening an officer.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Ramona Gonzalez told three officers testifying in Mark Topness' trial Tuesday they could not wear their firearms or duty belts in the courtroom.

Topness was convicted of nine charges following the trial, including resisting arrest and attempted battery of a police officer. Prosecutors said Topness threatened the life of Officer Ethan Purkapile, spit on him and tried to kick him last November.

Purkapile had nothing to protect himself from a man who threatened to kill him," said La Crosse Police Chief Ron Tischer. "To take away their ability to protect themselves and others is a frightening thought."

Gonzalez said her policy, enforced during jury trials, allows officers to testify without the distraction of their guns. The judge says a gun visible to jurors could be grounds for an appeal. Wisconsin Supreme Court rules allow judges to individually set their courtroom policy on a case-by-case basis.

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Purkapile said it was the first time he's ever been asked to disarm in court.

"I was definitely concerned because it compromised my ability to protect the DA's office staff, the jurors, the circuit court staff, Judge Gonzalez and myself," the officer said.

Stripping an officer of a firearm presents serious safety issues, Tischer said, especially in an emotionally charged courtroom that can be prone to violence. La Crosse County Courthouse security officers confiscated more than 1,400 knives and more than 300 box cutters or razor blades in 2015.

Police officials said they're not looking for a fight with Gonzalez but hope to work with her to develop a courtroom firearm policy that protects everyone's safety.  Associated Press
The race for the Rochester City Council's at-large seat revolves heavily around leadership style and how the council should make future decisions.

The incumbent, Council President Randy Staver, took the council helm about 18 months after being elected as Ward 5 council member, first as an interim in the wake of Denny Hanson's death, and then was elected in 2013.

Staver frequently seeks to build consensus in the council. Before calling for votes on key issues, he strives to make sure all opinions are heard and determine whether common ground can be found.

"One of the things I find that I have to do, given the diversity of opinions on the council and within the community, is trying to form that consensus and compromise that allows us to move forward," he said.

His challenger, Sean Allen, says he wants to be more proactive by creating a strategic plan to set an agenda for future decisions. "I think we need to have some kind of ambition or kind of thing we're trying to accomplish as a community," he said.

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Talking about development concerns as Destination Medical Center unfolds, Allen said quicker, more deliberate action will decrease tensions for builders, neighborhoods and the city. "We need to fast track these things," he said of development guidelines and community planning. "We have to get them out there and get them in place, so we don't end up with all these conflicts."

Backgrounds

The candidates' experiences leading up to the race likely influenced their approaches to leadership.

Staver, a near-lifetime Rochester resident and 34-year Mayo Clinic employee, started serving on community boards with the Community Education Board when his daughters were in school. Through the following years, he served on a variety of others, including the Olmsted Planning Advisory Commission, Rochester Downtown Alliance, Rochester's Charter Commission and Ethical Practices Commission before running for a city council seat. He is president of the Southeast League of Municipalities and serves on the League of Minnesota Cities board.

His experiences have offered him inside knowledge into local government and shaped his path. Noting the experience is important in his role, Staver said he can only think of one person in 20 years who became president without first being a council member. "Almost always, the council president comes from within," he said.

Allen, however, said he doesn't believe his experience fits the mold of a council member representing a single ward. He said he'd rather focus on the needs of the city as a whole.

Allen's first role in city government was serving on the Northfield Planning Commission, where he was chairman in 1999. During that time, he became community development director of Three Rivers Community Action in Zumbrota. He moved to Rochester after becoming director of Rochester Area Foundation's First Homes Initiative in 2001. In 2012, he left to start a private real estate development company, Midwest Landing, as a co-owner. He is also co-owner of Forager Brewery.

Allen said his experience means he comes from the trenches. "I've developed affordable housing," he said. "I've financed these projects. I've worked with these developers. I've been a developer. I've paid the sales taxes and not just assess them and governed  I've been governed."

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Priorities

While leadership styles may offer the largest divide between the candidates, Staver and Allen also expectedly bring differing priorities for the city. Asked to name top priorities for the council, Staver told us they should be building the local workforce, helping create housing and improving transportation. Allen's priorities were improving government transparency, creating a strategic plan for the city and preparing an affordable housing plan.

On affordable housing, both candidates acknowledge a policy is needed to encourage the creation of homes for the city's growing workforce. They disagree on the direction of that policy.

Staver prefers to see a market-driven approach, perhaps offering encouragement with incentives from the city, rather than creating new requirements. "Anytime you insert government into the equation, that will oftentimes have unintended consequences," he said.

Allen wants the city to become a leader on the issue. "We outsource these things from the city, and then we're surprise we really don't get the results we're looking for," he said, noting the city gave up a seat on the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Agency board.

On concerns about the city's development process, Staver has said effective change in the Building Safety Department will come through many, incremental changes, while Allen has called for an overhaul.

DMC

When it comes to how DMC is progressing in the city, Staver acknowledges frustration exists, but notes planning takes time. He said one of the greatest accomplishments so far is the increased community dialogue, which can contribute to delays. "It's a bit of a double-edged sword," he said.

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Allen, who would likely sit on the DMC Corp. Board if elected as council president, says efforts are behind, which tends to create the tension seen in the community. He said he'd like to see more testing of things being discussed. "I think we need to prototype a lot more things in our community," he said.

While Staver argues the city needs steady leadership as it changes and grows with the economic development tools attached to the DMC initiative, it's not clear that business-as-usual is the right approach. He frequently seems reluctant to get on board with things a young workforce would expect, such as food trucks, affordable housing and municipal broadband.

Allen offers a more aspirational approach, easily embracing policies that could attract tomorrow's workforce.

As the community moves in new directions, it's time to consider new paths, which is why we endorse Sean Allen for Rochester City Council president.
The Obama administration is proposing to create a new category for people who identify as Middle Eastern or North African. These people are currently classified as white. This means they arent entitled to the preferences our government grants to non-whites in a host of areas including employment and assistance to businesses.

Commissioner Peter Kirsanow of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights opposes this latest effort to subdivide Americans. He sets forth his opposition in this letter to the Chief Statistician at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the agency that has formally proposed this new approach to divvying us up by race.

Kirsanow explains that the need for civil rights protections stems from the fact that African Americans faced centuries of entrenched racism that denied them a place in American society. Drastic action was needed to end discrimination against this group.

Whatever discrimination may be faced by persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent, it is not akin to that faced by African-Americans prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, says Kirsanow. Thus, he argues, the only reason for requesting the creation of [a special classification for these persons] is to attempt to obtain preferential government treatment that other groups do not receive. . .

There are several reasons why this is a bad idea. First, as Kirsanow argues, collecting racial and ethnic data encourages the maintenance of a separate ethnic identity, which ultimately does not benefit even those who maintain that identity. Call me old-fashioned, but I agree with Kirsanow that immigrants should not be encouraged to de-emphasize their identity as Americans and claim status as a group apart.

Second, as noted, it is irrational and unfair to confer benefits on people of Middle Eastern and North African origin. As Kirsanow puts it:

African-Americans had been largely shut out of mainstream American life for generations, which is why intrusive measures were necessary to ensure that they could participate in public life. That is not the case with Americans of Middle Eastern and North African descent, many of whom are recent immigrants or the children of immigrants. They arrived in a country with nondiscrimination laws. If they experience disparate treatment, they can invoke the nondiscrimination laws. But it would be wrong to give Syrian-Americans a safe congressional district and federal affirmative action preferences when Americans of Sicilian descent must simply lump it. We are rapidly approaching a situation in which all groups except whites of European descent (and in regard to education, Asian-Americans) are positively favored by the government. If every group save one is positively favored by the government, the government is necessarily discriminating against that [one] group.

Finally, the proposed approach would increase the balkanization of American society. It would promote the us-against-them mentality that increasingly plagues America. Ironically, discrimination is more likely to occur in a society where such a mentality prevails.

Kirsanow also offers trenchant observations on another seriously misguided aspect of OMBs proposed rule  consideration of changing the Hispanic or Latino category from an ethnic to a racial one. I recommend that you read the whole thing.
I can guarantee, that even if those FW190's were buried in cosmolene wrappings in the late 1940's, they'll be well and truly Focked by now.

Cosmolene is good for about 20 years at its very best, without being buried. I've unwrapped many a part that was over 20 yrs old, that had been factory-wrapped in cosmolene-soaked paper - and corrosion on the part was still common, even when the part had been shelf-stored.

The simple problem is that alloys are highly reactive, high-grade steels corrode overnight just with a sideways look - let alone poor storage - and burying items is a guaranteed method of ensuring destruction and decomposition within a few years.

The only component I have ever seen dug up and used again after being buried, was a set of crawler tractor tracks for an antique Caterpillar tractor.

They had been buried in relatively dry soil (in California), but they still had substantial corrosion on them - however, the sheer thickness of the metal in the tracks enabled them to be utilised again after sandblasting.
On Tuesday, October 4, the Lagos State government appointed a convicted credit card fraudster and fugitive to head its Safety Commission.

If approved by the House of Assembly, Hakeem Dickson, a former Internal Auditor at the now defunct Nigeria Airways, will resume as the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission despite fleeing from a 24-month jail term in the U.S.

For 20 years, Defendant successfully evaded all United States government efforts to locate and arrest him, Judge Dickinson Debevoise stated in his judgment made public by Sahara Reporters.

He has not served the 24 months sentence lawfully imposed upon him in June 1992.

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the Lagos State government through Steve Ayorinde, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, to know if the administration was aware of Mr. Dicksons antecedents before his appointment. Repeated phone calls were not answered and a text message sent since last week was yet to be replied to.

Efforts were made to reach Mr. Dickson but he did not respond to phone calls. A visit to the address listed for his company -1 Mayor Hakeem Olaogun Dickson Drive, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1  showed that only Hakeem Dickson Road exists in the area, and theres no building on Number One Hakeem Dickson Road.

Even us, we have been looking for this Number One since we came here, a business owner at Number Two Hakeem Dickson Road said.

The building just before Number Three on the street is a residential home. A domestic servant in the compound told PREMIUM TIMES their address is Number Two Hakeem Dickson Road.

Guilty of fraud

On June 14, 1991, Mr. Dickson, also a U.S. citizen, was arrested on a complaint of bank and credit card fraud.

Four months later, he pleaded guilty to Count One of a four-count indictment which charged that from August 29, 1990, to September 10, 1990, he knowingly and willfully executed and attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a federally insured institution in violation of U.S. laws.

On June 25, 1992, Mr. Dickson was sentenced to 24-month jail term, to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.

He was also ordered to repay $14,400.

The judge fixed August 3, 1992 for his voluntary surrender, despite opposition from the U.S. government, the plaintiff in the suit.

The government had urged at sentencing that Defendant be remanded forthwith or at least surrender to the Bureau of Prisons no later than the following Monday, June 29, 1992, the judge said.

The court noted that while on bail Defendant returned on three occasions after being given permission to leave the country.

The Court also took account of Defendants wish to spend more time with his one-year-old son, who suffered severe medical problems. Thus the August 3, 1992, surrender date.

But on August 3, 1992, Mr. Dickson was nowhere to be found in the U.S., forcing the judge to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.

Twenty years later, on January 27, 2012, Mr. Dickson, filed a motion seeking to adjust his sentence of 24 months incarceration in the U.S. by claiming that he had already served 17 months on the same sentence in a Lagos prison.

In his motion, Mr. Dickson claimed that a series of events after his sentencing, preceded by violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in Lagos, forced him to disobey the August 3 surrender date.

During these clashes, two of Defendants sisters were killed and the family home was burned to the ground, the judge quoted Mr. Dickson as claiming, in his judgment dated May 12, 2012.

Following his sentencing Defendant returned to Lagos to bury his sisters, assess the damage to his fathers house and to take his mother for treatment.

When Defendant arrived in Lagos, he was arrested at the airport and was told that since he was convicted in the United States he would also serve time in Nigeria. He was retained in custody until December 10, 1993, a total of 17 months.

Following his claim of release from Kirikiri Prison in 1993, Mr. Dickson immersed himself in public office, contesting and winning an election as Chairman of Surulere Local Government between 1998 and 2004.

He later served as Special Adviser to then Minister of Works, Oluseye Ogunseye, for four years, before being appointed Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr. Dickson also served as a committee chairman of All Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for the drafting of laws, regulations and punishments for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

He is currently the CEO of Citiwide Construction and Transport Nigeria Limited which specializes in the construction of roads and buildings.

Considering the nature of Defendants criminal activities in the United States, these are remarkable posts for Defendant to have held, Judge Debevoise noted.

Defendant now owns a factory which manufacture concrete blocks, paving stones and kerbs, employing 20 people.

It is on the basis of these facts that Defendant seeks to credit the 17 months he served in Nigeria against the 24 months sentence imposed in the United States on June 25, 1992.

Although Defendants request has a certain common sense appeal, he has found no basis for it in the law.

The judge said Mr. Dickson made no request for leave before departing the U.S. in 1992, adding that the American government informed the court in September of that year that the convict had failed to surrender as ordered, and attempts to locate him were unsuccessful.

The Court entered an Order revoking Defendants bail and issuing a warrant for his arrest, said Mr. Debevoise.

For the next 20 years Defendant successfully evaded all government efforts to locate and arrest him.

The newly filed January 27, 2012 motion purports to fill the void. Defendant spent 17 months of the period in prison because of his United States conviction, and then went on to lead a successful political and business life.

Section 18 of the US Constitution 3585(b) under which Mr. Dickson seeks credit for the 17 months he spent in prison in Nigeria, provides:

Credit for prior custody. A defendant shall be given credit toward the service of a term of imprisonment for any time he has spent in official detention prior to the date the sentence commences 

(1) as a result of the offense for which the sentence was imposed; or

(2) as a result of any other charge for which the defendant was arrested after the commission of the offense for which the sentence was imposed; that has not been credited against another sentence.

There is a serious question whether Defendant comes within the plain meaning of this provision, the judge said.

It is doubtful whether the 17 months imprisonment was a result of the [scheme to defraud a federally insured institution] for which the [June 25, 1992] sentence was imposed or as a result of any other charge for which [Defendant] was arrested after the commission of the offense for which the [June 25, 1992 sentence] was imposed.'

The judge further noted that the authority to grant Mr. Dicksons requests rests solely with the Attorney General, acting through the Bureau of Prisons.

For 20 years, Defendant successfully evaded all United States government efforts to locate and arrest him, Mr. Debevoise said.

He has not served the 24 months sentence lawfully imposed upon him in June 1992. The law forbids granting the relief he seeks, and the equities of the situation point to no other outcome.

The motion will be denied. The court will file an order consistent with the foregoing.
The Nigerian presidency is scrambling to fend off attacks being directed at President Muhammadu Buhari over his shocking remark that his wife belonged to his kitchen, his living room and the other room.

I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room, Mr. Buhari said Friday in the German capital, Berlin, in response to a remark by his wife, Aisha, that his government had been hijacked by a cabal.

The presidents comment, made while he was having a joint press conference with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, one of the worlds most powerful women, immediately triggered anger and condemnation across the world.

In Nigeria, citizens took to social media to condemn the presidents primitive and misogynist remark about his own wife.

Kayode Ogundamisi, a social commentator and activist, who campaigned hard to get Mr. Buhari elected in 2015, said the presidents views were not compatible with modern ideals.

The president should know that his distorted thinking that Nigerian women or any woman for that matter belong in the bedroom or kitchen is unacceptable, Mr. Ogundamisi said in a statement.

But as criticisms mounted, the presidency moved late Friday to downplay the presidents remark, saying Mr. Buhari was only joking.

My friends, cant a leader get a sense (of) humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made, Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, said in a statement published on twitter.

He was obviously throwing a banter.

Mr. President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women.

Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour. Those of us around him know there is never a dull moment with him.

One of Nigerias most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs. (Kemi) Adeosun. This is an evidence of the confidence he reposes on women.

But Mr. Ogundamisi said Mr. Buharis remark was not the kind of joke that the President of any country should be engaged in.

The president should know that the world has indeed moved on and that women play a very key role in our society, he said.

The activist demanded immediate apology from Mr. Buhari for his comments, which he said constituted an embarrassment to Nigeria.

Mrs. Buhari had irked her husband when she gave an interview to the BBC saying a cabal had hijacked Mr. Buharis government and that she might not back his re-election in 2019 unless he shakes up his cabinet.

In the interview, Mrs. Buhari also said the president does not know most of the top officials he appointed to office.

Mr. Buhari has not indicated whether or not he will seek re-election, and according to his wife, he has not told his family too.

He is yet to tell me (if hell seek re-election) but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again, she said.

The Nigerian leader is allowed by the constitution to seek re-election for a second term in office.

Should he seek re-election, he is expected to be the candidate to beat for his All Progressives Congress, APC, party; although he could be challenged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who lost to him in the 2014 primaries.

Mrs. Buhari also gave indication of something which has caused silent anger amongst some leaders of the APC.

She said some of the presidents appointees did not share the vision of his party and were appointed because of the influence of a few people.

Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position, she said.

Asked to name those who had hijacked the government, she refused, saying: You will know them if you watch television.

One name that has been repeatedly mentioned as having a strong influence in Mr. Buharis appointments is his cousin, Mamman Daura.

Mr. Daura, who holds no official position, is said to be the most powerful man in the presidency and is said to have Mr. Buharis ears.

There had been rumours within the Aso Villa of him having clashes with Mrs. Buhari over his influence on the president.

On whether the president was in charge of his administration, Mrs. Buhari said: That is left for the people to decide.

Mrs. Buharis decision to go public with her concerns may shock many people, but it shows the level of discontent with the presidents leadership, the BBC quotes its reporter Naziru Mikailu, as saying Abuja.

Speaking further on the appointments, Mrs. Buhari said, The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I dont know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.

She also mentioned the improvement of security in the north-east as her husbands major achievement.

No-one is complaining about being attacked in their own homes. Thankfully everyone can walk around freely, go to places of worship, etc. Even kids in Maiduguri have returned to schools, Mrs. Buhari said.
President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, spoke to the BBC last week, about some appointments made by her husband, and warned that she may not support his re-election in 2019 if the president fails to shake up his cabinet.

The president fired back by saying the first lady belongs in the kitchen.

PREMIUM TIMES has obtained from the BBC, an audio of the interview. Mrs. Buhari spoke in Hausa and English languages. This version was conducted in Hausa, and was translated by PREMIUM TIMES Sani Tukur.

BBC: Almost two years after President Muhammadu Buhari was elected into this government; it appears as if things are not going well, the people are complaining; where do you think the problem is?

Aisha Buhari: From my own observation, being a housewife, I think security wise; we have relatively achieved more than 100 percent. Being someone that comes from the North east, I knew when almost nobody sleeps in his or her house. But now, people sleep with their two eyes closed.

The hardship that people are going through now was anticipated, knowing what we inherited. It is not going to be a smooth journey; but I think so far so good. The only thing that almost everybody is not happy with, including myself, is on those that really suffered for this journey and now people who do not even have registration cards are guiding us, which is so unfair and unfortunate for the journey that we started more than 13 years ago.

BBC: But some will say whenever you are elected into government, you have to bring in professionals, experts who know how to do the job and not just politicians?

Aisha Buhari: Yeah; but if you look at the journey that we had; after the merger, we didnt call it merger or APC again, we called it a movement because it was a collective effort of millions of people, only for us to find out that the government is being operated by a few people. Very few, in the sense that we have may be four to six people that really started the journey with us in the system.

Unfortunately, the people that are occupying the seats, I dont think they have any expertise that our supporters in APC do not have. We have supporters all over the world. Those who really supported APC and felt that enough is enough, let us have sanity in the society; it was a real collective effort.

Nobody will say that it was as a result of my hard work that I brought this government; it was a real team work and we wish that the team work should continue.

Everybody knows what my husband wants to achieve in four years. But having new set of people on board that were not part of us, they dont really know what we promised Nigerians and that is the thing we are facing now.

BBC: Who are these 4 to 5 people you are talking about?

Aisha Buhari: People like Ogbonnaya Onu, Amaechi, Fashola, after the merger it was a huge group that came together and started the struggle again. It is sad that very few are in the system now. Though I heard that they are about to announce like 3000 names as Board members; we feel that those that have started the struggle should not be limited to Board members; they should be in positions like heading agencies that will impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.

Knowing what we have campaigned for, only for us to bring people that are busy telling people that they are not politicians but they are occupying seats that were brought in by politicians. This is a huge disrespect for politicians. Knowing that we are just starting, we have not got to 2017, talk less of 2018 and then 2019 for us to go back to the polls; you understand what I mean?

BBC: Who are these very few people as you said surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari, and have you spoken to him about this?

Aisha Buhari: Yeah. Not only me in person, because after receiving complaints upon complaints, I decided to tell him. But all the same, a lot of people have been coming on their own and also collectively to tell him that things are not going the way it should when it comes to putting people in certain positions. Because most of those that are occupying positions in agencies, nobody knows them and they themselves dont know our party manifesto; what we campaigned for; they were not part of us completely. People were sitting down in their houses, folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position. They dont have a mission or vision of our APC, you understand what I mean?

BBC: Whose fault is this?

Aisha Buhari: Its the fault of 15.429 million people because they are the ones that brought in the government. Its their fault!

BBC: But theirs is just to elect APC and President Muhammadu Buhari and he is the one that is supposed to be in charge; is he not?

Aisha Buhari: Because they elected him; thats why he is here. If they can stand firm and strengthen the party and tell everybody that No! We cant take this; we cant take you because you are not a card carrying member, you dont know what we want to achieve within so and so time. Fifteen point something million people is a huge number that can control a country.

BBC: Somebody listening to this will feel like President Muhammadu Buhari is not in charge of this government?

Aisha Buhari: It is left for the people to decide whether he is in charge or he is not in charge. People actually accepted his ideology and decided to follow him for the past 13 years. That is what brought him to this current position.

BBC: As his wife, what will be your advice to him going forward?

Aisha Buhari: My advice is to the whole people that voted for him. They should strengthen the party and whoever is not part of the party should not have control over fifteen point something million people. We are in a democracy and not military era, so we have to play it well and leave a legacy.

BBC: What you are saying is that if things continue like this, you will not leave any legacy?

Aisha Buhari: As a person, I have my right to say how I feel about something. If it continues like this, me I am not going to be part of any movement again, because I need to work with the people that we started the journey with collectively so that we can achieve what we want to achieve, so that he would leave a legacy.

BBC: Have you told your husband all this?

Aisha Buhari: Yeah! He knows! At my own level, I have done it personally. I have also listened to peoples complaints and I tried to tell him what they are coming to tell me so that if there is anything to be corrected; it can be corrected.
President Muhammadu Buhari has been widely criticised for saying his wife, Aisha, belongs in his kitchen and living room, in response to the first ladys public criticism of the presidents appointments.

In an interview with BBC, Aisha Buhari said the president had abandoned those who worked to bring him to power, and suggested the government had been hijacked by a few individuals who now wield sweeping powers.

He is yet to tell me if hell seek re-election but I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before, Mrs. Buhari warned. I will never do it again.

The president responded during a joint press conference with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin on Friday, saying his wife should be taking care of his kitchen, living room and the other room meaning his bedroom.

I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room, Mr. Buhari was quoted by the Associated Press as saying.

Mr. Buhari also said he had superior wisdom over his wife and other people who oppose his policies because he had been able to win an election after many years of trying.

So I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded, Mr. Buhari said. Its not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government.

In her reaction, Abiodun Olujimi, a female senator from Ekiti State, said President Buharis comment was in a very bad taste and even more frightening that he said it while visiting Mrs. Merkel.

The statement is in bad state. In a very bad state, Ms. Olujimi said. Especially because he was saying it beside one of the most powerful women in the world. That makes it very offensive and very nasty.

Ms. Olujimi, whose gender equality bill is making progress in the Senate, said President Buhari had become notorious for his embarrassing gaffes in foreign land, saying she and other women groups were working on a response to the latest remarks.

The president is the biggest diplomat a country can have. But we have a president that cannot weigh word especially outside but instead allowed emotions to becloud good thoughts. That is not in any way acceptable.

We wont disparage the president. We wont bring him down before the world. But, of course, we would look inward and see how we can handle the situation, Ms. Olujimi said.

The social media has also been pounding Mr. Buhari for the comments, with the attacks coming even more from his supporters than critics.

Kayode Ogundamisi, a social commentator and activist, said the presidents views were not compatible with modern ideas.

The president should know that his distorted thinking that Nigerian women or any woman for that matter belong in the bedroom or kitchen is unacceptable, Mr. Ogundamisi said in a statement.

And if the president finds it funny, it is not the kind of joke that the President of any country should be engaged in.

The president should know that the world has indeed moved on and that.

Women play a very key role in our society.

Mr. Ogundamisi, who backed Mr. Buhari during the 2015 election, demanded an immediate apology from Mr. Buhari for his comments, which he said constituted an embarrassment to Nigeria.

The president should apologised to Nigerians especially as his statement was made during an international engagement standing next to the German Chancellor Angela Markel. The presidents view on women and wife belongs to the cave era and not the modern world. As a supporter I find it embarrassing that the best reply the Nigerian president can give to criticism by his wife is to respond in such a sexist and misogynist fashion, he said.

Another Mr. Buharis supporter who criticised him for the controversial remarks was Japheth Omojuwa.

I am not a fan of publicly hitting those you have access to privately, but @MBuharis response is shocking and embarrassing, Mr. Omojuwa said. What happened to this is a matter between myself and my wife and we know how to deal with our differences: away from prying eyes.

Some critics of the president unearthed past statements made by former first lady, Patience Jonathan, where she said women should no longer be confined to the kitchen.

Nigerian women should no longer go back to the kitchen. It is not our portion to go back to the kitchen, Mrs. Jonathan said while campaigning for her husband in Abia State ahead of the 2015 election. We have women that are capable. We can contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria.

A social media enthusiast, Abang Mercy, circulated Mrs. Jonathans statement on Twitter and said Mr. Buharis comments marked the height of chauvinism from a president.

He just reinforced existing stereotypes especially in Northern Nigeria, she said.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, downplayed the presidents comment Friday, saying, He was obviously throwing a banter.

Some Nigerians agreed.

The president of National Association of Women Journalists, Ify Omowole, said Mr. Buharis comments were jokes because he said so.

The president has come out to say it was a joke. I accepted it as a joke. The president has a right to joke and the fact that hes a president doesnt mean he cant crack jokes, Ms. Omowole said.

Ms. Omowole said the culture had defined roles of women to include going to the kitchen, but added that that would not limit them from achieving their potentials.

The culture has defined our role as going to the kitchen but that doesnt mean were not excelling in our roles, Ms. Omowole said.
Two members of the Shiite movement were reportedly killed on Saturday as the group tried to rebuild its school destroyed near Zango road, Tudun Wada in Kaduna, witnesses said.

Ten other members were injured in the attack.

This has caused panic as many residents of Tudun Wada, Ungwan Muazu, Kinkinau remained indoors. Those caught up along Nnamdi Azikwe way and other streets scampered for safety.

Bala Zango, a shop owner along Zango Road, said the issue was getting out of hand as hundreds of youth were advancing towards Ungwan Muazu to hunt for Shiite members.

Ungwan Muazu is among the areas in Kaduna, where many Shiites reside.

We heard that, two persons suspected to be members of the Shiite were dead, he said. Its very scary because at the end of the day, its the innocent people that will fall victim.

Some witnesses said Awwal Maikyau, the Special Adviser on Youth to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was attacked as he attempted to mediate.

Awwal Yaro Maikyau, the Governors SA on youths whose house is close to the scene of the incident, was also attacked while trying to mediate between them and the irate youths, a family member confirmed.

The Shiites said they were attacked as they tried to rebuild the sects school that was attacked on Tuesday.

Some thugs came to attack us with weapons, insisting that we must be evicted completely from the place, one member told PREMIUM TIMES.

Police arrived the scene and went with some of our members and some community members for settlement.

As they left, 10 of our Shiite members were machete. It was rumoured that one person died, but we are still making inquiries to confirm.

This is the danger behind playing politics with religion, the member said.

The police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, told PREMIUM TIMES police monitoring the situation.

Please be patient, we are monitoring the situation, we shall get back to you later, he said.

Meanwhile, the Shia Islamic movement of Nigeria on Friday criticised Gov. El Rufai for condemning attacks on its members, saying the governor was behind the attacks and his stance was an afterthought.

In a statement signed by IMNs president, Ibrahim Musa, the members said the Kaduna State government was culpable of inciting the attacks against them.

Clearly, this is nothing but an afterthought. What happened in the wake of our peaceful Ashura mourning procession was a carefully planned plot, meticulously executed with all machinery of government. The government had all along tried to give their brutal clampdown on Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members a semblance of an altercation between IMN and the masses.

Kaduna state governor, Nasiru ElRufai alluded to this right from the outset of the attacks in December, 2015 in his infamous state-wide broadcast. His utterances and body language since then left no one in doubt his disdain for IMN members. Using all the tools of governance at his disposal, in private and openly, often in total disregard to reason, sanity or law, he exhibited extreme hate for IMN, they said.

The IMN said the decision of the Kaduna State government to outlaw its group was responsible for the attacks against them.

As a fore-runner to the latest brutality, he issued an executive order banning us from exercising our rights to practice our religion with a threat to jail anyone who does up to seven years in his jail. For daring to mention that his order is in clear violation of all known sane laws of the land and beyond, he ordered the arrest and prosecution of Ibrahim Musa, the President of the Media Forum. How then can El-Rufai now shed crocodile tears having incited violence on a people through his hate posture and actions against such people? They read the body language of the government in their favour and acted based on that, and with full support of all the instruments of governance over which he presides.

We have it on record how certain individuals and hate preachers took to the media and the podium respectively calling on the masses to join the government of El-Rufai in what they termed an all-out war on Shia. The government and El-Rufai has neither refuted that nor call the perpetrators to order or better still arrest and punish the culprits, since they are well known and the actions were done in broad daylight. Simply put, El-Rufai is very much culpable, the group said.

It further said it will not retaliate the attacks but that it would seek redress in the courts of law.
The Nigerian government is not obligated to obey a ruling of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Court that a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, be released from the custody of the State Security Service, a presidential aide has said.

The ECOWAS Court, on October 4, had declared the continued detention of Mr. Dasuki unlawful, arbitrary and a violation of his right to liberty.

The former NSA is accused of misspending billions of dollars meant for procurement of arms for fight against Boko Haram. The government also accuses him of illegal possession of firearms.

Mr. Dasuki was arrested in December 2015, and has been in detention since then.

It is advisory opinion, President Muhammadu Buharis adviser on prosecution, Okoi Obla, said of the ECOWAS court ruling, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

The ECOWAS Court cannot enforce opinion. The government is not obligated to obey the ruling of the ECOWAS Court.

The ECOWAS Court was created pursuant to the Article 6 and Article 15 of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS, the political-economic bloc of the West African countries.

Nigeria is a signatory to the Treaty which is binding on the member states, the institutions of the community, individuals and corporate bodies, as its Article 15(4) provides.

But Section 12(1) of the Nigerian Constitution says No treaty between the Federation (Nigeria) and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted by the National Assembly.

The National Assembly has not domesticated the Revised Treaty and the Supplementary Protocol regarding the ECOWAS Court.

Regardless, analysts expect Nigeria to obey the ruling as an exemplary demonstration of its leadership position in the West African sub-region.

Mr. Obla cited countries he said had disregarded international law.

Look at Israel; Israel has disregarded all international rulings. The so-called bastion of democracy, America, has flouted all judgements of the ICJ against America. They even refused to be signatory to the ICC treaty, he said.

He said the national interest and security of the country are the most important considerations.

Asked if releasing Mr. Dasuki could threaten Nigerias security, he said, Well he was a National Security Adviser. Thats a very powerful office; and hes a Prince.

Mr. Obla said cumulatively, Mr. Dasuki misappropriated $15 billion meant for procurement of arms to prosecute the war against Boko Haram terrorism in the North East.

He denied that Mr. Buhari was being vindictive and acting in contempt of court in the case of Mr. Dasuki.

The president has not disobeyed any law regarding Dasuki. The first charge against Dasuki was unlawful possession of firearms. They brought application for his bail which was granted. As he was perfecting his bail conditions and before he was released, he was arrested for another offence. Thats it.

If you are arrested for manslaughter, you asked for bail and the bail is granted. But as you are about to be released, the police come to say you are accused of killing another person two years ago, that has cancelled the first bail.

There is no evidence that the federal government is in contempt of court, he said.

He, however, said the government was still studying the judgement, echoing an earlier position of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has embarked on a more rigorous exploration for oil in the Gongola and other inland basin using the latest seismic data gathering technology.

A statement by NNPCs Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, made this known in Abuja on Saturday.

The NNPC Group Managing Director, Maikanti Baru, the statement said, made the disclosure when he paid separate visits to the governors of Bauchi and Gombe States.

Mr. Baru said the latest technology was similar to the ones used by neighbouring countries to discover oil there.

He said the exploration was in strict compliance to President Muhammadu Buharis mandate.

NNPC, he said, had therefore commenced activities in the Gongola Basin by awarding the contract for seismic data acquisition of over 500KM2 3D seismic data in the first instance.

NNPC is deploying state of the art technology in the present data acquisition and we are confident that these efforts will lead to clearer definition of the prospectively of the basin, he said.

He said that the contractors awarded the contract for the seismic data acquisition in the Gongola Basin, was Integrated Data Service Limited (IDSL).

Mr. Baru said the contractor was a subsidiary of the NNPC and Bureau for Geophysical Prospecting, a subsidiary of Chinese National Petroleum Corporation (BGP/CNPC) were mobilising to commence the project.

The GMD said that the seismic data acquisition activities and exploration well drillings would provide employment opportunities for the youths.

Mr. Baru said the multiplier effect of the envisaged employment would contribute to the economic empowerment of the surrounding communities and the nation at large.

He said that NNPC was in the process of awarding the Environmental Baseline Studies (EBS) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

In their separate remarks, the governors of Bauchi an Gombe, Mohammad Abubakar and Ibrahim Dankwambo, applauded the president for the pragmatic move to rigorously commence exploratory activities in the area.

They both stressed that the move would further grow the nations oil and gas reserves.

I want to assure you of the unflinching support of Bauchi State and its good people towards this project.

We are ready to provide offices and accommodation for all NNPC staff that will work on this project, Abubakar said.

Already, we have assigned two ministries that will work with your team on this laudable project.

I will work with my colleague Governors in the North- East to galvanize support from our people towards this project, Dankwambo said.

Mr. Dankwambo also called on the media to support this renewed oil search in the area.

Giving their royal endorsements, the Emirs of Bauchi and Gombe reassured the Federal Government of their readiness to support the project, mobilise their subjects against interrupting the smooth operation of the exploratory activities in their domains.(NAN)
Nigerian soldiers in Adamawa State on Saturday morning shot dead a suspected suicide bomber near a military base, officials said.

The suicide bomber, according to the spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Sani Usman, was armed with an improvised explosives device, which he wore around his body when he was spotted advancing towards a military base in Madagali village of Adamawa State.

According to Mr.l Usman, a colonel and acting director army public relations, the troops had to open fire on the suspect when the suspect refused to obey an order to stop advancing towards them.

The vigilant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE today morning intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at Madagali, Adamawa State, said Mr. Usman.

The suicide bomber was spotted by a vigilant duty sentry attempting to infiltrate troops forward defensive line along Madagali-Limankara road.

He was gunned down by the vigilant sentry as he failed to stop when halted. The accurate shot also detonated the Improvised Explosive Device vest and was blown into pieces.

This attack came amid ongoing negotiations between Boko Haram and the Nigerian government, that have seen the release of 21 abducted Chibok girls from nearly 30 months of captivity.

It also came three days after a car conveying suspected bombers blew up outside a popular bus station in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. Eight persons were killed and 15 others got injured.
Top Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, who was recently expelled from the industry for featuring in a romantic musical video, has been invited by international superstar, Akon, and US-based Nigerian film-maker, Jeta Amata, to visit the set of their new film in Hollywood  Los Angeles.

The news was broken by Akon via his Twitter handle when he tweeted, Looking forward to seeing you in Los Angeles. Lets empower our women and motivate them to grow. Fanning them is cooler than banning them.

Also corroborating Akon, Hollywood actor and comedian, Miguel Nunez, also tweeted saying, We are going to have so much fun. One door closes another one opens. I cant wait to see you. We are going to have a blast. You will become huge here.

An excited Rahama also confirmed accepting the invitation in a series of tweets. She wrote, Wow, Im so humbled. Los Angeles calling..so excited about @jeta_amata mata and@akon invitation to visit the set of their new film in Hollywood!!#Rahamasadau  so excited.

Although details of the movie is yet to be disclosed, it seems the Kannywood star who made her acting debut three years ago, will play a major role.

Since her ban barely two weeks ago, the beautiful actress career appears to be on a steady rise. Earlier in the week, she forayed into Nollywood by starring in a 13-week drama series titled Sons of the Caliphate, which currently airs on Ebonylife TV.

The controversial ban caused widespread outrage on social media with her teeming fans advising her to excel even more in more successful movie industries in the world (Hollywood, Nollywood), etc.

Although the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria warned other actors and actresses to henceforth follow the rules binding their participation in the Kannywood film industry, Rahama appears unperturbed.

In a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Rahama revealed that she had floated an all-female production outfit, Sadau Productions.

She also disclosed that the outfit will be dedicated to ensuring that young Hausa ladies interested in filmmaking and acting are given an opportunity to showcase their talents without inhibitions.
Some shops and houses belonging to Shiite members in Tudun Wada, Ungwan Muazu and Kabala West of Kaduna State were on Saturday destroyed by rampaging youth.

The attack happened after two Shia Muslims were killed in the same area earlier on Saturday. At least 10 others were injured, witnesses said.

Shiite members said they had conveyed to try to rebuild their school attacked on Wednesday when they were assaulted.

One of the victims, who is a journalist, told PREMIUM TIMES that his residence in Ungwan Muazu was destroyed.

The thugs destroyed my house, but I am lucky my family and I were not at home then, he said. He asked that his identity be protected as the situation remained volatile.

Police warned perpetrators of the violence to against taking laws into their hands.

A statement signed by the commands spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, on Saturday said: The Kaduna State Command has observed that some members of the public have become lawless and act in manners detrimental to law and order and in total disregard to rights of other citizens.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command hereby reminds the general public that the maintenance of law and order will not be compromised and anybody found committing acts detrimental to the peace of the society will be dealt with accordingly.

The public are also warned to desist from taking laws into their hands as any attempt or repeat of the above mentioned unruly behaviours will be visited with the full wrath of the law.

The General Public are hereby advised to remain calm as the Command is dedicated to the safety and security of lives and property.
The presidents of four Central European nations discussed a range of political, economic and social issues at a two-day meeting in southeastern Poland on Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday, the four leaders - Polands Andrzej Duda, Slovakias Andrej Kiska, the Czech Republics Milos Zeman and Hungarys Janos Ader - took part in a session in the city of Rzeszow where they discussed the European Unions energy policy and developments in the Central European gas sector, in addition to a planned gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, according to the Polish president.

Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary together form a regional alliance known as the Visegrad Group (V4). May be of interest to you "Sticking together, Visegrad Group can achieve more"

After Saturday's session, Duda told reporters that the plan to build the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany is not economically viable; the project is politically motivated and would harm Europes ability to create an efficient energy union, the Polish president said.

All four presidents agreed that an efficient energy union means one that will ensure competitive energy supplies in Europe, combined with a "real diversification of sources of gas supplies," according to the Polish president.

Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission for the Energy Union, was a special guest of the Rzeszow session.

President Duda also told reporters on Saturday that the four-nation Visegrad Group "wants to speak with one voice" on key issues in Europe. May be of interest to you Welcoming address by President of the Republic of Poland at the opening of the 1st Plenary Session of the Summit Meeting of the Visegrad Group Presidents

According to Duda, values shared by Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia are the source of these four Central European countries "strength and value."

It is important that V4 countries pass on their experience to other countries in the European Union, Duda said. The four nations experienced "the dark years of communism" as a result of which they have "an extremely strong spirit of freedom," he added.

"This experience has taught us to fight against any attempts to impose things on us from the outside. As a result, we have a great desire for self-development, a great desire to preserve our values, but also a great sense of the community," he said. May be of interest to you Visegrad Group presidents start meeting in Lancut

According to the Polish president, the V4 leaders also talked about the history of the region, "common values" and "the path to take in the EU."

"We all want a Europe of homelands, but at the same time we absolutely cannot imagine our homelands without Europe," Duda said. "We want to speak with one voice about issues that are common and most important to us. We believe this is our strength and value ... in a united Europe."

"We believe that our shared values are a great benefit for the European Union," Duda added.

Central European nations do not agree to any refugee quotas and forced resettlement of refugees within the European Union, Duda also told reporters on Saturday.

He noted that migrants coming to Central European countries do not seek to stay there on a permanent basis. Thats why Western Europe "looks at the problem in a different way, and we see it differently," he said.

The Polish president also remarked that the Visegrad Groups "flexible solidarity" plan for migration policy is gaining support in the EU and that politicians in Western Europe are "beginning to look at the migration crisis in a different way."

Duda told reporters that the two-day talks in southeastern Poland also concerned issues such as "the future of young generations," demographic developments and "the responsibility of politicians for creating opportunities, including job opportunities, for young people."

On Friday, the first day of their meeting in southeastern Poland, the four presidents took part in two plenary sessions at Lancut Castle near Rzeszow.

Summing up the first day of the meeting, Szczerski, a minister in the Polish Presidents Office, said that during their first session that day the V4 presidents discussed the issue of emigration among young people, a problem faced by all four countries.

"The presidents discussed ways to encourage those who have already left to come back," Szczerski said, adding that the leaders also exchanged views on what individual countries can do to deal with the problem.

The leaders agreed that young people need to be provided with opportunities and a head start in business as well as on the job market, but also with the right family policy, according to Szczerski.

He added that President Duda mentioned the Polish governments Family 500-plus child benefit programme in this context as a standout example of a project that supports young people.

"The presidents came to the conclusion that support for young people should cross borders," Szczerski said. "They talked about joint scholarships and other forms of regional support for innovative young people."

During their second session on Friday, the leaders discussed European identity, Szczerski said. They agreed that Europe is "not just an institution" and that "it is not only about politics, but above all about culture," he said.

Europe is "a community that makes us understand what it means to be European," and in this context the Polish president "said that our goal is a Europe of homelands," Szczerski said.

Duda also pointed out that Europe is a community of national identities and that these together make up "the fabric of European civilisation."

Szczerski added that the presidents also talked about the migration crisis, which has exposed "the weaknesses of European policy, while also posing a major political and cultural challenge."

The four leaders on Friday also visited a museum honouring Poles who saved Jews during World War II, Szczerski said.

(PAP)


Viking conquers

{child_byline}MARTIN DeANGELIS

Staff Writer

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MULLICA TOWNSHIP  The Vikings have conquered the Mullica River. Now, theyre looking for help.

The owners of Viking Yachts, the high-end boatbuilders based in New Gretna, on the Bass River in Burlington County, recently closed on the purchase, for an officially reported $999,999, of the property and production lines of the former Ocean Yachts.

Those 80 or so acres and 88,000 square feet of buildings are off the Mullica River in the Weekstown section of Mullica Township, about 12 miles by road from Vikings headquarters.

The owners call their latest addition Viking Mullica, but the Ocean Yachts name hasnt disappeared from the water. In February, Egg Harbor Yachts announced the Egg Harbor City-based builder had bought Ocean Yachts trade name, engineering and most of its molds.

But Viking did get one model and mold based on an Ocean Yachts design as part of its property purchase. And in August, Viking started to build its first 37-foot Billfish models at Viking Mullica.

We redesigned a number of things, changed some of the lines and the cockpit, says Peter Frederiksen, a Viking spokesman. We wanted to make sure people  knew right away it was a Viking.

John Leek IV is general manager of the new Viking Mullica plant. Hes also the grandson of the late John Leek Jr., or Jack, who founded Ocean Yachts in 1977 near his home overlooking the Mullica River.

The 36-year-old general manager, who started working at Ocean Yachts as a kid, says he was closely involved in the familys planning of the Billfish.

I had a lot of pride in what (Ocean) did with the boat, Leek says, standing in a production building where about 25 workers are now building those early Billfish models, on schedule for a February unveiling in Miami. But I can honestly say that Im really pleased with the changes they made.  We did it the Viking way.

Hes also happy to say that many more workers are about to join that early crew, which includes the last 12 workers left at Ocean Yachts before the sale. As the first 37-footers get near the finish line, he expects to have 50 workers at Viking Mullica by December.

Plus, the company plans to start a second Mullica production line in January, to shift work on three more Viking models  in lengths of 42, 48 and 52 feet  to its new plant. Leek says theyll need 90 more workers in all sorts of trades then, so theyre looking to hire now.

Electricians, machinists, carpenters, fiberglass workers and more are on his needs list, Leek says. And the companys website, vikingyachts.com  its preferred route to get job applications  says Viking has openings in almost two dozen more boat-building specialties.

The company always prefers skilled workers, but Leek says Viking will train people to do things the companys way.

There absolutely is experience around, Leek agrees, because the national recession and other economic troubles have put many local boatbuilders out of work.

Now, with the closing last week of Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, South Jersey has lost an additional 2,800 jobs. And more than 10,000 casino jobs have disappeared since 2014.

At times, Viking and others in the (boat) business struggled because we lost out to what were perceived to be better jobs in the casinos, Leek said. But people who have been learning and doing trades in Atlantic City could be a good fit at building boats, he adds.

One more good fit is that by buying Viking Mullica and shifting work on some of its smaller models to the new boatyard, Leek says the company gives itself more room in New Gretna to focus on bigger boats.

They now include several models up to 92 feet long, which normally retail for $10 million to $12 million, a spokesman says.

For more job details, see vikingyachts.com or call the company at 609-296-6000.

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It looks ancient, but the formidable stone church in Washington has, in its own way, kept up with the times.

Constructed in 1891, the Romanesque Revival building started as a Presbyterian church. But that congregation began to fade in the 1950s and eventually another took over. And then another and another  none of them able to find their footing.

By 1994, when Imani Temple arrived, the building in Washingtons Capitol Hill neighborhood was in foreclosure. It wasnt a perfect fit for the congregation, but the price was good.

Almost 20 years later, with the vast majority of its African American congregants now living outside of Washington, Imani Temples leader put the church on the market.

Morningstar Community Development bought it in 2015. I always loved that church, said Casey Klein, Morningstars managing partner and a longtime Capitol Hill resident. I saw the (for sale) sign and called about it, and my partners and I immediately fell in love with it. We thought itd be a really fantastic project.

Today, the church is on track to become a condo building, joining dozens of others that have gone the same route in recent years.

For observers of the real estate scene, the trend has been impossible to miss: As churches congregations move to the suburbs and property values soar, increasing numbers of religious institutions are selling their properties in the city, usually with plans to move closer to their congregants.

Some of the churches are demolished, but those with architectural merit are often adapted by developers for new uses, usually residential.

Church conversions are occurring around the country. According to the CoStar Group, which tracks real estate data nationwide, church sales in the United States jumped by almost 100 percent between 2010 and 2015, and the number of church redevelopment projects more than tripled during that time.

But few churches are easily turned into homes, and developers often face hurdles. To boot, some experts say that a churchs former life as a sacred space requires a particular kind of respect.

The most obvious challenge in converting a church is the buildings layout. Religious structures tend to be built around a sanctuary: a huge room with high ceilings and, often, big windows.

In order to get housing into a volume like that, you need to put new floors into that structure, and you have to coordinate with the big windows, said Scott Matties, a principal architect with Cunningham Quill who has been observing church conversions in Washington. It can be done, but its definitely a challenge.

Developer Andrew Rubin, who is turning Capitol Hills Way of the Cross Church into a 26-unit condo building called the Sanctuary, concurs. Figuring out how to work with a space that had a balcony and an upper mezzanine  which eventually became the second and third floors in the new units  was a long process. Ditto with the Gothic Revival buildings abundant stained-glass windows.

The windows became the centerpiece of the whole thing, Rubin said. He wound up sending them to Pennsylvania craftsmen who took the stained-glass panels apart, cleaned them and reassembled them. The windows will have a few clear pieces for visibility and many will be designed to open.

A less-apparent sticking point is many church buildings deferred maintenance. Congregations often have very limited money, and fixing old but functional buildings is not necessarily a first priority. It is almost a given that developers will encounter surprises, whether crumbling exterior brickwork, a disintegrating foundation or shoddily constructed additions done over decades or even centuries.

It needs a lot of work, a ton, Klein said of the former Eastern Presbyterian Church, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church and Imani Temple; his team expects to start construction this fall. It needs a full exterior renovation; windows are broken; the HVAC doesnt work; the plumbing is in poor shape. It will be expensive, but Klein says he is looking forward to restoring elements such as the church towers boarded-up windows, which are visible from blocks away, to their former glory. That should make neighbors happy.

That is an important point. Churches matter to people, to congregations and communities.

Sassan Gharai, president of SGA Companies, learned that during the two years he spent renovating Alexander Memorial Baptist Church, one of the last African American churches in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington. Even to nonmembers, the church had become something of a community institution, and many fought hard against perceived changes. You just get an incredible amount of abuse, said Gharai, who spent about a year acquiring the necessary approvals to move forward.

At an ANC (Advisory Neighborhood Commission) meeting  I was there for the third or fourth time  one commissioner turned around, said, You have got to be a masochist; I dont know how you put up with this. 

But perhaps more meaningful, and trickier, are interactions with the congregation itself. After all, a church is the repository of members deep emotions and most important moments, often generations worth, and that means deals often are not just strictly business. In some cases, developers partner with church leaders or agree to price a percentage of residential units affordably to align with churches missions.

Rubin, the developer renovating Way of the Cross, is simultaneously working on another church: Word of God Baptist Church. There, the situation has been anything but straightforward.

First, the church leaders had to trust him before they could agree on a sale. And then, Rubin said, they turned to me and said, We agree on the price, but we need to find a new place.  He wound up spending the next 18 months searching for a new building for the congregation. For a good while, I was talking to them every day  I looked at probably 20 or 30 buildings.

Rubin finally found the congregation a new home in a church in University Park, Maryland  a bigger space than theyd had in the District  and negotiated the deal on their behalf. Im very proud of what we were able to do, Rubin said. It was a partnership as much as it was a transaction.

Pastor John McCoy agreed. They had a lot of sensitivity to our specific needs and congregation, he said, adding that the business relationship has since deepened into a friendship.

Remembering that a church is more than brick and mortar is crucial when working with religious buildings, said Ben Heimsath, an architect in Austin who specializes in church design and renovations.

Sadly, I think there are as many examples of what not to do as there are positive reuse projects, Heimsath said. The most painful examples are the thoughtless or inappropriate use of church symbols or specific worship functions  like an altarpiece reused as a table or a bar, for example. Ultimately, he said, it comes down to one thing: respect for the buildings former life.

Some observers, however, are sad to see churches converted to any other use, no matter how considerate the design is.

Dan Claire, rector of the Capitol Hill-based Church of the Resurrection, has been helping establish neighborhood churches for young Washingtonians around the city but has struggled to find space for the new congregations. He is not a big fan of church-to-condo conversions.

I think its a catastrophic loss, he said. There are fewer and fewer third spaces in the city. You can go to a pub or a restaurant  you consume and you leave  but there arent many places where you can gather.

Developers say in the end, it is a matter of stewardship: They are keeping the buildings safe for another generation.

This is a way to preserve an asset thats deteriorating; were making it beautiful again, Klein said. We want to maintain the architecture so it can be enjoyed in perpetuity.
BRIDGETON  A Pennsylvania man accused of fatally shooting his friend in Vineland made no comments during his first Superior Court appearance in the case Friday.

The only attempt by Larry John Pulcine Jr. to reply to a question from udge Robert Malestein was cut short by his defense attorney, Yaron Helmer.

Pulcine was about to say whether he understood Fridays proceedings. Helmer stopped him, telling Malestein his client understood what was happening.

Pulcine motioned to some people in the courtroom when he first entered. No information was available as to whether they were family or friends. They made no comment as they were led out of the courtroom to a nearby conference room by Helmer following the proceedings.

The five-minute court appearance was otherwise routine.

Malestein kept bail for Pulcine, who is in the Cumberland County jail, at $750,000 cash. Pulcine, 34, of Duncansville, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Authorities provided no new information about the case Friday.

They said earlier Vineland police found the body of 33-year-old Ivan S. Strayer, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, in a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Vineland hotel in the 2100 block of West Landis Avenue about 5:15 a.m. Monday. The discovery, which revealed Strayer was shot multiple times, was made as officers responded to a report of a possible unconscious person.

Pulcine was eventually arrested after a joint investigation by Vineland police and the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office.

Vineland police said Strayer and Pulcine were acquainted with each other through their employment with a company that was doing work in the area. Police arent disclosing the name of the company or the nature of the work.

Superior Court records indicate Pulcine has no criminal record in New Jersey.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the Police Departments Detective Bureau at 856-691-4111, ext. 4181, or Crime Stoppers at 856-691-0345
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.




WARREN, Mich., Oct. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of a devastating flood, Art Van Furniture is offering special assistance to the victims effective immediately through the Art Van Furniture Flood Damage Relief Program.

"The floods destroyed extensive furniture and basic necessities that make a house a home," said Dale Emmert, owner-operator of Art Van Furniture Iowa stores. "Natural disasters are devastating, and we knew that lending a hand in the long-term recovery of these residents was just the right thing to do."

Art Van Furniture is readily extending its employee purchase program pricing, which includes 25 percent off furniture and 30 percent off mattresses, to local flood victims in need. Art Van Flooring will also offer 25 percent off carpet and 15 percent off of hard surface materials, complete with a free estimate and free measuring, to residents in Cedar Falls.

Those impacted by the floods must bring in photos of their damaged furniture or an insurance claim, as well as have a valid address in either Coralville or Cedar Falls, to redeem the one-time purchase offer. Customers' purchases require store or sales manager approval and include free delivery. The employee discount program is effective immediately and expires in six months.

Those interested in taking advantage of this offer can visit the Art Van Furniture store in Coralville, located at 2300 Jones Boulevard, or in Cedar Falls, located at 2300 Main Street. For more information on Art Van Furniture, visit www.artvan.com.

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is the Midwest's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates more than 100 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, including freestanding Art Van PureSleep mattress stores, Art Van Flooring stores, and Art Van Furniture franchise locations, as well as a full service e-commerce website. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Visit artvan.com for more information.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150130/172502LOGO

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

Related Links

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Oct. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Envisia Therapeutics today announced that Dr. Thomas R. Walters, MD will present breakthrough clinical data for Envisia's ENV515 (travoprost XR) glaucoma program at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting being held October 15  18, 2016 in Chicago, IL. AAO annual meeting is the largest gathering of US-based ophthalmologists.

"AAO meeting continues to be the preeminent venue for clinical research in ophthalmology and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to present breakthrough data for our glaucoma program," said Benjamin Yerxa, PhD, President of Envisia Therapeutics. "We are incredibly proud of the progress we have made and welcome the opportunity to showcase that progress at this world-renowned meeting."

Details related to the Envisia presentation are as follows:

Monday, October 17, 2016

Poster #PO410: Interim 3-Month Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Low-Dose Intracameral ENV515 Travoprost XR in 12-Month Study in Glaucoma Patients

McCormick Place, South Hall A, 12:30pm  2:00 pm , Monday, October 17, 2016

 , Presented by Dr. Thomas R. Walters , MD, Austin, TX

ENV515 is a fully biodegradable PRINT-particle formulation of a marketed prostaglandin analog that has the potential to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) for more than 6 months from a single dose. ENV515 was designed to address the issue of poor patient compliance that exists today with daily eye drops and limit the progression of glaucoma that sometimes leads to vision loss. Envisia is also leveraging the Company's unique platform technology to develop products for other leading ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

ABOUT ENVISIA THERAPEUTICS

Envisia Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of novel ocular therapies. Envisia is leveraging the unique and powerful properties of the PRINT technology platform to develop therapies for a variety of ocular conditions, beginning with ENV515 for glaucoma. ENV515 is a novel, extended-release formulation of a marketed prostaglandin analogue with the potential to significantly limit disease progression and vision loss through improved product performance and patient compliance. Envisia is actively exploring the use of the company's unique technology to develop products for other important ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Envisia is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. For more information, please go to www.envisiatherapeutics.com.

SOURCE Envisia Therapeutics

Related Links

http://www.envisiatherapeutics.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recently concluded investigation by the Texas Education Agency into the charter school network controlled by secretive Turkish figure Fethullah Gulen has failed to address the substance of numerous glaring irregularities, says Robert Amsterdam, an attorney acting on behalf of the Republic of Turkey.

On May 24, 2016 a complaint was filed to the TEA by Amsterdam & Partners LLP revealing a widespread pattern of fraud, discrimination, and abuse at Harmony Public Schools. The TEA however believes it only had the authority to evaluate just two allegations out of more than ten raised in this complaint.

"If the TEA is unable to investigate these egregious abuses by Harmony Public Schools, then we must refer the matter to other state authorities," said Amsterdam. "Considering that Harmony has set up corporations such as Charter School Solutions (CSS) for the sole purpose of profiting off taxpayer funds dedicated to education, the very serious issues raised in this complaint cannot be dismissed so casually."

Amsterdam described the investigation outcome as "politically convenient" for Fethullah Gulen, whose organization is one of the state's most prolific campaign donors, and vowed to bring the matter up before other state officials who are capable of defending the interests of both taxpayers and schoolchildren.

"This cursory inquiry not only ignored the majority of the issues raised in the complaint, but also failed to look beyond the registered agents of the contracting companies without even considering who the beneficiaries are," said Amsterdam. "Knowing the Gulenists, they will undoubtedly attempt to portray this whitewash as a victory. But the fact is that there are many areas that TEA did not address, and we intend to request other state agencies and public officials to scrutinize Harmony's activity."

Among the issues in the complaint that were left aside by TEA include evidence of discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotion favoring Turkish males, preference for related Turkish vendors in major contracts, discrimination against English Language learners and Students with Disabilities, abuse of the H-1B visa program to bring in underqualified Turkish nationals for teaching and leadership positions, misuse of federal program funding for low socioeconomic students and students with special needs, and systematic overcharging of leases to Harmony schools by Harmony's private real estate arm to siphon over $18 million of public funds out of the schools.

Despite finding that Harmony had paid over $18.7 million dollars to Turkish owned vendors in the last two years, TEA conducted no analysis to determine whether these vendors had illegal relationships to Harmony's leadership, as alleged in the complaint. This deserves more investigation because it is known that some of these local funds Harmony receives come from questionable sources. For example, Harmony received $175,000 from Gulen-affiliated schools in Oklahoma that in a recent audit by the Oklahoma State Auditor were considered an improper use of state funds.

Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, which was appointed by the Republic of Turkey to investigate unlawful activity of Fethullah Gulen. More information about the scandals surrounding Gulen's 146 U.S. charter schools can be found on guleninvestigation.com.

SOURCE Amsterdam & Partners LLP
BAAR, Switzerland, January 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

DanSmoke, the number one electronic cigarette brand in Europe, is kicking off the New Year in a high-flying manner. The e-cigarette forerunner is joining forces with another European favourite, the airline giant Ryanair in an international ad campaign. The DanSmoke "luggage tag", along with a discount voucher will appear on millions of boarding passes starting this month.

DanSmoke is teaming up with Ryanair in a big ad campaign. (PRNewsFoto/Electronic Cigarettes Holding AG)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151201/724271)

With online shops in 18 European countries and with more planned for this year, DanSmoke is the leading name in the industry of electronic cigarette products. Now this fast-growing brand seems to have found its perfect match in Ryanair, Europe's favourite airline carrier. The ongoing collaboration combines the global reach and scale of Ryanair, with the innovative products of DanSmoke in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of e-cigarettes over combustible tobacco.

"We're very pleased to be working together with Ryanair to promote our products. With 189 destinations in 30 countries, Ryanair covers all our current and future markets. So together we make a really great team," said Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, DanSmoke's CEO.

Moreover, e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine, but no tar or carbon monoxide, have fast become a popular alternative for smokers looking for an efficient cessation aid that they can use everywhere - be it on the ground or up in the sky. DanSmoke has currently over 50 000 customers around Europe - a figure which is likely to rise, as new countries are added to the list of markets covered.

The DanSmoke "luggage tag" will be featured extensively on boarding passes across the Ryanair network of destinations. During the campaign, nicotine-craving globetrotters can use their Ryanair boarding pass as a key to discount in DanSmoke webshops.

About DanSmoke

DanSmoke is a top-selling e-cigarette brand, focussed on and committed to providing an attractive and, above all, safer alternative for the millions of tobacco smokers around the globe. State-of-the-art design, innovation and the highest of quality are all principles that define the essence of DanSmoke - today and in the future.

For more information please visit: http://www.DanSmoke.com and http://www.eceag.com

Contacts:



For press inquiries please contact:



Electronic Cigarettes Holding AG

Laura Leivo

International Brand Manager

Tel. +41-76-506-9282

Email: [email protected]







SOURCE Electronic Cigarettes Holding AG
NEWINGTON, Conn., Oct. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, October 16, 2016, PCX Aerostructures, LLC will team up with local veterans support organization, House of Heroes, to make a difference in the lives of two Manchester and Enfield, CT veterans faced with physical and/or financial hardships by providing repairs and home improvements.

House of Heroes is a nationwide non-profit organization that has assisted more than 500 military and public service veterans. The chapter partners with local companies to recognize, honor and serve veterans in need by providing no-cost home repair services. PCX Aerostructures is an international supplier of complex, flight critical components and assemblies for major OEM aerospace customers on today's most advanced military and commercial aircraft platforms.

"We have an outstanding group of associates with compassionate hearts that volunteer their talents to help others, in this case, retired veterans in our local community," said Al Haase, President & CEO of PCX Aerostructures. "I am proud of our team and our association with an organization as outstanding as House of Heroes."

PCX Aerostructures is a world class supplier of highly engineered, precision, flight critical and structural assemblies for rotorcraft and fixed wing aerospace platforms. The company serves defense and commercial markets as well as the power generation industry through facilities in Connecticut, New York and Texas. PCX is a leader in producing complex parts machined from hard alloys such as titanium, Inconel and steel - where tight tolerances and quality are imperative. The company is also a premier producer of large structural airframe assemblies providing direct delivery, as well as Blue Streak manufacturing support, to production lines of to customers such as Airbus, Boeing, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky and Triumph Aerostructures. PCX Aerostructures is owned by RFE Investment Partners, 24/6 Capital Partners, and PCX Management.

RFE Investment Partners  based in New Canaan, CT - is a private equity investor with over 30 years of lower middle market buyout experience investing in growth companies in partnership with strong management teams.

To learn more please visit www.pcxaero.com.

For more information :

Trevor Hartman

Vice President  Sales & Marketing

(860)594-4388

SOURCE PCX Aerostructures, LLC

Related Links

http://www.pcxaero.com


MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Avellino Labs, global leader in genetic science and gene therapy concerning corneal health, today announced that Shigeru Kinoshita, MD, PhD has joined the company's medical advisory board. Professor Kinoshita will help guide the company's research efforts to developed genetics based personalized medicine solutions to diagnose and treat corneal dystrophies, a leading cause of visual impairment that effects more than 900 million people in the developed world and accounts for roughly half of the keratoplasty, or corneal transplant, surgeries performed today.

Shigeru Kinoshita, MD, PhD, graduated from Osaka University Medical School in 1974 and has served as the Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine since 1992. In the early 1980s he collaborated with Doctor Richard A. Toft at The Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston and completed a cornea fellowship at Harvard Medical School. He is known in the global ophthalmic community for his groundbreaking and innovative research concerning to the Cornea.

Professor Kinoshita commented, "Avellino Labs has demonstrated a commitment to science by collaborating with some of the leading academic researchers around the world working in the field of genetics of the cornea. I am pleased to join the collaboration and work with this distinguished group of collaborators to help guide the science forward for the ultimate benefit of patients."

"Having tested over 550,000 people and identified over 720 with gene mutations known to cause inherited corneal dystrophy, we now have the largest genetic database in the world related to this vision threatening condition," commented Gene Lee, Chairman and Founder of Avellino Labs. "We are now transitioning our research emphasis from diagnostics to therapy with new gene editing technologies. Professor Kinoshita's guidance as we pioneer this field will be an invaluable asset to the team."

About Avellino Labs

Avellino Labs is the global leader in gene therapy and molecular diagnostics pioneering personalized medicine for eye care. Avellino's Universal Test is the world's first DNA test adopted to confirm LASIK candidates are free of genetic indicators associated with poor outcomes. Avellino Labs is also pioneering CRISPR gene editing to manage and potentially cure corneal dystrophies and other inherited eye diseases. Avellino Labs is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California with operations in Korea, Japan, China and the UK.

Avellino Labs was named a 2015 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum based on its potential to impact global health.

To learn more please visit http://www.avellinolabs.com/us/ or follow us on Twitter @Avellinolab_USA

Media Contact:

Paula Hook

Avellino Labs

Director of Marketing Communications

972.517.1784 / 214.356.4427 (mobile)

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130514/SF12152LOGO

SOURCE Avellino Labs

Related Links

http://www.avellinolabs.com


HOUSTON, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston-based mass tort law firm Williams Kherkher announced today that they have appointed an attorney to investigate claims that teething tablets containing the known toxin belladonna may have harmed over 400 infants and may have directly caused 10 tragic deaths. The firm announced today that partner John Boundas will lead the investigation into these claims. In the announcement, attorney Boundas discussed the severity claims: "There have been reports of infant injuries and death after using Hyland tablets and gels. We are investigating to see if there may be a legal remedy for those affected."

On September 30th, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against homeopathic teething tablets and gels, such as those produced by Hyland's and possibly many others. The FDA warning urges consumers to immediately stop using these products, as they may pose a significant health risk to teething infants.

The FDA's Warning against Homeopathic Teething Remedies

While the FDA has issued a warning against giving homeopathic teething products to children, it has stopped short of recalling them completely. The warning it issued advises parents and caretakers who have been using these products to immediately seek medical attention if their child experiences any of the following:

Seizures

Difficulty breathing

Difficulty urinating

Constipation

Muscle weakness

Flushed skin

Excessive sleepiness or lethargy

Unusual agitation

In response to the warning the FDA issued, carriers of some of the affected homeopathic teething tablets and gels, including CVS, have voluntarily stopped sales of these products. Some of the products that have already been removed from store shelves include:

Baby Orajel Naturals Tablets for Teething Pain, 125 Count

Baby Orajel Naturals Gel for Teething Pain, .33 oz.

Baby Orajel Naturals Gel for Teething Pain Nighttime Formula, .33 oz.

Hyland's Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets, 135 Count

Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets, 13 Count

Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets, 135 Count

Hyland's Baby Teething Gel, .5 oz.

Hyland's Teething Gel, .33 oz.

CVS Homeopathic Infants' Teething Liquid, .85 oz.

CVS Homeopathic Infant's Teething Tablet, 135 Count

The active ingredient in many of these homeopathic teething relief products is belladonna, a plant whose toxicity has been known for centuries. The symptoms in children who have been given these teething tablets are consistent with those of belladonna toxicity. In light of the recent infant deaths and injuries that may very well be associated with the use of these homeopathic teething remedies, one of the affected manufacturers, Hyland's, has decided to stop marketing these products in the United States.

This is not the first time Hyland's has encountered trouble for its homeopathic teething medications. In 2010, the company issued a voluntary recall of these same products for the same concern about toxicity in infants. While belladonna can be safe in miniscule doses, the FDA's investigation at the time found that the teething tablets contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna and therefore could pose a serious risk to the infants they were given to.

As with any defective product, compensation may be available for the families of infants who have suffered serious adverse effects associated with belladonna toxicity. To learn more about the legal options available to families who have been hurt by homeopathic teething gels and tablets, contact Williams Kherkher at (888) 220-0640 to speak with an attorney.

About Williams Kherkher Hart Boundas Easterby, LLP





Williams Kherkher Hart Boundas Easterby, LLP is a nationally recognized trial law firm representing clients across the country in mass torts, personal injury, and commercial litigation. Williams Kherkher Hart Boundas Easterby, LLP welcomes the opportunity to work with other law firms in joint ventures.

Media Contact: Sean Hall, 1-800-267-1704, [email protected]

SOURCE Williams Kherkher Hart Boundas Easterby, LLP
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
Brasilia, Oct 14 : Brazilian President Michel Temer will leave on Friday to India to participate in the eighth Brics Summit and then to Japan to attract investment.

According to Temer's spokesperson, Alexandre Parola, on Thursday, the President's Asia visit will be an opportunity for the government to show "a new Brazil" of "investment opportunities, stability and fiscal responsibility", Xinhua news agency reported.

Temer's first stop will be in Goa for the Brics Summit, where he will formalise four new cooperation mechanisms with the other member countries (China, India, Russia and South Africa).

Temer will arrive in Goa on Saturday and enjoy a formal dinner with the leaders. On October 16, the five heads of state will meet before holding a Brics business meeting, followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with Bay of Bengal countries (BIMSTEC).

Temer will also hold a private meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which Parola said would help in re-launching the two countries' bilateral strategic partnership.

"India is reaching high levels of economic growth. At a time when Brazil is seeking to return to the paths of sustainable development and job creation, India is a natural partner to which we turn with renewed emphasis," he explained.

The new mechanisms will include an agricultural research platform to share technological advances. A deal between customs authorities will seek to finalise technical aspects in order to make trade easier between members.

An environmental cooperation commitment will see the five nations aim to work together on air quality, water management and climate change. Finally, the countries' diplomatic corps will seek to work in closer cooperation.

In recent years, the Brics have made important steps forward, with the creation of the New Development Bank, which will seek to finance infrastructure projects in developing countries.

Temer will then be in Japan on October 17 and 18, the first visit by a Brazilian president to that country in 11 years.

He will meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before meeting business leaders to present "Brazil's new economic reality and the opportunities opened up by the Investment Partnership Plan".
United Nations, Oct 15 : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Francois Lounceny Fall as his acting special representative for Central Africa and head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), a UN spokesman said.

"Fall succeeds Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal, who will conclude his appointment on October 31," the spokesman said at a daily news briefing here on Friday.

Fall has been serving as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission of the South Sudan Peace Agreement since January 2016.

"He brings extensive experience in the areas of politics and diplomacy, having supported political processes in Somalia, the Central African Republic and South Sudan," the spokesman added.

He has also served as Foreign Minister of Guinea, and as special representative of the Secretary-General in the Central African Republic and Somalia.

UNOCA was inaugurated in Libreville, Gabon, on March 2, 2011. It is mandated to assist member states and sub-regional organisations in consolidating peace and preventing future conflicts.
Damascus, Oct 15 : At least 15 people were killed by a suspected US-led air strike on al-Raqqa, a monitor group reported.

"The warplanes, believed to be from the US-led anti-terror coalition, struck areas in the town of Dahham in al-Raqqa on Friday," Xinua news agency quoted Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying.

The UK-based watchdog group also said that the death toll could likely rise.

This is not the first US-led air strike that lead to civilian casualties. The United States has admitted before that civilian victims may have fallen during the coalition's air strikes, which had started targeting the IS positions in Syria since 2014.

In January 2014, the IS took over al-Raqqa and declared it their de facto capital.
Paris, Oct 15 : French President Francois Hollande has apologised to the country's outraged magistrates after he called the judiciary "a cowardly institution" in private conversations published in a book titled "A President Should Not Say That".

In a letter to the magistrate high council, Hollande on Friday said he "deeply regrets what has been seen as an injury by the magistrates".

He argued that his comments are "unrelated to the reality of my thinking and to my way of action I have set as president of the Republic".

"I assure you the confidence I have for the judiciary and for those who make it live and deserve the utmost respect."

In private interviews, Hollande reportedly told two journalists of the daily Le Monde that "this institution is cowardly. All these prosecutors, these senior judges are playing the virtuous".

The spat with the judiciary is likely to taint the Socialist's outlook few months ahead of the presidential elections, an expert said.

"I still think he wants to stand, but he has not made the task any easier," Socialist Party Secretary Jean-Christophe Cambadelis said.

Claude Bartolone, president of the National Assembly and a Socialist party veteran, said: "A president should not confess too much."

"A hesitation is emerging. I have told him I am stupefied (by the book). There is a pressing need to explain whether he really wants to be a candidate," Bartolone said.

Hollande said that he would announce by the end of this year if he will seek a second term.
New Delhi, Oct 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS summit in Goa.

"Namaste President Michel Temer! Welcome to India for the BRICS 2016 Summit," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet, the Prime Minister said: "A warm welcome to you, SA President. Looking forward to fruitful deliberations in the coming days."

Both the state heads will attend the eighth BRICS (Brazil Russia India China and South Africa) Summit in Goa.

On October 16, all five heads of state will meet before holding a BRICS business meeting, followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with Bay of Bengal countries (BIMSTEC).
Mumbai, Oct 15 : Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has praised "Munna Michael" director Sabbir Khan for paying a lot of attention to detail.

"Sabbir makes commercial films, but he is focussed on detailing. He doesn't overdo things on the set and wants the film to look realistic. I like it when directors don't play to the galleries," Nawazuddin said in a statement.

The actor will be seen sharing screen space with actors Tiger Shroff and debutante Niddhi Aggerwal in the film, which revolves around a boy who idolises late King of Pop Michael Jackson.

"There's a lot of romance, apart from the dancing, in this film. I want to play a romantic hero," added the acclaimed talent, known for character roles.

Produced by Viki Rajani, "Munna Michael" will see Nawazuddin playing a quirky character with many shades.
London, Oct 15 : A mild sedative could reduce the risk of people experiencing delirium after an operation by up to 65 per cent, new research has found.

Up to one in three people who have a major operation may experience delirium, causing confusion and hallucinations.

The sedative may help the brain "recover and reset" after surgery, said the study published in the journal The Lancet.

"Post-operative delirium is a huge challenge for the medical community - and incredibly distressing for patients and their families," said co-lead author Daqing Ma, Professor at Imperial College London.

"However we currently have no treatments options available for this condition," Ma noted.

The causes of delirium are unknown, but one theory is that major surgery can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which in some cases can spread to the brain.

The risk of the condition increases with age, and it seems to strike more often when patients undergo major, lengthy operations.

In the new study, co-led by Professor Dongxin Wang at Peking University First Hospital in China, researchers assessed 700 patients age 65 or older who were about to undergo major surgery at the Beijing hospital.

Half received a low dose of a type of sedative called dexmedetomidine after the operation, as an infusion directly into a vein in their arm, while half received a placebo salt-water infusion.

The patients received the infusion of sedative or placebo around an hour after surgery, and for the next 16 hours.

This sedative, which is commonly used for medical procedures and in veterinary medicine, leaves a patient relaxed and drowsy, yet conscious.

Both groups received the same general anaesthetic before undergoing their operation. They were then assessed for symptoms of delirium every day for a week after their procedure.

The results revealed that nearly one in four patients in the placebo group - 23 per cent - developed delirium. However only just under one in ten patients - 9 per cent - who received the sedative developed the condition.

Scientists are still unsure how the sedative works, but one theory is it allows the brain to rest and recover immediately after surgery, explained Ma.

"There is still much more work to do around post-operative delirium, as we still don't fully understand what is happening in the brain, and why some patients are more at risk. However these findings suggest this sedative may be a potential method of preventing post-operative delirium in some patients," Ma added.
Islamabad, Oct 15 : India has not formally conveyed any plan of sealing its border with Pakistan by December 2018, the country's Foreign Office has said.

In a response to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India would completely seal the border with Pakistan by December 2018, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Friday said: "We don't have any details."

Zakaria said that on the one hand the Indian government talked of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other, their actions contradicted their claims, Dawn online reported.

The remarks come as India and Pakistan are locked in an unprecedented diplomatic acrimony and border tension after the September 18 terror attack on a military base in Kashmir's border town of Uri that killed 19 soldiers.

Days later, India carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads and killed an unspecified number of terrorists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Zakaria regretted that India had till date shared no evidence on the Samjhauta Express attack in February 2007, despite New Delhi's commitment at the highest political level to share the details in relation with the terror attack, which killed mostly Pakistanis.

The attack was carried out by Rashtriya Seva Sangh and Abhinav Bharat's operatives, he said, adding that Islamabad "has and will continue to raise the issue" with India.

Zakaria said that Pakistan was actively highlighting the Kashmir issue across Europe, Britian, North America and Nordic states, and this was the reason why "India is desperate and is making every effort to deflect attention" from the matter.

"Manifestations of these efforts are visible in their false media campaigns and false surgical strikes claim and other things like that. So, these are the reflections of the desperation of India and the pressure which is being built on India in the context of the brutalities it is committing in Kashmir."

"We have been asking for the international community's intervention in this regard and we will keep on asking for this," he said.

Zakaria said there should be an independent probe in the current unrest in the valley which has left more than 90 persons dead since July 9, a day after the killing of top militant Burhan Wani in a gunfight with the security forces.

About Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the government has no intention of providing proof of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Zakaria said "the blatant lie stood exposed now".

Commenting on New Delhi's diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the region as well in the world, Zakaria said Pakistan was "not facing international isolation" and was very much engaged in world affairs.

According to him, a number of multilateral events and high-level visits were taking place in and out of Pakistan.

"More and more countries are engaging with Pakistan. Pakistan's strategic location is of immense importance," he said, citing the examples of Russia and Iran's recent engagements with Islamabad.
Kigali (Rwanda), Oct 15 : In a historic step towards realising the Paris Agreement on climate change, nearly 200 nations on Saturday unanimously decided global phase out of super greenhouse gases, replacing them with climate-friendly alternatives.

The heat-trapping organic compounds -- HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are the super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning world over.

After night-long hectic negotiations here on the fourth day that ended early Saturday, the 28th meeting of the Parties to the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, froze the agreement to eventually eliminate the use of HFCs.

"Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise," said UN Environment chief Erik Solheim.

According to the agreement, the A2 (developed) countries agreed to a baseline of 2011-2013 with cuts in HFCs beginning in 2019.

Whereas A5 (developing) countries agreed to two sub-groups with two different baselines. The A5 Group 2 that includes India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq - with a baseline of 2024-2026 and a freeze date of 2028.

"This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation... is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies," Solheim said.

The remaining developing countries agreed on an early phase down with a baseline of 2020-2022 and a freeze date of 2024.

The scheduled phase down of HFCs will help avoid close to 70 billion tons of CO2 emission equivalent which translates into shutting down of 750 coal power plants or shutting down over half of coal power stations in China.

(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)
Washington, Oct 15 : Donald Trump is toast, proclaimed the pundits for the umpteenth time since he began his dizzying presidential run as an "explosive video" hit the airwaves to send his campaign into a tailspin.

Time magazine which had done a cover on the "Melt Down" of the Republican presidential candidate in August did another about his "Total Melt Down" as appalled leaders of Trump's own party abandoned him in droves.

But the diehard believers of the Manhattan Messiah still flocking to his rallies in thousands refused to see the "huge" writing on the wall as rival Democrat Hillary Clinton enlarged her lead in polls amid a WikiLeaks drip-drip-drip-drip of embarrassing emails.

A week after a hot mic had caught him bragging about groping women with impunity in a 2005 video, Trump was defiantly standing dismissing it all as a global conspiracy of multinationals, liberal media and the "Crooked Hillary" Clinton machine.

He was not perfect, he said in a rare apology for telling "Access Hollywood" host, Billy Bush, "When you're a star, they let you do it... Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything."

But it was all "locker room banter" and his Democratic rival's hubby Bill Clinton had said and done worse, Trump asserted hitting back with dirt for dirt.

And what's more, Hillary had attacked the former President's accusers more viciously than Bill, averred the billionaire as he paraded three of them as his guests at the second presidential debate.

House Speaker Paul Ryan disinvited Trump from a rally and asked his flock to fend for themselves. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee John McCain withdrew his endorsement though party chief Reince Priebus pledged "complete fidelity" to Trump.

But meeting a backlash from grassroot supporters, many "disloyal" Republican leaders got back on his train soon after the feisty second presidential debate as an "unshackled" Trump lashed out at leaders like "weak" Ryan and "loud mouth" McCain.

With only one in five Republicans calling the Trump tape as disqualifying, his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told Republican leaders: "Enough of the pussyfooting around."

Then keeping pace with the email revelations, several women came out of the shadows accusing the mogul of forcibly groping and kissing them with even mainstream media reporting their tales in salacious details in tabloid style.

Jessica Leeds, now 74, claimed Trump "was like an Octopus" during a flight to New York in 1979. His "hands were everywhere" as he kissed her "wherever he could find a landing spot".

"If he had stuck with the upper part of the body, I might not have gotten so upset," added the former travelling businesswoman strangely. "But when he started putting his hand up my skirt, that was it. I was out of there."

"The phony story in the failing @nytimes is a TOTAL FABRICATION" Trump tweeted as he called her and other accusers "horrible horrible liars".

Meanwhile, WikiLeaks dumped thousands of emails purportedly hacked from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's account for the seventh day running.

These included messages highlighting Hillary's email scandal, Wall Street connections, handling "backroom deals" and her 2013 admission that the largest share of donations to the Clinton Foundation came from abroad.

In one of her paid speeches to Wall Street bankers, she declared, "You need both a public and a private position" as "politics is like sausage being made. It is unsavoury".

Podesta called it a "dark plot" hatched by the Russians in collusion with the Trump campaign as the US government accused Moscow of trying to influence the presidential election.

"It's flattering," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN, "but it has nothing to be explained by the facts; we have not seen a single proof."

"There are so many pussies around the presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment on this," he added in response to a cheeky question about Trump's pussy riot moment as Russia had its own Pussy Riot moment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself dismissed the "hysteria" over hacking as a diversionary tactic noting, "Everyone is saying, 'Who did it?' But does it matter that much? It's what's inside the information that matters."

Meanwhile a moveable fortune-telling Trump machine in the style of Zoltar appeared on the streets of New York City. But does the "All Seeing Trump", as it is called, know what the November 8 poll holds for him?

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
Kigali (Rwanda), Oct 15 : Nearly 200 nations came together to take a historic step in combating climate change, US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy said on Saturday. Likewise, the amendment was hailed by Canada, the European Union and Micronesia.

After adoption of the historic Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol that aims the global phase down of heat-trapping organic compounds -- hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), McCarthy said: "After years of hard work and difficult negotiations, a global commitment to protecting our planet brought us to this moment.

"Amending the Montreal Protocol will significantly phase down HFCs and avoid up to a half-degree centigrade of warming by the end of the century."

HFCs are super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning world over.

After night-long hectic negotiations on the fourth and the last day that lasted till Saturday morning, the 28th meeting of the Parties to the 1989 Montreal Protocol in the Rwandan capital adopted the amendment to eventually eliminate the use of HFCs.

"The amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase out HFCs is the largest temperature reduction ever achieved by a single agreement. We came to take a half a degree Celsius out of future warming, and we won about 90 percent of our climate prize," said Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy with the European Union Miguel Arias Canete said the amendment was a huge win for the climate.

"This is a huge win for the climate. The global phase down we have agreed could knock off up to half a degree of warming by the end of the century. I am proud of the role the high ambition coalition played in brokering this deal," Canete said.

Director of the office of Environment and Emergency Management of the Federated States of Micronesia Andrew Yatilman said: "We came; we labored for years; we conquered."

Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna said: "In Canada and around the world, the changing climate - affected by carbon pollution and short-lived climate pollutants like HFCs -- threatens the planet and the very existence of small island states like the Marshall Islands. This latest achievement is one of the most significant wins for the climate."

Describing the amendment to the Montreal Protocol a significant contribution to the ambition of Paris, Britain-based Christian Aid Senior Policy Advisor Benson Ireri said: "This was the first real test faced by nations since they committed to limiting global warming in the Paris Agreement. Despite some long negotiations, they have shown the global transition to a sustainable planet remains on course."

The Climate Action Network said, "The outcome reached in Kigali is a critical step towards limiting warming and the single biggest climate action of the year, just weeks before leaders meet in Morocco for international climate talks."

David Doniger of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Climate and Clean Air programme director said the Montreal Protocol amendment has sent a clear signal to the global marketplace to start replacing these dangerous chemicals with a new generation of climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives.

Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director of the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, told IANS: "What we have achieved at Kigali is the beginning. We can build on this success and further enhance climate actions by countries under the Montreal Protocol and in other climate agreements, especially the Paris Agreement."

As per the agreement, the A2 (developed) countries have agreed to a baseline of 2011-2013 with cuts in HFCs beginning in 2019.

Whereas A5 (developing) countries have agreed to two sub-groups with two different baselines. A5 Group 2 that includes India, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq - with a baseline of 2024-2026 and a freeze date of 2028.

The remaining developing countries have favoured an early phase down with a baseline of 2020-2022 and a freeze date of 2024.

(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)
New Delhi : Americans and the Russians are leaping over the threshold in Aleppo -- almost.

Note the rhetoric: US State Department Spokesman, John Kirby, says: "Extremist groups will continue to exploit the vacuums in Syria to expand their operations, which could include attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities. Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags, and will continue to lose resources, perhaps even aircraft." If the war continues, "more Russian lives will be lost, more Russian aircraft will be shot down".

This invites a double-fisted punch from Major General Igor Konashenkov, Chief of Information, Ministry of Defence: "As for Kirby's threats about possible Russian aircraft losses and the sending of Russian servicemen back to Russia in body bags, I would say that we know exactly where and how many 'unofficial specialists' operate in Syria and in the Aleppo province and we know that they are involved in the operational planning and that they supervise the operations of the militants. But if somebody tries to implement threats (articulated by Kirby) it is by no means certain that these militants (and their minders) will have the time to get the hell out of there."

In fact, Russian missiles have already been fired on the Western-led coalition.

Read this report from Iranian Fars news agency: "The Russian warships fired three Caliber missiles at the Foreign Officers' Coordination Operations Room in Dar Ezza region in the western part of Aleppo near Sam'an mountain, killing 30 Israeli and Western officers." Several US, Turkish, Saudi, Qatari and British and Israeli officers were also killed.

In the midst of all this, the UN Envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, makes a most extraordinary statement. He says that Russian and Syrian forces should immediately stop their "aerial bombing" of Aleppo. After this step, the militants from the Fatah al-Sham Front group -- formerly known as the Nusra Front, which has been linked to Al Qaeda -- should leave the city.

If the militants lay down their weapons "in dignity" and leave, Mistura would "personally" accompany them out. Why would De Mistura's lead that group out of the city which the UN considers a terrorist organisation?

It is all hurtling towards the US elections on November 8.

So much part of the election propaganda has Russia become that images of the Russian bear, in Donald Trump's corner, menacing the US, must be presumed to have been sketched in the minds of many voters. The one who will fight this monstrous ogre is Hillary Clinton. This build-up of the "Russian enemy", according to some analysts, may therefore be advantageous to Clinton.

If, by some miracle, Russian noses can be rubbed in the dust, Clinton supporters outside the last debate between the candidates in Las Vegas on October 19 will blow the trumpet and throw up their hats -- just the images the media will rejoice in projecting.

By the same token, would a projection of anything resembling American reversal in Aleppo, boomerang on Clinton? Would such an outcome not make Trump look like a sage? "I told you we must talk to the Russians and fight terrorism." Should the alliance lose Aleppo, there will be a scramble for Mosul. The propaganda machine is waiting to spin a victory anywhere.

Anyone following US-Russian actions in West Asia, particularly Syria, must come away with one unmistakable conclusion: the US, France, Britain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey tried their damnedest to bring about regime change in Syria. They destroyed Syria, but Bashar al Assad is still President despite their six-year-long war against him.

Russians entered the war to fight terror groups and protect Assad. If they prevail in Aleppo, they will look like the victorious power. Indeed, when CNN's Christiane Amanpour interviewed Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow earlier in the week, he accused the US of helping terrorism in Syria. One would have expected Amanpour to be on the offensive in her follow-up question, but she took it lying down.

Anglo-Saxons, Lavrov continued, were unable to come to terms with the emergence of a multipolar world.

A totally composed Lavrov provided an unsettling contrast to Western leaders in the grip of panic. French and Spanish representatives are appealing to the UN Security to impose a no-fly zone over Aleppo. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is advising air strikes over Syria. They are all checkmated by the Russians on the ground in Syria and at the UN.

The Russian resolution seeking a ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid to the besieged in Aleppo comes with a proviso: all aid convoys will be checked by Russian and Syrian forces.

Lo and behold, Egypt bolts from the coalition on which the Saudis have spent blood and treasure. Egypt supports the Russian resolution.

Just as the Russian-Syrian combine increases its grip over Eastern Aleppo (so far in rebel -- read al Nusra -- hands), 62 countries abandon all thought of dethroning Assad; they rush to the Security Council to prevent further deaths in Aleppo. This would be quite unremarkable were it not for a fact of historic importance. Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined the group seeking a "transition according to the Geneva conventions". Look, who is citing the scriptures! On the eve of US elections, it is all totally topsy-turvy.

Supposing Clinton wins the election, will she as President be able to affect the outcome in Syria? Or have the Russians imposed a fait accompli by totally altering the situation on the ground? Remember her imperious wave of hand as Secretary of State: "Get out of the way, Assad."

(A senior commentator on political and diplomatic affairs, Saeed Naqvi can be reached on saeednaqvi@hotmail.com. The views expressed are personal.)
Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping on his arrival in Goa on Saturday ahead of the BRICS Summit.

"India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the @BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations," Modi tweeted.

Xi was given a red carpet welcome after he got off the aircraft at the Dabolim Airport and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh.

Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi for nearly half an hour on Saturday evening at the Taj Exotica resort here.

India and China are expected to discuss the fallouts of the deadly cross-border terror attack on an army camp at Uri on Jammu and Kashmir last month attack by Pakistan-based, while India will make a pitch with its eastern neighbour to further isolate Islamabad, for backing terror infrastructure.

The arrival of Jinping in Goa, coincided with protests by Tibetan protesters at Margao town, 35 km from Panaji, demanding China vacate its illegal occupation of Tibetans.

Nearly 43 Tibetan protesters were detained by the police, subsequently.

The eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday, which will be followed by a signature ceremony and a meeting with the leaders of the member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).
New Delhi, Oct 15 : President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to former President and 'Missile Man' A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his 85th birth anniversary.

Mukherjee paid floral tributes to Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Kalam's family members were also present on the occasion.

"Tributes to our former President, the person who captured the imagination of every Indian, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on his birth anniversary," Modi said in a tweet.

Kalam, who was given the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 1997, became the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002, and served at the post till July 25, 2007. He was a recipient of several awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1981 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.

Author of several best-selling books such as 'Wings of Fire', 'Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India' and 'India 2020', Kalam was a great orator and an inspiration to millions of people, especially kids. He always inspired children to dream big and achieve great goals in life.

Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram town of Tamil Nadu and died due to cardiac arrest on July 27 last year while delivering a speech at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong.
Kochi, Oct 15 : With lawyers still keeping the media away from the courts in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday issued a stern warning, asking them to behave or face tough action.

Inaugurating the annual conference of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists here, Vijayan said: "The courts are not the personal property of lawyers and they should not be under the wrong impression that they have the same powers as that of the judges."

The media should be allowed to do its job, he said, adding that if the present situation continues, "the government will play its role".

"Lawyers can't decide who all should enter the court and who all should not," the Chief Minister said.

Since July 19, there has been virtually a ban on the media by the lawyers in several courts in the state, including the high court.

On Friday, things took a turn for the worse when even two female journalists had to face the ire of lawyers, who abused them, and male journalists were roughed up by the lawyers inside a court in the state capital.

Police on Saturday registered a case against 10 lawyers, who were identified for misbehaving with the journalists yesterday.

In a bid to resolve the rift between the media and the lawyers in the state, there has been an intervention even by the Supreme Court.

Last week, Vijayan and Kerala High Court Chief Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar met to discuss the issue and decided that things will not be allowed to drift and the impasse would be resolved at the earliest.

However, the situation failed to look up, forcing Vijayan to talk tough against the lawyers.
Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS Summit here.

"Met @SAPresident and had comprehensive talks with him on further cementing India's ties with South," Modi stated in a tweet.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi held the annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday.
Kozhikode (Kerala), Oct 15 : The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was not practical and questioned the Union government's reason for raising it now.

This issue was discussed at the IUML's leadership meeting held here and briefing the media afterwards, the party's number two P.K.Kunhalikutty said that the present move by the Narendra Modi government appears doubtful and the general question being asked is why "Already there is a case in this regard going on in the Supreme Court and the Sharia law has to be discussed and debated by that community. We have learned that there is a questionnaire being circulated on UCC. We are of the firm view that UCC is not in the interest of all and not practical too," said Kunhalikutty, a former state Minister and now the deputy leader of the Congress-led United Democratic Front in the Kerala assembly.

The IUML has 18 legislators and is the most powerful party in the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district with 11 out of the 16 seats in the district with it.
Jammu, Oct 15 : Terrorism in the main cause of the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Saturday.

"Terrorism is the main cause of the ongoing unrest in Kashmir. While we are pained to see that innocent youth are killed after they are threatened by terrorists to throw stones at the security forces, it should be left to the army and the state government to deal with the situation," he told reporters here.

Noting that many people who had till now been living in the Kashmir Valley are going to other places to live a peaceful life, Paswan said that all problems in Kashmir would end once terrorism ended.

The Minister also criticised the separatist leaders for their treatment of some members of the all party delegation who had tried to call on them.

Replying a question on holding talks with the separatists, Paswan said the separatists will have to first accept that talks would be held within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.

"Till the time you (separatists) raise Pro-Pakistani slogans and their flags, there is no point holding talks," he said.

On the controversy raised by the opposition on the surgical strikes by the Indian army, Paswan said after Uri terror attack, the opposition had been ridiculing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and when time came to praise him, the opposition was feeling shy of doing so.

He said the army should be left out of politics and it should be given a free hand in dealing with terrorism.
Kozhikode : IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty has come out against the uniform civil code, terming it impractical.

Speaking to reporters after the IUML State secretariat meeting in Kozhikode on Saturday, he alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government was making moves to implement the uniform civil code.

The centres move was motivated by mala fide intentions, he said, adding that the minority communities were viewing the move with suspicion.

The muslim league leaders comments come in the wake of the law commission issuing a questionnaire on the uniform civil code to elicit feedback from the public.

He took exception to the invoking of UAPA in the issue of alleged communal content in textbooks used in Peace International School.

Nothing that causes disharmony among communities should be taught in schools but the government was being overzealous in slapping charges under UAPA in the issue, he said.

Such moves were aimed at putting the minority communities under a cloud, he said.

The sangh parivar was trying to implement its agenda using the bogey of terrorism, he alleged.
Benaulim (Goa), Oct 16 : Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in Goa on Saturday night ahead of the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit to be held here.

"A friend comes to India...glad to have President @MaithripalaS visit India for the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted soon after Sirisena landed at Dabolim Airport.

Earlier on Saturday, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobga reached Goa for the summit.

As host of this year's BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit, India, as is the practice, can invite neighbouring countries to join in for an outreach summit.

Following last month's cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, India chose to invite countries belonging to the Bimstec grouping over those of Saarc.

Countries belonging to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the Uri attack and launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the international community.

The invitation to Bimstec countries instead of the Saarc countries is being seen as another step in this direction.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives are the members of the South Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) that are also not members of Bimstec.

Following the Uri attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also pulled out of this year's Saarc Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November citing Pakistan's state sponsorship of terrorism as the reason. Afghanistan and Bangladesh too followed suit citing the same reason.

The BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit will be held here on Sunday.
The positive and timely test results validated our confidence, our technology and our customers choice in selecting XALTs LTO cells for their pure electric, fast-charge buses.

XALT Energy has become the first North American manufacturer of Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) battery cells to be certified under Chinas new GB/T quality control standard.

The new and more stringent standards are issued by the Standards Administration of China and replace the QC/T standard, under which XALT Energys LTO cells were previously certified. Certification testing was performed entirely in China by China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), an independent third-party laboratory qualified by the Chinese government. XALT Energys LTO cells were confirmed to meet the requirements of all three relevant standards, GB/T 31484-2015, 31485-2015 and 31486-2015. XALTs 60 ampere-hour LTO cell is the largest cell in the world to have been certified to these standards.

"This is a major accomplishment in our continuing strategy to market XALT cells in China, says Subhash Dhar, XALT Energy CEO. XALT launched the LTO cell in China last year and was steadily ramping up production volumes to meet the demands of bus manufacturers there when the Chinese government abruptly changed qualifying requirements this past April.

The new GB/T standard was a big part of Chinas regulatory changes, Dhar says. We had the confidence in our cell design to begin testing immediately. The positive and timely test results validated our confidence, our technology and our customers choice in selecting XALTs LTO cells for their pure electric, fast-charge buses.

XALT Energys LTO cell has demonstrated better cycle life performance over a wider range of operating conditions than any lithium-ion cell ever built. The cells are ideally suited for long life, rapid charge and discharge applications in all temperature environments.

The Li-Ion LTO cells are produced in XALT Energys state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Midland, Michigan. The flexible facility offers a highly automated process in which human hands touch the product only during final inspection before packaging.

About XALT Energy

Based in Midland, Michigan, XALT Energy is a leading developer and manufacturer of prismatic, large-format lithium ion battery cells and packs. Based on its proprietary technology and using its state-of-the-art high volume battery manufacturing technology, XALT has become the leading innovative lithium ion cell manufacturer in America. For more information visit xaltenergy.com.

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Trevor Leggett, Chairman of Leggett Immobilier comments, "With the pound bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, a huge number of our clients are now taking advantage of the ridiculously low borrowing rate. "

Fixed rate French mortgages are now available from as little as 1.70% with 80% loan to value on a 20 year term. These rates are available to most non residents and more than offset the recent changes in exchange rate.

As an example: Based on the rates above, with a purchase price of 200,000 and a deposit of 50,000 the monthly repayment would be just 737.69.

Trevor Leggett, Chairman of Leggett immobilier, comments:

"With the pound bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, a huge number of our clients are now taking advantage of the ridiculously low borrowing rate. If you are looking for an investment, property in Paris, the Alps or Paca can easily provide a 3-4% yield, with 7-8% yield available in some provincial towns. Add in the ability to borrow at well under 2% and were seeing an unprecedented opportunity - even clients looking for a holiday home are piling in. Prices hit rock bottom 12 months ago and are only going one way for the foreseeable future.

"We sold 1200 properties last year and are on target to sell even more in 2016. The EU referendum vote had a marginal effect on the volume of demand from the UK but the requests we are receiving are more serious, its mainly the tyre kickers who have dropped off. In the last three months alone weve had 14,384 enquiries from the UK with more of our buyers switching from paying cash to taking out a mortgage.

"Borrowing in France is pretty straightforward and our sales support team are happy to put clients in touch with major banks like BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole who have dedicated English speaking staff."
Trevor Leggett, Chairman of Leggett immobilier, comments "With the pound bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, a huge number of our clients are now taking advantage of the ridiculously low borrowing rate."

Fixed rate French mortgages are now available from as little as 1.70% with 80% loan to value on a 20 year term. These rates are available to most non residents and more than offset the recent changes in exchange rate.

As an example: Based on the rates above, with a purchase price of 200,000 and a deposit of 50,000 the monthly repayment would be just 737.69.

Trevor Leggett, Chairman of Leggett immobilier, comments:

"With the pound bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, a huge number of our clients are now taking advantage of the ridiculously low borrowing rate. If you are looking for an investment then property in Paris, the Alps or Paca can easily provide a 3-4% yield, with 7-8% yield available in some provincial towns. Add in the ability to borrow at well under 2 % and were seeing an unprecedented opportunity - even clients looking for a holiday home are piling in. Prices hit rock bottom 12 months ago and are only going one way for the foreseeable future.

"We sold 1200 properties last year and are on target to sell even more in 2016. The EU referendum vote had a marginal effect on the volume of demand from the UK but the requests we are receiving are more serious, its mainly the tyre kickers who have dropped off. In the last three months alone weve had 14,384 enquiries from the UK with more of our buyers switching from paying cash to taking out a mortgage.

"Borrowing in France is pretty straightforward and our sales support team are happy to put clients in touch with major banks like BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole who have dedicated English speaking staff."
Queensborough National Bank & Trust is partnering with Golden Harvest Food Bank to distribute over 7000 lbs. of grocery products on October 15 and October 29 in an effort to end hunger in local communities. The Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry will take place on October 15 at 9 AM at the Louisville United Methodist Church on 301 W 7th St., GA and October 29 at 9 AM at Downtown Tennille Square in Tennille, GA.

Rain or shine, Queensborough National Bank and its employees will work beyond normal hours to hand out 7000 lbs. of food until everything is given out. Known as the food pantry on wheels, the Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry is able to hold food and critical grocery products including fresh produce, meat, canned goods, etc.

For nearly six years, Queensborough has partnered with Golden Harvest Food Bank to end hunger in areas where the bank has a presence. Since November 2010, Queensborough National Bank has hosted and funded 37 mobile pantry events and distributed over 190,000 lbs. of food to the hungry.

Amy Jones, Queensborough National Bank and Trust Marketing Manager, says, These events help take the pressure off of local food pantries and get food to families that may not have a food pantry nearby Our employees, customers and local community groups have overwhelmingly supported the drive to reach the hungry in their community. We know we are making an impact, explains Jones, the look on the faces of people we help and the comments of appreciation we receive makes a powerful statement to our volunteers. Some employees bring their children to help and show by example what giving is all about.

About Golden Harvest Food Bank:

Golden Harvest Food Bank provides quality food and other grocery products to those in need. They work with the local community to provide direct service programs, food pantries and community education about hunger. Please visit Golden Harvest Food Bank online for a list of upcoming mobile events and how to get involved.

About Queensborough National Bank and Trust

Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company continues to evolve to meet the needs of its personal banking and business banking customers. Since 1902, our promise has always been great service and uncomplicated banking. Today, we have convenient locations across Georgia, but our customers can bank with us from anywhere using their smart phones. Some of our convenient services include online and mobile banking, checking, savings, credit and debit cards, personal loans, wealth management, and trust services. Georgias Community Bank since 1902. BANK AHEAD.

Contact

For further information, please contact Amy Jones at 478.625.2021 ext.223 or visit http://www.qnbtrust.com.
JSL Foods is excited to announce that blogger Michelle Keith from The Domestic Kitchen of Palm Springs, FL is the $1,000.00 First Place Winner in the stir fry category of the first annual Fortune Asian Noodle Blogger Recipe Challenge. Geneshchandra Mallya of Lafayette, IN took second place and Shashi Charles of Lawrenceville, GA was the third place winner.

Bloggers from across the nation were challenged to show off their culinary creativity by submitting original recipes using Fortune brand Udon, Yakisoba or Rice noodles offered by JSL Foods. After weeks of judging, Michelle Keiths Breakfast Stir Fry was the winning recipe in the stir fry category which can be seen on her blog, The Domestic Kitchen.

Theres something truly satisfying about creating a recipe in your own kitchen and then being able to share it with others, stated Wayne Nielsen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at JSL Foods. As we like to say, No Rules to Stir Fry and the bloggers really proved that to be right.

Stir Fry Winning Recipe by Michelle Keith, The Domestic Kitchen

Breakfast Stir Fry

Ingredients



1 package of Fortune Yakisoba Noodles

1 handful fresh spinach

2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

3 TBS soy sauce

1 large egg

Instructions

1. Soften noodles by piercing pouch and microwaving for 1 minute

2. In a nonstick skillet over medium high heat, saute the spinach and bacon until spinach is wilted.

3. Stir in the noodles and soy sauce

4. Place in a bowl

5. Fry egg and place over hot noodles.

6. Alternately, egg may be scrambled with noodles.

Second place winner, Ganeshchandra Mallya won $500.00 for her Black Pepper Stir Fried Noodles using Fortune Yakisoba Hot & Spicy Stir Fry Noodles. You can see this winning recipe on her blog, Cook with Kushi.

Third place winner, Shashi Charles won $250.00 for her Coconut Curry Stir Fry using Fortune Coconut Curry Gluten Free Rice Noodles. You can see this winning recipe on her blog, Runnin Srilankan.

JSL Foods Fortune brand is the #1 fresh refrigerated noodle line in the United States and accounts for 79% of all category sales. You can find Fortune products in the Tofu section in supermarkets across the United States.

About JSL Foods, Inc.

Founded in 1951, JSL Foods is a third generation family owned company. Their Fortune and Twin Dragon brands are the category leader of fresh, refrigerated, pre-cooked Asian Noodles, Rice Blends and Asian Wrappers (Egg Roll, Won Ton and Gyoza). Fortunes Asian Noodle product line consists of Yakisoba, Udon and gluten free Rice Noodles. These Asian Noodles come with a natural flavored sauce packet and are available in a variety of delicious flavors such as Thai Peanut, Coconut Curry, Teriyaki and Soy Ginger. The line offer consumers a wide range of health options including Omega-3 Fortified, Non-GMO, Cholesterol-Free, 100% Natural and MSG Free. Twin Dragon Asian Wrappers are 100% Natural, Vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO. Located in Los Angeles, California, JSL Foods has built its reputation on delivering a fresh, convenient and restaurant quality Asian meal experience for consumers home enjoyment. JSL Foods products are sold under the Fortune and Twin Dragon brands and are located in the produce department next to the Tofu section in supermarkets across the United States. JSL Foods is committed to their consumers through continuous innovation towards healthy ingredients, convenience, and value including authentic and fusion culinary recipe solutions. Contact Wayne Nielsen at 323-223-2484 or email him at wnielsen@jslfoods.com.
It was amazing to watch the company come together in solidarity for the fight against breast cancer.

For over 16 years, Teacher Created Materials, a leading preK12 educational publisher located in Huntington Beach, California, has participated in events that raise funds for breast cancer research.

True to their core value of fun and celebration, Teacher Created Materials chose to raise awareness within their staff through a Pink Pong Tournament. Departmental teams from across the company competed yesterday for bragging rights and a chance to win the coveted Golden Apple company trophy.

As part of the day, Teacher Created Materials also agreed to make a donation to breast cancer research for every staff member who wore pink. Over 90 employees participated both in the office and over social media nationwide, using the hashtag #mytcm. The funds raised will be donated to The Hoag Foundation in Newport Beach, California, later this month.

It was amazing to watch the company come together in solidarity for the fight against breast cancer. The spirit of camaraderie and excitement for healthy competition was evident with everyone, said Deanne Mendoza, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.

As the competition went on, it was clear that the staff at Teacher Created Materials has talent outside of creating amazing resources for teachers and students. In a close final match between the Content Development and IT departments, IT came out on top.

Even though my department didnt win, it feels good to come together with colleagues to support breast cancer research. There are people in my life who have been directly affected by this disease and I appreciate being part of a company that makes this part of their priorities as well, said a member of the Marketing department.

Throughout the rest of October, Teacher Created Materials will be donating 5% the revenue from its Teachers website. For more information, visit http://www.tcmpub.com/teachers.

About Teacher Created Materials

Teacher Created Materials develops innovative and imaginative educational materials and services for students worldwide. Everything the company does is created by teachers for teachers and students to make teaching more effective and learning more fun. For more information about Teacher Created Materials and their products, visit http://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com.
In the spooky spirit of Halloween, Funny Fur Pet Boutique and Supplies store is hosting their annual fundraising Halloween party supporting A Chance to Bloom, a non-profit dog rescue organization focused on giving shelter dogs a chance to blossom into family companions.

The party is happening from 5pm to 8pm on Sunday, October 23, 2016 behind Funny Furs flagship location on 3268 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098. Guests can have a ball dressing up both themselves and getting their furry friends into dog costumes to participate in the costume contest for a chance to win a $300 Funny Fur gift card. There will also be a silent auction featuring designer items where attendees can snatch up great finds and deals. Or they can enter the raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes. All the while, their dogs can have a waggin time bobbing for a free toy or sniff around the scavenger hunt. Or just get silly with their furry friends in Shutterbooths photobooth.

Hors doeuvres by State of Grace, cupcakes and pupcakes from Sprinkles, doggy facials by Haute Pets mobile grooming salon, and more. Goodie bags filled with all natural pet food and dog treats of all kinds. Guests can rock out with DJ Next Event Houston. There will be a $10 door donation fee ($20 includes alcohol); dogs and kids are free. Entry fee for costume contest is $10 per dog.

100% of the proceeds from the party will go to A Chance to Bloom, so stop by to donate to a great non-profit and have fun getting spooky with some furry friends.

A Chance to Bloom is honored and excited to be this years non-profit rescue chosen to take part in Funny Fur's Halloween fundraiser party! We work solely on donations to help these dogs thrive. Come out and have some fun with other canine friends! We are a non-profit rescue that gives overlooked and true under dogs a second chance at life and to bloom in their forever homes. We will also be bringing a few of our adoptable fosters to the event - and who knows, maybe their forever home is with you!! Make sure to stop by and say hello!, says Megan Aguilar, Director of A Chance to Bloom.

Funny Fur supports local rescues and non-profits with in store pet adoption, educational events, and fundraising events. Please visit http://www.funnyfur.com, Funny Fur's River Oaks store Facebook page, or subscribe to their store newsletter for a full schedule of upcoming events.

About Funny Fur

Funny Fur is a premier pet supply store and boutique specializing in designer dog clothes, dog carriers, and other pet accessories for discriminating pet parents. Funny Fur also offers a great selection of all natural and holistic pet foods and treats, raw pet food, and all natural solutions for general household and pet care products. Funny Fur contributes to local animal rescues and other non-profit organizations dedicated to the wellness of animals.
"The Refractive Surgery Alliance is committed to bringing the benefits of refractive surgery to more people, and the ArcScan Insight 100 will make that possible.

ArcScan, Inc., developer of state-of-the-art ophthalmic visualization technology, announced today that it is partnering with the Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA) to compile corneal refractive data for ArcScans Keratoconus Evaluator, an automated, computerized algorithm for differentiation of normal and keratoconic corneas based on epithelial and stromal thickness data.

The Keratoconus Evaluator will be an integral part of the software platform for the Insight 100, ArcScans FDA 510(k)-cleared precision ultrasound device for imaging and biometry of the eye that will enter the market in production in the first quarter of 2017. Indicated for refractive surgical planning and evaluation of anterior segment pathology, the Insight  100 images and measures anterior chamber depth, angle-to- angle width, individual corneal layers, sulcus-to- sulcus width, and morewith micron level precision and repeatability.

The RSA (http://www.RefractiveAlliance.com) is a physician-supported business development organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of refractive surgery to more people by creating alignment between physicians, industry, and patients. The focus of the RSA is on surgeon education, technology, patient outreach, and affordability. The RSA was established in 2014 and has over 150 members in 12 countries.

The RSA is committed to bringing the benefits of refractive surgery to more people, and the ArcScan Insight 100 will make that possible. We are pleased to participate in the launch of this important technology and bring epithelial imaging into mainstream practice, said Guy M. Kezirian, MD, MBA, Founder of the Refractive Surgery Alliance.

In exchange for special package pricing on the Insight 100 and consumables, the RSA will share their corneal refractive databroken out by age group, sex, and ethnicitywith ArcScan so the company can perfect their Keratoconus Evaluator.

This is an exciting development for ArcScan. With RSAs assistance, we will not only assemble the worlds most comprehensive database of epithelium and stromal profiles, we will also be able to provide those same surgeons with an invaluable tool that will both increase surgical volume and improve patient safety. Working with Dr. Kezirian and the RSA is truly a dream come true for ArcScan, said Andrew Levien, CEO of ArcScan.

To learn more about the ArcScan Insight 100 for ophthalmic imaging and the Keratoconus Evaluator, or to schedule a demonstration, visit http://www.arcscan.com, email info(at)arcscan(dot)com, or call +1 877.363.SCAN (7226) or +1 720.399.8500 from outside North America. The Insight 100 and Keratoconus Evaluator will also be available for demonstration at the ArcScan booth, #2471, at the American Academy of Ophthalmologys annual meeting in Chicago from October 15 to 18, 2016.



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Media Inquiries:

Andy Levien

phone: +1 877.363.SCAN (7226)

direct: +1 720.773.8551

alevien(at)arcscan(dot)com

About ArcScan: ArcScan is continually evolving ultrasound to provide ophthalmologists with new insights into the true anatomy of the anterior segment of the eye, including areas behind the iris. ArcScans mission is to enable better care and treatment in ophthalmology by driving improved outcomes in refractive, corneal, cataract, and glaucoma surgery.
Dr. Berkowitz is a renowned, experienced cosmetic surgeon who strives to help the suburban Detroit area look their very best. He performs several different procedures including Botox, injectable fillers, laser hair removal, facelift procedures and facial reconstruction and much more. Dr. Berkowitz and the friendly staff at Accents Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa offer the most state of the art technology in cosmetic enhancement while providing a comfortable, relaxed setting for their patients

Due to the rapid success of Accents Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa at the first location in Sterling Heights MI, Dr. Berkowitz decided to open a second location in West Bloomfied. Airelle was excited to collaborate and be a part of the excitement at the grand opening event on Thursday October 6, 2016. The unique Los Angeles based Airelle Skincare is proud to be exclusively dispensed by Accents in the state of Michigan. Patients received Airelles Age-Defying Serum, Exfoliating Cleanser, and Hydrating Repair Complex samples at the opening event.

In 2015, Airelle Skincare was officially launched to the physician market. Through the launch, the two founders, Stephen and Kasey DAmato, fulfilled their goal of bringing an all-natural line of anti-aging products to the medical market place. Many of the top Beverly Hills, Newport Beach Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists/ Medspas have been early adopters of the Airelle brand and are excited to recommend the products to their patients. Airelle's mission is to improve and protect the skin with its unique all natural formula much like Dr. Berkowitzs mission to bring the best cosmetic skincare services to all of Michigan. "It is a pleasure to be an exclusive partner with such a knowledgeable and experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Berkowitz, we are very excited to see the further success of Dr. Berkowitzs. It is exciting to be a part of the Accents Cosmetic Surgery expansion! said Kasey D'Amato, Co-Founder of Airelle Skincare.

Dr. Berkowitz also touched on the past weekends exciting events, This past weekend I had the great fortune to host the Grand Opening of my second location in West Bloomfield, Michigan. My team and I were able to celebrate and give thanks to all of the wonderful clients and friends who have supported us for close to two decades. This event was made even more special by the participation of the team from Airelle. The Airelle team was instrumental in helping us spread the word of this ground breaking medical grade natural skin care line. All who participated, including the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, were impressed with this age defying science.

The full product line can be found at Dr. Berkowitzs two locations of Accents Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa.

About Airelle

Airelle Skincare, LLC is a company that produces high quality natural anti-aging skin care. The Airelle Skincare photoprotective philosophy of skin care is a result of innovative ideas from its two founders; a television first Assistant Director and his wife, an aesthetic dermatology PA. The two collaborated with leading dermatologists from around the world to develop a modern product line that helps slow the aging process through unique photo protective science. Airelle Skincare is a living testament to the unique collaboration of Hollywood and science, as well as the founders' passion for helping people protect and beautify their skin. For more information, visit airelleskin.com.
Evas Village will host cocktails, dinner and a silent auction at 6 pm on Thursday, November 3 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The yearly benefit provides critical funding for the 20 comprehensive, anti-poverty programs offered by Evas Village. This years theme will put a spotlight on the programs that address the root causes of homelessness and help people move towards stability and independence.

Portraits of Hope

The Gala will feature Portraits of Hope, a photo exhibit by Paterson-based photographer Don Sherrill, that puts a human face on homelessness. Addiction and mental illness are two of the most common reasons people become homeless, and these disorders, which often co-occur, can quickly cause someone to lose his or her job, support system, and ultimately, his or her home. The exhibit features portraits of Evas clients and alumni and describes, in their own words, the circumstances that brought them to Evas Village, where they found the programs and the support systems they needed to rebuild their lives.

Honorees

Joseph C. Alpert, President of The Alpert Group in Fort Lee, NJ, will receive the Where Hope Begins Award. In 2010, The Alpert Group partnered with Evas Village to build Evas Village Apartments, an affordable housing development adjacent to Eva's facilities. The 50 units provide permanent homes and supportive services for individuals and families. For more than 40 years, The Alpert Group has focused on bringing safe, quality housing to diverse segments of the population throughout the tri-state area. By investing in communities like Paterson, Joe Alpert and his company have helped thousands of individuals in need to achieve stability and find a sense of pride in having a place to call home.

The West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ, will be recognized with the Community Service Award for their monthly volunteer service in our Community Kitchen. The church also made a generous gift to Evas Village in spring of 2016, as part of a campaign that raised over $100,000 for five community partners that serve individuals in need. The outreach campaign marked the 10th anniversary of rebuilding their sanctuary after a devastating fire. The leadership, clergy and congregation of West Side Presbyterian have been serving others at home and around the world since 1912.

The Msgr. Vincent E. Puma Memorial Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to serve those in need at Evas Village. This year, Evas Workforce Development volunteers, led by Judith Siegel, Jim Finn, and Ellen Peterson, will be honored for their work in the job-readiness program attended by all clients in Evas inpatient substance abuse treatment programs. The group meets with clients three times each week, helping them prepare to re-enter the workforce by guiding them to create resumes and apply for jobs, assisting with computer skills, arranging mock interviews and offering feedback on presentation skills.

Funds Raised Are Critical

Revenue from the Gala will benefit Evas anti-poverty programs, including the Community Kitchen; shelters and housing; recovery and medical; and education and job training programs. Our annual events and other private donations contribute more than a third of our annual revenue, Evas Development Director, Heather Thompson explained. Several of Evas programs rely entirely on private donations, including the Community Kitchen, Evas free medical and dental services, and the childcare and education programs for the children who live in Evas facilities. We hope to raise over $600,000 at this years Gala, so it is a critical source of funding for our programs, and also serves as a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of our mission, she noted.

Sponsors

Paterson-based Rapid Pump and Meter Service Co., Inc. and Machinery Services Corp. are sponsoring the event.Railroad Construction Company, Inc., also located in Paterson, is sponsoring the Galas cocktail reception. County Concrete Corp. is the feature presentation sponsor. Each sponsor is a long-time supporter of Evas Village.

More Information about the Gala

For more information, visit the Gala page on our website. Tickets, tables, digital ads or sponsorships are available online, or contact Joey Mazza by phone 973-523-6220 x 235; fax (973) 825-7297; or email Joey(dot)Mazza(at)evasvillage(dot)org.

More about Rapid Pump and Meter Service Co., Inc. and Machinery Services Corp.

Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co., Inc., was founded in 1960 as Rapid Meter Service Co. to service and repair flow meters. Machinery Services Corp. was founded in 1978. The company provides diverse electrical and mechanical services in NY and NJ. Today, the two companies are leaders in the sales, service, installation and maintenance of industrial and municipal water systems, waste water systems, complex production machinery, and custom products. With deep roots in the Paterson community, the companies are committed to supporting local social service and educational organizations.

More about Evas Village

Founded by Msgr. Vincent E. Puma in 1982, Evas Community Kitchen began by serving 30 meals a day in Paterson to feed the hungry. In response to the related issues of poverty, addiction, mental illness and homelessness in the community, additional programs and services grew out of the Community Kitchen to become Evas Village, a non-profit, social service, anti-poverty organization that is one of the most comprehensive in New Jersey. For more than 30 years, Evas Village carried out its mission to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted, and provide medical and dental care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual. Today, Evas Village helps thousands of individuals rebuild their lives each year through 20 integrated programs addressing needs in the community for food and housing, medical and recovery services, and education and training.
On this night, a community comes together, in an effort to support the LLS mission to cure blood cancer.

Alexandre de Paris will join thousands of people on Freedom Plaza (this Saturday, October 15) for the 2016 National Capital Area Light the Night Walk in Washington, DC. As the nations largest event to raise awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), this annual yearly walk in our nations capital funds lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer.

Nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer, said Alexandre de Paris, Owner of Alexandre de Paris Beauty Spa Centre. On this night, a community comes together, in an effort to support the LLS mission to cure blood cancer.

The Fairfax hair stylist and his team will be on site to cut the hair of Light the Night Walk participants interested in making a donation of eight inches or more, to benefit Children With Hair Loss.

Together we can defeat blood cancers. Learn more, or sign up to walk in the 2016 Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 15 at Freedom Plaza in northwest Washington, DC.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Learn more at https://www.lls.org/

About Alexandre de Paris Beauty Spa Centre

Alexandre de Paris Beauty Spa Centre features a wide array of services for men and women, including haircutting, hair highlighting, hair coloring, facials, massage, body treatments, and nail services. Celebrate a bridal party, special occasion, or simply treat yourself. For more information, or to request an appointment, visit http://www.alexandredeparis.com.
One of many cars that have been auctioned off at the Branson Auction.

The Branson Auction is an annual event in the Branson area, taking place every April and October at the Branson Convention Center. The October auction will take place Oct. 14 and 15, and once again Summer Winds Resort Services will be a key sponsor of the event.

In April, along with being a sponsor, a pontoon boat from Summer Winds Stormy Point Village was donated to be auctioned off for charity. For the fall auction, Summer Winds will donate a weeks stay at Stormy Point Village to be auctioned off for charity and be the main sponsor of the cocktail party that welcomes the auctions bidders and sellers to town. The party will be a part of the Branson Auctions opening festivities taking place on Oct. 13.

A wide variety of automobiles and bikes will be featured in this falls auction. Those expecting to garner the most attention include a 1953 Muntz Jet, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air F.I., 1962 Chevrolet Corvette and 1990 Ferrari 348 Challenge. For those wanting to attend the auction, admission is $15 each day or $25 for a two-day pass. A military discount is offered with a valid military ID for $10 a day or $15 for a two-day pass.

Admission proceeds will be donated to the Vintage Car Rally Association (VCRA), an association that uses 100 percent of their charitable funds each year to benefit autism. The VCRA holds many charitable events throughout the year, including the annual All Stars for Autism vintage car rally.

Auction events will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 with the A Discussion About Collector Cars forum inside the Branson Convention Centers Roark Room. Doors will also open at 10 a.m. Friday and the auction will begin at 11:30 a.m., an earlier start time than previous auctions. On Saturday, Oct. 15, doors will open at 8 a.m. and the auction will begin at 9:30 a.m.

About Summer Winds Resort Services, LLC

Summer Winds Resort Services, LLC is a leader in the vacation ownership industry with resorts across the country. For over 25 years, they have provided unmatched levels of customer service and luxury to both owners and guests at each resort.

Based out of Branson, MO, Summer Winds maintains over 400 employees across the United States who assist over 20,000 owners in experiencing vacations of a lifetime. As one of the countrys fastest growing hotel and resort entities, Summer Winds has developed multiple award-winning programs and resorts, including Bransons Stormy Point Village, which is recognized as an Interval International Elite Resort. For more information regarding Summer Winds and its resort locations, visit http://www.summerwindsresorts.com.

About Branson Auction

The Branson Auction is one of the most respected and long-standing collector car auction houses in the United States. Owner and operators Jim and Kathy Cox have been hosting high-class collector car auctions for the past 38 years with the goal to provide the largest collection of collectible automobiles under one roof twice a year. The Branson Auction is an annual event, having taken place every April and October at the Branson Convention Center since the event center opened in August of 2007. For more information regarding the Branson Auction, visit http://www.bransonauction.com.
During its October monthly meeting, the Hamilton County Council selected Fishers-based Massillamany & Jeter LLP to provide the Councils legal services for 2017. In less than eighteen months, Massillamany & Jeter LLP has grown from just its two partners, Mario Massillamany and Chris Jeter, to a staff of six lawyers and support staff, making it the fastest growing law firm in Hamilton County.

Firm partner Massillamany credited he and his partners years of government services work at Barnes & Thornburg LLP for allowing them the opportunity to be competitive. We are excited to put our years of government services work to use for the County Council, Massillamany said. We truly believe that we can add value to a Council that is already exercising strong fiscal leadership with balanced budgets, low taxes, and best-in-class services Massillamany added. Chris Jeter expressed excitement for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and vitality of the county in which he was born. Having been born and raised in Hamilton County, I am so excited to be a small part of the great things happening here, Jeter said. This is truly an amazing moment for our law firm and an incredible opportunity to support our elected officials, he added. Chris Jeter will serve as the Councils primary attorney with Massillamany providing support. The yearlong contract will begin on January 1, 2017.

Massillamany & Jeter LLP is a full-service law firm based in Fishers but serving the entire State of Indiana. Mario Massillamany and Chris Jeter began their careers as public interest lawyers, serving their communities at the local, state, and national level. Mario served as a local prosecutor while Chris spent several years on active duty in the United States Navy as a Judge Advocate General (JAG). Following their years in public service, Mario and Chris had a nationwide practice while working for Indianas largest law firm, and one of the top 100 largest firms in the country. In addition to its civil, criminal, and estate planning work, the Firms lawyers have represented numerous municipal and county governments, committees, and administrative bodies. The Firm has offices in Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Plainfield, Greenwood, and Lawrence.

For more information, please visit http://www.mjattorneys.com or visit us on social media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mjattorneys

Twitter: @massjeter
Alice Hoffman sold her first novel, Property Of, when she was 21 years old. This November, she publishes her 25th, Faithful (Simon & Schuster). At 64, shes been writing and publishing books for over four decades. She has also published one work of nonfiction and nine young adult novels. Its not that I write so much, Hoffman says. Ive just been doing it for a long time, and Ive always thought of [writing] as what I do.

Hoffman does it well and with popular appeal. Here on Earth, her retelling of Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights, was an Oprah Book Club Pick in March 1998. Practical Magic, about a family of witches, The River King, about a suicide that may have been a fraternity hazing gone wrong, and Aquamarine, a teen-

oriented comedy, were made into movies. And a TV miniseries based on The Dovekeepers, about four women in 70 C.E. at Masada, aired on CBS last year.

Tucked away in a corner booth at Henriettas Table in Cambridge, Mass., after the power breakfasters have gone, Hoffman talks about her writing in general and Faithful in particular. Her work always seems so personal, addressing the reader directly. In part, Hoffman explains, thats because she sprinkles in snippets from her life. The characters in Faithful visit her two favorite bookstoresthe Strand in New York City and the Book Revue in Huntington, N.Y. They even mention her favorite books, including Andrew Langs color-coded series of fairy tales and the Misty of Chicoteague series. For Hoffman, its all about making the fictional world more real for her readers.

Hoffman frequently goes back and forth between writing novels rooted in historical eventslike her 2015 release, The Marriage of Opposites, which is set in the 19th century and tells the story of the wife of artist Camille Pissarroand current fiction. Faithful begins on Long Island two years after a car accident in which Shelby, then a high school senior, spun out on the ice. Both she and her best friend, Helene, also a senior, were flung from the car, and Helene ended up in a years-long coma. Though Shelby was unhurt physically, it affected her in other ways.

The story follows Shelby from a psych ward to her parents basement to New York City. There she takes a job in a pet store and slowly begins to rebuild her life with encouragement from an unknown person who sends her postcards, and from a new friend, Maravelle, who also works at the pet store, and Maravelles three children.

Like Shelby, Hoffman grew up on Long Island, has an apartment in New York City, and is a survivor. A main theme of Faithful is survivors guilt, something Hoffman has lived with for a long time. I think Im always writing about survivors; Im a breast cancer survivor, says Hoffman, who found a lump in her breast when she was 45. Half of all people with breast cancer die. The Hoffman Breast Center at Mount Auburn Hospital, less than a mile from where we talk, is named for her. She donated advances from a collection of stories, Local Girl, and for her book on breast cancer, The Survival Guide.

Long before her cancer diagnosis, though, Hoffman was aware of survivors guilt. As a kid, my life was changed by reading the diary of Anne Frank and how she got through, Hoffman says. Ultimately, of course, she didnt live.

But Hoffman is quick to dispel the notion that her books are autobiographical. Im not really writing about myself but the books are all somehow related not to my lived life, but to my inner life. Before she begins writing a book, Hoffman says, she usually starts with an idea or a story. She finds out where the story wants to go by writing the first draft quickly, without going back to make any corrections. Those she leaves for later drafts.

Hoffman revises her work many times before its published. When Im writing, what I really want someone to do is have an emotional experience, she says. Thats what I want as a writer. She acknowledges that she did in fact cry, a lot, while she worked on Faithful. She spent a number of years on the novel and worked on it at the same time as The Dovekeepers, which was published in 2011.

At its most basic level, Faithful is a coming-of-age story about Shelby. But in the process of writing about her transformation from a skinny bald girl in big boots who is filled with self-hatred, Hoffman explored what it is to be faithful. She doesnt use the term to mean steadfast in a religious sense, although Shelby believes she was rescued by an angel after the accident. Being faithful, in the context of the book, has more to do with the bond between Shelby and her mother, Sue, who is fiercely loyal to and protective of her daughter, whom she loves unequivocally. That bond, Hoffman says, is similar to the one she had with her own mother.

The novel also describes the deep connection that can develop between people and their pets. Over the course of the book, Shelby rescues three dogs and a cat, which she gives away. Arguably the dogs, which she keeps, rescue her. When you rescue [something], you dont feel as much of a victim, Hoffman says. Having Shelby steal pets from people who mistreat them also gives Hoffman a fictional opportunity to do something she wishes that she had done in real life: rescuing the pets of homeless people begging for money in Harvard Square. The animals, which are often drugged, are simply props to gain sympathy, she says.

But ultimately Faithful is about Shelbys guilt. Its about forgiving herself for driving, Hoffman says. For me the book is very positive. Its funny. It will also appeal to young readers. The coming-of-age of a teenage girl who suffers a breakdown, is sexually assaulted, and smokes pot falls well within the scope of YA. This past summer, when Hoffman tested the book on her students at Adelphi University, where she teaches high school juniors as part of the Alice Hoffman Writing Retreat, they read the galleys overnight.

Despite her students enthusiasm for the book, Hoffman doesnt regard Faithful as YA. I think my readership is very weird, she says. Its eight to 80. She views Faithful as an adult title that teens can enjoy and that mothers and daughters can read together.

Nor does Hoffman consider Faithfulor any of her work, for that matteran example of magical realism. Thats a term that she would like to decouple from her name. [Magical realism] is a new term for an old thing, she says. The whole art of writing is magical. Instead Hoffman prefers to view her writing in terms of the literature of symbolic fairy tales and folktales. In Faithful, she says, shes trying to give an account of a young girls life in a way that more closely mimics journalism. The miracles that are attributed to Helene after the accident, like the candles that burn hours beyond what is possible on the anniversary of the crash, or her ability to heal the sick, are all part of that old-fashioned storytelling.

In one of the books many beautiful passages, Shelby is sitting in the backyard on the picnic table and thinking about the fairy tales that she read to her mother after Sue became sick. Hoffman writes that as Shelby read, she and her mother became lost in an enchanted cottage with vines growing over the window. It was dark and it was quiet and they could hear each other softy breathing. Every story had the same message: What was deep inside could only be deciphered by someone who understood.

The magic of the story could be one reason people who read early copies of the novel have responded in a deep, emotional way, Hoffman sayswhich she hadnt expected. Thats despite the fact that she herself was particularly drawn to Shelby, whom she describes as both very funny and a pain in the ass. Shelby starts out so tough, but shes not tough, Hoffman says. Shes very endearing.

Hoffmans not a writer who looks back. She saves all her drafts, but she doesnt reread them once a book is finished. So shes particularly excited to have emptied an entire room of manuscripts and foreign editions by donating her literary papers to Adelphi last year. Hoffman also doesnt write sequels, but she has found a fitting way to continue writing about Shelby, at least on social media.

Before we leave, Hoffman pulls out her phone to show me a picture of her sheepdog, Shelby, who has her own account on Instagram (@mizindependentshelby). Shelby the sheepdog can also be spotted on Facebook, where, in a nod to yoga, you can see her in a mean Upward-Facing Dog.
Tor Teen Re-ups Porter

After finding early success with the recently released Vassa in the Night (Sept. 20), Tor Teen has inked a new deal with the books author, Sarah Porter. Susan Chang, senior editor at Tor Teen, took world rights to two new standalones by Porter, in a deal brokered by Kent D. Wolf at the Friedrich Agency. The first book, Never-Contented Things, is slated for fall 2018 and is about, Tor said, two siblings who are trapped in an alternate reality that appears to be a precise replica of the college town where theyve been living with their foster parents. The second book is currently untitled and set for a winter 2020 publication.

Game Designer Lands at Skyhorse

Chelsey Emmelhainz at Skyhorse nabbed North American rights to the debut novel by Michael Fiegel, Blackbird. Fiegel, a Seattle-based game designer, was represented by Chris Kepner at Victoria Sanders & Associates. Kepner said the novel is a literary thriller that follows two sociopathsone a killer for hire and the other a woman he kidnapped as a young girl and raised as his protege. The book, slated for fall 2017, is, Kepner added, nimbly paced with a biting social commentary a la American Psycho.

Dahl Gets Awkward at Portfolio

In a North American rights acquisition, Portfolios Eric Nelson bought Melissa Dahls narrative nonfiction work, This Is Awkward. Dahl is the editor of the New York magazine Web vertical Science of Us, and the book, sold by Joanna Volpe and Mackenzie Brady Watson at New Leaf Literary & Media, is subtitled Why Some People Are Comfortable in Any Situationand Some Never Are. Volpe said it offers an examination of the often misunderstood concept of social awkwardness. The book, which marks Dahls debut, is scheduled for fall 2017.

Berkley Buys Latest from Les Becquets

In a six-figure, world rights deal, Danielle Perez at Berkley bought a novel by Diane Les Becquets, tentatively titled The Last Woman in the Forest. The book is the authors sophomore effort, following Breaking Wild, which Berkley published in February; that book became the imprints first title to be named an Indie Next Pick. Michelle Brower at Zachary Schuster Harmsworth brokered the sale for Les Becquets, who teaches in the M.F.A. program at Southern New Hampshire University. The novel, Berkley said, follows a canine handler who falls for her mentor. Set in Alberta and the American west, the book, which is scheduled for 2018, sees the heroine make a shocking discovery after her mentor dies; Berkley said she begins to piece together clues that suggest he might have been a serial killerand she was going to be his next victim.

Bachelor Producer Sells Self-Help Book

Elan Gale, who is the executive producer of The Bachelor, sold a humorous self-help book called Youre Not That Great (But Neither Is Anyone Else) to Maddie Caldwell at Grand Central. In addition to his reality TV job, Gale runs two popular Instagram accounts, @textsfromyourex and @tindernightmares, which Grand Central said have a combined five million followers. Caldwell took North American rights to the book, which is scheduled for December 2017, from Jess Regel at Foundry Literary + Media. Grand Central added that the book will show readers how to harness their own innate self-loathing in order to succeed.

Mira Nabs New Deveraux Series

In a high six-figure three-book deal, Margaret Marbury at Mira took North American rights to a new series by Jude Deveraux called Medlar Mysteries. Deveraux, a bestselling author, was represented by Robert Gottlieb at Trident Media Group; he noted that there are more than 60 million copies of her books in print. The series follows a middle-class woman who, Gottlieb said, returning from her former glory days, agrees to host her niece at her home, where a young man is also recovering, having been involved in an accident conflated with murder. The heroine watches with jealousy as the relationship between the young man and her niece deepens; then a tree falls in her backyard revealing two skeletons twisted in the roots, thereby untangling many secrets. The author retained audio rights in the deal.

Briefs

Julie Piatt and Rich Roll (Plantpower Way) sold North American rights to Plantpower Italia to Lucia Watson at Avery. The cookbook features plant-based recipes for Italian staples; the publisher said the title, which Byrd Leavell at Waxman Leavell Literary sold, is an homage to the incredible food of Italy, such as pizza, gelato, pastas, and sauces.

Rowman & Littlefields Suzanne Staszak-Silva took world rights to Nick Chen and David Tabatskys Rx for Hope: A Cancer Model to Optimize the Immune System Integrating Low Dose Chemotherapy and Complementary Medicine. Chen is an M.D. and Ph.D. and the book is slated for July 2017. Nancy Rosenfeld represented the authors.

This article has been corrected. An earlier version incorrectly listed the title of Sarah Porter's book in the first item.
"People feel really called to be at Beacon, said Gayatri Patnaik, who joined the Boston-based press in 2002 and was named editorial director this summer. She sees her own childhood as preparation for working at the house, which explores questions of race, gender, and sexuality. Family also influenced her career choice: her uncle is Knopf head Sonny Mehta.

Patnaiks journey to Beacon began in India, where she was born and spent her earliest years with her grandmother in New Delhi. At seven, Patnaik joined her mother and older brother in the U.S., where her mother took a teaching job at Frostburg State Teachers College (now Frostburg State University). Patnaik found herself in the small rural community of Finzel, Md. It was a complete shock to my system to be plopped unceremoniously in western Maryland. But its informed a lot of my interests, Patnaik said.

It was in Finzel that Patnaik first experienced racism and learned what it is to be an outsider. [Finzel] was halfway across the world, the language was different, the people looked different, the food was different, the culture was different, and it snowed, Patnaik said. She was also frustrated that no one could pronounce her name.

At 14, when Patnaik returned to India to study at the Woodstock School, an international boarding school, the feeling of being an outsider returned. Those seven years [in the U.S.] had changed me so much, Patnaik said. I looked Indian, I was Indian, but I had forgotten Hindi. And when I tried to speak it, I had an American accent.

Patnaik returned to the U.S., where she got her B.A. in English literature and minored in French and womens studies; she began teaching English to speakers of other languages at Goshen College in Goshen, Ind. She received a masters in cultural anthropology at the New School in New York City. After she graduated, Patnaik was immediately drawn to the family business, publishing.

Patnaiks grandmother Sheela Sharma, who helped raise her, wrote 20 books in both Hindi and English. Even now, when Patnaik can no longer speak Hindi or read it, she keeps one of her grandmothers books in her office and her home, where she can see it. Her fathers sister, Gita Mehta, has written numerous books. His brother, Naveen Patnaik, was published by Jackie Onassis at Doubleday.

Patnaik got her first taste of trade publishing at Rob Weisbach Books at Morrow, followed by a stint as an intern at Random House, where she learned just how big a shadow her uncle cast. She also held jobs in academic publishing at Routledge, where she went from assistant editor to full editor, and at Palgrave, where she was a senior editor. I didnt have a passion for commercial publishing, Patnaik said, explaining that she wasnt much happier with the number of books she was expected to bring into the more academic houses. She thought about leaving publishing but decided not to after she got a call from Beacon director Helene Atwan, who asked if shed be interested in moving to Boston and invited her to interview for a job opening as senior editor.

Since joining Beacon, Patnaik has worked on several important series, including the King Legacy, a partnership between Beacon and the estate of Martin Luther King Jr. Editing it with colleague Joanna Green involved going into the King archives and finding material to create new books, one of which turned out to be Beacons fourth book from activist and public intellectual Cornel West, The Radical King.

Among her other efforts, Patnaik began Queer Action/Queer Ideas with Michael Bronski, an LGBTQ-oriented series. She also created Beacons ReVisioning American History series, which reconstructs and reinterprets U.S. history and is told from the viewpoints of different communities.

[ReVisioning] not only demonstrates what Beacon has done wellBeacon has always been at the forefront of publishing when it comes to race, sexuality, gender, bottom-up historybut also that were continuing to be relevant and find an audience, she said, singling out books such as Roxanne Dunbar-Ortizs An Indigenous History of the United States, which went through eight printings in its first year, won the 2015 American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation, and has sold close to 50,000 copies.

As part of its Race, Education, and Democracy series with Simmons College, Beacon has done well with Christopher Emdins For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of You All, Too, which has sold close to 35,000 copies since it came out in March.

Im really struck by how the humble Beacon book packs a punch, Patnaik said. Were as relevant, or more relevant, than we have ever been before. Its exciting to be at a publisher thats 161 years old and flourishing. Weve had 14 years of surpluses.

Age: 47

Current title: Editorial director, Beacon Press

Books on the nightstand: The Vegetarian by Han Kang, The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward, Maulshree by Sheela Sharma (who is Patnaiks grandmother), and My Fathers Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Forthcoming titles: Water Tossing Boulders: How a Family of Chinese Immigrants Led the First Fight to Desegregate Schools in the Jim Crow South by Adrienne Berard (Oct.), The Price for Their Pound of Flesh: The Value of the Enslaved, from Womb to Grave, in the Building of a Nation by Daina Ramey Berry (Jan. 2017), and The Fearless Benjamin Lay, the Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary (Sept. 2017)
Manhattans Goddard Riverside Community Center and New York publishers have a long history together30 years long. And on October 26, at the annual Goddard Riverside Book Fair Gala, the community center and the industry that has so long supported it will celebrate their relationship while sending off one of that relationships greatest proponents, Goddard Riverside executive director Stephan Russo.

This is the first time Goddard Riversides Book Fair Committee, which consists of representatives from publishers and booksellers, has chosen an honoree from outside the book industry at the gala, an event founded to honor the long-lasting relationship between the community center and publishing, which is most visible in the form of Goddard Riversides annual book fair. (Past honorees have typically been from the book industry, such as Len Riggio, who was honored in 2014.) But Russo, who will retire this December after nearly 20 years as executive director of the community center, was the natural choice. Hired by the Upper West Sidebased Goddard Riverside to perform youth-outreach work in 1976, he has spent the bulk of his career with the organization. And after leaving in the early 1990s to assist New York City in setting up the Department of Homeless Services, he returned in 1997 and was named executive director a year later.

Ive watched the agency grow from a small agency in the 1970s with a budget of $600,000$700,000 to an agency with a budget of over $40 million and involved in everything from youth programs to housing to outreach to the homeless, Russo said. [But] its not about the agency growth. Its about the thousands of lives that weve impacted in this neighborhood and the citythe lives of people who are marginalized or dont have access to the same kinds of resources as others. Its not been a job, its been a vocation.

The publishing connection to Goddard Riverside dates back to 1987, when the first Goddard Riverside Book Fair was held, a time during which New Yorks mentally ill population was dealing with deinstitutionalization and a consequent rise of homelessness. The writer Don Porter, who served on the Goddard Riverside board, reached out to Carl Apollonio, then v-p at Crown, in the hopes that the publisher could help support the centers outreach.

Publishers donated books to sell at marked-down prices, all to benefit Goddard Riverside. In its first year, the Goddard Riverside Book Fair brought in $40,000. Soon, publishing leaders including Alan Merkin, Peter Workman, Susan Richman, and J.P. Leventhal came aboard, bringing their publishing companies with them. Now Russo estimates that the publishing industry helps Goddard bring in upward of $700,000 annually.

That first year, publishers donated a whole bunch of books, Russo recalled. I remember packing and pricing bookswe were pricing books at, like, $4.25, and making changebut the industry came through with books. I think there was a good fit between the publishing industry, which I would say is very concerned with certain issues, particularly literacy and education, and what Goddard Riverside was doing.

Russo added: If you take a look at the 30 years, the amount of money that the publishing industry has raised for Goddard Riverside Community Center is about $15 million, at least. Its really significant.

Supporting partners are numerous, including Barnes & Noble, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, and Simon & Schuster. Writers as diverse as Maya Angelou, Robert Caro, Mary Higgins Clark, and Jeffrey Toobin have taken part in readings and private fund-raising dinners hosted by publishers in conjunction with the book fair, with all proceeds sent to Goddard Riverside.

I hadnt been involved until the last few years, after Peter Workman called me and asked me if I would go for a tour of some of the buildings at Goddard to see some of the work they were doing, and I was just amazed by what they doespecially with respect to homeless men and women in the city, said Mary Ellen Keating, B&N senior v-p of corporate communications. Over the years, the publishing industry and Goddard have shared many of the same values, and its become a tremendous community partnership.

Atria president and publisher Judith Curr, who serves on the Goddard Riverside Book Fair committee on behalf of Simon & Schuster, concurredand like Keating, Curr was brought into the fold by Workman. Goddard looks after the hungry and homeless, and education for people who dont have access, she said. It seems fitting that were involved with an organization that provides for people who dont have as much fortune as we do. The city feeds and houses us, so if in turn we can do the same for other people, that seems like good karma.

Curr added that she and the rest of the committee hope the relationship between publishing and Goddard Riverside will continue for years to comeand that means getting a younger publishing generation involved. As such, each of the 40 honorees and five finalists this year for PWs Star Watch program, including Superstar Andrew Harwell of HarperCollins Childrens Books, have been invited to this years gala.

As for Russo, this is the best send-off he could imagineand sees it as far bigger than himself. Im humbled by the fact that this is the 30th year that the industry has done this [Book Fair], and also that they would honor someone on the staff of Goddard, he said. Even though theres some leadership transition here, the bonds between publishing and Goddard Riverside transcend myself or any individual leader and will absolutely continue in the future. Were honoring me, but were also honoring the industry.
ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL -- More than 150 Rock Island Arsenal personnel learned about efforts to promote Hispanic communities and cultural identity in the Quad Cities as part of RIAs Hispanic Heritage Month Observance on Oct. 6 in Heritage Hall.

Lee Vasquez, executive director, Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke about his organizations efforts to promote businesses and community health for one of the fastest growing demographics locally and in the nation.

Locally, from the 2000 to 2010 census, the Hispanic population in Scott County increased 42.6 percent, and in Rock Island County, 42.8 percent, he said.

Mr. Vasquez said the Hispanic population in the U.S. is economically influential. He said Hispanics start new businesses three times faster than the national average and Hispanic-owned businesses contribute about $600 billion to the national GDP per year.

These numbers are why we are here, the Hispanic chamber, he said. We are the only minority chamber in the region, and we are the only Hispanic chamber between Iowa City and Chicago.

The Glenview Middle School Mariachi Band also performed at the event. Rick Clark, the music teacher who leads the band, discussed the schools efforts to promote Hispanic and Latino cultural identity.

We started this program at Glenview because 33 percent of the school population, or over 440 students, are of Hispanic or Latino descent, said Clark. We started two years ago with 13 students, and as of the past week when we started our beginners, we now have over 70 in the program.

Col. Lance Koenig, chief of staff, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, said it is important for the Army to embrace diversity.

Its important to learn about the diverse backgrounds that we all come from, and how that diversity makes us strong, said Col. Koenig. It makes a strong organization; it makes a strong country.

The United States Army is one of the most diverse organizations in our nation, he continued. We have representation from nearly every group and culture that is present on the globe, and I think that is something we can be proud of.

Established in 1988, Hispanic American Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This year's theme is Embracing, enriching and enabling America.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. The Defense Manpower Data Center states Hispanics and Latinos represented 12 percent of active duty Department of Defense service members in 2014 and about 17 percent of the U.S. population.

Col. Koenig presented the students with certificates of appreciation on behalf of Maj. Gen. Edward Daly, commanding general, ASC. Brig. Gen. (Promotable) Chris Gentry, deputy commanding general support, First U.S. Army, Col. Kenneth Tauke, RIA garrison commander, U.S. Installation Management Command, and Koenig presented Vasquez with a plaque and a coin.

The U.S. Army Sustainment Command Equal Opportunity office sponsored the event, which also offered samples of Hispanic food.
EAST MOLINE -- School board members have declared an impasse in contract negotiations after failing to reach an agreement with union teachers.

Negotiations fell apart following nine bargaining sessions, including two with federal mediators. School board members said the East Moline Education Association has not made a counter offer to the district since May.

Teachers have been without a contract since June 30, and will continue to follow the expired contract until a new one is in place, officials have said.`

According to documents posted on websites for the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the school district, the EMEA is seeking an additional 2.5 percent increase in base salaries and benefits for its members on top of raises already received this year.

Illinois law requires the school district to post the final best offers from both parties on its website.

Despite not having a new contract, the district gave raises to all employees covered under the previous agreement, with the cost totaling $153,000, an average increase of 3.6 percent.

Board members have agreed to just two of the 24 changes proposed by the EMEA for a new contract. A comprehensive salary and benefits package is still in dispute.

"The EMEA was surprised and disappointed to receive the board's declaration of impasse on Sept. 28. We believe that more meetings with the federal mediator would have yielded a fair settlement and we hope the board will table the impasse procedure to continue working towards that goal," wrote EMEA co-presidents Gina Cone and Deb Smiddy in their final offer to board members.

Superintendent Kristin Humphries said, "We have asked the EMEA if they would like to get back to the table, and they have agreed. We will be setting up a date very soon.

"I am hopeful both sides can come together on an agreement so we can focus on what we do best, and that's serve the children and families of our community."

School board member and chief negotiator Kai Killam wrote that the EMEA's proposal would cost taxpayers an additional $24 million in new taxes over the course of four years.

In addition, spending would double in the education fund, and the school board would have to quadruple the property tax rate in order to pay for the union's proposed increases in salaries and benefits.

The total cost for one year of salaried teachers and hourly workers as proposed by the EMEA is $847,286. Mr. Killam said the education fund currently has just over $170,000.

For its part, the board offered to provide a longevity step and lane advancement for all EMEA employees. Lane advancements are based on a teacher's continuing education hours.

As stewards of taxpayer money, the board wrote, it must seek a contract with teachers that will not risk the long-term financial health of the district, yet is fair to employees.

The EMEA said in a recent letter that its members have made sacrifices, such as pay freezes, in order to help the district through financial hardship. They also have given up board-paid retirement, two steps on the salary schedule, and endured insurance rate increases.

"We have the highest esteem, admiration, and respect for our teachers. The board of education is working hard to negotiate a fair contract with the EMEA and hopes to avoid a strike," the board responded.
Two men were charged in Henry County Circuit Court on Friday with Class X felony manufacture/delivery of cocaine and Class 1 felony possession of cocaine.

Co-defendants Frederick W. Rumble, 40, of Iowa City, Iowa and Forrest J. Malik, 20, of Chicago, were arrested by state police on Friday. The alleged amount of cocaine involved is between 15 and 100 grams.

They were arraigned by Judge Terry Patton, who set Mr. Rumble's bond at $200,000 and Mr. Malik's at $100,000. The judge appointed the public defender's office to Mr. Rumble's case and public defender Ed Woller to Mr. Malik's. Preliminary hearings were set for Oct. 31.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  House Speaker Paul Ryan did it again Friday  he spoke about the choices in this year's elections without uttering the words "Donald Trump."

Four days after privately telling House Republicans that he would no longer defend or campaign for his party's presidential nominee, Ryan, R-Wis., tore into Democrat Hillary Clinton and liberals for pursuing a government-heavy agenda for elites. He said a GOP-run Congress would block at least parts of their plans.

But in nearly 45 minutes of remarks to college Republicans, the closest he came to mentioning Trump was in describing the presidential race's tone and warning students away from behavior that sounded suspiciously like things that have characterized Trump's now flagging campaign.

"Look, I know this election has taken some dark, sometimes some very dark turns," Ryan said, without elaborating.

He also advised his audience, "Don't get into a personality contest, don't talk about the latest Twitter storm from somebody."

At other moments, he sounded reminiscent of first lady Michelle Obama, who's become a Democratic sensation on the campaign trail of late with advice like, "When they go low, you go high."

"Don't go to emotion and don't impugn another person's emotion," Ryan told the students. "And when that's coming at you, take the high ground."

Ryan's appearance came a week after the release of a 2005 video showing Trump boasting about forcing sexual contact with women, a blockbuster moment in the campaign. It also followed recent reports in which some women have accused Trump of groping them over past decades, claims he has said are false.

Ryan answered questions from the students  who also did not use Trump's name  but did not talk to reporters. Similarly, he delivered remarks Thursday to business people without taking questions afterward.

In recent weeks, many congressional Republicans have avoided using Trump's name, at times using phrases like "our party's nominee." Ryan never mentioned Trump during two brief campaign appearances for House candidates in Pennsylvania last week.

After the Trump video was released, Ryan rescinded an invitation for him to appear at a Wisconsin political event last weekend, though he has not dropped support for Trump.

Trump has responded with tweets suggesting a sinister plot and calling Ryan ineffective, highlighting an extraordinary schism between the senior most elected GOP official and the party's White House candidate. And some GOP lawmakers have threatened to oppose letting Ryan serve as speaker in the new Congress, assuming Republicans remain in control of the House.

Ryan used his remarks to attack Clinton and her Democratic allies, drawing a contrast that many Republicans believe can help their congressional candidates win re-election. Polls show she has surged ahead in the race for the White House, and Ryan has told his fellow House Republicans that he will spend the remaining weeks until the Nov. 8 elections campaigning to help them keep control of the chamber.

He told the students that Democrats want to increase bureaucratic control of peoples' lives and confirm liberal judges and promised, "A Republican Congress will not stand for this."

Ryan said Clinton's "stronger together" slogan actually means, "We are stronger if we are all subject to the state. What she means is we are stronger if we give up our ties of responsibility to one another and hand all of that over to government."

He also pressed for the GOP agenda that he rolled out last summer that focuses on such issues as cutting regulations, overhauling the tax code and replacing President Barack Obama's health care law.
Family members and I flew out of the Quad City International Airport on Oct. 3 headed for some fun in Florida. The trip turned into an extreme adventure.

We experienced red tide in the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Matthew in central Florida and scary rides at Disney.

When we woke Oct. 4, in a rental house on Palm Island in the Gulf we saw the effects of an algae bloom that had caused a red tide poisonous to fish.

Rough waters had roiled and vomited hundreds of dead fish on the beach. The smell was gross, and the air was toxic for people with lung conditions. We had the beach to ourselves. My daughter-in-law and I managed to harvest many shells and a few shark teeth among the dead fish while avoiding sea turtle nests. The next day, however, a visit to the beach made us cough. We left for Orlando.

When we arrived Oct. 5, we learned that the outer bands of Hurricane Matthew were expected to reach there causing heavy rain, wind and power outages. There was no escape. The Orlando airport was closed.

From our rental home, we watched continuous television coverage of the historic Category 4 storm headed toward us. Matthew was billed as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. If it lived up to its potential, the devastation would be widespread in Florida and other Atlantic coastal states.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a blunt warning to his 1.5 million coastal residents: This storm will kill you. Florida must prepare for a direct hit. Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate. This was a mandatory evacuation. Tolls on highways were cancelled. Hospitals evacuated. About two-thirds of the state was expected to lose power.

We began to consider our options. Then we went to the grocery store.

We saw long lines of cars at gas stations. Some stations had run out of gas.

There were no carts available at the store. I ran outside to the parking lot in a frenzy to commandeer a cart from a departing customer. All bottled water and bread had been torn from the shelves. We bought buns and energy drinks.

The next day we went to two Walt Disney World theme parks. We didnt have to wait in any lines since the parks were not crowded. We bought ponchos and walked in water as the rain became heavy and the wind picked up. The parks closed early.

WalMart and most businesses were closed. We stopped at a gas station to get coffee. The coffee machines were empty.

Back at the house, I pulled out my computer and began taking notes while watching TV coverage of the storm. Matthew's path was changing. It was wobbling here and there. Transformers were shown blowing up, showering sparks that looked like fireworks. Palm trees were toppling.

My son and daughter-in-law, who had planned this trip, were also wobbling about leaving right then for Tampa or staying in Orlando until Monday. There were no hotel rooms in Tampa, as coastal people had evacuated inland.

By 6 p.m. Thursday, flight-tracing service FlightAware.com reported that 3,000 flights within the USA had been scrapped. At least 1,300 more flights scheduled for Friday were cancelled. At 8 p.m. Matthew was a Cat 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Now things were getting scary.

The storm was predicted to hit us about 2 a.m. I sat in the hot tub until the rain got too heavy. Then I packed and went to bed. About 2 a.m. I heard a lot of wind. There was nothing to do.

We woke up and saw no damage anywhere.

We left for the Tampa airport for a flight to Moline.

My son, David, who was driving, worried we would encounter flooded roads or the police would stop us and turn us back. There was no flooding and little traffic.

The world stood still.

(The legacy for Hurricane Matthew will be flooding. Major hurricane winds for just more than seven days rank it a record hurricane for wind energy and longevity.)
Known for urging listeners to open their third eye and wake up to the realities going on around them, it wasn't surprising that Ab-Soul got poilitical in his new single "Huey Knew" considering the social unrest going on in America right now.

"All this stuff about the gun laws and the police, its very reminiscent of that time," he explained to Genius about his decision to feature Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton in the song's title. "I just wanted to use this hip-hop to show that we have our eyes and ears open.

In the accompanying black and white music video, Soul strengthens his point by channeling Newton as dramatic imagery of Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, and police violence flash behind him. Powerful. Watch the clip above.

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Jesus saves, not politicians.

He said we must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, and that we'll be judged by that word; meaning, that we should allow God's word to direct our path. God is love and gives mercy, grace and forgiveness. He also is a consuming fire against sinners.

Biblical history tells us that God is jealous, and deals seriously with those who continue to disobey him. Scripture is replete with examples of those who ignore His commandments at their peril.

To date, nearly 60,000,000 babies have been murdered before birth. Some babies have been murdered as they were being born. For people of faith the question is this: Do we stand with God or some politician on this issue?

Scripture says that there are seven things that God hates, but two stand out: A lying tongue, and the shedding of innocent blood. Exodus 21:22, 23 says if someone takes a life in the womb, their life is to be forfeited.

There is much at stake in the November election. For people of faith who believe that we are to live our lives according to God's word, the decision has been made for us.

When you vote for someone who sanctions the murder of the unborn, you will be held accountable by God, not by the Supreme Court.

We will all be judged by God as individuals. Not by our pastor, preacher, priest or Rabbi or any other member of the clergy.

Harley Webb,

Silvis
In a seminal RAND Project Air Force report written over two decades ago, entitled Russia's Air Power at the Crossroads ( PDF ), the author concluded that the Soviet air force had achieved marked improvement in the tactical skills of its fighter pilots, yet most pilots were still bound by a heavily scripted tactical repertoire that was all but completely dominated by ground control. Such scripted training scenarios, the report continued, left [pilots] little room for exercising the free-form initiative and adaptability that had long been a hallmark of Western tactical air practice.

Similar things can be said about today's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The PLAAF is one of the largest and most capable forces in the world in terms of quantity and technology, but Western analysts have long questioned its rigid, outdated approach to pilot trainingrelying heavily on ground control and scripted environments to achieve training objectives. The prevailing view among many Western observers is that Chinese fighter pilots lack the tactical mindset to engage and prevail in a dynamic, unscripted combat environment.

Our recently released report on PLAAF training suggests that narrative may be changing. Our analysis found that the PLAAF has initiated system-wide reform to train fighter pilots in the skills necessary to fight and win against potentially superior military competitors like the U.S. At the heart of this reform is an effort to train officers under what Chinese military leaders refer to as actual combat conditions, which include, among other things, nighttime battle training, complex electromagnetic conditions, special geographical environments and extreme weather conditions.

The PLAAF has been experimenting with giving pilots the responsibility to create their own flight plans with full autonomy over their sortiesfrom starting their engines to changing navigation routes and flying tactics in the airwithout strict control from a commander in the control tower. This type of autonomy represents a significant departure from past practice, which emphasized reliance on ground control. PLAAF pilots are also increasingly evaluated using real-time video feed playback and other flight-data recordings previously unavailable to aviators. Video playback offers an important teaching tool to correct mistakes and provides an objective means of analysis for flight leads and instructors in assessing pilots' performance, no matter their experience or skill level.

The PLAAF has also redoubled attempts to instill discipline in its pilots by offering honest assessments of shortcomings. Such efforts include professionalizing unit training through adherence to less-scripted, combat-realistic training for the battlefield rather than the test. For example, during a November 2013 year-end training event at a Guangzhou air regiment, some of the aircraft identified to take part in the test had just returned from seasonal changeover maintenance, and four of the pilots chosen to participate were ill-prepared for examinations because they had just completed aircraft transition training, according to reports in the Chinese air force newspaper Kongjun Bao. The regiment leaders nonetheless decided to proceed with the assessment as planned, reminding the pilots that evaluations were meant to gauge actual combat ability, not simply who would obtain high marks.

PLAAF pilots still lack the ability to adapt to rapidly changing battlefield conditions and make autonomous decisions on the fly.

When compared with their U.S. Air Force counterparts, however, clear deficiencies remain among PLAAF pilots in the area of combat tactics and skills. PLAAF pilots still lack the ability to adapt to rapidly changing battlefield conditions and make autonomous decisions on the fly. Such skills remain new to many PLAAF pilots accustomed to having almost all of their tactical maneuvers dictated by commanders in the control tower. For example, one Kongjun Bao report noted this deficiency in flight leads taking over from ground control:

Ground commands often are not able to keep up with the complex and changeable air situation. Pilots relied too much on the commands and guidance from the ground, which was not conducive to enhancing the enthusiasm and initiative of airborne combatants.

Our findings also highlight an inability among some PLAAF pilots to hit ground targets successfully upon receiving inflight changes to flight trajectories or plans, as well as a reluctance among pilots to take risks for fear of making mistakes or out of safety concerns.

Our report supports the notion that the PLAAF is fully aware of its shortcomings in pilot combat skills and is taking steps to rectify many of these deficiencies. However, cultivating true pilot autonomy in unscripted scenarios takes decades to hone and demands a training system that encourages honest assessments of mistakes. While the PLAAF appears to have undertaken major reform in how it trains its pilots, success will ultimately depend on breaking the service's deep-seated institutional and cultural barriers.

Lyle J. Morris is a senior project associate at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.

This commentary originally appeared on Aviation Week & Space Technology on October 14, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Ericsson is delivering a complete network expansion for Cable & Wireless across its three operations in the Caribbean and Panama.

The expansion includes hardware, software and licensing services for the brands Flow (Caribbean), BTC (Bahamas) and CWP (Panama), all of them now part of the Liberty Global group In addition, the network expansion will provide all Cable & Wireless markets across the Caribbean and Panama with access to software upgrades and migration to the Ericsson Software Model. The companys subscribers will benefit from a network capable of supporting advanced technologies and high-speed features such as over-the-top (OTT) platforms, which are driving data demand across the region.Ericsson is committed to providing C&W Communications with excellence in end-user satisfaction and delivering best-in-class results. Ericsson will provide solid guidance and support throughout all of the projects critical phases, enabling C&W to provide its customers with the best in connectivity solutions, said Clayton Cruz, VP, Ericsson Latin America and Caribbean We are happy to once again partner with Ericsson in this network expansion project across all of our markets. Considering the clear trend in the growth of subscribers, mobile data and smartphone usage, C&Ws key objective is to deploy a mobile network with world-class quality, performance and operational convenience in order to exceed our customers expectations, said Carlo Alloni, EVP and CTIO, C&W Communications.
7A Media has been selected by Canadas Beauty World Search as the Latin American distributor for the reality series The Fashion Hero.

The Miami-based distribution house, led by Cesar Diaz, former sales VP at Cisneros Media Distribution, will share worldwide rights with Looking Glass International, which will distribute the format outside the Americas.The Fashion Hero new season will be formally unveiled by Beauty World Search, 7A Media and Looking Glass International at MIPCOM 2016 in Cannes on 17-20 October.The announcement of the deal with 7A Media coincides with the appointment of Nathalie Bourdon as new VP of distribution at Beauty World Search. The executive was formerly COO of Novovision Canada, president of FarMore Distribution and spent 12 years at Just For Laughs as director of international sales and senior director of development and acquisition.Im delighted to be working with such experienced industry professionals as Nathalie and Cesar who join us in our journey to introduce this series to a global audience, said Caroline Bernier, president, Beauty World Search, and executive producer of The Fashion Hero.
Russia has made an unexpected maneuver by declaring an ostentatious break with the United States on a broad front.Until recently, everything seemed to be moving in the opposite direction, with Russia coveting an international diplomatic victory that restored its status in the West and presupposed support from the United States.
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Kim Zolciak believes her daughter Brielle Biermann should wait before having any "crazy" plastic surgeries.

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The 38-year-old "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum said on Thursday's episode of "Hollywood Today Live" that she thinks the 19-year-old should hold off on a boob job until after she has kids.

"I think she should wait until she has children. I tell her, 'You want bigger boobs? You need to breastfeed. I'm big on breastfeeding; I breastfed all of my [children]. Then go do it,'" Zolciak said.

"She did her lips [and] everybody freaked out. She's an adult, [but people freaked] because we're honest about it and I went with her," she suggested. "I feel like, be honest. I feel like women should help other women."

Brielle, who was sitting off-camera, confirmed her mom took her to get lip fillers.

The teenager said she talked about getting injections for "years and years and years" and that Zolciak knew her lips were "a really big insecurity" of hers.

"She went with me," Brielle recalled.

"She was kinda like, 'Okay, let's go. I don't want you going to some crazy person in Atlanta, so let's go outside to L.A. and go to the best.'"

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Zolciak had defended Brielle's choice to get lip fillers while appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" in September.

The reality star said at the time that her daughter is "an adult" who can make her own decisions.

"I've heard her complain about her lips since she came out of the womb, honestly," she added.

"She said, 'I'm doing it.' And I was like, 'Okay, well, I'm going to take you to the best.'"

Zolciak is known for starring on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," but left the Bravo series after Season 5.

She, husband Kroy Biermann and their family presently star on the show "Don't Be Tardy."
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By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

Schools across the U.S. are warning about a scam to convince parents that their children have been kidnapped  even though they haven't  and to collect ransom money.

Cases of "virtual kidnapping" have been reported over the past two months in Virginia, California, Texas, Arizona and other states. Authorities say the scam often targets the parents of college students, tricking some into paying thousands of dollars and appears to be on the rise nationally.

In many cases, parents receive a call from a stranger who claims to have kidnapped their child, and can often provide the child's name or other details. Some parents have reported hearing screams or a muffled cry in the background. Then the caller orders parents to wire money in exchange for their child's release.

"They really prey on people's fears, and in this case it's a very intense fear, thinking that your child's been kidnapped," said Jay Gruber, police chief at Georgetown University, where a parent reported the scam on Thursday. In that case, the parent used social media to contact the child, and didn't pay the ransom.

Usually, the ransom demand is between $600 and $1,900, according to the FBI's New York field office, which issued a warning about the scam in January 2015. FBI officials said they weren't available to comment on Friday. Gruber said the scheme emerged in the U.S. more than a year ago but has become more common recently.

Thirkel Freeman was driving with his wife, Coretta, last week when a man called Coretta's cell phone and said he had kidnapped their daughter, Kiauna, a senior at the University of Maryland. The caller even put a woman on the phone who claimed to be Kiauna and had a similar voice, pleading them to pay the ransom. The man threatened to kill Kiauna if they didn't.

"He says, 'If you play games with me, it's over,'" said Thirkel, of White Plains, Maryland. "At that point, we were at the peak of traumatization."

Coretta called the police, who arrived and guided the couple through the call. But the Freemans ultimately wired $1,300 to the caller before finding out Kiauna was safe on campus.

Several colleges have issued alerts about the scam, including Georgetown, Arizona State University, George Mason University and the University of Texas at Arlington.

The calls often come from outside area codes, sometimes from Puerto Rico, according to the FBI. If someone calls demanding a ransom, authorities say parents should try to text their child or reach them through social media to confirm their child's safety. Or they can ask the alleged kidnapper to have their child call back from his or her own phone.

"Once you find out that your child is fine, just disengage with them," Gruber said. "Or, if your child is with you, tell them to go to hell and hang up on them."
tank man

The final prisoner from China's 1989 Tiananmen Square protests will reportedly be released on Saturday after spending nearly three decades in jail, a human-rights group said.

Miao Deshun, who is now reportedly in poor health, "might find himself leaving a small jail but entering a bigger prison," Hu Jia, a well-known human-rights advocate who had been jailed for rebuking the Communist Party and who is also severely ill, told The Washington Post.

"Hes likely to find himself surrounded by state security police upon his release, something unimaginable before he went to jail," Hu said. "Release from jail does not necessarily mean more freedom."

The communist government of China brutally suppressed the student-led protests that called for democracy and freedom, which they labeled as a  counterrevolutionary riot."

It led to a crackdown on June 4, 1989, in which the government deployed troops and tanks and left an unknown number dead  241 from the governments official report, though estimates range from the hundreds to the thousands.

The Tiananmen Square protests, along with the crackdown, remain taboo in mainland China. The Communist Party has censored the word Tiananmen online and cut it from its history textbooks. Young people educated in the mainland, who dont have access to much foreign media  most of which are blocked by the Great Firewall  will have no way to find out about the crackdown.

Tiananmen Square protests

Miao was sentenced to death with reprieve for allegedly throwing a basket into a burning tank during the crackdown.

His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment in 1991, reduced to 20 years in 1998, and reduced again by 11 months this year  resulting in his release from the Yanqing Prison on October, 15, Dui Hua, a San Francisco-based human rights group, said in a statement in May.

But the Associated Press reported the date "could not be independently verified" since the Ministry of Public Security and the Beijing Higher Peoples Court had not responded to faxed requests for comment.

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The 51-year-old former factory worker "refused to do hard labor, refused re-education, refused to write repentance letters," Wu Wenjian, a fellow former inmate of Miao, told the Associated Press, and said Miao's stubbornness had brought him heavier punishments and periods of solitary confinement.

At that time, whoever got a suspended death sentence would at least pretend to accept the sentence and the reform education, but he wouldnt," Wu told The Washington Post. "He kept appealing and refused to be reformed.

AP_16288320910549

Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump  the Democratic and Republican candidates in the US presidential election  have in the past weighed in on China's troubled human-rights history.

In 2009, while she served as secretary of state, Clinton called on China to acknowledge the darker events of its past on the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square tragedy. She also urged the Chinese government to not only "provide a public accounting of those killed, detained or missing," but to also "learn and to heal," according to the BBC. Beijing rejected Clinton's words at the time, calling them groundless accusations.

Donald Trump called the Tiananmen Square protests a riot" during a GOP primary debate in March, and called China a strong, powerful government that put down the turmoil with strength.

NOW WATCH: 'CHECK OUT SEX TAPE': Trump goes on raging tweetstorm ripping Miss Universe contestant





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Shingletown driver killed in crash

A Shingletown woman was found dead early Friday morning in a vehicle that had struck a tree off Highway 44 at Dersch Road.

Earldean Marie McLind, 77, was found dead in a 2015 Toyota at 1:45 a.m. Friday after the California Highway Patrol said it was notified of the crash by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Officers said it appears the car veered off the highway before hitting the tree. The time and circumstances of the wreck are undetermined.

The Shasta County Coroner's Office said a postmortem examination will be done early next week.

Wrecks slow traffic on southbound I-5

Traffic was slowly flowing again about 4:30 p.m. Friday around two wrecks on southbound Interstate 5 near the Vollmers/Delta ramps in the Lakehead area north of Redding.

The California Highway Patrol reported minor to moderate injuries in the crashes.

The CHP reported the first wreck about 3:45 p.m., which blocked the southbound lanes of I-5. Initial reports said up to four vehicles collided, including a semi-trailer.

The second, multi-vehicle crash involved a pickup and trailer with another vehicle that occurred about 15 minutes later.
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By Sean Longoria of the Redding Record Searchlight

The Redding City Council may have found a buyer for the former Redding Police Department headquarters.

Council members will discuss in closed session on Tuesday about selling the building and parking lot to Equity Streams, LLC.

City Manager Kurt Starman said the company submitted a proposal to buy the property but Tuesday will be the first time the council will consider it.

Equity Streams bought the former Redding Moose Lodge property on Lake Boulevard and sold it to Best Value Storage to repurpose the building for storage units.

Aaron Nelson, managing member of Equity Streams who also owns Venture Properties, didn't return a message Friday seeking comment.

Starman will first ask the council on Tuesday to declare the properties surplus to allow the sale.

Up to $375,000 would go toward building a sobering center, though if such a center is already built by the time the buildings are sold, the city would use the money to pay down debt on the new police headquarters next to Redding City Hall, Starman said in a report to the council.

Police moved out of the building last year. Redding contractor Jamie Lynn earlier this year sought to buy the building and turn it into a restaurant but moved off the plan after deciding work to retrofit the building would be too costly, city officials have said.

The building was thought to be a dangerous building in a 2012 letter that accompanied a 2010 report about structural issues. The report concluded safety of the building was doubtful in a snowstorm or earthquake, and the facility does not comply with building codes by a substantial margin.

In other business the council will discuss in closed session contract negotiations with the Redding Peace Officers Association.

It will also receive reports on the 2016 Community Creek Cleanup and Parke Diem, an update on the development impact fees and a report on the city's guidelines for which credit cards it will accept for payments.

Starting next year, Redding will stop accepting American Express because of higher processing fees. Commercial utility customers won't be able to pay with MasterCard because of high pass-through fees the city must pay, city Treasurer Allyn Feci Van Hooser said in a council report.

Customers are increasingly paying with credit cards and Redding paid about $575,000 in fees last fiscal year alone. Changing the city's credit card rules will save about $250,000 per year.

If you go

What: Redding City Council meeting

Redding City Council meeting When: 6 p.m. Tuesday

6 p.m. Tuesday Where: City Council chambers, 777 Cypress Ave.

City Council chambers, 777 Cypress Ave. Agenda includes: Closed session discussion of possible sale of former Redding Police Department building, contract negotiations with police union, updates from various city departments.
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What happened in Siskiyou County last June after the local elections official raised questions about the voter eligibility of hundreds of Hmong residents would "take a few beers" to explain, as a Secretary of State investigator told an associate in an email obtained by the Record Searchlight.

It wasn't that complicated to the Hmong residents the state's investigators located and interviewed. They felt "terrified" and afraid to vote, they've since alleged in a federal lawsuit.

And it was very simple to Sheriff Jon Lopey, whose deputies accompanied the state investigators on their rounds. He was asked to provide navigation and protection and then left to twist in the wind, caricatured coast-to-coast as a redneck, racially biased lawman who allegedly hatched the idea of confronting frightened immigrants with automatic weapons and body armor. The state ignored and refused his pleas to acknowledge its role, records show.

At the time, this page piled on in that rush to judgment. We regret doing so.

That said, we don't claim to know whether the deputies contributed to the situation by overstepping their bounds, as the lawsuit claims. But in two recent in-depth reports based on extensive interviews and reviews of public records, reporter Alayna Shulman clarified the sequence of events. In so doing, she uncovered a much greater role by Secretary of State Alex Padilla's office.

A week ago, due to her reporting, a spokesman there finally acknowledged that his colleagues had, indeed, asked for support.

The case began when Colleen Setzer, Siskiyou County's elected clerk since 1999, flagged what she thought to be a suspicious batch of voter applications from rural parcels that did not have street addresses. She forwarded her concerns to the Padilla's office.

The Secretary of State investigators don't carry guns, and according to the office's spokesman they occasionally ask for protection from the local law officers who do. That's what we finally know happened in this case.

All this went down just days before the June primary election. Among the issues facing voters was a get-tough ordinance on marijuana cultivation. That would be of particular interest to the newly arrived landowners from the Hmong community, Lopey alleged, because illegal growing activity was prevalent in the rural areas where they've settled.

In fact, it was the presence of those illegal grows that both local and state authorities say prompted the need for guns.

Problems arose when, over the course of a couple of days, the investigators and their armed protectors managed to find about a dozen people  all members of the Hmong community that has bought property within the past year  and interview them. Ten of these would-be voters say in their federal lawsuit the conversations led them to fear they'd be jailed if they attempted to vote.

These are very serious allegations. The right to vote is fundamental, and the full force of our government at every level should be applied to ensure every eligible citizen can do so.

It's particularly poignant in this case, because Hmong immigrants paid such a high price for standing with Americans during the Vietnam War. During the war, their casualty rate was far higher than the Americans', and after it was over they faced massacre, starvation, forced relocation and "seminar camps." Those who eventually made it to the United States had endured untold horror and deprivation.

In Laos before the war, the Hmong maintained a distinct ethnic identity as highland farmers. The interest in Siskiyou County, attorneys for the Hmong plaintiffs have said, is not just opportunistic. To them, the high, fertile ground feels like home.

Still, marijuana has driven an early wedge between the newcomers and their long-established neighbors. And that makes this story more complex than the one that was first told.

During a long career in the military and law enforcement, Lopey has actually spent a couple of years specializing in Southeast Asian issues. Contrary to the "country rube" narrative, he understands very well what happened in Laos during the Vietnam conflict.

If anything can be said of him, it's that he's zealous in policing a plant that voters statewide may be about to legalize for recreational use. But that's a philosophical position, not a racial one.

Even with the benefit of hindsight, it's hard to properly judge the actions of last June. The federal courts will need to do that. The county is preparing its response now. A Secretary of State investigator also is named.

What we can say with certainty is it's important to protect the integrity of the vote both from potential fraud and from intimidation.

Regardless of exactly how those interests were balanced in Siskiyou County, Padilla's office behaved shamefully afterward by abandoning Lopey.

The Secretary of State owes more than a grudging and belated acknowledgment of his people's role. He owes the sheriff an apology. And if he truly believes Hmong residents were intimidated, he owes them an apology, too.
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It turns out residents aren't the only ones who may find it difficult to be sure their Redding utility payments get in on time.

The Shasta Union High School District at its meeting this week voted to give its accounting department a credit card for the sole purpose of paying the Redding utilities bill online and on time.

Redding's tight due dates and minimal grace period don't work well when a district the size of Shasta Union High must juggle paying bills based on 34 meters  all with their own billing dates.

Further complicating the process is the fact that when Redding mails out the bills, they must travel 160 miles south to Sacramento, get postmarked, then ride 160 miles north before they're delivered to the district. When the district sends out the checks, those too must make the long round-trip to Sacramento to be postmarked.

That alone can take up to six days of the utilities' 20-day window from billing date to due date.

Redding utilities offer an unofficial one-day grace period, but that payment needs to be in the hands of the cashier the day after its due date for the customer not to get dinged with a fee. That single day grace period came about when people complained about getting hit with late fees when dropping off their payment into drop boxes on the due dates. If they put the payment in the box after it had been cleared out for the day, their payment wouldn't be processed until after the box was emptied the following day.

There are ways around the late fee, but the work falls on the customer. If you're a customer in good standing and get a late fee, you can call and get it waived once a year.

Low-income customers may benefit from a fund made up of donations from customers to help those about to get their power turned off. But that money isn't guaranteed to all who apply.

The city also offers electronic ways to pay utility bills, such as through automatic withdrawals and online payments. That's why the Shasta Union High School District's accounting department wanted a credit card  so it can pay bills online and skip the U.S. Postal Service.

This information is provided to customers twice a year in inserts tucked in with bills, Redding utilities officials say. But those may not be well-read, and even Redding City Councilman Gary Cadd, who has long made improving customer service at Redding Electric Utility a personal quest, was unaware of some of the options available.

Some of these changes came about in 2009 when customers raised concerns about some of Redding Electric Utility's policies, such as charging late fees if payments were made after 5 p.m. on due dates as well as red-tagging homes where power had been turned off for nonpayment.

The city wisely dialed back on some of those draconian measures. It extended the payment deadline to 11:59 p.m. on the due date, reduced some of the late fees, extended the ability to waive the late fee once a year to more customers, and stepped away from immediately red-tagging a home where the power had been turned off. That last policy is rarely if ever used, but city officials acknowledged at the time it sent a poor message to customers.

Redding Electric Utility Assistant Director of Customer Services Bernie Fargen says the utility isn't out to make a profit and will work with customers  but customers need to ask for it.

While Redding has made inroads on improving its customer service, it should at least a step further and adopt the city of Shasta Lake's policy. That city charges no late fee on payments made after the 20-day billing cycle. Shasta Lake residents don't start facing fees unless they get their power and water turned off altogether for nonpayment. PG&E doesn't charge fees on late payments, either.

Such a move would help those who depend on the postal service to deliver their payments, pay with cash in person or find it difficult to scratch together the money in time.

And that would definitely be a message that the city wants to work with its customers.
Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight

Crews with Pacific Gas and Electric repair downed power poles Friday along Clear Creek Road.

SHARE Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Utility crews Friday repair power poles that were damaged by wind along Clear Creek Road.

By Joe Szydlowski of the Redding Record Searchlight

A five-day, blustery storm system expected to dump up to 6 inches of rain in parts of the North State began its fury early Friday by whipping flames across 15 acres of a grassy field in southeast Redding.

But it didn't stop there.

The storm shattered 1993's record of 0.55 inches of rain at the Redding Municipal Airport by dropping more than twice that amount, according to the National Weather Service.

A pineapple express augmented by the remains of a typhoon brought the moist air to Northern California, the agency said.

The wind and later rain led to reports of mostly non-injury crashes, power outages, another possibly weather-related fire and roads blocked by trees and mudslides throughout the day, according to various agencies.

Among the many wrecks were two crashes involving several vehicles that snarled southbound Interstate 5 traffic just north of Lakehead at about 4 p.m. Friday.

It wasn't immediately clear how those crashes occurred or what type of vehicles were involved, though initial reports pointed to at least one semi.

One person suffered injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol incident page, but it didn't say how badly.

The CHP also reported a mudslide on Highway 299 in western Shasta County on Friday morning.

Most other freeway, highway and county-road crashes were non-injury during the day Friday. However, one fatal crash was discovered early Friday morning in Shingletown, though it isn't clear what role, if any, the weather played.

Nonetheless, the tempestuous skies caused headaches for many others.

Redding firefighters battled wind-whipped flames early Friday morning in southeast Redding and contained the blaze just as raindrops began falling.

Firefighters rushed to the area of Meadow View Drive and Airport Road after receiving reports of the blaze about 1 a.m., said Cullen Kreider, deputy fire chief with the Redding Fire Department.

Firefighters arrived to find windy, but dry, conditions that had propelled the flames to spread across several acres, he said.

"It was like a sheet of fire," Kreider said.

The fire threatened homes in the area as well as commercial buildings, though none was damaged, said Wil Francis, a battalion chief with the agency.

No one was injured and the fire damaged only some fences in the area, he said.

They had just contained it after an hourlong battle when the rain arrived, he said.

The cause remains under investigation, he said.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighters helped battle the blaze, he said.

Then, later in the morning at 8:05 a.m., crews responded to a sign on fire at the Members 1st Credit Union on Hilltop Drive.

They quickly knocked it down before it spread to the building, Kreider said. The cause is believed to be mechanical.

Staff there said they'd reopened by about 9:15 a.m. They'd waited until an electrician could inspect the sign installation. They said firefighters told them the storm's rapid wind gusts may have damaged the sign.

The weather left hundreds of others with electricity-related headaches as well. Pacific Gas and Electric reported outages in Shasta and Tehama counties that affected about 500 people Friday morning, according to its website.

The outages centered on Cottonwood, Anderson, Shingletown and Viola.

As of early afternoon:

- About 50 Shingletown customers lost power because of a damaged pole. Power was expected to be restored by midafternoon.

- Around 50 customers in Viola were without electricity due to downed power lines. PG&E anticipated restoring power by 7 p.m. Friday.

- More than 70 customers southwest of Cottonwood in Tehama County lost power because of a broken power pole. Power was expected back by late afternoon.

- Anderson had 82 customers without power. The outage's cause and estimated time of restoring power were undetermined.

Cal Fire did, however, roll back burning restrictions because of the weather.

The heavy rains prompted the Shasta-Trinity Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to begin allowing residential and agricultural burning with the appropriate permit, said Cheryl Buliavac, public information officer with the agency.

Though it is an optimistic sign that fire season is winding down, Buliavac says Shasta County isn't out of the woods yet.

"While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, we are still in our fifth year of drought," she said.

Those with burn permits, available by calling Cal Fire at 225-2418 or the local fire department, must still check with their county to ensure it is a burn day, Buliavac said.

Shasta County permit holders can call 224-8777 to check.

But the storms were expected to bring plenty of precipitation to the area over the weekend, said Courtney Obgerfell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Sacramento.

"There should be a bit of a break overnight ... probably 6 or 7 o'clock, things will start to wind down," she said. "Then the next system is going to move in, probably after noon for you guys and showers could continue off-and-on through Sunday."

Already, some volunteers have reported more than an inch in their personal water gauges in the Redding area, she said.

But already, others in the foothills and mountains were reporting more rainfall, she said.

"The brunt of the storm is hitting the Pacific Northwest," she said. "You're kind of on that border, just a little north... in Sims, we had a report of 2.53 inches."

Those storm clouds are expected to drop heavy precipitation at times Saturday afternoon and evening.

They'll also bring more bluster  winds should reach 55-65 mph overnight, similar to Thursday night and early Friday morning, Obgerfell said.

The showers should begin dissipating by Monday, she said.

"Drier weather returns for the rest of the week," she said, "once we get through this weekend."
In 1974, five families took the courageous step to come together to find housing opportunities as their physically disabled children grew into adulthood.

Their actions became the foundation for Over the Rainbow Association (OTR), an Evanston-based nonprofit that dedicates itself to providing affordable, accessible housing for adults with physical disabilities.

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OTR's newest community, planned for Des Plaines, is slated for a late summer 2017 opening.The new Midtown Crossing Apartments will be located in the heart of Des Plaines' downtown area. The community will have 33 barrier-free, affordable and accessible units, a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments.

"All the barrier-free aspects of the units will be the same as every other OTR apartment community," says Eric Huffman, OTR's executive director. "The building will be able to hold 33 tenants, as well as any family members tenants may have (i.e. spouse, children)."

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Huffman recalls how the very first apartment community was built in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood in 1982. It took more than just brick and mortar to get the project off the ground, he says. Adding to the mix was fundraising, partnerships within the Lincoln Park neighborhood, as well as the cooperation of the City Council for approval.

From that first location, OTR grew to having 10 apartment communities in Chicago and the northern suburbs. The DesPlaines location is its 11th building.

This building is within one-third of a mile from stores, restaurants, a library and a community college. For transportation, residents can use the Metra and PACE bus systems that are both fully handicap accessible.

Finding a suitable location takes extensive research.

"OTR staff does market studies in many municipalities in Illinois to justify building, but have found that any community can benefit from an OTR apartment community," Huffman says. "If land availability and community support can be found, OTR can build almost anywhere because the need for affordable, accessible, barrier-free housing is so great and will never go away."

In the case of future expansion, Huffman says that the association "has two to three serious projects that do not yet have the financing, but have the chance of moving forward." It is also looking outside of Illinois as it has discussions with several municipalities in Wisconsin and Indiana.

From the residents that he knows, Huffman has heard nothing but praise.

"The residents of the OTR apartment communities are very grateful to have a place of their own," he says. "It gives each of them the dignity and independence that have been wanting, especially for residents who have previously lived in nursing homes."

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No matter what community, Huffman encourages the public to help by spreading awareness of the association's mission to others.

Through volunteering, people can personally experience the mission by helping residents and making them feel welcome. For example, volunteers can work with tenants or help with their shopping or enjoying recreational activities. They can also donate to OTR Resident Services Program, which helps residents navigate and utilize community resources and partnerships that affect their quality of life and encourage independence.

Fundraising is an important part of the mission. OTR will host its 27th Celebration Anniversary Benefit Concert presenting the talents of Broadway actress Patti Lupone at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Northwestern University's Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall. All proceeds will support future OTR Housing and Resident Service Programs.

For information about OTR and the concert, visit www.otrassn.org.
In a landmark step to combat climate change, about 200 nations, including India, on Saturday struck a legally-binding deal after intense negotiations to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons that have global warming potential thousand times more than carbon dioxide.

Negotiators and policymakers held meetings all through the night, intensely deliberating to iron out differences over the amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reach the Kigali Amendment to phase out HFCs -- that are widely used in fridges, air conditioning and aerosol sprays.

The agreement reached by 197 parties on the amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is expected to prevent a global temperature rise of up to 0.5 degree Celsius by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

According to the amendment, developed nations will reduce HFC use first, followed by China. India and nine other nations of South and West Asia will follow suit. Overall, the deal is expected to reduce HFC use by 85 per cent by the year 2045.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, who attended the high-level segment of the conference in the Rwandan capital Kigali, said: We care for our development, industrial interest and at the same time the interest of the country.

We were flexible, accommodative and ambitious. The world is one family and as a responsible member of the global family, we played our part to support and nurture this agreement, he said according to an official statement.

Speaking after the adoption of the amendment, environment and forest ministry secretary Ajay Narayan Jha said India came to the meeting with an open mind and a sense of accommodation to get the best deal for India, for the developing countries and for the world. We have achieved that.

The amendment will enter into force on January 1, 2019, provided that at least 20 instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of the amendment have been deposited by states or regional economic integration organisations that are parties to the Montreal Protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Under the amendment, three different schedules have been set for countries to freeze and then reduce their production and use of HFCs.

The developed countries, led by the US and Europe, will reduce HFC use by 85 per cent by 2036 over a 2011-13 baseline.

China, which is the largest producer of HFCs in the world, will reduce HFC use by 80 per cent by 2045 over the 2020-22 baseline. India will reduce the use of HFCs by 85 per cent over the 2024-26 baseline.

Developed countries have also agreed to provide enhanced funding support to developing countries. The Montreal Protocol amendment is legally-binding, unlike the Paris Agreement signed last year but set to enter into force next month.

Indias lead negotiator Manoj Kumar Singh said: It was a very good negotiation and hope all the parties are happy with it because major concern of major countries - all the economies - has been taken care of and it is a good balance between environment and economy, Kumar said.

Noting that India has taken a position to have baseline of 2024-26, then freeze year in 2028 and start work thereafter, Kumar said, we will be having a very good ambition and doing the phase down in time.

The baseline is the year against which each countrys consumption of HFCs is capped. Countries will have to reduce HFCs from that capped amount.

Hailing Indias role in reaching the deal, Indian climate experts said India went with a clear strategy and a proactive agenda to enhance the overall environmental ambition of the agreement and to protect the nations economic interests.

Director-General of Centre for Science and Environment Sunita Narain said the Kigali amendment reflected the principal of common but differentiated responsibility. It also reflects the emerging reality of a world in which China will have to take more and more responsibility to solve global environmental issues, she said in a statement.

Her deputy Chandra Bhushan said the amendment finally agreed to not only protect Indias economic interests, but also doubles the climate benefit compared to the previous Indian proposal. It will avoid HFC emissions equivalent to 70 billion tonne of CO2.

The amendment is a critical step towards limiting warming and the single biggest climate action of the year, just weeks before leaders meet in Morocco for international climate talks.

Climate Action Network, an NGO working to promote government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change, said the results from Kigali as well as the recent outcome on aviation emissions shows that governments are taking the objective of the Paris Agreement seriously.

On Friday, after holding bilateral talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the Kigali Conference, Environment Minister Dave said India has agreed to move its freeze year from 2030 to 2028. Freeze year is the year in which phasing down of HFCs begin.

The Kigali Amendment to the Protocol has created three categories of countries, with different schedules and timetables for reductions, and with the vast majority of countries freezing production and consumption by 2024.

Developed countries agreed to make their first HFC cuts by 2019. China, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, and more than 100 other developing countries have committed to freeze their HFC production and use by 2024, and make further reductions thereafter.

India, Gulf States, and Pakistan have agreed to make HFC reductions on a slower track.

The amendment is a critical step towards limiting warming and the single biggest climate action of the year, just weeks before leaders meet in Morocco for international climate talks.

Image: A chimney billows smoke from a coal-burning power station behind workmen standing on a roof in Beijing. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters
'Given the disdain Trump has shown for our community's values and experiences, it is disappointing that a handful of wealthy, conservative donors invited him to address their friends last weekend,' say Mira Patel and Gautam Raghavan.

Last weekend, Donald Trump headlined an event organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition innocently titled 'Humanity United Against Terror.'

In a video message released in advance of the event, Trump says that he looks forward to speaking about making America great again. While no community is monolithic in its political views, we are dumbfounded that anyone honestly believes that Donald Trump represents progress for our community.

Indeed, there has never been a presidential candidate whose temperament, views, and track record are more at odds with those of Hindu Americans, Indian Americans, or the broader South Asian American community.

Donald Trump wants to build walls, block comprehensive immigration reform, and establish deportation task forces to round up the undocumented.

It may be surprising to Trump (and the Republican Hindu Coalition) to learn that from 2000 to 2011, the undocumented Indian population grew by 94 percent, and over the last 25 years, the growth of undocumented immigrants from India has far outpaced any other country.

In Trump's America, we are not welcome.

Donald Trump has an overly simplistic understanding of national security and foreign policy in an increasingly complex world. He masks his lack of expertise with vague platitudes about 'rebuilding the military,' and offers impulsive bluster when we need a steady hand and level head.

At a time when America needs clarity and consistency in our Commander-in-Chief, he is thin-skinned and trigger-happy.

In Trump's America, one tweet could trigger an international firestorm.

Donald Trump has run one of the most racist and xenophobic campaigns in modern American history.

He supports racial profiling and does not understand the constitutional risk posed by 'stop and frisk.'

He wants Muslim Americans registered in a database; that is, assuming he cannot ban them outright from entering the country in the first place.

At one of his rallies, he mockingly attempted to mimic the accent of an Indian call centre employee. He espouses alt right, white supremacist rhetoric.

These statements not only demonstrate ignorance. They tacitly enable others to persecute us.

Our community is all too familiar with the sting of discrimination and violence. We have experienced fear, hatred, and mistrust simply for the way we speak, the colour of our skin, or the gods we worship.

In Trump's America, we live in fear.

Donald Trump and his running mate Mike Pence believe in blurring the lines between church and State. Make no mistake: They mean the Christian church and State.

They have proudly stated their intent to impose religious litmus tests on their judicial nominees, dismantle tax laws to allow evangelical churches to more directly meddle in politics, and use the bully pulpit of the White House to advance a Christian worldview.

In Trump's America, we can only pray a certain way.

Perhaps most significantly, Donald Trump believes -- and has demonstrated through his words and actions -- that in his America, women exist solely as objects for his gratification, not as equals in society.

The misogyny, vulgarity, and aggression he has shown throughout his life, including on the campaign trail, do not represent our community's values.

In contrast to Donald Trump's lack of experience and xenophobic, racist, and misogynist views, Hillary Clinton is the candidate our community deserves and needs.

As first lady, US senator, and secretary of state she helped forge deep ties with India and the Indian Diaspora, and has demonstrated the strength, steadiness, and tenacity required of our commander-in-chief.

She believes in an America that includes all of us, regardless of where we came from, who we pray to, or who we are.

She will fight for comprehensive immigration reform, quality education, affordable healthcare, opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, and equality for women and girls.

While Donald Trump promotes himself, Hillary Clinton believes that we are stronger together.

Given the disdain Trump has shown for our community's values and experiences, it is disappointing that a handful of wealthy, conservative donors invited him to address their friends last weekend.

Trump may very well leave that event thinking we are all wealthy doctors, lawyers, and bankers eager to hand over a cheque in exchange for a handshake and photo. But our community has a far more valuable tool at our disposal: Our vote.

This November, we have to exercise that right.

We must unleash this power in swing states including Nevada, Virginia, and North Carolina, which are seeing the fastest Asian population growth, including some localities where we comprise more than 10 percent of the population.

This election is about the fundamental direction of our country and the future of our communities. Its impact will ripple from immigration to jobs to education to healthcare.

When Trump says his favorite phrase, 'believe me,' we do. We believe that his vision for America runs contrary to our values.

We believe that his policy positions present a generational threat to opportunity, freedom, and justice for our communities.

And we believe that we can stop him in his tracks -- if we get out and vote.

Please do not let Donald Trump steal America away from us.

Demonstrate our place and our power in this great country that we call home, this country that we have helped make great. Vote.

Mira Patel is the former Senior Advisor for the US Small Business Administration and former advisor to Secretary Hillary Clinton. Gautam Raghavan served as President Barack Obama's liaison to the Asian American & Pacific Islander community from 2011 to 2014 and at the US Department of Defense from 2009 to 2011.

IMAGE: 'I am a big fan of Hindus and India,' Donald Trump told the 5,000-strong audience. Photograph: Paresh Gandhi
'That's the stunning achievement of two-and-a-half years of this government -- a political bait-and-switch, selling a promise of economic development, and delivering a triumphalist machine that sacralises country, nationalism, majoritarianism and tradition, to achieve Hindutva goals,' says Mitali Saran.

On a recent television debate, actor Om Puri stuck up for Pakistani actors working in Bollywood, and said that nobody forces soldiers to sign up to the army. The ensuing tide of vitriol caused him to apologise for those remarks:

'I am guilty and I deserve a punishment. I want to be tried by the army, I should be court-martialled. I want a constructive punishment,' Puri said. 'The army should teach me how to use weapons and send me on the same site where that brave man was (sic) sacrificed himself for the country. I don't want to be forgiven. I am pleading to the nation I want to be punished.'

It's so over the top that it sounds like a satirical comment on the idiocy of having to apologise at all. Like: 'I've been a bad, bad elf. Please allow me to stand in the corner in a dustbin, banging my head repeatedly against the wall, while our demigods in uniform punch me in the kidneys. Broadcast it live. Hey, do you have rusty nails, burning coals, broken glass, anything? I'd really like to crawl through that.'

But maybe Mr Puri was being genuine. Either way, the takeaway is that the most pressing national issue is to figure out whether something can be read as an insult to the nation, and then, depending on the answer, read it as an insult to the nation anyway, and throw an eye-watering tantrum until people coddle you just to shut you up -- or, more malignantly, because otherwise you will blacklist, beat, or kill them.

You don't want that, because we are also a country in which law-abiding citizens are told that the police will not be held responsible if criminals do them harm.

That's what happened to actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who had a role in a Ramleela in Uttar Pradesh. The Shiv Sena said a Muslim can't act in a Hindu story, and the police said they couldn't do anything about any consequent trouble, so the organisers asked him to pull out.

Law is ceding ground to de facto power: Social behaviour is increasingly being regulated by social threat or violence.

The Sena must be thrilled to be spreading its communal poison beyond Maharashtra, but the BJP can take credit for softening up the territory.

After all, it's Uttar Pradesh -- ground zero for the cow/beef vigilantism sparked by Mohammed Akhlaq's murder last year. In Dadri, a man jailed in that case died of illness. His body is laid out in public, wrapped in the Indian flag.

Is the message that he served the nation by murdering a Muslim -- whose son serves in the Indian Air Force? It's a grotesque, criminal fudging of issues, cynicism preying on sentiment.

What of the people whose job it is to play watchdog, to separate truth from the smoke and mirrors?

In India today, if you'll pardon the expression, too many news anchors have abandoned that role to function like the government's PR department.

When Arnab Goswami says that questioning military action indicts one's patriotism -- that there should be no room for nuance in this black-and-white issue -- he is no longer a journalist. But then news anchors have long jostled for patriotic cred, when they should have been reminding India that patriotism is not a requirement for citizenship, nor is playing along with calls for unity -- however patriotism and unity are defined in that moment.

And in this moment, patriotism and unity are being defined as unquestioning worship of the armed forces.

Self-styled patriot anchors are leading witch hunts when they should be pointing out that the armed forces are as fallible and open to question as anyone else, and that questions are not the same as insults.

Instead, they have helped popularise the term 'martyr' for a soldier killed in action, apparently innocent of the religious connotations of the word.

A dead jihadi is a martyr. A dead Indian soldier is a professional who served the State and is publicly mourned.

That's the stunning achievement of two-and-a-half years of this government -- a political bait-and-switch, selling a promise of economic development, and delivering a triumphalist machine that sacralises country, nationalism, majoritarianism and tradition, to achieve Hindutva goals.

Secular institutions and ideas are being given non-negotiable religious weight. Religion has handcuffed rationality and put a gun to its head, and individual rights are being socially delegitimised.

When insecurity makes sweet, sweet love to mindless team spirit and overblown regard for power, the child of that union is hyper-nationalism, and it's a spoiled brat whose parents rush to fulfil its every wish.

This emotional pap is very handy at election time -- you have only to look at the posters coming up in Uttar Pradesh, of the prime minister pictured as a warrior.

But there's another way to fight for your country: You can just refuse to give up your brain.

IMAGE: Large hoardings have come up in Uttar Pradesh praising the Modi government and the Indian Army for the surgical strikes. Photograph: ANI/Twitter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday signed an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the shipment of Russias most advanced anti-aircraft defence system, the S-400 Triumf, to India.

In December last year, India had approved the purchase of five S-400s.

Heres what you should know about this missile system and how India will benefit from it.

1. The Russian S-400 missile system is the most modern, air defence system in the Russian arsenal

2. The S400 Triumf is designed to knock down flying targets including those equipped with stealth technologies, at a distance of about 400 kilometre

3. Compared with its predecessor, the S-300, the new S-400 has a 2.5 times faster firing rate

4. The S-400 has the capacity to fire three types of missiles

5. Just one system comprising up to 8 divisions (battalions) can control up to 72 launchers. It can also handle a maximum of 384 missiles

6. It is also capable of taking out ballistic missiles and hyper-sonic targets

7. It is developed by Russias Almaz Central Design Bureau in the 1990s

Photographs: Reuters
Asserting that the United States cannot afford to have another four years of Obama administration, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said that failing to win the upcoming general elections would amount to losing the country.

"Either we win this election or we're going to lose our country, because four more years of Obama, you can't take," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in North Carolina on Friday.

"I know it's not about me, it's about you, and that's why I'm doing this. I didn't need to do this, but it's about you. It's about bringing our country, making our country great again. I'm taking these slings and arrows for you, so we can have our borders, so we can get back our jobs, so we can be a safe nation again," he said.

Terming Barack Obama as an "incompetent president", 70-year old Trump claimed that the US president did not know what he was doing.

"He's out campaigning all day long, he talking about me like he knows me. I don't know him, he doesn't know me. And why doesn't some woman maybe come up and say what they say falsely about me, they could say about him. They could say it about anybody. I'll tell you what, better be careful, because they could say it about anybody, anybody at all," he alleged.

"Obama is in incompetent, as a president, he's about as bad as it gets. Look at what's happening, how Iran is taunting us. Look at what's going on, look at the world. He gives away USD 400 million in cash, but it turns out to USD 1.7 billion in cash. Gives them USD 150 billion," he said amidst booing from the audience.

Noting that Obama is an "embarrassment", Trump alleged the US president's Middle East policy was a "total disaster".

"We have an incompetent president. I hate to say it, but it 100 per cent true. All he's doing, instead of working on your jobs and your companies leaving for Mexico and other places, he's campaigning for crooked Hillary. That's all he does," Trump alleged.

Referring to the Wikileaks revelations, Trump alleged Clinton was saying something in the public but has a different opinion in private.

"WikiLeaks documents, Hillary Clinton speaking in secret, a secret Brazilian bank. Hillary Clinton said 'my dream is a hemisphere common market with open trade and open borders," he said.

"Even though she doesn't say that, but that's what she said in a very, very secret meeting. The e-mails show that behind closed doors speaking to these international bankers, Hillary Clinton's pledged to destroy the sovereignty of the US," Trump said.

He said a Trump administration will secure and defend the US' borders like never before.

"We will build a wall. Crooked Hillary also wants a 550 per cent increase in Syrian refugees to pour into our country," he said.

Trump said he will keep that the radical Islamic terrorists "the hell out" of the country.

"At the same time, we're going to take care of our military and we're going to take care of our great, great, great veterans," he said.

"We're going to stand up to China, we're going to stop their currency manipulation and product dumping, which is killing us. And they don't follow the rules and, if they don't, we're going to institute tariffs. When they send something into our country - and, believe me, they're going to obey our rules so quickly, you have no idea. And we'll end up with a better relationship with China than we do now," he said.

Referring to South China Sea, Trump said the Chinese were building a massive fortress against everything.

"A massive fortress in the South China Sea. Yet they're ripping us off. Now, if they're going to rip us off, you wouldn't think they'd be building fortresses. They have no respect for our President -- which I can understand that -- they have no respect for Obama, they have no respect for our country, and they're getting away with murder," he said.

IMAGE: Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photograph: Bryan Woolston/Reuters
Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Gujarat assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi chief minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.

Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf, where the Bharatiya Janata Party has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.

Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into politics if his community members want him to do so.

Hardiks leaning towards AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.

On Friday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit Yuva Azadi over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the army.

We should not oppose Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the family members of those who died during Patidar communitys reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight, Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he can do for the Patel community.

Our youths lost lives during the quota agitation, cases were slapped against us for carrying out the agitation. Please spell out during your visit what you can do for us, Patel wrote in the memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister.

Our main demand is reservation for our community and you should spell out what you can do for giving reservation to us, he asked.

BJP has finished democracy in Gujarat. You are the chief minister of the capital of the country -- Delhi  and whatever you say will be heard in the entire country. I request you to do whatever is possible for our community, the memorandum by Hardik said.

In response, Kejriwal said, It is important that those leaders who ordered firing on Patel protesters (during quota agitation of August 2015) should be punished.

Earlier, PAAS members on the call of Hardik had disrupted a public rally of BJP chief Amit Shah in Patidar community dominated Varachha area of Surat.

The outfit had also barred Congress and BJP leaders from entering areas dominated by them and many functions of BJP leaders were disrupted.

The BJP had effected a leadership change in the long-ruled state with Anandiben Patel being replaced by Vijay Rupani as chief minister, though the party had rejected suggestions that that was the result of organisational and electoral calculations.

The quota stir had turned violent after the arrest of Hardik Patel in August 2015. Patel community protesters had indulged in arson and stone pelting and clashes with police and damaged government and private properties worth crores of rupees.

In police action against protesters, 12 youths including one policeman had died in the state.

Kejriwal on Friday met family members of some of the Patel youths who lost their lives. Patel community has so far supported BJP in Gujarat.

On his arrival, Kejriwal had alleged that BJP president Amit Shah and his party were trying to disrupt the rally in Surat on Sunday.

Image: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives in Gujarat for his four-day visit during which he will try to woo the Patel community. Photograph: PTI
India on Saturday announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over $5 billion (Rs 33,000 crore), and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit being held in Goa.

The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being Indias foremost defence supplier.

The most strategically important decision is the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.

No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard.

This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.

The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly $1 billion deal to replace the countrys aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.

Image: Russian S-400 Triumph medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems drive during the Victory Day parade, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, at Red Square in Moscow. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters
A summit of the worlds top five emerging economies  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- begins on Saturday in Goa.

The leaders of these five countries have gathered in Goas Benaulim to discuss cooperation, trade and terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi don matching traditional jackets with South African President Jacob Zuma, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Michel Temer ahead of the informal dinner at the BRICS summit. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

China's President Xi Jinping greets PM Modi at the BRICS Summit in Goa. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Indian Prime Minister holds restricted talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS summit. The two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements especially in the field of defence and energy. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

South African President Jacob Zuma is all smiles as he greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed to Goa by Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs General V K Singh (retired). Putin arrived in Goa after a delay of nine hours due to fog. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

South African President Jacob Zuma received at INS Hansa airbase by Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs V K Singh. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Goa. Don't miss Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar's colourful shirt. Well, may be he's in a holiday mood. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

An anti-aircraft weapon is seen on a beach near one of the venues of the BRICS Summit, in Cavelossim in Goa. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

People walk out of one of the venues of the BRICS Summit in Benaulim. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
Big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters were sealed on Saturday.

India on Saturday inked three mega defence deals with Russia that included purchase of a most advanced air defence missile system as part of 16 pacts even as the two traditional allies strongly pitched for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.

The bilateral pacts were signed in Goa after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held fruitful and substantive wide-ranging talks encompassing entire gamut of bilateral ties. The two sides also made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

Modi prefaced his remarks at a joint press event with Putin invoking a Russian proverb to drive home the point that an old friend is better than two new friends, in a reflection of Indias apparent unhappiness over Russias recent joint military exercise with Pakistan.

Besides the purchase of gamechanger S-400 Triumf long-range air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over $5 billion (Rs 33,000 crore), the other two deals related to procuring four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates and setting up of a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The inking of these deals assumes significance since in in the recent past it was perceived that India, which had signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with the US providing access to Americans to Indian military bases, was drifting away from its traditional defence ally, Russia.

Modi appreciated Russias understanding and support of Indias actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to Indias surgical strike across the Line of Control last month targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our entire region.

We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, Modi said.

The two leaders also discussed Uri attack by Pak-based terrorists during their restricted talks segment after which the Indian side expressed its appreciation for Russias unequivocal condemnation of the attack on army base in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

India, which has conveyed its opposition to Russia undertaking joint military exercises with Pakistan, a country which sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of State policy, also said it was satisfied about Russia understanding of its interests.

We are satisfied that Russia understand Indias interest and they will never do anything contrary to Indias interest and I think there was a strong meeting of minds on this subject, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said when asked about the Russian response to Indias concern over the recent Pak-Russia joint military exercise.

Modi said the highly productive outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities.

Modi and Putin also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulam nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

A joint statement issued after their talks said the two sides noted with satisfaction the progress in discussions on the General Framework Agreement and the Credit Protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 with a view to conclude these documents before the end of 2016.

Asserting that ties with Russia were strong and time-tested, Jaishankar said the commercial pacts inked on Saturday will generate unprecedented investment and were an effort to bring up to speed the bilateral economic ties, which were lagging behind.

Asked why terror was becoming an important issue in BRICS, which is a body meant to deal with issues relating to economy and development, Jaishankar said the bloc has been discussing contemporary issues.

Earlier they dealt with economic challenges and now terror is an important issue and BRICS has never shied away from discussing political issues, he said.

Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in, he said.

He said, We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the 21st century.

Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties. In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability.

On cooperation in atomic sector, Modi said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulam 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India.

The joint statement said Russia strongly supported Indias early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group and welcomed Indias accession to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime.

Talking about Indias expanding presence in Russias hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to $5.5 billion (Rs 37,000 crore) in that countrys oil and gas sector.

And, with President Putins support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.

A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising Energy Bridge between our two countries, he said.

The PM said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.

Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields, he said.

The joint statement said Russia also supported Indias interest in full membership in the Wasseanaar Arrangement, a prominent multilateral export control regime.

The joint statement said the two countries reaffirmed their continued commitment to work together towards development of energy efficiency and renewable energy source.

On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement.

Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

And, with President Putins backing, we hope to fast track Indias association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, he said.

The PM said success of the Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.

It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues.

Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.

We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage, he said.

Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi's full statement HERE
India on Saturday made some plain speaking to China that countries cannot afford to have differences on the issue of tackling terror and put forward its concerns over Beijing blocking United Nations designation of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

The Indian position was conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting in Goa that came against the backdrop of China putting on hold Indias move to get Azhar, the brain behind the Pathankot attack, banned by the UN.

The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to be held on Sunday saw Xi disclosing that a second round of dialogue between the two countries will be held soon on Indias bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group in which New Delhi hopes differences will be narrowed down. Xi said the dialogue would be helpful.

On the issue of terrorism, Modi told Xi that Both India and China are victims of terrorism and the region was suffering from the menace. The PM said no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we cannot afford to have any differences, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting.

In particular, India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground, he said.

India has been upset with China when it put on technical hold New Delhis move to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by UN. Recently, China extended the hold by few months.

Swarup said both sides recognised that terrorism as a key issue with Xi asserting that the two sides should strengthen the security dialogue and partnership.

Both India and China have been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region, Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale quoted Modi as saying while referring to terror incidents in Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Swarup said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar. We expect China will see logic in it.

The PM said India and China must increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and look for a common ground and a long-term road to tackle the menace.

Xi said India and China must step up counter-terrorism efforts and strengthen security dialogue and partnership.

It was announced that Yang Jiechi will meet his Indian counterpart National Security Advisor Ajit Doval soon.

Asked whether China has been provided with any evidence in the pursuit of obtaining Chinas support on the Azhar issue, Swarup said no evidence.

He said the Indian side has not spared any effort to convey that to Chinese and it hopes that they see logic.

To another question, he said China condemns all forms of terrorism and a counter-terrorism dialogue has taken place with it. This will be discussed in the next round and our expectation is that China will take all steps... (to check the menace).

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on Indias NSG membership, Swarup said, This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences.

Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied no.

Last month, a Chinese delegation led by director general of department of arms control Wang Qun had visited India for talks on the issue with Indian officials.

In the June Plenary of NSG in Seoul, despite strong American support, China stonewalled India's bid to get entry into the group on the grounds that it was a not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Swarup said Chinese leader clearly acknowledged increasing threat of terrorism and condemned all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

President Xi said terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase and alluded to the threat from Islamic State while pitching for stepped up bilateral counter-terrorism efforts, Swarup told reporters.

Xi also said the two sides must maintain strategic dialogue on the counter-terrorism.

The two leaders also noted the upcoming visit by Chinese State Councillor Yang who will hold talks with National Security Advisor Doval where the dialogue will continue.

India and China held their first high level dialogue on counter-terrorism and security in September.

The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN. There is a close coordination between India and China on this issue and that particular dialogue will continue, Swarup said.

He also said that there was a brief discussion on the NSG issue.

On the economic side, both leaders noted the progress made in the sector with Xi talking about various to address the trade deficit in favour of China.

Image: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive for a photo opportunity ahead of BRICS Summit in Benaulim, in Goa. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
The Saraswati river, so far considered mythical, did exist, a government-constituted expert committee has found.

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the government will take action on the report, which according to her, cannot be challenged.

We have reached a conclusion that river Saraswati existed, it flowed. It originated in the Himalayas and met gulf at the western sea, Professor K S Valdiya, who led the panel, said while handing over the report to the government.

Valdiya, an eminent geologist, said the river passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat, land texture of which was studied by the panel.

According to a senior Central Ground Water Board official, Saraswati passed through Pakistan before meeting Western Sea through Rann of Kutch and was approximately 4,000 km in length.

One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch measuring nearly 3000 km in length fell in India, the official claimed.

In its report, the seven-member committee has stated that the river had two branches: western and eastern. The Himalayan-born Satluj of the PAST, which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets, represents the western branch of the ancient river.

On the other hand, it said, Markanda and Sarsuti (corruption of Saraswati) represented the western branch of Saraswati, known as Tons-Yamuna.

On his part, Valdiya, a Padma Bhushan awardee, said the committee, during its six-month research, came across an unique palaeochannel (a path abandoned by river when it changes its course) relating to present Ghaggar, Sarsuti, Hakra and Nara rivers. Historically, he stated, that around 1700 small and big towns and villages were located around the palaeochannel concerned during Harappa Civilisation.

Some towns were spread over more than 100 hectares. These colonies were there for 5,500 years. Was it possible that these cities could live without water? No. It means that a flowing river provided water to the towns, villages. Which river it was? What was its name? We worked to find it out, Valdiya said.

During its six-month research period, the committee studied piles of sediments, their shapes and features which appeared to have been brought by a big river and are reminiscent to ones found in present-day Ghaggar, Ganga and Yamuna.

At some places, there is 30-ft deep sand layer (in the palaeochannels), at some places the width of the palaeochannels is five km and is filled with water.

This suggests that the relatively smaller rivers of today, like Ghaggar and its tributary Dangri, would not have brought such sediment. It must have been brought in by a big, flowing river, he said.

In the report, the committee also observed that constituent minerals of the palaeochannels, at several spots, have come from catchment areas of Sutlej and Yamuna and from Greater and Lesser Himalaya.

Both the mineral and chemical compositions we studied tell us that the river which flowed through Sarsuti, Ghaggar-Harka had originated in Himalaya. It had two branches: eastern and western. The confluence of the branches was near Shatrana, 25 km south of Patiala. And suddenly, it flows crossing the dessert (Rann of Kutch) and meet gulf of western sea, he added.

Valdiya suggested the name Saraswati was popular among people from Haryana and several structures and bridges in the state were rechristened after it. The states revenue records also suggest so, he added.

Bharti lauded the committee members as honest and their efforts as serious which cannot be challenged, but stopped short of stating that the report has been accepted by the ministry.

She said it will be summarised and discussed during a convention of experts the ministry will organise and also presented to Cabinet.

According to a statement issued by the ministry later, Bharti said the report is an assertion of assumption that River Saraswati originated from Adibadri in Himalaya to culminate in the Arabian Sea through the Rann of Kutch.

...this river was once upon a time the lifeline of north-western states of India and a vibrant series of civilizations from Mahabharat period to Harappa had flourished on the banks of this river, the statement quoted her as saying.

Now there is scientific report that Saraswati river did exist, Bharti said.

The minister added that the report will be studied by the CGWB as well as experts in the Ministry for its optimum use. Bharti said the report will be submitted to the Cabinet also for further action.

We will see whether we can use water in the palaeochannels to quench thirst of arid areas of Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. We will also see if it can be recharged artificially? Such an effort will be less expensive than coming up with new projects to provide water there, she said.

The minister also stated that the government will now prepare summary of the report and hold a convention.

Image: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati in Allahabad. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
Halloween is here! Find out when Trick-or-Treat is happening in Martinsville.

The leaves are changing, the evenings are getting cooler and excitement is building as Halloween draws closer.
OPEN HOUSE

The Grand Lodge of Texas and Abilene Lodge 559, AF&AM, invites interested residents to an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at 1265 N. 2nd St. Speakers will be available to talk about masonic history philosophy, philanthropy and symbolism and to answer questions about freemasonry.

This particular lodge was charted by the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1882. The Lodge has long been involved in charitable activities in and around Abilene. For more information, visit abilenemasons.org or texas559.com.

BOOK SIGNING FOR ABILENE AUTHOR

Cooper High School teacher Marguerite Gray will sign copies of her second novel from 1 to 3 p.m. today at Texas Star Trading Company, 174 Cypress St.

'Surround Me,' set in Charles Town, S.C., in 1773-74, is the second book in her Revolutionary Faith series of historical novels involving families with conflicting loyalties before and during the American Revolution.

COVER-TO-COVER BOOK CLUB

October's session of the Abilene Public Library's Cover-to-Cover Book Club is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 20 in the auditorium at the APL, 202 Cedar St., when members will share thoughts on Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes.

Mail information to Jan Woodward in care of 'Around Town,' Abilene Reporter-News, P.O. Box 30, Abilene, TX 79604. Email address is jan.woodward@reporternews.com
Two members of First Central Presbyterian Church got an unexpected blessing during a recent trip to Kenya.

All they had to do was pay attention. Other church groups had visited the area before, but none had done what Lynn Beal and Garrett Briggs did.

'They said we were the only ones who had come in and sat down to listen,' Beal said.

And the blessing?

'That led to us being adopted into their tribe,' Briggs said.

The men are members of a missions committee at First Central Presbyterian that has been studying ways to help Kenyan villagers with water issues. Their desire to help with a water project in Africa came after a presentation at the church by Danny Sims, executive director of Global Samaritan Resources, a local nonprofit that responds to disasters worldwide and also trains teams to install water purification systems.

'What can we do as a church?' was the question committee members had after hearing the presentation.

First, they consulted with the national office of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A ... which led them to connect with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. After learning about water sustainability needs, the missions committee decided to purchase a water purification system from Global Samaritan, get several people trained in how to install it, and send them to Kenya to do the job.

And that's when the 'sit and listen' part came in. Briggs and Beal flew into Nairobi on Sept. 18 to meet with church and village leaders. Once there, they were taken on tours of the area and learned that some villages don't have a water source reliable enough to make a purification system feasible. They need a water well, first.

And, they visited a boarding school and saw that the children lacked adequate supplies. The missions committee is studying the findings of the exploratory trip and hasn't decided yet how to help.

'We're pretty sure we're going to help them with water,' in one way or another, Beal said, and may assist with other needs, too.

A reliable water source would help alleviate other problems the villagers face, the men learned. Women and girls routinely walk miles every day just to fill jugs with clean water. That means that the women can't do income-producing work. And it means the girls aren't going to school.

In some areas, where a small lake provides water, families have to move themselves and their livestock when the lake runs dry.

'If we can help them with the water problem,' Briggs said, 'then those other problems can be solved.'

The whirlwind trip, Sept. 18-22, was a learning experience for Briggs and Beal in a number of ways. A fun side trip took them to a baby elephant rescue center, where workers fed the elephants from large bottles.

They stayed in a hotel in Nairobi that is owned by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Each day, they would be driven long distances over extremely rough roads to their destinations.

'They were Range Rover roads,' Beal said, 'and we were in a Toyota station wagon.'

But the discomfort was soon forgotten when the men saw how thankful the villagers were for their interest and how hospitable they were. The warmth, friendliness, and joy exhibited by the people who greeted them was infectious.

'It had an impact on me,' Beal said.

The 10 members of the missions committee eventually will decide on how a church in Abilene can best help people in Africa. And, that decision will be based on what the people in need have to say.

'We're open to what will be helpful to them,' Briggs said.
'Walk. Give. Change the world.'

That's the motto for this year's CROP Hunger Walk, an annual event to help alleviate world hunger. It's a simple motto, but sponsors believe that if enough people do it, the lives of millions of people worldwide will be improved.

Locally, the event is sponsored by the Abilene Association of Congregations. It will be held Oct. 23 at Nelson Park. Registration will begin at 2 p.m. The walk begins at 2:30. Registration tables, marked with balloons and posters, will be set up between the zoo entrance and Fort Imagination at Nelson Park.

The goal of the walk is to raise money for Church World Service, a cooperative ministry of 37 Christian communities. Of the funds raised, 75 percent goes to CWS to distribute among global hunger-fighting agencies and 25 percent stays in Abilene. The local portion will be split between Breakfast on Beech Street and Meals on Wheels.

Another purpose of the walk is to show solidarity and raise awareness of the struggle that many people face in getting daily necessities like food and water, said Penny Biddy, chair of the local walk and co-pastor of Brook Hollow Christian Church.

'The idea,' she said, 'is 'we walk because they walk.' '

Anyone who wishes to participate should pick up a donation packet and promotional materials beforehand at Brook Hollow Christian Church, 2310 S. Willis St. Call 692-4446 to be sure someone is in the office before stopping by the church.

Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed 11 a.m.-noon for lunch.

Originally, CROP, stood for Christian Rural Oversees Program. The original name has been dropped, but 'CROP' is still used as the name of the annual walk to raise awareness and funds.

IF YOU GO

What: CROP Hunger Walk

When: Oct. 23; Registration 2 p.m.; Walk starts at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Nelson Park. Walkers are welcomed to bring their dogs. A sign-in table, marked by balloons, will be set up between Fort Imagination and the zoo entrance.

Details: Walkers are asked to collect donations to benefit CROP, the hunger-fighting arm of Church World Service. Locally, CROP Hunger Walk is sponsored by the Abilene Association of Congregations.

More information: Packets for walkers to collect donations are available by contacting Penny Biddy, co-pastor of Brook Hollow Christian Church, 2310 S. Willis St. Call 692-4446 to be sure someone is in the office. Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed 11 a.m.-12 for lunch. Walkers should bring completed packets to the sign-in booth. Checks should be made payable to CWS/CROP.

Online donations: Donations also can be made online by going to www.crophungerwalk.org/abilenetx and clicking on Donate.

ABOUT CROP HUNGER WALK

The hunger walk is sponsored globally by Church World Service, which was founded in 1946. CWS is a cooperative ministry of 37 Christian communions working together to eradicate hunger and poverty. The local CROP Hunger Walk is sponsored by the Abilene Association of Congregations. Of all the funds collected locally, 75 percent goes to Church World Service for global aid and 25 percent is distributed among Abilene food agencies. This years recipients are Breakfast on Beech Street and Meals on Wheels.
If you have a need for firewood, get it now while you can
It's time to round up the resources again, as the Abilene Independent School District and Region 14 Education Service Center will hold the annual Community Resource Roundup on Tuesday.

I spoke this week with Connie Mangin, the district's executive director of special education, about the ninth annual event and some of the supplemental offerings that have expanded from the initial program.

While the original roundup event, from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Abilene Civic Center will feature more than 50 community organizations displaying helpful information to the public, this year will also feature some morning and afternoon sessions that are geared toward student involvement.

Mangin said the new additional breakout sessions on employment, housing, education, transportation and financial aid for college, among others, are about planning for the future.

'They're targeted for school-age children and beyond that,' she said. 'There will be businesses there talking about employment and training opportunities. There will be representatives from service providers available to answer questions. This is really for them (the students), regardless of age or need.'

This isn't just for Abilene ISD families, either. With Region 14 ESC sponsoring it, the entire Big Country is invited to participate. The new sessions are already booked solid, Mangin said, but their goal is to build a stronger foundation for the students who are entering the Roundup portion of the afternoon.

Mangin said other popular parts of the Community Resource Roundup will return again, with door prizes once again provided by H-E-B. These gift cards, Mangin said, can really brighten someone's day if they're in need.

'It's one of those things, where we say 'Stay until the end,'' Mangin said. 'We have a lot of families in this community who are in need. They stay. We had one family last year come up to me and said they were staying because of how much they needed the assistance.'

COMMENDED STUDENTS

Abilene Independent School District released its list of commended students from the National Merit Scholarship Program and five individuals from the district's two high schools earned the recognition.

Cooper High seniors Griffin Jones and Colin Kappel, along with Abilene High seniors Louisa Lee, Lauren Pybus and Rylan Shewmaker were recognized for scoring high on the PSAT standardized test in their junior year.

Kyle Curnutt, of Abilene High, was previously named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and is eligible for financial award if he is selected as a finalist. The commended students are not eligible to move forward in the competition.

A READING ADVENTURE

Final note: It's time once again to visit Bowie Elementary for the Reading Rodeo. I will be in a fifth-grade classroom reading a story Wednesday morning. If you see me, wish me luck.

I really enjoyed the event last year and hope it's just as fun this time around. Thank you to the organizers from Altrusa for thinking of me again. I promise to not let you down.

Twitter: @TimothyChippARN
By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk GOA, India (Reuters) - India and Russia on Saturday announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally, as the two tighten their military relationship. The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the resort state of Goa, where leaders from the BRICS group of emerging nations are meeting. Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the country's defence forces, and is part of Modi's drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation. The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. (Writing by Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Two Milwaukee men captured in Tom Green County this month were charged in federal court Friday with trying to join the Islamic State group by traveling through Mexico to Syria.

Jason Michael Ludke, 35, is charged with attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization, and Yosvany Padilla-Conde, 30, is charged with aiding and abetting Ludke. Both men face up to 20 years in prison if they're convicted.

According to the complaint, Ludke and Padilla-Conde began corresponding on social media with an undercover FBI employee last month and said they planned to travel to Mexico, where they could get passage to Syria and join the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Ludke said he converted to Islam in 2003 and wanted to live under Shariah law. He also said he was tired of living under the infidel's system and wanted to strive for paradise.

The undercover FBI employee received an email on Oct. 1 containing a video of Padilla-Conde and Ludke with a handmade Islamic State group flag in the background. Ludke said Padilla-Conde was striving to reach paradise as well, according to the complaint.

The undercover employee told Ludke that people in Mexico would be able to get them passports for Arab counties. On Oct. 5 Ludke told the employee that he and Padilla-Conde were in Texas heading toward El Paso. Police captured them near San Angelo later that day.

The two were booked into Tom Green County Jail on Oct. 6. Padilla-Conde was released to another agency the same day, and Ludke was released to another agency Thursday, according to jail records.

Ludke told FBI agents that he and Padilla-Conde left Wisconsin because they couldn't pay their rent and he was looking to meet his brother-in-law in Mexico, although he couldn't provide his brother-in-law's name or information on his whereabouts. Ludke added he and Padilla-Conde discussed traveling to Yemen so Ludke could study Arabic, according to the complaint.

Padilla-Conde told agents he left Wisconsin because he was about to be evicted and Lude wanted to travel to Iraq or Yemen to take part in jihad, an Arabic term for holy war, and often spoke of joining the Islamic State, according to the complaint. He said he tried to talk Ludke out of it, the complaint said.

It wasn't immediately clear if the men had attorneys. The federal public defender's office said no defenders were listed for them in Texas. Court records show Ludke appeared without counsel during an initial court appearance in Texas on Wednesday. Padilla-Conde was scheduled to make his initial appearance in Abilene on Monday.

Joshua Van Haften of Madison was charged last year with trying to travel to Syria through Turkey to join the Islamic State. His case is still pending in federal court. A plea hearing has been set for Tuesday.

Read the full criminal complaint here.
Everyone agrees there is a problem, but finding a solution isn't so easy.

Law enforcement, community leaders and health care professionals are seeking solutions to the problems associated with mental health issues. Anyone interested in working on solutions is invited to a meeting from 8-10 a.m. Wednesday at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing.

IF YOU GO

What : Mental health task force meeting

When : 8-10 a.m. Wednesda

Where : Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, 1674 Pine St., Room 1200

Details : Meeting open to anyone interested. Topics for discussion include identifying local resources for mental health and identifying gaps in service. Future meetings will address best practices for mental health in other communities and developing recommendations to implement in Abilene.

More information : Contact Jenny Goode, chief executive officer, Betty Hardwick Center, 690-5133, or jgoode@bettyhardwick.org

Facilitator is Jenny Goode, chief executive officer of Betty Hardwick Center, which provides mental health services to the area.

'The task for the first meeting will be to explore local resources in existence and then to identify gaps,' Goode said in a letter inviting people to the meeting.

A second meeting will be scheduled for November to discuss best practices in other communities and to develop recommendations to implement here.

One issue that has come up in separate community meetings is the role that mental health plays in crime and how officers respond. At a Sept. 20 meeting of Stop the Violence, a local movement started by Chad Mitchell, pastor of The Mission church, and City Councilman Anthony Williams, District Attorney Jim Hicks mentioned the increase in numbers of cases with a mental health component.

In an interview, he said his office is seeing more requests for competency hearings and mental health evaluations than he could remember in the past 10 years. Even with a wealth of mental health resources in Abilene, Hicks said, some people still fall through the cracks  creating problems for a number of people, including law enforcement and people facing a mental health crisis.

'We want to prosecute the wrongdoers,' Hicks said, 'not the mentally afflicted.'

Police Chief Stan Standridge at several community meetings has addressed the topic, including the need for mental health marshals to take the burden off police officers dealing with people who may have mental issues.

Funding for four marshals was discussed as part of the city's 2015-16 budget process. The city manager's executive summary for that budget said application had been made for a grant from the state to cover 75 percent of the cost, with the city and the Betty Hardwick Center covering the remaining 25 percent.

That grant was denied, City Manager Robert Hanna said Thursday through the city's communications and media relations manager, Alaisha Guerra.

'At this time, we are exploring funding opportunities with our community partners,' Guerra said in an email.

Standridge said that if funding can be obtained, he hopes to have a mental health marshals unit in place by mid-2017.

The marshals could help alleviate the burden on police officers, Standridge said in an email. Officers have statutory authority to determine whether a person is at risk to himself or others, Standridge wrote. In collaboration with local mental health authorities, the person can be detained by obtaining an emergency detention order.

Even with that authority, Standridge wrote, it is not making good use of an officer's time to respond to calls involving mental health issues.

'When no crime has occurred and violence is not imminent,' Standridge wrote, 'police should not be the first resource summoned.'
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By Brooke Crum of the Abilene Reporter News

The 350th District Court plans to reset hearings scheduled Friday for two former Child Protective Services employees accused of tampering with evidence in the death of 22-month-old Tamryn Klapheke.

The court had scheduled hearings for Martha Kiel "Bit" Whitaker and Gretchen Denny for Friday afternoon. A date has not been set for the rescheduled hearings.

A Taylor County grand jury indicted Whitaker, a former CPS supervisor, in 2014 on a charge of tampering with physical evidence. She turned herself in to police in July 2014.

A jury trial was set for March 14, later was postponed until June 27.

In July, Whitaker was told by the court administrator that the court had released the present prosecutor and that a new prosecutor would be sought.

Judge Jay Gibson, a visiting judge, appointed Julie Stone and Jason Scully-Clemmons of the prosecution assistance division of the Texas attorney general's office to serve as attorneys in Whitaker's case.

Twitter: BrookeCrum_ARN
A 38-year-old Trent woman died in a wreck Thursday when a tractor-trailer crossed the Interstate 20 median and crashed into her vehicle and another, injuring a Sweetwater woman, according to a Department of Public Safety news release.

Tammie Lynn Hill was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which occurred around 7:45 a.m. about six miles west of Merkel.

Leslie Sue Stadler, 48, was taken to Hendrick Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.

Gerald Mason Decker, 27, of Abilene and Sean Lee Collins, 27, of Houston were traveling west on I-20 when Decker lost control of the tractor-trailer, the news release states.

The crash remains under investigation.
Today in history: On Oct. 15, 1917, Mata Hari is executed by firing squad near Paris. Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, from Holland, came to the city in 1905 and became famous as an exotic Asian-style dancer, soon touring Europe. She took the name, meaning 'eye of day' in Malay. She had lived in Malaysia, who was in the Dutch colonial army. Besides dancing, she was a courtesan. She was arrested for espionage during World War I, accused of revealing secrets, including Allied tanks.
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When Amina Aliyeva, a mother of two girls, found out she was expecting another girl, she was told by her family to get rid of it.

"We went to learn the baby's sex together with my mother-in-law and my husband. When the doctor told us it was a girl, they felt like it was the end of the world," she says. "They told me I must have an abortion."

Aliyeva, 30, says her gynecologist also sided with her mother-in-law and her husband, trying to convince her to have an abortion.

She says she was reluctant, but her husband threatened to divorce her and take custody of their daughters. Aliyeva ultimately gave in and ended up having a surgical abortion.

liyeva's case is not unique in Azerbaijan, whose patriarchal society can place enormous pressure on women to deliver boys, contributing to a rare gender imbalance in the Caspian country.

In Azerbaijan, the majority of newborns are male -- 115 boys for every 100 girls -- whereas the global average is 107 boys for every 100 girls.

A 2010 study exploring the "mystery of missing female children in the Caucasus" concluded that the number of girls born in Azerbaijan was lower than expected, a finding that was "consistent" with the country's 8,381 sex-selective abortions that year.

The study, which focused on selected post-Soviet states, found elevated sex ratios in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia since the late 1980s, and 10 percent fewer girl births in those countries combined. In cases where the firstborn child was a girl, it was shown that for the second child the sex ratio increased or remained elevated in Armenia and Azerbaijan, whereas this ratio showed no change if the first child was male.

Concluding that the phenomenon of sex-selective abortion was "common" in Azerbaijan and Armenia, the study's authors suggested that family planning and legal interventions were required to address the issue.

Aliyeva suggests that her abortion, carried out 15 weeks into her pregnancy, was illegal, considering that abortion is legal in Azerbaijan only to the 12th week.

"Those murderers cut my baby's hands and feet," she said. "But I am a murderer, too. We have committed the world's biggest sin. All of us -- mother, father, and the grandmother -- we killed a helpless being like savages."

Baku-based gynecologist Terena Hasanova says that it is not uncommon for family members to influence the decision to have a sex-selective abortion.

"They pressure the woman, so abortion feels like the only way out," Hasanova says. "She keeps having abortions until she is told she will have a boy."

In some cases, she adds, the women themselves decide to have a selective abortion because they believe they must have a son.

"Regardless of the sacrifices they have to make, they will keep trying," Hasanova says.

Hasanova says selective abortions are clearly behind Azerbaijan's male-child majority, which stood at 53 percent in the first quarter of 2016, according to birth-registry figures cited by the Justice Ministry.

"Otherwise, how can you explain the sudden growth in the numbers of born boys?" she asks. "This can only happen as a result of selective abortion."

Hasanova says the gender imbalance is obvious in schools.

"In middle schools, you can see six girls and 17 boys or 14 boys and five girls" in a class, she says.

Psychologist Dayanet Rzayev says that in a patriarchal society such as Azerbaijan's, many families see boys as securing the family's future.



"Boys are often seen as the support of the family," Rzayev says. "They often take pride when they have baby boys."



Financial difficulties and lack of education are among other reasons believed to contribute to families' decisions to abort female fetuses. Access to gender-identification technology, including ultrasound, is cited as an enabler to selective abortions in the country.

Aliyeva has suffered a deep psychological trauma as the result of her experience. Her abortion led to the end of her marriage and the breakup of her family.

After going through the process, she says she realized she could not live with her husband anymore. Six months later, she divorced him. Her daughters, aged 3 and 5, are being raised by her former husband's family.

"I wish I didn't let them kill the baby and had gotten a divorce then," she says.

Written by Golnaz Esfandiari based on reporting by RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service; translations by Arzu Geybullayeva
Iraqi Kurdish leader Masud Barzani announced on October 15 that the preparations for the operation to liberate Mosul have been completed and it is time for the battle to begin.



"The time has come to begin the liberation of Mosul," a post on Barzani's official Twitter account said.



Forces from Iraqs autonomous Kurdish region are expected to play a major role in the U.S.-backed offensive to recapture Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city, seized by the Islamic State militant group in June 2014.



While the launch of the operation is expected to be announced soon, it will only mark the start of a difficult and complex battle.



The fight is likely to set off another humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has warned that up to 1 million people may be displaced by the fighting as winter sets in.



Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on October 15 that Turkey will talk to its coalition partners about the possibility of joining the offensive at the Syria crisis talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne.



Turkey is worried that the offensive could be led by Shiite militia and include Kurdish militants it opposes. Turkey and Iraq are also at odds over the presence of Turkish troops in the Basiqa camp near Mosul.

Based on reporting by AFP
Moscow has objected to a top U.S. official saying that a "message" would be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged Russian cyberattacks on American political institutions.



"The threats directed against Moscow and our state's leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the U.S. vice president," RIA Novosti quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying on October 15.



In an interview with NBC News released on October 14, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was asked why the United States has not retaliated against Russia for allegedly meddling in the 2016 U.S. election by leaking the e-mails of top Democratic party officials and through other breaches.



"We're sending a message" and Russian President Vladimir Putin will get it, Biden said. "We have the capacity to do it and the message will be sent. He'll know it, and it will be at the time of our choosing and under the circumstances that have the greatest impact."



NBC reported that the White House is considering an "unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia" aimed at "embarrassing" the Kremlin leadership.



Biden said that, in retaliating, U.S. actions will be "proportional" to the impact from leaks of documents hacked by Russia in recent months.



At the same time, he questioned whether the Russian hacks have had "the capacity to fundamentally alter the election" on November 8.



Biden indicated that the U.S. response to Russia will be clandestine, saying he "hopes" the public will not know about it.

Based on reporting by AFP and NBC
Russia's announcement that it is suspending its participation in a Black Sea grain export deal requires a strong international response from the United Nations and the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on October 29.

"This is a completely transparent attempt by Russia to return to the threat of large-scale famine for Africa, for Asia," Zelenskiy said in a video address, adding that Russia should be kicked out of the G20.



"Why can a handful of people somewhere in the Kremlin decide whether there will be food on the tables of people in Egypt or Bangladesh?" Zelenskiy asked. "Russian terror and blackmail must lose. Humanity must win."

Russia told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a letter that it was suspending the deal for an "indefinite term" because it could not "guarantee safety of civilian ships" traveling under the pact, Reuters reported.

U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the move as "purely outrageous" and said it would increase starvation.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"There's no merit to what they're doing. The UN negotiated that deal and that should be the end of it," Biden told reporters.

The United Nations urged Russia not to withdraw from the deal, and deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said negotiations with Russia were ongoing.

"It is vitally important that all parties refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the Black Sea Grain Initiative," Haq said, using the formal name for the deal.

The European Union said it supported UN-led efforts to keep the Ukraine grain deal alive.

Nabila Massrali, spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy at the European Commission, said the EU stressed that "all parties must refrain from any unilateral action that would imperil the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which is a critical humanitarian effort that is clearly having a positive impact on access to food for millions of people around the world."

Russia also asked the UN Security Council to meet on October 31 to discuss an alleged attack on its Black Sea Fleet, Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky said.

It said some of the ships attacked in Sevastopol in the early hours of October 29 were civilian vessels involved in ensuring the security of the grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that in light of the attack, which it said Ukraine carried out "with the participation of British experts," Russia "suspends participation in the implementation of agreements on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports."

The ministry said earlier that drones were used in the attack and that they were all destroyed. Only one Russian ship, a minesweeper, sustained minor damage, it said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier on Twitter that Ukraine had previously warned that Russia planned to "ruin" the grain-export deal.

Kuleba called on "all states to demand Russia to stop its hunger games and recommit to its obligations."

The grain export deal between Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations allowed a resumption of grain exports. Under the July 22 agreement, Ukraine was able to restart its Black Sea grain and fertilizer exports, and some Russian fertilizer exports also resumed.

The agreement was set to last 120 days with the option for renewal on November 19 "if no party objects," a UN spokesman said on October 28.

Russia had threatened to pull out of the agreement on grounds that the grain was not being sent to poorer countries, which at the time the deal was signed desperately needed the grain to ensure their populations did not starve.

Analysts have pointed out that Moscows withdrawal from the deal would deprive Ukraine of a major part of its hard-currency revenues and at the same time would drive up global food prices and inflation in Europe.

Photo Gallery: Ukrainian Farmers Risk Their Lives As Global Food Crisis Looms The inability of Ukraine to transport millions of tons of grain and other agricultural products amid Russia's invasion has aggravated a global food crisis. The country is a major exporter of seed oils, corn, and wheat, but the war and Russia's blockade of Ukraine's ports have effectively stopped a significant amount of that flow. While Ukraine's leaders seek ways to export the country's agricultural output, its farmers face perilous conditions as a result of the ongoing conflict. Share on Facebook

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The United Nations on October 28 had urged parties to the Black Sea Grain Initiative to renew it.

"We underline the urgency of doing so to contribute to food security across the world, and to cushion the suffering that this global cost-of-living crisis is inflicting on billions of people," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The agreement freed up exports from three of Ukraine's ports -- Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhne -- which had been blockaded since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February.

The deal set up a corridor that is exclusively humanitarian, the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure said.

The ministry says that since the first ship left the port in Odesa on August 1, Ukraine has exported more than 9 million tons of food, of which more than 5 million tons went to countries in Africa and Asia.

At the same time, 190,000 tons of wheat were sent to countries on the brink of famine within the framework of the UN World Food Program, the ministry said.

"Ukraine remains a reliable partner for the civilized world and is ready to continue promptly collecting and shipping agricultural products to ensure global food security," the ministry added.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
The Obama administration on Friday took a big step in its effort to bend the cost curve of health care with the release of a new rule dramatically altering the way doctors are compensated for treating Medicare patients.

For decades, doctors and hospitals have routinely received a set fee for their services and tests in treating elderly Americans under the Medicare program, regardless of the outcome. This fee-for-service approach provided virtually no incentives for physicians to achieve better outcomes and assure that the patient wasnt coming back for more treatment or hospitalization anytime soon.

Related: Heres Why Reforming Medicare Spending Is So Difficult

The new rule, an outgrowth of bipartisan legislation approved by Congress last year to change the way physicians are paid, is designed to shift the medical system toward rewarding quality over quantity of treatment while saving hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years, starting in 2019.

Were trying to get doctors back to doing what they do best, care for patients, through a lot off simplification and support, Andy Slavitt, the acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said during a call with reporters Friday.

Republicans and Democrats joined together in April 2015 to approve the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, designed in part to scrap an outmoded Medicare sustainable growth reimbursement program designed to save money by gradually reducing payments to doctors on a regional basis but that was repeatedly postponed for fear that many doctors would simply stop treating Medicare patients.

Under the new rules unveiled Friday, health care providers to Medicare beneficiaries would have two pathways for being reimbursed. A Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) would compensate doctors and other health care providers based on their success rate in providing care in four broad categories. They would stress evidence-based, specialty-specific standards, as well as practice-based improvement activities; cost; the use of certified electronic health records; and advanced quality objectives to avoid redundancies and waste. Health care providers who decline to report under this new program would eventually see a pay cut.

Story continues

The second path is an Advanced Alternative Payment Model designed for doctors and other providers who are prepared to embrace quality-based changes or have already begun integrating them into their practice. Providers operating in the same geographic region could join forces as part of an accountable care organization to coordinate care for patients. They would be allowed to share in a portion of the money that Medicare saves through that type of quality care.

About 380,000 clinicians throughout the country would be exempted from the program, according to Morning Consult, because they do not treat enough Medicare beneficiaries.

Related: Clintons Plan to Extend Medicare Raises Red Flags

Slavitt said that his agency would stress providing physicians with flexibility and time to prepare for the change in the payment system, with an eye to making the transition as simple and flexible as possible.

The American Medical Association (AMA) said today that while its officials were still reviewing the details of the new rule, a first review reveals that CMS responded to many of the concerns expressed by physicians about the proposed rule issued last spring.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Russia and India have signed defense deals worth billions of dollars on missile systems, helicopters, and frigates at a meeting of the leaders of the two countries in the southern India state of Goa.

Key agreements signed October 15 included deals under which India would procure Russian S-400 Triumf missile systems that can be used against aerial targets within a 400-kilometer range, joint manufacture of Russian Kamov 226T helicopters, and procurement of four 11356 frigates for the Indian armed forces.

News media estimate the total worth of the Indian military purchases from Russia in the billions of dollars. There was no official confirmation of what the deals were worth.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remotely inaugurated a project to build two new reactors at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu state, which is being developed with Russian technology.

This would be the third and fourth phases of the Kudankulam nuclear power station, part of 12 nuclear plants that Russia is building in India.

The two leaders also signed an agreement for the fifth and sixth reactors of the power plant.

Putin and Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit of five emerging economies. In addition to Russia and India, BRICS comprises Brazil, China, and South Africa.

India, the world's top defense importer, is spending $100 billion to upgrade its Soviet-era military hardware as it looks to protect its borders from archrival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

The meeting also provide the two leaders an opportunity to discuss differences that have cropped up between them in the past few years.

Russia has been wary of India's growing engagement with the United States, including a recent military logistics agreement.

India was expected to raise its concern about Russia's growing ties with Pakistan. Russia and Pakistan recently conducted joint military exercises.

With reporting by dpa, AFP, TASS, and AP


Businesses from Serbia and Albania met on October 14 in an effort to boost economic ties and stabilize the Balkans region still troubled by tensions from the 1990s war.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama inaugurated the gathering in Serbia's southern city of Nis, some 200 kilometers south of Belgrade.

Serbia and Albania remain at odds over Kosovo, the predominantly ethnic Albanian and former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Serbia does not recognize the split, which Albania supports.

Both countries want to join the European Union.

Vucic said that, despite their differences, his government welcomes Albanian businesses.

Rama told the business gathering that "our aim is to turn our borders that separate us into bridges that connect us."

With reporting by AP
Uzbekistan just had its annual cotton fair. During the October 12-13 event in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, Uzbekistan reported that it had signed contracts to sell some 550,000 tons of cotton and finished textiles for some $1.32 billion. Something is going right because last year Uzbekistan reported sales of 700,000 tons of cotton and finished textiles for just over $800 million.

No matter what the sales figures say, the cotton business in Uzbekistan rides on the back of slave labor. Uzbekistans cotton harvest is possible because, every year, hundreds of thousands of the countrys citizens are forced into the fields. Also every year, the harvest claims the lives of a dozen or more people.

On this week's Majlis podcast, we look at the cotton harvest, not only in Uzbekistan but in other Central Asian countries.

Moderating the discussion was RFE/RL Media Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir. From Germany, Umida Niyazova, longtime Uzbek activist, independent journalist, and founder of the Uzbek-German Forum for Human Rights, joined the talk. From the International Labor Rights Forum in Washington, D.C., Kirill Boychenko, who is the coordinator of the Cotton Campaign, a coalition dedicated to stopping use of forced labor in Central Asia, took part. Steve Swerdlow, the Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, participated. I pitched in on the discussion also, of course.

Niyazova started the discussion, giving an idea of who is being sent to the fields.

Among them there are students, heads of organizations, representatives of various professional spheres, and we can say that the majority of state organizations employees, she said. She added that another group sent to the fields are those who are receiving different social benefits, mostly women and small children.

How many people? We estimate -- its our very lowest [estimate] -- around 1 million people are forced to go out to pick cotton every year, she said.

Swerdlow called it a mass mobilization of the entire population in almost a war-effort manner.

For those in the fields, the hours are long. For some people, most, even all, of the daylight hours are spent picking cotton. When the harvest starts in early September, the temperatures in some places climb well over 40 degrees. There are quotas to be met and those who fail to pick the assigned weight are often abused -- verbally, even physically -- by local officials tasked with gathering the cotton.

And that has included the man who is currently Uzbekistans acting president, Shavkat Mirziyaev.

Mirziyaev himself did this. We have a report that in the year 2000, when he was [Jizzakh] regional governor, he beat up a math teacher because the students of that math teacher were apparently picking cotton too slowly, Swerdlow recalled.

It is not only those in the fields who are affected. As Swerdlow reminded us, We had a mother lose her baby just a few days ago because the doctors were not in the clinic where she went to give birth.

Niyazova added, We saw schools where 80 percent of the teachers were out in the fields and in the whole school there were only a few teachers who stayed with the kids.

Boychenko said the situation in Turkmenistan is comparable.

We also see mass mobilization of public sector employees. Again, independent monitors are reporting about children being sent into the fields, Boychenko explained.

Of course, there are options.

You can buy freedom from picking cotton. It costs around $100 for 20 days, Niyazova said. Boychenko said the same about Turkmenistan. If you want to be free [from picking cotton], you need to buy your freedom, he said.

It is worth noting that farmers are also obliged to grow cotton, Niyazova said, adding that for most of the farmers to grow cotton is not profitable since the government sets up the procurement prices for cotton and farmers are obliged to sell cotton only to the government.

The Majlis guests are all involved in fighting forced labor in Uzbekistan's cotton campaign. But it is a difficult task.

Systematic forced labor in the cotton sector remained from the Soviet time, Niyazova said.

So, too, has the patriotic calls to citizens. Uzbekistans authorities say picking cotton is serving the nation, that cotton is the country's "white gold.

There have been some successes in efforts to combat the use of forced labor in cotton harvesting in Uzbekistan.

The Cotton Campaign persuaded many Western companies to boycott Uzbek cotton until the use of forced labor in the fields is halted. Such pressure convinced the Uzbek authorities to allow international monitors to enter the country at harvest time, though they are limited in the areas they can visit.

Such pressure also led to a significant reduction in the use of child labor in Uzbekistans cotton fields. Instead, their places are often taken by the childrens teachers, doctors, and parents.

Swerdlow recalled, The European Parliament took a very important step in 2011 when they refused to reduce the tariffs on the import of [Uzbek] cotton into Europe.

Boychenko said, If the Uzbek government understands that [sanctions for using forced labor] can influence their profits, they are prone to change.

Efforts by Western countries and organizations have had some effect on Uzbekistans policies toward labor in the cotton fields. But a list of purchasers for Uzbekistans cotton shows it is mainly companies from non-Western countries that buy the cotton.

At the 2015 cotton fair in Tashkent, for example, the majority of sales were made to buyers from Bangladesh, China, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Poland, the U.A.E., Czech Republic, Great Britain, Iran, and Russia.

Niyazova summed up the situation, saying, There are no other countries where forced labor is a state policy and that means that forced labor will stop in Uzbekistan when Uzbek authorities stop forcing people to go to the fields.

The Majlis went deeper into these topics and other issues surrounding the use of force labor in the cotton fields of Central Asia.

Listen to or download the Majlis podcast above or subscribe to Majlis on iTunes.

The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
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Police are searching for two men who allegedly robbed a 7-Eleven store in Chesterfield County early Saturday morning.

At about 3 a.m. Saturday, two men approached an employee and customer in the store at 6501 Iron Bridge Rd, displayed a firearm, and demanded money, according to Chesterfield police. The men took money from store and the customer's wallet, then fled the area on foot.

No one was injured, police said.

One of the men was described as black, about 6 feet 1 inches tall with a skinny build. He was wearing a black shirt, blue jean pants, dark boots and a white bandana covered his face. He carried a black revolver, police said.

A second man was described as black, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and skinny, wearing a black shirt, black pants, black shoes, and a black bandana covering his face.

Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660 or www.crimesolvers.net.
Its pumpkin-spice latte season  or, as they say in academia, white-privilege season. We are not making this up. A paper by a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia describes PSLs as luxury items that cost far more than plain cups of coffee, yet do not provide tangible extra nutrition other than that in milk. . . . Their fluffiness, lack of substance, and triviality . . . make them ultimate luxuries and hence markers of distinction and white privilege. In short, drinking PSL is racist. Then again, these days what isnt?

This is the sort of ground-breaking research that has given higher education the level of public esteem in which it is held today.

Renewable-energy advocates like to point out that the cost of green energy is falling quickly. But it still has a way to go at Block Island, Rhode Island  home to the countrys first offshore-wind farm. The 30-megawatt project, which cost $300 million for five turbines, will supply enough energy to power about 17,000 homes. That comes to more than $17,600 per home.

That seems pretty high. On the plus side, its not nearly so high as the estimated price tag for a third nuclear reactor at Dominions North Anna power station. If built, the 1,500-megawatt reactor could supply power to roughly 375,000 homes at a construction cost in the neighborhood of $19 billion. That works out to more than $50,000 per home. Ouch.

Chesterfield keeps doing things right. First the Police Department adopted a policy of handing out written warnings, rather than fine-inducing citations, for minor traffic infractions  a measure meant to build trust and goodwill. Now the countys Community Service Board has found a way to ensure that persons struggling with mental-health or substance-abuse issues get the help they seek on the same day they ask for it. Neither of these changes is revolutionary, but they both make meaningful and commendable improvements. A pat on the back to all involved.

State lawmakers are holding the line on the budget  sort of. General-fund spending  the kind lawmakers have the most control over  has risen modestly in the past decade, and actually has dropped 11 percent on a per-capita basis once inflation is accounted for.

The non-general fund? Not so much: It has grown 35 percent on an adjusted basis. And Medicaid spending has grown 40 percent in adjusted terms, according to the Daily Press. Thats without Medicaid expansion as conceived of under Obamacare and as pursued by Gov. Terry McAuliffe and other Democrats.

No wonder Virginia Republicans are circulating the news from Minnesota. The states governor, Democrat Mark Dayton, says the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for increasing numbers of people.

Corey Stewart, who boasts that I was Trump before Trump was Trump, is no longer part of Team Trump. He was fired from his leadership of the Trump campaigns Virginia operation after he took part in a protest against the GOP at its party headquarters in D.C.

Stewarts days were numbered anyhow. The Trump campaign has largely pulled out of Virginia, effectively conceding the state to Hillary Clinton. Apparently someone in Trumps circle is at least literate enough to read the writing on the wall.

Stewart hopes to win the Republican nod for governor next year. He sure has a funny way of showing it.

Trump is threatening to sue The New York Times for libel over its Thursday report on women who allege Trump groped them without consent. That will be hard to prove, since it requires establishing that the report defamed Trump  i.e., that it damaged his good name. And that presumes Trump has a good name in the first place. Good luck getting anyone to believe it.

And so it begins. The Federal Election Commission is reviewing a complaint against a conservative newspaper in Illinois. The complaint alleges that the DuPage Policy Journal is really just an arm of the GOP rather than a real newspaper, whatever that is. The complainant wants the FEC to declare that the papers publication costs are political contributions to Republican congressional candidate Tonia Khouri.

Federal law prohibits corporate contributions to congressional candidates. The implications for freedom of the press are obvious.
kim jong un

WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Friday at approximately at 10:33 p.m. CDT, the US military detected a failed North Korean missile launch near the northwestern city of Kusong.

According to the USSTRATCOM statement, the missile is presumed to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile and it did not pose a threat to North America.

"We strongly condemn this and North Korea's other recent missile tests," US Navy Commander Gary Ross said in a Pentagon statement. "We intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding the DPRK accountable for these actions."

musa

Based on estimates from the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Musudan missile is speculated to have a range of approximately 1,500 to 2,400 miles, capable of targeting military installations in Guam and Japan.

So far this year, North Korea has conducted seven Musudan missiles tests.

"North Korea can rest assured that it has the undivided attention of its neighbors, who aren't going to take it anymore, "Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider.

"What Kim Jong Un may not appreciate fully is that these provocations may prove counterproductive."

And while the Hermit Kingdom's latest launch was declared a failure, Karako emphasizes that the North's defiant missile testing is "no longer something that can be easily dismissed."

"Regardless of the discrete results of this particular test, it signals their continued resolve to get this right, meaning intermediate and longer range missiles. And they will get it right sooner or later, so we'd better be ready," Karako said.

In order to counter North Korean threats, the US agreed to equip South Korea with a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.

Story continues

In a move that has the Hermit Kingdom, China, and Russia spooked, South Korea's military will have the unique air-defense system operational by the end of 2017.

NOW WATCH: Meet THAAD: Americas answer to North Korean threats





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new york police department nypd

Back in 2014, the New York Police Department announced an initiative to give all of its 36,000 officers a Windows Phone, as part of an effort to modernize the force.

Fast forward two years, and that deployment is complete as of this week: All 36,000 NYPD officers are now rocking a Lumia 830 (released 2014) or a Lumia 640 XL (released 2015), running the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system (released 2014, since made obsolete by Windows 10 Mobile), reports CNET.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's share of the smartphone market  never very high to begin with  has dwindled to around 1%, and the NYPD deal won't change that much. In fact, Microsoft has been slowly separating itself from the phone business, laying off employees while it sells off assets it got in the disastrous acquisition of Nokia.

Still, the NYPD tells CNET that they don't regret the decision, saying that the department considers Windows Phone to be more secure than Apple iOS or Google's Android.

In general, says the report, having smartphones has been a boon for New York's Finest: For the first time ever, NYPD officers have a phone number and e-mail address that they can give out to the citizens in the communities they police. Plus, having one-touch access to police databases means faster crimesolving.

nokia lumia 830

By next summer, CNET reports, the NYPD will have considered introducing new devices running the newer Windows 10 Mobile. There aren't a lot of options on that front, given that only a handful of phones, notably Microsoft's late 2015 Lumia 950 and 950 XL phones, run the new operating system. Microsoft itself isn't expected to release a new flagship Windows 10 phone at all in 2016.

Analysts expect Microsoft's overall smartphone share to hit 0.5% by the end of 2016. The Microsoft Lumia brand recently got its swan song in the form of the Lumia 650. And Microsoft's rumored "Surface Phone," its last great hope to make a dent in the smartphone market, isn't expected to drop until the middle of 2017.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: A Starbucks worker's act of gratitude for NYC police officers guarding the scene of the explosion is going viral





More From Business Insider


The presence of a legally armed protester outside of Democratic congressional candidate Jane Dittmars campaign office in Fluvanna County on Thursday sparked some national attention the following day.

Social media posts were sent out from the campaign accounts of Dittmar, who is running for Virginias 5th Congressional District seat against state Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, with a picture of the protester, his truck and Donald Trump campaign signs outside of the office in Palmyra. The posts stated the person was armed and was making some of the campaign volunteers feel uncomfortable.

CBS television station WCAV (Channel 19), a media partner of The Daily Progress, reported Thursday night that Daniel Parks, a Fluvanna County resident, stood outside the office for almost 12 hours to show his support for Trump.

Im just trying to provide a voice for someone who might be a closet supporter of Trump, Parks told WCAV.

Another protester later joined him.

Su Wolff, a resident of Fluvanna County and volunteer for the Dittmar campaign, told WCAV that she noticed Parks had a firearm, which is legal, and is fine, but its intimidating.

If he wants to support his candidate, thats fine, but dont come here and stare into the office all day, she told the TV station.

Since then, national media outlets such as Talking Points Memo, The Hill and Esquire have picked up the story. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee also acknowledged Thursdays events.

Requests for information about any complaints or concerns fielded by the Fluvanna County Sheriffs Office were not returned by press time Thursday.

Genni Cox, spokeswoman for the Dittmar campaign, said there did not appear to be anyone standing outside the campaign office on Friday.
GROTTOES  Forest fires generally get a bad rap, at least from a human standpoint.

But as far as nature is concerned, these blazes help bring a renewal of life, getting rid of the old so the new will have its chance.

Shenandoah National Park Ranger Sally Hurlbert stood at a concrete trail marker earlier this week and held up a photo of bare, scorched ground that was taken in early May of this year, only days after a forest fire burned more than 10,000 acres of mountainside just above the Rockingham County community of Grottoes.

Then she pointed out that almost every inch of that once-blackened ground is now covered with three-foot-high vegetation. In less than six months, nature is well on her way to renewing life on the slopes and in the hollows.

In fact, if it were not for a few burned pines that stand like skeletons amid the new growth, the casual visitor at Brown Mountain Overlook would never suspect that this area was in the middle of a forest fire six months ago.

A quarter-mile down the trail, it becomes more evident that fire did spread across this mountain. During a news conference Tuesday, fire ecologist Andy Ruth and lead fire effects manager Lane Gibbons took reporters through small downed trees blackened from the blaze that began on the evening of April 16.

But amid the charred remains, most of which had been sawed down to keep the pathway clear, the ground is alive with new growth rising through the earth from the unharmed roots.

In other spots, Ruth pointed to the healthy canopies of deciduous trees such as oaks and wild cherries whose trunks are still black. Even mountain laurel, which was burned to the ground in April, has now re-sprouted and is six to eight inches tall.

Even if the tree is damaged, the roots [of deciduous trees] do not die, Hurlbert said.

Some trees were destroyed, like a patch of pines on a neighboring slope. But, according to park officials, that outcome is not all that bad, either.

Fire allows a redistribution of resources in the system, Ruth said. Ash acts as fertilizer and dead trees allow light to get to areas where small plants may have been shaded out. In many ways, forests are dependent on fire.

That is especially true of one eastern species of conifer, the table mountain pine tree.

The regeneration of this tree is dependent on fire, Ruth explained. The cones only open during extreme heat.

Hurlbert added that the fire on Rocky Mountain could not have come at a better time. A dry April, when the fire raged for almost two weeks, was followed by a rainy May, which promoted seed germination and prompted roots to send new shoots up through the newly fertilized soil.

The fact that most deciduous trees at higher altitudes (the fire burned as high as 2,500 feet up the mountain) had not yet produced spring leaves also limited the damage.

Hurlbert showed photos of tiny blackberry plants and ferns popping through the blackened earth two weeks after the fire was finallyextinguished. A month after the blaze, most of the oaks had leafed out fully.

The fire caused only minimal effects to animal life, according to Hurlbert and Ruth. A few bears were temporarily displaced, but they are now back turning over the burned trees to find worms and grubs.

Most other animals outran the fire, which moved slowly over a two-week period, and so far as officials can determine, none perished. Snakes, mice and insects merely went underground until the fire passed, Hurlbert said.

The new growth will provide browse that will draw deer back into the area.

How the fire started remains unclear, but officials have pinpointed its origin to a trail area, so an illegal campfire is suspected.

The blaze cost about $4 million to fight. At its peak, some 350 firefighters and four aircraft were involved. Money came from a special fund that is used to fight fires on federal land nationwide.

Some of this money is also used to clear underbrush during prescribed burns such as occur almost annually in various parts of the Shenandoah National Park, especially at Big Meadows.

Ruth said the effects of the fire, like those of prescribed burns, will be monitored for about a decade. But, as with most forest fires, the blaze will probably have only positive effects in the long term.

These days, the April fire is a distant memory for nature in this area. The ground that was scorched six months ago is now covered by leaves already showing fall color, burgundy polk berries and patches of scarlet asters, providing a delight for the eyes.
By Mai Nguyen THAI NGUYEN, Vietnam (Reuters) - As Samsung Electronics struggles to salvage its reputation after the safety problems that have beset its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, the South Korean company can at least bank on an army of Vietnamese workers for support. Tens of thousands of them are involved in assembling more than a third of Samsung's smartphones - the Galaxy Note 7 included - in the Pho Yen area of Thai Nguyen province, which is about 65 km north of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. Samsung's arrival three years ago transformed it from a sleepy farming district into a sprawling industrial town. While the company expects to take a profit hit of around $5 billion from the scrapping of the fire-prone phone, 13 workers interviewed by Reuters outside the factory almost all said they are confident their employer will pull through. They also say Samsung pays well, offers good benefits and takes care of their needs. "Recalling (Note 7) doesn't mean we are unemployed or such; Samsung also makes many other phones and new models, not just the Note 7," said Nguyen Thi Hang, one of some 110,000 Vietnamese who work for Samsung Electronics across Vietnam, making it one of the nation's biggest employers. The Samsung factory workers get around $180 in monthly base salary, which can grow to around $300 when overtime, annual incentives and other benefits are included. That is well above average incomes in such rural areas. Young workers are also drawn to the Thai Nguyen jobs by generous benefits, including subsidised or free meals, and accommodation that cost less than $3 a month. There are also organised sports, karaoke and discounts on various products and services, such as Samsung phones and hair salons. Nguyen Van Doai, 27, a worker at the plant, said some overtime options had been reduced due to the Note 7 withdrawal, but there was no indication of job cuts. "Samsung hasn't reached a level where they have to cut jobs because they are still hiring many people and constructing more buildings," Doai said. Samsung Vietnam said on Wednesday there would be no job cuts this year as a result of the end of its production of the Galaxy Note 7, and its exports for 2016 would still grow as it ramps up production of other models. [nL4N1CI2RZ] SAMSUNG VILLAGE Samsung has invested $14.5 billion in Vietnam, according to Vietnam's Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises, equivalent to 10 percent of the country's total foreign investment over the past three decades. The attractions for Samsung include relative political stability, tax breaks and lower labor costs than in China. For those who don't live on the site, the company provides transport. Every day, thousands of Vietnamese are ferried to and from their homes in Hanoi and other cities and towns in the region in a procession of buses to the sprawling factories in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces. In a corner of the capital on Thursday, workers queued at daybreak to board 14 of around a hundred factory-bound buses, some still emblazoned with advertisements for the Note 7. But there are some workers and people running local businesses who are not convinced Samsung's Vietnam operations will emerge unscathed. Dentist Phung Minh Ngoc, who moved to Thai Nguyen from Hanoi a year ago to set up a clinic named "Rang Xinh Samsung" (Pretty Tooth Samsung), fears the Note 7 fallout could hurt his business. "Their sales will certainly fall and so jobs for workers will lessen and workers' salaries may also decrease," he said. One female worker at the Pho Yen factory, who declined to be named, said she was worried because her contract was up for renewal next month. "I just brought my baby here with me. If I couldn't work for Samsung any longer, I would have to go back to farming," she said. ($1 = 22,253 dong) (Additional reporting by My Pham in HANOI; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Martin Howell)
Many of the GOP's biggest donors asked the Republican National Committee to cut ties with Donald Trump , saying the allegations that he mistreated women threatened to inflict lasting damage on the party's image, according to The New York Times.

Spokespersons for Trump's campaign and the RNC did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.



One donor in particular, New York investor and philanthropist Bruce Kovner, told the Times Trump is a "dangerous demagogue" and is not suited to take on the responsibilities of being president.

Other leading Republican donors told the party to distance itself from Trump well before the publication of Trump's recording last week, according to the Times.

On Thursday, Trump said at a rally in Florida that allegations that he inappropriately touched women are "totally and absolutely false."

Read the full report from The New York Times here.
By SA Commercial Prop News - Union Investment Real Estate GmbH

The debt crisis in Europe is turning into a stress test for European property markets  and forcing investors to recalibrate their investment strategies.

Germany in particular should benefit from increased risk aversion. Investors have greater confidence in Germanys resilience to the impact of the euro crisis on the domestic property market than any other country.

That is the conclusion of the latest investment climate study conducted by Union Investment, which surveyed 167 property investors in Germany, France and the UK. The survey showed that one in every two investors (49 %) is convinced that the German property market will actually emerge stronger from the current cycle. Just 3 % of European investment professionals believe that the euro crisis will result in a significant weakening of the German market. The popular consensus is that only a few other countries will likewise survive the debt crisis stress test. 38 % of those surveyed believe that the Polish market will come out stronger, with lower figures recorded for Turkey (31 %), Sweden (29 %) and Switzerland (25 %).

In contrast, the survey showed a broad spread of expectations with regard to property markets in France, the UK and the Netherlands. Equal numbers of investors believe these markets will be strengthened or experience further weakening in the current cycle. When it comes to the countries on the southern periphery  particularly Portugal and Spain, with investors regarding the latter as the riskiest market over the next two to three years  investors believe the debt crisis will hit local investment markets particularly hard. The growing divide between stable markets in northern Europe and the weaker countries in the south is being further exacerbated by the debt crisis. But the uncertainty is also weighing down markets that are currently still in good health, says Olaf Janssen, head of property research at Union Investment Real Estate GmbH, Hamburg.

Investors face the need for more capital

When asked about the medium to long-term impact of the debt crisis, a clear majority (78 %) of investors expect a long period of uncertainty in all European property markets. In this context, 90 % are expecting a stronger focus of investment on stable markets in northern Europe and  correspondingly  a growing north-south divide. An equally emphatic majority (88 %) anticipate higher capital requirements for investors. Respondents in France demonstrated above-average belief in the risk of a new credit crunch (86 %, compared to 72 % overall) and rising taxes (100 %, as against 77 % across all respondents). Meanwhile, a total of 68 % of those surveyed feel that the demand for opportunistic investment will rise in the course of the debt crisis, with just 39 % believing a Europe-wide recession is a likely scenario.

Even if parts of the European property market remain partially unaffected by the turbulence, significantly lower investor expectations will lead to a reduced volume of transactions in Europe in 2012 compared to the previous year, says Janssen. This view is shared by the majority of the participants in the survey: 57 % of investors expect a decline in cross-border property transactions in Europe as a short to medium-term consequence of the debt crisis. While it is hardly surprising that investors are expected to focus increasingly on core products (87 % agreement), the results of the survey do not indicate that any usage category will be a particular beneficiary of the euro crisis. Only 31 % of the surveyed investors expect increasing demand for retail properties as a result of the debt crisis.

Reduced expectations trigger fall in climate index

As the survey shows, the property investment climate in the three major European economies deteriorated to different extents over the last six months. Union Investments Investment Climate Index dropped in all three regions, with the reaction in France being particularly noticeable, down 7.7 points since the last survey in summer 2011. In the UK (-5.3 points) and Germany (-4.6 points), the decline in the national indices was not quite as pronounced.

The national index of 67.7 points recorded for Germany continues to be significantly above the values for the UK (62.9 points) and France (60.2 points). However, after a consistently positive trend in Germany since 2009, the index has now passed its peak here as well. Although momentum has slowed, the German property market remains in good shape. But Germany isnt an island  the turmoil caused by the euro crisis has contributed to many German investors lowering their expectations and approaching the next twelve months with due caution, comments Janssen.

Investors looking for security

The economic uncertainty in large parts of Europe has also influenced the investment motives of European property investors. For 55 % of German property investors, security is now the most important investment motive, with return (28 %) and liquidity lagging well behind. Six months ago, security was the principal factor for 33 % of German investors when taking an investment decision, with return the main motive for 43 %. Traditionally security-oriented German investors thus still value security much more highly than their counterparts in France (32 %) and the UK (9 %). UK investors continue to regard return as the key investment factor, chosen by a surprising 84 % of respondents, even in a tough economic environment.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Alan Robertson, CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, said: "2011 was a difficult year for real estate investors with most sectors of the market moving in the favor of tenants, with lower prices and rentals.



Jones Lang LaSalle, the world's leading real estate investment and advisory firm, has released its "Top Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2012".

This is the fifth year that Jones Lang LaSalle has published its keynote research anticipating the major trends affecting and shaping the UAE real estate sector.

Alan Robertson, CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, said: "2011 was a difficult year for real estate investors with most sectors of the market moving in the favor of tenants, with lower prices and rentals.

Robertson added: While these trends appear likely to continue into 2012, the main trend for this year is likely to be an increasing polarization within each sector of the market. As the performance of the best quality projects will improve, average prices are expected to decline further in 2012 within this increasingly two-tier market.

Beyond investment valuations and rentals, we are continuing to see the evolution of a more mature marketplace in the UAE where valuations and property and asset management, will becoming increasingly important for occupiers, developers and investors.

The local real estate market will continue be impacted by regional and global events during 2012 as, the UAE is not immune from the on-going impact of the Arab Spring and the economic troubles of the euro zone.

As we enter 2012, the real estate sector will inevitably be susceptible to any potential geo-political changes within the region, with the recent escalation of rhetoric between Iran and the West being the major cause of uncertainty. The worsening European debt crises and its impact on the global economy will be the other major external challenge to the UAE real estate market in 2012," Robertson said.

In publishing its 2012 report, Jones Lang LaSalle believes the following will be the key trends for the UAE's real estate sector over the next twelve months:

 More realism: The UAE real estate sector will generally see more realism in 2012. With consolidation and rationalization of projects, there will be more focus toward customer requirements and long-term commercial viability. In 2012, affordability will be to housing what budget hotels will be to the hospitality market. Banks are also expected to continue their more selective approach toward lending criteria.

 More choice: There will be more choice for occupiers and tenants in 2012. With significant levels of supply inflow in many sectors, the market is expected to increase in competitiveness which will lead to a wider spectrum of choices for tenants and occupiers this year.

 More sustainability: Globally there is increased evidence that green buildings have a superior financial performance to others. Despite an increased awareness of the importance of sustainability within the UAE there remain few LEED certified projects. There is likely to be further green measures introduced but sustainability is not likely to be a real game changer in 2012 as the market will remain concerned with more pressing short-term issues.

 More management: The quality of estate management will be one of the factors determining winners and losers as it will be a critical factor in attracting tenants. There is likely to be a shift in emphasis from the management of individual assets to the management of the public areas within master planned projects in 2012

 More quality: As the flight to quality continues in 2012, there will be an emphasis on better quality projects across all sectors. There will also be a greater distinction between winners and losers as performance will vary greatly with preferred buildings outperforming others in an increasingly two-tiered market.

 More transactions: With increasing investor interest in the UAE market, a higher volume of transactions are expected in 2012, with this growth being driven by private investors and high net worth individuals rather than investment institutions. The majority of whole building sales will be in the residential sector, with a preferred asset price of AED30 - AED70 million. There will remain few sales to institutional investors as this sector remains constrained by the shortage of investment grade stock and unrealistic asking prices.

These key trends are likely to have varied implications on different sectors of the UAE real estate market:

 Office: The Abu Dhabi and Dubai office market will become more tenant friendly in 2012 as average effective rents continue to fall in both cities. Increasing realism among Abu Dhabi landlords will result in more leasing incentives offered to tenants with effective office rents falling more than in Dubai during 2012. There will also be portfolio optimization due to improved space utilization which will lead to reduced levels of required space and increased levels of sub lease space becoming available to the market.

 Residential: In 2012, the UAE residential market will be characterized by variations in performance. These conditions will result in rent and price increases in some locations while remaining stable elsewhere but depressed in some places. This varied performance will apply between buildings of the same project and also between different units within the same buildings. In Dubai, villa projects are generally expected to outperform apartments this year.

 Hospitality: The UAE hospitality market will benefit from continued investments in tourism related infrastructure like airports and airline fleet expansion in 2012. The Dubai hotel market will see improved performance while the Abu Dhabi market, which is currently some way behind the Dubai market in its cycle, will see performance stabilize after a period of decline in 2010/2011. The UAE's safe haven status will continue to be a beneficial factor for the sector during 2012.

 Retail: There may be repositioning and/or redevelopment of struggling retail centers as increasing competition continues to polarize centers into winners and losers in 2012. Poorer performing malls will need to be repositioned to remain competitive. Some mall owners may also need to consider converting shopping centers into non-retail uses.

These key trends will also have a set of implications for the UAE's major markets:

 Abu Dhabi: There is ongoing rationalization among real estate related government agencies like Aldar and Mubadala as the government rethinks its real estate agenda. Government financial support is being cut back as there is an increased emphasis on financial viability of projects across the board. This is resulting in delaying or scaling down of projects like Saadiyat Island and Capital District.

 Dubai: In 2012, the impact of the Dubai master plan and increased infrastructure spending will have a direct impact on the real estate market. The introduction and evolution of business friendly government initiatives, such as the merger of free zone authorities and amendment of foreign ownership laws will also have a direct influence on sentiment.

Craig Plumb, head of research, Jones Lang LaSalle MENA, said: "As the UAE real estate market continues to grow and evolve we will continue to see a shift in focus, with government and private sector players absorbing the new realities and characteristics of the market and rethinking their 'big picture' strategies. Financial viability will play an increasingly important role as the UAE real estate market becomes generally more realistic during 2012. Lower prices, more choice of higher quality product and its role as a regional safe haven will increase the attractiveness of the UAE market to both occupiers and investors in 2012. We can expect 'more' positive signals from this year, with some of the key words being affordable housing, budget hotels, infrastructure spending, estate management, selective stability, financial viability, new realism, tenant friendliness and sustainability across the UAE real estate market."
A deficit of $28 billion more was forecast in President Barack Obama's fiscal 2017 budget earlier this year, but lower spending than expected by a number of government departments limited the rise in the gap (AFP Photo/Yuri Gripas) (AFP)

Washington (AFP) - After falling for several years, the US budget deficit jumped nearly 34 percent in fiscal 2016, the Treasury Department announced Friday, but the shortfall was still smaller than originally planned.

The Obama administration's budget for the year to September 30 came in with a $587 billion deficit, out of $3.85 trillion spent during the year.

A deficit of $28 billion more was forecast in President Barack Obama's fiscal 2017 budget earlier this year, but lower spending than expected by a number of government departments limited the rise in the gap.

The deficit was far below the trillion-dollar shortfalls of 2009-2013 when government spending soared on efforts to rescue the finance and auto sectors in the economic crash while tax receipts sank.

Even if the 2016 deficit came in under forecasts, slower-than-expected economic growth over the past year meant that the ratio of debt to gross economic product -- which measures the weight of debt on the economy -- jumped to 3.2 percent from 2.5 percent in fiscal 2015.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a statement that the deficit would have been smaller if business tax cuts instituted by Congress in late 2015 had been counterbalanced by measures to boost government income.

"The Obama administration's agenda has spurred durable economic growth and the longest streak of job growth on record, while sharply reducing the deficit to a sustainable level," he said.
In the last 24 hours, India reported 1,326 new Covid-19 cases and eight cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. ...


Its landlocked, in the middle of the dessert, and a near 10-hour drive from Silicon Valley. But that wont stop Phoenix from becoming the next big tech hub in America, as California grows crowded and more expensive, according to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.

As a mayor, you got to tell a company, like , we want you here, were going to roll out the red carpet, Stanton told Fortune magazines associate editor, Anne VanderMey, during a recent episode of Fortune Live. Stanton added that regulation is not always kind on tech companies, but in Phoenix, Stanton loves companies who want to come in and experiment using your roads or your infrastructure.

Uber, Yelp, and Shutterfly have recently opened offices in Phoenix, helping drive the number of tech jobs in the city up by 18.6% between 2010 and 2015.

The citys booming tech scene is also likely to attract other businesses to settle down in Phoenix.

Its all coming together at the right time, Stanton said, pointing toward to citys new light rail, university, and new office spaces.

Venture Capital firms have increasingly been making deals with startups in the Phoenix metro area. According to PitchBook, while 74 venture capital deals were made between 2009 to 2011 for a total $332 million invested, capital raised more than doubled to 145 deals with $834 million between 2012 to 2014.

Most of the funding is likely still coming from Silicon Valley--though some venture capital firms have already opened in or around Phoenix.

That includes DesertAngels, which has invested over $37 million since 2000, and Arizona Tech Investors, which has provided $12.25 million in funding since 2007.

See original article on Fortune.com

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Several local companies successful in Best of the Best awards

business
Updated: October 14, 2016

Finally, after months of planning, Ill be able to visit Dubai, UAE to deliver a talk on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

I hope you can come and join the Unleash Your Power to Prosper seminar thats happening on November 11-12 in various locations in Dubai.

Schedule of Sessions

November 11, 2016, Friday

1st Session : 10:00am-3:30pm

Venue: Hyatt Place, Rigga, Deira

2nd Session : 5:00pm-10:30pm

Venue: Business Village, Near Clock Tower, Deira

November 12, 2016 Saturday

3rd Session: 1:00pm-6:30pm

Venue: Hyatt Place, Rigga, Deira

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Topics and Speakers

Building a Solid Financial House

Learn about proper money management, how to secure your finances, and invest for your future. This talk will be given by Joey Tayaban. She is the Concierge Director at Truly Rich Club, and a Financial Advisor at Sunlife Financial of Canada-Philippines.

Insurance for OFW

Learn about the importance of life insurance, why OFWs need it, and how to get the right coverage. This talk will be given by Arman Vengco Felipe. He is a Financial Consultant at Nexus Insurance Brokers LLC.

Business Planning and Funding

Learn about entrepreneurship, how to find a good business idea, and how to plan and find the capital you need. This talk will be given by Fitz Villafuerte  yes, thats me. Moreover, Ill also be available for everyone who wants to discuss personal finance and investments.

Choosing Cooperatives and Online Business

Learn about alternative ways you can invest, especially through cooperatives and discovering the world of online businesses. This talk will be given by Burn Gutierrez, chairman of Angat Pilipinas Coalition for Financial Literacy and co-author of the Cyberpreneur Philippines book.

I really hope you can come and join us that day. I promise that it will be a great learning experience, and I dont know when it will happen again.

Finally, Id like to give thanks to Angat Pilipinas Coalition for Financial Literacy, OFW Usapang Piso, and Innovate Create Events FZE for organizing this seminar.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
With the Samoa Commercial Bank (S.C.B.) releasing their new loan scheme aimed at helping struggling families and farmers, many are rejoicing at the opportunity.

The loan scheme will allow familys who normally couldnt get a loan due to low or non-existing income being generated. It will go towards helping many people develop their crop businesses as well as their living standards.

One farmer in particular, Siaosi Tuitama, from the village of Faleasiu, is extremely happy with this great new scheme.

Aged 64, he admits that he has a large chunk of land but without any developing money, its useless to him.

All I know is that I am so very grateful to the S.C.B. for what they are trying to do for us farmers, he told the Village Voice.

Their initiative will definitely help us who struggle to make ends meet through the plantations we tend every day of our lives.

To tell you the truth, I have a lot of land but there isnt much I can do on it. I cant grow many crops because we dont have much money to do so.

The produce I have here in front of me is all I can afford to grow at times. From all the land I have, this is all the crops I get because most of the time, the soil doesnt have good enough quality.

Siaosi explained that money is needed for fertilizer to make the most of the land he has.

If you are wondering why we need money, its because we need to purchase fertilizer for the soil, he said.

When we do get money then it goes straight to things of top priority; Things like taking care of the family needs every day.

If you think of the cost of fertilizers these days, it costs two days worth of work with the money we are making. The way I see things, its not worth it.

And with the new initiative by S.C.B. much can now be done for Siaosis career as a farmer.

The problems I have mentioned are why I am so grateful to the new initiative by the S.C.B, he said.

The scheme they have come up with will in many ways help our farmers and those families who are really struggling here in Samoa. I know for sure that when I finally get the chance to apply for the loan scheme then it will definitely help me move closer to my dream.

The loan scheme will also help make Siaosis peanut farming dream come true.

My dream will come true thanks to the S.C.B, he said

I have always wanted to have a peanut plantation which will make great use of my plantation land at Faleasiu.

With that peanut plantation, I will be able to make so much money to help develop my family more. Thats the sort of help this bank is providing us struggling farmers.
The Carmelite Monastery in Vailima became a scene of love yesterday when Michael Malua Wulf and Mary Taoa Keil exchanged vows in holy matrimony. Family and friends filled the church to celebrate the perfect match. Emotions of joy emitted everywhere around the church as the new couple sealed the ceremony with a kiss.

Michael told the Sunday Samoan he is just happy they are finally making it official.

It is now a dream come true, since he saw her back in 2012.

We met in New Zealand, he said. We were attending separate universities back then. Mary was in A.U.T. and I was in Auckland University. The first time I saw her was at Subway when she was getting lunch. I saw her as I walked past.

Like every other couple, Michael and Mary went through their fair share of speed bumps, but nothing could ever prevent this moment of joy.

We have been together since 2012, the joyful groom recalled. From there we have been building our relationship for over four years now. When I finished university I had to come back and work so we had to spend one year apart."

Even though long distance was tough we stuck to it and remained strong. When she finished her courses she graduated and then came back and we were together again.

And with the blessing in the form of their daughter Emily, the couple knew it was time.

Last year we were blessed with our daughter Emily, Michael said. The love we had was really strong and we wanted to get married. I proposed to her before the big news was out that she was carrying."

This wedding was always our plan together and when baby came along we had to leave it till this year to finally become husband and wife.

Michael also explained his excitement to start a new journey with his new wife.

I proposed to her at Saletoga, he said. It was Valentines Day last year where we had a candle light dinner on the beach and I went down on one knee and tried to convince her to spend her life with me."

To us, with this finally becoming official, its amazing. We have been living together raising our baby and we are so excited that we can finally embark on this new adventure together.
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has assured the nation the government is working on a plan for more than 700 employees affected by the closure of the countrys biggest private employer, Yazaki Eds Samoa.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Tuilaepa said part of the plan involves looking for more opportunities for Samoans to take up work in Regional Seasonal Employment schemes with Australia and New Zealand.

He revealed that the government is preparing for negotiations with these nations to discuss the possibility of increasing Samoas quota on the schemes.

He made reference to the Carpenter scheme where seven local builders were recently recruited under the Canterbury post-earthquake rebuild to work in New Zealand for 12 months.

The Prime Minister said the closure of Yazaki has not come as a surprise to the government.

The closure of the business is something we have known about for some time, he said.

Samoa is not the only country affected by it."

There comes a time when the company sees that they can make more money in other countries and we cannot stop that."

But we should be thankful for the 25 years that the company has helped Samoa by offering employment to our people.

Tuilaepa said the situation where companies experiencing difficulties and shutting shop is not confined to Samoa. Its happening in other countries including New Zealand.

Tuilaepa said there are many other countries like China who can manufactureproducts at a cheaper price compared to Samoa. Thats why businesses targetthose markets because they want more revenue.

On Wednesday, Y.E.S. announced its closure informing workers and government about their decision.

Y.E.S. Branding Division Manager in Japan, Yoko Yamada, said the closure is due to the car manufacturing industry in Australia winding down.

Over the years,Yazaki has been supplying products to the Australian automotive market but the latest developments in the market there have hada knock on impact here, forcing the company to re-evaluate the viability of their operation in Samoa.

The demands of the market for shorter lead times and more flexibility coupled with the logistics connections to Samoa make it commercially un-viable to supply any other market for example U.S.A. or Japan from here, he said.

As a result we have been trying to identify other alternatives for this operation. Unfortunately we have not been able to identify anything viable and must therefore announce that we will phase out production operations in Samoa. Mr. Yamada said the company fully understands this is a difficult situation for their employees and their families. But they are committed to provide support where they can to make the transition smooth."

We intend to provide as much support for them as possible, he added. The 740 employees of Y.E.S. were informed about the decision.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepahad also met with representatives of the company.

Y.E.S. President, Craig ODonohue said the situation is difficult and the company does not know exactly when it will officially close.

I think you would understand that last Friday was the last production order for Ford Motor Cars in Australia and this is the start of what we are calling the winding down of Australian car operation. This is likely to continue in Australia until the end of 2017 but we have no idea exactly when.
Persistence has paid off for local Insurer Federal Pacific Insurance whose sister company Federal Insurance Timor (F.I.T) has been granted a General Insurance licence in one of the worlds newest nations, Timor Leste.

The company received final licensing approval from the Banco Central de Timor Leste (B.C.T.L) after a lengthy application process of close to five years.

It is only the second General Insurance Licence granted in that country.

Federal Insurance Timor S.A also becomes the second Samoan-backed company to set-up business in the countrys capital city of Dili.

Were very excited by the approval of our application as it has taken a great deal of effort and time  some 1000-plus hours of work, said Company Director Papaliitele Alan Hutchison.

We had a final inspection in mid-August and we were thrilled to receive the formal approval shortly thereafter, he said. Since then it has been full speed in the set-up of offices, staff training and various administration processes.

F.P.I would like to acknowledge the Central Bank of Samoa, in particular Governor Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari in her support and encouragement of FPI to make the investment  Faafetai Tele lava!. Timor staffed, Samoan managed The Company is fully Timorese staffed, something which Papaliitele said was part of the companys overall strategy.

We have a local team of very intelligent and talented Timorese - all of whom speak English, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia and Tetum, the indigenous language, Papalii said. As with our associated company (Pacific Holdings as agent Western Union in Timor Leste) local staff will spend the first few years working with and being trained by Pacific-based staff.

Perosi Sua from Federal Pacific Insurance (F.P.I) in Samoa currently heads the team in Dili.

General Manager of FPI, Namulauulu Sami Leota was effusive in his praise for Mrs. Sua.

Perosi has had a lot of experience in the Insurance business and we see this new role as a challenge she will rise to, he said. Ultimately this benefits F.P.I overall as the experience in Timor Leste will broaden her understanding of managing a new company in an environment different to Samoa.

As one of only two local insurers the company hopes to build on the relationships its associate company (Pacific Holdings) has built over the last 15 years of trading in Timor Leste.

We have been operational in Timor Leste for some time and weve seen the country grow from very turbulent times following the restoration of independence to a more steady society where people seek the rule of law and want protection of their assets, said Papaliitele.

Federal Insurance Timor will offer a range of Insurance products such as Material Damage, Business Interruption, Motor Vehicle, Contractors All Risk, Public Liability, Personal Accident and Marine Cargo.

Background

Federal Pacific Insurance was launched in Samoa in 1999. It is represented in four countries in the Asia/Pacific region and in London through their representative office.

The Company prides itself on its commitment to its customers and has played a significant part in insuring a wide variety of risks personal, commercial and government - throughout the Pacific region.

Federal Pacific Insurance has offices in: Samoa, Tonga, United Kingdom, Cook Islands and Timore Leste.
PR - The Customary Land Advisory Commission (C.L.A.C) has been conducting public awareness consultations around Savaii last week.

The consultation highlighted the work of C.L.A.C, its legal responsibilities and the issue of utilising Customary Land for economic returns that benefit, extended families, villages, Churches and the Country as a whole. These consultations utilise the recently launched Consultation and Communications Strategy funded by the Asian Development Bank.

C.L.A.C was established by law in 2013 for a seven year period with the following legal mandate:

 To recommend to Cabinet suggested measures for the facilitation, encouragement and promotion of the economic use of customary land in Samoa;

 In accordance with references made to it by Cabinet, to conduct public consultations on areas of law affecting customary land considered to be in need of reform, and report its recommendations for reform to Cabinet;

 To consult with and advise the public and any specific sectors of the community about its work;

 To review all laws affecting customary land in Samoa and make recommendations to Cabinet for changes to such laws where such are necessary for the facilitation, encouragement and promotion of the economic use of customary land;

 To carry out any other function given to it under this Act or any other Act.

C.L.A.C is currently composed of 3 Commissioners and a Secretariat Office. The Commissioners are:

 Seamalepua Oloialii Ailuai (Chair of the Commission)

 Alaifea Lauititi Belford

 Tusani IosefatuReti

The Secretariat is led by Tuloa Fetufou Aiono and a supporting team of two seconded from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. Further assistance is provided by the Asian Development Bank via the Project Manager for the Technical Assistance.

C.L.A.C was established under the recommendation of the Technical Assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank via the Greater Economic Use of Customary Land project. This project started in 2005 and will be completed in mid-2017.

The fundamental aim of the project is to promote the economic use of customary land for the benefit of customary land owners. The leasing of Customary Land is one avenue for utilizing customary land for economic benefits. The leasing of Customary Land is not new. The foundation of the leasing process is provided for in the Alienation of Customary Land Act 1965.

Benefits of Leasing out Customary Land

The benefits for customary land owners can be highlighted by the former Warwick Lease in Vavau. The customary land owners received about 87 thousand tala a year for the land alone.

A certain percentage amounting to about 8 thousand a year was allocated to the villages collective fund to be used for the maintenance of Churches, and schools buildings and other activities.

The allocation of a percentage of the lease to the village allowed the by-in from the whole village for the project and not just the families whose land were being leased. Furthermore people were being employed as grounds people providing them with employment in the rural areas.

Further Consultations

The next round of consultations for Upolu are provided below together with Radio outreach programs over the next two months.
The government has moved to assess the environmental impact of its multi-million-tala proposed wharf at the Vaiusu Bay.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) has begun the Environment Impact Assessment (E.I.A), according to the M.N.R.Es Chief Executive Officer, Suluimalo Amataga Penaia.

The master plan for the wharf is completed but we are now working on our E.I.A., he told the Sunday Samoan. The Board has already made its decision on the master plan.

They believe it is suitable for the location in Vaiusu, especially the capacity to allow for the docking of Cruise Ships. The feasibility study has also been done.

According to Suluimalo, they want to protect the environment as much as possible.

Our concern is the environment and that is why we had advised not to bury the mangroves but a road will be constructed to head to the wharf...we are working on the E.I.A. at the moment.

A Technical Assistant Report on the Ports Development Master Plan from A.D.B. dated April 2015 says that an improved port infrastructure will improve connectivity and boost economic development and poverty reduction.

The report points out that Samoa is at risk from the effect of climate change and geophysical hazards, which will affect maritime transport infrastructure.

A 2010 World Bank study estimated the present economic value of damage through 2050 resulting from climate change in the absence of additional adaptive measures to be US$104 million to US$212 million over the same period in Samoa, says the A.D.B. report.

A study conducted by the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility (P.R.I.F) recommended that S.P.As financial position be improved by (i) reducing its debt through a short-term subsidy from the government and sale of nonrevenue-generating assets, (ii) reviewing tariffs through benchmarking against other Pacific ports and adjusting container storage charges, (iii) recommending reforms to enable full private sector participation in port services, (iv) increasing land and property rentals, (v) reducing fixed and variable costs through organizational restructuring, and (vi) preparing a ports master plan.

According to the report, operating revenue from the newly constructed assets do not cover direct operating expenses and debt finance repayments.

S.P.As consolidated financial results in 2012 reported a loss of ST2.28 million with a turnover of SAT$12 million, the report says.

The government has also identified as a priority the development of a proposed new port at a green-field site at Vaiusu Bay. The government has also entered into preliminary agreements with private tuna processing companies to occupy the existing container yard and warehouse space at Matautu Port for tuna loining.

The construction of new tuna processing plants will limit the container yard space, which could impact the ports container throughput and port productivity. Moreover, the introduction of tuna processing could lead to berth congestion, as fishing vessels occupy the ports berthing facilities to discharge their catch.

The Technical Assistance from A.D.B. is estimated to cost US$550,000, of which US$500,000 will be financed on a grant basis by A.D.Bs Technical Assistance Special Fund (T.A.S.F).

The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office accommodation, and other in-kind contributions.
Roads that used to go somewhere can be beautiful in their solitude.Take Mussey Grade Road, today a stub-end country byway that runs 5 miles south from state Route 67 in Ramona. Before World War II, it was one of the main routes from Lakeside to Ramona.

What cut off Mussey Grade Road was the San Vicente Reservoir, where the city of San Diego started dam construction in 1941.

Today, through much of its length, its a relic of a main highway from the 1920s and 1930s where can drivers cruise its meandering, mostly traffic-free route. Narrow, concrete pavement with frequent expansion joints that create an almost musical thump-thump-thump against the tires. Side streets, private and mostly unpaved, head off into adjacent canyons and hills, with rows of old mailboxes at the corners.

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What brought me to Mussey Grade Road was an unsuccessful attempt to visit San Vicente Reservoir. The lake reopened last month following a six-year closure to increase the lakes storage capacity by raising the dam by 117 feet. Turns out, entry to the facility is rather complicated. The city of San Diego, owner of San Vicente, has a system of charging entry and it limits the number of visitors every day. Check the website for information.

I still wanted to give this weeks test vehicle, a Volkswagen Beetle Dune, some twisting-road exercise and to at least see the lake. So, I headed up Route 67 to a viewpoint that wasnt on lake property: the end of Mussey Grade Road. Between a narrow break in the hills, there it was: a blue-water view of San Vicente.

The Beetle and its driver had an enjoyable time on the mostly gentle curves of Mussey Grade Road. Volkswagen says the Dune was inspired by classic Baja Bugs and has a slightly raised ride height (0.4 inches), fatter fenders and special trim. It is sold as a coupe or convertible in Sandstorm Yellow metallic paint with pricing of about $26,760 with a few extras. The gold paint generated lots of looks on the highway.

VWs addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gave me a chance to test CarPlay with my iPhone. I used the touchscreen to access Apples Maps app and typed in San Vicente Reservoir, as the Siri interface couldnt recognize the name. It smoothly guided me to the front gate.

My plan for the day was to grab a sandwich, then enjoy it at the lake. That didnt work out at San Vicente, but I did stop at the beautiful, 78-acre Dos Picos County Park, just south of Route 67. It offers picnic and family activity areas, camping and cabins.

One of these days Ill really get to San Vicente. In the meantime, I hope Mussey Grade Road never changes.

Brandais is a San Diego freelance writer. Contact him through his website, joyride.guru.
North Countys next big beach restoration effort is finally coming into focus.

A 50-year sand-replenishment project for Solana Beach and Encinitas is among dozens of projects nationwide in the federal Water Resources Development Act expected to be signed by the president in December.

(Its) huge news for us, Solana Beach City Manager Greg Wade said Friday. Its been a long time coming.

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The bill authorizes more than $87 million for the North County project, which will conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to cost about $165 million over the next five decades. Encinitas and Solana Beach signed off on the plan a year ago, and have agreed to share a portion of the costs with the federal and state governments.

Sand replenishment is just one of the tools that the California Coastal Commission is asking all coastal cities to consider as a way to adapt to rising sea levels.

Sediment is natures protection resource, David Revell, a Santa Cruz-based coastal scientist and consultant, said this week at a meeting in Carlsbad to discuss sea-level rise. Revell has worked with Carlsbad, Imperial Beach, Goleta and other cities to plan strategies for adapting to the changing coastline.

Compounding the problem of rising sea levels, coastal and upstream development has stopped the natural flow of sand and sediment to the beaches. At the same time, people have built homes, roads and other structures near beaches and bluffs, and now they want to stop the natural erosion that slowly pushes beaches inland.

Sand is better than seawalls, rock revetments or other methods of armoring the coast against erosion, Revell said. Barriers like seawalls allow the beach to continue to erode, becoming narrower and steeper until the sand completely disappears.

But sand replenishment is always costly, he said, and a single powerful storm combined with high tides can eat up large chunks of a beach in a matter of hours.

The last large sand restoration effort in San Diego County was the $28.5 million regional project led by the San Diego Association of Governments, SANDAG, in 2012. That four-month project placed a total of 1.5 million cubic yards of sand on eight beaches, from Imperial Beach to Oceanside. Each city involved and the state Department of Boating and Waterways paid a share of the costs.

We still see significant benefits from the one in 2012, Solana Beach Mayor David Zito said Friday.

The approved Corps of Engineers project is a significant milestone, Zito said, although the city must continue to seek funding for the restoration work ahead. So far the citys biggest contribution has been staff time.

Studies show the mean sea level along the San Diego County coast is expected to rise about 2 feet by 2050, and more than 6 feet by 2100. After that, authorities say, the water probably will continue to rise.

The best long-term solution, Revell said, is a managed retreat from the advancing coastline that allows beaches to return to their natural state.

Theres a lot of ways to do retreat, he said, adding that its not always expensive. For example, cities could purchase coastal properties and then lease those properties out until the costs are recovered, then move or destroy the structures. Or buildings can be moved gradually away from the edge of the bluffs.

All coastal cities need to develop a strategy for dealing with sea level rise, Revell said. The best strategies will involve a combination of tactics such as seawalls, sand replenishment, and managed retreat.

Cities must work with each other and with county governments, the state parks department, utility companies and other agencies to solve the problem, he said.

The Water Resources Development Act working its way through Congress is a bipartisan measure that directs billions of dollars to projects that address the needs of harbors, locks, dams, flood protection and other resources across the United States.

Its my hope we can bring much-needed relief to Solana Beach and Encinitas coastlines that have been need of repair and sand replenishment for years, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, said in a recent news release. Erosion has eaten away at many of the beaches along our coast, which can hamper our local b each economis and present significant risks to residents and the community.

The Solana Beach and Encinitas project has been planned for more than 15 years. Once it gets underway, probably in about two more years, sand will be dredged from offshore sites to widen beaches by a total of about 35 acres along the coast of the two cities.

The beach in Encinitas will be initially get 340,000 cubic yards of sand, enough to widen it by 50 feet for a distance of 7,800 feet. After the initial deposit, Encinitas would get another 220,000 cubic yards every five years.

Solana Beach will initially get 700,000 cubic yards, enough to widen the beach by 150 feet for a distance of 7,200 feet along the shore. That beach would be replenished with 290,000 cubic yards more every 10 years.

Twitter: @phildiehl
The sun and sky remain constant above the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, immune to time.

But the earth, the very ground where Kumeyaay families made their homes for thousands of years before giving way to Spanish missionaries and American ranchers, is not so fortunate. In this place and time, it is a shelter to secrets of history, unexcavated clues to the way things were.

So it is that researchers and other seekers are drawn to this protected valley dividing the northern suburbs of Mira Mesa and Rancho Penasquitos like they were Saturday, when hundreds turned out to celebrate International Archaeology Day.

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We are promoting awareness for archaeology, said Marla Mealy of the San Diego County Archaeological Society, which hosted the event dubbed Arch at the Park. Our mission is to educate the public and encourage preservation of cultural resources in San Diego County.

Mealy, who works as a California State Parks archaeologist, said Arch in the Park is an opportunity to show people the benefits of examining earlier cultures.

We have to know what happened in the past to understand ourselves in the future, she said. If we dont know where we came from, its hard to understand who we are.

About two dozen universities, nonprofit groups and environmental consulting firms sponsored informational booths and exhibits as part of the daylong observance.

Stephanie Vader took a stab at basket weaving, the centuries-old art so critical to Native American life.

Were gaining some appreciation for being able to purchase things to hold our food in from a store, said Vader, a mother of two young girls whose straw-and-reed creation was just taking shape. Its kind of fun.

The archaeological society raffled off baskets of books and crafts every half hour as part of its annual fundraising.

Just outside the courtyard of the historic Los Penasquitos Adobe Ranch House, erected in 1823 by Capt. Francisco Maria Ruiz, a Kumeyaay Indian told stories about life during centuries past.

At another table, archaeologist Kurt McLean was kneading and hydrating mounds of clay.

I was fortunate enough to learn from one of the best in the Paipai community, McLean said, referring to another band of Native Americans who made their homes in northern Mexico. I harken back to my teacher any time I see a pottery shard.

Cece Holm and Clarissa Dieck were staffing a booth hosted by San Diego State University.

The two graduate students were touting the importance of archaeology and anthropology, and talking about how the science relates to any human endeavor.

Its about understanding ourselves, Holm said. You can apply it to anything.

Dieck said attractions like Arch in the Park help expose more people to a discipline that does not always grab the attention and respect it deserves.

We are definitely under-funded and under-appreciated, she said. A lot of people dont think its important, so they focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

In addition to Saturday being International Archaeological Day, October is designated as archaeological month by colleges and universities across the country.

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Guitarist and composer Joel Harrison has made 15 albums since 1996 that deftly explore jazz, chamber music, free improvisation, Indian classical traditions and more. He is now on tour in support of his arresting 2015 album, Spirit House, which features Wayne Shorter band drum ace Brian Blade, former Pat Metheny Group trumpeter Cuong Vu and bassoonist Paul Hanson. This same lineup will accompany Harrison Monday at Dizzys, along with former San Diego bassist Jeff Denson. Together, theyll hone and expand Harrisons alternately elegant and earthy brand of post-modern aural impressionism.

Joel Harrison 5: 8 p.m. Monday. Dizzys (inside San Diego Jet Ski Rental), 4275 Mission Bay Drive, Pacific Beach. $20 (all ages). (858) 270-7467 or dizzysjazz.com

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Twitter @georgevarga

george.varga@sduniontribune.com
Leadership failures at the top of the Navys destroyer squadron in Singapore cascaded down to the commanders and crew of the San Diego-based littoral combat ship Fort Worth, triggering an easily preventable engine breakdown on Jan. 12 that cost $5.7 million to fix, according to a scathing internal report made public Friday.

The Fort Worths propulsion system went down after its crew failed to feed lube into the complicated gears connecting diesel engines to gas-powered turbines during a routine start-up test.

The Navy relieved the Fort Worths Cmdr. Michael Atwell on March 29, saying it had lost faith in his leadership abilities. The report cited other commanders for their failures.

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Release of that investigation was the second black eye Friday for the $35 billion littoral combat ship program, which has been dogged by cost overruns, maintenance troubles and command snafus for the past decade.

Twenty minutes before the Fort Worth report became available to journalists, Navy officials announced the firing of Cmdr. Michael Wohnhaas. He was skipper of another San Diego-based littoral ship, the Freedom, when its propulsion system suffered damage during war-games training on July 11 off of Southern Californias coast.

Although the investigation into that incident continues, both accidents were caused by a lack of procedural compliance due to poor leadership, according to dual statements issued by the Navy on Friday.

Atwells superiors at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One and Destroyer Squadron Seven shared some of the blame for the Fort Worth breakdown because they either missed or poorly executed chances to intervene before the vessel became disabled, according to the report.

The Navy addressed lingering concerns about these and other problems through administrative actions, according to a Pacific Fleet statement provided to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Navy declined to specify those actions or name the senior commanders involved.

But Capt. H.B. Le was the destroyer squadrons commodore at the time of the Fort Worth fiasco and Capt. Warren R. Buller II led the littoral combat ship squadron, according to Pentagon records and an enclosure attached to the 79-page report.

Although they knew the Fort Worths crew failed to complete predeployment certifications and showed substandard performance because of a lack of experience and expertise, the investigation said, they took little to no mitigating actions to fix the problems  mostly due to organizational issues in their own commands.

Clear, unambiguous command and control functions  who owns what, when  above the unit level (were) missing, the report stated.

The Navy also meted out administrative action to the Forth Worths executive officer, Cmdr. Spencer P. Austin, and its senior enlisted sailor, Command Master Chief Dayna S. Winn, alongside intensive instruction on issue resolution so that they can properly lead the crew, according to the report.

Other sailors, also unnamed in the report, received unspecified disciplinary actions.

Investigators found that the Forth Worths exhausted and frustrated crew felt rushed and overwhelmed when it took procedural shortcuts while starting up the engines on Jan. 12.

Starved of oil because of a misaligned lube system during a routine start-up test, the gears connecting the ships diesel and gas turbine engines began to overheat. A crucial component that allowed the parts to move  a bearing  became wiped, which means that its surface was scoured and scorched.

Investigators asked a key crew member to identify what a wiped bearing is, but the sailor had no clue.

Other unidentified sailors lacked integrity but displayed a great deal of complacency and overconfidence, the report said.

Long before the bearing burned out, the Fort Worths leadership repeatedly failed to uncover and fix the root causes of similar mechanical glitches, according to the investigation.

The ships engineering department exacerbated that problem with its lack of internal accountability and an atmosphere of informality, investigators determined.

The Fort Worth returned to San Diego last week from Singapore, after completing its repair process.

It joined the Freedom, which has been stuck in its home port since the July mechanical mishap during the international training event known as Rim of the Pacific.

Thursday evening, Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, senior commander of Naval Surface Forces in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets, relieved Cmdr. Wohnhaas of his duties aboard the Freedom.

The firing came amid an ongoing investigation into what caused seawater to flood into the Freedoms No. 2 main propulsion diesel engine.

The Navy takes leadership seriously, Navy spokesman Douglas Sayers said during a Friday telephone interview with the Union-Tribune. The foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of the sailors and their ship.

The Navy temporarily transferred Wohnhaas to the command headquarters of the Pacific Fleets Naval Surface Force in San Diego.

Capt. Matthew McGonigle, the deputy commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, assumed interim duties as the Freedoms commanding officer.

cprine@sduniontribune.com
This weekend, Im declaring a moratorium on electoral politics, which are beginning to remind me a lot of water polo. The most wicked shots are always underwater, out of sight, open to dispute over who kicked whom.

Frankly, Im sick and tired of thinking about which candidate is trumping the other in the dirty pool department. (Next week, expect another roundup of outrage.)

So its with a light step that I return to the traditional Sunday produce stand and set out a display of non-political roses and raspberries.

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A raspberry  the Coulrophobia award  to Poways Meadowbrook Middle School for carrying the fear of clowns to a sad extreme.

Just imagine the tears Red Skelton, one of Americas most beloved fools, would shed over this phobic conflation of clowns with terrorists and thugs.

By banning any and all clown costumes for this years Halloween festivities, the Poway school has, in my clownish opinion, overreacted to a mania of creepy sightings.

Bozo is not a terrorist. Ronald McDonald is not a murderous psychopath in white makeup and red hair.

OK, I get it. Malevolent clowns are a fad, a meme born of a morphing of the most lovable creatures in our culture to the most malevolent.

As shocking literary and cinematic devices, scary clowns work the nerves.

But ban clown costumes as symbols of terror?

Come on. Were smarter than this.

A far better approach would have been to inform children and parents that costumes, no matter what they are, must be worn with taste and good behavior.

Like pornography, educators should know when they see the line being crossed between fun and terror.

You can be a skeleton or a witch but be a nice person underneath the costume.

To decide that all clown outfits are out of bounds is to let the terrorists win, so to speak.

Without clowns, descendants of court fools and jesters, our cultural life would be diminished, not exactly a goal of liberal (in the broad academic sense of the word) education.

Id like to see a group of smart students declare Halloween a Take Back the Clowns Night and dress up accordingly.

Send the message that anyone who thinks clowns are symbols of terror are, well, bozos.

A rose  the Well, Well, Well award  to Ludvik and Veronica Grigoras, a dynamic couple who have turned Carlsbads near-legendary mineral water into a formidable brand in the highly competitive specialty water market.

Profiled by Union-Tribune reporter Phil Diehl, Ludvik and Veronica are living proof that for many people the story behind water is as important as the H2O itself. The narrative of Carlsbad Alkaline Water Co. is a doozy, beginning with the restoration of the Alt Karlsbad building on old Highway 101, the creation of a day spa, and a 510-feet-deep well that pumps out water the salutary effect of which customers, including Costco members, swear by.

Now that Carlsbad has its eponymous water, its high time another source of upscale Cbad water should be extracted not from deep within the earth but from the ocean.

The Claude Bud Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant is a mouthful to say but it, too, should be the source of a homegrown brand of bottled water.

Ive long thought theres a novelty market for desal water thats not only scrubbed of all impurities but is re-stocked with minerals to improve taste.

I suspect most bottled waters that tout their pristine origins taste no better than what gushes out of the tap. But the story behind water intrigues our taste buds.

Just imagine a blind taste test between Carlsbad Alkaline and Carlsbad Eau de Mer (Water of the Sea).

Id drink to that contest.

A bitter-sweet raspberry  the Houses Houses Everywhere award  to the cities of Oceanside and San Marcos for what appear to be major revisions of landmark development plans.

While the rage for reasonably priced housing is white-hot, its still depressing that these long-planned projects  OSides El Corazon and the Creek District in San Marcos  are suddenly being tweaked to make way for many more homes than envisioned.

You just have to wonder if there isnt a more creative solution.

Oceanside has other housing projects in the pipeline, according to Councilwoman Esther Sanchez. El Corazon was always envisioned as a heartland park area, not more suburban housing.

As for the Creek District, its an even more heartbreaking picture. This rips the heart out of the downtown plan, Mayor Jim Desmond lamented.

If San Marcos is ever to create a downtown south of state Route 78, it needs spaces that combine work and residential.

Like the East Village in San Diego, a more attractive setting for millennials could be the answer. Rows of houses? That may seem like the easy and profitable route now, but surely theres more fight among civic leaders to keep the vision of a multi-use district alive.

A rose  the Hometown Hero award  to Brit Bennett, author of the critically admired The Mothers, a coming-of-age novel set in Oceanside.

Just 25, Bennett has said that Oceansides diversity is what made it remarkable for her, the melding of the military and the beach cultures outside the African-American church community in which she grew up.

Bennett, a Stanford graduate, recalled in a U-T interview that as a little girl she used to check out books at the Mission branch of the public library.

Human diversity and books.

Two great gifts Oceanside offered and a remarkably talented young woman ate up.

logan.jenkins@sduniontribune.com
Its right there in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

That means, of course, that if a defendant in a felony case cant pay for a lawyer, one gets appointed and the public foots the bill. But can a defendant have both a private and a public lawyer at the same time?

Kettrell Berry does.

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Berry, a former administrator at a Kearny Mesa school for at-risk youth, was charged in 2012 with having a sexual relationship with a teenage student. He was convicted this summer of 11 charges, including unlawful sex with a minor.

Now awaiting sentencing, Berry has asked a judge to allow a private defense attorney to join the case, but only so the lawyer can examine whether there are grounds to file a new trial motion. A deputy public defender will continue to be his primary lawyer and will handle the sentencing if it goes forward on Nov. 10.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Charles Rogers allowed the situation last month, but he clearly wasnt happy about it.

Im not going to switch horses at this stage, Rogers said when the issue was raised in court. At first, the judge wanted Berry to choose whether he wanted to keep the lawyer who handled his trial, Deputy Public Defender Patrick McCoy, or go with a retained attorney, Dan Greene.

One of the things Im not going to do is have the case go down a maybe-this-lawyer, maybe-that-lawyer kind of path, the judge said.

Then later: This is a shell game that I dont like.

After some discussion, the judge changed his mind and permitted the public and private lawyers to represent Berry at the same time, partly to avoid any further delays in a case that has been pending for four years.

OK, fine. But why does Berry get a private lawyer AND a private one? Either hes indigent or he isnt  right?

Well, kind of.

Theres a provision that the county has where a person can be indigent for certain purposes, said Stacie Patterson, a private attorney who handles criminal cases in San Diego County.

She explained that a person might have money to retain a defense lawyer, but not necessarily for ancillary services, such as an investigator.

Julie Gibson, a supervising attorney in the Public Defenders Office, said defendants in jail at the time of arraignment are presumed to be indigent. Once they bail out, the court does not require them to show proof that they can or cannot afford an attorney on their own.

Defendants who are out of custody at the time of arraignment in Superior Court are required to fill out a financial declaration that asks for information about employment, taxes, income, expenses and child support.

The arraignment judge scrutinizes the forms pretty closely, Gibson said. On occasion, the court will determine that a person makes too much money to be represented by a public lawyer.

Its rare but it does happen, she said.

On the other hand, Gibson said, its fairly common for a defendant to start out with a private lawyer (as Berry did), then run out money later so a public lawyer is appointed. But thats different from Berrys current situation, in which he has both at once.

That, to me, is incredibly unusual, she said.

After that September hearing, Greene did not discuss how Berry was able to pay for his legal services, but he explained that defendants have a constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel at all stages of a criminal case.

He said it was unlikely that either he or the deputy public defender would have been able to research issues related to a new trial motion and prepare for the November sentencing without causing a major delay.

That should not be held against Mr. Berry, Greene said.

He had wanted to contact jurors in Berrys case to research a possible basis for a new trial motion. (One of the jurors was dismissed during deliberations after admitting bias).

On Friday, the judge denied Greenes request for access to sealed juror contact information but gave him and McCoy until the sentencing date to file documents or make oral arguments in support of a new trial motion.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

@danalittlefield
At a U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service office in Singapore, agents were ramping up their investigation into overbilling, bribery and fraud by one of Southeast Asias most prominent defense contractors.

It would become the largest fraud case in modern Navy history.

As agents submitted status reports on witnesses, wiretaps and other investigative leads into the agencys internal database, one of their colleagues who sat at a desk nearby secretly began to slip the information to the man at the center of the investigation, Fat Leonard Francis.

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The betrayal by NCIS Supervisory Agent John Beliveau II helped Francis stay one step ahead of investigators and continue his massive scheme to defraud the Navy. Until they got caught.

On Friday, Beliveau was sentenced in San Diego federal court to 12 years in prison. He decided it was best to be taken immediately into custody to begin serving his term.

He sold out his service and sold out his country, Assistant Chief Brian Young of the Department of Justices criminal divisions fraud section, told the judge during the hearing, using the mob term consigliere to describe Beliveau as Francis close adviser.

He did horrendous damage to this investigation.

Besides the prison term, Beliveau, 47, was ordered to pay $20 million in restitution, an amount to be shared by other defendants in the case.

Beliveau was the first in what is now a long line of defendants to plead guilty to taking bribes from Francis in exchange for sensitive information that benefited Francis and his Glenn Defense Marine Asia contracting company. The investigation also uncovered a nearly $35 million scheme to overbill the Navy for services that the company provided to visiting ships, such as security, supplies and trash removal.

The investigation has taken down 11 current and former Navy officers and employees, as well as five GDMA figures, including Francis. Other high ranking naval officers have been disciplined over their ties to the larger-than-life contractor, who was legendary in naval circles for years for plying overseas military men with prostitutes, booze and posh parties.

Most of the guilty were in similar logistics positions aboard Navy ships, and at Francis prompting provided him with ship schedules and other intelligence to help steer Navy contracts his way.

Beliveaus role was markedly different.

He had been working in Singapore since 2008, part of a team to help keep visiting Navy ships secure in the region. By the time he met Francis, he was recovering from several physical illnesses, recurring bouts of obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder from witnessing a gang member get beheaded in East Timor, and loneliness  vulnerabilities Francis preyed on, said Beliveaus defense attorney, Jessica Carmichael.

He was self-medicating with alcohol and prostitutes, and welcomed the attention of the wealthy and charismatic Francis, the lawyer said.

He needed a friend, and Leonard Francis exploited that. He needed a numbing agent, and Leonard Francis provided those, Carmichael told the court. He was weak, lonely, suffering from physical ailments and mental torture, and Francis knew it and he exploited it.

The bribery started after Francis invited Beliveau to dinner, where the contractor showed him a leaked NCIS report and asked for Beliveaus thoughts, Carmichael said.

According to sentencing papers, Beliveau said he didnt report the matter to his superiors, explaining: I felt attached to him. I told him to clean up his act and that this would minimize this risk.  I shouldve gone right to my boss but was afraid that the drinks and the prostitution would come out. Mainly, I just thought it would all go away, and I believed him when he said that he hadnt done anything.

Pretty soon Francis was asking Beliveau to retrieve confidential information on the investigations, and giving the agent more prostitutes, fancy hotel rooms and alcohol as a reward.

Prosecutors say beginning in 2011 Beliveau accessed the NCIS database 14 times looking for the files. In one month alone, he slipped Francis 80 reports.

The leak compromised identities of cooperating witnesses  including two low-level GDMA employees whod agreed to secretly record conversations in the office  as well as prompted real-time warnings about covert actions by agents, prosecutors said.

I have 30 reports for u, not good, ur girl in Thailand (messed) up and got caught on tape, Beliveau messaged Francis.

Revealing witness identities, as well as the identities of federal agents working on the investigation, put people at risk in a dangerous part of the world, Young said. Fortunately, Francis was not a violent person, he added.

On Dec. 14, 2012, Beliveau warned Francis to delete his Gmail account: indictments r coming Did u dump ur gmail?

Francis replied: cleaned it.

Luck would have it, Young said, that investigators had asked Google to preserve the email account right before it was deleted, saving evidence that was crucial to the prosecution.

Beliveaus role departed from just passing raw information; he also used his tradecraft and experience as an investigator to advise Francis how to react, prosecutors noted.

At one point, the NCIS case reports showed that investigators were on to one of Francis other leaks, Cmdr. Michael Misiewicz. Beliveau warned he could be a liability.

(Misiewicz) didnt delete anything for several years  he hurt you .. dont trust him and never email or text him and never speak on the phone with him  Sopranos. Trust me. Only in person and with noise and protect yourself against bugs. He is their leverage against you. Unless you have a life or death hold on him or will pay his retirement, you are vulnerable, Beliveau wrote Francis.

In another message, Beliveau called a fellow NCIS agent investigating Francis incompetent and tried to put Francis at ease: she better be able to prove it  and she cant. So she wil (sic) look stupid.

She and other agents did prove it.

Agents scrambled for damage control after learning of their internal leak and had to create a secret investigation walled off from the network. They posted a false memo in the database  planted for Beliveau  saying the case against Francis was closed.

Francis took the bait and felt comfortable enough to travel to the U.S. for what he thought was a business development meeting with Navy officials in San Diego on Sept. 16, 2013. He was arrested instead.

Beliveau was arrested the same day in Virginia, where he was living after having been promoted to director of the Quantico branch, and agents found what remained of Francis bribes: $6,200 in cash.

Mr. Beliveaus conduct cast a shadow over NCIS, but thats being kind. He cast more than a shadow, U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino said at the sentencing.

It is difficult to quantify the extent of damage and duration of harm on the agency, the judge said.

NCIS Director Andrew L. Traver, who was sworn into his position three weeks after Beliveaus arrest, described how Beliveau damaged the trust placed in NCIS around the world.

John Beliveaus negative impact on NCIS will last much longer than the memory of his name. Individuals may no longer choose to cooperate with NCIS, victims may choose not to come forward and law enforcement partners may second guess whether or not to share sensitive information with NCIS, he wrote in a letter to the judge.

Beliveaus defense lawyer, as well as Beliveaus doctor, asked the judge to consider the long history of mental illness as a mitigating factor in the case  not as an excuse for the criminal actions but as an explanation. His lawyer had recommended a sentence of 12 months home confinement.

While it did impact your judgment, nothing about it impacted your ability to differentiate right from wrong, the judge concluded.

Beliveau apologized to the court, his family and his former colleagues  about 20 of whom, including the NCIS director, sat in three rows in the courtroom Friday  and said his tale was a cautionary one he hoped other law enforcement learned from.

It is hard to convey the feelings of guilt and remorse, but, upon reflection, I can say that it has made me physically sick when I read about and recall what I did, he wrote in a letter to the judge. I also am ashamed for the embarrassment I caused to my former agency and the public trust that was granted to me.

Since his arrest, he has received counseling and has become a certified recovery specialist to help others struggling with substance abuse.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A group of people marched Friday night on El Cajon streets to protest the fatal police shooting on Sept. 27 of Alfred Olanga, an unarmed black man.

There were no reports of violence or arrests during the demonstration that lasted more than an hour. The protesters marched on Main Street and Mollison Avenue, chanting Olangos name, according to videos posted on social media. They also chanted, No justice, no peace. No racists police.

At one point, California Highway Patrol officers blocked the on- and off-ramps to Interstate 8 at Mollison Avenue while protesters walked past.

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Around 10 p.m., the protesters returned to the site of the shooting.

Olango, 38, was fatally shot behind a taco shop on Broadway near Mollison Avenue. His sister had called police and said Olango was not acting like himself. Others called 911 to report a man was walking into traffic.

Two officers found Olango behind the Los Panchos taco shop, where Olango pulled a shiny object from his pants pocket and took what police called a shooting stance. Videos released by authorities show him pointing the object at Officer Richard Gonsalves, who fatally shot him. Officer Josh McDaniel shot him with a Taser.

The object in Olangos hands turned out to be an L-shaped vaping device with a silver cylinder.

Days of protests and vigils followed Olangos death, as the public demanded accountability and transparency from the El Cajon Police Department.

On Wednesday, Olangos family joined with the Rev. Al Sharpton in South Los Angeles to demand the U.S. Department of Justice investigate Olangos shooting.

The District Attorneys Office and the FBI are investigating the shooting.

El Cajon Shooting On Now Dumanis rules El Cajon police shooting of Alfred Olango justified 2:09 On Now Justice for Alfred Olango 1:33 On Now Video: Protests in the weeks following Olango shooting 1:43 On Now El Cajon City Council Meeting 10.11.2016 1:49 On Now Protest still present after El Cajon Shooting 2:49 On Now Video: Faith leaders, demonstrators rally in El Cajon 3:32 On Now Video: Rally after El Cajon shooting 1:45 On Now Video: Prayer vigil draws crowd in El Cajon 1:12 On Now RAW: Full video of Alfred Olango officer involved shooting 1:46 On Now Angry crowd grows after man is shot by police in El Cajon 1:15

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten once suggested that Lincoln High School is a microcosm for the nations education system.

If we can fix public education at Lincoln, we can fix it in America, Marten said.

That was two years ago. The question of how to save Lincoln has been raised again, this time in the school board race to represent the troubled campus and the southeastern stretches of sub-District E.

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Retired educator Sharon Whitehurst-Payne was appointed in February by the school board as interim trustee. She replaced Marne Foster, who was was forced to resign amid allegations that she abused her office for personal gain, and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor violation of the Political Reform Act.

Whitehurst-Payne, 65, beat out legislative aide and education advocate LaShae Collins, 35, for the temporary spot on the board.

The candidates have common goals, especially when it comes to giving sub-District E students access to rigorous classes, the arts and technology. But each approaches the work through a different lens  based on from their backgrounds and leadership style.

Whitehurst-Payne spent 44 years working as a teacher and administrator for San Diego Unified, and has forged deep relationships in its communities and education institutions. She touts her knowledge of the school system and attributes her drive to set goals and measure results to her time teaching math.

Collins, an adjunct professor of Africana Studies at San Diego State University, attended school in sub-District E and graduated from Lincoln. Her daughters attend a nearby charter school. Collins supports efforts to improve school accountability and statewide and said she is not afraid to go against California Teachers Association.

Its been more than a decade since Whitehurst-Payne lost a bid for school board in 2004 to Shelia Jackson, and she feels especially prepared for the job this time.

I more clearly understand what the board is trying to do, Whitehurst-Payne said. I understand what they are accomplishing, and how difficult it has been to do this work when it comes to (new) graduation requirements and equity.

When it comes to Lincoln, Whitehurst-Payne supports the middle college program, now in its second year. Hoping to win back families that have abandoned Lincoln the district offers students community college courses on campus.

The middle college took on changes to the surprise of students and parents who didnt learn about them until school started in August. Lincoln cut most college courses due to low enrollment, which officials said reflects a need to better prepare them for the rigorous classes. Lincoln has also shifted to four-course daily schedules that officials hope would allow students to enroll in college courses during the school day rather than after hours.

Whitehurst-Payne has dismissed concerns that the program is struggling.

My take on the middle college and the new four-by-four schedule is that they represent a change, and people resist change all the time, she said. Its a different experience than what the parents had. People need to give it a chance.

A former teacher at the School of Education at Cal State San Marcos, Whitehurst-Payne said the need to expand college access and internships extends beyond Lincoln.

Since her appointment, Whitehurst-Payne has spent time in classrooms throughout sub-District E. She fears Lincoln steals attention from Crawford High School and others. She said in recent months she has helped Crawfords innovation center for online courses, as well as efforts to step up music classes.

Collins also supports the middle college, but said the surprise changes made to the program underscore communication problems in the district and the need to bolster parent engagement. She would like Lincoln to establish a pact that guarantees admission to a California State University campus to qualified graduates.

For Collins, who comes from a long line of Lincoln High alums, fixing the iconic school is personal. She and her husband have yet to decide if they will grant their seventh-grade daughters request to attend Lincoln.

In addition to figuring out how to keep students enrolled in college classes, Collins said the district needs to beef up arts and engineering courses that are crucial to its billing as a STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math) program.

The district has to understand what that community needs and how to engage families, said Collins, adding that to do that the superintendent needs to make more appearances in sub-District E and be more responsive to the community.

Both of Collins children attend a well-regarded charter school near Lincoln. She wants San Diego Unified to borrow successful initiatives from charters might help Lincoln and other schools in San Diego Unified.

Collins said the district would benefit from her work on state education issues for State Assemblywoman Shirley Weber. She supported a bill sponsored by Weber, which was vetoed in September, that would have increased the emphasis on test scores for identifying low-performing schools.

She is also pushing for the district to shine a brighter light on its $1.2 billion operating budget, which she has criticized as an unnecessarily complicated and vague document that reveals little details about spending.

How do you know if there is equity if you dont know where the money is being spent? she said.

Although Collins supports many of San Diego Unifieds policies and initiatives, she has criticized trustees for becoming a rubber-stamp board, one that sees fresh eyes and dissenting voices as a threat to the districts vision and unity.

I know this community, I live and breathe it, Collins said. The community does not want a rubber stamp board, they want fresh eyes and questions.

Even without the boards appointment, Collins got 60 percent of the ballots cast in the June primary election, which was open only to District E voters. Whitehurst-Payne said she did not campaign for that election, and instead has saved her energy and resources for the November run-off.

That was a strategic decision. I knew we would both get on the ballot, said Payne, 65. My focus was on getting out to the schools.

The Nov. 8 contest is open to all voters in San Diego Unified. The district-wide election historically draws significant campaign donations from the teachers union, charter school advocates and business groups.

The California Charter Schools Association, the San Diego Democratic Party and are among Collins supporters, as is her boss and former San Diego school board President.

Whitehurst-Payne won endorsements from the San Diego Education Association, the San Diego Labor Council, and the local chapter of the California School Employees Association.

The five-member board steers Californias second-largest school district and a $1.2 billion operating budget. The district educates some 100,000 students in its schools, and employees 6,000 teachers.
If California voters choose to legalize marijuana in November, that vote may not affect all of Californias residents in the same way.

Non-citizens, green-card holders and undocumented immigrants alike may still face consequences for using marijuana  including not being allowed to become citizens, getting deported or not being allowed back in the country if they leave.

In general, in states where marijuana consumption has been legalized, its really legal with a big asterisk next to it for non-citizens, said Jennifer Casey, an immigration attorney in Denver. Ultimately, the way I advise my clients, unless you are a U.S. citizen, you should not be consuming marijuana, selling marijuana, buying marijuana or distributing it because the risks are just too great.

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Close to 13 percent of San Diego County residents are non-citizens, and about 14 percent of Californias residents are non-citizens, according to U.S. Census data. This is much higher than the U.S. as a whole, where about seven percent of residents are non-citizens. In Colorado, where marijuana is already legalized, non-citizens make up about six percent of the population.

Casey said until federal law catches up to state law, non-citizens could be barred from the U.S. for life for doing something that is legal in their state.

Where we see this the most is when we have green-card holders that are trying to do one of two things: travel outside US and try to come back in or want to naturalize and become US citizens, Casey said.

She said a green-card holder leaving the country on vacation could be permanently banned from coming back if a Customs and Border Protection officer thinks that the immigrant used marijuana here. No conviction is necessary.

Oh, I see youre from Colorado or Washington. You smoke any weed while youre there? Casey said, imitating an interview at the border. Most green-card holders will say yes because they think theyre safe. It renders them inadmissible to the United States, and theres no waiver. Theyre done.

San Diego-based immigration attorney Jan Bejar said the discrepancy arises because marijuana is still a crime at the federal level. He said the federal government has chosen not to allocate funds for criminal prosecutions relating to marijuana in states that have legalized it, but the federal government still thinks of dispensaries  medical or otherwise  as illegal drug trafficking. Since immigration cases are considered civil cases, the funding restriction on criminal prosecutions does not apply.

Bejar said since marijuana became medically legal in California, hes had to advise clients not to work in dispensaries because even doing low-level work at one could be considered helping with drug trafficking.

In the Immigration and Naturalization Act (the main law that governs immigration in the U.S.), drug trafficking is considered an aggravated felony, a class of crimes that are a deportation priority for the Department of Homeland Security.

On top of that, Bejar said, if that dispensary worker has a spouse or child outside the country that the worker would like to sponsor for visas to come here, the relatives would also not be allowed in because they were supported by money obtained through drug trafficking.

Bejar emphasized that in order for the worker or family members to be barred from the country, the worker does not have to be convicted of drug trafficking in a criminal court. If an immigration official has reason to believe that the worker has done something that amounts to drug trafficking, that is enough.

Carrie Rosenbaum, who teaches immigration law at Golden Gate University School of Law, said non-citizens hoping to come to the U.S. temporarily as tourists (or on work or student visas) could also be turned back at the border if customs officers think theyve used or otherwise handled marijuana. She said even those who are traveling with a spouse or children who are U.S. citizens could be denied entry.

Rosenbaum said she thinks legalization would be a step in the right direction for criminal justice reform, but it would require a federal change in law for the reform to benefit non-citizens.

Theres a false impression that theres an equality with respect to the way that non-citizens and citizens experience the criminal justice system itself, Rosenbaum said.

Violeta Chapin, a law professor at the University of Colorado Law School, said the biggest issue shed seen for immigrants in Colorado since legalization had to do with plea deals. The only drug offense that generally doesnt result in deportation proceedings is if the person was in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for strictly personal use.

In the past, criminal defense lawyers could arrange for their immigrant clients who were caught with other types of controlled substances to make a plea bargain with prosecutors, she said. The client would plead guilty to marijuana possession instead, which meant the client would be penalized without getting deported.

She said now that a person cant be charged with marijuana possession at the Colorado state level, there is no safe plea for immigrants.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
The state judicial discipline agency has charged San Diego Superior Court Judge Gary Kreep with misconduct stemming from his 2012 campaign win, as well as for a series of remarks he has made while on the bench about women and the racial and ethnic background of others.

The formal charges issued publicly Friday by the Commission on Judicial Performance accuse Kreep of willful misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and improper action.

The commission charges include allegations that Kreep made a string of inappropriate comments to lawyers, litigants and court staff while on the bench, including some aimed at women attorneys with the county Public Defenders Office and San Diego City Attorneys Office.

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In 2013, for example, the commission said that while Kreep was discussing a prostitution case with a city lawyer, Deputy City Attorney Karolyn Westfall entered the courtroom.

Speaking of prostitution, heres Ms. Westfall, he said.

The commission also said he misrepresented his role in three organizations on his 2012 campaign website and violated judicial rules by engaging in political campaigning for a non-judicial office when he solicited support and money opposing President Barack Obamas re-election.

Kreep, a conservative lawyer who was a leader in the birther movement against Obama before his election to an open seat on the local bench in June 2012, has until Oct. 27 to answer the charges.

The commission said it will hold a formal hearing on the charges, in which testimony and evidence will be presented.

Its rare for the judicial commission to issue formal proceedings notices to judges. Last year only three such hearings were conducted out of 1,245 complaints filed.

Kreep did not respond Friday to an email request sent to his downtown San Diego courtroom. His lawyer, James A. Murphy of San Diego, also did not respond to a request to comment on the list of charges.

Kreep was a longtime conservative legal activist when he decided to run for judge in February 2012. His past included working on cases challenging same-sex marriage, anti-abortion cases and, most infamously, whether Obama was born a U.S. citizen.

He did not promote that work while running for judge, instead styling himself as an outsider and constitutional law expert.

The charges from the commission say that Kreeps campaign website falsely said he was the president of the Family Values Coalition and president of two Political Action Committees.

Kreep was also the executive director of the United State Justice Foundation, a Ramona-based organization he founded. The commission charged that in May 2012, when he was a judicial candidate, Kreep signed and sent fundraising letters from the group opposing Obamas re-election. A second letter From the Desk of Gary Kreep was sent in June 2012.

Judicial canons, or ethics rules, prohibit judges and judicial candidates from endorsing or opposing candidates for office. Kreep was also charged with improperly spending $41,796 from his personal bank account on the race and not initially reporting slate mailer expenses, a mistake he later corrected.

Both those campaign violations were also investigated by the state Fair Political Practices Commission, which fined Kreep $6,000 in 2015.

The bulk of the complaint deals with Kreeps actions on the bench. In January 2013, he asked Deputy Public Defender Leticia Hernandez if she was a citizen of Mexico.

When she said she was a U.S. citizen, Kreep replied, I wasnt planning on having you deported, according to an excerpt of the court transcript in the complaint.

In a prostitution case on July 12, 2013, Kreep asked the female defendant during her guilty plea about being a prostitute, and if there was anything he could do to get you out of the life.

When the woman spoke about her plans for the future, the commission said Kreep responded, Are you going to try to get a job at the Bunny Ranch in Nevada? That referred to a well-known legal brothel in that state.

Those comments and more than a dozen others detailed in the complaint are alleged to have violated rules against judicial decorum, and the comments to and about the women violated rules against sexual harassment.

In September 2013, the City Attorneys Office boycotted Kreeps courtroom, a move that led to his transfer to traffic court for a while. At the time, City Attorney Jan Goldsmith did not explain the reason for the action, but some defense lawyers said they believed it was because Kreep did not go along with how they wanted some misdemeanor cases handled.

The commission complaint details that some city lawyers were the subject of Kreeps commentary, which sheds more light on what may have prompted the boycott.

On the day the boycott went into effect, the commission said, Kreep told a group of public defenders to warn one of their colleagues that she should watch out, because if theyre coming for me theyre likely coming for her also, the complaint says.

The state judicial commission typically receives about 1,200 complaints about judges annually, disposing of 90 percent of them without any discipline. Of the 1,245 complaints last year, 41 resulted in some kind of discipline. Of those, 37 were disciplined privately, via a letter of admonishment.

Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
In the same week witnesses in a federal corruption trial testified that a Mexican tycoon illegally tried to help District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis become San Diego mayor, one of her top deputies signed contracts to feature his boss in thousands of public-service announcements.

The 30-second television spots, which began airing in August on six different networks, are part of a multiyear effort to reduce fraud in the automobile insurance cases and in workers compensation claims.

The latest round of consumer advisories happened to land at the same time Dumanis was making headlines for another reason  she was called to testify in the criminal trial against Mexican billionaire Jose Susumo Azano Matsura.

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Azano last month was found guilty on 36 counts of illegally funneling more than $500,000 into the 2012 San Diego mayoral campaign, including Dumanis unsuccessful effort. Foreign nationals are not permitted to fund U.S. elections.

The commercials touting Dumanis anti-fraud efforts cost $160,000. They were to be shown almost four times as often as last year.

A spokeswoman for the District Attorneys Office said the promotional campaign has nothing to do with boosting Dumanis image, saying San Diego County has one of the most successful workers compensation fraud programs in the state due in large part to such outreach efforts.

The goal is to educate the public about the problem and how to respond when they see it, spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said. Once or twice a year, contracts for public service announcements are negotiated months in advance of when the message hit the airwaves.

Documents obtained by U-T Watchdog under the California Public Records Act show the District Attorneys Office reached contract terms with the local CBS, NBC, CW and Fox affiliates as well as KUSI television and Cox Media as early as March.

The deals were then signed in early August, by which time Dumanis had become the subject of news reports about her being called to testify in the Azano trial.

Please proceed with the PSAs as listed in your attachment, Dominic Dugo, the district attorneys division chief for insurance fraud, wrote to CBS 8 on Aug. 3. Karl please process payment with $15,000 to (workers compensation fund) and $5,000 to (auto-insurance fraud fund).

In an interview, Dugo said the timing of the TV contracts had nothing to do with the Azano trial publicity. Rather, he said they were signed in August because he had been waiting for approval from the California Department of Insurance, which funds the campaign.

It was my decision, he said. There was no discussion about that (trial).

Dugo also said he was able to negotiate lower rates than what stations normally charge, and even arranged for some of the messages to be broadcast free of charge.

The District Attorneys Office received more than $5 million from the state to fight workers compensation and automobile insurance fraud this year.

The Department of Insurance program, which includes money for prosecutors, investigators and public outreach, has been criticized because it is funded by companies that benefit from enhanced government oversight and because the costs are passed on to consumers

The television spots feature Dumanis warning San Diego County residents not to cheat on car-insurance or work-related injury claims  two crimes Dugo said are regularly committed by people who might otherwise never consider breaking the law.

Under previous grants, the District Attorneys Office invested the outreach money in everything from billboards and internet radio to posters and TV spots.

Last year, the office purchased 1,700 televised public service announcements that aired on 14 networks between September and December. This year, Dugo said, he decided to concentrate on television and contracted for 6,000 PSAs.

Im just going with the big ones this year  TV, billboards and bus and trolleys, he said. Its less time and more effective.

According to the state Department of Insurance, there are no guidelines prohibiting elected officials from featuring themselves in the taxpayer-funded public service announcements.

Each county is to determine the most appropriate medium(s) and messages to reach their audience, spokeswoman Nancy Kincaid said. The San Diego DAs office has participated in this outreach effort for many years.

San Diego State University political science professor Brian Adams said politicians like to feature themselves in public-awareness campaigns.

It happens all the time but its impossible to prove that officials are doing it to boost their image, as opposed to providing a real public service, he said.

Carl Luna, a Mesa College political scientist who also directs the Institute for Civil Civic Engagement at the University of San Diego, said such efforts can be justified as reasonable taxpayer expenses. But launching the 2016 campaign at the same time Dumanis was in the news for testifying in a public-corruption trial was questionable, he said.

While there is no direct evidence the PSAs were released now for political purposes, the timing of both the ads themselves and the ad buys allows such allegations to be made, further obscuring the underlying message. Luna said.

The latest television spots are scheduled to run through the end of the year. Azano is due to be sentenced Dec. 12.

(619) 293-1708 jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com @sdutMcDonald
For many decades, law enforcement across the United States has enjoyed broad goodwill, but there have been exceptions. African-American communities in cities large and small consider police brutality and harassment a fact of life. Yet for the most part, law enforcement officers have always been highly valued for their courage in defense of public safety.

Over the past decade, this default view has become more nuanced and shaded. The mass proliferation of video surveillance devices and of cellphones that make it easy for anyone to document police-citizen interactions has produced a deeply troubling chronicle of officers killing people for no good reason. This video vault has at times shown officers justifications of their actions to be false narratives used to justify the use of lethal force  narratives that can be accepted without question by police brass until contrary evidence emerges.

Given this backdrop, the police oversight proposal on the San Diego ballot  Measure G  is very weak tea. One change merely renames the Citizens Review Board on Police Practices, the volunteer panel that reviews Internal Affairs investigations, by changing Citizens to Community. If the measure is approved, the new panel would automatically review all deaths occurring while someone is in the custody of the San Diego Police Department and all police officer-related shootings, not just matters probed by Internal Affairs, and it would be overseen by the mayor and City Council, not just the mayor.

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This editorial board urges San Diegans to vote for Measure G and to broaden the oversight role of the police review board. But we also urge Mayor Kevin Faulconer, the City Council, the Police Department and all relevant parties to do much more. Thankfully, that is the intent of Councilman Todd Gloria, who wrote the ballot measure. This is in some ways a cleanup, but I think it would do a significant amount to allow us to make additional reforms in the future. Reforms that ought to be the result of additional hearings and conversations with the community, Gloria told San Diego CityBeat.

The most obvious reform to ensure an independent review board is to give it authority to hire independent legal counsel, and not just rely on the City Attorneys Office. Thats something on which Mara Elliott and Robert Hickey, the candidates to succeed City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, already agree. This authority should include subpoena power and the resources to conduct independent investigations, just like the countys oversight board, the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board.

The result would be an oversight board with more credibility and a Police Department with more accountability. Last year, after Officer Neal Browder shot and killed Fridoon Rawshan Nehad, an unarmed, mentally ill man, in an alley in the Midway District  within seconds after arriving at the scene  he was cleared by the county District Attorneys Office on the grounds that he credibly thought Nehad was armed and a risk to his safety.

But in Browders deposition in a lawsuit filed by Nehads family, he said he faced no criticism from his superiors and was never interviewed by Internal Affairs  even though, as Browder testified, he had not followed an always ingrained basic guideline: keeping a barrier between himself and an individual who appears to be dangerous.

The Nehad case falls in a gray area. It is not remotely an obvious outrage, such as the recent police killings in Sacramento and Tulsa.

Still, it reflects a police culture thats got to change, a culture that is too blithe about police killings. Measure G is a small but important step toward changing that culture.

Yes on Measure G.
I just finished reading the Watchdog article (Hunter pushed for donors ship, Oct. 14) on yet again Duncan Hunters history of shady dealings.

I am furious with both the local and national Democratic Party for not making any effort to unseat him.

Letters and commentary policy

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Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

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Hunters unwavering support of Donald Trump, along with his many documented failures in representing our district, would make for some easy pickings for the Democrats.

Sadly I see no support for Patrick Malloys campaign against this second-generation career politician.

Wake up, Democrats, a seat in Congress is at stake here.

Mike Walker

Escondido

* * *

Am I the only one who finds it hypocritical that Duncan Hunter, who just a couple of years ago voted to shut down the government because the proposed budget didnt sufficiently reduce the national debt, is using his position as a member of two armed services subcommittees to pressure the Coast Guard into buying an icebreaking ship from one of his campaign contributors that the Coast Guard has repeatedly said does not meet its needs.

Its bad enough that he has previously used his campaign funds to buy video games and pay personal medical expenses, but I really take exception to his squandering our tax money to benefit his cronies and contributors.

If this is tea party conservatism, count me out.

Gordon.J. Louttit

Manhattan Beach

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The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center released a bald eagle back into the wild Oct. 14 after its three-week rehabilitation recovering from West Nile Virus.

The bird was found Sept. 19 by Andrew Hix, 23, and his brother, Josiah, 18, of Ramona, in some bushes off a dirt road between Montecito Way and Rangeland Road. Andrew said the eagle was unable to fly out of the bushes so he took off his sweater and wrapped it around the bird, which fought for a while but settled down after its claws grabbed hold of the sweater. Because the wildlife center was closed, they took the bird home, put it in a dog crate with a dish of water and covered the crate with a tarp. The next morning they took it to the center at 18740 Highland Valley Road.

Before the adult male eagle was released and flew off in a northern direction, it was banded by a California Fish and Wildlife warden.
Research has long shown that leadership is key to a schools success.

But what makes a good school leader?

San Diego State University will join a national research project aimed at improving the way aspiring principals are trained.

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Funded with a $47 million grant from the Wallace Foundation, the university will receive $6.2 million over the next four years for its part in the study.

Under the initiative, San Diego State researchers will examine state policies to determine which procedures might be strengthened for higher-quality training.

The Wallace Foundation will promote the findings from San Diego and elsewhere among policymakers and practitioners across the country.

This will eventually provide thousands of students in San Diego County with school leaders who understand the complexities of leading a school and can hit the ground running, said Doug Fisher, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership. Our collaboration will directly impact students learning in the K-12 systems all over San Diego.

Researchers will work with the San Diego Unified, Chula Vista Elementary, and the Sweetwater Union High school districts. In exchange for the universities commitment to train future principals, the school districts will hire the programs graduates.

SDSU President Elliot Hirshman said the partnership with the Wallace Foundation will enhance our curriculum, help students prepare for leadership roles and support our local schools.

The Wallace Foundation selected university programs for the project that serve districts with large numbers of disadvantaged students, whose schools could benefit most from effective school leadership. The selection process included site visits and assistance from experts in state policy and education.

Other universities accepted into the project are Albany State University, Florida Atlantic University, North Carolina State University, the University of Connecticut, Virginia State University and Western Kentucky University.

The seven participating universities will review their policies pertaining to university-based principal training and determine if changes  such as program accreditation and principal licensure or certification requirements  would encourage the development of more effective preparation programs statewide.

We know from research that school principals require excellent training with high-quality, practical experiences to become effective leaders  but most are simply not getting this, said Will Miller, president of the Wallace Foundation. Because many school districts dont have the capacity to train as many principals as they need or to train future principals at all, the best way to reach more aspiring school leaders is through the university programs that typically provide needed certification.

RAND Corporation will conduct an independent evaluation of the four-year initiative and release a final report in year five. The study will assess how the participating universities go about trying to implement high-quality courses of study, and what they do to form strong partnerships with local school districts.

A series of public reports will share lessons and insights from the research and highlight credible models emerging from it so that other universities, districts and states can adopt the initiative work.

maureen.magee@sduniontribune.com

Twitter:@MaureenMagee
The mysterious U.S. Air Force space plane known as X-37B is on its fourth secretive mission. It has spent 500 days in space orbiting the planet Earth for unknown reasons.

Space reports that the robotic X-37B space plane was launched on May 20, 2015, wherein the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket-propelled the spacecraft from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is on the secretive mission known as OTV-4 mission or Orbital Test Vehicle-4. In its third mission, it orbited the Earth in 674 days and landed on October 17, 2014. It was constructed with the aid of Boeing.

So, what is this strange and enigmatic space plane doing up there? The U.S. Air Force stated that the space plane is on a test program to establish technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force. It is also used to test out the high-end technology. This includes navigation, control systems and concerns such as the durability of high-temperature materials, according to IFL Science.

On the other hand, the space plane's secretive mission creates issues and speculations for some people.There are many theories as well. Some said that it is on secret surveillance such as spying on China's space station or other satellites. According to some people, the X-37B has high-tech monitoring gear designed to keep an eye on particular regions on Earth. Others suggest that it could be a "space bomber" that would destroy aggressive rival satellites.

Meanwhile, Captain Chris Hoyler, the Air Force spokesperson talked about the space plane's fourth mission in April last year. He said that the X-37B is conceptualized for an on-orbit duration of 270 days. He further said that longer missions have been demonstrated. In the previous missions, the actual duration will depend on test objectives, on-orbit vehicle performance and conditions at the landing facility. The secret space plane is currently still in orbit and no details yet when it is set to land.
Global warming is here, there will be no escape. Temperature is rising and more oceans are being destroyed. Recently, experts have shown that one of the largest reefs in Australia is being affected. The Great Barrier is going to die soon because of climate change.

The great barrier reef is located in Australia and stretches up to 1,400 miles. Now, it has been seriously damaged because of the rising water temperature. There is no way that the reef can heal itself.

Researchers previously reported in May that more than a third of corals and northern parts of the reef has died and 93 percent of individual reefs were infected with coral bleaching. The warm water causes the corals to drive out algae living in their tissue and causes it to completely white. As corals depend on the symbiotic relationship with protozoa an algae-like single cell. When the protozoa are expelled the corals will stop growing and sometimes die, according to Telegraph.

CEO of the Australian Climate Council Amanda McKenzie and the team conducted a new research and found that the damage to the great barrier reef has worsened instead of repairing. They said that at the start of this year, experts described that the reed is 110 alive. After the event of coral bleaching in May, they saw that the coral was bleached very white. She added that "Another 19-20 percent was covered in sludgy brown algae. Even of what remained healthy, some looked a bit on edge. "When we went back a few weeks ago to see if they [the affected corals] had recovered or died, quite a large proportion had died."

Amanda Mckenzie estimated in the coral site that they visited in the popular offshore reef from Port Douglas half of the bleached coral are found dead. She shared that "She said delicate corals had been particularly badly affected: while strong 'brain corals' had mostly survived, many fragile varieties, such as plate corals, had died." Not only corals are dying also species of fish are declining, as reported by Express.
Scientists have located the first ever physical evidence that a giant asteroid or comet collided with Earth nearly 56 million years ago. It is the same time when Earth experienced an abrupt warming period. Both events occurring at the same time is quite tantalizing for the researchers. It indicates that this clash may have been the major influencing factor for Earth's ancient temperature rise and studying the previous warming events and pattern could possibly help scientists understand the present warming climate better.

The researchers laid hands on tiny glass spheres, called spherules, found inside ocean rocks along the US East Coast. Detailed thoroughly in Journal Science, these spherules are being believed to be leftovers from the massive collision, rock debris that the asteroid or comet ejected when it collided with Earth.

"There's never really been any firm physical evidence of that happening," said study author Morgan Schaller, an assistant professor of earth and environmental science at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, according to The Verge. "But this is the first evidence of an impact at this time for sure."

Experts had suggested earlier as well that a comet or asteroid collision may have caused Earth's historic warming period, called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, or PETM. That event might have changed the entire atmosphere and environment of Earth, leading to some mass extinctions. The exact reason of the event has always remained a mystery and the discovery of this new evidence doesn't give any justifications too but the occurrence of two peculiar events around the same time definitely points towards a possible association between the collision and rising temperatures.

"This is a major event in Earth's history, and finding something like this is a major discovery if it holds up," Mark Boslough, a physicist at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was not involved in the study, told The Verge. "It provides a big clue in the chain of discovery that we need to solve that mystery."

The discovery of spherules came as a huge surprise to the team of researchers because they weren't actually looking for any evidence related to this massive collision. They were searching for tiny, single-celled, fossilized creatures known as foraminifera that are found in ancient marine rocks.

This sudden discovery led the scientists to figure out the huge release of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and oceans 56 million years ago leading to a rise in global temperatures between 9 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Today's increasing temperatures are associated with human activities, like the burning of fossil fuels and use of chloro-floro-carbons. Ancient changes caused death to an asteroid or comet collision but the scope of current warming patterns isn't far behind. If we look at the geological history, humans should probably be compared to asteroids.
At the Valve's conference, Steam Dev Days, Valve engineer Jeff Bellinghausen confirmed that an update that adds DualShock 4 to Steam Controller configurability options will be released. This means that players will have multiple options in using their Sony PlayStation 4 to play their favorite games. And the good one option is, players will soon be playing through Steam with the use of the Playstation 4's touchpad and gyro features, reported Game Spot.

DualShock is a line of gamepads developed by Sony that provides vibration feedback for PlayStation consoles and devices. It was first released in Japan in 1997 and hit the US market in May 1998. The DualShock 4 serves as the PlayStation 4's controller. Its new feature includes a clickable built-in two-point capacitive touch pad. It supports motion detection via the gyroscope, accelerometer, and vibration. It has a non-removable 3.7 V lithium-ion battery which can be recharged.

According to TechU4ria, Lars Doucet, Defender's Quest developer, and co-host to the Steam Dev Days, PS4 controller has overlapping functionalities with the Steam Controller, specifically with its gyro and touchpad.

"Believe it or not, when you use the PS4 Controller through the Steam API, it's exactly the same as a Steam Controller," Doucet said. "You make the exact same API calls, you only get actions, not inputs, and the Steam API takes care of everything."

With the new solution from Steam, communicating directly with the controller, the support for the DualShock4 is much reliable. Steam Controllers has multiple customization options. Players create configurations which can be downloaded from Steam. This is a great news for PC gamers who are already using a PS4 controller on PC but need third-party applications like Joy2Key and DS4Windows.

Doucet said that DualShock 4 support will be the first to release due to the functionality overlap. Other controllers will have to wait for now for their Steam configuration options.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Howe Springs Fire Department delivered approximately eight tons of donated supplies to residents in Nichols on Friday, where many are still without power or water nearly a week after Hurricane Matthew passed through the Pee Dee.

Nichols was dealt a major blow by the powerful storm and many homes were flooded and completely destroyed. Fire Chief Billy Dillon said his department put a request out on social media on Tuesday asking people to donate supplies and food to Nichols residents. Dillon said the response was overwhelming and supplies began pouring into the station.

Florence County citizens and business owners have blessed us with the opportunity to make this plan a success, Dillon said. We are truly a caring county.

Supplies including bottled water, canned food, snacks, toys and health care products were brought by donators to the main fire station at 2229 Howe Springs Road and transported to Nichols residents in need.

Dillon said his department plans to continue taking donations during regular business hours and will make another delivery sometime next week.
FLORENCE, S.C. -- Water from Hurricane Matthew continues to recede in the northern and central portions of Florence County along with the total number of people without power.

Water and power problems remain in the Johnsonville area as water drains down the Lynches River through Johnsonville on its way to the Great Pee Dee River.

Sandbagging had stabilized the dam at Lake Oakdale, and it wasn't a current concern for emergency managers, said Andrew Golden, the public information officer with the Florence County Emergency Management Department.

He said the Country Club of South Carolina dam that failed early in the week was in a low-impact area and said the dam at Forest Lake was OK and not a concern.

Golden said the Lynches River at Effingham dropped below flood stage and the flooding in Johnsonville should diminish as the weekend goes along.

As a sign the county was returning to normal Golden said the emergency operations center would be closed for the weekend.

Power

Duke Energy reported that 96 percent of those Hurricane Matthew outages had been restored by Friday morning and that those who could receive power should have it restored by Saturday night.

"However, it could be days or weeks before about 13,000 customers in flooded areas are fully restored since power restoration crews have been unable to access damaged electrical lines and equipment," according to the utilitys media advisory.

"We are entering a new phase in restoring power -- one that will be dictated by events out of our control. But we will continue working just as hard," said Bobby Simpson, who is overseeing the utility's power restoration efforts. "We are in this for the long haul. We have the personnel and equipment and we will be in these communities until every last customer who can receive power has power."

The utility also cautioned that customers whose homes have damaged meter boxes will need to get them inspected and repaired to avoid delays in restoration.

"If a customer's 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 Duke Energy can reconnect service," according to the company.

If the meter box is pulled away from the house and the house still has service, then an electrician should be called to reattach the box. A building inspection may be required before service is restored to some homes and businesses.

Marion County

Gov. Nikki Haley toured Nichols and other parts of Marion County on Friday. She visited flood victims at the shelter at Palmetto Middle School.

Marion County schools Interim Superintendent Kandace Bethea said so many children within the district are getting adjusted to a new normal, and the staff wants to be aware of the needs. I think as a system we have to be aware of that and make sure we have the wrap-around services that they need," she said.

Monday we know we will not have students but some staff, and then we will transition students back in Wednesday at the latest, and even with that it may include a two-hour delay to give our buses clear sight of the roads. Well make sure well have all type of services in place and just want to get kids back to their regular schedule as much as possible.

The American Red Cross moved shelter operations for more than 100 people at Palmetto Middle School and Marion High School to the Mullins National Guard Armory on Friday afternoon.

State Red Cross CEO Louise Welch said working with partners with feeding and sheltering has been the focus. We have counselors and nurses here to make sure medical needs are met, she said. The Red Cross isnt going anywhere and were going to be here as long as were needed.

Welch said in her 15 years of experience every disaster is heartbreaking.

This is tragic, she said. Its devastating for every person affected.

Marion County Administrator Tim Harper said Federal Emergency Management Agency preliminary assessments in the Nichols area estimate $15.5 million in damage.

We still have a lot of roads flooded, and Nichols is still evacuated, and we still have around 5,000 without power, he said. We have several staff members from state emergency management here assisting us for as long as we need them, and our emergency operations center remains open.

Roads

Sixteen Florence County roads remained closed for washouts -- including Old River Road, National Cemetery Road and Friendfield Road. Pamplico Highway, which had been on the list for at least one washout, was reopened Friday.

Golden said Florence County public works crews were still identifying courses of action needed to repair county roads and were implementing them as fast as possible.

U.S. 76 through Nichols remains closed by high water while U.S. 501 remains closed by a washout from U.S. 301 to S.C. 38 in Dillon and Marion counties.

State EMD status

The South Carolina Emergency Response Team remains fully dedicated to relief and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Matthew and flooding in the Pee Dee region, according to a media advisory from the agency Friday afternoon.

The state Emergency Operations Center is activated at Operating Condition 3. State agencies are transitioning into disaster recovery roles jointly with FEMA. Teams from the S.C. Emergency Management Division and FEMA are conducting damage assessments in counties affected by Matthew to determine the states eligibility for federal disaster aid.

As of 4 p.m. Friday:

>> The S.C. Department of Transportation reported as many as 155 state maintained roads and 27 bridges remain closed.

>> The S.C. National Guard had mobilized 1,517 people.

>> Electric utilities reported 38,375 storm-related power outages statewide.

>> South Carolina food banks reported a combined total 518,000 meals served to disaster survivors.

>> 11 emergency shelters are open, serving 307 occupants.

>> Emergency management teams from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington have supported South Carolina response and recovery efforts.

Anyone with unmet needs such as food, clothing and shelter should call 2-1-1 to be connected with local relief supplies. Residents with damage from Hurricane Matthew can call 1-800-451-1954 to request volunteers from Helping Hands to assist with debris and mold cleanup.

Debris cleanup

Florence County will conduct vegetative debris clearing beginning Monday. It will be collected from along public right of away within the county by a private contractor.

>> Debris must be moved to the right of way and piled.

>> Vegetative debris outside of the right of way or outside of 15 feet of the roadway will not be picked up.

>> This is vegetative debris only caused by the storm (trees, branches, stumps, leaves, etc.).

>> No lumber of any type will be picked up (fencing, decks, damaged materials from homes or out buildings, etc.).

>> All non-vegetative materials must be taken to manned convenience sites as normal (shingles, lumber, white goods, glass, etc.).

>> There is no size limit on the vegetative debris, including length or size of trees and stumps. If you get it to the right of way, it will be picked up.

>> Do not pile debris on water meters, beside power poles or guy wires, and do not block driveways.

>> If you have leaves, rake them into the pile. Do not bag. No plastic bags will be collected.

>> If you live within one of the municipalities of Florence County, you will need to contact your municipality for specific procedures you may need to follow.

In addition, all manned convenience sites in the county will be open from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice. The only sites that are not open at this time are the sites at Hanna and Johnsonville due to power outages.

Rivers

The Lynches River at Effingham returned to its banks Thursday while Black Creek at Quinby continued to calm throughout the day Friday.

The Lumber River at Lumberton remained at record levels but was projected to continue to fall through the weekend and to fall below its previous record Saturday.

The Little Pee Dee River at Galivants Ferry was forecast to fall below record flood levels Friday night but to remain at major flood levels through at least Wednesday.

The Lumber River, which passes Nichols to the west, and the Little Pee Dee River, which passes Nichols to the east, have combined to flood the northern Marion County town and to block U.S. 76, which connects Florence with Wilmington.

Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise Editor Naeem McFadden contributed to this report.
ATLANTA  Homeowners, renters and business owners in Marion and Orangeburg counties may apply for federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew damages and losses in South Carolina.

To be eligible for federal aid under FEMAs Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred, as a result of Hurricane Matthew, beginning on Oct. 4.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. If you have phone or internet access, you may register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For those who do not have access to telephone or internet service, dont be discouraged. Disaster survivor assistance specialists will soon be helping people register for assistance. Additionally, disaster recovery centers are planned to open in the near future in affected counties.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

---

Howe Springs Fire delivers 8 tons of supplies to hurricane victims in Nichols

The Howe Springs Fire Department delivered approximately eight tons of donated supplies on Friday to residents in Nichols, where many are still without power or water nearly a week after Hurricane Matthew passed through the Pee Dee.

Nichols was dealt a major blow by the powerful storm and many homes were flooded and destroyed. Fire Chief Billy Dillon said his department put a request out on social media on Tuesday asking people to donate supplies and food to Nichols residents. Dillon said the response was overwhelming and supplies began pouring into the station.

"Florence County citizens and business owners have blessed us with the opportunity to make this plan a success, Dillon said. We are truly a caring county.

Supplies including bottled water, canned food, snacks, toys and health care products were taken by donors to the main fire station at 2229 Howe Springs Road and distributed to Nichols residents in need.

Dillon said his department plans to continue taking donations during regular business hours and will make another delivery sometime next week.
HARTSVILLE, S.C.  Learning for children can take place anywhere, but parents, grandparents and caregivers might not always know how to support that learning.

Now they will be able to turn trips to Pride Park in Hartsville into fun learning moments with the aid of the newly installed Born Learning Trail. A ribbon cutting will take place soon at the park on Sixth Street.

Developed by the United Way of North America and based on the latest early childhood research, the trail is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development. The trail makes it simple for caregivers to understand how to best support early learning in everyday outdoor settings.

The trail at Pride Park is the second for Hartsville. The first one opened in April 2014 at Byerly Park.

It is a program to teach children to use everyday events as learning opportunities, said Hartsville United Way executive director Joann DeLong.

She said it helps parents and caregivers use these moments to boost school readiness of preschool-age children. The trail features age-appropriate activities set up in the park, using engaging signs to help parents and caregivers create learning opportunities.

The trail helps children with language, reading, problem solving and critical-thinking skills.

It could be as simple as learning shapes, letters and numbers, DeLong said.

The signs suggest things like: Find a flower or at tree. Touch it. Talk about it. Or, describe, compare and learn by looking at shapes painted on the sidewalk. Discuss how they are similar and different. Ask the child if he or she can find anything else in the park that is the same shape.

The trail contains 10 interactive signs for activities in which adults can participate with young children to turn an outdoor trip to the park into a learning experience.

To make the trail even more interesting and colorful, Hartsville artist Livingston Thomas volunteered to paint colorful shapes, animals and other objects on the sidewalk along the trail. Instead of just a circle, Thomas has added a smiley face to liven it up.

Where a sign might direct the child to walk like a duck, leap like a frog or find the birds in the trees, Thomas has painted them on the sidewalk.

The trail includes numbers, letters and shapes, hopscotch and other activities.

The trail also promotes physical activities, DeLong said.

DeLong said anything caregivers can do to stimulate learning in the early stages of a childs life is important.

The trail supports Darlington County First Steps and United Way of Hartsvilles early education strategies to ensure all children start school ready to succeed  meaning all children start kindergarten on track in the five key developmental areas of communication, cognition, physical development, social/emotional development and self-help skills, according to information provided by United Way and First Steps for the first learning trail.

This learning trail was made possible by a grant from Crane Merchandising Systems Crane Foundation, which covered the cost of the material for the trail, T-shirts for the children, goody bags, balloons, posts and paint. The maximum obtained from this grant was $2,500.

DeLong said that when she visited Pride Park to choose the location for the trail, she realized it didnt have any paved sidewalks.

A second grant of $2,500 was obtained through the United Way Association of South Carolina and Darlington County First Steps chipped in $800 to help pave the sidewalk. And the city chipped in $200 to install a wheelchair ramp to complete the paved area.

The city of Hartsville has been wonderful to work with, she said.

She said she is especially thankful to Adam Bedard with the city for all of his help.
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Supermarket giants Sainsbury's, Asda and Aldi have revealed how they tackle lazy parkers using parent and disabled bays following Tesco's crackdown on drivers using spaces they don't need.

A scheme has been trialled in 81 Tesco stores throughout the UK that has seen drivers fined 70 for for using disabled bays and spaces for parents with children incorrectly. Now that is being rolled out and although the locations are not fixed, a spokesman for Tesco said the scheme will be operating at stores in across our region.

A spokesman from Sainsbury's said that the majority of their customers use parking spaces as they are intended.

They said: "Our parking attendants patrol the disabled and parent/child spaces. Most of our customers use them as intended but if they don't, they will in the first instance be asked to move and if they refuse, they'll be issued with a 60 Parking Charge Notice (fine)."

Asda said that they patrol their car parks 24 hours a day to deter irresponsible parkers.

A spokesman said: "We monitor our car parks 24 hours a day and do as much as we can to prevent the misuse of disabled parking and parent and child bays.

"Any customer found to be parking in a disabled bay who doesn't have a valid blue badge or is misusing parent and child bays will receive a Parking Charge Notice.

"This is to ensure these spaces are kept available for the customers who need them the most. If customers have any questions regarding this, our colleagues in store will be more than happy to help."

However, Aldi said that they don't have strict regulations.

A spokesman said: "We offer parent and child, and disabled car parking spaces at all of our standard stores across the UK. These spaces are positioned in a convenient location to allow easy access to the store.

"Although we don't enforce strict regulations, these dedicated parking spaces are honoured and appreciated by the large majority of our customers."

Lidl were also contacted, but did not respond to requests for information.
A glacier in British Columbia has calved what one scientist has called "certainly ... the largest iceberg I've ever seen in Canada," and a "highlight example" of the impact on glaciers of climate change.

The exact date of the calving is unknown, but it was discovered when Dr. Mauri Pielto, professor of environmental science at Nichols College in Massachusetts and director of the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project, examined a photograph of the glacier taken when the NASA Earth Observations (NEO) satellite passed over the area on Aug. 27.

"I knew it would be a good time to look at the glacier," he told the Globe and Mail. "I hadn't looked in maybe two years at the satellite imagery at the end of [the glacier tongue], and it looked poised for a breakup. So I looked."

RELATED: Earth May Spin Faster as Glaciers Melt

Writing on the blog of the American Geophysical Union, Pielto describes the Porcupine Glacier as a 12.5-mile-long outlet glacier of an icefield in the Hoodoo Mountains of Northern British Columbia. The glacier terminates in a lake, as you can see in the photograph above, a false-color rendering of the satellite image.

In 1988 the glacier's tongue reached to within a mile of the far shore of the lake. By 1999 this tongue had narrowed and retreated into the wider portion of the lake. In 2011, it collapsed. By 2015 the glacier had retreated 2 miles from the 1988 location. Over the next 12 months, it retreated another mile, mostly due to the calving of the iceberg, which measured just under half a square mile.

Pielto noted that the pace of the retreat will almost certainly slow once the glacier reaches the head of the lake, and becomes grounded on bedrock rather than floating on water.

RELATED: Climate Change Actually Is Moving Mountains

What is happening to Porcupine Glacier is, he says, just an extreme example of what is taking place to a multitude of glaciers in the region.

"I could list 100 glaciers that are doing a similar thing in terms of the rate of retreat in the last 20 years, that are within a couple hundred miles of that location," he said. "I have worked on over 200 glaciers just in that area, and all but one have been retreating."

WATCH: Glacier National Park Is Awesome
In campaign stops throughout the year, presidential nominee Donald Trump has called for an official investigation into the Clinton Foundation, the charitable organization established by former president Bill Clinton. In fact, the foundations has been dogged by perceptions of impropriety for years. In today's Seeker Daily report, Trace Dominguez sorts through the facts and the spin behind the controversy.

Also known as the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation, the organization was started in 1997 by Bill Clinton as a way to raise money for a presidential library. It's since shifted focus to general philanthropy efforts and has raised more than $2 billion in total, according to some estimates. The foundation's key humanitarian goals include encouraging economic development, promoting health and wellness, and increasing opportunity for girls and women worldwide.

Unlike most other charitable foundations, the group often funds its own humanitarian projects directly, rather than simply dispersing funds to other people or organizations. But it's the matter of money coming into the foundation that's generated the most controversy. With a former president and possible future president running the foundation, the Clinton Foundation is vulnerable to accusations of impropriety and perceived conflicts of interest.

RELATED: What Charity Really Means

As such, when Hillary Clinton accepted the position of Secretary of State, the Foundation stopped accepting donations from foreign governments and any other groups or people that could generate conflicts of interest. However, as soon as her tenure ended, millions of dollars poured into the foundation from countries like Saudi Arabia, much of it coming from private donors closely tied to the Saudi royal family.

According to an investigation by the Associated Press, of the 154 people from private interests who met with or spoke to Clinton while she was Secretary of State, 85 ended up donating large amounts of money to the Foundation immediately after she left the position. In total, those 85 donors contributed more than $150 million.

While the optics of such juxtaposition are clearly not great, no illegal connection has ever been established between the money donated to the foundation and political favor. And it's not for lack of trying - various investigations have been initiated over the years by different groups.

In any case, on the giving end, the Clinton Foundation has a sterling record as a charitable institution. Multiple charity watchdogs have cleared the organization of any misappropriation of funds: Charity Navigator rates the Clinton Foundation four out of four stars, and CharityWatch gives the group an A for spending the majority of its funds on actual charitable missions.

-- Glenn McDonald

Learn More:

CNN: Foundation Becomes Campaign Issue

The Washington Post: The Inside Story of how the Clintons Built a $2 Billion Global Empire

Politifact: Fact-checking Donations to the Clinton Foundation
For 65 years, following the signing and later reaffirmation U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States and the Philippines have been allies. But over the course of the past year, following the election of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the relationship has turned frosty.

Duterte, a popular politician in the Philippines known for his blunt talk and violent war on drug criminals, announced that he would "break up with America," instead seeking closer ties with other major world powers, namely Russia and China, a regional rival.

How did the alliance between two close allies seemingly start to come apart? Today's Seeker Daily video has the answer.

WATCH VIDEO: 'Donald Trump of the Philippines'?

The Philippines gained full independence in 1946 at the conclusion of World War II. American and Filipino soldiers found together to defeat the Japanese in the Pacific Theater, and that experience helped establish the basis of modern military and economic cooperation.

The mutual defense treaty signed between the United States and the Philippines was drafted to "strengthen the fabric of peace" in the Pacific. For decades, the United States maintained a number of permanent military bases in the Philippines.

In the early 1990s, at a time when the political climate in the Philippines favored sovereignty interests, the American military was forced to pack up its ships, supplies, ammunition and aircraft after the Bush administration failed to convince the Philippine government to renew leases on two massive military complexes based in the Philippines.

The threat of terrorism and an ongoing dispute with China over the Spratly Islands, parts of which are claimed by other regional powers as well, has led the Philippines and United States to engage in joint military exercises. In 2014 both countries signed a 10-year agreement to increase the U.S. military presence in the Pacific island nation.

WATCH VIDEO: What Is Fueling the Philippines Violent Drug War?

The Duterte presidency now threatens that history of cooperation. U.S. criticism of his regime for human rights abuses as a result of state-sanctioned and increasingly routine killing of suspected drug offenders has not gone over well with Duterte, who has repeatedly insulted President Barack Obama and threatened to look elsewhere for allies.

But among ordinary Filipinos, the United States remains popular. A 2015 Pew poll found that the Philippines is the most pro-American country on Earth, with a remarkable 92 percent of its population viewing the United States favorably.

Even if a single presidency can roll back the historic relationship between the United States and the Philippines, it seems it will take more than one man to fracture the longstanding political, economic and cultural ties that bind the two countries.

-- Talal Al-Khatib



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Learn More:

NPR: He Did It Again: Philippine President Keeps Insulting the U.S. (And Obama)

Council on Foreign Affairs: The U.S- Philippines Defense Alliance

BBC: Philippines' Duerte tells Obama to 'go to hell'

HistoryState.gov: The Philippine-American War, 1899-1902
California voters weighing in on marijuana, guns and the death penalty must also decide on a measure that may seem less provocative but could threaten two of Gov. Jerry Browns signature projects: the high-speed train from San Francisco to Los Angeles and a pair of giant tunnels to help ferry water across the state.

The so-called Stop Blank Checks Initiative, designed to rein in state debt, doesnt stop there. Other infrastructure work such as bridges, roads and dams  far less grand than the governors undertakings, but arguably more essential  could also face an uncertain future.

Proposition 53 would require voter approval for any state project seeking $2 billion or more in revenue bonds, which are essentially loans paid back with money generated from a project. A revenue bond for a bridge, for instance, might pay creditors through a bridge toll.

By making it harder to borrow money, the measure could foil a number of vital public ventures, according to opponents. But supporters, who include a wealthy Central Valley farmer bankrolling the effort, say its simply a dose of needed fiscal discipline.

These guys in Sacramento are talking about a balanced budget and a rainy day fund, and theyre goddamn lies because theyre hiding debt everywhere, said Dean Dino Cortopassi, 79, of Stockton, who with his wife, Joan, put up the entire $4.5 million driving the initiative. Were doing this because we feel its a moral obligation.

Californias debt is estimated to be well above $300 billion, roughly three times what the state brings in annually and a burden fraught with high interest payments and tainted credit. The states liabilities include bills for infrastructure as well as employee pensions and health care.

Cortopassis push to reduce the debt by going after funding for big projects pits him not only against against Brown but a wide swath of the states political establishment, including business, labor and environmental groups.

The opposition, which has raised $6.3 million, recently went on the offensive with a series of television ads decrying the measure as dangerous. They feature a firefighter worried about not getting funds for public safety improvements, even after an earthquake.

Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press 2016

While seemingly outflanked by opponents, Cortopassi is indulging Californias deep-rooted populist streak, which famously gave rise to Proposition 13. The 1978 measure that capped property taxes and required votes for other levies remains a strongly supported standard for fiscal oversight.

Who is going to get screwed first when the state runs out of money? Cortopassi said. Its the working poor, paying more and more.

Under current law, state and local governments that want to borrow money to build something are required to get voter approval for general obligation bonds  which are paid back through the states tax-supported coffers  but not revenue bonds.

Cortopassi calls revenue bonds the last refuge for state leaders wanting unchecked cash. Its about closing this loophole where the state can unilaterally raid California for the excesses that it hasnt paid for, he said.

The fundamental worry for opponents is Prop. 53s reach. Critics say the measure could extend not only to the states biggest projects but to cities and counties where leaders would be forced to seek statewide approval for local endeavors  even if those endeavors clearly pay for themselves.

Youll be in a situation where voters who never use a toll bridge will be deciding on whether a project will go forward, said Loren Kaye, president of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, a think tank affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce.

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Although the initiative expressly states that cities, counties and universities would not have to win approval for financing  only the state  Kaye and others worry that work done with state assistance would require the vote.

San Franciscos Transbay Transit Center, a proposed downtown transportation hub, as well as future seismic repairs on the Bay Bridge, are cited by Prop. 53 opponents as examples of the many important projects that could be hampered by the ballot measure.

Theres going to be billions of dollars spent in the next decades just on water projects, said John Coleman, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Bay Planning Coalition and a board member for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Are people going to be able to stop the ability to rebuild or upgrade?

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 review of Prop. 53 by the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office found uncertainty regarding which projects would be affected. However, the agency concluded that the $2 billion threshold for a vote would leave relatively few projects requiring one.

Future bridges, dams and highways might have to go before voters, the agency wrote, but the high-speed train and the twin tunnels tapping water from the Sacramento River are the only current endeavors likely to be impacted.

The rail project, which calls for running 220-mph trains between the Transbay Transit Center and downtown Los Angeles  with eventual extensions to Sacramento and San Diego  has struggled to raise the estimated $64 billion price tag. Revenue bonds, paid back through rider fees, remain an option.

The same goes for the $17 billion California WaterFix project, a plan to build tunnels beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to more efficiently siphon water to farms and cities, mostly in the southern part of the state.

Cortopassi is opposed to both plans. However, the longtime Republican, who recently turned Democrat, says his beef is not with any single big-dollar project but the fact there are so many.

The activist, who made his money by transforming rented farmland a half-century ago into a successful food processing enterprise, is now mostly retired and gives money to a number of causes through his family foundation.

My economic interest would be to be in favor of the tunnels, he said, noting that his holdings in a canning plant would benefit from more water tunneled to tomatoes in the San Joaquin Valley. People keep saying to me this (proposition) is about high-speed rail or the twin tunnels. Thats just what we got now. But theres more coming.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
A tribe of young insects now populates Mountain Lake in the Presidio, adding new wildlife to thrive among the fish, frogs, turtles and mussels already transplanted into what was once a mud-filled habitat for ugly weeds and abandoned koi pets.

On a rainy Friday afternoon, Presidio ecologist Jonathan Young dumped a plastic bucketful of water holding more than 1,000 tiny larvae of rare forktail damselflies into the shallows of the lakes north arm, where they will mature through stages until March, and then emerge from their watery nursery to skim over the lake as colorful inch-long adults.

Similar to dragonflies but smaller and extremely rare, the San Francisco forktails are known to live at only one place in San Francisco now: a small patch of watery lowland at Fort Point, on the rocky edge of the bay, where they are threatened by the breaking waves and every storm surge.

That population is doomed there, Young said.

Which is why San Francisco Zoo intern Susanna Ngoi went to the Fort Point site a month ago and collected four male and four female adult forktails, and watched them as the females laid more than 2,000 eggs to hatch into larvae.

The San Francisco forktails were once officially listed as endangered, but they were delisted when they were found again briefly in two other locales.

The species is so rare that I practiced how to collect and breed them first with three generations of Pacific forktails, another species that are more common and that already live at the zoo, Ngoi said. That way I could develop my really safe protocol for insect husbandry with the San Francisco forktails.

Ngoi bred the forktails at the San Francisco Zoo under the watchful eye of Jessie Bushell, the zoos conservation director.

The females laid lots and lots of eggs, Ngoi said, and one female alone produced anywhere from 200 to 1,000 eggs at a time. The eggs quickly developed into tiny larvae so small she needed a microscope to observe them, but they grew quickly, so by Friday each of the larvae Young released in Mountain Lake was at least large enough to be visible.

The insect larvae are voracious, and so are the adult forktails, Young and Ngoi said. They thrive on small fish, baby tadpoles and zooplankton. But they have predators in Mountain Lakes birds, turtles and spiders, and even their larger relatives, the dragonflies. The two are members of the same order of insects called the Odonata.

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.

Fridays introduction of damseflies to Mountain Lake, where Ohlone Indians once fished and the early Spanish explorers once camped, marked the latest stage in the lakes restoration by the Presidio Trust.

The site just north of the Inner Richmond District has long been a victim of the citys growth. It is polluted by fumes from cars heading to the Golden Gate Bridge and a dumping ground for refuse, including unwanted pet goldfish. Presidio officials began dredging it and cleaning its shores four years ago.

Now its water is certified as drinkable, the Presidios scientists have replanted dozens of native aquatic plants, and the lakes long-gone animal species  the fishes called three-spined sticklebacks, the California chorus frogs, and the rare Western pond turtles  have been restored to the water. The first batch of freshwater mussels called California floaters are maturing in baskets in the lake, to be planted on the bottom when theyre ready, Young said.

David Perlman is The San Francisco Chronicles science editor. Email: dperlman@sfchronicle.com
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Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf used the 1969 moon landing as the overarching metaphor Friday for her second State of the City speech, in which she enthusiastically touted her programs and policies, describing them as moon shots.

But the mayor also acknowledged the housing crisis and income disparities that plague Oakland, and the sexual misconduct scandal that rattled its Police Department in recent months, thrusting the city  and Schaaf  into the national spotlight.

Despite the tense timing of the speech, which came weeks before a contentious November election, and the same day that the Nevada Legislature approved funding for a new Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, Schaaf was upbeat. She conspicuously omitted mention of the Raiders in her 45-minute address.

A moon shot is a big, audacious goal; its less about incremental improvement and more about transformational change, said Schaaf, who opened her speech with a video clip of John F. Kennedys 1962 We Choose to Go to the Moon speech at Rice University.

Oaklands moon shot, she said, is a city where everyone thrives without having to fear displacement or job loss in a gentrifying city.

She went on to highlight her own achievements of this year. In January, she started a citywide effort to triple the number of Oakland youths who graduate from college, mostly through grants and scholarships.

Two months later, the citys Housing Cabinet presented plans to create 17,000 new affordable and market-rate homes in a city that desperately needs them. With rents steadily rising, too many Oakland residents  roughly 1 in 4  spend too much of their income on housing, Schaaf said.

In April, Schaaf overhauled Oaklands troubled workforce programs, creating new neighborhood job centers. And in June, shortly after news of the Oakland police misconduct scandal engulfed City Hall, Schaaf presented a 13-month study by Stanford University social psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt that demonstrated racial bias occurring in Oakland police traffic stops.

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.

Midway through her speech, Schaaf paused to offer an apology for the police scandal. But she also took a jab at antipolice activists who recently launched a mayoral recall campaign that seeks to oust Schaaf and strip the Police Department of half its funding.

We took a hard line against the reprehensible culture that came to light this year, Schaaf said. Even so, she added, I refuse to defund the police or stop growing our ranks.

Schaaf also plugged the $600 million infrastructure bond measure that she is pushing on the November ballot. Intended to repair streets and sidewalks and help fund affordable housing, it will need a two-thirds vote to pass.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
The Cliff House, perched majestically above the ocean near San Franciscos northwestern tip, has been one of the citys most famous landmarks since it opened in 1863.

An earlier Portals described how it began as a refined roadhouse that attracted a well-heeled clientele, but degenerated into a rowdy joint frequented by gamblers, Barbary Coast brawlers and ladies of ill repute. But wealthy engineer Adolph Sutro, who had bought the adjoining bluff now known as Sutro Heights, disliked the Cliff Houses racy atmosphere. He decided that the easiest way to clean it up would be to buy it, which he did in 1883.

As Mary Germain Hountalas and Sharon Silva write in The San Francisco Cliff House, Sutro fired the manager who had catered to the garter-snapping crowd and installed James M. Wilkins, instructing him to make it a respectable resort with no bolts on the doors or beds in the house.

Wilkins set about making the Cliff House a family-friendly place again, reducing the cost of meals and beverages and planning to open a railroad that would bring passengers from downtown at half the fare of other transports. Sutro also built an enormous public bath next to the Cliff House, the largest in the world at the time.

Meanwhile, the Cliff House played host to various spectacles, as it had from its earliest days. Daredevils were particularly drawn to the panoramic hostelrys rocky, wave-swept location.

In 1865, an acrobat had walked 400 feet on a tightrope between the Cliff House and Seal Rocks, a feat duplicated the next year by an 18-year-old woman named Rosa Celeste. In October 1889, Capt. Jack Williams, a champion swimmer and lifesaver, sat on the jagged, wave-pounded rocks for a week, feeding and befriending the seals and performing feats in the water such as eating his dinner, lighting and smoking a cigar, and swimming around Seal Rocks with his hands and legs tied. One day, 10,000 people watched Captain Jack perform.

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Visitors to the Cliff House also wanted to enjoy high-wire thrills of their own  which led to a near-catastrophe soon after Sutro acquired the property.

A flimsy suspension bridge, constructed of two wire cables and slats of wood, stretched 160 feet between the Cliff House and the large rock just offshore from the beach below known as Flag Rock. On April 6, 1884, a number of visitors were making their way along the bridge when two boys began amusing themselves by swinging both ends.

As the bridge began to yaw, the people on it panicked and scurried to the higher side. This caused the bridge to turn upside down, spilling the terrified people onto the beach below. Luckily the drop was relatively short and no one died, but many were injured, and the nearly 60 people who had already crossed to Flag Rock got more thrills than they had bargained for when they had to make it back across the upside-down bridge.

The most dramatic feat of all took place in 1885, when Thomas Baldwin strapped on a crude parachute, climbed into the basket of a hot-air balloon on the northern end of Ocean Beach and ascended into the skies as a huge crowd cheered. He leaped out 1,000 feet above Golden Gate Park, receiving $1,000  a dollar a foot  after he safely landed.

Underwood Archives/Getty Images

Old-timers held that the Cliff House was cursed, and there was reason for their belief. Sutro had owned the building for just over three years when the first of many disasters to befall it struck.

On Jan. 13, 1887, the schooner Parallel, loaded with more than 40 tons of black powder and a cask of dynamite caps, ran aground on the rocks below the building. At 12:34 a.m., two hours after the ship ran aground, the cargo exploded.

The ship was obliterated  fragments were found more than a mile away  and the blast destroyed the Cliff Houses north wing and blew two crewmen who were standing atop the rocks 200 feet. Both suffered serious injuries.

The next day, a crowd of 50,000 people made its way to the bluffs to gawk at the wreckage. Recognizing a good business opportunity, Wilkins had the broken glass in the Cliff House bar swept out and opened it to customers. It did record business that day as souvenir hunters stopped in for a drink after looking for scraps of wood from the Parallel.

The north wing was repaired and business as usual resumed, but on the evening of Christmas Day 1894, a much worse disaster hit.

A fire started in the Cliff House chimney, and within half an hour consumed the building. Undaunted, Sutro  who had just been elected mayor  rebuilt it as an ornate, vaguely German-looking chateau with spiraling towers. The much larger new Cliff House, dubbed the gingerbread palace, drew enthusiastic crowds.

But after Sutro died in 1898, his sister, Emma Sutro Merritt, discovered that his financial empire was deeply in debt and that the Cliff House was losing money.

To try to drum up business, manager Wilkins staged publicity gimmicks like using the Cliff House in 1903 as the starting point of a transcontinental automobile odyssey, one of the first ever attempted. (The Curved Dash Oldsmobile took 75 days to make it to Portland, Maine.) But business didnt pick up, and in June 1907 local businessman John Tait acquired the lease and made major renovations  only to watch the ornate building burn to the ground once again that September.

The rebuilt Cliff House reopened in 1909 and prospered for a while. But Prohibition killed business, and the landmark was shuttered from 1925 to 1936, when George and Leo Whitney, owners of Playland-at-the-Beach, bought the property.

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The Whitneys turned most of the cavernous and unprofitable Sutro Baths next door into an ice-skating rink. The Cliff House had a long and successful run under the Whitneys, but the decline of business at Playland in the late 1960s and a rift in the Whitney family led to it falling on hard times again.

In 1977, the Hountalas family acquired the property on a long-term lease from the National Park Service, which had purchased it from George Whitney. Completely restored in 2003-04, the famous landmark still stands at the end of the continent, as it has since the days of the Civil War.

Gary Kamiya is the author of the best-selling book Cool Gray City of Love: 49 Views of San Francisco, awarded the Northern California Book Award in creative nonfiction. All the material in Portals of the Past is original for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: metro@sfchronicle.com

Trivia time

Last trivia question: What type of rock makes up Nob, Russian and Telegraph Hills?

Answer: Graywacke.

This weeks trivia question: What is the largest and most famous street clock in San Francisco?

Editors note

Every corner in San Francisco has an astonishing story to tell. Gary Kamiyas Portals of the Past tells those lost stories, using a specific location to illuminate San Franciscos extraordinary history  from the days when giant mammoths wandered through what is now North Beach to the Gold Rush delirium, the dot-com madness and beyond. His column appears every other Saturday, alternating with Peter Hartlaubs OurSF.
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The Syrian refugee crisis hits close to home for Stanford graduate student Anton Apostolatos. His father fled communist Romania. Apostolatos doesnt feel he can return to turmoil-stricken Venezuela, where he was born and raised.

Every day Im looking for opportunities and looking for signs of life so I can go back and do my part to build a country thats in shambles, Apostolatos said, referring to Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Apostolatos is working with other Stanford students and the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to improve data on missing or dead Syrian refugees. Its part of a Stanford University class, Hacking for Diplomacy, in which about 30 students work with various State Department units to help solve global problems with technology.

The projects include lowering the spread of violent extremism online, assessing peacekeeping units effectiveness and even avoiding space collisions by tracking objects in orbit.

Stanford entrepreneurship adjunct Professor Steve Blank designed the class. Students create business models and flow charts and work toward potential solutions.

They also learn to navigate the bureaucracy at the State Department  no small task.

Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle

Technology as a tool could really help move the needle on a lot of the big global challenges, Zvika Krieger, the State Departments first representative to Silicon Valley, said in an interview before Thursdays class. That isnt (the State Departments) strong part. We dont have a lot of people who have coding and developing skills.

Besides Blank and Krieger, the class handful of instructors include Jeremy Weinstein, a political science professor who worked on security issues in the State Department and the White House under President Obama, and retired U.S. Army Special Forces Col. Joe Felter.

Blank created a Hacking for Defense class this spring, in which small teams of students worked with Department of Defense groups on military issues like defending against drone attacks.

Half of the groups continue to work on their projects with funding from the Department of Defense.

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The primary benefit for us is getting actual products that come out of the class, said Krieger, who had emailed the State Department to explore interest in a Hacking for Diplomacy class and received 30 project submissions from bureaus interested in sponsoring a team. The secondary benefit is inspiring the next generation of students who are going to be the real leaders.

Assistant Secretary of State Anne Richard attended last weeks class. She oversees population, refugee and migration issues, and her bureau sponsors the two teams in the class who are working on refugee problems.

The problems are hard and the solutions illusive, Richard said. If they came up with a new technique that was adopted by international organizations, that would be marvelous.

Jessica Floum is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jfloum@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfloum
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton actually agree that health care costs are too high, but the two presidential candidates diverge on pretty much everything else when it comes to health.

When the issue finally came up at the second presidential debate on Sunday, Clinton advocated fixing the parts of the Affordable Care Act that dont work. Trump called Obamacare a total disaster and repeated his call to repeal President Obamas signature health legislation and replace it with something that works.

Its unclear what that replacement would look like, but the Republican candidate called for changes such as making it easier for health insurers to sell across state lines. Clinton, a Democrat, was short on details on how she intends to fix the federal health law, but she clearly stands by it.

Its clear the parties have very different goals in health care, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health policy research group headquartered in Menlo Park. The Democrats are looking to expand the role of government and increase coverage while the Republicans are looking at lower spending and less regulation, with the result being fewer people with coverage.

The federal health law, while far from perfect, has expanded coverage to an estimated 20 million Americans over the past three years. In California, where the enactment of the law has largely been hailed as a success, federal data show the percentage of working adults without coverage has dropped from 23.7 percent in 2013, before the major elements of the law went into place, to 11.1 percent in 2015.

But rising health insurance premiums for 2017, the turmoil created by major carriers dropping out of the new marketplaces and skyrocketing prescription drug costs have amped up election rhetoric about health care and the Affordable Care Act.

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

At the debate, Trump talked about controlling premiums by allowing health insurers to sell across state lines, a strategy that he said will lower costs by increasing competition.

But health policy experts say its unclear whether that will lower costs considering the practice is already legal, with companies like UnitedHealth and Anthem selling in multiple states. The insurers must be licensed in each state and show they contract with an adequate network of hospitals and doctors.

The real barrier for health insurers expanding their presence in other states is building up a network of doctors and hospitals, Levitt said.

Trump also promised to block-grant Medicaid as a way of saving money. This would convert the entitlement health program for the poor into block grants, or federal lump-sum payments made to the states.

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press

While that could offer more flexibility, Stanford health economist Laurence Baker said block grants could make funding inconsistent. Theres a real fear that could lead to less money and less care, he said.

Clinton has advocated expanding Medicare, which covers the disabled and people over 65, as well as a public option to the private health insurance marketplaces created by the federal heath law.

But Baker said she will probably face an uphill battle unless the Democrats control both houses of Congress. She has bolder ideas, but its not totally clear if she can achieve them, he said.

Both candidates have additional details on their websites. Heres how they stack up on other major health issues:

On rising prescription drug costs: Trump has criticized the skyrocketing cost of drugs, but hasnt detailed how he would fix the problem. On his website, he says he supports allowing Medicare to negotiate directly for drug prices, a practice that is currently banned, and advocates letting American consumers buy safe and dependable drugs from overseas sources.

Clinton also supports allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and expanding access to drugs from abroad. But she has additional proposals, such as capping the amount individuals have to spend for their medications. (California already caps drug co-payments for Covered California plans and voters will determine whether state agencies will pay no more for drugs than the federal Veteran Affairs Department in a November ballot measure.) She also calls for creating a consumer group to protect patients from outlier price increases, pushing through the regulatory backlog of generic drugs and ending direct-to-consumer drug marketing.

On the troubled veterans health care system: Trump in July released a 10-point plan to improve health care provided through the Department of Veterans of Affairs, singling out mental health as an area in particular need for reform. He wants veterans to get the care they need wherever and whenever they need it and firing the corrupt and incompetent VA executives that let our veterans down.

Clinton has also been critical of the VA health system by calling for employees to be held accountable. She believes the system should be modernized but be protected from privatization attempts.

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On the health of women, poor people and immigrants: While Trump once supported a womans right to have an abortion, he now opposes abortion but believes women should have access to birth control without a prescription. His plan for reducing the number of people on Medicaid includes installing programs that grow the economy and bring capital and jobs back to America. He wants to enforce immigration laws to alleviate the cost of providing health care for people residing in the country illegally.

Clinton wants all women to have access to preventive care, affordable contraception and safe and legal abortion. She wants states to expand Medicaid and make it easier to enroll in. She also supports expanding access to affordable health care to families regardless of immigration status, something that California is already taking steps to do.

Victoria Colliver is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vcolliver@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @vcolliver

The candidates on health: truth or fiction?

Statement: Donald Trump has pledged repeatedly to repeal Obamacare and replace it with something great.

Distortion: Repealing the Affordable Care Act is a tall order. First, the Republicans would need a majority of both houses of Congress. Even so, Senate Democrats could attempt a filibuster. Trump says he will replace the ACA with something better, but has been short on those details.

Statement: At Sundays debate, Trump accused Hillary Clinton of wanting to move to a Canadian-style single-payer plan.

Distortion: While Clinton has proposed allowing people aged 55 to 64 to join the federal Medicare program, she has not advocated for a single-payer system.

Statement: Hillary Clinton says Trump supports an agenda out there to privatize the Veterans Affairs health care system.

Distortion: While Trumps plan for the VA system includes some elements of privatization, such as allowing veterans to choose doctors and hospitals outside the system, he has not called for the federal government to get out of the business of taking care of veterans.
Thomas Webb/Special to The Chronicle

A man found dead in a parking lot in San Jose this week was identified by police as a 55-year-old transient  the citys ninth homeless person killed this year.

Jeffrey Cooper was found dead Monday night in the parking lot of a Lowes store on the 700 block of Ridder Park Drive about 10:35 p.m., according to a police statement.
A San Francisco police officer shot in a quiet neighborhood near the zoo was in critical condition Saturday with a head wound, but he was conscious and talking with his family members, authorities said.

The officer, who is expected to survive Friday nights shooting, was identified as Kevin Downs by a friend of his family, Michael Pritchard, a counselor, educator and onetime standup comedian.

Hes a remarkable, resilient young man, Pritchard said. Downs, described as in his early 20s, is the kind of noble spirit were honored to have serve us in our community, he added.

At a news conference Saturday, Toney Chaplin, interim chief of the San Francisco Police Department, described the gunshot wound Downs suffered as nearly fatal, saying had it been one centimeter down it might have been lethal. Downs had surgery to remove fragments from his brain and still has partial paralysis on the side of his body from the shot to the head, Chaplin said.

The suspected gunman was shot and in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital, Chaplin said. The suspect was not identified.

The incident began at 8:15 p.m. Friday when San Francisco police arrived at Lakeshore Plaza Shopping Center after receiving a call of a man threatening people and acting erratically. A security guard pointed the officers toward him on Everglade Drive, and the man immediately turned and fired multiple shots, hitting Downs in the head, Chaplin said. The officers did not know beforehand that he was armed. The gunman then fled across Sloat Boulevard toward Stern Grove, according to a police statement.

Authorities immediately told residents in the neighborhood to stay in their homes, and police blocked streets near the shooting.

Officers had surrounded Stern Grove, where a wedding was being held, when the man came out of bushes at 28th Avenue and Vicente Street and tried to run, police said. After a confrontation with police, he was shot by officers and fell to the ground, authorities said. The man, however, kept a gun near his chest and refused to surrender, Chaplin said.

Officers then deployed flash-bang stun grenades and were able to distract the suspect and take him into custody.

This is 21st century policing at its best, Chaplin said. They did everything they could to make sure sure that at least the subject had a fighting chance.

The injured officer has been with the force for two years and was assigned to the Taraval Station, Chaplin said.

Our officers each day put their lives at risk to protect and serve San Francisco, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support we saw Friday evening from San Franciscans who were concerned for the officers well-being, he said.

Downs co-founded an organization called Ranchin Vets, which helps veterans who served after 9/11. The organization partners with ranches and farms from across the country to create opportunities in the agricultural industry for veterans and helps them in their transition from military to civilian life.

Downs, who attended Mount St. Marys University in Maryland, spent his summers working on a ranch in Marin County, according to the organizations website. He described that time fondly and sought to bring the same feeling to those who served.

At the end of every day when the sun was going down and the fog was rolling in I would drive my four-wheeler to the top of the hill, turn off the engine and just listen, Downs said on the organizations website. All I could hear was the sound of the cows ripping the grass from the earth. It was incredibly peaceful. We want to share that experience with our veterans.

Downs, whose brother was in the Marine Corps, saw the struggles and lack of employment opportunities our veterans faced as they transition back into civilian life and decided to start the organization.

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Pritchard, who has known the injured officer since he was a young boy, visited Downs and his family in the hospital and described the officer as being in good spirits after returning from surgery. Family and friends were praying together Friday night in the hospital, Pritchard said.

Theyre just a great family. Its bone-crushing, Pritchard said.

Mayor Ed Lee also visited the injured officer at the hospital late Friday.

I had a chance to thank him and meet his family. Im very grateful, Lee said.

A town hall meeting on the shooting, organized by the San Francisco Police Department, is planned for this week.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
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A San Francisco police officer was critically injured, but was expected to survive, after being shot in the head Friday night, officials said. An injured suspect was also in custody, according to police.

The officer  the first San Francisco police officer shot in the line of duty in nearly 10 years  was injured about 8:15 p.m. near the Lakeshore Plaza shopping center at Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive while responding to reports of a mentally disturbed person, police said.

The officer, who was not identified, was at San Francisco General Hospital in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Brent Andrews. The officer is expected to survive, Officer Carlos Manfredi said. The suspect also was at S.F. General.

Officer Giselle Talkoff, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department, issued a statement early Saturday describing the wounded officer as conscious and with his family members.

Our thoughts are with our injured officer and his family, SFPD Interim Chief Toney Chaplin said in a statement Saturday. Our officers each day put their lives at risk to protect and serve San Francisco and we are grateful for the outpouring of support we saw Friday evening from San Franciscans who were concerned for the officers well-being.

Mayor Ed Lee visited the officer at the hospital and said he looked and sounded alert.

I had a chance to thank him and meet his family. Im very grateful, Lee said.

Manfredi gave this account of the encounter: Officers responded at 8:15 to reports of a mentally disturbed man at Sloat and Everglade, and attempted to confront the man, who pulled out a handgun and started shooting at the officers. One officer went down, another stopped to help and remaining officers chased the suspect into Stern Grove. Officers fired shots at the man as he fled. He went down and still had the gun near his chest, and refused to surrender. Police distracted him with flash-bang grenades, took him into custody about 9:40 and he was taken to the hospital.

Martin Halloran, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said he was with the injured officer at the hospital Friday night.

This brave officer was doing his job, protecting the citizens of San Francisco, when he was struck by a bullet tonight, Halloran said in a statement. For his courage, he deserves all our gratitude and respect. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.

Sean Dizon said he saw the aftermath of the shooting unfold outside of his window. About 8 p.m., he heard three gunshots while inside his home at the corner of Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive, he said.

When he looked out of the window, he said he saw one officer running and limping after a suspect, and a second officer being placed in an ambulance with his head bandaged.

The scene was out of the ordinary for the very quiet people who live in the residential area, he said.

Workers at Lakeshore Plaza said police scoured the area searching for the shooter.

Michael Gilbert, a 19-year-old employee at the plazas Subway, said officers came inside the restaurant and told him to close early.

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We just noticed a bunch of police coming. They asked us to lock up, he said. At first, I didnt know what was going on. I was alarmed.

An employee at Nubi Yogurt said scared bystanders standing outside ran into the frozen yogurt store as they noticed the police activity.

Police entered the establishment looking for the suspect before his arrest, the employee said.

The last SFPD officer shot in the line of duty was Bryan Tuvera, who was killed on Dec. 23, 2006.

Chronicle staff writers Nanette Asimov and Santiago Mejia contributed to this report.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
A federal review of San Franciscos police force lauded the department for its diversity, finding that it hires female and nonwhite officers more consistently than national averages at a time when police agencies around the country are under fire for failing to reflect the communities they serve.

But this weeks report by the U.S. Department of Justice  which launched the study after the controversial killing of an African American stabbing suspect in the Bayview neighborhood  also said San Francisco has work to do.

Female and minority recruits are released from academy training at higher rates than white men, either because they quit or, more commonly, are terminated.

And after they do enter the department, these officers are underrepresented among Police Department leaders, according to the report, which was released Wednesday.

The team from the Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services said diversity was a point of pride for many in the force  in some cases a reason to join the department. Many officers who were interviewed said they felt that the SFPD strongly values workforce diversity.

At the same time, some female supervisors said they didnt have enough influence on department decision-making, and some minority officers said they didnt feel represented by their powerful labor union.

The SFPD is to be commended for its hiring focus and practices that seek to ensure diversity and for maintaining diversity in the organization, the review concluded. However, to create an inclusive and diverse organization, ongoing organizational support of diversity must continue and be prioritized throughout the Department for all ranks and assignments.

In total, 15 percent of sworn officers in San Francisco are women, the report found, higher than the natural average of 12 percent. Nearly 20 percent of supervisors in the city force are women  double the national average.

Meanwhile, nearly 49 percent of officers are nonwhite, well above the U.S. average of 27 percent.

However, the Justice Department noted that white officers make up two-thirds of the roster of captains.

White officers are somewhat overrepresented compared with their workforce presence in the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and inspector, the report said. The lack of minority representation in the front-line supervisory ranks is concerning because these positions are the most community-facing, especially in San Francisco, where first-line supervisors and captains are responsible for developing and implementing community policing tactics in their districts.

The report also raised questions about management of academy recruits who were terminated or quit. A total of 526 men entered the academy from February 2013 to June 2016, according to the report, and 93 women. Of those recruits, 17 percent of the men separated and didnt become officers, compared with 30 percent of the women.

Minority recruits were also released from training in disproportionate numbers. More than 28 percent of Latino recruits didnt make it, compared with 12 percent of white recruits. Despite identifying the disparities, the assessment team was unable to conduct significant analysis and observation regarding the impact of these rates of release, the report states.

Interim Police Chief Toney Chaplin, who is seeking the job permanently, has spoken at Police Commission meetings about the departments efforts to draw in more diverse recruits.

The effort has been a long project in San Francisco. Forty years ago, Officers for Justice, a workplace group representing African American and other nonwhite officers, had to sue the department to allow women and minorities to become sworn members.

Retired officers of the 126th recruit class, the first to allow women, still recall the obstacles male colleagues put up to keep them out of the department  teaching them disarming techniques that didnt work and putting resin and tape on batons the recruits were supposed to wrestle from their grip.

The report is a validation of what Officers for Justices founding fathers saw 45-plus years ago, said Sgt. Yulanda Williams, the Officers for Justice president.

Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle

Its nothing thats surprising to us, she said, but the question is, now that its in report form and the federal government is aware of it, what will the department do about it? How do you put it to action? How do you bring parity back to women and minorities who have been harmed for all these years, for at least four decades?

The report recommended that the department develop a strategic plan for achieving diversity and establish performance metrics to track progress.

The department should improve the promotion process, the Justice Department said, making it more transparent and providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates as a means of advancing institutional knowledge and performance improvement.

Chaplin was unavailable for comment Friday, but he said after the report was released that the department was committed to implementing all of the federal recommendations. Members of the Police Commission emphasized that the report will play a key role in the citys search for a new chief.

Civil rights attorney John Burris said Friday that diversity in the force is especially important because the Justice Department found racial disparities in arrests and stops made by city officers. Burris said its important that police empathize with community members, understanding why they might not trust police and why they might be upset to be stopped by officers.

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The community needs to be able to talk to people who understand their perspective, said Burris, who represents the family of Mario Woods, the man killed by police in December in the Bayview. Ethnic representation is important in a department dealing with diverse ethnic communities.

Departments cant grow or change their cultures, Burris said, if the same type of officers continue to hold positions of power.

The people that set the direction of a unit, the sergeants and the lieutenants, if you dont have people who are progressive in those positions, they carry on the culture of before, he said. You perpetuate that course of conduct from one generation to the next.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo

Who makes the force

A U.S. Department of Justice review of the San Francisco Police Department found gender and racial disparities in which recruits did not make it through the training academy from February 2013 to June 2016, either because they were terminated (which makes up 90 percent of cases) or dropped out.

Separations by gender

Total entering academy Percent separated Male 526 16.7 Female 93 30.1

Separations by race or ethnicity

Total entering academy Percent separated American Indian 1 100 Asian/Filipino 121 20.7 African American 59 23.7 Latino 113 28.3 Other 17 41.2 White 308 12.0
Reem Assil was kind enough to feed me, and I was rude enough to ask her a pointed question.

Given the Bay Areas shaky restaurant economy, I wondered, why in the world would you want to open a restaurant?

If I were opening a big, splashy restaurant right now, Id agree with you, Assil told me. But what Im looking to do is create a sense of home for people.

If you havent been fortunate enough yet to meet Assil at one of the many local farmers markets and high-end food stores where she sells her Arabic flat breads, you should know shes a community builder who masquerades as a baker.

This is no knock on Assils food. All of her bona fides are legit: She grew up cooking for friends and family, completed a bakery and pastry program at Laney College, worked at Arizmendi Bakery for years, and incubated her business at San Franciscos famed La Cocina kitchen program.

You can taste that training in her manoushes (flat breads topped with everything from zaatar to sausage), which are crispy, golden and delicious. She makes one of the best shakshoukas Ive ever eaten in the Bay Area  the spices brightened by California-fresh herbs, the eggs perfectly poached.

But when Assil says shes looking to create not a restaurant but a sense of home, shes onto something. The Bay Area is one of the worlds great dining hubs. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, its not easy for a new owner to stand out unless shes offering something unique.

In Assils case, its what she learned about bakeries in places like Syria and Lebanon  they arent just places for business, theyre the center of a communitys life.

In Beirut, for example, the political climate outside of a bakerys door can be very tumultuous, Assil said. So inside, everyone treats each other as family. I fell in love with that concept and wanted to re-create it here.

Normally, people train to become chefs or bakers because they love food. Assil took bakery courses because she loves community.

The daughter of a Syrian father and a Palestinian mother, shed grown up cooking for loved ones in Watertown, Mass. Thirteen years ago, she moved to Oakland and worked in a variety of community organizing roles. But when Assil started to burn out  I was fighting for social change and seeing very little of it, she told me  she joined her father on a trip through the Middle East in 2010. In the warmth of those countries small, hospitable bakeries, she found her next career.

Leah Millis / The Chronicle

My love for culture and food came together on that trip, and I actually pursued professional training with the idea of creating this business, Assil said. Im hopeful I can be a bridge between what Americans want and what my own community wants. This is certainly the time to try.

The Middle Easts political climate may be as difficult as ever, but in some sense Assils timing is impeccable.

The global success of Yotam Ottolenghi, the Israeli-born British chef and restaurateur, has sparked interest in all foods Middle Eastern-related. While the Bay Area has plenty of excellent Mediterranean options, true Arabic options are thin on the ground.

Its something Assil has noticed in the Bay Area. In the Boston suburbs where she grew up, there are plenty of Arabic bakeries and some truly spectacular Arabic street food restaurants, like Sofra. While the Bay Area has long-established Arabic communities, the region hasnt been quite as lucky in terms of its restaurant options.

Theres a lot more to Arab street food than falafel and shawarma, Assil said.

Interestingly enough, when she started her business, shed thought non-Arabs would be her biggest audience. And they did come, she said. But what surprised me was that Arabs from all over the Bay Area came, too. So I realized my own community was hungry for the spirit of this food as well.

True to her roots in community organizing, Assil is already thinking about ways to expand her business to include hospitality in all of its forms.

Im keen to source everything locally, but the one thing I havent been able to find is our spice mix, the zaatar, she said. However, Im looking into partnering with some of the Syrian refugees who are coming to the Bay Area. Many of these people will be coming from rural areas, and they wont have language skills and will be dealing with the shock of war. Im looking at creating a signature spice mix by working with this community. The coast of Syria has a similar climate to California, so the same herbs can be grown here.

That kind of expansive, creative thinking is why I cant wait for Reems restaurant to open. Follow her progress at http://reemscalifornia.com.

Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @caillemillner
California can require hundreds of antiabortion clinics known as crisis pregnancy centers to notify their patients that the state makes abortion and other reproductive health care available at little or no cost, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.

The law, which took effect in January, does not violate freedom of speech or religion because it merely requires the clinics to provide accurate information about health care that the patients have a right to receive, said the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. While the ruling only denied an injunction that would have halted further enforcement, the court made it clear that it saw no constitutional grounds for overturning the law.

The state has a legitimate interest in ensuring that its citizens have access to and adequate information about constitutionally protected medical services like abortion, Judge Dorothy Nelson said in the 3-0 ruling. She said the law does not encourage, suggest or imply that women should use these state-funded services.

The court upheld rulings by federal judges in San Diego, Oakland and Sacramento that allowed the law to take effect. Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative religious legal organization that challenged the law on behalf of several clinics, said it would consider a further appeal.

Political allies of abortionists are seeking to punish pro-life pregnancy centers, which offer real hope and help to women, attorney Matt Bowman said in a statement. Forcing these centers to promote abortion and recite the governments preferred views is a clear violation of their constitutionally protected First Amendment freedoms.

He noted that some federal courts in other states have struck down similar laws on free-speech grounds.

Crisis pregnancy centers offer free counseling and services  including pregnancy tests and ultrasound examinations  to pregnant women, but steer them away from abortions, and have been known to advise women that abortion is physically and psychologically harmful. There are about 2,500 centers nationwide and at least 228 in California, according to a legislative staff analysis of the new law.

The measure, sponsored by Assemblyman David Chiu, D-San Francisco, requires all state-licensed reproductive health centers, including crisis pregnancy centers that have a doctor on their staff, to notify clients of the full range of low-cost or free reproductive health services available under state law.

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Those services include contraception, prenatal care and abortion. The notices must list the phone number of the county social service center.

The law requires clinics without a doctor to notify clients that they are not licensed by the state. In upholding that requirement, the court said the Legislature expressly found that crisis pregnancy centers often present misleading information to women about reproductive health services.

As a consequence, Nelson said, Californias interest in presenting accurate information about the licensing status of individual clinics is particularly compelling.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
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Sometimes a political party needs to hit bottom before recognizing, let alone correcting, its wayward course. Donald Trumps collapsing candidacy appears to be sending Republicans toward that zone of desperation on Nov. 8. Civil War has become the term of the moment for a party watching some of its most prominent members, including four past presidential nominees and the speaker of the U.S. House, keeping their distance from Trump out of disgust, concern about the party  or both. Trump was whiffing on expected endorsements from GOP politicians and newspapers even before the latest revelations about his inappropriate behavior with women.

The conventional wisdom is that the future is bleak for the party of Lincoln. Some analysts have even suggested Republicans may be on the brink of going the way of the Federalists after John Adams was defeated by Thomas Jefferson in 1800.

Not so fast. In modern times, the two major parties have shown a remarkable resiliency in recovering from presidential election landslides that seem ominous at the time.

Republicans faced a serious long-term demographic challenge before Trumps insurgent candidacy, and his appeals to racial resentment, misogyny and xenophobia have only aggravated the partys predicament. In its extensive autopsy of Mitt Romneys loss in the 2012 election  which could pale in comparison to this years loss  the Republican National Committee laid out a blueprint to broaden its appeal for electoral competitiveness: reach out to minorities, soften its stance on immigration reform, shed its image as the party of the rich.

Trump has ignored those lessons on all counts.

The state of this race, and American politics in general, came to mind Tuesday in a discussion I moderated at the University of San Francisco with two state party chairs, Republican Jim Brulte and Democrat John Burton, each a former legislative leader and two of the genuine straight shooters in California politics.

Brulte, who regards his job as building the party from the ground up, did not try to sugarcoat the scale or cause of Republicans California predicament. GOP registration has dropped 10 percent in two decades, to less than 30 percent.

If you chart it out by demography, it parallels identically with the decline in the white population in California, Brulte said. Starting in about 1996, the white population was a little north of 50 (percent); now its a little south of 40 (percent). Were now a majority-minority state. There are now more Hispanics in California than there are whites.

As usual, California foreshadows the national demographic shift. The gender gap, which advantages Democrats even when Hillary Clinton is not on the ticket, is a particular concern for Republicans. An analysis of current polls by the numbers-crunching group FiveThirtyEight last week found that Trump would be leading in electoral votes (350 to 188) if only men were voting. The finding prompted Trump supporters to jump on Twitter with the disgusting hashtag #repealthe19th, a reference to the constitutional amendment that gave women the right to vote.

There is always a tendency in American politics to look at a trend and assume it will last forever. When I was a young reporter in Washington in the 1980s, Republicans were making a compelling case that the electoral map, with the Sun Belt migration, would keep them in the White House for as far as the eye could see. The 2000 George W. Bush victory led his strategist Karl Rove to boast of an emerging permanent majority for the GOP. After the 2008 election, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi laid out the case to our editorial board for Democrats to dominate federal elections for a long time to come. Two years later, the Republicans gained 63 seats and control of the House.

So the history lesson is clear: panic or celebrate at your own risk, partisans.

But my most enduring, and touching, takeaway from Tuesday night was how much this nations politics has been degraded from the time when people could have differing ideologies, yet respect and work with one another. I was with Brulte when he greeted Burton upon his arrival. How are you holding up? Burton asked Brulte, without a hint of smirk or glee about the GOPs predicament. I thought about the refusal of Trump and Clinton to shake hands as I watched Brulte and Burton climb up the steps toward USFs McLaren Conference Center, asking about each others lives and about mutual friends in the political world, sharing laughs and cell phone photos. Their talk on stage was civil and substantive, without an ounce of insult, vitriol or silly spin.

It was a reminder: We truly can do better than this, America, in so many ways.

John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicle editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com

Nothing is forever in American politics

These election disasters brought soul searching and, ultimately, a recovery for the defeated party:

1964

Republicans/Barry Goldwater

Party divide: Establishment Republicans drew distance from the Arizona senator, especially after a bitter San Francisco convention, considering him too far right on everything from war to civil rights.

Outcome: Democrat Lyndon Johnson won with 61 percent of the popular vote, one of the largest landslides in U.S. history.

Damage: Democrats gained 37 U.S. House seats, giving them the strongest majority since 1936.

Rebound: Out of the loss came the inspiration of a conservative movement that came to fruition with the 1980 election of Ronald Reagan. Republicans have embraced the conservative label ever since.

1972

Democrats/George McGovern

Party divide: Centrist Democrats were at odds with a proudly liberal, defiantly antiwar candidate. Their differences were on display at a raucous Miami convention, but the Stop McGovern move failed.

Outcome: President Richard Nixon was re-elected in an electoral landslide, with McGovern carrying only Massachusetts and D.C.

Damage: The Democrats were left in serious disarray after the debacle.

Rebound: The Watergate scandal that led to Nixons 1974 resignation changed everything. Democrats picked up 49 seats in the 1974 midterms (a class known as the Watergate babies) and regained the White House in 1976 (Jimmy Carter).

1984

Democrats/Walter Mondale

Party divide: Colorado Sen. Gary Hart emerged as a surprisingly strong challenger to the vice president, a more traditional liberal, in a primary that went all the way to the San Francisco convention.

Outcome: President Ronald Reagan won 49 states and 58.8 percent of the vote.

Damage: Republicans seemed to have gained a firm grip on the electoral map, as shown by the 1988 victory of George H.W. Bush over Michael Dukakis.

Rebound: Bill Clinton, among the Democrats trying to rebrand the party from its leftward tilt, defeated incumbent Bush in 1992.
The U.S. Department of Justice will begin collecting data on police use-of-force incidents nationwide, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced Thursday.

Beginning in early 2017, the Justice Department will start a pilot program to collect use-of-force statistics nationwide and create the nations first online database tracking both the deadly and nonfatal incidents the public has with law enforcement.

Lynch said that accurate data about these incidents is essential to an informed and productive discussion about community-police relations.

James Comey, the FBI director, has said the lack of comprehensive national data on law enforcement use-of-force incidents is both unacceptable and ridiculous.

The Justice Departments initiatives are a clear response to the heightened profile of cases in which unarmed African American men and women died at the hands of police. These cases were elevated by the rise of smartphone video, social media and advocacy groups like Black Lives Matter.

In 2015, President Obamas task force on 21st century policing called for law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on all officer-involved shootings (both fatal and nonfatal) as well as any in-custody deaths.

Faced with the lack of official action, some outside groups have created their own national databases.

The Washington Post, for example, counted 991 fatal police shootings in 2015. The website Fatal Encounters collects information via legal records and freedom of information requests. By the end of this year, it expects to record nearly 23,000 cases of people killed by law enforcement since Jan. 1, 2000. Its deeply frustrating that the federal government hasnt been able to offer the country official statistics.

A national database is certainly crucial to creating greater trust between police departments and the communities they serve.

But a database could benefit law enforcement departments, too.

Researchers have clamored for more data on this issue, emphasizing that it can help law enforcement departments and policymakers to set best practice standards.

Understanding how different law enforcement departments compare with each other on use-of-force incidents can also help with training and accountability decisions.

Its important for law enforcement agencies to understand how full participation in the program can benefit them.

Under a 2014 law passed by Congress, the Justice Department has legal authority to impose fines on law enforcement agencies that fail to report data on incidents where civilians die during interactions with police or while in their custody.

But Congress did not grant the department power to impose fines for failure to report nonlethal uses of force.

So full participation in the program  while vital for the entire nation  is still voluntary for law enforcement agencies.

We certainly urge San Franciscos Police Department  fresh off a blistering Department of Justice review of its practices  to participate in every way it can.
JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Democratic presidential runner-up Bernie Sanders returns to San Francisco Saturday for the first time since the primary to stump for Proposition 61 and state Senate candidate Jane Kim.

Sanders will stop by Kims San Francisco campaign headquarters at 37 Grove St. and say a few words at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Kim, a San Francisco supervisor battling fellow Supervisor Scott Wiener for the Senate seat, is one of 100 local candidates nationwide that the Sanders-inspired Our Revolution organization is endorsing.
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Sea lion pups are in much better shape this fall than last year, when unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters caused an alarming increase in deaths along the California coast, but the birth rate for the flipper-footed mammals is not yet back to normal, federal scientists said Friday.

The number of California sea lion pups in their primary breeding grounds on the Channel Islands increased by 9 percent compared with 2015, when some 18,000 pups were born on San Miguel Island.

Yet the numbers are 41 percent below the high point in 2012, when a little more than 32,000 sea lions were born, said Sharon Melin, a research biologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Alaska Fisheries Science Center.

The 3-month-old pups, studied in the summer and early fall on San Miguel and San Nicolas islands, averaged 37 pounds, a normal weight and a promising sign after several years of trouble, she said.

The main takeaway is that the population seems to be doing better, Melin said. Even though we had a better year this year, the population is still depressed. ... The good news is that the ones born are actually doing better. Its the first year in the last five that weve had normal weights.

Justin Viezbicke, the NOAAs California stranding network coordinator, said more than 2,100 sick sea lions have been taken this year to the eight rehabilitation centers between San Diego and Marin County. Thats half the number at the same time last year, but about the same count as in 2013 and 2014.

Obviously this news is really good news, but we are going to continue to prepare ourselves for high numbers of strandings this winter, Viezbicke said. If we dont have it, that would be fantastic.

The pups measured last year were 31 percent below their normal weight on average  the lowest in 41 years of testing. Biologists collected 3,340 sick, starving and dead sea lions that washed ashore in Central and Southern California from January through May 2015, more than 10 times the average for that period, NOAA officials said.

The sickness and death came after four years of poor ocean conditions, prompting the declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event, which triggers federal protective measures.

In the mid-2000s, more than 60,000 pups were born annually on the rookeries in the Channel Islands. But the conditions worsened dramatically in 2013 when a wall of atmospheric pressure over the Pacific blocked storms from hitting California, contributing to the drought. The phenomenon, dubbed the blob, covered a 1,500-mile patch of water in the Northern Pacific and kept cold, stormy air from stirring the ocean and moderating temperatures.

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The warm water disrupted the food web, forcing sea lion mothers to roam farther. As a result, many pups, which are typically born in June, starved and beached themselves throughout the fall and winter and into April, when the pups wean from their mothers.

Nate Mantua, a climatologist for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, said water temperatures are still a bit above average between Santa Barbara and the Mexican border, but weve come to the end of a period of really extraordinarily high temperatures.

Sea lions have been protected from hunting for the past four decades, and there are now an estimated 300,000 off the California coast.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
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Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf used the 1969 moon landing as the overarching metaphor Friday for her second State of the City speech, in which she enthusiastically touted her programs and policies, describing them as moon shots.

But the mayor also acknowledged the housing crisis and income disparities that plague Oakland, and the sexual misconduct scandal that rattled its Police Department in recent months, thrusting the city  and Schaaf  into the national spotlight.

Despite the tense timing of the speech, which came weeks before a contentious November election, and the same day that the Nevada Legislature approved funding for a new Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, Schaaf was upbeat. She conspicuously omitted mention of the Raiders in her 45-minute address.

A moon shot is a big, audacious goal; its less about incremental improvement and more about transformational change, said Schaaf, who opened her speech with a video clip of John F. Kennedys 1962 We Choose to Go to the Moon speech at Rice University.

Oaklands moon shot, she said, is a city where everyone thrives without having to fear displacement or job loss in a gentrifying city.

She went on to highlight her own achievements of this year. In January, she started a citywide effort to triple the number of Oakland youths who graduate from college, mostly through grants and scholarships.

Two months later, the citys Housing Cabinet presented plans to create 17,000 new affordable and market-rate homes in a city that desperately needs them. With rents steadily rising, too many Oakland residents  roughly 1 in 4  spend too much of their income on housing, Schaaf said.

In April, Schaaf overhauled Oaklands troubled workforce programs, creating new neighborhood job centers. And in June, shortly after news of the Oakland police misconduct scandal engulfed City Hall, Schaaf presented a 13-month study by Stanford University social psychologist Jennifer Eberhardt that demonstrated racial bias occurring in Oakland police traffic stops.

Midway through her speech, Schaaf paused to offer an apology for the police scandal. But she also took a jab at antipolice activists who recently launched a mayoral recall campaign that seeks to oust Schaaf and strip the Police Department of half its funding.

We took a hard line against the reprehensible culture that came to light this year, Schaaf said. Even so, she added, I refuse to defund the police or stop growing our ranks.

Schaaf also plugged the $600 million infrastructure bond measure that she is pushing on the November ballot. Intended to repair streets and sidewalks and help fund affordable housing, it will need a two-thirds vote to pass.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
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A fire burning northeast of Lake Tahoe that has destroyed almost two dozen homes has grown to nearly 3,500 acres, officials said Saturday.

The Little Valley Fire, which ignited just after 1:30 a.m. Friday in the Nevada community of Washoe Valley, was at 3,460 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire was 20 percent contained Saturday night and has leveled at least 22 homes.

About 855 firefighters continued to battle the blaze, located between Incline Village and Washoe Lake in Nevada, as the fire was pushed east pushed by high winds, officials said. Four people have suffered injuries from smoke inhalation.

Rain helped slow the fire, but strong winds were expected to pick up Saturday night and last into the early hours of Sunday.

The so-called Little Valley fire was first reported shortly after 1:30 a.m. Friday in the mountains between Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley, about 8 miles north of Carson City. It spread rapidly thanks to winds gusting at more than 70 mph.

The cause is still under investigation.

Residents on the west side of Washoe Lake from the Bowers exit to the bottom of Franktown Road were under evacuation orders Saturday, and other neighborhoods have been warned they, too, may need to evacuate during the weekend.

The fire was one of three that broke out along the Sierra Nevada on Friday.

Elsewhere, the Emerald Fire, located on the south end of Lake Tahoe near Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay, prompted the evacuation of 500 homes. It was estimated to be 90 percent contained Saturday evening, according to Cal Fire, after having burned about 210 acres and forcing the closure of part of California Highway 89.

High winds and heavy rain in the area halted some firefighting efforts overnight and clogged nearby roads with debris.

The Associated Press and Chronicle staff writer Marissa Lang contributed to this report.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
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Bitcoin was created by libertarian-minded programmers with a deep suspicion of central banks and the national currencies they issue.

Yet it is central banks that are doing some of the most ambitious work in trying to harness the technology introduced by bitcoin.

The central bankers do not want their institutions to own or use bitcoin itself. Instead, they hope they can use the decentralized method of record-keeping introduced by bitcoin  known as the blockchain or distributed ledger  to complete and record transactions more efficiently, quickly and transparently.

The most enthusiastic central banks  including the Bank of England and the Peoples Bank of China  have discussed issuing their national currencies onto some sort of distributed ledger, a name that comes from the concept of several parties keeping records simultaneously.

Blockchains allow the different parties to keep a shared spreadsheet using cryptography and what are known as consensus mechanisms that provide a way to agree on which transactions happened at what time.

For the central banks, the promise of the technology is that it would allow them to track every pound or renminbi on every step of its travels through the financial system in real time  something that is impossible now. The goal would be to make the financial system more transparent, fast, efficient and secure.

If the central banks succeed, it would be one of the greatest unexpected twists in new technology: an invention designed to dethrone central banks and make it harder for money to be tracked instead ends up empowering those central banks and making money more easily traceable.

The Bank of England has produced several research papers on the topic. One suggests that the economic benefits of issuing a digital currency on a distributed ledger could add as much as 3 percent to a countrys economic output, thanks to the efficiency it could offer.

A deputy governor at the Peoples Bank of China, Fan Yifei, wrote for Bloomberg View that the conditions are ripe for digital currencies, which can reduce operating costs, increase efficiency and enable a wide range of new applications.

And in a recent speech, the Fed governor overseeing new technology, Lael Brainard, said the technology has the potential to transform several aspects of the financial system.

We are paying close attention to distributed ledger technology, or blockchain, recognizing this may represent the most significant development in many years in payments, clearing and settlement, Brainard said.

Even the central bank officials who are most enthusiastic about these experiments say it will be years before any central bank issues its own currency onto a live distributed ledger.

Some critics say the public interest in the blockchain has been all talk and no substance  an easy way for stuffy central bankers to appear hip and relevant.

David Andolfatto, a researcher at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said many of the central banks looking at blockchain technology would be better served by spending time and energy in updating the software that underlies the financial system.

If you take a snapshot of the existing plumbing, it looks a bit ugly, Andolfatto said. Theres nothing magical about a blockchain in solving this problem.

Even within the Fed, though, other researchers and officials have expressed more excitement about the technology.

A week before Brainard gave her speech on distributed ledgers, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen, was asked about the technology at a congressional hearing. She said that innovation using these technologies could be extremely helpful and bring benefits to society.

The Fed has been pushed to act by the big banks that it regulates, many of which are experimenting with distributed ledgers as a way to settle trades and record data and transactions. JPMorgan Chase has said that it is moving toward a public release of its enterprise grade blockchain this year.

Most financial institutions and central banks are looking at distributed ledgers that would be maintained on the computers of all the major members of the financial system, including the central bank and the biggest financial institutions.

In the systems being discussed, each player in the system would communicate with all the others anytime money moved in the system, allowing everyone to update the ledgers on their computer systems simultaneously. This would provide multiple backups if the central banks computers came under attack. It would also hypothetically allow them to complete transactions much more quickly, and would make it easier to spot rogue actors.

Eric Piscini, who oversees work on blockchain by the consulting firm Deloitte, said that a year ago, central banks were looking at the technology mostly because they wanted to understand what private banks were talking about.

Now, he says, the central banks are embracing the technology to revamp their own infrastructures.

At the headquarters of the Netherlands central bank in Amsterdam, Ron Berndsen set up five laptops to run an experimental virtual currency, derived from the bitcoin software. The coins issued in the system were nicknamed dukatons, after a silver coin used in the time when the Netherlands was a part of the Spanish Empire.

Berndsen operated the dukaton system for three months to see what would happen if the central bank were setting the rules and did not have the same limits as bitcoin. While the experiment was a success, he is now thinking much bigger and is in conversation with other central bank officials who are looking at ways to put their own currencies on distributed ledgers.

The experimentation so far has taken on many forms.

The Russian national bank said last week that it had worked with a consortium of Russias biggest banks to develop its own distributed ledger, which it dubbed Masterchain. The Russian institutions have been sending messages on the system but are also looking at it as a potential component of the new-generation financial infrastructure in the future.

The Bank of Canada teamed up with the nations five largest banks  and the blockchain consulting firm R3  for what was known as Project Jasper. In a simulation run this summer, the central bank issued so-called CAD-Coins onto a blockchain similar to the one that underlies the bitcoin alternative known as Ethereum.

Critics of blockchain technology have noted the apparent contradiction in central banks looking to distributed ledgers.

The blockchain was created to allow bitcoin transactions to be recorded communally so that a central authority, such as a central bank, would not be necessary. If a central bank is involved and keeping track, why go to the trouble of keeping records communally?

The distributed ledgers being discussed by central bankers also generally lack the openness that has been one of the most attractive attributes of the bitcoin network.

With bitcoin, anyone can join the network and help support it, which has helped it win a following. The distributed ledgers being considered by the financial industry and central banks would generally allow only a small number of registered entities to join in and take part in the network.

Mark Carney, the head of the Bank of England and perhaps the most prominent champion of distributed ledgers, has said that the technology could be worth using for central banks because it would make for a financial system that does not go down even if the central banks computer systems are temporarily taken offline.
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Wells Fargos earnings slipped in the third quarter, the company said Friday, as the banking giant started dealing with the aftermath of a sales practices scandal that has consumed it in recent weeks.

Wells said it earned $5.6 billion ($1.03 per share), compared with $5.8 billion ($1.05) in the same period a year earlier. The results beat analysts expectations of $1.01 per share.

The San Francisco bank is being roiled by a crisis that ultimately toppled its CEO this week. Wells reached a $185 million settlement with regulators last month after allegations that its employees opened up to 2 million bank and credit card accounts without customer authorization so they could meet sales goals.

Also Friday, Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich announced that he is suspending Wells Fargo from doing business with state agencies, and excluding the bank from participating in any state bond offerings.

Kasichs announcement follows similar moves by the state treasurers of California and Illinois and the cities of Seattle and Chicago, which have banned Wells Fargo from doing business.

While the scandal has drawn bipartisan outrage, particularly from members of Congress, Kasich is the first state-level Republican to announce actions against Wells Fargo.

Under pressure from politicians and investors, the banks longtime CEO, John Stumpf, abruptly retired on Wednesday. Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan was named to replace him. That has not stopped politicians like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, from blasting Wells; she has called for a criminal investigation of the banks activities.

I am deeply committed to restoring the trust of all of our stakeholders, including our customers, shareholders, and community partners, Sloan said in a statement. We know that it will take time and a lot of hard work to earn back our reputation, but I am confident because of the incredible caliber of our team members. We will work tirelessly to build a stronger and better Wells Fargo for generations to come.

It is too early to see the total, long-term impact the scandal will have on Wells bottom line, since most of the developments from the scandal broke in mid-to-late September, when the quarter was nearly over. The bank had noticeably higher noninterest expenses in the quarter, due partly to the $185 million settlement.

In the branches, there were signs that customers were backing away from the bank. In a presentation to investors released Friday, Wells reported a drop in what it calls banker and teller interactions in September from both a year ago and from August, the month before the scandal broke. Consumer checking account openings dropped by 25 percent in September from a year earlier and 30 percent from August. Consumer applications for Wells credit cards also fell sharply in September.

In other parts of Wells business, the bank said referrals for mortgages from retail branches were down 24 percent from August. Retail branch referrals account for 10 percent of all Wells mortgage originations. Wells is the nations largest mortgage lender.

Wells Fargos community banking franchise, the banks largest division and the business at the center of the scandal, had net income in the quarter of $3.23 billion compared with $3.56 billion in the same period a year.

The wholesale banking division, which consists of Wells Fargos investment bank, lending to companies and others, reported net income of $2.04 billion in the quarter, up from $1.93 billion a year earlier.

Wells Fargo revenue in the quarter was $22.33 billion, up 2 percent from a year earlier.
In 2005, the year John Stumpf became president of Wells Fargo, Julie Tishkoff, then an administrative assistant at the bank, wrote to the companys human resources department about what she had seen: employees opening sham accounts, forging customer signatures and sending out unsolicited credit cards.

She kept complaining for four years, and she was not alone. For years similar or identical complaints from Wells Fargo workers flowed in to the banks internal ethics hotline, its human resources department, and individual managers and supervisors. In at least two cases in 2011, employees wrote letters directly to Stumpf  who became the CEO in 2007, and its board chairman in 2010  to describe the illegal activities they had witnessed.

Stumpf, who abruptly resigned last week, testified twice before Congress that he and other senior managers only realized in 2013 that they had a big problem on their hands  two years after the bank had started firing people over the issue.

Now, regulators, lawmakers, current and former employees, and others are asking: How was it that this drumbeat of complaints did not set off loud alarm bells earlier? And why have the brunt of the firings fallen on low-level workers, not on the managers and executives who shaped the companys aggressive sales culture?

It appears that there were activities going on that indicate you may have known much earlier than 2013, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, said while questioning Stumpf in a House Financial Services Committee hearing last month.

Waters pointed to court filings from 2008 from employees who tried to blow whistles, and to a Wells Fargo sales quality manual that was updated in 2007  just months after Stumpf became chief executive, and with his executive guidance  to remind employees that they needed to obtain a customers consent before opening an account.

Tishkoff was fired in 2009. At least two of her supervisors were aware of her complaints and ignored them, according to a wrongful termination lawsuit she filed against Wells Fargo in 2011. Those supervisors remain with the bank and are now regional presidents, responsible for overseeing thousands of workers at hundreds of branches.

And since Sept. 8, when Wells Fargo said it would pay $185 million in fines for opening as many as 2 million customer accounts and credit cards without authorization, dozens of former employees have stepped forward to tell stories like Tishkoffs  describing the companys toxic sales culture and their own thwarted efforts to use the banks internal channels to draw attention to the scope of the problem.

Everybody knew there was fraud going on, and the people trying to flag it were the ones who got in trouble, said Ricky Hansen Jr., a former branch manager in Scottsdale, Ariz., who was fired after contacting both human resources and the ethics hotline about illegal accounts he had seen being opened.

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. Eshet cited the steps the company took in response to the scandal, including its move this month to drop the aggressive sales quotas 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, 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 2 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 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, Guitron told Wells Fargos human resources department. In 2010, Guitron was called into her boss office and told she was being fired for insubordination.

Guitron filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, submitting into the public record thousands of pages of documents and testimony from multiple branch workers about the unethical acts they said they witnessed. The court sided with Wells Fargo and dismissed the case in 2012. Guitron had an objectively reasonable belief that the bank had acted fraudulently, but Wells Fargo still had grounds to fire her because she fell short of her sales goals, the judge ruled.

Pam Rubio, the manager of the branch where Guitron worked, is now a private banker at Wells Fargo, managing money for wealthy clients. Also still with the bank is Greg Morgan, the regional manager whom Guitron approached about the problems at her branch. He was promoted last year and is now Wells Fargos regional president of the San Francisco market. (Neither Rubio nor Morgan responded to requests for comment.)

We agree with the judges finding that her claims of retaliation had no merit, Wells Fargo said.

The company said that Tishkoff was terminated for falsifying expense reports and that the bank does not tolerate retaliation against team members who report their concerns. Tishkoffs side of the story is that she accidentally submitted several low-dollar expense items twice and that the company used that as a premise to fire her. The case was settled in 2012, according to Tishkoffs lawyer, who said the terms of the deal prevented her from speaking publicly about it.

As outrage over the banks actions has grown, frustrated former employees have said the bank should have heeded what they have said were widespread warnings and taken action much earlier  a fact Stumpf acknowledged at a hearing before the House Financial Services Committee.

We should have done more sooner, he said.

That answer does not satisfy Hansen, the former branch manager in Scottsdale, who said he was fired for speaking up.

Hansen started at Wells Fargo in 2008 and worked his way up to a management job. A number of his regions top performers openly cheated, he said, but in 2011, while stationed away from his branch to cover for a colleague, he came on a particularly egregious case: The branchs bankers were inventing fake businesses and opening accounts in their names, he said.

I called HR and said, What do I do? Hansen recalled. And they said, Go to the ethics hotline.

They said that if we knew about fraud going on and did not report it, we could be terminated for that, he said.

Hansen said he called the ethics line. The investigator asked for specifics, such as the account numbers and the names of the bankers who opened them. Hansen said he pulled up the accounts to gather that information.

One month later, he was fired for improperly looking up account information.

They said, Are you aware that what you did was an ethics violation? Hansen recalled.

Incensed, Hansen sent an email in 2011 to Stumpf and several human resources executives describing what he had witnessed. The company responded by offering to rehire him in a reduced role, making $30,000 less than he had before. He took the job because he needed one, he said, but quit two years later from the stress of working in what he considered to be an unethical place.
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A San Francisco police officer was critically injured, but was expected to survive, after being shot in the head Friday night, officials said. An injured suspect was also in custody, according to police.

The officer  the first San Francisco police officer shot in the line of duty in nearly 10 years  was injured about 8:15 p.m. near the Lakeshore Plaza shopping center at Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive while responding to reports of a mentally disturbed person, police said.

The officer, who was not identified, was at San Francisco General Hospital in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Brent Andrews. The officer is expected to survive, Officer Carlos Manfredi said. The suspect also was at S.F. General.

Officer Giselle Talkoff, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department, issued a statement early Saturday describing the wounded officer as conscious and with his family members.

Our thoughts are with our injured officer and his family, SFPD Interim Chief Toney Chaplin said in a statement Saturday. Our officers each day put their lives at risk to protect and serve San Francisco and we are grateful for the outpouring of support we saw Friday evening from San Franciscans who were concerned for the officers well-being.

Mayor Ed Lee visited the officer at the hospital and said he looked and sounded alert.

I had a chance to thank him and meet his family. Im very grateful, Lee said.

Manfredi gave this account of the encounter: Officers responded at 8:15 to reports of a mentally disturbed man at Sloat and Everglade, and attempted to confront the man, who pulled out a handgun and started shooting at the officers. One officer went down, another stopped to help and remaining officers chased the suspect into Stern Grove. Officers fired shots at the man as he fled. He went down and still had the gun near his chest, and refused to surrender. Police distracted him with flash-bang grenades, took him into custody about 9:40 and he was taken to the hospital.

Martin Halloran, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said he was with the injured officer at the hospital Friday night.

This brave officer was doing his job, protecting the citizens of San Francisco, when he was struck by a bullet tonight, Halloran said in a statement. For his courage, he deserves all our gratitude and respect. Please keep him in your prayers tonight.

Sean Dizon said he saw the aftermath of the shooting unfold outside of his window. About 8 p.m., he heard three gunshots while inside his home at the corner of Sloat Boulevard and Everglade Drive, he said.

When he looked out of the window, he said he saw one officer running and limping after a suspect, and a second officer being placed in an ambulance with his head bandaged.

The scene was out of the ordinary for the very quiet people who live in the residential area, he said.

Workers at Lakeshore Plaza said police scoured the area searching for the shooter.

Michael Gilbert, a 19-year-old employee at the plazas Subway, said officers came inside the restaurant and told him to close early.

We just noticed a bunch of police coming. They asked us to lock up, he said. At first, I didnt know what was going on. I was alarmed.

An employee at Nubi Yogurt said scared bystanders standing outside ran into the frozen yogurt store as they noticed the police activity.

Police entered the establishment looking for the suspect before his arrest, the employee said.

The last SFPD officer shot in the line of duty was Bryan Tuvera, who was killed on Dec. 23, 2006.

Chronicle staff writers Nanette Asimov and Santiago Mejia contributed to this report.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
BRIDGEPORT  A state Superior Court judge has thrown out the lawsuit against a gunmaker brought by the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims.

In a 54-page decision filed Friday afternoon, Judge Barbara Bellis granted a motion to strike the entire lawsuit brought against the gunmaker, Remington Outdoor Co.; the dealer, Camfour Inc.; and the company that owned the gun store; Riverview Sales where Adam Lanzas mother bought the assault rifle.

The judge ruled the lawsuit does not satisfy the exception to federal law that gives immunity to gun manufacturers for the actions of gun owners under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) or the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA).

Although PLCAA provides a narrow exception under which plaintiffs may maintain an action for negligent entrustment of a firearm, the allegations in the present case do not fit within the common-law tort of negligent entrustment under well-established Connecticut law, the judge wrote. A plaintiff under CUTPA must allege some kind of consumer, competitor or other commercial relationship with a defendant, and the plaintiffs here have alleged no such relationship.

The families of some of the victims slain by Adam Lanza, who used a Bushmaster rifle, contended Remington and the other defendants were negligent in selling a military-style rifle to the general public. They hoped that argument would prove to be a loophole in the federal laws that protect gun makers from being held liable for the harm created by their products.

While the families are obviously disappointed with the judges decision, this is not the end of the fight, said their lawyer, Joshua Koskoff. We will appeal this decision immediately and continue our work to help prevent the next Sandy Hook from happening.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said it was time to overturn a 2005 federal law that protects the gun industry from liability when guns are used in a crime.

While today is a deeply disappointing day for the families, their appeal will continue this fight for justice, Malloy said in a statement. As I have stated before, the laws providing unique protections to gun manufacturers need to be changed to give crime victims a right to pursue legal remedies.

In January 2015, the families of 10 victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy filed suit against Remington, the maker of the Bushmaster rifle Lanza used to first kill his mother and then the students and educators at the school, Camfour, the guns distributor, and Riverview Sales, the store where Lanzas mother bought the gun.

They claimed the gun maker and sellers knew that civilians were unfit to operate the assault rifle and yet continued selling it to civilians, disregarding the threat the gun poses. The lawyers for Remington recently filed a request for the judge to issue an order preventing the company from turning over as part of the discovery process anything the company believes are trade secrets or anything that could later be used to compromise its business.

The lawsuit sought to overcome the broad immunity given to gun makers by using a small window for holding companies accountable, including instances of so-called negligent entrustment, in which a gun is carelessly given or sold to a person posing a high risk of misusing it.
RALEIGH, N.C.  Searchers found two more bodies inside vehicles that were submerged in flood waters in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew, increasing the death toll in the state to 26, Gov. Pat McCrory said Saturday.

McCrory discussed recovery efforts at a news conference one week after the hurricane dumped more than a foot of rain 100 miles inland causing massive flooding in the eastern part of the state. Towns such as Princeville, Lumberton and Fair Bluff remain under water, and not all rivers have crested.

Early next week, the governor plans to release a detailed plan on how North Carolina will rebuild, including how to pay for the effort. But he said serious problems remain.

There are still many, may difficult days ahead for North Carolina, McCrory said.

The latest victims from the flooding were found in Cumberland County and Wayne County after flood waters receded from last weekends rains. Almost all the deaths in North Carolina have been from people driving in flood waters or being swept away while walking.

Flooding triggered by the hurricane has killed at least 43 people in the United States and more than 500 people in Haiti

Interstate 95 remains closed in both directions around Lumberton, despite crews working around the clock to fix bridges, pavement and clear debris. Crews cant give an estimate on when the East Coasts main north-south highway will reopen at that spot.

We have to see the inspections, we have to finish the engineering, we have to finish the construction, McCrory said.

Only about 13,000 customers remain without power in North Carolina, most of them in Robeson County where the inundation from the Tar River preventing crews from working.
The critics job is to explain why he or she feels a certain way about a work, not to tell you how to feel. Thats why most art critics  and curators  generally avoid talking about beauty. The word is, at best, a grossly imprecise measure of value.

Nevertheless, a new show at the San Jose Museum of Art  organized by New Yorks Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum  goes there in a big way. Beauty is the bold title of the Cooper Hewitts most recent design triennial, a grab bag of clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, graphics and more. It was presented in the New York museums old mansion rooms earlier this year and comes west for the first time, a bit clumsily refashioned for San Joses big, modern galleries.

Like all the best design exhibitions, the show sustains deep attention. It charms and confounds in just the right proportions. But it gets us no closer to a useful definition of beauty than the shopworn proverb would have.

Theres a page in the middle of the exhibition catalog devoted to attempts by participating designers to talk about beauty. I like the one from the Swedish team Simogo: When you really cant explain why something is beautiful, then maybe that is beauty?

Beauty is an experience. It is not an attribute, like texture, shape or scale. It isnt directly perceived by the senses  it doesnt have a scent or a sound. Colors might go in and out of style, but the essence of our concept of beauty is, itself, style: That Victorian sitting room was beautiful in the 19th century, ugly by 1930, beautiful again 40 years ago.

Beauty must be alive  or, at least, experienced live. Thats why most paintings and photographs of sunsets are not truly beautiful: They are the carcass of something once beautiful, shriveled and drained of vitality. They are plastic replicas like the fake bouquet that can only, at best, look real.

The exhibition includes a fair number of garments. They hang lifelessly on mannequins, like the pathetic skin of a once-free animal draped on vacation cabin furniture. Fashion can be truly beautiful only in relation to the sentience, the sensuality of the wearer. It has to breathe and move. It can be a soft echo, a countermelody or a jolting note of dissonance, but it must become the being it clothes.

If a photograph or a dummy is all we have, we are left with a kind of pornography. We yearn to engage the actual but are left with cold illusion. Take American Jean Yus Overflow bodice (2015). A scarcely there womens teddy formed of nothing but a single sheet of folded silk gazar is a useless thing, except to veil a lovers body.

Discard the exhibitions central thesis, such as it is, to focus not on surface elegance but conceptual clarity. Among the 280 works by 57 designers are some extraordinary finds. Israeli jewelry designer Noa Zilberman works, tellingly, not with gold but with gold-plated brass. Her Wrinkles Jewelry (2012) consists of fine metal strips that fill the age lines on the wearers face. It propels the idea of ornamentation past external attractiveness  to see someone wearing certain of her pieces at a social occasion would be downright scary  to a celebration of maturity, an embrace of individuation.

Aaron Koblin, a visual media designer, worked with Canadian director Vincent Morisset on Just a Reflektor (2013), a how-did-they-do-that interactive music video for the band Arcade Fire (you can see it here: www.justareflektor.com). As complex as the coding must be, the imagery is simple, even simplistic, allowing a kind of high-tech doodling over recorded motion. But theres no denying the works catchy visual energy, and the ability to peel back pictorial layers with the touch of a finger suggests further possibilities of storytelling.

Truly advanced design does not merely rejigger the look of things, however. Israeli American Neri Oxman plausibly conceives a future life wherein our costume will be our salvation. Oxman is a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who is developing the idea of synthetic human organs to be worn externally, like elaborate clothing or backpacks. Channels, tubes and capillaries would be filled with engineered microorganisms bred to help us digest, breathe, stay warm and otherwise sustain ourselves in deadly environments.

Oxman suggests far-off planets, but one can also imagine their use in the spoiled world we may leave to succeeding generations. A world where beauty may be defined as a gasp of fresh air or a sip of clean water.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

Beauty  Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Through Feb. 19. $5-$10. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose. (408) 271-6840. http://sjmusart.org

To see a video of one of Neri Oxmans wearable, synthetic organ systems: http://bit.ly/mushtari
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The first radio ads are out promoting Proposition 57, Gov. Jerry Browns initiative to make some of the states less-violent felons eligible for parole. Not surprisingly, the messages portray the initiative as a money-saver that will protect the public.

Prop. 57 focuses prison spending on keeping dangerous offenders locked up, while rehabilitating those offenders willing to change, Brown says in one of the one-minute spots released Friday.
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Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was back on the political stump in California on Saturday, firing up volunteers for state Senate candidate Jane Kim and pushing for passage of Proposition 61, which would set a cap on state costs for prescription drugs.

If voters can elect Jane Kim, pass Proposition 61 and the other good measures on the ballot, California will continue its place in America as a good, progressive state whose ideas will transform America, Sanders told the crowd at Kims Civic Center headquarters.

Kim, who is battling fellow Supervisor Scott Wiener for the seat now held by termed-out state Sen. Mark Leno, has a history with Sanders, who provided former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with a much stronger than expected challenge in the Democratic presidential primary.

In May, Kim became one of the first state Legislature candidates in the nation to be endorsed by Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who said he was looking to back candidates who could bring his progressive priorities into their states.

Sanders support  and an email blast asking his backers to send money to Kim  gave her campaign an instant financial boost and probably helped her to a narrow and unexpected first-place finish in the June primary.

Kim repaid Sanders by joining him at various Bay Area campaign events, including a walk through Chinatown the day before the state primary.

She stumbled a bit Saturday, drawing laughs when she accidentally said she was endorsing Sanders rather than introducing the senator, but that didnt make any difference to the joyfully partisan crowd in the packed campaign headquarters, where chants of Bernie, Bernie, Bernie were broken by the occasional shout of We love you, Bernie!

Kim credited Sanders call for eliminating all tuition at public colleges and universities with inspiring her to help design the citys Prop. W, a measure on the November ballot that would boost the property transfer tax on properties valued at more than $5 million and use some of the anticipated $44 million in new revenue to eliminate tuition at San Francisco City College.

W is polling way better than me, Kim said with a laugh, so Ill have one victory on the ballot.

In his 10-minute talk, Sanders painted Kim as someone who will carry his progressive political platform to Sacramento. Free college tuition, more low-cost housing, a single-payer health care system and support for alternative forms of energy are positions backed by mainstream America, he said.

We want government that works for everyone and not just the 1 percent, Sanders said, referring to the financial elite. There is nothing radical or fringe about the positions he and Kim hold, he added.

When we stand together, Sanders told the cheering crowd, there is nothing we cant change.

Sanders argued that Kim is not running a complicated campaign.

Here is someone who has been progressive her whole life, he said. Someone who believes people are entitled to affordable prescription drugs ... entitled to housing we can afford ... Jane understands.

He also gave a pitch to the volunteers waiting to go out after the event to knock on doors for Kim and other progressive city candidates.

While Wiener, whom neither Kim nor Sanders mentioned by name, is raising much more money, we can beat that, Sanders said.

Instead of relying on big contributions from well-heeled donors and pricey TV ads, theres a different way to do politics, the senator said. We can mobilize people to go out and knock on doors and talk to their neighbors.

Kim wasnt the only reason Sanders was in San Francisco on Saturday. After finishing his talk, he jumped into a car that took him to the Marriott Marquis Hotel at Third and Mission streets for a Prop. 61 rally.

Sanders already has made a mark in that contest, holding a rally Friday in Hollywood and cutting a TV spot thats running across the state.

The price cap on prescription drugs purchased by the state for groups like retired public employees and Medi-Cal recipients is long overdue, Sanders said in the ad.

The ballot measure will be a real blow against this greedy (pharmaceutical) industry that will reverberate all over America, he added.

With his visit and support for Kim, Sanders found himself up against Clinton in California once again.

At a San Francisco campaign event last week, Clinton went out of her way to praise Wiener by name for his work on providing family leave in San Francisco.

Although Clinton hasnt endorsed Wiener, that didnt stop him from using the shout-out to boost his campaign.

Its a huge honor that Secretary Clinton recognized my efforts to help working families, he said. I couldnt be more proud to stand by her side on these issues.
CAIRO  A Saudi-led coalition blamed wrong information Saturday for the bombing last weekend of a packed funeral hall in the rebel-held Yemeni capital that killed at least 140 people and wounded 600 others.

The coalitions Joint Incidents Assessment Team, or JIAT, said a party affiliated with Yemens General Chief of Staff headquarters had provided intelligence that the hall in Sanaa was filled with leaders of the Shiite Houthi rebels. The coalition has been targeting the rebels since March 2015 when it intervened in Yemens civil war in support of the internationally recognized government.
Louis Stettner, a photographer who explored the streets of the two cities he called his spiritual mothers, New York and Paris, recording the daily lives of ordinary people, died Thursday at his home in Saint-Ouen, France. He was 93.

His death was announced by the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

Mr. Stettner, a New Yorker, was a product of the Photo League and its emphasis on socially conscious, documentary work, exemplified by members and supporters like Weegee, Berenice Abbott and Robert Frank.

I have never been interested in photographs based solely on aesthetics, divorced from reality, he wrote in his photo collection Wisdom Cries Out in the Streets, published in 1999. I also doubt very much whether this is possible.

While living in Paris after World War II, he also found inspiration in a new wave of French photographers, including Robert Doisneau, Brassai and Henri Cartier-Bresson, whose outlook seemed to dovetail with the leagues.

He was particularly taken with Brassai. Brassai showed me that it was possible to find something significant in photographing subjects in everyday life doing ordinary things by interpreting them in your own way and with your own personal vision, Mr. Stettner told the Financial Times in June.

With an unerring eye for the poetry of the everyday, he trained his camera on subway riders and pedestrians in New York  the unceasing human ebb and flow in the old Penn Station  and ordinary Parisians going about their daily rounds, like the woman walking her dog on a deserted and misty Avenue de Chatillon in 1949.

Always, his subjects seemed completely unaware they were being photographed, whether it was the chic woman reading, one elbow pointed outward, in Elbowing Out of Town Newstand, NYC (1954); the man leaning back on a bench in Manhattan From the Brooklyn Promenade (1954); or the immigrant father and his child, swaddled in blankets on the wind-whipped deck of a ship, in Coming to America (1951).

Stettners work continues to attract with an apparently egoless respect for fact and the unforced directness of its transmission, critic Alan Artner wrote in the Chicago Tribune in 1997, reviewing an exhibition. His photographs are, he added so quiet and undemonstrative, they appear inevitable.

Louis Stettner was born on Nov. 7, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in the Flatbush and Bensonhurst neighborhoods. His father, Morris, gave him a box camera when he was a boy, and after reading an article by photographer Paul Outerbridge Jr. on the camera as an interpreter of reality, Louis realized, he later wrote, that the camera could become my personal language for telling people what I was discovering, suffering or immensely joyous about.

He began studying photographs at the print room of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and observing, through the cameras lens, the streets around him. New York was his subject, the place he described as a city I love, a city that forgives nothing but accepts everyone  a place of a thousand varied moods and vistas, of countless faces in a moving crowd, each one silently talking to you.

At the Photo League, he took a short course on basic techniques and found a mentor in Sid Grossman, one of its founders, but he was largely self-taught, working initially with an old-fashioned wooden camera on a tripod, using glass plates. Until late in his career, he photographed almost exclusively in black and white.

After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps during World War II and served with its photography section in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan.

Mr. Stettner joined the Photo League on returning to New York and became fast friends with the photographers Lewis Hine and Weegee.

A visit to Paris in 1946 turned into a stay of five years. While in Paris, he selected work for a New York exhibition by the Photo League that introduced U.S. audiences to Brassai, Doisneau and their French peers. He also studied photography at the Institute for Advanced Cinematographic Studies and exhibited his work in a group show in 1949 at the National Library.

He returned to New York in 1951, the same year his work was shown at the influential exhibition Subjective Photography in Saarbrucken, Germany. He found a night job at a security company, prowling the streets during the day with his camera. To supplement his income, he also photographed for magazines and advertising agencies. He had his first solo show at the Limelight Gallery in Greenwich Village in 1954.

Mr. Stettner taught photography at Brooklyn College, Queens College and Cooper Union in the late 1960s and early 70s and from 1973 to 79 was a professor of art at the C.W. Post Center at Long Island University. In the 1970s he wrote a monthly column for the magazine Camera 35.

In the 1980s he worked on a series of photographs documenting life on the Bowery, and toward the end of the decade embarked on two projects in New York and Paris, the Manhattan Wall Series. and the Seine Series, that captured snippets of the urban landscape defined by light and shadow.

After moving to Saint-Ouen, a suburb of Paris, in 1990, Mr. Stettner photographed passengers on the Paris subways for the series Heroes of the Metro, and in the giant flea market near his home he scavenged for vintage photographic images, which he transformed into collages. With a camera on a tripod, he also took landscape photographs in the forests near Aix-en-Provence.

A collection of his work from 1947 to 1972, Early Joys, was published in 1987 after a retrospective exhibition in Geneva in 1986. He was given a retrospective at the Bonni Benrubi Gallery in Manhattan in 2002 and at the Francois-Mitterrand Library in Paris in 2012. In 1996, Rizzoli published Louis Stettners New York, 1950s-1990s.

Mr. Stettners first three marriages ended in divorce. His survivors include his wife, Janet Iffland, and three sons, Anton, Arion and Patrick.

In 2015, Thames & Hudson published his 1950s photographs of Penn Station in Penn Station, New York. Several were included in Ici/Ailleurs (Here and There), a retrospective exhibition at the Pompidou Center that closed in September.

My photographs are acts of eloquent homage and deep remorse about the city, Mr. Stettner wrote of his New York work. I am profoundly moved by its lyric beauty and horrified by its cruelty and suffering.
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BENGALURU: Now parents won't have to rely solely on their limited local contacts to find the right tutor for their children, as a new web-service which facilitates a meeting between the two was launched on Thursday by Vidyanext.

Vidyanext, a start-up venture, has launched a recommendation service, operable through their website, which enables parents to find the most suitable and available tutor for their ward around the area after feeding in a few details on their website -- location, subject to be studied, education board.

The tutors are also allowed to enrol themselves on the website, adding to the database of prospective tutors. To avail the service they are supposed to pay a licensing fee for each student who chooses to study under them. At present, 1,100 tutors are live on Vidyanext Tutor directory in Bengaluru alone.

Apart from Bengaluru, the service is live in Gurgaon as of now.

"Today, with our student-tutor matching service, we are simplifying the process of tuition-searching," Pradeep Singh, CEO Vidyanext, said at the launch.

"We have also developed a process called Smart Revisions, which uses the data we have about them (students), like submission history, to curate the massive amount of content a student needs to learn and tell each student where to focus every day.

"Our efforts will continue to transform the conventional rote learning method in India to a process which nurtures inquisitiveness, and empowers parents, students and tuition teachers with digital tools to facilitate their role in the learning cycle," he added.

A statement issued by Vidyanext revealed that close to 90 per cent parents decide on a tutor after meeting just two of them, while 99 per cent of them select one after meeting only five tutors.

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Coronation Street star Jean Alexander dies aged 90

Jean Alexander: 11 October 1926 - 14 October 2016

Not 'just' a soap star

Jean Alexander was best known for playing Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street

By Ian Youngs, BBC News arts reporter

With her curlers, headscarf and piercing voice that could not be ignored (no matter how much fellow Coronation Street character Annie Walker tried), Hilda Ogden was, to many, the most iconic character in Coronation Street's 56-year history.

Jean Alexander ensured we always rooted for the downtrodden cleaning lady, who embodied classic-era Coronation Street's perfect balance of drama and comedy.

In the hall of Alexander's home in Southport, pride of place was given to a signed photo of Laurence Olivier - a big fan.

Soap stars do not often get much credit, but Olivier's recognition showed how highly Alexander was regarded by the very best - and that, perhaps, if Hilda had not kept her so busy, Alexander could have held her own in roles alongside some of them.

So she should not be thought of as "just" a soap star - she was one of the finest British actresses of her time.

HILDA OGDEN'S GREATEST SCENES





Hilda Ogden's final Coronation Street episode, broadcast on Christmas Day 1987



The muriel In 1976, a proud Hilda acquired her "muriel" - the wallpaper with a mural of a mountain range to which she pinned her famous flying ducks.



Woman, Stanley Hilda won a night in a luxury hotel for a second honeymoon in 1977. After kissing Hilda, Stan asked what her lipstick tasted of. The reply came: "Woman, Stanley. Woman."



Stan's death After actor Bernard Youens died in 1984, his character Stan was written out. Hilda was seen silently unwrapping a parcel of his belongings and breaking down when she opened his glasses case.



Hilda's departure Hilda decided it was time to move in 1987, and half the nation tuned in to watch as her neighbours finally showed some affection for her by throwing a surprise party in the Rovers Return on the Christmas Day 1987 episode. In 1976, a proud Hilda acquired her "muriel" - the wallpaper with a mural of a mountain range to which she pinned her famous flying ducks.Hilda won a night in a luxury hotel for a second honeymoon in 1977. After kissing Hilda, Stan asked what her lipstick tasted of. The reply came: "Woman, Stanley. Woman."After actor Bernard Youens died in 1984, his character Stan was written out. Hilda was seen silently unwrapping a parcel of his belongings and breaking down when she opened his glasses case.Hilda decided it was time to move in 1987, and half the nation tuned in to watch as her neighbours finally showed some affection for her by throwing a surprise party in the Rovers Return on the Christmas Day 1987 episode.

BBC News15 October 2016Jean Alexander, who played Coronation Street's Hilda Ogden and Auntie Wainwright in Last of the Summer Wine, has died aged 90.Alexander portrayed Hilda Ogden, a sharp-tongued, put-upon housewife who was one of Coronation Street's best known characters, from 1964 to 1987.She appeared as shopkeeper Auntie Wainwright, the "absolute favourite part" of her career, for 22 years in the long-running sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.She died peacefully in hospital on Friday, her niece said.Alexander had been admitted to Southport Hospital, Merseyside, for tests but was discharged after a couple of days and allowed to return to her nursing home, her niece Sonia Hearld said.But on Tuesday she was readmitted to hospital, three days before her death."My aunt died sadly earlier today," Mrs Hearld, of Selby, North Yorkshire, said on Friday.Cast members of the show have been paying tribute to Alexander on Twitter.Sally Dynevor, whose character Sally Webster first appeared in the soap in January 1986 almost two years before Alexander left, wrote : "Jean Alexander, RIP. What a wonderful woman, and such an amazing and talented actress."Jennie McAlpine, who has played Fiz Brown since 2001, tweeted : "So sorry to hear about Jean Alexander. I would have loved to work with her. Thankful to have met her though. Rest in Peace Jean x."And Antony Cotton, who has played Sean Tully since 2003, said Alexander was "magnificent", adding : "My favourite episode of Coronation Street ever, was Hilda singing 'Wish Me Luck...'"Daran Little, Coronation Street script writer from 2000 to 2010, said Alexander "reached into the hearts of viewers - she was everyone's nan, everyone's nosy neighbour".Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said: "I think the great thing about Jean playing Hilda is that Jean was absolutely nothing like Hilda - she was sophisticated and quiet, she was an ex-librarian, she used to love doing crosswords and she used to pad up coat hangers for charity."And when she put the curlers on, she became something else."Prior to her role as Hilda, Alexander had a brief appearance in Coronation Street in 1962 as a landlady who rented a room to a disturbed young woman.Eighteen months later Alexander, who was born in the Toxteth area of Liverpool, started her role as Hilda, forming a comedy double act with her on-screen husband, Stan, who was played by Bernard Youens.Speaking about Hilda, Alexander said: "The character was originally written as a rather stereotyped character, as Stan was, you know, big fat man and lazy husband and little nagging wife."After a few weeks we thought this was going to get a bit boring so we started playing against the script - same words but trying to give them a bit more character, rounding them out a bit."Mr Little said that Alexander began to draw out Hilda's hen-pecking of Stan, moving away from being a battered wife."She used to talk regularly about how Stan used to wallop her and she was very much in his shadow and then she just, they decided together to turn it around - not that Hilda ever hit Stan but she certainly did with her vocal chords."After Youens died in 1984 Stan's character was written out.Following Stan's death, a scene in the soap showed Hilda silently unwrapping a parcel of his belongings and breaking down when she opened his glasses case.Alexander left the soap three years later.She later joined Last of the Summer Wine in 1988 as the junk shop owner Auntie Wainwright, a role she would play for 22 years.But Hilda Ogden was the character she remained best known for.In 2005 a TV Times poll voted her the nation's favourite soap character.
Documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg has been arrested in North Dakota. Those who are involved in the protests against an oil pipeline there are claiming she was arrested solely for filming a protest. The police are charging her and the protesters with more severe crimes. Those who were allegedly committing "civil disobedience" were actually going beyond mere trespass, a time-honored form of actual civil disobedience. These protesters cut chains and locks and tampered with pipeline safety valves, disrupting the flow of oil.Depending on the jurisdiction, failing to report a crime is in and of itself a crime.The question is, should a journalist get a pass for trespassing to document a crime? It isn't an easy question. Let's examine this potentially slippery slope.November 22, 1963. A journalist knows that Lee Harvey Oswald is going to assassinate JFK. This reporter accompanies Oswald to the site where he fired the fatal shot. Is that reporter guilty of a crime?June 17, 1972. A reporter goes along with the five "plumbers" to the Watergate Hotel to document their break-in. Is that reporter guilty of a crime?December 11, 1978. A producer accompanies the gangsters who steal nearly $6 million from the Lufthansa facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. He or she films the pistol-whipping of Lufthansa employee Kerry Whelan. What, if anything, should this producer be charged with?Ms Schlosberg definitely trespassed when she went with the protesters on that day in North Dakota. On February 2, 1988, I covered an anti-nuclear protest at the gate to the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. The protesters lined up and one at a time crossed the cattle-guard across the gate to the site. They were arrested as they did so. Several of those who were filming the protest would have been able to get a much better angle of the arrests had they been allowed to go inside the site and shoot footage of the faces of the protesters as they were cuffed and led away. But they couldn't have done so, because they too would have been arrested. They were able to cover these events without violating the law.I do not believe for one minute that Ms Schlosberg should be charged as an accessory to the crimes of the protesters, other than that of trespassing. But the charge of trespassing against her is a fair and appropriate charge. Journalists do not deserve a free pass to commit a crime to cover the comission of a crime.
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The cheap motel rooms are constantly booked out, forcing services to pay top dollar to house the most vulnerable in society. Often times, this just isn't in their budget. St Benedict's Queanbeyan co-ordinator Elaine Lollback said she's considered setting up an unauthorised "tent city" at the Queanbeyan showgrounds for all the people she's had to turn away. She said homelessness was a terrible predicament, but one that could be solved by providing early intervention and more affordable housing options. However, she said to do this, government agencies had to work together. And that had proved nearly impossible. "I believe housing is a fundamental human right. It doesn't have to be flash but it has to be safe, secure and a place where you can call home," Ms Lollback said.

She said everyday she saw people facing no other option but to sleep rough. While housing affordability was a major problem, she blamed the system for making it harder for people to get back on their feet. For a young person with no rental history, it was nearly impossible to get a rental property. If that person was also on Centrelink, their application would be disregarded, Ms Lollback said. Given there were long lists of people lining up for very few rentals, Ms Lollback said there was no incentive for homeowners to consider the greater good. "For Queanbeyan, being right next door to Canberra is a huge problem, because it's a large city with a high cost of living. There is an expectation that Queanbeyan would have cheaper accommodation, but because it's actually so central to Canberra it pushes those rentals up."

She said the student market coming across the border also absorbed the cheaper end of accommodation. One possible solution was to provide incentives for landlords, to allow them to choose people who might not have a rental history, but can prove they're a good tenant. "You still get market rent, but you're actually allowing someone on a lower income to prove they are good tenants," she said. "It takes one person prepared to say, 'I'll give a room, a house', that would make all the difference because it then opens up options." While Ms Lollback said she relied on Safe Shelter to help provide accommodation over winter, those services close up for the year next week.

"What are we going to do? I don't know." The saddest thing, she said, was that the problem could be solved with the right will and wise investment from the government. As for Richie, he is now a youth outreach worker with Youth Care Canberra. He said it was when he was homeless that he decided he wanted to help others. "The biggest thing for me was learning that I had a choice, and every choice has a consequence, good or bad," Richie said. "I didn't have a father growing up, I came through the system and I was in and out of [juvenile detention]. I was trying to find belonging and I found it, in all the wrong places.
THE WALL OF SHAME

"The only thing [Trump's] mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin's c--k holster."

--STEPHEN COLBERT

"[Ivanka Trump] Your father is a racist birther. Steve Bannon an anti-Semitic opportunist. You and your husband are enabling hatred. F--- your shoes."

--BRADLEY WHITFORD

"Melania [Trump] is a hooker."

--JACOB BERNSTEIN

"And my job is to shut other white people down when they want to interrupt."

"We have to, at the DNC, provide training. We have to teach them how to communicate, how to be sensitive, and how to shut their mouths if they're white."

--SALLY BOYNTON BROWN

"And to our detractors that insist that this march will never add up to anything: F--- you! F---you!

"Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House."

--MADONNA

"Barron Trump looks like a very handsome date-rapist-to-be."

--STEPHEN SPINOLA

"Barron [Trump] will be this country's first homeschool shooter."

--KATIE RICH

"Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick 'em all out, you'll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts."

--MERYL STREEP

"There's a billion to one chance we're living in base reality."

[That means we're almost positively living in a simulation, like a video game.]

--ELON MUSK

"When I would deny that there was a significant racist component in some of the politics on our side, it was because the people I hung out with were certainly not. When suddenly, this rock is turned over, there is this'Oh shit, did I not see that?'"

----------------------------

"In any other scenario, Hillary Clinton's lying about her emails, and her pay-for-play relationship with the Clinton Foundation would be disqualifying issues. The only reason they're not disqualifying is because Donald Trump is a fundamentally more repellent, dishonest figure."

--CHARLIE SYKES

"I made a mistake in recalling the events of twelve years ago... I said I was traveling in an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire. I was instead in a following aircraft."

--BRIAN WILLIAMS

"I'm here to tell you if you elect me governor of this state, I will end the civil war."

--TOM BARRETT

"I would not look to the U.S. Constitution, if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012. I might look at the constitution of South Africa. That was a deliberate attempt to have a fundamental instrument of government that embraced basic human rights, had an independent judiciary. It really is, I think, a great piece of work that was done."

--RUTH BADER GINSBURG

"Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now, do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?"

--ROBERT DE NIRO

"The death of Andrew Breitbart disproves the adage that only the good die young."

--JULIAN BOND

"The National Institute of Health has said that it is a danger to women's health and safety of their families that for 30 years to be exposed to the prospects of pregnancy."

--GWEN MOORE

"[Tea Party Republicans] have acted like terrorists."

--JOE BIDEN

"Why did- Couldn't the President have said at that moment, way back in December of last year, 'no game playing. No hostage-taking. No terrorizing this country with the debt ceiling. I'm not going to negotiate with you guys. You can't play it that way.' Could he have done that?"

--CHRIS MATTHEWS

"[T]he tea-party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth having defeated Mordor."

--WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL

"I remember distinctly an image of--we were sitting on his couches, and I was looking at [Obama's] pant leg and his perfectly creased pant, and I'm thinking, a) he's going to be president and b) he'll be a very good president."

--DAVID BROOKS

"I feel like calling her back and smackin' her around."

--FRED CLARK, DEMOCRAT

"The picture was of me, and I sent it."

--ANTHONY WEINER

"[I]f you go back to the year 2000, when we had an obvious disaster and - and saw that our voting process needed refinement, and we did that in the America Votes Act and made sure that we could iron out those kinks, now you have the Republicans, who want to literally drag us all the way back to Jim Crow laws and literally - and very transparently - block access to the polls to voters who are more likely to vote Democratic candidates than Republican candidates. And it's nothing short of that blatant."

--DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

"This is probably one of the worst times we've seen because the numbers of people elected to Congress. I went through this as co-chair of the arts caucus. In '94 people were elected simply to come here to kill the National Endowment for the Arts. Now theyre here to kill women."

--LOUISE SLAUGHTER

"The protesters have proven today that theyre not going away. It was a pretty rough night last night. You can imagine if people said, well, we just cant fight the power. Instead, this morning, they came by tens, by hundreds, by thousands. By midday today, it was easily more than 10,000, perhaps as many as 15,000 people on the square here in Madison. Not organized by anyone, just grassroots citizens who came out just like the Minutemen in 1776."

--JOHN NICHOLS

"They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own -- they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with your life, with that money. We've allowed them to take that. That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours. We all have this -- we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it. I think we need to go back to taxing these people at the proper rates."

--MICHAEL MOORE

"Why don't we just raise the taxes and let these folks have their collective bargaining, have their union representation and go back to their jobs? Raise the taxes on the wealthy."

--DAVID LETTERMAN

"In 1933, [Hitler] abolished unions and that's what our Governor [Scott Walker] is doing today."

--LENA TAYLOR, Democrat State Senator

"So I would urge my Republican colleagues, no matter how strongly they feel -- you know, we have three branches of government. We have a House. We have a Senate. We have a president. And all three of us are going to have to come together and give some, but it is playing with fire to risk the shutting down of the government."

--CHUCK SCHUMER

"Well, when you start off with the Preamble of the Constitution, you talk about the pursuit of happiness."

--JOHN LEWIS

"I'm Rebecca Kleefisch. I performed fellatio on all the talk show hosts in Milwaukee. And they endorsed me and that's how I became lieutenant governor."

--SLY SYLVESTER

"Do you think this Constitution-loving is getting out of hand? I mean, is it a nod to the Tea Party?"

--JOY BEHAR

"We cant just leave it up to the parents."

"[Military leaders] tell us that childhood obesity isnt just a public health issue; they tell us that it is not just an economic threat -- it is a national security threat as well."

--MICHELLE OBAMA

"Actually, I did not take part in [the assassination of Sarah Palin]. I led it."

--KATHLEEN PARKER

"[The repeal of ObamaCare is] a kind of creeping genocide."

--JESSE JACKSON

"[Obama] has to realize that Mitch McConnell has virtually said so that politically he wants to cut out his heart and throw his liver to the dogs."

--DAN RATHER

"And the instructions are not to improvise a comedy sketch, but to elect a group of unqualified, unstable individuals who will do what they are told, in exchange for money and power, and march this nation as far backward as they can get, backward to Jim Crow, or backward to the breadlines of the '30s, or backward to hanging union organizers, or backward to the trusts and the robber barons.

"Result: the Tea Party. Vote backward, vote Tea Party. And if you are somehow indifferent to what is planned for next Tuesday, it is nothing short of an attempted use of democracy to end this democracy."

--KEITH "Reagan's dead and he was a lousy President" OLBERMANN

"I gotta wonder when people are gonna start wearing uniforms. I mean they've got an army out there in Alaska of militia people. You've got these guys going around acting like street thugs. I mean it isn't far from what we saw in the thirties, where all of a sudden, political parties started showing up in uniform."

--CHRIS MATTHEWS

"[Sharron Angle] is a moron on top of being evil... I'd like to see her do this ad in the South Bronx. Come here, bitch. Come to New York and do it. I'm not praying for her. She's going to hell. She's going to hell, this bitch."

--JOY BEHAR

"So people have been hurting and I understand that. And it doesn't give them comfort or solace for me to tell them, you know, but for me, we'd be in a worldwide depression."

--HARRY REID

"And to play Dick Cheney, all I had to do was find my Dick Cheney. And you can find all the villainy in the world in your own heart, and that's what an actor's job is. I always say to kids, inside you is Hitler and Jesus. And you got to find the appropriate person and bring them out."

--RICHARD DREYFUSS

"Because I live in the District of Columbia which is so predominantly Democratic, I am a registered Democrat. But I am an avowed neutral. And to put that into practice, I take my young daughter into the voting booth and she votes for me. She's now 14. We've been doing this since she was about age 4. She's now quite informed."

--BOB WOODWARD

"Sarah Palin's an idiot. Come on. This is a remarkably, stunningly, jaw-droppingly incompetent and mean woman."

"The Democrats may have moved into the center, but the Republicans have moved into a mental institution."

--AARON SORKIN

"Perhaps the greatest threat of all is the undermining of our Constitution and the systematic attack against the inalienable rights of the citizens of this nation, rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution. At the vanguard of this insidious attack is the Tea Party. This band of misguided citizens is moving perilously close to achieving villainous ends."

--HARRY BELAFONTE

"[Christine O'Donnell is] a witch who doesn't masturbate."

--JOY BEHAR

"Ah, the Tea Party, the nativist bed-wetters who somehow control our national dialogue. Yes, I call them the Pee Party, Jay, because they're always peeing in their pants about something. They're just, they're afraid of a mosque being built in New York. They're afraid of guns. You know, they think Obama, who like every other pussy Democrat has never said a single word about gun control, but they are very sure that he and his Negro army are coming after their guns. You know what? If you think that he's coming after your guns, you need to get out of your chat room and have your house tested for lead. He's not coming after your guns or your Bible or your fishing pole or your chewing tobacco."

--BILL MAHER

"That's a trade-off society is making because of very, very high medical costs, and a lack of willingness to say, you know, is spending a million dollars on that last three months of life for that patient, would it be better not to lay off those ten teachers and to make that trade-off in medical costs. But that;s called the 'Death Panel' and you're not supposed to have that discussion."

--BILL GATES

"NOT the 'whiteman's bitch'"

--IESHUH GRIFFIN

"[If Rush Limbaugh suffered a heart attack in my presence, I would] laugh loudly like a maniac and watch his eyes bug out. I never knew I had this much hate in me. But he deserves it."

--SARAH SPITZ

"You want freedom, you going to have to kill some crackers. You going to have to kill some of their babies."

--KING SAMIR SHABAZZ

"If this was Texas, which is the state that, that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this, saying that they had a major issue with, you know, with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would say I would have to look twice at this. "But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border. And, um, it just, it doesn't make sense to me that when you google this subject, if you put in 'Arizona S.B. 1070,' that you see a picture of the governor of Arizona meeting with President Obama in May of 2010. If you have direct linkage to the president, there are already National Guard troops on the border in Arizona."

--PEGGY WEST

"Tell [the Jews] to get the hell out of Palestine. Remember, these people are occupied and it's their land. It's not German. It's not Poland. [The Jews] can go home. Poland. Germany."

--HELEN THOMAS

"After the last eight years, it's good to have a president that knows what a library is."

--PAUL McCARTNEY

"By the way, I just want to point out I'm wearing my splash shield because I was told I was going to be in the splash zone (during Harry Smith's colonoscopy on live TV)."

--KATIE COURIC

"And that Word is, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word."

----------------------------

"Think of an economy where people could be an artist or a photographer or a writer without worrying about keeping their day job in order to have health insurance or that people could start a business and be entrepreneurial and take risk, but not job loss because of a child with asthma or someone in the family is bipolaryou name it, any condition  is job-locking."

--NANCY PELOSI

"Back in World War II, we viewed the Japanese as 'yellow, slant-eyed dogs' that believed in different gods. They were out to kill us because our way of living was different. We, in turn, wanted to annihilate them because they were different. Does that sound familiar, by any chance, to what's going on today?"

--TOM HANKS

"The 'White Right' is trying to set Barack up to be assassinated.... Here are Christians praying for God to kill Barack Obama."

--LOUIS FARRAKHAN

"I refuse to accept the notion that the United States of America is not going to lead the world economically throughout the 20th Century."

--JOE BIDEN

"Obama's critics keep blasting him for Chicago-style politics. So, fine. Channel your inner Al Capone and go gangsta against your foes. Let 'em know that if they aren't with you, they are against you, and will pay the price."

--ROLAND MARTIN

"Martha Coakley is running to fill the rest of Ted Kennedy's term, and her opponent is a far-right tea-bagger Republican."

--CHUCK SCHUMER

"I tell you what, if I lived in Massachusetts, I'd try to vote ten times. I don't know if they'd let me or not, but I'd try to. Yeah, that's right, I'd cheat to keep these bastards out. I would. 'Cause that's exactly what they are."

--ED SCHULTZ

"We also see how revved up the tea baggers are at the thought of hijacking health care reform and every chance we have at making progress in Washington."

--JOHN KERRY

"A few years ago, this guy (Obama) would have been getting us coffee."

--BILL CLINTON

"I didn't realize I had written a column defending Roman Polanski and minimized his crime - are you sure it was me? I mean, I? There is, apparently, more to this crime than it would seem, and it may sound like a hollow defense, but in Hollywood I am not sure a 13-year-old is really a 13-year-old."

--TOM SHALES

"Joe Wilson yelled 'You lie!' at a president who didn't. But, fair or not, what I heard was an unspoken word in the air: You lie, boy!"

--MAUREEN DOWD

"One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game... During the 7th inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez."

--DAVID LETTERMAN

"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasnt lived that life."

--SONIA SOTOMAYOR

"We all considered sexual abuse of minors as a moral evil, but had no understanding of its criminal nature."

--REMBERT WEAKLAND, Archbishop of Milwaukee 1977- 2002

"You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was so strung out on Oxycontin he missed his flight."

"Rush Limbaugh -- 'I hope the country fails.' I hope his kidneys fail."

----------------------------

"[Obama] told me I did a great job. The first lady said the same thing. I got a 'well done' from the president, I'm on cloud nine."

--WANDA SYKES

"Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less."

--COLIN POWELL

"[Tea Party goers are] just a bunch of wimpy, whiny, weasels who don't love their country."

--PAUL BEGALA

"I wouldn't want [gay marriage] to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court."

--BARNEY FRANK

"Going forward, my mind will be open to every solution -- except one. We should not -- we must not -- and I will not -- raise taxes."

--JIM DOYLE, Liar

"He's a terrorist. Rush Limbaugh is a terrorist."

--JOY BEHAR

"You know, I just want to say to her (Sarah Palin), just very quickly...F--- you."

--JON STEWART

"Should I be worried about being a slave and being returned to slavery?"

--WHOOPI GOLDBERG

"I also believe that America is the greatest sin against God."

--FR. MICHAEL PFLEGER

"Those who think they can revive the stinking corpse of the usurping and fake Israeli regime by throwing a birthday party are seriously mistaken. Today the reason for the Zionist regime's existence is questioned, and this regime is on its way to annihilation."

--MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD

"We'll be eight degrees hotter in ten, not ten but 30 or 40 years and basically none of the crops will grow. Most of the people will have died and the rest of us will be cannibals."

--TED TURNER

"Look, [Mitt] Romney comes from a religion founded by a criminal who was anti-American, pro-slavery, and a rapist. And he comes from that lineage and says, 'I respect this religion fully.'"

--LAWRENCE O'DONNELL

"Mexico does not end at its borders... Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico."

--FELIPE CALDERON

"The planet has a fever. If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant."

--AL GORE

"Don't fear the terrorists. They're mothers and fathers."

--ROSIE O'DONNELL

"Is America ready for a black president? Well, I say we just had a retarded one. When did being black become a bigger deterrent than being retarded?"

--CHRIS ROCK

"Shut the f--- up! Shut up if you can't take a joke [about President Bush]!"

--BARBRA STREISAND

"Right, oh, yeah, Happy 9/11! Celebrate the day, right?"

--JAMES BROLIN, Mr. Barbra Streisand

"I think President Bush very well may have signed an authorization for the 9/11 attacks."

--KEVIN BARRETT, UW-MADISON Lecturer

"I said what I said. I am not guilty."

--SADDAM HUSSEIN

"Terri will not be starved to death. Her nutrition and hydration will be taken away."

--MICHAEL SCHIAVO

"On the eve of the election last month my wife Judith and I were driving home late in the afternoon and turned on the radio for the traffic and weather. What we instantly got was a freak show of political pornography: lies, distortions, and half-truths -- half-truths being perhaps the blackest of all lies. "

--BILL MOYERS

"I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for."

--HOWARD DEAN

"The Iraqis who have risen up against the occupation are not 'insurgents' or 'terrorists' or 'The Enemy.' They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win."

--MICHAEL MOORE

"And there is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs."

--JOHN KERRY

"F---ing retarded."

"[Republicans] can go f--- themselves!"

--RAHM EMANUEL

"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president."

--HILLARY CLINTON

"It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is."

--BILL CLINTON

"And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment."

--MICHELLE OBAMA

"If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor, makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor."

----------------------------

"If you love me, you got to help me pass this bill."

----------------------------

"[F]or most of my lifetime, the United States was such a dominant economic power, we were such a large market, our industry, our technology, our manufacturing was so significant that we always met the rest of the world economically on our terms. And now, because of the incredible rise of India and China and Brazil and other countries, the United States remains the largest economic and the largest market but theres real competition out there. And that's potentially healthy. It makes -- Michelle was saying earlier I like tough questions because it keeps me on my toes. Well, this will keep America on its toes."

----------------------------

"If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, 'We're gonna PUNISH OUR ENEMIES and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,' if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2."

----------------------------

"We don't mind the Republicans joining us. They can come for the ride, but THEY GOTTA SIT IN BACK."

----------------------------

"We can absorb a terrorist attack. We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever... we absorbed it and we are stronger."

----------------------------

"We're buying shrimp, guys."

----------------------------

"We are the ones we've been waiting for."

----------------------------

"We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers so I know whose ass to kick."

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"We're not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that's fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money. But, you know, part of the American way is, you know, you can just keep on making it if youre providing a good product or you're providing good service. We don't want people to stop fulfilling the core responsibilities of the financial system to help grow the economy."

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"If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."

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"It is a vital national security interest of the United States to reduce these conflicts because whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower, and when conflicts break out, one way or another we get pulled into them. And that ends up costing us significantly in terms of both blood and treasure."

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"But I -- I think that the most important thing for the public to understand is, we're not handling any of these cases any different than the Bush administration handled them all through 9/11."

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"One such translator was an American of Haitian descent, representative of the extraordinary work that our men and women in uniform do all around the world -- Navy CORPSE-MAN Christian [sic] Brossard. And lying on a gurney aboard the USNS Comfort, a woman asked Christopher: 'Where do you come from? What country? After my operation,' she said, 'I will pray for that country.' And in Creole, CORPSE-MAN Brossard responded, 'Etazini.' The United States of America."

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"I hear that Dr. Joe Medicine Crow was around, and so I want to give a shout-out to that Congressional Medal of Honor winner. It's good to see you."

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"We are God's partners in matters of life and death."

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"[T]he Cambridge police acted stupidly."

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"I am going to teach [my daughters] first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."

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"The reforms we seek would bring greater competition, choice, savings, and INEFFICIENCIES to our health care system."

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"Over the last 15 months, weve traveled to every corner of the United States. Ive now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

--BARACK OBAMA
If light rail was the No. 1 issue for many voters, health ran a very close second in the election campaign, with numerous tit-for-tat funding announcements in the past couple of months.

The three-pronged hospital funding boost, all core ACT Labor pledges, may have played a role in helping the government secure 40 per cent of the first preference pre-poll vote as of last night - not a final figure, but a clear signal the party is likely to be returned to power.

Canberrans are likely to get a $500 million boost to the Canberra Hospital, a further $150 million for the city's women's and children's hospital and $15 million for Calvary Public in Belconnen.

While the ACT was going to get extra hospital funding whichever major party won, if Labor is successful extra funds will be directed largely to boost nurse numbers and allied health services, rather than nurses and GPs under the Liberals' pledges.

Under a returned Labor government, Canberrans will see $12 million go towards a new Indigenous health clinic run by Winnunga Nimityjah, a new nurse walk-in centre in the inner-northern suburbs, $36 million to fund more nurses, $3 million for health research and the creation of a new clinical nursing school at the University of Canberra.

The Liberals, although they fell on just under 35 per cent of the first preference, pre-poll count on Saturday night, had pledged $395 million for Canberra Hospital, $2.1 million for general practitioner recruitment and longer opening hours and $18 million for Calvary Public Hospital - but it was not enough to turn the traditionally Labor-voting ACT.

But Labor leader Andrew Barr's pledge for an extra $150 million for the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, including extra doctors and nurses and a child mental health unit, seemed to top the Liberals' promises..

The likelihood is that Labor will be returned to government with the Greens again in a balance of power position, lending further credence to the minor party's pledges.
Floriade was pawsitively teeming with puppies on Saturday as the tourist attraction welcomed pooches to their annual Dogs' Day Out.

For one day only, Canberra's pets were allowed in the gates of the flower festival and organisers seemed to get it spot on when it came to managing the canines and their owners.

Rachel Morrissey, of Macgregor, dressed as Cruella de Vil with Dalmations Ella, Hairy and Star. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Rachel Morrissey, 17, took three of her six Dalmatians to the event to take in the warm weather on Saturday. She dressed up as Cruella de Vil to accompany them.

"We've recently got some new Dalmatian puppies so we wanted to take them out to get them socialised, and look at all the flowers," Ms Morrissey said of the family pets.
Several employees from casino giant Crown are believed to have been arrested and detained in China by local authorities.

Billionaire businessman James Packer's Crown Resorts on Saturday said it's believed the employees were being interviewed.

Crown Resorts believes a number of its employees are being questioned in China. Credit: Josh Robenstone

"Crown believes that a number of our employees in China are being questioned by local authorities," a company spokeswoman said.

"At this time we can provide no further details."
"It's great news, if they do follow through," said Shane Goubran, co-owner of delivery service Quick Bottle.

Under the proposed changes lockouts at licensed venues will also be pushed back from 1.30am to 2am in the CBD and Kings Cross.

The proposed relaxation of takeaway alcohol sales has drawn concern from health experts who believe it may lead to an increase in violence .

"When the laws came into place, business dropped by about 20 per cent ... two hours a day, every day, that's 14 hours a week. It's a big chunk of business."

Quick Bottle started in 2013, and operates under partnerships with different liquor stores around the eastern suburbs, the city and the inner west. It has also recently launched in Melbourne.

"A lot of families out there have been impacted. Especially independent liquor store operators. If they get back those two hours it's definitely going to make a massive difference."

Restaurant owner Daniel Sofo said he could attest to the unsustainable climate that takeaway sales restrictions had created for alcohol delivery services attempting to start up.



In July last year Mr Sofo launched WineRun, an on-demand scooter delivery service for wine, beer, spirits and snacks. But after a year of operation the business has shut down.



"One of many reasons was that we did a lot of our trade between the last hour 9-10pm and you can't make money from that," Mr Sofo said.

"A change in the law will see a proliferation of late-night services and definitely benefit the consumer and start-ups as well. If want to keep people off the street, to party at home, let them buy booze at home."
Have you been to the Melbourne Cup, the Grand Prix or the Australian Open? If so, the chances are you have connected with Australia's largest events company, whether you're sitting on one of its chairs, or wiping away crumbs with one of its linen napkins. And if you are thinking about chairs and tables for your next wedding, party or bar mitzvah, then Harry's usually your man. Harry the Hirer's home is a jazz moderne building in Burnley Street, Richmond. SJB Interiors has redesigned the Harry the Hirer headquarters in Richmond. Credit:Nicole England Given the size of the company (500 staff between Melbourne and Sydney), its headquarters in Richmond wasn't functioning to meet its growth. That's when SJB Interiors came in to completely refurbish the 3000 square metres within the two-storey corner building. Designed in the 1940s, the building's streamlined curves and glass brick facade, has been left almost untouched. One of the cues in the SJB refurbishment came from the steel Mondrian-style windows. "We wanted to respect the past, but move it on to create a functional and contemporary showroom and office," says interior designer Ljiljana Gazevic, director of SJB Interiors.

Gloss white epoxy floors in the showroom increase natural light and reflectivity. Credit:Nicole England As Harry the Hirer is recognised for creating an impact at events, the foyer, at one corner of the building, was given a light makeover. While the fine steel balustrade of the staircase was retained, SJB created a "forest" of steel pendant lights upon arrival. Past this alcove, one moves to a dramatic double-height space complete with steel mesh walls and ceiling (the latter lined with two layers of steel and LED lighting to create a moire effect). A giant screen (4.5 by 2.5 metres) advertising some of the company's events, says it all, as does the new fluorescent Harry's signage. One of the main problems with the previous arrangement was that about 60 per cent of the space was "back of house", with limited space for the display of furniture, lighting, crockery, linen and everything else supplied by Harry the Hirer. The office space was also fairly internalised. "We wanted to open up the spaces as well as celebrate the original building with its trusses and sawtooth roof," says Gazevic, pointing out the dramatic steel trusses juxtaposed with the white, angled, timber-lined ceilings. New fluted glass also allowed for greater light to enter the space, as did the removal of many of the internal brick walls. Rather than conceal functional elements, such as mechanical ducts, these have been exposed to create a more industrial aesthetic. Gloss white epoxy floors in the showroom also increase the natural light and reflectivity. A series of platforms were also added in the showroom to allow the different products to be thoughtfully displayed. SJB also worked closely with the company's in-house design team to create bespoke units for smaller items, such as cutlery. Constructed in black MDF, the glass-top cabinets accentuate each item on display.
The Baird government's decision to drop its opposition to shark nets for the state's northern beaches ignored recommendations of one of its own departments and the scientific consensus, experts say.

The unintended impacts of shark mesh was on show on Saturday, with a juvenile humpback whale becoming entangled in a net near Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. The calf's mother helped keep the animal near the surface long enough for a patrol to arrive and cut the whale free.

Another shark bite last week  the sixth since the start of 2015 for the Ballina-Byron area alone  was the last straw for Premier Mike Baird. On Wednesday, he explained his backflip, saying it was time to "prioritise human life over everything".

Only one fatality has been recorded in the state's 51 netted beaches since their introduction in Sydney in 1937, back in 1951. There have, though, been 33 so-called unprovoked attacks some serious ones.
Australians overwhelmingly want Malcolm Turnbull's government to negotiate with Labor and Nick Xenophon to get its agenda through Parliament rather than turn to either the Greens or One Nation for support.

New polling shows the public would much prefer the government to compromise with Bill Shorten's opposition or the centrist Nick Xenophon Team rather than court the votes of the more extreme Left or Right parties.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation party is planning to run candidates in the WA state election.

But there's a catch: the government must have either Greens or One Nation support to pass bills that Labor opposes. When it comes down to a choice between the two, a majority of Australians would prefer the government to sit down with the Greens - but Coalition voters would prefer it deal with One Nation.

The Research Now online poll of 1426 people, commissioned by the Australia Institute think tank, asked respondents to rank the government's negotiating options - Labor, the Nick Xenophon Team, the Greens, One Nation and the other crossbenchers such as Jacqui Lambie and Derryn Hinch - from one to five.
Dr Goldie said the overall picture was one of persistent and entrenched poverty across the community. Illustration: Matt Golding "It is a national shame that after 25 years of consecutive economic growth we have not done better at changing this trajectory and ensuring our most precious resource, our children, are given the best possible start in life," she said. Jessica Russell, 25, is a single mother of two boys, Ryan aged 2 and Andrew aged 1, in the Sydney suburb of St Clair. She was forced to live off her Centrelink single parent payment after her hairdresser employer let her go when they found out she was pregnant. Ms Russell barely has enough to cover her $380-a-week private rent.

"I get upset when my children don't have the same things that other children might have," she said."I live week to week to provide for them. I do what I can and always put them first so they don't go without. I go without haircuts and new clothes so I can feed my sons and give them the best start in life." Ms Russell said young parents were struggling to get jobs. Before she had children she also worked in childcare and hopes to enter midwifery when her children are a bit older. "There are moments when covering all the costs make me very stressed but I try to take a step back and figure out how I can make it all work," she said. "I have to, I'm a mum. I'm grateful they have a roof over their heads and they're healthy." Jessica Seaman, 23, and her partner Jack Butler, 21, had to live with a family member in Sydney's Emu Heights after the birth of their first child. Mr Butler is the primary carer for Ms Seamen, who has epilepsy and is due to have surgery next month. They are both receiving Centrelink social security payments including Partner Pay and Youth Allowance."We're finding it difficult to find our own place and get our life on track," Ms Seaman said.

"It's a very stressful situation. We've applied for many private rentals in the past four weeks but it's very competitive. The rental prices are high and we've been declined numerous times. "Our son is our priority and with little money in our pockets, we're surviving on the bare minimum. We're getting used to going without. We know for sure that there'll be no Christmas presents this year. Who knows what will happen next year." Ms Seaman left school in year 8 to work full time at McDonald's but stopped working five years ago because of health issues. Mr Butler left school in year 10 after his brother and grandmother died and he began suffering mental illness. Melbourne woman Vicky Vacondios is a single mother of three children who escaped domestic violence. She moved to the country for a spell but when she returned to the city she found it difficult to find a rental property. "We were homeless for nearly three months, my children and I," she said.

Ms Vacondios is now trying to support her children with Newstart payments while she studies to get a job in the homelessness sector. "It's going to be a real struggle but I'm just looking forward and thinking it'll be worth it," she said. "It's going to get better in a few years. I don't want to give up and I want to teach my kids perseverance." The latest Poverty in Australia report, which is the fifth of its kind, also shows women are still more likely to live below the poverty line because of lower employment rates, lower wages and because they take on a greater caring role for children and other family members. The poverty rate for women is at 13.8 per cent, compared to 12.8 per cent for men. The vast majority of people below the poverty line were in rental housing (59.7 per cent), with most living in private rental housing (44.2 per cent). Only 15.5 per cent of people living below the poverty line were homeowners.

For those over the age of 65, there is some good news; poverty rates have declined since 2007-08, and this has been attributed in part to the pension increase in 2009. People on welfare are six times more likely to experience poverty (36.1 per cent) compared to salary and wage earners (6 per cent), primarily because many income support payments are set below the poverty line. More than half (55 per cent) of people on Newstart, which pays just $38 a day, live below the line. These payments are indexed to CPI only, resulting in lower growth than pension payments that are indexed to wages growth, and a relative decline against community living standards over time, the report says. However the report shows 32 per cent of those who live below the poverty line do have paid work.
Kendall Jenner has testified at the trial of a man accused of stalking her that she was terrified when he followed her up the driveway of her Hollywood Hills home and repeatedly knocked on the window of her car.

The 20-year-old model and reality TV star used her hands to illustrate how she made frantic phone calls to friends after locking the doors and watching Shavaughn McKenzie until help arrived.

Kendall Jenner arrives at 'Kinugawa' a japanese restaurant on October 1, 2016 in Paris, France. Credit:Getty

"I've never been so scared in my life,'' Jenner told the Los Angeles jury hearing the case against McKenzie.

Jenner also said she recognised McKenzie as the same person who had accosted her twice while she was driving outside a condo she owned in Westwood.
Amber Venz Box is the biggest thing to come out of Dallas since J.R. Ewing, and the next big star taking over the fashion world. In a time when the worthiness of "influencers" and bloggers appear to be questioned at every turn, she is empowering these online personalities, like Man Repeller's Leandra Medine and Australia's own Kate Waterhouse and Nadia Fairfax, one double tap at a time. Founder of RewardStyle and LikeToKnow Amber Venz Box in Sydney last week. Credit:Daniel Munoz Together with the bloggers and street style stars of the world, Venz Box  the Mark Zuckerberg of fashion  are laughing all the way to the bank thanks to the technology she, and her now husband, developed that allows users to make money by tracking the traffic and sales they drive to retailers' websites through social media and blog posts. As the founder of RewardStyle and the invitation-only shopping platform LikeToKnow.It, she has helped generate more than $2 billion in sales driven to brands, like Net-A-Porter and ASOS, since she launched in 2011.

She works with only 10,000 tastemakers (out of 100,000 vetted applications), has offices in Texas, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, London and Sao Paulo and employs 200 people all working on what is now the largest, most measurable network of influencers in the world. Google has since partnered with the company and will begin making street-style shoppable during fashion weeks in the coming months. From January, Venz Box's platforms will be able to monetise content on Snapchat  following in the footsteps of PopSugar's Emoticode that was launched in June. Emoticode is a hidden URL disguised as emoji on Snaps and Instagrams that can then be shopped via the app. For those that continue to scoff and complain about those who may have written "blogger" on their census form, like Vogue during a Milan Fashion Week wrap, Venz Box is a diplomat between the old guard and new innovators of the industry. Loading "These people are the cheapest and most effective way for brands to drive sales. It used to be all about inspiration and beauty but these influencers, who are four times more productive than what they were in 2012 and use it as second revenue stream, tie content to commerce and immediacy," she said ahead of her keynote address at the Vogue Codes event on Friday.
3. Boost your super If you are self-employed, you can make concessional contributions to super. This means you can pay the money out of before-tax dollars and it will be taxed at 15 per cent rather than your personal marginal rate. If you are employed, you only can do it as a non-concessional contribution  meaning it's funded from after-tax dollars. However, you could get around this by boosting your salary sacrifice for a few months and using the windfall money to fill the hole in your normal budget. 4. Invest the money A couple of thousands dollars is a decent allocation to one or two shares as part of a larger portfolio. First-timers might want to look at an exchange-traded fund, an index fund that tracks the market or a market segment, as this will ensure you are diversified. You could use an app such as Acorns, which lets you start with as little as $5. 5. Professional development

This one is courtesy of financial planner and Money columnist Catherine Robson, who says investing in yourself can be the best investment of all. Look for a short course, online or in person, to build on your current experience or take it in a new direction. Don't forget to keep the receipt for a tax deduction next year. 6. Sort out your will Don't put things like wills in the too-hard basket. It only costs a few hundred dollars to get a solicitor to write a simple will. Get it done. 7. Review regular expenses Anything that you are paying in instalments on direct debit, such as car and house insurance, is cheaper if you pay for a 12-month policy as a lump sum. Use the opportunity to shop around.

8. Invest in a side-hustle Use the money to back yourself in a side-business. If you're prepared to put in the work and you're successful, this will pay for itself many times over. Just don't make the mistake of rushing out and ordering fancy stationery and business cards and building a website, before you've got customers. As Jeanne-Vida Douglas and Peter Fritz write in The Profit Principle, your first job is to persuade someone to give you money for something and everything else is just trimmings. That way your business spending can be targeted and offset against future cash flow. 9. Buy experiences If you want to spend it on yourself, think about buying experiences rather than stuff. Research has shown that the happiness boost from experiences lasts longer than the sugar hit of a new toy. You could take a holiday  Qantas is selling return flights to Vanuatu for under $1000, for example. For a lot less you could buy tickets to the BridgeClimb in Sydney, a berth on a hot-air balloon ride in the Yarra Valley, or a subscription to an arts company. 10. A family photo shoot

In this era of smartphones and social media, we have more photos than ever before but we also have more crap photos. When was the last time you put a framed photo on your wall? A budget of $500-$1000 would go a long way to a professional photo shoot with you and your loved ones, if you can stick firm to buying just a couple of the best images. Usually the shoot itself will be free or at least cheap, but the prints themselves will be expensive with all sorts of fancy framing options. Check out the product range before the viewing session and have a budget in mind. If you get them printed in black and white on archival paper, your great-grandchildren will be able to enjoy them too  unlike your Instagram account. 11. Outsourcing Many of us live busy lives and stress is a leading cause of health problems. How would it change your life if you could afford a cleaner? Or a personal trainer? Or you could book yourself in for a session with a professional organiser or wardrobe consultant. 12. Giving Loading
The Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force have jointly seized 1.2 tonnes of the drug MDMA valued at $145 million in what's potentially the largest drugs bust of the year.

The huge haul of the class A drug, a key ingredient of ecstasy, was found in the Sydney suburb of Hornsby on Thursday.

The seizure followed a rapid investigation that began on Wednesday and involved both Australian and international agencies.

Two Polish nationals, Dariusz Zbroszczyk, 28 and Piotr Latusek, 29, were arrested on Friday and have been charged with offences relating to the importation of drugs.
Criminal charges will be recommended against the Sydney police officers who spearheaded a cyber bullying campaign against Greens MP Jenny Leong.

Fairfax Media understands the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) is finalising a brief of evidence for the NSW Director of Public Prosecution which will advocate criminal prosecutions against two serving officers.

The recommendations are the result of a six-month PIC inquiry, Operation Colchester, which has also found that several other police employees engaged in "questionable contact" when they targeted the state member for Newtown with a stream of racist and sexist slurs.

The PIC probe was prompted by a Fairfax Media investigation which revealed how officers from Sydney City Local Area Command, Kings Cross, Bankstown, Cabramatta  and even within senior management  had all contributed to the hate campaign while shielding their identities under the cloak of social media pseudonyms.
A former Liberal state MP and Sydney mayor will face court on Monday to determine if he should be committed to stand trial for blackmail and misconduct in public office.

Ivan Petch was Ryde mayor when, in 2012, a controversial redevelopment of the Ryde Civic Centre triggered a series of flash points that later became the subject of a two-week hearing by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Former Ryde mayor Ivan Petch has vowed to clear his name in court. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Mr Petch now faces a range of charges arising from the inquiry, including two counts of blackmail, misconduct in public office and giving false or misleading evidence to ICAC.

Mr Petch lashed out at the corruption watchdog last week for having "discoloured" his "whole career in one fell swoop".
The cost of Mike Baird's signature public transport promise for western Sydney has ballooned to more than $3.5 billion  $2.5 billion above what has been budgeted, secret government documents show.

The Parramatta light rail project is the centrepiece of the government's plans to cement Parramatta as Sydney's second central business district, as well as its proposal this week to build thousands of apartments around Sydney Olympic Park.

But only $1 billion has been allocated for a project which, according to a preliminary business case obtained by Fairfax Media, is costed at more than $3.5 billion.

The business case also shows the light rail project is not expected to generate as much benefit as it costs.
Two men have been hospitalised following a stabbing at a McDonald's restaurant car park in Bass Hill in Sydney's west on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services were reportedly called to the car park off the Hume Highway at about 3.35pm, following reports of a stabbing.

Police are seeking information about a stabbing in Sydney's west. Credit:Georgia Matts

A 28-year-old man was found with a stab wound to his back, while a 26-year-old man suffered stab wounds to his chest and face.

Paramedics treated the men on the scene, before taking both to Liverpool Hospital.
Nick Salanitro, 76, bought a small jeweller's shop in North Sydney's bustling Tower Square 19 years ago as his nest egg, and another in the same building six years later for his children.

Both will soon be demolished to make way for the Sydney Metro. The bustling shopping mall will be levelled for a machine depot during the construction phase of the Baird government's new train line. After that, the site will be re-sold to a property developer.

Told he must sell, Mr Salanitro is unhappy the price being offered to him by Transport for NSW won't be enough for him to buy nearby, and doesn't acknowledge the leap in the land's value after the Metro is complete.

"It's not right," he says. "I'm not against them making a railway. It's progress. But the property is being acquired to make money to sell to a developer. At least compensate people with the right price. It is all being taken away from us."
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An empty and silent Khao San Road in central Bangkok, the street is usually teeming with tourists and has loud music coming from shops and bars, an area that has become a world famous spot for backpackers. Credit:Kate Geraghty
Police are hunting two car thieves, after they crashed a stolen vehicle at the Gold Coast on Saturday morning.

Police responded to a crash on the Pacific Motorway at Coomera about 5.20am and found a vehicle had rolled in the southbound direction.

Police searching for two car thieves who crashed a stolen vehicle. Credit:Rob Gunstone

Two people fled the scene, believed to be a male and female, and a police search is underway.

A police spokesperson said there was no indication officers were pursuing the stolen vehicle at the time of the crash.
"Shambolic" and "dropped the ball" were just some of the words uttered on Friday as an inquiry tries to unravel how a deadly disease has re-emerged in a modern Queensland.

Coal miner's pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung, was under the spotlight at a parliamentary select committee inquiry into black lung, with a public departmental briefing on Friday.

Black lung, caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust, was thought to have been eradicated before cases began being diagnosed in 2015.

Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said during the hearing that it was recommended in 1984 that miners have x-rays every five years.
Reports about the benefits of medicinal cannabis are growing and Queensland has now joined New South Wales in passing laws approving the drug for use as a medical treatment, but that doesn't mean you can just light up in the Sunshine State and say it's a prescription.

Earlier this year the Federal Government introduced laws that established a licensing scheme to allow medicinal cannabis to be cultivated, manufactured and supplied in Australia, rather than relying on imported product. However, the States and Territories need to introduce similar legislation to allow their residents to access the cannabis through this Scheme, which is what the Queensland Government has now achieved.

The new Queensland laws are restrictive in that they do not broadly decriminalise the growing of, supply and use of cannabis. Any growth and supply of cannabis outside of the law will be illegal, regardless of whether the intention was medicinal. So growing your own and smoking it at home, without a doctors approval, is still illegal even if it makes you feel better. There are also penalties if medicinal cannabis is misused outside of what has been approved.

In Queensland the illegal supply and possession of cannabis carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, with the penalty increasing for amounts over 500 grams.
Donning an enormous 1kg handmade work of art on her head, Zorza Goodman was hard to miss at Saturday's Caulfield Cup.

A proud size 22, Ms Goodman had a message for women lacking the confidence to dress up this spring racing season.

Racegoers watch a fashion show inside the new David Jones Fashion Stable at the Caulfield Cup. Credit:Scott Barbour

"You don't see plus-size girls at the races that have gone all out," she said. "Plus-size girls should know that they can come to the races and stand out like any person."

Ms Goodman spent two months creating her headpiece, which was inspired by French impressionist painter Claude Monet.
It's best known for its popular beaches on Port Phillip Bay, picturesque destinations like Portsea and Sorrento, and as a summer playground for Melburnians wanting to get away from the city and suburbs.

But the Mornington Peninsula could also become well known as a hot springs hot-spot, where people could choose from a range of hot, mineral-rich pools to visit and relax in, if current plans for an auction of "hot" underground water come to fruition.

Enjoying the sunset at Peninsula Hot Springs centre at Fingal.

Investigations of the aquifer that lies deep underneath the peninsula, part of the so-called Werribee Formation, have found that 4000 megalitres of hot water (equivalent to 4000 Olympic-size swimming pools) could be sustainably harvested each year, according to the water company responsible for local groundwater management, Southern Rural Water.

This number includes the "hot water" currently extracted under licence on the peninsula, said Craig Parker, the water corporation's general manager of groundwater and rivers.
A 16-year-old who allegedly threatened to kill a couple while holding a fake gun in Melbourne's north on Friday has been charged and is due to face a Children's Court.

The Fawkner Embona Taskforce, which was set-up eight years ago to tackle robberies in the western suburbs, has charged a teenager after executing a search warrant at a property in Hyde Park Avenue, Craigieburn, on Saturday.

A Craigieburn teenager has been charged. Credit:Cathryn Tremain

A police spokeswoman said the search warrant followed an incident in Sheffield Way, Craigieburn, on Friday night.

She said detectives have been told a man and a woman were sitting in their car while parked in Sheffield Way about 6.15pm when a teenage boy allegedly armed with a firearm threatened them.
There's nothing man made to be heard - just the wind and the steady rush of waves on the shore.

No one has set foot on this remote island in the Indian Ocean for decades...

Remains of a radar antenna. Credit:@divingwawrecks

This was the scene at the very beginning of an expedition by Perth explorers David Jackson and Jacqui McGhie to West Montalivet Island - a strip of coral rock off the far north-west coast of Western Australia.

The island had been used as a fishing site by local aboriginal tribes for thousands of years and then Makassan fishermen from Sulawesi in Indonesia in the 1800s.
Washington, DC: The US military detected a failed North Korean test launch of an intermediate ballistic missile, the Pentagon said on Saturday.

The test-firing was the latest in a series conducted by North Korea in violation of United Nations resolutions, drawing a fresh US vow to take its concerns to the world body and seek to hold North Korea "accountable for these actions."

The US Strategic Command's systems detected that the Musudan missile failed in a launch conducted near North Korea's northwestern city of Kusong, the Pentagon said in a statement.

It provided no details on what went wrong but said the launch never posed a threat to North America.
Harare, Zimbabwe: Trevor Saruwaka, a member of the Zimbabwean parliament, got some good news this week: A court has just cleared him of "gathering with intent to promote public violence, a breach of the peace, or bigotry." The serious-sounding charges stemmed from his participation in a September demonstration that was violently broken up by the government.

Just last week, Saruwaka was courting an entirely different sort of controversy, when security guards barred him from entering the parliament building to attend the body's opening session. The cited reason will probably come across as absurd to anyone living outside our country: The lawmaker was wearing a jacket in the green, gold, red and black colours of the national flag. "I am shocked because I didn't know it's a criminal offence to be patriotic," Mr Saruwaka said.

Riot police watch a man saluting with a Zimbabwean flag over his shoulders during a protest in Harare in August. Credit:AP

Zimbabwe's flag has become a symbol of protest since pastor Evan Mawarire accidentally founded the #ThisFlag movement earlier this year when a video of himself draped in the flag and lamenting the state of the country's governance went viral on Facebook.
Beirut, Lebanon: A Saudi-led military coalition involved in Yemen's war acknowledged on Saturday that one of its jets had carried out an attack on a funeral this month in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, that killed more than 100 people and wounded hundreds of others.

The strikes, which hit Sanaa's fanciest reception hall while the prominent family of a rebel official was receiving condolences, were carried out on the basis of "false information" provided by Yemeni officials that indicated the presence of armed rebel leaders at the site, according to a statement by a coalition investigative body published by the Saudi state news agency.

The attack was one of the deadliest of Yemen's war and led the United States to announce "an immediate review" of its support for the Saudi-led coalition that is bombing Yemen's rebels. It has also led to renewed calls from human rights organisations and some US lawmakers for the United States to halt or delay weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and its allies.

Human Rights Watch, in a report on the attack, called it "an apparent war crime" and "unlawfully disproportionate." Yemeni medical officials said after the attack that more than 100 people had been killed, while the United Nations put the death toll at more than 140.
Berlin: A Syrian refugee arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin spoke to a member of Islamic State in Syria by telephone about a possible target a day before police discovered explosives in his apartment, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

Jaber Albakr was detained on Monday, two days after police discovered about 1.5 kg of explosives in his apartment. He was found dead in prison on Wednesday. Authorities said he had committed suicide.

Jaber Albakr, 22, a Syrian refugee was arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin. Credit:Christian Zander

Germany's Welt am Sonntag (WamS) cited investigation sources as saying US intelligence had provided a tip-off on Albakr after tapping several phone calls between him and an Islamic State member in Syria. During the calls, 22-year-old Albakr spoke about his attack plans, the newspaper said.

In a call on October 7, Albakr told his contact that 2 kg of explosives were ready and he named a possible target, saying a "big airport in Berlin" was "better than trains", WamS reported.
The body of King Bhumibol Adulyadej arrives at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty But piecing together the few details that have emerged in public records, leaked documents and videos, and in publications from abroad, where the news media is freer, offers a glimpse into the man who stands to be Thailand's next king. The prince was still married to his first wife, his cousin Soamsawali Kitiyakara in the 1970s and '80s when he fathered five children with another woman, according to Thai news accounts at the time. The other woman, an aspiring actress and a commoner, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, would become his second wife. Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit at a ceremony ahead of his 78th birthday in Bangkok, 2005. Credit:AP That second marriage ended in the late 1990s in such acrimony that a public notice was posted at the prince's palace accusing Sucharinee of corruption and infidelity with a soldier. The prince cut off communication with four of the five children from the marriage, stripped them of their royal titles and diplomatic passports, and wrote letters, since posted online by an exiled academic, to their British boarding schools informing them that he would no longer pay their tuition. They now live in the United States, as does their mother.

His third marriage, also to a commoner, Srirasmi Suwadee, in 2001, produced the boy who is considered the next heir to the throne, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, 11, who lives in Bavaria, Germany, with his father. Thai military arrive outside Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Credit:Kate Geraghty Thais got a rare insight into the third marriage when a video clip of an elaborate poolside birthday party circulated widely on computer discs and on the internet. The video, which showed the princess topless with a string bikini bottom being attended to by submissive palace staff, scandalised a public accustomed to perceiving the monarchy as a paragon of virtue. It was never clear how the video had been leaked but some suggested that the prince's enemies had spread it to promote the possibility that his sister, Princess Sirindhorn, beloved by the public for her devotion to charitable causes, could become monarch in his stead. The footage of the party was never publicly discussed in Thailand's news media.

The crown prince's marriage to Srirasmi blew up spectacularly in 2014, when members of her family were suddenly swept up by the police, charged and brought to trial. At least three of Srirasmi's siblings were sent to prison for crimes including illegal possession of firearms and insulting the monarchy, according to police statements. Her mother and father were sentenced to prison for insulting the monarchy. Her uncle Pongpat Chayapan, a high-ranking police officer, was convicted of running illegal casinos, oil smuggling, money laundering and other crimes. Srirasmi gave up her royally bestowed name, according to an entry in The Royal Gazette, but she was given a stipend of more than $US5 million of government funds from the Crown Property Bureau, a payment made public in a letter signed by the junta chief. The purge reinforced fears of an ominous, violent side in the prince's entourage.

One of a handful of police officers purged in the 2014 separation, Akkharawit Limrat, died under mysterious circumstances, his body hastily cremated, according to a funeral certificate published in the Thai news media. The police, calling the matter "sensitive," gave only scant details. Lieutenant General Prawut Thavornsiri, then the police spokesman, described the death this way: "He got stressed out. So he jumped out of the building and died." A separate purge last year of aides to the crown prince had a similar outcome. Two of the three men arrested died in custody in military barracks. The purges have somewhat overshadowed recent efforts by the government to rehabilitate the prince's image, including broadcasts of his riding in bicycle tours to celebrate the king and queen and the release of a video showing him caring for his son Dipangkorn in Germany. Critics said that after the purge of his third wife, those images sought to present him as a healthy, responsible father.

The efforts suggested that the military had cast its lot with the prince, trying to forge the same kind of mutually beneficial alliance it had with his father. The king heads the armed forces and must approve all governments, while the military draws its legitimacy from the monarch's blessing. Then there's the matter of who will be the new queen. Like so many other parts of the crown prince's life, the answer is shrouded in secrecy. A former flight attendant, Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhaya, has appeared by the prince's side on the official royal broadcasts and has been bestowed the military rank of lieutenant general. Kasit Piromya, a former foreign minister, said he met Suthida many times when he was in government. "She's an air hostess, very lively, highly intelligent," he said. "She can ski, she can bike. She loves music. She knows what is good wine in Italy."

Suthida appears to live with the crown prince in Bavaria. Bild, the German tabloid, published a photograph in July of the crown prince on an airport runway in low-slung jeans, with what appeared to be tattoos covering his back and arms. The prince's companion, possibly Suthida, is wearing stiletto heels and a tight shirt, midriff exposed, an outfit that might not raise eyebrows in Europe but would disqualify any tourist from entering the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The prince bought two villas in southern Germany last year, one on the exclusive Lake Starnberg for an estimated $US13 million, and another, said to have cost some $US5.5 million, in the adjacent community of Feldafing. When Andreas Botas, a real estate agent in Tutzing, showed the prince and his entourage a property there last year, three black Mercedes vans, a white Porsche and three more vans arrived for the appointment. The driver of the Porsche turned out to be the prince, "dressed in a skimpy T-shirt and jeans but very good shoes," Botas said. The prince looked carefully at the villa's 12 main rooms as servants lay prostrate or knelt on the ground ready to start the white Porsche and open the driver and passenger doors. Ultimately, Botas said, the prince bought the other villas.

Bavaria offers the crown prince the privacy that he appears to crave. In Tutzing, the prince's three-story villa is defended from prying eyes by a fence and hedge more than two metres tall. In Feldafing, few locals seem to know the prince, but neighbours said they heard parties around the private pool late into the night last summer. Occasional public appearances sometimes make news in the German and Austrian news media. The crown prince's entourage, they reported, has visited a pumpkin farm, picked strawberries and toured parts of Bavaria on mountain bikes. In the Austrian ski resort of Zell am Ziller, the prince's entourage in 2014 rented 70 rooms in a spa hotel and demanded the installation of a kitchen where the prince's own cook prepared his food, according to an article in the Innsbruck newspaper Tiroler Tageszeitung. But for the most part, this community shelters its wealthy residents with discreet propriety. The deputy mayor of Tutzing, Elisabeth Dorrenberg, said only that her community of some 10,000 welcomed wealthy and prominent people, but said nothing specifically about the prince. The town does not show off its wealth; there is no five-star hotel or Michelin-starred restaurant.
Washington: When Trump goes low, the Obamas go high  and Hillary Clinton lies low.

It was a clever rallying call by Michelle Obama as this campaign descended into the gutter  "when they go low, we go high!". But perhaps just as clever is Clinton's interpretation of the "low" bit  she has withdrawn to the shadows, is doing fewer public appearances and is leaving Donald Trump at stage centre, where he consumes himself in his fury, his conspiracy theories and his denials that don't amount to much.

On Friday there was more to deny, as the women of America fleshed out what they know of the GOP candidate. And because Trump can't help himself, his counter-attacks ensure that the story of his hands, his "big" wandering hands, remains at the centre of discourse that nominally is about who should be the most powerful individual in the world.

But the Obamas have become the frontline force of the Clinton campaign  Michelle first, with a Thursday one-punch excoriation of Trump on his treatment of women that went viral; and on Friday, a two-punch hammer blow by Barack that shredded Trump's pretensions to high office.
Steve Bannon, right, campaign CEO for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, looks on during a national security meeting with advisers. Credit:AP Stone is a noted conspiracy theorist. You can see his fingerprints in Trump's claims in the dying days of the primary campaign that Ted Cruz's father had a hand in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He has successfully monetised his claims and his notoriety. His Twitter feed is a mix of slander of Trump's opponents and spruiking of his own books, Jeb and the Bush Crime Family and The Clintons' War on Women, from which Trump is now cribbing his attacks on Hillary Clinton for Bill Clinton's alleged rapes. Stone is close to Alex Jones, the gravel voice behind the fringe-right web news outfit Infowars and a nationally syndicated radio show. Jones believes  or at least tells his listeners he believes  that the government conducted the Sandy Hook massacre in order to justify gun confiscations and that the moon landing was faked. A Trump supporter at rally in Florida. Credit:AP He and Stone received an ovation at a fringe event they hosted in Cleveland during the Republican National Convention attended by Fairfax Media. He leapt on stage and began his speech yelling "Hillary for prison". That night the chant "Lock her up" thundered around the convention arena for the first time. This week after the chant broke out at a rally in Florida, Trump snarled into his microphone, "She should be locked up".

Stone was bumped from the campaign after calling a CNN personality a "stupid negro" and a "fat negro", but he remains close to Trump and claims to be the organisation's back channel to WikiLeaks, which is publishing damaging private emails hacked from the Democratic Party. He boasted in a recent interview that his plan for victory was to have Trump win the debates and leave it to WikiLeaks to finish Clinton off. Roger Stone's days in the dark arts of electioneering go back to the Nixon era. Credit:New York Times Trump's first campaign manager was Corey Lewandowski who was also sacked from the campaign, in his case after he was charged with battery after forcefully grabbing a young female reporter who was seeking to ask a question of Trump. (The prosecution did not proceed.) The reporter happened to work for another far-right conspiracy-prone news outfit that backed Trump, Breitbart News, which attracts more than 20 million unique users a month. In a twist of fate  or circumstance  that could only make sense in this election, he was replaced by that reporter's boss, Breitbart News executive chairman Steve Bannon. Many of Bannon's staff were disgusted and some quit, complaining that "Breitbart's unabashed embrace of Mr Trump, particularly at the seeming expense of its own reporter, struck them as a betrayal of its mission,"The New York Times reported. Bannon, who left the navy only to make his fortune as a Goldman Sachs banker, was described in a Bloomberg profile last year as the most dangerous political operative in America. Bannon is an unabashed populist conservative, as mistrustful of establishment Republicans as he is of those in the Democratic Party.

Through Breitbart News, Bannon managed to stir up the Republican insurrection that saw the party's most senior figure, John Boehner, ousted as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is not hard to see his words in Donald Trump's mouth as Trump attacks the current house speaker, Paul Ryan in his current speeches. According to emails obtained by the Daily Beast, Bannon actively sought to have a grass roots movement take off to destroy the Congressional leadership of the Republican Party in 2014. "Leadership are all c---s," he wrote. "We should just go buck wild." And later, "Let the grassroots turn on the hate because that's the ONLY thing that will make them do their duty." For months now Republican Party elders have struggled to find a way to manage Trump's takeover of their party. it must have dawned on them by now that he is not running what they would recognise as a Republican political campaign. Indeed Trump himself keeps telling his audiences that they are part of a "a movement, a beautiful movement".

Trump's arrival might have appeared sudden, but the party itself prepared the ground for it. For years it pandered to the far right, and it enjoyed the narrative created by conservative media like Fox News that the Obama administration was entirely corrupt, wrong in each of its actions, in thought and deed. It opposed all administration legislation as a matter of strategy. This worked to block a number of President Barack Obama's initiatives, but as Congress ground to a halt it served also to further damage the faith of the American electorate in the political process. Today congressional job approval stands at 14.5 per cent. The general mistrust of politics and politicians that was established by the strategy of obstruction damaged the Republican Party as much or more than it did the Democratic Party, at least at the congressional level. Through the fissures in trust that opened up poured the likes of Donald Trump, along with his advisers and enablers, men like Jones and Lewandowski and Bannon. Over the same period the power of the old media waned, victim not only to its own failings but to changing technology. The new media  outfits like Breitbart News  secured sections of the fragmented audience.

The news they served that audience reinforced a vision of out-of-touch elites working against the interests of everyday Americans, the vision that Trump has so effectively harnessed under the tutelage of Bannon. On Thursday afternoon in Ocala in rural northern Florida, Trump's language took on an even more dark and apocalyptic tone. "This election will determine whether we remain a free country in the truest sense of the word or we become a corrupt banana republic controlled by large donors and foreign governments," he told the crowd. "The election of Hillary Clinton would lead to the destruction of our country." Dark forces, he said, were behind not just claims about his own behaviour, but Clinton's lead in the polls. "There's a whole deal going on there. I mean, you know. There's a whole deal going on and figure it out. I always figure things out. But there's a whole sinister deal going on.

"Crooked Hillary wants to end forever the American independence that our founders gave us. Our great founders are spinning in their graves, our founders are spinning in their graves." After Trump laid out his conspiracy theory to an audience of around 12,000 I asked a woman if she truly believed what she had heard, that every institution from the Commission for Presidential Debates, to the FBI, to Paul Ryan himself, The New York Times, unnamed global financial interests, were somehow out to get Trump because he was the only hope of the common people. "Yes", she said, "the media is all bought and paid for. You don't know what is really going on." The Republican Party is in shock. It is one thing to traduce political enemies, another to disrupt the smooth transfer of power distinctive to advanced Western democracies. Only obscure members of Congress appeared on Thursday and Friday's news programs to defend Trump and his theories.

Some prominent party figures, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have called upon Trump to stop claiming the election was being rigged unless he could provide evidence. "I believe that the country will survive long after I'm gone but the country really is a process and the election process I think we need to respect it rather than create doubt about it. Americans have enough to worry about already," he told CNN last week. "Let's don't suggest the election's rigged." But Trump shows no sign letting up, and nor does his war council. Loading "If you can't have an honest election, nothing else counts," Stone said in an interview with Breitbart News, predicting widespread pro-Trump protests should Clinton win the election.
Washington: Several women have accused US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of sexual advances and groping. Among his accusers are a Miss Utah beauty pageant winner, a businesswoman, a reporter and a receptionist. He has denied the accusations.

In a 2005 video that emerged on October 7, Trump boasted about grabbing women by the genitals and kissing them without their consent. In a US presidential debate on October 9, he said he was embarrassed by what he called "locker room talk" but had not engaged in the conduct he described in the video.

Trump has called "absolutely false" allegations by several women of groping and other misconduct, first reported by The New York Times on Thursday. And at a rally on Friday, after two more women made allegations of groping, he denounced all the recent allegations, calling them fabrications and calling the women "sick".

Following are some of the allegations against Trump:
GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- World Food Day is a day of action against hunger. On October 16, people around the world came together to declare their commitment to eradicating hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.

The theme for World Food Day is Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says that everyone has a role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Countries need to invest in smallholder farmers and sustainably increase food production, but there are also a number of actions that you can take to help.

By being conscientious or ethical consumers and changing simple day-to-day decisions, for example, by wasting less food, or eating less meat and more nutritious pulses, we can reduce our environmental footprint and make a difference.

The observations and creating awareness of the annual theme is part of CPSs annual calendar of health observances.

One of the biggest issues related to climate change is food security. The worlds poorest - many of whom are farmers, fishers, and pastoralists - are being hit hardest by higher temperatures and an increasing frequency of weather-related disasters.

At the same time, the global population is growing steadily and is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. To meet such a heavy demand, agriculture and food systems will need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and become more resilient, productive and sustainable. This is the only way that we can ensure the wellbeing of ecosystems and rural populations and reduce emissions, according to the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Growing food in a sustainable way means adopting practices that produce more with less in the same area of land and use natural resources wisely. It also means reducing food losses before the final product or retail stage through a number of initiatives including better harvesting, storage, packing, transport, infrastructure, market mechanisms, as well as institutional and legal frameworks.

FAO is calling on countries to address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development.

By strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers, we can guarantee food security for the planets increasingly hungry global population and also reduce emissions.

At the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, 193 countries pledged to end hunger in the next 15 years. With unprecedented speed, the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change is set to enter into force, just in time for the next climate change conference, COP22, from 7-18 November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco.

The global goal of achieving Zero Hunger is 2030  an ambitious goal and one that cannot be reached without addressing climate change.

Our collective task is now to turn commitments into action on the ground.

For more information, you can call CPS 542-2078 or 542-3003.
GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that NV GEBE will be carrying out emergency work over a two-day period on October 17 and 18.

The works will be carried out at Arbutus road starting at the intersection of Oleander road up to the intersection of Flamboyant road between 8.00AM and 5.00PM.

The trench work is related to the laying of a new water line and will be carried out by contractor Raffie Rohan.

Motorists and pedestrians in the area should pay keen attention when commuting as heavy equipment will be in use.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
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Wrinkle ridges and depressed troughs combine in this depressed crater in the Goethe basin on Mercury. The troughs, up to 2 kilometers wide, crosscut the outer ridge ring.

The smallest planet in the solar system, Mercury bears a strong resemblance to Earth's moon. Like the other three terrestrial planet, Mercury contains a core surrounded by a mantle and a crust. But Mercury's core makes up a larger portion of the planet than others in the solar system, hinting at a chaotic beginning.

The surface of Mercury

The first images of Mercury revealed a cratered, rocky planet that closely resembled Earth's moon. The early days of the solar system, soon after the rocky planet formed, were violent, with constant collisions, and conditions on Mercury preserved evidence of many of these impacts.

When NASA's MESSENGER orbiter visited the planet in 2008, it became the first spacecraft to glimpse the full spread of the Caloris basin, one of the biggest and youngest impact features in the solar system. The crater stretches about 960 miles (1,550 kilometers) across the planet's surface and is surrounded by a ring of mountains 1.2 miles (2 km) tall. Volcanic vents surrounding the basin's rim suggest that volcanism helped to shape the tiny world.

Other evidence for volcanism includes several plains that smoothed over some of the first craters. Most of the plains are covered with craters, suggesting that volcanism took place long ago. However, MESSENGER found that the floors of many craters have been tilted, and part of the floor of the Caloris basin has been raised above its rim. The discovery suggests that Mercury remained active well after its birth.

"It is not out of the question that Mercury is still active today, though I note that this is not very likely," Maria Zuber, a planetary scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told Space.com in 2012. "For sure we have not observed an active eruption or extrusion."

One of Mercury's youngest impact basin, Rachmaninoff, is only about a billion years old. The (290-km) diameter peak-ring impact basin has smooth plains on its floor suggestive of lava flows. The lowest point on the planet lies within the basin.

"We interpret these plains to be the youngest volcanic deposits we have yet found on Mercury," MESSENGER deputy project scientist Louise Prockter, of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said in 2010.

Although temperatures on the planet can reach as high as 801 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius), MESSENGER detected water-ice on its surface in the shaded portions of some of the polar craters, where the sun doesn't reach. According to NASA, a mysterious dark organic matter covers some of the ice, leaving scientists puzzled.

In addition to testifying as to the planet's early volcanism, the smooth plains also show evidence of wrinkle ridges, created as the planet squeezed together. This coming together most likely happened as the interior cooled. Although some compression is common among bodies in the solar system, the compression of Mercury as it pulled more tightly in on itself is the most significant yet seen. Scientists estimate that the radius of the planet shrank by 0.6 to 1.2 miles (1 to 2 kilometers) as it temperatures deep within dropped.

A small body like Mercury would have a difficult time holding on to an atmosphere in the best of circumstances. Because of the close distancebetween Mercury and the sun, Mercury also feels the brunt of the solar wind, which constantly sweeps away the thin atmosphere the planet does manage to gather. With only the most negligible of atmospheres, the temperatures on the night and day side differ dramatically.

The thin atmosphere allows most cosmic rays to bombard the planet, stripping neutrons from elements lying on the surface. MESSENGER studied material kicked up and found traces of potassium and silicon, suggesting that the elements lie on the planet's surface.

The crust of Mercury is likely very thin, thinner than Earth's. The outer shell is only about 300 to 400 miles (500 to 600 km) thick.

The planet has no plate tectonics, which is part of the reason the cratered surface has been preserved for billions of years.

The core of the matter

Although it's the smallest planet, Mercury is the second densest, topped only by Earth. Scientists used the calculated density to determine that Mercury holds a large metallic core. With a radius of 1,100 to 1,200 mile (1,800 to 1,900 km), the core makes up about 85 percent of the planet's radius. Radar images taken from Earth revealed that the core is molten liquid, rather than solid.

Mercury's core has more iron than any other planet in the solar system. Scientists think this had to do with its formation and early life. If the planet formed quickly, increasing temperatures of the evolving sun could have vaporized much of the existing surface, leaving only a thin shell.

Another alternative is that a larger Mercury was struck in its early life, during the violent, chaotic beginnings of the solar system. Such an impact could have stripped away much of its outer shell, leaving a core too big for remaining planet.

Mercury's iron core generates a magnetic field about one percent as strong as Earth's. The field is quite active, frequently interacting with the solar wind and funneling plasma from the sun to the planet's surface. The hydrogen and helium captured from the solar wind help create part of Mercury's thin atmosphere.

By precisely tracking MESSENGER, scientists were able to measure the planet's gravitational field. They determined that the rocky world has "mascons," massive gravitational concentrations associated with large impact basins.

"These were first discovered on the moon in 1968 and caused great problems in the Apollo program because they tugged low-orbiting spacecraft around and made navigation difficult," Zuber said.

"Subsequently, mascons were discovered on Mars, and now we find out that Mercury has them, so they appear to be a common feature of terrestrial planetary bodies."

But the planet has its own differences. Recent measurements of its magnetic field found it to be three times stronger at its northern hemisphere than at its southern. Researchers used this strange offset to create a model of the core.

Earth's iron core has an inner solid region and an outer liquid part. As the inner core grows, it provides the energy behind Earth's magnetic field. But the planet's strange magnetic field suggests that the iron turns from liquid to solid at the outskirts of the core.

"It's like a snow storm in which the snow formed at the top of the cloud and middle of the cloud and the bottom of the cloud, too," UCLA professor Christopher Russell said in a statement.

"Our study of Mercury's magnetic field indicates iron is snowing throughout this fluid that is powering Earth's magnetic field."

Both cores contain lighter elements along with the iron, keeping the whole thing from solidifying and powering the magnetic field. The whole thing is likely covered by a solid shell of iron and sulfur, creating a layering effect not known to exist on the other terrestrial planets.

Follow Nola Taylor Redd on Twitter @NolaTRedd Facebook or Google+. Follow us at @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+.
Korolev, Sergei Pavlovitch (1906-1966), Russian spacecraft designer and headed the Vostok and Voskhod projects, as well as the early Zond and Cosmos series. His R-7 ICBM launched Sputnik 1 on October 4,1957.

Sergei Korolev is credited as being the founder of the Soviet Union's space program. During his tenure, the Soviet Union saw many space firsts. This included the first satellite, Sputnik (1957); the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin (1961); and Luna 9, the first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the moon (1966).

While his name is well-known today, during his lifetime Korolev's identity was kept a secret (as were many activities of the Soviet space program.) This was in contrast to NASA and the United States, which publicly broadcast its successes and failures to the world.

Early life

Korolev was born on Jan. 12, 1907, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine  just a few years after the first airplane flights took place. Many astronauts and spacecraft engineers of the 1950s and 1960s were born around the turn of the century, when spaceflight was often considered an impossible dream.

Korolev didn't waste any time in pursuing his passion for aviation. At 17, he created his first glider, according to the European Space Agency. He was educated at the Kiev Polytechnic Institute and the University of Moscow, where he began working on rocket propulsion (which was still a theoretical subject).

His work continued in 1931 when he created the Group for Investigation of Reactive Motion (GIRD), which created liquid-fueled rockets, ESA added. Liquid rockets have more flexibility than solid rockets because they can be turned on and off. Just two years after founding the group, the Soviet military took it over and renamed it RNII.

Then Korolev ran into bad times. The Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, began persecuting his opponents under a program known as the Great Purge. A colleague of Korolev was arrested in March 1938, ESA said. The colleague, Valentin Glushko, mentioned Korolev's name to try to reduce his own charges. This led to Korolev's arrest in June, and he spent two years in various Soviet jails.

Famed Russian spacecraft S. P. Korolev (in fedora hat) and Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin walk to the launch pad on April 12, 1961 ahead of the launch of Vostok 1, which would become the first manned spaceship to send a human into space. (Image credit: RSC Energia)

Starting the space program

Stalin, however, was in need of aeronautical engineers as World War II began. Korolev and other people like him were allowed to work from jail, according to NASA; Korolev was identified by Sergei Tupolev (a famous aircraft designer who was jailed himself), who asked for Korolev's help on his projects.

While still a political prisoner, Korolev was sent to Germany to inspect what was left of the Nazi regime's missile operations (after the United States had taken most of the best elements). Once Korolev was freed from jail after the war's end in 1945, he was put in charge of designing a Soviet equivalent of the V2 rocket. The result was the first intercontinental ballistic missile, known as the R7. Korolev's other work was put into a design bureau, the first of many that worked on Korolev's technology once he had developed it, according to NASA.

While few people remember the R7 today, everyone in the space world knows of Sputnik 1, which launched on Oct. 4, 1957, aboard an R7. This was the first human-made satellite, and it took the world by surprise because the Soviet Union was still considered by some to be technologically inferior.

The United States, which was already working on a satellite on its own for the International Geophysical Year, attempted to speed up its attempts to launch something into space. The first U.S. satellite, however, did not fly until January 1958.

The first human ever to fly in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (left), meets with spacecraft designer Sergei Korolev. (Image credit: RSC Energia)

The Space Race

Throughout the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union competed in space, with the Soviet Union at first taking a strong lead in terms of racking up space firsts. Yuri Gagarin was the first human to fly in space on April 12, 1961, while the United States launched its first astronaut, Alan Shepard, in early May.

The Soviet Union also accomplished the first spacewalk (by Alexei Leonov). Under Korolev, the country also did surveillance of the moon with Lunas 1, 2 and 3. This was important because both the United States and the Soviet Union were thinking about landing humans there as an ultimate proclamation of who was superior in space.

While the United States worked on its famed Saturn V rocket that eventually hefted Apollo 11 and its crew into Earth orbit in 1969  on the way to landing on the moon  Korolev's team worked on the N-1 launch vehicle starting in 1962. The heavy-lift rocket stayed in development for a decade, but never had a successful flight; its launch attempts included a huge explosion in 1969.

Korolev himself, however, did not live to see humans land on the moon. In 1965 he was diagnosed with cancer, and he died on Jan. 14, 1966, during surgery on his colon. Two weeks later, Luna 9 landed on the moon.

Additional resource
As a wave of dining options flood Fairfield County, it can be difficult to know where the best eats are. That's why Hearst Connecticut Media and CTBites got together to figure out the best of the best, resulting in their 2016 "Top 100 Dining & Drinks in Fairfield County" collaboration.

Of the top 100, an impressive 33 were from Stamford area. The best restaurants in and around Stamford are in the gallery above.
H undreds of people took to Trafalgar Square today to celebrate Africa as part of Black History Month.

The iconic square came alive with music and dancing at the 'Africa in the Square' event, which is now in its third year.

Sadiq Khan became the first London mayor to ever visit the annual event, which saw vistors enjoy live music, DJs, dancing, food stalls and an African market as the Mayor of London mingled with people and gave a speech.

The celebrations, which include a procession with African drumming and dancing, began at 12pm and will go on until 6pm.

Hundreds: The annual event at the iconic London square proved popular for a third year in a row. / Emma Donnelly, Twitter.

"From Ghana to Gambia, Nigeria to Namibia, South Africa to Somalia, the contribution of African Londoners to our city is immense," Sadiq Khan told the crowds.

Colourful: Trafalgar Square was alive with music and dancing. / Emma Donnelly, Twitter.

Entrepreneur Kanya King, who founded the MOBO awards which celebrate black artists and music, welcomed Sadiq Khan to the stage and said she was "proud" to introduce the very first London mayor to speak at the event.

Many took to Twitter to share photos of the event, which is organised by the mayor's office.

Yusuf Manneh, said: "Hands up to Africa on the Square. This is just one amazing event, loving every second."

Emma Donnelly shared a photo of crowds listening to music on the stage and said: I bloody love London."

On his Facebook page shortly after he appeared at the event, Sadiq Khan said: "From Nigeria to Namibia, the Gambia to Ghana, Africa is beautifully weaved into the tapestry of London life.

Selfies: Sadiq Khan mingles and takes photos with people at the Africa celebration event. / Sadiq Khan, Facebook.

"Amazing energy here at Trafalgar Square - where I'm proud to be the first Mayor of London to attend #AfricaOnTheSquare and join thousands of Londoners to celebrate the contribution our African communities make to our city. #LoveLondon #LondonIsOpen."
A new series of events at the London Irish Centre is aiming to boost the visibility of Irish people of colour with portraits, workshops and panel discussions.

As part of Black History Month, #IamIrish will see an exhibition of photographs of Irish people of colour from ages one to 75, as well as panel discussions on what it means to be black and Irish.

Founder of #IamIrish, Lorraine Maher told London Live: Growing up there wasnt really anyone else around at the time that looked like me.

For the best part of my life, I didnt even know that there were other mixed race Irish people  I didnt meet any others til I came to London.

For most of my life I grew up with people questioning my Irishness and questioning whether I belonged.

#IamIrish looks at the lives of Irish people of colour who have often been underrepresented

People are questioning people now as to whether they belong in the UK, so this is an opportunity for me to be able to say: what you see is not always what you get, because someone is mixed race doesnt mean that they cant also be Irish. In fact, because anyone is anything, doesnt mean they dont belong.

Being born in the 50s, and before that, it was a very taboo thing for an Irish mother to have a child when theyre not married and to have a child of colour, so often those children were excluded.

Its a really lovely way to celebrate being included and, you know, Irish. Ive had people contact me from all over  people saying: Im mixed race and Im Irish, thank you for doing this, thank you for telling our story.

#IamIrish, which will also include a panel discussion, is on at the London Irish Centre in Camden.
A young woman was slashed by a stranger during a bashment party at a London nightclub.

Police are hunting three men after the 23-year-old was attacked during a night out with friends at the Qube Project club in Victoria.

The unprovoked assault happened as the woman was with three friends in the club.

She was slashed in the arm and required hospital treatment after the incident, while her friends also suffered minor injuries.

It happened in the early hours of September 18 during a "So Slick Summer Closing Party" held at the club, where DJs played bashment, R&B and Trap music.

The party was billed as a summer farewell for "London's sexiest club night" and had a smart dresscode.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the nightclub at the time of the assault or who has any information that may assist the investigation.

"Officers are continuing to liaise with staff at the club."

Bashment music is performed by the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy and Beenie Man.

Anyone with information should contact officers at Westminster CID via 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
L ondon clowns have appealed for pranksters to stop the "killer clown" craze before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

Up and down the country, people dressed up as clowns have been jumping out of concealed places and scaring people.

Met Police officers have even responded to calls where "killer clowns" have been armed.

Bexley clown Ian Thom, who has been performing as Gingernutt the clown for 40 years, told the Standard the latest craze needed to stop before someone is seriously hurt.

"Killer Clown" filmed on Brunel university campus

He said: Very soon someone is going to jump out at someone who is going to jump out at someone who is asthmatic or who has a seizure then boom."

Some fancy dress shops have withdrawn clown costumes ahead of Halloween as police deal with numerous "killer clown" incidents.

The most high profile killer clown incident occurred outside Brunel University's Uxbridge campus on Tuesday when a student was spotted running around the campus with a chainsaw dressed as a clown.

Mr Thom added that a lot of the performers in the London clown community are missing out on work due to the craze, and he was worried after he had been pictured as a "killer clown" in several news stories.

More sightings as 'killer clown' craze grips UK

He said: "It's affecting some people more than others. I've spoken to some clowns I know and they've had jobs cancelled and other people are getting more serious complaints.

"Imagine a scary clown running round outside a school, that schoolkid isn't going to ask their parents for a clown at their birthday.

"I believe it's picking away at public perceptions. I've spent 40 years building up my reputation and I've got nothing to do with scary clowns."

No laughing matter: Clowns international has condemned the craze / Shutterstock

Hackney clown Mattie Faint added his concerns to the craze affecting the work and reputation of clowns.

The 64 year-old said: "This happens every year but this year has been really bad.

"I'm a very strong looking clown and I've been doing interviews this week but I didn't want to go dressed up.

"The problem is, everybody's got a phone and all of this has been started by social media showing scary faces.

"We're going through some really bad times and a good laugh is some times very important.

Clowns International spokesman Robert Bowker, also known as Bibbledy Bob, condemned the actions of the people involved.

He told the Standard:Its 16 to 18 year old kids that are buying cheap masks from Halloween shops and scaring people.

Its nothing to do with real clowns so I think we need to have a reality check with whats going on.

Its Halloween and theres a Stephen King film coming out soon so in three weeks time the media frenzy will have moved on.
T ime is running out for thousands of Londoners who have signed a petition to save the Kings Cross Pond from closure.

As it stands, there are just ten days remaining to take a dip in the chilly waters before the fresh water outdoor pool is shut forever and turned into a park.

The pond, which was designed to be a temporary two-year installation, is to close on October 26 after just 17 months.

A petition calling for it to remain open has been signed by almost 5,000 people and a splashmob is organised for Tuesday at 9.15am.

The aim is for swimwear-clad demonstrators to march from Kings Cross station to the pond, where TV doctor Chris van Tulleken will be there to discuss the benefits of cold water swimming.

Almost 5,000 people have signed the petition so far / Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Petition founder Imogen Radford has issued a rally cry, saying: Its a big day for the campaign to save Kings Cross pond  one week before it is due to close for good.

We need to persuade Argent to seek permission from Camden Council to extend its life so that they can consult on keeping it and so that we can look into fundraising to pay for it to continue.

Argent Kings Cross Ltd, the property developer behind the pond, told the Standard the pond was only ever due to last two summers and said it is preparing a new piece of "adventurous public artwork" to replace it.

As part of a new park, the artwork is said to be a giant installation of 35,000 bicycle reflectors, measuring 50m long and 3.5m high.

Argent said it will not be bulldozing over the site, and will rehouse all the plants and wildlife.

The petition states: This swimming oasis in the urban centre of a world-class city, originally designed as a usable art installation, is a wonderful and popular asset for the local community and for visitors.

The UK's first ever man-made fresh water public bathing pond has become one of London's best-loved amenities, bringing benefits to the area and beyond.
A gay Londoner today told how he is still subjected to vile homophobic abuse years after being physically assaulted in a hate-fuelled attack.

Robbie de Santos has spoken out about being punched in the head, called p**f and thrown out the doors of a night bus, as National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place.

The charity worker says that 12 years on from the anti-gay attack that left him covered in blood, he is still subjected to homophobic abuse in the street and feels too afraid to use public transport or hold his boyfriend's hand.

He told the Standard: I got on a 29 night bus at Tottenham Court Road at quarter to three in the morning.

It was a busy night bus and this guy just started pushing me and said: You p**f, what you looking at? Why you here?" said Mr de Santos, who is from Hackney.

Before I knew it, I was punched in the side of my head, in my mouth, I was thrown out the double doors of the double decker bus onto the street.

I still feel the stitches on the inside of my lip, and I will live with those stitches every day of my life, knowing what Ive been through.

We know that many people still experience hate crime  I still, even in my own neighbourhood, Ill be walking with my boyfriend and someone will say p**f.

I know thats the experience for quite a few of my friends who are LGBT and hear this in daily life.

I definitely think its made me more self-conscious  I probably wouldnt hold hands with my boyfriend in public and weve been together 12 years, so thats probably quite unusual for many couples thatve been together that long.

It does affect the way I live my life now, even as a confident 31-year-old adult, its really stayed with me.

Robbie de Santos says he regularly gets called 'p**f' in the street

I now cycle everywhere in London and I actually feel much safer as a cyclist  even next to big lorries and buses  than I do on public transport.

Victims of hate crime need to be given the confidence and reassurance that they should pursue those cases  at the time I was 19, I was scared, and thought fine, its better if its over with.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from October 8 to 15, aims to raise awareness and encourage victims to report incidents.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police reports homophobic hate crime has risen 12.9 per cent in the last year, and nearly 5,500 racially or religiously motivated offences were reported to police in the month after the Brexit vote.

Juliet Chard, campaigns officer at LGBT organisation Stonewall, told the Standard: National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for organisations like Stonewall, the police, and community organisations to raise awareness about the impact and effect that hate crime has on different communities, including people that are lesbian, gay, bi or trans[gender].

People can be affected by hate crime for lots of different reasons, not just because people perceive them to be LGBT. We know that people in the LGBT community who are BAME, from different religious backgrounds, or have a disability, can also be affected by hate crime, and being LGBT can be a part of that.

A hate crime can be anything from verbal abuse in the street to physical assault, but it can also be intimidation from neighbours, damage to property or threats of violence.

This can make LGBT people feel unsafe, or unable to be in certain spaces, and make them feel exposed when theyre out at night.

We know that hate crime happens more often in urban centres like London than in rural areas and this can affect how comfortable people feel to be themselves.

Stonewall's Juliet Chard: 'Hate crime can make LGBT people feel unsafe'

They might change their behaviour, change the way they dress, or stop holding hands with their partner for example, or stop showing any kind of affection, because they fear theyre going to be a victim of hate crime.

We would always encourage anyone whos experienced hate crime, whether its just someone saying something offensive to you on a bus to a more serious incident, its always important to report that to the police because the more information we have about peoples experiences, the more steps that police and criminal justice bodies can take to support LGBT people.

Steve Burton, TfLs Director of Enforcement and On-Street Operations, said: Instances of hate crime on our network are low, however any form of hate crime is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Our customers have the right to travel without fear of abuse or intimidation and if anyone witnesses or is victim to hate crime they should report it immediately. We work closely with our police partners to eradicate hate crimes and fully investigate all reported incidents.

Commander Mak Chishty, who leads on community engagement for the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "We are committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms, whether it is on the streets, in the community or on the transport network.

"We would appeal to anyone who witnesses or suffers any hate of any type to immediately report it to us so that we can quickly take action and catch those who are responsible.

"You can report hate Crime through 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency, directly at a Police station, through the MOPAC Hate Crime app or through community reporting methods such as Tell mama or the CST."
D ozens of firefighters tackled a blaze which destroyed part of an east London doctor's surgery today.

Photos from the scene show smoke billowing from the roof and top floor of the Walthamstow medical surgery following the fire at just after 3pm today.

Firefighters rushed to the scene, on Claremont Road, and spent hours tackling the blaze at the NHS Claremont medical centre.

Crews used jets and elevating platforms to pour water on the fire from above.

Blaze: Firefighters used aerial platforms to tackle the fire. / Paul Wood.

A spokeswoman for the London Fire Brigade said there were six crews at the scene. The surgery was closed at the time.

It is not yet known what caused the fire.
S enior conservatives including Boris Johnson will not approve plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, according to Zac Goldsmith.

Mr Goldsmith, who failed in his bid to become London Mayor this year, said Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Justin Greening would not back expansion of Britain's largest airport under any circumstances, meaning the plans would not go ahead.

He believes Prime Minister Theresa May will have to offer the Tories a free vote if plans go forward.

The pair both represent west London constituencies likely to be affected by Heathrow expansion and remain opposed to the idea, he said.

Opposed? Boris Johnson / Getty

The Prime Minister is widely tipped to make a decision on whether to back a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick, or both, next week.

The situation could prove awkward for the pair and Mrs May as Cabinet ministers are supposed to uphold collective responsibility and back the Government's decisions, including in Commons votes.

Mr Goldsmith has promised to resign as MP for Richmond if plans to build a third runway at Heathrow go ahead

Mr Goldsmith, told BBC Two's Newsnight: "I can make a prediction that Boris under no circumstances will ever vote for Heathrow expansion, and nor would Justine Greening - both of them very senior, very valued members of the Cabinet.

Not backing down: Zac Goldsmith / Jeremy Selwyn

"I speak to them both regularly, I spoke to Boris a couple of hours ago, and there is no wavering in his position and there is no wavering in Justine's position.

"They have big jobs to do, they may not be doing the media rounds, they probably won't be talking about Heathrow on Newsnight, but their positions remain absolutely unchanged.

"I absolutely know that. They are the major allies."

It comes after former chancellor George Osborne said the west London hub needs increased capacity so that Britain can be "outward-looking, free-trading and global".

Reports emerged on Thursday that ministers could back expansion at both Heathrow and Gatwick.

Mrs May confirmed last week that the Government would "shortly announce" a decision on which expansion project will get the go-ahead.

The Davies Commission recommended in July last year that a third runway should be built at Heathrow.

Other shortlisted options are extending the airport's existing northern runway or building a second runway at Gatwick.

The decision has been repeatedly delayed due to its political sensitivity.

Aviation Minister Lord Ahmad, asked in the House of Lords earlier this week whether the Government will consider supporting one of the two Heathrow options as well as Gatwick, replied: "As far as expansion is concerned, the Commission reported back on the need to increase capacity by 2030 with the addition of one runway in the South East, and that is where the Government's decision is focused."
A n intruder was shot four times after stabbing a security guard in the eye at Miranda Kerrs Malibu home.

The minder was attacked by the knife-wielding intruder who had tried to climb a fence to gain access to the property around 11.10am yesterday.

Both men were taken to hospital after the altercation in which the intruder was shot several times.

Neither Kerr, 33, or her five-year-old son Flynn are believed to have been at the property at the time.

LA County Sherrifs Office told the Mail Online: The guard was stabbed in the facial area and he had minor injuries.

Evan Spiegel and model Miranda Kerr / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

He produced a handgun and shot the intruder three to four times in the face and torso.

Neither the guard nor the intruder has life threatening injuries.

Police confirmed to ABC News that no-one else was in the property at the time and the altercation took place outside the home.

The Special Enforcement Bureau of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tweeted a picture of the guard being airlifted to hospital.

The intruder was airlifted separately to a different trauma centre.

The County Sherrif spokesman added that the intruder will face criminal charges.

Australian born Kerr bought the property in 2014 following her split from British actor Orlando Bloom.

She was photographed at the property for a September edition of fashion magazine Harpers Bazaar, which described the property as a 1960s ranch home.

She told the magazine: I knew that his house was it at first sight.

It needed a lot of work, but it had a great view. It wasnt right on the water, so it was protected and very private.

Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel, Kerr's fiance recently purchased a sprawling mansion for the pair in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

Her representatives have not commented on the incident yesterday.

The incident comes only a week after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in her luxury Paris apartment.
D onald Trump has accused rival Hillary Clinton of taking performance-enhancing drugs during the last TV debate.

The US presidential candidate has called for drugs tests while on a rally today ahead of the next face-off on Wednesday.

The Republican also tonight took to Twitter to continue to deny sexual assault allegations against him, claiming nobody has more respect for women than me.

Trump also posted Tweets blaming the US media for rigging the election and poisoning the minds of the American voter.

His comments come after another woman in the US claimed the property tycoon groped her under her skirt while on a night out in the 1990s.

It is the latest in a string of sexual misconduct claims against Trump to emerge in recent days.

Trumps spokeswoman responded to the claims as phony.

But this evening Donald Trump responded to the allegations himself and said in a Tweet: Nothing ever happened with any of those women. Totally made up nonsense to steal the election. Nobody has more respect for women than me!

Earlier in the day he tweeted that Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail and said the US race for the White House looks like a rigged election.

He said: This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges, and outright lies, in order to elect Crooked Hillary.

100 per cent fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American voter. FIX!

Mr Trump was at an outdoor rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when he made the bizarre suggestion that his rival Ms Clinton might have been on some kind of performance-enhancing drug during their last face-off.

He said: "I think she's actually getting pumped up" while she is off the trail.
A row has broken out between Catholic cardinals over plans to open a McDonalds next to the Vatican in Rome.

The plans for the fast food chain in a piazza to the right of the iconic St Peters Basilica has caused outrage among cardinals living above the proposed restaurant site.

The Pope has received a letter from one angry cardinal asking the religious leader to intervene in stopping the plan, it has been reported.

It was revealed earlier this year the APSA, the part of the Church which looks after the Vaticans assets, had agreed to rent part of the building to McDonalds.

The Vatican would receive 30,000 Euros, or around 27,000, a month in the proposed deal.

But cardinals living above the site hit out at the plan, including Cardinal Elio Sgreccia who told daily Italian newspaper: It's a controversial, perverse decision to say the least.

McDonalds site: St Peter's Basilica seen across St Peter's Square. / Getty Images

He said opening the fast-food restaurant is by no means respectful of the architectural traditions of one of the most characteristic squares which look onto the colonnade of St. Peter's.

The square in front of St Peters Basilica is where the Pope holds his weekly papal audiences on a Wednesday with thousands of Catholics.

Many cardinals also live in the area, which is often crowded with large numbers of tourists.

The head of the committee in charge of protecting Borgo, the historic district around the Vatican, said the planned McDonalds would be a further blow to the area.

Moreno Prosperi said in recent years the identity of this area has been lost because of an increase in illegal souvenir stands and mini markets.

Cardinal Sgreccia said the proposed McDonalds site should be used to be used to help those in need.

Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, who is the head of APSA which is the part of the church which deals with assets, said he was 'not going to back down'.

He said the deal is legally valid and he didn't see 'anything negative' about the proposals.


My idea of a perfect vacation involves doing things Ive never done before, in places Ive never been  the older and more historically significant, the better. Im far more likely to drive slowly through a century-old neighborhood looking for a funky restaurant than to stand in line in an overpriced amusement park.

As a child of the Pacific Northwest coast, Id always wanted to visit New England, not only as the cradle of our republic but because it abuts the Atlantic Ocean. Because our wedding anniversary and our daughters birthday fall in the same week, that was all the excuse my wife, Maria, and I needed to finally make it happen. The plan was simple: Fly to Maine, rent a car, start in an interesting place and drive down the coast to Maryland, where our daughter is teaching and studying. We saw autumn colors, ancient brick buildings, stone churches, windswept beaches, sleepy fishing ports and a bit of Washington, D.C.

After the all-day ordeal that modern flying has become, we found ourselves in Portland, Maine, checking out a gutless (and 2-wheel drive) Jeep Compass at almost midnight. The following morning took us to Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park. This being the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, it seemed like a fitting place to start.

We drove up Cadillac Mountain, dodging damp bicyclists, and saw no Cadillacs nor much of anything else; it was socked in with misty fog. But as the skies cleared we took a loop drive through the park, which features ponds, beaches, rocky points, wetlands and, at this time of year, lots of showy trees. Bar Harbor was a busy place (we found very few places that werent packed with visitors), and the locals were helpful and friendly. We seek out eating places and hotels that are locally owned, and were usually asked where we were from, what we hoped to see and were given advice on features that we shouldnt miss.

New Englanders moor their boats to buoys in the barbors rather than at docks, making for lots of interesting photos, and the rocky coastline is studded with lighthouses. After getting a tip from a nice guy sitting in his pickup, we drove a few miles out of our way to visit the Owls Head lighthouse and enjoyed every minute of the drive.

Our cellphone navigator kept wanting to drag us back toward the expressway, when we wanted to stay along scenic Highway 1. We learned pretty quickly that following the Maine coastline isnt easy. Its a maze of inlets, long headlands and even offshore islands reached only by ferries. You could spend a few weeks visiting the tiny ports at the far ends of the peninsulas, a couple of months if you were determined to visit the islands. We had two days.

On the way south we stopped at the flagship store of L.L. Bean, a Maine-based version of Cabelas. I expected original and epic, but the building was spiffed up and buried in a massive cluster of outlet stores that make up the downtown of Freeport, providing one of the few disappointments of the trip. We drove from there to Cape Cod. We veered off the highway to hit some of the old whaling ports along the way, which retain many of their classic buildings but have become enclaves for the wealthy. In some places you couldnt get near the beach, which is probably why President John F. Kennedy in 1961 created the 44,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore, a wild, windblown coastline that faces the ocean and includes more beaches than you could visit in a summer. The cape still has a lot of classic resorts, consisting of lines of small, tidy cabins, and elegant bed-and-breakfast inns. Even in the off-season, quirky Provincetown, an artsy village at the end of the 65-mile-long cape, was packed with visitors.

From there we stooped to see friends in Connecticut and then white-knuckled it to Maryland. (Freeway traffic stinks, no matter where you are.) Our daughter took us to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., a six-story monument to American news events and the people who cover them. We spent a few fascinating hours there, viewing historical exhibits, listening to classic newscasts, reading famous front pages, seeing a heart-rending exhibit of Pulitzer Prize-winning photos and reinforcing my decision to choose a career as an observer and everyday historian of life in our fascinating nation.

By the time we got back, wed visited eight states that Id never seen before. This year Ive been in 15, counting ours, and two foreign countries. Ive got a dozen to go to complete all 50. I hope I have enough time left to get to all of them, as well as a revisiting a few that Ive experienced only in airport terminals.

One thing Ive learned is that western Nebraska is unlike any other place. To somebody whos never seen them, our windmills and grain elevators are as fascinating as their masted sailboats and stalwart lighthouses. We have plenty to offer interested visitors, if they have a taste for prairies, pioneer and Native American and history and our unique landscapes. We should be proud of our corner of this great nation, and always make them feel welcome.
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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
CLAYTON  In a smallish suburb populated by many of the regions top business professionals, perhaps its not surprising that some of those volunteering for the citys boards and commissions have ties to one of the largest companies in the region.

In the months since Centene Corp. began to work its way through the local development process to accommodate a huge expansion of its headquarters, two people  an alderman and a planning commission member  have abstained from votes due to their connections with the company.

Another planning commission member, however, did not abstain from a vote this summer on Centenes rezoning despite a partnership with the projects developer. The vote was unanimous to recommend approval.

Theres not much standing in the way of Centene Corp.s plans for one of the largest office developments the region has seen in decades. It won approval last month from the Clayton Board of Aldermen to rezone the area for a special development district despite reservations from a vocal contingent of residents concerned with the traffic 2,000 additional Centene employees would bring to the city.

But the Medicaid-focused health plan manager still faces more vetting from Claytons architectural review board, tasked with scrutinizing details such as construction material, height and building placement. The boards vote to recommend rezoning is mostly procedural; the board of aldermen ultimately makes the final call on rezoning.

One of the architectural review boards members is working with Centenes project manager and developer, construction firm Clayco. Board member Scott Wilson, CEO of St. Louis-based construction firm SM Wilson & Co., partnered with Centene project manager and rival construction firm Clayco to manage the huge Barnes-Jewish Hospital campus renovation.

Their two firms, as well as Overland-based construction company Alberici, make up ACW Alliance, formed as a joint venture to manage the BJC HealthCare project.

Wilson says his firms partnership with Clayco on the BJC work doesnt amount to a conflict because SM Wilson is not involved in the Centene project and the two firms are still competitors.

That was strictly a one-project relationship to compete for the hospital job, Wilson said of ACW Alliance. We still go to head to head on other projects in town.

Josh Corson, another member of the planning commission and architectural review board, recused himself from the vote in September where the plan commission recommended approval for Centenes rezoning. Two days later, Centene closed on its purchase of the commercial space in the Crescent condominium building. Corson was one of the developers of the Crescent building, which is adjacent to Centenes other real estate holdings in downtown Clayton.

Josh had a direct relationship with the project, where Scott did not, said Steve Lichtenfeld, chair of the plan commission.

Lichtenfeld said the Clayton city attorney was asked whether Wilsons relationship with Clayco was a conflict and advised the board it wasnt.

Scott Wilson had no financial dealings with Clayco or anyone else in relation to the Centene project, Lichtenfeld said.

Claytons conflict-of-interest policy uses the guidelines established for the state of Missouri, and those mostly deal with financial conflicts.

But just because a financial conflict does not appear to exist doesnt mean an existing business relationship shouldnt raise questions, said Kathleen Clark, a Washington University professor of law who specializes in conflicts of interest.

Its not that voting one way or another on this zoning plan or project will directly financially benefit Scott Wilson, she said. Its not so much a financial conflict of interest as much as it is a question of whether he can act impartially.

Mayor Harold Sanger said the city has taken conflicts seriously, pointing out Alderman Mark Winings recused himself from last months zoning vote because his law firm, Lewis Rice, does work for Centene.

I am aware of that but I dont see a conflict whatsoever, Sanger said of Wilsons connection to Clayco. If we were to stretch into that kind of conflict, it would be difficult to get anybody on the board.

Wilson served on the board for several years in the late 2000s and earlier this decade. Thats why Sanger tapped him for an opening after Pepe Finn resigned from the board because she couldnt attend enough meetings, the mayor said.

Wilson was confirmed to the commission by the Board of Aldermen during a special meeting Aug. 1, a couple of hours before the planning commission had its first hearing for Centenes rezoning.

The quorum could have been an issue because one of the members was Josh Corson, Sanger said. If one other person was gone then we wouldnt have a quorum. With something as important as this, we wanted people who were knowledgeable about commission procedure.
The egg carton depicts an idyllic scene with an expansive green pasture, a red barn in the distance and a few white chickens walking upon the logo for Davidson's Safest Choice eggs, with nothing but azure skies above.

But one of the most influential animal welfare organizations in the U.S. is saying that's a bunch of avian excrement.

"No reasonable consumer would see the verdant imagery and 'all-natural' claims and think of a complex of factory farms owned by National Pasteurized Eggs, a geographically widespread egg-producing corporation, where hens are confined in cramped, filthy cages and never see the light of day," reads the complaint filed by the Humane Society of the United States with the Federal Trade Commission on Friday.

The complaint filed against Lansing, Ill.-based National Pasteurized Eggs, which sells eggs under the Davidson's brand, calls on the FTC to investigate possible violations of false-advertising law. Some Davidson's eggs are from cage-free hens, but the animal welfare group is taking issue specifically with the packaging of eggs from caged hens marketed instead as "all-natural," as well as promotional text on the company's website.

A spokeswoman for National Pasteurized Eggs did not return calls seeking comment.

In some ways, this controversy is a function of the times. Increasingly, consumers are showing a willingness to pay more for products that they perceive to be healthier or more humanely raised. And food companies are meeting that demand through operational changes and through marketing. Never before have consumers been faced with so many egg options, including but not limited to organic, cage-free and free-range.

Though some shoppers carefully research all the new terminology, the vast majority are still just trying to make it through the grocery store, said Sue Fogel, a marketing professor at DePaul University.

"(The Davidson's egg carton) would tend to mislead consumers if they're not paying attention, and most are not paying attention," Fogel said.

In addition to the bucolic image, words like "all-natural" and "pasteurized" on the carton add to the overall misleading effect of the image, said Matt Prescott, senior food policy director for the Humane Society. The federal complaint also identifies and disputes claims made on the National Pasteurized Eggs website that the pasteurization process reduces the risk for salmonella bacteria.

"This is one of the more egregious examples we've seen of a company just blatantly putting a picture of frolicking chickens on cartons of eggs from chickens locked in cages," Prescott said. "We take very seriously companies trying to circumvent consumer will by misleading them."

The FTC generally doesn't comment on complaints unless action is taken. And it doesn't often take action on complaints about egg marketing. The commission hasn't taken action on a complaint related to egg marketing since 1996 when it penalized Eggland's Best for deceptive cholesterol-related claims, according to agency spokesman Mitchell Katz.

But the Humane Society has proven adept at applying public pressure and effecting industrywide change on various fronts. In recent years, the animal welfare group has pushed hundreds of food companies to switch to cage-free eggs and trumpeted those announcements once they did. In 2015, the nonprofit reported revenue of $133.3 million.

Meanwhile, Post Holdings, a St. Louis-based consumer packaged goods company, is in the process of acquiring National Pasteurized Eggs, which has egg production facilities in Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota. That deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Terms were not disclosed.

A Post Holdings spokesman could not be reached for comment.
A gift of almost 1,400 Japanese prints and related works in 2010 by Charles and Rosalyn Lowenhaupt made the St. Louis Art Museum the owner of one of the worlds largest public collections of such items.

It took months to sift through the collection and select the pieces for Conflicts of Interest: Art and War in Modern Japan, which opens Sunday at the museum. On view are 180 objects  woodblocks, prints, lithographs, screens, board games and clothing  observing Japanese prowess in war, from the Meiji period (18681912) through the end of World War II.

It was very painful, says Philip K. Hu, associate curator-in-charge of Asian art. He worked in collaboration with Rhiannon Paget, Andrew W. Mellon Fellow for Japanese Art.

Adds Paget, We could do six or seven more of these shows without repeating anything.

Charles Lowenhaupt, a native of St. Louis, went to Japan as a high school exchange student in 1964. Based outside Osaka, he was there for the Tokyo Olympics, in what Hu calls a very exciting time for Japan. Lowenhaupt started his collection while he was there, continuing it through the years.

Most woodblock prints of the Meiji period showed classical themes of flowers and beautiful women; the war prints werent as popular with conventional collectors and thus easier to come by. In some ways, though, theyre more interesting than the more fashionable items. This material shows how Japan became a modern nation, Hu says, how Japan came to be a great world power.

Along with Western fashions, military procedures, titles (the nobility of Japan now included viscounts, among other innovations) and the Gregorian calendar, the Japanese adopted some European artistic styles, including the use of perspective. Some of the most realistic pieces in the show are of battleships, including a large scroll showing the French-constructed battle cruiser Matsushima, steaming through the water. Like many of the artworks, this one is inscribed with a poem.

The heart of the exhibition is material from two foreign wars, fought both on sea and land, that gave notice to the rest of the world that Japan was a modern nation: the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), against China, and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), against Russia. Japan won both wars.

Between Japans wars with China and Russia, the country joined with seven European nations in the Boxer Rebellion. Theyre depicted here as leaders among those forces, and they did earn the respect of their co-belligerents.

Modernization began with the arrival of American Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his gunboat diplomacy, forcing the then-insular Japanese to admit foreigners, in 1852-54. The exhibition starts with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when a group of samurai threw out the ruling shoguns, and brought the emperor back to the throne. Civil wars erupted, but when those were settled, the remaking of Japan as a Western-style military power, modeled on the French, Germans and British, took place.

The glory of war

The exhibition is divided into five sections, from that precursor period to the postlude of World War II, also known as the Pacific War.

Much of the exhibition is devoted to the woodblock prints, all painstakingly executed. They were usually made up of multiple sheets, most commonly coming as triptychs, but occasionally composed of as many as 12 carefully matched pages.

These things were disseminated to ordinary people, Hu says. They were affordable and popular. There are examples of the blocks as well as of the finished product.

There are also board games (one is modeled on the British manual of arms) and card games. There are satirical prints, which often show Chinese opponents shaking with fear, exaggerated braided queues trailing behind their heads. There are prints depicting heroes. There are magazines and what Paget calls cheesy romantic images aimed at female readers.

The exhibition has some elaborate screens. One pair depicts a battle in the Sino-Japanese War, near Seoul, Korea; the background color is silver, rather than the usual gold, because it took place at night. There are textiles, including a reversible firemans jacket displayed inside-out: The exterior was for work, with the interior worn out after the fire was out. Another case shows brightly colored patriotic fabrics, probably meant for childrens clothing.

The glory of war is an overarching theme. One rare exception is a woodblock print showing a realistically gory scene from the Matsushima during a battle. Theres a severed foot, half a head and lots of blood, Paget says. This is a very unusual glimpse of the horror of war, which could only be made because (the Japanese) were victorious in the end.

Sometimes prints and the photographs or postcards that inspired them are juxtaposed, showing sources and differences. One treasure is a sketchbook, with 49 drawings by an unknown artist; the open pages depict a group traveling in steerage, all crammed together. We assume he made it back to Japan, says Hu, since his sketches survived.

The final room shows images from the end of Japans diverse wars in Asia and the Pacific. One striking kimono is woven with images of the Mitsubishi bomber known as a Betty, probably from 1940. There are short jackets known as haori, reversed to show their colorful linings.

At the exit, a long banner hangs, showing a boy admiral leading a troop of little sailors. It was displayed in public for the holiday known as Boys Day, celebrating boys and their fathers. In 1948, the name of the holiday was changed to Childrens Day, reflecting both new attitudes and a new chapter in the life of the Japanese nation.
The St. Louis County Family Court and the U.S. Department of Justice have haggled over more than a dozen drafts of a proposed settlement to resolve constitutional rights violations alleged against the court by the federal agency last year.

The disclosure came Friday from a state official after a meeting at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. Court administrators and 17 judges met with representatives from the Missouri Attorney Generals Office to discuss the proposed settlement.

It was the first full meeting of the judges on the issue, according to those present.

In August last year, the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division released a 60-page report after a nearly two-year investigation into the court.

The report alleged the delinquency arm of the Family Court deprives juveniles of constitutional rights, is rife with conflicts of interest and treats black youths more harshly than white ones. There has been no public comment on the issue since the report. The public notice for the meeting Friday did not mention the Department of Justice by name, and the agenda said the session was to discuss a proposed settlement of a legal matter and consult with the Attorney Generals Office concerning the matter.

The judges closed those specific discussions to the public and a reporter Friday, saying the issue involved pending litigation.

Neither Presiding Family Court Judge Thea Sherry nor Deputy Attorney General Joe Dandurand would discuss the deliberations or the content of the proposed settlement afterward. They said conversations are continuing.

Dandurand said there had been some 15 drafts of a settlement shared between the court and the federal agency. The court could be subject to litigation if it fails to agree to a settlement.

A Justice Department official said by email Friday that the agency would not comment. The state attorney generals office also refused to release the settlement offer, saying the document is to remain sealed because of possible litigation.

The federal action against the family court is similar to an unrelated Justice Department report issued in March 2015 that was highly critical of police and municipal court practices in Ferguson. The Ferguson City Council voted in March to sign a settlement and avoid federal litigation.

The Justice Department claims juveniles in the St. Louis County Family Court do not get adequate legal representation, are held without proper determination of probable cause and may be allowed to plead guilty without clearly grasping the consequences.

The report said the family court had only one public defender, who had served as counsel in nearly 400 cases  twice the caseload recommended by the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice.

The report also took to task the length of time youths were put in detention without representation, noting that children lack even a basic understanding of court procedure and the cases against them, and the resulting confusion can lead to desperation, negative behaviors, and depression.

The report said black youths are less likely to be referred to diversionary programs that would prevent adjudication. Adjusting for factors other than race, it said black youths were 2 times more likely than whites to be detained before trial and three times more likely to be sent to the Division of Youth Services on parole violations.

Also at issue is Missouris longstanding family court structure in which Deputy Juvenile Officers  who work most directly with the accused  report to the court administrator, who report to the presiding judge. The Justice Department called this a conflict of interest that left youths without advocates who do not work for the court.

Earlier this year, Sherry split the duties of court administrator and chief deputy juvenile officer.

But Mae Quinn, director of the MacArthur Justice Center in St. Louis, said Friday the move does not remove the conflict of interest because both positions still report to the presiding judge. Quinn was optimistic the Justice Department would enact change, and yet she has not seen momentum.

The court still has only one public defender, Quinn noted.

Not a thing has changed with regard to the number of attorneys provided to children at the juvenile court. It is still a single lawyer covering four courtrooms while there are four prosecutors doing that job, she said.
Updated at 4:50 p.m. Saturday with additional statement from national fraternity officials.

A fraternity at the University of Missouri-Columbia at the center of a racial incident last month is under investigation for a slew of violations, and has been put on notice about an allegation that new members were instructed to drug women before sexually assaulting them, according to documents obtained through a records request.

Mizzous chapter of Delta Upsilon is currently suspended by the campus and its national organization. The chapter was put on probation in mid-September for alcohol violations. Two weeks later, police were summoned to the fraternity house for a racial incident. The fraternity was suspended Sept. 28, the day after that incident.

A Post-Dispatch request for disciplinary records regarding the fraternity yielded 79 pages of documents outlining numerous alcohol violations, along with a letter from Mizzou Title IX Administrator Ellen Eardley outlining details of an allegation made against the fraternity.

Eardley said her office received a report that on or about Monday, August 22, 2016, active members of Delta Upsilon fraternity allegedly provided each new member with three pills and instructed them to drug women for the purpose of incapacitating them prior to engaging in sexual activity. It has been alleged that new members are required to engage in such conduct in order to complete the initiation process.

Three weeks later, police responded to at least four incidents in one night, two of which involved party-goers who drank too much, according to Mizzou police officer Steve Verble. City police and campus police each handled one of the alcohol calls.

All fraternity and sorority houses are in Columbia Police Department jurisdiction, but calls for service are reported to campus police.

In a Sept. 10 email to Janna Basler, assistant director of Mizzous Greek Life, about those incidents, Verble wrote that Delta Upsilon seems to have returned in full force as the usual problem it is.

In her response, Basler agreed that there are definitely some issues occurring and that this was more than an isolated incident.

The newspapers records request spanned all of the 2015-16 school year and the first few months of the current year.

A report filed last fall by the Department of Residential Life outlines a hazing incident in which a man who identified himself as a pledge member of Delta Upsilon said members forced the initiates to fight one another. He had a battered hand when leaders at his dormitory found him. When they asked if he was drunk, he said, I dont even know. They gave us so much.

An undated document that appears to be from the current semester outlines a recalibration plan for the Mizzou DU chapter, listing a string of personal and group development seminars in which members apparently participated.

Mizzou officials refused to comment on whether this effort was university led, and officials with Delta Upsilons national chapter couldnt be reached for comment Friday.

Delta Upsilon executive director Justin Kirk emailed a Post-Dispatch reporter on Oct. 5 saying he was aware of the newspapers records request and offering some information about recent changes in the Mizzou chapter.

Because of the chapters historically strong track record and alumni support, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with the university to investigate recent incidents and support the sanctions it has brought forward, Kirk said wrote.

In 2014, the chapter removed 90 of its 132 members. Sometime after that, the fraternity employed a graduate student to live in the house for programming and guidance. They also hired an off-duty police officer to walk the chapter facility during high-risk times.

Delta Upsilon International Fraternity continues to work closely with the University of Missouri to investigate recent issues, some of which we have just learned of within the last few days, Kirk said in the email. We will not condone or tolerate the type of behavior alleged in these incidents, and the chapter remains on a temporary suspension as our investigation continues.

On Friday, the fraternity released another statement from Kirk that said the alleged incidents in the universitys documents were deeply concerning and that the fraternity remained under suspension while the investigation continued.

Kirk added that some of the alleged incidents, including the distribution of predatory drugs, were not pursued further by the police or the university. There have not been reports of sexual assault against the chapter.

Kirk sent a follow-up statement Saturday saying that the allegations were "found to be unsubstantiated" by Mizzou. Another Delta Upsilon official said Mizzou had informed the fraternity via "verbal confirmation." A spokesperson from Mizzou said he couldn't comment on the allegations.

Mizzou spokeswoman Mary Jo Banken confirmed that the fraternity was under investigation by the Student Conduct Office and the universitys Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.

When asked how Mizzou monitored the fraternity during its suspension, Banken said in a statement: If these allegations are serious, the national governing boards of the fraternities and sororities will be notified as well as their alumni executive boards. Members of these two organizations may take additional reactive measures against accused members or of the fraternity or sorority.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that both Columbia police and campus police at the University of Missouri-Columbia each responded to two incidents connected to the Delta Upsilon house early on Sept. 10. City and campus police each handled one alcohol-related call.
JOHANNESBURG  At first, the drone took some explaining. Anxious villagers buzzed with rumors of a new blood-sucking thing that would fly above their homes. Witchcraft, some said.

The truth was more practical: A United Nations project would explore whether a small drone aerial vehicle, or UAV, could deliver HIV test samples more efficiently than land transport in rural Malawi.

Once understanding dawned and work began, young students and their teachers would spill out of the nearby school, cheering, each time they heard the drone approaching. It was very exciting, UNICEF official Judith Sherman said.

As drones quickly pick up momentum around the world in everything from military strikes to pizza delivery, Africa, the continent with some of the most entrenched humanitarian crises, hopes the technology will bring progress.

This second-largest continent, with harsh landscapes of desert and rainforest and extremes of rainy seasons and drought, is burdened with what the World Bank has called the worst infrastructure endowment of any developing region today. Rural highways, often unpaved, disintegrate. In many countries, access to electricity has actually declined.

Taking to the air to soar over such challenges, much as Africa embraced mobile phones to bypass often dismal landline service, is a tempting goal.

Those trying out drones for humanitarian uses in Africa warn that the technology is no quick fix, but several new projects are exploring what can be achieved.

The highest-profile one yet begins this week in Rwanda, as the government and U.S. company Zipline launch a drone network to deliver blood supplies and medicines to remote hospitals and clinics. Even in one of Africas smallest countries, such deliveries can take weeks by land. With drones, it will take hours.

The speed and limited space of drones have focused aid groups and businesses on how to deliver small, sensitive and potentially life-saving cargo. This year, a partnership was announced between Zipline and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.

Off Africas eastern coast in Madagascar, another U.S. company, Vayu, has completed drone flights to deliver blood and stool samples from rural villages with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Africa has certain benefits for such projects, said Sid Rupani, who from his South Africa office studies how drones could be used effectively in supply chains. His U.S.-based employer, Llamasoft, has run a virtual pilot for Zipline in Tanzania.

Its not crowded airspace. Not many urban areas to deal with, Rupani said. Already, drones are being used in parts of the continent as visual aids in mapping and anti-poaching.

Drones also face multiple challenges. Some models are limited in range or need frequent recharging. If they crash, retrieval in remote areas can be difficult. Some governments are wary of the technology as a possible invasion of their sovereignty, or they have no regulations in place.

Even aid workers have reservations. In a survey of workers in 61 countries released last month by the Humanitarian UAV Network and other groups, the majority saw drones as positive, but 22 percent did not.

A top concern was that people on the ground would think they were under attack.

Whether we like it or not, UAVs are confused with weaponized drones, one Congo aid worker told the survey, pointing out the use of drones by the U.N. peacekeeping mission there.

Cost is another issue. The United Nations test early this year in Malawi with the help of U.S. company Matternet found that using motorcycles was cheaper as they could carry other cargo, said Sherman, UNICEFs HIV and AIDS chief there.

But she still sees drones as a leapfrog technology that has great potential, some we might not have thought of yet.

Aid organizations are pushing for new breakthroughs. The Netherlands-based Wings for Aid is working on a drone prototype to carry more and go farther: Up to 220 pounds of cargo could be delivered to several points within 310 miles, said Wesley Kreft, director of business development and innovation.

The holy grail is to have a network of autonomous drones that do their work independently, with a human supervising numerous deliveries at once, said Arthur Holland Michel, co-director of the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College in New York.

It could take a couple of years before such drones could be entrusted with critical deliveries in challenging rural areas such as Africa, he said, but the technology is there.
The state of Missouris difficult and bizarre history with lethal injection drugs got a little stranger last week, once again raising the question: If the state has to keep secrets about the way it carries out its most solemn responsibility, should it really be in the capital punishment business at all?

This time the question was raised in a federal case brought not by Missouri inmates, but by two condemned men in Mississippi. They are challenging Mississippis decision to switch from a three-drug execution protocol to a single-drug injection involving a massive dose of the barbiturate pentobarbital.

Missouri is among the states that made a similar switch. The Mississippi inmates want to know where Missouri gets its supply. Missouri refuses to say.

The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies producing pentobarbital, commonly used to euthanize animals, wont sell it for use in capital punishment. Missouri and other states are believed to have turned to compounding pharmacies to make special batches of the stuff.

We say believed to because the state wont reveal the name of its supplier, only the code name it uses: M7. Every member of the execution team gets a code name, along with envelopes full of cash, to ensure anonymity each time someone is executed.

The Department of Corrections defied a state judge who said that secrecy violated Missouris Open Records Law. And last month, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Court of Appeals, acting on the case brought by the Mississippi inmates, ordered the state to disclose the name of the manufacturer. The court said Corrections Director George Lombardi was only speculating that M7 would cut off supplies if its name were revealed.

But wait: On Thursday, the panel reversed itself. M7 had come forth with a declaration that if its name were disclosed, M7 will not supply lethal chemicals to the state of Mississippi. In fact, M7 will no longer supply lethal chemicals at all.

Furthermore, M7 argued that supplying execution drugs is a free speech right under the First Amendments protection of political speech, even anonymous political speech.

M7 is paid about $7,200 in $100 bills for each lethal dose of pentobarbital used at the Bonne Terre prisons execution chamber. But M7 told the court its decision was based on M7s political views on the death penalty, not profits.

The court did not rule on this ridiculous free speech assertion, ruling instead that the burden to Missouri of not having pentobarbital outweighed the burden to the inmates of not knowing the supplier of the drug that would kill them.

This newspaper opposes the death penalty as arbitrary, capricious, inhumane and absent deterrent effect. The act is made more questionable through code names and cash-stuffed envelopes. At least in the days of public hangings, the process was open and honest.
ISLAMABAD -- A spokesman for the U.S.-led foreign military coalition in Afghanistan said it is worried about the number of casualties Afghan security forces have suffered in recent battles with the Taliban.

According to local officials, more than 100 personnel of the Afghan National Defense and Security Force, or ANDSF, have died within the past two weeks while defending the southern city of Lashkar Gah and dozens more have been wounded.

The Taliban in recent days have staged repeated attacks on the capital of Helmand Province, where the Afghan government is in full control of only two of the 14 districts.

We do have concerns about the number of ANDSF casualties, and it is something we work closely with our Afghan partners to address, said U.S. Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, the spokesman for Resolute Support, NATOs mission in Afghanistan.

He said Afghan forces did not break or collapse despite suffering significant casualties in 2015 and instead were able to regenerate capacity to hold ground during this years offensive against the Taliban.

This year, the ANDSF successfully stayed on the offense, and despite some difficult fights and casualties, has successfully defended every provincial capital, Cleveland said. As we move into this coming winter, well again work very hard with the ANDSF to assist in their recruiting and training of new forces.

The Resolute Support mission is tasked to train, advise, and assist Afghan security forces.

Smoke rises after a suicide attack in Lashkar Gah, the capital of southern Helmand Province of Afghanistan, on October 10.

Most of the casualties occurred after Taliban insurgents launched a large-scale attack on Lashkar Gah on October 10, fighting their way into parts of the city. While the assault was under way, a massive suicide car bombing inside the city killed at least 40 people, including police personnel, and wounded many more.

The attack prompted the U.S. military to conduct several airstrikes against Taliban positions to support Afghan forces, according to Cleveland.

Afghan media quoted Abdul Majeed Akhonzada, deputy head of the provincial council, as claiming that the insurgents captured more than 150 Afghan forces during the fighting this week, though military commanders disputed the claim.

The commander of the international forces, U.S. General John Nicholson, recently disclosed that in July alone, the Afghan Army and police lost more than 900 personnel.

Afghan authorities do not publicly discuss casualties among government forces, but President Ashraf Ghani is reported to have told a meeting of civil society groups that the death toll for August was more than 1,000. The fighting has since intensified, with Taliban insurgents forcing their way and capturing parts of the northern city of Kunduz earlier this month before Afghan forces evicted them on October 13.

From March to August, about 4,500 Afghan soldiers and police were killed and more than 8,000 wounded, the New York Times reported this week, quoting an unnamed Afghan official who had seen the tallies.

In addition to high casualties, Afghan forces are also plagued with high attrition and thousands of non-existent personnel or ghost soldiers.

-- By Ayaz Gul for Voice Of America
Roly's Fudge run by Andy Irvine assisted by Phoebe Downing set up stall in Bridge. Photo: Mark Williamson (S106/9/16/3700)

STRATFORD MP Nadhim Zahawi this week defended himself following revelations that he has made 370,000 from an oil company that is 470 million in debt.

Press reports have stated that Mr Zahawi has been making a fortune from his work with Gulf Keystone Petroleum while small shareholders in the company have seen their investment all but wiped out.

Mr Zahawi, who has been Stratfords MP since 2010, was taken on as chief strategy officer for Gulf Keystone in 2015 on a salary of 20,125 a month for working between eight and 21 hours a week. This works out at more than 240,000 a year.

Already a millionaire as a result of his role as co-founder of the polling company YouGov, Mr Zahawi also receives a salary of just under 75,000 a year as a Member of Parliament. His parliamentary salary, however, is dwarfed by his income from his outside business interests.

In addition to his Gulf Keystone salary of 20,125 a month, one report states that he received a string of bonuses between January and June this year, adding up to 76,246.38, plus a payment of 52,325 made in September for 210 hours work, backdated to July last year.

He is also reported to be earning 40,000 a year as a non-executive director of the recruitment company SThree.

Among his other business activities is a consultancy he operates with his wife, Lana, called Zahawi and Zahawi, which runs stables from his 31-acre constituency home in Upper Tysoe.

In 2013 it was revealed that hed claimed expenses for electricity used by the riding business and a yard managers mobile home. Mr Zahawi said the expenses claim had been made by mistake and he paid it back in full.

Mr Zahawi is an Iraqi Kurd whose family were persecuted by Saddam Hussein and fled to England when he was a child. Gulf Keystone is a company with specific interests in Kurdistan.

According to reports the firm has 35,000 shareholders, most of them people of modest means. But since 2012 the company has lost 99 per cent of its market value, with its share price crashing from 425p to just over 2p today.

Mr Zahawi  who has always maintained that his work for Gulf Keystone is done in his own time, including Sundays  told the Herald: The huge debts that the company has racked up, and therefore the loss of share value, was under a previous management team.

The current management team was brought in with the purpose of restructure and to help save hundreds of jobs in the UK and Kurdistan. I was approached by the current CEO because of my oil and gas expertise, having trained as a chemical engineer, and my country expertise.

Mr Zahawi added: By the time you go to print on Thursday we will have completed a restructuring of the business that would convert over half a billion dollars of debt into equity, making the company viable and saving those jobs. The restructuring was approved by shareholders with 94 per cent voting in favour.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced that three abstracts for XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate), being investigated in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), will be presented at the upcoming United European Gastroenterology Week (UEG Week 2016), October 15-19 in Vienna, Austria. The tofacitinib presentations will highlight new research results from the Phase 3 Oral Clinical Trials for tofAcitinib in ulceratiVE colitis (OCTAVE) Induction trials, including one oral presentation looking at the effect of prior treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) on efficacy endpoints. In addition, two abstracts have been accepted as poster presentations, highlighting results by endoscopic response, and onset of action, respectively.

The new data to be presented at UEG Week deepen our understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis, said Michael Corbo, PhD, Chief Development Officer, Inflammation & Immunology, Pfizer Inc. We know there is a significant unmet need in the UC community for additional treatment options and, if approved, tofacitinib may have the potential to offer patients and their physicians an oral treatment option that could address these unmet needs in the course of the disease.

Tofacitinib is the first in a new class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors under investigation for the treatment of moderate to severe UC. Tofacitinib is a small molecule taken as a pill. It acts on specific inflammatory responses thought to play a role in the inflammation associated with UC.

Tofacitinib data at UEG Week 2016 includes the following presentations:

Oral Presentation

1. Tofacitinib has induction efficacy in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, regardless of prior TNF inhibitor therapy (#OP106, Session: 504  Future drugs in IBD, Monday, October 17, 15:45  17:15, Room C)

Poster Presentations

2. Tofacitinib for induction therapy in patients with active ulcerative colitis in two phase 3 clinical trials: results by local and central endoscopic assessments (#P0306, Poster Session: IBD I, Monday, October 17, 10:30  17:00, Poster Exhibition  Hall X4 & X5)

3. Onset of efficacy of tofacitinib for induction therapy in patients with active ulcerative colitis in two multinational, phase 3 clinical trials (#P0842, Poster Session: IBD II Tuesday, October 18, 09:00  17:00, Poster Exhibition  HALL X4 & X5)

About Ulcerative Colitis

UC is a chronic, often debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people worldwide.a,b It is believed that UC is the result of complex interactions between multiple factors that include the environment, genetic predisposition, immune response, and the gut microbiome in the colon or intestines.c It can cause abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and chronic, bloody diarrhea.d UC can have a significant effect on work, family and social activities.e In up to one-third of patients with UC, treatment is not completely successful or complications may arise.f Under these circumstances, surgery to remove the colon (colectomy) may be considered.g,h Even after surgery, certain symptoms of UC may still persist.i

About the OCTAVE Clinical Development Program

The OCTAVE global clinical development program includes three Phase 3 studies, OCTAVE Induction 1, OCTAVE Induction 2 and OCTAVE Sustain, as well as a long-term extension trial, OCTAVE Open. These four pivotal studies will form the core of a submission package to regulatory authorities for a potential UC indication.

OCTAVE Induction 1 and OCTAVE Induction 2 are two replicate Phase 3 placebo-controlled studies that evaluated induction of remission by oral tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) in adult patients with moderate to severe UC. Subjects must have failed or been intolerant to at least one prior UC treatment, including corticosteroids, thiopurines or TNFi. Positive results from OCTAVE Induction 1 and OCTAVE Induction 2 were presented at the Congress of European Crohns and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in March 2016.

OCTAVE Sustain is a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study that evaluated oral tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg BID as maintenance therapy in adult patients with moderately to severely active UC. Positive topline results were announced in July 2016.

OCTAVE Open is an ongoing open-label extension study designed to assess the safety and tolerability of tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg BID in patients who have completed or who have had treatment failure in OCTAVE Sustain or who were non-responders upon completing OCTAVE Induction 1 or 2.

References available upon request

About XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate) and XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib citrate) extended-release

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib citrate) is a prescription medicine called a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. In the United States, XELJANZ XR 11 mg QD is the first and only once-daily oral JAK inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after intolerance or inadequate response to methotrexate.

As the developer of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, Pfizer is a leader in JAK innovation. XELJANZ is approved in 50 countries around the world for the treatment of moderate to severe RA as a second-line therapy after failure of one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Pfizer is committed to advancing the science of JAK inhibition and enhancing understanding of XELJANZ through a robust clinical development program. The efficacy and safety profile of XELJANZ has been studied in approximately 6,300 patients with moderate to severe RA, amounting to more than 21,900 patient-years of drug exposure in the global clinical development program.

XELJANZ is not approved for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A marketing authorization application for XELJANZ 5 mg BID is currently under review by the EMA for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe RA who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.

XELJANZ is being investigated for the treatment of moderate to severe UC and is not approved for this indication.

References available upon request

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR U.S. Label Information

XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate)/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib citrate) extended-release is a prescription medicine called a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in which methotrexate did not work well. XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may be used as a single agent or in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or other non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and cyclosporine, is not recommended.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is not for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections. Some people can have serious infections while taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Healthcare providers should test patients for TB before starting XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, and monitor them closely for signs and symptoms of TB and other infections during treatment. People should not start taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR if they have any kind of infection unless their healthcare provider tells them it is okay.

People may be at a higher risk of developing shingles.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR may increase the risk of certain cancers by changing the way the immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen in patients taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR.

The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR in patients with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to tuberculosis; with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), was observed in clinical studies with XELJANZ.

Use of live vaccines should be avoided concurrently with XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR therapy.

Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Some people taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can get tears in their stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR should be used with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with a history of diverticulitis), or who have a narrowing within their digestive tract. Patients should tell their healthcare provider right away if they have fever and stomach-area pain that does not go away or a change in bowel habits.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can cause changes in certain lab test results including low blood cell counts, increases in certain liver tests, and increases in cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers should do blood tests before starting patients on XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR and while they are taking XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, to check for these side effects. Normal cholesterol levels are important to good heart health. Healthcare providers may stop XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR treatment because of changes in blood cell counts or liver test results.

Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended.

Patients should tell their healthcare providers if they plan to become pregnant or are pregnant.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR will harm an unborn baby. To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, a registry has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972.

Patients should tell their healthcare providers if they plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding. Patients and their healthcare provider should decide if they will take XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR or breastfeed. They should not do both.

In carriers of the hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while using XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR. Healthcare providers may do blood tests before and during treatment with XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR.

Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, diarrhea, and nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis).

Please click the direct link to the full prescribing information for XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, including boxed warning and Medication Guide: http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=959.

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer healthcare products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of October 15, 2016. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

This release contains forward-looking information about a potential new indication for XELJANZ for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe UC (the potential indication), including its potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated trial commencement and completion dates and regulatory submission dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, including unfavorable new clinical data and additional analyses of existing clinical data; uncertainties regarding the commercial success of XELJANZ and XELJANZ XR; whether and when any applications for the potential indication may be filed with regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities in any jurisdictions may approve such applications and/or any other applications that are pending (including the marketing authorization application currently under review by the EMA for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe RA who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate) or may be filed for XELJANZ or XELJANZ XR, which will depend on the assessment by such regulatory authorities of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of XELJANZ and XELJANZ XR, including the potential indication; and competitive developments.

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.

1 Loftus E. Clinical Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Incidence, Prevalence, and Environmental Influences. Gastroenterology. 2004;126:15041517.

2 Kappelman MD, et al. Recent Trends in the Prevalence of Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in a Commercially Insured US Population. Dig Dis Sci. 2013;58:519525 [p519/col2/par1/ln1-2].

3 Molodecky NA, et al. Gastroenterol. 2012;142(1):46-54.

4 Burisch J, et al. The burden of inflammatory bowel disease in Europe. Journal of Crohns and Colitis. 2013;7:322-337.

5 Louis E, Roughly A, Thakkar R, et al. Impact of ulcerative colitis on patient quality of life in a real-world clinical setting. Presented at ECCO Congress 2013, Vienna, Austria. P180. https://www.ecco-ibd.eu/index.php/publications/congress-abstract-s/abstracts-2013/item/p180-impact-of-ulcerative-colitis-on-patient-quality-of-life-in-a-real-world-clinical-setting.html. [p1/results/ln7-9].

6 Triantafillidis J, Merikas E, Georgopoulos F. Current and emerging drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2011. Available at: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/51107773. Accessed August 11, 2015.

7 Landy J, Hart AL. Commentary: short-term efficacy of tacrolimus in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology Therapeutics. 2013 Feb. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23336680. Accessed August 8, 2015. [P493/Col1/Par1/Ln3-6].

8 Travis SP, Farrant JM, et al. Predicting outcome in severe ulcerative colitis. Gut. 1996. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8984031. Accessed August 8 2015. [P909/Col1/Par4/Ln 1-4].

9 Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America. Surgery for Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis. Potential long-term complications. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/resources/surgery-for-crohns-uc.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/. Accessed September 7, 2016.

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By Tife Owolabi

YENAGOA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Attackers have set fire to a crude oil pipeline in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta, a military spokesman said on Saturday, the second strike in the country's oil hub within a day.

A militant group had earlier said it attacked the pipeline, which is run by the state oil firm NNPC and a local private firm, Shoreline, near Ughelli on Friday night.

"The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate is not kidding with anybody," the militants said in a statement.

"This shall be the state of affairs until all of you adjust to taking our land and the lives of our people seriously," it said, referring to this and a similar attack in the same area on Thursday night.

There was no immediate information on the impact of the latest incidents on Nigeria's oil production. Attacks have reduced output by 700,000 barrels per day since the start of the year.

Militants say they want a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth to go to the impoverished Delta region. Crude sales make up about 70 percent of national income and the vast majority of that oil comes from the southern swampland.

Nigeria, an OPEC member, was Africa's top oil producer until the recent spate of attacks pushed it behind Angola.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the government is trying to negotiate a lasting solution with the militants, but there has been no visible progress.

The militants are splintered into small groups, made up mostly of unemployed men, who even their leaders struggle to control.

(Reporting by Tife Owolabi; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades (unseen) at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, October 11, 2016. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah

By Lin Noueihed and Asma Alsharif

CAIRO (Reuters) - A halt to shipments of Saudi fuel to Egypt under a $23 billion aid deal shows that a rift between the Arab world's richest country and its most populous may be deeper than previously thought, which could leave Egypt desperate for a new sponsor.

Under the deal, signed during a visit by the Saudi king in April, Riyadh was meant to send 700,000 tonnes a month of refined fuel to Egypt. The agreement threw a lifeline to Cairo and was meant to bury suggestions that the relationship had unraveled. But sources say the fuel stopped flowing on Oct. 1.

A week later, Sisi bit the hand that has fed him since he took power in 2013: Egypt voted in favor of a Russian-backed U.N. resolution on Syria, which Saudi Arabia strongly opposed.

Amid the feud, the Saudi ambassador has boarded a plane to travel temporarily back home to Riyadh. Sisi referred to the dispute in a speech on Thursday, denying that Egypt's position on Syria was the reason for the fuel cut-off.

He also struck a defiant tone unlikely to endear him to the Gulf Arab kings and princes that have kept his country afloat.

Egypt "would not bow to anyone but God", he declared.

Saudi Arabia has no shortage of reasons to hold back on the aid shipments: Egypt agreed in April to turn over two Red Sea islands to Saudi control, but this has been held up by an Egyptian court which blocked the move in June.

After years of low oil prices, Saudi Arabia itself is no longer as rich as it once was; it is cutting investment at home, making it more difficult to be generous to its allies abroad.

Riyadh has hardly abandoned its client. It came through with a $2 billion deposit in the Egyptian Central Bank in September that helped Cairo secure a $12 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund.

But sources in both countries say a rift between them is deepening, and stems from disagreement about regional politics. Even before last week's vote at the U.N. Security Council, Egypt had been courting warmer ties with Russia, Saudi Arabia's foe in the Syrian conflict.

If Riyadh intended to send a message that it was running out of patience with Cairo, the message now seems to have been sent.

"It is about Egyptian policy... that very much contradicts the Saudi policy with regard to regional strategic threats. So Saudi Arabia is very much against Iranian expansionism in Iraq and Syria and obviously the Egyptians do not see it that way," said Jamal Kashoggi, a leading Saudi commentator.

"Unless Egypt re-evaluates its position I foresee more differences... that could lead eventually to a very cold relationship."

COMMON ENEMY

Gulf monarchies led by Saudi Arabia have given billions of dollars to Egypt since mid-2013, when Sisi, then army chief, overthrew a president from the Muslim Brotherhood, a common enemy.

But with the Brotherhood threat diminished, Gulf rulers have grown disillusioned at what they consider Sisi's inability to reform an economy that has become a black hole for aid, and his reluctance to back them on the regional stage.

In Yemen, Riyadh wanted Cairo to play a central role in its war against the Houthi group that controls the capital. Cairo contributed naval forces but, haunted by a previous Yemeni quagmire, was reluctant to commit ground troops.

In Syria, where Saudi Arabia is a leading backer of rebels fighting against Bashar al-Assad, Sisi has supported Russia's decision to bomb in support of the president.

Egyptian sources and Saudi commentators told Reuters the last straw came on Saturday, when Egypt, the only Arab state now holding a rotating seat on the U.N. Security Council, endorsed a Russian resolution that excluded calls to stop bombing Aleppo.

Sisi has long been keen to revive ties with Russia, despite Egypt's dependence on generosity from Arab states that consider Moscow an enemy in Syria.

Cairo is desperate to lure back Russian tourists to its Red Sea resorts after the bombing of an airplane over the area last year killed 224 people and prompted Moscow to suspend flights.

In a sign of warming relations, Russia and Egypt announced this week they would hold joint military exercises on Egyptian soil for the first time this month. Russia is building Egypt's first nuclear plant, and a row over a rejected Russian wheat cargo prompted Cairo to rapidly resolve confusion over trade terms that had hampered its ability to import for months.

Meanwhile, the nearly six years of political volatility and economic decline that followed the fall of Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak have eroded Cairo's central role in Arab politics.

To Egypt's chagrin, its non-Arab rival Turkey - about as populous as Egypt and far richer - is growing in influence, led by Tayyip Erdogan, a foe of Sisi who backed Sisi's overthrown predecessor, the Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi.

A meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries in Riyadh on Thursday included Turkey and talks focused on the creation of a free trade zone. At an international oil conference in Istanbul this week, Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramaco signed deals with 18 Turkish firms.

CONTACTS

Egyptian security sources said contacts were underway to patch things up with the Saudis, involving high-ranking military and intelligence officials.

The Saudi ambassador to Cairo flew home on Wednesday. Sources in his delegation said he would spend three days there to lay the groundwork for an Egyptian visit to discuss another potential Security Council draft on Syria.

The foreign ministries of both Egypt and Saudi Arabia said they were not aware of any such visit. Though the ambassador has not been officially recalled, his departure was read by many Egyptians as a diplomatic slight.

The Egyptian security sources said Cairo is considering possible responses should back channel contacts falter, including a reduction in Egyptian pilgrims visiting the Muslim holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Egypt could also withdraw what support it had offered the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.

In an unusually combative editorial, the editor-in-chief of state-owned Al Ahram newspaper said it was time end foreign aid that sees Egypt addressed in the "language of subjugation".

"It is better for us to face the situation and announce the review of everything that could present a burden on decision-makers," he wrote.

For now, the interruption in the oil flows appears to be temporary, perhaps partly linked to the fate of the two Red Sea islands.

The Egyptian government has appealed the court ruling that blocked the transfer, and a judgment is expected on Oct. 22. An Aramco source said flows were likely to resume by November.

But as Saudi Arabia embarks on its own austerity drive and seeks to issue sovereign bonds for the first time, it can no longer afford to give something for nothing, analysts say.

"It looks weird if you are trying to raise $10 billion and you give Egypt $2 billion. Gulf partners are really annoyed with Egypt over the fact that it has not undertaken reforms that were expected after 2013," said Angus Blair, Chief Operating Officer at Pharos Holding. "And then there is the issue of the UN Security Council vote and is Egypt supporting its allies in a wider sense?"

(Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohammed Hassan; editing by Peter Graff)
LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's new government said on Friday that a proposed railway to bridge Atlantic and Pacific ports in South America might be feasible if it took a direct route through Bolivia.

China and Peru agreed last year to study the possibility of building a 3,000-mile-long railway that would cross the Amazon and Andes to slash the cost of shipping Latin American goods to Asia.

In September, Peru said China estimated that the railway, which would link the southern Brazilian port of Acu with one of Peru's ports, would cost $60 billion, dampening prospects of the project coming to fruition.

Peru's Transportation Minister Martin Vizcarra told local broadcaster RPP in an interview on Friday that a more direct route that crosses Bolivia would cost about $13.5 billion, including $3.5 billion for the Peruvian portion.

"These figures are still high, but they're not astronomical," Vizcarra said, adding that Peru was willing to study the project.

The Bolivia route would also be less environmentally destructive and give Peru's landlocked neighbor better access to Pacific export markets, Vizcarra said.

Bolivia has long pined for a corridor to the Pacific, blasting Chile for taking its coastline in a war in the late 19th century and maintaining its Navy on Lake Titicaca.

"They're at a disadvantage," said Vizcarra, who met with Bolivian President Evo Morales Thursday at a United Nations summit for landlocked countries in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Vizcarra said talks on the project between the two countries would continue when Bolivia's public works minister and finance minister visit Peru next week.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Mitra Taj; Editing by Richard Chang)
Storage tanks of an oil refinery of Essar Oil, which runs India's second biggest private sector refinery, are pictured in Vadinar in the western state of Gujarat, India, October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Amit Dave

GOA, India (Reuters) - A group led by Russian oil major Rosneft will invest around $12.9 billion in India's Essar Oil , Chief Executive Igor Sechin told reporters on Saturday.

Sechin said a refinery and port owned by the Indian firm were worth around $10 billion and $2.9 billion respectively.

India and Russia signed a deal on Saturday to pave the way for a group led by Rosneft to acquire Essar.

Officials from Russian lender VTB , which is giving Essar $3.9 billion in credit for debt reconstruction, said Rosneft would pay around $3.5 billion for its stake in Essar, the same amount as European trader Trafigura and Russian fund UCP.

(Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Writing by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
A still image from video taken October 12, 2016 of a general view of the bomb damaged Old City area of Aleppo, Syria. REUTERS/via ReutersTV

By Jack Stubbs and Ellen Francis

MOSCOW/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria's President Bashar al-Assad said on Friday that the Syrian army's capture of Aleppo, which has come under renewed bombardment in an effort to seize its rebel-held sector, would be "a very important springboard" to pushing "terrorists" back to Turkey.

Rescue workers said that Syria's military backed by Russian warplanes had killed more than 150 people in eastern Aleppo this week, in support of its offensive against the city.

Rising casualties in Aleppo, where many buildings have been reduced to rubble or are lacking roofs or walls, have prompted an international outcry and a renewed diplomatic push, with talks between the United States and Russia planned for Saturday.

"You have to keep cleaning this area and to push the terrorists to Turkey, to go back to where they come from or to kill them. There's no other option," Assad said in an interview with Russian tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda.

"Aleppo is going to be a very important springboard to do this move," added Assad.

As the air strikes and shelling of the city's east intensified after a brief period of relative calm, Syria's government approved a United Nations plan to allow aid convoys into the most besieged areas of Syria, with the exception of Aleppo.

Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year, has killed 300,000 people and left millions homeless while dragging in regional and global powers as well as inspiring jihadist attacks abroad.

Assad is backed by the Russian air force, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and an array of Shi'ite militias from Arab neighbors, while Sunni rebels seeking to oust him are backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies.

Assad also told the newspaper that the country's civil war had become a conflict between Russia and the West.

"What we've been seeing recently during the last few weeks, and maybe few months, is something like more than Cold War," Assad said. "I don't know what to call it, but it's not something that has existed recently, because I don't think that the West and especially the United States has stopped their Cold War, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union."

Assad added that Turkey's actions in Syria constituted an "invasion, against international law, against the morals, against the sovereignty of Syria."

'MAY AMOUNT TO WAR CRIMES'

As air strikes killed 13 people on Thursday in the rebel-held Aleppo districts of al-Kalaseh, Bustan al-Qasr and al-Sakhour, according to a civil defense official, European Union foreign ministers drafted a statement accusing Syria and its allies of violence that "may amount to war crimes."

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the (Syrian) regime and its allies, the intensity and scale of aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," a draft of their statement seen by Reuters said.

Syrian and Russian governments say they target only militants.

To the south, hundreds of insurgents and their families have left two rebel-held towns on the northern outskirts of Damascus, residents and fighters said, under a deal with the government which is pushing its opponents to rebel areas further from the capital.

The evacuation happened after the army gave community leaders in Qudsiya and Al-Hama - which had enjoyed relative calm under local truces - an ultimatum to get several hundred fighters out of their towns or face a wide-scale assault.

"They gave us little option: Leave or all hell breaks loose," said Yousef al Hasnawi, a resident on the local rebel council.

The Damascus government says such amnesties are a "workable model to bring security and peace," but its opponents say forcing Sunni Muslim fighters and their families from their hometowns could create new demographic frontiers and worsen sectarian tensions.

OBAMA TO REVIEW OPTIONS

U.S. President Barack Obama and his senior foreign policy advisers are expected to meet on Friday to consider military and other options in Syria, U.S. officials told Reuters.

Some officials argue the United States must act more forcefully in Syria or risk losing what influence it still has over moderate rebels and its Arab, Kurdish and Turkish allies in the fight against Islamic State.

U.S. officials said they considered it unlikely that Obama would order U.S. air strikes on Syrian government targets, and stressed that he may not make any decisions at the planned meeting of his National Security Council.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are due to meet in Switzerland on Saturday to resume their effort to find a diplomatic solution along with counterparts from some Middle Eastern countries.

Moscow called on Thursday on states in the region not to supply portable anti-aircraft missiles to Syrian rebel groups, warning that any unfriendly actions against Russian forces would draw an appropriate response.

'IT'S GOING ON NOW'

Air strikes against rebel-held areas of eastern Aleppo had tapered off over the weekend after the Syrian army announced it would reduce raids for what it described as humanitarian reasons, but they have intensified since Tuesday.

"The bombing started at 2 a.m. and it's going on until now," Ibrahim Abu Laith, an official at the civil defense rescue organization in Aleppo, told Reuters from the city.

Rescue workers said 154 people had been killed in recent days. Reuters could not independently verify the death toll.

Aleppo has been divided between government- and rebel-controlled areas for years. More than 250,000 people are believed to be trapped in eastern Aleppo - the anti-Assad rebels' most important urban stronghold - facing shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

In Geneva, the United Nations said Damascus had partially approved its aid plan for October, giving the green light for convoys to 25 of 29 besieged and hard-to-reach areas across Syria, which are also deprived of some vital supplies.

But the Syrian government did not give approval for either eastern Aleppo or three districts near Damascus, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, the United Nations' deputy special envoy to Syria, said on Thursday, describing the situation as "dire."

In a government-held area of western Aleppo, at least four children were killed and 10 wounded on Thursday when shells landed near a school, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Syrian state news agency SANA said the school in the al-Suleimaniya area had been targeted in what it described as a terrorist attack.

(Additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman, Arshad Mohammed and Jonathan Landay in Washington, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, Kylie MacLellan in London, Jack Stubbs in Moscow, Gabriela Baczynska in Luxembourg and Maha El Dahan in Abu Dhabi; writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut and Peter Cooney; editing by Peter Millership, David Stamp and G Crosse)
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Two American prisoners held captive by Yemen Houthi rebels have been released and taken to neighboring Oman after Omani officials mediated their release, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday.

Kerry, speaking to reporters in the Swiss city of Lausanne, also said that the United States was discussing a ceasefire in Yemen with Saudi officials. He suggested he may have more to say on Sunday about ending the violence between Iran-backed Houthis and the Yemen government, which is supported by Gulf states.

A Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since an air strike a week ago on a funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed 140 people according to a U.N. estimate and 82 according to the Houthis.

"An airplane flew from Muscat to Sanaa, it took the Houthi delegation back to Sanaa and it took wounded people from the funeral back to Oman - this is something we have been working on for the last days - and it also secured the release of two American citizens from the Houthi," Kerry said.

"Their names are not being released at this point in time, but we were very pleased with that and we continue to work on other hostage situations here and elsewhere.

Oman state television broadcast footage of the two Americans disembarking from a plane belonging to the Royal Air Force of Oman. Yemenis wounded in the civil war in Yemen were also flown for treatment to Oman on the same plane, it reported.

A Foreign Ministry official told the broadcaster Oman had worked with Yemeni authorities in Sanaa to secure the Americans' release. A Houthi official confirmed their departure from Sanaa.

The U.S. State Department expressed gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating the release and recognized the action as a "humanitarian gesture" by the Houthis, the northern Yemeni armed group that seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014.

We are working very hard to get a framework in Yemen which will change the dynamics and move that to the table as soon as possible, Kerry said, adding: I will maybe have more to say on that tomorrow (Sunday) in London but it remains a top priority for us to try to end the violence.

The United Nations estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the fighting in Yemen and blames coalition air strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015.

(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, Mohammed Ghobari, Omar Fahmy, Katie Paul and Matt Spetalnick; Writing by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Hugh Lawson)
By Boureima Balima

NIAMEY (Reuters) - Gunmen raided the house of a U.S. aid worker in central Niger on Friday night, killing his guard and housekeeper before driving him across the desert toward Mali, the interior ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Jeffery Woodke, who works for a local NGO called JEMED and has lived in Niger since 1992, was taken from his home in the town of Abalak at around 2000 GMT by a group of armed men in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, the statement said.

"These criminals are now heading towards Mali. Our forces are on their trail," said interior minister Mohamed Bazoum.

Residents reported hearing gunfire near the aid worker's house late on Friday. The town mayor, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters that gunmen first came on a motorbike to kill the guard before the truck came to take Woodke away.

The interior minister said one national guard stationed at the house was also killed.

Kidnappings of foreigners in Niger are rarer than in neighboring Mali, where Islamist militants are active and often seize hostages for ransom or political capital.

The militants and allied criminal gangs have long exploited the largely unpoliced Sahara and attacks have increased this year as security worsens in Mali.

No U.S. citizen has been kidnapped in Niger before, although in 2009 suspected Islamists attempted to abduct U.S. embassy personnel from a hotel in the town of Tahoua.

A U.S. embassy spokeswoman said there was an investigation into the incident but could not confirm any additional details. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports but declined to comment citing U.S. privacy laws.

Woodke's family was not reachable by phone on Saturday.

Woodke is listed as an instructor on the website of The Redwood Coast School of Missions, a Christian mission based in the town of Arcata, about 270 miles (434.5 km) north of San Francisco in California.

"Jeff has spent over a quarter of a century involved in missions ministry," a biographical thumbnail of Woodke on the Redwood Coast website said. Beside the text is a photo of Woodke in a Niger-style black head scarf with a tanned face and gray goatee beard.

"He has committed the past 25 years of his life to a ministry he founded in Niger amongst a number of unreached people groups."

Woodke was also affiliated with YWAM, a Christian charity operating in Niger, it said.

(Additional reporting by David Bailey in Minneapolis; Writing by Edward McAllister and Tim Cocks in Dakar; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson)
The logo of German car maker Volkswagen is seen on a car outside a garage in Vienna, Austria, September 29, 2016. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's group sales rose 7.1 percent in September, the largest monthly gain in two-and-a-half years, powered by demand for VW brand cars in China and robust sales in Europe, it said on Friday.

New vehicle registrations at the multi-brand group increased to 947,600 passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy trucks, VW said on Friday, from 885,200 a year earlier.

That's the biggest monthly advance since April 2014 when VW posted a 8.2 percent gain, and shows the group may be coping with the impact of its emissions scandal uncovered more than a year ago.

"The increased deliveries make us optimistic we will be able to master the upcoming challenges," group sales chief Fred Kappler said.

September sales were helped by a 20-percent jump in China, VW's biggest market, and persistent growth in Europe where VW sells about 40 percent of its vehicles. The 6.3 percent gain in its home region was the second-biggest monthly gain this year.

Improving sales may lessen the pressure on the carmaker's top management and labor leaders to consider job cuts as both sides are struggling to agree an outline for cost cuts and strategy at the core VW brand.

Deliveries of VW's largest division were up 6.7 percent last month to 547,700 cars, with growth in China, Europe and even Russia offsetting declines in the Americas.

(Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Georgina Prodhan)
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 14, 2016

FB Financial Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Tennessee 001-37875 62-1216058 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

211 Commerce Street, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37201 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants telephone number, including area code (615) 564-1212

N/A (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure

On October 14, 2016, FB Financial Corporation announced that it will issue its results of operations for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, after the market closes on October 27, 2016 and hold a conference call to discuss the results of operations on October 28, 2016. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is furnished according to this Item 7.01.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 99.1 Press release issued October 14, 2016

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.





FB Financial Corporation (Registrant) Date: October 14, 2016 By: /s/ James R. Gordon James R. Gordon Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Description 99.1 Press Release dated October 14, 2016

Exhibit 99.1

FB Financial Corporation Announces 2016 Third Quarter Earnings Call

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 14, 2016--FB Financial Corporation (FB Financial or the Company) (NYSE: FBK) announced today that it will release its 2016 third quarter results on Thursday, October 27, 2016, after the close of the market. The Company will host a third quarter earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. CST on Friday, October 28, 2016, and the earnings conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at http://services.choruscall.com/links/fbk161028OTXVTmHp.html . For investors or analysts who want to participate during the call, the listen only dial-in number is (888) 254-3609. For those unable to listen live, a 30-day online replay of the webcast will be available approximately an hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast. A link to these events can be found on the Companys website at https://www.firstbankonline.com/ .

About FB Financial Corporation

FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK) is a bank holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. FB Financial operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank, the third largest Tennessee-headquartered bank, with 45 full-service bank branches across Tennessee, North Alabama and North Georgia, and a national mortgage business with offices across the Southeast. FirstBank serves five of the largest metropolitan markets in Tennessee and has approximately $3 billion in total assets.
Frank Mensah is ready for the 2016 presidential election to be over.

They drag the process on for a very long time with commercial ads, even when you go on the internet to browse something and you get these popup ads and stuff, said Mensah, a 44-year-old Coralville respiratory therapist. So itll be nice for it to be over.

Other Iowans will give the same lament in their swing state that helped kick off the presidential campaign.

For them, the bombardment of news coverage and campaign ads has been in full gear since a little past the off-year elections of 2014. Even then presidential hopefuls were poking around the state on behalf of the top Republicans and Democrats seeking statewide office.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whose presidential bid for the Republican nominated failed, went so far as to attend Gov. Terry Branstads inauguration in January 2015.

Emotions are running very high in this election, said Caroline Tolbert, a University of Iowa professor of political science. I would not be surprised that voters, when they feel uncertain or anxious or angry, would want to have that uncomfortable condition of being emotionally activated over.

CHOOSE A POISON

Although hes leaning toward Clinton, Mensah said this presidential election has been especially hard to deal with because he doesnt think his views are represented by either Clinton or Trump.

Its like, choose a poison, he said during a series of IowaWatch interviews conducted across the state.

Fifty-seven percent of 4,538 Americans polled by the Pew Research Center for a Sept. 21 report said they were frustrated with the election, while 55 percent said they were disgusted.

Another 43 percent said they were scared while only 15 percent said they were optimistic. Of those polled, 3,941 were registered voters. The poll was conducted Aug. 16 through Sept. 12 with a sampling error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points.

Im sick of watching this country rip itself apart while half of us applauds the destruction, said Chelsey Wentz, 28, who works at the Oskaloosa Public Library.

You cant trust anyone in this election. said Stephanie Hayes, 21, a Des Moines bookseller.

This election had brought a whole new meaning to choosing the lesser of two evils, Hayes said. The ads and media coverage are rather annoying in their ability to only further the mud slinging and constantly update us on the last crass thing said.The Pew study had a few other results that help explain negative feelings many have about the election.

The number one reason respondents said they supported their candidate was because he or she is not the opponent. One of every three Trump supporters said they were voting for him because he is not Clinton while and one of three Clinton supporters gave as their reason: she is not Trump, the poll showed.

TIRED OF FIGHTING, RUDE BEHAVIOR

I am tired of the fighting and rude behavior, said Deborah Rohloff, 55, a self-employed Oskaloosa preschool provider. I feel that this election is the nastiest one I have ever seen.

Nielsen reported 84 million people watched the first of three televised presidential dates Sept. 26, while 68.8 million people watched the second one on Oct. 9.

People wrote more than 17 million tweets during the second presidential debate Oct. 9. The final debate is Oct. 19.

I dont think we have had a case where a presidential candidate, in a debate, threatened to put behind bars his or her opponent, to lock up their opponent if elected, Tolbert said. That is something that has happened in non-democratic countries.

I like that these issues are being brought up, said Martinez, 27. I feel like a lot of these things are just brushed under the rug until its election season.He said he has been able to learn what Clinton and Trump think about the economy, wages and taxes, although hed like to hear more about global warming.Hed like the next president to figure out the next step the U.S. should take to deal with all of these matters, he said.Michael Olson, 23, a welder at John Deere in Davenport, wants to move on. I will be happy when the presidential campaign is over so wed stop hearing about emails, stop hearing about Trump being a racist, he said, referring to thorny accusations plaguing the candidacies.Carl Tipton, 85, of Ames said he is tired of what he calls all the trash on television, while Kimberly Penning, 34, of Ankeny, took that thought a step further.

Theres a lot of, a lot of stuff you know, that you hear on TV or that come to light that Im like I dont want my kids to hear, said Penning, an insurance underwriter.

Steve Hirsch, a retired hospital administrator living in Solon, touched on how much time the campaign has taken in Iowa.

Im tired of it, Hirsch, 69, said about the campaign. I dont like either candidate and theres just too much media involvement as far as Im concerned. Plus Ive already voted.

So have more than 117,750 Iowans, Iowa Secretary of State figures show. More than 302,000 absentee ballots had been sent to Iowa voters requesting them by mid-October, according to Secretary of State figures.

HISTORY OF IOWA VOTER FATIGUE

The Pew Research Center looked into voter fatigue in Iowa in 2007.

Seven in 10 Iowans answering the poll said they found the election campaign then to be interesting despite its intensity in the state, Pew reported. The poll of 2,111 registered Iowa voters was conducted Nov. 7 through Nov. 25 in 2007 leading up to the Jan. 3, 2008, caucuses and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The most recent Des Moines Register Mediacom Iowa Poll showed Trump leading Clinton in Iowa 43 to 39 percent.

The poll of 800 Iowans, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, was taken Oct. 3 through Oct. 6. That was before a 2005 recording of Trump making lewd comments about women was made public and emails from Clinton or members of her campaign were leaked.

Republicans say the emails show an elite, hypocritical candidate out of touch with Americans.
DES MOINES | Leaders of conservative groups in Iowa again are urging their followers to oust Iowa Supreme Court justices in judicial retention votes.

But this years opposition to jurists involved in controversial rulings is relatively low key compared to the high-profile campaigns of 2010 and 2012.

At the same time, the progressive Justice Not Politics organization issued statewide survey results Friday indicating 41 percent of 600 likely Iowa voters supported retaining Chief Justice Mark Cady and Justices Brent Appel and Daryl Hecht while 16 percent opposed them and the rest were undecided or declined to take a position. The poll, conducted Sept. 6-11 by Washington-based Lake Research Partners, had a margin of error of 4.1 percent.

Under Iowas judicial merit system, every Iowa justice and judge, after serving a year on the bench, must stand for retention at the next general election and then near the end of each regular term of office. To be retained, judges must receive a majority of yes votes in the general election to serve another term.

Six years ago, religious, social and constitutional conservatives upset by a unanimous 2009 Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa launched a successful campaign to oust three of the seven justices who were up for retention in 2010. But, after the defeat of then-Chief Justice Marsha Ternus and Justices David Baker and Michael Streit, Iowans voted in 2012 to retain Justice David Wiggins in a high-profile, well-funded campaign waged by opposition and advocacy groups.

This year, the final three justices who were part of the 7-0 same-sex marriage decision are up for retention, including Cady who was the author of the controversial Varnum vs. Brien ruling.

Officials at the Family Leader and Iowa Right to Life State Political Action Committee have posted online and social-media messages calling for no votes to defeat Cady, Appel and Hecht when they cast their 2016 general-election ballots between now and Nov. 8.

The judicial retention vote is a key check and balance the people of Iowa have against judicial overreach and, while the Family Leader will not be devoting the extensive staff time and resources required to conduct a judicial vote campaign this year, we encourage Iowans to vote against retaining those judges who have used their office for political activism, according to a post on the Family Leader Web site.

Opposition to keeping Cady, Appel and Hecht on Iowas high court center on a 2009 decision to foist same-sex marriage on Iowa and a 2015 ruling that overturned an Iowa Board of Medicine rule that banned telemedicine abortions where a doctor is not physically present, the Family Leader message states. We encourage Iowans to turn the ballot over and vote no on Iowa Supreme Court Justices Appel, Cady, and Hecht in November.

Likewise, Jenifer Bowen, Iowa Right to Life spokeswoman, issued a press release last week calling for Iowa voters to remove the justices up for retention votes this year.

When given the chance to protect women and unborn children in 2015, the Iowa Supreme Court ignored the medical expertise of the Iowa Board of Medicine. Rather, they stood with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Iowas largest abortion chain, Bowen said in an Oct. 7 email.

These men enabled Planned Parenthood to continue to unleash dangerous webcam abortion across Iowa. Further, they willfully established precedent for other states to do the same. Send the message  loud and clear  our women and children deserve better than the current Iowa Supreme Court.

Andrew Mertens, vice chairman of Justice Not Politics, countered that Cady, Appel and Hecht are highly qualified justices who bring respected judicial experience to the court, having received ratings of 91 percent, 82 percent and 88 percent, respectively, in this years Iowa State Bar Association survey of lawyers based on their knowledge and application of the law, temperament and demeanor, promptness in issuing rulings, and their impartiality in deciding cases based upon law and facts without being affected by outside influence.

Mertens said voter support for the current justices in the 2016 poll his group commissioned was higher than a similar survey taken before Wiggins successful 2012 retention, which also was a presidential year. But, he added, advocates are taking nothing for granted to informing Iowans to turn the ballot over and vote yes for Cady, Appel and Hecht.

This is a strange election year. Its hard to predict for certain turnout numbers and things like that, he said. We cant sit on our hands. We cant sit on the sidelines here.

I think voters have a great deal of regret about removing three justices in 2010. Our courts recovered, but its a real stain on the otherwise proud history of our state. Voters dont want to relive that again. Voters want to keep politics out of our courts, Mertens added.

Tim Hagle an associate professor of political science at the University of Iowa who follows judicial politics, said the 2010 retention vote involved a perfect storm of bad news for justices in a wave election year when courthouses also were facing budget cuts and conservatives were energized about activist courts.

This year, he said, there has been limited mention of the judicial retention issue and he would be surprised if any of the justices finished below support in the high 70s or low 80s absent any widespread effort to oust them.

I would say at this point Ive seen a couple of mentions of it. But people have moved on, Hagle said. The sky hasnt fallen in terms of the fallout from that initial (same-sex marriage) decision and people basically are at the point of accepting it and other issues are taking precedent. Thats not to say that its still not important for some people and some people still are not real happy about it.
Aiyo  what a stink! View(s):

Many moons ago, my Kussi Amma once exclaimed Aiyo Mahattaya  mehema nevai She was referring to my sorry attempt to make a cup of tea which ended up with too much milk, too little tea dust and I forget the sugar. It was neither tea nor milk. Mahattaya  mevata kremayak thiyanawa, she said and after that I followed her kremaya and never went wrong. Not following the kremaya (loosely translated  proper system) is what we see today. A sense of apathy, helplessness and resigning to ones fate is emerging in Sri Lanka. Consider last weeks commentary on fake awards; there were quite a few pats-on-the back calls from readers and some CEOs who had been approached to subscribe to these cash-for-recognition awards. No calls of anger or fury from those who were bestowed with these often dubious honours. Silence was golden from those woods but the awards circus continues. Shame is nobodys game anymore.

Thats why the merry-go-round and carnival continue merrily, the weekly Cabinet briefing being a good example where ministers and now deputy ministers have learnt the fine art of conning: Dont answer the question, instead ask the reporter a question. And if reporters dont do their homework they (reporters) are stumped. Apart from my opening line today, I was intrigued by the fact that Aiyo used widely in Sri Lanka and South India has been included in the Oxford Dictionary. Mentioning this to a colleague, his response was amusing: Machan Pattapal boru should be the next word that should be submitted for inclusion given its consistent usage today. Maybe not. Pattapal boru will then become a legitimate reason for politicians to pull wool over the eyes of the nation!

Back to todays musings on kremaya, the whole public service seems to be at breaking point with corrupt elements of the past resorting to a devil-may-care attitude with the authorities. Even before cases have been filed, some are talking of defamation suits, such is their arrogance and belief that by the time they are prosecuted, the governments time will be up. There are no proper systems in place. Take the garbage issue. Residents of Ekala and Ja-Ela are furious over a move to shift one communitys problem (Meethotamulla garbage mountain) to their backyard and going by the powerful protests backed by Buddhist monks and Catholic priests, the authorities may have to defer such a move. That then doesnt solve the dilemma of the Meethotamulla residents.

Further away from Colombo, the garbage dump at Badulla was set on fire by unknown persons and for days residents were confronted with toxic fumes and many fell ill. Schools were closed and even four days after the blaze, the authorities were unable to douse it. While the town was filled with smoke, politicians and officials offered their own explanation of what happened. While residents were furious, politicians accused each other in a blame-game instead of trying to work together. It was more a case of dousing political temperament than the blaze itself! Why do we have so many problems with garbage disposal? Many proposals have been submitted over the past two to three decades to different governments on ways of managing garbage and in fact transforming it into money.

These proposals took the usual route  desk to desk in local government or ministries  and were rejected, often because there was no santhosam on offer. Or not enough. In todays world of waste not, want not, garbage is big business all over the world. There are dozens of ways of transforming garbage to productive use. Trawl through the Internet and there are ideas aplenty. You dont need rocket science to manage garbage. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has visions of becoming an Asian financial powerhouse when we cant even clean our own backyard of the big stink! Municipal garbage truck workers are smarter; many collect all kinds of items separately which are then sold to shops or the bothal-karaya. At least someone is making money out of garbage.

The opposition accuses Sri Lankan leaders of excessive overseas travel. So what! More than 20 world leaders and top ranking officials visited Sri Lanka last year  surely there should be reciprocal visits. Thus, there is nothing wrong in a situation where when the President returns from an overseas trip, the PM departs and vice versa. Reminds one of the sojourns of Foreign Minister, the late Shaul Hameed. The joke at that time was that if you wanted to meet him, you had to make a beeline to the airport and catch him in the VIP transit lounge while he prepared for another trip. In the meantime everyone is waiting with bated breath as to what the Central Bank (CB) Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy and the Monetary Board (MB) would do about an internal probe on bond trader Perpetual Treasuries Ltd whose profits  made at the expense of others and the government  are bigger than some of the smaller banks in the market.

The report was strongly critical of the bond trader and its operations and recommended, among other matters, a larger probe on the institution which is owned by the son-in-law of former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran. The MB meeting was two days ago (Friday) to decide on a course of action or would the report be swept under the carpet? Coincidentally Perpetuals annual accounts ending March 2016 were in the public domain just a week before the CBs internal probe leaked to the media. The leak infuriated many government leaders. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake called it a fake report (see story on Page 1) but the CB confessed it was an authentic one and asked the police to probe how the leak occurred. Catch the messenger first, thats the way to go!

Todays commentary would appear to be cluttered with bits of information here bits of information there and no proper sequence as seen in a conventional commentary. This koheda yanne malle pol approach is deliberate and meant to reflect life today in Sri Lanka where political parties are at sixes and sevens, the economy is troubled by slow export growth and the private sector is waiting for things to clear before pumping in money. In this gloomy outlook, here is a silver lining: Departing ILO Country Director Donglin Li (see page 12) told me in an interview that he loves Sri Lanka and that its one of the best countries in the world. I smiled in response, not wanting to spoil the party!
Blessings not on Sri Lanka View(s):

A severe drought and long-delayed rains have wreaked havoc across Sri Lanka affecting rural communities, farmers and agriculture production. Picture by our Chilaw correspondent Augustin Fernando shows the parched bed of the Pallama Wewa which provides water for all farm lands in Chilaw. In several paddy-growing areas, residents have been praying for rain with kattadiyas performing various rituals.
Growth possible only thro exports not remittances  PM By Raj Moorthy World Export Development Forum 2016 View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas exports which has been facing a major crisis in the past decade is re-looking at the markets and opportunities worldwide. The country has decided to refocus attention on exports, growth and expansion of employment, said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at the World Export Development Forum 2016 held in Colombo on Wednesday. The forum is held in Sri Lanka at a time where the country has decided to refocus attention on exports, growth and expansion of employment. For about 8 to 9 years we lost our focus on exports. We had the GSP+ to enter Europe so did Bangladesh. We gave it up, but Bangladesh kept on virtually increasing its export earnings on garments alone by about five times. Our focus is on foreign remittances but that is limited. When people have good jobs they want to enter the middle class and earn higher incomes. That growth can come only through exports, not through remittances, he added.

The opportunities the country has missed in growth and revenue are numerous. The country is dependent on foreign loans and commercial borrowings. The end result is that people dont have satisfactory jobs. The government of Sri Lanka first focused on the political targets of creating one million jobs and expanding them. To achieve these targets in a short time a national government was formed. This was a war of how to get the investments, how to go out and capture the export markets, he said. With this was in line we focused on making Sri Lanka the hub of the Indian Ocean for business, logistics and finance and go for development of our three major ports Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee and the two airports in Katunayake and Mattala. The facilities available for logistics and communication make it attractive for business and finance. Then let Sri Lanka become a platform for competitive value addition and to join the global value addition chain.

This being our strategy for the future, we spent one year working on it, most of it will be announced next month with the 2017 budget, noted Mr. Wickremesinghe. He said that Sri Lanka has to find new markets and sign up agreements. I will be visiting Brussels to renegotiate the GSP+ for Sri Lanka. But unlike in 2002 when growth depended only on Europe the shift is coming towards Asia. There are three important agreements. One with India, the Economic and Technology Corporation Agreement (ETCA) which enables us close cooperation with five southern states in India. India being the fastest growing economy in the Indian Subcontinent and with a combined GDP of US$ 500 million, there is a lot of scope with Sri Lanka and India working together. He also stated that the government is negotiating a triangular arrangement of Free Trade Agreement (FTA), between the three countries Sri Lanka, India and Singapore. Later on we will also negotiate FTAs with the other Bay of Bengal countries.

Bay of Bengal will be a fast growing area with fast growing income generation region in the next 20 to 30 years. We are also having discussions with China on an FTA and a 5- year comprehensive economic partnership dialogue with Japan. This way we are looking at the Asian and European markets. New incentives for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and local investments will be announced soon, noted Mr. Wickremesinghe. One area that we are focusing is to give incentives for the domestic manufacturing industries to become competitive and go out to the world market. We have a fairly good manufacturing industry catering to the domestic market. But that alone is not enough and will not create employment opportunities. As we become competitive while we are encouraging FDI of those who come into the country, we have the local industries potential to expand and go into the nearby markets if they do well.

Chinas Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said that in the past five decades global exports grew at 10 per cent on average every year much higher than the average growth rate of the world economy. Since 2009 when the financial crisis erupted the world economy has been struggling to recover and global trade has been below economic growth, he added. He also mentioned that China has concluded 14 FTAs covering 22 countries and regions worldwide. Attracting FDI is important for trade growth which not only brings funding, market and technology but also brings the latest ideas in management operation that can help drive indigenous, innovative models and trade expansion in most countries. He assured that China will sign a FTA with Sri Lanka soon.
How King Bhumibol shaped modern Thailand View(s):

King Bhumibol Adulyadejs pivotal role in modern Thailands development tends to obscure the fact that when he acceded to the throne in 1946, the status of the monarchy was not secure, and the young king himself was unprepared to take on the job. Until 1932 Thailand had been ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the king exercising power over the judiciary, the appointment of government officials and over state policy. The idea of kingship had been developed over centuries from the Buddhist concept of a dhammaraja, a just king acting in accordance with the 10 dhamma virtues like integrity and self-restraint, and the Hindu concept of an all-powerful god-king. But the pressures of the modern, globalised world intruded in 1932 when a group of soldiers and intellectuals overthrew the absolute monarchy and imposed a constitution limiting the powers of King Prajadhipok, on the throne at the time. Unable to accept these limitations he abdicated in 1935 and lived the rest of his life in exile.

A young monarch

Bhumibols elder brother, Ananda Mahidol, was next in line, but their mother insisted they stay away from the volatile political climate in Thailand and they were brought up in Switzerland. As a result there was no sitting king until the family returned after World War Two in 1945 and it was not clear then what kind of monarchy might be re-established. Following the still unexplained shooting to death of King Ananda on 9 June 1946, that task fell to the 18 year-old Bhumibol. Thailand was divided then between progressive politicians and ambitious military men who preferred a weaker monarchy, or perhaps no monarchy at all, and members of the royal aristocracy who were determined to rebuild a political system with the monarchy at its heart. The royalists relied on the young Bhumibol for this plan, and over the next 40 years it succeeded.

Royal roles

Until the mid 1950s the kings position was still too insecure for him to challenge the then-military strongman Phibul Songkram, who had also ruled during the war. He was not even allowed to travel freely outside Bangkok. But the other royal princes helped build up his public profile by emphasising his role as the protector of the Buddhist faith, restoring royal rituals like the replacement of sacred cloths at the most important temples, or presiding over the annual ploughing ceremony in the main royal square in Bangkok. Thai society is still a deeply religious and spiritual one, and those royal roles have been central to upholding King Bhumibols image as a man who embodies dhamma virtues.

The king proved skilled at behaving in a manner which reinforced that image. Today the sacred aspect of the monarchy is an important source of its popularity. From the mid-1950s on, the king travelled widely, and took an active interest in rural development projects. How effective his interventions really were is difficult to gauge, given the swirl of royalist propaganda, but they certainly established him as a caring ruler who was working hard for his people. His visits to rural areas, where he would often chat to the farmers prostrated in front of him, contrasted with the apparently uncaring attitude of corrupt local government officials.

Anti-communist figure

Today the monarch is expected to be involved in the countrys development, and substantial resources have been devoted to promoting King Bhumibols philosophy of a sufficiency economy  a focus on balanced development that stresses environmental and social responsibilities as much as conventional measures of economic progress. From the mid 1960s, when central government authority was challenged in the countryside by a communist rebellion, the kings visits helped rebuff the influence of the insurgents. King Bhumibol became an essential figure in the fight by the Thai military and its US-backers against communism, although his role became more controversial in the savage anti-leftist coup of 1976, in which dozens of students were brutally killed by the security forces and royal-backed militias, and thousands forced to flee to seek sanctuary with the Communist Party.

But the legacy of this anti-communist role is a monarchy which is still seen as central to upholding the authority of the state throughout the country. Throughout his reign King Bhumibol worked with a series of military-dominated administrations, prompting accusations that he was more comfortable with authoritarian than democratically-elected regimes. Certainly he established close relationships with three long-standing military rulers, Sarit Thanarat 1957-63, Thanom Kittikachorn 1963-73 and Prem Tinsulanonda 1980-89, giving them the legitimacy of royal backing in return for the armed forces unwavering support for the monarchy. The king also enjoyed handling and using military weapons, and often wore his own military uniform. Royalists explain this, and the kings inevitable endorsement of every coup detat, as him accepting his limited constitutional powers  that he could not play an overt political role, and had to go along with whichever regime prevailed in Thailand.

The role of mediator

Critics, though, believe he shared the disdain for elected politicians held by many of Thailands traditional elite, as money-grubbing, classless opportunists. In interviews the king referred to politics as something unseemly with which he did not want to be associated. But the deep polarisation of Thai society at the end of his reign, and the widespread belief that the palace had taken sides against the successful electoral machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, gave rise to a perception of the monarchy as hostile to untrammelled democracy. One other side of Bhumibols role was often talked about during his reign, as a mediator at times of crisis. Officially he could not intervene. But on two occasions, in 1973 and 1992, when bloody clashes between troops and protestors had taken place on the streets of Bangkok, he is credited with defusing the situation and allowing a compromise to be settled.

In 1973 he decided to allow protesting students to shelter inside his palace, undermining then dictator Thanom and forcing him into exile. This allowed the formation of Thailands first democratic government since the 1940s, although this brief period ended tragically in the violence and repression of 1976. In 1992 the king mediated again, summoning a military-backed prime minister and the leader of the protest movement, and allowing video of them prostrating themselves before him to be broadcast. Following this, Thailand had enjoyed its longest period of democracy, up to the coup of 2006. There is debate about how decisive the kings role was in these crises, but the incidents allowed him to be portrayed as the ultimate arbiter of disputes.

Influential, but only sparingly

Another intervention in April 2006 saw the king ordering the countrys top courts to rule on whether an election won by Thaksin Shinawatra should be annulled. Ostensibly he was rebutting calls from anti-Thaksin protesters to appoint a prime minister himself, something he said was beyond his power. But the judges took the hint, and annulled the election on the grounds of fairly minor irregularities, which then led to the September coup of that year. Royalists in Thailand often compare the powers of the monarch to those described by the historian Walter Bagehot for British kings and queens: the right to be consulted, the right to encourage and the right to warn. But King Bhumibol, viewed as semi-divine by much of the population, clearly had more than that; what former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun has described as his reserve power or moral authority, something that can be hugely influential, but only if used sparingly. The strictures of the lese-majeste law make any open discussion of King Bhumibols role and legacy impossible inside Thailand.

Thailands lese majeste laws explained

No true measure of his popularity or influence is possible in this environment. But outside the country arguments have been made that challenge the official view of a wise, benevolent and adored king who held his country together at times of crises. Some of these argue that the king was a central player in undermining democracy, others that he was more of a pawn used by conservative forces. One point on which critics and supporters do agree is that the project started in 1946 to restore the status of the monarchy in Thailand succeeded largely because it was centred on the young king. Whatever the truth behind the gushing praise for his personality and achievements, he played all the various roles ascribed to him, of the caring but restrained king, the renaissance king keen on arts, music and handicrafts, the religious king steeped in Buddhist ritual, extremely well. Thailands modern monarchy is one built almost entirely around one man. And that will make it difficult to sustain after his death.

Courtesy  BBC
IMF rejects union claims on taxes By Bandula Sirimanna at the IMF /World Bank meetings in Washington View(s): View(s):

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week rejected claims that the proposed new Inland Revenue Act has provision for handing over the tax collection to private parties. Trade unions and other groups have been opposing the proposed Act on the grounds that it was counterproductive and also that it contained provision to take away the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)s mandate of tax collection. In an interview with the Business Times in Washington on the sidelines of the annual World Bank/IMF meetings, IMFs Sri Lanka Mission Chief Jaewoo Lee said the allegations were unfounded and urged the authorities to create more awareness on and be more transparent in the contents of the new Act. He said the legislative process for the new Inland Revenue Act would be an important step in rebalancing the tax system toward a more predictable, efficient and equitable structure and in generating the needed resources in support of the countrys ambitious social and development objectives.

Mr. Lee is Deputy Division Chief of the Regional Studies Division in the IMFs Asia and Pacific Department. He has also worked in the IMFs Research Department including on the IMFs exchange rate assessment. Opposition has been growing over plans to re-organise the IRD under new legislation and claims that tax collection would be handed over to private parties as the IRDs mechanism is weak. The government has also denied such claims. Ongoing work on re-drafting the proposed Act is critical towards implementing a more transparent, fair and even-handed taxation framework, which will better mobilise resources from people who are most able to pay, Mr. Lee noted. He also said that the funds second tranche of US$170 million out of a $1.5 billion three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) is expected to be disbursed in coming weeks after the conclusion of the first review at the IMF Board.

The second instalment, which the fund earlier said could be delayed if the government didnt get its tax structure right and VAT in place, comes as Sri Lanka struggles to keep its economy afloat in the midst of a massive Rs. 9.5 trillion debt burden left behind by the previous regime. The change of heart was as a result of a positive outcome from discussions between the Sri Lankan and IMF officials in Washington during IMF annual meetings. Breaking from the past, tax authorities now aim to implement a well-designed fiscal consolidation path based on increasing revenues, which will enable the government to devote more resources to health, education, infrastructure and social spending. Such expenditures will help ensure growth, a steady reduction in poverty, and continuous improvement in Sri Lankas social development indicators, Mr. Lee said. EFF also supports Governments reform efforts in shifting the source of taxation from indirect to direct taxes.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendments are also essential to support revenue targets for 2016 and 2017 in addition to a well-crafted 2017 budget with a high-quality tax policy strategy to raise Sri Lankas low tax revenue-to-GDP ratio, he pointed out. In many cases, IMF arrangements play a catalytic role in bringing in financing from other sources. In the case of Sri Lanka, it is expected to catalyze an additional $650 million in other multilateral and bilateral loans. It also helps to restore investor confidence in market access and sovereign borrowing, he revealed. The authorities ambitious reforms intend to put public finances on a sustainable footing by improving revenue potential to create space for its social and development spending programmes, which are essential for lifting Sri Lankas growth and making it more inclusive, he added.
ITC and Alibaba to issue guidelines on using e-commerce to tackle trade in China By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

To help businesses go digital, International Trade Centres (ITC) and Alibaba will be launching a new publication spelling out how Asian firms  including Sri Lankan companies  can use e-commerce to break into the Chinese marketplace. Alongside these transformations in investment and trade, a revolution is underway on the consumption side, as consumers increasingly emphasize social and environmental considerations in their purchases. We must ensure that we improve the quality of trade while supporting all business to match standards and regulations, said Arancha Gonzalez, Executive Director, International Trade Centre delivering her opening remarks at the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Colombo on Wednesday. The trade agreements of the 21st century must respond to the economic and social realities of the century, she reiterated adding that in the trade topography of today, its seen that production dispersed in value chains that extend around the world.

While this has created new opportunities, for trade-led growth and job creation, tapping into value chains requires countries to address tariffs, but equally to open trade in services, from logistics, to telecommunications or to financial services, its important to not forget tourism and in doing so, non-tariff measures, such as standards and regulations need to be addressed, she said. And in doing so, we must look at how we synergise trade at the multilateral level with regional trade agreements, which now includes so-called mega-regional initiatives involving some of the worlds biggest economies. This is the 16th sixteenth edition of this flagship event, Ms. Gonzalez said adding that Sri Lanka, its Government, its private sector, its institutions are determined to advance broad based, inclusive growth through trade.

And this is why, ITC, the joint development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation fully dedicated to supporting developing countries succeed in international trade and investment, is proud to stand by your side today. Over the past year, Sri Lankan Export Development Board, and ITC, have worked closely to put together an impactful WEDF programme, she added noting that insights from global thought leaders in the private sector and government will enrich discussions to address concrete challenges facing businesses in navigating the world economy, enabling them to create more and better jobs. Carefully curated business matchmaking will be complemented by a programme of company visits and cultural highlights.

Social realities

The trade agreements of this century must respond to the economic and social realities, she said pointing out that in the trade topography of today, production is dispersed in value chains that extend around the world. While this has created new opportunities for trade-led growth and job creation, tapping into value chains requires countries to address tariffs, but equally to open trade in services, from logistics, to telecommunications or to financial services, not to forget tourism. And to address non-tariff measures, such as standards and regulations. And in doing so, we must look at how we synergise trade at the multilateral level with regional trade agreements, which now includes so-called mega-regional initiatives involving some of the worlds biggest economies. But making trade possible is only a first step, Ms. Gonzalez said noting that we still need to make trade happen.

She said that by focusing on the theme for this event  Trade for Success: Connect, Compete, Change  there is a need to examine the three critical determinants for businesses to improve their competitiveness and use international markets to drive inclusive growth. Digital trade has rendered entire services sectors tradable, liberating them from the constraints of geography. Even for physical merchandise, e-commerce has created new opportunities for micro-multinational SMEs to link up to customers around the world. Yet much needs to be done to open the digital economy to all, from improving connectivity, to facilitating payment systems or organising logistics, Ms. Gonzalez observed. She said that already over 160 companies from Sri Lanka and more than 30 countries around the world have already begun to explore potential deals.

B2B matchmaking meetings have the potential to generate concrete results particularly in the specialty foods sector, tourism, IT and business process outsourcing, she said reiterating that for trade to be truly inclusive, we need to ensure that women and youth are not relegated to the margins. The second inclusion I want to talk about is geographic. The worlds centre of economic gravity is returning to Asia. By 2030, an estimated two-thirds of the global middle class will be in Asia. But we need to ensure everyone shares in this process. At the heart of Indian Ocean maritime routes, Sri Lanka is strategically poised between todays growth poles in East and South Asia, and tomorrows growth poles in Africa, she said noting that Sri Lanka cannot miss this opportunity to return to its rightful place in the trading routes.
New public-private unit to improve public services By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

The Sri Lanka government is to establish a Public Private Partnership Unit (PPPU) with World Bank funding for long-term contractual arrangements between the public and private sectors in the delivery of public services. In this scenario, PPPs involve three main features including transfer, long-term contracts and partnership agreement, National Policy and Economic Affairs Ministry sources revealed. It will be entrusted with the task of developing new infrastructure services despite short-term fiscal constraints and gain value for money through efficiencies in procurement, construction and operation. The aim is to improve service quality and innovation through use of private sector expertise and performance incentives. The PPP Unit will be established in the Ministry of Finance, Investments Division soon with World Bank assistance as part of an initiative to promote Public Private Partnerships for infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka and restructuring of some of the SOEs.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) has approved the establishment of the PPP unit at the Finance Ministry and forwarded the proposal for Cabinet approval recently. In the meantime Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be presenting the 5-Year economic development plan outlining a road map for State-Owned-Enterprise (SOE) reform and the disposal of non-strategic state assets, a senior official of the Ministry added. At present there are 245 SOEs of which 55 have been identified by the Treasury as strategically important under the clusters of Banking and Finance, Insurance, Energy, Ports, Water, Aviation, Commuter Transport, Construction, Livestock, Plantation, Non Renewable Resources, Lotteries, Marketing and Distribution, Health and Media. A Ministerial Committee will also be set up to oversee the PPP execution of infrastructure development projects and the restructuring of SOEs. The PPP Unit will provides secretariat services to the PPP Ministerial Committee and has responsibility for developing and disseminating PPP policy throughout the public and private sectors.

It will also regulate the PPP programme to ensure these projects are developed in accordance with policy, principles and processes while contributing to the development of PPP projects by screening projects submitted by Ministries and agencies for consideration by the Ministerial Committee. The private sector is always looking for profitable ventures and thus reluctant to invest in services which are not profitable, a senior official of the ministry told the Business Times. Private investors are to be encouraged to enter into management contracts with the state for planning, implementation, financing and maintenance of certain infrastructural assets owned by the state agencies. Under this process, a certain project or an asset will be assigned to a private party for a specific period of 25 or 30 years under a concessionary agreement and after the expiry of the given period, it is to be transferred to the government, he added. The Government will soon introduce sweeping reforms on private-public-partnerships to reduce debt and improve public revenue.
Residents disrupt traffic at Ja-Ela in protest over garbage issue View(s):

Thousands of residents brought traffic to a standstill in Ja-Ela town near Negombo on Tuesday protesting against attempts to transfer the Meethotamulla garbage in Colombo to a proposed new dumpsite at Ekala (on the Minuwangoda road). The protest commenced from Ekala Junction at 9 am with thousands marching in opposition to the move and then gathered at the middle of Ja-Ela town where marchers from other areas walked along the roads and joined the main protesting group in front of the Ja-Ela Police station, blocking all exit roads to and from from Ja-Ela. This is a continuation of similar protests some weeks back after the authorities decided to transfer the garbage at the Meethotamulla garbage mountain to a new site at Ekala, which residents say will cause major environmental and health issues. E.M.B.S. Jayasundera, Ja-Ela Divisional Secretary using a megaphone then approached the protestors, and assured that their memorandum addressed to the President and the Prime Minister would be delivered to them and noted that all the political leaders around the area had pledged that they are against the move to dump the Meethotamulla gabage at Ekala. Several Catholic priests and Buddhist monks took part in the protest. -(QP)
Sri Lankans have a practice of asking favours all the time, OPA President says View(s):

Good governance assures that corruption is minimised, the views of the people are taken into account and the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision making, a top professional said recently. Prof. Rohana Kuruppu, President of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA), speaking at the OPAs 29th Annual Conference held in Colombo recently, also said that good governance requires a fair legal framework enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights. In short, the term good governance includes a variety of good things. Good governance in essence is good decision-making and the implementation of such decisions, he said. Speaking on the theme of the conference Good Governance-Way Forward, he said most of the major development institutions the world over are of the view that promoting good governance is an important part of their objectives. However, he pointed out good governance is a complex activity and it goes beyond the power of the government or the strength of political will.

Improved governance requires a long term partnership with all stakeholders built upon co-operation between government and the people of the country. The democratic processes should be driven not only by the committed government but also by the participation of civil society groups. individuals, institutions, and organisations within the government, public sector, and civil societies must be strong, accountable and participatory to perform good governance. This is easily said than done! How would you get to the good governance from the present status quo? Is there a plan and who is responsible for the plan and implementation? Translating these concepts into practical actions can be a huge challenge, he noted. Prof. Kuruppu, stating that good governance is one of the most frequently discussed subjects in our country, said that it is now regarded as an essential pre-requisite for the countrys development.

Let me tell you, most of us believe that nothing could be done without influence. We are in the practice of asking favours all the time. This leads to unpleasant situations. Why should this happen? People are not confident of themselves. Those who have the connections win the battle. Those with quality fade away. Where is justice? Environmental conditions allow these practices to prevail. That is because we have not got the strength to reverse these bad practices for better. We need to manage our resources and instill discipline. There should be efficiency in our processes. Every activity must be effective. Fundamentals must be understood by everyone. A concerted effort must be put in place to make a change in the mindset of our people who lead institutions, he added.
On the heels of a successful series on North Iowa veterans of the Vietnam War, the Globe Gazette is planning another slate of profiles on veterans.

This one will focus on area veterans of the Korean War.

We were proud to tell those stories about Vietnam, and we felt there were more to tell, said Editor David Mayberry. Similar to Vietnam, we hope to let our neighbors learn about the Korean conflict and what role North Iowa played in it.

As evidenced by comments of the Vietnam veterans we profiled, many hadnt widely shared their stories before we talked to them, and thats unfortunate. But if we can facilitate those stories and help people learn from those experiences, I think it will be another success that North Iowans can enjoy and reflect on for a long time, Mayberry said.

The Globe Gazette is searching for North Iowans to profile for the project. To submit a suggestion, please email news@globegazette.com. The series will begin on Veterans Day  Friday, Nov. 11  and run through May. The weekly stories will be printed on Tuesday and also available at www.globegazette.com.

More than 85,000 Iowans were in the armed forces during the 37-month conflict. More than 500 Iowans died, including 35 from North Iowa.
Budget 2017: Achieving its desired goals and targets View(s):

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has announced the objectives and goals of the next budget. He expects to bring down the budget deficit to 4.7 percent of GDP, increase government revenues to around 14.2 percent of GDP and present a development-oriented budget. These sought-after objectives, if achieved, would improve the fiscal situation. They would pave the way for macroeconomic stability. However, achieving them would be no easy task.

Achieving these objectives would require vigilance in government expenditure to ensure that expenditures are kept within the budgeted amounts. Most importantly, the taxation proposals to garner the higher revenue must be pragmatic and effective unlike in the last two budgets and there must be an unwavering commitment to ensure that taxes are collected effectively.

Experience

Sri Lankas experience, recent and over a long time, has been one of being unable to contain expenditure within the budgeted figures and expected revenue not collected. Fiscal performance has been a far cry from budget expectations. Expenditure overruns and revenue shortfalls have been the repeated story year in, year out.

The fiscal performance of recent years was noteworthy for these lapses. The Budget 2015 that had as its objective the containment of the fiscal deficit at 4.4 percent of GDP ended with a 68 percent higher deficit of 7.4 percent. Nonetheless, the 2016 fiscal deficit is expected to be contained as targeted at 5.4 percent of GDP. The final figures we hope will turn out to be so.

Ambitious but imperative

In this context, the fiscal deficit target of 4.7 percent in 2017 is ambitious. It is, however, imperative to achieve economic stability and ensure that the public debt that is now at 75 percent of GDP does not grow much further. Much higher revenue collection than in the previous two years is needed to find the fiscal space for developmental and social expenditures that are vital for long term economic development.

There has been little accountability in public expenditure in recent years. The practice of passing supplementary estimates to cover additional expenditure has rendered budgeted expenditure figures a fiction. Containing expenditure to budgeted figures would be vital to ensure that expenditure is contained at the estimated levels to achieve the fiscal deficit target of 4.7 percent of GDP.

Assurances

The Finance Minister and the Prime Minister have given assurances that supplementary estimates would not be permitted. Earlier this week, Finance Minister Karunanayake told the International Monetary Funds Annual Meeting the government had a strong commitment to increase government revenue through further expanding the tax base and improvement in tax administration and to reduce the fiscal deficit to the targeted budget deficit of 5.4 percent in 2016 and 4.7 percent in 2017.

Despite these assurances, past experience makes one view these intentions sceptically. It is imperative to not overrun the budgeted expenditure figures. Fiscal discipline must be such that if there were to be some unforeseen expenditure that has to be incurred, then such expenditure must be met from savings from other expenditure.

Revenue

Government revenue has been declining precipitously from 2000 onwards from about 20 percent of GDP to as low as 11 percent in 2013. Despite fairly high economic growth and rise in per capita incomes, the proportion of revenue to GDP has been declining. However in 2015 it increased somewhat to 13 percent of GDP.

This decline in tax revenue when per capita incomes have been increasing has been attributed to tax exemptions, tax avoidance, tax evasion and lax tax administration. These no doubt have been important reasons for the low tax revenue. Some economists have even suggested that the proportion is inaccurate as the GDP was not as high as estimated.

Another reason is that GDP growth in the past five years has been driven by high expenditure in infrastructure. While this large expenditure adds to the GDP, it does not generate taxable income. This does not counteract the argument that tax exemptions, tax avoidance, tax evasion and lax and corrupt tax administration are important reasons for low tax gathering. It is through a system of pragmatic and progressive taxation and an efficient tax collection system that revenue could be increased significantly.

Taxation

Finance Minister Karunanayakes tax proposals must be realistic ones that can garner in the budgeted revenue of Rs. 1,850 billion. The new taxation measures must take into account limitations in the tax administration that permits tax evasion and tax avoidance. The tax system must shift to being progressive in nature. Progressive taxation does not have to be necessarily direct taxes. Indirect taxes that fall on the affluent avoiders and evaders of direct taxes are progressive and more effectively collected. Licence fees on luxury vehicles, property taxes, stamp duties and capital gains taxes are examples of such taxes.

IMF tax proposals

At the conclusion of the last consultations with the IMF in Colombo, the IMF statement said that it is important that the government expedites the legislative process of implementing the value added tax (VAT) amendments that are needed to support revenue targets for 2016 and 2017. The 2017 budget should also be underpinned by a well-crafted and high-quality tax policy strategy to raise Sri Lankas low tax revenue to GDP ratio. Commencing the legislative process for the new Inland Revenue Act would be an important step in rebalancing the tax system toward a more predictable, efficient and equitable structure and in generating the needed resources in support of the countrys ambitious social and development objectives.

Conclusion

The budget of 2017 cannot be like the budgets of 2016 or 2015. It has to attain its goal of a lower fiscal deficit of 4.7 percent of GDP by achieving the revenue target, while ensuring that there are no expenditure overruns. This two pronged strategy of increased revenue collection and containment of expenditure are needed to achieve the target of a lower fiscal deficit and find space for development expenditure. Will the 2017 fiscal targets be achieved?

Fiscal deficits 2010-17 as Percent of GDP

2010 8.0

2011 6-9

2012 6.5

2013 5.9

2014 6.0

2015 7.4

2016 5.4*(projected)

2017 4.7**(target)

Sources: 2010-2015 Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Govt. withdraws proposed amendment to CPC View(s):

The Government will withdraw Criminal Procedure Code amendments that sought to deny access to lawyers prior to recording statements of suspects arrested and detained by Police. The amendment was to allow a lawyer access to suspects only after the Police recorded their statement.

The decision to withdraw the amendment was made at Tuesdays weekly meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and comes as a blow to Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who pushed for the amendment.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Government sources pointed out, declared that the amendment would be a negative factor at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking the restoration of the GSP Plus tariff preferences from the European Union (EU). He pointed out that the EU was insisting on the Adoption of planned amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure which provides for the right of a suspect to see a lawyer after his arrest.

Samaraweera said that Baroness Catherine Ashton, the former EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, had listed the requirement in a letter she had sent his predecessor G.L. Peiris.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is travelling to Brussels for talks with the EU on the GSP plus restoration. He will now be in a position to give the EU an assurance that there would be no amendments to the CPC to prevent lawyers from seeing a suspect until their statement is recorded.

Human Rights Commission Chairperson Deepika Udagama was one of the first to write to the Prime Minister protesting over the proposed amendment. The Bar Association of Sri Lanka followed with a similar protest to the President.

Ravi proposes special court for fraud case

At last Tuesdays special meeting of selected Ministers, chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, proposed that special courts should be set up to handle cases of bribery and corruption.

This is in view of ongoing investigations into several such cases by different state agencies. A final decision, however, is yet to be taken by ministers.

Sirisenas blank cheque: Jokes can be serious

Were the remarks in jest or was that a strong political message?

Some UNPers were pondering over the question after comments by President Maithripala Sirisena.

He was at the International Convention Centre on Tuesday for a ceremony to mark the 25th Year in politics of Fisheries Minister and Hambantota District parliamentarian Mahinda Amaraweera, the Secretary of the UPFA.

An SLFPer rose and asked him when they would form a Government of their own. The query was backed by State Minister Dilan Perera and a few others. President Sirisena declared that he had given a blank cheque (hiss chek ekak) to Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera and Duminda Dissanayake (also SLFP General Secretary) to do what was necessary. He said it was their responsibility to have done that.

One senior SLFPer declared that President Sirisena was joking though it has been taken seriously by some. Famous British war time Prime Minister Winston Churchill is oft credited with a quote from a writer by the same surname, Charles Churchill; A joke is a serious thing. One must remember that many jokes are based on some truth.

President crops photo-taking minister from Thai frame

Balancing business interests with their official responsibilities, no doubt, is a cumbersome task for some Ministers. More so, when they are ignorant of diplomatic nuances or realities. One of them, whose claim to fame is that he bankrolled the party in difficult times, tried his best to become a member of President Maithripala Sirisenas entourage when he visited Thailand recently.

The Minister, who is now trying to recoup his losses with Government contracts did not succeed in his efforts. Some of his business principals were waiting at the Bangkok airport with garlands of white, sweet smelling jasmine flowers to greet him. A Foreign Office official said he was not accommodated since the President had not nominated him to be on his entourage, probably knowing his antecedents.

The official recalled an episode that took place when President Sirisena visited Thailand on the previous occasion, in November 2015. There were high level talks between the Presidents entourage and the Thai military leader Chan Ocha accompanied by his top officials.

This same Minister in question pulled his smart phone out of his pocket while the official talks were in progress. Casting protocol and niceties aside, he walked around the table taking selfies, each time with one top Thai official. A bemused senior Thai official stared at him. Our Minister, in typical Mr Bean style, asked him Do you have WhatsApp? I will send you a copy of the photo. Perhaps, the only one who did not notice the anger in the officials face was our smart Minister with a smart phone.

Disaster, the official said, was to happen again when President Sirisena visited Germany in February, this year, and held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel. The same Minister, who was at the talks, again pulled his smart phone out only to be held steadfastly by his hand by a colleague. The colleague, the official disclosed, gave him a strong warning not to embarrass Sri Lanka and the Government.

His crass response to the colleague, the official disclosed, You all have many photo opportunities. But I dont.

Another Minister was to remark that there should be lessons conducted by the Foreign Ministry before Ministers are included in official delegations.

Weeratungas container -load to be auctioned

A container load of personal items belonging to Udayanga Weeratunga, Sri Lankas one time Ambassador to Russia, may be sold through a public auction.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has informed the Ports Authority Chairman that it has no objections for taking action to dispose the goods in the container now lying in the port. A Ministry official said yesterday that Mr. Weeratunga had been informed on many occasions to clear the cargo.

On one occasion the former envoy turned up at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Teheran (Iran) and wanted an official to testify to an affidavit. This was to authorise another party to collect his belongings. After contacting the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Weeratunga was first asked to return the diplomatic passport he holds.

Diplomat to be recalled

We wrote of the hideous case of Sri Lanka Ambassador to a newly established mission in South Asia. Our story said he was residing in the upper floor of a diplomatic compound; how he took his brother-in-law who cannot cook as his cook and was seen frequenting the compounds kitchen wearing a sarong and banian in search of green chillies and onions, from time to time for his wife to cook.

Reports refer to him as being an Eastern Province trader who was also a successful businessman in Polonnaruwa. The Foreign Ministry seems to have had enough of him and is reported to be taking measures to recall the misfit back to Colombo, or maybe Polonnaruwa.
Is this counter-terrorism in a far deadlier garb? View(s):

A draft policy and legal framework aimed at a new law on counter-terrorism to replace Sri Lankas Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) may well be a classic case of the cure being far worse than the disease.

A bare reading of the draft immediately gives rise to several questions that gravely impact on the protection of life and liberty. As reported, the Cabinet has forwarded the draft to a parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security. It is hoped that this Committee will give its most anxious consideration to the contents and breadth of what is proposed.

Whole range of new offences

The draft framework proposes a whole range of new offences, apart from the primary offence of terrorism. The additional offences include terrorism related offences, associated offences as well as an offence of Espionage. These encompass a variety of problematically broad acts.

Thus, for example, the definition of terrorism categorizes eleven acts including causing serious damage to the environment and the economy of (not only) this country (but also) any other sovereign nation. The one exception provided is when a person acts in good-faith in the lawful exercise of a fundamental right or following a lawful order or a judicial order. As (thankfully) declared, this is not tantamount to an act of terrorism. This safeguard however is qualified as will be discussed later.

The acts prohibited must be with the intent to, or with the object of or knowing or reasonably believing that they would bring about four listed objectives. These objectives include first, threatening, attacking, changing or adversely affecting the unity, territorial integrity, security or sovereignty of Sri Lanka or that of any other sovereign nation.

Prohibiting ideological domination?

Far more worryingly, the second ground relates to illegally or unlawfully compelling the Government to reverse, vary or change a policy decision or to do or abstain from doing any act relating to the defence, national security, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and the protection of the people. The same prohibition applies in relation to the government of any other sovereign nation.

It is a matter for most profound puzzlement as to why reverse, vary or change a policy decision has been brought into the ambit of this proposed prohibition. The impact thereof in regard to advocacy on reforming government policies, which may be categorized as illegal or unlawful, is troubling.

The third ground specifies illegally causing a change of the Government of Sri Lanka or of any other sovereign nation. And arousing justifiable consternation is the fourth ground listing committing any act of violent extremism towards achieving ideological domination. Using terms such as ideological domination brings us to new and terrifyingly unfamiliar territory of the thought police as it were.

Using the old terminology of offences

Punishments include the death penalty upon conviction by a High Court if a death has occurred as a reasonable consequence. In other respects, imprisonment up to a maximum extent of 20 years, imposition of a fine and the confiscation of property can follow. The proposed ambit of the four listed objectives are so wide that even the exercise of a fundamental right intending or knowing or reasonably believing that it would bring about these results will not be excused.

Meanwhile, the definition of terrorism related offences proceeds on almost the same terminology reflected in emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance. Similarly stringent punishments are proposed in this regard. Restraining elements of necessity and proportionality laid down in numerous judicial decisions in the eighties to mid nineties appear to be absent.

Further, the inclusion of an offence of espionage in regard to the gathering and providing of confidential information relating to the listed offences is exceptionally chilling. There is an unacceptably broad definition of what constitutes confidential information. This awakens echoes of the much unloved colonial-era Official Secrets Act. This does not bode well for the new information culture supposed to be a clarion call of the Unity Government.

Abandoning first principles

The draft framework merits meticulous and critical scrutiny which is not possible in these column spaces. Other overriding concerns are many. It permits confessions to be given to a police officer above the rank of a Superintendant of Police continuing a heavily critiqued tradition identified as the primary cause of torture by state agents. It is little comfort that a forensic examination of a suspect by a government forensic medical specialist supervised by a magistrate may be mandated.

As the Supreme Court itself has observed, the inability of judicial officers to properly perform their tasks is a regrettable reality. For example, in the Maximus Danny case (SC Application No. 488/98 SC Application No. 488/98), the Court noted that unfortunately, the Magistrate has almost mechanically made an order of remand because the police wanted them to be remanded. Such instances are the rule rather than the exception.

That the law must not enable the procuring of confessions by coercion has been reiterated in authoritative precedents by Sri Lankan judges before emergency law completely subverted our legal structure. Confessions given not only to police officers but also any individual standing in a position of authority were automatically shut out. That was how rigorous the legal standard once was, sternly enforced by judges of extraordinary ability at the time. Abandoning first principles such as these and providing crumbs from the state security table in the form of increased magisterial oversight is no solace.

Worrying replacement of the PTA

Neither is the drafts stipulation that the prosecution has to prove the voluntary nature of the confession. Discharging that burden will not be difficult given the way that the criminal justice system works. And as in the case of the now deferred amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code, access to counsel is only allowed after the recording of the first statement by the police, or the expiry of 48 hours from the time of arrest, whichever occurs first. These are all excellent aids to the disregarding of the Rule of Law.

It is therefore a supreme irony that the motivation for Sri Lankas contemplating a new counter-terrorism law was the passionate argument that the PTAs broad powers to search, detain and arrest is contrary to modern human rights protections. What the draft attempts to do is clothe the outmoded and somewhat clumsy substance of the archaic anti-terrorism law in modernistic and infinitely deadlier garb.

That surely must be a cause of considerable public concern in these unsettling times.
President, UNP discuss crisis at late night meeting: Sirisena vows no one can topple Government View(s):

Public outburst on CIABOC has chilling effect on judiciary, police and international community

Civic action groups question credibility of Governments anti-corruption drive, JVP also condemns Sirisenas remarks

By Our Political Editor

For the first time in his 21-month tenure as President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena fired strong salvos at his own United National Front (UNF) Government led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He warned he would take action if the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and the Bribery Commission were working on a political agenda. He said he was displeased and even disgusted at the manner in which former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and three former Commanders of the Navy were hauled up before the courts recently.

Sirisena, however, when on Thursday night. He met Premier Wickremesinghe and a group of UNP ministers and a deputy who went to see him to seek clarification on his public remarks. Sirisena said his speech had been reported out of context by the media. The UNP delegation trooped into the Presidents Paget Road residence around 9 p.m. after the President and Premier had together attended a religious ceremony at the ancient Walukaramaya temple in Kollupitiya. The UNP-President meeting ended at 1 a.m. the next day. During the discussion, Sirisena insisted that he had not called for either Gotabaya Rajapaksa or the three former Commanders of the Navy be absolved of charges. He said the investigations against them should continue though the meeting saw some tense moments of raised voices. Sirisena insisted that during the concluding stages of his speech at the SLFI, he had in fact asserted that no one would be able to change the present Government. He had only taken exception to the manner in which CIABOC had conducted investigations involving two former ministers and probes in general by the CID and the FCID. As Minister of Defence he had not been kept informed, was his complaint, he said.

The President and the Prime Minister seen at the Walukarama Temple on Thursday night. Soon after that they had a late night meeting to settle the dispute over the Presidents outburst on Wednesday.

The self-inflicted crisis for Sirisena really began last Tuesday evening. In addition to the weekly meeting of ministers that morning, he had summoned another session with a select group of ministers at the Presidential Secretariat in the evening. It was to discuss a wide range of subjects including constitutional reforms, the upcoming budget, local elections, dealing with demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), alleged war crimes by troops, ongoing investigations into bribery and corruption, the proposed referendum and related issues. Representing the SLFP were ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Mahinda Amaraweera, Nimal Siripala de Silva, S.B. Dissanayake and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

Led by Premier Wickremesinghe, the UNP was represented by Mangala Samaraweera, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Navin Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, who had just returned from the annual joint sessions of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. joined in later. He had arrived in Colombo barely two hours earlier. Representing the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) was Patali Champika Ranawaka. Parliamentarian Jayampathy Wickremeratne who is spearheading the constitutional reform process for the UNP was also present.

Sirisena noted that they would have to make decisions on a number of key issues. One was keeping to IMF demands to maintain the expenditure and revenue gap within 4.7 per cent of the GDP. Local Government elections would have to be held in addition to Provincial polls in the Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Measures to be taken with regard to the November 10 budget appear in a front page story in todays issue. On Constitutional refroms, Wickremeratne told the ministers there were six different committees that had formulated reports. He said these reports could be placed together in a compendium. However, the move met with opposition from some SLFP ministers on the grounds that it would create the impression that the document was coming from the Government.

On the subject of a probe into alleged war crimes by troops and Tiger guerrillas, the result of the US resolution co-sponsored by Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sirisena made reference to new developments in Britain. He noted that Prime Minister Theresa May had told her senior commanders to stop British soldiers from falling victim to abuse and legal system by lawyers representing Iraqis who allege they were victims of war crimes during the occupation of their country.

An account in the British Guardian newspaper explained that it comes amid mounting criticism of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat), which was set up to investigate allegations of murder, abuse and torture by British forces. Former soldiers have claimed they have been hounded through courts on unfounded claims and there are growing calls for the Ihat to be shut down..A Downing Street statement said The Prime Minister spoke of her pride in the UK armed forces, and praised the work they do to keep our nation safe. She said that every effort must be made to prevent any abuse of the legal system, and restated her determination to protect the armed forces against any instances of vexatious complaints.

Sirisena drew a parallel from the developments in Britain. He declared that the United Nations should adopt a single standard and not apply different ones for different countries. If there was an insistence on probes into alleged war crimes, he pointed out, he would write to all world leaders expressing the need for a unified approach and adopt the same principle. He suggested he would also follow Premier Mays example. A source at the meeting said Sirisena then turned to Foreign Minister Samaraweera and asked him to take cognisance of what he was saying. He said that the victory of the security forces, police and the resultant peace in Sri Lanka cannot be disturbed. The remarks are another strong indication that Sirisena is distancing himself further away from moves to initiate a UN backed war crimes inquiry in Sri Lanka no matter whether they are with local or foreign judges.

Then Sirisena touched on the issue of ongoing investigations into bribery, corruption and other misdeeds during the previous regime. Referring to the CIABOCs charges against Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the three former Commanders of the Navy, he opined that it was a weak case and might not succeed. He noted that criminal charges should have been preferred instead. He said the manner in which the former Defence Secretary and the three former Commanders of the Navy were hauled to courts was deplorable. Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, one-time legal adviser to Avant Garde, the company responsible for the floating armoury, for which the former Defence Secretary and the retired service chiefs were charged, was to intervene at this stage to say the Navy chiefs should not be produced in courts. He claimed that they were merely employees  meaning those who served the state. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said some Opposition members were boasting that the photographs of the suspects inside the cell were worth more than Rs. 500 million for them but had been delivered free.

Most of Sirisenas criticism was centred on the CIABOC. He said former SLFP Minister A.H.M. Fowzie was facing charges of misusing or abusing state vehicles. However, an official circular, in this instance, had allowed the use of such vehicles by ministers, he argued. Former SLFP Civil Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne, Sirisena said, was being charged with providing a job to his daughter. Who would not find employment for ones own daughter, he asked. Sirisena lamented that neither the CIABOC nor the CID or the FCID kept him informed when arrests were made  a charge which sources in the two agencies insist is not a requirement and point out that it would have only invited pressure on them not to proceed with some cases. As for the CIABOC, it is an autonomous body and is not legally bound to keep any political leader informed.

Having spoken in anger at the special meeting of selected ministers on Tuesday, Sirisena went public with his remarks the next day. The relevant parts of his speech in Sinhala. Here is an English translation:

Last year we had summoned the service commanders for an investigation. I cannot recall the particular incident. At that time I expressed my displeasure over their being summoned. They were responsible for ending the war. Two weeks back the former Defence Secretary and three former Commanders of the Navy were brought to courts. I wish to express my total displeasure and disgust over the incident.

There were objectives in setting up independent commissions in this country. There was a policy in setting up of the Commissions. Those in the Independent Commissions should be aware of the scope of their subject. Those who do not have an idea about national security, military administration, military management or those who do not have the capability of thinking about them, come out from some corner and act in a wrong manner. As the President of the country and the Minister of Defence I wish to express my displeasure and disgust over hauling the former Commanders of the Navy to courts.

If there is an investigation regarding an issue between the Defence Ministry and the Avant Garde there is a procedure to be followed. There are steps to be taken. Under the Constitution, as the Executive of the country, it is the duty of the heads of the Commissions to inform the President who is the Defence Minister. Somebody can argue that the Independent Commissions are not required to do so. But each of the Commissions has members appointed by the Constitutional Council. Under the Constitution there is a Secretary and a Director General of the Commission. The Secretary is appointed by the President. Like the appointment of the Commission members are done by the Constitutional Council appointed by Parliament, under the Constitution, the President has the powers to appoint the Secretary and the Director General as special consideration needs to be given in the management of the state taking into consideration special situations.

There are persons trying to gain political advantage from the incident of the Bribery Commission taking the former Commanders of the Navy to courts. The former President too has spoken.

I wish to openly state I did not become the President of the country to give telephone calls to courts. I will not do anything to weaken the military. I will not allow the military to be weakened.

There are certain cases pending in courts where military persons have been arrested. There is one case where some military intelligence persons have been custody for the past ten months. I have advised the persons in charge of these. They initially told me it will be one week, then one month, thereafter three months, now it has been 16 months. Therefore if there is some fault, file action. If they cannot be charged, they should be released. If not continue the case, after granting bail. Releasing persons, filing cases, granting bail are civilized actions. Those are basic fundamental rights, they are human rights. Those are qualities of freedom.

In the past I have not spoken in public regarding actions taken from various corners. But I have been forced to talk regarding them in public. I will have to initiate action as well openly. I had a special discussion with the Prime Minister and the government members. I made it very clear. I will have to take action if the CID, FCID or the Bribery Commission is working according to a political agenda. I made it very clear. Therefore these institutions cannot work according to a political agenda. Justice should be equal to all. Fundamental rights and human rights should be equal to all. If a person is held in remand custody he should have the fundamental and human rights.

Sirisenas public remarks on Wednesday not only took the country by surprise, but reverberated in all corners of the world. Most Colombo-based diplomats reported Sirisenas remarks to their home governments. Some were then talking of their perception that his assertions may be a marked shift in his policies. This was based on the premise that, after prolonged political isolation, he was making amends and embarking on efforts to re-unite the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Some bounced off their thoughts with the media. This was the talking point in Colombos social clubs where imagination had no bounds. The most adventurous among them spoke of a split in the Government and its imminent fall and the chances of a Mahinda Rajapaksa comeback.

Social networks representing Tamil interests branded Sirisena as an extremist. Websites that were staunch supporters of Sirisena turned against him. One such website ran a vulgar headline to declare that those responsible for the January 8, 2015 victory for Yahapalanaya (good governance) have been betrayed. National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa declared that what the Opposition has been saying all this while  that the so called investigations into bribery and corruption were on a political agenda  has now been confirmed by Sirisenas statement. Weerawansa said it was now up to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to respond. There were also local media editorials that welcomed Sirisenas statement in the countrys interest and heaped praise on him for speaking on behalf of former service commanders.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which has supported the Governments anti-corruption drive, said it condemned Sirisenas statement. Its position was spelt out in a statement which said the remarks could discourage officers involved in probes. The JVP charged that it also challenges the mandate Sirisena received from voters in January 2015. The investigators themselves said that it was up to the Government to decide for itself what it wants to do with the anti-corruption drive.

A distraction to the drama came from Nimal Bopage, Attorney at Law who is Secretary to the Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media. He sent out a two-page directive to all media saying that reporting on the commotion would have far reaching implications even relating to the future of the country. Therefore, he said, I would like to bring to your attention some factors so that you can display your maturity and discipline to the maximum level in dealing with the media. Highlights of his unprecedented and unsolicited advice to the media, appear in a box story on this page for the amusement of our readers.

On Thursday afternoon, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake met Police top brass for their weekly conference. He urged senior DIGs Ravi Samaraweera (CID) and Ravi Waidyalankara (FCID) not to be deterred and to continue their investigations. The issues arising from recent political developments, he assured, would be resolved.

Even as Ratnayake was assuring the Police, arrangements were under way for a meeting between President Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe. When they met on Thursday night at the Walukaramaya temple, where the annual perehera was held along the Galle Road  the temple was close to the Wickremesinghe residence  it was Wickremesinghe who broke the silence and raised the issue by referring to Sirisenas speech. Probably anticipating the question, the President said he had been misquoted by the media.

Thereafter, the President and the PM adjourned to Sirisenas official residence. Joining Wickremesinghe were ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Malik Samarawickrema, Kabir Hashim, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Sagala Ratnayake. Also present was Ravi Samaraweera, State Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations.

At this meeting, Sirisena struck to his original position he spoke of on Tuesday, reiterating that an injustice has been done to former ministers Fowzie and Jayaratne. He was even more critical of the CIABOC that night. He said many had not read his speech in the proper context. It had in fact been reported by sections of the media out of context. He asked a Minister present whether he had read his entire speech. When he replied he had not, Sirisena said he had in fact ended it with the remarks that he would not allow anyone to topple this Government. Why isnt anyone reporting about this, he asked. He insisted that the comments he made were no reflection on the Prime Minister. He said he was very careful.

Two UNP Ministers were outspoken and raised a string of questions. Yet, Sirisena was emphatic about the remarks he had made on the CIABOC. Though its Director General Dilrukshi Wickremesinghe was tipped to send in her resignation, a UNP source said it would not materialise. Moves are afoot to persuade her not to quit and thus embarrass Sirisena, particularly when the issues involved have been resolved. Sources close to Sirisena, however, said he had not changed his stance vis-a-vis CIABOC. The Commissions Chairman Justice T.B. Weerasuriya is also expected to step down.

Sirisena told Wickremesinghe and his UNP group that he would ensure the ongoing inquiries were expedited and those responsible brought to book. The same sources said there were, however, still more issues to be resolved. That had included matters related to the Police. At midnight on Thursday, as talks at Paget Road continued, Police in the Western Province were on full alert. Leave of all Police officers had been cancelled ostensibly in an exercise to combat drugs. The matter figured at Thursdays four-hour discussion.

Other than political parties, the civil society groups who were at the forefront in their campaign to bring Sirisena to power were perturbed. They held a news conference but turned down a request by Sirisena to meet him on Friday. They said they would meet him on another date in view of the news conference. Here are comments made by the key members of these groups:

Gamini Viyangoda, Convenor Puravesi Balaya: We are being questioned about what the President said. Even Wimal Weerawansa has questioned us about our position. The people who listened or read the speech are of the opinion that the President has taken the same line of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Some of those remarks should have not been made as the President of the country. He said he condemns with disgust the hauling up of three former Commanders of the Navy before court. How can the President be unhappy about the former Defence Secretary and the three commanders being hauled up before court for action taken? The former Commanders were serving in a private company. This too for a salary after their retirement. Does the President mean the four should not be taken before court if there was wrong doing?

We have spoken of the Independent Commissions with enthusiasm. But the President in his speech complained that he was not informed. If the President expects that he should be informed in advance, that is contrary to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. As civil society we will continue our efforts to keep the Government on track to ensure it sticks to the mandate it received from the people at the last elections.

Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya, Convenor National Movement for Social Justice: One of the pledges made during elections was to deal with those involved in corruption. In a book published it has been mentioned that a Minister soon after the Presidential election met the President and sought an assurance that the Rajapaksa family should be protected. Some of the events taking place show that this is taking place now. Another Minister has pledged that the Rajapaksa family would be protected until he was there. There were certain incidents including the murder of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen, the disappearance of journalist Pradeep Ekneligoda, murder of parliamentarian Raviraj and incidents mentioned on public stages during the election campaign. The investigations carried out by the officers were extraordinary. In some of these cases, the files were buried, but have been unearthed. Some 95 per cent of the investigations have been completed now. A particular intelligence officer is not allowing the conclusion of the investigations.

The President speaks in pain that some of the officers are in remand with investigations pending. But the President can expedite the investigations. However, this officer is blocking the way. The President also has been pained by an investigation about the misuse of a vehicle by former Minister A.H.M Fowzie. This is an investigation about a vehicle donated by Denmark with special equipment with a tsunami warning system. What is wrong in carrying out such investigation? We also wish to tell the Prime Minister not to protect persons who have been responsible for corruption. We wish to tell the President and the Prime Minister to work together.

The dust has not quite settled over the remarks made by President Sirisena this week. At least for the moment though, both the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP) have decided to continue their alliance. As a senior UNPer said at no stage was the alliance in any danger.

Yet, there is no gainsaying that Sirisenas public assertions have had a chilling effect on the judiciary, the Police investigation arms, the public and even the international community. The best way to have handled the issue was to have a closed door meeting of those concerned in his Government  as he did on the Tuesday. How he corrects the major dent to his own credibility, with little or nothing being said on his behalf except the remarks from an official from a ministry that overlooks the media.

Today, neither the President nor the Prime Minister is in the country as the country reflects on what happened to the Government of National Unity this week.

Advice to the mediaOn Friday, Nimal Bopage, Secretary to the Ministry of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media, issued some unsolicited advice to the media stressing the importance for all media institutions to show their maturity. He notes in his statement that; if there is some agreement within two parties and one side fails to fulfil obligation by avoiding doing things in terms of the agreement, in such situation there can be various actions and reactions and the media should go and look at the hidden truth in such situation and ensure there is a just and fair use of the media. However, he does not say what the agreement is and which party had failed to fulfil its obligation.

Here are highlights of his unprecedented and clearly unprofessional directive; Any issue is placed before the public through the media. A journalist will grasp its implications, positive or negative on the country and the people and will decide his or her stance on the issue. In the absence of such a weighing of news, even if there is no fire, a whole country can be set ablaze. As at present as there is such a foreboding, as the Secretary to the Ministry of Media I would like to bring certain factors to your attention, so that all of in the media sector would not be party to any future sinful happenings. There has been some commotion created after the media reported the observations made by the President at an internal meeting in relation to some matter that comes under his purview as Defence Minister. Notice has been given that there are several press conferences to be conducted First I would like to draw your attention to the need to report on this matter in a way that no harm is done to the image of either the President or the Prime Minister. As such matter can have far reaching implications even relating to the future of the country, I would like to bring to your attention some factors so that you can display your maturity and discipline to the maximum level in dealing with the media. I hope you will take into consideration following matters. I wish to quote the scientific theory that every action has a reaction. Hence in order not to have a reaction, one can avoid certain actions while what is seen from the outside is always not the reality. The recent media reports that have centered around the Presidents observation are a reaction to his action, What must be done is not to jump to conclusions but to carefully examine what preceded the action and its aftermath and have a meaningful discussions on it. Otherwise the end result could be a dangerous situation. In the second instance if there is some agreement within two parties and one side fails to fulfil its obligation by advoiding doing things in terms of the agreement, in such situation there can be various actions and reactions and the media should go and look for the hidden truth in such situation and ensure there is a just and fair use of the media. Thirdly it is important to avoid situations that can arise due to narrow interpretations. By using the few words used by the President out of context, it is indeed unfortunate that much is being read into his words. In the past one and half years, both in the country as well as internationally, the Presidents vision has consolidated but by indulging in narrow interpretations by the media, there can be a serious danger to the countrys future.,,,,
The rebranding of Mahinda as the born again ultimate liberal View(s):

The painful atonement begins, the political cleansing starts as the man for all reasons and for all seasons promises the sun, moon and stars to all

MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA: Theres a kind of hush all over Lanka as remolding the Rajapaksa image begins in earnest

(File photo courtesy AP.)

The scarlet satakaya is still there but gone is the strident oratory, the purpled emotive prose that made 5 million people worship at his altar last year, as the liberator of the nation, Dutugamunu style.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has at long last come to realise that beating the hackneyed drum of Sinhala chauvinism will no longer suffice to ensure a return to power without the support and vote of all sections of the Great Lankan public. No doubt he has come a long way to arrive at this milepost. But he still has a long way to go. But for starters, it will do.

Even as Oscar Wilde discovered in his prison cell at Reading Gaol while staring at his little tent of blue prisoners call the sky, how he had been the spendthrift of his genius, and how its squander had brought him to that horrible pass; so it seems has Mahinda Rajapaksa learnt, from his internment in the political wilderness, how he had been driven by fates and by his acolytes to become the spendthrift of the goodwill a grateful nation bestowed on him on 19th May 2009; and how its reckless squander had landed him beyond the peoples pale.

Surveying the Lankan landscape he once held as his fiefdom, and finding on it the patch of blue Wilde found in the sky, Rajapaksa has voyaged purgatory to soul search his sins and hit upon de Profoundis and realised, if there ever were to be a reincarnation for him, a place of heaven at the helm of Lankas tower of power, first he must wear the coarse sack cloth of the penitent, and perform penance on crawling knees and beg forgiveness before those whom he had scalded at the heights of his presidency.

First it was to the Tamils, he said Vannakkam.

When his governments policy towards this minority race of Lankan citizens had been to wave the Lion Flag in the face of their just demands; when his governments defence stance, answering claims that innocent Tamil civilians were killed in the last stages of the Eelam war, had been to say, there were zero civilian casualties; to reach out now to the Tamils at this late hour of reckoning and seek their hand in mutual friendship when they had suffered so much at his; would seem to be the actions of a desperate man possessed with a blind faith in hope against all hope.

Holding a special press conference exclusively to Tamil journalists last Monday, an audience he has still not granted to Sinhala journalists for the last few years, Rajapaksa signaled, by that patronising gesture alone, that he intended to shop at the Tamil mall, earn their goodwill and trust on credit first and, thereafter, sell his reconditioned and customised second hand wares at discounted rates to Tamil shoppers.

No doubt it must have been sheer penance for him to first begin his soapy sermon. But once he had got into his stride, the born politician in him took overall command and didnt seem unduly lathered over the atonement process. Well, not half as much as the Weerawansas, the Gammanpilas and the whole battalion of southern die-hards who took their chauvinist cues from him, would certainly have been, had they been but flies on the wall at the Battaramulla office; and heard the unfamiliar, strange sounds resounding in the citadel of Lankas self proclaimed King of the Sinhalese.

But this time it was not to the Sinhala gallery he was playing his racist song and thumping his communalistic rabana which won cries of encore down South whenever he struck a beat. This time he was the balladeer, serenading the minority Tamil audience, those who had given him unsympathetic ear at the 2010 presidential election and the thumbs down ever since.

Now, having realised the folly of ignoring the lot and casting them to the northern bin of history, he had been reduced by his pitiful circumstances, to finally recognise them as being citizens of this country, too, who also held in their hands not the gun which could be disarmed but the sovereign ballot which could not be disenfranchised. Hence last Mondays baptism before the exclusive Tamil band of journalists was to whitewash himself in a tub of liberalism and emerge as the new enlightened Rajapaksa, the Avatar of Humanity.

While the southern front was all afire, and justifiably at that, over Northern Chief Minister Wigneswarans Eluha call last month (as contained in his letter to the Tamil speaking people which, stated as it was in black and white, did not leave any room for misinterpretation, as claimed by him after the storm broke) to merge the north and east under a federal setup, to stop Sinhalese from colonising the areas demarcated for a future Tamil Eelam and to ban the erection of a single Buddha statue in those areas, Rajapaksa surprised all by elevating Wigneswaran to his own new found non communalist pedestal and, sharing with the errant northern chief minister not only the space at the top of his plinth but also the self made halo atop his head, sainted him as not being a racist at all but only a politician, albeit a failed one.

I dont believe the Chief Minister is a racist. He is a politician, the former president said. He cannot show results. He has no answers. So to make people forget their problems, he is trumping up nationalism.

Perhaps it was Mahindas anointment of Wigneswaran as a non racist, even after the former supreme court justice turned rabid maverick had used the word Sinhala Buddhisisation of the north and east to describe the Sinhala people erecting a Buddha statue to pay homage to the founder of one of the worlds major religions with a following of over 500 million adherents, including Tamils; perhaps it was Mahindas insistence that it was politically correct of Wigneswaran to have denounced the erection of Buddha statues and his issuance of a non racist good conduct certificate to the rabble rousing chief minister of the north, that made Bodu Bala chief, Gnanasara Thera call his Sinhala troops to sheath their swords which he said should be raised over Wigneswarans communal message. It would also have made the other ultra racists to surprisingly change their tune as well and soft pedal the issue though the majority of moderates resented Wigneswarans hate speech and held it had racial overtones.

Many things also appeared to the wooing Rajapaksa to be different to what he had seen as the authoritative president. For instance, referring to the Tamils who had been rounded up and held in the aftermath of the war, he said his intention was to send them to rehab camps but lawyers in the Attorney Generals Department  the same department he had brought under his own direct purview through the now repealed infamous 18th Amendment in 2010  had objected. The request had come from the lawyers, he said. It was they who wanted them to be produced in court and so they were produced in court. Else they would have been sent to the rehab camps and possibly they may have been freed at that time itself.

They were facing criminal charges, he told the Tamil journalists, and the government could not interfere with the due process. It is wrong to do that. But if the Attorney Generals Department wishes to withdraw the charges or expedite the cases they can do so. The fault we made then was that we did not have a dialogue with those people and our political leaders should have gone there and interacted with them.

Looking through his coloured glass, the Eluha Thamil, or Rise Tamils, march held last month was not communal in character at all. The Tamil youth who participated was not raising any communal issues but their own personal ones. The farmer came out because he cannot sell his rice. The fisherman came because he is not allowed to fish, the youth came because they have no jobs, government servants came out because they have no means to live. Apparently, none came to raise communalism.

And perhaps, the chief minister who is not a racist by Mahindas new word book came out to join the march because he, as their leader, had to follow the crowd; and end up, even as he had done before the march had begun, by demanding not a single Buddha statue to be built not only in the north where there are 30,000 Buddhist but also in the east where 354,000 Buddhist live together with 539,000 Hindus and 575,000 Muslims live according to the last count in 2012.

But then moments later Rajapaksa told the journalists that had he been the president he would not have banned the march since he would not have permitted anyone to hold marches and raise racial sentiments anywhere in the country.There must be one law for all, he added.

Then on Wednesday, the 5th of October, it was the turn of the Muslims to be greeted by him at this same Battaramulla office with an As-salamu alaikum. This time it was not a Tamil only press conference but a heart to heart chat with representatives of the Muslim community. Borrowing a leaf from Weerawansa script and a page from World War Two history, Rajapaksa took on the role of old King Lear in Shakespeares tragedies and presented himself as a man more sinned against than sinning.

The trust the Muslims had placed on him had been shattered and it was all due to a sinister foreign conspiracy waged against him during the last presidential election. Even World War Two Hitlers propaganda minister was brought into the picture to illustrate the Goebbels styled propaganda campaign that had been conducted to drive a wedge between him and the Muslims. How could he, he asked the Muslim representatives gathered at his office, be called a communalist when he had never been one in the past and will never be one in the future. And, for good measure to consolidate his claim, he said his father and even his forefathers had greatly helped the Muslims to settle down in Hambantota and provided them with all facilities. The Muslims, he declared, can be assured they will be protected and given all their rights, just as much as the Tamils and the Sinhalese. And even as a woman knows that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, he said Hunger is common to all people of all communities, though he forgot to add the corollary, that blood, too, is common to all and sinha le is no different to the blood of all other races.

And what did he promise the Sinhalese? Last Saturday, on the day the launch of his new party was to be declared but which did not materialise since, as he said, the people must decide when the time is opportune, Rajapaksa addressed the Joint Opposition rally at Ratnapura.

Here he was on home ground, preaching to the converted. Here, as the canned music played greeted him with our appachchi has come, there was no need to make amends, to mend fences, not even the need to assure the largely Sinhala crowd that he will give them the protection they need and will safeguard the rights they already have. A simple ayubowan was all that was necessary to whip the crowds to a frenzy of adulation.

There was only the same rhetoric, the same tirades against the government, the usual boast that getting a few MPs to cross over was a trifle and that the joint opposition of today will not have to wait three or four years but will be the government sooner than thought but not a hum on the Tamil issue or how he saved the country from Tamil terrorism. And through the cheers of the Rajapaksa congregation, he asked the faithful flock, What are you asking for? What do you want? I will give it to you. But, after promising to give the sun, moon and stars, in the din of applause that greeted his invitation, All you have to do is ask, he was quick to add a hardly audible qualifier, provided I think you need it, probably aware of the problems Mrs. Bandaranaike faced in the 70s when she promised free rice even from the moon and came a cropper when ration books and long queues became a way of life to the common man.

Thus in that week that was, in his whirlwind shuttle diplomacy to restore lost credibility amongst the minority races and to reaffirm his pledges to the majority, he had reached out to the Tamils and, instead of castigating Wigneswaran for the racism expressed, he had condoned his bigotry; he had embraced the Muslims and absolved himself of any responsibility for racist attacks carried out under his regime when he was president but blamed it all on western conspiracies and a Goebbels propaganda machine; and finally at Ratnapura he had returned to the Sinhala heart and sought to make it beat faster for his return to power. It was a suave performance to rebrand himself as the ultimate liberal in Tamil and Muslim eyes; and, once again, as the kapruk tree where the Sinhalese could lay their wishes for all their wants at the root and have them all granted, provided they needed them in his paternalistic eyes . If they didnt, tough luck.

All very well and all very welcome to see that Mahinda Rajapaksa, from the nadir of his present plight, had found in himself the humbleness to admit the folly of his ways and seek a new beginning by rebuilding the bridges of trust between all communities and accepting all as citizens of one Lanka.

No doubt it will be hard and painful to swallow the arrogance of power and, like a toothless lion shorn of mane and deprived of pride, to kiss the hand he sought to spurn, the hand he once brushed aside in his triumphant hour of the Tiger kill. But expressions of regret and remorse are the first steps toward atonement and now, with this done, it bodes well for Lanka, whether the minority races take the bait or no, that the racist drums that sounded for so long and helped to collectively brand the Sinhalese as racist will hopefully start to fade and fall.

The rebranding of Mahinda Rajapaksa, as a better man for having learnt from his mistakes, is a positive step towards making racism and religious bigotry dirty words both in the Sinhala and Tamil vocabularies; and hopefully, one that will make political pariahs of those, be they in the south or north of Lanka, who espouse racial hatred as their gospel of faith to gain power.

Wimals rule of anarchy

When Wimal Weerawansa was asked by a daily English newspaper on Wednesday, whether it had slipped his memory that no action had been taken by the then President Rajapaksa when maverick Mervyn of the last regime committed various acts of intimidation and terror, including the storming of Rupavahini and Sirasa TV stations, his answer gave an insight to his own concept of the rule of law and how best law and order could be maintained and justice meted to the deserving, measure for measure. He said that there had been no need for President Rajapaksa to have taken any action against Mervyn Silva for Mervyn got his just deserts at the hands of the Rupavahini employees who had assaulted him on the premises itself. In other words, if people take the law into their own hands and thrash an assailant or kill a murderer they would have executed summary justice; and resort by the law enforcing authorities to the expensive and time consuming due process to bring the guilty to justice would be redundant. The rule of law may have been replaced by the law of anarchy but justice would still have been done; and in the case of Mervyn Silva, from the raw TV footage aired showing his blood soaked shirt and bleeding face as he was bundled out of the Rupavahini Corporation premises on 18 February 2014, justice was not only done but had been manifestly and undoubtedly seen as having been done. And for Wimal Weerawansa, the legal dictum of Lord Chief Justice Hewart of England had been amply satisfied. Case closed.
Quo vadis the fight against corruption View(s):

President Maithripala Sirisena wanted something off his chest. Speaking at a military event, the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence made it publicly known that he had nothing to do with the recent dragging of former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and one-time Service Commanders to court on bribery charges where they faced the indignity of languishing in a cell while their bail was furnished as the law demands.

For those already howling about these former war heroes having to face a possible War Crimes Tribunal at the behest of the UN Human Rights Council, here was the preview; coming events casting their shadows as it were.

The Presidents outburst provoked a negative reaction from those running the day-to-day affairs of the Government as our Political Editor describes on this page. Was he right in saying what he said in public; independent institutions like the Bribery and Corruption Commission are appointed by him and therefore must keep him briefed before taking action? For someone who is fond of saying that he does not interfere in the law enforcement process, it is a contradiction that does not sit well.

His coalition partner, the United National Party leadership quickly sought clarification. Many felt that the President was reacting to three factors; popular sympathy for the war heroes, divisions within his Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and the possibility of resentment within sections of the Armed Forces.

The allegations surrounded the controversial Avant Garde floating armoury. Government members made a hue and cry about it in the run-up to the 2015 Presidential election and thereafter. For the President to raise objections to what the Bribery Commission chose to do has also come in for criticism from those who campaigned against corruption in the previous administration. In the proper scheme of things, it will be the duty of the courts to be the final arbiter of the rights and wrongs of that multimillion dollar exercise.

The entire question of bribery and corruption has raised its ugly head once again in this country  and this time, it is not just for the alleged misdeeds of the past administration, but also, for what is happening right now. Just last week, we begged the question why the national carriers chairman so casually dismissed a loss of as much as Rs. 25 billion the people of this country have to ultimately pocket out for the acts of a few influential people in the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government. Today, our Business section says the Government itself is dismissing the airline chairmans flippant remarks and will probe the matter.

We said that those who bungled mega-contracts of yesteryear from the redesign of the Colombo Fort project during the Chandrika Kumaratunga administration, to the oil hedging debacle and the Greek bonds losses during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration  and, the Airbus lease loss  have all been swept under the carpet over the years. The insider dealings of the Colombo Stock Exchange are all but forgotten. The long arm of the law seems not long enough to bring them to book, while those who seem to have indulged in petty thefts are marched to court.

From the beginning, this Government that rode to office on the theme of the Rajapaksa eras financial crimes, bungled its offensive in tackling this issue. It got off to the worst possible start when the Central Bank bond issue broke out  it is still dragging on  making a public mockery of the Governments drive against corruption in high places. The Presidents invitation to well-known ministerial rascals of yesteryear to join his Cabinet after last years parliamentary elections seemed a race to the bottom. Political agendas were prioritised over the battle against corruption.

Last year, on October 4, we wrote under the heading Battle against Corruption is itself Corrupt. We pointed out how the newly established Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) and the Attorney Generals Department were merely trading insults over the lackadaisical speed at roping in the crooks of the Rajapaksa regime. Self-righteous politicians were trooping in and out of the FCID and Bribery Commission carrying files, smiling to the press cameras. Over-enthusiastic Ministers and Deputies were saying how the World Banks Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative and US Federal investigators were identifying the Rajapaksa rogues. Even US Secretary of State John Kerry raised expectations promising to help in the search for illegal deposits abroad.

PRECIFAC, yet another Commission of Inquiry this time under the President, started its own investigations. One such investigation is following the paper trail on the monies siphoned through the then Central Bank to so-called US lobby firms without the knowledge of the then Cabinet or Parliament. We referred to the nexus between the Governors of the Central Bank under the Rajapaksa Government and the Sirisena Government at the time and how corruption is entrenched in the political system in Sri Lanka.

The Bribery Commission really should shut down. For more than a year and a half it has complained that it has no teeth and that it must await a complaint to start an inquiry; but what of the hundreds of complaints already made. It has neither fast-forwarded the amendments to get itself the teeth it wants, nor processed the files before it. Going about the country pasting stickers on three-wheelers warning people against corruption, the commission stands accused of being selective in its investigations. The initial hype has all but evaporated. When some Customs men were nabbed, there were media conferences even before the accused were tried, but when questions are asked about the inquiry that began a year ago into the Central Bank bond scam, there are no media conferences while secrecy clauses in the law are quoted.

On November 8, 2015 when we wrote under the heading; Corruption; the same difference, we pointed out to a Deputy Minister making a speech overseas to a UN conference of zero tolerance for corruption by the new Government and then how ruling coalition politicians have got sucked into the fray by the big bucks of big business.

It is time to take a leaf out of Indias book and permit citizens to go direct to Court through FIRs (First Information Reports) and for judges to conduct suo moto inquiries on their own initiative. This, of course, is apart from the Right to Information Law that is in motion in India.

The monopoly of the FCID and the Bribery Commission in tackling bribery and corruption must cease because they cannot do their job partly due to competence factors and the lack of forensic skills, partly due to bribery and corruption itself, partly the lack of will, and partly due to political interference.

The Presidents public comments have sent mixed signals. Quo Vadis the fight against corruption.
40% off on two night stay at Laya Waves Passikudah View(s):

Make the holiday makers last chance for an off-peak 2016 getaway by visiting a virtually untouched corner of the East Coast. Experience the cozy haven that is Laya Waves, Kalkudah. Make the holiday makers last chance for an off-peak 2016 getaway by visiting a virtually untouched corner of the East Coast. Experience the cozy haven that is Laya Waves, Kalkudah.

Only five hours away from Colombo, and a stones throw from the Kalkudah Railway Station, Laya Waves is the ultimate beach resort with clear blue waves lapping a pristine and sultry golden beach, framed by an exquisite bay that screens it away from the bustle of Passikudah.

A hotspot for sightseeing, Laya Waves is only 20 km from the beaches of Vakarai and Kayankarni and 30 km from Kalladi Bridge. It is also only 30km from the historic Batticaloa Fort and the rich-in-culture Toppigala Heritage Centre, and a couple of hours drive from the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. The iconic Arugam Bay and vibrant sights of Trincomalee are also just a few hours away.

Take advantage of this getaway before peak tourist season rolls in. Book Laya Waves in Kalkudah for two or more nights during October and November 2016, and save up to 40% on the cost of total stay.

Sitting serenely on an enchanting beach property, Laya Waves offers four chalets with eight dwelling spaces, as well as four suites, two deluxe rooms and two standard rooms, each with balconies and terraces commanding stunning views of Kalkudahs azure sea. All dwellings are well equipped with a full range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, IDD, Cable TV, etc., that will undoubtedly please even the most discerning of guests.

Adding another dimension to your experience, the dining and bar facilities at Laya Waves also overlooks an unyielding ocean expanse, while at the same time catering to a host of unique tastes, offering a wide range international and local cuisine and seafood in particular, which is a specialty of the house. A swimming pool reflecting a resplendent blue vista is the backdrop to a variety of water sports, while the pool bar plays host to a quick stop for refreshments or a leisurely indulgent repast under a glowing sun.

Founded by the Sri Lanka Army to initially cater to the welfare of its war heroes, with the introduction of the LAYA concept, its Welfare Directorate thought it fit and proper to throw open its doors to local and international visitors at large. The LAYA group comprises LAYA Safari in Yala, LAYA Beach in Wadduwa, LAYA Leisure in Kukuleganga, and LAYA Waves in Kalkudah  all oasis of absolute serenity. For a view of our properties, visit www.layahotels.lk.
A fresh wind for cinema By Susitha R. Fernando View(s): View(s):

Sulanga Apa Regena Yawi (The Wind Beneath Us), the debut direction of young filmmaker Nuwan Jayatilleke will have a special autumn screening with director Q&A session on October 16 at Munich in Germany. The film has already won rave reviews and travelled around the world.

In April it won prestigious Remi Award from the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival 2016. More than 4,500 entries had received from 37 countries for this years festival which is one of the oldest and largest film competitions in the world.

Sulanga Apa ragenayavi has also selected to 18th London Asian Film Festival 2016 and competitive section of the Cinekid screening club in Netherlands. It was screened at Cinema Di Ringhiera in Italy, Cinema De Mando in Rome, and Indian Film Festival in Melbourne, Australia. Interestingly in a rare feat the film has been selected to be sold in the European film market conducted annually by the European Childrens Film Association.

It will also be screened at the Toronto World International Film Festival, and hold special shows in Munich in Germany, Verona, Brescia and Milano Italy, Sidney, Perth and Melbourne in Australia.

The film is a maiden production of Maya Navagattegamam the daughter of versatile writer and playwright Siman Nawagattegama. The screen play of the film is by Nuwan himself. The executive producer of the film is Vimukthi Jayasundara. This is also an independent film done on a tight budget was shot in around 15 days.

The film features child actors and actresses Sudam Katukitula, Praveen Katukitula, and Semini Hennayaka,and popular actors and actresses including Irangaani Serasinghe, Priyankara Ratnayaka, Suranga Ranawaka, Sampath Jayweera, Anjana Premaratne, Sujeewa Priyalal.

The film begins with the images of a travelling caravan, set against the dawn of a new day, where goods are trans-ported from a rural village to the nearest city. Vihanga and Kasun, latter being the youngest of two brothers, live in this rural backdrop, among the rivers, forests, and misty mountains. Their familys economy is entirely relied upon a white bull named Sudda which is used to transport goods.

However two strangers from the city arrive in a truck to this isolated village, and steal Sudda in order to take him to a slaughterhouse in Colombo.
A new look Tommiya returns By Kaveesha Fernando Indu Dharmasena promises an evening of fun and laughter as he stages a play first performed in 2000 View(s): View(s):

As a child, Indu Dharmasena was the oldest cousin in the family. Therefore, at every family gathering the task of keeping the younger cousins quiet fell to him. If they shouted, I would get in trouble. So I started acting like a small child and talking in funny voices, which kept them quiet. When I later developed the character of Tommy, I based him on that, Indu recalls.

Tommy has had many successful outings over the years, and is now ready to take the stage yet again in Madai Tommiya Shooting Giya next weekend. Originally staged in 2000, the play will be slightly revised to keep up with the times.

We meet Tommy as assistant to his mentor Andana Silva when Andana is asked to do the hair and make-up for a film, directed by Zara Chan, which is being shot out of Colombo at the Sehenaya guest house, owned by Kapila Kotagaha. The guest house is close to shutting down and the arrival of the film crew seems a lifeline. All Zara and Kapila want is for the film to go smoothly. However, a flirtatious film star, her overprotective fiance, a celebrity and an infuriated neighbour make life very difficult for Zara and Kapila. To make matters worse, Tommy is expected to take part in the film when it is learnt that a cast member is unable to play his role. This sets the scene for a story full of misunderstandings, mistaken identities and unexpected plot twists.

Tommy, played by Indu, is a country bumpkin being trained to act as a gentleman. A straightforward, honest character who misunderstands everything he is told, Indu feels that Tommy gives him an opportunity to express himself. I say things through the character which I cant say in real life, quips Indu. Training him in the ways of a gentleman is Andana Silva. Hes a genuine character who helps people for the sake of helping, says Anushan Selvarajah, who plays Andana.

Sashini Wakwella, who plays Zara Shan, feels that her character is not as important as she thinks she is. She thinks shes a high end director creating revolutionary films but shes not, says Sashini. Sharini Mendiss character of Melody helps Zara. She is Zaras confidante  the one who handles every crisis on set and tries to ensure that everything goes well, says Sharini.

Suranee, played by Sanwada Dharmasena, is the flirtatious actress who makes a fuss at everything says Sanwada. Her fiance, Mohan is suspicious of Suranee and his presence complicates matters further. When he comes on the set of the film, other characters must hide certain things from him, says Jaliya Wijewardene, who plays Mohan.

In stark contrast to Suranee is Manushika. Shes an actress who hasnt let her fame get to her, says Ruwendi Wakwella describing her character. Kishan, played by George Cooke is an entirely different story altogether. Hes a famous actor who thinks highly of himself and always focuses on maintaining his image, says George.

Yasal Ruhunage says that his character of Kapila Kotagaha is faced with many issues. He has turned his ancestral home into a guest house and needs to quash rumours of his guest house being of ill-repute while managing the demands of having the cast of as his guests, says Yasal. Constantly getting in his way is Nimalka, his angry neighbour. Shes a snobbish character who finds the fact that Kapila has turned his ancestral home into a guest house almost offensive and aims to shut it down, says Sulo Perera.

The many twists in the story do not detract from the main issue, Indu is confident. The main question in the play is whether Tommy is able to play a part in the film or not. This show will be as funny as every other play in the Tommy series, Indu assures.

Indu Dharmasenas Madai Tommiya Shooting Giya is on October 21, 22 and 23 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs.1500, Rs. 1200, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 (balcony  unreserved) are available at the venue. The show on October 21 is presented by the Bamunuarachchi Foundation. All proceeds from this show will go towards constructing the Operating Theatre Complex at the Homagama Base Hospital.
Weaving rhymes with fluid narratives Text and pictures by Dilantha Dissanayake View(s): View(s):

OJ Da Tamil Rapper began his schooling life as Anoj, playing beats on his classroom desk at the tender age of 11, later he formed a crew and dropped the an from his name. As far as OJ is concerned, grass roots Sri Lankan rap originated from St Thomas Bandarawela.

He remembers fondly the huge rap culture in his school. Many seniors loved to rap and beat box, challenging each other during breaks and lunch periods, OJ said. He can remember memorising the lyrics to rap albums like Dr Dres The Chronic and having rap battles with seniors. Every year there was a talent show that was mainly dominated by rap acts, in all three languages. He formed a crew with three friends called Hip Lez Hop

He grew up listening and emulating American west coast rappers such as Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Tech N9ne. By the age of 15 he started to write his own lyrics with the help of his crew Hip Lez Hop. Jonathan AKA Nasty could play various instruments and also composed songs while the other two members Dominic and Araviee provided vocals and rhymes. They felt compelled to comment on their own lives and surroundings. Much like their idols that they were listening too.They chose to rap in Tamil not only because it was their mother tongue but also because it gave them endless possibilities with word combinations and definitions. OJ started off writing about life in boarding school, facing life on his own. Now he raps about topics from war,

hunger, humanity and the nature around him in Nuwara Eliya.

Kadavulandruulagathaipadaithaan Manithanaipirakevumseithaan, Manithaninanniyayemthangaellamel yen padaithenendrukavalaaiutraan- the following lyrics from one of his works describe God creating the earth then regretting creating humans for the troubles they caused.

After a brief stint working in Colombo and trying to concentrate on his music on the evenings and weekends, OJ decided to comeback to Nuwara Eliya, to take over his fathers seven-acre farm. With no facilities to record music or other musicians to help in the up country area, OJ almost gave up his music career. Yet with the help of a dedicated friend, Iiham Hossen who pushed him to record his tracks, OJ made several trips to Colombo to make mix tapes. I would practice my lyrics for hours and hours, when it came to recording the track I would only need to pay for an hour of studio time, I did this to save on costs, said OJ.

At present he is recording tracks and working on material for an album. He recently collaborated with a Hindi music star Mann Thenaja, which shall be released by Sony Music India. If you have the chance to look him up on Facebook or Sound Cloud you will be able to hear some distinctively fluid sounds. With particular significance is a track called Break Free. The chorus used is in English with thigh rhymes. I hope to get a chance to break free and make it as a musician. I use literature-speaking Tamil in my raps. I stray away from the slang and profanity. OJ said.
MASON CITY  When The Music Man Square opened in May 2002, it was envisioned as a mecca for young musicians, music enthusiasts and visitors from all over the country who could bask in the atmosphere of the tuneful history of Meredith Willson.

Chiseled into the stone at the top of the structure are the joyous lyrics from Willsons most famous song: 76 Trombones Led the Big Parade.

Fourteen years later, on a recent Tuesday afternoon, the long, decorative streetscape is empty. A few volunteers sit in the office waiting to assist any visitors that might come in. But on this afternoon, there arent any.

Willson, the hometown boy who wrote The Music Man and who died in 1984, might be tempted to say, Theres trouble in River City.

The Music Man Square is losing about $60,000 a year, according to board members.

The Mason City Foundation Board runs the place. Board member John Barron acknowledged the financial problems.

LIFE SUPPORT

Were not on a sinking ship, but were on life support, Barron said. Were floundering.

He thinks reorganization of the staff and restructuring some of the programs will help right the ship.

Were still getting bookings. Were still getting tour buses. Were still getting grants, he said. But it isnt enough.

Board member Barb Hovland thinks the massive $10 million building and the cost of its upkeep does not match the publics interest in Meredith Willson, or at least not enough to make ends meet.

I see this as a city center, she said, a place that can be used for business retreats and functions that dont necessarily have anything to do with Meredith Willson.

The financial losses have forced the board to downsize.

Chief Executive Officer David Vikturek is gone. Office Manager Karry Taylor left to take another job and has not been replaced. A longtime volunteer coordinator also resigned, but hers was not a paid position.

The only paid employees remaining are four part-timers.

The place is being run pretty much by volunteers, said Sherrie Weiland, another board member.

DIRECTION CHANGES

Scott Shipman, longtime president of the board, said, Were in no danger of closing. We have too many people who love this place and know what it means to the community.

But he agrees with Barron and Hovland that changes in direction have to be made.

We want to be more event-oriented, said Shipman and we want to try to get sponsorships for the events.

Also, he said, the board has talked about hiring a part-time fundraiser to help bring in more events.

Barron said revenues have not been enough to offset ongoing expenses such as salaries, utilities, insurance, maintenance and repairs, not only at The Music Man Square but also two adjacent properties  the Meredith Willson boyhood home and the former Marjories Teahouse which is now rental property.

Shipman said The Music Man Square has operated on the financial edge from the time it opened  so this is nothing new to us.

Vikturek had been chief executive officer since December of 2003, succeeding Dr. Carl Miller, the first leader, who resigned to move to La Crosse, Wisconsin.

In his first year at the helm, Vikturek cut five full-time positions, saving well over $100,000, as the organization struggled to make ends meet  a validation of Shipmans point that money troubles are nothing new.

This year, Vikturek himself fell victim to the cutbacks. Ten attempts to reach him for comment in the past two weeks were unsuccessful.

MUSIC THEMES

The Music Man Square has many potential revenue streams including the Streetscape; Reunion Hall, which is a large meeting room; Exploratorium, a smaller meeting room; a museum; and recording studios  all of which are available for rent; as well various music camps and kids programs.

All of them fall within the concept of what was envisioned when the structure was built. The problem these days is they are not producing enough to pay the bills.

The place operated for many years through the generosity of Meredith Willsons widow, Rosemary, and an endowment she set up to use upon her death. But that money is just about gone and the bills keep piling up.

Our utility bill alone is about $5,000 a month, said Shipman.

The creation of The Music Man Square was a dream of Miller, its first director, a former Mason City mayor and former educator who had a background in fundraising and a passion for it.

Miller and other civic leaders developed a plan to build the tribute to Willson, who died in 1984. What made it all possible was Willsons widow, Rosemary, who agreed to donate $5 million in matching funds toward its construction.

ROSEMARY WILLSON

Rosemary died in 2010, but her generosity continued to flow. In 2011, the Meredith and Rosemary Willson Foundation agreed to pay $900,000  half of the mortgage debt  if the community matched the contribution. The community came through and so did the Willson Foundation.

In addition, the foundation agreed to contribute $2 million for a maintenance and repair fund.

Shipman said some of the Willson money remains. But lawyers handling her estate want her money to go to programs that eventually will be self-sustaining.

The story of The Music Man Square is not entirely a tale of woe. It has played host to numerous weddings and receptions this year and has been the site of political rallies, parties and other receptions.

A look at the guest book at the entrance last week showed visitors from Arizona, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania and communities all over Iowa just in the past two weeks.

Weve cut our expenses about as far as we can go, said Hovland. We have a great board and were working hard. Were doing this because we all love Mason City and we know the community does, too. But we have to change some things.

Board members point out that The Music Man Square receives no government funding. Barron said the public can contribute through sustaining memberships for $125 a year and a Legacy program in which contributors pledge any amount up to a five-year commitment.

Shipman is confident the reorganization and restructuring will work.

Well pull through, he said.
Ampara District Field Officers demand motorcycles View(s):

Around 3,500 Field Officers (FO) from several State departments and associations, held a protest march last Wednesday, across Ampara town from clock tower junction to the district secretariat, urging the Government to address the non-provision of motorcycles to some 5,000 FOs, under the previous regime.

The protesters accused the previous government of not providing motorcycles to FOs in the Ampara District due to political considerations at the time of distribution, while the programme was completed in other parts of the country.

Most of these FOs were also affected by the 30-year war and the tsunami in 2004.

It was also stated that the President, in his manifesto for the Presidential election last year, pledged Rs 50,000 as a one-off payment under the previous government to buy the vehicles, will be returned to the recipients. Besides, the President had also promised to allot motorcycles to the non-recipients, as of then.

The protest march was organised by trade unions attached to several State departments and associations. They demanded that, Government allocate funds in the 2017 Budget to address this issue of a vehicle necessary to carry out their duties.

This programme was initiated by the previous government, so that FOs are more active and provide a more efficient service to the public.
Central Expressway cost increases by Rs. 12 billion View(s):

By Namini Wijedasa

The Government is in talks with Chinas Exim Bank to fund the first section of the Central Expressway which the contractor, Metallurgical Construction Company (MCC) of China, has now priced at Rs. 158 billionor Rs 12 billion more than originally stated.

The increase in cost is both due to the inclusion of a 12km viaduct in the road design and a failure of the Government to negotiate sufficient savings from another project carried out by MCC, as earlier planned.

The relevant section runs 37.1 kilometres from Kadawatha to Mirigama. At the current price, this translates to nearly Rs. 4.3 billion per kilometre. The contract was given to MCC without tender. The loan agreement with Exim is yet to be signed. The contractor had initially fixed the cost of a 32.5 km stretch from Kossinna to Mirigama at Rs. 145.8 billion. The remaining five kilometres from Kadawatha to Kossinna were to be completed from savings negotiated by an official committee in the third phase of the Outer Circular Highway (OCH) being built by MCC.

The Government claimed last year that it had shaved more than 30 percentaround Rs. 24 billionoff the cost of the OCH by reducing the scope of the project. This money would be diverted to other work, it vowed.

But in December 2015, the Cabinet decided to obtain technological and financial proposals from MCC to construct the section from Kadawatha to Kossinna. This was to have been built with the OCH savings. As a result, the total cost of the project rose to Rs. 158 billion or US$ 1.1 billion.

The amount that was saved from OCH was not conclusively revealed. It kept changing, confirmed Prof. Saman Bandara, who was Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman at the time. There were a number of different alternatives. The basic shift that was made in the design was to change the highway from six lanes to four lanes.

In reality, however, it was only the OCHs substructure (the underlying supporting structure comprising the foundation, columns and abutments) that was changed from six lanes to four, Prof Bandara said. The decision was that the substructure will also be designed for four lanes, he explained. That was the saving. There was no other saving from the top, which was already designed for four lanes. The savings anticipated reduced a lot. Cost went up and savings went down.

The money that was left over from OCH can now only fund one interchange and 500 meters, or 0.5 km, of road on the Central Expressway; not the five kilometers earlier announced. But interchanges, Prof Bandara defended, are expensive.

The selection of MCC for the Kadawatha -Mirigama leg is also problematic. It happened for two reasons, Prof Bandara said: It was a Government decision. MCC had already signed a contract with the previous Government for the Northern Expressway. Secondly, it was logical that it would do the first section to take advantage of the savings from OCH.

Senior engineers, speaking on grounds of anonymity, contest this rationale. The OCH savings were a pittance, said one, who has closely studied the projects. Do you award a US$ 1.1 billion contract to a company on that? Why not give MCC just the interchange and 500m of road and go for tenders for the rest? The Government used half a kilometer of road and an interchange to give MCC the remaining 36.5kms as well!

Highways Minister Lakhsman Kiriella said the contract was awarded to MCC by Cabinet decision. He also pointed out that he was not the subject minister at the time. The first section was given to the Chinese, he said. I was not the minister then. The second section was given to local contractors.

Engineers also question the costs. The Central Expressway was earlier called the Northern Expressway. On that road, a 54km stretch from Enderamulla to Ambepussa was priced at Rs. 2.7 billion a kilometer. The total cost of the project was to have been US$ 1 billion.

After the change in administration, the RDA shifted the starting point of the expressway from Enderamulla to Kadawatha, a difference of five kilometers. It was renamed the Central Expressway. The first section fell to 37kms from Kadawatha to Mirigama. But the cost per kilometer ballooned to Rs. 4.3 billion a kilometer!

Minister Kiriella said all rates were negotiated before the contract was given out. The Government was keen to start it (expressway) as fast as possible, he explained, adding that the road will benefit five districts.

This section would have been significantly cheaper if not for a 12 kilometer viaduct which was added to the design under the former regime. Authoritative sources said this was arbitrarily done; and that the shifting of the original trace, which had required only a four kilometer viaduct, had taken the road into a flood plain.

It was a purely political decision, one official maintained. The RDA had a good trace, produced by a reputed consultant. It was not an engineering decision to change that. Either it is a design blunder or it was intentionally put there to increase the cost, said the engineer earlier quoted. The embankment has also been made unnecessarily larger for the same purpose. Still, even with this viaduct, the RDA Engineers estimate for the first section of the Central Expressway had been Rs 129 billion. The price of the contractor, MCC, is Rs 29 billion higher than this.

But the Governmentwhich had once railed against the previous regimes penchant for exorbitant, unsolicited proposalsis steaming ahead. A team of officials from Exim was in Sri Lanka this week to verify documents related to the Central Expressway, including a new feasibility study reflecting a change in trace and the inclusion of the longer viaduct.

The bank had insisted on a fresh feasibility study being conducted, authoritative sources said, because there wasnt one in existence for the new Kadawatha-Mirigama trace. The RDA has formulated one in-house and handed it over to Exim for examination. The foundation stone for the first section was laid several months ago. The foundation stone for the next section was also laid recently. Both were done before basic studies and land acquisitions were completed. And engineers are now pushing hard for a critical evaluation of the costs before any more public funds are put to waste.

Minister Kiriella maintained that acquisitions are proceeding smoothly. We have published Section 38 notices, he said, adding that this allows entry into the respective lands. Except for a few, around five per cent, the vast majority of people have been very generous and given up their lands willingly.

Where it started and where it is now

The Central Expressway was earlier called the Northern Expressway. It had a patchy start. In 2012, the Government awarded to the Australian company SMEC Engineering the feasibility study for this road. The consultants were chosen without tender, on the strength of a Cabinet paper; the contract was priced at a massive Rs 1 billion. Another Rs 400 million claim from the company is awaiting approval.

Design work on the Northern Expressway began even before this feasibility study was completed. The Government soon announced that the first 54 km from Enderamulla to Ambepussa would be built at US$1 billion with Chinese funds. This worked out to an estimated US$19 millionor Rs 2.7 billion at prevailing ratesper kilometer.

In 2013, discussions were held with China Merchant Holdings which built the Colombo South Harbour. It now manages the jetty in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. But these negotiations failed. The Government then divided the road into four and chose to award one part to MCC which was, by then, constructing the OCH at significant cost. It had also built the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway.

The other three sections were to be awarded to local contractors. In keeping with the usual practice of the former regime, there was no question of open or competitive bidding.

After the presidential election, the Road Development Authority (RDA) shifted the starting point of the road from Enderamulla to Kadawatha, a distance of five kilometers. It was renamed the Central Expressway. And the Government soon awarded the first section, without tender, to the Metallurgical Construction Company of China.
DPL immunity for international org.staff; Parliament to be notified View(s):

The Government will present to Parliament an Order made under the Diplomatic Privileges Act of 1996, in relation to several UN Organisations as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) among others, to correct a procedural fault that has resulted in them being hauled up before courts, even in instances where diplomatic immunity is due to them.

The relevant Gazette was issued this week by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, and will be presented to Parliament later this month, a Ministry official said.

A similar Gazette was issued in 1997 under the Act, but it was not presented to Parliament as is the stipulated procedure, which has resulted in several expatriate employees of these organisations having to face legal hassles in relation to various cases.

One such case was filed by Dr Gunadasa Amarasekara in September last year, in the District Court of Colombo, against the UN, over its attempts to initiate a War Crimes probe against the country, citing the UNs then resident coordinator for Sri Lanka, Subinay Nandy as defendant.

The District Court dismissed the case after Mr Nandys lawyers argued he was entitled to diplomatic immunity under Act No. 9 of 1996, and no civil action can be pursued against him, even though Counsel for Dr Amarasekera argued that Section 4(1) of Act No. 9 of 1996, which extends immunity to international organisations, has to be accompanied by a Gazette notification.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted the relevant Gazette issued in 1997 to Court but, as this Order had not been presented to Parliament for due approval, a fresh Gazette notification was made this week, to avoid such issues in the future.

While the two Gazette notifications are almost the same, a new inclusion in the 2016 Gazette is the Addendum to the 1990 agreement signed between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the ICRC, which exempts current as well as former employees of the Organisation, regardless of where they are based, from being called as a witness or, required to give evidence, in respect of all acts performed by them in their official capacity. This exemption will apply in all types of legal proceedings.

The Gazette notification will apply to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Colombo Plan Bureau, the ICRC, World Conservation Union (IUCN- International Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources), Commission of European Communities and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund.

The Ministry official said that, under the agreements that the GoSL has signed with these organisations, they are entitled to diplomatic immunity and privileges on par with those accorded under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

He said that this re-Gazette is to correct the procedural error that took place earlier, and would regularise the process by which diplomatic immunity is extended to employees of these organisations.
Espionage, several new offences in new Counter Terrorism Act View(s):

The Governments draft proposal for a law to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act has introduced several new types of offences under the definition of terrorismincluding espionage.

The Policy and legal framework of the proposed Counter Terrorism Act of Sri Lanka was referred by Cabinet this week to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security. The group is made up of 20 MPs from various parties. Terrorism is now defined in the draft as threatening, attacking, changing or adversely affecting the unity, territorial integrity, security or sovereignty of Sri Lanka, or that of any other sovereign nation.

It includes illegally or unlawfully compelling the Sri Lankan Government or that of any other sovereign nation to reverse, vary or change a policy decision or to do or abstain from doing any act relating to the defence, national security, territorial integrity, sovereignty of Sri Lanka or any other sovereign nation (as the case may be), and the protection of the people of Sri Lanka or the people of any other sovereign nation (as the case may be).

It would also be terrorism to illegally cause a change of the Government of Sri Lanka or of any other sovereign nation and to commit any act of violent extremism towards achieving ideological domination.

There is a long list of offences under the ambit of terrorism. There is another compilation of terrorism related offences that runs into four pages, associated offences and other offences. It is within the last category that espionage has been included.

This applies to any person who voluntarily engages in any illegal, unlawful or unauthorised act for the purpose of gathering any confidential information, for the purpose of supplying such information to a person who is conspiring, preparing, abetting, or attempting to commit terrorism or any terrorism-related offence or any other offence contained in this Act. The penalty is seven years imprisonment and a fine.

It applies, too, to any person who voluntarily and illegally or unlawfully or in an unauthorised manner gathers confidential information, for the purpose of supplying such information to a person who is conspiring, preparing, abetting, or attempting to commit terrorism or any terrorism related offence or any other offence in this Act. The penalty is ten years jail and a fine.

A third category is any person who provides to another person any confidential information knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such information will be used by such other person to conspire, abet, attempt or commit terrorism or terrorism related offence or any other offence contained in this Act. The penalty is ten years jail and a fine.

A final category is any person who provides any gratification, inducement, threat, force or any other form of influence to any other person for the purpose of encouraging, compelling or enticing such other purpose to commit an offence, etc. The penalty is ten yearss jail and a fine.

The policy denies a suspect the right of access to an attorney before his or her first statement is recorded by police. Access is only permitted following the recording of the first statement or the expiry of 48 hours from the time of his or her arrest, whichever occurs first.

Under admissibility of evidence is a statement made by any person to a Magistrate in terms of the provisions of the act, if the making of such statement is held by the High Court to be made in compliance with section 24 of the Evidence Ordinance; and confessional statement made to a police officer.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Evidence Ordinance, a statement made by any persons to a police officer holding a rank not below a Superintendent of Police either by himself or in response to questions put, shall be admissible against such person (accused), at a trial against such person for having committed an offence contained in this Act and any other offence that may have been committed in the course of the same transaction, the policy states.

It shall be the burden of the prosecution to establish to the satisfaction of court that such statement was made voluntarily, it holds.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Evidence Ordinance, a statement voluntarily made by an accused in the Evidence Ordinance, a statement voluntarily made by an accused to a police officer not below the rank of a Superintendent of Police, shall be admissible against a co-accused, if the contents of such statement is corroborated in material particulars.

The policy allows for a Specialised Counter Terrorism Division to be set up by the Inspector General of Police. It shall be the primary institution of the Sri Lanka Police, tasked with the responsibility of preventing and countering terrorism, and investigating the committing of offences contained in this Act.

Read the draft of the Policy and legal framework of the proposed Counter Terrorism Act of Sri Lanka
Powercuts likely View(s):

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) may be compelled to impose countrywide power cuts of upto two hours in view of the breakdown of all three units of the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, Power and Renewable Energy Ministry Secretary B.M.S. Batagoa said last night.

The breakdown was caused due to a tripping of a transmission line in the Anuradhapura-Kotmale sector. Dr. Batagoda said the repairs might take about four days and the CEB would be forced to look for alternatives to provide the 900 Mw produced from the Lakvijaya plant.

He said that with the increased demand from tomorrow onwards with the beginning of the working week, the CEB would find it difficult to meet the required capacity.

Dr. Batagoda said a team would visit the power plant to make an assessment of the situation. Power and Renewable Energy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya would make an announcement about the power situation thereafter. The breakdown left several areas throughout the country without power yesterday, with interruptions being reported from places such as Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna.

However, the entire electricity transmission network did not collapse due to the fault, unlike what happened during the island-wide power outage in March this year. CEB Spokesman Sulakshana Jayawardena noted that yesterday being a Saturday and Poya holiday meant that the electricity demand was much lower. As such the system was not put under too much strain due to Norochcholai being put out of action, making it easier to address network issues quickly.

Mr. Jayawardena, however, stressed it would not be possible to get all three units of the plant operational again straight away. When the plant shut down during the island-wide blackout in March, it took several days for it to become fully operational, resulting in the CEB having to impose limited power cuts.

Since it was commissioned in March 2011, the Norochcholai plant has shut down on nearly 30 occasions for a variety of reasons. The plant currently provides nearly half of the countrys energy needs.
Teak, Mahogany dead at Kanatte  to make furniture View(s):

By Kasun Warakapitiya

At least 13 Teak and 2 Mahogany trees at the Borella General Cemeterys Roman Catholic section were cut down on Friday and yesterday, for a variety of reasons including that some trees were old and a threat to visitors, while other trees were needed for timber, as they had reached maturity.

A cemetery keeper said they had to remove some of the trees as their branches tended to fall on monuments and also topple on graves, exposing the bodies in them.

He explained that, Archbishops House had granted permission while the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) too had given the nod to cut down the trees.

The timber will be given to a contractor to turn out furniture for Churches, he added.

A spokesman for Archbishops House said they gave the Go Ahead to cut down some of the trees as they had come of age and were taking up too much space, while some others were damaging monuments.

The timber will be given to a contractor and the profits will be collected by the Archbishops House, he said.

The CMCs Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruwan Wijeyamuni said that, both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches have authority over their respective sections of the Borella cemetery.

He said that, Archbishops House had in fact requested for the trees to be cut down during the tenure of the former Colombo Mayor, on the grounds they cause damage and obstruction at the cemetery.

Dr Wijeyamuni said the CMC had granted permission to cut down the trees on condition they are replaced with new saplings.

They can do as they please with the trees, as they have authority over trees they planted years back, he said.
UNP-SLFP committee to review 2017 Budget View(s):

The two main Government partners  the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)  will review proposals for the November 10 budget with Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

This is to ensure harmony and the proposals are introduced with the concurrence of both sides, Mr Karunanayake told the Sunday Times. He said this would obviate issues being raised by one side or the other after the budget is presented.

The UNP team is made up of Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Malik Samarawickrema, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Harin Fernando. The SLFP team will comprise Sarath Amunugama, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Mahinda Amaraweera, Susil Premajayantha and Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna. The committee will meet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday (tomorrow).

The Committee has been appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena in concurrence with Finance Minister Karunanayake. The idea is to ensure that key proposals, particularly those which concern the public, are acceptable to the two parties that constitute the Government. One of the main reasons for the appointment of the committee is the controversy generated after the previous budget was introduced.

The upcoming budget was among the subjects of discussion when President Sirisena met a select group of ministers on Tuesday night.

SEE ALSO POLITICAL COMMENTARY
World tallest Christmas tree at the Galle Face Green View(s):

A section of workers of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority are busy making what they believe would be the tallest Christmas tree in the world at the Galle Face green. A banner displayed at the site says Ports Minister Arjuna Ranatunga is supporting the project. The Sunday Times learns that Rs one million is being spent on the project which requires some one million Pinus fruits.
A man with empathy for immigrants View(s):

Recipient of the MacArthur Foundations Genius Grant last month, human rights lawyer and director of advocacy and legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California, Ahilan Arulanantham talks to Smriti Daniel

When Ahilan Arulanantham heard that the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation had named him a recipient of the $625,000 Genius Grant, one of the first things he thought about was how much he would like to spend some of it on supporting human rights work in Sri Lanka.

Since the announcement was made in late September, the 43-year-old lawyers phone has been ringing off the hook. None of the 23 recipients applied for the grant, and like the others Arulanantham did not even know he was being considered. But now congratulatory messages are still pouring in, finding him in Los Angeles, where he lives and works. Its a wonderful thing to get contacted by people you have known your whole life and from all around the world, often at all hours of day and night. Its a very enjoyable, dizzying sort of experience, he tells the Sunday Times, over a call.

Arulanantham is director of advocacy and legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California. The grant was announced just a day after he and his team experienced a disappointing setback when the U.S. Appeals Court rejected their class action lawsuit arguing for the right of unaccompanied immigrant children to have access to lawyers during deportation proceedings.

This week, Arulanantham has been preparing to see another big case, Jennings vs. Rodrigues, which they won, go up before the Supreme Court for review. He explains that in the balance now is the issue of the governments power to detain immigrants and refugees and what limits there should be on that power.

Its very uncertain and a huge amount is at stake, says Arulanantham, pointing out that tonight alone some 38,000 people will sleep in an immigration detention centre in the US.Over the course of a year, as many as 400,000 people will find themselves in a similar position. This parallel prison system is one in which many of the basic procedural protections afforded in criminal cases do not apply. With the Rodriquez case, Arulanantham and his team are asking that immigrants held in detention  up to half of whom might be refugees  be given the right to a bond hearing in front of a judge.

Without this measure, detainees live in uncertainty, not knowing when their cases will be heard or when they will be released. Rodriguez was detained for 3  years, but thats not unusual, says Arulanantham, adding that in fact the first case I took on in this area was that of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, who was detained for 4  years.

Run by county jails and private prison companies, conditions within the centres mimic prison. Inmates wear prison jumpsuits and are only allowed no contact visits, where they are forced to talk to their families through a glass barrier. Although under the law their cases are treated as civil rather than criminal, in practice that distinction is just a fiction, says Arulanantham. With no right to a court appointed lawyer, most must navigate the complex system on their own, even though on the other side of the case, a prosecutor is appointed.

For child refugees, the system is kinder in one aspect the vast majority of children are placed very quickly with their nearest relatives in the States. In cases where a child arrives with a parent, however, they are likely to be put in detention together, an occurrence which in Arulananthams view is an abomination and perhaps the most egregious aspect of the Obama administrations immigration policy in the last two years. Even children transferred to the custody of a relative are charged with being deportable. Most children will struggle to make it to court and, like the adults, seldom have access to lawyers. They are knowingly perpetuating an injustice, says Arulanantham, of the American authorities.

Arulanantham has been grappling with these issues for years, and has successfully litigated several landmark cases, including one which helped to establish limits on the governments power to detain immigrants as national security threats and another that ensured the federal government now provides legal representation to mentally ill immigrants.

With degrees from Georgetown University, Oxford and Yale Law School, Arulanantham was named one of California Lawyer Magazines Lawyers of the Year for his work at the intersection of immigrants rights and national security. In 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013, he was named one of the Daily Journals Top 100 Lawyers in California. In 2010, he received the Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

But Arulanantham isnt quite sure he qualifies for this latest honour. The MacArthur Foundation say their Fellows Programme among things awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits. Says Arulanantham: I did not apply for it, and I am not sure I would have given it to myself  I dont see the work I do as particularly innovative.

Instead, for him it is simply about applying very basic constitutional principles in an area where our values are not particularly in harmony with our practice. (After the announcement he Tweeted: It doesnt take a genius to figure out that if you want a child to get a fair hearing in immigration court, they need a lawyer.)

His deep interest in this issue is very much shaped by his experiences as a child. His parents, both doctors, left Sri Lanka in the 1960s following the introduction of the Sinhala Only Policy and the multiple outbreaks of violence in the 1950s, convinced they needed to raise their children in a more stable environment. Most of their family members, however, chose to stay.

Arulanantham was only ten years old in the Black July of 1983. He remembers clearly how his father explained that the cousins they had met a few times before would be coming to live with them. He said, It could be a few days, it could be a few months. But in the end, the family ended up having guests for years, with sometimes as many as 16 people at a time in their home. His family was not exceptional among the diaspora for throwing open their home to the community, Arulanantham emphasises, however, seeing first-hand the kind of trauma his relatives, and in particular his cousins, the same age as him, had been through, was a defining experience.

Today, particularly in the context of Donald Trumps run for President, Arulanantham sees a chronic shortage of empathy for immigrants and refugees in America. He believes more people in the US would be kinder if they could only step, just for a moment, in to the shoes of someone fleeing violence or even someone simply trying to build a better life for their children.

He knows this doesnt mean the policies would necessarily change, but perhaps there would be a little less judgement of those knocking on the door  and even that, says the lawyer, would be an improvement.

Arulanantham who has visited Sri Lanka five times since 2000 has many friends and family here. Though he does not know the local human rights environment as intimately as that in the States, he says he cares deeply about this island and would like to support work here. Having worked on the odd human rights case relating to the country, it remains something of the road not taken. Its something that has been on my mind for many years. Now for him, one of the perks of this Genius Grant will be a chance to address that history in an entirely unexpected way.
Through the mists of time our Moor heritage View(s):

By Chandani Kirinde

Sri Lankan Moors have a rich and proud history dating back centuries. They have been closely associated with Sinhala kings starting from the time of King Pandukabaya who ruled around 370 BC and through the years of colonial rule as well as in the post-colonial era. The town of Kathankudy, about three miles south of Batticaloa is where some of the oldest Moor settlements took root and today this town is home to the Heritage Museum, a fitting tribute to the Muslim community in the country.

Located in the heart of the Kathankudy town, the four-storey Heritage Centre, opened recently, houses around 1,500 artifacts and historical records of the early life of the Moors on the island. These are meant to familiarise visitors with the lifestyle of the Muslim community during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial era, their religious practices and customs. The Heritage Museum also pays tribute to Muslim heroes who have contributed to the countrys struggles during different periods in its history including the struggle for independence from British rule.

Drawn from historical records that detail the arrival of pre-Islamic Arabs to Sri Lanka as well as from other research done tracing the lineage of the Muslim community, the Museum brings to light many little known facts about the contribution of the community towards the development and wellbeing of the country.

Along with the history of the Muslim community in the country, this Museum is meant to highlight the contribution they have made over the centuries to enrich its rich and diverse culture and particularly enhance trade, said Abdul Raheem Jazmil who is in charge of the Heritage Centre.

The display panels in the Museum tell the story of the arrival of the Moors as well as the story of individuals who have left a lasting imprint on the countrys history.

One of the panels quotes V. Vamadevan who in his book The story of the Sri Lanka Muslims states, In the fifth century some shipwrecked Moors from the Malabar Coast, landed at a spot called Poonochchimunai, about three miles south of Batticaloa. From the ship they spied in the distance, a thin column of smoke from the settlement of Veddas. Seeing that the new territory was beautiful and plenteous, they settled at Kathankudy, the present most thickly populated Moor village in Sri Lanka.

The trading skills of the Muslim community and how these helped the countrys economy to thrive in the days of yore too are told both through ancient exhibits as well as illustrated by historian Dr.Lorna Dewaraja in her book, The Muslims of Sri Lanka, One Thousand Years of Ethnic Harmony. In her book, Dr. Dewaraja illustrates how in the days of Arab commercial prosperity, the Giants Tank (Yoda wewa built by King Dhatusena (450-473)) which was near Mantota was maintained in perfect condition and irrigated large tracts of fields in the neighbourhood. In the Dry Zone, agriculture was entirely dependent on irrigation and constant vigilance, manpower and economic resources were needed to maintain the efficient functioning of the hydraulic system. The surplus wealth came largely from foreign trade which was in the hands of the Arabs and hence Arab trade was vital to the countrys economy, she writes.

There is also reference made to sacrifices made by members of the community. One such is the story of a Muslim lady from the village of Paranagammana, who chose death at the hands of the Portuguese than betray the hiding place of the King of Kandy Rajasinghe (1636-1687) who had come there to hide from the colonisers who were looking to kill him.

When the King escaped with his life, he was stricken with grief on hearing the tragic episode of the faithful woman who sacrified her life for the sake of the King. As a tribute to her memory, a large extent of land was gifted to the Muslims to live in the village of Paranagammana in the Uva Province, one of the panels says quoting from Glimpses of the Historic Past by C.M.Austin de Silva.

There is of course, the more well-known story of Police Constable Mohamed Sabhan, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of well-known bandit Saradiel and his gang members falling victim to a gunshot at Mawanella on March 21, 1864. Police Heroes Day is commemorated each year since then on this day in recognition of police personnel killed while on duty. A special area in the Heritage Museum is dedicated to this local hero.

The Museum also displays the everyday life of members of the Muslim community during the 16th and 17th Century with replicas on display including a house, a bazaar where Muslim traders marketed and sold their goods and wares including gems and pearls; a religious school as well as a replica of an olden day mosque of clay and sticks with a cadjan roof. Ancient handwritten script from the holy book of the Muslims- the Koran as well as those written on Ola leaf too can be seen at the Heritage Centre.

The Museum was the brainchild of State Minister for Rehabilitation and Resettlement M.L.A.M.Hizbullah and its building was funded under the Deyata Kirula programme of the previous government. The Museum is now operational and is maintained by the Department of Archaeology even though more work remains to be done on dating some of the artifacts as well as having the display signs written in all three languages.

The Heritage Centre is open six days a week except on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
RICEVILLE  Riceville High School senior Joey Gansen slowly worked butter into a flour mixture.

He stopped, looked up.

Mrs. Conway, what do you suggest I do about these chunks of butter?

He soon learned what a pastry blender was all about.

Along with junior Brandon Kilbourn, the pair  both outfitted in white chef coats  peeled apples, created a cheesecake mixture and now, Gansen was putting the final layer of a flour, butter and sugar mixture onto their caramel apple cheesecake.

A few steps away, junior Tyrese Simmons tasted his snickerdoodle apple salad with caramel, while instructor Amanda Conway tried a sample.

It looks like art, said the 17-year-old Simmons. I like it.

This days lab might seem like a page out of what many used to call home economics  what Conway calls the stitch and stir curriculums of old.

But in truth this lab in Riceville High Schools family and consumer science classroom represents a baby step in a new curriculum that focuses on a broad range of food preparation and knowledge that addresses a growing need in the hospitality and restaurant industries.

ProStart, operating in 29 Iowa schools, is a nationwide career-building program created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The NRA estimates that nationally the industry will create an additional 1.6 million jobs by 2026, and educated workers are essential. In Iowa, it expects to need an additional 1,200 employees each year.

It was the breadth of preparation the program provided that drew Conways attention. She initiated the program in Osage schools before moving to Riceville last year.

The program is wide ranging, covering not only culinary skills  which are comprehensive, from understanding European measurements and honing knife skills, to preparing sauces and cutting meat  but the business side of the industry as well. Students learn about cost analysis, purchasing, inventory, health safety, marketing and management.

Even if kids dont go into the restaurant industry, they still get cooking skills and understand the costs, learn about food safety, she said.

If students are successful in the program, they get the opportunity to attend culinary programs offered at four Iowa community colleges with 12 hours of college credit already under their chefs caps.

The Iowa Culinary Arts Institute at Des Moines Area Community College was so impressed by the curriculum that ProStart grads are immediately accepted into its program. Scholarships are also available for ProStart graduates.

It is not easy, however. Students must complete two years worth of programming, a 400-hour internship with a related business and pass a national written exam to be considered. They must also score at least a C in Conways class.

Conway also appreciates the co-curricular nature of the program, where students learn and utilize math, science, design and health knowledge.

I like the program because it is so innovative, she added.

Conway has 11 students who have signed on in Riceville. Junior Savannah Sullivan, 16, said she was drawn in because she loves to cook. That may take her into the culinary arts, or even teaching family and consumer science.

But even if I dont go (into the food industry), this is a good thing to have, she said. It teaches discipline and its fast-paced.

Simmons, a junior, would like to be a chef, maybe.

I dont know, he said. I like to cook; and I know I want to be able to cook good food.

Junior Sheena Foster, 16, also sees the practical side.

Were going to be going off to college and this helps us prepare for whats next, she said. Its better to learn to cook now instead of struggling later.
College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists holds maiden walk to create awareness View(s):

A two-hour walk beginning at Independence Square at 7.30 a.m. and wending its way around the area concluding at the same location has been organised by the College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka on World Anaesthesia Day which falls today (October 16).

The walk, being held for the first time in the history of the college, hopes to draw the attention of the public to the role of the anaesthetist and the provision of safe anaesthesia, a factor which is of global concern to all anaesthesiologists.

The working agenda of the college council, headed by President Dr. Kanishka Indraratna is Improving Outcome and Safety in Anaesthesia. The college will also host the 12th SAARC Associations of Anaesthesiologists Meeting with the same theme next February.

World Anaesthesia Day commemorates the first successful administration of an anaesthetic 170 years ago. This ranks as one of the most significant events in the history of medicine. The advent of anaesthesia made it possible for surgery to be performed. This enabled a vast number of diseases to be cured. The rapid development and advancement of anaesthesia made it possible for surgery as a specialty to expand and develop rapidly into many areas.

The College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka lays down standards and conducts training and educational programmes in the country. The college whose membership consists of Consultant Anaesthesiologists also advises the government on the required drugs and equipment and carries out technical evaluations at the request of the government.

The college has two faculties  the Faculty of Critical Care and the Faculty of Pain. Consultant Anaesthesiologists bear the responsibility of providing anaesthesia, managing Intensive Care Units, providing pain relief including for labour, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation in trauma.
Lavinia blooms with aroma of love View(s):

Mount Lavinia Hotel launches a seductive fragrance; Bollywood Queen Karisma Kapoor moved by its romantic legacy

The Mount Lavinia hotel is a brand synonymous with tradition, heritage and romance in Sri Lanka.

It has garnered a well deserved reputation over the years for its exceptional service, magnificent structure and ambience, the old world charm which harks back to the grandeur of old Ceylon. Its romantic legacy is the beautiful story of eternal intimacy between Governor Thomas Maitland and Lovina Aponsuwa, a beauty that history compares to a Greek goddess. She was of mixed complexion, with dazzling hazel brown eyes and long flowing jet black tresses.

Within the portals of his glorious residence which he later named Mount Lavinia in dedication to her, Thomas Maitland first set eyes on this beautiful Mestizo dancer and instantly fell in love with her. The exquisite perfume Lavinia has been created to celebrate 210 years of this beautiful love story filled with romance, intrigue, mystery and secret assignations through hidden passageways and tunnels.

Romance, intrigue and seduction formed the theme for the launch. The poolside terrace and Governors restaurant of the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel played host to the event and were transformed by the event planners The Lifestyle Co. to create a feeling of vintage romance and beauty.

The venue was divided into different areas each creating a different feel and variation of theme. Floral accents, reflecting those used in the composition of the Lavinia perfume formed a key part of the decor and created the mood and theme of forbidden love and seduction.

These notes are also combined in the heady seductive scent of the fragrance created exclusively for Mount Lavinia Hotel by Slovenian perfumer and artist Eva Petric, who was part of the celebration. The considered approach to fragrance has been much in keeping with the traditions of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, a brand determined to keep authentic legacy at its heart.

The fragrance with hints of floral accents is a mysteriously seductive and provocative scent. Sensual jasmine notes paired with playful mandarin and orange fruits and yellow musks have all been blended in to create an intoxicating fragrance. The addictive fragrance opens with a vibrant splash of bergamot, juicy mandarin and orange. At its core, white jasmines have been accented with petit grain, tonka beans and a dash of pepper drizzled in the tangy sweetness of mandarin for a mouthwatering signature; while yellow musk and viola combine to leave a lush, lasting impression. Lavinia will soon be available for purchase in Sri Lanka.

Karisma Kapoor, one of Bollywoods most recognizable stars, made a spectacular entrance to thunderous applause from guests, as she spoke of how truly honoured she was to be a part of this incredible event and how moved she was by the beautiful love story being celebrated.

Exquisite culinary creations, low lighting, candelabras filled with long tapered candles, a romantic Gazebo parfumerie, life size perfume bottles with Lavinia dancing within, all combined to create a magical evening to celebrate the launch of the seductive Lavinia fragrance and a romance for the ages.
OSAGE  Chaos erupted in a Mitchell County courtroom Friday evening after a jury found Nicholas Lenz guilty of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury causing serious injury.

After the verdict was read and the jury was being polled, Lenz yelled and swore at the victim, who was also in the courtroom, and at law enforcement.

F--- you! F--- the police! he yelled.

His mother cried and repeatedly screamed, No!

Deputies escorted Lenz, 23, out of the courtroom before the polling of the jury continued.

Lenz will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. First-degree kidnapping carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Mitchell man admits in taped interview to beating, briefly restraining woman OSAGE | Nicholas Lenz told a Mitchell County deputy during a recorded interview that he repe

Woman testifies at Mitchell kidnapping trial that defendant threatened to kill her OSAGE  The woman Nicholas Lenz of Mitchell is accused of confining and beating over two day

Lenz beat a woman cruelly over the course of two days in March and succeeded in his goal of forcing her to stay with him, according to the prosecutor in the case.

The jury got the case at 5 p.m. and reached a verdict about 2 hours later.

The victim, who was romantically involved with the 23-year-old Lenz, told him she wanted him out of her home, said Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister during his closing argument Friday afternoon.

But the defendant had other ideas, he said.

Lenz held the woman captive in her own home, where he hit her and kicked her, threatened her with a gun, threatened to hog-tie her with a rope and confined her to a chair with packing tape, according to McAllister.

When she ran out of the house to escape, Lenz hit and kicked her and dragged her back into the house by her hair, according to McAllister.

Lenz then took her to a cold, unheated camper in the middle of nowhere, tied her up with zip ties and left her there, McAllister said.

When Lenz came back he drove her around and finally brought her back to her house, according to McAllister. He said Lenz then allowed her to go to sleep in her own bed because he had succeeded in beating her into submission.

She knew what would happen if she tried to escape, he said.

Defense attorney Letitia Turner argued that although her client admitted assaulting the woman, that didnt mean he was guilty of kidnapping her.

Turner said the woman claimed she screamed in broad daylight but no one heard a thing, even though she had neighbors right next door.

She also said the womans hands were free while she was in the camper, but she never tried to remove the zip ties.

Lenz said intent to inflict serious injury and actually causing serious injury are both required to prove first-degree kidnapping, and neither was true in this case.

She said under the law a serious injury is defined as one that either creates a risk of death or one that leaves permanent effects.

Although Lenz broke the womans jaw, that was not a serious injury because the surgeon who treated her expected her to heal as long as she followed his instructions, including not to smoke and to contact a doctor if she had any problems, according to Turner.

She said the woman continued to smoke and did not see a doctor at any time after her surgery, even though she claimed her jaw was popping and her teeth were not aligned properly.

Although the woman testified she talks differently since her jaw was broken, Turner said defense witnesses who have known her a long time  including her brother  testified her speech had been slurred since a head injury and broken neck from years ago.

Turner also said the woman said things while testifying that she never brought up to law enforcement or during her deposition, such as Lenz strangling her.

It just does not add up, Turner said.

Turner also suggested a motive for the woman to lie about being kidnapped, saying she knew Lenz was wanted on a warrant and she did not want to appear to have been with him voluntarily.

McAllister denied any major inconsistencies in the womans statements..

He also noted the womans father testified she spoke differently after her jaw was broken than she did before.

He also asked the jury to recall an audio recording of law enforcement interviewing Lenz after being taken into custody.

It was chilling, McAllister said, noting Lenz admitted that he beat her cruelly.

McAllister said nearly all the details in Lenzs confession matched what the victim said on the stand.

On Friday morning the defense asked for a mistrial because Lenz reported one of the jurors saw him being brought into the courthouse from the jail in the street clothes he wears to court but still in shackles.

Turner said this would be prejudicial to her client, who is not shackled in the courtroom. She said a pre-trial motion states the jury is not to see Lenz in shackles.

Although Lenz was able to identify the female juror who saw him once the jury came into the courtroom, Judge Christopher Foy said the most he would probably do is talk to the juror and possibly dismiss her and replace her with one of the alternate jurors, not declare a mistrial.

He ended up allowing the juror to remain.
A young boy has been attacked by a pack of dogs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty township of Taneatua this morning.

A police spokesperson says they were notified by ambulance staff of the dog attack on the 12-year-old boy shortly after 9.50am.

A 12-year-old boy has been taken to hospital with minor dog bites.Police are speaking with him and his mother, as they work to determine exactly what happened.

The boy was not badly injured.

The spokesperson says at this stage its not yet known how many dogs were involved or what led to this mornings attack.

SunLive will update this story once more information is available.


Tauranga City Councils annual Dont Paint the Drain campaign is giving DIYers and professional painters the chance to win more than $3000 in paint prizes this month.

Dont Paint the Drain is run by TCCs pollution prevention team along with pollution prevention teams from the Western Bay of Plenty District and Bay of Plenty Regional councils.

Anything that gets washed down the gutters will end up in our waterways. Any form of paint, whether enamel, water, or oil based, can cause serious harm to the environment, a TCC spokesperson says.

Paints may contain toxic solvents, heavy metals, and suspended solids which can potentially poison animals and plants, restrict light entering waterways, smother organisms, clog the gills and eyes of fish, reduce oxygen levels in waterways, and make fish and shellfish poisonous to eat.

So if you have painting plans this month, please be mindful of how you dispose of old paint and wash water. Enter the Dont Paint the Drain competition at participating stores to win paint prizes.

You can enter the competition by either visiting any of the participating paint stores listed below, at Tauranga City Councils customer service centre on Willow Street, or at any Western Bay of Plenty District Councils visitor centres.

The Dont Paint The Drain campaign is being sponsored by Resene and Dulux which both have paint wash containment systems for trade professionals, and paint takeback services, where unwanted paint and containers are reused or recycled to minimise the impact on the environment.

To learn how to properly dispose of your old paint and wash water download the Dont Paint the Drain brochure or for more information visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz

PARTICIPATING DONT PAINT THE DRIAN CAMPAIGN STORES:
A KPMG test on the cyber security of New Zealand businesses as part of Connect Smart Week has revealed one in ten Kiwis could fall for a phishing attack.

Phishing is the practice of sending an email pretending to be from a reputable company or organisation in order to trick individuals to reply with personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Ahead of Connect Smart Week, KPMG conducted a phishing experiment with 35 organisations, who agreed to be involved, with a total of 8,333 staff.

Employees in each organisation were sent an email indicating their organisations had signed up to a password quality checking website. The email contained a link and asked the recipient to go to the website to check the quality of their password.

KPMG found 1,009 people (12.1%) clicked on the link and, once through to the website, 702 (8.4%) entered their password details.

Philip Whitmore, KPMG Partner and head of KPMG Cyber, says the exercise was a great way to educate employees and start a discussion in the workplace, but also a real warning sign for organisations.

Unfortunately the results were not surprising, as phishing emails are becoming increasingly convincing and sophisticated. If the phishing emails had been real, then cyber-criminals would have acquired the passwords of a significant number of people in every organisation, says Philip.

With many organisations still relying upon username and password for remote access, it would have meant it was game over for many of the organisations involved.

Philip indicates there were a few simple warning signs in the phishing email which should have raised alarm bells.

We made the email look like it was sent from an employee within the organisation, but the name did not match the email address. The email also did not include a signature block, and there was no personalised greeting  a couple of red flags.

The Connect Smart website has advice for individuals looking to improve their cyber security, including a tip sheet on how to recognise and avoid phishing attacks.

Director of the National Cyber Policy Office Paul Ash urged people to think before they click.

Employees should look out for suspicious, unsolicited emails requesting personal information or other information relating to their workplace. They should take care to verify links or attachments are genuine before clicking on them.

For more information about Connect Smart Week and other initiatives, visit www.connectsmart.govt.nz
If you think youve got what it takes to help run New Zealands largest farming cooperative then make sure you get your nomination in for the 2016 Fonterra Elections.

Elections are being held for two farmer-elected directors for Fonterras Board of Directors, 13 members of the Fonterra Shareholders Council, two members of the Directors Remuneration Committee and one trustee of the Fonterra Farmer Custodian Trust.

As a result of the recent changes to Fonterras governance and representation, the Director Elections will include two nomination options independent nominations and self-nominations.

The independent nomination process will be run first with the selected candidates announced by the Returning Officer on Friday, November 4, says a Fonterra spokesperson.

Self-nominations, where farmers can put themselves forward as a candidate for the board outside the independent nomination process, will follow with the nomination period running from Friday, November 4 to Thursday, November 10.

The Returning Officer will confirm all Farmer Director Election candidates on November 10.

The new processes for the election of farmer-elected directors involve the appointment of an Independent Selection Panel and a Nominations Committee.

Once the Panel and the Nominations Committee are appointed, the farmer-elected directors who are retiring by rotation will advise the Nominations Committee of their intentions to either re-stand or retire, and any necessary announcements will then be made, the spokesperson explains.

For the Directors Remuneration Committee, Scott Montgomerie and Gerard Wolvers are retiring by rotation. Both are eligible for re-election. In accordance with the Fonterra Farmer Custodian Trust Deed, trustee Paul Todd will retire and is eligible for re-election.

While in accordance with the by-laws of the Shareholders Council, elections will be taking place in 13 Wards across the country, including the Western Bay of Plenty (Ward 9), Matamata (Ward 8) and Taupo (Ward 15).

Councillors in Matamata, Western Bay of Plenty and Taupo, have advised the Returning Officer of their intention to retire resulting in vacancies in these wards.

All applications must be received by the Returning Officer Warwick Lampp of electionz.com by 12pm on Tuesday, October 25.

Candidates must satisfy eligibility requirements in order to be elected, and further procedural requirements are specified in the Election Rules.

Nomination Papers and Candidate Handbooks will be available by phoning the Election Helpline on free phone 0800 666 034 or emailing iro@electionz.com
Air New Zealand is issuing a total ban on fire-prone Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on all of its flights from 5am today, Sunday.

The airline strongly advises travellers not to bring the devices to the airport with them, says an airline spokeswoman.

"They cannot be accepted for travel and there is no storage facility available for them at our check in areas," the spokeswoman said on Stuff.

Spark has notified customers of the first reported case of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 exploding in New Zealand.

The Air New Zealand ban takes effect the same time as the US ban. The United States Department of Transportation issued a total ban on passengers and flight crews bringing the phones on airline flights into and out of the United States.

"Air New Zealand apologises to customers for any inconvenience, however, this is an FAA and US DOT safety requirement."

The Civil Aviation Authority this week told airlines they had to ensure passengers turn off any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices when travelling, but fell short of an outright ban.

This smartphone began smoking inside a Southwest Airlines plane on October 5, 2016. Photo: Supplied.

The US order, which went into effect at 5am today New Zealand time, says the phones may not be carried on board or packed in checked bags on flights to and from the United States or within the country.

The phones also cant be shipped as air cargo. Passengers caught attempting to travel with the phones will have the phones confiscated and may face fines, the department said.

Samsung has recalled more than 2.5 million of the smartphones worldwide, citing a battery manufacturing error, and discontinued the product earlier this week, less than two months after its August release.

In New Zealand, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 buyers will be given $100 compensation  on top of a cash or credit refund  to compensate them for the "stress" and inconvenience of having to return the smartphones.

New Zealand Post has told consumers not to post or courier Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones back to retailers because of the safety risk.

Instead it is telling buyers to return the smartphones to retailers in person.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been nearly 100 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the U.S.

One fire erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month. In another case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.

The Federal Aviation Administration had previously warned passengers not to pack the phones in their checked bags and to power them off and not charge them while on board planes.

"We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

"We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

The Note 7 isnt the only gadget to catch fire thanks to lithium-battery problems, which have afflicted everything from laptops to Tesla cars to Boeings 787 jetliner.

At least three U.S. airlines are adding new fire-suppression equipment to fleets in case a cellphone or laptop battery overheats, catches on fire and cant be extinguished.

Rechargeable lithium batteries are more susceptible to overheating than other types of batteries if they are exposed to high temperatures, are damaged or have manufacturing flaws.

Once overheating starts, it can lead to "thermal runaway" in which temperatures continue escalating to very high levels. Water can extinguish the flames, but doesnt always halt the thermal runaway.

Flames will often reappear after initially being quenched. Lithium batteries are ubiquitous in consumer electronic devices.

Manufacturers like them because they weigh less and pack considerably more energy into the same space than other types of batteries.

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, a U.N. agency that sets global aviation safety standards, banned bulk shipments of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger planes until better packaging can be developed to prevent a fire from spreading and potentially destroying the plane.

No more flying for the Note 7. Photo: Supplied.
A French tourist who fell over a 50m cliff at Omanawa Falls on Saturday was the first of two winch rescues for the Tauranga based Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter.

Luckily the 32 year old Frenchman was able to stop his fall 10 meters from the top by grabbing onto a tree, otherwise it was another 40 meters to rocks below, says pilot Liam Brettkelly.

We were able to locate the man then winch down a St John Paramedic to secure the man into a harness and winch him to safety. Luckily he was uninjured in the fall.

In the second winch rescue a woman in her 60s with a medical condition had become unwell while walking a loop track west of Katikati.

Because of communication issues it took some time to locate the sick tramper and her two companions, says Liam. Once located, the woman was winched into the helicopter in difficult windy conditions and flown to a farmhouse near Katikati.

The helicopter then returned for her tramping companions who were winched out due to fading light as they were not prepared for a night in the bush.

The Port of Tauranga rescue winch was used in two rescues on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.
"This isn't the end. It doesn't mean I?m saved. I have to get through this," says Pablo, who will have to go back into hospital in a few weeks' time

A photo posted by Pablo Raez on Monday. :: FACEBOOK

He was given the news last Friday, during one of his checkups at the Carlos Haya hospital in Malaga. They thought a bone marrow donor may have been found for him. On Monday, when he went for the first of his five new chemotherapy sessions, it was confirmed.

Pablo Raez, who is suffering from leukemia, lost no time in spreading the news on social media, which has been his window to the world since suffering a relapse. He has already had one unsuccessful bone marrow transplant (the donor was his father) and his message was not as joyful as many people would have expected. What he posted to announce that a donor had been found was bittersweet: Few people will think of how afraid I might feel. It is very hard. Ill need much stronger chemotherapy, more medication, Ill have to be isolated in the transplant chambers and wont know how long Ill have to be there or how the transplant will go or even if it will be rejected. When I say Im not afraid of death, its true, but I am afraid of the suffering which I cant do anything about. What will be, will have to be, he said.

Seconds later, his mobile phone began to ring incessantly. Something which was great news for his supporters is a road full of uncertainty for Pablo. People are congratulating me and telling me I can do this. It isnt the end, though. Im not saved yet. I know Ill have to withstand a great deal. I know what is to come, and I know what the consequences of a rejection are, he told us.

A young woman from America appears to be the person whose bone marrow is 80 per cent compatible with that of Pablo Raez. Theyve had to remove some of the parameters in my case because it was so hard to find someone 100 per cent compatible. With this person the compatibility is 80 per cent, but bearing in mind that with my father it was 50 per cent, thats OK, he explained.

Its hard to take in

Monday was a difficult day for Pablo and his family. The confirmation of a donor coincided with the start of five new chemotherapy sessions and numerous doubts about the future. I feel fine, but this news is hard to take in. Im undergoing chemo again, theyve told me Ill have to be admitted to hospital again in five weeks, theres the preparation... its an accumulation of things, and to be completely honest Im not feeling very cheerful right now, he said.

Despite all that lies ahead, this young man from Marbella once again demonstrated great maturity and humility in expressing his concern that the campaign to encourage people to register as bone marrow donors might slow down, now that a potential donor has been identified for him.

I dont want people to think the work is done. It isnt. This is one donor, but many more are needed. We mustnt forget that a lot of people are waiting for news like this, and thats why we must keep going, he said.

Pablos compatible donor lives in America - the bone marrow donor bank is worldwide - but says she can travel anywhere. Why is my donor in America and not in Spain? Well, maybe because there are millions of donors there. Even in Germany there are seven million donors, but here in Spain, before this campaign, there were only 250,000. Thats why its so important to carry on, he explained.

At the moment, though, Pablo is only able to think about the difficulties which lie ahead. Its not just the treatment, its seeing how the body reacts to the transplant, he said.

In his message on social media he paid tribute again to the support he has received from thousands of people all over the country. Im so grateful to all the people who have supported me, many of them anonymously, and to the medical team, my friends, my family, everyone who has registered as a donor. To everyone who is thinking about it I can tell them not to be afraid, its not dangerous to donate bone marrow, its only dangerous to receive it, he stressed, before going on to reassure all his supporters: I want to live and be happy. Ill keep fighting! he insisted.
Expected to Support More Than 200 Businesses, Create Over 500 Jobs



Center is Cornerstone of the Futureworks NYC Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, Key Component of Mayor de Blasios Industrial Policy

SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that industry leader TechShop has been selected to operate a more than 15,000 square foot advanced manufacturing center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park. This shared workspace will provide makers and other small manufacturing firms with affordable access to 21st century equipment, as well as access to a suite of support services.

The advanced manufacturing center is the cornerstone of Futureworks NYC, a network of programs and resources to support the advanced manufacturing sector in New York City, create high-skilled production jobs, and increase competitiveness for existing manufacturing companies. The new center is expected to create more than 500 jobs in the first 5 years, attract $200 million in investment, and help launch more than 200 new industrial businesses.

TechShop  the largest and most experienced operator of open-access makerspaces in the world  has helped launch hundreds of businesses responsible for thousands of jobs, and with a combined worth over $6 billion. TechShop currently operates in 12 cities worldwide: San Jose, Redwood City, San Francisco, Phoenix, Detroit, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Austin, Washington D.C., Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Tokyo.

We launched Futureworks to ensure the greatest city in the world remains the greatest place to make things and to grow a 21st century industrial business, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. This advanced manufacturing center is the linchpin of our Futureworks initiatives, and we couldn't be more excited that TechShop is bringing their global experience and expertise to make sure it's a tremendous success.

We are experiencing a manufacturing renaissance in New York City that is driven by the talents of our creative entrepreneurs, makers, and inventors, said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. Our new partnership with TechShop will democratize access to the state of the art tools, equipment, and workspaces necessary to not just support our city's manufacturers but also position New York City at the forefront of advancing manufacturing.

We are thrilled to be bringing TechShop to New York City, said Dan Woods, CEO of TechShop. TechShops vast experience in safely and effectively managing world-renowned makerspaces will enable Futureworks NYC to fuel the birth of new products, companies and jobs and to deliver transformational experiences to the people and communities of Brooklyn.

This is another important step to expand opportunities in Sunset Parks industrial sector, creating good paying local jobs, Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez. Im excited that TechShop will be bringing additional resources to help further fuel economic activity in our community.

I am proud Sunset Park's Brooklyn Army Terminal is a cornerstone of New York City's advanced manufacturing revolution, said Council Member Carlos Menchaca. Our protection of manufacturing zones and our investments in infrastructure must be coupled with innovative business practices. I am especially pleased to see Futureworks NYC include direct grants for start-ups along with practical assistance for existing manufacturers. To succeed at BAT, the innovators who will build New York's advanced manufacturing future need Sunset Park's skilled labor. The Futureworks NYC initiative provides resources for a proven industry leader like TechShop to support growth, and workforce development. I will judge the value delivered by Futureworks NYC by both economic impact and to what extent local workers share the benefits of growth.

SBIDC is excited and proud to welcome TechShop and the Advanced Manufacturing Center to Southwest Brooklyn, said David D. Meade, Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation. The manufacturing sector is critical to the Southwest Brooklyn economy, and the economy of New York City as a whole, and we are happy to see the City making a major investment in the future of manufacturing, right here in our neighborhood. As the organization working closely with Southwest Brooklyns industrial sector, we look forward to working with the new tenants of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, and helping to create good jobs for local residents.

Brooklyns waterfront is already one of the leading innovation corridors in the country, and TechShop will be an incredible addition, said Carlo A. Scissura, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Providing companies with space and access to the best equipment for a fraction of the cost will further enhance the environment of creativity and advanced manufacturing that is thriving in Sunset Park. Congratulations to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen and NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.

In addition to the advanced manufacturing center, other components of Futureworks NYC include:

Virtual Incubator: Services to support the launch of product start-ups in the City and to encourage local production and supply chains as they scale.

Business Extension Services: Services to provide assistance helping traditional manufacturing firms learn about and adopt new technology.

Existing Space Activation: Services through partnerships with existing research, prototyping and fabrication, and production facilities to expand their capacity to broaden access to equipment to users such as start-ups, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

Futureworks Growth Initiative: Grants that offset costs for advanced manufacturing startups establishing new operations.

Advisory Body: Thought-leaders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs who actively contribute to the direction and momentum of the overall initiative.

Futureworks.nyc: A digital resource connecting the dots on New York Citys services, spaces and events dedicated to advanced manufacturing.

Futureworks NYC was first announced in November of 2015 as part of Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viveritos ten-point action plan to grow industrial and manufacturing jobs. The Citys action plan for the industry will help ensure that both longstanding businesses and new firms have the space to evolve and expand, preserving and creating good jobs in New York City.

The new and current investments will generate more than 20,000 new jobs and support the citys existing 530,000 manufacturing and industrial jobs, which represent 15.4 percent of the citys private sector workforce. The sector is an important pathway to the middle class for many families, with median wages of $50,400 a year. In addition, more than 328,000 jobs in the sector (61.5 percent) are located outside Manhattan, 62 percent of the workforce comes from culturally diverse backgrounds, and nearly half are foreign-born. And approximately 63 percent of industrial and manufacturing sector jobs are available to individuals who do not have a college degree.

About NYCEDC

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.



About TechShop, Inc.

Founded in October 2006, TechShop is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio that provides access to a vibrant community of creative makers and more than $1 million worth of equipment, tools, and software. Based in San Jose, Calif., with locations nationwide, TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction, and training for people of all ages and skill levels to build whatever they can dream. For information on memberships and course listings, visit www.techshop.com, brooklyn@techshop.com or call 855-TECHSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at @TechShop and on Facebook as TechShop Incorporated. TechShop currently offers a number of investment opportunities. For more information, or to RSVP for one of our upcoming live webinars, visit invest.techshop.com.
ONONDAGA, N.Y. -- A man was severely injured earlier this week when a large tree branch he was cutting from an extension ladder

snapped and hit him

in the head.

Sgt. Jon Seeber, spokesman for the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, said deputies and rescue crews responded at 2:21 p.m. Wednesday to a house at 4429 Howlett Hill Road in the town of Onondaga for a report of an unconscious person.

When rescuers arrived there they found Joseph Chapman, 50, of Wright Avenue, Salina, unconscious with severe head trauma.

Witnesses told deputies that Chapman was standing on an extension ladder while trying to cut a large tree branch, Seeber said. Suddenly the branch snapped and hit Chapman in the head, causing him to fall off the ladder.

Chapman was rushed to Upstate University Hospital by TLC Ambulance where he underwent emergency surgery. He was listed in critical condition.

Property records list the owners of 4429 Howlett Hill Road as Roy and Mary Slater. Seeber said Chapman is a friend of the property owner.
Larry Hackett is former editor in chief of People magazine and a managing partner of 10Ten Media, an editorial content agency.

By Larry Hackett | Special to The Washington Post

In the hours after People magazine correspondent Natasha Stoynoff said she had been sexually assaulted in 2005 by Donald Trump, while she was interviewing him about his wedding anniversary at his Mar-a-Lago estate, I had the chance to wonder what I, as the magazine's then-deputy editor, would have done had she told me about Trump's predation.

For a second there, I imagined a scene of Ben Bradlee-esque outrage, calling out the swine for his behavior and striking a blow for reporters everywhere. But in reality, I probably would have simply killed the story that Stoynoff had gone to Palm Beach to report. I would have then called Trump's public relations operatives, told them about their boss's bad behavior and agreed to a truce of mutual silence. In the end, few people would have learned of the event, we'd have had to fill a few more pages in the next issue, and Trump would have avoided any public embarrassment.

News organizations are devoted to the idea that unless something truly gruesome happens during the course of reporting, the subjects, not the reporters, are the real story. They instinctively feel pressure to absent themselves from the narrative. It's the right instinct, but in the case of sexual assault, whose violations are not always visible, reporters face a terrible choice. No wonder Stoynoff didn't feel able to confide in me or her other editors in 2005. The ghastly truth is that had Trump punched her, our course of action would have been much clearer. Instead, he exploited power, privilege and media sclerosis to his own sweaty ends.

It's clear that a grim stoicism is the preferred mien at newspapers and magazines. How else to explain covering the Trump campaign, where professionals spend their days accused of dishonesty, duplicity and general disgracefulness, not to mention the taunts of the crowd? Can you imagine enduring that abuse without complaint? In any other job, HR would intervene immediately.

We teach reporters to get the goods, deal with the challenges and suck it up, no matter the hurdles. Stoynoff, a pro, had this ethos tattooed on her bones. As an editor with decades of New York City tabloid newspaper and magazine experience, I reinforced that idea every day. Add to that the fear Stoynoff must have felt as a woman concerned about her professional reputation, and the stigma attached to sexual assault victims, and the odds were stacked against her ever coming forward; she told only one colleague about the alleged attack. Never mind the potential for Trump's retaliation, which he tried to mete out this week in suggesting Stoynoff wasn't attractive enough to be hit on.

The trouble is that this thicket of tradition and fear ends up obscuring the truth about men like Trump. (The story that ran as a result of Stoynoff's reporting is an anodyne account of Trump's anniversary, notable only for his lack of interest in his wife's impending motherhood).

I was always proud of People's reporting, but we, like all news outlets, had established lanes we were more comfortable to swim in. Pushing Stoynoff to become the story, when Trump was already known as something of a boor, would not have been a priority. If that sounds like a cop-out, there it is.

There are hints of this straitjacket in the debacle of Billy Bush and the "Access Hollywood" video. I don't know who knew what when, but I do know NBC News is staffed by professionals. They too don't want to become the story. They are sensitive to the notion they're trying to game the presidential race.

So when something as toxic as Trump's hot-mic filth emerged with Bush as enabler, the organization didn't deal with it swiftly and decisively. The result is that The Washington Post scooped NBC.

What interests me about journalism's role in this election goes beyond how news outlets cover Trump. It's whether they'll implement systemic changes to prevent staffers from enduring abuse as Stoynoff allegedly did while allowing them to do their jobs and to paint honest versions of reality that don't sacrifice their dignity in the process.
2016-06-20-Tenney.jpg

State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, is among three candidates seeking the open seat in the 22nd Congressional District. She is opposed by Democrat Kim Myers, a Broome County legislator from Vestal, and businessman Martin Babinec, of Little Falls, who is running on a third-party line.

(Provided photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The campaign arm of House Republicans seems to suggest in a new ad for GOP congressional candidate Claudia Tenney that Hillary Clinton will win the presidential election over Donald Trump.

The 30-second ad, which began airing Tuesday across the Utica-based 22nd Congressional District, never mentions Trump, the Republican presidential nominee.

Instead, the commercial suggests Tenney would be among House GOP members battling the legislative agenda of Clinton, the Democratic nominee.

"She'll stand up to Hillary Clinton, just like she's always stood up to Governor Cuomo," the announcer says, referring to Tenney.

The National Republican Congressional Committee, which paid for the ads as part of a planned $2 million blitz in the 22nd District, says the new ad does not reflect a change a strategy or assume Trump will lose the Nov. 8 election.

"We're just trying to highlight that Claudia Tenney has been an independent voice for New York who has a record of standing up to liberal Democrats like Clinton and Andrew Cuomo," said Chris Pack, an NRCC spokesman in Washington.

Tenney is a Trump supporter who has stood by the GOP nominee, even as other Republicans have called for him to step down following the release of a tape of Trump talking in vulgar terms about the sexual assault of women.

The Tenney campaign could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

A second NRCC ad for Tenney said her opponents - Democrat Kim Myers and third-party candidate Martin Babinec - will help push Clinton's agenda. That ad also made no mention of Trump. Instead, an announcer says Myers and Babinec will support Clinton and Obamacare.

"That's why we can't let extreme liberal Kim Myers and millionaire Martin Babinec rubber stamp Hillary Clinton's agenda in Congress," the announcer said.

The House GOP's latest pro-Tenney ads started to appear on TV stations in the eight-county 22nd district a day after House Speaker Paul Ryan said he would no longer campaign for Trump. Instead, Ryan said he would focus on keeping the Republican majority in Congress.

Tenney, Myers and Babinec are campaigning for the House seat that will open with the retirement of U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, a Republican from Oneida County. Hanna is the only Republican in Congress to say he will vote for Clinton in the presidential race.

New York's 22nd District covers all of Madison, Oneida, Cortland and Chenango counties and part of Oswego, Broome, Herkimer, and Tioga counties.

Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
A Buffalo man has raised the ire of local politicians after setting up a gallows with a noose on his front lawn to show support for Donald Trump.

Egbert Bickley originally flew an upside-down American flag as a sign of the country's distress, but nobody understood the meaning.

About a week ago, he put up the noose, and now he's getting plenty of attention, The Buffalo News reported.

A Trump supporter is getting plenty of attention for putting  and defending  a noose on his Seneca-Babcock lawn https://t.co/WCGu1aQLu9 pic.twitter.com/pDjtxblv3Z  The Buffalo News (@TheBuffaloNews) October 15, 2016

Two Erie County legislators issued a joint statement condemning Bickley's display on Friday, calling it "clearly a racist symbol meant to invoke painful memories of lynching that have scarred the country for centuries."

Masten Councilman Ulysees O. Wingo Sr., who has been protesting police treatment of black Americans, also spoke out against it.

"There is no way that guy didn't intend for that to be racist," Wingo told the News. "He clearly is sending a message that he doesn't value black lives. Who else got hung with nooses in America? He is clearly not valuing black lives."

Bickley, however, has denied that he is racist, and defended his right to hang the noose.

"The noose actually comes along with my stress factor of everything that I'm tolerating with the ignorance that America doesn't want to see," Bickley explained to the News. "I don't want to hang anybody. We're all hanging together, though, is my point."

Next to the noose is a vaguely threatening gravestone decoration that says "your name here." The upside-down flag still flies above the house, and some red, white and blue Trump signs hang from the porch. Bickley has also painted #TrumpMafia on the second floor.

"It's part of the whole package that's symbolizing how I'm upset with the politicians of Western New York, how I'm upset with everybody and what we've become and where I think we're going," Bickley told WBFO-FM.

He said his neighborhood used to be a "great Irish neighborhood," but that now it's turning into "the new East Side." He specifically referenced increased prostitution and heroin use in the area.

Bickley told WBFO that he's received some backlash, including death threats, and that he understands how it might be upsetting to people. But he says "never once did that racial thought come across my mind.

"For everyone to say that, aren't they the problem with racism?" he added.

Bickley isn't the first Trump supporter to employ the noose as a symbol of their support for the GOP candidate. In Minnesota, a supporter hung a noose to ward of thieves who were stealing his Trump lawn signs.

Watch Bickley's interview with the Buffalo News below.
Re: Policy Adviser: Freedom of speech is not only a basic human right; it [ #permalink

Dear DmitryFarber,



Thank you for your clarification. Ive perhaps read into it too much. I would agree with you 100%, if the choice did not have the word SELF. In fact, I initially thought about the explanation that youve given: a benefit to the government. But the SELF bit bothered me.



If we place the SELF bit in the context, youll have the self-interest of the government. Now, the self-interest of the government is associated more with the government trying to stay in power by any means necessary, or the government silencing its citizens, and so on, than with the government doing the right thing for its citizens. The government doing the right thing for its citizens is, usually (??), in the interest of the government, as well as in the interest of its citizens, but probably not to its SELF-interest. Why?



Well, the word self-interest seems to me to be about someone or some entity doing things to gain a benefit for himself or itself but not for others. I wasnt 100% sure, so I looked up in a dictionary, and according to the Oxford dictionary, the word self-interest means: one's personal interest or advantage, especially when pursued without regard for others. So not only gaining benefits but also doing so for oneself is a part of the words connotation.



Now, the analogies that you gave:



"This is the right thing to do AND you will benefit."

"This low-emissions car is good for the environment, AND you will save money!"



These are the examples of a kind, thoughtful person giving a useful piece of advice to someone for the benefit of the person receiving the advice. In other words, these are not the examples of self-interested advice because they dont disregard others. If so, you have to assume that the self-interest of the person giving advice and the self-interest of the person receiving the advice converge.



As such, you are then assuming that the interest of the government and the interest of its citizens converge, but I rarely see that convergence in the recent human history. I know Ive watched too much political news and have become the victim of availability heuristic. But I just see too many counter examples to believe in the convergence. Isnt it too much to ask test takers, usually adults and not impressionable teenagers, to believe that the interest of the government and the interest of its citizens usually converge? So to summarise my problem here: Interest = self-interest??? Really?



Now, if Im not awfully wrong about the central tenet of the argument, I see it as follows.



Free speech is great because it allows different ideas to be discussed and scrutinised, leading to rational decision-making. Or something like that. And that is in the interest of the government.

Ok, I get that.

But is that the self-interest of the government? Really??



Now, I could be wrong about my explanation, which may be more associative than logical, but just to clarify, I did not mean that the self-interest is related to some personal interest of the advisor. Of course, we cannot know that. Instead, what I meant and perhaps I did not communicate well was that the advisors claim about the freedom of speech being the ONLY rational policy is incomplete, all the while the advisor lists up all the wonderful ideals.



The argument gives me an impression that someone is saying: Look, this is the ONLY way, because then you can achieve these moral, wonderful things! This is the best! Then, you go like: Well, is it really the only way??



Now, the reason that I connected the self-interest to the advisor is that I suddenly remembered reading Aristotle, who talks about 3 rhetorical techniques: logos, pathos, and ethos. And the ethos is the technique of persuasion that uses moral sentiments. Politicians often use that tactic. I will raise tax because we should save those poor children! Deceitful bastards!



So these are the reasons that I have a massive problem in seeing the freedom of speech as the self-interest of the government because the government often acts as though the freedom of speech is not its self-interest. Here, I assume the separation of the government and the state. Meanwhile, if I see the whole thing as the rhetorical tactic employed by the advisor, the ethos, then, it makes a whole lot more sense to me.



Im sure you would agree with me on this that if your interpretation is right, the word self-interest is not the most appropriate one here. If it is a trap, then, it is the trap that makes me go oh, thats nasty, but not oh, thats clever.



Thank you for reading my rambling.
inception1003 wrote:



Darden:

pros: $$$. Most top consulting firms come on-campus for recruitment year on year. Strong academics, case study method. Rising in rankings, brand etc

cons: Too much focus on academics could limit time for networking/recruitment activities. High Tech recruitment seems sparse. Consulting recruitment numbers don't seem as good as Ross even after normalizing for class size.





I wouldn't consider that academics to be a con at Darden...there seems to be this myth that Darden works you harder than other schools because of the case method (why hasn't anyone said this about HBS?). You're gonna be working hard academically wherever you go. Looks like you were reaching for cons - and if there was "too much focus on academics" understand that all your classmates would be in the same situation anyway.My 2 cents. Congrats and good luck!_________________
Facebooks Trending Topics section recently has carried a number of trending stories that were either indisputably fake or profoundly inaccurate, The Washington Post reported this week.

The news feed six weeks ago ran a false story claiming Fox News had fired anchor Megyn Kelly for being a closet liberal who supported Hillary Clinton. Facebook removed the story, apologized, and promised to do better.

It appears that despite that commitment, the Trending Topics section is not yet problem free.

Trending Tall Tales

In an experiment conducted over several weeks following Facebooks promotion of the fake Megyn Kelly story, the Post recorded which topics were trending for it every day, on the hour, across four accounts.

That turned up five trending stories that were indisputably fake and three that were profoundly inaccurate, Caitlyn Dewey reported.

Theres no way to know whether those were the only false or highly inaccurate articles that made the Trending Topics feed during the experiments run.

If anything, weve underestimated how often Facebook trends fake news, Dewey wrote.

Further, news releases, blog posts from sites such as Medium, and links to online stores such as iTunes regularly trended, the experiment revealed.

The issue which has long bedeviled journalism is speed versus accuracy, noted David Abrahamson, a professor of journalism at Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism.

In the brave new social media world, speed is everything, and veracity seems to not be regarded as too important, he told TechNewsWorld.

In the Fake News Pot

On Aug. 31, a story about an administrator at Clemson University kicking a praying man off campus trended, The Washington Post noted. The university debunked that story.

On Sept. 8, Facebook promoted a breathless account of the iPhones new and literally magical features, sourced from the real news site Firstposts satirical Faking News Page.

On Sept. 9, a story claiming the Sept. 11 attacks were a controlled demolition trended.

Several days later, Facebook promoted a story about the Buffalo Bills from the satirical site SportsPickle.

Facebooks Responsibility

Facebooks role in distributing news and information is unclear.

The pivotal issue is whether Facebook is a common carrier, suggested Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Facebook will have to ensure the stories it carries are factual only if they represent themselves as an objective news site, which they dont, he told TechNewsWorld.

The company makes it very clear that there are things theyll decide shouldnt be carried and that theyll take off their site, Jude said. Likewise, they dont have to ensure what they carry is accurate. They havent guaranteed that theyd be objective.

On the other hand, Facebook should be held to the same standards as other news organizations, given that an increasing number of people are getting their news from its site, contended Medills Abrahamson.

But who will judge when the number of eyeballs is the holy grail? he asked.

Humans vs. Algorithms

Human editors in Facebooks Trending Topics department recently came under fire for applying an anticonservative bias to the feeds content. Facebook denied the allegations, but also took some steps to reassure critics, replacing its human editorial team with a process that relied on algorithms.

When you take human judgment out of the loop, even though its flawed and can be biased, you cant guarantee the veracity of any of the sources, Frosts Jude remarked. Thats why newspapers traditionally had editorial boards whose members had a wide range of philosophies and political persuasions.

Further, people are better than machines at adapting to situations in which others are trying to game them, suggested Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

To make adjustments in algorithms, systems have to be rewritten, he told TechNewsWorld.

Machines cant inherently learn yet that theyre being tricked, Enderle pointed out.

No one, to my knowledge, has ever deeply studied the accuracy of human editors, Medills Abrahamson said, but they do traditionally take their evaluative function seriously, which Facebook News apparently does not.

Possible Fixes for Facebook

Facebook should bring back people until they can apply deep learning to their automated solution or otherwise make it far harder to trick, said Enderle.

Deep learning could catch fake sites and those running malware  and, based on user behavior, could downrate sites that are likely fake, he added. It also could scan sites like Snopes to identify recurring fake stories early.

The first thing Facebook should do is care, declared Medills Abrahamson. Instead, the firehose meme seems to apply.
Social media has sharpened humans age-old appetite for public shaming, providing a stage and unlimited seating for a seemingly unending stream of immorality plays. Those who share even the simplest identifying details about themselves are vulnerable to being pushed into the glare of the spotlight.

The anonymity the Internet provides frees many individuals of the consequences they might face offline for being abusive to other people. Perhaps appearing to their friends, family and connections as ordinary people in the real world, these Jekyll-and-Hyde netizens transform into trolls to carry out their online assaults.

Anonymity has been a hot button issue for just about the entire life of the Internet, and although there is no 100 percent solution in sight, the situation is not entirely hopeless, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

So long as public sites enable user anonymity, pathological behavior will continue, because it thrives in the shadows, he told TechNewsWorld. Forcing abusers into the sunlight may be difficult or impossible  but changes in rules, laws and enforcement practices could make their lives more complicated and less comfortable.

Deep Dive Into Dirt

We know what the problem looks like, thanks to big data and analytics.

Arecent analysis identified more than17,000 tweets related to body shaming, for example, and ranked the most common terms Twitter users lobbed at others to shame them for their weight.

Artificial intelligence soon might be able to catch and moderate cruel posts mere moments after publication, suggested a University of Lisbon team of researchers who have leveraged machine learning to teach AI to suss out sarcasm.

For now, the moderation and reporting tools available arent set up to prevent or discourage online abuse, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Reputation protection services can be used, but that doesnt scale well  they target one person at a time  and it can be really expensive if you have to litigate and your attacker has no money, he told TechNewsWorld.

What to Do?

It appears Reddit currently has the best system in place, in Enderles view, as its shadow-blocking tools shield users from whomever they wish to block, while allowing offenders to keep their accounts. Offenders are none the wiser, barring some detective work.

Of course, publicizing shamers so they lose their jobs, gym memberships, and get attacked themselves does work, he acknowledged, and if it is done enough, that should change behavior.

However, that approach so far hasnt been used enough to make a difference, Enderle said.

That could change if social media sites and other forums were willing to make some changes.

They could take proactive steps that might make a difference, noted King, who pointed to a list of suggestions for Twitter, posted online by Randi Lee Harper, founder of the Online Abuse Prevention Initiative.

Those changes might result in a significant decrease in the prevalence of abuse on Twitter, but what will it take to inspire websites and their parent companies to intercede?

Many, if not most, technology vendors bend over backward to avoid favoritism and maintain level playing fields for users of all stripes, King pointed out. I respect that attitude, but its often subject to being gamed by some users  and in some circumstances has resulted in online environments that amplify abusive behavior.

Societal Shift

Machine learning tools one day might be capable of rejecting abusive comments before their intended targets ever see them. However, even if the companies running social networks work strenuously to stomp out online abuse, its ultimately up to humans to ensure that humanity prevails.

The best line of defense against social shaming starts at home, suggested counselor Scott A. Spackey.

Family validation and bonding, and personal achievement with sports, school work and personal goals is the antidote to ANY source of social shaming, he told TechNewsWorld.

People are more immune to criticism from outsiders when they have evidence to the contrary, provided by self knowledge and by those in their inner circles, Spackey said. For example, its easier to brush off being called stupid when ones grades indicate otherwise.

We all need to remember theres no law against unfriending a social network contact at any time, he noted. Virtual life has same rules as non-virtual life: You get to have the final say on who you interact with and what you are exposed to.

While its ideal to teach those lessons in the home, its never too late to improve oneself with education and re-education.

Pity the Fool?

When Playboy Playmate Dani Mathers snapchatted an image of an older woman nude in a locker room, that was an opportunity for education, according to relationship and etiquette expert April Masini.

It was a moment to talk about what happens, naturally, to our bodies, she told TechNewsWorld.

There is a lesson for Ms. Mathers to learn that bodies age and they dont look the same at 20 as they do at 60 or 70 or 80, and that its important to celebrate the changes of a healthy and aging human being, Masini said, instead of mocking the change that is often difficult to endure because its a signal life is slipping away  as it should.

Mathers undoubtedly was afraid of what she saw to some degree, she suggested, and might not even be conscious of the aging of her own body.

The impetus for body shamers and bullies is usually fear, Masini said. We see bravado and mean-spirited posts  we dont acknowledge the fear behind the person posting.
One of the problems facing the technology industry right now is the critical lack of strategic thinking. Hedge fund managers and activist investors increasingly are directing companies, forcing tactical decisions that raise stock prices over the short term, largely by destroying the firms long-term viability. What makes this trend particularly problematic is that most top executives dont seem to understand they are destroying their companies until its too late.

This also speaks to Joe Tuccis and Michael Dells recent partnership as a massive effort to remove that threat from both of their companies. Rather than once again picking on a firm like HPE, which is a showcase for this horrid foundation for decision making, I thought it would be interesting to explore the Trump and Clinton campaigns. My contention is that had either candidate thought strategically, neither would have run for the office of president.

Ill close with my product of the week: an interesting Samsung smart refrigerator that may define the future of the smart home  and fortunately is without any exploding battery risk.

Thinking Strategically vs. Tactically

We often define tactical and strategic thinking by time. A tactical decision tends to be more reactive and implemented with a 12-month window, while a strategic decision tends to be proactive and implemented over a far longer period.

Deciding to date someone would be tactical, while marriage should be strategic. Id argue that marriages often fail because they often are entered for tactical reasons. The parties are thinking more about how much they like to date than about how well their goals and ideals will align in the long term.

In the case of this years election, both candidates want to be president  likely for different reasons. Both started with powerful brands that were leveraged successfully into building businesses or getting stratospheric speaking fees and funding global and very lucrative charities.

This reflects a downside that I doubt either fully assessed. Unlike a typical politician who isnt as well compensated, both Clinton and Trump have huge assets tied to their names, as well as reputations that are at risk, regardless of whether they win or lose. Neither can exit this process without incurring most of the damage now.

They are both effectively locked into a path that will leave them badly damaged with respect to personal wealth and influence once this process concludes, regardless of the outcome. That is likely because neither really thought through the risks and rewards strategically.

Donald Trumps Brand

Trump entered the election process with a very powerful personal brand and a reputation for being both very successful and very rich. His brand is placed on all of his properties  not an insignificant portion of which are casinos, where patrons  particularly Asian patrons  connect his brand with winning.

However, much of this is a false front. He is neither as rich nor as successful as people believe him to be, and he actually seems to be operating very close to collapse. He isnt alone. Others, like Elon Musk, also operate on a razors edge between impressive success and catastrophic failure.

The perception that Trump is a success is likely his most valuable asset and is most responsible for keeping him in private jets and penthouse suites, as opposed to a nice house in the country and a neverending issue of paying the rent.

If Trump loses, he will have lost to Hillary Clinton, who isnt seen as a strong politician because she basically was anointed by her party. Thanks largely to Colin Powell, she also is viewed both as incompetent and unsuccessful, particularly by Trumps base.

This doesnt just make Trump a loser but a super loser, having lost to Clinton, who lost to Obama and is seen as unelectable. This means he not only will have virtually eliminated the perception that he cant lose, but also will be seen as a person who cant win. The impact on his income should be not only dramatic but also significant enough to shift him from profit to loss. The resulting loss as people avoid his casinos and brand in general could be catastrophic.

If he were to win, things wouldnt get much better. Hed enter not only with the Democrats but also a critical mass of Republicans against him, and no real political experience. That suggests his presidency would be catastrophically bad, and with his personal brand seriously damaged by the election process, he could face financial collapse while in office. The result would be the absolute destruction of his brand and further deterioration of his image from that of a successful billionaire to that of a punchline.

Youd think, given the risk, that exiting the process might allow him to recover his brand, but that seems doubtful. As president, hed at least have access to resources that would help him recover it, but his unwillingness to learn from his mistakes suggests that outcome is exceedingly remote. He is kind of screwed.

Hillary Clintons Reputation

Clinton entered the campaign as one of the most powerful women in the world. Largely seen as successful as a senator and particularly as secretary of state, she could have enjoyed a long successful career as a very highly paid speaker, power broker and charity manager. The election process so far has reduced her perceived power as a power broker. Her positions against Wall Street have devalued her considerably as a speaker, and her charity is at risk of being positioned as a liability to many current contributors.

So, even before the election process is complete, the perceptions that formerly surrounded her will have been badly, if not critically, damaged  destroying much of the financial engine under her relatively high income. Recall that the Clintons complained that his term in office effectively broke them financially.

If Clinton should lose, thing would get worse. Already increasingly seen as unable to do what is necessary to accomplish key goals, she will have lost to Trump, who is positioned by his party as unelectable. This suggests that anything he does in office that damages the country likely will be blamed on her inability to execute.

Trump is known to be vindictive, and that behavior, backed with the power of his office and access to still-confidential information on both Hillary and Bill, could result in a level of brand damage and potential criminal charges and litigation that would be unprecedented in their lives, if not the history of the nation.

There is an unacceptably high chance this not only could result in her being broke again, but also facing a high risk of a jail sentence. I expect that Trump would pull no punches in seeking to get even with her for the damage he would perceive she had done. (Trump doesnt accept that he makes mistakes, and hell likely blame his own financial problems on Clinton.)

If she wins, things also get worse  though likely not as much as in Trumps case, because Trump effectively would be neutralized as a threat. Still, she would face a Republican majority that hates her more than they hate the current sitting president, as well as a not-inconsequential number of Sanders supporters who think she cheated to get the job.

The effort to neutralize her will be unprecedented, both from within and without her party, and her now-historic inability to execute likely would define her term. There is a very high probability that she would be forced out of the office early (the same is true of Trump) and a near certainty that she would be tarnished further by her aging husbands increasing inability to make prudent decisions (also highlighted by Colin Powells leaked email).

Exiting the White House, she could be in even worse financial shape than the last time but lacking the vitality, due to age, to recover. Granted, as in Trumps case, things would be marginally better if she were to win rather than lose  but strategically, this looks like a lose/lose outcome for both candidates.

Wrapping Up

The strategic decision at this point would be for both candidates to meet and agree to withdraw, focusing on brand recovery and partnering for mutual brand recovery, given that both have the same problem. There is zero probability of that happening, not only because both candidates are unable to think strategically, but both also because both are likely at the point where they are more likely to shoot each other than to partner.

Plan B would be to work far harder  not only to ensure a win, but also to ensure the ability to execute the office of president successfully. That means aggressively reducing the conflict in their own parties  not through rhetoric alone, but by embracing proactively critical aspects of the elements positioned against them, and turning them from liabilities to assets.

In addition, both candidates would need to address their own core behaviors more aggressively. Clinton has to focus more on sharp execution and Trump on doing his homework instead of skating. Both need to be ready to enter the office running and be fully capable of avoiding the mistakes that have crippled both candidates careers and campaigns. At the heart of this is the willingness to accept mistakes and faults, and prioritize addressing them.

Since neither candidate seems willing to do that either, I expect that regardless of who it is, the winner eventually will have deep regrets about running  if theyre not harbored already. Had they thought this through strategically  like the computer in the movie War Games eventually did  both candidates would have concluded that the only truly good decision would have been not to play in the first place.

One other point: More people, particularly politicians, should practice thinking strategically. It would lead to a lot more good decisions and far fewer catastrophic ones.

At our house, Im typically the person who falls in love with a new high-tech appliance and then deals with what often is an unexpected bad outcome. However, this Samsung smart refrigerator was my wifes idea  and so far, it is a good one.

Samsung 4-Door Flex RefrigeratorWith Family Hub

The idea of a smart refrigerator has been around for some time. Over the years, Samsung has introduced a number of them, both with built-in PCs and built-in tablets, that for the most part have truly sucked.

Part of the problem has been that Samsung service typically sucks, and this class of product has tended to be complex and unreliable. However, the company has improved over time with regard to reliability, and there is an increasing number of third parties that can service the product (though I would always buy an extended warranty).

What makes the difference is that this new offering not only is stunning to look at, but also has significant value, thanks to the integration with other Samsung products, as a smart hub for IoT devices.

While still young, this product can be used to sync in real time with Samsung TVs (playing the same program in the kitchen that the family is watching in the living room); program compliant Samsung stoves and appliances; and control compatible IoT devices.

Running about US$1,500 more than the same refrigerator without a display and with a price of just under $4K this isnt a cheap date, but it is more impressive in place than comparably priced Sub Zero and Viking appliances.

In short, if you want to impress people, this thing does it in spades. This is finally a good representation of what is coming, and it is a fascinating way to move from paper sticky notes into a digital messaging future.

Because this is a great early showcase for IoT, but mostly because this is one of the most impressive devices in a home that is nearly wall-to-wall tech, the Samsung RF8K9580SG Smart Refrigerator is my product of the week.
When the new president takes up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., cybersecurity will be on the shortlist for action. Whats a president to do?

TechNewsWorld asked more than a dozen experts what should be at the top of the new leader of the free worlds cyberagenda. Following are some of their responses.

The president has to set the tone early on cybersecurity  within the first 100 days  and say right off the bat that this matters, said Sam Curry, chief product officer at Cybereason.

The first priority should be protecting government systems, he explained.

New cabinet secretaries have to understand that their mission cant be done without secure systems, said Curry. Far too often, cybersecurity is not even on the list of priorities for initiatives and agencies and staffing.

All government agencies should be required to adopt a formal assumption of breach framework, recommended Jeffrey Carr, CEO of Taia Global.

This means that they acknowledge that they are currently in a state of breach, he explained, and must immediately act to identify and secure their critical assets as well as build in resiliency.

Share the Wealth

Information sharing is another issue that needs executive attention.

Some progress has been made in sharing cyberintelligence between public and private sectors during the current administration, but the next administration should ramp up those efforts, recommended Scott J. White, director of the cybersecurity program at The George Washington University.

The United States has the largest intelligence-gathering apparatus in the world, he pointed out.

Who is it gathering that intelligence for? If its gathering intelligence just for its own internal consumers in government, then were making a mistake, White continued. We have to be able to get real-time, threat-based cyberintelligence to the private sector.

Public-private cooperation is important in organizing the nations cybersecurity efforts, maintained Damien Van Puyvelde, an assistant professor at The University of Texas at El Paso.

This is something that President Obama has been focusing on, and its something Id expect the next president to focus on, he said. If the president wants a strong economy, then the president needs to make efforts to make sure the private sector is protected from cybercrime and cyberthreats.

Do No Harm

The new president should concentrate on initiatives that strengthen cybersecurity and not weaken it, maintained James Scott, a senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology.

Critical infrastructure organizations protect their sensitive data through strict access controls and data encryption, he explained, yet legislation has been introduced in Congress to undermine those protections.

Legislation that would weaken those controls by imposing nonessential access, such as backdoors, or that would weaken consumer protections such as encryption, are demonstratively harmful to the cybersecurity of the nation, Scott said.

Legislators would better spend their time, attention and resources focusing on correcting or mitigating the fundamental root faults in systems and processes that enable attackers to compromise systems, and that prevent public and private sector organizations from mitigating the risk before harm is realized, he added.

New Civil Defense

The new president also should turn up the heat on protecting the nations infrastructure from cyberattack, recommended Scott Borg, CEO of the U.S. Cyber Consequences Unit.

The creation of a national cyber-recovery plan designed along the lines of the civil defense plans created for response to a nuclear attack is one thing he advocates.

We really havent acknowledged the extent of the damage that could be done by a cyberattack on our infrastructure, Borg said. Industrial control systems could be hijacked and cause massive physical damage. That could be done with a migrating piece of malware with no Internet connection, as was done with Stuxnet.

The Russians and Chinese already may have planted in U.S. industrial systems malware sleepers that can be triggered remotely. However, since its likely the United States has planted similar malware on those countries systems, something similar to the nuclear stalemate during the Cold War exists.

Im not particularly worried about the Russians or Chinese, Borg said. What Im worried about is some completely irresponsible agent without any involvement in the modern economy acquiring these capabilities. [*Correction  Oct. 17, 2016]

Dont Fumble

Above all else, the new administration should not set out to reinvent the wheel.

We should keep making progress where were making progress, said Jeff Greene, director of government affairs for North America at Symantec.

New administrations have a habit of coming in and wanting to start everything anew, he said.

Make improvements, add new policy, but dont do one of these complete fresh looks  that would set us back, Greene cautioned.

The momentum needs to continue and grow, said Cybereason s Curry. The handoff between administrations should not be a fumble.

Breach Diary

Oct. 3. U.S. Surgeon General warns 6,600 medical professionals in his commissioned corps that their personal information is at risk by a breach of the agencys personnel system.

Oct. 3. U.S. District Court Judge Andrea R. Wood dismisses class action lawsuit against Barnes & Noble related to a compromise of its point-of-sale systems in 2012. Plaintiffs failed to show they had suffered any actual damages because of the data breach, she found.

Oct. 3. Internet Insurance Group launches DataBreachCoverage.com to offer cyberliability insurance coverage options to small businesses nationwide.

Oct. 3. SANS Institute releases survey showing more information security professionals are concerned about unauthorized outsiders accessing data stored in a public cloud this year (62 percent) compared with last year (40 percent).

Oct. 4. Yahoo last year built a custom program to search all its customers incoming emails for information provided to it by U.S. intelligence officials, Reuters reports. Yahoo later denies the claims in the report.

Oct. 4. Amazon has alerted some of its customers that their passwords have been reset after discovering their Amazon email address and password corresponded to a login list posted online, The Sunday Express reports.

Oct. 4. Thomas White, aka The Cthulhu, posts to his website as a free download information from more than 68 million Dropbox accounts stolen in a 2012 data breach of the service.

Oct. 4. Personal data of more than 15 million users of websites run by C&Z Tech Limited, which include HaveAFling.mobi, HaveAnAffair.mobi and HookUpDating.mobi, is at risk after a database for the sites was found exposed to the Internet without a password.

Oct. 5. The FBI has arrested Harold T. Martin, a former employee of NSA contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, and is investigating whether he stole and disclosed classified security code developed by the agency to compromise the networks of foreign governments, The New York Times reports.

Oct. 5. UK Information Commissioners Office orders TalkTalk to pay fine of Pounds 400,000 in connection with a 2015 data breach that affected 150,000 customers.

Oct. 5. Fancy Bears, the hackers who published online medical records stolen from the World Anti-Doping Agency, may have doctored some of the data in those records, the BBC reports.

Oct. 5. Australian Public Service Commission removes its annual employee census from public access on the Internet over security concerns about the database, which contains confidential information about the agencys 96,000 workers.

Oct. 6. Verizon wants the US$4.8 billion it agreed to pay for Yahoo reduced by $1 billion due to bad news about the company, including the theft of data in 2014 affecting 500 million accounts, the New York Post reports.

Oct. 6. American 1 Credit Union in Jackson, Michigan announces it will decline all purchases made at Wendys by its payment card holders because it doesnt believe the fast food chain has removed all the malware that infected its point-of-sale systems in more than 1,000 locations in 2015.

Oct. 6. Montana Department of Justice reports 110,000 citizens of the state were victims of data breaches in the last 12 months.

Oct. 6. Central Ohio Urology Group reports to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that 300,000 patients were affected by data breach in August, the eighth largest breach in the U.S. this year.

Oct. 7. U.S. government formally accuses Russia of a campaign of cyberattacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election.

Upcoming Security Events

Oct. 17-19. CSX North America. The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas. Registration: before Aug. 11, ISACA member, $1,550; nonmember, $1,750. Before Oct. 13, member, $1,750; nonmember, $1,950. Onsite, member, $1,950; nonmember, $2,150.

Oct. 18. IT Security and Privacy Governance in the Cloud. 1 p.m. ET. Webinar moderated by Rebecca Herold, The Privacy Profesor. Free with registration.

Oct. 18-19. Edge2016 Security Conference. Crowne Plaza, 401 W. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee. Registration: before Aug. 15, $250; after Aug. 15, $300; educators and students, $99.

Oct. 18-19. SecureWorld St. Louis. Americas Center Convention Complex, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis. Registration: conference pass, $325; SecureWorld Plus, $725; exhibits and open sessions, $30.

Oct. 18-19. Security of Things, A Smart Card Alliance Event. Hilton Rosemont Chicago OHare Hotel, 5550 N. River Rd., Rosemont, Illinois. Registration: members $775 before Oct. 8, $885; nonmembers, $895 before Oct. 8, $1,045.

Oct. 19. Crisis Communication After an Attack. 11 a.m. ET. Webinar by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and FireEye. Free with registration.

Oct. 20. Securing Cloud with Multifactor Authentication. 1 p.m. ET. Webinar by Vanguard Integrity Professionals. Free with registration.

Oct. 20. Los Angeles Cyber Security Summit. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, California. Registration: $250.

Oct. 20. B-Sides Raleigh. Marbles Kid Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, North Carolina. Registration: $20.

Oct. 22. B-Sides Jacksonville. Sheraton Hotel, 10605 Deerwood Park Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida. Registration: $10.

Oct. 27. SecureWorld Bay Area. San Jose Marriott, 301 S. Market St., San Jose, California. Registration: conference pass, $195; SecureWorld Plus, $625; exhibits and open sessions, $30.

Nov. 1-4. Black Hat Europe. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, UK. Registration: before Sept. 3, Pounds 1,199 with VAT; before Oct. 29, Pounds 1,559 with VAT; after Oct. 28, Pounds 1,799 with VAT.

Nov. 9-10. SecureWorld Seattle. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue, Washington. Registration: conference pass, $325; SecureWorld Plus, $725; exhibits and open sessions, $30.

Nov. 12. B-Sides Jackson. Old Capitol Museum, 100 South State St., Jackson, Mississippi. Free.

Nov. 12. B-Sides Atlanta. Atlanta Tech Village, 3423 Piedmont Rd. NE, Atlanta, Georgia. Free.

Nov. 12. B-Sides Boise. Trailhead, 500 S. 8th St., Boise, Idaho. Cost: $10.

Nov. 12. B-Sides Charleston. Beatty Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina. Free.

Nov. 28-30. FireEye Cyber Defense Summit 2016. Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Registration: through Sept. 30, general admission, $495; government and academic, $295;Oct. 1- Nov. 21, $995/$595; Nov. 22-30, $1,500/$1,500.

*ECT News Network editors note  Oct. 17, 2016: Our original published version of this column incorrectly quoted Scott Borg, CEO of the U.S. Cyber Consequences Unit, as saying, Im particularly worried about the Russians or Chinese. He actually said that he was not particularly worried about the Russians or Chinese (italics ours). We regret the error.
No doubt you've run across this kind of player in many an online multiplayer game before.

They only pick one character. Their performance is underwhelming, yet they rage in chat about how the entire team sucks. When they are bested, they claim the other team is cheating or hacking. And, of course, they are a sore loser.

According to Cards Against Humanity Super-PAC The Nuisance Committee, that's exactly the kind of player Donald Trump is. A new Anti-Trump billboard from The Nuisance Committee has been spotted in Florida, and it makes the claim that Trump "Mains Hanzo And Complains About Team Comp In Chat" while depicting a caricature of Trump yelling at a computer screen.

For those not in the know, Hanzo is a character Blizzard's popular shooter Overwatch, a character that many players pick despite their team not really needing Hanzo's set of skills. The stereotype is that players who often pick Hanzo are extremely confident in themselves and prioritize their personal goals over the good of the team, because Hanzo oftentimes doesn't fit all that well into a given team composition.

But the billboard is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Trump and Overwatch comparisons. The billboard directs readers to Trumpisnotateamplayer.com, which goes on to compare Trump's various actions over the course of his presidential campaign to that of a angry gamer who blames everybody but himself.

"The Other Team Is Using Hax!" reads one section of the site, before proceeding to list how Trump constantly complains about how the media treats him unfairly.

"The Controller Is Broken" reads another section before describing how Trump has a long history of blaming others when things don't go his way, specifically citing the instance when Trump claimed his poor performance at the first debate was due to a broken microphone.

While the billboard and the various points the website makes are entertaining enough, the real highlight of all this are the cartoons of Trump dressed as Overwatch characters sprinkled throughout Trumpisnotateamplayer.com. Here's an image of Trump looking upset as Bastion.

And here's another of Trump drawn as a depressed-looking Genji.

Here he is as an angry Junkrat.

Trump is strangely smug-looking as Reaper.

And, of course, Trump as Hanzo.

You can check the site out for yourself here.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After two recalls over exploding batteries, the ill-fated Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is now officially banned from U.S. airline flights.

The Galaxy Note 7 has sparked great controversy recently amid mounting reports of fires and injuries caused by the defective device. Samsung tried to fix the issues after the first recall, but shortly after putting the phablet back on the market, it was forced to issue a second recall.

Because you're not allowed to carry any explosive materials onboard a flight, it's hardly a surprise that the hot Galaxy Note 7 will be banned from all U.S. airline flights. The Department of Transportation (DoT) officially announced the decision.

The ban follows Samsung's announcement earlier this week that it stopped Galaxy Note 7 production altogether.

Banning the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from U.S. flights means that the device will not be allowed on board even if it's turned off, which is a major escalation from previous restrictions. So far, the Galaxy Note 7 has raised in-flight concerns but has not been banned outright  passengers were simply prohibited from turning on or charging the device while on a plane.

After two recalls, however, it's clear that the issue is serious, and it has escalated to the point that the DoT doesn't want the Galaxy Note 7 on a plane at all. As dramatic as this escalation may seem, it was expected.

The emergency order to ban the Galaxy Note 7 from all U.S. air transportation means that device owners cannot transport the Galaxy Note 7 on their person, in carry-on luggage or in checked baggage. The ban applies to flights both to and from the United States and goes into effect on Saturday, Oct. 15, at noon EST. The DoT also prohibits shipping the Galaxy Note 7 as air cargo.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," says Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

"The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall," adds CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye.

Samsung, for its part, has yet to detail just what exactly is causing the device to catch fire, but it's possible the company has not found the cause just yet. An explanation as to why the Galaxy Note 7 kept exploding is expected in the coming weeks.

For those who were still undecided whether to return the Galaxy Note 7 or not, the Galaxy Note 7 flight ban might make the choice easier. Who wants to travel and leave their smartphone at home?

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The much-awaited 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is now ready to hit the road.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US recently launched the plug-in hybrid version of the mid-sized crossover's latest model. To celebrate the event, the Michigan-based car manufacturer covered its headquarters in Auburn Hills with a comical building wrap.

The building wrap advertising is fairly straightforward as it touts the daily savings that come with the plug-in hybrid version of the crossover and its fuel economy. It features five pink pigs, more like piggy banks, with wings that adorn an image of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan. The caption reads, "Believe it. 80 MPGe," which is in line with FCA US's claims that the hybrid can do 80 miles per gallon.

The Pacifica uses a refreshed 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which has no cooled exhaust gas recirculation and two-step valve lift. The engine takes advantage of the Atkinson cycle in which the intake valve is left open during combustion.

"You'll lose a little bit of power when you do that but you also lose a lot of the pumping losses that you would have. The vehicle is more efficient," Pacifica Hybrid Chief Engineer Kevin Mets tells AutoBlog. "We can afford to lose a little bit of internal combustion power because we have the 16-kilowatt-hour battery that can provide all the power you need instantaneously."

The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is stored under the flooring, directly below the second row of seats. It can last for up to 30 miles before the car switches back to the gas engine.

Note that it takes roughly two hours to fully charge the battery. A 240-volt plug-in system is needed. LG Chem, a subsidiary of the LG corporation, supplies Chrysler with the battery.

With the battery assisting, Mets claims that there's no need to worry regarding the horsepower output of the car. Having covered the ponies, the engine can be tuned toward being an efficient generator over anything else.

Going beyond its innards, the new Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is a recipient of multiple awards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listed the hybrid, when equipped with the Advanced Safetytec Package, as one of its top safety picks for 2016. The Texas Auto Writers Association also crowded the Pacifica hybrid as the 2016 Family Car of Texas. Even its interior made it to WardsAuto's top 10 list for 2016.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is expected to make its way to dealerships in the coming days.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Pork Explosion : Foxconn Firmware Flaw Leaves Android Devices Vulnerable To USB Hack

Android smartphones that have firmware created by Taiwanese manufacturing company, Foxconn are vulnerable to a hacking due to a flaw called Pork Explosion. Pork Explosion flaw allows hackers to use the debugging feature left inside the operating system bootloader and get total control of the victims Android smartphone.

The backdoor was discovered by US security expert Jon Sawyer, who dubbed it Pork Explosion, and noted that the flaw can be exploited by connecting an Android smartphone via USB to a computer with appropriate software for interacting with the phone during its boot-up procedure.

The flaw exists because of a backdoor left open by Foxconn engineers. Normally during the manufacturing process, a smartphone contains many backdoors which allow the engineers shortcuts for implementing various features. Sometimes companies forget to close these backdoors while other times they leave it open for further exploitation. One such backdoor is the debugger function left open by Foxconn. Potential hackers can exploit it to put a connected Android smartphone into its factory test mode.

One such backdoor is the debugger function left open by Foxconn. Potential hackers can exploit it to put a connected Android smartphone into its factory test mode. Once this is achieved, the hacker can then gain complete control over the smartphone as the factory test mode bypasses the SELinux Android security control giving hackers complete access to the smartphone without any need for authentication.

Due to the ability to get a root shell on a password protected or encrypted device, Pork Explosion would be of value for forensic data extraction, brute forcing encryption keys, or unlocking the boot loader of a device without resetting user data. Phone vendors were unaware this backdoor has been placed into their products, said Sawyer.

In short, this is a full compromise over USB, which requires no logon access to the device. This vulnerability completely bypasses authentication and authorization controls on the device. It is a prime target for forensic data extraction.

While it is obviously a debugging feature, it is a backdoor, it isnt something we should see in modern devices, and it is a sign of great neglect on Foxconns part.Foxconn provides manufacturing services to a huge number of Android devices so

Foxconn doesnt make Android smartphone but many top Android smartphone manufacturers use its manufacturing services to make their smartphone. This makes a lot of Android smartphones vulnerable to hacking with the Pork Explosion flaw.

To mitigate the vulnerability, Sawyer recommends taking the following action for Android smartphone owners. For those looking to detect vulnerable devices, you can check for the partitions ftmboot and ftmdata. The ftmboot partition contacts a traditional Android kernel/ramdisk image. This one has SELinux disabled, and adb running as root. The ftmdata partition is mounted on /data during ftm bootmode. These partitions are only a sign that the device is vulnerable.
Environment Minister Eide described Lula's electoral triumph as something good for both Brazil and the whole world. | Read More
Robert Jovantie Marks, the suspended Brookstown Middle Magnet School assistant principal, was expected to leave Parish Prison late Friday night after posting $500,000 bail in the slaying of a pregnant colleagues, jail officials confirmed.

District Judge Beau Higginbotham gave Marks, 39, of Zachary, the combined bail Tuesday after he pleaded not guilty earlier this month in the June shooting deaths of Lyntell Washington, 40, and her unborn child.

Marks, who was the biological father of the slain fetus, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree feticide.

Higginbotham set bail at $300,000 on the murder charge and $200,000 on the feticide charge.

Higginbotham also ordered Marks to have no contact with the victims' family, either by phone or through social media or a third party.

Marks has been on administrative leave but the school system had recommended his termination. It wasn't immediately clear Friday night if that recommendation had taken effect.

Washington's body was found June 14 in an Iberville Parish field. Her car, and her 3-year-old daughter wandering near it, were discovered five days earlier in a parking lot on Newcastle Avenue in Baton Rouge.

Washington was an instructional specialist at Brookstown Middle Magnet.

Marks' next court date is Jan. 5.
Baton Rouge police and EMS on scene of crash involving a dump truck and school bus that injured at least five children.
A group of nurses at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison shone a light one year ago on deplorable medical conditions for inmates, including a lack of medical staffing and a need for more supplies.

The nurses are now on the brink of losing their jobs, as city-parish leaders want to hire a private company to run prison medical care in hope of remedying the problems the nurses revealed. City-parish leaders say they were never equipped to run a medical clinic, and that a private company would lead to better health outcomes for prisoners.

City-parish administrators have also negotiated for the company  for-profit, Georgia-based CorrectHealth, LLC  to hire the nurses who are already working at the prison. But the nurses say the hiring offers negate the dozens of years many of them have put into working for local government with the goal of enjoying the generous benefits when they retire. And they feel betrayed by the local government leaders who they asked for a lifeline.

"We came here for help but we got just the opposite, we got kicked," said LaDonna Raine, a prison health care tech.

Healthcare delivery has been in flux statewide since public hospitals were privatized under former Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration. The consequences trickled down to local jails. Inmates at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison used to go to LSU's Earl K. Long Medical Center for both emergency and routine health care needs, and the state picked up the tab.

When Earl K. Long closed in 2013, local governments started getting the bills. While the state's Department of Corrections says it now pays for "medically necessary" emergency room visits, local government is shelling out money for treatment, drugs and hospital visits deemed "not medically necessary."

It's also getting more expensive. The city budgeted $4.86 million for prison medical services this year, but is on track to spend $5.3 million.

They would pay CorrectHealth $5.29 million for a year starting January 1, 2017. CorrectHealth President Carlo Musso, an emergency medicine doctor, said the money would go toward operations, increasing staffing and building a better information technology system.

John Ritter, CorrectHealth's director of marketing and business development said the company would lure staff with salary and benefits packages that are competitive when compared to hospitals, nursing homes and doctor's offices.

The nurses who already work at the prison disagree, though, saying the benefits are the main problem with the jobs at CorrectHealth and that the insurance rates would drown them.

"I have three years before I retire, and now I have to start all over," said B Stines, the nursing director for the parish prison. She and the others are asking to be grandfathered into the city-parish's retirement system. The nurses would also lose the job security from being civil service employees.

Ritter said he could not speak specifically to their benefit packages.

City-parish Chief Administrative Officer William Daniel said he tried to find city jobs for the nurses, but they would have to switch to administrative work. The nurses say the salaries for administrative positions are not comparable to nursing salaries, and they enjoy nursing.

Staffing levels have been a consistent problem at the prison. Short staffing levels have forced nurses to work extra shifts and caused burn out, the nurses say.

Most of the parish's prisons doctors are on part-time contracts, and run their own practices or work elsewhere on the side. Ritter said CorrectHealth prefers to have medical professionals who work full time for them.

At Metro Council meeting, doctor at Baton Rouge prison says facility 'not the best place to work' Medical services at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison are improving, but the nurses who wor

CorrectHealth runs medical clinics at Louisiana prisons in Jefferson, Plaquemines, Lafourche, Iberia, St. Mary, St. Bernard and Tangipahoa, along with dozens of others across the southeastern United States. Ritter said the company's footprint has given it a pool of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals who can help fill positions, if needed.

After Stines, Raine and the other nurses first lodged their concerns about the state of the care in the prison, the city-parish commissioned a $95,000 study on how to improve medical operations. Chicago-based Health Management Associates concluded that the prison's health care operations required new leadership, more structure and more consistency, which the nurses had already asked for before the study.

The contract with CorrectHealth first went before the Metro Council on Wednesday, but some council members appeared skeptical.

"That's why people just go ahead and go through things and don't say anything and live a substandard employment," said Councilwoman Chauna Banks. "This is so horrible for these people."

The council members ran out the clock on the discussion, forcing the meeting to end before they voted on the contract. They should take up the contract again on October 26.

Another concern has been the increase in the number of mentally ill people who wind up in prison. Ritter said CorrectHealth would beef up mental health and telemedicine offerings and that they will custom design a program that works best for the prison.

Health care issues have had repercussions for the prison system, which has faced lawsuits over care alleged to be inadequate.

The family of a man who died in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison in 2014 filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit last year against prison medical services, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux and Prison Warden Dennis Grimes. A federal judge refused to toss the case a few months ago.

+2 Federal judge refuses to toss prison wrongful-death suit A wrongful-death lawsuit by the family of a 72-year-old Gonzales man who died at East Baton 

The 72-year-old man, Paul Cleveland, suffered from heart problems, mental illness, diabetes and high blood pressure, and his family alleges his health problems were ignored in prison. Cleveland's family argues that prison medical workers were not trained to recognize his bipolar disorder, his mental illness or his heart problems.

Another woman filed a lawsuit in April seeking damages against the city-parish after her son, Randall Toler, died in 2015 at the prison. She does not name prison medical services as a defendant, but alleges that her son did not receive proper treatment for diabetes.

Daniel said hiring a private health care company should pre-empt future lawsuits because the standard of care should be higher. But CorrectHealth was named in a Jefferson Parish lawsuit about an inmate who died in 2013 in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, where CorrectHealth runs medical operations.

In that lawsuit, the family of 32-year-old Eric Suffal contends that his complaints of stomach pains were ignored and that negligence led to his death. The lawsuit names Jefferson Sheriff Newell Normand and CorrectHealth.

Family blames jail for death of Jefferson Parish inmate The family of a man who died in 2013 after a brief stay at the Jefferson Parish Correctional

Ritter said he could not speak specifically to the Jefferson Parish lawsuit, but that the health care industry is ripe with "frivolous suits that have been filed that are thrown out or unfounded."
For the nine weeks since floodwaters destroyed her Denham Springs apartment and left her car a silted-up mess, Regan Philley and her boyfriend have camped out at a friend's house, shacking up with as many as 11 others displaced by the torrential rainstorms.

Even though their apartment in the Parc at Denham Springs complex is uninhabitable -- the floor ripped out and walls gone but for the studs -- the couple still sends in a rent check each month to the property manager, reduced by half since the flood. They do so in hopes of moving back into the complex after repairs are completed.

Just when that will be isn't clear. Philley said her landlord initially told her the place might be ready by Oct. 1, a timeline that, in retrospect, looks wildly optimistic. It's an arrangement Philley, 22, says leaves her feeling exploited and frustrated.

But like thousands of other renters driven by the damage of the floods into the face of a suddenly tight housing market where rents are skyrocketing, no one seems certain of what comes next. And unenviable choices are often the only ones.

Simply put, the flooding that left thousands of families homeless have thrown the local housing market into chaos. Analysts and industry representatives say vacant apartments around Baton Rouge are now exceedingly rare and that prices to rent them are rising.

It's difficult to quantify how many renters are confronting the same kinds of situations as Philley. So, too, it is hard to measure the full extent of the damage flooding has dealt to the capital region's rental stock.

Though some analysts track larger apartment complexes like Philley's, scarce data is available about small rental properties such as the duplexes and shotgun homes that make up much of the rental housing available in Baton Rouge.

Arrangements like Philley's -- paying reduced rent in an effort to hold on to her apartment while it is under repair -- are likely legal under Louisiana's laws, attorneys and legal experts say, although the exact terms of each rental agreement vary.

By default, most leases automatically dissolve when the apartment or house is destroyed by a disaster, said Chris Odinet, a Southern University law professor. That's often an advantage for tenants, who are freed of any obligation to pay rent for a home ruined in a flood.

Property owners and management companies also face challenges of their own. Like homeowners devastated by the floods, many were without flood insurance and now face steep repair bills and continued mortgage payments without monthly rental income. Finding contractors available to do the work is a further challenge, said Chandra Giambrone, president of the Baton Rouge Apartment Association, a trade group for landlords.

"I suspect a lot of people want to go home once it's available," Giambrone said. "And all these apartment complexes are in business to have full complexes."

But dissolved leases in many case also leave renters with no guaranteed right to return back to their homes once repairs are complete.

Philley said the manager at her complex offered to return her security deposit and terminate the lease after the flood, something Odinet said is a renter's right after a disaster. But Philley said they'd love to return to the location and the affordable rent that drew them there to begin with.

Messages left with the management company that runs the complex, Sun Ridge Management, seeking comment about its renovation efforts weren't returned.

Other renters who spoke with The Advocate said their landlords offered to let them move back in after repairs were complete -- but only at significantly higher rents.

That, too, is generally legal under Louisiana's laws, which Odinet said in the vast majority of cases lean heavily in favor of landlords. The state doesn't have any rent-control statutes and, unlike in some other states, price-gouging statutes don't apply to residential rents.

State law also doesn't require property owners to give previous tenants the option of returning, Odinet said. Even if a tenant had months left on a lease at a specified rent, the flood damage generally cancels the lease, leaving both landlord and tenant free to negotiate new terms -- or no terms at all -- on the fixed-up property.

That's left many renters, particularly low income tenants who are most likely to be renting month-to-month or without written leases, vulnerable to sudden eviction or dramatic rent hikes, according to Sarah Campbell, an attorney with Southeastern Louisiana Legal Services in Baton Rouge.

The legal aide clinic has already seen a large number of cases where landlords have told tenants "you're out," Campbell said, "so they can go get someone else to pay a higher rent because properties are at a premium."

Although a governor's order suspending certain legal deadlines provided some with a reprieve from eviction, the law in Louisiana clearly allows landlords to end month-to-month agreements with 10 days notice, Campbell said.

"It's very easy for a landlord to send a notice saying you're out," Campbell said. "If you're on a month-to-month contract, they can do it."
A 24-year-old Baton Rouge man who Baker police suspect fired a handful of shots outside an occupied home earlier this month was arrested Satur
While I was chatting with one of the 24 candidates for Louisiana's open U.S. Senate seat the other day, he wondered aloud over the relatively low-key atmosphere surrounding what is an undeniably important election.

I get his frustration. There've been plenty of news stories about the candidates, and television ads have been running for weeks now. But somehow, something's still missing. For want of a better word, let's call it "buzz."

The question, and surely not just from this candidate's point of view, is why.

Here's my theory. With less than a month to go before voters will likely narrow the field to two in anticipation of a December runoff, the election has no distinct storyline. Its main plot is that it's plotless.

Compare the contest to Louisiana's two previous Senate races. Both featured do-or-die survival fights for well-known incumbents. In 2014, the burning question was whether Democrat Mary Landrieu could survive in a Republican state (the answer was no). In 2010, it was whether voters would stick with Republican David Vitter despite his prostitution scandal (the answer was yes, at least temporarily). Both contests also hinged on sharp ideological distinctions between the candidates, so they stood in as non-presidential year referenda on national politics  and on President Barack Obama  as well.

This year, though, we've got an epic, if dispiriting, presidential contest to absorb voters' partisan energy and satisfy their thirst for political drama. We've got a Senate field devoid of any politicians who loom as large as either Landrieu or Vitter, with the possible exception of the universally-condemned white nationalist David Duke. And we've got a muddle, with five candidates  state Treasurer John Kennedy, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, lawyer Caroline Fayard and U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming  credibly vying for the two runoff spots.

And compare Louisiana's race to contests in other states where seats are up for grabs. Most of the other contested elections at this point feature a Democrat versus a Republican. That means voters are hearing a clash of policy priorities, and it also means they feel like they're a part of the bigger contest over which party will control the Senate. High stakes partisan showdowns attract outside money too, so the airwaves in those states are saturated with ads.

Here, the general expectation is that the seat will stay in Republican hands, so there's no visible partisan hook.

In fact, the race has basically broken down on its own into two virtual party primaries. Campbell and Fayard are both trying to woo Democratic voters, in part by fighting over which of them is the truer Democrat. Kennedy, Boustany and Fleming are focusing on grabbing their share of Republican votes, sniping over personal or marginal political differences even as they largely embrace the standard GOP platform.

+2 U.S. Senate candidates weigh in on Supreme Court nomination The two major Democrats running for the U.S. Senate, Caroline Fayard and Foster Campbell, wa

Also striking is the extent to which the candidates are still introducing themselves. Each has a distinct image he or she is working to project. To hear them tell it, Campbell is the populist with a history of looking out for the little guy, Fayard is the fresh face who's never been part of a broken system, Boustany is the experienced hand who knows how to get results in Congress, Fleming is the true conservative, and Kennedy is the folksy truth teller.

A more typical dynamic could develop in the runoff, particularly if a Republican and a Democrat face off in December, and definitely if overall control of the Senate is still undecided.

And it's worth remembering that anything can happen in an open primary system. Given the large field, two Democrats or two Republicans could make the runoff, which would be a dramatic, if unlikely, development. And as we learned in last year's governor's race, Louisiana's overall Republican leanings don't preclude a Democratic victory if everything falls exactly into place.

So there's still time for Louisiana's Senate race to develop a plot, and find an interested audience. Unfortunately for the candidates still trying to break through at this late date, most of them will have joined the voters on the sidelines by then.
Mr Rattenbury, reflecting the upbeat mood of the party faithful at the Polish Club, said he remained optimistic of gaining another seat once voting had been completed by next Saturday.

The party is set to form a minority government with Labor, with Shane Rattenbury comfortably returned, but had lost 0.1 percentage points from their disappointing 2012 result with 76 per cent of the vote counted.

The Greens remain hopeful of increasing their numbers in the Assembly despite a narrow swing against the party on Saturday.

"Some of us are going to have a very nervous week, we're on a knife-edge in a couple of seats," he said. "We're definitely in it. In light of all the negative attacks, I'd be very pleased with any increase in numbers," he said.

The Greens' Shane Rattenbury: Poker machines are designed to trick. Credit:Rohan Thomson

The most likely second MLA, Caroline Le Couteur in Murrumbidgee, speaking about 8.30pm, said she was "excited" but no more than hopeful of her chances. The Greens had 0.7 of a quota in the Woden-Weston seat late on Saturday night. They had 0.6 of a quota in Ginninderra at the same time.

"I was elected in 2008 on 0.5 quota, but I have seen enough elections to only be hopeful," she said.

Mr Rattenbury received a call from Chief Minister Andrew Barr about 9.20pm where he was told Liberal leader Jeremy Hanson had conceded, and welcomed the "rejection of the negativity" of the Canberra Liberals.
Labor has promised to immediately begin work on the second stage of light rail, treating its election win as an effective referendum on the project.

The re-election of a Labor-Greens coalition government means work on light rail will forge ahead, and a contract for stage two of the project from Civic to Woden is expected to be signed within the next term of government.

Work will continue on the light rail project after Labor's win in the ACT election. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Saturday's result was a clear indication that the city wanted light rail.

"Tonight we can confidently say that Canberra has voted for the light rail," Mr Barr said.
Saturday night's election was a triumph for Labor and big wake-up call for the Liberals, who must now realise they can't sit in opposition and hope to one day win majority government.

Labor is right to claim a mandate for its light rail, which will roll out over the coming decades at the very least in a trunk route from Gungahlin to Woden. Gungahlin voiced its clear support, handing Labor its biggest vote of any of the five electorates, at 44 per cent.

Andrew Barr arrives at Labor's election night function. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Months ago, the most likely outcome looked to be the status quo, albeit with more of each party. And so it has come to pass. Currently, the Assembly has eight Labor members, eight Liberals and one Green. The new Assembly might well be 12 Labor, 12 Liberals and one Green, although it remains possible the Greens will take another seat off each party. Either way, the Greens' Shane Rattenbury is kingmaker, and for all the expectations of a closely fought election, it seems little has changed.

The lessons for the Liberals: They cannot hope to hold majority government in Canberra and relying on that is no strategy. When they supported Labor in its redrawing of electoral boundaries in 2014, they did so as a traditional major party pretending it had an equal chance at government. The Liberals might have been better to think of themselves as closer to the Greens  a party of coalition.
Police have found the body of a man who went missing Saturday afternoon.

The man was last seen at about 3pm in Lyons. There are no suspicious circumstances.
A Chinese Australian is suspected of money laundering after gambling $850 million at Crown Casino over eight years. Credit:Matthew Bayard While casinos are not allowed to legally advertise in mainland China, most foreign operators sidestep the ban by promoting the resorts and cities where the casinos are located. But industry sources say the practice comes at great risk given public warnings from Chinese police, and the arrest of South Korean casino employees in China last year. A similar brush with police prompted Las Vegas casino giant MGM to quietly shut its marketing office in mainland China several years earlier. "I mean I can't believe how dumb they [Crown] are to risk all these people," one industry insider with knowledge of the Crown arrests told Fairfax Media. "You've got to bear in mind China did the same to 13 Korean casino executives last year." Crown Credit:Jessica Shapiro The 13 South Korean nationals and 34 Chinese agents were employed by casinos operated by Grand Korea Leisure and Paradise Co Ltd. Chinese state media reported in October that police launched a probe in June into the Korean groups' marketing activities in China, including "enticing" gamblers with free tours, free hotels and sexual services. The employees are believed to remain in detention, nearly 18 months after their initial arrest.

"It almost feels like these types of arrests are 'business as usual' for casino companies that operate marketing teams within China," said Grant Govertsen, a Macau-based analyst at Union Gaming. "The Korean casino companies have had their China-based marketing teams arrested with some degree of frequency." An influx of Chinese high-rollers appears to have buoyed Crown's operations in Australia. In its latest financial results, the gaming giant said its lucrative "international VIP" program had surged in 2014-15, to a turnover of $71 billion, largely due to increased overseas marketing. "A stand-out was the strong growth in International VIP Program Play turnover across Crown's Australian resorts," the report said. "We have put additional resources into VIP international marketing over the last year and that has helped deliver strong growth in VIP program play turnover of 41.8 per cent." As Crown's gambling revenue has been falling in Macau, its 2014-15 annual report said Crown Melbourne had benefited from "strong international VIP growth across both resorts". China's Ministry of Public Security warned in February last year that it would fight attempts by foreign casinos to lure its citizens abroad.

"Some foreign countries see our nation as an enormous market, and we have investigated a series of cases," Hua Jingfeng, a deputy director at the ministry said at the time, according to official state media transcripts. "A fair number of neighbouring countries have casinos, and they have set up offices in China to attract and drum up interest from Chinese citizens to go abroad and gamble. This will also be an area that we will crack down on." It is industry practice for so-called marketing agents of Crown and foreign casinos to provide high-value gamblers with free accommodation and travel, as well as providing revolving credit when players lose their initial stake while at their casinos. This is despite China stepping up enforcement of capital controls which limit individuals to moving an equivalent of $US50,000 out of the country each year. "Normally what they do on a marketing trip is apart from meeting up with players, they're just wining and dining the players at the same time if there's money outstanding they would ask their customers to repay their debt," the industry insider said. "Usually as part of their job they help them with the movement of funds, yes." The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular officials are seeking to confirm the reports with the relevant Chinese authorities.
While the final make-up of the Legislative Assembly is yet to be determined, there is one issue that can finally be laid to rest.

The likely returned Labor/Greens alliance has a mandate to deliver the controversial light rail project for the territory.

The 2016 election has been fought by both major parties as a referendum on light rail and this overwhelming support of ACT Labor shows Canberrans have formally embraced the project.

It has become clear the opposition to the project was led by a small minority and the returning of the incumbent government should silence the critics.

Despite the strong campaign of the Canberra Liberals, the voters have delivered what appears to be a small swing towards Labor and a larger one away from the opposition.
Including as it must all the instant "renovations"  aka "rectifications", requiring plenty of materials and labour, often to the tune of millions  required by 90 per cent of brand new apartment complexes in Canberra. And, for that matter, in Sydney. These represent effectively a 100-fold cost shift for the original cheap, slapdash and often clueless construction, as experts have officially costed rectification at 100 times the price of having done the work properly in the first place  though some of that multiple goes towards the ubiquitous and inevitable associated litigation costs. Could we see the Law Association's litigation profits projections for the ACT and indeed the other jurisdictions? Where would the economy be without slapped-together housing? It makes the world go round. Alex Mattea, Kingston Aircraft atrocities

I couldn't agree more with Paul Malone ("Hypocrisy over downed planes", October 9, p19) on the downing of MH17 in Ukraine. When the American missile cruiser Vincennes shot down Iranian passenger aircraft flight 655, killing all 290 people on board, there was no call from Australia to bring the US criminals to justice. Nor has there been one since, even from our big-mouthed ex-PM who promised to shirtfront Putin over the MH17 incident. As Malone says, nobody on the Vincennes or in the higher chain of command has ever faced sanction or prosecution over the shooting down of a civilian airliner. In fact, it's worse than that. What he failed to mention is that the captain and the weapons officer were subsequently rewarded for their service on the Vincennes with a Legion of Merit for the captain and two commendation medals for the weapons officer. Bronis Dudek, Calwell

Paul Malone's article starkly describes the hypocrisy of the Australian government's position on the shooting down of civilian aircraft. In September 1978, Air Rhodesia flight 825 was shot down at Kariba. Fourteen of the 52 people on board initially survived the crash landing. All but three of the initial survivors were then murdered on the ground by the organisation which had downed the aircraft. In February 1979, Air Rhodesia flight 827 was also shot down at Kariba by the same organisation. All 59 people on board were killed. In June 1980, the leader of the organisation responsible for these atrocities became a political leader in the new Zimbabwe, a country the Australian government had helped to establish. His name was Joshua Nkomo and his master was Robert Mugabe. Mugabe remains President of Zimbabwe. He's never been asked to account for these two mass murders.

The Australian government's response was effectively zero. As Paul suggests, official outrage seems to depend on who's doing the shooting. Peter Moran, Watson Cool Floriade welcome My wife and I have attended Floriade since its inception and always found it a pleasurable experience; last Sunday was no exception. After three weeks since Floriade 2016 commenced, the flowers looked fresher than after similar periods of time, during which previous events were held.

No doubt our wet weather had something to do with this. Weather is something Floriade's organisers have no control over and it's a bit rich to criticise them for cancelling some events due to this factor. Being aged 70 plus, I could enjoy Floriade 2016 even more in the cooler weather; at least I did not leave this year's event hot and bothered as on previous occasions. R.S. Baczynski, Isaacs Dangerous gumtrees Peter Toscan (Letters, October 11) bemoans the cutting down of trees on Northbourne Avenue as they have been identified as dangerous.

So what would be his preferred option? Should we wait until they fall over by themselves, like the tree that fell across Northbourne Avenue near Wakefield Avenue during the storm last week? As much as I like gumtrees, they are not suited for cities due to their propensity to drop large, heavy branches without warning and falling over during high winds. As for the tram? Bring it on! G. Bell, Franklin Lessons from Brexit

In his interesting article, Nick Miller wonders if the US presidential election would follow the same pattern as that of Britain choosing to leave the European Union ("Five lessons from Brexit for US presidential election", October 13, p16). Miller reckons that people, instead of voting on facts, would rather vote on apparently attractive promises. Sadly, it seems that those who chose to believe the "lies" made by some Brexiteers had poor education, while those who wished to remain in the EU were largely university graduates  who did not fall for the promises of the Brexiteers. Perhaps, for some people, the main determinants in an election are political allegiance and income, rather than giving serious thought to the likely consequences of what is being promised. Sam Nona, Burradoo, NSW Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610.
We met people with stories of sadness and joy, of triumph and tragedy, of relentless boredom and too much excitement. We rolled out swags in the bush, hired rooms at flyblown country pubs and enjoyed soft pillows in the occasional five-star establishment. The highway barely deserved the name in parts, but what we set out to discover turned out to be true: 200 years since white settlement, the whole thing was sealed, linking just about every populated place in the nation, and you could drive it in an everyday passenger car. I was set reminiscing about that monumental circuit by stories that have begun appearing about a project under way to seal a track known as the Outback Way, which will join up with other roads to create a link from Perth to Cairns, cutting clean across the great isolation of Australia's inland via Alice Springs. The Outback Way itself extends 2800 kilometres from Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in central west Queensland. Only 1100 kilometres of it is bitumen. The other 1700 is pretty ordinary dirt, sand or gravel with teeth-rattling corrugation and bulldust holes that could very nearly swallow a car. Enthusiasts call it Australia's longest shortcut, but every time it rains, the road closes for an average of three days.

The federal, Queensland, West Australian and Northern Territory governments have stumped up about $75 million and another $100 million has been promised for sealing more of the track, but at somewhere between $300,000 and $800,000 a kilometre, a ribbon of tarmac stretching diagonally across Australia seems a long way off. Yet it fires the imagination. All those tiny and isolated settlements finally linked. In a country as large and sparsely populated as Australia, roads have always been a big deal. Political careers and entire governments have risen and fallen on the state of the roads. But here we are, 28 years after we celebrated finally encircling our nation with a strip of pavement, and in too many places in even well-populated districts roads are falling apart. Back in 1988 as Jon Beale and I entered Victoria from South Australia, our long trip almost over, Highway 1 was the Princes Highway. It was well-made and well-maintained and we cruised across the border, heading towards Portland.

Take that same stretch today and you'd be in danger of knocking a wheel off in a raggedy-edged pothole. The speed limit on sections of the open highway has been reduced to 60km/h. Hundreds of heavily-laden log and woodchip trucks ply the south-west's highways each day, heading to and from the busy port of Portland. They have been pounding the roads and breaking them up for years now. Council workers patch the worst spots, but it takes only a few days for the patches to break up, too. Warwick McEachern, general manager of Portland Bus Lines, which runs school buses throughout the district, instructs his drivers to travel slowly because the roads have become dangerous. Jack Penny at Trident Tyres says the business does a brisk business replacing tyres and wheel rims destroyed by the roads. Yes. By Highway 1. Like everywhere in Victoria, voters in the far south-west are about to elect a new shire council  the Glenelg. Every candidate lists "better roads" in their campaign material. They all know federal and state funding hasn't kept pace with anywhere near the need.

The problem, you might guess, is that Glenelg Shire is in blue-ribbon Liberal territory. The federal Liberals know they'll never lose the seat down there  Wannon  and the state Labor government knows it won't win the seat of South-West Coast. So these days they don't try too hard. A couple of months ago the state government gave the shire $44 million for road maintenance. It sounds quite a lot. It's not. Up the road between Geelong and Colac, in the much more marginal seat of Corangamite, both federal and state governments have been pouring hundreds of millions into duplicating a 60-kilometre stretch of Highway 1. When it's done, it will have cost about $600 million. That's about $10 million a kilometre. The roadwork won't extend beyond Corangamite.
As much as Donald Trump deserves scorn, the Republican party in the United States cannot escape the blame for providing Mr Trump with a bully pulpit to deliver his noxious and divisive brand of politics. Indeed, Mr Trump's peculiar political skill has been to amplify support from the extremes to which the Republican party has itself being willing to explore in recent years. Republicans, once a party of careful conservatism, have transmogrified into a seething mob of radical populists. Mr Trump may well leave them an electoral rump. Sensible Republicans  and we'll get to the prevailing attitudes within the party in a moment  are rightly concerned about the consequences of the "shackles are off" civil war Mr Trump has now declared on the leaders of the party. Trump supporters cheer during a campaign rally in Cincinnati. Credit:John Minchillo Faced with a gulf in opinion polls, fears are growing that Republican in-fighting could led to a stunning Democratic sweep at the November 8 election. The result might not be just losing the White House to Hillary Clinton, but the Congress, too, with a Democratic majority in the Senate and perhaps even in the House of Representatives. Single party dominance, in any country, almost never leads to good policy outcomes. It is far better that an opposition party properly hold an administration to account, challenge majority decisions, and approach decision-making in the spirit of achieving the best result for the country. The same benefit from competition applies for elections, but it relies on candidates willing to deal with some semblance of reality, not peddle lies and abuse.

Mr Trump might appear confounding, for he prevailed in a democratic contest. But in stoking fears and prejudice, the primary contest has thrown up a demagogue. Republicans have continued to promote and defend Mr Trump, despite his manifest sexism and racism. Prominent Republicans such as Rudy Giuliani and Chris Christie have put loyalty to their party above the interests of the nation. They have missed the chance to proffer an independent alternative. By supporting Mr Trump, Republicans have knowingly put a madman at the wheel as they speed towards a cliff. The damage from Mr Trump's dangerous invective looks set to be felt regardless of the election result. Ignoring standards of justice, he has blatantly accused Mrs Clinton of criminal wrongdoing. "She should be locked up," he has declared repeatedly at rallies in recent days. He has pledged, should he win the presidency, to appoint a special prosecutor to examine her affairs, having apparently pre-judged the evidence for himself. Perhaps this is simply colourful rhetoric. But Mr Trump has gone further, not only questioning the legitimacy of his opponent, but questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process  and Republican leaders have done nothing to assuage the concern he has stoked. Mr Trump has implied the ballot will be somehow rigged against him. His vast conspiracy extends to blaming the media for scrutiny. After the first broadcast of Mr Trump's woeful "grab them by the pussy" remarks about women, several Republicans seemingly abandoned his campaign  some even calling for him to withdraw his candidacy. Finally, this appeared to be a display of moral courage. But in an appalling flip-flop, some of those same Republicans crawled back to support Mr Trump when it became apparent he would not be dropping out of the race, but instead launching even more indiscriminate and incendiary attacks. In nominating Mr Trump as the flag-bearer for Republicans, and stubbornly sticking by him as he has comprehensively debased democratic and civil norms, the leadership of this once grand old party has comprehensively failed. The hatred unleashed will have a corrosive and lasting impact.
People with asthma or lung problems were being warned to stay indoors as hazard reduction burning made for a smokey Sunday morning in Sydney.

With a clear blanket of smog sitting over the city, air quality across a wide area of Sydney was rated hazardous by the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage.

Smog shrouds the Opera House as smoke from hazard reduction burns blow across Sydney. Credit:Michele Mossop

The worst affected areas were Rozelle, Randwick, Lindfield, Chullora and Earlwood.

Pollen levels added to the woes of those with breathing conditions, with Fairfax Media's Weatherzone rating Sunday's pollen index as extreme, although it is forecast to drop by Monday.
It's been nearly 20 years since the engagement between Kate Fischer and James Packer came to a spectacular end and we all watched  glued to the 6pm news  as reporters interviewed the pretty model and aspiring actor via her Bondi Beach intercom.

Well Tziporah Malkah wishes the media would forget Kate Fischer and leave Tziporah Malkah well and truly alone and, quite frankly, she has a point.

By any measure it was a pretty rough week for the Sydney socialite formerly known as Kate Fischer.

The Woman's Day article that launched renewed media appearances by Kate Fischer, now known as T'Ziporah Malkah. Credit:Bauer Media Pty Limited

Admittedly Fischer had pursued a life in the spotlight, regularly posing in the social pages, modelling for big-name designers such as Alex Perry and carving out a career as an actor by starring in Sirens opposite Hugh Grant and Elle Macpherson.

But the end of her engagement in 1998 to Packer would inevitably sound the death knell of her life in the public gaze. Eventually she left Sydney and moved to Los Angeles while the cameras followed James, who tied the knot with his first wife, Jodhi Meares, in a star-studded extravaganza.

Apart from a couple of mentions in columns such as PS, which revealed years ago that she had changed her name to Tziporah Malkah and embraced the Jewish faith of her ancestors, Malkah has not been a name on the local media radar for many years.

Well, that was until last Monday, when Woman's Day paid an undisclosed sum (understood to be about $10,000) to a paparazzo for a set of unflattering photos of Malkah, wearing a bed sheet, collecting her mail outside her Toorak apartment building. These days she is a carer for the elderly and just another woman in her 40s getting on with life.
The Brisbane River was transformed into a sea of yellow on Saturday afternoon for Australia's largest duck race, raising funds for Princess Alexandra Hospital cancer research.

The race was all about adding some colour to the fight against cancer and was part of the Summertime Riverfest, which has been consistently growing during its 10-year history.

40,000 rubber ducks are tipped into the Brisbane River. Credit:Bradley Kanaris

"We've gone from a family of ducks to a fleets of ducks over the years," said chief duck wrangler and event organiser Simone Plunkett.

This year was also the 10-year anniversary since the first cancer vaccine was discovered by Professor Ian Frazer, whose work has been consistently funded by the Princess Alexandra (PA) Research Foundation.
"I am a reminder that the outside world exists": Jesuit mentor Michael Taouk with "Niko". Credit:Joe Armao The issue  and the differences of opinion  are about how to deal with such people. Niko has read about Apex in the newspapers that come into Fulham jail. In his view "the authorities are wasting their money on these little kids. They are not organised at all but the authorities make it sound like organised crime." Anthony Kelly says that because of the politically-driven "moral panic" around the Apex gang, even Sudanese youth workers get targeted by police for random checks. While the spectre of racial profiling is improving after better training at the police academy, he says, the issue of "police-initiated charges" against young Africans is still common. This is where police approach someone who is doing nothing wrong but who then ends up doing something wrong (like resisting arrest) purely because they were approached.

It is pretty easy to get into the wrong side of things. "Niko". "People are stopped because of their perceived ethnicity and their visibility and this is one of the patterns of discrimination that push them towards disengagement." Commander Sue Clifford, from Victoria police's Priority Communities Division, said the force had "zero tolerance" for racial profiling and "expects officers to treat every individual with dignity and respect and to make decisions that protect their human rights". A 2013 internal report called for better "accountability, transparency and cultural capability of our organisation" to "improve the way we engage with diverse communities," she said. All police and PSOs learn what is called "community encounters" at the academy. Victoria Police has 49 police members and 30 PSOs who were born in Africa. Niko says he wasn't picked on by police in Sunshine too much and even if he was he wouldn't have had a much of a case because he was robbing shops with a gun at 17. But once he got in the prison system he faced more challenges.

"I didn't want to just sit down, get caught up in the prison cycle. It is pretty easy to get into the wrong side of things. I let my mother down once and I don't want to let her down again." He shows me the big wooden crucifix around his neck, buried under his prison greens. He is an orthodox Coptic Christian from a religious family. "Even when I was doing armed robberies I could feel God. Being in prison means He is leading me somewhere. Showing me that what I did was not right, teaching me a lesson and bringing me back to his path. I would be dead or would have killed someone if I didn't come to jail." Niko is on the receiving end of state government money already, through a scheme called the African Visitation and Mentoring Program (AVAMP), run for the government by Jesuit Social Services. State Labor has given $3.5 million over three years to welfare groups to try and halt re-offending. Mentor Michael Taouk, a Melbourne University sessional lecturer and former accountant of Kew, has visited him once a month for 18 months in the jail to talk and give advice. He also brings him books  Matthew Reilly and, more recently, Paulo Coelho.

"I am a reminder that the outside world exists," says Mr Taouk. Consistency is everything: Niko has seen him come back month after month and now trusts him. Still, says Dr Marg Liddell from RMIT's justice and legal studies programs, there are too many young Africans in jail unnecessarily. Dr Liddell advises the state government on its pilot "diversion" programs, which are either four or 16-week schemes run from children's courts. They may order the child return to school or detox from drugs or alcohol, and if successful, the child avoids jail. "This is a philosophy of trying to move people away from criminal behaviour." This week the state Liberal opposition announced they wanted to "name-and-shame" young offenders who committed more crimes while on bail, citing the Apex gang as an example. Dr Liddell says this would be counter-productive. "It would give them a label as a criminal  'this is who I am, so this is what I will do'."
Victoria's prized parks and forests are becoming illegal dumping grounds for asbestos, posing a risk to unsuspecting visitors and costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.

The Age can reveal that the potentially toxic material is increasingly being dumped by members of the public, with more than 30 cases reported in the past 12 months alone.

Asbestos is increasingly being dumped in state-run parks and forests.

The problem has become an "enormous frustration", according to Parks Victoria, which is already dealing with a stretched budget and other daily challenges such as feral animals, weeds and fire threats.

Incident reports also show that asbestos, which can be lethal if the fibre is disturbed, has recently been exposed in buildings at popular destinations such as Wilsons Promontory, Gabo Island Lighthouse, and Churchill Island.
Police are investigating a suspicious fire that gutted a house in Dandenong North on Sunday morning.

A Country Fire Authority spokesman said emergency services were called to Neasham Drive at 2.48am after a passer-by raised the alarm.

Fire claims this Neasham Drive, Dandenong North house. Image Patrick Herve Credit:Patrick Herve

He said the single-storey brick house was "fully involved" when fire crews arrived.

The spokesman said a balmy overnight low of 19 degrees and strong winds heightened the risk of the fire spreading to neighbouring houses.
Changes to Perth's planning system have been described as "token" and "window dressing" by campaigners who believe the system is rubber-stamping poor quality buildings.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher on Thursday announced changes to the Development Assessment Panel (DAP) system, which has suffered a major backlash from the public and the local councils whose planning powers it has largely taken over.

In response, Ms Faragher announced agendas would now be published seven days before a meeting, instead of five, to allow the public more notice.

Each person who has provided a written submission to a development proposal in their area will also be notified when the meeting is taking place. More information will be available around reasons for decisions.
Suzuki and Toyota to Explore Business Partnership

- To strengthen collaboration in the environment, safety, and information technology fields -

TOKYO, Oct, 12 2016 - 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 Toyota Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation , 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.
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Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
Mayor de Blasio has made a formal plea to the state legislature to amend Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law, which the NYPD has used to justify withholding disciplinary records of police officers who have been accused of misconduct. "Without significant changes to this statute, the city remains barred from providing New Yorkers with the transparency we deserve," the mayor said in a statement.

The section of law states that personnel records of police officers, correction officers, and firefighters "shall be considered confidential and not subject to inspection or review," except as mandated by court order. Robert Freeman, director of the State Committee on Open Government, puts it another way.

Under the law, "those public employees who have the most power over people's lives are the least accountable," he told us. "And to my mind, that's backwards."

Though 50-a has been on the books since 1976, the NYPD for decades provided reporters with information on promotions and transfers, along with brief discipline summaries. Then, last month, outgoing NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton told reporters that he'd learned the practice was in violation of 50-a, and put a stop to the practice.

The legislation was initially enacted to make it harder for defense attorneys to challenge the integrity of officers in court, by forcing lawyers to get a judge's order to acquire the records.

Mayor de Blasio has supported Bratton's decision to start withholding disciplinary records, saying it's necessary to follow state lawa stance that has angered open government and police reform advocates.

The city has also twice appealed court rulings that the disciplinary record of Officer Daniel Pantaleo, one of the officers who killed Eric Garner, is not protected under Section 50-a. DNAinfo reporter Murray Weiss believes that his April reporting on a departmental guilty finding against Pantaleo for an improper frisk in a separate case prompted the NYPD's sudden decision to start withholding records.



(Drew Angerer/Getty)

Some city lawmakers are also angry at the department and de Blasio for the surprise decision and their stubborn sticking on it.

"If the mayorwho was elected on a platform of police reformwanted to disclose NYPD discipline records, then why on earth would he challenge a court decision affirming that very preference?" asked City Council members Ritchie Torres, Antonio Reynoso, and Carlso Menchaca in a September op-ed. They added:

By abandoning an interpretation of state law stretching back four decades, through multiple mayoral administrations, both Democrat and Republican, the NYPD is robbing Gwen Carr, Eric Garner's mother, of the most basic right to know whether the officer who brutally killed her son would even be placed on modified duty, much less held accountable for the unjustified taking of a life.... A city agency that willfully discards a 40-year tradition of disclosing disciplinary decisions is demonstrating that it cannot be trusted to govern fairly when playing by its own rules.

Mayor de Blasio alluded to his interest in having 50-a repealed in September, on Brian Lehrer's "Ask the Mayor" segment. "I believe we should change the state law and make these records public, he said. "The current state law that we have to honorthat does not allow for transparency."

In today's announcement, the Mayor's Office reiterated that "just like every administration that has preceded it, [we are] constrained to follow state law," but pledged to "seek amendments to Civil Rights Law Section 50-a in the upcoming 2017 state legislative session."

Ideally, the announcement said, the NYPD would be legally obligated to post on its website an officer's name, the charges against that officer, the transcript of the officer's departmental hearing, summary of the judge's decision, and the NYPD commissioner's final disciplinary decision.

Freeman, the public-records watchdog, said he believes the mayor is now "doing the most he can do" to increase NYPD transparency on discipline measures, considering the constraints of the law.

"For the past several years the COOG has called either for significant amendment or repeal of 50-a," he added. "For years there were only a couple members of the legislature expressing interest. A bandwagon has developed, and the mayor has jumped on it. The floodgates, it seems, have opened."

A spokeswoman for Communities United for Police Reform, one of the advocacy groups pushing for the release of Pantaleo's disciplinary record, was less convinced.

The city has "created the appearance of identifying a solution to a problem that they partially created," said spokeswoman Monifa Bandele. "None of this addresses the fact that they continue to fight a state court ruling that denied the application of 50-a in justifying their continued concealment of Officer Pantaleo's substantiated CCRB complaints summary."

The City Law Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but spokesman Nick Paolucci said last month of the Pantaleo appeals, "The lower courts have issued varying decisions and we seek clarity. More arguments and views before the court will provide the court with a more thorough view of the interests at stake."

[Update 5:00 p.m.]: Mayoral spokesman Austin Finan issued the following statement:
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Although they have never been recognized as a constituency, millions of American votersmen as well as womenhave been sexually abused, and for them, the presidential campaign has become a riveting drama and a source of fresh pain. They recognize themselves in the women who have come forward to report gross encounters with Donald Trump, and they see in the much of the response to their charges a familiar kind of deflection and denial.

Before I published a current biography of Donald Trump called The Truth About Trump, I authored a history of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. This work required me to research the behaviors of sexual predators, to learn the lifelong effects of the wounds they inflict, and to understand the dynamics that prevent so many victims from coming forward to speak the truth for years, and even decades.

They stay silent out of shame, a false sense that they are responsible for what happened to them, and because they fear being ostracized, scorned, and worse if they speak up. (Catholic institutions have actually counter-sued victims who lose in court, demanding payment to cover legal costs.) Predatory men, and almost all the cases I studied involved men, understand the fears that keep people quiet and play on them to escape accountability.

Because sexual predators are generally compulsive and fixated on certain kinds of victims, they tend to repeat their aggression in the same manner. They may age, but the people they victimize are often roughly the same age. The need they seek to satisfy is so ingrained that they use the same methods every time. And if they are not caught, they continue to offend. One predator priest in Louisiana had hundreds of documented victims.

When the predator is well known, as a teacher may be, his behavior may be seen, in retrospect, to be shockingly brazen. They often talk about how they love children, or women, or teens, and they put themselves in environments where they are likely to come in contact with lots of likely targets. If someone notes some questionable behavior they may even scoff at the observation, noting how ridiculous it would be for someone to take the risk of being caught when he has so much to lose.

The risk, it turns out, provides an adrenaline rush for aggressors. One Minnesota priest I studied committed his crimes in a public gym. Knowing that witnesses are near, and that a victim could call out for helpbut it too intimidated to do soadds an extra thrill to the episode. Intimidation, which can only be accomplished by people in power, is key to understanding why predators get away with it. Powerful men who pose as tough guys, and seem to have access to enormous resources, pose a special problem for victims. Who will risk standing up against such a person without knowing that others will share similar experiences?

More typical than the lone complainant is the enabler who not only encourages depraved behaviors and speech but enables it in a way that affirms a predators beliefs. This is what the world saw and heard as TV host Billy Bush clearly egged on Donald Trump as he said disgusting things about women. Worse was the way that Bush then asked actress Arianne Zucker, How about a little hug for the Donald? In this moment, when he pressured Zucker to have physical contact with a man who had just made sexually depraved comments about women, Bush affirmed Trumps misogyny, and conspired with him to make a fool out an innocent woman.

As we have heard in the stories of women who have come forward this week to talk about being abused by Donald Trump, the memories of these incidents never fade, and the fear and anxiety they provoke can be powerfully inhibiting. Although skeptics will ask, Where have these women been?, I know that generally victims of powerful men who are sexual predators try to compartmentalize what happened to them and construct happy lives in spite of their suffering. When, years later, they hear that someone has spoken up about the man who harmed them, describing essentially the same scenario and the same outcome, their pain is revived. Older and wiser and feeling they might be believed as one of many, an individual will finally say, It happened to me, too.

So far the Trump scandal is playing out in a way consistent with what was seen in literally thousands of Catholic parishes around the world, where first one, then two, and then a torrent of complaints were lodged against specific priests. In no case did the mere volume, or the consistency of the stories, constitute proof beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in all but a tiny percentage, victims have been found to be telling the truth, and the result has been settlements running into the billions of dollars and prison terms for more than a hundred priests.

I dont know for certain whether anyone who has complained about Donald Trump is telling the truth. What I can say is that I am not surprised by the way the scandal is unfoldingone charge being followed by manyand that were likely to hear more voices of complaints. And for millions of victims what they are hearing now about a man running for president is going to determine their votes.
Perhaps it was election fatigue or perhaps, amid the cacophony of sexual assault allegations, hacked emails, and ghosts of Clinton accusers past, the American people just needed a good ol fashioned pick-me-up. For whatever reason, the public made Ken Bone, an unassuming (and undecided) sweater-loving fella from the Midwest, a national folk hero.

He got the meme treatment, did the talk show rounds, and even inspired his own sexy Halloween costume. But the internet giveth, and the internet taketh away.

In the early hours Friday morning, Reddit sleuths happened upon Bones decidedly unwholesome posting historyincluding ogling the hacked nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence, copping to felony insurance fraud, and arguing that the death of Trayvon Martin was mere justifiable homicide. And like that, he was no longer the new, portlier Ned Flanders, but just another man struggling to choose between a sexual predator and one of the most qualified candidates in U.S. history for the highest office in the land.

On Friday nights edition of Real Time, host Bill Maher first addressed the cowardly Republicans whove chosen to stick by their Cosby-esque candidate on the basis of political expediency.

Most of them are sticking with Donald Trump. Why? asked Maher. Because the voters are sticking with Donald Trump. To the Republican base out there, this is not a deal-breaker. GOP now stands for Grab Our Pussies.

Later on in the HBO program, after Andrew Sullivan and Maher tussled over religion (of course) and a soul-crushed Bernie Sanders tried his best to look animated whilst talking about his partys establishment candidate, the comedian went after Ken Bone and all the other people who are somehow undecided this election.

New Rule: Somebody has to tell me why America just made this guy so famous. This is Ken Bone, one of the undecided voters who asked a question at last Sundays debate and since then has become a folk hero. Why? Why? Because after 15 months of this campaign hes still too stupid to pick Hillary over President Pussy-Grabber? said Maher. For me, the great sadness of this election is knowing that even if Trump doesnt become president, we live in a country where half the people think he should be, he continued. Now, I would really like to ask Mr. Ken Boneor any undecided voteras this last 15 months rolled along, there was no breaking point for you? Trump saying he would kill the children of terrorists with drone strikes? Physically throwing out 12 million Mexicans? Banning all Muslims? Giving Saudi Arabia nukes? Running a scam university? Cheating veterans out of charity money? Not paying taxes? Picking Putin as his favorite leader? Not being able to let go of a feud for a whole week with a beauty queen? The impressions of the handicapped? Nothing?! Maher was, understandably, beside himselfnot surprising, given that the political satirist has spent the better part of his career lampooning the stupidity of the average American, as well as the countrys seemingly never-ending Christianity fetish. If Maher is to be believed, our hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Florida is a climate-ravaged state full of old people and they elected as governor a climate change denier who, when he was a businessman, oversaw the largest Medicare fraud in history, offered Maher. And its not just Republicans. Five percent of Bernie supporters have switched allegiance to a ventriloquist dummy named Gary Johnson whose policy positions are almost uniformly the exact opposite of Bernies, and who, when pressed to name a foreign country, said Brangelina. Folks, blowing up the world is something that could actually happen, he added, alluding to the cataclysmic potential of a Trump presidency. If you dont think so, you havent seen enough movies.
On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton frequently decries the influence that monied donors have on the political process. But behind closed doors, in speeches at Goldman Sachs events, she urged members of the donor class to exert their influenceespecially on recalcitrant Republicans.

Wikileaks released emails on Oct. 15 containing what it says are full transcripts of three paid speeches that Clinton gave at Goldman Sachs events. The Clinton campaign didnt comment on the validity of these transcripts. Publicly, the campaign has asserted that the Russian government is responsible for the release of the emailswhich were hacked from campaign chairman John Podestas Gmail account.

There is no getting around it: Donald Trump is cheering on a Russian attempt to influence our election through a crime reminiscent of Watergate but on a more massive scale, said campaign spokesperson Glen Caplin in a statement emailed to The Daily Beast. Were witnessing another effort to steal private campaign documents in order to influence an election. Only this time, instead of filing cabinets, its peoples emails theyre breaking into and a foreign government is behind it. Oddly, Trump continues to defend Putin and deflect blame. Its time for Donald Trump to condemn this intrusion by the Kremlin and tell voters what did his campaign know and when did they know it.

On Saturday, Wikileaks released transcripts from three speeches, all delivered in 2013. The first was on June 4, and the next two were on Oct. 24 and Oct. 29, right after the conclusion of the short-lived partial government shutdown. You can download and read the speeches here. In all three speeches, Clinton argued that political donors should use their influence to push politicians to be more compromising.

New York is kind of an ATM machine for both Democrats and Republicans, she said in the June 6 speech. And people come up and they visit with many of you and they ask for money, and often theyre givenif theyre coming theyre going to get it. And at some point the American publicand particularly political givershave to say: Hereand its not just about me. Its not just about my personal standings. Here are things I want you to do for the country and be part of that debate about the country.

Clinton again made that case in her speech on Oct. 24, which she delivered at an investment symposium that Goldman hosted. It was barely a week after the resolution of the government shutdown, and investors (and lots of other people, too!) were angry with how the whole situation had played out. So when the event questioner, investor management division co-head Tim ONeill, asked Clinton how to fight D.C. gridlock, she gave him a three-point answer. This was her second point:

[R]unning for office in our country takes a lot of money, and candidates have to go out and raise it, she said. New York is probably the leading site for contributions for fundraising for candidates on both sides of the aisle, and its also our economic center. And there are a lot of people here who should ask some tough questions before handing over campaign contributions to people who were really playing chicken with our whole economy.

The people playing chicken, of course, were the conservative Republicansincluding Sen. Ted Cruzwho pushed for a government shutdown in hopes that it would get President Obama to sign legislation overturning the Affordable Care Act. That obviously didnt happen, as most people correctly predicted when the shutdown started.

In the third speech, discussing how to make the American government work better, Clinton again argued that donors have a responsibility to influence the politicians who take their money.

And then it comes down to who we vote for and what kind of expectations we set and who we give money to, she said. Those who help to fund elections, I think its important that business leaders make it clear, why would you give money to somebody who was willing to wreck the full faith and credit of the United States.

I think there are steps that citizens have to take, she added. Its not just about how we rearrange the levers of power and the institutions in Washington.

Later in that speech, she made the same point.

I like when people say, you know, I may be conservative, but Im not crazy, she said. Im very reassured.

Prove it, said Lloyd Blankfein, Goldmans CEO and her questioner at the event.

Yeah, Clinton responded. You want them to prove it by saying, you know, were going to act differently in our voting and our giving. And it could make a very big difference.

In that same speech, Clinton suggested that more wealthy people should run for office because theyre less susceptible to donor influence. She explained her positionalbeit less-than-clearlywhen she took a question from an audience member identified in the transcript only as MALE ATTENDEE.

My question is, as entrepreneurs, we risk a lot, he said. And Mike Bloomberg had 30 billion other reasons than to take office. Do we need a wholesale change in Washington that has more to do with people that dont need the job than have the job?

Clinton liked the question.

Thats a really interesting question, she said. You know, I would like to see more successful business people run for office. I really would like to see that because I do think, you know, you dont have to have 30 billion, but you have a certain level of freedom. And theres that memorable phrase from a former member of the Senate: You can be maybe rented but never bought. And I think its important to have people with those experiences.

The former member she referred to was John Breaux, a Louisiana Democrat who famously wheeled and dealed for the good of his states corporate interests and (after leaving the Senate) his lobbying clients.

That argumentthat wealthy people should run for office because theyre immune to donor influenceis one that Donald Trump regularly makes on the campaign trail. The Clinton campaign did not respond to a request for clarification on whether this is still Clintons view and whether they make a different reading of her comments here.

In the Oct. 29 speech, Clinton also suggested that the ethics rules designed to keep politicians from having conflicts of interest are too onerous.

[P]art of the problem with the political situation, too, is that there is such a bias against people who have led successful and/or complicated lives, she said. You know, the divestment of assets, the stripping of all kinds of positions, the sale of stocks. It just becomes very onerous and unnecessary.

The Clinton campaign did not respond to a request for comment on whether she would seek to loosen ethics requirements if elected president.

None of this is necessarily controversial. But it doesnt exactly comport with Clintons campaign trail messaging. On the page of her campaign site about campaign finance reform, she rips the influence donors have on elected politicians.

Theres no question that we need to make Washington work much better than it does today. And that means, in particular, getting unaccountable money out of our politics, reads a quote from her posted there. Thats why Im so passionate about this issue, and I will fight hard to end the stranglehold that the wealthy and special interests have on so much of our government.

The campaign trail talking point that money in politics causes gridlock is, of course, a wee bit opposed to the argument she made to Goldman: that wealthy candidates and wealthy donors should be part of the solution.
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The first YouTube comment Colleen Ballinger ever received made her LOL.

It came just after she posted her first video as Miranda Sings in February of 2008. Still a student at Azusa Pacific University, an evangelical Christian college east of Los Angeles, Ballinger watched as the words you suck at singing appeared on her screen. She couldnt believe that anyone thought this character she had created in her dorm room was a real person.

This scene is repeated in the pilot for Ballingers new show Haters Back Off!, which started streaming on Netflix Friday. But Miranda, a home-schooled teenager who lives with her mother, sister and uncle, takes everything way too seriously to laugh. When one commenter writes, Keep trying, she completely misses the sarcasm and replies, I will. The next comment infuriates her. You suck. Dont make any more videos, it says, causing Miranda to exclaim, What?! What is that supposed to mean?

In real life, it was these interactions with haters that helped turn Ballinger, as Miranda Sings, into one of the most popular creators on YouTube with more than seven million subscribers and over 1.1 billion views. I would do whatever the haters said they didnt like, she says now. Theyd say, I dont like your lipstick, so Id put on more. Thats how the character has evolved, based on whatever the haters said they didnt like.

When I meet the 29-year-old Ballinger in the cozy backyard of the Aroma cafe on a hot October day in Studio City, the bright red smear of lipstick that has become Mirandas signature is nowhere to be seen. Wearing black skinny jeans and tall black heels, with her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, Ballinger looks nothing like her famous creation. Another major change from her early days on YouTube: She now has both a manager and a publicist in tow.

The thought of someone just filming themselves alone in their bedroom and uploading it online for a lot of people to see was very bizarre, Ballinger says of those early days of YouTube. Instead of broadcasting her real self, as so many people were starting to do, she decided to create a character based on the mean girls at her college. I was studying music there and the girls were just so rude, she says. It was a total inside joke with my friends. I sent it to my friends to make them laugh. And my mom actually cried when I made the first video and begged me to take it down. I was like, Mom, you have nothing to worry about. No one will ever see this video. But then more people saw it.

The first Miranda video to go viral was titled free voice lesson. Uploaded on March 10, 2009, it now stands at just over one million views and has production values that are just about as poor as anything you might stumble across on YouTube (Her most popular video, an intentionally terrible Taylor Swift cover, has 54 million). The description under the video reads, if you want a voice lesson please email me. I am a professional teacher.

I was really adamant about making sure no one knew my true identity when I first started doing the character, Ballinger says. After the first video took off, she decided she wanted the world to believe Miranda was real. That was my goal, to make sure everyone believed she was a real person. She would even book herself gigs as Miranda, and show up to the venue in character. I never broke.

At that point, Ballinger had been making videos as Miranda for about a year and a half. I think the thing that made that one so popular is the fact that people didnt know if Miranda was real or not, she explains. People watched it thinking this is a real girl and shes kind of insane. And they were spreading it to find out if I was real or not. So everyones Facebook walls were full of my video and them saying, Do you think this girls real? Is she fake? Is she a troll?

One of the many viewers who did not know what to make of Miranda Sings, but found himself laughing out loud when his daughter showed him one of her videos years later was Jerry Seinfeld. When Ballingers agent reached out to tell her the comedian wanted to do something with her for his web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, she just assumed it was some kind of promo, not that she would be an actual guest on a show that up until that point had only featured household names like Chris Rock and Tina Fey. President Obamas episode was still a year away.

Jerry Seinfeld is a legend, so I certainly did not assume he wanted me on the show, Ballinger says. But then she got a personal phone call from Seinfeld who told her he wanted her to be a guest  as Miranda. I could not believe it, she says. He is the kindest, most generous man in the world. When they went out to dinner the night before the shoot, Seinfeld told her, I want you to be so mean to me. My favorite Miranda is angry Miranda.

I called him old, I called him ugly, Ballinger says of the intimidating experience. I went to town on him in that episode and he was such a good sport. He loved it. But more than just a personal high point in her career, the appearance helped expose Ballinger to an entirely new audience. Basically, she says fans under 25 knows her from YouTube and everyone else recognizes her from Comedians in Cars.

It also helped set the stage of Haters Back Off!, which she had been developing with her brother, Chris Ballinger, as a movie project for years. They started pitching it as a series when they realized they had way too much story to tell about Mirandas life beyond the confines of the YouTube frame.

She calls Netflix her dream home for the project, but there is something inherently ironic about someone who got their start on YouTube ending up there. While both are major powerhouses in digital distribution, they have one major difference. YouTube has always been fully transparent about numbers, whereas Netflix doesnt even tell its creators how many people are watching their shows. For Ballinger, who has spent nearly a decade obsessing over how many subscribers her channels have and how many views her videos are getting, the secrecy surrounding Netflixs ratings can be unnerving.

I know! Ballinger exclaims, laughing. Its terrifying. Its so different from what Im used to. My whole life has been based on the views and the numbers and the likes, she says. But shes looking on the bright side, hoping that it will be refreshing to be kept in the dark about how many people shes reaching. This time I just get to be creative and make what Im passionate about and hope people like it and I dont have to stress as much about how many views it got.

The Netflix show may be the final step in erasing any doubts as to whether or not Miranda Sings is a fictional character. But the decision to come out as Colleen Ballinger actually happened years ago when she started appearing as herself on a separate YouTube channel under the name PsychoSoprano. Im still really hesitant about it, she says.

But that hasnt stopped her from sharing nearly every intimate detail of her life with that channels 4.5 million subscribers, including, just this past week, the news that she is divorcing her husband, fellow YouTube star Joshua Evans.

On the same day, both Ballinger and Evans posted long, tearful videos informing fans about their split. The apparent transparency stood in sharp contrast to the intense secrecy surrounding the divorce of the more traditionally famous Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt just a couple of weeks earlier. Like the Miranda Sings videos that open each episode of Haters Back Off!, Ballingers Life update opens with the word Hey, but the similarities end there. Over the course of nearly 12 minutes, she goes into excruciating detail about what went wrong in her marriage and sincerely begs her fans not to turn on her soon-to-be ex-husband.

I share more than most people probably do online, Ballinger says when I ask how she decides what, if anything, to keep private in her life. I dont regret it. And I know that that comes with a lot of backlash from a lot of people. That means a lot of people are going to judge me and tell me how I should like my life and what Im doing wrong. But thats what I chose when I chose to be a YouTuber. I chose to share my life online, so I cant really complain about it. Theres not much thats off limits.

The connection and closeness she feels with her fans is not just apparent in the almost entirely positive stay strong comments that have risen to the top of her divorce announcement on YouTube. As we leave the cafe, a young woman who looks to be in her early 20s stops Ballinger to tell her how much she loves her and asks for a picture.

This happens all the time, her assistant tells me. When you spend your life speaking directly to millions of people on YouTube, they feel like they know you and dont hesitate to approach you IRL.

Thats why, whatever happens with the Netflix show, Ballinger is not about to stop making YouTube videos anytime soon. No way, YouTube is my home, she says. The only reason Im doing anything right now, the only reason Im talking to you is because of YouTube. So for me to abandon it would just be insane.
Liz Spayd had an upset stomach.

Maybe it just goes with the job, she said, barely picking at an abstemious lunch of undressed salad and plain pasta at one of Manhattans gastronomic meccas.

Spayd, 58, is beginning her fourth month as Public Editor of The New York Times.

Its a role that requires her, on behalf of Times readers, to publicly scold the papers editors and reporters for slip-ups, mistaken judgment, bias and breach of ethicsand to absorb whatever slings and arrows (usually, but not always, padded in polite language) that land in her inbox from aggrieved Times journalists.

Her latest reproach, published Friday afternoon, unfavorably compared the Timess scanty coverage of a nationwide protest of prison inmates to the millennial-friendly report on the new HBO program Vice News Tonight.

Spayd was not persuaded by national editor Marc Laceys explanation that he had assigned two reporters to the story, and they are planning a deep dive in the next few weeks.

Its reassuring that The Times has an ambitious plan in place, but the paper could also have offered a quick-turn effort to size up the issue in the current news cycle, Spayd wrote, noting that the Paper of Record is in direct competition for the coveted millennial readership with high-speed sites like Vice, Buzzfeed and The Intercept.

For all that has changed at The Times, she continued, its deliberate approach to the prison story shows why the paper cant seem to shake its reputation for thinking that something isnt news until it says so, as if the world is just waiting for it to weigh in. That may have been true at one point, but the pace is no longer set by a building in Times Square.

Ouch.

No one has been belligerent, said Spayd, who knows that journalists as a class (including herself, including the author of this story) can be a thin-skinned and reflexively defensive lot. There are people who are pretty pointed, and are unhappy about what Im writing. But I havent had somebody be rude or in my face. Not yet.

Spayd added that the despite the ambient stress of her workwhich already has been nitpicked both inside and outside the Times for, allegedly, some of the same flaws shes paid to identify in others Im surprised that Im much more comfortable taking it from all sides than I would have expected I might be. It doesnt faze me. I knew coming in that thats what this job is, and Im not going to be the popular girl. Im not going to have a lot of friends at the cafeteria table.

Indeed, Spayd confided that while she obviously knows peoplesome of whom shes worked with during more than three decades in the businesswhen she takes a table by herself in the Times buildings 14th-floor lunchroom, she risks eating alone.

Its tense. Its fraught, said Spayds predecessor, Margaret Sullivan, who recalled that, coincidentally or not, after a series of tough critiques of Times storiessome people didnt like them very muchthe Public Editors office was relocated from the third-floor main newsroom, where most of Sullivans victims toiled, to a fourth-floor cubbyhole near the Styles section, where it was a little more removed, she said.

But at the same time I wrote about the culture coverage, said Sullivan, recalling her especially severe verdict concerning then-television critic Alessandra Stanleys essay about ABC showrunner Shonda Rhimes, in which Stanley referred to Rhimes as an Angry Black Woman. Sullivan pronounced it, astonishingly tone-deaf and out of touch.

Sullivan resigned as Public Editor after 3 years to become a media columnist at The Washington Post, which in 2013 eliminated the job of Ombudsmanthe Public Editor equivalentdue to budgetary issues.

Im glad about that, Sullivan joked. Im on the other side of the fence now. Ironically, The Post had maintained an independent in-house journalism watchdog since 1970, while the Times had stubbornly resisted the idea until the 2003 Jayson Blair scandal resulted in the firing of executive editor Howell Raines and forced the papers hand.

Spayd is the sixth person to hold the positiona two-to four-year appointment in which she enjoys editorial independence from the newsroom and reports to Times Co. Chairman and Publisher Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr.

I guess the way I approach this job is I do take seriously the idea that I am a representative of the reader, Spayd said. Their whole business depends on readers. Its in their [the Timess] interestand its my responsibilityto take that incoming, and try to figure out what part of that is justifiable, and to turn to the newsroom and force them to be accountable.

Spayds assistant pores through hundreds of reader emails and letters every week, suggesting possible topics for blog posts and her fortnightly Sunday Op-Ed column.

Spayds goal, she declared, is to effect change, help the Times become a better newspaper and, beyond her day-to-day role as a cop on the journalism beat, take the measure of the sometimes revolutionary changes that the paper, and the industry as a whole, are compelled to embrace.

If you just focus on the different stories that come up like whack-a-mole, then youre going to miss some of the biggest transformations taking place here.

But make no mistake, despite her official function as an in-house nag, Spayd counts herself a huge admirer of The Times and its journalists.

On Thursday, when the paper published a blockbuster story in which two women went on the record to accuse Republican nominee Donald Trump of making unwanted sexual advancesand quoted Trump as denying their claims and calling a Times reporter a disgusting human beingSpayd emailed The Daily Beast: I thought the story seemed solidly reported and relevant in the context of the [Access Hollywood] tape. And the decision to include the response from Trump seemed appropriate to methats what the man said.

Spayd, who started out as a reporter for small mining-town daily in her native Colorado, arrived at her current perch after spending 25 years at The Washington Post (where I knew her slightly, and she left as managing editor), and running the prestigious Columbia Journalism Review.

I like to think Im a fairly modest person, she said, but I think I know a lot about journalism, and a lot about news judgment. So I feel quite comfortable saying what I think.

In the 28 blog posts and columns Spayd has written since starting in early July, she has weighed in on whether the Timess reputation for being a liberal newspaper is justified (being fair and balanced is a constant struggle, she suggested); taken exception to reporter Patrick Healys sexualized framing of Bill Clintons Democratic Convention speech about his wife (Not a Bodice Ripper, Spayds headline argued); and spanked Times Kabul bureau chief Rod Nordland for quoting comments from a fellow author at a private book festival reception in a Times story, pointing out that since Nordland didnt alert Suki Kim that their cocktail party chat was actually an interview, she had every reason to believe her remarks disparaging another author were off the record.

But Spayds most attention-getting essay so far was her Sept. 11 Op-Ed column, The Truth About False Balance, in which she scoffed at the increasingly popular journalistic argumentin the midst of an unsettling presidential campaign between a career politician/public servant with a self-defeating tendency for concealment and fact-shading and a foul-mouthed, ill-informed reality show star with record of lying and questionable business practicesthat Hillary Clinton should not be scrutinized as aggressively as Donald Trump.

The problem with false balance doctrine is that it masquerades as rational thinking, Spayd wrote. What the critics really want is for journalists to apply their own moral and ideological judgments to the candidates. Take one example. Suppose journalists deem Clintons use of private email servers a minor offense compared with Trump inciting Russia to influence an American election by hacking into computersremember that? Is the next step for a paternalistic media to barely cover Clintons email so that the public isnt confused about whats more important? Should her email saga be covered at all? Its a slippery slope.

New York magazine columnist Jonathan Chait, for one, wrote an impassioned response to Spayd, accusing her of all manner of nonsense and logical fallacy.

Donald Trumps candidacy, he argued, is an outlier horrifying even to a great many conservatives who have been largely comfortable with their partys direction until now. How can the news media appropriately cover Trump and his clearly flawed opponent without creating an indecipherable din of equivalent-sounding criticism, where one candidates evasive use of a private email server looms larger than the others promise to commit war crimes?

At lunch, Spayd saw no reason to modify her position.

I dont think that most news organizations like The Times are out there counting up the chips. Okay, we wrote three pieces critical of Trump, and three pieces critical of Clinton. They make mistakes, but theyre trying to evaluate both of them, and I think the people who are claiming this false equivalency, what they want is for The New York Times to turn the guns off Hillaryand thats not what The New York Times should be doing.
On the morning of July 6, 1907, the cleaning woman assigned to Bedford Tower in Dublin Castle arrived at work to find the door to the safe-room standing wide open. The inner security door was closed and bolted, but the keys, which also opened the nearby library, had been left dangling in the lock.

When Sir Arthur Vicars, the Ulster King of Arms charged with protecting the castles valuables including the Irish Crown Jewels, learned of this perplexing situation, he brushed it offnot entirely unusual given his generally lax treatment of security. (One legend has it that on a night of particularly enthusiastic drinking, the honorable Ulster King of Arms handed his keys over to his friends. After passing out, he woke up the next morning draped in the countrys most valuable ornaments.)

But that all changed later in the afternoon when Vicars dispatched a messenger to the library to drop some valuables off in the safe housed there. He swung the heavy door open to discover nothing. The safe had been emptied of the Grandmaster Star and the badge that made up the precious Irish Crown Jewels.
Last week, Hurricane Matthew was a Category 5 storm. In 2008, some described the financial meltdown as a Category 5 economic storm. How did 5 come to stand for devastating?

On one level, this story of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scalethat terrifying or reassuring gage predicting whether a hurricane will cause some damageCategory 1or probably destroy your homeCategory 5is a technological tale. Its about data collected by Geostationary (GOES) satellites, U.S. Air Force and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane reconnaissance aircraft, ships, buoys, and radar processed to offer a one-minute average that is roughly logarithmic in wind speed, with the top wind speed expressed as 83x10^(c/15) miles per hour rounded to the nearest multiple of 5. But the Saffir-Simpson scale is also a story of two experts who themselves survived catastrophes before collaborating on this now ubiquitous measurement.

When Robert Homer Simpson was 6 years old, he survived the Corpus Christi, Texas, hurricane of 1919but one relative and 770 other people did not. Disaster struck during Sunday dinner. Not only was there vast wreckage everywhere but houses, still intact, were afloat, many with refugees clinging to them, he would recall. Perched on the sixth floor of the local courthouse, Simpson saw a man drown trying to save his baby.
Shortly after September 11, Robert Garcia was in the doctors office getting another round of steroid injections. His full head of black hair survived military service, the threat of a dishonorable discharge, early fatherhood, the struggles of marriage, and the stresses of a street cop. Now, at 33, the thick hair was coming out in quarter-size patches.

It was pretty clear that drugs were to blame.

When Robert joined DEA as a task force officer, he started traveling up I-35 to the checkpointa kind of second border crossing 29 miles north of Laredo where Border Patrol agents applied random levels of scrutiny to vehicles, more so to cars and trucks driven by Hispanics. Connecting with the entire system of U.S. interstates, I-35 ran up through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Des Moines, and Minneapolis. But it all started at the checkpoint, where the largest busts were made. Sometimes tons of narcotics were seized. As a street cop Robert made small drug busts within the city. His first months at DEA gave him a wider lens. Where, he wondered, is all this stuff coming from?

By 2000, six years after NAFTA was implemented, trade between Mexico and the United States had tripled, to $247 billion, and the four bridges that connected Nuevo Laredo to Laredo saw 60,000 trucks go north per week. Because every truck stopped for a search was a drag on global commerce, NAFTA eased friction for smugglers, too. Blizzards of white powder now came packaged in bounties of fresh citrus; boxes of plastic bananas, $5 sunglasses, and spice jars; as well as countless other goods. Some traffickers hired trade consultants to determine what merchandise moved across the border most swiftly under the new regime. Did a perishable get through quicker than a load of steel?

In the basic drug-interdiction formula, the DEA busted a smuggler coming across and offered to reduce his charges in exchange for his help busting the northern buyerin places such as Detroit, Brooklyn, and Boston. To account for the time lost during interdiction and to ensure that the deal seemed genuine to the northern buyer, the truck was then flown north on a DEA jet. Or, if there was enough time, an undercover agent, like Robert, would drive the drugs to the point of sale. The DEA called these busts controlled deliveries.

Young, and often mistaken as Middle Eastern due to his dark coloring, Robert had a flexible appearance that made him a top choice for undercover jobs. With DEA, he worked and traveled constantly. He went undercover with smugglers from Mexico and Jamaica. He grew his hair long and wore Jesses Marlboro jacket. A typical two-year DEA employee in Laredoa target-rich environmentsaw as much action as an eight-year agent in New York.

Some DEA task force officers like Robertthose whod been loaned out from a local agency and werent full federal agentscomplained about the difference in pay. But the pay differential never bothered Robert. He was a cop from Mexico who was now working with U.S. federal agents, going undercover in New York City, and getting training that he would bring back to Laredo PD. If you were only in it for the money, he thought, then, yeah, youd always be pissed off about the job. But what did he have to complain about?

Between jobs Robert squeezed in tourist activities, and sent photos to his mother. The Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building. The Hard Rock Cafe. He made many big busts, and posed with agents for trophy shots.

Two million in cash! A ton of cocaine! At first the busts were exciting. But time passed, and Robert became jaded by the lack of impact his busts, or any busts, had on overall drug traffic. Even if he did one controlled delivery per week, the effect on the drug supply would be meaningless. Even drug war optimists conceded that, at most, interdiction halted 10 percent of drug traffic. Robert guessed the interdiction rate was closer to 5 percent or 2 percent. Either way, there was no such thing as a good year. Only in isolation, divorced from any context, could a bust shown on the nightly news appear important. Where there was demand, he discovered, supply found its way. Prohibition? It was a legal fiction.

He couldnt square the governments outlay with his new knowledge about the results of interdictionuntil he realized where the money to fight the war on drugs came from. After 9/11, the Laredo DEA office transitioned from a resident-agent office that drew on local hires to a district office that recruited agents from all over the country. Eight agents became 40. DEA wasnt the only drug squad in town, just the main one. Laredo PD, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the sheriffs office, the Justice Departments Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), FBI, and Department of Homeland Security: They all pursued the same targets, and all ran on drug money. Seizures of cash and equipment could finance half an agencys budget, sometimes more. The yin and the yang.

Drug traffic spiked, in spite of enhanced enforcement, but it was hard to argue with the wars economic agenda. A trafficker could serve time in a forfeiture-financed prison after being arrested by agents who drove a forfeiture-financed car and earned forfeiture-financed overtime in a forfeiture-funded sting. Who in Washington would get too worked up by a self-financing war? There was little downside to supporting the war. No wonder that, among politicians, out-toughing one another on drugs was a bipartisan practice.

When agencies werent fighting with each other over cases and money, they were fighting over credit for busts and prosecutions. Mostly, agencies cared about being first to report a bust to Washington. Even within DEA, agents and task force officers backstabbed one another, poached informants, and refused to share information that would enhance the overall effectiveness of interdiction. The office had an open floor plan, yet rarely did an agent know what the agent sitting next to him was working on. To an efficiency-minded engineer, the futility of the larger war on drugs was impossible to ignore, and everything Robert had spent the past decade doing struck him as futile.

Roberts time in DEA was supposed to be four years. It dragged on, and the work drained him. He and Ronnie moved the boys to a three-bedroom house in a new subdivision of Laredo called Los Presidentes, and Roberts hair began to come out in patches. Where hed once taken pride in soldiering for a cause, he now understood that border policing was not so much about achieving policyNo drugs! No immigrants!as it was a symbol of state authority. The border was a theater, a stage on which many stories could be told. Bustsvisible though misleading indicators of progresswon votes for incumbent politicians, fed a hungry press, and neutralized political challengers who tried to portray the border as out of control. September 11 opened the federal wallet, adding a new and lucrative plotline to the border narrative: smuggled terrorists.

Middle East terrorists could arrive at any moment! the sheriff of Webb County, home of Laredo, yelled to anyone whod listen. Robert watched, fuming, as the sheriff, a guy who never put cuffs on anyone, held press conferences at the river as if he were the last line of defense against Armageddon. The sheriff waved a piece of fabric, which he said was an Iraqi military patch found in the brush by a local rancher.

Four years into his DEA stint, Robert was at the doctor, getting steroid injections for his hair, when he said it aloud for the first time: The war on drugs is a big fucking lie.

The war had been a lie for 200 years. Americas earliest attempts to regulate vice regulated price only: economics by other means. In 1802, Little Turtle, the chief of the Miami Indians, made a speech to Thomas Jefferson about the effect that alcohol had in Native American communities: Father, the introduction of this poison has been prohibited in our camps, but not in our towns, where many of our hunters, for this poison, dispose not only of their furs, but frequently of their guns and blankets, and return to their families destitute.

Legislators passed laws to stem the flow of alcohol into Indian lands. But the Indian demand for whiskey remained; and the pelts that Indians offered in exchange for whiskey could be sold dearly back east. Laws that prohibited the sale of whiskey to Indians merely inflated alcohol prices in Indian territory, such that a 25-cent gallon of whiskey in St. Louis could be sold by a fur trader a few hundred miles away, in what is now Iowa, for $64. The fur traderssuch as Americas richest man, John Jacob Astor, whose American Fur Company controlled 75 percent of the fur tradebenefited the most from early prohibition.

Astors company lobbied for exceptions to Indian prohibition, insisting that the companys boatmen, the ones who traveled up the Missouri River to purchase pelts, required whiskey for personal use on their long journeys. So exceptions to the law were legislated, and boatman permits were issuedin effect, permits to smuggle. In 1831, only one in every hundred gallons of whiskey brought into Indian country was covered by a permit.

A decade later, the Indian Office reported that more than a hundred Indians died in drunken brawls in Sioux country during one year; and that entire Indian villages would starve if the whiskey trade continued. The Indian Office appointed a roving agent to interdict illicit liquor on the Missouri. Even though the agent didnt find much liquor during his year in the field, his presence slowed the flow of alcohol up the Missouri, prompting Indians, finally, to raise their prices on pelts, and fur traders to complain to the government.

The lesson of early prohibition was clear: Where there was demand, supply found its way. In future attempts to regulate vice, the only question would be which community bore the black-market burdenas consumers of the vice, suppliers of the market, or both. Who would the Indians be?

Roberts stress-related bald patches disappeared after a round of steroid injections, then returned. He got more steroid injections and his hair grew back. He latched on to a drug load that took him from New Jersey to Chicago to San Diego, a big case he worked obsessively. The whiteboard above his desk at DEAa mess of pictures and strings and note cardsgrew like a graduate-level math proof that could be worked forever but never solved. He assembled binders on not just the dopers he tracked but their relatives, and memorized every address.

As Roberts DEA career stretched to six years, he became leery of who the boys brought home from school. All families of the boys friends had to be vetted to see if Robert had arrested a father or an uncle. He also ran every neighbor through the system, knew the criminal history of every family that lived within a mile. It turned out that the next-door neighbors, whose twin boys Eric and Trey played with, did business with drug suppliers across the border.

While Robert was away, as often as two weeks per month, Ronnie raised the boys. In most Mexican households, men did the outdoor work and women kept the home. Ronnie took what she liked from her husbands culture but left that tradition behind. The boys learned to cook, clean, and do laundry. Everyone contributed.

She, Eric, and Trey talked and laughed. But the moment Robert returned home, the dynamic changed. His mood was shitty. If anyone made a noise, he reprimanded them. Trey, the blood son, obeyed. Eric, the stepson, had less reverence. Eric snuck around behind Robert and mocked him.

Be quiet! Drop and give me 20! Robert and Ronnie programmed Eric and Trey not to tell people what dad did for a living. Since Robert often unwound by doing projects around the house, the Garcias told neighbors that Robert was in construction. But one day, while giving a class presentation on his family, Eric slipped and said, My dad does drugs. The teacher called Ronnie: Maam, Im a little concerned.

Dan Slater is the author of Wolf Boys: Two American Teenagers and Mexicos Most Dangerous Drug Cartel (Simon & Schuster, Sept. 13, 2016).
Recently a patient of mine was hospitalized for liver failure due to alcohol. His history of liver disease was well documented, but he adamantly denied that anyone had warned him to avoid alcohol.

An initial confession of a few drinks turned into much more with a little probing by different medical providers. Despite his liver being in a significant amount of shock, he was stable and lucky enough to still have most liver function intact. After interviewing and examining him, I recapped why he had been hospitalized and explained that hospitalized for a few more days while we monitored his liver function.

As I was leaving the room, he asked me one final question: Doc, do you think any of this has to do with the mold that was all over my old apartment building?

Here was a patient with a damaged liver and little mystery about what had caused it, and yet here he was, with questions about mold?

This was not the firstand certainly wont be the lastpatient to ask about mold. My patients have often wondered aloud whether mold is causing their breathing troubles, sinus congestion, overwhelming fatigue, and so on. Ultimately, I told this patient the same thing I told all the others: Mold exposure was not responsible for your health problems.

Mold worries are generally unfounded. There is no evidence that otherwise healthy individuals have any reason to fear falling ill from building mold, mold inhalation, or any other type of exposure to so-called toxic mold (PDF). Even when it comes to water-damaged buildings, any medically proven associations with health issues have come with long-term occupational exposuresnot household exposures.

If you need more assurance, look no further than a study that examined residents of post-Katrina New Orleans: It didnt find any increased risk of adverse respiratory effects from water-damaged buildings. This helps explain why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesnt recommend routine mold testing in households, instead suggesting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) guide to mold control to ensure indoor air quality in high moisture environments.

That said, mold can cause health problems in certain populationsbut typically, it only seriously affects patients who have underlying health conditions. Specifically, immunocompromised patients could be at risk of systemic fungal infections, and patients prone to allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma could have responses to inhaled mold.

There are skin and blood-testing methods available to determine whether patients truly have mold allergies or not. Additionally, anybody who has had long-term occupational exposure to mold could develop a rare disease known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which affects lung function. But beyond these medically established connections to mold exposure and medical illnesses, much of the rest is internet lore.

So, unless youre in one of those rare categories, you dont have anything to fear about exposureand yet mold hysteria is fairly widespread. Why?

The answer is a depressing case study in internet-era medical misinformation, rumor-mongering, and irresponsible online doctoring. In short, some irresponsible people are drumming up fears about mold and then profiting off of those fears. These profits come at the expense of patients like mine who use these theories as scapegoats, failing to understand and tackle the real medical issues at hand.

On the surface, there certainly appears to be a wealth of online information about the supposedly harmful effects of mold exposure. A quick Google search of mold and fatigue will draw your attention to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Proponents of CFS justify the condition on the basis of one very flawed study that drew an association between mold and the syndrome, relying entirely on urine mycotoxin dataor the levels of fungal metabolites in urine. Not long the paper was published, the CDC issued a statement on the lack of clinical validity of urine mycotoxin tests, effectively invalidating its results.

When contacted for comment, Brewer said that he relies on the clinical picture and symptoms to diagnose CFS, based on the CDCs 1994 case definition. He still offers urine mycotoxin testing to his patients, despite the CDCs own website clearly stating that there is no lab test or biomarker for CFS and no single identifiable cause.

The mold-CFS internet monster is nothing compared to the Surviving Mold empire created by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. Shoemakers website discusses mold-induced chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) ad nauseum. This disease encompasses a gamut of vague symptomatology, defined as an acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome in response to mold, bacteria, and other pro-inflammatory exposures. The scientific evidence to back up CIRS is severely lacking, and if you search for more details on specific clinical descriptors, you will end up empty-handed.

Perhaps inevitably, Shoemaker offers to train (for a fee) other physicians with his Shoemaker Protocol, a program to help them detect and treat CIRS. Online memberships are offered for all website visitors, ranging in price from $19.50 per month to $175 for a 12-month subscription. The memberships offer screening tools, email consultations with Shoemaker, and other Surviving Mold materials.

Despite the fact that Shoemaker has been out of clinical practice since 2013 and has come under fire by both his state medical board and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for unregulated online portal and practice methods, the website is still thriving and propagating myths that spread to other alternative health websites.

When asked for comment, Shoemaker told The Daily Beast you have your facts wrong, and declined to reply to further emails.

If any myth is more pervasive than that of toxic mold and systemic illness, it is the earlier mentioned water-damaged buildings and mycotoxicosis legend. Proponents of mycotoxicosis suggest that mold in such buildings can trigger inflammatory processes that lead to immunologic changes and a gamut of symptomsranging from neurological complaints to pulmonary issues. The study of post-Katrina New Orleans residents should have debunked all of this, but there still is a wealth of false information online about water-damaged buildings and the illnesses they allegedly cause.

Here, one of the biggest figures is a Dr. William Rea, who came under fire from the Texas medical board for multiple complaints, including using pseudoscientific test methods, offering inaccurate diagnoses, providing inappropriate treatments, practicing in an area beyond his expertise, and failing to fully disclose his practice approach with his patients. In the wake of a settlement he reached with the board in Texas, Rea was ordered to modify his patient consent forms to note that his therapies have not been therapeutically proven and are not FDA-approved.

But remarkably, Reas Environmental Health Center is still open in Dallas, billing itself as a complete testing and treatment facility for chemically-sensitive adults and children. Rea is actually only board certified in cardiovascular and general surgery. Requests for comment from Rea went unanswered.

The bottom line: Dont believe the hype. Theres a very real reason why doctors caution patients about information available on the internet. People who might be susceptible to mold-related health effects are usually only vulnerable because of underlying health conditions, so this is a case of the chicken before the eggor in this case, the patient before the mold.
BANGKOK  Last December, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn led hundreds of fellow Thais on an 18-mile bicycle ride through central Bangkok as thousands more lined the streets to watch. The Bike for Dad celebrated the 88th birthday of the ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, but it also was designed to showcase the prince, to help endear him to the people whose monarch he was destined to become.

Why? The government and royal palace apparently were keen to rehabilitate the princes image as an eccentric, remote man who prefers a life of hedonismparties, expensive cars, girlfriends, shopping, and jet-settingin his luxurious home in Germany to overseeing mundane affairs of state in Thailand.

That image makeover has become urgent now that King Bhumibol is dead and Vajiralongkorn, 64, is poised to succeed him. While the late monarch was beloved, cherished as the father of the nation and lionized as a selfless campaigner on behalf of his subjects, the prince is regarded with bafflement, indifference, even some hostility.

My place in this world is being among my people, the Thai people, King Bhumibol once famously declared.

It is such sentiments that earned him the deep affection of his subjects. By contrast, the crown prince acknowledged his popularity deficit in an interview with the Thai womens magazine Dichan: Some people like me, some people dont like me. Its their right, he said.

That was in 1987. Since then, the crown prince has done little to boost his standing, still leading a life that seems ready-made for supermarket tabloids rather than a royal court.

In an early-1980s interview with American media, his mother Queen Sirikit described him as a little bit of a Don Juan and allowed that, "He is a good student, a good boy, but women find him interesting and he finds women even more interesting.

Indeed, the crown princes life so far has included three marriages and tales of dalliances. Of late he has been seen often in the company of Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhaya, a striking former flight attendant who is believed to live with him in Germany. Some speculate about whether she will become the presumptive monarchs fourth consort.

In 1977, Vajiralongkorn married a maternal cousin, Soamsawali Kitiyakara. She gave birth to their daughter Princess Bajrakitiyabha in 1978. Nine months later the prince had a son by Yuvadhida Polpraserth, a commoner and aspiring actress who eventually became his second wife following a protracted divorce from his first wife. Yuvadhida had five children with the crown prince while he was still married to his first wife. Yuvadhida finally married Vajiralongkorn in 1994 and became known as Sujarinee Vivacharawongse. But that marriage, too, fell apart, and within two years Sujarinee was living in Britain with the children. So acrimonious was that split that Vajiralongkorn brought their daughter back to live in Thailand, where shes now known as Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, but stripped his four sons of their royal titles and diplomatic passports, refused to pay their school tuition, and severed contact with them.

Vajiralongkorn married for a third timeanother commoner, Srirasmi Suwadee, in 2001. They had one son, Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, and the crown prince signaled his readiness to finally settle down. Srirasmi was elevated to the rank of princess and Dipangkorn was confirmed as a royal prince, even his fathers heir.

But a now-notorious home video that was leaked in November 2009 erased any image of quiet domesticity. In the video, Srirasmi is seen cavorting topless and wearing a string bikini bottom as she and her husband celebrate the birthday of the crown prince's poodle. The video was widely seen around the worldthough not in Thailand, where it is never spoken ofno surprise given the nations draconian lese-majeste law that mandates stiff prison sentences for insulting the royal family.

Vajiralongkorn divorced Srirasmi in 2014, in an episode some believe illustrates the perils of incurring the crown princes wrath: Following allegations of corruption by some of his wifes relatives, the future king asked the Interior Ministry to strip his wife of her royal name and titles. Her parents were jailed for violating lese majeste, as were several of her siblings. Srirasmi was awarded $5 million and went off to live at an undisclosed location. Prince Dipangkorn went to live with his father in Germany. He is now 11 years old.

The crown prince has not yet remarried, but he carries on with his peripatetic lifestyle.

Recent photos, purportedly shot last July, show him being greeted on the tarmac of an airport by a group of saluting men preparing to usher him along a red carpet into a waiting Mercedes. His Royal Highness is dressed in slow-slung jeans, a midriff-baring tank top that reveals large, colorfuland reportedly faketattoos, and sandals. The unidentified woman with him is dressed similarly, in tight jeans, a halter top and stiletto heels, and carrying a fluffy white dog.

Again, the response in Thailand was muted. The military government keeps a tight handle on journalism and social media, and uses the lese-majeste law liberally to maintain stability.

Vajiralongkorns enthusiasm for Europeparticularly Germanyappears to continue unabated, as does his disinclination to spend a lot of time in his homeland. King Bhumibol was grievously ill for weeks before he succumbed on Thursday. The crown prince was on hand when his father died, but arrived in Bangkok only the day before.

After his father died, the crown prince surprised the nation by declining to become monarch immediately. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced that the prince had requested time to grieve before being invested as king, even though the custom is immediate ascension: The king is dead; long live the king.

Analysts say the delay may reflect both Vajiralongkorns own wishes and reservations among some in the Thai leadership. For years there was talk among some skeptical elements of skipping Vajiralongkorn altogether and making his highly popular sister, Princess Maha Sirindhorn, queen in her own right. Such talk has faded in recent times.

But there remain fundamental questions before the crown prince can be crowned king, said one analyst. Whos going to be your queen? Whos going to be your heir? Where are you going to live? You cant continue to live in Germany and be king of Thailand. The time to ask these questions is now.

In the meantime, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, a 96-year-old former prime minister, has been named regent.

In her 1980s interview with the Dallas Times Herald, Queen Sirikit said "the royal family belongs to the people of Thailand" and that if the people did not approve of her son's behavior, he would either have to change or resign his title.

With his requests for time to grieve, Vajiralongkorn may be seeking space to decide whether he really wants to change.
A Long Beach bartender who raped a German tourist he lured to his apartment with a couchsurfing.org listing has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Dennis Edison was accused of drugging and raping a then-21-year-old German tourist and was found guilty of rape and sexual abuse after a trial in August. According to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, Edison falsely claimed on the site that his Long Beach home was in New York City and also lied about his age. During the first two nights the young German tourists stayed at his home, Edison cooked them dinner to put them at ease.

On the second night of their stay, Edison put GHB, commonly known as "the date rape drug," in his guests' cocktails and then raped one of them while she was incapacitated. His victim woke up with oil on her legs and severe pelvic pain, and both Germans left Edison's house the next morning.

While GHB leaves the bloodstream quickly, a forensic pathologist testified that the vomiting and memory loss Edison's victim experienced was consistent with the after-effects of being drugged with GHB according to Newsday.
Rising levels of greenhouse gases are increasing global temperatures and this is causing sea levels to rise. Global warming causes sea levels to rise by melting ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, it also causes water to warm and expand. Although we face a number of threats, sea-level rise may be the most daunting and intractable of our climate challenges. Scientists agree that sea levels will rise and much of the most recent research suggests that this rise will be larger and faster than originally thought. Many of the worlds greatest cities including Manhattan, London, Shanghai, Hamburg, Bangkok, Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila, and Buenos Aires are expected to be inundated by rising seas. Tidal floods interfere with transportation, inundate roads, destroy homes, damage cars, kill forests, and poison wells with salt. Moreover, the high seas interfere with the drainage of stormwater.

The seas are on average around 9 inches higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution. We now have 408 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere and growing. Our current trajectory translates to 120-190 feet of sea-level rise over the long term.

More and faster

The world is getting warmer and this heat is causing more thermal expansion. Sea level rise is also caused by the melting of the worlds two largest ice sheets, on Greenland and West Antarctica, as well as mountain glaciers worldwide. Most studies suggest that sea levels will rise by about three feet but these studies have not adequately measured the contribution of melting ice from Greenland and the Antarctic ice sheet. Greenland alone is losing 215 gigatons of ice per year, that is equivalent in weight to 100 times all the cars on the planet.

As reported by Angela Fritz in the Washington Post, a new study published in the Journal Nature shows that on its own, the melting of the Antarctic ice sheet could double sea-level rise.

Using the IPCCs Business as Usual scenario, oceans could rise by almost 2 meters or more than six feet by the end of the century. By 2500, we could see the sea level rise by more than 13 meters (42 feet). This would have civilization-changing impacts all around the world including the US. By 2100, Miami and New Orleans will be underwater. By 2500, states like Delaware would be almost completely submerged as would the southern coast of Florida, Californias Central Valley, Sacramento, San Francisco Bay, Boston, Washington DC, and much of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

An ABC News article corroborates this view, citing research from renowned climate scientist James Hansen which indicates a doubling of the speed at which sea level rise is occurring.

A study from the U.S. Geological Survey found that half of the U.S. coastline is at high or very high risk of impacts due to sea-level rise. Around the world, the majority of human habitation is concentrated along coastlines. This means that billions of people could potentially be displaced.

Accelerated sea-level rise is real, and its ongoing, and its not something we should doubt, said John Fasullo, a climate scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

A study led by Rutgers University shows that sea levels are rising faster than any time in the past 2,800 years. The study examines historical sea level rise and shows that our oceans are rising at an ever-increasing rate. To illustrate what this means in practical terms, look at the rate of flooding in Annapolis, Maryland. The tide gauge at Annapolis recorded 32 days of flooding from 1955 to 1964, while that number spiked to 394 days in the decade from 2005 to 2014.

As reported by Don Jergler in the Insurance Journal, at the annual RIMS conference last spring, an official with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that sea levels could rise by much more than originally anticipated, and much faster. The most recent data translates to sea level rises that are far worse than IPCC predictions. This new data suggests that sea levels could rise by roughly 3 meters or 9 feet by 2050-2060, far higher and far sooner than current projections.

By 2050, a total of 26 major US cities may find themselves struggling to manage rising seas.

Present-day reality

Sea level rise is not just some abstract future possibility, it is already happening. As explored in a study published in Environmental Research Letters, there are at least five reef islands in the Pacific that have already been inundated and they serve as a warning for the world. Five Solomon Islands are gone, washing away the homes of the people who lived there. At least six more islands have been severely eroded. While the global average annual sea level rise is about 3 mm per year, in the Solomon Islands, the rate of increase is around 7-10 mm per year since 1993.

By 2100, 13 million people will be displaced in the U.S. alone. As reported in the Green Market Oracle, flooding is also a modern-day problem in the US. Residents of Chesapeake Bays Tangier Island are expected to become climate refugees in a few decades. The village of Kivalina, in northwestern Alaska, will be underwater by the year 2025. A total of more than 180 villages are already feeling the impacts of rising seas. The Yupik community of Newtok, is expected to be completely under water by 2017. Rising seas are already forcing people out of their homes in the bayous of Louisiana, about 80 miles southwest of New Orleans. The Isle de Jean Charles is disappearing into the rising waters in the Gulf of Mexico, forcing many of its residents to flee.

As explored by Justin Gillis in a New York Times article, sea-level rise is already impacting U.S. coastal areas. He lists dozens of places where we are already seeing the impact of rising sea levels, this includes Fort Lauderdale and the only road to Tybee Island, Ga.

Once impacts become noticeable, theyre going to be upon you quickly, said William V. Sweet, an NOAA scientist. The [flooding] trends are all very clear. Theyre going up, and theyre going up in many of these areas in an accelerating fashion. Its not a hundred years off  its now. Andrea Dutton, a climate scientist at the University of Florida and one of the worlds leading experts on rising seas said, Its a slow, gradual attack, but it threatens the safety and security of the United StatesWere Living It

On the West Coast, Oregon and California can expect to suffer the worst impacts of rising seas. Along the East Coast, NOAA scientists say that many communities have already, or will soon, pass a threshold where flooding starts to happen much more often. In southern Louisiana and the entire Chesapeake Bay region, including Norfolk, flooding is expected to be severe.

Seas will keep rising

Even if we engage in serious global emissions reduction efforts, sea-level rise is baked into the system. As reviewed in a study of past sea-level changes published in Science, coastal communities may face rises of at least six meters even if we limit global warming to 2C.

A rise of at least 15 or 20 feet has already become inevitable. This data pours cold water on the hope that mitigation efforts alone could stop the seas from rising. It is clear that we will also need to invest in mitigation to manage inevitable sea level rises.

The economic costs of sea-level rise are already staggering and these costs will continue to mount. The only sane response to scientific predictions about sea-level rise to aggressively engage in both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Sea level rise could be far worse than even the dire scientific predictions cited above, as these studies do not take into account the massive amount of GHGs that could be unleashed by melting permafrost.

Together, the data convincingly shows that we need to do what we can to advance both mitigation and adaptation efforts. This means we need to curb fossil fuel usage and other man-made GHGs. We also need to invest massively in adaptation efforts to prepare for inevitable sea-level rise.

Source: Global Warming is Real
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.
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NORWALK  The Marvin Elementary School community is mourning the death of a much-beloved teacher who died suddenly on Thursday.

Kara Kovlakas, a third-grade teacher at the school, died from an undisclosed cause, leaving behind her husband, Officer Andy Kovlakas, of the Norwalk Police Department, and two children Aydan, 4, and Ari, 9 months.

Kovlakas was a native Norwalker who had taught at Marvin School for 11 years and would have turned 33 Friday, officials said.

Kara was loved by all who knew her, including her family, friends, co-workers at Marvin Elementary School and her students, both past and present," the Norwalk Police Union said in a GoFundMe page set up to help defray the challenges that lay ahead for her family.

The members of the Norwalk Police Union extend our deepest sympathies to our brother, Officer Andy Kovlakas. We hope this page will help ease his burden, and we commit our support and love to Andy, Aydan, Ari, and all of their loved ones.

More News Community rallies behind family after death of Marvin Elementary teacher

As word spread of Kovlakas death, the Norwalk community rallied together to show support and honor the life of the young teacher.

By Saturday afternoon the GoFundMe page set up in her honor had already raised over $70,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Hundreds of community members flooded social media with positive memories of Kovlakas and expressions of sympathy to her family.

The school district also released a statement.

Mrs. Kovlakas was a wonderful teacher who touched many young lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and the Marvin community at this difficult time, said spokeswoman Brenda Wilcox Williams in a statement sent out on behalf of the district. Please join us in keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers.

School officials said counselors were made available at Marvin Friday for students, families and staff who needed the support.

They also said the school will also be closed Tuesday so that students, families and staff can attend the funeral services for Kovlakas.

Kovlakas wake will be held Monday from 4-6 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk. Her funeral will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Georges Church in Norwalk. The burial will be private.

She truly loved guiding and teaching young people in the community she grew up in, read an obituary on the Collins Funeral Home website. Kara spent every spare minute with her beautiful children and family who she cherished. Kara was the brightest light in any room with the most amazing smile and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Families of Marvin students received a notification Friday about Kovlakas death and the closing of the school.

In it, officials said they wanted to give parents as much advance notice as possible about the closure. They also said Medard Thomas, principal of Columbus Magnet School, offered to host students at Columbus for families who may face childcare issues Tuesday due to the closure.

School officials asked families who need to find alternate arrangements for their students for Tuesday to notify the Marvin office by Monday morning to confirm arrangements.

Thank you to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support today, officials said in the notification to parents, and for keeping the Kovlakas family in your thoughts and prayers. 

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203- 354-1049; @kevinedschultz
You know that Donald Trump actually got more speaking time than Hillary Clinton did in Sundays presidential debate, dont you?

He whined that she got more, but thats because he was using man-time, believing he should automatically get 17 percent more than any woman. Its like man-money or man-years: Its the math enabling Trump to justify having a wife just a decade older than his daughter and a son whos not as old as some of his jokes.

Man-math is a concept I discovered 30 years ago when having to defend the placement of women authors on my course lists. On a syllabus with 13 authors, male colleagues would see only the names of the six female novelists.

You have more women than men? theyd say through clenched teeth.

Id reply, No, I dont. It actually lists toward the masculine side. But the simple fact of having almost as many women represented as men made my reading lists seem freighted by estrogen.

Im not just talking about mansplaining here  that would be too easy. Im talking about the dialogue that drove Anderson Cooper to sound like a day care provider when he was forced to instruct the genius from Wharton: Please dont talk while shes talking. She didnt talk while you talked.

Other moments illuminated grammar, not just manners.

For example, Trump used the passive voice when asked about the sexual assault tape from Access Hollywood, the one that got Billy Bush suspended from the Today Show. In that tape, Trump explained that if you took a woman furniture shopping, she owed you sexual acts on whatever La-Z-Boy you picked out at what my friend Julia Marrinan calls the Great Deal, Now Take Off Your Pants store.

My students always ask, What is the passive voice? Trumps Things were said is a perfect example. Had he used the active voice, he might have said, I spent years doing horrible things to women, even after I married my incredibly gorgeous third wife, or I am a lizard-brained unfit horror-show of a misogynist racist. That would be an excellent use of the active voice. It also would have been the truth.

When a black member of the town hall audience asked Trump whether he would be a devoted president, Trump answered by referring to the miserable lives of black people. Trump simply assumed this middle-age citizen wanted to talk about hellish, crime-ridden urban landscapes. Why does a question from a black man take Donald Trump without hesitation to the discussion of criminality?

Perhaps its for the same reason that a question from a Muslim woman asking about how most effectively to integrate people of all religions led Trump within nanoseconds to terrorism, and how it was her personal responsibility to make Muslims spy actively on all other Muslims to guarantee bombs arent being built in their rumpus rooms.

Just as not every German is a Nazi, not every Muslim is a terrorist, but Trump doesnt realize this. Dave Hanley suggested that Trumps new motto, revised to soften his image, might read: Not every Muslim is a terrorist, not every Mexican is a rapist, not every woman is a 4.

And as for those folks who tell me and other women that we shouldnt use humor to make our political points because Hillary is taking the high road, I say: Good for Hillary! Now stop telling us that we cant say whatever the hell we want.

The previously disenfranchised have been told for too long to be good and be quiet. I am honored to have Hillary Clinton represent me, but I dont have to behave exactly the same way she does. It took hundreds of years to earn the right to speak, and were not going back to the silent, subdued or submissive position where we just nod when you tell us whats funny or what we can say. Heres to the tribe of loud, smart, funny troublemakers.

And remember, Mr. Trump: You cant put us in prison because were not on your side. This is America. America doesnt work that way. Also, Mr. Trump: Please stop talking while were talking. Your time is up.
Montgomery County woman gets prison sentence in Bensalem drug death

Corrine Smith will spend up to 10 years in prison for providing the drugs that killed a man in Bensalem in 2020.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville students receiving Monetary Award Program (MAP) funds to help pay tuition this fall have no worries about funding in the spring.

SIU President Randy Dunn recently announced that both the Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses will cover MAP grants for students for the Spring 2017 semester.

The MAP grants, which are different than student loans and do not need to be repaid, are made available to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need based on federal student aid applications.

At SIUE, $3.4 million in MAP grants has been paid to 2,219 students in the fall semester. At the Carbondale campus, $5.6 million in MAP grants has been paid to 2,917 students in the fall semester.

SIUE Chancellor Randall Pembrook said MAP grants make an education attainable for students.

SIUEs mission is to provide an accessible, affordable and excellent education, and MAP grants play a large role in offering opportunity for many students who arrive on this campus with the ambition to shape a changing world, Pembrook said. SIUE stands as a partner with Illinois in meeting the states expressed financial obligations to its citizens.

In April, Gov. Bruce Rauner singed a stopgap bill, which provided $600 million to higher education in the state with $170 million going into the MAP grant program.

The SIU system received approximately $57 million for 2016.

While there is still much uncertainty as Illinois continues to operate without a budget, SIU officials are confident the state will release funds.

Doug Mcllhagga, executive director of university marketing and communications, said the spring MAP funding will come from reserve funds but officials are confident the state will come through.

SIUE anticipates reimbursements from the State of Illinois for MAP grant funding as it has in years past, Mcllhagga said. Therefore, SIUE will cover MAP grants for students for the Spring 2017 semester in anticipation of those reimbursements for from the State of Illinois.

John Charles, SIU executive director for governmental and public affairs, said Dunn has been meeting with lawmakers and has made it a priority to remind them of the importance of MAP funding.

Just as the state fulfilled its promise to fund MAP grants for last year, were confident that the state lawmakers will come together again this year to provide this much needed financial aid to our students, he said. From everything weve heard, theyre not going to be let down.

According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, nearly 130,000 students received grants from the MAP program in 2015. The average amount granted was $2,782.
In a move to distinguish itself from its neighbor, Glen Carbon is making a move to have the zip code of property within the village assigned the Glen Carbon zip code.

Currently, property within the Glen Carbon corporate limits, particularly areas in the vicinity of the Edwardsville Crossing development, have an Edwardsville zip code.

In the past this has caused issues with property tax bills being incorrectly assigned to Edwardsville rather than Glen Carbon as well as advertising from businesses.

Mayor Rob Jackstadt said a developer looking to develop the vacant Foucek Property, located south of Edwardsville Crossing, asked the village administration to pursue getting the zip code changed.

Someday that piece of property will be developed, it may be sooner than later, Jackstadt said. The taxes will go to the village, the water and sewer will be with the village but the U.S. government would have the address be Edwardsville.

The meandering boundary between Glen Carbon and Edwardsville has caused some issues in the past.

Trustee Brooke Harmony said the address issue has caused some frustration.

We work hard to bring projects and developments to the village. Then when there are grand openings or advertising we hear they are in Edwardsville, she said.

Trustee Jorja Dickemann said the zip code change should help make sure taxes are paid to the proper taxing district.

I hope this change would make sure the village receives the taxes it is owed and cut down on the time that the village clerk has to insure we get what we are owed, she said.

Jackstadt said there have been instances when residents and businesses in Glen Carbon pay taxes to Edwardsville.

This will at least minimize the risk of what we have seen in the past. We always follow up and make sure that the taxes are going to us, he said. We will still have to follow up with businesses to ensure we are getting the taxes but it should minimize it.

The resolution, unanimously approved by the board, gives Village Administrator Jamie Bowden the right on behalf of the village to pursue the request.

In a letter from Bowden to the U.S. Postal Service, he states the reasons for the change as:

Ensuring accurate sales tax reporting to the Illinois Department of Revenue and distribution to the village.

 Eliminate local confusion for the public trying to utilize the location.

 Provide the Glen Carbon Police Department and Glen Carbon Fire Protection District easier identification for urgent public safety matters.

While portions of Edwardsville Crossing, such as Texas Road House, Ross Dress for Less and Best Buy are in Glen Carbon, that area is not part of the zip code change.

The undeveloped 53.9-acre Foucek nursery is the property that the change is being requested for.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, October 14 2016

JAKARTA: Financial services firm JP Morgan has launched a virtual branch in Indonesia, the second location globally where it has rolled one out, according to a statement published on Thursday.

Offered via JP Morgan ACCESS Online, it claimed that the virtual branch is a fully integrated platform providing a comprehensive suite of banking services that can be securely accessed from desktops and mobile devices.

With the service, clients can submit documents digitally, initiate and approve transactions online and have complete visibility of all cross-border and statutory payment transactions.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim and Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, October 14 2016

Wearing a worn-out shirt, a middle-aged man seemed agitated, pacing back and forth while repeatedly trying to call someone at the drivers license office in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta, on Thursday.



The man, who only wanted to be called Mikan, said he was trying to reach an official involved with the drivers license service who had promised to give him a new licence in one day, without the hassles of standing in long lines for registration or taking tests.



When he finally reached the official, who had offered a fast, but illegal way of obtaining a license for Rp 700,000 [US$54], he ended up being disappointed.



The official said he could not come out of the office and that the service would not be available for a while because of an inspection that had taken place at his office that day.



Now I have to do it myself and have to wake up as early as 5 a.m. tomorrow to come early to this place to avoid long queues because I live far away from here, the resident of Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, told The Jakarta Post.



The government has announced that it will combat illegal levies that plague the public service as part of President Joko Jokowi Widodos legal reforms.



A task force has been formed to curb illegal levies under the lead of Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto and the National Police by conducting raids on civil servants at government offices.



After announcing the legal reform plan on Wednesday, Jokowi witnessed the arrest of three Transportation Ministry officials who were accused of collecting illegal levies related to licensing services.



But considering the failure of similar special forces formed to combat illegal levies during previous administrations, questions remain about whether Jokowi would succeed.



Anticorruption activist Adnan Topan Husodo of the Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) said the New Order once had a similar team and later there was also a Timtas Tipikor (Corruption Eradication Team) formed before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Both of them failed to root out the culture of civil servants collecting illegal levies.



Notoriously known as one of the most corrupt government institutions, the National Police, the main institution that will shoulder the gargantuan task, has also been accused of such practices.



Officials at the polices vehicle document registration center (Samsat), like the one in Daan Mogot, allegedly offer faster ways of attaining licenses to applicants who are willing to pay higher, unauthorized fees.



Drivers licenses attained through the normal process should only cost from Rp 100,000 to Rp 160,000, depending on the type of vehicle, but that process requires waiting in long queues and completing a series of tests. People like Mikan can apparently get a license more easily by paying more.



Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) head Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto said Jokowi would issue a presidential decree as the legal basis for the establishment of the task force.



Officers involved in [collecting] illegal levies will face criminal charges. They will be severely punished, Ari said.



National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian has instructed all regional police forces to set up special teams to eliminate illegal levies.



If the operations turn up civil servants suspected of collecting illegal levies those bureaucrats, like the three accused at the Transportation Ministry, would be charged under the Corruption Law.



Economist Ari Kuncoro of the University of Indonesia criticized Jokowis move to combat the small-time corruption.



He said the police alone would not be able to stop the practice as it was highly pervasive and mostly conducted by low-ranking officials.



Ari said the only way to curb such a culture was by establishing an online system that was easy for citizens to use.



Establishing an online system, which is easy to operate, will encourage citizens to avoid using the services of middlemen. It is better for the police to focus on curbing the larger-scale corruption that has hampered development and the economy, Ari said.

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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, October 14 2016

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the two largest Islamic organizations in the country, have made it clear that they are neutral in the Jakarta gubernatorial election and have never issued any religious edict banning their followers from voting for a non-Muslim.

The two organizations, widely touted as the nations voice of religious moderation, made the statements amid rising religious sentiment in the gubernatorial race, in which, for the first time ever, a Christian of Chinese descent is a frontrunner.

More than 95 percent of eligible voters in the city are Muslims.

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Linkedin Bambang Nurbianto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

Amid the controversy over blasphemy allegations leveled against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama there is little public interest in more substantial issues, such as the private wealth and campaign funds of the incumbent governor and businessman-cum-deputy governor hopeful Sandiaga Sandi Uno.

Indeed the rant against Ahok, a minority both by race and religion, over his remarks on the Quran is considered a sexy issue that media outlets will never ignore.

But in order to build a mature democracy, room should be given to the matter of transparency in candidates private wealth and campaign funds, as such a debate may provide information voters need before casting their ballots.

Jakarta is set to see a three-horse race in the Feb. 15, 2017 gubernatorial election. Ahok, paired with incumbent Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, will face Anies Baswedan and running mate Sandi as well as Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who has teamed up with Sylviana Murni.

Regardless of their motives, Ahok and Sandi deserve appreciation for raising the topic of private wealth and campaign funds, which many rich politicians and government officials are reluctant to discuss publicly.

The debate has gained more significance, because it has become a public secret that candidates for public posts never disclose their real wealth and campaign funds they collect from donors, including businesspeople and private companies.

The law sets a ceiling for private and corporate contributions to electoral candidates.

Ahok seems to believe that Sandi, who is a rich businessman, has a problem with his wealth given his participation in the governmentsponsored tax amnesty.

For Ahok, Sandis application for tax amnesty proves that the young businessman admitted to having evaded taxes in the past, although joining the tax pardon program means the state has cleared Sandi.

Worse still, Sandiaga was listed among other well-to-do Indonesians in the so-called Panama Papers, a series of leaked documents containing information about assets invested in offshore companies.

The Panama Papers have prompted the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) ethics council to reprimand BPK chief Harry Azhar Azis, whose name is also on the list.

Sandi is not only on the defensive. He has fought back, questioning the transparency in the source of funds for Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok), a volunteer group supporting Ahok.

Over several months the group collected 1 million copies of ID cards and signatures, enabling Ahok to contest the election as an independent candidate. Ahok, however, finally chose to run under the banners of political parties.

Sandi further challenged Ahok to prove that Ahok acquaintances had not benefitted from his policies as the Jakarta governor.

Voters are now waiting for explanations from both Ahok and Sandi. To satisfy peoples curiosity and for the sake of transparency, the two candidates have to take this challenge.

For a start, Sandi has to explain his inclusion in the Panama Papers. If he claims any suspicions against him are unfounded, he has to explain why.

He has declared his private wealth with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and expressed his readiness to disclose the amount of tax he paid in the last 10 years. He has also claimed to have allocated Rp 29 billion from his own pocket to cover his campaign spending.

As the incumbent, Ahok needs to answer many more questions than Sandi. As Sandi demanded, Ahok has to clarify his links to Teman Ahok and hence the sources of funds to finance day-to-day operations of the volunteer group.

It is quite naive to expect people to believe that the funds for renting the groups office, which is an asset of the Jakarta government, opening booths at numerous shopping malls to rally support and cover operational expenses came from the sale of merchandise and Rp 500 million (US$38,306) in donations.

Auditing Teman Ahoks funds would help settle suspicions beyond doubt. The group has been accused of receiving Rp 30 billion from developers that secured concessions for land reclamation work in the Jakarta Bay.

As a candidate supported by the ruling party and apparently the President, Ahok is vulnerable to temptations to accept donations from many quarters, including businesspeople with vested interests.

Now that the debate about financial transparency has begun, the public must continuously push both Ahok and Sandi, as well as other candidates, to come clean for the sake of a fair contest.

The author is a staff writer with The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Bambang Nurbianto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

Amid the controversy over blasphemy allegations leveled against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama there is little public interest in more substantial issues, such as the private wealth and campaign funds of the incumbent governor and businessman-cum-deputy governor hopeful Sandiaga Sandi Uno.

Indeed the rant against Ahok, a minority both by race and religion, over his remarks on the Quran is considered a sexy issue that media outlets will never ignore.

But in order to build a mature democracy, room should be given to the matter of transparency in candidates private wealth and campaign funds, as such a debate may provide information voters need before casting their ballots.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Sat, October 15 2016

Its not an exaggeration to say that ASEAN in particular and the world in general share the grief of Thailand, which has lost its charismatic King Bhumibol Adulyadej. For the past seven decades the king had walked beside his people, accompanying them through the ups and downs, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, until his unfortunate departure on Thursday.

For ASEAN, the king will be remembered for his contribution to the regions rise from a mere colony of the world powers to one of the main drivers of the global economy today, for which he really deserves the tribute. The 70 years of King Bhumibols reign witnessed the work in progress of a region intent on reaching a dream community that not only prospered but one that also shared one identity. He will not see the result of the collective, Herculean effort, but he has left a legacy that will hopefully continue to guide ASEAN to reach its common goals.

The kings long-lasting legacy to the region should rest with his personality, which President Joko Jokowi Widodo has said made him a leader who was close to his people and bearer of peace, unity and prosperity for his people, as evident in the numerous projects he launched to bring deep and far-reaching benefits to all corners of his country.

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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Sat, October 15 2016

The Indonesian Textile Association (API) has urged local players in the industry to regularly upgrade their production facilities to maintain the competitiveness of the countrys textile and textile products (TPT) in the global market.

API chairman Ade Sudrajat said many textile makers in the country currently still relied on old machinery and were getting more reluctant to invest more in the backdrop of weakening global demand.

To deal with the issue, Ade, for instance, suggested the government facilitate collaboration between local businesses and textile machinery manufacturers in India, deemed as one of leading nations in the industry.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

The Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) next month in a bid to conduct surveillance on all cooperatives in Indonesia, the ministrys official said on Friday.



We will sign a MoU with PPATK next month to supervise savings and loans practices in cooperatives to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities, Agus Muharram, the ministrys secretary, said.



Meliadi Sembiring, the ministrys deputy head of institution, said other illicit activities might include the possibility of using cooperative services for terrorism financing.



The ministry denied such illegal practices had been found in cooperatives, saying that the collaboration should be perceived as a preventive action.

Cooperatives are currently supervised under the Cooperatives Ministry, not by the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Although the ministry has a supervising body, it claimed that it has a lack of human resources to oversee possible cases of fraud in cooperatives.



PPATK wants all financial institutions to be supervised. Thats why we plan to collaborate with them to supervise saving and loans cooperatives, he said. (win/rin)


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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

Amid mounting public pressure, the National Police said on Friday that the religious defamation case against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama would proceed, putting his bid to extend his gubernatorial term on the line.

Police investigators are looking into the video in which Ahok allegedly defames a verse in the Quran to determine whether he had committed blasphemy and whether the video had been doctored, National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar told reporters.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

A labor union representing 1,980 employees of Bank Ekonomi Raharja (BER) is preparing to stage a two-day strike later this month to demand the Financial Services Authority (OJK) postpone a planned merger between BER and foreign bank HSBC Indonesia until both parties agree to meet the terms and conditions proposed by the union.

The union previously discussed the matter with BER and HSBC Indonesia managements in a forum facilitated by the Manpower Ministrys industrial dispute settlement department on Oct. 12, but the problem has not been resolved. However, the managements keep going with the integration, the unions lawyer, Hotman Paris Hutapea, said at a press conference on Thursday.

The strike is expected to be held on Oct. 27 to 28.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto is visiting Japan from Oct. 13 to 16 to explore and seize investment opportunities in the industrial sector.

The point of the working visit to Japan is to discuss the development of industry and investment between the two countries in the future, said Hartarto as quoted by Antara news agency on Thursday evening.

The visit is in connection with the plans of Japanese companies to invest in Indonesia. On the agenda are bilateral meetings with representatives of the Japanese government and businesses, including the Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry and chairman of the Indonesia-Japan Parliamentary League.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

The recent arrest of transportation officials over illegal levies was overdue as such practices have long been endemic, an expert has said.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo was supposed to have taken action in the early days of his term in office, Siswanto Rusdi, the director of the National Maritime Institute, said on Saturday.

Why has the raid happened only now? They [allegedly corrupt officials] should have been arrested earlier, he said in a discussion in Jakarta.

He spoke in response to Jokowis sudden visit to the Transportation Ministry following the arrest on Tuesday of a number of officials from the ministry for allegedly collecting fees related to licensing services.

Collecting illegal levies was allegedly a common practice in the Transportation Ministry Siswanto said citing as an example ship seaworthiness inspections.

By greasing the palms of officials, many ships in poor condition pass inspections. As a result, lifeboats cannot be lowered during evacuations and many passengers arent provided with life vests, he added.

Despite the late move, Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi, a member of House of Representatives Commission III overseeing legal affairs, said the action deserved public appreciation.

Although the magnitude of the case is too small for the head of state to monitor, it shows that the government is serious in eradicating illegal levies, he said. (win/rin)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

With a potentially huge market of some 2.5 billion people the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) hopes that partnership among its 21 member nations will boost the growth of all its economies.

Chairperson of the associations business forum Yugi Prayitno said the forum had proposed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between members.

The agreement will be the umbrella for cooperation in trade and investment, Yugi said Thursday following discussions of the business and academic forums of the association in Jakarta.

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Linkedin Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

[...] I am sure the two, once again, are figures with competence. Although I know both are stubborn, they like going into the field, President Joko Jokowi Widodo said on Friday, regarding Ignasius Jonan and Arcandra Tahar.



The President was providing the rationale for his decision to reappoint Ignasius and Arcandra as Cabinet members, less than three months after both were removed from their positions.



In a surprise move, Jokowi announced and later inducted Jonan as energy and mineral resources minister and Arcandra as his deputy.



Jonan was sacked from his position as transportation minister in the latest Cabinet shake-up in August, a move that many deemed as punishment for his penchant for putting stumbling blocks in the way of Jokowis policies, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway network construction.



Arcandra was removed from his position as energy and mineral resources minister after only 19 days in office following a controversy surrounding his US citizenship.



Although Jokowi cited Jonan and Arcandras professionalism and skills, traits that are essential for carrying out sweeping reform at the graft-ridden ministry, many considered the decision ill-advised given that second fiddle Arcandra has far more extensive knowledge on the oil and gas sector than his boss.



Jonan has zero experience in oil and gas as well as the mining sector. He gained his reputation as the no-nonsense director of state-owned railway company KAI and was credited with revamping the countrys railway services, which is believed to be one of the reasons Jokowi picked him to be transportation minister.



Jokowi told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony that his decision to pair Jonan and Arcandra was for the sake [of bringing better] management to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, hinting that collaboration between the two figures would be crucial.



In an apparent show of unity, Jonan and Arcandra traveled together in an official chauffeured vehicle from the State Palace to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in Central Jakarta.



Jokowi called on the public to not politicize the reappointment of Jonan and Arcandra.



Lets not draw it into personal issues or politics, Jokowi said. Although it is not an easy task, I am sure that the two, the minister and the deputy, will be able to solve current problems at the energy ministry and bring good teamwork.



The appointment of Arcandra was made possible after Jokowi brought back the post of deputy energy and mineral resources minister, which was scrapped when he took office in October 2014.



As deputy minister, Arcandra will have no authority to issue policies, and is expected to help Jonan in drafting his future policies.



Jonan said he would rely on Arcandra in running the ministry.



Well, I have Arcandra here, Jonan said when asked about his ability to run the problem-prone ministry.



Arcandra, meanwhile, shrugged off the suggestion that Jokowi had tried to find ways to accommodate him in the Cabinet, saying: The President has his own considerations when it comes to the energy ministry.



It was apparent that the decision to reassign Jonan and Arcandra was made in haste.



They were sworn in shortly before Jokowi took off to West Kalimantan for a working visit, and visibly absent at the ceremony was Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who was on a working visit to Makassar.



Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who was also the interim energy minister, did not attend the ceremony.



Multiple sources claimed that Jonan and Arcandra were notified about the inauguration only hours before the ceremony took place.



In fact, Jokowi had earlier decided to appoint Jonan as the person in charge of a holding firm for state-owned companies.



Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said Jokowi had consulted a number of key players in his administration, including Kalla and Luhut, and that their absence at the inauguration was simply due to scheduling conflicts.

______________________________

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Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) Mataram  Sat, October 15 2016

Land disputes involving the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial administration and local residents need to be solved immediately, otherwise investors will not be interested in putting money into the development of the Mandalika special economic zone.

For that reason, the provinces National Land Agency (BPN) will seek a solution by mediating with locals, the administration and PT Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which plans to operate the economic zone.

Mediation will be held between the NTB provincial administration, ITDC and land claimants in the near future, so the issue can be resolved and not become drawn-out, said BPN head Budi Santoso on Wednesday after meeting NTB Governor Zainul Majdi at his office in Mataram.

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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan and Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Medan/Batam  Sat, October 15 2016

An electric motorbike was speeding up on Jl. Jamin Ginting in Medan, North Sumatra. Riding the motorbike was a migrant refugee with his two kids. None of them wore helmets.

The motorbike also did not have a license plate.

While local people are trying to follow existing rules, violations committed by migrants bother locals who want to see everything in order. To make it worse, the police did not take action against violations committed by the migrants.

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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

Newly appointed Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan and deputy Arcandra Tahar will have to roll up their sleeves to complete the myriad of tasks waiting at the ministry, which has ran without definitive leadership for the past couple of months.



During the vacuum, which began after the dismissal of Arcandra following public controversy surrounding his US citizenship, interim minister Luhut Pandjaitan, who also serves as coordinating maritime affairs minister, quickly took it upon himself to clear up several issues clouding the energy and mining sector.



However, issues remain aplenty. Indonesias oil and gas industry is suffering from a lack of investment and exploration amid continued low global oil prices, with many firms cutting jobs and capital spending around the country. Meanwhile, the mining and smelter industries have been closely watching the governments flip-flopping policies surrounding an impending ban on unprocessed mineral ore.



Furthermore, the government has also been struggling to procure 35,000 megawatt of additional electricity for the country by the end of 2019, an ambitious target set by President Joko Jokowi Widodo last year.



Jakarta-based think-tank Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) executive director Fabby Tumiwa hoped that Jonan, who served as transportation minister until the second Cabinet reshuffle in July, would understand business culture and expectations as well as government regulations.



Pak Jonans background as a banker will help him identify funding options to build energy infrastructure and determine regulations, which will help mitigate business risks, he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.



Fabby also expressed hopes that Jonan would pay more attention toward renewable energy, which has remained underdeveloped despite the governments efforts to incorporate it into current and future electricity procurement programs.



Arcandras reappointment to a government position has not been as well received. During his short tenure as energy and mineral resources minister, Arcandra expressed his commitment to ensuring that the revision of the Oil and Gas Law, which will be drafted by lawmakers, offers incentives to entice business players to invest in non-conventional exploration methods in order to salvage Indonesias depleted reserves.



However, ReforMiner Institute researcher Pri Agung Rakhmanto was doubtful that Arcandra, who has several international patents in offshore fields, would be able to improve the investment climate of Indonesias oil and gas sector as he had little experience in either government or the business side of the upstream sector.



With all due respect, the whole of the oil and gas upstream sector is not the same as mere offshore construction. It is only a small part of the upstream sector, he said, adding that the Jonan-Arcandra partnership was unlikely to be revolutionary due to their lack of experience in the countrys energy sector.



IESRs Fabby also questioned Jokowis decision to install Arcandra as deputy minister as his citizenship controversy earlier in the year would still cause uncertainty among energy and mining investors.



Indonesian law does not allow its citizens to posses dual citizenship.



President Jokowi, meanwhile, described his decision to appoint Jonan and Arcandra to lead the ministry as purely professional.

(-/-)



I believe that both are professional figures who have the courage and competence to carry out major overhaul within the ministry, he told reporters on Friday after Jonans and Arcandras inauguration ceremony.



Business players, meanwhile, seem to be a little more optimistic that the collaboration of the new pair will bear fruit. Processing and Smelting Association (AP3I) deputy chairman Jonatan Handojo said that Jonans reputation for being a stickler for regulations may mean that the governments plan to relax an impending ban on mineral ore exports will be revoked.



Of course we want the export ban to remain in effect and we are sure that he will uphold it. He showed right from the beginning that he stuck to rules and regulations, he said.



Meanwhile, Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) executive director Marjolijn Wajong declined to give her thoughts on the pairs potential performance. The IPA has long been pushing for the reinstatement of an assume-and-discharge system during oil and gas exploration and exploitation stages. The previous system was nixed in 2010 in favor of cost recovery  the reimbursement scheme for oil and gas production and exploration costs.



The IPA will work with both the new minister and deputy minister in order to improve the oil and gas industry, she said.

___________________________



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Linkedin Nethy (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua  Sat, October 15, 2016

Around 10,000 security personnel from the National Police, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Community Protection Agency (linmas) will be deployed to guard the 2017 general elections in Papua.

Eleven regencies and municipalities will take part in the election scheduled for Feb. 15, 2017.

"The security umbrella will be implemented from the registration of hopefuls up to the announcement of the winners," Papua Police chief Inps. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw said during a simulation event of regional elections security in Jayapura on Saturday.

Papua Police have arranged strategic planning for all regencies and municipalities that participate in the elections.

"We will press down on any conflicts that might happen," Paulus said.

From the 11 areas, security authorities have listed four areas as potential zones of conflict, namely Jayapura, Lanny Jaya, Puncak Jaya and Tolikara.

In Jayapura, conflict may emerge after the Golkar Party mistakenly endorsed two candidate pairs, Abisai Rollo-Dipo Wibowo and Benhur Tommy Mano-Rustan Saru. The mistake led to the acting secretary of Golkars Papua branch, Marthinus Werimon, to receive a bomb threat on Thursday.

Furthermore, in Puncak Jaya, there is a potential for conflict from armed militia groups operating in the area. (rin)
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Linkedin Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Madura, East Java  Sat, October 15 2016

Oil and gas firm Pertamina Hulu Energi West Madura Offshore (PHE WMO) has begun the construction of two oil rigs off the coast of Madura, East Java, in an attempt to increase national oil production.

PHE WMO is part of state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina.

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Linkedin Wahyoe Boediwardhana (The Jakarta Post) Madura, East Java  Sat, October 15, 2016

Oil and gas firm Pertamina Hulu Energi West Madura Offshore (PHE WMO) has begun the construction of two oil rigs off the coast of Madura, East Java, in an attempt to increase national oil production.

PHE WMO is part of state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina.

The two offshore rigs, PHE-12 and PHE-24, are expected to boost national oil production by 40 percent in 2019. At present, Pertamina only contributes 23 percent to the total national oil production, which amounts to 830,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd).

Pertamina president director Dwi Soetjipto said the construction of PHE-12  which will produce oil  and PHE-24  which will produce gas  would be a new standard for the firm to explore and exploit oil and gas.

The integrated oil and gas production facilities will be equipped with the Central Processing Platform 2 (CPP2), which is currently under construction in Cilegon, Banten, and will be shipped in mid-October.

The platform will then be installed offshore by the end of November.

Dwi said the new rigs were a milestone project as they extensively used local talent and locally made components.

From the design to the construction, all will be done by local experts. The use of TKDN [local content] has reached 61.8 percent. This is proof that we are able to design and build our own [rigs], he said off the coast of Madura recently.

The use of local components also helped to cut costs.

R. Gunung Sardjono Hadi, the president director of Pertamina Hulu Energi, which is the parent company of PHE WMO, said the integrated construction scheme would cost US$457 million.

The scheme has been approved by the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas), according to its plan of development.

There will be a cost reduction of 10 to 15 percent after price negotiations. This will result in lower costs as well, he said, adding that Pertamina Hulu Energi had begun installing 19.5-kilometer-long subsea pipelines to distribute oil and gas from PHE-12 and PHE-24.

If the rigs are successfully constructed, Pertamina will see an additional supply of about 3,000 bopd and 15 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of natural gas. PHE WMO produces 9,300 bopd at present.

SKKMigas head Sunaryadi Amien said that if the construction went well, the two rigs would help exceed oil and gas production targets for 2017.

The country aims to produce 815,000 bpod and 1.15 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) of natural gas, which is in line with key performance indicators.

This is evidence that Pertamina is able to build and design its own rig platform. This is in line with SKKMigas circular dated Aug. 12 on the obligation to use domestic shipyards, Amien said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Pertamina received a cargo of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran, marking the countrys first shipment as a new supplier of LPG to Indonesia.

Dwi welcomed the 44,000 metric tons of LPG  which was transported from Asaluyeh Port in Iran by the VLGC Pertamina Gas 2 vessel  at Kalbut Port in Situbondo, East Java.

He said the shipment from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) would open up business development opportunities between Pertamina and the NIOC, in both the upstream and downstream sectors. (wnd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

The National Police will conduct internal reform in an effort to stamp out the practice of illegal levies that continues to plague the institution, a top police officer has said.

The police have uncovered 33 cases of illegal levies involving police officers, National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said in Jakarta on Saturday.

The police are committed to fighting the practice of illegal levies in our organization. A special task force had been created to solve this issue, he said.

He mentioned that the police had uncovered six cases of illegal levies involving nine officers in North Sumatra, four cases implicating four officers in West Java and a case involving two police officers in Papua.

Other than that, the police have also arrested three officers in two cases in West Nusa Tenggara, four officers involved in a case in Gorontalo, ten officers in ten cases in Jambi and one officer in Riau Islands, he added.

The police have long been considered one of the countrys most corrupt institutions.

In a 2015 survey conducted by the Populi Center, some 1,200 people ranked the police as the most corrupt institution behind legislative bodies such as the House of Representatives and local councils. (win/rin)
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Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Malang, East Java  Sat, October 15, 2016

Entering the second phase of tax amnesty implementation, the countrys tax authority has pledged to intensify efforts to raise public awareness of the governments flagship program.

Tax office spokesperson Hestu Yoga Saksama said the tax authority was unsatisfied with the result of the programs first phase, which ended on Sept. 30 and signed up only 420,000 participants, equal to 2 percent of the countrys 20 million registered individual taxpayers.

Data at the Finance Ministrys Directorate General of Taxation show there were more than 15,700 new registered taxpayers since Jan. 1, with roughly about 12,800 coming from the amnesty program.

Taxpayers participating in the first phase of amnesty made redemption payments worth a total of Rp 94.5 trillion (US$7.23 billion), the data show.

We are pleased [with the first phase], but we can only be satisfied if there are far more taxpayers participating [in the program]. We should have 60 million NPWP [tax identification number] nationwide, but there are still only 30 million as of now, he said on Thursday.

Southeast Asias largest economy has been struggling to find alternative sources of state revenue as it feels the pinch of the global economic slowdown and plunging energy prices.

To help plug the widening state budget deficit, the government is expecting to collect over Rp 165 trillion in penalty payments from its nine-month tax amnesty program, which was kicked off in July.

As part of its efforts to improve the programs second phase, which will end by December, the tax office plans to take an intensive approach on particular taxpayer segments, including those considered to have earned a big income, such as doctors and lawyers.

Each regional office of the tax authority has also been instructed to approach 100 top taxpayers, including those who have received high exposure from international media, such as Forbes and Fortune.

Alongside big taxpayers, the tax office also plans to boost participation in the amnestys second phase from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a minimum annual income of Rp 4.8 billion through the help of various public and private institutions as well as business associations.

The tax body is slated to hold a large public campaign event at a famous market center in Jakarta as an effort to lure SME entrepreneurs into participating in the amnesty program.

We are trying to facilitate them with new rules. For instance, they dont need to submit soft-copy reports if their list of assets and debts is still under a certain number of items. They can also submit their reports collectively through other representatives, such as their associations, Yoga said.

Outside Jakarta, Rudy Gunawan Bastari, head of the tax authoritys East Java III regional office in Malang, said the province had many local prospective big taxpayers whose wealth were often not conspicuous compared to national business magnates.

He said redemption payments from the province, which was ranked 14th of the total 33 provinces, reached Rp 1.58 trillion from more than 11,000 asset reports.

Yustinus Prastowo, executive director of the Center for Indonesia Taxation Analysis (CITA), said the tax office should create more incentives for SME entrepreneurs to join the tax amnesty.

Separately, Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) tax division head Prihandojo Kristanto highlighted the importance of public education of the governments new tax policy, otherwise it would keep facing stumbling blocks.

Tax officers, for example, should start providing a simple explanation on why taxes are important in building the country. A lot of people still think that paying taxes is an option, not obligation, he said. (fac)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

The Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry has urged the Directorate General of Taxation to reevaluate its plan to tax social media users who promote their businesses online, as such a move will hamper small businesses.

Agus Muharram, the ministers secretary, emphasized that many people who use social media for online businesses are young and creative individuals who need support from the government.

They are creative young people. Dont let regulations hinder their businesses, he told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.

Instead of burdening them with tax, the government should give them incentives, such as providing access to capital to help them expand. I hope that young people who still generate little revenue would be exempted from paying taxes, Agus said.

On Wednesday, the tax office announced its plan to tax internet users who use their accounts to sell products or services via social media like Instagram, Facebook and Indonesias largest online forum Kaskus.

Online marketplaces, daily deals, direct sales and all endorsers will be subjected to tax and if they receive income, it must be reported, Yon Arsal, DJPs tax compliance director said, as quoted by Kompas.

Yon said that the government could potentially earn about Rp 15.6 trillion (US$1.2 billion) if it is able to collect taxes from online transactions. (win/ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15, 2016

Authorities of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport took three Saudi Arabia nationals for questioning and warned them for smoking in the no-smoking area of the airport on Friday.

The three men were taken by authorities after being caught smoking in the apron area of departure Terminal 1B, airport spokesperson Dewandono Prasetyo said as reported by tribunnews.com. The three Saudi nationals were heading to Denpasar, Bali, via a Lion Air flight from Tangerang on Friday.

Airport personnel handed them over to the terminal 1 authorities office where they were questioned and reprimanded for violating an airport regulation.

"We explained to them the regulations and for them not to break them again," he said.

The Transportation Ministry had previously issued regulations restricting people for smoking in several transportation facilities. The airport had also provided smoking room facilities for smokers but still authorities find violators smoking in no-smoking areas of the airport, such as the lobby and inside the building. (rin)
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Linkedin Lynda Ibrahim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

Like a lot of people who arent in denial about how American politics influences our world, I started the week by picking my jaw up off the floor after listening to the video of Donald Trumps very vulgar conversation about women. Watching the presidential debate later, I was more appalled that far from acting repentant, Trump spent time either mansplaining or hovering behind Hillary Clintons back.

In Jakarta, memes circulated comparing the wives of gubernatorial candidates on their looks.

Women have gone to space, won Nobel prizes, presided over countries and organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, with another woman just one step away from leading the US, and yet misogyny is often written off as locker-room talk while remaining very physical.

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(lead article)

Cubas response to hurricane  the difference a revolution makes

Above, UN Photo/Logan Abassi; inset, Estudios Revolucion Above, residents of Les Cayes, Haiti, Oct. 6. Haitian government, like U.S. govt, left people on their own as hurricane approached. More than 1,000 died. Left, Raul Castro being greeted in storm-ravaged town of Maisi, Cuba, Oct. 10. Revolutionary leadership organized evacuation of a million people before storms landfall, and led immediate work to rebuild. Not one person died.

What difference does a living revolution with the working class in power make in real life? Just look at the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, which ravaged parts of Haiti and eastern Cuba before causing major flooding in Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia.

There are more than 1,000 dead and still counting in Haiti, a capitalist country dominated by U.S. imperialism. In revolutionary Cuba, while thousands of homes and acres of forests and crops were destroyed, there was not one single fatality. In the United States, at least 23 people are dead as of Oct. 10.

In the midst of its own challenges in repairing the storms destruction, Cuba sent reinforcements to Haiti to join its medical mission there to combat cholera and other diseases in the wake of the storm.

Matthew hit both Haiti and Guantanamo province in Cuba Oct. 4 as a Category 4 hurricane. In the costal town of Baracoa, the waves reached the second floor, one resident told Juventud Rebelde. Some 90 percent of homes were damaged in that town of 60,000.

The Cuban leadership started organizing well before the hurricane made landfall.

On Oct. 2, President Raul Castro began a several-day tour of Guantanamo. He participated in a meeting of the Provincial Civil Defense Council, which oversees disaster preparedness, focused on protecting the population and minimizing economic losses. Castro and the council set up camp in nearby Santiago.

According to Juventud Rebelde, the Civil Defense, working together with local government and army personnel, evacuated more than 1 million residents. Some 372,885 people were placed in shelters and another 944,886 moved in with family, friends and neighbors.

Reconstruction begins immediately

Brigades of electrical workers and soldiers armed with buzz saws were sent to the region before the hurricane hit  anticipating that roads and bridges would be washed out  to make sure repairs could begin immediately.

Were here to help the recovery, utility worker Ismael Infante, who came from neighboring Tunas province before the storm, told EFE news service.

Repair and recovery work began as soon as the winds died down. It looked like a sea of olive green, wrote a Juventud Rebelde reporter arriving in Baracoa Oct. 8 by helicopter. He referred to the hundreds of soldiers mixed in with town residents who were working to clean up roads and get reconstruction going.

The most important thing is that there was not a single death, Castro told a crowd of hundreds when he toured Baracoa that day.

The government announced Oct. 8 that supplies to rebuild homes would be sold at half price and that low- or no-interest, long-term loans were available to anyone who needed them. Those most in need will be given the materials free of charge.

Mass organizations, including Committees for the Defense of the Revolution and the Union of Young Communists are organizing volunteers such as carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers and anyone who wants to travel to the most affected areas to work side by side with residents to rebuild their homes.

It wont be quick, but we are going to recover, Noel Mosqueda, president of the Municipal Defense Council in Maisi, told Juventud Rebelde.

In U.S., Haiti Youre on your own

Unlike Cuba, the governments in both Haiti and the United States took the approach of every man for himself.

As the storm approached Floridas east coast Oct. 6, Gov. Rick Scott announced, You need to leave. Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate. The governors of South Carolina and North Carolina made similar statements.

While some buses were organized to evacuate people, most were left to fend for themselves. USA Today reported Oct. 6 that those who tried to flee in Florida faced clogged roads, dwindling fuel supplies and sold-out hotel rooms. Despite the clogged roads and gas shortages, Mayor Eddie DeLoach in Savannah, Georgia, warned anyone who decided to ride out the storm, Do not expect us to be there to help you.

The latest destruction in Haiti adds to the devastation from the 2010 earthquake and subsequent cholera epidemic that left more than 300,000 dead.

The government took almost no measures to evacuate or get people to shelters before the storm. According to the aid group Mercy Corps, more than 80 percent of the crops that feed 20,000 families were destroyed in the hard-hit southern part of the island.

Farmers near St. Louis-du-Sud told Reuters that the areas wooden boats, used to catch fish and shrimp, were destroyed. Little aid is arriving from around the world. Along with looming food shortages from the destruction of crops, livestock and farm and fishing implements  no small matter in Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world  is the danger of a new rise in cholera.

Reuters reports that at the Port-a-Piment hospital alone, the number of cholera cases jumped from 13 before the hurricane to nearly 60 on Oct. 9. We have been abandoned by a government that never thinks of us, said Marie-Ange Henry in the village of Chevalier.

On Oct. 8, 38 doctors, nurses and specialists in control of epidemics flew from Cuba to Haiti to strengthen the efforts of 648 Cuban internationalist medical volunteers already stationed there. Cuban volunteers played a key role in controlling the cholera epidemic after the 2010 quake.

We are going to Haiti with the same combativity with which our co-workers are working in the eastern provinces affected by the hurricane, as an example that we share what we have, said Alexis Diaz Ortega, head of the brigade.

Ever since we were little we wanted to be like Che [Guevara], Dr. Nevis Gonzalez told Prensa Latina. In this mission we will be a worthy example of that, by saving thousands of lives.





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Cuba is example for workers worldwide







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Colombia no vote reflects discontent with govt, FARC

Voters in an Oct. 2 referendum in Colombia narrowly rejected a peace pact that had been signed just days earlier between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Opposition parties had campaigned against the deal, appealing to resentment at concessions granted to the FARC. The majority of those eligible did not vote.

People saw the agreement as a done deal, Ever Causada, a spokesperson for Sintramienergetica, a union of miners and other energy workers, told the Militant by phone from Barranquilla Oct. 11. In the areas most affected by the confrontation between the government and the FARC, the vote was overwhelming for yes.

Tens of thousands joined student-led marches in the capital, Bogota, and other cities Oct. 5 urging continued support for a negotiated end to decades-long fighting between the government and the guerrillas. The countrys union federations have issued similar appeals.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, who led the vote no campaign, met with President Juan Manuel Santos Oct. 5 to propose adjustments to the agreement. A joint statement by government and FARC representatives two days later said they were holding talks to promptly find a solution. They said an Aug. 29 cease-fire would continue.

Some 220,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed over five decades in fighting by soldiers, cops and government-backed paramilitary groups with the FARC and other guerrilla groups. Another 92,000 disappeared, and 7 million have been displaced, mainly peasants who fled the countryside to escape bombings, land mines, kidnappings and murders by both sides.

In the zones most affected by the war, some people resent what the FARC has done, but the majority say forgive and start over, Cesar Pachon told the Militant Oct. 10 from Boyaca. Pachon is a leader of Potato Growers Dignity and other peasant organizations.

The 297-page peace accord was signed by Santos and FARC leader Rodrigo Londono, also known as Timochenko, at a televised ceremony in Cartagena Sept. 26. Those attending included 12 Latin American heads of state and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Timochenko asked for forgiveness for all the pain that we have caused.

The agreement followed four years of negotiations hosted in Cuba, whose revolutionary government was instrumental in promoting an end to the conflict. The FARC agreed to surrender its weapons to United Nations monitors and reconstitute itself as a political party. It also agreed to collaborate to end the production and trafficking of drug crops, which it had taxed in areas it controlled.

The opposition campaign led by Uribe attacked a guarantee for the new party of 10 unelected seats in the Congress for two legislative terms. It also condemned the amnesty granted to FARC leaders charged with major crimes, who would be eligible for reduced terms of community work, and financial benefits granted to FARC members.

In the plebiscite, which asked, Do you support the final agreement to end the conflict and construct a stable and enduring peace? 50.2 percent voted no and 49.8 percent yes. It had been forecast to pass by a two-to-one margin. Only 37 percent of voters turned out.

Discontent among workers, peasants

Theres a lot of discontent with President Santos and Uribe took advantage of that, noted Pachon, pointing to attacks by police and paramilitary groups on recent strikes. The Santos government held negotiations with the guerrillas over the question of land in the countryside without involving the peasants. He and Uribe have the same policies, he added.

The situation for working people is getting worse, said Causada. Santos is raising the sales tax and imposing anti-worker labor laws. For every worker directly employed, there are now nine contract workers.

Formed in 1964, the FARC became the largest of several guerrilla groups that grew out of peasant struggles for land and resistance to repression. It was linked to the Communist Party of Colombia, which looked to the Stalinist regime in Moscow. Its methods included kidnapping for ransom.

The FARC is estimated to have numbered 20,000 in 2002 when Uribe became president and launched a major military offensive, backed by Washington. Today it is said to number 7,000. Santos, who was Uribes defense minister, opened negotiations when he became president in 2010.

The FARCs course was the opposite of the movement led by Fidel Castro in Cuba, who organized working people there to overthrow the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship on Jan. 1, 1959. Those who launched the revolutionary struggle in 1953 had a clear idea of our objectives, and this remained constant, wrote Castro in the 2008 book La paz en Colombia (Peace in Colombia). But the FARC never planned to conquer power through the armed struggle, he said.

Castro also criticized the FARCs methods. Civilians should have never been kidnapped, nor should the soldiers have been kept as prisoners in jungle conditions, he said. These were objectively cruel actions. No revolutionary aim could justify them.

In Cuba the Rebel Army led by Castro began organizing working people to carry out land reform, literacy campaigns and other revolutionary measures in areas under rebel control. The FARC left capitalist economic and social relations intact in the areas they controlled.





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(front page)

Washingtons plans for Mosul attack sharpen conflicts over future in Iraq

Aljazeera

Washington has deployed more ground troops to Iraq for a long-planned offensive against Islamic State in Mosul, one of the groups last remaining strongholds. But the different forces involved are jockeying for position  including the governments of Iraq, Turkey, the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region, and Shiite militias backed by Tehran. After two brutal U.S. invasions and years of sectarian Shia rule in Baghdad, Iraq is on the verge of coming apart.

At the same time, Moscow and the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria are pressing ahead in their murderous assault on opposition forces in the city of Aleppo, trying to shift the balance of forces in their favor before any further negotiations on a cease-fire.

Washington and its imperialist allies are too weak politically to directly intervene to impose anything resembling stability for their interests in Syria. While they accuse Moscow and Damascus of war crimes, the only road forward they see is to continue to seek accommodation and a truce with the Russian government.

With its latest deployment of 600 soldiers, Washington now has some 6,000 troops on the ground in Iraq, the highest number in years.

Baghdad and Ankara clashed sharply over the Mosul offensive. We will play a role in the Mosul liberation operation and no one can prevent us, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Oct. 1. Ankara has some 2,000 troops in northern Iraq.

We have asked the Turkish side more than once not to intervene in Iraqi matters, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Oct. 5, saying he feared a regional war. A spokesperson for the Shiite Popular Mobilization Force militias, which will fight with the Iraqi Army in Mosul, threatened to attack Turkish troops if they did not withdraw from Iraq.

No one has the right to object to Turkeys presence in Iraq when the country is fragmented, stated Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus Oct. 5. He added that Turkish troops were in Iraq at the invitation of the Kurdish government, training Kurdish peshmerga and Sunni militias to fight Islamic State.

An Oct. 5 article by the Rudaw news agency pointed out that the planned offensive will bring the Shiite militias into Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, and potentially into conflict with the Kurds.

The peshmerga have expanded the region under Kurdish control by some 40 percent in the fight against Islamic State since 2014. This includes areas they say were traditionally Kurdish but were subject to decades of Arabization under the regime of Saddam Hussein.

The Shia regime in Baghdad today is known for its oppressive actions against the countrys minority Sunni population. This is an explosive factor affecting the maneuvering by all the contending allies preparing for what will emerge from the defeat of IS in Mosul.

The Kurdistan Regional Government says peshmerga fighters will not remain in Mosul, where the population is majority Sunni Arab. But KRG President Masoud Barzani has called for Kurds in the region to be allowed to vote on whether to join Iraqi Kurdistan.

There is no agreement on who will govern Mosul. Prime Minister Abadi intends to install Nofal Agoob, a Sunni politician and governor in Nineveh. But the provinces former governor, Atheel al-Nujaifi, heads a Sunni militia of some 5,000 that is trained by Ankara and works closely with the peshmerga.

Death, destruction in Aleppo

Russian and Syrian government warplanes are continuing their deadly bombardment of the opposition-controlled eastern half of Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Oct. 10 it has documented the deaths of 442 civilians in Aleppo from Russian and Syrian aerial attacks since Sept. 19. They reported 51 civilians killed by rebel shelling in government-held western Aleppo during the same period.

Secretary of State John Kerry called for investigating war crimes by Moscow and Damascus Oct. 7, citing the bombing of hospitals in eastern Aleppo.

War crimes also weigh on the shoulders of American officials, responded Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. On Oct. 11 Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled a planned visit to Paris because French officials had joined in accusing Moscow of war crimes.

Washington and Moscow are waging an increasingly bellicose war of words as they jockey for advantage in any new truce. Moscow is particularly concerned about U.S military moves placing anti-missile batteries in eastern European countries that border Russia.

There is a need to behave like partners and take each others interests into account, Putin said Oct. 12.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other politicians who call for more aggressive military action by Washington are floating the idea of imposing a no fly zone in Syria.

To control all of the air space in Syria would require us to go to war against Syria and Russia, Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a congressional hearing last month.

Moscow has recently strengthened its air defenses in Syria with batteries of S-300 missiles.





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(front page)

Fight over voting rights goes down to wire in

2016 elections

With just weeks to go before the presidential election, voting rights for African-Americans  a conquest wrested by the Civil War and the massive Black rights movement of the 1950s and 60s  remain under attack. Despite recent court rulings overturning use of voter ID cards in a number of states, local governments and county election boards have been maneuvering to keep voting restrictions in place.

The U.S. Supreme Court gutted key components of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in 2013, holding that they were no longer necessary. State and local governments in a number of areas immediately began putting strict voter ID laws into effect, as well as restricting early voting, cutting back the number of polling sites, especially in Black communities, and eliminating same-day registration.

The Voting Rights Act had codified gains won by the mass Black-led movement that smashed Jim Crow segregation, including giving the federal government control over any proposed changes to voting laws in states with a history of suppressing the right to vote. These included states across the South, and in Arizona and sections of New York, Michigan and California. Since its enactment, the federal law had blocked over 3,000 such discriminatory voting rule changes.

Since the court ruling, many of these states have moved to pass new impediments in the name of stopping nonexistent voting fraud.

Over the past few months, federal courts have overturned some of these restrictive voting laws, including in Texas, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

In September a federal court ruled against Ohios purging of voter rolls by removing people who had not recently cast a ballot. This involved some 144,000 voters since the 2012 presidential election. In New York, state authorities opened an investigation into how the New York City Board of Elections struck 126,000 registered voters in Brooklyn off the rolls. The board claimed it was just routine maintenance.

The same month a U.S. Court of Appeals blocked efforts by officials in Alabama, Georgia and Kansas to require voters to furnish proof of citizenship to register. Seven percent of voters dont have access to their birth certificate and cant prove theyre U.S. citizens, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law.

Whats involved is a problem over basic rights, Rev. Kenneth Dukes, NAACP president in Shelby County, Alabama, told the Militant in an Oct. 7 phone interview. Places where you can register to vote are only open certain days for so many hours, he said. In some areas the closest registrar is 45 minutes away, making it very difficult for those from impoverished areas to get there.

All citizens of this country have the right to vote, Dukes said. Everyone should be automatically registered to vote once in contact with any government program or services.

States slash polling sites

Slashing the number of polling places forces voters to travel farther and stand in long lines. During the March primary in Arizonas Maricopa County, for example, where more than 30 percent of residents are Hispanic, voters had to wait five hours to vote.

Many get discouraged, or simply arent physically capable of standing so long, and just go home.

Nine states  Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah and Washington  have cut the number of days people can register to vote.

The Supreme Courts decision to eviscerate the Voting Rights Act means the number of federal monitors placed inside polling places this November watching for civil rights violations will be slashed. In the 2012 presidential election observers were sent to 23 states. This year the Justice Department says theyll be sent to fewer than five.

Some 6.1 million people are disenfranchised because of a felony conviction, a new Sentencing Project report shows, a figure almost double that from 20 years ago. This reflects the workings of the U.S. criminal justice system in recent decades  a leap in arrests, virtually compulsory plea bargaining, and longer sentences. About 2.5 percent of those aged 18 and over  1 of every 40 adults  is barred from voting.

For African-Americans the rate is much higher, with one out of 13 disenfranchised. In some states  Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia  more than 20 percent of African-Americans are excluded from voting.

Only two states, Maine and Vermont, allow prisoners to vote. Over 75 percent of those disbarred nationwide for felony convictions are either on probation, parole or have completed their sentences.

In Alabama, a state law bars more than 250,000 adults from voting for any felony conviction deemed to show moral turpitude. But this phrase is not formally defined in law, reports the New York Times. Instead, it leaves the decision of who gets to vote, essentially, up to the local registrar.

A suit has been filed in federal court against this law. Among those affected, the Times notes, is Constance Todd, 70, who had been voting for years but was recently barred for the moral turpitude she displayed writing some bad checks 20 years ago.

Foot dragging by immigration officials also bars many seeking U.S. citizenship from being able to vote. Almost 940,000 immigrants applied to become citizens last year, but as of June 30 more than half a million of them have not even had their applications examined.





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(feature article)

India, Pakistan rulers clash as protests shake Kashmir

Cross-border fire between the armies of India and Pakistan erupted in late September in the territory of Kashmir, which the two regimes have partitioned since 1947. The sharpening conflict between the nuclear-armed powers takes place amid a three-month wave of strikes and protests by workers and students in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

The daily exchange of gunfire and shelling flared following an Indian army announcement that it had crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Sept. 29 in a surgical strike on Pakistan-backed Kashmiri separatist fighters there. Islamabad denied the raid had happened, saying instead its troops had been shelled. New Delhi said it was responding to a Sept. 18 attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Protests exploded in Kashmir July 8 when Indian forces killed 22-year-old Burhan Wani, a leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, a group opposing Indian rule. Some 50,000 turned out for his funeral. Actions have continued over the following months, shutting schools, offices, markets and transport.

New Delhi responded by imposing a curfew, cutting phone and internet services, silencing newspapers and attacking demonstrators. Almost 100 Kashmiris have been killed and more than 12,000 injured, many of them wounded or blinded by birdshot pellets. Thousands have been arrested, but the actions continue. High school students boycotted exams and demonstrated Oct. 6, many covering one eye to show solidarity with those blinded in the protests.

There are some 600,000 Indian soldiers and paramilitary cops in the territory of nearly 14 million, with a decades-long record of repression and abuse.

The occupation and division of Kashmir has its origin in the partition of India in 1947 by the departing British colonial power. In face of a rising, united working-class struggle against colonial rule, London moved to cede nominal independence. It maneuvered with bourgeois and landlord forces to divide the colony into a majority-Muslim Pakistan and a majority-Hindu India. The goal was to divide working people and their struggles, thwart steps towards a unified nation state, and help maintain the influence of the British capitalist rulers.

Whole regions, such as Bengal and Punjab, were split in two as new borders were drawn. Some 15 million people were uprooted and over 1 million killed as the rival ruling-class factions incited religious hostility to grab more territory.

In the state of Kashmir the local monarch initially declined to join either Pakistan or India. The new government in Pakistan invaded and its Indian counterpart retaliated. A United Nations-brokered cease-fire in 1948 placed two-thirds of Kashmir under Indian rule and the remainder under Pakistan. It also called for a referendum on self-determination, but this was never carried out.

Since a second war in 1965, the cease-fire line in Kashmir has been an ongoing source of military tension between the two regimes, with both continuing to lay claim to the whole territory.

Since the late 1980s there has been broad, ongoing opposition among the population of Indian-occupied Kashmir to rule by New Delhi and repression by its army and cops.

Growth of China

The latest border clash between the rulers of India and Pakistan takes place as the rival powers adjust to the growing economic and political weight of China in the region.

For decades Washington armed and backed Islamabad, but has recently sought closer ties with New Delhi in face of rising competition from Beijing. The U.S. and Indian governments signed a military logistics agreement Aug. 29. While trade between China and India has mushroomed in recent years, the balance favors China four to one.

Beijing, a longtime ally of Islamabad, is investing $46 billion to build roads, railways and pipelines linking China to a port in the Pakistani city of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea. The transport corridor, which will greatly increase Chinas reach to its west, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and concludes in the province of Balochistan.

The Indian government is sponsoring a rival project to expand the port of Chabahar, Iran, and create an alternative sea-land route connecting India, Iran and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.

In recent statements, widely viewed as a warning to Beijing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned Pakistan for committing atrocities to suppress independence demands in Balochistan. Pro-independence groups there oppose the transport corridor and port project.





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(Socialist Workers Party statement)

Cuba is example for workers worldwide

The devastation facing millions of working people in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, from Haiti to North Carolina, is a social catastrophe caused by the workings of the capitalist system, not a natural disaster. The response of the U.S. ruling families and their government to the storm and the death and destruction it wrought exposed once again the brutal values their profit-driven system is based on.

The revolutionary government and working people of Cuba provided an opposite example  how the working class in power can organize socially, mobilizing their full human and material resources, and not leaving anyone to fend for themselves.

Flee was the advice given to millions in the storms path by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Do not expect us to be there to help you, the mayor of Savannah, Georgia, told residents who stayed. Authorities put the onus on workers to figure their own way out of the storms path, doing little or nothing to organize an evacuation to safety. Workers in eastern North Carolina, where floodwaters submerged working-class communities well inland, are left in the lurch as well.

My campaign calls for emergency government-funded housing and aid, and for a crash public works program to put people to work at union wages rebuilding homes, schools, medical facilities and infrastructure.

The toll on workers and farmers is particularly heavy in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world. This proud land of the first successful slave revolt in the modern era has been subjected to centuries of semicolonial domination and imperialist plunder.

More than 1,000 were killed in the storm itself, as the government and the imperialist rulers responsible for desperate conditions there took practically no measures to evacuate the islands southwestern peninsula where the storm made landfall. The destruction of crops, livestock and fishing boats pose the prospect of food shortages, and cholera is on the rise again. The Socialist Workers Party demands Washington send massive, unconditional reconstruction aid to Haiti, to Cuba and other Caribbean nations affected by the hurricane.

Though Hurricane Matthew hit eastern Cuba with similar force as in Haiti, causing extensive damage to buildings and crops, not a single life was lost. The entire population, led by President Raul Castro, was mobilized to face the danger  evacuating more than a million people, making sure communication was organized in areas that might be hard to reach after the storm, and advancing preparations to immediately begin restoring power and rebuilding. And in the midst of their own recovery efforts, the Cuban people stepped up aid to their brothers and sisters in Haiti  where over 600 Cuban medical and other internationalist volunteers are stationed  and offered a hand of solidarity to anyone else who needs it.

Working people in the U.S. colony of Puerto Rico, while they werent in the path of this storm, face a growing social crisis caused by the same profit-driven dog-eat-dog capitalist values under U.S. colonial rule. I just completed a solidarity fact-finding trip to meet with workers and youth there to discuss our common battle against the rulers in Washington.

My campaign supports protests against the U.S.-imposed fiscal junta; demands freedom for Puerto Rican independence fighter Oscar Lopez, held for 35 years in U.S. prisons; and champions struggles by Puerto Rican workers and youth to defend jobs, wages, health care, education and living standards.

Workers need our own party to advance these struggles, to fight to end the rule of the capitalist exploiters and to organize society based on solidarity as our brothers and sisters in Cuba have done. The Socialist Workers Party is that kind of internationalist, working-class party  join us!





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Cubas response to hurricane  the difference a revolution makes







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Artist, musician and Blackfeet activist Jack Gladstones smile broke as he was asked how he felt about seeing land sacred to his tribe divided into oil and gas leases.

This is our Standing Rock here in Montana, he said, referencing weeks of protests and arrests opposing a North Dakota oil pipeline.

The tribe and conservationists brought their 30-year quest to see oil and gas leases canceled in the Badger-Two Medicine area to the Myrna Loy Center in Helena Thursday with a screening and discussion of the documentary Our Last Refuge.

The film studies Blackfeet culture, emphasizing a relationship with the land through interviews with several tribal leaders. The Badger Two-Medicine, bordered by the reservation, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness, is an important wildlife corridor, but is also considered sacred to the tribe and the origin of creation stories.

The area was leased for oil and gas exploration in the 1980s with all but 18 leaseholders relinquishing their claims. A well-publicized legal battle between one leaseholder, New Orleans-based Solonex LLC., to force the government to decide on its application to drill, resulted in cancelation of the lease.

The company, whose attorney appears in the film, asks how long is too long to wait for the government to simply make a decision. The world needs gas and oil and ultimately development would benefit the area and the tribe economically, he says.

During the lawsuit the federal judge lambasted the agency for failing to act for three decades, but the Department of Interior cited a failure to consult with the tribe, cultural and environmental concerns in its decision to cancel.

Although Solonex has appealed the decision, the tribe and conservationists are pushing Interior to cancel the remaining 17 leases.

We can do amazing things when we come together, Gladstone told the audience, opining not only on the Badger but also the morality of climate change and dubious consequences of continuing to tap fossil fuels.

Casey Perkins with the Montana Wilderness Association recounted her first visit to the Solonex lease site, seeing grizzly bears and elk and a diverse array of wildlife habitat. The area is A key connective tissue, between Glacier and the Bob, she said, and her love and commitment for the place has only grown.

This is a unique place with such unique and special values, she said.

Blackfeet activist Kendall Edmo recounted taking part in ceremony in the Badger-Two Medicine and the feelings she had the brought her closer to her tribal culture.

We need that landscape, we truly do, she said.

Perkins, joined by Gladstone and Edmo, told the Independent Records editorial board on Thursday that the remaining leaseholders have an opportunity to come to the table and divest the leases.

With the current administrations Solonex decision, supporters of cancellation are pushing especially hard given the uncertainty of new leadership in Interior following the upcoming election, Perkins said.

Our Last Refuge will continue its tour of Montana in Billings on Monday, followed by screenings in Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman and Harlem.
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I support Melissa Romano, Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Office of Public Instruction is key to quality education, ensuring equitable allocation of state funds and providing resources to teachers to do their very best in Montana classrooms every day. Since one generation has an obligation to educate the next generation, effective leadership at OPI is essential.

As a teacher who first met Melissa as a sixth grader, I was delighted when she received the National Science Foundations Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. In networking with fellow recipients, Melissa became aware of serious cuts in funding for public schools in other states. She does not want that to happen in Montana. She recognizes that excellence in math and science is connected to student achievement in other subjects, especially reading, music and foreign languages. Melissa shares her lesson planning skills and best teaching practices through professional websites. Her campaign website clearly outlines her positions on increased support for preschool education, more autonomy in the use of federal funds and the importance of Land Board issues.
Kings body moved to Grand Palace

BANGKOK: The nation came to a halt yesterday afternoon (Oct 14) as black-clad mourners gathered to witness the procession of His Majesty the Kings body from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace.

culturedeathtransporthealth

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 15 October 2016, 08:46AM

The motorcade transporting the body of His Majesty King Bhumibol leaves Siriraj Hospital for the Grand Palace yesterday afternoon (Oct 14). Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

Tens of thousands fully occupied the four-kilometre route where the motorcade passed. Many had been at the hospital and locations along the roads since Thursday night (Oct 13) to get the best views of the van transporting the body to the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

Many cried and waved the Kings flag as the motorcade passed by. All members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty the Queen were part of the procession.

Millions more who were unable to come to Bangkok watched the event on television which broadcast the ceremony live on all channels when His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn led the event at 4:30pm.

Mourners also gathered by the thousands at Sala Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion, inside the Grand Palace complex, yesterday morning to take part in a symbolic bathing rite for the King with other dignitaries including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and cabinet ministers.

Elsewhere, provincial halls were used for people to take part in bathing rites before portraits of His Majesty, who passed away on Thursday afternoon.

The Kings body is now resting at the pavilion for a chanting ceremony. The cremation date has not been announced.

Read original story here.
Phuket man accused of lese majeste, saved from mob over social media post

PHUKET: Hundreds of angry Phuket residents gathered in front of the Nam Tou Hu Samkong dessert shop on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket Town early this morning (Oct 15) after the shop owner allegedly posted disrespectful comments about the Royal Family on social media.

Saturday 15 October 2016, 12:25PM

The angry crowd gathered at the mans home at midnight last night. Photo: Kitsakorn Mahanchakornpong

Around 100 residents gathered outside the Nam Tao Hu Samkong at midnight last night to voice their anger over posts made on Facebook by 30-year-old Sutee Arammatapongsa in relation to the Thai Royal Family.

However, upon arrival the group found the shop locked and no signs of anybody inside.

After learning about the gathering, a team of police and army officers were sent to the area to disperse the group, however, the crowd were adamant that they would not be moved.

Soon after, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen arrived and told the group that before any charges could be brought against Sutee that further evidence would have to be collected from witness to allow the matter to progress according to the law.

Following that announcement a large group of the protesters made their way to Phuket City Police Station to file complaints against Sutee.

A representative from the group, Surin Liamudom, 53, said that he had informed officers at the station of the alleged lese majeste offence.

I have reported Sutee Arammatapongsa, 30, to the police for breach of Section 112 (of the Thai Criminal Code). I filed my report to Lt Surachat Thongbai, who has made a record of my complaint, he said.

Lt Surachat said, I will collect evidence in relation to the complaint and follow up on this case.
Phuket residents invited to offer condolences to His Majesty the King

PHUKET: All Phuket residents have been invited to pay their respects to His Majesty the King, who passed away on Thursday (Oct 13), at a condolence ceremony to be held at Phuket Provincial Hall at 9am tomorrow (Oct 16).

culturedeath

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Saturday 15 October 2016, 03:37PM

The ceremony will be held within the grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: PR Dept
BILLINGS -- Olivia Plath is a 14-month-old redhead from Shepherd whose doting family attends her physical therapy sessions at St. Vincent Healthcare dressed in matching T-shirts proclaiming, I love someone with dwarfism to the moon and back.

As a woman of childbearing years, I had no idea I could have a little person, said her mother Heather, a surgical nurse at St. Vincent who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and is married to a man whos almost 6 feet 7. You go through an adjustment, and theres a kind of grieving, but she is going to have a normal life. Shell just have to do things a little differently.

While Jakke Hall, a physical therapist at the hospitals Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, worked with Olivia  and Olivias 4-year-old brother, Jack, constructed a toy farm and ranch reminiscent of the real one operated by his father, Greg  Heather Plath discussed the joys and challenges of raising a child with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that occurs in about 1 in 30,000 births. About 80 percent are born to parents of average height.

In Olivias case, it was a random gene mutation, Heather said, although she and her husband initially worried that it might have been caused by in vitro fertilization efforts. It wasn't, a geneticist assured them.

Dwarfism affects bone growth  typically the childs long bones  and thats why physical therapy is an important contributor to Olivias mastery of gross motor skills, which in Olivia's case Hall placed at around a child of 9 months.

We work on head and trunk control, rolling, and weight-bearing with her arms and legs, she said. Youve got to be a little careful because their joint structure is a little funky, and sometimes theres a risk for neck issues.

Olivia spent most of the summer wearing a helmet, which reshaped her head. She now weighs 19 pounds, is 23 inches long, and is just beginning to stand, her mother said.

When she stands, that really drives home how short she is, she said with a grin. When people meet her, they realize something is different about her. You can see the wheels turning (in people's minds). I wish they would just ask, because Im not afraid to talk about it.

Olivia will receive physical therapy until shes walking, and Hall said her goal is to have her client ambulatory by her second birthday. She may require orthotics in her shoes because her ankles are a little wobbly and her knees are a little loosey-goosey, but that gets better with more strength," Hall said.

Once kids begin moving on their own, it becomes self-motivating, and they try hard to do what they want to do, Hall said. They can see what we (adults) do and they think were a different species. But if they see another child doing it  like her brother  they figure they should be able to do it.

She may need some occupational therapy for dressing and other skills, Hall added. But once shes up and walking, she wont need any more physical therapy.

Heather Plath said several resources and role models have been helpful, beginning with St. Vincent Healthcare and including Kelly Lee of Billings, president of the Montana chapter of Little People of America. Shes also grateful for support at Olivias daycare, Kid Corral Childcare and Learning Center in Shepherd, and thrilled to see little people like Terra Jole of "Dancing with the Stars" succeed.

It is reassuring to me to see a little person doing so many normal things, she said. In dancing, its all about those long lines, so its pretty incredible that shes doing as well as she is.

Lee's husband is Ernie Lee, a partner at Rimrock Auto Group, and the two appear in television commercials together with their children.

On Thursday, the Lees journeyed to Reed Point High School, where they heard an averaged-size seventh-grader report on a paper he'd done on his second-grade brother, a little person.

The Lees then spoke about the challenges of making their way as what Kelly Lee calls "short-statured people."

"I like to answer people's questions. I would rather answer questions than have people point or stare," she said. "People need to be educated."

Like most mothers, Heather Plath wants her daughter to enjoy as many of life's simple pleasures as she can.

I want to teach her to ride a horse and do all the things that Jack does on the farm, Heather said. She needs to learn to function in a world that is meant for average-height people.
Russian arrivals to Thailand spike by 42% in August

PHUKET: Foreign arrivals statistics for August, released earlier this month by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS), delivered strong evidence of the ongoing revival in the Russian market.

tourismeconomicsRussianChinese

By Anton Makhrov

Saturday 15 October 2016, 12:52PM

Tourists head to the beach in Patong. Photo: PercyGermany / Flickr

Earlier this year Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) reported that travellers from Russia started returning to the Land of Smiles amid the rainy season attracted by affordable prices.

ATOR, whose members include Russian tourism powerhouses Biblio Globus, Coral Travel, Intourist, Natalie Tours, Pegas Touristik and TUI Travel, noted that Phuket was one of the main beneficiaries of the trend. (See story here.)

The Department of Tourism, under the MoTS, reported 59,689 travellers from Russia visited Thailand in August, up 41.79% compared with August 2015.

Russian arrivals during the first eight months totalled 651,830 visitors (up 19.99% year-on-year), making Russia the largest of Thailands tourism source markets among non-Asian countries. The recovery has now been ongoing for several consecutive months.

In total Thailand enjoyed 2.87 million international arrivals in August (up 11% year-on-year) and 22.41mn since the beginning of the year (up 11.75%).

Despite the recent crackdown on zero-baht tours, China remains the largest contributor in terms of tourist arrival volume. According to MoTS, in August Thailand welcomed 891,382 visitors from China (up 11.34% year-on-year). Chinese arrivals during the first eight months of 2016 totalled 6.66mn (up 19.22% from 2015).

The latest figures from the MoTS also indicated a revival in Australian and New Zealand markets. The decline from those markets stopped and in August arrivals from these countries grew by 2.26% and 4.02%, respectively.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects about one million Russian arrivals to the Kingdom in 2016, up 13% on last year. Asked by The Phuket News earlier, Phuket Tourist Association President Sathirapong Na Takuatoong supported the forecast.

The increase in the number of Russian tourists this year is undeniable, and the number of charter flights to Phuket is increasing, Mr. Sathirapong agreed.

I cant say that these Russians will be higher quality than those who came two years ago, but they are spending more  about B5,000 per person and a day, he added.
BILLINGS -- Republicans are calling on Gov. Steve Bullock to return campaign donations from members of environmental groups opposed to coal.

In a Thursday press conference in Billings, GOP legislators said the Democratic governors positive words on coal didnt match his direct campaign contributions. They also criticized the incumbent for the $500,000 in independent funds committed to Bullocks re-election by the Montana Conservation Voters.

Bullock should denounce the $500,000 in dark money hes benefited from from the Montana Conservation Voters, said Sen. Doug Kary, R-Billings. Yes, half a million dollars funded from individuals and organizations mostly from out of state. These environmental groups shut down half of Colstrip and theyre not going to stop until all of Colstrip is shut down.

Kary was joined by members of the Colstrip community and former workers at the coal-fired power plant 90 miles southeast of Billings.

Washington-based Puget Sound Energy and PPL Montana agreed to shut down two of Colstrips four units by 2022 as part of a lawsuit settlement stemming from pollution violations at the aging power plant. The closure has been a campaign attack against Bullock by Republicans who say the governor should have done more to save Colstrip and keep Montana coal mines operating.

Member of the Montana Environmental Information Center and the Sierra Club, which were plaintiffs in the lawsuit, are also donors to Bullocks campaign.

When the shutdown was announced, Bullock said he was angry because the state of Montana was excluded from the shutdown talks.

Thursday, Bullocks campaign spokesman, Jason Pitt, said both environmentalists and coal companies are donating to the governors re-election campaign. He also cited a recent uptick up coal sales after a year-long slide.

Pitt called the exercise a ploy orchestrated by Bullocks Republican challenger, Greg Gianforte.

"Coal CEOs and conservationists are among the thousands of Montanans who are supporting Steve Bullock in this election, as Greg Gianforte dumps millions of his own fortune to try and buy votes," Pitt said.

Editor's Note -- This story has been updated correct information about some of Bullock's campaign donors.
Ok everyone, you have to read this very short short story. Firstly because it is good, (check out the Bligh story within it too), but also because I'm ...

1 year ago
DECATUR  A giant bird's nest outside the Children's Museum of Illinois couldn't help but draw attention from Colleen Storm's kindergartners as they filed into the building.

Yet it was Lyric Belcher, 5, their classmate at Riddle Elementary School in Mattoon, who answered their questions first. It's probably a pterodactyl nest, he announced.

Even Abby Koester, education director for the museum, smiled and had to admit the boy might be onto something. It's about the right size, she agreed.

Built by Tim Wetzel, the museum's former maintenance man, the nest is part of a new Messy Materials outdoor play area created at the museum this year with help from Millikin University's School of Education.

The area, which begins to the right of the entrance and wraps around to the rear of the building, also features stump stools, fort- and teepee-building materials, a sensory table, upright xylophone and much more.

Christie Magoulias, an associate professor of education and the school's director, said the play area is not messy in the sense of being ooey-gooey but rather in the absence of any expectation that children put things away when they're done.

Our goal was to create a natural environment for deep, creative play, Magoulias said. You can leave your boat or your birdhouse exactly as you created it, and that's the stage for the next child who comes in.

She said it's also the perfect place for young families to spend time while waiting for the museum to open, if they're not quite ready to leave when the museum closes, or if they simply want to enjoy a play space that costs nothing at all.

The School of Education provided $5,000 for the project, and Georgette Page, also an associate professor of education, joined Koester, Wetzel, Magoulias and others as a collaborator.

Magoulias said the school intends to present the outdoor play space to early childhood education majors as a model for ones they might create and is also working with Decatur public schools about exposing all kindergarteners to the children's museum next spring.

Dozens of kindergarteners from Mattoon, meanwhile, took turns making good use of the Messy Materials area during a recent field trip to Decatur.

Lexie Bailey Burch, a student in Melissa Blackwell's class, said she enjoyed the fresh air and playing with the water table most while Braylon Holt, a student of Lori Ghere, liked climbing on the wooden teepee best, although he imagined it to be a rocket ship.

This is awesome, Braylon said.

Ghere said the Messy Materials area gave the children the chance to do things they normally can't do without getting into trouble.

Parents don't always love to have water splashed around at their house, she said.

Lyric's mom, Danielle Spitz, said she was impressed at how accessible the materials were and how much fun it was to play with them  for parents and children alike.

We really liked the new space, Spitz said. I think it's a great addition to the museum.
MELILLI, Sicily (AP)  Body No. 421, bagged in midnight blue, is heaved from a refrigerated truck onto a metal stretcher and wheeled into the tent that serves as a morgue. It joins other putrefying corpses that fill the air with a pungent scent that clings to the clothing and hair of the living.

The body is that of a young man, one of hundreds who drowned 77 nautical miles off the coast of Libya in the deadliest known migrant disaster. Eighteen months later, volunteers are trying to find out who he was.

A volunteer reaches into the body bag and pulls out the dark, slime-covered remains. Another uses a sharp, black-handled knife to cut out samples for further study. Others examine the muscles and bone structure, photograph the skull and teeth and take notes on a clipboard.

The team's leader, University of Milan forensic pathologist Cristina Cattaneo, emerges with a slimy pair of children's jeans reading "Manchester United." She hoses them down carefully. The jeans, and the personal effects found in the pockets, are among the most useful of clues.

It is the first time that forensic scientists have tried to build a full accounting of victims in a migrant disaster.

It was early evening on April 18, 2015, when the distress call came. A fishing boat packed with hundreds of people was in trouble, the caller said. The Italian Coast Guard radioed a nearby freighter and told it to provide assistance.

When they saw the approaching ship, the frantic migrants rushed to one side of the deck, causing the boat to list and then capsize. The boat sank to the bottom.

Twenty-eight people made it to safety. Hundreds more were locked below deck.

A year later, the Italian Navy returned to the site and used a complicated pulley system to bring the wreck to the surface. As the boat emerged from the water, the horror of what had lain below became clear.

"Water started coming out of various openings that the boat had on the side, we also saw human remains coming out of these openings," said Rear Adm. Paolo Pezzutti, who was in charge of the operation. "It was a spectral vision we saw coming out of the water."

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday called for the ship to be placed in the European Union headquarters "to remind us how to fight selfishness."

Back at port in Sicily, firefighters in protective suits, rubber gloves, goggles and helmets cut into the rusted hull with hatchets and saws.

They found bodies packed in almost unimaginably close quarters. There were five bodies for every square meter. Two hundred were locked in the engine room alone.

Meticulously, the firefighters filled 458 body bags. Many contained the remains of more than one person.

The team expects to complete the autopsies this month. Cattaneo predicts the volunteers will analyze some 700 bodies, maybe as many as 800 or 900. So far, all of the victims have been men and boys, mostly between the ages of 12 and 27.

When they are finished with their examination, the volunteers zip the bag back up and load body No. 421 into a metal container that will go inside a wooden coffin.

Using a black marker, Cattaneo carefully writes PM3900421 on the container  PM for "post mortem" and 39 for Italy's telephone country code.

That's the code that will mark the grave until the body is connected to a name.

European rules require that asylum-seekers register in the first country they enter. Because few of them want to end up in Italy, many leave their IDs back home.

That means Cattaneo's team must rely on DNA samples from the bones, teeth, and the objects found on the bodies.
Recent WikiLeaks dump of Clinton camp e-mails exposes a UFO dialogue between Hillary's campaign manager, John Podesta, a couple of USAF Generals and rock star, Tom Delonge.

The recent WikiLeaks of Hillary Clintons campaign manager, John Podestas, emails have upset and embarrassed her campaign. It has also brought media focus on Podestas interest in UFOs, and one of the most intriguing string of emails reveals a Google Hangout meeting that took place between rocker Tom DeLonge, a couple of USAF generals, and an executive of Lockheed Martins Skunk Works division. Skunk Works is the group that worked with the CIA to build Area 51, and still develops advance, top-secret, air craft there to this day.

Alejandro Rojas

OpenMinds.tv

10-12-16 Alejandro RojasOpenMinds.tv10-12-16

[...]









Although this meeting sounds incredible, most of the media has been focused on other UFO emails in the Podesta WikiLeaks. In particular, emails from former astronaut Edgar Mitchell. People interested in the topic of UFOs are familiar with Mitchells interests in the subject. He often talked about growing up in Roswell, New Mexico and believing the locals who told him they were around when an alien spacecraft crashed in the desert outside of town in 1947.Mitchells interests included other fringe ideas about extraterrestrials, so it came as no surprise to many when emails were found in the WikiLeaks Podesta files requesting a meeting between Podesta and Mitchell. As we have written about  many times  Podesta is also known for his UFO interests. Podestas interests seem to be centered around credible investigation. He often uses the term Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), instead of the term UFO. UAP is a term used by scientists and other serious researchers who seek to distance their work from the more fringe elements.However, a more interesting  some may argue  meeting did take place. This meeting seems to have been initiated by Tom DeLonge, the former front man of the wildly popular rock band, Blink-182. He is the former front man because it seems his interests in UFOs became more important to him than the band and he left it to delve into the UFO mystery.DeLonge told theof the breakup, I couldnt tell the band I was working with people in the government.It appears John Podesta was one of the people in the government DeLonge was working with. Again, this is actually no surprise to those of us in the UFO field. In fact, as DeLonge began to ramp up his UFO projects, he posted about his upcoming media projects....
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But the tribe has a long way to go
As elections are round the corner in Uttar Pradesh and Punjabthe states with significant dalit populationthe Bharatiya Janata Party is going all out to woo the community. After addressing a rally organised by Buddhist monks in Uttar Pradesh, BJP chief Amit Shah addressed another function in Delhi to mark the anniversary of Saint Valmiki.

Shah told the gathering that the first five schemes of all the ministries of the Union government were aimed at the poor and the dalits. The Modi government is working for the downtrodden, and when the PM asks banks to provide loans to dalits from Red Fort (a reference to his Independence Day speech), it gives a message of huge change, Shah added.

Earlier, speaking during the Buddhist function in Kanpur on Friday, Shah had attacked Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for poor law and order situation in the state and claimed that only the BJP could bring change. Dalits are harassed when Samajwadi Party is in power and exploited when the BSP rules, he said.

Behind this aggressive wooing of the community lies the sizable vote share it has. In Punjab, dalits are over 35 per cent, while in Uttar Pradesh, they are nearly 20 per cent. In UP, the community usually rallies behind Mayawati's BSP. However, the BJP hopes that if some castes or even the younger generations of them vote in favour of the partyas they did in 2014 electionsthey will be able to stitch together a rainbow of castes.

Meanwhile, Mayawati, besides banking on the dalit community, is also aiming for the Muslim and upper caste votes to stay in the reckoning in the state.

The recent incidents of atrocities against the dalits by the self-proclaimed gau rakshaks have further alienated the community from the BJP. Party sources, however, claimed that the dalit consolidation against it may also have an advantage in the form of OBCs and other castes rallying behind the BJP. They explain this to inherent dissensions among different caste groups.

But, in this caste calculus, the saffron party doesnt want to lose any opportunity to woo all castes.
The Eighth BRICS Summit and the 17th India-Russia Annual Summit will kick off in Goa on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Panaji on Friday evening to participate in the India-Russia Summit, BRICS Summit and first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.

At the 17th India-Russia Bilateral Summit, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. Delivery of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to New Delhi and counterterrorism will be high on their agenda.

Besides, both nations are set to sign several agreements to give a fillip to their defence and nuclear cooperation. Apart from these, energy, infrastructure, railways, agriculture, hi-tech among others will also dominate the agenda.

Agreements to build frigates for the Indian Navy and a joint venture in India to build multi-task Kamov-226 helicopters are also likely to be signed.

Apart from the bilateral summit, India will host world leaders for the eighth BRICS Summit and a first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit.

Prime Minister Modi in his tweets said the outreach with BIMSTEC leaders is significant. The Prime Minister hoped to tap the huge potential for cooperation and the dividends this will bring.

He expressed happiness that India is facilitating an outreach Summit with BIMSTEC leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. He looked forward to deliberations with leaders of China and South Africa, which will strengthen India's bilateral relations with its partners.

The Prime Minister also welcomed President of Brazil Michel Temer for a bilateral visit, which will open new vistas of cooperation with Brazil. He tweeted that India is honoured to welcome President of Russia Vladimir Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit in Goa.

He emphasised that as BRICS chair this year, India embraces a stronger emphasis on enhancing economic and people-to-people relations, which will benefit India greatly.

He looked forward to useful conversations with leaders from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia on global and regional challenges. (ANI)

BRICS brings together the five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The BRICS Summit comes at a time when relationship between India and Pakistan has gone sour following the terror attack at Uri and surgical strikes by Indian Army across LoC.

Terrorism will be on the agenda and India is likely to pitch for united fight against the international threat.

Besides, strengthening economic cooperation, increasing people to people contact and bolstering intra BRICS trade will also figure during the Summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday recognised terrorism as a "key issue", an Indian official said after a meeting between the two leaders here. But Beijing gave no assurance on supporting New Delhi's bid on a UN ban against Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar,

"Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue. President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.

Modi and Xi Jinping met at a beach resort here, ahead of the BRICS Summit to review bilateral ties and its dimensions.

"Modi said that both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region," Swarup said.

Swarup said that Xi underlined that "terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase", alluding to the threat from the Islamic State terror group.

Asked about China blocking the Indian effort to have Azhar banned, Swarup said it was up to China to consider the move that will safeguard not only the region but the entire world from terrorism.

"The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, and the need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN," he said, adding that the two sides are coordinating on the issue and talks would continue over it.

The Spokesperson said that the Modi and Xi also had a "brief discussion on" India's prospects of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"PM Modi said we look forward to working with China to realise India's membership of the NSG," he said.

Swarup said that one round of dialogue has already been held on this issue and the second would be conducted soon.

This apart, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the increase in high-level visits between the two countries.

Modi and Xi agreed that bilateral investment and economic cooperation has increased.

Xi said that Chinese companies were being encouraged to invest in India, according to Swarup.

Modi also appreciated China's contributions to the BRICS and said the New Development Bank of BRICS nations was a symbol of partnership of the member states of the grouping.
India and Russia on Saturday signed 16 agreements across multiple sectors following delegation-level talks co-chairedd by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.



"New horizons in the #IndiaRussia partnership. PM & Prez Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across fields," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted following the 17th annual bilateral summit between the two countries.

New horizons in the #IndiaRussia partnership. PM & Prez Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across fields pic.twitter.com/zMtY1rMaqX  Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016

Among the agreements signed were the procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1135 series of frigates in India.



Another agreement was signed to set up a joint venture to manufacture helicopters.



A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion.



Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.



Another important agreement signed was for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia.

According to a separate agreement, a Russian consortium comprising energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners agreed to purchase 98 percent of Essar Oil for $10.9 billion.

Rosneft also signed an agreement with ONGC Videsh for education and training in the oil and gas sector.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

An MoU was signed between India's ISRO and the Russian state space agency for collaboration in space technology.



An agreement was signed for cooperation in international information security.



Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia.



A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.



Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to India ahead of bilateral summit and BRICS heads of states meet in Goa.

Modi on twitter greeted Putin, who arrived here early Saturday morning, saying: "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful visit. @KremlinRussia_E."

The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 am at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region, sources in the naval base said.

His flight, which was supposed to land at 3 am, was rescheduled to 7 am but even at that time it could not arrive.

However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane has been diverted.

Heavy security was in place along the road connecting INS Hansa base to the summit's venue hotel in Benaulim village.

Several Union and Goa government officials were also camping at the base since last night to welcome the Russian President.

"The arrival of President of Russia has been delayed. The exact rescheduled time of his arrival has not been given to us," Deputy Superintendent of Police Suchita Desai said.

Putin later on Saturday will participate in an India-Russia bilateral meeting and the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to take place at a south Goa resort here.

Putin is expected to sign agreements on a wide range of issues ranging from defence to agriculture.

The President has been accompanied by top bureaucrats from the Defence, Energy, Trade and Industries ministry.

Modi and Putin via video conference will also participate in foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.
VIPs from all over continued to visit the Apollo Hospital Chennai to enquire about the health condition of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa, who has admitted there of treatment on September 22.

However none of the visitors were allowed inside the room of Jayalalithaa who is being treated for infection and on respiratory support, and were briefed by doctors and the AIADMK ministers about Jayalalithaa's health condition.

On Friday, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala came to enquire about her. Earlier Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the hospital.

On Thursday, DMK President M. Karunanidhi's wife Rajathi Ammal had also visited to enquire about Jayalalithaa.

This week only Jammu and Kashmir's Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali visited the hospitals to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health condition.

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.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi came to Apollo Hospitals on October 7, and on the next day, came Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly M.K.Stalin, of the DMK.

From the neighbouring Puducherry, Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi, Chief Minister V.Narayanasamy and Leader of Opposition N.Rangasamy were the notable visitors.

On October 12, BJP President Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley came to Apollo Hospitals. But unlike Gandhi, the two did not meet the media waiting outside the hospital.

The other Union Ministers who visited the Apollo Hospitals were M.Venkaiah Naidu and Pon Radhakrishnan.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu ordered delivery of prasadham to Jayalalithaa from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Communist Party of India leader D. Raja, Tamil Nadu Congress President G.K. Vasan and Tamil Maanila Congress leader S. Thirunavukkarasar, MMK leader M.H. Jawahirullah and others also visited the hospital to wish Jayalalithaa speedy recovery.

Several people from the Tamil movie world also visited Apollo Hospitals as Jayalalithaa used to be a leading heroine before she entered politics.

Chairperson and Founder of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries also visited the hospital on Thursday.
Armenias National Center for Professional Education Quality Assurance Foundation (ANQA) has become a member of the USA-based Council for Higher Education Accreditations (CHEA) International Quality Group (CIQG).

The CHEA is a national advocate and institutional voice for promoting academic quality through accreditation, CHEA is an association of 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes approximately 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations.

The CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG) is a forum for colleges and universities, accrediting and quality assurance organizations, higher education associations, governments, businesses, foundations and individuals to address issues and challenges for quality assurance in an international setting. CIQG was launched in September 2012 by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a non-profit, non-governmental association focused on U.S. accreditation and higher education quality assurance worldwide.

By becoming a member, the ANQA is obligated to follow the seven assurance principles defined by the CIQG.

The CIQG provides service designed to:

Assist institutions and organizations in further enhancing capacity for academic quality

Advance understanding of international quality assurance

Provide research and policy direction
A federal judge on Friday ordered Georgia officials to extend the voter registration deadline for one coastal county hit hard by Hurricane Matthew, which forced thousands to evacuate and closed local Board of Elections offices for days.

The judges ruling came after Gov. Nathan Deal declined to give residents of coastal Georgia more time to register for the Nov. 8 election, despite the storms disruption of the final days for new voters to join the rolls. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed suit, arguing the refusal infringed on the voting rights of Savannah-area residents.

U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. ruled residents of Chatham County, which includes Savannah, must be allowed to register through next Tuesday, Oct. 18  a week after the original deadline passed.

Extending a small degree of common courtesy by allowing impacted individuals a few extra days to register to vote seems like a rather small consolation on behalf of their government, Moore wrote in his order.

The governor ordered Georgias six coastal counties to evacuate for the hurricane on Oct. 6. The Chatham County elections board and other county offices remained closed through Tuesday, the states deadline for registering to vote. Because of fallen trees and widespread power outages, post offices that also register voters didnt reopen until Tuesday. Many residents, Custer argued, werent able to register online either because of the evacuation or because of technological glitches.

Groups suing the state asked the judge to decide whether to grant an extension for the entire state. Moore chose to limit the extra registration days to Chatham County. Attorneys said election offices in Georgias other five coastal counties, which also evacuated, managed to reopen before the registration deadline.

State officials opposed an extension, saying residents could have registered online or mailed in registration forms. Josiah Heidt, an assistant Georgia attorney general, told the judge prolonged registration would interfere with early voting in the state, which begins Monday.

The states voting apparatus is in full swing, Heidt said. Forcing election officials to register new voters while simultaneously conducting advance voting, he said, would burden the states ability to have an orderly election.

Heidt said election officials would be required to generate a separate list of newly registered voters to distribute to polling stations.

The judge rejected that argument.

Moore wrote: Those administrative hurdles pale in comparison to the physical, emotional, and financial strain Chatham County residents faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and two other groups: the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda and Third Sector Development. All three had to abandon voter registration efforts because of the hurricane, the lawsuit says.

The judge asked lawyers seeking the extension if they could point to any specific people who wanted to register but werent able to because of the hurricane. Custer said groups he was representing had received complaints from residents, but he didnt have individual names.

Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, said new voters signing up at the last minute typically keep her group busy during last the week of registration.

Very close to the deadline, we have a lot of people scurrying, Butler said.

Deadlines were extended in other coastal states after Matthew roared up the Southeast coast from Florida, causing several deaths in the U.S. before weakening and heading out to sea. Powerful winds, heavy rain and flooding from Matthew led to downed trees, building damage and power outages around Chatham County, which has 278,000 residents and includes Savannah.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott also declined to extend that states deadline, but a federal judge on Wednesday extended it to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18. South Carolina extended its original Oct. 7 deadline to accept registration forms postmarked no later than Tuesday because of the storm. North Carolinas voter registration deadline is Friday, but the state also has same-day registration during its early voting period, Oct. 20 through Nov. 5.

(AP)
Vahagn Maroukyan, who has spent the last 23 years in an Armenian prison, has gone on hunger strike according to his brother.

Housik Maroukyan told Hetq that Vahagn, who is registered as a second-degree disabled person, has been refused medications for his debilitating joint pain at the Artik Penitentiary.

Vahagn Maroukyan was imprisoned in 1993, at the age of 19, after being sentenced to death for the premeditated murder of the then military police chief in the town of Vanadzor. In 2003 the sentence was commuted to life by the president of Armenia.

Maroukyan claims he is innocent and that authorities used physical torture to wrest a confession from him.

Vahagn Maroukyan, who can only walk with the use of crutches, says his disability is the result of being kept in a damp cell for so long.

Maroukyan has been constantly denied conditional release. The last time was on September 30. He intends to appeal the decision.
Our report last month on mystery shopping  people going undercover to check on the quality of the service offered by retailers  provoked a huge response from readers. TOBY WALNE, an erstwhile 'mystery shopper', shares their experiences, good and bad.

Snow monkeys in Japan: Helen Greene has travelled the world mystery shopping

A secret army of half a million spies is currently poking around Britains shopping aisles and lurking in restaurant corners checking on customer service standards.

The chances are that you have come across one of these undercover agents as 1,500 are out pacing our high streets at any one time. But because they look like everyday shoppers rather than shadowy figures in detectives raincoats they are hard to spot.

Last month, The Mail on Sunday joined this army, only to discover that snooping around the high street can be both demanding and a personal finance disaster. After checking some local shops, pubs and even a bookmaker in my home town of Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire, I found that after costs my rate of pay was a measly 1.57 an hour.

In fact, the company I completed the tasks for  Market Force Information  paid me nothing, after discovering I was a double-agent who had broken its confidentiality contract.

Here, we share the tips of those readers who are also insiders, as well as business experts, to find out what really goes on in this mysterious world. Readers names have been changed to protect their identity.

EARN POCKET MONEY

The chance of earning a decent living from mystery shopping is negligible for most people  at best it will supplement a main income.

The stark reality is that despite industry boasts that you can earn 40,000 a year, the likelihood is that after costs you will earn far less than the minimum wage of 7.20 an hour.

Mystery shopper Karen Brown, 59, says: After speaking to others, I found I was not alone in earning only a pittance. The reality is you have to treat it more like a hobby that pays pocket money rather than a serious business opportunity.

I quit a couple of years ago  not because I wanted to but because it did not make me any money.

Fun in store: Missions can provide the odd thrill  one reader even ended up in Tokyo

Fellow undercover shopper Gemma Ware, 28, from Bristol, agrees it is an activity that will only earn you a few pounds  and the odd free meal. Certainly not enough to survive on.

She says: I only need to do the odd bit of mystery shopping as I have a part-time job as a supply teacher. But what I like about it is there is no tedious job interview and no boss looking over your shoulder. You just get on with it.

Jill Spencer is vice president of trade body the Mystery Shopping Providers Association Europe. She insists that mystery shopping can provide a serious career opportunity and says: It is true that 90 per cent of those in the industry work part-time  but it can be turned into a career.

Spencer, who is also a director at mystery shopping firm React Surveys in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, adds: It may demand a hard-working structured approach  perhaps completing more than a dozen tasks a day. But a senior, full-time mystery shopper can earn between 20,000 and 40,000 a year.

Exposed: The Mail on Sunday's report when Toby Walne went on three shopping tasks

SEEK OUT ADVENTURE

Most mystery shopping is unexciting  for example, counting the number of cheese and ham sandwiches on a cafe display shelf.

Yet those willing to sign up to a number of mystery shopping firms and work hard may eventually be offered an opportunity to do something more adventurous.

Helen Greene, 38, from Dulwich, South-East London, has travelled the world mystery shopping. Her favourite trips have been to Japan and The Bahamas.

Helen says: You are never going to get rich as a mystery shopper  I do it for spare cash as fortunately I also run a small business with my husband.

My advice is to enjoy it for the occasional thrills it provides. I didnt pay for my flight to Tokyo.

I then fulfilled a lifetime ambition by travelling to Nagano by train and seeing the snow monkeys bathe in the hot springs.

Helen says there is no free lunch  or flight  when it comes to mystery shopping. She was required to complete two 3,000-word questionnaires on the flights that took four hours each to write up.

This included taking notes on a range of details  everything from the number of people in a check-in queue to whether an air stewardess smiled when asking if she wanted an in-flight drink.

Despite the complimentary flights, Helen says the extra costs  such as transport to and from the airport, hotels and meals  were not covered. This meant her trip cost her 1,000.

Buying in: Jon Gutteridge runs a forum for shoppers

CUT COSTS

One of the biggest gripes for mystery shoppers is not just the poor rates of pay  but the costs incurred in completing the tasks.

Gemma Ware says she often picks local jobs to save on transport costs  and recommends using a smartphone to complete quick and easy tasks.

She uses apps such as Streetspotr and Task 360 to find jobs when she is free  and receives 5 or 10 for just a few minutes work. She also files instant product reviews via the app VoxPopMe that pay her up to 2 a time.

Another favourite is the Field Agent app, which she used to get paid up to 10 a time to ensure promotional material is correctly installed in stores.

Spencer says: There is a huge variance in what firms pay. So, if you are not happy, look at what other companies are prepared to offer. Some firms include the cost of petrol and accommodation on specific tasks.

Mystery shopping companies worth looking at include ABa Quality Monitoring, GfK, React Surveys and Grass Roots.

Jon Gutteridge, 35, from Leeds, is founder of website The Money Shed  which provides a mystery shopper forum and publishes blogs on how to achieve your target earnings as well as meeting the taxmans requirements.

He says: Website forums offer a great place for mystery shoppers to compare notes and cut costs.

Despite the pitiful pay that is often on offer, it is still important to tell Revenue & Customs about the extra money you earn. This may require you to complete a self-assessment tax return. Further information and forms can be found at gov.uk.

Secret: But you must have the confidence to occasionally stand up and reveal your identity in certain stores

THINK LIKE A SECRET AGENT

Watching old James Bond movies might get you in the mood to be a mystery shopper, but there are more important preparations.

The first step is to prove your competence in the English language. Companies such as Market Force Information require prospective mystery shoppers to pass online tests in grammar, spelling and comprehension. Taking the form of a multiple choice examination, they take at least half an hour to complete.

Gemma Ware says: I have suggested mystery shopping to a few friends, but they have been put off by the grammar tests.

You certainly have to show an aptitude for reading and writing.

In addition, she points out that you must have an eye for detail and some acting skills.

You must also have the confidence to occasionally stand up and reveal your identity in certain stores.

She adds: You must be well prepared before going on a job, ensuring you remember to complete all the checks.

This can be anything from finding out the name of the person serving you to working out the layout of the shop.

The hardest part is plucking up the courage to do the task.

But once you have started you grow in confidence and ability. Occasionally, I have been required to reveal that I was a mystery shopper. It is not pleasant to be exposed as a spy snooping on staff.

Once a task is completed you must file a report  often complete with photos  usually the same day. These can sometimes take an hour to complete and you only get paid if the report has been completed satisfactorily.

Spencer says: People tell me mystery shopping must be a dream if you love shopping. But the opposite is true. There is no opportunity to dawdle and you must manage your time well.

An eye for detail is essential and you need a good memory because you may have more than 20 questions to complete about how your shop went. You must be disciplined and focused.

SHARE NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

The internet is awash with mystery shopper opportunities  but it is hard to know where to start if you want to go out spying for a reputable firm.

The Mystery Shopping Providers Association Europe imposes a code of conduct on members. It does not accept companies which demand that shoppers pay a fee or those that deduct payments even when a mystery shopper has completed a job as specified.

Spencer says: Our code means mystery shoppers must be treated fairly and paid promptly. Some companies pay more than others  or offer extra perks, such as free meals and goods.

Planning is key if you are to make a success of mystery shopping. This includes choosing routes carefully to cut down on travel costs and following guidelines as closely as possible to avoid any dispute over payment.

The association has dozens of members worldwide  offering a range of pay rates and jobs. ABa Quality Monitoring, GfK, Grass Roots, Market Force Information and React Surveys all operate in the UK.

Mystery shoppers should also chat online to fellow shoppers who are willing to share experiences and recommend companies.

Gutteridge says: Talking to others who have tried tasks is the best way to learn  it cuts through the marketing hype and noise of the companies.

For many people mystery shopping is more about fun than financial reward.

By engaging with others you not only get a better feel for what the providers are like, but you also find out more about possible jobs that may appeal to you.
Tesco won the battle of the FTSE food giants over the price of Marmite, and shares soared on the victory.

On Thursday evening, a stand-off between the supermarket chain and Unilever ended after a dispute that had seen the threat of a blanket price rise on the 200-odd products the Anglo-Dutch consumer group supplies to the retailer.

Tesco, led by Unilever alumnus Dave Lewis, refused to budge on pricing, leaving its website stripped of some of Britain's favourite products.

The boardroom brouhaha was wrapped up within 24 hours, but yesterday the stock market had its say on the matter.

Taste of victory: Tesco won the battle of the FTSE food giants over the price of Marmite, and shares soared on the victory

The Share Centre said: 'The market has deemed Tesco to be the good guy and Unilever to be the bad guy.

'Investors clearly like the way Tesco stood up for the public and made sure they weren't being ripped off.

'You could call it a PR victory, but it has also reminded the market about how Tesco is one of the country's most important retailers.'

Ken Odeluga, market analyst at City Index, said: 'Unilever is legitimately trying to offset some of the revenue declines and cost rises that are a direct consequence of sterling's collapse over the past few months.

'Tesco is loath to put a 10 per cent price jump in front of its customers while a price war is raging with rivals.

'But it makes no business sense for one of the biggest health and consumer care groups in the world to keep its goods off the shelves of Britain's biggest retailer.'

STOCK WATCH - GRAFENIA Printing business Grafenia tumbled as it continues to struggle in a competitive sector. The firm, which operates brands including Flyerzone, said a difficult July had been followed by a tricky August, with trading below last years levels. While sales picked up in September, they didnt rise to the hoped-for level and it said it remained cautious about October. Grafenia has completed a pricing project which should make it more competitive, replacing heavy discounts and offers with simpler everyday low pricing. Shares fell 11.1 per cent, or 1.12p, to 9p.

Tesco shares were the greatest climber on the FTSE 100 (which was up 0.5 per cent, or 35.81 points, to 7013.55), advancing 4.4 per cent, or 8.6p, to 203.7p. Meanwhile, Unilever fell 1.4 per cent, or 49p, to 3547.5p.

Rank Group shares fell as it revealed that revenue was flat in the 15 weeks to October 9.

In a trading update the group said that while overall digital revenue was up 7 per cent, those at its casino venues declined and its Mecca sites were flat. Shares were down 0.9 per cent, or 1.9p, to 203.1p.

Lending business Provident Financial said third-quarter profit was in line with plans.

New accounts at its Vanquis Bank business are in line with last year, while demand for home credit at its Consumer Credit Division (CCD) has remained robust, the group said.

Its Moneybarn vehicle finance business remained steady, too. The group's Satsuma Loans arm is benefiting after tightening credit standards last year and is testing a mobile app, which should be rolled out in the next quarter.

Satsuma made some 49,000 loans worth a total of 14m in the third quarter, up from 48,000 and 12.6m in the previous three months. The business is expected to make a small loss for the year.

Provident said the biggest risks to performance were UK regulation; CCD is still awaiting full authorisation from the watchdog.

Numis said it was a mixed set of results which showed growth is slowing, but said overall it was a high-margin, low-risk lender with a first-class track record.

The Share Centre said that the approaching Christmas period will be all-important as increased spending should boost demand for finance. Shares slipped 1.4 per cent, or 43p, to 3036p.

Elegant Hotels Group announced a contract in Antigua. The firm, which owns and operates six luxury hotels and a restaurant on Barbados, has agreed in principle to add to its portfolio a 123-room hotel, which is being built and is expected to open next year.

The group also said its recently acquired Waves Hotel And Spa had received positive early feedback since being redesigned and refurbished. Elegant said full-year results will be in line with expectations, despite the past few months having been challenging.

Stockbrokers AJ Bell said 'around 70 per cent of its customers are from the UK' and if the pound  which is down about 17 per cent against the Bajan dollar since the referendum  'it could be a resounding 'no' to an expensive Caribbean holiday'.
The boss of Monarch Airlines, Andrew Swaffield, has a crucial message. We are not going to go bust. He is speaking out in the wake of the drama that threatened to ground the airline as it battled to renew its operating licence.

Monarch, which carries nearly 6 million people to the sun every year, almost had its wings clipped after struggling to show the Civil Aviation Authority it had sufficient funds to qualify for its Air Travel Organisers Licence by the September 30 deadline.

Every package holiday provider must have Atol protection in place so customers can be flown home if the company goes bust.

Confident: Andrew Swaffield has struck a deal with Boeing for a new 2.6bn fleet of aircraft

With just four hours to go until the deadline, the CAA granted Monarch a temporary licence until it could get sufficient funding from its owner, private equity firm Greybull Capital. Greybull stumped up 165million last week.

Just two days later Swaffield, 49, agrees to meet me at the airlines Luton headquarters to talk about how the group can thrive after the storm and how in his view it can navigate through the next bout of turbulence  Brexit.

He insists he has got all the financial backing he needs. We are a profitable airline and this funding is part of a six-year business plan, he says. Our customers can rely on us.

We had a major restructure in 2014 and took 200million out of the cost base. We will report profits of 42million at our year end shortly.

But that is considerably less than the 74 million profits last time around and the bailout is the airlines fourth in five years.

The restructuring has certainly been drastic. Over the past two years Monarch has axed 700 jobs, cutting manpower to 2,800 with remaining staff seeing their salaries slashed by up to 35 per cent, while pensioners took big cuts to their payouts. Even though the Pension Protection Fund was brought in  and it now owns ten per cent of the business  the cuts were clearly not drastic enough.

Stranded: Passengers at Sharm el-Sheikh last year after the terror attack

Thats because we flew into a perfect storm over the past year, Swaffield says. Terrorist attacks in Egypt meant Sharm el-Sheikh shut and Turkey saw a 65 per cent drop in business.

Then there was a huge increase in airline capacity to Spain which drove down prices. After Paris there were more terrorist attacks in Brussels and Nice, along with air traffic control strikes. Then the referendum and now the fall in the pound.

Swaffield, a grammar school boy from a council estate in Bournemouth who left school at 16 to join Thomas Cook and then British Airways, found himself running Monarch almost by accident.

He joined in April 2014 as managing director. His boss later quit and the airline was sold by the Switzerland-based billionaire Mantegazza family to Greybull. It is a private company and Swaffields pay is not revealed but he has earned enough to own his own polo team.

We wanted to make sure of our position and put the company on a strong footing

Polo is his way of relaxing, he says, and he is going to need all the help he can get in that regard. Terrorism is not going away, the UK is leaving the European Union and the pound looks like a bungee jumper without a cord. So is Monarch just going to burn through its new stash of cash before crashing?

No, he says firmly. We wanted to make sure of our financial position once and for all and put the company on a strong footing.

Key to that was striking a deal last week with aircraft manufacturer Boeing. Swaffield has arranged a sale-and-leaseback arrangement for a new 2.6billion fleet of up to 45 new 737 Max airliners.

Monarch is understood to have agreed to immediately sell its newly purchased aircraft back to Boeing and then lease them. The aircraft should be in service from 2018 and Swaffield describes the deal as economically transformative for the airline.

Swaffield is coy about the details but such arrangements can allow airlines to remove debt from their balance sheets and can also let them reduce their tax bills.

Key deal: Swaffield has arranged a sale-and-leaseback arrangement for a new 2.6billion fleet of up to 45 new 737 Max airliners

It comes down to fuel and maintenance  the two biggest costs for an airline, he says. Were spending 120million a year on fuel for an ageing fleet of Airbuses. The 737 Max planes use 22 per cent less fuel and the effect is transformational for us.

Aircraft fuel is bought in dollars and ground handling fees are paid in euros, so such efficiencies are more important than ever as sterling continues to fall.

Then there are the maintenance costs which for the first six or seven years will be 80 per cent less than our current expenditure, he says.

The sale-and-leaseback arrangement is the biggest part of our business plan.

Brexit, meanwhile, could have a potentially catastrophic effect on the low-cost airlines which have thrived because of the creation of the EUs European Common Aviation Area. This agreement allows any EU airline to fly anywhere in the EU.

But Swaffield, who voted to remain in the EU, takes a robust line on the ECAA. I was a reluctant remainer and I have some sympathy for the idea of leaving the EU completely, he says. My advice to my fellow airlines is prepare to leave the ECAA and if we do that I do not believe that air fares will rise as a result.

When I started in travel, flying to Paris cost the same as flying to New York  200 or so. Now its 60 to Paris and 300 to 400 to New York and thats because this agreement has driven down air fares for the last 20 years to the benefit of British people.

When I started in travel, flying to Paris cost the same as flying to New York  200 or so

But Monarch flies British people to the sun and back and has done so for 48 years. We have been offering good prices for our entire history. We do not need the ECAA to carry on that business. The air corridor between the UK and Spain is the biggest one-way leisure corridor in the world. It is 65 per cent of our business and it is hugely important to Spain and Portugal. I am quite certain we will be able to manage to work out extremely sensible arrangements that will keep everybody where they are today.

He acknowledges that different low-cost airline business models will be affected  such as those which want to expand within the EU  but he says there will be limited impact on Monarch.

We are definitely a challenger airline, but our customer base is a valuable asset. They are very loyal and travel with us year after year. Our staff are key and they have been stars through all this. Our passengers know they can rely on us. We never cancel flights  unlike other low-cost airlines  and we are the UKs most punctual airline.

There are some people who just book for the lowest price, but plenty of others appreciate extra civility and warmth for a similar price.
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Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. 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Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc.,      ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics.

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AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production, as well as other eye care products. AbbVie Inc. has a research collaboration with Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois.
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells products, solution, and systems that manage and conserve the flow of fluids and energy into, through and out of buildings in the commercial and residential markets in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers residential and commercial flow control products, including backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, and thermostatic mixing valves. It also provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and gas products, such as boilers, water heaters, custom heat, and hot water solutions; hydronic and electric heating systems for under-floor radiant applications; custom heat and hot water solutions; hydronic pump groups for boiler manufacturers and alternative energy control packages; and flexible stainless steel connectors for natural and liquid propane gas in commercial food service and residential applications. In addition, the company offers drainage and water re-use products comprising drainage products and engineered rain water harvesting solutions for commercial, industrial, marine, and residential applications; and water quality products that include point-of-use and point-of-entry water filtration, conditioning, and scale prevention systems for commercial and residential applications. Further, it provides smart mixing system under the IntelliStation name. The company sells its products to plumbing, heating, and mechanical wholesale distributors and dealers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, specialty product distributors, do-it-yourself chains, and retail chains; and directly to wholesalers and private label accounts. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts.
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Penumbra, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices in the United States and internationally. The company offers aspiration based thrombectomy systems and accessory devices, including revascularization device for mechanical thrombectomy, such as Penumbra System under the Penumbra RED, JET, ACE, 3D Revascularization Device, and Penumbra ENGINE brands, as well as components and accessories; neurovascular embolization coiling systems to treat patients with various sizes of aneurysms and other neurovascular lesions under the Penumbra Coil 400, POD400, PAC400, and Penumbra SMART Coil brand names; and neurovascular access systems designed to provide intracranial access for use in a range of neurovascular therapies under the Neuron, Neuron MAX, Select, BENCHMARK, BMX96, DDC, and PX SLIM brands. It also provides neurosurgical aspiration tools for the removal of tissue and fluids under the Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device brand; aspiration-based thrombectomy systems for vascular applications under the Indigo System brand; and detachable embolic coil systems for peripheral embolization under the Ruby Coil and Ruby LP brand names. In addition, the company offers microcatheter for the delivery of detachable coils and occlusion devices under the LANTERN brand; and detachable, microcatheter-deliverable occlusion devices designed primarily to occlude peripheral vessels under the POD (Penumbra Occlusion Device) brand, as well as immersive computer-based technologies and immersive therapeutics to promote health, motor function, and cognition under the Real Immersive System brand; and a complementary device for use with Ruby Coil and POD for vessel occlusion under the Packing Coil and Packing Coil LP brands. The company sells its products through direct sales organizations and distributors. Penumbra, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Alameda, California.
Banc of California, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Banc of California, National Association that provides banking products and services in the United States. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, retirement, and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts, as well as certificate of deposits. It also provides various commercial and consumer loan products, such as commercial and industrial loans; commercial real estate and multifamily loans; construction loans; single family residential mortgage loans; warehouse and indirect/direct leveraged lending; home equity lines of credit; small business administration loans; and other consumer loans. In addition, the company offers automated bill payment, cash and treasury management, foreign exchange, card payment, remote and mobile deposit capture, automated clearing house origination, wire transfer, direct deposit, and internet banking services; and master demand accounts, interest rate swaps, and safe deposit boxes. Further, it invests in collateralized loan obligations, agency securities, municipal bonds, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, and corporate debt securities. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 29 full-service branches in Southern California. The company was formerly known as First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and changed its name to Banc of California, Inc. in July 2013. Banc of California, Inc. was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells recreation vehicles and marine products primarily for use in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The company operates in six segments: Grand Design Towables, Winnebago Towables, Winnebago Motorhomes, Newmar motorhomes, Chris-Craft Marine, and Winnebago Specialty Vehicles. It provides towable products that are non-motorized vehicles to be towed by automobiles, pickup trucks, SUVs, or vans for use as temporary living quarters for recreational travel, such as conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding camper trailers, and truck campers under the Winnebago and Grand Design brand names. The company also offers motorhomes, which are self-propelled mobile dwellings used primarily as temporary living quarters during vacation and camping trips, or to support active and mobile lifestyles under the Winnebago and Newmar brand names. In addition, it offers other specialty commercial vehicles for law enforcement command centers, mobile medical clinics, and mobile office spaces; commercial vehicles as bare shells to third-party up fitters; and boats in the recreational powerboat industry under the Chris-Craft and Barletta brand names. Further, the company is involved in the original equipment manufacturing of parts for other manufacturers and commercial vehicles. The company sells its products primarily through independent dealers in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Winnebago Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1958 and is based in Forest City, Iowa.
Phoenix New Media Limited provides content on an integrated Internet platform in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through two segments, Net Advertising Services and Paid Services. It offers content and services through PC channel, mobile channel, and telecom operators, as well as transmits content to TV viewers, primarily through Phoenix TV. The company, through its website, ifeng.com, provides various interest-based content verticals, such as news, finance, video, automobiles, technology, entertainment, military, real estate, fashion, and sport; and offers interactive services, including comments posting and user surveys. Its mobile channel consists of ifeng News, a news application that provides newsfeeds and other contents in the form of text, image, live streaming, and video; ifeng Video, a video application, which offers video news, live broadcasting, Phoenix TV programs content, etc.; i.ifeng.com mobile Internet website; and digital reading applications. In addition, Phoenix New Media Limited offers mobile newspaper, mobile video, and mobile game services, as well as wireless value-added services. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Phoenix New Media Limited is a subsidiary of Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, and markets biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, neuroscience, and covid-19 diseases. The company's products include Revlimid, an oral immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma; Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; and Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis. It also provides Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia; Yervoy for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma; Abraxane, a protein-bound chemotherapy product; Reblozyl for the treatment of anemia in adult patients with beta thalassemia; and Empliciti for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, the company offers Zeposia to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; Breyanzi, a CD19-directed genetically modified autologous T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma; Inrebic, an oral kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with myelofibrosis; and Onureg for the treatment of adult patients with AML. It sells products to wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, retailers, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies. The company was formerly known as Bristol-Myers Company. The company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
First Republic Bank was founded by Jim Herbert with the intention of providing exceptional levels of customer service. It was his belief that customer service would set the bank apart and create a profitable investment for its shareholders. After 35 years, his vision has proven true with a 25% CAGR that continues to this day. The initial enterprise value has grown from only $8.8 million in that time, to over $19 billion making it the 14th largest bank in the US. First Republic Bank was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

First Republic Bank with its subsidiaries operates in two segments and provides personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services to individuals, families, organizations, and small businesses in the United States. The companys services are available in-person at one of the more than 80 offices or via ATM, online, mobile, and debit cards.

The company offers deposit products including checking and saving accounts, money market, and CDs as well as a range of lending products. The full range of lending products includes but is not limited to residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate and construction loans, and personal and business loans.

The companys wealth management services include advisory services, online investment management, trusts, estate planning, and alternative investments as well as insurance and foreign exchange. The online brokerage service is available to all clients and can be accessed at any time via a web browser or mobile device.

First Republic Bank operates a network of more than 80 deposit-taking branches and 12 wealth management offices. The network is located primarily in California with additional branches in major metropolitan areas and two destination locations that include Portland, Boston, Palm Beach, Greenwich, New York, and Jackson, Wyoming.

First Republic Bank has proven its worth over the year by maintaining a consistently strong capital level, asset quality, and liquidity position. Its prudent management has allowed it to weather market ups and downs while commanding investment grade ratings for its bonds and preferred stock.
CarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia.
For a number of decades, Cuban cigars have been renowned for their intense flavor and difficulty in being obtained.

The decades long embargo by the U.S. against Cuba has prevented Americans from returning with Cuban cigars, even if purchased while in other countries.

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Two years ago, limits were eased, but those returning could only bring back $100 worth of cigars.

After the embargo became law in 1962, agents with U.S. customs began seizing cigars they were able to find in bags of travelers, calling it contraband. Some agents went as far as tearing the cigars apart while the cigar owners stood by watching.

However, Cuban cigars are not a forbidden luxury any longer, as the White House issues a new directive on Friday that allows Americans to enter into more commerce with the Caribbean island nation that has been under communist rule since Fidel Castro took control in the late 1950s.

The directive includes the potential sales of inexpensive, innovative medications by Cuban pharmaceutical companies that are state operated, in the U.S.

However, it was news that Americans returning back to the states could bring an unlimited amount of tobacco and alcohol from Cuba, including the world famous cigars that captured the interest of most.

While talking about the changes on Friday, during a speech, Susan Rice a National Security Adviser, said that Americans can now celebrate with tobacco and rum from Cuba.

The imported alcohol and tobacco must return in a travelers carry-on baggage and be for only personal use. U.S. law still prohibits the sale of any Cuban cigars in the country.

Aficionados of cigars said the new directive from the White House would have a huge impact. One cigar aficionado said it allows travelers who love the cigars to travel anywhere in the world and bring Cuban cigars back to enjoy.

Already, due to the tourism boom in Cuba, some brands that are the most sought after have started to disappear from shelves of stores. Some cigar aficionados worry that the Cuban government will produce an inferior product through cutting corners trying to save money.

Others are not too concerned. May cigar lovers know how well the cigars are made and the passion that cigar makers have in their products. They do not worry the quality of the product will be lowered due to the demand that should start to skyrocket.
John Imes: Wisconsin could do well by doing good
After comparing indicators of economic status for African-Americans in Madison to other cities across the nation, Mayor Paul Soglin concluded this week in a report that economic conditions are improving" for African-Americans in the city, although the data is unreliable.

Soglins report reflects 2015 American Community Survey data released in September for Madison, along with comparison analysis from the citys Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development. In an email sent Thursday, Soglin said he acknowledges the report is a work in progress and noted that the findings reflect one year data and that data for the city is often unreliable due to a small sample size.

Soglin's report followed his statements at a Sep. 26 Board of Estimates meeting that it is absolutely false to say that Madison is among the worst communities in the United States when it comes to racial disparities. It also comes after Soglins repeated concerns about the 2013 Race to Equity report that found alarming racial disparities in Dane County.

And not only that, but a review of economic progress in the last five years shows that we are probably among the best, if not the best in the United States, in terms of improving both household income as well as lowering the number of families who are living below the poverty line, Soglin said in the report distributed by email.

He released the data after sharing it with community leaders, including members of the Race to Equity team, on Oct. 5.

More African-Americans in the city live in poverty, 31.6 percent, compared to 14.1 percent of white city residents, the data released Thursday shows. However five-year ACS data from 2010-2014 on poverty shows that nearly 50 percent of black individuals were living in poverty compared to 16.1 percent of whites, a wider disparity.

Soglin's report also shows 24 percent of black families living in poverty, compared to 3.1 percent of white families. It further concludes that the median income for white households is $62,673 and $41,003 for black households.

When compared to other cities, Madison fared better than Portland, St. Paul and Minneapolis in terms of the percentage of African-American individuals and households living in poverty and worse than Seattle and Winston-Salem, according to Soglin's report. Madison's median household income is also higher than every other comparison city except for Winston-Salem.

Madison typically showed more positive economic indicators for African-Americans than across Wisconsin, but worse across the nation.

Soglin said he has disputed the Race to Equity reports economic indicator data since the analysis conducted by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families was released in 2013 but does not deny that there are disparities in the Madison community.

Some people make this tremendous leap that youre now denying that theres inequity in the community. Thats not the case, Soglin said at an Oct. 3 meeting with department heads.

In addition to concerns that incomplete data could complicate informing and measuring the success of strategies addressing disparities, Soglin said describing Madison as the worst in the country stymies the citys progress.

That has a stigma to it which is very difficult to shake and can slow down our progress if people believe it to be true and consequently act upon it, Soglin said at the Oct. 3 meeting.

Erica Nelson, Race to Equity project director, emphasized that the mayor's report looked at city data, while the Race to Equity report analyzed county data.

"We cannot say we are moving the needle on racial disparities if we are only looking at narrow data in one or two indicators," she said. "Its a much more complex, nuanced issue."

The Race to Equity results were measured across 40 indicators of well-being, using data gathered between 2007 and 2011  a comprehensive look at a complicated issue, said Nelson.

In the Race to Equity report, African-Americans fared much worse than whites across nearly every indicator. The report found that African-Americans were 5.5 times more likely than whites to be unemployed in Dane County, three-quarters of the countys African-American children were living in poverty, and half of all black high school students did not graduate on time, compared to 16 percent of their white peers.

Other findings showed African-American children were 15 times more likely than their white counterparts to land in foster care, and African-American youth are six times more likely to be arrested.

In a statement released Oct. 13, the Race to Equity team disputed claims that they were working to release a joint report with the mayor, but are continuing to work with the mayors office on racial disparity data.

Ultimately, the goal of our work is to eliminate racial disparities in our community, and to do so in such a way that increases the experiences of well-being and justice for every one of us, the statement said. Unfortunately, we have not reached this goal yet as a community, and there is much work that remains. That is our commitment, priority and mission.

The Race to Equity team plans to release an updated report in 2017.

Soglin said in his report that the Race to Equity Report was a much needed and vital wakeup call, but emphasized Madison is not the worst community in Wisconsin or the United States for African-Americans. However, he said despite improvement, significant disparities remain.

Addressing these disparities is a matter of urgency, particularly the economic and education challenges since they are part of the solution to the health and justice challenges, Soglin said in the email.

Dane County Boys and Girls Club CEO Michael Johnson cautioned this is not a time to celebrate" progress on disparities.

When you see parents and you see families struggling and you see the disparities in employment, its real, Johnson said. I dont know if if we can blame the city or town of Madison or the city of Fitchburg. I think we have to figure out as a region how to respond to those issues.
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By Patrick Donachie

JAMAICA  Police were seeking a suspect who shot a police officer with a BB gun Wednesday afternoon in the midst of downtown Jamaica.

One male and one female officer, both dressed in plainclothes, were driving westbound on Jamaica Avenue at about 5:11 p.m. in an unmarked police car when the male officer was struck with a BB pellet in the forehead, police said. The car was not moving at the time of the shooting, police said.

The struck officer suffered a small laceration to his forehead and was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was listed as being in stable condition, according to the NYPD. Police said the other officer was unharmed.

Police said it was still unknown where the shot came from and the incident was under investigation.
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.
Richard Carter/Special to the Times Record News City clerk Lydia Kleft (Alex Lewis, left), Mayor Kathleen Lyles (Emily Anthony, second from left) and Sheriff Wesley Thorne (Seigen Walker, right) look on as Dr. Efrem Bishop (Keith Pond) goes into a coughing fit in "Death & Taxes," the newest murder mystery at the Wichita Theatre.

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By Richard Carter, Special to the Times Record News

What's the hottest drama ticket in Wichita Falls? To date, each show of the Wichita Theatre's Hard Luck Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre has sold out.

Director Spencer Williams, who chose and directed the first two productions, took his time to find a politically relevant play for his third.

Pat Cook's 1993 play, "Death & Taxes," opens at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 on the second floor dinner theater stage, then plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 22, with a final show 6 p.m. Oct. 29.

"I did a lot of reading and a lot of searching the Internet," Williams said. "We wanted to meet certain standards, this being a family theater. Humor and subject matter are important, along with our available space and resources.

He was happy to find Cook's play.

"There's political humor in it, and we open several weeks before the election. It happens in a small-town city council meeting. There will be characters in it who will look familiar to our audience," he said.

It's set in a very small town  the kind of town where they hold city council meetings in the high school auditorium.

"Basically, the mayor (Emily Anthony) is kind of dishonest and leads the city council into acting as a coroner's jury for a man that was found dead in one of the citizen's homes a few days earlier."

Sheriff Wesley Thorne (Seigen Walker) already has completed a preliminary investigation and is satisfied with his results. Thorne takes offense with the mayor's claim there's more to the death.

The mayor attempts to lead the investigation at the meeting.

"But, thankfully, the drama instructor at the high school, Evelyn Martindale (Meg Thurman), is there. She puts together a set for the living room, where the dead man was found. So through some re-enactments and chaos and a lot of arguing, they figure out who the murderer is."

Like the first two comedic murder mystery productions, the audience will get to ask the characters questions to help them figure out who might be the murderer. They also get to vote "whodunit."

With dinner and intermission, the two-act play will be about two hours.

"It's a night out, a dinner and a show," Williams said.

All of the murder mysteries have been a good time, he added.

"It's a perfect opportunity for people who like to laugh, to figure out a crime. It's a perfect date night or for a group of friends."

The characters are all small-town stereotypes.

"For example, the mayor is the most normal of the group. You have the hick sheriff, you've got a quirky drama teacher, a stubborn newspaper editor, Eddie King (Chip Kouri), and the country doctor, Dr. Efrem Bishop (Keith Pond), who thinks he knows everything but is always questioned in his decisions.

"Everyone is a suspect"

Walker added, "I've never played a character like this. He's simplistic. I'm used to characters with layers. It's been a challenge, and fun, to add layers to him as we go into the play.

"Normally, in a murder mystery, the police officer is the guy in charge. This time, he's not. He starts off with power and then he kind of loses it. It's cool to see him struggle with that as the show goes."

While the characters are stereotypical, Williams said, one of the fun things for the actors to do is to make their characters big.

"It's up to the individual actor to make him or her their own thing, to add their own comedic timing and comedic movements and all that."

One of the other great things about "Death & Taxes" is that you never really know where the author is going. For the last show, about five people per 80-person audience got it right. If you follow everything, you can feasibly figure it out."

A fourth murder mystery will be Christmas-themed and will debut sometime in December.
GREEN BAY  Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson stuck by Donald Trump in a debate Friday night without actually saying the presidential candidates name.

Referring to Trump as our Republican nominee, Johnson said he supports him on a number of issues, including securing the border and fighting the Islamic State terrorist group, but that hes also not going to defend the indefensible.

Johnsons Democratic opponent, former Sen. Russ Feingold, challenged Johnson to renounce Trump, whos been battered by accusations of sexual misbehavior. Trump has denied the allegations.

This is one of these times where you have to be an American first, not a politician running for office, not a Republican or Democrat, but an American whos worried about the future of our great country, Feingold said.

The presidential race has cast a shadow over Wisconsins Senate campaign, as Johnson said he supports but does not endorse Trump.

Hes spoken out against Trump on a number of issues, most recently denouncing his crude comments about women that were captured in a video released last week.

Johnson also has not campaigned with Trump in Wisconsin and planned to skip an upcoming rally Trump has planned for Monday in Green Bay, the same city where Fridays debate took place.

Ive not been shy in disagreeing with our candidate, with our nominee. Im not going to defend the indefensible, Johnson said during the debate.

Feingold challenged Johnson to follow the lead of other Republican senators in tough re-election fights, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, in not supporting Trump.

He doesnt have the temperament to be president, Feingold said of Trump. Hes used divisiveness, saying horrible things about various ethnic groups and others in this country to get himself the nomination. And it appears hes done a lot of other inappropriate things.

This is no person to be a role model for the people of our country. Frankly, I think it will be very frightening for the rest of the world if we elected Donald Trump.

Feingold supports Democrat Hillary Clinton and has curried favor with the more liberal wing of the party by campaigning with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren this month.

Johnson said Friday that Clinton was completely disqualified from being president because of how she handled the Benghazi attacks that left four Americans dead and her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

Johnson said Feingold must be the last American who thinks Hillary Clinton is trustworthy.

Feingold and Johnson are familiar debate opponents: They squared off three times in 2010, a race Johnson won, ending Feingolds 18-year run in the Senate.

Fridays debate was their first of this race. Theyll meet one more time  Tuesday at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee  before the Nov. 8 election.

Democrats see Johnson as vulnerable in a presidential election year when Democratic turnout in Wisconsin is expected to be strong. A Marquette University Law School poll released this week showed the race to be about even.

Unlike with the presidential debates, neither Feingold nor Johnson interrupted each other during Fridays hourlong contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

Both also refrained from hurling the type of insults that have become common in this years presidential race, though they did have sharp disagreements.

Feingold took Johnson to task for claiming that Feingold as a senator had known about problems at the Veterans Affairs medical facility in Tomah but did nothing.

Feingold said Johnson was saying something he knows isnt true about when Feingold found out about the over-prescription of drugs at the Tomah VA.

Feingold pledged to fight to raise the federal minimum wage, require paid medical leave, oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, work to fight climate change and allow college students to refinance student loan debt.

Johnson branded Feingold a career politician whose solution to every problem is growing government.

Johnson, who built a plastics manufacturing company in Wisconsin before being elected to the Senate six years ago, said his private business background makes him more qualified to know what policies will work to create jobs and spur economic development.
Otisville

Bear hugs are nothing. Jim Kowalczik hugs bears.

Kowalczik lies on the ground as his 1,500-pound bear buddy, Jimbo, rests a heavy paw on his waist. He feeds Jimbo a marshmallow from his mouth and laughs as a big bear tongue slobbers on his ear.

If that sounds suicidal, consider that Kowalczik and his wife, Susan, have cared for Jimbo for almost 23 years, since the Kodiak bear first came to the couple's upstate New York haven for injured or unwanted animals as a bottle-feeding cub.

"He'll play with you all day if you have the time," Kowalczik says, adding that it's fortunate the bear doesn't throw his weight around casually. "If he lays on you, you've got a problem."

Jimbo is among the 11 bears living at the couple's nonprofit Orphaned Wildlife Center 60 miles northwest of New York City. One of them, a black bear named Frankie, was born in the wild and found his way here in 2012 after being hit by a car. The rest of the bears here were born in captivity, eight of them Syrian brown bears or mixes that came from a breeding program. Jimbo came from a West Coast game farm with an injured leg.

There are plenty of wildlife rehabilitators and other centers that care for bears. But Kowalczik has grabbed attention for his hands-on approach. One Facebook video of him playing with Jimbo has received more than 16 million views. Kowalczik describes it as if it was something as natural as petting your dog.

The bears are like his children, he says, and they have never injured him.

The couple has been rehabilitating squirrels, ducks, deer, mink and other animals together since the early 1990s. The main goal is to release animals, but the bears cannot be released because of injuries or because they are too accustomed to captivity.

Bears are in 57-year-old Susan Kowalczik's bloodline. Her father, Albert Rix, was a well-known circus veteran from Germany who raised Syrian brown bears. Jim, 60, is a retired corrections officer. The Kowalcziks funded the venture out of their own pockets until creating the nonprofit last year, which allows them to take donations.
Albany

The city police department cleared two officers involved in shooting out the car window of an alleged bank robber, a man who had gained national attention earlier this year when he was fired from Wal-Mart.

On Sept. 14, Detective Robert Lawyer and Detective Sgt. Patrick Donnelly were trying to arrest Thomas Smith, 53, of Albany, on Green Street. Smith allegedly backed his car toward Lawyer, who opened fire, according to police. The gunshot blew out the window of Smith's car, but he was not seriously injured.

Police conducted an internal investigation and found Donnelly and Lawyer's actions "were within the policy of the Albany Police Department and in accordance with the law."

More Information Related stories: Officer fires gun during arrest of Albany suspect Bank robbery suspect shot at by cops lashes out Paroled bank robber charged with Albany bank robbery The full text of the police press release, issued on Friday: INVESTIGATION INTO OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING ON GREEN STREET CONCLUDED Albany police have concluded their internal investigation into an officer involved shooting that occurred this month on Green Street. On Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at approximately 1:00 p.m., Albany police Detective Sergeant Patrick Donnelly and Detective Robert Lawyer observed Thomas Smith, 53 of Albany, inside of a vehicle on the 200 block of Green Street and attempted to take Smith into custody in connection with four separate bank robberies that occurred in the City of Albany between July 29th and September 12th, 2016. Smith became the suspect in the robberies following a thorough investigation by Albany police detectives who followed up on several leads using surveillance footage, gathered evidence and obtained information from witnesses. On Wednesday, September 14, at 12:56 p.m., detectives received information that Smith's vehicle was traveling on South Pearl Street and shortly thereafter, observed the vehicle heading southbound. As Smith stopped his vehicle on the 200 block of Green Street, detectives exited their vehicle and attempted to effect Smith's arrest for the four robberies. As Detective Lawyer was approaching Smith's vehicle from the rear, Smith, who was still in the driver's seat, accelerated his vehicle in reverse towards Detective Lawyer. Believing his life was in danger Detective Lawyer fired a single shot ceasing Smith's actions. Smith was subsequently taken into custody. He was not shot or injured during the incident. The investigation has found that Detective Sergeant Donnelly and Detective Lawyer's actions were within policy of the Albany Police Department and in accordance with the law. See More Collapse

An Albany rights activist, however, says the report is short on detail.

Smith was in the news in November after he was fired from his job at Wal-Mart for redeeming $2 in empty cans left unclaimed outside the store. Smith said he was never told he could not take unclaimed cans, but Wal-Mart officials said it was theft.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign raised more than $21,000 for him.

Smith was on parole for a 2002 robbery of a KeyBank branch in Latham and had served more than 13 years of a 15-year sentence before he was released last year on parole.

Albany police suspected him of four recent bank robberies in the city between July 29 and Sept. 12. The case is still pending and Smith remains in jail.

On the day he was arrested, Smith said he was parking his car. Smith made almost daily visits to employees at The Center for Law and Justice on Green Street who had helped him during his dispute with Wal-Mart.

"I was backing up and this guy just popped out and I heard boom and the window blew out," Smith told the Times Union in an interview from jail in September. "Thank God the bullet missed the back of my head."

During the jail house interview, Smith said he started using drugs again recently after a fight with his father sent him into a depression.

He maintained his innocence, but he acknowledged that he used some of the money raised during the Wal-Mart dispute on drugs.

The police press release said the detectives had received information that Smith was in the area and saw him stop on Green Street. The detectives left their vehicle and tried to arrest Smith, according to the statement. "As Detective Lawyer was approaching Smith's vehicle from the rear, Smith, who was still in the driver's seat, accelerated his vehicle in reverse towards Detective Lawyer. Believing his life was in danger Detective Lawyer fired a single shot ceasing Smith's actions," the statement said.

The shooting happened on the same block as the justice center.

Alice Green, executive director of the justice center, said police statement on the shooting provided little detail on how the officers tried to arrest Smith. Witnesses told Green that the officers were in plain clothes and driving an unmarked car, so it was unclear how Smith would know they were police.

"If the police officer was not in uniform, if the police officer was in an unmarked car, people don't understand why police thought he was trying to run him down," Green said. "It doesn't provide the community with enough information about the incident and why it was necessary to fire the shot. We are just thankful that no one was hurt or killed."

ccrowley@timesunion.com  518-454-5348  @townstu  http://facebook.com/cathleenFcrowley
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Tama, Iowa

Firearms instructor Joshua Casto had drilled gun safety into his children for years. They are a family of hunters, in a part of central Iowa where taking to the fields with rifle in hand is a way of life.

So what happened two days after Christmas in 2014 was widely considered a tragic and freak accident. As he prepared for a deer hunt, Casto's teenage son stumbled. The muzzleloader he was carrying discharged, and the shot fatally struck his 12-year-old sister Liesel, a farm girl who loved horses. But what followed was even more unusual. Over the next year, two more gun accidents left a teenage girl dead and a second severely wounded.

Residents of rural Tama County faced hard questions: Had their efforts to teach gun safety failed? Or was this just the sad price to be paid for a passion for firearms?

A review by The Associated Press and the USA TODAY Network revealed that more than 1,000 cases of accidental shootings involved minors over a 2 year period that ended in June. The three accidental shootings involving minors in Tama County were highly unusual, according to the analysis, because they involved adolescent girls. The vast majority of victims are boys.

Tama County has mourned the deaths by hanging plaques and planting trees, but residents said they are not about to change their way of life and the importance they place on gun ownership. Membership in the Tama County Young Guns, a 4-H group that promotes gun safety and marksmanship, has gone up.

"Being in a small rural area, it's kind of second nature to students to be able to hunt and shoot guns," said Mark Polich, principal at the school Liesel attended. "I think they ended up thinking, 'Boy, this is an accident that occurred.' Just like a car accident, you're going to have some."

The deaths touched nearly everyone in Tama, Toledo and Traer, the towns that make up the county of 17,000.

"I sit there looking at these things and say, this should not be happening," said Tama County Attorney Brett Heeren, who has declined to file charges against anyone in the three cases.

He wonders whether the gun safety ethic has weakened. But others around the county say the cases are nothing more than a string of bad luck, that deadly accidents are inevitable with so many guns in society even among largely responsible owners.

"It's unfortunate and it's a scar that every one of these families is going to have to live with the rest of their lives," Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera said. "I don't know how to even try to explain why these are happening. They were all adult-supervised. It's hard to say who is the unsafe or careless one."

Denise Kirchner was at her kitchen sink days before Thanksgiving in 2015 when she heard a gunshot, then felt a sting in her leg.

What she saw next was terrifying: Her 14-year-old daughter Madison was bleeding profusely. She had been shot in the chest.

Dylan had been trying to remove a bullet from the chamber of a .40-caliber handgun when it discharged, Toledo Police Chief Bob Kendall said. The bullet passed through Madison's left breast, leaving six holes in her stomach and intestines. It passed through Denise's thigh before ending up in a cupboard.

Madison spent 10 days in intensive care. Six months later, she suffers from an occasional stomach bleed, has trouble sleeping and is trying to catch up on the weeks of school she missed.

Dylan Kirchner is an experienced hunter but Denise said her son violated a cardinal safety rule her dad taught her: When guns are being cleaned, nobody else should be in the room.

"You are living proof that obviously we weren't careful enough," Denise tells Madison.
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. Ive 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 Texass 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. Im 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 cant 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: Youre smart. Youre 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 Partys Gary Johnson. People who definitely oppose Trump dont 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, Youre a conservative, arent 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. Thats 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 dont 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.

Were 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. Weve lost our Standard & Poors 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 presidents 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 boondoggles run 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, weve suffered terror attacks in San Bernardino, Calif., Orlando, St. Cloud, Minn., and Burlington, Wash., leaving 68 dead. Europes experience shows that if we continue these policies, we will suffer many more.

The Middle East is a 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 Irans Green Revolution and halted sanctions, propping up and then funding with planeloads of cash a leading global sponsor of terrorism actively seeking nuclear weapons  all in a quest to reach an agreement so adverse to U.S. interests 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. Its 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 cant 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 Rightss 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. Trumps 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 to 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 countrys direction is too important to decide on the basis of who is more vulgar than whom. Clintons policies portend nothing but a weaker economy, society and America.

I want a president whos 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.
Members of Roscrea Chamber Of Commerce were delighted to attend the launch night recently of www.lmcgrath.com.

The website is that of Liam McGrath popular local accountant and former Treasurer of Roscrea Chamber Of Commerce.

Speaking at the launch, the proprietor Liam McGrath said it was important that the company did something different in the build up to its 25th anniversary which they will mark in 2017. Liam spoke about the importance of Roscrea as a location for his business and how the business has grown over the years providing local employment and leading to a second office been opened in Portlaosie to help deal with the demand for service.

Chamber President, Seamus Browne said that Liam was an extremely efficient Treasurer during his time with Roscrea Chamber Of Commerce. Seamus said that its no surprise that the company is now one of the midlands leading accountancy firms and that its a great vote of confidence in Roscrea that Liam has chosen to keep his main headquarters in the local area.

Speaking about the new website, Brian King, Manager of Roscrea Credit Union said that the website is an excellent example of why its important to keep websites functional, easy to navigate and find information at the click of a button. Brian said that www.lmcgrath.com does all this and he wished Liam every success with both the website and his business for many more years to come.

Liam McGrath and Co are members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and of the Irish Taxation Institute (AITI).

Both are highly regarded organisations, with ACCA an internationally recognised qualification, and AITI seen as the pre-eminent tax advisory qualification in Ireland, with its focus on Irish taxation law. In addition to helping prepare individually tailored five year tax plans for each client and updating them on an annual basis, ensuring that they minimise the tax that they pay over the medium to long-term the company also helps with account preparation, income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax, dealing with revenue on your behalf, recommending practical controls, procedures and financial advice for your business, business and farm transfer to company and compiling prior years tax accounts and tax returns. For more information about Liam McGrath accountants please visit their new website www.lmcgrath.com
In accordance with Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, the Draft Tipperary County Council has initiated a review of all speed limits in the county including the introduction of a 30km/hour limit in housing estates.

Road Traffic Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2017 have been prepared and will be available for inspection during normal office hours (9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.) Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) from Wednesday 19th October to Friday 18th November 2016 (both dates inclusive) at the following locations:

Nenagh Municipal District Office, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh

Clonmel Borough District Office, Civic Offices, Emmet Street, Clonmel

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Office, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir

Cashel-Tipperary Municipal District Office, Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town

Templemore-Thurles Municipal District Office, Slievenamon Road, Thurles

The Draft Bye-Laws and accompanying maps will also available to view online at www.tipperarycoco.ie

Submissions/observations on the Draft Bye-Laws may be made: by completing the submission form online at www.tipperarycoco.ie or by post marked Tipperary County Council Traffic Speed Limit Bye-Laws to Administrative Officer, Roads Section, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary at any of the above offices.

The latest date for receipt of Submissions & observations is Friday 18th November 2016 at 4.30pm.

Director of Services Mr Marcus O'Connor and Mayor Siobhan Ambrose appealed to the public to interact with the council on this matter. One of the proposals is to reduce speed limits to 30km/hour in housing estates and built up area - a move many councillors say is welcome but unworkable.
[October 15, 2016] U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Hosts San Francisco Rally TODAY-Oct. 15th-for Lower Drug Price Initiative, Yes on Prop 61

Wrapping up the first week of early voting, Yes on Prop 61/Californians for Lower Drug Prices announced today that U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders will appear in San Francisco at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on Saturday (10/15/16) at 12 Noon for a rally in support of the measure. This is Sen. Sanders' first trip to California since the primary election campaign. Sen. Bernie Sanders will appear alongside Proposition 61 supporters including the California Nurses Association, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and VoteVets to speak out against Big Pharma price-gouging and lies regarding the measure. Prop. 61, the California Drug Price Relief Act is the only initiative on the November ballot in all 50 states to address the issue of drug company price-gouging. The San Francisco rally follows the first week of ballots arriving at the homes of California voters. TV ads featuring Sen. Sanders supporting Prop. 61 are also currently airing statewide ('Yes on 61' TV ads and videos). Senator Sanders appeared at raucous 'Yes on 61' rally in L.A. Friday, then promoted drug price ballot measure in an appearance on 'Real Time with Bill Maher'.







When: Saturday, 10/15/16 at 12:00 PM Where: Marriott Marquis Hotel, Yerba Buena Ballroom 780 Mission St., San Francisco, CA (News - Alert) 94103 Who: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders California State Assemblyperson David Chiu Jane Sandoval, RN, Board Member, California Nurses Association (CNA) Steve Dunwoody, California Director, VoteVets Special Guest: San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim, Democratic Candidate for St. Senate

Background Prop 61 is a simple measure that allows California to leverage its massive negotiating power to achieve lower drug prices for the most vulnerable Californians. Proposition 61 would require the state of California to negotiate with drug companies for drug prices that are no more than is paid for the same drugs by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Unlike Medicare, the DVA negotiates for drug prices on behalf of the millions of veterans it serves, and pays on average 20-24 percent less for medications than other government agencies, and up to 40 percent less than Medicare Part D. Prop. 61 empowers the state, as the healthcare buyer for millions of Californians, to negotiate a better deal for taxpayers, saving the state billions. www.Yeson61.com Paid (News - Alert) for by Yes on Prop 61, Californians for Lower Drug Prices, With Major Funding by AIDS Healthcare Foundation and California Nurses Association PAC. FPPC ID#1376791 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161015005007/en/

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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.
Over 100 years of research on children and families provides clear evidence of the dangers of corporal punishment.

Today, 50 countries ban corporal punishment of children in all settings, including homes. From the United Nations to the American Academy of Pediatrics, professionals have recognized that positive parenting alternatives can have long-term benefits for our children, families, schools and communities.

Thats why I am so pleased to join UW Healths American Family Childrens Hospital and Dr. Barbara Knoxs Child Protection Team for their Hitting Hurts campaign.

As Dane County district attorney, I care about reducing corporal punishment of children because we now know the seeds of violence can be planted in the first five years of a childs life. Research tells us these first five years are the most formative for brain development.

Well-meaning parents have hit their children, believing it was best for the childs well-being. But we now know hitting a child puts that boy or girl at risk for detrimental outcomes affecting every aspect of our community, including the criminal justice system.

When parents use corporal punishment, children are at risk of injury. In fact, our office last year received referrals for charging on 138 child physical abuse cases. And child maltreatment is a major cause of homicides to children.

Children who are hit are at risk for mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Their IQ scores can be lower, and they can have more difficulty concentrating in school.

Children who are hit can be more aggressive than other children and engage in bullying behaviors. They may learn violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict.

We now know corporal punishment puts children at risk for future alcohol and drug problems. They are at risk of becoming the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. Our office last year received referrals for charging on over 2,700 domestic violence cases. Domestic violence is one of the major causes of homicide.

We now know hitting children as a form of discipline puts them at risk for feeding the pipeline into the criminal justice system.

My office has made it a priority to address corporal punishment. Since 2013, we have set up a program for parents who injured their children using corporal punishment.

In 2014 and 2015, we collaborated with UW Childrens Hospital and other community partners, offering a conference on the cultural context of corporal punishment. We also produced a public service announcement on the benefits of violence-free homes.

In 2014, our office became the first governmental office in the nation to start a No Hit Zone program  joining childrens hospitals across the country. I am so proud of our staffs commitment.

The right to use corporal punishment has long been an acceptable part of parenting in the United States, and legislatures still allow it. But it negatively affects our children.

Our world is a scary and far too often violent place. Our children deserve to learn how to peacefully resolve conflict from those they love the most.

I applaud UW American Family Childrens Hospital for publicly addressing this issue. Those providing health care for our children and who join in this campaign have the potential of touching the lives of every child in Dane County.
This State Journal editorial ran on Oct. 18, 1966:

Some newspapers in this state have got themselves all worked up over what they claim is a major issue in Wisconsins governor campaign: oleomargarine.

The Democratic candidate favors the sale of colored oleo in Wisconsin. The Republican incumbent, who has said he would sign a bill to permit its sale, has refused to take a direct stand (because) its really an inter-industry dispute.

Frankly, we think the fuss and furor over oleo in the campaign is lacking two things  realism and perspective.

Almost any Wisconsin housewife who wants to buy untaxed colored oleo can get it. The flow of yellow oleo from Illinois, Iowa and Michigan over the borders of this state is nearly of flood dimensions.

Beyond that, the repeal of Wisconsins ban on that greasy vegetable stuff is almost entirely up to the Legislature. And ... what real significance is oleo measured against such things as taxes, education, highway construction and safety, water and air pollution, government reorganization and welfare programs? ...

There are too many really important issues in the governor campaign for either the candidates or the press to attempt to create one out of oleomargarine.
In this episode of "Common Grounds," Kansas City, Kansas police officers discuss police shootings, public trust, media perception and the hidden pressures on law enforcement.

An appropriate break and discussion for right now . . .With all due respect, there were somediscussed in this clip but it was very hard to suspend disbelief without one person at this table ordering a doughnut.You decide . . .
EPIC Kansas City Rally For Kander

Show-Me Tragic Teaching Moment

KCK Left Turn Chatter

More Delays Near The Loop

Kansas City Cuteness . . .

is a hottie Brit model breaking the mold for typical curvy babes and working on crossing over into mainstream work despite her softcore past. And this transition inspires just a bit of Friday night link contemplation. Checkit:And this is thefor right now . . .
SHOCK!!! CHECK THIS GROUNDBREAKING ANALYSIS FROM DR. EVANS PREDICTING MORE KANSAS CITY BLOODSHED AND KILLING IF OUR LEADERSHIP CAN'T STOP THIS TREND!!!

Dr. Ernest Evans: Responding to the National Crime Surge

Today our blog community is blessed with vital public safety information and analysis from. . .. . . Here's some research he's sharing which offers alook at violence increasing across the nation and the impact on our local streets.Here's the word . . .InI noted that in Kansas City, Missouri, like most of the rest of the nation, there has been a major increase in crime in the past two years. What I will do in this article is outline why I feel that we have had this crime surge since the summer of 2014, and what can be done to bring it under control.Here are the statistics, by race, of homicides in the US in 2014 and 2015:White: 5397 (2014) 5854 (2015)Black: 6095 (2014) 7039 (2015)Hispanic: 1871 (2014) 2028 (2015)Other/Unknown: 469 (2014) 562 (2015)So, in 2015 there were 1651 more homicides than there were in 2014. Of these 1651 additional victims, 944 were black men, women and children and 707 were other races.In reviewing these statistics, two facts stand out: First, the increase in homicides in 2015 over 2014 was quite large (11%)--the largest one year increase in homicides since the increase in 1968 over 1967. Second, a massively disproportionate share of the increase in homicides was accounted for by black victims.There have been a variety of explanations put forward to explain this large crime increase. Many writers point to the easy availability of guns in the US; others point to unemployment and poor job prospects. However, while there is no one simple explanation for this large increase in crime, an important factor clearly is what is called "the Ferguson effect." Michael Brown, an 18-year old black man, was shot and killed by a white police officer in the town of Ferguson, Missouri on August 9, 2014. Since that tragic incident, the use of force by police against black people has received massive attention by journalists and politicians.Supporters of the concept of the "Ferguson Effect" like Dr. Heather MacDonald of the Manhattan Institute have argued that this massive attention paid to every incident of police use of force against black people has made cops reluctant to do their jobs in black neighborhoods. So, cops in black neighborhoods all over the country have abandoned these neighborhoods. Nature abhors a vacuum-- this abandonment leads to the gangs and the criminal elements taking over and violence surges.Personally, I feel that Dr. MacDonald's theory of "de-policing" has some flaws, but she is definitely right that such "de-policing" is a major reason for the surge in violence in America's neighborhoods, particularly its black neighborhoods, in the years since the death of Michael Brown.If we as a nation are to end this crime surge caused by "de-policing" we are going to have to do something that has gone out of fashion in the past two decades; namely, compromise. On the one hand, it is crucial in a democratic society that police be accountable under the law--a sort of "Dirty Harry" or "Death Wish" response to crime never works out in the real world the way it does in Hollywood. On the other hand, our Constitution in its 5th and 14th Amendments guarantees Due Process for all--there is no exception for cops accused of racist behavior. So, we are going to have to "square the circle": Hold police officers responsible for misconduct, but guarantee them due process in the event they are accused of a crime. If we do not make some sustained effort to "square this circle" there is every reason to believe that the crime surge we have seen since the summer of 2014 will continue: Preliminary statistics from 2016 indicate that in that year homicides will increase 13-14% over their 2015 levels.############
Greece leaving the euro was not and is not a progressive plan argued Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras during his Thursday evening speech at his party conference. The PM added that the Left has a historic duty to help Greece overcome the crisis while keeping society alive.

PM Tsipras said the second bailout program review will conclude on time and will be less difficult than the first one. At the same time, the measures for debt relief will be set. At the same time, well be included in the [ECBs]quantitative easing [program]. Theres no well see.At the same time he underlined.

An exit, especially after five years of plundering of a quarter of our national wealth would mean an additional and immediate plundering he further elaborated, adding that poorer social classes would lose their bank deposits. This, he argued, is not a left plan, but rather than of Wolfgang Schauble.

Commenting on the first program review, the prime minister said it was essentially complete in May, but formally concluded on Tuesday, and now it was turn for Greeces creditor to keep their part of the bargain and offer debt relief. The July agreement is clear. And as we keep it defying the cost, we also expect and demand our partners to respect it too. The government will enter talks on the second program review with the most powerful and non-negotiable weapon, the European acquis, which aims to support employment and restore collective labor agreements.

In relation to the controversial television licensing tender, the PM said the government intervened after 27 years of willful lawlessness and that the auction of four broadcasting licenses is a significant milestone for the countrys political system. For the first time it sets the conditions to smash the vested interests that afflicted the country for many years and is one of the main reasons behind the crisis and the bankruptcy Tsipras told his audience, adding that the battle against corruption and the old political and media status quo will not be simple and easy.

Later on in his speech, the SYRIZA leader spoke about his governments aims, which include escalating the fight against large and medium-scale tax evasion that has resulted in permanent hemorrhage for the Greek economy and huge inequalities and played a very crucial role in the intensity of the crisis in the country.

The Prime Minister stressed that the coalition government wants to rebuild the social state destroyed by the previous governments. Looking into the future, the leader of SYRIZA said the government is forming a five-year program of economic and social restructuring which will complete in 2021.

Until then, we aspire to have achieved a series of specific and measurable redistribution, development and social protection objectives, so that by the end of the five years we will have succeeded in reducing unemployment in our country by at least 10% he said.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
I am Kerry Burgess. This is what I think.
Greek Economy, Development and Shipping Minister George Stathakis on Friday received United Arab Emirates Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, who is on an official visit to Greece

Greek Economy, Development and Shipping Minister George Stathakis on Friday received United Arab Emirates Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, who is on an official visit to Greece at the head of a large delegation. During the visit, there were a number of targeted B2B meetings between Greek and UAE firms active in the shipping, transport, foods, exports, investments and legal services sectors.

The two ministers also met government Vice-President Yiannis Dragasakis and attended a briefing seminar entitled "Greece on the Turning Point - New Opportunities for Emirats Companies".

Stathakis referred to the economic climate in Greece and the legislative and financing tools recruited by the Greek government to bring about an exit from the crisis and return to growth. He noted that the UAE were a strategic ally for Greece in its efforts to attract foreign investment.

The UAE minister noted the Emirates' desire to boost business ties with Greece, especially in tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture-foods, logistics and innovation.

Greek and UAE businesses had some 20 targeted meetings afterward, during which they explored the prospects of cooperation. Afterward, Stathakis said he was very happy with the outcome of the talks and that the two sides had confirmed their mutual interest in promoting economic cooperation.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
A letter backed by socialist, green and leftist MPs called on the European Commission to secure debt relief terms for struggling Greece by the end of the year

In response to an open letter calling for urgent measures to relieve Greeces debt, sent to European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Pierre Moscovici by 36 European Parliament deputies, Greek MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis on Thursday commented that the Eurogroups decisions for debt relief must be implemented without delay.

"The open letter to Mr. Moscovici, an initiative of the Progressive Caucus, has met with widespread resonance, not just within the European Parliament but over a broad political and social spectrum. Other, similar initiatives will follow," he said.

Papadimoulis, who was among the MEPs signing the letter, noted that "relief of Greek debt and implementation of the Eurogroups decisions without delay...is the key not only for turning the Greek economy toward sustainable growth rates but also to a comprehensive handling of public debt as one of the major European issues."

The letter backed by socialist, green and leftist MPs called on the European Commission to secure debt relief terms for struggling Greece by the end of the year.

"Greece urgently needs to leave behind the vicious circle of recession and deflation, and move forward with policies that enable both public and private investments and creation of high quality jobs," the MEPs wrote, adding that "Any further delays regarding the beginning of a concrete and conclusive dialogue on debt relief could have devastating results on the Greek economy."

"Debt relief is an important step of the effort to put an end to Greek crisis. Debt relief discussions, as part of the agreement, have to be opened as soon as possible, concluding by the end of the year with a clear road map for debt relief for Greece," the MEPs said.

Reacting to the letter in an interview with AFP, Moscovici noted that the MEPs "have knocked on my door, so much the better." The European Commission would play its role as "honest intermediary," he said, expressing confidence that it was possible to reach an overall agreement on reforms and on public debt relief for Greece by the end of the year. Unlike the IMF and the European states, the European Commission was not a "creditor" of Greece, he pointed out.

The full text of the letter

The letter to Moscovici in full is given below:

"Following the discussion on the Commission Statement  Macroeconomic situation in Greece, structural reforms and their impact, as well as prospects for future negotiations within the Programme, that took place on Tuesday 4th of October in the Plenary of the European Parliament, as Members of the European Parliament, we would like to underline the importance of debt relief and the need for concrete measures which are going to strengthen Greeces economic, social and environmental development.

Greece urgently needs to leave behind the vicious circle of recession and deflation, and move forward with policies that enable both public and private investments and creation of high quality jobs.

The responsibility for this lays upon both the Greek government and the Institutions. Whereas there is a consensus today among leading economists regarding the need for debt sustainability, yet among the Institutions there are diverse views how this sustainability can be achieved. As you are aware, the IMF has a presented different analysis from that of the EU institutions on this matter. The resulting uncertainty hampers Greece recovery.

Any further delays regarding the beginning of a concrete and conclusive dialogue on debt relief could have devastating results on the Greek economy and counteract even the modest decrease of unemployment and poverty levels and delay any improvement of the social and economic situation for the coming period.

On 23rd September, the IMF has declared further debt relief based realistic assumptions about Greeces ability to generate sustained surpluses and long-term growth will be needed in order to restore sustainability.

Debt relief is an important step of the effort to put an end to Greek crisis. Debt relief discussions, as part of the agreement, have to be opened as soon as possible, concluding by the end of the year with a clear road map for debt relief for Greece. It is a precondition not only for the necessary economic and social boost, but also to limit the financial needs of the Greek Economy and therefore create fiscal space suitable for public and private investments.

We, the undersigned MEPs, strongly believe that Greece needs a stable macroeconomic environment. Therefore, Greece needs to leave behind the austerity measures once and for all, creating the conditions of exiting the programme, which should be the last one. Greece needs to focus on making the most out of the Structural Funds that have to be significantly increased especially for countries in crisis, and to surge the degree of security for the people, especially the most vulnerable ones.

In the context of the future negotiations between the EU Institutions and the Greek Government, we urge you to take these views into account, for the benefit of all societies and institutions."

Source: 

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Germany, Austria and Denmark have called for an extension of "temporary" Schengen border restrictions as a new report warns such measures will be expensive

Germany, Austria and Denmark have called for an extension of "temporary" Schengen border restrictions as a new report warns such measures will be expensive.

The European Commissions hope to restore the Schengen systems border-free internal travel by the end of the year is looking bleak. As interior ministers met in Luxembourg Thursday, the overriding view was that its not feasible to drop the emergency measures by mid-November when they are scheduled to end.

Schengen stays in suspense

The controls were put in place by Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden in the midst of the migration crisis as countries sought to manage the influx of hundreds of thousands of people. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told journalists upon arrival in Luxembourg Thursday that its "right we should extend the possibility of border controls on a European basis." They can only be renewed up to a total of two years.

"We want to go back to a control-free Schengen," de Maiziere insists, "but for that we have to have better protection of external borders." Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka added that "reality" dictates a prolongation, with 50,000 refugees in Greece and many more in the Balkans. "I can hardly imagine that the system will be functioning on November 15," Sobotka said. "I think it will probably be necessary to have an extension or we have to think of other steps."

Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced already last month his government would seek to extend the emergency measures, last renewed in June.

Costs mount with controls

But prolonged blockage of free movement will be anything but free, according to a new study by the RAND Europe research Institute. Commissioned by the European Parliament to "investigate the economic, social and political costs of non-Schengen, the report warns leaders the annual cost of permanently re-establishing border controls could be as high as 23 billion euros ($2.2-3.6 billion) every year. Thats after one-time costs that could range up to 19 billion euros "depending on the timeframe."

RAND researchers examined three scenarios for Schengens future:

1) A two-year "suspension" of the Schengen area in the five countries that have currently reintroduced border controls related to irregular migration. This option has a price tag of up to 211.5 million euros, primarily for the purchase of equipment and reallocation of human resources for checking travelers.

2) A two-year "suspension" of the Schengen Area and reintroduction of border controls in all Schengen countries at all internal borders. This would require checking all internal borders of all Schengen countries, estimated to cost between 4.39 and 7.4 billion euros, with the highest bill being paid by Germany.

3) Indefinite suspension of the Schengen Agreement in all countries. This pricy option requires rebuilding and refurbishing border outposts for full-time use, costing as much as 20 billion euros in one-time fixed costs and around 2 to 4 billion euros in annual operating costs. RAND found crime has dropped within the Schengen area since it was expanded in 2007 and that citizens trust in national and EU institutions has risen.

Other conclusions were those often repeated by the blocs institutions themselves: reforming the asylum system to make it easier to identify genuine refugees, strengthening external borders and sharing more information among police and judicial agencies.

Amnesty decries deals with dictators

But all these plans to more effectively keep people out are disheartening for Amnesty Internationals Iverna McGowan, who criticizes the pending agreements. She describes them as the "large-scale prioritization of migration control, continuing what is an unsustainable strategy to solely focus on stopping people coming." McGowan insists the EU focus on establishing safe and legal migration routes.

Interior ministers are discussing agreements with Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal that involve - openly acknowledged by some member governments but not the European Commission - the exchange of funds to be used for development in exchange for progress to block migrant outflows and take back failed asylum-seeker citizens.

McGowan says this is a degrading deal for the needy. "If there were first on the table resettlement places on a scale that was acceptable, if there were legal channels," she explained, "then we could talk about migration control and management in a broader, human-rights compliant sense. But at the moment whats on the table for African countries is no legal means and no resettlement, just keep people there at all costs. And the message being given is, frankly, we dont care what happens afterwards."

She says EU officials claims that the EU-Turkey deal is a great success on which to model the new African agreements is a sham which she will witness in person next week when she visits the Lesbos, Greece holding areas full of people with nowhere better to go.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
A poll by ALCO for the Greek online newsit site from October 11-14 found that the 1,000 people who were questioned during this time were in favor of the main opposition conservative New Democracy party

A poll by ALCO for the Greek online newsit site from October 11-14 found that the 1,000 people who were questioned during this time were in favor of the main opposition conservative New Democracy party. The opposition was ahead by 21.5 percent, compared to 15.1 percent for the Radical Left Coalition SYRIZA government. The huge 6.4 percent difference shows that the government is rapidly losing ground, bearing in mind that the previous poll had shown a 5.8 percent difference with ND still ahead.

The ultra-nationalist Golden Dawn party continues to be the third in voter preferences followed by the Greek Communist Party at 5.1 percent and the Democratic Alliance at 4.6 percent. Smaller parties are as follows: Centrist To Potami (1.9 percent), Independent Greeks ANEL (2.2 percent), Union of Centrists (2.3 percent), Popular Unity Party and Plefsi Eleftherias by Zoe Konstantopoulou (2.5 percent each).

The poll, held at a time when Greek Parliament was debating corruption, shows that those who followed the debate were not convinced by the speakers regardless of their political background. In the question concerning which of the two was fighting against corruption, the result showed that 55 percent believed that Nobody was tackling corruption, whereas 23 percent found Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras convincing, compared to 18 percent for Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
John Podesta has made front page news on Wednesday after his purportedly hacked email was released on the Wikileaks website. The chairman of the Hillary Clinton campaign purportedly used the phrase Needy Latinos in urging the presidential candidate to call certain Latino politicians and ask for their support.

On Wednesday evening, Podesta issued a statement saying that, inter alia, It is now clear that the illegal hack of my personal email account was  just like the other recent, election-related hacks  the work of the Russian government. This level of meddling by a foreign power can only be aimed at boosting Donald Trump and should send chills down the spine of all Americans, regardless of political party.

The credentials of John Podesta are impressive. He has served as Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton and Counselor to President Barack Obama. He is former president and now Chair and Counselor of the Center for American Progress (CAP), a liberal think tank in Washington, D.C., and is also a Visiting Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center.

John Podesta was born in 1949 in Chicago. His mother, Mary Kokoris, was Greek-American and his father, John David Podesta, Sr, was Italian-American. He graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he had volunteered for the presidential candidacy of Eugene McCarthy. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1976. He is married to attorney Mary Podesta and they have three children.

In an earlier article in The New York Times Podesta had said that he loves to cook Greek dishes he learned from his mother.

In March, in an event hosted by Greek-Americans for Hillary he had said that Hillary Clinton as First Lady, Senator and State Department Secretary had asserted the truly unique ties that bind the United States to Greece. She always thought that was very important and has worked hard for them.

In July, on the occasion of the visit of Archbishop Demetrios at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia he wrote on Twitter: My Greek mother will be really happy that Archbishop Demetrios will attend the Democratic National Convention tonight.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
President Nicos Anastasiades said on Friday evening that he has reasons to believe that during the ongoing negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, talks are reaching a discussion of the territory issue

President Nicos Anastasiades said on Friday evening that he has reasons to believe that during the ongoing negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, talks are reaching a discussion of the territory issue.

Speaking during an event to honour those who fell for the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, President Anastasiades assured that during the talks, it was decided that all Cypriots will have the right to freedom of movement, acquiring property, settlement, exercising their profession or any economic activity throughout the island.

He also said that we honour those who fought so that we can maintain the hope alive for this country because with their contribution, we can continue their struggle.

The President said: For 42 years the tragic consequences of the occupation remain unchanged: the refugees, the missing persons, the enclaved, the violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus are the irrefutable evidence of the ongoing international illegality against Cyprus.

Our responsibility is to restore continuity in our country, to restore the historical course of events and the society that was forcibly broken up in 1974.

Solution to the Cyprus problem

This, said President Anastasiades, can only be achieved with a solution to the Cyprus problem, the freedom and reunification of our country and the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants.

Referring to the ongoing talks, President Anastasiades said they are at a crossroads, noting that we are concluding the discussion on four chapters, governance, economy, European Union, and property and if there is progress, as is expected, we will discuss the issue of territory which is fully attuned of course with the property issue.

The President mentioned: If we reach this point, I have reasons to believe that it will be a very important moment in the history of the negotiations as it will be the first time the Turkish side will be asked to put its positions in writing. Due to its special status, the town of Famagusta was and is a priority he said, without undermining the significance of other occupied areas.

President Anastasiades noted they have raised the issue of Famagustas return from the first day of a solution, which is something that everyone involved understands.

We also attach great significance to the benefits of a settlement from day one of the solution, the President remarked.

He pointed out that Turkish Cypriots cannot acquire and benefit from everything that the solution has to offer from day one while Greek Cypriots should have to wait for some time. The benefits, he said, should be evident from the first day so that every Cypriot citizen feels that a new day is dawning for the country.

For this reason, he continued, we are pursuing the return of Famagusta to its lawful citizens from day one and for Varosha to be returned to its lawful owners as well as those areas uninhabited and from day one we expect the withdrawal of a significant number of Turkish troops.

Achieved convergences

President Anastasiades said some convergences have been achieved that allow him to assure that all Cypriot citizens will have the right to freedom of movement, acquiring property, settlement, exercising their profession or any economic activity throughout the island. The full respect of the right of ownership is secured and the demographic character of the island from day one will reflect, with a small deviation, the traditional demographic composition of the Republic of Cyprus as it was established in 1960.

Referring to the Turkish Cypriots, he said it is the only way out of the isolation they are in. Their plan for recognition of the so called state has failed and the results are not only affecting Greek Cypriots but also Turkish Cypriots who have to understand that with a solution, they will become European citizens and will enjoy all benefits from living in a well organised state.

On Turkeys role, he said that it is often said that the Ankara holds the key to a solution therefore it depends on Turkey if the positive rhetoric it develops will come into practise.

He said: We are at a point where a solution will benefit all, Turkey, Europe, Greece and especially our region. But for Turkey, with a solution to the Cyprus issue it will contribute to achieving peace in a troubled region and the road to Europe will take on a new dimension.

President Anastasiades also said that the daily lives of the people in Cyprus who work either in the government, semi-government or private sector will not change as all government departments will continue to operate like today. The same with the local administration and the health and social insurance systems since both constituent states will have their own systems.

What we need to do is to remove from the peoples minds, the evils of the past and the distrust which we have in the presence of the occupation army and to build a new political culture that will underpin the status of Cypriot citizens and to the notion that regardless of our national identity, we all ought to serve above all the interests of our common country, President Anastasiades said.

The implementation of a solution will take place under strict timeframes without disrupting the daily lives of the people, said Anastasiades adding the most important thing is to cultivate a feeling of security for all citizens since with a solution stability will be secured and our country will be protected from outside intervention. Our insistence that a European state, full member of the EU does not require guarantors or guarantees or occupation troops is therefore not accidental.

The EU, he added, constitutes sufficient protection and also the structure of the state, as agreed, adequately protects the Turkish Cypriots so as not to cause a feeling of insecurity.

Source: CNA

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of an additional daily year-round service between Abu Dhabi and Dublin, Ireland, which will increase its frequency on the route to 14 flights a week, effective April 1.



The second daily operation, from the beginning of the summer 2017 season, reflects Etihads long-term commitment to the route, and coincides with the Abu Dhabi-based carriers 10th anniversary of flying to the Irish capital, said a statement from the Abu Dhabi airline.



Operating with a two-class Airbus A330-200 offering 22 Business and 240 Economy Class seats, the extra daily service will give guests more travel options at convenient timings, and greater connectivity to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia.



Business and leisure travellers will be able to enjoy double daily connections via Abu Dhabi to several key destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Mumbai, Delhi and Kochi (India), Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila, and daily connections to markets such as Brisbane, Perth, Beijing, Tokyo and Phuket, it stated.



The extra capacity will provide a boost to tourism in Ireland, with visitors from around the world benefitting from a greater choice of flights for a short or long break in a country known for its warmth and hospitality.



More frequencies will also double cargo capacity each week to facilitate greater movement of international freight to and from Dublin, it stated.



Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group chief strategy and planning officer, said: "The twice-daily Dublin year-round service is a commitment to the Irish market and demonstrates our confidence to dedicate capacity throughout the year on a route that has enjoyed tremendous support from travel partners."



"It also reflects our strategy to offer more flexibility, greater convenience and increased choice," he added.



As a result of improved infrastructure at Dublin Airport, Etihad will switch its existing Dublin flights from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, starting from January 24. The move follows extensive investment in passenger and retail facilities in the terminal by airport operator DAA.



Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport managing director, said: "Since Etihad launched the route in 2007, Dublin has been a hugely popular destination in its network, and the return to a double daily service will be welcomed by both business and leisure travellers. It is good news for Irish tourism and also for those travelling to Abu Dhabi and beyond with Etihads excellent connectivity to the Middle East, Africa and Asia."



We have been improving the departures and arrivals areas in T1 and have also recently enhanced the boarding gate facilities and the retail experience. We look forward to welcoming Etihad to its new Dublin home from early next year.



Beatrice Cosgrove, Etihad Airways general manager for Ireland, said: "With our enhanced schedules from next April, we will be able to provide excellent new connections for travellers from Ireland to many more destinations in our network via Abu Dhabi."



"The expansion comes as we celebrate 10 years of flying on the route and welcome more guests to enjoy our fine hospitality and service," he stated.



Etihad Airways recently hosted a delegation of officials from Tourism Ireland led by CEO Niall Gibbons as part of a travel trade incentive roadshow for UAE agents to promote holidays to Ireland.



Tourism Ireland estimates 65,000 visitors travelled from the UAE to Ireland in 2015, representing an 18 per cent growth over the previous year.-TradeArabia News Service
FreshTunes Launches Offering 100% Free Music Distribution To Spotify, Apple, All Major Services

In the digital age, music distribution has become a commodity, and like most commodities the price is almost constantly moving downward. Companies like CDBaby, TuneCore and OnePRM offer flat fee or low cost services and now FreshTunes has driven the price to zero.

_____________________________

FreshTunes has launched to offer free distribution to all major music streaming and download stores. The service takes no cut of revenues, royalties or rights  the artist keeps 100%; and in beta 5o,000 tracks were distributed to Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, Google Music, Amazon, Shazam, YouTube, SAAVN, Guvera and others.

FreshTunes makes its money from interest on funds waiting to be distributed to artists and via add on services including artwork, lyric video production, ringtone production, promotion of artist videos on the FreshTunes YouTube channel, LANDR automated music mastering and MFiT to fit music to iTunes quality standards.

FreshTunes' Artist Dashboard

Headquaterd in Dubai, with offices in Moscow, Brazil and UK, FreshTunes has already distributed indie hip hop star Oxxxymiron's #1 album (Hip Hop chart, iTunes Russia) and Jamala, the Ukrainian winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

"I believe weve created a new model that is fair and gives the best value for money for all independent artists," says serial tech founder Nikolay Okorokov. "It is one that we believe will create a new shift in digital music distribution. So many artists now are choosing to stay independent, even after achieving global success  its a trend that hasnt gone unnoticed and FreshTunes is all about empowering and supporting the independent community of musicians around the world to truly run their careers on their terms.

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15

Six professionals from different fields were honoured for their outstanding work in their respective fields by the First Friday Forum during its annual function held at the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10-C here today.

Founder of the forum Dr SS Bhatti conferred the awards on flautist Ravinder Singh, Prof AK Agarwal, Ar Yashinder Bahga, Prof Neerja Babbar and a photo artist Deep Bhatia. Er Anil Sharma presented the Master Poet Rishi Patialvi Memorial Award to Zahid Abrol.

The event was dedicated to Ar Sardul Singh Virdi, an illustrious alumnus of the Chandigarh College of Architecture settled in Kenya, who died in Nairobi on September 16 after a brief illness.

Renu Khanna, principal architect of Renu Khanna and Associates, Panchkula, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Ravinder Singh, eminent flute maestro, received the award for his lifelong dedication to the promotion of classical instrumental music. His loving devotion to Lord Krishnas instrument sets him apart as a rare Sikh maestro of flute. His special composition in Raga Marwa was played as a tribute to late Sardul Singh Virdi.

Prof AK Agarwal, former president of the Mathematical Society of India, has imbibed the unique characteristic of mathematics of never reconciling with untruth and mythical assumptions. This shows up when he resorts to apt quotes from the Gita to substantiate his views in public discourses.

Yashinder Bahga was conferred the honour for his sensitivity to environmental planning and architectural innovation in bringing about a healthy blending of tradition and modernity. By sheer hard work and creativity he has established his professional credentials in other states too.

Neerja Babbar, director of MM School of Architecture, Baddi, was honoured for her contribution to architectural education. Through her practical experience and ongoing research in building design, she keeps abreast of the latest in the coursework and pedagogy of architecture.

Deep Bhatia, an alumnus of Panjab University in Economics, has made valuable contribution to photographic art. The award recognises the fact that following his creative impulse he left a government job to pursue his passion, eventually establishing photography as an independent art form.

Zahid Abrol, an MA (Hons) in Physics, has enriched Urdu ghazal and raised the level of translation by rendition in Urdu and Hindi of Sheikh Farids Punjabi verses. The award recognises that he has consummated in his work the lyrical confluence of science, banking, and translation.

Moreover, Abhilasha Gupta and Divya Sirohiwall were given cash prizes of Rs 1,500 and 1,200 with commendation certificates, respectively, for their entries in the FFF essay-writing contest on How to keep Chandigarh clean under Prime Minister Narendra Modis Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15

A local court today chargesheeted nine members of a gang, who carrying sharp weapons and a pistol, looted Rs 5 lakh from a cash van outside the Khuda Ali Sher branch of the State Bank of Patiala in 2014. They were also involved in a heist of Rs 1.34 crore, robbed from a cash van of the Axis Bank at Sector 85 in Mohali.

The matter will now be taken up on October 28. Ranpreet Singh, alias Rana, alias Teetu (35) of Banur, Butta Giri (22), Joginder Singh (38), Manpreet Singh, alias Manna, Talwinder Singh, alias Chann (21), all from Sohana, Harjeet Singh, alias Harry, of Hoshiarpur, Parminder Singh (31) of Sector 23, Chandigarh, and two others are among those chargesheeted by the court.

In a case of daylight robbery, the armed men chased the cash van inside a narrow lane in Khuda Ali Sher village leading to the bank branch. As the cashier had gone inside the bank to deposit the cash, the assailants attacked the driver of the cash van, Prabhjit, and another gunman Som Pal, who were standing beside the cash van loaded with boxes that carried Rs 70 lakh. The robbers then pulled out a cash box which contained Rs 5 lakh.

Later, at the time of their arrest, two unlicensed .32-bore pistols, an air pistol, around 10 cartridges, three cars, two laptops and other crude weapons, including two axes and a saw, were recovered.

The main accused, Rana, was already facing at least six cases of theft, robberies and carjacking at the Mohali, Sohana, Mataur and Rajpura police stations while Parminder Singh, Chann and Butta too were facing at least two similar cases each at the Rajpura and Mataur police stations.

They used country-made weapons purchased from Uttar Pradesh and were active in cases of theft and carjacking between 2009 and 2012, the police said.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 15

Education Minister Manish Sisodia today declared the second mega parent-teacher meeting (PTM) in government-run schools as successful and said the meeting helped parents understand the qualities of their children.

The PTM has become a medium to establish communication between teachers, parents and students which is necessary, he said.

He said issuing report cards of students to their parents by teachers was a part of the meeting.

Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia visited some schools in his constituency to meet parents and said, We are very happy with the amazing turn out of parents even for this PTM.

Sisodia said it helped parents to understand the qualities as well as

shortcomings of their children, adding that the PTM had become a best window to engage parents with teachers.

It is an excellent opportunity for both parents and teachers to understand the childs requirements better. Everyone including teachers, children, parents are happy about the PTMs, he said.

The first parent-teacher meeting was held on July 30 and the government had announced that the meeting would be held twice a year.

Delhis second mega PTM was held successfully across all government schools, in both morning and evening shifts in the national Capital today.

During the PTM, teachers shared childrens report cards with parents, for the Summative Assessment (SA) that was held in the last week of September.

Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain and Labour Minister Gopal Rai also visited many schools and interacted with parents and students during the PTM.

Schools laid out red carpet for parents, and light refreshments were offered to all. Since this was the second such initiative, many parents were more aware of what to expect and had come prepared with questions and clarifications from teachers.

A robust education system understands the importance of keeping parents in the loop and taking them into confidence, said a Delhi government official.
Our Correspondent

Jind, October 15

A local court today awarded rigorous life imprisonment to four convicts in the murder case of a policeman.

Omprakash Lathor, his sons, Sunil Lathor and Sumit Lathor, and wife Shanti Devi had brutally killed CIA head constable Rajkumar on December 17, 2011, when Omprakash and Sunil had a scuffle with Rajkumar during checking of vehicles on the Bhiwani road.

Sources said the accused were not carrying registration documents of their vehicle and when policemen tied to issue challan to them, they had heated arguments with the policemen which turned into a major scuffle. Both the accused managed to escape from the spot.

When a police team raided at their house to arrest them, all family members, who were carrying sharp-edged weapons, attacked the police team.

In the incident, Rajkumar was killed and four other policemen received serious injuries.
Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15

The BJP government, led by first-time MLA Manohar Lal Khattar, is treading cautiously on the change of land use (CLU) front.

With the grant of CLUs, especially during the 10-year rule of Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government, bringing a lot of embarrassment to Haryana, the BJP government is going slow on the grant of CLU permissions. The general recession in the industrial sector, especially realty, had brought down the CLU cases in the past two years.

Surprisingly, Khattar seems to be the only Chief Minister in recent years who is not taking much interest in CLUs though he heads the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), the department entrusted with granting CLUs. Unlike the past, officials entrusted with granting CLUs apparently work independently in the DTCP.

In fact, Khattar is credited with easing the process for grant of CLUs for certain categories of landowners in an apparent bid to boost the economy.

As part of its new industrial policy, the state government has eased the process for granting CLUs for the industry, Now, the state government has empowered DCs to grant CLUs for setting up industrial units on an area of up to one acre and for projects costing up to Rs 10 crore.

However, CLUs for bigger projects continue to be granted at the level of the Director General, Town and Country Planning Department, following approval of a high-level committee. In this process, certain safeguards had been inserted in relevant rules for the benefit of CLU seekers.

In the last two years, there has not been any major complaint of corruption or nepotism in grant of CLUs in Haryana, which is testimony to transparent functioning of the DTCP, headed by the Chief Minister. The BJP government has put an end to the practice of release of acquired land, which had virtually become the norm during Hoodas tenure, said Rajiv Jain, state BJP media in charge.

During Hoodas tenure, CLU permissions, especially to AICC chief Sonias Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra, had raised a lot of dust with non-Congress parties, including the BJP and INLD, pointing a finger at alleged favours shown to certain persons.

The Khattar government constituted Justice Dhingra Commission to investigate 16 cases of commercial licences totalling 63.4 acres in Sector 83 of Gurgaon. These included licence given to a Vadra company. The war of words between the Congress and BJP over alleged favours to Vadra continues unabated.
Our Correspondent

Dalhousie, October 15

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, on the 46th Founders Day of Dalhousie Public School (DPS), today inaugurated Beejis Park as a tribute to mothers on the premises today.

The park has a MiG 21 aircraft, two surface-to-air Pichorra missiles, a T-55 battle tank, a model of Shivalik Frigate and many other such items of interest.

This inaugural ceremony was followed by the main function of the school. Students performed a cultural show which rendered the audience spellbound for two hours.

A unique religious cultural rendition of Hanuman Chalisa transformed the scenario into a spiritual atmosphere and bhangra performed by about 300 students created vibrations which made everyone to dance on the beat of drums.

An impressive physical training show and Tae-Kwan-Do techniques were the other interesting features of this function.

The Admiral in his keynote address exhorted the students that they were the future of the country and must imbibe the values of courage, integrity and service to the nation. He also praised the school for its clean campus and high level of cultural show.
Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, October 15

The bonhomie between two senior leaders of the BJP, former Chief Minister and MP from Kangra Shanta Kumar and Union Minister for Health JP Nadda, was on display here today.

Both leaders were here to mobilise the BJP cadre from Kangra for the Prime Minister Narendra Modis rally at Mandi on October 18. Reliable sources here said at a meeting of party workers, Shanta Kumar, the senior most leader of BJP in the state, addressed JP Nadda as Adarnia (respected) and then laughed. Both were seen sharing pleasantries before and after the workers meeting.

The combination of Nadda and Shanta had party workers from Kangra district enthused. Former MLA from Nurpur Rakesh Pathania, who had returned to the party fold, courtesy JP Nadda, was at the Gaggal airport along with his supporters to welcome his mentor.

The emerging bonhomie between Shanta and Nadda is also indicative of the new political combination within the BJP in view the Assembly elections next year. The state BJP, over the past about one decade, has been dominated by former CM Prem Kumar Dhumals group. The division in the state BJP, especially in Kangra district, was also one of the major factors for the loss of the party in the last Assembly elections.

While the BJP had done well in other districts, due to infighting in Kangra district, the party suffered a major debacle as it could manage just three out of 15 Assembly segments here.

Still the party was a divided house in Kangra. Sources here said Nadda had got the power to set the house right in Kangra. The results of Naddas efforts were obvious as Rakesh Pathania and Dullo Ram were back in the party fold. Sources said some former BJP leaders from Kangra were also in touch with Nadda and may soon return. The Shanta-Nadda combination is likely to provide a platform to the BJP leaders who had left the party earlier owing to internal politics or were feeling marginalised.

Nadda today remained tightlipped about his political activities in Kangra district. When contacted by The Tribune, he said, Not this time, just concentrating on the PMs rally.

Sources said BJP leaders from Kangra had been given a target to send 10,000 party workers for the rally in Mandi.

It was also decided that a rally of Modi in Kangra district is likely to be organised in December.
Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 14

Children as small as six to seven-year old are lured into entering illicit drug trade and liquor business by making them habitual drinkers in the Basti Sheikh area of the city.

This fact came to light after a Tribune team visited the area today following the death of 29-year-old Manish Luthar who was allegedly killed by a bootlegger gang of the area.

Every evening, the area turns into a drug street where open sale of cocaine and liquor bottles becomes rampant. We cant even move out of the house in the evening as the gang members do not even spare women and girls from eve teasing, said a woman.

She said such open trade with heavy inflow of money had made a devastating effect on children in the area, as the bootleggers gang had lured them into the illegal trade by offering them free supply of bottles and drugs as well. Sometimes, they also use them as couriers in transferring bottles from one place to another in the area, said the woman.

Women with folded hands were seen urging police officials present there to save their children from falling prey to drugs and liquor mafia.

Another area resident Ashok Soni who survived an attack by Ujjagar Singh, accused of killing Manish Luther, around three years ago said that he too was against the illicit trade and had tried to stop Ujjagar Singh many times, but instead, he attacked him with sharp-edged weapons. I was saved only because people immediately came to my rescue and the goons fled from the spot. Instead of arresting Singh, the police came and ended the matter with a compromise, said Soni.

Area residents also claimed the involvement of excise officials in the illicit trade. We do not know from where such huge consignments are coming, but this is not possible without the connivance of excise officials as trucks full of liquor cases were seen in the area in late night and getting emptied into smaller vehicles for further supply in the city, said another resident Nirmala Rani.

Area residents have urged Police Commissioner Arpit Shukla to visit the area to know the names of police officials who are shielding the liquor mafia in the area.

We are ready to tell him the names of the police officials who are hand in glove with those involved in THE liquor trade, said another resident.

Manishs sister did not open the door while he was getting stabbed outside her house.

Manishs cousin sister Suman was inconsolable. Only a few days ago, Manish told me not to intervene in any fight in the area as a majority of them involved liquor mafia only. On the ill-fated day, while Manish fell in front of my main door only and the assailants were stabbing him repeatedly, I did not open the door as I thought that it must be an internal fight between the gang members. I wish I could have paid heed to Manishs cries and had intervened in the matter, he could have been alive today, said Suman.

Gloom in Manishs house

During the Tribune teams visit to Manishs house on Friday, his photograph was seen kept upside down in the drawing room. When asked, the relatives said it was done at the behest of his mother who was in no condition to see the face of his son and was fainting repeatedly. I cannot forget my son. To do so, either I have to change my heart or have to die, said an inconsolable mother.

Area residents remember former SHO Somnath

While remembering former area SHO Somnath, area residents said it was only during his tenure that illicit liquor trade got suspended in the area. Sometimes, he used to conduct raids twice in a day and had created a huge fear amongst the liquor mafia. Nowadays, the trade is running openly in the area under the patronage of the police and some political leaders, said area residents.
Mukesh Ranjan



Tribune News Service



New Delhi, October 14

Alarmed by Intelligence reports that terrorists, who are learnt to have infiltrated and fanned in the hinterland hidings with local support, might create havoc on national highways by adopting a new strategy of hit and scoot, the Centre has sounded state governments and advised them to step up patrolling along these roads.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said they had received inputs on how terrorists were reworking their modus operandi to attack and make India bleed. With the festive season on and people preferring travel by road in their own vehicles even for long distance, the state governments had been alerted to keep tight vigil on highways, they said.

Considering the fact that agencies kept less security watch on highways, the sources quoting IB report said that terrorists might look to strike along these roads. They might try and repeat their J&K style of operation where a majority of attacks, including the one at EDI in Pampore some days ago, had been along highways, they said.

The Intelligence has also warned that monuments and other important installations along highways could be targeted. In its report, the IB suggested that some of the terrorists could have even slipped into other northern states and may be waiting to strike.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 15

Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan said terrorists in the Valley were using innocent children and youth as fodder to satiate their unholy agenda.

They (terrorists) push column of innocent youth forward provoking them to throw stones at security forces while taking shelter behind, to which the security forces have to retaliate. In the process casualties are suffered on both sides, said Paswan.

The Union Minister said under such circumstances, it was up to the people in the Valley to decide whether to go with terrorists or with Indian forces, whom they considered more strongly placed.

Paswan did not back the idea of the Indian government going for dialogue with people in Kashmir as well as with Pakistan to douse the Valley unrest as advocated by former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

The promoters and participants of Kashmir turmoil do not recognise India as a state on one hand and on the other they raise and waive Pakistani flags. Under such circumstances, dialogue is of no value in any context, said Paswan.

Ram Vilas Paswan also recalled the all-party delegations visit to Kashmir, which found no healthy outcome on talks with separatists.

We had gone to the Valley with an open invitation for talks with all. Separatists did not turn up. What more is left for any talks now? he said. On politicisation of surgical strikes by the Opposition parties, he said unfortunate part of it was that after the Uri attack, the Opposition held Prime Minister Narendra Modi guilty of not acting against the perpetrators of the attack.

After surgical strikes, the Opposition, instead of commending the Army and nation, started making adverse statements, which is quite unfortunate, said Paswan, adding that the Prime Minister had categorically asked all ministers to refrain from giving any statement on the conduct of the Army on strikes, but since the Opposition was trying to defame the nations act of bravery, our ministers were provoked to retaliate to their uncalled demeanour.

Paswan also recalled the 1965 war saying whenever its mention comes up, it is remembered with the then Prime Minister Lal Bhadur Shastri. He said carving out of Bangladesh was a credit which was given to the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was termed as Maa Durga by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Union Minister also corroborated Union Defence Minister Manohar Parikkars claim that no surgical strikes were conducted in earlier Congress regimes.

Expressing Indias concern on terror from abroad, the Union minister said the countrys biggest enemy was terrorists and security forces were highly trained and equipped to neutralise them.

Indias major enemy is terrorists and it should be left on the Army only to decide as to where, how and when an action should be taken against them, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign policy has yielded excellent results and Pakistan has been announced as a terrorist state by most of the countries, he said.

Dismissing Pakistan as a country of no locus standi, Paswan said its threat on nuclear front also had no affect on India.

Earlier addressing a press conference, the Union minister gave a detailed account of new norms added to food and public distribution. He said the Food Security Act was being revised and new laws for consumer protection were on the anvil.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 15

While the Al-Umar Mujahideen, headed by militant commander Mushtaq Zargar, owned the responsibility for the Friday attack on the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Srinagar outskirts, the police investigations have suggested the attack was carried out by the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Initial investigations have found out that at least two militants of the Lashkar were involved in the attack. We have taken up investigation, a police officer privy to the investigation said. Militants, after carrying out the attack, took advantage of the residential area and the darkness to escape, he added.

The officer said that the owning of the attack by the Al-Umar was aimed at diverting the investigation.

Soon after the attack, Al-Umar chief Mushtaq Zargar, in a telephonic statement to a Srinagar-based English daily, owned the responsibility for the attack and said they would continue such attacks.

The Al-Umar chief was one of the three militants released as part of the 1999 Kandahar hijack prisoner swap. Zargar was released along with Masood Azhar - the founder of the Jaish-e-Mohammed  and Omar Saeed Sheikh.

Around 7 pm on Friday, militants attacked an SSB party near Zakoora on the outskirts of Srinagar city. One jawan was killed and nine others, including a policeman, were injured in the attack.

The slain SSB man was identified as Ghanshyam, a resident of Rajasthan. His wreath-laying ceremony took place today in Srinagar.

Director General (DG), SSB, Archana Ramasundaram, who reached Srinagar from New Delhi today, attended the wreath-laying ceremony along with senior police and SSB officers.

Talking to reporters after the wreath-laying ceremony, the DG said that it could have been a more dangerous attack had the forces not retaliated.

Three companies were coming back in six vehicles. There were 130-138 men travelling in the convoy. Two or three persons (militants) fired on the convoy. Our jawans fought bravely and retaliated. Had they not fought back, there would have been more casualties, the DG said, adding that it will be difficult to say who is responsible. I am sure the local police are looking into it. We will cooperate.

The SSB DG said the forces were alert to handle any situation.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 15

Before July 8, the starting point of the ongoing unrest, which completes 100 days tomorrow, the security forces had killed 70 militants in different anti-militancy operations  the highest since 2010.

However, during the over three-month-long unrest, while few anti-militancy operations have been carried out in Kashmir, the militants have been able to inflict heavy casualties on the security forces.

During the unrest period, the priority of the forces was containing law and order situation across Kashmir. The intelligence network of the forces was hit due to the unrest. At places, even if they had information about militants, the priority was different. While in hinterland forces were busy in handling street protests, the Army continued its anti-infiltration operations along the Line of Control during the unrest.

However, many militants have been able to breach the fence. One such breach resulted in the deadliest ever attack on the forces in Uri, close to the LoC, last month in which the Army lost 19 soldiers in a fidayeen attack. While the Uri attack triggered anger across the country, it also brought a sudden jump in the fatalities suffered by the forces in J&K, making it the highest in the last six years.

This year so far 65 security men have been killed in various gunfights. Out of these fatalities over 55 per cent forces men have died during the unrest  clearly hinting that the anti-militancy grid has been hit due to the unrest.

Police sources said militants had been able to consolidate themselves in various parts of Kashmir, especially in south Kashmir, that has been the epicentre of the unrest. There are preliminary estimates that many youth have gone missing from the four districts of south Kashmir and there is a possibility that they have joined militant ranks in most likely the Hizbul Mujahideen, the group Burhan belonged to. There have been many rifle-snatching incidents in the past three months in south Kashmir hinting that these new recruits have been handed over these rifles.

While Kashmir remained crippled due to the unrest, there are intelligence inputs that many militants have been able to sneak into the Valley from across the border and are hiding in many districts of north Kashmir. These militants even carried out offensive attacks on Army convoys in Baramulla, resulting in casualties to forces. The attacks on Army convoys forced them to ply their convoys during the day almost over a month after the unrest broke. The Army convoys during the unrest were to be plied during the night to avoid confrontation with protesters.

The Uri attack triggered war clouds with the Army carrying out surgical strikes. However, after the surgical strikes there seems neither a let up in infiltration attempts from across the border, nor any let up in militant attacks in Kashmir. Three fidayeen attacks took place after these surgical strikes. While two fidayeen attempts were foiled, a three-day-long gunfight on Srinagar outskirts at Pampore concluded with the killing of two fidayeen militants. Militants have also made their presence felt in Srinagar, one on August 15 and another on October 14.

Meanwhile, the intensity of protests and clashes has come down in the Valley. In the past over three months, our focus has shifted to law and order. It will take one-month hard work to regain the ground, said a senior police officer with a counter-insurgency background.

Governor NN Vohra chaired a high-level security review meeting on Friday, which was attended by top security and intelligence officials. They emphasised on the need to resume anti-militancy operations.
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 15

The city police today nabbed a bootlegger with 2,250 bottles of liquor. The vehicle, in which the accused was transporting the liquor stock, was impounded.

The accused has been identified as Kulwant Rai Kanda, a resident of Vasarke village in Amritsar.

Harbans Singh, in charge of Anti Narcotic Cell, Ludhiana, said the police had received a tip-off that a liquor smuggler, carrying a huge stock of liquor in a vehicle, was heading to deliver the consignment. A naka was laid at the Ladowal chowk and the vehicle intercepted.

During a search of the vehicle, the police recovered 2,250 bottles of liquor kept in different boxes.

The driver had no permit or other documents pertaining to the liquor. Another persons sitting on the passenger's seat, identified as Mandeep Singh, alias Jangi of Chapa Ram Singh village in Amritsar, escaped.

During questioning, the accused told the police that he was a driver by profession and the liquor stock belonged to Mandeep, who brought the same from some place in Chandigarh.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 15

India and Russia today sought to revive an old friendship with mega defence deals and common concerns on terrorism. Welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa for the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in Russian and said, An old friend is better than two new friends.

The PM went on to say that he and Putin affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters.

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India has made it clear that it wants to use the BRICS forum as a platform to isolate Pakistan, without actually naming the country. After the Uri attacks of September 18, Russia was one of the few countries that issued a strong statement expressing solidarity with India. Modi today sought to build on that sentiment: Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, which threatens our entire region.

Later, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said both leaders expressed the need to deny safe havens to terrorists, counter the spread of terrorist ideology, prevent recruitment and travel of terrorists, strengthen border management and essentially have a legal regime built on the principle of zero tolerance for, or indirect support of, terrorism.

Nuclear energy is another area where both countries took forward steps. Both leaders launched the second unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and laid the foundation stone for parts 3 and 4 of the project via video-conferencing.

In another significant development, Rosneft, Russias state-controlled oil group, took over Essar Oil in a deal estimated at $13 billion. In all, 16 agreements were signed.
Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 15

Kashmirs summer has ended, the autumnal cold engulfs the region, but the paralysing impact of the unrest sparked on the evening of July 8 continues. Sunday will mark 100 days of the spiral of violence that has the Valley in its throes.

The statistics are grim: 87 dead, thousands injured, hundreds blinded, and scores of daily arrests. The economic cost has been crippling.

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Fatigue may have set in, the police crackdown may have overwhelmed the protesting crowds, but there is no end to the daily shutdowns. The unrest had its origin in the killing of Burhan Wani, the poster boy of new-age militancy. It sparked demonstrations across Kashmir as protesters clashed with the police and paramilitary forces, and attacked government installations.

During the first two days itself, nearly 30 civilians died. The government approach  lethal and non-lethal munition against protesters and forming a delegation of parliamentarians for political outreach  proved to be insignificant as anger mounted after each killing.

In August, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti accused Pakistan of provoking the youth as the situation continued to remain volatile.

Civilian deaths and injuries were reported from almost every district, be it the frontier Kupwara or the central city of Srinagar, signifying the deep-rooted undercurrent of anger. The unrest also provided a window to the separatist leadership to regain their influence.

This kind of situation has emerged for the third time in the last eight years, a police official said, adding: Every time it cannot be solved as a management problem; there has to be a review and there has to be a political solution.

Noor Mohammad Baba, a former professor of political science, said it was difficult to assess the implications of this unrest. However, it reinforces the alienation. A whole new generation has also got involved into it, he said.
Varanasi/Chandauli, October 15

Twenty-four people died and 50 were wounded in a stampede on Rajghat bridge between Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi and Chandauli on Monday, as thousands headed to a nearby village for a religious function.

Pilgrims were headed to Chandauli Domri village  2 km from the bridge  for a two-day function that spiritual guru Jai Gurudev was holding, a senior police officer, ADG (Law and Order) Daljit Chaudhary, said.

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The congregation, a samagam (or a camp), began on Saturday.

The ancient Indian city of Varanasi is the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. He also announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the dead and free medical treatment to the wounded.

The function has already begun drawing criticism: organisers have been accused of bringing in people in droves, although they have only taken permission for 2,000-3,000 pilgrims.

Chaudhary said one person died of suffocation on the bridge, causing the swelling crowd to panic, resulting in the stampede.

The religious organisation however blamed the incident on the police Police began to turn the crowds back, which lead to rumours that the bridge had collapsed and caused panic, Jai Gurudev Sansthans spokesman Raj Bahadur claimed, accusing the administration of a serious lapse.

Principal Secretary (Home) Devashish Panda, Home Secretary SK Raghuvanshi and DGP Javeed Ahmed are currently in Varanasi to monitor rescue operations.

Chaudhary said that additional force, including 20 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary, has been deployed in the area for the second day of the function.  PTI
New Delhi, October 15

Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Saturday left on a five-day visit to Hungary and Algeria, where he will raise the matter of cross-border terrorism and a host of other bilateral issues.

The visit comes amid the continuing tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and the Indian Armys surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK.

Absolutely. This will be the major theme in all his (Vice-President) bilateral talks, Sujata Mehta, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs told reporters yesterday, when asked whether Ansari will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism with the leaders of the two countries.

Terrorism will be a major item in both Hungary and Algeria, she said.

Ansari will first visit Hungary from October 15 to 17 and Algeria from October 17 to 19.

During the visit, Mehta said, Ansari will hold discussions with Presidents of Hungary and Algeria, Prime Minister of Hungary and Speakers of national assembly.

She said terrorism was not new for Algeria and that the country has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past.

There will be meetings of minds to fight terrorism with all his (Ansari) interlocutors and counterparts in both the countries, Mehta said.

The Vice-Presidents visit to Hungary comes after more than two decades after the then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Algerias President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in India in 2001.

While around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries, bilateral trade between India and Algeria stands at $1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India.  PTI
Budapest, October 15

Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived here on a three-day visit to Hungary during which he will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India along with a host of bilateral issues.

The visit comes amid the current tension with Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and subsequent surgical strikes carried out by the Army on terror launch pads in the PoK.

The issue of terrorism emanating from across Indias border will be raised during the bilateral meetings the Vice President will have with Hungarys President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the top leadership. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta said terrorism would be the major theme in the Vice Presidents bilateral talks in Hungary.

After this trip, the Vice President will visit Algeria from October 17 to 19.  PTI
Even during the decades of defacto open borders between the end of the Civil War and 1921, when severe restrictions were imposed for the first time, presidents always qualified their support for immigration by saying newcomers had to assimilate and could not be criminals, dangerous to public safety or likely to become a public charge. The Democratic platform does not support open borders. It supports our immigration laws (at least in theory) which limit the number of newcomers overall and by region of origin.

If the Trump campaign were focused on the real issues instead of survival, that statement would be front and center in the upcoming debate and might disqualify her for the presidency. No nominee of a major party has declared support for open borders, which means no restriction on immigration in our history.

Thanks to Wikileaks we know that Hillary Clinton gave a speech to a Brazilian bank in 2013 in which she said My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders .

Arguably immigration enforcement was the issue that boosted Trump to the front of the Republican pack. It is his tough stance and his dedication to trade barriers that make him competitive in the election. Absent those two issues, he would not be a serious candidate, at least in my view.

On both of those issues he has departed from conventional political policy on the last few decades. The Clinton statement puts her outside the mainstream at the other end of the spectrum. If this were widely circulated, she would be compelled to renounce her past statement, which surely pleased her South American banker audience. It would be very hard for her to do this.

She might recoil from the phrase open borders but advocates of liberal immigration have great difficulty in setting either numerical or geographic limits on who should be able to enter the U.S. Will she say immigrants must have at least a high school education? Must be able to speak English? Must not have a criminal record? Must have job skills? A yes answer to any of these would place her outside the Democratic party position and enrage key constituencies like Hispanics.

Trump may be a very flawed candidate but he has an instinct for the jugular- especially on immigration. His speech on the topic in August was excellent and actually proposed serious reforms that would take us where we need to go to get control of the borders.

It still might be possible to refocus the campaign on this issue, in which the gap between them could hardly be greater and his core constituency needs reassurance.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 15

The agreement between India and Russia on military equipment purchase is being tipped as a game-changer as it further cements the five-decade-old ties between the two nations.

The outcome of the Narendra Modi-Vladimir Putin bilateral meeting in Goa this afternoon will be read with keen interest among military observers in China, Pakistan, the US, Japan and Europe.

Set to cost $5 billion (Rs 39,000 crore), S-400 Triumf air defence missiles are mounted on road mobile launchers and carried by specialised trucks. The missile system includes multi-layered radars capable of tracking 300 targets such as missiles, planes, drones, helicopters and shoot down around three dozen simultaneously. It can hit incoming airborne targets between 20 km and 400 km  a rarity to have such vast range mated in a single missile system. It can also hit target at an altitude of 55 km. With inter-continental missiles (having more than 5,500 km range) travelling at 70-80 km altitude, this can come in handy for the defence forces. Russia deployed the missile system during the attack launched on the Islamic State in Syria a few months ago.

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The Kamov 226T helicopter will allow pilots to fly to the Siachen glacier or similar altitudes across the Himalayas much safely and with greater load carrying capacities. At least 200 of the twin-engine Kamov  a light utility helicopter  will be produced. These will cost $1 billion (Rs 6,800 crore).

The helicopters will be deployed for surveillance, dropping small loads and for rescue, including of troops posted at high altitudes such as the Siachen Glacier-Saltoro Ridge region. It has a flight ceiling of 18,700 feet  meaning it can fly over almost all of the Himalayan passes with ease. It will be made in India by public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) stealth frigates will replace the three Godavari-class frigates that the Navy has. One of these has been de-commissioned while the other two are on their way out. The Yantar shipyard in Russia made six of these between 2003 and 2013. Of the four more, two are ready in Russia and will have a Ukrainian engine. The deal had been held up due to frosty relations between Russia and Ukraine. Two others will be made at an Indian shipyard.
New Delhi, October 15

The BJP, which is trying to woo the Dalits ahead of crucial UP polls, on Saturday celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with party chief Amit Shah paying rich tributes to the poet-saint.

Addressing a function to celebrate 'Valmiki Jayanti' at the party headquarters here, Shah said the Modi government had dedicated all its schemes to Dalits and the poor to help ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.

He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creator of Hindu epic Ramayana, in uplift of the Valmiki community and Dalits. Shah noted that the Maharishi had said all are equal and added that the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.

The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one that is working most for Dalits, backwards, tribals and the poor. Take any ministry or department, you will see that the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, Dalits, backwards and the oppressed," he said.

The BJP has been trying hard to reach out the Dalit community ahead of crucial polls in five states slated early next year but has suffered setbacks due to a string of controversies, including Rohith Vemula issue and attacks on Dalits by cow vigilantes.

The party has been celebrating the legacy of Dalit icon Ambedkar. Shah had also addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur yesterday which was attended by Dalits who had converted to Buddhism.

The BJP chief today highlighted the manner in which the government has asked banks to help finance Dalits for self-employment through its schemes, saying it is a big indication of the change being initiated.

If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to bring a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar," he said.

BJP said anyone can achieve greatness by drawing inspiration from Valmiki's life.

"Ramayana is not merely the life story of Lord Rama but is an instrument of giving the message of importance of Indian culture to the world.

"Through the Ramaayan, Maharishi Valmiki gave the message that the victory in the end will be of truth, notwithstanding how strong or clever the untruth is," he said.

Shah said Maharishi Valmiki worked silently for social harmony and the uplift of Dalits all his life. "He told us that social harmony lies within the soul of Indian society. He had also said that all people are alike and one need not say this as it is embedded in the Indian culture," he said.

"Dalits, tribals, backwards, poor and youth are there in all the schemes of the BJP-led government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi," he said.

Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, BJP general secretary Ram Lal and in-charge of BJP's SC Morcha Dushyant Gautam were also present at the function that was attended by a number of party workers.

Some eminent members of the Valmiki community who have done exemplary work were also honoured.  PTI
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 15

With just a few months to go for the Uttar Pradesh elections, the Congress today mooted the idea of most backward classes as a separate category for reservation within the larger other backward classes (OBC) pie.

Eyes on the non-Yadav OBC segment, Congress general secretary in charge of UP Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Congress will make the promise of an assured quota for most backward classes (MBCs) part of its UP election manifesto.

The decision came after party vice-president Rahul Gandhi today met a section of MBC leaders from UP.

The politics behind the Congress move is its urge to check the dominant OBCs, the Yadavs, from cornering all the benefits of 27 per cent OBC quota. Yadavs have traditionally supported the ruling Samajwadi Party in Indias largest state. Since the 2007 state elections, this trend has been even more pronounced.

Meanwhile, the non-Yadav OBC chunk, though a formidable force in UP, remains politically unorganised. The non-Yadav OBCs, who fall in the most backward class category, do not act as one coherent group like the Yadavs do. Lack of economic empowerment is one reason. The idea is to bring them to the centre-stage and ensure they get the benefits of OBC quota, UP Congress chief Raj Babbar said.

The Congress is proposing a division of the overall 27 per cent OBC quota to benefit both the OBCs and MBCs. The idea was successfully implemented by Nitish Kumar in Bihar when he extended the quota benefit to extremely backward classes, strategically excluding Paswans from the EBC categorisation.

Rahul told the visiting delegation that Congress governments in Karnataka and previously in Maharashtra, Andhra and Haryana have provided sub-quotas for MBCs within the OBC reservation limit of 27 per cent and 10 Indian states have such laws.

Among UPs backward castes the Congress is seeking to woo are Baghels, Naais, Telis, Vishwakarmas, Sunars, Lohars. Chaurasiyas, Kurmis and Kushwahas.

The BJP too has been making similar noises about MBCs but the Congress has pre-empted any saffron move to include a quota promise in the UP election manifesto.
Ahmedabad, October 15

Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel appears to be warming up to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections, by issuing statements supporting the Delhi Chief Minister and urging him to spell out what he can do for his community.

Kejriwal, on a four-day visit to Gujarat, is widely seen to be in the poll-bound state to woo the numerously strong Patel community to gain foothold in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf, where the BJP has been in power for long but is now facing challenges.

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Hardik is being wooed by all opposition parties of Gujarat after he came out of jail, and declared that he might jump into politics if his community members wanted him to do so.

The 23-year-old Hardiks leaning towards the AAP and Kejriwal are being seen as a major shift in the strategy of his organisation, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), which has so far tried not only to maintain distance from political parties but also opposed leaders of the BJP and Congress whenever they tried to organise programmes in Patel-dominated areas.

On Friday, Hardik issued a statement in support of Kejriwal, who was on his arrival greeted with protests by members of a local outfit Yuva Azadi over his remarks on the surgical strikes by the Army.

We should not oppose Arvind Kejriwal when he is coming to meet the families of those who died during Patidar communitys reservation agitation. He will tell the rest of the country about our plight, Patel said in a message from Udaipur.

Later, Hardik through members of his outfit in Mehasna, gave a written memorandum to Kejriwal, in which he asked the latter to spell out what he could do for the community.

Our youths lost lives during the quota agitation, cases were slapped against us for carrying out the agitation. Please spell out during your visit what you can do for us, Patel wrote in the memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister.

Our main demand is reservation for our community and you should spell out what you can do for giving us reservation, he asked.

The BJP has finished democracy in Gujarat. You are the chief minister of Delhi and whatever you say will be heard in the entire country. I request you to do whatever is possible for our community, the memorandum by Hardik said.

In response, Kejriwal said, It is important that those leaders who ordered firing on Patel protesters (during quota agitation of August 2015) should be punished. PTI
Benaulim (Goa), October 15

India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big-ticket defence deals, including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters, besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight terrorism unitedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

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The defence deals included India buying the gamechanger S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over $5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state-of-art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russias understanding and support of Indias actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to Indias surgical strike across the LoC targeting terror launch pads.

Russias clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region.

We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, Modi said.

Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Modi said the highly productive outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters, constructions of frigates, and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with Indias technology and security priorities, he said.

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in, he said.

He said, We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties. In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability.

On cooperation in atomic sector, he said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India, said the Prime Minister.

Talking about Indias expanding presence in Russias hydrocarbon sector, he said in last four months alone, Indian companies have invested close to $5.5 billion in that countrys Oil and Gas sector.

And, with President Putins support, we are ready and willing to expand the scope of our engagement further. We are also undertaking a joint study of a gas pipeline route between our two countries.

A combination of robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in the Oil and Gas sector, and engagement in renewables can construct a promising Energy Bridge between our two countries, he said.

The Prime Minister said the two countries also agreed to set up a Science and Technology Commission.

Through this our societies will reap the benefits of joint development, transfer and sharing of cutting edge technologies in different fields, he said.

On trade ties, Modi said both countries continue to expand, diversify and deepen economic engagement.

Businesses and industry between our two countries are connected more deeply today. Trade and investment ties are on the upswing.

And, with President Putins backing, we hope to fast track Indias association with Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, he said.

Modi added that efforts by the two sides for early setting up of the Investment Fund of USD 1 billion between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will help advance infrastructure partnership.

The Prime Minister said success of the Summit shines a spotlight on the abiding strength of India-Russia strategic partnership.

It also highlights our strong convergence of views and positions on pressing international and regional issues, he said.

Modi said both he and Putin noted the similarity of views on the situation in Afghanistan and turmoil in West Asia.

We also agreed to work closely to respond to the challenges posed by the unsettled nature of the global economic and financial markets. Our close collaboration at the United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G-20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organization makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage, he said.  PTI
Chennai, October 15

Chief Justice of India T S Thakur on Saturday lauded the exemplary performance of judiciary in the country and said the huge pendency of cases was due to increasing litigations, as he pitched for raising the strength of judges.

National average which is I think around 650 cases per judge at the high court level. Performance of judges in India is exemplary, is very very commendable. Backlog is not because judges are not working, he said at a function here.

He said "the number of cases that are coming before us is so large... we are deciding more than judges in other countries decide.

His remarks come days after the Union Law Ministry had said in a note that shortage of judges was not the "sole reason" for increasing pendency of cases and cited data of states like Delhi and Gujarat which are struggling to dispose of cases despite a higher judge-population ratio.

The CJI had in April last lamented "inaction" by the Executive to increase the number of judges to handle the "avalanche" of litigations.

In his address here today, Justice Thakur also said the judiciary was not looking at any particular number and was ready to discuss and evolve a mechanism for increasing its strength.

We are not looking at any particular number (of judges) such as 40,000, 50,000. We are saying let us sit across the table, let us evolve the reasonable number and then evolve a mechanism and roll out a plan...

The government has its views. It also keeps examining the issue and there is a continuous debate. I only wish that that this debate ends and we agree on a certain number, there is a roll out," he said.

Justice Thakur said he had prepared a report analysing various factors such as judges-case or judges-population ratios and would send it to the government.

The essence of the report was that the number of judges must be increased in order to ensure that the backlog was reduced, he said adding the pile-up was not because judges were not working but due to filing of large number of cases.

Referring to the Law commission's report in 1987 which suggested that there be 40,000 judges, he said the strength today was only 18,000 though the population and number of litigations had gone up manifold.

Justice Thakur was delivering a special address on Mediation Awareness Programme arranged by Tamil Nadu Mediation and reconciliation centre and Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy.  PTI
Islamabad, October 15

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan is ready for talks with India if New Delhi was serious to resolve the Kashmir issue which, he said, is the main cause of unrest in the region.

Pakistan had offered talks on outstanding issues several times but India did not reciprocate, he told reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he wrapped up a three-day visit.

Kashmir was main cause of unrest in the region and India must show seriousness for resolution of the issue and honour its commitment under United Nations Security Council Resolutions, Sharif was quoted as saying by Associated Press of Pakistan.

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Pakistan is committed to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, he said.

Sharif dismissed Indias allegations that Pakistan was behind the attack on an Indian army base camp in Uri, saying India levelled allegations against Pakistan within six hours of the incident.

He said no infiltration took place across the Line of Control (LoC).

Sharifs statement comes amid strains in the relations between Pakistan and India in the wake of the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed last month. PTI
New Delhi, October 15

Controversial Delhi-based meat exporter Moin Qureshi was on Saturday detained at the airport here in a money-laundering case but managed to give immigration authorities the slip and flew to Dubai after showing a court order in an income tax case, leaving officials red faced.

An inquiry has been ordered by the immigration authorities into the gaffe.

Qureshi was detained based on a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case against him.

As the immigration department informed the ED about his detention, Qureshi presented a court order in which there was no restriction on his flying abroad. The immigration officer checked for the veracity of the court order and allowed him to fly to Dubai.

As the ED team reached the airport to take the meat exporter into custody, they were informed that he had been allowed to fly on the basis of a court order.

However, the immigration officer realised that the order was in connection with an Income Tax case and not in the ED case, prompting the authorities to order an inquiry.

According to airport officials, Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the court's nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport.

We have sought documents from immigration authorities based on which Qureshi was allowed to travel. Our officials were on the spot to take his custody but he was allowed to fly abroad, ED sources said.

It is understood that the agency wanted to question Qureshi and had issued summons to him but couldn't lay its hands on him.

The agency had registered a case against Qureshi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year. He is under the scanner of probe agencies for alleged tax evasion and hawala-like dealings.

The agency had slapped fresh charges under PMLA after taking cognisance of the I-T department's charge sheet (also called prosecution complaint) against Qureshi in alleged tax evasion case in a local court last year.

The ED had earlier been probing this case under forex violation laws after the I-T department first shared documents indicating hawala and alleged contravention of forex laws by the businessman and his business entities based here.

It had alleged that Qureshi has sent "huge amount of funds" through the hawala route to Dubai, London and few other overseas destinations in Europe.

The agency early last year had also conducted searches on Qureshi's premises and had questioned him.

The Income Tax department, during its probe, had found Qureshi had 11 bank lockers which were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles belonged to the businessman.  PTI
Benaulim (Goa), October 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday recognised terrorism as a key issue, an Indian official said after a meeting between the two leaders here. But Beijing gave no assurance on supporting New Delhi's bid on a UN ban against Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar.

Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue. President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.

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Modi and Xi Jinping met at a beach resort here, ahead of the BRICS Summit to review bilateral ties and its dimensions.

Modi said both India and China had been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region, Swarup said.

Swarup said that Xi underlined that terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase, alluding to the threat from the Islamic State terror group.

Asked about China blocking the Indian effort to have Azhar banned, Swarup said it was up to China to consider the move that will safeguard not only the region but the entire world from terrorism.

The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, and the need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN, he said, adding that the two sides are coordinating on the issue and talks would continue over it.

The spokesperson said the Modi and Xi also had a "brief discussion on" India's prospects of joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"PM Modi said we look forward to working with China to realise India's membership of the NSG," he said.

Swarup said one round of dialogue has already been held on this issue and the second would be conducted soon.

This apart, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the increase in high-level visits between the two countries.

Modi and Xi agreed that bilateral investment and economic cooperation has increased.

Xi said Chinese companies were being encouraged to invest in India, according to Swarup.

Modi also appreciated China's contributions to the BRICS and said the New Development Bank of BRICS nations was a symbol of partnership of the member states of the grouping.  IANS
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.
New Delhi/Karachi, October 15

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled some flights from Karachi to New Delhi and Mumbai due to very poor passenger numbers amid tensions between the two countries.

In a statement issued today, PIA said its flights from Lahore to New Delhi are operating normally.

Tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack last month.

"Lahore-New Delhi flights are operating normally, however due to very poor load during last three to four weeks few of the Karachi-New Delhi and Karachi-Mumbai flights have been cancelled," the airline said.

Passengers who had reservations on these cancelled flights have either been accommodated on PIA's subsequent flights or re-routed to Pakistan through other airlines, it added.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries, there have also been reports saying the Indian government might look at airspace restrictions for Pakistan airlines.  PTI
New Delhi, October 15

The Saraswati, so far considered a mythical river, did exist, a government-constituted experts committee has found. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the government would take action on the report, which according to her, cannot be challenged.

The Saraswati originated in the Himalayas and passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and north Gujarat, eminent geologist Prof KS Valdiya, who led the panel, said.

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A Central Ground Water Board official said the Saraswati passed through Pakistan before meeting the western sea through the Rann of Kutch and was 4,000 km in length. One-third of the river stretch fell in the present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch (around 3,000 km) was in India, he claimed.

According to the seven-member committee, the river had two branches  western and eastern. The Himalayan-born Sutlej of the past, which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets, represents the western branch of the ancient river.

On the other hand, it said, Markanda and Sarsuti (corruption of Saraswati) represented the western branch of the Saraswati, known as Tons-Yamuna.

Valdiya said the panel, during its six-month research, came across a unique" palaeochannel (a path abandoned by the river when it changes its course) relating to present Ghaggar, Sarsuti, Hakra and Nara rivers. Around 1,700 towns and villages were located around the palaeochannel during the Harappan civilisation.  PTI
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, October 15

The United Nations (UN) has selected conflict-ridden northeastern region of India for setting up its second global university that will facilitate study on resolution of conflicts and other subjects.

The university is being set up in North-East as per a tripartite agreement signed by the UN, the Government of India and the Federation of UN Associations in India. Students from all over the world will be eligible to study there.

It is expected to become functional from next year. The first such university is functioning in Tokyo, Japan. Secretary general of the UNESCO Association here Dr Aswini Sharma said the varsity would facilitate study of various courses in arts stream, social sciences, management, science and technology. It would admit students for graduate, postgraduate courses, besides research scholars.

The university would come up either at Guwahati in Assam or Shillong in Meghalaya subject to availability of land. We have requested governments in Assam and Meghalaya to allot around 20 acres for setting up of the university. The university will be set up wherever the land allotment is made at the earliest. The Meghalaya Government has showed keen interest in making quick allotment of land at Shillong. The government of Assam was requested for land at Guwahati first in February, 2014, and then on August 3 this year, the UNESCO official said.
Kulwinder Sandhu

Tribune News Service

Moga, October 15

Despite a ban, burning of paddy straw is going on unabated in Malwa, with hardly any regulatory measures being taken by the state government.

Paddy residue in the state is likely to increase as the area under cultivation has increased by around 12 per cent this year. The total area under paddy and basmati touched an all time high of 30 lakh hectares due to the reduction in area of cotton cultivation.

The paddy residue is also likely to increase from 22 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes, which is likely to be disposed of by the farmers.

Though the district magistrates of Moga, Ferozepur and other districts of Malwa had issued orders under the Criminal Procedure Code, there were no reports of punitive action being taken against erring farmers so far.

A visit to a few villages in the district revealed that farmers were continuing with the practice of paddy straw burning. We have been told by local Akali leaders that no action will be taken against anybody for burning the paddy straw, said a farmer of Duneke village of Moga district.

Jaswinder Singh Brar, an agro-scientist, said the department had launched a drive to educate farmers not to burn straw, but still a majority of them were engaged in this practice. I have successfully carried out experiments on burning only loose straw in the government seed farm at Raonta village and in some fields in the nearby villages of Moga district in the past few years and found that air pollution was reduced by 80 per cent, he said.

As much as 80 quintals of stubble and loose straw was produced from one hectare of paddy crop of which the loose straw comprises just 8 to 10 quintals, he said.
Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Badal/Muktsar, October 15

A day after the clash between sacked suwidha centre employees and cops at Badal village  which left 27 persons injured  11 protesters were arrested today.

Thirteen of them were booked by name under Sections 307, 353, 186, 332, 333, 427, 341, 120-B, 148 and 149 of the IPC at Lambi police station. A case was also registered against over 100 unidentified protesters on the charges of attempt to murder, tearing off uniform of cops, deterring a public servant from discharge of duty etc.

Those booked include Harmeet Singh, Charanjit Rai, Abhishek Kaura, Sunny Gupta, Satpal Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Neel Kanth, Avtar Singh, Iqbal Singh, Rajvir Singh, Naresh Kumar, Rajan and Arun Kumar.

About 175 protesters, who were taken into preventive custody under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC yesterday, were sent to jails in Muktsar and Bathinda.

Meanwhile, the police virtually sealed the Chief Ministers native village today. Gurpreet Singh Gill, Muktsar SSP, said, We strengthened security at Badal village following inputs that the protesters were trying to regroup. A village resident said 25-30 cops remained deployed throughout the day outside the CMs residence.

The police claimed that no woman protester was booked or remanded in judicial custody. Sources said the women protesters were released last night at a gurdwara in Muktsar town.

Satpal Singh, general secretary, Punjab State Suwidha Centre Employees Union, said, All union members who tried to go to Lambi were detained. We are not aware of their whereabouts. We dont even have a copy of the FIR. The cops have also confiscated the phones of our activists.

He alleged that five union activists were awaiting treatment at the Community Health Centre, Lambi, as the staff was not doing the needful.

The state government terminated the employees services after they launched a protest, seeking regular government jobs. The police yesterday resorted to a lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the protesters, who allegedly hurled stones at a police party and crossed two barricades while moving towards the CMs house. The three injured cops are recuperating at Max Hospital, Bathinda.
New York, October 15

Hate crime charges have been filed by authorities against a group of men who brutally attacked a 41-year-old Sikh-American man, knocking off his turban and cutting his unshorn hair with a knife.

Maan Singh Khalsa, a father and IT specialist in California, said the charges against the men who attacked him are the first step to addressing violence and bigotry, which plague communities across the United States.

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The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office filed hate crime charges against Khalsa's attackers yesterday.

"The assailants violently targeted my Sikh faith. I am thankful to the Richmond Police Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson for ensuring that my attackers were charged with hate crimes," Khalsa said in a statement issued by The Sikh Coalition.

Khalsa was driving home on the night of September 25 when a group of men in car threw a beer can at his vehicle.

When Khalsa questioned the men, they began abusing him.

Khalsa drove away from the scene but the men followed him and assaulted him through his open car window, knocking off his Sikh turban and hitting his face repeatedly.

Khalsa said there were "five to six white males in their late 20s to early 30s" who abused him and three of them then attacked him physically.

Shouting that Khalsa's hair should be cut off, the men pulled his head out of the window, and cut a fistful of his unshorn hair with a knife.

Khalsa had also sustained injuries to his fingers, hands, eye and teeth.

The Sikh Coalition, the nation's largest Sikh civil rights organization, had written to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on behalf of Khalsa, urging authorities to conduct a hate crime investigation and prosecution in the case.

Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said they do not condone such a crime in Richmond nor in America.

The Sikh Coalition said in the 15 years that have followed the 9/11 terror attacks, Sikhs remain hundreds of times more likely to be targeted in cases of profiling, bigotry and backlash than the average American.

"These hate crime charges ensure that the bias-based nature of the assault on Mr.Khalsa will be addressed during the prosecution," said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.

"The purpose of prosecuting bias-motivated assaults as hate crimes is not to impose harsher penalties. Instead, the purpose is to mitigate hatred in our society and ensure that we are all free to safely pursue the American dream regardless of our race, ethnicity, or religion," she said. PTI
Tribune News Service

Badal/Muktsar, October 15

Three activists of the ETT TET-Pass Unemployed Union today threatened to commit suicide on Sunday by jumping off from two mobile phone towers at Badal village.

They are seeking regular government jobs and had scaled the tower on October 12 to lodge their protest.

Notably, six activists of the union had climbed up the towers, but one of them had come down after his health worsened on October 13. Two others came down today citing the same reason.

Amarjit Kamboj, president, ETT TET-Pass Unemployed Union, said, We have had a panel meeting with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in Chandigarh on September 9 wherein he had agreed to recruit us and complete the process by September 25. However, the recruitment process is yet to begin.

If the state government is unable to give us jobs, we are ready to commit suicide. Three of our activists, who are lodging their protest from atop the mobile phone towers, will jump off tomorrow and sacrifice their lives.

Gurpreet Singh Gill, SSP, Muktsar, through the media, appealed to the protesters to refrain from taking the extreme step.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badals residence in Sector 2 drew more protesters here today as family members of police personnel killed during the days of terrorism raised slogans against the state government.

About seven women relatives of these policemen were herded into a police van and whisked away. Sukhwinder Kaur, who lost her husband during that period, said, Our men in khaki laid down their lives for their brethren. Now, the police are treating us like rogues.

Meanwhile, Home Guard personnel and their families continued their protest in front of the CMs house. Speaking on their behalf, Jitender Singh said, There are only 550 of us who are demanding jobs. The department has 725 vacancies.

Gursewak Singh, who is representing the families of martyrs of the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, said, The government promised us 10 acres each. About 1,500 families have already been given land. Only 161 of us are left.

AAP leader Dev Mann visited the spot and spoke to various protesting groups.
Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 15

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Capt Amarinder Singh today said he would burn an effigy of chitta Ravana in Ludhiana during the Prime Ministers visit to the city on October 18.

He was in the city to address a function to mark Valmiki Jayanti.

Chitta Ravana will be burnt at the same site where a clash took place on the eve of Dasehra. As soon as Modi will start speaking, the effigy will go up in flames, said Amarinder.

I will burn the effigy. Let them try and stop me if they can, Amarinder challenged the Akali government, asserting, I want to show the Prime Minister the sorry state of affairs in Punjab.

Let Modi also get a taste of how Punjab is burning under the Akali rule, he said. He added that the Congress leaders and workers would burn the effigy in all 117 Assembly constituencies of the state.

The Congress will fight the drug menace in the state till its completely wiped out. It is not that the police do not want to work, but the reality is that the police are not allowed to work on this front, said Captain.

The Punjab Congress chief also came down heavily on the Badal government for the spurt in atrocities against Dalits across the state and demanded stern action against those involved in the recent killing of a Mansa youth and other incidents of violence against the community.

He also visited the injured DCC president, Gurpreet Gogi, who is in hospital since the Dasehra eve clash between the Congress and Akali workers.
Rumina Sethi

Garrisoned Minds is feminist history from the frontline. It is the history of survival in a world of real threats of rape and murder, fear and torture. One can see fear writ large on the faces of women who are on the move these last few days on the LoC. With no baggage except their honour, they walk out of their homes not knowing whether they would ever return; and if they did, it would be a return to the devastation and ravages of war.

One often wonders how people living on the borders can be at peace with their geography. An absent stability and a lingering tentativeness become the all-pervasive scenario, especially for women who lack the comfort of a secure hearth as no one knows when the war will displace the innocent who have no role to play in the violence unleashed by meaningless military conflicts. The garrison is her home, her workplace, her field and her playground. She sometimes screams and often remains silent in a life where mere survival is heroic, considering the circumstances she breathes in.

Twelve journalists collaborate in this exercise bringing deep insights into the major conflict zones of Pakistan, Nepal, Kashmir and the Northeast. Issues of collateral damage in the American interventions on the border of Pakistan, the terrorism unleashed by the Taliban, and the presence of the armed forces in Manipur tell the story of women suffering from abuse and gender bias, from rape and torture. These are the poignant tales that remain untold.

In the book, the zone of conflict is the garrison, a world different from the one outside, though with undertones of a shelter that promises security such as that enjoyed by ones fellow beings living peacefully away from the treacherous border. The ability to reproduce a quality of life that is denied to those outside it is a remarkable achievement of the garrison, writes Sanjay Barbora, one of the authors. The garrison has the semantics of not only protection but also the hegemony of the military under whose shadow the common residents live. Writing about Northeast India, Barboras essay examines a scenario that disallows coexistence or any common ground for peaceful negotiations. Dark memories of violence and bloodshed haunt the inhabitants in a land where regional politics and the all-powerful military are the mainsprings behind personal agony.

Pakistans frontier province is taken up in three essays covering experiences of clashes between communities, and the Talibanisation of cultural regulations enforcing orthodoxy, the infringement of which provokes severe penalty. The essay Widowhood of Shame by Shazia Yousuf looks at the recent scourge of separatism in Kashmir giving rise to an upsurge in the count of widows across the valley. Rape remains endemic from Pakistan to Manipur. Women activists are few and far between; the visible example is Manipur, though here too radicals like Irom Sharmila have been unsuccessfully waging a fight against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for over 16 years.

One such story is that of Jwala Kumari Sah. Darshan Karki depicts the agony of being a woman at the frontline of Maoist activity, bearing children, being hounded by the police yet standing up with the fearless resolve that [drives] her to constantly push her boundaries. As a woman Maoist, she and her comrades wage a continuous fight against a strongly entrenched patriarchy, burning down liquor bars and often spurring women to literally use the stick on their husbands if they misbehave.

One can understand the dilemma faced by women who choose to join the Maoists, brandish guns and simultaneously take care of their families. The essay Incomplete Revolution draws attention to the marginalised Madhesi community living in the south where the contribution made by women like Jwala stands unrecounted in written accounts.

The essays in the collection exhibit academic rigour, contextual nuance, and skillfully trace the historical perspective by examining people, places and political contexts of the conflict zones in the subcontinent. The book is relevant to students of Indian political history and has the global reach and relevance since it traces the traumatic impact on women living in such adverse conditions.

Laxmi Murthy draws attention to a life lived in uninterrupted suffering: As in many parts of the world, when underlying causes of conflict have not been addressed, there is no post war harmony. Simmering discontent and bitterness in an uneasy peace is most-often sought to be suppressed by aggressive troop deployment and repressive colonial laws. . . . This everyday nature of occupation defines the rhythm of life in these margins.
Usha Rai

Traditionally Sitapur district of UP has observed Nag panchami (snake worship) not just by giving milk to snakes but also by pounding girl-dolls made of cloth or gudiyas, made by village women and brought to the village square for the centuries-old gudiya peetna pratham (ritual). The pounding of these dolls using decorated chhadis or sticks was done by young men between 18 and 25 years of age. The custom, horrendous as it was, continued mindlessly with no thought being given to its ramifications on gender equations and violence against girls and women.

Even new brides entering a home were wacked with lathis because it had a symbolic religious sanctity! Called Punsvana Sanskar, this tradition was practiced on pregnant women wishing to deliver a boy child. In a state where the child sex ratio has been plummeting and stands at an abysmal 899 to a 1000 boys (census 2011), these traditions were quite clearly perpetuating the culture of violence among young boys and men.

The Central Governments Mahila Samakhya Programme in UP was among the first to take on the challenge of breaking this tradition in the late nineties in the Mishri block of Sitapur District, the stronghold of this custom. Today, however, it is the large network of women and yuva (youth) female SHGs of the Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana (RGMVP) that are breaking hierarchies and class and caste barriers that have kept women down for ages. Though the custom was observed across UP, it was dominant in Eastern UP in the districts of Rai Bareilly, Sultanpur, Hardoi and Sitapur. Some of the older markets of Lucknow still sell cloth dolls on Nag panchami and even decorated chhadis (sticks) with which these can be beaten.

On a visit to Ram Vilaspurwa village, Machreta block of Sitapur District, about 60 to 65 women, representing women and yuva SHGs, said since 2013 they had played a significant role in breaking away from the ancient custom. However, they seemed totally ignorant of why and how the practice had started. The oldest woman present, 70-year-old Khedana, said earlier it was the dominant upper caste male youths that would beat girls and young women of lower caste around Nag panchami, which falls in the monsoon months of July/August. This is also the time when, with their holes and homes flooded with rainwater, snakes are forced into the open and offered milk by snake worshippers.

However, a more plausible explanation was provided by an RGMVP representative who said the root of the practice could be traced to the days of the Mahabharat and the rule of Raja Parikshat, the son of Abhimanyu and grandson of Arjuna. King Parikshat was cursed by the son of a meditating sage for throwing a dead snake around his fathers neck when he failed to provide water to the thirsty king though he kept paying obeisance to the sage. Cursed to die of snake bite, Raja Parikshat was bitten by Naga Thakshak and died. In retaliation there was mass killing of snakes by Parikshats son and others in the kingdom.

One snake, though gravely injured, is said to have escaped and hidden in a village well. A young girl, who fetched water from the well was confronted by the snake, who said he would spare her if she provided him milk every day. The girl did that but was caught feeding the snake and brought to the centre of the village and flogged by people for feeding a snake that had killed their popular ruler. That is how the tradition of beating girls and women began.

Somewhere down the years, no one knows when exactly, instead of beating girls it was decided to beat replicas of girls in the form of cloth dolls on Nag Panchami. it was felt that the pent-up anger and frustration of the young men could be vented on the cloth dolls.

In the last two year, 10 villages of the Machreta block, Sitapur, have stopped this tradition. The SHGs in the villages of Eastern UP, where the RGMVP wields influence, have also stopped beating dolls. Instead the gudiyas are placed on decorated swings and rocked with respect at a ceremony. However, the tradition has been booted out only in pockets, not across the whole state.

Prem of the Vikas Mahila SHG recalls that in 2013, a Manisha didi came from Amethi and formed the first samooh (group) of women for their economic empowerment. Within a year there were many such collectives of women in the villages of Sitapur. A samooh had 10 women and each one contributed every month Rs 30 to Rs 50 which became the saving of the SHG. Instead of going to the money lenders and taking loans at 10 to 12 per cent interest, the women borrowed from the samooh and returned the amount with 2 per cent interest. It was for the first time that the women were meeting regularly and exchanging notes on their lives, fears and worries. Economic empowerment gave them a new status in the village and they discussed livelihood options for themselves, education of their children as well as health, sanitation, customs and traditions that were not in the interest of women.

It was in this new atmosphere and awareness of self-worth that the gudiya peetna pratham (doll beating custom) was raised at the meeting of the Federation of SHGs. The women agreed that the custom showed lack of respect to girls and they would not allow its practice by the men. They decided that they would not make the cloth dolls. In the discussions that followed someone suggested that the tradition could continue but in a new avatar. Instead of beating the dolls why not give back the respect to girls by putting the beautifully crafted dolls on jhoolas (swings) and asking the boys who had been beating them to push the jhoolas? Nag panchami falls in the monsoon months and coincides with Teej, the festival of swings, and so the conversion was easier.

So for the first time in 2014, instead of beating dolls, the dolls were placed on swings and swung towards the skies by boys with clapping, singing and an atmosphere of bonhomie.The practice of feeding the young men gugri, a local snack of wheat and corn, however, continues. In homes today the bride is welcomed with sweets instead of lathis.

Customising Conventions

Cycling past Brahmin homes

Till 2014, women were not allowed to cycle past the homes of the upper cast Brahmins in Khanehuna village, Aant gram panchayat, Mishrikh Block of Sitapur. They were only allowed to walk past these homes in a meek manner, considered suitable for women and those from low caste. The women found they were invariably late for SHG meetings when they had to pass through this village. So the womens SHGs decided to break this custom and cycle past these homes in a defiant show of their collective strength. Twentyfive women  Ganga SHG, Pooja SHG, from Gautam SHG and 10 others on cycles and the rest on foot went past the homes of the upper caste. Objections, if any, were set aside as the women went in procession past the upper caste homes. They are no longer late for SHG meetings!

Not carrying their footwear past upper caste homes

In Barora gram panchayat, Babina block of Jhansi, Dalit women no longer take off their footwear while crossing the homes of the upper caste. On August 15, 2012, women from 24 SHGs showed their new-found independence and empowerment by carrying the national flag and crossing these homes wearing their footwear, instead of tucking it under their arms or carrying it on their heads. The SHGs formed in Barora in 2008 are truly empowered and members no longer come for meetings with bruised and bleeding feet.

Doing away with Saurya Pratham

Under the saurya pratha, after delivery the woman and the new born were considered unclean and kept in an isolated room and exposed to cow-dung smoke. At times, mother and child would fall sick and even die in their solitary confinement. For three days after its birth, the new born was fed goats milk and missed out on the colostrum-rich first milk of the mother. After listening to health professionals from Public Health Foundation of India, the SHGs of Parsawanand Naraini village of Amethi block booted out the saurya tradition and for three years no maternal death was reported in these villages.
Sudha Mahalingam

Lady Elliott Island, a tiny coral cay in the South Pacific is not on the tourist radar, at least not yet. But it will soon be, when word gets around that this is the favourite location of Manta Rays, those gentle giants of the ocean which congregate here in their thousands every May and June to gorge on the plantkon that are especially plentiful in these waters. But Mantas are not the sole attraction in this gorgeous island rich in wildlife. There is marine life galore, oblivious of climate change elsewhere in the barrier reef.

LEI is already on the wildlife enthusiasts bucket list; dozens of them zero in on this tiny island, laden with their expensive underwater cameras and scuba gear. On this visit, there are a couple of them from France, another from Thailand, a few from Germany and Russia and a posse of marine biology students from US universities. The island is a marine biologists paradise.

But reaching the island requires some effort. Commercial airlines dont fly there, but dont despair, there are dedicated aviation companies which do. You take off from Gold Coast or Hervey Bay on the Queensland coast in Australia and fly for a couple of hours in a tiny Cessna, seated next to the pilot or just behind him. Since you fly low, you can see the humpbacks and dolphins swimming to the southern oceans, not to mention the dazzling coastline of Queensland.

Surprise, surprise, the island has no landing strip, but Shawn, your pilot is unfazed and smoothly eases the metallic bird onto the lambent green turf. On the reef a few yards away, the colourful corals are coy behind a turquoise shroud. The colour of the reef hints at a cornucopia of marine wildlife including vividly colourful corals.

For that, you need to dive or at least snorkel. If youre visiting LEI, named for the wife of a former British Governor General who happened to serve in India as well, you might as well come armed with a PADI certificate. At 30 feet below the surface of the ocean, the ocean puts up a show like no other; hawksbill turtles cuddle up to you, wanting a scratch on the carapace, giant clams bleed purple when you brush against them accidentally they get stressed out and squirt colour to blind you as they make their escape  and schooling fish entertain you with their endless antics. Not to mention the huge Mantas which block out the sun as they pass overhead.Those who cant dive can or snorkel can still reef walk at low tide. For the really sedentary, a gentle walk around this tiny island is a veritable feast in avian fauna  shore birds, water birds and even land birds, not to mention the unique island vegetation interspersed with marine fossils.

The island resort is the only place where you can stay; not only does it have excellent diving gear and equipment, but even rustles up magical meals complete with salads and fresh fruits. The provisions come in barges once or twice a month, but refrigeration fuelled by solar electricity keeps them fresh. A quaint lighthouse doubles as a bar in the evenings and you can swap tales  truthful as well as imagined, and watch the full moon rise out of a calm Pacific  pure magic!
Suresh Dharur in Hyderabad

THE Vastu-obsessed and god-fearing Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos move to donate a gold crown, worth Rs 3.65 crore, to a temple at the cost of public exchequer has raised the hackles of rationalists, social activists and political opponents. Questions are being raised over the propriety of splurging tax payers money for causes of personal faith.

The donation of gold crown, weighing 11.70 kg, to Bhadrakali temple in Warangal district comes at a time when the countrys youngest state is reeling under agrarian crisis and several key poll promises, made by the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi, still remain unfulfilled.

Rao, who is widely seen as the architect of Telangana statehood movement, made the donation from the public money, ostensibly to serve as a thanksgiving gesture to Goddess Durga for fulfilling his dream of a separate state.

What is appalling is that the Chief Minister chose to draw from the public funds to fulfil a vow that essentially falls in the domain of personal faith. This is grossly inappropriate in a secular democracy. This is nothing but blatant misuse of public money for religious practices. It would have been more appropriate had the Chief Minister made such donations from his own pocket, the Telangana Congress Committee president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said.

Raos decision to present the ornaments was approved by the state Cabinet last week though he had taken the vow in his personal capacity before the formation of the state. The funds for making the ornaments were drawn from the Common Good Fund of the State Endowments Department which is originally meant for renovation of dilapidated temples.

This is not the first time that Chandrasekhar Rao has pledged to make offerings to temples. In April this year, the CM offered gold ornaments worth Rs 5 crore, also from the state exchequer, to Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. The gold ornaments that he had vowed to present to the Gods are: a Saligrama Haram (lotus model golden necklace), weighing about 14.90 kg worth Rs 3.70 crore and a five-row Kante (ornamental necklace), weighing 4.65 kg worth 1.22 crore to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala, a 11.70 kg golden crown worth Rs 3.65 crore to the goddess Bhadrakali at Bhadrakali temple in Warangal, Bangaru Meesalu (golden moustache) to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy at Kuravi in Warangal, Mukku Pudaka (nose stud) to goddess Kanaka Durga in Vijayawada and another Mukku Pudaka to goddess Padmavathi in Tiruchanur.

The officials have justified the move. It is not an individual decision of the Chief Minister, but a collective decision of the Cabinet keeping in view the aspirations of the people of Telangana in achieving the separate state, said KV Ramanachary, advisor to the state government on cultural affairs.

Instead of splurging public money on such offerings, the funds should be spent on providing basic amenities like safe drinking water, roads, hospitals and public toilets, says social activist Lubna Sarwath. A retired endowments department official, who requested anonymity, lamented that the successive governments had turned a blind eye to the plight of poor priests in small temples while spending public money on ostentatious gifts to big temples. There are several small temples across the state which lack basic amenities. The government should focus on renovation and repairs of such temples, he said.

A similar controversy broke out in December last year when the CM conducted Ayutha Chandi Maha Yagam, ostensibly to please the rain gods. The five-day ritual took place at his 120-acre farmhouse at Erravalli village in Telanganas Medak district, even as the state was reeling under a severe agrarian crisis. Over 3 crore public money was reportedly spent on the occasion, though it was meant to fulfil an individual vow.

There were hardly any takers for the TRS leaders claim that no government money was misused and that the entire programme was done with personal funds and donations by well-wishers. These activities reflect the insecurity among the rulers. They want to muster popular support by invoking religion or god, said the CPI national general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy.

According to an estimate, about 1,800 debt-ridden farmers have committed suicide in the last two years due to crop failure. It is a tragic irony that this government has failed to fulfil its welfare promises but is spending public money for religious practices, a CPI (M) leader from Nalgonda district N Ramakrishna lamented. It is totally wrong on the part of Chief Minister to offer costly gifts to places of religious worship. He can do so at a personal level but has no right to spend public money for the purpose, said senior Congress leader and former MP V Hanumantha Rao.

There are thousands of poor families in Telangana who are unable to celebrate Dasehra festival. Instead of offering a gold crown to the goddess, the same money could be given to these poor families, he said.

There is also criticism that the TRS government has failed to release funds for the loan waiver scheme to farmers. Hoping that the government would honour its word, the farmers have not paid the banks. Now, the banks are not lending to farmers in rural areas in Telangana. So, the farmers are at the mercy of private money lenders who charge as high 36 to 48% interest per annum, and it is a precarious situation. It has affected 37 lakh farmers. Over 3 lakh women farmers had mortgaged their gold with the banks, said state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Tirumala: The countrys richest temple
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 15

The 1 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) conducted week-long activities from October 3 to 8 to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

Various events were conducted which included Bara Khana for all personnel and a volleyball match.

An oath was administered to all personnel of the Board by Air Commodore Nitin Sathe, Air Officer Commanding. On this occasion, the AOC presented the CAS commendation to Wing Commander BM Lathika for her meritorious service and also appreciated 16 air warriors and civilians for their hard work and contribution towards the board.

Air Commodore Nitin Sathe, Air Officer Commanding, felicitated all air warriors, civilians and their families and complimented them for their efforts. He urged all personnel to continue to work hard with the same zeal and devotion and bring laurels to the country. He exhorted all personnel to be prepared for all contingencies.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 15

The Faculty of Education, ICFAI University, Dehradun, today celebrated the 85th birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, which is declared as World Students Day by the United Nations in 2010, to honour the great scientist. All BEd students visited New Life Academy Middle School in Selaqui, Dehradun.

A motivational video on the life of Dr Kalam were shown to students. The video was based on his childhood struggle days and his contribution to the scientific research and modernisation of defence technology in India.

An interactive session on Kalams life was organised between teachers and students. The aim of the interactive session was to celebrate the life of great scientist, tutor, philosopher, visionary and a dynamic personality.

Meanwhile, a lecture series was organised by the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, SBSPGI, Balawala, to commemorate the 85th birth anniversary of Dr Kalam. Eminent personalities like Dr MK Nautiyal, Director, Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology, Haldi, Dr LP Singh, Principal Scientist, CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee and Dr Piyush Joshi, Senior Scientific Officer, UCOST, Dehradun, delivered motivational talk to students and encouraged them to take up research as their career.

Institute director Dr FC Garg and Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology head Dr Sanjay Gupta felicitated distinguished experts.
New York: Hate crime charges have been filed against a group of men who brutally attacked a 41-year-old Sikh-American man, knocking off his turban and cutting his unshorn hair with a knife. Maan Singh Khalsa, an IT specialist in California, said the charges against the men who attacked him are the first step to addressing violence and bigotry which plague communities across the United States.  PTI

No buyer for Twitter as Salesforce quits race

New York: In bad news for Twitter, its last potential buyer Salesforce has decided not to make a bid to buy the struggling micro-blogging website. Earlier, Google, Apple and Walt Disney also decided not to bid for the website. The acquisition of Twitter, which is struggling to add new users amid stalled growth, may cost over $20 billion. It currently has 313 million monthly active users.  IANS

Invisible TV that looks like a glass

New York: Imagine a TV that looks like glass and can be fit into your furnitures glass panes. Panasonic has developed a protoype of an invisible TV that generates bright, clear images as normal TVs. The TV image is visible even with the backlighting on. Once its dimmed, the image is bright enough to be almost indistinguishable from existing TV sets. The screen shifts between transparent mode where you can see the shelving behind it, and screen mode, where you can see the screen.  IANS
Baghdad, October 15

A suicide bombing targeting a funeral gathering in northern Baghdad today killed at least 35 persons and left another 63 wounded, Iraqi police and hospital officials said. The attack in the Shaab neighborhood occurred at around lunchtime, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement carried by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency.

The claim could not be independently verified, but it was carried by a news organisation affiliated with the IS group.

The attack comes as Iraqi security forces are preparing for an operation to retake the militant-held northern city of Mosul, the country's second largest city, from the IS group.

In the past the extremists have increased insurgent attacks inside government-held territory far from the front lines after suffering territorial losses on the battlefield.

Iraq has seen several bombings in recent months, though most have had lower death tolls than Saturday's attack. In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdad's popular shopping district of Karradah killed about 300 people and forced the resignation of the country's interior minister.  AP
Washington, October 15

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will address Indian-Americans at a charity event organised for Hindu victims of terrorism in New Jersey.

Trumps attendance and address at tomorrows event organised by Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) makes him the first presidential candidate to attend an Indian-Americans event this election cycle.

This is a history in the making. Never in the history of US Presidential election, a candidate has come to a Hindu event, said Shalabh Shalli Kumar, founder and chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Kumar described the concert as a Bollywood, Tollywood, Punjabi extravaganza to benefit Kashmiri and Hindu refugees.

In a short video message last month, confirming his attendance to the event, Trump said the Hindu community had made fantastic contributions to world civilization and to American culture.

We look forward to celebrating our shared values of free enterprise, hard work, family values, and a strong American foreign policy, he said.

In a short video message, he described this as an incredible event.

In his video statement Trump has made terrific statements about Hindus and Indians. He has gone all out for friendship with India and Indian Americans and Hindu Americans, Kumar said.

He claims to have donated more than a million dollar to the Trump Campaign and the Republican Party this election cycle.

All the proceeds from this would go for the benefit of victims of terror particularly Kashmiri Pundits and Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, he said.

This is for the first time in the last two presidential elections that a presidential candidate would be making an appearance at an Indian-American event.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, has held and attended a series of fund raisers organised by Indian Americans across the country including at their homes.

But those are all closed door events away from public glare.

Clinton, often called as Senator from Punjab and has a large following among the Indian Americans is yet to make any public appearance before the community.

But she has appointed a large number of Indian Americans in her campaign team.

A recent Pew Survey had said that Indian-Americans overwhelmingly voted for Democrats.

Trumps decision is seen as an attempt to woo the small but powerful Indian-American community who can play a key role in some of the battle ground States if the race is close.  PTI
Washington, October 15

Vice-President Joe Biden dismissed suggestions that the White House has failed to respond to Russian meddling in the US election, cryptically stating that Washington would be sending Moscow a message regarding its alleged hacking.

In an NBC interview excerpt released on Fridday, Biden paused and gave a wry smile when asked why the US has not acted a week after US officials formally accused the Russian government of trying to interfere with the 2016 White House race.

Were sending a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said, smiling and nodding his head gently.

We have the capacity to do it and the message will be sent. Hell know it and it will be at the time of our choosing and under the circumstances that have the greatest impact. Asked whether the public will know, Biden responded tersely: I hope not.

Officials have in the past said any cyberattacks on important US institutions would prompt a response, which could take the form of diplomatic or economic sanctions, or possibly cyber measures.

NBC later reported that the CIA was preparing a retaliatory cyberattack designed to harass and embarrass the Kremlin leadership.

A joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence was the first official accusation by Washington against Moscow in a spate of email hacks.  AFP
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON STATEMENT

The University of Houston has prevailed in court today in its challenge of South Texas College of Laws name change. Judge Keith Ellison has issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the University of Houston and requiring South Texas College of Law to revert to its original name. A court may grant a preliminary injunction when a party shows there is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of the case, which the University demonstrated. The University is pleased a federal court recognized the University of Houstons strong trademarks and its reputation as a top-tier law school. The University of Houston appreciates the work of its legal team.

TONY BUZBEE STATEMENT

"We are pleased with the court's decision. The evidence showed overwhelmingly that the name change caused confusion in the marketplace," said Tony Buzbee, principal of The Buzbee Law Firm, which is representing UH as lead counsel. "The next step is for South Texas College of Law to remove their billboards, change their website, remove merchandise from stores and change their name in the American Bar Association database. This is a complete victory for the University of Houston and the UH Law Center."

Background information can be found here.
Russian-backed militants launched 25 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO Headquarters press center.

As reported, 14 attacks were launched in Mariupol direction. The terrorists used grenade launchers, machine guns, and small arms to shell Marinka (35 km south-west of Donetsk) and 122mm artillery and 120mm mortars to shell Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk).

In Luhansk direction, 10 ceasefire violations were recorded. The militants fired at Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk) and Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk), using small arms and grenade launchers. Ukrainian positions in Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) came under 152mm artillery fire.

The militants launched one more attack on ATO troops in Donetsk direction, using heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, small arms, 82mm and 120mm mortars to shell Avdiyivka (18km north of Donetsk).

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Russian-backed militants launched 42 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO Headquarters press center.

As reported, 27 attacks were launched in Mariupol direction. The terrorists used 122mm artillery to shell Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk), Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk), and Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol).

In Luhansk direction, 12 ceasefire violations were recorded. The militants fired at Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), using machine guns and rocket launchers of different systems. Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk) came under small-arm fire. In addition, the terrorists used 152mm artillery to fire at Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk).

The militants launched three more attacks on ATO troops in Donetsk direction, using grenade launchers, small arms, 82mm and 120mm mortars to shell Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk).

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko believes that Russia will not terminate its policy of aggression until the world is united to stop Moscow.

The President wrote in his article titled "The end of the masquerade" for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"We should finally stop being so naive with respect to Russias true intentions, as we were in 2008 or in 2014-2015. It has no desire to end its aggression if we do not stop them together," Poroshenko wrote.

President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of solidarity of the whole world in this issue and further extension of sanctions against Russia.

"They keep Russia at the negotiating table and restrain it from even greater human losses. We must also make every effort to unmask the manifestation of Russian aggression wherever we only can  in Donbas, in the case of the downed MH17, and in Aleppo," Poroshenko underscored.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has stated that Ukraine will not perform the political part of the Minsk agreements until the security package is fulfilled.

The President said this in Chuhuyiv town in Kharkiv region on Saturday, while handing over the military equipment to the army, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The enemy's attempts to violate the Minsk agreements continue. Someone is trying to add critics to Minsk [agreements]. I have stressed and stress again: this Minsk plan envisages clear measures and criteria. Ukraine would not go ahead in the political process until the security element, the security package is observed," the President said.

He reminded that that the security package provided for the full ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign military servicemen from the Ukrainian territory, transfer of the Ukraine uncontrolled sections of the Ukrainian-Russian border first to OSCE and then to the Ukrainian government, removal of heavy weapons and unfettered access of OSCE monitors to the entire territory.

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Ukrainian authorities need to increase efforts to investigate the crimes committed against journalists.

This was stated by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic following the visit to Ukraine, the OSCE press service reports.

"Sheremets murder sent a chilling message to the whole media community. All journalists killed in Ukraine, including Georgiy Gongadze, Oles Buzina and Vyacheslav Veremyi, deserve full justice to be served. Impunity puts every journalist at risk," Mijatovic said.

While meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, she stressed the need to ensure the safety of members of the media and safeguard media pluralism. "I am receiving more reports of threats made against journalists, especially online, and particularly targeting those involved in investigative journalism, Mijatovic said. Harassing and labeling journalists as traitors is unacceptable in a democracy and it effectively limits members of the media to carry out their work, the representative of the OSCE noted.

Besides, Mijatovic, expressed dissatisfaction with the inability to visit the occupied Crimea and Donbas. It is unfortunate that I still have not been able to travel to the eastern part of Ukraine and to Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in order to meet journalists and civil society to make first hand assessment of media freedom issues that according to reports need immediate engagement by my Office, Mijatovic said.

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Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Eugene Czolij has extended congratulations to newly-appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres on behalf of the 20-million-strong Ukrainian diaspora under the UWC leadership.

This is posted on the UWS website.

The UWC President thanked Guterres for his work as UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine that resulted from the aggression of the Russian Federation in Eastern Ukraine, and encouraged support for the Ukrainian people who, by defending their Eastern border, continue to protect peace and security in the world.

The Ukrainian World Congress extends to the newly-appointed UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, sincere wishes for success in this very challenging role of safeguarding the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.

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There is something about ghost towns that appeals to our minds and taps awake our curiosity to understand the life that was before tragedy struck. The same can be said for Dhanushkodi, a town that once prospered, and then saw destruction and calamity. After a devastating cyclone in the year 1964, all thats left of the town are these hauntingly beautiful ruins. And here are our exclusive pictures of the ghost town from India, that now stands amidst the deceptively calm waters of Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

The 15 kilometer road to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram

Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town located at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu, India. It is where the rough waters of Indian Ocean meet the calm waters of Bay of Bengal.

The town was the southernmost inhabited area in India and is part of Rameswaram taluk of Ramanthapuram district in Tamil Nadu.

It has the only land border between India and Sri Lanka which is one of the smallest borders in the world, being only 45 meters wide.

The Pamban Island, along with the shoals of the tombolo called Adams Bridge or Rama Sethu, and Mannar Island of Sri Lanka separate Palk Bay on the northeast from the Gulf of Mannar on the southwest. The water body between Pamban Island and Sri Lanka is known as Sethusamudram (sethu meaning bridge, samudram meaning sea), because of all the shoals in it.

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The old harbor that was used to provide transport for travelers and goods between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar.

The town Dhanushkodi is only 18 miles west from Talaimannar of Sri Lanka. In the past a ferry service linked both the countries, which was also part of the train journey (Indo-Ceylon Express, renamed to Rameswaram Express after 1964) from Chennai to Colombo as people traveled to Pamban Island, then switched to ferry, and then to another train at Talaimannar to Colombo. The ferry service was cancelled in 1982 because of the fighting between Sri Lankan government forces and the separatist LTTE.

The tombolo, known as Adams Bridge or Rama Sethu, connecting Dhanushkodi of India and Talaimmanar of Sri Lanka is said to have formed because of longshore drifting currents which moved in anticlockwise direction in the north and clockwise direction in the south.

There are also many other theories regarding how the tombolo was formed between the two countries. The lack of proper field studies and field verification has led to a lot of uncertainties and confusion regarding the nature and origin of the bridge. In the 19th century, there was a prevalent theory that it could have formed by the breaking away of Sri Lanka from India mainland. There is one theory that suggests that the bridge could have formed by continuous sand deposition and sedimentation, while another states that there was an old shoreline that once connected both the countries. According to another study, it was the worlds largest tombolo a few thousand years ago, before the rise of mean sea level that split it into a chain of shoals.

Translated to the end of bow, the town is of religious significance to Hindus, who believe that Rama traveled to Sri Lanka from there to rescue Sita.

There are several mythical stories, mostly differing in details, about how Rama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, went about rescuing Sita, an avatar of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. According to the epic Ramayana, written by Valmiki, a bridge between the islands of Pamban and Sri Lanka was built by the Vanara army who were assisting Rama in his war against Ravana, the King of Lanka. When Rama won his war, he was asked to destroy the bridge, which he did using the end of his bow, hence the name Dhanushkodi. The Hindus believe that a dip in the waters of Palk Bay completes the holy pilgrimage from the city Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, North India.



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The 1964 Rameswaram/Dhanushkodi cyclone wreaked havoc with 25 feet (7.6 meters) high tidal waves submerging the town, killing 800 towns people, overturning the Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train and killing everyone on board.

The cyclone started as a depression in the Andaman Sea on December 17, 1964, and reached cyclonic intensity by December 19. It made landfall on December 22 at Dhanushkodi, after it crossed Sri Lanka with a wind velocity of 280 kilometers per hour. Though, 1977 Andhra Pradesh cyclone and 1999 Orissa cyclone, had unprecedented death toll, Rameswaram cyclone is considered one of the fiercest cyclones in terms of wind velocity.

The town was once a flourishing and important port location as it was the gateway between India and Sri Lanka.

The cyclone destroyed both Dhanushkodi and areas of Jaffna district of Sri Lanka, killing over 1,800 people, including 800 in the town alone, and many more unaccounted for.

During the 1950s, the town flourished as a port with steamer ferry services that were available daily and transported travelers and goods across the Palk Strait. The Indo-Ceylon Express, also known as Boat Mail Train, would travel from Egmore Station in Chennai, India, on a meter gauge track until Dhanushkodi, where the passengers would pass through customs and get on the ferry. Before the flood destroyed the town, the town had a railway station, a railway hospital, primary schools, a post office, customs and port offices. There were also hotels and textile shops for the travelers.

Whats left of the old railway station that once received passengers from both India and Sri Lanka

Advertisements The remains of St. Anthonys Church

The ruins of a building that once was police quarters

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The still standing walls of the old hospital that once provided medical services to the residents and travelers.

The Pamban Railway Bridge was reconstructed within 45 days after the cyclone, and a road bridge (from which the picture below was taken) was built in the following years.

Dhanushkodi is now a tourist location, but otherwise abandoned, except for a few fishermen with their huts and some local people who set up small shops at the beach for tourists.

A vast majority of the tourists that visit the town and the beach are the pilgrims visiting the temples in Rameswaram, especially during festivals and full moon days. The town is known for its historical significance, geologic curiosity and the special geographic location.(1, 2, 3)
Children in eastern Aleppo face several challenges, simply to get an education.



ALEPPO, Syrian Arab Republic, 14 October 2016  In late September, the new school year started in several areas across the Syrian Arab Republic.

For nine-year-old Judy, who lives in the Old City in the eastern part of Aleppo, returning to school is something to look forward to. Her favourite subject is English. My older sister helps me study. I love this topic so much, she said.

But attending school regularly can often be a challenge for Judy and her classmates.
John Katzman, founder of the Princeton Review, has raised $4 million through his new education venture, Noodle Partners Inc. The said money will be used to help colleges bring high-quality degree programs online.

Katzman believes that online education can have the same quality as those that are taught in traditional classrooms. He also said that it has changed dramatically over the years, especially with the rise of new technology. The problem, however, he added is not about the medium but about the availability of high quality degrees at a lower cost.

He also believe that online degree programs can reverse the trend of low enrollment due to the rising cost of college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, education enrollment has been experiencing a sharp decline for the last five years because colleges and universities, both in the private and public sectors, are getting more and more expensive.

Noodle Partners, in collaboration with Osage Venture Partners and more, hopes to change all that by providing an alternative. They are offering universities and colleges help in setting up these online programs as well as designing the on line courses, recruiting, and measuring student engagement as the course progresses.

The company, in return, will charge students with a flat rate. Katzman said that the flat rate is the edge of Noodle Partners compared to the competition, who take a large cut from the schools taking more from the school's already "challenged margins."

Its competitors include 2U, which Katzman helped establish but he's no longer affiliated with the company, Keypath, Pearson Embanet, HotChalk, Academic Partnerships, Wiley Education Solutions, and a lot more.

Osage Venture Partners Managing Partner Nate Lentz said that they invested in Noodle because they want to see the "cost curve" in higher education. They are expecting Noodles to use its funding to deploy its OPM services and technology to universities and colleges across the nation and continue to increase its enrollment in online programs at schools where they are already involved in.
Jurassic Park was wrong in its portrayal of dinosaurs. No, it doesn't have something to do with the T-Rex not being a carnivore. Scientists from the University of Texas have made a recent discovery that dinosaurs did not produce bird-like sounds but they honked.

This discovery came after paleontologists discovered the oldest example of a voice-box believed to belong to an ancient bird which eventually evolved into a dinosaur. Scientists date it to be 66 million years old, most probably from the Mesozoic period.

The fossils, according to the scientists, belong to a non-avian species of dinosaurs that did not have a syrinx; thus, it is a big possibility that instead of twittering like birds, they produced a low parp or honking sound, most probably like the sound made by crocodiles. Based on the fossils found, the scientists also said that the syrinx could have been developed in the later species of dinosaurs.

Those who have watched the film "Jurassic Park," will remember that most dinosaurs in that film made trilling noises like birds. These fossils, however, suggest that they sound more like crocodiles.

Scientists believe that birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs often referring to them as living dinosaurs. Thus, the discovery gave them insight on how birds evolved.

Dr Julia Clarke, a paleontologist at The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences said that "this finding helps explain why no such organ has been preserved in a non-bird dinosaur or crocodile relative." Dr. Clarke was the scientist who first discovered the fossil syrinx which led to the research.

The research also concluded that dinosaurs could have made close-mouthed sounds that do not require a syrinx. Aside from the sounds, it also gives insight to the brain development of dinosaurs as well as other anatomical features. As Clarke said, the evolution of birds goes beyond just flight and feathers.
Before he leaves for the airport, Officer Tommy Norman drops by Ellis Elementary School in Belleville to visit a little boy named Timothy Johnson.

Officer Norman is a known police officer who has gained national attention for his approach to community policing. On his social media outlets, he posts examples of his daily activities and interactions with North Little Rock. This is Norman's effort to change the way people perceive the police. He is so famous that he has already been featured on CNN, New York Times and the Today Show.

Little boys like "Tim Tim" see him as a good role model. Norman calls him "Tim Tim" for short. Timothy Johnson is just one of the many followers of Officer Tommy Norman. The celebrity "Social Media Cop" from Arkansas has his own Wikipedia Page and more than a thousand likes on Facebook.

But he remains grounded and is keen to visit his old buddy. According to BND, Timothy used to live in a neighborhood where Officer Norman used to patrol in, in Arkansas. But what is so special about "Tim Tim"?

"Tim Tim" is featured in countless social media outlets where Norman posts. He is one of Officer Norman's greatest fans.

Principal Dave of Ellis Elementary School in Belleville oversees the visit. He describes it a "very special and moving" event.

Norman posted several videos and photos of the pals meeting again. "He talks about that all the time," says Mrs. Mathenia, Timothy's teacher. The two are clearly amused by each other's presence. During on moment, Norman asks, "Are you a police officer, Tim Tim?" Timothy answers with a head nod and an excited "yep!"

"If you would have told me when my career began in 1998 that I'd be blessed with a platform to inspire, I may have looked at you funny," Norman wrote online. "I'm thankful & most importantly humbled!"
Chinese President Xi Jinping has already begun a visit to Bangladesh during which the two countries are to sign an agreement of worth of billion dollars of Chinese investments in infrastructure and energy.

President Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Bangladesh in over 30 years and he was welcomed and accommodated by Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid at Dhaka's airport last Friday.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said that Bangladesh was an important partner of China in South Asia and that the visit will be a milestone in the relationship.

There were no details of anti-terrorism agreement were immediately available. Bangladesh has already cracked down on radicals blamed for violent attacks on foreigners, liberals and minorities. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility of several attacks since last year, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has instead blamed domestic groups for the attack.

During his stay in Dhaka, Xi will call on President Abdul Hamid and hold talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang at a seminar recently said that the visit will truly be a new heights for China and Bangladesh and thus Bangladesh is expecting China as a partner of its infrastructure development.

At least 21 projects on communication, power, fuel, information technology, industries and development of living standards are also being discussed for Chinese support.

Loans will also include four each on railways and road transport and power sectors, five on improving standard of life, two on industries and one each on fuel and Industrial Chemical Technologies (ICT).Estimated loan for the said project is at follows, Padma Bridge $2.57 billion, Chittagong railway project is $3.03 billion, Ashulia elevated expressway $1.39 billion Cox's Bazar marine drive expressway and coastal protection project $2.85 billion, Sylhet highway project $1.6 billion.

The ICT project was said to have an estimated loan of $1 billion credit from China is about establishing digital connectivity.

Xi will leave for New Delhi on Saturday to attend a summit of five BRICS countries. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.


On October 13, celebrities, chefs and community leaders joined forces at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas for the bi-annual, Cool Comedy-Hot Cuisine blue carpet event (Pictured: Neon Trees  Photo credit: Getty Images).

Photo credit: Getty Images

Featuring the best in cuisine and comedy, this event raises awareness for scleroderma funds to support the Scleroderma Research Foundations innovative research program, bringing hope and helping to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from this debilitating disease.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Funnyman Bill Bellamy emceed the night, while guests including the cast of Pawn Stars enjoyed an elaborate dinner prepared by four of Las Vegas Top Chef Masters alumni. Chefs Rick Moonen, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger and Hubert Keller prepared a decadent four-course dinner, with dishes including Chef Kellers Duck Terrine, Chef Moonens True North Seafood Shepherds Pie, Chefs Mary Sue and Susans Beef Shortribs, and a delectable Campfire Nutella Smores Cake that was lit on fire and prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Keris Kuwana of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, located at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Absinthes The Gazillionaire hosted an exclusive live auction with packages including a Napa Valley adventure and in-home Top Chef Masters dinners, with all donations going toward Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF). Comedian Bob Saget entertained guests with a musical standup routine and an energetic performance by hot pop rock band Neon Trees concluded the night.

SRF Board Member and event Chairman Saville Kellner thanked guests for attending and supporting the event and foundation saying, Scleroderma can kiss my butt if it thinks we are going anywhere without a fight, and with your help and generosity, that fight continues tonight Thank you all for so much for trying to help us find a cure for this disease, for giving us hope and for changing lives.

Due to the generous donations during the silent and live auction, the Scleroderma Research Foundation raised more than $560,000 to go toward funding research to find a cure for this debilitating disease.
1. The Exorcist (1973)

2. The Shining (1980)

3. Halloween (1978)

4. Poltergeist (1982)

5. The Evil Dead (1981)

6. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

7. The Birds (1963)

8. Alien (1979)

9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

10. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

11. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

12. Carrie (1976)

13. The Omen (1976)

14. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

15. The Thing (1982)

16. Psycho (1960)

17. Jaws (1975)

18. Frankenstein (1931)

19. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

20. The Fly (1986)

Do you love to be creeped out by a horror movie that can send shivers down your spine? After you work your way through this list of terrifying horror flicks, you might regret answering yes to that question.Here are the 20 scariest horror movies that you shouldn't watch alone:12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins to adapt an explicit new personality as strange events befall the local area of Georgetown. Her mother becomes torn between science and superstition in a desperate bid to save her daughter, and ultimately turns to her last hope: Father Damien Karras, a troubled priest who is struggling with his own faith.Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren't prepared for the madness that lurks within.A psychotic murderer institutionalized since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and stalks a bookish teenage girl and her friends while his doctor chases him through the streets.Craig T. Nelson stars as Steve Freeling, the main protagonist, who lives with his wife, Diane, (JoBeth Williams) and their three children, Dana (Dominique Dunne), Robbie (Oliver Robins), and Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke), in Southern California where he sells houses for the company that built the neighborhood. It starts with just a few odd occurrences, such as broken dishes and furniture moving...When a group of college students finds a mysterious book and recording in the old wilderness cabin they've rented for the weekend, they unwittingly unleash a demonic force from the surrounding forest.Teenagers in a small town are dropping like flies, apparently in the grip of mass hysteria causing their suicides. A cop's daughter, Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) traces the cause to child molester Fred Krueger (Robert Englund), who was burned alive by angry parents many years before. Krueger has now come back in the dreams of his killers' children, claiming their lives as his revenge. Nancy and her boyfriend, Glen (Johnny Depp), must devise a plan to lure the monster out of the realm of nightmares and into the real world...Chic socialite Melanie Daniels enjoys a passing flirtation with an eligible attorney in a San Francisco pet shop and, on an impulse, follows him to his hometown bearing a gift of lovebirds. But upon her arrival, the bird population runs amok. Suddenly, the townsfolk face a massive avian onslaught, with the feathered fiends inexplicably attacking people all over Bodega Bay.During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfor...FBI trainee Clarice Starling ventures into a maximum-security asylum to pick the diseased brain of Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist turned homicidal cannibal. Starling needs clues to help her capture a serial killer. Unfortunately, her Faustian relationship with Lecter soon leads to his escape, and now two deranged killers are on the loose.A group of people try to survive an attack of bloodthirsty zombies while trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse. Although not the first zombie film, Night of the Living Dead is the progenitor of the contemporary "zombie apocalypse" horror film, and it greatly influenced the modern pop-culture zombie archetype.Five friends visiting their grandfather's house in the country are hunted and terrorized by a chain-saw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals.Carrie may be ostracized, but the shy teen has the ability to move objects with her mind. So when the high school "in crowd" torments her with a sick joke at the prom, she lashes out with devastating -- and deadly -- power.Immediately after their miscarriage, the US diplomat Robert Thorn adopts the newborn Damien without the knowledge of his wife. Yet what he doesnt know is that their new son is the son of the devil. A classic horror film with Gregory Peck from 1976.A young couple moves into an infamous New York apartment building to start a family. Things become frightening as Rosemary begins to suspect her unborn baby isn't safe around their strange neighbors.Scientists in the Antarctic are confronted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of the people that it kills.When larcenous real estate clerk Marion Crane goes on the lam with a wad of cash and hopes of starting a new life, she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates cares for his housebound mother. The place seems quirky, but fine until Marion decides to take a shower.An insatiable great white shark terrorizes the townspeople of Amity Island, The police chief, an oceanographer and a grizzled shark hunter seek to destroy the bloodthirsty beast.Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again.Two American tourists in England are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.When Seth Brundle makes a huge scientific and technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.(via HitFix
Students talk after attending a university entrance exam. Education reform projects should have a long-term focus and be evaluated carefully, experts say.- VNA/VNS Photo

Education Minister Phung Xuan Nha himself has spoken about the need to avoid reforming the reforms, indicating a recognition and awareness of the problems that have arisen, Tin Tuc (News) reports.

The latest reform process began after a resolution passed by the 11th Party Congress in 2011. Shortcomings in its implementation have evoked public ire.

For instance, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) announced last month they would introduce a programme to teach Chinese and Russian, besides English, as compulsory foreign languages in elementary schools and high schools the next school year. This was opposed by several experts and parents.

Quach Thi Hieu, mother of a fourth grader in the Nghia Tan Elementary School, said I want my child to learn the language that most countries are speaking. I dont want her to be a lab mouse for an unreasonable programme.

Nguyen Minh Thuyet, a former vice-chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Youth and Children, had similar concerns.

He said that in the context of global integration, English happened to be the most effective language.

If other languages, apart from English, are made compulsory, several schools will have to recruit more students to fill up the language classes.

The result will be that students who do not choose English struggle to find jobs when they grow up, or that many students end up having to learn a language they dont want to, just because there are too many teachers that teach it, and they have to be given work.

The education ministry must plan such things very carefully, Thuyet said.

No rush

According to the management board of the 2008-2020 National Language Project, more than VN3.8 billion was spent over the last five years (2011-2015), 60 per cent of it coming from the State Budget.

However, the project is yet to bring about great improvements in the quality of language teaching at secondary and high schools. Given this, the ministry should not rush into a new language programme, Thuyet felt.

Educational reforms need a strong strategy and a clear route. All solutions must be researched carefully and piloted before being replicated, he said.

Another example of good intentions not producing desired results is the admission process for universities and colleges. The process has been tinkered with very often in recent years.

From the 2015 academic year, the high school graduation exam and the university recruitment exam have been rolled into one. The aim was to reduce expenses as well as academic pressure on students.

The MoET has stated that the single exam would create more opportunities for students, but ao Trong Thi, another former member of the National Assemblys Committee for Youth and Children, said that it did not serve a main goal of the reform process, which is to decentralise and help localities and universities become independent and develop more capabilities.

The ministry organised one single exam and asked all universities and colleges to follow the process that was planned by the ministry, while there is no regulation that required the ministry to be in charge of this process, he said.

The recruitment process should be done by the universities and colleges themselves, he added.

The MoET has announced that next years high school graduation exam will consist of two parts  the first one having three independent tests on mathematics, literature and foreign language, and the second having two interdisciplinary tests: a natural sciences test on biology, physics and chemistry; and a social science test on history, geography and civics.

High school students can use the results of the three compulsory tests in part one, in addition with the results of either the natural science or the social science test, to apply to the universities they want.

While this would offer the students more tertiary choices, senior teachers have pointed out some problems.

At a recent conference on the university recruitment process for next year, Nguyen Thu Anh, principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary School, said: The interdisciplinary tests require students to be adept at almost all subjects, which means teachers must adjust their teaching methods accordingly, so that their students knowledge is comprehensive.

However, since there is an enormous amount of information in each textbook, the education ministry needs to provide teachers with a study guide that they can use to best prepare students for the exams.

Long-term focus

Referring to reform projects that his ministry has been implementing, Education and Training Minister Nha said: Education and training needs solid strategies with long-term feasibility in order to avoid reforming the reforms.

He noted that while some reforms take effect immediately, others take years to show results. What is important is that reform work is undertaken with utmost seriousness, with each project piloted and evaluated very carefully, he said.

The minister also said that even though it was badly needed, textbook reform was not being carried out because the overall general education programme and curricula have not been finalised.

He said his ministry wanted deep and direct involvement of both teachers and authors in the textbook reform process.

In the meantime, he has ordered textbook authors to revise and remove repetitive and unnecessary content in order to reduce overload on both teachers and students.
The delegation, led by EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, comprises firms operating in dairy, cereal, vegetable and wine production.

According to Diego Canga Fano, Multilateral Relations Director at the EUs Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, there will be a range of trade promotion activities in Ha Noi and HCM City during the trip, including workshops and meetings with local trade partners.

Viet Nam is one of the EUs priority partners, he said, noting that the bloc wishes to step up trade ties with the Southeast Asian nation, especially with the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement coming into force soon.

At the meeting, Nguyen Canh Cuong, Vietnamese Minister Counselor in charge of economic and commercial affairs in Belgium, briefed the EU businesses on Viet Nams economic landscape and its potential for cooperation with the EU.

He said that the EU has carried out many projects aiming to help Viet Nam in agriculture and produce trading.
Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district of Yen Bai province with over 90 percent of the population HMong people. Coming to Mu Cang Chai, visitors will admire the grandeur of nature and the vast terraced fields.

Yen Bai people call Mu Cang Chai "Khau Pha sea of clouds" because to reach Mu Cang Chai, visitors must go through the Khau Pha Pass of 2100m high - one of the most winding and steepest passes in Vietnam.

Mu Cang Chai is known for the beautiful terraced fields spanning from Tu Le to Khau Pha, La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha ...

Coming to Mu Cang Chai this season, you'll see the vitality of nature, with green rice fields, green buds and pink-white peach and apricot flowers.

Muong Lo Fields

80 km west of Yen Bai City, Muong Lo is located between Nghia Lo town and Van Chan district and is considered the second largest field of the majestic, romantic Northwest region. It is home to Thai ethnic minority group whohave unique traditional culture.

Nghia Lo, with a population of 30,000, is tucked away in a big, flat valley called Muong Lo and offers many experiences for tourists. It is second only to the Muong Thanh valley of Dien Bien Province in terms of size and is surrounded by unlimited chains of mountains.

In this region, at this altitude (approximately 1000 meters) the rice is ripe between the end of September and the beginning of October: some fields have been harvested and have the brown color of dry land while others are yet to be harvested and show a beautiful bright yellow color. In this region of Vietnam, the ripening of the rice happens 2-3 weeks after those in Sapa (the most popular place in Vietnam where most tourists go to see terraced rice fields).

Thac Ba Hydro Power Plant

Thac Ba Lake is the largest artificial lake in Vietnam built in 1970 with total area of 23.400 hectares.

Not only is it a tourist attraction, Thac Ba Lake also pay an important role in protecting and improving environment. Due to a stunning cave system of limestone mountain ranges, the lake attracts thousands of arrivals every year.

The most prominent of all is Thuy Tien cave, 100 m long, situated inside rocky mountain. In addition, tourists visit Xuan Long cave to admire stunning natural statutes.

Cao Bien is the largest and longest mountain range of Thac Ba Lake. Standing at the peak of the mountain, tourists will get birds eye-view of misty Thac Ba Lake in early morning.

Traveling to Thac Ba, tourists will have a chance to exchange culture with ethnic groups such as Nung, HMong, dao, Phu La. through folk festivals.

Suoi Giang

Suoi Giang is situated at the height of 800-1000m above the sea level, 20km from Nghia Lo Town. This site is home to age-old tea trees. With the temperature in summer around 30-320C, and very pure air, Suoi Giang is suitable for relaxation, sightseeing and exploring the cultural life of HMong ethnic group.

The area is also surrounded by small villages and wooden houses of Thai and Hmong ethnic people. The town also held variegated market where you can buy almost anything. You can visit the area near the village of Suoi Giang, where you can see the tea trees which are 100-400 of years old. Local people of the area call this tea medicinal tea (Zie Sua) and believethat it is medicine. This area is located approximately 1500  2200 meters above sea level, where there is a mild climate and average annual temperature of 20 C.
A view of MBLand Central Point My inh (MBland Home 3) project which is under construction in Ha Nois Tu Liem District. New apartments and houses were expected to reach about 10,000 units in the last quarter, with subsequent launches from existing projects responsible for 50-60 per cent.-- VNS Photo oan Tung

The third-quarter report by CB Richard Ellis Viet Nam Ltd Co (CBRE Viet Nam) says more than 6,800 new units were launched from 16 projects, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 14 per cent, but a decrease of 38 per cent year-on-year.

Mid-range products still dominated the new launches, although new supply from high-end and luxury apartments also increased significantly, the report said.

In particular, around 3,000 apartments from these segments were launched this quarter, accounting for 45 per cent of total new launches.

Overall, the third quarter experienced a positive market sentiment, as sales caught up fast with new launches. A total of 5,279 units were sold, an increase of 52 per cent compared to the last quarter.

The report said sales also maintained an upward trend since the beginning of this year in the high-end segment.

In the first three quarters of 2016, approximately 14,200 units were sold, with mid-range apartments making up nearly 50 per cent of this figure, CBRE Viet Nam said.

Another leading real estate firm, Savills Viet Nam, also said mid-range apartments recorded the highest primary sales volume for the 6th consecutive quarter, totaling 51 per cent of sales. The absorption rate decreased two percentage points q-o-q to 33 per cent but the average asking price was stable, it said.

Meanwhile, a report by the Rong Bay Real Estate Trading Floor said that in general, the domestic property market would remain stable this year-end and early next year.

If, in the coming time, the State issues new policies encouraging people to buy property, the local real estate market would see stronger growth, this report said, noting that it was a good time for buyers because of high supply, stable prices and many preferential offers from sellers.

Western attractions

The report said that in Ha Noi, the western region would be hot and experience strong growth because of many advantages in infrastructure in the area, as also Ha ong District.

Large property investment firms like Vingroup, FLC and Bitexco have many projects in the area.

The trading floor expects that the western region will provide 70 per cent of the apartment supply for capital city market, with selling prices increasing by 7 per cent in the near future.

Demand for apartments and house was still high, so property transactions in good projects will continue to rise, said Nguyen Van Tuan, CEO of Rong Bay Real Estate Trading Floor.

He reiterated that the regions developed infrastructure would attract both home-buyers and property investors.

Home-buyers are likely to choose this region because it is convenient to live, study and work here, while investors will see it as a safe investment destination with potential for higher profits, he said.

Dominant supply

In its quarterly report on Ha Noi, Jones Lang LaSalle Viet Nam Ltd Co (JLL Viet Nam) said more than 11,000 new completions were expected in the last quarter of 2016, nearly 70 per cent of which would be in the mid-range segment.

It estimated new supply for the last quarter at 10,000 units, with 50-60 per cent of the launches coming from existing projects.

The company said apartment sales would also rise to new highs following expected increases in supply and greater interest among both owner-occupiers and investors. Prices would continue rising because of new launches and improved conditions, it said.

Asian investors

Real estate attracted the second largest volume of foreign direct investment with 34 new projects worth US$1 billion in the first nine months of this year, or 6.1 percent of the total, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investments Overseas Investment Agency.

Nguyen Hoai An, CBRE Viet Nam Director of Research, Consulting and Asset Management Services, said Viet Nam had been extremely attractive to Asian investors over the last decade, especially those from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

These investors consider market potential, penetration opportunity and capital safety when deciding to invest in any overseas property market, she said.

Japanese investors have shifted their interest from industrial properties to housing and offices over the past two years. They tend to buy up existing projects or start new ones from scratch, she added.

Another perspective came from real estate services provider Savills Viet Nam, which said it was not just residential housing and commercial office buildings that had picked up.

Industrial real estate had also become valuable, it said, pointing out that rising labour costs in China was putting pressure on labour-intensive industries like garment, footwear and mechanical engineering.

As a result, foreign firms seeking better manufacturing conditions, especially in labour costs, were leaving the country.

Viet Nam was emerging as a bright spot for this investment thanks to its waterway and road connectivity with China, it said.

The countrys membership in ASEAN and a number of free trade agreements has attracted a surging amount of FDI, especially since the conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in late 2015, it added.
Polytex Far Eastern Vietnam Co. was licensed in Binh Duong in 2015. - Photo songoaivubinhduong.vn

The company's factory in Binh Duong, which specialises in textile and chemical fibre production, is the third largest in the world. The two largest factories are in China and Taiwan.

The company plans to make smart products for the garments and electronic spare parts sectors.

Speaking at the working session, Tran Thanh Liem, chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said Binh Duong will offer favourable conditions for the company to expand business.

The province aims to attract investment in environmentally-friendly sectors that create products with high value and require fewer labourers. It is also focusing on urban development to become a first-grade city by 2020, he added.

Binh Duong is among the top five localities in Viet Nam, attracting foreign investment worth over US$25 billion. China's Taiwan is one of the leading investors in Binh Duong with 730 projects worth $5.2 billion.
According to newswire Dantri, Vedan has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (PM), the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Ministry of Finance, and the General Department of Vietnam Customs to import coal for electricity production in its coal-fired boiler without going through domestic intermediaries.

According to Yang Kun Hsiang, general director of Vedan Vietnam, the company has been importing an average of 31,500 tonnes of coal per month through a long-term contract with Japans Mitsui, which will expire in March 2017.

In late September 2016, the Long Thanh Customs Branch requested the company to complete procedures to import coal through two major Vietnamese importers, Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) and Dong Bac Coal Corporation, according to the regulation.

On August 26, 2014, the Government Office issued Notice No. 346/TB-VPCP, requiring enterprises to import coal through the two major importers in order to control the quality, avoiding the increased environmental pollution that comes with lower-quality coal resources.

However, a representative of Vedan Vietnam said that the notice is only applicable to state-owned enterprises. As the company has known that both private and foreign-owned enterprises have to comply with the regulation, the company has yet to arrange time to work with Vinacomin and Dong Bac Coal Corporation to discuss details on coal type, quality, price as well as freight. Thereby, the company seeks the PMs approval to import coal on its own or at least maintain the signed contract with the Japanese partner.

Vedan Vietnam said that if the company has to stop the contract, it will incur a termination fine and will have to pay freight compensation for the logistics company.

Decrying the low-quality of domestic coal, Hung Nghiep Formosa Co., Ltd. (Formosa) previously submitted a proposal to the General Department of Vietnam Customs to import coal for electricity production in its coal-fired thermal power plant located in the southern province of Dong Nais Nhon Trach 3 Industrial Park without domestic intermediaries.

Entering Vietnam in 1991, Vedan Vietnam specialises in manufacturing monosodium glutamate, special chemical products, amino acid, and starch products. In the past, Vedan Vietnams reputation was damaged by a string of environmental violations.

Notably, in 2008, it was reported to have been dumping more than 5,000 cubic metres of untreated wastewater a day into the Thi Vai River through a sophisticated underground pipeline for many years. It caused serious pollution and heavy losses to thousands of fish-farming households in Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Ho Chi Minh City. Vedan Vietnam was reported to be saving $30 million per month with the illegal pipeline system.

According to a representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, during the 1995-2005 period, Vedan Vietnam continuously discharged inadequately treated wastewater, showing levels of contaminants and pollutants far exceeding regulated limits. Xyanua and coliform levels were found to be 5,600 and over 100 times the prescribed maximum.
We have a lot to learn from this election
Elon Musk Warns of a Global Recession Lasting Until Early 2024, Goes Pedal to the Metal on Tesla Production

On Oct. 21, Elon Musk warned that the world is in for a global recession that could last until the spring of 2024. As developments in Europe and China occur, the CEO of Tesla is preparing to go full throttle on production, whether the recession comes or not. Preparing for
Zimbabwe is in flux. There are regular protests, especially in the capital, over currency and food shortages, unemployment, and alleged government corruption and mismanagement.

Observers say an effective political solution may not be soon in coming.

President Robert Mugabe, 92, and his ruling ZANU-PF party have been in power for 36 years. But the party is breaking into factions, and at least one former member, onetime Vice President Joyce Mujuru, has formed her own party, Zimbabwe People First. The longtime opposition Movement for Democratic Change has new competitors, including more than a dozen new parties and youth-driven protest movements inspired by social media. All are preparing for national elections in 2018.

Participants in a recent symposium at the Washington-based U.S. Institute of Peace looked at some of the challenges facing Zimbabwe, and they agreed that its citizens and the international community alike would favor a "soft landing" in a post-Mugabe future.

Military is 'really central'

Symposium participant Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program at the London-based policy institute Chatham House, said the West has become complacent and has lost contact with the military and with different factions within the ruling party.

"If we get into a really uncertain and unpredictable security situation in Zimbabwe," he said, "it will be the military that will have a role in managing that process. ... I believe the military will play a key role ... in whatever happens, as a kingmaker in whatever coalition or inclusive political entity that might come up [between] the opposition and parts that have split from ZANU-PF. The military is really central here."

Symposium delegates also urged the U.S. and its allies to revisit sanctions on Zimbabwe targeting more than 80 people and 50 groups linked to human rights violations, corruption and mismanagement. They said the sanctions list was outdated and included government critics like Mujuru.

Vines said many Zimbabweans blame the sanctions for their suffering, rather than the government.

"I do believe that ... ZANU-PF and Robert Mugabe won the propaganda battle about sanctions, and I'm surprised at how many well-educated Zimbabweans from civil society and others blame sanctions partly for economic woes and not economic policies," he said. "It has been used as a fig leaf to hide financial mismanagement and other problems. That was one of the drivers for the European Union and Australia to significantly reduce their targeted measures on Zimbabwe to Mugabe, the first lady and Zimbabwe Defense Industries, and I do believe the U.S. and Canada ... need to [revise their outdated sanctions] lists very carefully."

Role of sanctions

Also taking part in the seminar was Johnnie Carson, former U.S. assistant for secretary of state for African affairs under the Obama administration. He said the U.S. government had considered lifting sanctions in order to encourage democratic reforms. But he suggested that the U.S. maintain them as a way to encourage democratization and good governance in Zimbabwe although those efforts have not succeeded so far.

"In 2010 and 2011," he said, "we worked very closely with the South Africans looking for solutions ... and said ... that we, and I, would have been willing to do everything possible to pull down the sanctions if the Zimbabweans were willing to do one or two significant things in the runup to [the 2013] elections, [such as] invite the Carter Center, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute and the Commonwealth to be monitors for the elections. ... We must continue to probe and look for opportunities, but recognize there are times we don't have partners, and times when the environment does not permit."

Carson said U.S. ambassadors to Africa should continue to reach out to Zimbabwe's business community  an idea also backed by Whitney Schneidman, former deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs and current senior associate at the Washington-based law firm of Covington and Berling. He noted the efforts of former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton to strengthen ties with the country's private sector last year.

The Corporate Council on Africa was invited to send a trade mission to Zimbabwe and a reverse trade mission from Zimbabwe came to the U.S.," Schneidman said. "This activity should be continued. A delegation from the President's Advisory Committee on Doing Business in Africa could conduct a fact-finding visit to the country."

Strive for more stability

Schneidman said the Mugabe government should take action to enhance stability in the runup to elections and a new administration. He said the government had proposed a land compensation fund for both black and white farmers who have been displaced as owners by administration supporters. It is also considering long-term leases that would allow farmers to invest in fallow land.

Schneidman also urged continued efforts by Harare to improve relations with the World Bank and other international financial institutions.

Participants in the Washington panel said Zimbabwe had lost the interest of some policymakers in the West. But they said the country remained an important player in southern Africa politics and trade, and that state collapse and a worsening refugee crisis could destabilize the whole region.
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NATO Resolute Support commander Gen. John Nicholson visited the Afghan province Farah, and talked to VOA about the security situation there, including the Taliban's efforts to capture a city before the end of the fighting season.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana sharply rejected accusations that its decision to disqualify presidential candidates from participating in the December 7 general election was politically motivated.



The Electoral Commission disqualified 12 presidential candidates, including the former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, presidential candidate for the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) - for failing to meet requirements it stipulated ahead of the September 30 deadline to file nomination documents.



The electoral body says the presidential candidates who are qualified to participate in the elections include incumbent President John Dramani Mahama, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and Jacob Osei Yeboah, an independent candidate.



In an interview with VOA, Eric Dzakpasu, spokesman for the electoral commission says the electoral body worked within the confines of the countrys electoral laws. He says accusations that the electoral commission disqualified some of the political candidates due to political considerations to benefit a particular group during the elections are unfortunate and regrettable.



All these forms were scrutinized in line with the provisions of the law relative to the nomination of candidates, and inadequacies, omissions and irregularities were found on these forms," said Dzakpasu. "For instance the presidential candidates are supposed to have two registered voters per each of the administrative districts subscribing to their candidature, and a subscriber cannot subscribe to more than one candidate. And here were cases where we had one subscriber subscribing to more than two, three or four of the candidates and on each form, forged different kinds of signatures.



'The law is there'



The commission has written to them stating the grounds for the rejection of their nomination. So, the accusations that these are politically motivated designed to favor one or the other political parties is not true. The grounds for submission have been submitted to them, the law is there and they can relate their forms to the law and then establish whether indeed they compiled with the provisions of the law or not.



The opposition Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) rejected the groups disqualification saying the electoral commission erred in its decision. The party filed a petition in court challenging the disqualification of its presidential candidate. This after the party also called on the National Peace Council  a group comprising prominent Ghanaians, to intervene on the partys disqualification.



Supporters of the PPP also warned that the stubbornness of the electoral commission could plunge the country into chaos.



Dzakpasu disagreed and said threats by political parties to legally challenge their disqualification in court would not distract the electoral body from carrying out its constitutional mandate, which he says is to organize the upcoming presidential, parliamentary and local elections in December.



The electoral commission is focused and it is applying the rules and regulations of the elections to its latter. Here is a case when you submit your nomination forms you have a time period for the corrections or omissions if any. These parties came for these formsThe commission directed them as to how to fill these formsWe even reminded them of the essentials of the forms to be filled. The electoral commission is just sticking to the rules and applying the law to the latter, said Dzakpasu.



When you ask some of these candidates who have been disqualified, they would tell you that what was detected in their forms, they classify them as minor administrative errors. Meanwhile, the law hasnt created that room for discretion, where what they are describing as minor administrative errors could be accepted as basis for filing the nomination. So the electoral commission is not being stubborn, the electoral commission is just being firm and applying the rules fairly across board.



Beginning next week, Dzakpasu says the qualified presidential candidates will participate in a lottery to determine where their names will appear on the ballots used for the election. He said the order of the presidential candidates would also determine the lineup on the ballot for parliamentary candidates from the respective parties.
A hacked email from the account of John Podesta, campaign chairman for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was disclosed Thursday and discusses efforts to postpone the Democratic primary election in Illinois by a month, a move that advisers believed could help Clinton.

The Clintons wont forget what their friends have done for them, future Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook wrote to Podesta.

The Democratic primary was held on its original date in March, and Clinton won. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump won the Republican primary in Illinois.

WikiLeaks has disclosed thousands of what it says are internal emails hacked from inside the Democratic candidates campaign.

Those disclosures this month have prompted some analysts to theorize that WikiLeaks is trying to thwart Clintons presidential bid in the final days before the Nov. 8 U.S. election.

Podesta has said a Federal Bureau of Investigations inquiry into the intrusion of his email files is part of a wider FBI probe into Russias suspected role in the hacking of many other Democratic Party emails, a charge that Moscow denies.

Earlier this week controversy arose over Clintons purported comments to her campaign staff about Christian teachings and the differences between Catholics and evangelical Protestants and their political leanings in the 2016 presidential race.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed those emails portray Clinton staffers as viciously attacking Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians.

Podesta has charged that Trump adviser Roger Stone, a long-time critic of the Clinton family, had advance knowledge of the leaks. Stone has admitted to being in contact with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and he also predicted two months ago that WikiLeaks would attack Clinton and Podesta in the coming weeks.

Other leaked Democratic Party emails indicated that Clinton campaign officials tried to discredit her former Democratic presidential rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and suggested the campaign should laugh off the long-running controversy surrounding Clintons State Department emails, both those that have been released by U.S. officials and the thousands of others that reputedly were deleted by accident.

Finally, Clinton is facing scrutiny for hacked emails that indicate she told Chinese officials they need to control North Koreas aggression or face a buildup of U.S. defensive missile systems in the region.

The emails released this week said Clinton told a conference of investment bankers in June 2013 that her message to China had been: You either control them or were going to have to defend against them. She also noted the United States had warned Beijing it would ring China with missile defenses and could send additional warships to the region.

Clinton has declined to release the text of her comments to the Goldman Sachs firm, which took place several months after she stepped down as secretary of state, and her campaign has declined to either confirm or deny the authenticity of the emails.
Two men who allegedly attacked a turbaned Sikh man in September in California will face hate-crime charges, the Contra Costa County district attorney's office said Friday.

Chase Little and Colton Leblanc were among five or six men in a pickup truck who reportedly threw beer cans at Maan Singh Khalsa, who was driving home from work in his car, the Richmond Police Department said. The two men are accused of attacking him through his open car window, knocking off his turban, hitting him in the face and cutting his religiously mandated long hair with a pocketknife, police said.

Khalsa sustained a swollen black eye and damage to numerous teeth. He will have his pinky finger amputated at the first knuckle after developing an infection from being cut with a knife, according to a statement from Simon O'Connell, the prosecutor in charge.

Devout male Sikhs are required to keep their hair long and wear turbans as a commitment to their faith.

"The savage cutting of Mr. Khalsa's unshorn hair, a sacred article of his faith, constitutes a hate crime under the law," the statement read.

Followers of the Sikh faith, a monotheistic religion that originated in northern India, are often confused with Muslims.

Perceived as Muslim

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, men who look like Muslims have been the targets of discrimination and violence in the United States, and the number of incidents of anti-Muslim violence has risen dramatically in the past year.

Anti-Muslim violence and rhetoric, however, affect others besides actual Muslims. Studies, including a report released by Georgetown University, use "anti-Muslim" to refer to anyone perceived as a Muslim, including non-Muslim South Asians such as Sikhs.

The district attorney in Khalsa's case noted that religion was a substantial factor in his vicious assault, whether "actual or perceived."

In 2015, 174 incidents of anti-Muslim violence were reported nationwide, according to When Islamophobia Turns Violent, the report by Georgetown's Bridge Initiative.

The report notes that anti-Muslim attacks tripled in December 2015, shortly after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called for shutting down American mosques following the San Bernardino, California, shootings.

Attacks against Muslims and those perceived as Muslims occurred every day in the month of December, totaling 53 incidents of threats, physical assaults, and vandalism of mosques as well as Sikh temples.

"These numbers line up with my own personal experiences over the past few months," Sikh Coalition Senior Religion Fellow Simran Jeet Singh said at a "Faith Not Fear" rally in New York earlier this year.

"As a Sikh man with a turban and beard, I'm struck by how much more often people have made racist remarks to me. I believe that the hateful rhetoric of our politicians has emboldened people to speak and act more openly about their xenophobic or discriminatory outlooks," Singh said.

'Can't paint with a broad brush'

The Southern Poverty Law Center released a report earlier this year linking a dramatic rise in hate groups to the presidential campaigns that began in March 2015.

"Donald Trump's demonizing statements about Latinos and Muslims have electrified the radical right, leading to glowing endorsements from white nationalist leaders," the report said.

The report cited a rise in the number of Klu Klux Klan chapters  from 72 in 2014 to 190 in 2015  as an example of extremist groups that have increased drastically in the past year.

Sikhs are fighting for more awareness and education in an effort to keep their members from being incorrectly indentified as Muslims, but their leaders and organization have said no group or religion should be victims of hate crimes.

"Our community ... the civil rights leadership has always said it's not enough to say, 'Hey, we're not Muslim; leave us alone.' It's to say, 'No one should be treated poorly,' " Ameek Sodhi, senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton and a turbaned Sikh, told VOA. "You can't paint with a broad brush on any community."

As reports of violent incidents such as Khalsa's become more frequent, the state of California in particular is taking measures to combat hateful rhetoric.

The state passed the Safe Place to Learn Act last week that will provide resources to teachers and school administrators to combat bullying against Muslim and Sikh children.
Several hundred members of far-right and ultranationalist groups marked Defenders Day in Ukraine on Friday, marching through Kyiv as a show of support for Ukrainian fighters.

The state holiday was set by Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko, who declared October 14 Defenders Day in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea and a pro-Russian insurgency took root in eastern Ukraine. Marchers on Friday carried Ukrainian and far-right Svoboda party flags and chanted nationalist slogans at rallies.

We will march and glorify our heroes who gave their lives for our Ukraine  starting from the times of UPA [Ukrainian Insurgent Army] until today  during the Ukrainian-Russian war  so that we could start to live freely, Anastasiya Sobol, marching in the capital, told Reuters.

The march coincided with traditional nationalist events marking the creation of the controversial World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army and to celebrate Ukrainian Cossacks.

The far-right activists chanted Glory to the nation! and Death to enemies! as they wound their way from the capitals towering Mother Homeland statue to St. Sofia Square.

It was a show of force for the ultranationalist groups, in particular for Azov, whose ranks have served as perhaps Ukraines most formidable fighting force in the war against the separatists, which has killed more than 9,600 people since April 2014.

RFE/RL contributed to this report.
Police in northern India say a stampede early Saturday outside a Hindu temple has killed at least 19 people.

The stampede happened as hundreds of devotees of Indian guru Jai Gurudev gathered in Varanasi, a Hindu holy town in Uttar Pradesh state, a place known for its temples.

Police officer S.K. Bhagat said organizers expected about 3,000 people to attend the ceremony, but more than 70,000 turned out.

Police started turning back people from an overcrowded bridge, triggering a rumor among the devotees that the bridge had collapsed and causing throngs of people to run for safety.

Television footage showed colorful clothing piled up with police officers trying to clear debris.

"There was a lot of chaos. All of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother," a witness told reporters as rescue efforts were underway.

Several people were injured, some seriously. They were taken to local hospitals while authorities rushed to the site to assess the situation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was hosting a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries in the coastal state of Goa, expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.

"I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected," Modi tweeted.

Stampedes at religious festivals are common in India where massive crowds often overwhelm security and control measures.

Last July, 27 people died in southern India as tens of thousands of pilgrims rushed to bathe in the Godavari River during a festival.

In October 2013, more than 110 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a stampede in Madhya Pradesh state in central India.
Thousands of Iraqi and Kurdish forces are preparing for a looming battle to dislodge Islamic State (IS) fighters from Hawija, a predominantly Sunni town that is the militant group's largest stronghold in Iraq after Mosul.

We are fighting to save humanity, and with efforts of our heroes, we will enter and liberate Hawija people, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Friday during a visit to Kirkuk, about 30 miles east of Hawija.

Home to about 115,000 people, Hawija came under the grip of IS in June 2014. The town is considered "the small Mosul" due to its strategic significance for the stability of oil-rich Kirkuk province.

IS has used Hawija as a staging ground to launch several attacks on nearby towns and oil plants, severely damaging the energy infrastructure of the area.

They fire rockets from the town almost every day, Kurdish military commander Muhammad Qadir said. Removing them means we eliminate the threat on the stability of Kirkuk.

Hawija came under siege last month when Iraqi forces recaptured the Sharqat district to the north cutting off IS militants only route to Mosul.

Backed by U.S.-led coalition aerial power, Iraqi and Kurdish forces say they expect to push toward the center of the town by years end. They expect stiff IS resistance.

Three divisions and 11 brigades of the Iraqi army, along with the Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces, are expected to launch the attack from northwest and south while Kurdish peshmerga reinforcements come from the northwest.

We are well-prepared, Qadir said.

IS fighters are reportedly preparing the attack by digging trenches and planting booby traps around the town.

Kurdish forces on the frontline say that for the past four weeks IS militants and their vehicles could be seen from a distance, with fighters seen digging trenches and planting large concrete barriers.

We use drones and binoculars to monitor their movements, but they usually block our sight by burning a lot of tires, Kurdish Colonel Tariq Ahmed said.

About 10 IS fighters guard the construction tools used to dig the trenches, Ahmed said.

We suspect that IS will fill these trenches with bombs and explosives, he added.

Earlier this month, Iraqi and coalition planes dropped hundreds of leaflets over the town urging civilians to avoid IS positions and leave for safer locations ahead of the operation, commander Shwan Hama Xarib said.

Following the warning, hundreds of residents began fleeing to Iraqs Kurdish region.

The residents are flooding out of the town now because they are well aware that coalition airstrikes will begin soon, Xarib told VOA. IS has built bases everywhere in the town and civilians know they cant be safe if they stay.
Despite a lull after hostilities earlier this week, tensions remain high across the militarized border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Eritrea claimed Thursday it had killed more than 200 Ethiopian troops and wounded more than 300. A Ministry of Information statement did not say how many Eritrean troops were killed or wounded.

There has been no independent confirmation of the figures released by Eritrea in a government statement Thursday.

In an interview with VOA's Horn of Africa Service, Ethiopia's Communications Minister Getachew Reda suggested the figures are inaccurate but stopped short of denying them.

He also said Ethiopia has no interest in disclosing its assessment of damages during the battle.

'Active hostilities'

Reda added that "active hostilities ... launched by the regime in Asmara" were stopped, and Ethiopia was prepared to repel what it views as Eritrean hostilities.

What we do next will ultimately depend on what the regime in Asmara decides to do next, Reda said.

Awet Weldemichael, a professor of history at Queens University in Kingston, Canada, said despite the fact that these clashes were dismissed by some as skirmishes similar to others that have periodically flared up, they were quite serious.

These involved heavy bombardment using medium- and long-range artillery weapons and it went on both sides," Weldemichael said. "These were not mobile units or militia using their handguns or light weapons. So that makes it different in scale which means that there are damages endured by either or both sides."

He also said the Eritrean ministry statement issued Thursday that cited casualties must be viewed cautiously and skeptically since there is no independent media on the ground to corroborate it.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby issued a statement Tuesday stating that the U.S. is concerned about military action and called on both governments to exercise restraint and engage in political dialogue, referencing the 2000 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon held a pre-scheduled meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and discussed the conflict, stressing that both parties need to continue the application of restraint and a peaceful resolution through political means.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), similarly stated that Ethiopia and Eritrea need to refrain from statements and actions likely to aggravate the situation and further endanger regional stability.

Time for solutions

International observers said the June 12 clash between Eritrean and Ethiopian forces is just the latest of a long series of violent incidents that have erupted between the two nations over the past five years.

Among those closely following the events is Cedric Barnes, the Nairobi-based Horn of Africa project director for the International Crisis Group.

Since 2011, there have been eight confrontations along the militarized border, Barnes said. Some have directly involved the national militaries of the two countries, while others involve rebel groups supported by one side or the other.

Once it seems that this action has died down and various forces withdrawn maybe to their original positions it [reoccurs] nevertheless and shows how tense the border is, how vulnerable it is to flare ups, Barnes said.

He said that reliable information about the latest incident is difficult to come by with many of the accounts coming from people who are not on the ground. Tensions have heightened recently with Ethiopia threatening to take proportional military action if it saw a threat.

It is very difficult to say that what particularly precipitated this incident apart from the fact that the very presence and unresolved nature of that border means that the tensions can spill over very quickly, Barnes said.

He said that over the past several years Eritrea has become more confident in its international standing and better funded due to its participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates use of Eritreas port of Assab and its engagement with the European Union.

Eritrea was really on the back foot, but now it feels a little bit more secure and Ethiopia is more concerned about the capacity of Eritrea to cause it trouble, he said.

However, Weldemichael, of Queens University, said the responsibility is now squarely on the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The international community has lost years worth of opportunities to push both in the right direction, he said.

"Whatever the reality on the ground, this is tragic. Its going to be another tragedy of epic proportions for these two countries to go back to conflict however low intensity," Weldemichael said.

"Its high time that the international community gears up to address the root causes of this problem and compel the two countries to abide by international law and normalize relations, he added.
Malawis government has announced that President Arthur Peter Mutharika will return to the country Sunday  weeks after attending the U.N. General Assembly meeting of heads of state and government in New York last month.

A cross-section of Malawians have demanded information regarding the whereabouts of the president after the meeting. This, after expressing concern the administration in Lilongwe has refused to inform the public about the whereabouts of the president. They contend that all the world leaders who participated in the U.N. meeting have returned to their respective countries and wonder why Mutharika has yet to do so.

Khumbo Soko, the general-secretary of the Malawi Law Society, says public demands for information about the presidents whereabouts are legitimate.

Everyone is waiting with bated breath (great anticipation) for the president to touch down and possibly explain to Malawians where he was and more importantly why the statehouse didnt find it important to tell Malawians where the president was after his engagement at the U.N. General Assembly. As you can imagine, it has given rise to quite some very unhappy speculation and I think all these were needless if people have just been told where the president was. There would have been no need for people to engage in speculation as it were, Soko said.

The way we see it is that its part of accountability. The starting point must be that if you exercise powers of state, you are doing so on behalf of people, the people are the ones that have put you in office. And therefore, they have a legitimate interest in knowing where you are. After all, if indeed it was correct the president was in the U.S. on our behalf, that he was working after the U.N. General Assembly, it is actually the public that is footing this bill, and in that respect, it was only going to be fair for the people of Malawi to be told at least where the president was, Soko added.

Deeper roots

Some political analysts say the lack of transparency about the presidents whereabouts could be traced back to the countrys founding president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

During Bandas 33-year rule, they said, there was no information about his travel plans or when he would return home from his meetings abroad. Many speculated that it could have been his way of trying to prevent his administration from being overthrown during the latter part of his presidency.

During his presidency, Banda consolidated power and declared Malawi a one-party state under the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The MCP subsequently made him the party's President for Life. And in 1971 he did indeed became the countrys lifetime president.

That is a fair assessment. We seem to be struggling to shake of the legacy of I think the 30 years of one-party rule when things were very secretive, when matters relating to the president were only known by a tiny circle of people, Soko said.

The constitutional order that we adopted in 1994, it does and demands more transparent government where this kind of thing should really be routine and not people struggling to get this kind of simple information. So, its quite legitimate that its a hangover from our troubled past.

Soko, however, said calls for a possible constitutional amendment to demand more transparency are misplaced, since he says the current constitutional provisions are expansive enough, they make it absolutely clear that those who govern do so on behalf of the people of Malawi. The obligations to be transparent and open and to account to the people of Malawi are clearly spelt in the constitution.
Two Milwaukee men were charged in federal court Friday with trying to join the Islamic State group by traveling through Mexico to Syria.

Jason Michael Ludke, 35, was charged with attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization, and Yosvany Padilla-Conde, 30, was charged with aiding and abetting Ludke. Each faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

According to the complaint, Ludke and Padilla-Conde began corresponding on social media with an undercover FBI employee last month and said they planned to travel to Mexico, where they could get passage to Syria and join the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Ludke said he converted to Islam in 2003 and wanted to live under Sharia, or Islamic law. He also said he was tired of living under the infidels' system and wanted to strive for paradise.

The undercover FBI employee received an email on October 1 containing a video of Padilla-Conde and Ludke with a handmade Islamic State group flag in the background. Ludke said Padilla-Conde was striving to reach paradise as well, according to the complaint.

The undercover employee told Ludke that people in Mexico would be able to get them passports for Arab counties. On October 5, Ludke told the employee that he and Padilla-Conde were in Texas heading toward El Paso. Police captured them near San Angelo later that day.

Meeting with brother-in-law

Ludke told FBI agents that he and Padilla-Conde left Wisconsin because they couldn't pay their rent and he was looking to meet his brother-in-law in Mexico, although he couldn't provide his brother-in-law's name or information on his whereabouts. Ludke added he and Padilla-Conde discussed traveling to Yemen so Ludke could study Arabic, according to the complaint.

Padilla-Conde told agents he left Wisconsin because he was about to be evicted and Ludke wanted to travel to Iraq or Yemen to take part in jihad, an Arabic term for holy war, and often spoke of joining the Islamic State, according to the complaint. He said he tried to talk Ludke out of it, the complaint said.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the men had attorneys. The federal public defender's office said no defenders were listed for them in Texas. Court records show Ludke was without counsel during an initial court appearance in Texas on Wednesday. Padilla-Conde was scheduled to make his initial appearance in Abilene on Monday.

Joshua Van Haften of Madison was charged last year with trying to travel to Syria through Turkey to join the Islamic State. His case is still pending in federal court. A plea hearing has been set for Tuesday.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday announced the release of two American citizens who had been held by Houthi rebel militias in Yemen.

Kerry, speaking from Lausanne, Switzerland, where he was participating in talks on Syria, said the two Americans' release was part of a complex diplomatic deal that also included the medical evacuation of wounded Yemenis.

The Americans who left Yemen have not yet been identified. They arrived in Oman on a Royal Air Force of Oman plane that also carried the injured Yemenis, who were wounded in a controversial airstrike one week ago that hit a large group of mourners at a funeral in Sana'a.

Oman's state-run news agency said Saturday's developments followed negotiations between officials from the sultanate and authorities in Sana'a, which is currently controlled by rebels from the Houthi tribe based in northern Yemen.

Airstrikes intensified in August

Yemen's civil war pits the country's internationally recognized government against the Houthis and disaffected army units loyal to a former president of the country. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition of Gulf states that entered the war on the side of the government in March 2015, and that coalition has been supported by the United States.

Talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen were underway in Oman two months ago when the Saudi-led coalition stepped up airstrikes and forced the closure of Sana'a International Airport. That left negotiators representing the Houthis and their allies stranded in Oman, but they were allowed to return home under the latest deal, flying into Sana'a on the same plane that later evacuated the wounded Yemenis and freed Americans.

A spokesman for Kerry said the U.S. was "deeply grateful" to Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his diplomatic assistance, and also recognized the release of the two Americans as a humanitarian gesture by Houthi leaders. The spokesman, Mark Toner, called for "the immediate and unconditional release of any other U.S. citizens who may be still be held" in Yemen or elsewhere in the region.

Saudis: 'Wrong information' led to attack

The Saudi coalition's bombing of a packed funeral hall in Sana'a a week ago killed at least 140 people and wounded 600 others, an attack that shocked the world and drew widespread condemnation of the Saudi coalition's tactics. It also appears to have galvanized international diplomatic efforts to do more to try to stop the bloodshed in Yemen.

An internal probe by the coalition concluded Saturday that the airstrike was based on "wrong information" and had not been authorized by top-level commanders, The Associated Press reported.

Wounded leave for treatment

In addition to the Yemenis evacuated Saturday to Oman, more than 100 other wounded victims of the funeral hall bombing have since been allowed to seek medical treatment abroad, an unidentified Yemeni government official was quoted as saying.

Kerry said he had spoken with the U.S. envoy to Yemen as well as to Saudi officials, and that he was "continuing to work very hard" to revive negotiations to end the Yemen conflict.

"It remains a top priority for us to try to end the violence and get to the table as soon as possible," Kerry told reporters before leaving Switzerland.
Investigators with the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemeni rebels said Saturday that incorrect information led to the bombing of a crowded funeral in the Yemeni capital last weekend, killing about 140 people and wounding at least 525 others.

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) said "a party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff" provided the wrong information.

JIAT said one of the coalition's warplanes bombed the wrong target, resulting in one of the most deadly strikes in the coalition's nearly 19-month-old bombing campaign in support of the Yemeni government's beleaguered government.

"Because of non-compliance with coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries," the team said.

The strike prompted strong international criticism, even from Saudi Arabia's closest Western allies.

Britain is expected to propose a resolution to the U.N. Security Council next week calling for an immediate cease-fire in Yemen.

JIAT is calling on coalition leaders to change their procedures to prevent other mistaken lethal strikes.

Initial denials

"Coalition forces must immediately review their rules of engagement and update their procedures to ensure adherence in the future," the team said.

Bombs hit a funeral hall where mourners marked the death of the father of a prominent Houthi rebel official. Reports and video from the scene showed widespread destruction and rescuers collecting body parts scattered through the ruins of the wrecked facility.

Saudi coalition officials initially denied any role in the bombing, but later announced an investigation of what they described as a "regrettable and painful" attack.

Yemeni officials said the dead and wounded included military and security personnel from the Shi'ite Houthi rebel group seeking to oust the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

The Saudi-led coalition of regional Sunni governments has been attacking Houthis in Yemen in support of President Hadi since March of 2015. A U.N. report says the coalition airstrikes have killed nearly 4,000 people.

Houthi rebels, alleging years of discrimination by the Yemeni government, launched a rebellion in 2014 aimed at wresting power from President Hadi. Since then, more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed.
Serbian leaders have warned that support for joining the European Union is waning in favor of stronger ties with Russia, the Balkan country's traditional Slavic ally.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said earlier this week that EU membership remains the goal of his government, despite a changed atmosphere recently that has welcomed a bigger Russian presence in the country.

"In a way, we are losing ground," Vucic said. "We succeeded in losing political momentum and today is a completely different atmosphere ... than it used to be a year or two years ago."

In a sign of the change, the Russian and Serbian militaries held a joint air-force drill this week near Belgrade. Serbia has previously assured Russia that it will never join NATO, despite its interest in joining the EU.

Serbia since 2014 has also refused to impose economic sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine, as EU members have.

Moscow has backed Serbia in its dispute with the West over Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic Albanian former province whose 2008 declaration of independence Serbia has refused to recognize.

WATCH: Serbia hosts Russian pilots for joint drills

Belgrade has agreed in negotiations with the EU to normalize ties with Pristina to advance in its membership bid, though it has repeatedly said it will never recognize the ex-province's statehood.

Vucic spoke at a debate in Belgrade with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who urged Serbia to recognize the independence of Kosovo, saying it would benefit regional stability.

"The sooner Serbia recognizes Kosovo the better it will be for everyone," Rama said. "It is over, Kosovo is a state, it is a state recognized by major world powers.... People made their choice."

Rama conceded, however, that for Vucic and Serbia, "this remains taboo."

Rama's statement on Kosovo provoked complaints from Vucic that the EU had put more pressure on Serbia to make concessions than the Kosovo government, provoking resentment in Serbia.

"That is what people see and that is what people feel," Vucic said.

While Vucic spoke in Belgrade, Serbia's pro-Russian President Tomislav Nikolic was visiting Moscow and told TASS that Serbia would never recognize Kosovo to obtain EU membership.

"Serbia will never become an EU member if in exchange it is asked to recognize the independence of Kosovo," he said. "But they do not hear us and keep putting forward this precondition again and again."
The Serbian weekly magazine Nedeljnik has retracted an article reporting U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump had apologized for the U.S. role in the 1999 bombing of the former Yugoslavia.

Nedeljnik said in a statement it was either "caught in the middle of the presidential election campaign, or was duped by Vladimir Rajcic," the man that was the paper's "contact" for an interview with Trump.

"Nedeljnik has been trying to get an interview with Donald Trump for over a year now, ever since the businessman decided to run for the election," the statement said. "It turned out, as it often goes in the American politics, that we did not accomplish much via formal channels, but we did through personal contacts. Vladimir Rajcic, Serbian producer and actor living in the United States, who has repeatedly given us proof of his close relationships with people close to Mike Pence, the vice presidential candidate, offered to help Nedeljnik get this interview."

The magazine published an article Thursday, which it retracted within hours, saying that Trump had answered five questions, one of which was about his view toward the Balkans, Serbia and the NATO bombing. In response to that, Trump allegedly said that "Serbs are very good people, the bombing was a big mistake, and the Clinton administration created chaos on the Balkans."

The Trump campaign quickly challenged the story, calling it a "hoax." It was, however, picked up by U.S. media covering the presidential campaign.

Even U.S. presidential contender Hillary Clinton's campaign sharply reacted to Trump's view of the bombing.

"Mr. Trump never gave an interview to the Serbian weekly magazine Nedeljnik, as falsely reported by the discredited Newsweek, nor was such an interview conducted through our Indiana state director [Suzanne Ryder Jaworowski]," said Jason Miller, the Trump campaign's senior communications adviser.

"Regarding the article about a media interview with a Serbian politician and Mr. Trump via my email, this is completely false. I have never served as a conduit to interview Mr. Trump for anyone," Jaworowski said.

Ethnic Serb militias in the former Yugoslavia under President Slobodan Milosevic were accused of carrying out widespread massacres of Muslims as part of a policy of ethnic cleansing.

The U.S.-led NATO bombing of Yugoslavia brought the Kosovo war to an end, when Bill Clinton, husband of Trump's Democratic rival, was president.

NATO's bombing campaign killed hundreds of civilians but also ended ethnic cleansing campaign in parts of the former Yugoslavia.
Talks began in the Swiss city of Lausanne Saturday in another attempt to find a diplomatic solution to the Syrian conflict.

Talks are being held among U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. Foreign ministers of Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are also present at the talks.

Leading international charities called Saturday for a 72-hour cease-fire in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo's eastern neighborhood, the target of government and Russian-backed airstrikes to allow the sick and wounded to be evacuated, and for food and medical aid to enter the besieged area.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in Aleppo, which has seemingly become ground zero in Syria's five-year war. Rebels control the east while the Syrian military holds the rest of the city.

War crime accusations

The U.S. and its Western allies accuse Russia and Syria of war crimes for bombing hospitals and U.N. relief convoys in and around Aleppo as they target Syrian rebels looking to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

READ: France Says Russia Could Face War Crimes Over Aleppo



Syria and Russia say they are only targeting militants. While targeting the opposition with bombs, Syrian and Russian forces have been hitting civilians, including many children.

Russia denies attacking civilians, saying its only targets are "terrorists," the word Russia and Syria use when talking about the opposition.

U.S. President Barack Obama met with his national security team Friday to discuss Syria.

The White House said in a statement that even though bilateral talks with Russia have been suspended, multi-lateral discussions with "key nations" are needed to "encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence."

Warplanes belonging to Russia and the Syrian government conducted a massive air raid on targets in rebel-held areas of Aleppo Thursday night into Friday morning, according to a monitor group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Friday morning that dozens of airstrikes hit eastern Aleppo, and while the airstrikes ended by mid-morning, skirmishes continued around the northern and southern edges of the city.

It is not clear how many people were killed as rescue teams continue to search for victims under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
WikiLeaks on Saturday released full transcripts of three speeches Hillary Clinton gave to Goldman Sachs executives in 2013, along with comments by her presidential campaign staffers about how to handle challenging issues.

Wikileaks has been releasing material hacked from the email account of her campaign manager, John Podesta, for the past week.

According to the emails, her staffers noted potential problems, including her statement to bank executives that "political reasons" factored into passing a law on bank reforms, and Clinton's flattering her audience by saying people in the banking industry know regulation issues better than anyone else.

Clinton has been dogged by accusations from her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and other critics that she is too close to Wall Street and other members of the financial elite.

Another email contained suggestions about how she could align herself more favorably with the working class by spending a day working alongside hotel maids or child-care workers. A key Clinton ally, former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, suggested the idea to a Clinton aide, saying, "Our base [key Democratic supporters] would go wild for it."

Drug test suggestion

Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump suggested Saturday that Clinton might have been on drugs at the last debate and that both candidates should undergo drug testing before Wednesday's final match.

"We're like athletes, right?" Trump said to his audience at a rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. "I'm willing to do it."

Trump also accused the media of influencing the November 8 presidential election in favor of Clinton, as he continued to deny multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

"They are phony allegations with no witnesses whatsoever," Trump said at the New Hampshire rally. "It's a rigged election because they're taking these unsubstantiated [news accounts], no witnesses, putting them on the front pages of newspapers."

Earlier Saturday, Trump tweeted, "Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail. Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election."

Trump has said repeatedly that Clinton should be jailed for her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. After an investigation, FBI Director James Comey announced in July that charges against Clinton were not appropriate.

Trump's latest comments came one day after two more women alleged that the real estate mogul made unwanted sexual advances toward them.

A contestant on Trump's television show, "The Apprentice," told reporters Friday that the businessman kissed and grabbed her at a hotel where she had gone to discuss potential jobs. Summer Zervos was a contestant on the show in 2006.

In an article published Friday by The Washington Post, Kristin Anderson said Trump slid his fingers under her skirt and touched her genitals through her underwear in a New York nightclub in the early 1990s.

The 46-year-old resident of Southern California said she pushed his hand away and got up from the couch on which she was sitting. Anderson said she and her companions were "very grossed out" by the incident, which she said lasted less than 30 seconds.

Anderson said she was reluctant to tell her story publicly, but was convinced she should do so after The New York Times, The Palm Beach Post in Florida and People Magazine published accounts earlier this week of women who said they had been groped by Trump.

Clinton was spending the weekend in New York preparing for the October 19 debate, but her campaign is launching an initiative to capitalize on Trump's unpopularity among some women voters.

Campaign aides say they are planning women-to-women phone banks and door-to-door outreach to female voters in key states.

"Our campaign is mobilizing women disgusted by Trump to organize their communities and get out the vote for Clinton, either during early voting or on Election Day," Clinton campaign aide Mini Timmaraju said in in a statement.

The candidates have about three weeks to make appeals to the nation's voters, some of whom are apparently feeling the stress of the intense presidential campaign.

In this homestretch of the presidential race, Clinton has extended her lead over Trump in national polls. The RealClearPolitics national average shows Clinton leading Trump by nearly 7 percentage points (48.1 to 41.4) in a two-way race.

In a four-way race that also includes Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party, Clinton's lead over Trump narrows slightly to 5.3 percentage points.
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish airstrikes and artillery shelling advanced Saturday to the outskirts of Dabiq, a northern Syrian village that holds little tactical value for its current occupiers, the Islamic State terror group, but is of major religious and symbolic importance for the jihadists, according to Turkish leaders and political activists in the war-savaged country.

In a bid to stop the village from being overrun, IS rushed overnight from its stronghold of Raqqa more than 1,000 mainly non-Syrian fighters to Dabiq, which lies 10 kilometers from the Turkish border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, reported. But the attacking force seized several strategic areas near the town on Saturday, the observatory and rebel commanders said.

Dabiq holds symbolic importance for IS because of an eighth-century, end-of-times Sunni prophecy predicting it would be the site of an apocalyptic showdown between Islam and Christianity. Islamic State propagandists have encouraged supporters to believe doomsday is imminent and gave the name Dabiq to one of its major online English-language publications.

Every new edition of Dabiq opens with a quote by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the mentor of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, claiming, "The spark has been ignited in Iraq, and its flames will grow until they burn the Crusader armies in Dabiq."

Advancing on Dabiq

Speaking on television, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed rebel fighters with Turkish support were advancing on Dabiq, which is surrounded on three sides. The Syrian Observatory reported Saturday: "Two hours ago, the rebels started their attack to control Dabiq."

The monitors added: "The rebels came from al-Rai," referring to a nearby town recently seized by the Turkish-backed Syrian rebels drawn mainly from the Free Syrian Army, or FSA.

Colonel Abdul-Razzaq Freiji, a commander with the Turkey-aligned forces, told the Associated Press that his fighters were bombarding Dabiq in preparation for an assault.

"Daesh members have gathered lots of fighters for this battle that will be harsh," Freiji said, using the Arab acronym for IS. "We will take it [Dabiq] no matter what the price."

Saturday's bombardment was preceded by attacks on Dabiq's neighboring villages by rebel forces. Rebel commanders reported overrunning Sawran, Ahtimilat and al-Ghilaniyah. Commanders from the FSA's Hamza Division posted online photographs of their fighters advancing using U.S.-supplied Humvees.

IS propagandists

With a final assault looming, IS propagandists appeared to be readying their supporters for a defeat at Dabiq, distancing the ongoing fight for Dabiq from the epic doomsday showdown, known as al-Malhamah al-Kubra, they once forecast. Earlier this week, in an online pamphlet, the jihadist propagandists downplayed the current fight for Dabiq.

Anti-IS fighters and their Turkish backers "have amassed in Aleppo, announcing Dabiq as their major goal," the jihadists said, thinking they can score "a great moral victory against the Islamic State."

But "the great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by great events and apocalyptic omens," they added. "These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts  the lesser Dabiq battle  will end in the greater Dabiq epic." The propagandists don't say when that great showdown is likely to come.

The assault on Dabiq is part of Turkey's wider military intervention aimed at creating "a terror-free safe zone of 5,000 square kilometers" in northern Syria, Erdogan said.

Turkey launched the mission called Operation Euphrates Shield on August 24, and its goal is to push well back from the border not only IS jihadists but also the Syrian Kurdish militia, the People's Protection Units, or YPG.

Operation Euphrates Shield has dashed the Syrian Kurds' hope of linking all four Kurdish cantons along the frontier, undermining the YPG ambition of carving out an independent state.

Jarabulus and al-Rai became the first two towns to be captured from IS by the Turkish-backed Syrian rebels. "We are now advancing. Where? To Dabiq," Erdogan said in his televised comments Saturday, speaking from the Black Sea province of Rize.

Return to Syria

He added that Turkey would like to see some of the 3 million refugees who have fled to Turkey from Syria return home. "Let's create space for them," he said. "They can go to their own lands  we can make them live there safely."

Syrian political activists and nongovernmental organization workers say many refugees would most likely return.

"If the Turkish government and its allies can ensure safety in the zone they carve out, many refugees would go back," activist and NGO worker Eyad Kharaba said.

Rebel commanders say after Dabiq, they will target the town of al-Bab, northeast of Aleppo city. That move could lead to a confrontation with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces. They have also announced their intention of targeting al-Bab.

A European diplomat told VOA last month that he suspected the Turkey-backed forces would also start moving not only south to the strategic town of al-Bab but also west "to the towns of Marea and Tell Rifaat," which is currently occupied by the YPG and adjoins Afrin, a Kurdish enclave the YPG hoped to link with three cantons east of the Euphrates River.

As Turkey expands its buffer zone with FSA boots on the ground, Ankara already is making clear how it intends to administer its northern Syria "protectorate."

Western NGOs have been tipped off by Turkish counterparts that Turkish and Syrian NGOs favored by Erdogan will be key in ruling the protectorate. The Turkish authorities are already establishing pro-Turkish town councils in the zone.

More talks

In other developments Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, opened another round of talks aimed at easing the crisis in the war-shattered northern Syrian city of Aleppo.

The talks in Lausanne, Switzerland  also attended by diplomats from seven Mideast countries  opened less than two weeks after Washington suspended bilateral talks with Moscow, following the collapse of a shaky cease-fire in the divided city.

Kerry told reporters Saturday that negotiators were "working very hard" to try to reach a cease-fire agreement. However, The Washington Post quoted unnamed U.S. officials as saying no "major announcements" were expected after the talks.

The United States and its coalition partners accuse the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian allies of conducting a deadly and indiscriminate bombing campaign in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Monitors say Russian and Syrian airstrikes and artillery have killed hundreds of civilians in the city and cut off more than 250,000 others from critically needed supplies since September.

For their part, Russian diplomats insist the strikes are targeting extremists. They have repeatedly blamed Washington for failing to separate extremist fighters from the larger rebel fighting force and from the city's civilian population.

VOA's Lou Lorscheider contributed to this report.
Gunmen kidnapped an American aid worker in Niger Friday after storming his home and killing two of the worker's guards.

The abduction took place in Abalak, in the Tahoua region of Niger.

"First they came on a motorbike and killed the guards," the mayor of Abalak, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters. "Then a 4x4 came and took him away and drove towards the Mali border."

Mali's long, porous border has been vulnerable to armed violence in recent years.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the abduction.

No U.S. citizen had been kidnapped before in Niger where such a seizure of foreigners is rare.

The U.S. Embassy in Niger issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens in the Tahoua region, warning of the high threat of kidnapping and hostage taking. The message advised Americans in Niger to take appropriate safety precautions and avoid predictable travel patterns.

In a statement, Niger's Interior Ministry said Niger forces were pursuing the kidnappers as they headed toward Mali.

"The president of the republic is personally following the situation and our forces are fully mobilized to capture them and put an end to this disastrous affair," the statement read.
A U.S. judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the manufacturer of the rifle used in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

The judge agreed with attorneys for Remington Arms Co. that a law passed by Congress in 2005 protects gun manufacturers from being sued for the use of their products in an illegal manner.

The lawsuit sought unspecified financial damages from Remington Arms, as well as firearms distributor Camfour Holding and gun store Riverview Sales, where the AR-15 rifle was purchased.

Lawyers on behalf of the families of the 26 people killed in the shooting argued that the assault weapon used in the attack in Newtown, Connecticut, should not have been sold in the civilian marketplace.

An attorney for the families vowed to appeal the decision.

While the families are obviously disappointed with the judges decision, this is not the end of the fight, attorney Josh Koskoff said in a statement.

The gunmans mother legally bought the gun that was used in the mass shooting. Gunman Adam Lanza shot his mother before driving to the elementary school, where he killed 20 children and six adults. He killed himself as police arrived.
Nearly 200 of the world's nations reached a historic agreement Saturday to reduce greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners; a major step in the fight against climate change.

The agreement to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, was announced at a climate meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. HFCs can have an effect that is thousands of times greater than that of an equal volume of carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

In a statement, President Obama called the pact among 197 nations and governments "an ambitious and far reaching solution to this looming crisis."

"It shows that we can take action to protect our planet in a way that helps all countries improve the lives and livelihoods of their citizens," the president said.

"It's a monumental step forward," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who was in Kigali for the conference.

Reductions begin in 2019

The accord divides countries into three groups with different time frames for starting their reduction of HFCs. The U.S. and most of Europe have committed to reducing their use of the gases incrementally, starting with a 10 percent cut by 2019 and reducing 85 percent by 2036.

Two groups of developing countries will freeze their use of the gases by either 2024 or 2028, and then gradually reduce their use. India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and the Gulf countries will meet the later deadline.

 Some wealthy nations have already begun reducing their use of HFCs.

"The global phase-down we have agreed today could knock off up to half-a-degree of warming by the end of the century," said Miguel Arias Canete, a commissioner with the European Union.

Some countries, especially those already feeling the effects of rising sea levels due to a warming planet, hoped for a more ambitious plan to reduce HFCs.

"It may not be entirely what the islands wanted, but it is a good agreement," said Mattlan Zackhras, a representative from the Marshall Islands.

Potent greenhouse gas

Factory-made hydrofluorocarbon gases, or HFCs, were introduced decades ago as an alternative to ozone-depleting chemicals, but turned out to contribute to global warming.

Their danger has risen as the sales of refrigerators and air conditioners have soared in emerging countries like China and India. Air conditioning is responsible for the largest growth in HFCs, according to the Berkeley National Laboratory, which estimates another 700 million air conditioners will be in use by 2030.

"Over time an astonishing array of countries - from the largest developed and emerging economies to the most poor and vulnerable states - united to take this bold step to tackle the common threat of climate change," said Andre Light of the World Resources Institute, who is also a former climate change advisor for the U.S. State Department.
However, Hello!

The inability of the Americans to fulfil their obligations in Syria naturally caused an explosion of anti-Russian rhetoric in Europe: Russia has to answer for everything that it did not commit in Syria.

"Some of the anti-war groups do not experience a proper sense of horror, but I definitely would like to see a demonstration in front of the Russian embassy. Where is a coalition " Stop the war! " at present, where is it ?! And now, Im sure ,its up to the government to take the lead.." - said the head of the British Foreign Office Boris Johnson.

"Oh, if only our queen were a man, she would have ordered the Russian-bashing by now! If England stooped that low as to kiss the feet of Russia, the queen would most certainly not be involved. " Queen Victoria, year 1877.

Here it is - the British respect for tradition. But the most profound political tradition is British Russo-phobia, which is 200 years old. Then, on the eve of the Russian-Turkish war, they accused Russia that the Turks had massacred the Bulgarians. This is a typical Russian provocation. Should we mind? It has been ongoing for 200 years, and we ought to have got used to it. One wonders, what has the greatest in the history of the French Republic President Francois Hollande got to do with it? This outstanding political leader even questioned the feasibility of the meeting with Putin:

"Ill ask myself this question: will it be useful? Is it necessary? Can we do anything else that will cause him to stop what he has been perpetrating, together with the Syrian regime? "

Together with the "Syrian regime" Russia is the only country that at the moment is fighting in Syria against terrorists who launched bloody attacks in Paris and Nice. I remember, then Hollande squeaked something about joint actions with Russia. But this pitiful squeak only lasted until the first order was issued in Washington.

Lets remind ourselves, that it was France that stood at the origins of the so-called Free Syrian Army, concocted from elements of "Al Qaeda", collected from all over the Middle East and sponsored by Qatar and Saudi money even before the outbreak of civil war in Syria. That it was France that declared Syrian National Council, elected by no one and representing no one, to be a legitimate body. A legitimate government of Syria? The bloody regime, which should be overthrown. It was France that twice initiated the war in its former colony - Syria: In 2012 in Homs, when it sent several thousand fighters of FSA, and the second time happens to be today.

"Initially, France, within the framework of the general policy of the US leadership to preserve global leadership, took the initiative of instigating the war against Libya and Syria. Later, when there was general agreement on peace and redistribution of roles in the Middle East between the US and Russia on 30 June , 2012 in Geneva, France did not accept this agreement. On the contrary, It has taken steps, leading to a resumption of war. And war did happen."- said the journalist, political scientist (France) Thierry Meyssan.

If the previous French leaders could still be suspected of playing some kind of independent games, albeit funded by the Qatari money, Monsieur Hollande stands "tall" beyond this nefarious suspicion . He surely doesnt know what he is doing. Because thinking and knowing is not part of his Presidential brief. Only blind following.

However, good-bye!
Photo: 2016 Getty Images

Any fan of Fred Armisen knows how much of a music fiend he is  hes currently the band leader of Late Night With Seth Meyers and just released a full Talking Heads parody album with his Documentary Now! collaborator Bill Hader, to name a few of his accomplishments. But now hes taking his musical chops one step further: Hes going on tour, baby! For a limited time, Armisen will touring around the country to play music that has inspired his many musical personas. So, if you prefer Test Patterns art-rock madness or the Blue Jean Committees smooth soft rock, Armisen has a few songs up his sleeves for your consideration. Remember, Massachusetts Afternoon is his Freebird. The five tour dates are below.
Leonardo DiCaprio at the UN Climate Summit Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images

If Leonardo DiCaprio is criticized for his behavior, its generally something to do with his love life or his membership in a certain group of fellow Hollywood actors. Where the A-lister is considered generally unassailable is in the realm of climate change, a concern DiCaprio has championed for years both creatively (with the documentaries Before the Flood and 2007s The Eleventh Hour) and personally, with his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. He even said that politicians who do not believe in climate change should not hold public office at the White Houses recent South by South Lawn event.

But that pristine environmental record might have taken a hit today. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Swiss charity called Bruno Manser Fonds, which has a particular focus on the Malaysian rainforest, held a press conference alleging a connection between the actor and a massive Malaysian money-laundering scandal. The funds in question have been linked to companies and individuals involved in the deforestation of the rainforest in the region.

Bruno Manser alleges that DiCaprio received money in two capacities: through his Wolf of Wall Street paycheck (a Malaysian production company connected to the scandal was involved in the film) and via his foundation, which received money from an individual connected to the scandal. A spokesperson for Bruno Manser asked that DiCaprio either give back the allegedly tarnished money or resign his post at the UN. There is nothing from DiCaprios camp just yet, but the heat is on  the DOJ is already investigating the scandal.
Photo: Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images

While everyone else at the Daily Show thought Donald Trumps bid for the Republican nomination would be done before you could even say caucus, the intrepid host, Trevor Noah, saw things differently. When he was first running I told people I can see why Donald Trump is popular, Noah told the audience during the PaleyFest Daily Show with Trevor Noah panel on Thursday evening. Noah didnt foresee Trumps rise in the polls because of United States history, however, but from drawing from the political climate he saw frequently growing up in South Africa:

The first thing I noticed in Trump was he, whether you like it or not, possesses charisma. He has the charisma of a car crash, you dont like it, but you cant stop looking at it. And he engages with people. He reminds me of a stand-up comedian most of the time, and most dictators  most African dictators  possess that trait. Like if you watch The Last King of Scotland or if you go to real life dictators from Obate all the way through Africa, these men were all very charismatic, and they still are!

Still, Noah did not trust his political instincts, saying that he told himself, Im being the stupid person for a third world country. Noah claimed though that the outsiders perspective allowed him to see beyond the party lines that most Americans are saddled with staying in. He explains that he understood the appeal of Trump in the same way that most dictators gain power:
In response to Hurricane Matthews devastation of Haiti, Waco-based Spenco is shipping 1,000 pairs of new mens and womens shoes and sandals to that island nation in response to a plea for action by Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that distributes footwear and clothing to fight poverty, according to a Spenco press release.

Spenco sent the shoes last week to a Soles4Souls distribution center in Texas.

When we see a tragedy causing suffering to the degree weve seen in Haiti, most of us wonder if there is anything we can do to help, Jeff Antonioli, vice president of sales and marketing for Spenco Footwear, wrote in the press release. Hurricane victims need shoes, and if we can help 1,000 of those victims, we are happy to provide them some relief.

Spenco has worked with Soles4Souls on disaster relief in the past, according to the press release.

Founded in 1967 by foot care specialist Dr. Wayman Spence, Spenco has become a leading provider of quality insoles and foot care products.

Spenco Support Insoles carry the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, according to the press release.

Balcones tours

A limited number of tickets will go on sale Monday for a debut tour of Balcones Distilling in downtown Waco on Nov. 12. Tickets will only be available to buy in person at the distillery from 3 to 6 p.m., according to a post on the distillerys website.

Balcones, at 225 S. 11th St., has created a cult following as it continues to capture national and international awards. Those who pay $10 for a tour of the distillery will receive a tasting of two commemorative editions Balcones has prepared. Bottles of the special-editions will be available for purchase at the tour only and will not be for sale outside of event hours from 2 to 5 p.m.

Throughout the tour, fans of Balcones may enjoy live music by Lomelda and Jay Wagner. Food will be available for purchase from Milo Biscuit Company, Albas Pupusas and Heritage Creamery. Guests also can amuse themselves at the Quick Draw Photobooth, and Dons Humidor will sell cigars.

You have to be 21 or older to buy a ticket and attend the event, said Winston Edwards, brand manager and distillery ambassador for Balcones.

Tickets not sold Monday at the distillery will be offered again during limited hours later in the week. Some will be offered exclusively online.

Balcones also will sell $10 glasses of Texas Single Malt and Baby Blue near the parking area after the tour.

We are excited to open our doors and share our passion and process with the Waco community, said head distiller Jared Himstedt, in a prepared statement.

Edwards said in an interview these tours and tastings will become regular events, but we wanted to give our Waco fans the first look.

Balcones has spent millions of dollars renovating and installing distilling equipment in the historic Texas Fireproof Storage building downtown. Balcones first opened under a noisy bridge, but its humble beginnings have given way to excellence, as it has won 160 awards and accolades since 2009 and more than 50 awards in 2015 alone.

Doughnut traffic

Dunkin Donuts opened last week on Valley Mills Drive near Wooded Acres Drive, and those wanting to sample its goodies probably saw, or found themselves in, the long lines in the drive-thru lane that threatened to back traffic into Valley Mills Drive, possibly creating a bottleneck.

City of Waco traffic officials said the drive-thru envisioned and built by Dunkin Donuts meets city requirements, and that since Valley Mills Drive has three lanes running in each direction, motorists have options to evade traffic congestion that may arise.

But they also said they may begin to look more closely at site plans and the placement of drive-thru lanes and their impact on traffic flow.

Personally speaking, the Shipley Do-Nuts location at Valley Mills and Cobbs drives often creates a traffic nightmare, especially on Saturday mornings, when customers are trying to enter the crowded parking lot that is made even more chaotic by the line of vehicles in the drive-thru lane.

Anyway, Dunkin Donuts has arrived to big crowds, and heres hoping the drive-thru lane and smallish parking lot wont sour an otherwise sweet experience.

Community survey

The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local residents to take part in the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey if they receive a copy of the questionnaire in the mail, according to a press release from the chamber. Completing the survey could give the federal government a better picture of the needs of Central Texas.

The Census Bureau randomly selects about 3.5 million addresses each year to take part in the annual ACS. Response to the survey is required by law and critical to the development of the Greater Waco area,  the press release states. Information collected through the survey determines how $400 billion of federal funding is spent on infrastructure and services. Additionally, responses play an important role in the economic development efforts of Greater Waco, providing information used by business and community leaders in planning future developments.

The survey takes about 40 minutes to complete, and all of the information provided is kept confidential.
City officials are confident theyll finish negotiations in the next two months on the Brazos Promenade, a signature riverfront development, so it can launch in 2017.

But three weeks before the first vote on public funding for the project, details of the deal with Catalyst Urban Development remain blurry, even for the decision-makers.

Council and Tax Increment Financing Zone officials are still waiting for basic information on how much the mixed-use project will cost, how much public funding it will require and how different parts of the project will be phased.

The council still has not heard what the developer is going to ask for infrastructure, Mayor Kyle Deaver said. Obviously, its a big question. . . . Theres a lot of infrastructure work that needs to be done.

Deaver said he expects the request to be in the eight figures, though less than the record $35 million in TIF funds Baylor University received in 2012 for McLane Stadium. The TIF board is scheduled to vote on the request Nov. 4, and its recommendation would go to the council for two required votes in December. Also in December, the council would sign a development agreement and long-term lease for the project.

TIF funds come from a dedicated portion of the property tax revenue generated within the designated downtown zone.

James Nelson, chairman of the TIF board, said hes eager to find out the bottom-line cost and a bit apprehensive about whether fellow board members will experience sticker shock.

My thought is that they seem to be pretty supportive of the project, Nelson said. Everybody knows this is a huge project like McLane Stadium.

Catalyst is proposing in the first phase of the project to build 264 living units and 44 units of flexible live-work spaces that could be used for restaurants, retail and office space. Work also could begin next year on a 170-car parking garage and possibly a 10-story boutique hotel with 120 rooms. Future phases include the renovation of the existing farmers market, plus destination restaurants and public recreational venues.

The TIF Zone has $14.7 million in uncommitted funds and expects to have $18.4 million by the end of 2017, said Melett Harrison, deputy director of housing and economic development. The TIF funds also could be bonded over several years to arrive at a higher amount, the strategy the city used with McLane Stadium.

The city will be seeking TIF funds for major environmental cleanup of the 16-acre riverfront development site, involving the removal of several feet of debris trucked in to be used as fill after the 1953 tornado. Depending on how contaminated the soil is, that project could cost several million dollars and take six months or more, city officials said.

Other potential public costs include:

 The parking structure on the north side of the tract, which could cost $3.4 million, assuming $20,000 per parking space.

 Landscaping and infrastructure along Webster Avenue with 18-foot-wide sidewalks, lighting and street trees.

 The reconfiguration of University Parks Drive to be a more pedestrian-friendly boulevard, with fewer traffic lanes and a traffic light.

 Improvements to the riverwalk itself and adjacent recreational areas.

In the previous negotiations for a riverfront development with developers Joe Beard and Rick Sheldon, the city considered giving a 20 percent match for the project, Duncan said. As the project ballooned in cost to $300 million, that would have resulted in a $60 million public contribution. That project was scrapped in 2014 because of financing issues.

This time, city officials said the public funding amount depends largely on an analysis of how much outside funding the project needs to be financially successful.

But council members said they have not yet seen the financial pro formas projecting costs and cash flow for the Brazos Promenade project.

Obviously we need clarity, Councilman Dillon Meek said. We havent yet seen a really clear budget.

Meek said he also has logistical questions about access to the Downtown Waco Farmers Market during construction. He said he wants more information about building materials and street design.

I do trust this team, Meek said of Catalyst. I toured several of their sites in the Dallas area and I saw that their work is high-quality. They take great pride in their ability to build aesthetically pleasing, community-oriented spaces and theyve consistently done so for the last 20 years.

Public input

Still, Meek said he would like the city give the public more avenues to give input on the design details of the public spaces.

I think that sort of input is critical, he said.

Farmers market board President Sara Shoup said a meeting with city and development officials is being planned to talk about impact on the farmers market.

Shoup said she hopes the farmers market can remain open during construction and that it can ultimately be enhanced with better electrical and water utilities, as well as access to public restrooms.

The Brazos Promenade project is the third riverfront redevelopment proposal the city has entertained over the years. In 1984, the city gave a long-term lease to a California-based partnership called La Jolla Investments to build a $100 million complex with a 200-room hotel, office buildings and retail centers, along with a landscaped riverwalk.

The firm reportedly spent $2 million on the property, including $850,000 it handed to the city to build the riverwalk. But the project fizzled out in the real estate bust of 1987, with nothing built but the riverwalk.

The Beard-Sheldon proposal ended in 2014 before the city had made any firm commitment to it. The partnership said legal and environmental restrictions on the land and the changing priorities of their financial backers caused them to pull the plug.

Nelson, the TIF board chairman, said he thinks this project is sound, but he wants to make sure.

If this fails again, its another black eye on the river, Nelson said.

Councilman John Kinnaird, a banker, said Catalyst has a proven track record with even bigger projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Im satisfied they have the wherewithal to do what they say theyre going to do, Kinnaird said.

Deaver agreed.

Theyve demonstrated they have financial ability to get the job done, he said. I certainly have confidence based on what theyve done in the past.

Deaver said the project should be transformative, not just in cementing Wacos reputation as a tourism destination but in making downtown a hub of Wacos life.

Its going to become more of a neighborhood where people can live and work, he said. If you look downtown now, theres a lot of young professionals and empty-nesters moving there. I think theres a strong and rapidly growing demand. . . . This is a huge step toward continuing the revitalization of downtown.
Regent Emeritus Drayton McLane gave a significant donation toward the renovation of Baylors Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas, according to a Baylor press release. The board approved the $18 million project this week to renovate the former Baptist Building, which will more than triple the size of the School of Nursing campus, the release states. Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2018.

Our family has been very committed to Baylor University because of its Christian commitment to higher education and also to health care, and this is why we were interested in helping with a gift that will begin the building renovation for Baylors outstanding Louise Herrington School of Nursing, McLane said in the statement. We are hopeful that many other alumni of Baylor University will want to assist in creating a brighter future for health care.

Regents also awarded 2016 Meritorious Achievement Awards. Houston physician Tom Rosenbalm was named alumnus of the year, and Jeremy Courtney was named young alumnus of the year. Courtney is the co-founder of Preemptive Love Coalition, a global group of peacemakers to assist people in the Middle East, according to the press release. Rosenbalm earned a bachelors degree in 1950 and a masters degree the following year. Courtney earned a masters of divinity in 2004.
A judge will rule next week if McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna will continue to direct the prosecution of 154 bikers indicted in the May 2015 Twin Peaks shootout.

The continuation of a hearing on a motion filed by two bikers seeking to disqualify Reyna and his office from what one of their lawyers called a one-in-a-million type of case concluded Friday in Wacos 54th State District Court.

Judge Matt Johnson gave attorneys on both sides until Wednesday to file briefs supporting their positions and said he likely will rule on the issue Thursday or Friday.

Clint Broden, who represents Matthew Clendennen, and Abigail Anastasio, who represents Ray Nelson, filed a two-prong challenge that seeks to remove Reyna from the case. They allege Reyna, as a defendant in 10 federal civil rights lawsuits filed by bikers arrested after the shootout, has a financial conflict of interest in making sure the bikers are convicted. They also allege he overstepped his authority when advising police officials about the mass arrest of 177 bikers.

There has been no other case, to my knowledge, where 150-plus people were arrested on a fill-in-the blank affidavit and the police didnt want them all arrested but the district attorney advised for them all to be arrested, Broden said.

He stepped out of his role as district attorney and didnt allow the police to perform their duties in their role as investigators of these crimes and to make decisions on who to arrest. Clearly from the evidence and testimony of the officers, Mr. Reyna orchestrated the arrests in these cases.

Reyna, who declined comment after the hearing, argued that several of the bikers who are suing him were not indicted by his office and still have not been indicted, even after they sued him.

Broden filed a motion to compel Reyna or other county officials to answer his questions concerning who was paying Reynas legal expenses and any judgment should the federal civil jury side with the bikers. The lawsuits claim the bikers were jailed under $1 million bonds without sufficient probable cause to justify their arrests.

Tom Brandt, a Dallas attorney who represents Reyna and other county officials, started Fridays hearing by asking that the judge quash subpoenas for County Judge Scott Felton, County Administrator Dustin Chapman, County Auditor Stan Chambers and county commissioners.

Broden alleged in his motion to compel that Reyna did not sufficiently answer his questions concerning his insurance coverage by the county and that he has been unable to get the answers from Reyna and Brandt since the last hearing in August.

All I want is one person to answer one simple question that I think we know the answer to, but it needs to be in the record, Broden said.

Reyna has said he answered all the questions at the previous hearing, saying to allege otherwise is false, misleading and defamatory.

Brandt argued that Broden already has a copy of the countys insurance policy that he obtained through the Public Information Act and that many of his questions would invoke answers protected by attorney-client or attorney work-product privileges.

Brandt said if Reyna is disqualified, it would set a bad precedent by which every criminal defendant could sue the prosecutor handling his case to get him removed.

The judge quashed the subpoena of all county officials after Brandt agreed that the commissioners have not voted to finance any judgment for which Reyna might be liable in excess of the countys $500,000 insurance coverage.

Broden alleged in a motion filed Thursday that Reyna lied about his phone conversations with former Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman in the hours after the May 17, 2015, shootout. He suggested records for Reynas cellphone show no phone calls between the men after the melee.

Broden also called McLennan County District Clerk Jon Gimble as a witness Friday, asking what he and Reyna talked about on the phone two hours after nine bikers were killed and 20 others were wounded.

Gimble said he doesnt remember speaking to Reyna that day.

Wrong records

As the hearing was winding down, Brandt asked that Reynas phone records, which were admitted into evidence, be sealed by the court for Reynas privacy concerns. Brandt then noticed that the records obtained by Broden through a subpoena were for May 17, 2016, a year after the Twin Peaks incident.

Broden, unaware of his mistake, backtracked quickly, but continued to assert that Reynas testimony from the August hearing contained inconsistencies with testimony from Stroman and three high-ranking officers.

In other testimony, Michael Jarrett, Reynas first assistant, testified that it is not unusual for prosecutors to be called to crime scenes to assist police with legal questions and other matters.

Jarrett said he was called to crime scenes when he worked in Dallas and Williamson counties and was called to the Twin Peaks scene by a DAs office investigator.

After the hearing, Brandon Luce, a former prosecutor in Reynas office who was hired to represent the state at the disqualification hearing, said he thinks the judge will deny the defense motion to disqualify Reyna.

What was noticeable from today is that the defense thought they caught Mr. Reyna in a lie, but they didnt have the phone records to prove it, Luce said. All his contentions that Mr. Reyna was lying were false because they had the wrong records.

That takes an arrow out of their quiver, definitely. I think the judge will look at the law. I think the law is clear that this is an unprecedented request as far as getting a DA disqualified. It is very hard to do. It seldom happens, and I think the law is clear and I think the judge will look at the law and rule accordingly.
Donald Trump doesnt admit making mistakes. Even when caught in a video bragging about groping women, he barely apologizes before changing the subject. More often, he doubles down on lies.

Trumps flaws dwarf Hillary Clintons in that and virtually every other way. But shes reluctant to admit mistakes, too.

A revealing anecdote emerged from e-mails released by Wikileaks from the account of Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta. It involved Clintons defense in a 2015 TV interview of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, signed by President Bill Clinton over the opposition of gay-rights advocates.

She had contended the bill was a defensive measure needed to stop gay-marriage opponents from passing a constitutional amendment. Gay-rights groups said she was wrong, and Sen. Bernie Sanders pressed the issue during the Democratic primary campaign. Aides wanted her to acknowledge the error, but her speechwriter, Dan Schwerin, said that wasnt going to happen. The question is whether shes going to agree to explicitly disavowing it, Schwerin wrote. And I doubt it.

He was right. Instead, Clinton changed her position without reference to her earlier posture.

Throughout her unsuccessful 2008 primary campaign against Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, she refused to admit that her Senate vote for the Iraq war was a mistake. In this she followed the advice of her campaign strategist, Mark Penn, who insisted she must come across as tough. It cost her against Obama, who campaigned on his opposition to the 2003 invasion.

It wasnt until her book, Hard Choices, came out in 2014 as she prepared to run for president again that she declared that her vote was wrong.

Throughout the current campaign, she has never owned up to responsibility for her advocacy of the 2011 Libyan intervention, where a lack of preparation left a vacuum filled by terrorists. President Obama has said that failing to plan for the fall of the Libyan dictator Moamar Gadhafi was the worst mistake of his presidency.

Clinton now says she shouldnt have used a private e-mail server while secretary of state, but she sounds grudging. I watched last Sundays debate with some staunch Clinton supporters and even they groaned when, after reciting, It was a mistake and I take responsibility, she launched into a lawyerly self-defense based on a claim that there was no evidence that the nations security had been breached.

Yes, its risky for any political candidate or high officeholder to acknowledge error; confessions are bound to end up in opposition campaign commercials or provide fodder for hostile congressional investigations.

But the public often appreciates candor. President John F. Kennedys standing rose after he took responsibility for the botched Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961 just three months after he took office. Humor can soften the blow. When Ronald Reagan was governor of California, he declared his opposition to a proposed change in the state tax system by saying his feet were in concrete. Later, after he flipped, he declared, The sound you hear is the concrete cracking around my feet. Obama has admitted mistakes on Libya and a few others matters.

When pressed, Clintons side points to Trump. He makes wildly false assertions and never backs down. Even when TV cameras caught him mocking a reporters physical disabilities, he bluffed rather than apologizing, pretending he didnt remember who the reporter was. (That was nonsense.) He said at Sundays debate that he didnt grope women even after bragging about doing so.

So the Clinton people are right: Trump is much worse. But heaven help us if Trump sets the new standard for presidential candor.

Al Hunt is a Bloomberg columnist.
Of the remarkable things we have learned this election year, the most significant is that the current Republican Party is unfit to lead the country. It has failed the greatest test a political leader or party can face, and failed spectacularly.

It has abandoned its principles out of a combination of cowardice and opportunism. It has worked to place in the White House the most dangerous threat to U.S. democracy since the Civil War. And perhaps just as revealing, it has in the process engineered its own suicide. Not only has the party refused to save the country, but also it has proved too helpless, too incompetent and too craven even to save itself.

These are the people were supposed to put in charge of the House and Senate for another two years? Whom were then supposed to rally behind in the battle for the White House in 2020? No. Not this group. We know too much. We know all we need to know.

The coming years are going to require some courage  not tough speeches, at which Republican politicians excel, but tough and politically difficult actions  on entitlements, on immigration and especially on foreign policy and defense. Republicans used to be able to call national security policy their strong suit. Can they still? All the tough young senators who railed at President Barack Obamas administration for its weakness on the world stage, how tough were they when it came to their own political skins? Not tough enough to take on Donald Trump, even though his foreign policy, such as it was, betrayed many core Republican principles and was in most respects far worse than President Obamas.

After years of railing against the Obama administrations reset, the leading Republican spokesmen on this issue said little and did nothing when their own nominee spoke admiringly of Russian President Vladimir Putin and when his closest advisers were discovered to be intimately connected to the Kremlin and found to be lobbyists for Putins puppets in Ukraine or Gazproms pipeline plans. They were silent when Trump went so far as to urge the Russian intelligence services to hack Hillary Clintons emails.

These are the political leaders who are supposed to stand up to the worlds real strongmen in Moscow and Beijing. Yet they did not stand up to this bullying would-be authoritarian when all he could do was steal away a few of their voters. They would not risk five points in their primary campaigns to stop this man from becoming commander in chief. They were willing to damage U.S. national interests, as they define them, to avoid a close race. These are the men and women to whom we should entrust the nations welfare?

Is the other party any better? On national security issues, probably not, but unlike in the past, one can only say, probably. Given the Republican track record, and not only in this election but in recent years  on Syria, for instance, where leading presidential hopefuls opposed the use of force at a critical moment; or on defense spending, where Republican majorities in both houses have allowed the sequester to stand  the contrast is not as clear as it once was.

And as it happens, the present Democratic nominee is as solid on matters of national security as almost any Republican, and infinitely more so than the present Republican nominee  which is one reason so many Republican national security officials have either come out against Trump or have outright endorsed Clinton. Of former top Republican officials, only Dick Cheney and a handful of others have betrayed whatever principles they once claimed to have and destroyed what remained of their reputations for integrity. And whatever one may think of the relative merits of the two parties, at least this much can be said: In this election cycle, it has been the Republicans, not their opponents, who have worked, and are still working, to hand the country over to someone who they know in their hearts would be a disaster for the nations security.

Republicans are no doubt hoping that all will be forgiven and forgotten once the election is over. They can start fresh, begin their next round of attacks, rally the faithful, get ready for the next campaign, treat the whole thing as a bad dream. And perhaps they are right to be cynical, to rely on voters short memories or to think they can corral those Trump voters.

But perhaps, too, there may be some justice in the world. Maybe some voters will remember. Maybe when those who caved to Trump in 2016 begin their campaigns for 2020, some voters will recall that at a moment of national crisis, those politicians promising strong leadership were too weak, too obsessed with winning elections, too afraid of Trumps angry faithful, to have the steady moral compass, the calmness under fire, the vision in the fog of battle that real leadership demands.

And maybe voters at that point will look away from those who self-servingly tried to foist Trump on the nation and will turn instead to the handful of Republican officeholders who had the courage of their convictions and tried to stop him from the beginning. Maybe there will be enough voters willing to reward that kind of genuine political courage, enough to make a difference. When that day comes, the partys reformation and renewal can begin.

Robert Kagan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing columnist for The Post. Kagan served in the State Department from 1984 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott won praise last week for lambasting Texas Child Protective Services, insisting any child welfare backlog is unacceptable. His demand for specific and substantial overhauls for swift improvement drew passionate responses on his Facebook page. A sampling:

Kathy Medlinger Edens: Not just the investigation side needs to be overhauled, the conservatorships also need to be overhauled. Caseloads are way too high. You spend most of the time updating child and family plans (every three months). Monthly narratives have to be done from scratch each month. There is no time to see the kids and spend quality time with them. We are chasing down parents each month, trying to make contact with them. We have to try at least three times a month to locate them. I worked in Killeen for 3 years and finally quit due to too much stress. I would be out until about 8 or 9 p.m. trying to see children. I still enjoyed seeing the kids, but I couldnt keep up with all the paperwork.

Cathy Smith Rothas: How about spending a week with a worker in the field and see how the paperwork restricts their ability to spend as much time as necessary with the families, rather than having some program director shadow an investigator for a week? Its easy to say make it better, but till Texas cuts some funds loose to deal with the mental-health issues, including parents who self-medicate and use drugs, nothing is going to change. CPS workers can only do so much. Increase the numbers of workers in the field. Pay them better. Reduce caseloads by increasing staff. It all comes down to money and there is just never enough to protect the most vulnerable.

Cathy Goorman DePorter: Finally youre listening to citizens seeing all the problems. Funding is needed to hire professional social workers; smaller caseloads; partnerships with local authorities; better screening of foster homes; and working with schools to make sure foster kids keep up with their grades.

Christina Marie: CPS needs to stop targeting conservative home-schooling families. It is an outrage this happens at all in a great state like Texas. They need to focus on the children who truly need their help.

Tina Howard Schoellman: They need to hire more people, get people who really care and want to make a difference. They need to target neglected children and at-risk children. They need to know which ones have warning signs (of trouble in the home). So many deaths with children, no excuse.

Wendi Skloss: That whole system needs an overhaul, some counties more than others. It is a hot mess. And the solution is not to just throw money at it. That will not fix anything. Very shameful that our most valuable assets are falling through the cracks and not being protected.

David Aparicio: Off the subject, sir, but why are hundreds of military vehicles on trains in Texas?

Tim N Jess Luebano: Military vehicles are constantly transported by train to training sites nationwide. Its normal.
After a lot of arm twisting, Westpac's life insurance arm has been outed as the insurer declining one-in-three total and permanent disability (TPD) claims made by its customers.

The admission was made hours after the corporate watchdog refused in parliament to reveal the identity of the country's biggest decliner of life insurance claims in TPD.

Westpac's life insurance arm, BT Financial Group (BTFG), briefed politicians on Friday night then issued a public statement admitting it had a denial rate of 37 per cent on TPD policies.

But the press release said the figures should be treated with caution and were not comparable.
Whenever US Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton steps out, every detail of her outfit  typically her trademark trousers suit  is analysed from colour to cuff to designer.

Despite currently leading the race to the White House winning the first two debates, many headlines continue to focus on her appearance: "Our lady of the pantsuit," "Hillary Clinton's style win", "Hillary Clinton and Melania Trump: Battle of the pantsuits", "People are Googling why Hillary Clinton only wears pants", "Is Ralph Lauren going to be Hillary Clinton's dresser in chief?"

The same can't be said for her Republican candidate Donald Trump. Apart from questions arising about the veracity of his strawberry-blond combover and jibes about his tangerine glow, there has been little commentary based on his appearance, particularly his preferred uniform of a presidential blue suit, white shirt and red tie.

Ironically, Trump has made a sport out of objectifying women, measuring their worth based on their looks and bragging about getting away with sexual assault because of his "star" status.
When the op-shop opened in April, Wright, 39, was a guest of honour. But what she saw in the village, 1.5 hours' drive from Katharine, made a lasting impression for other reasons.

"Within days, my Facebook post was shared 28,000 times. I thought I would get 15 bags of clothes. In the end we got 500 bags from all over the country," the director of Toni&Guy hair salons at Bondi Beach and Randwick, NSW, said.

A friend who works with the Northern Territory Aboriginal community asked the Bondi hairdresser for help with an idea. Could she rally for second-hand clothing to sell in the remote community's new charity op-shop?

Alima from Jilkminggan, with Kelly Wright. Alima is the same age as Wright's son. Credit:Deciding to Make a Difference

The community of 300 is flooded regularly throughout the year, forcing families to overcrowd homes on higher ground. The badly corroded infrastructure has had no updates in 17 years.

"I was astonished at the conditions in which these people live. I realised that if I don't do something, I become part of the problem," says Wright, a mother-of-two who left the UK in 1999.

"I fell in love with a girl who is the same age as my son and it was devastating for me to know that in Australia, a little girl is going to grow up without the same opportunities he will have," she recalls. "I made her a promise that she will get the same opportunities as my kids. Once you make a promise, you have to see it through."

By the time she had driven to Darwin on the way back to Sydney, she had written a business plan in her mind. At the airport, she started a presentation and when she arrived at home in Bondi, she had the outline of her new charity, Deciding to Make a Difference.
On Friday, I felt this crashing pain, like something was dropping. I waited a couple of hours before going to Fairfield Hospital, where the nurses came and listened to the baby. I went into labour, the nurses kept whispering and the doctors came in and they left without saying anything. I was desperately hoping the baby was OK but I knew it wasn't and they wouldn't tell me. I gave birth at 10.15 on Saturday night. Still to this day, I can count the tiles in that room. There was no pain medication, not even paracetamol. I was doing anything I could to get through it. I could hear babies being born and crying because I was in the labour suite. I was a secondary priority. They wouldn't let my husband and my mum come in and see me. I was on my own the whole time. There was no aftercare, all I can remember is them saying that the baby was a boy and that he had been born still. The last thing I remember was them whisking the baby away. I didn't see him or touch him. It was like nothing was there, it was gone. That night they wheeled me into a room with a lady who had a live baby and I was in there for two days with her. The pain of her baby coming in and out was intolerable.. Visitors would say 'Oh, where's your baby?' I really just wanted to die, I thought I was such a failure, why did this lady have a live baby and my baby died? They said that he looked perfect. I don't believe that they did an autopsy. They sent me home on the Monday and they didn't tell me that my milk would come in after three days. The doctor asked my husband to go around and pick up some tablets - they were male hormone tablets to stop the milk coming in. I just remember standing, sobbing in the shower.

We were never asked to organise a funeral for Ben, they only asked my husband for $20 to arrange for 'disposal of the body'. Did they put him in the garbage? What did they do with him? I was never able to find out. A few weeks later, I asked if I could have a birth certificate or a death certificate, they said 'No, he was never born'." Patsy Healy, a director at WN Bull Funerals in Sydney, delivered her stillborn girl, Melissa, in September 1991. She has two adult children. "I was at work when I went into labour. We dropped our daughter with friends and headed to King George V Hospital. Off we trotted, I was 34 weeks and didn't think too much about it until ultrasound testing and the nurse couldn't detect a heartbeat - she didn't tell me, a registrar came in and spoke to the nurse and my husband eventually said, 'Please talk to us.' The registrar said 'Your baby's perished.' To me, those words didn't fit the situation - tyres perish. I remember vividly this beautiful nurse and it was the first time she had heard a mother being told her baby had died.

Then I had to give birth. It was too late for a lot of pain relief. That was the most difficult bit, knowing that the labour wasn't going to stop and that I was going to deliver a dead baby. They took a Polaroid photo of her, which I was given. That was the last I saw of her. I never did get to hold her. Our elder daughter named her Melissa. She would have been 25 last month. She was deformed and we learnt later that she would not have survived for long. They had nowhere to put me. They couldn't put me on the maternity ward, so I ended up on a surgery ward. My boss came to me in hospital the next day and I asked him to look after Melissa, he helped us make the funeral arrangements and brought her to the crematorium and arranged a service. It's an intensely intimate time. They gave us all these leaflets and so on. You're a logical adult but it's really hard to ring up and say 'Hi, my baby died, I need help.' No-one approached us and asked if we needed support. In those days, we couldn't register the birth, that later changed, so I do have a document that shows that she was delivered.

It's awkward for a lot of people afterwards. Last week you were pregnant and this week you're not and you don't have a baby to show for it." Penny Ryan gave birth to stillborn boy, Max, in Sydney in 2006. She now works part-time at the Stillbirth Foundation. Penny Ryan, Adam Perrett and their boys Harper, 9, and Monty, 7. Credit:aStillbirth Foundation "It was my first pregnancy, I was 30, fit and healthy. I didn't fit any risk category, it was a fairly uneventful pregnancy and I was in the last few weeks. I noticed that the baby had stopped moving as much. Whenever I mentioned it, [doctors] said 'There, there, don't stress, it's just bunkering down.' I went into labour naturally at 40 weeks and five days. They make you wee in a cup and then they pop you on a bed and measure the heartbeat and that's when we were told they couldn't find a heartbeat.

We had Max at RPA, they were pretty amazing, they looked after us beautifully. The labour was 12 hours, when he was born, we got to name him, hold him. My parents drove up, my midwife was with me the whole time. We were given a room on the maternity ward, but set back. We had a double bed and they allowed Max to stay with us, family and friends came and visited me and met Max. I was in for two days. He slept between my partner and I. I was discharged then readmitted as my blood pressure went through the roof and was put on the antenatal ward. The doctor clearly hadn't read his notes and asked me how many weeks pregnant I was. What was really lacking for me was emotional support afterwards. I didn't want to have to explain myself over and over again. There were no specific stillbirth resources and I was sent a leaflet on how to sleep safely with my baby. I had clear signs and a gut instinct that something wasn't quite right but nobody listened. We agreed to have an autopsy done as part of a Sydney stillbirths study. Their best bet was that I had subclinical preeclampsia. When we got the result, we had to go to the labour ward, then into a doctor's office, all the doctors were kicked out and we were given our results there. There was no privacy.

We chose to have Max cremated and we had a service in the park. His ashes are on a shelf in the kitchen, my two boys who were born after him put things up there to keep him company." Lauren Malcolm and Shane Baggett, from Sydney, had a stillborn son, Landon, in 2015. Lauren Malcolm and Shane Baggett. Credit:Stillbirth Foundation "Landon was born on the May 5, 2015. I was at work, my wife said she just felt a bit different and went up to the doctor to check what was happening. They couldn't find a heartbeat. We went into the mode of 'Wow, is this really happening?' It changed our whole world. It was just by chance that we met a counsellor through the hospital, we had her around to help guide us through the whole series of checks and ultrasounds. My wife had to be induced, we felt helpless, we were in the maternity ward at Prince of Wales Private. Knowing that there are all these babies around you getting born, it's a hard thing to cop. It's still very, very hard to cope with everyday.

I have a photo in my office of my little girl and my little boy, one is alive and one is not. I talk about him, there is stigma attached, but he is something that I'm very, very proud of. There's no real education as such, if you have a stillbirth, there were no pamphlets, there was nothing support-wise had the hospital not had a counsellor. I don't know how we would have survived without her. The hospital was immensely accommodating. There was an insensitive doctor and I went straight to the nursing staff and complained. We were so lost, it was just so foreign to us. We spent a good day and night with him. We took photographs, we dressed him, we named him. We had a cremation. Our counsellor helped us with a funeral plan. They put him in a little nest, we spent time with him the day before his funeral and took foot prints and handprints. This is a little human life. If he had taken one breath, it would be a whole different world of medical reaction. It's treated completely differently. This has happened to a lot of families. Once you're in this club, you find out the club has been there for a long, long time - and that it is bigger than you ever realised."

2016 and moving ahead: Victoria Bowring is general manager of the Stillbirth Foundation. She is fighting for funding and awareness of stillbirth "There's so much still to be done. Six babies a day are stillborn everyday - it's a statistic that has remained about the same for the last couple of decades and is the leading cause of death for children under 12 months. These days, stillborn babies are issued with birth and death certificates, they are considered lost children. There is still a taboo, still a large percentage of the population who don't see it that way. For every one baby that dies with SIDS there are 35 babies stillborn. We need education, much like we've had around SIDS. We're ready to start a national health campaign around the risk factors and prevention methods so that we can start to drive down the rate. Up to a third of stillbirths in Australia are possibly preventable.
Washington: US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a private speech to bankers three years ago that the United States had warned Beijing it would "ring China with missile defence" unless it did more to rein in North Korea's missile program, according to hacked emails.

According to a purported Mrs Clinton campaign document attached to a hacked email published by Wikileaks, Mrs Clinton said in a speech to Goldman Sachs on June 4, 2013, that the message to China had been "You either control them, or we're going to have to defend against them".

It was not possible to confirm the authenticity of the email. The Clinton campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of hacked emails.

The US State Department on Friday declined to comment on "alleged leaked documents". When asked whether such a message had been delivered to China, an official said it was not department policy to comment publicly on diplomatic discussions.
About this course: Colossal pyramids, imposing temples, golden treasures, enigmatic hieroglyphs, powerful pharaohs, strange gods, and mysterious mummies are features of Ancient Egyptian culture that have fascinated people over the millennia. The Bible refers to its gods, rulers, and pyramids. Neighboring cultures in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean wrote about its god-like kings and its seemingly endless supply of gold. The Greeks and Romans describe aspects of Egypt's culture and history.

As the 19th century began, the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt highlighted the wonders of this ancient land, and public interest soared. Not long after, Champollion deciphered Egypt's hieroglyphs and paved the way for other scholars to reveal that Egyptian texts dealt with medicine, dentistry, veterinary practices, mathematics, literature, and accounting, and many other topics. Then, early in the 20th century, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and its fabulous contents. Exhibitions of this treasure a few decades later resulted in the world's first blockbuster, and its revival in the 21st century has kept interest alive.

Join Dr. David Silverman, Professor of Egyptology at Penn, Curator in Charge of the Egyptian Section of the Penn Museum, and curator of the Tutankhamun exhibitions on a guided tour of the mysteries and wonders of this ancient land. He has developed this online course and set it in the galleries of the world famous Penn Museum. He uses many original Egyptian artifacts to illustrate his lectures as he guides students as they make their own discovery of this fascinating culture.
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. no longer investing. It is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in expansion financings, growth capital, management buyouts, recapitalizations, industry consolidations, corporate spinouts, growth stage, and early stage financings. It initially invests in a Series A-C round and opportunistically in a seed round. The firm prefers to make investments in companies engaged in the technology, financial services, and healthcare sector. Within the technology sector, it invests in software as a service, adtech / digital media, Internet of Everything, enhanced security, predictive analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, technology enabled services, internet/new media, financial technology, cloud, mobile, social, big data, in memory, and selected business services with capital requirements of up to $25 million. Within healthcare sector, the firm invests in molecular and point-of-care diagnostics, medical devices, regenerative medicine, medical technology, digital health, healthcare technology, specialty pharmaceuticals, and selected healthcare services. It invests throughout the United States with a focus on Mid-Atlantic region, and Southeastern Canada. The firm primarily invests between $5 million and $25 million in growth equity financing and between $5 million and $10 million in early-stage financing. It typically invests in the capital structures including owner financed and bootstrapped companies, corporate division or business unit, and venture capital-backed seeking a growth partner. The firm prefers to be the largest shareholder in its portfolio companies, with ownership in the range of 20 percent to 50 percent. However, it may occasionally take a majority or smaller stake in its portfolio companies. It prefers to invest in companies having proprietary technology and intellectual property. The firm prefers to take a Board seat in its portfolio companies. The company was founded in 1953 as Lancaster Corporation and changed its name to Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. in 1981. Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. is based in Radnor, Pennsylvania with additional office in Weston, Massachusetts.
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.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Oct. 15, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 15, 2016 | 09:38 AM | PADUCAH, KY

Hendron-Lone Oak Elementary kicked off Project Fit America, a fitness program aimed at reducing childhood obesity, during a celebration on Friday.



Baptist Health Paducah invested $16,000 for the fitness program, helping provide the school with indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, teacher training and curriculum materials.



Hendron-Lone Oak has a culture and academic rigor that has brought our school from a ranking of 234 out of 713 schools in the state in 2014 to an astounding 9th ranking in 2015, Principal Jon Reid said. We have prioritized student's health and wellness with equal endeavor to change the culture of our school. This grant will be the cornerstone of our physical education curriculum and the catalyst to support the community and family outreach efforts as well as for the promotion of healthy lifestyles.



This is now the 12th school to receive Project Fit grants from Baptist Health Paducah. Paducahs McNabb Elementary and Graves Countys Central Elementary were awarded the program in 2007; Lone Oak Elementary in 2009; Concord Elementary in 2011; Clark Elementary in 2012; Benton Elementary in 2013; Calvert City Elementary and East Calloway Elementary in 2014; and Morgan Elementary, Heath Elementary and Reidland Intermediate in 2015.



William A. Brown, Baptist Health Paducah president and West Region executive, said the program exemplifies the hospitals focus on health, especially in todays culture when obesity and its related conditions, such as diabetes, are among the areas greatest health risks.



Since 1953, Baptist has built a foundation for good health in our community, Brown said. Today Baptist Health reiterates that dedication to community education and disease prevention with the expansion of Project Fit America to our 12th school to help another community of children, staff and families build good lifelong habits for healthy lifestyles.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Oct. 14, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 14, 2016 | 07:08 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Approximately seventy businesses will have their products and services on display at the Paducah Chambers Business to Business EXPO on Thursday, October 20 from 2 to 6 pm at the Bill & Meredith Schroeder Expo Center. The event is free and open to the public, and over 400 people typically attend the event. A ribbon cutting will be held at 2 pm to officially open the EXPO to the public.



Door prizes include two round trip air tickets from Paducah to Chicago on SkyWest Airlines, a YETI package and additional items from participating vendors. Free refreshments provided by participating Chamber member restaurants will be served during a Mix & Mingle from 4 to 6 pm.



Whether you are a small business, a non-profit or even a larger business, the Business EXPO is an event for everyone, said Jan Keen with ATMOS Energy and EXPO Committee Chair. We appreciate Nissan of Paducah for being our presenting sponsor. The dealership will display some of their latest cars, trucks and SUVs. Row sponsors include Dialog Telecommunications, ATMOS Energy, Payment Plus, Silkworm, and Supply Solutions.



We have several new sponsors and businesses participating in the Expo this year, said Keen, We believe this years event will be our best yet.



New activities include Landshark Shredding available for shredding of materials (some restrictions may apply), flu shots will be available by Quick Care of Four Rivers Internal Medicine, and Stevens Aircraft will have a helicopter on display. There will also be samples of food and products available from local restaurants during the show.



For more information on the EXPO, go to www.paducahchamber.org or email info@paducahchamber.org.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Oct. 14, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 14, 2016 | 10:50 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A traffic accident Friday evening in Lone Oak claimed the life of a Paducah woman.



McCracken County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched at 5:41 pm to U.S. Highway 45 where it intersects with Contest Road. Investigation by deputies determined that 68-year-old Julia Pack was driving east on Contest, and attempted to cross the southbound lanes of Highway 45. Her vehicle collided with a car driven by 24-year-old Matthew Rakestraw of Mayfield, who was driving in the right-hand lane of the highway.



Pack was declared dead at the scene by the McCracken Co. Coroner's office as a result of injuries she sustained in the crash. Her passenger, 63-year-old James Anderson of Paducah, was taken to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Rakestraw was not injured in the accident.



Southbound traffic on Highway 45 was reduced to one-lane traffic for about three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared. Lone Oak Fire Department, Mercy Regional EMS, McCracken County DES and Lent's Towing were all on the scene to assist.
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By Jim Waters, Bluegrass Institute

Oct. 14, 2016 | LEXINGTON, KY

By Jim Waters, Bluegrass Institute Oct. 14, 2016 | 06:37 PM | LEXINGTON, KY

Double Election Whammy: Right-to-work war, TPP tobacco carve-out - By Jim Waters



Two policies impacted by state ballot initiatives and the presidential election itself that could also directly affect Kentuckians involve tobacco and right-to-work.



The Bluegrass State has plenty of one but none of the other.



Kentucky stood still while several states, including neighboring Indiana and West Virginia, moved forward with right-to-work policies, which protect employees from being forced to pay union dues in order to keep their jobs.



Supporters in Virginia, another neighboring state, seek on the Nov. 8 ballot to protect their longtime right-to-work law from future political whims by imbedding it into the state's Constitution.



Hillary Clinton, who believes in the "right to choose," the "right to affordable health care" and the "right to a debt free college education" not only opposes the "right to work" but has declared war on it, promising an attempt to take it away from nearly half of all Americans who enjoy its protections.



Conventional political wisdom holds that House Democratic leaders provide the major obstacle to making Kentucky the 27th right-to-work state.



However, even if the GOP takes control of the state House in the upcoming election, some Republican representatives in heavily unionized districts won't support the policy.



But that doesn't kill its momentum, which has been maintained locally with several counties passing their own right-to-work ordinances.



As courts decide whether local governments can take such action, the fact that 12 counties representing more than 600,000 Kentuckians have already endorsed right-to-work freedoms places opponents on the defensive.



If the GOP takes control of the statehouse, Democratic lawmakers from right-to-work counties, including Rep. Wilson Stone, D-Scottsville, who represents Simpson County, which borders right-to-work Tennessee, and part of Warren  the first county to pass a local ordinance  will no longer be beholden to Speaker Greg Stumbo's anti-reform agenda but will be eager to beef up their conservative credentials both in Frankfort and their districts.



Wouldn't it be the irony of ironies if the GOP taking control of the South's only remaining Democratically controlled statehouse results in common-sense Democrats putting right-to-work across the goal line?



Not even in Kentucky's wild-and-wooly political history have many stranger things happened.



What's never happened in the world of free-trade deals is singling out a specific commodity for punishment.



Until now.



The Obama administration treats tobacco like a hostile witness in the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement by shutting the industry out of protections provided by the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism.



Carving tobacco out of the ISDS would prevent companies from seeking due-process legal relief when foreign governments take property without compensation or seize assets in the name of "public health."



Unfortunately, TPP's strong parts  including 18,000 tax cuts on American exports and $15 billion worth of tariff cuts  could also become victims of Obama's crusade, which does nothing to protect public health yet appeases half a pack of anti-tobacco activists.



While both Clinton and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump would likely  and rightly  send the trade agreement back to the drawing board, Obama may try to push the carve-out during the post-election lame-duck congressional session.



This could especially be harmful to Kentucky farmers, who grow more than 87,000 acres of tobacco annually and stand to benefit greatly from additional trade doors opened by the TPP.



"For free trade to work, there simply cannot be discrimination that denies investors due process protections based solely on the political ideology of one country, or the unpopularity of a product," Americans for Tax Reform's Alexander Hendrie writes.



Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has rightly opposed the carve-out during the campaign.



If he can succeed in holding the line during the lame-duck session, he will protect his commonwealth and country from an approach that does nothing to protect public health and a lot to hurt American jobs, farmers and ideals.



Jim Waters is president of the Bluegrass Institute; Kentucky's free-market think tank. Reach him at jwaters@freedomkentucky.com. Read previously published columns at www.bipps.org.
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The US Army Corps of Engineers is refusing to authorize the resumption of the construction of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline. Further to that, the Corps reiterated its request to the company to voluntarily stop work on private land in the area.The North Dakota protest site at the reservation of the Standing Rock Sioux has grown into the largest gathering of Native Americans in more than 100 years, reports the BBC.The protectors, who have gathered together from multiple tribes, and other supporting the cause, say they are taking a stand for future generations against the four-state Dakota Access Pipeline Project.The gathering is historic, Judith LeBlanc, director of the New York-based Native Organizers Alliance, told ABC News, adding, Theres never been a coming together of tribes like this.The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is worried that the pipeline will negatively impact water quality on its reservation and imperil cultural heritage sitesThe Departments of Justice, the Interior, and Army issue a second joint statement, again refusing to authorize construction permits and requesting that ETP cease construction voluntarily.The tribe wrote in its lawsuit that it is concerned with impacts to the habitat of wildlife species such as piping plovers, least tern, Dakota skipper, and pallid sturgeon, among others. The Tribe has a particular concern for bald eagles, which remain federally protected and play a significant role in the Tribes culture, and which would be adversely affected by the proposed pipeline.The Tribe is greatly concerned with the possibility of oil spills and leaks from the pipeline should it be constructed and operated, particularly into waters that are of considerable economic, religious, and cultural importance to the Tribe.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Theres no denying a talk called Eliminating Sex from Agriculture to Feed the World is a sexy subject at a farm writers convention.

So Tim Sharbel, research chair in seed biology at the Global Institute for Food Security, had his audiences full attention at the recent Canadian Farm Writers Federation annual meeting.

Population is growing at a fast rate, and based upon status quo agricultural practices, we cant feed everybody in the next few years, he told his audience. So scientists and all these policy-makers are scrambling around trying to figure out how were going feed everyone.

BRUCE BUMSTEAD / BRANDON SUN FILES The new high-speed receiving system in Lethbridge will be able to receive 800 metric tonnes of canola per hour, which will be a significant increase from the current system. It will be ready for harvest deliveries in the fall of 2017.

Sharbel, who got hooked on evolutionary biology studying the reproductive habits of flatworms in the Italian Alps, has been trying to figure out how some species have developed an ability to reproduce through apomixis, meaning without fertilization.

Flatworms reproduce both sexually and asexually. The one method transfers genes from two parents while the other propagates by cloning itself.

Sharbel is looking for the genetic switch that makes that possible and applying it to agriculture. His work has the potential to transform the seed business.

Farmers used to save their seed from year to year. But the development of higher-yielding hybrid crops has increasingly meant they must replace their seed every year. The hybrid vigour achieved from crossing two or more parental lines is lost if the seed is reused because the plants revert to their cross-pollinating ancestors.

If Sharbel cracks the code, farmers could continue using their hybrid lines indefinitely.

If we can have a genetic switch that turns sex on and turns sex off, just like you see in natural populations the idea would be that you create this first-generation hybrid and then you turn sex off and the plants reproduce clonally, he said. The farmer can buy seed from that company one time and never again. Its an extremely disruptive technology.

This is bound to appeal to farmers who enjoy the yield boost hybrids bring to their farms but who also have felt the sting of dramatically higher seed costs. However, judging from the venture-capital interest in his work, there is money to be made, possibly by selling the spray that quashes a plants amorous tendencies.

Indeed, it could be a game-changer. But will it feed the world? Not likely.

Despite the rhetoric, there is little evidence to suggest the world has a productivity problem. In the industrialized world, markets are more often depressed due to oversupply than not. This year is no exception.

In this context, increasing yield is actually counterproductive because farmers wind up dumping crops that were produced using non-renewable resources into oversupplied markets at below their true cost of production. That undermines the so-called efficiency of modern farming practices.

Meanwhile, most of the worlds hungry people are farmers in poor countries who must grow their way out of poverty. They often see upwards of 60 per cent of their harvest lost due to lack of storage, transportation and market infrastructure. They are unable to take full advantage of hybrid crops because they are working with soils so biologically degraded they cannot efficiently use water and fertilizer.

We cant expect individual researchers such as Sharbel to solve the worlds problems. But we can expect more from the publicly funded Global Institute for Food Security for which he works.

The Saskatoon-based institute portrays global food security as a yield issue that is solvable through disruptive innovation and sexy science. It is focusing its efforts on a future problem that wouldnt exist if we put some effort into constructive innovations that could make a difference today. This is absurd given its altruistic mantra.

For every dollar that goes into increasing farmers yields, lets spend a quarter on research aimed at ensuring increased productivity is used to its fullest potential.

Laura Rance is editorial director for Farm Business Communications. She can be reached at laura@fbcpublishing.com or 204-792-4382.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The owner of a small dog who was killed this summer by another dog in her Linden Woods neighbourhood supports Coun. Russ Wyatts call for more teeth in the citys dangerous-dog designation.

Carolina Fridman tried to save her dog Snoopy, a 12-pound bichon frise-Shih Tzu cross, after the Labrador retriever named Coco rushed up behind them as they were out for a walk Aug. 13, but Coco had his jaws clamped around the little dog. Fridman and her husband, Juan Lempert, rushed Snoopy to a veterinarian, but the five-year-old died before they arrived.

Coco, a two-year-old male, was designated a dangerous dog under the responsible pet ownership bylaw Friday when his owner, Kewen (Kelly) Qiang, lost her appeal to prevent the designation at a hearing before the committee on protection, community services and parks.

It was very traumatic, and I cannot get over it. What was raised by Coun. Wyatt, he was my voice there. What he said there (at the appeal hearing), I have already said to animal services, Fridman said Saturday, referring to Wyatts statements during and after Fridays committee meeting that the dangerous designation needs to be strengthened.

For me, (the designation) was not enough.

Wyatt (Transcona) said under the bylaw, staff at animal services dont have enough power to act in dangerous situations.

First and foremost, make the neighbourhood safe. The dog should be removed until you determine whether or not the dog is going to be euthanized or permanently removed from the neighbourhood, Wyatt said.

Dogs are not impounded during the appeal process.

We have to ensure our bylaws are there to protect the citizens and to make our city a safe place to live. You have to ensure (dogs) are not dangerous, Wyatt said.

If they are dangerous in any way, and you think they may be dangerous we have to have the powers to be able to make the neighbourhood safe and prevent that dog, permanently if necessary, from harming anybody.

Fridman said conditions for the designation  such as the dog owner having to post a sign, keep the dog muzzled and on a leash in public and have liability insurance  are inadequate.

The fines are ridiculous, and who cares about the insurance? Nothing will give back Snoopy, Fridman said.

They have bylaws, and they need to work with those bylaws that they have. Those bylaws are completely outdated. They need to be revised.

Dog owners say more must be done to compel owners to be responsible for the behaviour of their pets as well as properly care for them.

Carla Scramstad, who was watching her 11-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Chili, greet visitors to her Canvasback Pet Supplies booth Saturday at the Winnipeg Pet Show, said Winnipeg could benefit from a provision  in place in other cities  that requires the owners of all dogs over a certain weight to participate in obedience training.

Socialization and exercise are really important for all dogs, Scramstad said, noting its important for owners to ensure the dog they get fits their lifestyle and energy level.

People need to commit time to training their dog.

Larry Kereluke, the Canadian Kennel Clubs Manitoba director, said the old adage, Theres no such thing as a bad dog, its a bad owner, is true.

Its not fair to brand a specific breed of dog to be dangerous because it stems from owner responsibility, Kereluke said, noting the club has many resources to help owners stimulate and socialize their dogs.

Unfortunately, you could take any breed of a dog, and if you tie them up in a backyard, theyre going to have behavioural problems. Owners have to accept responsibility.

At the pet show at a booth with her owner Kim Lellig, two-year-old French mastiff Juice was chomping on treats, drooling and receiving pats from everyone who stopped by.

Lots of socialization is the key, and change it up, like this event. Its a good opportunity to brush up on her skills, said Lellig, also the secretary treasurer of the Manitoba Working and Herding Association. Socialization is a global word  you introduce them to unusual situations, flooring, sounds.

Fridman, who is a lawyer, said she will contact Wyatt Monday to find out what the next step will be in the process to implement changes to the bylaw.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whats it like for a child to live through a famine and then move somewhere that has so much food even pets are fat?

Winnipegs Benjamin Ofori knows first-hand and is sharing his story Sunday at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

He was eight years old in 1983 when famine hit hard in Coast City, Ghana. We were hungry, and there was nothing to eat, said Ofori who is now a senior policy adviser on international food assistance at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Benjamin Ofori poses for a photo in his office at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Ofori grew up hungry during a famine in Ghana, and he is now a senior policy advisory on international food assistance at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. He will be sharing his personal experiences with hunger at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Sunday  World Hunger Day.

Even if you had money, there was nothing to buy with it.

At the time, Ghana was run by a military dictatorship, and those connected to the elite had a better chance of getting their hands on a very limited food supply, he said.

Once in a while, theyd hear that people were queuing up for flour or bread somewhere, and theyd rush over there ,but the food would be gone before they got to the front of the line. They sometimes went for days without eating.

I could tell the stress involved from my dad, who was a single parent at the time, said Ofori, who was the youngest of three siblings.

He cooked for a living at a college cafeteria. He wasnt allowed to bring food home, Ofori recalled, except for the rare leftovers or scraps. What his father could and did do was use his skill and resourcefulness to eke out some sustenance.

He tried to look for creative ways to make sure we were eating something, Ofori said.

He picked a kind of weed used for animal feed and prepared a dish with it for his children.

He found a way to make a meal out of that, said Ofori, who is now a father. It was edible and had some nutritional value, he said. This went on for almost two years. After the famine, his family still didnt have much to eat.

We were a working-class family with a limited income, Ofori said. You dont go back to eating three square meals  you get one good meal a day.

After Ofori attended university in the U.S. on a scholarship, he moved to Ottawa to work as a consultant. Now he lives in Winnipeg and works for the foodgrains bank advocating for better national and international policies to help end global hunger. Hes still getting used to living in a country where there is more than enough to eat.

Its just unbelievable to see so much food  the range of choices and how much is thrown away, Ofori said days after Canadians stuffed themselves for Thanksgiving and were admonished for overfeeding their pets on Oct. 12, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.

Those arent problems for Ofori or most of the newcomers he knows whove lived through a famine.

Immigrants move in and see all this abundance, but they cant just dive in and eat all we can, he said. Hunger disciplines you. I dont think anything disciplines you more than that, he said. You respect food and dont take it for granted.

Its difficult for him, personally, to accept that there is so much food in some places and not enough in others.

I eat well, said Ofori.

Sometimes its hard to enjoy it because he has flashbacks of people he knows who are still not getting enough to eat. You feel like you have so much, he said. Sometimes, I have to self-consciously ignore it or I cant enjoy life.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 14/10/2016 (2208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Imagine if Brian Epstein had never seen the Beatles. If John, Paul, George and Ringo had continued to play, undiscovered, in the Cavern Club, how many people would have heard them? What would their estates and copyrights be worth today? Hard to imagine squandering such natural gifts.

Its not a lot different, when you think of it, with Canadas natural resources. And squandering, in effect, is what were doing today with the economic potential of our oil resources. They are effectively landlocked, due to the inability to get the barrels to seaport and a broader market. Albertas oil is locked to North America, especially U.S. distribution, which cuts the per-barrel price by about $14 as of August, when Alberta crude was selling for about $31/barrel.

Without pipeline access to tidewater  and therefore to new international markets  Canada will continue to pay an economic penalty.

No one is saying this country, or its producers, should build pipelines without diligent and sensitive consideration and mitigation of environmental impacts  protecting sensitive or at-risk territories, waterways and species. Thats not the Canadian way.

Recent approvals  the $36-billion Pacific Northwest LNG project, for example  should give all Canadians, including those whose communities and traditional lands are most directly affected, comfort in the environmental review and vetting process. The Trudeau government last week gave the LNG project the green light, predicated on 190 conditions.

The careful, public environmental review (combined with regulated monitoring and reporting during project development, construction and lifetime operation) illustrates the value Canadians place on their land, water and communities and on respect for the constitutional rights of indigenous people.

But landlocking the countrys natural wealth is beyond misguided. It wastes Canadas potential to realize economic growth and security  the lifeblood of our governments treasuries, revenues which support the social programs that make our standard of living the envy of the world. It also stymies the development of the best human talent in science, engineering and industry innovation. Why would we turn our backs on our youth, send them packing for careers and jobs elsewhere?

What, in hard numbers, are we turning our backs on? Here are a few things:

According to a 2015 Conference Board of Canada report, the $6.8-billion Trans Mountain pipeline expansion holds 678,000 person-years of employment.

Energy East would be worth $16.8 billion in GDP for the Canadian economy during the nine-year development and construction phase alone, according to a report commissioned by the company behind it.

Enbridge says its $7.9-billion Northern Gateway pipeline project would create up to 3,000 jobs during peak construction.

Long-term employment connected to the three projects would be more than 38,000 total jobs per year.

This is important to the West, and to all of Canada. Pipelines, as with all strategic infrastructure investments, are key to the countrys economic prosperity. They, like roads and rail and marine assets, deserve to be supported through careful and wise public policy. They are what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refers to when he talks about nation-building projects in his governments infrastructure-investment plan.

These projects are the foundation for future-wealth generation to support jobs, good incomes and strong communities. They provide the silk for the fabric of our social-welfare programs.

Chris Lorenc is president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 14/10/2016 (2208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Joseph Darcel, Norwood resident, Nelson Mac Grad and University of Manitoba honours microbiology student, is in select company.

He is one of 15 Canadian youth from among 14,000 applicants to sit on the first ever Prime Ministers Youth Council.

The council was chosen from applicants across Canada, aged 16 to 24 years, and will advise the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) about policies and programs important to youth.

Photo by Adriano Magnifico Joseph Darcel, a Nelson McIntyre Collegiate graduate, is the only Manitoban to sit on the Prime Ministers Youth Council.

The massive pool was whittled down to 300, with each candidate producing a video explaining a leadership vision for Canada and particular policy interests. After video interviews with the PMs Parliamentary Secretary and resumes to sell their innovative ideas for Canadian youth, anxious applicants awaited their fate.

Joseph made the final cut, and was the only Manitoban chosen. He was understandably excited.

I am honoured to be selected on this team. I feel a huge sense of responsibility to do a great job.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, oversaw the selections. He shared his vision on the PMO website: I am excited to work with the Youth Council to make clear to Canadian youth that there are many avenues for them to be the leaders of today.

At their first council meeting in September, the new team discussed youth employment, environment and climate change, gender-based violence and youth service.

Joseph admits that he was starstruck upon first meeting Trudeau.

He came in and the room went quiet. As the training went on, I was impressed with how well he listened to us and his desire to engage our voices, he said.

For the next two years, the Youth Council will be immersed in Canadian issues, with unique access to policy leaders, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, cabinet ministers and other senior officials.

He credits formative experiences at Nordale School, Nelson McIntyre Collegiate and the Royal Canadian Cadet Program in helping him realize his potential and develop a civic-minded sensibility to make a difference in the community.

An aspiring politician, he currently serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Canadian Forces Reserves and teaches young cadets many of the lessons and skills that influenced him in his formative years.

As a voice for Canadian youth, with a direct pipeline to the PMO, what does Joseph intend to accomplish?

I want to create a movement in which youth can share ideas and create a platform for their concerns, needs, ideas and insight.

You can chat with this engaging young man during the Louis Riel School Divisions Career and Post-Secondary Symposium on Nov. 7 at the Norberry board office (900 St. Marys Rd.) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

To learn more about Joseph and his Council-mates, check out the Prime Ministers Youth Council Website, (https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/prime-ministers-youth-council.html). He may be contacted at darcelj@.myumanitoba.ca

Adriano Magnifico is a community correspondent for St. Boniface. You can contact him at amagnif@mymts.net
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/10/2016 (2207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For their first few years of life, boys and girls are mostly equal. They develop mentally at about the same rate, are disciplined similarly and are equally likely to start school, a new UNICEF study says.

The study suggests gender differences begin to grow as the children do  particularly when girls become big enough to pick up a broom, care for an ailing grandparent or fetch water.

Worldwide, girls spend about 50 per cent more time on chores than their brothers, according to UNICEF. In the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the gap is wider  girls aged five to 14 spend twice as much time on chores.

The hard work doesnt build character, says the organization, which is dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental assistance.

The types of chores commonly undertaken by girls  preparing food, cleaning and caring for others  not only set the stage for unequal burdens later in life, but can also limit girls outlook and potential while they are still young, according to the study.

The chores socialize girls into thinking domestic duties are the only ones theyre qualified for. Chores such as cooking, cleaning and fetching water are not as highly valued as other tasks that may earn money for a family. That has lasting effects on [girls] self-esteem and sense of self-worth, the study says.

Among the studys findings:

 Globally, girls ages five to 14 spend 550 million hours every day on household chores, 106 million more hours than boys their age.

 In the three countries with the highest girl involvement in household chores, more than half the girls spend 14 hours per week on chores.

 Two-thirds of girls worldwide help with cooking and cleaning in the house. Fifty per cent help with shopping and 46 per cent fetch water or firewood. About 43 per cent care for other children.

The increased time on household work negatively affects girls lives  and their futures  compared to boys. Every hour a girl spends on chores is an hour she cant spend making friends, doing schoolwork or playing.

The early typecasting reverberates as girls become women, making it harder to close gender gaps in education and employment, UNICEF says.

According to the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap report, a quarter of a billion women entered the global labour force between 2006 and 2015, and yet, the annual pay for women only now equals the amount men were earning 10 years ago.

The forums report shows similar problems in skilled labour: While more women than men are enrolling in university in 97 countries, women make up the majority of skilled workers in 68 countries and the majority of leaders in only four.

The Economic Policy Institute said years of social programming and gender expectations can explain the complex reasons for the gender pay gap in the United States.

According to a recent study by the institute:

By the time a woman earns her first dollar, her occupational choice is the culmination of years of education, guidance by mentors, expectations set by those who raised her, hiring practices of firms, and widespread norms and expectations about work-family balance held by employers, co-workers and society, the study says.

In other words, even though women disproportionately enter lower-paid, female-dominated occupations, this decision is shaped by discrimination, societal norms and other forces beyond womens control.

The UNICEF study suggests some solutions for gender disparities. A first step: a more even distribution of chores.

Household chores and negative gender patterns must be addressed before they become cemented in adulthood, the study says.

Supporting girls to stay in school and be involved in sports, play and other leisure and asset-building activities  and investing in infrastructure, technology and childcare to ease uneven burdens  can help put girls on the path to empowerment and the world on course to great gender equality.

 The Washington Post
The Winona County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention is holding a public gathering Monday to inform residents about the work theyre doing, and to recognize people who have donated to the their cause.

The event will run from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Winona County Historical Society. ASAP staff will give a presentation in the second half hour, detailing the groups efforts since it received a key grant and started its work last year.

From the beginning, Ive been overwhelmed by how responsive the community has been, ASAP program coordinator Phil Huerta said, singling out the groups community talk in April. The event attracted 120 people to the East End Recreation Center to discuss substance abuse in the Winona area.

Having that many people show up was amazing, Huerta said. People are interested in the work were doing.

ASAP is confronting substance abuse from a number of angles.

It hosts drug take-back days when residents can safely dispose of their prescription drugs. ASAP collected roughly 240 pounds of these drugs in April, and is holding another take-back day Oct. 22 at Winona Health.

It is pushing the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy to allow prescription drug drop boxes at easily accessible spots around town.

And it is working with local schools to make students aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, encouraging students to wear red in celebration of Red Ribbon Week at the end of October.

Weve done some evaluations, Huerta said. People are learning things and want to come to our events. They express gratitude for the work were doing.
He stayed in Washington, D.C., taking advantage of the spoils that he accumulated while in his senate seat. During this time, Sen. Ron Johnson was creating jobs in Wisconsin, and with his associates, Ron still is. With an over-abundance of lawyers in D.C., do we still need another with Feingold?
Wits condemns Friday night's violence on campus and in Braamfontein

Update from the Senior Executive Team (10:00):

Last night saw wanton destruction in Braamfontein allegedly by some Wits students. It is absolutely unacceptable for any individual, and especially students from Wits to behave in this manner. We expect that student leaders will now take responsibility and stop the violence.

Despite last nights events, classes will continue on Monday.

Incidents

The incidents began on campus at around 17:30 when a small group of students collected stones, attacked police and tried to destroy property. The police dispersed the group and some left for Braamfontein where they were joined by students from other places.

Another group formed and was involved in skirmishes with the police after throwing petrol bombs into Hofmeyr House and starting fires at the Professional Development Hub, the Bozzoli and the Matrix. The group of students then stoned the police outside the Sunnyside residence and the police dispersed them using stun grenades and teargas. At no point did the police enter or throw teargas into the residence.

Details are included in the separate incident report that follows from Campus Control.

Police presence

There are some in on our midst that blame us for the police presence on campus and for implementing additional security measures. They also accuse the police of sparking these events. This is disingenuous. The only reason these measures were implemented was because a group of students started four fires on our campuses on Thursday night, smashed windows, stoned buildings and flooded rooms. They stoned the fire brigade and pelted the police with bricks when they attempted to restore order. We were not able to manage this effectively in the dark.

Restrictive movement conditions were thus implemented to protect University property and for the safety and security of all students and staff.

There are some that have reported the use of excessive force by police. Should you have any information in this regard, we ask you to email the Head of Security via Mokgawa.Kobe@wits.ac.za or call 011 717-4444.

Campus Control will investigate all such incidents. However, we do want to thank the police for keeping the campus safe under the trying conditions of last night. Obviously, security measures will be boosted tonight to ensure that life, limb and property are not put at risk.

Unacceptable violence

We know that it is a minority who has tried to cripple the academic programme through intimidation and violence. As we slowly managed to get classes back on track, there was an explicit call from some student leaders to destroy University property and to commit arson. It is shocking that some within our University would call for the wanton destruction of our own institution.

The violence in Braamfontein is completely unacceptable. Why would one destroy the Orbit where Sibongile Khumalo was performing? Why would you arbitrarily burn vehicles if you are unhappy about the fact that the academic programme is continuing? How does the one enable the other?

Shutdown not an option

There are some who say that we should stop the academic programme. Should we truly sacrifice the futures of 36 000 students? We have repeatedly said and say again that the struggle for free quality higher education does not require the sacrifice of the 2016 academic programme. The majority of students want the academic programme to continue and want to complete the year. Should we sacrifice their futures simply because a small minority wants to effect a national shutdown?

If we do shutdown, it would require the closure of the residences themselves. We are reluctant to do to this as it would impact on the poor and international students more than anyone else. This is another reason why we have to continue the academic programme.

Academic programme continues on Monday

Wits will continue with the academic programme on Monday and the police and security will be present to protect staff and students who return to class. We will continue with the academic year and we will cooperate with the police to arrest anyone involved in arson, the destruction of property and violence.

Suspensions and arrests

Students who are involved in such activities will not only be arrested but may also be suspended and even expelled by the University itself. We cannot tolerate such criminal behaviour in our midst. Should we continue to allow this, we will destroy this University. The only people that will then suffer are the students of today and future generations.

Engagement

We are open to engagement and negotiation and we believe that these issues can only be resolved through negotiated outcomes, but not at the expense of the academic programme.

We call on all members of the University community to stand together during this trying time. We thank those students, parents, staff and others who have stood with us to keep the University open. Our sole focus must be on the completion of the academic programme. We will continue with the academic programme on Monday.
State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank services; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, Midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products. In addition, it offers seasonal products comprising holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, and automotive and home office supplies; and home products that include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, and bed and bath soft goods. Further, the company provides apparel, which comprise casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women, and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes, and accessories. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 18,190 stores in 47 states in the United States. The company was formerly known as J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. and changed its name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968. Dollar General Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., through its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Fresh and Value-Added Products, Banana, and Other Products and Services. It offers pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables, melons, and vegetables; non-tropical fruits, such as grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and kiwis; other fruit and vegetables, and avocados; and prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks. The company also engages in the sale of poultry and meat products; and third-party freight services business. In addition, it manufactures and sells plastic and box products, such as bins, trays, bags, and boxes. The company offers its products under the Del Monte brand, as well as under other brands, such as UTC, Rosy, Fruit Express, Just Juice, Fruitini, Mann's Logo, Arcadian Harvest, Nourish Bowls, Broccolini, Caulilini, Better Burger Leaf, RomaLeaf, and other regional brands. It markets and distributes its products to retail stores, club stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice operators. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. was founded in 1886 and is based in George Town, Cayman Islands.
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.
Standard Motor Products, Inc. manufactures and distributes replacement parts that are used in the maintenance, repair, and service of vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with a complementary focus on specialized original equipment parts for manufacturers across agriculture, heavy duty, and construction equipment industries. The company's Engine Management segment provides electronic ignition control modules, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, ignition wires and coils, switches and relays, exhaust gas recirculation valves, pressure and temperature sensors, variable valve timing components, mass airflow and fuel pressure sensors, electronic throttle bodies, and diesel injectors and pumps; and anti-lock brake, vehicle speed, tire pressure monitoring, and park assist sensors. This segment offers its products under the Standard, Blue Streak, BWD, Intermotor, OEM, SMP Blue Streak Canada, GP Sorensen, Locksmart, Standard Motorcycle, and Blue Streak Race Wires brands. Its Temperature Control segment provides components for the temperature control systems, engine cooling systems, power window accessories, and windshield washer systems of motor vehicles under the Four Seasons, ACI, Hayden, Factory Air, and Maxair brands. Its products include air conditioning compressors and repair kits, clutch assemblies, blower and radiator fan motors, filter dryers, evaporators, accumulators, actuators, hose assemblies, thermal expansion devices, heater valves, heater cores, A/C service tools and chemicals, fan assemblies, fan clutches, oil coolers, window lift motors, window regulators and assemblies, and windshield washer pumps. The company serves primarily automotive aftermarket retailers, warehouse distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and original equipment service part operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Long Island City, New York.
Injury is a word I thoroughly hate, especially if it concerns a Liverpool player. Weve been down this road before, particularly last season where we could field quite a strong lineup with the number of injuries the Liverpool squad had absorbed. We missed key players who were unavailable for very important fixtures, Mamadou Sakho walking off the pitch at Wembley during the Capital One Cup Final against Manchester City last season as an example.

Once again, two months down the line of a new season, Liverpool finds itself without two key players in Adam Lallana and Gini Wijnaldum ahead of what is our most important game yet  against Manchester United. But despite that, theres a massive difference now compared to seasons past. With the abundance of quality and versatility in our squad, theres not much to fret about.

Jurgen Klopp portrayed a 4-3-3 formation in all our games so far this season, omitting the 4-2-3-1 system he favoured last season when he arrived at the club. Im far from an expert, but to me, it looks like he found a system where he can maximize the abilities of this Liverpool squad, bolstered it during the summer, rather than acquiring players to fit a certain system.

Our midfield three consists of Wijnaldum, Lallana, and Jordan Henderson for virtually all of our games so far, but with the former two in doubt for our clash against our biggest rivals, there are a number of players who we have within the squad, that can fill in for the aforementioned two.

Two of either Coutinho, Emre Can, and Marko Grujic could step in and take on the roles of Gini and Lallana with little to no difficulty  Leaving Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane as our attacking three, very similar to the squad that played majority of the ninety minutes against Swansea City prior to the International break.

Currently, we have a strong core of players, and thats not even including players who are still rehabilitating from terrible injuries such as Joe Gomez and Danny Ings, and also Mamadou Sakho, whos future at Liverpool remains uncertain at this stage.

We have very good options between the posts in Mignolet and Loris Karius, decent alternatives for the defence, and our midfield and attacking selection are greater than it has been for quite some time.

What a difference its been when you have an incredible manager running the show, doesnt it? From relying on Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling to lead the line two years ago, to having an array of attacking options like Firmino, Origi, Sturridge, Coutinho, and Sadio Mane. Its crazy to think our squad has been the strongest its been for a couple of years, considering the amount of players Jurgen Klopp has cleared out during the summer.

Klopps done many things as manager of Liverpool in a year. Rejuvinating the dressing room, instilling confidence in our players, giving belief to us fans, and recruiting intelligently. But for me, being confident that we have players available in the squad who are more than able to take upon the role of those who are unavailable, without sacrificing the strength of the team, is rather reassuring.

Squad depth isnt something Liverpool are associated with for the past half decade, even in our title charge in 2013/14, our starting lineup pretty much picked itself, and once weve had a man down, like losing Jordan Henderson in the latter stages of that season, we were basically screwed.

Its scary  a good kind of scary, to think how Liverpool would look like two or three years down the line under Klopps regime.




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Wrexham Glyndwr University Wins 40k Research Grant

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Oct 15th, 2016

Wrexham Glyndwr University has played a key role in securing a 40k research grant to review the Welsh Governments drug and alcohol abuse policy.

Dr Wulf Livingston and Dr Iolo Madoc-Jones are part of a team evaluating the Welsh Governments Working Together to Reduce Harm, The Substance Misuse Strategy for Wales 2008-2018.

The academics will be analysing how effective the strategy has been in reaching its aims of preventing harm, providing support for substance misusers and their families, tackling availability and protecting individuals and communities from harm.

Wulf, a senior lecturer in Social Work whose research specialises in the field of alcohol and drugs, said: We were delighted to be recognised with this award. With Iolos expertise in reviewing Welsh Government policy and my knowledge in drug and alcohol abuse, this is very well suited.

We will be reviewing what has and hasnt worked in the Welsh Governments strategy, using a bespoke methodology, which has already been successfully used to review Scottish Government policy. Our analysis will also then contribute to informing a new alcohol and drug strategy.

The university will be working with Scottish firm Figure 8 Consultancy, which has extensive experience evaluating Scottish Government policy and substance use evaluations.

Wulf is chairman of the New Directions in Study of Alcohol Group of which Andy Perkins, director of Figure of 8 Consultancy, is also a board member.

He added: We understand our tender was attractive to the Welsh government because it involved a joint venture between a Welsh University and an organisation with experience of conducting similar research in Scotland.

Also because in our tender, we evidenced good knowledge and appreciation of the desired methodology. Our research will use the Contribution Analysis approach which aims to establish the extent to which observed results may be attributable to a policy, programme or service initiative.

I have known Andy for many years now through various circles and it will be a pleasure to work more extensively with him and the Figure 8 team.

Dr Madoc-Jones, reader in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: Staff at Wrexham Glyndwr University have successfully tendered for a range of research and evaluation contracts over the last few months. Our involvement and success with this and similar projects evidences our vitality as a university.

What we learn will inform teaching and learning and directly feed into the student experience on a range of programmes.

For more information please visit the Wrexham Glyndwr University website.
Decade of Wrexhams Links With Lesotho Celebrated

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Oct 15th, 2016

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has helped mark 10 years of a link between Wrexham and Lesotho.

Mr Lucas attended a special ceremony at the Maelor School, Penley, which was also attended by the acting High Commissioner for Lesotho.

The event marked 10 years of links between the school and the southern African country.

Schools across Wrexham have been building links with schools in Lesotho for several years, working alongside the charity Dolen Cymru  Wales Link.

Mr Lucas has visited several schools which have been developing links with the country, and visited Lesotho himself  most recently in 2013. He has also welcomed Lesotho politicians to Parliament and met athletes from the country when they trained in Wrexham before the 2012 Olympics.

He said: There has been a long bond of friendship between Wales and Lesotho, and between Wrexham and Lesotho.

Pupils from across Wrexham have visited the country, and have welcomed visitors from Lesotho to their schools. Todays visit marked a decade of friendship between the Maelor School and Lesotho, and I know that that the bonds which have been forged will remain strong in years to come.

I was very pleased to be able to join in the welcome for our visitors today.
A World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter reporting team spoke to workers at the Fiat Chrysler minivan plant in Windsor, Ontario Friday to get reactions to the tentative contract settlement announced earlier in the week by Unifor, the Canadian auto union. Workers reacted strongly to the terms of the agreement, patterned on the sellout contract rammed through at General Motors.

The call by the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter for the publication of the full contract details before the vote, with adequate time provided to study the agreement, was warmly received.

A young worker said, They really do want to push this through. Thats why theyre not showing the contract. Im ready to vote no.

Another worker responded tersely to the call by the WSWS for workers to have access to the full contract details, I know. Thats BS.

Peter, a worker with 16 years seniority said, I would hope we get a chance to see the full language. If we dont, trust in the union will go down. Right now all we are getting is bits and pieces.

Carey, a worker with less than one year at Fiat Chrysler said, They are doing the same thing here they did at General Motors; they are giving just the highlights. How can you have a fair election if you dont have the full information? They will give us just enough to get a yes vote, and then we will find out the rest later.

Workers were particularly upset with the attacks on young workers reportedly contained in the agreement. The deal maintains the 10-year grow-in period for young workers who currently start at only a little more than one half of standard base wages. It also strips new hires of the last vestiges of a defined benefit pension.

One worker said, New hires wont have benefits when they retire, thats bad.

A new hire added, I am fortunate I still live at home. It is tough to make it on the wages. It is hard to save money. It would be tough for someone with kids.

Ridiculous, was Peters reaction to the details so far released by Unifor. I think the biggest thing is that it takes new hires 10 years to get to the top pay, and they will have no pension, which was one of the big reasons for having the union in the first place. For some of us, that will be the main reason to vote no.

Carey said that many younger workers came to work at Fiat Chrysler because the pay looked relatively attractive given the low wage jobs that are so prevalent. I know what else is out there, she said.

However, she added, the working conditions are brutal for those inside the plant. I am definitely earning my money, she said. There are not many people on my line who are physically capable of doing what I do. I lost 20 pounds right away when I started working here. I have hurt myself already once.

We get crap jobs and crap pay, she said of the new hires. That is definitely pitting workers against each other.

She called the 10 years that new hires had to wait to reach top pay, a bit of a crapshoot. In four years, she added, they will revisit the contract.

Is the union for the company or for the workers? I wonder.

Veteran workers who stopped to speak to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter also expressed opposition to the settlement. One older worker said, We get two percent at the beginning and two percent at the end. Come the next contract negotiations they will say, you just got a raise, we arent giving you more.

Peter said, Many workers feel that because of all the concessions we gave up, we should get more of a raise. We took a lot of cuts in the past, so now that things are good, pay us back.

It is just good for the guys on top. The workers are the ones putting that money in their pockets.

They dont realize the damage we are doing to our bodies. I have bone spurs from working here. People who say we make too much money should try working on the line. Whats wrong with making good money if we work hard?

He ridiculed the so called job guarantees touted by Unifor. The $325 million investment they promise is just a band-aid. In our plant they put in a paint shop and then dismantled it and moved on.
An acrimonious public conflict has erupted between Australias two top legal officials over a bid by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls government to bar the release of official legal advice that could potentially expose the illegality of government proposals.

The dispute has worsened since May, when Attorney-General George Brandis, without notice, issued a Legal Services Direction barring Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson from giving a formal legal opinion to anyone else without Brandiss written, signed consent.

At stake in this clash are not simply fine legal distinctions, or personal disputes. Essentially, via the attorney-generals decree, the Liberal-National Coalition government is seeking to free itself to act lawlessly, in violation of any constitutional or legal constraint.

During a heated Senate committee hearing yesterday, under hostile questioning from government senators, Gleeson stated his intention to defy the unlawful directive. He said that if the July 2 federal election had resulted in a hung parliament, the order would have barred him from giving legal advice to the governor-general, who has the power to decide who should be asked to form a government.

Earlier, Gleeson released a detailed 48-page submission to the Senate legal and constitutional affairs references committee, insisting that the directive be withdrawn and that Brandis did not consult him before issuing it. Gleesons submission, containing the correspondence between the pair, effectively showed that Brandis misled parliament by falsely declaring that Gleeson was consulted.

Gleeson also quoted a letter he wrote to Brandis last November 12, objecting that he was not consulted on three key moves by the government. These were legislation to allow citizenship to be stripped from people by executive decree, a proposed plebiscite on same-sex marriage and the release of sensitive correspondence between Governor-General Sir John Kerr and the Queen before Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Labor government in the Canberra Coup of 1975.

This lack of consultation clearly violated long-established legal norms. The solicitor-general, who is officially designated the second Law Officer of the Commonwealth, is meant to be an independent officer, appointed for up to seven years, and who cannot be removed except for incapacitating illness or misbehaviour.

Under the Legal Officers Act, the solicitor-general must act as counselgive legal advice and representationto the government and federal agencies. He or she is also required to furnish opinions to the attorney-general, but there is no provision saying that the attorney-general could ban advice being given to other officials.

Testifying at the Senate committee hearing yesterday, Gleeson declared: What is currently contained in the direction issued on 4 May has never previously existed between attorney-general and solicitor-general in Australia since 1916. It is a radical change in the practice, whereby a solicitor-general can do nothing; cannot even speak to a lawyer until he has received a brief with a signed consent.

The far-reaching implications of silencing the solicitor-general can be seen from Britain, where the Blair Labour government in 2003 blocked and then lied about a law officers opinion casting doubt on the legality of the US-led invasion of Iraq. This years report of the official Chilcot inquiry confirmed the wars utterly illegal character and the criminal role of those officials, American, British and Australian, who organised and led it.

That such gagging could occur again has been demonstrated by the suppression by Brandis of Gleesons advice that last years citizenship bill, which was dressed up as a counter-terrorism measure, was probably unconstitutional.

Fully supported by the Labor Party opposition, this law is a serious attack on the fundamental democratic right of citizenship. A government can now arbitrarily strip citizenship from people, removing core democratic rights, including to vote.

These powers, which can be exercised without any trial or judicial process, go far beyond targeting alleged terrorist suspects. They can be used against a wide range of people deemed to be opponents of the political, corporate and military establishment.

The government and its Labor Party partners defied warnings by legal experts that the bill was most likely unconstitutional, primarily because a government minister could severely punish citizens, by depriving them of their citizenship, without any judicial process, violating the separation of powers in the Australian Constitution.

Labor voted for the bill after complex last-minute amendments were tabled trying to dodge a High Court challenge, even though the government refused to release its legal advicetwo letters from the solicitor-general.

At the time, Brandis declared there was a good prospect that a majority of the High Court would reject a constitutional challenge to the core aspects of the bill. Prime Minister Turnbull made similar statements.

In his November 12 letter to Brandis, attached to his Senate submission, Gleeson objected to these statements, saying they were capable of being understood as statements about the solicitor-general having advised on the current bill, and about the content of that advice.

Gleeson said he had seen a draft of the bill two days before it was introduced to parliament, but was surprised the final bill retained ministerial discretionary powers to revoke citizenships and removed any requirement for natural justicethat is, for citizens to have any opportunity to challenge the loss of their basic rights.

Labor has called on Brandis to resign for misleading parliament, but its main concern, expressed in a Senate motion, is that he undermined public confidence within legal administration within the government.

Appearing before the Senate committee yesterday, Brandis stepped up the governments offensive, accusing Gleeson of instigating a confected controversy. Brandis insisted that his directive, far from being a grab for power, merely gives effect to the existing law.

Meanwhile, Turnbull backed Brandis, saying he did not believe the solicitor-generals independence had been compromised.

This is an unparalleled rift at the highest echelons of the Australian state. On the Conversation web site, a legal expert, Associate Professor Gabrielle Appleby, said the conflict demonstrates an unprecedented, very public breakdown in the relationship between the two officeholders.

In a scathing submission to the Senate inquiry, former Solicitor-General Gavin Griffith denounced Brandis for seeking to reduce the solicitor-generals role to a shackled office like a dog on a lead. He said the content and intent of Brandiss directive was the practical destruction of independent office of second law officers within the Australian constitutional context.

Labor Senator Penny Wong gave notice of a motion to disallow Brandiss legal directive. Regardless of whether the directive is overturned, the governments actions show a determination to operate without any legal or constitutional restraint on critical issues, which could include going to war and further overturning fundamental democratic rights.
Jaber al-Bakr, the 22-year-old Syrian arrested Monday on suspicion of terrorist activity, was found dead in his cell on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, the prison management in Leipzig declared that the detainee used his prison clothing to hang himself from one of the cells bars.

At a hastily convened press conference, Saxonys justice minister Sebastian Gemkow (Christian Democrats, CDU) rejected any suggestion that the authorities were responsible for the prisoners death. It was disappointing and should not have been allowed to happen, Gemkow said, but according to his information, everything had been done by authorities to avert suicide. On Wednesday, experts had not identified any immediate suicide risk.

Al-Bakrs public defender contradicted this and sharply criticised the authorities responsible. I am incredibly shocked and speechless that something like this can happen, said lawyer Alexander Hubner in several interviews. He spoke of a judicial scandal. The suicide risk posed by the accused was recognised by those responsible at the judicial facility and noted in the protocol.

The crisis situation facing his client was obvious, Hubner noted. He had already destroyed lamps and manipulated an electric socket. The deputy head of the detention centre reassured him on Wednesday afternoon by telephone that al-Bakr, who was being kept in solitary confinement, would be watched constantly. According to Hubner, the terrorist suspect had been on a hunger strike since his detention. He had eaten and drunk nothing since Sunday.

The circumstances surrounding Jaber al-Bakrs death raise a number of questions. Al-Bakr was not a normal prisoner, but rather a terrorist suspect accused of possessing highly explosive materials, maintaining ties with Islamic State and having planned horrific attacks on airports with a similar impact as the attacks in Paris and Brussels in which over 150 were killed.

Despite this, no interview was conducted when he entered prison, allegedly because no interpreter could be found. He was not brought into a communal cell, as is the case with others showing a suicide risk, but detained in solitary confinement.

After a discussion with a very experienced psychologist the following day, the suicide risk was deemed to be low and observations were reduced to once every 30 minutes. Despite this, according to reports at the press conference, the officer on duty repeated the checks every 15 minutes, during one of which he found the dead man.

It remains entirely unclear how a prisoner, who no longer had possession of any dangerous objects, could hang himself in an almost empty cell in a matter of minutes without any possibility of reviving him. Many sources are contradictory and lack credibility. But they cannot be explained by mere incompetence on the part of the Leipzig judicial system, as politicians and the media are currently trying to do.

The much more important question that must be asked is: did the intelligence services have something to conceal at the highest levels? Did an interest exist within the security apparatus to prevent proceedings in court and a public statement by al-Bakr? Was his desire to commit suicide accepted as a price worth paying or even actively encouraged?

It is a fact that not only the death of al-Bakr, but also his ties to the intelligence services are very mysterious. According to his own account, the domestic intelligence agency had been watching him for a long time.

Al-Bakr was registered as a refugee in Munich in February 2015 and applied for asylum. In June 2015, he received asylum for a period limited to three years. The domestic intelligence and foreign intelligence agencies placed him under observation, reportedly because he searched online for a recipe to make a pipe bomb.

But despite being under observation, he was able to cross borders without difficulty. He returned to Syria on numerous occasions and stayed for a time in Turkey.

It remains unexplained how he was able to procure the highly explosive materials under conditions of this surveillance. According to Saxonys Justice Minister Markus Ulbig (CDU), the same explosives as in Paris and Brussels were involved. The president of the state criminal agency in Saxony, Georg Michaelis, added that many things pointed to an IS connection.

On 8 October, the police tried to detain al-Bakr in Chemnitz as he left his home in the morning. The police called his name and fired a warning shot, but then allowed him to escape. The police subsequently began a high-profile public search, releasing photos and warnings that the man being sought was extremely dangerous and potentially armed.

The apartment under observation in Chemnitz was stormed by special forces units, and the explosives found were widely publicized in the media. On Sunday night, al-Bakr was arrested. He was unarmed. At Leipzig train station Al-Bakr had asked two fellow Syrians for a place to sleep. The pair took him home with them and then handed him over to the police after tying him up.

According to statements by intelligence agency head Hans-Georg Maaen, an attack on a Berlin airport was in the advanced stages of preparation and could have been carried out in a matter of days. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (CDU) compared the case to the attacks in Paris and Brussels and stated that the 22-year-old Syrian had ties to IS, according to information from the domestic intelligence service.

In this context, it is worth noting that the attackers in Paris and Brussels were also known to the security authorities, could travel virtually unhindered and prepared their attacks under the noses of the intelligence agencies.
Recent statistics on out of pocket expenses incurred by patients under Australias publicly-funded Medicare insurance scheme show that a two-tier healthcare system exists, with almost half those suffering some chronic health conditions skipping treatment because of the costs.

Those who have the financial means to purchase expensive private health insurance can generally ensure their healthcare needs and those of their families are adequately met. But those unable to afford private cover are left stranded on public health waiting lists, suffering unnecessary pain and delay in treatments, or cannot obtain appropriate healthcare at all.

Medicare is meant to ensure universal access to essential healthcare services. Introduced in 1984, it was a re-branding of the previous Medibank scheme introduced in 1975 under the Whitlam Labor government. It was supposed to provide the most equitable and efficient means of providing health insurance coverage for all Australians.

In reality, Medicare has never provided equitable healthcare, with the public health system chronically under-funded and under-resourced for decades by successive state and federal governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike.

What is deemed essential can be seen by examining which services are provided, and which are not, under the Medicare system.

Public hospitals, including emergency departments, are funded. However, lack of resources results in excessive waiting times, including for outpatient and specialist appointments. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of people sit on waiting lists of 12 to 18 months for dental care and elective surgeries such as hip and knee replacements.

Despite the myth that healthcare in Australia is free, many services, tests, treatments or consultations are not fully funded by Medicare. The fees charged may be higher than the rebates paid by Medicare and some services have a capped number of uses in a given time period.

This results in patients being forced to make co-payments, referred to as out-of-pocket expenses. Other services are not covered by Medicare, so that patients must pay full fees.

Annual Medicare statistics show that the national average out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare services increased from $3.95 in 198485 to $54.60 in 201415. There were sharp increases in the average co-payments for key services:

 General practitioner (GP) visits from zero to $31.36

 Specialist attendances from $5.67 to $65.73

 Obstetrics from $11.42 to $233.10

 Anaesthetics from $8.62 to $126.20

 Pathology services from $2.39 to $24.35

 Diagnostic imaging from $7.40 to $94.19

This year the Liberal-National government extended a freeze on the General Practitioner (GP) Medicare rebate until 2020. Instigated by the previous Labor government in 2013, this freeze functions as a back door GP co-payment. It is forcing doctors to gradually charge patients upfront at a higher rate, rather than bulk-bill the government just for the standard Medicare rebate. Freezing the rebate has been estimated to cost GPs approximately $15,000 a year each as they face the rising costs of running a medical practice.

A study titled Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and chronic diseasedo Australians forgo care because of the cost? published in the Australian Journal of Primary Health in July, confirmed that out-of-pocket costs act as a barrier to treatment for people with chronic health conditions.

Over 40 percent of people with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, and over one-third of people with asthma, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reported they skipped healthcare treatment because of the cost.

The researchers, from James Cook University, the Bureau of Health Information and the University of New South Wales, found that Australians with chronic health conditions were more likely to forgo care because of cost than those in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

The study reported staggering out-of-pocket expenditure for patients with certain chronic health conditions. Stroke survivors were spending on average of $1,110 per year on healthcare, and up to $32,411 in the 12 months following their stroke. For an arthritis sufferer, the mean out-of-pocket spending was $1,513 per year, with amounts ranging from $49 to $20,527.

In rural areas, the expenditure was higher, with cancer patients treated in northern Queensland spending an average of $4,311 since diagnosis, while those who lived more than 100 kilometres from their hospital spent an average of $7,752.

Those surveyed reported spending an average of $986 per year on household out-of-pocket costs. In total, 14 percent reported expenditure over $2,000. Out-of-pocket spending was on average 9 percent of total household expenditure for an older household and 5 percent for a younger household.

The political establishment is well aware that patients are being compelled to pay billions of dollars per year. A Senate committee report completed in 2014, Out-of-Pocket Costs in Australian Healthcare, stated that out-of-pocket expenditure by individuals accounted for 57.2 percent of the estimated non-government funding of health goods and services in 201112. The contribution by individuals accounted for 17.3 percent of the total health expenditure (government and non-government). In 201112, individuals spent approximately $24.3 billion on out-of-pocket health expenses.

It is a well-established fact internationally that those with chronic health conditions have lower incomes, less wealth and are more likely to be in poverty.

In its 201415 budget, the Liberal-National planned to gut health funding by an estimated $1.8 billion over four years, and $57 billion over a decade. During the recent election campaign, the Labor Party abandoned its promise to restore the $57 billion, while attempting to portray itself as the great protector of Medicare.

The historic record demonstrates that the Labor Party has orchestrated and implemented major attacks on health funding. Most recently, the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments between 2007 and 2013 imposed a new Activity Based Funding system for public hospitals, whereby hospitals no longer receive basic funding. Instead, they are paid only a national efficient price for each procedure they deliver.

Driven by a worsening global economic crisis, the corporate and financial elites are demanding intensifying austerity measures, with public health spending always a central target. This will mean further devastating cuts to the healthcare system, with low income earners and the most vulnerable members of society affected the most severely.

Access to free, high quality healthcare is a basic social right. The only means to achieve it and build appropriately resourced services is for the entire healthcare system, along with the multi-billion dollar corporations and banks, to be placed under the democratic control of the working class, as part of the socialist transformation of society to meet the needs of all, not satisfy the profit demands of the wealthy few.

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[27 June 2016]
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) held a highly successful Inaugural General Meeting (IGM) at the University of Melbourne (U of M) on October 13, attended by 45 students. The meeting was the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year fight by the IYSSE to establish a student club at the university.

Beginning in Semester One, 2014, the Clubs and Societies Committee (C&SC) of the Student Union rejected four applications by the IYSSE to establish a club. On each occasion, the IYSSE had met all the stipulated requirements. The Committee nevertheless advanced a series of bureaucratic grounds to prevent the IYSSE from holding an IGM and affiliating.

The IYSSE refused to bow to this attack on its democratic rights and answered, in statements circulated to students, each of the C&SCs arguments. On the basis of this ongoing clarification of the issues involved, the IYSSE won growing support among students. In August this year, the C&SC approved the IYSSEs fifth application and allowed the club to hold its IGM, the final stage in the affiliation process.

In the lead up to the meeting, the IYSSE waged a broad campaign among U of M students centring on exposing the central role of Australian imperialism in the US-led preparations for war against China and Russia and the mounting dangers of a nuclear world war. Its campaign highlighted the anti-Chinese chauvinism appearing in the media and characterised the hysteria over Chinese agents of influence in Australia as war propaganda.

IYSSE members explained to many hundreds of students that the only alternative to the catastrophe being prepared was the fight being waged by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), the world Trotskyist movement, to develop an international anti-war movement of the working class, students and youth on the basis of a socialist and internationalist perspective.

The number of club members who attended was more than double the 20 required by the C&SCs regulations. International students from China, the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia were among those who joined the club out of their alarm at the prospect of war, opposition to the chauvinist campaign in the media and agreement with the perspective of unifying the international working class.

The support won by the IYSSE expressed the developing political radicalisation among young people, in Australia and around the world, and a deep-going concern, among the most politically thoughtful, about the eruption of militarism, the assault on the social and democratic rights of the working class and the associated turn to authoritarian forms of rule.

Will Fulgenzi, a leading member of the IYSSE, opened the meeting by welcoming the clubs new members. By attending this meeting, you have taken a stand in defence of democratic rights, and against militarism and the drive to war. You have ensured that a genuine socialist, anti-war organisation will be able to hold meetings and events on this campus. This is of real objective significance. He explained that the IYSSE, as the youth movement of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the ICFI, was the only political tendency on university campuses raising the immense dangers of war.

The clubs meeting was overseen and chaired by C&SC officer Ryan Davey. When Davey moved the various motions calling for the adoption of the clubs constitution and statement of aims, they were endorsed unanimously, without dissent. The clubs aims outline its orientation to the working class, the need for young people to learn the lessons of the revolutionary struggles of the 20th century and make clear the clubs opposition to all forms of pseudo-left and identity politics. The IYSSE membership elected its club executive of six office-bearers, as required under the C&SC regulations.

Following the formal proceedings, James Cogan, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), gave a presentation on the dangers of imperialist war against China and Russia. Cogan pointed to the warning issued by the Union of Concerned Scientists in May that the US and China were a few poor decisions away from starting a war that could escalate rapidly and end in a nuclear exchange. He noted that the US and Australian governments were actively preparing for such a scenario.

Placing the danger of world war in the context of the eruption of US militarism over the past 25 years, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Cogan warned: US imperialism, wracked by a historic economic and social crisis, is now prepared to gamble the fate of humanity on its ability to use military threats to compel the Russian and Chinese regimes to accept the status of semi-colony, give US banks and corporations full access to their markets and resources, and kowtow to American demands in every part of the globe.

Cogan urged students to study the February 18, 2016 statement of the ICFI, Socialism and the Fight Against War, which outlines the fundamental principles upon which an international anti-war movement must be built. He stressed that the only answer to war was revolution: the mobilisation of the international working class to end capitalism and its nation-state divisions and establish world socialism.

The Question and Answer session that followed Cogans report was dominated by heated opposition to the perspectives of the IYSSE from the fake-left organisation Socialist Alternative, which has postured, for years, as the only Marxist club on campus. Significantly, the C&S Committee rejected the IYSSEs affiliation applications in both 2014 and 2015 on the grounds that it had overlapping aims with Socialist Alternative. At no point, throughout this two-year period, did Socialist Alternative issue any principled statement to the C&SC making clear that it had fundamentally opposed aims to those of the IYSSE.

A leading staff member of Socialist Alternative, Louise OShea, attended the IGM with a few students who belong to the organisations club. OShea attacked the IYSSE and the ICFI for talking only about the need for socialist revolution, but not involving itself in various protest campaigns led by pro-capitalist forces, such as the Greens. She specifically asserted that socialists should be supporting Black Lives Matter [BLM] in the US.

Cogan answered by clarifying the class nature of both the BLM leadership and Socialist Alternative. He cited the recent decision of the Ford Foundation, an institution with intimate ties to the US military-intelligence apparatus, to provide a $100 million grant to organisations associated with BLM. He drew attention to the fact that hundreds of whites, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans, as well as blacks, are being killed by police each year, and that the victims are overwhelmingly poor and working class. Cogan explained that the corporate funding for BLM constituted an acknowledgement that its aimsabove all, to cover-up the fact that class, not race, is the basis of oppressionwere entirely compatible with those of the American state and Wall Street.

Cogan stressed that behind all variants of identity politicswhich elevates issues such as race, gender or sexual orientation over social classare the interests of affluent layers of the upper middle class. While the conditions of the working class of all backgrounds are plummeting and social inequality has reached unprecedented levels, identity politics are being used to advance the careers and financial positions of a privileged minority.

Socialist Alternative responded to this Marxist critique of the identity politics that it promotes with unconcealed hostility. For the remainder of the meeting, its members repeatedly interjected and sought to prevent further discussion on the IYSSEs analysis and perspective.

In her most revealing statements, Socialist Alternatives Louise OShea accused the IYSSE of being racist and sexist because of its class opposition to identity politics and declared that the IYSSE should be driven from the campus.

The statements from Socialist Alternative are highly significant. First, they shed light on some of the political conceptions that lay behind the repeated rejection of IYSSE affiliation applications. For the first time, one of the most active political groups on the University of Melbourne campus, with representation on the Student Council, has publicly declared that the IYSSE should not be allowed on campus because it fights for Marxism and the political independence of the working class, against every pro-capitalist party and perspective.

Second, the positions of Socialist Alternative make clear that at the very centre of the IYSSEs struggle to develop an internationalist and socialist anti-war movement on the campuses and among youth is its continuous political differentiation from the pro-capitalist identity politics of the various pseudo-left formations, which function as apologists for Labor, the Greens and the entire political establishment.

Over coming weeks, the University of Melbourne IYSSE will be holding regular meetings to discuss and develop its Marxist analysis of identity politics, and further clarify its many new members on the political role of the pseudo-left.
UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson has called a meeting of European Union foreign ministers Sunday to discuss the military options of the imperialist powers in Syrias civil war. Also attending will be US Secretary of State John Kerry, who travels to London after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Switzerland.

Johnson confirmed the London meeting when questioned Thursday by parliaments Foreign Affairs Select Committee. He said it would also discuss plans for the planned military assault on Mosul that is being prepared by the imperialist powers. Mosul is the main Iraqi city controlled by the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) militia.

On Syria Johnson said, It is right now that we should be looking again at the more kinetic options, the military options.

Sundays meeting is extraordinary given that Johnson was amongst the leading proponents of quitting the EU in the June referendum on UK membership. But the surprise 52 percent vote to leave has only intensified the efforts by Britains ruling elite to convince Washington that it can still play a lead role in bringing the European powers into line. Certainly you cant do anything without a coalition with the Americans, Johnson stated. I think we are still a pretty long days march from getting that, but that doesnt mean that discussions aren't going on, because they certainly are.

Before the Brexit vote, Johnson was speaking in favour of a US-and Russian-brokered alliance to bring about a ceasefire in Syria. Now he is bellicose in condemning Moscow for war crimes. Backing US efforts to isolate Russia and its ally, the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, he told the parliamentary committee that the US and its allies were preparing to end participation in the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), which currently includes Russia and Iran.

It [the ISSG] has not worked. The last session was extremely acrimonious. It turned into a slanging match in which the Iranians came to the assistance of the Russians. The conversation got nowhere, said Johnson.

However, Johnson did not openly support demands for imposing a no-fly zone in Syria. A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said that all options under discussion came with lots of issues... There are no plans for military action.

For such plans to be openly tabled requires a major political effort to shift public opinion from the present overwhelming hostility to what would involve a direct confrontation with a nuclear power.

How close such a confrontation is was confirmed by two related admissions this week. The Ministry of Defence said it had conducted 1,066 strikes against ISIS in Iraq over the past two years and in Syria since December, while an anonymous source from the UKs Permanent Joint Headquarters told the Sunday Times that UK Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots over Syria have been instructed to shoot down hostile Russian warplanes if necessary. If a pilot is fired on or believes he is about to be fired on [by a Russian jet], he can defend himself, the source said. We now have a situation where a single pilot, irrespective of nationality, can have a strategic impact on future events.

Johnson said the British parliament took a big step backwards from intervention when it voted against military action in 2013. We vacated the space that has been occupied by the Russians. That vote was taken under conditions of huge opposition to war in Syria and warnings by senior military figures as to its efficacy, which scuppered plans by the US for a direct military intervention against the Assad government.

The 2013 decision had to be reversed, said Johnson. He declared, Most peopleI think including John Kerryfeel that the process of discussion with the Russians has basically run out of road... The mood of the House of Commons has changed from 2013. Whether that means we can get a coalition for a more kinetic action now I cannot prophesy.

Johnsons statement was intended as an appeal to Labours right wing. Following their unsuccessful putsch against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his anti-militarist stance, Johnson was demanding that they play the lead role in whipping up support for military intervention in Syria.

This was the occasion for a carefully choreographed exchange between Johnson and Labour Party MP Ann Clwyd in parliament. Clwyd was among the staunchest advocates of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2011, she voted for the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya, which was utilised by the imperialist powers to topple the government of Muammar Gaddafi, culminating in his brutal murder. She is now calling for protest demonstrations to be held outside the Russian Embassy in London on the basis that Moscow is responsible for the Syrian crisis.

In response to one question from Clwyd, Johnson said that Assad, Russia and Iran were perpetrating a gross crime against humanity in Aleppo. Asked by Clwyd which policy options were open to the UK in Syria, Johnson invoked the humanitarian crisis" in Aleppo, saying it was necessary to intensify actions on some of the key players in the Assad regime and on the Russians as well.

Labours right wing has lined up to condemn Corbyn for his failure to sanction military action against Assad. This is despite Corbyn authorising a free vote on British military air strikes on Syria last December, with 66 Labour MPs voting with the government. Last week Corbyn described the actions of Russia in Syria as war crimes.

However, on Tuesday, Corbyns closest adviser, Seamus Milne, stated, 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 US-led coalition bombing. He added, There are several cases of large numbers of civilian deaths in single attacks and there hasnt been so much attention on those atrocities.

In response, the Blairites and government representatives denounced Milne and Corbyn. Labour MP Kevan Jones, a former shadow defence minister and supporter of the Iraq War, said, Corbyn should completely distance himself from this, adding that Milne was clearly an apologist for Putin and his regime.

John Woodcock, another Blairite and a leading figure in the recent attempted coup against Corbyn, said, This absurdity seems like a deliberate provocation, unworthy of our leader and our party.

It is under these conditions that a broad swath of the pseudo-left has moved to demand that Corbyn reverse his opposition to stepped-up military action. Some 180 members of the pro-Corbyn Momentum activist network, other Labour members, trade union officials and the Alliance for Workers Liberty group issued an open letter demanding that the Labour leader say clearly and unequivocally that the actions of Assad and Russia in Syria are barbaric war crimes, and that you will seek to end them, and to hold their perpetrators to account.

The letter demands that Corbyn lend your wholehearted support to practical measures to support civilians and pressure the regime to end its attacks, such as airdrops of aid to besieged civilians by British military forces... Food not bombs should be the rallying cry, not Hands off Syria.
Asia

South Korean truck owner-drivers on strike

Around 15,000 members of Cargo Truckers Solidarity, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, walked off the job on Monday to protest against the governments plan to allow more small freight trucks to operate. They fear that additional competition would lead to a cut in freight rates and job losses. Truckers said they would continue the strike until the government scraps the cargo transport market development plan and improves the law and institutions .

About a third of freight movements around the country are affected. The government has deployed 100 military container trucks and commandeered 200 unregistered private cargo trucks as strike-breakers, and has threatened to suspend truckers fuel subsidies for six months if they remain on strike.

Cargo Truckers Solidarity wants the government to maintain the current entry barriers for small trucks carrying less than 1.5 tonnes in freight, implement the governments promise to enact the standard freight fee system, fulfil the presidential election pledge of a toll fee discount, and abrogate the registration of individual owners trucks under a transportation company.

Korail workers strike in third week

Adding to restrictions on cargo transport by striking truckers, nearly 7,500 unionised workers at the Korean Rail Corporation (Korail) are maintaining a strike begun on September 27. At least 40 percent of Korail workers are striking, taking out about half the nations freight train capacity, while passenger services in Seoul have been reduced by 10 percent.

Korail workers, along with other government employees, are calling for President Park Geun-hyes government to drop its plan to expand a merit-based salary system for government employees. Salaries have been set by seniority in the past.

Hyundai and union strike wages deal

The trade union and management of Hyundai Motors, Koreas top automaker, reached a second tentative agreement on a wage increase on Wednesday, about two weeks after workers held their first full-day strike in 12 years after overwhelmingly rejecting a wage contract negotiated by the union. Workers, at the time, said the deal was less than last years offer and were also concerned about company plans to slash the wages of all workers aged 59 and 60 by 10 percent.

Under the latest deal, the union accepted a basic monthly pay increase of 72,000 won ($US64), up from $52 on the previous offer. None of the other offers were improved. These were a bonus of 350 percent and 3.3 million won in cash for each worker, along with other benefits. Management withdrew its demand for changes to the wage peak system, which workers strongly oppose. However, the union favours retention of the current wage peak arrangements, which impose a wage freeze on 59-year-olds and a 10 percent pay cut for 60-year-olds.

Workers were to vote on the new offer on Friday.

Indonesia: Freeport mine workers end strike

The 1,200 striking workers at PT Freeport Indonesias (PFTI) Grasberg open pit gold and copper mine in Tembagapura, Papua returned to work on Monday after reaching an agreement with management. The workers walked off the job on September 28, demanding equal bonus distribution for workers in all departments. Strikers included heavy equipment operators and truck drivers, halting production at the pit. The company provided no details of the agreement reached with the All Indonesia Labor Union-PFTI unit.

Grasberg has been plagued by strikes, accidents and production problems in recent years. A three-month strike by 10,000 workers in 2011 that crippled production at the mine only ended after Freeport agreed to pay rises up to 24 percent. A wildcat strike in March 2015 over promotions closed the mine for six days.

Striking Sri Lankan tea plantation workers reject unions sell-out deal

Thousands of plantation workers are maintaining a strike begun on September 27 to demand that the daily wage be increased from 620 rupees ($US4.24) to 1,000 rupees. They ignored an order from their unions, in collaboration with the government and plantation owners, to return to work by October 5.

Workers have held demonstrations and pickets in 17 cities and towns in the Central and Ura provinces. They face continued harassment from the police, who have banned demonstrations in most areas.

In the collective agreement signed in 2013, daily minimum wages were set at 450 rupees. With attendance incentive and productivity targets, they reached 620 rupees. The due date for the next collective agreement was March 31, 2015 but plantation owners refused to negotiate a new agreement.

Workers rejected the latest proposal put to them, which would impose harsher backbreaking work for no guaranteed gain. Under the offer, which was accepted by their unions, the daily wage would increase to just 730 rupees for three days of the week, only if a worker achieved the near impossible task of plucking 24 kilograms of tea leaves. If a worker plucked less, the wage would remain at 632 rupees. The daily wage for the other three days would be set at 500 rupees, with a target of 15 kilograms of leaves. In addition, the full six days work for the daily-wage workers would not be guaranteed.

India: Uttarakhand water utility contract workers on strike

More than 2,000 contract water utility workers have been on hunger strike in Dehradun, Uttarakhand since September 29 to demand permanent jobs and to be paid directly by the government, not through a contractor. Workers claimed contractors were paid 15,000 rupees per worker a month but they received only a small fraction.

The workers, employed as linemen, drivers, plumbers, helpers and others, have been on a hunger strike since October 3. Management of the jal sansthan (water utility unit) and government agreed to meet with the strikers on October 17.

Honda motorcycle workers maintain protest

Five sacked workers from the Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan were forced to end their 19-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi last Saturday due to declining health. However, other workers have taken over in 24-hour relay hunger strikes, vowing to maintain their protest until the demands are met.

The hunger strikers have faced several police charges following a strike at the factory by 4,000 workers in February to demand the reinstatement of over 400 workers and registration of their union, the HMSI 2F Kamgar Union Tapukara. The hunger strikers issued a statement listing three demands: that all suspended and terminated Honda workers be reinstated, all criminal charges be immediately withdrawn and all trade union rights be guaranteed.

HMSI workers have been trying to register their union, without success, since August 2015. Prior to the February strike, the company systematically sacked over 800 workers accused of involvement in union activity.

Punjab government contract workers protest

Contract workers organised by the Punjab Contractual Employees Sangharsh Committee, demonstrated in Bathinda on Sunday, demanding job permanency and the filling of all vacant posts. Protesters included daily wage-workers, contract workers, rural health (anganwadi) workers, nurses, mid-day meal workers, teachers, transport workers and many others.

Protesters marched from the District Administration Complex to Fire Brigade Chawk, where they presented a memorandum to the fire commissioner. Other demands were clearance of outstanding salaries, revision of various allowances, an end to outsourcing of jobs and distribution of allowances not paid since January.

The action followed a protest march two days earlier in Kothe Guruke village by contract workers which was attacked by police using water cannon and tear gas. At least 12 police and protesters were injured.

Punjab government call centre workers on strike

State government employees of the SUWIDHA centre (Single User-friendly Window Disposal and Help-line for Applicants) throughout Punjab have been on strike since September 7 to oppose the outsourcing of their jobs to a private company. They were given until October 3 to transfer to BSL Placement Limited or lose their jobs.

The Punjab government has brought in workers from BSL Placement as strike-breakers. The workers, organised by the Punjab State Suwidha Employees Union, said they would stay on strike until October 15.

New Delhi school guest teachers win pay increase pledge

New Delhi government school guest teachers, who have been demonstrating outside the chief ministers official residence in Manish Sisodia since October 1, have been promised a 100 percent pay increase. The teachers long-pending demands included job permanency, fixed wages and re-appointment of guest teachers who were removed due to transfers.

The chief minister announced on Monday that 17,000 guest teachers currently engaged in government schools would get fixed monthly salaries of around 32,000 rupees to 34,000 rupees ($US450 to $500), pending approval from the cabinet. Teachers are currently paid 17,000 to 20,000 rupees a month. The minister said work would begin on making all guest teachers permanent.

Australia and the Pacific

Victorian oil refinery workers return to work

Some 400 employees and contract maintenance workers at Viva Energys Corio refinery in Geelong, Victoria lifted a seven-day blockade at the plant on Tuesday afternoon after management and the Australian Workers Union (AWU) reached an agreement in mediation talks in the Fair Work Commission.

Workers decided to take the unprotected strike action on October 5 after Viva failed to respond to their concerns over safety, put to management in July. They maintained their strike and picket in defiance of a draconian state Supreme Court order that cautioned workers that anyone persisting with stopwork action would be liable for imprisonment or sequestration of property.

Workers were concerned that hundreds of fire system faults had gone without repair at the refinery, and a new 84-metre diameter crude oil tank would be built without an automated firefighting system, while the plants firefighting team had been reduced in size and operating hours. Viva has agreed to launch a safety review at the refinery that will involve the union and WorkSafe. No other details have been made public.

The Corio refinery, formerly owned by Shell, produces 50 percent of Victorias fuel supplies, and is one of just four refineries left in Australia.

New Zealand: TV Shop workers hold more stoppages

Employees at the Avondale distribution centre of Brand Developers TV Shop in Auckland, walked off the job on Monday morning, following protests outside their workplace on Thursday and Friday last week. Workers at the companys call centre in Takapuna, Auckland walked out on September 17 to demand better pay and conditions. TV Shop retails a large range of household products through television infomercials.

First Union has been in negotiations with the company since July last year. Workers want a pay rise, regular hours and a no redundancy package in their new work agreement. A union spokesman said TV Shop workers are paid the minimum wage on rosters that vary from week to week according to management whims. Many workers have not had a pay increase for several years.
In September, the German pro-government think tank Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) published a study on the implications of US policy towards Russia and European security. [1] The 28-page document is aimed at a professional audience and is written in political and military jargon that couches the annihilation of millions of human lives in matter-of-fact terms, as if dealing with the solution to a technical problem.

But this prosaic language conceals a nightmare scenario. American policy towards Russia, as described by the SWP study, focuses primarily on preparation for a nuclear war, which would involve large parts of Europe. If the results of the study are to be taken seriously, then the risk for the present generation of dying in a violent atomic storm is alarmingly high.

The studys author, Dr. Peter Rudolf, an SWP employee, not only provides his own assessment, but references every paragraph with other sources. The text contains 118 footnotes, each of which refers to multiple articles in foreign policy and military journals and statements by leading politicians. The study summarizes the debate that is currently taking place in leading circles of the military and political establishment.

At its very beginning, the study stresses that the nuclear war danger is not an abstract, hypothetical risk. As the first and most important structural feature of US-Russian relations, the study names the mutual nuclear annihilation capability.

Even 25 years after the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia, who together possess approximately 90 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world, maintain their strategic nuclear weapons in constant combat readiness. They want to guarantee, the study says, if necessary under extreme time pressure, that they are able to make the decision to use nuclear arsenals... This is to prevent ones own nuclear weapons being eliminated by a first strike.

The study points to the very short time frame for decisions as anything but conducive to crisis stabilization. The flight times of ballistic missiles between the two countries run to 11 minutes for sea-based and 30 minutes for land-based missiles.

The risk that a political crisis could accidentally result in a nuclear exchange due to these short reaction times is thus extremely high. This risk is further elevated by the ruthlessness with which the US and its NATO allies are escalating the conflict with Russia in Eastern Europe and Syria, and by the advanced planning for a nuclear war.

According to the SWP study, a reinvigorated Russia, at least from the perspective of military planners in the Pentagon, is regarded as a potential enemy in a time of newly unfolding great power conflicts, as an enemy wholike Chinaneeds to be deterred by the capacity for conflict dominance. For this deterrent, according to the study, there are three strategic approaches in the US.

The first school of thought, which the study refers to as confrontational, Neo-Containment, focuses on unconditional confrontation. It regards consideration of alleged or actual Russian security interests to be inappropriate. Rather, external pressure should be increased and Russia forced into an arms race, in the opinion of this school.

The second school advocates a realpolitik approach to the management of US-Russian relations. It proposes to recognize Russias claim to spheres of influence on its periphery, in the interests of a regulated power rivalry, while at the same time signaling clearly that any aggression against a NATO member would be answered militarily.

And finally, there is the school of thought that takes a cooperative and inclusive approach. It postulates self-critically that the US bears a share [of the blame] in the deterioration of bilateral relations, especially through the expansion of NATO in a period of Russian weakness, and by promoting missile defence, and advocates a differentiated approach, combining a readiness to cooperate and risk mitigation.

The study counts the Obama administration as part of this third, cooperative-integrative, school. This is remarkable, when one considers that Barack Obama is the first American president during whose entire eight years in office the country has continuously waged war. Obamas political record includes: supporting the right-wing coup in Kiev directed against Russia; the massive deployment of NATO troops to Russias western border; the unconditional guarantee of military assistance to the aggressive Baltic states, and the escalation of the Syrian war, which could provoke a direct confrontation between the Russian and American military.

One can easily imagine, therefore, what would happen if one of the two other, more confrontational schools of thought prevailed, within which the leading contender for the American presidency, Hillary Clinton, holds considerable sway. On this question, Clinton attacks her semi-fascist challenger Donald Trump from the right by accusing him of weakness towards Russia.

How far the plans and preparations for a nuclear war against Russia (and China) are already advanced in the strategic think tanks and leading military circles is made clear in the SWP studys chapter, New confrontation and its consequences. The risks of a nuclear escalation of the conflict with Russia are now higher than during the Cold War, and continue to increase.

The informal rules and regimes that could moderate the ever-present risk of a military escalation of the East-West conflict at that time have been lost, according to the study. What has disappeared is also the political sensitivity in dealing with military risks, and precisely the risk of a potential nuclear escalation, should deterrence fail.

The study comprehensively shows how the strengthening of conventional deterrence by NATO--i.e., the stationing of troops on the Russian border, the plans for bringing in reinforcements, etc.sets in motion an arms dynamic that inevitably leads to nuclear escalation. The new policy of deterrence in Europe will hardly, as is sometimes assumed or hoped, be restricted to the conventional level, it states. The credibility of extended deterrence always rested on the nuclear escalation option.

It is in this context that the final document of the Warsaw NATO summit in July 2016 should be understood. It says, NATO remains a nuclear alliance, and in the case of a threat to the fundamental security of a member state, has the capability and determination to impose unacceptable costs on an opponent.

For the first time since the end of the East-West conflict, the study continues, there are again in NATO considerations to conduct exercises with a view to scenarios where there could be a nuclear escalation. The danger of nuclear war in Europe as a result of an escalating crisis threatens to return.

Among the texts to which the study refers on this issue is the essay, Why a nuclear war would most likely begin in the Baltic states, [2] which appeared in the conservative US foreign policy journal the National Interest on July 20, 2016.

The article accuses the US government of not taking the possibility of a nuclear war between America and Russia seriously enough following the end of the Cold War, and of having neglected atomic weapons capabilities. In reality, it says, such a possibility not only exists, but is becoming more likely. Then the article lists eight reasons why the greatest danger for such a war exists with regard to the three Baltic states.

It refers to the statement of President Obama during a visit to Estonia two years ago that the defence of the capitals of the three countries was just as important as the defence of Berlin and Paris and London. This is an extraordinary assertion, when one considers that the population of metropolitan London (about 8 million) is greater than that of all three Baltic states combined (about 6 million), and that the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea is so close to the Russian heartland.

It then argues that, due to the superiority of conventional Russian forces in the region, compliance with the guarantee of security for the Baltic states would almost automatically lead to a nuclear escalation.

The bottom line is that all the ingredients are present in the eastern Baltic area for an East-West conflict escalating to nuclear weapons use, the article concludes. This is a prescription for catastrophe.

The study of the SWP, which generally promotes a pro-US line, does not delve into the causes and the background of the US drive towards war. Only at one point does it hint that it has to do with the quest for world domination. The US sees itself in a time of renewed great power conflict, it says. Russia and China are the potential enemies that must be deterred by superior military powerand through the ability for conflict dominance.

The changes in the international security situation have activated the old, never vanished but seldom openly articulated core power interests of the USA, which, in the 1940s, under the influence of geo-political thinking... developed and were since followed: namely, to prevent one or more hostile great powers controlling the resources of Eurasia and acquiring a power potential that could endanger American supremacy.

The SWP study does not deal with European reactions, although the openness with which it addresses the danger of a nuclear war expresses a certain concern regarding the consequences of Americas Russia policy. One might have expected the European governments to show more restraint in face of this imminent danger threatening to incinerate large parts of Europe. However, the opposite is the case.

While Germany and France refused to actively support the Iraq war in 2003, and Germany stood aside in the 2011 Libyan war, Paris and Berlin, like London, are now participating in both the escalation of the conflict with Russia in Syria and the NATO deployment to the Russian border.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has publicly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of war crimes. President Francois Hollande has cancelled a meeting with Putin in Paris. British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson is calling for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Berlin has increased its troop contingent in the Middle East. And the German media are full of inflammatory articles against Russia.

That does not mean that political agreement exists between Europe and the United Statesin fact, political and economic tensions are growing. But Europes ruling classes are reacting to the same objective developments that prevail in the US. In response to the global financial and economic crisis, unresolved since 2008, growing social tensions at home and the risk of violent class struggles, they react by turning to militarism, war and authoritarian forms of rule.

The danger of nuclear annihilation will not deter them from this course, just as the foreseeable catastrophe did not stop them in 1914 and in 1939 from plunging humanity into the inferno of the First and the Second World Wars. Only an independent, international movement of the working class against war and its cause, capitalism, can prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

Notes:

[1] Peter Rudolf, Amerikanische Russland-Politik und europaische Sicherheitsordnung (American policy on Russia and European security order), SWP Research Paper September 2016

[2] Loren B. Thompson, Why the Baltic States Are Where Nuclear War Is Most Likely to Begin, The National Interest, 20.7.2016
With media coverage in America dominated by allegations of sexual assault against the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, one would never know that the United States is on the verge of a massive escalation of operations against Syria and is preparing for a military conflict with Russia.

Fridays wall-to-wall coverage of Trumps alleged sexual transgressions featured a speech full of moralistic outrage by First Lady Michelle Obama, a veteran of the cutthroat Chicago political machine. She melodramatically declared that a leaked tape of Trump making lewd remarks had shaken me to my core.

The entire media spectacle serves as a smoke screen for far-reaching plans by the present administration, with the full support of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, to implement deeply unpopular policies without public scrutiny. It serves as well to bury any discussion of substantive issues in the election campaign.

Behind a nearly total media blackout, the White House National Security Council held a closed-door meeting Friday to review the US militarys campaign in Iraq and Syria. The only major media advance report on the meeting, carried by Reuters on Thursday and then quickly dropped, noted that US officials were weighing air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases. Asked about the meeting at a press conference Friday afternoon, deputy White House press secretary Eric Schultz refused to even acknowledge that it was taking place.

The meeting was held just one day after the US military dramatically escalated its role in the conflict in Yemen, launching cruise missile strikes against sites controlled by the Houthi militia. This followed less than a week after the US-backed Saudi military bombed a Houthi funeral in Yemens capital, Sanaa, killing at least 140 civilians and wounding more than 500 others.

Within hours of the meeting of Obamas war council, NBC Nightly News led its Friday broadcast with an exclusive report, citing unnamed intelligence officials, that the White House is contemplating an unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the American presidential election.

This vague report sets a bellicose tone for scheduled discussions between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Saturday.

Britain, France and Germany, meanwhile, are agitating for military escalation in the five-year proxy war to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. On Tuesday, UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson declared Russia a pariah state and called for anti-Assad and anti-Russian demonstrations at the Russian Embassy in London.

Johnson is hosting a meeting with Kerry and European foreign ministers on Sunday to consider more kinetic options, the military options in the war in Syria.

Russian officials, for their part, threatened retaliation against any US strikes against Syrian government targets. Any missile or air strikes on the territory controlled by the Syrian government will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen, Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson General Igor Konashenkov said last week.

He added, Russian air defense system crews are unlikely to have time to determine in a straight line the exact flight paths of missiles and then who the warheads belong to. And all the illusions of amateurs about the existence of invisible jets will face a disappointing reality. Konashenkovs reference to invisible jets was a warning that the advanced Russian S-400 air defense systems are capable of downing fifth-generation fighters with stealth capabilities, such as the American F-22 and F-35.

Should US air strikes against Syrian targets lead to the downing of American fighters by Russian forces, the White House will come under immense pressure to retaliate, potentially setting off a chain reaction that could result in the first use of nuclear weapons since World War II.

In evident preparation for such an eventuality, Moscow sent nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles to the Russian Baltic city of Kaliningrad on October 8. From Kaliningrad, the missiles can strike targets, including NATO bases, across Poland and the Baltic republics.

Pointing to the dangers posed by these developments, Numan Kurtulmus, the deputy prime minister of Turkey, warned this week that if the war in Syria continues, America and Russia will come to a point of war. He added that the proxy war in Syria has led the world to the brink of the beginning of a large regional or global war.

The war in Syria is just one flashpoint in what military strategists are increasingly warning will be an inevitable conflict with major military powers. Last month, the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, published a report titled The Future of the Army, which made clear that the US militarys primary concern is preparing to fight major and deadly wars between great powers, entailing heavy casualties and high levels of death and destruction.

At an October 4 meeting of the Association of the US Army in Washington, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley said war between the US and global powers such as Russia and China was almost guaranteed. At the same conference, Gen. William Hix, a top Army strategist, declared that a conflict in the near future with a country like Russia or China would entail a level of violence that our armies have not seen on a scale probably since Korea, if not in World War II.

These developments make it clear that the threat to humanity of a war between nuclear-armed powers is greater now than at any time since the height of the Cold War. The sharp escalation of military tensions recalls the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, which nearly led to full-scale war between the US and the Soviet Union.

At that time, the press was eagerly following every detail of the showdown between the US and the USSR, while the Kennedy administration was intently seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Now, the White House, driven by an unstable domestic situation and growing threats to its global dominance, is taking increasingly reckless measures, while the press virtually ignores the danger of a clash between the United States and Russia.

The media silence on the war threat is coupled with a drive, led by the Clinton campaign, the Democratic Party and the New York Times, to paint the fascistic Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as an agent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. By framing the November 8 election as a struggle against Russian subversion and the dictator Putin, Hillary Clinton is seeking to create the conditions for claiming a popular mandate for military escalation and a confrontation with Russia should she capture the White House.

Both big-business parties, despite their tactical differences, fully support the US war drive, while the Libertarian and Green candidates are largely ignoring the war danger. The Socialist Equality Party alone has put opposition to war at the very heart of its campaign in the 2016 elections.

On November 5, the SEP will hold a conference, Socialism vs. Capitalism and War, which will discuss the political foundations for building a mass movement based on the working class against the US war drive. The World Socialist Web Site encourages all of its readers to register for the conference and take up the struggle against war.
The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter urges all Fiat-Chrysler workers to vote down the miserable concessions contract Unifor will present for ratification this Sunday and to form rank-and-file factory committees to mobilize autoworkers north and south of the border against the union-backed attack on wages, jobs and pensions.

Unifor President Jerry Dias and his fellow bureaucrats are resorting to blatantly anti-democratic measures to speedily ram through the deal they announced last Monday night. Workers are not even being allowed to see the full agreement. Instead they are being provided with self-serving union-selected highlights.

Even the limited information that has come to light demonstrates that the 4-year tentative agreement continues the now decades-long practice of sacrificing rights won in decades of bitter struggle so as to boost company profits. And this under conditions where the Detroit Three are making money hand over fist.

*After a decade without a wage increase, longer-term workers will receive miserly pay increases of just 4 percent2 percent in the first year and 2 percent in the fourth year. COLA will remain frozen until June 2020. As a result, workers real wages will continue to decline.

As for the $6000 signing bonus, it is a bribe, much of which will be taxed away, aimed at exploiting workers need for ready cash.

*The proposed contract further entrenches the hated two-tier system, under which new hires must labour for a decade before reaching full wages. Unifor is claiming to have established a new grid calling for enhanced increases as workers progress toward the top-tier. But there is nothing to prevent the auto bosses from stripping away these small incremental increases in 2020.

*In a major concession, Unifor has agreed to the imposition of a defined-contribution pension scheme on new hires. This means there will now be a three-tier workforce, with workers divided between defined-benefit, hybrid, and defined-contribution pension schemes.

Big business can barely contain its delight at Unifors capitulation to the auto bosses push for a defined-contribution pension plan that shifts all risk onto workers backs. The business press is full of commentary arguing that the elimination of defined-benefit pensions at GM and Fiat-Chrysler opens the door to their across-the-board elimination in both the private and public sectors.

*As for retirees, as one worker put it, they have been thrown under the bus again, with only those who retired decades ago receiving any increase.

Autoworkers should place not a shred of confidence in what Dias or any of his fellow Unifor bureaucrats say, especially about securing investment guarantees. Concession-contract after concession-contract has been promoted by Unifor as a jobs saving agreement. But since 2000 the number of workers at the Detroit Three in Canada has been nearly halved.

At GM, the union touted the new agreement with the claim that it has saved the Oshawa assembly plant. But less than 48 hours after Unifor succeeded in getting it ratified, and in the face of unprecedented rank-and-file opposition, the Ontario Liberal government revealed that nothing has been finalized and that GMs new investments are conditional on its securing massive handouts from the Ontario and federal governments.

The investment promises Unifor claims to have secured from FCA are likewise a sham, aimed at blackmailing workers into accepting a concessionary deal under the threat of job losses. In reality, no commitment was obtained from FCA to provide a new product for Brampton assembly and the union has agreed to the elimination of up to 200 jobs at the Etobicoke Casting plant.

Unifors strategy consists of convincing Detroit Three investors that it can ensure them handsome profits by presiding over a workforce that in real terms is making only a fraction of what autoworkers were making ten years ago, and by helping them obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in government handouts, paid for through cuts to public services.

Unifors alliance with the auto bosses goes hand-in-hand with its support for the big business federal and Ontario Liberal governments. Dias is urging workers to place their hopes in Liberal promises of government support for the auto industry. But the Liberals interest is not in securing workers futures, but in boosting the profits of Canadian big business and asserting its predatory global interests by joining US-led wars overseas.

The Liberals played a major role in designing and imposing the auto bailout in which $14 billion was given to the auto bosses on condition workers wages and benefits were slashed by $19 per hour. And they would not hesitate to force through similar attacks in the future, especially given the fact that none of the underlying causes of the capitalist crisis have been resolved and there are increasing signs of an new crash.

Unifor combines bankrupt appeals to the Liberals with a reactionary nationalist policy, which pits Canadian workers against their brothers and sisters in the US and internationally. Dias entire strategy has been premised on the claim that Canadian autoworkers must remain competitive to attract investment from the corporate elite. It has been on the basis of such a nationalist, pro-capitalist outlook that Unifor and its predecessor the Canadian Auto Workers, like the UAW in the US, have pitted workers against each other in a race to the bottom.

The true allies of FCA Canada workers are not the union bureaucrats on six-figure salaries and the federal and provincial Liberal governments, but autoworkers in the US and internationally.

A No vote by FCA workers would be met with a powerful response by US autoworkers. Last year, workers at FCA initiated a rebellion against the UAWs efforts to further entrench the two-tier system and the concessions imposed during the 2008-9 bailout.` Their overwhelming No vote, the first in over two decades on a union-approved deal, galvanized opposition among workers at GM and Ford. The union only managed to force through concessions contracts because it resorted to intimidation, anti-democratic methods, and outright ballot-fraud.

Unifors antidemocratic efforts to ram through the FCA contract, without even allowing workers to see the full agreement, demonstrate the anti-working class character of this organization. Composed of privileged bureaucrats, Unifor, like unions all over the world has been transformed over the past three decades into an appendage of corporate management and the capitalist state. Its principal task is to impose attacks on the workers it claims to represent.

If the latest miserable concessions deal is to be defeated, everything depends on the independent initiative of FCA workers. A decisive No vote must be combined with the formation of rank-and-file committees, led by the most trusted and militant workers, to organize a counter-offensive. These committees should insist that workers be given at least two weeks to study and debate any proposed agreement with FCA.

They should also make an immediate appeal to autoworkers at GM and Ford, who are involved in a similar battle to defend their working conditions, to join FCA workers in an industry-wide strike to overturn all concessions and win substantial gains for the workforce. The Autoworkers Newsletter urges workers to demand a 30 percent pay increase, the abolition of the two-tier wage system, the reintroduction of defined benefit pensions for all and the restoration of all cost of living adjustments.

Achieving such basic social rights to which autoworkers are entitled requires an international offensive by autoworkers against corporate management and their stooges in the unions. FCA workers must appeal directly to their class brothers and sisters in the US, Mexico and internationally to reject the nationalism peddled by the union bureaucracy and join their struggle to win decent-paying, secure jobs for all in opposition to the incessant drive for corporate profits by the auto giants and capitalist governments.

This is above all a political fight, requiring the adoption of a new perspective based on a socialist and internationalist program and the fight for a workers government. In this struggle, the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter offers FCA workers and autoworkers throughout the industry in North America its closest collaboration.
One month before the presidential election of 2008, the giant Wall Street bank Citigroup submitted to the Obama campaign a list of its preferred candidates for cabinet positions in an Obama administration. This list corresponds almost exactly to the eventual composition of Barack Obamas cabinet.

The memorandum, revealed by WikiLeaks in a recent document release from the email account of John Podesta, who currently serves as Hillary Clintons campaign chair, was written by Michael Froman, who was then an executive with Citigroup and currently serves as US trade representative. The email is dated Oct. 6, 2008 and bears the subject line Lists. It went to Podesta a month before he was named chairman of President-Elect Obamas transition team.

The email was sent at the height of the financial meltdown that erupted after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers on September 15. Even as Citigroup and its Wall Street counterparts were dragging the US and world economy into its deepest crisis since the 1930s, they remained, as the email shows, the real power behind the facade of American democracy and its electoral process.

Fromans list proved remarkably prescient. As it proposed, Robert Gates, a Bush holdover, became secretary of Defense; Eric Holder became attorney general; Janet Napolitano, secretary of Homeland Security; Rahm Emanuel, White House chief of staff; Susan Rice, United Nations ambassador; Arne Duncan, secretary of Education; Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services; Peter Orszag, head of the Office of Management and Budget; Eric Shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Melody Barnes, chief of the Domestic Policy Council.

For the highly sensitive position of secretary of the Treasury, three possibilities were presented: Robert Rubin and Rubins close disciples Lawrence Summers and Timothy Geithner. Obama chose Geithner, then president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Geithner, along with Bush Treasury Secretary (and former Goldman Sachs CEO) Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, had played the leading role in organizing the Wall Street bailout.

Rubin had served as Treasury secretary in the Bill Clinton administration from 1995 until 1999, when he was succeeded by Summers. In that capacity, Rubin and Summers oversaw the dismantling of the Glass-Steagall Act (1933), which had imposed a legal wall separating commercial banking from investment banking. Immediately after leaving Treasury, Rubin became a top executive at Citigroup, remaining there until 2009.

A notable aspect of the Froman memo is its use of identity politics. Among the Citigroup executives lists of proposed hires to Podesta were a Diversity List including African American, Latino and Asian American candidates, broken down by Cabinet/Deputy and Under/Assistant/Deputy Assistant level, in Fromans words, and a similar document on women. Froman also took diversity into account for his White House cabinet list, probability-weighting the likelihood of appointing a diverse candidate for each position. This list concluded with a table breaking down the 31 assignments by race and gender.

Citigroups recommendations came just three days after then-President George W. Bush signed into law the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which allocated $700 billion in taxpayer money to rescue the largest Wall Street banks. The single biggest beneficiary was Citigroup, which was given $45 billion in cash in the form of a government stock purchase, plus a $306 billion government guarantee to back up its worthless mortgage-related assets.

Then-presidential candidate Obama played a critical political role in shepherding the massively unpopular bank bailout through Congress. The September financial crash convinced decisive sections of the US corporate-financial elite that the Democratic candidate of hope and change would be better positioned to contain popular opposition to the bailout than his Republican rival, Senator John McCain of Arizona.

As president, Obama not only funneled trillions of dollars to the banks, he saw to it that not a single leading Wall Street executive faced prosecution for the orgy of speculation and swindling that led to the financial collapse and Great Recession, and he personally intervened to block legislation capping executive pay at bailed-out firms.

The same furtive and corrupt process is underway in relation to a Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump administration. Fromans email is one of many thousands released by WikiLeaks from the account of Podesta. Those communications, such as the Froman email, which expose who really rules America, have been virtually ignored by the media. The pro-Democratic Party New Republic called attention to it in an article published Friday, but the story has received little if any further coverage.

The media has instead focused on salacious details of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps sexual activities, designed, in part, to divert attention from the substance of the Clinton campaign-related emails being released by WikiLeaks and other sources.

The New Republic drew attention to the Froman memo not because it opposes such machinations, but as a warning to the interests it represents that they must move now to influence the eventual composition of a Hillary Clinton administration.

If the 2008 Podesta emails are any indication, the next four years of public policy are being hashed out right now, behind closed doors, wrote New Republic author David Dayen. And if liberals want to have an impact on that process, waiting until after the election will be too late.
DECATUR, Ga. (AP) - Authorities say a former Clark Atlanta University student was raped and ransomed for Atlanta Falcons tickets.

DeKalb County warrants detail the case which allegedly started with a meeting on the college campus Aug. 29.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://on-ajc.com/2dfT7p5 ) 23-year-old Jaylan Wallace met the victim in a parking lot at the school and connected with her again at a home in the Lithonia area.

Once there, the documents say Wallace kidnapped and carjacked the woman and raped her, also forcing her to have sex with a 17-year-old boy. The documents say the woman was kept overnight and taken to a library where Falcons tickets were exchanged "for her freedom."

The warrants don't reveal who delivered the tickets.

Wallace and the teenager were arrested this week. They face charges of rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.

___

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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MOGADISHU- Clashes between two semi-autonomous regions of Somalia this week have killed at least 11 people and displaced around 50,000, the United Nations said on Friday, stoking concerns the violence could escalate.

Clashes have been intensifying between forces loyal to the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and forces from the semi-autonomous Galmudug region. The two sides are fighting in the town of Galkayo, which is divided between clan militias loyal to the different regions.

"The armed violence has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation ... especially for IDPs (internally displaced people) who continue to live in deplorable conditions and makeshift structures," the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

The statement said 11 people had been killed in the fighting so far, citing local officials.
BUENOS AIRES - Argentina is protesting British military exercises in the disputed Falkland Islands.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry delivered a formal written complaint to the British ambassador in Buenos Aires on Friday. The ministry says the military exercises carried out Oct. 18-26 included the launching of Rapier surface-to-air missiles.

The ministry says it will also notify the UN secretary general because the exercises go against UN resolutions that encourage the countries to reach a peaceful solution and abstain from these types of activities in the disputed territories.
A Border Police officer was stabbed nearby Har Adar, outside of Mevaseret Zion on Saturday morning. His condition was described as fair, and he received treatment at the scene before being taken to the hospital

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According to the Border Police, during operational activities by their forces by the fence encircling Har Adar, the attacker burst out of bushes, where he had been hiding, and stabbed the officer before fleeing.

Security forces are searching for the suspect in villages to the northwest of Jerusalem.

IDF forces from the Benjamin Regional Brigade set up checkpoints at the entrance to the nearby village of Beit Surik and performed searches on the open areas on the slopes of Har Adar to the east.

This area has been considered relatively quiet over the past two years. The Shin Bet is involved in the investigation.
TOKYO  Japan has withheld its annual UNESCO dues, saying it wants to make sure the UN body properly functions to foster trust among member nations.

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Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, asked by a reporter, confirmed that Japan withheld dues of nearly 4 billion yen ($40 million) for this year. He refused to say if that was to protest UNESCO's listing last year of Chinese Rape of Nanking documents as a memory of the world.

Israel suspended its cooperation with UNESCO on Friday, a day after the UN cultural agency adopted a draft resolution that Israel says denies the deep, historic Jewish connection to holy sites in Jerusalem.

Kishida said the decision is based on "comprehensive" observations. Japan disputes China's historical views on the 1937 massacre and has criticized the UNESCO decision.

UNESCO's Paris headquarters (Photo: AP)

A Foreign Ministry official later said that Japan is watching to see if UNESCO is living up to its founding purpose of promoting peace among member nations through education, and will consider the timing of its payment while examining whether the UN body is operating appropriately.

There is no deadline for a member nation to pay its annual contribution. Non-payment could lead to a member nation losing its voting right at the body's general meeting, he said.

Japan provides 9.7 percent of UNESCO budget, the body's second-largest donor after the US at 22 percent. Washington has suspended its dues since 2011 when Palestine began participating in UNESCO.

UNESCO would not comment Friday on Japan's decision. Kishida's comments came as Israel suspended cooperation with the agency over a draft resolution minimizing Jewish ties to Temple Mount and the Western Wall.

In 2014, China submitted documents on the 1937 massacre of Chinese citizens by the Japanese military in what became known as the Rape of Nanking, which Japan has largely played down. The documents were registered on the heritage list last October.

China says up to 300,000 people were killed, while Japanese nationalists have largely played down or denied the incident. Japan and some scholars say the number was much smaller.

Japan has criticized UNESCO's "unilateral" registration system, which it says failed to give Tokyo access to the documents for verification, adding the process lacked fairness and transparency.
Two brothers, aged 19 and 23, wearing prayer shawls and kipot were walking home on Yom Kippur afternoon from the Flatbush Park Jewish Center in Brooklyn when there were attacked by three men yelling anti-Semitic slurs, it was reported by American media.

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The brothers, Dani and Eli Zainback, were set upon by three men in their twenties who called the fasting siblings taking a break between Orthodox prayer services, "Fucking Jews," according to the New York Daily News . The older of the brothers, Eli, replied, "It's our holiday" and then touched one of the assailants, who punched him in the face. The scuffle ended when the trio of attackers fled the scene.

Eli ended with bruised ribs and laceration in his mouth, and Dani had a swollen eye and cut lip.

Flatbush Park Jewish Center

The brothers made their way back to the synagogue, where a Hatzolah ambulance took Eli to the hospital. Dani was treated by paramedics at the house of prayer.

The 23 year old told New York's NBC 4 that, having been fasting for 22 hours at that point, he was "woozy," but he elected to refuse blood draws and antibiotics to avoid breaking his fast.

Dani told NBC 4 that he believed that the attack was a hate crime and that Jews were specifically targeted on the holiest day of their religious year. He added, "For it to escalate where I got assaulted in my neighborhood, by somebody I've never seen, to come and feel assaulted, I feel ashamed."

An NYPD spokesman, Sgt. Lee Jones, told JP News on Thursday that the departments Hate Crime Task Force are leading the investigation.
Unlike the days of the Second Intifada, the Menashe district remains a relative island of calm in the current wave of terrorism. Alongside the fight against terrorists, a significant part of security operations in the area is connected to preventing Palestinians from illegally entering Israel.

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Most of them are looking for work inside the Green Line, but the security forces are concerned about would-be terrorists being amongst them. Speaking with Ynet, Menashe Brigade Commander Col. Hezi Nechama said, "Their creativity surprises us, but we try to be ready for any scenario."

In one case, Palestinians came in a pickup truck with a ladder and tried to cross the security barrier into Israel, but an IDF scout spotted them, and they were stopped.

Palestinian scaling fence near to Crossing 300 (: ")

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Over the past year, during the wave of terrorism, the regional brigade's soldiers guarded Jewish communities, prevented terrorist infiltrations, and mostly maintained the regular day-to-day at the crowded crossings for the Palestinians.

Crossing the security barrier (Photo: IDF Spokesperson, Ido Erez)

In a visit with Nechama alongside Crossing 300 in Samaria, which is within his area of command, a Palestinian on a donkey approached the jeep. Nechama greeted him in Arabic, and the Palestinian replied in kind. The brigade commander commented to Ynet, "Do you understand? The reality is complicated, but we're here to maintain as regular a life as possible."But not everything is calm. Terrorists carried out a drive-by shooting in the area in December, firing 23 bullets at an Israeli family in their car in Samaria, wounding Rachel and Shaul Nir. "It was a very significant incident in the district," said Nechama. "Right in the middle of the wave of terrorism, a classic shooting attack like we had seen in the previous intifada. It just sharpened what we already know about this volatile district."

The Nir family car in December (Photo: Ido Erez)

Terrorists have also tried on numerous occasions to injure soldiers, including one time just alongside the fence. "We received warning of a Palestinian who was getting close to the fence; we immediately sent a patrol to search the area," remembered Nechama. "The force identified a stone-throwing suspect; the soldiers got close him, and then another terrorist who was hiding shot at them. The quickly responded with fire and killed the terrorist."

Hezi Nechama (Photo: Ido Erez)

Nechama explained that the fence in his district is well built and ordered and is effective at permitting nearly complete control over those who try to cross it. But things are very different in other locations, principally in the south of the Mt. Hebron District, where the security barrier is perforated in a way that permits effortless crossing. Security officials familiar with illegal crossings have dubbed the crossings in southern Mt. Hebron as "Terminal 4."

There are large gaps in the quality of the barrier in various locations in the West Bank. "If you want hermetic protection and maximum control, you have to improve a lot of points on the fence. In this district, there's proof that a quality fence contributes to the fight against illegal residents," said Nechama.
NICE, France (AP) -- Franch President Francois Hollande is presiding at a ceremony paying homage to the 86 people killed when an Islamic extremist rammed his truck through crowds watching holiday fireworks in Nice.

The ceremony on Saturday is taking place on the top of a hill overlooking the Promenade des Anglais, in the presence of families, people injured, religious representatives, France's main political leaders and Nice local authorities.

The names of the 86 victims have been read and 86 white roses placed on the center of the ceremony square.

Cindy Pellegrini, who lost six family members in the attack, recalled France's ideal of "liberty, equality, fraternity."

"Our sadness is undefinable", she said. "How to live with physic wounds? How to live with moral wounds?"
NIAMEY, Niger - Authorities say gunmen have abducted a longtime American aid worker in Niger after killing two people working for him.

Islamic extremists have long abducted foreigners for ransom in the vast Sahel region, though Friday night's abduction is believed to be the first time an American has been taken hostage. The man has not been identified.

The kidnappers were last seen headed toward the border with Mali, where authorities were alerted to be on the lookout.

Gov. Daouda Maiga, governor of Mali's Menaka region bordering Niger, says several armed men burst into the aid worker's house and took him after killing two people at the scene.

It was not immediately clear who may have been behind the abduction. While al-Qaida has long abducted foreigners, criminals also stage kidnappings to sell hostages.
LUCKNOW, India - Police say at least 19 people were killed and 25 others injured in a stampede as they were heading to a Hindu religious ceremony in northern India.

Police officer Daljit Singh says the stampede occurred Saturday on the outskirts of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh state known for its temples.
After Education Minister Naftali Bennett's (Bayit Yehudi) announcement that Israel would cease its cooperation with UNESCO, the director general of the UN's cultural body, Irina Bokova, clarified in a letter to Hatnuah Party Leader MK Tzipi Livni that the organization works "to fight intolerance and contemporary forms of anti-Semitism, including those which seek to delegitimize the State of Israel."

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Bokova's letter was in response to one that Livni sent to her the eve of the UNESCO executive board's controversial adoption of a draft resolution that disregards the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount and Western Wall.

Irina Bokova (L) and Tzipi Livni (Photo: AP)

Bokova's letter, addressed to Livni in her capacity as "Former Foreign Minister of the State of Israel," begins by emphasizing that "such decisions are discussed and taken by the Member States and not by" the director general herself. She added that, as such, she transferred Livni's letter to Michael Worbs, the chairperson of the executive board.

Bokova repeated her statements from April, July and this week that "the Old City of Jerusalem is the sacred city of the three monotheistic religionsJudaism, Christianity and Islam, and that Jewish (sic), Christians and Muslims have a right to the explicit recognition of their history and relationship with the city."

The director general continued, in apparent opposition to the draft resolution as approved by her executive board, "I firmly believe that to deny or conceal any of the Jewish, Christian or Muslim traditions undermines the integrity of the site."

Bokova pointed out some of the Israeli sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list and some of the organization's projects that "attest to our commitment to Jewish culture and bear witness to our knowledge and respect for the ties between the Jewish People and the Holy Land, including Jerusalem."

She also touted UNESCO's being "the only UN agency with a dedicated programme on Holocaust education."

In Livni's letter to UNESCO on Thursday, she warned that the member states' adopting the draft resolution was likely to incite religious conflict and undermine the sensitive status quo in Jerusalem.
CAIRO - Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi says the war against Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula will be long, but that conditions in the vast and arid region were improving.

Speaking in an interview with Egypt's three state-owned newspapers published Saturday, he acknowledged that both the militants and government forces were getting better at fighting each other in the strategic area bordering Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

"Conditions in Sinai are improving and (our) efforts are continuing because the war is long," said al-Sisi, whose comments came one day after militants from the extremist ISIS group attacked an army checkpoint in Sinai, killing 12 soldiers and wounding at least six more.
BAGHDAD - A suicide bombing targeting a funeral gathering in northern Baghdad Saturday killed at least 35 people and left another 63 wounded, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.

The attack in the Shaab neighborhood occurred at around lunchtime, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement carried by the ISIS-linked Aamaq news agency. The claim could not be independently verified, but it was carried by a news organization affiliated with ISIS.

The attack comes as Iraqi security forces are preparing for an operation to retake the militant-held northern city of Mosul, the country's second largest city, from ISIS.
HANOI - Floods in Vietnam's four central provinces have killed at least 11 people and displaced thousands, with a storm in the South China Sea approaching the central coast.

Flooding from very heavy rainfall brought by a tropical low pressure system since Wednesday have cut food supplies to thousands of people and blocked north-south traffic, the government said in a statement on Saturday.

Seven people drowned or were electrocuted in Quang Binh province, four others were killed in three nearby provinces, and at least 30,000 homes were submerged, state-run Vietnam Television (VTV) said, citing government reports.
The Egyptian Air Force killed 100 terrorists and injured 40 more during a three hour bombing campaign in the Sinai Peninsula in the early hours of Saturday morning according to Sky News Arabic reports.

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The attacks were carried out in response to a jihadist ambush which ended up killing 20 Egyptian soldiers on Friday. The ISISs Sinai branch took responsibility for the ambush.

Egyptian Air Force hits ISIS targets in Sinai

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The Egyptian military put out a statement saying that Egyptian fighter planes were hitting known terror targets throughout the Sinai Peninsula. Weapons storehouses and vehicles used by the terror groups were hit over the course of the operation.

Egyptian Air Force pilot on preparing to bomb ISIS targets in Sinai

Egyptian Air Force hitting ISIS targets

Sky News Arabic reported that the Egyptian Air Force hit targets in the north Sinai cities of el-Arish, Rafah, and Sheikh Zuweid. Rafah is a split city which straddles the Egypt-Gaza border.

Reports also say that 15 terrorists were killed by Egyptian forces during the ambush itself.

Egyptian Air Force preparing to hit ISIS targets in Sinai

Speaking to Egyptian reporters, al-Sisi stressed that the war against ISIS in Sinai will be long, but the ability to fight them has improved, and the weapons used to fight them have gotten better.

The Egyptian Ministry of the Interior further reported that the Egyptian military captured various weapons from the terrorists, including over 260 assault rifles of different makes.
BAMAKO- Gunmen stormed the house of a longtime American aid worker in Niger, killing two people before fleeing with the man toward the border with Mali, authorities said Saturday.

It is believed to be the first time an American citizen has been abducted in the vast Sahel region, where al-Qaida and criminal gangs have targeted French nationals and other Europeans for more than a decade, demanding millions of dollars for their release.

"We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of a US citizen in Niger," a State Department official said after the abduction late Friday. "The US Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."

The US Embassy in Niger issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens Saturday, warning that "the threat of kidnapping and hostage taking continues to be very high" and encouraging people to "take appropriate security precautions and to avoid predictable travel patterns."
BERLIN- A Syrian refugee arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin spoke to a member of Islamic State in Syria by telephone about a possible target a day before police discovered explosives in his apartment, a newspaper reported on Saturday.

Jaber Albakr was detained on Monday, two days after police discovered about 1.5 kg of explosives in his apartment. He was found dead in prison on Wednesday. Authorities said he had committed suicide.

Germany's Welt am Sonntag (WamS) cited investigation sources as saying U.S. intelligence had provided a tip-off on Albakr after tapping several phone calls between him and an Islamic State member in Syria. During the calls, 22-year-old Albakr spoke about his attack plans, the newspaper said.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP)  Back where they started, the United States, Russia and others trying to help mediate Syria's civil war are searching for a diplomatic process that could succeed where last month's collapsed cease-fire failed.

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With the Syrian and Russian governments pressing an offensive against rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo, no one was predicting a quick breakthrough.

US Secretary of State John Kerry was leading the renewed talks, which began Saturday afternoon. He was joined by a familiar cast that included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the top envoys from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan.

Days of deadly airstrikes in Aleppo prompted Kerry last month to end bilateral US-Russian engagement on Syria, including discussions over a proposed military alliance against Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked militants in Syria. Last week he accused Russia of war crimes for targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure in the Arab country.

Destruction in Aleppo (Photo: Reuters)

Nevertheless, Kerry reunited with Lavrov at the lakeside Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, and met with Lavrov before the larger gathering. US hopes of any diplomatic progress appeared to rest squarely on Russia's cooperation. Kerry also met privately with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The conflict has killed as many as a half-million people since 2011, contributed to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II, and allowed the Islamic State to carve out territory for itself and emerge as a global threat.

Residents of opposition-held eastern Aleppo have faced daily violence as Syrian President Bashar Assad's government seeks to take full control of the country's largest city. On Saturday, Syrian and Russian airstrikes hit several rebel-held neighborhoods amid clashes on the front lines in Syria's largest city and onetime commercial center, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective.

In an interview this week with a Russian media outlet, Assad said a military victory in Aleppo would provide the Syrian army a "springboard" for liberating other parts of the country.

Despite fiercely criticizing Syria and Russia, the United States doesn't seem to have an answer.

President Barack Obama and the Pentagon have made clear their opposition to any US military strikes against Assad's military. The US is uneasy with providing more advanced weaponry to the anti-Assad rebels because of their links to extremist groups. And sanctions on Moscow are seen as unlikely step, given their limited impact after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea territory in 2014 and the weak appetite among America's European partners for such action.

With no apparent Plan B, Obama directed his national security team on Friday to renew diplomatic efforts to reduce the bloodshed in Syria. The White House said it hoped the larger discussions with Russia and other key governments would "encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence."

Russia says it also wants a cease-fire, but describes the US and its partners as the problem.

Russian missile ship (Photo: Reuters)

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Vitaly Churkin, Russia's UN ambassador, said this weekend's talks are focused on getting US-backed, "moderate" opposition forces to break ranks with al-Qaida-linked fighters.

Given the collapse of several cease-fires in Syria in recent months, Washington doubts Moscow's seriousness. And with rebel-held Aleppo poised to fall, potentially in a matter of weeks, there is deep skepticism that the Syrian and Russian governments want to stop the fighting just yet.

Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he had instructed his foreign minister to make a proposal in Lausanne about fighting IS in Syria and Iraq.

Saturday's gathering also was bringing together many of the major protagonists in Yemen's war, and discussions on that are likely.

An investigation team with the Saudi-led coalition said Saturday that wrong information led to the bombing of a packed funeral in Yemen's capital last weekend that killed some 140 people and wounded more than 600.

The US struck radar sites belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis this week after a US Navy ship took fire from the rebels.
The IDF is developing a new drone, the first of its kind to be developed by the Israeli military in-house.

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The development of the drone, codenamed Tzur, began about two years ago, and could conclude in a year, following further tests.

The Tzur is larger than standard civilian drones, which have been used by the IDF for short-range surveillance over the past two years. The final model of the Tzur is expected to weigh about 10-15 kilograms, with its blade span being 1.5 meters.

The IDF's new Tzur drone.

It has a wide range of capabilities, including quality visual surveillance, both in daytime and nighttime, and transportation of supplies and ammunition. It will be operable at a distance of up to ten kilometers, capable of flying to heights of hundreds of meters, and carrying several kilograms of cargo.

"It'll have several advantages over the existing hoverers, and over the (large and small drones)," a high-ranking IDF official explained.

"Its engine will be silent, it will be able to move in urban territory between alleys and structures, and even station itself, unmoving, in front of the window of a room for long periods of timestealthily and without being seenand capture what's happening inside. The great challenge in developing (it) is time in the air versus the complexity of its missions. (Plane-sized drones) are limited in where they can land and are more complex to pilot. We'll want a soldier to learn how to fly this kind of drone within an hour."

In general, the IDF is contemplating expanding the use of hoverer drones in its combat operations. The Israeli military would like to see each combat battalion have use of at least one hover drone, just as many now have use of drones like the Skylark
CAIRO- A Saudi-led coalition on Saturday blamed "wrong information" for the bombing last weekend of a packed funeral hall in the rebel-held Yemeni capital that killed at least 140 people and wounded some 600.

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The coalition's Joint Incidents Assessment Team, or JIAT, said a "party" affiliated to Yemen's General Chief of Staff headquarters had provided intelligence that the hall in Sanaa was filled with leaders of the Shiite Houthi rebels, whom the coalition has been targeting since March 2015, when it intervened in Yemen's civil war in support of the internationally recognized government.

The unidentified party insisted the site was "a legitimate military target," the English-language statement said. The Air Operation Center in Yemen, it added, directed a "close air support mission" to target the site without approval from the coalition's command.

Destroyed funeral hall (Photo: AP)

The investigators called on the coalition to immediately review the rules of engagement and recommended that compensation be offered to the victims' families.

"JIAT has found that because of non-compliance with Coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a Coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries," it said.

The coalition, which had initially denied any responsibility, said it accepts the results of the investigation and has started to implement the recommended changes. "The coalition command expresses its regret at this unintentional incident and the ensuing pain for victims' families," it said in a statement.

The Yemeni government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has yet to publicly comment on the Oct. 8 bombing.

Yemen's chief of staff is Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ali al-Maqdishi, a close ally of the powerful army general Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, now serving as vice president. Al-Ahmar is also a top ally of Yemen's Muslim Brotherhood, which is fighting the Houthis alongside government troops.

The US-backed coalition, which views the Houthis as an Iranian proxy, has come under mounting pressure to investigate the bombing. Human Rights Watch said in a report Thursday that the bombing constitutes an apparent war crime and said remnants of a US-made bomb were found at the site of the strike.

Shiite Houthis express support for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (Photo: EPA)

Along with arms, the United States provides the coalition with logistical support and midair refueling of warplanes. The White House has said it will immediately review its assistance to the Saudi-led coalition, explaining that such assistance was not a "blank check."

The bombing of the funeral hall was not the first by the coalition to cause civilian casualties. Over the past year, coalition warplanes have bombed busy markets, weddings, schools and hospitals, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands.

The deadly airstrikes on the funeral triggered a wave of counterattacks against both US and Saudi targets.

A US Navy destroyer deployed in international waters in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen came under attack twice in recent days from areas under Houthi control. In response, the US destroyed three radar installations in Houthi-controlled ports near the Bab al-Mandab strait on Thursday, in the first direct US involvement in Yemen's war.

The Houthis denied firing at the destroyer and accused the US of using the attack as a justification to become more directly involved in the civil war.

Houthis and allied army units loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh have also fired rockets and missiles at Saudi military installations and air bases across the Yemen-Saudi border.

On the diplomatic and political level, the bombing intensified pressure on the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition had forced the closure of Sanaa international airport for the past two months, after the collapse of peace talks between rival parties in Kuwait.

Shiite Houthis celebrate Ashura in Sana'a (Photo: EPA)

However, a Houthi official said Saturday that the coalition has agreed to open the airport to allow a team of peace negotiators sent by Houthis and allies from Saleh's onetime ruling party to return to the country. The negotiators have been stuck in Oman for two months after leaving Kuwait.

Meanwhile, more than 100 people who were wounded in the funeral hall bombing have been allowed medical evacuation to seek treatment outside of Yemen, a government official said.

Houthi and government officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The Saudi-led coalition has imposed a blockade on Yemen since the start of the war.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said in comments published on Saturday that his country's war against Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula would be long, but that conditions in the vast and arid region were improving.

In an interview with Egypt's three state-owned newspapers, he acknowledged that both the militants and government forces were getting better at fighting each other in the strategic area bordering Israel and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
The Mossad was able to gain access to the secret recordings of a conference Arab nations had held to prepare for a possible conflict with Israel, significantly helping the IDF prepare for what went on to become the Six-Day War, former Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomo Gazit has revealed to Ynets print publication Yedioth Ahronoth.

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The leaders of the Arab world at the time, along with their military commanders and the heads of their intelligence services, convened at a luxurious hotel in Casablanca, Morocco in September 1965 to discuss one main question: whether they were prepared for war against Israel.

Under great secrecy and tight security, the Arab leaders were debating whether to establish a joint Arab command for such a possible war. Their military commanders presented a plethora of information about the order of battle, speaking openly and with relative candor about the capabilities of the militaries under their command.

Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser during the 1965 Arab League conference in Casablanca.

Alongside the agreement that they must prepare for the coming war with Israel and that such a war would have serious ramifications for the Arab world, there were also many disagreements among the participants. Jordan's King Hussein and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser got into heated arguments over differences of opinion.

It was King Hassan II of Morocco, who did not really trust his guests, who allowed the Mossad to closely monitor the conference.

A team from the Birds (tziporim in Hebrew) unita joint team headed by Peter Zvi Malkin and Rafi Eitan consisting of the Shin Bet, Israels internal security service, and the Mossadarrived in Casablanca, where the Moroccans closed off an entire floor of the hotel for them.

A day before the conference began, however, King Hassan ordered the Mossad agents to leave the hotel because he was worried Arab guests would notice them.

"But immediately after the end of the conference, (the Moroccans) gave us all of the needed information, and didn't deny us anything," Rafi Eitan recounted.

The recordings of all of the conferences discussionsrecorded without the participants knowledgewere given over to the Military Intelligence Directorate's Research Department, where they were decrypted, transcribed, and translated into Hebrew. They provided an unprecedented look into the behind-the-scenes workings and mindset of the enemy's leadership.

In a memo to then-Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, the Mossad chief at the time, Meir Amit, described the operation as "one of the crowning glories of Israeli intelligence."

Israel prepared for the Six-Day War based on the vast amount of intel produced from these recordings, and the IDF's commanders were confident they could win.

"These recordings, which were truly an extraordinary intelligence achievement, further showed us that, on the one hand, the Arab states were heading towards a conflict that we must prepare for. On the other hand, their rambling about Arab unity and having a united front against Israel didn't reflect real unanimity among them," said Maj. Gen. Gazit, who was at the time the head of Military Intelligences Research Department.

Thanks to the recordings, alongside other sources, "we knew just how unprepared they were for war," Gazit continued. "We reached the conclusion that the Egyptian Armored Corps was in pitiful shape and not prepared for battle."

Referring to Maj. Gen. Israel Tal, the commander of the IDF Armored Corps, Gazit went on to say, "Talik dismissed our opinion with scorn, saying that their situation couldn't be that grave. We later saw who was right."

The information in those recordings, Gazit said, established "our feeling, amongst the IDF's top command, that we were going to win a war against Egypt. Prophecies of doom and the feeling of imminent defeat were prevalent among the majority in Israel and the officials outside the defense establishment, but we were confident in our strength."

Former Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Shlomo Gazit (Photo: Amit Magal)

The Six-Day War broke out at 7:45 on the morning of June 5, 1967, with the entire Israeli Air Force bombing and strafing dozens of enemy airfields. Thanks to detailed and precise intelligence gathered in the years before the war, including from the conferences recordings (the Mossad had even managed to get an Iraqi pilot to defect with the latest MIG-21 two years prior), Israels Air Force was able to destroy, within hours, nearly every fighter aircraft that Egypt, Syria, and Jordan owned. By the time the war ended six days later, Israel was occupying territories that increased its size by 300 percent. Its conquests included the Sinai Peninsula, as well as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with their one million inhabitants.

Gazit, who was appointed the head of Military Intelligence after the Israeli intelligence communitys failure in foreseeing Syria and Egypts surprise attack against Israel in October 1973, is considered one of the more prominent, level-headed intelligence officials in Israel. His remarks still garner a lot of attention, even years after his retirement.

Looking back at the Six-Day War, Gazit believes that it was actually this overwhelming victory that had hidden within it the seed of destruction, caused by the Israeli publics move towards the extreme right since.

In recent conversations, he slammed the Gush Emunim movement that was created to establish Jewish settlements on the land that was conquered in that war: "These fanatics are saying, 'If I have to be in a conflict between my religious beliefs and the mission God gave mesettling the landand the (laws set by the) Israeli government, then God comes first.'"

He also issued a dire warning: "It's been almost 50 years since the Six-Day War and we are still in the process of looking for a solution and a way out of the outcomes of that war. Looking back, this is probably the second most important war Israel fought, after the War of Independence in 1948. The victory in the War of Independence allowed us to establish the state; the victory in the Six-Day War might bring an end to the Jewish and democratic Israel."
The Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that the tensions between the US and Russia are the worst since the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Moscow has therefore called on Russian citizens to prepare their bombs shelters and gas masks.

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The Kremlin also said that any cyber attack will receive a harsh response.

Russian citizens received a televised message telling them to prepare for an attack on Russian soil, and instructed to prepare the closest bomb shelter to them and to check to make sure that their gas masks are in working order. Russians were also told how an emergency government would operate during wartime.

Russian SA-23 surface to air missiles (Photo: EPA

However, military experts allege that this is nothing more than Russian President Vladimir Putin trying to frighten the West and keep the West from intervening in Syria.

Earlier in the week, the Russian military moved Iskander short range ballistic missiles to its enclave in Kaliningrad - located between Poland and Lithuania  in a power move which caused anger in Poland and the Baltic states. Russia claims that the missiles were sent to the enclave as part of a routine military excursive.

UN Ambassador Churkin meanwhile claimed that the tensions between the US and his country, while high, are not the same kind of tensions felt during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

I believe that the state (of relations) is generally bad  perhaps the worst since 1973, Churkin said.

He added however, that despite the fact that we have a serious disagreement, we are continuing (to work together) in other areas  sometimes successfully.

The crisis in the relations comes after a long list of other conflicts between the two countries, according to the ambassador.

Its a lack of basic respect, he said, and a lack of in-depth discussions on political issues. He then went on to clain the US and NATO decided to build up their defenses at Russias expense, especially since the US and NATO have recruited many countries which were formerly under the Soviet sphere of influence.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin (Photo: AP)

He also noted the US placing anti-ballistic missiles near Russia in 2001 and the US attempts to get Ukraine and Georgia to join NATO in 2008 under former President George Bush as moments which led to the present situation.

The Ambassador also mentioned the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014, and described the ousting as a US backed coup.

Furthermore, the Russian Itar Tass news site reported that Moscow will respond to CIA cyber attacks against the Russian leadership. A Kremlin official said that of course well respond  (the attacks) are unacceptable.

NBC tweeted that US intelligence officials said that Obama is weighing whether or not to begin a large scale cyber attack against Russia in retaliation for Russias alleged involvement in the US elections.
BEIRUT- Syrian opposition fighters backed by Turkish airstrikes launched an offensive Saturday to try to capture Dabiq from ISIS, which assigns special status to the northern Syrian town in its ideology and propaganda.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack was preceded by intense shelling. It said that Turkey-backed opposition fighters captured three nearby villages, encircling Dabiq and cutting off all supply routes.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking in Rize on the Black Sea coast, said "we entered Jarablus, and then al-Rai, and now we are moving where? To Dabiq. We will declare a terror-free safe zone of 5,000 (square) kilometers." He was referring to areas in Syria already captured by Turkish troops and Turkey-backed opposition forces.
Of all the special forces which take part in thwarting Hamas and Hezbollah to build up their capabilities, little if nothing has been written about the forces in the air who fly high above the fighters and assist them in operations which occur far outside of Israels borders  both on land and at sea.

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The Israeli Air Forces transmissions unit, which has been working with the IDF for decades  including during operation Entebbe  has upgraded its capabilities to an unprecedented scale; it can relay transmissions  both voice and video  from commanders in Israel to soldiers operating in any corner of the globe using the most secure transmissions software in the world.

Israel's secret planes (: '')

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The transmissions planes are manned by planes carrying small numbers of soldiers. The planes  which can be outfitted either for scouting mission as well  primarily fly out of Sde Dov airport, located north of Tel Aviv.

The transmissions aircraft (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

During the Shayetet 13 special forces raid on the KLOS C arms ship 1,500 kilometers from Israel, one of these planes was in the air relaying live video feeds of the takeover of the ship directly to the highest officers of the IDF.

We have special underground centers in Israel, said Lt. Col. Yaniv Namani, head of the Chief of Staffs Telecommunications battalion, through which the unit operates.

We know how to give a response anywhere, anytime  including sending live feeds of sensitive intelligence information to anyone, including the IDF chief of staff, minister of defense, and even the prime minister.

We also provide the ability for the different forces on the ground to communicate with the forward commanders, he continued. These (operators) are soldiers of the highest caliber who were hand-picked, and underwent a four month long course. They also undergo a six month long parachute course. These are soldiers who know how to find and fix any communications problems during Israels most secret operations far outside of the Jewish states borders.

IAF transmissions plane somewhere over the ocean (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

During Operation Protective Edge, the planes were circling Gaza constantly, with one plane being replaced with another, constantly providing the soldiers on the ground an uninterrupted line of communication.

One of the transmissions officers is Sgt H.

Because of us, the IDF chief of staff can be in constant, direct contact with the forces on the ground during an operation, thereby enabling us to hear every order which comes throughout an operation, H. explained. If there is ever any break in the communications lines, we have to fix the problem immediately  otherwise the forces on the ground become, for all intents and purposes, deaf.

H. added that there is a lot of pressure in her job. There are times when there is so much pressure that everyone is yelling on the plane. We cant let the soldiers on the ground be left alone in the field. Also, there are times when we are in the plane on a mission which lasts several hours.
SANAA - Two American hostages held captive in Yemen were freed and flown to Musqat in neighbouring Oman on Saturday night after Omani officials mediated their release, Omani state media reported.

Oman state television broadcast footage of the two Americans disembarking from a plane belonging to the Royal Air Force of Oman. Yemenis wounded in the country's civil war were also flown over for treatment in Oman aboard the same plane, it reported.

A foreign ministry official told the broadcaster Oman had worked with Yemeni authorities in Sanaa to secure the Americans' release. A Houthi official confirmed their departure from Sanaa.
Un Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Haiti on Saturday for a firsthand look at a sliver of the extensive damage left by Hurricane Matthew.

Stepping out of a UN jet at the airport in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince, Ban was greeted by Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles. The pair boarded a helicopter for the storm-damaged southern city of Les Cayes, where Ban was to visit one of many schools serving as emergency shelters for families who lost homes.
Latest News

Washington, DC - Acting Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Arsalan Suleman will travel to Uzbekistan from October 17-22. During his trip, he will attend the 43rd session of the Council of OIC Foreign Ministers in Tashkent.

While in Uzbekistan, Acting Special Envoy Suleman will also meet with senior government officials and representatives of religious communities, and will address students and faculty at Tashkent Islamic University. Additionally, he will visit several of Uzbekistans prominent religious and cultural heritage sites in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara that illustrate the rich diversity of the country.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the following sessions at the Coworking Oasis, Yumas first coworking space! The Coworking Oasis is located on the second floor of the Main Library, 2951 S 21st Drive.

Please note, the library will be closed Friday, November 11th, for Veterans Day. The library will also be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th, for Thanksgiving.



Tuesday, November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th  1:00- 3:00 p.m.

SBDC Mentoring

Counselors from the AWC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be onsite to provide evaluation and guidance. If you have an idea and dont know where to start, mentoring can help you fast-track your plans!



Wednesday, November 9th & 23rd  1:00-3:00 p.m.

Drop-In Job Help

Get help with online searches, resume writing, and other job search tools. Requests for specific topics can be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Thursday, November 10th  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

ASU Startup School  Stage 4 Build Your Product

This series of facilitated workshops by the Arizona State University (ASU) Entrepreneurship Outreach Network teaches entrepreneurs what they need to do in order to develop a successful venture. To register, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Wednesday, November 16th & 30th  1:00-3:00 p.m.

Online Business Video Training

Watch online webinars, video training, and resources covering a variety of business topics in the Coworking Oasis media center. To register, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Thursday, November 17th  5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

ASU Startup School  Stage 5 Creating a Profitable Company

This series of facilitated workshops by the Arizona State University (ASU) Entrepreneurship Outreach Network teaches entrepreneurs what they need to do in order to develop a successful venture. To register, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.



Saturday, November 19th  10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Introduction to WordPress Workshop

Business Librarian Andrew Zollman shares tips for building a website in WordPress. Participants will create a basic webpage during the workshop. Space is limited to 12 people.



Monday, November 21st @ 5:00 p.m.

Meet-up Monday Entrepreneur Network

Meet with other entrepreneurs in the Coworking Oasis. Find out where you are with your small business goals!



For more information, contact Andrew Zollman, Business Librarian, at (928) 373-6480 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . There is no charge to attend any program.



The Coworking Oasis was funded in part by the State Grants in Aid Program through the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records Agency.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - The City of Yuma Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and the City of Yuma presented the 16th annual Tribute of the Muses Award to Brandon Stroup, Director of Choirs at Cibola High School, at its ceremony Friday evening.

The Tribute of the Muses award is given to an individual or group who has shown exemplary devotion and excellence in their field.

Since teaching at Cibola, Stroup has grown the vocal music program by over 300 percent and has directed the advanced choir in performances across the country. He was named Cibola High School Teacher of the Year in 2013 and has been nominated for the Yuma County Teacher of the Year four times. Prior to coming to Yuma, Stroup was the choir director at Phoenixs Central High School wherein his advanced choir was invited to sing the National Anthem for President Barack Obama. Stroup maintains a small private piano and vocal studio and directs the Yuma Ecumenical Choir.

Stroup previously won the Helios Award at the 2013 Tribute of the Muses ceremony.

This years Helios Award, which is given to an outstanding newcomer in the arts as an artist, advocate, or person who supports the arts, went to Angelyna Reichman, 14, a featured dancer and student of Jazz of Yuma. Reichman is an accomplished performer and most recently was the youngest company member of LA Dance Magic, with whom she toured as a commercial dancer. She is also the Freshmen Student Council President at Gila Ridge High School.

The selection of the Tribute of the Muses awards is made by the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission and Public Art Committee. The person, persons or group honored reflects acknowledged excellence in a chosen arts field, years of service in the local arts community, leadership, arts advocacy or encouragement of others to become involved in the arts.

Muse winners represent the visual arts, music, dance, theater or arts philanthropy. For more information please call the Yuma Art Center at 928-373-5202.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian issued a statement on the adoption in the Senate of France of the provision on criminalization the denial of the Armenian Genocide, the MFA told Armenpress.

The statement reads:

We welcome the French Senates adoption of the provision on criminalization the denial of the Armenian Genocide in the bill, approved by the National Assembly back in summer.

With this step France once again re-confirms its significant role in condemning genocides committed in the past and fighting against denialism, as well as preventing possible new crimes against humanity.
Tripoli: Libya`s UN-backed unity government suffered a blow in its Tripoli base late Friday when a rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the reinstatement of the former administration.

The Government of National Accord (GNA) is the centrepiece of Western hopes to stem an upsurge of jihadism in the North African nation and halt people trafficking across the Mediterranean that has led to thousands of drownings.

It was intended to replace two rival administrations, one in Tripoli and one in the eastern Cyrenaica region.

But late on Friday the head of the former Tripoli-based Government of National Salvation, Khalifa Ghweil, proclaimed its reinstatement from the offices of a key consultative body of the GNA.

Ghweil has never accepted the legitimacy of the UN-backed government which took control of the administration in Tripoli in April.

He is subject to international sanctions, renewed by the European Union just last month.

In his statement, he declared all members of the GNA "suspended from their duties".

The UN-backed government riposted with a statement threatening to arrest "those politicians who... attempt to create parallel institutions and destabilise the capital."

It condemned "efforts to sabotage the political agreement" brokered by the UN last December and denounced the seizure of the Council of State building by an "armed group."

The persistent chaos has hobbled Western efforts to battle a growing jihadist presence in Libya, which has been the launchpad of deadly attacks on holidaymakers in neighbouring Tunisia.

The western Tripolitania region had been the GNA`s main stronghold.

The authorities in Cyrenaica still refuse to cede power, bolstered by the backing of the well-armed militia of controversial military strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Libya has two rival parliaments, both elected since the NATO-backed overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The first, elected in 2012, is dominated by Islamists. It appointed the Tripoli government.

The second, elected in 2014, is not controlled by the Islamists but it is marred by a controversial court decision declaring its election illegal. It appointed the Cyrenaica-based administration.

A majority of its members issued a statement expressing support for the UN-backed government.

Many of them said they had been coerced into not holding a formal vote of endorsement as stipulated under the UN plan.

In a careful balancing act, the UN plan made the 2014 parliament the sole legislative body, but also turned most of the members of the 2012 parliament into a mandatory consultative body, the Council of State, which was stormed on Friday.

The battle for power erupted into armed conflict last month when the Cyrenaica administration`s main backer Haftar seized all four of the main eastern oil export ports.

He exploited the absence of fighters loyal to the UN-backed government who were battling IS in the city of Sirte to the west with air support from the United States.
Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan is ready for talks with India if New Delhi was serious to resolve the Kashmir issue which, he said, is the "main cause of unrest" in the region.

Pakistan had offered talks on outstanding issues several times but India did not reciprocate, he told reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he wrapped up a three-day visit.

"Kashmir was main cause of unrest in the region and India must show seriousness for resolution of the issue and honour its commitment under United Nations Security Council Resolutions," Sharif was quoted as saying by Associated Press of Pakistan.

Pakistan was committed to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, he said.

Sharif dismissed India's allegations that Pakistan was behind the attack on an Indian Army base camp in Uri, saying India levelled allegations against Pakistan within six hours of the incident.

He said no infiltration took place across the Line of Control (LoC).

Sharif's statement comes amid strains in the relations between Pakistan and India in the wake of the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed last month. Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed last month.
Washington: The "deep state" of Pakistan sees various terroroups and their insuist grrgent affiliates, such as the Afghan Taliban, as prized instruments to be used in its irregular wars with its neighbours, and giving them protection as a matter of state policy, is not because the country`s armed forces fears internal chaos or organisational overstretch, says an expert on South Asian affairs.

In an article that has been published by the m.dailyhunt.in web site, Ashley Tellis, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said, "If the Pakistan Army`s reluctance to move against outfits such as the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen were rooted in operational over-extension, these groups would not continue to enjoy the financial subsidies, targeting assistance, and operational backing-under the generally directive, but also occasionally detailed, control-of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)."

He further states in his article for the Daily Hunt, "If various terrorist groups and their insurgent affiliates, such as the Afghan Taliban, are protected as a matter of state policy today, it is not because the Pakistan Army fears internal chaos or organisational overstretch. Rather, the "deep state" sees them as prized instruments in its irregular wars against Pakistan`s neighbours and, hence, is even willing to risk the internal blowback that episodically ensues from such a strategy."

He opines that whenever the Pakistani military has wanted to, it has moved against its internal enemies with remarkable alacrity, and cites former president Pervez Musharraf targeting numerous sectarian groups despite the Army`s substantial commitments along the western border following 9/11, as proof.

"Rawalpindi (General Headquarters) has used lethal covert methods to neutralise sub-state challengers with minimal consequences to public order-as long as it perceived clear benefits to its parochial interests," Tellis says.

He also is an agreement with the view that recent Indian reprisals against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) were deliberately modest in their aim and execution, and were "intended primarily to signal to domestic, Pakistani, and international audiences that New Delhi`s traditional restraint could not be taken for granted forever."

While admitting that the prospect of stronger Indian responses to future acts of terrorism from Pakistan naturally exacerbates international fears of war, even nuclear war, in the subcontinent, Tellis says that the Pakistan Army must stop supporting terrorist groups as part of its confrontation with India.

"Pakistani terrorism today aims to secure larger strategic objectives rather than remedy specific grievances. The Pakistani support for the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqanis, for example, is no longer about protecting Pashtun enfranchisement in Afghanistan, but ensuring the permanent geopolitical subordination of Afghanistan to Pakistan," he suggests in his article.

"Similarly, the latest proxy war against India, now close to 40 years old, has only an incidental connection with the Kashmir dispute. Pakistani terrorism today is directed against the entire Indian land mass and, far from protecting people in one contested state or recovering territory that has proven to be beyond reach even in conventional war, is intended entirely to undermine India`s emergence as a great power," he adds.

India, he says, is well aware that Pakistan will not eliminate terrorists functioning from its soil, and has assessed that the Pakistan army prefers a continuing low-intensity war under the protective shadow of its nuclear weapons to a permanent peace with India.

"Bilateral diplomacy seems ineffective because, the most serious disputes simply lack solutions that would simultaneously satisfy the Pakistan army and the Indian state. Nor can India immunize itself by improving homeland security alone: its physical proximity, economic constraints, and institutional weaknesses combine to prevent hermetic security," Tellis maintains.

"Supporting insurgencies within Pakistan, engaging in economic warfare, pursuing focused retaliation to punish Rawalpindi, or threatening major military action to induce external pressure on Pakistan then remain the only means left for neutralizing Pakistani terrorism. New Delhi has, thus far, refrained from supporting violence in turbulent Pakistani locales such as Balochistan and the tribal areas as well as economic retaliation. While both these approaches may indeed offer India relatively inexpensive substitutes for force, their pain, being slow and long-drawn, is unlikely to force any significant course correction by the Pakistani military and could only incite it to double down on terrorism," he adds.

India, he says has the capacity to punish the Pakistani military severely and to do so through means well below the nuclear threshold, but it risks reinforcing the traditional "hyphenation" with Pakistan at a time when the strategic trajectories of the two states are completely divergent.

He concludes his article by saying, "That the threat of major military action - one that suffices to punish the Pakistani military but also poses risks of significant escalation - remains the most effective means available to India for inviting the kind of international censure that could force the Pakistani military to reconsider its links with jihadi terrorism."
New Delhi: Even as Nawaz Sharf continues to face embarrassment over human rights violations in Balochistan, thousands of Pakistani Pashtuns accused Pakistani Army and Air Force of attacking them.

Targeted by the Pakistani military thousands of Pakistani Pashtuns fled to Khost area in Afghanistan.

A Pakistan Pashtun civilain said their area was bombarded without issuing any warning.

Exposing Pakistan, another Pakistani Pashtun said, on the pretext of being after Taliban, the Pakistan Army destroyed everything that came their way.

The civilians of Waziristan area, who have sought refugee in Afghanistan, said they had never sided with the terrorists.

Everyone know where the so-called terrorists are hiding and operating. They are hiding in Islamabad and Karachi, a Pakistani Pashtun said.

Pakistan is looking for one or the other excuse to destroy us. This fight has been forced on us for the past 40 years, a Pak Pashtun in Khost said.

The Pashtun are Pakistans third largest ethnic group which has suffered the most from the Pakistani Talibans seven-year onslaught against government forces and civilians.

#WATCH: Exclusive visuals of Pakistani Pashtuns,who sought shelter in Khost,Afghanistan after Pak Army &Air Force carried out attack on them pic.twitter.com/LQfQ6PGpBo  ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016
Patna: The grandson of Jitan Ram Manjhi was arrested in Gaya for possesing liquor bottles with the former Bihar Chief Minister calling it a "conspiracy" to malign him.

Superintendent of Police Awkash Kumar said Manjhi's maternal grandson Vicky Kumar Manjhi was caught with liquor bottles near Kathwara village under Dobhi police station area in Gaya district last evening.

He said Vicky was arrested while travelling in a car with his friend Ravi Kumar. 12 bottles of beer and one bottle of Royal Stag were found in their possession.

30-year-old Vicky Manjhi is son of the former Chief Minister's daughter.

Both the accused have been sent to Gaya central jail as per the new Excise law in force in the state from October 2, the SP said.

Strongly reacting to the developments, Manjhi alleged the entire episode was hatched by police to please political master as part of a "conspiracy" to malign him.

Manjhi, chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha, a constituent of BJP in NDA, told reporters in Patna that law should take its course in the episode.

"If my grandson has done anything wrong, law should take its own course. But I smell conspiracy in the entire episode," he said.
Paris: French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday that Britain`s decision to leave the European Union should not jeopardise the bloc`s principle of free movement.

"They have decided to leave. I think the worst attitude would be to contest their choice or call into question the very foundations of the European Union," Hollande told a conference on Europe in Paris.

"So we have to see these negotiations to the end, while maintaining the principles of the European Union, notably that of free movement," he said.

Hollande added that although Britain was leaving, it should continue to play a role in Europe`s defence.
Benaulim (Goa): A scuffle broke out between members of the Chinese media delegation and Goa Police personnel late on Saturday at the beach resort where bilateral talks between India and China were being held.

Police sources said that the incident occurred at the Taj Exotica, where members of the Chinese media delegation were trying to gain a vantage position outside a closed-door meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their respective delegations.

"When police asked them to stay away from the VVIP meet venue, there was a verbal altercation and jostling after which one of the Chinese media persons attacked a lady police person," said a police source.

No police complaint has been registered.

Over 250 members of the accredited media have been accommodated in two air-conditioned tents on the resort`s ground, one each for the Indian and international media personnel. Access to the hotel premises where the VVIPs are being hosted is out of bounds for the media.

Asked about the scuffle, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said: "There was an issue, but I don`t want to talk about it."
Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President held bilateral talks on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa and sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters.

India and Russia signed 16 agreements across multiple sectors.

Issuing a joint press conference along with Putin, PM Modi hailed decades-long Indo-Russia friendship.

Addressing the media, the PM said, An old friend is better than two new friends.

Heaping praise on the Russian President, PM Modi said: I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship.

In a complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership, the PM added.

Also Read: Russia keen to invest in India for making defence aircraft

Lauding Moscow's efforts on denouncing terrorism, PM Modi said, We deeply appreciate Russias understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region.

We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism, that threatens our regions, adding, We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters, he asserted.

Praising Indo-Russia relations, PM Modi said: Our close collaboration at United Nations, BRICS, East Asia Summit, G20 and SCO makes our partnership truly global, both in its scope and coverage.

We are celebrating and building on our past achievements. Close friendship has been source of strength, driver of peace and factor of stability, Modi added.

odi said the "highly productive" outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

"They also lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties in years ahead. The agreements on manufacturing of Kamov 226T helicopters; constructions of frigates; and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities," he said.

Also Read: India, Russia ink 16 pacts

The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

The two leaders also inaugurated units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam nuclear plant after India and Russia signed 16 agreements, including on energy, defence and economic cooperation, and also announced deals across different sectors.

PM Modi said they have agreed to work on an annual military industrial conference that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute and push collaboration.

"These projects are new chapters in a long history of strong and diverse defence partnership that both sides can take much pride in," he said.

He said, "We are working to model a partnership that befits our common ambition and meets our shared goals for the twenty-first (21st) century.

"Our close friendship has given clear direction, fresh impulse, stronger momentum and rich content to our ties.In the emerging regional and global landscape, it has been a source of strength and substance, a driver of peace and a factor of stability."

On cooperation in atomic sector, he said the dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4 were examples of tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field.

Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.

Another important agreement was signed for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

Also Read: India, Russia for UNSC reforms, condemn global terrorism

An MoU was signed between India's ISRO and the Russian state space agency on collaboration in space technology.

An agreement was signed on cooperation on international information security.

Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia.

A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.

Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.
New Delhi: BJP, which is trying to woo the Dalits ahead of crucial UP polls, today celebrated the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki with party chief Amit Shah paying rich tributes to the poet-saint.

Addressing a function to celebrate 'Valmiki Jayanti' at the party headquarters here, Shah said the Modi government had dedicated all its schemes to dalits and the poor to help ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.

He lauded the silent role played by Maharishi Valmiki, the creater of Hindu epic Ramayana, in uplift of the Valmiki community and dalits. Shah noted that the Maharishi had said that all are equal and added that the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar ensures that every individual gets equal rights and opportunities to move forward.

"The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one that is working most for dalits, backwards, tribals and the poor. Take any ministry or department, you will see that the first five schemes are dedicated to the poor, dalits, backwards and the oppressed," he said.

BJP has been trying hard to reach out the dalit community ahead of crucial polls in five states slated early next year but has suffered setbacks due to a string of controversies including Rohith Vemula issue and attacks on dalits by cow vigilantes.

The party has been celebrating the legacy of dalit icon Ambedkar. Shah had also addressed the Bhikhu Dhammaviryo's Dhamma Chetna yatra in Kanpur yesterday which was attended by dalits who had converted to Buddhism.

The BJP chief today highlighted the manner in which the government has asked banks to help finance dalits for self-employment through its schemes, saying it is a big indication of the change being initiated.

"If the country continues to tread this path, then I feel the day is not far when we will be able to bring a proud and prosperous society as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar," he said.

BJP said anyone can achieve greatness by drawing inspiration from Valmiki's life.

"Ramayana is not merely the life story of Lord Rama but is an instrument of giving the message of importance of Indian culture to the world.

"Through the Ramaayan, Maharishi Valmiki gave the message that the victory in the end will be of truth, notwithstanding how strong or clever the untruth is," he said.

Shah said Maharishi Valmiki worked silently for social harmony and the uplift of dalits all his life. "He told us that social harmony lies within the soul of Indian society. He had also said that all people are alike and one need not say this as it is embedded in the Indian culture," he said.

"Dalits, tribals, backwards, poor and youth are there in all the schemes of the BJP-led government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi," he said.

Union Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, BJP general secretary Ram Lal and incharge of BJP's SC Morcha Dushyant Gautam were also present at the function that was attended by a number of party workers.

Some eminent members of the Valmiki community who have done exemplary work were also honoured.
Jammu: BJP in Jammu and Kashmir today handed over cheques of Rs 5 lakh each as financial assistance to the families of the two soldiers from the state who lost their lives in the terror attack on the Army base in Uri.

Senior BJP leaders, including the party state president Sat Sharma and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, went to the houses of Subedar Karnail Singh and Havaldar Ravi Paul and handed over the cheques to their widows.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the state cabinet has also decided to provide an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh and a job to one of the members of the martyr's family.

He said it has happened for the first time in the state that the government has honoured the sensitivity of its coalition partner - BJP - and unanimously taken a decision to treat the martyrs of Army and paramilitary forces at par with J&K Police.
Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Seeking to further isolate Pakistan on terror, India will mount a major diplomatic offensive against it and push for stepped up cooperation, including support for a comprehensive global convention to tackle the menace, when it hosts the 8th annual summit of BRICS beginning today in Goa, a 5-nation grouping representing nearly half of the world's population.

The summit, being attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa, is likely to deliberate on a range of key issues including confronting threat of terror and boosting trade and investment.

The five BRICS countries represent over 3.6 billion people, or half of the world population and they have a combined GDP of USD 16.6 trillion.

India is likely to push for unity among the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) members to remove the logjam at the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for effectively dealing with terror. Initiated by India, the CCIT is stuck at the UN due to lack of agreement among its members about the definition of terrorism.

India is also expected to push for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations in the area of counter-terrorism.

Preceding the BRICS summit, Modi is likely to raise the issue of terrorism with Putin and other leaders when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.

As the top leaders of the grouping meet within weeks of Uri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit as also the BIMSTEC outreach meet being held the same day, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism, including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism.

The Prime Minister, without naming Pakistan, had told the G-20 that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in her address to the UN General Assembly, had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in strikes in India, including Uri, are a "living proof" of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror.

Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS who will attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when these leaders attend the BRICS- BIMSTEC outreach meet.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to holding such an event.

Indian officials have made it clear that New Delhi's effort would be to have "strong language" used in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism, including on how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.

During the meeting of National Security Advisors (NSA) of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched for action to be taken against not only the sources of finance but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition.

The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports.

The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech by the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat.

With Agency Inputs
Panaji: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Goa on Saturday to attend BRICS 2016 Summit.

The Chinese President was received by Union Minister VK Singh at Dabolim airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to welcome the Chinese President. "India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the@BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations," the PM said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Jinping before on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa.

The PM is likely to raise issues such as India's National Security Guard (NSG) membership bid and China blocking United Nations ban on JeM chief and Pathankot attack mastermind Masood Azhar.

Ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India, China yesterday had said it is "ready" for talks with India on its entry into the NSG but defended extending a hold on India's bid for a UN ban on Masood Azhar, saying Beijing is opposed to anyone making "political gains in the name of counter-terrorism".

While India has blamed one country, without naming China, for stalling its membership in the NSG, both the countries held talks recently to iron out differences.

The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
Patna: Communal tension continues in several districts in Bihar following violent clashes during the immersion of Durga idols and Tazia processions, police said on Saturday. At least eight people, including police officers, were injured.

Railway services were disrupted, markets and schools shut down and internet service were suspended. Authorities imposed section 144 of CrPC in Gopalganj, Bhojpur, Madhubani, East Champaran, Madhepura and Kishanganj districts, the police said.

"In Gopalganj, communal tension entered second day on Saturday. The administration has imposed section 144 CrPC and temporarily banned internet services," a district official said.

The police arrested around 54 persons involved in anti-social activities from both communities from the affected districts.

Sensing trouble, additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas and top police officials camped and supervised the localities, an official said.

According to reports, tension started on Friday evening when some persons pelted stones and fired at an immersion procession in Gopalganj town.

At least 10 vehicles, including five motorcycles and two SUVs, were torched and several shops were attacked by the violent mob.

Gopalganj District Magistrate Rahul Kumar said: "The situation is under control but tense. We are alert and keeping a close watch."

In Bhojpur`s Piro city the communal tension had started early and entered its fourth consecutive day on Saturday.

Bhopjpur District Magistrate Birendra Prasad Yadav said: "Internet services were banned to check rumours on social media since Friday morning."

"Some persons active on social media cites like WhatsApp and Facebook had spread rumours to incite people," he said.

Railway authorities diverted three passenger trains from Ara that passed through Piro, on way to Sasaram in Rohtas district.

Shops, markets and other institutions had remained shut despite an assurance by the administration on Friday to maintain order.

In Bihariganj in Madhepura, internet services remained suspended despite situation under control, an official said.

"Reports of communal tension gripping small towns are coming from Madhubani, Saran and Kishanganj," a police officer said.
New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Saturday cautioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) not impose their opinions on triple talaq on Muslims, as it could lead to religious conflagration.

CPI national secretary D. Raja told ANI, "BJP ministers and RSS should also understand that this issue should not be forced, as it can deviate people and can pit one religious community against the other. We all should strive for building a consensus. The fundamental point is, irrespective of religious affiliation or irrespective to what religion a person or women belongs to.

"Raja said, "The women rights must be upheld and protected. That is what all religions should understand. We are in 21st century and it is time that our religions must relook at the positions of women and they must be treated equally.

"He further said that women should have all rights and their right to equality should be non-negotiable thing, adding that this is what all religions should understand and strive for.

Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu urged the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) not to politicize the issue of Uniform Civil Code ( UCC) and said it is high time that all communities should come together and uphold the dignity of women irrespective of their religion.

Naidu further questioned the denial expressed by the AIMPLB with regard to debating the issue of Uniform Civil Code."What is the objection? I don`t understand, you join the debate, let there be a debate, you put forth your point of view," said Naidu.

"The government wants a debate across the country. There are three issues - first is gender justice, second non discrimination, third is need of women. These are the issues, debate and discuss them. Why are you becoming political?" he asked.Speaking about triple talaq, Naidu said that people are confusing the divorce practice with the Uniform Civil Code.

"Some people are trying to confuse the issue of triple talaq with Uniform Civil Code. About the issue of triple talaq, the Law Commission wanted views of all. The religious workers, the social workers, sociologists, prominent public personalities, they need to acknowledge the basic principle of equality of all human beings men or women and work in that direction instead of misleading the people," said Naidu.

On Thursday, the AIMPLB said they will boycott the Uniform Civil Law as they feel it is not good for the nation.

"We will boycott the questionnaire sent by the Law Commission and we have decided that Muslims of the country will not answer this question as it is not acceptable and not good for the nation,"Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani of the MPLB told a press conference here.The Law Commission earlier last week sought public opinion on the exercise of reforming family laws of all religions.

However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has been defending the triple talaq system and termed the filing of the affidavit as 'un-islamic.'

They claim that triple talaq is a personal law and the Centre has no right to modify it.
Benaulim (Goa): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping about India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and also raised the issues of UN ban of Masood Azhar and NSG membership.

The prime minister told President Xi that both the countries were victims of terrorism which is afflicting the entire region.

PM Modi said that no country is immune from terrorism and on this issue, we cannot afford to have any differences".

"In particular, India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground," he said.

Our broad concerns in the current state were conveyed to the Chinese side, intention was that both sides should narrow down areas of differences, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the Modi-Xi talks.

Both sides have recognised terrorism as a key issue and President Xi asserted that they should strengthen their security dialogue and partnership, Swarup said at a press briefing.

Also Read: Scuffle at BRICS meet between Chinese media, police

China had recently put on hold India's move to get Masood Azhar, the brain behind the Pathankot attack, banned by the UN.

Swarup said President Xi acknowledged India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and supported the idea of enhancing counter-terror mechanism.

He said India was in dialogue with China on enforcing a UN ban on Azhar. "We expect China will see logic in it."

"When NSA (Ajit Doval) meets State Counsellor Yang Jiechi I expect this issue will be taken up further," Swarup said on pushing for UN ban on Azhar.

Alluding the threat from the Islamic State group, President Xi said that terrorism and violent extremism were on the increase, Swarup told reporters.

Also Read: President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa, will hold bilateral with PM Modi

On the issue of NSG membership, PM Modi reiterated India's position and said he looked forward to work with China in resolving the differences. To this, President Xi said a second round of dialogue will be held soon on the issue.

"This will be helpful. President Xi told PM," Swarup told reporters.

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."

Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit starting on Sunday.
Jind: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today asserted that his government has shown "zero tolerance" towards corruption during nearly two-year rule in the state.

He said the government will ensure that benefits of various schemes, meant for the poor and weaker sections, reach the intended beneficiaries.

"We have taken steps to weed out corruption in the state. Many schemes for the poor were running earlier also but it was not the poor who benefitted," he claimed.

Addressing 'Samrasta Divas' rally here, Khattar talked about the Haryana government's decision to link the Public Distribution System (PDS) with Aadhaar "to inject transparency and make it corruption-free".

He said five lakh "fake beneficiaries" were identified who were illegally availing the subsidy both on kerosene and LPG and saved Rs 101 crore to the state exchequer.

"We are taking the help of IT to eliminate corruption, like we have started Direct Benfit Transfer scheme," he said.

Khattar said to clear the backlog of posts for Scheduled Castes, the government will carry out special recruitment drive within six months.

He also said that a 'Safai Karamchari Aayog' would be set up in the state.
New Delhi: India on Saturday signed a multi-billion dollar agreement to acquire Russia's flagship S-400 'Triumf' missile defence system, dubbed as a 'game changer' by experts. Triumf's selection over other advanced systems like the US Patriot and Israel's Iron Dome is based on the region-specific threat.

Here is a comparative statistic between S-400 and US Patriot:



Russia's S-400 'Triumf':



1. The S-400 'Triumf' is a long-range air defence missile system.

2. This new generation anti-aircraft system can be equipped with long-range missiles (from 120km to 400 km).

3. The S-400 Triumf is capable of countering all air-borne threats, including tactical aircraft, ballistic missiles and hypersonic targets such as US F-35 jets.

4. Considered most modern air defence system, capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.

5. S-400 can engage multiple targets simultaneously with as many as 72 missiles at altitudes of five meters to 30 km.

6. It is an upgraded version of S-300, which had previously only been available to the Russian defence forces.

7. S-400 is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007.

8. Besides India, China is the only country to have this prized missile system.

9. The S-400 system will come at a cost of $3 billion.



US Patriot missile defence system:



1. The US Patriot missile defence system is manufactured by Raytheon.

2. Patriot is a long-range, high altitude, all-weather solution tested with the US Army oversight under real-world conditions.

3. It can counter threats from tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and advanced aircraft.

4. The Patriot has underwent changes over time with several enhancements.

5. The GaN-based AESA radar technology has been added to increase detection range, power and enable 360 degree coverage.

6. It also has a Common Command and Control to allow seamless operation with partner and allied systems.

7. It also has the ability to fire multiple missile types, matching the right missile to the threat.

8. The systems are designed with open architecture and tailored to specific needs.
Benaulim: India and Russia on Saturday condemned terrorism and emphasized the need to stamp out terror in all forms, apart from calling for building a legal regime on the principle of zero tolerance for terrorism, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the need to "deny safe havens to terrorists and counter the spread of terrorist ideology, stop recruitment, prevent travel of terrorists, strengthen border management and essentially have a legal regime built on the principle of zero tolerance for, or indirect support of, terrorism", he added.

He was addressing a press conference here on the sidelines of the India-Russia bilateral summit.

"The two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

He said India appreciated Russia`s unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack on the army base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, in which 19 soldiers were killed.

"The Prime Minister appreciated the strong statements and support and sympathy we got from Russia after the Uri attack. He recognised the personal role of President Putin in building the India-Russia relations over two decades. He said this relation is actually so strong, so deep, that we are responding organically to international developments and changes," the Foreign Secretary said.

A joint statement issued by the two leaders also noted the "commonality of positions on important issues, including the war on terrorism", Jaishankar added.
New Delhi: India and Russia on Saturday signed sixteen key bilateral agreements across multiple sectors following delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

We take a brief look at the key agreements signed between two nations at the 17th annual bilateral summit:

Among the agreements signed were the procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1,135 series of frigates in India.



Another agreement was signed for joint production of 200 Kamov helicopters Ka-226 T helicopters for $1 billion.



A Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion.



Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.



Another important agreement was signed for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia.



According to a separate agreement, a Russian consortium comprising energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners agreed to purchase 98 percent of Essar Oil for $10.9 billion.



Rosneft also signed an agreement with ONGC Videsh for education and training in the oil and gas sector.



Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.



A MoU was signed between India`s ISRO and the Russian state space agency on collaboration in space technology.



An agreement was signed on cooperation on international information security.



Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia.



A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.



Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.

Earlier today, issuing a joint statement along with Russia President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi referred Russia as 'an old friend' and said, "I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship.
Benaulim: India and Russia on Saturday signed 16 agreements across diverse sectors following delegation-level talks co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

"New horizons in the #IndiaRussia partnership. PM & Prez Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across fields," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted following the 17th annual bilateral summit between the two countries.

Among the agreements signed were inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1135.6 series of frigates through partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards.

Another agreement was signed to set up a joint venture to manufacture the Ka-226T helicopter in India.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.

Another important agreement was signed between Gazprom and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia and other areas of cooperation.

According to a separate agreement, a Russian consortium comprising energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners agreed to purchase 98 percent of Essar Oil for $10.9 billion.

Rosneft also signed an agreement with ONGC Videsh for education and training in the oil and gas sector.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

An MoU was signed between India`s ISRO and Russia`s Roscosmos on mutual allocation of ground measurement gathering stations for Russian space-based navigational system GLONASS and Indian regional navigational system NAVIC.

An agreement was signed on cooperation on international information security.

Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Russia.

An MoU was signed between India`s Department of Science and Technology and Russia`s Federal Agency for Scientific Organisations.

A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.

Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.
Islamabad: Indian move to completely seal its 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan by December 2018 would be contrary to the Indian position of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood, a top Islamabad official said.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said the announcement by Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month that India will "completely seal" the border with Pakistan by December 2018 was contradictory to the Indian stand of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood.

"On the one hand, they talk of establishing peaceful neighbourhood, and on the other hand their actions contradict their claims," he said yesterday in response to a question.

Zakaria, however, said India has not yet officially communicated to Pakistan about the decision.

"India has not formally conveyed any such plan (sealing the border) to Pakistan. We don't have the details," he said.

Rajnath Singh had said India was planning to seal the entire border with Pakistan by December 2018 and that a proper monitoring mechanism, including the use of technology, would be in place for the purpose.

His announcement had come after he reviewed the security situation along the border with ministers from four states - Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Gujarat - that share border with Pakistan.

The announcement was also significant as it came in the wake of increasing tension between India and Pakistan after surgical strikes by army on terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

The surgical strikes were in response to an attack on an Indian army base in Uri on September 18 in which Pakistan- backed terrorists killed 19 Indian soldiers.
Jammu: A complete shutdown was observed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district today following the strike call given by a Muslim organisation against the march held by the RSS activists some days ago in the district.

A Muslim religious organisation had given a day-long bandh call against the march held by the RSS activists on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi on Tuesday, an official said.

He said even though most of the shops and business establishments remained closed, work went on normal in the government offices.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place to deal with any act of violence or stone pelting, the official said, adding the day passed off peacefully.
New Delhi: Common people`s mindset towards swachhta (cleanliness) is changing ever since the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in the country, Union Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ram Kripal Yadav said here on Saturday.

"People`s mindset towards hygiene and cleanliness is changing. People in rural areas are increasingly building toilets inside their houses and general cleanliness in the villages is also being taken care of," Yadav said while interacting with mediapersons at the conclusion of Swachhta Pakhwara (Cleanliness Fortnight).

However, he said, to achieve the targets of the Swachh Bharat Mission by October 2, 2019, the drive has to be given the shape of a Jan Andolan (people`s movement) with "active participation and cooperation of the 125 crore Indians".

The Swachh Bharat Mission was officially launched by the Narendra Modi government on October 2, 2014 with the objectives of elimination of open defecation, eradication of manual scavenging, scientific management of solid wastes, to effect behavioural change regarding healthy sanitation practices and generate awareness about sanitation and its linkage with public health.

Yadav said at present the average sanitation coverage across India is 55.73 per cent.

"When the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched, this figure was 42 per cent. Now, in just two years, we see an improvement of around 14 per cent," he said.

According to official figures, out of 6,50,000 villages in the country, 1,04,924 have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The minister said the states` cooperation in achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission goals is imperative.

While a few states are far above the national average in sanitation coverage (defined as percentage of households with toilets), a few others including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and Odisha are in the red zone, that is, below the national average.

The states faring poorly in sanitation coverage include Bihar (25 per cent), Jammu and Kashmir (34 per cent), Odisha (34 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (46 per cent).

"Although I hail from Bihar, but I am saddened to say that Bihar is lagging behind in sanitation coverage. I think more efforts need to be put in the states which are lagging behind," he said.


Panaji: India and Russia will sign several agreements to enhance defence and nuclear cooperation, including delivery of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to New Delhi on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Goa ahead of the BRICS summit also involving the heads of leading emerging nations Brazil, China and South Africa.

An agreement to build frigates for the Indian Navy would also be signed on Saturday, as well as a deal to set up a joint venture in India to build multi-task Kamov-226 helicopters.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has been quoted as saying by TASS news agency that the deal for the air defence system will be signed.

India is likely to reaffirm its concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties when PM Modi holds talks with Putin here during which the two sides will look at ramping up their "special and privileged partnership" by inking pacts in areas of defence and nuclear energy.

Discussion on terrorism will be on the agenda when the two leaders meet today during the 17th bilateral summit between the two countries.

Talks between India and Russia for setting up units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are at an advanced stage and a general framework agreement could be announced after talks between PM Modi and Putin on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Goa.

PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders including China`s President Xi Jinping late Saturday, before hosting a dinner in their honour to officially start the BRICS summit.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.

All about S-400 Triumf air defence missile system

The S-400 is a new generation anti-aircraft system, which can be equipped with very long-range missiles (up to 400km), long-range (250km) and medium-range (120km).

The S-400 Triumf is capable of countering all air attack weapons, including tactical and strategic aircraft, ballistic missiles and hypersonic targets such as the US F-35 fighter jet.

The S-400 can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously with as many as 72 missiles at altitudes of five meters to 30 km.
Panaji: Delegation level talk between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is underway as the latter arrived in Goa today to attend BRICS 2016 Summit.

PM Modi on Saturday took to social media to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrived at Panaji's Dabolim airport. "India is delighted to host President Xi Jinping for the @BRICS2016 Summit. May his visit further strengthen India-China relations," he tweeted.

President Xi Jinping was received by Minister of State for External Affairs, VK Singh and received a red carpet welcome after he got off the aircraft at the airport.

According to reports, during the bilateral talks, PM Modi is likely to raise issues such as India's National Security Guard (NSG) membership bid and China blocking United Nations ban on JeM chief and Pathankot attack mastermind Masood Azhar.

Ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India, China had on Friday said it is ready for talks with India on its entry into the NSG but defended extending a hold on India's bid for a UN ban on Masood Azhar, saying Beijing is opposed to anyone making "political gains in the name of counter-terrorism".

While India has blamed one country, without naming China, for stalling its membership in the NSG, both the countries held talks recently to iron out differences.

The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
Panaji: Ahead of BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa on Saturday.

Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, said, PM Modi will hold Annual Summit with Russia and the two leaders will discuss on a range of issues including defence, counter terrorism, etc.

Earlier, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to Putin, who arrived here today.

"India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E," the Prime Minister tweeted as he also posted a message in Russian.

Putin was accorded a grand welcome at the Dabolim airport where he was received by Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and VK Singh.

India and Russia will sign several agreements to enhance defence and nuclear cooperation, including delivery of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to New Delhi.

PM Modi and the Russian President are meeting in Goa ahead of the BRICS summit also involving the heads of leading emerging nations Brazil, China and South Africa.Modi and the Russian President are meeting in Goa ahead of the BRICS summit also involving the heads of leading emerging nations Brazil, China and South Africa.

An agreement to build frigates for the Indian Navy is expected to be signed, as well as a deal to set up a joint venture in India to build multi-task Kamov-226 helicopters.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov has been quoted as saying by TASS news agency that the deal for the air defence system will be signed.defence system will be signed.

Also Read: Xi Jinping arrives in Goa, will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi on BRICS sidelines

India is likely to reaffirm its concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties when PM Modi holds talks with Putin here during which the two sides will look at ramping up their "special and privileged partnership" by inking pacts in areas of defence and nuclear energy.

Discussion on terrorism will be on the agenda when the two leaders meet today during the 17th bilateral summit between the two countries.

Talks between India and Russia for setting up units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are at an advanced stage and a general framework agreement could be announced after talks between PM Modi and Putin on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Goa.

PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders including China`s President Xi Jinping late Saturday, before hosting a dinner in their honour to officially start the BRICS summit.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.

All about S-400 Triumf air defence missile system

The S-400 is a new generation anti-aircraft system, which can be equipped with very long-range missiles (up to 400km), long-range (250km) and medium-range (120km).

The S-400 Triumf is capable of countering all air attack weapons, including tactical and strategic aircraft, ballistic missiles and hypersonic targets such as the US F-35 fighter jet.

The S-400 can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously with as many as 72 missiles at altitudes of five meters to 30 km.
New Delhi: The Saraswati river, so far considered mythical, did exist, a government-constituted expert committee has found.

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the government will take action on the report, which according to her, "cannot be challenged".

"We have reached a conclusion that river Saraswati existed, it flowed. It originated in the Himalayas and met gulf at the western sea," Professor K S Valdiya, who led the panel, said while handing over the report to the government.

Valdiya, an eminent geologist, said the river passed through Haryana, Rajasthan and North Gujarat, land texture of which was studied by the panel.

According to a senior Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) official, Saraswati passed through Pakistan before meeting Western Sea through Rann of Kutch and was approximately 4,000 km in length.

One-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The longer, two-third stretch measuring nearly 3000 km in length fell in India, the official claimed.

In its report, the seven-member committee has stated that the river had two branches: western and eastern. The Himalayan-born Satluj "of the PAST", which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets, represents the western branch of the ancient river.

On the other hand, it said, Markanda and Sarsuti (corruption of Saraswati) represented the western branch of Saraswati, known as Tons-Yamuna.

On his part, Valdiya, a Padma Bhushan awardee, said the committee, during its six-month research, came across "an unique" palaeochannel (a path abandoned by river when it changes its course) relating to present Ghaggar, Sarsuti, Hakra and Nara rivers. Historically, he stated, that around 1700 "small and big" towns and villages were located around the palaeochannel concerned during Harappa Civilisation.

"Some towns were spread over more than 100 hectares. These colonies were there for 5,500 years. Was it possible that these cities could live without water? No. It means that a flowing river provided water to the towns, villages. Which river it was? What was its name? We worked to find it out," Valdiya said.

During its six-month research period, the committee studied piles of sediments, their shapes and features which appeared to have been brought by a "big river" and are reminiscent to ones found in present-day Ghaggar, Ganga and Yamuna.
Srinagar: Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists and Human Rights Watch on Saturday asked authorities in Jammu & Kashmir to stop using the "harsh" Public Safety Act (PSA) for detaining people without trial.

In a joint statement, the three groups said: "The PSA has been used to hold over 400 people, including children in Kashmir."

"The PSA violates international due process standards and should be repealed," the statement said.

Authorities have detained over 400 people, including children, under the PSA, according to media reports. The PSA is an administrative detention law that allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.

"Following an amendment in 2012, the PSA expressly prohibits the detention of anyone under 18," they pointed out.

"The use of the PSA to detain people, particularly children, violates a range of human rights, and its increasing use in the recent weeks undermines the rule of law and further entrenches impunity in Kashmir," said Sam Zarifi, ICJ Asia Director.

"Police should end the use of the PSA; if people are suspected of committing offences, they should be properly charged and given fair trial," the statement read.

It also gave examples of many Kashmiris detained under the PSA irrespective of the fact that the law could not be invoked against them because of age.

The statement adds: "The government has a responsibility to address violence during protests, but indefinitely detaining people without charge only adds to the lawlessness.

"Detaining children under the PSA is not only unlawful, but could have negative repercussions for years."

It maintains: "The United Nations Human Rights Committee, which monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - to which India is a state party, has stated that administrative detention in the name of security `presents severe risks of arbitrary deprivation of liberty` and `would normally amount to arbitrary detention`, as other effective measures addressing the threat, including the criminal justice system, would be available."

The PSA contains vague and overbroad terms, such as `security of the state` and `public order` that are not precisely defined, and therefore, do not meet the requirement of legality under international law, the statement says.

"The PSA does not provide for judicial review of detentions. It also protects officials from legal proceedings for anything `done or intended to be done in good faith`, which is inconsistent with the right to remedy for arbitrary detention or other human rights violations.

"The law has often been used to detain people on vague grounds for long periods, ignoring regular criminal justice safeguards."

Under international law, anyone under the age of 18 is a child, and should be tried in accordance with the internationally-accepted juvenile justice standards, it underlines.

"The UN Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice say that the detention before trial of children shall be avoided to the extent possible and limited to exceptional circumstances.

"Detention must be carried out under procedures established by the law, children must not be kept in the same facility as adults, and untried detainees should be separated from convicted children. In the past, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has held that certain detentions under the PSA amount to arbitrary detentions," the joint statement says.

Over 90 people, most of them protesters, have been killed and thousands injured in the violence in Jammu and Kashmir since July. Security force personnel have also been injured by stone-throwing protesters.
Jammu: Terrorism in the main cause of the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said on Saturday.

"Terrorism is the main cause of the ongoing unrest in Kashmir. While we are pained to see that innocent youth are killed after they are threatened by terrorists to throw stones at the security forces, it should be left to the army and the state government to deal with the situation," he told reporters here.

Noting that many people who had till now been living in the Kashmir Valley are going to other places to live a peaceful life, Paswan said that all problems in Kashmir would end once terrorism ended.

The Minister also criticised the separatist leaders for their treatment of some members of the all party delegation who had tried to call on them.

Replying a question on holding talks with the separatists, Paswan said the separatists will have to first accept that talks would be held within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.

"Till the time you (separatists) raise Pro-Pakistani slogans and their flags, there is no point holding talks," he said.

On the controversy raised by the opposition on the surgical strikes by the Indian army, Paswan said after Uri terror attack, the opposition had been ridiculing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and when time came to praise him, the opposition was feeling shy of doing so.

He said the army should be left out of politics and it should be given a free hand in dealing with terrorism.
New Delhi: Triple talaq is valid, but its misuse should not be allowed as it will give government a chance to "target" the practice, imams from National Capital Region said in a conference today.

The conference, said to be attended by 500 imams, vehemently opposed Centre's stand on triple talaq and Law Commission's move seeking feedback from public on whether Uniform Civil Code be made optional.

In its bid to up the ante over the Commission to reverse the move, the imams also decided to collect signatures from community members, especially women, to send out message that they don't have objections with the present personal laws.

The conference, organised by All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Mufti Aijaz Arshad Qasmi, was also attended by its general secretary Wali Rahamani.

"During the meeting, we decided to deal with the issue of complaints relating misuse of triple talaq. Triple talaq is valid. Though it should not be misused as that may give a chance to the government to attack the practice.

"So, we have decided to spread awareness about it and discussed strategy to tackle government's stand on it in court," Qasmi said.

Qasmi, also Delhi Waqf Board member, said the imams picked flaws in the UCC during the meeting and opposed the move which will "threaten diversity and pluralism" of the country.

"The AIMPLB general secretary asked attendees to be mentally prepare for protest over the issue, if need be. The protests will be carried out peacefully," he added.

Making perhaps the first such move, the Law Commission had on October 7 sought feedback from public on whether the practice of triple talaq be abolished and whether a uniform civil code should be optional.

In its affidavit submitted to Supreme Court on the same day, the Centre had also opposed before the apex court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims.

The government had said that triple talaq cannot be regarded as an essential part of the religion and favoured a relook on grounds like gender equality and secularism.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, in the affidavit, referred to constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to drive home the point that the practice of triple talaq and polygamy needed to be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court.

The law panel's move assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it would prefer a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of 'triple talaq', which many complain is abused by Muslim men to arbitrarily divorce their wives.
Kozhikode: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was not practical and questioned the Union government`s reason for raising it now.

This issue was discussed at the IUML`s leadership meeting held here and briefing the media afterwards, the party`s number two P.K.Kunhalikutty said that the present move by the Narendra Modi government appears doubtful and the general question being asked is why

"Already there is a case in this regard going on in the Supreme Court and the Sharia law has to be discussed and debated by that community. We have learned that there is a questionnaire being circulated on UCC. We are of the firm view that UCC is not in the interest of all and not practical too," said Kunhalikutty, a former state Minister and now the deputy leader of the Congress-led United Democratic Front in the Kerala assembly.

The IUML has 18 legislators and is the most powerful party in the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district with 11 out of the 16 seats in the district with it.
Ranchi: A Maoist sub-zonal commander who was carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh, has surrendered before Jharkhand Director General of Police D K Pandey, police said.

Santosh Kumar Singh alias Santosh Bhokta, who has 14 cases against him, surrendered yesterday under a government programme.

He is the 17th left wing extremist to lay down arms so far this year. He was active in Simdega and Gumla areas after joining the rebels in 2008.

Singh hails from Tutikel village in Jharkhand and his father and relatives had been in touch with the police since the beginning of the year in connection with his surrender, police said.
Srinagar: Authorities on Saturday lifted curfew across Kashmir following improvement in the situation, but normal life remained affected due to the unrest which erupted after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July.

A police official said there is no curfew anywhere in Kashmir and the curbs on the movement of people have been lifted across the Valley, including from the summer capital here, following improvement in the situation.

However, restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc were in force throughout the Valley.

He said security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order as also to instill a sense of security among the people so that they can carry out their day-to-day activities without fear.

The authorities last night restored outgoing call facility on prepaid mobile phone connections after three months in view of the improving situation.

However, mobile Onternet services continued to remain suspended across Kashmir.

Meanwhile, normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 99th day due to the ongoing unrest.

The unrest, which has claimed 84 lives, including that of two cops, and left thousands of others injured in clashes between protestors and security forces, would complete 100 days tomorrow as shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed, while public transport continued to be off the roads.

However, there was increased movement of private transport and auto-rickshaws in the civil lines areas of the city including around the commercial hub of Lal Chowk.

Many vendors set up their stalls in the areas around the city centre while some shops were also open partially, the official said.
Shillong: Congress has placed under suspension a legislator who rebelled against Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, following which five other members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council tendered their resignations from the party.

The Chief Executive Member and legislator PN Syiem was suspended by the state party leadership for alleged "anti-party activities" last night.

His suspension came as the party prepares to contest for seven vacant posts of the two tribal autonomous district councils.

Following the suspension order, five executive members in the Congress-led People's Democratic Front coalition at the Council tendered their resignation from the party membership and supported Syiem as their leader.

Syiem openly rebelled against the chief minister and was the only legislator who did not resign from the membership of the council even as seven other legislators were forced to resign under the new legislation passed by the state Assembly last year preventing legislators from holding two elected posts.

Congress has appointed Mansturdy Nongrem as the new parliamentary party leader in the council.

Syiem, who claimed to have the support of majority of the members at the council, said the appointment of Nongrem was not as per norm since the actual leader did not convene the parliamentary party instead a party functionary did it.
Jaipur: Two suspects trying to seek information about Army and Border Security Force were arrested in Khajuwala area of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

More details are awaited.

Two days back, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) nabbed two suspected ISI agents allegedly involved in sending sensitive information about movement of Army and BSF troops to their Pakistan-based handlers.

They were identified as - Alana Hamir Sama (40), a resident of Kukma village of Bhuj taluka, and his associate Shakoor Sumra (38), resident of Sumrapor in Bhuj taluka of the district.

The action comes amid tension between India and Pakistan after the recent surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads across the LoC. A high alert has been sounded in Gujarat, specially in border areas due to the threat of terror attack.
Beijing: China's 'father of hybrid rice' is planning to expand the production of sea-rice at a newly founded research centre in eastern China's Shandong province.

Within three years, the sea-rice research and development centre in Qingdao, headed by Yuan Longping, is expected to expand the yield of sea-rice to 200 kilogrammes on each "mu", the Chinese unit equivalent to 666 square meters, said local authorities in Qingdao's Licang District.

Wild sea-rice is sometimes found in saline-alkaline soil at the junctures where rivers join the sea. The plant is resistant to pests, diseases, salt and alkali and does not need fertilizer.

But its unit output is only around 75 kg, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The Qingdao research center will use gene sequencing to cultivate new strains of sea-rice that will yield more rice and grow with saline water.

With start-up funding of 100 million yuan (USD 14.86 million), scientists will start their experiment on a 2 hectare saline-alkaline marsh land just north of the Jiaozhou Bay in April.

The project will eventually draw an investment of 2 billion yuan.

Over the past decades, Chinese scientists, led by Yuan, have worked out new approaches to significantly increase the yield of rice, a staple food for 65 percent of the Chinese population.
Varanasi: At least 19 people were killed in a stampede at Rajghat bridge between Varanasi and Chandauli area in Uttar Pradesh.

The unfortunate incident happened during Baba Jai Gurudev's sabha in the holy city.

The incident took place when thousands of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev were on their way to Domri village on the banks of Ganga to take part in the two-day camp, police said.

The local administration has swung into action and relief operations are underway.

Reports say that the stampede happened as crowd management failed on Rajghat bridge on river Ganga.

Expressing grief over the untoward incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.

The PM took to his Twitter account to express his views. He said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured."

"I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," his another tweet said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced Rs 2 lakhs compensation each for kin of those killed in the stampede and Rs 50,000 each for the critically injured.

A government spokesman in Lucknow said that the situation in Chandauli is being monitored and all necessary measures were being taken.
New Delhi: Lauding Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav after he kept the suspense on a second-term for Akhilesh Yadav as the Chief Minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday said that it was actually a no-confidence motion on his son by the veteran politician, who could witness his party`s sinking ship.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told ANI that Mulayam's assertion is a clear indication of the fact that he has himself rejected the government led by Akhilesh Yadav"See, as far as Mulayam Singh Yadav's yesterday statement is concerned, it was actually a no-confidence motion on his son that is Akhilesh Yadav's government," Patra said.

"Right from the beginning, we have seen that the society and Uttar Pradesh's janata in fact had rejected the government of Akhilesh Yadav and today finally, the family has also rejected Mr. Akhilesh Yadav," he added.

Earlier on Friday, the Samajwadi Party supremo said the elected MLAs of the party and the parliamentary board would take a final call on the next Chief Minister after the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

Addressing the media in Lucknow, Yadav said that the Chief Minister would be decided by the elected legislators and the parliamentary board after the assembly polls."There has never been any dispute in the family since three generations and the situation remains the same. The people still have immense faith in the Samajwadi Party," he said.

He also expressed confidence that the Samajwadi Party would emerge victorious in the polls with a thumping majority.

Yadav further said that his party would officially kick-start its election campaign on November 5, the 25th anniversary of the Samajwadi Party`s formation.
Mogadishu: A week of violent clashes between rival forces in northern Somalia has killed 11 people and forced more than 50,000 to flee, the UN humanitarian agency said on Saturday.

Tensions between the rival regions of Puntland and Galmudug soared last month after Galmudug said 13 of its soldiers were killed in a misdirected US airstrike which was supposed to be targeting Shabaab fighters.

Galmudug immediately accused its neighbour of prompting the strike by feeding Washington false information, sparking a deadly standoff between the rival regions.neighbour of prompting the strike by feeding Washington false information, sparking a deadly standoff between the rival regions.

On October 7, clashes erupted in Galkayo, a town divided between the two administrations and rival clans, with Puntland accusing Galmudug forces of staging an attack in retaliation for the US strike.

"At least 11 people were killed and dozens wounded between October 7 and October 13," Tapiwa Gomo, Somalia spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told AFP.

He added that a peace agreement signed on October 9 had failed to hold with fighting erupting "less than 24 hours after".

"Intermittent fighting continues and humanitarian partners in Gaalkacyo (Galkayo) estimate that over 50,000 people have been displaced as of 13 October," said an OCHA statement released late on Friday.

"Local authorities have indicated that the number could be higher as more people continue to flee the violence," it said, indicating that around 60 percent of these civilians were interally displaced people being forced to flee a second time.

"The armed violence has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation."

Galkayo, which lies about 700 kilometres northeast of Mogadishu, is not under the control of the central government and has seen frequent clashes between rival groups and clans.

Such groups are distinct from the Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab fighters who are fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu.

In December 2015, at least 20 people were killed and 120 wounded in an eruption of violence between rival militia groups from Puntland and Galmudug that forced more than 90,000 people to flee.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the September 28 strike near Galkayo, saying it was a "self defence strike" targeting Shabaab militants, which had killed "nine enemy fighters".
Kabul: The Afghan security forces on Saturday rescued and released about 50 prisoners from a Taliban prison in Ghazni province.

The Ghazni Police said that the people were kept in prison in Nani Ghond area in Giro district of Ghazni province by the Taliban for various reasons, reports Tolo news.According to the police, the prison had been well hidden for the past two years and the prisoners were innocent but had been accused of certain crimes such as cooperating with the government or having relatives serving in the Afghan Army.

Some prisoners had been held for up to a year and a half.
Baghdad: A suicide bomber attacked a Shiite-majority area of north Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than two dozen, security and medical officials said.

The bomber struck in the Shaab area of the Iraqi capital, targeting either a funeral tent or one at which Shiite Muslims distribute food and drinks on the occasion of the annual religious commemorations, officials said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State group frequently carries out suicide bombings targeting members of Iraq`s Shiite majority, whom it considers heretics.

IS has claimed several recent bombings targeting Shiites in the Iraqi capital, including one on October 9 that killed at least five people, and two more earlier in the month that left at least 10 dead.

And two more IS-claimed bombings killed at least 17 people in Baghdad at the end of September.

Iraqi forces are preparing for a push in northern Iraq on Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country, after regaining much of the Iraqi territory the jihadists seized in June 2014.

But IS has maintained the ability to carry out attacks in government-controlled areas, and is likely to turn increasingly to such tactics as it loses further ground.
Karachi: A top politician from Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province has demanded that the government make public all agreements signed with China on the Gwadar port and the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Akhtar Jan Mengal who heads the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) told a public meeting in Gwadar that the rights of the Baloch people were being "usurped" in the name of development and they were being treated like "slaves".

"We want to know all details of the CPEC and other agreements signed by the rulers regarding Gwadar," he said.

"I demand that all agreements be made public," he said adding that "whenever we ask for Balochistan's share in the CPEC project we are told that they are constructing an airport in Gwadar," he said.

"Our rulers are pleading the case of Kashmir but not paying any attention to problems being faced by the people of other provinces, including Balochistan, where people are deprived of even basic amenities," Mengal said, according to a report in the Dawn newspaper.

Mengal said that it was important to pass legislation to protect the people of Balochistan and not let them become a minority in Gwadar city.

He said the party will not withdraw from its struggle for the achievement of legitimate rights for the people of Balochistan, protection of its coast and resources.

Mengal said the Pakistan government are trying to snatch the sea from local fishermen who have been using it to earn their bread and butter for centuries.

He said that Balochistan had been producing gas since 1952 for the entire country, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but was itself deprived of it.

He said Gwadar was a gateway to the CPEC and the ambitious project was signed because of the port but the people of the city had been deprived of even drinking water and the government had done nothing to resolve the issue.
By PTI: Muzaffarpur, Oct 15 (PTI) 280 cartons of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) were seized and two persons arrested from Godanpatti in Bihars Muzaffarpur district today.

Acting on a tip off, police raided a place in the village and seized 280 cartons of IMFL from a truck. The truck driver and its cleaner were arrested, Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar said.

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The police also seized five other vehicles.

The 280 cartons - containing IMFL made in Haryana - were supposed to be distributed in different parts of the district and its adjoining areas with the help of these seized vehicles, a police official said.

It may be noted that the Bihar government had on Gandhi Jayanti notified the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act 2016 banning manufacture, trade, storage, transportation, possession, sale and consumption of liquor and foreign liquor through a stringent provisions incorporated under the law.

As per the new liquor law, both the persons could attract a minimum 10 years of jail term which may extend to imprisonment for life besides a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh which may extend to Rs 10 lakh. PTI CORR AR PR DV

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The Islamic State jihadist group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least 27 people in a Shiite-majority area of Baghdad on Saturday.

IS said in an online statement that a bomber wearing an explosive vest carried out the attack in the Shaab area of the Iraqi capital, which also wounded at least 36 people, according to security and medical officials.
Berlin: Angela Merkel wants to get other European Union member countries to agree to step up sanctions against Russia because of its role in the war in Syria, a German newspaper cited sources close to the German chancellor as saying.

The issue of sanctions is due to be discussed at an EU summit on Thursday and Friday. Both the EU and the United States have already imposed economic and other sanctions on Russia for its seizure of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, and for its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung cited the sources as saying it was proving hard to get the agreement of the Social Democrats - the junior partner to Merkel`s conservatives in Germany`s ruling coalition - and other EU countries on tougher measures, but that "resentment towards the Russians has increased".

The attack on a U.N. and Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy in Syria last month and Russia`s actions in Aleppo have contributed to that, the newspaper cited the sources as saying.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations, accusations that they reject. The United States has said two Russian warplanes bombed the aid convoy, but Moscow denies this.

U.S. President Barack Obama told Merkel by telephone that he would support "a tough response" if European countries could agree on that, F.A.S. cited sources as saying.

It cited the sources as saying further sanctions were being considered against the aviation industry or in sectors that affected the Russian Defence Ministry.

A German government spokesperson could not immediately comment on the report.

On Oct. 7, Merkel urged Russia to use its influence with the Syrian government to end the bombardment of Aleppo. She did not address sanctions directly, but said the international community must do all it could to bring about a halt in the fighting and get supplies to civilians.
Canton of Vaud: Fresh diplomatic talks to end the Syrian conflict open in Switzerland Saturday, the first since Washington halted bilateral negotiations with Moscow on a truce agreed earlier this month.

With violence still raging in Aleppo, US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and top diplomats from the UN and regional powers in Lausanne.

But even before the talks began, Lavrov appeared to be dampening down hopes of a breakthrough with Russian news agencies on Friday quoting him as saying he had no "special expectations" for the latest diplomatic effort.

And a French diplomatic source told AFP: "When you see the results from the previous (truce) efforts, quite frankly I`m a bit sceptical about the next ones."

With no let-up in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s onslaught on eastern Aleppo, the sides will look at how to revive the short-lived ceasefire.

Moscow and Washington hammered out the agreement before it quickly crumbled amid the ferocious assault on the rebel-held part of the city, backed by Russian air power.

The offensive has sparked accusations of potential war crimes from the West.

Lavrov also insisted on Friday that Russia did not plan to present new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict.

Instead he said Moscow would call for "concrete steps" to implement earlier UN resolutions and the now defunct US-Russia ceasefire deal.

Kerry and Lavrov will be joined in Lausanne by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, along with the top diplomats of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key supporter of Assad`s regime, has said its Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will take part as well. Kerry is then due to head to London, where he is likely to meet up on Sunday with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany.

Hopes however are low that the talks will lead to a breakthrough in resolving the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

Some experts think Russia may be playing for time as it seeks to solidify its positions ahead of the US presidential elections, now only weeks away.

"The Russians are seeking to maximise their advantage before (President Barack) Obama`s successor -- probably (Hillary) Clinton -- steps in with a likely firmer approach to Syria," said Karim Bitar, a researcher at the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs think tank in Paris.

In Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitor, said Russian and Syrian warplanes again pounded opposition-controlled eastern districts on Friday.

The intensified bombardment has put yet more strain on rescue workers and medical staff in the besieged east, home to an estimated 250,000 residents.

Overwhelmed rescue workers combed through the rubble of shattered buildings looking for victims of the bombardment.

Assad, meanwhile, buoyed by the gains pro-regime forces have made in Aleppo, said he would use a victory there as a "springboard" to capture other rebel strongholds.

"It`s going to be the springboard, as a big city, to move to another areas, to liberate another areas from the terrorists," he said in an interview with Russia`s Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid published Friday.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo since the assault began, according to the Observatory.

Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts, according to the monitor, which compiles its information from sources on the ground.
Bangkok: The 96-year-old head of Thailand's Royal advisory body has been made caretaker of the monarchy as the country mourns the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Prem Tinsulanonda's appointment is in line with the constitution, which states that the Privy Council president is acting regent when the throne is vacant.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha informed the National Legislative Assembly on Thursday that Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would like to take some time to grieve with the nation before accepting the invitation to become the new King.

"Pending the proclamation of the name of the Heir or the Successor to the Throne under Article 23, the President of the Privy Council shall be Regent pro tempore," the Constitution says.

The duty of the Regent pro tempore ends when a meeting of the National Legislative Assembly invites the heir to ascend the throne.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam also confirmed last night that the Privy Council president has been named the regent.

Prem, was appointed council president in 1988, succeeding?former prime minister Sanya Dharmasakti. Prem was prime minister for eight years from 1980.

The world's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol, died on Thursday in a Bangkok hospital, at the age of 88.

The King's body was taken in a convoy yesterday to the Grand Palace, with thousands of weeping mourners lining on both sides of the street to pay their respects to their beloved King.
Riyadh: The Saudi-led coalition battling Yemeni rebels said on Saturday that one of its warplanes had "wrongly targeted" a funeral in the capital Sanaa that killed more than 140 people, and announced disciplinary proceedings.

"Because of non-compliance with coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries," an inquiry team found.

"Appropriate action... must be taken against those who caused the incident, and... compensation must be offered to the families of the victims."

The October 8 strike prompted an international outcry and strong criticism even from Saudi Arabia`s closest Western allies.
Istanbul: Turkish-backed fighters were advancing Saturday on the northern Syrian town of Dabiq, which has become a rallying cry for the Islamic State group as the prophesied scene of an end-of-days battle.

"We are now advancing. Where? To Dabiq," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in televised comments in the Black Sea province of Rize.

Turkey launched an unprecedented operation inside Syria on August 24, helping Syrian rebels to rid its frontier of IS jihadists and Syrian Kurdish militia.

In the operation`s early weeks, Jarabulus and Al-Rai became the first two major settlements to be captured from the jihadists.

The Syrian rebels, supported by Turkish planes and tanks, seized a strategic hilly region from IS and were now only around 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Dabiq, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Two hours ago, the rebels started their attack to control Dabiq. The rebels came from Al-Rai," it said.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said the advance was backed by heavy artillery from Turkish-backed forces.

Dabiq holds crucial ideological importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

The town itself has negligible military value compared with the strategic IS-controlled cities of Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

But among IS supporters on social media, Dabiq has become a byword for a struggle against the West, with Washington and its allies bombing jihadists portrayed as modern-day Crusaders.

"The lions of Islam have raised the banner of the Caliphate in Dabiq," one Tunisian IS supporter on Twitter in 2014, shortly after the jihadists took the town. "Now they await the arrival of the Crusader army."

Earlier this week, IS tried to downplay the advancing rebel forces in its Al-Naba online pamphlet, saying the major battle for the town was yet to come.

Anti-IS fighters and their Turkish backers "have amassed in Aleppo, announcing Dabiq as their major goal," and thinking they could score "a great moral victory against the Islamic State."

But "the great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by great events and apocalyptic omens," the pamphlet, published Thursday, said.

"These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts -- the lesser Dabiq battle -- will end in the greater Dabiq epic," the group added.

Dabiq is also the name of the jihadists` sleek English-language propaganda magazine. Every new edition opens with a quote by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the late leader of IS`s precursor, the Islamic State of Iraq.

"The spark has been ignited in Iraq, and its flames will grow until they burn the Crusader armies in Dabiq," he once said.
By India Today Web Desk: A day after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung dared Kejriwal government to face probe, the Aam Aadmi Party launched a counter-attack on Saturday. AAP spokesperson Ashutosh accused Jung of acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implicate party leaders.

Ashutosh alleged that Jung benefited Reliance Industries in 'Panna-Mukta scam' when he was the joint secretary in petroleum ministry. "The probe was handed over to the CBI, but Jung escaped after handing over his resignation," the AAP spokesperson said.

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"LG was involved in CNG fitness scam and that's why he obstructed a probe into it. LG, who is tainted himself, must not threaten us with a probe committee," Ashutosh said.

READ: Kejriwal govt misused taxpayers' money to expand AAP's base outside Delhi, says report

THE 400 FILES

The Delhi government and LG Jung have sparred over several issues in past, but the latest flashpoint between the two is a probe into about 400 files that are in possession of the office of Jung. The files are being examined by a three-member Shunglu committee, to which AAP government has objected.

Addressing the press, Ashutosh said, "We have received an unconstitutional reply from the LG office on the issue of 400 files. LG is threatening an elected government in Delhi."

READ: L-G rejects AAP request to dissolve Shunglu panel

"The elected government conveyed to the LG that the examination of official files by (Shunglu) committee is wrong. LG is showing government files to outsiders. The Delhi cabinet considers this as a wrong practice," he said.

AAP also questioned the authority of the LG to refer those files to be examined by a committee. "Under which rule, the LG has asked the committee to examine the files? LG thinks that he is the viceroy of Delhi," Ashutosh said.ALSO READ:

Kejriwal slams L-G's move to declare AAP's decisions illegal, says it will create chaos

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By India Today Web Desk: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil continues to make headlines, ahead of its Diwali release. Now, in an interview with Rajeev Masand, Karan Johar has revealed that Alia Bhatt will be seen in a special appearance in the film.

Alia joins Shah Rukh Khan and Lisa Haydon, who are also making guest appearances in the film. Apparently, Alia agreed to play the short role, as she is very close to Karan and even made her debut in his Student Of The Year.

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ALSO READ | Ranbir-Aishwarya's lovemaking scenes, Fawad Khan: *NO* cuts in ADHM

ALSO READ | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's Breakup song: Dev D to Love Aaj Kal, Bollywood's breakup songs

Alia will be seen playing a DJ in The Break-Up Song, which has already garnered over 50 million views in less than 48 hours. Karan says, "We had a part for the DJ. It was always a part in the script. If somebody has got to do it, then why not someone whom I love?"

Anushka Sharma added that it "made sense" to have Alia on-board to justify "suddenly playing Bollywood music in London."

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

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President of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India Nitin Datar had earlier announced that Ae Dil Hai Mushkil would not be released in four states.

By India Today Web Desk: After the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) announced its decision to not release Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and parts of Karnataka, president of the association Nitin Datar seems to be backtracking on his words.

ALSO READ: MNS threatens to beat filmmakers who work with Pakistan artistes

ALSO READ: After MNS, Cine Owners Association declares ban on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

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According to a report in The Indian Express, Datar said in an interview today, "There is no ban, it is our request to them keeping in mind the sentiments of the Indian public. The sentiments of the public are against Pakistani films. Pakistan has already banned our Hindi content on satellite. We haven't done that. We have taken the decision to suspend films featuring Pakistani actors, given patriotic sentiments of our public."

The MNS had threatened to become violent if the Karan Johar film starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was allowed to release. The president of the MNS film wing Ameya Khopkar had even said, "We will beat Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt if they try to cast Pakistan artistes in their films." Datar asked, "What will happen if theatres are damaged? Is Karan Johar going to compensate?"

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India's Narendra Modi shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Indo-Russia Annual Summit at Taj Exotica Hotel in Goa on October 15, 2016

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to sign lucrative energy and defence deals Saturday, aimed at shoring up economic ties between the long-time allies.

Putin was greeted with a military band and traditional dancers after arriving in the Indian tourism state of Goa for talks with Modi ahead of a BRICS summit.

Other heads of the BRICS club of leading emerging nations -- Brazil, China and South Africa -- were also gathering for this weekend's summit that is expected to focus on trade and counter-terrorism.

Putin is seeking to seal deals with India in an attempt to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy, following sliding oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Among the agreements expected are Moscow's delivery of its most advanced anti-aircraft defence system to India, a deal that has been in the pipeline for several years.

India, the world's top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

But India has increasingly turned to the United States, rather than Russia for its hardware in recent years, as Modi cultivates closer ties with the Washington.

Nevertheless, India's ambassador to Russia, Pankaj Saran, hailed the "special and privileged" partnership between the two nations.

"It is very deep and very intense and it is poised to grow even further," Saran told reporters before the talks got underway.

The leaders are also focusing on energy deals to meet India's growing thirst for fuel and electricity for its fast-growing economy.

Russia's biggest oil company Rosneft is expected to acquire India's Essar Oil in a multi-billion-dollar deal, according to local media reports, quoting officials involved in the agreement.

The leaders are also expected to sign a framework agreement to supply two more reactors to a nuclear plant in Kudankulam in southern India.

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Saran said they would also likely discuss India's tensions with neighbour Pakistan, which spiked after last month's attack on an Indian army base that killed 19 soldiers.

Modi has sought to isolate Pakistan internationally since the attack that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

India said it subsequently carried out strikes against militants over the border in Pakistan, prompting a furious response from Islamabad.

But Putin is seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rivals, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

- Air defence system -

In beachside Goa, the two leaders will reach agreement on Moscow's delivery of the S-400 Triumph defence system, Russian news agencies have quoted a Putin aide as saying, without detailing a timeframe.

The S-400 is Russia's most modern air defence system and has been deployed to Syria, where Moscow is conducting a bombing campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

The strong ties between India and Russia date back to the 1950s after the death of Stalin. But trade has slipped from just $10 billion in 2014, which both sides have said is not good enough.

Modi will also hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping late Saturday, in the hope of boosting investment and trade, but with relations frustrated by Beijing's decision so far to block New Delhi's entry to a nuclear trade group, among other issues.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are jockeying for regional influence in Asia.

Modi will also host a dinner for the BRICS leaders, ahead of the summmit talks starting on Sunday at a plush beachside resort.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Indo-Russia Annual Summit in Goa on October 15, 2016

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed multi-billion dollar energy and defence pacts on Saturday following talks aimed at reinvigorating ties between the traditional allies.

Modi hailed Putin as an "old friend" after their meeting in the Indian state of Goa, where leaders of the other BRICS emerging nations were also gathering for a summit.

"Your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership," Modi said alongside Putin at a beachside resort, after officials signed up to 20 agreements between the two nations.

Modi said the pacts on jointly producing light military helicopters, building frigates and other areas of cooperation "lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties for years ahead".

They also signed an initial agreement on India's purchase of Russia's state of the art defence system, capable of shooting down multiple incoming missiles, although there were no details on a timeframe for delivery.

India, the world's top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

But India has increasingly turned to the United States, and more recently France, rather than Russia, for its hardware, as Modi cultivates closer ties with Washington.

Putin has been seeking to seal deals with India to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy, following sliding oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

"I would like to stress that we intend to expand our bilateral cooperation not only in energy but also across a wide range of areas," Putin said.

The announced energy deals include Russian oil giant Rosneft's decision to buy almost the entire stake in India's Essar Oil for almost $13 billion.

Essar said the deal involving a group led by Rosneft was the largest single foreign direct investment in India.

The leaders also signed an agreement to supply more units to a nuclear plant in Kudankulam in southern India to meet the fast-growing economy's thirst for electricity and to reduce its reliance on dirty coal.

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They discussed the threats posed by regional and "global terrorism" although it was not clear if this included India's hiked tensions with archrival Pakistan.

Putin was seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rival neighbours, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

- Helicopters -

The deal for Russia's most modern air defence system has been in the pipeline for a few years, along with the helicopters, and the building of four frigates in India.

India will purchase about 200 of the choppers to replace its ageing fleet under a joint venture over several years, with some manufactured in India, as it reduces its reliance on military imports.

"In the next few months, a place will be allocated (for manufacture) and there will be investments," Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov told AFP.

India and Russia have traditionally held strong ties dating back to the 1950s after the death of Stalin. But trade has slipped beneath $10 billion since 2014, as Modi cultivates closer diplomatic and economic ties with Washington, while Russia eyes Pakistan and also China.

Modi will hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping late Saturday, also in the hope of boosting investment and trade. Relations however have been frustrated by Beijing's decision so far to block New Delhi's entry to a nuclear trade group, among other issues.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are jockeying for regional influence in Asia.

Modi will host a dinner for the leaders of the BRICS club - which also includes South Africa and Brazil -- ahead of talks on Sunday.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.
BERLIN (Reuters) - A Syrian refugee arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin spoke to a member of Islamic State in Syria by telephone about a possible target a day before German police discovered explosives in his apartment, a newspaper reported on Saturday. Jaber Albakr was detained on Monday, two days after police discovered about 1.5 kg of explosives in his apartment. He was found dead in prison on Wednesday. Authorities said he had committed suicide. Germany's Welt am Sonntag (WamS) cited investigation sources as saying U.S. intelligence had provided a tip-off about Albakr after tapping several phone calls between him and an Islamic State member in Syria. During the calls, 22-year-old Albakr spoke about his attack plans, the newspaper said. In a call on Oct. 7, Albakr told his contact that 2 kg of explosives were ready and he named a possible target, saying a "big airport in Berlin" was "better than trains", WamS reported. In July, the militant group claimed responsibility for two attacks in the German state of Bavaria - one on a train near Wuerzburg and the other at a music festival in Ansbach that wounded 20 people. WamS said federal prosecutors investigating the case assumed that Albakr wanted to make a vest packed with explosives for an attack. Albakr arrived in Germany in February 2015 during a migrant influx into the country and was granted temporary asylum four months later. The man who rented the flat in the eastern city of Chemnitz in which Albakr last lived - a 33-year-old Syrian who WamS named as Khalil A. - is in custody and is being investigated on suspicion of helping Albakr, the newspaper said. Separately, the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper and the regional broadcaster rbb cited federal security sources as saying Albakr had spent a night in Berlin in the second half of September and met a contact there. During that time, he visited one of the city's two airports, they added, without saying which one. The newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (F.A.S.) said train tickets that investigators found in Albakr's possessions were key to uncovering the Berlin trip. The federal prosecutor's office declined to comment on media reports when contacted by Reuters. F.A.S. cited a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office as saying there were not yet "enough links to IS that could be used in court". German security sources told Reuters that Albakr had travelled to Turkey after receiving asylum in Germany and spent several months there this summer. F.A.S. said Albakr landed in the eastern German city of Leipzig at the end of August on his return from Turkey. The newspaper cited investigators as saying Albakr had already planned an attack at that point. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has enormous potential to develop tourism and it should not leg behind its neighbors, Director at the Institute of Contemporary Economics, political scientist Nikita Isaev told Armenpress, who participates in the 5th Armenian-Russian inter-regional conference.

He believes tourism can become one of the crucial spheres of Armenian economy.

Evidently, Armenian inbound tourism is under-estimated and the country records good growth results. If we compare with Georgia, which receives 5.5 million tourists annually, 1.2 million of which are Russians, the overall number in Armenia is 1.2 million, half million of which are Russian tourists. The numbers show that there is great development potential. For Armenia, that seeks growth opportunities for the economy, tourism can be one of the most promising branches, he said.

Nikita Isaev noted that the sphere faces a number of issues, and the future works will be directed at it.

Firstly, it is about administrative issues that refer to the opportunity for the representatives of the EAEU member states to visit Armenia with internal passports. The second issue is about logistics, particularly, decrease of flight tariffs, which needs state subsidy. The next important issue is informational; there is lack of information about Armenia both in Russia and EAEU member states. If at least these three questions are raised on an international level among the private sector, tourist agencies, there will be success, and tourism is the sphere that can bring revenues rather quickly, Nikita Isaev said.

To the question what mechanism should be applied to raise these issues on the mentioned level, he answered, First of all it is necessary to take advantage of integration processes that take place between Armenia and Russia, the issue of tourism should be referred to in different formats: interstate, inter-parliamentary, the political scientist said.
By PTI: From Achinta Borah

Budapest, Oct 15 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived here on a three-day visit to Hungary during which he will raise the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India along with a host of bilateral issues.

The visit comes amid the current tension with Pakistan in the wake of the Uri terror attack and subsequent surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

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The issue of terrorism emanating from across Indias border will be raised during the bilateral meetings the Vice President will have with Hungarys President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the top leadership.

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta has said that terrorism will be the major theme in the Vice Presidents bilateral talks in Hungary.

Ansari will interact with students, academicians and the Indian community during his three-day stay in the country.

The Vice Presidents visit to Hungary comes over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries.

After this trip, Ansari will visit Algeria from October 17 to 19. PTI ACB NES KUN

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By PTI: On the second leg of his visit from October 17, Ansari

On the second leg of his visit from October 17, Ansari will tour Algeria, the North African country being a major source of oil and gas.

"Algeria has extensive deposits of phosphate. We want to explore whether joint venture industries could be set up in Algeria with Algerian phosphate and gas and Indian funds and technology so that fertilisers could be brought to India from Algeria instead of raw materials," he said.

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The visit to Algeria comes after a long "cooling off" period in bilateral relations.

Algerias President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations way back in 2001.

In his deliberations with the Algerian President, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other top leadership, Ansari said he would like to revive the old and deep ties that India has with the Arab nation.

He said due to some difference of opinion on some third country, there was a "cooling off" period in relations but that time is over now.

"They (Algeria) want cooperation and we want cooperation. Both sides want the relations to be strengthened," he said.

Ansari is accompanied by union minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers Mansukh L Mandava, MPs Prabhakar Kore, Javed Ali Khan and Saugata Roy. PTI ACB KUN

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The co-hosts from Antakshari got together recently for an epic picture, sans Annu Kapoor.

By India Today Web Desk: 'Parwane, Mastane and Deewane', anyone?

Television shows of the '90s will always be a part of our lives. And one such show was Antakshari.

The show, which started in 1993, brought the whole nation together, in front of the TV screen.

So much nostalgia in one picture. Picture courtesy: Twitter/RenukaShahane

The weekly musical show was a hit with family audiences, who loved to sing their old favourites or hit movie songs from the '90s.

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And to remind us of the golden time again, Bollywood actor and TV host Renuma Sahane took to her Twitter account to share a few pictures she got clicked with three other female hosts from the show--Durga Jasraj, Pallavi Joshi and Rajeshwari Sachdev.

Also read: A journalist thought Renuka Shahane did Shanti; rest of the conversation is even more hilarious

The Hum Aapke Hain Koun actor shared the picture with the caption, "Hum ek geet gaa chuke hain ab teri hai baari, jo tu na gaa paayaa toh teri team hai haari"

Antakshari was hosted by Annu Kapoor from 1994 to 2005; Kapoor became a household name thanks to the show.

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An editorial, published in China's Global Times, said India should not to be jealous about the growing China-Bangladesh relations and it will be a mistake to see the effort as a step of detaching Bangladesh from the embrace of New Delhi.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Awami League General Secretary And Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam today said Bangladesh is improving ties with China focusing on the development of the country and maintaining the friendship with its trusted ally India.

After seeing off the Chinese President Xi Jinping at Shahjalal International Airport, answering to journalist Syed Ashraful said, "We are working with China, and we are also working with India at the same time. He said, we have to maintain relations with all. Nothing can be done alone in the era of globalisation".

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BANGLADESH SUPPORTS CHINA'S' ONE BELT, ONE ROAD INITIATIVE



This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Bangladesh in three decades. Bangladesh has supported China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to take the relations of two countries to 'strategic partnership and cooperation. Anticipating India's worries before Xi's visit to Bangladesh, in an editorial of China's Global Times it was advised to India not to view Bangladesh's growing relationship with China in a different angle. The editorial also said, India should not to be jealous about the growing China-Bangladesh relations and it will be a mistake to see the effort as a step of detaching Bangladesh from the embrace of New Delhi.

Bangladesh's relation between India and Awami League is compact.



The relation between India and the current government led by Awami League is compact and along with this the relation with China is also getting stronger in pursuing economic development including infrastructure.

CHINA IS A SUPER POWER: SYED ASHRAFUL



General Secretary of ruling party Syed Ashraful said, China is a super power now and we have to acknowledge it. So far, China has been constructive in strengthening partnership with Bangladesh. There is nothing to be panicked.

A total of 27 deals and MoU have been signed between Bangladesh and China during the visit of Xi, which amount to promises of $21.5 billion dollars of support. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque said, among these 12 are loan and bilateral agreement while the rest fifteen are treaties and MoU between the two governments.

ALSO READ:

China's $24 billion boost to Bangladesh, a year after India gave $2 billion



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US President Barack Obama has held a National Security Council meeting to review progress in the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIS, says the White House.

By Press Trust of India: US President Barack Obama has held a National Security Council meeting to review progress in the campaign to degrade and destroy ISIS and the efforts to alleviate sufferings of the Syrian people, the White House has said.

"Although the United States suspended bilateral channels with Russia in pursuit of a cessation of hostilities, the President directed his team to continue multilateral discussions with key nations with a vested interest in the region to encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence and, more broadly, a diplomatic resolution to the civil war," the White House said.

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Also read: US upset with Russia, China exercising veto power to blunt peace efforts for Syria

AGGRESSIVE CAMPAIGN AGAINST ISIS

"The President's team highlighted our continued prosecution, together with our global partners, of an aggressive campaign against ISIS that includes military, intelligence, law enforcement, and diplomatic efforts," it said yesterday.

He was also updated on coalition efforts to apply simultaneous pressure against ISIS across Syria and Iraq, the White House said. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

OBAMA LISTS TOP PRIORITIES

During the meeting, Obama emphasised that preventing attacks on the US and countering terrorist threats from ISIS and al-Qaeda in Syria remained his top priorities.

Also read: Comment of Pakistan envoy that Obama is now guest is ridiculous: US

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By PTI: From Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Oct 15 (PTI) Bangladeshi and Chinese companies have signed trade and investment deals worth over USD 13 billion, mainly covering infrastructure and energy sectors, in addition to the USD 20 billion in loan agreements the two governments signed during President Xi Jinpings visit to the country.

Commerce ministry officials said 13 of the projects for which China signed deals with 11 Bangladeshi private firms and two government entities covered infrastructure, communication, power and energy and sports.

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The deals were worth USD 13.6 billion, they said.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, while briefing reporters on the deals yesterday, however, did not to quote any figure for the deals and the loan agreements between the two nations.

"You will have to wait more few days to know about total financial involvement of the projects to be undertaken under the agreements," he said.

President Xi today arrived in India for the BRICS Summit in Goa, after completing his two-day trip to Bangladesh. Xi was the first Chinese leader to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

Xi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday announced that the Dhaka-Beijing ties have now been elevated to a level of "strategic partnership".

"China-Bangladesh relationship is now at a new historical starting point and heading toward a promising future," Xi said after his talks with Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina.

Xi said China would "continue to do its best" to provide capital, technological and human resources support and carry out "more cooperation" on big projects with Bangladesh to support its economic and social development.

After the bilateral talks, Xi and Hasina witnessed the signing of 27 agreements and MoUs involving the two governments.

Chinas state-owned and private entities also signed 13 agreements mostly with Bangladeshi private enterprises.

"The deals could involve an amount of over USD 20 billion as those included mega projects requiring loans," a foreign ministry official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Bangladesh has also extended its support to Xis pet Belt and Road Initiative on which India has expressed reservations in the past.

Hasina said Bangladesh is willing to actively work with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and support the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar, so as to push forward development in various fields such as electricity, energy, technology, agriculture, water resources, investment, transportation infrastructure and connectivity.

"China is ready to work with Bangladesh to move forward as friends and partners who trust and support each other and to add more substance to China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation," Xi said after holding talks with Hasina.

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At the signing ceremony, Hasina noted that she had a "very fruitful" discussion with Xi on issues like improving bilateral, regional, and international cooperation. PTI AR ABH

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India is likely to raise a series of issues at the BRICS and BIMSTEC summit being held in Goa today.

By Maha Siddiqui: Heads of over 10 nations from BRICS and BIMSTEC are gathered in Goa. All eyes are on Saturday though, are keenly trained on the two crucial bilateral meetings of Prime Minister Modi.

The first out of the two meetings will be with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the evening interaction will be with Chinese President Xi Jinping.



Here is what India is likely to raise at these bilateral meetings Sources have told India Today that the issue of the technical hold on Masood Azhar being enlisted as a UN-designated terrorist will come up for talks at a 'high level'. India will press upon the need for the JeM chief to be on the list and will present to China some of his 'incendiary statements' in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack to press its point home. Just days ahead of the BRICS summit China tried to justify its stand by saying there was still a difference of opinion in the UN committee over the matter. China has also blocked India's NSG bid. The Dragon has made an attempt to club India and Pakistan in the same nuclear-armed-countries bracket. Senior officials in MEA believe it is unjustified to club the two neighbours together as India has an impeccable track record whereas Pakistan's nuclear proliferation record is known to the world. India has already made its concern public over the Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise. Just days after the Uri terror attack, Druzhba 2016 in Cherat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province did not go down well with India. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is believed to have communicated this message to Moscow. Sensing the unease in India, the Russian embassy in Delhi issued a clarification saying the exercise would not be held anywhere in PoK. But that did not placate New Delhi. Ambassador Pankaj Saran made India's annoyance very public when he spoke about it in an interview to a Russian News agency just ahead of the BRICS summit. While answering a question by India Today TVon Friday evening in Goa, Ambassador Saran did not rule out the issue being taken up between PM Modi and President Putin to re-emphasize India's concern that Russia is tilting towards a state sponsor of terror, Pakistan.

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Also read: Honoured to welcome President Putin: PM Modi ahead of BRICS summit

Also read: BRICS meet begins today, India to rally members against Pakistan-sponsored terror at summit

Also read: India to play trade card with China ahead of BRICS summit



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Every week feels like the most amazing, unpredictable week I have ever witnessed.

There are 18 days left before the election though -- and I know, sadly (yes I am sad!) it will end soon.

So let's just live while we can. Drink it in.

Let's do this.
India and Russia inked 16 key pacts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Russia Vladimir Putin held a closed door bilateral meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit.

By Maha Siddiqui: 'An old friend is better than two new ones', was the message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to President of Russia Vladimir Putin when they discussed various aspects of bilateral relationship. PM Modi's comment assumes significance in the wake of reports of Russia getting closer to Pakistan and deeper engagement with China.

The Prime Minister said the ties between the India and Russia were "truly privileged and unique" and used a Russian maxim on friendship, remarking that in Russia they say "an old friend is better than two new friends".

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READ: BRICS meet begins today, India to rally members against Pakistan-sponsored terror at summit

URI AND SURGICAL STRIKES

Modi said that he deeply appreciated Russia's support of "our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region".

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said in a joint address to the media with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The remarks are significant as in the wake of attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists on Indian Army camps, to which New Delhi responded with surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-held Kashmir.

India has also launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan, a country it accuses of sponsoring and aiding cross-border terrorism.

"Your personal attention has been a source of strength to our relationship, your leadership provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged relationship," Modi said.



READ: BRICS summit: India banking on trade ties with Beijing, Kremlin to isolate Pakistan

KEY PACTS

Modi and Putin earlier held a closed-door bilateral meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit. The two countries signed 16 key agreements, including a pact on missile sales and a joint venture for manufacturing helicopters, as the two countries further boosted their military ties.

Key pacts are:

- A shareholders agreement for 226 Kamov helicopters

- A memorandum of understanding to develop transport logistics system

- A pact on creating a united ship-building corporation

- An agreement on education and training

- An MoU on urban development and smart city projects

- A pact on cooperation between Indian and Russian railways

- Announcement in relation to successful execution of documents between Rossnev and Essar for oil

- Space cooperation between Russian space Corporation and ISRO

- An agreement for the procurement of S-400 air defence system

-An MoU between the respective country's Science and Technology departments





ALSO READ:

India unhappy over Russia's military exercise with terror-sponsor Pakistan



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Afghan Taliban Says Attacks on Afghan Shiites are Attacks on All Afghans
Up to 18 employees of Australian billionaire James Packer's Crown Resorts are believed to have been detained in China, reports said Saturday. The gaming company said a group of staff were being questioned, with the Department of Foreign Affairs working to confirm whether Australians were involved. The Australian Financial Review reported that at least 18 were being held, including three Australians who are part of the group's sales and marketing team in China. One was said to be a senior executive. "Crown believes that a number of our employees in China are being questioned by local authorities," the company told the newspaper. "At this time we can provide no further details." The Australian government said it was aware of the issue and "consular officials are seeking to confirm these reports with the relevant Chinese authorities". It is not clear whether any charges have been laid or why the employees are being questioned. Crown operates casinos across the world, including in Macau, where revenues have been hit hard by a Chinese corruption crackdown which has driven away many high-rollers. Graft has become endemic in China and President Xi Jinping launched a much-publicised drive against it after he came to power in 2012. Packer, who is engaged to pop diva Mariah Carey, owns 53 percent of Crown Resorts but resigned as chairman in 2015.
Pessimistic envoys from the United States, Russia and Syria's neighbours met Saturday in Switzerland as Secretary of State John Kerry tried to revive hopes of a ceasefire for the war-torn country. The talks marked Kerry's first encounter with his Russian opposite number Sergei Lavrov since a US and Russian-sponsored truce collapsed last month amid a ferocious Syrian offensive. But diplomats from all sides warned against hopes for a rapid breakthrough in Lausanne, and Moscow showed no sign of softening its strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Even as the diplomats gathered in a lakefront hotel, Moscow's flagship aircraft carrier set sail for the Mediterranean to support the Russian forces shoring up Assad's rule. Fierce fighting was continuing in the multi-front conflict, with Turkish-backed opposition fighters closing in on Dabiq, a symbolic stronghold of the Islamic State group. And in Aleppo, Russian-backed government forces intensified their bombardment of the rebel-held east of the city, further damaging any prospect of a renewed ceasefire. Kerry and Lavrov, once joint sponsors of international peace effort, met ahead of the broader talks, but US officials insisted that their "bilateral track" remains dead. Instead, with President Barack Obama adamant that US forces will not become caught up in the war, Kerry was hoping that talks with Russia and regional powers may yield new ideas. "We are not pursuing this directly with the Russians bilaterally any more," a senior US official travelling with Kerry told reporters ahead of the meeting. "But just because the format has evolved doesn't mean that the underlying objectives have changed," he insisted. Those objectives, he said, are a reduction in violence, more humanitarian access to besieged civilians and a political dialogue between the government and opposition. But both US and Russian officials played down hopes of a breakthrough on Saturday, and Kerry was due to fly on to London on Sunday to brief European allies on the new effort. Lavrov told reporters on Friday he had no "special expectations" of progress. Iran also voiced scepticism, with a foreign affairs ministry spokesman saying: "I don't think we can have a lot of a hope for the outcome of this meeting." The talks come as Moscow faces down growing criticism over its backing for Assad's assault in divided Aleppo. Air strikes hit rebel-held parts of Aleppo again Saturday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based watchdog with a network of sources on the ground. Against this bloody backdrop, a leading opposition group slammed the talks, saying they would not stop the killing. Abdal Ahad Stefo, deputy head of the Istanbul-based National Coalition, told AFP the negotiations "will only lead to wasting more time ... and the shedding of more Syrian blood". - Seeking concrete steps - Aleppo has been engulfed by some of the worst violence of the conflict since the collapse of last month's truce deal. "I think we need to see what happens in the room to determine whether this is the beginning of a new process that continues in this format or not," said the senior US official. On Friday, Lavrov had warned that Russia was not planning on presenting new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011. Instead he called for "concrete steps" to implement earlier UN resolutions and specifically for opposition fighters to separate from "terrorist" jihadist groups. Kerry and Lavrov were joined by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, as well as top diplomats from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all nations that back Syrian opposition forces. Iran, a key Assad supporter, was being represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Egypt, Iraq and Jordan were also set to be part of the meeting, the US official said. The intensified bombardment has put increasing strain on rescue workers in besieged eastern Aleppo which is home to an estimated 250,000 residents. More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo since September 22, according to the Observatory. Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts. Buoyed by his forces' gains in Aleppo, Assad vowed to use victory there as a "springboard" to capture other rebel bastions, in remarks published Friday.
Indonesian property developer Intiland Development was named this years Best Developer at the annual Indonesia Property Awards 2016, an international event organised by PropertyGuru Group and presented by Hansgrohe...

The winners and highly commended entries at this years Indonesia Property Awards. (Photo: Property Report)

Indonesian property developer Intiland Development was named this years Best Developer at the annual Indonesia Property Awards 2016, an international event organised by PropertyGuru Group and presented by Hansgrohe. Intiland beat more than 20 shortlisted nominees for the title.

The awards ceremony, held at the Fairmont Jakarta on Thursday night (13 October), was attended by more than 330 industry professionals. Jakartas Assistant Deputy Governor for Spatial Planning, Ir Ismet Ariana, was the guest of honour.

Intiland has been consistently developing high-calibre properties that can be benchmarked against other commercial and residential properties in world-class cities, said the judging panel.

Intiland also won two other awards for Best Housing Development for the Serenia Hills landed housing project, and Best Commercial Development for South Quarter, an office building in Jakarta.

South Quarter also picked up the Best Green Development prize. The Balinese rice terraces-inspired development is set to receive Green Mark Platinum certification from Singapores Building and Construction Authority.

In total, there were 30 winning companies and individuals this year. Nearly 130 entries were received for more than 40 projects located in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Lombok and Makassar.

One of the regional developments to earn multiple accolades was the Lombok-based Selong Selo Residences by the Selong Selo Group, which has attracted many local and foreign investors.

Another big winner was The Mansion at Le Parc by Putragaya Wahana, which won four awards, including one for Best Condo Development. The concept for the luxury project in Jakarta mixes the citys rich heritage with early 20th-century architecture and Dutch influences.

In addition, the new category for Special Recognition in Sustainable Development saw two winners  Prima Bangun Investama and Summarecon Agung. The latters Director of Property and Business Development, Herman Nagaria, was named Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of Property Report magazine for championing sustainable townships across the country.

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The success of the Indonesia Property Awards is largely testament to the markets ability to adapt to changing macroeconomic conditions and real estate trends, said Terry Blackburn, Founder and Managing Director of the Asia Property Awards.

Hendra Hartono, CEO of Leads Property Services Indonesia, and chairman of the judging panel, said: 2015 marked the lowest point of the property market in Indonesia, mainly due to sluggish macroeconomic conditions. Despite the short-term economic slowdown that has affected investor sentiment, the Indonesian property market in general has shown resilience, especially when compared with different economic crisis of the past.

The winners from Indonesia will go on to compete with those from seven other ASEAN countries for the regional titles at the sixth annual South East Asia Property Awards 2016. More than 500 guests and VIPs are expected to attend the event, which will be held on 24 November at the Shangri-La Singapore.

Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
"I'm with Nicola," is a popular slogan on Scottish National Party memorabilia at conferences and elections. And while SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was unlikely to have had a total reprieve at this week's SNP conference in Glasgow because of Brexit uncertainty, there is a palpable trust among her supporters that she will find the best route to a possible Scottish independence. Some delegates at the SNP annual conference gave a cautious reaction to the possibility of a new independence referendum, brought on by the Brexit vote. The SNP's thirst to separate from the United Kingdom remains undimmed but they have gained a measure of pragmatism after Scotland voted No to independence in 2014 following a referendum called by former SNP leader Alex Salmond. On the conference stalls, T-shirts remain on sale emblazoned with the slogan "Yes" and the party's in-house newspaper is still called the Scots Independent. There are no tartan-and-shortbread Scottish stereotypes here however. The SNP is viewed as a modern outward looking party, increasingly more European than insular. Sturgeon meanwhile has become something of a style icon in Scottish political circles, with her high heels and dresses designed by Scottish fashion house Totty Rocks. "I don't think we can actually predict when the next referendum is going to be," Malcolm MacLean, a party member from Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, told AFP in Glasgow. "I think it is in Nicola's hands and I am quite happy to wait until Nicola gives the green light -- but I do think we have to keep the pressure up." - Brexit factor - Sturgeon opened the conference Thursday with a promise to publish a draft bill for an independence referendum next week. She said it would be a fall-back plan in case the British government does not heed her demands for continued membership of Europe's single market and greater autonomy from London as Britain exits the EU. "It's important to remember what we need to think about as a party in terms of independence, and how Brexit has affected that," said conference attendee Christina Hendry, who joined the SNP nine years ago aged 12. Hendry said she wanted another referendum within two years. "I'm a student and I have spoken to a lot of students who voted 'No' last time, and since Brexit happened they've actually changed their minds," she said. "They have realised that if they want potential opportunities for the future either in Europe or in Scotland... then they need to vote to stay in the EU, which essentially an independence vote can do." The polling does not appear to back her up however. A survey published by BMG for Scotland's Herald newspaper this week showed support for independence at 45 percent and at 55 percent for the status quo -- the same as the 2014 result. And a YouGov poll conducted in August showed support for independence at 46 percent. Nationalists saw a glimmer of hope, tinged with a hint of sadness, in Britain's referendum result on exiting the European Union. A total 62 percent of Scots voted in June to remain the EU only to be outvoted by the vastly more populous areas of England. Looking ahead to next week's referendum details, SNP Youth member Rob Rosie said he would be surprised if a vote date was mentioned. "But it's quite exciting what is happening," he added.
By Corina Pons CARACAS (Reuters) - They say they have not been paid for two months, have had their electricity cut and are sometimes banned from flights - and the laws they pass are blocked anyway. Venezuela's opposition lawmakers accuse the socialist government of sabotaging their work after winning a majority in congress last December. The pro-government Supreme Court has blocked all congress' bills from becoming law. Earlier this week, the high court also allowed President Nicolas Maduro to present the 2017 budget without congressional approval. On a smaller scale, congressmen say they are also being blocked from doing their job because of lack of state resources. "There's no money for anything," said lawmaker Angel Alvarado, adding he bought printer ink with his own money. "This is a means of destroying democracy ... They're strangling the Assembly." OPEC-member Venezuela is suffering through a severe economic crisis with shortages of basic goods and food and rising crime. Half a dozen opposition lawmakers interviewed by Reuters say they have not been paid for two months, and those living outside the capital Caracas say they have never received travel expenses. Gabriela Arellano, lawmaker for Tachira state near the Colombian border, said she had been twice prevented from boarding state airlines for a flight to Caracas because her name was on a blacklist. For the last three months, she has had to make the 14-hour trip by road. Others said they had been stopped when trying to travel to Margarita Island in September for a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. Last week, a session of congress was suspended because it did not reach a quorum of 83 out of 167 lawmakers. The opposition said the reason was the logistical problems. Maduro said attendance problems did not exist when he was a congressman in the then Socialist Party-controlled Congress, blaming "lazy" opposition lawmakers for the suspension of 25 sessions this year. In a speech on Friday, Maduro seemed to admit lawmakers were not being paid because Congress was defying the law, saying he was only approving money for National Assembly workers. The Information Ministry and Venezuela's airlines association did not respond to requests for comment. Lawmakers should receive a 40,000 bolivar monthly salary, just over a dollar a day at the black market exchange rate or $60 a month at the weakest official rate. "Now I'm a lawmaker, my mom has to look after me," said Arellano, the Tachira state representative. (Writing by Girish Gupta, Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Alexandra Ulmer and Grant McCool)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday defended his threat to kill criminals as "perfect" and vowed no let-up in his war on crime, as the death toll surged past 3,700. International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said Thursday she was "deeply concerned" about the violence, and signalled Duterte could face prosecution by her body for his incitements to kill. But Duterte launched a typically defiant counter-attack on Friday, defending his rhetoric and the crime war that is seeing more that 1,000 people killed every month. "There is nothing wrong in threatening criminals to death. By that statement alone: 'You criminals, I will kill you. Do not fool around.' It is a perfect statement," Duterte said. Describing his critics as "fools", Duterte reiterated his position he was not breaking any domestic laws by threatening to kill criminals and pledged the crime war would continue until there were no more illegal drugs in society. "I will not stop. Be sure of it, you can cast it in whatever stone. I will not stop until the last pusher, until the last drug lord is taken away." Duterte, 71, won May elections in a landslide on a pledge to eradicate drugs. Last month Duterte said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts, and likened his campaign to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's efforts to exterminate Jews in Europe. He later apologised for his Hitler reference, but said he was "emphatic" about wanting to kill all drug addicts. Since Duterte took office, police have killed 1,578 people and 2,151 have died in unexplained circumstances, according to official figures released Friday. The total of 3,729 is 368 more than the previous police update released last week. The United States, the European Union and the United Nations have condemned alleged extrajudicial killings and warned of a breakdown in the rule of law. Bensouda indicated Thursday that Duterte was at risk of joining the likes of late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi and Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, in being indicted by the International Criminal Court. "Let me be clear: any person in the Philippines who incites or engages in acts of mass violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing... to the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is potentially liable for prosecution before the Court," she said in a statement. The Philippine government this week invited UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard to investigate the killings. But Duterte vowed on Thursday to "humiliate" her and any other critics if they dared to come to the Philippines and investigate. Polls show Filipinos overwhelmingly support Duterte's war on crime.
Connecting with customers is an essential part of running a small business. There are many ways to potentially make those connections, including through lead generation, social media and more. Here are some specific tips from members of our small business community for building strong connections with customers.

Use These Proven Customer Acquisition Strategies

Gaining new customers isnt always easy. But there are some proven strategies you can use to greatly improve your odds of acquiring new customers to your small business. Evan Tarver shares some of those proven strategies in this Plousio post.

Know Your Customers So You Can Beat the Competition

You cant hope to be competitive as a small business unless you really know and understand your customers. In this post on the PeoplePerHour.com blog, Juste Semetaite explains how knowing your customers can really help you beat the competition as a small business.

Avoid These Social Media Marketing Mistakes

Social media can be a very effective way to reach out to and connect with customers. But you need to avoid the common mistakes included in this Start A Fire post by Rachel Bartee if you want your campaigns to be successful. You can also see discussion surrounding the post over on BizSugar.

Use These Small Business Lead Generation Techniques

In order to connect with your customers you first need to generate leads. There are many potential techniques you can use, like the ones listed in this post by Clement Lim on the limwriter blog.

Boost Your Q4 Social Advertising With These Tips

Social advertising can be a great way to reach out to your audience and customers. But you need to have a specific plan in place in order to make the most of your quarterly advertising budget. This Marketing Land post by Brad OBrien includes some tips to help you boost your Q4 social advertising.

Build Trust With Your Sales Leads

In order to convert leads into customers, you need to build trust. You can improve your ability to build trust with sales leads with the tips in this post by Peter Seenan on the Leadfeeder Blog. And BizSugar members also commented on the post here.

Avoid These Mistakes to Help Your Blog Convert

If you want your blog to actually lead to more customers, then you need to make sure its converting. And there are some common mistakes bloggers face that lead to a lack of conversion. This Basic Blog Tips post by Christopher Jan Benitez includes some of those mistakes along with some tips for avoiding them.

Learn How to Use Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories can be a great way for brands to really connect with customers. But you need to understand exactly how to use it first. Here, Falynn Derderian of The Condiment Marketing Co. shares some tips for using Instagram Stories for food brands and more.

Consider Developing a Mobile App

If you want your business to connect with its customers, you need to be able to reach them on the platforms they use. And that means going mobile. This post on the crowdSPRING blog by Lauren Nelson includes some considerations small businesses should make when thinking about launching mobile apps. And the BizSugar community also shared input on the post here.

Use This Free Promotional Idea to Boost Page Views

You cant connect with customers online unless you can first get them to visit your website. That means you need a promotional strategy. This post from Susan Solovic details a free idea you might recognize from your local theater group that can also help your small business.

If youd like to suggest your favorite small business content to be considered for an upcoming community roundup, please send your news tips to: sbtips@gmail.com.
Election 2016

GrowingVoters.org Offers Free Curricula on Voting and U.S. Electoral System

A website geared toward educating elementary, middle, high school and college students about voting and the United States electoral system aims to transform young people into tomorrows voters by using technology and fun lessons and exercises.

GrowingVoters.org is a project designed by Jo-Anne Hart, an international relations and ed tech professor at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Shes also an adjunct professor of international and public affairs at the Watson Institute at Brown University.

The site contains nonpartisan classroom activities, lesson plans and resources designed to foster students interest and background in U.S. political and electoral processes  years before they actually get to the voting booth.

Its a long-term strategy to defeat low voter turnout, Hart said in an interview. Social science research indicates that voter apathy is prevalent (in the United States). Students may well remain apathetic, and you never get them back. We should start with elementary ages  start early and then have students do this kind of work throughout their schooling. Once theyre habituated (about the political process) throughout their schooling, they find a voice and form a habit. And the next possible step is they vote.

For elementary students, GrowingVoters.org offers an activity called Kid Reporters in Action, in which first through third graders can interview adults about the most important election issues in their communities.

The elementary school section also includes election-related e-trading cards, a lemonade stand for civics in the community and an exercise on White House correspondents role playing.

For middle school students, the site offers guidelines on conducting a public opinion survey, using Facebook to post fliers and campaign ads, and learning how to listen to differing opinions with respect.

For high schoolers, GrowingVoters.org provides lessons on designing a campaign marketing strategy, conducting election surveys and opinion polls and using Twitter to post election-related photos, results, opinions and reactions.

The high school section also contains an exercise called HACK the Spin, which simulates a debate and press room and provides instructions on how to analyze political spin and media coverage.

One of my really key motivations in creating this project is  the election is so big, so ambient, it shouldnt be relegated to just social studies class, Hart said. You can discuss it in science class, where you can have students researching political parties on key science issues such as global warming. You can have projects in art class, English class, speech and debate. We can also use these activities to teach media literacy.

Each section contains links to online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Survey Monkey. Students can also use mobile apps to conduct polls and simulated advertising campaigns.

The site and lessons are free. For more information, visit GrowingVoters.org.
By PTI: The meeting is being chaired by Secretary ER (Economic

The meeting is being chaired by Secretary ER (Economic Relations), MEA, Amar Sinha.

Official sources said a particular focus was on intra- BRICS trade, finance and industrial collaboration as well cooperation in education, health, agriculture, science, energy and disaster management.

Several other important subjects, including reform of the UN and IMF, WTO and G20, apart from progress on the sustainable development goals were also deliberated upon by the sherpas.

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Indias chairmanship of BRICS has been marked by several new initiatives, enhanced people-to-people contacts and broad-basing sectoral cooperation between the member nations, sources added.

The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be having nearly ten bilaterals, including an annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet. PTI PYK RAM ABM

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Syrian President Bashar al Assad has said the country's civil war has become a conflict between Russia and the West.

He commented as Russian President Valdimir Putin ratified a deal with the Syrian government allowing Moscow to use the Hmeimim air base in Syria - from where it has been launching airstrikes - indefinitely.

The move coincided with Syrian and Russian warplanes carrying out dozens of airstrikes on rebel-held districts of Aleppo on Friday, as world powers prepared for new talks on a ceasefire.

"Very intense air raids targeted several neighbourhoods from dawn until mid-morning," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

:: Aleppo's children forced to pick through rubbish to survive

He had no immediate word on casualties, but the pro-rebel Aleppo Media Centre claimed the airstrikes killed and wounded a number of people, with some buried under the debris.

Ibrahim Abu al-Leith, a spokesman for the White Helmets rescue force in Aleppo, said the air raids had battered the city and its outskirts overnight.

"There are still people stuck under the rubble in (the opposition-held district of) Tariq al-Bab and the rescuers are working to get them out," he said.

In an interview with Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, Mr Assad said: "What we've been seeing recently during the last few weeks, and maybe few months, is something like more than Cold War.

"I don't know what to call it, but it's not something that has existed recently, because I don't think that the West and especially the United States has stopped their Cold War, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union."

He also said a victory in Aleppo would be "a very important springboard" to pushing "terrorists" back to Turkey.

Mr Assad said Aleppo was effectively no longer Syria's industrial capital, but taking back the city would provide important political and strategic gains for his regime.

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He added that Turkey's actions in Syria constituted an "invasion, against international law, against the morals, against the sovereignty of Syria".

Syrian government forces have encircled eastern Aleppo, besieging more than a quarter of a million people who they say are being used as human shields by "terrorists".

Rescue workers said that Syria's military backed by Russian warplanes had killed more than 150 people in eastern Aleppo this week, in support of its offensive against the city.

The siege has caused an international outcry with a number of countries and groups accusing Syria and Russia of war crimes in connection with attacks on medical facilities and aid convoys.

:: No new plans for British military action in Syria, Theresa May says

Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year, has killed 300,000 people and left millions homeless.

President Assad is backed by the Russian air force, Iran's Revolutionary Guards and an array of Shia militias from Arab neighbours.

Sunni rebels seeking to oust him are backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies.

Earlier this week, Russia announced plans to build a permanent naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus.
By Elisabeth O'Leary GLASGOW, Scotland (Reuters) - Scotland may try to wrest control over migration as part of a new enhanced devolution deal once Britain leaves the European Union, Scotland's minister for EU negotiations said on Friday. Britain's vote in June to quit the EU has put renewed strain on the 309-year union between England and Scotland, barely two years after a referendum in which Scots rejected independence. Scotland voted in the June 23 referendum to stay in the EU, while England voted to leave, partly due to concerns over large-scale immigration from other EU countries. British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to launch the two-year legal process of Brexit by the end of March 2017. Immigration is one area where the British government has leeway to accommodate Scotland's different economic and demographic needs within a new constitutional set-up, Michael Russell told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of a conference of his Scottish National Party (SNP). "Free movement of people, technically, is reserved (for the national government) but actually it's vitally important for us," said Russell, charged with trying to ensure that London respects Scottish interests in the Brexit negotiations. "You don't need a hard border (between England and Scotland), you just have to make sure that people don't have the same entitlements on one soil and on another," said Russell, a pro-EU minister in the devolved Scottish government in Edinburgh. Scotland, the sparsely populated northernmost part of the UK, says it needs immigrants to shore up its economy and boost skills in remote rural areas. The pro-independence SNP has criticised May's government for trying to limit immigration. ENGLISH WORRIES However, the number of migrants entering the UK from the EU is perceived as a problem in much of England, which is much more densely populated and where May's ruling Conservatives have their voter base. England has 53 million of the UK's total 63 million people, while Scotland has only five million. Russell did not explain how Britain might accommodate two separate migration policies. The UK government would be concerned about the possibility of EU workers using Scotland as a springboard into the rest of the country. There are already concerns that customs checkpoints and passport controls may have to be introduced on the border between Ireland, an EU member, and the British province of Northern Ireland after Brexit. Scots have been irked by recent comments of UK ministers suggesting that Britain could leave the EU's single market for goods and services in return for reimposing control over its borders. The comments have driven the pound to fresh lows. Scotland hopes to retain free access to the single market in recognition of its voters' desire to stay in the EU, something First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says is "vital" to business. The idea that Scotland could retain single market membership, or as many elements of it as possible, was floated at the SNP conference on Thursday. But it has yet to be brought before the UK government because negotiations are at such an initial stage, Russell said. Scotland will attempt to shine some light on the UK negotiating process with Brussels, he said. "We will bring to the negotiating table, presumably when there is one ... that dose of rationality," he said. The prospect of leaving the EU has upset many Scots who rejected Scottish independence in the 2014 referendum because they feared that would entail losing EU membership. But opinion polls suggest Britain's vote to leave the EU has not led to an increase in support for Scottish independence. Sturgeon said on Thursday her devolved government would publish a blueprint next week for a possible new independence vote. However, she has not said if or when the bill would be presented formally to the Edinburgh parliament. May has denounced "divisive nationalists" and said there would be no Brexit opt-out available for Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales. A majority in Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU, while the "Leave" camp won in Wales. (Editing by Gareth Jones)
SANTA FE  A state District Court judge on Friday gave Tim Solano the maximum amount of new prison time for his latest DWI arrest, which came just a little over two months after hed been released after serving 10 years for killing a Santa Fe woman while driving drunk.

Judge Mary Marlow Sommer rejected the idea of letting Solano go free with probation after pleading guilty to his sixth DWI conviction.

If the death of a person did not stop you from drinking and driving, then surely probation wont stop you from drinking and driving, she told Solano, 46.

For the latest case, he will the serve maximum two and a half years in prison. He was arrested Dec. 12 for driving with a blood alcohol content of .21 or .22 percent, nearly triple the presumed level of intoxication.

Solano had been released from prison on Sept. 23 last year after serving time for driving into and killing 58-year-old bicyclist Judith Scassera-Cinciripini in July 2005 on Old Santa Fe Trail. In that case, Solano pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, and then-District Court Judge Michael Vigil sentenced him to 12 years in prison followed by two years of probation, and required him to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence regardless good time sentence reductions.

Solanos parole was revoked in May because of the latest DWI and he is now required to serve out the full sentence for the 2005 case as well as the additional time Marlowe Sommer doled out Friday.

Sydney West, Solanos attorney, argued that incarceration wont help Solano with his alcohol problem and asked Marlowe Sommer to consider allowing Solano to go on probation after this vehicular homicide sentence is completed.

Statistics show that the longer youre in prison, the more likely you are to re-offend, West said. She said that the most important thing to the community is that he gets supervision as long as possible.

Solano got his first DWI in 1991 and seriously hurt another woman in a 1999 drunk-driving crash. Prosecutor Marko Hananel said Solano deserves harsh treatment from this court for his DWI history and said the only way to keep him from hurting someone else is to keep him behind bars.

The defendant is a perfect example of the threat drunk drivers pose to the city and to the state, Hananel said. Drunk drivers maim and kill people, its only a matter of time and circumstance. He chooses to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle drunk. Theres no way to protect the community other than to incarcerate him.
A deputy was pinned against a vehicle during a foot chase after making a traffic stop near Atrisco and Central Friday night. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Journal) Sheriff Manny Gonzales addresses the media after one of his deputies was injured when she was pinned between two vehicles during a foot chase Friday night. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Journal) A deputy was pinned between these two vehicles when a suspect attempted to car jack the blue SUV Friday night. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Journal) Deputies take a man into custody after a deputy was pinned between two vehicles during a foot chase and attempted car jacking Friday night. (Roberto E. Rosales/ Journal) Prev 1 of 4 Next

A deputy was injured when she was pinned in between two vehicles during a foot chase and attempted carjacking in a west Central parking lot Friday night, according to a spokeswoman for the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office.

Deputy Felicia Romero said around 9 p.m. deputies stopped a vehicle they spotted driving in reverse on Atrisco near Central. The driver, Patrick Candelaria, 33, fled on foot into a parking lot.

The suspect attempted to carjack a vehicle in the parking lot causing it to crash and pin a deputy into a second vehicle, Romero said.

She said the deputy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and the Candelaria is in custody.

Sheriff Manuel Gonzales joined investigators at the scene before heading to the hospital to check on the injured deputy. He did not identify her.

Our biggest concern is about the deputys health, Gonzales said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deputy.

Romero said that Candelaria was wanted for a misdemeanor and that felony charges are currently pending.
Hurricane Matthew has come and gone, leaving devastation in its wake. So far, at least 1,000 people are reported to have died in Haiti and at least 39 have died throughout the southeastern United States. In North Carolina, the rivers are still rising.

In this election year, given the destruction, you would think climate change would be a major issue. In the presidential debates, which tens of millions watch, there has hardly been a mention. It is what is happening outside, at the grass roots around the country, that gives us hope.

The movement to combat climate change is growing dynamically and unpredictably, and is facing increasing repression from the fossil fuel industry and government authorities. There is perhaps no better example of this than the Standing Rock Sioux tribes resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The tribe has made treaties with the United States for more than a century and a half, and every one of them has been broken by the federal government. So it should come as no surprise that a panel of federal judges ruled against the Standing Rock Sioux, allowing construction of the $3.8 billion oil pipeline to continue.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is not backing down from this fight, Dave Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, said in a statement. We are guided by prayer, and we will continue to fight for our people. We will not rest until our lands, people, waters and sacred places are permanently protected from this destructive pipeline.

In a break with history, though, and despite the courts order, the U.S. Army, along with the departments of Justice and the Interior, issued a statement as well, saying: The Army will not authorize constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline on Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe. We repeat our request that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahe. We also look forward to a serious discussion during a series of consultations  on whether there should be nationwide reform on the Tribal consultation process for these types of infrastructure projects.

It is on that Army Corps of Engineers land that the main resistance camps have been set up, where thousands of mostly indigenous people from more than 200 tribes from across the U.S., Canada and Latin America, have gathered to protect land and water from the pipeline. This is Lakota-Dakota ancestral land, taken without tribal consent by the U.S. Army.

In August, these protectors  they dont call themselves protesters  put out a call for international prayers and solidarity. Each day, creative acts of nonviolent direct action are happening up and down the 1,200-mile length of the proposed pipeline.

On Wednesday, in Keokuk, Iowa, 31-year-old Krissana Mara locked herself to an excavator at the site where the Dakota Access Pipeline is slated to cross the Mississippi River. The growing resistance there, called #MississippiStand, seeks to block the pipeline from traversing that river, as the Standing Rock actions are blocking the pipeline from going under the Missouri River.

Meanwhile, in a stunning coordinated action, nine climate activists were arrested Tuesday for attempting to shut down all tar-sands oil coming into the United States from Canada by manually turning off pipelines in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Washington state.

In a remarkable turn of events, their prosecutor, local District Attorney Samuel Sutter, dropped the criminal charges against the men, saying: Climate change is one of the gravest crises our planet has ever faced. In my humble opinion, the political leadership on this issue has been gravely lacking.

Perhaps leadership from the top has been lacking. But the climate movement is on the rise.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate.
By PTI: Lucknow, Oct 15 (PTI) BSP can emerge as a force to reckon with in Uttarakhand as people there are fed up of "infighting and groupism" in BJP and Congress, party supremo Mayawati said today.

"The people of Uttarakhand are unhappy over infighting and groupism in BJP and Congress as well as their casteist politics. BSP can take advantage of this situation in the coming elections as people believe that a government of sarvjan hitai sarvjan sukhay can be formed," she said.

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The BSP chief was addressing a meeting of senior party functionaries here from poll-bound Uttarakhand.

She said the successive governments led by BJP and Congress in the hill state not only "looted its resources but also failed to live up to the expectations of the people".

"Proper attention was not paid to the welfare of poor, deprived and Dalits," she charged.

Stressing that there were great opportunities for the BSP in Uttarakhand as has been proved in the recent local bodies elections, Mayawati asked partymen to work hard to strengthen the party there.

The Dalit leader also discussed the prevailing political and electoral scenario in the Congress-ruled state and issued necessary directives for the future party programmes. PTI SAB SRY

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Its time to have the conversation.

Should New Mexico legalize, regulate and tax marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 and over?

A Journal Poll, which surveyed 501 likely New Mexico voters in late September, found that 61 percent said yes, its time, and 34 percent said no, its not. The other 5 percent were undecided or didnt know, according to the survey conducted by Research & Polling Inc.

A national Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll in February also found 61 percent of Americans supported some degree of legalization of marijuana, but 43 percent of those supporters say there should be restrictions on purchase amounts and a quarter of them approve of its use only for medical treatment.

What these surveys show is that attitudes about marijuana have changed, locally and nationwide. And younger people are more likely than their elders to embrace changing state law.

Marijuana, both for medical and recreational uses, is still illegal at the federal level, although there are indications Congress may be softening in this regard.

Locally, there are many factors to be considered, including what supporters see as an economic boon to the state. They estimate taxing marijuana could generate $20 million to $60 million annually for New Mexico.

Neighboring Colorado, which made marijuana legal for recreational use in 2014, collected more than $135 million in taxes and fees on nearly $1 billion in sales for recreational and medical use combined.

That is an attractive prospect for New Mexico lawmakers who are still faced with making difficult decisions to plug a massive budget shortfall.

Legislation either to legalize or decriminalize recreational use has failed twice in the Legislature. The Albuquerque City Council approved a bill to decriminalize it, but Mayor Richard Berry vetoed it and the council was unable to override the veto.

But there are other considerations than revenue to weigh.

The medical marijuana industry in New Mexico is booming and the number of conditions it can be prescribed for has been greatly expanded from its original intent. Many patients claim it has been effective for chronic conditions, such as pain control, cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Opponents of legalization for recreational use cite some down-side factors, such as the possibility of more people driving and working while impaired, impacts on pregnant womens unborn babies and on children who may ingest products with cannabis in them.

And the big-time question involves its long-term effects on the mental capacity of long-time users. Some people believe the legal age to buy or use marijuana should be 25 because thats when peoples brains are fully developed, which could limit possible negative effects on cognitive development.

A 2014 published study based on research conducted in part at the Mind Research Network at the University of New Mexico found that chronic marijuana use causes significant abnormalities in brain function and structure, and may lower IQ.

Long-time users tend to have less gray matter in a part of the brain associated with decision-making and addiction, and an increase in brain connectivity, which researchers say may be the brains attempt to compensate for the decreased gray matter, the study said.

With four states and Washington, D.C., having legalized pot and 25 states allowing medical marijuana or decriminalizing its use, the tide appears to be running toward wholesale legalization.

If New Mexico is to take that step, first it should look carefully at available medical studies on its health benefits and/or detriments, including the effects of second-hand smoke and whether legalizations overall impact on the state is worth its potential downside costs.

And it should look at impact analysis by law enforcement.

There is work to be done on how to determine marijuana intoxications effects on driving and how to deal with it in the legal system, especially in a state that struggles with a serious DWI problem.

And protections must be established for businesses that do not tolerate the presence of drugs or alcohol in an employees system. Do you really want your surgeon, electrician or tow truck driver to be coming down off a pot high  or working while on one?

Before marijuana is legalized  if it is  state leaders must agree on smart regulations and options for addressing unintended consequences.

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.
We havent yet come up with a perfect name for the new disease affecting most of us today  how about Pre-Election Depression, Campaign Derangement Syndrome, or Whats Happened To My Country Trauma? Maybe we should just call it Clinton-Trump Malaise.

This years presidential election is truly unbelievable. We have two flawed candidates seeking the office of president at a time when this country truly needs a superhero. The problems are so vast and the frustrations so deep that flawed candidates just cant live up to what we need.

We noticed the other day that we dont encounter very many cars with bumper stickers advocating either candidate and very few homes have signs out front stating who the owners want for president. Billboards are virtually nonexistent. Thats unusual this close to the election.

Maybe its understandable, though. Few people seem to be proud of whom theyre supporting and many are voting against the least objectionable. Or maybe theyre embarrassed to let their friends and neighbors know who they support.

Our concern, however, is that these people who are frustrated and sickened by what is going on will decide not to vote at all. Not voting is taking the easy way out but, to many, it probably makes sense. After all, if the powers-that-be cant offer us any better candidates, then why should we vote.

We must vote, however. Too many local races and issues depend on each one of us educating ourselves and taking a stand. Our dissatisfaction with what is going on nationally is not a good reason to ignore what is going on in our state and counties. In fact, it should be just the opposite. We know, especially in a small state like New Mexico, each vote matters.

So, we must vote, and we must be smart voters. With just over three weeks before election day and early voting already going, we must learn about the candidates, study the issues and determine whether we want to approve more tax money for the government. Most of us have strong opinions about what we want to see our government do and be, but we arent as likely to be informed about our local senators and representatives, even county commissioners.

And we should be because most of these people are accessible and enjoy talking with their constituents. We need to study the other issues on the ballot and learn more than what advocacy groups proclaim. This election also gives us the opportunity to say whether we want certain judges to be retained  and we all know how important that is.

Its simple to get a copy of a sample ballot through your county clerks website. Study it and see what you will be asked to vote on. Its important.

We cant let two flawed candidates get the best of us. It is what it is, and we would be willing to bet most of us will do everything we can to get better candidates next time around.

Elections have consequences, though, and our votes really do matter. Keep in mind that the next president will make appointments of the Supreme Court that will have consequences for years. Keep in mind that decisions our state Legislature makes truly impact our lives. So, vote and vote wisely.

Contact the Ryans at ryan@abqjopurnal.com.
State District Judge Alisa Hadfields office on Friday gave notice that she will hold a hearing Nov. 14 to discuss the status of the future criminal prosecution of two former Albuquerque police officers in the on-duty fatal shooting of James Boyd.

The notice comes days after a jury deadlocked Tuesday on the second-degree murder charges filed against Dominique Perez and Keith Sandy. The split was 9-3 in favor of acquittal. A mistrial was declared, but it will now be up to the prosecutor whether to retry the case or dismiss charges. The jury deliberated for two days after listening to 12 days of testimony from experts, and current and former police officers, including the two defendants.

The notice filed by the court states that the matter to be heard is Status Hearing and Scheduling Conference.

It was unclear Friday whether attorney Randi McGinn would continue to represent the District Attorneys Office in the case, but McGinns name was listed as receiving the document from the court.

McGinn, a prominent Albuquerque attorney, was appointed by District Attorney Kari Brandenburg as special prosecutor after Hadfield found Brandenburg had an appearance of a conflict in the case.

Democrat Raul Torrez, running unopposed for district attorney Nov. 8, will succeed Brandenburg when her term ends Dec. 31. He issued a statement after the mistrial stating that he didnt want to rush a decision in the case.
Hummingbirds are the tiniest of birds.

Yet each one possesses natural-born superpowers that enable them to fly backward, upside-down and seemingly float in midair.

Their wings beat faster than the eye can see.

These attributes have both intrigued scientists and made it challenging to study the species, but with the latest high-speed cameras and other technologies, a new documentary, Super Hummingbirds reveals new scientific breakthroughs about these magical birds.

And Christopher Witt, an associate professor in the department of biology and curator of birds at the Museum of Southwestern Biology of the University of New Mexico, is part of a crew that studies the birds. The group travels to the Andes to conduct its studies.

Weve been doing this study for 10 years, he says. We took the film crew to a site that we have visited before, and its a valley near the city of Lima. Theres some beautiful forests and communities that have been isolated from the big city. Its a super-rural area.

Super Hummingbirds also chronicles a major discovery by Witt and his UNM team high in the Peruvian Andes where oxygen is 40 percent more scarce than it is at sea level. Tests were conducted on hummers living at high altitudes to determine how little oxygen they needed to fly, and the results were impressive. For example, only when the oxygen level reached 6 percent did the sparkling violetear reach her limit, which is an altitude equivalent of 43,000 feet.

Witt discovered that a protein called hemoglobin, which humans also have in our blood, has evolved in each hummingbird species to match its elevation.

He also found that these flower feeders are able to fly at such dazzling speeds due to an ability to capture extra oxygen with every breath, a true superpower.

These animals are amazing, Witt says. We went to different altitudes, and the hummingbirds adapted to the thinner and thicker air.

Emmy-winning filmmaker Ann Johnson Prum worked with the scientists on her second film, which will air at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday on New Mexico PBS, Channel 5.

Witt will also participate in a talk at 10 a.m. Oct. 29 at The Hiland Theater, 4800 Central SE. The event is free, but reservations are required. To make a reservation, contact Rose Poston at 277-2396 or rposton@nmpbs.org.

Super Hummingbirds

Airing at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday on New Mexico PBS, Channel 5
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

The Department of Energy plans to close off the south end of a southeastern New Mexico nuclear waste repository after a series of dangerous roof collapses made the area unsafe.

No one was hurt in the roof collapses, which occurred over the past year in areas already restricted to workers. But the incidents have laid bare the challenges of recovering the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant after a February 2014 radiation accident that contaminated the repository and curbed workers ability to perform maintenance.

Rock fall is the single highest hazard to workers and to the mission at WIPP, said Phil Breidenbach, project manager at WIPP contractor Nuclear Waste Partnership, during a special town hall meeting this week called to address the ground control issues.

Were now in the process of making the decision to close the south end of the underground, said Todd Shrader, DOE field office manager in Carlsbad, saying he hopes to get it done in four or five weeks.

The WIPP repository is carved from salt beds 2,150 feet below the surface, and the salt  which expands at the rate of about an inch or two per year  must be kept at bay with roof bolts, mesh lining and other buttresses. The salt creep is why WIPP was chosen as a repository in the first place: The idea is that when WIPP is full and closed for good, the salt will eventually collapse onto itself, sealing the nuclear waste.

But in the meantime, its a race against time to keep creep under control. The radiation accident kept workers from performing underground maintenance for nine months, and catching up on things like roof bolting has been difficult since the pace of work has slowed due to the contamination, reduced ventilation and additional safety requirements for workers, said John VandeKraats, NWP senior technical advisor.

What used to be an easy, typical thing to go do  to maintain that ground, to go bolt  is much more difficult because of the fact that you have to wear your protective equipment, your protective clothing, he said. You wear a respirator. Our (maintenance) production has been cut, certainly in half, and Id say even to about 25 percent.

Sealing off the halls, or drifts, that lead to four of the repositorys eight panels will reduce WIPPs storage capacity, said Don Hancock, a longtime WIPP observer with the Southeast Research and Information Center in Albuquerque. The drifts were contemplated as the final two panels, where waste would be placed as workers backed their way out of the facility. He said DOE has not publicly said how much waste would be placed in the area, so how much storage space will be lost is debatable.

The drifts to be closed are in theory, in terms of the total underground capacity, on the order of more than 10 percent of the total area for waste emplacement, Hancock said. A WIPP spokesman said the area that will be sealed amounts to between 2.5 percent and 5 percent of total capacity.

Five rockfalls have been detected since January 2015, in one case crushing the bulkhead that sealed one panel. Then, earlier this month, workers detected a significant fracture in Room 5 of Panel 7, a contaminated area where WIPP was planning to place waste when it reopens.

WIPP said in a statement this week that the roof issues in Room 5 wont impact its restart date; WIPP is aiming to reopen in December.

But Shrader softened expectations about the deadline at the town hall, saying, Well see if we get there. And if it takes a little bit longer, it takes a little bit longer.
Sandoval County business leaders quizzed local candidates about minimum wage, right-to-work and other issues during a forum at Club Rio Rancho on Thursday.

The event was organized by the NAIOP Rio Rancho Roundtable.

Thirteen state House, Senate and county candidates participated: County Commission District 2 candidates, Republican Jay Block and Democratic incumbent Nora Scherzinger; commission District 4 candidates, Democrat Alexis Jimenez and Republican Dave Heil; Senate District 9 candidates, Republican Diego Espinoza and Democratic incumbent John Sapien; Senate District 10 candidates, Democrat David Simon and Republican Candace Gould; Senate District 40 candidates, Republican Craig Brandt and Democrat Linda Allison; House District 57 candidates, Democrat Donna Tillman and incumbent Republican Jason Harper; and House District 23 candidate, Democrat Daymon Ely.

The format required each candidate to sit at a designated table. After every seven minutes, groups of business leaders would move from table to table and ask the candidate one of eight questions prepared by the roundtable.

Senate and House candidates were asked questions about economic development, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Act, the states gross receipts tax, right-to-work, minimum wage and the capital outlay approval process.

County commission candidates were asked questions about projects that would utilize industrial revenue bonds, projects to receive a mill levy, Paseo del Volcan, economic growth and capital outlay projects in the county.

By the end of the event, business leaders were able to sit down with six of the 12 candidates.

Here are highlights from the legislative portion of the event:

On the matter of New Mexico becoming a right-to-work state, legislative candidates seemed split on party lines. Brandt said he supported right-to-work, saying New Mexico has missed out on economic opportunities without it.

I dont believe anyone should be forced to join any organization to get a job, he said. I think thats wrong, I think that should be unconstitutional.

Simon said he was against right-to-work, saying only 6 percent of employees in New Mexico were union workers. He said the issue distracts lawmakers from focusing on other options to create economic opportunities.

What was the big factor for Facebook (opening in Los Lunas)? One hundred percent renewable energy. A state that can tell new, modern, millennial-driven companies that want to be green that we could supply 100 percent of their energy from renewable resources  we have a competitive advantage that almost no state has, Simon said.

Sapien agreed that while right-to-work might be present in neighboring states, he said he wasnt confident the initiative would spur similar economic growth.

What Ive found in my eight years serving is that well have that model program in some other locale, in some other state, and well take it here and it doesnt work out, Sapien said.

Espinoza and Gould agreed that individual communities should not be able to mandate employment actions, such as minimum wage and sick leave. Gould said business decisions regarding benefits like sick leave should be made by employers, not legislators.

The recent sick leave pay that was trying to get on the Albuquerque ballot (this fall) I thought was very dangerous. I thought it hurt employees and employers, and I think that should be between the employer and the employee, Gould said.

Espinoza said New Mexico should focus first on bringing more jobs to the state before considering sick leave and a higher minimum wage, saying a healthy economy would eventually lead to more benefits for employees.

I believe that when your economy is doing very well, the economic climate itself will spur higher wages and encourage companies if they want to keep good employees around, they need to offer good benefits, Espinoza said.

On the subject of gross receipts tax, candidates on both sides of the political aisle agreed that reform was needed.

I know we need reform, I know its going to be difficult, I know its going to be very hard to tax food, Allison said.

Brandt said he was in favor of a GRT reform formula created by Harper that would remove all GRT exemptions and lower the rate to two percent.

Our current gross receipts tax is too narrow and too high; we need to widen the base and lower the rate. It was a huge mistake to take gross receipts tax off of food, but it was also a huge mistake to give different sectors of our economy special gross receipts tax exemptions, Brandt said.
In 2008, voters in Sandoval County approved a 4.25 mill levy for eight years to support two Rio Rancho hospitals that had not yet been built: Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center.

Several years later, one of the nations largest counties without a hospital had two facilities, providing not only close-to-home medical services for thousands of county residents, but also creating hundreds of temporary construction jobs, permanent health positions and spin-off economic development.

The levy did not build the hospitals, but has provided a steady revenue stream to help operate them  nearly $13.5 million a year  that is apportioned almost equally between the two. All told, its generated about $110 million.

By approving the levy, taxpayers saw a sizable increase in property taxes  about $141 a year for the owner of a home with an assessed value of $100,000 or $282 a year for someone with a home assessed at $200,000.

Whether theyre willing to shoulder that burden for another eight years will be decided in the Nov. 8 general election.

In August, the Sandoval County Commission approved a ballot question proposing to extend the levy at the same rate. There would be no tax increase.

Hospital officials and advocates for renewing the tax say passage is critical for the hospitals to continue recruiting and expanding the medical services they can offer. Between them, they say, the hospitals have created over 1,300 jobs with a $480 million annual payroll, and given Rio Rancho and the county a valuable tool to entice new business and industry.

I think what is important about the tax, just in general terms, is that its not for walls, bricks and roads, and those kinds of things, said SRMC Chief Executive Officer Jamie Silva-Steele. Its really about bringing health care into the community.

What we know for a fact is that, since opening, weve added about 625 providers of specialty care into the community that were not here before. Thats between the two facilities, she said.

Rio Rancho Yes is among those rallying for continuation of the tax.

Great health care, well-paying jobs and a broader tax base to Sandoval County improve life for everyone, an opinion piece signed by several members and submitted to the Observer stated.

Sentiment not unanimous

While few would dispute the hospitals have brought considerable benefits to the area, community sentiment about renewing the tax is hardly unanimous.

Part of the opposition stems from the way the original ballot question in 2008 was framed, asking whether the county should impose the tax levy for not less than four years and not more than eight years. To some, those words now ring hollow.

We made our commitment, Rio Rancho retiree Melvin Carlisle told the county commission last summer. If they (the hospitals) dont meet theirs, thats their problem, not mine.

Other critics say that, by now, the hospitals should be positioned to pay their own way.

I dont mind giving a business a helping hand to get started, but I dont believe in corporate welfare, said former Rio Rancho City Councilor Chuck Wilkins of the Rio Rancho TEA Party, which is campaigning to topple the measure.

Opened in the fall of 2011, the not-for-profit Rust expanded into a second patient tower last year, giving it a total of 151 beds and 11 bassinets. It features a 24/7 emergency room, a newborn intensive care unit and a range of specialty services. In February, it opened the Ted and Margaret Jorgensen Cancer Center.

UNM SRMC, too, is a not-for-profit facility with a medical as well as teaching mission. A wholly owned subsidiary of the University of New Mexico, it began operating in July 2012, offering 72 beds, an intensive care unit for emergencies, a Native American outreach program and a variety of specialty care services, as well as a behavioral health component.

Levy helped start services

Part of the intent was for us to be able to begin services that werent yet self-sustaining, unlike perhaps another industry where that risk might not be possible, Rust Campus Administrator Angela Ward said. Without the mill levy funds, we wouldnt be able to start some of those services.

She said urology, the bariatric program and mammography services began with the help of the tax. Other specialties brought on include podiatry, gynecology, oncology, ear, nose and throat, palliative care and some pediatric newborn EKGs.

In 2015, said Clay Holderman, chief operations manager for Presbyterian Delivery System, the $7.5 million we received from the mill levy helped to offset $12.6 million in losses on important services for our community, including interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, neonatal intensive care, dialysis and obstetrics.

Our goal, of course, would be through volume and overt time to attempt to get there, Ward said

Silva-Steele said SRMC is continuing to focus on specialties, such as its orthopedic joint replacement and bariatric surgery programs, as well as efforts to obtain level-three trauma status.

One of the core things we agreed to in the first mill levy was to provide behavioral health services, she said. We have a 12-bed geriatric unit in our facility.  it is not a profit center, but a loss center for us. But it was a commitment we made to the county at the time and one we continue to hold as a goal is the need for behavioral health to be expanded, not just in Sandoval County, but nationally is at a critical point.

Thats one big thing I think would not be able to be expanded if we did not move forward with the tax, she said.

In addition, she said, When you look at what were delivering as far as core programs, the mill levy for us at SRMC is a very critical revenue stream. Without it would further compromise our ability to ability to provide care.

Holderman said there are misconceptions about the levy.

Revenues, by contract, can be used only for operational purposes, not for construction, he said.

Provider contracts signed with the county for the original tax, he said, contained a provision the county would support a ballot question to renew the tax.

So, although commissions cant bind future commissions, thats been anticipated from the start, he said.

And the mill levy is not unique to Sandoval County, he said.

Bernalillo County voters, in fact, will decide next month on whether to extend for eight more years a 6.4 mill levy authorized in the New Mexico Hospital Care Act to help support University of New Mexico Hospital, which serves as that countys public hospital.

If you look across the country, the best health care systems dont exist solely on their fee-for-service revenues, Holderman said. Our government payer and other payers pay us less than our cost of delivering care.

Not persuaded

Opponents dont buy it.

Steve Barro, a retired public finance analyst from Placitas, argues that Presbyterian and UNM are among the states largest and richest institutions, and have the means to support the hospitals until they have enough clients to become profitable.

When one weighs the burden on Sandoval County taxpayers against the marginal and unneeded contribution to the UNM and Presbyterian budgets, the conclusion is clear: There is no reason to continue the hospital levy beyond the original eight years, he said in a recent guest column published by the Observer.

In a recent opinion column, Wilkins noted that Presbyterian doesnt accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and also decided to not accept subsidized plans through the Affordable Care Act.

How ironic that they want taxpayers to subsidize them, but wont accept those in the community who are subsidized and need it the most, he said.

Mike Neas of Placitas has argued the original ballot language might have tilted the results in 2008. He suggested two ballot questions instead of a joined at the hip, all or nothing single ballot question, and that the county commission consider lowering the mill rate. Commissioner Glenn Walters broached the idea of lowering the rate, but got no support.

Holderman confirmed Presbyterian was unable to reach a contract with Blue Cross and that Presbyterian Health Plan will not have a product on the individual exchange next year.

Both hospitals, though, are required in emergency circumstances to provide services for patients unable to pay.

Charity care policy

For people meeting income guidelines  all the way up to 300 percent of the poverty level  we absolutely have a charity care policy and are providing in excess of $4 million a year, he said.

Holderman, in response to Barros comment, said the mill levy funds received in 2015 were necessary and significant for Rust patients.

This is particularly true because Presbyterian is a not-for-profit organization that operates with an annual operating margin of about 3 to 4 percent, he said  As a not-for-profit organization, we are governed by a local volunteer board. We do not pay shareholders or dividends and all profits are reinvested back into the health care we provide and the communities we serve.

Mill levy funds do not help Rust attract patients  the need and community response are clear. Instead, they help us to continue to grow the services that our community wants and needs.
Editors note: This is part of a series of stories about New Mexico election races.

SANTA FE  Although many of New Mexicos legislative districts are safe seats for incumbents, the Senate district that takes in parts of Bernalillo and Corrales, and stretches across Interstate 25 to Placitas  Senate District 9  offers little chance for election-year reclining.

Two-term Democratic incumbent John Sapien knows the district dynamics all too well, having narrowly won election to the swing seat in 2008 and prevailed in a close re-election race in 2012.

This year, Republican Diego Espinoza is aiming to break Sapiens win streak in a contest that could be key to GOP hopes of seizing a majority in the Senate for the first time since 1986, or at least eating into the current 24-18 Democratic edge in the chamber.

The race has been hard-hitting, with both candidates dishing ample dirt.

Espinoza has launched a website that describes Sapien as just another typical politician and claims Sapien used campaign funds for laundry costs and other personal expenditures. Under state law, campaign funds can be used for campaign-related expenditures and expenses reasonably related to performing the duties of office.

Sapien, for his part, has aired an online campaign ad that, among other things, calls Espinoza a hacker. While managing former U.S. Senate candidate Allen Wehs campaign in 2014, Espinoza was accused of hacking an email account of Wehs opponent in the primary election. The allegation led Espinoza to file a defamation lawsuit, which was eventually dismissed.

Sapien, an insurance agent who is chairman of the Senate Education Committee, has also accused his opponent of recently moving into Senate District 9 in an attempt to jump-start his political career.

In response to Sapiens criticism, Espinoza said that his family has deep New Mexico roots and that his opponent is merely trying to distract voters from more important issues.

Espinoza, a programs director for CSI Aviation, a global air transportation company run by Weh, acknowledged that he and his wife recently bought a home in Rio Rancho. However, he insisted the decision was not driven by political calculations.

Its been a community thats welcomed us with open arms, he said. I think a lot of folks move to Rio Rancho to buy their first home.

But Sapien, in a recent interview, said voters in the district dont want somebody from the outside.

They want somebody who was born and raised here, Sapien asserted.

Issues

At a legislative candidate forum in Albuquerque last month, Sapien described himself as a Democrat with business savvy.

Im one of a dying breed  and thats a moderate Democrat business owner, Sapien said. Theres not many of us.

He said he has helped block tax increases in a key Senate business committee by voting against them, saying, Im that one Democrat that has voted against every tax increase that has come through that committee, much to the ire of my Democratic colleagues.

The Republican Party of New Mexico subsequently pointed out that Sapien voted on the Senate floor in favor of a food tax measure in 2010  that bill did not go through the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee  that was ultimately vetoed by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. Sapien also voted on the floor against a tax cut package approved during a 2015 special session.

Sapien has been a leading critic of Gov. Susana Martinezs education initiatives, saying the formulas behind some of the controversial initiatives have not been adequately tested.

We dont know that the measures theyre using for school grades or teacher evaluations truly mean what they say they mean, Sapien told the Journal . This isnt my gut feel; this is actual experts that have looked at those algorithms and have told me theyve never been reviewed or peer-tested.

Espinoza, who supports a Martinez-backed proposal to require some third-graders who cannot read proficiently to repeat the grade level, disagrees with Sapien on education-related issues.

He is the (chairman) of this education committee and, in all honesty, we havent seen a whole lot come out of this education committee that has helped improve our education system, Espinoza said.

Espinoza supports allowing parents to more easily send children to charter schools or other schools outside their zones, saying, Im a supporter of school choice; I strongly believe that we cant force our parents to send their kids to these failing schools.

He has also called for stiffer DWI penalties and recently said he was ticked off by New Mexicos current state of affairs.

A lot of people in New Mexico are ticked off, Espinoza said. Theyre ticked off that nothing is getting done.

Fundraising

Espinoza has outraised and outspent his Democratic opponent. He has reported getting $152,615 during this years election cycle  including a $2,500 donation from Weh and several contributions from GOP legislators  and spending $88,677. Espinoza had $63,937 on hand as of last week, according to a report filed with the Secretary of States Office.

As for Sapien, he has taken in $126,170 during the 2016 election cycle, with big donations from Democratic colleagues in the Legislature and several businesses, including UltraHealth LLC, a for-profit medical marijuana management company. He has reported spending $64,262 and had $82,350 in his campaign account as of last week, campaign filings show.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire regime on Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line 20 times overnight October 15, during which Azerbaijani soldiers fired over 420 shots from different caliber sniper rifles in the direction of Armenia border guards. In the northern and north eastern directions Azerbaijanis also fired from SVD sniper rifles (60 shots).

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of Nagorno Karabakhs Defense Ministry, the Defense Army front line units preserved the ceasefire regime and took necessary measures for arranging reliable protection of military positions.




By PTI: Thane, Oct 15 (PTI) Probing the call centre con in which US citizens were allegedly cheated of multi-million dollars, police today said they have come across a Dubai link and suspect that the ill-gotten money might have found way into real estate in the emirate.

Considering the complexity of the illicit operation and vast ambit of the scam, the officials of Home Land Security of US and IRS (Internal Revenue Service) are likely to visit the local police soon, Police Commissioner Paramveer Singh said.

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An officer of US security agency FBI had yesterday met senior officials of Thane Police and exchanged information gathered by both the sides about the scam which was unearthed earlier this month.

"Dubai angle emerged during the course of investigation of the case. However, whether the link involves Hawala or otherwise cannot be said at this moment. Dubai angle may be in the form of investment in real estate, cars, or even in costly dresses. However, nothing can be said for sure as of now.

"If its found that the money from crime was invested in any kind of asset, appropriate action would be taken against the concerned person," Singh said.

He said busting of the call centre racket was one of its kind in the world, considering the magnitude of the con.

Singh said the police have mapped around 400 such "unauthorised" call centres operating in and around Thane and Mumbai, besides from places like Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida.

The racket was exposed after city police raided three call centres, which were run illegally on the premises of Hari Om IT Park, Universal Outsourcing Services and Oswal House in Mira Road locality in Thane district on October 4.

The callers, impersonating US tax officials would put up American accent to seek financial and bank details of the citizens of that country and if they refused the information, the scamsters would threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action and penalties.

As per police, the daily turnover of these call centres is said to be to the tune of nearly Rs one crore to Rs 1.50 crore, while the annual turnover could be well above Rs 300 crore.

Police have so far arrested 71 people in the case.

Of them, bail applications of 54 persons, who were remanded in judicial custody by a local court earlier, will come up for hearing on Monday.

During the investigation, police also found that high-tech devices like magic jacks were used by scamsters to threaten US citizens. Police are also looking forward to crack DID (direct inward dialling) number of the devices used by the racketeers so as to find out more about their modus operandi. PTI CORR NSK KIS BAS

--- ENDS ---

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By PTI: Chennai, Oct 14 (PTI) Ruling AIADMK today trashed a proposal by DMK to convene the Assembly, pass a resolution and hold an all-party meet over the Cauvery issue, saying "there is no such necessity".

"For sure, I feel there is no necessity to convene the state Assembly, pass a resolution and hold an all-party meeting on the issue," veteran AIADMK leader and party Organising Secretary Panruti Ramachandran said.

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He was speaking to reporters hours after DMK treasurer and Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin called on Finance Minister O Panneerselvam and asked the state government to lead an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister in order to urge him to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

Ramachandran said the Cauvery Management Board should have been set up by the Centre following the order of the Cauvery tribunal.

He said there is "confidence" that the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the Cauvery matter on October 18, would give a "good ruling".

He said that under the circumstances there was no necessity to hold an all-party meeting or convene the Assembly and pass a resolution on the issue.

By dismissing the demand for an all-party meet and an Assembly resolution, the ruling AIADMK has stuck to its known position of securing the rights of Tamil Nadu by pursuing legal means.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had told the Assembly session held on 18 August that "I am confident that we will be able to get our due (of Cauvery water) in tune with the Cauvery tribunals final award by getting appropriate orders of the Supreme court."

She had said that in case of continued insufficient inflows in Mettur reservoir and deficient rainfall, her government would implement a Rs 64.30 crore special plan for cultivation of Samba crop to help delta farmers.

DMK has all along batted for an all-party meeting and an Assembly session on issues like Cauvery to put up what it calls a "united front," to fight for the States rights. PTI VGN APR IKA

--- ENDS ---
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized its policy implementing the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and the Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM) incentive payment provisions in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), collectively referred to as the Quality Payment Program.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) issued an initial comment stating it is "encouraged to see that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is listening to the concerns raised by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) regarding the need for reporting requirements that are simple, transparent, and tenable - especially for small and rural rheumatology practices."

The statement continues on to express optimism regarding "the broadening of exemptions from the program, which will help to protect small practices that already struggle to keep up with administrative burdens" and the inclusion of qualified clinical data registries (QCDRs) - including ACR's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry - "as a reporting mechanism that MIPS-eligible clinicians and groups can use as intermediaries to submit data on measures and activities, decreasing the burden to individual rheumatologists."

The ACR's policy and legislative staff are closely examining the rule to determine whether some of the other key concerns raised by the rheumatology community - such as the inherent problems with the Resource Use category of MIPS, and the formidable barriers that exclude many rheumatologists from participating in the Alternative Payment Model (APM) track - have been sufficiently addressed.

###

The statement is available on the ACR website at http://www.rheumatology.org/About-Us/Newsroom/Press-Releases/ID/762/Statement-from-the-American-College-of-Rheumatology-Regarding-CMS-Final-Rule-on-MIPS-and-APMs.

About the American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provides education, research, advocacy and practice management support to more than 6,400 U.S. rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. In doing so, the ACR advocates for high-value, high-quality healthcare policies and reforms that will ensure safe, effective, affordable and accessible rheumatology care. Learn more at http://www.rheumatology.org.
A 48-year-old farmer has been banned from keeping sheep following a trial at Truro Magistrates Court, Cornwall.

David Ford, Higher Rillaton Farm, Rillaton, near Callington, was banned from owning, keeping, participating in the keeping, dealing or transporting sheep for seven years.

The two-day trial saw Mr Ford convicted of failing to properly treat a severely injured animal and failing to investigate the reasons for the poor body condition of 47 sheep.

See also: Farmer fined after sheep blinded by overgrown horn

He had previously pleaded guilty to two other charges.

These related to failing to provide clean water to pigs, failing to provide care for piglets and two sick cattle, and failing to provide a clean feeding area for pigs.

District Judge Diana Baker ordered Mr Ford to pay costs of 12,000.

Stuart Benson, Cornwall Councils assistant head of public protection, said: This investigation involved some of the most serious welfare matters.

A lamb with severely injured hind legs was not treated by a vet, pigs had only mud to drink, sick cattle had no bedding and pigs were being fed in their own faeces.

Mr Ford has been given advice over the past three years, but still failed to provide for the most basic needs of his animals.

Local councillor Geoff Brown said the countys farming industry had a good reputation which needed to be maintained.

The local authority worked to help local farmers, smallholders and businesses to comply with the relevant legislation, said councillor Brown.

Where we find repeated non-compliance and a complete disregard for farm animal welfare, we will take formal action to protect animals and the reputation of the Cornish farming industry.
Recently, two important studies about French Muslims were released in France. The first one, optimistically entitled, A French Islam is Possible, was published under the auspices of Institut Montaigne, an independent French think tank.

The second study, entitled, Work, the Company and the Religious Question, is the fourth annual joint study between the Randstad Institute (a recruiting company) and the Observatory of Religious Experience at Work (Observatoire du fait religieux en entreprise, OFRE), a research company.

Both studies, filling a huge knowledge-deficit on religious and ethnic demography, were widely reported in the media. France is a country well-equipped with demographers, scholars, professors and research institutes, but any official data or statistics based on race, origin or religion are prohibited by law.

France has 66.6 million inhabitants, according to a report dated January 1, 2016 from the National Institute of Statistics (Insee). But census questionnaires prohibit any question about race, origin or religion. So in France, it is impossible to know how many Muslims, black people, white people, Catholics, Arabs, Jews, etc. live in the country.

This prohibition is based on an old and once-healthy principle to avoid any discrimination in a country where assimilation is the rule. Assimilation, French-style, means that any foreigner who wants to live in the country has to copy the behavioral code of local population and marry a native quickly. This assimilation model worked perfectly for people of Spanish, Portuguese or Polish descent. But with Arabs and Muslims, it stopped.

Now, however, despite all good intentions, the rule prohibiting collection of data that might lead to discrimination, has become a national security handicap.

When any group of people, outspokenly acting on the basis of their religion or ethnicity, begin violently fighting the fundamentals of the society where you live, it becomes necessary  in fact urgent  to know what religions and ethnicities these are, and how many people they represent.

The two studies in question, therefore, are not based on census data but on polls. The Institut Montaigne study, for example, writes that Muslims represent 5.6% of the metropolitan population of France, or exactly three million. However, Michele Tribalat, a demographer specializing in immigration problems, wrote that the five million mark had been crossed in around 2014. The Pew Research Center estimated the Muslim population in France in mid-2010 to be 4.7 million. Other scholars, such as Azouz Begag, former Minister of Equality (he left the government in 2007) estimates the number of Muslims in France to be closer to 15 million.

Institut Montaigne Study: The Secession of French Muslims

The study by Institut Montaigne, released on September 18, is based on a poll conducted by Ifop (French Institute of Public Opinion), which surveyed 1,029 Muslims. The author of the study is Hakim el Karoui, a consultant who was an adviser to then Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin (2002-2005).

Three main Muslim profiles were highlighted:

First were the so-called secular (46%). These people said they were totally secular, even when religion occupies an important place in their lives. Although they claim to be secular, many of them also belong to the group that favors all Muslim women wearing a hijab (58% of men and 70% of women). They also overlap with the group (60%) that supports wearing a hijab at school, although the hijab has been prohibited in schools since 2004. Many of these seculars also belong to the 70% of Muslims who always buy halal meat (only 6% never buy it). According to the study, wearing a hijab and eating only halal meat are considered by Muslims themselves as significant markers of Muslim identity.

A second group of Muslims, the Islamic Pride Group represent a quarter (25%) of the roughly thousand people polled. They defined themselves primarily as Muslims and claim their right to observe their faith (mainly reduced to hijab and halal) in public. They reject, however, the niqaband polygamy. They say they respect secularism and the laws of the Republic, but most of them say they do not accept prohibiting the hijab at school.

The last group, defined as the Ultras, represent 28% of those polled, and the most authoritarian profile. They say they prefer to live apart from Republican values. For them, Islamic values and Islamic law, or sharia, come first, before the common law of the Republic. They approve of polygamy and of wearing the niqab or the burqa.

These 28% adhere to Islam in its most retrograde version, which has become for them a kind of identity. Islam is the mainstay of their revolt; and this revolt is embodied in an Islam of rupture, conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism, according to Hamid el Karoui in an interviewwith Journal du Dimanche.

More importantly, these 28% exist predominantly among the young (50% are under 25). In other words, one out of every two young French Muslims is a Salafist of the most radical type, even if he does not belong to a mosque.

The question is: how many will they be in five years, ten years, twenty years? It is important to ask, because polls always present a point in time, a freeze-frame of a situation. When we know that the veil and halal food restrictions are imposed on the whole family by big brothers, we have to understand that a process is taking place, a secession process due to the re-Islamization of the whole Muslim community by the young.

Journalist and author Elisabeth Schemla wrote in Le Figaro:

To understand what re-Islamization means a definition of Islamism must be given. The most accurate is the definition given by one of his very fervent supporters, State Advisor Thierry Tuot, one of three judges chosen this summer to decide not to ban the burkini at the beach (). Islamism, he writes, is the public claim of a social behavior presented as a divine requirement and bursting into the public and political arena. In light of this definition, the Al Karoui report shows that Islamism is unalterably spreading.

Islam at Work; Islamism on the Move

This ticking time bomb is silently working at work.

A poll, conducted between April and June 2016 by the Randstad Institute and Observatory of the Religious Experience at Work (OFRE), surveying 1,405 managers in different companies, revealed that two managers out of every three (65%) were reporting that religious behavior is a regular manifestation in the workplace  up from 50% in 2015.

Professor Lyonel Honore, Director of OFRE and author of the study, recognizes quietly that in 95% of cases, the religious behavior at work is related to Muslims.

To understand the importance of this visible Islam in French factories and offices today, we have to know that traditionally, the workplace was considered neutral space. The law did not prohibit any type of religious or political expression in the workplace, but by tradition, employees and employers considered that restraint must be shown by all in exercising their freedom of belief.

The 2016 Ranstad study shows that this old tradition is over. Religious symbols are proliferating in the workplace, and 95% of these visible symbols are Islamic. Overt expressions and symbols of Christianity or Judaism at work do exist, of course, but are minimal compared to Islam.

The survey considered two types of the expression of religious beliefs:

Personal practices, such as the right to be missing for religious holidays, flexible working hours, the right to pray during work breaks, and the right to wear symbols of religious belief.

Disturbances at work or breaches of rules, such as the refusal of men to work with a woman or take orders from a female manager, refusal to work with people who are not co-religionists, refusal to perform specific tasks, and proselytizing during work time. In 2016, states the survey, the wearing of religious symbols [hijab] became the top expression of religious belief (21% of cases, up from 17% in 2015 and 10% in 2014). The request to be absent because of religious holidays remains stable (18%) but now ranks in second place.

Under disturbances at work, this politically correct study notes that conflicts between employee and employer on religious grounds are few: a minority event and only 9% of religious disturbances in 2016. But figures for conflicts have nevertheless risen by 50%, up from 6% in 2015. Conflicts have also tripled since 2014 (3%) and nearly quintupled since 2013 (2%).

Eric Manca, a lawyer in the law firm August & Debouzy who specializes in labor law and was assisting at the press conference, said that when a conflict on religious ground turns to litigation, it is always a problem with Islam. Christians and Jews never turn to the court against their employer because of religion. When Islamists sue their employer, jurisprudence shows that the accusation is always based on racism, and discrimination  charges that can only make employers regret having hired them in the first place.

Sources of conflict listed include proselytizing (6%), and refusing to perform tasks (6%)  for instance, a delivery man declining to deliver alcohol to customers; refusing to work with a woman or under the direction of a woman (5%), and requesting to work only with Muslims (1%). These cases are concentrated in business sectors such as automotive suppliers, construction, waste processing, supermarkets and are located in peri-urban regions.

Conclusions

The French model of assimilation is over. As noted, it worked for everyone except French Muslims; and public schools seem unable today to transmit republican values, especially among young Muslims. According to Hakim el Karoui:

Muslims of France are living in the heart of multiple crises. Syria, of course, which shakes the spirit. But also the transformation of Arab societies where women take a new place: female students outnumber male students, girls are better educated than their fathers. Religion, in its authoritarian version, is a weapon of reaction against these evolutions. . And finally, there is the social crisis: Muslims, two-thirds of child laborers and employees, are the first victims of de-industrialization.

Islamization is growing everywhere. In city centers, most Arab women wear a veil, and in the suburbs, burqas and niqabs are increasingly common. At work, where non-religious behavior was usually the rule, managers try to learn how to deal with Islamist demands. In big corporations, such as Orange (telecom), a director of diversity was appointed to manage demands and conflicts. In small companies, managers are in disarray. Conflicts and litigation are escalating.

Silence of the politicians. Despite the wide media coverage around these two studies, an astounding silence was the only thing heard from politicians. This is disturbing because Institut Montaignes study also included some proposals to build an Islam of France, such as putting an end to foreign funding of mosques, and local training religious and civil leaders. Other ideas, such as teaching Arabic in secular schools to prevent parents from sending their children in Koranic schools are quite strange because they would perpetuate the failed strategy of integrating Islamism through institutions. Young French Muslims, even those born in France, have difficulty speaking and writing proper French. That is why they need to speak and write French correctly before anything else.

These two studies, although a start, are staggeringly insufficient. Politicians, journalists, and every citizen needs to learn more about Islam, its tenets and its goals in the country. It is unbelievable that the only tools at our disposal are inadequate opinion polls. Without knowledge, no political action  or any other action  is possible. It is a situation that immeasurably benefits aggressive political Islamists.

Without more knowledge, the denial of Islamization, and an immobility in addressing it, will continue. Willful blindness is the mother of the civil war to come  unless the people and their politicians choose to submit to Islam without a fight.

Source : Gatestone Institute
By PTI: Hyderabad, Oct 15 (PTI) The TRS government in Telangana has ignored empowerment of women by not inducting even a single woman in the cabinet, state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged here today.

He was speaking at the state Congress office here after releasing a poster on women empowerment to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

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Reddy said the state cabinet not having a single woman was an insult to the women of the state. "This is a classic example of how serious the government is about the women empowerment," he said.

Alleging that the condition of civic amenities in Hyderabad had gone from bad to worse after recent heavy rains, Reddy said the Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao went on a US tour instead of restoring normalcy.

"There is no match between K T Rama Raos tall claims of making Hyderabad a global city and actual condition of roads, drainage and other amenities," he said.

Stating that Congress would protest against the TRS rule, Reddy said a public meeting would be held on October 19 in Hyderabad, followed by a farmers rally on October 20. AICC General Secretary Digvijaya Singh would attend the meetings. PTI SJR KRK DIP BAS

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What does an occupation army do when it is installed in a country ? It occupies the land, forcing residents to follow its own way of life. It implements measures against the countrys inhabitants, it propagandizes its beliefs and uses force to have them imposed.

This, sadly, is what has been happening in Greece from the migrants who seem to forget that they are hosted in Greece and force the Greeks to feel like guests in their own country.

If someone is a war refugee or his life is in danger in his homeland, it would seem appropriate, when he arrives in the country which offers him asylum, to be grateful to this country, respect its history, its people its values and its laws. The same would hold true for an immigrant who wants to go to a country where he hopes he will find a better future.

In Greece, conversely, illegal immigrants  all of whom the media call refugees, apparently trying artificially to legalize them in the moral consciousness of citizens  have been occupying spaces that do not belong to them, using violence, blocking roads, committing crimes against public property, acting aggressively toward residents and the police, and saying that they feel offended when they see symbols that represent Christianity. The guests seem to be trying to take over the house.

A few weeks ago, 200 North Africans and Pakistanis rioted in the middle of the night, demanding to leave Mytilene Island. They were chanting, Jihad! Jihad!, smashing the residents cars in the center of the island and disrupting the local community. The migrants claimed that someone told them about the death of seven migrants on a ship, so they rose up against the authorities. The police and NGO workers explained that this was misinformation, but the 200 migrants were evidently not interested in hearing that. The migrants were ready to wage jihad because they believed a rumor about an event for which, even had it been true, the Greek state and its inhabitants had no responsibility. The authorities were unsuccessful at calming them down and trying to make them return to their living area.

As it turned out, there were no dead migrants; the uprising was a mistake, but the police and the locals had to spend the night tracking down refugees and migrants on the streets of Mytilene.

The illegal immigrants stated that the information about the seven dead migrants came through phone calls to them during the night. Police sources say, off the record, that this incident has all the hallmarks of covert black operations.

A few days later, on September 19, 2016, on Mytilene Island again, there was a new eruptionfrom migrants in the Moria district. This time, the information the migrants heard, which again turned out to be false, was that they were about to be returned to Turkey. Immediately they set fire to 16 acres of olive trees, as well as to the camp in which they were living.

Now 300 migrants, who had earlier escaped from their camp and tried to protest in the center of the island, were burning everything in the camp and the area around it, until the police stopped them and made them to return to the camp, where again they tried to burn everything.

Residents saw their groves of olive trees turn to cinders as well as much of the migrant camp, three shipping containers, clothing and footwear.

Some of the illegal immigrants were taking selfies during the burning and chanting, Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest].

The Port of Mytilene Island was turned into a battlefield, where migrants and many Greek leftists tried to prevent the military contingent from lowering the Greek flag in front of the towns old port. Many Greeks hate the national flag. They appear to prefer multinational states without any references to the states national foundations. They were chanting slogans and provoking both the military contingent and the people of Mytilene Island, who watched amazed from the opposite side of the road. It was a demonstration of power from behalf of leftists and illegal immigrants. Many citizens of Mytilene Island evidently could not stand to see the illegal immigrants and other Greeks provoke them and try to halt the lowering of the flag. So some citizens moved aggressively against them and engaged them in street fights.

Every Sunday morning on Mytilene Island, soldiers hoist the flag and in the evening, an hour before sunset, soldiers lower the flag. A week after this incident, thousands of Greeks gathered around the soldiers and the flag in Mytilene Port and were singing Greek National Anthem, showing their faith and honoring the national symbol. People are scared. They are gathering around the flag and the Army apparently because they feel they are losing their homeland and their sovereignty to the thousands illegal immigrants who have occupied their island.

On September 26, 2016, in the Tympaki region of the island of Crete, people found all over the streets quotes from the Quran. The text, signed by the Muslim Brotherhood of Crete Island,stated among other things:

You are the senior people of the whole world, Only your faith counts and no one else has the right of life and death and ownership over every other person who dares to challenge your leadership and will not embrace your faith.

Allah requires from the believers to be masters of the land where they live, and onlythey can have property, and only we will be able to own the land.

Allah said that we should conquer all the planet, and the faithful ones should own the land and the crops.

Unbelievers cannot have land and crops because it belongs only to us  the believers.

Unbelievers will have from us  as the holy Quran assures us  only alms.

On the same day, September 26, in the Asprovalta region near the city of Thessaloniki, a 49-year-old man from France who came to Greece through Turkey was followed by police officers because he was suspected of being a jihadist. The moment he saw the police car, he rammed it, while chanting Allahu Akbar. [Allah is the greatest] The attacker was arrested and the district attorney ordered his deportation.

A month ago, the inhabitants of Vavilon, a small village in Chios, another island that received a large number of illegal immigrants, decided to take the law into their hands, because, it seems, the state was not protecting them. The residents set up a militia to protect their families and their property from illegal immigrants. Within a week, they had recorded more than ten burglaries and vast property damage.

The media covers these disruptions only when they are like earthquakes, when one large one causes major disasters; the small ones are evidently not interesting. The same indifference of the media can also be seen regarding daily problems caused by the illegal immigrants. The media covers drug trafficking, conflicts between migrants of different Islamic doctrines, rebellions in migrant shelters, conflicts between countries and races, and underage boys and girls being raped. On September 24, in the Moria area of Mytilene Island, four 17-year-old migrants from Pakistan raped an underage Pakistani migrant, age 16, and recorded the rape with their phones. The police arrested the perpetrators, who had been blackmailing the boy before they raped him.

Illegal immigrants have also been blocking roads in many cities; halting traffic for hours. They occupy the roads whenever they feel like it; the police do not stop them and there are no arrests.

The Greek government has been friendly to the migrants. Illegal immigrants have, in an apparent demonstration of power, been asking Greek drivers to show their IDs and drivers licenses. They have established checkpoints as an occupation army does. The government and the police did nothing to stop them. People showed their documents because of the great numbers of migrants; the drivers were evidently scared for their lives and their cars, and did not want things to get nasty. If you consider that the police were just watching all this passively, the drivers did not have much choice.

Another day, illegal immigrants blocked a road because they apparently did not have a good enough internet connection in the refugee shelter.

How would Americans feel if Muslim illegal immigrants living in America said that they were offend by the Statue of Liberty because she was not wearing a burqa?

The Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Hieronymus, last March removed his cross, the symbol of Christianity, from his vestments during his visit to the Port of Piraeus, in order, he said, not to offend the Muslim migrants.

Who warned him that Muslim migrants would be offended by his cross? What would they do if the Archbishop visited them while wearing his cross? Would they kill him? Would they burn the city of Piraeus? They would wage jihad against the Greek people?

Why are we hiding the symbols of our faith from people who come illegally and uninvited into our countries? What power could make an Archbishop remove the symbol of his faith, apart from a countrys political power?

The problem in Greece is not only the government or the mismanagement of illegal immigration. All traditional mainstream political parties in Greece, directly or indirectly, have been encouraging illegal immigration and the transfer of huge Muslim populations into Greek society. They obey the self-destructive EU policies on immigration that could eventually cause the end of the Hellenic-Judeo-Christian values of Europe, such as individual freedom, critical thinking and dispassionate inquiry.

We Greeks have already been crushed by Islam, by the twentieth century genocide in Turkey  that even now targets anyone not Muslim such as Christians, Alevis and Kurds  and the more recent Turkish occupation of Cyprus, again with the worlds complicity.

In spite of that, the mainstream political parties clearly do not care about protecting the nation, its identity or the safety of its citizens.

The establishment in Greece is a miniature of the American establishment: politicians and institutions of government corrupted to the bones, mainstream media and oligarchical fans of globalization. Greece is, in fact, being paid 198 million euros for the refugees.

The Greek establishment suffers from the same symptoms as Western European and American regimes. They no longer believe in the foundations of the Republic: Vox Populi, Vox Dei: the voice of the people is the voice of God.

The political establishment, when the public does not agree with their policies about illegal immigration and the protection of national identity, prefers to blame the voters for immaturity, stupidity or fascism. So as the voters persist in retaining their views for national identity and against illegal immigration, the elites in Greece are replacing the native population by giving the illegal immigrants citizenship.

That is their solution to the migration crisis and Greeces economic meltdown, from failed authoritarian policies of the unelected, unaccountable and untransparent EU. What is happening in Greece, as in much of Europe, is actually a massive replacement of its population, values and way of life. There is only one way now to save what is left of Greece: The British way. Exit. Now.

Source : Gatestone Institute
Hindus expect Union Govt. to take action for protection of Hindus from Sri Lanka !

Christian missionaries behind the attack !

Colombo : On 11th October on the day of Dussehra, while Hindus were celebrating the festival at Shakti Mandir at Niravi in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka where jihadis are in majority, they were attacked and driven out of the temple. One Hindu caught by fanatic was stabbed with sharp weapons by the fanatics and is seriously injured. An accusation is made against Christian missionaries that they plotted the attack.

1. There are 300 Hindu families from Andhra Pradesh staying in Niravi village. They are mostly working as sweepers. Out of them 200 families have been converted by Christian missionaries and a church has been built at this place.

2. Christian missionaries with the help of few hired Christian, jihadi and Buddhist hooligans, attacked Hindus so as to stop them from performing religious rituals.

3. One Hindu ran inside the sanctum of the temple out of fear but he was pulled out and stabbed. He has been admitted to a hospital and is in serious condition. Police have arrested 3 persons so far.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
Morton County, ND, October 14, 2016  Attorneys with the Red Owl Legal Collective (ROLC) of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) call on North Dakota law enforcement to respect freedom of press and the First Amendment rights of Water Protectors resisting construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). This comes as officers from the Morton County Sheriffs Department unlawfully confiscated a reporters video equipment, and then deployed riot police on Indigenous Peoples Day, arresting 29 Water Protectors during a prayer gathering.

On October 8, Morton County police detained Myron Dewey, a reporter for Digital Smoke Signals, and seized a video-equipped drone owned by the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) he was using to capture footage of the ongoing DAPL construction. Mr. Dewey was not arrested at the time, but officers stated that he would be charged with harassment of DAPL workers. This follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by North Dakota authorities for journalist Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, and the arrest of a reporter with the independent news organization Unicorn Riot covering the DAPL.Law enforcements confiscation of Mr. Deweys video equipment and threat to charge him with harassment are intimidation tactics attempting to chill reporting on Standing Rock, said NLG attorney Robin Martinez working with the ROLC.In a letter to the Morton County Sheriffs Department, the NLG and ROLC called upon them to return the seized video drone, issue a public apology to Mr. Dewey, make a strong public commitment to protect First Amendment rights of journalists, and refrain from further actions targeting members of the press (see PDF).On October 10Indigenous Peoples Dayhundreds assembled at the construction site where they performed religious ceremonies. They were suddenly surrounded by dozens of local and out-of-state police wielding rifles, riot gear, and a police dog. As the crowd attempted to disperse, 29 Water Protectors, including a journalist, were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing and rioting. Those participating in the prayer gathering had acted peacefully, did not endanger anyones safety, or interfere with any legitimate police activity.The peaceful struggle against this fracked crude oil pipeline is a sacred duty we are bound to uphold as Oceti Sakowin people. We are holding the line against the DAPL and its sordid attempt to put our communities and water at risk of contamination, said Tom BK Goldtooth, IEN Executive Director and recipient of the Gandhi Peace Award. With this duty in mind, it is deplorable that not only must we fear physical harm by the excessive use of force and inflated actions of law enforcement, we now face persecution for enacting our First Amendment rights to document the destruction of our sacred sites, record police arrests, and hold oil corporations accountable for their actions. We demand an apology for the clear disregard of those rights, he added.A confluence of hundreds of Tribal representatives and allies have descended on Standing Rock, joining in efforts to resist construction of the $3.8 billion, 1,100-mile pipeline. Approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the pipeline is planned to run under the Missouri River just upstream of the Standing Rock reservation and the Tribes water supply. An oil spill would threaten Tribes culture and way of life, and endanger the 28 million other people who rely on the Missouri River for their water needs.For democracy to work, the people must be informed by a free press and empowered to assemble. We continue to monitor police overreach and misconduct in response to water protection activities. We are committed to assisting people who are asserting their treaty rights to determine what kind of development occurs in their territory, said ROLC attorney Angela Bibens.Photo: Water Protectors at Standing Rock, courtesy of Rachel Lederman.National Lawyers Guild
October 13, 2016  Award-winning journalist Amy Goodman, charged with criminal trespassing for filming an attack on Native American-led pipeline protesters, will turn herself in to North Dakota authorities on October 17. Amy Goodman will surrender to authorities at the Morton CountyMandan Combined Law Enforcement and Corrections Center at 8:15 a.m. local time (CDT). [Update from October 15th: A North Dakota state prosecutor has sought to charge award-winning journalist Amy Goodman with participating in a "riot" for filming an attack on Native American-led anti-pipeline protesters. The new charge comes after the prosecutor dropped criminal trespassing charges.]

"I will go back to North Dakota to fight this charge. It is a clear violation of the First Amendment," said Goodman. "I was doing my job as a journalist, covering a violent attack on Native American protesters."The charge in State of North Dakota v. Amy Goodman stems from Democracy Now!s coverage of the protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. On Saturday, September 3, Democracy Now! filmed security guards working for the pipeline company attacking protesters. The report showed guards unleashing dogs and using pepper spray and featured people with bite injuries and a dog with blood on its mouth and nose.Democracy Now!s report went viral online, was viewed more than 14 million times on Facebook and was rebroadcast on many outlets, including CBS, NBC, NPR, CNN, MSNBC and the Huffington Post.On September 8, a criminal complaint and warrant was issued for Goodmans arrest.Ironically, in the states criminal complaint, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Lindsey Wohl, referencing the Democracy Now! video report in a sworn affidavit, stated, "Amy Goodman can be seen on the video identifying herself and interviewing protesters about their involvement in the protest." This is precisely the point: Goodman was doing the constitutionally protected work of a reporter.The pipeline project has faced months of resistance from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and members of over 200 other tribes from across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.The Committee to Protect Journalists has said that the warrant is "a transparent attempt to intimidate reporters from covering protests of significant public interest." Steve Andrist, executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, told The Bismarck Tribune, "Its regrettable that authorities chose to charge a reporter who was just doing her job."Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning public television/radio news program that airs on over 1,400 stations worldwide. Goodman has co-authored six New York Times bestsellers and won many of journalisms highest awards in her more than three decades working as a reporter.Democracy Now!s coverage of the pipeline and the protests is available here:Press Statement:Time: 8:00 a.m. CDT, Monday October 17, 2016Place: 211 2nd Ave NW, Mandan ND 58554Followed by short walk to jail:Time: 8:15 a.m. CDT Monday October 17, 2016Place: 205 1st Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, 2016  The Center for Biological Diversity, Coalition for Clean Air, Communities for a Better Environment and the Sunset Coalition have filed a friend of the court brief in support of those opposing the Golden State Warriors proposed 18,000-seat arena in San Francisco. The groups asked Californias 1st District Court of Appeal to find that the citys review of the project failed to quantify and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed arena or inform the public about cancer-causing toxic air contaminants. The groups said the citys 2015 environmental impact report for the arena violates the California Environmental Quality Act.

The brief, filed in support of the lawsuit brought by Mission Bay Alliance, Jennifer Wade and SaveMuni, also says the city provided no analysis of the major land-use impacts from squeezing an arena into the citys Mission Bay South Redevelopment Plan area.The city simply failed to show its work in claiming that this huge project will not produce a single additional ton of climate pollution, said John Buse, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Theres simply no quantitative evidence that the arena wont contribute to our growing climate crisis.The groups also took issue with the citys failure to use scientifically accurate information regarding toxic air contaminants. Unfortunately, the city approved the vehicle-intensive arena just across the street from the UCSF Childrens Hospital as well as residential housing for UCSF students and their families. An analysis using currently recommended breathing rates for children  relying on data available to the city in 2012  shows a 71 percent increase in cancer risk from arena emissions for a child resident of the Hearst Tower at UCSF. Rather than disclosing this unacceptable impact on children and providing mitigation to protect them, the citys review of the arena relied on outdated data from 2003.Its unacceptable and outrageous that the city ignored relevant guidance and updated breathing rate data from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, which was available well before the citys arena project EIR was written. The result is to expose children, living in Mission Bay and receiving treatment at UCSF Childrens Hospital, to dramatically increased risks for cancer, said Zofia Wright of the Sunset Coalition, which became interested in the case involving the arena out of concern over the same outdated breathing rates being used for another project in Southern California.The friend of the court brief also emphasized that the proposed arena would alter the overall land-use character of the project site from that analyzed in the Mission Bay Redevelopment Plans environmental impact report; yet the 2015 report for the proposed arena omitted review of land use entirely, relying on a previous report from 1998.Reliance on older environmental review documents is only appropriate when those documents fully analyze impacts from the project under review, said Doug Carstens, who represented the groups filing the brief. The citys position that a 1998 EIR that never mentioned an arena  or anything like it  analyzed the arenas impacts actually makes a mockery of CEQAs requirements and shortchanges the public.The case has been set for oral argument on Nov. 16; the groups will monitor the outcome of the case, which has statewide implications for what is adequate environmental analysis and mitigation to protect the environment and public health.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.Center for Biological Diversity
By Yi Whan-woo



North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is avoiding visiting flood-hit areas in the country's northeast, concerned of possible attacks against him using the hundreds of arms and ammunitions that were swept away from an armory during the flood, sources said, Friday.



The sources from North Hamgyong Province said Kim is not likely to go there until the military retrieves all the arms and ammunitions that went missing.



Over 500 people either died or went missing and another 140,000 people were left homeless after Typhoon Linorock hit the province in early September. The survivors have been angry about their regime's lack of relief efforts even though it had enough cash to carry out its fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9, according to the sources.



"The military is clueless about where to find the rifles and ammunition that are believed be underwater or are somewhere else," a source said.



"In this climate, Kim is so concerned about terrorist attacks and assassination attempts in case the weapons fell into the hands of flood victims. It is rumored that the tyrant will visit the province only if his security is guaranteed."



The sources said the young tyrant has previously scrapped plans to attend any scheduled events if even "a piece of weapon" was reported missing in the events' host cities.



"The situation in North Hamgyong Province is much worse, and it is easy to imagine why Kim is not showing up there," a source said.



Soldiers and civilians, including students, have been mobilized to retrieve the arms and ammunition. Some of them have explicitly made complaints about being treated like "cannon fodder."



"The high-ranking officers are only interested in making sure that the lost items from the armory are back in place although there are still hundreds of dead bodies that need to be recovered," a source said.



"Some people are grumbling that their lives are worth less than a bullet and that they will certainly be forced to die as cannon fodder when a war breaks out."



Meanwhile, An Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher at the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, speculated that Kim may consider visiting the province if the relief program is completed.



"It makes sense to say Kim is not visiting there owing to safety concerns. But it makes more sense to say Kim will wait until the devastated region has fully recovered so that he can stress his love for the people.'"



Following the fifth nuclear test, Kim visited a farm run by the military and then an industrial plant on Sept. 13 and 15, respectively.



His confidants are not encouraging him to visit the flood-devastated regions owing to fears that the scene may offend the unpredictable tyrant and consequently, prompt him to purge them.



An average of 30 people have been publicly executed every year since Kim took power in December 2011. Many of them were killed for petty reasons, including then Defense Minister Hyon Yong-chol, who was executed by anti-aircraft fire for snoozing in front of Kim at a meeting.




By India Today Web Desk: While the national debate, as far as Diwali film releases are concerned this year, continues to revolve around Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Ajay Devgn's Shivaay, Tamil star Dhanush tweeted the new poster of his Diwali release Kodi on Saturday (October 15).



The film is being directed by RS Durai Senthilkumar and has been produced by National Award-winning director Vetri Maaran. Vetri Maaran's 2016 film Visaaranai was selected as the official Indian entry for the 2017 Academy Awards recently.

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WATCH: Dhanush's double roles in Kodi motion poster ups curiosity

ALSO READ: Sivakarthikeyan's Remo to Dhanush's Why This Kolaveri Di: When will Tamil cinema bid goodbye to misogyny?



Kodi is touted to be a political thriller and Dhanush plays a double role in this film, that of a teacher and a politician. In fact, Dhanush's look in the new Kodi poster is that of a typical Tamil politician, complete with the beard, the shades, the trademark white shit and the red sandalwood tilak on his forehead.

Trisha Krishnan, Premam actor Anupama Parameshwaran and Saranya Ponvannan also star in the film. The music of Kodi has been composed by Santosh Narayanan who had also scored Rajinikanth's Kabali which released this year.

Following the middling box-office returns of his last release, Thodari, Dhanush will be looking to score a ton with Kodi which releases in theatres on October 28.

--- ENDS ---
Patience Jonathan, a former First Lady of Nigeria and the wife of former president Goodluck Jonathan, is one of those who can strongly disagree with President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about women's place in the society.

Recall that earlier today the president has laughed off his wife's statement about his plans of re-election in 2019.

During a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel he said: "I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room."

However, Dame Jonathan, who is known for her work towards advancing the rights of women and children, called on Nigerian women and girls to stop limiting themselves, go out of the shadow and expand horizons.

READ ALSO: Pres. Buhari needs prayers Fani-Kayode, Omokri hit out over insults to first lady, Aisha

In December 2014 during the presidential campaign Mrs Jonathan stated:

"Nigerian women should no longer go back to the kitchen. It is not our portion to go back to the kitchen. We have women that are capable. We can contribute our quota to the development of Nigeria."

Garba Shehu, the official spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari, has hastened to explain the controversial statement of the president.

Reacting to the development Garba Shehu: "My friends, cant a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made."

He also stressed that President Buhari respects the place of women in our society and believes in their abilities. Mr Shehu mentioned that one of Nigerias most sensitive office today is headed by a woman, Mrs Adeosun.

READ ALSO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Nigerians mock Buhari over response to Aishas Interview

Sexism or gender discrimination is prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex or gender. Sexism can affect any gender, but it is particularly documented as affecting women and girls.

It has been linked to stereotypes and gender roles, and may include the belief that one sex or gender is intrinsically superior to another. Extreme sexism may foster sexual harassment, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: A former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode in this fresh piece agrees with a Reuben Abati tale of "The spiritual side of Aso Villa".

Fani-Kayode also believes that the Presidential Villa is a place where all sorts of evil and strange terminal diseases are contracted. he also berates the recent claim by President Muhammadu Buhari that his wife Aisha belongs to the kitchen, the living room and the "other room".

Former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode

I read Reuben Abati's excellent write-up titled "The Spiritual Side Of Aso Villa" and I concur with his submissions.

I worked in the Villa for three years as President Olusegun Obasanjo's spokesman on public affairs and a lot of gory strange things happened there.

Amongst them is the fact that the two people that served as Senior Special Assistant to President Obasanjo on media and publicity one after the other, namely the much-loved Mr. Tunji Oseni and then later Mrs. Remi Oyo, both contracted a terrible terminal illness whilst in office and died a few years later.

Apart from that many other aides that worked in the Villa at that time were also afflicted with strange diseases and a suddem and tragic end.

READ ALSO: President Buhari under heavy fire from Biafra agitators

Amongst them were Col. Solomon Giwa Amu, Obasanjo's hard-working and good-looking ADC and Mr. Stanely Macebuh, his brilliant and cerebral Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications.

I was so moved by Abati's piece that I decided to share the following thoughts about the spiritual challenges that those in power have faced.

When our President can get up and tell the whole world all the way from distant Germany that his wife "belongs to the kitchen, the living room and the other room" simply because she dared to speak her mind to the BBC then you know that he is in the grip of something evil and that demons are speaking through him.

It is all part of the spiritual dimension of living in the Villa that Abati was referring to in his essay. The President's mind has become twisted and he is now possessed by strange and powerful entities. He needs a lot of prayer.

Yet the problem is much bigger and wider than that. When one studies the history of our country critically and takes the time to do the appropriate research, one thing becomes very clear- that, in Nigeria, politics and the power game is a dangerous calling and terrible business which, more often than not, comes with a heavy price tag.

READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode gives SCARY reason Ebola, Boko Haram was created

That price tag includes pain, anguish, betrayal, humiliation, persecution, misfortune, hardship, loss, death, strange ailments and tragedy for those who reach the top and their loved ones.

It is rather like playing Russian roulette- there is one live bullet in the six empty chambers of the pistol and one doesnt quite know when that bullet will go off when the trigger is pulled.

The gamble and risks taken are not only compulsive but they are also addictive and at the same time utterly deadly.

Sadly the result is as follows- virtually every single one of our national leaders and those that have ever ruled this country has suffered immeasurably at some point or the other in their lives, whether it be before, during or after they came to power.

They too have shed tears in the loneliness of their closets and have eaten portions of what the Bible describes as the bread of sorrows. Yes, even the rich and powerful cry and even they suffer loss and tragedy.

This is the case for leaders all over the world but in Nigeria it is far more pronounced and common than anywhere else.

Here the angel of death, misfortune and sorrow seem to stalk those that find power and, like an ugly old crow plucks out the pink feathers and precious eyes of a beautiful flamingo, she cuts short and plucks away their lives or the lives of their loved ones.

Like a light bulb attracts a moth and leads it to a sudden end, so power attracts those who seek it with equally tragic consequences. As painful as it is, let us look at the facts.

In the early 60s Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, lost his first son and years later his second son and second daughter were cut short in the prime of their lives.

Chief S.L. Akintola, his bitter political rival and the second Premier of the Western Region also lost his first daughter in the early 60s and a few years later lost his third and youngest son. His second son was also cut short in his prime a number of years later.

READ ALSO: 4 fiery lawyers yet to speak on judges arrest by DSS [LIST]

My father, Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode, the Deputy Premier of the Western Region, who was a close ally and second in command to S.L. Akintola, lost his second son.

Sir Adesoji Aderemi, who was the Ooni of Ife, a close ally of Awolowo and the first ceremonial Governor of the old Western Region, lost his first son. Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Premier of the old Eastern Region and Nigerias first and only ceremonial President, lost his first wife.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerias second democratically-elected President lost four wives and one son many years ago whilst Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region, lost two sons and one daughter. Awolowo and Obasanjo went to jail for three years each whilst Ahmadu Bello went to jail for three months.

S.L. Akintola was killed in the prime of his life just as were Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigerias first democratically-elected leader and Prime Minister.

As a matter of fact they were all killed on the same night- the night of January 15th 1966. President Shehu Shagari, Nigerias second democratically-elected leader and first executive President lost four children whilst he was in power and was locked up for over two years after he was toppled.

Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, lost two wives, was locked up for 4 years and was eventually killed.

READ ALSO: Like DSS, Like FBI: 3 times US judges have been arrested for corruption (photos)

Chief Bola Ige, the first democratically-elected Governor of Oyo state and the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation lost his first son and he himself was later murdered.

Chief Bisi Onabanjo, the first democratically-elected Governor of Ogun state lost his first son. Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first democratically elected Governor of Lagos state, lost his first daughter.

Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, the second democratically-elected Governor of Oyo state lost his son. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the first Minister of Finance of Nigeria was killed.

Chief Alfred Rewane, one of the founding members of the Action Group and a leading figure in NADECO, was killed. The list is endless and I could go on and on.

Alhaji Musa Yaradua was Minister of Lagos Affairs in the First Republic. He was blessed with a long and peaceful life. However two of his sons were not so lucky.

His first son, General Shehu Musa Yaradua, who was number two to General Obasanjo when he was military Head of State and who for many decades was one of the most powerful men in the country, was murdered whilst he was in prison.

His second son, President Umaru Yaradua, was cut short in his prime by a strange and inexplicable ailment after he had been President for only three years.

He was succeeded by his number two, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan lost his brother and his mother-in-law one year after the other after he became President.

Worse still those that he had been deputy to throughout his political life, either as Deputy Governor or Vice President, always suffered one form of misfortune or the other, whether it be death, shame, incarceration or impeachment, and he would end up stepping into their shoes and taking their place.

READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode: DSS lying against judges to justify raids, arrests

When it comes to our military rulers the story of consistent tragedy is no different- General Aguiyi-Ironsi, our first military Head of State was killed. General Yakubu Gowon, our second military Head of State, was toppled from power, exiled and lost his brother.

General Murtala Mohammed, our third military Head of State, was killed and lost both his son and son-in-law.

General Olusegun Obasanjo was our fourth military Head of State and we touched on his misfortunes earlier.

General Muhammadu Buhari, our fifth military Head of State, was toppled from power, locked up for a number of years, lost his mother whilst he was in detention and was not allowed to attend her burial, lost his first wife, lost his daughter and now he has publicly described his second wife as nothing more than a "kitchen, living room and 'other room' wife".

His number two, General Tunde Idiagbon, was cut short under very strange and suspicious circumstances.

General Ibrahim Babangida, our sixth military Head of State, was eased out of power and compelled to step aside amidst massive controversy and turmoil and later lost his wife.

His number two, Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, lost his first son, Chief Ernest Shonekan, our first and only Interim Civilian Head of State, was badly humiliated and toppled from power.

General Sani Abacha, our seventh military Head of State, lost his first son, was removed from power and was killed.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, our eigth military Head of State, as far as I am aware is the only exception and appears to have escaped any misfortune.

Yet the picture is very depressing. This is indeed a catalog of tragic events. Sorrow and pain just appears to be following sorrow and pain. It is a vicious circle of misfortune and calamity.

Yet the most curious phenomenon and bizarre series of events of all is the fact that every single Head of State or President that has ruled our country from the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja for three years or more has either ended up dying whilst there or has lost a spouse before leaving office.

READ ALSO: Great worry over President Buhari after DSS raid on judges

President Jonathan stayed there as President for four years in a stretch but the travails of his wife and her series of illnesses and medical complications which suddenly and miraculously ceased and abated after he conceded the 2015 election indicates that had he continued in office after 2015 he may have lost her and the demons of Aso Rock Villa would have come for their prey.

Thankfully he left before they could lay claim to it and before the curse was activated.

Babangida did not stay in the Villa in Abuja for up to three years so he and his wife escaped what has come to be known as the Villa curse.

It was the same for Chief Ernest Shonekan who, wisely, never stayed at the Villa at all but who chose to preside over the affairs of the nation from Aguda house next door and who remained in power for barely six months. General Abdulsalami Abubakar stayed at the Villa but he remained there for less than a year.

However Abacha, Obasanjo and Yaradua were not so lucky- each of them stayed at the Villa for three years or more and before the end of their tenure they either lost their own life or the life of their spouse whilst there.

The story is that once the three year mark is passed the curse sets in and the clock begins to tick. At the end of the day only one of the two spouses comes out alive.

When one considers all these facts and series of misfortunes that have trailed our leaders in the last 56 years of our existence as an independent nation one cannot but conclude that there has indeed been a harvest of hardship, pain and death attached to the highest, most powerful and most prominent offices in the land and to those that are close to or have occupied it.

The truth is that power comes at a terrible price and those that wield it have, more often than not, experienced terrible pain and anguish in their lives.

That is the price that virtually every single one of them has had to pay. What a tragedy. Yet at the end of the day I wonder whether it is all worth it.

For as the bible says, it is nothing but "vanity upon vanity- all is vanity.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors.

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Source: Legit.ng
Rajathi Ammal, DMK patriarch Karunanidhi's wife and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi's mother, visited the Apollo Hospital in Chennai yesterday to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health.

By Press Trust of India: Rajathi Ammal, DMK patriarch Karunanidhi's wife and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi's mother, visited the Apollo Hospital in Chennai yesterday to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health.

Sources in both AIADMK and DMK confirmed that Rajathi Ammal visited the hospital on Friday night and enquired about Jayalalithaa's health, who has been undergoing treatment there for infection since September 22.

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STALIN CALLED ON DOCTORS

Her visit comes days after Karunanidhi's son and DMK treasurer MK Stalin called on doctors at the hospital.

While DMK sources confirmed that Ammal met Jayalalithaa's aide Sasikala in the hospital and enquired about the health of the Chief Minister, AIADMK sources declined to comment on the meeting.

Also read: YouTube channel 'Put Chutney' shows funny side to the mystery over Jayalalithaa's health



DMK sources said Ammal took Karunanidhi into confidence about going to the hospital to enquire about the health of Jayalalithaa.



TAMIL NADU GOVERNOR VISITS APOLLO HOSPITAL



Meanwhile, former Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah also visited the hospital yesterday to find out what the status of Jayalalitaa's health was.

Rosaiah, whose term as the state governor ended recently, said he prayed to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of the Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Also read: DMK leader Karunanidhi raises questions over allocation of Jayalalithaa's portfolios to O.Panneerselvam

Ever since Jayalalithaa was hospitalised last month, the hospital has received a steady stream of VVIP visitors, including Union Ministers and leaders of political parties apart from the all-time presence of AIADMK leaders.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: minister

Jammu, Oct 15 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has distributed 14 lakh quintals of foodgrain to people of the state during the last three months of ongoing turmoil in the Kashmir Valley.

State Minister for food and civil supplies Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali told this to Union Minister for food and public distribution Ram Vilas Paswan during their meeting here today.

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"The department has distributed 14 lakh quintals of foodgrain to the consumers of the state during the last three months of the ongoing turmoil in the Valley," Ali told Paswan.

He said the officials of his department, despite facing various hardships due to the unrest in the Valley, worked day and night to provide foodgrain to the consumers.

He projected the demand for procurement of maize from local farmers through food corporation of India (FCI) on market rates and disbursing it to consumers on payment of Re one per kg.

Stating that a large number of farmers in the state are maize producers but a lack of proper market is discouraging them, Ali stressed the need for encouraging them by providing a platform for marketing their produce.

In response to the demand, Paswan instructed officers of his department and FCI to coordinate with the J and K government to start procurement of maize.

During the meeting, Ali also took up the issue of food godowns of state that are presently under FCI for many decades and sought rent of these godowns from the corporation.

The Union Minister said they have already handed over Nagrota godown to the J and K government and are in process of handing over the remaining godowns at Lethpura and Gulab Bagh to the state soon.

Paswan asked the state government to provide them alternative land for construction of FCI godowns so that they can expedite the process of vacating the state godowns.

Taking up the matter of funding for e-PDS, Ali projected 90:10 ratio and said the Centre is already providing 90 per cent funding to northeastern states and should do the same for J and K.

J and K has already projected this demand in National Consultation Meeting of Ministers twice, the minister said.

The Union Minister assured proper action in this regard. PTI TSS AB DK KIS

--- ENDS ---
Haralabos Voulgaris on the Big One for One Drop: 'The Event is a Success. The Field Size is Fine.'

October 15, 2016 Frank Op de Woerd

From the moment the tournament was announced by Guy Laliberte, the Big One for One Drop Extravaganza has been debated by fans and players alike. Not because the buy-in was a whopping 1,000,000, we've seen that before with the Big One for One Drop in Vegas in 2012 and 2014. No, the debate was about the stipulation that only recreational players could enter.

Some, like Daniel Negreanu, say organizer Laliberte should be able to do whatever he wants. Others openly questioned the rule and raised their eyebrows after reading the names of some who were allowed to enter.

We spoke to fan favorite Haralabos Voulgaris, a player certainly not considered to be in the gray area discussed by Twitter users from around the world.

Voulgaris, still in and one of the eight players returning tomorrow for Day 3 of the tournament, was clear about his thoughts about the consternation.

"First of all, it's Guy's tournament and he can invite or decline anyone he wants to," he said. "It's his charity, it's his tournament and he can do whatever he wants."

Even so, Voulgaris holds who can play to a different standard.

"I read that people were saying that some of the players in the field were EPT regs," he said. "But these guys are worth like $500 million-plus and they don't play poker for a living. If you think someone like that is just your regular everyday poker player, then sure they're regs. Talal Shakerchi is a great player but he's not a professional poker player and same goes for Dan Shak and Paul Newey. They play a lot of poker but they're not professional poker players. These are all fabulously rich people who made their money doing something else."

A lot of poker players weighing in on the debate on Twitter.

"Whenever we see specific criteria and a list of players are accepted, there's always one person who fits the least in that group. And if that player wouldn't be in, there'd be an argument over the next player who shouldn't be in there," said Voulgaris.

As Voulgaris and Negreanu said, it was up to Laliberte and nobody in the field objected to anyone getting in.

"A lot of people whine too much," Voulgaris said. "I mean, get over it; you weren't invited to a tournament - it's not a big deal. These guys that you call regs will still play the EPT High Rollers and stuff."

So the 1 mill one drop was a failure ? Weird... Really thought excluding all the best players in the world was gonna make it a success #NOT  Jason Mercier (@JasonMercier)

With 26 players entering and two players re-entering, the total entries came to 28. That resulted in a prize pool of 24,888,892, a bit smaller than the two editions in Vegas and fewer players than the announced 35 players. Some, like Jason Mercier, deemed the event a failure, but Voulgaris doesn't agree. It must be noted he didn't respond to Mercier specifically and just replied to the turmoil in general.

"I think it's a great event," Voulgaris said.

The fact the field isn't as big as some might have expected is simply because 1,000,000 is a lot of money, according to Voulgaris.

"I think it's tough to get people to put up a million euro," he said. "It's not like the economy is booming. On top of that, this isn't a location that a lot of people are at."

Despite that, Voulgaris is nothing but positive.

"I think the event is a success," he said. "I think there's probably a few people that might have played if it was in a different locale, but hey, this is a great event and this is a great city, a great principality actually. I'm a Monaco resident so it's nice for me to play here. The field size is fine."

With the absence of pros, the atmosphere was a bit different.

"The main thing is that the play was very pleasant," Voulgaris said. "It was kind of refreshing to play a poker tournament and to not be faced with solitude forever. People are talking!"

Voulgaris took one last jab at Dan Shak who he poked fun at in the event for wearing his headphones ("What do you want? Sunglasses and a hoodie too?" Voulgaris laughed after a hand).

"Shak was the only player who was playing like a pro," he said. "He has probably played too many tournaments and kind of shed the businessman image in that sense," Voulgaris said in a clearly joking way. "But hey, people are allowed to play however they want."

Voulgaris seemed in his element, with a smile ear to ear for most of the day despite not winning a whole lot of pots after an initial good start.

"Today was good at the start and then I ran pretty bad in a couple of big pots on the other table I went to," Voulgaris said. "I dropped from 12 to eight million, down to six down to four and I kind of never picked up a spot. I didn't really have any opportunities to play hands. I was hoping to get my money in somewhere but I just never had any spots."

Despite not having a whole lot of chips, he was still very talkative all day.

"I like to talk," he said. "It's a little bit harder to talk when you're short stacked compared to when you don't have a lot of chips. When you get talking chips, you can talk."

One of the troubles Voulgaris ran into on Day 2 was a steamrolling Andrew Pantling on his right who raised and three-bet just about every pot.

"[Pantling] tortured Big Al (Alfred De Carolis) for sure. It was a little bit tougher [with him on my right]," Voulgaris said.

After the event was down to eight players and the official final table was set, play halted. Tournament director Jack Effel proposed to keep playing till the money with six players left, but James Bord and Rick Salomon were tired and wanted play to be done for the day. Voulgaris was one of the players voting for continuing play, but wasn't piqued when the bagging and tagging began.

"Yeah, I mean it's fine," he said. "It's just early; I didn't expect to finish so soon so I really would've liked to keep playing, but stopping was fine also."

Sunday, 12 p.m. local time, Day 3 commences and Voulgaris and seven opponents will battle it out for the 11,111,111-first place prize. Before the big money, two more players will go home empty-handed as just six spots are getting paid. Voulgaris will start with 13 big blinds, which makes him the shortest stack returning.
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The first ever Ford Mustang SUV is here, and it is electric. Thats a lot to digest, if you have been a fan of the Mustang. But it has happened, and Ford says that it has been a long time coming. This new Ford electric SUV aims to take on the Tesla Model Y SUV.

Apart from the similar looking headlights and the tail lights, there is not much similarities between the regular Mustang and this electric Mustang. Helping the Ford Mustang electric appear to be future-ready, stylish and sporty  are design elements like coupe styled roof, fully enclosed grille in the front, hidden door handles, larger alloys, etc.

If the new Mustang Electric SUV hints of a Mustang from outside, it is the Explorer SUV that seems to be the inspiration behind its interior design. Featuring a minimalistic interior, the new Ford Mustang Mach-E comes with a 15.5 inch large touchscreen infotainment system, which takes car of all the cars settings, etc.

Behind the steering wheel is a free standing instrument panel, which too is all digital. Ford has tried to keep the number of buttons on the inside, to the minimum. The only buttons on offer are for windows, steering mounted controls, start / stop. Below the large infotainment system, is a wireless charger for your smartphone. AC vents are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. There is also a drive mode selector knob near the driver arm rest.

The cabin is roomy, and spacious. On the top, there is a large panoramic sunroof. Front windows are large, but rear are comparatively smaller, thanks to the coupe design. For rear passengers, there are rear AC vents. Front seats are power adjustable.

Boot space is also huge. You can now store luggage at the usual place, behind rear seats, or under the bonnet in the front. The rear trunk offers storage space of 821 liters, which can be expanded to 1,688 liters by folding the rear seats. Front trunk offers a space of 136 liters.

Ford Mustang Electric Mach-E SUV is offered in a choice of 5 variants. The base model is called Select. It is priced from $43,895 (Rs 31,47 lakhs). This variant is offered in two options  Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive. Both variants have the same electric motor and battery setup, offering max power of 255 hp. Torque output for RWD variant is 414 Nm while for the AWD variant is 581 Nm. 0-100 kmph rating for the RWD variant is about 6.5 seconds while it has a drive range of 370 kms. AWD variant has a 0-100 kmph time of about 5.5 seconds and a drive range of 338 kms.

Next variant on offer is the Ford Mustang Mac-E Premium. This variant is priced from $50,600 (Rs 36.28 lakhs). It will be offered in standard range as well as long drive range; in all wheel drive as well as rear wheel drive. The long range model with rear wheel drive has max output of 282 hp and 414 Nm. It has a drive range of 483 kms and does 0-100 kmph in 6.5 seconds approx. The AWD variant of the same, delivers 333 hp and 581 Nm torque. It does 0-100 kmph in 5.5 seconds approx, and has a range of 435 kms.

Then there is the Mach-E California Route 1 variant. This one is priced from $52,400 (Rs 37.57 lakhs). This variant is the same as extended long range RWD variant, with same specs for engine and drive range. Above this is the Mach-E First Edition. This one is priced from $59,900 (Rs 42.95 lakhs). It is an AWD model with 333 hp and 414 Nm torque. Range is 435 kms.

Above this is going to be the Mach-E GT, which will be launched at a later date. Details are not yet revealed, but approx figures say that it will do a 0-100 kmph run in under 4 seconds and will have a drive range of over 400 kms.
Why reinvent the wheel when nature has the answer?

That's what researcher Michael Janech, Ph.D. of the Medical University of South Carolina, has found to be true, drawing from the field of biomimicry where researchers look to nature for creative solutions to human problems.

In Janech's case, his natural inspiration is coming from dolphins who seem to have protective proteins that may contain clues to treatments for aging-associated diseases in humans. A recent study published in Nature's Scientific Reports September 26 issue found dolphin serum contains very high levels of an antioxidant protein.

Janech, director of MUSC's Nephrology Proteomics Laboratory, said he was surprised by the finding and excited about how this might be used in future studies to help humans. Dolphins survive dives that deprive vital organs of oxygen without causing damage and that for humans would be lethal. During dives that can last as long as 90 minutes, marine mammals restrict blood flow to their kidneys, liver, heart and lungs to shunt more oxygen to the brain.

When marine mammals resurface, oxygenated blood flow is restored to those organs without the organs suffering damage. In humans, though, the same phenomenon of hypoxia or being deprived of oxygen followed by re-oxygenation, such as experienced during heart attack, stroke and acute kidney injury, causes the release of free radicals thought to damage human organs. Janech, a kidney researcher and expert in proteomics, was curious what gives dolphins this advantage.

Proteomics is the study of all proteins that are encoded by the genes, he said. "We attempt to analyze all the proteins at once rather than individual proteins at one time in a cell or a tissue or an organism. It's just like genomics -- when people are looking at 20,000 genes and seeing if they are high or low in certain disease states. We're doing the same thing with certain proteins."

That's no small feat.

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"There are more than 100,000 protein variants, but each protein can be modified. We have more than a million different protein variants based on modifications."

Because the diversity of proteins is so large, researchers usually require mass spectrometers that perform at high resolution, allowing investigators to accurately determine the identity of proteins and other molecules of interest. This expertise came in handy in how the current study came about.

While Janech was working with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, and the National Marine Mammal Foundation in San Diego, California, to identify biomarkers in sea lions affected by toxic algae blooms on the west coast, he learned that some of the managed dolphins in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal program were living much longer than wild ones.

They were developing insulin resistance and fatty liver disease as they aged, a process consistent with the development of metabolic syndrome in people. This observation presented a rare opportunity.

"That's not a model that anybody sees in nature, because dolphins usually don't get this old in nature," said Janech.

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Janech joined forces with Stephanie Venn-Watson, director of the National Marine Mammal Foundation's Translational Medicine Research Program in San Diego, and Randall Wells, director of the Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program in Florida. Venn-Watson is a veterinary expert of the Navy's managed dolphin populations, while Wells is an expert of wild dolphin biology.

Together the group is attempting to determine the cause for insulin resistance in managed dolphins, and then use knowledge of human and dolphin similarities to find clues for treating the condition in both species. With funding provided by the Office of Naval Research, the Janech laboratory began to track adiponectin in the serum of the managed and wild bottlenose dolphin populations.

Levels of adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing hormone, were predicted to be different in managed dolphins with metabolic syndrome in comparison with those in the wild. In order to verify the relevance of their work to human metabolic syndrome, they also performed simple proteomic analyses in human and dolphin serum samples.

Given that the major proteins in mammals are constant across species, they expected the highest concentration of proteins to be similar in both species. What they found when they looked just below the threshold, however, was surprising, he said.

Eleven proteins were at least 100-fold more prevalent in dolphin serum than in humans. At first, the group wrote this off as a difference in genetic ancestry: at some phylogenetic branch in the evolutionary tree of development, some mammals branched off and developed into two-toed ungulates and some went on to become primates.

Bottlenose dolphins are mammals descended from even-toed ungulates such as pigs, deer, and giraffes. To check that this was the case, they also mapped the serum proteome of the pig, and were again surprised. The 100-fold rank differences in 5 of the proteins, including vanin-1 and adiponectin, could not be explained away by simple phylogenetic differences.

While adiponectin is known to be higher in dolphins, as a way to control glucose storage during feeding, very high vanin-1 was a novel finding. Interestingly, excessively high vanin-1 levels were correlated with decreased liver function in the wild dolphins, which suggests they provide a protective effect in avoiding metabolic syndrome. But Janech, Venn-Watson, and Wells also noticed another potential need for vanin-1. The function of vanin-1 is to make vitamin B5 and in doing so it releases an antioxidant that has been shown to protect tissues from injury like that which occurs after the hypoxia and re-oxygenation of diving and resurfacing.

The question is if this could work also to help humans resist the hypoxia that causes acute kidney injury, which Janech has applied for a grant to the National Science Foundation to study. He and colleagues are gathering samples from a number of different diving and non-diving marine mammals, and land-bound mammals, and mapping their proteomes as well. They have continued their current collaboration, and also included graduate students from the College of Charleston's Grice Marine Laboratory and investigators from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology at Hollings Marine Laboratory to help with their measurements.

Janech said there's much to learn from the field of biomimicry, especially paired with proteomics.

"Proteins are the workhorses of the genes. It is how the gene provides function to the cell. The action of the cell happens through the proteins. That's why we want to study the proteins. These are your enzymes," he said.

"This is the first step. We wanted to ask what's different in an animal that can do something that would hurt a human, and they do this every single day. And can we take it back to human medicine?"
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas are sweating the small stuff in their efforts to develop a wearable device that can monitor an individual's glucose level via perspiration on the skin.

In a study recently published online in the journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Dr. Shalini Prasad, professor of bioengineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, and her co-authors demonstrated the capabilities of a biosensor they designed to reliably detect and quantify glucose in human sweat.

The team has previously demonstrated that their technology can detect cortisol in perspiration.

But for diabetics and those at risk for diabetes, self-monitoring of blood glucose, or blood sugar, is an important part of managing their conditions.

"Fitness trackers that monitor heart rate and step count are very popular, but wearable, non-invasive biosensors would be extremely beneficial for managing diseases," said Prasad, the Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science.

Typical home-use blood glucose monitors require a user to obtain a small blood sample, usually through the prick of a finger and often several times a day. However, the UT Dallas textile-based sensor detects glucose in the small amount of ambient sweat on a person's skin.

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"In our sensor mechanism, we use the same chemistry and enzymatic reaction that are incorporated into blood glucose testing strips," Prasad said. "But in our design, we had to account for the low volume of ambient sweat that would be present in areas such as under a watch or wrist device, or under a patch that lies next to the skin."

Prasad said that researchers who work with sweat often use a process called iontophoresis, which sends an electric current through the skin to generate enough perspiration for sensing experiments. However, because this method can lead to rashes and burns on the skin, the team sought an alternative that would work with small amounts of sweat.

Their design works with volumes of sweat less than a microliter, which is the approximate amount of liquid that would fit in a cube the size of a salt crystal.

The technology also provides a real-time response in the form of a digital readout.

Prasad and bioengineering doctoral student Rujuta Munje, lead author of the journal article, incorporated an off-the-shelf polymer-based textile material in their glucose sensor and used UT Dallas clean-room facilities to construct the electronic elements. The prototype is a small, flexible, rod-shaped device about an inch long.

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"We used known properties of textiles and weaves in our design," Prasad said. "What was innovative was the way we incorporated and positioned the electrodes onto this textile in such a way that allows a very small volume of sweat to spread effectively through the surface."

Typical blood glucose testing strips also contain a molecule that ultimately amplifies the signal from the chemical reactions on the strip enough to register electronically on a monitoring device. But if used in a device that is worn next to the skin, those molecules can be irritating, Prasad said, which presented another challenge.

To ensure that such a tiny amount of sweat would generate a strong enough signal, Prasad and Munje modified the surface topography of the textile material.

"Our modifications allow this material to entrap glucose oxidase molecules, which effectively amplifies the signal," Prasad said. "We did it this way because we are thinking about possible commercialization -- to make these, we need a fabrication process that is not complex."

Prasad and Munje also were able to account for the fact that the chemistry of a person's sweat changes throughout the day.

"Glucose is a tricky molecule to monitor because other factors can confound a signal," Prasad said. "For example, the pH, or acidity, of your sweat can vary greatly depending on the circumstances."

She noted that when individuals exercise or are under stress, the level of other compounds in their sweat, such as cortisol and lactic acid, change as well, and these can interfere with glucose detection.

"We have shown that with our technology, we address three critical issues: low volume of ambient sweat, interference from other compounds and pH swings," Prasad said

Prasad and Munje tested their prototype using samples of human sweat from donors.

While a consumer product based on the technology is still a few years away, the concept was developed with commercialization and scaled-up production in mind.

"At this point, we are thinking of this sensor as something you use for a day and toss out, and we believe it could easily be incorporated into existing consumer electronics platforms," Prasad said. "We're very excited about the potential for licensing this technology."

The research was supported by the Cecil H. and Ida Green endowed fellowship at UT Dallas.

Researchers at UT Dallas and elsewhere have investigated whether glucose found in other bodily fluids -- such as urine and tears -- might be used to track glucose levels, further eliminating the need for invasive blood draws. Google, for example, is investigating a smart contact lens designed to measure glucose levels in tears.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 29 million people in the United States have diabetes and 86 million have prediabetes.
A mid-air display of 'floating pixels' has been created by scientists.

Researchers at the Universities of Sussex and Bristol have used soundwaves to lift many tiny objects at once before spinning and flipping them using electric force fields.

The technology -- called JOLED -- effectively turns tiny, multi-coloured spheres into real-life pixels, which can form into floating displays or bring computer game characters to life as physical objects.

To be presented next week at a future technologies conference in Japan, the research opens up new possibilities for mobile and game designers, giving them a new way of representing digital information in a physical space.

Professor Sriram Subramanian, in the University of Sussex's School of Engineering and Informatics, is the head of lab behind the research. He says: "We've created displays in mid-air that are free-floating, where each pixel in the display can be rotated on the spot to show different colours and images.

"This opens up a whole new design space, where computer and mobile displays extend into the 3D space above the screen."

The pixels are levitated using a series of miniature ultrasound speakers that create high-pitched and high-intensity soundwaves that are inaudible but forceful enough to hold the spheres in place.

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A thin coating of titanium dioxide gives the pixels an electrostatic charge, enabling them to be manipulated in mid-air by changes to an electric force field, created by tiny electrodes.

Dr Deepak Sahoo, Research Associate in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Sussex, said: "The most exciting part of our project is that we can now demonstrate that it is possible to have a fully functioning display which is made of a large collection of small objects that are levitating in mid-air.

"JOLED could be like having a floating e-ink display that can also change its shape."

The paper is the first to demonstrate such a fine level of control over these levitating pixels, moving the technology closer to something that might soon be part of theme parks or galleries.

For example, in the future such a display could be placed in a public park to show to users the complex and changing patterns of carbon footprints of different countries or currency fluctuations in different regions of the world. This could allow the general public to clearly see the multi-dimensional data and interact with it.

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Asier Marzo, research associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, explained: "Traditionally, we think of pixels as tiny colour-changing squares that are embedded into our screens. JOLED breaks that preconception by showing physical pixels that float in mid-air.

"In the future we would like to see complex three-dimensional shapes made of touchable pixels that levitate in front of you."

Professor Subramanian added: "In the future we plan to explore ways in which we can make the display multi-coloured and with high colour depth, so we can show more vivid colours.

"We also want to examine ways in which such a display could be used to deliver media on-demand. A screen appears in front of the user to show the media and then the objects forming the display fall to the ground when the video finishes playing."
A team of researchers from the United Kingdom has obtained the first complete genome sequence of Zika virus that was isolated from a semen sample. The research is published this week in Genome Announcements, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

The motivation for this investigation was a 2011 case report in the US suggesting that Zika virus could be transmitted sexually. "Based on this report, we requested semen samples from all cases of Zika imported into the UK, in order to provide further evidence for this potential," said corresponding author Barry Atkinson, PhD, of Public Health England. Atkinson and his collaborators obtained this semen sample from a convalescent UK resident who had just returned from Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean.

Although the risk of sexual transmission has been well publicized during the current outbreak, few scientists have reported success in isolating Zika virus from the semen of infected males, said Atkinson. "Isolating Zika virus from semen has been a major challenge and little information has been published on this specific topic, so the methods we adopted may provide a template for others to follow," he said.

Part of the problem may relate to the types of cells scientists use to try to grow the virus. Many researchers use 'Vero' cells as these typically allow Zika virus to replicate at high efficiency, but that may not be the best choice for semen samples, said Atkinson. "We tried to isolate the virus in two cell lines, the standard Vero cells, which are mammalian in origin, and in C6/36 cells, which are derived from mosquitoes," he explained. Isolation of the virus from this semen sample was successful only in the mosquito cells, he said.

The successful isolation of Zika virus from this semen sample allowed the investigators to sequence the virus, resulting in the first genome of Zika virus isolated from semen. "We have many unanswered questions about how Zika virus is able to be transmitted sexually, whereas similar viruses are not," said Atkinson. "It is possible that the answers to these questions lie in the viral genome, but many more sequences from semen are required before scientists can see if there are any changes that shed light on this topic."

"This is the first Zika virus genome isolated from semen, but we need many more," said Atkinson. "Hopefully this success will enable others to follow suit."
A 16-year-old student is battling for life in a Hyderabad hospital after he was beaten up inside his college campus, where no one came forward to rescue him during a brawl on Friday.

Vijay Vardhan slipped into coma after he was beaten up inside his college campus.

By Ashish Pandey: A brawl over petty issue among students resulted in a teenager slipping into coma in Hyderabad. 16-year-old Vijay Vardhan, a first-year intermediate student of Sri Chaitanya Junior College in Amberpet is now battling for life in a private hospital with serious head injuries.

According to police, Vijay Vardhan and three other students of his class had a fight during the lunch hour on the college campus on Friday. Vijay received serious injuries in the brawl.

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The Amberpet police inspector AP Anand Kumar said, "The three minor students beat up Vijay, who suffered severe head injuries. He was shifted to a hospital, where he is in critical condition."

READ: Minor girl raped at old age home in Hyderabad

"Doctors detected blood clotting in his head. They have performed a surgery but he is critical," the police said.

Police have registered a case under section 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC and relevant provisions of laws dealing with juvenile crime.

Vijay Vardhan with his friends. Vijay Vardhan with his friends.

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--- ENDS ---
Many patients who see physicians for sinus infections expect to be prescribed an antibiotic, but for the majority of them, that course of treatment won't be effective because their infections aren't caused by bacteria. Unfortunately, there aren't great tools to determine which patients will or won't benefit from antibiotics, and the University of Georgia's Dr. Mark Ebell is determined to change that.

Ebell, a professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, led a team of researchers in analyzing 30 studies of outpatients with a respiratory tract infection to see which diagnostic criteria, if any, were most accurate for diagnosing sinus infection.

The findings weren't encouraging, he said. The biggest issue was with the studies' reference standards, which are ideally perfectly accurate in identifying sinusitis and are used to gauge other tests' accuracy. Currently, the best reference standard is called antral lavage, a procedure that involves using a needle to puncture the sinus cavity located under the eye next to the nose. If there is fluid in this cavity, the physician draws it out and can culture it to see if bacteria are present, enabling the doctor to definitively determine whether the patient has a sinus infection.

Understandably, many patients aren't keen on having a needle pierce their faces, Ebell said.

"It's always been a challenge with sinusitis research that the best reference standard is often impractical, and you end up doing studies that use a tarnished gold standard, as we call it," he said.

These tarnished standards include the use of X-rays and CT scans that do detect fluid fairly accurately but can't confirm that the fluid is indicative of a sinus infection and also can't differentiate between bacterial and viral sinusitis. Only the former responds to antibiotics.

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"I think people have the idea that tests are more accurate than they actually are in general," Ebell said. "Sometimes what we learn through studies like ours is that tests we've always thought about using or thought were accurate turn out to not be so helpful and we need different or better tests to guide us."

The studies he analyzed did offer some promising alternatives for detecting sinus infections, such as the use of the C-reactive protein, or CRP, test that measures protein levels in the blood and indicates an infection when those levels are high.

"The use of C-reactive protein is promising as a point of care test to reduce the overuse of antibiotics," Ebell said. "There've been several studies in Europe showing that in the primary care setting, having the CRP results that show a patient is unlikely to have bacterial sinusitis, doctors are more confident about not using antibiotics and they've reduced inappropriate antibiotics use."

While approved for point of care use in primary care offices in Europe, the same devices are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use at the point of care in the US, which Ebell finds baffling. Instead physicians have to order the tests to be performed elsewhere, costing both the physician and the patient extra time and more appointments.

Some older studies used antiquated ultrasound machines to detect fluid; Ebell believes this fairly accurate method of detection has the potential to make a comeback due to today's more user-friendly, high-resolution, portable devices. The benefit to using an ultrasound over an X-ray or CT scan is that it doesn't involve exposing the patient to radiation, something that is a concern with young people because of their increased vulnerability to radiation.

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In another notable study, physicians used a method Ebell had never heard of that involved cellophane and urine dipsticks that detect white blood cells and their byproducts. Patients blew their noses into the plastic wrap and then health care providers dipped the sticks into the nasal product to detect blood cells. Finding evidence of white blood cell was strongly associated with sinusitis. However, this study hasn't been evaluated by any other researchers.

The goal behind this research is to help physicians reduce the prescription of antibiotics for illnesses that don't require, and often don't respond to, them. Reasons for prescribing unnecessary antibiotics include habit, the inability to distinguish viral from bacterial infections and patient expectations.

"An important thing to remember is people tend to go see the doctor when they're feeling worst," Ebell explained. "So they go see the doctor and they prescribe an antibiotic. But in many cases, the patients would've started feeling better soon anyway, but now they associate getting that antibiotic with starting to feel better."

"There's also this imperative for physicians to don't just stand there -- do something," he added. "You don't always have to intervene, and sometimes the prudent thing is to wait a little bit and see what's happening with the patient and not just immediately throw antibiotics at them."

The meta-analysis showed that diagnostic testing for sinusitis still has a long way to go, but it did reinforce the idea that X-rays and CT scans shouldn't be used in diagnosing routine sinusitis unless there are complications, Ebell said. Instead, physicians may consider ordering CRP tests to analyze white blood cell counts.

The study was published in the September issue of the British Journal of General Practice.
Move over aspirin, a new formulation of ibuprofen might prove to be a "wonder drug." In a research report published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists used mice and rats to show that ibuprofen arginate may allow people to take higher doses without the cardiovascular side effects that are associated with current formulations found in over the counter products. In addition to being better tolerated, ibuprofen arginate also is released into the bloodstream more rapidly than the current formulations, likely providing faster pain relief.

"While more experiments are required, our observations show that ibuprofen arginate provides, in one preparation, a COX-2 inhibitor and arginine supplement," said Jane A. Mitchell, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work and Head of Cardiothoracic Pharmacology, Cardiothoracic Pharmacology and Vascular Biology Section at the National Heart and Lung Institute at the Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine and Science at the Imperial College in London, England. "Whilst remarkably simple, our findings are potentially game-changing in the pain medication arena."

The scientists used a range of approaches from experiments using single types of cells to whole laboratory animals in which blood pressure was measured. In the first approach, mouse cells were studied in dishes where the normal arginine was removed from the growth solution. They found that the arginine contained in ibuprofen arginine could work in exactly the same way that regular arginine works in cells. The second experiment involved blood vessels from mice and rats, to which an artificial compound to block the protective effects of the normal arginine contained in all tissues, was applied. In this experiment, ibuprofen arginine reversed the block and restored blood vessel function to normal levels. The third experimental approach involved measuring blood pressure in live rats and blocking the protective effects of normal arginine in the body, which caused an increase in blood pressure. Study results demonstrated that ibuprofen arginine worked just like regular arginine to restore blood pressure to normal levels. Arginine formulations of ibuprofen could act to negate the harmful cardiovascular consequences caused by high doses of these common anti-inflammatory painkillers.

"This is a nifty idea and the results are clear"," said Thoru Pederson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "The potential for human use is attractive, not only for attenuating the cardiovascular risk, but also to the extent that this formulation may circumvent moving certain patients onto opioid painkillers, fraught with their own dangers."
<p><em>Sea Shepherd Conservation Society</em><span></span></p>

Two years, eight months and 26 days. That's how long Angel, a rare albino bottlenose dolphin, has been kept in captivity. When you see how dirty her tank is, it's amazing that she's still alive. Angel lives in deplorable conditions at the Taiji Whale Museum in Taiji, Japan. Her tiny, oval-shaped tank is just 20 feet deep, and 30 by 40 feet wide. And it's absolutely filthy.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

"Yes, it is as bad as it looks," Captain Jessie Treverton of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which has been monitoring Angel's condition, told The Dodo. "The photos and video show the black sides, and the bottom of the tank and the water are filthy."

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd has volunteers on the ground in Taiji for the 14th year to document the atrocities of the city's annual dolphin hunt. Graham Henry, a campaign coordinator for Sea Shepherd, was in Taiji last year, and said he can't believe how bad Angel's tank has become over the past 12 months.

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Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

"The tank, according to the footage I've seen this year, is definitely filthier than what I witnessed in person last year," Henry told The Dodo. "Angel and the dolphins in the same tank are in some of the worst conditions I've ever seen for captive dolphins."

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

As if that wasn't bad enough, the top of the tank is covered by a roof, which means that the dolphins have no access to sunlight. The dolphins also have to put up with the loud music and voiceovers constantly being piped through the loudspeakers in the so-called museum.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

"This must be torturous for the dolphins' highly tuned senses," Treverton said.

Angel's tank is also filled with chlorinated water, which is known to cause eye infections and other medical issues for cetaceans. "Angel keeps her eyes shut most of the time," Treverton said. "Maybe because the water stings them."

Angel with her eyes closed | Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

There are currently six more dolphins in the tank with Angel - one other bottlenose dolphin, two striped dolphins and three pantropical dolphins. In a video, the dolphins swim in frantic circles, surfacing every few minutes - or even seconds - for gulps of air.

Angel was only a calf when Japanese fishermen hunted her and her family from the Pacific Ocean, driving them into the notorious killing cove in Taiji, Japan. The fishermen capture the dolphins by hitting hammers against metal poles on their boats, creating a deafening wall of sound that interrupts the dolphins' sonar and traps them.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Once the dolphins were rounded up, the prettiest ones were sold to aquariums and swim-with-dolphin programs around the world. Angel - being a rare albino dolphin - was ripped away from her mother and put on display in the Taiji Whale Museum, a "museum" that displays both dead and living cetaceans, as well as whaling paraphernalia.

Preserved whale fetuses at the Taiji Whale Museum | Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

The dolphins not sold into captivity were brutally murdered, right in front of their families, and sold as meat to individuals, hospitals and schools. This isn't something that happened once - this cruel cycle of murder and captivity happens every year in Taiji, Japan, where the waters literally run red with blood during the annual hunt, which is ongoing right now.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

"It's utterly heartbreaking that these dolphins are kept in these tiny tanks," Treverton said. "Never ever visit a dolphinarium or swim with dolphins. If people stop attending, this industry will end."

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

To help Sea Shepherd continue to monitor Taiji, you can make a donation here.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

You can also visit the group's website to find out more about how you can stop the dolphin hunts, or click here to sign a petition against the hunt.
UPDATE: More evidence has surfaced that the bear killed last week in New Jersey's hunt was in fact Pedals the bear. Hunters killed a total of 549 bears during the hunt. Pedals, a wild New Jersey bear famous for an injury that makes him walk upright, is missing - and his fans are fearing that a hunter killed him.

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"Pedals is dead," the post reads. "The hunter who has wanted him dead for nearly 3 years had the satisfaction of putting an arrow through him, bragging at the station ... where they weighed him, examined his legs, confirmed it was 'the bi-pedal.'" But the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) finally addressed the issue on Thursday, after getting "multiple requests for information regarding the status of an upright bear."

"During the October segment of the black bear season, the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has received multiple requests for information regarding the status of an upright bear, based on hearsay accounts recently posted on social media," the DEP writes. "While the Division appreciates the concern for the bear, it has no way of verifying the identity of any bear that has not been previously tagged or had a DNA sample previously taken. During this current bear hunt period, and in previous bear seasons, there have been multiple bears observed at different check stations with injured or missing limbs. Upon arrival to check stations, bears are weighed and measured around the head. DNA samples are taken and a tooth is extracted to determine the bear's age. But without any prior scientific data taken from a bear, it is not possible to verify the identity of a bear that has been harvested. But Pedals supporters are certain. "We have very reliable sources," an administrator for Pedals The Injured Bipedal Bear told The Dodo in a Facebook message. "We will not release their info." "For the hundreds and thousands of animals lovers who were following his story, I am sorry that we have this sad news to bring to you," the post continues. "Pedals is at peace now because his beautiful soul left his body when he was killed. The NJDEP ... really don't have a heart. They let this happen. They could have been the good guys by helping him to get to sanctuary. Instead they did nothing."
It's never too late to celebrate true love - just ask this old pup named Wellington, his beaming doggy bride, and everyone else who clearly adores him so dearly.

Amy Loveless

The 13-year-old black lab was recently diagnosed with cancer which, sadly, means he may have only a few more months left to live. For Wellington's owner, Amy Loveless, the news came as a shock. But with it, she decided to do all she could to make the dog's final days among his most memorable. "We decided to make him a bucket list, to have some last fun times with him," Loveless told The Dodo. First on that list was to have a wedding on the seaside near their home in England.

Amy Loveless

While Wellington has been Loveless' loyal companion since he was just a few weeks old, three years ago he met his bride-to-be: a black lab named Elsa who stole his heart. Elsa is an older dog as well, and the two became acquainted at Loveless' hydrotherapy clinic for animals where she's treated for arthritis. There, Wellington and Elsa quickly discovered their shared love of swimming - blossoming later into regular walks and little play dates arranged by their owners.

Amy Loveless

"Wellington and Elsa absolutely love being in the water together," Loveless said "So, we decided to have the wedding at the beach - their favorite place." And with that, a date was set earlier this month for Wellington and Elsa's big day. But it was far from a casual affair. The bride was given a veil to wear; Wellington donned a tasteful little tuxedo.

Dodo Shows Foster Diaries Scared Pittie Gets So Happy When He Meets This Guy And His Pack Of Dogs

Amy Loveless

More than 20 dog friends and their owners were in attendance to witness the canine nuptials, plus a number of passersby who stopped along the beach to watch. "Wellington was having a great time," said Loveless. "He walked around in his tuxedo, talking to all of his guests. He was very proud of himself. He and Elsa knew they were both in the limelight."

Amy Loveless

Some of the guests even got dressed up, too.

Amy Loveless

Amy Loveless

Others decided to go more casual.

Amy Loveless

Amy Loveless

When it came time for the actual ceremony, no details were spared.

Amy Loveless

"They had proper wedding vows, which we read on their behalf," said Loveless. "Wellington barked through his, which was actually quite funny. Instead of exchanging of rings, they exchanged collars. It was lovely."

Amy Loveless

Loveless was kind enough to share text of Wellington's vows to Elsa below.

Amy Loveless

After the sweet ceremony, there was still more to look forward to. After all, what wedding would be complete without a proper cutting of the cake?

Amy Loveless

Wellington and his bride handled that their own way. "Obviously, instead of cutting it, they just bit into it," Loveless said.

Amy Loveless

Some of the guests even got a slice.

Amy Loveless

Seeing Wellington's smiling face throughout the ceremony, it was easy to forget that he is terminally ill - and in a way, that was reason enough to celebrate. "Wellington and I have been through a lot together. He's my first dog, and he's been a loyal companion, so I want to make each day we have left together special for him," said Loveless. "This was a really wonderful day. It will be a really nice memory to keep of him."

Amy Loveless
Its time to ban clowns.

Im not referring to the so-called killer clowns now scaring the bejesus out of people. Im referring to all clowns. Birthday clowns, corporate clowns, street clowns, circus clowns, carnival clowns, hospital clowns, Donald Trump and any other evil clown, this new wave of clown imposters  all clowns.

Look at whats happening.

It started in August. Thats when bizarre reports surfaced in South Carolina about creepy clowns trying to lure children into the woods. It did not matter if this was a sinister plot or a hoax, a prank or marketing ploy.

On social media, one creepy clown became a few hundred.

Less than two months later, The Great Clown Panic of 2016 has displaced the zombie apocalypse as the greatest fake threat to humanity. Creepy clowns are now spreading across the United States, Canada and Europe on a mission of mayhem.

Well soon need a Gitmo for all these Bozos.

A few days ago, according to the CTV affiliate in Kitchener, Three people dressed as clowns chased a woman with a stick. She called for help from a nearby Tim Hortons.

Based on similar reports, many of which remain unverified as overworked cops sigh and shout, Oh, come on! while speeding to the latest clown disturbance, these masked monsters have become an epidemic.

Creepy clowns are chasing kids out of playgrounds. They are jumping out of shadows with chainsaws. They are skulking in alleys and throwing eggs from motor vehicles. They are breaking into houses and hiding in bushes and forcing schools into lockdown. They are on the verge of starting a civil war in the clown world.

In a recent essay for CNN, Judy Quest, a past president of Clowns of America International, condemned the scary clowns and made this distinction: It should be stated that these people are NOT clowns, they are imposters. They wear masks rather than makeup, and they bring fear, not fun!

Im reminded of a quote from G.K. Chesterton: It isnt that they cant see the solution. It is that they cant see the problem.

Scary clowns are NOT the problem. ALL clowns are the problem, Judy.

Show of hands (for those of you not wearing white gloves): who loves clowns? Oh, nobody? Is this because ... all clowns are scary clowns?

Construction workers need hard hats. Surgeons need masks. But what the pro clowns still dont grasp is the key to their identity  the face paint  is not an asset. Its the stuff of recurring nightmares.

There is not a single clown task that benefits from such a frightful getup.

If anything, children might be more inclined to accept balloon animals if they werent legit petrified. We all might chuckle a little harder at the pratfalls and the horn toots if we werent trying to suppress involuntary urination thanks to those permanently arched brows and plastered on smiles.

This leads to the heart of the current clown crisis: there is no vocation in the world imposters can infiltrate as easily as clowning. You cant just invest in a scientific calculator and pass yourself off as a creepy accountant. Jump on the back of a garbage truck without proper training and you will die before lunchtime.

But drop 20 bucks at Shoppers Drug Mart and, boom, now youre a clown. Tell some jokes, strum a banjo, scare the living daylights out of strangers  it doesnt matter because a clown is a clown and we dont need any clowns.

The Great Clown Panic of 2016? Please. We should be calling this The Great Joker Reckoning. If creepy clowns are what it takes to get rid of the real ones, join me as I stand on my head and clap my feet with joy.

The only outstanding issue is retraining. And here we can we help the pro clowns transition. It will be easier than they realize.

You can juggle? Youre a master of illusion?You like playing tricks on people?

Terrific, now youre a crisis manager with Kathleen Wynnes government.

We can even use this surge in new clown labour to plug workforce shortages.

You can ride a unicycle? You can cram your body into a tiny car?

Great, driving this school bus should be a breeze.

Ultimately, a ban on clowns protects clowns. They are the ones at risk. There are mobs of anti-clown vigilantes now roaming the streets in search of red noses and oversized shoe prints.

The situation is so grim even famous clowns are pulling a vanishing act. Ronald McDonald is basically in a clown protection program until the climate improves.

Except, it wont. Not this time. Since the first jesters and harlequins terrified citizens in ancient Egypt and China, clowns have been stutter-stepping toward this sad day for a long time. Now we are finally ready to confiscate their green wigs.

Send in the clowns. You know, so we can tell them the fun is over.

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MAASAI MARA, KENYA-Wilson Meikuaya was about 16 years old when he killed a lion.

Picture it: nine adolescent warriors armed with heavy spears at the edge of a dense forest. The lion growling, clawing at the earth, staring into Meikuayas eyes.

This is something that you prepare for, Meikuaya says. It is very much like a competition between the warriors . . . You dont want someone to spear the lion before you, because if you are the first, then the mane is yours. I mean, the whole group will be honoured, but you will be the most honoured person.

Meikuaya tells me this as we take an early morning stroll through the grassy scrubland surrounding Me to Wes camp in southwestern Kenya. Me to We, an offshoot of We Charity (formerly Free the Children), has worked to transform the surrounding community over the past dozen years. Meikuaya now works with the organization as a guide, teaching visitors about his culture.

Draped in a dazzling red shuka, and armed with a spear, club and machete, Meikuaya cuts a striking figure amidst the gold and green foliage, stopping to point out wild plants that can heal and strengthen  and even one, leaves soft like lambs ears, thats used as deodorant and toilet paper. Its been said lions in the region have evolved to fear the colour red  the colour the Maasai favour.

I took the mane, Meikuaya says. Im glad. I wanted to. I didnt want anybody to shoot before me.

A Maasai warriors rites of passage have traditionally been violent, Meikuaya says. As adolescents, would-be warriors are even circumcised and have an incisor removed in public ceremonies. To show pain would bring humiliation.

The community depends on you, so you have to show them you are strong, Meikuaya says.

An estimated 1.5 million Maasai live in and around the great savanna that stretches across southwestern Kenya and northern Tanzania. While many Maasai have integrated into mainstream society, you can still see semi-nomadic herders circular wooden compounds and lone machete-armed warriors clad in brilliantly coloured robes standing lean and strong amongst their feasting cattle in the high, undulating grass while animals such as zebras and giraffes graze nearby.

Meikuaya wants to preserve his culture, but believes killing lions  which is illegal in Kenya  should be a thing of the past.

We want to benefit through tourism and we want generations and generations to come and see this wildlife, he says. In the current world that we are in right now, you can be a warrior with education.

Meikuaya, who has a diploma in tour guiding and administration, also co-authored The Last Maasai Warriors: An Autobiography. Hell be visiting Toronto to talk to students and activists about his culture and community at We Day on Oct. 19.

Daniel Otis was hosted by Me to We and the Kenya Tourism Board, which didnt review or approve this story.

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Canadians can take small comfort from the death spiral of Donald Trumps campaign. While his presidential vision implodes below the border, Canada is giving birth to its own version of diversity and divisiveness close to home.

On Saturday, maverick Conservative MP Kellie Leitch will officially launch her increasingly popular campaign to become our federal opposition leader, positioning herself to one day become prime minister. An obscure if peculiar cabinet minister during Stephen Harpers reign, she has risen to sudden fame  or infamy  as the practicing physician who opens wounds rather than healing them.

Leitch emerged as a deeply polarizing figure during the last federal election, when she unveiled the notorious Barbaric cultural practices tip line that invited Canadians to snitch on suspicious Muslims in our midst  wherever they might lurk. Substitute barbarism for terrorism, add a bit of burqa baiting, and you have an irresistible recipe for dehumanizing and demonizing Muslim Canadians.

Never mind political correctness. Cultural correctness is what Leitch and her ilk are selling as she proposes vetting the values of immigrants.

So much for Canadian smugness. Are we really that much better than Americans, with their ongoing indulgence of Trumps malignant Muslim-baiting, Mexico-bashing and misogyny raving?

In the Parti Quebecois leadership race, former cabinet minister Jean-Francois Lisee has just triumphed with a campaign reprising his provinces flirtation with identity politics  criticizing his rival for wishing Muslims well on an Islamic holiday. Everything old is new again.

Canadians didnt like, at first, Leitchs in-your-face maligning of Muslims in mid-campaign, for which she subsequently apologized. But polls suggest they are warming up to the good doctors more surgical attempts to vet the values of foreigners  and responding to her fundraising efforts.

The federal Liberals won praise for bringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees while the Americans remained hostile. But more recent polls show a majority of Canadians are skeptical of the new arrivals.

It strikes me, after welcoming a Syrian refugee family last month, and after having lived overseas for a decade in areas of intense demographic and religious differences, that this split personality is deeply embedded in the Canadian psyche:

We imagine ourselves beyond bigotry. But beware the Canadian penchant for righteous, holier-than-thou preaching about our open-mindedness.

Cheerleading isnt leading. Idealism can blind us to the day-to-day reality of diversity.

In truth, our body politic is easily rattled by the challenges that arise when different cultural traditions collide. Those tensions might be over conflicting attitudes to sex education, or about a new mosque sounding the call to prayers, or ethnic enclaves concentrated in one region. Problems are exacerbated when people paper over legitimate differences, pretending that we are all one big happy Canadian family

A recent column calling on politicians to espouse tolerance in their public speeches sparked comments from some readers (activists and politicos) criticizing me for using that very word: Tolerance, they argued, bespeaks condescension, superiority, insincerity and negativity.

After all, one tolerates something unpleasant  a loud noise, a bad smell. One has zero-tolerance for drugs. Surely we should celebrate diversity, not merely tolerate our differences, these readers argued.

Well, yes and no. To me, tolerance is a worthy objective in itself, because it is eminently realistic and achievable. Heres how the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines tolerance:

First, a willingness to accept feelings, habits or beliefs that are different from your own. Second, the ability to accept, experience or survive something harmful or unpleasant.

Tolerance can, in fact, have a double-meaning  fairness versus forbearance. Which is quite apt.

Its understandable that many Canadians try to put a relentlessly positive spin on diversity, calling on us to celebrate and embrace it  appealing to our better angels. But lets be honest with ourselves.

Theres not always cause for celebration. Not all diversity is delightful.

For example, one can be tolerant of the face-concealing burqa, without necessarily celebrating it. The Islamic call to prayers wafting from a nearby mosque might annoy some neighbours, until they realize that church bells pealing nearby are also part of the religious landscape  and so one tunes out the noise, rather than praying for silence.

Tolerance is an antidote to intolerance and discrimination. We neednt sugar coat all diversity. Far better to truly understand differences while seeking reasonable accommodation.

Lets not make tolerance a dirty word. If we persist in pretending that all diversity is positivity, we will quickly get caught out in a lie  and feed the resentment that Trump harvests across America, or that Leitch is mining in the Conservative leadership race.

Live and let live. Even if you dont always love the lives others lead.

Its better than living a lie. The best way to defend diversity is with honesty  not defensiveness.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn

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MONTREALLooking back on the year since voters handed Justin Trudeau a majority mandate it is impossible to overstate the contrast between post-election Canada and the pre-election United States.

Much, of course, has already been said about Trudeaus knack for connecting with people, his relative youth for a government leader, his enduring popularity at home and his rock star debut on the international scene.

But notwithstanding the stardust that sticks to the prime minister, the contrast is more than skin-deep. It is based on a high level of consensus that transcends party lines.

Free trade: On Friday, the Belgian region of Wallonia voted against the ratification of the agreement  known as CETA  between Canada and the European Union negotiated under Stephen Harpers government. That vote is part of a larger CETA battle in the European Parliament. But in Canada, no provincial government opposes the accord. To varying degrees, the three main federal parties have been onside. One has to go back more than 20 years to 1993 and the advent of NAFTA for the last time free trade was a major issue in a federal election campaign.

Public health care: Trudeaus government is about to enter into talks with the provinces to negotiate a new health accord. As in every instance where big federal bucks and provincial expenses intersect, the discussion will see Ottawa and the provinces butt heads. But not a single participant is coming to the table to challenge medicare. There is not, in the House of Commons, a party that champions doing away with the basic tenets of the public health insurance program.

Climate change: Earlier this month, the Trudeau government declared its intention to set a floor price on carbon so as to try to live up to the latest global accord on climate change. That triggered a spirited discussion in Parliament and raised hackles in some provincial capitals. But no party is arguing that Canada should not adhere to the Paris Agreement.

Immigration: The American election, Frances upcoming presidential campaign, Great-Britains Brexit vote to leave the European Union to name just those have in common a hardening of attitudes about immigration. In Western Europe and in the U.S., proposals that would have been the exclusive purview of extremist parties a decade ago have become mainstream.

Canada increasingly stands out for not having an anti-immigration party and, so far, not much of a buyers market for one. In Quebec, the Parti Quebecois flirt with coercive measures to impose secularism in the provinces public space did not raise enough support to keep the party in government. In the last federal election, the Conservative attempt to turn the niqab into a profitable wedge issue and its foray in dog-whistle territory with a proposed barbaric cultural practices tip line backfired.

Social rights: One of the first big debates of the new Parliament involved medically assisted suicide. A law was passed with multi-party support. An upcoming Commons vote to protect transgender Canadians from discrimination is similarly expected to elicit support from MPs of every political stripe. Meanwhile, last spring, the federal Conservatives belatedly synchronized their position on same-sex marriage with that of the other parties by formally dropping the man-woman definition of marriage from their policy book.

That is not to argue that unanimity reigns supreme in Canada or that it should.

A high-profile court challenge to medicare is currently unfolding in British Columbia.

There are potentially heated debates coming up in Parliament and in Quebecs National Assembly over immigration levels

The NDP did not oppose CETA, but it did spend the last stretch of the federal campaign beating the drums against a mega-trade deal involving the Asia-Pacific region, the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

There is within the Conservative party a staunch social conservative contingent that is wildly unhappy about recent party developments on same-sex marriage and transgender rights.

The issue of carbon pricing divides the conservative movement along regional lines with its Ontario leadership on the pro-side and their Alberta and Saskatchewan counterparts on the other. Those divisions mirror fault lines in public opinion.

But clashes over the best approach to policy are symptoms of a healthy democracy, as is dissent. The noise that attends both does not alter the fact that on many of the principles that polarize other comparable societies there are Canadian consensus views that stand to outlast the popularity of the current prime minister, just as they did the Harper decade.

Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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India and Russia will ink a joint venture to manufacture 200 helicopters in India for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

By Jugal R Purohit: In what is being seen as an important milestone in addressing a long-awaited requirement of the armed forces, India and Russia inked a joint venture to manufacture 200 helicopters in India for the Indian Army (IA) and Indian Air Force (IAF).

This was done at the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa where India and Russia held their annual, bilateral summit.

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The Kamov-226T, a twin-engine helicopter, born out of Russian engineering and French engine power, is the chosen platform.

The project, said to cost nearly US $1 billion will be the first major defence venture under government's 'Make in India' programme. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and senior ministry officials were present.



INTER GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT SIGNED LAST DECEMBER

Following up on an Inter Government Agreement on 'Cooperation in the field of Helicopter Engineering' signed in Moscow during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit last December, a firm 'Indo-Russian Helicopters Private Limited' will be created to execute the task.

The firm will witness the Russian government firm Rostec corporation have a 49.5 per cent stake and Defence Ministry's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have a 50.5 per cent stake.

Also read: Russia backs India's stand of zero tolerance on terror, says Modi in Goa

"The manufacturing will take place either at HAL's helicopter complex in Bengaluru or the upcoming facility near Bengaluru at a place called Tumkuru," said an official. While about 40 helicopters will be procured 'off the shelf' from the original maker of the Kamov-226T i.e Russian Helicopters, the remaining will be made in India over a period of 8-10 years. "Apart from production, the plan also includes setting up repair and maintenance facilities to provide faster support to the armed forces," said an official.

It isn't unusual for the armed forces to red flag the poor maintenance support extended by their Russian suppliers.

REQUIREMENT OF 400 HELICOPTERS

Explaining the origin of the deal, Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), himself an accomplished helicopter pilot said, "Among the three defence services and the Coast Guard, there is a requirement of about 400 helicopters. That initial procurement of 400 choppers has now been broken up into two wherein we induct 200 Kamov-226Ts and 200 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) which the HAL is designing and building."

Over the next decade, it is expected that the Kamov-226T and LUH will together replace the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters which are of French origin but were subsequently made in India by the HAL.

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The Cheetah and Chetak are used not for combat role but logistics, evacuation and related tasks especially at high altitude locations. Interestingly, even though Indian armed forces operate hundreds of Russian helicopters like the Mi8, Mi17 1V, Mi17 V5, Kamov 28, Kamov 31, never have the Russians allowed their manufacturing in India.

Also read: Modi, Putin to sign USD 1 billion Kamov chopper deal during Goa BRICS summit

"This is the first time that is taking place. We will have to see how this move pans out and what benefits accrue to us. We have had a long association with the French helicopters however this choice of the Kamov-226T represents to me a larger strategic choice India has made to balance our ties with Russia," said Bahadur.

KAMOV-226T UNDERWENT TESTS ON INDIAN TERRAIN

Kamov-226T is not new to India. The Russian Helicopters portal mentions how the helicopter had 'previously participated successfully in the Light Utility Helicopter tender announced by India's Defence Ministry'.

Even when Russia had not certified the chopper till March 2015, it had already undergone tests 'amid India's mountainous terrain and hot climate' which 'enabled it to demonstrate its considerable advantages over the competition produced by western companies'.

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Also read: India unhappy over Russia's military exercise with terror-sponsor Pakistan

With a maximum speed of 250 kmph, the Kamov-226T can fly up to an altitude of over 18000 feet with loads nearing 4 tonnes. Along with two pilots, it can take seven passengers. It is powered by two French Arrius 2G1 Turbomeca engines which the armed forces in India believes will ensure a much better performance.

Introduced as a ambulance helicopter, the Kamov-226T has two rotor blades on top of each other and rotating in opposite directions. While it is being inducted in the Russian Air Force in much smaller numbers, there is an effort to sell the chopper to Iran and Japan in medical roles. However, in terms of numbers, with at least 200, India is likely to emerge as the single largest operator of the Kamov-226T.

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OTTAWAConservative ridings disproportionately benefited from an election year fund aimed at improving community infrastructure such as parks and recreation centres, a Star analysis has found.

New data shows ridings won by the Conservatives in 2011 received 68.6 per cent of the roughly $106 million paid out in the first year of the Canada 150 community infrastructure program between June 2015 and June 2016.

Much of that money, about $46 million, was spent in seat-rich Ontario. British Columbia, a battleground in the last election, took in $17.5 million while the Conservative heartland of Alberta received $15.2 million.

Quebec, Canadas second most populous province, had received only $3.7 million for projects as of June.

The Canada 150 community infrastructure program was announced by former prime minister Stephen Harper in the months leading up to the 2015 federal election. In May 2015, Harper told a crowd that the fund would benefit some 1,800 smaller-scale renovations and upgrades.

At the time, both the opposition New Democrats and Liberals called the program a slush fund for good news announcements leading up to the election. News releases from that summer touted dozens of announcements about upgrades to everything from schools to theatres to skating rinks.

Adam Vaughan, the Toronto MP and now parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, told the Star the fund under the Conservatives was overly restrictive and set timetables that were difficult for community organizations to meet.

It was clear that the Conservatives had tipped off some on how to apply and kept others in the dark, Vaughn said in an interview.

They created extraordinarily complex guidelines, (a) very short period of time to apply and then went through and cherry-picked and gave to organizations that were close to the Conservative party.

But Michelle Rempel, who was minister of western economic diversification in the Conservatives last year in government, said public servants decided which projects fit the criteria. There were political considerations involved in the decisions, Rempel said, to ensure the small pool of funding was fairly distributed over a large number of ridings.

The program was oversubscribed  for example, we could have spent all the funding just in Metro Vancouver, Rempel said in an interview outside the House of Commons last week.

So you want to make sure there is some regional recognition because the pool was small. But what I relied on to make my decision was a departmental ranking based on criteria  I wanted to be very careful that it wasnt perceived as a politically motivated decision.

The data for the first year of the program, released to Parliament last month, isnt perfect. Some regional development agencies, including in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, did not track funding by riding. The Star located individual projects in those regions and assigned them by riding.

The data extends only to June 2016, and some projects were announced after that date.

But the data provides the clearest picture MPs and Canadians have to show where the money went.

The Conservatives had 54 per cent of the seats after the 2011 election, but Conservative ridings took at least 68 per cent of the funding. The NDP, who had official Opposition status with 33 per cent of the seats in 2011, saw only 13.9 per cent of the funding flow to their ridings.

The Liberals won 11 per cent of seats in 2011 but received 5.5 per cent of the funding, mostly in the Atlantic provinces.

Projects that spanned multiple ridings, or had insufficient information to identify a specific riding (such as funding for the City of Ottawa), made up $11.3 million, or 10.7 per cent of the total.

Some regions and ridings were much more successful than others in getting funding. The GTAs Durham region, represented by Conservative leadership hopeful Erin OToole, received $3.5 million in funding  more than any two Atlantic provinces combined. OToole did not return multiple interview requests this week.

The Waterloo area, represented by former Conservative MP Peter Braid in the last parliament, received $2.9 million in funding. Braid, who was unseated by Liberal House leader Bardish Chagger and now works for a private tech company, said he considered it part of his job to push for projects in his riding.

That program was no different than any other I would have been involved in, and I would have strongly advocated for projects that were put forth from my community, Braid said in a telephone interview.

Some MPs were less successful in securing projects.

New Democrat MP Guy Caron, who requested the data through Parliament, said he learned the first project in his riding was approved only a couple of weeks ago.

When you look at the numbers  basically half the money in Ontario, and then the bulk of it after that in British Columbia and Alberta, and Saskatchewan getting twice as much as Quebec, I really dont know how the calculations were made, Caron said.

(The program) left a lot of room for arbitrary decisions. Obviously, I cant demonstrate that theres been political interference, but statistically I think it shows that it overwhelmingly went to Conservative ridings, and a lot of that money actually came a few weeks to a few days before the election was called (in early August 2015).

The Liberal government opted to continue the infrastructure funding for another year, putting up another $150 million for a second phase of projects. But the governments political priorities have been added as criteria  new projects should focus more on improving the future for Indigenous peoples or promote a cleaner growth economy.

A spokesperson for Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains, who was given responsibility for the second phase of Canada 150 infrastructure grants, said the Liberals had issues with the first phase being used for possible electoral motivations.

It will be difficult to assess how differently the program is operating under the Liberal government, however. Bains department is not obliged to release the kind of detailed regional breakdowns that were tabled in Parliament last month.

To receive an update, another MP would have to formally request the data once the second year of the program is over.

With files from Bruce Campion-Smith and The Canadian Press

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A Toronto-based professor and writer is backing former Toronto Star journalist Natasha Stoynoff who has accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in 2005, while she was on assignment for People magazine.

Paul McLaughlin says Stoynoff is telling the truth  and that her story hasnt changed since she first told him about it shortly after the alleged attack.

The reason Im speaking about this  and it is with her blessing, by the way  is that she is being accused by a man running for the presidency of the United States of being a complete liar, of fabricating a story about something that for her was quite horrible, he said.

Stoynoff did not respond to the Stars requests for comment.

Now (Trumps) got to say that Im a liar, too, and Im not. Im telling the truth, said McLaughlin, who recalled Stoynoff being deeply disturbed by her encounter with Trump.

It really shook her and she didnt know what to do, and among the people that she would turn to, I was one that she would call and ask for advice and thats what she did, said McLaughlin, a former journalism professor at Ryerson University who now teaches at the York University.

McLaughlin said he told her not to go public with her accusation at the time, in order to protect her career.

Here he is with his very pregnant wife in an adjacent room; he is not the type of person who is going to admit what he did. And I thought that because there was no evidence other than her word versus his word that he could easily turn around and accuse her of hitting on him and he could destroy her career, McLaughlin recalled.

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What saddens me more is that someone of Donald Trumps prominence is waging war against a young, talented, writer and saying things he knows are 100-per-cent wrong, he said. He knows he is not telling what happened accurately and I just  it seems to be a pattern with him.

On Wednesday, Stoynoff published her story online in People.

She wrote that when travelling to visit Donald and Melania Trump to write a feature about the couples first wedding anniversary, Trump shut the door behind us. I turned around, and within seconds he was pushing me against the wall and forcing his tongue down my throat. Stoynoff wrote that Melania, who was pregnant at the time, was changing upstairs in preparation for a photo shoot.

Trump has denied the allegations and tweeted a suggestion that the story was made up: Why didnt the writer of the twelve year old article in People Magazine mention the incident in her story. Because it did not happen! he wrote.

McLaughlin said Stoynoff, who was a student of his when he taught journalism at Ryerson University, called him, upset, shortly after it happened

, and that he stayed in touch with her over the years.

This week, Stoynoff is one of several women who have gone public with allegations that Trump sexually assaulted them. This follows a leaked video from 2005 that show Trump bragging about groping and kissing women without their consent.

McLaughlin didnt know Stoynoff was going to go public with her story before she did this week, but said he recognized her story when he read it. He said it is the same as the one she told him years ago.

I think that its terrible that she had to go through that. That someone who she thought admired her work turned on her that way, and destroyed what was a good professional relationship, McLaughlin said. Not only do I have compassion for Natasha but for anyone who has gone through this in their life.

McLaughlin said if he could go back in time, hed stand by what he told Stoynoff. He thinks she made the right choice in no longer covering Trump.

In her published account of what happened, Stoynoff said she only told a few close friends and family about her experience in Mar-a-Lago.

In time, I chalked it up to one of the hazards of a roller-coaster ride of celebrity journalism: Id danced barefoot in Cannes with John Travolta, sang with Paul McCartney, talked about Bogie with Bacall, quoted Shakespeare with Brando and Prince Andrew yelled at me until I cried, Stoynoff wrote. Oh, and Donald Trump forced himself on me. I tried to make myself believe it was no big deal.

Now hes running for president of our country.

Correction  October 17, 2016: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Paul McLaughlin is currently a professor at the University of Toronto.

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Leaving death and wreckage in its wake, the worst storm ever to slam Toronto heralded a new approach to urban planning in the city.

Hurricane Hazel ripped through Toronto 62 years ago, on Oct. 15, 1954. With it came winds reaching 124 kilometres an hour and more than 200 millimetres of rain falling every 48 hours.

In its wake, 81 people were killed, 1,868 left homeless and a damage cost equal to $1 billion today. Entire houses built on flood plains were swept away, roads washed out, bridges gone.

But the hurricane also left a lasting fingerprint on Toronto, with city planners working to figure out why Hazel was so devastating to the city.

The need for green spaces which absorb water led planners to rethink development projects destined for floodplains. Marie Curtis Park now sits in the place of houses in the parkland at the south end of Etobicoke Creek.

Thirty-two houses were washed away on Raymore Dr., next to the Humber River in Weston. Parkland has since been added to the area, and the street size has been reduced.

The G. Ross Lord Dam, near Finch Ave. and Dufferin St. in the Don River watershed, and the Claireville Dam, near Hwy. 427 and Finch Ave, were both created to control flooding in the area.

About three years after Hurricane Hazel, four conservation authorities came together to form the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, designed to oversee watershed management and sustainability practices.

With files from Star staff

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CLEVELANDThe first sign the army has been mobilized comes at a rest stop just outside Buffalo. A stealthy Lets Go Blue Jays and a tentative fist bump from a blue-clad stranger signals were on our way.

We travel beneath the radar on Interstate 90, but you can find us if you know where to look. The Ontario plates, the strategically placed Blue Jays cap on the back dashboard of the car, the silent thumbs up as one driver in a Jays jersey passes another, the Jays pennant on the aerials.

Jays nation politely and quietly arrived in this Ohio city this weekend, then pounced. On the streets, Blue Jays blue was everywhere, in the bars and restaurants, pouring out of the downtown hotels, waving banners and flags with a few Edwing parrots along for the ride.

But unlike previous Cleveland invasions, this one was different. For starters, it was pricier.

The locals, believing they are riding some karmic wave to the World Series, seem pleased to see us, perhaps thinking if anyone would actually come to Cleveland for the weekend, they should be nurtured, not chirped at.

And, whats that you say, there are actual Cleveland fans here?

There was a time Toronto fans could take over Progressive Field for the simple reason that we came and the locals couldnt be bothered. A few years back, with both teams wandering aimlessly through the 162-game season, the handful of locals who bothered to show up, tried to quiet the Blue Jays faithful with the ubiquitous chant of USA, USA. The well-lubricated Toronto throng countered with a full-throated, equally irrelevant chant of Weve Got Health Care, Weve Got Health Care.

We still come in the thousands  but now we sit in blue pockets of the stadium because people who live in Ohio have rediscovered their team.

Greg Hives and his buddy Ryan McNeil, both of Scarborough, scored standing-room tickets at cost by juggling 10 different tickets sites the moment they went on sale. Many, like Debra and Rob Good of Elmira, Ont., who traveled to Boston to see the Jays clinch a playoff spot, bought from a secondary ticket source, but the winners in ingenuity appeared to be the quartet of Jordan Glicksman, Nathan Stall, Lauren Rakowski and Melissa Lantsman. Three of them drove from Toronto, monitoring ticket prices for the five-hour journey, finally scoring four behind the Jays dugout just before game time  below cost  then flipping their existing tickets.

We want to get the competitive juices boiling in this town, but Clevelanders are being a tad too, how should I put it, nice and polite? Thats supposed to be our shtick.

Everywhere we went, we were asked if we were from Canada, with that kind of awe Americans can summon as if we had to abandon our dog team and trek through the night. The worst I heard on the street after game one was a derisive thanks for coming.

Thanks for coming? While wearing Blue Jays garb, you could hear worse from a hotel desk in Boston, New York or Pittsburgh.

The hotel bar even serves a Toast to Toronto, a rather inexplicable concoction of rye, domaine de canton fernet branca (what?) orange and bitters.

The bartender wouldnt charge us for it, apologizing for his slow service.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer served up a minor tweak to the visitors with a front page headline Saturday that read, Pretty Good Start, Eh?

Maybe that passes for trash talk in Cleveland.

Maybe theyre just having such a good time here, theyre just happy to see us in October.

Hey Cleveland, were trying to take over your town. Stop being so nice about it.

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Its got to be tough to be a tourism booster for Peel Region. Its not for lack of attraction: theres a lot to see in this area of varied landscapes, a place that has attracted people from around the globe, all creating rich cultural scenes, ripe for discovery.

The trouble is how suspicious everybody in Peel is. At least thats what Peel Police Chief Jennifer Evans would have us believe. Last week in an interview with CBC Metro Mornings Matt Galloway she suggested that people walking in neighbourhoods that are not their own are suspicious.

Of course if youve walked the very urban streets and waterfront of Port Credit or the trails around Rattray Marsh in Clarkson, you could be forgiven for not immediately feeling suspicious of others or being aware of your own suspiciousness. Its all quite pleasant, a feeling that Chief Evans will disabuse you of quickly.

She was on the show defending her support of the highly controversial practice of street checks, sometimes called carding, where people of colour are three times as likely to be stopped as whites while going about their own business in public space. She also let us in on her opinion of freedom of mobility and presumption of innocence.

76 per cent of our street checks in Peel were people being documented because they werent in their area where they lived, and for some reason the officer felt, Ok lets see she said.

Whats wrong with being in an area where you dont live? asked Galloway.

Evans went on to list a few reasons why somebody might be walking in another neighbourhood, including a man looking for his mother with Alzheimers, or maybe his dog, or perhaps hes going to work. Those are acceptable reasons to leave your neighbourhood, it would seem, but still suspicious ones and reason enough to be stopped by police.

It was an incredible admission from the top cop of both Mississauga and Brampton (Caledon, also in Peel Region, is patrolled by the OPP), an urban area with a combined population of around 1.2 million people. Even without would-be tourists coming to see the wonders of the Marilyn Monroe tower or the quaint sidewalks of old Streetsville, its a message to the good people of Peel to stick close to home, pull the curtains closed, and peer out through the slit.

The only way we can understand this country and the different ways we live is by exploring it and bumping into other Canadians. Adding a layer of paranoia to that act creates a dysfunctional relationship.

Like a lot of Ontario, Peels delights are subtle and you find them when wandering through neighbourhoods. When visiting Brampton, be sure to check out Chinguacousy Park, with its wonderful petting farm and botanical conservatory, but try not to think about Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that states, Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person.

When in Mississauga, visit historic sites like Benares House or the Bradley House, both nestled in lovely neighbourhoods, but make no mention of Section 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.

The 1,000s of students that descend on the University of Toronto at Mississauga everyday best stay on campus and not explore the beautiful Credit River Valley and adjacent neighbourhoods nearby, lest they start thinking too much about Section 9 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.

It was certainly an omission in 1982 not to include the inherent suspiciousness of Canadians in our Constitution, but Chief Evans has clearly corrected that oversight in Peel.

An irony is that on Metro Morning the chief also expressed concern about the publics deteriorating trust in her force while encouraging distrust within that public at the same time.

Theres a reason community groups have been calling for Evans to resign because her support of racially skewed street checks and, now, blanket suspicion of others. It targets and maligns innocent people. It alienates them from their home and the people they live near.

Peel Region is not East Germany in 1975. People are not inherently suspicious, and a police chief encouraging this kind of paranoia in Canada is insidious.

Shawn Micallef writes every Saturday about where and how we live in the GTA. Wander the streets with him on Twitter @shawnmicallef

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As the city ramps up efforts to take back our streets, building industry representatives say blocked sidewalks and traffic lanes will continue to be an unpopular but unavoidable part of Torontos building boom.

We certainly sense and appreciate the frustration for what Ill call a short-term byproduct of building a great city, says Steve Deveaux, chairman of the Building Industry and Land Development Association.

But, in most cases especially in the congested downtown core, there are truly very few options to safely and efficiently get material and product to the job site.

Mayor John Tory this week warned the city will no longer rubber stamp applications from developers who want to close streets and sidewalks for construction projects for unacceptably long periods of time.

It is time we started to place a much greater emphasis on the broader public interest when it comes to these kinds of decisions, Tory told reporters standing near a giant condo construction site at the corner of Bathurst and Front Streets.

Last week, at Torys request, council ignored a Toronto and East York Community Council recommendation and put on hold three applications from developers to close various public right-of-ways.

Council told the developers to work with city staff to come up with an alternative plan that eliminates or reduces the duration of the arterial lane closures. Council will reconsider the applications at next months council meeting.

Hiking closure permit fees in 2014  from $5.77 per square metre, per month to $26.35 and $105.41  has done little to discourage developers from using lanes for construction, Tory said, adding they seem to represent nothing more than the cost of doing business.

Deveaux said the price increase did force builders to be a little more creative and sensitive to how long they sat on those spaces, but we dont think raising the prices it is going to diminish the need to occupy portions of the right-away for certain portions of construction.

Tory also opened the door to an outright ban on developers blocking lanes of traffic, something he incorrectly said was the case in New York City. I think we have to head in the same direction so that no closure or very short closures become the rule rather than the exception, he said.

A ban on developers occupying traffic lanes would be hugely problematic and raises safety issues, said Deveaux, vice-president of development at Tribute Communities.

If theres no protected area, how do you get thousands of pounds of concrete, construction material from the curb lane to the site, when the sidewalk is potentially crowded with pedestrians?

But Tory had an example ready this week that council pushback can yield results.

Developer Minto, building two condo towers at Bathurst and Front, wanted to block the east sidewalk and curb lane on Bathurst for two years. But when faced with a month delay for approval, Minto modified its request to take up only a small part of a curb lane that will still allow two lanes of traffic to be operating in this area, Tory said.

A few blocks away, however, Tory was not happy that despite councils deferral, hoarding was already up Tuesday at 604-618 Richmond Street West, partially blocking the curb lane, north sidewalk and cycle track.

Condo developer Brad Lamb said workers began putting up the barriers on Richmond last Thursday, after city staff assured approval for a two-year lane closure was coming. This week, Lamb was forced to shutdown the jobsite and lay off workers, a $200,000 waste. His company is building the 14-storey condo at 604-618 Richmond Street West called The Harlowe.

The city granted the building permit fully knowing how we had to build it, he said, adding, that because it is a mid-block site, it is impossible to build this building without a lane closure.

Finding other options to blocking public sidewalks and streets might be possible at some large scale sites, but its not at the infill properties of the nature that Im building, Lamb said.

There is an alternative. We can employ 20 helicopters, and we can hold the heavy equipment over the site. Or I can develop some kind of magic and learn how to levitate concrete trucks and heavy machinery and equipment, he said sarcastically.

Some councillors have suggested developers set up their staging areas within their own footprint, rather than occupying public space.

Deveaux said municipalities make that difficult, because they want buildings right up to the streetline because it makes for a very urban, pedestrian friendly environment, so if youre going to build your building right up to the street edge, you really dont have, in most cases, opportunities to stage on your own lands.

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, who represents downtown Ward 27, the epicentre for development in the city, told council last week that trying to keep the public right of way clear is a challenge on these very tight sites.

This is a symptom of what is happening because of the planning process and because of the urban design approach to the city.

Nevertheless, she believes some developers are lazy and have a sense of entitlement, needlessly using the roadway to store materials and equipment.

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Without fail for over 30 years, Joe Whitney published a Valentines Day poem for his wife in the Toronto Star. Each years poem was different and never identified his wife.

Every Feb. 14, Diana Baxter read through all the Valentines Day greetings in the Star to find the one meant for her. It was like a game for the couple who had been together since 1981, and in later years Baxters friends joined in on the fun, also trying to find that one special poem.

He was romantic, said Baxter, a real scholar and a gentleman.

An environmental geographer who specialized in soil erosion, waste management and rural energy use, Whitneys primary research interest was China. He also conducted research in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sudan, taught in Hong Kong, Japan and Canada, and worked in Thailand.

He had a broad and eccentric interest in the world, said Baxter. He was always up for something new and different.

Given his travels and adventurous nature, Whitney was an amazing storyteller, making him a great favourite at dinner parties and in the classroom.

Whitney died of melanoma at age 87 on Sept. 2.

He was a man of many interests, said Roger Clarke, an undergraduate student of Whitneys at the University of Toronto in 1969. He helped a lot of us grow up.

Whitney didnt just teach Clarke and his classmates about Chinese geography, a new course Whitney added to the U of Ts curriculum; he vividly described the countrys people and politics because he wanted students to live it as well as learn it, said Clarke.

Whitneys interest in Asia was sown several generations before his birth.

According to an account of Whitneys life written in 1996 by Robert Fuller, a University of Georgia PhD student at the time, one of Whitneys forefathers went to Japan from Philadelphia in the 1800s to teach accounting. He then created a business school which still exists today as a university. Whitneys grandfather went to Tokyo to work as the U.S. embassys doctor. While in Japan, he established an eye hospital.

Whitneys father was born in Japan but finished his education in the U.K., where he married and started a family, bringing Joseph Bevan Robertson Whitney into the world in London in 1928.

Conversations about Japan were common in the Whitney household, and that gave Whitney an interest in the country. But with strong negative sentiment toward Japan during the Second World War, Whitneys passion shifted to China, according to Fullers account.

Whitney married his first wife in 1950, the year he graduated with a degree in geography from the University of Cambridge. Instead of travelling to China, which had just undergone its communist revolution, the couple went to Hong Kong, where Whitney taught geography for the next 12 years. He also became fluent in Cantonese.

Whitney moved his family to the U.S. in the 1960s and received a PhD from the University of Chicago in 1969 before moving to Toronto.

He was a kind and generous man, said Virginia Maclaren, chair of the U of Ts geography department, which Whitney joined in 1969 and led from 1988 to 1993. It was easy for him to establish relationships. Whitney was Maclarens mentor at the U of T in the early 1980s. A quarter of a century later, they shared an award for science and technology given to them by the government of Vietnam.

As Professor Emeritus at the U of T since retiring in 1993, Whitney continued travelling, conducting research and publishing his findings. He co-wrote Goats and garbage in Khartoum, Sudan, Maclarens favourite article of his that explained animals role in consuming waste and keeping cities clean in many impoverished countries.

Whitneys life adventures started quite early. At age 18, just after the end of the Second World War, he used a 25 travel scholarship to pay for a 5,600-km trek through Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, making it as far as 300 km inside the Arctic Circle. I hitchhiked practically all the way, hardly ever knowing where I would find food and a roof for the night, he wrote in a 1946 newspaper story about his odyssey.

One segment leading from Norway to Finland involved a long ride in a truck full of fish. For 28 hours, that lorry bumped over the worst road in the world, with me on top of the fish cases in a raging snowstorm, he wrote.

His sense of exploration continued into his 80s. Last year, Whitney travelled to Japan for three weeks. Shortly after he returned home, he went to B.C.s Haida Gwaii where, according to Baxter, he was climbing hills and jumping on zodiacs.

Everyone wanted to age like Joe, said his wife. Whitney was fit and youthful, and a model on how to grow old, she said.

Given his good health, the family was shocked by Whitneys melanoma diagnosis in May.

Whitney made sure over the last several months to delegate some projects he would not be able to complete. Baxter was tasked with co-ordinating a very extended family reunion next year in British Columbia, while one of Whitneys daughters will have to organize all his papers and find a permanent home for them.

Whitney leaves behind his wife, five children and six grandchildren.

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Before antibiotics, many treatments for gonorrhea were more cringe-inducing than the disease: mercury injections in the urethra, for example, or hot water flushed into a womans genital tract. For men suffering from chordee  a complication where the penis becomes curved  one 19th-century doctor recommended placing the organ on a table and striking a violent blow with a book.

Mercifully, such remedies are only found in the history books and for more than 80 years, gonorrhea infections have been cured  painlessly  with antibiotics.

But with the rise of drug-resistant superbugs, and sexually transmitted disease rates rebounding around the world, doctors are once again worrying about a threat that they havent had to face since pre-war times: untreatable gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea has mostly (become) a nuisance infection, said Dr. Vanessa Allen, chief medical microbiologist with Public Health Ontario. But now the concern is that we could go back to a time when well have to be hospitalized or use very antiquated and mechanical treatments.

It begs the question: What will gonorrhea look like in the new world?

Antimicrobial resistance is now widely recognized as a major global health problem that threatens to reverse medical advances and cripple economies, particularly in the developing world.

Last month, the United Nations held a historic meeting to discuss the superbug crisis, which the World Health Organization calls a slow-motion tsunami.

Ultimately, the future of humanity may depend on our ability to respond to the great challenges of antimicrobial resistance, said Peter Thomson, president of the 71st UN General Assembly.

But among the many villains populating the superbug universe, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a particularly worrisome character.

For starters, gonorrhea is the second-most common sexually-transmitted bacterial disease, after chlamydia. The World Health Organization says as many as 110 million people are infected each year and when left untreated, infections can lead to painful complications, infertility, or even death, in rare cases.

And as a superbug, gonorrhea is particularly super. Resistant strains have now emerged against every class of antibiotic and doctors are down to their last available treatment: a dual therapy that combines azithromycin, an antibiotic in pill form, and ceftriaxone, an injectable.

If this end-of-the-line therapy stops working, there will be no antibiotics left in the medicine cabinet. While new drugs are under development, they are still years or decades away from reaching market.

And the current treatment is already losing ground. In June, British doctors reported the first-known gonorrhea case that was highly resistant to both antibiotics.

Last month, U.S. health officials also reported seven gonorrhea cases in Hawaii with reduced susceptibility to the dual therapy, a first in the U.S.

A similar case has already been seen in Canada, too. In January 2009, a Quebec woman was infected with a strain that had a weaker response to ceftriaxone  and failed to respond to azithromycin at all.

While all of these cases were ultimately treatable, they are red flags to the global health community. If resistance continues to increase and spread our current treatment regimen will eventually fail, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned last month.

Meanwhile, sexually-transmitted diseases are once again on the rise. In 2014, the Public Health Agency of Canada recorded 16,285 cases of gonorrhea  up 15 per cent from the previous year, and the highest number since 1990.

Researchers are still trying to understand these troubling trends. Some experts suspect hookup apps are playing a role. Others are studying whether PrEP  a daily pill that at-risk people can take to prevent HIV infection  is encouraging people to ditch condoms, though STD rates were already trending upwards before the prophylaxis became widely available.

No matter the reason, one thing is clear: whenever the super-gonorrhea comes along, the environment is ripe for it to take off.

Were starting to see pan-drug resistant strains that are really untreatable (and) with gonorrhea were getting very, very close to that point, said Dr. Michael Mulvey, chief of antimicrobial resistance with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The alarm bells are ringing right now.

**

Gonorrhea has been a part of the human condition for thousands of years. Its treatment, on the other hand, has only been around for less than 90.

Ancient descriptions of gonorrhea can be found in Chinese and Middle Eastern texts from as early as 3500 B.C. A reference can also be found in the Bible, where the Book of Leviticus warns of an unclean man that hath a running issue out of his flesh.

Even the slang for gonorrhea  the clap  dates back to the 14th century, according to a paper in , likely inspired by a Parisian red-light district known as Les Clapiers.

Its been plaguing mankind for thousands and thousands of years, said William Shafer, an expert in drug-resistant gonorrhea and co-director of the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Centre in Atlanta, Ga.

And because its a strict human pathogen  and its been infecting human beings for thousands of years  it has developed ways to resist the host defences that we naturally have.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a feeble organism outside of the human body, where it cant live for long. So to ensure itself a home, the bacteria has evolved ways to manipulate human defences and dampen our immune response when it invades.

Gonorrhea has also evolved to sometimes cause silent infections, allowing the bacteria to thrive undetected and spread more widely. Gonorrhea can also thrive in the rectum or throat, where infections are more common than people realize and tend to cause no symptoms at all.

Of course, the Neisseria gonorrhoeaes greatest coup is exploiting the one transmission route that will forever be reliable: sex.

What (gonorrhea) has done is its adapted itself to the host so that it can be transmitted by something thats always going to happen in the human population, Shafer said. Its a chameleon.

For the vast majority of human history, nothing has worked for treating gonorrhea. Countless miserable patients have had their genitals injected, irrigated or soaked in everything from mercury to potassium permanganate. French doctors in the 18th century recommended injecting cows milk or frog spawn water.

As better remedies were developed for everything from pneumonia to syphilis, doctors despaired that gonorrhea would forever remain an unsolvable mystery.

A gonorrhea begins and God alone knows when it will end, lamented the 19th century French venereologist Phillipe Ricord.

The arrival of sulfa drugs in 1935, compounds derived from industrial dyes, gave the world its first antimicrobial  and its first effective gonorrhea treatment.

Sulfa drugs initially cured up to 90 per cent of cases. When resistance began to emerge in the 40s, few were concerned because penicillin, an antibiotic naturally produced by a mould, had arrived on scene. This new wonder drug worked so well that doctors mused about the end of gonorrhea altogether.

But, as has happened time and time again, we underestimated the lowly bacterium. Neisseria gonorrhoeae soon developed resistance against penicillin  and would do so for every subsequent class of antibiotics developed for treating gonorrhea: tetracycline, spectinomycin, fluoroquinolnes, macrolides and finally, now, cephalosporins, our last line of defence.

Of all the bugs, gonorrhea is among those that are the most prone to an increasing development of drug resistance, Allen said. The bug is fickle.

Just as gonorrhea has learned to navigate the human immune system, it has developed multiple strategies for deking antibiotic attacks.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae use efflux pumps to spit out antibiotics when they get inside the cell. The bug can also borrow DNA from neighbouring bacteria  for example, from other types of harmless Neisseria bacteria that naturally live inside the human throat. It can also change its own genome, mutating to develop new strategies for beating antibiotics.

A few years ago, when surveillance efforts started noticing treatment failures against cefixime  the previously recommended treatment for gonorrhea, taken as a single pill  public health bodies started changing their guidelines to recommend a two-punch therapy of azithromycin and ceftriaxone  the rationale being that if one fails, the other will hopefully still work.

But high-level resistance against azithromycin was already emerging in the late 2000s. In 2009, a Japanese sex worker had a strain of gonorrhea in her throat that was highly resistant to ceftriaxone; similar strains have since popped up in Spain and France.

Public health officials are now dreading the explosion of a strain that is resistant to both antibiotics. For many, the recent Hawaii cluster  which was highly resistant to one, and starting to resist the other  is a step in that direction.

Its a warning sign, said Dr. Melanie Taylor, a medical officer with the World Health Organizations department of reproductive health and research. The next step is full-on resistance.

**

What would it mean to live in a world with untreatable gonorrhea? For one, people would have to live longer with infections and suffer more complications.

In men, that tends to be a narrowing of the urethra, which makes it difficult to urinate, or epididymitis, a painful swelling of the scrotum. In men and women, gonorrhea can cause infertility  but women are particularly affected, because infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or life-threatening ectopic pregnancies, when the fetus develops outside of the uterus.

Babies who get infected by their mothers are at risk of going blind and gonorrhea makes people more susceptible to other STDs, including HIV.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae can also spread throughout the body  unlike Chlamydia infections, which stay localized in the genital region  causing systemic damage or even death, in rare cases.

In the absence of effective treatments, there will be plenty of misery. Consider these lurid descriptions of 19th century gonorrhea patients, published in a British medical journal:

T.J., August 1st, 1850. Has a very bad gonorrhea; the chordee has been most distressing; he has some painful erections, which compel him to rise two or three times in the night.

N.S. contracted clap, July, 1850; it was very bad and accompanied by much scalding pain etc.

J.B., Feb. 22nd, 1851. Has had gonorrhea for some time. It is very severe, the running being thick and green.

Furious efforts are now underway to prepare for the day when the current treatment regimen fails  an inevitable outcome, according to WHOs Taylor.

But even if our last-line therapy fails overnight, doctors wont be left completely empty-handed, Taylor noted. They will likely reach for older antibiotics or try different drug combinations, though many of these could carry toxic side effects or prove to be prohibitively expensive.

Theyre now talking about using (an antibiotic called) gentamicin, said Dr. Alan Katz, associate director with the Office of Public Health Studies at the University of Hawaii.

Thats something we used to use in medical school for septic shock and here were talking about using it for gonorrhea. Thats pretty unbelievable.

There are also new drugs finally in the pipeline, some of which show promise. Last month, the CDC announced early-stage results from a clinical trial of a new antibiotic called ETX0914, which represents a new class of antibiotics and was safe and effective in a small trial of 179 volunteers.

Even if this antibiotic proves successful, its still many years or decades from reaching market. And when it does, chances are good that it, too, will eventually fail.

Are we ever going to have an antibiotic that the bug doesnt develop resistance to? My quick answer is no, Shafer said. Resistance will happen. It is predictable, it is inevitable.

Shafer believes its time to start thinking beyond antibiotics and look for new ways to fight back against gonorrhea.

He believes the key is to develop a gonorrhea vaccine  a strategy that failed miserably 30 years ago and is now being resurrected. Scientists are also investigating cutting-edge strategies for tripping the immune system to react more effectively when Neisseria gonorrhoeae invades.

But no matter how much research is funded, or how many drugs are developed, this ancient war against gonorrhea is one that everyone can fight. How? By consuming antibiotics more responsibly and practicing safe sex.

Both, however, require restraint and responsible decision-making  neither of which have been hallmarks of the human species, as bugs like Neisseria gonorrhoeae can well attest.

If people used condoms every time they had sex, we wouldnt need to have any STD clinics, Katz said. Its not like getting an airborne infection from someone that coughs near you.

This is something thats pretty much 100 per cent preventable.

How doctors used to fight it

Copaiba  In 1859, Great Britain imported 68,000 kilograms of Copaiba, a South American tree extract used in varnishes and lacquers, to treat venereal infections. Occasionally applied as an ointment, copaiba was mostly ingested in capsules or as a liquid, perhaps mixed in to coffee, mint water or wine to mask the bitter taste.

Mercury  Doctors used mercury to treat both syphilis and gonorrhea, sometimes injecting preparations into the urethra or vagina with a syringe. In massive doses, mercury caused terrible side effects like loss of teeth, tongue fissures, and hemorrhaging of the bowel, according to the book No Magic Bullet by science historian Allan Brandt.

Mouthwash  Before it became a famous mouthwash, Listerine was marketed as a 19th century floor cleaner, surgery antiseptic  and gonorrhea treatment. Listerine was kind of looking for a raison detre, said Maxime Chouinard, curator at Kingstons Museum of Health Care. Australian researchers gave Listerine a second look as a gonorrhea treatment in July, publishing a study on whether it can prevent throat infections.

Heat  In the 20s and 30s, one method to treat gonorrhea involved something called the fever cabinet. A patients entire body  with the exception of the head  would be enclosed in a hot box; the patient would bake for four to six hours at over 41 C.

This apparatus  This 1932 graphic, by a Dr. H.M. Kanner of Sacramento, Calif., describes a simple and inexpensive apparatus (left) for applying heat to treat a womans gonorrhea infection. As Kanner explains, the irrigator should be inserted into the vagina and pumped with water, gradually increased in temperature until it is as hot as the patient can stand. The device on the right is for home use.

Penicillin  Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, penicillin kicked off the golden age of antibiotics and in 1943, it was shown to be an excellent cure for gonorrhea. By 1946, however, doctors were already seeing drug-resistant strains and today, penicillin-resistant gonorrhea is common around the world.

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DIAVATA REFUGEE CAMP, GREECEWhen Europe abruptly closed its land borders last Spring to refugees fleeing war, it made a much-heralded promise: Wealthy nations across the European Union would take in tens of thousands of desperate Syrians and Iraqis who had made it as far as near-bankrupt Greece only to find themselves trapped.

But one by one, those nations have reneged, turning primitive camps into dire symbols of Europes broken pledge.

Amid allegations of mismanagement by the Greek government, a site on the grounds of an abandoned toilet paper factory still lacks basic heat, even as nighttime temperatures dip into the low 50s. Mosquitos infest the white canvas tents of refugee families stranded here for months. A 14-year-old Syrian girl was recently raped. There are allegations of stabbings, thefts, suicide attempts and drug dealing.

I wont go out alone anymore, said Rama Wahed, a 16-year-old Syrian girl hugging herself in her familys tent.

In the opposite corner, her 17-year old brother, Kamal, stares blankly ahead. Since their father died in Syria, he is the man of the family. But he looks like a lost little boy. Like so many others here, their family of five has been waiting for word to go somewhere, anywhere but here. Caught in a broken system, they are losing hope.

Kamal swats at the mosquitoes swarming his legs, both of them bandaged and infected after he couldnt stop scratching at the bites. To keep the bugs at bay, they run a cheap fan inside the tent, even though it only makes cold nights feel colder

Were never getting out of here, he said. Never.

On June 26, 2015, as asylum seekers were rushing into Europe in growing numbers, EU leaders met until the wee hours in Brussels. Two countries were bearing the brunt of the crisis  the Mediterranean entry points of Greece and Italy. In what leaders heralded as a remarkable show of solidarity, the rest of the EU agreed to share the burden.

The EU would relocate 40,000 refugees  mostly Syrians  to member countries from Portugal to Finland. They would be given shelter, aid and a chance to rebuild their lives. As the number of asylum-seekers surged, the EU later boosted its pledge  promising to relocate up to 160,000.

But 16 months after its initial decision, the EU has lived up to only 3.3 per cent of that pledge, relocating 5,290 refugees  4,134 from Greece and 1,156 from Italy.

At first, and to some extent, still, the problem in Greece has been an overwhelmed asylum system that takes months to register migrants. Although the number of refugees entering the program has recently increased, its future faces an even greater obstacle.

Citing concerns about cultural differences and militants masquerading as migrants, nations are breaking their promises to take in refugees. Those countries that are offering spaces are offering fewer than they originally pledged. Others are offering none at all. Last week, Austrias foreign minister became the latest senior European official to suggest the bloc should simply drop the pretense and scrap what he called a completely unrealistic program.

In Greece, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is labouring to get as many refugees as possible into hotels and apartments, but most are still facing harsh conditions in unheated camps. There, according to a new report by Amnesty International, they face threats from poor security and approaching winter. There are serious lapses in support for vulnerable refugees, including minors and pregnant women. Some of the refugees, the report charged, are going without adequate food.

The Greeks say they are taking steps to improve conditions. But given the amount of EU money available to aid refugees in Greece  more than 1 billion euros  critics say the camps should not be as bad as they are.

Odysseas Voudouris, formerly Greeces general secretary for migrants at the Interior Ministry, resigned last month, protesting what he called a mishandling of the camps by the countys migration ministry. He described the Diavata Refugee Camp as a symbol of a larger problem.

Initially, he said, a German non-governmental organization had proposed a camp here in the outskirts of Greeces second largest city, Thessaloniki, using 2.5 million euros in EU funds. But the migration ministry overseeing the camps insisted it spend much more  8.5 million euros, including hundreds of thousands earmarked for a local construction firm.

Voudouris said he then asked UNHCR to estimate the costs, to which it replied that a camp for 1,500 refugees  there are now about 1,600 here  should run about 1.5 million euros. But, he said, the migration ministry still insisted on spending far more, dragging out the process to the point where there is still no agreement on what to build or by when.

In the meantime, the conditions are bad and these people are sleeping outside, he said. Winter is almost here.

The migration ministry declined to comment. But Maria Stavropoulou, head of the Greek asylum service, a different unit not directly involved with the camps, insisted her country was improving its handling of the refugee crisis everyday. She said she remained optimistic that European nations will ultimately fulfil their pledges to take in refugees  but that her country was prepared if they didnt.

If the pledges dont come in, then (the refugees) will have to stay here, she said. They have to live with that and so do we.

An hour after dawn on a recent weekday, Abdelwahab, 14, the youngest son in the Wahed family, walked to school with his 10-year-old sister, Joudy.

We used to walk to school together in Aleppo, he said. Its different now. Everything is.

For starters, school isnt real school. The Greeks this week are rolling out a pilot program, allowing up to 1,500 refugee children into public schools. But some Greek parents, including those who send their children to a school not far from this camp, have staged protests to stop them. They argue the refugee children may carry contagious diseases and live in such unhygienic conditions that they pose a health risk.

In the former toilet paper plant where the Waheds are forced to live, the best education on offer is a few hours a day in an impromptu schoolhouse run by Save the Children. Some of the children here, according to Ahmed  their teacher and a Syrian refugee himself  have been out of school for four years.

They need to be settled, he said. They are missing out on their futures. They need a real home.

During Arabic class, their teacher tried to engage the few children who turned up: about 10 kids out of about 150 in the camp ages 6 to 14. Some of the refugee parents say they are afraid to send their children to school alone. Others say their children dont want to go, and they dont have the strength to force them.

Their teacher asked the class for a saying in Arabic to practice their writing. Abdelwahab was the first to chime up.

Heaven, he said, quoting the Koran, lies under the feet of our mothers.

Earlier, Lamis, his mother  a widow struggling to care for four children  was back at the family tent, doing what she does best: trying to cheer them up.

She is a young 48. Spirited and jovial, she comforted them two years ago when the war didnt kill their father, but the cancer did. When they crossed the Aegean Sea last March in a packed raft, her children came ashore in Greece wet and afraid. She cracked a joke about wet cats. All the kids, she said, laughed.

But humour is not working now.

Rama, her 16-year-old daughter, said she is terrified after the recent rape of another girl. The culprit, another Syrian refugee, was brutally beaten by camp residents soon afterward. Although there are a few Greek police officers stationed at the camps entrance, residents say they rarely intervene.

We are stuck here, Rama said. Nobody cares what happens to us.

Dont say that, Lamis said with an encouraging smile. They promised to let us in. They will keep their word. Its taking a little more time than we thought. Im telling you, they will keep their word.

Thats not true, were never leaving, Rama said. I told you, we never should have left home.

Its done, and we cant go back, Lamis said, suddenly growing serious.

Why not? We should, said Rama, provoking her mother. There is nothing here for us. They do not want us.

Have you seen the pictures of Aleppo? Lamis said. There is nothing left, my daughter. Go back to what?

Lamis is crying now, and her daughter relents.

Im sorry, Rama says softly. I just want to leave.

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TARBORO, N.C.Tiajuana Williams lives in a one-story apartment building in Princeville, North Carolina, that was flooded by a river bulging with rainwater from Hurricane Matthew. Before driving out of town in her Honda Civic ahead of the storm, she hurriedly packed a small bag with little more than a change of clothes.

Now, even while seeking aid to replace her belongings and arrange long-term housing, she has more pressing needs: I aint got no clothes. I left my clothes in there!

If other recent floods in Louisiana and elsewhere are any indication, she could face a long road to recovery. She filled out a FEMA application online and signed paperwork Thursday with an agency representative who met with people in Tarboro, just across the Tar River from Princeville.

But Williams was told that it could take a week or more to get to the next step, which will be a phone call from another representative who will go over her information again. She doesnt have renters insurance and fears her stuff has been ruined. Making matters worse, she hasnt been able to get to her job as a home health nurse and doesnt expect a paycheque this week.

Ive had a headache for about four days, the 53-year-old said, taking a drag off a cigarette.

Her stress may not go away anytime soon if other recent flood disasters are a guide. In Louisiana, thousands of displaced families are still waiting for government assistance after the catastrophic deluge there two months ago  from a storm system that didnt even have a name.

Amanda Burge doesnt feel any closer to returning to her home in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

She is struggling just to get her family on the waiting list for a government-issued mobile home, which would allow them to live on their property while they repair damage. Daily phone calls to FEMA havent yielded any answers for when  or if  they can get one delivered.

We feel like were not making any progress forward, said Burge, a married mother of three young sons. We dont want money in our pockets. We just want to go home.

Last month, Congress authorized $500 million (U.S.) in flood recovery grant money for Louisiana and other states. That was before Matthew churned up the East Coast.

In West Virginia, where 23 people died in June flooding and thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, rental options are scarce and the hilly terrain leaves few flat areas open for new construction. Clay County commissioner Jerry Linkinogger estimates nearly 1,000 people in the central West Virginia county of 8,500 residents applied for FEMA aid. The county has only one small hotel, so some flood victims left the area to find temporary housing.

For a while, we had people living in tents, he said. People are just working their way back slowly.

FEMA spokesman Rafael Lemaitre said the federal government currently has about $5 billion in a fund for all FEMA-funded disaster relief work.

Weve known for quite some time that flooding is the most common and costly disaster we see in the U.S., Lemaitre said. Were working very hard to make sure impacted areas get the support they need from the federal government.

More than 24,000 survivors in hard-hit North Carolina have applied for federal disaster assistance, and FEMA has approved more than $5.8 million in individual assistance to cover needs including repairs or temporary housing, Lemaitre said Friday. That amount is expected to increase.

As of Thursday morning, about 3,400 people were staying in more than 40 shelters in eastern North Carolina. The next step is to move them into hotels or rental properties.

We want to get these people out of shelters so they have more privacy, so they have more dignity, so they have better care, so they can be with their families and reunited with their pets if possible, Gov. Pat McCrory said.

More permanent housing will be a major challenge, McCrory said.

In Louisiana, FEMA mobile homes are considered the last resort. The primary vehicle for helping displaced homeowners is the state-run, federally funded Shelter at Home grant program, which enables residents to live in their homes while making repairs. Its the first of its kind since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, according to Lemaitre.

The program has received more than 20,000 applications from residents, who are eligible for grants of up to $15,000 if the repairs can get them safely back in their homes. As of Tuesday, work funded by the program has been completed on nearly 2,000 homes and a final inspection was needed on another 3,000 homes.

Many residents and elected officials have criticized the programs pace.

Its the red tape on top of red tape, which takes up weeks and months, said state Sen. Bodi White, a Republican running for mayor of Baton Rouge.

This week, 466 households in Louisiana and 39 in West Virginia were living in FEMA-provided mobile homes. FEMA also is paying for approximately 2,500 Louisiana families to stay in hotels.

In Lumberton, North Carolina, residents are only just emerging from the shock of such a large disaster. Floodwaters from the crested Lumber River are still preventing hundreds of residents from getting home.

Janet Meier didnt wait for the waters to recede. The 36-year-old waded into the clear brown water barefoot to retrieve her sons warmest blanket and a laptop on Thursday. While her home is surrounded by flood water  and her carport is flooded with knee-deep water  the inside is mostly dry.

Meier doesnt know if shell be eligible for any federal assistance. Shes not sure she will even ask for it.

Ive lost a lot, but it can come back, she said. Its able to be replaced. I have the most important things.

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China's propping up of Pakistan is to ensure that India continues to remain challenged - and preoccupied - in its own neighbourhood, rather than emerge as a regional counterweight to China.

Chun chi xiang yi", or "as close as lips and teeth", was how Mao Zedong once described China's close relationship with North Korea. For decades, the North was China's only ally, but in Beijing today, there is a new epithet that is currently flavour of the moment for China's mandarins: "Batie", or "iron brother Pakistan".

In recent months, India has been alarmed by the extent to which China has once again begun deferring to Pakistan's interests on key bilateral issues, potentially reversing a two-decade trend that saw Beijing attempt to strike a balance between its historical ties with Islamabad on the one hand, and a sensitive but growing relationship with Delhi on the other.

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With India-Pakistan tensions running high after the Uri attacks and India mounting a robust multi-pronged response by carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control and isolating Pakistan diplomatically, the extent of China's embrace of India's troublesome neighbour may determine whether India's efforts succeed or fail.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Indeed, the Pakistan factor is looming large as Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Goa on October 15, 2016 at the BRICS Summit, where both sides are confronting a starkly different meeting from Xi's last visit to India in September 2014, when the PM hosted him warmly in Gujarat.

Modi's Xi challenge

The prime minister is likely to forcefully convey to Xi India's displeasure with China's moves to prevent the sanctioning of Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee. On September 30, Beijing extended a technical hold it had placed in March to block the bid, despite the fact that the committee had already proscribed Azhar's organisation, the Jaish-e-Mohammad. Beijing now has until the end of the year to decide whether to approve or effectively veto the bid; the latter outcome appears likelier.

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Also high on Modi's list of concerns is China's continued stonewalling of India's bid to enter the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). While Beijing's opposition was not entirely unexpected at the group's plenary session in Seoul in June, what was a surprise was its move to openly push for Pakistan's entry along with that of India. This was a clear indication, one official said, of a new "re-hyphenation" in its approach to both countries. In fact, Beijing made this plainly evident when it sent its nuclear negotiators to Islamabad on September 23, barely 10 days after they had visited Delhi for talks on the NSG.

Terror Politics

China's repeated support to a globally recognised terrorist has certainly been a reality check for the Modi government, which had harboured ambitions of rebooting ties with China, particularly after the prime minister's landmark May 2015 visit when Xi broke with protocol to host him in his home province of Shaanxi.

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As much as India can tolerate-and to some extent understand-China's economic and strategic support to its old 'all-weather' ally, the open backing to Azhar-that too in the aftermath of terror attacks on India-has been particularly galling. While Beijing has stalled India in international forums in the past, it backed moves to list leaders of the Lashkar-e-Taiba after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

What is different on this occasion is that Beijing's support appears to go even farther, with officials even publicly suggesting that India was to blame for trying to score political points with the ban-not the state accused of harbouring terrorists.

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"There should be no double standards on terrorism," said China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong on October 10. The veteran diplomat, a former representative to the United Nations, is an expert on the workings of the sanctions committee. "Nor should one pursue its own political gains in the name of counterterrorism," he added pointedly.

China's backing is not only excusing Pakistani inaction but also damaging a core India concern, says Ashok Kantha, India's ambassador to China until January 2016, and now a Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation. "China's diplomatic protection," he says, "is encouraging Pakistan to adopt a more irresponsible attitude, including on issues of direct interest to us such as terrorism." Beijing, however, sees it differently. If it sees Pakistan coming under "undue pressure", they will "have Pakistan's back", says Andrew Small, a China-Pakistan expert at the German Marshall Fund.

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Uneasy relations

The recent incidents have strained the already complex India-China relationship, which has always required a delicate balance of cooperation and competition. Both sides have managed to keep the boundary dispute largely under control, stepping up engagement across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) which hasn't seen a single shot fired in more than two decades. In fact, they are even moving to broaden engagement along the contested border. Earlier this year, both militaries for the first time held relief drills in the sensitive region of eastern Ladakh along the LAC. In mid-November, Pune will host a sixth edition of counterterrorism exercises between the armies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Notwithstanding calls on India's social media to boycott cheap Chinese goods, trade and investment are growing, and Prime Minister Modi is aggressively courting Chinese investment in railways, manufacturing and smart cities. Officials point out that investment from China this year alone was double paltry $400 million India received from the country in the past decade.

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But what is evident is that the re-emergence of Pakistan as a major factor poses new challenges for a sensitive relationship. "We know China and Pakistan have a long-standing strategic investment, but what one can say with a degree of confidence is that their strategic relations are certainly not getting eroded; if anything, they are getting stronger," says Kantha, the former ambassador. "For China," he adds, "the relationship with Pakistan is clearly important, and some now describe Pakistan as China's only ally."

Higher than the Himalayas

For much of the past two decades, the lofty rhetoric China and Pakistan often used to describe their relations as "higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey" was not often reflected in reality. This was, after all, a relationship forged in the heights of the Karakoram Highway in the 1960s-when the two countries battled a common enemy, India-and one that has historically had immense strategic value, with China offering Pakistan missiles and aircraft, and illicitly helping its nuclear programme.

As China's economy lifted off in the 1990s, caution and self-interest, rather than romanticism, began dictating its approach to a neighbour whose periodic descents into chaos were viewed warily across the Khunjerab Pass. This was all the more evident after the normalisation of ties with India following Rajiv Gandhi's 1988 visit, when Beijing understood it needed to improve relations with its biggest neighbour to the west-and that to do so, it had to be seen to effect what one official described as "a better balance" with India and Pakistan.

But insiders in Beijing believe this two-decade 'tactical shift' may now be at a crucial inflection point, with China once again tilting back towards its old 'all-weather ally'. Signs of this change in China's approach, officials say, date back to around 2009, a time when the United States, which had emerged as Pakistan's principal military and financial donor, began winding down its presence in Afghanistan. Pakistan was seen by Washington as a needed ally in its 'war on terror', but as the US started to move out, China began to rapidly scale up its engagement.

The CPEC factor

China's stakes in Pakistan were dramatically raised soon after Xi's new government took over in 2013. That same year, Xi told the Communist Party's central committee that 'peripheral diplomacy' would be his focus, starting with a plan to revive the old Silk Road through a land 'belt' to Central Asia and a 'maritime silk road' to the Indian Ocean. Xi decided Pakistan would be the fulcrum of the plan, named the 'Belt and Road', with the land and sea arms converging on the unlikely location of Gwadar, a dusty port in Balochistan that had come under Chinese management after the Singaporeans withdrew, citing huge losses.

Gwadar port, Balochistan. Photo: Reuters

Beijing will in the next decade complete what it calls the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking Kashgar, in China's western Xinjiang province, to Gwadar, comprising $35 billion worth of energy deals and infrastructure projects costing $11 billion. The idea is to correct the imbalance in China's ties with Pakistan, says Han Hua, a leading South Asia strategic expert at Peking University. "We have largely only had a military relationship, but now we are adding a whole new component," she says. So for the first time, China will be shipping in tens of thousands of engineers, workers and personnel into Pakistan, as well as pouring in billions of dollars. For better or for worse, Beijing is now deeply invested in the country's success.

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Why China needs Pakistan

China sees CPEC as serving two purposes: shoring up the teetering economy of its close ally which will also ensure a stable western periphery for China, and providing an outlet for its enterprises, struggling with overcapacity at home, to move projects overseas en masse. For China's planners, the project also has strategic value in securing access to the Arabian Sea for energy imports, alleviating their 'Malacca Dilemma'-long persisting fears that a rival power could block the narrow Malacca Straits and hold the Chinese economy hostage.

Chinese officials are at pains to point out that CPEC isn't just empty talk. According to Zhao Lijian, who is overseeing the programme in Islamabad as the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Chinese embassy, $14 billion has already been invested in 30 'early harvest' projects, of which 16 are under construction. These are mostly energy projects aimed at reducing Pakistan's soaring energy deficit, including a coal power plant in Sahiwal that will go online in June, a dam in Karot, the Sukkur-Multan section of the Karachi-Lahore expressway, and the second phase of the Karakoram Highway from Thakot to Havelian in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Beijing is also moving forward to create new global financial institutions to underpin the Belt and Road and CPEC, setting up a $40 billion Silk Road Fund and the $100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in which China is the biggest shareholder, contributing around one-third. India is the second, having committed an $8 billion stake with an eye on ensuring that it-and other countries-have a voice in how this new rival to the Asian Development Bank will be run. Tellingly, one of the AIIB's first projects was a $300 million motorway in Pakistan, part of CPEC.

Chinese officials say CPEC will ultimately benefit not only Pakistan but India and the region, as it is helping stabilise Pakistan. China's primary interest, they insist, is stability in the neighbourhood, a prerequisite for its investments to succeed. "So this will ultimately also benefit India as well," says a foreign ministry official.

The military dimension

Not everyone in India might agree with that assessment. After all, the larger reason for China going all-out to boost Pakistan is what Chinese strategists describe as "seeking a favourable balance" in South Asia. In other words, China's propping up of Pakistan is to ensure that India continues to remain challenged-and preoccupied-in its own neighbourhood, rather than emerge as a regional counterweight to China.

Beijing has been doing so on the military front for decades. China's Communist Party and People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership have deep historical and institutional ties with the Pakistani military, which many in Beijing see as having played a key role in ensuring ties remained close, despite periodic domestic upheavals in Pakistan.

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As Pakistan's military ties with the US grew rapidly during the 'war on terror', Beijing's often outdated arms exports became less valuable. But with the US now scaling back and even reviewing crucial exports such as F-16 fighter jets, China's support has become crucial. And Beijing appears more than willing to fill the gap. The two countries are jointly producing JF-17 Thunder light fighter aircraft, while talks for an export variant of China's new fifth-generation stealth fighter are ongoing. In August, both countries moved towards clinching China's biggest ever military deal-the $5 billion sale of eight attack submarines likely to be deployed in the Arabian Sea.

Even CPEC has clear military dimensions, which explains the Pakistani military's increasingly prominent role in its development. Its army has raised a special security division of 15,000 troops to guard projects, while Army Chief General Raheel Sharif has made several visits to Beijing to personally guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel. Privately, many Chinese officials see the military as a more favourable interlocutor in pushing CPEC, rather than a weak civilian government.

One of CPEC's most important projects is the upgradation of infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, starting with the Karakoram Highway. In the event of a conflict between India and Pakistan, this link will allow China to rapidly transport materials and assistance, even if it is unlikely to involve its own troops directly. Officials believe it is only a matter of time before the PLA has boots on the ground in PoK, ostensibly to protect Chinese personnel. This year, China and Pakistan have for the first time begun joint patrols in areas bordering PoK and Xinjiang.

The New Axis?

For Pakistan, China is the best bet to fill the void left by declining American economic and military support. While China is unlikely to "backfill US financial support like-for-like", says Small of the German Marshall Fund, "the commitments of loans, investments and even some grants will still be there on a significant scale". "There is a far greater premium being placed," he adds, "on ensuring that Pakistan isn't economically weakened."

Pakistan, however, isn't turning only to China. In 2014, Russia ended a self-imposed embargo on the sales of arms to Pakistan. Last year, it sold Pakistan four Mi-35 helicopter gunships. The sale raised eyebrows in New Delhi because it marked a departure from earlier indirect military sales-Russia has previously sold the RD-93 jet engines for the JF-17s. The recent first-ever Russia-Pakistan military-to-military exercises were held in September, over which New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Moscow.

"Russia should step away from progressing its defence ties with Pakistan, a state long active in abetting, financing, sponsoring and exporting terrorism," says Ajai Malhotra, former ambassador to Russia. "Russia has always been attentive to our sensitivities about weapon deliveries to Pakistan and we must emphatically convey our concerns to President Putin at the forthcoming bilateral summit in Goa."

A joint military exercise of Russian and Pakistani armed forces

The thaw in Russia-Pakistan ties coincides with a significant realignment of Russian and Chinese interests. China has in recent years supported Russia's position on a range of issues from Syria to Afghanistan. China remains one of the largest buyers of Russian military hardware; since 1992, it has bought billions of dollars worth of combat jets, warships and submarines. Russia and China have recently held military manoeuvres in the South China Sea.

These shifts coincide with an increasing closeness between India and the US which manifested itself in a strategic partnership and the August 31 inking of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) pact between the two militaries. There is dismay in Moscow over the growing military relationship between Washington and New Delhi. US sales of $4.4 billion worth of aircraft and helicopters to India over the past three years were second to Russia's $5 billion sales to New Delhi in the same period.

Is a Russia-Pakistan-China axis a distinct possibility? Petr Topychkanov, an associate at the Carnegie Moscow Centre's Nonproliferation Programme, calls it a short- and medium-term development. "There is an absence of long-term strategic interest of Russia for any kind of axis with such unpredictable and risky players, such as China and Pakistan," he says. China's developing conventional and nuclear capabilities could be a serious concern for the Russian armed forces. Pakistan simultaneously plays friendships with the US, Saudi Arabia, China, and now Russia. "Russia's long-term interests," he says, "don't necessarily coincide with interests of other friends of Pakistan."

The Pakistan Dilemma

Recent history has shown that Beijing has itself had clear limits on how far it will go to push Pakistani interests. This is, after all, not the 1960s or '70s; in an increasingly multipolar, post-Cold War world, there are no blocs or permanent alliances but shifting relationships based on self-interest.

The fact is that China's overriding strategic concern is not India. It is more preoccupied with the growing challenge posed by the US and its partners on its periphery. Beijing's "biggest fear is India becoming a Japan or South Korea", says one Party academic candidly, suggesting it would not be careless enough to push India into that position.

China is hence facing what some insiders describe as a "Pakistan dilemma", as it weighs its ambition to build a regional counterweight to India against its fears of an India-US alliance. The former agenda is especially pushed by its military and security agencies which view India unambiguously as a clear threat.

This explains China's schizophrenic approach to India. Beijing is keen to develop investment and trade ties and is pushing companies to invest in India as they deal with a slowdown at home. It is courting India's support on issues such as reforming global financial institutions and trade talks where they have common ground.

But on security matters, including terrorism, Beijing appears to be deferring to the interests of its security agencies, which see Pakistan as key to ensuring stability not only in the western Xinjiang region, where Beijing is dealing with a jehadist threat, but also in Afghanistan. This explains why Beijing is often prepared to tolerate Pakistan's fostering of anti-India terrorists. Beijing's rationale is that as long as Islamabad demonstrates willingness to crack down on groups that target China such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement-which in China's view it has done-it has no reason to complain.

This is despite the fact that there certainly are concerns in Beijing about the security situation in Pakistan. Even China has been pressing Pakistan to change course and has started questioning the logic of its repeated backing of Masood Azhar, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry was quoted as telling top officials in an internal meeting, according to an October 6 report in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

Beijing's careful response to the Uri attacks and the Indian surgical strikes underlines this dilemma. Its approach seemed to be aimed at giving neither India nor Pakistan satisfaction. While Beijing condemned the Uri attacks, it didn't do so unequivocally, also calling on both India and Pakistan to ensure stability. But when Pakistan sent two special envoys on Kashmir to Beijing, they only managed to get an audience with a junior foreign minister, and Beijing did not issue a statement in support of Pakistan's stand. Even at the UNSC, China has rebuffed repeated Pakistani attempts to bring up Kashmir, repeating its stand that it was an issue for India and Pakistan to resolve.

Balancing act

China's new embrace of Pakistan-and its raised stakes in that country-have complicated this balancing act in recent weeks. Beijing has appeared unusually unnerved by India's more robust-than-expected response to Uri and by the surgical strikes as well as by Modi's invoking of Balochistan.

In the recent past, India's ties with China have been largely insulated from its troubles with Pakistan. This was evident during the Kargil war when Beijing largely stayed away, and also in the wake of the Mumbai attacks of 2008 when China, as its officials often like to remind Indian interlocutors, quietly sent envoys to Delhi and Islamabad to calm tensions, and later supported moves at the UNSC to sanction LeT leader Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and its affiliate organisation, the Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Yet the recent tensions with Pakistan have been viewed somewhat differently, and Prime Minister Modi's remarks on the situation in Balochistan alarmed Beijing even if they were, in reality, not very different from China's unexpected statement in July expressing "concern" over protests in Jammu & Kashmir.

One reason is because the post-CPEC embrace of Pakistan is effectively pushing both countries in a direction where they "will become mutual stakeholders of each other", says Hu Shisheng, a strategic expert at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, an influential state security-affiliated think-tank. "This means any disturbance in Pakistan," he says in a clear message to India, "will get Chinese interests disturbed." It is hence unavoidable, says Hu, that Pakistan will become "a bigger factor" in India-China relations.

Hu probably reflects the popular sentiment in Beijing when he says that "if Modi's government starts to view Pakistan as an enemy and makes disturbances within Pakistan, or even starts a proxy war within Pakistan and disrupts CPEC, not only relations between Pakistan and India, but [also between] China and India will become very problematic". In Hu's view, "China's Pakistan policy is becoming more and more proactive and aggressive in a constructive way, while India's Pakistan policy is becoming more and more proactive and aggressive in a destructive way." "So under such circumstances," he warns, "this is a really big concern."

Options before India

The irony is that China's policymakers are aware that in many respects, its long-term goals in the region align more closely with India's than Pakistan's. In Kashmir, China wants to see a resolution of the dispute and stability that would allow its projects to continue unimpeded. In China's view, as is often forgotten, the resolution of Kashmir is in some sense a prerequisite for a final resolution of the boundary question with India. Beijing hasn't been prepared to discuss the status of the PoK-China border in the western sector as part of the boundary talks with India-or even negotiate pending a resolution of Kashmir-because of Pakistani sensitivities.

Even in Afghanistan, China, like India, is wary of the Taliban's growing influence and wants a stable environment to push infrastructure and development projects. Beijing has also reached out to Delhi to work on joint projects, which may present an opportunity for both countries to build, step by step, much-needed trust in the neighbourhood. It isn't lost on Beijing that Pakistan's interests, in both regions, lie not in ensuring stability but in fomenting trouble.

"The problems between India and Pakistan are not a Chinese problem," says Long Xingchun, director of the Centre for India Studies at China West Normal University. "China really welcomes the improvement of India-Pakistan relations and for them to solve their problems. China hopes to deepen economic ties both with Pakistan and India. CPEC is not just a project for China and Pakistan, but in the future may be extended to India, Iran and Afghanistan and benefit the region if related countries could settle their disputes and differences. China doesn't have a vicious intention towards India through CPEC."

For China, the pull of India's market is another increasingly prominent factor in its calculus, emerging as potential leverage for Delhi and a further complication in its Pakistan dilemma. Beijing is more than aware that India's market is the biggest in its western periphery. China's e-commerce and real estate billionaires like Jack Ma and Wang Jianlin are making thrice-a-year trips to India, not Pakistan. As much as both countries insist that economic ties may run on a parallel track, increasingly adverse public opinion in India, evinced in recent viral social media calls to boycott Chinese goods that even helpfully showed consumers how to identify 'Made in China' barcodes, underline this may not always be the case.

This presents a challenge for both countries, says former ambassador Kantha, to manage an increasingly complex relationship. The problem is, this task has become all the more difficult with the reintroduction of Pakistan as a prominent factor. "China also has a desire to strike a balance," says Kantha. "India is not expecting China to downgrade relations with Pakistan as a prerequisite for enhancing relations. But what we really expect is that when we look at aspects of China's engagement with Pakistan that have a negative implication for us, they must understand our concerns." "The narrative about India-China relations," he adds, "is getting a little vitiated. This isn't desirable for either country." Changing this narrative, for Modi and Xi, will perhaps be the most pressing task when they meet in Goa.

Follow the writer on Twitter @ananthkrishnan



--- ENDS ---
In case your Donald Trump addiction has fogged up your glasses, there are other things happening in the world these days you might want to think about.

For example, did you miss the news about the looming nuclear war between Russia and the United States?

Yes, the drumbeats of war seem to be growing louder. In recent days, there have been ominous warnings from American military analysts, Russian TV commentators and political leaders past and present.

Not since the darkest days of the Cold War, we are being told, are the dangers of a catastrophic conflict between Russia and the West so genuine.

Last Sunday on Russian television, Dmitry Kiselyov, an influential current affairs host, warned that U.S. military action against the Russian-backed Syrian regime could provoke a world war: Offensive behaviour toward Russia has a nuclear dimension.

This week, Germanys foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, wrote that todays global situation is more dangerous than the Cold War. And former Soviet leader and Nobel winner Mikhail Gorbachev warned that the world has a reached a dangerous point because of the deepening Russia-U.S. clash over Syria.

More than anyone, Russian President Vladimir Putin was at the centre of these recent tensions. In response to U.S. policy in Syria, Putin said Russia would withdraw from an agreement to destroy stocks of weapons-grade plutonium. Russia also rattled the nerves of its neighbours by deploying nuclear-capable missiles to the edge of NATO territory in Europe.

Finally, Putin abruptly cancelled a state visit to France that was scheduled for next week. He was angry with French President Francois Hollande, who had criticized Russia for possible war crimes in Syria.

Related story:

Russia tries old U.S. tactic as the new Cold War heats up in Syria: Walkom

In a world that often seems spiralling out of control, it would be foolish not to take these tensions seriously. After all, as our political leaders consistently show us, it is far easier to make war than it is to make peace.

But wars dont just happen. They are allowed to happen because it serves the interests of many people.

Here are three dimensions to this unfolding drama that we shouldnt lose sight of:

Russia is not the Soviet Union, and never will be

Putin may strut, may preen and may bluster  and, like the KGB operative he once was, he is skilled at manipulating the optics of a situation. But like Trump, his comrade-in-arms in the U.S., Putin is a phoney. When all is said and done, he doesnt have the economic or military firepower to deliver on his threats. Compared with the Soviet Union, Russias economy is strikingly weak and integrated with the West. If tensions ever escalated to the point of actual war, Russia would be annihilated. And Putin, above all, knows that.

Lets watch our leaders as closely as we watch Putin

Russias sabre-rattling is unnerving the West. It is messing with the heads of American and European politicians, military leaders and opinion-makers. In response, NATO and its member states, led by the U.S., are embarking on their own military buildup, particularly in countries neighbouring Russia. They are using the Russian threat, exaggerated as it is, as a pretext for challenging Russia in its own backyard. Thats a recipe for disaster. Putin isnt the only threat here: our leaders also need to be watched.

Beware of those who profit from war

Even though Trump will likely crash and burn on election day, Nov. 8, the poisoned American political system will still be with us. And its a system increasingly corrupted by money. Regardless of who resides in the White House, there will be many Republican members, perhaps a majority, whose political success is tied to Americas war machine. This is reflected in those military bases and military jobs that reside in their districts. Even though the Pentagon itself admits that the American military is bloated and over-resourced, it is in the interests of these politicians to keep this war machine growing.

There is little likelihood that tensions between Russia and the U.S. will ease before the election of a new president. And assuming that it is Hillary Clinton, there will still be a long road back before relations become normal again. After all, Putin is said to loathe Clinton even more than Barack Obama. How promising is that?

Tony Burman is former head of Al Jazeera English and CBC News. Reach him @TonyBurman or at tony.burman@gmail.com .

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The robe came off.

A Michigan judge, growing increasingly frustrated with a defendant who was talking back to him, stormed down from his bench and rushed to help subdue the man as he resisted being handcuffed.

Though the incident took place in December, video footage of the scuffle was published this week on Mlive.com. It showed a rare instance of a judge physically intervening in a courtroom situation  something that at least one of the Michigan judges colleagues said was justified in this case.

The four-minute, profanity-laced video showed the defendant, Jacob Larson, accusing Jackson County Circuit Court Judge John McBain of being buddy-buddy with a woman Larson had been accused of stalking for about a year, Mlive reported.

The hearing was about Larsons alleged violation of a personal protection order against the woman, who in the video is seated at a table next to Larson but whose face is blurred.

The video shows that the hearing began calmly but escalated quickly as McBain questioned Larson about his persistent Facebook messages to the woman, despite a personal protection order against him.

Its like Fatal Attraction kind of stuff that I warned you about last time, McBain said, referring to the 1987 film in which Glenn Close plays an obsessive stalker. I told you to just leave her alone. She was a classmate of yours. She apparently has no interest.

I want her to tell me to leave her alone, Larson said, motioning toward the woman as he interrupted the judge.

That seemed to irritate McBain, whose voice became noticeably sharper as he responded: You know what? I told you to leave her alone. And apparently that didnt get through loud and clear. So today, youre going to jail for three days.

What followed was an escalating exchange in which Larson accused the judge of being buddy-buddy with the woman and McBain declaring that the defendant has a bad attitude.

As Larson continued interrupting the judge, McBain upped his jail sentence.

Forty-five days ... 93 days in the county jail, McBain told Larson. You want to go for a year? Try it right now.

A court officer seen in the video told Mlive.com that as he tried to take Larson into custody, the defendant tensed up and tried to fight him. Larson and the officer, identified by Mlive.com as Jared Schultz, struggled as Larson continued to point and talk to the woman.

Tell me to leave you alone! he said. Tell him right now!

Tase his a-- right now! McBain shouted, as he threw off his judges robe, ran over to the two men and then physically helped pin Larson to the ground. Throughout the scuffle, Larson is heard cursing periodically.

This was not the first time McBains comments as a judge have made the news. In 2014, he told a convicted murderer that he hoped she died in prison, Mlive.com reported.

Sometimes, I think a judge needs a little fire in the right kind of cases, McBain told the news site at the time.

McBain did not respond to an email sent to his office Friday. A woman who answered the phone for the Jackson County courts system said the judge was not taking calls regarding the video.

There is one thing I dont tolerate is disruptions in my courtroom, McBain told Mlive.com, adding that Larson was totally disturbing the decorum of the court.

McBain told the news site that it was the first time he has had to physically restrain someone in his courtroom.

Jackson County Chief Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson told the Associated Press that McBains actions were allowable.

A judge has the power to take whatever action is necessary to maintain order in the courtroom, Wilson told the AP.

According to Mlive.com, Larson was accused of stalking the woman for about a year but blamed his behaviour on her:

Obsessed for reasons she did not know, he was a high school classmate of the woman, and sent her 22 Facebook messages after McBain signed the order in August 2015 and before the December hearing. Hes not leaving me alone, the woman, now 22, told the judge.

Since the courtroom incident, Larson again violated the protection order in July, after he sent the woman 20 friend requests on Instagram, according to a detailed case report obtained by The Washington Post.

The woman went to Larsons Instagram and discovered a video he had made with her name as the title, the report said. In the video, Larson reportedly referred to the protection order and said if he cant have her, no one can, implying that the two had a dating relationship. The woman told police the two of them had never had a dating relationship and that their only connection was that they had gone to the same school, according to the report.

Larson has since been charged with aggravated stalking and is scheduled to appear in court again Dec. 2, according to Jackson County court records.

Mlive.com reported that McBain has recused himself from Larsons cases pertaining to the protection order after witnessing his behaviour in the courtroom.

Formerly a prosecuting attorney, McBain was elected to the Jackson County Circuit Court bench in 2002, according to his bio on a county webpage. In 2007, he was appointed chief judge pro-tempore in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

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As Snap, the parent company of instant photo-messaging app Snapchat, settles on Morgan Stanley (MS) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS) as lead underwriters for its initial public offering, a flurry of venture capital-backed U.S. tech firms could also join after the less than desirable tech IPO market of 2016.

Talks of Snapchat's valuation of $25 billion in the stock market seems to have also instilled confidence in investors who were reluctant to take on the risks of investing in tech startups. The strong performance of recently debuted VC-backed tech firms also shows the warming up of the rather chilly tech IPO climate in the first half of the year.

Cloud company Nutanix (NTNX) , the largest tech IPO of the year, priced its IPO above the expected range at $16 on September, 29. The stock closed its first day of trading at $28.79, with a valuation well above the $2 billion mark at the last private round in 2014.

Other late bloomers such as Coupa Software (COUP) and Twilio (TWLO) all priced at the higher end of their range and all closed significantly higher on their first day of trading.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that Snapchat's IPO could come as early as March. Besides Snapchat, a string of other tech companies are also likely to be strong contenders for the 2017 tech IPO market. Here's a list of candidates to keep an eye on.
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At the Veil Brewing, in the Scotts Addition area of Richmond, beer geeks have been known to wait in line for hours on Tuesdays, when new beers are released. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

By now, even casual beer fans should know that Richmonds scene is booming. Stone, the pioneering Southern California craft brewer, opened a gargantuan brewery and gorgeous tasting room in the citys east end this year. The five-year-old Hardywood Craft Brewery has gotten so popular, its opening a plant in nearby Goochland that will produce nearly three times as much beer as the original brewery. Mekong figures in national best beer bar polls by the likes of USA Today, Thrillist and more.

[Why you cant get a pint in a beer bar anymore]

And these days, when I want a taste of Richmond  cutting-edge craft beers, Virginia ciders, even mead and whiskey  I head to Scotts Addition, a neighborhood in the northwest part of the city that I couldnt have picked out on the map three years ago.

The industrial area, north of the citys Museum District and just to the west of the Redskins Bon Secours training camp and the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball stadium, has become home to an array of producers, including the Veil Brewing Co., whose juicy IPAs have become some of the most sought-after on the East Coast; Ardent Craft Ales, which creates flavorful seasonal saisons and just won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Brett Saison; and Blue Bee Cider, an award-winning maker that just moved to the neighborhood.

In all, four breweries, two cideries, a meadery and a distillery are within a few blocks of one another, with another brewery planning to open in early 2017. If you park your car and walk between all eight of us, it could take you a full day, says Blue Bee founder Courtney Mailey. A very fun full day, I might add.

The tasting rooms in Scotts Addition share what Mailey calls a strong sense of independence, but theyve also developed an interesting symbiotic relationship. Our business is bumping up every time someone opens, says Ardent co-founder Tom Sullivan. With the Veil, you can literally look down the street and see people walking up the street [to our taproom] from their direction. The Veil co-founder Dustin Durrance says its not a one-way street: Ardents anniversary party [in June] was one of our biggest days, he said, fueled by out-of-towners who came for the second annual event. And for Blue Bees Oct. 15 grand opening, the cidermakers worked with six neighbors, including Black Heath Meadery and Reservoir Distillery, to create a series of seasonal collaborations.



A tasting flight at Ardent Craft Ales. This year, the brewery added more tanks to allow for increased variety. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

It wasnt always like this. During the 1990s, when Ardents Sullivan attended Virginia Commonwealth University, Scotts Addition was where all the artists went to find studios and rehearsal spaces where we could make a mess and do our thing relatively quickly, he says. It was that last corner of the city that no one seemed interested in. Years later, Sullivan, Paul Karns and Kevin OLeary began as a home-brewing co-op in Richmonds historic Church Hill but opened their brewery in Scotts Addition in 2014 because it was easier to find property with the right zoning.

At first, it was a bit of a zombie wasteland, to be honest with you, Sullivan says. Isley Brewing had opened the previous fall and was making beers such as Choosy Mother Peanut Butter Oatmeal Stout a five-minute walk away, but Sullivan remembers empty city buildings with grass three feet high on the sidewalk. The neighborhood remains a mix of anonymous low-slung industrial buildings, parking lots and new construction but this year has seen a steady stream of restaurant openings, including Peter Chang Cafe and Boulevard Burger & Brew, as well as announcements about condos and CrossFit studios.

Although its worthwhile to spend a few hours poking around, here are the neighborhood standbys and new arrivals that should be on your Scotts Addition walking tour:



Among the attractions at Ardent Craft Ales: an outdoor beer garden. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Ardent Craft Ales

By the time Ardent opened in Scotts Addition, the brewerys founders had already succeeded in getting their IPA and saison on tap at bars around town. But, Tom Sullivan says, they realized theyd have to step up their game to give people a reason to come to the brewery itself. We didnt want them to say, Why show up to Ardent if its the same stuff we can get anywhere? 

Indeed, its the beers Ive never seen anywhere else  or even heard of  that make me want to spend an evening sampling flights in Ardents terraced beer garden. They might include the funky Brett Saison; the earthy Sweet Potato & Sage Saison; or the Dark Rye imperial stout.

When the brewery expanded this year, it added more small tanks to allow a greater variety. Instead of How do we make enough IPA? its What do you want to do? The brewers are getting excited, Sullivan says. Besides, he adds with a laugh, it sucks to make the same three beers over and over again.

3200 W. Leigh St. 804-359-1605. ardentcraftales.com.



Blue Bee Cider has spacious new digs in Scotts Addition that will allow the company to triple production. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Blue Bee Cider

After more than three years in the Manchester neighborhood south of the James River, Blue Bee has expanded to 9,000 square feet of space in four buildings that once housed the citys stables. Owner Mailey says the new facility has a more linear production line that will allow Blue Bee to triple production of its quirky and delicious ciders, including Charred Ordinary, a tangy, semi-sparkling cider made with heirloom Virginia apples, and Hopsap Shandy, a dry, slightly bitter drink that gets its grassy notes from an infusion of hops. Expect volume to grow to around 100,000 bottles a year.

[Branching out: A guide to local ciders]

But the real attraction, Mailey says, is the new tasting area, which will offer a much richer consumer experience. The buildings surround an interior courtyard, and an old barn with cobblestone walls has been repurposed as a cider salon full of tables and chairs. Its like going to a little cider village, Mailey says. The salon offers guided tastings every day but Saturday, when, due to expected crowds, the salon will stick to flights.

1320 Summit Ave. 804-231-0280. bluebeecider.com.



In September, Charlottesville-based Three Notchd Brewing opened its Collab House, where beermaking will be a collaborative process. (Three Notch'd Brewing)

Three Notchd Collab House

The third branch of Charlottesvilles Three Notchd Brewing is more than just another place to sip No Veto English Brown Ale or Hydraulion Red. Although youll find some longtime favorites there, says taproom manager Aaron Thackery, along with original beers by Richmond brewer Stefan McFayden, such as Hops Addition IPA, the real goal is to make creating beers a more interactive experience. Thackery explains that artists, musicians, breweries, businesses, nonprofits and regular beer lovers will be able to pitch Three Notchd with ideas for new products, then participate in the recipe development and actual brewing. Among those with a green light: a coffee porter made with nitro brewer Confluence Coffee and an Apple Streusel Brown Ale with Whole Foods Market.

Of course, you dont have to come up with a beer to enjoy one: The taprooms schedule includes Tap That Thursdays, with $3 pints of a new beer, and should soon include trivia nights and other events.

2930 W. Broad St. 804-269-4857. threenotchdbrewing.com.



Veil Brewing showcases the work of head brewer and co-owner Matt Tarpey, known for previous work in Vermont and Belgium. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

The Veil Brewing Co.

The splashiest recent addition to the neighborhood is the Veil, which debuted in April. Brewer Matt Tarpey worked as a brewer at the Vermont brewery the Alchemist, makers of Heady Topper, and later moved to Hill Farmstead, the Vermont farm brewery whose rustic ales are consistently named some of the best in the world. Tarpey also apprenticed at Cantillon in Brussels, a traditional family brewery known for its sour lambic and gueuze beers. In short, expectations were sky-high, even if Tarpey had never run his own brewhouse.

The Veils IPAs and double IPAs have lived up to the hype: While the Veils dozens of brews vary, they tend toward dank and citrusy aromatics, silky-smooth bodies and a rich, juicy complexity. Theyre loaded with hops, but theres little of the bitterness associated with the style. Its no wonder beer geeks have been known to wait in line for hours on Tuesdays for ultra-fresh cans. (Although the IPAs are headliners, dont overlook beers such as Child Support, a single-hopped pilsner, or the easy-drinking milk stouts.)

The Veils taproom, where youll find a larger selection of beers on tap, is edgier than most, decorated with taxidermy and faux-concrete-finished walls. But were just trying to do things we think are cool, explains co-founder Durrance. Thats why sometimes youll come in, and it will be nothing but IPAs and double IPAs.

Coming, though not soon: sour beers fermented on the Veils roof, in an open vessel called a coolship. Theyll age in barrels for about three years, Durrance says, before being released. The Veil hesitates to call them gueuze, because that would be disrespectful. We revere that product. It probably doesnt matter: As long as The Veil is on the label, beer lovers will be looking for it.

1301 Roseneath Rd. theveilbrewing.com.
Indian policy is traversing the ground Pakistan has historically covered in terms of its participation in a system of alliances and realised this did not work for it.

China has prioritised economic development. It is prepared to underwrite the development of its near and far neighbours. Photo: Reuters

In this media-dominated age where hype and hysteria prevail, views of Pakistanis and Indians about each other and their respective worlds continue to collide. The propensity to assume the worst about each other and to wholly succumb to hypernationalistic furies is a tragic flaw. In great measure, this stems from a psyche of fear and insecurity, which is evident in vociferous sentimentality.

India's thought, conduct and policies often lack originality and a sense of ground reality. They often seem a bland imitation of the West, based on theories of geopolitics of a bygone age.

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Contrast this with the Chinese. A nation and a civilisation that has through thousands of years maintained its poise and confidence and an unwavering belief and faith in its glorious future. China's civilisational renaissance, its transformation into a great power, and comprehensive aggregation of its national strength are the most consequential developments of this century.

Most notably, President Xi Jinping's One Belt, One Road initiative provides the answers to the topical questions of our times. An inclusive proposition to build corridors and connectivity for peaceful commerce and mutual prosperity. A win-win model of cooperation among the nations of the world. The Eurasian land bridge and maritime routes, which are designed to expand avenues of development and prosperity on a scale not witnessed ever before. In short, geo-economics rather than geopolitics is the way forward in a world troubled by strife and conflict and riven by dissensions of class, creed, mythologies and ideologies.

In comparison, India's quest for great power status is in sharp contrast. India believes it could be rated as a major power primarily on the basis of its military strength. Indian policies and practices imitate the Western model of geopolitics. This is manifesting in its abandonment of non-alignment and a proclivity to play junior partner in alliances designed to counter China as well as by dabbling in the internal affairs of its neighbours.

Viewed from Islamabad, India's rancour against Pakistan and its delirious policies to undo and reshape political geography, all this while it faces multiple internal conflicts and insurgencies, not to mention teeming poverty and tremendous challenges of social and economic development, are indeed incomprehensible.

China has prioritised economic development. It is prepared to underwrite the development of its near and far neighbours. It is not interested in fanning conflicts and disputes or in fomenting insurgencies or creating instability in its neighbourhood.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the Belt and Road. It is making great strides towards building and upgrading connectivity between Pakistan and China. It envisages industrial and economic zones and the use of ports on the Arabian Sea for peaceful commerce. In a true sense, it is a game-changer for Pakistan and could bring great development and prosperity to the region as a whole. Iran and eventually Afghanistan will see the merit of CPEC and would be welcome to join this project for shared prosperity.

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Pakistan genuinely believes in the wisdom, sincerity and efficacy of the Chinese model. It can and must emulate it to the fullest. China has been a reliable partner for Pakistan's development and in shaping durable regional security. In fact, Pakistan-China friendship and 'Strategic Cooperative Partnership' is a cardinal factor for peace and security for Asia, as a whole.

China has the vision, will and capacity to shape the 21st century in ways that are different. Not a repeat of the bloodshed of the world wars of the past. China has never asked Pakistan to provide it military or naval bases as were provided by Pakistan to the US. China has never passed its own problems over to others.

Indian policy is traversing the ground Pakistan has historically covered in terms of its participation in a system of alliances and realised this did not work for it.

Pakistan's approach of good, cooperative and friendly relations with its neighbours is informed by China's example. China has always advised Pakistan and India to resolve their issues through peaceful dialogue.

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A key feature of Chinese foreign policy is the scrupulous observance of principles of the UN Charter and international law. It puts a premium on peaceful coexistence and non-interference in internal affairs.

Understandably, China is concerned over the tensions between India and Pakistan and, as a responsible member of the international community, has repeatedly called upon both countries to embark on a path of dialogue for ensuring peace, stability and development.

The countries of South Asia would do well to emulate the Chinese example of conducting international relations with wisdom and farsightedness and genuinely prioritised development over playing power politics or serving as proxies for extra-regional powers.

The author is a former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan to China and India.



--- ENDS ---
THE DISTRICT

Man killed, another hurt in NW shooting

One man was fatally shot and another seriously wounded Saturday in Northwest Washington, D.C. police said.

Saul Flores, 36, of Northeast, was killed about 2 a.m. in the 600 block of Kennedy Street NW, police said.

 Fredrick Kunkle

VIRGINIA

Alexandria police make 2nd arrest in slaying

Alexandria police on Saturday announced a second arrest in a homicide that rattled the quiet waterfront community of North Old Town a year ago.

James Bolar, 33, of Lorton, faces charges of murder and using a firearm in a felony in the death of Leon Williams. James Bolar is a relative of Brian Bolar, 26, who was charged with the same offenses in May, police said.

Williams, 37, was a father of two girls. He died of wounds suffered in a hail of gunfire on Belle Pre Way on Oct. 7, 2015.

 Aaron C. Davis

Arlington considering home-sharing rules

The Arlington County Board took its first step Saturday toward regulating short-term home-sharing rentals offered on sites such as Airbnb by advertising public hearings on the proposal.

The Virginia General Assembly last winter sought to set law statewide on the issue, but Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) delayed its implementation by referring the matter to the Virginia Housing Commission. Arlington board members said that if the legislature passes a new law during the 2017 session, it will preempt local regulations, but they hope to influence the state with a local law. More than 1,600 Arlington homes were advertised for rental through Airbnb in July.

A public hearing will be set for Nov. 2, with additional hearings before the Planning Commission Nov. 30 and a County Board vote Dec. 10.

 Patricia Sullivan

MARYLAND

Man dies in 3-vehicle crash in Pr. Georges

One man was killed and two drivers were injured early Saturday in a three-vehicle crash in southern Prince Georges County.

According to police, the driver of a northbound car on Indian Head Highway in Accokeek was killed when his vehicle was struck by a car and an SUV that were turning left onto Berry Road.

Indian Head Highway is a divided road at the site of the crash with a signal and three southbound lanes that turn left.

 Aaron C. Davis

Man wounded during robbery try at hotel

A man was shot and wounded Saturday during an attempted robbery in a hotel room in the 8700 block of Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Montgomery County police said.

They said he had gone there expecting to meet a woman with whom he had communicated.

 Martin Weil


Dan Cox, Republican candidate for Congress, and Democratic candidate Jamie Raskin. (Left photo by Dan Cox campaign; right photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Democratic and Republican primary voters in Marylands 8th Congressional District could not have picked candidates with more divergent views than state Sen. Jamie B. Raskin and Emmitsburg lawyer Dan Cox.

Cox (R) dismisses forecasts about the consequences of climate change as an unscientific pretense for more government and corporate intrusion into peoples lives. Raskin (D) regards global warming as the worlds most urgent public policy issue and wants to tax carbon polluters to pay for renewable energy development that, he says, will be the salvation of our species.

Raskin wants a single-payer system of universal health care, contending that it works all over the world. Cox warns that such a system would force America into socialist Marxism.

Cox promises to sponsor legislation to help arm and train all able-bodied citizens for homeland defense. Raskin pledges to work for an assault-weapons ban and universal background checks.

Raskins view of the world  and his lengthy record as a liberal lawmaker in Annapolis  are expected to prevail in the 8th District, where a rare open seat was created by the decision of Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) to run for the U.S. Senate.

[Van Hollen, Szeliga trade accusations on Trump in U.S. Senate seat debate]

Democrats hold a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans in the mushroom-shaped district that runs through portions of Montgomery, Carroll and Frederick counties to the Pennsylvania border. (State Democratic lawmakers gerrymandered the boundaries after the 2000 and 2010 censuses. Raskin, a three-term incumbent, voted for the second round of adjustments.)





That means to have any real chance, Cox would need to catch fire with the districts 100,000 or so registered independents  an unlikely prospect, given his hard-right ideology.

While Raskin has the backing of virtually every major player in the states Democratic establishment, Cox has not been endorsed by popular Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who has given his blessings to Senate nominee Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) and two other GOP House candidates, Amie Hoeber in the 6th District and Mark Plaster in the 3rd District.

Cox, who declined repeated phone and email requests for an interview, defeated four GOP primary opponents to capture the nomination, winning 44 percent of the vote out of 46,500 cast. He has told audiences that improvements to roads and mass transit are among his priorities, along with protection of Social Security and fortification of the U.S.-Mexico border.

He has pledged to support the Five for Freedom plan of former presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), which calls for eliminating the Internal Revenue Service and the Departments of Energy, Education, Commerce and Housing and Urban Development. Cox also favors a 10 percent flat tax for incomes over $36,000. He remains steadfast in his support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Trump totally destroyed Hillary in the debate tonight, he tweeted last Sunday after the second faceoff between the two White House hopefuls. It wasnt even remotely close. Im surprised she stayed on stage.

Cox has also thrown a series of demonstrably false charges Raskins way, calling him an atheist, a socialist and endorsee of the Communist Party USA.



Dan Cox, the Republican candidate for Marylands 8th Congressional District, at a forum at Thurmont Middle School. (Bill Turque/The Washington Post)

According to the biography on his campaign website, Cox grew up on a farm in Taneytown, in Carroll County, and received his law degree from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach. He worked for 1996 Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes and as an aide to former Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.).

Still boyish at 41, he tells audiences he has eight reasons for running  his eight children, ages 8 months to 19 years.

Raskin, 53, finished first in a packed and costly nine-way Democratic primary, winning about a third of the 130,000 votes cast. His chief competitor, Potomac wine magnate David Trone, spent a record $13.4 million of his own money to finish second.

[Trone company broke campaign limits, prosecutors say]

Raskin, who lives in the liberal Montgomery County enclave of Takoma Park, raised $2.1 million through June 30. Cox, in contrast, raised $30,000 through June 30.

Since the primary, Raskin has tried to grow his support in the more moderate Frederick and Carroll County portions of the 8th District, where Trone beat him by more than a 5-to-1 margin.

Raskin has pitched himself as an advocate for farmers in the heavily agricultural region that is home to many of Marylands vineyards. At a Thursday debate in the Northern Frederick County town of Thurmont, he cited passage of a bill he sponsored allowing direct shipment of wine to and from Maryland.

He is also reprising the core issues of his primary campaign, promising to bring the Annapolis Democratic agenda to Congress, including prison reform, a ban on assault weapons and an increased minimum wage.

Raskin is calling for a Green Deal, an environmentally sustainable public works program to heat up the economy by repairing roads and other infrastructure. In one of the few areas of common ground with Cox, he wants to amend Medicare Part D to allow the government to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies.



State Sen. Jamie Raskin, right, the Democratic candidate for Marylands 8th Congressional District, talks to a supporter who voted early for him in the 2016 Democratic primary. (Brian Witte/Associated Press)

A longtime law professor at American University, Raskin remains an implacable critic of the Supreme Courts decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allows unions, corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited sums supporting or opposing candidates.

He promises to advocate for the Van Hollen-sponsored DISCLOSE Act, or the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act, which would require groups spending more than $10,000 to file an FEC report within 24 hours of the expenditure, and that all leaders of those groups stand by their radio and TV ads and say they approve the message. It would also mandate that top financial contributors be disclosed in the ads.

[10 donors have poured a record $1.1 billion into super PACS so far]

Raskin grew up in a rowhouse in the Districts Adams Morgan neighborhood. His father, Marcus Raskin, was co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive think tank. Barbara Raskin, his mother, was a novelist and an organizer of the National Writers Union. He is married to Deputy Treasury Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin.

Also on the ballot are Green Party candidate Nancy Wallace and Libertarian Jasen Wunder.

Like Raskin, Wallace, a former environmental lobbyist, views climate change as the most urgent issue. We face planetary death, she told the audience in Thurmont. Im sorry, those are just the facts.

Wallace wants to launch a national mobilization to convert all electricity to renewable sources by 2020. She also emphasizes cost-free higher education and the importance of rolling back the culture of violence against women and girls. Wallace says she would make male contraception a part of any single-payer health-care system so that men are empowered to make their own decisions about having a child.

Wunder, a pediatric paramedic at Johns Hopkins Hospital, takes the traditional libertarian positions on minimal taxation, personal and economic freedom, non-interventionist foreign policy and tolerance of others personal choices.

Don't worry gay community, Wunder said in a Facebook post. The Democrats will take your guns away to keep you safe and the Republicans will not let you get married. . . . Vote Libertarian!
The Maryland Parole Commission says its plans to hold hearings within the next year for nearly 300 inmates who were sentenced to life for crimes they committed as juveniles.

The states plan is contained in new court filings in a lawsuit alleging that Marylands parole system is unconstitutional because juvenile lifers have not had a realistic opportunity to be released. In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed last week, attorneys for the state contend that the suit should be thrown out because of the planned hearings and other changes.

They point to new regulations, set to take effect Oct. 24, that say the parole commission will consider a variety of factors for determining whether to release people on parole if they were a juvenile at the time of the offense. Among them are their level of maturity when the crime happened, whether others pressured them, and their home environment and family relationships at the time.

The ACLU of Maryland sued Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and other state officials in April, alleging that Marylands parole system for juveniles sentenced to life violates the Constitution.

An attorney for the ACLU called the states plan to hold the new hearings a red herring.

From our perspective, its a fairly obvious attempt to offer superficial changes, said Sonia Kumar, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Maryland. The question has never been whether or not people get hearings. Its about whether those hearings serve any meaningful purpose.

The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Maryland Restorative Justice Initiative and three state inmates serving life sentences for crimes they were convicted of as teens.

Their lawsuit points to U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have found that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles are unconstitutional except in rare cases. Although Maryland does not have mandatory life-without-parole sentences, the lawsuit says juvenile lifers in the state do not have a meaningful opportunity for release.

Marylands parole system requires the governor to sign off on paroling a person who is sentenced to life. The governor does not have to grant parole, even if recommended by the parole commission.

According to the lawsuit, before the mid-1990s, governors regularly approved the commissions parole recommendations for lifers. But when Gov. Parris N. Glendening took office, he said he would not parole those sentenced to life. Since then, no juvenile lifer has been paroled, the lawsuit says.

Attorneys for the state say in court filings that governors since Glendening have reduced sentences for several people sentenced to life for crimes committed as juveniles.

Activists who want changes in the parole system have pressed for years to remove the governor from the process, saying that politics should be taken out of the equation. Maryland is one of three states in which the governor has final say on a parole recommendation for someone serving a life sentence.

About 270 inmates will be eligible for the new hearings, corrections officials said.

We believe this resolves the concerns regarding parole consideration for offenders who were juveniles when they committed their crimes, Gerry Shields, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, said in an email to the Baltimore Sun. It meets the requirements set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court to provide those offenders with the opportunity to be considered for parole.

People serving life sentences typically have a parole hearing after about 11 1 /2 years, Shields said. It is then up to the commission to decide when the inmate will be considered again for parole.

This summer, the corrections department said inmates serving life sentences for crimes committed as juveniles will now be considered for work-release programs in the community, which wasnt previously allowed.

Attorneys cant represent inmates at parole hearings, said James Johnston, head of the Maryland Youth Resentencing Project in the states Office of the Public Defender. The office is challenging life sentences for juveniles in cases throughout the state.

Johnston called the planned changes a small step and said more needs to be done to ensure that the state complies with Supreme Court rulings on juvenile sentencing.

The fact that parole regulations prevent lawyers from representing inmates at parole hearings and the total lack of any judicial oversight for parole decisions contributes to the constitutional violation, Johnston said. Reviewing close to 300 juvenile lifers for parole within a year is an enormous task, and doing so in a meaningful way that actually serves to identify those inmates who should be released is even more of a challenge.

Many of the inmates who will get these hearings have been in prison for decades, Johnston said.

Russell Butler, executive director of the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center, said he hopes the state will try to contact victims family members about the hearings. The inmates have been convicted of crimes including rape and murder.

In Maryland, only a victim or survivor of a victim of certain crimes can request an open parole hearing.

There were no victim laws when a lot of these offenses took place, Butler said. If victims have never been told about their rights, how are they going be able to know to request an open hearing, where they can be present and where they can be heard, if no one ever told them their rights?

Shields said the state will conduct a very aggressive search for any victim family members, no matter how long ago the crime occurred.

Inmates sentenced to life meet with two parole commissioners to be considered for parole. If both commissioners determine that someone could be a candidate for parole, Shields said, the prisoner will be referred to a psychologist for a risk assessment.

The commission holds about 11,500 parole hearings a year, he said.
Alexandria Police on Saturday announced a second arrest in a homicide that rattled the quiet waterside community of North Old Town a year ago.

James Bolar, 33, of Lorton, faces charges of murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in the death of Leon Williams. James Bolar is a relative of Brian Bolar, 26, who was arrested and charged with the same offenses in May, police said.

Acting Alexandria Police Chief David Huchler did not discuss a motive for the killing, but in a statement said that the second arrest exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice in the case.

Williams, 37, was a father of two girls. He died from wounds suffered in a hail of gunfire on Belle Pre Way after 11 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2015.
A shooting early Saturday in Northwest killed one man and injured another, District police said.

Saul Flores, 36, of Northeast, was shot about 2 a.m. in the 600 block of Kennedy Street NW, police said. Police, responding to a call of shots fired, said Flores was found dead at the scene. Another man, who was not identified, suffered life-threatening injuries.

Police ask that anyone with information about the shootings call 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the departments TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
Cars are stuck in traffic on a highway in October 2014 in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, during a typical morning commute. (Tony Karumba/AFP/ Getty Images)

Indiana college student Wyclife Omondi likes to be punctual. But thats a lot more difficult when hes back home in Nairobi.

Thats because of the Kenyan citys bus system, which 70 percent of residents rely on to get around. The system, with its 15,000 minibuses  or matatus, as locals call them  is informal. Fares, routes and schedules change constantly, making the system unreliable and hard to navigate.

Basically, its unpredictable, said Omondi, 22, a senior at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. You dont know where the bus is, what time it will come and what time it will leave.

That unreliability meant that Omondi almost missed his appointment at the U.S. Embassy to get his student visa. For others, it can mean wasting up to two hours every day waiting for a bus, Omondi said. Many times, riders get on a bus expecting to pay one fare, only to find that the conductor has hiked the price because hes worried about not having enough passengers to make a profit.

You end up spending so much of your income on matatus, Omondi said.

Omondi has an opportunity to revolutionize how he and his fellow Nairobians get from point A to point B. He is the chief financial officer for the transportation start-up Magic Bus, which he co-founded with Earlham students Sonia Kabra, Leslie Ossete and Iman Cooper.

The team recently won the $1 million Hult Prize, a global entrepreneurship competition for students, which will help them reach that goal.

When the Hult Prize Foundation announced its 2016 challenge  to double the incomes of 10 million people living in crowded urban spaces in the world through improved mobility and increased connectivity to people, products, services and capital by 2022  they decided to work together to tackle the problem through transportation.

Using a simple offline text-messaging mobile app, commuters can book seats, buy tickets via mobile devices and check the fares, schedules and real-time locations of buses. Users text a code to get information about bus type, fare and estimated time of arrival. They then text another code to buy a digital ticket, which they show to the bus conductor when boarding.

For bus drivers, knowing how many passengers have purchased digital tickets means that they can start driving even if the bus isnt full. The prevalence of mobile phones and the widespread use of mobile payments makes Kenya a perfect place to launch Magic Bus. The app is free.

Almost everyone in Nairobi has a cellphone, and smartphone expansion is happening very rapidly, said Jacqueline Klopp, an associate research scholar at the Center for Sustainable Urban Development at Columbia University who has worked on a project to digitally map Nairobis matatu routes.

If the bulk of public transit are these minibuses, then we must find a way to leverage technology to improve these services, Klopp said.

Klopp said that a large percentage of the population in most African cities depends on public transportation.

In many ways, this provides an opportunity to invest heavily in public transport. . . . We want to do this for equity reasons, for public health reasons, and we want to do this for climate and ecological reasons.

Transportation accounts for 23 percent of global carbon emissions, Klopp said.

We dont want to say to these people, You cannot buy a car or ride a car. . . . What we want to say is, If youre in a city, you should have access to high-quality options. 

The inspiration to create Magic Bus was the product of many conversations revolving around one question: how to have an impact. And through those discussions, the co-founders realized that while issues such as health care and education get a lot of attention, transportation often was neglected.

Transportation is the one thing that is completely overlooked when you think about how you can change systems and make people have better access to opportunities, said Cooper, 23, the chief marketing officer. Its overlooked so often, but it can facilitate so many opportunities.

Cooper said that Magic Bus brings together three things about which she is passionate: social justice, entrepreneurship and empowering people to help them reach their full potential.

Reliable transportation, she said, really is a way for people to have more equitable opportunities, to have better access to education, health care and jobs,

The team beta-tested Magic Bus in Nairobi over the summer. With $10,000 that they had raised from investments and crowdfunding, they piloted their technology on 10 buses. They managed to reach 2,000 users, who booked 5,000 tickets.

It worked. It was a good idea. People loved it, said James Kariuki, co-owner of a transport management company with a fleet of 78 buses who regularly blogs about matatus. He worked directly with the Magic Bus team to test the technology.

Kariuki is particularly excited about the digital tickets. As a former matatu driver, he is familiar with the dangers of carjacking. With matatus collecting cash fares from dawn to late at night, he explained, criminals know that the buses make easy robbery targets.

With a cashless system, however, they know they dont have anything to steal, Kariuki said.

From the pilot program, the team gained a more nuanced picture of commuters needs and wants.

We went in with a lot of assumptions, said Kabra, 22, the chief product officer. They found that commuters had different preferences, with some valuing time over cost and others valuing cost over time.

On a bus route that went through the central business district, for example, the team found that passengers there were willing to pay more to reduce waiting time. But on the more suburban route with lower-income commuters, cheaper fares were a priority.

Cooper, Kabra and Ossete are getting ready to move to Nairobi to launch Magic Bus in full, and Omondi plans to join them as soon as he graduates in May. They hope to reach at least 5,000 buses in the first six months, and then expand to other cities, including Mombasa, on the coast of Kenya, and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. By 2020, they want to be in 11 countries.

Could Magic Bus be the next Uber?

Klopp, the research scholar, says there is great potential for Uberizing the matatus.

Theyre moving toward the idea of mobility as a kind of service that can be enhanced through ICT, she said of Magic Bus.

Soon, some wag will call it Uber for buses, former president Bill Clinton said when he awarded Magic Bus the million-dollar prize last month. (The prize is a partnership between the Clinton Global Initiative and the Hult International Business School.)

The push to be like Uber can be a little intimidating. Already, Kabra said, different mentors have told them: You need to be the Uber. You need to scale as soon as possible so you can be big. Competition is not avoidable, but you need to be big so that they cant catch up.

Omondi says that at the end of the day, it all comes back to the original goal: making an impact.

Im doing something meaningful to my community and also . . . to my life, he said. Transportation is something that has affected me personally, and I want to tackle it not only for myself, but for my family, for my country.
The Airbnb Inc. application and website are displayed on an Apple Inc. iPhone and iPad in this arranged photograph in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, March 21, 2014. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

The Arlington County Board took its first steps Saturday toward regulating short-term home-sharing rentals such as Airbnb by advertising public hearings on the proposal.

The Virginia General Assembly last winter sought to set law state-wide on the issue, but Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) delayed its implementation by referring the matter to the Virginia Housing Commission. Arlington board members said that if the legislature passes a new law in the 2017 session, it will preempt local regulations, but they hope to influence the state with a local law. More than 1,600 Arlington homes were advertised for rental through Airbnb in July.

A public hearing will be set for Nov. 2, with additional hearings before the Planning Commission Nov. 30 and a County Board vote Dec. 10.
Corey Stewart, then the Virginia chairman of Donald Trumps campaign, talks with guests before a Veterans for Trump dinner in Woodbridge, Va., in August. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)

Corey Stewart had just been canned. And in a year of outsider politics, maybe that wasnt such a bad thing.

Right after he was fired as Donald Trumps Virginia campaign co-chairman, Stewart trumpeted his ouster in a news release  one issued on letterhead for his 2017 bid for governor.

Stewart was one of Trumps earliest and most vocal supporters in a key presidential swing state, one that appears likely to go Democrat Hillary Clintons way. He also is one of at least four Republicans running for governor next year.

Stewarts association with  and dismissal from  Team Trump will probably shape his prospects in 2017, political strategists say. But there is little agreement on whether it will help or hurt.

Stewart embraced the brash businessman with more enthusiasm than any of his gubernatorial rivals, some of whom only grudgingly got on board after Trump locked up the nomination. That close association could damage Stewart in a state on track to reject Trump.

[Stars align for Clinton in Virginia as swing state appears solidly in her column]

Yet his firing  over something Stewart cast as a gutsy stand against establishment pukes at the Republican National Committee who he said were undermining Trump  could endear him to anti-establishment Republicans and tea party types in the GOP primary. If nothing else, his ejection has insulated Stewart from any Election Day wreckage. Still a Trump supporter but now lacking any campaign role, he can say that a Trump defeat could have been avoided if party leaders had heeded his calls for more staffers and money.

[Youre fired: Trump campaign dumps Virginia state chair Corey Stewart]

Stewart was warned that his actions against the RNC would cost him the campaign job, and he acted anyway. But he insists that he did so without regard for his gubernatorial hopes. As chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, he has faced controversy many times, first drawing national attention a decade ago with a crackdown on illegal immigrants that lines up neatly with Trumps hard-line approach.

I didnt calculate it that way, he said in an interview Friday. Take a look at my entire political career. Ive said things that nobody else would say and Ive done things nobody else would do. It doesnt always benefit me. But I cant be anything else.

Some Trump campaign officials have accused Stewart of trying to leverage his ouster for 2017, particularly with his claim that his firing had been engineered by a rival for the nomination. His campaign has already turned his termination into a fundraising pitch.

As one of the first supporters of Donald Trump, Chairman Corey Stewart was FIRED by the Trump campaign for being loyal and supportive of his candidate, says a fundraising appeal emailed to supporters. Virginia needs someone who will stand up to the establishment and stand up for what he feels is right.

The Trump campaign dismissed Stewart on Monday after he took part in a protest in front of committee headquarters in the District. It had been aimed at warning the national party against abandoning Trump after a damaging recording of Trump bragging about groping women.

Stewart said that shortly before the rally began, Trump deputy campaign manager David Bossie texted him a warning: Stop the rally or face dire consequences. Stewart went ahead with the demonstration.

I knew it might result in my being removed as Chairman, Stewart soon wrote to supporters on his 2017 campaign letterhead. I chose to go forward with it because this country is too important to stand idly by as our own party throws the election to Hillary Clinton.

In interviews later with The Washington Post and other news outlets, Stewart blamed his firing on GOP strategist Ed Gillespie, a Republican gubernatorial hopeful who narrowly lost a 2014 Senate race to Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.).

I was fired for personal reasons by Dave Bossie, Stewart said on MSNBC. Hes the deputy campaign manager. Hes good friends with Ed Gillespie, who Im running against for governor of Virginia next year.

Chris Leavitt, executive director of Gillespies political action committee, said Gillespie had nothing to do with Stewarts firing.

Contrary to Coreys latest conspiracy theory, he alone is responsible for his firing, Leavitt said. Thats a fact he himself made abundantly clear at the time and the Trump campaign has repeatedly said.

John Fredericks, a conservative radio host who became Trumps acting Virginia chairman after Stewarts exit, called allegations of Gillespies involvement completely false and delusional.

As everybody knows, Im not a Gillespie enthusiast, said Fredericks, who crossed party lines to endorse Warner over Gillespie in 2014. But Im a big fan of the truth.

Stewart had vigorously defended Trump amid a string of controversies, including Trumps criticism of the Mexican judge presiding over a fraud case against the now-defunct Trump University. The federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, was born in Indiana to parents who immigrated from Mexico.

[As other GOP leaders squirm at Trumps stance on judge, Corey Stewart applauds ]

Yet Stewart has not always supported Trump in ways that the campaign found helpful. In July, Trumps campaign disavowed comments Stewart made on Facebook that placed responsibility for the killing of police officers in Dallas on Clinton and Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, the lone Democrat running for governor in 2017.

Corey said certain things and did things that were counter to the Trump message, that were designed, it appeared, to further burnish his credentials with tea party voters in Virginia and the hardest-core Trump supporters  at the expense of gaining votes in Virginia for the candidate on Nov. 8, Fredericks said.

Stewart was the only prominent Virginia Republican to defend Trump after the recent release of a 2005 recording of Trump talking about using his celebrity status to force himself on women. He said Trump had acted like a frat boy, as a lot of guys do.

The Trump campaign asked, when this [video] went down, that all the surrogates take a breath for 24 hours to figure out how to respond, Fredericks said. Corey was making statements Friday night. . . . Sometimes he was on the Trump team and sometimes he was on the Corey Stewart for governor team.

Yet Shaun Kenney, the state GOPs former executive director, said the episode could play well for Stewart among grass-roots Republicans frustrated with finger-in-the-wind politicians.

Stewart appears to be a rod of iron in a sea of spaghetti noodles masquerading as backbone, he wrote on the conservative blog Bearing Drift. In an odd twist, Stewart gained from this incident  lost a title; gained some trust.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. IDeA (Initiatives for Development of Armenia) Charitable Foundation has issued a statement on Syrian Armenians. Armenpress reports the statement reads as follows,

The IDeA Foundation wishes to express appreciation to all those individuals and organizations -- from Armenia and the Diaspora -- who voiced their support of IDeAs public statement. We value all efforts by individuals, non-profit organizations, the government and the church directed to Armenians impacted by the military conflict in Syria.

We are hopeful that a process of national consolidation, focused on aiding the Armenians of Syria, will continue to gain momentum, and will enable the distribution of reliable information about the true situation of the Armenian community there.

As the Syrian conflict drags on, the situation of Armenians there becomes more difficult due to the diversity of policies, views and interests. Nevertheless, we believe that saving lives is an absolute priority. At the same time, we respect the right of each individual Syrian-Armenian to determine their own future.

The IDeA Foundation will complement the efforts already under way at the governmental, international and societal level, by contributing $250,000 at this stage. This will be allocated through the strategic partner AGBU that has been involved in relief efforts from early days of the conflict and other non-governmental organizations who currently implement Syrian Armenian support projects in Armenia - RepatArmenia, Mission Armenia, Aleppo NGO, and the funds will be aimed at planning and implementing the following:

- aid to those who continue to remain in Syria (AGBU)

- aid to those who seek temporary refuge outside Syrian borders (Mission Armenia)

- aid to those who have decided to relocate to Armenia (Aleppo NGO)

- aid to those who want to work and live in Armenia (RepatArmenia)

Resources will be allocated according to the specific requirements and scale of each program.

Individuals and organizations that wish to participate in this initiative may do so by contributing directly to the organizations mentioned above, or through IDeA.

We are fully aware of the importance of preserving the Armenian communities of the Middle East. We are convinced that the national consolidation that we seek will help secure the physical security of Syrian Armenians and preserve their identity, regardless of where they reside in the future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a second round of dialouge on the issue of India's entry into the NSG, over which China has reservations, will be held soon.

Chinese President Xi Jinping with MoS for External Affairs VK Singh as he is welcomed upon his arrival in Goa on Saturday for the BRICS Summit. (PTI Photo)

By Press Trust of India: India and China will soon hold a dialogue on New Delhi's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in which it hopes "differences" will be narrowed down.

President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a second round of dialouge on the issue of India's entry into the NSG, over which China has reservations, will be held soon.

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"This will be helpful. President Xi told PM," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit tomorrow.

The Chinese President's word on the issue came after the Prime Minister told him that India was looking forward to working with China on realising its membership of the NSG.

GOOD STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."

Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".

Last month, a Chinese delegation led by Director General of Department of Arms Control Wang Qun had visited India for talks on the issue with Indian officials.

In the June Plenary of NSG in Seoul, despite strong American support, China stonewalled India's bid to get entry into the group on the grounds that it was a not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

ALSO READ:

Terror tops Modi-Jinping bilateral talks on sidelines of BRICS summit

As Xi arrives in India, China appoints 'firefighter' envoy Luo Zhaohui to ease tensions



--- ENDS ---
Changing the way it does business, Medicare on Friday unveiled a far-reaching overhaul of how it pays doctors and other clinicians.

The goal is to reward quality, penalize poor performance and avoid paying piecemeal for services for the programs 57 million elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Whether it succeeds or fails, it is one of the biggest changes in Medicares 50-year history.

The complex regulation, nearly 2,400 pages long, is meant to carry out bipartisan legislation passed by Congress last year. Its full implementation will take years.

Some clinicians have questioned whether the new system will force small practices and solo doctors to join big groups. On Friday, the Obama administration sought to calm their concerns.

Transforming something of this size is something we have focused on with great care, said Andy Slavitt, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Officials said they considered more than 4,000 formal comments and held meetings around the country attended by more than 100,000 people. The final rule eases some draft timelines and gives doctors more ways to comply.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), chairman of a panel that oversees Medicare, called it an important step forward. The American Medical Association said its first look suggests the administration has been responsive to many points doctors raised.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act creates two payment tracks for clinicians. It affects more than 600,000 doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and therapists, a majority of the clinicians billing Medicare.

Starting in 2019, they can earn higher reimbursements by learning new ways of doing business and signing on to whats called alternative payment models. In those, clinicians agree to accept financial risk and reward for performance, report quality measures to the government and use electronic medical records.
Women who run outside alone can take several steps to make their experience safer.

 Its better to run with a partner or as part of a group, if you can. Taking a dog can also make you a less-appealing target.

 Never run alone wearing headphones, as enticing as it can be to listen to music. They reduce your ability to hear an approaching assailant. A corollary to that is to always be aware of your surroundings: Notice where youre going and whats around you.

Jean Knaack, executive director of the Road Runners Club of America, explains that in the midst of a run, its easy to zone out, which can be a safety hazard. You need to not only focus on whats in front of you, but look over your shoulders regularly, too, she says. Get a sense of who is behind you and whether or not they seem to be closing in on you in a way that makes you feel uneasy. If so, move away as quickly as possible.

[Women runners turn to technology to feel safe]

 Avoid running in the dark, even in partial darkness, and in sparsely populated areas. Parks, trails and isolated areas are best saved for running with partners. If youre on your own and its a quiet time of day or night, opt for sidewalks with open businesses and pedestrian traffic.

 Tell someone when you are leaving, where you are running and when you expect to return. And ask that person to check on you if you havent been in touch within a certain length of time.

 Vary your running route and routines. Its important not to get complacent or too comfortable with your regular routes, Knaack says.

 Finally, if something makes you nervous, dont get caught up in the idea that you must finish your run. If its gotten darker more quickly than you expect or someone in your vicinity gives you the creeps, always go with your gut and get out of the area quickly, Knaack says. Personal safety always should trump even the most enticing workout plan.

Read more: The health hazards of sitting
Director Nate Parker poses for photographers at the premiere of The Birth of a Nation in London on Oct. 11. (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/Associated Press)

Did Ann Hornaday review the new film The Birth of a Nation or D.W. Griffiths 1915 racist debacle [Revenge, served too bold?, Weekend, Oct. 7]? The film I saw, fell in love with and cried through for its final 20 minutes was a masterpiece of chilling U.S. history: racism, white supremacy, the kidnapping of 11 million black human beings, and the rape of countless black women and little girls.

I had a bad feeling that the majority of film critics would turn against this film because of writer-director Nate Parkers 2001 rape trial. He was found not guilty by a jury of his peers.

Let us not lose sight of a brilliant piece of filmmaking and a long-needed telling of the story of a great and tragic African American leader.

Peggy M. Spates, Upper Marlboro
A woman holds a photograph of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand as she waits with other mourners to see the motorcade carrying the body of the monarch to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg News)

THAILAND PLUNGED deep into mourning on Thursday following the death of much-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest-reigning monarch. Now the question is whether this politically polarized nation, a key U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, will plunge deeper into instability and military dictatorship.

King Bhumibol presided over Thailands modernization during 70 years on the throne and was beloved for his dedication to the countrys poor. At least twice, he intervened to defuse political crises. But in his final years the octogenarian king allowed himself to be used by the Thai military and other anti-democratic elements in their war against the populist red shirt movement of Thaksin Shinawatra, which won every election after 2001 only to be repeatedly ousted by coups. The last, in 2014, installed a military junta that has brutally repressed political activity, in part by zealously enforcing a law banning all criticism of the monarchy.

The generals, led by Prayuth Chan-ocha, in August imposed an authoritarian constitution on the country through a rigged referendum. Now they have responded to the kings death by ordering a year of mourning and instructing all television media to broadcast only state programming. Many analysts expect an election promised for 2017 will now be postponed, allowing Mr. Prayuth to continue ruling as a dictator indefinitely.

Thats a recipe for instability  particularly as Mr. Prayuth confirmed that the kings successor will be Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, an erratic and much-disliked playboy who once used his authority to give his poodle, Foo Foo, the rank of chief air marshal. The generals may have believed that they could use the royal transition to cement their hold on power. But the crown prince, who as king will control properties and businesses worth billions of dollars and have the right to approve senior military appointments, may have ambitions of his own. If he begins to assert himself, he could trigger turmoil within the regime and a popular backlash in the country.

The United States, which has designated Thailand as a major non-NATO ally and depends on it for naval and counterterrorism cooperation, needs to prepare for this potential trouble in two ways. First, it should begin taking steps to lesson the Pentagons dependence on the Prayuth regime, so that it will have the freedom to speak out more freely about its violations of human rights, and to use U.S. leverage to press for a transition to genuine democracy.

The Obama administration should also coordinate with its democratic allies in Asia, such as Indonesia, Japan and Australia, so as to present a joint front if the regime steps up repression, with or without the collaboration of the new king. Thailand is mourning the loss of a sensible and honorable ruler; sadly, no ruler with those qualities is in sight in Bangkok.
I HAVE very clear views about what I want to see to kind of change the balance on the Supreme Court, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said during the second presidential debate. I would want to see the Supreme Court reverse Citizens United, she explained, while her Republican rival, Donald Trump, favors judges who would reverse Roe v. Wade and reverse marriage equality, she said. Ms. Clintons emphasis on appointing judges who will rule in specific ways on particular issues echoed her earlier statement that, I do have a litmus test, I have a bunch of litmus tests, because the next president could get as many as three appointments.

Perhaps Ms. Clinton is simply stating the obvious: She would prefer to appoint judges who would rule the way she would like them to rule on specific, hot-button issues. But her candor is not costless, and the attitude it represents should not be accepted as normal. As a potential president, Ms. Clinton should have more respect for the independence and dignity of the judiciary as a co-equal but non-political branch of government.

Selecting judges is not just policymaking through other means  or, at least, it should not be. Every step closer to accepting ideological litmus tests developed in the heat of political campaigns as the basis for judicial selections  every step toward putting court rulings to a vote  erodes the foundations of the judicial branch. What are those foundations? That judges will come to every case with fairness, that they will be modest in their application of the law, that they are not legislators, that the facts of particular cases, not pre-announced ideological commitments, will guide them. These are among the considerations justifying the expectation that judges recuse themselves when their impartiality is in doubt.

Yes, some states have direct judicial elections. This is a flaw, not a feature, of the countrys criminal justice system, as the increasing politicization of judicial elections around the country suggests. And, yes, Mr. Trump has been worse. He set a terrible precedent when he released a list of people he might appoint to the bench, essentially making them part of the campaign. But that does not change the fact that Ms. Clinton should know better.

Of course politics sometimes intrudes into judging, and judges have different points of view. This unremarkable insight does not suggest that Americans should surrender to cynicism. It poses a challenge to limit the degree to which it is true. Standards in this realm start at the top. Presidents selecting judges should do so based on legal qualifications, intelligence, a record of even-handedness and, at most, general questions about judicial philosophy. The Senate should set similar guidelines for itself as it considers presidential nominees. The candidates are making that harder this year, not easier.
METROS DEATH spiral cannot be halted without an infusion of money, but politicians in Virginia and Maryland are loath to pump new cash into a transit system that is coming apart. Thats one dilemma. Another is that the requisite qualities for overcoming Metros dilemma  bipartisanship, farsightedness and political courage  are as rare as a trouble-free commute on the Orange Line.

Beset by plummeting subway ridership, the systems $1.8 billion budget faces a $275 million deficit for the fiscal year starting next July. Chances are close to nil that Metros three governing jurisdictions  Virginia, Maryland and the District  will tear up their budgets to find that cash in the next few months. That will leave distasteful options, including raising subway fares (for a system whose riders patience is already at its limit) and slashing non-rush hour service. Either one would further depress ridership, while buying Metro only a short-term budgetary reprieve.

The threat posed by Metros decline to the regions economic prospects, and to its status as a magnet for young, creative people, is real. The decade-plus of boomtown dynamism cannot be sustained if Metro sinks further into disrepair, and without cash Metro will surely keep sinking.

One years deficit can be managed; not so a long-term future of deficits and the shrinking ridership it ensures. Metro, the only major transit system in the United States that lacks a dedicated source of secure annual funding, cannot continue without one.

Thats why Maryland Gov. Larry Hogans flat refusal to consider a 1-cent regional sales tax, which would yield $500 million annually earmarked for Metro, is an abdication of leadership. Ditto the reluctance of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Mr. Hogan, a Republican facing a legislature dominated by Democrats, and Mr. McAuliffe, a Democrat facing a legislature dominated by Republicans, live in diametrically different political worlds. Yet for different reasons, each is remiss. By contrast, District Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) strongly backs a sales tax for Metro.

Mr. Hogan may fear that backing a levy for Metro would undercut his standing with his base or even invite a primary challenger. He says he will not throw good money after bad for Metro. If Mr. Hogan sticks with that position, he fixes his legacy as sealing the doom of the transit system that girds the economic vitality of the nations capital. He will be remembered for a dereliction of duty.

Mr. McAuliffes excuse  Richmonds GOP-controlled legislature  is a miscalculation. He sees no hope for success in asking lawmakers to authorize a regional levy for Metro, absent proof that Metro has improved safety and reliability. But whatever strides Metro may make, some Republican lawmakers will deem them insufficient. The way to overcome their opposition is to confront it, as successive Virginia governors did to finally win legislative approval, in 2013, for $6 billion in funding for roads.

Rescuing Metro is a heavy lift, but failing to rescue it will saddle the region with a crushing burden. Starving the system of revenue will not return it to good health.
Broadcaster Vin Scully waves to fans in the broadcast booth at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Oct. 2. (Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)

Vin Scully, announcing his last game in a 67-year career, paid tribute to Champ Pederson , the Dodgers batboy for the teams last regular-season game. Pederson is a young man with Down syndrome.

Thats the same Scully who, after Hank Aarons record-breaking 715th home run in 1974, reminded his viewers that a black ballplayer was getting a standing ovation from white fans in Atlanta.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, a TV personality, businessman and political candidate who is dominating the U.S. airwaves, has mocked a reporter with a disability, sneered at a senator who bravely endured torture while being held as a prisoner of war, vilified the parents of a war hero who died saving his comrades, routinely disparaged Americans of color and women, and described the United States in near-apocalyptic terms. He promises to make America great again.

Whats the best way to do just that? We should all try to be like Scully, not Trump.

Lawrence Dietz, Pasadena, Calif.

Thank you for Marc Fishers Oct. 2 Outlook essay on broadcaster Vin Scully [Vin Scully called it right]. The tribute was moving and spot on. I, too, think that Jon Miller does not suffer by comparison; I used to love hearing his smooth voice on Orioles broadcasts. And Sam Hadleys illustration was a perfect accompaniment to some fine journalism.

Joy K. Reynolds, Washington
An image of Dred Scott, who sued for freedom. The Supreme Court denied his request in Dred Scott v. Sandford, which was decided on March 6, 1857. (Associated Press)

In his Oct. 2 Outlook essay, Great resumes dont make great presidents, Robert Strauss wrote that the Supreme Courts 1857 decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford held the Fugitive Slave Act to be valid and said the Constitution did not give any state the right to restrict slavery. Dred Scott , however, did not concern the Fugitive Slave Act in the slightest.

And although President Lincoln and many of his fellow Republicans condemned Dred Scott as a precursor to an eventual Supreme Court decision declaring state antislavery laws unconstitutional, Dred Scott only prevented the national government from restricting slavery in the territories.

When writing articles about U.S. history, journalists need to be far more careful about accurately presenting historical details.

Kanishk Singh, Great Falls
By PTI: By Priyanka Tikoo

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 15 (PTI) Carrying forward their cooperation in civil nuclear energy, India and Russia today gave the go ahead for construction of two more nuclear reactors in Kudankulam project even as Moscow strongly backed New Delhis bid for NSG membership.

However, the two countries could not finalise a general framework agreement and the credit protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 which they decided to do so by the end of this year.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin today also dedicated to the nation the second unit of Kudankulam nuclear plant at a function here after the two leaders held extensive bilateral talks.

The second unit generates 1,000 MW of power and the new units will each have the same capacity.

A joint statement issued after the talks said Russia strongly supported Indias early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and welcomed Indias accession to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation and the Missile Technology Control Regime.

It also said there has been progress in discussions on the General Framework Agreement and the Credit Protocol for Kudankulam Units 5 and 6 with a view to finalise these documents before the end of 2016.

Unit two was dedicated and foundation of two more units of the Kudankulum plant was laid which was witnessed by Modi and Putin through video conferening.

"Russia is convinced that Indias participation will strengthen the international export control regimes and in this regard welcomed Indias application for membership in the NSG, reiterating its strong support for Indias early entry into the NSG," said the statement.

In his media statement in presence of Putin, Modi said dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation of unit 3 and 4 reflected "tangible results" of India-Russia cooperation in the Civil Nuclear Energy sector.

"And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localisation and manufacturing in India," he said.

On August 10, the first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear plant was dedicated to the nation jointly by Modi and Putin who had participated at the ceremony from Moscow via video-conferencing.

The joint statement said both sides affirmed that their successful nuclear energy cooperation is one of the most tangible and substantive aspects of their strategic partnership.

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It said the two sides reaffirm their intention to further expand cooperation under the Strategic Vision to Strengthen Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy signed on December 11, 2014.

"In this context they noted with satisfaction a series of positive developments marked in their civil nuclear cooperation this year, including attainment of full power capacity of Kudankulam Unit 1, integration with electricity grid of Kudankulam Unit 2, commencement of the site work for Kudankulam Units 3 and 4," it said.

The joint statement said the Indian side stated that it was working towards early allocation of the second site for the construction of the Russian-designed nuclear power plant. PTI PYK MPB VSC RT

--- ENDS ---
President Obama arrives to speak at a campaign event for Hillary Clinton on Thursday in Cleveland. Obama warned the democracy itself is on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)

In the spring, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper went to White House officials with a request: He wanted President Obama to visit his state in the final weeks of the 2016 campaign.

Obama delivered for Pepper when he unleashed a full-throated attack on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his party in Cleveland and Columbus on Thursday and Friday. Detailing the litany of conspiracy theories that critics have attached to his presidency, Obama blamed Republicans for creating Trump. If your only agenda is either negative  negative is a euphemism, crazy  based on lies, based on hoaxes, this is the nominee you get. You make him possible, Obama said during the state partys annual dinner in Columbus.

So dont act like this started with Donald Trump. He did take it to a whole new level. I got to give him credit, he said. But he didnt come out of nowhere. And thats why weve got to win this election at every level.

The question now facing Democrats is whether the president can energize enough of his supporters to overcome Trumps appeal in one of the Rust Belt states the businessman is best positioned to win this year. While Trumps lead over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton here has shrunk and his campaign has faced problems  it cut ties with state GOP chairman Matt Borges on Saturday over perceived criticism  Ohio remains a toss-up. An NBC-Wall Street Journal-Marist poll released Thursday gave Trump a one-point edge.

The way we win Ohio, we have to reconstitute the Obama coalition, Pepper said in an interview, adding that the presidents personal presence makes an enormous difference.

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.

Obamas two stops here were aimed at boosting turnout among millennials and African Americans. Those groups were critical to the presidents victories in Ohio in 2008 and 2012.

But as Trump has made inroads among the white, working-class voters, young voters, African Americans and women have become even more pivotal to Democratic prospects this year.

Nationally, Clinton remains much less popular with millennials compared with Obama, and trails him by a smaller margin when it comes to black voters. Sixty-six percent of registered voters under 30 surveyed in a late-September Washington Post-ABC poll said they approve of the president, compared with just 35 percent who declared the same of Clinton. Among African Americans, Obama won a 91 percent approval rating, compared with Clintons 83 percent.

On the campus of Case Western Reserve University, the challenge Clinton faces among young voters is clear. Three seniors, sitting at a table at the universitys student center, said they were unenthusiastic about backing the Democratic nominee despite their distaste for Trump.

Gabriel Murcia, 21, volunteered for Obamas reelection campaign as a high-school student in Lancaster, Pa.

I was on the Obama train back in the day, he said, adding that while Trump is pretty awful, it sometimes prevents people from looking critically at the way [Clintons] policies have negatively affected people of color both here and abroad, working people and LGBTQ people.

Murcia plans on voting next month, at least so he can weigh in on local races. But in terms of the presidential election, whether I can find it in my conscience to vote for Hillary, I dont know.

President Obama speaks at a campaign event in support of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Friday in Cleveland. (Phil Long/AP)

Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson has gained some traction in Ohio  he garnered 9 percent of the vote in Thursdays NBC-WSJ-Marist poll  while Green Party candidate Jill Stein has been siphoning off a smaller share of the states electorate as well.

Johnson has won the backing of Blair Pitcairn, who makes ice cream at a local company and came to Obamas rally on Friday at Clevelands Burke Lakefront Airport.

I dont think Im swayed to vote for Hillary, but Im more open to thinking shell be a better president than I thought, the 25-year-old said, adding he prefers Johnsons less interventionist foreign policy and his push for marijuana legalization as well as criminal justice reform.

But the Clinton campaign did manage to get plenty of recruits during Obamas swing: At the Cleveland rally, staffers asked everyone when they filled out their ticket if they wanted to volunteer.

Alethea Smylie, a resident of Mayfield Heights, said she had come primarily to see Obama, although she planned to vote for Clinton. She said she was unsure about volunteering for Clinton but added Obama did make her consider it a little more.

Democratic Party officials said they are confident they have developed the infrastructure on the ground to edge out Trump even if his supporters appear more enthusiastic. Trump has a less robust field operation than Clinton, but he has drawn much larger crowds than her during his repeated visits here.

Whether someone likes someone or loves someone, as long as theyre gotten to the polls, a vote is a vote is vote, said P.G. Sittenfeld, a Cincinnati City Council member who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for the Senate this year.

Hillary Clinton has had her hands on all of the bad trade deals over the last 23 years that have sent Ohio jobs overseas and has a hard time hiding her disdain for regular working Americans, said Trumps Ohio communications director, Seth Unger. Mr. Trumps America First message is resonating across Ohio.

Obama, for his part, urged the 2,500-person audience standing on the shore of Lake Erie on Friday to head to the polls as soon as his rally ended.

And I know everybody here is early voting, because otherwise you wouldnt be here, the president said. If you stood in line to get in this rally, then you got enough sense to go early-vote.

Donald Trumps closing argument is What do you have to lose? The answer is: Everything, he told the audience standing in the sunshine on the shores of Lake Erie. All the progress weve made right now is on the ballot.

Emily Guskin in Washington contributed to this report.
At a campaign rally in Portsmouth, N.H., on Oct 15, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said the election was being rigged by "corrupt media" and added that the media is pushing "false allegations" and "lies" regarding sex assault claims against him. (The Washington Post)

At a campaign rally in Portsmouth, N.H., on Oct 15, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said the election was being rigged by "corrupt media" and added that the media is pushing "false allegations" and "lies" regarding sex assault claims against him. (The Washington Post)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump told CNN anchor Anderson Cooper at the second presidential debate on Oct. 9 that he had never touched women without their consent. The comment came after The Washington Post published a video of Trump bragging to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush in 2005 that he could kiss and grope women without their permission because he was a celebrity.

Have you ever done those things? Cooper asked at the debate. I will tell you: No, I have not, Trump responded.

Since then, a series of women have come forward to accuse Trump of inappropriately touching or kissing them without their permission. Trump has denied the allegations. In an Oct. 15 morning tweet, he called them 100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, warning that they may poison the minds of the American Voter.

Here is a roundup of all the allegations from named accusers who have spoken publicly, as well as the Trump campaigns responses.

Kristin Anderson

Kristin Anderson told The Washington Post that Trump put his hand up her skirt, touching her vagina through her underwear, during a brief encounter in a Manhattan nightclub in the early 1990s.

Speaking to Washington Post reporter Karen Tumulty via a telephone earpiece, Kristin Anderson recalls Donald Trump groping her while she was sitting next to him at the China Club in New York in the early 1990s. (Alice Li,Brian Young/The Washington Post)

Now a photographer, Anderson had been an up-and-coming model who was earning a living as a makeup artist and restaurant hostess. She said she was engrossed in conversation with acquaintances while seated on a red velvet couch when she felt the hand of a stranger slide up her skirt. She said she shoved the hand away and fled but got a good look at Trump, who was a well-known celebrity at the time. Two friends told The Post that Anderson had told them about the incident in the years since it occurred, including one who said she was told days later.

Ive always kept quiet. And why should I keep quiet? Anderson told The Post.

[ Woman says Trump reached under her skirt and groped her in early 1990s]

Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks called Andersons account a phony allegation by someone looking to get some free publicity. At a Friday rally, Trump appeared to refer to Andersons account: One came out recently where I was sitting alone in some club. I really dont sit alone that much. Honestly, folks, I dont think I sit alone. Anderson never told The Post that Trump was alone.

Rachel Crooks

Rachel Crooks was a 22-year-old receptionist working for a real estate company with offices in the Trump Tower that did business with the Trump Organization when she told the New York Times that Trump kissed her on the mouth without permission.

She said she encountered the mogul outside an elevator in 2005. After shaking hands with Trump, she told the Times, he began kissing her cheeks and then kissed her on the mouth. Disturbed, Crooks told several friends about the encounter shortly after it happened. I was so upset that he thought I was so insignificant that he could do that, she told the Times.

None of this ever took place, Trump told the Times.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice," says Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kissed and groped her without her consent when she approached him about a job in 2007. (Reuters)

Jessica Drake

An adult film actress, Jessica Drake appeared at a news conference with lawyer Gloria Allred on Oct. 22 to accuse Trump or a man acting on his behalf of offering her $10,000 and the use of Trumps private jet if she would go to his hotel suite alone after they met at a charity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe in 2006. She also said that Trump kissed her and two other women without their permission at the event. Trumps campaign called the account totally false and ridiculous and said Trump did not know the woman.

Jill Harth

In a lawsuit described by the Boston Globe in April, Jill Harth alleged that Trump repeatedly harassed her over several years starting in 1992, when she and her boyfriend operated a Florida company that ran a beauty contest and other shows that Trump wanted to be held at his Atlantic City casino.

In one 1992 incident, Harth alleged, Trump put his hand up her skirt to her crotch under a table while dining with her and her boyfriend. In 1993, she alleged that while giving her a tour of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., he pushed her against a wall of the room being used as daughter Ivankas bedroom and began kissing her.

I was admiring the decoration, and next thing I know hes pushing me against a wall and has his hands all over me, Harth told the New York Times in a recent interview.

Harth and her boyfriends business relationship ended in a dispute that caused them to file a lawsuit against Trump; according to the Globe, Harth filed another suit against Trump on her own.

The litigation was settled in 1997, and Harth later dated Trump for several months in 1998. She also sent an email to the Trump campaign last year declaring herself definitely Team Trump and met with Trump at a campaign event in January. She told the Times she was trying to get work.

Trump has denied Harths allegations repeatedly over the years, and Hicks, the campaign spokeswoman, told the Times recently that Mr. Trump denies each and every statement made by Ms. Harth.

Cathy Heller

About 1997, Cathy Heller told the Guardian that she was attending a Mothers Day brunch at Mar-a-Lago when she was introduced to Trump, who she said grabbed her and moved to kiss her on the mouth. She said she leaned back to avoid him, but Trump exclaimed Oh come on, and then held her firmly while he kissed her on the side of her mouth for an uncomfortably long moment.

A friend told the Guardian that Heller shared the story in 2015. Heller said she has met Hillary Clinton and donated to her campaign but came forward after Trump and his supporters insisted that the Access Hollywood tape represented only lewd talk. Its action, Heller said.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller called Hellers account false. There is no way that something like this would have happened in a public place on Mothers Day at Mr. Trumps resort. It would have been the talk of Palm Beach for the past two decades, he said, calling Heller a politically motivated Democratic activist with a legal dispute against this same resort.

Jessica Leeds

Jessica Leeds told the New York Times that she was seated next to Trump in the first-class cabin of an airplane in the early 1980s when he lifted the armrest between them and began groping her breasts and trying to put his hand up her skirt. He was like an octopus, she told the Times. His hands were everywhere. Leeds, who was 38 at the time, had never met Trump.

Trump has denied the allegation and suggested that Leeds was not attractive enough to draw his attention.  I was sitting with him on an airplane, and he went after me on the plane,  Trump said at a rally in North Carolina on Friday, mockingly impersonating the woman. Yeah, Im gonna go after  believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you.

Temple Taggart McDowell

Temple Taggart McDowell told NBC News that she met Trump in 1997, when she was 21 and participating in the Miss USA beauty pageant as Miss Utah. Trump owned the pageant at the time. She said Trump kissed her on the lips without permission when she met him at a rehearsal for the event. She said he kissed her again when she met with him at Trump Tower to discuss modeling contracts. McDowell said the kiss discomfited a pageant official who was also present.

I dont even know who she is, Trump told NBC News in response. She claims this took place in a public area. I never kissed her. I emphatically deny this ridiculous claim.

Mindy McGillivray

Mindy McGillivray told the Palm Beach Post that Trump groped her buttocks when she attended an event at Mar-a-Lago in 2003. Then 23, McGillivray said the incident occurred as she stood with a photographer friend who was working at the event, a concert by Ray Charles. She said Trump gave her a pretty good nudge  more of a grab at the event as she stood in a group of people. The photographer, Ken Davidoff, confirmed to the Palm Beach Post that McGillivray immediately told him that Trump had grabbed her. Trumps campaign has denied the account.

Natasha Stoynoff

In an article posted to the website of People magazine, Natasha Stoynoff wrote that she was a reporter for the magazine assigned to the Trump beat when she visited Trumps Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, in December 2005 to write a story about his first anniversary with wife Melania. She wrote that while Melania was upstairs changing, Trump pushed her against a wall and kissed her, forcing his tongue down my throat.

Stoynoff said the encounter was interrupted by Trumps butler. Afterward, she said she told a colleague at People, who encouraged her to disclose the incident to her editor, but she said she didnt because she feared retaliation. Like many women, I was ashamed and blamed myself for his transgression, she wrote.

Trump has denied this allegation, telling a crowd at a rally Friday, When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said, I dont think so.  He also tweeted, Why didnt the writer of the 12-year-old article in People Magazine mention the incident in her story. Because it did not happen!

An attorney for Melania Trump also demanded that People retract the story, indicating that Melania Trump never ran into Stoynoff on the street after the incident, as the journalist recounted in her piece.

On Tuesday, People Magazine published the accounts of six individuals who said Stoynoff had told them about her encounter with Trump in the years since it occurred, some immediately after it took place. One friend recalled that she was walking with Stoynoff when the reporter bumped into Melania Trump.

Karena Virginia

Karena Virginia, 45, a yoga instructor from New Jersey, appeared at a news conference with lawyer Allred on Oct. 20 to accuse Trump of groping her in 1998. She said she encountered Trump outside the U.S. Open tennis tournament, while both were waiting to be picked up by town cars. She had never met Trump but said he began commenting on her appearance to a group of men before approaching her, putting his arm around her and reaching down to touch her breast. Trump spokeswoman Jessica Ditto dismissed Virginias account as a coordinated, publicity-seeking attack orchestrated by Allred, a Hillary Clinton supporter.

Summer Zervos

A former contestant on the television show The Apprentice, Zervos held a news conference alongside Allred, the famed womens rights lawyer, Gloria on Oct. 14 to accuse Trump of aggressively kissing her and groping her breasts during a 2007 meeting that took place when she sought a job at the Trump Organization.

Zervos, who now owns a California restaurant, said the incident occurred in Trumps bungalow suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she had gone to discuss employment with Trump over dinner. She said he grew cold after she rejected his advances. Later, she was offered a job but at half the salary they had been discussing.

Zervos said she told several friends and family members about the incident at the time and said she emailed Trump in April 2016, in what she said was an attempt to encourage him to apologize for his behavior. I have been incredibly hurt by our previous interaction, she said she wrote.

In a statement, Trump said he vaguely remembered Zervos from the reality television show but denied he ever met her at a hotel or greeted her inappropriately.

His campaign also released a statement from John Barry, who identified himself as Zervoss first cousin, who said Zervos had always spoken about Trump in glowing terms and suggested her accusations might be tied to Trumps refusal to visit her restaurant during the primary. The campaign also distributed what it said was an email Zervos wrote to Trumps assistant on April 16 in which she wrote that she was the only former show contestant who owned a business where people could come to express their admiration for Trump and said she would greatly appreciate reconnecting with him.

On Sunday, a licensed clinical therapist who used to be friends with Zervos stepped forward to say that Zervos had confided in her in 2010 that Trump had been verbally, physically and sexually aggressive with her. Allred also released text messages between Zervos and her cousin to demonstrate there has been a family rift between them in recent months.

Editors note: This list has been updated to include only women who have appeared publicly or spoken with reporters about their allegations. One additional accuser, Cassandra Searles, posted an entry on Facebook indicating that Trump continually grabbed her buttocks when she was Miss Washington in 2013. She has not otherwise spoken about the experience and has not returned messages.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump mocked Jessica Leeds, who accused Trump of putting his hand up her skirt on an airplane decades ago during a rally in Greensboro, N.C. (The Washington Post)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump mocked Jessica Leeds, who accused Trump of putting his hand up her skirt on an airplane decades ago during a rally in Greensboro, N.C. (The Washington Post)

Donald Trump hurled personal insults Friday at the growing number of women who have accused him of groping and kissing them without their consent, labeling them as horrible, sick and phony, and suggesting that at least two of them were not attractive enough to warrant his attention.

As Trump spoke about the allegations, supporters who gathered to see him at an afternoon rally here cheered him on, at one point chanting Lock her up! while he was talking about one of the accusers  a slogan usually reserved for Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. At another point, he also appeared to disparage Clintons looks in recounting their encounter at Sundays presidential debate: And when she walked in front of me, believe me, I wasnt impressed.

The vitriol provided further evidence of Trumps intention to wage an unprecedented scorched-earth campaign in the final 3 weeks before Election Day that seems likely to leave few unscarred in either party. It also came on a day when two more women stepped forward to accuse Trump of groping them without their consent and as new videotapes emerged of Trump speaking in crude terms about sex on The Howard Stern Show.

Campaigning for Clinton in Cleveland, President Obama mocked Trump for alleging that there was a global conspiracy against him and again scolded Republicans for tolerating Trumps offensive behavior toward women and others.

He doesnt have the temperament, he doesnt have the knowledge, he doesnt seem to have the interest in acquiring the knowledge or the basic honesty that a president needs to have, Obama said. And that was true before we heard him talking about how he treats women.

Speaking to Washington Post reporter Karen Tumulty via a telephone earpiece, Kristin Anderson recalls Donald Trump groping her while she was sitting next to him at the China Club in New York in the early 1990s. (Alice Li,Brian Young/The Washington Post)

At the Greensboro rally, Trump sought to belittle Jessica Leeds  who first told the New York Times that Trump groped her and tried to reach up her skirt on a flight more than three decades ago  by suggesting that she was not attractive enough for him to pursue.

I was sitting with him on an airplane, and he went after me on the plane, Trump said, mockingly impersonating Leeds. Yeah, Im gonna go after  believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you.

Trump also called another accuser, former People Magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff, a liar and added, Check out her Facebook, youll understand. The crowd laughed.

Stoynoff accused Trump of kissing her without permission in 2005 as she prepared to interview him and his wife, Melania, for a story.

Trump also continued criticizing the Times, which first reported the allegations of Leeds and another woman. The GOP nominee, who has often directed his anti-immigrant rhetoric at Mexicans, accused Times reporters of being corporate lobbyists for Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, the largest shareholder at the paper.

Now Carlos Slim, as you know, comes from Mexico. Hes given many millions of dollars to the Clintons and their initiatives. So Carlos Slim, largest owner of the paper, from Mexico, said Trump.

The wave of groping allegations has come in the wake of a 2005 video published last week by The Washington Post showing Trump boasting in crude and profane terms about forcing himself on women sexually. After casting the comments as mere locker-room talk and saying he had never groped a woman against her will, a half-dozen women have come forward to claim otherwise.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice," says Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kissed and groped her without her consent when she approached him about a job in 2007. (Reuters)

In a report published Friday, Kristin Anderson told The Post that Trump slid his hand under her miniskirt at a New York night spot in the early 1990s, touching her vagina through her underwear.

Trump appeared to reference the allegation at the North Carolina rally, saying: One came out recently where I was sitting alone in some club. I really dont sit alone that much. Honestly, folks, I dont think I sit alone. Anderson never told The Post that Trump was alone.

He continued: And then I went whaa-, as he abruptly reached to the side with his right hand, apparently mimicking groping.

Also Friday, Summer Zervos, a former contestant on the reality show The Apprentice, accused Trump of aggressively kissing her and groping her breasts during a 2007 meeting to discuss a possible job at the Trump Organization.

Zervos, who appeared on the show in 2006 and now owns a California restaurant, spoke about the incident at a news conference alongside civil rights lawyer Gloria Allred. At times tearing up, Zervos said the incident occurred at Trumps bungalow suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel, which she visited after he suggested that the two have dinner.

In a written statement, Trump said that he vaguely recalled Zervos as a contestant on The Apprentice and that I never met her at a hotel or greeted her inappropriately a decade ago.

In the same statement, Trump said, In the coming days I plan on addressing our nation in a more personal way to present my vision for how together we fight to bring back American jobs and defend our country against radical Islamic terrorism.

The GOP nominee has alleged, without evidence, that the accusers who emerged this week were working in league with the Clinton campaign and the news media in a conspiracy to undermine his campaign. He also expressed bewilderment that nobody has made accusations of sexual assault against Obama.

Why doesnt some woman maybe come up and say what they say falsely about me, they could say it about him. They could say it about anybody. They could say it about anybody. Ill tell you what, he better be careful, because they could say it about anybody, Trump said.

Trump said his close associates are advising him not to talk about the mounting allegations of unwanted sexual advances and instead focus on policy issues.

My people always say: Oh, dont talk about it. Talk about jobs. Talk about the economy, Trump said, but he added, I feel I have to talk about them because you have to dispute when somebody says something.

Trumps decision to sharply attack his female accusers complicates his own campaigns decision to relitigate past allegations of sexual assault against Bill Clinton and to allege that Hillary Clinton helped undermine the accusers; the former president has denied wrongdoing in the cases.

The presidential campaigns rapidly deteriorating tenor  and Trumps worsening slide in the polls  are also causing heartburn for other Republicans, who are increasingly working to distance themselves from the GOP nominee.

In an address in his home state on Friday, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) attacked Clinton and framed the presidential election as a stark choice between liberal and conservative values  without once mentioning Trump.

Ryan, who said Monday that he would no longer campaign with or defend Trump, acknowledged the election has taken some dark  sometimes very dark  turns without addressing the details. Instead, he argued for the value of conservative leadership in Congress.

Beneath all the ugliness lies a long-running debate between two governing philosophies: one that is in keeping with our nations founding principles  like freedom and equality  and another that seeks to replace them, Ryan said.

The speech was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session with college Republicans in attendance. None of the students who were called on by the moderator asked Ryan about Trump.

There is widespread worry throughout the Republican Party that Trumps tumultuous campaign will rock down-ballot races, resulting in increasing focus on Congress. The Republican National Committee said Friday that it had transferred $4.5 million to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and $1.85 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee, a move that it said was backed by the Trump campaign.

Clinton, who headed to Seattle to raise money Friday, plans to directly address the claims of sexual assault and other impropriety by Trump, suggesting that the issue will be prominent in the final presidential debate on Wednesday.

I think you should expect to see her do this, Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters aboard Clintons plane. She declined to be more specific.

Palmieri also slammed Trump for repeating conspiracies from the furthest right, most disturbing elements of the [Republican] Party.

Clinton will spend time preparing for the debate in Las Vegas in much the same way she has prepared for the previous two, Palmieri said. The session is the last, biggest audience before Election Day, she said.

In Cleveland, at a rally in front of about 2,500 people at a regional airport Friday, Obama told the enthusiastic crowd that it needed to push hard to elect Clinton or risk losing everything Democrats had worked for over the past eight years.

Donald Trumps closing argument is, What do you have to lose?  he told the audience, echoing a phrase Trump often uses. The answer is everything.

New details about Trumps history of lewd comments about women emerged Friday as The Post reported on six recordings it obtained of interviews Trump did on Sterns radio show between 2002 and 2013. Some of the recordings were described in part in previous news reports.

In a 2004 clip, Trump and Stern talk about the then-teenage actress Lindsay Lohan  and the impact of her fathers troubles on her.

Can you imagine the sex with this troubled [woman]? Stern asks.

Youre probably right. Shes probably deeply troubled, and therefore great in bed, Trump responds. How come the deeply troubled women, you know, deeply, deeply troubled, theyre always the best in bed?

You dont want to be with them for the long term, Trump says, concluding this thought. But for the short term, theres nothing like it.

Asked for comment Friday, Lohans spokesman Hunter Frederick said in a statement, Right now, Lindsay is choosing to focus on the positive things happening in her life and has decided to disregard the comments made about her by Presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Sullivan reported from Washington. Juliet Eilperin in Cleveland, Anne Gearan in Seattle, and Kelsey Snell, David A. Fahrenthold, Rosalind S. Helderman, Karen Tumulty and Matea Gold in Washington contributed to this report.
Juanita Broaddrick, second from right, watches the Oct. 9 presidential debate in St. Louis with Kathleen Willey, left, and Kathy Shelton. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

After Juanita Broaddrick, who has long accused former president Bill Clinton of raping her in 1978, repeated those allegations in a January tweet, aides to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton quickly moved to gather information that could be used to undermine her account, hacked internal campaign emails released Saturday by the group WikiLeaks show.

There is no evidence that the campaign publicly responded to Broaddricks tweet. But the email exchange between Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and David Kendall, a personal attorney for Bill and Hillary Clinton, offers unusual insight into how Clintons aides prepared to deal with one of the most sensitive topics it would face during the campaign.

I was 35 years old when Bill Clinton, Ark. Attorney General raped me and Hillary tried to silence me. I am now 73....it never goes away, Broaddrick had tweeted on Jan. 6, during the Democratic primary season.

[Trump wanted to put Bill Clintons accusers in his family box. Debate officials said no.]

The emails show that Kendall and Podesta discussed the matter by phone that evening. The next day, Kendall forwarded Podesta a series of documents showing that Broaddrick had previously denied the rape allegation under oath.

Donald Trump held a news conference ahead of the second presidential debate on Oct. 9 with four women who have made allegations in the past against Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Washington Posts Glenn Kessler explains those allegations. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Among the documents Kendall sent was an affidavit that Broaddrick had submitted in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Paula Jones against Clinton, in which she indicated that she did not have any information to offer regarding a non-consensual or unwelcome sexual advance by Mr. Clinton.

Kendall also attached a portion of the report from the Office of Independent Counsel Ken Starr, which investigated allegations against Clinton. Those allegations included one that Clinton had lied under oath in the Jones case by denying having sexual relations with intern Monica Lewinsky. After being given immunity for possible perjury charges by Starr, Broaddrick said her affidavit in the Jones case had been false and that she gave public interviews alleging the rape.

Kendall explained to Podesta: Starr was seeking more evidence against the President, any way he could, and he immunized Broaddrick to protect her from any prosecution for perjury if she now changed her story. Voila! She did, disavowing her sworn affidavit and sworn deposition testimony.

U.S. intelligence officials have accused the Russian government of orchestrating the illegal hacking of emails from Democratic Party institutions and campaign officials in an effort to meddle with the election. WikiLeaks has indicated that it has more than 50,000 emails from Podestas account and has been releasing them in daily batches.

The Clinton campaign has refused to authenticate or respond to individual emails, and the Russians have been known to fake or doctor documents. In a statement, campaign spokesman Glen Caplin said: There is no getting around it: Donald Trump is cheering on a Russian attempt to influence our election through a crime reminiscent of Watergate but on a more massive scale. Were witnessing another effort to steal private campaign documents in order to influence an election. Only this time, instead of filing cabinets, its peoples emails theyre breaking into and a foreign government is behind it.

[Trump refusal to accept government assessments on Russian hacks dismays former officials]

In 1999, Broaddrick publicly said that Clinton had forced her to have sex in a hotel room in Arkansas in the 1970s. She also that year told Dateline NBC that Hillary Clinton approached her at a political event a few weeks after the incident and thanked her for everything she did for Bill Clinton, a statement Broaddrick has said she took to be an implicit threat. Broaddrick has continued to speak out against the Clintons, including at a news conference held by Donald Trump just before the Oct. 9 presidential debate.

The Posts John Wagner breaks down some of the consequences of the release by WikiLeaks of hacked emails from Hillary Clintons campaign. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

Trumps campaign has pointed to Broaddrick to try to distinguish between what they have said were Bill Clintons actions and Trumps words on a 2005 tape, in which Trump bragged to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush about forcing himself onto women.

Trump met with Broaddrick and other women who have accused Bill Clinton of misconduct prior to the debate and then arranged for them to sit in a prominent location among the ticketed guests. Since then, a series of women have come forward to accuse Trump of touching them inappropriately.
Thai people light candles on Oct. 15 outside of the Grand Palace in Bangkok as thousands of mourners thronged to the palace complex where the body of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being kept. (Wason Wanichakorn/AP)

Thailands crown prince was at his fathers hospital bed as the aging monarch faded, then solemnly assisted orange-robed monks as they prepared the kings body to lie in state Friday evening.

But the Southeast Asian nation is still without a new king Saturday after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn asked that his ascension to the throne be delayed as he joined the country in mourning his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Thursday after 70 years on the throne.

Wissanu Krea-ngam, the deputy prime minister of the government, which is run by a military junta, told a state-run television channel Friday that the head of the countrys Privy Council would act as regent for now. The princes coronation will take place after his fathers elaborate cremation ceremony, which is months away, he said.

As mourners waited in long lines Saturday at the Grand Palace to pay their respects to King Bhumibol, some expressed a quiet concern about the countrys epic transition, as they said goodbye to a beloved figure who was the only king most had ever known.

Im feeling uneasy after hearing of the kings passing, said Kanokwan Komwat, 75, as she stood in line with her family in the sweltering heat. We cant rely on anybody else but him. Im sorry the prince doesnt want to be king yet, but hes still grieving.

1 of 26 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej remembered in pictures View Photos Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest reigning monarch, has died. He was 88. Caption Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest reigning monarch, has died. He was 88. Dec. 2, 2005 Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his wife, Queen Sirikit, are seen during the kings birthday parade in Bangkok. Narong Sangnak/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue.

Other mourners, when asked about the prince, just blushed, ducked their heads or said that the princes mourning period should be respected.

[Why Facebook suddenly blacked out all ads in Thailand]

Thailand has strict lese-majeste laws that prohibit anyone from defaming or criticizing its royal family at the risk of lengthy imprisonment. The military junta has made an increasing number of arrests on those charges in recent years, and in the resort area of Phuket, according to local reports, an angry mob pursued the owner of a sweet shop Saturday after he allegedly posted disrespectful comments about the royals on social media.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn is the kings only son, and it is often said that he lacks the same popularity as his father, who was viewed not only as a father figure but also, by some in Thailand, as a demigod. The prince, a trained pilot, spends much of his time in Europe, at a luxury villa he reportedly owns on a lake outside Munich.

He is often compared to Britains Prince Charles, another royal with a long wait to the throne and a messy love life. The crown prince has been married and divorced three times.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an associate professor of political science and international relations at Kyoto University in Japan, in comparing the crown prince with the king, said, Hes shown little interest in political and royal affairs, and hes got a troubled personal lifestyle.

Some experts said that it was in the militarys best interests to keep the memory of the late monarch alive for as long as possible.

The countrys political system has been under stress for decades from mass protests, military coups and a widening gap between urban elites loyal to the monarchy and the rural and aspiring middle class who support ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Shinawatras sister, Yingluck, was the head of the countrys last democratically elected government until a military coup in 2014.

The coronation of a new king lacking the authority of his father might deepen those cracks, experts said.

So many groups will realize that the center does not hold anymore, said Pramote Nakornthab, a political analyst. Violence could break out at any time.

[Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand dies at 88; worlds longest-reigning monarch]

On Saturday, the country entered the second day of a state of mourning that will officially last for a year. The wholesale market in Bangkok was overrun by purveyors of black clothes.

Taxi drivers offered free rides to the Grand Palace, and buses brought in hundreds of mourners from across the country. Five times a day the radio emanated the mournful sound of monks chanting over the kings body inside the cavernous palace complex.

The prince spent much of his childhood in a different Bangkok palace, one his father had made into a laboratory of sorts for his pet projects to aid his countrys development, with a school and small farm. He went on to attend a military academy in Australia and now is a marshal of the Thai armed forces.

The best known of his three sisters, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, a military history teacher and amateur photographer, took over administering her fathers development projects during his years of failing health, including shops that sell handicrafts from tribal communities.

Although some think she would be a natural successor to the king, she has studiously avoided any hint that she desires the throne for herself, Nakornthab said.

She is very dormant, very subordinate to her brother, he said. She could not show anything  by an act, by a word or anything  that she aspires to become monarch or the rival of her brother.

Experts said that when the crown prince does become king, she would serve as a prominent deputy.

Read more:

Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej remembered in pictures

Without King Bhumibols unifying presence, Thailand may be headed for even greater instability

Thais say farewell to their beloved king and ponder his presumed heir

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
By PTI: The statement said both sides appreciated the progress

The statement said both sides appreciated the progress being made in the implementation of the "Programme of Action for Localisation" between Russias Rosatom and Indias Department of Atomic Energy.

The localisation programme will have active engagement of Indian nuclear manufacturing industry for local manufacturing of equipment and components for upcoming and future Russian-designed nuclear power projects.

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Both the sides also noted with satisfaction continued senior official level interactions between their atomic energy establishments, including under the framework of three Joint Working Groups on Nuclear Fuel, Science and Technology and Nuclear Power, and the Central Working Group on Localisation set up during the last two summits.

The two countries also reaffirmed that they have a common interest in preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and in strengthening the multilateral export control regimes.

"A responsible approach to disarmament and non-proliferation is demonstrated by India and Russias constructive participation in relevant international fora such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, etc.

"Both sides reiterated their desire to strengthen interaction and coordination of views on these issues," it said.

Russia also supported Indias interest in full membership in the Wasseanaar Arrangement, a prominent multilateral export control regime.

The joint statement said the two countries reaffirmed their continued commitment to work together towards development of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. PTI PYK MPB RT

--- ENDS ---
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, left, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during a bilateral meeting on the crisis in Syria that was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Jean-Christophe Bott/European Pressphoto Agency)

Talks in Switzerland on stemming the bloodshed in Syria resulted in no breakthrough Saturday, but the discussions did yield a decision to keep seeking ways to achieve a truce and resume negotiations.

Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who called the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and diplomats from seven Middle Eastern countries, characterized the gathering that lasted more than four hours as a brainstorming session that brought some new ideas to the table. However, he declined to specify what those ideas were.

No date was set for another meeting of the foreign ministers who took part, but their staffs are expected to continue talking together about possible approaches.

Kerry said the diplomats agreed unanimously on the desired outcome: a reduction in fighting, particularly in the besieged city of Aleppo, and an eventual return to U.N.-mediated negotiations in Geneva between the Syrian government and the opposition.

The fights are really over the methods of getting to it, Kerry told reporters.

Lavrov offered a similar account of Saturdays meeting to Russian media.

There are some ideas that we discussed today, in a circle of pretty powerful countries, that might affect the situation, he said, as quoted by Russian news agencies.

Kerry and Lavrov were joined by diplomats from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, as well as by the United Nations special Syrian crisis envoy. All are involved in or affected by the civil war in Syria, where an estimated 400,000 people have died in more than five years of conflict. The United States leads a coalition of more than 60 nations conducting airstrikes in Syria against the Islamic State. Russia and Iran provide military support to the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad. The other countries host Syrian refugees or back the rebels.

But all eyes were on the diplomats from Washington and Moscow. They were meeting face to face for the first time since the United States suspended bilateral talks on Syria on Oct. 3 after a cease-fire collapsed amid a fierce Syrian ground offensive against rebels in the eastern half of Aleppo, where an estimated 275,000 residents are trapped.

[A ferocious assault on Aleppo suggests the U.S. may be wrong on Syria]

The United States has blamed Russia for failing to rein in the Syrian army and for sending its warplanes to back the Syrians in the assault on Aleppo. It says Syria and Russia have targeted rebel positions instead of militant groups such as the Islamic State. Russia and Syria say they are fighting terrorists, a term they often use to describe the rebels.

Relations between Russia and the United States have been deteriorating rapidly, with Russias U.N. ambassador characterizing tensions as greater than at any time since the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Washington has accused Moscow of hacking Democratic Party emails to interfere with U.S. elections, and Kerry has called for an investigation into alleged war crimes in Syria. Russia blames the United States for the hostility, calling it an effort to inflame unprecedented anti-Russian hysteria.

But the Lausanne meeting was convened by Kerry in response to a growing outcry to do something about the violence that has raged in Syria since airstrikes that hit a humanitarian aid convoy in Aleppo last month scuttled the cease-fire and the offensive to retake the city escalated.

As diplomacy has foundered, the situation in Aleppo has grown more dire by the day. The United Nations says stockpiles of food, fuel and medicine are running desperately low. Dozens have been killed in the past few days

[Aleppo is being burned: Residents cope with an onslaught of airstrikes]

Assad has vowed to keep cleaning the rebels from Aleppo, a goal he said would provide a springboard for the liberation of the rest of the city and other areas of Syria.

You have to keep cleaning this area and to push the terrorists to Turkey to go back to where they come from, or kill them, he said in an interview with Russian publication Komsomolskaya Pravda. Theres no other option.

Kerry and Lavrov have worked together for months to find a path to end the war. They are co-hosts of a large, multinational association called the International Syria Support Group. But their efforts have brought no lasting truce to Syria, only brief cessations of hostility that have ended, usually, when Syrian troops go on the attack.

Kerry said it was more productive for a smaller group to explore possible solutions, rather than the much larger crowd of diplomats who get involved when the full International Syria Support Group meets.

Even in the ISSG, we have not been able to have the framework we had today, because it was too big, he told reporters. Thats why we skinnied it down, meeting here today  because of the urgency of Aleppo, the urgency of trying to find something that works other than military action.

Kerry also expressed satisfaction at the release of two American prisoners held captive by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Kerry said the two had been flown to neighboring Oman after Omani officials mediated their freedom.

Describing the complex diplomatic maneuver that preceded their release, Kerry said an airplane was sent from Muscat in Oman to the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. It returned carrying people who were wounded in an Oct. 8 airstrike on a funeral gathering.

It also secured the release of two American citizens from the Houthi, Kerry said, declining to make their names public.

Read more:

Calls for prosecuting war crimes in Syria are growing. Is international justice possible?

Are the Russians really preparing for war?

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Mourners and Iraqi security forces gather in the funeral tent in Baghdads Shaab district where a suicide bomber killed 35 people on Saturday. (Karim Kadim/AP)

A suicide bomber struck a funeral gathering in Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 35 people and wounding more than 60, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.

The attack in the capitals Shaab neighborhood occurred around lunchtime, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement carried by its Amaq news agency.

Hussein Khazem, the owner of a nearby clothing warehouse, said the bomber detonated his payload inside a funeral tent, causing a big explosion.

Khazem said he saw a large number of people killed or wounded, many burning cars and major damage to the local market. The dead included elderly people, children and women. Khazem said he closed his shop to help evacuate the wounded and remove the bodies.

The security situation is not good at all, he said. These big incidents are happening again, especially in the poorer residential neighborhoods.

Iraq has experienced several bombings in recent months, but most have led to lower death tolls than Saturdays attack did. In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdads popular shopping district of Karrada killed more than 300 people and forced the resignation of the countrys interior minister.

Saturdays attack comes as Iraqi security forces prepare for an operation to retake the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State.

All the troops are ready. Now they are just waiting for the order from the prime minister, said Maj. Gen. Najim al-Jobori, the head of Nineveh province operations command and one of the top Iraqi generals overseeing the Mosul operation.

The head of the snake is Mosul, he said. I think ISIS knows this is the end of ISIS in Iraq, he added, referring to the Islamic State by a commonly used acronym.

The Mosul operation is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraqs military, which is still rebuilding from the defeat it suffered when Mosul fell to the Islamic State more than two years ago. About 30,000 troops are expected to take part in the operation.

 Associated Press

George reported from Qayara

air base, Iraq.
A forensic expert investigates the scene at a funeral hall on Oct. 10, two days after Saudi-led airstrikes hit it in Sanaa, Yemen. (Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency)

A Saudi Arabia-led investigation into an airstrike last week on a Yemeni funeral has concluded that Saudi-led coalition jets wrongly bombed the ceremony, killing more than 100 people, after receiving faulty information and not following proper procedures.

In a statement Saturday, the Joint Incidents Assessment Team based in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, said that a party affiliated with the chief of staff of Yemens president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed rebel Houthi leaders in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Oct. 8.

The party, the investigators said, insisted that the location be targeted immediately as a legitimate military target.

But the coalitions air operations center ordered the attack without obtaining approval from the Coalition command to support legitimacy and without following the Coalition commands precautionary measures to ensure that the location is not a civilian one that may not be targeted, the statement said. A coalition aircraft then carried out the mission.

[Airstrike kills more than 100, injures hundreds at Yemen funeral]

JIAT has found that because of noncompliance with Coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information a Coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, the statement said.

Mohammed Atbukhaiti, a senior Houthi official, welcomed the findings but said they showed how the coalition is disorganized and reckless and treats the lives of the Yemeni people in a careless and disrespectful manner. He urged the United Nations and the international community to independently investigate other human rights violations.

This has not been the first incident where the Sandi-led coalition has targeted civil gatherings, killing and injuring large numbers of civilians, he said.

Last Saturdays attack on the Grand Hall, one of the most prominent venues in the Yemeni capital, was one of the deadliest single assaults of the 20-month civil war that has upended the Middle Easts poorest nation. At least three airstrikes hit crowds of mourners gathered inside the complex for a funeral for the father of a senior official in the Houthi administration.

The bombings killed senior officials and scores of civilians. Houthi administration officials said the number of dead was 135, while the United Nations placed the death toll at 140. Other media have reported the figure as 155. Hundreds more were wounded and remain in hospitals, many in critical condition.

Initially, the Saudi-led coalition denied that its warplanes carried out the strikes. But a day later it called the attack regrettable and painful and launched the investigation. The reversal came hours after the Obama administration expressed grave concern about the strikes and said it had launched a review of its already significantly reduced support to the Saudi-led coalition, declaring that U.S. support to the kingdom is not a blank check.

[U.S. support to Saudi Arabia to hinge on Yemen cease-fire]

The Obama administration has come under fire from human rights groups and lawmakers for its backing of Saudi Arabias air campaign, which has routinely targeted hospitals and other civilian areas.

Tensions between Washington and the Houthis have grown in the past week. The United States accused the rebels of firing missiles at a Navy guided-missile destroyer last Sunday and Wednesday, attacks that failed. On Thursday, the United States retaliated by launching cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites controlled by the Houthis.

On one side of Yemens war is an alliance of Houthi rebels and loyalists of former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. On the other is Hadi, Yemens elected president, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and their allies. Hadi fled to the southern port city of Aden last year after the Houthis seized Sanaa.

Saudi Arabia then entered the conflict in an attempt to restore Hadi to power. The Sunni Muslim monarchy has long been concerned about the Shiite Houthis and their links to its main regional rival, Irans Shiite theocracy.

Thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the war, according to the United Nations. Millions more are suffering from hunger, illness and displacement as a humanitarian disaster grips the nation.

Human rights groups have accused the Saudi-led coalition of gross violations, which Riyadh has denied. The Houthis have also been accused of such abuses as recruiting child soldiers and forced disappearances of its opponents.

In its statement, the Saudi-led investigation team, which includes members of the coalition as well as American experts, said that the Coalition needed to take appropriate action against those who caused the incident, and that compensation must be offered to the families of the victims. It also urged coalition forces to review the rules of engagement for future operations.

At the same time, investigators claimed that some parties had used this erroneous bombing to increase the number of victims, adding that they were still gathering and analyzing data to determine the toll from the attack.

Sheikha Aldosary in Riyadh and Ali

Al-Mujahed in Sanaa contributed to this report.

Read more:

Five years after she won the Nobel Peace Prize, her nation is riven by war

A cluster bomb made in America shattered lives in Yemens capital

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
A slowly unwinding catastrophe is ravaging the US state of North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, disproportionately affecting the states poorest residents. At least 24 North Carolinians have died since Matthew sheared the coastline, most of them by drowning.

When Hurricane Matthew edged along North Carolinas coast last week, its rains fell upon saturated grounds and swollen rivers in the eastern portion of the state. Septembers rainfall had surpassed the regional averages by 200-300 percent. Even as the storm weakened and drifted away from the coast, its toll mounted. Rivers and streams throughout the area continue to top record levels, and more flooding is expected over the next two weeks.

Residents who could afford to vacate low-lying areas in eastern North Carolina did so. Those who had no way to leaveelderly residents on fixed incomes, the unemployed, or the underemployedwere left stranded as the waters began to rise. Forced out of their homes, they have crowded into shelters.

Most of the residents in the most devastated part of the state were already struggling. One-third of the residents of the flooded city of Lumberton live in poverty. In the city of Goldsboro, where floodwaters crested over a foot above records on Thursday, the poverty rate is 25 percent. In Lenoir County, where the Neuse River even now continues to rise and displace residents, 22.1 percent of residents live in poverty.

The poorest of the poor in North Carolina are being hurt the most by these floods, Governor Pat McCrory acknowledged in a press conference on Thursday. These people have nothing. Following this simple statement of fact, he merely appealed to the public to contribute to a state disaster relief fund.

The appeal was a disingenuous way for McCrory to wash his hands of responsibility for the conditions faced by North Carolinas poorest residents. In 2013, McCrory signed into law some of the nations most stringent unemployment insurance cuts. Benefits were capped at a maximum of $350 a week, down from $530. The law reduced the maximum duration for receiving benefits from 26 weeks to 11-20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

Predictably, these cuts dealt a harsh blow to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinas workers. While McCrory and others have boasted about the states lower unemployment rates, its labor force participation rate has actually fallen. North Carolinas prime-age employment-to-population ratio dropped three percentage points below the national average after the cuts were enacted. Moreover, the states employment rate was bolstered by jobs paying less than $10.10 an hour.

Today, North Carolinas average weekly unemployment benefit stands at a meager $233.69, 46th in the nation. Only 11 percent of unemployed state residents actually receive unemployment benefits, the lowest rate in the country.

The response of the Obama administration has likewise been insultingly insufficient. As of Thursday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had disbursed only $2.6 million. With over 14,000 people applying for disaster relief so far, this amounts to $186 per applicant.

A spokesman for FEMA told the New York Times, It's not designed to make survivors whole again. Its more of a life vest, rather than a lifeboat. This life vest is hardly adequate. FEMAs average disbursement in recent years has come to only $2,000 per familya paltry amount for families facing the loss of a home, possessions and work.

This miserly assistance stands in sharp contrast to the virtually unlimited funds the Obama administration poured into the banks. Each of the top Wall Street banks received $25 billion after the 2008 crash in Troubled Asset Relief Fund handouts, to which must be added the trillions of dollars in quantitative easing measures.

The flood levels seen in North Carolina today are just surpassing the records set by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. That storm took 65 lives and inundated the same eastern region of the state. Six years after Hurricane Floyd, Hurricane Katrina highlighted the massive inadequacies of the nations flood prevention infrastructure, as well as FEMAs inadequate funding and aid.

Lawmakers have had 17 years since Hurricane Floyd, and 11 years since Hurricane Katrina, to address the nations infrastructure deficiencies to prevent structural damage and loss of life. However, the American Society of Civil Engineers most recent infrastructure report card gave North Carolina a C. Many of its worst grades for infrastructure are directly related to flooding.

The ASCE gave the state a D- for its dams, citing a lack of consistent state or federal funding to address high-hazard dams, a third of which are over 50 years old. Most of these dams did not, as of the ASCEs last public report, have an Emergency Action Plan in place. The ASCE stated that North Carolinas expenditure on dams was well below the national average, and that it would take $1.9 billion to bring its dams up to a passing grade.

The ASCE gave North Carolina a C- on its bridges. Due to its coastal location, North Carolina ranks 14th in the US for bridge surfaces to maintain, yet the state continues to neglect the maintenance and replacement of failing bridges. The ASCE recommends that the state allocate $281 million more per year to upgrade its bridges.

The state also received a C- in coastal maintenance and coastal storm preparation, and a C- in storm water management. The ASCE points out that stormwater can be contaminated with numerous bacteria and other pathogens, and that it can carry large amounts of sediment and debrisfactors that caused hundreds of deaths in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew. The ASCE notes, Most of North Carolinas population lives in communities that have no dedicated source of funding to improve stormwater quality.

The conditions in North Carolina and the catastrophe unfolding in the wake of Hurricane Matthew are characteristic of American society as a whole. Eight years after the economic crash of 2008, social inequality is at record levels. The corporate and financial elite have amassed vast fortunes, while millions of people face poverty, low-wage jobs and the consequences of decades of neglect of basic social infrastructure.
Concerns increased this week over food safety at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as a strike by food service workers has closed dining facilities across the campus. Those that remain open are being run by unskilled temporary workers.

The Fly-By take-out facility in the basement of Annenberg Hall had to temporarily close Thursday due to meals not being delivered at safe temperatures, according to the university spokesperson Tania deLuzuriaga.

The quick to-go lunch option for upperclassmen is a popular choice for students with tight class schedules. With the strike shutting down other options, more and more students rely on the Fly-By than would ordinarily do so.

Harvard student Samuel was leaving the Fly-By dining hall where he had picked up his box lunch. I feel were really missing out with the community in the dining halls where we can sit down and talk with the students and also the workers, he told the World Socialist Web Site.

Referring to the take-out Fly-By food, he said he didnt like it. I think that what the workers are fighting for should be able to be worked out. Harvard has the money to do that.

Alan, also a Harvard student, didnt really mind the take-out meals, as he often eats on the run due to his busy class schedule. I dont really know much about what the workers are fighting for, he said, but I support them. Asked about the quality of the food, he said he had seen some pictures of undercooked chicken and it didnt look nice.

While deLuzuriaga claims that Harvards commitment to food safety remains paramount and that professionals oversee the food preparation and cooking processes, students have raised concerns about the food quality, with some reporting undercooked meals at the dining halls that remain open.

According to the Crimson, Marcus K. Granderson 18 and Nader Shayegh 18 both said they were served raw chicken. Rena Lyon 18, a vegetarian, said she found pieces of meat in banana bread pudding. Cara R. Jacobson 18, who has Celiac disease and cannot eat gluten, said getting food during the strike has been pretty difficult.

Pickets were out in force again Friday as there appears to be no movement on the central question of health care and wages and negotiations remain deadlocked. A statement issued Tuesday from Marilyn Hausammann, the vice president of Human Resources at Harvard, attempts to present Harvard as the voice of reason in the dispute.

Hausammann states that Harvard would raise the average rate for dining workers to $24.08 per hour by the end of the contract, claiming this is well in excess of the average hourly wage for Local 26 dining service workers elsewhere in eastern Massachusetts, $14.61 for general service employees.

The letter also points to the paltry living wage of $15.04 an hour set by the City of Cambridge and goes on to calculate that, based on a 37.5 hour week at $21.89 an hour, a Harvard University Dining Service (HUDS) worker working 38 hours a week can earn $31,193 per year versus the $29,328 per year for 52 weeks with an hourly rate at the citys living wage. Deliberately missing from this comparison is the fact that many HUDS workers dont work 38 hours a week and earn well below the $31,000 a year average cited in the letter.

Workers are demanding $35,000 to compensate for the time they are unable to work due to campus dining rooms closing outside of the academic year. Hausammann writes that Harvard sought to address this when the university proposed enabling members to draw unemployment benefits temporarilyan idea originally supported by the Union.

The letter gives no further details on this proposal, but a page on the Harvard Human Resources web site states: Although dining positions are nine or 10-month positions, they are benefits eligible for 12 months. It is unclear whether the proposal planned to change this by not paying benefits for the months not worked.

The WSWS spoke with three women who had come across the strike as they were walking through Harvard Yard. Laura Harrelson, who was visiting from Utah, said, Ive never crossed a picket line, even though Ive havent worked union in about 30 years.

We explained how HUDS workers were fighting to maintain their health care, and that Harvard was trying to raise their copays to as high as $100 a year. And they dont work all year? she asked. Oh my gosh, youre going to make me cry.

Melissa Costa, visiting from Kentucky, said, Thats what happened to me when I worked at Starbucks, so Im with them.

Laura added, How can a school like Harvard, which I assume gets lots of money from their students, how are they not able to pay their workers? Thats crazy!

Dori Weinkauf from Boston said, I was just speaking to that man over there and he said that this is their second week on strike.

Strikers Kathy Walsh and Cathy Marks explained that HUDS workers up to now have had Harvard Pilgrim (HMO) insurance, and that Harvard now wants to switch the workers to insurance from UNITE HERE Local 26, the union representing workers.

Cathy said, The problem with the union plan is youre not covered for the months you dont work.

The way it currently works, Kathy said, if we pay a little extra every week, then were carried through the summer.

Asked what workers would do without insurance during the months they dont work, Kathy said, Thats what wed like to know. Theyre really holding out on us.

And we want a good pay raise, Cathy said. Thats the other thing were fighting for.

Ive worked here 27 years, and shes been here 30. Weve never gotten summer jobs. Some people do. But when youre hired, its a nine-month position only. You know that.

But now its more like eight months, because youre off January as well, Kathy said.

They explained that you have to be working to be insured, so those people without other insurance through a family member or another job would be in violation of the Obamacare requirement to have health insurance.

There are a lot of couples who work here, too, husband and wife as well, Cathy said. And they rely on each others paycheck.

So far, feedback theyve received from students is they are sick and tired of eating frozen food, and undercooked food, Cathy said. They dont have the manpower to cook, so the managers are just throwing stuff in the oven. Theyre sick and tired of eating stuffed shells, shepherds pie. Everythings frozen. And then they put out a limited salad bar.

And the kids are paying big money for this school, Kathy said, Big money,

Harvard insists there can be no question of utilizing even a fraction of the universitys massive $35.67 billion endowment to settle the workers demands, even as a group of alumni has pledged to cease donations to the university and instead direct monies to the unions Hardship Fund.

For its part, UNITE HERE and the AFL-CIO and Change to Win labor federations have kept the striking workers isolated and provided only meager strike benefits. UNITE HERE Local 26 is allied with Republican Governor Charlie Baker and on its web site boasts that the governor recently provided a $225,000 grant to fund the building of a joint labor-management training center for hotel services.
Podemos is preparing to become Spains official opposition party, filling the void left by the expected collapse of Spains Socialist Workers Party (PSOE).

October 1 saw the ouster of PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez, and his replacement by Javier Fernandez, animated by moves to let the right-wing Popular Party (PP) of Mariano Rajoy form a new minority government. The PSOE has aligned with the PP in a desperate attempt to avoid the total discrediting of the political system, nearly 10 months after the December 20 elections during which Spain has had a hung parliament and has failed to form a government.

The alignment points to the collapse of the bipartisan arrangements that emerged after the fall of the Franco dictatorship, in which power alternated between the right-wing PP and the centre-left PSOE. Podemos response is to shift its rhetoric far to the right, pledging to abandon its empty populist rhetoric in preparation for assuming a responsible role in government.

Days after the PSOE coup, Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias declared that populism ends when politics culminate in the [public] administration, when administrative decisions have to be taken from the state, the town hall or the party. He concluded, If we rule we will look for compromises and consensus, and we would openly say that our populism has ended, that it was useful in the fight.

If the ruling class can install a PP-led government, it is above all due to Podemos role in channelling social discontent back into the political establishment and thwarting the growth of a politically independent movement of the working class. Since its creation in 2014, Podemos promoted illusions that it could work with the PSOE to form a progressive government. The PSOE was re-founded in the 1970s under Felipe Gonzalez with the aid of German and French capital, the CIA and the daily El Pais, and committed to austerity and the defence of NATO and the European Union.

Following the coup, Podemos has stepped up its appeals to the PSOE. Iglesias initial reaction was to talk up the handful of PSOE deputies who threatened to break ranks and vote against a new PP administration, rather than allowing the PP to come to power by abstaining. He said their threat was a demonstration of dignity.

This was empty rhetoric, however, insofar as Podemos is committed to maintaining its alliances with PSOE members inside regional and local governments, many of whom backed Sanchezs ouster. Podemos founder Juan Carlos Monedero indicated that initial reports that Podemos might break its accords to put pressure on the PSOE had been magnified and that it was never under real discussion.

How to best orient to the PSOE has always been at the heart of the internal tensions between Podemos ruling faction led by Iglesias, the Errejonistas led by Podemos number two Inigo Errejon, and the Anticapitalistas faction, linked to Frances New Anti-capitalist Party.

After last Decembers general election, the Iglesias faction preferred a government with the PSOE. However, the PSOE rebuffed Podemos overtures and formed an alliance with the right-wing Citizens party. The Errejonistas demanded a Podemos abstention to allow the PSOE and Citizens to form a government of change, but this was a step too far for Iglesias faction. Podemos ultimately voted against, sparking second elections in June.

That election campaign saw Podemos intensify its orientation to the PSOE. It joined the Stalinist-led United Left (IU) to form Unidos Podemos, on an explicit basis of austerity and defending the EU. Unidos Podemos made repeated appeals to the PSOE to form a coalition government. Iglesias publicly called Podemos the new social democracy and described Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero as the best prime minister the PSOE had produced.

In the end, Unidos Podemos lost 1.2 million votes in the June election and failed to overtake the PSOE, sparking new feuds within the party. Iglesias faction blamed the election collapse on the moderation of Podemos programmethough it was Iglesias who presented the concessions to the PSOE, claiming they were made with terrible pain. The Errejonistas retorted that the deal with IU had made Podemos look too radical and attacked Iglesias for not having allowed the PSOE to rule with Citizens.

The anti-Sanchez coup and moves to form a PP government, taking the question of Podemos support for an incoming PSOE government off the immediate agenda, lessened these conflicts in the short term. At last Saturdays meeting of the highest body of Podemos, the Citizens Council, both factions agreed that Podemos should prepare to lead the opposition in parliament. A planned extraordinary congress to elect Podemos leadership is also to be postponed.

In his statement hailing political compromise and anti-populist administration, Iglesias said such methods were employed in the 1970s by Italian Communist Party (PCI) leader Enrico Berlinguer, a pioneer of Eurocommunism and of the PCIs historic compromise.

Like Santiago Carrillo of the Spanish Communist Party (PCE) and Georges Marchais of the French Communist Party (PCF), Berlinguer did not aim to oppose the counterrevolutionary policies and crimes of the Soviet bureaucracy. These forces distanced themselves from Moscow in order to enter into more direct alliances with bourgeois parties, and to prepare to support capitalist restoration in the USSR amid rising workers struggles in Eastern Europe.

In the 1970s, the PCI renounced revolution and unsuccessfully sought a coalition with the conservative Christian Democrats. In 1991, as the Italian party system imploded in a flood of corruption scandals, the PCI split into the Democratic Party of the Left, predecessor of todays Democratic Party (PD) and the Communist Refoundation Party (PRC). The PCIs successors became pro-business parties supporting technocratic governments launching massive attacks on the working class. The PD, modelling itself on the US Democratic Party, became the main instrument to impose austerity, devastating Italy and threatening a new banking collapse.

The PRC, which integrated the entire pseudo-left milieu into its ranks, played an even more despicable role. Posing as a left alternative to the PD, it ensured that the PDs anti-working class policies received the required parliamentary majority. It discredited itself in 2006 by entering Romano Prodis Olive Tree coalition government.

Iglesiass admiration for Berlinguer, the right-wing trajectory of the PCI and its betrayal of its working-class support constitute a warning that Podemos will adopt ruthless policies against the working class in order to come to power.

When Iglesias refused to participate in the official, right-wing October 12 national day celebrations, he did so from the standpoint of finding better ways to promote nationalism. He said that patriots do not have bank accounts in tax havens, patriots work and they dont have to be wrapped around in flags; they get up early to go to work or to seek work.

Sitting next to him, Errejon followed suit, stating that to be a patriot is to defend those who work, the small businessmen and the self-employed.
On September 24, the Tamil Peoples Council (TPC) of Tamil nationalist factions called a Ezhuga Thamizh 2016 (Rise up Tamils 2016) rally. Their goal was incite anti-Sinhala sentiment and divide the working class, amid rising popular opposition to the US-backed regime of President Maithripala Sirisena, applauded by Tamil nationalists for producing good governance.

Social anger against the Sirisena-TNA regime is unprecedented, as workers and students protest against social cuts across the country, in the face of violent state repression. In the North and East, where the Tamil minority has remained under military occupation since the end of the civil war, families are demanding that Sirisena release their relatives disappeared by the authorities.

The TPC aims to provide political cover for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which works with Sirisena to implement IMF austerity measures and undermine democratic rights, and above all to promote the US pivot to Asia to prepare war against China. This is the international basis for the Tamil nationalist groups alignment with Washington, the Indian government and the Sirisena regime .

The rallys organisers claimed that the Tamil people has been oppressed by the Sinhala-Buddhist majoritarian state structure of Sri Lanka for decades, that the Ezhuga Thamizh rally is a signal to Sirisena in Colombo that the TPC will never give up on the Tamil populations political aspirations.

They declared that a Unitary State structure would never be the solution to the Tamil National question, adding that a viable solution to the Tamil National question could only be achieved by establishing a sovereign federal unit through recognizing the Tamil people of the North and East as a distinct nation, while also acknowledging and respecting their right to self-determination, as proposed in the constitution proposals submitted by the Tamil Peoples Council (TPC).

The TPCs call for self-determination and establishing a separate nation to resolve Tamil issues and its anti-Sinhala comments are a reactionary fraud aimed at dividing Tamil workers and youth entering into struggle from their Sinhala and Muslim class brothers and sisters. It solely serves the privileged interests of the Tamil bourgeoisie, striving to exploit workers, primarily Tamils, on behalf of international finance capital.

As the TNA is discredited, the TPC plays the chief role in containing rising social anger. The TPC was formed last December by Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, who was elected to the Northern Provincial Council on the TNA ticket in September 2013; the Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF); different Tamil petty-bourgeois groups like PLOTE (Peoples Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam) of Tharmalingam Sitharthan, the EPRLF (Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front); and various civil society organisations.

There are no significant political differences between the TNA and TPC, however: both are oriented to Sirisenas regime and the geostrategic interests of US imperialism and its main regional ally, India. The TPCs leaders always make clear that they support the TNA. As the TPC was formed, EPRLF leader Suresh Premachandran said, the Council is not a rival organisation to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

P. Lakshman, a Jaffna-based cardiologist and co-chair of the TPC, bluntly said, We will try to help the TNA to strengthen the latters position.

These forces bankruptcy has been utterly exposed since the end of the civil war in 2009, which saw the crushing defeat of separatists of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)the outcome of the LTTEs Tamil-chauvinist perspective. Incapable of making any progressive appeal to Sinhala and Tamil workers, and deserted by its major-power patrons, especially India, the LTTE was massacred in a Sri Lankan army offensive backed by all the major world powers.

Since the US announced its pivot to Asia in 2011, the geo-strategic calculation underlying the decision of Washington and New Delhi to back the massacre of the LTTE has become ever clearer. They could not tolerate developing ties between Colombo and Beijingwhich provided cheap loans for port and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, as part of what became Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt and One Belt, One Road initiative, announced in 2013.

The massacre of the LTTE provided the venal TNA and TPC forces with an opportunity to closely align their policies with the interests of imperialism, and they rapidly embraced it. When Washington sought to cut Colombo-Beijing economic ties by pressuring Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, hypocritically threatening to investigate possible Sri Lankan war crimes during the anti-LTTE offensive Washington had itself supported, these forces rallied in support.

Even before supporting the installation of Sirisena in a US-backed regime change operation in 2015, they constantly appealed to Washington and the European imperialist powers to pressure Rajapakse based on human rights issues. Premachandran told the BBC, the international community, including US, Europe and India, has to exert pressure on Sri Lanka to address humanitarian concerns and for political reforms.

The Tamil nationalists, who worked to subordinate the democratic and social aspirations of the working class to the reactionary foreign policy of Washington and New Delhi, are bitterly hostile to the workers.

Since the initial years of the Sri Lankan civil war in the 1980s, they have functioned as assets of Indian and at times Sri Lankan intelligence, violently hostile to independent political struggle of the working class. While they enjoyed the support of traditional Tamil bourgeois parties like the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), Tamil petty bourgeois groups including the LTTE, PLOTE and EPRLF were cultivated by New Delhi as assets.

After the anti-Tamil ethnic riots of July 1983 in Sri Lanka, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Indias main intelligence agency, proposed Sri Lanka operations to finance, train and arm Tamil petty nationalist groups, such as the LTTE, the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO), the PLOTE and the EPRLF.

This strategy aimed to exert pressure on Colombo, as the Indian ruling class became deeply concerned over then-President J. R. Jayawardenes geostrategic orientation. Jayawardene developed ties to US imperialism and Indias arch-enemies in Asia, Pakistan and China, as he announced free-market policies opening the island for foreign investment and whipped up Sinhala chauvinism. New Delhi, based on its Cold War-era alliance with the Soviet bureaucracy, saw Jayawardenes orientation as a major threat.

The LTTE, PLOTE, and EPRLF emerged as thuggish groups, using murderous violence against any movement that cut across the foreign policy of the states they were aligned withprimarily India, and also Sri Lanka. The Indian ruling class and the Tamil petty-bourgeois groups exploited rising social anger in the North and East to promote a perspective of ethnic war based on Tamil chauvinism.

These groups internal splits and faction fights were settled by bloody battles among themselves, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of youths, during the 1980s. After murdering the bulk of its opponents, the LTTE took the dominant position.

The 1987 Indo-Lankan accord, supported by the LTTE, brought the Indian army into the North of Sri Lanka, supposedly on a peacekeeping mission. The truce lasted only few months, as fighting between the LTTE and the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) erupted, killing thousands of civilians. RAW formed a Tamil National Army, recruiting forces from groups including the PLOTE and EPRLF to wage war against the LTTE.

Tamil paramilitary forces like the Three Stars and the Mandayan Group led by the EPRLFs Premachandran, for their part, collaborated with the IPKF. Premachandran operated his group at Asoka Hotel in Jaffna, turning it into a torture camp where hundreds of suspected LTTE members were tortured and murdered.

These forces bloody history during the civil war is a further indication of the reactionary role they will seek to play against the working class in Sri Lanka today.
If Islamic countries can regulate the practice of triple talaq and it has not been found against sharia, how can it be wrong in India, asks Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

By PTI: Defending the Centre's stand on triple talaq, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today wondered when over a dozen Islamic countries were regulating the practice by enacting laws, how could it be considered wrong for a "secular" country like India.

His remarks came a day after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the Centre's affidavit in Supreme Court on the practice and also boycotted the Law Commission's consultations on Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

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Also read: Banning the abhorrent triple talaq needs no debate



Also read: Reforms in Muslim marriage laws is an idea whose time has come

"Over a dozen Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran and Egypt have regulated triple talaq. If Islamic countries can regulate the practice by enacting the law, and it has not been found against sharia, how can it be wrong in India, which is a secular country?" Prasad told reporters in Patna.

PRASAD MUM ON UNIFORM CIVIL CODE



The minister, however, refused to comment on the issue of Uniform Civil Code.

"The Law Commission is considering it and has sought the views of various sections of the society. Since it is under their consideration, I have nothing to say," he maintained.

Also read: Triple talaq case: Muslim activists snub clerics on Uniform Civil Code



For the first time in India's constitutional history, the Centre had on October 7 opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds of gender equality and secularism.

LAW MINISTRY AFFIDAVIT



The Law Ministry, in its affidavit, referred to constitutional principles like gender equality, secularism, international covenants, religious practices and marital law prevalent in various Islamic countries to drive home the point that the practice of triple talaq and polygamy needed to be adjudicated upon afresh by the apex court.Also read: Triple talaq: Muslim personal law board to boycott law panel, irks BJP

--- ENDS ---
While the market for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries has a ton of untapped potential, Tesla Motors Inc.s TSLA decision to build a $5 billion Gigafactory to meet its requirement of lithium-ion battery packs brought glaring focus on the shortage of supply of this emerging energy storage technology.

Li-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from the anode to cathode during discharge, and from cathode to anode when charging. They are a popular choice be electric car manufacturers, and are used by General Motors Co. GM, Navistar International Corp. NAV, BMW AG BAMXF, Daimler AG DDAIF, and Ford Motor Co. F, among many others. Li-ion batteries are also used in cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices as well as in the aerospace and defense sector.

Back in January, it was reported that Panasonic Corp. PCRFY agreed to invest up to $1.6 billion in Teslas Gigafactory. Kazuhiro Tsuga, President of Panasonic, said that "We are sort of waiting on the demand from Tesla. If Tesla succeeds and the electric vehicle becomes mainstream, the world will be changed and we will have lots of opportunity to grow.

By 2020, Tesla expects the annual Li-ion battery production of the Gigafactory to exceed the global production in 2013. The factory will produce enough battery packs to allow Tesla to build around 500,000 electric cars annually by 2020.

However, Teslas Gigafactory will not start production until at least 2017. Until then, the focus will be on other Li-ion battery manufacturers. Thus, it would be a good idea to invest in some companies that manufacture these batteries.

Lets take a look at two stocks that are looking good at the moment:

1. Arotech Corp. ARTX has two business divisions: Training and Simulation, and Battery and Power Systems. The Battery and Power Systems division manufactures and sells Lithium and Zinc-Air batteries and smart chargers for the military and to the private defense industry in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

ARTX stock has gained more than 115% over the past 12 months. Arotech has an average earnings surprise of 156.25%, with an overall average VGM score of B. Its a relatively smaller company; its market cap is currently $83.28 million, but Arotech is in a fast growing industry.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock is expected to report 122% year-over-year growth in earnings per share (EPS) for its fiscal 2017, based on the Zacks Consensus Estimate of two cents. Arotech has a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.29, lower than the industry average of 1.79. It has seen historic cash flow growth of 27.75% and historic EPS growth of 40%, both well above the industry averages of 4.91% and 11.69%, respectively.

2. Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management.

The company offers a portfolio of lithium-ion battery technology for a range of vehicles, including advanced start-stop vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), micro hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

JCI, a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock, reported an average earnings surprise from each of the trailing 4 quarters of 1.03%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys current quarter (ending September 2016) is $1.18 per share, reflecting 84.74% year-over-year growth. Year-over-year sales growth for the current quarter is a whopping 287.21%.

Johnson Controls has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.26, below the industry average of 16.23. Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.74, while its current PEG ratio sits at 0.82. JCI stock has seen historic EPS growth of 7.34%.

Bottom Line

According to Frost & Sullivan, the global market for Li-ion batteries is expected to double to $22.5 billion in 2016 from $11.7 billion in 2012. Consumer goods and automobile sectors are driving the demand.

The share of the automobile sector in the Li-ion battery market is expected to grow to 25% in 2016 from 14% in 2012, per the data from Frost & Sullivan. This represents a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 37%.

With the increasing use of Li-ion batteries in consumer electronic products as well as efforts to promote the use of electric cars by many governments to curb pollution, the demand for these batteries is expected to rise.

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico expects to extradite captured drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman to the United States at the outset of 2017, a top government official said on Friday, despite ongoing appeals by lawyers to block his departure.

Guzman, boss of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested by Mexican police in the northern city of Los Mochis in January after breaking out of a maximum security prison through a tunnel dug right into his cell six months earlier.

It was Guzman's second jailbreak in less than 15 years, and President Enrique Pena Nieto swiftly pledged to extradite him.

However, the process has proven more laborious than some senior officials had suggested as the kingpin's lawyers seek to prevent his removal to the United States through appeals.

National Security Commissioner Renato Sales provided the clearest indication of a departure date for Guzman on Friday, saying he expected the matter to be resolved soon.

"We expect (Guzman's extradition) in January or February," Sales told local television.

Responding to Sales' remarks, Jose Refugio Rodriguez, an attorney for Guzman, said far too many appeals were pending for extradition to take place that quickly.

"That's not enough time," Refugio said, adding that the only way to send Guzman to the United States by early 2017 would be "to take him out (of jail) by force."

A Mexican judge ruled in May that Guzman could be extradited to the United States where he faces charges including money laundering, drug trafficking, kidnapping and murder.

(Reporting by Veronica Gomez, Lizbeth Diaz and Natalie Schachar; Editing by Alexandra Alper and Jeffrey Benkoe)
Photography courtesy of Sarah Dixon.



Roughly 100 people die every day of breast cancer in the U.S.  and virtually all of these deaths are from metastatic breast cancer. Thats individual people  moms, daughters, sisters, friends  multifaceted women for whom cancer is just one thing, not everything. In October, we are telling the stories of these women who have found strength in their sense of self, power in their beauty, and who refuse to let an incurable, deadly disease tell their story for them.



I actually just started wearing makeup two weeks ago, 19-year-old Brittney Beadle says excitedly as I compliment her crisp cat-eye. I got foundation and I got cover-up  I was really excited. Like any budding makeup enthusiast, Beadle is slowly discovering the endless options that the beauty landscape has to offer. But Beadle isnt quite like other teens learning the ins and outs of makeup.

Related: What Going Paleo Did To My Body



The Pennsylvania native has been battling a fatal form of breast cancer, but when we start chatting, the first thing she wants to discuss is anything but. Looking at the vivacious woman in front of me, I dont see someone with a terminal illness  which is exactly what Beadle and others with her condition want.



Beadle is part of an organization called #Cancerland, a charity started by fellow cancer patient Champagne Joy. Although #Cancerland aims to support all women with breast cancer, the groups main focus is on stage 4, or metastatic breast cancer  a fatal form that, despite the billions of dollars raised for education and research of the disease, remains incurable. Its estimated that over 40,000 women die every year due to breast cancer (about 108 per day).

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The common perception of cancer has long been one of hospital gowns and shaved heads  a portrayal only reinforced by the representations seen on TV and in movies. But while cancer can rob a woman of some of the physical traits that she sees as part of her identity, these women want you to know that their identities are not dominated by the disease.



Yes, the 11 women profiled below have metastatic breast cancer, but they also have a love of beauty, a desire to educate, and a lust for life. Sure, cancer will never be completely removed from their narrative, but its only part of it.



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Champagne Joy



If breast cancers death toll surprised you, you are not alone. Thanks to what #Cancerlands founder Champagne Joy calls the pink-washing of breast cancer, many Americans believe that it is a completely curable disease. Theres a lack of public awareness  people think that breast cancer is done, says Joy. They think: We gave, there were pink ribbons, and were done. Thats a curable disease. Its over.



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Joy has been battling cancer for six years. She was first diagnosed with a lower stage of breast cancer in 2010 and went through the typical treatment of the disease. She was in remission for two years before her cancer came back. At that point, she had metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer means that the breast cancer has spread beyond the breast, explains Joy. It could be in your organs, it could be in your bones, and it means that it is now a terminal illness. There is no cure due to lack of research in that arena. Thats why Joy has made it her mission to make the public aware of the grave truth about terminal breast cancer: Just 2% of research dollars spent on breast cancer goes to finding a cure for metastatic patients.

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If you have the pleasure of meeting Joy, her joie de vivre is immediately apparent. She doesnt allow the bleak nature of her cause to bring her down  her blue hair, vibrant-colored lids, and retro-matte lips have caused some to dismiss her, but for Joy her multicolored aesthetic is her power suit. The whole president-of-Mars look is something Ive done all my life, she says. The chemo nurses tell me: We know [youre] having a bad day if [you] show up with no makeup. For Joy, slicking on yellow liner (Sephora Collections Shadow & Liner is her favorite) and a liquid lipstick helps her summon strength. If I put my face on, I feel like me. Ive always tied my look to my sense of self, she declares proudly. When I was 16, I was thrown out of school because of my white mohawkthey threw me out of a doctors office because I looked ridiculous Thats me.



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Beth Fairchild

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about 16 years ago, says Beth Fairchild. I thought I knew everything there was to know about it: Its curable, women dont die from breast cancer. I was really wrong. In 2014, Fairchild went to the doctor complaining of intestinal issues and fatigue. After a series of tests, her doctor concluded that Fairchild would have to have a hysterectomy to have her ovaries removed. When she woke from her surgery, her doctors told her she had stage-4 breast cancer.



Prior to being diagnosed, Fairchild had never heard the word metastatic or even fathomed the concept of end-stage breast cancer. I thought you get a new set of breasts, then you move on with your life, she says. Well, its just not that simple.



Now, she has dedicated her life to education and supporting women in similar positions. Fairchild and her husband are both tattoo artists by trade. Together they run five tattoo studiosand produce tattoo conventions on the East Coast. But Fairchild isnt known primarily for sweet ink art  shes known for areola tattooing.



A lot of times when women undergo a mastectomy and reconstruction, theyre left without areolas or nipples, Fairchild explains. When [areolas are reconstructed] by a physician or by nursing staff, its just not the quality of work you get in a tattoo shop by an artist. Thats why Fairchild has taken it upon herself to give women who want it a chance to have their areolas tattooed.



Although Fairchild chose not to reconstruct after having her breasts removed, shes moved by the emotional responses of the women she tattoos. Most of them cry when Im done, and that just fills me, she says. I tattooed a lady who went 25 years without having areolas, Fairchild recalls. She referred to her breasts as Barbie breasts  they didnt look like breasts to her. When I was able to give that back to her, it was so rewarding.



Ayanna Kalasunas

Ayanna Kalasunas and her now-husband had just gotten engaged a month before she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She began a new life with her husband  one that included being a woman with advanced breast cancer. But Kalasunas doesnt let that stop her from enjoying her life. One of my really close friends once said that you have to meet yourself where you are sometimes, says Kalasunas. Not every day is perfect, not every day is beautiful Cancer has already done a ton of things to my life that suck, but Im not going to allow it to make me unhappy.



Instead, Kalasunas likes to focus on things that bring her joy, like spending time with family, cooking, and sharing her story. She also finds solace in creating skin-care and makeup products from scratch. I like figuring out how to make natural makeup or new body butters, she explains.



Unlike some of the other women featured here, Kalasunas has a pretty spartan beauty routine. For her, beauty has nothing to do with physical traits. Its something people can feel the minute you walk into a room, she says. I think of beauty as something that radiates from your heart out into the world, not so much about makeup, or eyelashes, or fun blue lipstick.



Brittney Beadle

When Brittney Beadle was 18 years old, she found a lump in her breast. When she went to the hospital to get it checked out, her doctors immediately sent her home. Well, youre 18, they said. Youre too young to get breast cancer. Three months later the lump had grown and her nipple inverted, and Beadle knew something was wrong. The next day, she went back to the hospital and her doctors conducted a biopsy. The day after that, she was called back in and told: You have breast cancer.



I think because Im so young, people always feel sorry for me, she says. But you dont [have to]. Yeah, I have bad days and one day I will pass away from this, but right now Im doing well. Im happy still.



Two weeks ago, Beadle did her makeup for the first time after watching a makeup artist on YouTube. The curious young woman is determined to learn as much as she can and count every day as a blessing. Rather than dwelling on her diagnosis, Beadle tries to look to the future. Some people say not to do that because they think I dont have a future, but Im 19 and I want to have a future, she says. Im going to college right now to become a better writer, and I want to write a book about what its like being diagnosed with metastatic cancer when youre 18.



Linda Lancaster-Carey

I did everything youre supposed to do, says Linda Lancaster-Carey. She had yearly checkups and tests to screen for breast cancer. Ten years ago, her tests came back positive for stage-3 breast cancer. Three-and-a-half years ago, she was diagnosed as metastatic.



When I had chemotherapy for the first time, my eyebrows didnt really grow back, says Lancaster-Carey. When I look in the mirror, I dont look at the rest of my face, I just see my eyebrows. Its nice to have eyebrows. Unfortunately, hair loss is a common symptom of cancer treatment. While some women choose to embrace it, others turn to makeup to help them feel like themselves again.



I felt like I needed to wear more makeup, she says. I wasnt self-conscious about it at all, because thats just sort of part of the package, but I liked to draw my eyebrows on. Now, Lancaster-Carey wears vivid lipstick when she wants to feel strong. It makes me feel powerful in a really weird way, she says. I dont know why a color of lipstick would make me feel that way, but it does and Ill take it.



Serena Rinaldi Lambiase

In 1977, Serena Rinaldi Lambiase thought it would be funny to audition to be a Playboy bunny. Little did she know shed land the job and work as a waitress in the now-defunct Manhattan Playboy Club on East 59th for two years. The same bravado that made Rinaldi Lambiase enter the thousand-person call in the first place has carried her throughout her ongoing 10-year struggle with breast cancer.



In the beginning, Rinaldi Lambiase tried to battle cancer on her own, but it wasnt until she joined #Cancerland that she realized the importance of camaraderie. You can say things to each other that you cant really say to other people and theyll understand, she says.



For Rinaldi Lambiase, one of the hardest things that comes with cancer has been losing many of the things that were a part of her feminine identity. Its hard to feel like a woman sometimes, she says. I used to have beautiful, [long] hair and now its short. Although Rinaldi Lambiase used to wear very minimal makeup, shes found that dusting on a bit of color in the mornings brings a sense of normalcy to her life. Ive gotten better at finding ways to [feel] more attractive, she says. You get through it.



Jessie Karabian

My family is really open about what cancer is. Sometimes when my daughter is watching TV, shell hear about cancer and shell say, 'Look! They have cancer, too! I am so proud of her in those moments, says Jessie Karabian. Its important for me to be able to talk candidly about cancer and not have to sugarcoat things. Thats why Karabian has made it her mission to speak openly about the reality of her disease and how it has changed her.



I look completely different. The chemotherapy and steroids have made me gain weight; I have scars all over my body. Its been a difficult transformation to look at myself. But I still try to [feel] beautiful, she says.



As Karabian talks about her diagnosis, she echoes her fellow #Cancerland members: A lot of people say, 'You look good; I would never know [you have cancer], she says. I can see why some people would take offense to that  because not all illnesses are seen  but for me, it kind of gives me a relief. That for right now, you cant see my cancer; youre just seeing me for me.



Justine Oxman-Engels

Justine Oxman-Engels might just be the most positive woman I have ever met. As we chatted on set, I realized she was open to pretty much anything beauty-wise. We decided to go with neon color on her eyes  the cosmetics embodiment of Oxman-Engels personality, if you ask us. (She agrees.)



Oxman-Engels is incredibly chipper for a woman who has had to circumvent the national healthcare system just to get the treatments she needs to continue her fight against metastatic breast cancer. I was going to have to lose everything in order to live, she explains. I dont want to go around the system, but my friend was a doctor and my other friend was a lawyer, and they got together and said I needed to get a divorce. Although Oxman-Engels and her husband are still very much in love, they had to separate in order for Oxman-Engels to obtain Medicaid and public health insurance. [I would have] gone broke without it, she says. So we traded everything over to my husband."



Erin Grant

"Im happy it was me [who got breast cancer] and not my mom, my sisters, or my best friend, says Erin Grant. [A lot of people ask,] 'Why me?  I always thought: Why not me? I feel like if you look at it that way, you just fight to live, so why not?



Grants attitude toward breast cancer has been more accepting than that of some of her fellow #Cancerland members, but losing her sense of femininity is still something she deals with on a daily basis. Not only does cancer take away things you can see, like breasts or hair, but Grant had to have a hysterectomy because her cancer was estrogen-receptive-positive, which means that the disease was feeding off her estrogen. I lost the ability to have children and to have a biological family, she says. It took things that I identified myself with  my femininity, [my health]. But I like the new me.



Grant walked away from our studio that day after having scooped up some tips from our hair and makeup artist. When you dont feel great, its difficult to make yourself look greatespecially when you dont know how to do it, she says. I took some tips today, so hopefully Ill be able to spend a little bit more time feeling pretty and kinda getting back to me. If you can say that you feel good, I think youre beautiful.



Rebecca Scheinkman

This isnt the first time Rebecca Scheinkman has battled cancer. As a childhood leukemia survivor, I know what to expect from chemo, she explains. I have cancer located in my breast and unfortunately in my brain. But Scheinkmans diagnosis isnt stopping her from fully living her life. She works a full-time job in brand licensing, goes out with friends often, and fights hard not to be defined as a cancer girl.



At 33, when I started chemo again and I lost my hair for the second time it was probably the most traumatic time because I had already done it once before, says Scheinkman. For a while, Scheinkman wore wigs daily, but recently, when her hair started to grow back, she was excited to finally be able to get it cut and styled again. Its great to have an intentional look  something that people walking down the street wouldnt necessary think of as a cancerous look; [instead they think]: Hey, thats a girl with a cute, trendy pixie!



Although Scheinkman tries her best not to let cancer define her, she admits that she struggles with finding a balance between meeting her needs as a cancer patient and leading the life of a normal person. People rush past me on the subway to get a seat that I really need, but Im not going to [tell them to] get up because I need the seat, she says. I have to find the balance of being a normal person and expressing my needs as someone with metastatic breast cancer.



MaryAnne DiCanto

I lived with breast cancer most of my life, says MaryAnne DiCanto. DiCantos mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1963, and lived with it for 32 years (14 of which she was metastatic).



I was uber-vigilant and aware, says DiCanto. I had 16 years of mammograms that never showed anything. It wasnt until she was able to get a breast MRI (an assessment that was difficult for women to get at the time, according to DiCanto), that she discovered she had lobular breast cancer  a type of breast cancer that doesnt show up on mammograms or scans.



DiCanto has immersed herself in the breast cancer community, citing its support and compassion as one of the main reasons she gets up in the morning. The thought of losing my hair again still breaks my heart, she says. I look at myself in the mirror and I say, 'I dont look like me. Luckily, DiCanto lives in a community where theres a breast cancer coalition. We have a salon and once a month, I go there and get my hair done and facials. I think having that available to us is really part of my healing, she says. Having a partner or a support systemreally helps you feel like yourself again. I think when I feel myself, I feel prettier.



By: Mi-Anne Chan
Varanasi (India) (AFP) - A stampede at a religious gathering in northern India killed at least 24 people Saturday as thousands of devotees of a controversial guru tried to cross a bridge at once, police said.

The followers of Jai Gurudev, a leader of a local religious sect, had gathered on the outskirts of Varanasi, a Hindu holy town in Uttar Pradesh state, when the deadly stampede broke out.

"We can confirm that 24 people have died in the incident. Nineteen of the dead are women," Hari Ram Sharma, police inspector general, told reporters in the state capital Lucknow.

At least 20 others were injured in the crush and were undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

State police chief Javeed Ahmed blamed overcrowding on the old iron bridge for the disaster.

"They had sought permission for 5,000 persons but many more people reached and joined the procession," Ahmed told India's NDTV news network.

"They were crossing a bridge when some rumour-mongering happened which led to the disaster."

A spokesman of the religious sect said the stampede occurred after a rumour spread that the narrow bridge had collapsed, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported.

"The devotees were proceeding towards the camp (across the river) but police started sending them back. This led to rumours that the bridge has collapsed," Raj Bahadur told PTI.

TV footage showed piles of colourful clothing and slippers lying in a heap with policemen trying to clear the debris.

"There was a lot of chaos, all of us were pushed and shoved. Many people have died including my mother," a witness told reporters as ambulances sped by.

Devotees from nearby districts had gathered for the two-day religious congregation on the banks of river Ganges.

State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered a high-level enquiry into the tragedy while announcing monetary compensation for the victims, his spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said.

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Stampedes at India's religious festivals, where police and volunteer stewards are often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the crowds, are not uncommon.

In July last year, a stampede on the banks of a holy river killed 27 pilgrims in southern India.

Around 115 people were killed in October 2013 at a stampede near a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, site of another deadly stampede there seven years earlier.

Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012, is among several charismatic self-styled "godmen" who enjoy a cult-like following among thousands of followers.

Typically clad in white robes and turban, Gurudev fiercely espoused vegetarianism and claimed "to liberate the soul from the rotation of birth and death" on his website.

In June, a breakaway sect of his followers were involved in a riot in Mathura city which killed 24 people.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the loss of life in the latest incident.

"I have spoken to officials & asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede in Varanasi," Modi tweeted.
As The Chainsmokers continue to dominate the Billboard Hot 100 with their hit "Closer" featuring Halsey, there's a lot of action elsewhere on the charts, including Solange reigning over the Billboard 200, the return of Twenty One Pilots to the top of the Billboard Artist 100, and gnash's first Hot 100 top 10.

Here are 13 things you need to know about the Billboard charts this week.

1. Lady Gaga's "Million Reasons" opens on the Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks chart with a No. 3 debut. Click here to read the full article.

2. Solange crowns the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with her latest set A Seat at the Table. Click here to read the full article.

3. For the first time in nearly six years, Kings of Leon assume the throne of Billboard's Adult Alternative Songs airplay chart with Walls single "Waste a Moment." Click here to read the full article.

4. Kenny Chesney climbs 2-1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with "Setting the World on Fire," featuring pop star Pink. Click here to read the full article.

5. gnash's "I Hate U I Love You," featuring Olivia O'Brien, jumps 13-10 on the Hot 100, marking his first trip to the top 10. Click here to read the full article.

6. CL scores her first-ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist with "Lifted." Click here to read the full article.

7. Green Day's Revolution Radio tunes into the top spot on the U.K. Albums chart. Click here to read the full article.

8. Brooklyn rapper Young M.A. earns her first top 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, as "OOOUUU" hops 12-8 on the chart. Click here to read the full article.

9. Major Lazer and Showtek join forces on festival banger "Believer," which debuts at No. 19 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Click here to read the full article.

10. Twenty One Pilots are back atop the Billboard Artist 100 chart, crowning the ranking for the second time in three weeks as they rise 2-1, Click here to read the full article.

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11. Reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox score their first No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, as Motivan2 debuts atop the chart. Click here to read the full article.

12. Bon Iver blasts onto multiple Billboard charts at No. 1 with new album 22, A Million. Meanwhile, all 10 of the set's songs appear on the Hot Rock Songs chart. Click here to read the full article.

13. Utada Hikaru has made her official comeback to the music industry, debuting at No. 2 on World Albums on the chart with new album Fantome. Click here to read the full article.
Lome (AFP) - African leaders on Saturday signed a deal to boost security off the continent's economically crucial coasts, hoping to shore up development by tackling maritime crimes like piracy and smuggling.

Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso hailed the African Union agreement as "historic", while Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said it showed Africa's ability to put together a continent-wide strategy.

Sassou Nguesso said 43 nations had adopted the binding agreement -- which will see countries pay into a special fund for maritime security -- at a summit in Togo's capital Lome.

The deal is designed to improve information-sharing between African nations, a weakness that pirates and smugglers have benefited from in the past, slipping between territorial waters with little trouble.

The talks drew 18 heads of state -- an unusually high figure for an AU meeting of this kind, signalling the importance that governments have placed on the need to cut piracy and other crime in Africa's waters.

As he opened the summit, Chad's President Idriss Deby, the current AU chief, noted that some 90 percent of Africa's imports and exports are transported by sea, making maritime security key to the continent's economic future.

Of the AU's 54 member states, 38 have coastlines.

Deby said the charter would "allow the promotion of commerce and the exploitation of the huge potential of the maritime sector, as well as the creation of wealth and jobs in several industries".

It would also "mark a decisive new step in the push to preserve the maritime environment", he added.

The deal will create new national and regional institutions to improve security in African waters, while the signatories pledged a string of measures to protect the maritime environment and fight trafficking in drugs, arms and people.

But Timothy Walker, a maritime security researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said the deal would allow countries to withhold information from each other if they judge this to be in the interests of national security.

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"It's a big step but it can not be the final step. There is still a lot of work to do," Walker told AFP.

- Piracy in focus -

"African leaders have started to realise that the maritime domain is a source of economic opportunity for the future," Walker added.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey told AFP ahead of the summit that there was a clear need for African countries to work together to combat an upsurge in piracy in order to make full use of the continent's maritime resources.

Piracy, smuggling and other crimes at sea have cost the African maritime sector hundreds of billions of dollars in recent decades, according to the AU.

Large-scale illegal fishing also helps drive piracy as it depletes stocks, reducing the legitimate economic activities of coastal communities.

In West Africa alone, the AU estimates that illicit fishing causes losses of 170 billion CFA francs ($285 million, 260 million euros) every year.

World piracy has been on the decline since 2012 after international naval patrols were launched off East Africa in response to violent attacks by mostly Somali-based pirates.

But the focus of concern has shifted to the Gulf of Guinea, where a new class of pirates -- mostly offshoots of militant groups from the Niger Delta -- have become active.

At least 27 attempted or successful hijackings and kidnappings at sea have been recorded off west Africa since April, according to the International Maritime Organization, compared to just two off east Africa.

The 17 countries lining the Gulf of Guinea have poor maritime surveillance capacities and have been trying for several years to boost cooperation to clamp down on piracy.

The deal will need to be ratified by at least 15 countries before it comes into force, and Barthelemy Blede, an ISS maritime researcher in Ivory Coast, said it remained to be seen whether there was "real will" to make the deal a reality.

"It's a historic act, but it's one thing to adopt a text and sign it, and another thing to ratify it," he told AFP.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German carrier Air Berlin (AB1.DE) on Saturday said it had banned Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones from flights, while rival Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) said it had banned the phones on services to and from the United States and expected that soon the ban would apply to all other Lufthansa business.

The bans come in response to numerous reports of the devices catching fire.

A note on Air Berlin's customer website said that carrying the mobile phones was not allowed on its flights with immediate effect.

Earlier on Saturday, Singapore Airlines said it had banned the mobile phones and U.S. regulators said on Friday the devices would be banned starting from Saturday noon EDT under an emergency order.

A Lufthansa spokesman, in reply to a question, said the airline was banning the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on all U.S.-related flights for the time being with the wider ban expected soon.

(Reporting by Ralf Bode; Writing by Vera Eckert; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German carrier Air Berlin on Saturday said it had banned Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones from flights, while rival Lufthansa said it had banned the phones on services to and from the United States and expected that soon the ban would apply to all other Lufthansa business. The bans come in response to numerous reports of the devices catching fire. A note on Air Berlin's customer website said that carrying the mobile phones was not allowed on its flights with immediate effect. Earlier on Saturday, Singapore Airlines said it had banned the mobile phones and U.S. regulators said on Friday the devices would be banned starting from from Saturday noon EDT (1600 GMT) under an emergency order. A Lufthansa spokesman, in reply to a question, said the airline was banning the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on all U.S.-related flights for the time being with the wider ban expected soon. (Reporting by Ralf Bode; Writing by Vera Eckert; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
So far, around seven men have arrested on account of spreading false news in the cyber world.

By Pramod Madhav: Tamil Nadu Police and cyber crime branch are monitoring cyber world against those spreading rumours about Jayalalithaa.

So far, around seven men have arrested on account of spreading false news in the cyber world.

JAYALALITHAA IN HOSPITAL SINCE SEPTEMBER 22

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was admitted to hospital on September 22 and since then the people have been waiting to receive any update on her health.

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Hospital authorities began to release health bulletins about the Chief Minister after various rumors were spread on Jaya's health.

Also read:

Chennai: Troubled by Jayalalithaa's health, man sets himself on fire

Karunanidhi's wife visits Apollo Hospital to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health



Satish Kumar, an IT employee and Madasami were the first to be arrested for spreading rumours, though the first case to be filed was against a woman named 'Tamilachi' residing in France. Also, Thiruvaniselvam Selvam and Balasundaram were arrested on Thursday for spreading rumours and trying to create panic.

Recently two bank employees were also arrested by Coimbatore Police on the account of spreading false rumours based on a complaint by an AIADMK functionary.

But it seems the police have gone a bit too far this time as the duo, Ramesh and Suresh were only having a chat about the Chief Minister's health which was overheard by an AIADMK functionary, Punitha Devi.

Punitha, who became agitated hearing the conversation allegedly asked them to apologise for their comments but as they did not, she filed a complaint against them.

"POLICE ACTION ILLEGAL"

Bala Murugan, National Council Member of PUCL said that the action by the police was totally illegal and against the norms.

"People who were arrested earlier, did share on social media, certain things about CM's health. But this case is very specific, a private conversation between the two individuals have been viewed by police as spreading rumours and as a criminal offence. Our Constitution ensures that everyone has the freedom of expression", he said.

He also added that the government is not transparent about the health condition of the Chief Minister and hence public will indulge in such conversations.

PUCL submitted a memorandum with SP of Coimbatore stating that such acts of abusing the public should be investigated and avoided by the police.

Also read:

Allotment of portfolios to Panneerselvam on Jayalalihaa's advice a wonder: Karunanidhi



--- ENDS ---
Niamey (AFP) - An American NGO worker was kidnapped Friday night in the Niger town of Abalak, northeast of the capital Niamey, before being taken by his abductors to Mali, a security source told AFP.

"It is too early to determine the identity of the kidnappers, who have returned to Mali. The authorities have put the region on maximum alert", the source said, asking not to be named.

Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence that has rocked neighbouring states including Mali in recent years.

Northern Mali, which fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadi groups in 2012 before a French-led military intervention pushed them out, remains subject to attacks by jihadists.

"At least two people were killed during an exchange of gunfire" as the hostage was being taken, the source said, without revealing the identity of the victims.

"All roads to Mali are being monitored," the source added.

It is the first time that a US national has been kidnapped in Niger. A US State Department spokesperson told AFP said they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country. Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.

Earlier this month, 22 soldiers from Niger were killed during an attack by armed men who came from Mali to target a refugee camp in the Tahoua region, northeast of Niamey.

Three soldiers were also injured, according to Niger's army, which has been deployed along the country's longer border with Mali to prevent armed groups getting in.

Niamey is also calling for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Mali.

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Despite a peace accord and a 2013 international military intervention, large tracts of Mali are still not controlled by domestic or foreign troops and remain subject to attacks by jihadists.

"To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger", Niger's president Mahamadou Issoufou said during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast of the country from Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram.
Donald Trump

Another woman has come forward and accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct by alleging that the Republican nominee kissed her without her consent about 20 years ago.

On Saturday, The Guardian published an interview with Cathy Heller, a 63-year-old New York woman who alleged the incident took place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on Mother's Day, when she was eating brunch with her family. She believes the year was 1997.

Heller said Trump stopped at her table after greeting other diners.

"He took my hand, and grabbed me, and went for the lips," Heller told The Guardian.

She said she nearly lost her balance as she leaned away from him. Heller alleged Trump said, "Oh, come on," and kissed the side of her mouth as she turned her head.

"He was pissed. He couldn't believe a woman would pass up the opportunity," said Heller, adding that she believed Trump felt "entitled" to kiss her.

Heller is the latest of several women to come forward publicly in recent days with similar accusations of sexual misconduct against Trump. Their accounts followed the release of a 2005 tape in which Trump was recorded bragging about groping women and kissing them.

During his debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton two days after the recording was published, Trump called the recorded conversation "locker room talk" and denied that he had acted on his words.

"It's not 'just talk.'  It's action," Heller told The Guardian. "He can't claim we're all liars."

The Trump campaign issued a firm denial of Heller's accusations Saturday afternoon and said the media had "gone too far" in "making this false accusation" from a "politically motivated Democratic activist with a legal dispute against this same resort owned by Mr. Trump."

Heller said she has donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's campaign and met her once at a fundraiser. The family of Heller's husband has also been attempting for years to recover initiation fees to join Mar-a-Lago, The Guardian reported.

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"There is no way that something like this would have happened in a public place on Mother's Day at Mr. Trump's resort. It would have been the talk of Palm Beach for the past two decades," Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller said in a statement.

He added: "Anyone covering this story should be embarrassed for elevating this bogus claim."

NOW WATCH: This animated map shows how religion spread across the world





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Buenos Aires (AFP) - A court in Buenos Aires on Saturday ordered the Catholic Church to pay $50,000 to a former seminarian who alleged he was sexually abused some 25 years ago by an Argentine archbishop.

The breakthrough ruling is the first civil court judgment against the majority Roman Catholic church in Argentina, legal experts said.

The court issued the judgment of 756,000 pesos against the church in the case of a theology student in the province of Santa Fe, who claimed to have been victimized by late Archbishop Edgardo Storni.

Seminary student Ruben Descalzo filed a lawsuit claiming he was sexually assaulted by Storni in 1992.

A court in 2009 found Storni guilty of the sex assault charges against him and sentenced him to eight years in prison, but the sentence was overturned two years later by an appeals court.

The sentence was sent back to the lower court which was instructed to issue a new sentence against Storni, who died before the court could act.

Storni died in 2012, at the age of 75 without ever confessing to the crime he was accused of.

He gave up his position in 2002, and secluded himself at a property owned by the archdiocese.

Saturday's court ruling ordered the court to make payment of the fine within the next 10 days.

It was not immediately known whether the church planned to file an appeal.
Some Australian schools are adding male privilege to their curriculum

In a move that seems nearly impossible to accomplish in the United States, given its current political climate, one state in Australia has added a mandatory respectful relationship curriculum to its school system. All schools in Victoria must now teach students about social inequality, gender-based violence, sexual orientation, and yes, male privilege, hopefully jumpstarting a conversation that often happens to girls in private, and to boys never.

I exaggerate, but speaking from my own experience, I wouldve had a much easier go of puberty and then womanhood if Id enforced my own autonomy, but also if many of the men Id interacted with acknowledged it too. Just as college activists have reworked larger understandings of consent and justice, and activists years before defined marital rape for the first time, so much work is in just the naming of something. Introducing children to these notions, particularly when they reach the age where they begin to consciously divide between genders, is crucial.

At the same time, the legislation cannot be the only source of this kind of information for kids. This isnt a ding at its aims, though they also include lessons about anger management, and the dangers of pornography, but rather at the necessity for kids to have these conversations with other authority figures in their lives, namely their parents and other family members.

Interestingly, the first run of the program was criticized for painting all men broadly as bad, and all women broadly as victims. That kind of language isnt helpful, and beyond that, it ignores other intersections of marginalization, particularly race-based ones. But as far as introducing these ideas as things that kids not only should learn, but have to learn, is a tricky tightrope, but one that very few organizations still even dare to attempt. Were curious as to which, if any other, Australian states attempt the same program; and beyond that, where else in the world.

The post Some Australian schools are adding male privilege to their curriculum appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Up to 18 employees of Australian billionaire James Packer's Crown Resorts are believed to have been detained in China, reports said Saturday.

The gaming company said a group of staff were being questioned, with the Department of Foreign Affairs working to confirm whether Australians were involved.

The Australian Financial Review reported that at least 18 were being held, including three Australians who are part of the group's sales and marketing team in China. One was said to be a senior executive.

"Crown believes that a number of our employees in China are being questioned by local authorities," the company told the newspaper.

"At this time we can provide no further details."

The Australian government said it was aware of the issue and "consular officials are seeking to confirm these reports with the relevant Chinese authorities".

It is not clear whether any charges have been laid or why the employees are being questioned.

Crown operates casinos across the world, including in Macau, where revenues have been hit hard by a Chinese corruption crackdown which has driven away many high-rollers.

Graft has become endemic in China and President Xi Jinping launched a much-publicised drive against it after he came to power in 2012.

Packer, who is engaged to pop diva Mariah Carey, owns 53 percent of Crown Resorts but resigned as chairman in 2015.
Baghdad (AFP) - Attacks killed at least 46 people in Iraq on Saturday, including a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group that was the deadliest to hit Baghdad in months.

The violence comes as Iraqi forces prepare for an operation to retake Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country -- a key battle, but one that will not end the threat of attacks such as those carried out on Saturday.

In the deadliest attack, a suicide bomber targeted a funeral tent where mourners were gathered to pay their respects in the Shiite-majority Shaab area of north Baghdad, killing at least 34 people and wounding least 36, officials said.

IS issued an online statement claiming the attack, saying it was carried out by a man who detonated an explosive vest.

A witness said the bomber entered the funeral tent and blew himself up as lunch was being served.

"I saw with my eyes 20 martyrs on the ground," the witness said.

Blood stained the ground at the scene of the attack, which was littered with the remains of plastics chairs mourners had been seated on.

IS, a Sunni extremist group, considers Shiites to be heretics, and frequently carries out suicide bombings and other attacks against them in Baghdad and elsewhere in the country.

Saturday's bombing is the deadliest to hit the Iraqi capital since early July, when a suicide bombing in central Baghdad sparked infernos in a crowded shopping area, killing more than 300 people.

That attack led to a shakeup of senior Baghdad security officials and the announcement of other measures aimed at improving security in the capital, but the bombings have continued.

Also on Saturday, militants attacked two areas north of Baghdad, killing a further 12 people, according to police.

- Series of Baghdad blasts -

In Malha, an area east of the city of Tikrit, suicide bombers attacked a federal police position, killing eight and wounding 11, officers said.

And in the Ishaqi area, two militants shot dead the wife and three children of the commander of local tribal forces before fleeing and blowing themselves up when they were cornered by Iraqi forces.

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There was no immediate claim of responsibility for those two attacks, but Saturday's Baghdad bombing was just the latest in a series that IS has said it carried out against Shiites in the capital.

One IS-claimed bombing in Baghdad on October 9 killed at least five people, while two more earlier in the month left a total of at least 10 dead, and two others killed at least 17 people at the end of September.

The attacks come as Iraqi forces prepare for an offensive in northern Iraq to retake Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country, after regaining much of the territory the jihadists seized in 2014 and 2015.

The launch of the operation is expected to be announced soon, but it will mark only the start of a battle that is likely to be the most difficult and complex yet in the war against IS.

A coalition of heterogenous and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight their way through IS defences to reach the city, in some cases over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles).

Then they will likely seek to surround the city before launching an assault, marking the start of deadly street fighting with die-hard jihadists in a city with a large civilian population.

The battle may spark a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning that up to one million people may be displaced by the fighting as winter sets in.

Even the recapture of Mosul will not mark the end of the war against IS, which still holds other territory in Iraq and is likely to turn increasingly to insurgent tactics such as bombings and hit-and-run attacks as it loses more ground.
Milan (AFP) - Banco Popolare and BPM shareholders voted on Saturday to merge the two banks under an accord that will create Italy's third-largest lender and consolidate the country's troubled banking sector.

As expected, the "yes" vote won easily at Banco Popolare, with some 23,683 votes in favour of the tie-up to 118 against.

Over at the Banca Popolare di Milano (BPM), the ballot had been expected to be tighter after two associations of shareholder retirees called on those voting to reject a deal they said would create a giant institution with little clout.

But there too the "yes" vote won comfortably, with 7,315 shareholders supporting the merger while 2,731 voted against and 142 abstained.

The new entity "Banco BPM" will be third only to Italian banking giants Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit.

The merger will "strengthen the banking sector," Milan Polytechnic expert Marco Giorgino told AFP.

It brings much-needed breathing room to Italy's troubled lenders, which hold 360 billion euros of bad loans -- about a third of the eurozone's total -- and have been hit by the market turmoil sparked by Brexit.

The new bank will have 25,000 employees, some 2,400 branches, four million customers and be a leader in northern Italy, one of the richest areas in Europe, managing some 171 billion euros ($187.6 billion) in assets.

The unions, which had negotiated and won concessions on welfare and employee representation, supported the merger.

- 'Look to the future' -

BPM's chief executive Giuseppe Castagna had told those gathered for the ballot that the merger was "a leap with which we ask you to look to the future and not the past, to look at a banking system with lots of problems which BPM can help".

The bank had written to shareholders on Monday to urge them to turn out and cast their ballots at the extraordinary meeting on forging "Banco BPM".

The merger represents "the best option to lead together and avoid suffering later", Castagna had said in the letter.

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The deal has been on the books since March and got the green light from the European Central Bank, which required Banco Popolare to carry out a capital increase for 1.0 billion euros, which the bank duly did.

Banco Popolare's CEO Carlo Fratta Pasini told shareholders Saturday all the necessary conditions had been met "to overcome the regret over what is lost and left behind through a fusion which will be able to support our mission and identity".

The tie-up is the first following a landmark reform of cooperative banks passed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government in early 2015 in a bid to promote consolidation and efficiency.

The reform scrapped restrictions on ownership and voting rules giving shareholders one vote each regardless of their stake.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's supporters are offering all kinds of prayer to gods wishing her speedy recovery, but one man surpassed them all in his devotion for the AIADMK leader.

By Pramod Madhav: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has her own fan following and ever since she was admitted in Apollo hospital on 22nd September, her supporters have been offering prayer for her speedy recovery.

A man, said to be an AIADMK member, chose rather dangerous path to offer prayer for Jayalalithaa's health. He slept on a bed of thorns for 24 hours praying for his beloved leader.

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Conducting special poojas, lighting several lamps, carrying milk pots have become a routine in the state these days. But Irulandi, an AIADMK functionary from Madurai, did the special prayer to goddess Pechiyamman.

READ: Chennai: Troubled by Jayalalithaa's health, man sets himself on fire

GIVES HIMSELF AS OFFERING

Irulandi designed a thorn bed made up of five kinds of sharp, painful and poisonous thorns. He took a vow that he would lie on it in a meditative state for 24 hours as an offering to goddess Pechiyamman hoping that in return, she would bless Jayalalithaa with good health.

Devotees, visiting the temple of Pechiyamman, were amazed to see Irulandi lying on the bed of thorns. As he lay down on the thorns, devotees made a beeline visiting him with folded hands.

READ: Ammallo state of mind: Satirical video nails Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's health controversy



AIADMK Minister Sellur Raju also visited the temple and offered prayer. He distributed free food to the devotees hoping that his deeds would bring good omen for Jayalalithaa.



ALSO READ:

The Amma of all questions

Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's portfolios allocated to Panneerselvam





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Dhaka (AFP) - Bangladeshi and Chinese firms have signed $13.6 billion in trade and investment deals on the sidelines of President Xi Jinping's brief tour to the South Asian nation, a trade group official said Saturday.

The deals are in addition to $20 billion in loan agreements that the two governments signed on Friday, in a mark of Beijing's growing ties with Dhaka, which is a very close ally of regional power India.

"These trade and investment deals are between Chinese companies including some of their state firms and Bangladesh private sector. They are worth $13.6 billion,"Abdul Matlub Ahmad, head of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), told AFP.

Ahmad said the deals reflect Dhaka's improving security situation after Bangladesh launched a deadly crackdown on Islamist extremists following an attack on a posh restaurant in the capital in which suspected militants killed 22, mostly foreign hostages.

"The agreements send a positive signal to the rest of the world that Bangladesh is a safe haven as an investment destination. The Chinese investors are satisfied with the security situation here," he added.

The deals were signed after the FBCCI, Bangladesh's top trade and business lobbyist group, and the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) organised a two-day tete-e-tete between business officials of both nations on the sidelines of Xi's tour.

"We will invest in investment parks. There are many entrepreneurs in our delegation who want to invest in this country," CCPIT vice-chairman Chen Zhou said, according to local news portal bdnews24.com.

Chinese investors were considering investing in infrastructural development, leather, readymade garments, pharmaceuticals, automobile and other sectors.

Bangladesh has already agreed to set up an industrial park exclusively for Chinese investors near the strategic port of Chittagong hoping it will attract manufacturers seeking cheaper labour than they can find at home.

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As a mark of their deepening economic ties, the two nations on Friday also signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study on a China-Bangladesh free trade agreement.

Dhaka has been so far reluctant to sign a bilateral FTA with China and instead sought unilateral duty-free and quota-free access for its products in the Chinese market, the world's second largest economy.

Trade between the two nations is currently heavily skewed in China's favour with Bangladesh exporting goods worth only about $808 million last year while its imports from China stood at $9.64 billion.

Xi concluded his visit on Saturday, flying to India to attend a BRICS summit of leading emerging nations.

His visit was the first in more than three decades by a Chinese president to Bangladesh, which lies firmly within New Delhi's sphere of influence.

Xi hailed what he called a "historical turning point" in relations with Bangladesh after talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Impoverished Bangladesh needs tens of billions of dollars of investment in its transport infrastructure and energy production to boost its flagging economic fortunes and create jobs for its 160 million people.


Credit: Gary Gershoff/WireImage

Bella Hadid might be famous for her natural beauty and rocking the runway from New York and London to Paris and Milan, but what many people don't know is her daily battle against Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that, if not caught early, can lead to years of chronic exhaustion, bone pain, and even heart disease. Hadid and her mother Yolanda Foster have taken an active role in speaking out about Lyme disease prevention and cure, and on Thursday night, the 20-year-old was honored at the Global Lyme Alliance's second annual "United for a Lyme-Free World" gala for her dedication to bringing awareness to this chronic disease.



Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

"My mom got honored last year, so this year was really cool for me to be able to get honored," Hadid told InSyle. "I'm just excited to be able to talk and to hear other people talk, and it's a huge honor for me and ... I'm happy to be here." Foster added to Hadid's sentiments, saying, "I think the most important for Bella and her age group is to use her platform to bring awareness to this disease."

Hadid, who has her treatments every day, said it can be tough to keep going, but she powers through anyway: "I've been doing it for four years now, so it's kind of just my life, even though work is hard, I usually nap during ... and people around me know what I'm going through."

WATCH: 10 Times Bella Hadid Rocked the Runway

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In her acceptance speech, Hadid talked about her original diagnosis back in high school that put a pause on her entire life, forcing her to be homeschooled starting in 10th grade, and giving up on her horseback riding career, one that she "dreamt of having since I was a kid, before I could remember, what I did every single day until I got sick."

RELATED: Bella Hadid Stuns as Face of Mischa Collection's New Gold Line Campaign

"I'm so happy I can bring recognition to something that has affected our lives so much," she said. "I'd really like to dedicate this award to all the teenagers out there that have really gone through what I'm going through and have suffered from this disease ... I know where you're coming from, you're not alone." The supermodel concluded her speech with a special dedication to her mother, who also suffers from the disease: "I'm so grateful that have my amazing mom to force me to take my medications, get my IVs, and go to our never-ending doctors appointments," she said smiling at her mom in the audience. "And for always understanding me when I say I'm just not okay today ... I'm so lucky to have her."

We are wishing this rising model health and success in her growing career.
Bill Maher is not afraid to push the envelope.

On Friday night's episode of HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher, the comedian took on the recent wave of sexual assault allegations leveled against Donald Trump in the wake of last week's leaked Access Hollywood audio. In his opening monologue, he asked the audience, "To save time, who here has not been groped by Donald Trump?"

Maher, alluding to the prurient comments made by Trump in a leaked 2005 video with then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, went on to say, "Apparently, Donald Trump is a little handsy."

Trump's comments sparked a national reaction when the video was leaked last week, with many GOP figures condemning the candidate's comment and in some cases rescinding their endorsements. Trump, in Sunday night's debate against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, repeatedly referred to the comments as "locker room talk."

"There's a lot of things people don't like about Hillary Clinton, but when she rubs you the wrong way, it's just an expression," Maher quipped.

Read more: 'Law & Order: SVU' Pulls Donald Trump-Inspired Episode

"How dare you claim I do the things I do!" Maher joked, imitating Trump. "I'm not really a rapist, I just say that when I want people to like me."

Maher himself was sued in 2004 by former girlfriend and Playboy model Coco Johnsen, who alleged he made "insulting, humiliating and degrading racial comments" during their 17-month relationship. The lawsuit was dismissed in May 2005.

Maher went on to call out the Republican party, saying, "The GOP now stands for 'Grab Our Pussies.'"

Not all of his jokes went over so well, as Maher's jab at Republicans - "Your nominee for President has a pick-up line for underage girls" - was met with a spattering of murmurs from the audience. He had them laughing again, however, when he slipped back into his Trump impression, saying, "Ridiculous, I would never cheat on my daughter."

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Maher also addressed undecided voters during Friday's show, warning that movies always "foresee the future." The comedian pointed to Star Trek's prediction of flip phones; touchscreens in Minority Report; iPads in 2001: A Space Odyssey; black presidents on 24 and Deep Impact; 1976's Network predicting Fox News and reality television; and Forrest Gump, which came out "years before we elected George W. Bush."

"What scenario has Hollywood been envisioning lately?" the host asked. "Earth after an apocalypse." He went on to list a number of post-apocalyptic recent films, even "little Wall-E."

"If it's between letting these people decide things," Maher said while a picture of Trump supporters was shown onscreen, "or a cold, technocratic boss lady in a pantsuit, I'll take the lady in the pantsuit."

Watch video from Friday's Real Time below.
Warsaw (AFP) - The family of Poland's former president Lech Kaczynski, who died in a 2010 plane crash, has agreed to his exhumation as part of a new inquiry into the accident, his twin brother said Saturday.

"I have agreed with the prosecutor's decision on the exhumations. The remains of my brother... will be among the first, if not the first, exhumation," said Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who heads the ruling populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, in an interview with Onet news website.

The presidential plane went down in Smolensk in western Russia in April 2010, killing all 96 people on board, in an incident the PiS believes was nothing short of an assassination.

The party, which came to power a year ago, has denounced as "scandalous" an inquiry into the crash led by the previous liberal government -- headed at the time by Donald Tusk, who is now the EU president.

"The bodies, once they were brought back to Poland, were not examined. There was no autopsy," Kaczynski said of the victims, among them the military chief of staff, the head of the central bank and the president's wife.

The delegation was on its way to a ceremony in Russia's Katyn forest for thousands of Polish army officers killed by Soviet secret police in 1940, in a massacre the Kremlin denied until 1990.

Kaczynski has made no secret of the fact he believes the crash was the result of foul play but Polish and Russian investigators have never found any evidence to support the claim.

The PiS-led government launched its own investigation after rejecting the conclusions of the previous inquiry which blamed bad weather conditions and errors by the Polish pilots and Russian air traffic controllers.

The national prosecutor decided in June to exhume the bodies of the victims to determine what caused their deaths and the accident -- a move opposed by some family members of the victims.

The late president is buried alongside his wife Maria in the crypt of the Wawel royal palace in Krakow where the kings of Poland and Jozef Pulsudski, the father of Polish independence in 1918, are also interred.
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May will lead a delegation of small and medium-size businesses to India in November as part of efforts to bolster trade with countries outside the European Union as Britain prepares to leave the bloc. The Nov. 6-8 trip, May's first bilateral visit to a country outside Europe since she took office in July, will be in pursuit of her ambition of forging a new global role for Britain after it leaves the European Union, May's Downing Street office said in a statement. The European Commission is responsible for trade negotiations for the EU and some countries have said they will not negotiate a new deal for Britain until it has actually left the bloc. "As we embark on the trade mission to India we will send the message that the UK will be the most passionate, most consistent, and most convincing advocate for free trade," May was quoted as saying. She said past trade missions had focused on big business, but she wanted to adopt a new approach and would take small and medium companies from every region of the United Kingdom. Among them will be Geolang, a cyber security company based in Cardiff in Wales, Torftech, a biomass energy company based in southeast England, and Telensa, a company focused on high-tech wireless street lighting systems, based in Cambridge. May will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit, and the two heads of government will together inaugurate a tech summit in New Delhi. Liam Fox, Britain's secretary of state for international trade, will join the visit, during which a number of commercial deals are expected to be signed. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
By David Ljunggren and Nia Williams OTTAWA/CALGARY (Reuters) - Canadian energy companies and officials share intelligence, scour social media and send up surveillance drones but even so they say preventing a disruption to the country's vast pipeline network is near impossible and each side wants the other to do more. This week, five oil pipelines carrying Canadian crude were halted in the United States in an audacious act by protesters opposed to oil sands development and a proposed new pipeline in North Dakota. The coordinated attacks in isolated locations near the Canadian border sparked a flurry of exchanges among pipeline operators, police, Canada's national energy regulator and a U.S. counterpart to assess the impact. While they quickly consulted about the risk of the attacks spreading, the disruption focused attention on how Canada would deal with an assault on a huge network of pipelines crisscrossing a country with the world's third-largest proven oil reserves. "Pipelines are so long and so linear, they are like a border, you cannot oversee every part of them." said Patrick Keys, TransCanada vice president of Canadian Gas Pipelines Commercial West. Five years ago, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in leaked documents that it saw a greater risk to infrastructure from environmentalists than from religiously inspired groups, a claim that raised some eyebrows. Richard Fadden, who ran Canadas main spy agency until 2013 and was national security advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau until June, said that in a country the size of Canada, "lowering the threat to absolute zero is impossible." But he said there was scope for improvement, such as better use of technology and surveillance drones. "Those parts of the national infrastructure that attract controversy become more worrisome and clearly pipelines fall in this area. So we worry about it," said the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). "It's not a single pipeline that is going to endanger the national security. If it happens more than once, if there's a trend, that's a different kettle of fish." But while police and pipeline companies both want better security, they look to each other to step up. Energy companies already use surveillance cameras, helicopters, and remote sensors as well as drones to monitor some 119,000 km (74,000 miles) of pipelines across Canada, and have an agreement to collaborate during an emergency. The pipelines, most of which are underground, carry 3.4 million barrels of crude oil a day. But while pipeline companies and law enforcement authorities share intelligence about perceived threats, corporate security has little intelligence-gathering capabilities, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association President Chris Bloomer said. "They know who these opponents are, they can monitor the websites, but there is tons of traffic, it's hard to get to, and they are going to be operating in the dark corners," he said. That's where energy companies would like to get more help from the RCMP and CSIS, said Jeffrey Monaghan, a criminologist at Carleton University whose research focuses on security. He said the two sides work together and meet regularly, but there is friction between the two. "The pipeline companies are spending a lot of money on security and they have a very direct strategic economic interest in trying to get the RCMP to do more," said Monaghan. "The RCMP has been muting their (threat) language because they don't want to get trapped being private security guard." A federal police source said Thursday that "radical environmentalists aren't on our radar at the moment but they are a possible terror group". But collaboration on one side can seem like collusion from another, and greater cooperation is met with resistance from rights groups who argue the job of the police is to serve and protect Canadians, not provide security for energy companies. Last year, Canadas spy watchdog investigated complaints from civil liberty and community groups that CSIS and the RCMP were gathering intelligence on environmental activists and sharing it with energy companies. A TransCanada spokesman declined to discuss specific meetings or briefings but said they were in "fairly regular discussions" with law enforcement agencies about infrastructure security. "We make no bones about the fact this relationship does and needs to exist," said Mark Cooper. Pipeline companies, meanwhile, are bracing for the next round of clashes. Kinder Morgan said it is in "deep conversations" with the RCMP and will have specific guidelines for contractors slated to build a proposed expansion where it is expecting blockades and protests at the British Columbia site. "We are planning from both a safety and security standpoint," said Ian Anderson, president of the firm's Canadian operations. "I would be naive if I didnt expect (protests) ... It's when it goes beyond that we will have to be prepared." (Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr and Andrea Hopkins in Ottawa; Editing by James Dalgleish)
The Christie's auction house in New York will offer for sale one of Claude Monet's celebrated "haystack" paintings, valued at an estimated $45 million, which should reconfirm collectors' appetite for Impressionist art.

With wealthy Chinese collectors expressing keen interest in such works, the painting -- part of a series of haystack pictures painted by Monet during the winter of 1890-91 from his French home in Giverny -- will first be presented next week in Hong Kong. It will then be shown in London before returning to New York in early November.

This canvas, representing a simple cone-shaped haystack at dusk, is one of the rare works in this series to still be in private hands, Christie's said.

Most of the others are in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, or the Art Institute of Chicago. This painting, to be auctioned on November 16, was acquired in September 1891 by the Knoedler & Co. art gallery, which brought it to the United States.

In recent years, prices for works by Monet or other celebrated Impressionists have shot through the roof.

The record for a Monet was set in June 2008, when a work from his "Water Lilies" series -- "Le Bassin aux Nympheas" -- was sold by Christie's in London for 40.9 million pounds ($80.1 million).
.@YUSEFSALAAM on how #DonaldTrump supporters "came out of the darkness to show their ugly heads" #AMJoy https://t.co/AF1sVeGNG6  AM Joy w/Joy Reid (@amjoyshow) October 15, 2016

Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five  a group of teens who were wrongfully convicted of raping a young investment banker on a jog in the park and spent between six and 13 years in prison  said on Saturdays AMJoy that he is very fearful of the violent crowds at Donald Trump rallies who came out of the darkness.

These people came out of the darkness and are showing their ugly heads. Salaam told host Joy-Ann Reid.

He was also scared of this kind of anger emerging in a potential Trump presidency.

Also Read: Donald Trump Is Wildly Wrong About the Central Park Five, Even by Donald Trump Standards

When we look at him going around the country and we look in the crowds and we see the people who are there enamored by this man, Salaam said. We see the people who are there also protesting Donald Trumps candidacy, and we see the supporters responding to those individuals, punching them in the face, pushing them, some of them being women and elderly people.

So as I see that, and then I hear Donald Trump still continue to be on this platform, it overwhelmingly causes me to be very fearful, he continued.

Salaam was 16 years old in 1989 when he and four others were accused of the violent rape of Trisha Meili, which left her in a coma for 12 days. The five defendants  four African-American and one Latino  were convicted of multiple charges in two trials and spent years incarcerated. The convictions were vacated in 2002 when Matias Reyes confessed to the crime, and the five received $41 million from the city.

Also Read: Ken Burns: NYC Should Settle With Central Park Five Before Anniversary

At the time of the incident, a younger Donald Trump fanned the flames by purchasing newspaper ads calling for the five to receive the death penalty. And despite the overturned convictions, he hasnt changed his tune.

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They admitted they were guilty, Trump said in a statement to CNN earlier this month. The police doing the original investigation say they were guilty. The fact that that case was settled with so much evidence against them is outrageous. And the woman, so badly injured, will never be the same.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Donald Trump Is Wildly Wrong About the Central Park Five, Even by Donald Trump Standards

Ken Burns 'Thrilled' About Central Park Five Settlement

'The Central Park Five' Agree to $40 Million Settlement From New York City
On Din-e-ilahi, the last track of a new album by Swet Shop Boys, the Queens-born rapper Himanshu Suri (Heems) observes the hypocrisy in how the West tends to perceive South Asian culture:

They comin for the culture man, like they was on a mission

Ask me bout the Kama Sutra, different sex positions

Used to hate the clothes, they ask whered I get the stitchin

Used to call me curry now they cook it in their kitchen

The facility with which Heems collapses the anxieties of a global South Asian diaspora into just a couple of bars is emblematic of the mission of Swet Shop Boys, a bold bunch of hip-hop iconoclasts who use irreverent humor and sharp satire to make serious political points about desi identity in the post-9/11 West. On its debut record, Cashmere, the groupwhich consists of the American-born Heems, the English rapper and actor Riz Ahmed (Riz MC), and the London-based producer Redinhoreclaims racial stereotypes and throws them back at listeners, via a colorfully chaotic album that explores serious concerns with deceptively laid-back swagger.

Both Heems and Riz MC have a history of employing comedy in their music. Heemss former group, Das Racist, leapt to internet fame in 2008 with Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, a song about missed connections at a fast-food restaurant that led to the act being labeled as joke rapa descriptor that undermined its fusion of absurd humor and social commentary. Riz MC, perhaps better-known to American audiences for playing Naz in the hit HBO show The Night Of, attracted controversy in 2006 for a song he released titled Post 9/11 Blues. The track, an almost childish sing-along with flutes, and xylophones, featured the chorus Blair and Bush sitting in a tree / K-I-L-L-I-N-G, and was deemed so inflammatory it was banned on British radio. While seemingly frivolous, the song considered the very real rise in violence against Muslims in the immediate wake of the attacks in New York.

Cashmere arrives in another era of heightened Islamophobia both in the U.S. and in Britain, but its humor feels different. Theres an underlying urgency behind all the jokes, a sense that the stakes are higher than theyve ever been, but while the satire is grounded in the political moment, Swet Shop Boys also sound like theyre having fun. Heems and Rizs divergent cultural upbringingsHeems is a first-generation American born in New York to Hindu-Punjabi parents from India while Riz was raised by Pakistani immigrant parents in the suburbs of Londonafford them common ground on which both rappers are able to draw on the familiarity of shared experiences to tackle issues of racism and tokenization.

Recommended: Donald Trump Attacks His Sexual Assault Accusers, and Hillary Clinton, as Unattractive

Like airports. Or, specifically, the experience of going through international borders as young men of South Asian descent. On T5, the opening track on Cashmere, Swet Shop Boys tackle racial profiling with a nonchalance that feels both deliberate and poignant, while a shehnai, a wind instrument, sounds off in the background. Oh no were in trouble, the duo raps, TSA always wanna burst my bubble / Always get a random check when I rock the stubble. The tightly-wound, minimally-percussive No Fly List picks up where T5 leaves off, with Heemss refrain echoing an unfortunate paradox over a rumbling synth: Like Im so fly bitch / But Im on a no-fly list. On Shoes Off, Riz raps over an airy synth line and muffled kick drum about the irony of being detained and interrogated at a London airport days after winning an award at the Berlin Film Festival for portraying an accused jihadist in The Road to Guantanamo.

Swet Shop Boys proffer a vocabulary that has never really existed in rap music before.

On Cashmere, airports become transitional spaces where identity is threatened and people of color are constantly forced to justify their presence on Western soil. As first-gens, Riz and Heems have dwelt in these in-between spaces their whole lives. Their approach to dealing with the absurdity of racial profiling is to turn around and laugh at it; they understand how their humor acts not only as a means of protest but also as a way of providing comfort in a shared experience.

On many tracks the jokes are less heavy, although no less sharp, particularly when they skewer cultural appropriation. The largely white, Westernized Hare Krishna sect of Hindus is a particular focus: On the pounding party-anthem Zayn Malik, named for the sole Muslim member of the boy band One Direction, Riz paints an elaborate picture of forcing a ponytail onto the head of a skinhead to turn him into a devotee, while Heems describes feeling more out of place in a crowd than a brown guy would at a Hare Krishna temple. Later, he calls out the double standard in popular cultures commercial attraction to the aesthetics of the Indian lifestyle, but not to its people or history, calling it Hinduism in the bottle / Marketed and sold like fairness cream by the model.

Recommended: What Will Happen to the Trump Die-Hards?

The language and references on Cashmere proffer a common dialect that will particularly resonate with Indians, Pakistanis, and those caught in the dualities. Even the name of the album is a sneaky pun on Kashmir, the hotly contested political region in the subcontinent that India and Pakistan have fought over since 1947. The groups name, too, is a nod to the British pop duo the Pet Shop Boys, the commercial exploitation of cheap labor in the subcontinent, and maybe even Indian dessert stores, often referred to as sweet shops. By cracking inside jokes about the expectation to be doctors, using Urdu and Hindi slang, or making references to Afghani beef and sloppy saag, to Mowgli and Bagheera, to Mughal emperors and cult Bollywood tunes, Heems and Riz take instantly recognizable pop-cultural cornerstones for South Asians and turn them into motifs for the everyday discrimination that brown people face. Its a vocabulary that has never really existed in rap music before.

On the ominous Half Moghul Half Mowgli, Riz acknowledges this. He mentions that growing up, his only heroes were black rappers, so to him, Tupac is a true Paki. On Cashmere, Swet Shop Boys are taking up, albeit a little facetiously, the mantle of sub-continental icons who are marking a way forward for inclusive rap. The jokes on the album may feel tailored to a desi audience, but in packing so much thats familiar, painful, and unspoken into the space of 35 minutes, they make the record more generally human. Cashmere feels like a homecoming for the Swet Shop Boys, who seem to have finally found an unlikely place perfectly equidistant from India, Pakistan, New York, and London: hip-hop.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
As the Chicago Cubs and L.A. Dodgers match up in the NLCS, Cubs tickets have soared to over $1,400 for a seventh game (if the series makes it that far, of course). The average price for all seven games is $417.59

Here's an analysis of tickets for all seven games from ticketiQ:

NLCS overall avg: $417.59

Home games at Wrigley Field (1, 2, 6, 7): $812.08

Home games at Dodger Stadium (3-5): $344.23

Game 1: $569 average/$172 get-in

Game 2: $553/$214

Game 3: $308/$99

Game 4: $320/$93

Game 5: $418/$102

Game 6: $1,244/$399

Game 7: $1,435/$490

An their more in-depth analysis:

Its official  the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 NLCS. In a monumental Game 5 in the nations capital, Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers were able to stave off Daniel Murphy and the Washington Nationals, and theyll now battle the Cubs for rights to the 2016 World Series.

ALSO READ: The Next 14 States to Legalize Marijuana

Fans may best serve their wallets attending games in Los Angeles, however, as the average resale price for Cubs vs. Dodgers NLCS tickets is more than double in Chicago than in Los Angeles.

On TicketIQ, Cubs NLCS tickets now average $812.08 across all four potential games at Wrigley Field. While that is a notable dip from the teams record-setting LCS average just two days ago, it is still substantially more expensive than what the Dodgers are seeing across their three possible NLCS games at Dodger Stadium.

With Games 3-5 set in Chavez Ravine, the average resale price for Dodgers NLCS tickets is currently $344.23. That makes the Cubs average price 136 percent higher than the Dodgers. Over the seven-game series, the average price for 2016 NLCS tickets is $417.59.

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Former Bihar chief minister Jitaram Manjhi's grandson was yesterday arrested in possession of liquor in his car. Manjhi today said that the case was false and this was a controversy against him and his family.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has alleged conspiracy after his grandson Vicky Manjhi was arrested on Friday following several bottles of liquor being recovered from his vehicle. Vicky who was returning to his house in Gaya from Chatra in Jharkhand was intercepted by the Gaya police and arrested along with his friend who was also travelling in the vehicle.

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Manjhi today alleged his grandson's arrest was a well planned conspiracy by the police. He said that on Friday morning he had slammed the Gaya administration for not taking any action against the sand mafia operating in the district, and within two hours his grandson was arrested on charges of possessing liquor.

"The police action was vindictive in nature. The district administration is hands-in-gloves with the sand mafia and I had raised this issue on Friday and the police within two hours arrested my grandson," said Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Manjhi further said that he would, however, not interfere with the legal action now being taken against his grandson and asserted that law will take its course. He said that his family was being targeted as they belonged to scheduled caste. However, Manjhi also said that had if his grandson bribed the police officials with Rs 1-2 lakhs, he would have escaped.

"It's a fact that rich people who have money are escaping the police net if caught in the liquor case but my grandson is poor and can't afford to pay Rs 1-2 lacs as bribe," said the former Bihar CM.

Manjhi also expressed apprehensions that he too could be framed after the new liquor law was enforced in the state because he was raising his voice against the government.

"It is possible that someone might plant a liquor bottle in my house and get me arrested," said Manjhi.

--- ENDS ---
By Maurice Tamman NEW YORK (Reuters) - After a brutal week for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Democrat Hillary Clinton maintained a substantial projected advantage in the race to win the Electoral College and claim the U.S. presidency, according to the latest results from the Reuters/Ipsos States of the Nation project released on Saturday. If the election were held this week, the project estimates that Clinton's odds of securing the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency at more than 95 percent, and by a margin of 118 Electoral College votes. It is the second week in a row that the project has estimated her odds so high. The results mirror other Electoral College projections, some of which estimate Clinton's chance of winning at around 90 percent. For the Trump campaign there are a handful of states the Republican candidate must win if he is to cobble together enough states to win the White House. Among them is Florida, but numerous recent visits to the Sunshine State by Trump and his vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence did little to dent Clintons advantage in the contest for the states 29 Electoral College votes. She leads by 6 percentage points, about the same lead she enjoyed last week. Still, the race tightened in Ohio, another important state for Trump. Both Ohio and Nevada were leaning toward Clinton last week but are now toss-ups. However, Clintons support grew in North Carolina and Colorado, both of which moved from toss-ups to leaning Clinton. In the last week, the Trump campaign struggled to respond to allegations from several women that Trump had groped them or made unwanted sexual advances over several decades. Trump said the reports were lies and part of a media conspiracy to defeat him. All of the allegations came after The Washington Post disclosed a video from 2005 of Trump describing how he tried to seduce a married woman and bragged in vulgar terms how his celebrity allowed him to kiss and grope women without permission. The accusations overshadowed what might otherwise have been a difficult week for Clinton. Her campaign managers email account was apparently hacked and thousands of his emails were released by Wikileaks. U.S. officials say the Russian government sanctioned the electronic break-in. The emails have been trickling out for two weeks. Included in the hacked emails were undisputed comments that Clinton made to banks and big business in a 2014 speech. In those comments, Clinton said she supports open trade and open borders, and takes a conciliatory approach to Wall Street, both positions she later backed away from. Since that release, waves of other emails have been released, among which were some that suggested Clinton had inappropriately received questions in advance of a debate with Bernie Sanders during the Democratic primaries. Without Trumps own woes, the Clinton emails may well have become the central issue in the campaign. Yet with just over three weeks to go until the Nov. 8 election, Trump does not have much time to turn the race around. According to the project, Trump trails by double-digits among women and all minority groups. Among black voters he trails by nearly 70 points. To a large extent his support is almost entirely dependent on white voters. And while Trump's support among white men is strong, among white women his lead is negligible. (Reporting by Maurice Tamman; Editing by Reg Chua and Leslie Adler)
Portsmouth (United States) (AFP) - Donald Trump has challenged his rival Hillary Clinton to a drug test before their next debate, suggesting the Democrat was "pumped up" on performance-enhancing drugs in a stunning new twist to the brutal White House race.

The unsubstantiated attack from the Republican nominee came as a new poll out Sunday shows Clinton with a four-point lead over her Republican rival, suggesting that Trump still holds a solid core of voters despite a week of snowballing claims of sexual misconduct that have thrown his presidential campaign into chaos.

Trump has trampled all conventions in his treatment of his opponent, vowing if elected to jail her over her email practices as secretary of state -- and making "Lock Her Up" a rallying cry for his fired-up supporters.

His campaign has actively fueled right-wing conspiracy theories about Clinton's health, seizing on her bout of pneumonia last month to suggest she is concealing a major health problem, and is unfit for office.

In the latest attack, leveled without proof, Trump suggested she had taken drugs during their last debate, and called for testing ahead of their final duel Wednesday in Las Vegas.

"At the beginning of her last debate, she was all pumped up at the beginning. At the end, it was like, 'Take me down,' she could barely reach her car," the 70-year-old told a rally Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"Athletes, they make them take a drug test. I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate. Why don't we do that?" Trump said.

- 'Steal the election' -

The Manhattan billionaire has spent the week claiming the media and a "global elite" are working against him.

"The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president," he charged in New Hampshire.

Ten women have now come forward to say they were the victim of unwanted advances by the real estate mogul.

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Trump's latest accuser, 63-year-old Cathy Heller, told The Guardian that he had grabbed and kissed her against her wishes during their first and only meeting 20 years ago.

Trump denies the allegations, insisting in one of a barrage of tweets to his 12 million followers: "Nothing ever happened with any of these women. Totally made up nonsense to steal the election. Nobody has more respect for women than me!"

The controversy apparently has had little effect on Trump's support: an ABC News/Washington Post poll out Sunday shows Clinton leading Trump 47-43 percent among likely voters -- a small change from 46-44 in a survey taken ahead of the first presidential debate.

The poll was taken after the October 7 release of audio from 2005 in which Trump bragged that he could get away with grabbing women's crotches because he's famous.

However enthusiasm for Trump among his supporters has decreased, while the percentage of Clinton supporters who said they could change their minds has dropped, the poll said.

One diehard Trump supporter, Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, is donating $1.25 million to help elect the Republican candidate, the New York Times reported, citing a person close to the investor.

- Clinton appears confident -

A confident Clinton has scaled back her campaign commitments, keeping a low profile as her rival battles the incendiary allegations, triggered by the release last week of a video of him bragging about groping women.

But the Clinton camp issued a swift response to Trump's latest comments on the election, accusing him of seeking to erode public faith in the vote.

"This election will have record turnout, because voters see through Donald Trump's shameful attempts to undermine an election weeks before it happens," her campaign manager Robby Mook said in a statement.

The nation's top elected Republican, House speaker Paul Ryan, who last week declared that he would no longer "defend" the party's nominee, rebuked Trump over his comments questioning the validity of the election process.

"Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," said a statement issued late Saturday by Ryan's spokeswoman AshLee Strong.

The virulence of Trump's attacks on the Clinton camp has raised concerns about whether the real estate mogul would even acknowledge a defeat, and how his legions of supporters would react should he lose.

President Barack Obama -- who along with First Lady Michelle Obama stepped up this week as a heavy-hitting surrogate for Clinton -- echoed those concerns at a rally Friday, warning democracy itself was at stake in next month's vote.

"In a democracy, you have a contest, but if you lose then you say congratulations and you move on," said the US leader, whose second term ends January 20.
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As if 2016 wasnt enough of a whacked-out year already, we now also have a creepy clown epidemic to deal with as well. Over the past several months, reports have been growing of clowns appearing in the woods or outside of schools, scaring the beejeezus out of anyone that encounters them. This isnt even a US specific problem. The situation was scaring kids in Cumbria, England so badly that the town deployed Batman to fight back.

Were not sure if there have been many clown sightings in Ireland, but if there are clowns roaming the street theyll want to steer clear of UFC fighter Conor McGregor.

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Yeah Ive seen the people dressing up as clowns, he said when asked about the epidemic. Id slap the heads off em. You see someone jumping out and screaming in your face wearing a clown mask? Id slap the head off em, pull the clown mask off and stick it up his arse. What the f**k even is that? I dont know what the f**k that is.

McGregors just as confused about the new trend as everyone else, and all the fake stories and rumors about the clowns maybe being violent doesnt help.

Have people been killed? he asked. I havent heard people have been killed, you hear maybe theres stabbings or something, but its f**ked up. Just dont come near me in a clown suit. In fact, just dont come near me period. Come near me, Ill slap the head off you anyways. If youre in a clown suit Ill slap the head off you, more so.
More than 170 countries agreed early Saturday morning to limit emissions of key climate change-causing pollutants found in air conditioners, a significant step in the international effort to keep global warming from reaching catastrophic levels.

The deal reached in Kigali, Rwanda, comes after years of wrangling over HFCsshort for hydrofluorocarbonsand could on its own prevent a 0.5C (0.9F) rise in temperature by 2100. Scientists say such an achievement could be crucial to the goal laid out in last years Paris Agreement of holding global temperature rise below 2C (3.6F) by 2100.

Total global HFC emissionsmost commonly from air conditioners and refrigeratorsare far less significant contributors to climate change than the aggregate emission of other greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. But HFCs are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide on a pound-per-pound basis, making them an obvious target for international efforts to combat climate change.

Adopting an ambitious amendment to phase down the use and production of hydrofluorocarbonsor HFCsis likely the single most important step that we could take at this moment to limit the warming of our planet, Secretary of State John Kerry said in Kigali, in remarks before the passage of the agreement.

Read More: Why Climate Negotiators Have Turned Their Attention to Your Air Conditioner

This weeks accord formally comes an amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an agreement crafted in 1989 to protect the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol required countries to phase out chlorofluorocarbonor CFCfrom use in refrigerators, air conditioners and other uses because it depleted the ozone layer. Most manufacturers replaced CFC with HFCsleading to a different, if related problem.

Now, countries party to the agreement will have to follow one of three timetables to peak and then reduce their use of HFCs. Developed countries will need to freeze their HFC production and use in 2019 with immediate reductions to follow immediately after that. Some developing countries, including China, Brazil and more than 100 more, agreed to peak their HFC use in 2024. And other developing countries agreed to freeze use in 2028. That last group includes many countries like India, Pakistan and the Gulf States, where expanded access to air conditioning could save lives due to sweltering heat.

Story continues

Read More: Middle East Sets New Temperature Record, and Its Blistering

The deal in Kigali builds on momentum from other international efforts this past year aimed at addressing climate change. The Paris Agreementthe most significant accord on the issuewill take effect next month after an intense ratification process that lasted less than a year after negotiations concluded, an unprecedented speed in the often slow-moving world of climate diplomacy. In November, climate negotiators will meet again in Morocco to discuss how to build on the Paris Agreement and ensure its effective implementation.

Countries also agreed last month to a landmark measure, known as the ICAO Agreement, to cap emissions from international air transport. Greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry currently total about as much as those of Germany, not a small amount, and experts say that sum will grow as the world becomes even more mobile.

Over the last year the global march to tackle climate change has been unwavering, Andrew Light, a fellow at the World Resources Institute and a former State Department climate official, said in a statement. The Paris Agreement, the ICAO Agreement and the Montreal Protocol amendment are three pillars that underpin a global transformation to a far safer and more prosperous planet.

Still many experts say that international efforts have moved too slowly as research continues to highlight the scale and effects of global warming. Scientists say 2016 will top last year as the hottest year on record and, during some months, temperature rise already seemed to veer close to the 2C benchmark.
NBC

There is no doubt that Ron Swanson loved America. The Parks and Recreation favorite may have made his distaste for the current political system and government structure abundantly clear, but no one would ever accuse him of not being patriotic. The man bled red, white, and blue.

NBC

Parks and Rec may be over, but it remains forever in our hearts, so much so that fans have been hitting up Swanson himself, Nick Offerman, a lot online asking him how his character would lean. In an incredibly game move, Offerman decided to address the issue head on and say that Swanson would probably vote for Hillary, but he wouldnt be thrilled about it. Basically, his assessment of the current election would be similar to many others:

NBC

I am frequently asked how Ron Swanson would weigh in on this election. I was able to contact a source close to Ron and here is the result: pic.twitter.com/2A0JWEgpgu  Nick Offerman (@Nick_Offerman) October 14, 2016

Ron wouldnt think much of Trump. First of all, hed be very sad that a businessman entered politics. Huge step backwards. He made it in the private sector and he blew it! Doesnt speak well of his decision making. Second, he went bankrupt 4-6 times, depending on who you believe. Ron does not like businessmen getting bailed out by taxpayers. Third, Trump disrespects women. Ron likes women. Because they are human beings and deserve to be treated with basic dignity. Fourth, his boys are fatuous suck-ups with slick hair. Ron would not like Hillary either. She is a career politician. Ron has no love of career politicians. But he would certainly vote Hillary over Trump, if he had to choose between the two. Or he would write in Merle Haggard or Willie Nelson.

Swanson was canonically libertarian, but Offerman declined to comment on libertarian nominee Gary Johnson. Probably for the best.

Story continues

UPDATE: Definitely not an oversight.

I am given to understand that Gary Johnson's exclusion was not an oversight. https://t.co/foKocVINhq  Nick Offerman (@Nick_Offerman) October 14, 2016

(H/T Entertainment Weekly)
How to deal with pop culture beauty standards when youre a black Muslim girl

I actually grew up thinking that blonde hair was the best, since tried and true Barbie-brainwashing convinced me to believe that my plastic doll was the ideal beauty standard. Hair dye commercials were another method for teaching these things. Each company shot them in the same way; there was always a Destinys Child trio-type situation: the blonde was Beyonce, the brunette was Kelly, and the redhead was Michelle. In these same commercials, if you squinted hard enough you might find a black woman (who had light skin, of course).

While things have started to change, darker skin has always been on the bottom of the beauty totem pole. Looking like a Victorias Secret model, with tanned white skin, a size zero waist, and C cup boobs was (and still is) the dream.

In elementary school, I remember looking into the mirror and coming to the bleak realization that I was ugly. I ran to tell my mom right away. Poor woman! She was shocked and told me that it was the devil talking to me. As a child, her words made sense to me. As an adult, I now know that anxiety = devil.

Black muslim women have little visibility and they deserve more. #BlackOutDay pic.twitter.com/JGHMiAqTtd  Hijabi Queens (@HijabiQueens_) June 21, 2015

Living in this world and growing up as a dark-skinned hijab-wearing Muslim girl with buck teeth (shout out to my orthodontist) and a flat chest was rough.

How rough? Pretty f**king rough. Growing up, I was always given implicit clues as to where I stood on the proverbial beauty scale. But throughout my childhood, I felt no qualms about wearing a hijab. It was other people making fun of me that made me feel self-conscious.

Ill never forget Philip, who in the 5th grade, told me I was wearing a curtain on my head (after I made fun of his weight). Or Stephen, who said it looked like I was wearing a tablecloth (he was just an asshole). These encounters prepared adult me for the Stephens of the world (shout out to Donald Trump) as well as the Philips (shout out to your Uncle Rudy who has a few too many beers at Thanksgiving and starts talking about Obamas birth certificate.)

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Wonder if Obama will ever say RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORIST?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2015

Wearing a hijab is synonymous with being ugly, oppressed, and not having a sexuality.

It wasnt until high school that a kid named Jake really drove this home for me. I should mention that the high school I went to was stuck in a bubble of white privilege. It was called Richview, so the joke writes itself. The students came from parents with more money than mine. Canadian Prime Ministers (unfortunately, not Justin Trudeau) have been educated there. Ugg boots and overpriced yoga pants were the schools unofficial uniform. If you didnt have a pumpkin spice latte and a Starbucks gold card, you werent sh*t.

So, back to Jake. We were in Mr. Nunezs history class and he was late as always. Some girls were looking through a copy of People magazine with noted Armenian genocide awareness activist Kim Kardashian on the cover. (As a side note, I graduated high school in 2009  and whether you like Kim K or not, the fact that she has been around for almost a decade is an accomplishment worth noting.)

Jake was holding the magazine, and without missing a beat said, She looks pretty for a Muslim girl. I was horrified. All I could do was correct him by saying, Shes not even Muslim! His face dropped once he grasped the magnitude of what he had said, but Mr. Nunez walked by before he could ~white guy~ apologize. (Sorry if you were offended!)

A photo posted by Amarah Fashion (@amarah_fashion) on May 4, 2015 at 6:02am PDT

Two things about what Jake said really stand out.

First, his words were the perfect example of hijabi women being stripped of our sexuality and beauty.

I mean, we still got em, but people assume these are foreign concepts to us. Jake had been socialized to believe in a cookie cutter mold of what it means to be pretty  and my people just didnt make the cut.

Secondly, Jake associated Kims brown skin with Islam.

While there are many brown skinned Muslims, there are also many brown skinned Christians. In fact, there are more Muslims in Indonesia than the entire Middle East. In the global Muslim population, Arabs are a minority. Take that little gem with you to your next dinner party and impress your overly-eager white friends!

A photo posted by BlackHijaby . (@mathiamuslima) on Oct 13, 2016 at 2:30pm PDT

The images fed to me by pop culture made me feel like the only way I could be beautiful was if other men validated my physical appearance.

In high school, most of my friends were only with their boyfriends so they could receive a seal of approval from the opposite sex. I stayed single because I was taking a stand for female empowerment  also, thanks to these beauty standards, I was as unlikable as five beers deep Uncle Rudy.

Thankfully, I have reached a point where I have outgrown that. Ill admit it took years of finding and surrounding myself with the right group of friends to get there but I got there.

Iqra is a writer/comedian. Shes also known for filling awkward silences with ridiculous banter and can be seen vying for the approval of strangers on Twitter at @sheiscleverbro.

The post How to deal with pop culture beauty standards when youre a black Muslim girl appeared first on HelloGiggles.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank is studying a possible change of its strategy in the United States, where it is fighting a $14 billion fine the Department of Justice (DoJ) is requiring over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds before the financial crisis, two sources close to the company said on Saturday. They said that while abandoning the United States, its most important market, altogether was very likely out of the question for the bank, it could consider scaling down its activities, so as to focus more on the needs of German corporate clients overseas. German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in an abstract of a story due to be published on Sunday said earlier that a change of business strategy might be part of a settlement with the DoJ, in addition to paying the fine, possibly by giving up its investment banking in the United States, but the two sources did not confirm this connection. A Deutsche Bank spokeswoman declined to comment on the report. The bank has been engulfed in crisis since news of the DoJ fine demand emerged last month. It is fighting the fine but could have to turn to investors for more money if it is imposed in full. Progress is also slow on steps to cut staff, overheads and the sell off of non-core businesses that chief executive John Cryan announced when he took on his job last year. A source with direct knowledge of matters said on Friday that the bank's CFO last month told staff representative that job cuts could be double those planned, in a step possibly removing a further 10,000 employees. A second source familiar with the discussions said on Friday the management was examining the countries where it is present so as to decide where it was worth staying. Generally, the bank is looking hard where to generate future profits and whether to curb trading activities in its investment banking division. Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Saturday said the supervisory board had been discussing how to proceed in the United States, including a complete withdrawal, although given that market's importance, this might be too radical a move. A partial exodus from the U.S. could, on the other hand help save capital costs and expenditure, the newspaper said. (Reporting by Kathrin Jones and Alexander Huebner, writing by Vera Eckert, editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Kanhaiya Kumar expressed his concern at BJP's surge across the country in recent years and suggested that if India becama a one-party nation, it will drag the nation to fascism.

By Manjeet Sehgal: Former JNU Student Union leader Kanhaiya Kumar who was one of the speakers at the Kasauli LitFest on Saturday attacked BJP and accused the party of engaging in politics of sacrifice. He also accused the saffron party of misusing the army for political gains.

Kanhaiya, who is no stranger to controversy, said the Ramayana and Mahabharta were both anti-dalit and anti-women. He also expressed his concern at BJP's surge across the country in recent years and suggested that if India became a one-party nation, it will drag the nation to fascism.

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Kanhaiya also spoke extensively on beef consumption and said that eating beef was a cultural practise and the religion has nothing to do with it. He said the state had no right to interfere in what people eat as the constitution gives them the freedom live as they please.

Kanhaiya also spoke on the increasing chorus of demands to ban Pakistani film artists from entering the country and said it was a consequence of the rising wave of nationalism. He was also very critical of the decision to not allow Nawazuddin Siddiqui to act in Ramleela.

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Mind Rocks 2016: Kanhaiya Kumar Modi-ed out at Youth Summit

Surgical strikes should not be publicised: Kanhaiya

--- ENDS ---
London (AFP) - Leonardo DiCaprio has issued an impassioned call for immediate action on climate change in "Before the Flood", a documentary film making its European premiere in London on Saturday.

The Hollywood megastar, who won this year's best actor Oscar for his role in "The Revenant", takes viewers around the world to meet experts and politicians in order to reveal the scale of the problem, its effects and the paths towards solutions.

As the inter-governmental Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rises comes into force on November 4, the US actor calls on individuals to examine their own habits and use their vote wisely to tackle the issue.

"I didn't want the film to scare people, or present them with statistics and facts that they already know, but to focus on what can and must be done immediately so that we can leave our planet a livable home for future generations," the 41-year-old said.

"We are quickly running out of time," said DiCaprio, who also co-produced the film.

From the remote Canadian landscapes where he shot "The Revenant", to the suburbs of Beijing, Greenland, Indonesia's Sumatra and the Pacific atolls of Kiribati, DiCaprio whizzes round the planet to see the extent of the damage.

DiCaprio shows viewers the effects of pollution in China and examines the sea levels which threaten tiny island communities and the longer-term effects of deforestation.

- 'Take action now' -

DiCaprio, who has been named a United Nations "messenger of peace" on climate change, attacks giant corporations and politicians -- especially Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- for their stance on climate change.

He targets those he says orchestrate campaigns of media disinformation and lobby hard to block reforms that would better look after the environment.

From former US president Bill Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Pope Francis, DiCaprio interviews powerful leaders on the chances of avoiding climate disaster.

Story continues

US President Barack Obama voices cautious optimism, calling action against climate change "a national security issue".

"It's why we have to take action now. There is no reason we don't solve the problem on time."

When it comes to solutions, DiCaprio's message is clear: "it's up to all of us".

He urges people to stop consuming palm oil-based products, replace some of our reliance on beef and chicken with vegetables and "vote to tell that we know the truth about climate change".

On the political front, he defends the need for a carbon tax, hails the development of solar and wind power, and enthuses about the megafactory of South African visionary Elon Musk, producing electric car batteries.

The documentary comes out in Britain and the United States on Friday before being screened on the National Geographic television channel on October 30.
London (AFP) - Leonardo DiCaprio has issued an impassioned call for immediate action on climate change in "Before the Flood", a documentary film making its European premiere in London on Saturday.

The Hollywood megastar, who won this year's best actor Oscar for his role in "The Revenant", takes viewers around the world to meet experts and politicians in order to reveal the scale of the problem, its effects and the paths towards solutions.

As the inter-governmental Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rises comes into force on November 4, the US actor calls on individuals to examine their own habits and use their vote wisely to tackle the issue.

"I didn't want the film to scare people, or present them with statistics and facts that they already know, but to focus on what can and must be done immediately so that we can leave our planet a livable home for future generations," the 41-year-old said.

"We are quickly running out of time," said DiCaprio, who also co-produced the film.

From the remote Canadian landscapes where he shot "The Revenant", to the suburbs of Beijing, Greenland, Indonesia's Sumatra and the Pacific atolls of Kiribati, DiCaprio whizzes round the planet to see the extent of the damage.

DiCaprio shows viewers the effects of pollution in China and examines the sea levels which threaten tiny island communities and the longer-term effects of deforestation.

The actor, who has been named a United Nations "messenger of peace" on climate change, attacks giant corporations and politicians -- especially Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump -- for their stance on climate change.

He targets those he says orchestrate campaigns of media disinformation and lobby hard to block reforms that would better look after the environment.

- 'It's up to all of us' -

"Everything in the film is fact," said Fisher Stevens, director of "Before the Flood".

Story continues

"The world should know that these politicians' campaigns are being heavily financed by the fossil fuel industry so it's in their best interest to tell people climate change doesn't exist," he told AFP.

"In my country we have a guy running for presidency, he doesn't believe in climate change. In France, Nicolas Sarkozy came out the other day saying he doesn't believe in climate change. These people should not be able to hold a position of power," Stevens added.

From former US president Bill Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Pope Francis, DiCaprio interviews powerful leaders on the chances of avoiding climate disaster.

US President Barack Obama voices cautious optimism, calling action against climate change "a national security issue".

"It's why we have to take action now. There is no reason we don't solve the problem on time."

When it comes to solutions, DiCaprio's message is clear: "it's up to all of us".

He urges people to stop consuming palm oil-based products, replace some of our reliance on beef and chicken with vegetables and "vote to tell that we know the truth about climate change".

On the political front, he defends the need for a carbon tax, hails the development of solar and wind power, and enthuses about the megafactory of South African visionary Elon Musk, producing electric car batteries.

The documentary comes out in Britain and the United States next Friday before being screened on the National Geographic television channel on October 30.
(Reuters) - A former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agent was sentenced on Friday to 12 years in federal prison for leaking information to a defense contractor in exchange for cash, luxury travel and the services of prostitutes, the U.S. Justice Department said.

John Bertrand Beliveau, 47, of York, Pennsylvania, had pleaded guilty to helping Singapore-based contractor Leonard Francis, also known as "Fat Leonard," perpetrate a fraud scheme on the U.S. Navy by providing information that allowed Francis to thwart a criminal fraud investigation of the company.

Jessica Carmichael, one of Beliveau's attorneys, said Beliveau suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and while she was disappointed at prosecutors' attempts to belittle his condition, she was happy with the ruling.

"We were very appreciative and happy that the judge did take into consideration his mental health concerns in giving a sentence below the government's recommendation," of 15 years, Carmichael said.

The U.S. District Judge in southern California also ordered Beliveau to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy. The Justice Department (DOJ) said Beliveau admitted to accessing NCIS databases for investigative reports related to Francis and providing copies to him so he could avoid criminal charges.

The DOJ also said in a statement that Beliveau admitted to covering up his involvement by deleting incriminating emails. In return, the department said, Francis gave Beliveau money and paid for luxury travel to Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as lavish dinners and prostitutes.

"John Beliveau's deceit was a devastating blow to the U.S. Navy and ultimately the nation that he was sworn to protect," U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in the statement.

In June, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert Gilbeau pleaded guilty to a charge of lying to federal investigators, making him the highest-ranking officer to be convicted in the case. Gilbeau is awaiting sentencing.

Story continues

Sixteen people, including 11 current or former U.S. Navy officials, have been charged in the investigation, prosecutors said. Beliveau's sentencing ranks as the most severe punishment to date.

Francis pleaded guilty last year to bribery charges and is awaiting sentencing.

(Corrects to remove Department of Justice from headline)

(Reporting by Eric Beech in Washington and Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Eric Walsh and Diane Craft)
Donald Trump

Donald Trump was standing before a raucous Oregon crowd in May when he made the decision to open up a new line of attack against Hillary Clinton.

She was a "total enabler" of Bill Clinton's sexual behavior, the brash billionaire declared.

Trump accused the now Democratic presidential nominee of silencing her husband's accusers. She would "go after" them, he argued.

"Some of these women were destroyed not by him, but by the way that Hillary Clinton treated them after everything went down," Trump said.

For months, Trump and his surrogates repeated similar charges. Trump's campaign even signaled it would go to never-before-seen lengths this week, hinting at plans to turn Bill Clinton "into Bill Cosby." Yet those plans seemed to fall apart when multiple women came forward to accuse Trump of unwanted sexual advances.

In response to the allegations against him, Trump toed the very same line for which he raked Hillary Clinton over the coals: He attacked his accusers and tried to silence their stories.

Erin Gloria Ryan, a senior editor at The Daily Beast who covers women's issues, told Business Insider that it was obvious "the Trump campaign wants to have its cake and eat it too."

"You don't get to say women should always be believed if this powerful man says they're trustworthy," she said. "That's the least feminist thing I've ever heard, and I listen to tons of rap music."

Others were also fed up with the political hypocrisy.

Dana Perino, a Fox News host and White House press secretary to President George W. Bush, wrote on Twitter that the recent rhetoric reminded her of why she "wanted to quit the hill in '98."

"Blaming women is not OK," Perino said in her tweet. "No matter whose side starts it."

Donald Trump

But as the accusations against Trump grew louder as the week progressed, that's exactly what the Republican presidential nominee did. At a Friday rally, he went off the rails, viciously calling one accuser a "horrible woman" and another a "liar."

Story continues

"For God's sake, he pretty much flat out said that the People magazine writer accusing him of assault was not attractive enough to assault," said Ted Newton, former communications adviser to 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. "That's indefensible."

Newton told Business Insider the recent episode spoke "to a broader problem" of Trump.

"If you look at the case we wanted to prosecute, for a lack of a better term, Hillary Clinton for  if you want to talk about the Clinton sex scandals, well, it turns out Donald Trump has his as well. And if you want to focus on the Clintons having a shady charity, well, Donald Trump has his own shady charity.

"At every turn, all the things you want to use against Hillary Clinton, Trump has all the same problems," he said.

A representative from the Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment, but by Friday evening, the campaign showed no signs of backing down from its two-faced strategy.

"Donald Trump projects his worst characteristics on his opponents to defuse his glaring flaws," said Rory Cooper, a Republican strategist who served as communications director for former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

"Of course he's going to do that when it comes to his misogyny as well."

NOW WATCH: A hair surgeon explains what's going on with Donald Trump's hair





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There were many very moving moments at the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame 2016 La Musa Awards. But Draco Rosa's induction into the Hall of Fame on Thursday night was especially poignant, following a hard-won remission from cancer that now finds him finally touring again.

"I've always said music is meant to be felt, not understood," said Rosa, who received his award from friend Lenny Kravitz. "Nowadays, I'm dedicated to living. I don't have time for much else," added Rosa, who profusely thanked a slew of people, including his longtime wife and his longtime manager, Angelo Medina, who received the Desi Arnaz pioneer award that evening.

Rosa -- known for his very commercial fare (he co-wrote many of Ricky Martin's hits, including "Livin' La Vida Loca") as well as his very personal tunes -- then launched into melancholy sophistication, singing with his banjo and accompanied in an exquisite arrangement performed by musicians from the Miami Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eduardo Marturet.

Having the orchestra as the house band gave an added touch of artistry to the award ceremony, which took place at the Fillmore in Miami Beach.

Other inductees of the evening included Los Temerarios -- the superstar romantic Mexican duo of brothers Adolfo and Gustavo Angel -- prolific songwriter Claudia Brant, Alejandro Jaen, Miguel Luna and Cheo Zorrilla.

Special awards were given to Yotuel, Julieta Venegas, Larry Harlow and Emily Estefan.

Jorge Mejia, president of Sony/ATV Music publishing for U.S. Latin and Latin America, received the Ralph S. Peer award for his work in publishing. Mejia played one of his own compositions at the piano, underscoring what friend and presenter Mario Domm meant when he said he signed with him because he relished being represented by another artist.

The evening opened with Jon Secada performing a rousing rendition of Benny More, who was named a posthumous inductee and whose work Secada is reprising in his new album.

Yotuel of the group Orishas received the conqueror award from Sony Music Latin America chairman Afo Verde, then performed with a slew of friends. Brant was serenaded by Kany Garcia, Leslie Grace and Luis Fonsi, who called her his "sister."

The evening -- peppered with other impressive performances -- ended with a multi-artist rendition of "Oye Como Va," honored as "towering song."
Photo Credit: iStock

By Tom Burns

Drinking and weight loss have never really gone hand-in-hand. Maybe its because were so familiar with the concept of a beer gut or maybe its because that third vodka-cranberry makes us 70% more likely to make the Uber driver stop for Taco Bell our way home from the bar.

But, interestingly enough, there is evidence that suggests there are TWO big ways that drinking actually can help you lose weight  in one good way and in one bad way.

Related: How To Totally Master The Art Of Being Happy (In 6 Steps Or Less)

Lets start with the good. A 2010 study from Archives of Internal Medicine noted that women who were regular moderate drinkers, having one to two glasses of alcohol a day, were less likely to gain weight than people that didnt drink at all.

The key is in the regular and moderate consumption of alcohol. (We can do that.)

Weve all heard how booze is filled with empty calories. Our bodies burn off the alcohol and then whatever is left over (sugar, hops, potato skins) is converted into fat. Hence, the notion of the beer gut and the creation of things like skinny prosecco. (Thats why alcohol isnt normally associated with having a positive body image.)

Related: 35 Quotes That TOTALLY Capture Your Wacky But Wonderful Friendship

However, the study argues that your metabolism reacts different to alcohol if you train it to handle moderate amounts. So, if you binge-drink or if you have a Bloody Mary once in a blue moon, your body either cant handle or has no experience with metabolizing the booze, so everything gets converted into fat.

BUT if you have a regular, every-day, non-excessive alcohol intake, your body actually knows how to metabolize the alcohol properly and you also get the wider benefits of the increased metabolism.

Lu Wang, the head researcher for the study at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, told Womens Health, that the bodies of moderate, regular drinkers use more energy, burning the calories in the drink  or even more than that  while digesting it.

Story continues

Related: Check Out These Accurate (And Fun!) Horoscopes

And that metabolism boost actually helps them lose weight easier than people who dont drink at all. (Suck on that, Teetotalers!)

So, if you train your body with a regular booze regimen, it can help you lose weight, which sounds like the best health program EVER.

However, there is also a BAD way that alcohol can help you lose weight, if youre less into moderation and more into self-destruction.

If youre an alcoholic, drinking excessively will cause you to drop pounds, but in the worst ways possible.

Drinking large amounts of booze can trick your stomach into thinking its full  and while that sounds like the science behind a SlimFast shake  it can really mess up your body.

Related: 14 Feisty Quotes For Confident Women Who Refuse To Play Small

It triggers a huge increase in the amount of stomach acid you produce, which can cause dyspepsia, chronic vomiting, or an overall sour stomach or abdominal pain. Alcohol abuse can also cause your liver to deteriorate or shut down completely  that can help you lose weight because its straight-up killing you. So, on the plus side, you might leave behind a great looking corpse.

What have we learned?

Your body likes it when you know how to handle your liquor.

Be a consistent, responsible drinker  dont feel guilty about that after-work scotch  and your body will actually thank you for it with more confidence and a maybe even a nice flat tummy.

Related video:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

Related: 24 ADORABLE Tattoos Perfect For You And Your BFF

This article originally appeared on YourTango.
GaneshaSpeaks

With the cool winds of the autumn and the lush green sugar canes coming straight out of the fields, you can be sure that the long wait is over! That time of the year is here, when we can revel in the spirit of the jubilant Durga Puja! This grand Hindu festival, which is celebrated prominently by Bengalis across the world, is a 4-day long extravaganza, which is celebrated in honour of the powerful mother Goddess. In this article, we bring to you a lowdown of the process of celebration and the specialties of each of these 4 days.



Maha Sashthi

The sixth day of Devi Paksha marks the auspicious beginning of Durga Puja in Bengal. On the Bodhon or first day, Goddess Durga is welcomed on earth along with her family.



Maha Saptami

On the early morning of Maha Saptami, Goddess Durga is worshiped with nine different plants, known as Nabapatrika. These plants fundamentally represent the nine different incarnations of Shakti. The idol is bathed in the Ganges, followed by the chanting of mantras.



Maha Ashtami

This day is the most sacred day of Durga Puja as Maa Durga is believed to enter and awaken the idol when priests perform rituals through the chanting of religious mantras.The devotees start the morning with Pushpanjali. They take holy bath and observe fast before offering Pushpanjali. With fresh flowers in hand, they recite the mantra, offer flowers to the feet of the Goddess.



The main attraction of the day is Kumari Puja. If you want to see the auspicious awakening of Goddess Durga, you have to visit the Belur Math in West Bengal where a young teenaged girl is worshiped by the devotees as the incarnation of Maa Durga.



Evening Aarti is performed with diyas, candles, and incense sticks. In the evening, Sandhi puja is performed at the end of Durga Ashtami and the beginning of Maha Navami. Sandhi Puja is one of the most important rituals during Durga Puja and is considered highly sacred.



Maha Navami

Maha Aarti brings the formal end to religious customs. Cultural festivals and celebrations like music, dance, drama enthrall the audience throughout the night. On Maha Navami, the fast is broken by a major Bhog and Prasad is offered to Goddess Durga and shared amongst devotees.



Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra is celebrated in honour of the victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. This day, which is also a declared national holiday, is celebrated with the burning of the idol of Ravan and firecrackers across India.



In Bengal, Goddess Durga bids adieu with Her family. Devotees join hands with dhakis in the precision and the idols are immersed in the water in the evening. Devotees share sweets with each other and celebrate by dancing. The evening is enriched by various cultural programs like art, drama, dance and music.



With Ganeshas Grace,

The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team
CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian jets bombed Islamist militant targets for three hours on Saturday, one day after Islamic State guerrillas killed 12 soldiers in North Sinai province, the armed forces said in a statement. Islamic State claimed responsibility on Friday for the attack on a checkpoint 40 km (25 miles) from the town of Bir al-Abd. It was the first major attack in the central Sinai area, which had so far escaped the militants' insurgency. "A targeted air strike, which lasted for three hours, resulted in the destruction of the areas ... that harbored terrorists, as well as locations for assembling weapons and ammunition," the statement said, adding that the operation was continuing. Islamic State said in its statement on Friday that it had killed more than 20 soldiers while suffering no losses itself. The military said 15 attackers had been killed. The Islamist insurgency in the rugged and thinly populated Sinai Peninsula gained pace after the military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's oldest Islamist movement, in mid-2013 following mass protests against his rule. The group staging the insurgency pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2014 and adopted the name Sinai Province. It is blamed for the killing of hundreds of soldiers and policemen, and has started to target Western targets within Egypt. (Reporting by Mostafa Hashem, writing by Asma Alsharif)
Cairo (AFP) - Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has defended what he described as "tough but unavoidable" reforms ahead of a $12-billion International Monetary Fund loan to revive his country's ailing economy.

"The reforms are tough but they're unavoidable to save the economic situation," Sisi said in an interview published on Saturday by state newspapers.

In exchange for the IMF loan, Egypt is expected to adopt drastic reforms to increase public revenues and reduce state subsidies, which make up 7.9 percent of government spending.

Sisi described a "programme for real reforms that aims to provide subsidies to those who deserve them and no one else", promising "protection for those with low incomes".

The former army chief, who became president in 2014 less than a year after toppling Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, also defended the army's participation in large scale projects touted as part of the country's recovery plan.

"The army is playing an important role in development but this role will diminish in the coming years when it will have finished its plan for the reconstruction of state infrastructures," he said.

For decades, the military -- which produced all but one president since 1952 -- has played a key economic role, producing everything from washing machines to pasta, alongside building roads and operating gas stations.

The president also justified military spending including on two Mistral helicopter carriers from France on the need to defend a recently discovered gas field in Egypt's territorial waters.

"We have gas fields more than 200 kilometres (125 miles) off our shores such as the Zohr field and others. We need to be able to secure and protect them," he said.

Italian energy giant Eni in August announced the discovery of Zohr, the "largest ever" offshore natural gas field in the Mediterranean with a potential 30 trillion cubic feet (850 billion cubic metres) of gas in about 100 square kilometres (40 square miles).

Story continues

"The cost of a Mistral is equivalent to one month's revenues from the Zohr gas field," Sisi said.

Egypt's parliament in August passed a law on value added tax, one of the reforms promised in exchange for the IMF loan, to be set at 13 percent for 2016-17 and 14 percent for the following fiscal year.

The VAT replaces a sales tax of 10 percent, although the government says about 50 services and products will be exempt, including bread.
By India Today Web Desk: Kareena Kapoor Khan has owned her pregnancy. Unlike other working Bollywood actors in their prime, who go into hiding during the pregnancy period afraid of they might be judged for looking a certain way, Kareena has been completely unabashed about it. She hasn't been afraid to celebrate this new phase in her life, even if it doesn't show her in her fittest avatar.

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On Friday she was spotted at the city airport in a cream maternity dress with checks and fashionable glares. The pregnancy glow seemed to light her face up completely. She was on her way to join husband Saif Ali Khan, who is shooting for Raja Krishna Menon's Indian adaptation of Hollywood hit Chef.

Kareena will be bringing in the power-couple's 4th anniversary as her husband works with the Airlift director to wrap up the film by December. Kareena will be seen in Sonam Kapoor-starrer Veere Di Wedding, while Saif has Rangoon, Akshat Verma's directorial debut and this Indian version of Jon Favreau's Chef all of which might come out in 2017.

Photos by Yogen Shah



--- ENDS ---
Mexico Sinaloa state meth drug lab

The northwest Mexican state of Sinaloa  where cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was born and lived  has become a focal point of the country's growing production of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine.

Parts of Sinaloa state, along with areas of Chihuahua and Durango states, make up Mexico's "Golden Triangle," an area so-named for intense marijuana and opium cultivation that also take place there.

And the recent rise in synthetic-drug production indicates the continued expansion of Mexican criminal organizations' presence in the drug trade, likely driven by changing drug-consumption habits in the US.

Drug laboratories discovered in Sinaloa, around the state capital of Culiacan in particular, appear set to double in two years, according to details shared by Rogelio Teran Contreras, commander of the local military zone.

In 2014, 47 labs were discovered, followed by 80 in 2015. Thus far in 2015, authorities have come across 55 such labs, according to official statistics cited by El Universal and noted by Insight Crime.

Since the end of June, Mexican troops have discovered a suspected synthetic-drug lab near Cosala in Sinaloa, a suspected lab in Culiacan, and another lab about 30 miles outside of Culiacan.

"The principal problem in the jurisdiction is organized crime ...," Teran Contreras told El Universal. "The units of the ninth military zone are bound for, practically, the eradication of the ... aspects of of organized crime."

Mexico meth drug lab

"Mexican traffickers have achieved this booming meth production by adapting their labs, switching recipes, and finding new sources of precursor ingredients," journalist Ioan Grillo reported in early 2015.

Mexico's Pacific coast, on which Sinaloa sits, has long been a major production and transit point for drugs, and that dynamic has continued with the growth of synthetic-drug production. Sinaloa and Guerrero state, farther south, are known to be hubs for opium and heroin production.

Story continues

Sinaloa and Michoacan, another state on coast, have now become the sites of superlabs for synthetic-drug production. A report earlier this year from the International Narcotics Control Board found that 131 such labs were dismantled in 2014, the majority of them located in Guerrero, Sinaloa, and Michoacan.

"As well as running some big labs, the crime syndicates now often cook meth  known here as 'hielo' (ice)  in clusters of small labs scattered over hills and valleys," Grillo reported in January 2015. "Traffickers with capital buy raw ingredients in bulk, then subcontract producers ... to do the dirty work."

meth mexico drugs

One such producer who spoke with Grillo said the workers who cook the meth will set up makeshift labs of plastic barrels and generators in secluded areas, packing the final product into plastic containers.

Ports up and down the Pacific shore are believed to be arrival points for the precursor chemicals needed to make synthetic drugs and departure points for the finished product. According to the INCB report, Mexico is a source country for crystal meth found in East and Southeast Asia and throughout Oceania  regions no doubt served by shipments from Mexico's western coast.

"Historically the states of Sinaloa, Colima, to a lesser extent Nayarit, but also Guerrero ... historically maritime smuggling in these areas has always been important," David Shirk, a professor at the University of San Diego, told Business Insider this summer. "And the physical infrastructure and transportation infrastructure from the coast to the center of Mexico, to Mexico City importantly, is vital to all kind of trade, including illicit trade."

DEA Map cartel territory in Mexico

Competition over ports in this area has driven up violence, particularly in Guerrero and Colima states, both of which currently have homicide rates many times higher than the national average.

Two major cartels, the Jalisco New Generation cartel and Guzman's Sinaloa cartel, are suspected of causing most of that violence. Those two organizations, along with various other regional criminal groups, are believed to be clashing up and down Mexico's west coast, including in Guerrero state (Acapulco in particular), Colima state, and in both Baja California Sur and Baja California, especially in Tijuana.

The Jalisco and Sinaloa cartel are believed to dominate the crystal-meth market in the US, with the Jalisco group gaining a boost from local expertise and from knowledge it took with it when it split from Sinaloa in about 2010.

"They have a Ph.D. in drug trafficking thanks to the education provided by the Sinaloa cartel and other cartels," Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told Reuters of the Jalisco cartel.

Meth 'availability will continue to increase'

mexico drugs meth

The proliferation of drug laboratories has created a significant strain on Mexican authorities' resources.

Investigative work and the dismantling of each lab can cost the Mexican attorney general's office about $50,000 to $100,000, and the manpower needed to take apart the labs pulls soldiers away from other duties for as long as three months. This distraction comes as production of other drugs in Sinaloa appears to be rising, too, with 5,300 poppy plantations seized so far this year, up from 1,070 seized during 2014.

As noted by Insight Crime, Mexican criminal organizations operating in these areas have likely intensified production of opium and synthetic drugs to compensate for falling revenue from marijuana, demand for which is believed to have fallen with the spread of legal marijuana in the US.

"Methamphetamine in the United States originates primarily from clandestine laboratories in Mexico and is smuggled across the Southwest Border," the US Drug Enforcement Administration noted in its 2015 National Drug Threat Assessment.

Meth seizures at the US border Mexico

"Methamphetamine availability will continue to increase as Mexican TCOs have adapted to restrictions placed on precursor chemicals and are able to continue producing large amounts of high-purity, high-potency methamphetamine," the DEA added.

"The increase in heroin abuse in the US is creating a significant surge of opium and heroin production by criminal groups in Mexico," Vigil told Business Insider earlier this year.

NOW WATCH: There's a terrifying reason people are warned to stay inside at 5:45 p.m. in parts of Mexico





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This election is so stressful that psychologists have actually released tips for how to deal  and we are grateful

Election season isnt always a fun time for most people, but this upcoming presidential election in particular has many Americans feeling extra hopeless and frustrated. And if you watched the recent second presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, and Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, you know exactly why.

From Trumps personal attacks and aggressive body language, to having to listen to him minimize his remarks about getting away with sexual assault as locker room talk  it is emotionally exhausting.

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

In fact, psychologists are declaring this the most stressful election season yet, and they have even released official tips to help everyday people cope and relax.

As reported by Elle, The American Psychological Association conducted a survey to measure exactly how much stress Americans are under from this election. 52 percent of adults said that they sourced their high-stress levels directly to the election  and that number was about even among Republicans, Democrats, men, and women. Older adults (over 71) and millennials reported the highest stress levels.

The tips that the American Psychological Association recommend may not be the most complex, but they can make a difference in effectively lowering these negative feelings.

Overall, these tips center around stepping away and recharging before diving into anything election-related, something that even Hillary Clinton says she has to do.

So what can stressed individuals do when theyre feeling overwhelmed?

The APA recommends turning off your computer, not letting your friends talk to you about politics, and finding positive outlets for anxiety (art, exercise, etc.).

It could take some time, but working to incorporate these tips into your everyday life can help make this election season  no matter who youre voting for  as easy-to-navigate as possible.

The post This election is so stressful that psychologists have actually released tips for how to deal  and we are grateful appeared first on HelloGiggles.
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The Quiet Feminism of Certain WomenDavid Sims praises the hopeful, devastating new indie film starring Kristen Stewart.

Jim Bourg / Reuters

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How Ken Bone Became a BrandMegan Garber tracks the rise of the man who went from undecided voter at the presidential debate to internet sensation overnight.

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On November 4 and 5, collectors of music memorabilia are sure to swoon over personal mementos from Eric Clapton, Prince, the Beatles, and Frank Zappa at Icons & Idols: Rock n Roll presented by Juliens Auctions in Los Angeles. Set to take the stage is a lineup of more than 700 lotsranging from costumes and contracts to instruments and autographed incidentalsonce owned by many of the industrys legendary headliners.

Much of the spotlight will shine on 20 donations from guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton, winner of 18 Grammy Awards. On the block will be a host of his haberdashery, including a bespoke Loro Piana suit (signed), an autographed Gucci leather coat, and a series of shoes. Proceeds from Claptons collectibles will go to Crossroads Centre Antigua, a retreat he founded to help those in need of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Mementos from another member of rock royalty, Prince, will be offered to the public only months after the innovative musician was found deceased in his home. Among the remembrances are handwritten lyrics to the song I Hope We Work It Out (estimated at $4,000 to $6,000), Princes paisley black jacket (estimated at $25,000 to $30,000), and his 1959 Gibson L48 guitar (estimated at $40,000 to $60,000).

Other impressive items at auction include a Grammy Nomination plaque awarded to the Beatles (estimated at $10,000 to $15,000), a guitar used by both the Rolling Stones and U2 ($10,000 to $20,000), a shirt worn in concert by Elvis Presley (estimated at $10,000 to $20,000), and a piano that Frank Sinatra gave to his daughter Tina (estimated at $20,000 to $40,000).

While the majority of the lots will be available on Saturday, the 5th, property from the estate of Frank and Gail Zappa will be the focus on Friday. The assemblage includes furnishings and fine art once owned by the famed composer, musician, and filmmaker.

A preview of the pieces featured in Icons & Idols: Rock n Roll will take place at Juliens Auctions from October 31 through November 3. The sale itself will run from 10 am to 2 pm on both days, with bidding accepted in-person, by phone, and online. (juliensauctions.com)

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Tim Matheson is the spitting image of Ronald Reagan in the TV movie, Killing Reagan, and he stayed in character when ET's Nischelle Turner spoke with him on the set.

The project is National Geographic Channel's third adaptation of Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's "Killing" book series, following Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy. Matheson explained what sets this story apart from the others.

WATCH: 'Killing Reagan' Stars Reveal the High Level of Authenticity that Was Maintained on Set

"It really is a biopic of he and Nancy and his presidency and [John Hinckley, Jr.], all these converging things, which the other stories -- Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy -- didn't have," Matheson said.

The 40th President of the United States served two terms in office, from 1981 to 1989. Just 69 days after taking office, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr., the then 25-year-old son of a wealthy oil executive. Hinckley, Jr. stepped out of a crowd outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., and opened fire with a six-shot revolver as the president left a speaking engagement.

After a quick recovery, Reagan returned to duty, attempting to restore prosperity to the country. During his second term, he would promote a message of achieving "peace through strength" abroad, and negotiated a treaty with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that would eliminate intermediate-range nuclear missiles. In 1984, Reagan told Time magazine that he dreamed of one day eliminating all nuclear weapons.

NEWS: Ronald Reagan's Daughter Slams Release of John Hinckley Jr.

During the ups and downs of Reagan's political career, there were many changes, but one thing remained the same, his wife Nancy's undying love for him. Despite disagreeing with Nancy's politics in real life, actress Cynthia Nixon, who portrays the former first lady in the TV movie, focused on Nancy's loyalty to her husband for her performance.

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"If you have to boil Nancy Reagan down to one single quality it was that she was crazy in love with her husband," Nixon said, "and Tim Matheson is a very easy person to love, so most of my work was done before I arrived."

Killing Reagan premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. PT/ET on the National Geographic Channel.

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DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2016 / Most of the time, if a person is found to be in the U.S. illegally, they are deported, reports immigration criminal lawyer John Helms. This means that they are sent back to their country of origin. If they are from Mexico, they are usually sent back to the closest point of entry to where they entered. For example, if they came through Laredo, they are taken to Laredo and escorted across the border.

Sometimes, though, the federal government charges a person found here illegally with the crime of Illegal Reentry. If the person is found guilty of illegal reentry, they may receive a lengthy prison sentence and THEN be deported.

This type of criminal charge can be very confusing to the accused and their family. I am often asked things like, "Why are they charging my son with a crime? In the past, they just deported him." Or, a family member might say, "I have heard of people being deported, but not being sent to prison. Why are they picking on my husband like this? It seems very unfair."

In order to understand why someone might be charged with a crime instead of just deported, you have to look at the person's circumstances. First, a person will only be charged with the crime of illegal reentry if they have already been deported at least once in the past. The crime is called illegal RE-entry, not illegal entry. This refers to the fact that the person must have RE-entered the United States AFTER having been already deported.

The U.S. government does not charge people with a crime and send them to prison if they have only entered the U.S. illegally once. If the government sent everyone to prison instead of deporting them, our already clogged courts and crowded prisons would be pushed to the breaking point. Instead, the government only charges someone with a crime if they are a repeat immigration offender.

Second, whether the accused has committed a crime in the United States is an important factor. The law does not require that the accused must have committed a prior crime, but many federal prosecutors will not charge the crime of illegal reentry without one. This is because of a policy in the offices of many federal prosecutors that federal resources should only be used to prosecute and potentially put people in prison if the person has previously committed a crime in addition to being here illegally and is therefore a threat to law and order. In fact, some prosecutors will only prosecute illegal reentry cases when the accused has previously committed a serious crimecalled an "aggravated felony." This helps explain why some people could be deported more than once and why someone who has committed another crime might be charged with illegal reentry, educates immigration criminal lawyer Helms.

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What if two people have both committed the same crime in the U.S., like DWI, and both have been deported before, but one was simply deported again? Does that mean that the other person cannot be charged with the crime of illegal reentry? The answer is, "No." The law does not require that a person who commits a crime cannot be charged with the crime if another person who committed the same crime is not charged. Otherwise, if ONE prosecutor decided that government resources should not be used to prosecute a crime, then NO ONE could be charged with that crime in the future. U.S. law gives prosecutors a lot of leeway to decide which cases to charge and which ones they will not, and the law does not require prosecutors to be perfectly consistent.

This does not mean, however, that it does not matter at all that others in similar situations were not charged with illegal reentry. This can be a very persuasive argument that the accused should not receive a harsh PUNISHMENT. It is an argument that can be made to a judge when asking for a short time (or no time) in prison if the accused is found guilty.

In my experience, illegal reentry cases usually involve more than just the accused. There are often family members and loved ones who are affected, too. Part of a lawyer's job is to help them understand the process and the options for their loved ones as well.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been charged with illegal reentry in the Dallas area, contact Dallas immigration criminal lawyer John Helms at (214) 666-8010 or fill out the online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and freedom.

Press Contact:

John Helms

214-666-8010

Photo courtesy of Tony Webster

source: http://johnhelms.attorney/face-arrest-deportation-answers-immigration-criminal-lawyer-john-helms/

SOURCE: John Helms Law Firm via Submit Press Release 123
(Reuters) - Several women have accused U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of sexual advances and groping. Among his accusers are a Miss Utah beauty pageant winner, a businesswoman, a reporter and a receptionist. He has denied the accusations. In a 2005 video that emerged on Oct. 7, Trump boasted about grabbing women by the genitals and kissing them without their consent. In a U.S. presidential debate on Oct. 9, he said he was embarrassed by what he called locker room talk but had not engaged in the conduct he described in the video. Trump has called "absolutely false" allegations by several women of groping and other misconduct, reported by The New York Times and other media on Thursday. And at a rally on Friday, after two more women made allegations of groping, he denounced all the recent allegations by a series of women, calling them fabrications and calling the women "sick." Following are some of the allegations against Trump: Jill Harth Houraney, a former Trump beauty pageant business associate, filed a $125 million lawsuit in 1997 against Trump alleging that on Jan. 24, 1993, at Trump's Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, Trump "forcibly removed plaintiff to a bedroom, whereupon defendant subjected plaintiff to defendant's unwanted sexual advances." A Trump spokesperson was quoted on Oct. 7 in The New York Times as saying, "Mr. Trump denies each and every statement made by Ms. Harth." The lawsuit was dropped in May 1997. Temple Taggart McDowell, a former Miss Utah, was quoted by The New York Times in a report published on May 15 as saying that Trump "kissed me directly on the lips" when the two were introduced in 1997, when she was 21. Taggart told the Times, "I thought, 'Oh my God, gross.'" The Times story said Trump disputed the report and added that Trump said "he is reluctant to kiss strangers on the lips." Jessica Leeds, 74, recounted in an video interview posted on The New York Times website on Oct. 12 that Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt on a flight to New York in or around 1980 when she was a 38 year-old travelling businesswoman. In a tweet and in a later speech on Oct. 13, Trump called the Times story a total fabrication. Rachel Crooks, formerly a receptionist at a real estate firm, told The New York Times in a report published on Oct. 12 that Trump "kissed me directly on the mouth" in 2005 at Trump Tower in Manhattan when she was 22. In a tweet and in a later speech on Oct. 13, Trump called the Times story a total fabrication. Natasha Stoynoff, a reporter, wrote a first-person account that described Trump kissing her without her consent in December 2005 at Trump's Florida home Mar-a-Lago while she was working on an article about him and his third wife, Melania, for People magazine. In the account published by People on Oct. 12, Stoynoff said "he was pushing me against the wall and forcing his tongue down my throat." In a tweet and in a later speech on Oct. 13, Trump said the episode described did not happen. Mindy McGillivray was cited in an article published in The Palm Beach Post on Oct. 12 that while she was a 23-year-old photographer's assistant at a Jan. 24, 2003, event at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Trump had grabbed her buttocks. The Palm Beach Post cited a Trump spokesperson as saying, "This allegation lacks any merit or veracity." Summer Zervos, who was a contestant on Trump's reality show "The Apprentice" in 2006, said at a news conference on Oct. 14 in Las Vegas that Trump tried to get her to lie down on a bed with him when she met him in 2007 to discuss a possible job. Zervos said she complied with a request to sit next to Trump, and, "He then grabbed my shoulder and began kissing me very aggressively and placed his hand on my breast." Trump at a rally in North Carolina on Friday denounced the allegations made by a series of women in recent days, calling them fabrications. Kristin Anderson, in a video posted on the website of The Washington Post on Oct. 14, said Trump put his hand up her skirt in a crowded New York nightclub in the early 1990s in an unwanted advance, when she had never even met him. "He did touch my vagina through my underwear, absolutely," Anderson said in the video interview. Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the allegations made public on Friday. (In last paragraph, first sentence, corrects name to Anderson, not Andover.) (Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, Steve Holland and Dan whitcomb in North Carolina; Editing by Frances Kerry and Leslie Adler)
Known for its giant antlers bearing 11 to 16 points, Hangul has been hunted over centuries and its habitat destroyed, leading to its population in the wild plunging to a mere 150.

Hangul is listed under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife(Protection) Act, 1972 and J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 and also among top 15 species of high conservation priority by Indian govt.

By Baishali Adak: THE magnificent Kashmiri Red Stag or Hangul could finally get some protection with the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) all set to declare it a 'critically endangered' species.

KASHMIRI HANGUL TO GET RECLASSIFIED

Known for its giant antlers bearing 11 to 16 points, Hangul has been hunted over centuries and its habitat destroyed, leading to its population in the wild plunging to a mere 150. Even then, IUCN - the biggest international body assessing threat levels to flora and fauna - categorised it as that of 'Least Concern' by clubbing with European and other 'red deer' species of the world.

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However, thanks to the efforts of wildlife researchers, including Dr Mukesh Thakur of Amity Institute of Wildlife Sciences, the Kashmiri Hangul will be reclassified.

HANGUL CONSERVATION IN INDIA

A scientific journal brought by the IUCN, 'DSG (Deer Specialist Group) Newsletter,' has recently emphasised on the essentiality of doing this. Its May 2016 edition quotes Sarah Brook, IUCN Deer Red List Authority, as saying, "The subspecies assessment of red deer, which has however not been performed up to now, would surely promote Hangul conservation in India."`

Mukesh Thakur said: "Earlier believed to be a subspecies of red deer (Cervus elaphus), a number of mitochondrial DNA genetic studies have revealed that Hangul is part of the Asian clad of the elk (Cervus canadensis)".

"Some species such as in North America are so abundant that they are hunted down under licence. Clubbing Kashmir's Hangul with them was doing it great harm. There are just about 150 Hanguls left. Therefore, we suggested elevating it to a species level, probably by merging with two other subspecies, bactrianus and yarkandensis red deers, from China's Tarim mountains."



REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL VALUE

Thakur explained that this exercise will have its own benefits. "Species rank is crucial in conservation decisions. At the local scale, this would certainly attract the immediate attention of biologists, park managers and policy makers to invest more efforts, time and funds to safeguard the dwindling population of Hangul in India which has regional and international value."

'Critically endangered' status to the Hangul will most likely be completed by December 2016, he added.

POPULATION CONFINED TO DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK

Historically, the Hangul was distributed in the mountains of Himalaya, Kashmir, Chenab Valley and Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. However, there is only one viable population left today in the wild, which is largely confined to the Greater Dachigam Landscape (1,000 sq.km.), encompassing the Dachigam National Park (NP) and adjoining protected areas.

DECLINE DUE TO FRAGMENTATION, LAND ENCROACHMENT

It is listed under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 and has also been listed among the top 15 species of high conservation priority by the Government of India. As per the Bombay Natural History Society, Kashmir's Hangul population numbered 3,000 to 5,000 around the year 1900. However, 2015 census carried out by Kashmir's forest department estimated it could be at its lowest ever, 110-130, in Dachigam.

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The phenomenon is blamed on fragmentation of forested habitat, land encroachment for grazing.

Also Read: Wani's killing: Curfew lifted across Kashmir after 99 days of unrest

Curfew-like restrictions in Kashmir Valley to prevent separatist march





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Insidesales SVP Dave Rudnitsky

In the engineer-glorifying culture of Silicon Valley, salespeople are often an overlooked breed.

But theres a man who's quietly built his legacy by mastering the art of selling business software.

Meet Dave Rudnitsky, senior VP of enterprise sales at Insidesales.com, a software startup that was last valued at roughly $1.5 billion.

Although he started in finance, Rudnitsky soon made the jump to sales and carved out an incredible 30-year career, helping grow some of the most groundbreaking tech companies, including Oracle, Netscape, and Salesforce early on  even earning a separate chapter about his prolific sales skills in Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's 2009 book, "Behind the Cloud."

"If you're going to build the greatest product in the world, you're going to need the greatest engineers in the world. But if you can't execute on it, you're going to fail," Rudnitsky tells Business Insider. "And executing means selling."

Finance to sales

Rudnitsky first got into sales for a simple reason: money.

In his first job out of college, with payroll software company ADP's finance team, Rudnitsky realized his peers in sales were getting paid a lot more than he was.

"At a minimum 3 times more," he recalls.

For someone who wanted to help his immigrant parents enjoy a better life, a bigger paycheck was important, Rudnitsky says. So at 23 years old, without any prior sales experience, he started knocking on the door of ADP's VP of sales office every morning, asking to become part of the sales team.

The sales chief wasn't convinced at first but he liked Rudnitsky's drive. So he tested Rudnitsky by asking him to sell an ancillary product to ADP's main payroll software. Rudnitsky totally killed it, outselling most of the sales reps, and winning the approval to join the sales team full time.

Once on the sales team, Rudnitsky was on a roll. His first sales manager Bob Schiff says he remembers Rudnitsky showing up with multiple new contracts every week, outpacing other reps, and winning the company's annual President's Club award every year, which is only given to the top salespeople at ADP.

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"I can still picture him coming into my office, sales orders signed," Schiff tells us about Rudnitsky's early days at ADP.

Money wasn't the only thing Rudnitsky started to like about sales. He also preferred the unpredictable, and almost chaotic, nature of sales over the more standard 9-to-5 worklife of a finance person.

"I didnt want to be that guy in the same parking space every day, same cubicle, who goes home at 5PM. That's not me," Rudnitsky says. "If you enjoy chaos, get into sales."

marc benioff

Oracle, Netscape, and Salesforce

Rudnitsky not only stands out for his sales chops. He also has a knack for spotting the next rocketship startup before it becomes a multi-billion dollar company.

After five years at ADP, Rudnitsky spent some time at a company called Pansophic Systems, which was later acquired by CA Technologies.

Next, he joined Oracle four years after it went public, helping it grow. Five years later, he was recruited by Netscape as its sales VP, where he worked closely with Jim Barksdale, Todd Rulon-Miller, and Marc Andreessen. Rudnitsky got Netscape's first enterprise deal when he sold 10,000 browsers to McGraw-Hill.

Then he worked at Ariba, which was eventually acquired by SAP for $4.3 billion, before joining Salesforce in its early days, where he ended up spending 12 years. He also sold Salesforce's first thousand-seat, enterprise deal to a company called SunGard.

Now he's at Insidesales.com, another hotshot startup that's raised over $200 million over the past 4 years.

"David's genius for selling to enterprise clients was matched only by his gift for picking game-changing startup companies," Benioff writes in his book.

Secret sales playbook

Alec Baldwin

Rudnitsky says there's no secret shortcut to selling more. You simply have to be hungry and relentless, and ready to out hustle your competitors.

On top of that, you have to be competitive, with that sense of hating to lose.

"The best salespeople I know, theyre more motivated by losing than they are by winning. You have to have this idea that you almost fear failure more than you enjoy success," he says.

And as you start to gain more experience and go through more sales cycles, Rudnitsky says the "ball starts to look a lot bigger," making it easy to hit it out of the park.

"It's about repetition. You either sink or swim, right? And Im swimming," he says.

But even with all the right qualities, Rudnitsky points out, you could fail if you ignore the most basic part about sales: having a plan.

It's why he came up with "The Rudnitsky Sales Playbook," which Benioff featured in his book. As Benioff put it, Rudnitsky's sales playbook was initially designed for his own team, but was later shared companywide as it had some of the most important lessons any salesperson could learn.

Here are the 11 rules from "The Rudnitsky Sales Playbook":

1. "Think BIG, Have Attitude": Think big (dollars and scope), not just the immediate opportunity in front of you.

2. "No deal is won or lost alone": Work with the entire team to close deals.

3. "Connect the dots": Never cold-call  always call with a plan.

4. "Focus on 'why not'": Instead of thinking about why a deal will close, focus on why it might not.

5. "Always take the deal off the table": Make sure every deal is closed if it's ready to close.

6. "Get your face in the place": Meet your customers in person.

7. "Fun facts build instant credibility": Try to learn everything about your customer.

8. "Be proactive on all paperwork": Make sure all paperwork is in place.

9. "Always get quid pro quo in negotiations": Don't be afraid to ask for more and say no when needed.

10. "Share best practices": Share them with the team and try to learn from them.

11. "Go after game changers": Look for deals that can take the company to the next level.

"The greatest players think 3-4 steps ahead. You have to have a plan. That to me is a sign that somebodys going to be successful," Rudnitsky says.

NOW WATCH: Former Navy SEAL Jesse Ventura says 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle shouldn't be remembered as a hero





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By Ho Binh Minh HANOI (Reuters) - Floods in Vietnam's four central provinces have killed at least 11 people and displaced thousands, with a storm in the South China Sea approaching the central coast. Flooding from very heavy rainfall brought by a tropical low pressure system since Wednesday have cut food supplies to thousands of people and blocked north-south traffic, the government said in a statement on Saturday. Seven people drowned or were electrocuted in Quang Binh province, four others were killed in three nearby provinces, and at least 30,000 homes were submerged, state-run Vietnam Television (VTV) said, citing government reports. "It is our priority now to save people's lives," Chairman Nguyen Huu Hoai of the provincial People's Committee in Quang Binh said on a VTV bulletin. Dozens of foreign tourists were among passengers stranded on 22 trains in the affected region, prompting provincial authorities to provide food and water, while many flights to the region were canceled, VTV said. Tropical storm Sarika, now in the Philippines, is moving toward Vietnam's central region, and could bring more rain to the affected areas, the website Tropical Storm Risk and VTV said. (Reporting by Ho Binh Minh; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
The Daily Beast

STRINGER/ReutersVideo footage shows pedestrians attempting to sway an Indian suspension bridge in the moments before it catastrophically collapsed, leaving at least 141 people dead as of Monday.Rescuers expect the death toll to continue to rise after the bridge fell apart in the western state of Gujarat on Sunday. The majority of those killed were women, children, or elderly people, a local official told the BBC. Almost 180 people were successfully rescued, however, in an overnight operation inv
Berlin (AFP) - A bomb plot suspect found hanged in his cell in Germany was in Syria two months earlier with a group of Islamists, his brother said in an interview published Saturday.

The suspect, Jaber al-Bakr, arrived in Germany from Syria in 2015 and gained refugee status, but returned to Syria earlier this year, his brother Alaa al-Bakr told the German daily Die Welt.

"The last time that we spoke was two months ago, he was in Idlib (northwest Syria). He told me then that he was very angry and sad because of the war," he told the paper from his house in the Damascus region.

He said his brother, 22, was involved in "humanitarian aid" with the hardline Islamist Ahrar al-Sham rebel group in Syria, a rival to the Islamic State (IS) group.

Jaber al-Bakr may have joined IS, although he believed the group "did not represent Islam," Alaa al-Bakr said.

He said his brother was radicalised in Germany and may have been influenced by a Muslim leader or a mosque in Berlin or near Berlin.

He also told Die Welt he did not believe his brother comitted suicide in prison.

"I'm sure it was the police who killed him," he said.

Jaber al-Bakr was arrested in the city of Leipzig late on Sunday after a manhunt that began some 48 hours earlier when police raided his apartment and found explosives.

But on Wednesday he was found hanged in his cell after an apparent suicide.

The death sparked cries of outrage and concern that Germany may never learn the plans for an attack he was suspected of planning against a Berlin airport.

Police have given no indication they believe Jaber al-Bakr had travelled to Syria, but sources close to the investigation have told German media that he had been to Turkey at least once last summer.
Tegucigalpa (AFP) - Central American governments are failing to stem soaring violent crime, pushing people to flee north in record numbers, Amnesty International said.

"El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have become virtual war zones where lives seem to be expendable and millions live in constant terror at what gang members or public security forces can do to them or their loved ones," Salil Shetty, the right group's secretary general, said in a statement released on Friday.

"These millions are now the protagonists in one of the world's least visible refugee crises."

In addition to failing to tackle rampant violence and sky-high homicide rates, the NGO report said, governments in those countries do not have protective plans in place for "deportees forced by countries such as Mexico and the USA to return to life-threatening situations."

Amnesty said some 48,000 people from those countries had requested asylum elsewhere in 2015 -- double the previous year's rate -- and that sky-rocketing deportations, especially from Mexico, were exacerbating the already desperate situation.

Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador constitute what is known as the "Northern Triangle" of Central America: gang-ridden nations whose murder rates are among the highest on the planet outside of actual war zones.

The United Nations ranked El Salvador as one of the world's deadliest countries outside a war zone, with 108 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015.

"Although countries like Mexico and the USA are utterly failing to protect Central American asylum seekers and refugees," Shetty said, "it is high time for authorities in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to own up to their role in this crisis and take steps to tackle the problems that force these people to leave home in the first place."
WASHINGTON, D.C.  On the heels of this week's failed missile attacks on a US Navy vessel, the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies published the following timeline illustrating the interceptions of ballistic missiles in Yemen.

Since the March 2015 launch of the Saudi-led Gulf Cooperation Council's military Operation Decisive Storm, which was developed to bolster the Yemeni government under President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, missile attacks launched from Houthi-held territory have accelerated.

yemen gfx

Although the majority of the missile launches were intercepted, the graphics showcases how the war in Yemen has the chance to spill over beyond its borders. This fact was particularly driven home when a Houthi missile attack caused extensive damage to a former US Navy ship that was being operated by the United Arab Emirates at the start of the month off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea.

The Houthis were also believed to be responsible for two attacks over the course of four days against the US-operated USS Mason, which was patrolling in the Bab al-Mandab Strait between Yemen and Eritrea. These attacks led to a US counter strike against Houthi radar platforms.

The Houthis are an Iranian-backed militant group that rose up against the internationally recognized Yemeni government in 2014, ultimately driving the president into exile in Saudi Arabia in March 2015. This precipitated a bloody and ongoing free-for-all in Yemen that pits the Houthis and their supporters against Gulf-supported forces loyal to the Yemeni government in exile, ISIS, and al Qaeda.

According to the BBC, more than 6,800 people have been killed in the conflict since 2015, and 80% of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance.

NOW WATCH: The US struck radar sites in Yemen after rebels tried to attack a Navy ship with missiles





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Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Eleven people were shot dead on Saturday in a camp for displaced people in Central African Republic, the UN's MINUSCA mission said, days after 30 others were killed in fresh sectarian violence

"Eleven people were killed and about 10 others taken to hospital" after an unknown number of gunmen began shooting in the camp for internally displaced people in Ngakobo, 300 kilometres (180 miles) northeast of the capital Bangui, a statement said.

"Those responsible for these dreadful acts" have not been identified, the communique, in French, said.

MINUSCA, which has around 12,000 peacekeepers and police on the ground, "immediately took measures to reinforce its position around the displaced camp and to step up its patrols", it said.

On Wednesday, 30 people died and 57 others were wounded when fighters from a mainly-Muslim militia group attacked civilians and clashed with UN peacekeepers in the central town of Kaga Bandoro.

The fighters then attacked a camp for displaced people as well as NGO offices. UN troops from Burundi and Pakistan hit back to protect civilians, killing 12 of the assailants.

The week before a dozen people died in the capital in fighting between Muslim forces and Christian vigilantes

CAR plunged into chaos after the March 2013 ousting of long-serving president Francois Bozize, a Christian, by the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel alliance -- triggering revenge attacks and a spiral of atrocities in which thousands were slaughtered.

The violence between Christian and Muslim groups displaced one in 10 of the country's 4.5 million people.

After two years of bloodshed, however, CAR had appeared to be returning to normal, holding peaceful elections early this year following a visit by the pope.

But despite the presence of thousands of UN peacekeepers and a few hundred remaining French troops, tensions remain high and tens of thousands of people are still displaced and in need of aid.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are holding a meeting in Indias Goa state, Armenpress reports, citing TASS.

Before the meeting, Modi greeted the Russian president and then they began the talks.

The leaders are expected to have a conversation in the narrow format, and then the talks will continue as part of delegations. Russia will also be represented there by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, the industry and trade, energy, economic development ministers, the head of the Rosatom state nuclear corporation and other officials.

The agenda of talks includes bilateral relations, the situation in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as the fight against terrorism. Besides, cooperation in the nuclear power sphere and military-technical cooperation will be also discussed.

As regards topics for the leaders discussion, Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov had earlier named, along with the bilateral agenda, the situation in Syria, Afghanistan and other countries, as well as the fight against terrorism. Besides, cooperation in the nuclear power sphere and military-technical cooperation will also be touched upon.

A considerable package of documents has been drafted for signing following the talks. In particular, the Russian Federation and India will sign an agreement on supplies of Russias S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile system (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler).

Besides, Putin and Modi will adopt a joint statement following the talks, which will reflect common approaches to resolution of various issues of the global and regional agenda.

In his recent interview, Putin said he hopes for a new impetus to bilateral cooperation after his visit.
However, restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc were in force throughout the Valley.

A Kashmiri man moves barbed wire installed as road blockade by paramilitary soldiers to make way for a vegetable seller during curfew in Srinagar on October 7, 2016. Photo: AP

By Press Trust of India: Authorities today lifted curfew across Kashmir following improvement in the situation, but normal life remained affected due to the unrest which erupted after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July.

A police official said there is no curfew anywhere in Kashmir and the curbs on the movement of people have been lifted across the Valley, including from the summer capital in Srinagar, following improvement in the situation.

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However, restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc were in force throughout the Valley.

He said security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order as also to instill a sense of security among the people so that they can carry out their day-to-day activities without fear.

ALSO READ: Kashmir unrest: Students protest as uncertainty looms over Valley's education system

The authorities last night restored outgoing call facility on prepaid mobile phone connections after three months in view of the improving situation.

However, mobile Internet services continued to remain suspended across Kashmir.

Meanwhile, normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 99th day due to the ongoing unrest.

ALSO READ: Kashmiriyat thrives despite unrest as local muslims get Kashmiri Pandits married

The unrest, which has claimed 84 lives, including that of two cops, and left thousands of others injured in clashes between protestors and security forces, would complete 100 days tomorrow as shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed, while public transport continued to be off the roads.

However, there was increased movement of private transport and auto-rickshaws in the civil lines areas of the city including around the commercial hub of Lal Chowk.

Many vendors set up their stalls in the areas around the city centre while some shops were also open partially, the official said.

--- ENDS ---


Credit: theellenshow/instagram

When presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show for Friday's episode, the talk show host had an epic surprise waiting for her. DeGeneres had her team transform the most recent presidential debate into a "dance-off" between Clinton and viral sensation Ken Bone, aka the man in the red sweater.

"Clearly, the winner of this debate was the guy in the red sweater, Ken Bone. For some reason, no one is talking about this moment, but we have to show it," DeGeneres said to introduce the hilarious clip, which shows altered footage of the duo showing off a series of incredible dance moves.

The presidential candidate couldn't stop laughing. "That was the best dancing I've ever done. He wasn't bad either. We were good together," she said.

The talk show host also asked Clinton what she's wishing for her 69th birthday on Oct. 26. "I have several wishes. One of them obviously includes the election," she said. "I really wish that I will be the president that our country needs right now. That's my deepest hope."

RELATED: Bill Clinton Writes a Touching Message to Hillary on Their 41st Wedding Anniversary

"Just think of it this way: I will be the youngest woman ever elected President of the United States," she laughed. Watch the epic dance battle in the video at top.
GaneshaSpeaks





Get your personalised Birth Chart and detailed readings with our personalised Janampatri report.





With the US presidential election drawing closer, and the second debate scheduled to be held on October 9, 2016, the race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is heating up. With polls showing Hillary leading Trump by 3% points, the battle for the next US president is deliciously poised for an exciting finish. The first debate was very close and GaneshaSpeaks.com did predict it to be slightly in favor of Donald Trump. The second debate will see a better Hillary Clinton and she is likely to have an edge over the mercurial Donald Trump.





Astrological Predictions:

On October 9th, ie the day of the second debate, the transiting Moon will be aspecting natal Saturn and Mars in Hillarys chart. This means that she will be confident and well prepared for the debate. The transiting Mercury in Virgo indicates that she will be able to successfully set traps in a methodical and calculative manner further damaging Trumps standing.





But, the transiting North Node(Rahu) will not allow her to dominate fully and may even put her in some confusing or complex situations. The transiting Venus in Libra is a big positive for her hence she will be able to impress her committed voters significantly. But, it will be difficult for her to gain support from the important section of undecided voters. Also, the current Rahu sub-period has the potential to bring some damaging information to the surface which can be difficult for her to handle in the second debate.





Also Read: Donald Trump: Will His Political Antics Pay Back? Ganesha Explores In This US Elections Exclusive!





The transiting Moon will provide Trump some good opportunities to catch up with Clinton in the second debate. But, the transiting Mars aspecting the natal Mercury indicates that he will be unable to control his aggression required to take full advantage of the situation. He will try to maintain some semblance of composure but he may fall back into his original methods. The transiting Mercury will be moving over the natal Jupiter hence his arguments will be logical and impressive but his temperament may require great control to win the debate. The debate will be evenly poised but Hillary will have a slight edge and hence more chances to impress voters.

Story continues





Astrological analysis: Between now and the second debate

According to the current planetary calculations, the transiting Mercury has entered Virgo, its sign of exaltation, there by reducing the malefic influence of North Node(Rahu)-Mercury conjunction on Hillary Clinton. This boosts her fortune since mercury determines luck in her horoscope. But, she is passing through the sub period of North Node(Rahu) which makes her position vulnerable. Adverse impact of some random events or damaging information regarding the ongoing controversies can impede her progress. Are you facing some problems in your business? Do you want to get the right solutions to experience greater progress? Then our Remedial Solutions For Business will prove to be your best friend.





On the other hand, the transiting Mercury conjunct with the natal Jupiter will help Trump to redefine his strategy, which will let him recover some of his lost ground. But, the transiting Mars is aspecting the natal Mercury which indicates that he will become more aggressive and is likely to make some strategic mistakes.





With Ganeshas Grace,

Tanmay K. Thakar

The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team





Have some queries in your mind regarding certain areas of life? Then, why continue to remain in doubt. Talk To Astrologer now for expert guidance and smart solutions!
Nice (France) (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande will lead tributes on Saturday to the 86 people killed in Nice's Bastille Day truck massacre, three months on from the jihadist atrocity in the southern resort city.

The homage to the dead as well as more than 400 injured in the July 14 attack was postponed until a day after the three-month anniversary because of storms in the region.

In the attack, a 31-year-old Tunisian extremist rammed a 19-tonne truck through a crowd of more than 30,000 Bastille Day revellers on the seafront Promenade des Anglais before police shot him dead.

The Islamic State (IS) group said the driver of the truck, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was one of its followers.

The massacre was among the worst in a string of jihadist attacks over the past two years that have ramped up security fears while stoking anti-immigrant sentiment in the run-up to presidential elections next year.

Hollande's Socialist government came under fire for alleged security lapses ahead of the attack in Nice, a bastion of the right-wing opposition.

Critics pointed to an insufficient police presence despite the state of emergency in place since the November 13, 2015, attacks that claimed 130 lives in Paris.

The government rejected calls for Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve to resign.

Four days after the Nice attack, Prime Minister Manuel Valls was booed when he visited the city to honour the victims.

The attack also exacerbated tensions in French society, felt particularly by the country's three- to four-million-strong Muslim community -- the largest in Europe. Several councils went on to forbid the wearing of Burkini swimwear, before the controversial ban was reversed by France's highest court.

Saturday's ceremony will be closed to the public, and Christian Estrosi, head of the right-wing Republicans party in the region, urged restraint.

The occasion calls for "the greatest dignity... for the victims, for Nice and for France", said Estrosi, a fierce critic of the government's anti-terror response.

Story continues

- 'I saw the driver smile' -

Survivors of the attack are still trying to put their lives back together.

Vincent Delhommel Desmarest, who runs a restaurant on the Promenade des Anglais, is still haunted by the bloodbath and has yet to return to work.

"You don't sleep at night. I saw the whole thing, the lorry bearing down, the mutilated, decapitated bodies, the guts," said Desmarest, leader of a victims' group.

Another witness told investigators he was nearby when the attacker Bouhlel started up the lorry.

"I saw the driver smile and accelerate," he said.

The rampage that followed lasted four minutes and 17 seconds up to Bouhlel's death.

The Islamic State group later said Bouhlel had been one of its "soldiers" inspired by IS propaganda to attack Western targets.

Nearly a third of those killed were Muslims.

The recriminations following the Nice atrocity posed a fresh challenge for the already deeply unpopular Hollande, who has yet to announce whether he will run for re-election next year.

He has tried to unite the country behind calls for a "France of fraternity" in the fight against extremism.

Saturday's ceremony will be "an important moment of national solidarity", Desmarest said. "It doesn't bring people back to life but allows the mourning to go ahead."

But solidarity remains elusive.

A boar's head was found outside the En-Nour mosque in Nice on Tuesday, the second such anti-Muslim incident this year.
Nice (France) (AFP) - President Francois Hollande invoked the spirit of national unity on Saturday as he led tributes to 86 people killed in a jihadist truck attack in Nice on Bastille Day.

Saturday's ceremonies in the Riviera resort city had been postponed until a day after the three-month anniversary because of storms in the region.

"What was attacked on July 14 was national unity," Hollande told hundreds of victims' relatives and officials invited to the ceremony.

"It is the monstrous aim of the terrorists, to attack some in order to terrify others, to unleash violence in order to sow division... Well, I tell you, no, this evil enterprise will fail," he said.

"In some families, three generations were swept away," Hollande said, as he described "the entire nation's compassion and solidarity" for mourning relatives.

The July 14 attack saw a 31-year-old Tunisian extremist ram a 19-tonne truck into a crowd of 30,000 holiday revellers on the Promenade des Anglais seafront before police shot him dead.

More than 400 people were injured, some grievously.

The Islamic State (IS) group said the driver, Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel, was one of its followers.

The massacre marked a peak of brutality in a string of jihadist attacks in France over the past two years that have ramped up security fears while stoking anti-immigrant sentiment ahead of presidential elections in 2017.

Hollande's Socialist government came under fire for alleged security lapses ahead of the attack in Nice, a bastion of the rightwing opposition.

Several politicians from the right attended the ceremony including former president Nicolas Sarkozy and Alain Juppe, both candidates in the Republicans party's presidential primary next month, and far-right National Front (FN) leader Marine Le Pen.

Many families are still struggling to deal with their grief.

"Nice and all of France weeps for the 86 victims. Our sadness is unending," said Cindy Pellegrini, a relative of the victims, who read a text in their memory at the start of the one-hour ceremony.

Story continues

- 'I saw the driver smile' -

And some survivors of the attack are still trying to put their lives back together.

Vincent Delhommel Desmarest, who runs a restaurant on the Promenade des Anglais, is still haunted by the bloodbath and has yet to return to work.

"You don't sleep at night. I saw the whole thing, the lorry bearing down, the mutilated, decapitated bodies, the guts," said Desmarest, leader of a victims' group.

Another witness told investigators he was nearby when the attacker Bouhlel started up the lorry.

"I saw the driver smile and accelerate," he said.

The rampage that followed lasted four minutes and 17 seconds up to Bouhlel's death.

The Islamic State group later said Bouhlel had been one of its "soldiers" inspired by IS propaganda to attack Western targets.

Nearly a third of those killed were Muslims and 15 of them were children and adolescents.

The recriminations following the Nice atrocity posed a fresh challenge for the already deeply unpopular Hollande, who has yet to announce whether he will run for re-election next year.

Critics pointed to an insufficient police presence in Nice despite the state of emergency in place since the November 13 attacks last year that claimed 130 lives in Paris.

Four days after the Nice attack, Prime Minister Manuel Valls was booed when he visited the city to honour the victims.

The attack also exacerbated tensions in French society, felt particularly by the country's three- to four-million-strong Muslim community -- the largest in Europe. Several councils went on to forbid the wearing of burkini swimwear, before the controversial ban was reversed by France's highest court.

Hollande has tried to unite the country behind calls for a "France of fraternity" in the fight against extremism.

But solidarity remains elusive.

A boar's head was found outside a mosque in Nice on Tuesday, the second such anti-Muslim incident this year.
Tegucigalpa (AFP) - Police in Honduras stopped buses carrying some 500 gang members and relatives headed to a maximum security prison to set it on fire and help inmates escape, police said.

Others among the group had simply been paid to come along and help, police spokesman Luis Osavas said on Friday.

Police who stopped the 13 buses seized mortars, gasoline, tires and other material that was to have been used to ignite a fire at the Ilama prison in western Honduras.

Like other countries of Central America, Honduras is ravaged by powerful street gangs that fight each other for drug trafficking routes and carry out widespread violence on everyday people, such as kidnapping and extortion.

Last month 37 gang leaders considered to be very dangerous were transferred by helicopter to the Ilama prison.

Those leaders are being kept in high security cells and get out of them just one hour a day. Officials say they had been ordering killings and extortion from the prison where they were held before.
The Chinese government may not be interested in developing horse racing but the Hong Kong Jockey Club is keen to cultivate more owners from mainland China, their Senior International Racing Consultant told AFP.

Nick Columb, who was chairman of the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Association for 20 years, added while it may not happen in his lifetime -- he is 70 -- if there were to be racing in mainland China then the HKJC would be the logical choice to run it.

However, from small acorns do grow oaks and to start with the HKJC have focussed their efforts on setting their sights on educating mainland Chinese citizens in understanding the highly complex world of horse racing.

"China has to become part of what we (the HKJC) are trying to do in looking outwards," Columb told AFP in his first interview since he took up the role three years ago.

"We have set up the Beijing clubhouse which is a luxury hotel facility with fine dining with 1000 members.

"They are being slowly educated to the ways of racing, what horses, trainers and jockeys do. What are weights and barriers.

"As the people learn they become more and more involved in the Hong Kong racing scene."

Columb, who was speaking at the Tattersalls Bloodstock Yearling Sales at Newmarket, said Hong Kong was a unique racing model.

"Hong Kong is significantly different from other models because you must be a member to race a horse," he said.

"Once you are a member you can apply for a permit to buy a horse that comes through a lottery -- the ballot - every June and once you get a permit you can go and buy a horse.

"For a Beijing member first they they have to learn a bit about racing, develop an interest and come down to Hong Kong to race a little bit with us, become a member of the HKJC and if they have enough of an interest they can apply for a permit buy a horse and race."

That tactic has already borne fruit as the most expensive horse sold at the HKJC auction this year (when they are three-year-olds having been bought as yearlings abroad and then kept in England and New Zealand till they reach three) Jing Jing Win is owned by a mainland Chinese owner and won in impressive fashion on its only start.

Story continues

Columb, born in Romania but who arrived in Australia aged four after his family paid for his father to be released from Soviet captivity in their homeland and they escaped in a hidden compartment in a train, said the HKJC were prepared should China embrace racing.

"Expansion in the future will be into China," he said.

"Should that happen we are building the training centre (Conghua in Guandong in mainland China) be ready to launch from.

"As a government China really per se is not interested in developing racing.

"The HKJC is really the instrument, the only instrument, to run racing in China so it would follow on logically the HKJC, maybe not in my lifetime, would be the betting and racing arm in mainland China should that develop but I don't think that will happen in the next few years."

Columb, who either owned or bred 17 Group One winners while he was involved in Australian racing, said for him it is 'utopia' to be involved in Hong Kong racing.

"I would say the Hong Kong racing model is the best in the world, a jewel in the middle of Asia, and I've raced everywhere," he said.

"It is a race club that is enveloped in the middle of a community and then turns itself inside out to benefit that community significantly in the taxes paid from betting and in contributions to charities, schools, parks and all other parts of life (HKJC community arm paid out HK$3bn last year).

"The fact we pay a lot of tax to the Hong Kong government (HK$20billion last year) means people from Hong Kong are paying 15 percent less tax."
MELBOURNE, Oct 15 (Reuters) - A top official in Australia's premier thoroughbred racing state of Victoria has stepped aside pending an integrity probe, rocking the industry in the leadup to the A$6.2 million ($4.70 million) Melbourne Cup. Racing Victoria (RV) said its chairman David Moodie had stood aside pending an investigation by Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna. The governing body said in a statement that the probe related to "a matter" that had been reported to Perna by the body's independent Integrity Council but provided no further details. Local media reported Moodie was being investigated over allegations of impropriety relating to inappropriate disclosures of information. Moodie took over as chairman in May last year after predecessor Robert Roulston's sudden resignation in the wake of an internal audit. Moodie could not be reached for comment by Reuters. Australian horse racing has been blighted by a string of doping and corruption crises that have tarnished the image of the multi-billion dollar industry in recent years. Several leading trainers were handed lengthy suspensions last year after their horses failed drug tests for cobalt, a naturally occurring element in horses that can be performance-enhancing at elevated levels. The Melbourne Cup, the world's richest two-mile handicap, has not been immune to the scandals, with controversial local jockey Damien Oliver permitted to ride in the 2012 race on Americain despite a media storm over his complicity in an illegal betting scandal. The 156th running of the Melbourne Cup is on Nov. 1. ($1 = 1.3187 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk GOA, India (Reuters) - India and Russia on Saturday announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally, as the two tighten their military relationship. The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India's western resort state of Goa, where leaders from the BRICS group of emerging nations are meeting. Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the country's defence forces, and is part of Modi's drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation. The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. (Writing by Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk

GOA, India (Reuters) - India and Russia on Saturday announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally, as the two tighten their military relationship.

The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India's western resort state of Goa, where leaders from the BRICS group of emerging nations are meeting.

Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the country's defence forces, and is part of Modi's drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said.

(Writing by Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti has slammed the Centre for brazenly celebrating surgical strikes even as terror attacks continue in Jammu and Kashmir.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's MP daughter Misa Bharti has hit out at the Narendra Modi govt, accusing it of brazenly celebrating surgical strikes and ignoring the repeated terror attacks that are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir following the surgical strikes.

Misa slammed the Centre after terrorists attacked an SSB convoy in Zakura area on the outskirts of Srinagar, in which one jawan was martyred and eight others were seriously injured.

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Also read: Surgical strikes confuse opposition parties, force multiple U-turns



PM CELEBRATING SURGICAL STRIKE: MISA



Tweeting on the terror attack, Misa said PM Modi and Defence Minister Parrikar were more involved in celebrating the surgical strikes, which they believe would benefit them in the upcoming assembly elections in the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh.

"PM Modi and Defense Minister Parrikar are busy celebrating surgical strikes which they think would help them in elections", tweeted Misa Bharti.





MODI, PARRIKAR IGNORING J-K: LALU'S DAUGHTER



Misa further tweeted that in the mood of celebrations, Modi and Parrikar were ignoring Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read: If there was any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded proportionately: Basit



"PM Modi and Parrikar are so engrossed in celebration that they are not able to see the series of terror attacks that are taking place on the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir", tweeted Misa Bharti.

--- ENDS ---
* Modi says agrees with Russia on Middle East

* Rosneft-led group buys Essar Oil stake for $13 billion

* Helicopter, missile, frigate deals announced

By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk

GOA, India, Oct 15 (Reuters) - India and Russia signed billions of dollars of defence and energy deals on Saturday at a summit that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East.

Under the biggest agreement, a group led by Russian state oil major Rosneft said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both India's Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns.

The countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow.

"Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western seaside state of Goa.

Modi said that his views were aligned with Putin's on the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where Moscow is at odds with the West in the five-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed hundreds of thousands.

"We are conducting a comprehensive dialog on a wide scale of international issues, in which Indian and Russian approaches are close to each other or coincide," said Putin.

Modi also praised Putin's support for the fight against international terrorism, which India accuses its neighbour and rival Pakistan of sponsoring. "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said.

MULTIPLE DEALS

The Rosneft-Essar deal will be the biggest foreign takeover in India, and Russia's largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data.

It comes as Russia moves to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Story continues

Under the deal, a group led by Rosneft will acquire 98 percent of Essar Oil, and with it a 400,000 barrels-per-day refinery and port at Vadinar for $12.9 billion, the two sides said.

Russian state bank VTB said it would refinance $3.9 billion owed by the Essar Group. Rosneft would pay $3.5 billion and its partners, oil trader Trafigura and investment fund UCP the same amount for an equal joint stake.

The refinery deal follows a string of upstream investments in Russia by Indian companies in recent months that, Modi said, were worth $5.5 billion.

Also on display was Russia's nuclear prowess, with the second reactor of the Russian-built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu hooked up to the grid and concrete being poured in a ceremony carried by a TV linkup to mark the start of work on the third and fourth reactors there.

Putin said that Russia would be able to build a dozen nuclear reactors in India over the next 20 years to back Modi's growth strategy for Asia's third-largest economy, which continues to suffer chronic power shortages.

HELICOPTERS, MISSILES, SHIPS

The defence pacts will also deepen military ties between the two countries that dates back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier.

Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov 226t helicopters required by the country's defence forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be the local partner of Russian Helicopters and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles would strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. Also agreed were plans to build and supply stealth frigates for the Indian navy.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of space and military industries, said two frigates could be built in India and two in Russia, RIA news agency reported. Rogozin said the ships may later be equipped with missiles manufacturered by BrahMos Aerospace, a venture co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments.

(Additional reporting by Rupam Jain and Sanjeev Miglani; Writing by Douglas Busvine and Euan Rocha)
By Douglas Busvine and Denis Pinchuk

GOA, India (Reuters) - India and Russia signed billions of dollars of defense and energy deals on Saturday at a summit that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East.

Under the biggest agreement, a group led by Russian state oil major Rosneft <ROSN.MM> said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both India's Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns.

The countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow.

"Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western seaside state of Goa.

Modi said that his views were aligned with Putin's on the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where Moscow is at odds with the West in the five-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed hundreds of thousands.

"We are conducting a comprehensive dialog on a wide scale of international issues, in which Indian and Russian approaches are close to each other or coincide," said Putin.

Modi also praised Putin's support for the fight against international terrorism, which India accuses its neighbor and rival Pakistan of sponsoring. "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said.

MULTIPLE DEALS

The Rosneft-Essar deal will be the biggest foreign takeover in India, and Russia's largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data.

It comes as Russia moves to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Under the deal, a group led by Rosneft will acquire 98 percent of Essar Oil, and with it a 400,000 barrels-per-day refinery and port at Vadinar for $12.9 billion, the two sides said.

Story continues

Russian state bank VTB <VTBR.MM> said it would refinance $3.9 billion owed by the Essar Group. Rosneft would pay $3.5 billion and its partners, oil trader Trafigura and investment fund UCP the same amount for an equal joint stake.

The refinery deal follows a string of upstream investments in Russia by Indian companies in recent months that, Modi said, were worth $5.5 billion.

Also on display was Russia's nuclear prowess, with the second reactor of the Russian-built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu hooked up to the grid and concrete being poured in a ceremony carried by a TV linkup to mark the start of work on the third and fourth reactors there.

Putin said that Russia would be able to build a dozen nuclear reactors in India over the next 20 years to back Modi's growth strategy for Asia's third-largest economy, which continues to suffer chronic power shortages.

HELICOPTERS, MISSILES, SHIPS

The defense pacts will also deepen military ties between the two countries that dates back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier.

Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov 226t helicopters required by the country's defense forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be the local partner of Russian Helicopters and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles would strengthen India's defenses along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. Also agreed were plans to build and supply stealth frigates for the Indian navy.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of space and military industries, said two frigates could be built in India and two in Russia, RIA news agency reported. Rogozin said the ships may later be equipped with missiles manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace, a venture co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments.

(Additional reporting by Rupam Jain and Sanjeev Miglani; Writing by Douglas Busvine and Euan Rocha)
REUTERS - Indian banks' loans rose 10.4 percent in the two weeks to September 30 from a year earlier, while deposits rose 11.3 percent, the Reserve Bank of India's weekly statistical supplement showed on Friday.

Outstanding loans rose 2.11 trillion rupees ($31.56 billion) to 75.21 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Sept. 30. Non-food credit rose 2.21 trillion rupees to 74.35 trillion rupees, while food credit fell 105.30 billion rupees to 854.60 billion rupees.

Bank deposits rose 3.52 trillion rupees to 101.43 trillion rupees in the two weeks to Sept. 30.

Source text: (https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=38302)

($1 = 66.7250 Indian rupees)

((India Headline News Team; +91 80 6749 1310))
Despite ongoing debates about their effectiveness, economic sanctions remain widely used in international affairs. They're viewed as a tool to further national security, antiterrorism, anti-weapons proliferation, and other foreign-policy goals.

But the effectiveness of a sanctions regime depends on many factors, including how it is imposed, what it covers, and what its goals are.

In the infographic below, Norwich University's Online Master of Arts in International Relations has laid out the basic principles of economic sanctions and the usual motivations behind them and provide case studies of sanctions efforts that yielded successful outcomes.

Economic Sanctions

Norwich University Online Master of Arts in International Relations Program

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DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Saturday for more transparency in elections due in May following allegations of electoral fraud in the last polls. He also warned against any foreign funding and interference. State media carried election guidelines issued by Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters of state. They called for "setting the scope and type of expenses and sources of legal and illicit campaign expenses by candidate and increasing the transparency of resources..." Election fraud is rarely reported openly, but the head of the Guardian Council, the top election watchdog, said after parliamentary elections in early 2016 that "vote-buying is becoming more common" and should be fought. Iran will hold its next presidential election in May 2017, a vote in which pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani may seek a second term to push ahead with reforms resisted by powerful hardliners. "The use of foreign resources, both financial and promotional support by candidates and parties is banned," said one of the 18 articles of Ayatollah Khamenei's guidelines, issued after consultation with a top clerical body, according to state media. Khamenei has often called for vigilance against what he calls a "soft war" mounted by the West and aimed at weakening the clerical establishment. Hardline allies of Khamenei, worried about losing their grip on power, have accused President Rouhani of betraying the anti-Western values of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the U.S.-backed shah. Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last month he would not run in the presidential elections, bowing to the wishes of Ayatollah Khamenei who warned his candidacy would increase divisions in Iran. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)
Jerusalem (AFP) - B'Tselem director Hagai El-Ad took part in a Friday UN Security Council meeting on Israeli settlements, talking about the 49 years of "the injustice known as the occupation of Palestine, and Israeli control of Palestinian lives in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem".

"I implore you today to take action," El-Ad said. "Anything short of decisive international action will achieve nothing but ushering in the second half of the first century of the occupation."

In a Facebook post, Netanyahu noted El-Ad's appeal to the council to "act against Israel," accusing B'Tselem of trying to gain through "international coercion" what they "failed to achieve in democratic elections in Israel."

"This is not appropriate," he continued, calling B'Tselem "marginal" and "delusional".

In a separate Facebook posting, Netanyahu said he had instructed chairman of the coalition David Bitan to change the law in a way that would prevent youths from volunteering for B'Tselem as their civilian service, which they may perform in lieu of military service.

Unfazed, B'Tselem responded that it "believed the Israeli public deserved a serious debate on the occupation," noting the "wall-to-wall objection to the occupation and settlements at the Security Council".

A spokesman noted there were currently no volunteers in the NGO in the framework of civilian service, and there had only been three in total.

In July, parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states -- including B'Tselem -- to declare it.

At the Friday meeting, organised by Angola, Egypt, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela, US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman said the continued building of Jewish outposts on Palestinian land was "corrosive to the cause of peace."

In his Saturday post, Netanyahu noted that Palestinians had attacked Israel before the West Bank and east Jerusalem settlements following the 1967 war, as well ongoing attacks from Gaza, even after Israeli withdrawal.

"These facts prove that the root of the conflict is not 'the occupation and settlements,' rather the ongoing Palestinian refusal to recognise the Jewish state in any borders," he wrote.
A range of key bilateral and international issues including ways to tackle threat of terrorism besides security situation in the region were figured in the talks.

By India Today Web Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Goa today to participate in the five-nation BRICS Summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet.

Xi was received by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh at IS Hansa base located near Dabolim airport, 15 kms away from the Summit venue in South Goa.

This is the second meeting in just over a month.



Delegation level talks between India and China underway in Goa. Prime Minister Modi is also seen here. (Photo: ANI)

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The Chinese president held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delegation level talks between India and China underway in Goa. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also seen here. (Photo: ANI)

A range of key bilateral and international issues including ways to tackle threat of terrorism besides security situation in the region were figured in the talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.



Here are the updates: Delegation level talks between India and China in Goa concluded. India raised NSG bid with china, India-China talks fruitful PM Modi said India and China must increase their coordination in context of UN 1267 committee and look for common ground: Vikas Swarup, MEA Jaish-e-Mohammed chief and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Masood Azhar ban issue was discussed. China gaves no assurance on lifting technical hold seeking sanctions against Azhar at UN President Xi said that India and China must step up counter-terror efforts, also said that we must maintain our strategic communication, dialogue on it: MEA There is close coordination between India and China on this issue and that particular dialogue will continue: Vikas Swarup on Masood Azhar The Chinese side is very well aware of our concerns, need for us to ensure that globally notified terrorists are designated by the UN: Vikas Swarup, MEA Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolence over Varanasi stampede during bilateral meeting with PM Modi PM Modi said that both India and China have been victims of terrorism which was a scourge afflicting the entire region: Vikas Swarup, MEA Both sides recognised terrorism as a key issue, President Xi said we should strengthen our security dialogue and partnership: Vikas Swarup Both (PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping) reviewed bilateral relationship and its dimensions: Vikas Swarup, MEA Delegation level talks between India and China begins in Goa on the sidelines of BRICS 2016.

As Xi arrives in India, China appoints 'firefighter' envoy Luo Zhaohui to ease tensions

Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit to India, China says UNSC still divided on Masood Azhar

Pakistan daily asks how action against Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar is danger to national security

--- ENDS ---
Rome (AFP) - Italy's Matteo Renzi Saturday unveiled his 2017 budget, which he hopes will please the European Commission and win him support at home in a key referendum.

The cabinet signed off on the budget, which will then be scrutinised by Brussels. It remains to be seen whether the Commission will be satisfied with Italy lowering its deficit to 2.3 percent of gross domestic product from the earlier 2.4 percent target.

"It's a budget full of good news for Italy and the Italians," Renzi, who took power about two and a half years ago, told a press conference after the cabinet meeting.

"Italy is still not going well, but after two and a half years it's going a bit better. We are still not happy though, we are hungry for positive results," he said.

Renzi was forced in September to slash Italy's growth forecasts for this year and next after a gloomy summer in which it became clear that an economy that had been slowly growing ground to a virtual standstill in the first half of this year.

The prime minister said growth would be 1.0 percent in 2017, which is still more upbeat than the predictions of most analysts.

The budget contains a series of growth-stimulating measures, including tax breaks for people renovating their homes or rebuilding houses destroyed by earthquakes.

It bumps the healthcare pot by 2.0 billion euros ($2.1 billion) to 113 billion euros and earmarks 1.9 billion for the creation of police jobs and making permanent those currently on temporary contracts in the force.

It sets aside seven billion euros for a three-year period to allow some workers to retire earlier.

One billion euros will go to universities while 600 million has been set aside for families, including help with childcare.

Renzi said four billion euros worth of savings would be made by closing the country's loathed Equitalia tax agency and replacing it with a streamlined "mechanism" which would notify Italians of unpaid taxes and fines by text messages.

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Another two billion euros would come from an "amnesty" to encourage citizens to transfer money in offshore tax havens back to Italy without suffering sanctions.

The 41-year-old Renzi has gambled his political future on a December 4 vote.

Losing it could lead to fresh elections and a run-in with the populist Five Star Movement, expected to campaign by promising a Brexit-style referendum on whether Italy should quit the euro.
The film "K Troop" will examine the roots of the organization that advocated white supremacy and its conflict with the American army. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and screenwriter Robert Schenkkan are working on the development of the feature to be produced by Amazon Studios.

Robert Schenkkan has been called on to write the screenplay for "K Troop." The playwright, television and screen writer has been acclaimed for writing such plays as "The Kentucky Cycle," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1992, and "All The Way," which earned the Tony Award for best play in 2014. He also took charge of the subsequent TV adaptation of All The Way with Bryan Cranston in the role of US President Lyndon Johnson which aired on HBO last May.

One of the writers behind the mini-series The Pacific, which was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks," Robert Schenkkan has recently been in the limelight for his role as a screenwriter on "Hacksaw Ridge," a Mel Gibson-directed war film due for release on November 4.

In "K Troop," the writer will detail the rise of the Klu Klux Klan in the American South of the 1860s. Founded in Tennessee by a group of Confederate officers at the end of the American Civil war, the goal of the Klan was to protest against the abolition of slavery. A few years later, the organization was outlawed, when the US Congress voted in favor of the 1871 Klan Act. During this period, the US army fought the KKK in several Southern States, putting a stop to its criminal persecution of African-Americans.

The producer of the film Joseph Gordon-Levitt will also play the lead role of Lewis Merrill, an army officer in charge of an elite military unit that has been set up to combat the KKK. For the moment, the actor is the only member of the cast to have been chosen for the film which has yet to engage a director.
JENNIFER GARNER, REESE WITHERSPOON, AND HALLE BERRY This epic Hollywood trio proved that when it's time to dress for the Tiffany & Co. blue carpet, black is the new black. "I love to be with these girls, honestly," Garner told InStyle of the big night and her celebrity friends. Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Who needs breakfast at Tiffany's when you can wine and dine there at dusk?

As night fell on Beverly Hills, Calif., Thursday night, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner, and more stars hit the blue carpet to celebrate the unveiling of the 18-month renovation of the Tiffany & Co. Rodeo Drive store.

Hosted by Tiffany & Co. Senior Vice President Jennifer de Winter in partnership with The Art of Elysium, the soiree also honored the iconic jewelry company's 179-year heritage.

"I've always loved Tiffany's. Who doesn't?" Garner, who arrived in a body-hugging black Lanvin dress, told InStyle. "I mean, growing up in West Virginia, the idea of Tiffany's just seemed so far away, so glamorous, so exciting, and it's always held that for me. So, I'm just happy to be here on Rodeo Drive with these fabulous ladies and get to chat and sparkle."

RELATED VIDEO: I'm Obsessed: Tiffany & Co. Atlas Pierced Hinged Bangle

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And sparkle she did, as she flashed the $1.68 million worth of Tiffany & Co. Masterpieces jewelry--including a necklace, bracelet, and two rings--she wore to the event. After setting major squad goals by striking a pose with Witherspoon and Berry, she added, "I love to be with these girls."

Berry glowed in a structured black Alexander McQueen blazer, black pants, and a plunging sheer top. She rocked a high ponytail and completed her look with plenty of Tiffany & Co. bling: two diamond necklaces, earrings, and a prism ring. "I just felt like wearing pants tonight," Berry told us of her ensemble. "I wanted to wear this beautiful Tiffany jewelry. It's my favorite from their Master collection. I really dressed for the jewelry tonight, and I thought this best highlighted these gorgeous jewels I have on."

Witherspoon arrived in a sleek Roksanda black dress paired with a $425,000 Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger bracelet, and raved about the new Masterpieces collection as well. "This collection is so gorgeous," she told InStyle. "I just started working with the brand about a year ago because they hired their first female creative design director for this iconic American brand, and it's so great because women are the ones that wear the jewelry. ... I think new T Collection is stunning, and I wear it every day of my life."

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Like Berry, Witherspoon, and Garner, Gal Gadot, who looked statuesque in a black, sequined Dolce & Gabbana dress also looking forward to spending an evening with friends. "We're on a girls' night out tonight, so it was really an excuse to dress night and to spoil myself with some bling and to go out," she said, as she showed off her diamond bracelet and rings.

As the cocktail hour kicked off, guests walked up the blue-carpeted Via Rodeo staircase to the terrace as a group of musicians played soft jazz music near the bottom of the stairs.

RELATED: 8 Smart and Easy Street Style Lessons to Follow All Season

Waiters holding trays topped with champagne and white wine greeted the attendees, who mixed and mingled with celebrities like Ali Landry, who wore a strapless Monique Lhuillier dress. The Pitch star shared a laugh with Camilla Belle, who rocked a lace, off-the-shoulder Monique Lhuillier number complete with a black belt.

Belle later struck a pose in artist Fay Ray's art and photography installation that Liam Hemsworth told us he was "excited" to see. The Dressmaker star made his way around the f?te while looking dapper in a textured Dolce & Gabbana suit and a Tiffany & Co. CT60 collection watch.

Following the cocktail hour, guests took their seats in makeshift white rafters for a dance and light performance, with Witherspoon and Garner sitting in the front row next to Hudson, who was clad in a top and pants by Cushnie et Ochs, a Cinq ? Sept jacket, and Tiffany & Co. Masterpieces jewelry (including a $195,000 diamond necklace).

RELATED: Bella Hadid Stuns in Black Before Being Honored at the Global Lyme Alliance Gala

When the performance kicked off, a small group of dancers performed to classical versions of hip-hop songs like Kanye West's "Diamonds from Sierra Leone." While they danced, lights streamed around them and cast images of diamonds on the walls.

As the last dancer sauntered out, Ariana Grande surprised the crowd and popped up for a performance while clad in a cutout black top, black pants, and a $250,000 diamond Tiffany & Co. choker.

"I'm so excited to be here," she told the crowd as she headed out. "Thank you so much for having me Tiffany's. This is my favorite place in the world."

Scroll down to see all of the star-studded action.
Lausanne (AFP) - The United States, Russia and Syria's neighbours discussed new ideas for reviving a ceasefire in the war-torn country at talks Saturday in Switzerland, Washington's top diplomat said.

Secretary of State John Kerry said lower level officials would be in contact again as early as Monday to flesh out a new agenda, but refused to reveal details of the initiatives.

Kerry described the meeting as a "brainstorming" session and that despite tensions between the parties had not descended into rancour, with all agreeing on the urgency of the crisis.

"I would characterise this as exactly what we wanted," he told reporters at the Lausanne hotel where he met Russian, Iranian, Saudi, Turkish, Egyptian, Jordanian, Iraqi and Qatari envoys.

Kerry welcomed what he said was "a very candid, first time discussion, as open and free-wheeling as this, with all of the key parties at the table simultaneously."

"There were some difficult moments, where there was obviously tension, but everybody was constructive, he said, of a meeting that included traditional foes Tehran and Riyadh," he said.

After the Lausanne meeting, Kerry was to fly on to London on Sunday to brief his European allies on the new diplomatic path, which will focus on a smaller number of main players.
Tim Matheson (Credit: Hopper Stone/National Geographic Channels)

From rush chairman to vice president to POTUS Animal House star Tim Matheson gets presidential this week in National Geographic Channels Killing Reagan, the movie based on Bill OReillys (yes, that Bill OReilly) bestselling book about John Hinckleys 1981 assassination attempt against President Ronald Reagan.

Matheson, who earned two Emmy nominations for playing the vice president on The West Wing, tells Yahoo TV he not only learned a lot about the 40th commander in chief while filming the movie, but developed a new respect for Reagan, too.

When he was shot and first arrived at the hospital, he kept going in and out of consciousness. He was on the gurney, and a nurse was holding his hand, Matheson says. He looked up at her and said, Does Nancy know about us? He was always kidding with people and trying to make them feel comfortable with him. That was sort of the key to it all. He could have been a stand up. He really loved telling jokes and getting people to laugh. That was his way of getting people disarmed. With Congress, it worked probably more often than it didnt. He had a way of knocking down peoples resistance and walls.

Related: Ken Tucker Reviews Killing Reagan: A Civilized TV Take on Bill OReillys Book

The actor and prolific TV director, who will extend his TV politics career when he plays an aspiring senator in FXs much anticipated John Singleton drama Snowfall, about the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles, also talked to Yahoo TV about Reagans presidential fitness, why he thinks Killing Reagan might especially resonate with viewers in these rocky political times, the reasons why Reagan referred to wife Nancy as Mommy, and just how wonderful  and precise  it was to say Aaron Sorkins words on The West Wing.

While preparing for the role and filming the movie, did you come to like or respect Ronald Reagan in ways that maybe you hadnt before?

Thats a very interesting question. Yes. I was not politically affiliated with Reagan and what he represented, but coming away from it, I was enlightened and ennobled I think, because often times I tend to make the mistake of judging people by their politics, and say, If they believe that, then this is what theyre about and this is the way they are. I found that totally not true with him. That he was a very spiritual man. He was a very shy and humble man, and put the country before himself, which I think was one of the reasons why he was so effective as a president and why it was so important for him to be president at the time he was. He was the right guy in the right place at the right time.

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I learned a lot. I think it helped me realize that in this time of tremendous disparity between the parties I realized that really the job is to find a way to solve the problems of the people by working together with the other side and getting as much as you can get done. Its not to stop anybody. Its not to make somebody a one-term president. Its not to score points. Its really to do the work of the people and to try and figure out a way to get that work done. Thats something he was very adept at. One of his great quotes was, Theres no limit to what a man can do, or where he can go, if he doesnt mind who gets the credit. I dont know very many people who are thinking or living like that right now.

Tim Matheson (Credit: Hopper Stone/National Geographic Channels)

Its a great scene in Killing Reagan when he puts the plaque with that quote on his desk in the Oval Office, especially when we see the maneuvering Alexander Haig tries to do after Reagan is shot.

Isnt it? It really taught me a lot. About him, about life in general and about politics especially. I think its a classic sort of comparison between him and Haig. I think as you point out, there was a man that was all about ego, and then there was a man who was not all about ego, who was, as an actor he had the humility that comes with being a B-actor. He wasnt Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gable or Gary Cooper. He was Ronald Reagan, whod been in a couple of good movies. Hed done pretty good in a couple of fairly good movies, but that was it. When he was around people, he tried to make them feel comfortable, to not treat him differently because he was an actor or a movie star. He did the same as president, and I think thats why people loved him and were devoted to him. It was a reflection of the fact that he didnt place himself above the job, the people, the country, or anything. It was job, country, first. Nancy second. Ronnie was down the line.

When playing a president, and particularly a more recent one, theres no lack of research material, documents, videos available. Thats obviously beneficial, but do you also have to kind of step away from that at a certain point, to shape the character that you want to portray, or certain aspects of him that you want to portray?

Absolutely. Good point. You dont get bonus points for sounding exactly like him, or moving exactly like him, you know? Its really sort of a hint, a recreation of the inner man, is what my job was. Thats where I started from. I want to make sure the viewers go, OK, that sounds enough like him. That looks enough like him, and thats all great, but what was he thinking? What was going on there? That was what we all tried to get at, and focus on. The rest is important, but that wasnt our primary goal. Thats a terrible trap you can get into as an actor.





You do sound like him and look like him in the movie, but not in a caricature kind of way.

Thats great. If so, then I think we did our job, and Im glad that came across. That was really what we were trying to do. It was [about[ the man and the woman. It was a love story about Ronnie and Nancy. It just happened to coincide with a murder attempt by this very seriously ill man, mentally ill man, who had lost his way. The thing that moved me the most about Reagan was that after he was shot, while he was in the hospital, and we do it in the movie, he said, I have to forgive [John Hinckley]. Im going to pray for him. I was just flabbergasted and taken aback, because, it was like, Whos thinking that? He seriously, seriously meant it, that he couldnt go on with his life, unless he took care of this, his feelings about this man who tried to kill him. He found a new purpose and direction in his life after that happened. He redoubled his efforts to make peace with the Soviets, and created a nuclear disarmament.

There is such a focus this year, with the particularly polarizing political climate, on the behaviors that make someone presidential or not, and a takeaway from Killing Reagan, whatever your political leanings are, is that he was a dignified man. His comportment would not have embarrassed anyone. Do you think the movie will resonate a little bit extra with viewers?

I hope so. I think it would be something to throw into the mill, as grist. You can take a look at a man that they said wasnt  Hes an actor, what does he know? But hed been a governor for eight years, hed been head of the Screen Actors Guild for nearly six years, during its most difficult times. He was a skilled negotiator, contract negotiator, and had very firm principles. He was an elder statesman. You see the depth of knowledge, commitment, and capabilities, and how seriously he took it. He never went into the Oval Office without his suit on and jacket on, and a tie, and never let anyone else enter there without them, just out of respect, and a sense of decorum, because of how seriously he took [the office] and how much he loved this country and honored this country. I think those are important attributes that we should look for in our elected officials, and find ones with the experience that speak to that kind of a challenge. Whoever takes that job on, theres going to be those moments that occur that you cant plan for and you have to be measured, thoughtful, strong, resilient, and focused. If a candidate lacks any of those attributes, I dont think theyre qualified.

Cynthia Nixon and Tim Matheson (Credit: Hopper Stone/National Geographic Channels)

The Reagans love story also hasnt lacked commentary, with the main criticism usually that they were so focused on each other that, and they admitted this, they werent maybe the parents they wanted to be because of that. Did anything you learned about their relationship surprise you?

The depth to which she was committed to supporting him, helping him achieve his dreams and his goals, was greater than I had imagined. I had always remembered the cliche about Nancy, Oh, she was tough! A lot of times, powerful mens spouses, or powerful womens spouses, can be that way. They seem to confuse themselves with the [spouse], and they get demanding, or they get prickly or temperamental. I sort of imagined Nancy in that vein. Then the more I read about her, I realized that it only had to do with him  she wanted everything to be right for him, and to protect him. Everything she did was to create that. He was 70 when he took office. When he got into the Oval Office, he liked to put in a full day, start at 8 (a.m.), end at six. Then hed go home, and if he didnt have anything to do in the evening, he would take a shower, get into his pajamas, and he would sit in his robe, she was in her pajamas and her robe, and theyd watch a movie, theyd have dinner, theyd read. Hed do some homework, write a speech or whatever. But it was the two of them. It was their time. That was news to me, that he was a very simple man, a shy person. She was his constant and kept him focused and relaxed and on track. He had it no other way.

I love the line in the movie when hes preparing to go on stage in Cleveland for the debate against Jimmy Carter, and tells her, I think youre more nervous than I am. She said, Thats as it should be. She thought it was her job to take on stresses for him sometimes.

Yeah, thats true. Its like parents, you watch your kid up there on stage and its worse, because you cant do anything! You hope youve done everything right to get them to this point. In a funny way, [Reagan] called [Nancy] Mommy. We think about that in kind of like an Oops! kind of way. It was one of those terms of endearment, because she so wanted to be a mother. Shed had a couple of miscarriages before she had Patty, and she just didnt know if she was ever going to have a child. Then she did, and then she had Ronnie Jr. The term Mommy was a special term between them to honor the fact that she was, in fact, a mother. It comes from a different place. It was the nature of their relationship. She mothered him tremendously.

Tim Matheson in The West Wing (Credit: Justin Lubin/NBC/Getty Images)

This is not your first time at the TV White House rodeo; you earned a pair of Emmy nominations for playing Vice President John Hoynes The West Wing. Is there a different kind of mindset you have to get into for preparing to play a president versus a vice president?

Totally. Vice president is the bridesmaid, and nobody cares about you. Nobody wants you. Youre just in the way. Youre there to play a subsidiary role. Youre like the middle child or the poor relation. Its like, Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get out of the way. When youre the president, theres tremendous respect, and everybody goes out of their way respecting you and honoring you it can be a trap. Nobody says Boo to you, and nobody tells you youre wrong, hardly, if you have the wrong people around you. I think Reagan always had the right people around him telling the truth, and that would, if he needed, suggest a course adjustment. [Reagan] had a bad debate against Mondale in [1984], but came back really strong in his second debate. He was not above making adjustments and acknowledging his mistakes. Yeah, the role of the vice president is nothing compared to the president. Youre just sort of in the way and (expected to) shut the heck up.

What was the most fun thing about playing Hoynes?

Just to be on the set with that group of fantastic, skilled actors. John Spencer, who I deeply loved and admired, and Allison Janney, Brad Whitford, and Martin Sheen, Richard Schiff and Rob Lowe and all those wonderful people, and writing by Aaron Sorkin and directing by Tommy Schlamme. Especially the work that Aaron did was just exceptional. It was one of those things, not unlike Animal House, where every character was perfect. Every line was just the best it could be. The direction was the best it could be. That was The West Wing, too, for those first four years especially. It was just an exceptional experience and remarkable fun. Although very difficult work. Very challenging. To do that, you had to say  I remember a time where a script supervisor came up to me and said, That is a semi-colon, not a period. Aaron wanted it the way it was written. Exactly! You would do a scene over again if it wasnt, if you didnt say every word as written.

Tim Matheson in The West Wing (Credit: Marni Grossman/Warner Bros./Getty Images)

Do you have extra respect for that as an experienced TV director?

Totally. Totally. Because a lot of actors, Eh, its close enough. Eh. They dont do the work. They dont learn the lines. You cant play the part if you dont learn the lines and honor the writer. The writers spent a long time getting things exactly the way they needed them to be, and its not up to the actors to rewrite them.

You also played JFK in the 2000 CBS TV movie Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, another very charismatic man, president, but also a very different marriage than the Reagans. How was that different, preparing to play Kennedy, versus Reagan?

It was interesting. I think I focused more on the accent and more on the sound. The script wasnt so much about he and Jackie. It just didnt feel as intimate and as personal as [Killing Reagan], and I think that I would have been better served to focus more on the internal, rather than the external. I learned a great deal from that. I loved working with Joanne Whalley. She was just the most fun partner to work with, I must say. We had a great time. But it was a different kind of a story. Thats the thing about Bill OReilly that I think is so smart. Its so interesting the way OReilly has done it with these stories  youre getting a tense mystery, and youre getting this tremendous insight into history, without getting a history lesson. Youve got your cake, and you can eat it too. Its dramatically really smart, because, if you do a movie about John Hinckley, you look at it and you go, Well, its not Taxi Driver. If you look at a movie about Reagan, you go, Well, OK, its not All the Presidents Men. Its OK, but its too much politics. Or whatever. Here, youve got the best of both worlds. Youve got the Reagan story and the Hinckley story, and I think they serve each other well, and create a tremendous amount of tension and mystery and great drama. All the stories are wonderful ways into the other stories.

Killing Reagan airs Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. on National Geographic Channel.
Kim Kardashian is seemingly still recovering from her terrifying robbery, in which she was held at gunpoint and tied up inside the hotel she was staying at during Paris Fashion Week.

The 35-year-old reality star was spotted for the first time after a week and a half of laying low, spotted at a restaurant in Beverly Hills, California on Thursday.

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian Not Ready to Return to Work, Has No Plan for Big Comeback

An eyewitness tells ET that Kardashian did not sit down for her meal. She and a friend grabbed takeout, and were accompanied by a security guard.

According to the eyewitness, the mother of two looked "very downcast and somber, not wanting to be seen."

Kardashian's outfit for the evening was also a departure from the racy looks she sported before the robbery, sporting bike shorts and an oversized black hoodie.

Splash News

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian 'Still Very Shaken Up' Over Paris Robbery but 'Focused' on Trying to Feel Better, Source Says

The Selfish author has also been laying low on social media. While her sisters returned to their accounts earlier this week, Kardashian has been social media silent -- except to unfollow people on Twitter.

As of Thursday, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was following 107 accounts on Twitter, 15 less than she was before her robbery.

Kardashian has yet to make a statement on the traumatic burglary.

WATCH: John Legend Reacts to Kim Kardashian's Terrifying Robbery: 'You Can't Go Through Life in Fear'

See more in the video below.

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Someone's on the hunt for the Great Pumpkin!

Kourtney Kardashian and Blac Chyna took a trip to the pumpkin patch on Friday, and Snapchatted their fun-filled day.

WATCH: Blac Chyna Shows Off 36-Week Bare Baby Bump in Crop Top: 'Four Weeks to Go!'

"Pumpkin patchin'," Kourtney captioned a snap of herself and Chyna, who sported black leggings and an Adidas jersey.

Snapchat

The pair also posed for a selfie, showing off their black mirrored aviator sunglasses.

Snapchat

Kourtney has been getting into the Halloween spirit all week. The 37-year-old reality star shared photos of her spooky home decorations earlier in the week, which included black-and-white colored pumpkins, skeletons, and creepy masks.

 A photo posted by Kourtney's Snapchat (@kourtneysnapchat) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:46pm PDT

A photo posted by Kourtney's Snapchat (@kourtneysnapchat) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:46pm PDT

Halloween  A photo posted by Kourtney's Snapchat (@kourtneysnapchat) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:45pm PDT

WATCH: Kardashian, Jenner Sisters Slowly Return to Social Media After Kim's Robbery Ordeal

Last weekend, Chyna, who is due in just 4 weeks, took a trip to Universal Studio's Halloween Haunted Nights with fiance Rob Kardashian. Chyna wore a black "S.W.A.T" team jacket for the occasion and shared a snap of the spooky California theme park.

Honey Dip Chy  Hair by @kendrasboutique A photo posted by Blac Chyna (@blacchyna) on Oct 6, 2016 at 7:35pm PDT

On Wednesday, the model also took to Instagram to show off her growing, posing in a cream crop top and matching pants.

Hear more on how Rob and Chyna are preparing to welcome their bundle of joy in the video below.

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A village court in Bihar has banned the sale and purchase of products made in China to protest against China's support to Pakistan.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: A village court in Bihar has banned the sale and purchase of "Made in China" products in their village following China's support to Pakistan. The gram Kachhari which was convened a few days back in Obra Panchayat in Aurangabad district of Bihar decided to boycott trading of all kind of Chinese products in order to break the backbone of Chinese economy.

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The gram panchayat's initiative is the first official move to ban sale and purchase of Chinese in the country. The village court also incorporated a provision in their judgment of imposing fine on persons found to be using Chinese products. The village court's decision will be applicable on population of 10000 in Obra panchayat.

"We have taken a decision to boycott Chinese products in our panchayat. This is because China has always been supporting Pakistan which is our enemy. Therefore we wanted to teach China a lesson", said Gudiya Devi, village head, Obra Panchayat.

Also read: Indians boycotting 'Made in China' wares for Beijing's support to Pak: Traders



On the other hand, the Bhagalpur administration has also passed a order banning sale and purchase of Chinese crackers on the occasion of Diwali. The administration has warned of punitive action anyone found to be violating the administration's orders.

Also read: India bans import of goods from China: List of top 5 imports of India

The orders from the Bhagalpur DM is part of the Bihar government's advisory issued to all the district magistrates asking them to crack down on sale and purchase of fireworks during Diwali. This advisory by the Bihar government will majorly impact sale of Chinese crackers.

"We have received advisory from the state govt regarding banning sale of fireworks during Diwali and following up from there we have issued direction banning sale and purchase of Chine crackers in the district", said Aadesh Titharmare, Bhagalpur DM.

Also read: Govt readies to defuse Chinese firecrackers ahead of Diwali celebrations





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Beirut (AFP) - Leading charities called Saturday for a ceasefire in the battered Syrian city of Aleppo, ahead of a meeting of world powers in Switzerland to discuss the carnage.

Four global NGOs issued the joint plea "to establish a ceasefire of at least 72 hours in east Aleppo", where an estimated 250,000 live under bombardment and are besieged by pro-government forces.

"This will allow the sick and wounded to be evacuated, and for food and medical aid to enter the besieged area," said a statement from one of the charities, Save the Children.

The foreign ministers of the United States and Russia, which support opposite sides in Syria's five-year war, were due to meet Saturday in Lausanne to restart a tattered peace process.

Moscow has faced rising international criticism over its backing for President Bashar al-Assad's onslaught in divided Aleppo, including Western accusations of possible war crimes.

Violence has continued unabated in the northern city, once Syria's commercial hub but now ravaged by Russian and regime air strikes in support of a major government offensive against rebels.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of east Aleppo since the pro-government assault began on September 22, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

"We have failed Syria's children for too long and there must be accountability for what's happening to them in Aleppo," Save the Children International head Helle Thorning-Schmidt said in the statement.

The International Rescue Committee, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam International also joined the call for a truce in Aleppo.

"The children of Aleppo cannot wait for a war of words to play out; time is running out for them," Thorning-Schmidt said.
Travelers to London have long enjoyed the convenience of London City Airport (opened in 1987), which offers the closest runway to the downtown business district. Now, the airport has added a first-class lounge at the Private Jet Centre for airline passengers. Arriving passengers and their luggage are met at the ramp, and within 90 seconds, they have cleared customs and are in a car en route to the lounge, where expedited immigration checks are completed. Travelers can enjoy the spacious lounge, with light refreshments and a new catering menu by Air Culinaire Worldwide. Departing passengers needs are taken care of by a discreet private security team with no need to stand in a line. Jet Centre staffers look after travelers luggage and provide an escort straight to the aircrafts steps when its time to go.

London City Airport is also a popular destination for private jets, but it requires special certification for every aircraft that operates there. A short runway, steep angles for approach and departure, and other operational controls create challenging takeoffs and landings. Recently, Embraer Executive Jets announced that its Legacy 500 midsize business jet has been approved for London City operations. The Legacy 500 can fly nonstop from London to destinations as far as Gander, Canada, or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (londoncityairport.com)

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While female breast cancer has received a lot of press attention thanks to its high incidence rate and even celebrities falling victim,little is known about Male Breast Cancer still.

Breast cancer in men is often diagnosed later than breast cancer in women, making it tough to treat. (Picture for representation)

By Baishali Adak: Vishal Rathi (name changed) was leading a cheery life. The Greater Noida-based businessman would enjoy heavy drinks with mutton, which he was particularly fond of, every evening after work.

This till the 43-year-old noticed one side of his chest engorged compared to the other in the winter of 2013. Then, the skin in the area turned orange, prompting a hurried medical appointment. He had "Male Breast Cancer", the doctors told him.

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Dr Vikas Goswami, senior consultant oncologist at Fortis Hospital, who tended to Rathi, said, "It was his good luck and attention to detail that he showed it to us early. He was in the first stage of MBC (or Male Breast Cancer), got treatment and is now fine. Mostly, out of denial, lack of awareness and fearing ridicule, men turn up very late. By then, matters are out of control."

ALSO READ: Pakistani woman slams 'locker room talk' about breast cancer in Facebook post



While female breast cancer has received a lot of press attention thanks to its high incidence rate and even celebrities falling victim - Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie got a preventive double mastectomy done in 2013 on being diagnosed with a defective BRCA1 gene - little is known about Male Breast Cancer still.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

It is not clear why some men get breast cancer while most do not, but risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, alcoholism, obesity, liver disease, inherited gene mutations, radiation exposure as well as extended occupational exposure to certain chemicals or intense heat.

As per studies, one in 30 girls born in India may develop breast cancer during her lifetime. But one in 400 men would also contract the vicious disease. While 83 per cent women are likely to be alive five years after early-stage diagnosis, for men it would be only 73 per cent, thanks to scanty breast fat tissue in males allowing the cancer to spread deep very soon.

"What is even lesser known about MBC is that alcohol is one of its risk factors," said Dr Meenu Walia, director of medical oncology at Max Cancer Centre in Patparganj. "A damaged liver is unable to control the level of estrogen (female hormone) in a man's body. This leads to gynaecomastia or enlarged breasts which become cancerous in the long run." Those suffering from cirrhosis or a liver damaged by other illnesses are at an even higher risk.

ALSO READ: Govt to make screening of oral, cervix and breast cancer mandatory for 30+ from November 2016



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Dr Deepak Rautray, senior surgical oncologist, said, "Excessive alcohol has several effects on a man's body. It leads to what we call 'Feminising Syndrome'. The hair distribution will change akin to female disposition, testes will shrink, breasts would enlarge and subcutaneous fat deposits will also change."

"Liver plays an important role in metabolising of estrogen. When that does not happen, hyperestrogenemia occurs, which is postulated to lead to MBC." Dr Deni Gupta of Dharamshila Cancer Hospital in east Delhi said he does not consider alcoholism to be a leading factor behind Male Breast Cancer.

WATCHOUT FOR OBESITY

"But I definitely check for cancer occurrences in the family tree," he added. "Such patients often have female relatives - say a mother, sister or aunt - patient of breast cancer. Or else, they may have experienced radiation exposure of the chest or a rare genetic condition called Klinefelter's syndrome."

Dr Shalu Verma, molecular scientist at Core Diagnostics, said, "Obesity is another factor to watch out for. Men must immediately report to a doctor if they notice a lump in the breast area, nipple discharge or retraction; swelling of the breast, local skin ulcer, etc."

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Diagnostic tests and treatment follow the same steps as in Female Breast Cancer. Dr Majid Ahmed, a senior consultant at Batra Hospital & Medical Research Center, Delhi, said, "Hormone therapy is not as effective in men as in women.

Also, a radical mastectomy (breast removal including some of the underlying muscles) has to be done to avoid future cancerous growths."

ALSO READ:

Children of cancer: Let's help the tiny humans by learning a little more about childhood cancer

Breastfeeding may protect moms from cancer, heart disease



--- ENDS ---
Meat exporter Moin Qureshi was allowed to take his flight to Dubai from Delhi airport today after being briefly questioned when he produced an order against ED's restraint order.

By Atir Khan: Meat exporter Moin Qureshi, who had a look-out circular by Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued against him, was allowed to take his flight to Dubai at 11.45 am from IGI airport in Delhi after being briefly questioned by FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) officials. The circular was issued against him in a money-laundering case.



He was allowed to fly after Qureshi produced an order against the ED's restraint order.

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Officials said immigration authorities first alerted Enforcement Directorate sleuths after they intercepted Qureshi, who reached the airport here to take a flight to Dubai.



ED LOOK OUT CIRCULAR



The action was taken based on a ED look out circular against him. Subsequently, a team of ED officials arrived to take his custody, they said.



However, according to airport officials, Qureshi told authorities that he has furnished a bond and got the court's nod to travel abroad even as he got a fax sent in this regard from his legal team to the airport, based on which immigration authorities allowed him to travel.





QURESHI SENT CRORES TO FOREIGN FIRMS



ED suspected that he had sent Rs 200 crores to foreign companies. Qureshi has also been probed by the Income Tax department in the past.

His BBM exchange trail with former CBI Director Ranjit Sinha was also examined.

--- ENDS ---
A woman was badly hurt late Thursday night after she and her son had to jump from a second-story deck as a two-alarm fire destroyed their Canton home. In seconds, the Clinton Street rowhome that had been in Scott Hartmann's family for decades was gutted Thursday night. Hartmann said he was glad he was awake when the fire started because he said his mother was asleep and the house didn't have any functioning fire alarms. Seconds was all Hartmann had to wake up his 63-year-old mother, Bonnie.
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Imagine the most extreme stereotypes about computer scientists: They're socially awkward indoor kids. They have an obsessive focus on technology and a closet full of rumpled hoodies.

They're male.

Cultural perceptions about who is a computer scientist  or an engineer or a physicist  are a big reason why women are still underrepresented in certain science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) fields, according to researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle.

"The assumptions about what it takes to be a good computer scientist or engineer are very narrow," said Sapna Cheryan, a UW psychology professor and lead author of a study published this week in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

SEE ALSO: How to empower women in the tech industry

"If you have narrow stereotypes, then it's going to end up attracting a more narrow band of people, including a narrow band of men," she told Mashable.

Cheryan said her research team wanted to understand why some STEM fields had made progress in closing the gender gap, while others remained largely dominated by men.

A biologist puts blood on iron plates in a lab testing genetically modified mosquitoes in Campinas, Brazil, Feb. 11, 2016.

Image: Victor Moriyama/Getty Images

The researchers analyzed more than 1,200 papers on the topic, with a particular focus on the six STEM fields with the most undergraduate degrees: biology, chemistry and math  which have the highest share of female participation  and computer science, engineering and physics, which have the widest gender gaps.

"People talk about women's underrepresentation in STEM overall, but if you look at the data, it's really more complicated than that," Cheryan said.

For instance, women earn more than half of U.S. undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry and math, the National Science Foundation found in a 2014 study. Yet women earn less than 20 percent of degrees in computer science, engineering and physics.

The UW literature review adds to a growing public debate about how schools and companies can encourage more women to pursue STEM fields  while also ensuring women have equal opportunities as men to hold leadership positions and advance their research.

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The study also comes as the scientific community is slowly opening up about the sexual harassment and abuse that has long plagued male-dominated fields, particularly astronomy.

Mashable previously reported that the rise of blogs and other digital outlets are making it easier for women to communicate more efficiently and powerfully about their experiences with everything from demeaning remarks and inappropriate comments to unwanted sexual conduct.

Cheryan and her research team did not address sexual harassment in their Oct. 12 study, but they did identify the "masculine culture" as one of three key reasons why women are discouraged from participating in computer science, engineering and physics.

Stereotypes about "brogrammers" and computer geeks fall under this umbrella, as do beliefs that women simply aren't as good as men in these fields. A relative lack of female leaders in the fields, and a dearth of pop culture icons to serve as role models, help to reinforce these oversimplified and inaccurate ideas.

"These assumptions about the fields signal to men that they belong, more than it signals to women they belong there," Cheryan said in an interview.

Jen Goldbeck, a computer scientist and professor at the University of Maryland, said in her own experience, this masculine environment helps to foster doubt about women's abilities or intelligence.

"Because there are so few of us, if one woman struggles with something or makes a mistake, some guys will presume that all women are like that (even if there are guys who struggle more)," she told Mashable in an email.

She shared the following XKCD webcomic, which she said speaks to life as a female computer scientist.

Image: xkcd.com

"On top of that, many men in CS [computer science] don't think there is a problem; they think we make things up, read too much into derogatory comments ("it has nothing to do with gender"), or are oversensitive," Goldbeck added.

"That means no one will tell the offenders to knock it off, and there aren't a lot of female faculty to turn to."

"It can be a really exhausting experience, so a lot of smart, talented women find themselves more welcome in math or biology," she said.

The UW study also found that certain STEM fields have a wider gender gap because of students' inexperience in those subjects prior to entering college.

Fewer U.S. high school students have experience in computer science, engineering or physics prior to college, which means they largely rely on those masculine stereotypes to shape their understandings of the field.

"If the culture is masculine, and telling you the people who would be good at these fields are men, it will be harder for you to even put that on the table," Cheryan said.

When it comes to biology, chemistry and math, however, most high schoolers are required to take courses in those areas, giving students an earlier experience of diversity in those fields.

The third reason for the lopsided gender gap, according to the UW study, is that women generally tend to underestimate their abilities in computer science, engineering and physics.

Men, on the other hand, tend to overestimate their skills.

Nilanjana Dasgupta, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, has explored this confidence gap in her own research.

In one study, Dasgupta and her colleagues followed 15 entry-level calculus classes during a semester, with seven classes taught by a female professor.

They found that women outperformed men across the board in their final grades. But female students were less confident they would get a good grade, and showed less interest in the class, if their professor was male. Male students were less influenced by their professor's gender.

"Clearly the ability is not the issue," Dasgupta said in a campus talk in April that was covered by the Daily Collegian. "Confidence is the issue." Dasgupta was not involved in the new research.

Cheryan said the UW research shows the need to develop a more inclusive culture in STEM fields, whether by developing "subcultures" that make girls feel they belong or working with professors and students to counteract negative stereotypes about women's abilities.

The UW professor said this approach differed from the ongoing attempts to simply stoke women's interest in STEM and draw them into computer sciences or engineering.

"People can only change so much, especially when their society is constraining them," she said.

"Rather than making women change, it's more fair and just and better for the field if they have more welcoming cultures."
PADERBORN, Germany (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday plans should be considered to give Yazidis in Iraq protected areas to retreat to in the north of the country. "The plans are not finished yet, I'll be honest with you, but they are on the agenda," Merkel told a conference of the youth wing of her conservatives, adding that the survival of the Yazidis was at stake. United Nations investigators said in June that Islamic State was committing genocide against the Yazidis in Syria and Iraq to destroy the religious community of 400,000 people through killings, sexual slavery and other crimes. Merkel said it was necessary to think about how the Yazidis driven out of their homes by the Islamic State could be given a "safe space" to which they could return once Islamic State was defeated. She said it was necessary to talk to the Yazidis and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in northern Iraq about that. Yazidi community leaders have already asked to have international protection for a self-rule administration that they demand to have in their region in northern Iraq, as part of the Iraqi state. The Yazidis are a religious sect whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions. They are considered infidels by the hardline Sunni Islamist militants. Merkel also criticized the actions of the Russia-backed Syrian government in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, saying these were "very close to war crimes" and added that the International Criminal Court would have to determine this. Rescue workers said on Friday that Syria's military backed by Russian warplanes had killed more than 150 people in eastern Aleppo this week, in support of its offensive against the city. (Reporting by Reuters TV and Andreas Rinke; additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli in Baghdad; Writing by Michelle Martin Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
PADERBORN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that Europe's largest economy would significantly boost defense spending in the coming years to move towards the NATO target for member states to spend 2 percent of their economic output on defense. But Merkel, addressing a conference of the youth wing of her conservatives, did not specify by how much defense spending would rise. Merkel said U.S. President Barack Obama had told her it could no longer be the case that the U.S. spends 3.4 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on security while Germany - its close NATO ally - only spends 1.2 percent of GDP on that. "To get from 1.2 percent to 2 percent, we need to increase it by a huge amount," Merkel said. In 2016 Germany's budget for defense spending stands at 34.3 billion euros so it would need to be increased by more than 20 billion euros to reach the 2 percent target. (Reporting by Reuters TV and Andreas Rinke; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Angela Merkel wants to get other European Union member countries to agree to step up sanctions against Russia because of its role in the war in Syria, a German newspaper cited sources close to the German chancellor as saying. The issue of sanctions is due to be discussed at an EU summit on Thursday and Friday. Both the EU and the United States have already imposed economic and other sanctions on Russia for its seizure of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, and for its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine. Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung cited the sources as saying it was proving hard to get the agreement of the Social Democrats - the junior partner to Merkel's conservatives in Germany's ruling coalition - and other EU countries on tougher measures, but that "resentment towards the Russians has increased". The attack on a U.N. and Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy in Syria last month and Russia's actions in Aleppo have contributed to that, the newspaper cited the sources as saying. Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations, accusations that they reject. The United States has said two Russian warplanes bombed the aid convoy, but Moscow denies this. U.S. President Barack Obama told Merkel by telephone that he would support "a tough response" if European countries could agree on that, F.A.S. cited sources as saying. It cited the sources as saying further sanctions were being considered against the aviation industry or in sectors that affected the Russian Defence Ministry. A German government spokesperson could not immediately comment on the report. On Oct. 7, Merkel urged Russia to use its influence with the Syrian government to end the bombardment of Aleppo. She did not address sanctions directly, but said the international community must do all it could to bring about a halt in the fighting and get supplies to civilians. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Calais (France) (AFP) - A first group of unaccompanied migrant children left the Calais "Jungle" camp for Britain on Saturday, days after a French minister said the UK had a "moral duty" to take them in.

The Calais prefecture confirmed that around two dozen unaccompanied minors were bound for a new life in Britain, where they had family members, although it added that there was no "no deal for a larger-scale plan" evacuation of children.

"Five Syrian minors and one Afghan minor have just been transferred to the United Kingdom. From Monday, around 10 more minors will follow, then on Tuesday, about 10 more," a spokesman told AFP.

The children have been living in squalid conditions in the Calais encampment where charities estimate up to 10,000 migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia have settled in the hope of reaching Britain. The camp faces demolition.

- 'Moral duty' -

The departure comes after French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Monday said he was asking "Britain to assume its moral duty" by accepting unaccompanied children with family in the UK.

The British Red Cross has said 178 unaccompanied children in the camp have already been identified as having the right to claim asylum in Britain due to their family links.

In a statement to parliament Monday, Home Secretary Amber Rudd insisted that Britain was ready to cooperate with France on the issue but that an agreement had not yet been reached.

She added: "The primary responsibility (for the children involved)... lies with the French authorities. The UK government has no authority in France."

However, she said Britain was keen to bring as many eligible children over to Britain before the "Jungle" site was dismantled, adding that London would move within "days, a week at most".

Saturday also saw the start of construction on a new wall designed to block migrant access to the Calais port, a magnet for would-be stowaways who target UK-bound lorries.

Story continues

The first four-metre (13-feet) high concrete panels in the so-called "anti-intrusion" wall were moved into place, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

When complete, the wall will stretch for around a kilometre (0.6 miles) and add to some 30 kilometres of existing wire fences along the road leading to the port.

"Work is being undertaken on schedule and should be finished by the year's end," said the Calais prefecture spokesman of the 2.7 million euros ($3 million) structure, which Britain has agreed to finance.

- 'Undignified, inhuman' -

The "Jungle" has become a symbol of the Europe's biggest migrant crisis since the World War II and a major source of Anglo-French tensions, leading President Francois Hollande to demand that the site be demolished before the end of 2016.

The French government has yet to give an official date for dismantling the camp.

Initial indications that it might happen as early as this Tuesday, however, proved premature and the plan has been put back at least a week, sources indicated.

Meanwhile work has been stepped up on the creation of reception centres across France to house as many as 9,000 people from Calais.

In a further development Saturday, 50 lawyers arrived at the camp to provide the migrants with advice so they could fill in forms and be "aware of and assert their rights", Flor Tercero, head of an association of lawyers for foreigners' rights, told AFP.

"We are well aware that the 'Jungle' is a place where living conditions are undignified and inhuman and that cannot go on," Tercero said.

Away from Calais, a French fishing boat earlier Saturday came to the aid of four migrants who ran into difficulties in the English Channel as they made for England in a makeshift vessel, local authorities said.

The fishing boat rescued the group, all four of whom were suffering from hypothermia, and handed them over to police.
By PTI: London, Oct 15 (PTI) A mild sedative could greatly reduce the risk of people experiencing delirium after undergoing an operation, a new study has found.

The study suggests sedating patients may reduce the risk of post-operative delirium by up to 65 per cent.

The condition may affect up to one in three people who have a major operation, causing confusion and hallucinations ? with the over-65s particularly at risk.

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The team, including scientists at Peking University First Hospital in China, believes the sedative may help the brain recover and reset after surgery.

Post-operative delirium usually strikes within the first two days of a person waking from general anaesthetic.

The symptoms range from relatively mild, such as a person not knowing their name or where they are, to more severe, such as aggressive behaviour or even hallucinations.

"Post-operative delirium is a huge challenge for the medical community ? and incredibly distressing for patients and their families," said Professor Daqing Ma, from the Imperial College London in the UK.

"In many cases patients become almost child-like, and do not understand where they are, what is happening, and become very upset. Hospital staff have also been injured by delirious patients becoming aggressive," said Ma.

The causes are unknown, but one theory is that major surgery can trigger inflammation throughout the body, which in some cases can spread to the brain.

The risk of the condition increases with age, and it seems to strike more often when patients undergo major, lengthy operations.

The delirium can last from a few hours to a couple of days, and some research suggests it may be linked to an increased risk of elderly patients later developing dementia.

In the new study, researchers assessed 700 patients age 65 or older who were about to undergo major surgery.

Half received a low dose of a type of sedative called dexmedetomidine after the operation, as an infusion directly into a vein in their arm, while half received a placebo salt-water infusion.

The patients received the infusion of sedative or placebo around an hour after surgery, and for the next 16 hours.

This sedative, which is commonly used for medical procedures and in veterinary medicine, leaves a patient relaxed and drowsy, yet conscious. The drug is considered safe as it does not affect breathing.

Both groups received the same general anaesthetic before undergoing their operation. They were then assessed for symptoms of delirium every day for a week after procedure.

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The results showed that nearly one in four patients in the placebo group ? 23 per cent ? developed delirium. However only just under one in ten patients ? 9 per cent ? who received the sedative developed the condition.

Scientists are still unsure how the sedative works, but one theory is it allows the brain to rest and recover immediately after surgery, said Ma.

The study was published in The Lancet journal. PTI MHN MHN

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Benaulim (India) (AFP) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed multi-billion dollar energy and defence pacts on Saturday following talks aimed at reinvigorating ties between the traditional allies.

Modi hailed Putin as an "old friend" after their meeting in the Indian state of Goa, where leaders of the other BRICS emerging nations were also gathering for a summit.

"Your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership," Modi said alongside Putin at a beachside resort, after officials signed up to 20 agreements between the two nations.

Modi said the pacts on jointly producing light military helicopters, building frigates and other areas of cooperation "lay the foundations for deeper defence and economic ties for years ahead".

They also signed an initial agreement on India's purchase of Russia's state of the art defence system, capable of shooting down multiple incoming missiles, although there were no details on a timeframe for delivery.

India, the world's top defence importer, is undergoing a $100-billion upgrade of its Soviet-era military, as it looks to protect its borders from arch-rival Pakistan and an increasingly assertive China.

But India has increasingly turned to the United States, and more recently France, rather than Russia, for its hardware, as Modi cultivates closer ties with Washington.

Putin has been seeking to seal deals with India to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy, following sliding oil prices and Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

"I would like to stress that we intend to expand our bilateral cooperation not only in energy but also across a wide range of areas," Putin said.

The announced energy deals include Russian oil giant Rosneft's decision to buy almost the entire stake in India's Essar Oil for almost $13 billion.

Essar said the deal involving a group led by Rosneft was the largest single foreign direct investment in India.

Story continues

The leaders also signed an agreement to supply more units to a nuclear plant in Kudankulam in southern India to meet the fast-growing economy's thirst for electricity and to reduce its reliance on dirty coal.

They discussed the threats posed by regional and "global terrorism" although it was not clear if this included India's hiked tensions with archrival Pakistan.

Putin was seen as unlikely to weigh into the dispute between the rival neighbours, as Moscow also eyes closer defence ties with Islamabad. Russia and Pakistan carried out their first joint military exercise last month.

- Helicopters -

The deal for Russia's most modern air defence system has been in the pipeline for a few years, along with the helicopters, and the building of four frigates in India.

India will purchase about 200 of the choppers to replace its ageing fleet under a joint venture over several years, with some manufactured in India, as it reduces its reliance on military imports.

"In the next few months, a place will be allocated (for manufacture) and there will be investments," Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov told AFP.

India and Russia have traditionally held strong ties dating back to the 1950s after the death of Stalin. But trade has slipped beneath $10 billion since 2014, as Modi cultivates closer diplomatic and economic ties with Washington, while Russia eyes Pakistan and also China.

Modi will hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping late Saturday, also in the hope of boosting investment and trade. Relations however have been frustrated by Beijing's decision so far to block New Delhi's entry to a nuclear trade group, among other issues.

China and India, the world's two most populous nations, are jockeying for regional influence in Asia.

Modi will host a dinner for the leaders of the BRICS club - which also includes South Africa and Brazil -- ahead of talks on Sunday.

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.
By Aleksandar Vasovic PODGORICA (Reuters) - Montenegro's ruling party faces its toughest test in 27 years in power on Sunday, when it hopes its election promise to bring the country into NATO and closer to the European Union will outweigh opposition allegations of cronyism and corruption. The Western alliance invited the tiny Balkan country of 620,000 to join last year, partly out of concern at Russian influence in Montenegro, which has strong cultural and commercial links to its traditional Orthodox Christian ally. Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, 54, presents the election as a choice between continuing Western integration under his Democratic Party of Socialists or being reduced to a "Russian colony" under the opposition. "Do we want stable, prosperous and European Montenegro or will we be a country of backwardness, violence and hopelessness," Djukanovic asked supporters at a final rally on Thursday. "Will we be a Russian colony in the Balkans?" Djukanovic accuses opposition parties, some also pro-Western, of taking Russian money. Both they and Russia deny this. The opposition says the allegations are a smokescreen to cover for the culture of cronyism Djukanovic has allowed to flourish over his quarter-century of dominance in the country. Parts of Montenegro were bombed by NATO when the alliance intervened in 1999 to end a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo by Serbia, with which Montenegro was then in a state union. Ties with ethnic kin in neighboring Serbia remain strong. With few reliable polls in the country, the election is hard to call, but long-term allies have recently deserted Djukanovic, in an indication that the opposition message has traction. For Russia, Djukanovic told supporters, Sunday's parliamentary vote was Moscow's last chance to derail the Balkan region's wholesale rush towards NATO and EU membership, widely seen as the best prospect for stability and growth in a region that was wracked by war for much of the 1990s. The former Yugoslav republic's economy has grown at an average of 3.2 percent a year for the past decade, thanks mainly to foreign, especially Russian, investment in energy, mining and tourism in a country known for its spectacular mountains and sea coast. But opposition parties say organized crime has flourished on Djukanovic's watch. At an opposition rally in the capital Podgorica, hundreds of backers of the Democratic Front (DF), an alliance of pro-Serb and pro-Western parties, waved Serb, Russian and Montenegrin flags, chanting their campaign slogan "Us or Him." "Djukanovic, step down peacefully on Sunday if you love Montenegro," said Nebojsa Medojevic, a pro-Western politician and one of DF leaders. Voting starts at 0500 GMT and closes at 1800 GMT. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Thomas Escritt/Jeremy Gaunt)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britons who want the government to prioritise favourable trade deals with the European Union when negotiating Britain's exit from the bloc outnumber those who think it should prioritise reducing immigration, a poll has found. Britons voted by 52 to 48 percent in a June referendum to quit the 28-member bloc after a campaign in which those advocating a "leave" vote focused heavily on immigration and promised that 'Brexit' would make it easier to reduce it. The government is expected to formally start two years of negotiations on the terms of Britain's departure by the end of March. Its challenge is to secure as much access as possible to the EU's single market while also restricting the freedom of movement from other EU countries that is one of the market's main pillars. In a poll of 2,000 people conducted online by ComRes on Oct. 12-13, 49 percent of respondents said the government should prioritise getting favourable trade deals, while 39 percent thought it should prioritise reducing immigration. There was a stark age divide, with 48 percent of older people wanting immigration controls to be the priority, while only 25 percent of younger people felt that way, according to the poll for the Sunday Mirror and Independent on Sunday newspapers. That reflects the results of the referendum itself, in which a much higher proportion of older than younger voters opted for Brexit. Finance minister Philip Hammond, who campaigned for a "Remain" vote before the referendum, said on Friday that controls on immigration after Brexit must not be damaging for the economy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that Britain could not get concessions on freedom of movement while retaining full access to the European single market, or other countries would want the same. Her words were echoed by French President Francois Hollande, who said Britain's decision to leave the EU should not jeopardise the principle of free movement. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
As the government prepares to issue new regulations regarding underride barriers on commercial trucks, the issue remains whether truck carriers will comply with these regulations if it negatively affects their ability to make a profit

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2016 / One of the biggest dangers posed by commercial trucks is that they are built higher off the ground than passenger vehicles, making them much more susceptible to underride accidents.

Underride truck accidents occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into a commercial truck, and rolls under the truck from the rear or from the side, often destroying the entire top compartment of the vehicle, and resulting in fatalities.

Since 1953, commercial trucks have been required by law to have rear underride guards, but there are no regulations requiring guards on the sides of trucks, which means that a huge safety gap exists that has led to fatalities when a car skids beneath the side of one of these vehicles.

The other issue is that not all guards are built with the same level of quality.

While the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made rear underride guards mandatory on all commercial trucks, it has not set standards as to the type of material, or the quality of material required in these guards.

As a result, some of these guards, which are made of cheap material, provide no barrier against a vehicle passing beneath a truck.

NHTSA Seeks Higher Safety Standards

In an effort to lower the number of accidents in which small passenger vehicles crash underneath a commercial truck, the NHTSA is considering new proposals to make underride guards safer.

"Big trucks are not in any way crash-friendly," stated Robert Molloy, Director of Highway Safety at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). And noting that underride guards have been on the market for more than 50 years, he added, "It's incredible that we have vehicles today that we can underride."

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The NHTSA has not made public what changes in safety standards it is seeking, but they have invited the public  including auto safety experts  to comment on the issue.

Recent Conference On Fatal Underride Accidents

In May, truck company owners, safety experts, and government representatives met at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville, VA at an all-day conference regarding fatal underride crashes.

While all attendees agreed that commercial trucks posed a deadly risk for underride accidents, opinions differed on how to correct the problem.

That's because truck owners are concerned with how much it would cost to upgrade the guards on their vehicles, and whether the increased weight of those guards would force them to decrease their payloads, cutting into their profits.

To show the effectiveness of newer-designed underride guards, the IIHS conducted a crash-test with a Stoughton trailer that was equipped with an upgraded barrier made with steel bars.

A 2010 Chevrolet Malibu was smashed into the rear of the truck's trailer that was carrying a 34,100-pound payload.

The Malibu was traveling at 35 miles per hour, the standard speed determined by the government at which a passenger vehicle's occupants can survive a collision.

The test was successful, as the trailer's upgraded guard prevented the Malibu from passing all the way under the truck, making it likely that the passengers would have survived.

The Stoughton-made rear bars will come standard in late 2016, although the exact cost to truck owners was not disclosed.

What makes these bars different is that they have four supports across the horizontal bar, instead of the two bars, which are standard.

And the bars have been fortified so that they are more durable, and can withstand greater impact.

In an effort to assuage the fears of truck company owners who may have to purchase upgraded bars in the future, the President of Manac, a trailer manufacturer, said that his company could make the necessary fixes for as little as $20, and with a weight addition of only 20 pounds.

But the NHTSA has reported that the upgrades would cost about $2,000, though the IIHS said that number was too high.

John Housego, a North Carolina resident, said that he owns a 2010 Freightliner semi-tractor, and a 2015 Great Dane Trailer, and that he believes side skirts that are now in use to make trucks more fuel-efficient, could double as side underride guards.

Robert Martineau, Chief Executive of Airflow Deflector, and a manufacturer of commercial truck side panels echoed this idea.

Martineau said that he could retrofit his panels to make them stronger, so they could also act as crash deflectors, but did not provide an estimation of the costs.

Disputed Underride Accident Fatality Stats

As the government tries to lower the number of commercial truck underride accidents, there is some dispute over the statistics regarding fatalities that occur from these crashes.

The most credible source for these stats comes from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a federal database.

According to FARS, from 1994 to 2014, there were 5,081 fatalities directly related to underride accidents.

In 2014  the last year for which statistics are available  there were 228 deaths resulting from cars that slid under commercial trucks.

What's more troubling is that the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) reported in 2013 that side crash deaths were likely three times higher than data collected by FARS.

There was no explanation given as to why the FARS stats are lower than what AAAM is reporting, but part of the reason could be that FARS has grouped all undercarriage accidents into one category, without differentiating between rear and side crashes.

Recent Underride Crashes In Texas

There have been a number of recent underride accidents involving trucks and passenger vehicles in Texas.

Austin, TX -- In December 2015, a Chevy Tahoe smashed into an 18-wheeler, slid under the commercial truck, and briefly caught fire.

The accident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. at the 5119 E. 7th St, when the SUV crashed into the semi-truck that was backing into a parking lot.

The SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit the side of the 18-wheeler and slid underneath the massive commercial vehicle.

It took a rescue crew 45 minutes to extract the driver who miraculously survived the ordeal, and was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

According to Austin Police Department Corporal Chad Martinika, the damage to the front of the SUV was one of the worst he's seen in an accident.

San Antonio, TX  In January 2015, a woman was killed when the Subaru sedan she was driving slid underneath a semi-trailer.

The crash occurred at about 7 a.m. on Culebra Road and Old FM 471 Outside Loop 1604.

The commercial truck was making a turn on a residential street in Waterford Park that was under construction, when the Subaru hit the truck, and wedged itself underneath.

The woman  whose name was not disclosed  was pronounced dead at the scene.

"It was dark, and so it's possible that the driver may not have been paying attention, may not have noticed that truck," stated James Keith, a spokesperson for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. "That's what we believe happened, since it appeared that it got lodged underneath."

Keith also said that the commercial truck driver  who was not injured in the accident  would be cited for pulling out into oncoming traffic.

Allen, TX  In August 2016 at about 12:18 a.m., the driver of a Ford Mustang traveling southbound on Texas 121 near Stacy Road, lost control of his vehicle, causing it to strike a concrete barrier.

The Mustang then veered across the road, and slid under the trailer of an 18-wheeler.

The truck pulled over to the side of the road with the Mustang still in its undercarriage.

Authorities investigating the crash were not sure why the driver of the Mustang  who was pronounced dead at the scene  lost control of his vehicle.

The truck driver was not injured in the accident.

Making Trucks Safer

As the government prepares to issue new regulations regarding underride barriers on commercial trucks, the issue remains whether truck carriers will comply with these regulations if it negatively affects their ability to make a profit.

"No matter what type of upgrades the government proposes, it really depends on the truck company owners," said Amy Witherite, partner at Eberstein & Witherite. "The problem is one of vigilance and compliance, and some of these smaller truck companies won't spend money on an upgraded impact guard, because it will cut into their profit."

In fact, there are thousands of smaller independent truck owners who often operate without any oversight by the government, because they are unlicensed.

"So even with new regulations," Witherite added, "there will still be thousands of commercial trucks out there that don't install the upgraded guards, and may not have any guards at all. And many of these smaller carriers are sending out trucks that are just ticking time bombs that will go off when small passenger vehicles strikes the rear of those trucks, and get stuck underneath."

Obtaining Justice

Underride accidents are tragic events that can devastate an entire family. At Eberstein & Witherite, LLP we believe that you shouldn't have to worry about anything other than getting well after you've been involved in a truck crash. Call us at 1-800-Truck-Wreck today, and speak to one of the lawyers at Eberstein & Witherite. You can also fill out the online form, and a member of our team will respond immediately.

Media Contact

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein & Witherite, LLP

Phone: 800-878-2597

Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com

www.1800truckwreck.com

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Source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/nhtsa-considers-new-safety-standards-underride-guards-trucks-attempt-lower-number-fatal-accidents.html

SOURCE: 1-800-Truck-Wreck via Submit Press Release 123
Niamey (AFP) - Niger has launched an army operation to hunt down a kidnapped American aid worker, the west African country's interior minister said Saturday.

The aid worker -- the first US national to be kidnapped in Niger -- was abducted Friday night in the town of Abalak, in the restive central Tahoua region.

"A search is underway. Our forces have been mobilised," Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum told AFP by telephone.

The kidnappers are still in Niger, he added, after a security source told AFP earlier that they had already slipped across the border to Mali.

Bazoum said the abductors were "jihadists or bandits" seeking to sell the American to Islamist extremists operating in Mali.

He did not name the victim, but the interior ministry said he had been living in the area since 1992 for JEMED, an aid group working with the local Tuareg community.

The ministry said the kidnappers, who were armed and travelling in a Toyota, had burst into the man's home on Friday night around 9:00 pm.

They killed a bodyguard and a member of the national guard, before seizing the aid worker and heading west in the Toyota.

"These criminals are presently en route towards Mali," the ministry said in a statement, adding: "Our forces are on their trail."

A US State Department spokesperson told AFP said they were aware of reports of the kidnapping of an American citizen but declined to comment further.

- Aid worker 'refused to leave' -

A local resident who knows the aid worker said he was "perfectly integrated with the population" having lived nearby since the 1990s, speaking the Tuaregs' Tamasheq language fluently as well as Fula and Arabic.

"We tried many times to make him leave the area as he was more exposed than ever, but he refused, saying he wasn't afraid," the resident said on condition of anonymity.

Northern Mali fell under the control of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in 2012. A French-led military intervention pushed them out, but swathes of the country remain out of government control and awash with armed groups.

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Niger's long, porous borders make it occasionally vulnerable to the armed violence in neighbouring countries, including Mali.

The army has a heavy presence deployed along its northwestern frontier and Niamey has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the Mali conflict.

"To resolve the security problem in Mali is also to resolve the security problem in Niger," Issoufou said this week during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Last week, 22 of Niger's soldiers were killed when armed men who had travelled from Mali launched an attack on a refugee camp in the town of Tazalit.

Niger also faces constant attacks in the southeast from Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram.

The Tahoua region, where Friday's kidnapping took place, neighbours Agadez where the US has a military base which it uses to launch surveillance drones targeting jihadist groups.

A senior security source told AFP the kidnapping came as a surprise, as "the Americans do not pay ransoms".

In January 2011, two young French people were kidnapped from a restaurant in Niamey and were killed shortly afterwards during a rescue attempt.

The previous year, five employees of the French energy firm Areva were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM) from a uranium mine in Arlit, north of the country.

Four men were freed in 2013 after the earlier release of the sole female hostage.
By Ed Stoddard JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's government called on Saturday for an immediate end to violent protests by students demanding free education, after nine people were arrested in overnight clashes with police in Johannesburg. Protests have been raging for weeks at universities across the country, prompting President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday to form a ministerial team to tackle the issue. "The upsurge of violence and destruction of property associated with student protests are criminal and unwarranted," the government said in a statement. "Government calls for violent campus protests to stop immediately ... Law enforcement agencies are constitutionally bound to act against any perpetrators of criminal acts that are committed during protests within institutions of higher learning. They will be arrested and prosecuted." Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said a supermarket had been looted and three cars set alight in an area of Johannesburg adjacent to the University of the Witwatersrand, which has been the scene of some of the most violent demonstrations. The University of the Free State said this week it would shut its main campus in Bloemfontein, 400 km (250 miles) south of Johannesburg, and other satellite campuses until Oct. 28 in response to almost four weeks of student protests. The government said the protests undermined "the genuine struggles for access to quality higher education, which are supported by government". The flare-ups over the cost of university education, which is prohibitive for many black students and set to rise by up to 8 percent next year, have highlighted frustration at the inequalities that still endure, more than two decades after the end of apartheid. (Editing by Kevin Liffey)
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Nine people were arrested after overnight clashes in Johannesburg between police and students demanding free education, police said on Saturday. The latest skirmishes capped a week of protests on campuses across the country and came just days after President Jacob Zuma appointed a special team to try to diffuse the escalating situation that threatens the academic year at several schools. Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said a supermarket had been looted and three cars set alight in an area of Johannesburg adjacent to the University of the Witwatersrand, which has been the scene of some of the most violent demonstrations. The flare ups 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. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
A vigilance court in Kerala today ordered a probe against Malayalam actor Mohanlal in connection with possession of elephant tusks.

By Revathi Rajeevan: A vigilance court in Kerala has ordered for a quick verification probe against Malayalam actor Mohanlal for possessing elephant tusks.

The order was given by Muvattupuzha vigilance court.

A probe has also been ordered against former minister T Radhakrishnan.

It was in 2012 that elephant tusks were recovered from Mohanlal's residence.

Also read:

Mohanlal's Pulimurugan roars at the box office, mints Rs 20 crore



--- ENDS ---

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama met on Friday with his national security team to discuss the fight against Islamic State and the war in Syria, the White House said. Reuters had reported that in the meeting Obama and his advisers would consider military and other options in Syria as Syrian and Russian aircraft continue to pummel the city of Aleppo and other targets, U.S. officials said. U.S. officials said they considered it unlikely that Obama would order U.S. air strikes on Syrian government targets, and they stressed that he might not make any decisions at the National Security Council meeting. A readout of the meeting released by the White House noted that the United States had broken off bilateral talks with Russia on reaching a ceasefire in Syria. It said Obama directed his team to continue multilateral talks with "key nations" to seek a diplomatic resolution to the civil war. The brief summary made no mention of other U.S. options in Syria. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will return to Syria talks on Saturday, three weeks after the failure of their painstakingly drafted ceasefire. Kerry has pointedly avoided new bilateral negotiations with Lavrov, and his invitation to the Turkish, Saudi, Qatari and Iranian foreign ministers to join them for talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, will broaden the discussion to include the most powerful backers of Syria's government and rebels. Pressure is rising for a halt to a ferocious, three-week-old Syrian government offensive to capture the rebel-held eastern zone of Aleppo, where the United Nations says 275,000 civilians still live and 8,000 rebels are holding out against Syrian, Russian and Iranian-backed forces. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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Ya gotta have dance practice somewhere.

A police officer responding to a noise complaint at a Carrollton, Texas apartment complex last month stumbled upon something that wasn't complaint-worthy at all: a group of groomsmen practicing a dance to surprise a soon-to-be bride.

"When the officer first approached us, we were a little nervous, but we knew we were doing nothing wrong," groom David Opegbemi told ABC News.

SEE ALSO: Couple celebrates 50 years of marriage in wedding outfits they wore in 1966

So the group offered to show off what it'd been preparing  a very cute dance set to "My Girl."

After the performance, Ofc. Burnside congratulated Opegbemi, then left the groomsmen to their practice session, which wasn't that loud to begin with.

"After a short explanation of the situation, things became great between us and the respect displayed on both sides was an awesome feeling," Opegbemi said.

Thankfully, the Carrollton Police Department waited until after the wedding to share body cam footage of the incident on its Facebook page. "We see a lot of bad. But we see a lot of good too," the post reads.

And Opegbemi is thrilled with the attention the video has received since it was posted. "It sends a positive message to the world that ... black men don't always need to be perceived as dangerous," he said.

Opegbemi also reported that his now-wife, Tiera, loved the groomsmen's performance.
Sanaa (AFP) - An Omani aircraft landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital on Saturday to evacuate 115 of the most seriously wounded from a Saudi-led coalition strike on a funeral last weekend, a rebel official said.

The strike killed more than 140 people and wounded at least 525, sparking an international outcry that prompted the coalition to announce an easing of an air blockade to allow the most seriously wounded to receive treatment abroad.

Oman is the only Gulf Arab state that is not part of the coalition fighting the Huthi rebels and has previously organised evacuations from Sanaa of Westerners and others who had been detained by the insurgents.

The Omani aircraft also flew home to Sanaa the rebel negotiating team which had been stranded in the sultanate's capital Muscat since the collapse of UN-brokered peace talks in Kuwait in August because of the air blockade, an AFP photographer reported.

The relief flight came as the coalition released the findings of an investigation into the October 8 air strike on the funeral ceremony for the father of a senior rebel official.

It found that a coalition aircraft had "wrongly targeted" the ceremony based on "incorrect information" and announced disciplinary proceedings against those responsible and a review of procedures.
The cast of Netflix's Orange Is the New Black is joining a growing list of celebrities denouncing Donald Trump.

Several stars have come forward in the past week in response to the GOP nominee's released audio recordings from 2005, in which he made lewd and sexually aggressive comments about women. Since he addressed the issue, denying any sexual assault during the second presidential debate, hosted by Anderson Cooper, women have continued to come forward to allege that Trump has groped, touched or offended them over the years, putting his campaign on the defensive.

On Friday, OITNB star Lea DeLaria, who plays Big Boo on the critically praised series, tweeted a photo of herself with some of the cast and crew of the prison dramedy with the caption, "CAST & CREW OF OITNB SAYS F - YOU TRUMP." Stars Taryn Manning, Emma Myles and Beth Dover were also in the Snap.

Several castmembers, including Uzo Aduba, Taylor Schilling, Natasha Lyonne and Lea DeLaria, starred in an ad with other stars this summer to endorse Hillary Clinton. In the video, Lena Dunham says, "If you believe in equality for women, LGTBQ, people of color and immigrants, then there is only one choice this November: Hillary Clinton."

Several TV casts have come out to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Clinton, including the casts of Empire, Scandal and Dunham's Girls.

CAST & CREW OF OITNB SAYS FUCK YOU TRUMP pic.twitter.com/G8wsTXap8j

- Lea DeLaria (@realleadelaria) October 14, 2016

More women have come forward with stories about Trump this week. After a former People reporter recalled Trump trying to forcibly kiss her and two women revealed their stories in an article in The New York Times, a former Apprentice contestant held a press conference on Friday to tell her story. She says she was kissed and groped by Trump at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2007. Summer Zervos says the release of the now-infamous Access Hollywood tapes and Trump's subsequent denials of wrongdoing made her feel the need to speak out.

Read more: Tina Fey, Shonda Rhimes, More TV Scribes Draft Their Dream Debate Questions for Trump: "Why Are You Doing This to America?"
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan issued a rebuke of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump Saturday, criticizing comments that question the validity of the electoral process.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the highest-ranking elected Republican said Ryan is fully confident in the nations elections system. It comes on the heels of Trumps claims that the election is rigged against him by globalist elites, elements of the federal government, and the press.

Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity, said Ryan spokesperson AshLee Strong.

In recent days Trump has laid out increasingly far-fetched visions of plots to undermine his candidacy. The descent into the realm of conspiracy theories comes as Trump struggles to account for his declining poll numbers and to divert attention from a series of allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Its a rigged system, he repeated over and again of the election Saturday at a rally in Bangor, Me.

Trumps attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Nov. 8 result comes as U.S. government officials believe the Russian government is engaged in a similar effort through its extensive hacking of Democratic Party officials and several state election systems.

In a statement Saturday, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook fired back at Trumps allegations that the race would be fixed. Campaigns should be hard-fought and elections hard-won, but what is fundamental about the American electoral system is that it is free, fair and open to the people, he said. This election will have record turnout, because voters see through Donald Trumps shameful attempts to undermine an election weeks before it happens.

The Ryan statement marks the latest split between Ryan and Trump. The speaker was slow to endorse Trump on account of his list of controversial comments and unorthodox positions for a Republican nominee. After the release earlier this month of Trumps lewd comments about women, Ryan told his conference that while he still supports the nominee, he would not campaign on Trumps behalf. Ryan also signaled that he has little faith in Trumps ability to win the White House and encouraged his members to do what they need to win the own seats, even if they have to break with Trump. Trump fired back at the Speaker, calling him a very weak and ineffective leader.
GaneshaSpeaks

India and Pakistan  the two countries which have been at loggerheads from long, are now again facing intensified peace-crisis because of increased tension along the border. There have been problems on the LoC from a long time, with problems mostly being triggered from the other side of the border; continuous infiltration of terrorists, constant violation of the ceasefire by the Pakistani troops and such other misadventures, especially along the International Border (IB) in the Jammu and Kashmir region have never let peace prevail. Things took a really ugly turn after the Uri attack, conducted by the Pakistan based terror outfit JeM, in which 19 of the valiant Indian soldiers were martyred. This time, in a deviation from its usual peaceful and diplomatic stance, India responded with a high-precision military strike and gave a real befitting response, which various national as well as international leaders commended. But, the situation doesnt seem to get better anytime soon, instead greater tensions loom large. How will things shape up in the near future? Lets explore in this astrological analysis.



The planets indicate something more intense than the Kargil episode between November 2016 and January 2017  says Ganesha.



India-Pakistan And The Astrological Picture:



The basis for analysis:

For getting a deeper idea of the situation between the two countries, Ganesha have thoroughly analysed the Foundation Charts of both Independent India and Pakistan.



The role of Mars  the cosmic Commander-in-Chief:

In his analysis, Ganesha notes that India is currently under the influence of Moon Mahadasha and Mars Antardasha. In Indias Foundation Chart, Mars happens to be the Lord of the 7th house  the House of war. So, the transit of Mars will have a lot of say in the proceedings till the end of February 2017. Mars  the planet of aggression, also happens to be the representative of the armed forces and matters pertaining to defence affairs. This planets transit through the fiery Sign  Sagittarius, indicates the aggravation of matters and increase in tension to a greater extent. Mars is currently passing through the 8th House of Indias Foundation Chart and aspecting the natal Mars in the 2nd House. Thus, the Mars factor will continue to escalate tension between both the countries. Are tensions escalating between you and your spouse too? Then find solutions to rediscover the magic in your bond with our hand-written Marriage Ask A Question.



Emphasised influence of Mars indicates turbulence, unrest and aggression taking center stage between the arch rivals.



Matters may get worse:

The conjunction of Mars and Ketu in Aquarius will pose greater threats and indicates more dangerous situations. The period between 21st November, 2016, and 10th January, 2017, will be extremely sensitive and crucial for both the countries. There will be immense pressure on internal and external security forces due to increased terrorist activities and threats. This may also lead to serious clashes along/across the border and even the Kargil War like situations, or even something more serious than that cannot be ruled out. The overall planetary picture looks ominous and it indicates an extremely sensitive picture. Even natural calamities may cause problems. Are you worried about some matters pertaining to your career? Then get expert guidance and effective solutions in our personalised report  Career Ask A Question.



The hostile Dasha sequence in Pakistans Chart will not let logic prevail in its mind.



Expect more misadventures from Pakistans side:

Speaking of the planetary configurations in Pakistans case, the country is currently under the influence of Venus Mahadasha and Rahu Antardasha. The Venus-Rahu-Ketu Dasha sequence will be extremely critical. Also, the transiting Mars is aspecting the Ascendant Lord Mars and Moon both. It indicates fiery and unrestrained reactions from Pakistans leaders and the Army. A misadventure from Pakistan can not be ruled out particularly between 21st November, 2016, and 28th January, 2017.



Battle-ready mindset of the rivals  the precursor of war:

So, the forthcoming period till the end of January 2017, will remain extremely tense and combat-readiness from both the sides may lead to a serious confrontation between the neighbours.



With Ganeshas Grace,

Tanmay K. Thakar

The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team
WARSAW (Reuters) - The remains of then-president Lech Kaczynski will be among the first to be examined among victims of the 2010 presidential jet crash over Russia, the late president's twin brother and leader of the ruling party was quoted as saying on Saturday. Earlier this year, the Law and Justice (PiS) party re-launched an inquiry into the crash that also killed 95 other members of the Polish delegation including top army commanders, the central bank head and several lawmakers. Polish prosecutors have said they would re-open the victims' coffins, which had been sealed in Russia, arguing post-mortem examinations were needed to establish the cause of the crash. "I agree with the decision on exhumations. In case of my brother, the timing is already being discussed," PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told the Onet.pl website in an interview published on Saturday. "This will be one of the first, if not the first exhumation," he said. Six of the previously exhumed nine bodies had been wrongly identified, the prosecutors said in June. The crash was the worst such disaster in Poland since World War Two and left society deeply divided over the causes of the catastrophe despite the previous government's inquiry that returned a verdict of pilot error. WRECKAGE The divisions deepened after high-ranking members of PiS have said the crash may have been caused by an explosion on board. In June, Poland's defense minister said the plane "disintegrated" meters above the ground. The crash took place as pilots attempted to land a Soviet-made TU-154 in heavy fog at a rarely-used airport near Smolensk, western Russia, to take part in commemorations of 22,000 Polish officers executed there by Soviet secret police in 1940. Russia has so far refused to return the wreckage of the jet to Poland, a member of NATO and the European Union. This has strained relations with a country Soviet forces controlled for over four decades following the second World War. (Reporting by Marcin Goettig Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
This semester is under threat of being completely washed out as in a recent Board of Governors meet, it was decided that classes must be resume immediately once the situation in the Valley becomes conducive.

NIT in Srinagar has been badly affected due to unrest in the Valley for the past several months.

By Siddhartha Rai: While tensions between India and neighbouring Pakistan have touched a new high in the wake of the terrorist attacks at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, students of the premier National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar are facing an uncertain future.

"Our future seems bleak as the college has not been able to start this semester owing to the spate of violence that broke out in the wake of the killing of Burhan Wani, and now due to the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan," Naveen Singh (name changed), a student of the NIT from Bihar, told Mail Today.



THREAT OF BEING COMPLETELY WASHED OUT

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This semester is under the threat of being completely washed out as the recent Board of Governors meet, which was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), had resolved that classes had to be immediately resumed, but only when the situation in the Valley became conducive.

"Some in the administration are also suggesting that this semester can be clubbed with the next one to complete things in time. Now, in such a situation what will be the level of education that we shall receive?" asked Vishakha Kumar, a student from Delhi.

Meanwhile, Institute Director Rajat Gupta told Mail Today that while the college administration was extremely anxious over the situation in the Valley and to start classes, they were also quite confident that the current semester could still be salvaged.

Also Read: Kashmir unrest: Death toll rises to 80, 150 injured in fresh clashes



COLLEGE PREPS FINAL YEARS

"We are in the process of trying to resume classes as soon as possible. Also, we are capable of not letting this semester get washed out. The last such example of an unforeseen situation hampering classes was in 2014 floods, but we worked day and night. Also, since the disturbances rocked the Valley we made preparations for final-year students to come to Delhi and appear for job interviews as the companies were unwilling to visit the Valley," Gupta said.

FUTURE UNCLEAR WITH CONTINUED SEMESTER POSTPONEMENTS

The continued postponements of the semester have unnerved students. Classes were to begin from August 3, but a later notice declared the date of commencement to August 23, then to September 5 and then to September 20.

Students had written a letter to the MHRD. They also said the companies had kept away from the college for campus placement.

Also Read: Education suffers due to Kashmir unrest, NIT delays beginning of new session again





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WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's largest insurer, state-run PZU (PZU.WA), said on Saturday it has started negotiations with Italy's banking group Unicredit (CRDI.MI) over buying the lender's Polish unit Bank Pekao (PEO.WA).

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that PZU and Unicredit had agreed on key parameters of the deal, including an 11-billion-zloty ($2.88 billion) (2.32 billion pounds) price tag for about 30 percent in Bank Pekao bank.

"The start of ... negotiations with Unicredit does not mean that the transaction of purchasing the shares of Bank Pekao will be concluded," PZU said in a regulatory statement on Saturday.

"The decision-making bodies of PZU have not yet taken at this stage binding decisions regarding the potential transaction," PZU said.

(Reporting by Marcin Goettig)
Maungdaw (Myanmar) (AFP) - Three police officers were attacked with machetes in restive northwestern Myanmar on Saturday by assailants who were shot dead, the military has said, amid lethal violence that authorities have blamed on homegrown Islamist insurgents.

Security forces have killed at least 29 people since attacks were launched a week ago on police posts along the Bangladesh border, according to state media.

The government says the raids in the majority-Muslim region were carried out by an Islamist group led by a Taliban-trained extremist who spent months training up to 400 recruits for the attacks with the help of funding from the Middle East.

If true, it could represent an ominous new chapter for Myanmar's Muslim ethnic Rohingya minority, which had so far shown little taste for jihadist ideology despite being one of the most repressed peoples in the world.

The army said assailants armed with machetes on Saturday attacked three police officers in Lake Ai village in Maungdaw, one of the main towns in the restive northern state of Rakhine.

"Security officers shot them (the attackers) dead as they ran away after the attack," the military said in a statement.

The police were apparently not injured, according to media reports.

Troops have poured into Rakhine since the latest violence broke out, locking down an area where most residents are Rohingya.

The violence has raised the spectre of a return to the sectarian unrest in 2012 that left more than 100 dead in Rakhine and drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into squalid displacement camps.

Rights groups say the military has been gunning down unarmed Rohingya on the streets, but the army says troops have been defending themselves against attackers.

Terrified residents have fled Maungdaw, some leaving on foot with possessions stuffed into bags and buckets, while others have been airlifted out by military helicopters.

"I haven't come here for five days because I am frightened," said Mamood Raphee, a Muslim Rohingya who works at Maungdaw's jetty.

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"I came here today even though I am afraid. We will have nothing to eat if I cannot get work."

At the nearby border, soldiers told AFP they were too scared to man their posts for fear of more attacksz

Myanmar's presidential office has said the local Islamists were called Aqa Mul Mujahidin and that they "intended to promote extremist violent ideology among the majority Muslim population of the area."

It named their leader as Havistoohar, a man who has appeared in videos that appear to show armed Rohingya men calling for jihad in landscapes similar to the jungles and rice paddies around the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

AFP was unable verify the authenticity of the videos.

Myanmar brands its Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denies them citizenship.
Lisbon (AFP) - Portugal's Socialist government has unveiled a draft 2017 budget which raises pensions and cuts income taxes while aiming to reduce the public deficit as required by the European Union.

"This is responsible budget which will consolidate accounts but is also accompanied by social measures," Finance Minister Mario Centeno told a news conference called to present the spending plan Friday.

The Socialist government, which is backed by two smaller far-left parties, forecasts the budget deficit will fall to 1.6 percent of economic output next year from 2.4 percent in 2016, well below an EU limit of 3.0 percent.

Portugal posted a budget deficit of 4.4 percent in 2015.

EU member states in August decided against fining Portugal for its repeated breach of budget deficit rules but Brussels has warned that it could still suspend its EU structural funds should Lisbon continue to miss its budget targets.

European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis warned Tuesday that the decision on the structural funds would "depend largely" on Lisbon's commitment to bringing its budget deficit within EU rules.

The budget is based on the forecast that the economy will expand by 1.5 percent next year after growing by 1.2 percent in 2016.

The government had previously forecast 1.8 percent growth during both years.

The International Monetary Fund warned last month that Portugals fragile recovery is losing momentum, with growth held back by sluggish investment and weak exports as uncertainty and corporate debt weigh on the economy.

Concerns over Portugal's slowing growth have caused borrowing costs to rise.

Portugal's 10-year bond yield is at 3.4 percent, compared to 1.1 percent for Spain and 1.4 percent for Italy.

The draft budget, which will be put to a parliament vote next month, will next year phase out an income tax surcharge introduced by the previous centre-right administration back in 2011 during Portugal's debt crisis.

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It also calls for an increase of ten euros, starting in August, for the lowest pensions of up to 628 euros a month.

To compensate for the extra spending, the government will introduce a tax on soft drinks and a new 0.3 percent tax on real estate holdings above 600,000 euros.

"This tax will have devastating effects on the sector and undermine the confidence of foreign investors," said Luis Lima, the president of the Portuguese Association of Real Estate Agents.

- 'Precarious political balance' -

The Socialists came to power last year after they teamed up with the Communists and the far-left Left Block to oust the centre-right administration.

They have vowed to boost the economy by raising the income of families after years of austerity imposed during the country's 78-billion-euros international bailout.

The small leftist parties did not formally join the new government, but Prime Minister Antonio Costa relies on them for a majority in parliament to pass legislation.

The extra social spending included in the draft budget were seen as concessions to the far-left parties to ensure they approve the budget.

"There is no reason why they should not be able to maintain this precarious political balance," said political scientist Jose Antonio Passos Palmeira of the University of Minho, referring to the Socialists' alliance with the two parties which was been dubbed "the contraption".

The Socialists have risen in popularity since they came to power.

The party had 36.3 percent support in a poll published Friday by weekly newspaper Expresso, 5.6 percentage points ahead of the opposition centre-right Social Democrats and its best result since it took office last year.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - EnBW (EBKG.DE), Germany's third largest utility group, will rely on its power transport grids to generate future earnings, having decided to remain integrated in the face of split-ups by rivals RWE (RWEG.DE) and E.ON (EONGn.DE), finance chief Thomas Kusterer said on Saturday.

"Networks are an important part of our future business. (Investing in them) generates revenues and stable cash flows," he said in an interview with the Boersenzeitung newspaper.

Unlike rivals that have spun off high-voltage networks operating across large distances, EnBW is Germany's only big utility that retains such grids, which will be extended over the next decade to transport renewable power from windswept northern Germany to the south.

Investors are keen on the earnings from such infrastructure, although Germany's regulator just this week curbed the fees that can be earned in this sector from 2019, Kusterer said.

While EnBW believed the cuts went too far, regulation overall extended to other factors as well, which might turn out to be more beneficial. "These parameters are still being looked at and worked out," he said.

EnBW's core profit fell by nearly a quarter in the first half, severely hit by conventional power and energy trading losses.

Talks were continuing with worker representatives over 400 planned job cuts that the company announced in June, along with other cost-cutting measures, to save an extra 250 million euros on top of an original target of 400 million, Kusterer said.

Asset sales were not on the agenda for now, and the focus would be on new investment decisions for offshore wind parks in Germany as well as onshore wind activities in Turkey, he said.

EnBW is due to decide on an investment in the offshore park Hohe See in the North Sea by year-end, where Kusterer said an external partner would be required from the construction phase onward.

Kusterer reiterated a forecast that 2016's operating profit would come in between 5 and 10 percent below the 2.1 billion euros achieved in 2015.

Kusterer also said that EnBW had sufficient funds to shift into a nuclear fund, to which EnBW and three rivals must contribute, to shift liability for nuclear waste storage to the government, but talks with the government were continuing on the deal.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
(LAUSANNE, Switzerland)Back where they started, the United States, Russia and others trying to mediate Syrias civil war spent 4 hours searching for a diplomatic process that could succeed where last months collapsed cease-fire failed. It wasnt clear whether they made any progress.

With the Syrian and Russian governments pressing an offensive against rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo, no one predicted a breakthrough and there were no immediate claims of one. The meeting in Switzerland concluded without apparent plans for a news conference, a joint statement or anything else that might signify a success.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry led the renewed talks, joined by a familiar cast that included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the top envoys from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan.

Were working very hard, Kerry told reporters in front of the eight other diplomats.

Days of deadly airstrikes in Aleppo prompted Kerry last month to end bilateral U.S.-Russian engagement on Syria, including discussions over a proposed military alliance against ISIS and al-Qaida-linked militants in Syria. Last week he accused Russia of war crimes for targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure in the Arab country.

Nevertheless, Kerry reunited with Lavrov at the lakeside Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, meeting with the Russian for almost 40 minutes before the larger gathering. U.S. hopes of any diplomatic progress appeared to rest squarely on Russias cooperation.

Kerry also met privately with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The conflict has killed as many as a half-million people since 2011, contributed to Europes worst refugee crisis since World War II, and allowed the ISIS to carve out territory for itself and emerge as a global threat.

Residents of opposition-held eastern Aleppo have faced daily violence as Syrian President Bashar Assads government seeks to take full control of the countrys largest city.

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On Saturday, Syrian and Russian airstrikes hit several rebel-held neighborhoods amid clashes on the front lines in Syrias largest city and onetime commercial center, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective. Also, opposition fighters backed by Turkish airstrikes launched an offensive to try to capture Dabiq from ISIS, which confers special status to the northern Syrian town in its ideology and propaganda.

In an interview this week with a Russian media outlet, Assad said a military victory in Aleppo would provide the Syrian army a springboard for liberating other parts of the country.

Despite fiercely criticizing Syria and Russia, the United States doesnt seem to have an answer.

President Barack Obama and the Pentagon have made clear their opposition to any U.S. military strikes against Assads military. The U.S. is uneasy with providing more advanced weaponry to the anti-Assad rebels because of their links to extremist groups. And sanctions on Moscow are seen as unlikely step, given their limited impact after Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea territory in 2014 and the weak appetite among Americas European partners for such action.

With no apparent Plan B, Obama directed his national security team on Friday to renew diplomatic efforts to reduce the bloodshed in Syria. The White House said it hoped the larger discussions with Russia and other key governments would encourage all sides to support a more durable and sustainable diminution of violence.

Russia says it also wants a cease-fire, but describes the U.S. and its partners as the problem.

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Vitaly Churkin, Russias U.N. ambassador, said this weekends talks are focused on getting U.S.-backed, moderate opposition forces to break ranks with al-Qaida-linked fighters.

Given the collapse of several cease-fires in Syria in recent months, Washington doubts Moscows seriousness. And with rebel-held Aleppo poised to fall, potentially in a matter of weeks, there is deep skepticism that the Syrian and Russian governments want to stop the fighting just yet.

Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he had instructed his foreign minister to make a proposal in Lausanne about fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Saturdays gathering also brought together many of the major protagonists in Yemens war, and discussions on that are likely.

An investigation team with the Saudi-led coalition said Saturday that wrong information led to the bombing of a packed funeral in Yemens capital last weekend that killed some 140 people and wounded more than 600.

The U.S. struck radar sites belonging to Yemens Iran-backed Houthis this week after a U.S. Navy ship took fire from the rebels.
Categories Celebrity Style / Shopping

Super stylish ladies like Bella and Gigi Hadid, Diane Kruger, and Jennifer Aniston  all of whom are known for their effortless off-duty looks  have all pledged devotion to Levis classic 501 style on their derrieres, so of course the relaxed fit, button fly jeans are also a favorite of mega-popular fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni. And now the Italian influencers devotion to the denim brand has led to her co-creating her very own limited run of 501s.

The Blonde Salad founder  who, by the way, has graced covers of international fashion mags and was comfortably seated in the front row of several major fashion week shows this season  put her own spin on the tried-and-true style by including a touch of stretch, distressed details, and either bandana patchwork or a hand stitched heart on the back pocket.

The collaboration started back in the spring when Ferragni headed to the Eureka Innovation Lab in San Fransisco, and now you can finally shop the two styles, each for $168, via Levis online shop  but youd better act fast since the limited supply is expected to sell out fast.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLf2nt6BHtQ/?taken-by=chiaraferragni&hl=en
By PTI: Biharsharif/Muzaffarpur, Oct 15 (PTI) Huge quantity of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) was today seized from two districts of Bihar and seven persons were arrested, in stepped-up drive to enforce the prohibition in the state.

In a major haul, police seized 3,286 litres of IMFL, smuggled from Haryana, in Nalanda district, Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said.

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Acting on a tip off, the Special Task Force (STF) and the district police intercepted a truck near Chiranya bridge under Chandi police station and recovered 3,286 litre of liquor in 6,468 bottles packed in 354 cartons, he said.

The consignment was being brought from Haryana with some part of it meant for distribution in places enroute to the final destination of Biharsharif, the district headquarters of Nalanda, Ashish said.

Five persons involved in the racket including its alleged kingpin -- Sanjit Kumar Singh of Nursarai in Nalanda district have been arrested in this connection, the SP said.

In another operation, the Muzaffarpur police today seized 280 cartons of IMFL and arrested two persons from Godanpatti village under Gaighat police station area.

Acting on a tip off, police raided a place in Godanpatti village and seized the cartons of foreign liquor from a truck and nabbed the truck driver and its cleaner, Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar said.

The 280 cartons, containing IMFL from Haryana, were supposed to be distributed among different parts of the district and its adjoining areas with the help of these seized vehicles, he said.

The seizure was result of the intense campaign launched in the state by Nitish Kumar government after new and more stringent liquor law was introduced in Bihar from October 2. PTI CORR SNS SUS ASV

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First lady Michelle Obama speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Oct. 13, 2016, in Manchester, N.H. (Photo: Jim Cole/AP)

First lady Michelle Obama has enjoyed an average approval rating of 65 percent during Barack Obamas two terms. She delivered two of the most memorable speeches of this years presidential campaign. She is the most admired national political figure in an age of mass distemper and distrust toward politicians of all stripes, and she has done it at a time when Donald Trump has taken over the Republican Party and struck a deeply racist, misogynistic chord among primarily white men (and women) without college degrees.

University of Maryland historian Robyn Muncy, author of Relentless Reformer: Josephine Roche and Progressivism in Twentieth-Century America, said Michelle Obama may be the most effective politician among first ladies since Eleanor Roosevelt. But, how has she pulled it off? In particular, what is the impact of the nations first African-American first lady on race and gender politics?

Recall that during the 2008 presidential campaign, the right stereotyped Michelle Obama  who since her husbands 2004 keynote convention address had been cast into the political maelstrom  as an angry black woman. Speaking on Fox News in June of 2008, the right-wing pundit Cal Thomas, in words that prefigured Trumps rise, captured the perceived threat to white male identity posed by an increasingly diverse electorate and heterogeneous country. In this campaign, we are being asked to accept three things simultaneously, the first woman with a credible chance of being president [Hillary Clinton], the first African-American with the chance to being president and, whoever [sic] Michelle Obama is going to be styled, the angry black woman, first lady? This is an awful lot, Thomas complained.

The New Yorkers infamous, satiric and controversial cover after Obamas primary victory depicted a rifle-carrying Michelle Obama fist-bumping Barack Obama wearing traditional Muslim clothes. And in early 2008 Michelle Obama handed her husbands critics a talking point when she said, For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Yet, amid a culture that remained hostile to African-Americans in the White House and that is now fueled by Trumps depraved campaign, Michelle Obama has managed to explode the racist, sexist images hurled at her in 2008 and beyond. She is emerging as a real political powerhouse in her own right, and she is certainly serving as a role model for women and girls of all races in her rock-solid integrity while in the public eye, Muncy said.

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Mary Ellen Curtin, a historian at American University who is writing a biography of African-American Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, argued that the first lady built up a lot of human capital with emphasis on family, health, girls education and [she] did not squander it. No one ever thought of her as part of Barack Obamas cabinet or policy advisor. She always said she was not interested. But now she is speaking out as a human being and a woman and a mom.

Michelle Obama also has managed to do a great deal of important work on behalf of families, children, and women without seeming to encroach on policy so much as Hillary Clinton did while in the White House, Muncy observed, thereby avoiding Clintons political problems.

President Obama arrives with first lady Michelle Obama to welcome U.S. Olympic and Paralympics teams to the White House, in Washington, September 2016. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

The first ladys ability and willingness to speak directly to African Americans and whites on racial issues has bolstered her public standing across an increasingly diverse United States. At the same time, she has championed issues that are not explicitly about race, winning support from whites and people of color alike.

Michelle Obama somehow hit the right balance between being a regular person and being a star, Curtin added. Part of her popularity owes to the publics regard for her as a role model for millions of young people, especially girls and women. In a culture dripping with celebrity headlines, reports of tawdry behavior from public figures and other signposts of national dysfunction, the first lady has been uncannily poised, uplifting and free from malice.

President Obama is experiencing some of the highest approval ratings of his presidency, in part because he is rightly considered to be the antithesis of Trump. Much the same can be said for the first lady, who is benefitting from the contrast to Trumps degrading, even deranged campaign. Nonetheless, its also true that from her first days in the White House, Michelle Obama demonstrated a potent combination of dignity and decency, and her policy initiatives reflect her values.

Her Lets Move! campaign combatting childhood obesity, her advocacy for military families, and her work on behalf of womens rights and access to higher education for young people have been aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Michelle Obama has also managed to articulate the fears and, crucially, embody the hopes felt by millions of Americans. Coming across in the tradition of Eleanor Roosevelt, she has communicated her worries as a mother who understands the pain and daily concerns of ordinary Americans who have come to identify with the woman who is living in the White House. In her widely praised 2016 convention address, she candidly described the challenge of watching her young daughters go off to school into those black SUVs with all those big men with guns. And I saw their little faces pressed up against the window, and the only thing I could think was, What have we done? See, because at that moment, I realized that our time in the White House would form the foundation for who they would become, and how well we managed this experience could truly make or break them.

This bond with the public has been built, as Curtin observes, over time. Moreover, as Muncy points out, Michelle Obamas when they go low, we go high line is setting a standard for all political activists baffled and shaken by the shocking, indeed downright depraved, level of so much current political rhetoric. She is an antiracist feminist leader of the first rank, a leader who understands how racial justice, gender justice, environmentalism and nutrition, for instance, are all connected.

Michelle Obama has also insisted that her faith in America, despite its imperfections, remains unbroken. She has invoked the tradition of the suffrage movement, the civil rights movement and other movements that have sought to hold the nation to the standard set forth in the declaration that all people are created equal. For instance, she was also able to respond to the onslaught of racist attacks on the nations first African-American president with grace and dignity. Every day, she said at this years Democratic convention, we try to guide and protect our girls through the challenges of this unusual life in the spotlight  how we urge them to ignore those who question their fathers citizenship or faith. How we insist that the hateful language they hear from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country. How we explain that when someone is cruel, or acts like a bully, you dont stoop to their level. Her own story, along with the causes and people she has championed, is yoked to American ideals of social equality, individual worth and expansive notions of rights and opportunity and has won over a sizable majority of the public.

Most of this years campaign hasnt been focused on Michelle Obama, of course. Rather, it has been consumed with coverage of Donald Trumps derogatory comments toward women, people of color and the disabled (to name a few of his favorite targets). Trump has caused progressives (and some conservatives) to despair that in 2016 the country has moved backward, into a darker time. Such despondency, however, has been offset to a degree by the demonstration of wisdom, equality and decency exemplified by Michelle Obama. The first lady has championed social equality and ultimately made the United States more keenly aware of its legacies of gender and racial discrimination. America is more just in 2016 than it was before she became first lady.

First lady Michelle Obama speaks while hosting a special screening with the U.S. Department of States Office of Global Womens Issues at the White House. (Photo: Molly Riley/AP)

Matthew Dallek, associate professor at George Washingtons Graduate School of Political Management, is author of Defenseless Under the Night: The Roosevelt Years and the Origins of Homeland Security.
By Steve Gorman (Reuters) - A small coastal town in Oregon was clobbered on Friday by a rare tornado that ripped roofs from buildings, toppled trees and tore down power lines as the first of two storm systems forecast this weekend unleashed high winds and heavy rain across the Pacific Northwest. The twister left most of Manzanita, a community of some 600 permanent residents in the northwest corner of Oregon, without electricity and more than two dozen homes uninhabitable, though no injuries were reported, City Manager Jerry Taylor said. The tornado was spawned by a major Pacific storm sweeping coastal portions of Oregon and Washington state even as the region braced for harsher weather forecast by the National Weather Service from remnants of a typhoon expected to arrive on Saturday. High winds, gusting to gale-force speeds, were reported by the weather service across the Puget Sound area of Washington with more than 100 lightning strikes recorded over coastal waters in a single hour at one point. The weather service said about 20,000 Seattle-area homes and businesses were without electricity on Friday morning. Beginning as a waterspout first spotted just offshore, the Manzanita tornado raked a half-mile long path of destruction through commercial and residential sections of town just after 8 a.m. local time, much of it along the community's main street. About half the roof of a building housing an ice cream parlor and two other shops was torn off and hurled into an adjacent parking lot, while a nearby stationery store sustained similar damage, Taylor said. Numerous houses were damaged, including 28 left red-tagged as unsafe for occupation, according to Taylor. The community was littered with fallen trees, strewn debris and tangles of downed wires and utility poles. Mayor Garry Bullard declared a state of emergency seeking disaster recovery assistance. Taylor said damage from the twister could leave the town especially vulnerable to more severe weather forecast for the entire region on Saturday as the remnants of Typhoon Songda, a tropical cyclone that formed in the western Pacific, move ashore. The National Weather Service said that the Seattle area could see wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour on Saturday, warning on Twitter: "It's not the 'storm of the century.' But it has [the] potential to be significant for Seattle." Mayor Ed Murray said Seattle's homeless shelters were expanding their capacity in anticipation of the storm. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; editing by Grant McCool)
Owing to the ban of Pakistani artists in India, there were several reports of the film having the actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan getting replaced in their replaced. Mahira is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees.

Today, at a fashion event held in New Delhi, one of the producers of Raees, Ritesh Sidhwani was asked about the same and he refuted the rumours by stating, I do not understand where all this is coming from. I would only say one thing - I have shot with the girl for 45 days and finished the film, I hope that clarifies things.

Recommended: Fawad Khan to star in an Indo-Pak film produced by Shyam Benegal?

He further added, I was not reacting to such reports or commenting because I feel that when someone speculates something and you go and respond to it, you are providing a platform to such speculations and rumours. I feel it is better to ignore such things. I dont want to talk about Raees, I am here to cheer for my wife.

Sidhwani will be rolling in the sequel of Fukrey this year from November 19. Talking about it, he said, The film will be shot across Delhi and will be a special film as the story has a different spin to it. I love shooting in Delhi. I think it is beautiful and it is at least better planned than Mumbai. It is not chaotic, it is fun.
Rose McGowan just opened up about her own sexual assault, and her words are so inspiring

Sexual assault continues to be a serious topic that many shy away from. Yet this week in the news, some incredibly inspiring women have openly discussed it. Theyre openness helps others to speak out and begin the process of healing. First Lady Michelle Obama gave a truly inspirational speech about sexual assault and treating women with respect that had us all in tears. Now, actress Rose McGowan has opened up about her own sexual assault in a series of very poignant and very brave Twitter posts:

a (female) criminal attorney said because I'd done a sex scene in a film I would never win against the studio head. #WhyWomenDontReport  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

The hashtag #WhyWomenDontReport is particularly meaningful, as more and more naysayers question why a victim (male or female) might wait weeks if not years to report their abuse.

because it's been an open secret in Hollywood/Media & they shamed me while adulating my rapist. #WhyWomenDontReport  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

It is time for some goddamned honesty in this world.  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

Shes right. It is time for honesty. And were so impressed that Rose spoke up!

This isnt the first time Rose has spoken up for herself. In a 2015 Buzzfeed interview, Rose said she was blacklisted in the film industry, claiming:

I was kind of robbed of five years.

She also spoke candidly about the terrible experience of shooting Grindhouse with her now ex-boyfriend director Robert Rodriguez:

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I just dont like being treated as less-than. I dont like being treated as basically a couch that talks  and as important. I dont like being humiliated, or somebody trying to make you humiliated.

Of her own sexual assault, Rose told Buzzfeed:

You are taking part of someones soul. Its happened to me. It alters the course of your life; its altered the course of my life.

Were so glad Rose now feels strong enough to stand up for herselfand for possibly others. In fact, in September she tweeted And I know what rape is, in an immediate response to Perez Hiltons insensitive questioning of Roses use of the term visual rape to describe her experiences being photographed and videotaped on the red carpet.

And I know what rape is. You might not. You don't know what it's like to be consumed by cameras as a woman&dissected for pleasure of creeps  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) September 16, 2016

You go, girl!

gogirl

The post Rose McGowan just opened up about her own sexual assault, and her words are so inspiring appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Rose McGowan is ready "for some goddamned honesty in this world."

The 43-year-old actress took to Twitter on Thursday to drop a bombshell amid an ongoing national dialogue regarding rape culture and consent, spurred by the continuing allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior and comments by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. While McGowan has been active in promoting the #WomenCanStopTrump movement in recent days, she also made a point to call out her Hollywood colleagues specifically.

RELATED: Michelle Obama Speaks Out About Donald Trump Tape: 'It Has Shaken Me to My Core'

Contributing to the #WhyWomenDontReport hashtag, McGowan wrote: "Because my ex sold our movie to my rapist for distribution," "Because it's been an open secret in Hollywood/Media and they shamed me while adulating my rapist," and "A (female) criminal attorney said because I'd done a sex scene in a film I would never win against the studio head."

It is time for some goddamned honesty in this world.  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

Because my ex sold our movie to my rapist for distribution #WhyWomenDontReport  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

because it's been an open secret in Hollywood/Media & they shamed me while adulating my rapist. #WhyWomenDontReport  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

a (female) criminal attorney said because I'd done a sex scene in a film I would never win against the studio head. #WhyWomenDontReport  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 14, 2016

READ: Rose McGowan Calls Donald Trump a 'Murderer in the Making'

This isn't the first time McGowan has spoken publicly about being a survivor of sexual assault. In August, she reportedly shared an original poem about her experience at a Brooklyn event protesting convicted sex offender Brock Turner's six-month jail sentence.

Story continues

Last night at the #girlcult #fuckrapeculture event I got to hug a heroine of mine, the poet and actress @amberrosetamblyn #wecandothis #girlstrong #rosearmy A photo posted by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan) on Aug 2, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

WOMEN COUNT! #WOMENCANSTOPTRUMP #emilyslist #VOTE #SHATTERTHEPATRIARCHY #ROSEARMY #ARMYOFTHOUGHT A photo posted by Rose McGowan (@rosemcgowan) on Oct 12, 2016 at 4:32pm PDT

In the aftermath of a leaked 2005 conversation with then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, where Trump disparaged women, including ET's Nancy O'Dell, and bragged about being able to commit sexual assault, several new recordings have come to light. A number of accusers have also come forward with allegations about Trump's conduct that call into question his attitude towards women.

This includes two women who came forward in a New York Times interview accusing Trump of touching them inappropriately in the past -- Trump has denied these claims -- as well as Celebrity Apprentice contestant Richard Hatch's allegation to People that during his time on the show in 2011, Trump would make "sexual comments ... to all the women on the Apprentice, including Marlee Matlin, and Lisa Rinna."

Trump's campaign dismissed Hatch's allegations as "completely false" to People, and the candidate has repeatedly defended his 2005 Access Hollywood remarks as "locker room" talk, maintaining to Anderson Cooper in Sunday night's second presidential debate that he'd never touched women inappropriately.

Trump has also been accused of forcing himself on People magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff, who penned a personal essay on Wednesday evening about an alleged incident in December 2005. Stoynoff claims that while interviewing the Trump family at Mar-a-Lago, the real estate mogul cornered her alone in a room "forcing his tongue down my throat" while his pregnant wife, Melania, was changing upstairs. The longtime journalist also asserted that Trump whispered to her, "You know we're going to have an affair, don't you?" She says that she told a co-worker about the incident at the time, but ultimately decided not to bring it up to her managing editor.

Trump's spokeswoman denied the People essay, saying, "This never happened. There is no merit or veracity to this fabricated story."

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump Makes Lewd Joke to Young Girls in 1992: 'I'm Going to be Dating Her in 10 Years'

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia prioritizes the development of technological sphere, Armenpress reports Armenias National Security Council Secretary Yuri Khachaturov announced at CSTO conference on cyber security, stating that the IT sector is the fastest growing branch of the Armenian economy.

The role of cyber security is hard to be overestimated. Armenia adopted cyber security concept on June 26, 2009 defining Armenias priorities in IT sphere. The main threats for cyber security are defined, as well as the characteristics of Armenia in ensuring this security, Khachaturov mentioned.

The National Security Council Secretary stated that Armenia acknowledges that cyber security is an issue of concern not only for states, but also for the international security, therefore he highlights the discussion of cyber security issues by CSTO member states and the adoption of cyber security strategy by the Organization.
Several Pakistani Pashtuns fled to Afghanistan after Pakistan Army and Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on them.

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force reportedly carried out a joint attack on its own citizens in Waziristan, forcing thousands of Pakistani Pashtuns to flee to Afghanistan.

The unprovoked attack was reprotedly carried out in a bid to weed out terror camps.

After being targeted by the Pakistan forces, the locals took refuge in Khost area of Afghanistan.The villagers have been set up at temporary refuge.

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"All of a sudden the Pakistan government bombarded our place without any warning. We were not told what to do or where to go," said a Pakistani Pashtun in Afghanistan.

Also read: Afghanistan defends surgical strikes in PoK, says India acted in self-defence



Locals claimed that the Pakistan government destroyed everything that came their way under the pretext of targeting the Taliban.

"Sometimes Pak fights with the US, sometimes with neighbours. We people of Waziristan have never been on the side of terrorists," said another Pakistani Pashtun.

Waziristan is a mountainous region that is divided into Northern and Southern regions both on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

"Everyone know where the so-called terrorists are hiding and operating. They are hiding in Islamabad and Karachi," said one of the Pakistan Pashtun.



#WATCH : Thousands of Pakistanis fled to Khost, Afghanistan after Pakistani Army and Air Force carried out attack on them (ANI Exclusive). pic.twitter.com/6yfVfRFJfu ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

--- ENDS ---
By Nidhi Verma and Jessica Jaganathan

NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A group led by Russian oil major Rosneft will acquire India's Essar Oil in a $12 to $13 billion deal including debt, two sources privy to the deal said, strengthening the ties between the world's largest oil producer and the world's fastest growing fuel consumer.

The deal helps Russia to deepen economic ties that stretch back to the Soviet era. The purchase is the biggest foreign acquisition ever in India and Russia's largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data.

It also comes as Russia is keen to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Rosneft will get a 49 percent stake in Essar and the two investors -- European trader Trafigura and a Russian fund UCP -- will hold another 49 percent in equal parts, the sources said, adding that the valuation included about $4.5 billion in assumed debt.

Through this acquisition, Rosneft will not only get an additional outlet for its oil amid a global supply glut but will also get to market fuels in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

No immediate comment was available from the companies involved.

Essar Oil is part of a steel-to-ports conglomerate controlled by the billionaire Ruia brothers that has faced pressure from creditors to reduce borrowing that some analysts estimate at more than $14 billion.

Essar Oil operates a 400,000 barrel-per-day oil refinery in Vadinar on India's west coast and sells fuels through its 2,470 filling stations in India.

The deal will also include the Vadinar port and a power plant associated with the refinery, said one of the sources.

"This could herald a diversification in crude sourcing for India overall away from the Middle East," said Tushar Tarun Bansal, director at Singapore-based consultancy Ivy Global. "From India's point of view, it cements a strong relationship with Russia."

One source said the deal will be largely funded by Russia's VTB Capital, part of state-controlled bank VTB. VTB Group is under Western sanctions over Russia's role in the Ukraine crisis that restrict its access to international capital. Trafigura will also bring in some funds to buy its share, said a third source.

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Essar is expected to announce the deal on Saturday in the coastal resort of Goa during a visit by President Vladimir Putin, who will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral summit.

In a sign it plans to expand its presence in India, Trafigura has hired two oil traders from Reliance Industries and Essar Oil, and a business development executive from Cairn India to form a new oil desk based in Mumbai, adding to its current Indian staff count of more than 250, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The two oil traders have a combined experience of more than 20 years with the Indian refiners, the sources added.

Trafigura has also advertised for an oil operations analyst based in Mumbai to provide physical oil products operations and trader support, according to a notice on Trafigura's website.

Rosneft and Trafigura are the latest international oil companies after Royal Dutch Shell and BP to enter the Indian fuel retailing market.

Rosneft may supply Venezuelan oil to Essar's Vadinar refinery after a deal to buy a stake in the Indian company is finalised, the Indian company's managing director L. K. Gupta told Reuters in August.

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma and Jessica Jaganathan; Editing by Douglas Busvine, Keith Weir, Alexandra Hudson and Christian Schmollinger)
Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin on Saturday slammed Washington for its "unprecedented" threats against Moscow over an alleged series of cyber attacks and vowed to respond.

Last week, Washington formally accused the Russian government of trying to "interfere" in the 2016 White House race through cyber attacks on American political institutions.

And on Friday, US Vice President Joe Biden told NBC a "message" would be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the alleged hacking, with the channel saying the CIA was preparing a retaliatory cyber attack "designed to harass and 'embarrass' the Kremlin leadership."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov immediately denounced Biden's remarks, saying Moscow would take precautions to safeguard its interests in the face of the increasing "unpredictability and aggressiveness of the United States".

"The threats directed against Moscow and our state's leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the US vice president," RIA Novosti news agency quoted him as saying.

"To the backdrop of this aggressive, unpredictable line, we must take measures to protect (our) interests, to hedge risks."

And Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov vowed Moscow would respond to any US cyber attacks, saying such threats were "borderline insolence", the news agency said.

In the NBC interview, excerpts of which were released late Friday, Biden said Washington would respond "at the time of our choosing and under the circumstances that have the greatest impact."

Earlier this week Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shrugged off the US allegations, telling CNN the hacking claims were "flattering" but baseless, with not a "single fact" to prove it.

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 Donald Trump -- who has praised Putin and called for better ties with Moscow -- over the more hawkish Clinton.

Russia's relations with the United States have plunged to their post-Cold War nadir over the conflict in Ukraine and stalled efforts to end the five-year Syrian war.
Moscow (AFP) - Russia's flagship aircraft carrier set off Saturday for the Mediterranean Sea where Moscow's naval forces are supporting its bombing campaign in Syria, the defence ministry said.

The deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier comes weeks after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the ship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to boost the country's naval forces in the area.

The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the ministry said.

In addition to safeguarding maritime navigation, the ships are meant to "respond to new types of modern threats like piracy and international terrorism," the ministry said.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of President Bashar al-Assad and has deployed a naval contingent to back up its operation.

This is the first time that the Soviet-era Kuznetsov -- Russia's only aircraft carrier part of its Northern fleet based in Murmansk -- will join the Russian deployment after undergoing a refurbishment.

The defence ministry did not specify how long the aircraft carrier's mission would last.

Russia has a base in government-controlled Syrian territory from which it has flown most of its bombing raids in the country.

This week President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying Moscow's deal with Damascus to deploy its forces in the country indefinitely, in a move seen as firming their long-term presence.

The defence ministry said earlier this week that Moscow was poised to transform its naval facility in the Syrian port city of Tartus into a permanent base.

Moscow has flown long-range bombing raids from bases in Russia and fired cruise missiles from ships in the Caspian Sea and a submarine in the Mediterranean.
GOA, India (Reuters) - The state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will work with an Indian fund to invest $1 billion in Asia's third-largest economy, the head of the fund said before a bilateral summit expected to yield several big business deals.

The RDIF and India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) will each invest up to $500 million in the joint fund, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries like China.

"We helped in the process of the NIIF being created," RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said in an interview with Reuters. "Now we will provide equity capital to joint Russian-Indian projects, mainly in India."

The RDIF was set up by Dmitriev in 2011 with billions in Kremlin cash and has since made partial exits from bets in Russia, including the Moscow Stock Exchange, diamond miner Alrosa and Rostelekom.

It also worked with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest $1 billion in power projects when President Vladimir Putin last visited India in late 2014.

India is courting international investors to help finance new roads, railways and power projects that the country needs.

Putin will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the tourist destination of Goa on Saturday for a summit at which major defence, oil and nuclear power agreements are expected to be signed.

The RDIF-NIIF partnership will also be sealed at the summit. It will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals in 2017, said Dmitriev.

Leaders of the BRICS caucus - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will also gather in Goa this weekend. The bloc has founded its own New Development Bank that has co-invested in two RDIF-backed hydropower plants in Russia that have just broken ground.

Dmitriev said he hoped that the Russian fund would be able to draw on the platform of the BRICS bank to build similar small-scale hydro projects in India that are based on Russian technology.

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine, editing by Larry King)
RIYADH (Reuters) - The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen attacked a funeral there after receiving incorrect information from Yemeni military figures that armed Houthi leaders were in the area, an investigative body set up by the coalition said on Saturday. The Saudi-led campaign in Yemen has come under severe criticism since last Saturday's air strike on the funeral gathering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, killing 140 people according to one U.N. estimate, and 82 according to the Houthis. Mourners who died in the attack included some of Yemen's top political and security officials, potentially galvanizing powerful tribes to join the Houthis in opposing a Saudi-backed exiled government. "A party affiliated to the Yemeni Presidency of the General Chief of Staff wrongly passed information that there was a gathering of armed Houthi leaders in a known location in Sanaa, and insisted that the location be targeted immediately," the investigators concluded, according to a statement. The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) said in the statement that the coalition's Air Operations Centre in Yemen also failed to obtain approval for the strike from commanders, a violation of protocol. The JIAT called for a review of the rules of engagement and for compensation for the families of the victims. It also said "appropriate action" should be taken against those who caused the incident, without elaborating. A spokesman for the JIAT said the actions could include judicial proceedings. "Naturally, these people must be confronted about what led to this mistake. They have the right to defend themselves, but if it becomes clear that legal measures should be taken, the coalition forces are concerned with that," said Mansour Ahmed al-Mansour, a legal adviser to the JIAT. The coalition accepted the findings in a statement released hours later and said it had begun to implement the JIAT's recommendations. "The coalition command expresses its regret at this unintentional incident and the ensuing pain for victims families," it said. "The incident is not in line with the coalition's objectives, namely protecting civilians and restoring safety and stability to Yemen." International condemnation of the strike had been swift. The White House announced an immediate review of Washington's support for the 18-month-old military push against the Houthis. Senior U.S. officials also said the attack had killed senior figures who were important to the reconciliation process. The strike has threatened to escalate Yemen's civil war and pull the United States further into the conflict. Houthi-led forces had responded to the attack by launching missiles into Saudi Arabia and possibly at a U.S. warship stationed off the Yemeni coast, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes against what Washington said were Houthi radar sites. The Houthis have denied firing missiles at the U.S. Navy destroyer. The United Nations estimates that 10,000 people have been killed in the war and blames coalition air strikes for 60 percent of some 3,800 civilian deaths since March 2015. Attacks continued on Saturday, with Houthi media claiming responsibility for firing another missile into Saudi Arabia, at a military camp in Asir province. An air strike also hit the Houthi-controlled Hodeida port, killing a military commander responsible for operations in three provinces, according to a news agency affiliated with the group's leading ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. A spokesman for the coalition could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Katie Paul, Mostafa Hashem and Mohammed Ghobari; Editing by Andrew Bolton and Mary Milliken)
(CAIRO)  A Saudi-led coalition on Saturday blamed wrong information for the bombing last weekend of a packed funeral hall in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that killed at least 140 people and wounded some 600.

The coalitions Joint Incidents Assessment Team, or JIAT, said a party affiliated to Yemens General Chief of Staff headquarters had passed intelligence that the hall was filled with leaders of Shiite Houthi rebels, whom the coalition has been targeting since March 2015 when it intervened in Yemens civil war in support of the internationally recognized government.

The unidentified party insisted the site was a legitimate military target, the English-language statement said. The Air Operation Center in Yemen, it added, directed a close air support mission to target the site without approval from the coalitions command.

The investigation team called on the coalition to immediately review the rules of engagement and recommended that compensation be offered to the victims families.

JIAT has found that because of non-compliance with Coalition rules of engagement and procedures, and the issuing of incorrect information, a Coalition aircraft wrongly targeted the location, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, it said.

This is the first time the coalition has acknowledged it was behind the bombing, after an initial denial. The Yemeni government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has yet to publicly comment on the October 8 bombing.

Yemens chief of staff is Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ali al-Maqdishi, a close ally of the powerful army general Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, now serving as vice president. Al-Ahmar is also a top ally of Yemens Muslim Brotherhood, whose followers are fighting the Houthis alongside government troops.

The US-backed coalition, which accuses Houthis of being Iranian proxies, has come under heavy international pressure to investigate the bombing. Human Rights Watch said in a report Thursday that the bombing constitutes an apparent war crime and said remnants of a US-made bomb were found at the site of the strike.

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Along with arms, the United States provides the coalition with logistical support and mid-air refueling of its warplanes. The White House has said it will immediately review its assistance to the Saudi-led coalition, explaining that such assistance was not a blank check.

The bombing of the funeral hall was not the first by the Saudi-led coalition to lead to civilian casualties. Over the past year, busy markets, weddings, schools, and hospitals have been bombed by the Saudi-led coalition, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

The deadly airstrikes on the funeral triggered a wave of counter-attacks against both U.S. and Saudi targets.

A U.S. Navy destroyer deployed in international waters in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen came under attack twice in recent days from areas under Houthi control. In response, the U.S. destroyed three radar installations in Houthi-controlled ports near the Bab al-Mandab strait on Thursday, in the first direct U.S. involvement in the war in Yemen.

The Houthis denied firing at the destroyer and accused the U.S. of using the attack as a justification to become directly involved in the war against the militias.

Houthis and allied army units loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh have also fired rockets and missiles targeting Saudi military installations and air bases across the Yemen-Saudi border.

On the diplomatic and political level, the bombing intensified pressure on the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition had forced the closure of Sanaa international airport for the past two months, after the collapse of peace talks between rival parties in Kuwait.

However, a Houthi official said Saturday that the coalition has agreed to open the airport to allow a team of peace negotiators sent by Houthis and allies from Salehs onetime ruling party to return to the country. The negotiators have been stuck for in Oman for two months after leaving Kuwait.

Meanwhile, more than 100 people who were injured in the funeral hall bombing have been allowed medical evacuation to seek treatment outside of Yemen, a government official said.

Both the Houthi and government officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The Saudi-led coalition has imposed a blockade on Yemen since the start of the war.
By Press Trust of India: The US has told Pakistan to go after those terrorists who seek and "sometimes find safe haven" in the country and delegitimise all terror groups operating on its soil.

"We continue to urge Pakistan to take action to combat and delegitimise all terrorist groups operating on its soil," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference.

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"Obviously Pakistan has suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists. We want to help Pakistan confront this terrorist threat, but we also want Pakistan also to go after those terrorists who seek and sometimes find safe haven on Pakistan territory," he said in response to a question yesterday.

REMARKS IN THE WAKE OF TENSIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN



His remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed and India's surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.

Also read: BRICS meet begins today, India to rally members against Pakistan-sponsored terror at summit



Earlier this week, in a clear indication of its support for India's surgical strikes in PoK, the US said it empathises with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to terror threats and dubbed the Uri attack as a "clear case of cross-border terrorism".

Also read: After Hafiz Saeed's comments, US warns Pakistan: Go after Mumbai attackers, shut terror shops

The US had also called for greater cooperation and dialogue between India and Pakistan to bring down the recent tensions and said that they should adopt a "conciliatory approach" to resolve their "contentious issues".

Also read: If there was any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded proportionately: Basit



--- ENDS ---
Science has officially ruined dinosaurs because this is the 2016 way

How do we tell the children? New science suggests that dinosaurs didnt roar, and our world will never be the same again.

Roaring is biologically implausible for dinosaurs, Julia Clarke, paleontologist at The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences, told NPR.

Scientists know this after analyzing the oldest known fossilized voice box, called a syrinx, from a Cretaceous-age bird, Vegavis iaai, found on Antarcticas Vega Island 66-69 million years ago.

The discovery of the voice box, detailed in the journal Nature, offers scientific evidence for what some prehistoric birds sounded like, as well as major clues to what noises their predecessors, the dinosaurs, would have made.

The oldest known voice box has just been found, and it suggests that dinosaurs didn't sing or roar. https://t.co/bJda6eSn8c pic.twitter.com/NXoGl0ZDRP  Science Channel (@ScienceChannel) October 14, 2016

Birds evolved from dinosaurs, and may have developed the syrinx later, which means dinosaurs likely never developed it. So they definitely didnt make noises similar to bird calls, but they also didnt roar. Instead, they probably hissed, squeaked and barked. Well thats not scary at all.

Birds and crocodile-like reptiles are the closest living descendants we have to dinosaurs.

Birds coo, but can you imagine a T Rex cooing? Its likely thats closer to the sound it would have made than a blood-curdling roar.

Some birds produce sound with a closed mouth, as Clarke explains.

They actually inflate different structures that allow them to resonate, often at lower frequencies than many other birds. But we also needed to look at alligators and crocodiles as the closest cousins to dinosaurs.

Alligators and crocodiles can sound terrifying, but the rumbling sound they make is a closed-mouth sound.

Our imaginations have modeled the dinosaur roar after predators like lions or bears, who roar when they attack, but crocodiles and birds only use sound for mating calls or to defend territory  communicating within their own species.

Story continues

So, a massive T Rex roaring from the jungle to scare its prey is just pure fantasy.

Sorry to ruin your childhood.

The post Science has officially ruined dinosaurs because this is the 2016 way appeared first on HelloGiggles.
kanye west

Bragging can be a good idea  as long as evidence that comes along later will back you up.

That's the conclusion of a paper published October 4 in the journal Social Psychology.

Researchers out of Brown University presented subjects on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform with short snippets of stories about people, like this one:

Harry recently took a test designed to assess his general intelligence. When asked to report how he thought he did, he responded, better than the average person. In fact, it turns out that he actually did beat the average overall score on the general intelligence test.

In other versions of the story, the test-taker doesn't brag but scores highly, brags but gets a below-average score, or doesn't brag and gets a low score. In a second study presented the same paper, subjects only read that the test-taker bragged or did not brag  without learning the result of the test.

"We tried to change the decision to brag or to boast or to 'self-enhance' into a strategy," said Patrick Heck, an author on the study.

The goal was to evaluate how useful a strategy it is in different situations.

The study subjects rated the imagined test-takers on their competence and morality  two dimensions of how people understand one another laid out by Princeton psychologist Susan Fiske.

A bragger who can't live up to their own claims comes off as the least competent. But the other two braggers  the one who backs up his words with a great score, and the one whose score remains hidden  come off as more competent than non-braggers.

But there's also a way even successful braggers get punished: They seem less moral. Whether or not they backed up their words with actions, subjects judged braggers as more immoral than non-braggers.

And there's another benefit to not bragging. If a person predicts they'll get a low score on the test, and then does get a low score on the test, they seem significantly less incompetent than the bragger who gets a low score.

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"So if you found yourself in a job interview," Heck said, "and you could slow down time and you think about the decision you're about to make: Do I claim to be better than other candidates? Or do I decide to be humble and say I'm worse in some ways than other candidates? The right answer sort of comes down to what you're most interested in emphasizing or protecting  your perceived competence, or your perceived morality."

At the same time, it's important to understand that this is a limited study. Subjects evaluated narrow, somewhat contrived stories taken outside the context in which most human interactions happen. There are plenty of issues that could complicate how this effect plays out in the real world.

For example, all the test takers in the stories had male names. It's entirely possible that people punish women more (or less) for bragging in identical situations. And all the subjects came from the United States  folks from different parts of the world might react to bragging in very different ways.

NOW WATCH: A Harvard psychologist's advice on how to argue when you know you're right





More From Business Insider


Glasgow (AFP) - Separatist leader Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday said her belief that Scotland will become independent was stronger than ever as she confirmed preparations for a second referendum for leaving Britain.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, first minister of the semi-autonomous Scottish government, has pledged to explore all options to prevent Scotland being taken out of the European Union against its will.

But with some of these options already being dismissed by the British government, Sturgeon has said another independence referendum is "highly likely".

In a speech on the final day of the SNP conference in Glasgow, Sturgeon said: "I have never doubted that Scotland will one day become an independent country.

"And I believe it today more strongly than I ever have before.

"But I've always known that it will happen only when a majority of our fellow citizens believe that becoming independent is the best way to build a better future, together."

The SNP will present a bill for another referendum to the Scottish Parliament next week. It would be pursued if all other options to keep Scotland in the EU should fail.

British unionists warned Scots that remaining in the UK was the only way to protect Scotlands place in the EU, and Scotland voted against independence in 2014.

But Scotland now faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU along with the rest of the UK, despite voting by 62 percent to remain.

Sturgeon said: "We will propose new powers to help keep Scotland in the single market even if the UK leaves.

"But if the Tory government rejects these efforts, if it insists on taking Scotland down a path that hurts our economy, costs jobs, lowers our living standards and damages our reputation as an open, welcoming, diverse country, then be in no doubt.

"Scotland must have the ability to choose a better future, and I will make sure that Scotland gets that chance."

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Sturgeon acknowledged, however, that independence would "bring its own challenges".

One challenge Scotland faces is convincing EU member states who are wrestling with their own separatist movements to accept a unique Brexit solution for Scotland, or ultimately admit Scotland as a new member state if it votes for independence.

Corsican separatist Francois Alfonsi, president of a coalition of regional groups called the European Free Alliance (EFA), told a meeting on the sidelines of the conference that attitudes towards Scottish independence are shifting in Europe.

He said: "It is historic, this vote for Brexit, because it is creating conditions very new for the independence of Scotland.

"EFA has to be unconditional supporters of the SNP, but there are other supporters now."

Scotland's External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "The reaction to Scotland now is not the same as the reaction in 2014.

"One very senior European politician has said to us: We didnt understand why you wanted to be independent in 2014, but we understand now.'"
In a Federal Criminal Appeal Case, Your Future is in Your Lawyer's Hands

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2016 / If you have been convicted of a federal crime, you may wish to appeal your conviction. Before you proceed, it's important to choose the right attorney to represent you. Selecting a lawyer can be challenging, especially when you're facing something as serious as a federal criminal conviction. How do you know which lawyer to choose? What should you look for?

At Broden & Mickelsen, we know how overwhelmed clients feel when they are considering a federal criminal appeal. As with any overwhelming task, taking things step by step often helps make the process more manageable and less intimidating.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

The first step is to determine if you need a lawyer in the first place. In a case involving a federal criminal conviction, this is an easy answer  yes, you most certainly do.

Although you have the right to represent yourself in court, the court will hold you to the same standards as any lawyer. Federal appeals cases are unlike cases at the trial level. They are governed by complex, exacting rules of evidence and procedure. Attempting to act as your own lawyer is likely to be a frustrating and unproductive experience.

Does Your Lawyer Handle Federal Appeals Cases?

If you have been convicted of a federal offense, you almost certainly need the help and advice of an experienced federal appeals lawyer, even if you had a lawyer in your original case. Not all criminal defense lawyers handle appeals. To increase your chances of success, you must work with a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles appellate cases in federal court.

What's Important to You in a Lawyer?

In a federal criminal appeal case, your future is in your lawyer's hands. When your freedom is on the line, you need a lawyer who possesses certain qualities. For example, your lawyer should be a good communicator and someone who is available when you need to ask a question or express a concern. Your lawyer should also be a seasoned litigator who knows the law. Prioritize the qualities that appeal to you, and make sure your lawyer has the skill set you need.

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When You're Ready to Choose a Lawyer

Once you have determined the type of lawyer you need, you're ready to choose one. Here are some points to consider:

Search in the right places. There are several ways to find a reputable criminal defense lawyer. If you have a good rapport with your original defense lawyer, you can ask for a referral. You can also search the state bar's website for a list of lawyers who practice in the area of federal criminal defense.

Get information up front. Your lawyer should thoroughly explain how fees are charged and when you will receive billing statements. Be careful about working with someone who asks for a significant amount of money up front, especially if the lawyer does not handle the trial portion of a case.

Write your questions down before your initial meeting. Meeting with a lawyer can be intimidating, especially when you are discussing something as important as a federal appeal. Most people tend to forget things when they're nervous. It helps to write your questions down prior to your meeting, so you can refer back to them as you discuss your case with your lawyer.

Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation

If you're facing a federal criminal appeal, you need lawyers who devote a significant portion of their practice to cases like yours. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Broden & Mickelsen, LLP

2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204

Main Phone: (214) 720-9552

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Source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/how-to-select-a-federal-appeals-criminal-defense-attorney/

SOURCE: Broden & Mickelsen, LLP via Submit Press Release 123
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against MGT Capital Investments, Inc. ("MGT" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT: MGT) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 16-cv-07449, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired MGT securities between May 9, 2016 and September 20, 2016 both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased MGT securities during the Class Period, you have until November 21, 2016 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

MGT, together with its subsidiaries, purports to acquire, develop, and monetize assets in the online, mobile, and casino gaming space. The Company operates through two segments, Gaming and Intellectual Property.

On May 9, 2016, MGT announced that it had entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets and technology from D-Vasive Inc. ("D-Vasive"), a provider of anti-spy software (the "D-Vasive Transaction"). In conjunction with the transaction, MGT announced the proposed appointment of Defendant John McAfee ("McAfee") as the Company's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), and that the Company intended to change its corporate name to John McAfee Global Technologies, Inc. MGT further advised investors that "[m]ajor terms of the deal include the payment to D-Vasive Inc. stockholders of 23.8 million restricted shares of MGT stock and $300,000 in cash. The proposed share issuance is expected to amount to roughly 47% of the Company on a pro-forma diluted basis at closing."

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On May 26, 2016, MGT announced that it had entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement to acquire certain technology and assets from Demonsaw LLC ("Demonsaw"), which the Company touted as "a provider of a secure and anonymous file sharing software platform." MGT further advised investors that "[m]ajor terms of the deal include the payment to Demonsaw LLC members of 20.0 million restricted shares of MGT common stock. The proposed share issuance is expected to amount to approximately 28% of the Company's common stock on a pro-forma fully diluted basis at closing, inclusive of shares of common stock to be issued in connection with the Company's previously announced transaction with D-Vasive, Inc." The Company and D-Vasive would subsequently arrange for D-Vasive to purchase Demonsaw in advance of the D-Vasive Transaction, "in order to simplify these transactions, and meet certain customary tax issues," so that MGT would acquire Demonsaw's assets as well as D-Vasive's via the D-Vasive Transaction.

On September 9, 2016, MGT announced that at the Company's 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, its stockholders had approved, inter alia, the issuance of a total of 43.8 million shares of common stock in connection with the D-Vasive Transaction.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the NYSE was unlikely to approve the listing of the 43.8 million additional shares that the Company was required to issue to consummate the D-Vasive Transaction; and (ii) as a result of the foregoing, MGT's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On September 19, 2016, pre-market, MGT announced that on September 15, 2016, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requesting certain information from the Company. MGT stated that it had no reason to believe that the Company is or will be the subject of any enforcement proceedings and was fully cooperating to comply with the SEC's request.

On this news, MGT stock fell $0.74, or 22.7%, to close at $2.52 on September 19, 2016.

Then, on September 20, 2016, pre-market, MGT announced that the NYSE had informed the Company on September 19, 2016 that it would "not approve the listing on the Exchange of the 43.8 million shares that the Company is required to issue in order to complete the closing of the D-Vassive [sic] merger," and that "[t]he Company and John McAfee remain committed to closing the transaction and are exploring alternatives."

On this news, MGT stock fell $0.63, or 25%, to close at $1.89 on September 20, 2016.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 14, 2016 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Polaris Industries, Inc. ("Polaris" or the "Company") (PII) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, District of Minnesota, and docketed under 16-cv-03108, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Polaris securities between January 26, 2016 and September 11, 2016 both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Polaris securities during the Class Period, you have until November 15, 2016 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Polaris, together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road vehicles in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and Mexico.

On July 23, 2015, Polaris issued a recall for the Company's model-year 2016 Youth RZR off-highway vehicle, citing fire hazards. Three other recalls of the Company's RZR vehicles followed - in October 2015, December 2015, and April 2016 - affecting more than 160,000 RZR vehicles of various model years.

Nevertheless, Polaris consistently advised investors that the Company expected full year 2016 net income to be at least $6.00 per diluted share. On January 26, 2016, Polaris issued a press release reporting full-year guidance in the range of $6.20 to $6.80 per diluted share; on April 21, 2016, Polaris issued a press release maintaining the same guidance estimate; and on July 20, 2016, Polaris issued a press release only slightly lowering and narrowing its guidance range to $6.00 to $6.30 per diluted share.

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The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Company was unable to sufficiently validate the initially identified repair for certain of its recalled RZR vehicles; (ii) as a result, the Company would ultimately need to implement a more complex and expensive repair solution; (iii) the financial impact of RZR vehicle recalls was therefore greater than the Company had disclosed to investors; (iv) consequently, the Company had overstated its full-year 2016 guidance; and (v) as a result of the foregoing, Polaris's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On September 12, 2016, pre-market, Polaris issued a press release announcing that the Company was lowering its full-year 2016 earnings guidance to the range of $3.30 to $3.80 per diluted share. The Company attributed the lowered guidance to the impact of RZR thermal-related problems, citing, in part, the Company's inability "to sufficiently validate the initially identified RZR Turbo recall repair, necessitating a more complex and expensive repair solution."

On this news, Polaris stock fell $4.05, or 5.01%, to close at $76.79 on September 12, 2016.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore Airlines said on Saturday it has banned Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones from all its flights and any passenger carrying one will not be allowed to board its planes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an emergency order banning the devices from aircraft in the United States as of Saturday at noon EDT (1600 GMT).

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has recalled its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide because of incidents of the phones emitting smoke or catching fire, dealing a huge blow to the company's reputation.

Singapore Airlines said on its Facebook page that "the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone will be prohibited from being brought on board all our flights in person, in carry-on baggage or checked-in baggage with effect from 16 October."

(Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Moscow (AFP) - Spartak Moscow skipper Denis Glushakov scored the only goal as Russia's most decorated club beat nine-man Rostov 1-0 on Saturday to go top of the Premier League.

Spartak moved one point clear of reigning champions CSKA, who beat Ufa 1-0 on Friday, while Zenit St Petersburg, who visit Ural Yekaterinburg on Sunday, sit third, two points further back.

In an opening period with little in the way of goalmouth action the only noticeable event was the red card shown to Rostov left back Fedor Kudryashov in first-half injury time.

After the break Spartak moved up a gear, pinning the visitors back and in the 53rd minute Glushakov received a pinpoint pass by Fernando in the area and sent the ball home past helpless Rostov 'keeper Soslan Dzhanaev.

In the 74th minute Rostov slim hopes of saving the day went up in smoke as their Spanish full back Cesar Navas was also sent off for a second bookable offence.

Despite the victory Spartak manager Massimo Carrera said he was upset with his team's lowkey attacks.

"We've created plenty of scoring opportunities today but converted only one of them," he said.

"After we'd squandered a series of chances we were at risk of losing points in a match against a team two men down. We should be more accurate to avoid such situations in the future."

Earlier, Amkar Perm and two-time former champions Lokomotiv Moscow played out a goalless draw, which lifted the hosts Amkar, who extended their unbeaten streak to five matches, into fourth.

Two-time former champions Rubin Kazan thrashed visitors Samara 3-0 to go eighth.

Russian international forward Maxim Kanunnikov headed Rubin into a 38th minute lead while Spaniard Ruben Rochina and Brazilian Jonathas added one apiece after the break to seal Kazan's well-deserved win.
In response to a horrific rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Indonesia, pedophiles could be chemically castrated or even executed under new laws passed by the country.

By India Today Web Desk:

The new harsh laws follow the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl, Yuyun, by a gang of 12 men and boys in the village Kasiah Kasubun in Sumatra, in April.

The new laws will mean repeat offenders and those who abuse family members could face between 10 and 20 years behind bars. The courts can also order their chemical castration or for them to be tagged with a microchip to keep an eye on them.

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As far as execution goes, in extreme cases, where the perpetrator murders their victim or leaves them with psychological trauma or a sexually transmitted disease, they could be given this punishment under the new laws, according to an Independent report.



HUMAN RIGHTS INTERVENE

Human rights campaigners have started objecting the move and the measure was blisteringly debated in parliament with two opposition parties voting against it.



DOCTORS SPEAK

The Indonesian Doctors Association has said that its members would turn down the requests to administer chemical castration which also involves injecting men with female hormones, as it is a violation of its medical ethics.



INDONESIA AND CHEMICAL CASTRATION AROUND THE WORLD

The chemical castration of pedophiles is already practiced in several countries including Poland, South Korea, Turkey, Russia and even some parts of the US.

Indonesia's National Commission for Women (NCW), Azriana, told BBC, "Other countries that have chemical castration have not seen a reduction in sexual crime against children.

"Also it's a very expensive procedure and what we should be spending and investing our money in is services to support and help the victims."





--- ENDS ---
Airbus celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th aircraft, and Singapore Airlines' seventh A350 plane which will launch on Singapore's new route to San Francisco this month.

It is one of 67 A350s that Singapore Airlines has ordered from Airbus, and was decorated with a special 10,000 livery to mark its significance.

The A350 is the airline industry's latest state-of-the-art plane, and promises to quickly become a passenger favorite.

It is fitted with flyer-friendly features, including environmental improvements to address cabin dryness, keep the temperature comfortable, and reduce jet lag. The A350 comes with roomy bins which can fit standard carry-on luggage for all passengers onboard, plenty of overhead space, so the cabin doesn't feel cramped even at the back of the plane, and ambient lighting which not only helps airlines set a mood but can also help regulate onboard sleep cycles on those longer journeys.

The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines has made its A350 extra special by featuring the latest version of its Business class seata dreamy and restful cocoonand its new Premium Economy cabin which is a significant upgrade from what is already a feature-rich and comfortable Economy class.

Though both companies say that it just worked out that Singapore's A350 would mark this special 10,000 milestone, it is a very appropriate coincidence.

Singapore Airlines has been a long-standing and loyal Airbus customer, taking its first Airbus plane in 1979 (an A300B4), and the Singapore Airlines Group has bought every type of plane Airbus makes.

The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines was also first to fly the A380, with much fanfare, back on Oct. 27, 2007. Singapore will also be first to launch Airbus' new ultra long range version of the A350, which will reopen the world's longest flight from Singapore to New York in 2018, and also serve Los Angeles. That's a good 16-19 hours to enjoy the most modern aircraft in the skies.

There has been speculation on what might be inside this Ultra-Long Range A350 when it takes off, but we learned from Singapore Airlines that it will have only two cabin classes.

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The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

We are not at this time ready to reveal the details, but it can be assured that whatever we put onboard will be something that our customers will absolutely love, airline CEO Goh Choon Phong told Travel + Leisure. I'm not at liberty to share that at the moment. Just wait to be wowed!

While we wait to be wowed, we're always free to speculate.

We know that the airline needs to keep the cabin light-weight on this plane, to keep the fuel use efficient over that long a distance. The airline has already said that there would be 170 seats onboard, and there has been talk that the airline would make this cabin focused around Business passengers, keeping a limited number of Economy seats.

The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

The 10,000th Airbus A350, for Singapore Airlines.

But what if Singapore Airlines decided that a flight this long calls for an extra-special Economy experience? Then fitting the airplane with its Business Class and Premium Economy seats would be a great idea. It would be the first time anyone has ever flown a plane with just those two classes and would feature the two best cabin products the airline offers right now.

We focus a lot on customer experience, and it goes beyond just the product itself, it's the way that we connect our passengers, said Goh Choon Phong. Each new aircraft that is delivered gives us an opportunity to relook at how to improve the passenger experience even further.

Singapore Airlines also made it clear on Friday that it remains committed to the other Airbus signature aircraft: the A380.

This a plane so popular with passengers that it has its own reservations site where you can find flights from every airline that flies the plane. But because of its size, some have questioned whether the A380 is fated to go the way of the also loved jumbo 747.

Cheaper and more efficient narrow body planes are all the fashion right now. The A380 is a good plane for major city pairs, where there's a large demand, but airports have to build special facilities for itand it's an expensive plane for airlines to fly if all the seats aren't filled.

For its part, Singapore Airlines likes enduring classics, and plans to stand by the plane.

Despite what some might have speculated, we've been committed to this ultra-large aircraft type that is the A380, with five more on delivery from the second-half of next year, Goh Choon Phong said. This new A380, to be delivered, will feature all new cabin products that have been developed over the last few years. We do not want to say much at this point in time, but we can promise that when they are introduced next year they will wow our customers and will again ensure that we retain the industry leading position on products.

For its part, Airbus couldn't be happier about this 10,000th aircraft milestone.

Ten-thousand is an astonishing number. The founders of our company were true visionaries, but even they could not have foreseen our 10,000 aircraft by the year 2016, Airbus CEO Tom Enders said. In the 1970s we were producing at a rate of half an aircraft per month. Today, we deliver more than 600 aircraft per year and the ramp-up is continuing.

Airbus has said it expects to have the next 10,000 plane project in about ten years' time.

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By Kareem Raheem and Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Around 55 people were killed in Iraq in attacks on Saturday that targeted a Shi'ite Muslim gathering, a police check-point and the family of a Sunni paramilitary leader opposed to Islamic State, according to security and medical sources. The escalation comes as Iraqi forces are getting ready to launch an offensive to take back Mosul, the last Iraqi city still under control of Islamic State, in northern Iraq. The heaviest toll was caused by a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive vest in the middle of a Shi'ite gathering in Baghdad, killing at least 41 people and wounding 33. The explosion went off inside a tent filled with people taking part in Shi'ite Ashura rituals, which mourn the killing of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Hussein in the 7th century. Islamic State claimed the attack in an online statement. Some people were also in the tent to mourn the death of a local resident, authorities said. The tent was set up in a crowded market in the city's northern al-Shaab district. Gunmen believed to belong to Islamic State, a Sunni group, earlier in the day staged two attacks north of Baghdad, one targeting a police check-point and the other the house of a Sunni militia chief who supports the government, police sources said. Eight policemen were killed and 11 others wounded in the first attack which took place Mutaibija, south of the city of the city of Tikrit, while the militants had three dead in their ranks. In the second, the wife and three children of Numan al-Mujamaie, the leader of the Ishaqi Mobilization militia, were killed when gunmen stormed his house in the town of Ishaq in his absence. The assailants fled, chased by security forces, and later killed themselves by detonating explosive belts, police said. Islamic State has intensified bomb attacks in government-held areas this year as it loses territory to U.S.-backed Iraqi government forces and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias. The group claimed a truck bombing in July that killed at least 324 people in the Karrada shopping area of Baghdad - the deadliest single attack in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. (Reporting Kareem Raheed and Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Mhaer Chmayteli; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)
(BAGHDAD)  A suicide bombing targeting a funeral gathering in northern Baghdad Saturday killed at least 35 people and left another 63 wounded, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.

The attack in the Shaab neighborhood occurred at around lunchtime, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement carried by the ISIS-linked Aamaq news agency. The claim could not be independently verified, but it was carried by a news organization affiliated with the ISIS group.

The attack comes as Iraqi security forces are preparing for an operation to retake the militant-held northern city of Mosul, the countrys second largest city, from the ISIS group.

In the past the extremists have increased insurgent attacks inside government-held territory far from the front lines after suffering territorial losses on the battlefield.

Iraq has seen several bombings in recent months, though most have had lower death tolls than Saturdays attack. In July, a massive car bomb in central Baghdads popular shopping district of Karradah killed about 300 people and forced the resignation of the countrys interior minister.
Lausanne (AFP) - International peace talks on Syria involving the United States, Russia and regional players have ended in the Swiss city of Lausanne, a US official said Saturday.

After more than four hours of talks, ministers left the city's upmarket lakeside Beau-Rivage hotel without making any comments. The US and Russian foreign ministers had met ahead of the talks.
Lausanne (AFP) - Pessimistic envoys from the United States, Russia and Syria's neighbours met Saturday in Switzerland as Secretary of State John Kerry tried to revive hopes of a ceasefire for the war-torn country.

The talks marked Kerry's first encounter with his Russian opposite number Sergei Lavrov since a US and Russian-sponsored truce collapsed last month amid a ferocious Syrian offensive.

But diplomats from all sides warned against hopes for a rapid breakthrough in Lausanne, and Moscow showed no sign of softening its strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Even as the diplomats gathered in a lakefront hotel, Moscow's flagship aircraft carrier set sail for the Mediterranean to support the Russian forces shoring up Assad's rule.

Fierce fighting was continuing in the multi-front conflict, with Turkish-backed opposition fighters closing in on Dabiq, a symbolic stronghold of the Islamic State group.

And in Aleppo, Russian-backed government forces intensified their bombardment of the rebel-held east of the city, further damaging any prospect of a renewed ceasefire.

Kerry and Lavrov, once joint sponsors of international peace effort, met ahead of the broader talks, but US officials insisted that their "bilateral track" remains dead.

Instead, with President Barack Obama adamant that US forces will not become caught up in the war, Kerry was hoping that talks with Russia and regional powers may yield new ideas.

"We are not pursuing this directly with the Russians bilaterally any more," a senior US official travelling with Kerry told reporters ahead of the meeting.

"But just because the format has evolved doesn't mean that the underlying objectives have changed," he insisted.

Those objectives, he said, are a reduction in violence, more humanitarian access to besieged civilians and a political dialogue between the government and opposition.

But both US and Russian officials played down hopes of a breakthrough on Saturday, and Kerry was due to fly on to London on Sunday to brief European allies on the new effort.

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Lavrov told reporters on Friday he had no "special expectations" of progress.

Iran also voiced scepticism, with a foreign affairs ministry spokesman saying: "I don't think we can have a lot of a hope for the outcome of this meeting."

The talks come as Moscow faces down growing criticism over its backing for Assad's assault in divided Aleppo.

Air strikes hit rebel-held parts of Aleppo again Saturday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based watchdog with a network of sources on the ground.

Against this bloody backdrop, a leading opposition group slammed the talks, saying they would not stop the killing.

Abdal Ahad Stefo, deputy head of the Istanbul-based National Coalition, told AFP the negotiations "will only lead to wasting more time ... and the shedding of more Syrian blood".

- Seeking concrete steps -

Aleppo has been engulfed by some of the worst violence of the conflict since the collapse of last month's truce deal.

"I think we need to see what happens in the room to determine whether this is the beginning of a new process that continues in this format or not," said the senior US official.

On Friday, Lavrov had warned that Russia was not planning on presenting new initiatives on ways to resolve the conflict, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011.

Instead he called for "concrete steps" to implement earlier UN resolutions and specifically for opposition fighters to separate from "terrorist" jihadist groups.

Kerry and Lavrov were joined by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, as well as top diplomats from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all nations that back Syrian opposition forces.

Iran, a key Assad supporter, was being represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Egypt, Iraq and Jordan were also set to be part of the meeting, the US official said.

The intensified bombardment has put increasing strain on rescue workers in besieged eastern Aleppo which is home to an estimated 250,000 residents.

More than 370 people, including nearly 70 children, have been killed in regime and Russian bombardment of eastern Aleppo since September 22, according to the Observatory.

Dozens of civilians, including children, have also died in rebel bombardment of regime-controlled western districts.

Buoyed by his forces' gains in Aleppo, Assad vowed to use victory there as a "springboard" to capture other rebel bastions, in remarks published Friday.
By Michelle Martin BERLIN (Reuters) - A Syrian refugee arrested on suspicion of planning a major attack in Berlin spoke to a member of Islamic State in Syria by telephone about a possible target a day before German police discovered explosives in his apartment, a newspaper reported on Saturday. Jaber Albakr was detained on Monday, two days after police discovered about 1.5 kg of explosives in his apartment. He was found dead in prison on Wednesday. Authorities said he had committed suicide. Germany's Welt am Sonntag (WamS) cited investigation sources as saying U.S. intelligence had provided a tip-off about Albakr after tapping several phone calls between him and an Islamic State member in Syria. During the calls, 22-year-old Albakr spoke about his attack plans, the newspaper said. In a call on Oct. 7, Albakr told his contact that 2 kg of explosives were ready and he named a possible target, saying a "big airport in Berlin" was "better than trains", WamS reported. In July, the militant group claimed responsibility for two attacks in the German state of Bavaria - one on a train near Wuerzburg and the other at a music festival in Ansbach that wounded 20 people. WamS said federal prosecutors investigating the case assumed that Albakr wanted to make a vest packed with explosives for an attack. The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV) has said Albakr was building a bomb and probably planned to attack one of the airports in Berlin. Investigators said on Monday they believed Albakr 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. Albakr arrived in Germany in February 2015 during a migrant influx into the country and was granted temporary asylum four months later. The man who rented the flat in the eastern city of Chemnitz in which Albakr last lived - a 33-year-old Syrian who WamS named as Khalil A. - is in custody and is being investigated on suspicion of helping Albakr, the newspaper said. Separately, German broadcaster ARD said Tegel airport in Berlin was possibly Albakr's attack target. Without naming its sources, ARD said Albakr went to Berlin one weekend in the second half of September to spy out Tegel. Bus tickets, among other things, proved that, the broadcaster said. The Berliner Morgenpost newspaper and the regional broadcaster rbb cited federal security sources as saying Albakr met a contact in Berlin while he was in the capital. The newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (F.A.S.) said train tickets that investigators found in Albakr's possessions were key to uncovering the Berlin trip. The federal prosecutor's office declined to comment on media reports when contacted by Reuters. F.A.S. cited a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office as saying there were not yet "enough links to IS that could be used in court". German security sources told Reuters that Albakr had traveled to Turkey after receiving asylum in Germany and spent several months there this summer. F.A.S. said Albakr landed in the eastern German city of Leipzig at the end of August on his return from Turkey. The newspaper cited investigators as saying Albakr had already planned an attack at that point. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Andrew Bolton and Mary Milliken)
GREENSBORO, N.C.Hillary Clinton is fond of saying that theres only one Donald Trump, and anyone waiting for a new one will be disappointed. But in fact, there are two Donald Trumps, and both of them came to speak in this crucial swing state Friday afternoon.

Theres one Trump who is a reasonably disciplined candidate, hitting hard on his opponents weaknessesher flip-flop on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or embarrassing passages in leaked emailsand pushing his populist message. Then, theres the Trump who detests his teleprompters, yearns to improvise, and loves to sling insults.

Related Story

Trump Goes to War

There are at least two kinds of Trump audiences, too. Some audiences are angry, resentful, baying for blood. Some of those crowds came out for Trump on Thursday, berating reporters and motivating police in riot gear to monitor the situation. At a rally I attended in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in March, there was an air of violence in the arena. But the crowd at the White Oak Amphitheatre here was not that kind of crowd. They were cheerful, friendly, and affable. (A scuffle between a protester and an attendee was one exceptionbut more on that later.) These people are worried about the country, and theyre nervous about the election. They dont trust the media, but theyre courteous and friendly. They dont like Hillary Clinton, but they wish Trump could express that a little more delicately.

Waiting for the rally to start, I chatted with Fran Rafanovic and Darlene Schadt, two older women from High Point. They were not pleased with the press. The media is corrupt. Theyre trying to stop us from finding anything out about WikiLeaks and these supposed women, Schadt said. All these people know the media is corrupt. Were like mushroomsfed shit and kept in the dark. But they were happy to chat with me, laughing uproariously, and as they headed for their seats, Rafanovic told me, Thank you for what youre doing!

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Recommended: What Will Happen to the Trump Die-Hards?

Just as friendly was George Ellsworth, who said he was known as Hellsworth during his Marine Corps days. I pray that theres enough level-headed people to realize we dont want a liar in the White House, he said. He complained that Clinton had given every man a license to cheat on his wife by condoning her husbands behavior in the 1990s. But what about Trump, who had very publicly cheated on his first wifeto say nothing of the more recent allegations? Ellsworth drew a line between Trumps past and his newer career as a politician.

All these people know the media is corrupt. Were like mushroomsfed shit and kept in the dark.

Anything that Mr. Trump done as a civilianwere only human males, he said. It was only one perfect person, and He died on a cross for our sins. The tape of Trump making lewd comments and boasting about sexual assault bothered him, but he saw it as part of Trumps civilian past. On balance, he thought the nation needed Trump because of the importance of Supreme Court appointments.

Two common themes emerged in conversations with voters: a consistent skepticism of polling on the race, and a slight unease with Trumps rhetoric. Dwight and Ruth Hastings, a distinguished-looking couple from Hickory, told me they didnt believe the recent set of polls that show Trump trailing nationwide and in critical swing states. Theyre fixed, Ruth said flatly. But Dwight said he didnt like Trumps attacks on politicians like House Speaker Paul Ryan. I wish hed be less critical of other Republicans, he said. You need those guys on board. He thought both men had let their egos get the better of them. Establishment Republicans are jealous of him because hes doing something they could not do, Ruth said. I voted for Romney  but he let us down.

Recommended: The Tweetstorm Heard 'Round the Republican Party

The most fanatical Trump voters tend to be the loudest and get the most attention, but many of his supporters have a nuanced view of him. Kara Hoffman, a freshman at East Carolina University, is a decided Trump voter, yet she told me, I think hes very disrespectful. Id like to see him be more respectful to his opponent and other people.

Stephen Poston, a fellow ECU freshman with her, agreed. When he has his head in the right place as a politician, hes compelling, he said. The problem came when Trump went off script, Poston said.

Which he did, at times, on Friday. Trump took the stage a little after 2:30 p.m. He complained that the press never mentions his crowds, so in the interest of transparency: The Charlotte Observer reported attendance of around 4,000. It was smaller than the capacity crowd that came to see President Obama on Wednesday in the same venue, with 7,700 inside and another 1,500 in an overflow space. It was smaller than the almost 10,000 who saw Trump at an adjacent venue in June.

When he has his head in the right place as a politician, hes compelling.

Early on, Trump seemed to be sticking closely to a written speech, reading grudgingly from the teleprompters while inserting his trademark digressions and amplifications. He began hitting Clinton hard over the emails released by WikiLeaks. He reprised his promise that if elected he would ask his attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to look into Clintons private email server, and added that the prior FBI investigation needed to be investigated. For what she did, they should lock her up, he said, responding to the now familiar chants.

And then he hit the sexual assault allegations against him. (As the rally went on, two more womens claims emerged.) Suddenly, Trump was alivethrowing punches left and right, feeding off the crowds energy, having a good time. He was blunt in denying the accusations.

Recommended: The Trump Allegations: The Latest Updates

He was also wildly offensive.

I have no idea who these women are. I have no idea. I have no idea and I think you all know I have no idea because you understand me for a lot of years, okay? Trump said. In case people didnt understand, he made clear what he meantbuilding on his innuendo during a rally in Florida on Thursday that he couldnt have assaulted one woman because she wasnt attractive enough for him.

When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said, I don't think so, he said, referring to Jessica Leeds, whom Anderson Cooper interviewed Thursday. Yeah, I'm going to go after you. Believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you  That would not be my first choice.

Of People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, who also accused him of assault, he said, Check out her Facebook page, you'll understand.

When you looked at that horrible woman last night, you said, I don't think so. Believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you.

Unable to resist the opportunity to take a jab at Hillary Clintons appearance, he did that too, discussing an incident during the second presidential debate. I'm standing at my podium and she walks in front of me, right? She walks in front of me and when she walked in front of me, believe me, I wasn't impressed.

As for Barack Obama, who Trump deemed an incompetent, he wondered, Why doesn't some woman maybe come up and saywhat they say falsely about me, they could say about him. They could say it about anybody.

Its not as if Trump doesnt realize the danger in going off-script like this. He said his aides had counseled him not to bring it up. My people always say, Don't talk about it, talk about jobs, talk about the economy, he said. But I feel I have to talk about it. Because you have to dispute when somebody says something.

Perhaps Trump should have listened to his advisers. Trumps series of ill-advised quips was easily more exciting and eclipsed the rest of the speech. It was for the most part a workmanlike but effective attack on Clinton as an insider out to enrich herself, mixed with discussion of his immigration policy and opposition to NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, both of which were very popular with the crowd.

There were a few off-key notes. An attack on international bankers sounded a lot like anti-Semitic whispers. As promised, Trump also launched an attack on the Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, who bailed The New York Times out during the financial crisis, taking a sizable stake in the company. Slim also gave at least $1 million to the Clinton Foundation. Trump sees in this a conspiracy, by which Slim is manipulating the newspaper to advance the interests of his friend Hillary Clinton. Reporters at The New York Times, theyre not journalists, they're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and for Hillary Clinton.

The whole thing is one big fix. It's one big fix. It's one big ugly lie. It's one big fix.

Trump also amplified his claim that the election is a fraud. The whole thing is one big fix. It's one big fix. It's one big ugly lie. It's one big fix, he said. The process is rigged. This whole election is being rigged. These lies spread by the media, without witnesses, without backup or anything else, are poisoning the minds of the electorate.

To many people, this sounds like paranoid fantasy. But to a crowd conditioned to believe the media are lying and the polls are faked, it rings true. Trump seemed to be grappling with the possibility that he would lose on Friday, complaining that the fabricated stories of sexual assault might convince some voters and sink his campaign. The genius of the rigged charge is that it shifts the blame preemptively; if Trump loses, it will be because he, and his movement, have been stabbed in the back.

This is ugly stuff. There was some minor ugliness in the crowd, too. At one point during the rally, a protestor interrupted the speech and was removed. From where I sat, I couldnt tell what happened. On my way out of the rally, however, I ran into Poston and Hoffman, with whom Id spoken earlier. Poston offered to share a video that hed takenit turned out that an attendee had tried to wrestle the protestor down:

Protestor at trump rally gets wrestled. Video by @Postonnotposten pic.twitter.com/oSCFZbXI3r  David A. Graham (@GrahamDavidA) October 14, 2016

Even in a friendly crowd, there could be some nasty momentsjust as even in a speech from a teleprompter, Trump always has the possibility of throwing the script to the wind and delivering some unwise soundbites. Well, that was certainly eventful, Poston said as he walked off into the parking lot.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
I had just gotten a massive fish-filled poke bowl from Makai Sushi inside a local supermarket in Poipu, on the Hawaiian island Kauai. I thought my day couldnt get any better, even by Hawaiian standards. But then I saw the shave ice stand. My mouth started watering. The roadside signs advertising Technicolor shave ice had in fact taunted me for days. Was this the moment of reckoning?

Finally, I stopped at the wooden stand in the parking lot: Loco Coco.

Although tiny, the stand was meticulously constructed and freshly lacquered. I stepped up to the chin-height window and ordered a half-lychee half-coconut shave ice  and then realized it cost $7. For a split second I was irritated by the high price. If, like me, your only point of reference are those icy snow cones of childhood, swimming in bright syrup ($3 for the fancy flavors), you too would have some sticker shock.

But then I tasted it. These concoctions are the craft cocktails of ice treats: handmade with extra-tropical treats. The mound of shave ice melted in my mouth like fresh powder snow the morning after an overnight dusting. The syrups, perfectly sweet, were accented with bits of fresh fruit and a coconut-cream drizzle. My mind was blown. Most. Delicious. Shave. Ice. Ever. Yelp reviewers describe it as the best shave ice in the Pacific, with next level taste. One person says its like eating sorbet. But if you really want to go big before you go home, you can add a scoop of ice cream on the bottom or try the signature Loco Coco  a coconut-flavored shave ice with pineapple bits and that coco-cream drizzle on top, served in a hollowed-out coconut.

// def gonna miss having shaved ice everyday when we go home.  This was by far the best shaved ice weve had from @locococoshaveice  its served in a coconut with natural ingredients as the syrups/toppings! A photo posted by Brittney Koepsell (@brittneykoepsell) on Sep 1, 2016 at 10:23pm PDT

The owner-operator, Thomas Oliver, opened up shop just three months earlier, he says. He makes a fitting character for the tropical scene and island vibes  the quintessential laid-back Hawaiian surfer dude, at least from a mainlanders perspective. As he prepped my soon-to-be new favorite dessert-slash-snack, he told me how he makes his own syrups from pureed fresh fruit  no artificial sweeteners or preservatives here  and uses honey from his own backyard beehive. The entrepreneur started out selling cold coconuts, hence the name, and uses climbing gear to shimmy up palm trees to snag the goods himself.

In case youre too embarrassed to ask, Ill answer the burning question I know you have: What is the difference between a snow cone and shave ice? Semantics, right? Wrong. A snow cone is made from crushed ice, while shave ice  apparently a very Hawaiian thing  is made from, you guessed it, shaving a block of ice. Ive never had a snow cone, but I hear its much grittier ice, where shave ice is really fine, smooth, just a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, says Oliver. And though it is made from ice that is shaved, it is indeed called shave ice.

After sorting these conundrums out and recovering from my (all-natural) sugar high, I proceeded to spend the rest of my vacation asking everyone I met: HAVE YOU TRIED THE SHAVE ICE IN POIPU?! Definitely not restraining my feelings for my new tasty obsession. At least one person listened: my mom. She went back twice.

A photo posted by @locococoshaveice on Jun 26, 2016 at 3:01pm PDT

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After including local VAT, petrol will now cost Rs 66.05 a litre in Delhi and diesel will cost Rs 55.26 per litre from midnight tonight.

By Press Trust of India: Petrol price was today hiked by Rs 1.34 a litre, the fifth increase in two months, and diesel by Rs 2.37 a litre on back of spike in global rates.

The hike announced by oil companies is excluding state levies.

After including local VAT, petrol will now cost Rs 66.05 a litre in Delhi from midnight tonight as against Rs 64.72 per litre currently. Diesel will cost Rs 55.26 per litre as against Rs 52.61 a litre at present.

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The price of petrol was last hiked by 14 paise per litre and that of diesel by 10 paise a litre on October 5, following an increase in commission paid to dealers.

Prior to that petrol price had been hiked on three occasions while diesel price was cut by 8 paise a litre on October 1.

"The current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and INR-USD exchange rate warrant increase in selling price of petrol and diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price revision," Indian Oil Corp (IOC) said in a statement.

The movement of prices in the international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes, it said.

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There was a terrifying break-in at Miranda Kerrs home and heres everything we know

It seems that celebrities just cannot catch a break these days in terms of privacy. Not only are photographers constantly camped outside their homes, but people sometimes trying to break into their residences. This seemed to be the case on Friday morning, when the police arrived on the scene at Miranda Kerrs home. Two people were severely injured  one of Mirandas security team personnel and the intruder.

From what we know, the model was not home at the time, but she maintains a security force even when shes away. In this case, it was absolutely needed.

Miranda Karrs Malibu property was the setting for a stabbing and shooting, after a stranger allegedly climbed her fence in order to get into her yard. Her security confronted the intruder and while no details of what really happened have been made public, records show that the intruder was shot after the security member was stabbed. A helicopter airlifted the wounded security personnel to a Los Angeles hospital.

giphy (4)

Luckily, Miranda Kerr was nowhere near the property when all of this went down. She originally purchased the Malibu ocean-side home for 2 million dollars after her public divorce from actor Orlando Bloom  with whom she shares five-year-old son, Flynn Christopher Bloom. Her son was also not present during the incident.

For now, not much else is known since Miranda has not released a public statement. According to E!Online, her security guard is listed in stable condition, while the assailant seems to be in critical condition. This is the second high profile crime involving a celebrity in the last couple of weeks. Kim Kardashian, of course, was recently held at gunpoint during another robbery in Paris.

We wish a fast recovery to Miranda Kerrs security guard and hope the model is okay as well. Even though she was not at home at the time, this terrifying ordeal is enough to make anyone feel unsafe.

The post There was a terrifying break-in at Miranda Kerrs home and heres everything we know appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Thailand's government has warned of a national shortage of black clothing, which is flying off shelves as a distraught nation mourns beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The commerce ministry also said it would work with manufacturers to ensure a stable supply of mourning wear while threatening stiff punishments for price-gouging by merchants.

Thailand has been plunged into grief by the death on Thursday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned as a deeply revered god-like figure for 70 years.

A range of public activities have been cancelled and television programming and nightlife has been ordered to tone it down for the next month out of respect.

The directives have raised some concern that the economy would suffer, but sales of black clothing, at least, are booming.

The commerce ministry's director-general of internal trade Nuntawan Sakuntanaga has called on consumers to put off purchases of mourning wear until manufacturers can catch up with demand.

"The supply of black shirts may be low for a few days but garment manufacturers have insisted that there will not be a shortage, while they will quote prices as normal," she said, according to The Nation.

Since the king's death, black clothing was being sold at double the normal price in some cases, Nuntawan said.

Price-gougers could face fines of up to 140,000 baht ($3,900) and seven years in jail, she added.

Bhumibol was the only king most Thais have ever known, a father figure with an image of moral rectitude whose loss has profoundly touched millions in the country.

On Friday tens of thousands of his grieving subjects, many holding aloft portraits of the king, lined the route of a motorcade that bore his body to the royal palace in Bangkok from the hospital were he died at the age of 88.
Paris (AFP) - Thousands of people demonstrated Saturday in France, Spain and Poland against a EU-Canada free trade deal and a far more ambitious agreement with the United States.

Activists charge that the Canada deal will set a dangerous precedent and open the way for a similar but far more sweeping pact with Washington, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

TTIP has already run into trouble, with the EU saying it will not be agreed before President Barack Obama leaves office in January, as was initially planned.

"The European governments must today hear the refusal of the their people," said Attac, an international movement seeking alternatives in the globalisation process, and one of the main organisers of the protest.

In France, about 1,200 people marched in Paris, according to the police, but the organisers put the number at 5,000. There were also protests in Lyon and Toulouse.

The EU-Canada pact has already run into trouble with lawmakers in the small Belgian region of Wallonia on Friday voting to block it.

The parliament vote in the French-speaking part of southern Belgium threatens to derail the long-delayed signing by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the pact, known as CETA, in Brussels later this month.

In order to be signed by Trudeau at the EU-Canada summit on October 27, the deal must first be backed by all 28 EU member states at a trade ministers' meeting on Tuesday.

CETA was formally concluded in 2014 after five years of talks.

Except for a few sensitive agricultural products, CETA abolishes virtually all tariffs between Canada and the EU. Acquiescing to a European demand, Canada has agreed to substanially open up its public procurement to EU companies, which until now were basically barred from such contracts.

Its backers say the deal will boost trade in goods and services between Europe and Canada by more than 20 percent, and total EU GDP by about 12 billion euros ($13.4 billion) per year.

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But it is opposed by a wide array of groups, who say it is a test model to push through the even more controversial EU-US trade deal, still in negotiation.

"These accords use growth to put into question social and environmental norms to help benefit multinationals," said French unionist Murielle Guilbert.

Around 1,000 also people marched in Warsaw and a few hundreds in Krakow. "We don't want TTIP, CETA," they chanted.

"Human souls first and profits later," they shouted.

Several thousands marched in the Spanish capital Madrid. Many shouted: "No to poverty, inequality and to TTIP."
Los Angeles (AFP) - Three people were killed and at least a dozen more injured when a shooting broke out after an argument at a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles, police said Saturday.

One person has been arrested and police have launched a manhunt for another in connection with the deadly incident in West Adams, in the southwestern part of the metro area, said spokesman Lieutenant Chuck Springer.

Around 1900 GMT, investigators were still on scene, and the bodies still inside the home that was temporarily turned into a restaurant.

A woman was taken out and rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

"Today, Los Angeles woke up to a horrifying shooting in West Adams -- the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation," said Mayor Eric Garcetti.

No motive has yet been identified.

"It's a bloody scene with shell casings everywhere," LAPD spokesman Sergeant Frank Preciado told the Los Angeles Times, adding that there were about 50 people in the restaurant at the time of the shooting.

It was a popular Jamaican eatery that often held parties on Friday nights, the Times said.

"Los Angeles grieves for the senseless loss of lives in one of our most cherished neighborhoods. My prayers go out for the victims and their families," Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer added.
Tom Ford attends a Cinema Against AIDS benefit in May 2015. (Photo: Getty Images)

Though Tom Ford has been steadily building his fashion business over the last 10 years, a hobby of his has seemingly become a viable career path. This fall, Fords sophomore work as a movie director debuts with Nocturnal Animals. With a cast that includes Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Armie Hammer, the film feels like more than a mere passion project. But according to Ford, dont look for him to make an exit from fashion anytime soon.

In an interview with the BBC, when asked if he needed to continue on with his fashion career, Ford responded, I do need to carry on. He continued, It finances my films at this point. And thats big money.

While its hard to figure out exactly how much money Ford sank into his latest cinematic work, there are some numbers we can look at. When the former Gucci designer took Nocturnal Animals to the Cannes Film Festival to shop it around, Focus Features secured worldwide rights for the project in the largest deal of the festival this year: $20 million. And as we all know, youve got to spend money to make money, and so one would expect that Ford had to invest a pretty penny to produce a work that not only attracted the blockbuster talent Nocturnal Animals has, but also warranted such a large rights deal. But Fords business is sizable.

Earlier this year, Womens Wear Daily speculated that the Tom Ford Beauty business alone, owned by Estee Lauder, could become a billion-dollar brand by 2020 if the current growth rate holds. In fact, by June 30 of this year, the company was set to hit $500 million already. Thats not counting Fords robust eyewear and ready-to-wear businesses.

Ford himself told Business of Fashion that by 2014, the entire Tom Ford International business, including beauty, eyewear, apparel, and accessories, was going to hit a billion dollars per year.

So yeah, this Texan isnt going anywhere for a while.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
marijuana tasting menu

Science tells us that the munchies  a phenomenon in which marijuana users overeat while high  is a real thing. Pizza never tasted so good after a joint.

Now a school in Denver aims to add a touch of class to this stoner tradition.

The Trichome Institute, a marijuana trade school, offers training to become a pot sommelier. Just as a wine sommelier pairs gourmet meals with the perfect whites and reds, a weed steward studies the plant's smell and taste and makes expert food choices to go along with it.

A three-course pairing dinner prepared by one recent graduate might include rib eye steak with chili relleno and Gorilla Glue, a popular marijuana strain that can cause euphoria and "couch lock." Dessert may be a white chocolate creme brulee served with a side of Blue Dream marijuana.

The experience, which includes a limousine ride to a nearby dispensary, costs $125 a head.

marijuana dinner pairing menu

An untrained nose might think all marijuana smells like roadkill, but the plant's olfactory makeup is complicated. Sticky resin glands that look like crystals hang on the marijuana bud and produce fragrant oils called terpenes. When smoked, these organic compounds bind to receptors in the brain and cause different effects.

Marijuana, like wine, comes in lots of varieties. The terpene content differs from one plant to another. Understanding those differences is the foundation of being a weed sommelier.

chef marijuana kitchen

At the Trichome Institute, students learn to distinguish marijuana plant varieties through a series of lectures and laboratories in which they dissect live cannabis samples. They also discuss what foods might go best with each. At the end, teachers award certifications.

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An introductory- and advanced-level course package costs $199.

As the marijuana industry steps out of the shadows, the audience for carefully curated experiences around marijuana and food will likely grow. The weed sommeliers that emerge from the Trichome Institute will be waiting for them in Denver.

NOW WATCH: We went inside a Colorado 'Bud & Breakfast' where you can legally smoke marijuana





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Meet Pranav Lal, the photographer who's been capturing some imaging pictures despite being visually challenged.

By India Today Web Desk: It's not uncommon to hear of people with visual impairment or physical disorders achieving things most fully functional people can't.

Here's another such story of a blind photographer, Pranav Lal, who has been visually challenged since birth, but has never let his impairments stop him from trying things most of us would want to. Pranav, despite being blind, wanted to do something absolutely visual, which is how he came up with the idea of taking up photography.

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"What you need to know is that I'm totally blind. I was trying to look for something that was totally visual to do and photography fit that bill," Pranav says in a video interview to 101 India.

Also read: Meet the 13-year-old writer who started writing a novel when he was just 11

But how does he do it? That's obviously the question on everyone's mind.

Pranav, who works with a corporate in New Delhi, uses a technology called 'voice' (or seeing with sound) that works as an artificial eye, and with a pair of bone-conducting headphones, converts the sights around Pranav to sound.

"The image gets broken down to three attributes. The planning or time represents objects in the horizontal plane. The higher the pitch of the sound, the higher is the object. And finally, the volume of the sound represents the amount of brightness. Using a combination of these variations in sound, Pranav clicks his photo using a second camera," explains the video.

Also read: This transgender artist's mom gave her a silk saree as a sign of acceptance

And the results are mesmerising.

But to improve his skills, Pranav also attended the Pinhole camera workshop at Goa and created some great images.

Pranav says he wouldn't have achieved this feat without the support of his parents, who have encouraged him right from birth, and never treated him differently.

This is what gave Pranav the strength to do anything he set his mind to.

Watch the full video here.



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By Emily Stephenson and Luciana Lopez

(Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's full remarks to several Wall Street audiences appeared to become public on Saturday when the controversial transparency group Wikileaks dumped its latest batch of hacked emails.

The documents showed comments by Clinton during question-and-answer sessions with Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein and Tim O'Neill, the bank's head of investment management, at three separate events in 2013 in Arizona, New York and South Carolina.

Some excerpts of Clinton's speeches had already been released. For more than a week, Wikileaks has published in stages what it says are hacked emails from the account of John Podesta, Clinton's campaign chairman.

Clinton's campaign has declined to verify the emails. Goldman Sachs did not immediately provide any comment on Saturday.

Clinton came under fire for months for not releasing full details of her paid speeches to big business audiences, as opponents accused her of a cozy relationship with bankers and other members of the U.S. financial system.

The excerpts that have surfaced so far angered voters who backed Clinton's former Democratic opponent, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who endorsed her after losing the party's primary.

Few of these voters are expected to vote for Republican nominee Donald Trump, who is dealing with his own larger scandal after the release last week of a 2005 video in which he bragged about making unwanted sexual advances toward women.

But Democratic strategists worry that disappointment with Clinton could hurt turnout in the Nov. 8 election among liberals and younger voters, posing a potential problem for the former secretary of state.

In the email released on Saturday containing the transcripts, Clinton campaign staff highlighted sections that could pose problems, including saying "political reasons" factored into passing the 2010 Dodd-Frank law on Wall Street reforms and, while talking about regulation, saying the people who work in the industry know it best.

(Reporting by Emily Stephenson and Luciana Lopez; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Donald Trump

Donald Trump claimed he was "a victim of one of the great political smear campaigns in the history of our country" at a campaign rally Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Youre going to view your vote on November 8 to be the single most important vote that youve ever cast because we are going to take back the White House, Trump said.

The Republican presidential candidate has been on the offensive since battling accusations of sexual misconduct by several women following the release of a 2005 tape that showed Trump making lewd comments about women.

In an apparent effort to parry the allegations, the Manhattan mogul is now claiming "a global power structure" is conspiring with mainstream media to destroy his candidacy.

Trump on Friday attacked Carlos Slim, the world's second-richest man, who is also a New York Times stakeholder, for allegedly conspiring against his campaign. Slim dismissed the accusation.

Taking an almost apocalyptic tone at a rally Thursday, he suggested that the media and the banks in particular were working to elect the "Clinton machine" so they could stay in power and that they were behind the personal attacks lobbed against him in the past week.

The Anti-Defamation League described Trump's specific attacks on the media and the banks as "fascist code for 'Jews,'" The New York Times reported.

"For those who control the levers of power in Washington, and for the global special interests, they partner with these people that don't have your good in mind," Trump said. "Our campaign represents a true existential threat like they haven't seen before. This is not simply another four-year election. This is a crossroads in the history of our civilization that will determine whether or not we the people reclaim control over our government."

Trump's speeches have grown increasingly dark weeks ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

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"We are now less than a month from the most election of our lifetime. Indeed one of the most important elections in the history of our country," he said at a rally Thursday.

Rebecca Harrington contributed reporting.

NOW WATCH: This animated map shows how religion spread across the world





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BEIRUT/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey-backed Syrian rebels began an attack on Islamic State's symbolically potent stronghold of Dabiq in northwestern Syria on Saturday, a rebel commander said, taking territory that has all but cut it off according to a war monitor. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said the rebels were advancing on Dabiq and a Turkish security source said they had that morning cleared the militants from the hamlet of al-Ghaylaniyeh. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the rebels had also taken the villages of Irshaf and Ghaitun, which would all but cut off Dabiq and another large village, Soran, in an isolated pocket surrounded by insurgents. Dabiq is symbolically important to the jihadist group because it is the site of an apocalyptic Islamic prophesy, and Islamic State has stationed around 1,200 of its fighters there said the Observatory, a Britain-based war monitor. Euphrates Shield, the campaign by Turkey and allied Syrian rebels to clear Islamic State from areas along the border between the two countries began in August. A rebel commander in the Euphrates Shield operation said the attack on Dabiq had started on Saturday morning and the Observatory said the rebels backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes had begun their attack on the village's environs. However, the Turkish military sources said the operation was ongoing. "The operation for Dabiq started 10 days ago. We started the effort to take control of the region from the south. Daesh (Islamic States) targets are being hit by Turkish fighter jets and artillery" one of them said. According to Islamic tradition, Dabiq will be the site of a final battle between Muslims and infidels heralding Doomsday, a prophesy that the jihadist group had encouraged its supporters to regard as imminent and named one of its publications "Dabiq". However, in a recent edition of its al-Naba online publication, Islamic State appeared to step back from that position, saying that the coming battle for Dabiq between it and the Turkey-backed rebels was not the one in the prophesy. While Euphrates Shield has pushed Islamic State from its last foothold on Syria's Turkish border, a longer campaign by the U.S.-backed, Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces has recaptured swathes of territory from the group since last year. Islamic State also faces an expected assault on Iraq's Mosul, the largest and most important city it has held since its lightning advance across huge tracts of Syria and Iraq in summer 2014. (Reporting By Tom Perry and Angus McDowall; Additional reporting by Orhan Coskun in Ankara; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey will on Saturday talk to its coalition partners about possibly joining a major US-backed offensive by the Iraqi army to recapture Mosul from Islamic State jihadists.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the offer would be presented by Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu during Syria crisis talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

Cavusoglu "will present a proposal to coalition forces in Lausanne," Erdogan said in a televised speech.

"We are ready to fight there against Daesh and other terror groups," he added, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group.

The Turkish president on Friday warned that Ankara would have to resort to a "plan B" if its proposal to join the Mosul offensive was turned down, without saying what that could mean.

Ankara is worried the offensive could be led by Shiite militia and also include Kurdish militia it vehemently opposes.

Turkey and Iraq are also at loggerheads over the presence of Turkish troops in Basiqa camp near Mosul.

Although Ankara says they are there to train local fighters planning to take part in the operation, the Iraqi parliament has labelled them an "occupying force".

"Nobody should talk about our base in Basiqa," Erdogan said on Saturday.

"That base will remain there because Basiqa is... an insurance against possible terror attacks targeting Turkey."
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Iraq could not deal alone with driving Islamic State from the city of Mosul and that the presence of Turkish forces in a nearby military camp was an insurance against attacks on Turkey. Turkey has been locked in a row with Iraq's central government about the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq, and over who should take part in the planned U.S.-backed assault on Mosul. "We won't let Mosul be given to Daesh (Islamic State) or any other terrorist organization. They say Iraq's central government needs to approve this but the Iraqi central government should first deal with their own problems," Erdogan said. "Why did you let Daesh enter Iraq? Why did you let Daesh enter Mosul? They were almost going to come to Baghdad. Where are you, the central government of Iraq?" he said in a speech at a ceremony in the Black Sea town of Rize, broadcast live on TV. Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reiterated on Saturday that the Turkish troops have deployed in Iraq without the authorization of the government. "I won't allow the Turkish forces to take part in the operations to liberate Mosul in any possible way," he added in comments aired on Iraqi state TV. Turkey fears that Shi'ite militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, will be used in the planned Mosul offensive, expected to start this month, stoking sectarian unrest and triggering an exodus of refugees. Turkish soldiers have been training Sunni Muslim and allied Kurdish peshmerga units at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, and want them to be involved in the assault. "Nobody should talk about our Bashiqa base. We will stay there. Bashiqa is our insurance against any kind of terrorist activities in Turkey," Erdogan said. The United States has said any foreign forces in Iraq should have the approval of Baghdad. (Reporting by Nick Tattersall in Istanbul and Maher Chmaytelli in Baghdad; Editing by Andrew Bolton and Hugh Lawson)
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish-backed fighters were advancing Saturday on the northern Syrian town of Dabiq, which has become a rallying cry for the Islamic State group as the prophesied scene of an end-of-days battle.

"We are now advancing. Where? To Dabiq," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in televised comments in the Black Sea province of Rize.

Turkey launched an unprecedented operation inside Syria on August 24, helping Syrian rebels to rid its frontier of IS jihadists and Syrian Kurdish militia.

In the operation's early weeks, Jarabulus and Al-Rai became the first two major settlements to be captured from the jihadists.

The Syrian rebels, supported by Turkish planes and tanks, seized a strategic hilly region from IS and were now only around 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Dabiq, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"Two hours ago, the rebels started their attack to control Dabiq. The rebels came from Al-Rai," it said.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said the advance was backed by heavy artillery from Turkish-backed forces.

Dabiq holds crucial ideological importance for IS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

The town itself has negligible military value compared with the strategic IS-controlled cities of Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

But among IS supporters on social media, Dabiq has become a byword for a struggle against the West, with Washington and its allies bombing jihadists portrayed as modern-day Crusaders.

"The lions of Islam have raised the banner of the Caliphate in Dabiq," one Tunisian IS supporter on Twitter in 2014, shortly after the jihadists took the town. "Now they await the arrival of the Crusader army."

Earlier this week, IS tried to downplay the advancing rebel forces in its Al-Naba online pamphlet, saying the major battle for the town was yet to come.

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Anti-IS fighters and their Turkish backers "have amassed in Aleppo, announcing Dabiq as their major goal," and thinking they could score "a great moral victory against the Islamic State."

But "the great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by great events and apocalyptic omens," the pamphlet, published Thursday, said.

"These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts -- the lesser Dabiq battle -- will end in the greater Dabiq epic," the group added.

Dabiq is also the name of the jihadists' sleek English-language propaganda magazine. Every new edition opens with a quote by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the late leader of IS's precursor, the Islamic State of Iraq.

"The spark has been ignited in Iraq, and its flames will grow until they burn the Crusader armies in Dabiq," he once said.
Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) (AFP) - Turkmenistan will hold a presidential vote on February 12 next year, state media reported Saturday, with President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov likely to compete unencumbered by any serious opposition.

State news agency TDH and state television both carried the announcement, which comes a month after the isolated Central Asian state passed constitutional changes removing barriers to the autocrat's life-long rule.

The election date was approved by Turkmenistan's parliament on Saturday, TDH said.

Turkmenistan, one of the world's most tightly-controlled countries, has never held elections endorsed by credible international vote monitors.

The constitutional changes have extended presidential terms from five years to seven years, while the 70-year age limit for candidates has been scrapped.

TDH said the Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party would all put forward presidential candidates.

But all three parties are strongly supportive of Berdymukhamedov's continued rule.

Speaking at a government meeting last month, Berdymukhamedov said the election would "strengthen the unity of our society" without confirming his expected participation.

The 59-year-old won elections by landslides in 2007 and 2012 after coming to power following the death of his eccentric predecessor Sapurmurat Niyazov in late 2006.

Like Niyazov -- who was accused of building up a bizarre of cult of personality during his reign -- Berdymukhamedov has had a gold statue erected in his honour in the white marble-clad capital Ashgabat.

The ex-Soviet country has the world's fourth largest reserves of natural gas, plus a rights record and tradition of isolation that regularly draw comparisons with North Korea.
When Hurricane Nicole formed in the Atlantic Ocean right on the heels of Hurricane Matthew, which tore across Haiti and the Bahamas last week before lashing the southeastern United States, it was the first time on record that two major Atlantic hurricanes have occurred in the month of October. But these rare, back-to-back hurricanes may be an early sign of worse weather to come if La Nina climate conditions take hold across the globe, according to weather scientists.

Hurricane Nicole battered Bermuda yesterday afternoon (Oct. 13) with torrential rain and winds of up to 130 miles per hour (209 km/h), causing widespread property damage and leaving thousands of homes without power. The storm is now moving northeast across the Atlantic, away from Bermuda, and is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone tomorrow (Oct. 15), according to an advisory posted today (Oct. 14) at 11 a.m. ET (1500 GMT) by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

It was the second major hurricane to make landfall in the western Atlantic within five days, and the first time that two major hurricanes of Category 4 or Category 5 have formed in the Atlantic in October since record keeping began in 1851. [See Photos of the Tropical Storms and Hurricanes of 2016]

On Oct. 4, as Nicole strengthened over the ocean and Matthew made landfall in Haiti, the storms were the first large hurricanes  above Category 2  to occur at the same time in the western Atlantic since 1964, according to the NHC.

The twin hurricanes may herald a much stormier time in the Atlantic, after a few years of relatively low hurricane activity, said Kevin Walsh, a professor of tropical meteorology at Australias University of Melbourne, who has watched the development of Matthew and Nicole over recent weeks.

"We know during El Nino years in the Atlantic you get usually suppressed numbers of tropical cyclones  and of course El Nino is all over now, and we may or may not be moving into a mild La Nina," Walsh told Live Science. "But, if a big La Nina does actually set in, then it's quite possible that we could have increased hurricane numbers in the Atlantic."

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The return of La Nina

El Nino and La Nina are the opposite phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, caused by fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and the atmosphere in the tropical zones of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Each phase of the ENSO cycle can have different effects on the climate in different parts of the world. They usually last from nine months to a year, but some persist for several years, like the latest El Nino phase from 2011 to 2015, NOAA said.

If the oceans and atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean are now entering a prolonged La Nina phase, then hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean are likely to become more common the longer it lasts, Walsh said.

"The only thing that it really depends on is how long the La Nina hangs around  and we don't know that at present, so it's a bit soon to be trying to predict for the Atlantic next year," he added. [A History of Destruction: 8 Great Hurricanes]

Tropical Storm Matthew first formed in a relatively normal way off the African coast in late September. The storm gained strength as it tracked across the Atlantic toward the Caribbean, where it rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 30.

But Tropical Storm Nicole took a strange route across the Atlantic Ocean after it formed in early October, and meteorologists predicted more than once that the storm could disappear entirely.

"It is a bit unusual, partly because it's done a sort of funny loop-de-loop in the middle of nowhere, and then become quite strong after that," Walsh said.

Growing a hurricane

The way Hurricane Nicole lingered over the Atlantic likely increased its chances of becoming a stronger hurricane, Walsh said.

For example, the storm may have intensified after running into an area of very warm sea temperatures, or when atmospheric conditions turned more favorable for hurricane formation, he added.

Walsh also noted that an uncommon number of major hurricanes have hit Bermuda in recent years, although the region often endures several tropical storms each year.

"It's pretty rare for a hurricane to strike Bermuda directly, but that's happened a lot in the last few years," he said.

Only seven major hurricanes have passed within 40 nautical miles (74 km) of Bermuda since record- keeping began in 1851, but in 2014, the islands were hit by two hurricanes only six days apart: Hurricane Fay on Oct. 12, and Hurricane Gonzalo on Oct. 18.

Hurricane Fay was a Category 1 storm when it made landfall, and Gonzalo had weakened from a Category 4 storm to a Category 2 before it struck the island, but the combined effect of the two hurricanes just days apart resulted in heavy damage and disruption.

For now, the National Hurricane Center reports no "imminent tropical threats" in the Atlantic basin: no tropical storms or depressions that show the potential to develop into a hurricane.

But more than a month remains before the official end of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, on Nov. 30  and until then, scientists and storm watchers will be keeping a keen eye on the tropics.

Original article on Live Science.

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 15 (PTI) Railways has joined hands with Russia for carrying out a feasibility study for upgrade of the speed of passenger trains on Nagpur-Secundrabad route to up to 200 kmph.

The high speed project will be jointly financed by Indian Railways and Russian Railways with 50 per cent cost share.

According to a protocol signed between Indian Railways and Russian Railways at Goa, a technical and execution study for upgrade of the speed of passenger trains in Nagpur- Secundrabad route to up to 200 kmph will be carried out. Earlier, an MoU was signed between Railway Ministry and Russian Railways on technical cooperation in rail sector, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia during December 2015. MoU covers modernisation of existing lines of the Indian Railways in order to raise train speeds up to 160-200 kmph, Modern Control and Safety related Systems based on satellite navigation and digital communication means and satellite and geo-information technologies. It also aims to cover transportation safety and cyber security, rolling stock, heavy haul transportation, organisation of Human Resources training for the Indian Railways, secondary and higher vocational education of students and advanced training of staff members, including managers, station redevelopment, dedicated freight rail corridors, modernisation, reconstruction and construction of track superstructure and civil engineering works, including bridges and tunnels. A Steering Committee has been formed for operationalisation of the MoU with representation of senior officials from both sides. There will be joint working groups for speed raising, station renovation and training. PTI ARU UZM

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By Alex Dobuzinskis

(Reuters) - Two men who are accused of attacking a Sikh man in California by punching him, knocking off his turban and cutting his hair were charged on Friday with assault as a hate crime, according to local media.

The attack followed a number of similar beatings of Sikhs in the United States over a period of more than a decade.

Hate crime-tracking groups say assailants have occasionally mistaken Sikhs for Muslims, who themselves have also been victimized in religiously motivated hate crimes.

It was not immediately clear if the two men charged on Friday had obtained an attorney and they could not be reached for comment.

The Sikh man, Maan Singh Khalsa, has told police he was in his car at a red light in the San Francisco suburb of Richmond on Sept. 25 when someone in a truck threw a beer can at him, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Khalsa, 41, got out of his car and flung the can back. When he drove off, the men in the truck followed him, according to local media.

They caught up to him at an intersection, and two men exited the vehicle and punched Khalsa through his open window, knocking off his turban, the Chronicle reported, citing prosecutors.

Prosecutors say one of the assailants, Chase Bryan Little, 31, cut Khalsa's hair with a knife, according to the Chronicle.

"The savage cutting of Mr. Khalsa's unshorn hair, a sacred article of his faith, constitutes a hate crime under the law," Simon O'Connell, a Contra Costa County deputy district attorney, said in a statement to local media.

A representative for the District Attorney's Office could not be reached for comment.

Little and a second man, Colton Tye Leblanc, 24, were charged on Friday with assault by means to produce great bodily injury and assault with a deadly weapon, according to documents posted on the website of San Francisco television station KQED.

The charges carried hate crime enhancements, the charging documents said.

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Little, who was arrested after the attack, and Leblanc, who is still outstanding, are from Texas and were in California to work at a refinery, according to local media.

The New York-based Sikh Coalition said in a statement on its website it had joined with civil rights groups in urging prosecutors to file hate crime charges in the attack on Khalsa, who was said to be an information technology specialist.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Tom Hogue)
Sydney (AFP) - Two Polish nationals have been charged after Australian police seized more than 1.2 tonnes of ecstasy in the country's biggest drugs haul of the year, officials said Saturday.

Police put the street value of the seizure at Aus$145 million (US$110 million).

The men, aged 28 and 29, allegedly imported the drugs concealed within a cargo of aluminium sheets from the Czech Republic, Border Force Commander Tim Fitzgerald said.

"The goods were declared as aluminium rolls and within the aluminium rolls there was a number of lead casings that concealed the actual narcotics themselves, so it's a very sophisticated concealment," he said.

They were found at a storage facility in Sydney on Thursday after a tip-off.

"This is the largest drug haul in Australia so far in 2016 and the fourth-largest ecstasy seizure on record," said Justice Minister Michael Keenan.

"The size of this seizure and the amount of harm it would have caused cannot be understated."

He added that more arrests were expected.
By Harry Pearl SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Federal Police said on Saturday they had arrested two Polish men in connection with the seizure of 1.2 tonnes of crystal MDMA, the main chemical used in ecstasy pills. A raid on a storage facility in Sydney's north on Thursday uncovered the drugs - Australia's largest seizure this year - in a consignment of aluminum rollers imported from the Czech Republic, police said. The haul equates to more than 4.1 million ecstasy tablets, with an estimated street value of A$145 million ($109.95 million). "Not only is it the largest drug seizure we've seen in 2016, it's the fourth-largest MDMA haul in Australian history," AFP Deputy Commissioner of Operations Justine Saunders said at press conference. Two Polish men, aged 28 and 29, were arrested on Friday and charged with serious drug importation offences. They could face life in prison if found guilty. Investigations by police and Australian customs are continuing and further arrests are anticipated, Saunders said. Tim Fitzgerald, a regional commander at the Australian Border Force, said the syndicate involved had used a very sophisticated technique to hide the drugs. (Reporting by Harry Pearl; Editing by Tom Hogue)
Muscat (AFP) - Two US citizens "held" in Yemen have been freed and were taken to Oman on Saturday after mediation by authorities in the Gulf nation, the state-run Oman News Agency reported.

The agency, quoting an Omani foreign ministry spokesman, said the two Americans were brought to Oman aboard an aircraft that earlier Saturday flew to the Yemeni capital to evacuate those wounded in air strikes on a funeral in Sanaa last week.

It did not identify the US nationals.

But it quoted the spokesman as saying that Oman mediated the release of the pair in order "to help the American government obtain the liberation of a number of Americans held in Yemen."

"Two of them were freed and taken this evening to the Sultanate of Oman aboard an Omani air force plane ahead of the repatriation," the spokesman added.

He said Omani authorities secured their release "in coordination with Yemeni parties in Sanaa", the capital which is under the control of the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, supporters of ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The United States confirmed the release of its citizens.

"We welcome reports that two US citizens who had been detained in Yemen were released and have arrived safely in Oman," said State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner.

He said Washington was "deeply grateful" to Oman for facilitating their release and noted a "humanitarian gesture by the Huthis in releasing these US citizens".

"We call for the immediate and unconditional release of any other US citizens who may still be held," added Toner.

There have been dozens of kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen over the years, most of them by members of the country's heavily armed tribes seeking concessions from the authorities.

Since the Huthi rebels overran the capital in September 2014, they have detained several Westerners, most of whom have been released through Omani mediation.

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On September 20, a US citizen who ran an English-language school in Sanaa was detained by men who said they were security officers working for the Huthis, witnesses said at the time.

A rebel leader later said the US national was detained for providing the Saudi-led coalition with target coordinates for its deadly campaign against the Iran-backed Huthis.

Saturday's release comes almost two weeks after a Franco-Tunisian Red Cross female staffer kidnapped in Yemen almost a year ago was freed and taken to Muscat after Omani mediation.

A member of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman has good ties with countries outside the wealthy bloc including Iran and Yemen.

It is the only GCC country not to have joined the coalition air war against the Huthis and their allies in Yemen, although it maintains good relations with regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia.

Oman is also one of the few Arab countries to have a good relationship with Shiite Iran and has mediated between Tehran and Washington on prisoners in the past.

In September last year, Yemeni rebels freed six foreigners, two of them Americans.
Los Angeles (AFP) - An intruder was shot and a security guard stabbed during a break-in at the Malibu mansion of supermodel Miranda Kerr, police and local media reported.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department described the Friday morning incident in a statement, but did not mention the home owner's name.

However the address given in the statement belongs to the Australian-born Kerr, 33, local US media reported.

Supermodel Kerr married Hollywood star Orlando Bloom in 2010 and gave birth to the couple's child the following year. However three years later Bloom and Kerr announced that they were separating.

LA County sheriff deputies said that they responded to an emergency phone call and rushed to the Malibu residence where "they found an armed security guard was involved in a physical altercation with an intruder."

In the fight the intruder managed to stab the security guard, who in turn "shot the intruder." Both were rushed to the hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.

There were no residents in the mansion at the time, the statement read.

The celebrity news site TMZ.com said that the intruder had jumped the fence, and the security guard responded by shooting him "multiple times."
By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) - Gunmen raided the house of a U.S. aid worker in central Niger on Friday night, killing his guard and housekeeper before driving him across the desert toward Mali, the interior ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Jeffery Woodke, who works for a local NGO called JEMED and has lived in Niger since 1992, was taken from his home in the town of Abalak at around 2000 GMT by a group of armed men in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck, the statement said. "These criminals are now heading towards Mali. Our forces are on their trail," said interior minister Mohamed Bazoum. Residents reported hearing gunfire near the aid worker's house late on Friday. The town mayor, Ahmed Dilo, told Reuters that gunmen first came on a motorbike to kill the guard before the truck came to take Woodke away. The interior minister said one national guard stationed at the house was also killed. Kidnappings of foreigners in Niger are rarer than in neighboring Mali, where Islamist militants are active and often seize hostages for ransom or political capital. The militants and allied criminal gangs have long exploited the largely unpoliced Sahara and attacks have increased this year as security worsens in Mali. No U.S. citizen has been kidnapped in Niger before, although in 2009 suspected Islamists attempted to abduct U.S. embassy personnel from a hotel in the town of Tahoua. A U.S. embassy spokeswoman said there was an investigation into the incident but could not confirm any additional details. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports but declined to comment citing U.S. privacy laws. Woodke's family was not reachable by phone on Saturday. Woodke is listed as an instructor on the website of The Redwood Coast School of Missions, a Christian mission based in the town of Arcata, about 270 miles (434.5 km) north of San Francisco in California. "Jeff has spent over a quarter of a century involved in missions ministry," a biographical thumbnail of Woodke on the Redwood Coast website said. Beside the text is a photo of Woodke in a Niger-style black head scarf with a tanned face and gray goatee beard. "He has committed the past 25 years of his life to a ministry he founded in Niger amongst a number of unreached people groups." Woodke was also affiliated with YWAM, a Christian charity operating in Niger, it said. (Additional reporting by David Bailey in Minneapolis; Writing by Edward McAllister and Tim Cocks in Dakar; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson)
Spending a night at a police station is always a scary thought, but imagine visiting one that's actually trying to be terrifying. For the78th Precinct in Brooklyn, frightening visitors is the goalbut it's all for a good Halloween spook.From October 26 through October 30, the Park Slope police office istransforming its basement into a haunted house.

The 78 Precinct Community Haunted House is returning Oct 26 thru Oct 30. 3-9 pm at 78 precinct pic.twitter.com/0CnZfvTNP8 NYPD 78th Precinct (@NYPD78Pct) October 6, 2016

The annual event, now in its second year, was designed as acommunity outreach program for the precinct patrolling Brooklyns Park Slope and Gowanus neighborhoods, Detective Jerry Galante told Travel + Leisure.

Many years back, the precinct hosteda haunted house to connect with the communitybut somewhere along the way, the tradition was lost. When Deputy Inspector Frank DiGiacomo joined the precinct last year and becamecommanding officer, officers told him about the tradition. DiGiacomo loved the idea and decided to bring it back.

Free and open to the public, the haunted attraction is created entirely by officers and takes months of preparation. A dozen police officers come in on days off and volunteer their time to convert the subterranean space into a winding labyrinth of jump scares, plastic guts, and really creepy clowns of death.

The exact details of the haunted house remain under wraps, but Galante promisedit will be completely different from last yearsmassacre themed-experience. Depending on how easily visitors are spooked, the basement will take a few, nerve-racking minutes to walk through.

While the main space is probably too nightmarish for small children,therewill be a separate kidsroomwith more mildscares and friendlier ghosts, along with a DJ (one of the precincts lieutenants) spinning Halloween-themed music.

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And no New York attraction would be complete without a celebrity appearance: Marky Ramone is scheduled to hand out candy and greet attendees. He likes Halloween stuff, [and] likes helping out the cops, Galante said. He shows up a couple days and is part of the event.

It's not just the officers (and Marky Ramone) who volunteer to make the haunted cop shop a success.Local hardware shops donate materials, and a nearbypharmacy donates candy.

Its a whole neighborhood thing, Galante said. Everybodys coming together just like we used to in the old days.

The haunted house, located at 65 Sixth Avenue in Brooklyn,will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.,October 26 through 30.

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German carmaker Volkswagen <VOWG_p.DE> is planning to tighten spending sharply as it deals with fall-out from its diesel emissions cheating scandal, Automobilwoche reported on Saturday.

Chief executive Matthias Mueller in an internal meeting demanded that material costs and overheads be cut by 10 percent as part of its annual budget round for 2017, the trade magazine said in abstracts ahead of full publication on Oct. 17.

A Volkswagen spokesman declined to comment on the report.

Mueller was quoted as saying of the savings: "They will be heavy and it won't be done without pain. The effects of this crisis in the coming years will go to the limits of what we can bear."

He also said this was happening at a time when ideally the company should spend its money on dealing with the structural change in the automotive industry.

The diesel emissions scandal is costing the company billions of euros and has prompted ongoing talks between management and employees on a cost-cutting deal for the core VW brand.

VW's supervisory board is scheduled to meet on Nov. 18 to approve new spending targets on products, plant and equipment for the coming years, two company sources have said.

(Reporting by Andreas Cremer and Vera Eckert, editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
GOA, India (Reuters) - Russian lender VTB will give India's Essar Oil $3.9 billion in credit for debt reconstruction, VTB Chief Executive Andrei Kostin said on Saturday.

A group led by Russian oil major Rosneft will acquire India's Essar Oil in a $12 to $13 billion deal including debt, two sources privy to the deal told Reuters.

Essar is expected to announce the deal on Saturday in the coastal resort of Goa during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral summit.

"This (deal) is the biggest investment in the history of India," Kostin said.

(Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Writing by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Akshaya Nath: After a week long strike the Tamil Nadu fishermen from Rameswaram have resumed fishing today. The fishermen who were striking demanding the release of their boats which has been detained by Sri Lanka decided to end their strike because their livelihood is affected because of the strike.



Fishing boats are the lifelines of the fishermen and more than 115 of their boats have been taken in by the Sri Lanka. The strike that urged the government to step in and resolve the issue, and they also had another demand. The demand to get the Indian fishermen from Pudukottai's Jagadapattinam who were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy to be released.

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The fishermen also wanted their traditional right to fish near Katchatheevu and Palk straits. The prolonged suffering of the fishermen has made many of them to leave their natives and migrate to do other odd jobs. "we are born to be fishermen. But due to the present condition, many of them are migrating to other states as daily workers. We are educating our children so that they don't suffer like us," said a fisherman from Rameshwaram.

Every year hundreds of fishermen and their boats are taken into custody by Sri Lanka and they have been released only after the government intervention. This regular struggle of the fishermen needs to be stopped is one of the demands of the fishermen in the state.

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(Reuters)  - Theo Walcott scored twice as 10-man Arsenal beat Swansea City 3-2 at the Emirates on Saturday in Bob Bradleys first game in charge of the Welsh club. The in-form England forward struck midway through the first half and added his second from close range when Jack Cork's defensive header fell conveniently into his path after 33 minutes. Swansea were offered a lifeline five minutes later when an error by Switzerland international Granit Xhaka gifted possession to Gylfi Sigurdsson, who struck a beautiful curling shot beyond Petr Cech and into the far corner of the net. Mesut Ozil's fierce volley from an Alexis Sanchez cross gave Arsenal their third goal, only for Borja Baston to pull one back for Swansea and Xhakas afternoon ended early when his foul on Modou Barrow earned him a straight red card. (Reporting by Claire Bloomfield, editing by Ed Osmond)
Joining compatriots protesting across Europe on Saturday, hundreds of Warsaw residents demonstrated against the implementation of CETA and TTIP, two free-trade deals that the European Union is pursuing with the US and Canada. The protest, organized by activist group Akcja Democracja alongside trade unions and opposition political parties, began in front of the Agriculture Ministry before marching towards the prime ministers office.

The protesters are urging the prime minister to reject the deal, which they feel could hurt the countrys local farming economy, while at the same time allowing for genetically modified food from North America to flood the Polish food market. Credit: YouTube/wydurski
Maungdaw (Myanmar) (AFP) - For Moe Moe, an attack by armed men on her village in northwestern Myanmar not only left six police dead but also shattered a rare vestige of Buddhist-Muslim harmony in the tense region.

For more than 20 years, local Rohingya Muslims and Buddhist border police from a nearby guard post ate together at the tables and plastic chairs outside her food stall.

But that mingling has stopped since deadly attacks on local border posts on Sunday which the government has blamed on Muslim "terrorists".

The military, which has locked down the area, said at least 26 civilians died in ensuing clashes, which raised fears of a repeat of 2012 sectarian violence that ripped Rakhine apart and drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps.

Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic group that makes up the majority in northern Rakhine, but who are reviled by many in majority Buddhist Myanmar as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

"We used to live together with (Muslims) like family," said the 62-year-old, a Buddhist ethnic Rakhine, as she stirred curry inside her tiny kitchen in the village of Warpaik.

"They used to come to my shop. They used to work inside the (border post)," she told AFP, which has changed her name to protect her identity.

But in the early hours of last Sunday men wielding guns, machetes, and homemade weapons stormed the nearby Kyikanpyin border post and two others in the area.

All told, nine police were killed, state media said.

- Frantic escape -

"About 500 or 600 people attacked in three places," she said, though state media put the number of attackers at 90.

"About 40 of us ran up a nearby hill with the children. We got hurt because we slipped and fell down as we ran," she said, showing injuries to her foot.

"They were shooting with guns. They only ran away when soldiers arrived. If soldiers hadn't come, we would have all been killed."

Attackers returned three days later to Warpaik, setting fire to more than two dozen bamboo houses.

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The destroyed homes still smouldered when AFP journalists visited on Friday, the burnt out shell of a bicycle left among the ruins of one house.

Photos of a teenage boy in an Islamic skullcap also were scattered on the ground, one showing him proudly astride a scooter. Nearby was a stained and torn list of Muslim household members.

Myanmar's president has blamed jihadists from a previously unknown group called Aqa Mul Mujahidin, saying its leader was trained by the Pakistani Taliban and funded by Middle Eastern organisations.

A statement from his office said the group had for months promoted "extremist violent ideology among Muslims in the area" and ran secret training sessions in the hills and forests.

Moe Moe said she recognised three attackers from videos circulating on social media appearing to show armed Rohingya men calling for Muslims worldwide to rise up in jihad.

She knew the names of three of them and said others also had frequented her food stall.

With officials warning of more attacks, and food supplies running short under the lockdown, Moe Moe is considering leaving the village where she has lived for 24 years.

"I'm still very scared. My relatives have asked me to move back (south). I am thinking I will."
To Complicate Matters, the Pilot Shortage is Poised to Get Worse, not Better

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 15, 2016 / According to multiple reports, the U.S. airline industry is facing a looming problem: a shortage of pilots.

The problem has been on the horizon for several years, but it received additional attention in 2009, when a regional airline flight crashed into a private home outside Buffalo, killing 50 people. When investigators discovered that the pilot's inexperience caused the crash, lawmakers increased the required number of flight hours for first officers from 250 to 1,500 hours.

According to Time, the significant boost in required flight hours was designed to increase passenger safety. Unfortunately, the change has also exacerbated the pilot shortage, as many pilots who would have qualified to serve as first officers under the old rule are now prohibited from working as first officers.

The High Cost of Pilot Training

Time and other sources also point to the high cost of pilot education and training compared to entry-level salaries in the airline industry. Learning to fly is not cheap, and the average cost of flight-training fees in the U.S. is around $64,500, according to a Bloomberg report.

Because pilots-in-training must now have more hours, they must also pay for additional experience, which means more flight-training fees. When you add the cost of these hours to the price of a college degree and other expenses, pilots pay about $150,000 before they even land their first job.

According to a spokesperson for the Regional Airline Association, the starting salary for a first officer for a regional airline is just $27,350 per year, with some earning as little as $16,000 annually. Although many airlines now offer signing bonuses, there simply aren't enough qualified candidates to fill open pilot jobs.

Baby Boomer Pilots Retiring

To complicate matters, the pilot shortage is poised to get worse, not better. A study published by the University of North Dakota's Aviation Department says the impending pilot deficit also faces another blow: an aging crop of current senior pilots. The study predicts a shortage of 15,000 pilots by 2026, as growing numbers of top pilots are approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. Because there are not enough up-and-coming pilots to replace them, the study's authors say airlines face a serious dilemma.

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Airlines have also been hurt by consolidations and bankruptcies - especially among regional airlines. With fewer jobs available for pilots just starting out, it is difficult for would-be pilots to get the hours and training they need to fly for larger airlines.

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By PTI: The Vice President said Indias relations with Hungary are very old and the scholars from both countries have done much work on cultural traditions of India and Hungary and some of the work of Hungarian Indologists can be seen in the Library of Asiatic Society in Kolkata.

"Our cultural relations with Hungary are thus very well embedded," he said.

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Ansari said the Indian Embassy had played a distinctive role at the time of the 1956 Revolution in Hungary and the same was acknowledged by the Hungarian side including their President during his visit to India.

The Vice President said he would also visit a place outside Budapest which has memories of a visit by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

Referring to the somewhat limited bilateral exchanges at senior level, the Vice President said that the purpose of this visit is to fill this gap.

He said Hungary is a member of European Union and it is coming up as a good place where Indian business can operate in Europe as a whole. There are a number of high profile Indian Companies operating from Budapest and Hungary has a certain technologies in which we would be interested in like IT, Defence etc, he said.

The Vice President said India would be signing two MoUs with Hungary, one on water management and the other between the Indian Council of World Affairs and its Hungarian counterpart. He said this visit gives India an opportunity to learn about the Central European point of view of global issues.

On Algerian leg of the visit, the Vice President said Algeria is rich in Oil and Natural Gas and it is a major supplier of gas to Europe.

He further said that India buys some oil from Algeria and we will explore little more closely ways to increase the exchange. PTI ACB NSA

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According to a Beer Institute 2015 study, the U.S. beer industry generates $252.6 billion in economic activity each year, about 1.5% of total U.S. gross domestic product. Drinking-age Americans consume on average about 27 gallons of beer annually, or about 288 12-ounce bottles.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed the volume of beer sold per drinking-age adult in each state. Adults in nine states consume at least 25% more beer than the average American adult, but no state drinks as much beer as New Hampshire. Based on estimates derived from total sales, adults 21 and over in the Granite State consume an average of 43 gallons of beer annually, equal to roughly 460 12-ounce bottles.

ALSO READ: The Next 14 States to Legalize Marijuana

Beer consumption varies between states for different reasons. In an interview with 24/7 Wall St. this past June, Eric Shepard, vice president of Beer Marketers Insights, explained that while it is hard to pinpoint a single reason, often it's a reflection of culture from state to state. Shepard singled out states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin as places where beer drinking is simply a part of the culture.

Geography also plays a role in beer consumption rates. Generally, rural, Western states tend to have larger beer consumption per capita than other parts of the country, Shepard said. Indeed, a larger share of residents live in rural areas in eight of the nine states drinking the most beer than across the U.S. as a whole. In addition, more than half of the nine states drinking the most beer are located west of the Mississippi River.

ALSO READ: America's 15 Fastest Shrinking Companies

High per capita beer consumption does not necessarily mean unhealthy or reckless behavior. In New Hampshire, however, both the excessive drinking rate and the share of impaired driving deaths are slightly higher than the corresponding national figures. Statewide, 18.9% of all adults drink excessively compared to 18% nationwide. Also, 32.9% of driving deaths in the state involve alcohol compared to 31% nationwide.

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Not all beer purchased in New Hampshire is necessarily consumed in the state. New Hampshire is one of only four states with no sales tax. As a result, residents of neighboring states -- Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont -- may travel to New Hampshire to save on their beer purchases, making that state's beer consumption rate appear higher than it actually is.

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Credit: Matthew Brookes

In the summer of 1974, local news watchers in Sarasota, Fla., witnessed a shocking on-air event.

Based on a true story, director Antonio Campos's latest film, Christine, opening today, takes audiences on an emotional journey through newswoman Christine Chubbuck's final months before committing suicide on live television.

Rebecca Hall gives a stunning performance as Christine. Brilliant, complex and struggling with both her personal and professional life, Christine is deeply troubled by the increasing demand for sensationalism in news, and the unrequited love of her coworker, played by Michael C. Hall.



Credit: Courtesy of The Orchard

"It's difficult to try and imagine yourself in the space of someone who struggles to get through every day, but is desperate to try and survive, even though they're fighting this impulse to end it all. That's a very dark place to go to," Hall said when she stopped by InStyle's portrait studio at the Toronto International Film Festival last month.

Preparing for the role proved difficult, since very little footage of Christine Chubbuck exists today. Hall said she had to operate largely on instinct and other research in order to embody the character.

"I watched about 20 minutes of footage of her doing her show, the Suncoast Digest, but it allowed me to listen to her voice and to watch her body language a little bit. It was a lot of imagination and instinct," Hall said.



Credit: Courtesy of The Orchard

RELATED: These Are the 11 Movies to See in October 2016

To better understand the person behind the events, Hall tried to come to her own conclusions about what Christine's mental state may have been, noting that much of the information available to us today would not have been available to Christine in the 1970s.

"I understand how important it is to get this correct, because, it's important to start the conversation and take away some of the taboo and otherness that surrounds the issues of mental health," Hall said.

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"It's really rare to see a film, especially with a woman who's the protagonist--where you actually see the agony of what it's like to go through your life feeling like you're not normal. And I think that's really what Christine is dealing with: She wakes up every morning and works out how to perform what she perceives as being acceptably normal."



Credit: Courtesy of The Orchard

RELATED: Our List of the 8 Most Boston Movies Ever

That idea, of feeling normal and finding a place in society, is what Hall feels is most relatable about the film, and perhaps the most important takeaway from Christine's story.

"The community around Christine loves her and respects her and wants to help her, but she doesn't see that. And I think that's the sort of thing that is the most relatable about her story. Even though she did this shocking, frightening thing, we can all relate to this idea that we're not really doing very well at being accepted."

Hall's performance is already garnering acclaim and her ability to capture the brilliance and heartbreak of Christine with subtlety and sensitivity may even thrust her into awards consideration this year. While the film is often hard to watch, it's a story that, 42 years later, still remains relevant and deserves to be told.

Watch the trailer for Christine above.
(Reuters) - A wildfire fanned by high winds destroyed 22 homes in a wooded area of northern Nevada on Friday, among them a mountain property belonging to the owner of a famous brothel in the state. Dennis Hof, the owner of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in the Carson City area, revealed in a message on his Twitter page that one of his houses was destroyed by the blaze, which fire officials said had scorched 2,000 acres (809 hectares) in the area of Washoe Valley just south of Reno. Hof, who is profiled along with workers at his legal brothel in the television series "Cathouse" on cable channel HBO, posted a photo of the house reduced to rubble. More than 360 firefighters were battling the blaze, which has been dubbed the "Little Valley Fire" and has destroyed 22 homes and 17 outbuildings, officials said on the fire tracking website InciWeb. The cause of the fire, which was first spotted early on Friday, being investigated, they added. The blaze, located near the border with California and northeast of Lake Tahoe, has spread erratically because of the high winds driving it, and complicated firefighters' efforts to contain it, officials said. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed during talks late Saturday to work to resolve recent frustrations between the regional rivals, an official said.

Meeting on the eve of a BRICS summit of leading emerging nations, Modi and Xi agreed to further cooperate to combat "terrorism" and to work to reduce India's gaping trade deficit with China.

But Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said there was no resolution on China's decision to block India's entry to a nuclear trade group.

India wants to become a member of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to get better access to low-cost, clean energy which it says is important for its economic growth.

But China has so far declined to back India's request, saying it wants to wait until a consensus emerges at the group.

"Our broad concerns in the current state of the relationship were conveyed to the Chinese side," Swarup said after the meeting -- their third this year -- in the Indian beach state of Goa.

"The intention was that both sides would narrow down the areas of difference since the commonalities far outweigh (the differences)," he said.

"Our expectation and hope is that China will see the logic of what we are saying."

There was no immediate comment from China's side.

New Delhi was also frustrated earlier this year when Beijing blocked its request to add a Pakistani militant group chief to a UN sanctions blacklist.

India accuses the Jaish-e-Mohammad rebel group of involvement in a deadly attack on an Indian airbase in January and more recently a raid on a army base that killed 19 soldiers.

Islamabad denies any involvement in either.

China enjoys close relations with India's archrival Pakistan and is pursuing a slew of infrastructure projects there.

Modi is keen to secure Chinese funding to fulfill his election pledge to overhaul India's crumbling railways and other infrastructure.

But the world's two most populous nations are jockeying for influence in Asia and their relationship is coloured by territorial disputes at both ends of the Himalayas.

They fought a border war in 1962 over the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of which Beijing claims as South Tibet.
Kurtz, the fabled central figure in Heart of Darkness, entered a primitive jungle world and made himself over into its homicidal master. His colonial malevolence was echoed in two landmark films of the 70s: Aguirre, the Wrath of God, in which Klaus Kinskis bug-eyed, raving conquistador led a jungle odyssey into madness, and Apocalypse Now, in which Martin Sheens burnt-out assassin discovered, in Marlon Brando, a different kind of Kurtz  a philosopher of wars evil, a leader who had gone insane only because he was the only one who saw Vietnam with utter clarity. But in The Lost City of Z, set within the British Empire during the early decades of the 20th century, the English explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) spends years seeking out the natives of the Amazonian jungle  and the mystery behind them  with a sense of purpose that is never less than high and mighty, progressive and noble. Hes a stiff-upper-lip adventurer-saint, enlightened in his thinking, driven by a personal quest thats really a desire to heighten the spirit of mankind.

The movie was written and directed by James Gray, adapting David Granns 2009 nonfiction account of Fawcett and his expeditions, and Gray doesnt shape Fawcetts life into an overly tidy narrative; he lets it wind and sprawl. Fawcett starts off getting an assignment from hell by the British Army: In 1906, he is ordered to set sail for the jungles of Bolivia, where hes to map out the border between that country and Brazil, a murky divide thats leading to war. The British are driven by one motive (they want to protect their investments in the regions rubber plantations), and Fawcett, an ambitious young major who has never seen combat, has a selfish priority of his own: His father was a drunk and a gambler, and the disgrace of that legacy has barred his entrance to the upper echelons of British military society. Hes promised that if he takes this mapping assignment and succeeds, hell be rewarded with a new status.

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Its a dicey tradeoff. Traveling up the Amazon on a raft along with his aide-de-camp, Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson, amusingly unrecognizable in a beard and spectacles that make him look hes getting ready to star in The Georges Bizet Story), and a motley crew of assistants, including one South American slave, Willis (the superb Johann Myers), they are drifters in a hostile land, ducking showers of tribal arrows, subjected to starvation and disease. For about 20 minutes, the movie suggests Apocalypse Now redone as a Masterpiece Theatre episode. But the slave tells Fawcett about an ancient city that no white man has ever seen, and during a hike through the jungle, when Fawcett finds faces carved into trees and sophisticated pieces of tribal pottery, he decides that the promise of that lost civilization is no Atlantis/El Dorado myth. It really existed (and maybe still does), and it haunts him. He names the city Zed, and from that moment hes driven to find it. He returns to England a celebrated explorer hero (victim-of-class-snobbery problem solved), but he wants to go back, and does. And then he goes back again.

The Lost City of Z is the story of an obsession. Yet Fawcett, as played by Charlie Hunnam, the 36-year-old British star of Sons of Anarchy, is a character driven only by the high-minded rapture of his ideals. Hunnam, wearing a prominent mustache, may remind you here of a handful of other prominent thespians. At various points, he exudes the twinkly moral intelligence of Daniel Day-Lewis, the slightly sullen earnestness of Michael Fassbender, and the quizzical anonymity of Ben Foster. Hes an accomplished actor, but he never brings a whisper of a dark side to Fawcetts crusade.

I raise the issue because The Lost City of Z is a finely crafted, elegantly shot, sharply sincere movie that is more absorbing than powerful. It makes no major dramatic missteps, yet it could have used an added dimension  something to make the two-hour-and-20-minute running time feel like a transformative journey rather than an epic anecdotal crusade. As a filmmaker, James Gray (The Immigrant) has become such a critical darling that theres now almost a cult of support for his work, and The Lost City of Z is destined to be hailed as another prestige addition to the Gray canon. Yet its popularity with audiences may prove more limited. The film is infused with Grays meticulous gravity, yet it also has his recessiveness  that feeling he can give you that youre watching the action under glass.

Gray, as always, works with an elegantly muted visual palette (his favorite color: brown), and one can appreciate that his rhythm and style are a throwback to something you might call analog, or 70s, or maybe just slow and deliberate. At moments, Ive been a Gray fan (especially of Two Lovers), but its worth noting that the movies his style has at times recalled  the ambitious underworld films of the New Hollywood, say  were a lot more exciting, in their day, than the movies he makes. They never gave you the feeling that their directors were curating something.

The Lost City of Z, more than most of Grays films, is its own organic creation, and Gray catches the audience up in the fervor of Fawcetts desire to locate that city and connect with the epiphany hes seeking. After the first voyage, theres an exciting scene where, aglow with his new mission, he gives a speech to the members of the Royal Geographical Society, of which he is now a member. He talks with religious exuberance about the artifacts he found and what they portend, as the white-haired fuddy-duddies in the audience jeer and mock him. What Fawcett is suggesting  that a primitive Amazon tribe might have had an advanced society that predated Europe  is nearly as radical as the theory of evolution. It undercuts the very premise of what it is to be an Englishman: the notion that they exist on a higher plane than savages. Fawcett realizes that hes not just searching for the lost city of Zed, hes  potentially  upending the meaning of Western Civilization. But at least one of the Societys members wants to join him: a burly upstart named James Murray (Angus Macfadyen), whose bluster will soon come back to haunt him.

The jungle scenes are full of threat  tribes with their whizzing and slashing weapons, wild beasts, the muddy isolation of it all. But thats balanced out by the cozy utopia of Fawcetts home life. His wife, Nina, is played by Sienna Miller in one of the most warmly expressive performances of her career; she makes the character a vibrant feminist on the cutting edge of her time. Yet shes also as relentlessly supportive of Percy as he is of his own mission. (Their only tiff is about whether she can come along with him on his second voyage; he wastes no time mansplaining why she cant.) As the years go on, they have three children, and Percy is absent for much of their upbringing, but the film treats this as a humane sacrifice. The animating spirit of Hunnams performance is one of such benevolence that he might be playing a tender-souled gentleman out of Dickens.

At one point, Fawcetts eldest son, Jack (Tom Holland), chastises him for his absences, but the two bury the hatchet and wind up going on a trek into the jungle together. The most haunting aspect of Percy Fawcetts story is that he disappeared in the Amazon in 1925 and was never found. What happened? Gray is forced to imagine what happened, and this produces his strongest filmmaking. The movie culminates on a note of poetic doom that is strangely uplifting. Yet even this doesnt change what we think about Fawcett. He is, to the end, pristine in his obsession, and that makes him a character its easier to revere than to love.

Related stories:
It's time to get a bigger suitcase. Two of the most prized souvenirsfor American touristsjust became legal again after more than 50 years.

Starting Monday, Americans traveling abroad can buy an unlimited number of Cuban cigars and rum wherever in the world they are sold and bring them back to the U.S., as long as it is for personal consumption only. That means youcant import and sell Cuban cigars and rum in the U.S.For anyone bringing cigars or rum back into the states with them, normal limits on duty and tax exemptions willapply.Americans residing in the U.S.cannot order cigars and rum online and have itshipped from overseas.

The change comes after President Obama officially lifted trade restrictions with Cuba earlier today, months after he lifted the travel ban to Cuba. By early 2017, 10 U.S. carriers will begindaily routes to Havana, with even more airlines flying to 9 other Cuban cities. Read about which airlines have serviceto Cuba,here.

The lifting of the trade embargo isnt just about drinking and smoking, however. According to USA Today, new regulations by the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Treasury will make it easier for American pharmaceutical companies to import cancer drugs made in Cuba, and for agricultural companies to sell products to farmers in the Caribbean nation. The new laws will also permit Cubans to purchase American-made goods via the internet.

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Credit: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Tom Hanks is taking Italy by storm.

After attending the world premiere of his new film Inferno last week in Florence, the famed actor traveled to Rome to attend the 11th Rome Film Festival with his wife Rita Wilson where he was presented with their lifetime achievement award. The longtime couple hit the red carpet together at the event today, and they looked as glam as ever.

For the occasion, the Now and Then star turned heads in a dazzling gold dress which featured a sheer black hemline that hit just above the knee, intricate beaded embellishments, and a sleeveless design. Wilson accessorized her wow-worthy look with a pair of coordinating black and gold sandals and a long metallic necklace. She wore her brunette strands in bombshell waves. Meanwhile, Hanks complemented his lady love in a dapper black jacket and matching trousers that he styled with a white button-up shirt, classic black tie, and leather dress shoes.

Aside from Hanks receiving the big honor, the festival will also screen a retrospective of his multitude of movies and hold a public forum for attendees on Thursday evening.

RELATED: Co-Stars Felicity Jones and Tom Hanks Reunite on the Red Carpet for the German Premiere of Inferno

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VIDEO: George and Amal Clooney's Cutest Couple Moments

Talk about one picture perfect Hollywood pair.
By PTI: Rameswaram (TN), Oct 15 (PTI) About 35 kg of ganja, three kg of speciality paper used for printing fake currency and sildnefil citrate tablets, totally worth Rs 50 lakh, allegedly being smuggled into Sri Lanka were seized from a boat by the navy of that country, police said.

Three persons were also arrested by the Lankan naval personnel as they seized the boat off Thangachimadam area near here, police said.

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Those arrested include a local resident, a Sri Lankan refugee based in Thanjavur and a Sri Lankan citizen, they said.

The arrested were later taken to a prison at Oorkavalthurai in Sri Lanka, they added. PTI COR APR KIS DK

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Googles Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones may be the hottest new Android phones to buy now that the Galaxy Note 7 has died. The phones will soon be available in stores, and Google released a couple of new TV commercials for the Pixels. Meanwhile, in Australia, a few lucky buyers have already received the phones, thanks to a delivery mistake.

DONT MISS: Heres how Samsung might kill the Galaxy Note brand without actually killing it

Googles new Pixel commercials are somewhat on the stranger side of town. Called Together by you and Crush by you, the short ads seem to indicate that the Pixel are a natural transition from a desktop Google experience to a mobile one. In both ads, the image on the screen morphs from what looks like a browsers search bar to a mobile phone. This is probably a subliminal hint to the Google Assistant that resides on the phones. That said, the ads do not highlight any particular feature of the Pixel phones, which is what youd expect from such commercials, not even the Assistant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o9NmuZ8Qls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0yIO_FX608

However, Google did mention one hidden feature of Google Pixel phones in a statement to WonderHowTo. The phones will be rootable out of the box. Pixel owners who purchased the device from the Google store will be able to root their devices. Pixel phones purchased from the Google store will ship with an unlockable bootloader, Google said.

Come October 20th when the phone launches, youll be able to try to root the phone yourself, if youve got the skills. That said, at least one buyer in Australia has already received the phone ahead of launch, as local carrier Telstra made a shipping mistake. You can read more about this early hands-on experience with the Pixel on Reddit at this link.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Russia has agreed to invest $500 million to boost infrastructure in India by means of a $ 1 billion Russian Indian Investment fund.

By PTI: In a first, Moscow has agreed to pump in USD 500 million into the Indian infrastructure space, along with an equal investment by the newly formed National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF), to form a USD 1 billion Russian Indian Investment Fund.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will invest USD 500 million into the joint fund, which will support "attractive investment opportunities and growth of Russian business activity in India," RDIF chief executive Kirill Dmitriev said.

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"The money will be invested in infrastructure projects with Russian component. We will look at energy, petrochemicals, transport infrastructure and different projects where our companies can also have a foot in India," he told PTI over phone.

READ: PM Modi meets Russian President Putin ahead of BRICS, major Defence deals on agenda

FIRST OF ITS KIND PARTNERSHIP



An agreement to start the fund, the first of its kind partnership for the newly-formed NIIF, will be signed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the eighth two-day BRICS Summit beginning here today, he said.

Dmitriev said the actual money flow from the arrangement will be much higher as Russian businesses tend to invest a lot more when the RDIF signs agreements like these with any other country or institution.

"There would be more money from Russian banks, Russian companies and other partners of the RDIF," he explained and pegged the actual investment from Russia, including those by companies, can go up to USD 8 billion through an arrangement like this.

READ: Brothers in arms

RUSSIA HAS BIG PLANS

Interestingly, at a time when India is actively considering to start projects connecting Iran with Central Asia, Dmitriev said the RDIF is also open to investing in other countries beyond India.

"Though most of the investments will be in India, some can also be outside of India. It can be in other countries as well," Dmitriev said.

The RDIF was started in 2011 to make equity co-investments alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors, while the NIIF was floated by the government last year keeping in mind the needs to put up infrastructure.

Having a corpus of Rs 40,000 crore, the NIIF is a vehicle to attract equity investments from domestic and international sources, and the government plans to contribute 49 per cent to the corpus.

It will invest into the infrastructure sector in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled projects.



ALSO READ:

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Exclusive: Arm-twisting by China leads to cancellation of BRICS fair trade session



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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan received the participants of the first International Forum of Eurasian Partnership on October 15.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, greeting the guests, the President of the Republic highlighted the fact that this important initiative of the World Armenian Congress and the Union of Armenians in Russia is launched on an individual level, since each of the participants has the opportunity to bring his significant contribution to the success and continuity of the conference.

Serzh Sargsyan hoped that the International Forum of Eurasian Partnership can become a key platform for the representatives of the state, business and public circles of the member states, giving an opportunity to elaborate practical mechanisms aimed at revealing partnership potentials of the member states, as well as examine the opportunities for a more comprehensive economic cooperation. President Sargsyan noted that Armenians are always glad to host partners and Armenia is always open for discussing cooperation programs.

Serzh Sargsyan briefed on the economic priorities of Armenia and answered the questions of the participants.
Prime Minister Modi is holding a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa, where the two-day BRICS summit will begin later today.

Xi Jinping greeted by Union Minister VK Singh on his arrival in Goa.

By India Today Web Desk: Addressing a joint statement ahead of the BRICS Summit in Goa, Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin said that several defence deals have been inked between the two countries. MoUs in energy, rail and space were signed.



Here are the highlights of the joint statement:

We deeply appreciate Russia's understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region: PM

In last 4 months alone,in Hydrocarbon sector,Indian companies have invested close to USD 5.5 billion in Russia's Oil and Gas sector: PM Modi.

India & Russia are moving towards a bright future: PM Modi.

We both agree on zero tolerance towards terrorism and also on the situation in Afghanistan: PM Modi.

Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own: PM Modi.

Companies of both countries are improving industrial cooperation, military and technical cooperation also improving: President Putin

The success of this summit highlights our (India-Russia) strong convergence of views on pressing issues: PM Modi.

We continue to expand, diversify & deepen economic engagement. Businesses, Industry between our countries is connected more deeply today: PM.

With an eye on the future we also agreed to setup a Science and Technology Commission: PM Modi.

With Pres. Putin's support we are willing to expand the scope of our relationship further: PM Modi.

We agreed to work on an annual military industrial conf that will allow stakeholders on both sides to institute & push collaboration: PM.

I am aware of your (President Putin) deep affection for India, ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi.



Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi on India-Russia.



Goa: PM Modi & President Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across different fields.

With an eye on the future we also agreed to setup a Science and Technology Commission: PM Modi.

Ours is a truly privileged and unique relationship: PM Modi on India-Russia.

Goa: PM Modi and President Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across different fields

.



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The two leaders are meeting as part of the annual India-Russia summit, following which the two countries are expected to sign key defence, energy and agriculture-related business deals.

MODI, PUTIN TO DISCUSS MANY ISSUES: MEA



External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Modi and Putin "will discuss on a range of issues including defence and counter-terrorism".

Earlier, Putin arrived at the Dabolim airport to a red-carpet welcome after which Modi, on Twitter, greeted the Russian President saying: "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful visit."

Top bureaucrats from the Russian defence, energy, trade and industries ministries are accompanying the President.

Modi and Putin via a video conference will also participate in foundation-laying ceremony of the third and fourth power units at the Kundakulam nuclear power plant.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions over lunch and issue a formal statement to the media following the summit.

Talks between India and Russia for setting up units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) are also expected to culminate into a general framework agreement.

India and Russia issue joint statement in Goa after conclusion of talks between PM Modi and President Putin.







India to raise NSG bid with China, talks between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi later in the day.



Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa

A focussed review before a broader engagement PM Modi and President Putin begin with restricted talks: MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup

India pushes BRICS members to agree on isolating countries that provide shelter and arms to terror groups

Police detain Tibet activists who were staging protest in Margao against China's illegal occupation of Tibet

Tibetans stage protest in Margao, hold placards with 'Free Tibet and end the occupation' and 'China OUT of Tibet now' slogans

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin begin with restricted talks ahead.



#WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Salcette (Goa) #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/vC9tuRW3Vu ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

Putin arrived in Goa a little while ago for the BRICS Summit. His arrival was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

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Goa: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/yPTc4PQTh0 ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

In a first, Moscow has agreed to pump in USD 500 million into the Indian infrastructure space, along with an equal investment by the newly formed National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF), to form a USD 1 billion 'Russian Indian Investment Fund'.

Also read: Russia plans USD 1 billion India joint fund; to pump USD 500 million in NIIF

MULTI-TIER SECURITY IN GOA



There is multi-tier security in Goa and aerial and seaward surveillance in on. NSA is reviewing the security arrangements.

South African President Jacob Zuma arrived today morning in the coastal state where heads of member nations of the summit, besides BIMSTEC countries will be participating. Zuma was received at INS Hansa airbase by Union Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs VK Singh.

Goa: MoS MEA General V K Singh receives South African President Jacob Zuma on his arrival in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/ePZ4beReRu ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

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Zuma was later taken by road to a five-star hotel at Benaulim where he would be attending the summit.



THEME OF BRICS SUMMIT



The 8th BRICS Summit is themed on "Building Responsive, Inclusive and collective solutions."

Zuma became the first head of the state to arrive for the two-day event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the host of the summit, arrived last night.

Modi was received by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D Souza.

He later went to the resort in South Goa's Benaulim village where the summit is scheduled.



US WELCOMES EFFORTS OF BRICS NATIONS

Meanwhile, the United States has welcomed the efforts of BRICS countries to engage constructively in global issues of importance.



Meanwhile, Brazilian President Michel Temer also reached Dabolim city earlier today.



Goa: Brazilian President Michel Temer arrives in Dabolim city for the #BRICSSummit pic.twitter.com/EGosQuZqWC ANI (@ANI_news) October 15, 2016

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Saif Ali Khan is remaking Jon Favreau's Chef with the Airlift director, and he has wife Kareena and their baby for company.

By India Today Web Desk: Saif Ali Khan started shooting for Raja Krishna Menon's Indian adaptation of Jon Favreau's Chef in Kochi, and he has wifey Kareena and their upcoming child to accompany him. They began shooting for the film about 10 days ago and aim to wrap up the entire shoot by the end of the year.

ALSO READ: When Kareena Kapoor rejected Saif's proposal twice!

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ALSO READ: Saif's strong statements on Pak artistes issue, Hafiz Saeed

"We should be done by December but may leave a few scenes for later so that Saif gets a break to be with his baby", said the Airlift director to a tabloid, also adding they would take the road to Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi. He said the film wasn't going to be an exact remake of its Hollywood counterpart, but a more his version on a father-son relationship.

Raja said, "I found the story revolving around travel, food and a fatherson relationship touching and felt that I could adapt it and make it my own with my writers Ritesh Shah and Suresh Nair." Saif underwent a culinary training under Himanshu Taneja, JW Marriot's executive chef which included things as basic as how to hold a knife, the body language of a chef.

He said Kochi is not where the film starts but it plays a significant role in the narrative. The director believes Kerala has a lot to offer in terms of its food culture, and has hardly been explored in mainstream Bollywood films. Saif has Vishal Bharadwaj's Rangoon and Akshat Verma's directorial debut prepped for release early next year.



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Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray today organised a protest march in Mumbai against the prevalent education system in the state. He said that while the government is promoting Digital India, education in the state is laid back.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Today Aditya Thackeray led Yuva Sena (Youth Wing of Shiv Sena) held a big protest march in south Mumbai called 'KG- PG' against the prevalent the education system in the state. The march started from Girgaon Choupati and ended at Islam Gymkhana at Marine lines.

"When in 2014 power changed in the state, we had high hopes from the new government, but students issues are still not been dealt with priority. Thus we decided to take out this protest march," said Yuva Sena Chief Aditya Thackeray.

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This march was called to raise parents' concern regarding fee hike, heavyweight of school bags and digitalisation of school syllabus. Sena claims there were more than ten thousand people including school children and teachers participating in the rally. Though Yuva Sena Chief Aditya Thackery said that the rally was not to protest against the government, slogans were raised against education minister.

After Sena Chief targeted BJP in his Dussehra rally now it's Yuva Sena Aditya Thackery's protest March against state education system and students problem

In his address Yuva Sena Chief Aditya Thackery demanded for a helpline for students to share their grievances.

Thackeray even weighed an 8th std school bag and said that it was too heavy in comparison to the tabs that Shiv Sena is promoting.

"We are only talking about Digital India but what about implementing it. Why can't government provide tabs to all school children which can help to reduce weight of bags. I have asked this question several times but haven't recived any answer yet." said Aditya Thackeray.

Also Read



Hotels, gyms, and theatres should remain open till 5 am: Aditya Thackeray



Sena distances itself from Nawazuddin-Ramleela row

--- ENDS ---
After failing to confirm patient's identity, a surgeon removed a kidney from the wrong patient.

By India Today Web Desk:

After an investigation, it has been found that a surgeon at a Massachusetts hospital removed a kidney from the wrong patient after failing to confirm the patient's identity.

State and federal health investigators say the surgeon in July was supposed to remove a kidney with a tumour from a patient at St Vincent Hospital in Worcester, but instead removed a healthy kidney from a different patient with the same name, according to an Associated Press report.

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The patients were several years apart in age and authorities say the hospital failed to follow proper patient identification protocols by checking birth dates.

Hospital has been put on notice that its Medicare and Medicaid agreements with the government will be terminated unless it takes corrective actions.

The hospital in a statement said it is taking "all necessary steps" to prevent similar errors.



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By PTI: Jammu, Oct 15 (PTI) Stating that terrorism was the root cause for the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today said the situation should be left for the Army and the government to deal with.

"Terrorism is the main cause for the ongoing unrest in Kashmir Valley. We are pained to see when innocent youth are killed after being threatened by terrorists to throw stones at the security forces," he told reporters here.

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"People who have never thought of leaving Kashmir are now going to other places because they want to live a peaceful life. The day terrorism ends, all the problems in the Valley would end," he said.

On being asked whether talks should be held with Pakistan as advocated by NC leader Farooq Abdullah during a meeting of opposition parties yesterday, the minister said, "Such issues should not be made a public debate. The issues of national interest and national security should be left to the Army and the government to decide."

The Union Minister for Food and Public Supplies also hit out at the separatists for giving cold shoulders to the all-party delegation, which had gone to meet them last month to discuss the Kashmir unrest.

"There needs to be a ground for holding talks, first they (separatists) should accept that India is ours, this is our country and we will resolve all the issues under the ambit of Constitution of India. Till the time you raise pro-Pakistani slogans and their flags, there is no point holding talks," he said.

The LJP leader said in a democratic country, everybody had the right to protest, but they should not spoil the life and future of school-going kids.

"The child is unable to go to schools, to get education. What will he do in future?," he said.

Kashmir is reeling under tension due to the unrest which erupted after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an alleged encounter in July.

Commenting on the oppositions onslaught against the Modi government regarding the Armys PoK strikes, Paswan said, "After the Uri attack, opposition started abusing the Prime Minister and mocked that his 56-inches chest has been reduced to 26-inches. When they blame the leader for bad things, why do they shy of giving credit to him for good things?"

The Union minister also called for keeping armed forces out of politics.

"People of Pakistan are not our enemy. Our enemy is terrorism and we are fighting it. The decision of when, how and where to fight terrorism should be left on the wisdom of the Army," Paswan added. PTI TSS AB SRY

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NCP MP Tariq Anwar today said that the apex court's decision on triple talaq should be acceptable to all stakeholders.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: NCP MP Tariq Anwar has said that the decision of the Supreme Court on the controversial triple talaq must be acceptable to all the stakeholders.

Speaking to journalists, Tariq Anwar said that the Centre which has come with its proposal to end triple talaq would be taken into consideration by the Supreme Court after which it will come with its verdict.

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"The central government has given its proposal to ban triple talaq in India. Also, there are many Muslim countries which have already banned triple talaq. Many Muslim organizations and Muslim women are raising the demand of banning triple talaq.

There are also voices within the Muslim community which is saying that triple talaq is un-Islamic", said Tariq Anwar, NCP MP.

BURNING OF EFFIGIES ARE NORMAL



Speaking on the issue of burning of PM Narendra Modi's effigy inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus on the occasion of Dussera, Tariq Anwar said that the matter should not be given importance as such kind of things are normal when one is in public life.

Also read: Triple talaq: Muslim personal law board to boycott law panel, irks BJP



"One should not take the issue of burning PM's effigy I JNU very seriously. Such kind of things happen in public life. There are instances where effigies of CM, PM and public representatives like us are torched," said the NCP MP.

Also read: Agra Muslims slam Modi government's stand on triple talaq



CASHING ON SURGICAL STRIKES



Tariq Anwar slammed the BJP for trying to take credit for the surgical strikes carried against Pakistan and said that the saffron party was trying to take political mileage of the issue ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections.

Also read: If Islamic nations can regulate triple talaq, why can't India: Ravi Shankar Prasad

He, however, asserted that the issue of surgical strike which BJP was raising especially in poll bound UP would not benefit them.

"BJP is trying to take credit for the surgical strikes. We see that the PM is crediting the Defence Minister and on the other hand the defence Minister is crediting the PM for these strikes. It is all a drama to fool the people. Those who have sacrificed their lives have been pushed to the back. Such strikes have not taken for the first time but the BJP is indulging into propaganda as if such strikes have taken place for the first time in the country", said Tariq Anwar.

Also read: Reforms in Muslim marriage laws is an idea whose time has come



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Oct 15 (PTI) Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin makes him unfit to be the next US President, a top American nuclear security official has said.

"This is a huge, huge deal. I think that Trumps motivation here to play into Putins hands is driven by one thing for sure and one thing that Im deeply concerned about," Mike Morell, former acting director of CIA, told reporters during a conference call yesterday.

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"The thing that Im sure about is that Trump is cozying up to Putin because Putin has played him like a fiddle. Putin has figured out what makes Donald Trump tick and hes playing to it," he said.

Noting that he cannot remember a single time in American history where the US government has accused another government of trying to interfere in its elections, Morrell said, "this is really unprecedented and, as a national security person, it shakes me to my core."

Rather than condemn these efforts, the Republican nominee has actually cheered them on, supported them, alleged Matt Olsen, former head of the National Counter terrorism Center, he said.

"When somebody running for president refuses to acknowledge this kind of threat to the US, not only refusing to acknowledge the threat but refusing to even condemn it, that suggests that Trump does not understand what it takes to defend the US and what is involved in defending the United States and the American people," said Jamie Rubin, Hillary for America Senior Media Advisor for National Security Affairs.

"One of the things that I find fascinating is Donald Trumps absolute refusal to acknowledge Russias role here. He simply refuses to acknowledge the role, even after his running mate this morning, said that the Russians were behind this," Morrell said.

"It even gets worse than him simply not acknowledging it. In my mind, hes actually cheering it on. Hes reading from WikiLeaks material at his rally to the point of parroting now-debunked disinformation. Hes encouraging people to read the hacked materials. He is encouraging his attack on our democracy, and I find that amazing and shocking,"he said.

Rubin said on a policy level Trump has praised Putins leadership.

"He has adopted Putins talking points, with respect to the attacks on ISIS or not in Syria. And when issues have come up of Putins crack downs inside Russia, on journalists, on others, hes defended Putin rather than condemn him. The first understanding of what is the national interest is to know whats good for the US, and Trump doesnt seem to understand that," he said.

Morell said he was deeply concerned about the people around Trump ? the Paul Manaforts, the Roger Stones, the Carter Pages ? who may have financial or other relationships with Russia.

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"Theyre actually working on behalf of the Russians in getting this material out and spreading it around. I dont want to go overboard here and say I know that for sure. I certainly dont. But Im deeply concerned about it," he alleged. PTI LKJ MRJ

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By PTI: From Achinta Borah

Budapest (Hungary), Oct 15 (PTI) Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said the issue of cross-border terrorism, which has badly affected India, will be raised with the top leadership of Hungary and Algeria during his five-day trip to the two nations as he arrived here in the Hungarian capital.

"Fight against terrorism is a universal subject now. It will figure in our discussions with both the countries," he told reporters accompanying him on board Air India One.

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Ansari was replying to a question on whether he would raise the issue of cross border terrorism affecting India with the leadership of both Hungary and Algeria, in the wake of the terror attack in Uri in which 19 soldiers were killed.

The Vice President said that Algeria had dealt with its domestic terrorism very effectively in the past.

"This is an area where we can have ties and cooperation with Algeria," he said.

In Hungary, the issue of cross border terror emanating from across Indias border will be raised in his bilateral meetings with Hungarys President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other top leadership.

Two MoUs, including one on river management will be signed by India and Hungary during the Vice-Presidents visit.

Ansari said Hungary has immense experience in cleaning river as well as making it navigational and the MoU on river management is expected to help India get expertise in cleaning Ganga and other rivers.

The Vice-President said that bilateral relations at the highest level of the government was very limited in the past and his visit would fill up the gap.

Ansaris visit to Hungary comes over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

The Vice-President said that Hungary is a preferred investment destination for many Indian companies and they have set up bases in Hungary to expand their businesses in other Europeans countries. MORE PTI ACB KUN

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LOEV starring Shaitan actor Shiv Pandit centers around gay lovers, their friendships, trials and tribulations. The film is having its Indian premiere at the 18th MAMI Film Festival.

By India Today Web Desk: After Lipstick Under My Burkha, a trailer for yet another daring Indian film that will be screened at the 18th MAMI (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) Film Festival is here.

LOEV, written and directed by Sudhanshu Saria, centers around male-to-male love, bonding, attraction, friendship and heartbreak.

WATCH Lipstick Under My Burkha trailer: A daring, feminist film unafraid of controversies

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ALSO READ: Pakistani film Jago Hua Savera (The Day Shall Dawn) to get screened at MAMI Film Festival 2016



The film centers around gay Wall Street dealmaker Jai (Shiv Pandit) who opts to mix work with pleasure in his 48-hour long business trip to Mumbai. Sahil (Dhruv Ganesh), his friend, drops everything behind, including his boyfriend Alex (Siddharth Menon) to help him in his pursuit for happiness. Things get complicated when Alex visits Jai and Sahil with a new male companion.

At a time when homosexual relations are considered illegal in India and activists all across the country clamour for the Supreme Court to repeal Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the Indian premiere of a film like LOEV at the MAMI festival will be a symbolic victory for Indian homosexuals.

Earlier, Bollywood has dealt with themes of homosexuality with either complete lack of understanding and toilet humour (Dostana) or a certain kind of reserve (My Brother Nikhil, I Am). LOEV, in that respect, is expected to push the envelope.

Watch the trailer of LOEV here:







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China has appointed Luo Zhaohui as its new ambassador to India as both sides look to defuse fresh tensions that have surfaced in ties between them.

By Ananth Krishnan: China has appointed its most experienced 'India hand' and a diplomat known for his 'firefighting' skills as its new ambassador to India as both sides look to defuse fresh tensions that have surfaced in ties between the two countries.

President Xi Jinping will arrive in Goa today for the BRICS Summit and for talks with Prime Minister Modi. Both sides are expected to discuss the recently strained relations from the technical hold on the application to sanction Masood Azhar to India's attempt to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and also moves to push Chinese investment into India.

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Also read: Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit to India, China says UNSC still divided on Masood Azhar



A week before his arrival, Xi on October 6 formally appointed Luo Zhaohui as the new ambassador in India, which was confirmed by the Chinese Parliament's standing committee last week. Luo had only served a little over two years as Canada ambassador, shorter than the four-year norm, and was sent to Delhi as both sides look to get ties on track.

INDIA HAND

Beijing clearly believes Luo, 54, is the right man to get ties back on track. His experience with India goes back almost three decades. Luo has a master's degree in Indian history from Peking University, and studied under the country's most renowned Indologist, Ji Xianlin. He spent five years in India from 1989 to 1993 as a second secretary in the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi.

Also read: Modi raises China's PoK corridor with Xi Jinping, slams Pakistan's terror links



ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER

Luo developed a reputation for firefighting during his tenure in Pakistan, where he served as ambassador from 2006 to 2010. He played a key role in defusing the "Lal Masjid siege" when Chinese workers of an Islamabad massage parlour were held hostage by Islamist vigilante groups.

Luo was at the time "a young, self-confident ambassador on the rise and a rarity in the Chinese foreign ministry both for his South Asia expertise and his towering height", noted Andrew Small in the 2015 book "China Pakistan Axis". His wife Jiang Yili is a diplomat and scholar who translated Benazir Bhutti's memoir into Chinese.

Also read: Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hangzhou, Pakistan, NSG on agenda

Luo played "an unusually active" role for usually "cautious" Chinese diplomats in defusing the row and freeing the hostages, notes Small, from directly engaging not only then President Musharraf but also key opposition and religious figures.

LUO FAMILIAR WITH INDIAN OFFICIALS



Luo is more than familiar with Indian officials - and particularly to Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar - as he served as the Director General of the Foreign Ministry's Asia Department and point man on India from 2011, when the foreign secretary was the ambassador to China.

--- ENDS ---

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Head of the National Defense Research University, Member of the CSTO Academic-Expert Council, Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Lieutenant-General Hayk Kotanjian delivered a report during the CSTO Conference on information security issues. Armenpress presents the full report of Hayk Kotanjian.

COMPLEMENTARITY IN DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA: RELEVANCE OF A STRATEGIC FORUM ON COOPERATION IN CYBERSPACE

Dear colleagues!

I have the honor to greet you on behalf of our Institute for National Strategic Studies of the National Defense Research University (INSS, NDRU), which in June 2013, at its international academic Strategic Forum facilitated the development of strategic guidelines for the Collective Security of the CSTO. The Forum was organized with participation of the CSTO Secretary General Mr. Nikolay Bordyuzha, allies from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, partners from the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair states  the U.S. and France, as well as other Member States of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program.

Remarkable that todays conference is held under the auspices of the CSTO Collective Security Councils session convened to come up with a decision on the approval of The CSTO Collective Security Strategy for the period up to 2025 developed based on academic-expert recommendations of the mentioned Strategic Forum of our Institute.

This session of the CSTO Conference on information security issues is the logical continuation of the quest for intersection of political and technological aspects of our states strategic interests in cyber security in the context of external security complementarity policy of the Republic of Armenia regarding both allies and Member States of the CSTO and partners from the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. It should be stressed that our Institute, while studying cyber security problems, does not deal with elements of information security content associated with propagandistic aspects of state institutions and NGO activities.

It is important to note that today with certain parity of varying degrees in the use of conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction among the militarily and economically leading world states and with the international law setting out the main principles of relations between them within such spaces as the land, sea, air, and space, the question of interstate parity and relations in cyberspace at the moment largely remains uncertain and open.

As we know, in the formation process of the global cyberspace, convergence of military and civilian computer technologies takes place, new tools and methods of active influence on the information infrastructure of potential adversaries are intensively developed, various specialized public institutions, cyber think-tanks, and business organizations are established in leading foreign countries.

From this point of view, the global informatization and the formation of the supranational cyberspace  a sovereignty over which is not established by agreed rules of conventional international law delineating the boundaries of the nation-states  determine the directions of the quest for international legal tools that would regulate cyber security at the level of the UN international consultations. In this sense the exchange of ideas among professionals at academic and expert fora, like our Conference, becomes important.

Adhering to the principle of conducting a multi-vector foreign policy reflecting the realities of the Republic of Armenias geostrategic position, the Institute for National Strategic Studies of the National Defense Research University continues its academic-expert cooperation with advanced academic centers of the U.S. such as the Information Resources Management College (iCollege) of the National Defense University and the Program Cybersecurity: The Intersection of Policy and Technology.

Under the known political-diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and the Russian Federation, whenever possible, our organization figures as one of academic platforms in organizing strategic fora in an academic-expert format for the discussion of the most pressing problems of security dynamics in our explosive region.

These quests for regulators have fundamentally changed the essence of ensuring the cyber security due to new challenges and modern military-political and strategic threats that do not face sovereign states and the international community, but require considerable responses. The information sphere as a backbone for governing the state and society actively influences the state of political, economic, defense and other fields in the Republic of Armenia. The active cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia with the CSTO, which has a mission to participate in ensuring stability and security in the region, is noteworthy in the process of parrying the abovementioned challenges.

With the expansion of capabilities of cyber infrastructure, difficulties are increasing in various sectors of the public life, associated with the provision of critical infrastructures safe operation, cryptographic protection of information, promotion of international parity in this area, as well as the threats such as computer or cyber terrorism that aims to damage information and digital systems.

In recent years, important changes are taking place in the UN: in August 2016, the Report following the Meeting of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on international information security recognized that the international law is applicable to the field of ICT use, though it can be developed, if necessary, including through the adoption of new norms, including rules and principles concerning responsible behavior of states in the information space. The GGE composed of representatives from 25 countries, including the U.S., Russia, China, among others. It thoroughly and constructively discusses the questions of adapting, based on a consensus, the norms of international law in the cyberspace to national legislations  in order to develop rules of conduct for states and establish confidence-building measures.

Together with the mentioned facts, the availability of such a cyber infrastructure in any state necessitates the development of a national strategy and establishment of mechanisms for policy implementation that will reflect special regulations of procedures carried out by competent authorities and concerned actors to ensure cyber security. However, due to the wide use of information and communication technologies in the life of states and societies, the formation of e-society and the construction of e-government becomes reality. Such changes require coordinated organizational and technological measures and concerted actions of public authorities in the framework of a common state policy to shape a system of a unified cyber platform at the national level.

In this context, the close cooperation of Armenia  with separate states and international organizations that promote security in the South Caucasus region through exchange of information, knowledge, and experience in the field of cybersecurity at interstate and interagency levels  is particularly important.

Given the increasing threats and challenges associated with the radical spread of ICT, in recent years Armenia has taken effective steps for the development of this sector at the national level; at the same time cooperating with international partners, the country is involving in the global information community. A good example of this is the fact that the next World Congress on Information Technology of 2019 will be held in Armenia. It should be noted that in close cooperation with the US National Defense University and Harvard University and based on the study of foreign countries experience the National Defense Research University of the Republic of Armenia developed a Draft of the National Cyber security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia to create a backbone for ensuring the republics cyber security. Academic consultations held between the Political Science Associations of Armenia and Russia play an important role in comprehending the limits of the multi-vector cooperation.

Cybersecurity is currently gaining significance as a new branch of our military-industrial complex, designed to ensure the ultimate goal  the defense security of our country. The attitude towards its development should not acquire departmental, but national character. In other words, cooperation between relevant agencies, academia, and private business becomes a security imperative. In this sense, the timely planning and coordination of cyber security provision and information warfare at the global and regional levels become one of high-priority directions in the national security system of the Republic of Armenia and should have a significant impact on its progressive development.

The question of the need for a code of conduct in cyberspace around the global, regional, and national infrastructure of the Internet is actively discussed within expert and technical communities of the Republic of Armenia. Recently, our Institute spoke at the Yerevan International Scientific Forum on Internet Governance with proposals to address this integration problem on the basis of creating a consolidated system of cooperation between government agencies, as well as international and national private business organizations.

Based on the recommendations of the Harvard Program Cyber security: The Intersection of Policy and Technology, as well as on the results of cooperation with the Information Resources Management College of the partner U.S. National Defense University, the INSS-NDRU of Armenia finalized the Draft of the National Cyber security Strategy. In cooperation with its partners, our organization, following the principles of complementarity, works in favor of Armenias integration into the dynamic formation process of a unified control system for cyber security dynamics at international, national, and corporate and private levels of dialogue, and cooperation with its allies and partners.

This approach is consistent with national interests of the Republic of Armenia and can become a step forward in its international cooperation in the field of cyber security with its allies from the CSTO and partners from the NATO Partnership for Peace Program.

Our Institute has the honor to propose to devote the International Strategic Forum of 2017 of the National Defense Research of University of Armenia to the PROSPECTS FOR DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION IN THE FORMATION OF CYBERSECURITY SYSTEM: THE INTERSECTION OF POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY. Having experience in using this academic platform for the discussion of topical issues concerning security dynamics of the region not solely in political, but in academically-mediated, academic and expert format, we are ready to address a proposal to the United Nations, to our esteemed partner think-tanks of the CSTO and NATO states for the joint organization of the Forum.
Scientific Cat-nundrums

their names both start with H

[Merpel's insurer doesn't know how much catnip she consumes.]

[Merpel has taken up parkour, because she won't have to pay for the hospital bills.]

Trophies, by R. Oxley, CC

This week, contracts won a Nobel prize. Or rather, economists Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmstrom were awarded the Nobel prize in economics for their work on contracts. Their studies have enhanced our understanding of incentives by examining how contracts affect relationships between employers, employees, societies and governments. The application of incentives to IP is broad - the innovation/social contract approach to IP, patents as performance indicators in employment contracts, and, the bread-and-butter of IP, licensing contracts.First of all, a bit of background. If you are an economist who supports the selection, i.e. that the winning economist's work supports your own work, then you must praise the Nobel committee's choice and the prestige of the prize. If you are not, then you must highlight that the economics prize is not a true Nobel prize, as it is comes from the Swedish National Bank , and therefore is not particularly impressive. Either way, one must be careful not to be too enthusiastic about a fellow economist's success, lest it be taken for indication of an emotional imbalance.Second of all, some tips if you, dear reader, are interested in winning said prize. First, start early and live long so that your genius has time to be recognised. Second, be male. Only one woman, Elinor Ostrom , has received the prize. Third, make sure you are somehow Western, and ideally American . Fourth, become at expert at posing for photos in front of books. Finally, surprisingly, remember you don't actually have to be an economist to win; John Nash , who had the gall to be a mathematician, won in 1994. Things really are going to pot.Hart and Holmstrom have won the prize becausethey developed complementary contract theories. Holmstrom began by studying trade-offs in contracts. The classic illustration is insurance, which combines both information asymmetry , where parties in a contract do not have the same information, and moral hazard , where a party may engage in riskier behaviour because the risk is shared. For example, a health insurer has less information about the insured's lifestyle than the insured.Once insured, the insured shares potential costs with the insurer, and will engage in riskier behaviour.Hart built further on this theory by examining the incompleteness of contracts. No contract can possibly foresee every outcome and consequence of incentives. He argued that property rights help mitigate this, as they place the burden of decision making on those with the property - and hence those with a stake in the unforeseen outcomes. Hart's recent work on prisons illustrates this; summarised by The Economist : "In publicly owned prisons, managers might underinvest in quality-improving measures, but private owners face too strong an incentive to cut costs, leading to conditions for prisoners that are worse than those in public prisons." These incentives apply to most government services. A privatised patent-granting body would have different incentives than a public body (think of those renewal fee$!)Readers of Katonomics will be familiar with economists' focus on the incentives-to-innovate theory of IP. This is often known as the Social Contract (covered previously here ), in which IP is a contract between innovators and society; the monopoly protection of IP provides a long-term incentive to innovate. Society cannot foresee (information asymmetry) the value of each potential innovation, so all innovators are granted the same level of protection. Assigning the property right to the innovator incentivises innovation as the innovator has a stake in the outcome and the IP system as a whole.A goal of researcher employment contracts is to align firms' innovation needs with employee incentives. Patents are sometimes used as a metric of performance. There is a large body of economic analysis on the use of patents as a measure of innovation ; the general conclusion of which is that patents measure patents, not innovation. More specifically, Harhoff and Hoisl (2007) examine German policies via a large survey, and find that, unsurprisingly, more valuable patents are associated with higher levels of employee compensation. Baker (1992) models scientists' salaries as entirely dependent on the number of patents they produce (a problematic assumption.) In his model, scientists are unduly incentivised to work on "easy" patents and therefore the employer reduces the per-patent payment to avoid overpaying. Japan has recently changed its approach to patents, making it easier for employers to own patents generated by employees.Finally, licensing contracts enjoy a never-ending analysis of incentives and clauses. The primary job of lawyers negotiating and drafting such contracts is to align the incentives in the contract with the needs of the client. While researching the biotech sector in 2007, I came across an interesting case. My interviewee had exclusively licensed a product on a royalty basis. The licensee instead marketed a competing product, leaving the licensor without royalties. The contract had been used to eliminate competition from the market, and failed to align the parties' incentives. Another anecdote is the use by wealthy Multi-national Companies (MNC) of reversion clauses when partnering with companies in developing countries. The MNC engages in joint research and market expansion, then deliberately causes the project to fail in order to trigger the reversion clause. Both background and foreground IP, as per the contract, revert to the MNC. It's a cheap way to expand internationally.I invite readers to tell their stories of the odd quirks of licensing contracts in the comments. In the meantime, I'm off to work with Merpel on contract incentives of catnip producers. Fingers crossed for a Nobel!
The Guardian report is critical of the UK governments response to this situation. Although Richard Ratcliffe has very publicly advocated for his wifes release, drawing the attention of a number of human rights organizations in the process, the government has remained conspicuously silent. Although Zaghari-Ratcliffes case has reportedly been mentioned on the sidelines of other meetings between the two governments, the UK leadership has not made public calls for her release, and has not publicly decried the apparently false accusations against her.

Zaghari-Ratcliffes arrest was accompanied by accusations that she was one of the leaders of an infiltration network that seeks to facilitate the soft overthrow of the Islamic Republic. But no evidence of this has been presented, and it is widely assumed that she was targeted simply on the basis of her British citizenship and her connections with the West, including through her employer the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Her husband has described the Iranian governments accusations as preposterous, and many reports on her situation have pointed out that the Thomson Reuters Foundation does not even do any work in Iran, making it extremely difficult to imagine how Zaghari-Ratcliffe could head an infiltration network in a country she only occasionally visited. The notion that her charges are falsified is reinforced by the fact that she is just one of numerous Western nationals who have been targeted by hardline Iranian authorities, especially after last years nuclear agreement.

The Guardian report points out that none of those arrestees who hold UK citizenship or permanent resident status have been released so far this year. By contrast, five US citizens and two Canadians have been released, thanks in large part to pressure from the relevant national governments. In light of this, non-governmental organizations are strongly urging the UK government to exert similar pressure, and even to go further by attempting to take Islamic Republic leaders to the International Criminal Court.

This course of action was made especially feasible after the human rights group known as Redress presented Zaghari-Ratcliffes case to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions and convinced them to affirm that the situation violates the international covenant on civil and political rights.

With the additional leverage of this commentary, Zaghari-Ratcliffes advocates find it unacceptable that she remains in prison with the UK government taking remarkably little action to address her case. The Guardian points out that Homa Hoodfar, an Iranian-Canadian anthropology professor who was taken prisoner around the same time as Zaghari-Ratcliffe, was recently released in spite of the fact that Canada has no consular relations with Iran, and Britain does.

But it is possibly precisely because of these different levels of diplomatic relations that the Canadian government has recently proven more amenable to exerting pressure on Tehran. Indeed, at least where the Canadian parliament in concerned, this pressure has not been limited to the Hoodfar case but has also included calls for a United Nations inquiry into past human rights abuses, namely the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, which was only recently acknowledged by the Iranian regime.

These sorts of past abuses could be seen as highlighting the importance of acting quickly to secure the freedom of dual nationals like Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Irans pattern of prisoner abuse and misapplication of the death penalty puts political prisoners of all stripes in greater danger, the longer they remain in Iranian jails. And one need not look back to the 1988 massacre to see the reality of this danger. Some current or recently released prisoners are keen to make known their own sufferings under the Iranian judicial system.

This fact was reported on Thursday by Front Page Mag, which published an article featuring quotations from Ajab Gol Nour Zehi, a prisoner who has experienced extensive torture at the hands of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and other hardline authorities. He detailed being beaten with cables and stabbed on the soles of his feet, being hung from the ceiling, and being left with fractures and holes in his flesh. Zehi also explained that when the torture caused him to lose consciousness, he would be given medical attention until he recovered, only to have the torture resume immediately.

The article points out that this and many other prisoners bear severe scars on their bodies, which would serve as definitive proof of Irans human rights violations, if the matter were independently investigated. Such investigation is certain to be difficult, since the Islamic Republic has barred the UN special rapporteur on Iran human rights from visiting the country, and has established punishments for people who speak to him remotely. But despite these additional threats, Front Page Mag insists that victims are speaking out now about their heinous treatment in an attempt to gain the attention of UN officials.

If their stories do reach relevant international authorities, it could be grounds for additional criminal prosecution of Iranian leaders, alongside the cases already being advocated with regard to the 1988 massacre and the arrests of Zaghari-Ratcliffe and others. But Irans human rights abuses are already widely known; what is needed apart from awareness is political will, and the Guardian article suggests that among the UK and other Western governments, it is clear that that will has lately been lacking.
Iran was joined last year by Russia in directly contributing to the war effort on Assads behalf. Russian airstrikes are described as primarily targeting more moderate rebel groups, instead of the highly militant Islamic State. Those airstrikes have recently broken ceasefires brokered at the international level, with the US and Russia itself leading the talks. They also support ground operations that in some cases are reportedly led by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its local militant proxies.

Meanwhile, the US continues to back moderate rebel groups, although direct involvement is relatively slight. This situation led to Assad using the interview to describe the Syrian Civil War as a conflict between Russia and the West. This highlights the specter of broader war emerging out of the regional strife.

Assads comments on Saudi Arabia may have been aimed at isolating the West, suggesting that Saudi commitment to the rebel faction is only incidental. However, by some accounts, the US itself was willing to compromise with the Assad regime at the very outset of the war, before such developments as Assads use of chemical weapons on civilian populations stoked the anger of Obama administration figures such as current Secretary of State John Kerry.

Commenting upon Jay Solomons book The Iran Wars, an article at The Federalist recently claimed that Kerry had initially believed Assad could be turned away from his alliance with Tehran. But at the same time that that alliance has become increasingly entrenched, so have the Syrians and Iranians mutual alliances with Moscow. Assads comments seem to imply the rigid nature of those alliances, embracing the Syrian Civil War as the focal point of a much more general East-West conflict.

The same thing is arguably true of the US and Saudi Arabia, however conditional their initial commitments may have been. But in absence of independent confirmation, it is entirely possible that Assads commentary was intended only to discredit his leading regional opposition and to portray Western involvement as being relatively unrelated to the plight of the Syrian people.

Of course, many critics of the Obama administration, including Jay Solomon, maintain that the White House has indeed been inadequately attentive to the plight of Syrians, as evidenced by its failure to react after Assad crossed Obamas proclaimed red lines with the use of chemical weapons. The Federalist explains and endorses the views of such critics, asserting with Solomon that Obamas policies in the Middle East have effectively been held hostage by the Iran nuclear deal, which the administration insists upon defending above all else.

By most accounts, this situation is influenced not only by the desire to constrain the Iranian nuclear program but also by the US presidents larger interest in reorienting Iran-US relations. Defenders of the administrations policy argue that this is a goal that is shared by a significant faction within the Iranian regime, and is therefore achievable. Such a view was outlined specifically with regard to the Syrian Civil War and US-Russian relations, in an article that appeared Friday in the Huffington Post.

That article traced modern Iranian history in order to argue that the current Iranian government is not interested in being closely allied to either the East or the West, and can thus be persuaded to shift focus away from Russia if given enough incentive. But this point of view is widely disputed, and previous features at Iran News Update have speculated that Tehran may be consciously shifting toward the East, in the interest of reaffirming its longstanding national identity as a bulwark against US-led imperialism and Israeli power in the Middle East.

This perspective is supported by a range of recent developments in relations among Iran, Russia, China, and others. Although Iran maintains that the comparatively slow pace of reestablishment of European economic ties is the result of ongoing US led restrictions, some analysts and lawmakers have pointed out that Iran is taking none of the steps that could begin to overcome these restrictions.

Meanwhile, Russias Lukoil has become the first foreign oil company to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iran in the era of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Global Risk Insights indicated on Thursday that Iran was readily reciprocating the Russian economic diplomacy that is being led by Lukoil. And while there is certainly some possibility of divergent Iranian and Russian interests, including in the Syrian Civil War, this expanded cooperation seemingly makes it more likely that the two partners will continue to coordinate in their defense of Assad as well.

In other words, with respect both to Irans regional foreign policies and to its economic and trade policies, the countrys leadership seems to have more and more incentive to shift away from what the Huffington Post characterizes as a principle of neither East nor West. And indeed, the nuclear negotiations that concluded last year were explicitly aimed at encouraging the Islamic Republic to open up to foreign influence and cooperation.

Unfortunately for the Western advocates of those negotiations, hardline elements of the Iranian government continue to actively oppose such an opening with the US, while supposedly moderate factions have made no serious efforts to contradict this position. On the other hand, there appears to be considerably less hardline opposition to expanded relations with Eastern partners such as Russia and China. Bloomberg suggested as much in a report that it published Thursday regarding Iranian-Chinese economic relations.

In keeping with the Huffington Posts notion of neither East nor West, Bloomberg suggests that Iran had previously been opposed to large-scale Chinese influence in certain areas of the Iranian economy. But the article goes on to explain that this attitude has recently come to change. Contributing to this shift is the recently-introduced Iranian oil contracts, which preserve the widespread economic power of businesses wholly owned by hardline entities like the Revolutionary Guards.

Whereas the danger of enriching such entities has become a serious point of contention for the US government as the White House pushes for further rapprochement, little has been made of it by the Chinese businesses that are already established inside Iran.
Zhang is the leader of the latest two-year rotation of China's medical team providing assistance to Papua New Guinea's health system forged under a bilateral agreement signed in 2002.

"We will risk our lives to help them," Zhang said.

But those ills are not stopping him from treating the local patients.

IT IS early May and 48-year-old Chinese doctor Zhang Jinsong can barely walk, leaning against the stair railing of his Papua New Guinean apartment. He is battling a high fever, body aches and swollen eyes.

The move marked the first time China had sent a medical team of its kind to the Pacific, a sign of the strengthening ties between the two nations.

"One of our closest friends in the international community is the People's Republic of China," PNG minister for national events and APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, told an audience at the opening of the Chinese-built Port Moresby International Convention Centre, marking 40 years of bilateral relations.

Infrastructure and building projects are a booming part of Chinese-PNG cooperation but the development of the health sector continues to form the bedrock of the relationship.

PNG has one of the poorest and least equipped health systems in the world, with only one doctor in every 17,000 people, making it highly susceptible to epidemics.

Currently, PNG is battling HIV/AIDS, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria and dengue fever, among other public health threats.

Early in the morning, the Port Moresby General Hospital deploys its specially equipped wire-meshed van to pick up the Chinese medical team assisting local doctors, only to return in the evening for further duties, such as treating Chinese citizens in the community who are ill.

"I treat about 20 inpatients every month, and receive 60 outpatients every week," Zhang said.

However, across the spectrum, the workload for international medical practitioners is bound to increase in a nation ravaged by disease.

China and PNG recently expanded their medical cooperation to implement a new program to combat malaria in remote provinces, while searching for other international partners to bring more doctors with specific expertise into the country.

"Disease and illness do not observe borders, and we in Papua New Guinea must have an open policy to bring in expertise and skills where we can find them around the world," says prime minister Peter O'Neill.

The new program drawing on China's expertise in combating malaria in Africa and parts of Asia seeks to reduce incidence rates by 95% in the rural and urban target areas.

Malaria is one of the most common diseases affecting the majority of PNG's rural and urban poor, significantly impacting the development of the Pacific leader by placing an undue burden on its fledgling healthcare system.

"The reality is that we can fight malaria and reduce the cost to our society," Tkatchenko said.

"No one should die from malaria, and the disease can be overcome through both prevention and treatment."

But treating mosquito-borne diseases does not come without risk.

Despite taking major precautions, Zhang and six other members of his 10-person team were still infected with dengue fever, an acute mosquito-transmitted condition described as one of the world's most serious health hazards. The disease is inseparable from their work.

"In the courtyard, we used dichlorvos insecticide to kill mosquitoes; in the room, we use electric mosquito coils and mosquito repellant," Zhang said. "But the prevention and treatment of such diseases require large-scale, anti-mosquito operations by the government. Otherwise, no place will be spared from the health threat."

Safety is another concern for the team. PNG, namely, its capital Port Moresby, consistently ranks high on the world's lists of dangerous places to live in, especially at night.

"For safety reasons, we basically stay within barbed-wire enclosures equipped with a security post during our days off," Zhang said.

When asked if he would attend to an emergency at night, Zhang said he would definitely perform his duty.

"It's tough if there is a life-threatening situation, but we must go," Zhang said.

"We are here on a mission assigned by our country and we must complete it."
About Me

Name: Carl in Jerusalem Location: Jerusalem, Israel

I am an Orthodox Jew - some would even call me 'ultra-Orthodox.' Born in Boston, I was a corporate and securities attorney in New York City for seven years before making aliya to Israel in 1991 (I don't look it but I really am that old :-). I have been happily married to the same woman for thirty-five years, and we have eight children (bli ayin hara) ranging in age from 13 to 33 years and nine grandchildren. Four of our children are married! Before I started blogging I was a heavy contributor on a number of email lists and ran an email list called the Matzav from 2000-2004. You can contact me at: IsraelMatzav at gmail dot com

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[October 14, 2016] Sigma Tax Pro Warns Against Fraudulent IRS Emails Related To The Affordable Care Act

It seems that fraudsters will not stop the relentless attack on America's taxpayers, the latest scam involves fraudulent emails that appear to contain a tax bill related to the Affordable Care Act. The IRS and its Security Summit partners issued a warning about these fake emails after receiving a flood of inquiries about the issue. The emails contain a fraudulent version of a CP2000 notice, it is usually an attachment requesting that payments eiher be mailed in or made online.



The issue has been reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration but concerns remain that taxpayers will still be duped by the emails. Mitch Elbarki, CEO of Sigma Tax Pro explains the issue, "While the CP2000 is a real notice from the IRS it is always mailed to taxpayers and never emailed. If you receive a CP2000 via email you can be sure it is fraudulent." Taxpayers should forward any such emails to [email protected] and then delete them. Sigma Tax Pro provides a full range of essential services for tax pros. This includes industry leading software solutions as well as technical support, tax preparation support and client retention strategies. Sigma Tax Pro specializes in helping tax preparation firms expand their businesses, open new offices and increase their client base.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161014005800/en/

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Well, October is here, and with that The Throwback Machine kicks off a month-long look at all things scary from the JG-TC archives. I wanted to begin with a notice in the paper of the first horror movie I remember seeing, the 1977 film Day of the Animals, you know, the one where Leslie Nielsen wrestles a grizzly bear, but apparently it didnt show here in Mattoon or Charleston. So instead you get this announcement from the Dec. 7, 1984, Journal Gazette of a midnight-only re-release screening of the zombies-in-a-mall classic Dawn of the Dead at the legendary Will Rogers in Charleston.

I did want to touch on the other films showing at The Will that week, which was odd given that it was the holidays, were all horror films. Night of the Comet was one of those staples of late night USA reruns; just your typical story of plucky teenagers forced to fight a world full of vampire-zombies when the entire adult population is turned into red dust after the earth passes through the tail of a comet. I saw it much later when I bought an old liquidated VHS copy from Video Revue here in Mattoon (RIP). According to my records, I gave it two and a half stars.

Terror in the Aisles is a real relic; marketed as a documentary, its actually an almost-feature length clip show, hosted by Donald Pleasance and the always-cute Nancy Allen, of scary and suspenseful bits of horror movies from the then-present back to the 1930s.

This was actually a common thing back in the early 80s, as most upstart VHS labels would release compilation tapes of their best gory moments from films in their library meant to freak out slumber parties, but imagine going to the theaters to see something like that today. I guess it made sense in the early 80s. VCRs were still new, and unless you saw those movies on your local Creature Feature, you probably hadnt seen them at all.

But Dawn of the Deadgeez, where do I start? I remember the day the parental units took a trip out of town for the weekend, left me the video rental card (remember when you needed one of those) and told me to go nuts. I dont know why Dawn of the Dead was the first movie that came to mind. It was probably because it was one of the first VHS boxes I was fascinated with back in those early days of video stores here in Mattoon when I would roam about and stare at all the oh-so forbidden horror movies on the shelves.

So yeah, needless to say, Dawn of the Dead, which I viewed late at night, all alone, blew my young mind. Lets get real, of course it did. It was violent; and Im talking 1970s violence here folks. If you look closely at the ad youll notice theres no rating listed, and you couldnt get in at all if you were under 17, which means, yeah thats technically an X rating, even though they skirted around that by releasing it unrated.

My love for the movie was, as youd expect, instant and total. I probably rented it three more times before buying my own VHS copy from whatever that record and movie store was in the Champaign MallCoconuts? Sam Goody? I remember it had a nicely touched-up and recolored version of the same zombie sitting slowly up in three movements picture from the same dusty VHS copy I was renting from Broadway Video (RIP, as well) here in Mattoon.

It had a yellow sticker on the bottom corner that said Original Theatrical Cut covering a mistake on the box saying it was the Directors Cut, thus filling me with the delicious promise that somewhere there was such a thing in existence.

And believe me I showed it to practically everyone I knew. And I mean everyone. By the time I was into my teens, and I had converted my parents front room (as I called it) into the movie room, I would drag virtually every friend I knew into it and force them to watch Dawn.

Most, I must say, ended up loving it as much as I did, thankfully. I still get texts from friends of mine telling they had another Dawn of the Dead dream, where they had to run around a shopping mall avoiding zombies while trying to lock down the stores and close the entrances. Its rare for a horror movie to show you that surviving such a thing might be more work than youd think.

Dawn of the Dead has actually been on my mind a lot lately; mostly because, believe it or not, I havent seen it in in a long time despite the fact that I do indeed have the much-longer four disc version somewhere in my closet.

But, I dont knowafter the last few months of binging on election coverage and trying to shake off the feeling that somewhere weve thrown a bolt in the mechanism that is our collective national sanity machine, I realized that the reason why Dawn of the Dead had such an effect on me wasnt just because of the gory bits; it was the first movie I saw to correctly suggest that the real fear is that everythings going to be perfectly normal until the morning when you wake up and suddenly nothing is.

Sigh. Not the most cheery thought in the world, but this is the month of scary things after all. In the meantime, as I draft up my own zombie apocalypse plans to take over the County Market and use potato salad as currency, Ill cheer myself up by breaking out my vintage Dawn of the Dead board game, which I bought off e-Bay back in 2001 and will only allow on the table if Ive got plastic gloves on. The price I paid for it? Now thats also scary.
MATTOON (JG-TC) -- Approximately 160 Charleston, Mattoon and Oakland high school students toured industrial facilities on Friday in Coles County as part of Manufacturing Day 2016.

The Coles Together economic development organization hosted this event as part of an effort to draw attention to the opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.

Tours were held at Birkeys Farm Store, Hi-Cone, J.J. Collins, Lester Buildings, Rural King, Mattoon Precision Manufacturing, Lenders Bagels, and Coles County Memorial Airport. The goal was to showcase local career options that are "innovative, challenging, rewarding, and, most of all, unconventional."

Coles Together reported in a press release that conventional notions about manufacturing lead to common misconceptions about this field. By giving manufacturers an opportunity to show what manufacturing is and isnt, students may choose to pursue careers they were unaware existed.

Angela Griffin, president of Coles Together, said Manufacturing Day is important for both the student and the manufacturer.

There is a shortage of applicants and an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program, and operate technology," Griffin said. "Automation, additive (3D) manufacturing, as well as cutting-edge robotics, require new skill sets. Addressing these challenges by showcasing career opportunities for students allows both communities and future generations to thrive.

The economic development organization reported that Coles County is uniquely positioned to train students for careers in todays advanced manufacturing environment.

Eastern Illinois University and Lake Land College have programs designed to launch students into manufacturing careers. Many employees in the countys manufacturing facilities acquired skills and degrees from these institutions.

Lake Land President Josh Bullock said in the press release that the college is committed to training a local workforce thats well equipped to succeed in todays manufacturing environment.

Lake Land College faculty work closely with local manufacturing leaders to ensure students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the regions high tech, modern manufacturing operations, Bullock said.

Manufacturing Day is an event that celebrates modern manufacturing. It occurs annually in October and is celebrated in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and throughout Europe.
Obama: Trump's not fit in any way to lead. What makes Obama think he has been such a great leader?

Like Hillary, a leader, lying to the American people. Hillary has called Trump a liar, a dictator, unfit to be a president, but, what Hillary is really doing, is describing her self. Hillary has accused Trump of dividing our country. That blame can fall on both, Obama and Hillary's shoulders.

As I watch, and listen to Obama and, Hillary, they remind me of a dictator of the 1930s and 1940s.

How many of you still remember Adolf Hitler?

Although Trump has stuck his foot in his mouth many times, I see a bit of a late Democrat (and a darn good one) President. How many of you still remember Harry S. Truman? Truman was a man who said what he thought, he called a spade a spade.

Trump could well be the very next thing to another Harry S. Truman, a common sense, no nonsense, president.

Lord knows, the American people don't want, or need, another liar in the White House.

I'm still hoping Hillary Clinton is looking at 25 years to life, in a federal prison cell, where she belongs.

Stanley M. Callahan, Neoga
In 2012, Sam Koim, head of the countrys anticorruption agency Investigation Taskforce Sweep, drew international attention to the millions of PNG kina that have allegedly been laundered into Australia by PNG elites  much of it ending up in the north-eastern Australian property markets.

This is particularly apparent in Papua New Guinea, where, until recently, a booming economy has enabled elites to amass state largesse for personal and political advantage.

As cross-border financial flows increase, so too does the potential for cleansing dirty money.

ECONOMIC globalisation brings with it opportunities for money laundering involving politics and local and transnational networks.

For its role in harbouring illicit funds, he dubbed Australia the Cayman Islands of the Pacific. While the Pacific Islands remains one of the most heavily aid-dependent regions in the world, another well-placed observer has commented that inward flows of development aid are often more than matched by outward flows of illicit money to be stashed or spent abroad, often in the very same countries providing development assistance.

An investigation by NGO Global Witness and Australian media outlets Fairfax and SBS, shows that the laundering of corrupt monies between PNG and Australia involves a network of banks, real-estate markets, politicians and lawyers.

In June 2015 lawyers in PNG were caught on film explaining how to launder illicit money through Australia.

This system involves politicians paying inflated invoices to Australian and Papua New Guinean lawyers who transfer funds into Australian bank accounts or property, where it can be accessed by corrupt politicians.

While certain parts of the Pacific have a reputation for money laundering, the case of Vanuatu  an offshore financial centre - shows that these problems can also be addressed. In the 1990s, Vanuatus politicians (including the prime minister) were embroiled in a money laundering scandal, where US1.1 million dollars of cyclone relief were allegedly syphoned off into the PMs personal accounts in Singapore and Malaysia.

No money was recovered and no charges were ever laid against officials. Political leaders and government officials also attacked the countrys independently minded Ombudsman Commissioner who had highlighted this and other cases of large scale government corruption, ultimately resulting in her replacement by a commissioner deemed more sympathetic to the government in 1998, after a new authorising Act was passed.

Yet, some years later the country managed to acquire a reputation for good governance. So much so that in 2008, the US governments Millennium Challenge corporation selected Vanuatu as the first country to receive unconditional aid, due to its reputation for clean government.

Vanuatu has continued to maintain a reputation for responding strongly to corruption.

In 2015, 14 MPs  almost 30% of the countrys Parliament - were successfully prosecuted for corrupt activities, demonstrating that the states accountability system was better equipped to respond to political corruption than many other Pacific nations.

Extreme cases of corruption also characterised Solomon Islands dramatic decline during its tensions period (1998-2003).

The peacemaking process between rival ethnic militias established under the Townsville Peace Agreement in 2000 became rapidly corrupted as domestic rent seekers, including political leaders, sought to appropriate compensation funds set aside as restitution for those who had suffered material loss during the conflict.

As the national economy went into free fall, assorted foreign carpetbaggers sought to capitalise on the collapse of the countrys regulatory and enforcement agencies and the seemingly inexhaustible greed of local elites.

These included efforts by a little known Australian company offering to purchase 80% equity in the Solomon Islands Development Bank and, later, to acquire extensive rights to engage in mining, tourism, logging, fishing, banking, printing and a range of service activities.

Only a timely intervention by the Central Bank prevented the government proceeding further on a detailed memorandum of understanding with the company.

The subsequent deployment of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - 2003-2017 - and its substantial engagement around institutional strengthening has significantly improved governance and financial management in the island nation, though, by no means, ended the ability of local elites to plunder state coffers or disrupted the money politics that continues to animate the prevailing national political culture.

While the case of PNG highlights that economic globalisation helps enable opportunities for money laundering, developments in Vanuatu and in Solomon Islands nevertheless suggest that the negative impacts of these nefarious networks in the Pacific are open to remedial interventions by domestic and international actors.
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I would like to quell any rumours and misinformation that the Bougainville senior appointments committee was one-sided in choosing the departmental heads, he said.

Dr Momis said the selection of departmental heads and the chief secretary had been a rigorous process overseen by a panel of senior public servants.

BOUGAINVILLE president John Momis has downplayed rumours that the Bougainville senior appointments committee was biased in its recent selection of top public servants in the autonomous province.

There are even rumours suggesting that the new chief secretary, Joseph Nobetau was chosen because he is from Buin District, which happens to be my place of origin, he added.

Dr Momis reassured the people of Bougainville that the process of appointing Mr Nobetau was one of integrity that determined Mr Nobetau was the best suited candidate for the chief secretarys position.

The four new secretaries, James Tanis, Wesley Kenneth, Brenda Toihana and Justin Kehatsin were all chosen upon merit as the best possible candidates, he said.

Candidates who applied for the departmental heads positions were put through a demanding process where they were screened by a panel consisting of prominent Papua New Guineans and senior public servants such as former Ombudsman Commissioner Illa Gena and Melchior Togolo.

The selection panel made a shortlist of three viable candidates which was presented to the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee who made the final decision on the best candidates to take up the positions.

The appointments committee comprised President Momis, lawyer Hubert Kikira, Dr Naomi Tulaha and Uniting Church bishop, Rev Tim Arthur.
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
KEARNEY -- Jay Buckley is a man of the law.

But instead of a gun on his hip, he carries clippers for trimming shaggy cattle fur.

Hes a brand inspector. One of nearly 100 men and women who spend their days in the back lots of sale barns and traveling dusty gravel roads to inspect and verify the ownership of nearly every cow, steer, heifer and bull in the western two-thirds of Nebraska.

But in the past couple of years, Buckley has come to feel the principles underlying the Nebraska Brand Committee are being eroded, and he fears its own board of directors plans to gut its finances by lowering the rate it charges registered feedlots.

The governor-appointed board that oversees the committee has proposed sweeping policy changes and hired Nebraska Interactive, the state's computer application designer, to develop web-based bookkeeping software that will modernize its operations.

The move comes in the wake of a July report released by State Auditor Charlie Janssen that raised questions over management of the brand inspection agency.

One former committee member and at least two high-level employees quit earlier this year because they felt issues were being mishandled.

Buckley and other critics of the five-member oversight committee say its taking advantage of the situation to propose changes to state law that could let the committee lower what it charges for inspections. Some feedlots in the brand inspection area have long complained about the inspection fee.

Committee member Jaclyn Wilson of Lakeside said being able to set fees for registered feedlots independently makes sense, because they get a different level of service.

Feedlots pay a one-time registration fee based on capacity, have their cattle inspected when they come in and keep paperwork on hand for occasional audits. Inspections aren't required when the cows leave, she said.

We were providing a value to registered feed yards. Its just a different value than were providing the cow-calf producer or the nonregistered feed yard, Wilson said.

Smaller cattle operations get a different level of service, she said.

Just fewer than 100 registered feedlots provide about $800,000 of the Brand Committees $4.6 million annual budget, Wilson said.

Board members are charged with running the Brand Committee as a business, and its services should be priced accordingly, she said.

At a public meeting earlier this month, the committee approved a proposal it plans to forward to the Nebraska Legislature. The proposal was drafted by a working group, the makeup of which the Nebraska Independent Cattlemen have criticized for excluding anyone critical of the Brand Committees recent actions.

The working group included Nebraska Cattlemen Vice President of Member Services Melody Benjamin, who in 2010 questioned the need for the Brand Committee but has been supportive more recently.

Nebraska Independent Cattlemen President David Wright and Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen both criticized the idea of lowering fees for feedlots, saying it puts more of the burden of funding the agency on smaller producers.

The committee seems to have the idea that a certain segment of the livestock industry shouldnt have to pay, Wright said.

He and Hansen questioned how the Brand Committee will make ends meet with less income at the same time it takes on the expense of its new computer system tentatively set to be launched July 1. Nebraska Interactive is charging 6 cents for every head of cattle the Brand Committee inspects. In fiscal 2014-15, it inspected 3.43 million.

Wilson said the Brand Committee hopes the new computer system will make inspections more efficient, which will lead to savings and potentially lower rates for all inspections.

The 53-page audit report released this summer also raised allegations that the head of the organization, Shawn Harvey, violated state law by driving a state-owned pickup for personal business, backdating an employee's disciplinary form to deceive a state official and approving the sale of livestock without proof of ownership by a man with a criminal record who another inspector had flagged.

The issues have been referred to the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office for review.

Harvey resigned as director in August but was immediately hired back at the same pay in a position the committee created specifically for him, interim chief investigator and director of field operations.

Buckley said actions taken by the committee and directions coming from top management run contrary to existing policy and state law. He said he feels inspectors are being pressured to be less strict in enforcing the rules.

Buckley said Harvey told him over the phone in December 2015 to release sale proceeds for cattle despite the seller not providing proof of ownership. The incident was noted in the audit report and labeled a misunderstanding by the committee.

Harvey thought the hold was placed due to an inspector error and that is why he ordered the funds released, the Brand Committee said in its audit response.

But Buckley said other inspectors, who did not want to speak on the record, have been told to get along with sellers and the managers of sales barns.

The Brand Committee is not a business any more than a police department is, he said. Inspectors are there to enforce the law.

Buckley has devoted more than a decade to matching lines seared into cattle hides with the 34,500 brands in the record book, dealing with sellers irate at money being frozen until they prove ownership and upholding laws meant to protect Nebraska cattle owners.

If I cant hold funds because something is wrong (with proof of ownership), what good am I doing?" he asked. "Im not doing my job.

Wilson said Buckley has not taken his concerns to committee members, and while he might not like policy changes, they need to be made.

You cant expect a business that has ran stagnant for 75 years without a number of changes to continue the path it is going," Wilson said. "Its time to catch up to modern day. That means the implementation of a new technology program that allows us to have a checks and balances program.

Were really incredibly encouraged by the direction the committee is going in right now. Its going to be nothing but positive for the producers, some of the things that are coming down the pipeline. Is it a change? Absolutely.
A simple carved wooden bowl, a gourd banjo thats more than a century old, toys made by children, sculptures from South Africa and Zimbabwe and paintings and photographs of Africa all sat on shelves and floors and leaned against walls Thursday.

A floor below, a pair of baristas tried out equipment in a coffee shop where tables are covered with bright, patterned cloths and the walls lined with baskets and photos.

The Midwestern African Museum of Art, Culture and Resource Center was three days away from its grand opening.

As workers prepared the front of the building for the hanging of African flags and artist Greg Sparling got to work installing the art in the museums second floor Malaika Gallery, the bowl was passed around a table where the museums principal staff was meeting to work out the details of Sunday's grand opening.

The bowl was carried to Nebraska by a young refugee from South Sudan, an unassuming personal treasure that is symbolic for the museum.

The bowl holds a lot of value, even though its just a bowl, said museum founder and president Seth Mock said. When he gave it to us, he said I dont know anywhere else I could have this displayed. The bowl meant the world to him. It showed he was alive. He made it. Well share the story of the thousands of refugees. Nobody tells those stories.

Mocks is one of those stories. A refugee from South Sudan, whos been in the U.S. for about 20 years, he landed in Omaha when his father, who didnt like or feel welcomed in Des Moines, Iowa, loaded the family with 14 children in a U-Haul and headed to Nebraska -- even though dad didnt really know how to drive.

A decade ago, Mock was running an Omaha barbershop and trying to sell African art when he got the idea for the museum.

A couple years ago, he and his wife Pamela, the museums administrator, met with Natalie Hahn, the founder and president of the Malaika Foundation, which works to enhance global education and understanding in Nebraska schools and communities, who spent 14 years of her 38-year career with United Nations in Africa.

Last year, the museum acquired the building on the south side of Q Street and began assembling the collection it will unveil Sunday.

About 100 of those objects came from Hahn. A set of Zimbabwe and South African sculptures came from the family of the late Rep. Howard Wolpe, who was one of Congresss major advocates pushing for the abolition of apartheid in South Africa and a close friend of Nelson Mandela.

Maine artist Dorothy Hayes donated watercolor paintings she made while working with children in Nigeria and Malawi. And works by Nebraskans, who love Africa, like photographer Susan Ranta or are from Africa, like sculptor Asaad Komi, who works in leather, were gathered for display.

The work on the building has been led Mujahid Tiger Elhaj, who has been assisted by other refugees.

Its been local artisans who are South Sudanese who have contributed artistically and architecturally, the museums design, Hahn said. Its built by South Sudanese.

That is appropriate as Nebraska is home to 12,000 families from South Sudan, the most of any state in the country.

All we wanted to do is give back, Mock said. We felt Nebraska has given us so much. Were lucky we made it here, to be welcomed here. Thats why its so important to have the project to give back to Nebraska, especially to be in Lincoln, the capital.

Sundays grand opening will feature special guest Joyce Banda, the former president of Malawi, who will be the first African president to visit Nebraska.

Banda is the second woman to be president of an African nation. An educator and womens rights activist, she served as Malawis minister of foreign affairs and vice president before serving as president from 2012-2014. She is now a distinguished fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and Center for Global Development in Washington, D.C.

Sunday also will be the soft opening for Mamas Coffee Hut.

Its going to be a different kind of coffee shop, Pamela Mock said. We want it to be an experience. Africans really like to enjoy their coffee. We want this to be a place where people come and enjoy each others company, not just pick up their coffee and leave. This is our gathering place -- thats a huge part of African culture.

The museum will be more than just a display space.

Educational programs will be offered to teachers and students in Lincoln and Nebraska and it hopes to be the site for cultural events and performances.

The resource center will provide services for refugees, including a licensed therapist, himself a refugee, who can assist those having difficulties in the transition to a new homeland.

Were not turning a blind eye to the negative, we know its there, said Mubanga Chongo-Ofafa, the museums public relations director. Were trying to be a resource to navigate through the challenges, the barriers.

When you are displaced from your home, there are going to be challenges. Were trying to be that resource to help people understand it doesnt have to be a negative experience.

Even with much of its artwork still to be placed, the value of the museum to Lincoln was obvious.

I love how this museum is highlighting us as an international city, said Lincoln City Council chair Leirion Gaylor Baird, who will take part in Sundays grand opening. In doing some research for Sunday, I learned that LPS has students from 25 different African countries in our schools. ... It (the museum) is a celebration of who we are as a city.
Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers on Friday called out a fellow member of the Legislature for posting a racist image on Facebook.

Sen. David Schnoor of Scribner on July 14 shared a photo that had been posted by another person of Black Angus cows blocking a roadway.

The caption under the photo read Road blocked due to a black lives matter protest in the sandhills.

Black Lives Matter is a movement that decries violence and racism against black people.

Chambers decried the Facebook post during a Agriculture Committee hearing on Friday about the Nebraska Brand Committee, which records cattle brands, inspects cattle and investigates theft.

Its racist, said Chambers, who promised to follow up on the issue with Schnoor.

Its insulting, degrading. And he knows it, Chambers added in an interview after the hearing.

What Schnoor did is not funny to me. But it let me know what he is.

Schnoor, who is up for re-election on Nov. 8, declined when asked for comment.

Lynne Walz of Fremont, who is challenging Schnoor in District 15, couldn't be reached for comment.
Three decades ago, the Rev. Michael Combs returned to Lincolns Mount Zion Baptist Church as senior pastor.

Sunday, the church will celebrate his 30 years of service at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. worship services. Combs brother, the Rev. Robert Benjamin Combs Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will preach at the morning service. The afternoon service will be led by the Rev. James Temple of Omaha, with contributions by the Rev. Brian Page of Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Omaha.

Mount Zion is Nebraskas oldest black baptist church. Organized in 1879, it was on F Street until 1990, when it moved to North 56th Street.

Combs, a Baton Rouge native, came to Lincoln in 1978 as assistant pastor at Mount Zion Baptist.

In 1980, he announced his call to ministry, and returned to Baton Rouge to serve as associate pastor at Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Then in 1986, Mount Zion called him back to Lincoln -- this time as senior pastor -- and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln appointed him a professor of political science, where his research focuses on judicial politics, constitutional law, African American politics and urban politics.

Combs comes from a long line of Baptist ministers. His great-grandfather, grandfather, father, two brothers and father-in-law all were or still are pastors. And his oldest son, Tremaine Combs, is founding pastor of Dayspring Church in St. Louis.

Combs wife, Gwendolyn, will be honored at Saturday nights Choir Day Musical.

When he talks of his Mount Zion congregation, his voice is full of gratitude and pride.

Mount Zion is a very family-oriented church. We emphasize our relationships. We emphasize caring about one another. Helping one another when in need -- and not just financial need, but whatever need there is.

The 300 members of the church pray for the sick. They invite Lincoln college students into their homes for meals and friendship, especially over holidays when some students can't go home. They host Monday night Promise Academy, where members feed young students home-cooked meals and help them with their homework. Wednesday night, the church hosts its Disciple Academy, where young people are treated to dinner and an evening of Bible study. Volunteers drive participating youth to and from the weekly academies.

That is the part that warms my heart -- their willingness to give our children an opportunity to do better, Combs said of his congregation. "And the willingness on the part of the congregation to follow my leadership and buy into the vision that God has given to me for the church. ... People not only invest with their money, but also invest with their time. The members put a lot of time with the ministry of the church."

Thirty years is a long time to lead one church, but Combs said he never has thought about his work in terms of length.

I just felt God had called me to do it, he said. "I'm going to serve as long as God tells me to serve. I believe there is a time when you start and there is time for you to leave. We believe you should not stay longer than he has ordained for you to stay.

How long will that be?

Combs doesnt know. But he has faith God will let him know.
OMAHA -- Nebraska doesnt have the level of opioid problems other states do, but it needs to take action to fight the epidemic of painkiller addiction, officials said Friday.

We are ahead of you, Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel told more than 300 people at a summit on Nebraskas response to opioid abuse.

Prescription opioid painkillers have become a common remedy for chronic pain, and abuse has led to an epidemic of accidental overdoses.

More than 14,000 people died of prescription opioid overdoses in the U.S. in 2014, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control data.

Wisconsin, home to 5 million people, experienced a 500 percent increase in its opiate overdose death rate between 2000 and 2013, Schimel said.

Nebraskas overdose death rate has climbed, but it still ranks among the lowest in the nation.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, Nebraska's U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg, the state Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Nebraska Medical Center hosted the summit to try to stem the tide.

Doctors, drug investigators and public health officials said Nebraska must confront the abuse in terms of prevention, treatment and enforcement.

If all you do is focus on one piece, you will not succeed, said former Florida Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong.

Both Armstrong and Schimel commended officials here for taking proactive steps to address the problem.

Wisconsins problem languished for years before law enforcement and the medical community formed a coalition to take it on.

When Schimel took office in 2014, the exploding rate of overdose deaths needed to be addressed, he said.

What if we saw traffic deaths increase like this?" he asked. "We would do crazy things. Wed put a roundabout every 200 feet.

Feeding the problem, Schimel said, Wisconsin had an abundance of prescription pills on the street, which was evident during law enforcement takebacks.

In 2014, the takebacks collected 34,000 pounds of pills, he said. In April, they collected 64,000 pounds.

That made Wisconsin No. 3 in America for drug takebacks, and the state collected just 200 pounds less than California. Wisconsin has 5.7 million people, California, 38 million.

Some of it came from over-prescribing, Schimel said.

When Wisconsin implemented its prescription drug monitoring program, 50 percent of doctors surveyed said they never looked at it, he said.

Lawmakers there changed the law so more doctors would use the monitoring program, and the state focused on making more of them able to prescribe Suboxone, which helps treat opioid addiction.

Once voluntary, Nebraskas prescription drug monitoring program will require dispensers to enter and track all prescriptions for controlled substances including opioids beginning in January.

Increasing the number of physicians in Nebraska who can prescribe Suboxone may help expand services in a state where the only methadone treatment centers are in Lincoln and Omaha, officials said.

States like Nebraska have also directed prescribers not to view opioids as the first option to treating chronic pain, officials said.

Instead, they're asked to consider massage and physical therapy and to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.

At Dr. Tom Tapes office in Omaha, adopting the new CDC guidelines to treat pain has already led to positive effects, he said.

Tape saw fewer emergency room visits and fewer positive screenings for depression.

Fewer patients reported frustration over drug refills, and patient knowledge of the risk of opioids and dependence increased, he said.

Its so much easier to stop this problem before it starts, Tape said.

While Armstrong and Florida health officials went after and closed 600 pain clinics, he also wrote letters to federal regulators expressing concern with the manufacture of a particular brand of hydrocodone he believed was ripe for abuse.

State leaders must not be afraid to express their concerns with the pharmaceutical companies, Armstrong said.

A group focusing on Nebraska's response to opioid abuse will meet next month to discuss next steps, Peterson said.

It does the country no good, Schimel said, if one state tackles the problem and its neighbor doesnt.

The drug will find a way in, he said.

We have to solve this as a nation, Schimel said
OMAHA  An Omaha police detective has testified that old files on a former Indiana doctor led to his becoming a suspect in the killings of four people with ties to an Omaha medical school.

Detective Derek Mois testified Friday in the murder trial of Anthony Garcia. Mois said the Creighton University School of Medicine files detailed Garcia's problems with school faculty like Dr. Roger Brumback, who was killed along with his wife in 2013, as well as with Dr. William Hunter, whose 11-year-old son and housekeeper were stabbed to death in 2008.

Prosecutors say Garcia was motivated by lingering rage over being fired from the school's residency program in 2001.

Mois said further investigation turned up cellphone and credit card records that put Garcia near Omaha the day the Brumbacks were killed.

In court Thursday, an ex-exotic dancer said Garcia told her he had killed "an old woman and a young boy."

Prosecutors believe Garcia's words to the stripper were a confession of the 2008 stabbing deaths of Thomas Hunter and his family's housekeeper, 57-year-old Shirlee Sherman.
Three elected officials are getting substantial property tax breaks on their homes through the states homestead exemption program, intended primarily to help low-income seniors.

Lancaster County Commissioner Larry Hudkins, who receives a homestead exemption for a portion of his home, saved more than $2,700 this year, under the states program for low-income seniors.

Lincoln City Councilman Jon Camp and Southeast Community College board member Bob Feit each have homestead exemptions covering the entire value of their homes, under a new exemption for veterans with 100 percent service-connected disability.

Camp saved $5,495 and Feit saved $5,163 in property taxes using that program.

All three, as elected officials, make decisions that affect the local property tax rate in Lancaster County. Hudkins and Camp also earn salaries funded by local property tax revenue. Feit serves as an unpaid board member.

The three were among more than 5,540 Lancaster County homeowners who qualified for homestead exemptions in 2015 and saved about $11.3 million in tax payments.

The state reimburses counties for the losses from the homestead exemption program, which applies only to the home a person owns and lives in.

Hudkins avoided $2,792 in property taxes this year using an exemption for the aged, intended to help seniors with lower incomes remain in their homes during retirement years.

Hudkins, 72, who is retiring this year after serving as a Lancaster County commissioner for almost 30 years, has used the homestead program for low-income seniors to reduce the taxes on his home four times since 2010, saving more than $10,000 in property taxes. The exemption generally eliminated less than half the taxes he owes on his Lancaster County home near Malcolm.

Hudkins continued to pay taxes on farm land he owns in Lancaster and Seward counties.

In order to receive the maximum exemption under the aged category, for homeowners 65 and older, Hudkins and his wife, Carol, had to meet income guidelines. They would have had to report earnings of less than $32,001 for 2014, based on the program rules.

Hudkins says the low income he reported is based on farm losses and the couple's very high medical expenses.

The medical expenses contributed to the lower income in 2015, but low commodity prices are the biggest factor, he said.

We are losing money on every bushel of corn we are producing this year, he said in a telephone interview. And cattle prices tanked last September."

Hudkins, who will earn $42,484 this year as a county commissioner, did not use the 2011 and 2012 homestead exemption programs. Those were years when ag prices were high, he said.

Though he does get a break on a portion of his house taxes, Hudkins said he pays nearly $80,000 in property taxes on his ag land in Lancaster and Seward counties and has had to borrow money to pay them.

The senior exemption is limited to the average value of a home in the county -- $163,457 for Lancaster County last year. Hudkins received that maximum exemption, which covered just a portion of the $367,600 value of his home, based on county assessor records.

That exemption reduced his property taxes by around $2,792. He paid about $3,100 in property taxes on the remaining value of his home.

The homestead exemption program only applies to owner-occupied homes, not to business or rental property. Hudkins paid more than $5,800 in taxes last year on property he owns in Lancaster County.

Though he claimed a low income-based tax exemption, Hudkins recently returned from a river cruise in France, a trip he and his wife had planned for their anniversary two years ago, but had to delay because of his wifes health, he said.

The other two elected officials received homestead exemptions for the total value of their homes under a new program for veterans that has no income or home value limitations.

City Councilman Jon Camp and Bob Feit, who serves on the SCC board, qualified under that new exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.

So Camp paid no property taxes on his $271,000 home in south Lincoln, saving him $5,496 this year.

Camp was seriously injured in a car accident that killed his parents in 1968. He was a cadet in the Air Force Academy, hoping to be a fighter pilot, when the accident ended his service career.

Camp, who earns $24,000 as a part-time council member and pays taxes on the property he owns in the Haymarket, acknowledged he used the new homestead exemption program for veterans with 100 percent disability.

In a telephone interview Camp said he is proud of his service and he assumed there was a good purpose behind the exemption, created in 2014 by the state Legislature.

In an email response to his exemption, Camp wrote, The citizens of Nebraska, through their legislative representatives, are to be commended for recognizing the service of veterans who have sustained life-altering injuries by enacting the veterans exemption.

Camp has served on the council for more than 17 years, and is near the middle of a four-year term.

Feit, 72, who has served on the SCC board for most of the past 19 years, saved $5,163 in property taxes with an exemption on the entire $254,600 value of his south Lincoln home.

Feit had received much smaller homestead exemptions in recent years, under one of the older veteran programs that has income and home value limitations, when he lived in Gage County.

He resigned from the SCC board when he moved to Lincoln but was appointed to the board in March to fill a vacancy in his new district and is running for re-election.

In an email Feit said the Veterans Administration has rated him as a 100 percent disabled veteran from serving in the military in southeast Asia in the 1960s.

A veterans disability status must be certified by the VA in order to qualify for the exemption program.

The state's original homestead exemption program was created to help seniors keep a home after retirement, said Mark Intermill, with AARP Nebraska.

The intent was to make sure people who were older and people with disabilities who had limited incomes didnt lose their houses because they couldnt pay the property taxes, he said.

Jon Cannon, an attorney for the Nebraska Department of Revenue, gave this example. "You bought a house in the 1940s for $10,000. Now that house is worth a couple hundred thousand and you are on a fixed income and cant afford the property taxes."

Other states have similar programs, he said.

Over the years the Legislature has expanded the program and it now includes some veterans with disabilities, their widows, and some adults with disabilities, including developmental disabilities.

Most of the programs have income and home value limits. For example, disabled married veterans with an income under $51,000 can qualify for some exemption under the 2016 program.

But a new veterans exemption, with no income or value limits, was created by the Legislature in 2014. A reported 2,898 Nebraskans used that exemption in its first year, based on Department of Revenue records.

Some state senators, who believed all homestead exemption programs ought to have some income or value limitations, tried unsuccessfully to make changes to that plan, said Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus, vice chairman of the Legislature's Revenue Committee.

Senators expected the exemption would cost the state around $400,000 the first year, low in comparison to some of the tax breaks being sought, he said.

Low-income seniors make up the bulk of homestead exemption recipients, including 86 percent of the 51,502 homeowners who applied for homestead exemptions in 2015, based on state data.
PETER S KINJAP

DEPUTY opposition leader Sam Basil has questioned what he sees as the unfair distribution of road projects by works minister Francis Awasa.

Mr Basil said a section of the Bulolo Highway has been eroded by the Snake River and this has been reported to the authorities for urgent upgrade but nothing has been done so far.

He said that instead Mr Awasa spent K22 million to upgrade feeder roads in Finschhafen while the urgent Bulolo highway request is pending.

"Why is Francis doing this?" Mr Basil asked. "A few weeks ago his department supported and approved a K89 million World Bank funded East Cape Road in Alotau. Why is he neglecting the Bulolo road when it is urgent."

Mining companies operating in Bulolo have also written to national authorities but have received no response.
Nora Ephron once asked Bob Dylan whether he considered himself a poet, by which she meant if he thought his words could "stand without the music." Dylan responded, "They would stand, but I don't read them. I'd rather sing them." Clearly, he's not alone: On Thursday, we learned that Dylan had won the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature, "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition." In other words, Dylan won for being a poet who happens to sing.

It's about time.

Joining the ranks of William Butler Yeats (1923), T. S. Eliot (1948), William Faulkner (1949), Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1982) and Toni Morrison (1993), the last American winner, the award establishes that Dylan is a writer first and a rock star second. That his words, as Dylan once said himself, stand alone: "It ain't the melodies that are important, man, it's the words."

In recognizing Dylan, the Nobel committee no doubt meant to honor those words, but also to stir things up - to unsettle the literary establishment by inviting a pop star to crash their party; perhaps, also, to send a not-so-subtle rebuke to a generation of American authors it deems unfit for the honor.

As much as the Swedish Academy might feel as if it is shaking things up, though, conferring the award on Dylan is actually a fairly safe move. After all, his lyrics stand up well on the page; they comport themselves as poems. Witness the collection of lyrics edited by literary critic Christopher Ricks in 2014, presenting Dylan's words as if they were torn from Wordsworth and Coleridge's "Lyrical Ballads." Recall that in that same year, Dylan's handwritten draft of "Like a Rolling Stone" sold for more than $2 million. His literary cred was already established.

As a poet, Dylan's art is most apparent in the studied imperfection of his rhymes. There's something unsettling but appealing in the lack of rhyme resolution in this couplet from "Thunder on the Mountain": "I'm gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of bitches / I'll recruit my army from the orphanages." Technically, this is a mosaic slant rhyme - mosaic in that Dylan rhymes multiple words ("sons of bitches") with a single four-syllable word ("orphanages"), and slant in that "sons of bitches" and "orphanages" do not constitute a perfect rhyme. He's a poet. That's hard to dispute.

The real question is this: How far are we willing now to open the door to consider the literary merit of others' song lyrics? In the years to come, might the Nobel committee consider the work of Nas or Kendrick Lamar? Joni Mitchell or Taylor Swift? Will Dylan's award prove an exception, or will it establish new rules?

Popular song lyrics are the pulse of contemporary poetry - provided we do not restrict them to the written word alone. "Of all the nonsense that has been written about the poetry of Neil Young, Paul Simon, or even Bob Dylan," Greil Marcus writes in "Mystery Train," "no one has ever said anything about Jimi Hendrix's 'Little Wing.' The poetry question, especially when we are dealing with a song, has to do with how a writer uses language - and his music will be part of his language - to make words do things they ordinarily do not do, with how he tests the limits of language and alters and extends the conventional impact of images, or rescues resources of language that we have lost or destroyed."

"I don't think that rock & roll songwriters should worry about art," the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards once said. "I don't think it comes into it. A lot of it is just craft anyway, especially after doing it for a long time. . . . art is the last thing I'm worried about when I'm writing a song. I don't think it really matters. If you want to call it art, yeah, OK, you can call it what you like. As far as I'm concerned, 'Art' is just short for 'Arthur.' "

Richards is onto something. Some of the reasons a song lyric works well as a poem are the same reasons that it works well in a recorded song: lyric concision, perhaps, but also occasional superfluity; imagistic beauty, but also an artful ugliness. At the same time, some of what makes for a good poem can get in the way of a good lyric -- assonance, for instance, which can create a small, beautiful music on the page, might clash with the music in performance as song; or a rich accretion of image, which might choke out the space necessary for the music to breathe. Let's hope this recognition of Dylan's work will inspire us to hear song lyrics -- Dylan's and others' - anew: as both a musical and literary form.
A recent Journal Star article (Oct. 6) was entitled "Southwest faces the threat of megadroughts in future." As global warming continues, this is very likely. It brings to mind a trip we took visiting Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. They had dug irrigation ditches for their crops and had supported a sizable population. They built some excellent buildings. Then something went wrong and they abandoned it all to the desert.

When visiting Carlsbad, New Mexico, we were told of something similar in recent times. An area to the east had produced great crops of alfalfa, pecans and more but now was nothing but dry brush. They had pumped the aquifer dry!

Now, huge areas of the world face this likelihood of megadraughts lasting many years at a time. Our doing so little on climate change will cost us dearly, but we can act. We can have a livable future. One action our Congress can take is to place a tax on carbon to make dirty fuels more expensive and then rebate the revenue to American families to cover their increased expenses. This would encourage renewable energy and help our economy.

We are intelligent and adaptive creatures, but we need the will to face our situation and act to keep this a livable world.

Jay E. Schmidt, Lincoln
The Journal Star's story about the return of Sgt. Fae Moore, who died in the bloody sands of Tarawa Atoll 73 years ago, was deeply touching ("Nebraska son comes home," Oct. 5). Sitting in our safe red brick home, with plenty to eat and in fear of very little, it is hard to imagine a 380-acre island in the middle of nowhere, covered by the bodies of 6,000 men who fought there and bravely died.

It is astonishing to think that Sgt. Moore was eventually found buried under an asphalt parking lot on that island. Now, finally, he rests in peace beside his mother and father in Nebraska's fertile soil. Sgt. Moore rests in peace, while we who are vitally alive on this old earth, our island home, to watch sixth graders brawl and toss insults on live TV and yet call themselves possible future presidents and vice presidents.

It is utterly embarrassing! Is that what we have come to, at last? The culture of Facebook, Twitter and the "gotcha" have overwhelmed us. Embracing schoolyard tactics, our supposed leaders reveal their shallowness, narcissism and immaturity.

Folks, we are better than this! The land of the free and the brave deserves so much more than to sink into oblivion under a tidal wave of debt, sound bites and corruption. Abe Lincoln famously said we are, "the almost chosen people," and for Sgt. Moore, for ourselves, for our children and for our children's children, we must be such a people, again. Let's begin that transformation today!

Steve Karcher, Lincoln
David Brooks' speech at the Lincoln Lied Center on Oct. 4 was inspiring, positive and motivational, emphasizing that America is the greatest nation of the world ("David Brooks says Trump has changed GOP," Oct. 5). Yes, economic problems, negative media reports and the breakdown of society have become grim reminders of local, state, national and global problems. Changing and building relationships through attitudes, building upon individual positive strengths and emphasizing the importance of relationships with family, friends, those we work with and community activism can strengthen individuals by giving and receiving more than money, an interest in and time given to others. My take of his speech is finding what one's purpose for our lives is in the short time we all have in this world.
Faced with scathing criticism from state senators, Nebraska Brand Committee members this week defended their decision to rehire the agencys head after he resigned in the wake of a state audit that raised questions of possible law violations and gross mismanagement.

In August, Shawn Harvey stepped down as director of the agency charged with enforcing brand law in the western two-thirds of the state. The five-member Brand Committee immediately created a new position for him and hired him back as interim chief investigator and director of field operations.

Committee members, who appeared before the Nebraska Legislature's Agricultural Committee Friday, said they don't think Harvey deserved to be fired and they wanted to retain his 19 years of experience. Further, they said, he was the only person available to keep the agency running in the short term.

Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins said their explanation stinks.

It doesnt pass the smell test, he said. Im not going to be here next year when this is acted upon by the Legislature. And I think for the Brand Committee that is a good thing, because this thing smells.

Brand Committee Chairman Jerry Kuenning said Harvey was the only person available with the knowledge to keep the Brand Committee and its 100 employees running until a new director could be hired. The committee keeps records of cattle brands, inspects cattle to verify ownership and investigates missing and stolen livestock.

We didnt have a lot of alternatives at the time, the Imperial-area rancher said. We removed him (Harvey) from directorship and placed him in a job where his skills were better suited.

Former Assistant Director Paul Beaver resigned July 26 because he felt the situation was being mismanaged. He had expressed concerns about Harveys leadership earlier, and both men had questioned how well the other was doing his job, Kuenning said.

On Friday, he called Beaver a bad apple and said Beaver was in charge of overseeing the bookkeeping issues brought up in the audit. But the audit made little mention of Beaver.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha questioned whether the Brand Committee, whose board members are appointed by the governor, should be brought under control of the state government.

The person who failed to do the job is responsible, but there is a responsibility on part of those who were to exercise the oversight and I dont see any of that having occurred, Chambers said.

Brand Committee member Jaclyn Wilson rebuffed the question.

The western part of the state is a long way from Lincoln and there are a lot different dynamics out there than there is here at the Capitol, the cow and calf producer from Lakeside said. We have a good understanding of what is going on and in the past year, as you will see, weve made a lot of changes to correct a lot of the issues that have happened in the past.

She noted that many of the issues have been going for decades and that three members of the board, including herself, have a year or less under their belts.

Wilson said the committee is looking for a new director with administrative skills to complement Harveys knowledge and skills. Brand Committee members said it will be up to the new director to decide whether Harvey stays.

But Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said that mindset would doom the new director to failure.

Because he or she, with that scenario, would not have the authority to replace Mr. Harvey because in a de facto way, he is there as a permanent fixture, Riepe said. Its all based on he is irreplaceable. I say there is not a one of us in this whole world that is irreplaceable.

The Brand Committee has received 14 applications for the director's position and plans to interview five candidates, including two current employees.

Joe Pongratz, an O'Neill area rancher who served on the Brand Committee for more than two years before resigning in March 2015 over concerns about leadership, told the Legislature's Ag Committee that there are other Brand Committee employees who could have stepped up to lead the agency.

Four of the five members of the Brand Committees board attended the hearing; only Jerry Meyring of Alliance was absent.
FREMONT -- For decades the Muskellunge has been referred to as the Fish of 10,000 Casts.

The fish, commonly referred to as a Muskie, is a large, predatory gamefish known for its aggression, elusiveness and long, needle-like teeth.

But on Friday afternoon at the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, one local angler managed to hook into a behemoth while getting in a quick fishing session over his lunch break.

Dylan Patterson, a 2007 Fremont High School graduate, pulled a 48-inch Master Angler Muskie out of Lake No. 20 while fishing with his cousin, Jamie Monson, around 1 p.m.

Patterson said that hes been an avid angler for the past two years, but that he really started taking fishing seriously after getting into trouble with the law around five years ago.

I needed to clean myself up, and fishing became an outlet for me, Patterson said. I needed new hobbies, you know what I mean?

That hobby turned into a passion.

So when Patterson and Monson left their work at Monson Auto around 12:30 p.m. earlier this month, Patterson was excited to get a line in the water. During mid-fall, the likelihood of hooking into something large increases, he said.

Fall fishing is like the best fishing of the year besides maybe spring, because all those fish that are down deep staying cool over the summer come up shallow because winter is coming and they feed up heavily in the fall, and then go back down deep for the winter, he said. So some of those big ones come into the shallows when they might not normally be there.

Baiting his 14-pound-test monofilament line with a white spinnerbait, Patterson started casting into the lake, hoping to land a sizable bass; the fish he usually chases after.

So he casted once, and again, and again, moving along Lake No. 20s bank until he reached a small canal that hes fished several times before.

I started walking around just covering area, he said. Theres a little boat dock there, and I kept going around the trail, kinda covering some water. Then I got to a canal that separates the big part of Lake 20 from a smaller little section -- it gets real shallow up through there and has slope-offs on each side.

After arriving at the canal, things got exciting in a hurry. Patterson cast far into the canal and started reeling his line in. About halfway through retrieving his lure, the fish struck.

I casted out there and he just hit it hard, Patterson said. I set the hook and he took me for a ride.

An experienced bass angler, Patterson said he knew immediately he hadnt hooked into a largemouth. The muskie, the largest member of the Pike family, is known for its line-screaming runs and acrobatic leaps from the water.

The battle lasted for minutes. And while the adrenaline running through Patterson kept him focused, it was impossible for stress not to creep into his mind. Using 14-pound-test and no leader -- a thin piece of metal preventing toothy gamefish from snapping line -- he couldnt help thinking that his line would break.

Patterson has some experience with catching pike and muskie -- hes done so while fishing at Lake Zorinsky and Lake Wanahoo -- however, he never expected to hook into one of the large fish at the State Lakes.

He could have broken off at any second with those teeth, Patterson said.

After pulling the fish out of the water, Patterson snapped a few photos and then released the fish back into the lake. He doesnt keep the fish he catches; he just enjoys the thrill of the sport.

I just want to take their picture and make them late for something, Patterson joked.

Word of his catch spread quickly through social media and through FishBrain, the worlds largest community-based fishing app.

A day later, he returned to the same spot he landed the lunker. This time, though, a family was trying their luck in the spot.

I went there the next day and there was a family there, he said. I heard a kid say, He was right here dad!, and then the dad turned around and was like, Thats him right there!"

Bobbi Holm, State Lakes naturalist, received text messages and pictures about the fish caught in the park.

Its always great knowing anglers have something big to chase after in the lakes, she said.

I think its great that this happened, Holm said during a phone interview. I think that all the fisherman who hear about this will be really impressed and hopeful. Anybody landing a fish like that is quite a feat.
State institutions are known for moving from city to city and frequently changing their names. In Kearney, one such agency has grown, absorbing anothers property, and even taken over an intriguing apartment house, a hospital and arguably one of the finest residences in Nebraska.

In the 1880s, George Washington Frank arrived in Kearney as an entrepreneur with expansive, almost unbelievable ideas, of expanding the citys industries, modernizing its utilities and transportation facilities as well as building its residential and commercial building stock.

Later in the decade he commissioned his son George William Frank to design a new house west of the city. Completed in 1889, the house at todays 2010 W. 24th St. cost a breathtaking $40,000. The three-story house of Colorado/Wyoming stone was wired for electricity, had nine fireplaces, boasted a tile roof imported from Holland and featured a 10-foot-tall Tiffany window.

Sadly, the national depression of 1893 laid waste to most of Franks plans and the home was purchased by Dr. S. Grothan for a private clinic and hospital.

In 1911, a legislative bill introduced by B.K. Bushee called for the establishment of a state tuberculosis hospital and provided $40,000 for the acquisition of 12 acres of land at Kearney plus $10,000 for the institutions initial operation. The Frank home/hospital and 12 acres of adjoining land were purchased for $24,500 and that spring a 32-by-70-foot, two-story building was started. The following January, the frame, 16-room Pavilion opened with beds for 20 girls and 12 boys, a schoolroom and quarters for 16 employees on the upper floor.

The Frank house, as the hospitals first building, became the residence of the hospitals chief of staff while the nearby J.C. Currie 1890s shingle-style house became a nurses home. At the end of the first year, the hospitals report to the Legislature showed the hospital admitted 50 patients.

In 1922, a new two-story, brick structure, known as the East Sun Building, was completed southeast of the Frank house to be occupied by 53 men, with its kitchen also serving the Pavilion. The following year a second brick building was finished as a facility for 45 women with its own kitchen, dining room and laboratory facilities. The Frank house then served as a home for one doctor, several nurses and office employees. Other buildings had also been added, including chicken houses, hog sheds, a vegetable cave, coal shed, ice plant and a brick boiler house/laundry. Total patient capacity reached 130 while the campus had grown to 37 acres.

During the 1930s, the original building was enlarged and again added onto during the 1940s as the Administration Building. In 1937, the Legislature funded a new 72-bed mens building for $125,000 with additional aid coming from the W.P.A. and was completed in 1940. The last building completed at the hospital was the 1957 Nurses Cottage, and the following year, with 135 patients in residence, the average daily cost per patient was $9.45 compared with the Nebraska State Psychiatric Home in Omaha at $30.31 and the Beatrice State Home at $2.06.

Subsequently, the number of resident patients began to slide and, in 1971, with only 16 patients, the Legislature ordered the hospital closed. In 1972, Kearney State College absorbed the entire facility.

In 1903, the Legislature called for the establishment of a western normal school to be situated west of a line not exceeding five miles east of the 98th meridian. Fifteen Nebraska communities bid for the school, with Kearney offering 32.5 acres of land west of the city, free water service and the 42-room Green Terrace apartment building. It was not until the 111th ballot that Kearneys bid was accepted.

The first classes were held in Kearneys Longfellow School (designed by George William Frank) and Whittier School with women students housed in Green Terrace. Nebraska State Normal School was subsequently renamed Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney, Kearney State College in 1949 and the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1991.

The Frank house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is now a museum and function venue for the university, while the East Sun Building became the West Center, home to the universitys business and technology departments.
GRAND ISLAND  The Nebraska State Fair has decided to discontinue its Sunday night outdoor concert during the first weekend of the fair.

Fair director Joseph McDermott said that this year's Sunday concert, which featured San Francisco-based group Train, did not draw as many people as anticipated. McDermott faulted the timing, noting that people have to be at work and school early the next day on Monday.

While the fair won't have an outdoor concert on Sunday in 2017, McDermott said officials still plan to bring in high-quality acts for Friday and Saturday of the opening week of the fair.

He says the State Fair has hired a firm that will use social media to help determine which bands it will pursue in 2017.
They know little about their piece of aluminum's past, only this: Before it found them six years ago, it was used as a storage shelf at a military junkyard in Southern California.

And before that, it had been a piece of aircraft wing, capable of carrying a B-17 Flying Fortress up and into battle.

But they don't know which B-17, or if it flew bombing missions over Germany or the Pacific, or if it took fire and flak, or if it ever carried any of the 138 men who have since signed this piece of aluminum, a traveling tribute to the members of the 384th Bombardment Group.

The 8-foot, 43-pound wing skin panel has been crossing the country since 2010, visiting veterans in their homes, at reunions, in retirement centers. The volunteers devoted to commemorating the 384th have, at their own expense, taken it to 29 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, to record the names of men who served and survived.

They always say, 'I'm not a hero; the heroes are the ones who didn't come back,' said Mark Meehl of Seward, archivist for the 384th Bomb Group. But oftentimes, they're just tickled pink that someone cares.

Another name will be added Saturday, when Meehl drives the wing panel to Falls City for Bill Schock's autograph.

Not a big deal, said the 98-year-old newspaperman who flew 25 missions in a B-17 during World War II. He piloted his planes back to base in England the first 24 times, but he and his crew took too much fire on their 25th, a long run to bomb an aircraft factory in East Prussia.

Their left wing was on fire when they jumped, and Schock, as pilot, was the last man out of the plane. A gunner was shot and killed in his parachute, another man lost an arm, others were injured.

Schock was captured by Germans and held as a prisoner of war near the Baltic Sea for 13 months before returning to England and, ultimately, Richardson County.

But no, he said, this signing ceremony isn't a big deal. When he learned about it, he didn't see any reason to draw attention.

I didn't think it would amount to anything.

Meehl is used to that. But it is a big deal.

We call them outliers, he said. A guy like Bill -- not only does he live to be 98, but he survived getting shot down, and then he survived a POW camp. What are the odds?

Not as strong as they used to be. More than 7,000 Americans served the 384th in combat and ground roles at Grafton Underwood Airfield from 1943 to 1945, and its surviving members are in their 90s. They hold reunions annually now, because time is short. They'll gather next week in St. Louis.

If we get 10 to 15 guys, that would be very good, Meehl said.

When he and his brother started attending reunions in the '90s -- their father was a mechanic in the 384th -- more than 100 would show up.

The wing panel project is driven by the group's so-called NexGen members, volunteers like Meehl whose fathers and uncles served the 384th. They started by contacting a military scrapyard in California, which offered a piece of B-17 wing it was using as a shelf.

Without a serial number, the panel couldn't be connected to a specific plane. But an artist painted the group's insignia to give it an identity, and the volunteers gave it a purpose.

It debuted at a reunion in Branson, Missouri, in 2010, and has hit every reunion since. But they know some veterans won't or can't travel, so they started taking the wing to them.

It's not easy, or cheap. In its packing crate, the wing weighs about 200 pounds and can cost about $400 to ship to the next volunteer, said Keith Ellefson, a 384th research assistant from Alabama who's hosted the panel twice, and has seen veterans come close to tears when asked to sign.

They respect what we're doing because it's a commemoration of their effort, and to the people who made it home.

On its latest trip, the panel was shipped to Nebraska from San Diego. Meehl will collect Schock's signature Saturday and drive to Colorado for another. When he gets home, he'll send it to a volunteer in Mississippi for another name.

The wing will stay on the move until they've collected all of the signatures they can, and then go on display at a museum in Utah.

They don't know when that will happen, Ellefson said, but it could be close.

They know of maybe eight men left to visit.
RACINE  Wisconsin authors Michael Perry, Judith C. Mitchell and John P. Riordan will be the featured speakers at the annual Breakfast with the Authors Saturday, Nov. 12, at Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., a buffet breakfast will be served starting at 9 a.m. and the program will begin at 10 a.m. Copies of the authors books will be available for purchase and signing. Free parking will be available until noon in the metered lot behind Memorial Hall and in the library lot.

Prepaid registration is required for this event, which is sponsored by The Friends of the Racine Public Library Inc. The cost is $15 for members of the Friends, $18 others. The deadline for registration is Monday, Nov. 7. Registration forms are available at the Racine Public Library; by printing and mail a form from the Friends website, or register and pay online with a credit card at www.rplfriends.org/breakfast-with-the-author.html.
RACINE COUNTY  The Wisconsin Energies Foundation, Ketterhagen Memorial and the National Audubon Society are sponsoring a ceremony honoring four Racine County trees. The Hoy Audubon Society of Kenosha and Racine Counties will present bronze plaques to owners of the four trees at a ceremony at noon Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Horlick Park Drive and 12th Street. The public is welcome.

These trees are being honored for their historical significance and stature:

Sycamore, City of Racine, at the ceremony site.

Sugar maple, 613 51st Drive, Union Grove, the Berg family.

Burr oak, 14828 Plank Road, Yorkville, the Knutson family.

European beech, 1121 Lake Ave., Racine, Lochnaiar Inn.

The awards are being made through Hoy Audubons pilot program, "Heritage Trees/Trees We Love." The Trees We Love ad hoc committee selected the four trees from 18 award nominations from Racine, Kenosha, Burlington and Union Grove.

Sue Schuit, a Hoy member who created the program, said the four trees were selected because they were "all gorgeous, great specimens and heritage trees, a nice mix of species, locations and homeowner and city owned."

"Recognizing trees is important as a way to reinforce our appreciation and knowledge of the natural world," said Schuit. "Trees are vital to our sense of place, history and wonder," said Schuit. "These awards are a means to officially recognize and acknowledge as well as steward and protect a cherished, landmark tree."

The bronze plaques state approximate age and height of the trees. The owners also will receive a researched historical narrative and a framed photograph of their trees.
RACINE COUNTY  The YWCA Southeast Wisconsin has announced the winners of its 2016 Women of Distinction Awards that are given to Racine County women who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and initiative to eliminating racism and empowering women.

This years recipients are Jomarie Coloriano, Kimberly Payne and Shelley Chay.

Eliminating racism and empowering women are neither easy nor swift feats, but the commitment and dedication these women have shown is truly helping to turn these lofty goals into realities, said Paula Penebaker, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin president and CEO. These women are gifts to the YWCA and to Racine County.

Corrine Reid Owens Racial Justice Award  Jomarie Coloriano

The Corrine Reid Owens Racial Justice Award honors the memory of Corrine Reid Owens by recognizing an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to eliminating racism in Racine County, as modeled by Owens.

Coloriano has shown her commitment in many ways. As a student support specialist for the Multicultural Program at Gateway Technical College, she worked with underrepresented students, showing commitment to their success and affirmation of their racial-ethnic identity. Recently, she mentored and collaborated with seven students to develop and present a workshop at the second annual Teen Dating Violence Prevention Conference.

Empowering Women Award  Kimberly Payne

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to empowering women in Racine County.

For Payne, this includes being both personally and professionally dedicated to improving the community and opportunities for women. Leading by example, she served in many grassroots initiatives, quickly accelerating to leadership positions within the organizations. She speaks at various womens leadership events and has organized dozens of community conversations and world cafes to help bring the voice of the community into the operational design of programs.

YWCA Volunteer Award  Shelley Chay

This award acknowledges an individual whose volunteer contributions go above and beyond expectation.

As a mentor and a personal shopper, volunteer Shelley Chay is an invaluable component of the YWCAs Dress for Success program. She helps wherever and whenever needed, always giving from her heart to serve clients with dignity and respect. She joined the Dress for Success Advisory Board earlier this year and took on the immense task of leading follow-up efforts made to those served by the program.

The award winners will be recognized at the Women of Distinction awards luncheon at noon Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Racine Architect Hotel and Conference Center, 7111 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant. Networking begins at 11 a.m. The luncheon will be emceed by Kimberly Kane, president and founder of Kane Communications Group.

Tickets cost $50. For more information or to register, go to www.ywcasew.org.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A 23-year-old Illinois man is facing three charges of misdemeanor retail theft after he allegedly conspired to steal $862.72 in liquor from Pick n Save, 1202 N. Green Bay Road, this month.

According to a criminal complaint:

Sergio K. Beloufa of Berwyn, Ill., entered the stores liquor department on three separate occasions between Oct. 7 and and Oct. 10, each time stealing multiple bottles of liquor.

The stores loss prevention specialist reported to Mount Pleasant police that he first saw Beloufa enter the department on the afternoon of Oct. 7 with a female suspect, the complaint states. While the woman acted as a lookout, Beloufa filled his backpack with $228.93 in bottled liquor.

Beloufa returned that evening, filling his backpack with another $180.95 in bottled liquor.

The suspect came back to the store on Monday, Oct. 10, this time with another man, according to the complaint. Together the men made off with another $452.84 in booze.

Beloufa was arrested on Friday during a traffic stop and allegedly admitted to the thefts. He faces up to nine years in jail for each charge and a possible fine of $10,000.

Probable cause was found to pursue charges against Beloufa during an initial appearance in Racine County Circuit Court on Friday. A cash bond for the charges was set at $300.

He remained at the Racine County Jail on Friday evening, according to online records.
RACINE  A 30-year-old Racine woman is facing charges of obstruction and identity theft after she allegedly gave Racine County sheriff's deputies a false name during at traffic stop Thursday in Mount Pleasant.

Karnisha Latoya Blade, 30, of the 1500 block of Winslow Street, was charged Friday in Racine County Circuit Court with a felony count of personal identity theft to avoid a penalty and a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.

According to a criminal complaint, Blade was riding as a passenger in a vehicle driven by another woman when they were stopped by a deputy on Washington Avenue near West Road for allegedly driving with a suspended license due to $60 of unpaid parking tickets.

During the stop, the deputy reported smelling marijuana and he called for additional deputies to respond. No contraband was found on either person or in the car, according to deputies.

During questioning, Blade, allegedly provided officers with a false name, possibly belonging to a friend or relative. Eventually the driver admitted Blade asked her to go along with the false name due to Blade having warrants for her arrest in Illinois. Blade then admitted to her real name to deputies.

Bond for Blade is $6,068. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 26. If convicted on the felony charge, Blade could serve up to three years of incarceration and or a fine up to $10,000. She remained in custody as of Friday at the Racine County Jail, online records indicated.
BURLINGTON  Sullivan Sully Kendall was just 3 weeks old when his parents loaded him into their car after a family trick-or-treat outing with his three older siblings.

Sully was in a Superman costume when his grandmother walked over to the car. The family was about to head to his great grandmothers house so the infant could meet her for the first time. That would have to wait.

When Sullys grandmother got to the car, she saw blood coming from his nose and mouth.

A matter of serendipitous events followed. Sullys grandmother was a nurse and the Kendalls lived two blocks from Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington. Jason Kendall, Sullys father, took his son to the hospital.

I started pounding on the doors and screaming, My babys dead. My babys dead,  Jason said. They didnt think he was going to make it.

Doctors whisked Sully away. The family waited as a nurse at the hospital attached an IV to the baby. Sully was transported via Flight For Life helicopter to Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa.

Were just standing there, Jason said. My three older kids in their Halloween costumes were waving as Sully flies off.

Survivor

Sully, now 10, survived the scare but did not leave unscathed. What was diagnosed as respiratory cardiac arrest caused a hypoxic event that prevented oxygen from getting to Sullys brain. That caused damage to parts of Sullys brain that prevent him from performing certain functions. The two foremost functions affected by this are swallowing and verbal communication.

While Sully was at Childrens, he needed to be suctioned 60 times an hour. This was done by Jason, Jodi Kendall (Sullys mother), and nurses. For six months the family lived at the hospital. His parents took turns caring for Sully.

The family twice attempted to briefly leave Sully alone with the hospital staff so the other children in the family could have both parents around. Both times, no one was there to do the suction and Sully went into cardiac arrest.

It may have caused more brain damage, Jason said. We decided we cant leave him alone anymore.

Sully eventually recovered enough to make it home through the help of in-home care. He still needs a feeding tube and requires oxygen at night.

The birth of Sullys younger sister, Evelyn, brought a new relationship and new learning to Sullys life.

She was like his therapist, Jason said. He started to crawl when she started to crawl. He would do the things she would do.

Over the years, Sully would learn to walk. He is now in school four times a week for half-days. He loves puppets.

The family hardened through this. Hospital bills piled up and Sullys parents were not always able to work. They had to sell their five-bedroom house and move into a two-bedroom home that was owned by Jodis mother.

Sullys twin sisters, now 22, had to live with their boyfriends and stayed at college. Their now 18-year-old brother lives in the basement of the home, the parents sleep in the attic with their youngest daughter, Evelyn. On top of all that, Jodis mother now suffers from dementia.

Despite all these hardships, the family has stayed strong and the difficulties have made them tougher.

Weve been through a lot, Jason said. Weve been through a lot as a family. A lot of adversity and just trying to stick together made us stronger.

GoFundMe

Another child is expected to arrive in the next few weeks for the Kendalls. Jason knows the child will be a boy, and he knows this child could give Sully a new life.

While at a doctors appointment for the new baby, Jason was handed a pamphlet. It was about stem cell research. After more research and talking to people who had gone through it, he was convinced that this is what could be done to help his son.

Were having this baby and were getting these pamphlets, Jason said. I was like, this is a sign from God. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The plan is to take stem cells when the new baby is born. Those cells will then be stored in centrifuge until the surgery can be done.

Jason and Jodi have set up a GoFundMe page, which can be found at www.gofundme.com/supermansully, to raise funds for all of the costs that will go into the stem cell process. This will include travel, stem cell storage and the operation, which is estimated to cost $30,000.

This is an amazing miracle that we could possibly help our son have a second chance at life, Jason said. We want to give Sully monster opportunities for a normal life. Maybe hell be able to swallow or talk. Anything improved would be worth it.

Jason said the family currently has enough money to have the stem cells captured at their new sons birth in the next few weeks; however, they are hoping to reach their $100,000 goal to give Sully a second chance.

Were hoping there are some people out there who are willing to help us out and who are willing to help this boy out so he can hopefully have a better life, Jason said. Were looking at a long road ahead still, but you have to start somewhere.
RACINE  On Oct. 5, the body of Kim Cantwell was reported found in a trash bin behind Sunshine Supermarket, 1559 Taylor Ave. Both Cantwell and her alleged killer, Harry Fumich, reportedly lived in the apartments above the convenience store.

While the store located at the intersection of Taylor Avenue and 16th Street itself appears to have, in this instance, been a victim of circumstance, the homicide is just the latest example of 1559 Taylor being a problem location for Racine Police.

Certainly its not our objective to penalize anyone unnecessarily, but at the same time, were concerned about public safety, Racine Police Chief Art Howell said. Whenever theres some issues of concern, we aggressively deal with it.

Police have dealt with Sunshines location aggressively. Records show that thus far in 2016, police have fielded 76 calls for service to 1559 Taylor, for everything from ordinance violations to fights to civil troubles. That total has surpassed the number of calls to the location in 2014 and 2015 combined.

Some of the increase that you see is our activity, Howell said. Weve saturated that area strategically, because of the fact that there are problems.

Recently, two clerks at the store received 29 citations on Sept. 15 during a compliance check conducted along 16th Street by underage volunteers working with the Racine Police Department. That incident prompted the Public Safety and Licensing Committee to call Sunshine ownership in for a meeting last week.

The two clerks there were the ones that were cited for (selling) cigarettes, mostly single cigarettes, and alcohol, Racine Police Sgt. Richard Rivers, who sits on the committee, said Tuesday.

The recent citations are part of a history of police interactions at 1559 Taylor that goes back as far as at least 2000, records show. Just this May, police arrested Carl Morgan, 58, for allegedly selling cocaine from the apartments above the store.

Additionally, the store was involved in a state Department of Revenue raid in 2013 during which thousands of alcohol and tobacco products were seized at seven area stores. In 2008, the same committee called in the stores owners for issues similar to those that plague it in 2016: selling alcohol and cigarettes to minors and an excess of police calls.

The issues have been substantial enough for Howell to personally engage the man he refers to as the stores manager, Mohammad Mike Alabad. According to Ralph Nichols, Racines commercial building inspector, Alabads son Iyad has a land contract to own the building along with Patrick Pias, while Alabad runs the store.

Neither representatives for Sunshine Supermarket nor Patrick Pias responded to requests to comment for this story.

Cooperating with officials

Howell said his interactions with Alabad have been positive.

Ive talked to (Mohammad) personally and expressed concerns about loitering and things of that nature, Howell said. There has been an acknowledgement that there are problems with loitering and there has been a good-faith effort to try to work with the department to try to come into compliance.

Included in that effort has been the installation of new security cameras, Howell said.

The areas representative on the City Council, 3rd District Alderman Michael Shields, and Nichols also reported recent positive interactions with Alabad.

Mike is a nice guy, Shields said. Ive talked to him, saying, Hey, you need to make sure that you keep the riffraff away and be responsible with his business. Hes aware.

Added Shields: If he can get it to the point where he doesnt have violations, that would be better.

A neighbors perspective

Latoya Lewis, who lives next door to the store, has a different view on the situation. Shes attempting to get the store shut down in the wake of the homicide and says she has called the police in the past for people loitering, urinating, selling drugs and having sex in the area around the store and her property.

Ive made so many police calls, Lewis said. This is just a bad situation all the way around.

Lewis recently contaacted Shields, who told her he would notify her of the next Public Safety and Licensing Committee meeting so that she and her neighbors could speak.

How many more people are gonna collapse in front of the store? Lewis said. How many more traffic accidents (will happen) due to congestion on this corner? When can my family feel safe? Sorry, but I feel this murder is just another crime caused by the store being there.

Howell said to correlate the murder with the store is a stretch.

Its fair to look at what has happened at that business over the years, but Im not sure how that gets connected to murder, he said. Dont indict the property owner for the actions of the tenant.

As for whether city would consider Lewis request to shut the store down, Howell stressed the importance of the good faith shown by Alabad in the recent past to Sunshines continued operation.

You dont want to be overly punitive if clients are causing the problems, but you want to make sure the owners are doing everything they can to mitigate the problems where possible, Howell said. Long term, if were working to mitigate problems and the owners dont show some form of good faith, thats a different narrative.
At Brics, Dahal and Xi to dwell on high-level visits

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is leaving for Goa, India on Saturday and is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the day on the sidelines of the eighth Brics Summit in the Indian tourist state.
BRUTUS  In 2013, "12 Years a Slave" hit theaters in the United States.

It was based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northrup, a free-born African American man from New York who was drugged, kidnapped and sold as a slave in the mid-1800s. The film quickly earned widespread critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014, and it seemed everyone soon knew Solomon's story.

But, according to Solomon's family, there's another important story to be told: the story of Solomon's son, Alonzo.

Born in 1836, Alonzo Northrup was 5 years old when his father was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Washington, D.C. The youngest of three, Alonzo, his mother and his sisters grew up in Saratoga Springs. But, after serving in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War, he ended up moving to Weedsport in 1871 where he raised 10 children and worked on the Erie Canal and New York Central Rail Road.

It's also where several of his descendants gathered Saturday morning to pay their respects.

On Oct. 15, 2016, two days removed from the 107th anniversary of Alonzo's death, roughly a dozen people met at Weedsport Rural Cemetery in the town of Brutus to honor the Civil War veteran.

After fighting to get Alonzo a new tombstone, his great-granddaughter Irene Northrup-Zahos organized Saturday's ceremony to keep his story alive.

"We're still looking at a country that's economical structure and infrastructure are all based on the work of someone of color ... and the credit of these folks is never mentioned," Irene said. "I wanted to make this a little bit better for next generations. I want people to remember him."

The service began with some historical commentary from town historian Jean Baker who spoke about Alonzo's accomplishments, noting that his name is listed on the Weedsport War Memorial on Route 31 at the Centerport Lock.

Then, between readings of "Psalm 23" and "The Lord's Prayer", Alonzo's great grandson Donald Northrup recited a prayer he wrote in Alonzo's memory while Irene read a poem she composed called "Here Lies a Soldier."

"He joined a fight believing that all slaves should be free ... having learned from his father of their pain and insufferable agony," she said.

And it's a fight that continues for their family today.

"I think what we're trying to do as a family is whatever little bit we can to influence better things in society," Donald said. "Because we know the hardship that has gone through our family to get us to where we are now."

"We see two different color lines here," Irene added, noting that some of Alonzo's descendants  like herself  are Caucasian while others are African American. "But we all come from him. We all belong to this man and he belongs to us. So forget color.

"Alonzo made it out of the darkness and came into the light ... and we won't let that be in vain."
Community participation proves beneficial in reconstruction in Sindhupalchowk

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Food imports balloon as local output stalls

Imports of vegetables and other farm products through Nepalgunj Customs have soared as local production has fallen amid swelling demand, local stakeholders said.
Hostility with Pak has India step up Nepal border watch

India has ramped up security at the no-mans land and the transit points along the Nepal-India border following the southern neighbours increasing hostilities with Pakistan.
Icao to send expert to improve airworthiness: Regulator

The International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) has agreed to send another expert to Nepal to help it deal with the airworthiness issue, one of the eight critical elements of an effective safety oversight.
Maikhola boat capsize: Two more bodies recovered, search for missing continues

Two more dead bodies have been recovered from Shivjung in Jhapa district on Saturday morning as search operation was underway to find people missing in a capsized boat in Maikhola River of Ilam on Friday afternoon.
Maoist gathering postponed

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Minister for police hosp to admit public

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NC General Secy Koirala for referendum on Hindu status

Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashank Koirala has opined that referendum would be a better option to decide whether or not to reinstate Nepal as a Hindu nation. "I won election from a Hindu majority constituency and I have not stopped advocating for Hindu nation," said Koirala.
Nepal calls for tech transfer to phase out HFCs

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Nigeria's President Buhari: My wife belongs in kitchen

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PM Dahal leaves for India to attend BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit

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PM Dahal meets Bhutanese counterpart in Goa, urges for resolving refugee issue

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PM Dahal reaches Delhi to attend BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit

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Police, APF chiefs in USA for IACP meet

The conference will discuss challenges faced by police organisations world over and ways to tackle them
Resolution before Tihar, assures PM

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Surkhet expecting influx of visitors

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Will Xi or wont Xi?

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The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas Your choice for flooring in Central Texas! Your flooring is more than just the surface you walk on  it's an integral part of your home. With over 35 years of flooring experience, The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas has the resources and knowled
ELBRIDGE  The firefighters saved R.J. Hartwell from the roof, but they couldn't save him from the cow.

As part of a Fire Prevention Day fire drill, the Elbridge Elementary principal stood atop the school roof donning a firefighter's helmet. Firetrucks and ambulances from the Elbridge and Jordan departments pulled up in front of the school, and a ladder truck raised its bucket to the roof to pick up the principal.

The firefighters slowly lowered Hartwell to the ground, where the school's pre-kindergartners through fourth-graders stood with their teachers both squealing in excitement at the rescue vehicles and cheering enthusiastically for their principal.

Hartwell was just getting started, however.

"I see a cow over there," he said, pointing to a Jersey cow named Kit Kat from Elbridge's Hourigan Farms standing in a patch of grass at the end of the parking lot. "Does somebody know why there's a cow here?"

Standing in front of his schoolmates, one student answered the principal's two questions: Why is there a cow here? "You have to kiss it," the boy said. Why does the principal have to kiss the cow? "Because we did really good on our test scores," the boy said.

"I wonder if Kit Kat will taste like chocolate," Hartwell said.

Last spring, he told the students, he challenged the then-third- and fourth-graders that if they improved their New York state test scores, then he would kiss a cow.

"I didn't think they'd do it," Hartwell said. "They not only did better. They knocked those tests out. They did double digits better."

The third-graders who are now in fourth grade improved by 16 percent on their English Language Arts tests, while the fourth-graders who are now in fifth grade at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School scored 17 percent better on their math tests. Both grade levels also made gains in their math and ELA tests, respectively.

So, a man of his word, Hartwell leaned down and gave Kit Kat a kiss on the lips. The cow walked away, but the principal followed her and went in for another smack.

Then, he challenged the students to score even better on this year's tests.

"All you have to do is work together and work hard, at school and at home, and you can do even better," Hartwell said.

Afterward, the principal described the kisses as "slimy" and said his face smelled like a cow, but "it wasn't too bad," he added.

"I figured I'd have to deliver on the promise no matter what, but they really did deliver," Hartwell said. "The students and the teachers worked hard all school year. The whole team of teachers and students and parents, too, really contributed to seeing that double digit gain in student achievement at the mastery level. It was an honest achievement, so I had to deliver."

Having grown up in the community and knowing that it has several farms, Hartwell said he knows the Hourigans and their farm, so it came to his mind that he would kiss a cow and he figured it would be the easiest animal to obtain.

"We saw achievement in both math and ELA in both third and fourth grade, improvement and achievement across the board," he said. "We're committed to excellence and exceeding expectations. ... Double-digit scores just for that cohort is spectacular, and we look to improve that achievement even more this year."

With the negativity surrounding state tests, Hartwell said he wanted to shed a positive light on them. State tests aren't everything, the principal said, but they do give a glimpse of how students are performing at their particular grade level.

"It's important to put a fun spin on that," he said. "Tests aren't necessarily everything, but they do represent an important snapshot of how they're performing at that time."

Now that he challenged the students to improve even more on this year's tests  and now that the students know what the reward is  how does the principal plan to recognize that achievement?

"I thought about maybe jumping out of an airplane, but I'm not good with heights so I don't know if I could promise that," Hartwell said. "I'll come up with something even more spectacular to really motivate them."
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Hundreds of women have received condoms after testing for HIV/AIDS at St. Mark Institute and Clinic in Kyengera a city suburb.

This is part of the activities at a medical camp organized by Initiative for Better Health, a local NGO and Rural Women and Youth Fund Uganda to commemorate the International Day of Rural Women which the UN general assembly declared in 2007.

According to John Aturinde Kateba the Institute Executive director, this day is supposed to be observed every year in Uganda but it is not yet popular.

Rural women, youth and children are still the victims of social injustices like food insecurity which led to creation of the Onternational World Food day celebrated on 16th October.

Kateba says these are the groups that cannot afford treatment, clothing and shelter.

Story By Stephen Otage
Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDCs) Dr Kiiza Besigye has been arrested by police as he left his home in Kasangati with a group opposition leaders who had visited him.

He has been driven off in a police vehicle to Naggalama Police Station in Mukono district.

Earlier opposition Members of Parliament led by Mukono Municipalitys Betty Nambooze and a group of lawyers led by Ladislous Rwakafuzi said wanted Parliament recalled to discuss Dr. Besigyes continued harassment by the police.

Addressing journalists, Nambooze said the continued detention of Besigye and the heavy deployment of police at his home was is illegal.

It is against this back ground that they want to petition parliament to be recalled from the month long recess to discuss Besigyes issue.

She says the petition will be ready on Monday and on Tuesday, they will start collecting signatures from MPs to recall parliament.

They want government to tell the country why Besigye is still under house arrest, who is responsible for the police officers at his home and who is supposed to pay his bills among other issues.

Story By Damali Mukhaye
Know your customer is the mantra of marketing. You can only be successful if you know what your customer wants and how to give it to him. For instance, you will have a big advantage over your competition if you know the legal environment your customer works in, and how to make it work to your advantage. There is a huge difference if your customer is in America, or if he is in Europe.

There are two words that send shivers down the necks of parts manufacturers: Product liability. Sure, you can take out insurance against product liability. Before you get the insurance, you will have to fill out a questionnaire. One of the first questions asked is: Do you ship product to the United States of America, or Canada? Be careful with that question. If you proudly check the Yes box, your insurance will either be denied, or it will be so expensive that the insurance premium eats up the small margins on your deal.

Product liability can get very, very expensive in the United States or Canada. There, product liability attracts lawyers like light attracts flies. We all heard about the case where a jury awarded 3 million dollars to a woman who poured hot coffee in her lap (the matter was later settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.) Did you hear about the one where a defective part caused a helicopter to crash? The helicopter fell on a Mexican immigrant and killed him. He wasnt even legally married. But his wife received $950,000, and her children received an annuity worth well over $5 million.

An importer will usually put clauses into his purchasing contract that make the supplier assume the risk of product liability. On one hand, its fair: If the supplier made a bad product, the supplier should pay for the damage. On the other hand, it can amount to suicide: Just one successful product liability award in the USA or Canada can bankrupt a whole company. Be careful of what you sign. Even if you dont sign a product liability clause, you still can be held liable.

Why does the insurance questionnaire ask about the USA or Canada? In other countries, the law is much different. It works to your advantage if you know how different.

According to the German Product Liability Act, the manufacturer or importer of a product can be held liable for damages caused by a faulty product. But here, the law is much different than in the U.S. For one thing, the product must have been faulty when it was sold. If it breaks afterwards, no liability. If the so-called fault was caused by the product adhering to rules and regulations, no liability. If it was not possible to notice the fault, using generally accepted means, when the product was made available for sale, no liability.

What does that mean? If you make a good product (not faulty when it was sold,) you are well protected against liability. Also, you can imagine that it is usually very hard to prove afterwards that the product was faulty when it was sold. If you make your product adhering to rules and regulations, very little risk for liability. If you establish tight quality assurance, possibly by using a quality assurance company from Germany, if they sign off on the product, then you have a case of not possible to notice the fault, using generally accepted means. Your liability risk is next to nil. Thats why you hear very little in terms of product liability claims coming from Germany or anywhere from Europe.

A supplier contract should give the European buyer the assurances that the supplier will make a good product, that it is made according to the rules and regulations, and that the supplier submits to tight, well documented quality control. This should be a given anyway. Only a fool will buy the product without these assurances. Once these assurances are given, then the product liability risk can be assumed also, because with these measures in place, the risk will be virtually non-existent.

If a supplier refuses to give these assurances, a European customer will assume that the supplier plans to make a bad product, that the supplier doesnt intend to adhere to the rules, and that the supplier has no quality assurance in place.

Who do you think gets the deal?

The supplier who knows the law and who can make it work to his advantage.
President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the Uganda National Roads Authority for getting tough on thieves and ensuring value for money.

The president was opening the 58 kilometer Kamuli Jinja Highway and commissioning road works for Kamuli Municipality and Mafubira Trading center Jinja road works.

President Museveni said the rehabilitation of Kamuli Jinja highway at Shs79 billion is undertaken and solely funded by government through the Road Fund.

He was however quick to clarify that although the project had been commissioned, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) had not officially issued a certificate of completion to the contractor due to some technical and administrative issues which are being addressed.

Story By Opio Sam Caleb
The police African Union Mission in Somalia has commenced training police officers from all the regions of the country in a move to have a secure the electoral process.

The first training sessions carried out in Kismayo and Baidoa, is aimed at educating and preparing police for the forthcoming electoral process.

Among the subjects tackled is election security, voting systems and electoral justice.

Speaking at the launch of the training in Kismayo, the Jubbaland Police Commissioner, Lt.Col Hassan Kheyre, welcomed the initiative by AMISOM, the United Nations that the sessions will help prepare security officers ahead of the electoral process.

Inspector Tom Naibei from AMISOM Police Training and Development Department says they are training the Somali Police Force on the critical issues of elections.

Story By Benjamin Jumbe
By Jun Ji-hye



South Korea has asked the U.S. to help beef up the country's missile defense capabilities ahead of the planned deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.



The military leaders from the two countries have agreed to "continuously develop effective response measures" to counter growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.



They reached the agreement during the Military Committee Meeting (MCM) between Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Gen. Lee Soon-jin and his U.S. counterpart Joseph Dunford in Washington, D.C., Thursday.



The annual meeting took place at a time when Pyongyang, which conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test early last month, continues to heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The North has indicated that it may soon fire a satellite, considered as a cover to test technologies used in the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).



The ICBM, believed to have a range of more than 10,000 kilometers, in theory is capable of striking targets on the U.S. mainland.



Gen. Lee stressed that Seoul and Washington will continue their cooperation, including the establishment of a practical collaboration system and the deployment of a THAAD battery.



"In particular, Gen. Lee requested the strengthening of the tailored deterrence strategy, the establishment of a ROK-U.S. collaboration system in preparation for the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) threats, and enhancement of missile defense capabilities before THAAD deployment," the joint press release said.



Regarding measures to enhance missile defense capabilities before THAAD deployment, observers noted that the two generals might have discussed the possible dispatch of a U.S. Aegis destroyer equipped with Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors to the peninsula and the additional deployment of Patriot missiles.



The two nations announced in July that a THAAD battery will be deployed on South Korean soil by the end of next year as the North is moving forward with its weapons of mass destruction program. In 2016 alone, the reclusive state conducted two nuclear tests and launched more than 20 ballistic missiles despite warnings by the international community.



For his part, Gen. Dunford affirmed that despite threats from the North, the ROK-U.S. alliance will continue to grow firmer and stronger, and the U.S. will continue its ironclad commitment to the defense of the Korean Peninsula, the release added.



"Both senior military leaders strongly denounced North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations, stating they pose a serious threat to the Korean Peninsula, to the region and to global peace and stability," the release said.



The MCM has been hosted alternately by South Korea and United States since the first meeting in 1978. The meeting provides strategic directives and operational guidance for the defense of South Korea and discusses the alliance's military issues.



Ahead of this year's meeting, Lee and Dunford paid a joint visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, the JCS said, noting that it marked the first time the JCS chairmen of the two countries visited the memorial together.



"Your sacrifices 66 years ago helped the Republic of Korea become what it is today," Lee said of the 1950-53 Korean War in which the U.S. fought alongside the South and U.N. forces.



"We will overcome North Korea's nuclear and missile threats with the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance forged in your blood and sweat," he added.



During the visit, Lee handed Dunford an "Ambassador For Peace" medal to be awarded to Dunford's father, Joseph F. Dunford Sr., a Korean War veteran who as a young Marine participated in the landmark landing operation in the western port of Incheon that turned the tide of the war.



Lee is scheduled to hold trilateral talks with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts Friday to discuss three-way cooperation to deal with the North's threats.




By Kim Hyo-jin



Cheong Wa Dae has refrained from responding to potential presidential candidates' attacks on President Park Geun-hye, dismissing them as "attention-seeking" political offensives.



Several leading politicians from ruling and opposition parties have stepped up speaking against Park's policies on the economy and North Korea, as well as corruption allegations linked to her.



"There is no need to make any statement about their criticism as it appears to be a typical tactic for potential candidates to bolster their political presence as the presidential term nears its end," a Cheong Wa Dae official said.



"At a time when we are facing the urgent tasks of responding to the North's nuclear threats and economic challenges, we don't have any space in our minds to pay attention to these criticisms one by one."



Rep. Kim Moo-sung, a former chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party, lashed out at Park's handling of Pyongyang, calling it a "failure."



"It seems obvious that the North is stepping toward full-fledged nuclear ability," Kim said during an audit session of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Thursday.



"South Korea consequently failed on North Korea policies and the Park government is no exception."



The Saenuri's former floor leader, Rep. Yoo Seong-min, also denounced the government's idleness in dealing with rising household debt, job instability and the debt-ridden shipping industry, during an audit of the Strategy and Finance Committee.



"Is the government just going to waste time until the end of the presidential term?" he said.



Unhappy with the ruling party lawmakers' criticism, a presidential official said, "An offensive against the President might draw brief attention, but I doubt if it will be beneficial to their bid for the presidency in the long term."



From the opposition side, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon has also denounced the central government over allegations that it has blacklisted 9,473 artists to withhold any support for them.



Meanwhile, President Park's approval rating has declined to a record low since her inauguration in February 2013, according to a public poll, Friday, amid growing allegations over her aides.



A Gallup Korea survey found that only 26 percent of respondents supported Park's job performance, 3 percentage points down from the previous week.



Political analysts believe that her declining approval rating is due mainly to a series of corruption allegations the opposition parties have made against people known to be close to the President.




Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy with showers. High 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Theo Lindqvist

VP Purchasing and Logistics

Group Management, Haldex AB





Gasgoo.com: Theo, thank you for joining us at Gasgoo.com. First, can you give us a brief introduction to Haldex?

Theo Lindqvist: Sure, of course. Haldex is a Swedish company, we act within the automotive industry's different segments, we have products for the various segments of the automotive industry, arranging from four wheel driving systems for passenger cars, we make brake system products that are important for commercial vehicle industry segment that is our main business area representing about two thirds of the company. We make motor valves and oil pump applications for the hydraulic segment as well, for the customers of the off-road automotive industry, such as Caterpillar and so on, those kinds of equipments. And finally we make various spring wire, specialty wire product that we provide the very special high demanding spring wire for, which by the way we also make in China starting last year. What makes our products in all the segments basically united is that we focus on safety, environment and vehicle dynamics. So all our products are targeting at those things.

Gasgoo.com: Since you are responsible for the logistics as well as purchasing, can you talk about something related with Haldex auto parts sourcing in China?

Theo Lindqvist: I just give you some background here first. You can say in the last 15 years, Haldex has grown from about 500 million RMB revenue to about 10 billion RMB or one and a half billion US dollars. During this time, I mean this all happened in the last 10 to 15 years, you can say, 15 years, it has mostly been done through acquisitions, but also through organic growth. We have acquired a lot of companies all over the world all this period, and this purchasing has historically been fairly independently from each other quite locally, in typically the Western Europe and in the United States. In the latter couple of years, we have focused a lot on integrating all these different company societies into becoming one company. group supply function that I'm heading, I'm based in China, but I belong really to the Stockholm Group management office. We now aim at bringing all together, and also consolidating purchasing in doing more purchasing across divisions and company boundaries. Since 2003, we've operated a global sourcing office here in Shanghai, China, today we are a team of a dozen of employees here working together with various divisions at home and typically the western part of the world. In terms of auto parts sourcing in China, it has grown rapidly for us the last several years every year by about 50% growth, more and more sourcing from China

Gasgoo.com: For local use or exportation?

Theo Lindqvist: It is typically for exportation, and we export to Sweden, the rest of Europe, and the United States, and also to Latin America, we have some quite size operations in Mexico, where we take a lot of parts from China too. The kind of parts we have been most successfully so far are different kinds of aluminium die-castings and machine parts. we find that the real benefits in savings are realized when a more value add is made here in China, initially we bought a lot of raw castings and so on, but as we add machining, surface treatment, corrosion treatment and so on, we see that China can deliver a lot of saving coming

Gasgoo.com: What challenges you are facing with during China sourcing?

Theo Lindqvist: We have challenges also working with sourcing in markets more known to us in Europe or U.S., it's never completed for a year or also. but in China of course for us Swedish company, there is a language barrier, and you have practical things such as time zones, that makes really difficult to work with China, because we are here, a dozens of people, but we really work as an extended arm for our divisions at home, so all the divisions, we have 8 divisions that are located in the United States, Sweden, UK, Germany, that's where we have our divisions headquarters.

Gasgoo.com: you met some communication obstacles?

Theo Lindqvist: Communication, but also, that's why we have the sites, so once a suppliers is selected, we have approval paper, we have samples, we have started the sales delivery, then those deliveries are going from China to these locations as I mentioned so, any time there is a problem on time zone, communication, language, culture differences. Communication issues can become really under pressure, and quite severe sometimes. But having said that, I think we've done a great job recruiting in China, we have new great staff here in my office, and we are improving a lot, that's really improved by the divisions wanting to source more and more in China. They think we are doing a good job, and we are delivering good savings by sourcing from China, and our goal is to continuously increase by 50% for the next three years also. And by that time, we will come to a level that we can feel quite comfortable with. We'll set on new targets then, but I think the level we will leverage then will be a level at a aim of keeping, by that much.

Gasgoo.com: During our contacts with Magna, Bosch, or Chrysler for example, they all mention two common challenges they are facing now. One is the logistics, because most Chinese suppliers prefer FOB, but the OEMs prefer the DDP, it's more safe, in the guarantee the quality or things. The other problem is on the quality stability of the products, do you face the same challenges too?

Theo Lindqvist: Logistics is a huge challenge for us actually, as I mentioned just now, because now it's really in the top of my agenda, I think the reason is that purchasing and logistics are added as my responsibility quite recently. We already facing with logistics, but I'm not in full agreement with the DDP strategy, I'm not agreed with that, if you say they prefer DDP. I can say disadvantages of DDP as well. When you use DDP, you pay for the material. You pay like this, you pay for the material that you buy, you pay for transportation, and then you pay export duty on all of that, to pay export duty, also the transportation, which is crazy, we should not pay export duty and transportation. if we only pay for the material, then we only pay export duty on that part, so you get another export duty detail; export duty will be bigger than here, because it is counted at the whole in this higher brace.

So in this case we can take care of the shipments ourselves, we see that because it actually has very big saving working with different third party logistics varieties, and taking ownerships of the parts earlier here in China, and doing the export through a third party. Somehow, many Chinese suppliers take a lot of profit margin on the shipment. now I'm getting used to it now, they say invoices that stay seven and eight thousand dollars forty four they took forty four for the container, from China to the U.S., anyone knows you can buy that for three and a half thousand dollars for

Gasgoo.com: do it yourself?

Theo Lindqvist: I think we are staying in the investigation phase, but as I'm not going to use DDP, I think we can do it cheaper and better by ourselves.

Gasgoo.com: Then how about the stability of the products? Is that a problem?

Theo Lindqvist: Quality is of course an issue, but I think although it's easy to blame with the Chinese suppliers, I think it's quite often also our fault



Gasgoo.com: Your fault, you say

Theo Lindqvist: I mean I think many Western companies come here expecting more savings than the savings you really should expect. I think going forward; we should be focusing on sourcing for domestic use, not for export. I think the export, you know, when you add together the logistics you cost, the increase, cause we have, when we take over shipment here, is then we get higher capital tied up on, our balance sheet becomes bigger, right? Because we have six weeks on a boat, we have material that we have to pay for or deliver for. So on the cost for all that; I know the extensive travel that we do visit the Chinese suppliers from the U.S., since we have the visitors coming from groups every week.

Gasgoo.com: And you make the original for them to do the onsite investigation of the suppliers?

Theo Lindqvist: This sourcing team here is responsible for all the investigations. we check the quality systems, we take the references, we do self-assessments, we do supplier visits, we do cost breakdowns, we really prepare everything as position the material and take thirsty potential suppliers down to two or three. So that when the divisions come, we visit those two or three together, and then we make a decision, the way that are seeing here that we have quality, where we are jumping and leaving from back and forth. Quality, logistics, sourcing, those are three functions we have in this office, and we make a review from these three aspects to every supplier, all three have to say to give a recommendation, all three have to say yes, to our supplier, and issue report that I read or the office manager here read, right now, we don't have an office manager, I'm just hiring right now one a suitable person, all those you have to say yes and an office manager has to say yes. After that we recommend the supplier to the division. This is a small hole there, many suppliers try to get through the hole, one or two of them gets through, and then we introduce it to the divisions.

Gasgoo.com: Based on our understanding, Haldex is focused on the commercial vehicle market. Currently China is the biggest commercial vehicle market. Does that mean you face less challenges here in sourcing because the Chinese commercial vehicle suppliers are better than that of passenger cars?

Theo Lindqvist: I'm not sure I understand the question correctly, but if I don't, then you tell me. We have problems for our passenger car, for our four wheel drive system, to find suppliers here is really difficult, and that is because the customers to us in that industry are much more demanding, they are much more demanding on quality, when we talk about PPM levels for a commercial vehicle, we talk in terms of hundreds, and less than 200 is good, ok we aim at 50

Gasgoo.com: 50 is impossible

Theo Lindqvist: No, it's not, it's not impossible, while we aim at 50, In the passenger car industry, over than 20 is unacceptable, we aim at zero, zero is the goal for our passenger car industry. The Chinese suppliers are not up to that challenge yet, I think they have quite a far way to go. We are just starting now for the first time to buy some components for the four wheel drive system here, but we'll do that with having a number of sources in the west. For Chinese, we'll do that for some period of time, until we feel more and more safe and secure for that. In terms of commercial vehicles, with the dimension, yes there are customers as of today, are less demanding than the passenger car industry customers. But that will change. I foresee ten years from now they would also be demanding, under 50 PPM, or under 30 PPM. The industry developed that way, they just happen to be 10 years behind the passenger car industry. It's very interesting, in the third phase, you see the off road vehicle industry, they are even behind the commercial vehicles in their demands, so you will really see three step, and they are all moving up to the same curve, but it's 10 years between passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and maybe five years, between commercial vehicles and hydraulic segment. I think the three biggest challenges here are capacity, logistics, and quality in suppliers. Capacity, logistics and quality. We see suppliers are accepting things, leaving you quotations, so on and so force, and then they are delaying projects a lot, that's unacceptable to us, it's really unacceptable, and if we will hurt the supplier base here, because they are damaging the reputation. Many suppliers are damaging their reputations. I have friends at WABCO, at Bosch, Volvo, Autolive, we talked with each other, we all share our experiences, some suppliers are on the black list.

Gasgoo.com: So you never go to them after the experience

Theo Lindqvist: I'm not saying never go to them, but they would have a hard time convincing us to go back

Gasgoo.com: Trust again

Theo Lindqvist: yes, it's all about trust, or it's not all about trust, but trust is important.

Gasgoo.com: When you find a supplier potentially good or qualified, will you send the engineering to on-site to help them do some improvements?

Theo Lindqvist: yes, we have supplier development engineers

Gasgoo.com: SQE?

Theo Lindqvist: yes

Gasgoo.com: So how many people are in your team now?

Theo Lindqvist: that are SQEs?

Gasgoo.com: SQE as well as purchasers and engineers.



Theo Lindqvi: now we have purchasers and engineers of 6 or 7, we have 4 SQEs, and we have 2 on logistics.

Gasgoo.com: So in order to keep your china sourcing 50% annually, you have to recruit more people?

Theo Lindqvi: Not necessarily, I think for the next year, we do not have to recruit; if we have to recruit, the next person would probably be another SQE, because it becomes more and more critical. We will implement and start a very big project for us here next year. It's actually iron casting that we are working, you now. there we will apply a new way of working, which is basically for us. which means that we station the next SQE to supply for, I don't know, X number of weeks, really quality check every shipment before they go away.

Gasgoo.com: Now the RMB is appreciating very much, does that have any impact on your strategies?

Theo Lindqvi: No, it doesn't. I think in the long term, if that continues, china become such an important or a big part of our business, may be it will affect later, but right now, both from sourcing and from the revenue perspective, China is quite small for Haldex. How many percent of our total revenue from china? Less than 5%, and also less than 5% of our purchasing global from china, so it doesn't affect so much. and to well known, it does appreciate against the US dollar, but it has depreciated against the Swedish Krona, which is related with Stockholm company, we are a Swedish company. of course the us dollar is a concern trust, that is depreciating, that is a much bigger concern than RMB is appreciated. We expect RMB to appreciate.





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Ewoks, Super Woman and Donald Trump may not have much in common, but come Halloween the trio will be impersonated by canines across the country as the nations dog costumes of choice.

While the classic hot dog and devil suits are sure to be seen again this year, pet costume sales on Amazon.com are trending toward Star Wars, superhero and presidential themes. While the tailored navy suit and side-swept blonde wig (sold separately) would indisputably look better on a bulldog than the presidential candidate, I prefer to spare my dogs, Picasso and Dexter, the debate of a controversial costume.

Luckily, a search for dog costumes yields over 65,000 options on Amazon, great news for the 16 percent of Americans in search of festive canine finery tailored to their tastes.

Of course, fit is also a consideration, as many costumes cater to the sample size dog, with highly unreliable XS-XL categories and few options for pooches on the border. Chunkier chihuahuas may find the forgiving structure of a pumpkin costume most flattering, while a fur-hugging bat-dog suit highlights a Purina Fit n Trim figure.

Dexters long and chesty physique has proven difficult to accommodate over the years, with the Velcro straps of a sailor suit straining to meet in the center and a fleecy elf-eared pullover stopping at crop-top length. Countless costume changes have proven a corduroy banana suit to be his best option, which conveniently highlights his monkey-like appearance. I have yet to find a buttoned red coat and bellhop cap to transform him into a Wizard of Oz flying monkey, his true spirit costume.

Picassos more compact pug-terrier form is a match for many options, much to both my delight and the detriment of my wallet. At $26, his red raptor costume was a splurge, but the superfluous T-Rex arms protruding from the front and the fully stuffed tail extending at the rear have proven invaluable for photos. I like to think he was able to live vicariously through his unauthorized NASA spacesuit and experience a taste of the woodlands in his belted gnome ensemble, complete with pointy hat and luxurious white beard.

Picasso has always had a head for hats, nicely domed at the crown, and the extra adornment draws attention to his expressive eyes. He has mastered the earflap winter hat and pinstriped bonnet, and has a banana cap similar to Dexters but with an ice cream-themed bodice. Decadent scoops of ice cream topped with crimson cherries provide a padded layer of plumpness and extra warmth for the chilly fall weather.

(Lest you think Im subjecting my doggy duo to public humiliation, rest assured the costumes come off after a brief photo shoot and are replaced by less cumbersome sweaters, of which they have many.)

Having also covered cows, ladybugs and hipsters in prior years, I find myself leaning toward a canine couples costume for 2016: Ketchup and mustard? Frog and Toad? Good and Plenty? Really, thats all I want for my dogs on Halloween: good costumes and plenty of options.
This week saw the rise and fall of an errant star: Ken Bone.

While his internet fame began Sunday evening as he watched Donald Trump debate Hillary Clinton, he truly rose like the sun Monday morning and fell with a bang Friday.

CNN declared Monday that Bone, who was one of the undecided voters chosen for the on-stage audience at the town hall-style debate, won the evening with his question: What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job layoffs?

The 18th and only (according to his Twitter handle @kenbone18) grabbed the attention of social media, with people turning the middle-aged man into a meme within hours of the late-night debate. As he told CNN, Bone went from a guy with seven Twitter followers to several hundred, literally overnight.

Exactly why that is remains baffling to me.

It could be his name, which is both weird and easy to say, and includes a double entendre, which of course is going to play well with certain immature folks online (where Bone puns abound). It could be his everyman look, with thinning hair, glasses and a now-iconic red sweater that Im pretty sure hes worn every day this week. Or it could be that people found his decision to bring a disposable camera to the debate endearing, as well as his concern about energy plans.

Personally I suspect that in a week filled to the brim with awful election news, dominated by allegations of groping and sexual assaultagainst Trump, people wanted a little nonpartisan, light-hearted election-related fun.

Regardless of the reason, Bone leaped into the public consciousness faster than Joe the Plumber. He went from a normal person living in obscurity to a name that dominated the news cycle for four days.

People on the internet built him up into a legend based on his behavior during a 90-minute TV segment.

He was called the person a divided America needs right now, the only thing that was making America great again, and a Phoenix from Americas ashes. While it was a joke, like all internet memes, it went above and beyond normal jokes, like Sad Keanu or Scumbag Steve, which get posted, but arent glamorized in the way Bone was.

As any red-blooded American would, Bone cashed in on it.

During his four days of fame, he snatched up a sponsorship deal from Uber, created the hashtag and T-shirt line #BoneZone, and conducted a Reddit interview. As of Friday evening, Bone had more than 243,000 Twitter followers and was being compared to another inexplicable internet meme: Harambe the gorilla.

And so began his downfall. As cries of sell out rang through the Twitter-sphere, journalists began digging into his past.

Amazingly, random people have a history and not all of it is happy.

Americas new best friend shared his Reddit pseudonym, StanGibson18, prompting people to go through his comment history to find that hes taken some questionable positions online. Over the past few months, he called the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin justified and admitted to faking car insurance cards.

Most damning, however, Bone weighed in on the hacked nude Jennifer Lawrence pictures, saying shes to blame for the leak by not having them better secured. To be fair, he did say The bad guys are still the ones who sought them out and looked at them.

To be even more fair, he openly admitted to being one of those bad guys.

And so his metaphorical 15-minutes came to an end, a short four days after it started. Goodbye, Ken Bone. Please fade back into obscurity.

This meme really was peak internet. Internet fame is as inexplicable as it is fleeting; that has been a fact for as long as weve been making randos famous on Facebook. But no one, not even Chewbacca Mom, has demonstrated it as much as Ken Bone. The country built him up based on nothing and then tore him down once they realized he wasnt the legend they created.

Was this ever a problem before the internet? I dont know. But I do know that we need to be a little more thoughtful before we make someone go viral. These are people, most of whom are having fun and trying to share a joke with a few friends. Then they get built up into an online joke or legend and suddenly a person previously living in obscurity is now famous, with the perks and drawbacks that entails.

We need to be a bit more thoughtful when we start sharing these things, helping people go viral.

Bone was obviously not a great guy, but did he deserve his entire life turned upside down? I dont think so.
ONALASKA -- Onalaska United Methodist Church at 212 Fourth Ave. N. will host its Hospitality Stop and Trunk-or-Treat event from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in the church parking lot.

Trick-or-treating is a fun night for kids, but parents often are looking for a rest stop along the way. Restrooms will be available. Free food and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 608-783-3380.
MADISON (AP)  Wisconsin corrections officials want minors convicted in adult court to begin their sentences in a juvenile facility.

In its state budget request, the Department of Corrections has asked legislators to change the law that currently sends 16- and 17-year-old criminals to adult prisons.

Those under 16 who are sentenced to prison in the adult system serve their time at the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls in Lincoln County. The campus near Wausau has been under scrutiny recently following reports of sexual assault, physical abuse and neglect.

The agency has asked for money to improve security staffing and nurses at the juvenile centers.

Minors convicted as adults belong in a juvenile setting, said Michael Caldwell, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an expert on juvenile delinquency.

Younger kids are hard to manage in an adult setting; theres plenty of research to support that, Caldwell said.

There are beds available in the juvenile centers for teens convicted as adults, Caldwell said.

Republican Sen. Jerry Petrowski has worked on legislation in the past aimed at young offenders.

I think its a positive, Petrowski said. I think this gives flexibility to Corrections in the placement of 16- and 17-year-olds. He expects the corrections request to survive the budget process.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Nurses at five Allina Health hospitals in Minnesota have voted to approve a labor contract, ending a strike that has dragged on for more than a month.

A majority of rank-and-file members of the Minnesota Nurses Association ratified the agreement Thursday, just days after Gov. Mark Dayton intervened and called both sides back to the bargaining table.

The union and Allina Health said the nurses in the Twin Cities area will head back to work Sunday. About 4,000 nurses had been on strike since Labor Day. A weeklong strike was also held in June. Health insurance benefits were a major issue during nine months of labor negotiations.

Union Executive Director Rose Roach said the agreement, reached earlier in the week, improves workplace safety issues, staffing policies and ensures health benefits wont be reduced.

While its certainly nowhere near what the nurses deserve, nurses can hold their head high, she said. They can rest easy knowing that they won a no-diminishment clause that ensures that the value of their health benefits wont be reduced in some future cost-cutting scheme.

Under the contract, nurses agreed to move off their union-only health plans and onto a less expensive corporate insurance plan. But the company guaranteed the value of the union plan wont change through 2021, and it agreed to put up to $2,500 in nurses health reimbursement or health savings plans if they make the switch to the corporate plan in the next five years.

The affected hospitals were United Hospital in St. Paul, Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Unity Hospital in Fridley and Abbott Northwestern and the Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis.
English Lutheran Church at 1509 King St. will host Our Youth  Our Truth: Hurdles and Hope for our Communitys Children at noon Wednesday, Oct. 19. This is the second in a series of seven community conversations about community justice and faith.

Kemmesha Thomas, a 2016 Logan High School graduate and the recipient of the 2015 YWCA Woman of Tomorrow Award, will open the conversation. Regina Siegel, director of pupil services and learning supports at the La Crosse School District, will talk about the challenges many area children face each day.

Lunch will be provided during the event. For more information, call the church at 608-784-9335.
Its a tall order: promoting productive discussion of political issues that can stir partisan passions.

Whether its Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton saying many of her opponents supporters are part of a basket of deplorables or Republican Donald Trump describing an Arab celebration of 9/11 in New Jersey that didnt happen, the rhetoric in 2016 has been dialed up to 11.

On Friday, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse held its second teach-in of the semester tackling the thorny topic of free speech and keeping discourse civil during the last weeks before the election.

Fifty to 60 students and staff attended the teach-in in Centennial Halls Hall of Nations. Political science professor Tim Dale started the forum by asking students to think of a political conversation with a friend that left them angry, and then to think about why the friend held a different view.

You went from anger to understanding, Dale told participants. Conversations are about finding common ground.

Affirmative Action director and Title IX coordinator Nizam Arain gave a presentation on freedom of speech. As a lawyer and a teacher, its a topic dear to his heart, he said, and it can be frustrating that the topic is often misunderstood.

The First Amendment provides broad freedoms to speak, write, assemble or to even stay silent, he said, but it does not protect certain illegal activities such as direct threats or defamation and slander. Free speech is freedom from government restrictions  but not freedom from the criticism, condemnation or the counter-arguments or protests of those who disagree with you, he said.

It is not a blanket freedom to say what you want to whoever you want, Arain said.

He also addressed the issue of offensive speech, which is typically included under the umbrella of free speech protections. But that doesnt mean hateful remarks dont have an impact on people.

Language has a real impact and harm on people, he said. It has a real effect.

He also addressed the issue of political correctness during his remarks, saying marginalized groups also have the right to free speech, and those who have privilege are now being called out for their views. Its a new experience for people who have traditionally held power, he said, and they are reacting poorly to the experience.

It is evidence to me of a kind of fragility, Arain said, where people can only feel free to speak their mind if no one is going to contradict them.

While people have a right to shout and argue, Dale said that kind of speech doesnt add anything productive to the dialogue. Civil discourse, which enhances peoples understanding of ideas, issues or events, is essential to democracy.

Incivility is not democratic, Dale said. When people are uncivil to each other, it shuts the conversation down.

Civil discourse requires listening and mutual respect, as well reciprocity on the part of the speakers. Respect other means recognizing they have a place in the conversation. These thoughts were echoed by communication studies professor Dena Huisman, who said people need to be able to look at issues from anothers point of view in a disagreement.

I want to ask you not to listen in order to just reply but to listen to understand, she said. That is how we will get past the stuff in the world today.
George Ferriter

Party: Democratic

Age: 64

Address: N4209 Mohr Road, Doylestown

Family: Married to Suzanne with four adult children and seven grandchildren

Education: Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, University of New Hampshire

Job: Retired, periodic contract work as an engineer

Elected experience: Doylestown village trustee, two terms as Doylestown village president

Other public service: Eight years active military; 18 years Reserve and National Guard; delegate, Wisconsin Conservation Congress; board member, Northwoods, Inc., a private non-profit sheltered workshop

Keith Ripp (I)

Party: Republican

Age: 54

Address: 7113 Highway V, Lodi

Family: Married to Lori with three grown children.

Education: UW-Madison farm and industry short course graduate

Job: Livestock and grain farmer, owner of trucking company

Elected experience: State representative since 2008; Town of Dane supervisor, 2006-2008

Other public service: Former president and vice president of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board; former president and co-founder of Badger AgVest LLC; former president and vice president of Wisconsin Corn Growers Association; former president and co-founder of Lodi FFA Alumni

Q&A What is the top issue facing your district and how would you address it through the legislative process?

Ferriter: Local roads and other transportation infrastructure. We must address the most critical needs via immediate appropriation, and long-range needs by legislating sustainable funding and practical plans. All available means and resources should be considered.

Ripp: The biggest concern would be addressing our deteriorating infrastructure. As Assembly Transportation chairman, I have been determined to finding a long-term solution to funding Wisconsins roads.

What is an outside-the-box idea you would like the Legislature to pass next session?

Ferriter: Lets incentivize rural broadband expansion by encouraging community governments and private providers to link up and work together at every level. State grants and expanding the role of the UW-Extensions existing programs can help.

Ripp: Rural schools are significantly underfunded due to Wisconsins outdated enrollment-based funding formula. Small local communities should not have to pass multiple operational referendums to keep their schools open. I am committed to finding funding solutions through the Wisconsin Rural Initiative because every student deserves a top-notch education regardless of location.

What would be your area of expertise as a lawmaker?

Ferriter: As an engineer, I make data-based decisions. I would be of value to efforts to advance transportation and technology issues. As a veteran, I can provide essential insight and perspective on veterans issues.

Ripp: As a third-generation farmer, small business owner and avid outdoorsman, I have a diverse personal and professional background. I understand the well-rounded complexities of the agricultural and transportation industries as well as our states vast natural resources through my participation in two of Wisconsins treasured traditions, hunting and fishing.

 Matthew DeFour
A benefit will be held for Jack Dahl at the Cashton Community Hall, Sunday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes a live auction at 3 p.m., meal, bake sale, pie and silent auction, raffle and other activities.

Dahl, age 61, is battling Cholangeocarcinoma (liver bile duct cancer) that has metastasized to his colon and gall bladder. Doctors have given him little hope for survival, but the family has sought out private programs and trials that have allowed Dahl to live a fuller life since his diagnosis in March 2016. He recently returned to Wisconsin after attending a private treatment program in Mexico with an incredibly high success rate battling cancers that seem hopeless. The treatment plan is very expensive and is not covered by insurance.

Dahl, the son of Wayne and Rose Dahl was born and raised outside of Cashton and was a graduate of Cashton High School. An avid outdoors man, Dahl loves hunting and has lived in the Genoa area for many years. He worked for Mathy Construction for 25-plus years and has since retired. He has four children, Randi, Mia, Derek and Jaclyn, and one granddaughter, Gabbie.

Dahls journey began earlier this year when he began experiencing a loss of appetite and lost 20 pounds before even going in for a checkup. He was extremely tired, had developed hives and became extremely jaundice.

On March 4, Dahl underwent a test at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse that revealed the bile from his liver, which is responsible for breaking down the fats in the bodies, was not flowing through his bile ducts. Instead, the bile was sitting in his liver creating plenty of reason for concern.

Two stents being placed in his bile ducts the day he was diagnosed. The stents helped to eliminate the jaundice (a yellow discoloring of the skin), as well as relieving some of his other symptoms he had developed.

The same test also revealed a suspicion of cancer in the bile ducts, which was confirmed with a biopsy. He was referred for a second opinion to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where on March 17, it was determined Dahl suffered from 3A hilar cholangiocarcinoma and would need to undergo chemotherapy, radiation and would require Dahl to be placed on the liver transplant list.

Every liver cancer patient is different. Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is often labeled a silent disease because many times the signs and symptoms can go unnoticed until the cancer is in the advanced stage. Even when there are early signs and symptoms, they may be vague and easily attributed to general illness.

Typically surgery provides the best form of treatment for Cholangiocarcinoma, but only when and if the disease is found at an early stage, before it has spread to other parts of the body, as in Dahls case. Because cholangiocarcinoma is usually found in an advanced stage (after it has spread), more times than not surgery to remove the cancer is not an option and a liver transplant becomes the next best form of treatment, along with chemotherapy and radiation treatment to slow down the spread of the disease.

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) occurs in the small, tube-like bile ducts within the liver that carry bile to the gallbladder. It accounts for 10-20 percent of all liver cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile duct, a thin tube, about 4 to 5 inches long, that reaches from the liver to the small intestine. The major function of the bile duct is to move a fluid called bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it helps digest the fats in food.

More than 95% of bile duct cancers are carcinomas. Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. It begins in the tissue that lines internal organs, such as the liver or kidneys. Bile duct carcinomas develop from the mucous glands that line the inside of the bile duct. There are also different levels of carcinomas and in Dahls case he was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoma, which means the cancer was detected in an advanced stage and had already spread to other tissues and organs making it more difficult to treat.

Dahl and his family have remained positive, strong and courageous throughout and will not give up the battle. They are grateful beyond words for the outpouring of love, support and prayers they have received since Jacks journey began and are hoping the benefit will provide Dahl with some financial relief as he continues his battle to beat cancer.

Accounts have been set up at the Bank of Ontario and Altra Federal Credit in La Crosse, titled Jack Dahl Fund, for anyone interested in making a monetary donation.

Questions about the benefit can be directed to Debbie Dahl-Schultz at 608-397-6884 or Doreen Dahl at 608-487-3755.
HIBBING, Minn.  Bob Dylans literary roots may be as tangled as the Nobel Prize winners famously enigmatic lyrics, but at some point they invariably end up in the Hibbing High School classroom of B.J. Rolfzen.

Early in his career, [Rolfzen] had a student, named Robert Zimmerman, who sat in the front row, right in front of where he taught, said Aaron Brown, who teaches communications at Hibbing Community College and for 13 years co-chaired the Dylan Days festival in Hibbing. He was this gentle man who loved poetry, and preached poetry almost like a religion.

Robert Zimmerman, who of course changed his name to Bob Dylan, caught that religion in Rolfzens 10th grade English class.

Linda Stroback was a friend of Rolfzen, who died in 2009. For nearly 30 years she owned the restaurant Zimmys in Hibbing.

He was just magic, she said. You could see where someone like a young Robert Zimmerman coming from here, to have B.J. teaching him poetry and literature, hed be inspired and create his own language and poetry.

Rolfzen taught English in Hibbing for 30 years, first at the high school, then at the community college.

For years, he would politely speak to journalists, filmmakers and fans who yearned to hear stories of a young Dylan.

When people would come here and say arent you proud of Bob Dylan, he would say Im proud of all my students, Stroback said. And he meant that, but right now if he knew, and hopefully he does know that this happened, that this Nobel prize was awarded to Bob Zimmerman, he would be beyond tickled, he wouldnt believe that it could happen and hed be thrilled.

Dylan considered Rolfzen a mentor and would visit him when he came back through Hibbing, says Nelson French, who grew up in Hibbing just a block away from the Zimmermans.

French now lives in Duluth, where Dylan was born and a place apparently referenced in some of his lyrics.

You start off Desolation Row with Theyre selling postcards of the hanging, said French. And I think all of us in Duluth now know what that was about. There was a lynching in the 1920 of three black men who were traveling with the circus just off of Superior Street.

Duluth and Hibbing have long had a complicated relationship with the famous musician.

Hes rarely spoken of his childhood. So local fans cling to references such as those in Desolation Row, or Highway 61 Revisited.

Duluth has designated a Bob Dylan cultural pathway through the city and hosts Dylan Fest, but in Hibbing theres little to indicate Dylans past there. Zimmys closed two years ago, and Dylan Days disbanded the next year.

But Aaron Brown hopes the Nobel Prize may spark a renewed interest in the homegrown musical icon.

Really what this award is, is just an acknowledgement of the global impact of this guy from Hibbing, who really changed the music industry, changed the act of songwriting, made it more personal, made it more artistic, and just a very great opportunity for the Iron Range and Duluth to claim their most famous son, Brown said.

Or as Linda Stroback puts it, the award shows how out of somewhere very unexpected came someone who could put words to all our feelings.